I ran 31.8 miles this week, which brings my yearly total to 100.7 miles. Not too shabby.
One of the kickers about running gear is it is often fancy. Like you should fully explore your new water system before taking it out on a winter day for a run, otherwise you won't find the pocket where the water reservoir is supposed to sit. If you miss that, the reservoir will leak all over the pocket you've placed it in, and even though you won't get wet, your back pack will be soaked on the inside.
At least that is what my husband learned today :)
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Self-care
Total miles for the year: 68.9
The requisite post about self care, otherwise known as
(Thank you Pinterest)
So now we are all inspired by Arnold and his commitment to being big, here are some thoughts on self care.
Rest days ARE important. This is one of my biggest struggles with running. I love physical activities of all sorts. Most of my hobbies are some sort of physical activity, and when I have to be on a training schedule, making time for the things I love doing and acknowledging that
my body needs rest gets a bit tricky. Yesterday I convinced myself that my favorite yoga work out totally counted as a rest day. I had forgotten about the very very very very challenging core sequence called "Abs with a rolled up mat". My abdominal muscles are very sore and inflamed today, thank you very much.
Part of my self care is acknowledging that there will still be a million different forms of physical activity that I can participate in after this fifty miler, so when I open an email and see "Best New Strength Moves for Sexy Beach Arms!!!" I don't immediately run to the gym to try out the newest (not new at all, typically) moves to develop my arms. I have also gotten better at realizing that I can focus more on upper body stuff on my non-running days to give my legs a well-deserved break.
I have committed to getting massage regularly. This is probably easier for me than most people, as I was a massage therapist in a former life, and have friends with whom I can trade, but I still pay for a massage once a month. I highly recommend massage, especially if you feel your ilio-tibial bands tightening down, which usually manifests as knee pain commonly known as runner's knee. In my experience, myofascial release techniques can help prevent some common running injuries, like runner's knee.
You can do some of your own self care massage using a foam roller. Foam rollers can be found at most gyms now, and at most major chain stores. Here is a good looking guide to foam rolling from Active.com: http://www.active.com/running/articles/10-self-myofascial-release-exercises-for-runners
Being a former massage therapist, I have a few techniques up my sleeve that I can use on my, including massage cupping.
(This is my ilio-tibial band with massage cups on it. There are magnets with opposite polarities inside of them. There were also more cups on my glutes, but I figured I didn't really want my butt on the internet)
This is what I use when my fascia is really locked down, and foam rolling isn't hacking it. If you do find a massage therapist, I recommend finding someone who has training in massage cupping; it is far more tolerable than skin rolling for releasing superficial fascia.
Keeping myself functional is key right now. Massage, stretching, foam rolling, and rest days are just as important as the time I spend running.
But cross country skiing is finally a possibility...
The requisite post about self care, otherwise known as
(Thank you Pinterest)
So now we are all inspired by Arnold and his commitment to being big, here are some thoughts on self care.
Rest days ARE important. This is one of my biggest struggles with running. I love physical activities of all sorts. Most of my hobbies are some sort of physical activity, and when I have to be on a training schedule, making time for the things I love doing and acknowledging that
my body needs rest gets a bit tricky. Yesterday I convinced myself that my favorite yoga work out totally counted as a rest day. I had forgotten about the very very very very challenging core sequence called "Abs with a rolled up mat". My abdominal muscles are very sore and inflamed today, thank you very much.
Part of my self care is acknowledging that there will still be a million different forms of physical activity that I can participate in after this fifty miler, so when I open an email and see "Best New Strength Moves for Sexy Beach Arms!!!" I don't immediately run to the gym to try out the newest (not new at all, typically) moves to develop my arms. I have also gotten better at realizing that I can focus more on upper body stuff on my non-running days to give my legs a well-deserved break.
I have committed to getting massage regularly. This is probably easier for me than most people, as I was a massage therapist in a former life, and have friends with whom I can trade, but I still pay for a massage once a month. I highly recommend massage, especially if you feel your ilio-tibial bands tightening down, which usually manifests as knee pain commonly known as runner's knee. In my experience, myofascial release techniques can help prevent some common running injuries, like runner's knee.
You can do some of your own self care massage using a foam roller. Foam rollers can be found at most gyms now, and at most major chain stores. Here is a good looking guide to foam rolling from Active.com: http://www.active.com/running/articles/10-self-myofascial-release-exercises-for-runners
Being a former massage therapist, I have a few techniques up my sleeve that I can use on my, including massage cupping.
(This is my ilio-tibial band with massage cups on it. There are magnets with opposite polarities inside of them. There were also more cups on my glutes, but I figured I didn't really want my butt on the internet)
This is what I use when my fascia is really locked down, and foam rolling isn't hacking it. If you do find a massage therapist, I recommend finding someone who has training in massage cupping; it is far more tolerable than skin rolling for releasing superficial fascia.
Keeping myself functional is key right now. Massage, stretching, foam rolling, and rest days are just as important as the time I spend running.
But cross country skiing is finally a possibility...
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Update on total miles for 2015
I've decided I'm going to keep track of the number of miles I run this year. I'm going to post a weekly update giving you that total so far.
Here it is
I've run 40.6 miles so far in 2015.
Keep it coming!
Here it is
I've run 40.6 miles so far in 2015.
Keep it coming!
Food food food food food
Running makes me even hungrier than normal.
I'm a hungry person to start, so when I run regularly I have to eat a lot. The trick to eating as much as I do is to pay attention. I don't strictly count calories for two reasons: 1. I hate counting calories; the act makes me totally twitchily irritated. 2. I was diagnosed with a non-specific type eating disorder a few years ago. Part of the recovery is not counting calories, not weighing yourself, and talking a lot about how much you have cut back on exercise. Real fun stuff. I can tell you that the last thing you want to do after working hard at recovery is to go back to counting calories. Every once in a while, when I notice my weight slipping to a range that means new pants are imminent unless I lose a few pounds, I will count calories for a week. That is all I have patience to attempt, and it sufficiently resets my concept of how much I need to eat. I typically don't have to do much more.
This paying attention thing, how does it work? I have to confess, my style of paying attention is fairly simple: eat when I am hungry (which is all the time), and I shoot for an 80/20 split over the course of the day.
What do I mean by 80/20 split? I mean 80% of the time the food I'm eating is providing essential nutrients and is made of things that are pretty healthy. I eat a lot of vegetables. I drink green juice (which is getting easier every day, if you haven't noticed. Even V-8 Juice brand is making a green version with no tomatoes for those of us with heart burn). I focus on whole grains, lots of colors, lean protein sources. 20% of the time, I'm eating something that maybe isn't so healthy. I love chocolate. I love wine. I love any type of food that comes in dip form.
Here are the most important things to remember about food in my world:
Normal eating isn't being perfect every day. Normal eating means some days you eat more, some days less. Some days you eat all the servings of vegetables you are supposed to, some days you eat donuts. Normal eating is less about striving for perfect food days every day (and we can talk about the pain and stress of trying to have perfect food days, if you like), and more about eating things that make you feel good with out guilt.
Fuel is essential for a good run. I NEVER have a good run when I realize I am really hungry before I start. A little hungry? Fine. I can make it. Hungry hungry never makes for a good start. I putter out after a few miles. This totally seems like a duh moment, but I swear I used to always run on an empty stomach. It was part of my eating disorder, and I've finally realized that it just doesn't work.
My renegade nutritionist who helped me through the first part of my recovery gave me the gift of knowing that perfect isn't what I need to achieve; she also gave me the gift of telling me she eats Poptarts. When you are as caught up in being perfect as I was, hearing a nutritionist say she eats Poptarts is a revelation.
Oh, there is one more piece: working at maintaining a grateful heart. When you are grateful for the food in front of you, it becomes less about trying to be perfect, and more about appreciating the moment. I'm not very good at this. I'm inclined to be critical of myself. It is a practice though, and I'm trying to make this practice a part of my training.
Stay warm out there (unless you are somewhere warm, then stay cool).
I'm a hungry person to start, so when I run regularly I have to eat a lot. The trick to eating as much as I do is to pay attention. I don't strictly count calories for two reasons: 1. I hate counting calories; the act makes me totally twitchily irritated. 2. I was diagnosed with a non-specific type eating disorder a few years ago. Part of the recovery is not counting calories, not weighing yourself, and talking a lot about how much you have cut back on exercise. Real fun stuff. I can tell you that the last thing you want to do after working hard at recovery is to go back to counting calories. Every once in a while, when I notice my weight slipping to a range that means new pants are imminent unless I lose a few pounds, I will count calories for a week. That is all I have patience to attempt, and it sufficiently resets my concept of how much I need to eat. I typically don't have to do much more.
This paying attention thing, how does it work? I have to confess, my style of paying attention is fairly simple: eat when I am hungry (which is all the time), and I shoot for an 80/20 split over the course of the day.
What do I mean by 80/20 split? I mean 80% of the time the food I'm eating is providing essential nutrients and is made of things that are pretty healthy. I eat a lot of vegetables. I drink green juice (which is getting easier every day, if you haven't noticed. Even V-8 Juice brand is making a green version with no tomatoes for those of us with heart burn). I focus on whole grains, lots of colors, lean protein sources. 20% of the time, I'm eating something that maybe isn't so healthy. I love chocolate. I love wine. I love any type of food that comes in dip form.
Here are the most important things to remember about food in my world:
Normal eating isn't being perfect every day. Normal eating means some days you eat more, some days less. Some days you eat all the servings of vegetables you are supposed to, some days you eat donuts. Normal eating is less about striving for perfect food days every day (and we can talk about the pain and stress of trying to have perfect food days, if you like), and more about eating things that make you feel good with out guilt.
Fuel is essential for a good run. I NEVER have a good run when I realize I am really hungry before I start. A little hungry? Fine. I can make it. Hungry hungry never makes for a good start. I putter out after a few miles. This totally seems like a duh moment, but I swear I used to always run on an empty stomach. It was part of my eating disorder, and I've finally realized that it just doesn't work.
My renegade nutritionist who helped me through the first part of my recovery gave me the gift of knowing that perfect isn't what I need to achieve; she also gave me the gift of telling me she eats Poptarts. When you are as caught up in being perfect as I was, hearing a nutritionist say she eats Poptarts is a revelation.
Oh, there is one more piece: working at maintaining a grateful heart. When you are grateful for the food in front of you, it becomes less about trying to be perfect, and more about appreciating the moment. I'm not very good at this. I'm inclined to be critical of myself. It is a practice though, and I'm trying to make this practice a part of my training.
Stay warm out there (unless you are somewhere warm, then stay cool).
Friday, January 2, 2015
Treadmill Blues
I ran/walked 8 miles on a treadmill yesterday.
I hate treadmills. In order to stay on a treadmill for more than five minutes without completely losing my mind, one of three things must happen: I must either have a really good book playing on my headphones, or I must turn off my human brain and go into robot mode, or I have to mess with my speed every few minutes.
Yesterday I was all settled in with my book, listening happily to Amy Poehler's Yes, Please!, running along while my husband watched the disaster that was the first three quarters of Michigan State University's Cotton Bowl Game (which some how, the last quarter stopped being a disaster for MSU, and they won. We did not watch that part, of course. I firmly believe if we had been watching, they would have continued to suck, because my presence at a television exerts that much influence) from his treadmill.
And then my headphones stopped working.
In order for me to stay put, this means one of two things must have happened in order for me to run 5 more miles on a treadmill. Robot mode was achieved for about 3 more miles, and then I messed with my speed for the last 2 miles. It was... fun?
I so prefer trail running. Treadmills are good for me because they force me to run at a consistent speed. I know exactly how long I've been on that treadmill though. The advantage to treadmills right now is that is friggin' cold outside, and I'm a little more of a cold sissy than I am a hardcore trail runner.
At any rate, I'm looking forward to getting home to Michigan, where I know of trails on which I can run and get some good training time outside. Which leads me to the second point of my post. My husband is my main support structure in this race. My husband lives in Madison, Wisconsin. My husband and I don't live together.
GAH!
More so than anything right now, I'm feeling a mix of sad and happy because I'm leaving in two days to head back to Michigan. I'm going to plan a bunch of trail runs for myself to help me keep my chin up, because this, dear readers, is too hard.
If any one in the Lansing area wants to trail run with me, let me know. They won't be terribly long, but they will be fun! I've heard we've had like zero snow.
I hate treadmills. In order to stay on a treadmill for more than five minutes without completely losing my mind, one of three things must happen: I must either have a really good book playing on my headphones, or I must turn off my human brain and go into robot mode, or I have to mess with my speed every few minutes.
Yesterday I was all settled in with my book, listening happily to Amy Poehler's Yes, Please!, running along while my husband watched the disaster that was the first three quarters of Michigan State University's Cotton Bowl Game (which some how, the last quarter stopped being a disaster for MSU, and they won. We did not watch that part, of course. I firmly believe if we had been watching, they would have continued to suck, because my presence at a television exerts that much influence) from his treadmill.
And then my headphones stopped working.
In order for me to stay put, this means one of two things must have happened in order for me to run 5 more miles on a treadmill. Robot mode was achieved for about 3 more miles, and then I messed with my speed for the last 2 miles. It was... fun?
I so prefer trail running. Treadmills are good for me because they force me to run at a consistent speed. I know exactly how long I've been on that treadmill though. The advantage to treadmills right now is that is friggin' cold outside, and I'm a little more of a cold sissy than I am a hardcore trail runner.
At any rate, I'm looking forward to getting home to Michigan, where I know of trails on which I can run and get some good training time outside. Which leads me to the second point of my post. My husband is my main support structure in this race. My husband lives in Madison, Wisconsin. My husband and I don't live together.
GAH!
More so than anything right now, I'm feeling a mix of sad and happy because I'm leaving in two days to head back to Michigan. I'm going to plan a bunch of trail runs for myself to help me keep my chin up, because this, dear readers, is too hard.
If any one in the Lansing area wants to trail run with me, let me know. They won't be terribly long, but they will be fun! I've heard we've had like zero snow.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Recommendations from an Intermediate Runner
My husband and I were sitting on the couch this morning, talking about running.
This is nothing new; we talk about running a lot. Mostly we talk about how much running we should be doing and how much running we haven't been doing. Our conversations about running have become a bit routine.
Except this morning. Our conversation reminded me why I'm writing this blog. My husband was cruising Reddit, and I was looking at the Trail Runner Magazine updates I get. When Peter clicked on the Reddit Running subheading, it became very clear to us that there are really only two types of people who talk about running: the serious runners I mentioned previously (http://livingthejuicylife.blogspot.com/2014/12/serious-running-for-non-serious-runner.html) who talk about miles per week and nutrition and plans to win their next races. The other type of person seems to be the beginner runner; someone seeking encouragement, advice, or simply looking for an answer to the question "Why does this suck so much?"
Occasionally you will see someone who is not a beginning runner ask advice about a new challenge they are undertaking, such as what type of hydration system might be best for an ultramarathon. The problem with asking this question is the people who answer are the serious runners, who insist that if you don't carry the expensive hydration system they use, you will never finish your race.
Sometimes I want to walk in to the middle of these conversations and scream "NEWS FLASH! Not everyone can afford to spend half a paycheck on a water belt!"
Here is the reality of being a non-serious runner: you work with what you have or can afford.
I don't have a fancy watch with GPS capabilities and a built in heart rate monitoring system. I track my runs with my phone most of the time, and when I'm racing, I have a non-fancy watch that allows me to track my splits, which I never successfully remember to use. I think my husband purchased it at Meijer before my first 50 miler so I would have an idea of how long I had been out in the woods. Also, I've realized I don't really like having things around my wrists or my neck, so a watch is typically right out. If you want a fancy watch, I can't tell you what to wear. I have no idea.
I run with the same water belt I've been running with for the past 3 years, and while it isn't perfect, it gets the job done. If you would like me to recommend my belt: I'm running in a Nathan hydration belt, that has a pocket for keys and a small phone or ID or cash or whatever. I'm starting to run more with a military issue Camelback 1.5 liter hydration backpack, because I need to be able to carry more water on longer runs. Neither of these set ups are perfect. Both were given to me as gifts. If you don't carry one of these set ups, you will probably finish your race if you wear what is comfortable for you, hydrate on your own terms, and train.
I run on the trails I have easy access to. This means I don't always have the ideal terrain for a specific race. Ideally, you would be able to run terrain like your race frequently, with similar footing and elevation changes. When my husband wins the lottery, I will totally roam from place to place to find ideal training locations for different races, but that is because I'm a wanderer at heart, not because I insist it is necessary for training.
I train in old race shirts. Yes, those technical shirts you get from paying $120 to enter a race. Race days I plan to wear running clothes that are a little nicer than my normal running attire. Here is the secret to the majority of my nicer running clothes: I buy them off season and super on sale. Good running clothes are expensive, and I'm sorry, but for an ultramarthon, Old Navy Active Gear really isn't going to hack it. That being said, my favorite sports bra for distance running is probably so old that it doesn't really support my boobs, but my nipples don't chafe in it. Which is HUGE. I think I bought the bra at Target a million and two years ago. My favorite running clothing is made by Stoic. I love their tights, I love their shirts, I love love love Stoic brand. Main reasons: Their shirts and pants actually cover my belly. My long waist makes a lot of running gear too short for my torso. Stoic seems to believe that one should be able to be comfortable when active, and the brand also has a liberal policy as to use of thumb loops on their long sleeve shirts. There is quite simply NOTHING better than thumb loops on long sleeve shirts (Hey Stoic. I'm plugging you to my five readers, how about some free socks over here?).
As for nutrition, I like green smoothies; I think they taste good, and they add a shot of nutrition from raw greens. I also like to eat protein, which includes animal proteins. I think healthy fats are important, and I'm fond of fruit. I also love chocolate, wine, and ice cream. My training schedule isn't what dictates my diet. I go for variety always, with an attempt to make vegetables the base of most meals. The only thing that does change my diet: the current severity of my Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disorder. Right now, it is pretty bad, so I'm going to avoid caffeine, tomatoes, spicy food, chocolate, and alcohol. This is possibly one of the most depressing aspects of my life. I hate not eating spicy food.
I'm not going to win any races. I have placed in the top three of my age/sex group three times in my life. All three times the races were 1) tiny and 2) not terribly competitive. Once I placed simply because there were only three people in my age and sex group. I love these races by the way. There is nothing like getting a trophy, even if it is for third out of three.
Yes, being a non-serious runner means there is a lot of compromise. I can't justify the expense of top of the line gear. There are a few things I refuse to compromise on though.
Shoes: get your stride analyzed, get fit for a shoe, wear orthotics. No matter what, have a shoe that supports your foot in the most beneficial way possible. I decided to try to train into a zero-drop minimalist shoe this year, and it threw my body so out of whack that I ended up with a hamstring injury that made no friggin sense at all, until my physical therapist looked at my stride and said "Wow you are pronating a lot. Maybe you should go back to your stability shoe". Minimalist running shoes are all the rage, and if you can wear a minimal shoe with a neutral support, go for it. I am going to stick with my stability shoes for now.
Socks: I've been throwing out socks like mad crazy this year. Any sock that presents the slightest wear is pitched. I have to be able to run, and if a sock is rubbing my foot in way that creates a blister or a sore, it has to go. I've also realized that technical socks are important. A little extra support for my feet never hurts, and having material that keeps my feet comfortable is essential.
Form is extremely important too. Form is a combination of things. I can't say there is a perfect form for everyone, but there are a few things a runner should always consider. Use your core, use your butt, and don't slouch. I've never seen a really good runner run slouched and scrunched up. Shoulders back and down, core engaged. A lot of running stores offer form classes, and they are often free.
There you have it: recommendations from a non-serious runner. Do what is comfortable, eat what makes you feel good, and run.
(Oh, and just so you know, I've put in over ten miles this week already, so I think I can say the time off hiking really wasn't as detrimental as I thought it would be)
This is nothing new; we talk about running a lot. Mostly we talk about how much running we should be doing and how much running we haven't been doing. Our conversations about running have become a bit routine.
Except this morning. Our conversation reminded me why I'm writing this blog. My husband was cruising Reddit, and I was looking at the Trail Runner Magazine updates I get. When Peter clicked on the Reddit Running subheading, it became very clear to us that there are really only two types of people who talk about running: the serious runners I mentioned previously (http://livingthejuicylife.blogspot.com/2014/12/serious-running-for-non-serious-runner.html) who talk about miles per week and nutrition and plans to win their next races. The other type of person seems to be the beginner runner; someone seeking encouragement, advice, or simply looking for an answer to the question "Why does this suck so much?"
Occasionally you will see someone who is not a beginning runner ask advice about a new challenge they are undertaking, such as what type of hydration system might be best for an ultramarathon. The problem with asking this question is the people who answer are the serious runners, who insist that if you don't carry the expensive hydration system they use, you will never finish your race.
Sometimes I want to walk in to the middle of these conversations and scream "NEWS FLASH! Not everyone can afford to spend half a paycheck on a water belt!"
Here is the reality of being a non-serious runner: you work with what you have or can afford.
I don't have a fancy watch with GPS capabilities and a built in heart rate monitoring system. I track my runs with my phone most of the time, and when I'm racing, I have a non-fancy watch that allows me to track my splits, which I never successfully remember to use. I think my husband purchased it at Meijer before my first 50 miler so I would have an idea of how long I had been out in the woods. Also, I've realized I don't really like having things around my wrists or my neck, so a watch is typically right out. If you want a fancy watch, I can't tell you what to wear. I have no idea.
I run with the same water belt I've been running with for the past 3 years, and while it isn't perfect, it gets the job done. If you would like me to recommend my belt: I'm running in a Nathan hydration belt, that has a pocket for keys and a small phone or ID or cash or whatever. I'm starting to run more with a military issue Camelback 1.5 liter hydration backpack, because I need to be able to carry more water on longer runs. Neither of these set ups are perfect. Both were given to me as gifts. If you don't carry one of these set ups, you will probably finish your race if you wear what is comfortable for you, hydrate on your own terms, and train.
I run on the trails I have easy access to. This means I don't always have the ideal terrain for a specific race. Ideally, you would be able to run terrain like your race frequently, with similar footing and elevation changes. When my husband wins the lottery, I will totally roam from place to place to find ideal training locations for different races, but that is because I'm a wanderer at heart, not because I insist it is necessary for training.
I train in old race shirts. Yes, those technical shirts you get from paying $120 to enter a race. Race days I plan to wear running clothes that are a little nicer than my normal running attire. Here is the secret to the majority of my nicer running clothes: I buy them off season and super on sale. Good running clothes are expensive, and I'm sorry, but for an ultramarthon, Old Navy Active Gear really isn't going to hack it. That being said, my favorite sports bra for distance running is probably so old that it doesn't really support my boobs, but my nipples don't chafe in it. Which is HUGE. I think I bought the bra at Target a million and two years ago. My favorite running clothing is made by Stoic. I love their tights, I love their shirts, I love love love Stoic brand. Main reasons: Their shirts and pants actually cover my belly. My long waist makes a lot of running gear too short for my torso. Stoic seems to believe that one should be able to be comfortable when active, and the brand also has a liberal policy as to use of thumb loops on their long sleeve shirts. There is quite simply NOTHING better than thumb loops on long sleeve shirts (Hey Stoic. I'm plugging you to my five readers, how about some free socks over here?).
As for nutrition, I like green smoothies; I think they taste good, and they add a shot of nutrition from raw greens. I also like to eat protein, which includes animal proteins. I think healthy fats are important, and I'm fond of fruit. I also love chocolate, wine, and ice cream. My training schedule isn't what dictates my diet. I go for variety always, with an attempt to make vegetables the base of most meals. The only thing that does change my diet: the current severity of my Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disorder. Right now, it is pretty bad, so I'm going to avoid caffeine, tomatoes, spicy food, chocolate, and alcohol. This is possibly one of the most depressing aspects of my life. I hate not eating spicy food.
I'm not going to win any races. I have placed in the top three of my age/sex group three times in my life. All three times the races were 1) tiny and 2) not terribly competitive. Once I placed simply because there were only three people in my age and sex group. I love these races by the way. There is nothing like getting a trophy, even if it is for third out of three.
Yes, being a non-serious runner means there is a lot of compromise. I can't justify the expense of top of the line gear. There are a few things I refuse to compromise on though.
Shoes: get your stride analyzed, get fit for a shoe, wear orthotics. No matter what, have a shoe that supports your foot in the most beneficial way possible. I decided to try to train into a zero-drop minimalist shoe this year, and it threw my body so out of whack that I ended up with a hamstring injury that made no friggin sense at all, until my physical therapist looked at my stride and said "Wow you are pronating a lot. Maybe you should go back to your stability shoe". Minimalist running shoes are all the rage, and if you can wear a minimal shoe with a neutral support, go for it. I am going to stick with my stability shoes for now.
Socks: I've been throwing out socks like mad crazy this year. Any sock that presents the slightest wear is pitched. I have to be able to run, and if a sock is rubbing my foot in way that creates a blister or a sore, it has to go. I've also realized that technical socks are important. A little extra support for my feet never hurts, and having material that keeps my feet comfortable is essential.
Form is extremely important too. Form is a combination of things. I can't say there is a perfect form for everyone, but there are a few things a runner should always consider. Use your core, use your butt, and don't slouch. I've never seen a really good runner run slouched and scrunched up. Shoulders back and down, core engaged. A lot of running stores offer form classes, and they are often free.
There you have it: recommendations from a non-serious runner. Do what is comfortable, eat what makes you feel good, and run.
(Oh, and just so you know, I've put in over ten miles this week already, so I think I can say the time off hiking really wasn't as detrimental as I thought it would be)
Friday, December 19, 2014
Does Hiking Count?
I've been on vacation for the last... 6 days? I'm writing this from a lovely porch on Nevis at about 7 am.
Don't be jealous. I haven't run a step since arriving (in spite of
packing with best intentions), and my body is totally telling on me. I hope I fit into the pants I need to wear home because it is about 50 degrees colder in Wisconsin.
Nevis is probably not a place I would consider a non-serious runner's paradise; it's amazingly beautiful and friendly, but every where is either directly up hill or straight down. This is typical when you have a dormant volcano as the base for your life. The roads on my side of the island are narrow (about a car and a quarter at most two way points, maybe two lanes if you are driving through a populated area). Side walks are rare too. Add driving on the left and tourists, and I've pretty much decided the roads are not a great idea for me to run on.
What Nevis may be considered is a hiker's paradise. There is every possible terrain to hike, and some of the hikes are very challenging and technical. My husband and I have been hiking around sugar plantation ruins, beaches (and yes, I consider that hiking), rainforests on the side of Mt. Nevis. We've started off on one hike only to be sucked into another trail that winds alluringly toward the peak.
Between gaining a few vacation pounds and not running, I feel totally derailed in my training. I'm supposed to be working on this goal of a comfortable five miles at a time for December, and here I am, eating like I'm on vacation, and not running.
This begs the question: does hiking count? I hope it does. We will find out when I get home and go out for a run on Monday morning. I'm struggling though. I have a voice in my head that is reminding me constantly that I need to be training, and a brain that can justify another day of not running; I happen to have a husband who is good at this as well. He just informed me that we will be hiking today, and he wants me to have fresh legs for hiking instead of having legs I've run on. He's running this race too. I was hoping he would be more "Let's get a short run in before we hike for 3 hours!" because that seems like training in my head.
Maybe he is right though. Maybe running and then hiking would be too much. Maybe I should not worry, enjoy this vacation, and then come back swinging over the holiday season.
Maybe I should focus on my January goal: seven comfortable miles. I could actually run five miles fairly comfortably before we left, so I really shouldn't be that far off.
At any rate, I'm off to enjoy the last few days on this lovely island with my sweet, stubborn husband.
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| We are staying at the Yellow Cabin in Gingerland, which is the Atlantic side of Nevis. This is one of the least populated places I have ever stayed. Our closest neighbors are goats, donkeys, and monkeys. http://www.theyellowcabinnevis.com/ |
Nevis is probably not a place I would consider a non-serious runner's paradise; it's amazingly beautiful and friendly, but every where is either directly up hill or straight down. This is typical when you have a dormant volcano as the base for your life. The roads on my side of the island are narrow (about a car and a quarter at most two way points, maybe two lanes if you are driving through a populated area). Side walks are rare too. Add driving on the left and tourists, and I've pretty much decided the roads are not a great idea for me to run on.
What Nevis may be considered is a hiker's paradise. There is every possible terrain to hike, and some of the hikes are very challenging and technical. My husband and I have been hiking around sugar plantation ruins, beaches (and yes, I consider that hiking), rainforests on the side of Mt. Nevis. We've started off on one hike only to be sucked into another trail that winds alluringly toward the peak.
Between gaining a few vacation pounds and not running, I feel totally derailed in my training. I'm supposed to be working on this goal of a comfortable five miles at a time for December, and here I am, eating like I'm on vacation, and not running.
This begs the question: does hiking count? I hope it does. We will find out when I get home and go out for a run on Monday morning. I'm struggling though. I have a voice in my head that is reminding me constantly that I need to be training, and a brain that can justify another day of not running; I happen to have a husband who is good at this as well. He just informed me that we will be hiking today, and he wants me to have fresh legs for hiking instead of having legs I've run on. He's running this race too. I was hoping he would be more "Let's get a short run in before we hike for 3 hours!" because that seems like training in my head.
Maybe he is right though. Maybe running and then hiking would be too much. Maybe I should not worry, enjoy this vacation, and then come back swinging over the holiday season.
Maybe I should focus on my January goal: seven comfortable miles. I could actually run five miles fairly comfortably before we left, so I really shouldn't be that far off.
At any rate, I'm off to enjoy the last few days on this lovely island with my sweet, stubborn husband.
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