Here we go again...

As I begin my training for my second marathon tomorrow morning with my first group training session, I am cautious and nervous. I know the path ahead of me. I know my body is capable of amazing things. Yet I am still apprehensive. I will just put one foot in front of the other until someone tells me it is time to stop. I will do this.

As a mentor for Team in Training, we share tidbits of advice with those who are at the beginning of a life changing experience. One of my fellow mentors shared these inspiratonal words with the team today. She got this from a runners world magazine. I feel they merit being shared with you folks. Enjoy.

You pretend the snooze button didn't exist.
You dragged your butt out of bed while others slept.
While others ate their pancakes, you had a feast of
Protein, glucose and electrolytes.
You double-knotted.
You left the porch light on and locked the door behind you.
You ran 5ks, 10ks, and 26.2 miles.
Some days more, some days less.
You rewarded a long run with a short run, and a
Short run with a long run.
Rain tried to slow you, sun tried to microwave you,
Snow made you feel like a warrior.
You cramped, you bonked.
You paid no mind to comfort.
On weekends, on holidays, you made excuses to keep going,
Questioned yourself, played mind games, put your heart before your knees,
Listened to your breathing, sweat sunscreen into your eyes,
Worked on your farmer's tan.
You hit the wall, you went through it.
You decided to be a man about it.
You decided to be a woman about it.
Finished what you started.
Proved what you were made of.
Just kept putting mile after mile on your internal odometer.

How much farther will you go?

Hi everyone,

Well, I see no one has posted too much in the past couple weeks...and I KNOW that you guys have plenty to talk about!!! For me, between the vacations and parties of late, keeping up the mileage has certainly been tough. But, I'll get back into it over the next 4 weeks and hopefully my half marathon in June will be ok...we'll see. The Boilermaker is only 9 or 10 weeks away too!

I was just checking out my last entry that I posted about a month ago. I mentioned a guy named Bill, who I ran with at that running group that I joined a few months ago. We ended up running together for most of that morning - chatting it up for almost 2 hours! He was the nicest guy...he actually founded the running group 30 years ago when he was 30! Unfortunately, last Thursday, as he was hiking Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park, he suddenly collapsed and died of what they think is a heart attack. I couldn't believe it! A runner...an adventurer...a yoga instructor at the Y...a basketball coach...just died in a matter of minutes from an unexplainable natural cause. I stayed at his pace chatting it up the whole time even though I probably could have gone a little faster. I'm glad that I did.

I have learned that when you take on a physical challenge - whether it be running or biking, or hiking, or whatever - the generational gap seems to fall away...it's a forum where we can all relate to each other and become friends instantly.

It's been a while

Hey everyone!

Jamie - how frustrating! Keep us updated with what the Dr. said. I hope you are feeling better and that you get to do your race - but if you actually have an injury that needs rehabilitation for a while...there are a ton of other half marathons to sign up for this summer and fall! Keep your head up!

It's been a while since I posted. I have a few updates. 1. I am not doing the Mountain Goat anymore. I've decided to take a short weekend trip to bask in the sun of Florida with Ross and the inlaws (wish me luck). My pasty white skin needs some vitamin D! I'll aslo see my Grandma, Aunt, Uncle and cousin (Rachel who was in the wedding) down there too. BUT, no Mountain Goat :(. I' m bummed (but not too bummed...I'll be on the BEACH) ...I was really looking forward to it too...since I freakin registered so early! With that said - if ANY of you know someone who wants to run it...tell them that they can use my race number and get the free t-shirt that comes with actually running the race! There's always next year!

2. I found this awesome running club in Rochester. Rachel Ruppel's uncle, Dave, told me about it and actually ran with me too (I know, small world). This year is their 30th year in existance! Every Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 and 7 respectively (for the past 30 years), a group of folks have gone running. A day has never been missed despite weather, holidays, or motivation. I went for the first time last Saturday. It was so early but it was nice to have completed my weekend's exercise by 8:30 am. We ran a trail system for about 7 miles around Perinton just south east of where we live. The town is actually known for it's well kept and used suburban trail system. It took an hour to get to the top of the trail, and once we were up there, there was this amazing view of Rochester all the way to Lake Ontario! The sun was just coming up and the frost was melting off the grass...it was awesome. Then it took about a half hour to get back down...but people say it is about a 7 - 8 mile run! Then I went this past Saturday for the second time - and the weather was terrible. I don't know what I was thinking...but I had such a good time with the people and felt SOOO good running with a group that I looked forward to it all week. Despite the horizontal snow and freezing temps...I got myself out there and ran about 8 miles with these two dudes who have kids older than me. This one guy, Bill and I, chatted it up the whole way. He's 60 and is hiking Denali for 3 weeks in May! Even though the conditions were horrible, add a good conversation with a couple new people and 8 miles at 6:30 in the morning didn't seem so bad.

I'm off to the Grand Canyon for my 4 day hike this Monday! I'm sure I'll take a bunch of pictures and hopefully I'm ready for the physical aspect of descending 5000 feet in elevation the first day. I know my cardio system can handle it...but the ol' knees might have to get replaced! LOL. Looking forward to seeing you all when I get back! Let's hope for nicer weather :)

~ Caroline

Just Running Out.

After my awesome 10mile up in CNY I was on my own. At a conference up in Salem, Mass I attempted a run. Thinking I needed to do at least 8, but prefereably 10, I set out from my hotel. After only 40 mins my "good knee" gave up. Not sure what happened except shooting pain up my leg, even into my back. Not the kind of pain you can push through. I tried stopping and stretching to no avail. I was pretty tough about the whole thing, esp when the guy walking his dog saw me sitting on a bench crying...that was def. a high point. The first 3 days I could only wear sneakers (not even my orthodic clogs) but luckily I was at a conference just sitting, so I iced religiously every hour, advil every 4. By day4 it was much better. Did Yoga on day 5 which made it a little sore, attempted running until Day 6 but only made it a couple minutes in before the same pain came back. No insurance until yesterday, will go to the dr today. The race is in 8 days so as you might imagine I'm super bummed.
Sorry to bi!ch but that's all I got right now...

Running out of energy...

So it appears I am the only one blogging, but oh well. Where else am I supposed to share my research?

I did my first Mountain Goat training run of the year last Saturday. It felt good, I felt like I pushed myself a little harder, though my time didn't reflect that at all. It was about the same distance I've been running (7 ish miles), with similar terrain...it turns out that no matter where you are in Syracuse, there's no escaping the hills! However, much to my surprise, I was exhausted- I mean, couldn't keep my eyes open, couldn't accomplish ANYTHING for the rest of the day, not to mention still feeling lethargic all day Sunday. This troubles me, especially when I continually have a to-do list that I just can't seem to reach the end of. So, I did some research (by way of Runners World and Running Times) and found this article that is full of helpful tips! I think number 24 was my problem on Saturday...I didn't eat for 2-3 hours after the run, which was really stupid. But all the tips seem to have their merit!

Happy (energized) running!

Free treadmill

So, Mike's aunt told me that she has a treadmill she's trying to unload- I think it works, she just said her doctor told her not to use it. Let me know if you're interested!

Back in the game...

Ok, so I'm not running 25 miles a week or anything (and I probably won't) but I'm at least trying to run a little more regularly. For this week I'm at 10 miles (a 6 and a 4), and I'm aiming to do 6 more. I guess feeling like crap at the Shamrock run got me to take it a little more seriously. Although, I'll admit, even though I wanted to give up from mile 1, I felt great for the rest of the day!

My 6 and 4 this week felt ok...not stupendous, but what can ya expect? I'm definitely not going for any speed records, but I figure if I keep up with training, I'll get to a respectable pace eventually. I'm trying to incorporate hills more. It seems like the only way to improve your hill running is to run more hills...ugh. Any recommendations for hill runs? Yesterday I did a mile loop in my neighborhood that has a decent hill (takes 2-2.5 minutes to run up) four times. I just tried to go faster and faster up the hill. Thrilling, huh?

Besides for that, the knees are hanging in there...no knee replacement surgery yet!

how was the Shamrock run?

Hi everyone - how was the Shamrock run?

I have not run in 3 days unfortunately. I am still recovering from the Wheadon Chick Weekend up in Stillwater mentally and physically. We went on an amazing snow shoeing expedition to this lookout above the reservoir...it was really beautiful. However, now I'm trying not to catch a cold...I feel it trying to get into my head! I did pretty well with running last week...logging about 15 miles total. This week won't be so lucky...since I'm out in the field working, which always saps my energy big time. Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well with everything! Talk to you all soon!

Caroline

Shamrock Run?

So, I'm signed up for the Shamrock Run...and I'm going to do it. But it's not going to be good. I really just want to finish it and enjoy it.

I too have been sick. In the beginning I was still working out, but then it totally knocked me down, like folding a load of laundry exhausted me, let alone running a few miles. I'm recovering, but I'm still not all back. I went to the gym on Monday to get a 5 mile in, and only completed 2.5...I'm aiming to do some elyptical tonight. I'd imagine it'll be better for the Shamrock, since we'll be running outside! Thank goodness for a break in this frigid weather!

I figured it out

OK so I just signed in with my own g-mail account and it worked. I have nothing to say about running today. I have been kind of sick this week and have been doing very lame workouts, but at least I am still working out while hacking up a lung. I think it helps with the recovery time.

Next week I will get back to the running. Then maybe I will have something to say. Jason ran 4 miles on Sunday and I went shopping.

Ok well the weather is looking like 40's so hopefully outside running is upon us.

Sara

Just My Luck...

So, this was a big weekend for me as far as the act of running is concerned. I mentally and physically prepared for this season of races. Now, I did not actually do any physical running. While at work yesterday, I needed a break, so I signed up for the 2009 Shamrock Run, Mountain Goat, and Boilermaker. That is a start. Now that I am signed up, I have to get my ass in gear. Last night I also ordered a new iPOD nano and Nike+ sport kit as mine disappeared the end of 2008 - no where to be found. Maybe it was stolen, or is just hiding really well. This helped with my motivation, bigtime. I was able to record and analyze my progress with each run. Plus, the music helps take my mind off the monotony of each step. Now I need to just get my Asics for the season and I will be all set, and have no more excuses to take my training serious.

Until today. I went to the Y and played some pretty high level volleyball this afternoon - three hours in my stupid weak left ankle gave out on me and got a pretty bad sprain. I am currently icing it - and it is quite sore and pretty swollen. Wonderful. The freaking day after I sign up for next saturday's race. THIS IS THE STORY OF MY LIFE. I plan on staying off of it as much as possible the next few days to hopefully be able to complete the Shamrock Run on Saturday with some sense of accomplishment... We will see what happens and how it feels.

Ok - back to work as I am here on a sunday night!

signing in as me?

if i don't have my own gmail account, i can't log in as myself--right? >Jamie

I get by with a little help...

Ok, so thanks to Pat and DC, I'm in. Finally.

FREEDOM

Yesterday, I ran outside...and it was GLORIOUS. It was in the mid 30's...perfect for a late winter outdoor run. I'm not sure exactly how far I went..should be a little over 4 miles. I have no idea how long it took either. It was my first run in my new neighborhood, so I had roughly mapped it out on mapmyrun.com not really knowing what to expect. Luckily, there were some good hills in there, since I really need to start doing hills. Turns out the Drumlins are in fact drumlins, and I'm pretty sure that's what I was running on. It felt really good, no blisters, not much pain, and some great views. That's my favorite part of running on hills: the views. When you run on a 4% incline on a treadmill, there's absolutely no reward, but give me a good hill and I'll race to the top to see what's up there. I'm definitely looking forward to more outdoor runs!

As for shoes- I'm an Asics girl myself. But so far only the asics Fleet Feet picked for me don't give me blisters all the time. And DEFINITELY get a half size bigger. You can lose a toenail wearin' shoes too tight!

Happy running!

I'm a fan of running

and everything else.

up until the middle of last week I had been doing very well at the whole running thing, particaluly for me, since I usually have no interest in doing anything over the typical 28:30 5k that is usually my M.O. for on a treadmill. This was basically until I got some new music on the old ipod. I've found that a mix of mellow music like wilco mixed in with some good heavy metal meets techno umphreys mcgee, lots of 20 minute long moe. songs and some straight techno like Daft Punk and LCD Soundsystem are the best at keeping me going beyond those 28:30 and carrying on to for the next 1,2, 3, or 4 miles which brings me to the maximum amount of time I'm able to spend on treadmill before going crazy in the purple and yellow funk that is planet fitness!!!!

But this was before lemondheads, kegstands, and bacon explosions, and a night of skiing which has made my entire left leg turn the same color of purple with irritates me so much after an hour in planet fitness... but maybe today will be different... maybe today I'll venture outside to slip and slide on unkempt sidewalks!!!! Or not...

is it Friday yet?

Hey everyone!

I'm glad this is working out so far...I know I've enjoyed reading what everyone has written. Just knowing that you guys are out there running too helps keep me motivated to get my runs in each week too!

Jamie - your question about shoes...there are a TON of good shoes for a good price out there. I am a big fan of Asics, I know Laura likes Brooks, the Goodmans have run in Nike's before...and I also know plenty of people who like New Balance, Saucony, the list goes on and on. Runners World magazine does a pretty good review of shoes - ranging from the expert-expensive to great value. There are a TON out there around $70 that perform great. I used to buy the asics Gel Kayano for $145...and then downgraded to another Asics that cost half that - and they have both worked fine for me. I would check some of their suggestions out here:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-400--13047-1-1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8-9,00.html

One tip I give everyone - buy a half size larger than you normally wear! Your feet swell during runs and blisters on the ends of your toes, shin splints, and leg cramps can all result from shoes that are too small. Here's another good website to get your started...it asks a bunch of questions and matches you up with shoes fit for you! Kinda cool.

http://www.therunnershigh.com/shoes/wizard/

Ok, now finally...about my running...

I've been working out on my treadmill...it is still too cold for me outside when I have the mill downstairs! I have been trying to run in the mornings before work - which I really like - but it usually makes me late. I want to keep it up because it wakes me up, gets me energized and focused, and helps me feel accomplished and motivated for the rest of my day! On your shorter runs when you can fit in an hour in the morning - I highly suggest giving it a try!

Megan - I'm with you on the "overall fitness" thing. I have incorporated some exercises for my core and deep abs into each week and I'm also thinking about starting to do yoga and some cardio-kickboxing to mix it up! I have read that the more strength your core and deep abs have...the better your whole body will be at running. Anyone else doing stuff like this?

I think skiing also helps me as a cross training exercise! My legs feel stronger...especially the muscles around my knees. Maybe when it gets nicer out...and skiing is no longer an option...I'll add some biking too. At least Ross is willing to do that with me!

Have a great Wednesday and talk to you guys all soon - via email - until I get my phone on Friday :)

First Run After Bacon Explosion!

Hey Everyone!

Thank you sooo much Caroline for setting this up! This sounds so fantastic! I think we are all going to really enjoy reading each other comments and will get really motivated now. With that said, DC and I have not yet gone to the gym yet or ran for that matter, but tonight is the night. We are going to do a slow and steady run today so we are back for the Biggest Loser! I cannot believe the Shamrock Run is just a week and a half away! We haven't run since last Wednesday, but prior to that, we were both doing pretty well.

I invested in a new pair of Brooks DeFyance sneaks, which yes, overpriced, but I am a big fan of Brooks. I am still in blister land, but I have those special blister bandaids so I hope its enough. I too wish winter was done since I tend to lose motivation to run when its cold outside.

I second the music comment too! I used to run while watching some TV show but now when I want to go long and hard, I listen to some sort of intense, jam band song. I'm thinking some good solid playlists might be my next step!

Happy Running Everyone!!!!

challenged...

I really can't figure out this whole sign in thing, so I'm going to use the fansofrunning email address...

As for running. I did my first 5 mile of the season last night on the good old treadmill. Not a fan of this extended winter, my knees are ready for the road. The 5 miles were good...something like 45 minutes +/-. I decided that seeing as how there are 10 weeks before the mountain goat, if I run about 5 miles at least twice a week for two weeks, then 6 miles twice a week for two weeks, etc...I'll be at a comfortable 10 miles by race time...we'll see how my plan works. I still have to add hills into my workouts, as I'm really not fond of running on the inclined treadmill. It just doesn't feel natural to me.

Also, along with much of the world, I've come down with some kind of sinus thing...which actually means I'll work out more since I tend to take care of myself more when I'm sick... so as long as it doesn't completely knock me down all will be well!!

Thanks for starting this Caroline!

-megan

just plain challenged.

I too, am apparently technically challenged! Sara - you are right and I obviously should have taken the tutorial when creating this blog. You totally should be able to be authors by signing in with your own name. I don't even think you need gmail...just the email that Pat sent it to. Is this right, Pat?

Anyway, sorry for the confusion...post under your own name...or "fansofrunning"...either way...as long as there are posts, we are in good shape!

Race Without Training!

Everyone, You should have received an email inviting you to post to this blog from your own account - If you haven't, let me know, and I will send it again.

This past weekend was amazing. There are no words after experiencing the bacon explosion! Somehow, I escaped from this drunken weekend without gaining any weight. What an accomplishment. I think the only thing I ate on sunday was some delicious potatoes, a slice of quiche, a slice of the explosion, and the Aldi cheesies that night at the DiCrandalls! No wonder I was so drunk!

So yeah, the Tip Hill Run is a week and a half away. Last week I did two runs, four miles each - very slow. I am finally feeling better, and now hope to use the steroids I am on to improve my performance. Oh wait, I would need to be on Anabolic Steroids. I plan on going to the gym tonight and getting a bunch of miles in. I am not expecting a stellar performance in this race, as I will be completing it on very little training. I am hoping the skiing I have been doing is good for something!

This season should be fun!

Oh, and If you are planning on running the Mountain Goat this year and haven't signed (like me) up yet, the discounted price ends this saturday or sunday - so get it done this week!

Up to 7

Caroline--thanks so much for setting this up!

I did my big run of the week on Saturday. According to google it was 7 miles but since i finished in just 68 mins I think google must have been wrong. An avg of 9.7 min mile is impossibly fast for me. I felt pretty good until the last mile it was hard on breathing and knees. At one point my good knee felt like it might just give way--it was strange. I think it was just a muscle spasm or something.
I've been running in a group and was nervous to run that far on Sat by myself. I tested myself by not turning music on until mile 2. Lesson learned: for me, running with music is way better!

Anyone got any suggestions on really good sneakers?

Sara- I love the feeling of sweating out bacon etc, too! Sweating out garlic is not as much fun for the ppl around you...

Technically Challenged

This is confusing. You have to sign in under that gmail account? Isn't there a blog where people can join and not have to all log in under the same email account? Maybe I am understanding it wrong I dunno. I am not good at this stuff. We all know I am facebook challenged.

Anyway I ran 4 miles yesterday on the mill. It was good. A solid steady run I think I did 4 miles in like 38 mins. So I was happy. It felt good to sweat out the bacon explosion and keg stand too. Running is always my hardest work-out. I did not come anywhere close to burning the zillion calories that I consumed over the weekend, but at least it felt good.

Happy Running-

Sara

Test "run"

So, this is it! Our official blog. Start posting! I'll email everyone the info to get in here...and don't forget to sign your name at the bottom so we know who you are instead of "Fans of Running". Haha - lets see how this works! Good luck :)