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Posts from the ‘New Runner’ Category

Nov 3

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Managing Race Day Stress

This past Sunday, I had the great opportunity to run off a few of the Kit Kats which had been calling me home this Halloween season.  The Chicago Monster Dash (complete with a lovely stained glass medal) beckoned, and I obliged.

With registration in hand (there’s a good story behind that), I hit Grant Park on a gorgeous fall day, just as the Half Marathon crew was taking off around 8:00 a.m.   If you saw me wandering over to the start line Sunday morning, you might have thought that I was just another lame-o without a costume, getting ready to knock out three miles.  And I was.  But I was also a woman who ran dozens of races over the past ten years – but not a single running event - without being injured - in the past 18 months.

I don’t know about you, but for me, 18 months is a lifetime.  I mean, literally, children learn to walk and babble and do all sorts of things in 18 months.  People meet and get married in that amount of time.  Sometimes, they even wedge in a divorce.  In my intervening 18 months, I’d moved once, been through a stint of unemployment (and a return to work), welcomed multiple small children into my extended friends and family, and  – and – not to be underestimated – completed more than 30 PT visits and been introduced to the joys of cortisone.  In short, I’d been through some stuff. 

So toeing the line (or, more accurately, jumping in behind some girls dressed as Red and Green M&M and the Super Mario Brothers), had me feeling a bit stressed.  Was I really ready to try this distance?  Was I asking for trouble? 

I’ve been returning to running slowly, following the program given to me by my doc –  but I haven’t been following it to the tee.  I mean, really, that would make sense.  I’ve also been helping to pace the Chicago Endurance Sports 5k group this fall, and had been running without incident the past two weeks.  So part of my nervousness was wondering if 3 miles was too much, too soon.  (And trust me, when I say this, I cringe, becuase 3 miles used to be something I did when I was bored. )  But I knew that if I kept to my training, and kept an easy pace, all should be good.  And it was.  I focused on my “effort level” – how hard I was working throughout – and not on the pace per se – and felt pretty good at the finish.  No pain, and no worries.  Well, almost no worries. 

Because here’s something I didn’t count on:  all the race-day stuff that I thought just came with BIG races (you know, the ones where, if you quit, you’re 5-10 miles from home), well all of that was present too.  The things I thought would go away because I wasn’t running long – well, they were still there on Sunday, just for a shorter amount of time.  But make no mistake, they impacted the way I ran the race, and how I felt when I finished.  So here, a few pieces of advice about dealing with the race day stresses I encountered Sunday – and that you’re likely to encounter if you’re just the slightest bit like me!

Remember you race with others. The whole point of doing a 5k or a 10k is to put yourself in an event where you can push a bit with support – and an incentive to do well – AND  where you can feel like part of a community as you engage in a solo activity.  But running with others means you’re probably going to be impacted by them too.  Think about how you’ll handle it when the woman with the double-wide stroller cuts you off on the path – while talking on her cellphone.  Or how you might deal with a group who decides to walk right in front of you – four or five wide – while you’re trying to keep a pace.  These things happen, and they’re part of every race.  The best thing to do is either: decide you’re going to expend your energy to run AROUND them the whole race; or simply try to squeak through when you see a chance, smile, and keep breathing. 

On Sunday, I was so surprised by how much I wanted to keep at my effort level – without slowing down – that when Stroller Mom whipped around in front of me (but didn’t keep moving fast enough so that I wasn’t clipping her heels) I took two steps off the path and ran for about 20 yards – faster than I normally would – just to get ahead of her.  It wasn’t a great tactic, but it made me feel better.  

In other races, I’ve tapped people on the shoulder who did that to me, apologized, and said “can I squeak through?” and they oblige.  But it always goes down easy with a smile.  Remember, most people are just out there to have fun, and they don’t want to be in your way.  Be kind.  Or run ahead.  Either one works – one is just slightly more repeatable than the other.

Remember nothing’s perfect.  Saturday night before this race, the organizers found out they had to re-route the entire half marathon course.  People who had planned their mental game around a specific course were crushed by the idea that they were going North instead of South on our lakefront path. 

With so little notice, the course organizers did the best they could to create a route that would work for our police force, the Presidential security detail (he was in town and flying out near the course) and the runners.  And they did a great job – with one tiny flaw.  The re-routed course setup was just a hair long (for the half marathon, by about .4 mile.)  Some people who were using it to qualify – or who just wanted to claim a sub-something race, were disappointed.  Others were just glad they could run 13 miles AND tack on an extra .4 . 

In the 5k race, the mile markers were off.  I try to judge how well I’m doing by the pace I keep on each mile – but my “splits” – the pace per mile – were way off when I checked them against the mile markers.  As I kept looking at my watch after the last marker, I kept thinking “you suck, you’re never going to make it in”.  (Drama queen moment).  I did fine, and I came in in just over 50 minutes.  So the splits weren’t perfect.  It didn’t mean I was going to run TEN miles instead of 3 on Saturday.  I was just not going to be FULLY AWARE of every component on the course.  So what?  I still finished and had a great medal.  And that’s something to remember when you’re on the course.  Porta potties will be locked sometimes.  Pacers will not keep their pace.  Drawbridges may go up (as happened on Sunday).  It’s about keeping your cool – and your perspective on this.  It’s just. a. run.  Yes, you’re going to be thrown by it, but if you practice the mantra that “Sh*t happens” or “There is nothing I can do about THAT in THIS moment” you will have a much easier race. 

Find the joy.  When your’e in the zone – even if you’re a big, slow runner like me – sometimes you get so wrapped up in what you’re trying to accomplish that it’s like a tidal wave of coaching thoughts.  I’m a golfer, and I analogize it to standing over a balll, with a billion swing tips going through your head.  “Stand straight shoulders back  tuck that chest in  arms loose  pull back count and DOWNSWING and through and don’t dip and belt buckle to the pin and finish high!”   Jeeminy Christmas, it’s no wonder I chunk the ball half the time.

But when you’re running, it can be the same thing, and on race day, my running mantra goes a little like this: “Head up chin off the chest breathe in three out two and can you talk? and heel strike under your hips and god could that chest stop bouncing and ..”  You get the picture.  Add in the splits and a heart rate monitor and it’s DEFCON 4 out there and nobody knows it but me. 

So how do you keep from agitating yourself to death?  Simple.  Find the joy.  Focus on other people.  Watch that couple in front of you as they talk about the movie they saw last night.  Or keep your chin up – but take a look at the gorgeous scene around you (for me, this was Lake Michigan, sparkling on Sunday.)  Or find yourself a good looking runner to ogle!  There are options, people – all of them designed to distract you through 3.1 or 13.1 or 26.2 miles faster than you can say “shoe box”.  Take in what your’e seeing, though, and just grab the joy out of it. 

It’s that joy that brings me back to the path, every single time.  And as I left the race on Sunday, it was that joy that I carried with me.  I finished, pain free, and I had a blast.  I can’t wait for what’s next.

See you on the path.

Oct 17

7 Comments

Fall Fashion for the Plus Runner

Sporthill's Symmetry Jacket ($95.00)

Every woman wants to look good in her clothes.   This is not an observation which should merit any shock or suprise.  And yet, as a bigger woman who is active, it’s always been hard to find clothing that fits, flatters, and is functional.

I started this site primarily to fill that gap.  I’ve been a plus sized athlete now for the better part of 10 years, and though my weight has moved up, and down, my desire to look as good as I can in my clothes – and heck, to look like an athlete, too – has not abated.

With that in mind, I went looking recently for the new fall offerings for the Plus size crowd.  I searched my favorite vendors, my “go-to” folks who have been brave and future-sighted engough to recognize the boom in this market, and have found a few nuggets for this season’s fall temps. 

I would love nothing more than to report that there is some extraordinarily good fashion out there for us for the fall.  Unfortunately, I’d be overstating the facts.  However, there are some winners, and because I’m all about the positive reinforcement, we’re going to call out some of those folks. 

First Prize for Functionality, Fit and Fashion:  Sporthill Symmetry Jacket ($95.00, available at Sporthill or Team Estrogen)

Sporthill is a company that’s been offering Plus Size running/walking/outdoor aerobic apparel for as long as I can remember.  This year, they’ve come up big with a nice updated color for their Symmetry Jacket ( a gorgeous plum purple).  Sporthill sells their products according to temperature “zones”, and this jacket is designed for Zone 3:  zero degrees to forty degrees. 

Why I love this item: First, it’s just plain good-looking.  The Blackberry color is one of those universally flattering colors – and Purple is all the rage this fall.  To se eit in a plus-size jacket is lovely.

Second, the fabric is technical – that means it wicks sweat away from your skin.  It’s got a brushed poly liner, which is helpful for drawing moisture away, and it’s treated with “DWR”.  DWR means “Durable Water Repellant” – which means it should hold up in a rain.  It’s not going to get you through a storm unscathed – for that, I’d put you in REI’s rain jacket.  It’s also wind repellant, which means it’ll keep you protected if you’re accustomed to the blustery conditions we get in Chicago.

Finally, it’s shaped to flatter.  The measurements are made for someone who carries a chest – and a waist or hips (check the Size Chart for the best size for you before ordering).  Yes, it is more expensive than the Moving Comfort Endurance Shell ($65.00)- however, that jacket is (in my experience) incredibly lightweight and will likely not be that helpful for you come fall. I tried it on at our local Fleet Feet, and, though the color is great, for a fall jacket, it’s overpriced and doesn’t offer enough functionality.  Plus, it frankly didn’t fit (tight in the arms and shoulders for me, though the size chart indicates it should fit.)  My recommendation: if you’re a runner, walker, hiker, or cyclist who needs a flattering jacket you can feel good in, the Symmetry Jacket is the one for you.

Second Prize for Functionality, Fit and Fashion: 

Circuit Long Sleeve Shirt from Athleta ($39.00)

The Circuit shirt from Athleta (shown in yellow at left) is like the house in Goldilocks – not too heavy, not too light, not too short, not too long.  It’s just right.  It’s designed with a wicking fabric, and the length is flattering for most sizes.   I’ve ordered from Athleta before (the TeeLicious tees) and am still wearing all three (five years later) for hiking, running, walking, and everyday wear. 

What I love about this item: First, it’s got a crew neck, which I think is helpful for fall and winter versatility.  Second, the colors are great.  Third, Athleta cuts their clothes for a woman’s body – that means that there’s usually enough room for a chest AND hips (who knew?).  The downside is that this is only offered up to a 2X – but check the size charts  – I would think you’d be safe up to a 51″ waist.

The other shirts on the market this fall (from Nike, Moving Comfort, REI, and Terry) are just not cute enough to make me want to spend $39.00 on a shirt.  The Nike half-zip is too boxy (I own it, and wear it, but oof.)  The REI shirt is too short in the sleeves, has terrible colors, and though it will fit anyone, it doesn’t have any pizzaz.  And the Moving Comfort Long-Sleeved shirts for plus-size women are very long and gather unflatteringly across the hips.  So…here we are at Athleta.  Give  it a shot – you might be surprised!

Third Prize for Functionality, Fit, and Fashion:

Ebony Running Tights by C9 for Target ($19.99)

I used to hate running in capris.  I thought they were ridiculous – a fake-out of a tight that made my legs look shorter.  Man, was I wrong.  As I’ve run in “wide leg” capris for a few years, I’ve come to miss the feeling of a TIGHT.  A tight that holds in my tummy a bit – and provides support for my legs.  With the rage in compression technology, you’d hope that compression tights were on the deck – and they are (more on those in another post) – but if you’re just looking for a cute tight to get you through fall, this is the one for you.

What I love about this item: First, it’s simple.  Basic black, with no piping on the wrong place.  It’s got reflective piping on the leg and on the graphic.  Second, it seems to have a nice flat waistband.  Third, it’s made of duo-dry, with no cotton, and flat seams, so you won’t chafe from sweat or seams.  It has a liner so if you like to run commando, you can.  And fourth, it’s got an inner, zippered pocket for your car keys or emergency cash, which NONE of the wide-leg, capri pants (which are mostly made for hacking around town and yoga, and NOT a run from your house) ever have.  In short, it’s functional and it’s flattering.

Aug 23

3 Comments

It’s not about the race

One of the most amazing things about writing here is that I come into contact with all these people who are trying to change their lives.  They’re embarking on running programs for the first time at age 35.  They’re re-discovering the joys of biking with their kids.  They’re off the couch, and excited about doing it, and there is no WAY, once they’ve made that decision, that ANYTHING is going to stop them.

Like, for instance, an injury.  Or, clothes that don’t fit.  Or, people who say “you shouldn’t do that so soon”.  These people, my people, (if I may be so bold as to call you “my people”, since I pretty much share the same exercise DNA with y’all)…anyway, we people have hearts of gold but damn, we are T-I-R-E-D of people thinking we do nothing but eat bonbons and watch Jersey Shore.

So when we decide to get moving, we move with some purpose.  We set out a plan. We stick to that plan.  And sometimes, we forget that what took us 2, 5, or 10 years to create can’t be un-done in a day.  Or even in 60 days.  We forget that our bodies are living, breathing things, that are not exactly following the plan our hearts and minds have set out.  So the body, it protests.  It complains.  And sometimes, it breaks.

I thought of this all last week as I was offiically discharged from a few months of physical therapy as a result of a running injury years in the making.  Dr. Chin and the awesome folks at The Running Institute of Chicago (I know, you’ve heard me talk about them, but I have to give them props) and the amazing Joel Nourie at Accelerated Rehabilitation Center’s West Loop location did their best to cure me.  They gave me good PT for the Plantar Fasciitis.  They diagnosed a problematic nerve in the ankle and eventually helped it calm down with some cortisone.  And they gave me a realistic Return to Running program, which I gleefully kicked off about 4 weeks ago.

My problem (if you can call it that) is that I had my heart set on doing the Chicago Triathlon this coming weekend.  You know, the one with the mile swim, 26 mile bike, and 10k run at the end?  Yeah, that one.  Only, as I approached Dr. Chin’s office on Thursday to be “discharged”, I knew that I hadn’t done enough distance to be able to say – without fear of re-injury- that I could do the whole 10k – without injury.  I was only up to about 3 miles of run/walking – and the jump to 6, which woudln’t have bothered me two years ago – was just too big now.

Not surprisingly, he agreed.  He, and Joel, and pretty much anyone who’s watched me rehab would probably have had the same answer.  Why risk it?  Why risk the run, increasing by almost 100% the amount you’re running in one day – only to get injured and delay for another 6 months something you’ve worked so hard to fix? 

And here’s where 10 years of running and racing kicked in:  I agree with them.  Why WOULD I risk it?  Why would I risk NEVER running again to run this week?  Why would I risk having that level of pain again when, with some patience and a little bit more work, I could run next month?  There’s just no reason.  But I know I’m not alone in weighing the decision carefully – in saying “hey, I’ve trained all summer for this race – and if I drop it, what have I spent all that time on?  What do I have to show for it?”  I know right now, in doctor’s offices and PT facilities all across Chicago (and heck, across the country), there are many people who, new to running or new to activity, are feeling the effects of too much, too soon – or too much, too often – and are being met with angry diagnoses of stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and a variety of other things that are killing their fall race calendar.

So what do you do, if you’re one of those people?  Do you risk it?  Do you find some way – ANY way, to keep going?  And if you quit now, what do you have to show for all that work?

If you find yourself asking that question – and really wondering what it was all for –  allow me to give you an answer:  You have months – MONTHS – of hard work and training to show for it.  You have the knowledge that you did your long runs, or your core work, or your half marathon or marathon training program – with a dedication and commitment that maybe, just maybe, you never had before.  Maybe you have stronger friendships, or healthier relationships, or less stress over the past few months.  Perhaps you have tighter abs, and sexier hammies, and a blonder ponytail.  (I’m just saying.)  Or maybe you just have some awesome nights where you slept like a log because you were so gloriously, awesomely tired, that you just fell into bed, and woke rested and happy. 

No matter what you spent your time training for this season, you’ve gotten something else out of it – other than a medal or a race. 

So if you happen to be one of those people who is breaking – right now – just stop.  Stop hurting yourself and your body.  Take a breath.  Shed those tears when the doc tells you you’re hurt – you’ve earned those.  But do the work you must NOW do to recover.  There are a lot of you out there right now, and you must not lose sight of what you’ve done this summer.  It’s not about the Chicago Marathon, or New York, or that upcoming triathlon.  It’s about building a healthier body – which will help you exercise for life. 

As for me, I’ll be there Sunday, doing the Chicago Triathlon.  I’ll swim my mile, and bike my 26.  But when it comes time to do the 10k run, I’ll take advantage of paying my $150 race fee, and I’ll run/walk my short little 5k.  And at Mile 1.5, I’ll turn around, and head home, shorting the run.  Yeah, it might hurt a little to do it – but last year at this time, I wondered if I’d ever run again.  So I’ll take 3 miles.  And I’ll come in smiling.

See you on the path.

Jul 26

6 Comments

There’s a time and a place for that

People always say that there’s a time and a place for certain things. Crying on the course isn’t usually one of them, but I think if you’re strong enough to finish, you should get to drop a few salty tears in celebration of the feat!

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Jun 17

5 Comments

Plus Baby: We Were BORN to Move!

Guest Blogger Kristin Maguire shares the lessons learned as she became Plus Baby – how to be active, what her on-the-way son has already taught her, and what we should all remember about living an active life!

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Jun 7

2 Comments

Updates: Little Red Ride Report, Born Fit, and General Awesomeness

Hi all!

A few quick notes here, and then I’m punting you over to Plus Athlete for the Little Red report!

I was lucky enough to spend this weekend in Utah, taking part in the Little Red Riding Hood Ride with fellow blogger Diane, and riding friends and all around cool women Jeannie, Kym, Karen, and others.  The weekend was a total hit, but I wanted to share a few key finds that might help you ride this summer!

First, serious props go out to my LBS (local bike shop) On The Route here in Chicago.  They packed and shipped my baby Trek without problem, and the folks in Logan who put her back together at Sunrise Cyclery rock, too.  If you’re looking for the epitome of great technicians with a flair for the helpful, these are your guys. 

Second, I had the good luck to run into the reps from Born Fit (based in Denver) who make maternity AND general fitness clothing.  They were displaying at Little Red, and shared the really good news that they’re now producing running, walking, and general fitness apparel up to a size XXL.  I can’t say this enough: their stuff is cute, it’s functional, and it works for pregnant women, so I’m pretty sure they’re going to do just find in the Plus market!  Take care to watch the size charts, but if you’re looking, I would recommend checking out their lines, especially their capris and short sleeved tops for summer.

Finally, good news from Chicago – the weather’s been so good, the lake temp is up to a balmy 65 degrees, which means this week, you should expect a report from me on triathlon training – and my first open water swim of the season.  I’ll keep you posted on whether I lose feeling (or, I should say, when.)

See you on the path!

May 24

5 Comments

Cross Training for Life

Runners and triathletes are incredibly dedicated to preparing for long-distance races. We swim, and bike, and run, farther than many people would ever consider. And yet, I recently asked myself the question: am I fit to live? Is endurance training enough? The simple answer is: probably not.

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May 10

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Spring Haitus

I’m a fan of a variety of television shows, and lately, I’ve been taking a cue.  After a big run with a showy finale, my favorite Fake People take a haitus.  Presumably, this is so editors everywhere can lie on the beach, sleep in, and pretty much pretend that no one cares about these shows.  When the show comes back in the summer or fall (depending on if it’s Cable or network), watchers feel like life is starting up again, and everything is just jolly.  We find out that the Fake Mistress wasn’t a Mistress at all, but a Sister, and the Fake Explosion was really just a bad dream, and we get sucked right back in, like we never left.

I like to think  I’ve just had my own haitus here the past month or so, disappearing from the blog, and from a regular exercise routine.  Except, here’s the thing:  no showy finale.  No big revelations.  Not much at all.  More like the FCC pulled my license to write (and exercise) and I just whimpered into the sunset. 

So apologies to those who’ve come round the last month looking for inspiration or fun or just plain cheap clothes!  I have lots of reasons why I’ve not been here (I have a “new” full time job, and I’m working more, and I moved homes, and have had some travel….and, well, technically, I’m not really doing a whole lot of exercising other than biking, because I’m doing PT a few times a week)…but wait, you probably don’t care, do you?

Well, that’s fair. You shouldn’t have to care – and you know what, that’s okay. 

If I’ve learned anything from this little break, it’s this:  the excuses don’t matter.  It doesn’t matter what keeps you from doing the things you love – it’s how you get back to it that counts.  Maybe you’re on a haitus, too, right now. Maybe your sneakers are dusty, and your goggles are drying out.  But both of them will work when you get back on the path, or in the pool.  And those lovely, inanimate objects (shoes, goggles, path and pool) could care less that you started taking a class, or got sucked into a new show, or had to work on a project that was so busy you barely had time to sleep.  Those inanimate objects will welcome you back, and not judge where you’ve been, or where you’re headed.   And the people – those people who are your running friends, your rowing friends, or your former “hang out and go for a walk” friends- they won’t care, either.  They’ll just be glad to see you again.

I learned that the easy way – last weekend, as I took off for Door County, to ride my bike in gorgeous Peninsula State Park while my friends ran the Door County Half Marathon.  As the Chicago Endurance Sports crew ran through the most serene, most gorgeous course I’ve seen, I pedaled my way through a park that made me ache for Acadia, and dream of spring rides.  It was pretty, and it was easy.  And I was shocked.  After all, I’ve been “only” walking and doing core strengthening for the past few months.  But it turns out, if you’re easy on yourself when you come back from haitus, you can enjoy the return – with no drama, no fireworks, and certainly no breakdowns. 

This week, the return continues with Episodes 2 and 3 – riding, and riding some more, to prepare for Little Red.  While I’m at it, I’m also doing something else TV-esque:  I’m setting the DVR, exercise style.  Seriously – if I can “prioritize” shows on DirecTV, and record Top Gear over Castle, why can’t I prioritize a morning bike ride over sleeping in?  Or an evening ride over a Cubs game?  Well, I can.  But another valuable TV lesson here:  I do HAVE to choose at some point – and every time I choose a non-workout option when I plan my week, there  is a real cost. 

So I’m planning (always planning) and we’ll see if I can deliver.  I’ll keep you posted on the post-haitus recovery, and in the meantime, thanks for reading, and thanks for coming back.

See you on the path!

Mar 13

8 Comments

Spring Training (Or: Why You Want to Run a Marathon, Today)

I often start these posts talking about the weather.  Today is no exception.  This morning, I donned a rain jacket, capris, and a single, lovely, long-sleeved tech shirt for a nordic trek with a friend.  It was a crisp 40 degrees in Chicago, and the clouds never parted.  We got spit on, my shoes got wet, and two hours after the walk, my quads were still cool with the wet cold of a rainy morning. 

And I loved it.

Why? Because spring is here, and there were hundreds of people chugging along the lakefront path here in Chicago this morning, getting ready for their next (or first) big race.  The Chicago Endurance Sports group was out in force, training people for the upcoming 1/2 marathon in Door County.  The Chicago Area Runners Association groups were out, too, rumbling along on the path, prepping for their spring races.  And there were lots of couples out today – channeling the slightly frightened look of people who haven’t run outside all winter, and who just realized that the Shamrock Shuffle (an 8k with a whopping 40,000 registrants) is taking place next weekend, and that they maybe, just maybe, should get outside and try a few laps.

In short, it was exuberant, wet, sloppy fun today on the path, and just like when the pitchers and catchers report for spring training, there was a feeling in the air.   You can see it in the looks on the people you pass on days like today – a short nod, and an acknowledgement, that yes, the weather’s not perfect, but “LOOK AT ME! I’m out here! I”m running like a fool in the rain and AINT IT GRAND???” 

Of course, there’s some misery, too.   There was one poor girl in shorts (wind, honey, it will kill you on days like today), her legs red and raw.  And there were some hot, hot men out there, overdressed in thermal tights with rain jackets, winter hats, and gloves (not over 40 degrees, folks!)  But mostly, everyone looked determined, and excited.  Like they knew what was coming.

So what was I doing today?  Simple. I was catching up with a friend I hadn’t seen in forever.  She joined me for a nice, hour + walk, dodging puddles and catching up.  We talked about the blossoming success of her new small business; the difficulty in getting yourself motivated to get out there when things are tough; and the people we had in common.  Oh, and dating.  The best part about walking or running with a friend is a roundup of your favorite dating activity (at least if you’re a girl) and at the end of our walk, we had some laugh-out-loud moments about what it takes to find a good guy – and how we might tackle that topic next weekend.

I’d imagine that things look somewhat different at the Cubs Spring Training camp in Mesa, but what do I know?  Maybe the pitchers spend all their time talking about hangnails and hammy pulls, and the catchers just talk about what they did with their knees in the offseason.  But I’d bet they also have that little kid excitement that we have when the weather turns – that sense that it’s spring, and anything can happen if we just set our minds to it.

I know that’s how I’ve been feeling lately, and today just confirmed it for me.  So, given that optimism, it’s a good time to share my events calendar for the year with you.  Sometimes, people wonder if I just talk a lot about running and walking and all these other sports – but alas, I’m the real deal – and this spring, I’ve set my sights on some great events to keep me motivated. 

As some of you may know, last year I developed a lovely case of “athletic pubalgia” – aka – sports hernia, among other things – after the Rock n’ Roll 1/2 marathon in Arizona in January.  I ran for awhile afterwards, thinking it would resolve on its own, and it didn’t. Shocking.  I turned to triathlon training late last year, and only in August, when I really couldn’t run without pain, did I finally give in and see the doc.  Since then, I’ve been (gasp) running-free.  I’ve done some PT, I’ve walked, I’ve snowshoed, swam, nordic walked, and done lots of core strengthening, but even now, I’m nursing a nagging injury to my left foot, and am going to take care of that before I start to run again.  In the meantime, I’ve booked a few things to keep me going. 

If you’re looking for an event, or are planning to do any of the events listed below, drop me a line! I’d love to meet up and see you in person!

Pirate’s Cove Trail Run (8k) –  March 20.  Golden Gate National Recreation Area, near San Francisco, CA.  March 20.  I’ll be hiking this 8k with my friend and her husband!  It’s my excuse to get to San Fran to do some exploring, and the course looks beautiful!

Door County Half Marathon & 5k  May 1.  (No, I’m not running the 1/2 marathon, just going to cheer, and to run/walk the 5k).  I’ll also be taking my bike and exploring the park on two wheels.  This will be my first run in 9 months, so I’m looking forward to it!

Little Red Riding Hood Ride – June 5.  Cache Valley, Utah.  One of my favorite readers, and a fine writer and inspirer to boot, Diane (www.downhourtraining.blogspot.com) who’s an avid cyclist, told me about this ride.  She’s an organizer extraoridinaire and sang its praises, and who was I to judge?  The ride is non-competitive, takes place in Cache Valley in Utah, and it’s a women’s only, fully supported ride of a distance of your choosing (18, 35, 57, 80 and 100 mile options).  I’ll be riding with 3,000 other women in a gorgeous area, with “rollers” – no big climbs – to raise money for women’s cancer research.  And I’ll be completing my longest ride in about 4 years, which has me pretty excited.  I’m aiming for the 57 mile ride (I couldn’t do the 85 right now, I just know it) and my good friend Karen has committed to joining me for at least 30 miles.  Considering she last rode long on the hills of Italy, I’m prepared to get my butt kicked, but it should be good times.   I’m also looking forward to being part of such an amazing event in Utah, a state I’ve never spent any time in.  Look out, Utes!

Lifetime Fitness Triathlon - July 10 (TENTATIVE) – Minneapolis, MN.  This is a legacy race for me, and this year I’m considering adding it as my “A” triathlon (Olympic distance).  I’ll be one month removed from great bike shape, so this might be the perfect year for me.  I’m holding off on registration for one more month, but I love this course, so, worst-case scenario, I’ll be here, doing the Sprint. Best case: it will be the Olympic I didn’t get to do last year.  Lifetime’s also offering a Clydesdale/Athena category for the Olympic, so there’s a great chance to be compared against your peers!

The North Face Endurance Challenge, 10k Trail Run - September 18 – Kettle Moraine S.P., Wisconsin.  I watched my friend Jenny Hadfield run the Ultramarathon here last year, (though it was a month later) and I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the day and the cameraderie of the racers.  Sure, she made running over 30 miles look easy, but I was inspired, and I said to myself “next year, you’re doing this.”  “This” is “just” the 10k, which is a distance I think I’ll be pretty good at, come September.  The race last year was a great event, and I’m putting it on my calendar as my first-ever “real” trail run. 

Other than that, I’m not quite sure what’s on deck – but it’s a good start, right?

So, take a look at that schedule – and think about what you might want to do for yourself this spring – and summer.  Pick out a race for yourself, and make some goals.  Don’t be afraid to go all pitcher-catcher, and report for Spring. I  promise it will help keep you focused, and you’ll have a better 2010.

See you on the path!

Feb 18

Flying the Solo Flag – With a Few Caveats

Plus sized athletes participate in a variety of sports – but do we prefer solo or team endeavors, and why? A brief look at the rationale behind solo activity in a group environment, and some motivation to get started doing whatever works best.

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