Category Archives: Running Experiences

Personal Running Experiences

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Winter Running in October??

Winter running on the Ralston Creek Trail

I knew it would come sooner or later.  Actually, it appeared a couple of weeks ago… briefly.  I’m talking about snow.  Really?  It can’t be winter already?  The leaves just started to change colors and fall from the trees.  Now there are leaves and snow on the ground.  Halloween decorations in the yard are covered with snow.  My kids are bundled up in those puffy jackets that make them look like mini marshmallows.  Below freezing temperatures that only increase by a few degrees during the day.

Yet, people around here tell me that this is not the end of fall.  All of this beautiful snow could melt in a day and the temperatures might return to a balmy 70 degrees by next week.  The weather around here is more unpredictable than it ever was in Jacksonville.  I decided not to wait around to find out what would happen.  I decided just to go ahead and go on the run that I had already planned a few days earlier.  Why should I let snow and freezing temperatures stop me now?  I mean, what will I do in January when this stuff sticks around permanently?

Thankfully I had already purchased my running pants that were rated for below 40 degrees.  I must say that good winter running clothes should be put on the same pedestal as a good pair of running shoes.  You really can’t afford to go skimpy when it comes to running in freezing temperatures.  What if you hurt your knee and have to walk home?  You are bound to catch hypothermia if you don’t have the proper gear.

I woke up this morning to a lot of snow.  I knew it was coming, but the scene outside was still a surprise.  I pondered my crazy plan to go running outside.  Hmmm, I could just put on regular workout clothes and go to the gym.  Did I really need to go outside?  Yes, I had to go outside.  I only run on the treadmill when I have to (or when I don’t want to push a 60 pound jogging stroller).

I put on my running clothes:  my new pants, a fleece-lined running shirt, a fleece, rain jacket, gloves, hat and a pair of thin wool socks.  I didn’t really care if I was overdoing it because I knew that if I got hot then I could also take off a layer.  That would be better than freezing my rear off.  I was a bit worried about my toes, but I was surprised to find out that the warmer socks still allowed my already big feet to fit in my shoes.  Then I started thinking about traction.  Knowing my luck, I would crash and burn if I hit a patch of ice on the sidewalk.  I couldn’t really do anything about that so I just told myself I would start off slow.

And then I was off!  Yep, it didn’t take long for my face to feel like it would fall off.  I thought about the face mask that I probably should have brought.  Dang it, my toes were good, but my face and my fingers were not happy.  I wasn’t even sure how far I was going to run, but I told myself that I would at least do 3 miles so I could get acclimated to this winter running stuff.

After 2 miles, I was feeling pretty darn good considering the temperature and the snow falling from the sky.  I was starting to warm up.  Actually, my core was getting a bit too toasty.  I considered taking off my fleece, but the thought of wind hitting my sweaty shirt didn’t sound so appealing so I just opted to be a bit toasty.  My extremities could have used a little extra warmth, but it wasn’t as bad as that first mile.

As I coasted along in mile 3, I finally took the time to take in the scene around me.  Snow covered trees, a slow-moving creek and hills of white.  I couldn’t help thinking about how beautiful it was.  At that moment, I felt really lucky.  Not only was it a scenic run, but it was a quiet one.  There wasn’t a  soul in sight, unless you count the frisky squirrels or the bantering geese. (And what the heck are geese still doing here?  Shouldn’t they be heading south?).  Every now and then I saw a person walking a dog.  And there was one runner.  That’s it, just one.  I shouted “at least I am not the only crazy one” before I noticed he was wearing headphones.  So, that must have been why he gave me a weird look.

I was running a straight route.  That only meant that I would have to turn around at some point and come back.  Doing an out-and-back kind of forces you to run farther.  You are feeling good those first few miles and you don’t really think about needing to turn around.  “I got this” you say… until you realize you have run 5 miles.  Okay, I guess I am running 10 miles today.  I have no choice but to turn around and run 5 more miles.  Honestly, it’s been a few months since I have run that far.  It felt pretty good up until mile 9.  Yes, I was almost there, but there was a hill.  Damn those hills!

After I reached my car I couldn’t help but think about food.  Yet, that is nothing new.  I can talk about food at mile 24 while my friends are thinking about throwing up.

Today I think I showed winter who is boss.  I’m not going to run inside on the treadmill while staring longingly out the window.  Screw that.  Cycling, though, is a different story.  Can you just picture me cruising along at 18 mph and hitting a patch of ice?  That’s just a bit too scary.

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It’s not a secret…

My ride up to Red Rocks

It’s not a secret that even the seemingly motivated people are often unmotivated.  That doesn’t mean that they always give in to these feelings, though.  They have to work to overcome these feelings just like anyone else.  I don’t know if people see me as motivated.  Sometimes I feel like a blob on the couch as I scan t.v. stations at night.  Occasionally I cook dinner in the microwave or order take out instead of actually using the stove or oven.  Once in a while, I lay on the floor as my kids pile books and toys on top of me  while I think about how I should be teaching them how to read and write.   I’m not quite the model citizen here.

But, you know what?  I have the special ability to fight and overcome.  Maybe it has something to do with how I was raised.  My life was never picture perfect and I always had to be strong in order to stay intact.  If I want to do something, then I will get it done.  However, I can’t fight all of the time or else I would be too exhausted.  I guess I kind of have to pick my battles.

For me, staying physically fit and healthy is very important to me.  If I am not running, biking or swimming, then I am not happy.  If I am not happy, then I can’t make my family happy.  If I become a stick in the mud, then I become depressed.  If I become depressed then I lose all motivation to do anything.  It is a vicious cycle, I know.  So, in order for me to stay motivated in all areas of my life, I have to run, bike or swim.  Sure, I might be extra tired from a 20-mile run, but I actually have more energy when I stay moderately active.  I do more chores later in the day when I have gone to the gym in the morning.  If I don’t exercise, then I tend to sit around all day and nothing gets accomplished.  I really can’t explain it, but I know what works for me.

A few people might say that it appears as though I put my fitness priorities before anything else, including my family.  But these people are far from correct.  I have to take care of myself in order to take care of my family.

Yet, it’s no secret that I feel unmotivated at times.  I felt so tired before my ride today and I tried to use the crazy wind as an excuse.  However, I knew that if I didn’t ride then I would only feel worse.  Once I got on my bike and reached the top of our hill, I was a changed person.  I wasn’t tired anymore and I was eager to head up the mountain even though I knew it would be hard work.  I came home in time to help with dinner and even get a few chores done.  I have my moments, but I know the consequences for not following through.

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Running Without a Reason

 

Lately I have been running just to run.  I am not training for an upcoming event.  I am not trying to lose weight (okay, maybe I am always trying to maintain weight thanks to my baked goods addiction).  I ran 8 miles today.  I just thought it seemed like a good distance to run.  It wasn’t a planned “long run” day.  Actually, I am even surprised I made it that far because by the time I was done with work I didn’t appear to have any energy left.  The thought of going home and crawling into bed sounded like a very good idea.  Even though I woke up at 4:30 am and was tired of staring at the computer for 5 hours straight, I still made the decision to run.  I could have very well opted for a coffee and bagel instead, but I figured that I needed to earn that.  It seems to taste better when I earn it.

 

I managed to change into my running clothes and step outside.  The weather was perfect.  It was the ideal running temperature and there was not a cloud in the sky.  I told myself that I could just start running and decide how far I would go even though I was planning on the 8 miles.  The luxury of running by yourself is that you can always change your plans or your pace.  There isn’t so much pressure to go hard.

 

The first mile seemed endless.  I started to think that maybe I was too tired to run 8 miles.  Those are the negative thoughts that should never enter the mind.  I waved off the thought and kept running.  I ran to the other side of the city along the creek, under bridges and past sketchy homeless folks pushing overflowing shopping carts.  This trail has become one of my favorite runs because the greatest elevation change is about 50 feet.  I can just do a nice and easy run without having to compete with the hills of my neighborhood.

 

Once I arrived at the 4-mile mark I knew there was no turning back.  Well, actually, I did have to turn back.  It was another 4 miles back.  I would have to finish 8 miles no matter how I felt… and I did just that.  Of course the run wouldn’t be complete without the coffee and bagel to top it off.

 

The lack of pressure is kind of nice.  I can just run when I want to and however far I would like to go.  But, it won’t last long.  I need a new challenge to set my sights on.  I was thinking about a Half Ironman next summer and I might as well throw in a marathon while I am at it.  It won’t be easy, but isn’t that the point?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Littlefoot Triathlon

 

The night before the race I was anxious.  I tried to tell myself to relax.  I think I get myself all worked up because I have high expectations.  It is a bit different from getting my mind prepared for a running event.  I already know that I have no chance when I stand at the starting line of a running race.  There are always hundreds of people who run faster than me.  Just once (out of the 30 or so events I have completed), did I manage to place 2nd in my age group.  I was very lucky that it was a small event and I just happened to be at my prime.

 

Triathlons are a different story.  Yes, they are growing and becoming more popular, but they are still relatively small events in comparison to running events.  With that said, you have a better chance.  Not necessarily a great chance if you happen to be contending with some top athletes, but you still have a way better chance.  The running joke is that you don’t win a marathon, you just finish it (if you are lucky enough to do that).  When it comes to triathlons, I think most people (of course not all) are racing and competing against each other.  Triathletes don’t necessarily agree with the running philosophy of competing with yourself.  Okay, I suppose I can only speak for myself here.  I was talking to a young lady right before the start of our swim.  It was her first triathlon and she told me that she was just hoping to finish.  True or not true?  Who knows? I always say that I just want to finish because I don’t want to make myself look bad if I happen to come in last.  I will have still met my goal even if I come in last.

 

So, when I told my facebook friends (you know, the ones who actually read my posts) that I just wanted to do my best and not hold high expectations…. well, I wasn’t being completely honest.  In my mind, I was telling myself that I wanted to place in my age group.  Whether it be first, second or third place it didn’t matter.  I just wanted to be up there at the top.  However, I didn’t want to say this out loud because I don’t want to portray an obnoxious ego or (on the opposite side of the spectrum) I didn’t want to disappoint myself or anyone else when I didn’t come out on top.

 

But, you know what?  I had trained hard for this event.  I had put in the effort.  I deserved a fighting chance.  So, on the morning of the event, I froze my rear off and got in that lake.  I freaked out for a minute during the start of the swim, but then I yelled at myself (in my head… didn’t want any of the lifeguards to think I needed a rescue) and told myself that I had trained for this.  I knew how to swim in that very same lake.  Get with it girl!  And I eventually snapped back to reality and pumped those arms that best way I knew how (which isn’t the best way, but it is my way and it seemed to work out okay for me).  That was a long half mile in the water, but I finally reached shore and kept going.  I pulled off that tight wetsuit and donned my warm gear even though my daughter was trying to tell me that it had warmed up outside since I had entered the water.  I didn’t want to take any chances so that long sleeve cost me a few extra seconds.  I just knew I couldn’t tolerate being a popsicle.

 

I got on my bike and pumped my legs as hard as I could.  I pumped them up and down the rolling hills for over 12 miles until I was sure that they would fall off before I could manage to squeeze in a 5K run.  I didn’t care that I was huffing and puffing because the air was so thin.  I had a feeling that people thought I was crazy for breathing that way when I passed them with every ounce of energy I had.

 

I was surprised when I hopped off the bike and could still move my legs.  They hadn’t failed me yet.  My lungs were about to, but I ignored them and just let my legs tell me what pace I should run.  I didn’t let one single person pass me during those 3.1 miles.  Not one.  I ran up that darn hill before the turnaround thankful that it was mostly downhill (but smart enough to warn myself that it wasn’t all downhill).  Then, I was finally there… at the finish line.  Right away I wanted to know my place.  Did I make the cut?  I wasn’t sure yet.

I waited and they finally started posting the results.  There I was, third in my age group.  Yes!  I had accomplished my goal, but at what price?  What disappointment lies ahead when I don’t make the cut?  Maybe I have set the bar too high.  Having my name called and being presented with an award (whether it be an exquisite plaque or an odd poster) fills me with pride, but maybe it was just luck on my side.  Will I be so lucky next time?  Everyone says that I should only focus on finishing… is that what I should do?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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First Colorado Lake Swim

I am used to getting up early to go for a swim, run or bike ride.  If you don’t get up early (say 5ish) on a Florida summer morning then you are basically screwed.  Once that sun comes up your body starts roasting and your sweat glands are working in overdrive.  A swim in Florida is actually quite nice at any time during the day, but it doesn’t even feel the slightest bit chilly if you go at 6:00 am (well, that initial jump in might stun you for a minute).

When I participated in my first triathlon in Florida during the summer, I didn’t practice any open water swims in preparation for the lake swim during the race.  That is not a very smart training tactic, but I really couldn’t find any lakes in Jacksonville that weren’t nasty (and the thought of swimming alone with alligators and snakes kind of freaked me out).  I just decided to wing it and you know what, it wasn’t that bad.

Now I am training for my second triathlon, but this time it will be in Colorado.  I figured that I would be smarter this time and find a lake to practice in.  Better yet, I found out that I could actually practice swimming in the lake where the event will be held in 3 weeks.

So, my new training buddy asked me what time I wanted to meet up for a swim in the lake followed by a ride on the bike.  I told her that I had no problem getting up early.  I suppose I didn’t really think about the temperature of a typical Denver morning… somewhere in the 50’s.  Without thinking about the weather, I put on my triathlon shorts and tank top and headed out the door.  I did notice the slight chill in the air as I got out of my car at the lake.  At that moment I was relieved that I had brought the wetsuit even after all of the wetsuit issues I had last night.  You see, my new wetsuit does not fit.  I really don’t like to be choked.  So, when you order it online they only take into account your height, chest size and weight.  Well people who sell wetsuits, I have broad shoulders!  I could barely get the thing zipped up and even when I did I couldn’t move my arms.  Needless to say, I opted for my husband’s wetsuit even though it doesn’t conform to my body.

There I was, easily getting on this wetsuit that was obviously too big for me, but I was happy to be warm and toasty (for once).  We walked down to the lake and immediately noticed the green slime.  I guess every lake has some kind of yuck factor, but at least this one didn’t have any dangerous animals.  I put my bare feet in the water and immediately retracted them back.  OMG, it was chilly!  Granted, it was 72 degrees and my husband said that was “warm.”  It sure as heck didn’t feel warm to me.  I am the kind of person who takes HOT showers.  After I summoned up the courage, I gradually waded in over the slippery rocks.  When the water got up to my waist I started floating, but had to summon more courage in order to put my head under the water.  Yep, it was dark down there.  Not sure if that is good or bad.  I guess it is good if you don’t want to know what is down there.  Bad for trying to swim in a straight line and not running into anybody or any buoys.  It took me about a lap to acclimatize, but then I kind of warmed up and actually felt more focused on swimming.

Then, it was time to get out.  Getting out wasn’t so bad, it was the peeling off the wetsuit and exposing my body to the cold air that was the worst part.  And there was really nothing I could do to warm myself up.  I was left with my skimpy shorts and tank top.  I probably could have warmed up in the sun if it weren’t for the fact that I got on a bike and started picking up speed.  It was a constant blast of cold air that I couldn’t turn off.  I kept thinking that I would warm up at some point, but that never happened during that ride.  EVER.  Not even during the heart pounding hill climbs.  Not even when I got in the car and blasted the heat.  Not even when I walked into my house.  My fingers were numb as I washed my hair in the HOT shower.  After I got out of the shower and got dressed (in pants and a sweatshirt), I FINALLY warmed up!

That was the worst bike ride ever.  I would have much rather endured torturous hills and humidity.  I couldn’t wait for it to end.

Now, what have I learned from this experience?  Definitely wear a wetsuit while swimming in a Colorado lake (preferably one that fits) and always wear layers that you can peel off as you warm up (didn’t I learn that when I lived in Alaska??).