Trying New Things

Sometimes the best way to beat impending burnout is by mixing things up. 

This week I've been doing quite a bit of that. Monday I ran the golf course behind my house for the first time and eschewed music, and the results were excellent. I kept a good pace, even for an easy run, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

A winding path replete with sprinklers...New favorite route!

In fact, mentally, it was the best run I've had in a long time.

Wednesday, I met Kristin to run FGCU's campus and we finished the two-mile run with another first for me: running up and down the parking garage. I admit, I almost tossed my cookies at one point on this run. Even with a slower overall pace, the end of this run really had my heart-rate up and my legs thrumming.

That blob of color is the garage; I'll definitely need to do this one again, especially if it's ever storming too hard to run in the elements.

I'm going to check out a fancy neighborhood nearby for my long run Saturday. I think the new venue will put some pep in my step. And if I park in just the right spot, I'll be able to stash water and visit a McDonald's, so I'll be able to avoid wearing my fuelbelt.

I think, though, that I'll draw the line at trying something this new anytime soon:

This flyer was on Matt's car after one of his SUP races. Now I always scope out the racers and wonder who left it!

And speaking of newness and changes, this illustration has been going around Facebook. (I wish I knew where it originated so I could give proper credit!) In 1994 I was still doing that whole "running around because I'm a kid" thing, as opposed to running as sport. I didn't start running until there were Nike+ chips and Nano iPods! But it's interesting to compare the difference.

I am so guilty of this, and totally unashamed!

Is the advent of running gear and technology a good thing? I definitely think so for the most part, but there must have been a real freedom to running when none of that was available. I wonder if runners got lost a lot.

Have you tried anything new lately?

Would you ever do a nude race? Even though I could do this nude race with clothes on, I don't have much desire to run with a bunch of naked, sweaty people.

What were you up to in 1994?

ABK

On the Sidelines

Of the four weekends this month, I am racing three of them. This weekend was my one Saturday off. Instead of spending it on a long-run (or, more preferably, sleeping in), K and I chose to volunteer at a 5k. The organization that orchestrates most of our races is really superb, and we wanted to give back.

The morning started with a short run for both of us. I got new shoes yesterday, finally breaking down and getting the pair recommended to me last spring when I was having knee pain. I wanted to try them out, but didn't want to do a full run. I did an easy two miles, paying particular attention to all my trouble zones: ankles, knees, hips. My hamstrings and calves felt different (the new shoes are for pronation, and I've been wearing neutral shoes), but I didn't have any pain. I don't feel 100% better, but I'm thinking this will help.

Anyway, after the run we headed downtown to the race. It was really cool to discover how everything works behind the scenes, and to meet the people who put so much effort into making these races run smoothly. We helped set up the time-mat at the finish, organized some late-registration forms, and took our place to cordon off the start route when all the runners were out. Our job was to rearrange the cones so the runners took the correct street down to the finish. We were just in the last .1 miles of the 5k, so we were in the perfect spot to cheer everyone on in their final moments.

The first racers came down the chute just past the 17-minute mark. I reflected on how it must feel to be that fast. First place was about a minute ahead of second, and both men must have run the race pretty much alone. One of the things I like about racing is the solidarity you feel surrounded by other runners as you struggle through the tough spots together. (Have I mentioned I'm not really competitive?) Anyway, I couldn't help but think it must be lonely to finish first. There's hardly anyone at the finish line to cheer you in, and then you have to wait five or ten minutes before more racers get to the finish. Also, because the early finishers pretty much know where they've placed, I didn't seem them dig deep for a final sprint over the line.

As more runners began to funnel in to the end, that's where the real excitement started. It was with pure joy - and vicarious exhilaration - that I watched racers come around the final corner, spot the clock, and dig deep to attempt an all-out sprint. I imagine these runners are a lot like I am: their main competition is themselves. Seeing the clock, knowing how close you are to overtaking the person ahead of you, hoping you can blast your last time out of the water, knowing you can overtake one, maybe two more people before it's over...That's where the rush comes in.

K and I were screaming and clapping for these strangers. "You're almost there! It's just around the corner! Dig deep! You can do it! Great work! Push it!" We must have looked crazy, cheering for everyone (and no one in particular).

As mid-time runners began to dwindle and we got well into the 30-minute range, the atmosphere grew more crazed. You would think seeing slow runners would sap the energy, but the opposite was true. I know how hard these people are working. I understand the struggle of completing a 5k in 35-minutes, forcing yourself to go on when you feel you've failed. We saw so many inspiring runners today. We saw people way past their prime, white-haired and running with huge smiles plastered to their faces. We saw runners we recognized from other races who are making awesome progress in losing weight. We saw children sprinting along beside their parents. We saw an amputee, running on a prosthesis, the epitome of endurance and perseverance.

More heart-clenching still were the early finishers who ran back to the race route to bring people home to the finish. Just as K does for me, these people ran back, met up with slower runners, and ran beside them calling encouragements the whole way. The runners who struggled to the end but refused to give up are, for me, the most inspirational.

I didn't realize how much I'd get out of today's volunteering. It left me with a whole new appreciation for runners of all levels. I have never understood more what it means to be a member of this tribe. I can take personal satisfaction in the victories of total strangers, whether they feel victorious or not.

Today's work made it clearer than ever that just finishing a race is a huge, amazing, and wonderful accomplishment to be celebrated.

ABK

Welcome to the Tribe

Before I start my main post for today, let me give a brief recap of today's race. It was the FMTC Membership 5k; it wasn't officially timed, and participating automatically makes you a member of the FMTC. Although I've only been running two-milers for the past few weeks, one of my goals this year is to run a race a month, and given my travel schedule, this was my only real chance.

Our route.

The race started at 7:30, and by the time we got to the starting line it had rained and the sun was doing its dirty work on the wet blacktop. Basically, this race was hot, muggy, and included a couple stretches along grass and sand trails. Ouch. The good news was that my ITBS didn't act up until the very end (my brace loosened a bit; I hadn't tried this remedy for longer than a two-mile run). Going along with my plan for summer runs, I took walk and water breaks and kept my pace slower than usual by about a minute. I tried not to feel too disappointed in my time. I'm really glad I went, but it was pretty brutal.

Crossing the finish line

Alright, so the real purpose of today's post is to reminisce on things I wish I'd known when I started running, things to remember, and some things to try. Summer, although it's seriously the worst time to start running, seems to be when many people start. So this post is for the newbies.

First of all, I urge you to remember that the minute you buy running shoes and set foot out the door, you have the potential to be a runner. There is a difference between a "runner" and a "person who runs", and time, dedication, and a slight obsession tend to be the defining differences between the two. It took me years to really decide I was a "runner", but now I haughtily guard that title and refuse to relinquish it.

Running is an amazing, freeing, frustrating, and daunting experience. Don't give up! You won't love it right away, but if you stick with it, the rewards are simply...innumerable.

Advice: There are dozens of excellent articles on websites like Runner's World and Cool Running (and most of these websites have magazines, publications, and twitter/facebook accounts to follow), but I really prefer starting with a more fun, down-to-earth approach. Cracked.com has an excellently funny (if not a little inappropriate) article about starting to run, found here. Remember not to overwhelm yourself with things like this at first, though. You could easily get so overwhelmed with well-intentioned advice that you never get off the couch. But, if you come to find you're having weird digestive issues, developing black toenails, or have a weird rash...consult the experts! Resources are wonderful; the internet makes them super easy to come by.

Intervals: When starting out, I recommend intervals. I had no clue what these were until two years into my running career, and what a blessing they turned out to be! I was that person who ran, coaxing myself to avoid a walk-break until I hit a certain landmark - and usually, I failed to reach it, and shuffled on feeling disappointed. Now, the first time I successfully ran a full mile, I was jubilant! But I could have saved myself a lot of grief and disappointment if I had planned my walks from the beginning. Three to five minutes running, interrupted by a two minute walking break, can ease you into running. Running isn't all or nothing. Don't expect yourself to run a marathon your first time out. Set a goal of 20 minutes, do intervals, and over time your running times will increase and your walking times will decrease until you're running the full twenty minutes. At that point, start adding time to your run - aim for 30!

Injury: Running should be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If you feel pain in your shins, knees, or hips, something isn't right. It could be your shoes (good running shoes really do cost $100 or more; be willing to shell out some serious cash), or your stride. It could just be that you need a better stretching routine. I recommend finding a podiatrist or a specialty foot store (like Foot Solutions) that can diagnose the problem. This also ties into getting your first pair of shoes in general...I highly recommend going to a specialty running store and having them test your stride and pronation (foot strike). Don't buy shoes that don't feel comfortable, and take them for a spin before you buy them.

Accessories: One of the fun things about running is buying your running outfits and accessories. This is completely up to preference, of course, but it's worth mentioning that shorts, tops and bras designed for running are cooler, lighter, and impact your experience and performance. I recommend light or reflective colors for running at night. Depending on where you live, you may need to buy pants and/or a long-sleeved shirt along with your usual shorts and tops. Also, some people like to run without music, but I never could. You may want to look into an mp3 player if you don't already have one. Just remember to keep the music low enough that you stay aware of your surroundings. (See tips on safety here.) Running with a belt to carry your cellphone or ID is ideal. I also recommend getting a RoadID.

Get involved: Running is an excellent solo activity, and provides solace from a busy, jarring, frustrating world. But running alone can get stale. Joining races or running groups is a great way to solidify your feeling of being part of the tribe, and keep your running fresh. Active.com allows you to look up local races. You can use social networking (twitter and facebook!) to find running groups. Those specialty running stores I mentioned earlier? Also a great place to find resources on joining groups or clubs for runners. DailyMile.com also allows you to not only post your own runs, but follow others to offer support or encouragement, or to meet up for group runs.

The bottom line amongst all this is that you're entering into a challenging and rewarding experience. Embrace it! Don't be scared off. Be willing to work through the first week or two of soreness and fatigue. Fight through the urge to give up. Tell your excuses and doubts to shut it. When you hit that stride, that moment where going for a run improves your entire day, you'll know it was worth it. Your mental, physical, and emotional health will thank you. You'll sleep better; your energy will sky-rocket; your daily mood will improve.

And above all else, remember: there are a million mouthpieces (myself included) spewing advice that you might not feel ready for. The important thing is to take the first step. Get outside. Go. Run.

ABK