Gear Check

Runners have varying philosophies on gear from high-tech to low key. Everyone has his/her own personal style. While gear may seem like a silly topic, stick with me for a bit.

If you see me out on a typical run this is probably what will stand out: smile, tall socks, and a braid. I'm not super flashy and I don't really pay much attention to my running gear. (so why devote the whole post?)

I've learned a few things over the past few years running. The biggest thing to running happy for me is to keep my feet happy. If I can keep those bad boys feeling great I can run on for miles. I'm not a big spender and shopping is definitely not my thing. But I will justify the $$ on good shoes. Sure it's great to match and coordinate a spiffy outfit but as long as I've got my shoes I'm good to go.
 
I have a saying I often use with my students and it continues to drift into my everyday life: "Set yourself up for success." To me, this means take care of the things I can control to give myself the best chances to be successful in my endeavour.

I like to set my gear out the night before a long run. It helps me focus some intention on the morning work. And let's face it... having things set out gives me a few more moments with my pillow before the day starts.  

I used to worry that I'd show up to a run with others and I wouldn't fit in. I wasn't as high-tech or dressed in the latest running fashions. This fear would cause me to doubt my running and my ability to connect with others. It would even keep me from going to some runs. I would sabotage myself with worrying about something as silly as gear!

So, my point is... gear is YOUR gear. Find what works for you and stick with it.

Beyond the running life, find what "gear" you need to make your experiences successful and your own.

I hope when people think back on me as a runner (and beyond) their memories won't be of my tall socks and mix-matched shorts/top but will be the "gear" of my kind spirit, connected conversation, and enjoyable miles together.
 
The gear of the soul..... is better than any brand, gadget, and high-tech toy.

taking the journey

Sometimes it just takes a simple 3 letter word to change everything...... "yes."

There may be fear, reservations, and thousands of reasons it would be easier to say no, but the act of saying "yes" can set you on a path that will lead to AMAZING life experiences.    

Take my mom for example: My sister, Jamie, made her mind up to run the Chicago Marathon in 2013. I immediately said YES can I tag along for the ride. My mom quietly, she's sneaky in a great way, contemplated joining the journey. I'm sure she had many reasons to say no. It's hard, I'm not in my 20s/30s, how can I fit in the training with my busy work schedule, etc. But as registration neared, she said YES.

Somehow the stars all aligned and the three of us all got into the Marathon (2 by lottery system).
Now I am so fortunate to have trained along side my mom and oldest sister for their first marathon. We shared laughs, tears, stress, joy, smiles, and maybe a few choice words.  We were a team.

 I got to experience lots of "firsts" with them. It is really incredible to have others accept you to share in their journey. I think my favorite was running my mom's first 20 miler. We had highs and lows (Like her music dying well before the end) but we made it through and I knew she would be ready for the marathon. I think I make a pretty good personal cheerleader/iPod if I do say so myself! Mom may have used some of those previously mentioned choice words ;)

Marathon day came and we gladly stuck together! I know people build up the event but I loved the day in day out runs of training. Time spent with some of my family, those memories stand out to me.

If you know me, you know I'm a sensitive soul and often commercials can get me teary eyed. However I can say I have never cried tears of joy finishing a race until crossing the line with my mom and Jamie. I was so proud and honored to have shared the miles. (Not just the 26.2 on race day but the journey that began several months prior)





(Photos from Chicago 2013)






6 Days after these photos I ran my first 50 mile event. People said I was nuts to run Chicago and turn around and run DPRT 50M. I kept telling people.... "How can you say no to running a marathon with your sister and MOM?!?!" I'm so glad I didn't listen to the naysayers. Sure, I didn't have the freshest legs and struggled throughout. But my mom and dad joined in with Steve along the course cheering me on (and giving me snacks). I finally rounded the final turn and saw Steve, my parents, and Jamie's clan (I had some fellow running club ladies that stuck around for me too!) I couldn't believe I was at the finish. I cried for my second race finish, not because I was in pain, but because I felt so incredibly loved and special. These moments can't happen with the "yes" so long before.

 

 
My mom and sis are returning the "yes" in running with me on my birthday run! It will be my mom's first trail race. Wow, how cool is it that I get to start my next 50 miler with my mom and oldest sis?! (Maybe we can even get Erin on board ;) )When I said this was my plan for my birthday weekend. They said.... "we'll be there." I'm a lucky lady.  So.... enough about me.....

Do you have a lingering feeling that you need more out of life? Is there something you having been thinking about and are struggling to say yes out of reservation or fear?

How can you take a chance on a new/challenging opportunity?
Life offers so much; sometimes in scary,sneaky ways.
It may just take you on the most amazing journey of your life.

Live more... smile through the challenge.... say YES!

The Joys of Winter Running

Mid-west winters.....  are one of a kind. We've been blessed the past couple of years to have pretty "easy" winters. This year we are getting our share of snow and cold temps. This can create a challenge for a
spring event training plan.  

Some would say.... too cold, too wet, too much snow....etc and skip out on the run.

I've found it's easy to find a way to make the runs happen with friends and goals kept in mind. I like to play tricks/games with myself to stay motivated and moving.

Too cold/dangerous to run outside? Stay indoors! I've found the fun in running the indoor track at the gym. As long as you can handle looping for hours you can get a long run in any kind of weather without the use of the treadmill.  One positive I found with the indoor track is that I run without my garmin. I just enjoy the time running without stressing pace. I still keep track of miles but with a fun, tech-free counting system from my awesome nephew, Jaelon. He is a rainbow loom expert (see pic below)

Sure, winter running has many challenges, don't get me wrong, but I don't mind this season for my training.

If you're a winter runner you'll understand: increased laundry, the extra time to bundle and de-bundle, running nose, and frozen eye-lashes, and the surprisingly still-there question "did I overdress?!"


But if you are a winter runner you also know the: quiet, peaceful mornings, the huge flakes catching your cheeks, the glitter of fresh powder, and the joy of fresh footprints on the trail.

 

Find what you love about the winter to help get though the next couple of months. Stay warm and enjoy life!