Run by Feel

{ December 1, 2009 @ 4:03 am } · { Uncategorized }
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One of the most exciting up and coming runners to watch has been Kara Goucher. I got to watch her 3rd place finish in the 2009 Boston Marathon, and have been closely following her ever since. She’s coached by the great Alberto Salazar, and married to fellow runner Adam Goucher. I love reading her interviews because I think she has a great outlook on racing, competition, and running in general.

I found this recent exclusive of Goucher. She describes her method of “Run by Feel,” and listening to her body. If she need to adjust the days work-out, she does so.

I loved this article an way of thinking, mostly because I am so bad at it. I never listen to my body. (Granted I’m not a professional runner where my career depends on it.) But still, I am so stubborn in my ways, I can’t change a work-out once I planned it. I feel like I’m slacking or giving up.

Goucher puts it in great perspective. Her and Salazar assess what is most important.. pacing or distance and take it from there. I think that’s great advice for runners at all levels. What did you want to get from the work out that day? If it’s mileage, and you’re not feeling great, slow down the pace. If your endurance is lacking, cut down the distance, but keep your goal pace.

I also loved this article because it humanized Goucher. She always seems so steadfast and focused. She’s aggressive, competitive, and goes after what she wants. While all true, I liked hearing she has weaknesses, and her body isn’t always feeling red hot marathon pace. She has her off days like I do. She gets tired like I do, and she takes breaks… like I’m learning to do.

Next time you head out for a planned run, listen to your body. Run by feel. If you know you shouldn’t push it… don’t. There will be other runs, you’ll make up the time or distance. But why force yourself through something painful when you run for enjoyment.

I’m in no way preaching because I am the worst listener when it comes to running. Kara is lucky in that she has coaches to modify her work-out and tell her when to stop. It’s harder sometimes to convince yourself to back down.

Check out the rest of the article above!

Keep Running!
-Strider

The Science of Running

{ November 30, 2009 @ 4:31 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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I’ve been running for years. I’ve run in torrential rains, wind advisories, snow storms, heat waves, and temperatures below zero. I run when I’m injured. I run when I don’t have the time to run. I run when I’m sick. I run before the sun comes up, and I run at night after the sun has set.

To any normal person, I appear crazy.. and I completely agree. My addiction to running started years ago, and even I can’t explain it. Running has just become a part of my daily schedule, without it I feel incomplete, like a part of my day is missing. It calms me down, gives me a place to release the day’s stress so I can relax at night. I definitely feel a difference if I haven’t run that night. I feel restless and antsy at night, like I have extra pent up energy.

I crave running… but why? I have the hardest time explaining to non-runners what this addiction is like, mostly because I don’t know. I just need it.

I think it’s the “runner’s high” that keeps us coming back for more. This elusive high runner’s talk about is that feeling after a few miles when your body and mind are both stimulated. You feel good, everything is working together, and you reach a level of euphoria.

Endorphines are commonly associated with a runner’s high. Endorphine levels increase with exercise, and it is proposed that elevated endorphines contribute to the state of euphoria as well as the increased resistance to pain during exercise. Running adds tremendous stress to the body, which increases blood flow to the brain, and the endorphines released increase the body’s threshold for pain. This is possible explanation for the positive mood changes noted during a ‘runner’s high.’

The runner’s high is as tangible as a unicorn. There is no true definition nor evidence it actually exists. Only testimonials from runners. I debate they DO exist because I believe I have experienced them. that feeling like you can run forever, you’re at peace, and the sudden drop in mood when your run has to end.

(read more on the idea of runner’s high)

So when someone asks you if you’re crazy for heading on for a run during a blizzard, you can say it’s not your fault… blame science!

Have you ever experienced a runner’s high?

-Strider

The Stick

{ November 30, 2009 @ 2:51 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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Through-out track and cross-country in high school, my coaches always made us use “The Stick” after a work out or before a big race.

I know “the stick” is a very indistinct term, but I’m sure you’ve seen one before and probably even used one. That is the stick… and it works wonders.

The Stick is made out of plastic beads that roll as you massage it over your sore muscles. It compresses the muscle and disperses the lactic acid build up after a work out or run. In that sense, The Stick helps accelerate muscle recovery.

After I left high school, I had to buy a Stick of my own. It sits in my closet, and I generally use it about 3 or 4 times a week, especially when I my muscle knots get really bad. Its a quick and easy self-massage.

I use it mostly on my legs, but you can use it on your back, shoulders, neck, or arms. Sometimes, my room mate will rub my shoulders/ upper back with it because I carry a lot of tension there and get horrible knots. The stick would call this a “Trigger point,” and requires additional attention to work out the kinks.

You can buy the stick online, or any running store should have them.

I highly recommend every runner owns one. You’ll be amazed at the difference you feel in places you didn’t even know were carrying tension.

Keep Running
-Strider

WILL RUN FOR WINE

{ November 24, 2009 @ 8:04 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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I think I’ve found my new running motto.

In 2 short days all of America will be gorging on Turkey, stuffing, potatoes galore. Also in 2 short days, a far lesser percentage of Americans will feebly attempt to balance the astronomical caloric intake with the many Turkey Trots across the nation.

Most towns/cities/counties have a Turkey Trot of their own, all with varying distances. This takes place the morning of Thanksgiving, right before the big feast. I will be heading back to NY, where we do have a local Turkey Trot.

I actually won’t be partaking in the race. I rarely do in fact. I travel home Wednesday, get in late, just in time to see family and friends. I don’t like feeling obligated to get up early and run this race. I have a tradition of my own, that I actually do get up and run the morning of Thanksgiving, but it is on my own time. I’m just not big into diving head first into racing right when I get home after being away for 4 months, and with only 3 days to enjoy at home. Just my opinion.

However, this all would probably change if I Lived in Dublin, Ohio. I came across their local Turkey Trot: The Flying Feather Four Miler.

What’s so special about this race that would make me throw away all my Turkey Trot principles? THEY GIVE OUT A BOTTLE OF WINE TO EVERY OF AGE RUNNER WHO CROSSES THE LINE! (kids get a piece of pie and/or cookie).

What a great incentive to run a race on Thanksgiving morning. I wish I was in the Dublin area. Alas, I will just have to do my own run, and purchase my own wine this Thanksgiving.

Anyone else running a Turkey Trot?

My Favorite Running Accessory

{ November 24, 2009 @ 2:05 am } · { Uncategorized }
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After over 12 years of running teams, road races, and running clubs, running shirts have taken over my closet and drawers. Each race adds a new shirt to the collection. A reminder of the effort put in, no matter what the distance.

I don’t have the heart to throw away any running shirt I get. But I have my own personal rules. I won’t wear a shirt of a race I didn’t run (some people have given me an extra shirt they picked up), or I won’t wear a race shirt before I’ve completed the race. Sometimes you get the shirt with your pre-registered race packet.

I do have a favorite though. My purple, cotton, worn out, seen-better-days Jim Smith 2005 invitational tee-shirt. It’s not fancy by any means or particularly intricate. It’s the story behind it that I think of each time I wear it that makes me love it.

I was a senior in high school. It was one of the first cross-country meets of my last season, I was captain. It was at Sunken Meadow field in Long Island, N.Y. This race was unique because it wasn’t divided up by freshman, JV, or Varsity. Each race was run by class: Freshman first all the way up to Senior.

Senior girls were the last group to run in early September in about 90 degrees, humid mid-day. The course was challenging. It was famous for “cardiac hill,” and it sounds as fun as it was to run. I didn’t hydrate properly at all, and really felt it.

I went out strong, and the last thing I remember was digging into “Cardiac.” The race was a blur after that. I remember my coach’s face as I ran past yelling to keep moving, and I was having a great race. The he said he noticed my lips were ghost white. He sprinted across the field to where the chute was. I somehow crossed the line, and in a movie-ending gesture my coach caught me mid-collapse. He carried me in his arms to the on-site paramedics where they fed my oxygen from a mask and lowered my body-temperature.

After awhile of intensive care, I was OK to walk around. I found out I had placed in the top 20 of the 400 senior girls state-wide, and won this purple tee-shirt. I somehow managed to run one of my best races, all while on the verge of passing out from dehydration.

I think of that story and laugh every time I wear the shirt. I had to pass out to win that shirt, and I wear it with pride. It’s my validation of the common running quote “Running: You’ll pass out before you die.” My best war story yet.

What’s your favorite running shirt or race? and why?

-Strider

It’s almost that time of year again…

{ November 20, 2009 @ 6:46 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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No not the Holidays… NEW SHOE TIME.

Actually, for me, this is long over due. I am embarrassed to say I bought my current shoes at the end of May! and I put a lot of mileage on them this summer. I’ve been really bad. Even my shins are telling me these shoes are past their prime.

The problem is loyalty. yes loyalty. I am living in Boston currently, but have always bought my running shoes from this family owned die-hard running family. They know us (mom and I), and we know them. We talk about colleges, jobs, life in Boston… etc. Buying shoes in the specialty hole-in the wall running shop is an experience. One I look forward to. especially because it’s another little tradition with my mom that’s special to us.

I haven’t been back in NY since August, and I’m itching to get a new pair, but I don’t want to be unfaithful in my running apparel monogamous relationship. I have been going there since I was running in middle school. Buying the same exact Asics. They’ve video-taped me on the treadmil (Yes, I am a major over-pronator.)

Which brings me to internal struggle number 2. CHANGE. I feel like I have reached a point in my life where I am in the market for a new shoe… yes NEW SHOE. This is big for me. I am a such a creature of habit. But I think it will be good for me to branch out.

I say this like I’m capable of change, of course I am still perusing the Asics website. Who knows maybe I’ll be wild and impulsively try on some Brooks. The point is I need my dose of new shoe shopping, and I need it bad.

These are calling my name…

Do you have a “go to” for running apparel? Are you a brand loyalist when it comes to shoes too?

-Stride on

Do you GU?

{ November 19, 2009 @ 2:38 am } · { Uncategorized }
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GU energy comes in all different products and flavors. The most popular is this one featured, the small package contains a substance with a “gooey” consistency.

You are suppose to take GU every 45 minutes of running for a boost in calories and energy that water can’t give you. Runners use it as fuel during long runs.

I have tried GU, and to be honest I hate it. To be fair, I have a sensitive stomach to begin with, and am happiest when running with nothing in my stomach. However, I really don’t like GU. To me it seems like I’m eating paste.

Like I said, I don’t like eating during my runs, or even drinking that much for that matter, but my 20-22 milers in August taught me I need to.

I turn to ShotBlocks.

Clif Bar makes them. The have the consistency of jello.. in a block. You have to take them with water, with most other mid-run fuelers. They are chewable and go down easy. The flavors aren’t bad either. I stick with lemon-lime, strawberry, or black cherry. They have Cola and even a Margarita… I have not dared to try.

I absolutely felt a difference after I took one. Not even such an extreme boost in energy, but it cured my hunger that had grown over the past 2 hours.

Again, this is my personal opinion. I have a sensitive stomach when I run. Try out different mid-run fuels BEFORE your big race, and discover what works for you.

-Strider

The Sneaker Doesn’t Fall Far from the Shoe Closet…

{ November 18, 2009 @ 2:57 am } · { Uncategorized }
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…or insert other running incorporated parental cliche.

This post is dedicated to my favorite running partner… my mom. She was the reason I got into running, and then I was the reason she got back into it. She was a runner all through-out high school and college. She ran on the boys’ track team, until she petitioned to the board of education to start the 1st girls’ track team, which she captained.

My mom lost running over the years, got married and had 3 kids. She was too busy to run, couldn’t leave kids alone, had to drive us places. I always loved her running stories, and after I showed a lot of interest in it, she encouraged me to get into it.

My mom has been to every single cross-country and track meet I ran in. Sometimes, she would be the only one in the stands. Sometimes she’d drove over and hour to some field to see me on the course for 3 secs.

She stood on the side of the stuff-y, dry county indoor track every Friday and Saturday night for hours and hours during winter track to watch me run one race. She stood in the exact same spot her mother did when she came to watch her daughter’s races.

When my sister and I turned 16 and started driving ourselves, she found time to get back running. Intimidated at first, she set her goal at the women’s 5k race I’d been doing for years in our county. They had a mother/daughter team entry I’ve always wanted to do. She made her goal, and we ran our first mother daughter race together. A few years later we ran our first half-marathon together.

My mom has now completed 4 marathons, 6 half-marathons, and dozens of dozens other races. She is 53 this year (sorry mom!) and is only getting faster. She’s got her eyes set on Boston, and like that first 5k, I have no doubt she’ll make it.

I value each run we do together. When I am home in NY, we always have to squeeze in at least one good run. It is refreshing for us both, our time together. We talk for hours. It is weird how fast 20 milers can go by with her next to me.

She not only inspires me, but everyone she encounters. She trains and races with runners half her age. Her determination is unbelievable. I am constantly amazed at what she can accomplish when she sets out to. And most of all, she is the most modest, selfless runner I know.

This post is dedicated to my longest, closest, and favorite running partner. My mom has changed my love for the sport, and running has changed my relationship with my mom.

Stride Along.

Oh the places we run…

{ November 12, 2009 @ 7:13 am } · { Uncategorized }
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I was reading the December 2009 issue of Runner’s World, my bible. They had a section of “Running best” Best food post-run, road race, and best city to run in.

Portland took number one, but the list included New York and Boston, both cities I have called home. I’ve done my fair share of running in each. While it is extremely hard to choose, I would give my vote to Boston for the best city to run in. It is much more “run-able” than NY. The routes along the Charles River and down the esplanade are very “runner-friendly.” Not to mention the view.

I took my mom on a run along the river last weekend when she came to visit. We were mid-way over the MGH bridge and she stopped to look long the city-line. It was beautiful. You could almost see the entire city. Sometimes I take advantage of having a view like that every day.

Being one of those annoying running addicts, I have to pack my sneakers along on any vacation I go. This has allowed me to run in some great new places.
So far my list of places I’ve run include:
-New York (basically all over the state… from upstate Syracuse, Manhattan, to Brooklyn.)
-Boston (and a few suburbs outside)
-New Hampshire
-New Jersey
-Penn
-Maryland
-Virginia
-Washington D.C.
-Ohio
-London, England
-Scotland (a few places around the country.. Edinburgh, some smaller towns, and up north around Loch Ness)

world-map
I may be forgetting a few, but I hope to add some more countries and west coast states to my running map.

Start building your list! and think.. if you could do one last run anywhere of your choosing… where would it be?

-Strider

Boston Half Marathon

{ November 6, 2009 @ 5:35 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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I recently ran the Boston Half Marathon in the beginning of October. I’ve run several halves, but never any road races in Boston.

boston
I was apprehensive because this was my first Half completely on my own. I usually sign up with my mom or a friend. I end up running it alone because of differences in pacing… but getting there, having breakfast together, waiting at the line together… that stuff I missed.

It was very different from the halves in central park, NY. Much fewer runners, and a smaller race. I liked that though. I didn’t feel packed and overwhelmed at the start.

The gun went off and it took about 3 min to cross the line. Those beginning miles were a little stiff because my legs were cold and I was having a hard time warming up. But once I did…I LOVED IT!

It was one of the best races I’ve ever run! Such a good atmosphere and course. We started in Roberto Clemente field in The Fens.. then headed down Jamaica Pond to Franklin Zoo which was the turn around. It was constantly curving and winding, so I never got bored heading down one street.

I did have a slight set-back around mile 12. I was feeling good kicking in for my finish. I have developed a nasty habit of spitting when I run. (My mom hates it). I am always very careful in a race before I spit so I don’t hit someone. I guess I was tired and out of it because I turn my head and spot right at this woman.. she must have been in my blind spot!

I started freaking out and immediately apologizing. Instead of getting mad, she starts going on about how she was with me in the beginning but lost me, and she’s been looking for me the whole race as motivation. Now she’s on her way to PB (personal best) and thanked me! I got thanked for almost spitting in this woman’s face.

Friendly B-AHH-STAN runners for ya.

I highly recommend this race to anyone!

-Strider

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