Category Archives: Take It and Run Thursday

Take It and Run (down the Yellow Brick Road) Thursday*

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redshoes

I have a confession to make (oh oh): I have never watched “The Wizard of Oz”! There, I said it! I know, I KNOW it is a classic, but when it comes to classics I am not exactly up to date. I have never watched “A Wonderful Life” either. And after years of being nagged and made fun of about it, I was finally talked into watching “The Sound of Music” one rainy day. By the end I was pulling out my hair one by one! The fact that this is such a much beloved movie is completely lost on me. The family is nothing short of annoying, so much so that when they were all hiding to escape the Nazis I yelled “They are behind the wall, German Commandants” at the television. And who breaks into song at any given random moment while running down an Austrian hillside? Especially if you are a nanny! Let me just say that I talk from experience when I am telling you that no nanny has time for such antics, especially a nanny who has to look after seven kids, no matter how disciplined these kids are. Even in Austria!

And it’s not that I don’t like classic movies in general. “Casablanca” anyone? Or any movie with Audrey Hephurn! Maybe it’s a singing that makes me want to run for the hills (pun intended!) which might explain why I am not a fan of musicals in general.

If by now you are asking yourself what all this has to do with the theme up above*, let me explain: in today’s Runners Lounge Melanie, the Tall Mom on the Run, is asking the following question:

Scarecrow asked for a Brain, Tin Man for a Heart, and Lion for Courage.  If you could meet the Wizard of Running and ask for anything, what would it be?

When your wish was granted, how would your travels down the Yellow Brick Road of running be different?

Imagine my dismay!

I am just grateful that Melanie actually gives a summary of “The Wizard of Oz”, no matter how short, before posting her question. Otherwise I might have missed this week’s TIaRT (GASP! Have I mentioned I am OCD?) as my love for running might have actually found its limits: I was not going to watch that movie!!!

Had I the pleasure of ever meeting the Wizard or any Wizard these are the things I would ask for as a runner:

Speed: this might go without saying but I have yet to meet a runner who would not want to improve their speed. If I could have it my way I would be able to run 5:30 minute miles and be able to hold that pace for 26.2 miles! I could make running my profession and truly do what I love for a living. The awesomeness would be beyond anything I can even imagine and the possibilities would be endless. My life would play itself out around races on all seven continents (although I might give Antarctica a miss, but maybe not) and countless countries. I would be able to mingle with the sport’s bests: Kastor, Goucher, Radcliffe, Tergat, Hall, to name a few. At the start of my last marathon I was lucky enough to start from the first corral which gave me a chance to rub elbows with the elite male runners, and let me just say that it was certainly a treat that made my day!

(extreme) Endurance: this also goes without saying, but how great would it be to be able to run like this guy? Just imagine that all you do is run all day! And on race day, instead of driving yourself there you run to the start, even if the start is 20 miles away. Then you run the race, preferably a marathon, and after you cross the finish line you just run back home. When Dean ran 350 miles non stop in 80 hours and 44 minutes he consumed approximately 40,000!!! calories worth of food and drank nine gallons of liquid. Numbers that make anyone’s head spin. One can be known or famous for many things, but as an athlete being known as the fittest person in the world is certainly a dream come true.

the ability to stop and smell the roses: I am one of those runners that gets completely lost in her run. I am literally comatose and the longer and more strenuous the run, the more I become unaware of my surroundings. I have been known to completely run by water stops, stops that I have put out!, during training runs, even when my friends set out dressed up bowling pins (don’t ask!) in the middle of the country road to give me a pointer… I understand that a lot of runners would wish for this ability to empty their minds while on a long distance run and I appreciate the therapeutic aspect of this meditation (and it is my meditation) but sometimes it would really be nice if I could take in my surroundings and enjoy the scenic journey. When I ran Boston I had made a conscious effort of being aware and actually managed to do so for most of the race. I had trained so hard to get there and really wanted to enjoy every moment of every mile. I loved it! And when I watched the race coverage that I had TiVo’d I actually remembered the route in detail. BUT, that was an exception as most of my runs are a blur. A blessing, but not in disguise and certainly not on every sunny day in the park!

Today’s Running Tip: Want to live like one of the elites?

2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor and her husband, Andrew, rent out their “running” condo in Mammoth Lakes, California. It can be yours while you will be able to enjoy access to one of the most ideal spots for long distance runs on spectacular trails. Deena provides her guests with maps of running routes and souvenirs.  For more information, visit the following website:  http://www.vrbo.com/185669

Take It and Run (in Camp) Thursday

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switzerland-mountain-lake

Running Camp!!!

Just the idea of it makes me giddy with excitement! What could be more thrilling than two weeks away from the daily grind, where we try our best to squeeze in enough miles to keep us going, and nothing but running related activities to look forward to.

Lacey asked the following question of us fellow crazies runners in the Runners’ Lounge today:

Imagine you are attending a week-long running camp. Where would it be? What would you do? Would there be classes? Bootcamps? Socials?

I want to know all about the kinds of things that make up your ideal running-related week. No work, no obligations outside of camp,… for one week you can have it exactly your way!

Tell me all about it!

When I think about the ideal camp scenario I immediately envision a mountain terrain. Although I love the beach more than anything, I have never really run in the mountains and Boulder, Colorado has always had a certain draw. (Colorado, specifically Boulder, is the only cold state I consider living in). But my camp does not necessarily have to be in Boulder or even Colorado, just as long as it is in the mountains somewhere. It could even be in a different country: Switzerland, South America, Italy (pasta anyone). One thing that would be a must is that all of my best running buddies would be there as well.

Accommodations are decorated region specific and have all the comforts of home, if not more. There will be soft beds with fluffy pillows and duvets. Bathrooms are private with large steam showers and excellent water pressure and campers would have bath products from Fresh, Kiehl, or Aveda available to them. The camp also has steam rooms and saunas with access to the outside with outdoor showers.

There would be a variety of activities to choose from each day: trail runs, mountain biking, swimming in a near by lake, stretching, Pilates, Yoga, strength training sessions, cooking classes, and lots and lots of different massages and other spa treatments. All activities would be led by experts in the specific field and if Kenyans were present for the trail runs it would just be the cherry on top!

Meals would be eaten at a long dining room table that accommodates everyone. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner would be buffet style and offer a variety of healthy and organic foods, and would have choices for special dietary needs. During dinner we would have guest speakers discussing nutrition geared towards long distance runners and how we can fuel our bodies best. The camp would also have a 24 hour snack bar with healthy choices for those of us who like to graze instead of eating full meals other than dinner…

After two weeks everyone would come back refreshed and energized, ready to take on the next running challenge like a champ!

Oh, the possibilities!

Today’s Running Tip: Running Camps!

Running Camps do exist. The Running Times has a list of different camps from around the world! One can dream!!!

Take It and (to Yoga or not to Yoga) Thursday

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Warrior

Did you just hear that? That was me breathing in deeply before elaborating on my experience with Yoga.

Kitzzy made the following statement and asked questions about Yoga in the Runners’ Lounge this morning:

“I find yoga to be an excellent companion to my running to avoid injury, improve flexibility, and help relieve sore muscles after a
hard workout or race. Tell us about your experience with yoga as it relates to running. If you have not tried it, why not? If you have,
did it help? How often do you feature yoga in your weekly workout regime? What are your favorite yoga poses and routines? Pass on your
recommendations for your favorite yoga DVDs, instructors, podcasts, online resources, etc.”

I had my first experience with Yoga 2 1/2 years ago. At the time I was training for the San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon and used the gym I belong to for speed workouts on the treadmill, weights, and cross training on the stationary bike once the weather got warm that spring (we were still living in Santa Barbara every other week and I had yet to run in 110 degree temperatures).  The previous fall I had also started to take a couple of afternoon Pilates classes that the gym offered and although I enjoyed them I never really fell for the whole Pilates craze that was running rampant at the time. And then the gym started to offer a Yoga class on Saturday mornings! They already had a few Yoga classes on schedule for weekday mornings but since nothing will get in between me and my running shorts on weekday mornings I always passed up the opportunity.

During that particular training season I started to do my long runs on Fridays in order to leave the entire weekend open for play. A Yoga class on Saturday mornings was going to fit my schedule just perfectly. And thus it began!

Yoga had always been something I wanted to try and it did not disappoint. I was hooked immediately! For the first time in my life I had found something that calmed down my brain besides running. Chelsea, who taught the class is one die hard Yogi who can pull off a pose like this without batting an eyelash:

CrowPose

I would be lying if I said that first class was not challenging. But I liked the challenge. Whereas in Pilates I had hardly broken a sweat ever, after my first Yoga class I felt thoroughly worked out. For a long distance runner that’s an achievement! One I embraced and stuck with for the past 2 1/2 years. And it has remained challenging to this day, which is also a huge bonus. I am not so sure I would have stuck with it if it had gotten easier over time but let’s just say I am glad that it hasn’t. Over the years many members have dropped in and out of this class but a core group of us has remained loyal to ringing in the weekend by breathing in deeply and letting all that stagnant week’s worth of air out slowly. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and often get bewildered looks from the people in the cardio room who can see us through huge windows. Ask us if we care!

Chelsea always focused most on upper body strength, chest and hip openers, and every runner out there knows just how tight hips can actually get. Over time I have definitely seen the difference in my muscle definition, especially in my arms and shoulders, which are much more defined than they used to be. As for my hips. Well, they still scream every time we do our first lunge but by the time I leave they are nice and lose. Until next time.

Now, I do have to admit that not every week is all zen. There are weeks when even in Yoga I cannot quiet my brain and by the time we get to Savasana to finish our practice you can find me counting ceiling tiles, eyes wide open! But since I still get the strength building and stretching exercise in I don’t mind and those wired mornings are few and far between anyway.

About two months ago Chelsea quit (we are not supposed to take it personal, but whatever!) and we now have Madeleine. Who is lovely! And very different than Chelsea and at first I had my doubts. But, alas, I actually realized last Saturday that I actually enjoy Madeleine’s class even more than Chelsea’s. Something I would have shrugged off as impossible a few months ago. Madeleine really focuses on calming the mind, breathing techniques and stretches. And I love it! I now get my strength workout in my S.E.T. Class on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (formerly the Pilates class, but turns out I was not the only one who felt Pilates was a waste of time!) so the new Yoga class is a well rounded addition to cover all the bases during the week.

Here are a few poses that make Yoga so appealing to me:

~ Ardha Matsyendrasana
~ Marichyasana I
~ Malasana
~ Garudasana
~ Vrksasana
~ Balasana
~ Supta Baddha Konasana

Saturdays have become the only day of the week I do not run and I look forward to hitting the mat every week. Namaste!

Today’s Running Tip: Try Yoga!

“Yoga improves strength and balance, but one of the best things it can do for runners is increase flexibility,” says Bruce Dick, M.D., a partner of Orthopedic Associates of Saratoga in Saratoga Springs, New York, who has been doing sun salutations since the early 1980s, when he needed to improve his flexibility for triathlon training. He still recommends yoga to his patients, especially those who think running a marathon is easier than touching their toes. “If you don’t have the flexibility in your hip flexors and hamstrings to create an adequate range of motion, your body will ask that motion to come from other joints–joints not meant to produce that motion. So you get early fatigue, early breakdown, and you expose yourself to injury.” ~ Source: Runner’s World

Take It and Run (with 6 people) Thursday

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“You get to run the last six miles of your next marathon with 6 different people.

They can be dead or alive; famous or not famous.  Who are these people and why did you pick them?  Furthermore, why did you pick them for the specific mile you did?  Remember, you get an extra .2miles with runner #6.”*

This is definitely by far the most interesting question that has been posted in the Runner’s Lounge to date. And thanks to Jillian I have been racking my brain over dreaming about this opportunity. Just imagine how great that would be if you could choose anyone to run with when you are most vulnerable and as disgusting as you can possible get in a marathon.  It has been said that most runners hit “The Wall” between miles 18 and 20 so this might not be the best mile where you want Brad Pitt to join your efforts. I am not sure about you but I would want to look my possibly best if ever I had the delightful chance. I am sure Brad has seen his fair share of snot, drool, sweat and tears with his ever expanding brood but come on, smelling like a dead goat probably won’t lead to a good first impression. Which leads me to believe that I would toss all of my fantasies aside and choose some hardened running buddies to help me through miles 20-21, 21-22, and 22-23.

Given the fact that I usually break all the rules that have been bestowed on us runners and actually hit my wall between mile 20 and 23 I would want some buddies of mine, who know a thing or two about getting through the rough spots, to join me in my misery.

At mile 20 I would like to see Ana! I know that I will be banging my knees against that proverbial wall soon enough and need someone who can pick up the pace for me as I try my hardest not to slow down to snail’s pace in anticipation. She is one of the strongest runners I know and has motivated me on countless runs to push myself beyond my comfort zone.

At mile 21 I want Sierra to join me! Sierra is the tiniest and toughest person I know. If she weighs 90 pounds wet I’d be surprised. But get her out on the open road and she will kick your sorry ass (she actually did kick my shins ones on our last training run but I am brushing it off as an unfortunate coincidence). I met Sierra while I was training for my last marathon and we basically ran the entire training season together. She single handedly pushed me to another level, a level where I finally ran negative splits again after a long period of being stuck in a rut. Having her as company from mile 21 and 22 when I am climbing the wall would assure that I could scale it.

Mile 22! By now I should be on the other side of “The Wall” and trying to get back into my pace. Who better to help me do so than my good friend Jeff! Jeff is not only one of the nicest people you ever meet, not to mention good looking (and single! Ladies!!!), but he is an incredible runner who could easily run a sub 3 hour marathon but always chooses to help out his team mates instead. When I was crashing in San Diego due to cramps he was there, right when I needed him most, at mile 22! Since I had lost all peripheral vision at that point all I could do was focus on Jeff’s leg turn over as he ran in front of me for three miles to get me back into my pace.

And at mile 23 I should be all back into a rhythm and ready for the home stretch. So come on out famous people! I even washed away the dried spit at the last water stop. Don’t mind the salt rings on my shirt or the stickiness on my skin. It’s only old, dried Gatorade mixed with hard earned sweat. Since this is the beginning of the home stretch I would want to have a runner with me who can kick it up a notch for me. Who better than this girl:

Because, if I can make good time from mile 24 to 25 I could then hang out with this guy for a while 7 1/2 to 8 minutes and have a little chat about endurance and what I have just been through. And if he is not someone who is inspiring in regards to endurance then I don’t know who is. It also does not hurt that this guy is a total Hottie! Man oh man, one can only dream!

And then the dream could just continue to the ultimate reward, were at mile 25 a man would join my race that has moved millions and motivated more people than ever before to get involved in the political process of this country. Of course it also does not hurt that this man has Kenyan blood flowing through his veins, and even though he specializes in basket ball I just know he can bring it on the running circuit as well. I choose President Barack Obama as the person I would want to finish my marathon with as it would allow me to spend .2 miles more with him than all the others and if anyone is worth that extra time it is him. Who better equipped for the final home stretch than the man whose odds were all against him to become the leader of the free world? A man who has always shown perseverance and an almost uncanny ability to bring his message home in the end. With him by my side my last 1.2 miles can only be a successful home run:

Just look at that stride!!!



* this is the runner's world equivalent to "Five people in a hot tub"... just sayin'

Today’s Running Tip: Running through “The Wall”!

No matter how many pounds of pasta you eat for your pre race dinner, our bodies can only store about 1600 to 1800 calories of energy in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles and at approximately 100 calories per mile. Come mile 20 you are out of reserves! Therefore it is important that you refuel throughout the marathon with carbohydrate rich snacks: sport gels, pretzels, jelly beans, etc. All are good if you have experimented with them during training. Don’t try anything new on race day!

Take It and Run (with or without Spectators) Thursday

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Ah, spectators! The unsung heroes of the race world! “Love them or love them not so much” is what Kim in Maryland is asking us in the Runners’ Lounge today.

I think when it comes to those who hang out on the sidelines a list is in order. A list of the do’s and do not’s of spectacular support.

Personally I love spectators that:

~ are my loved ones!!!
~ cheer you on enthusiastically
~ call out your name if you have it on your shirt
~ clap and dance
~ play music
~ hold inspiring banner
~ bring out hoses on hot days
~ hold out their hand so you can slap it slightly while running by, especially in the early miles
~ give out pretzels…
~ …maybe even shot glasses of cold beer during the last few miles

Personally I don’t love spectators so much that:

~ that try to cut into your path…
~ … or try to run in front of you by first sprinting and then slowing down to a crawl
~ throw ice cubes down your neck (unless asked to do so on very hot days)
~ stand at mile 13 of a marathon and hold banners that read “YOU ARE ALMOST THERE” – save your effort! Mile 13 is not “almost there”, it means you made it to the half way point and know exactly what still lies ahead
~ yell “YOU ARE ALMOST THERE” (see above)
~ hold banners right in your face
~ try to swat you with their hand
~ douse you in sticky liquid
~ are drunk and disorderly

So, next time you are out on the sidelines of a race course try to be civil. By all means cheer, scream, dance, play music, wave your pompons, ring your cow bells, give us support, but please refrain from doing anything that could potentially harm a runner or get in the way of him or her reaching the finish line in the best shape possible. Be mindful and we love to see you at the next race! GO SPECTATOR!

Today’s Running Tip: Involve your family!

If no one in your family is into running like you are get them involved in races by having them come out as your own personal support crew. Handing you a chilled drink, your favorite long run snack, and especially lend emotional support. If it’s a local race have them volunteer!