This winter has not been kind to runners in general. For me, it's been a huge mental challenge. I've been out in cold and bad weather for so long, that it feels like it was years ago that I ran in nice conditions. Some days I've been able to overcome the inertia that dark cold days bring, and other days I haven't been able to. Then, there are those events that are beyond my control.
Originally, I wanted to run twelve races in twelve months. Everything was going along really well until two things happened:
1. Weather forced the postponement, and then the cancellation of the second race I had planned to run.
2. Illness forced me to miss the third race I had planned on.
While neither one of these events is anything I could have controlled, it still threw me off track. What was I going to do? How would I recover?
Well, upon reflection I have plenty of time. I can still attain my goal. The Maine Marathon is more than six months away, so I have a lot of time to train, and there are a lot of road races in Maine between now and then. I just need to take a deep breath and relax.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Well that's that!
My quest to run twelve races in twelve months hit an unfortunate snag. In February I was signed up to compete in the Mid Winter classic, a 10 mile run that is held in the town where I live. Despite the distance and the time of year, the race attracted 800 entrants. On February 6th, the Town announced that the roads were not safe for the runners; the snowbanks were too high, and due to fresh snow, the Town needed to plow. The same story occurred on the 27th, the make up date. This time, the race is cancelled. Bummer.
So, on to the next race which is this coming Sunday Morning. The Irish Road Rover Starts and finishes in front of an Irish pub named Brian Boru. I can see some Guinness in my future. I will also need to pick up an additional race to stay on track with my goal. The reality is that the weather has not been very cooperative for training purposes. For a while I was doing ok, but the constant cold and snow has begun to wear me down a bit. But enough of that! March will be a good training month for me I know it! Today begins the rest of the training year for me, and I started well. Spring is coming, hang in there everyone.
So, on to the next race which is this coming Sunday Morning. The Irish Road Rover Starts and finishes in front of an Irish pub named Brian Boru. I can see some Guinness in my future. I will also need to pick up an additional race to stay on track with my goal. The reality is that the weather has not been very cooperative for training purposes. For a while I was doing ok, but the constant cold and snow has begun to wear me down a bit. But enough of that! March will be a good training month for me I know it! Today begins the rest of the training year for me, and I started well. Spring is coming, hang in there everyone.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Rules of the Road: Staying safe and staying upright
I think it's fair to say that it's been a rugged winter here in Maine so far. We've had a lot of snow, a lot of frigid temperatures, and it's been really difficult to stay on top of my training schedule as a result. The second race I was scheduled to run even got postponed. As I was out running today I realized that the more I can keep getting outside, and the more I can condition myself to handling the cold, the easier it will be to train as it gets warmer. However, winter running presents a few challenges and frankly some of them are dangerous. Here are the things I find I've got to pay attention to in order to stay safe out there:
1. Dressing right: It can be a challenge. You want to be warm but no too warm. On the other hand, frostbite is a real possibility. I wear synthetic fabrics only. The moisture wicks through leaving my skin dry. This becomes important when you are running on a windy day when the temps are below freezing.
2. Be sure of your footing: Sidewalks can be poorly plowed or shoveled. Far better to run on bare pavement. Falling hurts; I've done it. If you run before the sun comes up be extra cautious of black ice, or wear something on your shoes to aid traction. Falling on the ice can lead to broken bones, but you could also slip into the path of an oncoming truck too. And speaking of traffic...
3. Run on quiet roads. The snowbanks stick out so far that you can get up close and personal with traffic in a hurry out there. Run on quiet roads with low traffic volume to give yourself more space and an opportunity to focus on things other than not getting hit.
4. Watch for puddles: They can mask ice which can be bad, and they can also turn into a weapon in the hands of drivers who don't watch for runners. That is unless you enjoy a freezing muddy shower while running.
5. Beware trying to be too tough: We all feel good if we manage to get the run in under adverse conditions; running in the snow and cold can be fun, but there's a limit people. There's no shame running on a treadmill (inside) during a blizzard or extreme cold snap. As a matter of fact some might say that it's a sign of intelligence.
6. Beware being too wimpy: this is the flip side of number 5. Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. You can comfortably run outside even when the temps are in the teens or when there's some snow falling. And the more you run outside, the easier it will be for you come springtime.
7. Know when to say when: if you prefer to run after work, but find it daunting to face dark cold conditions, change it up a little; run at lunchtime if you can. As an added bonus, you will get more sunlight which makes you feel better and is a great source of vitamin D.
Winter running is challenging, but you can still keep up with your training and fitness goals if you exercise a little caution and common sense.
1. Dressing right: It can be a challenge. You want to be warm but no too warm. On the other hand, frostbite is a real possibility. I wear synthetic fabrics only. The moisture wicks through leaving my skin dry. This becomes important when you are running on a windy day when the temps are below freezing.
2. Be sure of your footing: Sidewalks can be poorly plowed or shoveled. Far better to run on bare pavement. Falling hurts; I've done it. If you run before the sun comes up be extra cautious of black ice, or wear something on your shoes to aid traction. Falling on the ice can lead to broken bones, but you could also slip into the path of an oncoming truck too. And speaking of traffic...
3. Run on quiet roads. The snowbanks stick out so far that you can get up close and personal with traffic in a hurry out there. Run on quiet roads with low traffic volume to give yourself more space and an opportunity to focus on things other than not getting hit.
4. Watch for puddles: They can mask ice which can be bad, and they can also turn into a weapon in the hands of drivers who don't watch for runners. That is unless you enjoy a freezing muddy shower while running.
5. Beware trying to be too tough: We all feel good if we manage to get the run in under adverse conditions; running in the snow and cold can be fun, but there's a limit people. There's no shame running on a treadmill (inside) during a blizzard or extreme cold snap. As a matter of fact some might say that it's a sign of intelligence.
6. Beware being too wimpy: this is the flip side of number 5. Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. You can comfortably run outside even when the temps are in the teens or when there's some snow falling. And the more you run outside, the easier it will be for you come springtime.
7. Know when to say when: if you prefer to run after work, but find it daunting to face dark cold conditions, change it up a little; run at lunchtime if you can. As an added bonus, you will get more sunlight which makes you feel better and is a great source of vitamin D.
Winter running is challenging, but you can still keep up with your training and fitness goals if you exercise a little caution and common sense.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The winter can kill your momentum; how I try to stay on track
It's cold. I'm not talking about your average run of the mill cold weather, I'm talking about bone chilling, dangerous, stay indoors or risk frostbite cold. We don't get it very often here in the Northeast; usually once or twice in the course of a winter, and then only for a couple of days. I have great sympathy for dedicated runners in places like Minnesota where this is the norm for weeks at a time. But the problem that extreme weather can have is that if you haven't planned for it, it can knock your training off track. For those of us with ADHD it is especially risky. We thrive on novelty and excitement. However, this runs smack dab into our need for routine and structure. If you have scheduled a time to run every single day, but suddenly you find that you have to shovel a foot of snow that just fell, your schedule is out of whack. Throw in a few other distractions, like the kids being home from school, and your day could be shot. Once my schedule is disrupted it's hard to get back on track. Disrupt me for two or three days and my productivity takes a nose dive.
While it's not the end of the world to miss a day here or there running is the glue that holds the structure in my life together. Therefore, I need to make sure that somehow I make plans to get that running in. here are a few thoughts:
1. I belong to a gym for the express purpose of having a backup in the event of bad weather preventing me from getting outside to run. It's worth the money to me, as I don't have room in my home for a treadmill. Just knowing I have an option keeps me from getting stressed out at the thought of a stretch of bad weather.
2. I try to plan ahead and think about the upcoming weather scenarios. What days are likely to be too hot/cold/stormy to go outside? What else is going on that day? When could I schedule a trip to the gym?
3. If it looks like Mother nature will be getting in the way of running, I may try to build my training schedule around that. I make my rest day coincide with the big snow storm for a guilt free indoors experience.
4. Finally I try to remember that sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. I could run outdoors in the snowstorm or whatever, but is the run going to be of a good enough quality to justify the risk of injury?
I'm pleased that I can use these strategies to stay on track and try to keep my training at least semi-normal. I'm also utilizing skills that can be helpful in other areas of my life: planning, prioritizing, thinking ahead, and having a back up plan. Now if only I could be just as focused on my diet.....
While it's not the end of the world to miss a day here or there running is the glue that holds the structure in my life together. Therefore, I need to make sure that somehow I make plans to get that running in. here are a few thoughts:
1. I belong to a gym for the express purpose of having a backup in the event of bad weather preventing me from getting outside to run. It's worth the money to me, as I don't have room in my home for a treadmill. Just knowing I have an option keeps me from getting stressed out at the thought of a stretch of bad weather.
2. I try to plan ahead and think about the upcoming weather scenarios. What days are likely to be too hot/cold/stormy to go outside? What else is going on that day? When could I schedule a trip to the gym?
3. If it looks like Mother nature will be getting in the way of running, I may try to build my training schedule around that. I make my rest day coincide with the big snow storm for a guilt free indoors experience.
4. Finally I try to remember that sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. I could run outdoors in the snowstorm or whatever, but is the run going to be of a good enough quality to justify the risk of injury?
I'm pleased that I can use these strategies to stay on track and try to keep my training at least semi-normal. I'm also utilizing skills that can be helpful in other areas of my life: planning, prioritizing, thinking ahead, and having a back up plan. Now if only I could be just as focused on my diet.....
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The effects of running from the neck up
I'm sure there is a lot of scientific evidence out there about the mental benefits of running. Actually I know there is because I've read a lot of it. But there's only so much reading can tell you. You have to go out and experience it. I am continually amazed at the way running lifts my spirits, changes my outlook and gives me the ability to function at a higher level. Let me give you a few examples:
1. Running gives me the ability to tackle complicated tasks in a logical manner. Before I run, it's like my brain isn't turned on. I've got just enough going on up there to maintain my existence, but don't ask me to do anything other than drink coffee or look at the news. After the run, I can handle the complicated spreadsheet, the difficult conversations about finances, the home improvement project that seemed like an insurmountable task. Running gives my brain the boost it needs to function.
2. My mood and overall level of happiness is immediately raised and stays that way every day I run. I feel good about who I am and what I'm doing. But it goes beyond this. As I have been running for prolonged periods I find myself reflecting on the important things in life. I am quick to forgive, and slow to anger. My need to reach out and be kind to others is for more pronounced. Finally, I am willing to accept my shortcomings more readily, and am also more aware of my strengths.
3. I feel smarter after I run. It's hard to describe but my mind feels like it has a greater capacity to learn and understand. I feel like I could handle very complex subject matter. I often gain insight into problems as I run that allow me to take different approaches to solving them.
So are these the only reasons I run? No, but they certainly have a lot do with it. An activity that makes you feel stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually exerts a powerful pull. Thankfully it's good for me too!
1. Running gives me the ability to tackle complicated tasks in a logical manner. Before I run, it's like my brain isn't turned on. I've got just enough going on up there to maintain my existence, but don't ask me to do anything other than drink coffee or look at the news. After the run, I can handle the complicated spreadsheet, the difficult conversations about finances, the home improvement project that seemed like an insurmountable task. Running gives my brain the boost it needs to function.
2. My mood and overall level of happiness is immediately raised and stays that way every day I run. I feel good about who I am and what I'm doing. But it goes beyond this. As I have been running for prolonged periods I find myself reflecting on the important things in life. I am quick to forgive, and slow to anger. My need to reach out and be kind to others is for more pronounced. Finally, I am willing to accept my shortcomings more readily, and am also more aware of my strengths.
3. I feel smarter after I run. It's hard to describe but my mind feels like it has a greater capacity to learn and understand. I feel like I could handle very complex subject matter. I often gain insight into problems as I run that allow me to take different approaches to solving them.
So are these the only reasons I run? No, but they certainly have a lot do with it. An activity that makes you feel stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually exerts a powerful pull. Thankfully it's good for me too!
Friday, January 14, 2011
The week in review
A very solid week, with two more "running days" left. One of the really cool things about training is that you will be toiling along, not really sure if there will ever be a time you can run faster than you are, and suddenly, you have a run where everything clicks and your pace is fast without feeling forced. I had a great run today, and had a few miles where I could have run sub 9 minute miles if I wanted to. The other thing is that I want to hit certain distance goals. I'm not content with "good enough" anymore. I want to feel that I am pushing myself and stretching beyond my comfort zone.
I love the fact that I'm doing all my runs outside. It gives me such a sense of accomplishment to battle with cold temperatures and snow. I feel like I'm stronger. I'm feeling confident. Do I lack motivation some days? Sure. But the point is I'm pushing myself out the door and making it happen. For someone with ADHD, this shows me I can do this with other things too. Time to buckle down and get those taxes done baby. Nothing can stop me.
I love the fact that I'm doing all my runs outside. It gives me such a sense of accomplishment to battle with cold temperatures and snow. I feel like I'm stronger. I'm feeling confident. Do I lack motivation some days? Sure. But the point is I'm pushing myself out the door and making it happen. For someone with ADHD, this shows me I can do this with other things too. Time to buckle down and get those taxes done baby. Nothing can stop me.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Scarborough Frozen 5K and updated race schedule
Well, race one of the year is in the books! Yesterday I ran the Scarborough Track Club's "Frozen 5k". It was the first race I've tried to run competitively in quite some time. Here are a few lessons learned that I've come up with:
1. Warm up more! I did very little warm up before the race and as a result did not feel like I was in the groove at all.
2. Get more sleep the night before.
3. Don't pick a course that starts uphill and continues that way for a half mile and also ends going uphill for a half mile. Uphill plus trying to run fast equals not feeling well!
4. Eat earlier than two hours before the race.
Here I am on my way to the finish line:
Ok now that we have that out of the way I will say that I have a real good feeling about doing the race. I started the year off with a very solid week of running capped off by the first race. Makes me feel good about being on track with my goal for the year. I also didn't run too badly either; I essentially ended up running about an 8:40 pace for the entire race which given conditions and my current conditioning, is not terrible. I came in 53rd out of 84 participants, so I'm reasonably ok with that. I have a whole year of racing ahead of me, so this is just one small step along the path.
I've also firmed up my racing schedule for the next few months. I will be doing:
Mid-Winter Classic 10 miler on February 6th right here in Cape Elizabeth
The Irish Road Rover 5K on March 6th in Portland
The Federal Jack's 5 miler on April 3rd (my birthday) in Kennebunkport
The Patriot's Day 5 miler on April 17th in Portland
Still trying to firm up plans for May
The Pond Cove Challenge 5k on June 5th in Cape Elizabeth
The Portland Sea Dogs Father's Day 5K on June 19th in Portland
My tentative plans for the second half of the year:
The LL Bean 10K on July 4th in Freeport
The Beach to Beacon 10K on August 6th on Cape Elizabeth
The Run for the Fallen on August 21st beginning in Ogunquit: This is a 40 mile run; I will not be doing the whole thing.
The Portland Trails to Ale 10k in September
The Maine Marathon in October
The Maine Track Club Turkey Trot 5k in November
The Portland Brewers Holiday Dash in December
It looks like a lot, but I'm hoping to complete more than 12 races. It's a wonderful opportunity to live so near so many road races. Can't wait to test myself in the ten mile run next month.
1. Warm up more! I did very little warm up before the race and as a result did not feel like I was in the groove at all.
2. Get more sleep the night before.
3. Don't pick a course that starts uphill and continues that way for a half mile and also ends going uphill for a half mile. Uphill plus trying to run fast equals not feeling well!
4. Eat earlier than two hours before the race.
Here I am on my way to the finish line:
Ok now that we have that out of the way I will say that I have a real good feeling about doing the race. I started the year off with a very solid week of running capped off by the first race. Makes me feel good about being on track with my goal for the year. I also didn't run too badly either; I essentially ended up running about an 8:40 pace for the entire race which given conditions and my current conditioning, is not terrible. I came in 53rd out of 84 participants, so I'm reasonably ok with that. I have a whole year of racing ahead of me, so this is just one small step along the path.
I've also firmed up my racing schedule for the next few months. I will be doing:
Mid-Winter Classic 10 miler on February 6th right here in Cape Elizabeth
The Irish Road Rover 5K on March 6th in Portland
The Federal Jack's 5 miler on April 3rd (my birthday) in Kennebunkport
The Patriot's Day 5 miler on April 17th in Portland
Still trying to firm up plans for May
The Pond Cove Challenge 5k on June 5th in Cape Elizabeth
The Portland Sea Dogs Father's Day 5K on June 19th in Portland
My tentative plans for the second half of the year:
The LL Bean 10K on July 4th in Freeport
The Beach to Beacon 10K on August 6th on Cape Elizabeth
The Run for the Fallen on August 21st beginning in Ogunquit: This is a 40 mile run; I will not be doing the whole thing.
The Portland Trails to Ale 10k in September
The Maine Marathon in October
The Maine Track Club Turkey Trot 5k in November
The Portland Brewers Holiday Dash in December
It looks like a lot, but I'm hoping to complete more than 12 races. It's a wonderful opportunity to live so near so many road races. Can't wait to test myself in the ten mile run next month.
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