Every few months I feel like I write one of these posts…
The post where I realize I am slacking (no offense Fallon!), decide to pick myself up by the bootstraps and get my sh*t together.
Also known as this post, this post, this post and this post.
The post where I decide to start kicking a$$ and taking names.
Last week I challenged you to share with me the reasons why you do this crazy thing called running.
The response that I received was overwhelmingly awesome!
It was so cool to read everyone’s reasons, because they are all so different.
Looking for some motivation?
Read the stories below and I bet one of them will light a fire under your caboose.
I know it has for me!
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It’s no secret…
I have been completely MIA for the last few weeks.
Technically, it has been 18 days since my last blog post.
Where the heck have I been?
To be honest, I have been hiding under a rock. Continue reading
As many of you know, I just (praise the Lord!) recovered from a minor hamstring injury that forced me to pull out of Rock n’ Roll San Diego.
Boo!
But! I am back running and haven’t had any problems with my hamstring since.
WOO WHOO!
Or maybe it is in my head?
Who knows.
I am feeling a little off this week. Continue reading
As a runner, there are certain things that really piss me off!
I am sure most people don’t understand, but maybe you (being a fellow runner) will agree with me…
Pull your head out of your ass, man! I mean come on! It’s called peripheral vision, use it and check out your surroundings before you come to a complete freakin’ stop. I understand that you are tired, but really? Continue reading
On Saturday, May 7, 2016 I was the 2:30 pacer for the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon.
This was my first assignment for Beast Pacing and what a day it was.
But, I am skipping ahead a little.
There is no doubt about it.
I mean seriously.
We run long distances for fun.
Most people hate walking to the mailbox and we look forward to our long runs.
Like I said…
You know how much I love “keeping it real”
So, let’s talk about just how weird we really are! Continue reading
Happy day to you.
As most of you know, I am pacing the Modesto Half Marathon this weekend.
I am really excited.
But, now that the Modesto Half weekend is here…
I realize that this means that the OC Half Marathon is coming up next.
In 45 days, I plan to run my fastest Half Marathon to date.
After such a ridiculously amazing race at Surf City in February, Continue reading
The coveted 26.2: Many people, whether seasoned runners or racing newbies, are allured by the marathon. Some hope to cross it off their bucket list, others do it to come home with a shiny new PR (personal record), while some people simply want to claim bragging rights.
But hold up! While many people get hooked once they first experience a runner’s high – those feel-good chemicals released in the brain while pushing your body to its limits – that elation can lead to too much of a good thing.1 In fact, marathon runners are especially vulnerable to exercise addiction.2 Think of running like medication: People use it to stay healthy and prevent a handful to chronic illnesses. But like with a drug, there is a chance of overdosing. Even without the risk of addiction, marathon training puts a ton of stress on the body, especially since most running plans are in the 16– to 20–week range. Research suggests the benefit of physical exercise has its limits, and overdoing it can lead to weakened heart health and even tamper with longevity.3 If marathon training is approached the wrong way, it can lead to some serious health hazards, not to mention the risk of not making it to the starting line.
Of course, runners can still enjoy that high (and a shiny new medal). It’s all about understanding the warning signs of overuse or overtraining. In 2013, there were 541,000 marathon finishers in the U.S. – an all-time high.4 If done with the right attitude and precautions, a finish line can definitely be in your future.
So how do runners train hard but not too hard? How do you know when you’re pushing your body past its limits? We break down the dangers of overdoing it, plus offer smart training tips. Continue reading
I hope you are doing well today.
I am pretty tired and sore from the Hot Chocolate 15K in San Francisco yesterday, but I had a great time!
I can’t wait to share my race review with you.
Stay tuned for that.
Ever since I listened to Serial on my way to San Diego last January, I have fallen in love with podcasts.
It is now my preferred way to travel!
Although I mainly listen to running podcasts now, I can thank Serial for exposing me to this fantastic world of information.
I have listened to ba-zillions (yes, that IS a number) of podcasts since then.
According to Runner’s World, “To achieve your running goals, powerful legs and big lungs aren’t enough—you also need a strong head.”
The Sanskrit word “mantra” literally means “instrument for thinking.”
Mantras have been used to focus the mind in meditation and can help you stay on “track” when the “road” (pun intended) gets tough.
It can be used any where: during the last few miles of a race, a particularly challenging hill repeat, or even during a long run. Continue reading
How are you today?
I, personally, am great… although my legs feel a little tired today.
I did hill repeats yesterday for the first time.
See what I did there?
I made a funny.
Rather Be Runnin' 