Winter Blues and Enduring to the End

I once had a family friend tell me that they “used to run marathons,” but has since stopped and become a couch potato. While I was training for my half, I told myself that I would not become this kind of person, but it appears, faithful blog readers, that I have. The first time I ran post half-marathon was on Thanksgiving day, which is a sad, sad statement about my physical activity-related state of affairs.

I could make a lot of excuses about my lack of running. My knee is still acting up, it’s really cold outside, the sidewalks are icy, and I have a lot of schoolwork on my plate. However, today, I have decided to commit to get back to running, and this post is about my goal to get back in the game.

For motivation, I turned to the internet, where I found an article in the LA times about re-starting a running program.  However, I found some of their tips unhelpful (maybe I’m just turning into a pessimist because I haven’t run in awhile). For example, the author recommends that re-beginners get back to the treadmill. I’m sorry, but I’ve always hated the treadmill. There’s nothing that bores me more. I understand that when the weather gets too cold, you have to have one or you get out of the habit, but isn’t the treadmill the worst way to regain a love for running? Wouldn’t an indoor track be better? Am I the only one who thinks this way?

The article also suggests that you start with a running base by seeing how far you can go in 10 minutes, and then building off of that. This is a great way to get yourself injured. Getting back in the ring, you always over-run yourself, and there’s absolutely no way you’re going to build 10-15% off of an overdone base run daily through the first week and not have an injury or two to deal with.

Nope, the best re-beginner advice I can see is actually not in that article at all — it’s in a different article for runners who are re-beginning after age 45. The article points out that beginner running is meant to be about finding the fun again, and not about timing. They suggest that running re-beginners not go cold turkey, but rather switch up a basic run/walk routine with other forms of exercise to stay in shape. When running is no longer fun, you’re no longer interested. So the best thing I can say is, I’ve got to learn to make running fun again.  And that’s going to be the tricky part.

Ideas on how to make winter running fun?  Post them down here.

Uncategorized

November 30, 2010

19 Comments

Sweet Victory!

I successfully ran the Provo Halloween Half-Marathon on Saturday, October 30.  BEST DAY OF MY LIFE.  Words can’t describe how amazing it felt when I realized that I’d just run 13.1 miles…in a make-shift superhero costume.

And now, I can finally create from personal experience, my top 10 reasons why training for and running a half-marathon is a good idea:

1) For the 6-12 weeks that you train for a half-marathon, you are in better shape than ever.  I should know — I was average weight when I started training, and people still complimented me on my figure after just 4 weeks.  I recognize that I sound like an infomercial, but it’s true.  If that change takes place in a normal figure, imagine the reaction for someone who wants to lose even a couple pounds.

2) I got asked out on an incredible number of dates during training.  3 guys alone asked if they could run with me on a regular basis.

3) You can eat (almost) as much linguine alfredo as you want, and people will just say, “it’s ok — she’s in training.”

4) You join an elite group of people who call themselves “runners” and think they’re cooler than everyone else.

5) You realize that, after 13.1 miles, you can do anything….

6) …including a full marathon…

7) If you train with someone, you learn so much about them on long runs that your friendship strengthens immensely.

8) You get to procrastinate your homework for hours on long run days.

9) You feel like a real athlete…and for a nerd without coordination like me, that’s a BIG deal.

10) The best reason of all — the feeling you get when you cross that finish line is absolutely indescribable.

I hope that my journey thus far has inspired you (yes, you) to get in on the marathon-training action.  I know that I’m looking forward to another half…or maybe even a full…marathon in Spring 2011.  And you can do it, too!

If my top 10 reasons have inspired you to run, I suggest you look up this runner-specific training guide that suits your personal running interests.  And, once you know how to train, this guide to local races from marathonguide.com should help you find what marathon works for you.  Happy training!

If you are a passionate runner like me, I’d like to hear your top reasons for running.  And if not, I’d like to hear about your top reasons…for NOT running…and then, maybe, we can address those together

Marathons

November 3, 2010

32 Comments

The DIY Ice Pack

Traci Fergus, whose blog “My Journey with Weight Loss” is on the right-hand links column, recently told me about a technique she used to deal with her recent knee surgeries (yes, she had two).  It involves a dixie cup and some water, and I thought it was brilliant, so I decided to share her technique here for those of you who get a running injury in the future:

Ice Pack on Edge:

Small paper dixie cup

Enough water to fill a dixie cup

Freezer

Directions:

1) Fill the dixie cup with water, almost to the top of the cup.

2) Place in the freezer and let freeze for 2 hours.

3) Tear off the top edge of the dixie cup, so that about 2 centimeters of ice are peeking out of the cup.

Now you’ve got an ice pack with an edge.  Hold the paper-covered part of the cup, and rub the edges of the uncovered ice deep into the knee.  This does wonders for a “runners’ knee”-type injury.

If you need a make a quick slushy cold pack on the fly, this DIY article will be of use to you.  And if you need an easy hot pack, this mom has the solution for you in an article on her “This Simple Life” blog.

I’d like to know what you use that works for sports-related injuries, either home-made or otherwise.  And if you try one of these remedies listed in the article, let me know what you think about it!

Running Injury

October 29, 2010

12 Comments

The Battle of Wounded Knee

This is my “break week” before the marathon, which is tomorrow.  The picture below represents my emotions right now.

Don’t get me wrong — after my 10-mile run with Kiera and Annie last Saturday in the freezing rain along the race course, I felt pretty good about the half-marathon.  However, what I’m most worried about is getting an injury during the first 6 miles, which comprise the steep downhill down Sundance mountain.  My right knee started acting up a little bit on that practice run, so I decided to do some internet research to figure out what the problem was.  And, since a runner can get a million and a half different kinds of injuries, I figured that I’d describe the process for internet disease research so that you can find out what to do if some kind of mild running injury happens to you.

1) I went to one of my favorite sports injury websites, the Sports Injury Clinic.  This site tells you anything and everything about any part of your body that feels wrong, and why that occurs.  Awesome?  Yes.

2) On the site, I isolated my injury using the Sports Injury Clinic symptom checker.  For me, that area was the outside of the right kneecap.  And yes, the site does have an entire section dedicated to injuries of the outside of the right kneecap.

3) In my section, there were 5 different injury possibilities.  Although a lot of them sound the same, I personally think that I have Iliotibial band syndrome, also know (conveniently) as “runner’s knee.”  It’s not always best to narrow down your injury to one option, however, since it’s very easy to mis-diagnose a disease on a website.  The only person who should really be diagnosing you is your doctor.

4) This detail aside, let’s assume that you know what you have.  The site describes the condition of “runner’s knee,” prevention methods, symptoms and treatment options.  Since my running issue is very mild, the site suggests taking it easy on my knee, using cold packs to reduce swelling, and stretching.  However, if it gets any worse, I need to consult a doctor or sports specialist to truly understand my condition.

Another useful site you can use to “self-diagnose” a running injury is WebMD.  It runs under the same principle as Sports Injury Clinic, although it’s not quite as specific on specific running injuries.

The real question is…is this diagnosis accurate?  Should I even be advocating for online diagnosis?  What do you think?

Running Injury

injury, joint, knee, marathon, pain, run, stretch

October 29, 2010

5 Comments

This has nothing to do with running.

Hey!  I’m in a contest for “Worst Date at BYU” and also “Best Date at BYU” and voting begins today!  Vote for Worst Date Entry #6 and/or Best Date Entry I at the Best and Worst Dates at BYU blog!  No login necessary.

And yes, I did actually endure the worst date at BYU.  You’ll have to read it to believe it…

Uncategorized

October 14, 2010

1 Comment

Boys Like Girls Who…

I’ve been on a matchmaking spree over the last couple weeks here at the Y.  At BYU, where dating is more the rule than the exception, it’s easy to find loads of friends who are willing to be set up with someone they’ve never met before.  One of my good friends, Brent, was the victim of my most recent blind date set-up, and, unfortunately, it didn’t go terribly well.  I felt pretty depressed about this, considering the fact that I thought he and his blind date matched up pretty well.  They were both smart, athletic, good-looking, funny, and easy to get along with.  What was the DEAL?!?!

When I asked Brent later on what he was looking for in a blind date, the conversation went like this:

Me: “So, Brent, I hear your date with Jessica didn’t go as well as I thought.  What went wrong?”

Brent: “Oh, it really wasn’t that bad.  You did get a few things right — she is smart, and funny, and she likes basketball…”

Me: “So…”

Brent: “Well, it’s just that we didn’t have enough in common, you know?”

Me: “Huh.  So, what are you looking for in a blind date, then?  You know, in case I set you up again.”

Brent: “Ha.”

Me: “I’m serious.”

Brent: “Oh boy.”

Me: “Come on, tell me.”

Brent: “Well, for starters, this is gonna sound weird.”

Me: “What is it?”

Brent: “I need a girl who likes to run.  A lot.”

Me: “You’re kidding me.”

Brent: “No, I’m serious.  It’s a weird thing I have, but I really like girls who run long distance.”

And this, my friends, is just another reason why girls should run…you’ll get set up on a lot more blind dates that way.  Speaking of which, any girls want to go on a blind date with my friend, Brent?  Non-runners need not apply.

For those of you already dating a runner, this article from “The Examiner” can give you some tips on learning to accept that crazy athletic side of your boyfriend/girlfriend (he does swear in there once…sorry about that).  And for those of you actually MARRYING one of these people (brave soul), you can even go over the top with a running-themed wedding. Or even more over the top with a wedding in the middle of a marathon.

BYU students: I want to know what you think about this “I like runners” phenomenon in the dating world.  Is it really better to date an athlete?

Runner Motivation

couple, date, group, marathon, run

October 12, 2010

14 Comments

The World’s Most Exotic Marathons

We’ve all heard about the world’s elite marathons — the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, the LA Marathon…these are the major-league events that every runner aspires to qualify for in their lifetimes.  However, for the runner who’s looking for more (and who has some cash to burn), here are some marathon choices that add some flavor to the race:

1) The North Pole Marathon: April 7, 2011.  The only marathon on a sheet of ice, this 26.2 mile track will provide a frosty challenge for any runner.  For a little over $15,000, you can fly to Spitsbergen and from there to the North Pole camp for the race, with hotel, t-shirt, medal, DVD and helicopter flights included.  For more information about the North Pole Marathon, click here.

2) The Great Wall of China Marathon: May 21, 2011.  This adventure marathon can also be run as a half-marathon, 10K or 5K, with 6-day tour packages costing $1,200 per person.  This marathon, which includes a challenging 5,164 stair course along the Great Wall, will provide the runner with some of the most spectacular views in the world.  For more information, click here.

3) The Big 5 Marathon: June 25, 2011.  Try a grueling trek through the wilds of South Africa, with no fencing between you, the the giraffes, the antelope and the elephants.  This marathon also goes through lion territory, and runners often stay  before and after the marathon in an African bush camp.  This terrifying adventure is yours for about $1500.  For more information, click here.

4) The Solar Eclipse Marathon: November 14, 2012.  This race, set in Port Douglas Australia, begins along a 4-mile beach, and takes you through an old mining road and sugarcane fields.  Runners meet at sunrise, watch the eclipse, and then start when the first rays of sunlight re-emerge from behind the moon.  Stellar, I know.   Although prices haven’t been announced yet, the package will include a tour of the Great Barrier reef, a celebration dinner, and special “eclipse-watching” sunglasses.  For more information, click here.

Remember: these just represent a sample of the kinds of adventures you can have as a marathoner.  For more wild marathon adventures, visit Adventure Racing: Across the Divide.

Would you be bold enough to run one of these marathons?  Are the people who run these awesome or just plain crazy?  Do you have a favorite?  Comment below!

Marathons

Australia, China, cool, eclipse, exotic, expensive, marathon, North Pole, race, running, South Africa

October 7, 2010

13 Comments

The Pre-Run Mike n’ Ikes

Confession: I am addicted to Mike n’ Ikes.  I used to eat them every Thursday while watching the Office, and last night I devoured a mega-sized box of them…while watching a re-run of the Office.  You’re probably thinking, “what do you have to worry about?  You’re training for a half-marathon.”  You’re probably also wondering why I eat Mike n Ikes while watching the Office.  I have no clue.

Well, anyway, I didn’t care about my candy habits until I realized that the pure sugar was probably impairing my performance when I ran my first 9-miler this morning.  I felt really good until about the 4-mile mark, and then I crashed.  I hate that feeling.

So, I did some research about sugar and running, and I found out that my suspicions were right.  Pure sugary foods like cookies and ice cream (and, uh, Mike n’ Ikes) are infamous for causing blood sugar crash in runners.  Dang.  I think I’ve never noticed before because I’ve never done this kind of distance.  I mean, I did that 7-miler last week after the night I ate half a carton of Moose Tracks, but I felt great during that run, so it must be the added mileage.

To deal with my sweet tooth, I’ve got to find sugar that sustains me for 2 hours of exercise.  And what kind of sugar is that?  Well, according to one of my favorite running blogs, MadetoRun, the key is to find natural sources of complex carbs.  We’re talking:

1) Oatmeal

2) Bananas

3) Whole-wheat bread with honey and peanut butter

I’m actually okay with this, because as a poor college student, this is all I buy during the week.  It looks like the sweets are out, and my traditional pantry is in.  Let’s just hope that I can deal without Mike n’ Ikes the next time I watch the Office.

Do you have a favorite snack that curbs your need for sweet things?  Post below (because it could really help me out)!

Runner Motivation

blood sugar crash, complex carbohydrates, food, healthy food, jog, marathon, run, walk

October 3, 2010

2 Comments

About stretching…

Hey readers!

Today, I made a huge triumph in my running — I ran 7 miles.  This wouldn’t be a huge victory for me, except for the fact that I’ve never run 7 miles before in my entire life.  Granted, I’m not running at a fast pace — I do about a 13 minute mile — but it’s amazing being able to do something you’ve never done before.

During the 7-mile run, I stopped to stretch 2 times: first, at the 3 1/2 mile mark, and then at the 4 1/2 mile mark.  I also stretched before and after the run for about 5 minutes at a time.  However, after I ran, I wanted to know what the experts had to say on the subject of stretching and exercise, so I found an article called “Stretching for Marathon Training” at marathonpal.com.

This article is interesting, because it made me rethink a few of my preconceived notions about stretching and running.

1) Stretching before the run: I have always stretched before a run, but according to this article, isn’t entirely necessary to do that until after a 5-10 minute jogging warm-up.  I’m not sure if I agree with that principle — I think stretching is always beneficial, even before a warm-up, because it helps loosen muscles and prevent injury.  However, I want to know what you guys have to say on the subject.  What have your most successful stretching methods been before and/or while running?  Does it make a difference whether you stretch before warming up?

2) Stretching the upper-body: in addition to stretches for the lower body, the author suggested stretches for the upper body, including the shoulders, neck and chest.  This one actually makes sense to me, because when I run, my upper body can get pretty rigid and stiff, so it feels really good to stretch it out.

For more information on stretching, this video a really helpful guide on post-run marathon stretching for beginners.  I used it after the run, and I felt great.

Have a good run,

Arielle

Running Injury

exercise, half marathon, jog, marathon, run, stretch, tired, walk

September 25, 2010

10 Comments

In the Beginning…

My name is Arielle Sloan, I’m a novice runner, and in 6 weeks, I’m going to run a half-marathon for the first time. This blog is going to track my progress as I train and prepare for the event.  I’m passionate about health, and I know that running is one of the easiest and most effective ways to go from couch potato to active.

In this blog, you’ll see my daily progress as I train for the Halloween Half-Marathon in Provo, Utah.  You’ll also read about  running injuries and techniques for preventing them, the health benefits of running, healthy recipes for runners, and learn tips for starting your own walking/jogging/running program.

This is a blog for those who want to run, but have never had the motivation or confidence.  NOW is the time for you to start, and I’m going to help you do it, because I’m just like you.

So, for a little bit of inspiration, I present to you…this video:

Present your thoughts and opinions on running for beginners below.  For those who don’t run, what are your fears about starting?  For those who do run, what were the biggest obstacles you had to overcome, and how did you beat them?

Arielle Sloan

Runner Motivation

half, inspiration, jog, lose weight, marathon, motivation, rocky, run, start

September 20, 2010

3 Comments