Keeping the Momentum

As I drove myself to yoga last night in spitting snow and great whooshes of wind, I felt . . . tired. The walk from my car to the studio was a blustery one. We're having wind chills down in the -20 to -30 range today -- damn cold and unpleasant. It was also cloudy, grey, and already getting dark at 4:30. It was one of those times when I just didn't feel like doing what I was doing.

A true motivation slump only four days deep into the new year.

There are times when I wonder if I'm just not a terribly motivated person. I'm surrounded by men and women who are achieving greatness, if I want to get all Grey's Anatomy for a moment. I consider myself quite ordinary. There are people all around me who are doing truly extraordinary things. Things at their jobs. Things with their families. Things within the local community and, yes, even in the world. Heck, they're even doing incredible things at the gym or on the roads (ultra-marathon friends, how do you do it?).

Some of them seem to be doing it all at once, too.

And then there's me.
I feel spent a lot of the time.
I also feel I don't do that terribly much.
Am I lacking in some way?

I kept my foot cautiously hovering over the breaks as I made my way across town on the slop-covered roads. If an old friend of mine can perform an important surgery or diagnose a disease on the daily (many high school and college "friends" are doctors) . . . surely I can muster the courage to go to an hour-long yoga class. Surely.

I did; it felt good.

Where am I going with this?

I suppose it's all relative. The whole of life. What I do today may seem insurmountable to others just as what others do seems absolutely mind-blowing to me. I do think a lot of it boils down to momentum. Once you get going at a certain pace, it's the trick of maintaining it. It's having the endurance to continue on at whatever level you find yourself attaining. I think about my running "career". There are times when I've run fast and long with ease. Other times, it's been a crawl and struggle to . . . lace my shoes. The cycles change with the seasons of my life and my own goals and desires and external forces.

I'm resisting the pull to hibernate right now. In both my body and mind. Writing has felt good. While I do a great deal of writing for my freelance job (I'm in the middle of an article right now . . . but I needed a break), I haven't done much personal writing in years. When I had Writing Chapter Three, I'd regularly share essay-style posts about motherhood. Maybe I'll return to that.

The momentum I kept up back then also encouraged me to seek more opportunities. I'm trying to hop on that train now, as I took the first step in a project I've been planning for years yesterday. More on that when I finally get the time to do more. Whenever that is. You see, we all achieve greatness in our own ways, whether through larger or small victories. I truly believe that.

Anyway, consider this a gentle prod before the weekend to keep at doing whatever you're up to that's bringing you joy or fulfillment. The momentum is the hardest part, but -- yes -- you can do it. Take a walk break if your goal is to run a bit farther. Take a mental break if you're trying to accomplish something a bit more cerebral. And try your best not to compare yourself to others.

Remember, friends: It's all relative.

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Social Media + Workouts: Helpful or Harmful?

A couple weeks ago, I wrote an article for my gig at WalkJogRun about social media + workout motivation. For the most part, I see a ton of positives going out and running/walking/swimming/biking/etc. and then sharing the details on Twitter or blog for a boost of confidence. I've had some trouble, especially since becoming a mom, with sticking to training plans -- and sometimes a little "way to go!" or "great pace!" from a friend or even stranger has made time spent moving more gratifying.

Sometimes.

But then I thought about it on the flip side, because I've certainly had days and even entire periods of my life when social media sweat session boasting has irked and even derailed me. Of course, it's all on me how I decide to spend my time + interpret information + subsequently stew in my own annoyance/frustration/whathaveyou . . . but, as an example, I had to block from my feed almost all my running club buddies for the latter part of my pregnancy.

(Yeah, guys. Sorry about that.)

It was in late summer and early fall -- at the height of marathon training season. And they were on fire. I felt happy for my friends and enjoyed living vicariously through their training. However, hearing about all those 20-mile long runs as my own had dwindled to single digits and then to zero did anything but invigorate me. The constant, up-to-the-minute reminder of how far I'd fallen "off track" was actually quite upsetting, even when I felt confident in my own decision to do what I was doing.

At other times, I've looked at my Facebook wall or Twitter feed or favorite blogs or Instagram snapshots and felt like "why the hell can't I muster enough energy to train for X, Y, or Z?!" Or "So-and-so is doing THIS, what's wrong with ME!?" You know, "Since when did we all have to exercise twice a day or run ultras to be REAL athletes?" Or other nonsense that I've thought in the past year, month, week, hour.

I am certainly guilty of posting mostly my best workouts. I certainly favor sharing PRs versus total bombs for race times. So, I suppose this isn't really a rant but rather a curious prodding. How does social media influence your exercise, if at all? 

What are your positive/negative experiences?

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10 Years of Running: Changes

Shoes.

I started running in a pair of Adidas trail sneaks I found at a discount store at the mall. I kept running in them for two years -- until the model changed enough and I got a black toenail because they didn't fit the same way anymore. I graduated to Mizunos for several years, Wave Runner, I think, at one of my friend's suggestions. Those got old after a while, so I tried the Asics Gel Nimbus and even Kayanos. Runner's World seemed to say they were all the rage, but they were so expensive and just not for my feet.

Then I tried barefooting for a while. I ran 17 miles once in my Vibrams. But my relationship with the Five Fingers lasted about as long as most Hollywood marriages do. (Stephen, on the other hand, is committed to Vibrams -- and me -- for life, it seems.) Now you all know I run in Nike Frees. I've been in them the last two years and, at least at this point, don't see going back.


Routes.

This one's obvious. If you move towns/cities, your routes change. I did an entire post a while back that covered my first running routes. Ah, the memories. I guess more than the physical routes have changed, the way I treat these paths in my head is different.

I used to favor loops and doing several repeats of the same thing (for whatever reason, I don't know). Repeating the same stuff a couple times a week. Then I liked out-and-back runs. I HATE them now. Then there were the long, ambling loops when I was deep into marathon training.

At this point, I'm into random twists and turns. Not running the same ones several times a week. Keeps me guessing.


Club Involvement.

When I was in college, I shied away from running partners and getting too involved with the local club. To be entirely honest, those serious runners intimidated me. I'd overhear them at races making plans to meet up for an "easy 12-miler" on the weekend. AT that point, my longest runs were around 6 miles. 12 sounded grueling and anything but easy.

Now I understand that type of talk. And I'm guilty of it myself -- when you run a marathon or other longer/faster/crazier race, your perception changes. But even better: Our local runners club is totally into including EVERYONE, no matter the ability. I'm all in.


Gear and Fuel.

I started out sans watch. Then I got a basic Timex. I used to HAVE to run with a hat on. Hydration packs. Shot blocks. Gu. Homemade energy chunks. These days, I slap on my shoes and head out to clear my head. If I run long, I drop by the house and have a glass of water with a handful or cereal or the occasional Honey Stinger.

My running is much simpler. And all that performance enhancing stuff has never done much to help with my race times anyway.


Obsession.

It's true. When you're bitten with the running bug, you get the fever. Did I just mix two things there? Whatever. When I first started running, it was all I ever talked about, thought about, and dreamed about. College classes were in there, too -- but if I wasn't studying, I was running, signing up for races, or reading about, well, running.

Now my life is more balanced. Of course, having a blog focused on fitness means I get a little carried away sometimes with how much I think about best ways to do speed work, etc. But I'm much better at switching off the running and enjoying other facets of my life. Balance is good.


Fitness.

I don't think I'm the model of how to train smart. I am overly conservative. I am only now starting to engage in formal speedwork. I skip runs if I feel the slightest bit sick or injured. Still, my fitness level over the years from sticking with running has improved. So have my race times.

What I've done to supplement my running has always changed. Yoga. Strength training. Biking. Swimming. Running has always been in the mix, though. As a result, I have become a stronger runner over time simply by keeping up my routine.


Goals.

Of course I always am interested in participating in different races or chasing specific times. But I guess what I mean in that my goals have changed is this: I don't race all races like I used to. I don't NEED to PR to feel good about a run like I used to. In fact, I don't need to race at all to have running in my life and stay with it.

This weekend, for example, I'm running a 20K. Slowly. And I'm cool with that. I have kept up with 10-milers, but nothing above that since the half marathon. My goal is to finish and not look at a watch once. I think some people think if you're going to do a race, you should definitely race to do your best. I disagree because "best" on any given day is influenced by so many factors. And there's nothing wrong with that.


Motivation.

I started running with a motivation to get fit, but more to lose the freshman 15. Then I got really into improving my times and distances. Things continually change, but as I have mentioned recently, my main motivation for running these days is to be a role model for Ada.

I also want to be a runner for life. That's pretty motivating, too.

What's changed in your running (or other exercises) routine over the years?

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The Physical AND the Mental

Time flies, doesn't it? We're in week FOUR already since my knee started hurting last month. Two weeks of basically no running. 50 to 0, if you will. Oh. My. Goodness. Am I freaking out yet? Way past it, ladies and gents. Like I wrote earlier this week, I'm (more than) a little unstable without my normal stress release.

Oh, how I took that me-time for granted.

As much as I'm staying fit with my aqua jogging routine and other cross-training activities (which I'll write about in just a moment), none of these things give me the mental health benefits I get with running. My friend Dani and I chatted about it last night. We concluded that running, at least for us, allows time for honesty and deep contemplation. A sorting out of feelings. Free therapy, if you will. Though I never remember the helpful parts -- that's OK. I get a nice rush of endorphins and an intense feeling of inner satisfaction.

Of true bliss.

Now, I've been hopping on the elliptical, which feels like running with heavy weights locked onto my legs. 20 minutes is all I can manage at one time before going completely mad. The exercise bike is also a close frenemy. Oh, how I hate staring at those red-lit numbers. Covering the console with a towel can't keep me from obsessively tracking the minutes and they tick by -- one by one by one . . . by one. My inner voice continually begging: "Are we done yet? Are we done yet? Seriously? Not yet?!" (And, again, we're talking 20 minutes. Not exactly torture!) The aqua jogging has been OK, but since I do so many intervals, I'm a slave to my watch.

I found myself utterly perplexed walking out of the gym the other day. Why, oh, WHY do I hate cross-training so much? The answer came to me rather quickly in the moment, but has taken weeks for me to sort out, it seems.

It's because running is a sport. A lifestyle. It's an activity in which I monitor my progress in distances run, times achieved, and inner strength gained. I don't think about "having to keep up cardiovascular endurance" or "not losing muscle mass" or "not gaining weight from so-bored-all-I-do-is-eat eating" as motivators to keep going. I wrote it before and I'll write it again: Running is a passion. It's part of me. These cross-training exercises are shallow. Empty, even. They're performed each day only because I have to do them.

And don't get me wrong. Cross-training is great. I'm fortunate to be moving. But, I enjoy it as PART of my workout routine. Not as the sole proprietor.

It's this simple: Being a gym rat. Working out only for the sake of working out is not fun. It's just work! So, my message today goes out to all of you who are not currently involved in an exercise program that fulfills or excites you. If you're bored. Or detest it. Or constantly feel like skipping out on gym sessions. Or runs. Or bike rides. Whatever the poison is that has you reeling in pain instead of reveling in the moments when your body truly living.

You need to move your body for more than burning calories.

You need to sweat for more than dropping pounds.

You need to push it 10 minutes longer because it feels good.

Or feels difficult in a way that takes you to a place of nirvana.

You need to CRAVE that physical activity.

It needs to become a part of you.

Or you'll never, ever get why you should do it.

So much of the benefit is mental. Once you find something that allows you to escape into your happy place, you're set. And if you haven't found what does the trick, you need to keep searching. You will find it eventually. I mean, all these gals did!

If you're injured like me, hang in there. I would tell you it gets better, but I haven't arrived there yet. In the meantime, I'll keep slugging along . . . healing . . . doing what I know is best for myself. (And, hey, there is some good news, better feelings in my knee -- knock on wood!).

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Bread for Schools Half Marathon: Race Report

As I mentioned in my weekend recap post, I ran the Bread for Schools Half Marathon in Fabius, NY, last Sunday. I chose to run it not as a race, but instead as a total moral booster. I love the half marathon distance. LOVE it. So, after my D(id) N(ot) F(inish) result at the Wineglass Marathon on 10/3, I started hunting around for another event. Thankfully, I found the Bread Run, which was celebrating its 2nd year.

I knew going into it that the race was small. There would be only around 130 runners. I typically run larger races (mostly because I enjoy the crowd, but there's also a ton of perks to running large events, including more water stops, support, and swag). I figured the race would be much like my favorite hometown 10K. Small. A couple water stops. A few kindhearted volunteers. A little awards ceremony.

No biggie. Just small town fun.


My half marathon PR is currently 1:46:31 (though, that was achieved at the Lake Placid Half Marathon in June -- let's just say, the course wasn't flat).

Neither was this course. There were some notable inclines . . .


I expected to finish the Bread Run in under 2:00:00, but didn't have a specific goal in mind. I knew little about the elevation (I just found the chart today!). I had just "raced" 17 miles in the marathon the week before (followed by a much-needed 5-miler the day after, which left my muscles sore and tired because I never run the day after my long runs). I didn't wear a watch during the race either . . . my main goal? Cross the finish line with a smile.

OK. Cross the finish line, period.


When my friend Dani (who finished the Wineglass the previous weekend -- Go, Dani!!!) and I arrived at the registration area, we were greeted by balloons, cute food stations, and tons of race volunteers. The two older women at the half marathon registration table (there was also a 5K) didn't really know how far a half really is. They Ooooo'ed and Aahhhh'ed when we told them about it. One asked about "hitting the wall" . . . and we told her that's mainly during the full marathon. She said something about not understanding why anyone would want to run that far. And we all chuckled a bit.

Anyway, the start was late (10:30 AM). Maybe the latest start I've ever had. It was much appreciated, though. Again, this race was mostly for fun. It gave my time to run a quick warm-up mile on the track (I love running short distances on tracks!). Stretch. Chat with fellow racers (we met yet another cool guy who ran Wineglass and is in training for a Half Ironman). Then Joanne, one of the race officials, stopped by our table. Joanne is AWESOME. Here's one benefit of a small race: She wanted to know more about us so when we crossed the finish line, the announcers could say something. Something personal. Not just our name. We told her how many races we have run in the past and some other info. She also offered us Gels. A nice gesture, but I declined. I just can't stomach them.

Anyway, skip ahead to the race start. The weather -- just like at Wineglass -- was absolutely gorgeous. It was maybe in the low 50s. Crisp, but not uncomfortable. Impossibly sunny, so I was happy I wore my hat. And the fall colors were amazing. I think it was JUST past peek leaf time. And the entire run was through the countryside. From the very first mile, I knew the race would be memorable for that reason.

At mile one, though, I realized I had over-dressed. I mean, the temps were like below freezing when we drove up (the frost was so thick, it looked like snow!), so I wore a long sleeve shirt over a sleeveless. I passed the 1-mile mark (which had a timer, reading right around 7:45). Between miles 1 and 2, I spent a lot of energy unpinning my bib number from my shirt and pinning it onto my sleeveless underneath (while poking myself a few times -- ouch!). Wow, that was hard work. But I didn't care. I wasn't racing. I just wanted to be as comfortable as possible.


The next couple miles breezed by. We were totally out in the mountains. Tons of trees. Farmland. Fresh air. Not-so fresh air (cows!!!). Animals like horses and sheep. I loved it. Then, I came upon the first hill around mile 5, I think. Yikes. After that, there was yet another hill before the 10K mark. Then a downhill. Then some flat. Then another hill. I didn't consider that there would be ANY hills, so I was a bit surprised. Also at this point, and as is typical of my racing style, I started passing people. I'm strong on hills. Even steep-ish ones. So, though many had passed me in the first 5K, I gained back my ground pretty quickly.

I'm skipping over a lot of detail here. Mostly because I didn't wear a watch. I was totally absorbed in the experience. Soaking in the beautiful vistas. Concentrating on how much I enjoyed the run. Mile by mile, I felt strong. Stronger, even. I kept my pace steady, but also began speeding up around the 15K mark. I remember I finished 15K in around 1:18:00. A volunteer was there reading off the time as we passed. there were so many wonderful volunteers along the way. All very encouraging. All on their game. Water/Gatorade stops were abundant: Mile 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, and 12.

AND the entire race was 100% closed to traffic. Not only that. If I had been injured -- unlike at Wineglass -- people were riding around in golf carts (well, something similar to a golf cart) to help out, if necessary. That's incredibly important!


It seemed like the whole town (the population of Fabius is around 340 people!) had come out to support us. Anyway, after the 15K mark, I decided to pick up my speed. I felt strong. Again, I wasn't racing, but wanted to see what those legs could do. I gained on several more runners. I ran alone a lot of the time, so my thoughts were totally internal. Without a watch, I didn't worry about my specific finish time, though I was curious how well I'd do. The end of the race was BRUTAL. A major hill at mile 12. And then yet ANOTHER steep incline a half mile later. I remember joking with a volunteer who was standing by a sign for a street named "Hill Road" . . . I told him that it was the "most literal sign, EVER." And he laughed. It helped me power my way up and pass a couple more runners.

The end of the race was flat. I really let myself unleash the fury with only half a mile left to go. I could hear people cheering. I could see the finish. And I could finally see my time! I clocked in at 1:47:35. My chip time was 1:47:31. Only one minute slower than my PR. Not too shabby because . . . I felt incredible. I felt I could keep going for at least another couple miles. I didn't finish out of breath. I had achieved my goal of finishing the race with a smile on my face. Crossing a finish line. To be honest, I almost started crying because it felt SO GOOD to FINISH after my horrible performance the week before.


I immediately saw Joanne and told her how the Bread Run was my favorite race EVER. And it honestly was. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to smaller races. However, the Bread Run people had done their homework. They told me that they have taken the event very seriously.

It most definitely showed!

They told me they had studied what was done at other races and tried to take the best from each and incorporate it into their run. They want to grow the event in future years, and I'm planning to participate as often as I can.


Dani crossed the finish line not too long after I did. She's a rock star. Total miles raced for her that week? Nearly 40! She has a lot to be proud of, including finishing 3rd in her age group. I did pretty well, too. I finished as the 12th woman in the race. 29th overall. This meant I won a certificate and even $100. Yeah, that's right. I won prize money. Like I'm a big deal or something. Even Stephen's a little jealous over that one. He's never won money in a race.

Looking pretty tired, but happy here. It was a really cool awards ceremony. w00t!


Anyway, if you live in upstate NY, I highly recommend checking out the Bread Run next year. It's just so beautiful. Well organized. The people are so kind and supportive. It's a wonderful way to spend a fall day. Oh, yeah. And did I mention it's all for a good cause? Part of your race entry goes toward benefiting schools locally and nation-wide.

Things I took away from this race that I'll apply to my run in Philly and beyond.

1. I will not wear a watch. I spend far too much time when I DO wear a watch critiquing and worrying about my performance. I don't need to know up-to-the-second how I'm doing from mile one. I makes me go too fast. I'm the kind of racer who needs to start out slower and then gain later on in the race. No watch. CHECK.
2. I will take in my surroundings. This goes along with not wearing a watch. I want to enjoy the event versus being so terribly focused on my finish time. Especially with the marathon, I need this way of thinking. Last year at Philly, well, I hardly remember much from the course. I know we ran by lots of people and landmarks, but I was too focused. Usually if I don't stress, I'll be fine. I'll finish. And I'll take away far more than a PR. It's the whole experience I'm after. Not a time.
3. I will wear less. I tend to over-dress. Even though it will be cold next month, I know I'll be tempted to wear too many layers. Rather than be uncomfortable, I'll indeed bring a long-sleeve shirt . . . but one that I'll put on OVER my race number to avoid having to do a switch-a-roo mid-race.
4. I will run more with friends. I loved having Dani there. I want to do more races with friends versus just going with Stephen. You see that Stephen didn't run this race -- he was tutoring that afternoon. I had a blast going to the event and cheering on a friend. Stephen's sheer speed -- just knowing that he's done SO far ahead of me -- is discouraging. Sometime I'd like to actually run a race with someone (or more than one person) the whole time. I've never done that. It just contributes more to the fun of the whole event.
5. I will race more half marathons. Simply because: I love half marathons. This race solidified that love. I felt strong and confident throughout the entire event. I still love my long training runs (in fact, I have my 4th 20-miler this fall on Sunday! Yikes!), but for racing, I'd rather get my speed up than try to dazzle myself with distance all the time. I see myself in the future as a one-marathon-a-year kind of gal. Of course, if I ever qualify for Boston, I'll make an exception :)

What's your favorite race distance? Do you like to go more for distance or speed? Or if you haven't raced before -- what are some of your worries about racing? Just leave a comment or email us at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.

What many of you readers have made me remember is that running isn't about a specific event or day. It's about EVERYTHING that goes into that event. The hours and hours of preparation. The miles logged in the rain, sleet, and snow. The injuries or the times you've felt fantastic. The emotions. Even with the pain and failures, I love everything about being a runner.

And I hope to be a runner for life. Whatever it takes!

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Healthy Living: Alison's Story

Alison gave us permission to reprint excerpts from her healthy living story on Fueling for Fitness:

The day I went skydiving, I promised myself to stop being afraid of what I could do and where I could go. I promised myself that I'd try harder to take charge of my life and challenge myself by doing things that excited me, that scared me, and that I knew would help me grow as a person.

I made a top-secret list of life goals, and one by one, I started working towards them. I didn't expect anything to fall into my lap. I lived my life accepting mediocrity as the card I was dealt in life and it has forced me to develop a work ethic that always pushed me to work to achieve what I want. It wasn't easy. I failed a lot. I know I am going to continue failing; I would expect no less.

One of these goals? Run a marathon.


Three years ago, I couldn't run 1 kilometer without gasping for air. Three years ago, I made every excuse to not pick up a paint brush (I'm an artist, too!). Three years ago, I saw a long, straight path ahead of me and I told myself that I may as well continue walking down it because it was the easiest thing to do.

Why do I run? There are countless reasons that I could list, but the biggest reason that I do it is because it makes me feel alive. It constantly amazes me that having spent the majority of my life in various sedentary positions, here I am, getting ready to taper down and run my first marathon.

For the past few weeks, I have been feeling terrified. Wondering if every little ache, pain, or missed work out would be enough to get me through the race next Sunday. I've been doubting all the work that I've put towards this marathon, and hyper-focusing on race day, forgetting about all of the past events that took place to get me to where I am now.

I really don't know how things will go next Sunday. Really, anything can happen on race day. But a few lines from this cheesy, yet sweet 10-10-10 song sums it up quite nicely: "When we chose to commit, a fire was lit, and I'll be damned if any one of us will quit."

Thanks for reading my story!

Alison (from Fueling for Fitness)


Yup. Alison sent us her story BEFORE she got to the start of that big-deal race (you guess it: Chicago!) on 10-10-10. If you'd like to read all about her race experience, just check out her blog: Fueling for Fitness!

In need of some healthy fitspiration? While you're here, you can read more great stories like Alison's -- as well as submit your own healthy living story to be featured on our site!

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Under Pressure. Marathon Pressure.

I realize with our upcoming race that there's been a lot of marathon talk on the blog lately. I also realize many of you are newbie runners -- and I'm thrilled we've been able to help so many of you find your stride. So, today's post is for you!

Last night on Twitter, I asked our followers the following question:


Why ask this question now? Well, because I dealt with this issue when I was starting out, when I first fell in love with running. However, back then, the blog world was pretty much nonexistent. Now, I feel like everywhere I look, someone is running a 10K, half-, or full marathon. There are splits scrawled and total number of miles logged for every workout run. Elevation charts illustrated. PRs listed. (Of course, by now you realize I'm guilty of contributing to the problem, too.)

NOTE: All these measurements and public displays of confidence are most typically out of intense enthusiasm. Love for running. Love for achievement and personal growth. And that's fantastic. Don't get me wrong. It's crazy inspiring. But if I put myself back into my shoes as a newbie runner, I can see how it's also super intimidating!


When I started running as a freshman in college, I would leaf through the pages of Runner's World during my lunch break (I worked at the campus library. There were lots of back-copies around). RW has a TON of fantastic advice, but -- at least 8 years ago -- I felt it was more targeted toward "real" runners. Step back a moment. What's this "real" runners crap? Let me clarify: That was my opinion/feeling at the time. It was a title I didn't think accurately described me or my sloppy slogging around the neighborhood every other night (or so). (I've since learned that a "real" runner is ANY runner, so long as that person is devoting himself or herself to the sport.)

Anyway, I'd go to 5K races or group training runs and hear other runners talking about how the race was just a warm-up for their "real" run later in the day. Or listen to exactly how many fall marathons they had penciled into their calendars. I'd secretly soak in their tales of 10, 15, 20 mile training runs that put my 5 milers to shame.

Oh, the humanity!


Part of it all was a good pressure. A much-needed motivation to run longer and harder (for example, after completing some 5Ks, I extended my training to the 10K distance). I took the stress and made it healthy stimulus. I gradually added a mile, then two to my weekly long runs. I started visiting the nearby high school track to do a bit of speed work. I started doing more races. Running with friends. I accomplished new goals. And I felt great.

But you've heard about all of that before. And that's not what I want to write about today.


Part of it wasn't so great. Not. At. All. That's where I'd like to shift the focus.

• Like the times I ran through the pain of shin splints because I thought I needed to get more miles into my week.
• Or when I'd be at the gym in college and crank up my pace to match the treadmill of the girls around me.
• Or that one time I showed up the morning of a local half marathon having only run a single run over 1 hour and 20 minutes in my life.

Yeah. That same girl now preaches conservative approaches to training. A true case of "do as I say, not as I do."

One important reason to heed my advice? Overuse injuries crop up due to pressure (and, admittedly, enthusiasm). A few too-much-too-soon injuries include shin splints, runner's knee, stress fractures, and iliotibial band friction (ITB) syndrome. (To read more about these injuries, check out this article on About.com: 10 Common Running Mistakes to Avoid.) For me, I developed a nasty case of tendinitis during that first half marathon which kept me from running for over a month.

I can't even count the number of times I yelled (out loud and inside my head) at myself for letting my desire to run a long race -- with motivations that were at least half outside my own goals -- get the best of me. I keep my hefty medical supply store boot around as a reminder.


After that particular incident, though, I have tried my best to not let the pressure get to me. It was surely a wake-up call. I learned (and, really, always truly knew) if I didn't take care of myself, my body -- I may not be able to run at all. I may never reach those ultimate goals. Not in the now. Not in the ever. So, if you've got pressure plaguing you (from friends, magazines, blogs, yourself, etc.), there are some things you can do . . .


1.) Resist the comparison trap. Oh, goodness this one's hard. By nature, we humans compare ourselves to one another. Sports are competitive, even for recreational athletes. However, one of my favorite parts to running that I've truly embraced in recent years is the emphasis on the PERSONAL achievement. Most of us don't win races. But if we train hard, we can beat our previous records. Or if speed isn't the thing, there's usually progress that can be measured in one way or another.

At your next race (or during your next training run), think of one thing you'd like to improve with your running. Something that can't be measured in race times or other numbers is best. Maybe it's running without stopping for two miles. Climbing a hill that's always scared you. Or just FEELING strong. That's something you can't stack up against your competitors.

It's never easy, but think of all the things you can do with your running that don't involve a gold medal or photo in the local paper. You can better your health and extend your life. You can lose weight and tone your muscles. Best yet: You can inspire others around you to live healthy lifestyles. And -- hell -- people in the back of the pack usually have way more fun at races anyway!


2.) Do your own thing. It's great to have goals, but where you and I are in our training is totally different. And where you and another reader are is likely even more different. Now, this may be a weak analogy (because I'm not great at coming up with them), but it's like I'm a senior in high school and I want to go to college. And person A is a sophomore and person B is a freshman. They also want to go to college. BADLY. It's all they hear about. It's all they can freaking THINK about.

So, I've already been in person A and person B's shoes. Taken all the classes, tests, and other requirements. It's been a LONG road. I succeed, graduate, and write home about my new and wonderful life. Person A and B are excited at my journey. Maybe even a little jealous. They decide they want to skip and take the tests to advance and get to college sooner. (Because in my analogy world, there's a magical test that allows them to do so.) Person A fails the tests and is upset. Person B passes. And goes to college.

They both studied, tried, but had vastly different outcomes.

Alright. Again. weak. BUT substitute the marathon for college in there . . . and training years for grade levels. I think you get the point. We're all different with different abilities and strengths. We've all been running for different periods of time. Now think of it this way: If person A and B did skip ahead to college from their underclassman status, they'd miss out on so much. Football games. The prom. Senior week. All the stuff that would make them whole as they grow. I hope this is making sense.

We're all on our own fitness journeys. Only you know exactly where you are with yours. But along your path, you need to do your own thing. Take time to enjoy the unique stuff going on exactly where YOU are with yours.


3.) Surround yourself with support. Though competitive friends and/or significant others can sometimes push us in the right direction, they can also be the biggest sources of pressure. Sometimes without even realizing it! Stephen's speed is sheer insanity to me. When he runs with me (maybe once a week), I almost always get very upset. He doesn't mean to, but he always speeds up. Before I know it, I'm panting and feeling awful. For a long time, I let this get to me -- our differences in speed. But now, I use it as a tool.

I'll run with Stephen on my speed day. If he gets too fast, I'll tell him to slow down. I was open with him about how I feel when he runs a shoulder ahead of me -- and he was surprised because he didn't realize he was doing it. Now, he's incredibly supportive and runs my speed, with a little kick to get me going. He told me once that he was so happy that I told him how I felt.

Whether or not the people in your life are athletic/runners/etc., you need to create a network of people who encourage YOUR goals and YOUR goals alone. (Sure, you can share goals -- but only if that's OK with you. Only if you're open about it.) For all others: I think we all have a friend (or two) who is constantly trying to one-up us. It's the worst! As my mom always taught me, it usually comes from some kind of deep-seeded insecurity. And we're all a little insecure. Instead of letting these people get to you, think of yourself first. Don't get caught up in someone else's drama.


4.) Listen to your body. How many times have I written this on the blog? Many is right! But it's always true. If something hurts. You likely shouldn't just run through the pain. Evaluate your situation. If the pain is something that happened acutely, like a rolled ankle, you should definitely get it checked by a doctor. If it's more a nagging pain that has increased with time, with each run -- back off a bit. Look at your training and what you've been up to. Usually adding speed, distance, or other intensity is to blame. With a couple days of lighter activity and a little backing off, pain should get better.

If not -- again -- consult a trained medical professional. (Though, we runners often think all the reading we do about our bodies/aches and pains can suffice for a medical degree. It's not at all the same thing. Sorry!)

Listening to your body is also about taking care of yourself before problems occur, too. In the example with my first half marathon, I should have NEVER signed up and completed a race I wasn't ready for. One I hadn't trained for. I knew in my heart that I wasn't ready, but I let my desire to finish the distance cloud my judgment. I paid dearly. Though I am relatively injury prone, don't think you're immune from this life lesson!


That's enough for today. I think this topic is one that we'll write more about, perhaps for a series on personal goals, personal motivations, and resisting pressure. I've also been continually inspired and captivated by the stores of self-made athletes in our Fitspiration series.

So, if you haven't read any of them yet, now's your chance.

Have you dealt with external pressure related to your running? Ever find yourself chasing a goal that may not be your own? How do you deal? Please, tell us your story! Just leave a comment or email us at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.

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Weekend Happenings

I felt inspired to write Saturday after my morning 10-miler. Last week, my training exceeded 50 miles. The most miles I've ever run in a single week. Ever. I'm psyched about this. Not only because it's a huge accomplishment . . . but also because I'm feeling strong and injury-free -- a good indication that I've been training appropriately.

I didn't take my watch with me Saturday . . . just wanted to maintain a steady pace, strong effort. With each mile, I climbed closer to my goal of 50+ weekly miles. Around mile 6, I ran past this girl. Now, I'm the kind of runner who always nods and says hi to other runners/walkers/cyclists/etc. I see.

So, I nodded.
Said "hi."

This girl just looked at me out of the EXTREME corner of her eyes. Did a disapproving up-and-down glance . . . and -- I kid you not -- turned her head away and lifted her nose into the air. Uhhh. What was THAT about? Of course, I'm not exactly a glamazon runner. In fact, I was wearing a mishmash of clothes: Baggy t-shirt, older shorts, my blood-stained running shoes. I wasn't going particularly fast either. Whether or not this girl's attitude toward me was intentional, it left me feeling funky. Judged, even.


As I have grown into my identity as a runner, I feel like I have learned a ton about myself and my physical and mental abilities. Through all this self-discovery, I have also learned to be more understanding and in-tune with others. I have become aware of the unique strengths and weaknesses we all have. I learned to appreciate what athletes (and people) contribute toward running (and life). (Yeah, we're getting deep here.)

What I've learned is that my value as a runner isn't measured in the weekly distances I run or the race times I achieve. It isn't gained through progressively getting faster from year to year. The flashy tech-fabric clothing I wear doesn't make me a better runner. Nor does the gear (watches, heart-rate monitors, mystical training bracelets, finger shoes, etc.) I strap to myself. My identity as a runner doesn't hinge on the number of races I run or the age division places I attain. If I don't make each and every workout a hard and fast workout (and I shouldn't -- more on that in another post), I'm no less of a runner. If I don't track my times or distances, I'm no less of a runner. And if I don't chug coconut water after each run or fuel with chia seeds and bowls of designer oatmeal . . . I'm certainly no less of a runner.

Running isn't merely a sport to me. It isn't "cardio" or a simple way to burn calories. It's a lifestyle -- a way of being. My value as a runner exists in my desire to live a healthy life. To honor and care for my body and mind. It's in my desire to inspire others to live life healthfully. Through my own experiences -- motivation issues, injuries, successes, etc. -- I have learned so much about the range of human ability. About emotion and dedication. About pride and humility. I can better understand the different motivations and goals of others, too. I have learned that when I pass another person along my path, I should not judge. I know not of his or her specific history with running . . . nor of his or her life situation upon first glance.


So, through running, I've learned to strive to make each of the zones I inhabit no judgment zones. And the most satisfying lesson: Individual worth isn't attained only from within. It's in how we treat others. At least with athletics, the most gratifying experience is sharing in the successes and relating to the setbacks of others. I realize this rambling post is somewhat random. And that seemingly judgmental girl may have been having a bad day. Regardless, it got me thinking.

On a happier note, around mile 9 of that same run, I jogged past a car wash being sponsored by a local girl's X-country team. Their coach cheered for me -- even called out "great pace!!!" as I made my way past their area. That's the kind of spirit I like to see. That's the kind of spirit I, myself, try to exude in everything I do.


That was all on Saturday. Sunday, we each ran our last long run of our marathon training plan. I rocked 20.2 in 3:03:58 (9:06 pace). Stephen killed 23 miles in an impressive 2:48:09 (7:18 pace). We both ran the same route, give or take a few roads. I planned the whole thing . . . though, I didn't realize it was far from a flat course.

Woah.


Here we are after it was all over. Phew!



After that, our friends Lindsey and John visited for the afternoon. Stephen picked up a kit in the spring (from this cool brewing store in Bethlehem, PA, around the same time we ran the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon) that makes a copy of Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale. The boys (or should I say brewmasters?) wasted no time getting to work.

The fruit of their labor should be sip-able by mid-October.




Lindsey and I sat on the sidelines. Ate half-moon cookies (we both like the white frosting best). Drank virgin Moscow Mules. Played some Mario Party. And took a nice 2 mile walk through my neighborhood.

Lindsey is definitely the cutest preggers lady I know :)


And I almost forgot: Saturday, our pre-run meal was pizza. I mean, did you think we'd dine on anything else? We rounded up some of the best slices this area has to offer. My favorite plain . . . and our beloved grilled selection.


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