What I Hate to Hear from Non-Runners

Running isn't for everyone; I get that. I think it's more important to find a physical activity that makes you happy so you stay consistent and get some exercise than to pick up one particular type of exercise.

Not everyone is going to want to run, and that doesn't have to be justified to me or anyone else. So that's why I can't stand it when people feel the need to justify it, and then spout off something like, "Well, you like running" or "You're good at running" or "Well, you're a runner."

All I can say to that is...not always.

I didn't always like running. I know I've mentioned it here before, but I was legitimately that kid who walked the mile "run" in gym class. These days, I love running in general, but some days I still really, really don't. If you don't want to become a runner, fine, but don't justify it with "You like running, you wouldn't understand" because I was the epitome of a running-hater, so I know that logic doesn't stick.

Sometimes I don't love running for weeks at a time! Getting this reminder in my inbox is always a little hard to swallow.

I wasn't always good at running, and I'd argue that I'm still not very good at it most days. There was a time a couple years ago when I was only running 5k and 10k races, and I was getting speedy. Back then, I felt good at running. These days I feel like every run is a battle. (Must have something to do with 90% humidity.) You don't have to be good at running to enjoy it; is anyone good at Zumba, or weight-lifting, or spin, or...anything else when they first begin? Of course not! But still, people find a way to enjoy the workout even if they're not good at it yet.

And anyway, what does being good at running look like? Are we talking about being good like Meb? Because really, in that case, who is?

I wasn't always a runner. I didn't consider myself a runner when I first started. But like I've already said, you have to start somewhere if you want to achieve something great, and that somewhere isn't going to be at the top.

I think I blame the mile run in gym for people's aversion to running. I mean, coaches never teach you to build up to a mile. Twice a year you just...run it. It's like, Good luck, kids! We're not going to talk about pacing yourself, intervals, or even how far a mile really is! Go get it!

No wonder so many people say they hate running! And as someone who used to, I can't help but think if those people just gave it a chance, they'd be singing a different tune. But hey, to each his own! I just want the lame justifications to stop!

What do you say to these kinds of excuses?

Did you always like to run?

ABK

A Runner's Mouth

Let's talk about weird things that pop into my head while I run. 

During one particular run, as I chomped on the last bits of a Lifesaver and powered up to conquer the bridge, I randomly started thinking about that saying You've got quite the mouth on you.

And then I thought, what makes a runner's mouth different from other mouths? Quite a lot, actually.

Runners' mouths are full of...

...stringy, sticky spit.

Am I the only runner out there who's terrible at spitting?! Ah, to master the art of the clean spit-hock...

...bugs.

(Why this lady followed an accidental fly with various other bugs and livestock, I'll never understand.)

The worst is finishing a run and picking gnats out of your teeth! Blegh!

...swear words.

Fun fact: these symbols used in place of swear words are called a "grawlix".

Running increases my use of swear words by about 10%. I think the freedom and uninhibited nature of running just draws it out of me!

...gum and candy.

You all know by now that I love Lifesavers and gum during my runs. Do we really need a picture of it?! (Yep.)

I'm sick of mint gum so I've been giving fruit a chance. Verdict: I like the change in flavor, but this particular brand gets a little tough/flavorless too quickly for longer runs. Good for speed work!

...song lyrics.

Sometimes when I really want to just zone out and enjoy my run, I gotta pull out the big guns.

When it comes to singing on the run, nothing beats 90s power ballads, although Taylor Swift is a close second.

...motivational junk.

I'm willing to bet there's not a runner among us who doesn't use mantras or self-talk at least once during a tough run! I'll admit, I talk to myself all the time (and not only when I run); having a mantra to repeat helps me look a little less crazy.

What did I miss?

Can your mouth identify with this list?

ABK

Fort Myers Beach Half Marathon 2013

So what happens when a runner, after two weeks off and a borderline upper-respiratory infection, decides last minute to actually run the race she's been preparing for?

Well, I won't lie. The race was rough. I had to really dig deep to push myself through it, while at the same time cutting myself slack due to circumstances. It was a weird balance of disappointment, resignation, and personal understanding like I've never experienced.

Tried and true: I stuck with my go-to Saucony Hydralite top.

When I decided to run the race Saturday night, I immediately sought out others I knew were running it. Sarah, who ran the 10k and 15k with me recently, immediately offered to carpool. I got my stuff together.

Breakfast of semi-champions: peanut butter and honey on toast and a cup of coffee.

When I woke up Sunday morning, my stomach was doing what runners are used to...nothing like some GI distress to start the day. I tore through all my purses until I miraculously found a sample packet of Immodium. I took half a dose, which was enough to allow things to move along, but then put the necessary stopper in the pipes.

I chose to run with Gatorade Energy Chews instead of Gu Chomps because the shape of the package fit better in my fuel belt with my inhaler taking up space.

The super-crowded trolley that brought us to the start line.

Pre-race: all smiles!

 Sarah and I got to the trolley pickup spot at 6am. The race began at 7; we got on a trolley at 6:40. Yeah. We were a little anxious, but luckily we were able to check our bags and use the porta-potties before start time. I am so glad I remembered to carry TP with me. That could have made for a nasty run.

Sean was smart and got to the venue early enough to see sunrise. Here's the bridge we ran across.

The giant bridge was the end of the first mile. It's twice as steep as the bridge I sometimes run during training. It actually wasn't that bad. So early in the race, my legs felt fresh and I took the bridge nice and slow to account for my asthma.

A little blurry; all the runners making their way up the bridge.

I kept my earbuds out for the first few miles, until I had my first fuel/water stop. Then I popped those suckers in and enjoyed the first half of the race. It was overcast and breezy at this point, a little humid, but not bad by usual Florida standards. My plan was to eat/drink at miles 3, 6.5, and 10.

By the time I got to the halfway point, though, I knew I had to adjust that plan. My energy was low and my muscles were cramping up something wicked. I wonder if my impaired breathing had something to do with that.

I saw Sarah and Sean as they came back from the turnaround, which was a nice morale booster. At mile 8 I took my first non-fueling walk break. By this time, the sun was high and had burned off any cloud cover. There was no shade. The main stretch of the race was basically 11 miles of straight urban road.

I saw this sign on my way to packet pickup and nearly cried with disappointment at the idea of not running this race.

This was the first moment that I wondered if maybe I shouldn't have run this half. But then I remembered my visceral reaction when I saw the Marathon - Expect Delays traffic sign while picking up my packet. I would finish this race...slow, painful, ugly...I didn't care. I was going to finish it.

I passed Five Guys, storage places, the hospital, and a multitude of other concrete establishments. Not the most inspirational of routes. There weren't a ton of spectators, but the ones who were there were awesome!

As the temperature rose, I decided I'd have to take walk breaks at each mile. The 2.5 miles between water stops became a problem; I could tell I was dehydrated. (Probably due to cold medications on top of everything else.) I began drinking Gatorade along with water at the stops, as much as I hate to drink it while racing. I knew I needed the sugar.

So, with all this walking, imagine my surprise when I realized at mile 10 that I was still safe to come in under 3 hours. (3 hours for a half marathon isn't really a good goal for me usually, of course, but today was different.)

I found my second wind with 1.5 miles to go. I was able to run to the last drink stop, at the base of that same bridge.

This look of relief is not at all feigned.

The last stretch was literally all downhill. From the top of the bridge, I could see the runners looping around to the finish below. I kicked it up. I let the momentum of the bridge push me through the last quarter mile, and I finished feeling strong and satisfied with my tortoise-pace (2:41:13...not my worst, but certainly not my best).

How Florida is this start/finish?

Sarah, Sean and I enjoying our bling. This was Sarah's first half, and she finished in 1:47. Ah-maz-ing!

Am I happy as a runner with my time? Not really. Was the race difficult? Hell yes. Am I glad I did it? Absolutely and without a doubt.

Despite the disappointing time and all the walking, I earned this baby.

I proved something to myself today, and the pain and struggle was well worth it.

Also, I think it was a miracle that I couldn't run this as a full. The dull, quiet course and brutal weather wouldn't have been a good one for my first marathon.

I think I need to add some more hooks to my bib holder!

Post-race meal: sushi!

Sometimes races are about more than the time and the performance.

Take that, DNR.

Here's a weird thing about long-distance races: afterward, I'm both starving and disgusted by food. As hungry as I was all day today, I could barely stomach more than chocolate milk, sushi, and a handful of grapes. Does this happen to anyone else?

Post-race, I'm having some pain in both knees and there's a fist-sized spot at the small of my back that is just killing me...But I think that's related to sitting in the trolley on the ride back more than anything else. Also, the almost-blister I got at the 15k came back in the same spot. Maybe it's time for new socks?

I hope to be in tip-top shape by Tuesday.

I need to give a quick shout-out to Kristina! She ran her first ever half-marathon. With a bucket-list that includes running an ultra before she's 30, I'd say this is the first big step toward her goals!

I can't wait for some of the professional pictures to come back to so I share the total awkwardness of my running form.

ABK

I Am Certifiably Insane

I know my regret is going to drive me insane if I don't do this race.

I. Am. Doing. This!

Tonight I went out for a two-miler, just to test my lungs. They felt fine for having two weeks off; after the run they felt a little twitchy, but not terrible.

Amazing how a short run can strengthen your resolve.

I have wanted to do this race since last year. I planned to do it as a full, and then dealt with the miserable truth that I couldn't prepare for it like I wanted to, and backed down to the half.

And now this monster cold.

Matt went away to Alumni Weekend, thinking I wouldn't be well enough to race. Oops

I am doing this half. I am going to take it S L O W. I am going to carry my inhaler. I am going to focus on enjoying this. It will be my fourth half. It will be the first I trained for on my own. It will be completely imperfect. But if will be a milestone I have to meet.

I have to.

Matt will be out of town. I have some friends running it, but I'll have no cheerleaders at this one. This one will be me. I am ready to take on that mental challenge.

Bring it on!

ABK

That NY Marathon Glow

After my last post, I think I owe you some uplifting news.

Running has definitely changed me in a million-and-one ways...The most startling may be that I can now sit and watch people running and feel a sense of exuberance instead of boredom. I wonder if non-runners watching races on TV feel how I do when I watch golf.

But I feel a vicarious thrill when I watch running on TV now, and the NY Marathon had everything you could want from a televised event. There were poignant stories about runners overcoming Hurricane Sandy, runners covering the 26.2 in honor of Boston, runners leading their fellow tribesman* to the finish...

Click for the full story.

I can hardly watch and not feel my heart swell. I am so honored to be part of this community.

Click for the full story.

Here are some awesome stories and pictures from the NY Marathon this weekend. Over 50,000 people ran. Each one has a different motivation and story behind their decision to become a runner. I could read these stories all day long.

Click for the full story.

Runner's World has a beautiful collection of photos from this year's marathon that captured the beauty of it, but also the new security measures taken after Boston. I opted to focus on the beauty:

All three photos taken from here.

And of course, there's always a heartwarming story following the elite runners. This year's big story was Meb, who admitted to being under-trained and had a bad race. (I love that his "bad race" would be a race I can't imagine running in my wildest dreams.)

Like the true class-act that he is, Meb describes how he kept himself going even when he felt he'd hit the wall. He and Cassidy crossed the finish line together. The moral here is that even the elite runners have bad days and need to put the time into their training; the second moral is that running is about more than just winning.

Click for his interview...seriously so moving and wonderful to watch.

As if we needed a reminder of that.

Oh, and one more picture from the Runner's World slideshow I just loved. Here's Lusapho April from South Africa after he crossed the finish line in 2:09. I may be a turtle in comparison, but I definitely know this feeling.

Pure, unadulterated joy.

If that doesn't leave you with a smile on your face, I don't know what will.

What were your favorite stories to come out of the NY Marathon this week?
Have you ever paced someone or helped someone dig deep to get to the finish?
What is your favorite part of being a member of this glorious tribe?

ABK

*For those that are new to my blog, I use the word "tribe" to describe this huge, world-spanning family of runners to which we all belong. It comes from Once A Runner, one of my all-time favorite running novels. If you haven't picked up it, do!

Music to My Ears

For whatever reason, whether or not runners should listen to music while running has become a topic of debate. I usually love debating, but I kind of hate any controversy that serves to drive a wedge between groups of runners.

Barefoot vs. traditional? Zero-drop vs. cushion? I don't want to hear it. Do you.

That's why I was surprised when Runner's World's Facebook page posted an image a few weeks back that opened the floodgates for heated debate that was filled with un-runner-like animosity. People feel really strongly about this, apparently.

The image in question...the comments on this from both sides of the debate were simply ridiculous.

When it comes to my choice, I like to have my music with me when I run. I can run without it, and often I run without headphones and just let the ambient soundtrack play from my phone speakers, but if I had my druthers (can you tell I'm reading To Kill A Mockingbird right now?) I'd choose my Run It! playlist and Yurbuds any day.

My music falls into three main categories and a sub-genre, but I mix them all together into a single playlist because I like to hit all three areas of my mood, rather than choosing a mood and sticking with it the entire run.

Pump Up 


Anything catchy, upbeat, and fast-paced falls into this category. Of course, there's a fair amount of unexpected alternative and rap here too...Who can say no to DMX or The Clash? They clearly go together. These songs kick up my pace, and usually I can be found mouthing the words or pretending I know how to play air-piano while running.

 Zone Out

Probably my favorite songs, but the least-represented on my playlist, my zoning out songs are sometimes slow and may seem like the antithesis of workout music. But they follow a very important rule: I know every. single. word. Matchbox Twenty (oh my gosh, favorite!), Goo Goo Dolls, The Spill Canvas...These are the best when I take the playlist off shuffle and let a few of them play in a row, especially if I'm well into a long run and facing some tough miles.

 Power Songs

I love Nike+ for having this option. Adding power songs to my playlist lets me hear exactly what I need to at any particular moment with just a tap of my phone screen. (Seriously, people who ran with Disc-Mans and Walk-Mans? How did you do it?!) Most of my power songs are about overcoming something. I've got "How Far We've Come" by MB20 right alongside "No More Drama" and "Work It" by Mary J. Blige. And for some reason "Backstabber" by Ke$ha is super effective.

Downright Embarrassing

If you've even glanced at the pictures in this post, you know what I'm talking about. 3OH!3? Gangnam Style? Avril Lavigne? Yeah. You need some space for embarrassing music that you genuinely love on any running playlist. A run simply wouldn't be complete without it!

As far as running races goes, I've never run a race that was so crowded with spectators and entertainment that I felt I was missing something by having my music going. I guess if I ever run a Disney race or any show-stoppingly huge race, I'll stow my headphones.

But for the most part, I'm just a music lover. Music gives me a way to deal with my head; the beauty of music is that it speaks to us in a way that is personal and intimate but also universal. If running is the perfect time to get my head straight and refocus my emotions, then what better companion is there to run with than a good playlist?

Do you run with or without music?
What about at a race?
What are your top music choices right now?

ABK

You Know You're a Runner When...

Marc Parent has written an article, like many others before him, on how you know when you're a runner. But this article is different...For some reason, I found myself really moved by it. There's a beauty in his humor, in the simple truths he exposes in the article.

(And the defining moment, for him, is totally understandable, easily overlooked, and pretty chuckle-worthy.)

Put this on your reading list. Bookmark it. Read it more than once. Maybe it was just the perfect time for me to be reassured, but this is truly for anyone who has ever wondered when they can classify themselves as a runner.

The article is here.

While Parent does a great job of breaking down some of the finer points, he didn't hit on everything. How could he? Here are my additions to the "You know you're a runner when...?" question.

1. Your running clothes are in the easiest-to-reach drawer of your dresser...

and the drawer is completely overflowing...

It's important to put your running clothes in the drawer you reach most easily to avoid any extra work in the mornings. I recommend hip-height, of course.

...and the most organized drawer you have. (I actually bother to fold my running clothes...and this is just drawer one of three.)

2. You find yourself stretching at random times...like in the middle of cooking...or teaching a class of 8th graders.

3. You zone out into daydreams about your last run...or your next one.

4. You wish money grew on trees so you could go shopping for running clothes/shoes/accessories every day. (My running wardrobe won't be complete until every outfit is as coordinated as this one.)

At first I was like, "This is unintentional and embarrassing", but then I was like, "OWNING IT!"

5. You find a sick pleasure in convincing your friends to try running, especially when they catch the bug and get addicted.

6. You're more upset with the time off you have to take for an injury than the injury itself.

7. Black or lost toe nails and chafed skin are badges of honor.

8. You have no shame in wearing sneakers or compression socks in public.

Yes, I wore these to school with bright violet shoes. I'm the coolest teacher around, clearly.

9. Your muscles ache when you take too much time off.

10. Even your bad runs are good runs.

11. You find a way to incorporate core-work and cross-training into everyday activities.

This is my classroom computer chair. Core strengthening, baby.

12. Most of the items on your bucket list are running-related.

13. You have seen your city cloaked in darkness, when most sane people are asleep.

Hello, 4am.

14. You are totally comfortable taking awkward pictures of yourself (and strangers) at the gym and in public places...for the sake of your running blog, of course.

At least three gym-rats were giving me the stink-eye as I repeatedly took this selfie until I had the perfect "perplexed-and-resigned" expression.

If I'm being totally honest, I guess I'll admit that maybe this one was more for me than you guys.

15. But in all seriousness, maybe I finally knew I had "arrived" when people started asking me for running advice (without my first bringing up my own obsession), and sharing their awesome running accomplishments, because my running journey had inspired them to start.

From the first person I ever infected with the running bug!

Seriously the best kind of message to get from a non-running friend.

Yeah, that's definitely my #1, A-ha!, enlightenment moment. If so many of my amazing friends think I'm a runner, who am I to argue?

When did you know you were a runner?

Ever find yourself stretching randomly in public?

ABK