Holiday Gift Ideas for Runners

With the holiday season in full swing and the madness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I thought I would share some gift giving ideas for the runners in your life.

#1 Headphones - now I have tried a lot of different brands of headphones over the years.  My husband will be the first to tell you that I have headphone addiction (similar to a shoe addiction :)).  I am super picky when it comes to the right headphones.  They have to fit snugly in my ears and be able to stay there when doing some hardcore speed work and not fall out due to sweat.  I have tried Yurbuds Ironman Headphones and they were ok, but the wrap around the ear didn't fit the best for me.  I've been using the Polk Audio Ultrafit 3000 Headphones and they do stay in place and work well.  My only downside on those is the foam ear piece tends to fall off.  Now, I am coveting the Jabra Sport Pulse Bluetooth Headphones big time.  These bad boys act as a in ear heart rate monitor, are wireless, and offer real-time voice coaching during your workouts.  A little on the pricey side...but a girl can dream, right?

#2 Running Jacket - with the winter weather in effect lately (even in North Carolina), a good running jacket is a must.  Especially one that can help block the wind and is water resistant.  I have my eye on the Frontrunner Jacket from Athleta...hoping to see some Black Friday deals on it.

#3 Marathon Stick - this is an absolute must for any serious runner.  I actually prefer the Marathon Stick over a foam roller because it is portable and because of the design you can tailor the pressure to whatever you need.  I use it religiously on my IT bands and it works!  

#4 GPS Watch - there are a lot of options in this category and the technology continues to change so do your research here and get one that meets your specific needs.  I have been loyal to Garmin during my running career - I started with a Forerunner 305 and now I use a Garmin Forerunner 10 and I love it.  In doing my research on some of the latest and greatest ones out there I came across a review Comparaboo did of the 10 best running watches - some great information there.

Some other gift ideas for the runner in your life:
#6 Runner's Plaque
#7 Balega Socks
#8 Bodyglide Anti-Chaffing Cream
#9 Hydration Gear
#10 Headbands

Hope you all have a great Turkey Day!  

Setting an Example

Sometimes I get asked why I started running, and I always answer the same way.  I was reading an article in magazine one day while laying out at the pool in my apartment complex in Ohio.  It was a Couch to 5K article and I came across at a time when I was looking for something to inspire me.  I decided right then after reading it that I was going to do it and I registered for my first 5K.  Its been 8 years since that first race and since then I have done countless 5K's, 10k's and half marathons and I never tire of this sport.  It has taught me so much about myself and has given me so much to be thankful for.  

On my run this morning I started thinking about how even though I started running only 8 years ago, the actual sport of running has been a part of my life for much longer.  My mom was a runner and as a kid I used to ride my bike with her while she would go for a run when we lived in Brea, California.  I loved that time, riding alongside her - it was great bonding time and it obviously set a great example for me.  My mom was a physical education teacher for 30 years and was always active.  She instilled the value of staying active and healthy in me at a young age and I truly am very grateful for that.  

I am working now on passing that same positive example down to my boys.  When I get back from a run now (like I did this morning), Preston comes running to the door and greats me.  I am amazed at how much he is paying attention to already and retains, he will look at my running watch or running gloves and say "mommy run".  Or, when I am stretching after a run he will imitate what I am doing.  My heart smiles when I hear or see these things.  Its a great reminder that our kids our watching us and we have such an amazing opportunity to set a positive example for them.  

Preston wearing Daddy's running watch this morning, such a ham!

Preston's first 5K race (Landon's too because we had just found out we were expecting him)

Preston and I on a morning run

  

Goal Setting

Ok, so today's message is inspired in large part from our conversation I had yesterday from a very dear friend of mine.  We talked about the importance of goal setting and the need to consistently do it in all areas of life.  

Just keeping it real for you all...I have always been a very goal driven person.  I credit my mom for instilling it in me because it started in school with me.  My mom was a teacher and so she put a lot of emphasis on how important it was to do well in school and the value of education.  Consequently, I was the student who loved getting the syllabus sheet at the beginning of a semester and seeing everything laid out for me on what it was going to take to get an "A" in the class.  Yes, I am one of those nutty-nut people who even liked homework and tests.  

Fast forward into adulthood, and my inspiration for goal setting morphed into something so much more.  My sister sent me a book as a birthday gift in my early 20s - it was called The Secret and it truly changed my way of thinking about life, goal setting and the power of positive thinking.  If you've read the book you know what I mean here, it truly can revolutionize the way you approach life.  

In a nutshell its summed up in 3 steps:

1.  Ask the universe for what you want in life

2.  Believe with every ounce of your being that its possible

3.  Receive what it is that you want

Talk about the power of visualization here...this system of Ask, Receive, Believe when truly used is no joke!  It has worked for me so many times in life.  Whether it was when I was in my mid 20s and in some serious debt and visualized what it would feel like to finally pay off all of that debt, to when I ran my first 5K and the feeling of completing a race, to my first year in sales and how it felt to exceed my quota.  I personally have used this approach so many times and it never fails so long as you do it 100% and stay committed to what you are putting out there in the universe.  

The motivation behind setting a goal is unique to each of us.  We are all driven by various things.  In sales we always use the analolgy that "salespeople are coin operated" meaning that we will focus on selling that which is going to put the most money in our pocket.  That is a  pretty strong motivator for a lot of people.  Whereas, others find motivation in the acknowledgement or recognition of they get when they achieve a goal.  But the real secret here is this...the real value of setting goals is not about the recognition or the reward you get, its about the person you become by finding the discipline, courage and commitment to achieve your goals.  That is the absolute 100% truth!  There is so much character building that happens along the way of goal setting.  As Henry David Thoreau says, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."  After all every great accomplishment in life came from the decision to try.

So, get out there and set some new goals and visualize yourself accomplishing them.  Even write them out as if they have already happened and focus on how that will feel when it happens.  I promise you it will be worth it!

Race Recap

The alarm sounded at 4:45am and I shot out of bed...it's here...Race day is finally here!  The day I've trained for solidly for the past 4 months is here!  Let the pre-race rituals begin.  

First things first, get in my 24 oz of water that I do before anything else every day.  Then my 1 cup of black coffee with Stevia.  A little pre-race stretching and then time to get dressed because the babysitter was scheduled to arrive at 5:45am so we could leave early.  Blended up my Shakeology (unsweetened almond milk, crushed ice, frozen banana, 1 Tbsp of Chia Seeds and Chocolate Shakeology) and we are out the door!  

Racing Day Gear detailed below for those interested:

• Athleta Chaturanga Capri Pant
• Nike Women's Pro Hyperwarm Hoodie
• Nike Pro Rival Sports Bra (ladies...check this one out!)
• Balga Socks
• Under Armour Women's Get Set Go Running Gloves
• Saucony Hurricane 16 Shoes (these babies have been awesome this season)

We arrived in Uptown with over an hour to spare so I hit up the restrooms a couple times and we walked around trying to keep ourselves somewhat warm.  At 7:00 am it was a bitterly cold 28 degrees.  All I kept thinking was thank goodness my husband had a VIP pass so he could get inside and warm during the race.  A big thank you to the organizers of the race for having that option this year, it was very much appreciated by both of us. 

At the starting line getting ready to run!

At about 7:15, the hubby and I went our separate ways.  For me it was time to warm up with some light jogging and stretching and for him it was time to go get inside and warm up.  After a final stop at the porta jon (with the obligatory long lines of a race day), I had to jog to the starting line just in time for the gun to go off.  Took me about 2 minutes of patiently waiting to get across the starting line and then I was off.  The typical ebb and weaving you do at the start of a race was amplified on this day due to how large of a race it is.  I dumped my throw-away sweatshirt within the first few minutes and worked on trying to get around the crowds so I could try to ease into the first couple miles.  My plan was to get into a steady rhythym in the first 2 miles and then try to hold a 8:50 - 9:00 pace thru mile 11, at which time I would assess how much I had left in the tank and decide if I had the extra kick to push extra on the way home or hold steady.  

My goals for this race were A) Come in around 1:58 something (which would be 10 minutes better than my previous PR); B) Come in under 2:00; C) Set a new PR (which would be anything under 2:08:31 from 2011).

They changed up the course this year so the new beginning was actually a lot of fun taking us right in front of Bank of America Stadium and up Tryon thru the heart of Uptown and out 4th street.  That part went very quick and based on my splits below for the first 7 miles you can tell I was feeling the endorphins big time.

Mile 1  8:48

Mile 2  8:22

Mile 3  8:48

Mile 4  8:27

Mile 5  8:44

Mile 6  8:29

Mile 7  8:55

I had trained a lot on mile 3 - 9 on the course, so I felt very comfortable and knew when to expect the hills and when to plan for the recovery down hills.  I did my best to not pay attention to my pace and only used my watch to see where I was at distance and overall time.  At this point I was on cruise control...

Then came mile 8, which is up a big hill on Morehead street heading into Dilworth and my first side stitch hit me...yikes!  A mix of thoughts started going thru my head...this isn't good...I still have 5 miles left...I have to slow down and recover...  Then I thought back to what my coach has told me to do when this happens, relax your upper body, pull your shoulders back, pull up out of your hips and stand tall, and focus on your breathing.  So I did and I fought thru it...they didn't completely go away and lingered with me thru mile 11.  

That stretch of 8 - 11 miles was by far the toughest mentally...lots of big hills, some of the new course that I am less familiar with and the side stitches.  But here is the thing...I knew without a doubt I could do it and execute.  I had to trust my training at this point and focus on my inspiration.  So when the pain of the side stitch started, I would think about little Landon's baby giggles from the night before or Preston's laughter and the way he says everything is "fun-nee", or how it was going to feel to cross the finish line and collapse into my husband's arms.  Those 3 visions are what carried me thru the toughest moments of this race.  I am so beyond blessed to have these 3 in my life!  

Here are my splits from mile 8 - 11

Mile 8  9:02

Mile 9  9:16

Mile 10 9:25

Mile 11 9:25

When I hit mile 11, the side stitches were gone and we were now in Southend and it was at this point that I encountered a comical experience I won't soon forget.  There was a guy (we will just call him Mr. Spandexter) who was up in front of me trotting along listening to Push-It my Salt N Peppa without headphones.  That means we all heard it!  And he was doing the sprint and walk game like it was his job...I'll admit those games drive me nuts during races.  I mean pick a pace and stick with it, or walk if you need to.  Its similar to the people who don't know how to use cruise control on the freeway.  Grrr..  Anyhow, he proved to be the spark I needed to push hard in the final 2 miles because let's be real here...no way was Mr. Spandexter going to beat me!  

The final leg of the race comes up Mint Street past Stonewall, under the overpass, past Bank of America Stadium and finishes at BB&T ballpark.  I got in a zone here...I literally couldn't even see anything in front of me.  My vision was blurry and I knew there were other runners around me, but it was like I was in my own zone.  I started talking to myself (outloud too...so no doubt people hear me).  My favorite song came back on (Lose Yourself by Eminem) in the final 1/2 mile and after a final taunt to myself of "Come on Jill" I felt that final kick came on strong and I sprinted to the finish line.  I even managed to remember to throw my hands up at the finish in the hopes that I get a good picture out of it.  I clicked off my watch and looked down and was elated...1:58:06!  A new PR by over 10 minutes!  

GPS watch read that the course was longer than the 13.1...I'll take it either way!

Final splits

Mile 12  9:02

Mile 13  9:18

After shuffling thru the medal pickup and grabbing a bottle of water and a banana, I made it out of the gates and found my husband and collapsed into his arms.  At this time, the emotion hit my in a wave and I cried tears of joy while wrapped in his arms.  Its an amazing feeling to accomplish something you have worked so hard for and trained for, and then to be able to do it and have your support system right there waiting on you at the end...so amazing.  

So...Thunder Road thank you!  You were everything I wanted and more.  Until we meet again next year.  

Even Numbers

Went to the Race Expo this am to pick up my bib.  As I walked into the Charlotte Convention Center I could feel the excitement in the air and my adrenaline started pumping.  There was a long line for the half marathon participants and a very short line for the full marathoners...  I'll admit that the full still intimidates me, but someday I will conquer it!

I have this weird thing about the bib # I am given and I found myself thinking about it as I waited.  I prefer even numbers over odd numbers any day and so I was really hoping for an even number...and I got it!  Score!

Bib #2544

Track me using the link below :)

https://register.chronotrack.com/event/tracking/eventID/8104

Looks to be a very chilly start tomorrow with the temperature expected at 24 degrees...brr.  Reminds me of my days running in Ohio.  Cold weather gear ready to go, GPS watch is charging, iPod is charging and playlist is set!

Good luck to all the runners tomorrow!  

The Mental Game

Running is such a mental sport, particularly endurance running.  On a long run, you have a lot of time to spend inside your own head thinking so you better have some good stuff to focus on!  Doubts and distractions, especially on race day can derail your attempts if you let them creep in. 

Some strategies I use to avoid any negative thinking are:

Pick a Mental Mantra 

A few short words that help you stay calm and focused.  Repeating that mantra over and over whenever you need to refocus will help direct your mind away from any negative thinking.  I’ve played around with some over the years and these are my favorites:

“Run the Mile You Are In”

“Better. Faster. Stronger”

 “This is What You Came For”

“Trust Your Training”

“Finish Strong”

               

Visualize the Finish

We all know that in sports psychology they talk a lot about visualizing the outcome you want and this is so true in running.  When I first started running, I would visualize simply just crossing the finish line.  That simple fact alone meant that I had completed whatever race I was doing and that I could finally rest…lol.  Now I will focus on the feeling of crossing the finish line strong with a new PR! 

Focus on Your Inspiration

For me this is where I focus on my family during the race.  They give me so much joy and energy during a race.  Whether its thinking about Landon’s little baby giggles and smiles, or Preston’s laughter and smile, or my husband standing at the finish line in the freezing cold temperature waiting to give me a high five and big hug.  These 3 have been my escape many times during the long training runs when my legs started to feel heavy or my body tired – they give me the drive to keep pushing and they will no doubt play a large role for me on Saturday.

It's Taper Time!

It’s race week this week, so the tapering has begun.

AKA: Taper Tantrums!!!

The tapering period can be a stressful time for runners for many reasons: 
• You are nervous about the upcoming race – Yup! 
• You feel like you could be losing some of your fitness – Bingo! 
• You just want the race to go and get here already – Agreed! 

Runners often develop a physical and psychological dependence on running. So when we start tapering, it feels like we are going thru withdrawal of sorts. This is also the time where we can fall into various traps that ultimately can do damage to our race day goals. 


Below are my Top 5 Tapering Traps to avoid: 

Taper Trap #1: Carb Loading - The urge to stuff yourself with carbohydrates to store energy for the big day. However, know that shoveling down lots of carbs at the expense of other important nutrients, will make you feel bloated and potentially may increase the typical water weight gain expected during a taper 

Taper Trap #2: Stress to Execute - The overwhelming fear that the race time you've set and trained for all this time is now somehow too ambitious. Many of us get caught up obsessing about the potential that we may not hit the exact time goal we set, and thereby making the race a failure. In those moments, pick up a personal development book and get those negative thoughts out of your head. Stay focused, stick to your game plan, and trust in your training. 

Taper Trap #3: Phantom Pains - A brand new ache or pain in any body part. When we slow down our training, we have more time to worry about everyday aches and pains that we normally would ignore. Think of these phantom pains as signals that your body is healing itself and using this time to restore the muscle fibers all in preparation for your big day.  

Taper Trap #4: Anxiety Attacks – The tendency to begin an all-out freak out every time think about some aspect of the course that seems daunting. Instead, research all you can about the course, talk to other people who have run the course in previous years, and when possible train on that part of the course that has you concerned. Knowing everything you can about that hill or mile will help you conquer it. 

Taper Trap #5: Weight Gain – You may experience a couple of additional pounds on the scale at the end of a taper. This is a result of the increase in carbohydrate foods we consume to stock our glycogen (energy) reserves. Water is stored along with the glycogen. The extra “water weight” will be beneficial during the race. It will actually help you stay hydrated on race day, when it will be released as the glycogen is burned. 

Here is my motto this week.  

Trying to avoid this look of panic...

Welcome!

Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog.  I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while and decided to stop thinking and start doing! 

Running has taught me so much about myself.  The thing I love the most about the sport is that many runners may run on the same road or trails, but none of us are running the same journey.  It’s unique to everyone.  Whether you are in pursuit of the PR’s, or doing it for health reasons, or even wanting to complete your first 5k – there is something for everyone.

I started my running journey in 2008 with one goal in mind.  I wanted to finish my first 5k ever.  After that one early Saturday morning in Ohio, I was hooked!  Since then I have completed a dozen 5k’s and 10k’s, and 5 different half marathons.  Someday I will tackle the Full!

Check back often for new posts.  I’ve got a lot to share with you all!