Obsession?

Define obsessed with exercise and running for me please.

Would you consider Kara Goucher obsessed?

She does run 13 times a week after all. She ran during her pregnancy too.

How about Jamie Eason?

“I personally like the gym, not only for the variety it offers but for the atmosphere itself.  I am surrounded by people, all with a common goal, and it really helps to maintain focus.  For that hour or so that I am there, my sole focus is to make progress toward improving my shape.”

She has a perfect body already. Why does she have to keep improving her shape? Is that obsession?

Pippa definitely must be obsessed. She is always running.

Heidi Klum is running every day this month. How cray cray of her.

Of course I am trying to make a point. These women are not obsessed with exercise. These women, in my opinion, are dedicated. Kara is dedicated to running while Jamie is dedicated to lifting. How come when they workout day in and day out, it isn’t considered obsession? Yes, it is their job in some sense, but they are choosing to be an athlete. However, when someone like me runs 8 miles a day that takes up a measly hour, people claim I am exercise obsessed? I am just so obsessed with running! Oh my god, it is a sin. I’m crazy and clearly need help.

Hold up. Let’s back up.

 I began running in 7th grade during the summer when I wasn’t playing volleyball, basketball, or tennis. I did it as a way to stay fit and because my mom told me to. I didn’t typically enjoy running. It was considered a punishment in volleyball and basketball. I would run everyday on the mountain that I lived on. Yes, I lived on a mountain in the middle of no land where cows, horses, and men with guns roamed. I did this for a while, but because I wasn’t that into exercise, I stopped running.

After 8th grade came high school. No duh. I thought, “I’m not a jock. I’m a punk kid who doesn’t need sports anymore. Let me just wear black all the time and be lonely.” Terrible mistake on my part and I regret it until this day.

I gained weight. I was over 150 pounds (I’m 5’2)  until the end of sophomore year. That’s when my mom told me I was fat and signed me up for kickboxing boot camp at 7 AM every morning (except weekends) for six weeks.

I loved it so much I did another six weeks, then another, and another. I became a regular at the boot camp for about a year. Of course that ended. It was $300 dollars every six weeks and my mom simply could not afford it.

What did I do? I took up running and I was determined to make the track team, which I did. That’s when I fell in love with running. It was the first time I picked up running for myself. No one told me to do it.

During junior year of track, I competed in my first race and didn’t do too hot. Boy, was I pissed off. That’s when my whole competitive drive came into place. Running was not only a way for me to de-stress, but a way for me to release my competitive drive. I was fierce. 

I like myself during this time. I felt good. I was running and I loved it! I also was at a good weight, even though I wanted to lose more.

Junior year – probably around 130

At the end of track season I gave myself a new goal: to make varsity cross-country. Long story short, I did. During the summer when I was working on that goal, I dropped weight like hot cakes mostly because I was running and not eating that much. Let’s just say I was eating under 1,000 calories a day. However, running never became a form of burning calories for me. I treated that aspect like a bonus.

Senior year of cross-country in San Francisco for a race – around 100 pounds (maybe less unfortunately. Not a healthy weight.) 

Running, for me, became a way to improve myself and to prove to others that I am a jock that I always wanted to be. 

Now, I eat well and I run. I run to clear my mind. I run to release my anger. I run to compete.

I don’t run to burn calories. I don’t run because I am obsess, as a lot of you put it, with exercise and food. If that makes me ‘bitchy’, so be it. Newsflash, I’m a chick. Women are bitches. I make snide remarks because I get so many of them. Another newsflash, women always call themselves fat. We may know in our head we look damn good, but out loud we say, “I’m so fat. No more cupcakes for me.”

If I was so obsess with running and working out all the time, I wouldn’t have a job. I wouldn’t have a life. I wouldn’t have a blog because I would be working out all the damn time.

I should not have to justify why I run for an hour a day and more if I’m doing a long run. I’m in cross-country after all and my coach gives me a schedule of what I should run. Take it up with my coach, then, if you feel like I am doing too much.

I don’t see the difference between my running every day and someone who eats fast food everyday. Are they obsessed? Is there something wrong with them or me? 

So, you want to train for a race?

Waddup!

I hope everyone is enjoying their week. It’s Wednesday, but do not expect a WIAW here. Sorry to disappoint you all.

I can’t believe my blog has over 1,000 comments now… all from me. No. But seriously. I never thought my blog would come along. Thanks you guys. I owe you a vlog soon. Maybe a Q&A vlog. I think I’ll do that so if you any questions, ask away.

By the way, I got a new phone! It may not be an iPhone because AT&T directly told me I could not get one. I’m not joking so I bought the Samsung Infuse. Two-hundred dollars out the door now… of my own money. I’m broke again. I guess that’s why I work like 24/7.

It is awesome though. It’s the closest thing to an iPhone, but without the whole Apple buying my soul deal. Check this motha out.

So, I was thinking that if anyone you bloggie boos want to be my texting buddy, hit me up. Just send me your number at lifttorun@gmail.com and we can exchange numbers. I promise I’m really not a fifty year old guy pretending to be an 18-year-old crazy runner.

Also, let me know what your favorite apps are! I’m totally on the lookout for some really good ones. Dailymile anyone?

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So, you want to train for a race?

I have run several races including 5k’s, 15k’s, 20k’s, 3k’s, 800 m, 1500 m, and one half marathon. I personally love training for races. As of now, I am training for another half marathon that is trail race. While I may have not done an abundance of races since I have only been running for about two years, I have learned from past mistakes. I thought I would share some tips for training for any race.

 How to train for a race Christy’s way:

1. Buying perfect running socks is just as important as buying running shoes. I am so meticulous about the socks I run in.  My favorite pair is a pair of wool socks that are semi thin. They are perfect year round despite the fabric being wool. In the winter, they keep my feet warm and in the summer, they keep my feet dry from sweat. I also get blisters so they are awesome for that. Lululemon has amazing running socks except I think they are too thin. Invest a good pair of socks. While Adidas and Nike socks work very well, sometimes socks from your local running store do wonders. Also, buy compression socks. I sleep in my mine and wake up with healed legs.

2. Before investing in a pair of shoes, get your feet tested. By tested, I don’t mean take a quiz or something like that. I mean get your gait/stride/running style analyzed. Many running stores offer an analysis of how you run free. You may think you are a neutral runner, but find out you need stability shoes. Ahem, like me. Running in the wrong shoes that do not fit your feet correctly is awful. You may not feel it right away (like me), but eventually you will be injured (like me) and it sucks. Period.

3. Aches and pains happen, but it should not sideline you. Don’t be a baby. Your calf hurts and you think you should skip a day of running? No. Don’t do it. Get out and run. Aches, soreness, and some pain happens when you run. It is a part of the territory. Suck it up and get out there. Running may help (Source). I may have a sore knee, but I ran anyway. If you are saying “ow” with every step then maybe you can pass up  a run. Just know your body. Sometimes I think runners are such cry babies about every ache and they think they should take a day off. How will you ever get stronger?

“Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.”

4. Don’t be afraid of taking pain relievers. I know they say don’t take any pain relievers before a run, but if just you have a little knee ache, take one. If it still hurts on your run then maybe you should just slow down your pace or just cross-train instead.

5. On that note, cross-train! Cross-training is vital to being an all around athlete that will make you stronger in the long run. Spin class is great for getting faster and the elliptical is great for any recovery days.

6. Strength train; especially the back of your legs. Runners typically forget or just ignore the back of their legs when strength training, but strengthening your glutes, calves, and hamstrings will help you run better. In addition to strengthen your legs (do not be afraid to go heavy), lift weights with your arms. You do use your arms while running anyway so work them, girl, as well as your back muscles. Don’t forget your core! I do abs every night before bed. No six-pack yet though.

I need to catch up with Kara still.

7. Don’t be afraid of running seven days a week. As long as you include three easy days, you’ll be fine. Your body will adapt. We were born to run.

8. Include tempo, hills, and easy runs in your training schedule. Simple as that. Even if you don’t have any hills in your race, do them. They will make you stronger that when you run on a flat course, you will speed right along.

9. Do one training run that is the length of your race. This will prepare you for the actual race day. Wake up the time you would on race day, eat what you need to, stretch, run the distance, and yada yada yada. Then change what you need to change accordingly.

10. Do at least one run longer than your race distance. Say you are running a half marathon that we all know is 13.1 miles. Before your race comes up, it would be a great idea to run maybe 14-16 miles with the last few miles being fast pace. This will test your legs and make you beast. On race day when you have that .1 mile to go, it will feel like piece of carrot cake. I love cake.

11. Foam roll!

Make time for it. I know how difficult it is to ‘fit’ in foam rolling, but the best time to do it is before you hop into bed or immediately after you run. Don’t forget to roll out your feet too with a tennis ball or rolling-pin.

12. Ice aches when needed and take a hot bath at least once every week. I know every runner says take an ice bath, but hot baths with epsom salt help a lot and they are relaxing.

13. While taking that hot bath or when you are icing your knees for 10-15 minutes, read a running book. I recommend finding an inspirational running book or even an educational one because it will motivate you.

14. Use IcyHot. I love Icyhot.

I have the roll on stick and if my knee is bugging me, I just rub it on there and viola!

15. Just run.

If you don’t feel like doing  tempo run or strides, just run for the fun of it.

16. Don’t forget your competitive drive. Be fierce during a race! It’s a race after all. I don’t want to hear that bullshit of, “Oh, I just race for fun and everything is just fun and dandy. This is just a training run. Fun times, everyone!” No. Race hard. Let your animal out. 

How not to train for a race:

1. Stay up until eleven watching Seinfeld while sitting on your foam roller. Hi, I did this last night. I had good intentions though.

2. Make every run speedy. It’s okay to run 7 mile paces. That’s what I tell myself. Yours may be different.

3. Have fun. Running is not about fun. No fun allowed in running.

Do I look happy? No, because running doesn’t involve having a good time.

Things to not worry about while training for a race:

1. Eating too many sweets. You will burn them off.

Who cares? Froyo the night before a big race? I did it and I ran fine.

2. Not doing track workouts. I hate the track with a passion. If you want to do a speed workout, do it on a regular run by adding sprints that last 30 seconds to a minute.

3. Wearing underwear as your racing outfit. Save it for the big league.

I hope you enjoyed my racing/training tips. I guarantee you will win your next race.

I guarantee it or your money back. Send me the money first though. I need it.

Questions:
Do you have any tips to add?
What was your best race? 

‘Somewhere in the world someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win.” – Tom Fleming 

* FYI, take this with a grain of salt. There is added sarcasm in here, obviously. And every runner is different. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa.

Attention: Shower Needed

Hey, hey!

Today has been a long day.

I woke up at 5:30 AM to this…

 Hey rain, go away now.
“There is no such thing as bad weather, just soft people.” – Bill Bowerman  

Why did I wake up at 5:30 AM on a Saturday when normal people my age are sleeping in until noon? I need to get a run in. Well, if we are going to be technical, I didn’t run exactly at 5:30. I ate breakfast first then left the house by 6:30 to run downtown.

Just winkin’ at you and rocking out to Katy Perry

I wanted to make it the run a part tempo run, but clearly, it was just like… I don’t know.

I need to get quicker. I know I can do better. It’s making me cray cray! I gained weight. I don’t know how because I am eating the same, perhaps more. I should be okay with this. Remember when I said I wanted to gain weight? Remember when I said I wanted to be over 105? Apparently, my mind doesn’t like it because when I step on the damn scale, I say, “What the hell?” It could be muscle. I was super sore from a strength class I attended. It could be fat. I have been eating more because recently I have not been satisfied with my meals. I feel fat. I feel like my thighs are balloons.

I don’t know. I don’t want to talk about it anymore until I get my Racing Weight book in the mail. What I want to be possible is for me to see a sports nutritionist or someone to tell me, “Hey, you should be this weight XXX so you can be runner all your life and still be fast.”

I just don’t want to talk about it again and again on this blog because it’s repetitive. I’d rather post pictures of celebrities.

What was I talking about again?

Oh, how today was a long day. Well, today was my college orientation. It started at 10. It was so pointless. They just babble at you about knowing your resources and how to find something you love. Isn’t that just life in general?

All that was on my mind was the fact that I didn’t shower after my run.

Seriously. I washed my face and sprayed on some perfume, but that was it. So gross. Don’t remind me. I felt nasty. I got home at 4:30 and showered immediately.

Anyway, part of this college orientation was to register for your classes. I want to major in community health with an emphasis in activity/exercise. When it came time to meet with the college advisors, mine didn’t show up! I had to go to the undecided room and pick classes.

I picked three since I am doing cross-country, which is from 2-5 PM. Then, I had to go register the classes into the computer and two of them were full. Not fair at all. How do I even start getting credits toward my degree if it is full? I’m going to have to call the community health advisor anyway since her lazy ass wasn’t there.

It seems like the first year of college is just going to be getting classes out of the way before I can begin taking classes that I will enjoy. Fun? No. Just get me in and out. Wait, no. Just let me run.

Folks already in college: when do you start taking classes that actually matter for your major? I have to take a freshmen inquiry class for ‘fun’. It’s required. I decided to take race and social justice (or something like that) because I bet I get to debate in the class about some silly issue.

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I am almost finished with the book The New Rules of Lifting for Women. I definitely already have a pros and cons list started about the book so expect that some time tomorrow. Maybe. I began reading Kara Goucher’s book so now I’m in the running mood 24/7.

I do have work tomorrow, but not until 2 so let’s hope I squeeze in a post. Also, don’t even mention Harry Potter to me. I have ZERO time to see it unless I want to be up all night. As much as I love Harry Potter, my grandmother ways do not allow me to stay up past 10.

I want you guys to hold me responsible for posting something tomorrow.

By the way, if there are any suggestions on how I can make my blog more enjoyable, let me know. However, let me just get on to my honorable eats:

Pump It Up

My Saturday has so far looked like this:

• Wake up at seven and lay in bed while the alarm goes off for a few minutes
• Eat breakfast/ice foot
• Clean the downstairs of my house
• Go to the gym for spin class and elliptical (my foot was feeling not so peachy keen)
• Come home, eat lunch
• Leave to get nails done – painted blue for my 4th of July race
• Get eyebrows waxed
• Tan
• Shower at 2:30 ish
• Eat some more

I haven’t had my nails done in months. It felt so nice. I got my feet done too and I was ready to fall asleep. I couldn’t forget my eyebrows though. It’s like tradition for me to get my eyebrows done before a race. That extra hair will slow me down, folks.

That reminds me…

My half marathon is in two days! Oh my goodness. It’s going to be my first half marathon that I’m racing.

I already picked up my bib number

and t-shirt.

I got skills. 

While I was at Fit Right NW getting my racing gear, I got a half marathon tee.

I’m not that pale. It’s called my camera likes to make me look like a vamp.

I feel prepared for my half marathon. Mentally, I am pumped. I feel like kicking some ass. Just hopefully my foot is on board also.

Physically, I know I can run 13.1 miles. I know I could win a bread pudding contest too, but I’m getting off topic. Physically, I’m ready if my foot is too. I’m just pumped up! I got some new Nike tempo shorts and a matching neon shirt. I’ll be sure to take photos.

In addition, there is this girl from my cross-country team that pisses me off to no end and she too is running the half marathon. I’ll be the first to admit that I am one for hardcore competition. Little does she know, it’s a race for me to beat her… and the 2,000 other runners. 

Tomorrow I am still unsure on how much I should run; if I should at all. I know on half marathon training programs they say do not run at all, but if I don’t do some sort of movement, the next day my legs feel heavy. Should I do like four easy miles or less than that?

Overall, tomorrow will be a rather restful day after I get home from work. It’s my mom’s birthday! She’s turning, like, 30. My dad is going to be home too (he’ll be here for my race. Yes!) and we are – I think – going to one of my favorite Italian restaurant. It’s called Jopa and they have a veggie calzone the size of my head. Not kidding. Cheese just melting out and sauce oozing. Get in my belly.

If anyone else has a race this 4th of July weekend, I wish you the best.

Run hard. Run fast.

Trip some people up if you have to. Who said runners can’t be violent?

Also, if any runner has a race this weekend or coming up, here are tips to make sure you run your best race:

The Day Before the Race:
• Rest your legs. If you go to the expo, try to go early and not spend hours walking around.
• Drink plenty of water all day.
• Lay out your race-day clothing

Race Day:
• Keep to your eating routine. If you usually eat before a long run, do it. If not, remember that the time between getting up and starting the race is at least two hours, not the half-hour or 45 minutes it is for a training run.
• Arrive with enough time.
• Get in line for the portable toilets right away.

 Any more tips for running a race – half marathon or not?

 

 

“If one could run without getting tired I don’t think one would often want to do anything else.” 
- C.S. Lewis

You Know You’re a Runner When…

you steal running surveys from other runners.

What is your favorite type of cross training?

I use the elliptical a lot. I also lift weights and bike, but lifting is my favorite. I find it relaxing.

What is your favorite song to run to?

I never run to music honestly. I’ll listen to some beforehand like Pink or something upbeat just to get me pumped up.

What brand of shoes do you wear?

Currently it’s Adidas. I still am thinking about getting New Balance shoes.

I have had my fair share of shoes though. This isn’t even all of them. I have three more that aren’t pictured. Well, four pairs actually.

Do you wear a hat when you run?

Only if it is raining, which happens when you live in Portland.

What temperature is your favorite for running?

In the 50′s or 60′s. Anything that isn’t too hot or too cold so I can just wear shorts and a tee.

Do you have any big races coming up?

I have a half marathon on July 4th! Holla.

What is your favorite distance?

I have done many distances like 400, 800, 1500, 3000, 20k, 15k, 12k, and a 10k. I like anything that is long so a 15k. I have run a half marathon, but not a half marathon race so we’ll see how that goes. I love long distances. Hey, I see a marathon in my future.

Are you a morning, noon, or evening runner?

Morning all the way! I hate noon running. I don’t know why. I do run in the evening if I have to. Besides, all my XC practices are in the evening.

Do you run solo or with a buddy?

Obviously during XC season I am with my team. I like to run solo so I can go at my own pace. For me, sometimes a buddy just slows you down. I know, that sounds really selfish. I do like running with friends though.

This picture may show otherwise. I’m the one obviously running in the opposite direction. What’s wrong with me? 

What is your favorite post run snack?

My yogurt bowl mess of nut butters, Greek yogurt, protein bar, and protein powder. I eat that with fruit.

What is your favorite race?

So far, I haven’t done many races outside of XC season. However, up to this point, my favorite race has been the Forest Park Trail Race 20k. I love me some trails.

As for XC meets, my favorite was at state when my team and I were seconds away from not making the start.

Though, having one of our meets in San Francisco was amazing!

Do you wear a Garmin? If not, how do you track your distance?

I definitely wear a Garmin. Period.

What is my least favorite race?

Regional’s in Idaho. I was just not into it. You know how you have those days were you’re off and you just know, “Oh, this run/race/workout isn’t going to be that great because I’m not into it.”? That’s how I felt.  I was into the warmup before the race. My team and I were listening to Blink 182 and singing while we ran, but other than that, I was not pumped up. I was just, like, super nervous about the start. Besides, it was f-ing cold.

Where is your favorite medal from?

XC season. It was my first year doing XC and I got a medal for being Rookie of the Year and Senior of the Year.

Who is your running idol?

I love Pam Reed. I wouldn’t say she is my running idol per say, but I really adore her. I love her book. She deals with anorexia. She’s like 100 pounds, but knocks out 20+ miles a day. Also, Pam Reed doesn’t let her weight slow her down despite what people think about her. She may look crazy in her pictures, but she’s so inspirational for women runners. Read her book. It’s fantastic.

I also worship Dean Karnazes. He’s just so badass. I think I like him a lot because his books were the first running books I picked up.

How long have you been a runner?

Basically since the middle/end of junior year of high school so maybe a little over a year and a half. I picked up running since I stopped doing boot camps and kickboxing. I didn’t join track until junior year then I loved running so much I joined cross-country senior year. That’s when I became a runner. I stopped focusing on running to be fit, but I focused on running to better myself and to compete. I love competition.

Do you run with your wedding/engagement ring on?
Well, since I am not married…. no.

What is your favorite workout? tempo? long run? fartlek? repeats?
I like long runs and fartleks. Tempos are okay if you’re with someone. Same with repeats. I need to be with someone to enjoy it.

What is your favorite place to run?
I have a favorite running route currently, but I do just love running in the woods.

Do you use Gu?
Nope. I never have. Old school! Actually, not really old school. I just never had the need for Gu.

What do you drink to keep hydrated?
Water. I drink so much that I pee like all the time. You know you’re a runner when you have considered peeing in public just behind a tree because that’s what you do when you’re on a run.

What do you take with you on a run? Does it vary by distance?
Just my Garmin and maybe my car keys. And my legs. I need those.

Question for you:

How did you know when you were a runner? (Funny or serious)
Or, if you don’t run, how did you know you were a cyclist/weight lifter/etc? 

…you learn to blow snot from your nose while running. (I have mastered that.)
…you know where every public bathroom is on your run. (So true for me.)
…a good run has scars to prove it.

…serving sizes don’t matter anymore.
…you enjoy running hills.
…you have some nasty veins in your feet and ankles.
…every road you drive on you think what a great hill workout this would be.
…you take pictures of yourself in the bathroom after a good run.

…a burrito the size of a small infant doesn’t fill you.