Runners Lounge

"Mom, I Am A Runner."

Today was a big day for my son.   On his training plan, it was his first real road race.  We choose the annual 2 mile/5K Independence Day run/walk in our hometown.  It's a small race, 21 years strong, that kicks off the 4th of July celebration for the next week.

He was so excited to do the race!  He was a big bundle of energy, ready to run!   

As his mom, I was a little nervous if he was going to be able to do the full 2 miles.  In the last four weeks since he got off his cast and boot after foot surgery, it has been tough to get his leg strength back.  But he hasn't complained much and he keeps trying - so we keep moving forward.  We had worked up to about 1 1/2 miles on the walk/run plan so this would be a PR for him in distance and time.

I reminded him over and over that no matter what, we would stay the course with our plan. We would run our run.  Race our race.   We were going to walk and run, with a bit more emphasis on the walk side.  It was good he heard it and agreed with it because it was a really fast field and we found ourselves escorted by the sag wagon/ambulance after about a half a mile.   I thought it might discourage him, but he just looked back and said, "Look mom, we are in front of 4 runners."   My response..."ummm, no.. we are last (smile)."   "No, see our shadows are behind us and there are 2 guys in the ambulance - see we aren't last."   I like his logic about the shadows and made a mental note to remember that next time.

After 2 long miles of walk/run we crossed the finish line.   He was so excited, he threw his arms up, gave a big "whoot!", and had the biggest smile.  And me?  I did my best not to cry like a baby.  I am so proud of what he has done!

As we walked to the water, he stopped and turned to me and said very matter-of-factly but happily,

"Mom, I am now a runner."

And I am thinking to myself, "don't cry, don't cry".   We take a few more steps and he turns back and says,

"You know, running and crossing the finish line felt so good, like the best feeling ever. I know why people run." 

More tearing up from me. 

When his sister saw him she immediately asked, "Tucker, did you win your race?".   His response, "Of course I won - I finished."  That's my boy!  Bring honor to all those brave enough to run a race and finish last.   This makes my 4th race that I have finished last and the one I am most proud.

His race and spirit was a good reminder of what running is all about - it's about trying, it's about pushing yourself, it's about finishing what you started, and last but not least, it is about enjoying your running moments.

And good luck to all the runners in Wee Little's Virtual 5K race!  All are runners who are doing their first 5K as they graduate from the Couch to 5K program.   You are all winners!

Marathon training season is here!

“I’ll never do that again!"…

”Grete Waitz, after winning the first of nine New York City Marathons

Hmm, those words sound familiar.

Today is the launch of my training for the Chicago Marathon.  It’s a rekindling of a love affair that I broke off last fall and never fully got over.  So in October, I’m heading back again to where I was burned—okay make that slowly roasted—and still am looking forward to the same excitement I’ve enjoyed running the streets of Chicago for the last decade.

Between now and race day are hundreds of miles to run, hours of cross training, dozens of denied desserts, covering up my post-long run stiffness and hobbling, and renewed enthusiasm for light-colored urine output.  Just as every Olympian daily rehearses over and over in their minds their races in Bejing, I’m stoked about the marathon celebration in Grant Park in October.

Preparing for my first few marathons, I used to feel as excited as a kid waiting for Santa.  Hyper and ready to burst on the inside, I wonder if it shows to others on the outside.  But the reality is 15 marathons later, I still get just as excited as if for preparing the first.

I’ll set some race goals in a month or so, but for now I’m simply looking forward to the golden time of marathon training, filled with challenges, accomplishments, setbacks, and comebacks—all before race day even arrives.

If you know others running Chicago or any fall marathon, wish them luck as they’re probably getting under way with their training and secretly squirming with excitement on the inside.  Also, invite them to join the Chicago Marathon Lounge Group or to form a new Lounge group for their race.

Running Motivation: Find It Within

Saturday's 20k race was a great reminder of the thrill of racing—and the challenge of staying motivated during those difficult stretches. 

The race was one of my few annual competitions, and while I found myself only in moderate shape, I still had some high-charged spirits.  I'd also forgotten how  the moments of courage keep alternating with moments of challenge.  They just keep hitting like a miserable wind in the face.

This week in observance of the one year anniversary of the Runners' Lounge blog, we're republishing some past posts.  The remainder of this post is from last July when a rash of runners were struggling with their motivation.   

Sometimes our best expressions about running have already been written.  For this week's Take It and Run Thursday, feel free to dust off and re-publish your past brilliance.

Recent conversations with running friends seem to have a common theme: motivation.  A good friend mentions she’s losing some drive & motivation.  Another commented on one of my Chicago Marathon posts saying she’s still looking for her motivation.  Another blogger says he needs to watch more films of Pre to get him motivated.

We often confuse motivation with how much we want something.  And we often look for motivation externally.  What consistently predictably works for me is shifting my focus from wanting to achieve running success to believing in my running success. 

Wanting running success isn’t enough.  Is it more important to want to achieve a goal or to believe in achieving a goal?  Would you rather have someone want something for you or have them believe in you?  The answer is obvious.

Ask a typical runner how badly they want to succeed, you’ll get a definitive “100%!”  Ask the same runner how deeply they believe they’ll succeed, you’ll get a fraction of that. 

My motivation to run is within me and not about waiting for an external force to kick in.  To the extent I believe in the immense impact running has on my life helps me make time to run, train smarter, rest better, eat healthier, and support other runners.  So for me, it’s about tapping into my beliefs that:

• Running brings out the best in me
• Today’s run (or recovery) can benefit me in multiple ways
• Running achievement comes in small, incremental progress
• Running is integral to my success in other life experiences
• I have already and can continue to achieve running success

Believing in my running breeds the motivation I seek, and everything else—the discipline, excitement, enjoyment, and achievement—follows! 

So kudos to those deep believer runners aiming to achieve fitness goals, or the countless others aiming to manage their weight, enter a local 5k, or finish a charity-based race. 

Deep rooted belief in our running is more powerful than watching all the Pre films put together.

Heart x-ray on Flickr by kingleyzissou

The Featured ExtraOrdinary Runner Award for May

Who doesn't like being inspired by a running story? 

That's why sharing others' experiences is a pleasure in the monthly Extraordinary Running Stories.

We're pleased to announce the Featured Running Story for May and the winner of a FREE pair of shoes from Onlineshoes.com is Ericka for her story Because I know what it's like to not be able to...    

Imagine running every step with chronic pain.  As Ericka describes it,

Within a matter of weeks, I had gone from a hyper, very active child who participated in basketball, running, gymnastics, volleyball, and softball, to one who could barely get out of bed and walk the halls of school.  Only 13, my body easily felt like that of an 80-year old.

We’re sure you’ll find the rest of her story is inspiring and moving,

Sharing thoughts about running, particularly from those challenging moments, can be an inspirational gift to other runners.  Betsy puts into words her experience from the final stages of a marathon in The Last 6.2

That last mile was the longest mile I have ever run. For the entire race, I'd been surrounded by people, but in that last mile, things were quiet. There were no spectators or volunteers anywhere near by. Only a few runners were close to me, and I could see all of them struggling. . .In that final mile, I pulled out every trick I knew to keep going. . . I focused on objects a bit ahead of me and imagined myself pulling on them, moving myself further along.

One of our other favorite stories is not about racing but about the relief that a running routine brings to day-to-day life.

If you’ve never had a stressful day, then you can skip this next story.  Otherwise, it’s written for all of us, and you'll appreciate the rest in Chaos Theory.  In the Fast Lane writes...

I am trying to remain calm, but my heart is starting to race with anxiety. The chaos in my kitchen is a wonderful part of having a family. It is a blessing, but for me, the chaos sometimes hurts… It is an anxiety caused by the richness of my life and as such, I learn to revel in the chaos and sometimes join in and encourage it to continue.

The chaos, however, is not something that I can keep as part of me…but yet I crave silence. I crave peace. And so, I must find those times to recharge: my morning run, alone, quiet except for the sounds of my footfall…

Remember, great moments in running happen every day among the most ordinary of runners.  Everyone is invited to share your extraordinary running story at at Runners' Lounge,  where we  celebrate their running accomplishments, friends and inspiration.

A Salute to Running Moms

With Mother's Day right around the corner, it seems only fitting to send warm wishes to all the running moms.  After all, runners are special.  Mothers are special.  So running moms must be extra special, right?

A salute to running moms from the Runners' Lounge:

A salute to the running moms who make running a priority and have the discipline to plan and stick with their training even when real life doesn't cooperate.   And also for the moms who don't.  A salute to the running moms who opt to sleep in an extra 30 minutes after being up all night or skip their run to help with a last minute school project because they know right then something else is more important.

A salute to the running moms who have the strength to eat the right foods at the right times to make sure they have the fuel they need to power their running.  And also the moms who rely on a PB & J sandwich as a prerun staple and left over mac n cheese for a little pick me up.

A salute to the moms who look great in spandex and sport tops - without a coverup - because they are runners.  And also the moms who don't, but wear it anyway because running makes them feel good enough to wear running clothes in public.

A salute to the moms who dig down deep to run hard and competitively in their races and set the bar higher for all women.  And also the moms who run their own race and race to finish just to show their kids it isn't always about winning - it is about finishing what you started.

A salute to the running moms that squeeze in a short run here and a long run there between errands, practices, work and kid crisises and don't miss a beat.  And the moms who also squeeze them in and show up at work, at school, or at home red faced, sweaty, stinky but happy because they got their run in.

A salute to the moms who run so her favorite pair of $100+ designer heels match the priceless look of great running legs.  And also the moms whose only pairs of $100+ shoes are her favorite running shoes.

A salute to all running moms who could just as easily stop running because it would make life a little easier, but don't, because they know it makes them a better person.  It keeps them healthy when their kids aren't.  It keeps them sane when life is crazy.  It keeps them out of their fat clothes.   And, it gives them personal challenges that are uniquely their own.

A salute to all running moms, regardless of age, speed, ability, or goals who are proud to tell their family and friends they are a runner.   We salute them because they are a role model for their daughters, sisters, and the next generation of running mothers. 

For these running moms, we say thank you for being a runner.

At the risk of missing some of my favorite mom runners, here are a few moms I would like to extend a Happy Mothers Day to:

• Nancy - for being a great running partner and fitting it all in so well
• Sandy - a fabulous runner and mom who excudes such quiet strength
• CoffeeBetsy - the mom of the cutest little boy on earth and the confidence to single handedly rename the half marathon
• Marcy - one of the coolest moms who also makes me smile with every post
• Nat - who shows the realistic side of running and balancing but still makes me laugh
• Zanne - an inspiration for my running, even when she isn't

I hope you enjoy the flowers from my garden (these pictures never die or need water) as well as a great run this week.

Pass along this note to a few of your running friends.  Take a moment this week to wish a few of your favorite running moms a Happy Mothers Day!

The Best and Brief about Running

Whew!  There's been some pretty powerful thinking about running going on these days.

Thanks to everyone who contributed their running insights for Take It And Run Thursday.  Capturing running wisdom in a single statement and in 13 words is no small feat—most cryptic text messages are longer than that.

Runners shared several dozen gems of inspiration, common sense, coaching, and even some humor, so naturally we want to share them with you.  Each blogger's explaining comments are equally profound, so you'll want to enjoy reading the context for their insights.

Lou:  Ease your mind and let your body do the hard work for you.

Run At The Mouth:  How you spend your time tells the world just what you value.

Mike:  All a runner needs are a pair of shoes and somewhere to run...

Nat:  Power. Beauty. Strength.  To these I add the following 10: Courage, Determination, discipline, Communion, Solitude, Simplicity, Move, Be, Believe, Rest

John:  Please train smart, rest more often,  listen to your body, and race hard!

Kent:  Status quo is never enough. Keep pushing yourself to new goals and heights.

Oktree:  Runners are everyday people with a superhuman addiction to training, endorphins and life.

Rob:  Success in running is all about getting out the door

Kaeti: You may never simultaneously love and hate something more than running.

Irish Cream:  Somewhere, someone busier than you is training right now." (or something like that)

Coffee Betsy:  Don't overtrain. Just because you physically can doesn't mean you should. 

Eat Drink Run Woman:  Haiku 

23-mile run
Hot July air; the result?
Sweat stains on my boobs

Heather:  The hardest part of running is quieting the voice that says “I can’t.

K80K:  Few things in life will feel as long as 26.2 miles in 6:59:50.

Kara:  When the run gets tough, shorten my stride and look above the horizon.

Andi:  The difference between a runner and a jogger is a race entry form.

The Laminator:  The Secret to Running Success: Run Your Own Race and Know Your Limits.

Bryan:  Just get out there. Nobody says that they wish they hadn't run today.

Database Diva:  You can run through your problems, but not away from them.

David H:  Be smart. Listen to your body. It's always right.

Lori:  DO SOMETHING!!

Inspiration For Your Weekend Run

As we wind down another week in the Lounge, it wouldn't be complete without a shout out to our Boston Marathon finishers to round the salute in the early part of the week!   Qualifying for Boston is an accomplishment and finishing Boston is a dream for so many runners.   Lucky for us, our Lounger friends have taken time to share their story and recap the race.   I feel like I ran the race even though I wasn't there!

To be fair, I should warn you that these race reports are downright inspiring.  Even a pokey runner like me had the visions of Boston in her eyes after gorging myself on these race reports.  It made my afternoon run one of my fastest on record this year.

Here are a few:

Bill - A fantastic story of the Boston Marathon in two parts (Part I, Part 2).  The title, "The Privilege of Being a Runner" gives you a sense of the joy he is feeling

Nitmos - Warm up with his tales of a taco gone bad on his trip to Boston and then run along with him through a good first half and those dreaded cramps on the second

Reid - Titled, "I get my courage from the crowds" he shares his trip into Boston and how the crowd helped keep him going.  I know it is a little late, but, for what it is worth, I was yelling "Go Ax!" as I read the post.  And love the pictures! (And the pic of the medal - right).

Heather - One of the most moving race reports I have read.   I don't know if it was the story, her writing or the fact that I felt like I was right there at mile 24 when she writes, "I hate everything. I hate life. And I hate running most of all."  It's good to know it isn't just me that has those moments - even great runners have that fleeting thought.  But don't take that quote to mean Heather quit or didn't do a great job - she ran a wonderful race!

Dave Fleet - Watch his race report in his video version of his post.  My favorite part - outside of the race details - is how he explains that he wrote his name in marker on his arms and now he has an extra sun suvenior from the race.

And if you are still in need of inspiration, or the little nudge to remind you that your weekend run isn't that far, check out SLB's race report of the Leona 50 miler.  It's hard to wrap my head around running for more than 11 hours, on purpose.  :}

No wait...maybe 11 hours could be doable....I was just reminded that Paul Staso is taking off in a few days for his 620 mile run across Montana.  No biggee for him...he ran across the US with just a jogging stroller.   

Puts it all in perspective, no?

My Hero - My Son

I want to introduce you to my current hero and my inspiration - my son.   About a year ago, I  noticed a big change in the way he ran and walk.  It didn't look like it was easy and was almost painful to watch.  Pretty soon, he began mentioning that it hurt to walk, hurt to run, hurt to stand.   Over last summer it got worse and worse.    Pretty soon his hips and back hurt too.   

We went to an pediatric orthopedic surgeon in late summer and found the flat feet he was born with wasn't something he was growing out of.  Instead, they were really flat and flexible.  His feet were so flexible, they "collapsed" with every step so he had aggravated the tendons in both feet and he had a heel cord (gastronimus muscle) that was too tight and his feet weren't striking the ground well.   

So we tried a couple sets of custom orthopedic inserts, and then lots of physical therapy to stretch and strengthen.  And then when his feet got worse, we alternated casts on each lower leg/foot to try to stretch the heel cord and quiet the tendons in the feet.   Still no luck.  We hit the final option - surgery.   Last month he got a bone graft (about 1 cm) added into his heel bone and had his tendon extended a few inches.

For him it meant a couple days in the hospital and now a few months on crutches before he can start using the foot again.  It meant the other foot has the tough job of supporting the healing foot 24x7.   

As a parent and runner, it was hard to make the decision and then to watch him go through the healing process.  I was worried how well my "baby" boy (ok, he is 8 now - not a baby) would handle it.  But you know what - he has been my inspiration.    He hasn't complained, our days haven't been filled with drama, he hasn't been impatient and asked "why me" or "is it over yet".  He hasn't tried to use the foot just to see if it is "ready yet".   Just because he misses soccer and Tae Kwan Do - he doesn't sneak out and try to do it.   When his friends head out for tag at recess, he doesn't get mad. 

He hasn't done all those silly things I do when I am injured.  Nope.  He has patiently worked through each treatment, looks forward to the day when his foot won't hurt and just works on getting better.   He has done a good job focusing on what he can do.  He works on getting faster and faster on crutches.  He can hop on one foot the entire length of our house.  And he can now balance almost 15 seconds on crutches only - no legs.  (Thanks for that tip Grandpa!)

He still has about 5 months of healing for the left foot and then he gets to do it again - on the right foot.   11 more months of healing and 11 more months of patience.   When we talk about life a year from now, he tells me he can't even imagine what life will be like when his feet don't hurt.  Up until a few months ago, he thought it was normal for feet to hurt when you walk and run. 

Through this last year, he has taught me patience.  He taught me many mental lessons about injuries and healing.  He reminds me that life is good, could always been worse, and each day it gets a little better.

And now when I head out for a run, I am now just thankful for the opportunity to be out there running. 

Running Opens New Doors

I don’t have a singular defining running motivator.

Sometimes I wish I did.  But at the same time, I’ve had a rich assortment of running experiences that add up to more moments of enjoyment accomplishment and satisfaction than most people ever experience.

As a kid anytime I was able to break away from the structure of home, school, and organized play, I was running.  Running in high school gave way to running in college, followed by a rewarding career coaching high school runners. 

Then came road racing.  I ran a full marathon before running my first half marathon.  Along came our three babies in five years, so I dropped out of the racing scene for more than a decade.  But I still ran.  Fast forward, the kids grew up, I skipped over two age-groups and returned to chasing a new set of middle age PRs.

I’m still running and new doors continue to open.  Running friends and strangers invite me into their running lives to figure out their training and injuries.  I’m dabbling in race directing and volunteering with local races.  And I’m still running.

Without a doubt, the richest running experience of all has been the privilege of sharing this blog with Amy, and co-hosting a meeting space at Runners’ Lounge for the on-line running community.  The double benefit of the blog and community is all the wonderful runners I've met and come to appreciate.

I've read that one of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats, and that has been what running has been for me.  Running has provided me physical capabilities that I never dreamed of possessing.  Plus there are countless internal gifts of mental strength, perseverance, self-discovery, and reduced stress.  Running enlarges my appreciation for others and deepens my belief in myself.  Running has been fun!

My running still hands me hard work, challenges, and frustration.  But its rewards far outweigh what running demands from me.  The ordinary act of running each day is more important to my soul than any non-runner could imagine.  And I know that while not every run is wonderful, I’m a better person because I’m a runner.

So what keeps me motivated?  That answer is easy.  It’s my next run!

Every next run holds possibilities.  My next run might burn the calories that bring me closer to my drivers license weight.  My next run might help me figure out how to balance work and home.  My next run might jar me away from my own self center to focus on a family member or friend who needs me.  Or my next run might contain some spiritual grace.  And without my next run, I might never know how close I am to a next success.

There is nothing certain about tomorrow, but as long as today holds the prospect of another run, I’m excited and inspired. 

My best shot at being happy is by running today and discovering what doors it will open.

Still have legs on flickr by Funkamunka

The Featured ExtraOrdinary Runner Story for April

When we started building Runners' Lounge a year ago, we didn't know everything there is to know about running. But we did hold one strong belief.  It was that every runner has a story.   We knew that it didn't matter if you have just started or have been running for 80 years, each and every runner has something to share that keeps them going or can be passed on to help another runner become stronger, better, or just not quit.  Or better yet, to start running.

We were pretty excited to launch the ExtraOrdinary Runner Awards a few months ago.  We knew it would be a great way to feature some of the great stories out there - just waiting to be told.  And we haven't been disappointed.  The runners that have stopped by and dropped off their stories of success, inspiration and support are great examples. There are more than a few that I have brought a tear to my eye.   And there is now a long mental list that shuffles through my head when I start getting mentally crabby on my long runs - they really keep me going.

For April, our Featured Story of the Month and the winner of a FREE pair of shoes from Onlineshoes.com is Carol's (aka CoyoteGirl) story, "Running For Two" in the Why I Run category.  Here is a bit about her story, but you need to read it to do justice to the entire story.  (Picture of Julie (left) and Carol (right).)

Carol (CoyoteGirl) shares her story of running for a friend Annie, who was dying of cancer, when she became unable to run for herself.  And after Annie's passing, she continued her tribute by running a race dedicated to Annie, her friends and family.   At the middle of the race, she knew Annie was with her as she stopped feeling tired and felt "lighter, energized, and refilled".   It is a great story to read and take along as a midrun energy gel for your next run.

And if you need more food for the brain for your next run, take a few moments to check out other great stories in the ExtraOrdinary Runner Award section.   You may have already read the first seven stories we told you about in Febraury.  Here are highlights of a few new ones I know you will enjoy:

From the Beginning Running section, read "Pushing Through" by domobatiq who used running to help her recovery from a surgery.

From the Charity, Communication category, be sure to check out marcigee's story titled, "This is Why I Run Marathons".   She tells about her experience running money for "Fred's Team" to raise Pediatric Cancer Research. 

glpaxton's story, "Fat Running and My New Cause" is a great story about his weight loss, taking on a marathon, and now running for juvenille diabetes for his daughter. 

alsligh's story, "The SMALL reason I keep running" will touch your heart.  Her story about her daughters race will put a smile on your face.

runatthemouth's story, "It's what I do" is a great story about coming back to running after a brain hemmorage.

Thank you to all Loungers who have submitted stories!   Take a moment to read them, drop off a comment and piece of encouragement as a form of thanks!   

And keep 'em coming!  I know what you will do for a free Tshirt . :}  Share those stories you are creating - one of them could be worth a free pair of shoes.

 

Three cheers For You!

I really love reading stories about how running changed someone's life.  They are inspirational and uplifting.  And believable.  Any runner can see through their own experience how running has changed their own life.   

Running has changed my life.   And then my life touched the running community.   And now the running community has changed my running.   

A year ago when Tom and I started dreaming out loud of a community for runners I was excited but very hesitant.  I LOVE talking about running.  I thoroughly enjoy a conversation with a runner - but as you know - I am not very good at the whole running thing.   A year ago when we would dream about a hosting a running community, I was completely perplexed at what I could contribute.  I am slow, I have no formal running education, I am slow, I have never been a coach, I am slow, I never competed in high school, college or professionally, and did I mention that I was slow?   So what could I give to a bunch of runners - comic relief?

But something very interesting happened over the spring and summer.   I met all of you and began to realize that runners aren't made up of just the strong and fast.  Our community is made up of all shapes, speeds, interests, and ages.   And the more I read and talked with BRF, the more I realized that my type of running IS an acceptable type of running.  There are millions of runners just like me - trying to fit running into an already busy life, who do it for all different reasons, and who take the time to keep other runners going.   I belong with this group!

And with that realization, my attitude of my own running changed forever.   I relaxed my own crazy rules of what a real runner is.  I ran more often just to enjoy.  I slowed down (unbelievable to me to that I could run even slower).  I spent more time talking with other runners to let them know what "real runners" are made of.  I learned to share what I learned along the way - because we all end up in the same traps.  And I learned to appreciate my running accomplishments versus always hoping I could do something more. 

And then as an added bonus, after 12 years of running mostly by myself, I have found many new running partners.   Just when I thought running couldn't get much more enjoyable - I found Art and Nancy (who indulge me most often).   As you know, the miles go by much more quickly with a friend.    And I forever grateful of the borrowed inspiration from Art on Sunday and Nancy's strong stomach after seeing me in a swimsuit on Tuesday.   

I am very fortunate to have a large running community in the likes of all of you and my small town group of my running friends at home.   

Thanks for keeping me going and in the right direction!

We are looking forward to your posts tomorrow on your running clubs, running groups, races, and running communities (virtual or home town) as part of Take It and Run Thursday.

Running & March Madness

Quick, brace yourself. 

In just a matter of days the world of sports, media, and consumer products are going to erupt with expressions about March Madness. 

We’ll be bombarded by pizza chains, soft drinks, sporting gear, hot wings, and beer brands telling us how to spend our emotions, time, and money.  You’d swear that no one in the country will have a sane, moment of self control during the next three weeks.

Don’t get me wrong.  I love the tournament, particularly with my alma mater, Drake University, which has captured Iowans’ hearts with a spectacular season.  But it’s also the time of year when I sadly binge eat (aka March Sadness) during Spring Break.  Combine that with my unleashed, bad discipline (aka March Badness) for eating every Girl Scout Cookie in sight, and I’m doomed.

Actually, that’s me in other years. 

This year I’m taking a different approach to get through March Madness, Sadness, and Badness.  For the rest of the month I’m filling out my own brackets pairing me with some daunting daily challenges.  I’m going to:

• Storm the streets with better running
• Screen out the sugars
• Fast break away from the office treats and candy dishes
• Put on a full-court press against super-sized food portions
• Use all my time outs for better stretching and core strengthening

My game plan is to run down the clock—okay the calendar—in the remaining 21 days of March (Hey, doesn’t it take 21 days to form a habit?).  My goal is to run consistently, and arrive at the end of the month in better shape to take on some better quality running in April and May.

The regulation season of running on ice is over.  And I don’t need a pizza chain or beer bottler advising me to sprawl out on the couch and how to spend the rest of my March. 

There will, however, be Girl Scout cookies in moderation.  Somebody please pass the Thin Mints.

Pizza and coach on Flickr by Wookiee

Bracket on Flickr by Vince Outlaw

Thin Mints on Flickr by Olivia Nicole

Run Like You Want To

To become the runner you are, you can't dwell on the runner you're not.  Start with what you've got  - whether it's mental, physical or just the support of your family  - and then just run.

There really aren't any rules about what your running should be - you don't have to run "fast", need to run "long", sign up for races, run on a treadmill or run at all unless you really want to.  Deciding on the runner you want to be is the most important thing of all.

Run like you want to today.

Just gotta' groove

In your groove....cruise control.....floating......easy run.....

You know that feeling?  The rush of when you are in a run and you can't really feel your legs beneath you because you found YOUR speed.  The perfect pace of your run.

Now that I am getting back into a good running routine, it easier to find my groove.  More than a few times in the last week, I had to actually look down to make sure I was running.   It felt that effortless.   It doesn't last the whole run and I am not necessarily breaking any speed limits - but that's ok.  For the point in my run that it happens, it makes the rest of the felt effort worth it.  It's just nice to lose myself in running.   

My music makes my vacation-from-reality runs even better.   I am not sure if it is the running that makes the music better or the music that makes the running better.   I think after all these years I have stopped trying to figure it out.   I have realized that I intuitively choose running music whose tempo and beat mirror my "perfect pace".   Subconsciously, I now know which sets of music to choose as I start, grind through the middle or trying to finish strong.   

And even though running is a form of meditation to me - I am not one of those Zen runners.    I need music to get to going most days.   I rely on music to help me through the sore knees and awkward gait in the first mile or so.   My mind demands music to drown out the other thoughts of work and home so they are just inaudible background noises.   And most importantly, music helps me slip into my groove and keep me there.  It is like a little metronome .... tick, tick, tick, tick......

Here are some of the songs on my iPod (did I mention I finally got one for Christmas?!?!?) that you might like to:

• What You Want - Daughtry
• Her Eyes - Pat Monahan
• Famous in a Small Town - Miranda Lambert
• Love Song, Many The Mile - Sara Bareilles
• Lost Highway, We Got in Going On, Whole Lot of Leaving, I Love This Town - Bon Jovi
• Who Wouldn't Want to be Me - Keith Urban
• America - Neil Diamond
• Gonna Make you Sweat - C+C Music Factory
• Shame on You - Indigo Girls
• Stoppin the Love - KT Tunstall
• What do You Think - Montgomery Gentry

I do like podcasts when I need some company on my runs.  Thank you iTunes for making it so darn easy to get new stuff each week. Here are my weekly regulars that I carry:

• Phedippidations - of course! 
• 4 Feet Running with Nik and Dan
• Confessions of a Runner
• Podrunner (try them - but need to be in the right mood)
• The Extra Mile Podcast - love the stories!
• The Final Sprint

Can't wait to see the other music and podcast stuff you bring to the Take It and Run potluck!

Photo on Flickr by Who's Photo?

Plan = Motivation

I am a planner.   I plan everything.  Part of this is necessity and part driven by personality quirk.  I know that my loonngg nagging injury in 2007 is a result of too little planning and too much cramming and ad hoc running.   Tom's post yesterday on running plans was just the push I need to make a plan.   It's time to commit and get a plan.

I have been pretty quiet on the topic.   Which is unusual.  Usually, within a day of my last race of the year, I have my race schedule mapped out, the training runs laid out on the calendar and I am set.   The only exception was in 2007, at just about this time, that I scrapped the entire calendar and plan and ran "planless" for a year.   Skipping all my favorite races and runs to make time for other important things in my life.   11 years of calculated, well planned running schedules swapped out by an open calendar of nothingness.   But the year "off" taught me alot of things about running including how beneficial it is to run for fun, the pure enjoyment of running socially with friends...and...how desparately I need a schedule.

For my planning, I have been debating which platform to jump on: "get faster" or "go longer".  As I have considered this, I have rolled around Vanilla's "Shave your 5K challenge."   Getting faster would be a pretty cool thing to do.   Do you remember that scene in the Spirit of the Marathon where the guy tries to show us how fast elite runners actually run and his treadmill doesn't go that fast?   Come on...speed is so cool!

And then, of course, I have seriously considered going long.   Maybe it is time to break out my marathon mind and body again.   And do it right this time.   The Spirt of the Marathon movie really, really made me think about give it another go.

But after alot of consideration, I know that to stay motivated and engaged in my running plan this year, neither "platform" feels right - they wouldn't be the right goals.  My heart isn't into either goal now.   Which has been perplexing to me.  I kept thinking to myself - if I don't run for speed or distance - what the heck other goals are there?   And then it hit me - it's another year of running for fun.   I really enjoyed the social, no pressure aspect of just heading out alone or with others and running.   

So, I am going back to my old loves, my favorite races of Red Flannel 5K in February, and Drake Relays 8K in April, Dam to Dam 25K in June, Cyman Triathlon in August, Living History Farms 7 miles in November.   My only goal for each one is to run it with a friend.  No time goals, no pressure - just run it for fun.

On top of these races, I have three more goals: 

1)  I want to be a stronger runner by the end of this year.   I want to train and run for all these races injury free.   By end of this year, this nagging back/hip issue will be such a distant memory that I will think I dreamed it.

2) I want to run two races, not in Iowa, that I have never run before - and with a running friend.  I want to break out of my routine and try something new and see some new running sites.   Of all the goals - this will be the most challenging for me to find the time - but I know it will be the most motivating thing I can do for my running this year.

3)  I want to help two people start their running career.

Ahhh...I feel better.   I feel the motivation pouring in.  A little direction and commitment is a good thing!

Good reminder: It does get easier

Since my post a few weeks ago on overcoming inertia, I have been working on getting this big ole chub of a body back into a good running momentum.   In that time, every run has been a challenge.   Nothing feels easy, like it did before the holiday crash, with my running.   Instead of heading out on a run and feeling like the cover model for Runners' World, I feel like a swaddled ogre lumbering down the trail.   I am amazed that my legs can feel this heavy and be attached to my body.   And speed?  The little amount of speed I once had has been replaced by super slowness which just adds insult to injury.  Running has been very tough.

So Monday night, when I hopped on the treadmill for a quick three miles, my head wasn't in the game.  I wasn't looking forward to the run because they haven't been the most enjoyable experience.    I had a constant rambling of thoughts that went something like this....

....surely this will be a better run....its gotta be...I am a runner....this is an easy run...no big deal...slow and easy....slow, ok this is below slow...come on...pick it up...you can go faster...thump, thump, thump....ok...you can't...and what is that pain in my knee...still there...oww...limp, thump, limp, thump...definitely a new one...and the foot..a little tingle...oh, I should just get off..maybe time for a rest period...just give up running...the first mile sucks...I was never built for running anyway...and this treadmill...silent scream...man, I hate treadmills...I wish I could go outside and run...why is it always dark...and cold...why does the first mile have to suck...how many days of winter are left anyway...silent calculation...ugh....70 days left...maybe I should just stop...its not getting any easier...this is horrible...I am a horrible runner...that's it at 10 minutes, I will stop...the kids are hungry anyway...I should be making dinner...and catching up on email...and vaccuuming....and petting the dog....poor guy...the first mile sucks...the treadmill just confuses him...yes, I should stop and play with the kids and pet the dog....that would be a ton more productive than this pace...how slow am I going...you have got to be kidding...is it possible to run this slow...the first mile sucks...and wait, now my other knee hurts....what in the world....this must look ridiculous....I am moving somewhere warm...I am never running on a treadmill again...I am just sure today is the day I am going to fall off this thing...

And on and on it went for 9 minutes and 43 seconds and then....BAM...just like that, I straightened up a bit, it got a little easier, and I found myself running like a normal person.   Even in all that negative head chatter, my body kept moving forward, and it finally slipped back into a very familiar feeling of "good running".   The kind of running that feels natural, a bit easier.   That floaty, happy feeling.   It took 15 days and many tough runs to get my groove back, but I am so happy that I persisted.  The last two miles were great!  And now, I feel that addictive pull of running back again.   Instead of talking myself into it, I feel my running voice begging and pleading to ditch a meeting or get up extra early or stay up a little later.   

Ah...the planets are back in alignment.  Life is good again.

While I wouldn't want to repeat the last 15 days, it was a good reminder to keep on keepin' on.   I can't stop just because it is hard. I need to keep running because it gets easier - sometimes in the blink of an eye and sometimes less miraculously.    Either way - it always gets easier.

I found this post and video on Everyday's Athlete's blog this weekend and it really struck a cord with me.  The ramblings in my head can be a big derailer for me and this clip had about all of them in the minute of so that it played.   In the end, the negative talk you tell yourself really doesn't matter and in fact, will go away, as long as you do the most important thing - just go out there and run.  Even a little.  Just go for a run today!

Shift Happens

What a difference a few months make in running!  Only a few months ago I was following a training schedule, consistently knocking off and enjoying longer mileage and faster paces.  These days it’s an effort fitting in my shorter, plodding runs. 

The runs themselves are still enjoyable, but finding the time and getting out the door is more challenging.  But instead of aiming to complete a goal race, I’m on course for the local Outstanding Out-of-Shape-Guy award—with certificate suitable for framing.

Fortunately, I’m still the same running enthusiast.  Still can’t shut me up about running, and I’ll rally behind anyone else’s running success and enjoyment. 

A few weeks back I posted about some great running books, and forgot to mention a favorite I reach for when my running motivation needs a kick in the pants.  Check out Better Runs by Joe Henderson.  The book is filled with practical ideas to improve our running success or to jump-start a stalled phase.  The book is an easy read and includes sections on: 

• Better races
• Better rests
• Better results
• Better schedules

• Better workouts
• Better goals
• Better seasons
• Better rewards

• Better shoes and products
• Better diet
• Better friends
• Better thoughts

Complete satisfaction with our running doesn’t exist—because everything can be improved on.  So if your running is full of shifts, like mine, just recognize that shifts happen.  When they do, there’s always “better” to aim for.

Shift Happens on Flickr by Lia

Ice is a Four-Letter Word

Okay, it’s not exactly four letters, but I’m fed up with it already. 

After the weekend’s ice storm, we’ve been sliding around daily on the stuff.  There aren't enough characters on the top row of the keyboard to describe runners' !@#$%^& dislike for ice.  So I'm ranting about it for all of us.

Ice is evil.  It’s the offspring of Cruella DeVille  and the Winter Warlock. Heartless, deceitful and more slippery than the politicians campaigning now in Iowa, ice appears out of nowhere and disables us.  All it takes is one misstep on a patch as wafer thin as a Victoria’s Secret model, and I’m down and it can change my running for a long time.

Ice is a good-for-nothing surface. Think of the breathtaking centerfold Rave Runs in Runners’ World magazine.  We see runners gazelling along on picturesque trails, beaches, in the mountains, besides streams, through deserts, and gorges.  But do you see runners on glaciers?  I don’t think so!  Ice is a low-class wannabe caught between rain and snow.  It's the carnival worker of weather.  Even worse, like a bad party guest of winter, ice is the last to leave for the season.

Ice is a thief and bully.  It has robbed me of enjoying many runs by forcing me to slow, veer, and hobble over bumps and ruts at a pace more dragged out than a bad reality TV show.  Requiring I pay close attention to where I step, it zaps the leisure and the mindless drift that I prefer when running.  Where's the enjoyment?  I yield to ice but curse it under my breath.

Ice makes me run stupid.  Of all the weather conditions, ice makes me look the most ridiculous. I can run comfortably in the heat, cold, rain, even the wind—at least with the wind at my back.  However, cruising along in the winter, smug ice slows me down until I look like a lumbering ballerina.  After I'm off the ice, on an oasis of firm footing, I still never really return to a full, easy stride.  If I wanted to run wobbling, foolishly, and wind up on my butt, I’d rather drink heavily.

There is no justice with running and ice.  In our climate, wishing the ice to go away is pointless, but I can be as nasty as I want right back at it.

Winter Warlock on Flickr by Spablab
Icy sidewalk on Flickr by Carrib

Eating and Running Optimism This Month

Looking at my running for November was a shocker. 

Where are the miles?  Where are the digits representing the miles?  I set aside October for easy running, light duty following the Chicago Marathon.  But somehow November slipped by with way too little running and way too many calories.  I didn't even save any eating room for December.  Not only was eating high and calorie burn low, traveling heavily last month meant eating poorly.  My waistline is begging for a break, so I need to try something.

Legend, or science, or urban myth says that it takes 21 days to form a habit.  And that time frame has actually worked in a number of attempts at reforming my life, including weight management.    Plus, a BRF left me a useful comment last summer saying that when we stick with eating good foods for a sustained period, eventually the healthier foods begin to taste better and the junk food grows less appealing.

Another experience I've had—you'll love the profound eloquence here—is that the bad stuff builds on the bad stuff, and the good stuff builds on the good stuff.   When I'm eating carelessly, it carries over into reckless eating.  But when I'm eating well, then the discipline to eat well carries over into other parts of my living.

I’m going to try that theory plus the 21-days-to-form-a-habit route.  By starting today, in 21 days it will be Christmas Eve and I will be the pillar of strength, scoffing at fiends’ and relatives’ succulent cooking and baking.  Instead I’ll be saying, "I've got to get the recipe for these amazing raw carrots!" and "Who brought the parsley?"

As for the running, pounding the streets for 21 days straight would feel more like boot camp, not the enjoyment I find in running.  So I’m going to re-commit to my standard running weeks—three weekdays and both weekends—to get back into my routine.  In the meantime I have Nancy's 8 on the 8th race to look forward to this Saturday, and the Holiday Weight Loss Challenge to keep me focused and honest.

With any luck by New Years Eve, I’ll look back at my December running and I’ll be a model of reform, and won’t need a New Years Resolution for health and fitness—just a bunch of other new habits waiting for the 21-day test.

Go ahead - Make an Elf of Yourself

For no reason in particular - I really need to share this with you.   I have made a total Elf of myself and my family.  And it cracks me up everytime.  My big sis sent me a version for her family and it was so funny I had to do it my'elf'.  haha

Give it a whirl - you are gonna' laugh!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9591021515

Gee ... and I wonder why my portion of the blog was rated at the elementary school level....

A Few Random Facts About Me

Happy Holiday Weekend! 

I think I have offiicially eaten more holiday food, pie and consumed more festive spirits than a person should be allowed.  I am moving a little slower, just hangin' out with the kids and trying to get in a few runs in the snow, along with the sledding.  Let's hope it is off the trails for my 8 mile run tomorrow.   Today feels like a great time to catch up on some long overdue responses to a couple tags.  In the last few weeks, Ovens2Betsy and Doug tagged with me with 5 random facts.  Here they are:

1.  I cater to kids on this blog.  No need to be more than 7 to read our blog!  Did this little test on our blog's readability level - and guess what...

Get a Cash Advance

You are so welcome!  Consider this blog a little brain candy treat in your daily allowance of otherwise useful information.

2.  I am really an introvert.  The fact I choose Human Resources as a career or start a blog or community of runners is actually contrary to my personality at times.   Don't get me wrong - I really love people, but sometimes I really enjoy just sitting, thinking and dreaming.

3.  I think in grids, boxes and charts.  Drives the people I work with nuts!  If there is a problem to be solved, I tend to think about it a two or three dimensional chart and just start filling in boxes.   And a bonus related fact - my son was born with the same affliction.  At the age of three he asked for a clipboard and started drawing charts and lists to plan his birthday party.

4.  I am still holding out that Santa may be real.   Watching all these Santa and Christmas shows with my kids and I cheering right along side them.  They always ask me if Santa is real and there is a part of me that always says yes...'cause you just don't know.   Man, wouldn't it be great if Santa was real?!?

5.  I love small towns and small town ways.  I grew up in town of 125, my graduating class had 28 kids, I didn't have my first pizza delivered until I was in college and I didn't have cable TV until I was 21.   And all that works for me.

At the risk of breaking a chain - I am not going to officially tag anyone.  I would hate to be the person that added to your already packed "to do" list.   BUUTTTT....if you haven't had a chance to share some random facts about yourself - please do and let us know.   

Shift Your Perspective...

Health...        Faith...        Family... 

Friendship...        Time...        Shelter...

Food...        Water...         Freedom...

Challenges...     Opportunities...

Enough said.

Treat yourself to the gift of a few moments to reflect on gratefulness.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!