Getting the Most Out of Your Running Shoes

When my sister announced last week that she was ready to run a 5K, I decided to purchase her first pair of real running shoes. She has screws in her knee from a softball injury when she was 18 and I wanted to make sure that she had the best support so that she doesn’t risk further injury. Continue reading →

MCM Training – Week 10 Long Run, Part 2 (10.44 miles – Applause!)

What can I say? Another beautiful morning and another fantastic run! I cherish these runs and embrace them because I know the next run might not be so great. After the past couple weeks, I really needed a weekend like this and I truly feel blessed to have been given it. I was actually very emotional when I told my husband how I wish he could experience feeling so good. He has serious back problems and is in pain all the time and I would give him a years worth of excellent runs for him to feel this way just for a moment. Everyone deserves to feel this good. Continue reading →

MCM Training – Week 9 (The Butt Massage)

We’re winding down on Week 9 and I’m still recovering. I’ve been trying to keep myself active with going to the gym, but I really do miss my runs. This morning I went to the track with a friend and did a jog/walk for 3.25 miles. IT WAS FANTASTIC and I felt great! Unfortunately, my calf is still sore, so my doctor has ordered an MRI. Continue reading →

Weekend of Rest Can Make the Mind Go Numb

Well, the title says it all. I tried to make the best out of the weekend and I guess it wasn’t really that bad, but boy did I really miss my long run. I went out for a short 3 mile stroll along the NCR with my husband and watched all the runners come and go, then I napped and napped some more. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be laid up for weeks upon weeks. My husband was laid up for 4 months after he tore his pec completely off while weight training. It drove him insane and I can see why. It’s not that I’m not able to do anything, it’s that I’m not able to do what I WANT to do. Ok, enough about my whining…I really don’t deserve it. I’m just being a brat and I apologize. I really am grateful that I’ll be out there really soon. Really, I am!!! Continue reading →

Runners Inspiring Runners – Gelcys aka Cheetah

Did I tell you how much I love doing my Runners Inspiring Runners series?! While reading other running blogs, I came across Runner Unleashed. Immediately I was drawn into her story. I had planned on sending my typical amateurish interview questions, but that wouldn’t do her justice. Her story must be told in her own words, in her own way. Continue reading →

MCM Training – Week 8 (Trails derailed, time for R.I.C.E)

Well it appears that a tiny tear/muscle strain in my left calf has derailed my training for the week….perhaps two, but I’m feeling optimistic. Yesterday we were supposed to do 6 miles of trail, which I love, but had to skip. As my friend Kevin said to me earlier this week, “Respect the injury.” <sigh> My doctor, physical therapist, and personal trainer all say the same thing…better to miss a couple of runs now then to screw it up and miss out on the marathon down the road. Continue reading →

Sweaty Bands Review & Giveaway – The Answer for Egg-Shaped Heads

I know I’m not the only runner out there with an egg-shaped head that can’t wear a sports bands to save her life. I’m always stuck with a hat or visor, but never one of those cute sports band to keep the my hair back sweat out of my eyes.

Then…there was the Sweaty Band! <insert church choir voices…aaahhh>

I tested out the Sweaty Band during the Charles Street 12 Miler this past weekend, and guess what? They actually stayed on! I’ve seen my friends wear them and I’ve eye-balled them at the store, but didn’t give them a chance until now and I’m so glad I did. Continue reading →

Race Weekend Lesson’s Learned

I always like to take a look back at races or long runs to reflect on what I can improve on next time. While I really enjoyed the Charles Street 12, there were definitely some lessons learned.

Lessons Learned:

  • If you are going to wear your Garmin during the race, turn it on.
  • It’s okay to run with a friend who is at a different pace, but once your body starts to reject that pace, listen to your body. Your friend will understand because they get it…they run too.
  • Always be sure to warm up before and stretch afterwards.
  • Know the warning signs of dehydration, which was the most important lesson learned of the day.

So, let’s talk about dehydration and how to stay hydrated. Continue reading →