Midday Gym Crazies

April 25, 2012 by 6 Comments

After watching the wind bend the trees in my backyard sideways I made the rare decision to go to the gym and hit the treadmill. I figured I was already feeling low in the motivation department, so better to get on the mill, set the pace and force myself to stay with it vs. battle the wind (and my complete lack of oomph) out on the road.

I don’t darken the door of my gym very much because 1) I prefer to run outside; 2) I’m not a huge fan of treadmills and 3) I often leave the gym wondering if there’s a full moon because of the odd behavior of many of my fellow gym-goers. But I figured it was an off-hour, so it should be quiet and I could just get in, run and get out. Well note to self….off hour = odder clientele!

A small sampling….

There were the bobsie twins – two guys dressed alike who seemed to move together in perfect synchronization on the elliptical. Not odd in itself you’re thinking…well their perfectly synced choreography continued as they got off the elliptical, toweled off and moved to the free weights…it was a little freaky!

There was cluster of seniors who decided to camp out around several of the treadmills to have a discussion about some friend’s recent hip replacement.

Of course, there were the obligatory grunting “gym guys” in the weights area, flexing and grunting with just a little too much … um…emphasis?

And the guy whose shorts were just a little too small who needed to do all of his stretching in full view – (Yeah I just tried my best to keep staring at ESPN on the screen in front of me!)

Then there was the woman who tapped me on my arm while I’m on the mill with my headphones on because she wanted to tell me that she thought I had great arms and wanted to know if  I was working with a personal trainer. When I said I wasn’t, she then launched into a rapid-fire series of questions. Now, don’t get me wrong, on the one hand it was flattering, but on the other hand I’m thinking Really? I’m running my butt off here, dripping in sweat and you want to have a conversation?

Yeah…just another day at the gym.

Do you have gym crazies or do I need to consider a new gym?
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Filed Under: gym crazies

Natural Form Running Clinic Notes

April 20, 2012 by 9 Comments

Last Friday, I attended a Natural Form Running Clinic hosted by Newton Running.

I met up with the Newton guys, was given a pair of Newton Light Weight Universal Trainers to put on and after quick introductions, we were off on a quick run over to the Boston Commons for our clinic. Led by Michael, we went through proper posture (head up, core engaged, “athletic positioning” of flexed ankle and flexed knee, arms at a 90-degree angle), the benefits of midfoot/forefoot strike (cushion and energy return) and quick cadence (ideally 180 steps per minute). We did a couple of exercises to get a feel for a quicker cadence and to work on the forward lean, leaning from your ankles (visualize leading with your sternum).

Then we were off for a run around the Commons. Since there were only two of us in the clinic, Michael was able to watch each of us closely and provide lots of feedback. We covered uphill, down hill and flat surfaces so we could feel the difference in the lean and learning to “flow forward with gravity.” Using his iPad, Michael then video taped each of us and then show us the areas we need to work on. For me, increasing my cadence will help to take better advantage of the elastic recoil in my lower leg muscles; also need to lean forward just a bit more to make sure I’m not sinking back on the heal when I land. I was happy to hear that overall my form looked good and I was definitely moving in the right direction! Michael then took us through a couple of post-run exercises to help re-enforce proper foot placement/landing and the mechanics of the leg rotation. He emphasized the benefit of doing these exercises at the end of every run to help build muscle memory.

When I got the invitation to attend the clinic, I went, in part, to see how their approach might differ from Chi Running. I actually found them to be very similar, though I did think with in this clinic there was a greater emphasis on the bio-mechanics of developing the proper foot strike. This may be in part due to their claim that Newtons are the only shoe on the market that will help you develop proper midfoot strike so they have more of a focus here. Also, given that I’d been through a Chi Running clinic and had a better understanding of the overall approach, I could now geek out on the details a bit more. (Quick aside: Running in the Newtons definitely felt different and piqued my interest regarding the role they could play in helping my form, but honestly that $175 price tag puts them out of my range for now).

Overall I thought it was a great clinic – the crew from Newton were a lot of fun and I definitely picked up some new tips to incorporate into my running! Thanks again to Newton for inviting me!

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Filed Under: ChiRunning, midfoot strike, Natural Form Running, Newton Running

The Mental Game

April 17, 2012 by 10 Comments

Spectating at the heat-fest known as the 2012 Boston Marathon on Monday got me thinking a lot about my own mental toughness. As I stood on the streets of Newton, watching runners gut it out in 89 degrees under a scorching sun, I was so impressed by how deep these people had to dig to will themselves to keep moving. I wondered what strategies they had used to build their mental strength…what mental tricks were they using now to push through the tough conditions.

How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race? There is a natural level of mental training that comes from doing the physical training. Through the long runs, tempo runs, track work, etc., you are faced with times where you must push through a tough workout, convince yourself to not give up on that last 1600 interval or even just will yourself to get out of bed and hit the road in the first place! There is no doubt that making the commitment to months of training for a race requires you to push yourself mentally.

But how else do you up your mental ante? — Do you use visualization? Vision boards? Running journals? Mantras? Draw on certain past races/training runs? I find mantras to be really helpful – short, powerful affirmations that help me stay positive and remember how I want to feel in a particular moment. And, while I have just a few races under my belt, each one is a learning experience and gives me some experiences to draw on when a race turns ugly.  For my upcoming half marathon, I’ve also started visualizing the course (easy to to do since I’ve run it before) – mentally walking through every turn and hill will hopefully boost my confidence on race day.

Despite the perfect training cycle and having a well-planned race strategy, days like yesterday prove that things can happen on race day that are well out of our control. In those moments, having a deep mental well to draw from makes all the difference!

Congrats to everyone who crossed the finish line in Boston – a huge physical and mental accomplishment!
How do you improve your mental game?
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Filed Under: Boston Marathon, mantras, mental toughness, visualization

Thursday Thoughts plus a Winner

April 12, 2012 by 7 Comments

My brain is a bit mush right now….so if you continue reading, just remember you were warned!

Playing race director has me ready to pull my hair out! Managing the logistics isn’t too bad, but securing donors and sponsors…well let’s just say I’d rather walk over hot coals than ask people for money. I am grateful for the team I have assembled to work with me on this event otherwise I’d be WAY over the ledge by now.

Running with my boys last weekend was so much fun and the best part was they really enjoyed it and have talked about going again. Hopefully we get some a little running in while they’re home on April vacation week next week.

Hills are hard….that’s all.

I was invited by Newton Running to attend one of their Natural Form Running Clinics taking place in Boston as part of the pre-marathon events. They’ve teamed with my favorite local running store Marathon Sports to host these sessions to help runners learn how natural form running can improve speed, efficiency and, hopefully, reduce chances of injury. I’m interested to see how this approach differs from Chi Running – so tomorrow morning I will be up bright and early running along the Charles River and soaking in some knowledge from the Newton experts!

Giveaway Winners!

Thanks to Random.org the two winners of the ProFoot Insoles are:

Christy from The Buhrs and Dai from Lazy Punch

Please email me at runningwithattitude (at) yahoo.com so I can get you hooked up with ProFoot.

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Filed Under: 3 things, ChiRunning, family running, giveaways, Natural Form Running, Newton Running, ProFoot

Monday Motivation

April 9, 2012 by 9 Comments

I needed this little reminder this weekend during my long run.

Why is it sometimes so easy to self-sabotage, instead of being your own best cheerleader? Well this week that little voice can put a sock in it!

On the decks for this week:

Monday — Easy run (4) plus strength training
Tuesday — Tempo run (6)
Wednesday — TRX Rip trainer
Thursday — Hill work (5)
Friday — Yoga
Saturday — Long run (12) with middle 4 @ race pace

How do you combat that negative voice?
What do you have planned for this week?
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Filed Under: Monday Motivation

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

April 5, 2012 by 4 Comments
1.

So today my plan called for 6 miles with negative splits. You know those runs where you feel like you’re flying, like you could just go forever…that everything’s in sync. Yeah well that was NOT today’s run! “Holy Craptastic Run Batman!” I will get no style points for today’s run – but negative splits were achieved. Runs like this will make me stronger…or at least that’s what I kept muttering to myself during the run.

2.

I’m trying to keep strength training interesting so I’ve been mixing it up where I can. The latest addition is my TRX Rip Trainer class. The Rip Trainer provides a mix of rotational resistance and core stability which I figure will give me a chance to really work my weaker left side, plus get the added core work I need. I haven’t been the most consistent with my strength work as I want to be so I like the idea of the class to help hold me accountable. I’m in for at least the next 6 weeks.

3.

Going for my first run with my son tomorrow! Cannot wait to see how he does!

 

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Filed Under: 3 things, family running, tough runs, TRX

ProFoot Miracle Insole Review and Giveaway

April 2, 2012 by 22 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to try The 2 oz. Miracle Custom Molding Insoles by ProFoot.*

As ProFoot explains it, these insoles:

  • Feature a unique2-layer design – the bottom layer acts like a shock absorber, lifting the arch and stabilizing the heel, while the top layer of advanced memory foam confirms to the shape of your foot.
  • Weigh only 2 oz. to help prevent fatigue
  • Provide fast relief for tired, achy feet

My experience?
I have used the insoles on both long runs (over 10) and shorter runs and found them to provide nice cushion without being too soft. As a forefoot striker (or trying to be as much as possible), I cannot really speak to the cushion in the heel design, but the forefoot bed felt good without being overly noticeable. The fact that after I initially noticed how good the insoles felt that I didn’t notice them during my run was a good thing — they allowed me to enjoy my runs in comfort without being a distraction! I also like how lightweight and flexible they are. And I had no problems fitting them into my running shoes.

Want to try them for yourself?

Two (2) lucky readers will receive a pair of The 2 oz. Miracle Custom Molding Insoles!

To enter:

 — Leave a comment here telling me your interested in trying them.

Bonus entries (one extra entry for each of the following):

 — Like ProFoot’s Facebook page and tell them Running with Attitude sent you (here)
 — Like my Facebook page (here)

Entry deadline is April 10th. Winners will be selected randomly on April 11th. This giveaway is open only to U.S. residents.

Good Luck!

* I was provided two pairs of the Miracle 2oz Insole for my review. The opinions expressed here are completely my own.

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Filed Under: giveaways, product reviews, ProFoot

Friday Five

March 30, 2012 by 12 Comments
  • Hit the track yesterday for the first of what will be many more speed workouts. It was a good ego-boosting session of consistent splits despite crazy cold winds.
  • My household is officially consumed by all things Lacrosse. My oldest son’s season has started and the first game is Sunday. J is the head coach for my son’s team as well as oversees the whole U11 program. J also announced that pick up games for his (old man’s) league will be starting soon. This means in short order there will be lacrosse equipment strewn all over my house (replacing the hockey stuff), my son and J will spend endless hours debating practice drills, and college lax games on ESPNU will become a permanent fixture.
  •  I was thrilled to have my son ask me to run with him as he eyes his first mile race at his school’s upcoming fun run! (Where we going to fit it in among all things lacrosse I’m not sure yet, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.) I’m trying to convince my youngest to do the half mile kids’ run, but in typical fashion he’s taking a wait and see approach. He’s agreed to go to the track and see just how far a half mile is, but is making no commitments beyond that!
  • The PureFlows, replacements for the PureConnects, did arrive and I will say that even after only a couple of runs in them that they are a big improvement for me over the Connects.
  • Looking forward to a “date night” with J on Saturday. We may try to catch “The Hunger Games” – I really liked the books and from what I’ve heard this movie actually lives up to the hype!

Have a Great Weekend!
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    Filed Under: Brooks PureFlow, family running, Friday Five, Lacrosse, track work

    Shaking up my training

    March 28, 2012 by 8 Comments

    The other day I mentioned that I felt like I needed to shake up my training plan but wasn’t sure exactly what that meant yet. So I spent a little time this weekend looking back over my plan for RnR USA and plans from Runner’s World Smart Coach and Hal Higdon – hoping to cobble something together, to find something to push me out of my comfort zone a bit.

    Then this showed up in my mailbox!

    My copy of Train Like a Mother: How to Get Across Any Finish Line – and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity

    I have been eagerly waiting for this book! I so enjoyed Run Like a Mother  – you can read my review here – and have no doubt I’ll love this one as well! (Going to start reading it as soon as I’m done with this post!)

    I immediately flipped through to the Half Marathon “Own It” training plan and it seemed to be just what I was looking for  – a solid mix of speedwork, hills, cross-training, tempo and long runs. I’ll be modifying the plan just slightly to account for the fact that it’s a 13 week plan and I have just 9 weeks til Boston’s Run to Remember. But, otherwise, I’m all in!

    I’m excited about this plan and can’t wait to see what comes of it.

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    Filed Under: Boston's Run to Remember, Train Like a Mother, training

    This and that….

    March 23, 2012 by 5 Comments

    I swear I blinked and this week was over!

    There hasn’t been much running this week – which seems a bit of a crime given the gorgeous weather we’ve been having! But I kinda hit an energy wall on Monday so aside from one nice run with my friend E on Tuesday and some pilates and yoga, I’ve been pretty lazy on the workouts!

    I have donned my race director hat quite a bit this week securing police details, setting up online registration and other logistics, and trying to secure sponsors. I’m surprised by how much goes into a simple 5k and kids’ fun run, and I know this pales in comparison to what large races must contend with!

    Started spending a little time mulling over training plans. I’ve got a couple of months until my next race and am really feeling like I need to shake things up a bit…just not quite sure what that means yet.

    Looking forward to a fairly quiet weekend just hanging with my family. My oldest son’s hockey team is playing during the intermission of the Providence Bruins tonight which should be fun to watch! Otherwise we actually have a fair amount of unscheduled time for a change. I’m hoping to get some spring cleaning started, which I’m sure will send my husband and kids scurrying for cover! And I’m definitely getting a run in…may be two 🙂

    Got big plans this weekend?
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    Filed Under: half marathon hangover, playing race director, randomness