TrainingTruths: Mixing It Up

Last week my running partner and I decided to mix things up. We threw in a hill route, an old route, and attempted a new route. It was an adventurous week. 

#TrainingTruths: Don't think of them as hills, think of them as "mounds of opportunity."

I'd rather be standing at the top of the hill I just conquered than wondering what it would feel like. I'd rather struggle up it than walk away failing to even try. I'd rather enjoy the benefits of running them than miss out on becoming a better runner.

#TrainingTruths: Running familiar routes is comfortable.

Sometimes I like to run a route that I have done many times because I know the area, I know the distance, and I know where everything is. Not only is it reassuring to be in a familiar area, but it's also fun to see the same faces and sights.

#TrainingTruth: It's probably a good idea to have a map handy when running a new route.

I love that runners share their routes on DailyMile so that I can find out about new places to run near me. Unfortunately, showing up without a map and a trail without markers caused us to take a wrong turn. Our run turned out very different than what we had planned.

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess 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!

Fitness Friday: Five Recovery Tips

Anyone who engages in fitness has experienced the post workout soreness at some point. Pushing muscles beyond their normal threshold causes small muscle tears. Until our muscles adapt to the new type or level of workout, they will continue to need time to recover.

Here are some tips I have learned to help speed up the recovery process:

1. Compression gear - Invest in some good compression gear such as socks, sleeves, and shorts and put it on as soon as you finish an intense workout. The basic principle behind wearing compression gear is that it allows better blood flow to the muscles thereby helping to decrease muscle soreness.

Aspaeris, Zensah, Pro Compression, Feetures, Nike

2. Foam Roll/Stretch - Avoid letting muscles stiffen up by stretching or foam rolling after exercise when the muscles are still warm. Again this will help increase the blood flow and help get rid of any lactic acid build up which could contribute to muscle soreness.

3. Rest - After strenuous exercise your body will need, and deserve, a break. Muscles need time to repair and rebuild. It's good to schedule some down time. Most training schedules include a rest day for this reason.

4. Active Recovery - While giving your body some rest is important, it is also a good idea to keep moving. Take a walk, go for a casual bike ride, swim a little. Light activities that allow your muscles to move will help prevent tightness from setting in which can lead to increased muscle soreness.

5. Replenish - Drink plenty of water to rehydrate and eat protein and carbs to aid muscle recovery and replace nutrients lost during workouts. Not only will this replenish your body, but it will also help keep your muscles at peak performance for your next workout.

What is your favorite recovery technique?

Review: Sprigs Earbags

You may remember that I participated in a Sprigs review a couple of weeks ago. This week, I'm happy to be reviewing another Sprigs product: Earbags.

I like to run in the cold weather. I also like to be prepared and comfortable. When it comes to what I wear on my head, I'm pretty picky.

Sad.

Many runners wear winter running hats to keep their head and ears warm. I too have tried these. While they do keep my ears warm, unfortunately they keep my head TOO warm.

Eh.

Since the hat was too warm, I tested a winter weather headband. This worked to keep my ears warm and let my head stay cool. However, I like to wear colorful, pretty hairbands to keep my locks under control. The combination of hairband and winter headband was just too much.

Yea!

Enter, Sprigs Earbags. These bandless earmuffs keep my ears warm, let my head stay cool, and do not interfere with the wearing of my favorite hairbands. 

Earbags are little ear warmers that fit right over your ears. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, patterns, and materials. Lined with Thinsulate® they keep the cold outside and the warm inside. They also come with a super cute storage bag to keep them clean and safe.

Earbags are extremely easy to use. First you flex it open by bending slightly back. Slide it over your ear and then snap in place by pushing forward. That's it! Sprigs has a great how-to video here.

My trial with Earbags was performed on a 6 mile run in perfect weather conditions: temperatures hovering in the mid 30s, sunny skies, and a slight breeze. I easily slipped the bandless earmuffs over my ears standing right outside my car and then my running partner and I were off as usual. 

Occasionally during the run, I had to reach up to touch the Earbags to make sure they were still there. They were so light and didn't bounce or rub at all. Throughout the run I could hear my running partner's conversation without interference and my ears stayed comfortably warm. 

Sprigs has a great selection of Earbags and if you place an order during the month of November, you can use my coupon code Escapades20 for 10% off of orders up to $29.99 or 20% off orders over $30. It expires 12/12/12 at 11:59 PM EST.

What kind of winter head gear do you prefer?

I was not compensated for this post, however I did receive the Earbags at no cost. All opinions are my own.

TrainingTruths: Recovery

First, let me congratulate the winners of the Big Banjees Wrist Wallet GIVEAWAY:

Joanna

Gabi

Shannon

Thank you to everyone who entered. If you didn't win, STAY TUNED. I have another giveaway coming up!

Last week was all about recovery. Time to take a little break, let my legs recuperate, and figure out what's causing the pain in my a$$!

#TrainingTruths: Active Release Therapy hurts so good.

Trainer Brian diagnosed me with a super tight semitendinosus and gave me specific hamstring and hip stretches to do AFTER running plus 30 minutes of ART which I get to repeat twice a week.

#TrainingTruths: Rest days are more important than we realize.

After the challenging half marathon on Sunday, I acknowledged that I have been running a lot (maybe Trainer Brian helped with this). Since school was closed on Tuesday for the election, I took advantage of having the day off and kept the running shoes off as well.

#TrainingTruths: Treadmill runs are not as bad when you have a workout plan.

Cold and rainy weather didn't sound fun, so I jumped on the 'mill and followed a Sing-along Run workout recommended by Dimity in the Another Mother Runner November newsletter. This workout allowed me to keep things nice and easy; a great workout for recovery week.

#TrainingTruths: It is so much easier to run in the cold weather.

I like to run with temperatures in the 30s. Just recently I learned that the colder the weather, the less heat stress on the body. Since my body isn't working as hard, the running feels easier. 

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess 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!

Fitness Friday: Why I Run

It's early morning and somewhere a runner is lacing up her shoes, attaching her reflective vest and head lamps, and stepping out into the darkness. Elsewhere a runner is looking very determined as he makes his way up the steep hill that even causes a car's engine to groan. A snow storm arrives just as another runner in her thermal tights is pulling on her winter cap and gloves before hitting the snow covered trail. 

A lot of people see these runners and wonder, why? Why do you want to get up so early when you can be sleeping in? Why do you want to run up the nasty hill that causes you pain? Why do you want to go out in the middle of a winter storm and freeze?

The truth is, I run because of the way it makes me feel. I want to be healthy and fit. I like running with my family and friends. I've had amazing experiences, met great people, and run races in some incredibly beautiful places. Yet, it is something bigger that keeps me lacing up my shoes and logging the miles.

I run because it makes me happy. When I look at my running pictures, I can see it in my face. A perma-grin is usually plastered there. When the topic of running comes up in conversation, I can hear the excitement and energy in my voice. Even during a tough run, when it's not reflected in my face,  little bubbles of bliss are lingering just under the surface. Really, they are.

We all have reasons for running. Here's a video taken by Dimity of Another Mother Runner of ZOOMA runners talking about why they run:


ZOOMA wants to outfit you in an awesome running shirt from Another Mother Runner. Check out their awesome giveaway here. The shirts are super cute, flattering, and very comfortable. I have one and I LOVE it:

Why do YOU run?

Today is the last day to enter my Big Banjees Wrist Wallet GIVEAWAY! 

Manchester City Half Marathon

On Sunday I ran the Manchester City Half Marathon. According to the local news, this year's race started with a record 2500 runners including some 600 displaced NYC Marathon runners! It was a beautiful day for a race with temperatures in the low 40s, bright sunny skies, and cool breezes.

After getting an extra hour of sleep, my favorite cheerleader (aka husband) drove me downtown to meet up with the girls. I found Daisy easily (thanks to her "prime parking spot" in a no parking area next to Veteran's Park, but Katherine was off getting a replacement bib for the one she left at home. We did manage to all meet up at the starting line.

You may remember from my previous blog posts or my comments on Daily Mile how this course had some serious hills. The first hill starts around mile 1 and continues until mile 2.5. There's a brief breather before the next climb at mile 3.5 which lasts through mile 5. Here runners are rewarded with a long downhill into Livingston Park before hitting the next group of climbs. At mile 6 the rolling begins (and seems to never end) and goes on and on through mile 10. Just when you think you might be able to cruise to the finish thanks to gravity and Hanover Street, runners hit a final tough climb between mile 11 and 12. For those runners with feeling left in their legs (not me) the final mile is a fast downhill that flattens out to the finish line.

13.1 - 2:08:24  

Clearly, I was dead tired. I didn't hear them announce me as Amy from Jamaica Plain and then correct it. I barely cracked a smile when Katherine and Ami cheered for me as I passed by. I didn't even have the energy to grab one of those awesome mylar heat sheets they were offering.

I did have enough spark to hang out with the girls and our families while savoring the moment. I took on a challenge running this half marathon with its monster hills that scare some runners away and I completed it. #7 done.

What I wore:

Let's Go Clown Around Sweaty Bands

Grey Nike Legend Training Tank

Red Nike Thermal Pullover

Black Nike Running Capris

Nike Dri-Fit No Show Compression Socks

Mizuno Wave Rider 8s

Red Aspaeris Compression Shorts (after)

Pink Zensah Compression Socks (after)

What's the toughest race you've ever done?

Have you entered my Sprigs Big Banjees giveaway yet? It ends Friday at 11:59 PM! Or start shopping now and use my discount code RunningEscapades20 for 10% off of orders up to $29.99 or 20% off orders over $30. It expires 11/30/12 at 11:59 PM EST.

TrainingTruths: Hurricane Week + Giveaway

Yesterday I ran the Manchester City Half Marathon (recap coming soon). Last week as Hurricane Sandy was blasting up the east coast, my training was winding down. School cancellations and power outages didn't prevent me from getting in my last couple of runs. 

#TrainingTruths: I'll never pass up the opportunity to go for a morning run.

With school cancelled on Monday, I took advantage of the opportunity to get in a run before the bad weather arrived. The winds were just starting to pick up in small bursts that tossed the leaves around making the road look more like a trail. Probably should have run more and taken fewer pictures, oh well.  

I wore the Nike Phenom Vapor Jacket on this run because there was a slight drizzle that eventually turned into a light rain. In the 50 degree weather with just a sports bra underneath, this jacket kept me warm and dry from the inclement weather.    

#TrainingTruths: Don't think about the hills when you're not running them.

My run after school started with a dead running watch (a casualty of #Sandy). After stressing a little over having to run naked, I started worrying about the hills in Sunday's half marathon. After trotting up a small incline, I reminded myself that focusing on my form and speed will get me to the top.

#TrainingTruth: I love going to race expos and getting free stuff!

Luckily, there was little damage from the hurricane in New Hampshire, unlike New York and New Jersey. Manchester City race officials announced on Wednesday that the event would go on. Saturday I headed downtown to the expo to meet up with running friends. It's fun to spend some time together picking up packets, sampling new products, and checking out new gear.

Katherine, me, & Daisy

Speaking of gear: maybe you read my review of Big Banjees Wrist Wallet on Friday. Check out Running Escapades on Facebook for your chance to win your very own!

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess 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 for New York

If you are a runner, then you know that today was supposed to be the New York City Marathon.

There have been a lot of mixed emotions surrounding the go-ahead followed by the last minute cancellation of the race. 

As a runner, I understand the need to finish what you started. To lace up your running shoes, head out the door, and leave your troubles behind for a little while. 

But I also understand the need to focus on recovering from such a terrible disaster. To allow the victims time to heal and rebuild. I understand the desire to want to lend a hand, make a donation, offer support.

I'm proud to be a part of the running community. Today while I'm running the Manchester City Half Marathon, I'll be thinking about the victims of Hurricane Sandy and of the thousands of runners who were affected by the cancellation of the NYC Marathon.

Looking for a way to help? Here's a great list of suggestions from Runner's World.


Feel free to leave words of encouragement in the comments.

Review: Sprigs Big Banjees Wrist Wallet

Big Banjees wrist wallet

I was very happy to be asked to review some gear from Sprigs. As a runner who hates to carry anything in my hands, I have had my eyes on their running wallets.

I was lucky enough to choose the Banjees style and color/print from a large selection. I wanted to look at something that would allow me to carry my iPhone on runs, so I chose the Big Banjees Wrist Wallet in purple paisleyblack. Unfortunately, it was not in stock so I was sent paisley/black. 

The first thing I did was put my iPhone into the fold over hooded pouch. In a matter of three steps, it was in. It fits securely and doesn't look like there is any way for it to fall out. 

wallet with iPhone only

The running wallet also offers storage for a variety of items in the zippered section. I put in my id, my bank card, and car keys. Even with my phone, the big banjees wrist wallet was comfortable on my arm. Here's a video that demonstrates how to use the running wallet.

wallet with iPhone, id, bank card, and keys

When I used the running wallet for the first time on a long run, I put my iPhone into the fold over hooded pouch and my Sport Beans into the zippered section. I carry my valet key when I run, so I just put it in my short's pocket as usual. 

In the past I have carried my iPhone with me for safety reasons, but mostly because I want to take pictures. Running with it in my hands is a nuisance and my hands get sweaty. Wearing my upper arm band is convenient, however it's awkward trying to get the phone in and out while running. 

The Sprigs Big Banjees Wrist Wallet solves the problem of how to carry my phone with me on runs. Just a mile into my first run, I pulled open the hood and took out my phone to snap my first picture. Getting the phone back into the hooded pouch with the running wallet on my arm was a little difficult at first, but after a couple of attempts I got the hang of it. 

Wearing the running wallet on my wrist was not uncomfortable. Most of the time, I forgot it was there. It didn't feel heavy or make me feel warmer than normal, although it was a chilly day. The zippered section was simple to use and I was able to access my Sport Beans easily. 

Be sure to check out the full line of Sprigs Banjees products. They have something for everyone! When you place your, order use my coupon code RunningEscapades20. It is good for 10% off of orders up to $29.99 or 20% off orders over $30. It expires 11/30/12 at 11:59 PM EST.

How would you use a running wallet?

I was not compensated for this post, however I did receive the Big Banjees Wrist Wallet at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Guest Post: Comfort Zones

To get better at anything, we have to challenge ourselves. 

Today on Running Kellometers, find out how I'm pushing myself to become a better runner.  

What new challenges are you taking on?

TrainingTruths: A Medley

It was a mix of running partners, distances, and fuel issues. Not such a great thing going into the last week before tapering for the Manchester City Half Marathon. 

#TrainingTruth: Running outside is easy on beautiful fall days.

Since Daisy twisted her ankle and couldn't run, I came home after school and ran with my husband. We enjoyed the beautiful fall foliage surrounding the pond. I love when easy runs actually feel easy.

#TrainingTruth: It's hard to run well when you feel like you have a full stomach. 


Today was a solo run after school on one of our usual routes. I went faster than I should have (probably because I was alone) and had to walk a couple of times. Then it felt like everything I'd eaten was on the verge of, well, something.

#TrainingTruth: Not enough pre-run fuel equals not enough gas in the legs.

The night before I didn't eat a runner friendly meal and then I wasn't feeling my usual pre-run meal so I had a couple of peanut better & jelly crackers on my way to meet Daisy (yes, she's back!). A couple of miles into the run, my stomach growled. Need I say more?

How do you make sure you are fueling right?

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess 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!

Fitness Friday: Running Pop Quiz

Angela at Happy Fit Mama posted a running pop quiz on her blog and I thought it would be fun to it share here.

1. Fuel: Shot Blocks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy, or other?

My favorite go-to fuel is Sport Beans because the beans taste just like jelly beans, are easy to chew, and small.

2. Race Length: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra, or other?

I'm loving half marathons right now, but I always enjoy a 5K or 10K too. No marathons, ultras, or triathlons for me (yet)!

3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants, or other?

I wear all of the above. Check it out:

4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, water, or other?

My usual choice is just water on short runs, but either Gatorade or Cytomax after a long run.

5. Running Temperatures: Heat or Cold?

Running seems easier for me in the cooler temps, but I really like the warm temps because I have more clothing choices!

6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brooks, Asics, or other?

Although I used to wear only Nikes, I'm now a Mizuno girl.

7. Pre-race Meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal, or other?

Best fueling meal for me is peanut butter and jelly toast with a side of coffee.

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, Never ever ever, or other?

My running schedule is usually 3x per week, so that means I rest 4x per week? Hmmm, doesn't really feel like rest...

9. Music: Have to have it or Go without it?

I like to go without because I like running with people and chatting. Sometimes on solo runs, I use music so I can play one of the Rock My Run playlists that help me maintain my pace.

10. #1 reason for running: stress relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons, or other?

I love running for a bunch of reasons. I love the experiences. It makes me feel good. There's great bling. I can run with friends. I get inspired. 

Now it’s your turn! Answer any (or all) of the questions in the comments, or share the quiz with your running friends!