Running Idols

Although, technically the dictionary defines idol as an image or other material object representing a diety to which religious worship is addressed, I think it is a fitting word in this manner.  The below runners are people who inspire greatness in others through their actions and words.  

Scott Jurek: More than just a champion, Scott is a true student and ambassador of the sport, known to stay at finish lines cheering until the last runner crosses.  A passionate advocate for vegetarianism, he follows a 100% plant-based diet, which he credits for his superior endurance, recovery and overall health.  He believes that everyone can run an ultra and everyone can access their body’s innate capacity to heal.  Through writing, public speaking, and consulting, Scott takes joy in encouraging people of all fitness levels to take the next step toward vibrant health. (from http://www.scottjurek.com/#/bio/)

Pam Reed: Two time winner of the Badwater Ultra Marathon, set an American record in the 24-hour track run, and named “Runner of the Year” by Competitor Magazine.  Mother to three boys and a dog, author of the book The Extra Mile, and an all-around amazing woman – her personal goal is to motivate people of all speeds and ages to do something for themselves and set a fitness goal that will encourage a healthier lifestyle.   (from http://pamreed.com/pr/index.php/about/)

Beth Risdon: Popular author of Shut Up and Run, this woman is amazing.  44-years old, Beth discovered running late in life and went from zero to 26.2 miles!!!  She’s overcome injuries along the way, and always has hilarious stories for her blog followers.  She loves to write, believes in holding nothing back and telling the truth.  She believes in being real.  Her philosophy on living is, “Don’t let fear hold you down.  That’s a big time waster.  Actually, it’s a big life waster.” (from http://www.shutupandrun.net/p/about-me.html) 

Ok, that was Jessica's half...here's my input: I was supposed to update this post with my 3 running idols, but life got in the way.  I'll spend some time thinking about it tonight, but right now, my daughter has to go to bed and the computer is off limits.  Sorry!

Tools to Help you Succeed

A calorie-tracking tool that has an application for almost every mobile device. This makes it easy to keep a log of what you eat all day long. This tool will assist in helping you determine how what you eat affects your running!!!

http://www.livestrong.com/calorie-counter-mobile/

The Daily Mile is a website (it also has mobile apps) that helps you keep track of all the different workouts you do! It gives you the options to choose from different activities, comment on distance/time, weather, how you felt, and much more. This tool makes it easy to keep track of all those miles you log!

http://www.dailymile.com/

If you haven’t discovered the foam roller yet, you need to check it out! Once you get one, visit this website to find extremely useful video instructions on how to perform different stretches. Trust me, your body will thank you!!

http://www.bodyspex.com/Exercises.aspx?ExerciseArticleID=4

RunKeeper not only helps you keep a log of all of your miles, but they provide a mobile app that acts like a GPS. You just start the app and off you go on your run! Once you finish the run, select finish and save and the information is automatically uploaded. And you can choose to share it with others via social media websites!

http://runkeeper.com/home

Am I the Runner I Want to Be?

     A while back I wrote a post in my other blog, The Adventures of the Loch Ness, about the The Me I Want to Be.  That was almost a year ago!  Sometimes, I feel myself slipping back into those old thought-processes.  I have grand plans for how I envision the "perfect" me: I am a 7 min miler, I run 60-65 miles per week, I never have "off" days where I don't feel like working out, and I diligently hit the track for speed work at least once a week.

     In reality, that is most definitely not who I am!  I am an 8:30 min miler, most weeks I manage to get in 25 miles, I have lots of off days where I have to drag myself off the couch and onto the road, and I only get to the track when my running buddy, Leonie, makes me go!

(Photo from SunSentinel.com)

     If I put life into perspective, I have to acknowledge that I work 50-60 hours per week.  I have a wonderful husband that I love to spend time with.  I am the "mother" of a 4-yo Golden Retriever.  And when I look at it that way, I'm pretty happy.  There are definitely areas that I would like to improve, and that's what keeps me going - the chance to become that "perfect" me as a runner!  I set goals for myself, and I work towards them, but I refuse to beat myself up if I don't get there as fast as I want to.

Nessie the Wonder Dog! (She's not a big fan of running)

Are you the runner that you want to be?

Running on Vacation...

When you're away from home, sometimes it feels like you're out of your element and makes logging miles even more challenging. But sometimes, it makes running so much more fun because everything about each run is new. No regular routes to bore you into a slower pace, always something new to catch your attention and distract you from the tired feeling you normally experience. 

One of my favorite parts of my monthly Runner's World magazine, is in the first few pages...the Rave Run that profiles incredible scenery and a beautiful runner just enjoying life. While I haven't quite found a place worthy of submission, today I did come across an excellent place to run - Occoquan Regional Park in Lorton, VA. There are paved paths for those who like the stability of the asphalt, and well-groomed trails for the rest of us. It was a short 4 mile jog that took me on both.

As fall is approaching, the air was cool and crisp and it smelled wonderful (who knows why rotting leaves smell so darn good?!).  I only passed one person out there and it was heaven. Finding this place was definitely a great start to my week, especially since I'll be here for another 2 weeks.

Pros:

1. Both pavement and trail options exist for runners.

2. The isolation is refreshing.

3. Even though I was right next to a highway, I felt like I was miles away in a forest.

Cons:

1. Trail/pavement + wet leaves = higher chances of falling (especially if you have the coordination of my sister)

2. The isolation could be somewhat scary. I recommend running in such an environment with a buddy if at all possible.

3. Run routes that require driving are always a negative in my book. 

I even got to throw in some stairs midway through miles 2 and 3! 

What a great spot to do some cool down stretching in.

Rock the Creek 5k

Can you think of a better way to kick off a vacation than an impromptu 5k?  Neither can we!  On Saturday, 15 October, we drove north to participate in "the hardest 5k in DC.". Rock the Creek was held in the scenic (and aptly named) Rock Creek Park and hosted by the National Road Racing League. Although it was a small race by most standards, it was professional and most importantly, lots of fun.  In addition to having individual runners, several runners entered as teams.

The lovely ladies of Team Forester

Jen and Kristin pre-race

The race started with a fairly easy downhill mile. Then, the course flattened out as we ran beside the creek. At the turn around point, we were cheered on by volunteers manning a water station. In our minds, we had made the second half out to be a giant hill, but we chatted and ran at a comfortable pace and before we knew it, crossed the finish line. They offered great refreshments post-race and tons of raffle prizes (which we unfortunately didn't win). 

The hilarious race director who provided great pre and post race entertainment!  

Great way to start a Saturday!

RazzyRoo Headband Giveaway

There are hundreds of types of headbands out there for runners, and we’ve tried them all.  Unfortunately, that’s a lot of money down the toilet testing products.  But we’re here to save you the trouble and some money!  Mentioned in a previous post, the RazzyRoo headbands are not only effective, but they are also stylish!  And we have linked up with RazzyRoo to giveaway two free headbands!!  Enter our giveaway and we promise you will NOT be disappointed.  In fact, we believe you’ll start spreading the word about how great this product is!

(Photos courtesy of RazzyRoo.com)

How to enter: (one entry per requirement met)

1)  Follow our blog and leave a comment. (REQUIRED) 

2) Go to the RazzyRoo Facebook page and like (http://www.facebook.com/pages/RazzyRoo-Headbands/144809755566808)  (REQUIRED) 

3)Follow us on twitter @irunthere4iam 

4)Tell us what your favorite running gadget is.

We will select TWO individual winners to receive 1 RazzyRoo headband each.  Giveaway ends 10/24.