Back to Basics: Running for Fun June 15, 2011

A short time ago, my friend Mike (I’ll call him Coach Mike, since he is so motivational and full of great running tips), posted this on our running group’s Facebook wall:

 “So I have decided to try something new. For the next two weeks I’m going to run for an hour each morning. No timed miles, no predetermined distance. Just go out and head off in a random direction for 30 minutes and then head back home. If I feel like running fast I will, if I feel like running slow that is ok also. I’m sick of trying …to hit split times, put in a set number of miles per week or feeling guilty for skipping a speed workout. I am going to run like a little kid, just tear off in whatever direction feels right at the moment. I ran for 90 minutes this morning doing this and it was the most satisfying run I have had in weeks.”

Since I have been in a running rut lately, I decided to give his idea a try. And guess what? It worked!!! I ran 2.5 miles without regard for my pace or overall time. (Although I have to admit that I did glance at my Garmin a time or two out of habit.) Instead of focusing on my running form, I actually paid more attention to my surroundings, absorbing every detail of the world around me. And most surprisingly, when I got stuck waiting for the light to change at the cross walk, I wasn’t even slightly irritated, instead I just savored the moment. Thanks to Coach Mike, I remembered why I started running in the first place, just for the fun of it!

Next up, Coach Mike is recommending a fun run in the rain that included splashing around in the mud puddles. Who’s with me?

Running Accessories May 4, 2011

Before I considered myself to be a “serious” runner, I thought running was one of the few sports that required very little gear or equipment. However, as time has progressed my arsenal of running gear has grown. I recognize that all of my gadgets are not necessary for running, but for me, each one serves an important purpose.

Here is my list of running essentials:

1. Road ID – Thanks to my running friend, Kevin, I was made aware of this potentially life saving piece of equipment. I wear the Wrist ID Sport in black (black goes with everything) which is engraved with all of my emergency contact information. It gives me a piece of mind knowing that in the event that something happens to me while I am out for a run or working out at the gym, anyone can refer to my Road ID to ensure that I get the help I need.

2. Ipod – As I mentioned in me previous blog entry, running and music go hand in hand for me. I always make sure to keep my Ipod fully charged so the music can propel me through my run. I also have an arm band that my Ipod slides into, so I don’t have to hold it while working out and a pair of earbuds that go over my ears to avoid the pulling sensation the occurs with regular earbuds.

3. Garmin GPS Watch –  I LOVE my Garmin Forerunner 210 watch! It’s definitely an investment, but it is so worth it! I no longer have to pre-plan my running route. At a glance my Garmin will tell me total distance, time and current pace. After my run, I upload my workout to Garmin Connect to access even more information. It will show my route, fastest mile etc. It is a great training tool!

4. Amphipod Handheld Water Bottle – I am one of those runners who has to have water at all time regardless of the length of the run. I used to run with a regular bottle, but it was difficult to hold. This water bottle is great because it has a strap that goes around your fingers so you really don’t have to grip the bottle at all. It also has a little pouch that I use to hold my car key.

The best part of all these gadgets? They make me more excited to get out of the house and go for a run!

The Perfect Playlist April 30, 2011

Today I ran my first 1/2 marathon relay at the Let’s Move Festival of Races! I am proud to say that my team was #22 out of 47 teams and my time for my 6 mile portion was 58:19.

Running and music go hand in hand for me, so I figured I would share the playlist that got me through each mile.

1. Cooler Than Me – Mike Posner
2. Let’s Get it Started – The Black Eyed Peas
3. I Love Rock ‘N Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
4. Fighter – Christina Aguilera
5. Survivor – Destiny’s Child
6. You Shook me all Night Long – AC/DC

7. Around the World – Daft Punk
8. Stronger – Kanye West
9. Meet Me Halfway – The Black Eyed Peas
10. The Way I Are – Timbaland
11. Dirrty – Christina Aguilera
12. Undo It – Carrie Underfoot
13. If You’re Going Through Hell – Rodney Atkins
14. S & M – Rihana
15. The Time – The Black Eyed Peas

Maybe one day I will complete a 1/2 marathon in its entirety … it is on my bucket list. In the meantime my next race is a 5k at Cedar Point on Father’s day!