Shoes and Stats

49 Days to Race Day!!!

My Mizuno's have 200 miles on them, so I figured it was time to get a new pair of running shoes. I do not want to break in new shoes too close to the marathon date, so now's the time.

I went to Fleet Feet in Northfield and they were great! They did to usual observation of how I stand and run, but also took the time to explain things to me. Turns out that my physical therapy continues to work and has corrected my sever overpronation. I now only slightly overpronate and am almost to the point of a neutral shoe. My Mizuno's are designed for a lot of support, which I no long need. I was able to choose from shoes that are lighter. When I put them on it felt like I wasn't even wearing shoes.

Here are my new Brook's Adrenaline GTS 11. I love these shoes. They really feel great when I run! Very light.

I track all of my runs on Dailymile, so I am able to tell how many miles I've put on my shoes. Here are a few other stats that Dailymile provides:

I like the stat about how many donuts I've burned.

One other statistic that I'd like to share is my Team in Training fundraising stat. It is always at the top of this page, but I want to emphasize it today. I am so close to my $2,000 goal and I thank everyone that has helped me get this far!

There is another way that you can help. Tell someone you know that I am running 26.2 miles to raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Forward the link to my fundraising page and ask them to help.

The Mental Game

I’ve discovered that running is much more than a physical and endurance sport. There is an entire mental aspect to it I underestimated. I heard people say that they have trouble finding motivation and having to play mind games to continue running, but I did not see it as much of an obstacle. I was determined to succeed. I was determined to run in and finish the Cleveland Marathon.

Lately however, I’ve realized that the mental challenges are very real. Since I started running last August I’ve been battling injury and illness constantly. Every week it’s been something new from broken bones, strained muscles, bronchitis, and shin splints. All I want to do is go out and enjoy running.  I’ve worked very hard to overcome all of these issues. I’ve talked with specialists, I’ve exercised, I’ve rested; everything that I’m supposed to do, but the issues continued to occur.

Another factor has been the winter weather in Northeast Ohio. I do not recall seeing so much snow in one season. There has been so much snow that a lot of the training has required indoor running on the dreadmill (that is an intentional misspelling). It’s been cold, grey, and wet to further bring down the spirits.
Here are a few posts I wrote after some bad runs. I think that they accurately conves my state of mind.

3 mi 00:32 10:48 pace
Treadmill yet again. I could only force myself to run 3 miles, and even that was a major effort! My mental game just wasn't in it. Between rain, sleet, cold, and spiking migraines I guess I should see my 3 as an achievement, but I just see utter failure right now. Blah!

1.67 mi 00:20 11:58 pace
Was supposed to do 5, but my shins started hurting again and I just didn't have it in me. The whole mental thing is really dragging me down.

I started questioning why I was doing this. I would respond – yes, I know this sounds schizophrenic – I’m doing this for me and I’m doing this for Mikey. I need to finish this or else I’ll regret it for the rest of my life, and I need to finish this because so many people have supported me by donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Then I would rebut with questioning if this race is really worth the physical strain I am putting my body through. Who knows if anything that I’m doing will have long term adverse effects. And I rebut the rebuttal by reminding myself that if one little boy could go through the necessary, and often painful treatments for leukemia then I could finish the rest of my 60 days of training and run the marathon because what he went through is nothing compared to training for a marathon. I have the choice to stop. People with blood cancers do not have the option of stopping.

This is how I’ve gotten through the last several weeks of training, but I think that I’ve rounded the bend in the mental challenge. I’ve pushed myself and have run further than I’ve ever run before. The sun has finally come out and the temperatures have warmed. It is nice to be out there again and I can smile while I run. I’m still battling tightness and tenderness in my shins, but I don’t care.

I just run!

Apple iPad & Flip Camera Drawing

I have a great fundraiser starting today! It's an easy way for you to help support my Team in Training efforts.

I am selling tickets for a drawing. First place is an Apple iPad (16GB) and second place is a Flip Ultra Video Camcorder (2 hour).

Tickets are $10 each or $20 for three ($30 for four, $40 for six, etc.).

The drawing is on April 6th at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (the winner does not need to be present). Tickets will be on sale until April 1st (no joke!).

If you are interested in the entering the drawing, you can make a donation on my TNT Fundraising site and put TNT Fundraiser in the notes section, or mail me a check (leave your email address in the comments section).

Thank you for your continued support, and good luck!

Lessons Learned

I've learned a few lessons this week, and I've learned the value (and necessity) of recovery days.

Blisters are a reoccurring issue for me after running more than three miles. I've received some great advice from other runners and I think that I've found the combination that is going to work ... fingers crossed. If you get blisters, you can't stop training while they heal. You have to keep going. Unfortunately, if you continue, you break the blisters open and they get worse, not better. Here's what seems to work for me. 1) Non-cotton socks. Turns out that cotton holds in moisture, and when you run, you have moisture whether from snow, water puddles, or sweat. I've been wearing my Team In Training wick dry socks. 2) Two pairs of socks. Blisters are caused by friction of something rubbing against the skin. When there are two socks, the majority of the friction is between the two socks and not the sock and foot. 3) New-Skin liquid bandage. I brushed on a double coat of the liquid bandage over my current blisters and other areas prone to blistering. 4) Looser laces. I was pulling my shoelaces as tight as possible but it was getting uncomfortable and there wasn't a benefit that I could tell.

I hope that, continuing with these four things will keep the blisters away, or if not away will keep them from bothering me during my runs.

This photo is from Flickr user lobstar28.

I am currently typing this post, sitting on the couch with a heating pad under my calves, and there are two reasons.

The first reason is my own stupid fault. After my run on Friday, I felt great! I walked in the house, got my water and a snack, and chatted with my family. Everyone was in a good mood and talkative (possible a result of the beautiful weather). Time got away from and I needed to get dinner going and then take a shower. When i finally sat down two hours later, I realized that I did not stretch after my run and I was starting to feel the effects. My calf muscles were tight and knotted. The next day, they were still very tight so I took extra time to stretch well. I didn't have trouble during the run, so all seemed well.

The second reason I'm sitting with my legs propped up on the couch like a prima donna is because after my long run yesterday, I decided to wear my cute boots with a two inch heel. Bad Idea! Walking around in heels stretched my calves in the wrong way and I didn't realize it until I took my boots off five hours later and my calves SCREAMED!

So, the lessons learned: Always, always, always stretch before and after a run, and refrain from heels for at least a few hours.

Back Outside!

Tracks just from me and the deer.

Mid-40's after weeks of below freezing weather (many of which were below zero). 

Wow, it was nice to run outside again! I know I've complained in the past about running in the slushy, messy snow and stepping on hidden uneven ice patches, but today I loved every second of it. There was still about four inches of snow on the bike path so I had to lift my knees high, which completely exhausted me. I still enjoyed it and splashed in every icy puddle I saw! 

After the first 1 1/2 miles I didn't know if I could continue back through the snow, so I decided to run on the roads. It was slow going, and I really had to push that last mile. But I am completely happy with my run and I feel great. Can't wait for the even nicer weather tomorrow. 

Max & Erma Fundraising Opportunity

Here is an easy way for you to help with my fundraising efforts for LLS's Team in Training and get some yummy food. On Wednesday, February 23rd, Max & Erma's will donate 20% of your bill. All you have to do is print the following flyer (right-click and select Print Picture) and present it to your server. There is even a second flyer for you to give to a friend or family member.

Here are the address of the participating Max & Erma's:

 

Akron

3750 West Market St.
Rosemont Commons Shopping Ctr
Fairlawn, OH 44333
(330)666-1002
HOURS: Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

 

Middleburg Heights

7085 Engle Rd.
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
(440)816-1626
HOURS: Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

 

Belden Village

4320 Everhard Road Nw
Canton, OH 44718
(330)494-9597
HOURS: Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

 

Westlake

30105 Detroit Rd.
Westlake, OH 44145
(440)899-8686
HOURS: Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

 

Mentor

7890 Mentor Ave.
Mentor, OH 44060
(440)205-9994
HOURS: Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Thanks for your help!

Running Etiquette

As with any sport, there is a code of etiquette when running. There are basic things you can do to keep running enjoyable for everyone, because unless you own a private track or road, you have to share the space with others.

1. Just like when you are driving, stay to the right so there is room for others running in the opposite direction or for those wanting to pass.
2. If you run with other people, keep to two people across, again, so there is room for others running in the opposite direction or for others to pass.
3. If you want to pass someone, announce yourself. There is nothing worse than being started by someone passing you. A polite “On your left,” or “Passing on the left” is sufficient. Make sure to mention which side you are passing on (just like when driving) so that the person you are passing can move over if necessary.
4. If you like to listen to music, make sure you can still hear what is going on around you. You want to be able to hear someone passing you or traffic on the road.

5. If you like to run with your dog, the dog should also stay to the right, and keep your dog leashed! Even if your dog is the sweetest thing in the world, other people’s dogs may not be friendly. A loose dog that suddenly lunges at another runner could either scare the runner (not everyone likes dogs), or cause them to miss a step and trip. Leashing your pet keeps everyone safe.
6. Also, pick up after your furry friends. There is nothing worse than having to dodge landmines.
7. Finally, acknowledge other runners. A small smile, nod of the head, or a simple “Hi” goes a long way. It is just polite, and it really makes you feel good, like you are part of an exclusive club.
8. Follow all posted rules for parks, trails, and roads. Run against traffic and stay to the side of the road. Remain on trails. Running off trails could damage delicate flora. Wear reflective clothing when it is dark. Etc. 

Use your common sense and treat others as you would like to be treated. Running should be enjoyable for you and everyone else out there.