Discipline

Discipline....Got any?

I believe all sports require discipline, but running especially.

Remember back when you were a new runner? Those first few (or, in my case, several) runs were not easy. My lungs burned and my legs did not want to move. And, what was that sharp, twisting pain in my side?

I wanted to be a runner, though, so I kept at it. Eventually, my legs didn't require as much warming up, and my lungs felt fine. And, best of all, those side stitches became a thing of the past.

What Happened to Fall?

I have been mourning the loss of summer, but now fall has vacated the premises as well.

I mean, is this really necessary? We are barely half way through the fall season (according to the calendar). I've lived in the Midwest all of my life, so I am very well-acquainted with the change of seasons and all of their individual nuances. Although it just began to look like fall, it definitely feels like winter already. Let's be honest, a little bit of transition/acclimation would have been appreciated.

Runfessing The Latest...

Somehow, October is coming to a close.

How did that happen? And, how is it that we only have two months remaining of 2017? Well, one good thing about the month ending is that it gives one a chance to reflect on some things....and, if you're a runner, you can runfess those very things.

Sweat Equity Circuit

Good runners run, but that's only part of the equation.

I don't consider myself an expert on running, but I do know it's not in a runner's best interest to run all the time. The runner's body also needs rest, recovery, and other forms of fitness to keep everything in balance (and also to help ward off injury).

Ready to RALLY

Shall we rally?

I mean, it's been almost four months since the surgery, and (already) it's been five weeks since I've been back in the running shoes. I've had two races that have gone pretty well considering there was not much (if any) training prior. Oh, and let's not forget there's a half marathon in the very near future (Rock'n'Roll Las Vegas, November 12th) that had been bought & paid for long before my summer ever began.

Favorite Fall (running) Hacks

Do you like running in the fall?

A lot of runners sing the praises of fall because they welcome the cooler temps for their runs.
Myself? Not so much.

Don't get me wrong; I do enjoy fall and the cooler temps can be pleasant. The cooler temps, though, can also be unpredictable and extreme (ummm, low-40's in the morning, high-70's in the afternoon, thank you very much).

Let's not forget the shorter days also throw in another nuance...limited daylight. My early morning runs (and occasional walks) are now in 100% darkness. I'm still getting them done, but the change of seasons dictates I change a few habits for the time-being.

Mercy Live Up Loop Race Recap

What can I say? Sometimes the stars, moons, and planets all align, and things just happen.

The second annual Mercy Live Up Loop 5-mile Race happened this past Saturday morning, and I was there. I ran it last year (2016), but under much different circumstances (I had the Route 66 Marathon happening a month later, and had not spent the summer recovering from surgery). This year, having just returned to running, I was eager to see what I could do.