runningwithfaith

Source: running magazine.ca

Rumor has it we may be in for a mild winter or maybe that’s just me and wishful thinking. Yesterday on my speed workout, our group were surmising that it could have either been a mild or stormy one given the presence of El Niño affecting the pacific jet stream. Our coach, the authority figure on all things weather..NOT..pointed out that this winter phenomenon occurs every seven years or so and we’re about due. I’m not sure how much of that I’m buying but I’m a bit of an idealist and cannot help but lean and hope on the mild side. Mind you, I love snow – the pretty kind – just like the next person but living in New York has taught me to appreciate it only when it serves my purpose, selfish I know, but the reality can be just as brutal I promise you. Either way we’re running, so it’s all about finding a way to make the most of it. One way to do this is to run races that will bring out the best in you; challenge, fun, variety, adventure and/or excitement is but a race away, all it takes is the right pair of eyes and a heart determined to make it happen. I’ve scrounged up a few with you, and well, me in mind:

1. Emerald Nuts Midnight Run, 4 miles, Dec 31, Central Park, NYC
2. NYCRUNS Central Park, Jan 10, 10 & 5 Miler
3. The Color Run, Jan 13, The Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
4. Walt Disney World Marathon, Jan 10, Orlando, FL
5. The Battan Memorial Death March Marathon & 14.2 miler, March 20, White Sands Missiles Lane, New Mexico
6. Mississippi Blues Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K, Jan 9, Jackson MI
7. Arkansas: Little Rock Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, March 5-6, Little Rock, AK
8. The Spartan Cruise featuring a Private Island Obstacle Sprint Race, 3+ miles,March 6-9, The Bahamas

If you’re thinking traveling is too much of a hassle, then you’re probably a bit more sedentary than I am, as I look forward to races outside of home and usually take to places I haven’t visited yet, all for the novelty and excitement of a new course, a new crowd and a new experience. Regardless of winter, I’ve always been about getting the most out of life as much as I can and when I can. I won’t allow a mere change in season to alter that nor will I allow it to pass me by without taking advantage of the covert opportunities for running enjoyment. All you have to do is step out on faith with one of the races mentioned above. You’re welcome!

@ mile 13 along the course

If I had to sum it up in three words, I’d say the Chicago Marathon was “a thrilling experience.” It is the ideal race a runner desires for a PR, a qualifying time, or simply to finish well. Fast and mostly flat, the course boasted 26.2 miles of cheering, energy-giving, vibrant and entertaining spectators and awesome volunteers.

Whatever you needed was available, from volunteers handing out the expected Gatorade and water and continuos encouragement, to random spectators with pain killers, Vaseline, fruit, snacks, water hoses, beer – if you didn’t cross the finish line it was not from a lack of support. There seemed an organized and concentrated effort to get you through, from the range of awesome Nike pacers with those looking to finish in times of 3 thru 5 & 1/2 hours, to the enthusiastic spectators. I mean, what do you do when faced with an average of 1.7 million people cheering you on? Chances are you run your heart out, even if you’re in pain, want to give up or you’re sick to your stomach; you run because the odds are there will never be another occasion or opportunity where you get to take center stage to such a large audience. Finally, an understanding  of why there are so many in show biz, being in the limelight can be a heady feeling alright.

It’s been a long time coming… as the song goes..only some of us couldn’t help but wonder if it would ever get here. Summer is nigh! And I’m so overjoyed, you’d think I won the lottery. Well, all body parts are accounted for, I’m healthy and strong after surviving a brutal winter, running even, that’s a bit of a win as far as I’m concerned and enough reason to throw a party; a running party that is, since, runner that I am, there’s really only one way I know to celebrate. I figure anytime you combine running and wine at the finish, it’s officially party-time. So here’s looking forward to some awesome summer running. We will endeavor to stretch it out for as long as we can, humidity and hundred-degree-days notwithstanding.

Now that the right frame of mind has been achieved, let’s take a look at a few running events in store for us in these beautiful United States and around the world this summer:

1. Heart and Soul 10k and Half Marathon (Boulder, Colo) June 29
From the Boulder Reservoir to the heart of downtown , it’s a runner’s paradise on this dpectator-friendly course. Finishers enjoy a post-race block party.

2. Lake Tahoe Marathon (South Lake Tahoe, CA) Sept. 11-14
Options for racing include: marathon, double marathon, half marathon, 72 Ultra, 20 miler, 10k, relay or 5-mile kyack or swim.

3. Fifth Avenue Mile (New York, NY)  Sept. 13
A PR anyone? For speeders, like myself, this is a great opportunity to get in your fastest mile on record.

4. Big Five Marathon (Limpopo, South Africa) June 20                                                 Held among the wildlife of the the African savannah, it’s where marathon meets safari. Runners experience magnificent surroundings, exciting game drives and a challenging marathon route through the  the habitat of the most famous African game.

5. Lidingöloppet (Sweeden) Sept. 26-28
A bucket-list event maybe? The largest and longest cross-country race in the world hosts its 50th anniversary with its famous 30km and a few other race options.

6. San Francisco Marathon (San Francisco, CA) July 27
An opportunity for fantastic waterfront views and to run across the golden gate bridge. Who doesn’t crave some hilly terrain every now and again.

7. Summerfest Rock and Sole Series (Milwaukee, WI) June 14
Milwaukee Summerfest is the world’s largest live music festival over 11 days and 800 performers and its namkesake racing event hosts a marathon, quarter marsthon and 5k. Finishers join the after-party and get a free ticket to one day of the festival.

8. 2015 Endless Summer Trail Run Series ( Hyland Park Reserve – Bloomington, Minnesota) August 4                                       A fun and runnable 7 mile course mostly run on double-track grass and wood-chip trails with a few bills thrown in.

It’s all well and good to have information at our fingertips but it behooves us to not only take it in but to use it to our advantage. Enjoying a great summer of running means that we will have to actively engage the resources available to us. This will most likely mean setting forth a plan to do so, since life has a habit of happening and before we know it, it’ll be that time again. We don’t want that. We want to relive those memories and carry it through the cold months that will surely come.

A good and purposeful plan should include some of the most basic stuff like purchasing some new active summer wear, signing up for a few races – including some fun runs, hitting up a running meet-up to get some form and fitness in and eating and hydrating well. There’s nothing like new sexy shorts & racer backs & even a new hot running shoes to make you all excited about getting out and signing up for a few races. While we’re at it, let’s remember to get our music hook-up; a hot new mix on our running song list to inspire some bad-ass running. Another important hook-up is either a hydration belt or a funky water bottle..they so do funky. We have to be especially cognizant of the humidity and the potential for dehydration and a funky reminder works. Always keep it filled up and ready to go.

Also, summer running comes with the opportunity for forging friendships and hooking up in the best way in some really fun places. Who knows you might even get a goal or two in, hell even a bucket-list event. It’s all good. That’s the promise of summer along with some intense heat. Did I mention it’ll be hot? Hella hot but such a calorie burner.

sources: competitor.com, activetimes.com, Runnersworld.com, Forbes.com

Like it or not the cold season is upon us and many are going to be the days when we will not feel “it,” when the couch and a host of other things will seem more attractive than lacing up those running shoes and hitting the road. Let’s face it, the cold season brings out the human in most of us and running really becomes “second” nature as we become the worst form of cheaters and yes, liars, full of excuses and reasons for ditching, sidelining or just giving up. Goals determined in the Spring and dreams designed in Summer are oftentimes not winter proof and many fall through, no pun intended, lose momentum and may even die. If you’re a new runner it can be even harder to stay on track and true to the decisions you made early on in the year. We need help.

Here are 10 things we can do to keep us motivated and running through the worst of Fall and Winter:

• Dig into some Running Reading; there are lots of good reads by tried and true runners to keep your interest and inspire your run
• Movies, Clips and Videos about running or races can sensitize and facilitate positive thoughts and feelings about running
• Group Running is a sure way to create solidarity and provide support and motivation; you can hook up with a meet up group or join a club
• Friendships are forged and cemented on cold runs and there’s the added layer of accountability; invite, encourage and share a run with someone
• Join a gym or YMCA; packed with equipment, classes and various opportunities for running and exercise, there are no lack of things to peek and keep your interest
• Choose Indoor Running; various arenas like schools, the gym, stadiums and the like host indoor tracks and with the right connections or just plain brass you can get access
• Use Music to Inspire Your Runs; create a kick-ass song list to keep you company on your runs
• Run In Company; choose to run in locations where other like-minded runners frequent such as parks and various popular running routes in your area
• Shopping for Running Gear is always fun for us girls and staying trendy can provide the impetus for stepping out as we’re more likely to want to get a feel for how it fits
• Sign Up for a Race or Two; this is a sure way to get you training and keep you in a running frame of mind

For sure there are a whole lot more ideas out there, maybe even more fun ones, that’s all well and good we’ll take it any way we can get it, just as long as it keeps us running. Maybe you have some ideas and tips, please share. We, runners love to encourage others and be encouraged ourselves.

Spring into Action on the Trails.