Attitude Check

When I was running the Green Bay Marathon a few years back, I briefly ran with a woman around the mile 18 mark. She was one of those people who couldn't find anything positive to say. I commented about the beautiful river walk on which we were running, she said, "it's too narrow." I mentioned the perfect sunshiny 50 degree day with which we were blessed, she said "It was way too cold at the start of the race." And when we passed the mile 18 sign, she cursed out loud and said, "why does that sign say 18, why can't it say 25?"

As I went on my way, I started to feel a bit sorry for her. We all encounter bad moods when running. However, I believe that running a is truly a gift. It is the ability to finish something that seems insurmountable at first. When you are cursing the race at mile 18, you are defeating yourself. I found a wise quote that says, "Running is 90% mental and 10% physical, so if you have a bad attitude you're wasting 100% of your time." I don't know who said it, but it is ever so true.

The next time you are running with the weight of a bad mood remember, to participate in this sport is a blessing. And, while you may be having a bad day, if you are a true runner, you will only curse the day you cannot run again.

Motivation

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
- Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian and sub-2:12 marathoner

Can You Relate?

While I have never had this treadmill experience, it is just provides another reason why running on the treadmill stinks. Pretty funny...enjoy

No Running on A Good Hair Day!

Yesterday I had to take my oldest daughter to the orthodontist first thing in the morning. This meant had to take a shower first thing in the morning. Usually, I wait until I am done running to shower...but I didn't want to scare the doctor (or embarrass my daughter).

After my shower there were the usual getting ready tasks...lotion, dry hair, flat iron, make-up. When I was finished, I was pleased with how respectable I appeared. Then that thought crossed my mind.

"I can't run...I'm having a good hair day! If I run, I will need to take another shower (I am a prolific sweater), and there is a good chance my hair won't look as good." And with that, I decided, I would not run on my good hair day!

So what excuses do you come up with for skipping your daily run?

Faithful Friends

Over the years, there have been many things I have changed in my running apparel. Some days, I need shorts, others a turtleneck and wind sweats. And, sometimes, I need to break down and buy a new shirt because my old one is so pitted out it stands on its own.

But the one thing I will never change are my trusted running shoes. When I started running, I developed a mean case of Plantar Facitatis. After that I never skimped on this part of my wardrobe.

I laugh when I think about a conversation with my father-in-law regarding how expensive running shoes are. He said..."well why don't you just get a cheap pair of shoes to train and then run the race in a better pair." He is, of course, a non runner. That is like saying, why don't you buy a cheap pair of tires for everyday use and then use an expensive pair when you travel for vacation. The only difference is the vacation travel will not result in a severe case of blisters!

So here are my faithful friends...Brooks Adrenaline GTS7. Love em' I have had six pairs...and sometimes buy them two at a time. I hope Brooks does not stop making them...I just might have to stop running!

A Marathon Funny

Here's a great video I found about running a marathon! Be warned, the song he sings is very infectious. It ran through my head the whole time I was running my last marathon!

Quote of the Day

Here's something to get you motivated to run this week:

"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs."

-Jesse Owens

Life is a Marathon

Despite the fact that only 10% of people will ever run a marathon during their lifetime, there are many life lessons that can be learned through this endurance event. Here is a list of things I have gleaned from the four marathons I have run.

1. People are generally nice.


2. Enjoy the scenery.


3. Music helps.


4. You do stink as bad as you think.


5. Toenails grow back.


6. You can do it.


7. The porta-potty is your friend.


8. Set a goal and then tell someone, otherwise you might not do it.


9. Never run alone -- there is always someone who needs a friend on the course.


10. Prayer is helpful.


11. Family is precious -- my biggest fans.


12. Take deep breaths.


13. Keep moving forward.


14. Slow down if you need to.


15. Eat a good breakfast.


16. Get plenty of fluids.


17. Find something to laugh about.


18. It's okay to cry - even if you're happy!


19. Some miles are longer than others.
    
20. Finish strong.

The Calm After the Storm

I am a very uptight person. I am a worrier, a planner and a type A+ personality. I often suffer from a bit of PMS and on top of all that, I am the mother of two daughters, one of whom is in the throes of puberty. Are you starting to feel sorry for my husband?

While it doesn't happen often, there have been times in my life that all these things come together in one overwhelming creshendo, creating in my mind a swirling vortex. It is during these moments that my husband lovingly suggests I go for a run.

I am blessed to be married to a man who can speak the truth in love. This is because he has been a regular witness to the calming affect running has on my state of mind. After a run, it seems as if the planets come into alignment. I am able to focus, to calmly sort through the rubble and deal with the next curve ball life throws at me.

While I will most likely always have an over the top personality (as well as two daughters), I am so glad I have running to bring it all into perspective.

The Plan

Yesterday I announced (much to my horror), that I am going to run a half marathon on April 5. Today, after realizing that unless something unforseen (and unwanted) happens, I decided to make a plan. So, just in case some of you are thinking about doing the same, or perhaps you are in the the Milwaukee area and want to join me (http://www.trailbreaker.com/), here is what I am going to do to prepare:

• This week: 3m/3m/3m/5-6m (note: I have already done the first two runs :0)



• 2/23: 3m/4m/3m/7m



• 3/2: 3m/4m/3m/8m



• 3/9: 3m/4m/3m/10m



• 3/16: 3m/ 4m/3m/12m



• 3/23: 3m/3m/3m/5m



• 3/30: 3m/3m/3m/13.1

That's my plan. I will keep you updated regularly on my progress.

1/2 Mary Anyone?

Okay, I'm going to commit to it! On April 5, 2009 I will run a half marathon. It's not that it is a big deal...after all I have run four marathons and two other half marathons. It's just that if I don't actually say it, then I don't have to do it. I am a goal oriented runner, however, often my goals are not verbalized. Therefore, if I don't reach them, no one really knew anyhow.

But today, I announce to the entire Internet, that I will set aside time to train for this event, I will register on-time, I will get a good night sleep before the run, I will pick up my race packet and I will compete.

There you have it...no backing out now!

Why Do I Run?

This is an excerpt from a something I wrote a few years back...in a nutshell, it explains why we runners do what we do.

Why do I run? It has been asked of me more times than I can count.

This year, I took on the challenge of running a marathon for the second time. And, while the race was much more difficult than the one I ran last year...as my husband so succinctly put it, the finish was even more satisfying. Because, despite the adversity I faced, I did finish.

So ask me again...why do I run? Sometimes, it is just to finish.

Other times it is for what I was thinking at mile 20 when my husband drove by in our mini van. I told him after the race, if he had opened the door, I might have considered jumping in. Then I rethought my statement and said "no, actually, I don't think I would have." With my daughters cheering me on, this was not the example I wanted to set -- quitting so close to the finish.

Why do I run? Because I know they are watching and learning and taking it all in. Because I hear them say, "when I grow up, I want to be just like you mom." I want them to see their race, whatever race they are in, through to the end...to persevere in spite of their humanness.

I run for the woman at mile 18 who was in so much pain she was gritting her teeth and gasping. The one who eventually had to stop so that she might be able to run again another day.

Why do I run? I run because I can. Because it is something than many cannot do. I can push my body to a point that, at one time, I never thought possible and still live to talk about it at the other end. I can run for 26 miles straight and still be standing at the end...because I can!

Many times I run because of the feeling I had when I crossed the starting line of my 26.2 mile journey to the strains of theme from "Chariots of Fire." Or when I saw the man at mile seven who was playing "Roll Out The Barrel" on his accordion for all the runners to enjoy (I am from Wisconsin after all!). I run for that little girl who joined dad's race for 100 yards at mile 13.

Why do I run? I run for the joy of it. I run because I know I am able to take this flesh and blood that God gave me, endure the pain and trials and in the end, find pure happiness.

Starting Over

I can't believe it has been two weeks since my last run! How did that happen? Well actually, if you read down a few posts, you will discover exactly how that happened.

It never fails, every winter, I start out strong. I tell myself, "Shelly, you WILL run through the entire winter. You WILL NOT stop running." And then, despite my best efforts, sickness gets in the way.

I always seem to end up with a two week ball of flem, goobers and a dry cough. Singularly, each might hold me up from running...but when they are in combo, I am rendered completely useless. I cough all night, and blow my nose all day. And in between, I manage to whine to my husband about how horrible I feel. (unfortunately, this time I shared, so he was not very sympathetic).

As an aside, I just want to say, I took Mucinex for over a week and never once saw anything that resembled the green guy on the commercial (see post picture).

Anyhow, somehow, the little green guy is slowly leaving my body undetected, which means I was able to run today! Yea!!! My dog was so happy she barked the first quarter mile. I was just happy to be able to run the first quarter mile without an oxygen mask. After three miles, I was thankful to be home, and wondering why it only takes two weeks for me to lose any Vo2 Max I had gained during the rest of my winter runs.

Magic Beans

As a marathon runner, I have tried many products to keep me energized during long runs. I have gagged down GU, Hammer Gel and PowerGel (I call it flavored Crisco...can't stand it!). I have eaten bananas, oranges and chocolate chip cookies. I have stuffed MoJo bars in my waist band to eat at a halfway point. And, I have drank so much Gatorade, I think I may have burned a hole in my stomach.

Through all of my running fuel tests and trials, I have found one thing that gives me just what I need on long runs. Just sour enough to make my mouth water. A pleasing texture and flavor. Easy to pop a few in my mouth while still running. And small enough to carry along with me. They are my Magic Beans.

I have heard some people have had bad experiences with Jelly Belly's Sports Beans, but I am considering taking stock in them, because of how many packages I have purchased. If you are looking for a new pick me up during your next marathon or endurance event training program, consider giving the Magic Beans a try. (and no, they don't have the same effect as the "other" magic beans!)

Running on Empty

I haven't been up to running lately. My mind has been saying "yes" while my body has been screaming "no." Yep, I'm sick. Which leads me to this blog. The top five reasons you might want to stay in bed instead of going for a run today.

5. Your head pops off when you bend over to tie your shoes

4. You are sweating profusely and you haven't even started to run.

3. Your nose requires a drip bucket.

2. You have eaten so much chicken soup you are starting to grow feathers.

1. You woke up this morning on the kitchen floor. The last thing you remember was taking NyQuil.

The Machine of Doom

I dread running on the treadmill! This past fall, however, it was the only way I could get in my mileage.

After a 15 mile bike ride, I had extreme pain and swelling in my hip joint. Every time I tried to run, it would just make the pain worse. I would take a day or two off, and hit the road again...always with the same end result, horrible pain and a couple days limping around the house.

After much deliberation, I decided the roads were probably a bit too hard on my injury. My only two choices were to give up running for a while or find a softer surface on which to run. I chose the later.

With much dread, I faced the machine of doom three to five days a week. Three miles was about all I could take before the boredom set in. I called them my runs to nowhere. While I am overjoyed that I had the option of using the treadmill, at the time, I wished it was by choice and not necessity.

In January I started running on the roads again. It has been a very cold winter here in the Midwest, however, I am just thrilled to be running somewhere, instead of nowhere!

Run Your Own Race

I love the fact that running is a microcosm of this thing we call life. The crowd at any Saturday morning race offers a cross section of humanity. There are short runners, tall runners, thin runners and portly ones. Each person runs for their own reason, each has their own goals, each runs their own race.

I ran my last marathon with a group of friends from church -- two men and two women. Of the four people in our group, I was the shortest (by several inches), the youngest (not by much) and the slowest (by a lot). Even though I knew I could not maintain the same pace as my friends, there was no shame in the race I was going to run. It was my race. I ran with my music, at my speed to attain my goals.

We started the race together, but as each person set their own pace, we quickly separated. While each of us covered the same 26 miles, we each ran very different races. However, when we crossed the finish line and traded tales of our day's events, we were united by the finisher's medal we wore around our necks.

I always tell people, I am "every runner." I am not particularly fast, I will probably never win a big race and no matter how much I run I still can't get rid of the fat dimples on my rear-end -- but when I am out there running, It is on my terms...it is my own race.

Friends

Many times, I run to delight in the peace and solitude of being alone. I enjoy having time in my own head without hundreds of other demands breaking in. Often running is my one chance to get away from my family and feel the wind blow through my hair.

Some of my fondest running memories, however, are the moments I have spent with friends. When I was training for my last marathon, I had one very good friend who often put up with me on long runs. We shared so much in the hours we spent together. Trust me, there are a lot of things to share when you are running 23 miles -- and let me tell you, my friend could talk the entire 23 miles.

There were days we laugh so hard we cried...and other times, we wanted to cry, but laughed instead. It was during these runs, that a close and unbreakable bond was formed. Although we don't see each other as often now that we are not training, we will always be connected through running.

There is something special about the people you meet running -- they are real. Running breaks down the walls we erect and bring us to our most base level. I think it's because we understand. We have been there -- we have run "that" race. The one that hurt so badly you just wanted it to end, or the one that was so perfect you felt as if you could go on forever. Running is the thing that joins us together and makes us realize that we are not alone.

While I still enjoy running alone, I hold dear the wonderful running friends I have met on the race courses of my life.

You Want Me to Put Vaseline Where?

Anyone who has trained or run any kind of distance event has probably asked this question at one time or another.

We all know Vaseline is a necessary evil in the realm of long distance running. It saves us from pain and irritation. And, like any good motor oil, keeps all the joints and rubbing parts in fluid motion.

Distance running is humbling. As a mother, I liken it to the experience of childbirth. We do things that no rationale human being would consider -- things that really hurt. And, when we are finished we say "I think I'll try that again."

In most cases, we are not running for notoriety or recognition, but rather to finish the blasted event. So, in essence, we slather goo in our nether-regions simply to say, "I finished the race." Does this make sense?

To an ordinary person, perhaps not. But to those of us who have set the goal, prepared for the challenge and met our fears head on, it makes complete sense. We have conquered something that most people could not even imagine -- something bigger that ourselves. We dug down deep, found the strength and courage and reigned victorious over our body's groaning. And in the end, we crossed the line, covered in Vaseline, with only a finisher's medal and a sweaty photograph to prove we were ever there.

OCD Running

Perhaps I am strange, perhaps it is the OCD or maybe, just maybe, all runners have weird running routines and habits. Here are my top ten running habits, maybe you have a few you'd like to add.

1. When I run I chant, just keep running, running, running...like Dori on "Finding Nemo" (just keep swimming, swimming swimming).

2. I always start running at the end of my driveway...never before, never after...always at the end.

3. I always feel much taller than five feet when I am running.

4. I prefer to run in the dark...it feels like I am running faster.

5. I hate the sound of swishing nylon jackets and pants.

6. I can hear a dog barking from a mile away and immediately start looking around for the snarling teeth.

7. I always hit my mailbox when I end a run...sort of like running through the finisher's tape.

8. I hate having wet shoes or socks. It feels like running in jello.

9. I have to brush my teeth after I run....I can't stand the goobers that build up on my teeth.

10. I have always wanted to run with an American Flag draped on my back...just like the Olympic winners do!