Category: Running

A Runner’s Christmas List

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It’s time for yet again, another holiday gift list for runners. Each year these are splattered all over the internet, and I usually have the same things on my list as well. But this year I wanted to mix it up and be more creative. So if you know a runner these are some great things to put under the tree or in their stockings. And if you’re the runner, add these to your list pronto!

Race entry-What’s the perfect way to show your runner that you support them? Pay for their registration into a race. While some races can be quite expensive, your gift can be as simple as a local 5k. Prices range from $15-150+ depending on how big the race or the distance.
Nuun- With all of the holiday cheer you’ll be consuming over the holidays, your runner will need to make sure they stay hydrated. With three different formulas and over 20 flavors, Nuun is the perfect way to keep away the holiday hangover. Right now when you spend over $30, you get a free Nuun trucker hat with your purchase.

Gift cards– Gift cards are always the easy way out, but sometimes they’re the best option. If you have a picky runner on your hands or maybe a runner who can’t decide on something, gift cards are the way to go. You can pick some up at your local running shop, your runner’s favorite online store, or the big box sports stores.
Race Bib Coasters- Does your runner have a special race that they want to remember forever? Ellie has the perfect solution for you. Custom coasters with you or your runner’s race bib. I have a pair of my own and love them! These are the perfect gift to display your accomplishments, you can use them all year long and they never wear out!
Winter safety kit– Winter can be a dangerous time for runners. With snow, cold and lack of daylight, it’s best to keep your runner safe as possible. Need a few ideas for a winter safety kit? Try: pepper spray/mace, Road ID, a reflective vest, head lamp, YakTrax and gloves.
Bib/Medal  holder– If you weren’t allowed to hang your medals on your Christmas tree, you may still need a place to display them. Running on the Wall has medal hangers, bib hangers and more. I received this one a few years ago, but it’s getting pretty full. Looks like I may need to add it to my list as well.
Runner’s World Calender- Want to know how you can keep your runner motivated through the day? Buy them the Runner’s World Calendar. I have both the wall calendar and daily boxed calendar in my office at work and love them. It’s a nice reminder to have all day when you’re ready to relax once you get home from work.

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So there’s my take on some creative gifts for the runner in your life. I have no doubt that if you pick any of these gifts, your runner will appreciate them!

Running for a Cause

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With less than 6 months to go until the Medina Half Marathon, I know I have to get my butt in gear. I haven’t started training yet, but I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself for this race. I’ve got some major goals and I plan on meeting all of them. However, one goal I have is pretty important. This year I’ll be running to spread awareness of Type 1 Diabetes, and running for Team JDRF. I ran for the team in 2012 at the Cleveland Half Marathon, but this time I’m doing it on my own.

You may or may not know, but Darren was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was just three years old. He’s had to deal with the ups and downs, but he has everything pretty much under control now. Over the past four years I’ve learned a lot about Diabetes and I want to help find a cure. Darren has been a wonderful support system with my running, traveling to races and getting up at the crack of dawn to stand outside for hours, just to see me pass by for a few seconds. There seems like no better way to thank him than to help find a cure for Diabetes.

Braving the wind & cold for me

Braving the wind & cold for me

So now until May 31st, I’ll be running my tail end off, not just for myself, not just for a course record or a sub 2:00 time. I’ll be running to help find a cure for Diabetes and spread awareness. If you’d like to help as well, you most definitely can. Spread the word about Type 1 Diabetes, read up on it, or donate to help find a cure. Any way to help is always appreciated!

And don’t forget, you can still sign up for the Medina Half Marathon & 5k! Registration for the half is only $40 until 12/31 so sign up and BEE there!

 

Weekly Fitness Update

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This week was a little rough. There seems to be a never ending list of things to do with not enough hours in the day. And with limited time, getting to the gym wasn’t always an option. I’ve run outside after work a few times, but I’ve hesitated to make it a common thing. Getting workouts in this week was clearly a struggle, but that’s the beauty of a plan with no plan, a missed day isn’t the end of the world.

Monday: Off

Tuesday: 1 mile (outside)

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: Off

Friday: Off

Saturday: 2 Miles (outside)

Sunday: Off

Total Miles: 3 Miles (Running)

Even though the week was tough, I made up for it on Saturday. I only had time for a short run, but I had to take advantage of the perfect weather.

Shorts? On November 16th?

Shorts? On November 16th?

I’m not sure if it was the perfect weather or the perfect outfit, but I was able to negative split on my two mile run, hitting times I hadn’t seen for quite some time. First mile in 9:08 and second in 8:57. I couldn’t have been happier, and the run made up for the lack of running I had done all week. I was even able to find a new path on my run, which I’m really looking forward to exploring.

This is how you do Saturday mornings

This is how you do Saturday mornings.

Something that came up over the past week was the idea of getting a treadmill. Even though we  belong to a gym, there is something that seems so much easier about just walking down two sets of stairs to the basement to get a run in whenever we feel like it. We’re still thinking about it, but it’s definitely a possibility. It’s time to make a list of pros and cons to see which one ends up on top.

This next week should be returning to normal, so I’m looking forward to getting a lot more runs in.

Did you take advantage of the abnormally warm weather this weekend? Thoughts on a treadmill, or suggestions on a certain kind?

 

 

 

Weekly Fitness Update

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Week one of getting back into working out is complete and it felt great. After a month off, I could tell my body was craving some time on the pavement and I’m excited to be getting back into shape. I can already tell that I’m losing that blah feeling and starting to feel like my normal self again. This week was really easy, but I also didn’t feel guilty about not making every workout. We’ve only been in our house for two weeks, so unpacking took time over spending an hour at the gym. Call it selfish, but I can’t live out of boxes forever.

Monday: 1 mile (outside) & lifted

Tuesday: 1.5 miles (indoor track) & 2 miles (stationary bike)

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: Off

Friday: Off

Saturday: 2 Miles (outside)

Sunday: Off

Total Miles: 4.5 Miles (Running) & 2 Miles (Cycling)

I was able to get outside twice this week, which was great. I started the week slow, but by Saturday I was down to a 9:3x mile pace. As long as I keep up this schedule, I should be back to my regular pace and distance in no time.

Goals for this week include more time on the bike, attend yoga or do yoga at home and run further.

Spectating Obligations

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Last week on my way to work, I listened to an interesting conversation on the radio about race spectating. In prep for NYC Marathon, the hosts were talking about spectating  and what it was like as non runners. Stationed in NYC, some were excited for the marathon, while others could care less. They talked about how often you should attend a friends race: every time or just the “big” races. They also asked should runners return the favor and how. Unfortunately I couldn’t listen to the whole topic, but it got me thinking. How often do you ask friends/family to attend your races? What do you think race spectating is like for a non runner? Here are my thoughts.

  • You don’t have to show up to every race, but try to come to the big ones. When your running with hundreds of other runners during a large race, it’s nice to see a familiar face along the way.
  • Be there for the firsts. Whether it’s your first 5k or first marathon, having friends and family there for the firsts in life is always something you’ll remember.
  • You’re allowed to have fun. Bring food and drinks, make signs or bring a cowbell. We know you’ll be bored most of the time waiting for us to pass, but at least try to have some fun.
  • Make creative signs (if you’re into that kind of thing). Nothing makes a runner feel better than seeing a funny sign at their breaking point during a race. Go crazy with your signs!
  • Be aware of the course and what’s going on in the race. We don’t want you to get trampled by accidentally crossing in front of the runners. Let’s keep it safe for everyone.
  • Don’t tell us “You’re almost there”, especially when we have a few miles to go. We know you’re trying to help us along, but it really doesn’t help, sorry.
  • Don’t be mad if we don’t seem appreciative right away after finishing. Some runners need their own time after they finish a race. When we come around and start talking about our race, you’ll wish we were quiet again.
  • Don’t be afraid of a sweaty hug, we’re just trying to thank you for supporting us.
  • Understand the lingo, know the difference between a PR and a PW. Trust us, there’s a huge difference.
  • Take it all in, we know this may not be your thing, but it’s important to us. You may end up liking it and want to join us in our next race.

All in all, any time a friend or family member shows up to a race, we truly appreciate it. We may not always have our best days or our best attitude post race, but knowing you spent an hour or five out of your day to support us, means so much more than you realize.

 

How often do you invite friends/family to races? Any tips for non running spectators?

 

 

Back to Basics

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Well, it’s a new month, so it’s back to running and working out. While I enjoyed coming home to relax on the couch and catch up on the DVR, I’m ready to get back out there and pound the pavement. I have to admit, I’m a little nervous to come back. After taking such a long time off, I know I’m way out of shape and worry what the first couple weeks will be like. Luckily, I can usually bounce back quickly, but it isn’t pretty.

If I haven’t hinted at it enough, my spring goal race is the Medina Half Marathon. Being part of MCRR, this is our baby and I’m excited for what’s in store for the inaugural race. I knew I wasn’t quite ready to get back into marathon training, and without a doubt, having a half marathon in my backyard was by far the perfect thing. But with race day not until May 31st, I have quite a bit of time to really get back into shape and prepare myself to go sub 2:00.

Yes, Medina will be my mission of breaking that beautiful time. And for the next 3 1/2 months (official training starts February 10th), I plan on prepping myself for the best training cycle to date. It’s time to get down to business and go for something I’ve been waiting for since I started my half marathon journey.

So what will this in between training session look like? It’s going to look pretty similar to a regular training cycle, but more relaxed. There is no set distance and if I have to miss a run, it’s ok. Tentatively  this is what a normal week will look like.

Monday: Run (Indoor Track) & Lift

Tuesday: Run (Indoor Track) & Bike (Stationary Bike)

Wednesday: Run (Indoor Track) & Lift

Thursday: Yoga

Friday: Off

Saturday: Run (Outside!)

Sunday: Off/At home yoga or lifting

As you can tell, I’ll be inside for most of my workouts, but I want to make sure I mix it up a bit. Running on the indoor track can get tiring, so varying the speed and distance will help. I’ll also be getting back into yoga once a week. Most importantly, I want to get back into lifting and cycling. I enjoyed these last winter, and want to make sure I keep up with them. Due to lack of daylight, I’ll only be able to get outside once a week, which will most likely be a longer run if possible.

I’m looking forward to these next couple months as I get back into running and will keep you updated on how things go. I’m also open to suggestions on things to try or workout challenges you’ve seen that have worked for you. Hopefully I’ll be ready to take on the next training cycle with everything I have and finally go sub 2:00.

 

What’s your plan for winter training? How do you your handle off season time?

 

 

Running Local

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Did you guys know that Medina is a mecca for runners? When we moved out of the suburbs, I was pretty convinced that I’d have to travel a long distance for every race I’d want to run. Luckily over the past year I’ve learned that Medina has a Second Sole, a running group, many running trails and hosts a bunch of races ranging from 5k to a double marathon. I had no idea that I had so much access to all things running and I couldn’t have been more excited. While I love the atmosphere of a large race, running a small local race just feels so much better.

I’ve run with the Road Runners group and have found new training routes as well as advice from all types of runners. It’s amazing what you’ll learn when you run with a group and how much more motivation you have for races. Sometimes the best thing for your running is to get out of your comfort zone…

Which leads me to my next point. I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and try running somewhere new. As hard as it is to leave running next to Lake Erie or in the Cleveland Metro Parks, head South on 71 and run some rolling hills and country roads. You can start this Thursday when Second Sole Medina hosts Ladies Night. I definitely plan on being there and following it up with some sunset running and yoga.

If that’s not your kind of thing, there are plenty of races down in the Medina area to please all distances. Hopefully I’ll see you out there at one of these!

Upcoming Races:

October 5, 2013 – Running of the Ghouls 5k

October 26, 2013 – Paws for the Cause 5k

October 26, 2013 – Montville Police Patrolman’s 5k

October 27, 2013 – Run with Scissors Half Marathon/Marathon/Double Marathon

November 28, 2013 – Turkey Burner 5k

December 8, 2013 – Buckeye Woods 25k/50k

And don’t forget, May 31st is the Medina Half Marathon, it’s never too early to register!

Akron Marathon…Final Thoughts

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This post has been a long time coming. After ten hard weeks of training, two weeks of time off and three weeks of stress, short runs and feeling of being overwhelmed, I have decided that I will not be running the Akron Marathon this weekend. This was something that was in the back of my mind for a while, but after this past week, I knew I was making the right decision.

Last week, I didn’t get a single run in. I was working a trade show in Canada and was standing on concrete for three days straight. It wasn’t something I could avoid, but by the end of the third day, my foot was cramping up and was still sore until Saturday. Between the lingering pain, and the lack of long runs, I knew I wouldn’t be able to give it my all this coming Saturday. I’ve run races that I shouldn’t have while battling the same pain in high school. I knew how the road would end up if I didn’t back off and I’d rather back out of one race, than have to take months off of running.

This decision didn’t come easy though, and I’m still not 100% sure I’m making the right choice. I had such a strong start to this training cycle, I felt like I could crush my time from last year. But after I injured my foot, I just couldn’t get back to where I needed to be, physically and mentally. I respect the distance enough that if I’m going to run 26.2 miles, I want to know that I can handle it. I don’t want to run it, just to say I did it, and struggle 75% of the way.

Mentally, I’m all over the board with this decision. I’ve got a lot going on outside of running right now, and I can’t give it my all. But I feel like I’m letting myself down by not showing up Saturday morning. Deep inside, I wouldn’t be able to handle another bad race this year and ultimately knowing that I’d have a good chance of dropping out.

There are so many emotions swirling in my head at this time, but I have to remember it’s only a race. There will be others and there will always be next year. I still plan on picking up my packet on Friday, but will keep everything as a reminder that maybe 2013 isn’t my year. Someday I will tow the blue line for 26.2 miles around Akron, and it will be everything I had wanted.

Akron Marathon Training: Week Fourteen

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Well, what was supposed to be a pivotal week in training, turned out to be one giant mess of stress. Between about 4 different things, my mind and body are going in a million different directions. With a bunch of errands to run, and places to be, evenings were pretty full this past week. I definitely didn’t hit the mileage I wanted, but I was able to get some in, and I wasn’t in pain at all.

Monday: Off

Tuesday: Off

Wednesday: 3 Miles

Thursday: 2 Miles

Friday: Off

Saturday: Off

Sunday: 3 Miles

Total Miles: 8 Miles

There isn’t too much to say about my runs these days. I’m just trying to get miles in. They’re no where near the high mileage weeks that I should be at/used to be at, but it’s too late in the game for it. Surprisingly, my mind still thinks I can run the marathon. My legs have no idea. I’m not nervous, but I’m also not worried. After I took that week + off of running, I hit a wall. I wasn’t sure what I was capable of doing or if I could become healthy again in time for race day. I still plan on lining up at the starting line, but I’m not going to be upset if my time is horrible or if I can’t finish.

With two weeks to go, I’m still excited for the marathon, and hoping in some miracle, I can pull off a PR.

 

 

 

Akron Marathon Training: Week Twelve & Thirteen

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It’s been a crazy couple of weeks. Between work, a busy evening schedule, the holiday and allergies, I don’t even know what day it is anymore. Taking a week off was not ideal, and may have potentially ruined my training, but it was needed. I knew I couldn’t go on running and still line up to run the marathon in just a few weeks. Luckily, every run has felt better, the pain is gone while running, and I have no doubt that I’ll be running Akron Marathon.

Within the past two weeks I’ve run 14 miles total, not a lot, but a good amount to test the waters and see just how my foot feels. I did a few 2 milers, a 3 miler, and ended my weekend with a 6 miler that couldn’t have gone better. I’ve made sure to stretch, ice and keep off of it when I can. I found a few different shoe inserts that I used in the past, and I’m taking turns with each to find which is the best for me right now.

Over the past two weeks, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had no idea if my foot would ever feel better or if I could even get any endurance back. I know I’m not where I was post 20 miler, but during my run Saturday  I realized that as long as I set my mind to it and keep an easy pace, I can pull it off. It may not be in the time I had originally hoped for, but I’ll cross that finish line.

Saturday morning trails, pure bliss.

Saturday morning trails, pure bliss.

Not only did I realize that I could run a marathon, but I felt like I could keep running for miles. I discovered a new path outside the woods and didn’t want to turn around. But playing it safe I only went out a mile, before I headed back to the car and finished up my 6 miles. I looked up the path once I got home and found that it went to Chippewa Lake. Looks like I’ll be taking that path more often.

Home.

Home.

So now that I know I can run again without pain, what’s the plan? I’m hoping to run as many miles as I can, as often as I can until about 10 days before the race. I’m hoping I can get an actual long run in before then, but only time will tell. The only thing I know for sure is that I’m not giving up. No training plan is perfect, the journey is half the battle and I’m not about to wave the white flag.