It seems as though the U.S. is experiencing a second "running boom". Is it the advent of adventure races, color runs, and Spartan races? Or is it because so many people want to "do something" after Boston 2013 - experience what it is like to be a runner? Whatever the reason, races are selling out well in advance of race day, everybody wants to qualify for Boston, and running is suddenly something for everyone of every ability to try out and enjoy. (Whatever your opinion on all the new-fangled races, I say anything to get people up and out the door is a good thing!)
When I first started running - gulp - 25 years ago this year - there weren't many races, and the concept of color, bubble, or adventure races wasn't even a twinkle in anybody's eye. Some of my friends ran to get in shape for other sports; others ran to lose the proverbial "freshman 15". I was certainly the farthest thing from a runner. I had been playing basketball since I could walk, and that was my all-consuming passion.
I went to college to play basketball. However, as we all learn sooner or later, sometimes our dreams don't quite catch up with reality, and I was simply too small nor did I have the skills to make it at the college level.
If you asked me at age 18 to define myself, I was, and always had been a "student athlete". The phone call home to my parents that I had quit playing basketball was answered with "Molloys don't quit". I had never quit anything in my life, and I felt like the ultimate failure.
Failure was my demon and haunted me day and night. To quell the demon, I decided I would try out for Cross Country my sophomore year. (The fact that I was trying to impress a certain male runner didn't hurt the decision making process....hey, the logic of a teenager is sometimes hazy. It seemed like a good idea at the time.....)
Our first Cross Country race was an invitational that included some Division 1 teams. I had been training for 10 days. (apparently I thought that was all you needed to become a leader of the pack runner) My coach advised me to tuck in the middle somewhere, and try to run with some of the Seniors on our team.
I led.
A mile into the race, I think my legs had literally turned to stone with lactic acid buld up. I could taste blood in my mouth, and my lungs were simply on fire. I had never felt that sort of pain in any other sport before. (Perhaps leading was not one of my brighter ideas....) I begrudgingly made it to the finish line (definitely not in the lead), vowing I would never, ever, ever run again. I handed my singlet to my Coach, and told him I quit. Get ready to bring the demons back....
He smiled and said he would see me tomorrow at practice.
I loathed this sport like I loathed nothing else before. Yet, deep down in places I wouldn't admit to myself yet, I secretly loved that pain. It was exhilirating. There was nothing quite like pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion, and then pushing through. Could I grapple daily with that pain? Did I want to?
I returned at 6 am the next morning for the first workout of the day, then again at 3 pm for the second. I despised every deliriously wonderful painful second of it.
Running is a relationship. It is intimate, physical, and complicated. It will break your heart more times than not. Every time I talk to a new runner, I am always curious as to why they want to run. Why put yourself through that?
Why do I run? 25 years later, I don't have the complete answer. Running has provided me with more than I could ask of any relationship: career opportunities, friendships, challenges, triumphs...the list goes on and on. It has also broken my heart in a way that only something you embrace with your entire heart, soul, and body can. (I ran 4 marathons in 7 months trying to make the Olympic Trials and came up short. Yeah. Major, major heart break).
Running to me has always been about pushing your body to the brink, and no, I have never thought it was easy or fun. (big asterisk here: except for running while pregnant which I only run for fun and don't train). Perhaps I'm doing it all wrong. I love runners, the community of running, the mere thought of running, but I loathe the act of running. And that is why I love it. For the glimmer of a fraction of a second when your spirit transcends your body and you accomplish the impossible. It is a glimpse of the ethereal realm, and the demons fly.
So when you talk to your co-worker, neighbor or friend who is signing up for their first 5k, give them an extra word of encouragement, and let them know it will get easier. Running is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards are unmatched.
Why do you run?
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
New Balance Boston Indoor Games Recap: through the eyes of a 2-year old
What I have always enjoyed most about teaching, coaching, and being around young children is the refreshing perspective of the world that they have to offer. Sometimes I think with all of our collective adult experiences and education, we can still learn a lot from a 2 year old. They haven't developed any filters or biases yet, and see the world through a much clearer lens than we can.
My 2 year old daughter loves to watch any sort of running event (does the poor kid have a choice?). Sippy cup in hand, she grabbed her spot on the couch this past Saturday to cheer on the track athletes at the NB Indoor Games with me. Her commentary was much better than any ESPN Sportscast (in my very, very biased maternal opinion!):
1. Some boys and girls like to color their bodies before they do a run-run. Maybe I will color my arms. (The coolness appeal of tattoos starts young - really young)
2. Don't go until you hear a big boom.
3. Go really fast when you hear people playing bells.
4. That boy doesn't know how to play Red Rover. I think he wants his Mommy. (Sorry Rupp, she calls 'em like she sees 'em)
5. That girl really wants her Mommy to hold her. (Jenny Simpson probably wanted a lot of comforting things at that moment, I would imagine.)
6. The boys and girls who win Red Rover get prizes. They get flowers. I want prizes, too. (living room game of Red Rover ensues for the next 30 minutes and we go through a whole sheet of stickers as prizes).
7. I think next time I will go there and win the flowers. (give it a few years, honey, but I love the early confidence)
I'll try to carry some of that perspective with me the next time I step onto the oval. Maybe we are all just playing childhood games on a grander scale. That attitude would certainly help the nerves factor. Until then, I'll continue to sharpen my elbows and work on that turnover in spirted games of Red Rover and Red Light Green Light.
My 2 year old daughter loves to watch any sort of running event (does the poor kid have a choice?). Sippy cup in hand, she grabbed her spot on the couch this past Saturday to cheer on the track athletes at the NB Indoor Games with me. Her commentary was much better than any ESPN Sportscast (in my very, very biased maternal opinion!):
1. Some boys and girls like to color their bodies before they do a run-run. Maybe I will color my arms. (The coolness appeal of tattoos starts young - really young)
2. Don't go until you hear a big boom.
3. Go really fast when you hear people playing bells.
4. That boy doesn't know how to play Red Rover. I think he wants his Mommy. (Sorry Rupp, she calls 'em like she sees 'em)
5. That girl really wants her Mommy to hold her. (Jenny Simpson probably wanted a lot of comforting things at that moment, I would imagine.)
6. The boys and girls who win Red Rover get prizes. They get flowers. I want prizes, too. (living room game of Red Rover ensues for the next 30 minutes and we go through a whole sheet of stickers as prizes).
7. I think next time I will go there and win the flowers. (give it a few years, honey, but I love the early confidence)
I'll try to carry some of that perspective with me the next time I step onto the oval. Maybe we are all just playing childhood games on a grander scale. That attitude would certainly help the nerves factor. Until then, I'll continue to sharpen my elbows and work on that turnover in spirted games of Red Rover and Red Light Green Light.
 |
| Ella's First Race - Game Face on |
Monday, February 3, 2014
Disclaimer...and a pregnancy Top 10
Disclaimer: If you are pregnant, have been pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, and find nothing enjoyable about the pregnancy state, then this is not the post for you. If you think the pregnancy state rocks, read on....
Pregnancy is exactly that: a state. It is not an illness, disease, or handicap (although it does get you some leverage in the bathroom line...). Pregnant athletes today are not frail, fainting damsels in distress portrayed in the movies that should be relegated to the couch eating bon bons. Sometimes I need to remind myself that the simple phenomena of women running is a fairly new concept. After all, the first women to officially run the Boston Marathon was within my lifetime - 1972 (yeah, I'm old). The concept of women running, training, racing while pregnant? Well, now that is just starting to catch on. (Thank you Paula Radcliffe and Kara Goucher!)
When I was pregnant with Ella 3 years ago, there was almost nothing in the cyber world about women running let alone racing while pregnant. The only book I could find was Dr. Clapp "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy". (which I found very helpful). Both Kara Goucher and Paula Radcliffe blogged about their workouts - but Paula Radcliffe is the freakin' world record holder in the marathon, so I couldn't so much relate to her "jogging" track workouts 7 months pregnant at what is my normal race pace. I had heart anecdotal tales about some of my running peers doing workouts, but I wasn't comfortable with hitting the track or hills. Of course my main priority was to do what was best for my growing baby, and I knew that staying healthy was a key element.
Blazing your own trail and gathering a thick skin is sometimes the only course of action. Armed with little information, but an OK from my OB, I ran and even signed up for a a few fun races. Of course my pace was much slower, I wore a heart rate monitor, and never ran until I was out of breath. Did I get some less than kind remarks and looks? Of course. I knew that people never meant anything negatively - there is just not much known about running while pregnant, and doing it publicly put myself out there for judgement.
I ran until 37 weeks, when I was put on bed rest for high blood pressure. My normal blood pressure is ridiculously low (80/60) - so to see a systolic number approaching 200 was all that I needed to lay in bed for those 2 weeks and enjoy the calm before the storm. (I won't elaborate on the birth - Lauren Fleshman's birth experience blog could have been written by me and suffice it so say that there is no pain I have ever felt, or imagine ever will again, that can compare. Marathons shmarathons - nothing.)
3 years later, everybody seems to be talking and blogging about running and pregnancy. Fellow runners have asked me for advice - what I did while I was pregnant, etc. So.....here goes my Top 10 list of do's and don'ts. I'm no expert, but I did learn a lot through the experience:
1. Get an OB under 40 years of age - 30 if possible (just kidding, sort of)
The OB practice that I go to is comprised of OB's who run the philosophy gamut of "lay on your left side for 9 months" to Dr. Awesome, who is young and totally believes exercise is essential to a healthy pregnancy. I schedule my appointments with Dr. Awesome.
2. If you can't handle the fact that you will run slower and people will ask you "what happened to you today", don't sign up for a race.
It actually takes a lot of discipline to stay within yourself, monitor your breathing, and not get caught up in the competition. On the flip side, it's really fun and may cause you to fall in love with running all over again.
3.Plan your routes around porta-potties and friendly neighborhood bathrooms.
Just trust me on this one :)
4. You normally run like a gazelle - your stride is a thing of beauty! (at least in your own mind!). Ummm....not so much anymore. Think hippo donned with track spikes. You get the picture. Get over it - again, that thick skin thing.
5. Run with a friend or relative who always says "oh, I could never run with you".
It's a mutual feel good thing. My most cherished runs were those with my 70 year old Father (I'll do anything to be running the times he can run in his 70's) where we would talk, laugh, and just enjoy each other's company.
6. Remember that you are creating a new life.
Of course you have to walk sometimes! Of course somedays you simply will not be able to get out the door! Give yourself some latitude.
7. Volunteer at a local running event.
An awful lot goes on behind the scenes of any running event, and it really gives you perspective and a sense of appreciation.
8. Leave the watch at home.
This is a particularly helpful tip third trimester. In my mind, I was running the 4 mile loop sub 7's. In reality, my husband was ready to get in the car and come look for me I was gone so long.
9. It's always a heat wave.
Even in January. Seriously, your body runs a degree or two higher than normal during pregnancy - so just remember that on those steamy July days. I've been known to run through blizzards in scorn of the treadmill (dreadmill) - but a 95 degree day at 9 months pregnant - I'll take the climate controlled dreadmill.
10. It's all over in the blink of an eye.
Yes, there may be a day 8 months along when you think "this will never end" - look at all those lithe track runners! You will soon enough be a lithe track runner, with your gorgeous creation cheering
"Go Mommy", and you will feel a twinge of nostalgia for those days you waddled along, taking in the scenery, and feeling those little kicks.
Pregnancy is exactly that: a state. It is not an illness, disease, or handicap (although it does get you some leverage in the bathroom line...). Pregnant athletes today are not frail, fainting damsels in distress portrayed in the movies that should be relegated to the couch eating bon bons. Sometimes I need to remind myself that the simple phenomena of women running is a fairly new concept. After all, the first women to officially run the Boston Marathon was within my lifetime - 1972 (yeah, I'm old). The concept of women running, training, racing while pregnant? Well, now that is just starting to catch on. (Thank you Paula Radcliffe and Kara Goucher!)
When I was pregnant with Ella 3 years ago, there was almost nothing in the cyber world about women running let alone racing while pregnant. The only book I could find was Dr. Clapp "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy". (which I found very helpful). Both Kara Goucher and Paula Radcliffe blogged about their workouts - but Paula Radcliffe is the freakin' world record holder in the marathon, so I couldn't so much relate to her "jogging" track workouts 7 months pregnant at what is my normal race pace. I had heart anecdotal tales about some of my running peers doing workouts, but I wasn't comfortable with hitting the track or hills. Of course my main priority was to do what was best for my growing baby, and I knew that staying healthy was a key element.
Blazing your own trail and gathering a thick skin is sometimes the only course of action. Armed with little information, but an OK from my OB, I ran and even signed up for a a few fun races. Of course my pace was much slower, I wore a heart rate monitor, and never ran until I was out of breath. Did I get some less than kind remarks and looks? Of course. I knew that people never meant anything negatively - there is just not much known about running while pregnant, and doing it publicly put myself out there for judgement.
I ran until 37 weeks, when I was put on bed rest for high blood pressure. My normal blood pressure is ridiculously low (80/60) - so to see a systolic number approaching 200 was all that I needed to lay in bed for those 2 weeks and enjoy the calm before the storm. (I won't elaborate on the birth - Lauren Fleshman's birth experience blog could have been written by me and suffice it so say that there is no pain I have ever felt, or imagine ever will again, that can compare. Marathons shmarathons - nothing.)
3 years later, everybody seems to be talking and blogging about running and pregnancy. Fellow runners have asked me for advice - what I did while I was pregnant, etc. So.....here goes my Top 10 list of do's and don'ts. I'm no expert, but I did learn a lot through the experience:
1. Get an OB under 40 years of age - 30 if possible (just kidding, sort of)
The OB practice that I go to is comprised of OB's who run the philosophy gamut of "lay on your left side for 9 months" to Dr. Awesome, who is young and totally believes exercise is essential to a healthy pregnancy. I schedule my appointments with Dr. Awesome.
2. If you can't handle the fact that you will run slower and people will ask you "what happened to you today", don't sign up for a race.
It actually takes a lot of discipline to stay within yourself, monitor your breathing, and not get caught up in the competition. On the flip side, it's really fun and may cause you to fall in love with running all over again.
3.Plan your routes around porta-potties and friendly neighborhood bathrooms.
Just trust me on this one :)
4. You normally run like a gazelle - your stride is a thing of beauty! (at least in your own mind!). Ummm....not so much anymore. Think hippo donned with track spikes. You get the picture. Get over it - again, that thick skin thing.
5. Run with a friend or relative who always says "oh, I could never run with you".
It's a mutual feel good thing. My most cherished runs were those with my 70 year old Father (I'll do anything to be running the times he can run in his 70's) where we would talk, laugh, and just enjoy each other's company.
6. Remember that you are creating a new life.
Of course you have to walk sometimes! Of course somedays you simply will not be able to get out the door! Give yourself some latitude.
7. Volunteer at a local running event.
An awful lot goes on behind the scenes of any running event, and it really gives you perspective and a sense of appreciation.
8. Leave the watch at home.
This is a particularly helpful tip third trimester. In my mind, I was running the 4 mile loop sub 7's. In reality, my husband was ready to get in the car and come look for me I was gone so long.
9. It's always a heat wave.
Even in January. Seriously, your body runs a degree or two higher than normal during pregnancy - so just remember that on those steamy July days. I've been known to run through blizzards in scorn of the treadmill (dreadmill) - but a 95 degree day at 9 months pregnant - I'll take the climate controlled dreadmill.
10. It's all over in the blink of an eye.
Yes, there may be a day 8 months along when you think "this will never end" - look at all those lithe track runners! You will soon enough be a lithe track runner, with your gorgeous creation cheering
"Go Mommy", and you will feel a twinge of nostalgia for those days you waddled along, taking in the scenery, and feeling those little kicks.
 |
| See? Running during pregnancy can be fun! 2/2/14 (5k race 19:12)- 22 weeks Photo courtesy of Ted Tyler |
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