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.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
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
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
Monday, June 4, 2012
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.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Pigs Fly!
A week and a day ago, I was in Cincinnati, Ohio. Of all the places in the world, I never thought I'd run a race there. But on Sunday, May 6, that's where I found myself.
And it. was. AWESOME.
The Flying Pig Marathon was absolutely the most fun marathon I have run yet. It was fantastically organized - water stops at every mile, amazing volunteers who actually knew the answers to all of your questions, a well-run and comprehensive expo, and SWAG. For those who aren't sure what I'm referring to when I say "swag," I mean the freebies that races give you when you pay $75-$100 to run them. Ok, so you are paying for some of the stuff, but this swag went above and beyond. Usually, when you run a marathon, you go pick up your bib and they give you a t-shirt. MAYBE some decent coupons for a nearby running store, MAYBE some samples of a nutritional product (weird flavored GU is usually a good bet). Usually you leave with a plastic bag and a nice-ish t-shirt.
Not at the Flying Pig (or as we vets call it "The Pig"). All runners got a t-shirt, an Aasics gym bag (legitimately cool, with the Flying Pig Marathon logo embroidered on it...can you guess what the logo is?), a poster, and all sorts of free goodies from P&G (formerly known as Proctor and Gamble). Everyone who went to the expo could line up for free full sized samples of P&G products: shampoo, dishwashing soap, detergent, face creams, etc. Kind of silly? Absolutely. Fun and made everyone feel special? Yes, for sure.
Race expos can either be really awesome or really lame. This one was fantastic. There were all sorts of vendors - local running stores and international brands, like KT tape. Free samples of snacks, like luna bars, avocados, power bars, etc, abounded. They have t-shirts from previous marathons on sale for $2; they called them vintage. What a great idea! Souvenirs for the whole Mennone family!
So in general, things were off to a good start. I had arrived in Cincy on Friday night and had all day Saturday to rest up and get pumped up. The whole city really just goes nuts for this race weekend. They don't just have a marathon - they have a 5k, a 10k, a kids fun run, a relay race, and a half marathon. On Saturday, they had the 5k and the 10k, so all weekend, people were just wandering around with bibs and medals. It really made for a fun atmosphere all around the city.
But I was pretty nervous. I mean, my last marathon had only happened less than 2 months ago. And I had pretty much rocked it. I had been warned that Cincinnati had hills and that they were pretty brutal. We ended up eating dinner with some family friends, and I did NOT get my requisite Chipotle burrito for dinner (ok, ok I had it for lunch....). The night before happened to be Cinco de Mayo, so crazy Mexican music pumped into the hotel room past 11pm. The race was starting at 6:30am....I managed to sleep a little, but I couldn't help feeling like this was going to be one slow race.
Boy was I wrong.
From the start, the crowds were awesome and the corrals were well managed. You could actually move around and everything started on time. The speakers and jumbo screens were all over the place, and I could actually see the start of the race. In no time at all, I was off for marathon #7.
The course was, indeed, very hilly. No one was lying when they told me that there were major hills in Cincinnati. But somehow, it didn't matter. The crowds were AMAZING. At the first huge hill, there were great crowds, including a woman who had a huge sign and was screaming, "kill the hill!" It's amazing how inspiring crowds can be. And there were crowds for the whole race. In the residential areas, people were having massive house parties with speakers and decorations and orange slices for runners. On one part, on a highway, there was a fantastic water stop where all of the volunteers were dressed as Hawaiian pigs. FANTASTIC. Even after we split with the half marathoners, there were crowds.
It was such a fun race. I can't even tell you how inspired I felt the whole way. Oh wait, I can - because I was so inspired that I beat my personal best. I PR'ed. Even with all those crazy hills, I finished this race in 3:45:38.
Pigs really do fly.
The end of the race was a great party. They had really adorable medals (with a pig on it of course) and great post-race snacks. They had food trucks and massages. It was a sunny beautiful day and everyone was just hanging out, listening to music, comparing medals, and having a great time.
I would recommend the Flying Pig Marathon to anyone and everyone. It is an incredibly, incredibly fun and well-organized race. You better believe that I'll be going back!
And it. was. AWESOME.
The Flying Pig Marathon was absolutely the most fun marathon I have run yet. It was fantastically organized - water stops at every mile, amazing volunteers who actually knew the answers to all of your questions, a well-run and comprehensive expo, and SWAG. For those who aren't sure what I'm referring to when I say "swag," I mean the freebies that races give you when you pay $75-$100 to run them. Ok, so you are paying for some of the stuff, but this swag went above and beyond. Usually, when you run a marathon, you go pick up your bib and they give you a t-shirt. MAYBE some decent coupons for a nearby running store, MAYBE some samples of a nutritional product (weird flavored GU is usually a good bet). Usually you leave with a plastic bag and a nice-ish t-shirt.
Not at the Flying Pig (or as we vets call it "The Pig"). All runners got a t-shirt, an Aasics gym bag (legitimately cool, with the Flying Pig Marathon logo embroidered on it...can you guess what the logo is?), a poster, and all sorts of free goodies from P&G (formerly known as Proctor and Gamble). Everyone who went to the expo could line up for free full sized samples of P&G products: shampoo, dishwashing soap, detergent, face creams, etc. Kind of silly? Absolutely. Fun and made everyone feel special? Yes, for sure.
Race expos can either be really awesome or really lame. This one was fantastic. There were all sorts of vendors - local running stores and international brands, like KT tape. Free samples of snacks, like luna bars, avocados, power bars, etc, abounded. They have t-shirts from previous marathons on sale for $2; they called them vintage. What a great idea! Souvenirs for the whole Mennone family!
So in general, things were off to a good start. I had arrived in Cincy on Friday night and had all day Saturday to rest up and get pumped up. The whole city really just goes nuts for this race weekend. They don't just have a marathon - they have a 5k, a 10k, a kids fun run, a relay race, and a half marathon. On Saturday, they had the 5k and the 10k, so all weekend, people were just wandering around with bibs and medals. It really made for a fun atmosphere all around the city.
But I was pretty nervous. I mean, my last marathon had only happened less than 2 months ago. And I had pretty much rocked it. I had been warned that Cincinnati had hills and that they were pretty brutal. We ended up eating dinner with some family friends, and I did NOT get my requisite Chipotle burrito for dinner (ok, ok I had it for lunch....). The night before happened to be Cinco de Mayo, so crazy Mexican music pumped into the hotel room past 11pm. The race was starting at 6:30am....I managed to sleep a little, but I couldn't help feeling like this was going to be one slow race.
Boy was I wrong.
From the start, the crowds were awesome and the corrals were well managed. You could actually move around and everything started on time. The speakers and jumbo screens were all over the place, and I could actually see the start of the race. In no time at all, I was off for marathon #7.
The course was, indeed, very hilly. No one was lying when they told me that there were major hills in Cincinnati. But somehow, it didn't matter. The crowds were AMAZING. At the first huge hill, there were great crowds, including a woman who had a huge sign and was screaming, "kill the hill!" It's amazing how inspiring crowds can be. And there were crowds for the whole race. In the residential areas, people were having massive house parties with speakers and decorations and orange slices for runners. On one part, on a highway, there was a fantastic water stop where all of the volunteers were dressed as Hawaiian pigs. FANTASTIC. Even after we split with the half marathoners, there were crowds.
It was such a fun race. I can't even tell you how inspired I felt the whole way. Oh wait, I can - because I was so inspired that I beat my personal best. I PR'ed. Even with all those crazy hills, I finished this race in 3:45:38.
Pigs really do fly.
The end of the race was a great party. They had really adorable medals (with a pig on it of course) and great post-race snacks. They had food trucks and massages. It was a sunny beautiful day and everyone was just hanging out, listening to music, comparing medals, and having a great time.
I would recommend the Flying Pig Marathon to anyone and everyone. It is an incredibly, incredibly fun and well-organized race. You better believe that I'll be going back!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Racing Recap...it's been a while
Wow, it's really been a while since I last posted something! A lot has happened and a lot is about to happen.
I guess the most EXCITING thing that happened is that I PR'ed in the Rock'n'Roll marathon in DC on March 17. After some great training and a mild winter, I finished 26.2 miles in.......
3:49:55
I can't even tell you how exciting it is to have broken 4 hours (again) AND beat my last time by 10 minutes!! It was a perfect race day - absolutely beautiful. I went into it with no expectations (really the best way to run a race) and ended up running the best race of my life. I don't really remember being in pain at all, although by the end the keys that I had stuffed into my back pocket had rubbed a small patch on my lower back raw.
It really was a fantastic race. I can't even begin to hope to replicate the time...this Sunday. That's right, less than 2 months later, I am running the FLYING PIG MARATHON in Cincinnati, Ohio of all places. Strangely enough, this is one of the very few marathons I've ever run where I actually know other people running. I know 2 other people who are joining me in this crazy race!
I originally signed up for the Flying Pig Marathon because I wanted (wait for it) a picture in front of the "Finish Swine." Yup, instead of a Finish LINE it's a Finish SWINE! Hahaha. I hope you're enjoying this as much as me. Also Runner's World consistently publishes great reviews of the race. I never really understood why, but I definitely do now that I'm a participant. So far it has been incredibly well organized - great website, informative email updates. You can sign up for FREE runner update texts or emails - a lot of races charge for this service now. While reviewing some race day tips that they emailed to us, I realized that there are water stops at EVERY MILE OF THE RACE. If that doesn't really mean anything to you, then just take it from me: it's incredible. Most races will have it every other mile at best.
So here's hoping for a great race on Sunday. The weather in Cincinnati is supposed to be in the 70s or the 80s, which for me, is a great day!
Oh did I forget to mention that both of my big toenails are turning black? I guess I'll wait till next time to cover the subject of losing your toenails as a runner...
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sometimes it's not about going fast
On Sunday, I did a 5k Valentine's Day race with my boyfriend. It was absolutely sweet of him to do it with me, since he hates running and pretty much never does it. It was the best Valentine's Day present ever :) There is something special about lining up at the start line with someone you love. I've done it with my mom and some friends before, but in general, I am a solo racer.
In the past, I've really focused on my times. When I run alone, I run for my own personal best. And sometimes, I'm ashamed to say, even when I sign up for a race with a friend, I still run for my own personal best. I've left friends behind at the post race party (too tired to party) and skipped out on even starting the race with them. One of the moments that I am the least proud of is when I ditched a friend who I convinced to run a marathon with me. A marathon in San Francisco. With hills. Yes, I finished first and had a semi-decent time (for San Francisco). But...I'll always wonder what it would have been like to run with her instead of seeing her twice and then limping away from the finish line, my ankles at the point of collapse. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if we had just run together. I'll never know.
So now, when I run with my mom, we run together. I don't run ahead (unless she has my dad to run with and they give me their blessing). And when I run with my boyfriend, I will always run with him. I'd much rather have a picture of us crossing the finish line than a picture of me by myself. Also...if he really gets into this running this, he'll probably end up faster than me. I guess I better keep the running karma good!!!
So in the spirit of Valentine's Day, and love all year round, I suggest doing some races with some friends and NOT leaving them behind. Enjoy being with someone and doing something other than eating or seeing a movie. If you're worried about the time, just remember: you'll always wish it could have lasted a little bit longer.
In the past, I've really focused on my times. When I run alone, I run for my own personal best. And sometimes, I'm ashamed to say, even when I sign up for a race with a friend, I still run for my own personal best. I've left friends behind at the post race party (too tired to party) and skipped out on even starting the race with them. One of the moments that I am the least proud of is when I ditched a friend who I convinced to run a marathon with me. A marathon in San Francisco. With hills. Yes, I finished first and had a semi-decent time (for San Francisco). But...I'll always wonder what it would have been like to run with her instead of seeing her twice and then limping away from the finish line, my ankles at the point of collapse. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if we had just run together. I'll never know.
So now, when I run with my mom, we run together. I don't run ahead (unless she has my dad to run with and they give me their blessing). And when I run with my boyfriend, I will always run with him. I'd much rather have a picture of us crossing the finish line than a picture of me by myself. Also...if he really gets into this running this, he'll probably end up faster than me. I guess I better keep the running karma good!!!
So in the spirit of Valentine's Day, and love all year round, I suggest doing some races with some friends and NOT leaving them behind. Enjoy being with someone and doing something other than eating or seeing a movie. If you're worried about the time, just remember: you'll always wish it could have lasted a little bit longer.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Darn you Achilles!
It probably goes without saying that because I have signed up for 2 marathons and an ultra, I am going to get injured. I really don't know what made me so cocky. I'm not superman, no way. Although I am starting to bear a certain resemblance to the Greek (Roman?) hero/immortal/dude-god, Achilles.
Achilles tendinitis is a doozy. I knew that it hurt like a mother, cause my mother actually has it (hahahha. horrible joke). I started to feel it the other day and so I've been icing it periodically, but this weekend, I decided to skip my 13 mile run and do the bike instead. I definitely do not have a major case - it's not swollen or red and it only hurt a little bit after running. It's not hurting in the morning or in the middle of the night, like it can when it gets really bad. When it started to hurt, I did some internet research and found out that this is NOT an injury you want to run on.
I think that runners are pretty willing to run through anything, but in this particular case, that is a HORRIBLE mistake. If you keep running on it, you can actually rupture it. Doesn't that sound horrible? I mean, you don't tear it, strain it, or twist it. You rupture it. I can't think of anything worse.
HOWEVER, if you catch it early, you can fix it. You don't have to suffer from this forever. Here's what I'm doing. We'll see how it pans out:
1. ICE. Ice it after running. Elevate and ice.
2. STRETCH (but not too much). One of the worst things you can do with this injury (per my mom) is overstretch it. Ha. Everyone is always telling me to stretch, but here it could actually backfire. So I'm skipping the typical stretches and instead doing this: stand on one foot and with the other outstretched slightly, form every letter of the alphabet with your toe (the one that's elevated). Switch feet. Also, standing on one foot and swinging the other back and forth.
3. STRENGTHEN. Do lunges, lots of lunges. Side lunges, forward lunges (I keep wanting to type lunches instead of lunges....perhaps it's time for a snack), backward lunges. Lunge, lunge lunge. Strengthen your calves by standing on your tiptoes on a stair and go up and down. does that make sense? If not, let me know and I will try to clarify.
4. finally, STOP RUNNING. For a little. It can't possibly hurt too much to take a week off and do some biking, swimming, and yoga. It won't. I promise. Just please stop for a minute or something is gonna rupture, and you KNOW that won't feel good.
The Achilles Tendon is one of the biggest in your body. It's also a big pansy, apparently. Sigh. Oh well. Off to ride the stupid stationary bike.
PS. Thanks to my mom for her insight on this horrible, horrible injury.
Achilles tendinitis is a doozy. I knew that it hurt like a mother, cause my mother actually has it (hahahha. horrible joke). I started to feel it the other day and so I've been icing it periodically, but this weekend, I decided to skip my 13 mile run and do the bike instead. I definitely do not have a major case - it's not swollen or red and it only hurt a little bit after running. It's not hurting in the morning or in the middle of the night, like it can when it gets really bad. When it started to hurt, I did some internet research and found out that this is NOT an injury you want to run on.
I think that runners are pretty willing to run through anything, but in this particular case, that is a HORRIBLE mistake. If you keep running on it, you can actually rupture it. Doesn't that sound horrible? I mean, you don't tear it, strain it, or twist it. You rupture it. I can't think of anything worse.
HOWEVER, if you catch it early, you can fix it. You don't have to suffer from this forever. Here's what I'm doing. We'll see how it pans out:
1. ICE. Ice it after running. Elevate and ice.
2. STRETCH (but not too much). One of the worst things you can do with this injury (per my mom) is overstretch it. Ha. Everyone is always telling me to stretch, but here it could actually backfire. So I'm skipping the typical stretches and instead doing this: stand on one foot and with the other outstretched slightly, form every letter of the alphabet with your toe (the one that's elevated). Switch feet. Also, standing on one foot and swinging the other back and forth.
3. STRENGTHEN. Do lunges, lots of lunges. Side lunges, forward lunges (I keep wanting to type lunches instead of lunges....perhaps it's time for a snack), backward lunges. Lunge, lunge lunge. Strengthen your calves by standing on your tiptoes on a stair and go up and down. does that make sense? If not, let me know and I will try to clarify.
4. finally, STOP RUNNING. For a little. It can't possibly hurt too much to take a week off and do some biking, swimming, and yoga. It won't. I promise. Just please stop for a minute or something is gonna rupture, and you KNOW that won't feel good.
The Achilles Tendon is one of the biggest in your body. It's also a big pansy, apparently. Sigh. Oh well. Off to ride the stupid stationary bike.
PS. Thanks to my mom for her insight on this horrible, horrible injury.
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