The winter chill is finally setting in, making running much less enticing. I'm still trying to master the art of dressing for winter runs. The summertime is much easier to plan for -- shorts and a tank top are about the least you can wear without getting arrested, and then you just have to pray that the humidity doesn't kill you.
This is my first winter during which I plan on running outdoors -- unless the conditions are hazardous (ice, low visibility, etc.). I'm equipped with cold gear and am still trying to find the balance with layering. Yesterday I overdressed and wore insulated pants; I wished I'd worn shorts instead. Today I wore shorts and, although I wasn't as cold as I thought, I noticed that my thighs were numb to the touch after my run. A hot shower and cup of tea later and all feeling had returned, but needless to say I'm still experimenting.
I have some balaclavas to wear when the weather REALLY turns cold. Not only do they keep your head and breath warm, but I feel like a ninja or something when I wear one.
Hopefully I'll figure out how to dress during these cold temperatures. If anyone has any tips, they're appreciated!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Runabout
If anyone follows Dean Karnazes, famed ultrarunner, you might be familiar with the term "runabout". It's a term he derived from the Australian concept of a "walkabout", which involves traveling the outback solo in the purpose of self-discovery and awareness of the environment. More details about the runabout can be found here: http://dean.runnersworld.com/2010/09/runabout-2.html
For the CliffNotes version, you basically just run. No planned courses, no timer, no workout scheme. You just go. When you get tired, you walk. When you feel good, you run. You explore. You basically enjoy your environment.
Yesterday's workout, with the wonderful weather, seemed a good a time as any to try this concept out. Especially since my motivation to do X number of miles at X pace was lackluster. So I set out and just ran. I knew that if I wanted to stop or walk that I could -- but I didn't need to. I instead looked around and enjoyed the scenery, taking turns down whatever roads seemed interesting. Before I knew it, I'd logged just over 7 miles (and no, I wasn't keeping track -- I MapMyRun'd it after I got home). AND, my pace was better than it had been during my last long training run. Maybe Dean's onto something...
Anyone have any interesting fun-run stories?
Friday, November 12, 2010
Turkey Trot!
Thanksgiving is approaching, and I can't think of a better way to "justify" Thanksgiving dinner than to spend that morning walking, jogging, or running in one of the local Turkey Trot races. It's fun and can be a family event too! All it takes is some expert coordinating for cooking the turkey around the race. But if you're going to someone else's house for dinner, you've got no excuses. Send in your registration form and get ready.
It's been very low key since the Stockade-athon. I've just been getting in some runs and enjoying the heat wave before winter finally digs its frosty mitts into us. I'm telling myself I like the cold air...not sure if I believe myself yet.
Anyone have any tips for running in cold weather? I think the hardest thing I find is motivating myself to actually get outside the warm indoors and out into the cold. This is true no matter how many base layers I wear and how thick my hat and gloves are. Any mental tricks or techniques that work?
Happy running -- and remember to sign up for that Turkey Trot!
It's been very low key since the Stockade-athon. I've just been getting in some runs and enjoying the heat wave before winter finally digs its frosty mitts into us. I'm telling myself I like the cold air...not sure if I believe myself yet.
Anyone have any tips for running in cold weather? I think the hardest thing I find is motivating myself to actually get outside the warm indoors and out into the cold. This is true no matter how many base layers I wear and how thick my hat and gloves are. Any mental tricks or techniques that work?
Happy running -- and remember to sign up for that Turkey Trot!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
THE STOCKADE-ATHON!!!
What a race!!! I've never before raced a distance as long as the 15-kilometer Stockade-athon, but I had a great time. AND, I met all three of the goals I set. I don't know my official time yet, but my stopwatch said 1:18.50. I even had enough left at the end to put in a good kick.
The best part of the race was seeing all of my friends from the Y -- some of whom are well-experienced runners, and others I've seen start slowly with 5Ks and progressively amp up the intensity. Both groups put in great efforts on the pavement today. It really inspires me and reaffirms that YES, you can do ANYTHING as long as you make a plan and put in the hard work required to get there.
I was also impressed by how well organized and well marked the race was. The race organizers and volunteers deserve great credit for keeping such a HUGE race so under control. Every mile was marked and every runner was cheered on along the way.
I am definitely in for next year. I was worried the first leg of the race about my pace, because -- as always -- I went out too fast. I was shooting for about 9 minute miles and was averaging about 8:15. And then, we hit State Street. I never realized how much of that road is uphill. But when you're on your feet rather than in your car, you feel it. The hills made me slow my pace a bit, which in the end was good because I had enough gas to Fartlek the last mile. Again, a really great race and a great experience.
The best part of the race was seeing all of my friends from the Y -- some of whom are well-experienced runners, and others I've seen start slowly with 5Ks and progressively amp up the intensity. Both groups put in great efforts on the pavement today. It really inspires me and reaffirms that YES, you can do ANYTHING as long as you make a plan and put in the hard work required to get there.
I was also impressed by how well organized and well marked the race was. The race organizers and volunteers deserve great credit for keeping such a HUGE race so under control. Every mile was marked and every runner was cheered on along the way.
I am definitely in for next year. I was worried the first leg of the race about my pace, because -- as always -- I went out too fast. I was shooting for about 9 minute miles and was averaging about 8:15. And then, we hit State Street. I never realized how much of that road is uphill. But when you're on your feet rather than in your car, you feel it. The hills made me slow my pace a bit, which in the end was good because I had enough gas to Fartlek the last mile. Again, a really great race and a great experience.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Mini-Mission: Stockade-athon
Sooooo....I'm doing the Stockade-athon tomorrow. I did a 10K a couple of weeks ago and completed it respectably. Add 5 more K's to that, and you've got the Stockade-athon, a road race through Schenectady's Stockade district. Here's a course map: http://www.stockadeathon.com/index.php/course-map
I have three goals for tomorrow:
1. The goal I can live with is to finish without stopping.
2. The goal that will make me satisfied is to finish without doubling-over at the end.
3. The goal that will put a great big smile on my face is to meet goals 1 and 2 under 1 hour 30 minutes.
Already beginning the race day checklist -- handheld waterbottle, watch, and iPod shuffle; reviewing the course map to memorize mile markers; planning my lucky pre-race dinner of homemade lentil soup....YUM! And portioning out my jelly beans for during the race and, of course, my bowl of Count Chocula for after (BTW, all the stores have cleared their shelves of Count Chocula...wahhhh).
Also, remembering to set the clocks back 1 hour -- get a well-scheduled extra hour of sleep before the race!
Who else is doing the Stockade-athon tomorrow? Any rituals you're doing to prepare? For those of you who aren't, I'll let you know how it goes.
I have three goals for tomorrow:
1. The goal I can live with is to finish without stopping.
2. The goal that will make me satisfied is to finish without doubling-over at the end.
3. The goal that will put a great big smile on my face is to meet goals 1 and 2 under 1 hour 30 minutes.
Already beginning the race day checklist -- handheld waterbottle, watch, and iPod shuffle; reviewing the course map to memorize mile markers; planning my lucky pre-race dinner of homemade lentil soup....YUM! And portioning out my jelly beans for during the race and, of course, my bowl of Count Chocula for after (BTW, all the stores have cleared their shelves of Count Chocula...wahhhh).
Also, remembering to set the clocks back 1 hour -- get a well-scheduled extra hour of sleep before the race!
Who else is doing the Stockade-athon tomorrow? Any rituals you're doing to prepare? For those of you who aren't, I'll let you know how it goes.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
No, That's Not Nail Polish
A nice, pretty, black toe, also known as Runner's Toe. Caused by the toe bumping up against the front of your shoe (translation: my initial running shoes were too small, and now I get to enjoy a weirdo toenail for about 6 months). It's not painful, but I've read that the condition can be depending on how severe. Nothing left to do but wait it out until the toenail grows out. In the meantime, I went to Fleet Feet and got properly fitted for running shoes. I love them, they feel great.
Blisters have also been a joy, although I did some research and am happy to report that I haven't gotten a blister in about a month. The key -- talcum (baby) powder!!! Blisters are often caused by dampness on your feet, so applying baby powder before a run keeps them dry and blister-free. I've heard Vaseline also works, but I don't like things that are goopey -- that generally weirds me out.
The main thing I learned is that you have to take good care of your feet. They're like your body's tires. If they get injured or worn out, you're not going anywhere, no matter how well the engine is working.
Anyone else have any tips for taking care of your feet while running regularly?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A Long Day
I had one of my super-long days today, but I got a lot done. Even managed to sneak in a 3-mile run at lunchtime. I just have to save enough time to vote after class tonight and I'll be all set!
What a great day it was for a run today. I'm starting to appreciate the cooler weather more and more, but I still have to master the art of dressing appropriately for my runs. I always overdress, although I'm happy to say I no longer show up to a run in a Gore-tex parka.
Did anyone else get the chance to take advantage of the nice fall weather today? I hope so!
What's the best part of a workout? That's easy -- following it up with a bowl of Count Chocula and soy milk!!!! Mmmmmmmmm! Yes, I know, sugar cereal is junk, but Count Chocula is my one vice, is only available in October, and actually is not much different nutritionally from so-called "sports drinks." It's mostly sugar carbs, very low fat, and fortified with vitamins and minerals. AND, *ahem* the dear Count does NOT contain high fructose corn syrup....did you hear that, GATORADE???
Splash some milk or soy milk into a marshmallow-y bowl and you've got an ideal post-workout meal that will take advantage of the body's nutrient recovery window after a tough exercise session. Could I eat something healthier? Say, a banana smoothie? Or greek yogurt and berries? Sure. But this Choc-aholic is going to indulge a little before they pull my friend the Count from the store shelves.
I guess the main lesson here is that you don't need to buy a bunch of expensive supplements. Read nutrition labels, compare, and use your head. Accelerade Recovery Drink costs $30 a tub. Count Chocula costs $2.50 a box. You do the math.
What do you like to eat after a workout? What's your go-to snack to replenish your body? Bagels? Peanut butter toast? Leave a comment here or in-line with this blog's Facebook post if you want to share.
What a great day it was for a run today. I'm starting to appreciate the cooler weather more and more, but I still have to master the art of dressing appropriately for my runs. I always overdress, although I'm happy to say I no longer show up to a run in a Gore-tex parka.
Did anyone else get the chance to take advantage of the nice fall weather today? I hope so!
What's the best part of a workout? That's easy -- following it up with a bowl of Count Chocula and soy milk!!!! Mmmmmmmmm! Yes, I know, sugar cereal is junk, but Count Chocula is my one vice, is only available in October, and actually is not much different nutritionally from so-called "sports drinks." It's mostly sugar carbs, very low fat, and fortified with vitamins and minerals. AND, *ahem* the dear Count does NOT contain high fructose corn syrup....did you hear that, GATORADE???
Splash some milk or soy milk into a marshmallow-y bowl and you've got an ideal post-workout meal that will take advantage of the body's nutrient recovery window after a tough exercise session. Could I eat something healthier? Say, a banana smoothie? Or greek yogurt and berries? Sure. But this Choc-aholic is going to indulge a little before they pull my friend the Count from the store shelves.
I guess the main lesson here is that you don't need to buy a bunch of expensive supplements. Read nutrition labels, compare, and use your head. Accelerade Recovery Drink costs $30 a tub. Count Chocula costs $2.50 a box. You do the math.
What do you like to eat after a workout? What's your go-to snack to replenish your body? Bagels? Peanut butter toast? Leave a comment here or in-line with this blog's Facebook post if you want to share.
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