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 :)