Starting from scratch

At one point in my life, I considered myself a pretty decent marathon runner. But I fell off that wagon hard in recent years and into a colossal puff of dust.

I long knew it was time for me to get back into shape and run again – or at the very least, seek some semblance of fitness after largely doing nothing for the better part of three years. So I decided to do something about it.

Instead of keeping it private (which, incidentally, is a fantastic way for it to NEVER happen), I made a public intention in a blog post that I was going to run the California International Marathon on December 6, 2015. I required accountability, and that’s the path I chose.

My reasons for choosing CIM:

• It’s geographically close (relatively)
• It’s fast
• It’s familiar
• I wanted to do a marathon in 2015, and, in spite being nearly a year away, CIM qualified

That last one was a biggie for me. I thought about tackling the Eugene Marathon. I have friends making the trek to Eugene (road trip!). I PR’d at Eugene. Hayward Field would be a memorable place to celebrate the end of my sedentary self.

If only Eugene would have been later in the year to give me more time. So I opted for CIM.

I'll lay out exactly what I mean when I say I'd been "largely doing nothing": After many years of integrating 60- to 70-mile weeks into my life, I probably averaged five or six runs a year over three years.

That’s not a lot. And I spent birthdays Nos. 40-43 lamenting my injuries, laziness and subsequent weight gain (and plummeting self-esteem). I allowed circumstances to control me, instead of me controlling my circumstances. And that was a crappy feeling.

So, how’s the training going? So far so good. A couple of weeks ago I strung together a week-plus consecutive days. I started at two miles a day and have moved up to three(-ish). Easter week was a bump in the road, and I’ve returned to the road/trail/dirt that I realized I missed so much. And I don't feel like I'm wearing a fat suit when I run, so there's that.

[It ain’t much, but I’m on Strava if you care to follow me. Even if you don’t care to, I’m still there.]

The training is getting easier (even if life isn’t, which continues to throw me curveballs), and I know I’ll soon push up against and through barriers (three miles, five, eight, 10, etc.). Because I was always running from a decent level of fitness, I took for granted just how difficult is to start from scratch.

I’m finding joy in running again – and it reminds me to care for myself, that those around me (namely my children) might actually benefit from seeing me do that. 

Instead of making excuses, I’m making the most of what I have, right now, in this life.

Strength Training For Runners

We have a lot of cool, helpful events planned for 2015, like shoe fittings, fun runs (think Pub Run…) and workshops. One of our most anticipated workshops at the Fleet Feet Chico store is the strength workshop with our old pal John Fragoso on March 12 at 6 p.m.

If you hadn’t heard, in addition to his chiropractic clinic in Chico, John’s also running a strength and conditioning facility called JS Strength and Conditioning.

  

Now, some of you might question whether or not runners actually need or benefit from strength training. I mean, our legs already get strong enough from running, right? True, but there are a lot of additional exercises we runners can do to round out our routine and help us to evolve from good runners to great runners.

We’re going a different route for the blog this week. We’re staying in the family, and featuring a recent blog post by fellow Fleet Feet blogger Jen Van Allen. Jen is an outstanding writer whose work has appeared in publications like Runner’s World magazine, The Washington Post and The Portland Press Herald.

Enjoy Jen’s post this week called “7 Reasons to Start Strength Training” here—it’s a fantastic read.

Tracking fitness trackers

First there was the stopwatch. Then there was the GPS, with a stopwatch. Now, runners are using a new tool to track their distance, activity, heart rate, and even sleep quality.

Fitness trackers do it all, and they can be stylish little accessories. Nowadays, fitness trackers fit right into the lifestyles of pretty much everyone--especially us runners. So, with all of the fitness trackers out there, how do you tell the difference between them?

So, with so many fitness trackers out there, how do you tell the difference between them?

Garmin Vivofit (available at Fleet Feet Chico)

Chances are you already know that Garmin is synonymous with GPS running watches. So it’s no surprise that Garmin is a leader in the fitness tracker trend. Some of the features include:

• Sleek, ultra-lightweight band
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Waterproof
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

Garmin Vivosmart (available at Fleet Feet Chico)

Every feature in the above Vivofit can be found in the Vivosmart. The difference is that you can connect the Vivosmart with your smartphone. It syncs with your music and alerts you when you receive a phone call or text. So, no more excuses like, “I missed your call/text, I was running.”

• Sleek, ultra-lightweight band
• Heart rate monitor
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Waterproof
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

Fitbit

Fitbit also offers quite a few different looks and levels of fitness tracking, including the Fitbit Charge, Fitbit ChargeHR and the Fitbit Surge. Typically a little wider than the Garmin products, these nonetheless pack a lot of features. For instance, the high-end Fitbit Surge offers:

• Heart rate monitor
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Waterproof
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

Nike FuelBand

Nike will be Nike. This is a slick, good-looking product that’s at the top of the list. And, of course, it makes full use of the FuelBand mobile app and syncs data from your band to your Nike+ account, providing feedback and motivation. Which, coming from a piece of electronics, sounds a little eerie.

• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker
• Some are waterproof

Microsoft Band

Who knew Microsoft had a band? No, it’s not another grunge group grumbling and mumbling its way out of Seattle, but it’s actually a fitness tracker. Dubbed as the first device powered by Microsoft Health, it resembles a tiny Surface tablet on your wrist.

• Heart rate monitor
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit

The touchscreen is long and only slightly curved, so it looks like some flexibility would be lost. It offers instant email, text and incoming call notifications. (Note: When researching this product, I noticed a lot of them were selling on eBay, just sayin’…)

• Heart rate monitor
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Waterproof
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

There are even more fitness trackers out there, but these are the ones that are better known. If you have any questions about which fitness tracker might be right for you, we can answer your questions.

How can Pilates benefit runners?

We runners sure love to marry our sport with other exercises, don’t we? Yoga, weight training, plyometrics. There’s a lot we can do to try to take our health and fitness to the next level.

Running is a repetitive action (there’s not much difference in the range of motion), and after years of running (especially longer distances) can gradually wreak havoc on your joints and muscles. If you just can’t seem to shake feelings of tightness and soreness as a result of running, Pilates might be the answer you seek.

“Muscle imbalances and overtraining are probably the most common ailments among runners,” said Greta Macey, a Fleet Feet Chico employee who’s also a Pilates instructor. “The functional strength that Pilates provides adds an efficiency to running that’s unprecedented. A regular practice will contribute to injury prevention, more efficient recovery and increased stamina. And by adding another way to get exercise, it prevents the body from working based on muscle memory.”

On Feb. 9 at 6 p.m., Beth Koch of Simply Pilates will visit Fleet Feet Chico for an hour-long Pilates workshop. Beth has first-hand experience of the pain and discomfort long-distance running caused her—and the relief she felt after doing Pilates.

“I discovered that the more I incorporated Pilates into my training regimen, the less discomfort I felt in my hips, lower back and feet,” Beth says. “Fellow runners would often comment about my excellent posture and that I always looked relaxed when I ran.”

The Runners Workshop at Simply Pilates is specifically designed to address common problems associated with running, like pain and the accumulation of tightness throughout the body as a result of running.

“I believe that Pilates is the perfect complement to running. It’s gentle on the joints, yet strengthens core muscles and elongates the tight, shortened muscles resulting from poor postures.”

If you’re interested in learning more about Pilates and how it can help you as a runner (or just become a stronger athlete), come by the store to check out the workshop. It’s open to the public as well as our training programs. We’d appreciate it if you could RSVP, though, since we have room for 35 people. You can RSVP to carly@fleetfeetchico.com.

My New Year's Resolution for 2015

I’m running the California International Marathon in 2015.

While that might not sound like a big declaration to some, it is to me, since I last ran a marathon in 2011. And, in all honesty, I’ve probably run around 100 miles in the four years since (most likely less).

It’s time to change.

I’m saying it here that, barring catastrophe, I plan to toe the line for CIM in exactly 11 months and one day.

The last time I started a marathon (my 10^th marathon), I didn’t finish it (the first time I’d ever done that). In Dec. 2011, I tried what’s playfully called a Daily Double: running two separate marathons in two different states in the same day (I did finish the first one, though, so there’s that…).

At the time I saw it as a fabulous failure, but now I recognize it as a necessary part of the work-in-progress called Me.

Those who know me know that running was a tremendously important part of my life. After my DNF in late 2011, I’ve had physical, personal and professional hiccups, all of which forced running to the back burner. And I’m OK with that.

What I’m not OK with is the lack of focus in maintaining my general health that hitched a ride like a hobo on a train. I need something to point to. I require a goal. I must be accountable.

It’s time to change.

And that’s why I’m outing myself here, saying publicly that I’m ready to train for, run and complete another marathon. If you read my last blog post (5 Ways To Stay Motivated During Winter), you’ll recall that No. 2 was “Make an intention, go public.”

After my fingers snapped those words out on my laptop, I realized that was what I needed to do. And well, this is me following my own advice.

Having hardly run over the last three years, I’m essentially starting from scratch, and it’s just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other over and over and over.

I know my body will hate me for a while, but to me that’s better than hating my body. I’d rather be in shape than existing as a shape (like, round). I want to get lost in my head during a run, instead of losing time on electronics.

Knowing me, I’ll want to attempt a Boston- qualifying time, but I’m not even there yet. And if I don’t qualify for Boston, if I merely finish, I’ll be ecstatic. I realize I took for granted the commitment it requires to train for and complete a marathon, but I’m ready to it again.

It’s time to change. 

5 Ways To Stay Motivated During Winter

Cold. Wind. Fog. Rain. Dark. Not exactly what you’d call inspiration for maintaining your fitness. So while we sit in the lull between the fall and spring race seasons, how do we stay inspired to run and resist staying in bad or sitting on the couch?

Set goals

Some of us are readily willing to slip on the running shoes and emerge into the world, ready to run just for the fun of it, whatever the weather. Some of us are not.

It’s healthy to establish reachable goals in life, and it works with running, too. Find a target event, something that gets you pumped up, and keep your eye on that prize. Then you’ll have something to look forward to, knowing there’s work to be done and miles to be run.

Make an intention, go public

In this day and age of social media, our society is generally very willing (for better or worse) to let the world know about our lives. But how about making public your intention to run a race?

Doing that would let everyone know what you plan to do, and down the road you might benefit from the added encouragement. That can also give you the chance to take dozens of selfies.

Get your group on

For all of the talk about the loneliness of a long distance runner, running sure can be a social event. And running with more people does more than just get you moving.

Planning runs with others keeps you accountable (think “positive peer pressure”), keeps you motivated and can turn the bluest of moods into the brightest of moments. And who knows, you might just learn a little about yourself running in less-than-perfect weather. Running with a training group can also help.

Be different

Some days it takes a lot to roll out the front door and brave the elements. Some days it’s darn near impossible. But don’t let that stop you.

Think about all of those who opted to hit the snooze button (or simply turn the alarm off) and turn over in their warm beds. Then think about how you’re shrugging off the urge to stay in bed and instead working out and starting your day in a very healthy way.

Get it out of the way early

Studies show that morning workouts “rev up your metabolism, jump start your energy levels and accelerate your ability to burn up calories,” according to an article on Active.com.

Rather than thinking about it for the entire day, exercise before it even starts. Maintain a morning workout schedule will help set you up well for the rest of the day, while also setting the table for the spring and summer.

*****

Let’s face it: It hardly takes any motivation to run in nice weather. Making it a habit to run in winter weather (with every excuse not to run) can make you a stronger, more disciplined runner, not to mention provide a sense of pride.