Monday, May 30, 2016

Global Running Day-A Look into my Miles


Global Running Day is June 1...are you celebrating? Did you know there's a national day of celebration for those of us who love to lace up & run?



I'm linking up with Kristen at Jonesin' for a run and we're all sharing some trivia about our (running) lives.

Here goes....

-why do I run
At first, it was about getting in shape and adding some exercise to my life (**disclaimer-I was not overweight, but I did need some fitness!). I had done a few 5K's in the past, but had never been able to run the entire 5K distance without a few walk breaks. I set a goal of doing a local 5K (and gave myself about seven weeks to train for it). I ran almost exclusively on the treadmill back then because I was too embarrassed to run outside (I didn't really consider myself a "runner" yet, so I didn't want to look like a poser). After gradually increasing my distance on the 'mill, I could run an easy 10-minute pace for three miles. Race day arrived, and I ran the entire 5K (without walking!), and finished around 27 minutes...totally smashing the 10-minute pace that I'd grown accustomed to.

What did I learn? The treadmill was holding me back. Once I stepped foot outside, I could run as fast as I wanted and on my own terms. Sure, I could have set the speed faster on the 'mill, but I'd still be "keeping up" with it and not dictating my speed all on my own.

give me the great outdoors!

-how do I plan to celebrate National Running Day?
I'm helping organize a local NRD "group run" in my town. The past 3-4 years, a bunch of us have met and knocked out a few miles in celebration. We usually wear a favorite shirt from a recent event. 

A group of "locals"
-total miles so far this year? Mileage goal?
Currently, I'm at (approximately) 335 cumulative miles for 2016 this far. Not huge numbers, but I'm not a quantity gal. Interestingly, approximately 98.5 of those miles were run in the month of May (and May isn't over). Also, I took a bit of an off-season over the winter, and this time I was very obedient in doing so. Personally, I don't believe in setting a quantitative goal because then it becomes all about the numbers, and a great deal of the quality is lost. Also, a quantitative goal may cause the runner to ignore impending issues or injuries all in a quest for bragging rights...so I have learned it's in my best interest to (sometimes) let the numbers go. I'm pretty fortunate that I can maintain my fitness and endurance without grandiose numbers.

Approaching the finish line of marathon #2...with the hubby photo-bombing me

-big events on calendar so far
Well, I have had one half marathon so far (and several 10K's). The half marathon was not a PR, but I came darn close. I was able to land my first sub-2 hr 13.1 in almost two years, and this was on a very hilly course on a windy morning. SO, I'm hoping to run a few more sub-2's. There's also this little Ultra happening in July...12-hour endurance over-nighter. Oh, and did I mention Route 66 in November?

-before I leave for a run, I must have...
Obviously my running shoes (and fully-clothed, usually in something colorful),but I also love to have my music along for the run. If I'm running with a friend (or a group function), then I usually leave the music at home. And the GPS watch? Not a requirement, but I do bring it along (sometimes) for long runs to gauge my pace.

post-run with my friend, Barb
-Do I track my miles? If so, how?
I have always tracked my miles. I keep a running log, but I'm very old-school about it. It's all hand-written, scribbled in the little spaces on our family's "main" calendar.

I not only log all of my miles, I keep all of my race bibs

-favorite running partner(s)?
I have a slew of running partners, including my husband, a local friend (who accompanies me to many of my races and training runs), and a huge network of online Virtual Running Buddies. Several of these VRB's (and myself) all met up and did an amazing 6-hour (overnight) Ultra last summer. There was a lot of blood, sweat, tears, hugs, and laughter, and we agreed to do it all over again this July (except we're going to conquer the 12-hour endurance event instead).
Can you tell we've been up all night?

-races I have run so far this year:
I have run a variety of races already this year:
*Ringing In the New Year (5K), while on vacation in California (Jan. 2, 2016) (recap)
*Red Flannel Run (5 miles), a very cold, but fun annual event in Des Moines, IA (Feb. 12)(recap)
*Race the Runway (10K), while on a mini vacation in Florida (March 5)(recap)
*Leprechaun Chase (10K), a Lads-chase-the-Lasses endeavor, also in Des Moines (March 12)(recap)
*Fight for Air Climb, an annual event I've done several times...climbing 86 flights of stairs for the American Lung Association, also in Des Moines (April 10)(recap)
*Live Healthy Iowa 5K, a state-wide event with a local venue in my hometown (Grinnell, IA)
*Red Shoe Run (half marathon), my first sub-2  in almost two years! (Iowa City, IA)May 1(recap)

-one piece of advice about running
Ultimately, you have to do it YOUR way. Others will run faster. Some will run more often. Many will run farther. Bottom line, consider the advice you receive from fellow runners, but don't be an imitator. No one else will have the exact same life as you (with the exact same family, genetics, or lifestyle). Find a way that works for YOU. And, smile as you're dong it!

Run Happy!
-my relationship with running in one word
fulfilling!

It's no secret I love my racing hardware (and the Iowa Hawkeyes)

How about you? Are you lacing up and knocking out a few miles on Global Running Day?










37 comments:

  1. You've been a racing machine so far this year! I'll definitely be knocking out some celebratory miles tomorrow. Fulfilling is a great word. :D

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    1. Thanks, Marcia!Will you also be #plankingandpushing ? ;-)

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  2. Love that you picked fulfilling as your word! I also think that would be a good one for me! Thanks for linking up!

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    1. It's hard to think of just ONE word....so many emotions, thoughts, and goals come to mind.

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  3. No, I was very tired after this latest trip so sadly I will not be running tomorrow. Being out in the cold drizzle on Saturday night wasn't real helpful either.

    But I have a 5k this weekend so I'll run thursday, and maybe the day after the race, too. Right now I need a little more R&R.

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    1. As you know, R&R is part of the process...not to be overlooked or ignored ;-) Rest up ;-)

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  4. I will run tomorrow. There's a group run to celebrate but I am committed to my Couch to 5k group so I will run with them.

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    1. What a great example you are! The Couch to 5K'ers will really appreciate that!

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  5. I answered the last question with the exact same answer! Running is so fulfilling! It is hard to believe I have only been running for four year but I am so happy I started! I am running a race (any distance) in every state. I would love to hear any suggestions you have for Iowa (I am in MN so anywhere in Iowa is doable)! Enjoy your run tomorrow!

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    1. Well...I have a lot of race recaps on my blog (and the bulk of them are Iowa races). A great race is the Bix-7 (late July) in Davenport...7 miles of hills. It attracts a lot of elites (Meb has been there!). Quad Cities Marathon is end of the September (there's a 5K, half, full, and relay). Des Moines Marathon (mid October...also 5K, half, full, relay). Park to Park (Waterloo, IA) is a fabulous flat course through some great trails in early September (5K, 10K, half). I would love to do more MN races...so far Grandma's Marathon is it for me...suggestions?

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  6. I love all your answers, Kim! You have some incredibly fun photos in this post too--you always look like a very fun runner :D

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    1. Thanks ;-) I probably annoy all the serious peeps...but life is too short to not have a smile or a laugh once in awhile ;-)

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  7. Funny, I didn't consider myself a real runner until I ran a full marathon. Isn't that crazy?

    I'm so glad we met virtually and then IRL through FB. We need to run a race together--altho not for 12 hours, just sayin'...

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    1. Well, we could just do the 6-hours instead (?) #compromise

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  8. I love your advice - that you have to do it your way. Everybody and every runner is different. What works for one person may be harmful to the next, especially when it comes to running shoes, training plans, etc. Not every race is meant for every person either.

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    1. Absolutely! And not everyone can run 7-days/week. I really get annoyed by the ones who brag about their daily miles (and I don't mean the streakers who are doing 1-milers, because on occasion I'm one of them LOL) and appear to look down on the rest of us who honor the rest/recovery days #petpeeve

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  9. I'm definitely lacing up with my running partner tonight! I've been looking forward to running today for the past week. :)

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  10. I completely agree that running needs to be done your way. There is no right way, it's what works for you, your life and ultimately what makes you happy.

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    1. Absolutely! I don't think any other sport allows for the "customization" that running allows us ;-)

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  11. Not a treadmill fan either! Yes you have to do it your way we are all different and we run differently. Happy running day!

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    1. I have gotten so I don't mind the 'mill (much) for intervals...but it's definitely my LAST resort. Give me the fresh air and open roads!

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  12. Happy Running Day! It's cool that you set up a run with your friends for the special occasion! Your advice is excellent. There are many ways to skin a cat in this running game, we all have to do it our own way.

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    1. Well, our group run was kind of a bust...my trusty running friend was there, and another gal brought her daughter and did some run/walking...but that was it. Small town living LOL

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  13. LOVE your word! I feel that way too :)

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  14. I only got in a mile around my cycling today. My stomach started acting up and I just didn't feel like slogging back out there in the 90 degree heat. #sissy. I love how you found the treadmill was holding you back. I can't handle the treadmill - not that I'm much faster outside, but it's so much more interesting and exciting.

    Hope you had a great run!

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    1. Thanks! My run was alright, I took it easy and stopped at two miles (though my foot was feeling better by that point). I have a 13.1 on Saturday (my absolute FAVORITE race every year), and that's more of a priority than a few extra miles on a compromised foot.

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  15. Interesting insight on your early treadmill days. Now I use the treadmill to push myself but it's still easier to run outside!

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    1. The treadmill and I have a very strained relationship. The longest I've lasted on that device is 5 miles. It's not good for me because it goofs up my stride, and is too repetitive....my muscles need variety (and so does my mental well-being LOL)

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  16. Hmm, I need to come out and run one of those Iowa races... What ultra are you doing?

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    1. It's called Christmas in July...in Lisle, IL (near Chicago)

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  17. Fulfilling is a great word for a recap of your running I would totally agree with this too!

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    1. Thanks ;-) My blogging friends make me feel fulfilled as well ;-)

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  18. What? Wait!! You are running Route 66? My sister lives and Tulsa and I've done that race several times. It's on my radar this year too, just depending on how I feel after Chicago. Awesome!! You are going to rock that "little Ultra". ;)

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    1. ummmm, YEAH!!! OMG! You are considering it????? Please Please Please come and Rock '66 with us!!!!

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  19. Wow!!! You have put several miles in this year already! That is great!!! I totally agree that running indoors holds you back.

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