It's t minus 8 days until my next race, the big Silver Comet Half Marathon. It will be the second time I run this particular race and I love it because the course is beautiful and flat. It's also one of the only races that encourages Halloween costumes, so every minute is entertaining - you never know what you'll see along the way!
Because I've done this race before I decided to try a different training schedule. It hasn't worked out very well - I lost my motivation because I started training too far in advance and I realized something I knew all along - I really don't like running that much. This particular routine had me running 5 times a week and for someone like me who likes to change it up a little it was torture. In the last three weeks of training I switched back to my traditional training routine, which provided some mental respite, but it felt like I was giving up on something - getting faster.
I let that go (kind of) in favor of completing the training and the half in one piece without injury. However, in the past couple of weeks I have been comparing my performance on training runs to how well I had been doing last year. I've been slower, in more discomfort and generally less confident this time around. As recently as yesterday I was already talking myself down, justifying a poor performance in next week's race because I haven't been eating as well, training as well, been as mentally into the race, or feeling as good about my current training plan. I was lowering my expectations (which is usually my answer to being satisfied).
Today I went into my last long run before the race (10 miles) knowing it would be hell. I just wanted to get through it. But, something crazy happened - it felt good! It was the best long run I have had in the last 12 weeks - the only one that felt strong - and the timing couldn't have been better. As I powered through mile 9, I reminded myself that this is what I'd trained for. It didn't matter how weeks 3, 4 or 5 in the plan felt, I'd be READY in week 12. I spent the last mile in shock that I felt so ready for the race after just having told myself 18 hours earlier how crappy it was going to be.
I know I'm not going to break the land speed record next week. I probably won't run a PR, but whatever happens, I'll be ready, because it's what I've been preparing for. It only took me 11 weeks to actually believe the training would work....go figure.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
It's Okay to Stop Running
Looking back at my post history, it's almost been two months since my last post - yikes! I could explain this hiatus in a few different ways related to running, like training schedules (I'm training for a half on the 29th), travel running (I took a trip to Vegas last month) or motivation (I took a week off from training last week).
However, since this is a blog dedicated the whole runner, not just the run, I am going to talk a bit about the big picture of running and why sometimes it's okay not to run. For me, running (and exercise in general) is a part of life. It gives me some stress relief, keeps me energized and helps me stay fit. However, it's just a part of what I do everyday. Sometimes when life gets busy, running helps me refocus and relax. At other times, running is just part of the chaos - another thing to do between the hour I wake up and the hour I go to bed.
While I was taking some time off to "hit the reset button" on my running mindset, I had a series of conversations that reminded me that sometimes life just gets in the way of our plans. My absence from the blogosphere can be attributed to some happenings in my life - some travel and some challenges. But taking time away from the blog helped me realize that it's not all about "the run" it's about enjoying the view.
My parents (my whole family, really) are facing some health challenges. As they've developed, I was really concerned that through the process my dad continue to run. I wanted to make sure he was still making time to do what he loves. As time went on and he'd has less time to run and compete, I got nervous that he was giving up on something that had been a part of his life for so long and I didn't know what do to. But, I learned in a conversation with a friend that I needed to shift my perspective to look at the whole picture. When my dad looks back on this time, he's not going to look at it as all of the running he's missed, he's going to look at it as more time he's spent with my mother and my family. No race or practice run will ever mean as much. Even if he never went back to running as much as he has in the past, it only means a new normal has been reached and that's okay. Things don't have to be how they've always been to be good.
When I applied that realization to my own situation, when I look back on this year, I am not going to remember the two months I went without blogging or the week I went without running. I'll remember it as a year of unexpected changes, some pleasant, some not. I'll remember that life happened and I was glad for it. Sure, I spent some time running in 2011 and I have some fantastic memories of running in the desert, on the beach and on the streets of New Orleans and while running might be a thread that runs through the last few years of my life, other threads are much thicker, stronger. It's okay to stop running.
However, since this is a blog dedicated the whole runner, not just the run, I am going to talk a bit about the big picture of running and why sometimes it's okay not to run. For me, running (and exercise in general) is a part of life. It gives me some stress relief, keeps me energized and helps me stay fit. However, it's just a part of what I do everyday. Sometimes when life gets busy, running helps me refocus and relax. At other times, running is just part of the chaos - another thing to do between the hour I wake up and the hour I go to bed.
While I was taking some time off to "hit the reset button" on my running mindset, I had a series of conversations that reminded me that sometimes life just gets in the way of our plans. My absence from the blogosphere can be attributed to some happenings in my life - some travel and some challenges. But taking time away from the blog helped me realize that it's not all about "the run" it's about enjoying the view.
My parents (my whole family, really) are facing some health challenges. As they've developed, I was really concerned that through the process my dad continue to run. I wanted to make sure he was still making time to do what he loves. As time went on and he'd has less time to run and compete, I got nervous that he was giving up on something that had been a part of his life for so long and I didn't know what do to. But, I learned in a conversation with a friend that I needed to shift my perspective to look at the whole picture. When my dad looks back on this time, he's not going to look at it as all of the running he's missed, he's going to look at it as more time he's spent with my mother and my family. No race or practice run will ever mean as much. Even if he never went back to running as much as he has in the past, it only means a new normal has been reached and that's okay. Things don't have to be how they've always been to be good.
When I applied that realization to my own situation, when I look back on this year, I am not going to remember the two months I went without blogging or the week I went without running. I'll remember it as a year of unexpected changes, some pleasant, some not. I'll remember that life happened and I was glad for it. Sure, I spent some time running in 2011 and I have some fantastic memories of running in the desert, on the beach and on the streets of New Orleans and while running might be a thread that runs through the last few years of my life, other threads are much thicker, stronger. It's okay to stop running.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Kindness of Strangers
I grew up in a big city, which means I spent a lot of time perfecting my middle distance stare. Whether on buses, trains and just walking from point A to point B in public, I didn't make eye contact with and definitely did not initiate conversations with strangers. I also got really great at ignoring catcalls, honking horns, people who wanted to ask a question, panhandlers, etc. as I tried to go about daily life. I counted these skills among my "street smarts" and felt like I was really lucky to have them. Besides, how would anyone survive in this day and age if they actually engaged with a stranger?
When I moved to the south, it was a little different. It seemed everyone said "hello" when they passed and actually expected you to make eye contact and say "hello" back! It was a strange transition, but I still needed to be able to turn on the street attitude on public transportation, but that's expected.
It was a similarly strange transition when I started running - and I still think I am going through it -the concept of getting encouragement from strangers. These days, when I hear "looking good" or "almost there" it's usually from a fellow jogger or biker toughing it out on the road. At first I thought it was patronizing - c'mon, I look TERRIBLE when I run because I am usually struggling. And am I supposed to say something back? How do you respond to that?
But I have started looking forward to a little encouragement out on the road. Isn't it a nice surprise to hear a little bit of kindness from a stranger as you bust your butt to get through a run or workout? And who cares if they mean it or not, seriously? Whether it helps for a second or several minutes, it's kind of nice to hear someone acknowledge what you're doing and keep you moving in the right direction. While I still don't know how to respond - mostly because I usually can't breathe, let alone speak - I am starting to appreciate some attention from strangers.
What do you think? What kind of encouragement helps you when you're working hard?
When I moved to the south, it was a little different. It seemed everyone said "hello" when they passed and actually expected you to make eye contact and say "hello" back! It was a strange transition, but I still needed to be able to turn on the street attitude on public transportation, but that's expected.
It was a similarly strange transition when I started running - and I still think I am going through it -the concept of getting encouragement from strangers. These days, when I hear "looking good" or "almost there" it's usually from a fellow jogger or biker toughing it out on the road. At first I thought it was patronizing - c'mon, I look TERRIBLE when I run because I am usually struggling. And am I supposed to say something back? How do you respond to that?
But I have started looking forward to a little encouragement out on the road. Isn't it a nice surprise to hear a little bit of kindness from a stranger as you bust your butt to get through a run or workout? And who cares if they mean it or not, seriously? Whether it helps for a second or several minutes, it's kind of nice to hear someone acknowledge what you're doing and keep you moving in the right direction. While I still don't know how to respond - mostly because I usually can't breathe, let alone speak - I am starting to appreciate some attention from strangers.
What do you think? What kind of encouragement helps you when you're working hard?
Friday, August 5, 2011
Misery Does Not Love Company
I have never considered myself a big time runner. I run as part of my overall health strategy, but I love that I can do it almost anytime, anywhere. I've mentioned before that I was a swimmer, too. I actually grew up swimming, a decidedly individual sport. What I loved best about it was that only I was in control of how hard I worked and what the outcomes were of my races. I had a pretty good awareness of my ability and what to expect out of a race, except for a few pleasant (or unpleasant) surprises. Oddly, I can still remember some of those outlier performances...
When I stopped swimming, I took up water polo for a while. It was a strange transition to go from an individual to team sport, but since it was still water-based, I could do well. I also chose the most individual position on the team, goalie, so I could still have some control evaluating my own performance. It was a wonderful experience, I met some wonderful people, including my husband, and travelled to a lot of different places with the team. However, after a few years, I fell out of love with the sport and needed to do something else.
I swam for a while, but decided to take up running at that point. It was a really slow start, but the similarities to swimming - it never gets easier, you can do it on your own, it's great exercise - were, are, really beneficial. I would run on my own and I liked it - I never had to wait for anyone, meet at a certain time or place, etc. - I could just go. As I let my friends and family know I was running, they were thrilled and some asked if I wanted to do training runs or run races with them. As a new runner, I said "yes!" and figured it would help motivate me.
But, I learned something new about myself - I don't like running with other people. Maybe it's because I'm not fluid enough to have a conversation while I am running. Maybe it's because running is "me" time and I don't want to talk or think about other things. Maybe I prefer to be a hermit. Maybe I think running is miserable most of the time and I don't want anyone to see me that miserable. No matter what the real reason, I am more comfortable running by myself. However, I know plenty of people who prefer running groups and running races alongside friends and family. Those kinds of things warm my heart - really. I understand it, but I just can't get into it.
How do you like to run? If you like running with others, what makes that fun for you? What am I missing?
When I stopped swimming, I took up water polo for a while. It was a strange transition to go from an individual to team sport, but since it was still water-based, I could do well. I also chose the most individual position on the team, goalie, so I could still have some control evaluating my own performance. It was a wonderful experience, I met some wonderful people, including my husband, and travelled to a lot of different places with the team. However, after a few years, I fell out of love with the sport and needed to do something else.
I swam for a while, but decided to take up running at that point. It was a really slow start, but the similarities to swimming - it never gets easier, you can do it on your own, it's great exercise - were, are, really beneficial. I would run on my own and I liked it - I never had to wait for anyone, meet at a certain time or place, etc. - I could just go. As I let my friends and family know I was running, they were thrilled and some asked if I wanted to do training runs or run races with them. As a new runner, I said "yes!" and figured it would help motivate me.
But, I learned something new about myself - I don't like running with other people. Maybe it's because I'm not fluid enough to have a conversation while I am running. Maybe it's because running is "me" time and I don't want to talk or think about other things. Maybe I prefer to be a hermit. Maybe I think running is miserable most of the time and I don't want anyone to see me that miserable. No matter what the real reason, I am more comfortable running by myself. However, I know plenty of people who prefer running groups and running races alongside friends and family. Those kinds of things warm my heart - really. I understand it, but I just can't get into it.
How do you like to run? If you like running with others, what makes that fun for you? What am I missing?
Friday, July 22, 2011
How Do YOU Handle Injury?
In recent months, I have been running less and doing Crossfit more. It's been a great way to increase strength training, still get some cardio in and keep myself from getting in a rut. However, I recently injured myself at the gym - no I am not that hardcore, I just try to do too much too fast. It was a wrist injury, but it affected my elbow and shoulder a bit, too, so I was really limited as to what kind of exercise I could do.
When I found out how long it would take to recover (several weeks), I panicked. How was I going to replace the Crossfit experience when I could barely use one arm? That's when I rediscovered my old friends - running and swimming. Those two used to be my sole forms of exercise until I got bored of doing the same thing ALL the time and I wanted to tone up. However, I found this mix a relief while I nursed my injury. I felt like I was in control of my recovery and I was (still am) able to stay active. Not only did they keep me moving, but I am pretty sure swimming helped my wrist recover more quickly because I could use and strengthen it without any impact. Once I started swimming, recovery soon followed.
Swimming has kept this whole runner in action - what do you fall back on when injury sidelines you from your favorite exercise?
When I found out how long it would take to recover (several weeks), I panicked. How was I going to replace the Crossfit experience when I could barely use one arm? That's when I rediscovered my old friends - running and swimming. Those two used to be my sole forms of exercise until I got bored of doing the same thing ALL the time and I wanted to tone up. However, I found this mix a relief while I nursed my injury. I felt like I was in control of my recovery and I was (still am) able to stay active. Not only did they keep me moving, but I am pretty sure swimming helped my wrist recover more quickly because I could use and strengthen it without any impact. Once I started swimming, recovery soon followed.
Swimming has kept this whole runner in action - what do you fall back on when injury sidelines you from your favorite exercise?
Friday, July 15, 2011
When Do You Register?
How far in advance of a race do you register?
I am one of those runners that likes to plan her races on January 1 of each year. I want to make a plan for training, know when I will be relaxing and try to fit the races into whatever travel and work plans I have for the year. However, am I registering for those races I choose as soon as registration opens? No way!
In the early stages, I am a lurker - I keep an eye on the race website, decide what kind of travel plans I will need to make, get excited about the other things I can do it town before or after the race, but I do quite a lot of things before I even register. When I sat back and thought about it, I wondered why I wait instead of signing up right away.
I think the registration signals the commitment to the race and I am locked in. I have no choice but to participate once I've paid and that scares me! It's not just a commitment to the race, but to the training, which is so much worse than the race itself. It's a commitment to eating in "training mode" and making sure you're keeping healthy and in optimal performance mode (like having less wine). Committing the time to train is also a big challenge, not to mention the sacrifices your family has to make to let you train. It's a big decision!
I usually register a couple of months in advance because I get scared about a race getting full, so there is some advance planning there, I want to know how far in advance you register. Why?
I am one of those runners that likes to plan her races on January 1 of each year. I want to make a plan for training, know when I will be relaxing and try to fit the races into whatever travel and work plans I have for the year. However, am I registering for those races I choose as soon as registration opens? No way!
In the early stages, I am a lurker - I keep an eye on the race website, decide what kind of travel plans I will need to make, get excited about the other things I can do it town before or after the race, but I do quite a lot of things before I even register. When I sat back and thought about it, I wondered why I wait instead of signing up right away.
I think the registration signals the commitment to the race and I am locked in. I have no choice but to participate once I've paid and that scares me! It's not just a commitment to the race, but to the training, which is so much worse than the race itself. It's a commitment to eating in "training mode" and making sure you're keeping healthy and in optimal performance mode (like having less wine). Committing the time to train is also a big challenge, not to mention the sacrifices your family has to make to let you train. It's a big decision!
I usually register a couple of months in advance because I get scared about a race getting full, so there is some advance planning there, I want to know how far in advance you register. Why?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
A REAL Whole Runner
The other day, I ran across the following blog post form one of my very talented, charismatic friends. Not only has she grabbed life by the horns, but she's always a delight to be around with a positive attitude. Does her love for running have anything to do with it? I think so...Here's a story from a real Whole Runner:
The essence? Right here:
This is me sharing my love of running with my daughter, Sophia. I can’t begin to truly put into words and express how much it means to me that she has started doing races with me. This is her second 5K. I began my love affair with running when I asked my dad if I could go run with him in the mornings when I was 11 years old. Sophie is 12. She began to join me this year. Passing on a love and a legacy. I am not the fastest runner. I don’t win races. I don’t beat my PRs regularly. It is about finishing. It is about achieving the goal. It is about the time I get to spend in my head being selfish. Thinking the thoughts I want to think. Nothing else that is going on later that day or happened earlier that day matters when I am running. When I finish a run my head is clear, my endorphins are surging and I am strong and confident. My father gave that to me when he introduced me to running. I hope to pass that to my daughter. “Selfish” is not a four letter word. It is necessary. One cannot give if one is not filled up. I take time every day to fill myself up. Then I am happy to empty myself out to others knowing the next day I will replenish. It is that simple.
I love to share my joy of running with others too. Last Sunday Jules and Anda did their first 5K in many years. It was wonderful. And fun. And joyful. And everything exercise and filling yourself up should be.
And just look at what we got to see at about mile 2. And people wonder why us runners do this. Here’s why.
The essence? Right here:
This is me sharing my love of running with my daughter, Sophia. I can’t begin to truly put into words and express how much it means to me that she has started doing races with me. This is her second 5K. I began my love affair with running when I asked my dad if I could go run with him in the mornings when I was 11 years old. Sophie is 12. She began to join me this year. Passing on a love and a legacy. I am not the fastest runner. I don’t win races. I don’t beat my PRs regularly. It is about finishing. It is about achieving the goal. It is about the time I get to spend in my head being selfish. Thinking the thoughts I want to think. Nothing else that is going on later that day or happened earlier that day matters when I am running. When I finish a run my head is clear, my endorphins are surging and I am strong and confident. My father gave that to me when he introduced me to running. I hope to pass that to my daughter. “Selfish” is not a four letter word. It is necessary. One cannot give if one is not filled up. I take time every day to fill myself up. Then I am happy to empty myself out to others knowing the next day I will replenish. It is that simple.
I love to share my joy of running with others too. Last Sunday Jules and Anda did their first 5K in many years. It was wonderful. And fun. And joyful. And everything exercise and filling yourself up should be.
And just look at what we got to see at about mile 2. And people wonder why us runners do this. Here’s why.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
It Works For me
It Works For Me.
Living in the cold climate of the Midwest calls for an extra ounce of motivation to be able to perform the daily morning runs. It doesn’t take much in the spring, summer or fall to don your shorts and flats and head on out to enjoy a nice morning run before the rest of humanity realizes that another beautiful day has arrived. You know you are out there a bit early when the birds in the trees and bushes are startled by your passing presence.
When the wind is howling and The Weather Channel speaks of unspeakable wind chills, it is quite a different story. Throughout my running years I have been able to master cold, windy weather running but not before having suffered from its brutal destructive force.
I remember times when I have gone out on my run only to come back after a mile or so, unable to even turn the key to the door lock due to frozen fingers. There was a time when, in my rush to return home I didn’t see the ice on the pavement and I was bewildered as to why the sidewalk was rushing up to my face at such a rapid rate. Seven stitches were required to sew up the nasty cut above my right eye. Countless times I have gone out ill prepared and each time I put my foot down I was not sure if I still had my shoes on because of the severe cold.
I have learned my lessons well. I still run in severely cold weather in Chicago but I have my techniques to keep all of me warm, including my family jewels, though I have been told the that the weather has nothing to do with cold jewels. The following is short list of dos and don’ts of cold weather running.
- Layers – underwear, followed by a moisture wicking turtleneck, and moisture-wicking running tights. On top of the tights wear a running short to shield the above mentioned jewels from the wind. Cover it all with a running warm-up pant. For the upper body begin with a tight fitting long sleeve running top. Cover that with a short sleeve, loose fitting running shirt. Cover it all with a loose fitting running jacket.
- Cover your noggin – begin with a big do-rag making sure that it is snug but not tight over your ears. Bring it down as close as you can to your eyes. Over that wear a running beanie hat and over that wear a loose fitting balaclava (You don’t know what that is? Google it, bro.). Loose fitting because with every breath you take you will be helping to warm up your face and entire head. In a word, it works.
- Keep feet warm – If the temperatures are 25 or above running in your usual flats and socks will suffice. However, if it’s colder or if there is an extreme amount of snow on the ground you’ll need to take precautions. Buy walking or basketball shoes that are at least ½ sizes larger than normal. You will be able to accommodate an extra pair of socks and your toes and toenails will thank you later.
- Keep hands warm – The key here is mittens. Mittens worn with or without thin running gloves underneath will keep your fingers 90 to 100 percent warmer. In layman’s terms, without them you may lose one or more fingers due to frostbite.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)