The A B,C's Of A Runner

Running means something different to each one of us. It's a personal relationship we all have with the road. One may run to get fit, the person next to him may be running for a cause, a purpose they are faithful to, and the person behind you may be racing against something much more personal. A struggle or pain that only that person see's. Running is our freedom, our church, our belief in the blessing it is to be able to run. Running also has an amazing way of bringing together other runners. We influence, motivate, inspire and challenge one another. We share our goals and scream our PR's. We encourage and support one another. At the end of any run, any race, we share the same A,B,C's of running. Here they are:

A- ACHIEVE: You set a goal, you sweat your heart out for it, and you crush it!

B- BELIEVE: "Always Believe You Can". If you think it, you can do it. You are capable of more than you know.

C- COMMITMENT: You made a decision to create a better you. It takes courage and commitment to take those steps forward to reach that goal.

D- DISCIPLINE: You train and sacrifice knowing that the end goal is victory.

E- EXERCISE: We run because we love it, and because it's good for us!

F- FIERCE: We are aggressive, strong, and powerful. Runner's are FIERCE!

G-GRATEFUL: Running has taught us to be humble. To worship our bodies. We are thankful for our bodies, our legs, and the air we breathe.

H-HUNGRY: This is what happens after our runs or during training. We eat. We eat a lot! If we don't eat, we become "hangry"!

I- INFLUENTIAL: We influence one another. The sport becomes an addiction, intoxicating to some.

J-JOY: Running bring pleasure and happiness. We rejoice in our victories and the victories of our friends. We discover an unique euphoric feeling.

K- KNOWLEDGE: We evolve as runners through experience, patience, and learning from ourselves.

L- LIBERATING: We run to feel free, to find release, and to heal.

M-MOTIVATION: We are inspired and driven. We challenge our bodies and minds with each step we take.

N-NEED: Some of us want to run, some of us need to run.

O-OPTIMISTIC: Be confident, stay positive, and always tell yourself you can.

P- PAIN: It's not always easy. There are days that it is going to hurt. There will be moments you are not sure you can go on. You push through that pain. It's there to keep you humble and make you stronger.

Q- QUALITY: Some days the run isn't about the miles or time, it is about what we gain in return from that run.

R- RUN: Because we can!

S-STRONG: Our bodies of amazing things. We are strong!

T- TENACIOUS: Runners are persistent, determined and strong willed.

U- UNDIVIDED: Running brings runners together. We have created a community of support, encouragement and unity.

V-VICTORY: That amazing feeling as we cross that finish line.

W-WILLPOWER: The three D's : Determination, Discipline, and Desire.

X- XERIC: This means being deficient in moisture, I think we all have a time or two where were have experienced dehydration! Drink your water runner's!

Y- YES: Runner's typically don't like to take no for an answer. We are over achiever's, risk takers and goal setters.

Z-ZEALOUS: We are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated to this sport.


There you go my running friends, always make sure you know your A,B,C'S!

HAPPY RUNNING!!!

P.S. A shout out to all the runner's who are taking part in the Vermont City Marathon this Sunday along with many thanks to every single volunteer! Have an awesome run! 

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The Addiction I Can't Kick

When my husband informed me that he was going to be out of town the weekend before my next half marathon there may have been fire coming out of me ears. When he tried to switch it to the weekend before and it didn't work with everyone else I think fire then came out of my mouth. It's not the fact that he is going away. By all means, I encourage him to do things and want him to be happy. What the problem is when I hear that he is going out of town what that translates into for me is: I won't be able to run.

I start to go over in my head how I can build my miles before he leaves. I consider adding in another stroller run while my oldest is in school. I can always get my folks to watch the kids so I can get a long run in. Maybe I could have the neighbor's daughter come over... All these things go racing through my head. I can feel the blood rush to my face and hear my voice rise as I utter words "under my breath" but loud enough so that he knows I am displeased. Displeased doesn't even describe it. Let's go with furious! I know I am being selfish and irrational. Truth is it is not my first Half Marathon and I know I am ready for it even if I have to taper back sooner than I planned. I was so counting on that last weekend before the race to get a couple more long runs in. It doesn't matter to me right then. I have to run, need to run, and a part of me feels like I will go crazy without my runs!

Stock Photo

I am addicted to running. It is my drug. I think it, I dream it and I anxiously wait for that next time I can get out there. I grow envious of of other runners when I am driving or happen to look out my window and see someone running. It didn't start out this way for me. I was a late bloomer, in my thirties and after my first child before I got hooked on running. Sure, I dabbled in it before but never seemed to get that to that place within me that I do now. What started as a healthy habit turned into the best high I ever had. Who knew the motion of my own body could create such euphoria.

I don't like having to take running breaks. Due to an injury, health or life's schedule.  I hate to have it not be in my control that I don't get to run. After my second son was born I couldn't wait to get back out there. I had run throughout my entire pregnancy and now I was being told I had to heal before I could get out there. I had my son via c-section (it was my second one). I was suppose to wait 6 to 8 weeks before I started running again. I started running at 4 weeks post baby. Shhh, I never told my doctors. Let's just say I have never been that good at listening to orders. (In my defense I knew my body and was ready to ease back in. Always listen to your doctors! As a mother would say: Do as I Say, not as I do!).

Is it an addiction? It's dedication, determination, and drive. An addiction is classified as something that is harmful to you. Yes, I depend on running. Yes, I need running. And yes, I can't imagine my life without it now that I have it. The benefits of running are truly amazing and how can something so great be bad? Because it is not! Running is one of the best commitments I have ever made. I made the choice to better who I was. I committed to creating a healthier, happier, and stronger me. Call it an addiction if you like, but this is one habit I hope I never give up. I am grateful I get to run. My legs are a gift. My body is incredible. My life is a blessing.

Simple Definition of addiction

• : a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble)
• : an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

 

 

Yes, I will still be grumbling that I will lose miles at the end of the month. It may make me go a little stir crazy. Here is what I find comfort in: I know running will be there when my husband gets back. Waiting for me like an old friend ready to catch up on life. The pavement ready to let me dance on it's surface. The wind pushing me forward when I am not sure I can do that extra mile. The thrill of a faster pace or a new PR. Those two little faces that I think of as I reach the finish line. This certainly is the best habit I have ever picked up. If only my younger self would have know about this...but then again, I may not have appreciated it as I do now. Life is amazing like that...always surprising us, teaching us and pushing us to grow. 

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Summer Running Essentials

Happy May! I am getting excited for warmer weather, sunshine, picnics, the beach, hiking and running in less clothing! With warmer temps it does take some time for the body to adapt. We had a freak day of 75 two weeks back and running in it felt like it was 85! I hate the cold yet get accustomed to running outside when it is 20 and once the temperature starts to rise I have to adjust once again. My perfect running temp would be around 45-50. If only I could turn a thermostat up or down for my runs then adjust it accordingly to me life. With that being said I thought it was a good time to share some of my favorite running essentials for the summer.

CamelBak: This has got to be one of my favorite pieces of running gear. I was discovering that when I ran races and tried to run and drink water at water stations I ended up spilling most of it on me or choking on it. I do not like to stop when I run there fore I knew I needed to be able to carry water on me. I tried a handheld water bottle but this didn't impress me one bit. I don't like running with anything in my hands as it is. Last year I decided to get me a CamelBak Charm. It's nothing fancy and I searched for the best deal on the one I was looking at. I even used Birthday money that my in laws gave me which was a nice bonus. I love it and even through the winter I would take it on my longer runs. Staying hydrated through out my long runs had helped me perform better. I have been adding Nuun to my water which also gives my body electrolytes. On the days I know I have some miles ahead of me I throw in a Nuun Energy. During a race I don't have to worry about stopping at a water station, I am a drink and go girl: "An object in motion stays in motion." ~ Newton

Running Belt: This is a must for every run but especially helpful for long runs or race day. I use my belts on every run. I stuff it with my phone, fuel and mace. On race day it is nice to have a place for my ID, car key and cash. I own a SPIbelt and a SLS3Dual Pocket Running belt. I think both are great and as I mentioned before being hands free when running is essential for me. 

Anti Chaffing Ointment: With the warm weather you sweat more, your clothes rub on you, your body parts start rubbing against each other and you are left with angry chaffing marks. I try my best to remember to pre treat certain areas before I head out for a run. I can't say I am always successful on preventing chaffing, some days the odds are against me. There are several great products out there that can help with chaffing. I have tried a couple (Body Glide, Chafex) but my trusty go to for preventing chaffing as well as treating it is Aquaphor Healing Ointment. I first found this product when my first son was a baby. I was given a sample of it as it helps with diaper rash and wounds. I used it for those things then started using it for chaffing. If you don't have a tub of this in your house than you need to get one! It has saved me several times and even cleared up some nasty spots from chaffing. 

Sunscreen: I love the sun! I also love my skin! Being active outside means that I need to protect my face from the rays.  Be sure to use a sunscreen each time you walk out that door. You will thank yourself twenty years from now. 

Remember to stay hydrated and protect your body in the months ahead. Pay attention to the heat and humidity. Most importantly, always listen to your body! 

HAPPY RUNNING!!!


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Putting A Price Tag On Running

I have never belonged to a gym of any sort. My exercise routines have always been within the walls of my home, out on the pavement where I run and sometimes in the woods hiking. I love being outdoors and being active is something I enjoy. If the sun is shining I can't wait to get out there for an adventure. I have contemplated joining a gym once or twice. To have a warm place during the winter to go and exercise has been tempting. I always end up talking myself out of it because of the money to buy a gym membership. Running outside is free right?! Yeah, I thought so too until I started to add it all up. Running may be "freeing", but it sure as hell is not free! 

Race Entries: If you are only planning on running one or two races than this is not going to be an issue. Start adding a race every month through the summer to your calendar and soon you will need to start putting in some overtime to cover the cost of those race entries. It always makes me feel a little better when a race benefits a specific cause. I then can justify it as a donation and I feel a little better about my money going to something worthwhile. It really sucks when you want to run a particular race and the one thing that stops you is the entry fee. Maybe it is the running God's way of keeping the balance. 

Running Shoes: I have always loved shoes. I love a sexy pair of boots too. These days I tend to buy more running shoes than casual shoes. Most running shoes are good for 300-500 miles. If you run 20 to 30 miles a week those miles on your shoes add up quickly. It is important as a runner to be aware of your mileage on your shoes as to not cause injury to yourself. This training season I am switching between two pairs of shoes. At the rate I am running I will need another pair come mid summer. 

Clothing: Why is it every time I allow myself to go get a new shirt or search for a cute dress for a date night I come home with running clothes?! This has happened to me more frequently than I would like to admit. Granted I make sure I find a good deal and I tend to leave the store with no clothes to go out in, just running pants or a cute top with a running quote. No wonder I feel like I have no nice clothes! But I sure do have some cute running outfits! 

Gear: If you are a runner chances are you have gear that you rely on: belts, Camelback, headbands, hats, gloves, safety lights, earbuds, GPS watch, foam roller, motivational jewelry, Road ID bracelet and recovery sandals. Most of these are essential. It's not that we want these things, it is that we need these things! 

Fuel: If you are heading out for a long run you better not leave your house without fuel! There are so many yummy choices: gummies, gels, sports beans, Nuun, honey stingers and protein powders galore! If you choose a more natural fuel you may save yourself a few dollars in the long run since all these alternatives are great yet sadly, they are not free. I am a GU and Nuun girl before and during my long runs. Now that I am in full training mode my fuel seems to disappear rather quickly these day.

As you see running isn't exactly free. I really don't care though. It does not change what running has given to me. Running is my therapy, my church, my comfort zone and the road is my sanctuary. Running has taught me to push myself to new limits, to believe that I am capable of anything I put my mind to and that the body is amazing. I can add it all up and in the end the conclusion is still the same: running is priceless!

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Springtime, Boston And Fit Mama Apparel

A new week is upon us and we are getting so much closer to spring! Here in Vermont it was an amazing weekend filled with sunshine. I do my long runs on the weekend which meant both Saturday and Sundays runs were amazing. There was just something in the air that made my runs awesome. Sunday I finished my run by the water and just sat by myself and listened to the dam near by and the sounds of birds. It was tranquil and calming.  I was at my church. 

Post Sunday run view

I was fortunate to spend some time with a girlfriend and her children this weekend. The kids got to have play time and we did our best to fill in one another on our lives; in between the children stating they were hungry or thirsty for the twentieth time.  I do love watching kids play and how they imitate one another. My boys were definitely wiped out by the end of the weekend which is always a nice thing.  Fresh air + little boys = very tired little humans.
  
Who watched the Boston Marathon yesterday? I was able to catch glimpses of it here and there between work. I took my kids outside and snuck back in from time to time to check my computer that I had streaming the marathon. It's funny, I lived in Massachusetts for several years but have never watched the Boston Marathon live. Of coarse back then I didn't have the addiction I have now to running. Clearly I need to get my ass there one of these years to watch in person. I did enjoy listening to the interviews and hearing the stories of different runners and why they run.

I watched Tatyana McFadden fly her way into the finish line to win her fourth Boston Marathon for wheelchair division. I couldn't help but start to cry. I am in awe of her resilience and strength. It just goes to show that anyone can do anything they want as long as they fight for it. Watching the elite runners all run together like a pack was pretty astounding as well. It amazes me how they can make a five or six minute pace look effortless. I am getting chills just thinking about it. Just watching the runners, I could feel the butterfly's I know they all had. Congrats to everyone who ran. I know how hard each of you worked to get to where you are. Age, weight, size, and even a pregnancy does not stop some of you. Running brings all of us together in a unique way. 

Speaking of pregnancy and running, I am happy to be a part of the For Two Fitness Community. I wanted to be an ambassador since I believe strongly in staying fit not only to keep mama healthy but to also be an example to our children. Being fit sometimes means even including your children in your routines. I was fortunate to run throughout my second pregnancy. Since I had been running for a couple of years my doctors told me that as long as I felt good, and listened to my body, than I could run as long as I wanted. The last run I had when I was pregnant for my littlest I was 40 + 2 days while pushing my then two and a half year old in the stroller. That last run I did two and a half miles. I had the littlest at 40 + 5 days.

Post baby I was very eager to get out there and run again. It was familiar, comforting and like home to me. When I was ready I got back out there and suddenly felt like I was floating without having this belly protruding out as I ran around town. I can only imagine how ridiculous I looked. I didn't care though, by running I was taking care of me and my baby. Now that my littlest is two and a half he still comes running with me, lucky for him he gets pushed in a stroller. 

Super cute tanks! I wish I was pregnant again so I could wear the top one!

As a mom who feels fitness is important I am proud to be part of a team that is family owned and strives to promote a healthy lifestyle. Their workout tanks are not only cute but designed with you in mind to be high quality workout gear!  Just because it says maternity doesn't mean after baby you have to stop wearing it. Their workout clothes are functional to wear beyond baby to keep you comfortable during your workouts. For Two Fitness also has a blog where other moms come together to share their fitness journeys and tips. If you haven't checked it out head on over and do it. 

From now until May 13th feel free to use code:  RUNNERMOM2BOYS for 25 % off merchandise (excluding gift cards). The tanks make adorable gifts for those mama's to be! 

That's it for now friends. Have a fabulous week and don't forget to #Runhappy! 

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Half Marathon Unplugged Recap

Saturday was my first Half Marathon of the year. I have spent the winter preparing for it and was ready to take it on. I didn't exactly have a "plan" of how I wanted this race to go. I was not going for a PR yet I did want to beat last years time of 1:44:53. This is the second time I have done this course. It is different in the sense that where you start is literally 13.1 miles from where you finish. The start begins at Airport Park in Colchester, Vermont and takes you on the bike path along Lake Champlain where you finish in Burlington near Switchback Brewing Company. The course is pretty and serene, offering views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain.

Pre Race 

The week prior I began my carb loading, resting, and mental preparation for this race. I took two days off of running before race day to give my legs the much needed break before pounding the pavement. I was sure to do some stretching and got in a yoga practice as well with my foam roller. The night before I made myself a dinner with fettuccine with olive oil and pesto topped with spinach, kale and jumbo shrimp. It was delicious and exactly what I wanted.

Runner's World Yoga

I always need to feel prepared and ready for my race. This always includes getting my outfit and running gear together the night before. Everything gets laid out on my kitchen table. This way I can check to be sure I have all the things I need: fuel and clothing.

Have to be prepared!

Race Day

My father was running in this race as well and we had decided that he would park at the end of the race course and bus over while I met him with my car at the beginning. Last year we both bused over then had to wait over an hour in the wind and cold, with no cover, until the race began. Since the forecast was to be over ten degrees colder at the start than the year before we wanted to keep warm until go time. It was a smart decision for sure! On my way over to the park I suddenly realized that my prepared self had forgotten my wallet. I had no money or ID. I called my husband and pretty much demanded he bring it to me (nicely of course). Hubby came to the rescue which also allowed me to see my kids one more time before the race started. I needed that! My children and husband are typically waiting for me at the end but due to the temps I felt it was best they get to stay warm.

Dad & I Pre-Race

I was feeling pretty good! I had showered and had breakfast before I took off (something I do before every race) and was keeping hydrated and started fueling as we waited. It was around 30 degrees out but Mother Nature had given us a little break by bringing the sun out. I was feeling ready and excited. 

I have to admit I was pretty happy to see these when I parked

As I waited at the start with my fellow runners my Garmin decided to lose satellite and go back to the time. It was a clear, sunny morning and I am not even sure why this happened. I frantically started my Garmin again while watching the words: searching satellite and that black bar slowly and painfully loading. The start was declared and off running I had to go while fidgeting with my Garmin. It was around three fourths of the way   on my first mile when it finally started to work. I realized that it was past the point of being helpful for me as far as miles went. This became strike two (strike one was forgetting my wallet) and I wondered what strike three was going to be. I stayed positive and decided I was not going to let that ruin this run. I was still able to use my Garmin to focus on pace and keep myself in a rhythm. 

I started the first couple miles at a 7:30 pace and wondered if that was going to burn me out. I typically run a 8:00 minute mile once I get into my runs. 7:30 pace is something I hit on my speed runs. I knew that I could consistently do this pace for six to seven miles but was not sure I could maintain for all 13.1! I was feeling great though and decided I would stick with it. I kept an eye on my pace, allowing myself some slack here and there. It wasn't until mile eight where I questioned my endurance for another five miles. I knew it was all in my head and I could do it! I had done this before so why should this run be any different. I had trained hard for this race and I was going to finish this race strong. I pushed myself the last four miles to stick to a 7:20 min mile and was pretty thrilled to finish at 1:37:28!

Post Race

The one downer about this particular race is there is no medal. On the plus side there is beer! It is sponsored by Switchback Brewing Company and they graciously had their facility open to runner's post race to eat our food and have a beer. I am a fan of their beer yet had never been inside the facility so it was pretty cool to check out how the magic happens. 

Check out the Foosball table in the right hand corner. They need to take breaks while brewing right?!  

Not only did we get to check out the brewery but I got to run into one of my favorite people! This chick also broke her own personal PR this day! So exciting to hear of other runner's/friends victories. This sport is truly rewarding! 

 

Maureen and I post race

Race Overview 

I had an amazing race. I felt good, I had trained hard, and I performed better than I had anticipated. I beat the previous years time by 7 minutes and I was only 45 seconds off from my PR (1:36:43). An entire year has come and gone and I am able to now look at what a better runner I have become. It didn't happen overnight and I continue to work at it. It has taken dedication and discipline. It has not always been easy, some days I even struggle to train. Getting to where I am now has taken time and patience. It was not an overnight phenomenon that occurred, it was a result of a commitment to myself. My runs are not about who I can beat, they are about becoming stronger and more fierce. The only person I compete against is myself, and I will continue to challenge the woman within with each run or race. Not every race has to be a PR, but every race is about growth and strength.
 

Post Race Recovery

If I can inspire even one person to reach for their goals, whatever that may be, than that makes me happy. Running has taught me to believe in myself, to push myself to limits I never imagined, and to never give up on a goal or dream. Next stop...VCM on May 29th where I will do my next half splitting the marathon with my father for our third year in a row. This is my favorite event! Time to continue training!

P.S. My hubby did come to the rescue one more time; he made me an awesome dinner with swordfish kabobs on the grill. He's a keeper! 

Happy Running!!! 

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The Final Countdown: Half Marathon #7

It's April and not only does that mean spring is here (or at least she is suppose to be, she is a little confused right now) it also means that race season begins for many of us runners. Only four more days until the Half Marathon Unplugged. This also marks my seventh Half Marathon! It still is crazy  to think that I have done half a dozen Half's and there was once a day that just doing a 5K was a challenge for me. Now my challenges are bigger and require more determination. I have set my goals higher and I am ready to start my 2016 race schedule!

March turned out to be an awesome running month for me. I really wanted to be ready for this weekends upcoming race and decided I needed to get out there as much as I possibly could. I even added in a day of short stroller runs (pending weather). Running while pushing fifty pounds is not exactly euphoric to me. I love running yet running and pushing weight is very different. I guess it should count as strength training more than an actual run. I always hate my times and feel like a turtle trying to hurry to cross the finish line. It does strengthen me as well as adds more miles in for training. There is a silver lining at the end of a stroller run.

I was not specifically going for a certain amount of miles this month...at first. Then I saw that my weekly mileage was higher than usual and decided 140 would be fabulous. I was pretty thrilled to actually finish the month with 150 miles! That makes March my second highest month in mileage. Ever! Typically during race season I average about 120-130 miles a week. Anything over a 100 makes me happy.

The weather is not looking very promising for Saturday's race. Thankfully we are not going to get hit with a blizzard but it is suppose to be in the 20's with snow showers. The course is set along the bike path and Lake Champlain. Last year it was windy yet it was also 40 degrees. This year it will be ten degrees colder and possible snow covered grounds. Gotta love living in New England! The extended forecast shows just a couple days later temps in the upper 40's. Mother Nature is truly confused! I am afraid we already had spring and now she is bringing back winter! The only up side is that I have run in all conditions: rain, snow, sleet and even hail this year. If I had to run in one of those it wouldn't be the first time. This race I trained for could very well turn into a long run with hundreds of my fellow runners rather than attempting to beat last years time for this race. That hope may be diminished by Mother Nature. Sometimes she is such a bitch! 

I am going not not even focus on that right now. What I will focus on is how awesome it is I get to run my first race of 2016. This will be Half Marathon #7 and in some way I will CONQUER it.  There's a reason that is my word of the year. It's time to follow through with the commitment I made to myself. A PR would be great but when it comes down to it I am just excited to be a part of a sport that challenges me, strengthens me, and makes me feel fierce. 

The rest of this week I will be happily fueling my body with carb-a-licious foods and taking a couple rest days at the end of the week in order to be ready for Saturday. No matter what, this race will be awesome because I am going to choosing it to be!

Happy Running! 


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