a return . . .

(This is my awesome barely 3 year old son, RUNNING up the hiking trail we went on in Tennessee. When we stopped to wait for others he just kept asking, "Can I run now?" That memory epitomizes this post.)

It has been too long between posts, and I hope to do better.

First of all, it has been so hard to get out running. I have been reading about running. Thinking about running. Planning training ideas. But I can't seem to get out the door. Part of this is that it is so hard to go out for a run with little kids, especially when I am so darn picky. I hate running strollers (plus ours only fits one), and I don't care for treadmills at all. I also live in a rougher neighborhood, so I have to either go somewhere else or plan my run during specific parts of the day. And I live in Arizona, which adds the whether to the variables. To make a long complaint short, I am just finding excuses because running is hard, and getting back into running is harder. It gets frustrating to know that a year ago I was running 10+ miles for my long runs, and 4-6 miles on my other runs, yet I can't go 3 miles without stopping. So I am working on shifting my focus to just running for the enjoyment of it, with the underlying goal of getting to 3 miles straight (and then of course I'll have to start actually training at some point shortly after).

This brings me to my second topic - Born to Run. I had heard a few things about this book from various friends, and I remember when there was a sudden focus on the whole minimalist running based on the Tarahumara tribes in Mexico. Since I had a trip and spring break coming up, I bought the book, and man, am I glad I did! I can honestly say it is one of the best books I've ever read. Even my nephew (who's older than I am) picked it up while at our reunion and finished it within a few days because he just couldn't put it down. While I am weird and actually prefer non-fiction books, I understand that they are often dry and I rarely finish them. This is not that kind of book. While it is full of so much information, it is written by telling different people's stories, and it really read like a novel.



It tells about the tribes in Mexico who are crazy shy, but throw huge drunken parties and go out the next morning and run up to 300 mile races. It tells about various ultra runners (those who race 50 and 100+ miles races, usually on trails) and their love of the sport. Then there is the illusive Caballo who is an American living and running among the Tarahumara, whose story changes depending on who you talk to. And scientists who stumble across amazing facts about how our bodies are really made to run. This book is funny, interesting, moving, and just makes me want to strap on my shoes (or not) and run. The thing I love most is how it emphasizes the love of running. All of these runners that come out of nowhere and just run 50 miles a day because no one ever told them they aren't supposed to be able to do that. I also love all the evidence that we as human are in fact born to run. I've heard so often "We're not really made to run." "Running is dangerous." Running is bad for your body." And the weird belief from the 70's that has somehow stuck, "Running will damage your uterus" . . . or jiggle things loose . . . or make it fall out . . . and weird things like that.

I'd tell you all the details of this book, but honestly - you just have to go and enjoy it yourself. I will give the warning, for those who are offended by such things, that there is some language in this book. Mostly mild, but a handful of f-bombs. It kind of makes me sad because I understand why they're there, but coming from a more conservative crowd, there are many people I know who sadly will never read this book and enjoy it's treasures because of a few words that didn't need to be there. But that's another topic for another day.

So as I read this book and contemplated how I need to return to just running because I love it, I was at a family reunion in Tennessee. We were just outside of Pigeon Forge, for those of you who know TN. Coming from Arizona, which has it's on unique beauty, I have fallen in love with the green lusciousness of Tennessee. Here's the beautiful house we stayed in:



While there, I went on a 2 1/2 mile run with my niece, and then another 2 miles run later by myself. Below is a picture from that run. Honestly, I went for that second run because I knew I was leaving the next day and it'd be my last chance to run on that beautiful road. The other beauty of running in Tennessee? The drivers. Note that there are no shoulders on this road, or any of them for that matter. But the drivers not only would give way more room than needed (especially since I'd jump into the grass, mud, and whatever else next to the road), but they'd smile and wave while doing it. AZ? My experience has been quite the opposite, but thankfully I avoid the streets and run on sidewalks or tracks for that reason.



But here I am, back home in the great desert, trying to find the motivation, time, and energy to just go run. So it's time for compromises with myself. Treadmill, stroller, you name it. I've got to just get myself out there because September is right around the corner, and 13.1 miles aren't going to run themselves. I just need to remember that while the circumstances may not be perfect, I can return to that love of running I found last year, and just enjoy it. If I do that, I really believe the rest will start to fall into place.

Going strong . . .

I went for a 5 1/2 mile run/walk yesterday and it went so well! I mean, don't get me wrong. It was tough. But I felt sooooo good afterward. I forgot how good I feel, both physically and emotionally, when I really run. I went farther than my typical 3 miles because we have a pedometer challenge at our school and I just wanted more steps. But I'm so glad I did.

I went on the River Walk for one main reason - once I go out, I have to come back. I went my 2 3/4 miles west and was totally pooped. But, there was only two ways to get back to the car. Run or walk. And running's faster. All in all, I ended up running about 3 1/2 miles and walking the rest, though there were breaks between and sometimes during those miles. But my fastest mile was just over 12 minutes. 1 min 45 sec shorter than two days earlier. I fell like it's coming back quickly, which gets me excited to go back out. Now just to figure out how to schedule in more runs between work and taking care of my two little monkeys.

Here are two pictures of my favorite part of the River Walk. It's between La Canada and La Cholla. Of all the desert plants, I admit that I love mesquite trees!

A cause for pause . . .

I am now FINALLY getting started with my running. I, of course, am feeling anxious to do some training and so forth, but my first task is building up my running slowly. I have gone out three times now, running/walking 3 miles. My goal is to get back to running 3 miles straight, since that was my "easy run" distance before, and a good starting point in working towards my goals. I am also focusing on my stride, trying to get back to the mid foot strike that I started developing towards the end of my running last time. Which brings me to my not so recent interest . . .

I remember several years back reading an article in Men's Fitness about the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico, who have these ridiculously long runs in nothing but these homemade sandals made of old tires strapped to the bottom of their feet. I think the article was actually about the book Born to Run, which is about a runner who spent time with them, learning their ways, etc. I thought, "How different from everything I've ever heard about running . . . I love it! But is it just a fad?"



A year or so later, during the fall of 2006, while a good friend was visiting from Mexico, we took a road trip up to the Grand Canyon. In Williams, we encountered three runners on their way to run the Grand Canyon. Go ahead and reread that to make sure you read it right. Yep! They were going to run the Grand Canyon. South rim to north rim to south rim. Their car had broken down, but that wasn't going to stop them. They squeezed in the back of our little Honda Accord along with our friend - four adults in the back! (Now that I think about it, I should have forced my way to sit back there so she didn't . . . oh, well.) I quickly noticed those weird glove shoes that I had briefly seen in that article strapped to one of their backpacks. His name was Ted. "Barefoot Ted." And he quickly answered all the questions I had. Turned out he has quite a blog and plays his part in promoting barefoot running - barefotted.com (and now also borntorun.org). His running partners just chuckled and rolled their eyes as he got very excited talking about the whole barefoot running phenomenon. (see his post) I, of course came home and started researching this "radical" idea of running without super cushioned shoes . . . Here's a picture of Barefoot Ted on his Grand Canyon adventure.



A year later I started running and was still fascinated with the idea, though this stint was short lived as I soon became pregnant. Fast forward almost two years and I started actually running and training for my first half marathon. The idea of barefoot running had blossomed and was starting to get more attention . . . I decided that I wanted to get a good base in running before trying something new, but it kept nagging at me, especially as I dealt with shin splints, which often comes from heel striking. Now that I'm training again, I can't get it out of my head. What once seemed like a totally radical idea has started becoming more accepted by the running world. This year I had several students in cross country who all wear those barefoot shoes, and almost every major running shoe company now has their version of minimal or "barefoot" running shoes. Harvard did a study. When I go out running on the river walk, I see at least one person doing it . . . Is this just a fad? Or a revolution?

So here's the theory behind why we should get rid of our cushy running shoes and go more minimal. First of all, humans have run for thousands of years without these fancy shoes. In fact, they came about only in the 1970's. The idea is that since the heel is raised in traditional running shoes, it causes runners to land on their heel, rather than on the ball of their foot, or both together. (75% of traditional running shoe wearers land on their heels.) This causes the shock of contact to travel up the skeleton. When one lands on the ball of their foot, it absorbs the shock instead. Check out these videos (and this website) to see what I mean . . . Harvard - Biomechanics of a Foot Strike

And here's a video of a runner who was given no instructions but to run - once wearing shoes, once just in socks.

As I've mulled over this idea in my head, I've started watching kids feet when they run, since they haven't been taught how to run, and they don't wear fancy shoes. They all land mid or forefoot. People who have never worn shoes to run in their whole lives naturally land in the mid or forefoot. It just makes sense. I tend to gravitate towards ideas that fit with the "why mess with it if it works" mentality. I feel that while modern technology is wonderful, sometimes we mess with stuff too much. But I digress . . .



I also can't get the stories out of my head. While, like any new sport, it has to be eased into slowly, since it uses muscles that haven't been used in a while, it strengthens the foot and ankles. I have read story and story of people who eased into running in "barefoot" shoes and have most of their injuries go away because they ware running in a way that is easier on their body. I mean, why do we accept that shin splint, plantar fasciitis, "runners knee," etc. are all just part of the territory of running? Even as I feel twinges in my shins, I concentrate on having a midfoot strike, and it goes away. "Barefoot running" just makes sense, as radical as it may seem to our modern minds, and I just can't get the idea out of my head. Now is it for everyone? Probably not, as I think most things aren't one size fits all. But it is definitely reshaping our understanding of probably the oldest sport.

The shoe that is probably most popular in this whole revolution, as I've decided to call it, is the Vibram Fivefinger. It looks so silly. Seriously. I went and tried on a pair of Sprints, which were pretty comfortable, and are made as a kind of all purpose Fivefinger. But then I started reading about their newer Bikila shoe, which is specific to running. I tried it on. I can honestly say it is the most comfortable thing I have ever put on my feet. Silly looking, but sooo comfortable.



And so . . . as soon as I can find a decent deal on them (I check the internet and ebay everyday), and maybe sell something for the cash, I will be a proud owner. I don't plan on running in them every time, but like so many people that start out with that thought, I will probably become hooked.

(These are the ones I like the most - kind of cooler looking than their counter part, and I like the added adjustment laces give.)

And I'm Back!

Wow! A lot has happened in the 6 months since my last post. I was able to stay pretty active throughout my pregnancy, doing spin 2-3 times a week and running 3 miles once a week. When I was about 6 months pregnant, I went for a 3 mile run and hurt for a few days after. I realized that my running adventures would have to stop until my little one came. I did continue doing spin up until the end. The thing that is great about doing spin while pregnant is that it is easy to modify as needed, doing only an intensity I could handle that day. Also, it really works the abs in a pregnant friendly way. I think this fact really helped my labor go fast.

So the big day came as a huge surprise! I was 35 weeks pregnant and not sleeping very well at night anymore. I remember kind of waking up around 4am with the feeling that my baby was turning around a lot and that it hurt . . . kind of like contractions . . . But I never woke up enough to consciously think about what was going on. When I finally woke up at 7:30, I went and made eggs and toast for me and my little man and starting checking my facebook and reading my blogs. I was still having contractions, and though they felt like real contractions, I wrote them off as "practice contractions." I was laughing at the Pioneer Woman when I suddenly realized that they were getting stronger . . . considerably . . . with each one. I called my midwife at 8am and was having a harder time talking during each cramping pain. But it's false, right? I have big, late babies and I'm 5 weeks early.

To make a long story short (and leaving out the part about having very strong contractions while driving and trying to sing songs with Sims . . . and avoiding speeding while a police officer was right behind me . . .) I was checked by a triage nurse at 9am and was 5 cm dilated and fully effaced. I was in transition 30 min later, pushed for maybe 7 contractions, and my beautiful Lillian was born! Oh, and I should mention that Cruz was working in Tubac that day and walked in literally before my last push, just in time to see his little girl come into this world.

Now, I believe the fast labor was mostly a huge blessing from the Lord, since Lily had the cord around her neck and it kept us from a c-section. But I really think the exercise, especially the spin ab work, played a huge part. It went so fast! And I had a successful VBAC, so now there's no worries about having another VBAC next time.

So, what does that all have to do with running? Not a whole lot, but it's awesome and exciting! But back to running - As I look at starting up again, I need to make some goals. My big goals are to run the Women's Half Marathon in Nashville, hopefully with my niece, sisters, and mom (some of them walking it). www.womenshalfmarathon.com/nashville/ Is it sad that part of the appeal of this particular race is the finisher's medal? It has a removable necklace charm. And I like that it's pretty much all women - it just gives it a different feel. Then, the plan is to continue with my training in and run my first full marathon in the spring of 2012. I'd love to do the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. nashville.competitor.com/

I ended up loving my Saucony Progrid Jazz 12 shoes (see my about shoes for the whole saga), so while I'd love to try some more minimal shoes this time around, I'm going to just stick with what I know for now and order another pair. And yes - shoes (minimal and not) make a huge difference, especially in avoiding injury.

I plan on jump starting my "going back to exercise" week with spin - it's hard and I love it! - then getting started with my running. Now just to come up with a plan . . .

New motivation . . .

I had my first midwife appointment yesterday, and its amazing how the pregnancy is much more real to me now! I feel great about the group of midwives I am using, but am still nervous about trying for a VBAC. And because if this, I've found more motivation to stay healthy during this pregnancy.

During my last pregnancy, I only gained about 30 pounds, which is a healthy amount to gain, with not a whole lot of extra. The thing is, I didn't exercise . . . at all. Well, until towards the end when my husband dragged me on walks at least every other day. I didn't eat very healthfully, either. I ate okay, but I ate mostly carbs in the form of breads, pastas, and fruit. They were what tasted good to me. I had a really hard time standing the taste of most vegetables for the majority of my pregnancy. And I ate a lot of carbs during my last trimester. So why am I mentioning this? Because I had a 9 pound 3 ounce baby who just plain ol' got stuck, hence the C-section. Now, maybe I just make big babies, which could be the case. But I honestly think that part of it was due to my diet and lack of movement. Oh, and I went a week late in my pregnancy, which I've read exercise can help prevent.

So, here's the deal. I have to deliver in the hospital, I have to have constant baby monitoring and an IV, and I have to go into labor on my own (and not a week late). SOOoooo . . . Beyond just general health for myself and our unborn baby, I really want to stay active and eat well to give us a better chance at a smaller baby size, going into labor on my own and on time, and overall a smoother birth. I know some of this will be out of my control, but there is so much evidence that exercise can help in all of these areas, so here's to new motivation! I'll do what I can, and I'll leave the rest up to the Lord.

Movin' on up . . .

I ran two miles today. I don't want to get to any huge numbers as far as mileage goes, but it was nice to go more than my one mile I've been doing lately. Oh, and the yoga video was great, but too slow moving. I want to just write down the poses and add it to the ones I like to do anyway. But it felt really good to do yoga again, and it did wonders for my back. :)

A great site . . .

Here's a great site on Runner's World where moms who ran during pregnancy and/or nursing share their experiences. It's motivating to hear about other women who kept active, how they did it, and how it helped.

http://thepackrules.runnersworld.com/2010/06/running-moms-share-your-tips.html

(Please note - running while pregnant should only be considered if the mom ran prior to pregnancy. But these are still motivating to keep exercising in any way during pregnancy.)