Running teaches us...

I'm a big fan of running metaphors for life.  I think that running can teach us how to live the rest of our lives with greater purpose, drive, and joy.

People don't always believe me when I start blabbering on about the joys of running.  And I really don't expect everyone to LOVE to run.  Just like I don't love to swim or bike, not everyone is going to have the inner desire to put in some miles on the pavement.  But I still think that running can offer us some important lessons.

What I'd like to talk about today is the importance of enjoying the race.

It really doesn't matter how long a race or a training run is - by the end of it, I'm usually amazed that it's over.  By the last mile of a marathon or the home stretch of a daily jog, I frequently find myself in awe of what I have accomplished.  And quite often, I'm wishing for just a little bit more time, just one or two more miles.


When I did my first marathon, I was terrified of doing anything except run.  Now, I definitely enjoy the races that I do. I say thank you to the police officers who block the streets for us, I high-five the kids on the sidelines, I look actively for my parents, and I laugh with the volunteers at the water stations.  And now that I do that...somehow my times get even better.  


Don't you think life would also be more enjoyable and memorable if we stop being so serious and enjoy what we're given?  Yes, it can be hard and painful.  But if you can learn to smile through pain, your race pictures sure do turn out a lot better.

As promised - Underwater Running

My mom has been suffering for the better part of a year now from Achilles Tendonitis.  Treatment so far has included 2+ months with her foot in a boot, physical therapy, and endless hours of icing.  Personally, I'm not too excited by her Dr's help so far (just this morning, we both agreed that she needed to find someone new).  All GOOD articles on running clearly state that there is no obstacle that can't be overcome in your quest to run.  There was a beautiful article in Runner's World recently about a husband and wife team who vowed at their wedding 2 years ago to run a marathon together.  6 months ago, the wife was diagnosed with ALS.  She's now confined to a wheelchair, so naturally, her husband will be pushing her for 26.2 miles for their first marathon together.  It just shows that no matter what form it takes, running will happen.

And that is kind of a lovely segue into today's topic, a new form of running: underwater running.

Some of you may remember that during my triathlon training 3 years ago, I was incredibly irritated by people "running" in my lane while I was trying to relearn how to swim at my local pool.  However, now I'm so glad that I saw it because how would this just occur to any normal person?  Basically, you go to the deep end of a pool and just "run" underwater.  You're not touching the bottom of the pool (deep end, got it?), so there's minimal to no strain on your joints.  But you're still getting in the motions of running and it's a fantastic way to continue to train even when you're injured.  I've been working on strengthening my own Achilles to avoid what could well be a genetic defect (but the only one, obviously Mennone women are as strong as Achilles) and I just may try out underwater running.  Here are some links to help you get started:

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/triathlons/training/deep-water-running.htm

http://www.livestrong.com/article/121494-benefits-bouy-belts-deep-water/

And here's a pretty budget friendly buoy belt to keep you afloat: http://www.swimoutlet.com/Jog_Belts_s/212.htm

Losing toenails

I’ve been promising a great entry on toenails for quite a while.  I know that you’ve all been waiting with bated breath.  Exhale my friends, for it is time!


When I first started running, lots of magazines and running forums talked about black toenails. When I started racing, there were all sorts of "inspirational" signs saying stuff like, "Toenails are for sissies!" For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out what this meant.  I really liked having toenails.  They are good for pedicures and making your feet look normal.  And for the longest time, I really didn’t encounter any problems indicating that losing them might be my fate as well

Of course, the more I read about the topic, the more I wanted it to happen.  Losing a toenail means that you are a hard core runner.  It means that you run so much that your toenails bump against your shoes (no matter how well they fit) and the blood builds up behind your nail and bruises and essentially the toenail dies.  It turns black because there’s bloody buildup back there.  It’s quite similar to what happens when you slam your finger in a car door, only it happens over time and is considerably more badass. 


So for the past 6-8 months, I’ve been cultivating my own black toenail.  For the last few marathons, I’ve noticed that my toes actually hurt while I’m running.  Luckily, it was a minor enough pain (comparable to the other pain that you feel while running a marathon) that I barely paid any attention to it.  I kept my toenails covered in bright pink lacquer and ran through the pain. 
 

I didn’t even realize it was happening until I went to get a pedicure one day and they took the polish off my big toe and revealed….grossness.  As much as I like feeling tough, I have to admit that it’s pretty gross.  And it’s taking forever to grow out.  However, I’ve been told by many friends and online resources that it actually doesn’t hurt to lose the nail.  Mostly you just look kind of mutant until the new one grows in. 


I am fully anticipating losing this toenail and if you’re EXTREMELY lucky I will post a picture.  Running the 24 hour Lone Ranger marathon in July may speed up the process, however I’m having trouble deciding if I really want to commit to that.  I’m signed up, but do I really want to spend more time in Philly around that same 8 mile loop for another 6+ laps?  Whenever I think I’ve decided NO, something tugs at my heart and I can’t commit to saying no either…what to do??  Better go run to think this through…

Next up - underwater running and the Runner's World Challenge.