SLS3 Running Belt

**This blog entry also appears on my blog**

I want to tell you about a new running belt I tried recently.  

I'm a fan of running belts, but quite picky about them.  Why am I a fan?  Short story:  I like to run with stuff.  Long story:  I like to run with a lot of stuff:  my phone, chapstick, assorted snacks (fruit snacks or gummies and Clif or Luna bars).  I like to run with a lot of stuff and don't like things in my pocket.  I like to run with a lot of stuff and don't like things in my pocket and don't like dropping things off to pick up when I need them.  (There.  Are you happy to know the whole story now?)

Enter the running belt.  With a good running belt, I can still carry my "essentials" (yes I realize MY list of essentials may be different than yours.  To each his/her own!) and still be comfortable.  There's nothing worse than feeling hindered or uncomfortable while running.  This belt did NOT make me feel that way.  

So what belt is it?  I had the opportunity to try the SLS3 running belt.  Yes, I tried it while running on my treadmill. (What?  I need stuff while running inside too!  Plus, it's been really cold up here!  My southern blood does not enjoy winter temperatures in the midwest.)  SLS3 has several types of running belts, but I tried the Dual Pocket Water Resistant one (in black!). 

I was a little doubtful that my phone would fit.  The usual problem for me with running belts is that my phone only fits without the case.  News flash:  I don't ever want to run without my phone in its case.  I've been known to drop my phone a time or two (okay, WAY more than a time or two...).  I've even been known to drop my phone while running.  Thanks to Otterbox it doesn't matter because it's protected.  So in THIS belt, my phone fit.  My iPhone 6 in its Otterbox Defender case fit!  And I could still zip the belt!  I could also UNZIP it to take out my phone.  Perfect!  The other pocket I devoted to my running snacks (fruit snacks -- yum!).

During my 6 mile run, the belt stayed put with very little movement.  It also didn't rub or bother me.  Hooray for comfort AND functionality!

If you'd like to try out the SLS3 belt, there's a limited time introductory price for the dual pocket run belt on Amazon.  The belt retails at $29.90 but it's currently $12.90 (57% Off) there. (Great deal!)

Even better, want to enter to win one for free?  Here's your chance!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to follow SLS3 on all of their social media pages because they have WAY more than just belts!

Twitter - @SLS3USA

Facebook – @SLS3COMPRESSION

Instagram - @SLS3USA

Follow & join the conversation with these hashtags:  #RunningBelt #SLS3 #SLS3RunningBelt

**SLS3 sent me the belt to rate and review, but that doesn't mean it's not an amazing belt!**

 but that's another story! 

Thanks for reading & happy running!

Weekly Update #1

Okay, so Week 1 is officially finished and it went well. It was not easy to get going but I did everything on the plan. I walked 3 days (2 miles each time was on the plan). Seems I walk about a 17 minute mile which is very slow.  I may add some running in over the next few weeks. Straight walking seems to be harder on my calves than running is.

I went to Yoga 3 times. I went to a few different classes as I try to figure out what makes sense for me. Ideally, since I also want to lose weight, getting cardio in during a yoga class makes sense but there are very few that are easy enough for me to actually participate in but hard enough to give me a workout.  I am lucky to have a few great yogo studios nearby and each offers something a bit different. I am spending these first few weeks figuring out what the difference classes do and which I like for which reasons.

I definitely feel better at the end of this week than I did at the beginning.  I loved the feel of a good workout in a more difficult (for me) yoga class today.  And I've been sleeping a bit better which is always good!

Starting From Scratch...Again

At the Nerdrun, I found lots of my #runteacherrun friends.  We were happy to see each other and took a few photos together. The picture above MIGHT be when I walked back to Mary Lee and others and explained who that group was. Mary Lee, honest as always, chuckled as she knows that I actually don't run. The look says, "Really? You just took a picture with your Run Teacher Run friends?  Do they know you don't run?"  It is rather amusing (pathetic, but amusing) that I have this blog with Sherry, I facilitate the #runteacherrun Facebook page, and I wear my #runteacherrun shirt often and I haven't actually run for a while...

It's been 2 years since I ran 2 5Ks.  I started a 16 week program with an online coach in January of 2012 and that May and July I ran 2 5Ks. I was very slow but I worked hard to get to the point that I could run 3 miles without stopping.    Then stuff happened that got me off track.  I've started up a few times but never got back to actually running.

I turned 50 this year and I am in the worst shape I've ever been in.  I have not made exercise a priority--going back to the classroom 2 years ago and changing grade levels took more time than I realized and I found myself working far more than I should have been. Very little work/life balance these last 2 years.

So, I am starting from scratch and thought I'd use this blog to track my progress over the next ten weeks.  I learned a lot that first round of becoming a runner in 2012 and I think I am going into this smarter.  Here is the plan:

#1--I am going to work hard to limit my work.  I tend to stretch out writing and planning so it takes all day instead of a few hours. So I am going to try to set aside a certain amount of hours on the weekend and only work during those hours (work includes schoolwork, blog posts, reading books for review committees, writing articles, etc.). Some weekends might require more work than others but I am going to set time and make sure I stick to it and make time for other things.

#2--Training for a 5K two years ago made sense but one thing I realized was that I didn't get the cardio and mileage that I needed. So instead of training to run a 5K, I am going to train to walk (fast I hope) a 15K.  I found this training plan that I plan to follow starting on Monday. It will give me more mileage and build my stamina a bit more than a 5K I think. I need to get into some kind of better cardio-health.  There is a 15K here in Columbus in mid-November. I'm not sure I can walk fast enough to do a 15 minute mile for 10 miles (which is required for the race) but it is a good maybe. We'll just have to see how it goes as I have absolutely no idea how long it takes me to walk a mile right now.

#3--The one thing I have found I love is the combination of cardio and yoga.  I did hot power yoga 2 years ago and it was far too difficult.  But I loved it and got stronger. My daughter suggested I begin a   beginner yoga class and learn HOW to do the things I am supposed to do so I found some great beginner yoga teachers and am ready to move on. I plan to do at least 2 yoga classes a week, starting out with easier classes but moving on as I build cardio and strength).

#4--Morning workouts--I'll have to fit in a few morning workouts in order to meet all of these goals.  Luckily we have a great place to work out and I have a treadmill at home.  I have some friends at school who work out every morning so I'll have some accountability:-)

#5--I have to change our eating habits at home. I am usually pretty good at breakfast and lunch if I plan ahead. We tend to eat quick at home because we are always in a hurry and we've gotten out of the habit of planning meals so we'll start that up again.  Healthier dinners.

So tomorrow I am walking (sauntering) our Dublin 5K. And on Monday, I'll begin the 15K plan. It is a busy week with our district leadership academy and a few other full days of PD but it will be a good way to start because making time for exercise is never easy.  I'll just have to work around other commitments.

I'm hoping to report back on the blog weekly. 

Still running!

Yes, I'm still running...and I hope you are too.

It was a long, cold winter.  Many of us grew to hate our treadmills.  Others took extended breaks from running.  Whatever your story, it's time to return to the #runteacherrun fold!  Spring is here and summer break is right around the corner for many.  We welcome you back to running with open arms!

Last weekend I ran in the Indy 500 Mini-Marathon.  Strangely enough, it was my first extended race since my January marathon of 2013.  (Okay, there was that Jingle Bell run in December 2013...my 5K return to running after being released by the doctor!)

runners on the Indianapolis 500 Track

I trained some for this half marathon, but not to the intensity that I have in the past.  I didn't follow a training plan.  I ran sporadically.  If I didn't feel like running, I didn't.  Guess what?  It showed in my finish time!  It was my slowest half marathon ever.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm thankful that I was able to RUN 13.1 miles after foot surgery only 8 months ago.

My 8 year old son asked me the night before the race if I was going to win.  I told him there was absolutely no way I would win the race, but I would definitely finish.  His words of wisdom:

 Every time you make it to the finish line you win.  

Out of the mouths of babes, indeed.

So, I celebrate my finish but I'm also reminded that with running (and life in general), you get out of it what you put into it.  Yes, I can embrace every single finish line as a success but if I am in search of a faster finish time, I'll have to work for it.  It won't just happen by chance.  To be a faster runner, I have to train!  I'll need to do that dreaded speed work on a regular basis.  I'll need to be consistent with my running and push myself.  Will it be uncomfortable?  Absolutely!  Will it hurt at times?  Probably!  But setting a goal and working toward it is never a bad thing.  It's time to step out of my comfort zone and get to work.  

It's time to #runTeacherrun!  

(Look out fall half marathons...I'm looking for a PR!)

RockMyRun.Com

Now that spring is right around the corner (surely it is, right?)...some of us have actually made it back outside to run.  I know some of you die-hards run outside all winter, but I get pretty friendly with my treadmill once it dips below 25 degrees!  In the winter, I binge on Netflix movies and tv shows during my running time.  When I finally head outside, I forget how wonderful it is to lose yourself in a great playlist of high-energy songs.  

But how do you make a great playlist?  Who has the time to download and put together songs in the right order?  Not me.  I'm horrible at it and usually end up pressing shuffle or fast forward quite a bit when I'm running.  But not any more!  During one of the #RunChat twitter talks (can't remember the month...), I found out about a great app for my phone called Rock My Run.  

Wait, do you know about #Runchat?  Here's a little bit of info for you:

"RunChat is the leading Twitter chat about running. It is held at 10 p.m. ET on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month and at 8 p.m. ET the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. David (@RunningBecause) and Scott (@iRunnerBlog) are co-founders and co-moderators of #RunChat." -- from http://therunchat.com/faq/)

Rock My Run is an app for smartphones "that provides The Best Running Music in the World for active people."  It's a free app and Standard Membership is also free.  Yes, there's the ability to upgrade to a paid Premium Membership, but I haven't tried that yet.  I think an advantage of upgrading to a paid membership (for me) would be to have access to downloading running mixes longer than 45 minutes.  I'm already thinking about this option for my next half-marathon.  

What do I like about Rock My Run?  I love that I can download a complete run mix to my phone without having to hook up to my computer or some other nonsense.  I also like that the mixes are already calibrated to specific BPMs.  For me, that helps me stay on track!  I respond to music innately so songs with faster bpms automatically make me pick up my pace.  I like the diversity in the music too.  Yes, sometimes it has a bit of a techno/dance club feel to it as the songs transition, but that usually depends on the DJ. 

Currently I have 7 different mixes from RockMyRun:  3 are 45 minutes long and the other 4 are 30-36 minutes long.  

 

My current favorite mix is the RunChat Fan Mix.  With tracks from Lorde, Train, Adele, Jay Z, Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, Robin Thicke, Mumford & Sons, Run DMC (It's Tricky!), and more... it is a great smash up of current and past pop songs.  

I suggest you give RockMyRun a try!  No, I don't receive anything if you do and no, I didn't receive anything to promote the app here on our RunTeacherRun site.  RockMyRun is just my newest favorite running tool and I think you'll love it too!

Happy Running!

My Running Story by Danielle

Three years ago when I was visiting my parents (who live out of state) as I do every summer. My father, who is diabetic, is never without a diet Pepsi in his hand (going through about 20 a day) now has to give himself shots for a disease that just a few years ago his doctors told him could be controlled with diet and exercise. Was this my future? I knew then something had to change. I scheduled a physical the week I returned. My doctor told me I could stand to lose a few pounds (she was being gracious) and was concerned that some of my other issues, like insomnia, lack of energy, and depression were exacerbated by my lack of activity.Things had to change.

This isn’t the story of a girl who grew up active and fell off the bandwagon after college. I wasn’t ever an athletic kid. I didn’t grow up in an athletic family. I really had no idea where too start. Team sports were daunting and I joined a gym with good intentions, but never got up the guts to go. What I did have in my favor is location. I live within walking distance of two state parks and the Appalachian trail is just a quick drive from my house. So I started hiking. My dogs were especially happy with this new routine. I loved it.

Something inside me just sort of clicked after several weeks of hiking. If I can walk and hike, I thought, I can run. So, like Forrest Gump, I started running. Well, it wasn’t quite that epic. The first time out I ran about a tenth of a mile and walked another four. But I kept going. We had a treadmill in the basement that I dusted off. I started making deals with myself while watching shows on the DVR. Walk during the show, run through the commercials. Soon, I was running through the show and walking during commercials. Finally, without really realizing it, I broke a personal record and ran six miles in 1 hour. SIX MILES! The girl who never thought of herself as athletic was running.

Now I was confident enough to try out some 5Ks. There was a zombie run and a few mud runs. Then I got the crazy idea to run a half marathon -- not an actual organized event, I wasn’t ready for that. Instead, I mapped out a route locally and after about two months of training, got out there to tackle those 13.1 miles. There was some walking, there was lots of sweat, and it wasn’t pretty, but I did it. Such an amazing feeling to know that my body, the one I had spent most of my life feeling uncomfortable in, was now strong -- strong enough to tackle some pretty incredible challenges.

But pride (and a smaller waistline) weren’t the only benefits I’d noticed. I was sleeping better, I had more energy, and I’d found an alternative to eating my feelings. There is nothing like coming home from an especially stressful day and running until I can’t run anymore. My last physical turned up great numbers - all the numbers that used to be of concern are now well in the normal range. I am not the fastest or the most graceful runner. Any sort of physical activity seems to turn my face a lovely shade of tomato red and I sweat like it’s my job. Somedays I walk more than I run, but I still get out there. Judging myself against the progress of others is something I let go of long ago, instead I focus on how far I’ve come. I am strong and I am a runner. Something I couldn’t have imagined three years ago is now something I can’t imagine ever being without.

Bio:

Danielle has been a high school English teacher 14 years and a geek her whole life.  When she’s not out  running or hiking, she can usually be found lost in a book. You can follow her literary and school related adventures and misadventures on twitter (@MyMercurialMuse) or on her blog (www.MyMercurialMusings.com).

2014 Goals

(This is part of a longer post I did at A Year of Reading today. In this post, I left out my reading and professional goals and really focused on those that connected to fitness, health, etc.)



Well, 2013 was not a great year in terms of meeting any of my goals. A ridiculous concussion with a unique healing-turned-into-migraine cycle, followed by drugs that didn't really help, made for a pretty blah year in terms of getting things done. It was a real bummer as I spent 2012 working hard to get in shape (Couch to 5K and Yoga) and read lots.  So, now, at the end of 2013, I am kind of back to where I was a few years ago. But when I look back, I learned lots.  I am not good at slowing down and the Concussion Year forced me to do that (since I had nothing else to do).

I realized that the goals aren't really so important.  Having a time in my life that I couldn't read, work or exercise was fascinating.  I really had nothing to do as I don't have many hobbies not related to reading, work on computers.  So, it forced me to take a break and to think about what I love and how I want to spend my time.  During my first week of the concussion rest, I told a friend that I thought God was telling me I needed to rest.  She said, "He has been trying to tell you that for a while. You just weren't listening."  Good friends say what you need to hear, I guess.

Anyway, going into 2013, I am just celebrating the fact that I can read again. And I can exercise again. And I can work a lot again. And I can write again. I do love work.  But I did learn that I also love rest. And I learned that I haven't been taking care of my own learning.  And I learned that I got so busy that I didn't even realize it.  And I realized that once I had to quit on all of the ongoing projects I was involved in, it was okay.


Fitness
Our #runteacherrun Facebook Group has grown to over 200 members! I haven't been very active on it this year as I've lost so much running time.  And I was never great at running anyway. But I do want to get back to it.  The Facebook Group started a challenge and I think I'll join.  With some modifications.  Here is the official challenge:

2014 Run Teacher Run Challenge- join me?
*Run or work out at least 14 times a month in 2014.
*Post at least 14 times on run teacher run.
*Run at least 4 "real" or virtual races in 2014. (Or create your own with friends!)
*Run at least 400 miles in 2014. (Or create your own workout equivalent to miles.)
*Encourage 4 teacher friends to run/workout and join us here in this group!

I'll modify in a few ways.  I definitely want to work out at least 14 times a month in 2014 and I want to post at least 14 times on the Run Teacher Run page. I'll also encourage others to join the group.  In terms of races, I am going to try for 1 race or virtual race. I am not a big fan of races so one seems like plenty to me.  And I am not going to set a mile goal. I am a very slow runner (15 minute miles--slower than walking). I think my goal will to be to keep track of my mileage in 2014. That's all. Just to begin that habit.

I also started a membership to My Yoga Online. I love going to the yoga studio and we are lucky to have a few great ones and lots of great teachers here. But, some days, I just don't have the time for the driving, set up and 1 hour class. My Yoga Online has all different classes that I can do at home with my membership. If I add this as an option, I should be able to fit in 3 yoga classes a week.

Word for 2014

So, I have always been fascinated by people who have a word for the year.  I haven't really had one of those as I could never think of the write one.  But I think I have one for 2014.  I was looking for one and have been pondering my need to "get things done", plan ahead, etc.  I never seem to just enjoy what I am doing as I am always worried about or thinking about what's next or what I don't have done or how behind I am.

Nerdlution has been good for me. Even though I have been on a 10 day nerdlution-vacation.  It helped me see that I do need breaks and balance.  And that I have to be careful not to think too far head.  Mary Lee posted this link to the #nerdlution Twitter group this week and it said a lot to me.  So my word for 2014 is going to be TODAY.  I am going to try really really really hard to not stress about all that is coming my way and enjoy each day whether it is a day full of work, rest, friends, exercise, whatever.  I love my days but so often I get caught up on what's next or what I didn't get done, that I don't enjoy the day or what I am currently doing as much as I should.  Each day is different and TODAY seems like a good word for me for 2014.

Birthday
And I will turn 50 in 2014.  I have been telling everyone and saying I'm 50 for a while as so not to be too shocked when it actually happens.  (See why TODAY is such a good word for me!)  In 2012, when I started C25K, I figured I'd be in great shape by the time I turned 50. I had plenty of time, right? Well, it didn't turn out that way, but it is what it is. I'll just keep working toward that goal.

Back in the Saddle

December 7, 2013 was my slowest 5K ever (and probably my coldest as well).

But neither of those details really truly matter.

Why?

Because I ran.

In a race.

15 weeks after my accident.

10 days after finally returning to the world of running.

For me, it was a celebration of healing and gratefulness for the ability to run.

A far cry from the beginning of 2013 where I celebrated turning 40 by running my first marathon...

but no less important.


It will be a while before I'm able to run longer distances, but I know how to work towards that goal:

By lacing up my running shoes and putting one foot in front of the other.



As we wrap up 2013 and look forward towards 2014, I hope that you continue to #RunTeacherRun.

I know I will!

Still Running by Gill Hunter

Still Running

by Gill Hunter

@gillhunter_eku

I ran two half marathons in the last two weeks. The performances themselves are certainly nothing to write about; I finished way, waaaay back in the pack in both races. I could write about the uniqueness of the races or courses – both were first-time events, both were hilly, and both were definitely scenic. On November 2nd, I ran in the Shakertown Half Marathon, the first trail race I’ve run, and my slowest ever. I was faster, but by no means fast, on November 16th, when I ran the Renfro Rock ’n Run Half Marathon.

I can spin those details, right? More time to enjoy the view…. Made sure to get my money’s worth…. Started my recovery run halfway through the race….

The thing is, though, that each time I crossed the finish line, more than an hour after the top runners had finished, it felt like a victory. Because I couldn’t help but think about how far I’d come.

***

I went for a run on July 9th. I didn’t get a particularly early start; I had run Lexington’s annual Bluegrass 10k on July 4th and left for a short vacation with my family the next day. We got back late on the 8th so I slept in a little and moved slowly to start the day. By the time I set out it was nearly 10:00 and the temperature was already climbing. I had envisioned an 8 miler, but cut back those plans, heeding the weatherman’s heat advisory. I still wanted to be tough, though; after all I’m a runner, so I followed a familiar 6 mile route.

That route offers little shade, and the sun beat down. I ended up walking more than I usually do, and by mile 5 or so I didn’t feel very good at all. I decided my blood sugar was low, so I stopped at a hotel about a mile from home and asked for a Coke. Taking pity on me, they gave me one and I sat outside for 5 minutes or so, drinking and hoping things would improve.

Things didn’t improve, so I self-diagnosed some more: my body temperature had to be too high. I went back in to ask for a cold towel. I just needed to do enough to get back home. No one was up front, so I balanced myself at the counter and hollered my request toward the back.

I don’t know what happened next.

I heard a man’s loud voice, “Sir! Sir! We’ve called the paramedics!” I looked up, discovering I was lying flat on my back on the hotel’s hardwood floor. I tried to sit up, but couldn’t really do it. I asked the man to call my wife – I said something like that anyway – and tried to give him her number. He was nervous and I couldn’t talk clearly, but I knew enough to point to my shoe: my wife feared the Road ID tag she bought me would come in handy. On this day it helped save my life.

Two young ladies came around the corner. One brought the towel I had asked for, several of them actually, and the other was pushing a bucket and mop. It was then that I noticed the pain in the back of my head.

Again, I don’t know what happened next. Evidently I drifted in and out of consciousness, with the towel-bearer kneeling behind me, putting pressure on the gash in my head and holding me up as much as she could. She told my wife I was humming/mumbling/singing; I wish I knew the song. The bucket and mop-bearer cleaned up the pool of blood that had poured from my head and – a really good thing – got it cleaned up before my wife showed up. I was thrilled when my wife rushed through the door; it dawned on me that it was a miracle that I was seeing her again. I saw immediately the concern on her face. The paramedics, for whatever reason, didn’t share her concern: 19 minutes after the hotel’s manager called, they still hadn’t arrived. So my wife helped me to the car and we left.

She took me home, helped me get cleaned up a little bit and I sprawled, rather pathetically, on a towel on the floor trying to get the blood to stop flowing from my head. It wouldn’t quit, so I agreed to a trip to the emergency room.

It’s amazing how quickly a patient gets attention when his head is pouring blood. The nurse had never stapled a head closed before, but 5 staples later she considered herself an expert. Two bags of fluids got me to the point where I could at least comfortably sit up. The ER’s biggest concern, though, was my heart. Their thinking was simple, really: lots of people run in the heat, and lots get overheated, but I had passed out, and there had to be a reason.

Multiple blood pressure tests, an EKG, and an Echo test. A brief visit from the cardiologist, a follow-up appointment with another cardiologist, and a treadmill stress test. A baby aspirin every day, avoiding ibuprofen (did I mention the renal failure?), opting for the treadmill when the heat and humidity are high. Lots happened on July 9th, and lots has happened since then. I learned that day – and had to confess it to the cardiologist before he released me from the ER – that I have to be smarter than I am tough. My wife holds me to it, but she doesn’t have to. I now understand that taking care of myself the right way is literally a matter of life and death. I’ll exercise – doctor’s orders, after all – but I won’t be stupid.

And I’m going to race. Well, maybe not race like those at the front of the pack, but I’ll make strides. I’m still running, and I’m competing with myself – especially with what I would be if I weren’t running at all. And I’m steadily and purposefully and carefully, if slowly, running away from what could have been on that day in July.

Lament

I'm injured.

It's been 5 weeks since I last ran.

My last run was a truly awful one of 6 miles instead of  the planned 7.  I chafed so badly in my favorite pair of running shorts, I actually called my husband to come pick me up instead of finishing the last mile.  I have NEVER called him to pick me up from a run.  Not in rain, snow, or from exhaustion.

5 weeks later I'd give anything to go back and run that one last mile despite the pain.  Even walk the last mile.  Just savor being outside and being ABLE to put one foot in front of the other.

I had an unfortunate accident with a knife after I returned from my run.  It severed the tendon to my big toe which resulted in surgery and 4 weeks in a walking boot 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as well as crutches for the first 2 weeks.

I'm out of the boot now.  The stitches have been removed.  I still can't walk normally.  I can't even move all of my toes.  My foot is purple and swollen.  I'm icing.  Elevating.  Trying to relearn how to walk.

And all I can think about is running.

When will I be able to run again???

I miss it something awful.  The solitude.  The sense of accomplishment.  The release.

I had already decided I wouldn't be running the Chicago Marathon in a few weeks before the injury.  Now I wonder why in the world I backed out instead of just going for it and embracing the training.  (Anyone need a bib?  I have one...cheap!)

Now I'm looking ahead.  Will I be able to run a half marathon by winter of 2014 or is spring more realistic?  I just don't know what to expect or how long this recovery is really going to take.

What I do know is I regret not taking advantage of every single day I was able to run when I was healthy.

I regret taking it for granted.

Running and being healthy enough to run is a gift.  A blessing.

Embrace every single step.  Every single mile.  Enjoy the journey.

Get off the couch and #runteacherrun!

Running Streak

If you're a member of our Facebook group or follow our #runteacherrun group on Twitter, you probably saw many postings about "the streak!"  Several of us made the commitment to join the Runner's World run streak (#RWRunStreak) and run at lest one mile a day from Memorial Day through Independence Day:  39 consecutive days of running...

I made the commitment because I love having a goal to achieve in running. I've found that I'm not one of those people who will just go out and run. I need a set plan, usually a training plan working towards a race, to tell me how much to run that I can check off as finished each day. This running streak seemed like a great way to stay motivated and be active each day.

The streak ended yesterday on July 4th. This morning I'm sitting in my recliner with my legs propped up and relishing the idea that I'm not going to run today...not even one little measly mile!  

I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the streak. It was motivating to know that no matter what, I needed to make sure I logged a mile daily.  What I found was that many days, it was difficult to only go "just a mile".  Other days, I was beyond grateful that I only had to run "just a mile".  It's amazing how my perspective changed depending on day-to-day circumstances and aches/pains.  I loved seeing my running friends post on Twitter and Facebook about their daily miles and encouraging everyone to #runteacherrun!

I was most worried about breaking the streak during my travels to ISTE and ALA, but packed my running gear with plans to hit the hotel treadmill daily or run outside with friends.  Sunday, June 23, was my busiest day during the streak. Leaving at 4 a.m. for an early morning flight to San Antonio and a jam packed day of our award recognition, meeting friends, and ISTE festivities equaled being on the go all day long and never actually putting on my running shoes. Arriving back at our hotel at almost midnight, I decided my mileage wouldn't be logged on Nike+ that day but it would definitely count! We walked from our hotel to the conference center (and back), the RiverWalk, as well as a portion of the giant exhibit hall, not to mention downtown San Antonio! I'm only counting 1 mile for this day and have the map to prove it! (yes, I DO realize that shows a car and not a pedestrian...and it definitely took us longer than 3 minutes to walk it...but the MILEAGE shows .5 mile -- that's the important stuff here!)

My totals for the streak:

May: 13 miles

June: 99.1 miles (I obviously wasn't paying attention or I would have run "just 1 more mile"!)

July:  13.4 miles

125.5 total miles

I am proud to say I completed the streak, but will relish today and not run!

Tomorrow is a different story...

Now to plot my next training plan and race!

A Little Change of Pace

Since Changing My Words ...Just a Little seems to be working out so well for me, I decided to change my plans just a little too! For those of you that have been following this blog, you know that I have pretty much been working on a 5K training plan since January of 2012. That is about 18 months.  The first 6 months went pretty much as planned and last summer I ran two 5Ks--The Komen Columbus Race for the Cure and the Columbus Color Run. I wouldn't say I loved either but I did wear my Team Sparkle Skirt and my Sparkly Soul headband and I did have fun with friends. I learned what a 5K was all about and learned that maybe those giant races were not for me when I was so new to them. But I did it. Then I started again, and again, and again due to many circumstances--the last one beyond my control.

So, last week, as I was on Week 3, Day 1 of C25K, I looked down at the tracker and almost cried twice.  I put in 26 minutes and didn't even go 2 miles. I was exhausted and knew that at the end of 8 weeks, I would maybe be able to run a 45 minute 5K and that my cardio would not be that much better.  I realized that the C25K had me running only 28 minutes 3 times a week and that if I wanted to bump my cardio, I needed more than that. At the same time, I was watching people track miles on Twitter and participate in the 40 day Running Streak that had them running a mile a day.  Tracking miles seemed like a smarter commitment than tracking minutes since I am not getting very far in minutes right now.

A few other things were happening. I am loving yoga which is good.  Loving it more than running.  I want to love running more than I do right now, but I just don't. Probably because I run slower than I walk and it is just no fun to make very little progress over 18 months.  I am tired of being discouraged I think.  I want to love it and I am still hopeful but I don't love it right now.

Then I was introduced to the blog RUN FOR COOKIES on Facebook. She was featured by Run Like a Mother--whose Columbus Party I will be attending in August (wooohoo!!).  As I learned all about Katie at Run for Cookies and read all about her races, I saw that she walked a few mini-marathons before she ran anything. Somewhere in my head, many years ago, I had decided that the path to becoming a runner was to run and that a 5K was the place to start. But, I did that and I have gotten no farther than a 5K. So, when I saw Katie's path, I thought it might be smarter path for me to try --or at least a different way in.  So I found this walking training plan online and decided almost instantly to change my plan just a little. Instead of Couch to 5K, I am going to do the EZ Half Marathon Training Plan and I have completed Day 1, Week 1.

My thinking is that I need a plan and I need more cardio.  I need to be working for something and I need to commit to more than 28 minutes 3 times a week.  Our Columbus marathon, which I hear is very walker-friendly is in October which is perfect timing. I should have very few weather issues between now and October and if I do, I have indoor options.  Instead of 3 thirty minute workouts a week on the C25k, logging 3-5 miles per week, I'll go 3 hourish long walks and log 10+ miles per week. Seems smarter in terms of building cardio and muscle.  The other thing that is a plus is that I have lots of friends who walk, and very few that run (at my pace:-) so I will have an easier time finding friends to walk with once in a while.  I figure I can still jog a few minutes here and there if I want to and I think my cardio should be much better in 14 weeks and I can decide on a new run goal then.  And I think I will be much more willing to add an extra walk in during the week without worrying about the training schedule.  This seems to fit my lifestyle better right now, even with the bigger time commitment.

So, my overall plan is not changing but when you keep trying the same thing over and over and over and it doesn't really get you to your end goal, it's time to try a  new path I think and this path made sense to me immediately once I saw how Katie at Run for Cookies moved from walking to running so easily.  And if not, at least I'll get to be good at walking!

"Let's Change Your Words a Little.."

So, as I've mentioned before, I am LOVING yoga. I finally started a foundations class at PAI YOGA and am learning the basics of yoga. I am hoping to give the hot power yoga a try again soon but have realized that I was missing the foundations I needed to really enjoy yoga before.  I was way out of my league trying to do the yoga my 22 year old daughter does:-)  The teacher I have is amazing and because I am in a very basic class, I'm not frustrated throughout the entire class, and I can really listen and learn.

A few weeks ago, I was asking the instructor about the difference between this class and the higher level classes as I want to try some of the others before the school year begins. I said, "I can't do a chaturanga and I'll never be able to. Can I still go to that class?" She paused, looked at me and said, "Let's change your words a little."  She talked to me a little bit about what I COULD do and that I could have a full life of yoga without ever doing a chaturanga. As a teacher, I immediately saw what she was doing, realized my own issue and wondered quietly whether my yoga instructor had read Choice Words by Peter Johnston....

I started to pay attention to my inner language throughout class that night.  As Kara was telling us to have our eyes looking toward our knees and appreciate their strength, I would notice my inner voice wondering how and when my knees  had become so fat:-)  When Kara was marveling at our feet and how amazing that they carry us from place to place, I was obsessed with the bulging veins and how old they looked. Over the last few weeks, Kara's six words have helped me to see that I have not been so kind to myself during this decade of my life.  It has not been my healthiest of decades--I've let healthy eating and exercise (and a balanced life in general) go a bit as life got in the way. I wouldn't trade where I put the time these last 10 years, but up until 10-15 years ago, I felt more healthy than unhealthy; more in shape than out-of-shape most of the time.  But I finally realized how much the inner language of my 40s has changed part of my days and what impact it is probably having on me as I try to regain a healthy lifestyle.

2012 was a year where I really committed to regaining control of my health. And I really worked hard to get healthier, run 2 5Ks, etc.  Then my concussion happened and I had 5 months of no exercise so I am back to Square One. Believe me, starting an exercise program over and over and over again is exhausting.  I guess what I have learned though,  is that it is what it is. And what I do have control over is that I can enjoy that I can move forward today.

I think part of the reason I am enjoying yoga is because it really is impacting the way I live my days. Since that conversation with Kara, I am noticing other times during the day where I need to "change my words" ...just a little. There are patterns to the times in my days where I beat myself up, where I don't believe in myself, where I give up, where I lose energy. These 6 little words that Kara gave me have given me a strategy to stop and breathe and revamp my thinking just enough to move beyond my old habits.  I love this about the impact of leading a healthier life.  Thanks, Kara!

Runner's OCD

Runners can be a bit...OCD.  *gasp*

If you're surprised by that statement, you really must not know many runners.  Runners obsess about races, shoes, paces, food, routes, miles, ... pretty much anything associated with running calls for some degree of preoccupation.

A conversation with another #runteacherrun friend brought this to mind this week.  (Yes, I've always know we were all a bit OCD...or maybe it's just me?!...but this convo reminded me and made me want to make a list!)

So, maybe you're not obsessive over everything running related, but I'll bet you do have a few "things".

Here are two of mine:

1.  Shoes  

Running shoes are easily the most important "thing" to have as a runner.  I am completely brand loyal to Brooks Glycerins.  In my 3 years as a runner, I've only purchased this particular brand and style except for a brief weak moment where I purchased Brooks Ghosts (they were cheaper!) and then returned them after a painful 6 mile run.  (Thank you Finish Line for having that 15 run day guarantee!).  I love my Brooks Glycerins.  For me, they're the perfect shoe.  Have I tried on other brands?  Yes, I have but for me nothing even comes close to my Brooks for running comfort.  

(& the new HOT PINK & GRAY 11s pictured below?  AWESOME!  My absolute favorite colors!  Can't wait to lace these babies up later this week!)

2.  Tracking Mileage

Tracking mileage is the ultimate in running OCD.  Some runners keep spreadsheets, others use handy apps and online programs to keep track of their daily miles.  I'm a Nike+ gal.  I know, I know...sometimes it can be unreliable, but I'm loyal.  I started with them in the beginning of my running journey with a Nike+ shoe sensor and the app on my iTouch.  Then I moved on to using the sensor with a SportBand.  After I got my iphone, I loved running using the Nike+ app with GPS for outside running.  Now I alternate between a Nike+ SportWatch GPS for outside runs and my trusty SportBand for treadmill runs.  I got the watch for Christmas.  I contemplated other brands, but I have so many MILES sitting in my Nike account!  They know my history.  I can easily look at EVERY RUN and compare time, pace, etc.  I also love how easy it is to share your runs on twitter and facebook.  (Love my #runteacherrun community!)

Check out the cool chart at the bottom of their products page which compares/contrasts the many Nike+ accessories.  

I used my SportWatch when I ran my first marathon in January of 2013.  It stopped after 13 miles.  Completely dead.  Whoops!  I didn't realize after traveling that I needed to charge it.  (Amateur mistake, for sure.)  Know what's cool?  I tweeted about it and NikeSupport immediately tweeted back AND they updated my account to reflect my 26.2 miles and my race time.  Today, a friend on Twitter asked me about tracking treadmill miles with the app.  I expressed my dislike of just the app on the treadmill because of the unreliability.  NikeSupport tweeted me back with suggestions of how to make it better.  I love a company that is all about customer support and uses social media to reach customers in a good way.  Thanks Nike!

So....what running related things do you obsess over?  My list will continue, but I'd love to hear from you!  Respond with a comment, or even better...if you'd like to write a post, email me at sngick {at} gmail {dot} com.

Now go out there and #runteacherrun!

5 things...

Several running things on my mind this week:

1.  Happy National Running Day!

How are you celebrating?  Why do you run?


2.  #RunTeacherRun tech shirts  

Have you ordered yours yet?  If not, get on it!  Only 6 days left to fill our quota (24 shirts ordered in each style) so the shirts will be printed.  If we don't get 24 the price skyrockets!  Don't miss out on a great deal and a great shirt.  (Thanks to Susan Geidner for tackling this project!)

Ladies:

Order here:  http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/7814

Men:

Order here:  http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/7820

3.  Runner's World Running Streak

Are you streaking with us?  Today is day 10!  Not sure what I'm talking about?  Read more about it here.

4.  Summer Running

Although it hasn't been as hot as usual here in Indiana, the humidity is still high!  Be sure to get your miles done in the morning or late evening and HYDRATE!  Run with a water bottle or drop one on your down-and-out route.  Don't wait until you get thirsty to take in your water.

5.  #RunTeacherRun Playlist

Remember when we asked for your favorite running songs?  You responded!  Hopefully you'll find at least one new one to add to your summer playlist!

• Run by Snow Patrol.
• Scream and Shout by will.i.am & Britney
• Scream by Usher
• Can't Hold Us by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. It is terrific!!
• Beauty and the Beat by Justin Bieber. 
• Vegas Girl by Conor Maynard. It's all about the beat for me! 
• Single Ladies by Beyonce.  It gets me pumped up and moving every time I hear it, even though I am far from being a single lady anymore as the happily-married mama of 5 kiddos!
• Galvanize by Chemical Brothers -- for longer stretches for which I have to maintain a tough pace :)
• Feel this Moment  by Christina Aguilera and Pitbull -- makes me speed up
• Fighter by Christina Aguilera
• Golddigger by Kanye (terrible, I know)  
• Lose Yourself  by Eminem
• the distance and "you're never there" by Cake
• "Mysterious Ways and Vertigo by U2
• Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine
• The BAD news is that Hanson is one of your guilty pleasure songs. The GOOD news is that it's not Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch (my guilty pleasure song of choice:)

Happy running!

Now get out there and #runteacherrun or #moveteachermove!

Nothing Like a Couple Ultras in a Month to Keep you Fit

by Mike Roberts 

Twitter:  @baldroberts

Fruita Double Marathon (52 miles)

Three weeks ago, I had the pleasure of running the Fruita Double Marathon. This is a great trail run that runs along the Colorado River. There is some climbing involved (about 8,500 feet), but nothing too severe.

Besides being an awesome course, this run also holds significance to me because it is the only run I have ever DNF’d (did not finish). See, last year when I ran it, it was 90 degrees (no joke!), and I got WAY dehydrated. As a result, I had to drop out at mile 38 (along with a bunch of other people).

But this year, the weather forecast called for cloudy skies and temps in the mid-50s. So I loaded up the car, drove the five hours to Fruita, and found myself standing on the start line. My plan was to run slowly, eat at every aid station, and stay hydrated.

Everything was going according to plan (even the weather) until I hit the last aid station at mile 47. Figuring I only had five miles left, I assumed I would be ok to just run this one in without refueling at all.

Big mistake.

See, what I didn’t realize is that the next three miles of the race included 1,300 feet of climbing (yes, this was a loop course, but my brain isn’t as sharp as it should be after 47 or so miles). By the time I had dragged myself to the top, I bonked in a serious way. As in, “I think I might pass out” serious.

Luckily, I had a pack of shot blocks on me, and after a few minutes, things were back to normal…as normal as things can be after 50 miles.

In the end, I shuffled down the last decent, and crossed the finish line in 11:33:03.

Having avenged my DNF, I can now rest comfortably at night.

I’ll See Your Double Marathon, and Raise you a Half (and change)

Feeling good about my double-marathon, this past weekend I once again loaded up the car and heading to Moab to take part in the Red Rock Relay. This 70-mile relay race has teams of six rotating throughout the run as a way to keep everyone fresh.

Me? I was running it solo.

The race started in town, headed up the canyon for a few miles, then connected with the La Sal mountain loop. There were lots of run-able hills, and the weather was perfect (mid 60s) until about 2:00. After that, things heated up a bit, but nothing too scorching (peaking out at 80). 

I’m doing a charity run for my school in June where I’m running from Salt Lake to Las Vegas (http://www.mikesrun4rowlandhall.com/), and I was going to use this as my last long training run. My plan for the Vegas run is to run two miles, then walk one mile so as to cut down on recovery time each night, and this was the schedule I planned to implement for this run.

I tried to stick to my run two miles, walk one-mile routine for the first few miles, but I felt too good to do that for the whole run. Plus, I really didn’t NEED to recover for another long any time soon, so instead, I just ran most of the course very slowly. This isn't to say that I didn't walk from time to time and on the long hills, but it wasn't as often as I had planned.

And as crazy as it sounds, it was a fairly easy run. I only hit one "rough" patch (from miles 50-55), but it didn't last too long. I soon recovered, and I was even able to run the last six miles of the race (if you call a slow, 12 minute per mile shuffle running)

In the end, I finished in 12:29:10. I was hoping to simply make it in under the cutoff (14 hours), so I am super psyched about my time. Plus, I can still walk today. It's a slow, hobbling walk, but a walk nonetheless.

Guest Post: 1 year of Running by Brenda Power

This week's guest post is by Brenda Power, founder of Choice Literacy

Thanks for sharing your story with us!

It’s been exactly one year since I started training for a 5K. I was inspired by Franki Sibberson’s commitment and discipline. I’ve done three 5Ks since then, and I’ll be trying my first 10K in August. This is after years of many sporadic and unsuccessful attempts to exercise.

When I think about what keeps me going, it’s one thing. The desire to get healthy? Nope – of course I’d love to be healthier, but that never fully catapulted me off the couch before. Vanity? Sure, I have plenty of that. But Vanity + No Discipline does not a runner make.

The thing that keeps me going is music! Here in Maine jogging outside is impossible for 4-5 months of the year because of snow, ice, and finally mud season (no kidding – in early April the mud gets so thick up here on the dirt road I live on  that I have sunk up to my ankles). What relieves the boredom of the treadmill is some great tunes – to rev me up, take me back to happier times, or help me imagine a healthier, happier me.

It turns out I’m not alone in relying on music to keep me going. In the March 2013 issue of Scientific American (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=psychology-workout-music), researchers verified that exercising to music helps athletes overcome fatigue and work a little harder:

The human body is constantly monitoring itself. After a certain period of exercise—the exact duration varies from person to person—physical fatigue begins to set in. The body recognizes signs of extreme exertion—rising levels of lactate in the muscles, a thrumming heart, increased sweat production—and decides it needs a break. Music competes with this physiological feedback for the brain's conscious attention. Similarly, music often changes people's perception of their own effort throughout a workout: it seems easier to run those 10 miles or complete a few extra biceps curls when Beyoncé or Eminem is right there with you.

I know when I am struggling to keep running, the right upbeat tune makes me jog for just a few minutes longer. Some songs take me back to happy times; others help me imagine months ahead when I’ll be healthier and have more energy because I’m exercising now.

When I’m getting bored with jogging, just putting together a new playlist of songs can get me excited again for the day’s workout. Finding new songs to add to playlists was a problem for many months. I’d scramble for a scrap of paper and pen to jot down songs that might work when I’d hear them on the radio. Googling “playlists for running” made me realize yet again how old I am – most of the playlists come from a younger generation that thrives on exercising to hip-hop or heavy metal head banging stuff. That’s not me.

I finally found jog.fm a few months ago, and my search is over for running tunes to sample and add to my playlists. jog.fm is a site where runners share their lists, and even better, the songs are all listed by beats per minute/pace. So if you are looking for songs to fit your pace as a runner (or a pace you aspire to), you can search by beats alone. A great bonus feature at the site is their mapping app – the best one I’ve found on the web for charting out routes from your home and calculating mileage. I live two miles down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere rural Maine, and my home often doesn’t show up accurately with maps on the web. But the one at jog.fm is dead-on accurate, and it’s fun to calculate new routes without having to drive them first.

Here are some of my favorite songs for playlists with the categories that work for me:

Anthems

• Let the River Run  - Carly Simon
• Dog Days Are Over  - Florence + The Machine
• Stronger -  Kelly Clarkson
• Hair -  Lady Gaga 
• Some Nights  - fun.
• The Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga

Good Beats

• Train in Vain   -  The Clash
• I Will Wait -  Mumford& Sons
• Feel Again  - OneRepublic
• Everybody Talks - Neon Trees
• Blow Me One Last Kiss - Pink
• Payphone -  Maroon 5
• Surprise, Surprise -  Bruce Springsteen

Makes Me Speed Up

• My Life Would Suck Without You  -  Kelly Clarkson
• I’m a Believer -  Smash Mouth
• From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come) - Bruce Springsteen

Guilty Pleasures

• Everything - Michael Buble
• MMMBop - Hanson
• I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
• Brokenhearted - Karmin

Cool Down

• Can You Get to That  -  Funkadelic
• Seasons of Love  -   Rent Soundtrack
• One Step Up - Bruce Springsteen
• Landslide  - Dixie Chicks

Bonus Playlist for Those of A Certain Age and Inclination:

The Ultimate Bruce Springsteen Workout List!

• Born to Run
• We Take Care of Our Own
• Growin’ Up
• Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
• Ramrod
• Land of Hope and Dreams
• Thundercrack
• Promised Land
• Radio Nowhere
• Cadillac Ranch
• She’s the One
• Badlands
• Working on a Dream
• Tenth Avenue Freeze Out
• Thunder Road
• Sherry Darling
• No Surrender
• For You
• From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)
• Leap of Faith
• Living Proof
• Roll of the Dice
• Surprise, Surprise
• One Step Up

What are your favorite songs for playlists?

Let us know in the form below as we build the ULTIMATE #runteacherrun playlist!