As women, we rely upon our friends for support, encouragement, a listening ear, and laughter. My husband also provides these, but the relationships we have with other women are just different - and necessary! Although my husband will listen to my complaints about PMS, he can't truly empathize. Can a man truly understand why gaining 3 pounds of water is so devastating, or how our hormones can suddenly cause us to want to rip off the head of someone who unintentionally angers us? We are emotional, and sometimes it's just calming to spend time with someone who has felt the same way.
When I am thinking about the many ways that running has been beneficial in my life, I often think about the friends and fellow runners I have been in contact with. Running seems to help create a special bond among people. We all understand how difficult running can be, particularly when one is just beginning. We remember (or still endure) the stiff legs, the pain felt when ascending a flight of stairs, and the feeling of accomplishment when we finally ran that first mile! The first time that I experienced the full impact of the camaradarie of running was at a race in Owensboro, Kentucky. My husband and I had run the 5k, and were watching the finish of the 10k (after having gone to Cold Stone Creamery for our post-race indulgence). We were impressed by the fast finishers, but what most impressed me was when the final runner was coming toward the finish, and the crowd all started clapping and cheering for her. There was more cheering for her than for the young man who had won. She had finished, and we all knew what an accomplishment that was. I was hooked.
Shortly after I began running last year, my childhood friend Jackie started to run. We grew up on the same block, and I spent a lot of time with her family. Her sister is my age and has been one of my best friends for years. Last year, I met goals earlier than Jackie simply because I had begun a couple months before her. It was helpful because when I knew that I could run 2 miles, I pushed her to meet that mark. We ran together about 3 times a week, and I ran on my own a couple of days. Together we complained about our achy legs and feet, the heat, the absurdity of running, and anything else we could come up with. But we kept running. We still run several times a week together. I love that time with my friend; we talk about everything as we run the streets of our small town. What great therapy! Back when I started running I would see runners talking as they ran along, and I wondered how they could possibly talk when I could hardly breathe! Now people ask us the same question. This summer another friend, Jennifer, has started running with us. She is younger than the two of us, and much more athletic, but it has been great to get to know her better.
Running has strengthened my relationship with my niece Erin. She is getting ready to head off to grad school in August, but over the past year we have spent many hours together running. We have run some races together, which is something I will always cherish. Erin has such a positive attitude, and being 20 years my junior, she also has more energy! Many times she runs just a few feet in front of us, but that seems to pull us along and motivate us to run a little faster. Erin's mother - my older sister - has begun to run too. She has been walking (extremely fast) for a few years, so the transition to running is going well for her. She has had some other commitments this summer, but I hope that she gets back into running this fall.
If you haven't noticed, runners like to talk about running! Don't ask me for advice on how to get started or why I run unless you have plenty of time for my answer! There is so much to say about running. I think that most of us feel so blessed to be running that we want to share the joy with anyone who will listen. I want my friends to reap the benefits. I believe that in this sport we should pay it forward. My principal (Laura) and my good friend from school (Kim) have helped me and encouraged me for the past year. I really owe the fact that I can call myself a runner to them. They always made me feel like I could do it, and when I would get discouraged, they were right there pushing. I will always be grateful to them, and I want to do my part to do the same for others.
My husband, who is my best friend, also runs. I find this incredibly impressive because not only is he 16 years older than I, but the man also has an artificial knee! He actually started running before I did, which made it a little difficult to find a valid excuse not to run. He is not fast; he jokes about getting passed by walkers in races. He is out there - and I am very proud. We don't run together because our paces are different, but we do go to races together, and we drive to town together for our runs. We each take off on our own and meet up later. I am glad that this is something we can enjoy and work on together. Fortunately, our youngest child is 13, so if we want to go for a run, we can just go.
About running with friends...the fact is, we all have bad days. Your bad days won't likely fall on the same days as your friend's bad days. Talk ahead of time about how you want to handle that. When I have bad days where I feel like my legs are stuck in quick sand, I don't want to ruin Jackie's or Jennifer's workout - they might just feel awesome that day. Likewise, if I am having a great day, I want to push to see how far or how fast I can go. Having an understanding that it is okay to run ahead is necessary. There will be days when you both might not feel so great; then you can stop and walk together. This past Sunday was a scorcher in our area. We ran at 8:00 a.m., but it was already miserable and humid. Jackie and I took off with the intention of running at least 6 miles, but the hope of going further. By the time we had run 4 miles, I was done. I told Jackie that I was going to walk, but that she should go on. She didn't feel great either, so she also walked. We ended up walking 4 miles, and it was actually enjoyable to just walk and chat, knowing that although we weren't burning as many calories, we were still exercising. Last night Jackie, Jennifer, and I ran a 6-mile course that we will be running in a race in August. It is a tough course with a mile incline in the middle (I complain every single time I run it). We ran together until we got to the killer hill, then we each ran our own pace. We also ran our own pace for the last mile and a half. I like to try to speed up at that point, and I wanted to break an hour. We each finished at a different time, but we met at the finish line.
I have many friends who are now attempting to get started running (esp. Kelli, Annette, Lori, Kassi, and Emily), and I am so happy for them. The benefits are endless. I am in the best shape of my life, I have great new and old friends, I have more confidence, and I can call myself a runner. Share the joy with a friend!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Observations and Confessions
Heat and humidity: the two go hand in hand in Southern Indiana. It just seems that this miserable weather hit earlier than usual this year. According to my over-40 memory, June is typically warm, but not so hot that simply walking outside causes one to sweat profusely and, therefore, need an extra shower each day. I expect that kind of heat in July and August, but resent its early appearance this year. I continue to run, but have had to make some adjustments to my schedule, like rising before 6:00 (I don't do that very often), or running later in the evening. Jackie and I ran 7 miles Sunday, which is the farthest I have run since the temperatures have been in the 90s.
For those of you who are attempting running for the first time, as well as those who are seasoned runners, I want to recommend a book I recently finished: Run Like a Mother. It is written by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, two moms who write it like it is! There is a chapter devoted to peeing, pooping, and passing gas. That's something that we women don't like to discuss (unlike the men in our lives!), but when running, all three can present problems. I ran by myself this past Saturday, and (though I peed several times before heading to town for my run) I had to pee most of the run. I tend to obsess, and all I could think about is peeing and how uncomfortable I was. As I ran the Greenway, I briefly considered going off into the woods, but I am really not coordinated enough to pull that off. I won't go into the other two P's, but suffice it to say that running really works on the digestive tract! Anyway, read the book. It's down to earth and easy to relate to. I love to read about running because it motivates me to continue on this journey.
I am 90% certain that the Nashville Women's Half Marathon is not going to be on my September schedule. I think it will be entirely too hot in Nashville. Since my daughter lives there, I might go visit her and try to go watch some of the race - which will probably make we wish I had given it a try! There is a smaller half in Evansville in October; that looks more promising. I have a running friend, Jennifer, who plans to run it, so we could train together (which really means she will be dragging me along!).
Now for the confessions portion...my personal road to better health has been pretty amazing (no, that's not a confession; I will get to that further down). I am able to run! It wasn't long ago that I would drive down the street, see people out running, and think about how I wished that I could do that. Do people now see me running and wish that they could be like me? That would be pretty incredible, but I would want them to know that they can run! I would want to share with them that although they can't expect to go out and run 5 miles, or even a mile, they can run a few steps, and then add a few each day. They can get out and move forward, which is much more beneficial that sitting on the couch. So, what's the confession? I am still struggling with a healthy diet. I am doing much better; fruit and yogurt are a staple in our home, and our snacks are low-cal or low fat. I just can't get into the veggies, even with the farmers' markets and roadside stands beckoning me. I still love pizza and burgers and fries and desserts and steaks and...you get the idea. My favorite post-run splurge is a large Diet Pepsi and a Little Debbie Nutty Bar. Nutrition at its best! I am gradually trying to cut back on those. After watching Oprah today about her Debt Diet series and the little things we spend money on, I started thinking about how much I spend on soft drinks and snacks in a month. I am not yet brave enough to come up with a total, but I do know that cutting out my post-run snack would help my debt diet and my regular diet. And I guess that grabbing candy bars at the check-outs probably adds up too. If you see me at the grocery store and my hand is reaching for a 3 Muskateers or a Twix, feel free to mention that you read my blog - I will get the message!
As you run, think about what words inspire you to go on - your mantra. Running is such a mental game; it helps to have positive self-talk (another confession: sometimes on a really bad run I just keep telling myself that running sucks - those runs never get any better!). When breathing is labored, my eyes are burning from sweat, and my legs feel as if they will crumble at any moment, my favorite mantra is 'If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!' Run on, Friends!
For those of you who are attempting running for the first time, as well as those who are seasoned runners, I want to recommend a book I recently finished: Run Like a Mother. It is written by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, two moms who write it like it is! There is a chapter devoted to peeing, pooping, and passing gas. That's something that we women don't like to discuss (unlike the men in our lives!), but when running, all three can present problems. I ran by myself this past Saturday, and (though I peed several times before heading to town for my run) I had to pee most of the run. I tend to obsess, and all I could think about is peeing and how uncomfortable I was. As I ran the Greenway, I briefly considered going off into the woods, but I am really not coordinated enough to pull that off. I won't go into the other two P's, but suffice it to say that running really works on the digestive tract! Anyway, read the book. It's down to earth and easy to relate to. I love to read about running because it motivates me to continue on this journey.
I am 90% certain that the Nashville Women's Half Marathon is not going to be on my September schedule. I think it will be entirely too hot in Nashville. Since my daughter lives there, I might go visit her and try to go watch some of the race - which will probably make we wish I had given it a try! There is a smaller half in Evansville in October; that looks more promising. I have a running friend, Jennifer, who plans to run it, so we could train together (which really means she will be dragging me along!).
Now for the confessions portion...my personal road to better health has been pretty amazing (no, that's not a confession; I will get to that further down). I am able to run! It wasn't long ago that I would drive down the street, see people out running, and think about how I wished that I could do that. Do people now see me running and wish that they could be like me? That would be pretty incredible, but I would want them to know that they can run! I would want to share with them that although they can't expect to go out and run 5 miles, or even a mile, they can run a few steps, and then add a few each day. They can get out and move forward, which is much more beneficial that sitting on the couch. So, what's the confession? I am still struggling with a healthy diet. I am doing much better; fruit and yogurt are a staple in our home, and our snacks are low-cal or low fat. I just can't get into the veggies, even with the farmers' markets and roadside stands beckoning me. I still love pizza and burgers and fries and desserts and steaks and...you get the idea. My favorite post-run splurge is a large Diet Pepsi and a Little Debbie Nutty Bar. Nutrition at its best! I am gradually trying to cut back on those. After watching Oprah today about her Debt Diet series and the little things we spend money on, I started thinking about how much I spend on soft drinks and snacks in a month. I am not yet brave enough to come up with a total, but I do know that cutting out my post-run snack would help my debt diet and my regular diet. And I guess that grabbing candy bars at the check-outs probably adds up too. If you see me at the grocery store and my hand is reaching for a 3 Muskateers or a Twix, feel free to mention that you read my blog - I will get the message!
As you run, think about what words inspire you to go on - your mantra. Running is such a mental game; it helps to have positive self-talk (another confession: sometimes on a really bad run I just keep telling myself that running sucks - those runs never get any better!). When breathing is labored, my eyes are burning from sweat, and my legs feel as if they will crumble at any moment, my favorite mantra is 'If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!' Run on, Friends!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Me and My Big Mouth!
How is it that one month ago I felt completely confident that I could run a half marathon by September, and today I am even more confident that I can't? One major factor is the Southern Indiana humidity that hit early this year. I just can't seem to adjust to the heat. I was running 9-11 miles, and now it is an accomplishment to run 6. It's very frustrating. After announcing on my blog that I would run the Women's Half in Nashville, I have to say that I am pretty certain that's not going to happen. On top of the issues with heat and humidity, my hip has decided to act up again. It doesn't hurt much when I run, but afterwards it is quite painful.
I hope to be able to work through the discomfort because my next goal is to complete a 10k (6.2 miles) on July 10. As long as the body holds out, I am not worried about the distance. The race is the Owensboro Classic, and there is a 5k and 10k both in the evening. Last year Gary and I ran the 5k, and it was the first fun race that we ran. The atmosphere was great, and there were a lot of runners. The course is flat, which was great for us newbies. It didn't hurt that if one ran in any race, he or she was signed up to win $1500 in a drawing!
Gary and I ran a race in Owensboro this past weekend. It was the OMHS 5k, and held in conjunction with the groundbreaking of the new hospital. One of the reasons we chose this race was that there was no entry fee, and with both of us running, fees add up quickly! Since it was free, and we got t-shirts, I know I shouldn't complain, but I am going to anyway. First, and this ISN'T a complaint, my teacher-friend, Emily, was also there to run, so she and I ran together. It is great having someone to talk with. She hasn't been running long, and told me that she would try to keep up with me for as long as she could (kinda makes me sound fast!). We took off, and we were running a an 8-minute pace, which is awesome for me! My first race I ran a 12-minute pace, and have gradually improved over the past several months). Emily stayed with me the whole time, and we were able to maintain an 8-minute average. I was excited because I knew I would PR this race - and maybe even place in my age group. Until we got to the finish line. First, the course was only 2.6 miles, which is a half mile short of a 5k. And, they didn't even keep time - at all. So, we ran 2.6 miles in 21 minutes, which is about 8.06 min/mile, and the only ones who knew were us - and my husband. I was really disappointed. There was a race in Evansville the same day, and I really wish I had run that instead.
Jackie and I are now working (along with Erin) on the Schweizer Fest 6-mile course. We are running the course every week so that we are prepared come August. I am also spending time praying for an unusually cool Schweizer Fest weekend! The course isn't bad, except for the Mozart Street hill. I have been running that hill about every week for a year, and it is still difficult. My go-to man for advice (Tom) says that I need to run it 3 times in a row, walking back down in between attempts, but once I reach the top, I am so thankful I have made it yet again that there is no way I am walking down and doing it all over!
Addison and I are also working some tennis into our summer. I love to play; I just wish more people in this area played. It used to be a pretty popular sport in Tell City, with the Schweizer Fest tourney drawing many players, but now it is difficult to get enough players just to keep it going. Gary, Addison, and I went out to hit golf balls for the first time this season. Just like last year, I suck royally. I just don't know that I have the patience to learn - or to listen to advice. I want to be able to play because it is something that we can all do together, but it is sooo hard! Addison is really a good player, so I hope that she keeps it up. In another year, she might have to choose between golf and band, and presently she is leaning toward band. Although I hope that ultimately she doesn't have to choose, I would want her to choose what makes her happy. Her dad, on the other hand, desperately hopes for golf!
Thanks for reading - now get out and move!
I hope to be able to work through the discomfort because my next goal is to complete a 10k (6.2 miles) on July 10. As long as the body holds out, I am not worried about the distance. The race is the Owensboro Classic, and there is a 5k and 10k both in the evening. Last year Gary and I ran the 5k, and it was the first fun race that we ran. The atmosphere was great, and there were a lot of runners. The course is flat, which was great for us newbies. It didn't hurt that if one ran in any race, he or she was signed up to win $1500 in a drawing!
Gary and I ran a race in Owensboro this past weekend. It was the OMHS 5k, and held in conjunction with the groundbreaking of the new hospital. One of the reasons we chose this race was that there was no entry fee, and with both of us running, fees add up quickly! Since it was free, and we got t-shirts, I know I shouldn't complain, but I am going to anyway. First, and this ISN'T a complaint, my teacher-friend, Emily, was also there to run, so she and I ran together. It is great having someone to talk with. She hasn't been running long, and told me that she would try to keep up with me for as long as she could (kinda makes me sound fast!). We took off, and we were running a an 8-minute pace, which is awesome for me! My first race I ran a 12-minute pace, and have gradually improved over the past several months). Emily stayed with me the whole time, and we were able to maintain an 8-minute average. I was excited because I knew I would PR this race - and maybe even place in my age group. Until we got to the finish line. First, the course was only 2.6 miles, which is a half mile short of a 5k. And, they didn't even keep time - at all. So, we ran 2.6 miles in 21 minutes, which is about 8.06 min/mile, and the only ones who knew were us - and my husband. I was really disappointed. There was a race in Evansville the same day, and I really wish I had run that instead.
Jackie and I are now working (along with Erin) on the Schweizer Fest 6-mile course. We are running the course every week so that we are prepared come August. I am also spending time praying for an unusually cool Schweizer Fest weekend! The course isn't bad, except for the Mozart Street hill. I have been running that hill about every week for a year, and it is still difficult. My go-to man for advice (Tom) says that I need to run it 3 times in a row, walking back down in between attempts, but once I reach the top, I am so thankful I have made it yet again that there is no way I am walking down and doing it all over!
Addison and I are also working some tennis into our summer. I love to play; I just wish more people in this area played. It used to be a pretty popular sport in Tell City, with the Schweizer Fest tourney drawing many players, but now it is difficult to get enough players just to keep it going. Gary, Addison, and I went out to hit golf balls for the first time this season. Just like last year, I suck royally. I just don't know that I have the patience to learn - or to listen to advice. I want to be able to play because it is something that we can all do together, but it is sooo hard! Addison is really a good player, so I hope that she keeps it up. In another year, she might have to choose between golf and band, and presently she is leaning toward band. Although I hope that ultimately she doesn't have to choose, I would want her to choose what makes her happy. Her dad, on the other hand, desperately hopes for golf!
Thanks for reading - now get out and move!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
