Sunday, January 03, 2010
Running With Headphones
A direct quote from the Carlsbad Marathon Website states:
"For your safety and the safety of your fellow participants, you are encouraged NOT to use iPods, MP3 players, or similar devices during the race. However, if you choose to use such a device, it is recommended that you keep the volume at a level at which you are aware of your environment and any emergency situations which may arise."
What do you think about running with headphones? I'm sort of on the fence about it. I admit to running with my iPod sometimes, but I'm careful. I don't want to become dependent on my music in order to enjoy a run. It may sound corny, but I like interacting with the environment around me with all of my senses.
I run in the evening, and often I can smell somebody's dinner cooking. The other night I smelled liver and onions! I hadn't smelled that since I was a kid. It brought memories of my childhood and my mom making liver and onions, and I thought about her as I ran past.
I like watching people in the distance. Perhaps they're walking their dog. These days it's usually a small dog on short legs running a frantic pace to keep up with his owner. Last weekend, at Dog Beach, a little blond wild-haired dog came out of nowhere running toward me. Seriously, this dog had hair, not fur. And it was frizzy wild. Not far behind the dog came a petite woman wearing a hat with wild frizzy hair hanging long below it. She was holding the dog's leash, and I marveled at that old cliche about dogs looking like their owners.
I like feeling the night air against my face, and if I'm running with a friend, I enjoy talking to him or her. Even if I'm running alone, I often pass someone, and it's nice to be able to say a cheerful, "Hello!" and hear that other person's response.
All of these things are diminished when I'm wearing my headphones. Listening to music while running puts me far away into my own head. I say hi to the sign twirler because he looks like he said, "Hi," but I can't be sure because I couldn't hear it. And I can't tell what he says in reply. I've also been nearly hit by a car because I was so far in my own world of music. I didn't notice that the guy was going to roll through a stop sign turning right into my path. During marathon races, I've been accidentally stepped on and/or pushed by people wearing headphones. I'm also guilty of bumping into someone else during a race while wearing headphones. I said I was sorry, but I could tell...it would have been better had I left the iPod at home and paid attention to what was going on around me.
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Saturday, January 02, 2010
How Often Should I Replace My Running Shoes?
Running shoes should be replaced between roughly 350-500 miles. To do so any less often can be an invitation for injury.
I've run long enough to have a general "feel" for when my shoes need replaced. Typically, I start to feel a nagging pain somewhere that seems completely unrelated. Like--in my calves or knees or my back. Anxiety sets in, and I will obsess that I have a running injury and I'll never be able to run again. I start to imagine worse case scenarios...like a life without running.
Then I buy shoes. And I'm fine. Normally, this is how I know it's about time to replace them, and if I look at my training log, I'm always in that 350-500 miles range.
When training for a marathon, I reward myself with a new pair of running shoes about a month before the event. It's usually time for new shoes anyway based on the mileage guidelines, and there is simply nothing like a new pair of shoes during that grueling end stage of the training program! It's also important to allow enough time to train at least one long run in the new shoes before a marathon. One important rule of marathon training is to never try/wear anything new on the day of the event. This includes a new vitamin drink, a new breakfast routine, new running clothes, or even brand new shoes. You never know. Wouldn't it be the worst luck to find out that your favorite brand of running shoe had a little something wrong with it at your race event? Or, more likely, you blister at mile ten because you didn't allow enough time to break them in. It's just one of those rules. Try the shoes out on a few runs before your race.
The Carlsbad Marathon is in less than a month. I'm getting my new shoes ready to go!
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Saturday, December 19, 2009
Running Bra Expert
I spoke with Kristi Kidwell, of Phonix, Arizona, yesterday. With over eight years experience working with Champion sports bras, and other companies, including the Running Center, she is absolutely an expert in the field of the Perfect Bra Fit. She has performed about 1,400 bra fittings a year across the country.
Among other things, I learned that the bra I was tangled up in at Sports Authority is actually a very good bra. I just happened to get the one with a faulty zipper...and I was trying to fit into one that was too small (I also received an education on that!). However, the bra, a Champion zipper front is very good for the woman with limited mobility, or who may not be able to lift her arms over her head due to a mastectomy, arthritis, etc.
On bra fit: Purchasing a running bra is very much like buying a running shoe. First, we begin with size.
A/B Cups
These are the lucky women because they can wear all the pretty bras in a rainbow of colors. This is a compression bra, which means pulling the breast back to the chest. I call it "smashing the girls." These bras come in sizes XS, S, M, L. This is where I've made my mistake in trying to gain support by doubling up on bras, sometimes even tripling!
A/B/C Cups
These are also compression bras, but they may also have molded cups or back closures. The sizes here are S, M, L, XL with a chart for cup and band sizes.
C/D/DD Cups
Bras that use compression, molded cups or an underwire. They will have straps and/or back closures. They come in specific band and cup sizes.
D/F and Beyonds
These bras may use laminated fabrics, corset construction, underwires, thicker back panels and front panels. They also come in specific cup/band sizes. The Enell bra is one example that comes to mind.
I think the difficulty in finding the right bra size is that sometimes
we ladies go into a store and we have our regular street bra size in
mind. Kristi informed me that ideally, we should be fitted for our
running bras just like we do for shoes. Definitely, we should all be
trying on our sports bras because of manufacturer size discrepancies.
A Nike bra may be different sized from a Champion bra. For instance,
if you normally wear a 34D in a Champion, you may be more comfortable
in a 36C in another brand, or a 32DD in yet another.
Once we have the correct size, we look for a perfect fit. (Just like we do when we buy shoes).
Here are some rules:
Cups should not wrinkle, gap or buckle.
Excess skin should not spill out into the arm area or create excess cleavage.
Straps should be snug, but not cinched down so tight that you feel restricted.
The
band or back closure should be snug but not digging into your back so
that rolls of skin overflow. You've heard of "muffin top?" I don't
know what you'd call this look, but I think I've been guilty of it.
Women
who have half their boobs under the armpit should look for a bra cup
that captures this tissue, which often leads to a bigger bra size. It
may be a bigger size than you think you need. (This reminds me of
jeans shopping. I'm always a bigger size than I think I should be!)
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Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Running Bras
I had a traumatic experience this weekend in the dressing room of a local Sports Authority. I went to the beach to do my long run, and I remembered to bring EVERYTHING but a running bra. No problem, I thought. I'll go shopping! Who can ever have enough running bras?
Inside the store, I tried on three different kinds. I figured that since I was already there, I may as well check out all that the store had to offer in chest support. I would have tried on more than that if I hadn't gotten stuck in one of the bras. No kidding.
This particular bra had a zipper front. I didn't think anything of it as I pushed and shoved my body parts into it. The problem didn't occur until I wanted out. The zipper came off track and I could not get it to unzip. I could not get out!! I began sweating as if I had already run that scheduled ten-miler. The dressing room was also dark and I started having a panic attack thinking that I could be there for a long while. How long until someone missed me? Would I need paramedics to release me? And how would that look?
I used my cell phone to call my fiance and tell him I couldn't get out of my bra (I really don't know what I expected him to do about it). I guess I wanted him to know where I was and why I was taking so long. He asked me if I wanted him to come and get me out of the bra.
"No!" I said. I stood in the dressing room facing the mirror, my hair standing on end, one breast hanging below the bra line, the other one stuck up somewhere inside. My hand holding the phone to my ear. The whole painful thing had me laughing and crying. I would rather have paramedics come and cut me out of the thing. Strangers. I didn't want the love of my life to see me so...indisposed...in such a compromised position. He'd never be able to look at me without laughing again!
Honestly, neither idea sounded appealing to me. I mustered all of my strength and hulked out, hearing a very distinct ripping sound. But I was free! Yes!
Hanging the bra upon its hanger, I noticed the forlorn thing looked as if it had been in a terrible battle, although I couldn't find a rip of any kind in it. It hung lopsided and sad, the zipper still skewed. I didn't look much better. My hair was in a tangle and my face red and scratched from forcing the zipper over my head.
Who needs that, Ladies? I am now on a mission for finding the right running bra. Running Center, here I come. Get your selection of bras ready!! No zippers, please.
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Thursday, December 03, 2009
Running Injury Advice
So it's happened. I've been down for a couple of weeks because of an overuse injury. I've been struck by runner's knee. I guess I realized it was serious when I couldn't walk downstairs without grimacing and holding onto the banister.
Up until that point I had felt the achy knees and decided to run anyway in order to reach the mileage goals according to my schedule. Plus, my knees seemed to warm up after the first half mile or so, and there wouldn't be any pain unless the foot strike landed in just a certain way. Then I began avoiding any kind of hill, even the one at the parking lot of my favorite restaurant. I found myself wondering, "Can I be dropped off at the door? My knees won't like this slight slope downward." That was when I realized the craziness of running through an injury that only appeared to be worsening.
What does a runner do when he/she is off due to an injury? These alternatives have worked for me in the past. I hope they will be helpful for you, too. I was able to complete a full marathon--in San Francisco, no less, by using these techniques even through all of the time off.
SPIN CLASS: This is a great cardio workout. Many of my friends run less and incorporate spin classes just for variety, and to save their own knees.
SWIM: According to all of the experts, this is the way to go, especially if using the "jogging through water" technique. Personally, I felt funny jogging across the length of the pool, and I didn't even get winded. This made me wonder how it was beneficial. But every running book will tell you the jog through water workout is the closest to running without hard impact.
Bicycling and elliptical machines are the next choices to come anywhere close to the aerobic equivalent of running. Many of my running friends are trying something new in town called CrossFit as well. This is supposed to complement running by strengthening the body through various stations with weight bearing activities. Everyone I've spoken to loves it.
Other than that, we should all know to ICE, REST, and use IBUPOFRIN.
I recently began running again. So far, the above activities have kept me in shape enough to complete a couple of shorter runs, 3-5 miles. This weekend will be the test when I try a ten miler. There aren't too many weeks left to train!
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Running Injuries
I think I have a running injury. I say, "I think" because I am not certain about it. Plus, I'm good at practicing denial and avoidance. I don't want to believe I have a running injury.
I was dressed, ready and psyched for my scheduled 7-mile run today. I walked about one minute for a warm-up and then, began to run. Except it wasn't really running. I would call it an Igor-sort-of-sideways lope. That's because I was compensating for the intense pain I experienced in my right knee just then. Yow!!
I stopped and walked again thinking that I just needed to warm up some more, but that didn't help either. There seems to be some kind of sharp pain just behind my kneecap at the moment of foot strike. I've never had this happen to me before. I could have cried if I hadn't been in shock.
On my way home, I stopped by my local Running Center. I knew the runners there would understand and they'd be able to give me some sound advice. My friends at the Running Center didn't let me down. Taimi commiserated with me and Tony came out and asked about where it hurt and how it happened. He gave me a flier all about "Runner's Knee." I haven't read it entirely yet. I stopped reading when the prognosis didn't look so good (keeping up with my denial tendencies).
The thing is, by the time I walked into the store my knee wasn't hurting anymore. I was hurting more on the inside, perplexed and disappointed, the words, "What happened?" bouncing around in my head. It was nice to know I had a place to go where the people understood how I felt and cared enough to talk me through some possibilities. Most runners have experienced similar disappointing injuries in the past and these people really helped me through this one. It's nice to know we have a place supporting our local runners like that.
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
2010 Asics Shoes
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Hi, guys. It's that time of year again - early releases
on many of our favorite Asics shoes are here! While it's very exciting for most
of us, some of you get worried that the version that you loved all year is
about to go away forever and you have to get used to something new. Luckily,
Asics is very good about sticking with what works. They do, however, put a lot
into their R&D and will make updates based on new technologies and customer
input. Here's what you can look forward to with the new models...
Asics Gel Kayano 16: the addition of new technology in the Guidance Line which
allows for enhanced gait efficiency, a reduction in the overlays for less
chance of irritation, and the women's Kayano 16 has an increased heel height
(3mm) to alleviate strain on the Achilles tendon and the addition of Softop
Duomax (provides a softer landing)
Asics Gel DS Trainer 15: same tooling as the DS Trainer 14 (yea!), but with a
1/2 oz reduction in weight, and a sleeker look...fast!
Asics GT 2150: Asics knows to keep the changes to this bestseller very minimal
so the biggest news on this one is the heel collar has been dropped slightly to
help with ankle irritation and a 1/2 oz weight reduction = better performance.
That's all for now. All of these are available in stores and online at www.runningcenters.com.
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Monday, November 09, 2009
Best Running Shoes
 The most critical purchase you will make in running is: SHOES. (Running bras are also critical, but I will save that for another blog). I cannot stress enough how important it is to see a running shoe specialist when you are about to begin a training program of any kind. It may be that you just want to start walking or lose weight. It may be that you have been running for years and you simply want to try out the latest features in running shoes. At either spectrum, it is most beneficial for you to go to your local running shoe store.
I've been running for six years, and I'll be forever grateful to the advice I received early on about going to a specialty running store. I drove two hours one way to find it, and while fighting traffic, I grumbled under my breath, "This had better be worth it," and "This had better not cost me an arm and a leg."
Later, I would be entirely pleasantly surprised because the drive down there was priceless for what I gained in expertise and service. Plus, the shoes themselves were not that expensive. Another bonus, the store owner, upon hearing about how far I'd driven felt compelled to give me a discount.
I was self-conscious as soon as I entered the door. A running specialty store is not a big box warehouse. It is not like shopping at Kohl's. There is no anonymity here. Be prepared for individualized attention!
At once two guys came over to help me. I was their only customer. I don't know why I suddenly felt so embarrassed (did I mention they were cute?). Maybe because I'm not used to so much fuss being made about my...feet?
But there we were analyzing the shape and size of my feet. Narrow? "Yes, but look at her ankles..."
I answered various questions. "How far are you running?" "Are you training for an event?" "Do you run on trails or concrete?"
They had me try on a "neutral" shoe, and then, they made me go outside to run down the sidewalk and back while they watched and discussed my running gait and pronation. I thought it was hilarious. I actually got the giggles. Surely picking out shoes can't be that technical!
I was wrong. It is because of these two knowledgeable guys that I was fitted with the perfect shoe. I tried on dozens that seemed to be made just for feet like mine: Narrow, flat-arched, Morten-toed feet. Even so, my heel slipped in such a way that my savvy guys didn't like. One of them left us and reappeared with THE shoe. It was an extra-narrow Brooks running shoe. It is the best running shoe in the world...for me. We all knew as soon as I put them on and exclaimed, "Wow! This is it. This is my shoe."
I have been able to run hundreds of miles injury-free because of my long drive to that running specialty shop. I really ought to send them a present, a thank-you card at the least because they set me up to run long term.
I always know it's time for new shoes when my knees feel creaky or my calves start giving me trouble, or my arches ache after a long run. Luckily, I don't have to drive so far! We have a running specialty store right here in town these days. I think it's time for some new shoes.
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Thursday, November 05, 2009
Listening to Your Body
No runner ever wants to abort a long run. (Actually, we hate to stop short for any run, right?) Last weekend, that's exactly what I had to do. I had to quit half way through. I still can't put my finger on why that happened. It could be that I simply needed the break.
The next morning would normally have been a cross-train day or a recovery run day. I was still apprehensive about why I couldn't finish my run the day before, so I went for a long walk with the dog instead. A great yellow moon lifted my spirits as I watched it rise. A relaxing brisk walk must have been exactly what I needed because I couldn't wait to get out the next day and really go for a run.
My Tuesday 4-miler was brisk and I took the hills with gusto, ones that normally would have had me huffing and puffing. I wondered if I would retain that feeling for the Wednesday 7-miler, and the answer?? Yes! And so it seems, I'm back with even more energy than I had last week. Yippee!
This goes to show how important it is to LISTEN to your body while marathon training. The schedule is a guide and sometimes, I get stuck thinking I have to follow it exactly. Not true. I have found without fail that if I listen to my body when I need a break, the comeback is twice as fulfilling.
Gotta go! I'm getting my shoes on for the Thursday 4-miler!
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Monday, November 02, 2009
The "Bad Run Day"
Saturday's long run called for a backdown in mileage so the run should have been a piece of cake. I was wearing my favorite running gear (the shorts that guarantee "no chafing"). I felt good, energized. It was a cool, breezy day, birds chirping in trees and such. I anticipated a great run. And then, for no reason at all, I had a "bad run" day.
Ask any runner. We understand that sometimes this happens. Scheduled for a backdown run of nine miles, this should have been so easy. I started out happy as can be, and for the first mile, I think I was even smiling. Then, the run turned into a slow, agonized lope. This happened gradually. First, I had to stop and walk for a minute after three miles. THREE miles! I thought: Well, now that you've walked for a minute, you won't need to do that again. Wrong! At mile four, I took another minute break. At mile four and a half, I walked again. At that point, I altered the route knowing that for whatever reason, there was no way I was going to make it the full nine miles. I rounded the corner to my house at 5.25 miles. Disappointed.
While I showered, I analyzed why this happened. Not enough fuel? The dry wind? Just plain burned out? Who knows. Perhaps there is no real reason except that I had a "bad run day." It happens. It has happened before and I'm sure it will happen again some day. The good thing is, at least I got out there and did what I could.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
FREE Running Clubs
THE schedule calls for three mid-week runs. So far, the Tuesday and Thursday runs have been short three-milers. The middle day, Wednesday, is longer at six miles.
You would think the weekend long runs would be toughest for scheduling, but I have to say that it's the mid-week runs that I find most challenging to fit into my daily routine of life. The 3-mile runs aren't usually a problem. It's that 6-miler.
This is when having a running club or group is most beneficial. You're all in the same boat and you always have someone to run with. An hour long run would zip by like nothing if I had simply posted when and how far I needed to go.
There are a couple of organized groups in our area that I can wholeheartedly recommend because 1) They're free. 2) They each have knowledgeable experienced marathoners who have generously helped train others to achieve their goal, and 3) They each have wonderful and friendly runners of ALL levels running at ALL hours. 4) They're crazy fun.
Temecularunners@yahoogroups.com is run by (someone correct me if I'm wrong!) Brian Harned and/or Cecilia Ticsay. They have mid-week runs as well as the usual weekend long run and they typically begin at the Baron's shopping center on Rancho California Road in Temecula. Once signed up with the yahoo group, you'll get email postings all day long from people who are looking for a partner for maybe a Friday long run or some speedwork. Lately, there seems to be a lot of buzz going on about nutrition and crossfit training at a local gym. It's supposed to create amazing results for long-distance runners. They just finished the St. George Marathon and I think many are training for Las Vegas and L.A., San Diego Rock 'n Roll, and The Carlsbad Half.
The Murrieta Running Group can be found at: meetup.com. Go to meetup.com and sign up. Then look for The Murrieta Running Group. This group has midweek 4:30 a.m. runs, 5:00 a.m. runs, speedwork, interval training and tempos. There are also scheduled midweek trail runs, most in the late afternoons. There are even night runs. There seems to be something organized any day of the week at any hour. You just look at the meetup schedule, and you can see exactly how many showed up and comments on how the run went.
I find the meetup board easier to navigate, but other than that, both groups are great and you couldn't find a nicer, more encouraging bunch of people.
I recommend signing up for both. Why not? It's FREE. Then you can shop around for what works for you. Sometimes I can't run on a Saturday morning and I need a Sunday. I sign up with whoever is running Sunday that week. OR I love that there is a group actually running the Carlsbad Marathon route for one weekend long run. I made sure to sign up for that!
All I know is there's nothing like having a group to keep me motivated. I hope this helps anyone out there looking for a local inexpensive running club.
Happy running!
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Monday, October 19, 2009
2nd Long Run-Going Coastal!
October 17th, mid-October, Fall, for crying out loud!! Only in Southern California can one expect to see temperatures hovering around 100 by mid-morning. Yikes! My boyfriend, Michael and I left for the beach. As we drove, the weather clearly wasn't getting any better. For every minute spent on the road, another degree inched upward on the thermostat. I was chewing my nails by the time we reached Huntington Beach at noon on Saturday. Still HOT! Jeeeeezz...
Then, by some miracle, as soon as we pulled into the parking lot, a fog rolled in. Or perhaps it was already there. I don't know how these things go at the beach, but it was wonderful. Fog is mysterious. At first, I wondered aloud, "Is that fog?" because the wisps were so subtle. By the time I answered myself, "Yea! Fog!" the whole area was socked in thick whirling mist. My spirits lifted immediately, and we ran all eleven miles on flat land which is another miracle when you're from Temecula. Mmmmm...it was a beautiful run complete with interesting people, some roller blading, biking, running, walking, some pushing babies, and some chasing babies. There were dogs everywhere. A three-wheeled motorcycle exhibition, volleyball competitions, and Hurley was there sponsoring a surfing competition, although, I don't know how they saw the surfers for all of the fog. I couldn't even see the ocean much less the surfers! And beautiful bodies, my God! Not an extra ounce of flesh to be found. Watching those volleyball players and surfers getting ready to go out to compete inspired me to run a little harder. I think the smell of bonfires and roasting hot dogs on that overcast, cloudy day was my favorite. It made me hungry!
This long run felt like a party even though it was hard work. I finished with a limp and a layer of salt coated on my skin. The nice thing is that with all of the distractions, I hardly noticed my discomfort until about mile nine when I kept asking, "Are we nearly there?"
Michael patiently checked the Garmin again, "Almost," he assured me.
"Almost, my eye," I responded. Yes, by mile ten I was a little grumpy and more than ready to stop, but with his encouragement, I kept going and made it to exactly mile eleven. (I wonder what it feels like to be so gifted that he can run forever seemingly without much effort).
I highly recommend trying out new places for long runs. It helps to be distracted by new scenery, and if it's hot again next week, I'm definitely going coastal!
The other thing about this miracle run...as soon as we left...like 300 feet out of the parking lot, the clouds dissipated, and the day was again, hot and sunny.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Running Five Minutes Straight
A friend of mine recently had a goal to run five-minutes straight. I'm proud of her. I think it's an admirable goal because running five minutes straight is exactly where I started out five years ago.
I remember the day clearly. I was at the gym walking my regular routine of two miles on a treadmill. I always thought that routine was good enough to stay fit. Anyway, that's what Oprah had said during one of her quests to achieve weight loss, and who questions Oprah? Then two women came by and jumped on the treadmills beside mine. They began running and talking, discussing kids and the daily grind. I about choked. They made it appear effortless. Silently, I admired them and wished I could run for five minutes straight. I wouldn't try it that night, but eventually I would reach my goal--and then create new ones.
My friend says she has been trying to run, but was afraid to look foolish. She said, "When you run, are you running RUNNING?" She motioned with exaggerated arms and legs to indicate what she thought "real" runners looked like. "Because I'm not doing that," she said. Then she slowed her motions to a near crawl. "I'm more like this."
"No," I said, nodding in agreement to her slowed pace. "Sometimes, I'm barely loping along." I burst out laughing, adding, "Sometimes, somebody WALKING passes me!"
Then I had to explain how someone walking passed me when I was running. It's a memory I'll never forget. Never mind that he was about twenty years older than I am on top of the fact that he was WALKING.
In August, I ran the America's Finest City Half Marathon with my daughter who was going away to college. It was her first half-marathon and she hadn't really trained for it, so we decided to take our time and just get through it. About halfway through, in the distance, we could see (much to our horror!) that there was an old man ahead of us...and he was WALKING! I think every marathoner has had this thought at some point in their running careers. It's that coming up on someone who...for lack of a better way to say it...shouldn't be ahead of you! That's how we felt!! How can someone walking have been ahead of us all this time? We spent the rest of the race passing him. Then he'd pass us. Again, we'd pass him, and so on.
I admitted this revelation to my new running friend as I expressed how every runner has to start somewhere, and even conditioned runners have those days where they feel like running five minutes straight would be a good day. Maybe they have an injury or a blister. I told her that fear of what she looks like shouldn't keep her indoors.
I recently received a reminder to purchase my half marathon photos. "Your photos are waiting for you!" the email subject line exclaimed. I went to view them and nearly fell off my chair laughing. There, at the final stretch of the race is the white-haired gentleman walking briskly...ahead of me and my daughter.
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Monday, October 12, 2009
Runners and Freeways
Note to Self: When it comes to freeway entrances or exits, never assume that just because you're legally crossing in a crosswalk with a green hand signal beeping for you to cross that you are safe to do so. Even if you've made eye contact with the driver of the oncoming vehicle, don't automatically assume that you're safe to cross. You should still use the utmost caution. It also wouldn't hurt to avoid freeway entrances and exits when possible.
Extra Note to Self: Be careful while driving!! People do the darndest things...like try to cross freeway entrances and exits.
As a runner, I feel pretty fortunate to have had only two near-miss collisions with cars, and zero actual collisions. Both near-misses were while trying to cross a freeway exit, which is by nature dangerous because drivers are already accustomed to going at high rates of speed and they come off the freeway flying, not expecting to see a person running across their path. In fact, I can bet some of these people are thinking, "What an idiot! Hundreds of miles of sidewalk in this city, and this gal chooses to run across a freeway?" I have seen drivers taken aback to see me, like, "Where did she come from?" Well, yes, sometimes this runner has to cross a freeway entry/exit to get to the other side. And it's not just me. Most of the kids from the local high school also have to cross at this exact freeway entrance/exit location. I don't know how they have managed so far without incident. Kids are unpredictable and drivers must contend with skateboards, bikes, walkers, runners, headphone wearers, stragglers, etc. It's a miracle that no one has gotten hurt. I hope we continue with that record, too. (As for me, I avoid this entire area at school start and dismissal time!)
For now, I will continue to wait for the light to turn green, signal to beep, while watching carefully, and trying to make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see me, hoping all the while that they actually DO!
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Thursday, October 08, 2009
1st Long Run--9 Miler!
My first long run of the marathon schedule, 9-miles, and I thought it went fabulous. Really. It was fabulous in spite of the fact that I was actually afraid to begin it. I washed dishes, threw a load of laundry in the wash, paid bills, anything to hold off on the "start." Why? Oh, I have these creeping insecurities and worry: Will I be able to do it? Will I finish? Am I prepared enough? What if I tank half-way and there is no one around to come and get me? (By the way, I've never heard of this actually happening to anyone I know, not even myself.) However, you never know! What IF I couldn't finish?
So I began it. First came the steep long hill (1.5 miles) up California Oaks Road. Hills are not recommended for long runs, but anyone in this area knows that we cannot do a long run anywhere without a monster hill being involved. The day was windy. At first, this wind felt like a soft breeze, cooling and comfortable. Upon turning the corner at Clinton Keith, the breeze turned into a hot, shadeless wind. My lips chapped in about three minutes.
When I turned the next corner, 3 miles down the road, the hot shadeless wind turned into "gale force." My hat kept lifting off my head. I was by now running on a dirt road, and even though I was wearing sunglasses, the dusty wind flowed up and around, and into my eyes causing tears to stream down my face. There was no turning back though. I was exactly half way. The thought of running another 4.5 miles in gale force Santa Ana winds got me to panicking just a little. But I thought: I'm at the top of a hill. Pretty soon, I will be back down in the valley, and maybe it won't be so windy. That's what I hoped anyway.
And that's what happened. As soon as I got to Los Alamos Park, the wind turned back into a warm breeze. I did a couple of loops in the park, and headed back into town, and back toward home. Two miles more to go. Often, it is the last couple of miles that are the hardest. This is when I tell myself it is okay to take a break and walk a bit, when my legs are feeling like cement blocks. Not today. I was able to run the whole way.
And that's why I say it was a fabulous, wonderful long run. Because I was afraid to start it, and I conquered it anyway. I ran a long run in less than desirable conditions, and finished strong anyway. And the best part? I didn't even chafe!! (Thigh chafing is my "fat index indicator". If I chafe, then I know I need to lose weight.)
Definition of a fabulous long run: Finishing...without chafing.
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Friday, October 02, 2009
Week 1: On My Way!!
There is a statistic at www.marathonexpert.com stating that, "98% of people who start a marathon training schedule never get past week two." And I wondered, is this me? Could I be one of the 98% who don't get past week two? I would certainly hope not, but I know that sometimes getting started is the hardest part in anything we do. My first week of marathon training was no exception. I can certainly understand why so many people do drop out.
Sunday, September 27th: My first long run of the schedule is 8 miles. I'm in New York City and without computer access so my readers will have to get this after I get back to California. The first long run called for 8 miles, but for some reason, I read 6. Go figure! Maybe my brain couldn't comprehend running an actual 8 miles while on vacation. At any rate, I run the long loop around Central Park in Manhattan with my daughter and boyfriend. It was a fabulous day in gorgeous weather with about a thousand other runners. I couldn't have asked for a better experience even though we didn't go the whole 8 miles. We only ran 6. In the end, it doesn't matter because with the walk to and from the hotel, my total ends up being 8 miles.
Tuesday, September 29th: The schedule calls for 3 miles. I'm so lazy today, I think I'd rather stab myself in the leg with a fork than go for a run. However, this is when having a running buddy helps for motivation. I call out to my dog, and she's so happy to see the leash, she practically has a seizure. How can I be grumpy with such an enthusiastic running partner? The 3 miles go by relatively quickly thanks to her.
Wednesday, September 30th: I'm a little apprehensive. The schedule calls for 5 miles. After the way I felt last night, I'm afraid I'm in over my head...Oh my God! I'm signed up to run a marathon! Can I do it? All of my insecurities flood me. Plus, I've procrastinated all morning so now it's too hot to run outside. I'll have to go to the gym and I hate to run on the treadmill. But I make myself go--finally--and I have a spectacular 5-mile-run on the treadmill. I'm talking spectacular! I run the five miles in 51 minutes and 50 seconds, 51:50. Could this be a sign? I think a 5150 is police code for "crazy" but at this point, I already know that I'm crazy so this isn't news to me.
Thursday, October 2nd: Another 3 miles in the schedule. I wake up expecting myself to procrastinate again, but for some reason, I'm in the mood to run. I can't wait to get out of the house. It's a beautiful morning. I dress quickly, put my running shoes on, and I'm out the door.
Week 1 is over! I'm on my way! That statistic has nothing on me.
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
Marathon Training while on Vacation
Training while on vacation in New York is not easy. And my "Official Hal Higdon Training Program" is supposed to begin this weekend. Still, I think I'm doing okay. In spite of some "bad" days (think bread and wine), I've done pretty well sticking to my pre-training program. Oh, I've faltered here and there, and it would be easy to feel sabotaged before I've actually begun, but I can't buy into that. Not really. I know I'm in control and if I've made a few poor choices, it's because I made the choice. Nobody forced me to drink a half a carafe of red wine with my Italian food...or to cancel a workout because I wanted to sightsee. And if you really want to know the truth, it was all worth it. My goal is to be the best that I can be, and the best me likes her pizza and wine.
After a strong start to my new diet and running program a week ago, I missed three training days in a row: Friday (packing day), Saturday (travel day), and Sunday (sightsee day). This is when I could have felt disheartened, but I don't. It's just too beautiful here to get my spirits down about some diet, and all of the ways I am falling short of where I want to be. Phooey! I'm having a good time, and I have also since resumed running.
The Monday and Tuesday runs, and Wednesday walk were at a place called Jones Beach. No doubt about it, New Yorkers have great state parks, and this Long Island Beach is no exception. The boardwalk was designed to appear as if you're walking on a ship for miles either way. Upon entry, as if boarding an actual ship, fragrant flowers of every kind lined the walkway. Mile markers allow walker/runners to know how far they've gone. Strangely, the sandy beaches were deserted. (I've never seen our SoCal beaches deserted.) No people were walking in the sand. No surfers. The starkly calm waters and grassy dunes were made all the more lovely for it.
Beach season on the East Coast must be pretty short. I felt alone even though the boardwalk was teeming with people, busy day and night. I still felt alone with the white noise of the wind and sea, and my own thoughts about...nothing in particular. As night fell, I thought about the sliver of moon shining golden through the clouds, and how lights from distant ships appeared as isolated passing cities. I had to watch out so that I wouldn't step on any frogs which littered the ground. The task made especially difficult because I was also watching the flight patterns of planes on approach to land at JFK, the lights lining up the sky like so many stars waiting for a turn. I listened to a man singing to his little girl in her stroller, and she tried to sing along with him in "babyscreech." For all of these things, I felt grateful to be a part. And then I went out for a slice of NY cheese pizza.
Lovely water at Jones Beach
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Friday, September 18, 2009
Goals...Seriously, now.
So, I've been running pretty regularly for about a week now. A goal to run a marathon cannot be taken lightly. It is a tremendous strain on the body, and if I'm serious I can't blow off workouts. I don't want to get hurt. When I say that my goal is "to finish," I mean I want to finish with some dignity. I don't want to fall apart with injuries, crawling through the finish line. Ideally, I'd feel good enough to want to go out dancing afterward like my friend, Doreen did one year after the San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon. We had trained in a group called The San Diego Running Club. It was an awesome, wonderful, motivating experience. I don't know what happened to the club after that. I should look them up. The point is Doreen had never run a marathon before in her life, but she ran the 26.2 miles at the RnR, and then went to a party in L.A. and danced all night...in heels!! I really don't know how she did this.
I've never finished running a marathon with that much spunk. I'd be happy to be able to walk out to the car without limping or moaning. Even better, I'd like to wake up in the morning and be able to get out of bed. This is why I'm taking my schedule seriously.
Technically, Hal Higdon says I don't have to begin until September 26th in order to get in all of the running I need by the Carlsbad Marathon. However, it is widely understood that one should be in basic good fitness shape. The better fitness a person has, the better the outcome. So I've been running the last couple of weeks (actually since I found out about the "freshman fifteen.") to build a better running base.
I've also put the word out to most of my old running buddies to see if I can run with them. There is nothing like a running community to help a person stay focused on a goal. That is exactly what need right now. The thing is...I'm going out of town for a while. My next few posts will be coming from The Big Apple. (Why does everything revolve around food when you're on a diet?) This next week is going to be the real test. Will I be able to follow through while I'm away from home?? How do other people stay on track while traveling? Eating NY pizza and cheesecake? Bagels and pastrami sandwiches? Nightclubs and shows with alcoholic drinks? Aaagghh!
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Friday, September 11, 2009
Goals
![3038_1135668424974_1025222564_30410741_5445792_n[1].jpg](/uploads/3038_1135668424974_1025222564_30410741_5445792_n%5B1%5D.jpg) ![]()
Me and my daughter, Amber in May 2009
(Take note of the "Freshman Fifteen")
There are roughly nineteen weeks until the Carlsbad Marathon. Most training programs are between 18-20 weeks. And let me tell you--there are tons of schedules! At Barnes and Noble, I sat on the floor with books piled high and strewn all around. Hal Higdon, Jeff Galloway, books for runners over forty-five, books for Chi Running, and one by the Fuhrmann Institute: Run Less, Run Faster. There are books specifically for women and a book called, "The Runner's Body." By the way, I didn't even look at that one. I already know I don't have a "runner's body." Not with my "Freshman Fifteen." The week slipped by as I researched for the best training programs.
Then I called Erika. Everyone should have an Erika in her life. She listened to me for quite a while before asking, "Nattie, what's your goal? Is your goal to set a PR? Or is it just to finish?"
Amazing words: "What's your goal?"
Well, I've never been very hardcore. This will be my fourth marathon and who-knows-what half marathon, and I've never learned the exact definitions or reasons for terms like fartlek or tempo or speedwork. Hills? Not intentionally. Ever.
I approach my races as social events. A race is like a big party for me, except instead of an hor'd'erve table, we stand around Port-o-potties shivering and asking for toilet paper. During the race, I talk to my friends, stop and walk through water stations, stop to tie my shoes, stop for a piece of candy...you get the picture. I usually sign up for these races as a way to sightsee a new city. (Please note: San Francisco is not the easiest place to run through). Plus, truth be told, I like the handouts at the finish line. I really do. The big metal cape, the banana and the energy bar, and the coupons for $1.00 off the next time I buy yogurt. I don't know why, but these things are incentive, and I do like a goody bag.
So, if you're following me, this means that my goal for The Carlsbad Marathon is going to be: To finish. And if I can set a Personal Best Record, that would be an absolute bonus, like getting something extra in my gift bag.
That said, it looks like I'm going with Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Novice Program. I don't know what all of you are doing. I'd like to know because I'm always willing to try something new.
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Sunday, September 06, 2009
Freshman Fifteen
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Ever hear of the term, “Freshman Fifteen?” It’s a common phrase referring to weight gained by incoming college freshmen who don’t know how to control themselves at the all-you-can-eat-dormitory cafeterias. Well, I’m wondering if there is a phrase for weight gained by the parents who are left behind. Something like that “sympathy pregnancy” weight gain fathers often experience when his wife is pregnant. I may need to start a support group. Let me know if you want to join. My college freshman daughter did not gain the “Freshman Fifteen.”
I did.
Last year at this time, I sent my first born child across the country into the unknown, cruel world for her first year of college. That sounds melodramatic, I know, but at the time, that’s exactly how it felt…like I was literally throwing her to the wolves. Who was going to make sure she was drinking enough water? Eating right? Make sure she was safe? I was a wreck and trying not to show it for her sake. I wanted her to have complete confidence that everything was going to be wonderful.
Fast forward to May 2009, and everything about her freshman year of college in Connecticut was wonderful. “Freshman Fifteen?” No. She might have gained three pounds over the course of those months. However, the beauty of being eighteen-years-old is that she lost that weight in less than three days. Me?? I gained the full fifteen pounds. And I haven’t lost it.
Summer is over now, and my darling child is going back to school—today. Her flight leaves in five hours from now. She has vowed to bring up her grades and to budget her study time better. I have vowed to lose my “Freshman Fifteen.”
You are welcome to join me in this blog as I journey toward regaining my prior fitness level. I am a marathoner! How could I have let these bad emotional eating habits creep up on me? In the next weeks, I will be making goals and discussing them here on this public forum. You are also welcome to make suggestions. There is room for improvement in anyone—freshman fifteen or not.
On this blog, I will talk about making goals and keeping them. My first goal is to run the Carlsbad Marathon on January 24th, 2010. Want to run it with me? Let’s do it! We can talk about running the Full or the Half. Personally, I prefer running half marathons. I will write about choosing a marathon schedule. Best running shoes. How to pick ‘em.
How to stay motivated. Injuries. How to prevent them and how to treat them if we do get injured. Local running communities. Where to find somebody to run with.
Let’s do this!
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Welcome!
 Welcome to The Running Center’s Blog. My name is Natalie and I invite you to follow as I chronicle my journey towards better health and fitness…cringe…by running a marathon. This will not be my first marathon. I cringe because I’m reminded of that day so many years ago when I first learned that I was pregnant with my second child. At first, came the feeling of exhilaration and awe. Such an ambitious goal! I was growing a child in my body!
Then came the cold fear, the knowledge that there was no way out. I would be giving birth to a baby in a few short months…quite publicly (a room full of strangers count as public). I suddenly remembered a lesson learned from having my first child. My God. This was going to hurt! That’s sort of how I feel now. Except I also know that like having a baby, running a marathon is a lifelong achievement. I will forever be a marathoner just like I will always be a parent. I also know that every child and every marathon is an individual experience. No two are exactly alike. This is going to take planning and preparation for the best outcome.
I invite you to follow along, if for no other reason, than to have a good laugh with me. Experiences like giving birth or running a marathon tend to be humbling to the soul. You have to be able to laugh at yourself sometimes. Feel free to offer helpful advice and comments. They will be much appreciated.
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