Wednesday, May 1, 2013
On being an early bird.
I'm behind AGAIN (big surprise) on getting my post done for this week. It's "that" time of year. Things are getting crazy with the kids' schedules...swim team, school, scouts...it's so busy right now. I'm so thankful that I have running to help maintain my sanity. This morning I hopped up at 5am to run some miles on the treadmill before the day started. While I was tired from a late night of scouts, I was glad to get up early and get my run in. People are always incredulous when they hear how early I get up to run. Many think I'm a nut-job. They'll ask me, "How in the world can you stand to wake up so early?!" I always reply, "If I don't, my run won't happen!"
I've tried to run in the afternoons. Most days I have about an hour and a half window between when I get off work and when I need to pick my kids up, and it's just enough to squeeze a run in if I don't mess around. But. It's always a but. But, I need to run to the grocery. But, I need to pick up dog food. But, I need to go grab something the kids need for school. But, but, but.
Once the kids are home, the "I needs" start. I need a snack. I need help with my homework. I need you to print something for me. I need a bandaid. Don't get me wrong, I love the I needs. One day they won't need me so much anymore.
After all the buts and I needs, it's time for the "gotta goes." Gotta go to practice, gotta go to scouts, gotta go to some school event or meeting. Oh, and somewhere in there, dinner has to be squeezed in. By the time all that stuff is done, I am just tired! I've tried running at night, but my evening runs always seem to feel sluggish, like I am trying to coax too much out of my tired body.
So although it is sometimes hard to shake the groggy, early morning fog from between my ears, getting up early to run is a blessing. That quiet time in the morning is all mine. I am still full of energy and I get even more energized on the run. I can clear my head and breath deeply before I plunge into the chaos of the day. It's my calm before the storm. How in the world can I stand to wake up so early? How in the world could I not?
What time of day do you prefer to run? And how do you make time for your runs?
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Beauty from pain.
Wow, last week was a very emotional week. It was a blessing to meet with other runners in my running group on Saturday to talk about Boston and dedicate our miles. What really came out of our discussion was how much we need to remember that life is such a precious gift, and that we need to love each other and care about each other and encourage each other as much as possible for the time we have been given on this earth. I think I've cried more in the past week than I have in a long, long time, but the beautiful stories of love and kindness that are coming out of this awful craziness have amazed me. I especially loved the story of the guy who finished the race, but gave his medal to a distraught young lady who wasn't able to finish. (The whole incredible story can be found here: http://articles.ktuu.com/2013-04-19/medal_38680566)
I've heard so many other stories...people giving away the shirts and jackets on their backs to cold and frightened runners, people coming out of their homes with juice and bagels, people giving each other rides and opening their homes to the stranded and shellshocked. The good truly outweighs the evil, and that is so beautiful.
Since last Monday, a lot of people have asked me if I'm afraid to run races now. The answer is a vehement NO! If anything, I am even more inspired to get out there and race again. In what more tangible way can we prove that evil doesn't get to win? We won't be cowed and shackled by fear. "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7 NASB) As a matter of fact, I started actively looking for races I could do SOON. Running is tied to my emotional and spiritual well being as much so or perhaps even more than my physical well being, so running a race now feels like it should be part of the healing.
There are so many ways being put out there to help and support Boston's victims. I tried to compile a comprehensive list, but it kept growing until it got out of control, which is a pretty awesome problem. So instead of trying to name everything, I'm just going to list a few.
The One Fund Boston was set up to help those most affected by the Bombings in Boston. You can donate directly if you would like.
My friends at Another Mother Runner have a simple and super cute limited edition cotton memorial tee that will benefit The One Fund Boston. It is only available to order through April 26th, though, so act fast if you want one.
Tough Chik has an awesome "Boston Tough, Boston Strong" performance tee that will also benefit The One Fund Boston. The shirt may be a limited run so order that one quick, too.
My super amazing friend Sandy at BIC Bands put together a fabulous Boston Strong headband, also contributing to The One Fund. Check out the prototype. Again, limited edition!
There are literally tons of other folks and events out there doing great things to help out the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. Search on Google for other ways you can help.
Run on, strong and fearless!
I've heard so many other stories...people giving away the shirts and jackets on their backs to cold and frightened runners, people coming out of their homes with juice and bagels, people giving each other rides and opening their homes to the stranded and shellshocked. The good truly outweighs the evil, and that is so beautiful.
Since last Monday, a lot of people have asked me if I'm afraid to run races now. The answer is a vehement NO! If anything, I am even more inspired to get out there and race again. In what more tangible way can we prove that evil doesn't get to win? We won't be cowed and shackled by fear. "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7 NASB) As a matter of fact, I started actively looking for races I could do SOON. Running is tied to my emotional and spiritual well being as much so or perhaps even more than my physical well being, so running a race now feels like it should be part of the healing.
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| Love this bracelet from Endorphin Warrior. |
There are so many ways being put out there to help and support Boston's victims. I tried to compile a comprehensive list, but it kept growing until it got out of control, which is a pretty awesome problem. So instead of trying to name everything, I'm just going to list a few.
The One Fund Boston was set up to help those most affected by the Bombings in Boston. You can donate directly if you would like.
My friends at Another Mother Runner have a simple and super cute limited edition cotton memorial tee that will benefit The One Fund Boston. It is only available to order through April 26th, though, so act fast if you want one.
Tough Chik has an awesome "Boston Tough, Boston Strong" performance tee that will also benefit The One Fund Boston. The shirt may be a limited run so order that one quick, too.
My super amazing friend Sandy at BIC Bands put together a fabulous Boston Strong headband, also contributing to The One Fund. Check out the prototype. Again, limited edition!
There are literally tons of other folks and events out there doing great things to help out the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. Search on Google for other ways you can help.
Run on, strong and fearless!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Boston.
I was having trouble writing my post for this past weekend, and I delayed posting it...I think it was because I was supposed to write instead about what happened yesterday in Boston.
I simply cannot fathom, can't wrap my head around the kind of mindset it takes to willfully and purposefully set out to destroy innocent people's lives. To kill, maim and intentionally hurt. Especially at a place that is supposed to be a place of celebration, of joy, of goals accomplished.
As a runner, while I may never pull off a Boston Qualifying time, I know the training, effort and struggle that goes into preparing for a race. Even before the bombings occurred, I was watching the race and my heart was with every single runner there and what they each represented. Determination, sacrifice, struggle. Good grief, my heart is with runners that aren't running races...I feel empathy for runners I see running up the hills near my house. "Good job! Keep going," I want to whisper, (and okay I've occasionally yelled it out loud.) How much more was I cheering for these strangers, running the pinnacle of marathons, Boston! But, they weren't strangers. Not really.
Runners overcome obstacles. It's just what we do. And though we are a group made up of differences...different paces, different sizes, different sexes, different beliefs...we remain a community. Almost a family. There is a feeling of kinship and camaraderie that every runner shares, because we DO overcome obstacles and we understand what the struggle feels like. Whether we struggle to run faster, run further, or just to get our shoes tied and get out the door, runners understand each other.
As the bombs went off and the grisly scene began to unfold before my eyes, my first reaction was numb shock. My heart broke into a million tiny pieces as details of injury and death counts began to be released. My heart broke for the victims, the families, the runners...both there and everywhere. Because it isn't strangers out there. It is runners. People I understand and who understand me. People who grunt and curse and cry but run up the hills anyway. People who "don't have time" but make time to fit in their miles. People who desperately need a sitter at 5am on a Saturday so they can fit in their long run when their spouse is out of town. People who know what color the sky is when the sun comes up, or when it sets. People who know exactly how many miles it is around their block, around their neighborhood, around their town. People who know the feeling of crossing over into mileage that's farther than they've ever gone before. People who don't quit because it's hard, but who instead dig deeper.
Today as I hear about all the ways runners are coming together to show support, it just reaffirms my belief. Though we may not know each other, we aren't really strangers. We are family. We keep going, we keep cheering for each other, we keep believing in each other. We run virtual races, we dedicate miles, we wear our race shirts, we pray, we cry. Whether we've Boston Qualified or not, run Boston or ANY race or not, I believe all our hearts and our prayers are in and for Boston. We will keep digging deeper. Together.
"Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy." - Psalm 61:1-3
I simply cannot fathom, can't wrap my head around the kind of mindset it takes to willfully and purposefully set out to destroy innocent people's lives. To kill, maim and intentionally hurt. Especially at a place that is supposed to be a place of celebration, of joy, of goals accomplished.
As a runner, while I may never pull off a Boston Qualifying time, I know the training, effort and struggle that goes into preparing for a race. Even before the bombings occurred, I was watching the race and my heart was with every single runner there and what they each represented. Determination, sacrifice, struggle. Good grief, my heart is with runners that aren't running races...I feel empathy for runners I see running up the hills near my house. "Good job! Keep going," I want to whisper, (and okay I've occasionally yelled it out loud.) How much more was I cheering for these strangers, running the pinnacle of marathons, Boston! But, they weren't strangers. Not really.
Runners overcome obstacles. It's just what we do. And though we are a group made up of differences...different paces, different sizes, different sexes, different beliefs...we remain a community. Almost a family. There is a feeling of kinship and camaraderie that every runner shares, because we DO overcome obstacles and we understand what the struggle feels like. Whether we struggle to run faster, run further, or just to get our shoes tied and get out the door, runners understand each other.
As the bombs went off and the grisly scene began to unfold before my eyes, my first reaction was numb shock. My heart broke into a million tiny pieces as details of injury and death counts began to be released. My heart broke for the victims, the families, the runners...both there and everywhere. Because it isn't strangers out there. It is runners. People I understand and who understand me. People who grunt and curse and cry but run up the hills anyway. People who "don't have time" but make time to fit in their miles. People who desperately need a sitter at 5am on a Saturday so they can fit in their long run when their spouse is out of town. People who know what color the sky is when the sun comes up, or when it sets. People who know exactly how many miles it is around their block, around their neighborhood, around their town. People who know the feeling of crossing over into mileage that's farther than they've ever gone before. People who don't quit because it's hard, but who instead dig deeper.
Today as I hear about all the ways runners are coming together to show support, it just reaffirms my belief. Though we may not know each other, we aren't really strangers. We are family. We keep going, we keep cheering for each other, we keep believing in each other. We run virtual races, we dedicate miles, we wear our race shirts, we pray, we cry. Whether we've Boston Qualified or not, run Boston or ANY race or not, I believe all our hearts and our prayers are in and for Boston. We will keep digging deeper. Together.
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| Today's shirt. For Boston. |
Monday, April 8, 2013
Plank challenge winner.
For those of you that have been doing the plank pose along with me each night, how did it go?? I hope some of you will share. Did you make it all the way to 2 minutes?
I did better than I expected, but wow, after about 70 seconds, it started to get REALLY hard. I admit that after 90 seconds, I was having to alternate between a regular low plank and a knee plank position in order to hold it. For the final day at 120 seconds, I ended up switching to the knee position for about the last 40 seconds. That said, I feel fantastic about the effort. I can now hold a regular low plank position for much longer than I ever could before, and I've gotten into the habit of doing it each and every evening. Now I'd like to dial it back to one minute holds and start adding in some side planks.
You know what else is cool? My youngest son was helping me time myself for the last week, and now he is getting down and trying to do it along with me. If I inspire my kids to be more fit, even in small ways, that makes me really happy.
And now, the winner of the Plank Challenge Salonpas Super Awesome Goody Bag: Comment #2, Kristi Anderson! Kristi, I will be in touch to get you connected with your prize! Thanks to everyone who participated along with me and helped to keep me inspired and motivated. I would definitely love to run another challenge soon.
What kind of challenge would you like to participate in next?
I did better than I expected, but wow, after about 70 seconds, it started to get REALLY hard. I admit that after 90 seconds, I was having to alternate between a regular low plank and a knee plank position in order to hold it. For the final day at 120 seconds, I ended up switching to the knee position for about the last 40 seconds. That said, I feel fantastic about the effort. I can now hold a regular low plank position for much longer than I ever could before, and I've gotten into the habit of doing it each and every evening. Now I'd like to dial it back to one minute holds and start adding in some side planks.
You know what else is cool? My youngest son was helping me time myself for the last week, and now he is getting down and trying to do it along with me. If I inspire my kids to be more fit, even in small ways, that makes me really happy.
And now, the winner of the Plank Challenge Salonpas Super Awesome Goody Bag: Comment #2, Kristi Anderson! Kristi, I will be in touch to get you connected with your prize! Thanks to everyone who participated along with me and helped to keep me inspired and motivated. I would definitely love to run another challenge soon.
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| Told you it would be an awesome prize pack! |
What kind of challenge would you like to participate in next?
Friday, April 5, 2013
Disappointment kicked to the curb.
This week, I am running again. What an amazing feeling it is just to run. To be able to just put one foot in front of the other and not feel pain shooting through my knee. I am reminding myself of this blessing because for a while I couldn't ignore the tinge of disappointment that accompanied me once I got past those first glorious miles. That devilish voice was whispering in my ear: look at how slow you are, look at how you struggle to finish just 5k, look at how much you've lost.
It's true that when injury hit, I was running my fastest times ever. I'd just PR'd a half marathon. I ate 8-mile runs for lunch and my usual long runs were 10+. After almost four weeks of barely doing any cardio at all, I feel back at square one. But while I may have lost fitness, I have gained other things. I have been strength training and I already feel the difference it makes in my stride and my form. I have done more yoga and feel more in-tune with my body than ever. I have had time to reflect on my long-term goals and the many blessings I have.
Was I disappointed to see the fitness gains I worked so hard for have slipped away? Yes. Am I ready to earn them back? Absolutely. My goals may be longer term for now, but since I plan to keep running well into the future, I will look at the big picture. Every small step forward is still a step forward. That devil on my shoulder, the one whispering negativity and disappointment in my ear? He sat there for a day and spouted off, but then I flicked him off his perch and am choosing to keep looking up, to keep focusing on what's good. And what is good is that I am running again.
I have not forgotten our Plank Challengers! I know some of you are doing it along with me. I don't know about you, but after about 70 seconds, it started to get exponentially harder! Today was supposed to be 100 seconds. I admit that with 36 seconds left, I had to lower myself to knees. Still, when I started I thought I would collapse after just 30 seconds, and today I am holding for over a minute. Will I make it to two minutes? I don't know, but I do know that when this thing is over I will be able to hold it for longer than when I started, which was really the main goal of the challenge! I can't wait to hear some feedback from those of you that have been participating along with me. I did promise a prize at the end too, so be watching for that post coming after the challenge is over on Saturday.
What do you do when negative thoughts start to bring you down? How do you stay positive? What is the longest you've ever held a plank position?
It's true that when injury hit, I was running my fastest times ever. I'd just PR'd a half marathon. I ate 8-mile runs for lunch and my usual long runs were 10+. After almost four weeks of barely doing any cardio at all, I feel back at square one. But while I may have lost fitness, I have gained other things. I have been strength training and I already feel the difference it makes in my stride and my form. I have done more yoga and feel more in-tune with my body than ever. I have had time to reflect on my long-term goals and the many blessings I have.
Was I disappointed to see the fitness gains I worked so hard for have slipped away? Yes. Am I ready to earn them back? Absolutely. My goals may be longer term for now, but since I plan to keep running well into the future, I will look at the big picture. Every small step forward is still a step forward. That devil on my shoulder, the one whispering negativity and disappointment in my ear? He sat there for a day and spouted off, but then I flicked him off his perch and am choosing to keep looking up, to keep focusing on what's good. And what is good is that I am running again.
I have not forgotten our Plank Challengers! I know some of you are doing it along with me. I don't know about you, but after about 70 seconds, it started to get exponentially harder! Today was supposed to be 100 seconds. I admit that with 36 seconds left, I had to lower myself to knees. Still, when I started I thought I would collapse after just 30 seconds, and today I am holding for over a minute. Will I make it to two minutes? I don't know, but I do know that when this thing is over I will be able to hold it for longer than when I started, which was really the main goal of the challenge! I can't wait to hear some feedback from those of you that have been participating along with me. I did promise a prize at the end too, so be watching for that post coming after the challenge is over on Saturday.
What do you do when negative thoughts start to bring you down? How do you stay positive? What is the longest you've ever held a plank position?
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Thankful.
Happy Easter! I have so much to be thankful for right now. My heart is full!
Now, c'mon people! Where are my plank challengers?! There is still plenty of time to get in on it and comment to win some Salonpas and some other fun goodies that I've rounded up. I'm up to 1 minute and 10 seconds today. Haven't done it yet and am dreading it a little. One minute was HARD. Hard, but I did it! Two minutes still seems scary, but one minute seemed scary a week ago. Like building up running mileage, one step at a time and suddenly you're exceeding what you thought you could do. I'm thankful for the encouragement from those of you that are doing it with me! (Don't forget to post your progress back on the plank challenge post itself. That is where I'll pull a winner from!)
Yesterday I ran two miles. I haven't been so thrilled or thankful to run two miles since back when I first started running and two miles was further than I'd ever been. I wanted to cry for the joy of it. The knee held up fine, but felt a little stiff during the run and a little swollen afterwards. I put ice on it immediately, then did a hot epsom bath, then more ice. The swapping between hot and cold therapy really seems to help, and by the afternoon, it felt totally fine. I am easing the mileage up very slowly. My plan is to run a mile or two a day for a few days, then try three and inch towards four. With some rest days sandwiched in, of course. There is still that fear lingering that I'll reinjure it by overdoing, so I'm definitely going slow. I'm hunting around for a training plan for returning from injury because if you know me, you know I like to have a plan. I'm just so grateful that my my knee is healing and running is coming back to me.
I am also thankful for my running pals, two of whom took it upon themselves to pick me up at my house during their long run and run with me for two miles before returning me safely home again, then continuing their longer mileage. Having their friendship and support is amazing, and I don't know what I'd do without them.
As long as I'm on the subject of gratitude, I'm super thankful for my amazing family, for my awesome job and co-workers, and my wonderful friends. I'm starting a gratitude journal again just to remind myself of the blessings big and small that come my way. I hope you, too, have a heart full of thankfulness this Easter!
Does anyone have a return from injury training plan to recommend? And what are YOU thankful for today?
Now, c'mon people! Where are my plank challengers?! There is still plenty of time to get in on it and comment to win some Salonpas and some other fun goodies that I've rounded up. I'm up to 1 minute and 10 seconds today. Haven't done it yet and am dreading it a little. One minute was HARD. Hard, but I did it! Two minutes still seems scary, but one minute seemed scary a week ago. Like building up running mileage, one step at a time and suddenly you're exceeding what you thought you could do. I'm thankful for the encouragement from those of you that are doing it with me! (Don't forget to post your progress back on the plank challenge post itself. That is where I'll pull a winner from!)
Yesterday I ran two miles. I haven't been so thrilled or thankful to run two miles since back when I first started running and two miles was further than I'd ever been. I wanted to cry for the joy of it. The knee held up fine, but felt a little stiff during the run and a little swollen afterwards. I put ice on it immediately, then did a hot epsom bath, then more ice. The swapping between hot and cold therapy really seems to help, and by the afternoon, it felt totally fine. I am easing the mileage up very slowly. My plan is to run a mile or two a day for a few days, then try three and inch towards four. With some rest days sandwiched in, of course. There is still that fear lingering that I'll reinjure it by overdoing, so I'm definitely going slow. I'm hunting around for a training plan for returning from injury because if you know me, you know I like to have a plan. I'm just so grateful that my my knee is healing and running is coming back to me.
I am also thankful for my running pals, two of whom took it upon themselves to pick me up at my house during their long run and run with me for two miles before returning me safely home again, then continuing their longer mileage. Having their friendship and support is amazing, and I don't know what I'd do without them.
As long as I'm on the subject of gratitude, I'm super thankful for my amazing family, for my awesome job and co-workers, and my wonderful friends. I'm starting a gratitude journal again just to remind myself of the blessings big and small that come my way. I hope you, too, have a heart full of thankfulness this Easter!
Does anyone have a return from injury training plan to recommend? And what are YOU thankful for today?
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Plank Challenge.
Good news! It looks like I can try to run again within a few weeks. I have to start out VERY light, with walk/jog intervals, but if those go okay, I can try to ease back into regular running. I should be able to do the elliptical again at the very least. I have promised everyone, including myself, that I will stop immediately if I have ANY pain. I'm so glad the meniscus tear I have seems like it was relatively minor and is healing on its own without the need for surgery!! Blessed, blessed, blessed!
During the downtime, while I was unable to find a good cardio exercise that I could do, I started doing some strength training. I've always known I have weak hips, which probably contribute to not-so-great form, which probably contributes to how I ended up getting injured. I slack in the strength training area largely because I find it incredibly deadly dull, so to keep myself from being bored, I would invent little challenges for myself. (Goal-oriented, you know!) I would try to see how many crunches I could do in two minutes, and better it the next day. I'd do a stair step set of hip drops and see how high I could go. Then I started trying to increase my plank time every day. THAT gave me an idea. To keep me motivated, and maybe motivate a few others, I decided to try doing a Plank Challenge!
Just to be perfectly clear, we are talking about planks like THIS, not planks like this.
The challenge is to plank every day for 2 weeks, building your planking time from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If a 2 minute plank is easy for you, increase the hold time to something that challenges you. Frankly, a 2-minute hold time currently seems impossible to me. Thirty seconds has me shaking at about a 4.0 on the Richter scale, which shows how much I need this challenge!
To participate, favorite this post and come back to comment every day when you complete your challenge for the day. To make things more exciting, I will assign every comment a number, then use a random number generator to select one post to win a prize! So the more times you plank, the more posts you make, the more chances to win! (I will only count one post, per person, per day, though!)
And the winner? Well, the winner gets something to help out with those sore post-planking muscles, of course! One of my favorite products, Salonpas Massage Foam. I'll even throw in a "Run Happy" sticker and maybe something else fun, too. So join me in this plank challenge and help me keep from going off the rails while I'm not able to run! Good luck!
Join any time, but the cutoff for posts eligible for the prize draw will be 11:59pm April 6, 2013.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Waiting is the hardest.
I wish I had a better update on my knee injury. It is still likely a torn meniscus, based on Urgent Care and my wonderful Chiro/ART therapist's evaluations. I have not been able to get in for the second MRI yet. Gotta love HMO's! The bad news is, just about every form of cardio is still too painful. I can't do anything that requires impact or too much bending of my knee. The good news is, in the almost two weeks that I've been "resting" it (as in, not running or doing any weight bearing cardio) I have regained a great deal of my range of motion. I can bend it much further than I could two weeks ago. It still makes an awful clicking, crunching sound when I bend it, but I can bend it further before it starts to be uncomfortable. I can also walk almost normally, though a bit stiff legged on that side, without using those hateful crutches.
I'm trying to stay positive...meniscus tears are a common injury and lots of people get back to sports after recovering. I will run again. I am using this time to strength train, which is something I've needed to add in to my training for a long time. I will come back stronger. I know this.
The hardest part for me right now is not knowing how long I will be sidelined. As a goal oriented person, I feel like having a date to look towards would be helpful. On the other hand, part of me is afraid to face how far out that date might be. Maybe it'll be soon. Maybe not. I will finally see an associate at my Primary Care doctor's office on Monday. Hoping for some positive feedback...
What are some ways you have coped when sidelined with injury? What kinds of cross training did you do? I need ideas!
I'm trying to stay positive...meniscus tears are a common injury and lots of people get back to sports after recovering. I will run again. I am using this time to strength train, which is something I've needed to add in to my training for a long time. I will come back stronger. I know this.
The hardest part for me right now is not knowing how long I will be sidelined. As a goal oriented person, I feel like having a date to look towards would be helpful. On the other hand, part of me is afraid to face how far out that date might be. Maybe it'll be soon. Maybe not. I will finally see an associate at my Primary Care doctor's office on Monday. Hoping for some positive feedback...
What are some ways you have coped when sidelined with injury? What kinds of cross training did you do? I need ideas!
Friday, March 8, 2013
And then, out of the blue...
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Friday, March 1, 2013
San Diego WHM Race Report.
Last Sunday I traveled down to San Diego for the Women's Half Marathon. This is part of a series put on by Women's Running Magazine, and for the last two years I have run the event in Scottsdale, AZ. Okay, wait, let me restate that. It USED to be put on by Women's Running Magazine, but was bought by Competitor Group last year. I was worried that might change the way the event was run, but last year's AZ event went off extremely well even under the new management. I really look forward to running the WHM AZ each year. In fact, it's my favorite among the races I enter. I haven't ever done a race report on it because I was failing at blogging the times I've run it, but it is a great race with a great course. I was a little hesitant to jump aboard for the San Diego event, though, only because it's a brand new addition to the series. We all know that inaugural races can sometimes be, well...let's just say sometimes the first time is often when they figure out where the kinks are that need to be worked out. I don't like being a guinea pig!
I'm happy to say that the San Diego race was everything I'd hoped: small, well-organized, no visible kinks. Plus it had the bonuses of a beautiful course, perfect weather and some amazing members of law enforcement on the job during race morning. (No kidding, I saw many SDPD officers cheering for the runners, calling out to us by the name on our bib, and really getting into it. They were the best.) One thing they do at this race that stands out as incredibly smart to me is have Emergency Medical Teams (dubbed "Race Guardians") running right along with the runners. They appear to be spaced in pacing groups throughout, but I saw a couple of people in need of assistance and literally, someone was RIGHT there. If you just stopped and stretched, Race Guardians would materialize out of the crowd to see if you were okay. I like this approach. If someone falls or has a medical problem and it is a mile or more to the next medical tent that isn't awesome. By having the EMTs running, they were never far from anyone in need. Major kudos on this one, WHM!
I loved the course. Ah. Maze. Ing. It was flat and mostly gorgeous, running along Shelter AND Harbor Islands where the views are incredible. The first 7 miles ticked off super fast and I felt fantastic. There was a stretch between miles 7 and 8 that was less than stellar (Passing the airport. Boring and stinky from exhaust and jet fumes, but only for a mile) but everything else had spectacular scenery. I heard some folks were complaining about the "surprise" hill going over a bridge near the end...but though steep, it was a short hill, and good grief the whole rest of the course was pretty much a pancake. The last half mile was a little twisty turny and I had one brief moment of panic because I couldn't tell where the finish line was and I was SURE I should've been able to see it. I probably need to apologize to the nice SDPD officer that heard me blurt out some not so nice words at that point. Still, because I was nailing the PR I've been training my BUTT off for, by the time I finally did see the finish I am pretty certain I was pumping a pure adrenaline/endorphin cocktail through my veins. I seriously crossed the mat screaming, "I did it!! I did it!! PR!!! PR!!!" over and over. (There is a not so flattering race photo of me doing just that, mouth agape, arms flailing, horrid form. Wait, that describes about 99% of my race photos...) I'm very sure some people at the finish line thought I was a total lunatic, because as soon as I stopped screaming about my own finish, I turned around and started screaming for my friend who was finishing right behind me. My throat hurt from screaming. I'm sure they were glad when I moved on from the finish area.
For any ladies considering this race or this series, you should know that the medal includes a charm that can be detached to make a necklace. This is very cool...and less weird for your non-running friends than when you wear your medal for three days because you are so excited about your accomplishment. (I really wanted to sleep with my medal on after getting this PR, but the charm necklace had less chance of strangulation. Did I mention the medal is huge and heavy?) There is also a cookie buffet at the finish line. Here's a tip: do not cross the finish and immediately Hoover a chocolate chip cookie unless your stomach is much stronger than mine. (I learned that one running my first AZ WHM. Yeah, it was ugly.) Men are allowed to run this race, of course, but they don't qualify for any of the overall or age group awards.
I will definitely be back to run this one next year. Big thanks to the folks that put the WHM series on. It's a keeper! (And getting a new PR didn't hurt how much I liked it!) The only bad thing about it is I have to wait a whole year to run it again.
What's YOUR favorite race or race series? What do you like most about it?
I'm happy to say that the San Diego race was everything I'd hoped: small, well-organized, no visible kinks. Plus it had the bonuses of a beautiful course, perfect weather and some amazing members of law enforcement on the job during race morning. (No kidding, I saw many SDPD officers cheering for the runners, calling out to us by the name on our bib, and really getting into it. They were the best.) One thing they do at this race that stands out as incredibly smart to me is have Emergency Medical Teams (dubbed "Race Guardians") running right along with the runners. They appear to be spaced in pacing groups throughout, but I saw a couple of people in need of assistance and literally, someone was RIGHT there. If you just stopped and stretched, Race Guardians would materialize out of the crowd to see if you were okay. I like this approach. If someone falls or has a medical problem and it is a mile or more to the next medical tent that isn't awesome. By having the EMTs running, they were never far from anyone in need. Major kudos on this one, WHM!
For any ladies considering this race or this series, you should know that the medal includes a charm that can be detached to make a necklace. This is very cool...and less weird for your non-running friends than when you wear your medal for three days because you are so excited about your accomplishment. (I really wanted to sleep with my medal on after getting this PR, but the charm necklace had less chance of strangulation. Did I mention the medal is huge and heavy?) There is also a cookie buffet at the finish line. Here's a tip: do not cross the finish and immediately Hoover a chocolate chip cookie unless your stomach is much stronger than mine. (I learned that one running my first AZ WHM. Yeah, it was ugly.) Men are allowed to run this race, of course, but they don't qualify for any of the overall or age group awards.
I will definitely be back to run this one next year. Big thanks to the folks that put the WHM series on. It's a keeper! (And getting a new PR didn't hurt how much I liked it!) The only bad thing about it is I have to wait a whole year to run it again.
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| San Diego WHM charm and AZ WHM charm |
What's YOUR favorite race or race series? What do you like most about it?
Friday, February 22, 2013
I'm not really Mysophobic.
Mysophobia: a pathological fear of contamination and germs. Also called germophobia.
Okay, I promise I'm not Mysophobic. Just because I wipe everything with Clorox, wash my hands until they bleed, offer up sanitizer whether you want it or not, and constantly consider whether my post-nasal drip is just allergy or something more sinister. Just because I turn my head and cover my face when someone coughs or sneezes, sometimes awkwardly try to get out of shaking hands, and make my children kiss mommy on the cheek please, when they are sniffly nosed, I am not a germophobe. Okay, maybe a little. It's just that, well, I have a race coming up and I don't want to get sick and mess up my training schedule, or WORSE, be sick on race day.
I am a little fanatical, especially during cold and flu season (which happens to be a peak racing season around here.) My kids have both had a bug that I have been frantically trying to avoid. So I do all the aforementioned things, plus I try to eat more garlic (friends and family love that, I'm sure) and take lots of Emergen'C to boost my Vitamin C.
Yum.
Fortunately, I recently read a study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine that found during exercise white blood cells and immunoglobulin numbers in the bloodstream increase for a short time, which may account for fewer bouts of colds and sickness in those that exercise regularly. In my interpretation, that makes a good workout like a mini germ cleanse. You boost those white blood cells, which can then fight off any random bugs that happen to be mustering in an attempt at a hostile takeover. Yeah, I don't know if it really works like that exactly, but it's fun to imagine a white blood cell army sweeping through and vanquishing all the bad guys in their path. A surge like that every day ought to help keep you pretty healthy. Right?
Just in case those extra immunity surges aren't enough, I'm going to keep using the Clorox wipes and sanitizer, and keep taking my Emergen'C to be safe. And try to get plenty of sleep. And try not to be a total Mysophobe.
What do you do to help stay healthy during cold and flu season?
Okay, I promise I'm not Mysophobic. Just because I wipe everything with Clorox, wash my hands until they bleed, offer up sanitizer whether you want it or not, and constantly consider whether my post-nasal drip is just allergy or something more sinister. Just because I turn my head and cover my face when someone coughs or sneezes, sometimes awkwardly try to get out of shaking hands, and make my children kiss mommy on the cheek please, when they are sniffly nosed, I am not a germophobe. Okay, maybe a little. It's just that, well, I have a race coming up and I don't want to get sick and mess up my training schedule, or WORSE, be sick on race day.
I am a little fanatical, especially during cold and flu season (which happens to be a peak racing season around here.) My kids have both had a bug that I have been frantically trying to avoid. So I do all the aforementioned things, plus I try to eat more garlic (friends and family love that, I'm sure) and take lots of Emergen'C to boost my Vitamin C.
Yum.Fortunately, I recently read a study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine that found during exercise white blood cells and immunoglobulin numbers in the bloodstream increase for a short time, which may account for fewer bouts of colds and sickness in those that exercise regularly. In my interpretation, that makes a good workout like a mini germ cleanse. You boost those white blood cells, which can then fight off any random bugs that happen to be mustering in an attempt at a hostile takeover. Yeah, I don't know if it really works like that exactly, but it's fun to imagine a white blood cell army sweeping through and vanquishing all the bad guys in their path. A surge like that every day ought to help keep you pretty healthy. Right?
Just in case those extra immunity surges aren't enough, I'm going to keep using the Clorox wipes and sanitizer, and keep taking my Emergen'C to be safe. And try to get plenty of sleep. And try not to be a total Mysophobe.
What do you do to help stay healthy during cold and flu season?
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Click giveaway winner!
The last several mornings it has been really chilly in the early morning. I have gotten extremely addicted to the warm-up provided by the Click Spicy Mocha recipe. It has cinnamon and cayenne pepper in it, and it reminds me of a Mexican hot chocolate. The cinnamon makes it spicy and the cayenne gives it a little heat that you don't really notice until a few sips in. Totally yum. I wanted to experiment with a bunch of the different Click recipes, but I'm so hung up on this particular one that I haven't gotten any farther yet!
And without further ado, the winner of the Click Canister and blender bottle is Jessica Burke Langston! Jessica, I've sent you an email requesting your info so Click can ship out your prize. Congrats! Thanks to everyone who entered. I have a couple more cool contests coming up in the near future, so stick around!
And without further ado, the winner of the Click Canister and blender bottle is Jessica Burke Langston! Jessica, I've sent you an email requesting your info so Click can ship out your prize. Congrats! Thanks to everyone who entered. I have a couple more cool contests coming up in the near future, so stick around!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Run for Sherry and run safe.
On Saturday the 9th, I ran in memory of Sherry Arnold, the Montana runner who was abducted and killed on her morning run on January 7th, 2012. The 2nd annual virtual "Run for Sherry" made me really think about runner safety. Safety is a big issue to me...I've blogged on it before, but it is such an important topic that I will likely talk about it again and again. Statistically, running is a very safe activity, but being prepared is an advantage. We pray we never need to use that preparedness.
I read several articles and some research papers today about self-defense for women and I learned a few things. Did you know that if you are in a situation where you need help (and there are others around to help you), if you just scream, "Help me!" most people will do nothing?! People often do not want to get involved when they hear "help me" because they may be unsure of what they are witnessing or be confused about what they should do. The article explains that people respond better when told exactly what is happening or what to do, so you should scream something like, "Call the police", "This person is attacking me" or "Get him away from me!" Tell people what you need and more people are apt to do something. (This made me think how we teach kids to yell, "help, I don't know this person," if a stranger tries to bother them. That explains to bystanders what is going on.)
I've read many times that most human predators are much like animal predators: they are looking for easy prey and they specifically look for those that look weak or distracted. If you run confidently, head up, looking strong, aware of your surroundings, most predators won't be interested. That means pay attention to what's going on around you. Take mental notes. Don't run with headphones blaring...wear just one headphone so you can hear what's happening.
I once ran up behind a lady in my community who was walking with her headphones on. They were blasting so loudly I could hear her music from at least 15 feet back. Not wanting to scare her to death, I started loudly saying, "On your left," as I approached her. At 3 feet away, she still hadn't heard me so I kept repeating myelf. As I went to pass her she leaped sideways and screamed, almost falling into the bushes. She yelled at me for being inconsiderate, and when I passed her on my return trip (thankfully heading towards her this time) she was still blasting away. The Incredible Hulk could've snuck up behind her and she wouldn't have heard him. Not a good thing.
In a self-defense class I took in college, I remember the instructor telling us one of the most important tools we have is our instinct. He told us we should trust our gut feelings. If something feels wrong, or off, there is a good chance it is. There have been runs where I've turned around or gone a different way because I didn't like the looks of a parked car or noticed that things were particularly dark because a streetlight was out. I do admit to once being ready to dial 911 after a truck coming towards me was driving erratically and kept slowing down...just as I was about to hit "send" and turn around to book it back home, I realized it was a newspaper delivery truck. Hey, better safe than sorry!
I thought a lot about Sherry Arnold as I ran in her memory last weekend. I hope she smiled down on the many, many runners that ran for her. I pray for peace for her family and that she continues to remind us to run safe.
What do you do to stay safe while you're running?
I'll be posting the Click contest winner tomorrow! You can still enter up through midnight PST!
I read several articles and some research papers today about self-defense for women and I learned a few things. Did you know that if you are in a situation where you need help (and there are others around to help you), if you just scream, "Help me!" most people will do nothing?! People often do not want to get involved when they hear "help me" because they may be unsure of what they are witnessing or be confused about what they should do. The article explains that people respond better when told exactly what is happening or what to do, so you should scream something like, "Call the police", "This person is attacking me" or "Get him away from me!" Tell people what you need and more people are apt to do something. (This made me think how we teach kids to yell, "help, I don't know this person," if a stranger tries to bother them. That explains to bystanders what is going on.)
I've read many times that most human predators are much like animal predators: they are looking for easy prey and they specifically look for those that look weak or distracted. If you run confidently, head up, looking strong, aware of your surroundings, most predators won't be interested. That means pay attention to what's going on around you. Take mental notes. Don't run with headphones blaring...wear just one headphone so you can hear what's happening.
I once ran up behind a lady in my community who was walking with her headphones on. They were blasting so loudly I could hear her music from at least 15 feet back. Not wanting to scare her to death, I started loudly saying, "On your left," as I approached her. At 3 feet away, she still hadn't heard me so I kept repeating myelf. As I went to pass her she leaped sideways and screamed, almost falling into the bushes. She yelled at me for being inconsiderate, and when I passed her on my return trip (thankfully heading towards her this time) she was still blasting away. The Incredible Hulk could've snuck up behind her and she wouldn't have heard him. Not a good thing.
In a self-defense class I took in college, I remember the instructor telling us one of the most important tools we have is our instinct. He told us we should trust our gut feelings. If something feels wrong, or off, there is a good chance it is. There have been runs where I've turned around or gone a different way because I didn't like the looks of a parked car or noticed that things were particularly dark because a streetlight was out. I do admit to once being ready to dial 911 after a truck coming towards me was driving erratically and kept slowing down...just as I was about to hit "send" and turn around to book it back home, I realized it was a newspaper delivery truck. Hey, better safe than sorry!
I thought a lot about Sherry Arnold as I ran in her memory last weekend. I hope she smiled down on the many, many runners that ran for her. I pray for peace for her family and that she continues to remind us to run safe.
What do you do to stay safe while you're running?
I'll be posting the Click contest winner tomorrow! You can still enter up through midnight PST!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Runs on Coffee Nirvana.
Okay, I haven't done a ton of product reviews here, but I do want to start sharing when I find something awesome. I recently discovered something new that I am really excited to share. I may have found recovery nirvana, at least for this Runs on Coffee gal. Many of you may recall that I am a huge fan of chocolate milk as a recovery drink (go, Team Refuel!); however, my chocolate milk recovery often has to fight with my urge to have an immediate cup of coffee after my run. The coffee often wins, leaving my much needed protein recharge for probably later than it should be, or sometimes even passed over completely. I admit it, sometimes I skimp on the recovery nutrition, but not because I mean to! If I skip it, it is often because I wanted coffee more. (Okay, and sometimes it's because my kids drank all the milk in the house. Gah!)
Recently I picked up some sample packs of a new protein drink called "Click." It is an espresso-based protein drink that can be prepared hot, iced or blended. A serving only has 120 calories, but boasts 15 grams of protein and only 6 grams of sugar. It IS caffeinated (about a double shot of espresso) and has 23 vitamins and minerals. Click's protein is derived from cow's milk and soy, and has no artificial coloring or flavoring. It comes in two flavors: Mocha and Vanilla Latte (oh, and a Decaf Mocha, too.)
When I returned from my long run the other morning, I picked up the Mocha to give it a try. I don't know about you, but when I come in from a long run, I am pretty impatient. I want my coffee immediately and don't want to wait. The thought of mixing up a protein shake seemed a little bit daunting. Even though I had a bunch of recipes for making all kinds of fancy-schmancy drinks with Click, I decided (a) I should try just the basic prep for the first go, to see what it was like, and (b) I wanted to do whatever was quickest. (I was was so quick, in fact, that I forgot to snap the product photo before ripping into the packet. Oops.) Since my blender happened to already be out, I decided to go for the ice-blended version. Preparation was SUPER easy. Some ice and water in the blender with the powder, and boom, I had a blended frapp in under two minutes. One serving made a huge tall glass. The powder blended really smoothly with no lumps or chunks. Then came the taste test.
If you are a regular follower of this blog, you know how much I love my coffee. Heck, even if you're not a regular reader, the title of the Blog should've been a pretty big clue! While blended fraps are not my regular go to, this drink was absolutely DELISH. Amazing. It does have a strong coffee taste, which is super awesome for me, but if you don't like strong coffee you might want to add some sweetener or a little milk to the mix. The mocha flavor is not too sweet, either (a major downfall of the 'bux mochas, which are much too sweet, if you ask me.) Did I mention it made a giant serving??
Two more fabulous observations post consumption. This drink totally sated my desire for coffee. It tasted like coffee, it fulfilled my coffee compulsion. Gone was the need to make coffee AND a recovery drink. On top of that, I have been known to come in from a long run, drink coffee, and want to dump the entire contents of my fridge into my mouth within a few hours. I get HUNGRY. After drinking the Click concoction, my tummy was satisified for hours and it kept me happy all the way through to lunch. Nice.
This morning, we were running a tad late, so I decided to try a hot Click drink for my breakfast/coffee combo. I maybe liked the frap version slightly better, but only slightly. It still blended great (you blend, THEN heat, but I didn't feel it was that much trouble to pop it in the microwave for a minute) and tasted delicious. Again, it satisfied me on both the breakfast AND coffee fronts and I was not hungry at all until lunchtime.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!!
I will totally be clicking over to the Click website to order a canister, pronto. Yum. Want to try some Click awesomeness for yourself? I raved to the company about how much I loved the Mocha, and they offered to send a free canister of Click (in the flavor of the winner's choice) AND a blender bottle for me to giveaway!
I'm using Rafflecopter for entries, so enter away! (Sorry, Click currently only ships to US addresses, so you must be a US resident to enter.) If you just can't wait to try it, click over to this Click page and check out their BOGO sampler!
Do you use protein powder supplements? What is your go-to recovery drink or meal post run?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Recently I picked up some sample packs of a new protein drink called "Click." It is an espresso-based protein drink that can be prepared hot, iced or blended. A serving only has 120 calories, but boasts 15 grams of protein and only 6 grams of sugar. It IS caffeinated (about a double shot of espresso) and has 23 vitamins and minerals. Click's protein is derived from cow's milk and soy, and has no artificial coloring or flavoring. It comes in two flavors: Mocha and Vanilla Latte (oh, and a Decaf Mocha, too.)
When I returned from my long run the other morning, I picked up the Mocha to give it a try. I don't know about you, but when I come in from a long run, I am pretty impatient. I want my coffee immediately and don't want to wait. The thought of mixing up a protein shake seemed a little bit daunting. Even though I had a bunch of recipes for making all kinds of fancy-schmancy drinks with Click, I decided (a) I should try just the basic prep for the first go, to see what it was like, and (b) I wanted to do whatever was quickest. (I was was so quick, in fact, that I forgot to snap the product photo before ripping into the packet. Oops.) Since my blender happened to already be out, I decided to go for the ice-blended version. Preparation was SUPER easy. Some ice and water in the blender with the powder, and boom, I had a blended frapp in under two minutes. One serving made a huge tall glass. The powder blended really smoothly with no lumps or chunks. Then came the taste test.
If you are a regular follower of this blog, you know how much I love my coffee. Heck, even if you're not a regular reader, the title of the Blog should've been a pretty big clue! While blended fraps are not my regular go to, this drink was absolutely DELISH. Amazing. It does have a strong coffee taste, which is super awesome for me, but if you don't like strong coffee you might want to add some sweetener or a little milk to the mix. The mocha flavor is not too sweet, either (a major downfall of the 'bux mochas, which are much too sweet, if you ask me.) Did I mention it made a giant serving??Two more fabulous observations post consumption. This drink totally sated my desire for coffee. It tasted like coffee, it fulfilled my coffee compulsion. Gone was the need to make coffee AND a recovery drink. On top of that, I have been known to come in from a long run, drink coffee, and want to dump the entire contents of my fridge into my mouth within a few hours. I get HUNGRY. After drinking the Click concoction, my tummy was satisified for hours and it kept me happy all the way through to lunch. Nice.
This morning, we were running a tad late, so I decided to try a hot Click drink for my breakfast/coffee combo. I maybe liked the frap version slightly better, but only slightly. It still blended great (you blend, THEN heat, but I didn't feel it was that much trouble to pop it in the microwave for a minute) and tasted delicious. Again, it satisfied me on both the breakfast AND coffee fronts and I was not hungry at all until lunchtime.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!!I will totally be clicking over to the Click website to order a canister, pronto. Yum. Want to try some Click awesomeness for yourself? I raved to the company about how much I loved the Mocha, and they offered to send a free canister of Click (in the flavor of the winner's choice) AND a blender bottle for me to giveaway!
I'm using Rafflecopter for entries, so enter away! (Sorry, Click currently only ships to US addresses, so you must be a US resident to enter.) If you just can't wait to try it, click over to this Click page and check out their BOGO sampler!
Do you use protein powder supplements? What is your go-to recovery drink or meal post run?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
You are what you think.
My recommitment to blog was to post once a week. I know I already posted for the week, but this particular subject has been so heavy on my mind that I just have to get it out there. So here you go, a bonus post!
I have a friend that recently completed a half marathon. She trained like crazy, running midweek multi-digit miles and pushing herself even in the pouring rain to get her training in. She set a new PR (because this wasn't even her first half marathon) and finished in under two hours, which is pretty darn amazing in my book. As I was chatting with her afterwards and congratulating her on this awesome achievement, these words came out of her mouth: "but I'm not a real runner."
Wait. What?!? What really makes me sad is, she is not the first person I've heard say those words. Why in the world would someone call themselves "not a runner" when clearly, they ARE a runner?
John Bingham said this:
Have you ever heard the phrase,"garbage in, garbage out?" It's actually true. We are what we think, to a very large degree. Studies have even shown that positive self-talk can lead to actual improvements in performance. (Here's one example.) There really is power in positive thinking.
One popular way of encouraging oneself is through the use of a mantra. This is a phrase that you continually repeat to yourself, especially when the going gets tough. Mantras can be anything, but they should be positive. They should be fairly easy to remember, too, so when you are exhausted at mile who-knows-what it doesn't take a lot of brain power to call it up. I've used many different ones before, including "you've got this," "just keep moving," "never give up," and "Phil 4:13" (which references the Bible verse "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.") I've actually written about "Mental GU" (I just love that!) a number of times of this blog. One of my favorite entries is here.
So next time you hear someone say, "I'm not a runner," and you know that's not true...or if you hear someone say anything disparaging at all about themself, for that matter...tell them it's time to let go. Especially if the person you hear saying it is YOU. Let go of negativity. Let go of self-degradation. Let go of thoughts that will only serve to drag you down. Make a choice to be positive, think positive, to reinforce your strong. You can totally do this. You are a runner.
How do you talk to yourself? Do you have a powerful positive mantra? Have you ever said you were "not a runner" and if so, what made you feel that way?
I have a friend that recently completed a half marathon. She trained like crazy, running midweek multi-digit miles and pushing herself even in the pouring rain to get her training in. She set a new PR (because this wasn't even her first half marathon) and finished in under two hours, which is pretty darn amazing in my book. As I was chatting with her afterwards and congratulating her on this awesome achievement, these words came out of her mouth: "but I'm not a real runner."
Wait. What?!? What really makes me sad is, she is not the first person I've heard say those words. Why in the world would someone call themselves "not a runner" when clearly, they ARE a runner?
John Bingham said this:
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
Isn't that the truth? We are runners, because we run! You wouldn't say to a friend that just ran her first 5k, "oh, but you aren't a real runner. You just started and you ONLY ran 5k." So why in the world would you tell yourself something as discouraging? My rule about self-talk is never say anything to yourself you wouldn't say to a friend. That means no telling yourself you are weak, no telling yourself you can't do it, no telling yourself you aren't good enough, and definitely no telling yourself you are not a runner.
Instead, tell yourself the same kind of encouraging things you'd say to your best friend. You are strong. You can totally do this. You have been training for this. You. Are. A. Runner.
So next time you hear someone say, "I'm not a runner," and you know that's not true...or if you hear someone say anything disparaging at all about themself, for that matter...tell them it's time to let go. Especially if the person you hear saying it is YOU. Let go of negativity. Let go of self-degradation. Let go of thoughts that will only serve to drag you down. Make a choice to be positive, think positive, to reinforce your strong. You can totally do this. You are a runner.
How do you talk to yourself? Do you have a powerful positive mantra? Have you ever said you were "not a runner" and if so, what made you feel that way?
Saturday, February 2, 2013
The checklist.
In Southern California, we are heavy into race season. Lots of folks are running lots of races right now. In fact, I have several friends venturing out for their first half marathon TOMORROW and I'm so excited for them. It makes me think about my first race, with all the excitement and nervousness. I still get butterflies sometimes before I race, but nothing like that first time. I was SO worried I would forget something I needed and arrive at the start line minus something important. (Before my first race, I kept dreaming I needed socks. I have never forgotten socks. Yet.)
So before that first race, and for every race after, I have had a "race checklist." I put everything important on the list and I don't leave my house until I've gone through and checked each and every item off. And I don't mean I just think I packed it. I physically make sure it's packed. Yes. I am a little obsessive. But I also have never forgotten anything important. (Yet.)
So without further ado, I give you my "Race Checklist." Please note that this is MY checklist. You should alter it for your own purposes. If you don't use a Strassburg Sock (and if you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, you should!) then take that off. If you have a favorite pillow that you can't sleep without, add that. Make it your own.
While I'm on the topic of pre-race planning, here are a few tips I've picked up along my way:
1. The day before the race, do not spend all day walking around the expo or sightseeing. It's tempting, but do the expo thing and then try to stay off your feet if you can. Rest those legs.
2. Do NOT eat anything new, weird, extra spicy or previously untried the day before the race. This includes the funky energy bars (and drinks) at the expo. Take a sample home, but don't snack on it if you haven't tried it before. Who knows what it might do to your stomach later. Trust me on this one. Also, stick to something simple for dinner that you know you tolerate. Don't go for the Double Fire Diablo Shrimp dinner even though it sounds amazing. Simple is better. Trust me on that, too.
3. Drink, drink, drink. Superhydrate yourself the day before. Do not OVERhydrate yourself. Check this handy chart (from Boy Scouts of America...you know scouts are always prepared!) to see how you're doing.
So before that first race, and for every race after, I have had a "race checklist." I put everything important on the list and I don't leave my house until I've gone through and checked each and every item off. And I don't mean I just think I packed it. I physically make sure it's packed. Yes. I am a little obsessive. But I also have never forgotten anything important. (Yet.)
So without further ado, I give you my "Race Checklist." Please note that this is MY checklist. You should alter it for your own purposes. If you don't use a Strassburg Sock (and if you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, you should!) then take that off. If you have a favorite pillow that you can't sleep without, add that. Make it your own.
While I'm on the topic of pre-race planning, here are a few tips I've picked up along my way:
1. The day before the race, do not spend all day walking around the expo or sightseeing. It's tempting, but do the expo thing and then try to stay off your feet if you can. Rest those legs.
2. Do NOT eat anything new, weird, extra spicy or previously untried the day before the race. This includes the funky energy bars (and drinks) at the expo. Take a sample home, but don't snack on it if you haven't tried it before. Who knows what it might do to your stomach later. Trust me on this one. Also, stick to something simple for dinner that you know you tolerate. Don't go for the Double Fire Diablo Shrimp dinner even though it sounds amazing. Simple is better. Trust me on that, too.
3. Drink, drink, drink. Superhydrate yourself the day before. Do not OVERhydrate yourself. Check this handy chart (from Boy Scouts of America...you know scouts are always prepared!) to see how you're doing.
4. Lay out your race day gear the night before. Put your shirt on and pin your bib on the night before, too. (Then take it off again. You don't have to sleep in it!) It is no fun getting up at the crack of darkness on race morning, potentially stressed that you might be late, and stabbing yourself in the chest while you frantically try to pin on your bib. Besides, if you pin it on the night before, you have plenty of time to readjust it in case you put the pins in, ahem, awkward spots. Again, trust me on this. Lay it all out, socks, shoes, Garmin, everything, and pin that bib on. The less you have to worry about when you wake up, the better.
That's all I've got for now! Good luck, my racing friends!
What pre-race rituals or tips do you have? Have you ever forgotten something important on race day?
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Rules.
I am pretty much a rule follower. I admit it. I am that goody-two-shoes that doesn't feel comfortable parking for 20 minutes in a 15 minute space. I don't like moving up to the wrong seats at sports events or concerts just because the seats are closer and no one is sitting in them. The thought of banditing a race mortifies me, and I don't like the idea of buying someone else's bib if the race has no transfers, either. I know, I know. Lots of people view most of those things as "no big deal", and I'm not bashing any one else's morals or point of view. I'm just saying that personally, I am a rules gal.
So it kind of freaked me out when I read a Facebook post from Run Like a Mother from a gal in Wisconsin that was "pulled over" by police while she was out for a run. She was running on the plowed road instead of the sidewalks, which were covered in snow. Apparently, there is a city ordinance where she lives that says pedestrians cannot be on the roadway when there is a sidewalk. Even though she was running, and the sidewalk was inaccessible due to snow?? That seems bizarre to me, but just because I am a "rules follower", I went and checked for any similar ordinances in my area. Thankfully I didn't find any, but I'm interested to know if there are any other places out there with similar rules!
Does your town have any unusual ordinances?
Have you ever been "pulled over" by police while out for a run?
So it kind of freaked me out when I read a Facebook post from Run Like a Mother from a gal in Wisconsin that was "pulled over" by police while she was out for a run. She was running on the plowed road instead of the sidewalks, which were covered in snow. Apparently, there is a city ordinance where she lives that says pedestrians cannot be on the roadway when there is a sidewalk. Even though she was running, and the sidewalk was inaccessible due to snow?? That seems bizarre to me, but just because I am a "rules follower", I went and checked for any similar ordinances in my area. Thankfully I didn't find any, but I'm interested to know if there are any other places out there with similar rules!
Does your town have any unusual ordinances?
Have you ever been "pulled over" by police while out for a run?
Saturday, January 19, 2013
What motivates.
Runners must be awesome employees. When I think about the kind if traits that most serious runners I know have, they often sound to me like they were pulled right off of a business resume. Things like: self-motivated, goal oriented, highly independent, organized planner, high drive to succeed, dedicated, willing to endure some pain to achieve goals...really, I'd want to hire someone like that.
I've always known that I am a very goal oriented person. Give me a goal, and I'm on it. Since childhood I've always been that way. I will relentlessly pursue a goal like a bloodhound on a trail. It might be a crazy goal or a ridiculous goal or a worthy goal. It could be to clean out the garage or to finish a marathon. Once my mind is made up to do it, you might as well consider it done.
So last weekend during my long run, my friend and I decided to tackle a hill. It's not the biggest hill around and not the steepest, but it goes up for what seems like forever, up and on and on. I started out fine, but as we kept going, I mentally started to falter. Dang. I thought the top was just around the corner, but it wasn't. Sheesh, WHERE is the top of this hill? My friend, having run with me long enough to realize I was losing my "happy place," said the simplest thing to me, but it was exactly what I needed. "Make it to the stop sign and we can stop and have our GU." A GOAL. And a reward. I can do that, I thought. Boom, I was up the hill.
This week, we tried the same hill again, and it was even better. We broke the hill into mini-goals: make it to that streetlight, make it to that corner, make it to the stop sign for GU. It was amazing the difference that having goals for each section of the hill made. Being goal-oriented isn't just good for deadlines and projects and resumes.
What traits do you have that contribute to your being a better runner?
What motivates you?
I've always known that I am a very goal oriented person. Give me a goal, and I'm on it. Since childhood I've always been that way. I will relentlessly pursue a goal like a bloodhound on a trail. It might be a crazy goal or a ridiculous goal or a worthy goal. It could be to clean out the garage or to finish a marathon. Once my mind is made up to do it, you might as well consider it done.
So last weekend during my long run, my friend and I decided to tackle a hill. It's not the biggest hill around and not the steepest, but it goes up for what seems like forever, up and on and on. I started out fine, but as we kept going, I mentally started to falter. Dang. I thought the top was just around the corner, but it wasn't. Sheesh, WHERE is the top of this hill? My friend, having run with me long enough to realize I was losing my "happy place," said the simplest thing to me, but it was exactly what I needed. "Make it to the stop sign and we can stop and have our GU." A GOAL. And a reward. I can do that, I thought. Boom, I was up the hill.
This week, we tried the same hill again, and it was even better. We broke the hill into mini-goals: make it to that streetlight, make it to that corner, make it to the stop sign for GU. It was amazing the difference that having goals for each section of the hill made. Being goal-oriented isn't just good for deadlines and projects and resumes.
What traits do you have that contribute to your being a better runner?
What motivates you?
Friday, January 11, 2013
Anatomically correct??
I went to visit a new running shop that opened near me (Fleet Feet Rancho Cucamonga) because I was curious to see what they'd have to say about the weird wear pattern I've been getting on my Brooks Ghost as well as find out if they had any new shoe recommendations that might help with my Plantar Fasciitis. I was super impressed. The "fit" process was the most thorough I've ever experienced, and included a sock-less evaluation of my feet to check for bunions, blisters, callouses and arch type. Yes, I was a little embarrassed by the missing toenails (currently three), callouses and overall obvious lack of a recent pedicure. (They don't give 30% off for a pedicure just because you are missing three toenails. I asked.)
The bottom line is, I'm still the neutral runner I've always been and my Ghosts are still the most comfortable shoes out of what I tried. They did offer up a few new options. Superfeet insoles and Feetures anatomical socks with arch compression. Wait, what? Anatomically correct socks? I won't even go into the thoughts that crossed my mind. I have never used insoles before other than the ones that come with my shoes, and I admit I was a tiny bit skeptical. However, once they were in place inside my shoes, I was impressed. The added support in the arch felt fantastic. As for the socks, once I got them on the correct feet (anatomical meaning there is a "right" and "left" sock) the arch compression also felt great, especially on the right PF prone side. I trotted around the store in the new getup and liked it so I brought it all home to give it a real trial run.
My first thought when I heard "anatomical socks" was of Slim Goodbody. Anyone remember that guy? Oddly, he's actually still around...
A few days ago I managed to put the new socks on the anatomically correct feet (in the dark!) and I headed out the door with the new insoles too. I only covered about six miles, but I noticed some stuff right off. First, my ever problematic end of toe blisters and toenails did not hurt. At all. Also, I did not tape my PF and it was not hurting, either. (KT Tape, I love you, but you are expensive to use all the time!) Last, I felt like my toe-off and overall foot alignment was much more even. It just felt more...balanced.
The kicker? I ran my fastest mile EVER and held my fastest overall average pace ever. And it felt comfortable. And GOOD. Yes, I have been training hard, but if some insoles and anatomical socks can make pushing my pace feel that awesome, I'm embracing that. We'll see how my next long run goes.
Have you ever run in anatomical socks? What brands of socks are you favorites?
The bottom line is, I'm still the neutral runner I've always been and my Ghosts are still the most comfortable shoes out of what I tried. They did offer up a few new options. Superfeet insoles and Feetures anatomical socks with arch compression. Wait, what? Anatomically correct socks? I won't even go into the thoughts that crossed my mind. I have never used insoles before other than the ones that come with my shoes, and I admit I was a tiny bit skeptical. However, once they were in place inside my shoes, I was impressed. The added support in the arch felt fantastic. As for the socks, once I got them on the correct feet (anatomical meaning there is a "right" and "left" sock) the arch compression also felt great, especially on the right PF prone side. I trotted around the store in the new getup and liked it so I brought it all home to give it a real trial run.
My first thought when I heard "anatomical socks" was of Slim Goodbody. Anyone remember that guy? Oddly, he's actually still around...
A few days ago I managed to put the new socks on the anatomically correct feet (in the dark!) and I headed out the door with the new insoles too. I only covered about six miles, but I noticed some stuff right off. First, my ever problematic end of toe blisters and toenails did not hurt. At all. Also, I did not tape my PF and it was not hurting, either. (KT Tape, I love you, but you are expensive to use all the time!) Last, I felt like my toe-off and overall foot alignment was much more even. It just felt more...balanced.
The kicker? I ran my fastest mile EVER and held my fastest overall average pace ever. And it felt comfortable. And GOOD. Yes, I have been training hard, but if some insoles and anatomical socks can make pushing my pace feel that awesome, I'm embracing that. We'll see how my next long run goes.
Have you ever run in anatomical socks? What brands of socks are you favorites?
Saturday, January 5, 2013
The ART of the matter
I suppose I should spend some time catching up since I've been so long away from the blog. In 2012, I ran quite a few half marathons, an ultra, an 8k, and some 5ks. Also in that time, my nagging hip problem continued to nag. What's worse, plantar fasciitis reared its ugly head again after many years...only on the right, the same side as my problem hip. I tried new shoes, new form, physical therapy (again), a Strassburg Sock (which actually did help a little) but nothing gave me real and permanent relief.
In October of 2011, I met a guy that did Active Release Technique. I had heard about ART and had already really been thinking I should give it a try. He was local and I was planning to call him...when I had time...and could afford it...and wasn't in the middle of training for something...and...you know. There was always some reason for me NOT to call him. For over a year, I did not call. And for over a year, I suffered, went to physical therapy, foam rolled, iced, NSAIDs, saw my general practitioner, saw an orthopedist, had MRIs and X-rays and scans of all sorts (which didn't reveal much), got new shoes, old shoes, different new shoes, you name it. Of course, being stubborn, I never stopped running and wouldn't agree to any treatment plan that included time-off from running as part of the program.
Finally, after a very uncomfortable half marathon and constant pain while sitting, standing and walking, much less running, I decided it was time to stop making excuses and call the ART guy, Dr. Phil Lozano. I was a little skeptical since my regular doctor, orthopedists and physical therapists had all been unable to help, but I had heard from a couple of people who had issues similar to mine that they had been treated with ART with some success.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with ART, let me sum up. OUCH!! Here is a link to the Active Release Technique site with more details about what it is and how it works, but basically it is like a super deep tissue massage while you are moving a muscle through its range of motion. It often hurts!!
After just one session of ART with Dr. Phil, I had 80% pain improvement. Seriously. I was so surprised to be able to move with so much less pain that I would spend an entire run mentally checking myself. I couldn't believe that after resigning myself to pain for so long, I was barely noticing it any more! After a few more sessions, I was almost completely pain free. WOW!
My hip still gets a little stiff and sore on occasion and the PF still niggles a bit, but compared to where I started, I am beyond thrilled with the relief I've gotten through ART. My mileage is going up and I'm feeling ready to race again. Woohoo! I owe a huge thank you to Dr. Phil, the magic man!
What nagging injuries did you deal with in 2012? How have you been treating them? And if you were lucky enough NOT to suffer injuries in the last year, what are your secret weapons for injury prevention?
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