Fitness Friday: Call Us Runners

Running all starts somewhere. Previously I wrote about aha! moments and discovered how incredibly similar we all are when it comes to starting our fitness journeys. 

Last week, after reading Melissa's post On Stealing a Runner's Glory, I started thinking about the moment that I thought of myself as a runner. 

We didn't lace up our shoes and call ourselves runners immediately. The feeling of owning the title of RUNNER comes to each of us at different moments, after different experiences. 

When the moment comes, it is often memorable:

Katey @ Run With Kate

I felt like a runner when I realised that it had become my 'thing'. I didn't need to run a race to realise that other people would say 'Kate runs' when introducing me to people. It's become part of my lifestyle; to me, running means that it has become a vital part of my identity.

Coco @ Running with Perseverance

I believe that if you run, you are a runner. Whether you run in Mizunos or Keds (but please don't for your own sake!), whether you run 2 miles or 20, whether you race every weekend or never, whether you win your age group or barely beat the course-closing sweeper van, you are a runner. So, when I looked back on my journal entries from my early days as a runner, I was surprised to see what it took for me to think of myself as a runner. Here's what I found in my journal: Looking Back On 10 Years of Running

Heather @ Better With Veggies

To me, being a runner means I get out the door when it's fun and when I'd rather sit on the couch. It means I set goals for myself and work toward those goals, even when it's hard. It doesn't matter how far or how fast, you're a runner if you get out there and run!

Divya @ Eat Teach Blog

Running isn't easy for me. It's never been. But it's something that I love doing regardless of my ability. There are moments where I feel like it's the most painful process to move one foot in front of the other. But then there's moments when my mind is completely separate from my body and my feet take control of themselves - almost an "out of body" experience. I continue to practice to have more of those moments. Being a runner doesn't mean that I have to run at a certain pace or reach a certain distance. Being a runner means I run. And I love it. 

Erika @ MCM Mama

I realized that any time I get "me time", I hit the road. Somehow I went from running for fitness to running for mental health to running because it's an integral part of who I am.  I felt amazing and proud when I realized that.

Natural Nesters @ Designing a Better Me

I use to doubt myself and even though I had ran a 1/2 Marathon in 2007, even then I would not call myself a 'runner' because I thought a runner had to be someone that put hours and hours into it and did every race out there.. had all the right gear... did the charities, etc. You get what I am saying. Fast forward five years and many life changes which includes now being a mom.. I do NOT doubt that I am a runner. From the day I started running again back in March I have said to people.. "I love that I am a runner!" I said it with confidence, happiness, and belief. What made the difference... I may never know... But to me a runner is someone who has the desire and passion to run. That is ME! I no longer look at running as something I can't do. Rather, I look at running as something I WANT to do, DESIRE to do, and want to get BETTER at. I love that at the end of the day, when it cools down, I can pull that faithful jogging stroller out, put on my mismatched running clothes, get my boy a snack and water.. and GO! I love that while I GO I know that I am a runner. Just because someone can run faster than me doesn't make them any more of a runner than me. The fact that I get out there and DO IT makes me a runner. I know that I am a runner today because it is part of my life. Running is now who I am and I hope it stays part of who I am forever. I love my life with running and I hope even when my kids are grown that I am a running Mommy... 

Charlene @ Running with Charlene

When did I feel like a runner? The moment I crossed the Finish line at my first Half marathon 2010. 7 months prior, I could not run a mile. Now, I have run over 45 races, including Full Marathons. I am a 6 time member of the USATF All-American Masters Team and a Certified Running Coach.

Amanda @ Run To The Finish

I felt like a runner when I started going because I loved it and not because it was a workout. For me that took about a year, but the next 9 have been amazing.

Tara @ A Daily Dose Of Fit

I used to hate running. With a passion. And then, I loved it. I transitioned from walking to running over time, and in the fall of 2009, I felt like a runner for the first time when I crossed the finish line of the Chicago Half Marathon. I hated the last three miles, as did my IT bands, but knowing that I could do it...and that I did it...made me feel like I could do anything. To be a runner is to trust your body. To feel your body working hard, step after step after even more steps. But sometimes it's not about those steps. It's about letting go of everything else and finding the time to focus on you. Therapy? Maybe. When I got pregnant last year, I couldn't run like I used to. Five months postpartum, I started running again and flew through a 6-mile race. I felt like I had recaptured a part of myself that had been put on hold for far too long. Granted, not running like normal for nine months was worth it...but moms can still be runners. And I did run throughout my pregnancy. Although, not as fiercely for obvious reasons. But I'm running again, and that means a lot to me. With new passion, too. It's not really about the race, time or pace. To be a runner is to learn to let go of the effort and to enjoy the ride, one step in your favorite sneaks at a time.

Lora @ Crazy Running Girl

I felt like a runner when I was training for my first marathon and woke up early on a Saturday morning to do my long run on the trails around the lakes. I got so many hellos, waves, etc. from fellow runners... I finally felt like I was part of the club! It was a great feeling -- and part of the reason why I'll sacrifice sleeping in on the weekend to get my run in. There's nothing like being out on the trails early in the morning with all of your best running friends.

Gina @ Noshing On Asphalt

I didn’t realize I was a runner until after I finished my first 15k this past February.  It was the Double Bridge Run in Pensacola, Florida, and I ran it side-by-side with the woman who inspired me to run.  Prior to the 15k, I was running about 20 miles a week and had raced several 5ks and one 10k but my internal runner switch had never been flipped.  I don’t know why I felt like I wasn’t a ‘real’ runner, I just didn’t.  But during the last mile of the 15k I had this huge burst of energy and I felt like I could have knocked out another 5 miles easily.  I was so energized/excited and it was at that moment I knew I had the type of experience ‘real’ runners talked about....I had become a runner.

"Hutch" @ Heavy Medal

Being able to run a mile without stopping didn't make me feel like a runner. Finishing 4 full marathons didn't make me feel like a runner. Hearing my friends begin to refer to me as a runner, didn't make me feel like a runner. After 4 years of running somewhat regularly, there came a day when I realized I was looking forward to running and was enjoying the run itself; not just the satisfaction of finishing a run or race day high, but the actual movement of running, the rhythm and challenge of it. That's when I felt like a runner, like I had finally arrived. 

However, some are still waiting for it:

Alyse @ Fit Approach

Based on reading a ton of running blogs, and being friends with so many runners, I get the impression that most people do have that moment when they realize they're a runner. They get sucked in and find they just LOVE running. Or find their peace, or their sanity, by hitting the pavement. 

I'm waiting for that moment to happen to me. I have had a handful of good runs, or times when I enjoyed running and found myself glimpsing what about it gets you hooked, but I haven't been full-on converted yet. I enjoy the endorphin rush when it's over—but mostly, I just enjoy when it's over. :) I'm looking forward to the day when running sinks its teeth into me and it becomes something I look forward to and find joy in. 

Thank you to all the runners from FitFluential and Fit Approach

who shared their memories with me ~ you're the greatest!

Do you consider yourself a RUNNER?

I first felt like a runner last summer when I was training for my first half marathon. I finally felt like I knew what I was doing, it was part of my weekly schedule, and I was having fun.

Find Your Greatness

 
In the blink of an eye the months of June & July have flown by.

Today, I am looking back at the goals I set for myself for 2012:

1. Keep running!! - In June I ran 58.05 miles and in July 76.59. 
2. Run a race every month (at least one) In June I was supposed to run 3 races, but I only ran two. I opted not to run a 5k because of torrential rain. If I had to do it over, I would go to the race anyway. In July I did three runs: two were fun runs (mud & color) and one was a 5k.
3. Continue to improve my blog In July I became a Sweat Pink Ambassador for Fit Approach and a Cape Cod Ambassador for the ZOOMA Women's Race Series. I wrote some guest posts for FitFluential, ZOOMA, and fellow FitFluential Ambassadors. 
4. Add another New England state to the list of places I have run Although I traveled to Ohio and ran a race while I was there, I have not added a new state to my list yet. 
5. Keep meeting new running friends I met some other New England runners who also blog and ran some of the same races together.

In the midst of all this, I have found greatness.

The running community is packed with amazing people. People who want to push themselves, have a good time, and support you in any way that they can.

There are extraordinary people working hard to put together some incredible race experiences for runners. Whether you are a new runner or a seasoned runner, the people behind the scenes want you to have a great time running.

Companies are designing sensational gear for runners and getting runners involved in spreading the word. From water bottles to running shoes I have been astonished by the relationships I see being built.

As for myself, I'm feeling pretty marvelous about the amount of miles I've been posting. I can finish runs that I would have avoided a year ago and sometimes I'm even taking the lead.

Where do you find greatness?

#TrainingTruths: Workouts & Cream Cheese Pastry

 
It is hard to maintain a regular schedule during the summer. Every day is different. Sometimes we are traveling. For the most part I have been able to maintain my training for the half marathon coming up in a couple of weeks, but my diet has been all over the place. 

WORKOUTS:


#TrainingTruth: Compression gear is a life saver.


As I have upped my mileage on the long runs, my legs have been feeling the effects. Tight hips and glutes, sore calf muscles, and achey shins. Following my long runs, I have been sporting compression socks and compression shorts. These things really do work. I use Zensah socks most of the time, but I also have CEP and Feetures. My compression shorts are from Aspaeris and although they work, I'm not a fan of the dual layers anymore.

#TrainingTruth: I still look forward to every run.


Running is my passion. I know from experience that sometimes, after doing something repeatedly for days, months, years, the excitement can wear off. Running continues to be something that I look forward to. It doesn't matter what kind of run I'm doing; long, short, road, trail, treadmill, alone, or with a partner/group I'm always happy to get out there. 


FOOD:


#TrainingTruth: It is really hard not to over-indulge during the summer.


This past week, I made one big dinner for the family. Then everyone's schedules had them scattered every direction and rarely did we have more than two people home for dinner at the same time. Then we went to Newport for the weekend adding to the challenge of eating healthy. Thursday, we're having a Reach the Beach team meeting and I'm bringing dessert. 


If you've never made this and decide to try it, DO NOT HATE ME. It's THAT GOOD!

I got this recipe from a former co-worker in Ohio (I think she got it from someone at her church). 

Don't forget to check out other great recipes at the WIAW link up at Peas & Crayons.

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to asses ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Running Escapades Guide to Social Media

 
Using social media can be overwhelming.

Once you get the hang of it though, you will discover a world of information and support you may have never dreamed possible.

Inspired by a Women's Running Magazine blog post, I thought I would explain social media the Running Escapades way:

Here's what Women's Running Magazine blog posted:

I don't use all the social media on the list (Linked In & Google+) and I do use a couple not on the list (Daily Mile & Nike+), but it was fun making my guide.

How do you use social media?

Fitness Friday: Aha! Moments

It can be a glance in the mirror, looking through recent pictures, an inability to do something you thought you could do, or becoming injured.

That's right. I'm talking about aha! moments. The defining moment when you decide to get up and move, the epiphany that motivates you to get active, the revelation that you need to make a change, a breakthrough that sparks you set a goal and go after it. Most of us have had at least one, so I'm sharing some that I've collected from my fellow ambassadors at FitFluential and Fit Approach to inspire you, encourage you, and get you pumped up!

Shannon from The Girl's Got Sole

My moment was in September of 2008. It forever changed my life. I saw photos of myself and just knew that wasn't how I wanted to live anymore. I finally dropped the weight and have never and will never look back. I love the healthy and fit person I now am.

Mindy from Road Runner Girl

My a-ha moment was after I ran across the finish line at my first 5K! It hit me that I was actually a runner and could do this! I was never much of an athlete...I couldn't find that one thing that I was good at...until I started running. Since that day I have ran many races including 9 half marathons and 1 full marathon! Anyone can do it if you work hard and set your mind to do it!

Laura from scribbles & sass

I began taking yoga classes in University, but didn't really fall in love with the practice until 2010. I was recovering from a bad ankle injury and discovered the benefits it had on healing my body and healing my soul. The immediate sense of well-being was intoxicating; I became a much more powerful force. Since then I have made it my mission to introduce as many people -friends, family members, even some strangers - to yoga so they could share my experience and journey. The community that yoga creates is like no other, I invite you to try a class; if you're in Calgary come to one with me! Breathe deep. Smile. Twirl. Toss glitter. Write.

Katie from The Hungry Runner

In high school, I was a swimmer. I was active, fit, and healthy, and never had to worry about what I ate. But when I went away to college, I gave up swimming, and soon after, the pounds started packing on. At the time, I thought that I knew how to eat healthily and figured that 30 minutes on the elliptical at the gym a few days every week was plenty of exercise. Yet, I couldn't figure out why, despite my "healthy and active" routine, I wasn't able to lose the Freshman 15 that I had gained.

When I look back at that time now, I see that my two major obstacles were that I didn't know how to work out to lose weight, and despite what I thought, I had no idea what it actually meant to eat healthily. I finally took control after enlisting the help of a personal trainer, and with a whole lot of hard work and dedication, I've slimmed back down to my "swimmer status" and I feel stronger and fitter than ever. I still love to eat, but in a much healthier way than ever before. I've learned that being fit and healthy has to become part of your life. Now, I'm a personal trainer myself and my passion is to help others discover the fun in fitness and the excitement in eating healthily.

Kas from RUNNINGLONGISLANDNYC

My aha! moment came in March 2010, when after walking 1 flight of stairs I was so out of breath and broke out into a sweat. I was 25 at the time and weighed 237 lbs. (5'6"). I knew if I kept living the way I did, it was only going to get worse and I was afraid of dying at an early age as a result of my poor, sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle. I found a nutritionist and enrolled at a new gym that was opening by my job and I have not looked back. I lost 87 lbs. and went from a size 18 to a size 6. I finally feel like I am really living. I am strong, healthy, and fit.

Abby from Back At Square Zero

I decided to take my roommate's dog for a run. Neither of us made it past the mailbox. It was scary - Something I thought I would be able to do was so hard. I knew I was overweight  and unhappy with my body. However, I never realized how out of shape I was until that moment and suddenly I knew I had to do something about it. If I didn't I was sure I would continue to gain weight, stay out of shape, and just get unhealthier. It was time for a change.

That oh crap, time to wake up, moment happened about 5 years ago, but in truth it never really stuck. I would run a few days and then quit for months at a time. Then try to start again and be frustrated because it was so hard. A little over two years ago I started to get more serious about it. However, I really began considering myself a runner on October 1st 2010. That is the day I started half marathon training. I made a promise to myself that I was going to commit to: I was going to become a runner, I was going to finish the race, and I wasn't going to let myself down. Ever since then I haven't stopped. Running is now truly a part of who I am.

Charlene from Running With Charlene

2010. My youngest son challenged my to run a mile, I could not. I vowed to never let that happen again. 7 moths later, I ran my first Half Marathon and have run close to 50 races since then.

Tenecia from Boobs, Barbells, and Broccoli

My "aha" moment came when I saw a picture of myself from a wedding and the woman I saw each time in the mirror was not the woman in the picture!! I was eating & drinking way too much as means of dealing with the loss of a child. Seeing the "real" me was the slap on the forehead I needed to start eating better, moving more, and working to cross a lofty goal (competing in a figure competition) off of my bucket list! You can read more about her moment here.

Talia from Bite Size Wellness

My aha moment that finally kicked me into gear was seeing myself in the screen of a digital camera. There was no "good side" or cute outfit that could hide the fact that I completely let myself go during my college days...and so began my healthy living journey!

Meredith from Dare You To

My "a-ha moment" was the moment I crossed the finish line of my first 5k race. Prior to this year, I loathed running, but had begun running to challenge myself, to get out of my comfort zone. Crushing my goal time for that 5K, I proved to myself that change is possible. I went from the slow girl in gym class who walked half of her "mile" to a regular runner on the road, running three or four miles at a time. If I can do that, what else am I capable of? I learned to never hold myself back or assume that I can't. Change is possible at any age, at any fitness level! Take the plunge and strive for better. I dare you ;)

Me!


My aha! moment came after spending a weekend in the Outer Banks for my friend's wedding. When I saw myself in the pictures, I was shocked! I barely recognized the person I saw. How had I let myself gain so much weight? After the jolt, I realized that I had been spending a lot of time in my new home and very little time being active, so I started running. Remembering how unhappy I was when I saw myself in those photos continues to keep me motivated today.

Have you had an aha! moment?

#TrainingTruths: Workouts & Veggie Burgers

I'm about 4 weeks away from my next big race, Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Providence, RI, and my training, although modified, has been ramping up. Last week I ran four times for a total of 21.42 miles including my longest distance (9.2 miles) since my last half marathon in May. Here are my latest..

WORKOUTS:

#TrainingTruth: Running hills is really a mental game with yourself.

Part of my training for RnR Providence includes getting ready for the hilly course. I'll be honest, I dread hills. What I realized this week, however, is that I can conquer the hills if I just focus on how I'm really feeling. My legs get tired and feel the strain, but really it's my mind that wimps out. Slowing down allows both my legs and mind conquer the hill.

#TrainingTruth: Last minute rest room visits make all the difference.

As I've gotten older, I have noticed that the need to pee intensifies greatly not long after the start of my runs. I have found myself literally running across finish line of a race and not stopping until I reach the port-a-potties. Eyeballs floating is not a fun feeling! I have been making a point to visit a rest room immediately before starting my runs and it has been successful so far.

FOOD:

#TrainingTruth: I accidentally bought some veggie burgers and I like them.

In the summer I'm all about keeping it simple and light, especially since often times I am the only one home for lunch. I picked up some Morning Star Grillers after seeing a commercial that showed how easy it was to heat these pre-cooked burgers. It wasn't until I had my first one that I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they are veggie burgers. They taste good, are low in calories, high in protein and low in fat.

A favorite burger that I like to make is a salmon patty burger.

Ingredients:

1 can salmon
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
salt & pepper

Directions:

In a bowl combine drained salmon with 2 tablespoons of liquid reserved, egg, and bread crumbs. Mix ingredients together. Form into 1/4 patties. Cook in skillet over medium heat in EVOO until browned.

Don't forget to check out other great recipes at the WIAW link up at Peas & Crayons.

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to asses ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Where is ZOOMA going?

Last week I posted my interview with ZOOMA Women's Race Series founder.

Many of you expressed how much you wish a ZOOMA race was in a city near you.

This week ZOOMA is announcing a NEW RACE LOCATION!

Check out this video:




ZOOMA will be announcing the new location on Thursday, but until then they are offering you a chance to guess the location and win a bunch of swag from the mystery location!

To enter go to the ZOOMA blog and leave a comment with your location guess.

Where would you like to see a ZOOMA race?

Building a 30 Day Challenge

Do you like 30 day challenges?

My tips for how to build your own 30 day challenge are over on the FitFluential Blog.

Go check it out and tell me what you think!

Enthusiasts: Are you passionate about fitness and would like to be in-the-know about great fitness opportunities?


Bloggers: Do you blog about fitness and want to spread your inspiration to even more people?

Join the FitFluential family.

Fitness Friday: Interview with ZOOMA Founder

This fall I will be running the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon. Touted as one of the "five best races for women" by espnW., ZOOMA Women's Race Series was started by a female runner and the staff are all women.

As a Cape Cod Ambassador, I had the opportunity to ask Founder and Executive Director, Brae Blackley, some questions about the races.

Brae cheering runners at the starting line.

1. When you started ZOOMA in 2007 what was your goal?

I started ZOOMA because I thought it would be fun – both for me and for the women who run ZOOMA races. Really, with the first race, I just wanted to see what would happen. I hoped that first race in Annapolis would succeed, but I had a very steep learning curve and anything could have happened.  I honestly never imagined that ZOOMA would be where it is today – with five events across the U.S., over 30,000 women having run a ZOOMA race, an awesome line-up of sponsors, and a dream team I love working with.

2.   How did you choose the name ZOOMA?

Choosing a name for the series took an amazingly long time… It’s hard to find a name that is unique, meaning no one else is using it for something!  ZOOMA is a nonsense word I made up that is supposed to convey feminine and fast.

3. ZOOMA race series is now in 5 cities. What does the 2013 calendar look like?

Great question!  We are announcing a new event for 2013 on July 25. We’ll announce it on our website and Facebook/Twitter.  We’ve published the dates for some of the 2013 events on our website already, but the full line up will be announced with the announced of the new event next week.

4. What has been the biggest reward of starting a national women’s race series?

Without a doubt I would say the biggest personal reward has been the people I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with.  There are some incredibly impressive, kind, generous, and driven people in the running industry.  I owe the success of ZOOMA in many ways to the advice and support of the friends I have made.  The sort of community I have experienced is very different from the corporate law firm culture that I came from. (where advice costs you an hourly rate!)

5. Your mission is “to inspire women to live healthy, happy, and active lives.” How do you define “healthy”?

Great question. Healthy and happy go together for me, and this connection is super important for me in my personal life and is what continues to drive my passion for ZOOMA, too.

A happy life is by necessity a healthy one, because I don’t believe you can be very happy in your life unless you are healthy.  Healthy is an all-around state of balance, efficiency, and optimization.  If you are healthy, your mind is settled and at peace, your body is humming along, properly fueled and tuned, and your environment is safe and secure. I think healthfulness is a state we should all strive for above all else (money, career success, material things) because, at the end of the day, being healthy is the only way to be happy.  

________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you to Brae for taking the time to answer my questions. I am even more excited to be a part of this national race series!

If you haven't checked out the ZOOMA Women's Race Series you can go here.

And don't forget, you can still register for Cape Cod and use my discount code CCAMB8.

Have you run in a ZOOMA event? Tell me about it.

You can find more Fitness Friday posts over on Jill's blog.

Color Me Rad 5K

Last weekend I ran the Color Me Rad 5K in Boston with Team FitFluential.

Matt, Caitlin, Janine, me, Heather

The race was held at South Shore Plaza, which is a huge mall just south of downtown. Participants had to be there by 7:15 to avoid the road closures (even though the course was set up on the mall parking lots). We made plans to meet up before our wave at 8:00.

There were so many people there and everyone was wearing WHITE! Finally I spotted the others in their team shirts!

After parting with Janine, who was still waiting in line for her race swag, we headed to the starting line. On the way we decided to have our own pre-race attempt at a color party!

After a short wait, we were off! Here is how it works: along the course there are flagged sections. When you run through the flags, volunteers toss or spray (yep, some of the color is in water form) color on you.

Even though this wasn't actually a race, or a 5K for that matter, it was TONS of fun! I had the best time hanging out with Caitlin, Heather, and Matt during the run and at the finish line color party.

In addition to being tons of fun, this race has great swag. The shirt is ladies fit and the glasses are perfect for wearing during the run and after. And bonus, you can preserve your color-dyed shirt too!

This is definitely an event you want to do with a group of people - friends, family, co-workers. Just be prepared to be covered in color.

Oh, and here is a little video of the finish line color party.






*Special shout out to my husband for getting up so early, driving me down to Boston, and being our official #TeamFitFluential Photographer (once again!)

Who has done Color Me Rad?

What was your favorite part?