Considering doing a streak....

                 I am considering doing a running streak, the question is how long? Perhaps the goal should be just to see how long I could go, but the lack of direction may make it hard for me to stick to it. I think a 3 month streak would be feasible. I thought of this as I started to do my taper for my race this Sunday and thought of how much I dread being away from running for more than one day, so I decided to do my taper as smaller, manageable miles daily with the day before the race being my rest day. So far, it's been quite enjoyable and it has kept me in good spirits. Anyone else out there have done a running streak? if so how long, and what are some of the implications and side affects of taking this on seriously? 

Online resources for 50K race training schedule

                            I have been considering doing this 50K that is taking place in Virginia in August. Below are the list of resources I have been looking at to see if this is even possible. I am still on the fence about it and will be deciding in the next few weeks. Right now I am just trying to focus on the half-marathon run I have coming up this Sunday and trying to stay calm. Bring a mom, there are a lot more factors that go into the planning of any race, such as who will have the car, how will my son get to his baseball game without the car? who will watch my youngest? getting the kids ready for me not to be there that morning, etc. I am very excited about the race, yet, until I pass the first mile I will not be totally relaxed. Once the run begins I will be fine and will be able to relax into a rhythm....

                            Below are the links I have been looking at....will come back later and give an update on which ones were most helpful. So far, I am just getting informed about the framework of a training for a 50K and how it might differ from a marathon, there are some very significant differences which I will share later. If you have done a 50K, I would love your feedback on which sites helped you most. Thanks!!! Have a great week. 


1. * http://www.trailrunevents.com/ul/schedule-50k.asp (I prefer this one), contact ultraladies@yahoo.com for more info.
2. * http://running.competitor.com/files/2012/11/46_nat_r1.pdf
3. http://running.competitor.com/2012/11/training/going-longer-how-to-train-for-your-first-50k_61887
4. http://www.nttr.org/html/training_guidelines.htm
5. http://www.scrunners.org/ultrasch.php
6. http://www.marathon-training-program.com/ultra-marathon-training.html
7. http://www.ultrunr.com

Map My Run APP.......cannot run without it!!

                                I use MapMyRun app, the free version, to measure my overall distance. Since I am not officially 'training' for any race I have become somewhat relaxed about measuring every single aspect of my workout. I am also aware, from using it during several races that it's a bit off; meaning the measurement of miles is a bit less than the true miles you might be running. But the difference is minimal, and the benefits of the service FAR outweighs this little issue. For those of you who might have not used it before, MapMyRun uses your smart phone's GPS to locate where you are. It can show you exactly where you are on a map. My favorite feature is being able to predetermine a route and visually following my coordinates from the phone. I did this on my most recent trail run in which there were no street names, but because I have set the coordinates from home, I was able to follow my pre-set  route on a map. There are tons of other features such as  

pace, ability to adjust your lap distance, ability to share your results on various social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, elevation charts, average pace....and lots, lots more....what do you use?

This is what the APP looks like

This is the home screen 

#RUNCHAT and #MARATHON Tweets....

If you have not yet discovered the amazing running community on TWITTER I suggest you try it out....

Get an account and start searching for tweets about running. Scroll a few posts down to see the hashtags (#) that will help you find the runners. Hasgtags (#) placed in front of a word may help you find the right people. 

David H. ‏@RunningBecause8h

Join #runchat on Sunday. You could win @Zensah compression socks. Details here: http://bit.ly/052613rc  Retweeted 5 times

******

Doug Hay ‏@RockCreekRunner22 May

Remember when you actually loved going for a run? Learn to Love Running, Again: http://www.rockcreekrunner.com/2013/05/22/love-running/ … 

by @alexbea #runchat #running

Expand

*****

Runner Bliss ‏@RunnerBliss20 May

10 Biggest Running Mistakes (And How To Fix Them) http://ow.ly/l9G6E  via @outsidemagazine #marathon #triathlon #runchat

 View summary

********

The Boston Globe ‏@BostonGlobe6h

More than 2,000 runners and bombing victims run the #Marathon's final mile http://b.globe.com/10vU5AU 

 Retweeted 83 times

*******

Joy Bauer ‏@joybauer16 May

Training for a #marathon? Check out my #nutrition tips for getting in tip-top shape: http://say.ly/Dko5POc 

Considering a 50K in August 2013.....

Dahlgren Heritage Rail Trail 50 km

Date	August 3, 2013
Time	6:30am
Start/Finish Located at	Rt 605 Trailhead 10400 Bloomsbury Rd King George, VA 22485
For Ages	15 and older
Entry Limit	Race limited to 200 entrants

Historical Race Data	Lists of Course Record, fastest runners and all finishers of first 4 years.
Course and Aid Information	All Course related information
DHRT Website	Link to trail website with trail and area maps, permit requirements for training use. DHRT is a private trail and a permit must be granted for pre race training.
Area Map	Road Map with Hotel, Restaurant, Start/Finish and Crew Location
Runner Instructions	Final Runner Instructions
Crew Directions	Driving Directions to Reach Crew Accessible Aid Stations
Parking	Please carpool to the start/finish. Main lot opens at 5am and holds about 100 cars. Overflow parking will be on Birchwood Creek Rd. There is very limited parking on the course. When parked, all wheels must be off the pavement and no part of your vehicle may overhang the road.
Fees	Until May 31, 2013 $79 June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013 $89 July 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013 $99 After July 31, 2013 $110
Premiums	Short Sleeve Technical T-shirt, Finisher's Award, Post Race BBQ
Registration	Entry Form  On-Line
Registered Runners	List of Registered Runners
Awards & Categories	Overall Top Three Males and Females Cash ($200, $100, $50) Event Record Bonuses First male finishing faster than 3:39:04 and first female finishing faster than 4:20:51 Cash $100 Age Groups 19 & Under, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & Over Top Finisher
Packet Pickup, Trail Briefs & Late Registration	Mandatory Trail Briefs Each runner must attend one of three trail briefs. After the brief, you can pick up your race number and T-shirt or register for the race. Trail brief will be about 15 minutes. Thursday August 1, 2013 6:30pm VA Runner in Central Park, Fredericksburg, Virginia Friday August 2, 2013 5pm Rt 605 Trailhead Saturday August 3, 2013 6am Rt 605 Trailhead. Pick up you race number and shirt, starting at 5:30am.
Mandatory Race Day Runner Tracking	All runners must check in at the start line on Saturday Morning Runner numbers will be recored at Wal-Mart and Indiantown Rd. Make sure your number is recorded upon arrival. If you drop, you must turn your number in at the next aid station on the trail. A runner will be financially responsible for any search and rescue if they fail to follow tracking procedures.
Race Limit	200 participants - strictly enforced
Directions from Fredericksburg	from Fredericksburg 9 miles east on Rt 3. Turn left on Bloomsbury Rd (Rt 605). Trailhead is 1.5 miles on the right. Parking at the trailhead is limited, please carpool and arrive early. Lot opens at 5am.
Hotel Information	17 Miles from Start/Finish on Rt 301 in Dahlgren Holiday Inn Express 540-644-1500 Comfort Inn 540-663-3060 Hampton Inn 540-625-2333 12 Miles from Start/Finish in Downtown Fredericksburg Courtyard Fredericksburg 540-373-8300 16 Miles from Start/Finish in Central Park Area of Fredericksburg Hilton Garden 540-548-8822 Hampton Inn 540-786-5530 Primitive Camping Will be available at Rt 605 Trailhead on August 2 only. No fires, no electricity and no running water. Porta Pots available. Anything outside of your car will need to be moved by 5am to allow for parking.
Information	Email: vic@farc.org, phone: 540-310-4803

There is a little secret that you quickly learn when you begin running and it's this:

'If you can imagine it, if you can almost taste it, it will happen'. 

            Running teaches a huge lesson about manifesting your own reality. Last year at this time I could not even run 1/2 a mile and here I am running a combined milage of about 24 miles a week, with 15 of it being during the weekend. Therefore, imagining a marathon, even an ultra run of 31 miles is now just a matter of manifesting that reality, creating it in my mind and poof, it happens. As I investigated all there is to know about the race this morning, I could see it in my husbands face that he knew before I even knew that it was a done deal; I will run this race....Once the 'seed' is planted it's virtually impossible for me to turn my head away. 

Daily juicing routine.....2 years now

               For two years now I have been juicing and I can safely say I will continue to juice until I can juice no more. It has gotten rid of my cravings for extra foods, it has provided me with boundless energy, it has made my skin radiant at almost 40, and I have not gotten sick in over two years, not even a runny nose. My hubby, who odes the shopping, usually gets me 3-4 5lbs. bags of carrots and 3-4 lbs of apples weekly. Carrots and apple are what I like to call my 'base'. Then, depending on the season, and what is on sale that week, I might supplement my juice with other goodies, they can be beets, cabbage, celery, broccoli, cantaloupe, whole lemons, peeled oranges, ginger, and the list goes on and on. With my Brevelle juicer it only takes me about 5-8 minutes to both wash and juice all I can to make 2 jars of juice. One I leave at home to drink the next morning as I am juicing, and the other I take to work with me and drink around 4pm, when I get my unhealthy treat cravings. Try it....it will literally change your life.....

Just got my first pair of trail shoes!!!

                   I got myself the 1010 Minimus, New Balance. I have heard some mixed reviews on them, but overall they are the ones that felt most like my own sneakers at the store, so I needed to trust my instincts. They get shipped in tomorrow, so I will let you know how they turn out.....can't wait!!

I am in love with trail running!!

                         This past Sunday I ran 10 miles, most of it on trails and I come out of this experience a changed woman. I can't imagine a better running scenario than this one.  It was 65 degrees, misty rain coming down. The best part of the experience though was the fact that I did not experience any pain or discomfort right after. The rest of the day was like I have not run 10 miles at all. Not to mention that I was not excited about going that morning. My bones felt heavy when I woke up, I had watched a movie late the evening before, so I was operating on little sleep and not in the best of moods. Nonetheless, it was an awesome run!! The experience also made me feel sure I could finish my trail-based race in 2 weeks well within the 4-hour cut-off. If anything, I will not be a PR at this half-marathon, my pace is at least 2 minutes slower in the trails, but the workout overall felt much more comprehensive. Every part of my body was sweating while trekking up and bounding down like a child down these steep hills but I had a smile on my face the entire run. I can say with no doubt that this was the most fun I've had so far on a run. Can't wait for next weekend to go back and discover more of Rock Creek Park. 

Running Twitter Hashtags

Running hashtags. Anyone ever used one of these? which one do you think is most popular? Most used?

#BarefootRunning

#ConfessionsOfARunner

#ICantRunWithout

#IrrationalRunningFears

#JoysOfRunning

#MarathonTraining

#MondayMiles

#RunChat

#running 

#RunNerds
 #twitterroadrace 

#runchat

#run

#marathon

#MondayMotivation

#marathon-training

#foamrolling

#runnerd

#fitblog

#runblog
#iloverunning

#whyirun

#runningtips

#trichat

#motherrunners

#motherrunner

#RunningEtiquette

#RunningMadLibs

#RunningMantras

#RunningTips

#SeenOnMyRun

#WeekendWorkout

#WhyIRun

#YouKnowYoureARunnerWhen

My First Ever Trail Run

                          In preparation for my trail race in two weeks I have been meaning to do some practice runs in some trails, any trails. The one that is most convenient to me is Rock Creek Park, literally, a few blocks east. For those of you who do not know Washington, DC, Rock Creek Park is where Chandra Levy disappeared right before 9/11. In attempts to get ready for my run, I searched online for advice and safety tips on running in Rock Creek alone, etc. What I discovered were lots of posts from women stating how they are afraid to run Rock Creek. So with some trepidation I arrive at on of the the parking lots of the park at 6am. The sun had just come up, it was 62 degrees, and no one was around; all I see are green luscious trees and all I hear are bird chirping in a warm spring morning. I had my pepper spray in one hand and my water bottle in another, my phone strapped to my hip with a timer set and MapMyRun app ready to record my coordinates and time my run. I was so blown away by my run that I think I want to have part of my weekly miles to be on trails from now on. Below are pictures I took form the trail.... 

Up a hill....

Looking down at a creek below...

and run back down a huge hill......to water level.....the stream was so calm...

And looking down from way up high....

I wanted to bad to take my shoes off and soak my feet in the cool water.....maybe next time...lol

Oh what fun!!

This path is like an obstacle course...

Down by Pierce Mill.....

A view of the sky from below

Roots, roots and more roots....picking up those feet...

Just bought a Map of Rock Creek Park

                            I have been wanting to get my hands on a map of Rock Creek Park now for ages. Today I went to Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and through them ordered an $8 map of the park....can't wait to begin exploring. To order your map go HERE. 

Trail Running Tips and Facts....

* Aim 75% of your normal speed
* Running trails helps improve balance 
* Wear trail shoes
* When you first begin, only do about 10-15 minutes to get your ankles used to the extra work
* Lift toes a slightly bit higher than in road running 
* Keep eyes about 10 feet ahead of you
* Walk if approaching tricky obstacle 
* Stay to right of trail 
* In races, carry your own water and refill at aide stations
* Drink with bottle to your side, so you can keep your eyes on the road
* If you see a branch in front of you, put your hand out and prepare to push it away
* Eat a light meal 2 hours before run
* Bring ID, cash,cell phone
*High cadence and short steps
* Pass on the left 
* Make people aware you are passing, 'on your left'
* Go through puddles and not around them
* Place bibs on your thigh area, not your chest
* At a trail race, there might be some chattering runners
* Take care of chaffing early on before they become a big deal

Trail Shoes.....a search...(part 1)

     I am looking for trail shoes that are minimalist and come with a wide box....started with a question posted to Runner's World Forum and got some really good suggestions. Here is what I have found out so far....I am leaning towards Altras and/or Pearl Izumis based on these YouTube reviews. Check them out!!

NEW BALANCE MINIMUS TRAIL RUNNING

On Serious Running.com these were some of the positive reviews listed about this trail shoe:

* The midsole is very flexible which allows the shoe to bend like your foot does
* The toe area also seems to be wider than than the New Balance Trail 100s
* The upper is a synthetic mesh which keeps the New Balance 101 Minimalist Trail Running shoes dry and breathable


                                                    PURE GRIT WOMENS

INOV-8 TRAIL ROC Teaser

SKETCHERS GO BIONIC



ALTRA WOME'S LONE PEAK


PEARL IZUMI PEAK II TRAIL

Been researching racing for a cause (part 1)

                         I am in the process of researching racing for causes and how it is that people go about raising money for charity. Below is all I have found out so far......more to come. 
These tips I found at The Examiner online: 
* Choose a charity close to your heart
* send out a letter to every person you know
* suggest amounts to donate in your letter, and offer incentives at each level.
* And if you don't want to deal with designing your own freebies, many large charities offer incentives (rubber bracelets, key chains, mugs, and shirts) that you can buy directly from their organization. 
At Race for Life I found these tips: 
* Clothes swap: get your friends to dust the cobwebs off any unwanted clothes, shoes or accessories and ask them to bring them to a clothes swapping party. Charge £1 for each swap. Everyone’s a winner
* If you are a group leader, it’s really important you create a Race for Life fundraising page for your group 
At Brain Tumor Community.com I got these tips: 
* Send a personalized thank you.After you’ve completed your fundraising, send your results to donors and thank them again for their help. You might need their support again next year!
At Terry Fox.org I got these tips: 
* Always keep your pledge sheet with you.

• It makes it easier to ask for donations anywhere you go.
• Ask for payment immediately to reduce collections post-Run.

At Koemen Phoenix.org I got these great tips: 

* Offer to do something outrageous if you make your goal. Dye your hair pink, kiss a pig – the sky’s the limit!But don’t underestimate the power of snail mail! Reach out to everyone in your address book with a personal letter including a self-addressed stamped envelope. It will cost a little out of pocket, but the extra convenience will appeal to potential donors who might not be comfortable making an online contribution.

* Don’t underestimate the value of a penny! Search the car, couch cushions and junk drawer for loose change. (This a great way for the kids to contribute, as well.)

* Host a raffle. Solicit donations to use as prizes, like restaurant gift cards, from local businesses. Or, ask individuals to offer a service, such as a night of free babysitting, to raffle off. 
* In lieu of gifts for your birthday, ask for donations to your Race fund.

Just signed up for the North Face Endurance Challenge Half-Marathon

              I just signed up to run a half marathon in a nature park. The race is called the North Face Endurance Challenge Half Marathon. I am super nervous because I have never run a race on mixed terrain before. I am very used to running 13+ miles at one time, I do this now weekly for my long runs. Yet, not at all sure whether I can even finish the race within the allotted 4 hour time. The great news is that once finished, I will qualify to be a Half-Fanatics: 

Here are some interesting facts about this race in case anyone want to join me...can't wait. 

*The North Face Endurance Challenge returns to Algonkian Regional Park, Great Falls Park and the Potomac Heritage Trail again in 2013. The course keeps runners on their toes with ever-changing terrain. Overall, the course consists of 50% singletrack, 30% dirt or gravel double-track, 10% gravel carriage road and 10% paved road.
*The North Face Athletes Dean Karnazes and endurance challenge race director,Nick Moore. I can't believe it, I might actually get a chance to meet Dean Karnazes.
* The race offers 2 kid races, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. 

Best running movie EVER!!!

    Just saw the BEST running movie ever on Netflix. It's a South Korean movie. The description reads: Based on the true story of Bae Hyeong-jin of South Korea, this film follows austistic Cho-Won, who dreams of running a marathon. With support from his mother and coach, his dream becomes a reality. Trailer below:

Mother Runner Mother's Day Wishlist

Here is a wishlist from a Mother Runner....for Mother's Day

* Sweaty Band (wide)
* Running store gift certificate
* 24 Pack of Gu (chocolate Flavored)
* Running socks
* Cap from recent race
* Running-related magnetic bumper sticker
* Mace/ pepper-spray canister
* Bubble bath soap
* Massage (I am not into them, but other runner might like them)
* Runner's yoga book
* Any book about running 
* Calf Compression sleeves 
* Running DVD movie 
* Race entry fee (around $100)
* New sneakers

Are YOU a runner? Tell me all about it....!!!

                              I am very curious about other runners. In all settings I am always super aware of spotting other runners. Usually, and lucky for me, they are pretty easy to spot. Either they are wearing something that tells me they too run, such as a race shirt or a running watch and instantly I have all these questions that I am dying to ask them. How often do you run?, do you run races?, do you cross train? what running books have you read?. I try to contain my excitement, yet, it's somewhat amusing just how excited I get every time I meet another runner, the kinship I feel to the community in general is very strong. Lucky for me, most runners are also JUST as eager to talk on and on and on about running, so it's not like I come across like a crazy lady to them.....Meeting other runners and talking to them about running saves non-runners from being subjected endless chatter on my end about my running obsessions. I heard somewhere it's a bit rude to just come out and fill every conversation with a non-runner with your running narratives, but in conversations other runners this rule is null and void. It's not like it's fun to talk to non-runners about running anyway. Most running conversations with non-runners will undoubtedly lead to some warning on their part about how unsafe running is for your legs, or about how you get shin-splints and how it ruins your knees. Therefore, I try my best to avoid any run talk with non-runners as much as possible, unless they ask, in which case, I am more than willing to chat away. 

Chaffing.....OUCH!

                
         

               The heat is bringing in a new sort of misery, chaffing. During my half last week I got this long chaffing mark right where my job bra had its stretch band in front. I did not notice it until I was in the shower and almost screamed from the pain. Next, after a 4 mile speed workout I got another chaffing injury where my compression shorts rubbed each other above my knees. Today for my weekly weekend 13 mile run I lathered on Vaseline everywhere I thought I would get a burned, but missed a few inches below my armpits where my arms rubbed against my t-shirt. I will have to do some more reading on how to prevent and ease these injuries that are side affects of long runs. In the meantime, vaseline has been a lifesaver. 

How changing my arm swing helped my calves....

           I always knew that form was important. It only makes 120% sense that form can make or break a run, can cause injuries or help prevent them. A few days back I had to actually stop running because my calves were so painful I was afraid I'd have an injury if I did not stop, so I shamefully walked twice during what should have been an easy 5 miles. I came back home and on one of my running podcasts that I listen to every morning, The Natural Running Network, I heard the show titled, "If It Ain't Broke' and Richard Diaz, the host of the podcast, mentioned something about arm swing. I thought I was doing an effective arm swing this whole time. I have read CHI running and from that was aware that arms are to be at your sides, etc...But what I was doing wrong was that my shoulders were going back and forth more than my arm. I mindfully paid attention to my arms the whole run and surprisingly had no calf pain. I think in some ways they are related. The fact that my arms were not pumping sideways at the elbows made me less able to navigate easily thorough space, making my legs do more work. Once I added the correct form for my arm swing, my legs did not have to struggle so much, and therefore I felt fine the entire 4 miles. 

MarathonFOTO.com.....anyone ever LIKE their photos?

       I just got an email with my photos from MarathonFOTO.com for my half marathon in Frederick this past weekend and as always, I hate them. Not like I would even buy them anyway if they were stunning, they are quite pricey. Nevertheless, the pics make me a bit worried, perhaps when I run I just feel so good that I THINK I look amazing.....and these photos let it like it is, OR maybe the photos are notoriously bad because of the angle they are taken, from below.....I am 5'2, but in each one of the photos I look like I could easily be 4'11".....does anyone else have this experience?

Gripe about images of women in running magazines

               

    Come on....we're in 2013 and still we have waifs dominating the pages of magazines and catalogs!! Seriously, at my last half marathon most women running resembled my curvy body, than a size 4 body; but still we see women with bodies we hardly see in real-life depicted in these fitness magazines. I am a very fit person and I would like to see my body reflected in these magazines; not just for its political nature but for the mere fact that I find it hard to imagine what MY body would look in something I may want to buy. I was flipping through Athleta yesterday and as much as I love their clothes, there is NO way I am dishing out 60+ dollars on a piece of clothing that may or may not work on my body....why can't they find some stunning, fit curvy woman to model clothes and that way the people like me can actually see what they might look like in those clothes and buy with more confidence. I decided I will email my concerns to every company that pisses me off....one way to do it would be to do it publicly thorough maybe Twitter, so their 'followers' will be able to see these opinions being expressed and would allow others to re-tweet the message. Would love to hear what you all think?

Reluctantly will try yoga.....

          I am not the cross training type. I simply love running and wish I could JUST do running. But yesterday's 4 mile run was very painful on my calves. I am willing to give yoga a try to perhaps stretch those injured muscles. Here are the two sample videos I will be trying before I actually go out and get a book. Will report back how this morning goes.

Cannot live without my Nathan handheld with iphone pocket

                I cannot live without this water bottle. It's pockets are deep enough  and have two separate compartments within the one pocket. I use it to hold up to 2 Gu's, or a few water tablets, and one key, and maybe a credit card. The phone sits right up front and can be manipulated through the clear plastic screen....I listen to music while running and also use MapMyRun app to track my mileage through my phone and therefore need to be able to get to my phone without a hassle. I saw these at REI for $32 but I got mine at Marshalls for $12!! What a steal....Your arms need to get used to carrying the water bottle if you long long distances, but, now I find it's not as hard as it was when I began. Still beats the belt in my mind. The belt is not stretchy therefore it's either too tight or too loose, and it's often a hassle to get the bottle out of the belt, much easier to hold it. Great for anyone running 6-13 miles....any more miles and you would either need to refill bottle or take two. 

Got my dose of TRIUMPH this morning....

                     I love, love, love running in the mornings. This morning I ran 5 miles ending this week at 28 miles total, three more than last week. I have been slowly trying to both maintain a good running base as well as slowly raise the amount of miles I do weekly so that I am race-ready for any last minute half-marathon I might want to join. I am trying to do about 3 runs during the week at 5:30am that total to about 15 miles, and a long run of 13 miles on the weekend. 

                   Lately, I have been very slow in my runs. I've had to be very mindful of my form in order to not get any injuries. I believe my increased pace is due to the fact that I've been having salad dressing daily with my salads, making me retain water; salad dressings have massive amounts of salt content. In addition, I partied with some friends twice this week and had some alcohol, which I'm also sure is making me retain water. Therefore, I am not surprised that my speed has been slower. 

                       Nevertheless, all is great....summer is almost here....I finished this huge project that was due for my job, am running a half-marathon this Sunday in Maryland, going to the race expo Saturday with Nora, Luke has a Little League game this weekend and the weather is getting warmer and the flowers are everywhere....