The inspiration for this entry arrived around mile 4.  It was at this point where I felt bold enough to ask you, the reader, to consider this neglected blog once again.  It seemed like a good idea at the time; I was on an emotional high while running the streets of New York City on marathon Sunday.   The sun was shining, the crowds were cheering, and everyone and their brother, sister, uncle, grandmother, neighbor, bellman, and so on, was sporting a bib (yes, it was that crowded).  At mile 4 I was feeling great.  After all, I had already accomplished my first victory of the day; reach the starting line.  

 You probably already know this but getting to the start of this fabled race is a marathon in itself.  This challenge goes something like this: Board the subway at 6am.  Walk to the Staten Island Ferry Station.  Board ferry at 6:45.  Float leisurely past the Statue of Liberty.  Dock.  Exit ferry and walk to the bus.  Board bus.  Arrive at starting village.  Do whatever it takes to get some coffee.  Get in line (again) for the port-a-john.  Enter corral.  Stay in corral until summoned to the starting gate (which moonlights as a toll plaza) before the gun fires at 9:40.  Now go run 26.2 miles.    

 A few miles after #4, I remained positive that enough carbohydrate, caffeine, and fluid would negate the fact that my longest training run had been 19 miles.  By mile 9 I was still naïve (i.e. arrogant) enough to assume that a well-designed carb load would make up for the fact that I had wimped out of almost every long run in the prior weeks.  But at mile 15, reality set in.  While walking though the water stop, I came to the harsh realization that if you don’t put in the work, fully loaded glycogen stores are not going to carry you to the finish.  

 Four gels and 19 miles later, I found myself moseying along, contemplating pulling a “Rosie Ruiz”.  The voice in my head reminded me that you don’t travel all the way to NYC to quit.  And you don’t put in 4 months of training (regardless of how laughable the training may have been) to come home with a DNF.  And, most of all, you don’t drop out simply because you are TIRED (injured, yes, tired, no).  It was at this point that I leaned on the crowd support.  With over 2 million spectators lining the streets, it was difficult (read: embarrassing) to slow the pace down to a crawl.  So I began to run, every step painful, but one step closer to the finish line.  

 Like thousands before me, I crossed that line in Central Park and said prayers of thanksgiving.   Thankful for the thousands of race volunteers who handed out fuel, fluids, sponges, and support.  Thankful for spectators who lined the streets for a solid 26.2 miles.  Thankful for the family and friends who were sending happy thoughts, prayers, and energy my way.  Thankful for my husband who is also my #1 fan.  Thankful that I lived to cross another finish line and run another day.  Onto the next Challenge!

There’s a rumor going around that Blue Monday is simply a ploy, instigated by the travel industry, to get people inspired to go somewhere exotic during the winter.  It makes sense; why wouldn’t you think about heading out to someplace warm and far, far away if all you can see when you look out your window is snow and you haven’t been able to feel your toes or fingertips for weeks?

Blue Monday (which is arguably either the 3^rd or 4^th Monday of January) is supposedly the most depressing day of the year for factors other than weather.  This “holiday” is said to (scientifically) occur because of 1. the onset of inevitable letdown from the recent holidays begins and 2. by now it’s likely that everyone’s New Year’s resolutions – which seemed so doable and encouraging at the time- are by now shattered.  And while many took the day to wallow in the misery of not achieving their yearly goal (and why wouldn’t you given that less than 5% of the year has already passed…) there are others who took a different approach.

This past Monday, my husband, Jason, and our dog, Lola, began running.  While I’m calling it the post-Christmas miracle, in reality, they probably got tired of me whining and begging and decided to put an end to it.  But because I resolved to be a more positive person this year, I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt, and carry on believing that they just decided to (finally) act on their New Year’s resolutions.  I only hope the resolutions included “getting back in shape” and “becoming a healthier individual” as opposed to “get wife/owner to stop nagging”!

While I don’t know the exact reason behind the new-found inspiration, I can tell you the outcome; they are slowly, but surely keeping their resolutions and feeling better as a result.  I’m telling you this because if an overworked husband and a dog that prefers to sleep 23.75hours of the day can work in a few miles here and there, you can too.  So put down the donut, take off of Snuggie, put on those new kicks you got from Santa, put on 15 layers of clothing, and head out the door.

Exchange you snuggie for this t-shirt (add additional layers) and head out the door

Start with small, achievable goals (try 5 mins running, 1 min walking for a total of 20 mins) rather than insurmountable goals.  Lofty goals are great but the lack of instant gratification can leave you feeling depressed and ready to give up.  If running’s not your thing (I’ve heard that before…) that’s fine but it doesn’t give you an excuse to take up residence on the couch until May.  Find an activity that you enjoy – be it lifting weights, yoga, zumba, whatever!- and make an appointment with yourself and the gym/club/workout studio.  Last but not least, be like Journey (who wrote the best running song of all time) and Don’t Stop Believing. Your resolutions are achievable…because with dedication and hard work, any goal is achievable.

Stay warm, healthy, and happy my friends!

I agree completely.  It’s not okay to take a sabatical and then try to get back at it full-speed-ahead come spring (injuries and obesity anyone?).  After all, a formerly-fit person can become soft and sedentary pretty quick when given the opportunity and a nice comfy couch.   So here are some tips I’ve employed over the years to motivate myself to brave the elements and stay well while exericsing this winter.

1.  Bundle Up Already!  

Clearly you aren’t going to head out into the snow wearing shorts a la Mark Remy but there are some additional techniques to keep in mind when bundling up.  The first is to remember your layers.  If you put a few layers on top, you can easily shed them as you go along and warm up.  I usually don’t see the need for layering pants but in frigid temps, you might need to.  Layered socks is an option and your winter running shoes may need to be a 1/2 size larger for this reason.  And don’t forget the hat and the mittens (an informal surgey confirms that they keep your fingers warmer than gloves).   If you aren’t convinced that snow on the ground is conducive to running and need a lillte more help[, check out Brooks Running Cascadia shoe which has great traction (and laughs in the face of snow drifts).

2. Just because you can eat the snow doesn’t mean you’re hydrated.

I swear I’m not the only one who chomps on the snow – white only please- when thirst hits during a run … right?   For all you snow leopards out there, remember, a few snowflakes here and there does not constitute optimal hydration.  Keep up your fluid intake during these cold months by enjoying warm beverages such as herbal teas and coffee before the run and topping off the tank with warm water before you head out the door. The warm beverages help heat up your system and give you an edge over the cold befor you head outdoors.  If you plan to be out in the elements for a while, remember to stash some fluids along your route. During the winter months, I stash warm water or tepid PowerBar Perform along the course and by the time I swing by for a sip, it’s a cool drink (instead of a rock solid bottle of ice).

3. Take advantage of a free ice bath.

My neighbors must think I’m crazy when they pass by and I’m stretching out in the middle of my snow-covered lawn during the winter months.  But in actuality, I’m clever – not crazy -  taking full advantage of the snow which serves as an ice bath and helps with recovery after long winter runs.  Note to reader:  make sure you have a warm shower ready to go immediately after trying this technique. 

4.  When going long, remember to refuel.

Remember those gels you consumed while training this summer? Well, they also come in handy during winter training.   The best part is that those formerly hot, syrupy gels now offer a cooler option.  Over the years, I’ve used the PowerBar Gel in Double Latte flavor and if I stash the gel in the snow along my route (and use my imagination), then by the time I imbibe, the gel becomes an enjoyable Iced Latte (when chased with water). 

And while on the subject of fueling in the cold, remember those chews you liked so much during the summer training season?  They turn into a solid piece of candy in the cold.  Biter beware!

5. Reward yourself when finished.

When you’re finished fighting off the daily pull of sedentary behavior, pat yourself on the back, warm up (soon after finishing!) with a nice warm shower, and re-fuel with something warm.  Winter soups and stews that are packed with veggies, whole grain pastas, and lean meats (clear, broth-based please!) are a great recovery option and help warm you to the core following a long winter’s run.  And after you’ve finined re-fueling, don’t forget to brag to your friends that you were brave enough to get out there and – now that you’ve exercised- find yourself a comfy couch.

Stay warm my friends!

But the other day, I learned something; a fact that may be obvious to even the smallest child and perhaps every newbie runner.  I learned that when you are getting ready for a run on a chilly day and you want to warm up your shoes, you should not place them by the fireplace. It turns out that while a blazing fire will quickly warm up your cold kicks, it will do more that just warm them.  I made the mistake of placing my once-fabulous Brooks Ghost 3 by the fireplace and learned that, similar to certain kid’s pajamas, they are not fire resistant.

It's hotter than it looks...

They certainly don't look like this anymore!

Note to readers: These two don’t get along.

Following this episode I also learned another crucial running gear lesson; when your shoes melt a bit, the gait is never the same.  But if you’re cheap like me, you’ll continue running in them anyway….
Stay warm my friends!

In truth, I haven’t driven my car in weeks.  My husband would argue that this is because I (he?) lost the keys, but actually it’s because I like biking.  By biking to work (15 miles each way) I can fit in additional IM workout, I’m civil to my coworkers throughout the day, and I eat whatever I want (which I would do anyway but I feel a little bit better knowing I’ll burn off those animal crackers I just ate by the time I get home).

While I feel great about the miles I’ve logged, it has recently come to my attention that 30 miles a day ain’t nothin’.  How did I come to this realization? I read Jenna’s blog about her recent bike trip across the great state of Iowa.  That’s right- 200+ miles across the Hawkeye state.  While this many miles may make your rear end sore just thinking about it, check out her report and pictures.  Not only does RAGBRAI look like a great and relaxing time, it makes me want to hit the road in search of roadside farm stands right here in my hometown:

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/eat-right-around-chicago/2010/08/where-ive-been-ragbrai-2010.html

There are many reasons why people exercise- some exercise because their doc makes them, others because their wife shoves them out the door, some exercise so they can eat whatever they want (okay… we should probably discuss this mindset), and still others exercise because those endorphins make them feel good.   Whatever your reason for pounding the pavement, shooting hoops, spinning your wheels, swinging that racket, or doing whatever sweaty activity suits you, we’re glad you’re out there getting fit while fighting the obesity crisis.  For those of you who are in the pre-contemplation stage of the exercise hierarchy, check out Jenna’s latest blog post for some inspiration.  If the picture of the pasta bowl as big as your head doesn’t send you running for the lap pool, nothing will!

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/eat-right-around-chicago/2010/07/fit-and-weary-7-weeks-until-ironman-wisconsin.html

To a nutrition nerd, these changes sometimes seem obvious, and consequently I’m floored by tales of fat-laden mashed potaotes and sugar-filled zucchni breads that commonly fill commerical kitchens (and sometime the home-kitchen too!).   While I was hoping that these nutrition follies were unusual, it seems that some of the cooking mistakes commonly performed in my own kitchen (by a client or, ahem, myself!) happen across the nation. 

For an always entertaining read, check out Jenna’s blog, Eat Right Around Chicago, to learn more about common cooking mistakes (and how to remedy those mistakes)!http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/eat-right-around-chicago/2010/07/healthy-eats-gives-11-healthy-cooking-mistakes.html

Bon Appetite!

Wearing a pager is almost like having a puppy- everyone oohs and ahhs and marvels over its small size and uniqueness.  Using the pager in public is just shy of entertaining.  Either folks have never seen one before or the nostalgia brings them back to their big-hair high school days.  I actually get a lot of questions and attention while wearing it; comments like “oh my god, is that a pager?! I haven’t seen one of those in years!” or as my brother-in-law likes to joke “I thought only the thuggish-ruggish drug dealers used those.” 

However, while the pager might be awe-inspiring, the exclusivity has other disadvantages.   For instance, my sister, with her college education and impressive IQ can’t even figure out how to use one.  She had to call me, the little sister, when she was going into labor and therefore needed to page her doctor.   The conversation that ensued went something like this, “Pam, I have a random question for you.  My water just broke and I’m trying to page my doctor but it’s been so long since I needed to use a pager that I’ve forgotten how to do it.”  After my hysterics were over and I explained how to use the pager I came to the conslusion that pagers should be eliminated and we should really think about transferring over to cell phones (there’s a novel idea!).   Another drawback to pagers?  Because pagers are hard to come by they are consequently unbelievably expensive to replace.   So when I lost it this weekend while biking I was a bit upset (mind you, not distraught, just upset) but I was too tired to retrace my steps over 35 miles and find it.  

I have a friend, Leah, who loses her pager quite often.  But unlike Leah’s, my pager did not reappear on the alternate side of my waist while I wasn’t looking.  No, it’s out there somewhere in farm-country Ohio.  So I ask all of you who might be out and about in the fields these upcoming weeks to keep an eye out for my pager.  It’s 1”x2”, black, and gives off a vibration or beep every now and then.  And while you’re bound to be flabbergasted when you come across the pager, please don’t be tempted to turn it into the local historical society or ship it off to the Smithsonian.  I need that back and I don’t have an extra one-hundred bucks to spend on an archaic piece of technology.

As a seasoned runner, I’ve had many different running buddies; some were remarkable and I cherished every run with them.  Others lasted fewer than 5 miles (and left me deserted on the edge of a river bank while they ran on ahead).  But the best running partner I ever had was my friend Evie.  The first time we went running together, she wasn’t a seasoned runner.  Neither of us was.  We completed maybe a mile and that was a stretch.  But over the years, our mileage increased and we suffered through many long workouts together. 

Evie didn’t say much, she just listened.  She listened to me complain about the hard day I had suffered through, or listen to the gory details of why I had gotten in trouble and so on.  She never complained of pain or pace and always kept a smile on her face.  She was always ready to go for a run and never made me wait because she had just eaten or needed a snack or needed to hydrate or whatever.  She never asked me to stop for water but in my opinion, she used the facilities a bit too often.  She always forgave me when I yelled at her for dragging her feet and she even ran through the near-death experience of the time we went running on a humid 90degree day without water (I still owe my neighbor a thank you note for picking us up on the side of the road).

But all good things must come to an end and yesterday, I lost my best running partner ever.  She had gotten old and truthfully, we hadn’t been able to run together for years.  At the end, we’d walk a quarter mile and that was an accomplishment.  I cry because she left me behind for bigger and better things but I’m happy because I know she’ll scavenge for unlimited food, fluids, and table scraps wherever she may be.   Perhaps when my wound has healed, I’ll find another running buddy.  Next time, I’m heading straight to the local pound.  Because in her silent, smiley, and supportive manner, my best friend Evie taught me that man’s best friend is also the best choice when it comes to running partners.

That’s exactly what I did when I heard that Mitch and Jenna had competed in the 2010 Elkhart Lake Olympic Triathlon this past weekend.  I stalked them both.  After all, we’re all competing at Ironman WI and I need to know what I’m up against.  After stalking, I mean researching their times, my greatest fears were confirmed; I’ll never be as fast as either of them in the water.  In fact, when I checked out Jenna’s Eat Right Around Chicago blog detailing the entire experience, I nearly lost my lunch when I saw the picture of the treacherous water (I know, I know, but don’t be fooled, it only looks calm in the photo.).  And while I would suggest she practice the run just a wee bit more, I shut up when I remember the fact that I bought a wetsuit but have yet to wear it.  And my longest bike ride has only been…. well, it’s nothing to be proud of.  But instead of working on my weaknesses, I keep on running, because it suits my ego.  I only hope I survive the first parts of the Ironman in order to get to the part I’m good at.

To see what that seemingly benign water looks like, check out Jenna’s blog @:

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/eat-right-around-chicago/2010/06/eat-right-after-exercise.html

Oh, and true to form, she’s added in some great nutrition advice!