A PR and a few other tidbits

This morning I set out to run (jog is more like it) six miles. On the way out the door, I told my husband to be prepared to come and get Luke. The last time Luke accompanied me on a run it was for five miles and he grew restless near the end.

To my surprise, Luke finished what we started without a fuss (or a nap)! A personal record for both of us … We aren’t counting time, right?

After two potty breaks for me, a false poop alert and diaper change for Luke and several ‘pauses’ to replenish snacks the finish time was … Let’s just say we finished and leave it at that!

However, today’s outing brought a few issues to light that others might want to note.

Waste management

I have a week bladder. Always been like that. Always will be. As a result, before I start a run I scout out where my relief options are located.

Today was no different. I planned my route so that I could hit Lowe’s at two miles and Kohls at four. But, what happens on race day when there likely won’t be a Lowes or Kohls to run in to?

You definitely want to empty everything before leaving home. And, if you’re like me seek out a release option before the starting gun fires. The location of Gasparilla helps. Depending on the start time, participants can choose from the Publix or Walgreens on Platt Street. However, once you past them it’s just you, port-a-pottys and the great outdoors. Trust me, the latter is really not an option for Gasparilla. There are way too many participants, spectators and not enough bushes along Bayshore Blvd.

Either way, it’s wise to know your body, your options and plan ahead.

Little things can add up to a lot

Something didn’t feel right in my right shoe. Before leaving home I took off my shoe and readjusted my sock. That did the trick for about four miles. Then I felt the rub on my inside arch.

Not good.

I took my shoe off and tried to loosen the area along my arch. It didn’t work. Before long, my gait was different trying to overcompensate for the discomfort in my foot.

Really, not good.

Whether it’s toe, thigh, nipple, heal or arm rub—sooner or later you are bound to fall victim. The key is to identify the problem area ASAP and take action. There are lots of products on the market that can be applied to high friction areas to minimize pain from rubbing. Take it from me … ‘Tis better to apply often and be friction free than to go without and suffer from a burn.

Ouch!

A change must come

There comes a time in our training when we need a change to get us to the next level. I’m not saying some of us have hit a wall … we just need something different to get us over the hump.

Over the past week others have shared that they lost their running partner due to injury, lost their ‘mojo’, can’t get past 5/6 miles, can’t get off the treadmill and run outside or whatever.

Personally, I lost my running partner—Luke just isn’t down with the jogger once we hit the one hour mark. Can’t say I blame him.

On a recent road trip, I popped in one of my ‘driving’ CDs. You know the CD that will keep you alert when you’re behind the wheel. This time it was a compilation of my favorite alternative songs.

Man!

What a great flashback. I sang non-stop for 1 ½ hours across Alligator Alley. The air guitar and hand banging was in full swing. But, better than that I was reminded of my running days from yesterday …

My awesome alternamix also doubled as my half-marathon training music. Listening to Weezer, Green Day, Lit and Everclear immediately catapulted me to hill repeats on the Martin Luther King Bridge and dewy, Sunday morning runs along the Riverhills golf course.

So, as much as I love catching up on “This American Life” and “Freakonomics Radio” I have come to the realization that our running relationship must end.

I, Natalie D. Preston-Washington, need the high strung guitar and pulsating beats of AFI, My Chemical Romance and The Offspring to get me through 9.3 miles and on to the finish line.

What change do you need to claim victory on March 3rd?

Find your inspiration

Apparently, Mathdany isn’t the only person who suffered a bit of a set back over the holiday break. She asked for a video or inspirational story to motivate her. Well, here’s a clip from “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” featuring Rick and Dick Hoyt—they are my inspiration.

In 2008, I had the pleasure of running a half-marathon with Team Hoyt. It was amazing to
meet them and I was happy to support their fund-raising efforts.

I am not ashamed to admit that Dick leaves me in the dust. This is particularly impressive given that he was a few beats away from a heart attack, is several decades older than me and pushes his 100lb son on his runs.

So, when I am struggling to get out the door and run or feel like a weeble wobble and want to
stop or my mind is working against me with a defeatist attitude, I think of The Hoyts and refuse to quit.

Like them, I am an athlete.

I saw the full episode on HBO when it originally aired, but can’t find it online. YouTube has lots of clips about The Hoyts. This one is good too and I love the closing message—Don’t Run Alone.

Fueling during long runs (hour +)

Completed my first 15K distance on Saturday, however I still feel uneasy about race day. The second and last mile are always the toughest, no matter the distance. I still struggle in my mind to keep going, fighting the urge to quit. Nevertheless, the biggest challenge was fueling during the run. When is the best time to refuel? What do you refuel with, water, sport drinks, gels, etc and how much do you consume? How do you carry your fueling supplies and how do you get it to your mouth?

The ameature that I am, I held a 10 oz. bottle half filled with cranberry juice in my hand, waited until I completed an hour and then only managed to take 3 sips... I won't go into the details of how bad the experience was. Let's just say I need to spend more time finding options that will yield better results. If you haven't taken the time to consider what you will do, you may want to start thinking about what will work best for you. Refueling is not only for the professionals, we all need to fuel during long runs.

And while I am on the subject, anybody wants to share how you fuel pre- and post-run?

Just venting ...

Yesterday’s five-mile run was tough. Luke had a fever most of the weekend. And, when he doesn't sleep well, I don't sleep well. Plus, I was on my feet all day doing laundry, taking down Christmas decorations, cleaning, and more. Speaking of laundry, I’m not happy about the increase in my dirty clothes that running generates …

Nonetheless, 4:30pm came and I was determined to run. It was a gorgeous day and I'd been cooped up inside long enough. I usually can listen to my podcast without earplugs, but not today. The road traffic was high and it just wasn’t working. So, I begrudgingly cut off Freakonomics Radio and ran alone.

Wrong move.

The time clicked away ever so slowly with no stroller, no podcast, no nothing. Just me and car fumes. Yuk!

BTW—Is anyone else struggling with sore, tight muscles? I have never been good with stretching pre- or post-run, but walking stiffly is getting old. I remember some stretches from my running club days, but if others have found a good online resource then please share.

Finally, the past is the past. It’s a new week so forget about what didn’t happen last week or even last month and make it happen this week!

How to get back in the Groove?

Hi Everyone,

Before the break I was on a roll. I was religiously working out, but now I am having difficulties. I find myself making excuses for not running. I am not sure what I have to do to get my Mojo back.

Realization is Dawning

I ran my longest run so far last night - 4 miles.  I was surprised at how much longer it SEEMED than 3 miles.  Somewhere just under 3 miles I realized that I would be running at least an hour and a half for the 15K!  That's a long time!  But I remind myself to take heart and have faith in the training schedule (I'm using the Higgins 12 week one that Samantha sent out).  The training schedule WORKS and gradually gets you were you need to be without injury.  I remember worrying a lot about running so long when I trained for my 1st half marathon.  Sure enough, the training worked and I did just fine.  When in doubt, trust in your training!  :) 

Why I love to run outside

So today was very tough for me. I wasn't going to run, I was only going to workout with the trainer...but...we only "trained" for 30 minutes and I wasn't satisfied. So, I decided to run on the treadmill at the gym. Boy was I mistaken! There were many reasons why my plan was foiled: 1) I didn't have my earbuds so there was nothing to distract me, only those working out around me and they were not entertaining enough! 2) I hadn't mentally prepared myself for a specific distance so there was nothing pushing me to continue and 3) my pace outside and on the treadmill feel different. I was running the same speed as NikePlus tells me but it felt harder on the treadmill. Maybe I was bored, or maybe I was tired, but I only lasted a mile....What a disappointment! I guess I will just have to make it up this weekend and tell myself that 1 mile is better than no mile...

That and pray for good weather because the treadmill is no fun for me!

Garparilla registration

If you are planning to run, walk, skip, hop or crawl one of the Gasparilla events, then be sure to register by January 20. The price for all events increase as of January 21.

Visit http://www.tampabayrun.com/Race_Info/15K_and_5K/General_Information.htm for specific details on the events, fees, course, etc.

Kick asphalt!

Thanks Ali!

On November 9, I received the following message from Alison Oberne.

Hi Everyone,

Some of us expressed an interest in doing the 15K at Gasparilla. I thought we could get a
group together to do the race. Some of us may be faster than others (I put myself in the slow category) but we can motivate each other along the way.

I ran my first half-marathon at Gasparilla in 2005. How cool would it be to make my comeback at the same event?

We were four months out from race day. Surely, that was plenty of time to go from zero to 9.3 miles.

November got off to a slow start for me—a few miles here and there 1-2 days a week. Not
great, but better than nothing. Right?

December proved to be the turning point.

I ran at least three days a week, every week. Sundays have once again become my ‘long
run’ days. My training goals are synched with my home, work and cellie calendars
so there is no escaping the commitment. I haven’t ventured to the scale, but I feel
more fit and that has done wonders for my physical and mental well-being.

In the past two months, I logged more runs than in the previous two years! Yippie!!!

So, thank you, Alison for re-igniting the running fire in me. I am even looking
ahead to my first half-marathon since 2008. The National Black Marathoners
Association will hold its annual gathering at the Madison Marathon in May.

The temps should still be brisk in late spring. Wisconsin would be a new state for
me (#27 in my quest to visit all 50 before the age of 50). And, when I complete
it Nat da Brat will officially have her groove back!

Back to the grind

On Sunday, I sadly completed my last midday run of the break. I was
starting to grow fond of my late morning runs, but like the saying goes, “all
good things must come to end.”

Last evening, I ran in one of my favorite neighborhoods, the
Riverhills golf community of Temple Terrace. While plodding along I realized
that ‘the grind’ might be better for training than my holiday break. Although
it was chilly and my ears were nearly numb by the time I finished, it was a
great outing.

The brisk weather and lack of jogging stroller did a lot to
improve my pace—not that I am tracking :-)—posture
and endurance. At the conclusion of three miles, I actually felt like I could
have kept running (with ear muffs) for a few more miles with no problem. The hills
(more like inclines) were an added bonus that I am sure I will feel later today
…

So, bring on the flying golf balls, winding roads and charming
homes. I hope to run in Riverhills after work two days a week and welcome
company, especially runners (Laura!) who live in the area and have a restroom
for folks with a weak bladder like me …