HAT Run 50K Training – Week 5 (30% is Better than 0%)

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Well, this is going to be a quick one. Today’s goal was 3.5 hours, or about 17 – 19 miles on the trail, but a snow storm came through yesterday leaving the back roads to the trail icy and dangerous. So instead, we took it out on the roads. Being that it was only 7 degrees, our coach told us to do what we could and we would make adjustments during Week 6. We ran 6.25 miles for about an hour and 10 minutes which only gave us 30% of what we were scheduled to do. You know what? It’s okay. Training through the winter months can be tough when mother nature doesn’t cooperate, so you’ve got to be flexible. While I had the energy to go further, I was tired of dealing with frozen boogers on my nose hairs. Every time I sniffed, my nostrils would stick together. I know, not very lady like, but it is what it is. Continue reading →

Friday’s Tip of the Week – Releasing Femoral Nerve Entrapment

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As some of you know I have meralgia paresthetica, which is the entrapment of the femoral nerve. Basically, my right thigh is numb and I haven’t had sensation in it in just about a year. It’s more of a nuisance than anything and I found out that it’s not really uncommon for runners. Sometimes I get tingling and weird sensations, but for the most part I don’t feel a thing on the surface. Didn’t even realize I was leaning up against a hot stove until I started to smell my pants heat up. I need to get it taken care of, but I just don’t have the means to incur medical bills at the moment. Besides, the first thing the doctors will probably tell me to do is physical therapy. So, I looked up some exercises and found these video clips on how to help release the entrapment of the femoral nerve. Below are two clips, one that explains the anatomy of a femoral nerve entrapment and one that has exercises to help relieve it.

Do you have Femoral Nerve Entrapment?

Femoral Nerve – Nerve Flossing

Do any of you suffer or know of anyone that suffers from this?

HAT 50K Training – New Year’s Day Training Run (Trying to Make It Come Together and Trying to Eat Clean)

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Couldn’t have started the New Year off any better way than a run on the trails with my training group! The trails were Goldilocks…you know not too muddy, not to frozen…just right! So was the weather, well as nice as you can get in the winter. I went out ready to do this and then BAM!

I'm okay collage Continue reading →

HAT Run 50K Training – Week 4 (Learning How to Fall)

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Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later and I’m actually surprised that it didn’t happen sooner. I fell. Twice. The good thing was, neither fall was a face plant and I did not get injured. And, I also realized that the good thing about being in the back of the pack is, only the person in front of you gets to witness these events. I am embarrassed to say that I apparently squeal like a little school girl when I fall. Both times I let out this high-pitched EEEEE! It also happened when I almost had fall #3. EEEEE! Seriously folks?! So not cool. Continue reading →

Friday’s Tip of the Week – Running Hills

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All this talk about running hills and how difficult it is has me thinking, is there something that I should be doing to help me get up those doggone hills? Well, I turned to my best online friend…Google, and found this video “How to Run Hills with Coach Jenny Hadfield.”

Some of the tips she offers are:

  • Open your stride
  • Lean into it from your ankles
  • Land with your foot just behind your hips – rather than under your hips
  • Relax and let go and let gravity pull you down

I’m going to give it a try tomorrow and see how it goes. Hope this helps!

HAT Run 50K Training – Week 3 (Going All In!)

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Okay, Okay! I know I’m late in posting this weekend’s training, but ’tis this season to be caught up in the holiday bustle. Actually, I was just too worn out to move.

This weekend’s training started Friday with an intense upper body workout with an old friend of mine. I was unable to meet up with John, so I met up with my old personal trainer/friend who does competition body building. Three days later, I’m just now able to touch the top of my head…ow. It was good to see him and switch it up a little, and I’m grateful that he let me tag along so I wouldn’t miss out on training due to scheduling conflicts. But up until about an hour ago, I was cussing him out under my breath anytime I had to lift my arms more than six inches above my waist. Continue reading →

Friday Tip of the Week – Run Faster with Strength Exercises

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The HAT Run 50k training has me really wanting to find a routine to build stronger legs. Stronger legs equal faster speed. I found this fantastic video on Runners World’s website. I remember doing these exercises years ago with my trainer, but I haven’t done them lately. Guess what’s getting added back into the routine. Enjoy!

Guest Review – Winter Gear: Balaclavas and Neck Gaiters (plus DIY instructions!)

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This is a review written by a dear friend and runner. Thanks Bern for writing this guest blog!

A balaclava is a winter hat with face protection. It can be worn three ways: over your head and lower face, over your head and under your chin, or just around your neck.

My balaclava is from Brooks Running. It’s made of a polyester/spandex fabric that is ultra-light but very warm, and it does a great job of wicking the moisture away from my skin.  The manufacturer’s specs rate it for 40-60 degrees (Fahrenheit), but I find it’s too warm to wear under those conditions. However, it’s perfect for cold, blustery days and it’s quickly become my go-to winter accessory. Continue reading →