Blog – Page 6 – GottaRun

Are you a warrior or a princess runner?

Posted on 10 January 2015 by

When I run outside on a cold and rainy day and it feels so darn good, I often think of myself as a real warrior. I am definitely not a princess, until I jump in the hot bath with soothing bath salts after the run; then I’m a total princess, but that doesn’t count. That is completely allowed, besides it is called “recovery”. But I digress…

When I run with my dear friend Stephanie, who is pretty much my warrior hero, we never hesitate to run in the rain or snow, up and down mountain trails, through puddles or streams, climb cliff faces, explore new pathways, dive into a lake or the ocean after a run, etc. There is just no way you would ever label us princesses, bad-asses or warriors, yes, but princesses never! This got me thinking about other runners and I wondered if they considered themselves warriors or princesses. Um, maybe you have never even thought about this aspect of your running. Well then, perhaps it is time to take the quiz…

Are you a runner (you run at least 3 times per week)?
a) yes
b) no

a) yes – warrior or at least you have potential
b) no – you are not a runner, yet? Come on princess… the gear on, get outside and keep at it and you will be a runner and maybe even a warrior runner someday.
Do you run indoors or outdoors?
a) indoors
b) outdoors

a) indoors – I’m sorry to say that treadmill running just will never make you a warrior; especially if that is the only way you run.
b) outdoors – oh ya, now we’re talking warrior potential; you are at least in the right environment. Smell the fresh air, look around you, feels so good!
If you run outdoors, do you run in the rain?
a) yes
b) no

a) yes – of course, why would you ever let a little precipitation stop you?
b) no – oh, princess, where do you live, in a desert? If you live anywhere on the west coast of Canada you’d never run if you didn’t run in the rain.
If you run outdoors, do you run in the snow?
a) yes
b) no

a) yes – now we are talking about real warrior material. Of course this probably also equates to being a real Canadian – we do everything in the snow, right?
b) no – give it a try, but please may I recommend using Yaktraxs or some other grippy thing on your shoes, especially if it is icy, otherwise, you are not a warrior, you are a dumb ass.

(OK, from here on, forget the indoor/outdoors distinction… outdoors is a given, ’cause if you just run indoors, you cannot or will not ever be a warrior. And generally when, I’m talking outdoors I mean down and dirty trail running. Running on smooth, flat streets or sidewalks, just will never put you in warrior territory! Moving on…)

Do you run up mountains?
a) yes
b) no

a) yes – w-a-r-r-i-o-r!
b) no – give it a try – start with running the flat bits and climb hard up the steep bits or practice running with hill repeats or stairs and soon you will be running up mountains.
Do you run around or through puddles?
a) through
b) around

a) through – w-a-r-r-i-o-r! See above photo!
b) around – sometimes this is just not possible, especially when you are trail running in the rain and the edges of the puddle are completely surrounded by trees, shrubs, or rocks. Heck, you are already wet, so just go for it, oh and yell loudly while splashing through! If you stop at a puddle and turn around – total princess. However, I do not recommend crashing through the bushes; you could totally wreck your running tights or scratch your legs. You don’t have to be that warrior!
Do you run in shorts and t-shirts all year round (even in the rain and snow)?
a) yes
b) no

a) yes – w-a-r-r-i-o-r! And I am impressed as hell!
b) no – well, this depends on what you do wear. I prefer to cover up bare arm and legs, myself. Too many layers will have you peeling and wrapping and sweating and cursing that you overdressed. In winter, switch to running tights and technical tops, e.g. smart wool, and perhaps a lightweight rain coat, a headband or toque, gloves and wool socks. For cold weather running you will be forgiven for this small amount of princessness.
Do you run explore non-designated trails (even when the signs say to stay on the trails?)
a) yes
b) no

a) yes – again warrior! How else can you find out what is over that hill, deep in that forest, or up that cliff? But only if the non-designated trail looks slightly like a trail… no need to bush-whack.
b) no – ah come on princess, live a little, break the rules. Explore – even on trails with “No running” signs.
How do you deal with the inevitable sniffy nose when you are running?
a) use a tissue or hankie that you carry in your pocket
b) blow a snot rocket

a) use a tissue or hankie – seriously princess. At least upgrade to wiping your nose on your sleeve.
b) blow a snot rocket – this is what all warrior runners do. Here’s how.
Do you put on fresh running gear for every run?
a) yes
b) no

a) yes – what are you afraid of princess, that you are going to meet prince charming in the woods and of course he will smell like rosemary and cardamom? Not! He will most likely smell like a sweaty runner. You might as well smell the same. It is oh so organic.
b) no – right on warrior, why waste soap on clothes that are only going to get sweaty again and again. But… um, there comes a time when you should know when it is time for a refresh or you risk going beyond warrior into the troll category.
Do you run at night?
a) yes
b) no

a) yes – warrior for sure, but as long as you do it safely with a light and reflective clothing
b) no – are you afraid of boogie men? OK, this is a tough one… but seriously if you run in your neighbourhood with the right gear and feel safe doing so, there should be no problem. Striking off on a wilderness trail where you have never been been before, on your own, is not smart. But try running at night – with friends, it can be fun and possibly required if you live in the frozen north and only have 3 hours or less of daylight.
Do you jump in the lake or ocean after a run near said body of water?
a) yes
b) no

a) yes – this is a great way to end a run. It is so refreshing and can really help tired muscles – the science says so even in the winter, in cold water.
b) no – why not? Are you a princess? You don’t even have to take your clothes off – just jump in or at least strip down to your underwear (oh, wait, depends on what those look like or if you are going commando – and that option depends on where you are doing this and/or who are your running partners). Winter water, solidly frozen bodies of water notwithstanding, can take some getting used to, but if you do this, you will graduate firmly from princess to warrior in one plunge (do not wade).

How did you do?

Too much princess? Try harder, experiment, push your boundaries a bit more each run. Make friends with adventurous runners.

All warrior, all the time? Um, give it a break, no one likes a show-off.

Just the right balance of princess and warrior? Nice, you know how to run to have fun, and to be safe. You would make an excellent Xena, Warrior Princess!

Posted in Clothing, Life lessons, Running, Swimming, Trails

Running Mantras

Posted on 30 December 2014 by

Denise — No Comments ↓

I had a guest speaker at my running clinic recently. Her topic was motivation. What is not to like about that? She was quite wonderful. She did not talk about running in the dark, cold, rain or heat. She did not talk about gear. She did not talk about races, paces or laces. She got to the heart of the matter. Why we run? What gets us out the door? What keeps us going?

One thing she discussed was mantras. She mentioned how they can be good to keep you going, be it during a fun run, a training session or in a race. She suggested some simple phrases like “focus” or “keep moving” or even to repeat the name of the person you are running for, e.g. “Judy, Judy, Judy“, in runs such as Run for the Cure.

I hadn’t given this aspect of my running much though, although I know that I do have lots of thoughts in my head during a training run or a race to push me. I usually say things like “Come on butt, you can do this hill” or “Just another 2K to go, you can do it“. However, I know others who have negative thoughts like “I can’t do this!” or “What was I thinking when I signed up for this stupid race?”

I got thinking about mantras ever since she mentioned them and instead started reciting one word or short phrases during the course of a run or a race.

Here are a few mantras that I use often in a race:

When I want to pick up the pace a bit:
Cadence, cadence, cadence

When I want to speed up a hill a bit faster:
Gluts, gluts, gluts

When I’m nearly at the end of a race:
Pour it on, pour it on, pour it on

Here are a few I use when I’m doing a long slow run by myself:

When the sun is shining on my face:
Vitamin D, vitamin D, vitamin D

When I check my watch for the distance:
Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go
or
Half way, half way, half way
or
Nearly done, nearly done, nearly done

Here’s a few I used recently on a run along the waterfront in Vancouver in the pouring rain (proving that I don’t just think about myself… I think about what I see around me):

When I saw a group of crows on the grass:
Murder, murder, murder

When I saw a bunch of Loons swimming in the ocean:
Parliament?, parliament?, parliament?
(no that can’t be right, but it seemed to fit)
(Apparently a parliament is a group of owls and a group of loons is a raft)

When I saw a lot of puddles on the path in front of me:
Go around, go around, go around

When the puddles stretched across the path:
Go through, go through, go through

When there were no other runners out in these terrible conditions:
I’m so badass, I’m so badass, I’m so badass

When I saw another runner on the path:
You’re so badass, we’re so badass, we’re so badass

When I’m running up a mountain or in the forest:
(see above for hill running)
or
Go for the view, the view, the view
or
Love these trees, love these trees, love these trees
or
This is so beautiful, so beautiful, so beautiful
or
That moss is so green, so green, so green

There are a never ending supply of mantras that you probably use, or could use. I just suggest that you keep them short and positive and they will help you accomplish anything – even if you are not running (think house or garden work, think meetings, think driving, etc.)!

Why the thistle image, you might ask? I felt it represented hard training or running a race or doing stuff you don’t like doing, but if you say the right words even a thistle can become manageable – look for the beauty!

Posted in Life lessons, Racing, Running, Trails

Top 10 pre-run Cs

Posted on 18 December 2014 by

Denise — No Comments ↓

I wrote about 3 of these Cs in a previous blog post, but since that writing, and thanks to comments from friends, I’ve added several more. These are really just helpful hints to assist you in getting up, out the door, and down the road to a happier, healthier life. I confess these have a bit of a morning running bias, but modify them as you see appropriate.

In order of activity (more or less):

Communicate – make a date with one or more friends to run together. You can do this a day or two or more ahead of time or even at the last minute, depending on your running buddies. It is great to run with other as it motivates you to get out. After all you don’t want to let down a friend.
Comatose – perhaps this is not the best word to describe getting a good night’s sleep, but it works. I recommend 7 – 8 hours, if you can. If nothing else, going for a run will help you sleep better. It is a beautiful circle!
Conscious – this may seem obvious, but you should be awake before you run. This involves setting an alarm if you are scheduled to run in the morning. I recommend setting your alarm at least an hour before you plan to leave your home in order to accomplish the next few steps:
Caffeine – this can be either tea or coffee or hot chocolate, unless you are caffeine intolerant – then chose an alternative. My breakfast beverage of choice is coffee. I love to have a piping hot cup before I head out the door. There has been plenty written about the benefits of coffee for runners and I believe it. Not only does it fuel and fire you up, it also gets the bowels moving, which is always a good thing.
Carbohydrates – Runners need carbs to run. I would not recommend any runners go on a carb-free diet, but also don’t overload on ’em. These convert to glycose and fuel your running muscles. So eat those pieces of toast, or bowls of oatmeal or granola with gusto.
Crap – another twisted “c” word, to fit the theme, but seriously I highly recommend a BM before you hit the road, otherwise you will be looking for a bush to hide behind and searching for maple leaves to complete the task. Here’s a great talk on this subject and a simple exercise to get the digestive system and bowel working.
Clothes – yup, seems obvious but you need them, unless you are going on one of those famous naked runs, but not regularly I expect. Here’s a hint that helps morning runners – pick out your clothes the night before and have them all ready to go in the morning. You might even want to read my article on runderwear to learn a few things about what to wear.
Cat or canine – if you have one or the other, be sure to bond with them while you are eating your morning meal – they will love you for it. And if you have a dog – take it for a run. I have two cats and one always has to have a rest on my lap when I’m sitting down, but I feel good about that – it is a two way street with pets. However, my cats do not get nearly enough exercise, so I’m considering getting them one of these, which will do wonders for their lives!
Caries – another stretch… but I would suggest that you brush your teeth before you head out – you never know when you might have to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on your running buddy or someone might have to do it on you. Caring for your teeth is also really a good thing – especially if you want to have a winning smile in those race photos!
Commitment – Come on, what are you waiting for? Get out the door – now! No more procrastinating! The sooner you get up and out, the sooner you will be feeling better, living your life, seeing beautiful things, enjoying that inner smile! Set yourself a schedule and stick to it!

Posted in Food, Life lessons, Running

Rainy Day

Posted on 25 October 2014 by

Denise — 1 Comment ↓

Rain on deck

I chose not to run today – perhaps because of the torrential rain or perhaps it felt like an indoor activity day. I’m committed to run tomorrow with friends so with that it mind, I dedicated myself to indoor activities.

Joey on lap

First there was reading with the morning coffee and toast. The cats were involved too… “You are sitting, perfect, I’ll join you!” The book is a delight with a strong pull to return to run and eat in Paris.

Then laundry… Although I’m sad to report that drying clothes on the outdoor line has been curtailed for the season.

Laundry

However, I still hang my running gear and other delicates on a clothes drying rack, year round.

Laundry drying rack

At one point I felt dedicated enough to write an inspirational email to my Running Room 10k clinic class about guest speakers and hill running. Of course, writing this post seemed like the right thing to do today too!

The gutters were overflowing so my husband made the ultimate sacrifice and donned rain gear and went up the ladder to clean them out.

Gutter cleaning

He gently suggested that I could always make cookies on a rainy day (he is ever hopeful), so given that he was doing the hard task, I made a batch of mud pie cookies (appropriate). I presented these and a cup of tea to the gutter cleaner once he was dry and inside.

Tea and cookies

More reading, more laundry, more cats on lap or on my chair when I had to perform other duties.

Joey on chair

The rainy day just went on and on. Lest you think there is no exercise or outdoor activity in my day, I’m planning on walking at least a kilometre to a house concert this evening and back. Thank goodness for my new red Hunter boots!

Red Hunter boots

Looking forward to tomorrow’s run – rain or shine.

Posted in Running

“Run Forrest! Run!”

Posted on 20 October 2014 by

Denise — No Comments ↓

I recently watched the movie Forrest Gump. I’m not sure why I hadn’t watched it when it first came out – back in 1994 (um, maybe two small children), nor in the 20 years since in any number of movie formats. However, when I noticed that it was available on Netflix I decided to watch it, especially given that so many classic lines came from that movie, for example, one of my favourite ones, which Forrest quotes often from his mother:

‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’

But what I liked most about his movie, which I didn’t even realize until I watched it: Forrest Gump is a running movie! OK, lots of you will say, duh! Well, I didn’t know that. It is not like the classic Chariots of Fire or the adorable little Saint Ralph movie. I just thought Forrest Gump was about a simple man who became a unlikely hero, successful business man and was madly in love with Jenny.

“Me and Jenny goes together like peas and carrots.” – Forrest

The first running scene takes place when Forrest is peacefully walking with Jenny down a country lane, when by a group of boys on bikes start bullying him and throwing rocks. To escape, Jenny tells him to “Run Forrest! Run!” I loved this scene as his leg movements are transformed from awkward, painful looking straight-legs to flaying side movements to bent knees where the leg braces fly off his rapidly moving legs. Let that be a lesson… There may be things that hold us back, but we can overcome them and move forward, given the right motivation.

As he grew older and because he ran so fast – completely unplanned – right through a football practice session, he was recruited by a college football team, thereby earning a college degree (not sure what subject that was in, but this ain’t no documentary). It is amazing what rewards running can bring!

He ran when he was in Vietnam being attacked by the enemy (hearing Jenny’s voice in his head “Listen, you promise me something, OK? Just if you’re ever in trouble, don’t be brave. You just run, OK? Just run away.”). He then became an unlikely hero, rescuing his fellow soldiers. You never know what you can do when driven by fear and love.

Following his mother death and Jenny leaving him – again – he ran and ran and ran “for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours.” Now that was an ultra-ultra-ultra marathon!

There are so many take-away messages and life lessons in this movie and, as if it is not obvious, so many of them have to do with running. If you are a runner and have not seen this movie, watch it… even if you have seen it before, watch it again; it is inspiring, entertaining and poignant.

In addition, the period music – mostly from the ’50’s and 60’s is wonderful and of course so many great quotes, including one about a “fruit company” which made me laugh out loud!

“Lieutenant Dan got me invested in some kind of fruit company [Apple computer]. So then I got a call from him, saying we don’t have to worry about money no more. And I said, that’s good! One less thing.” -Forrest

Now get out there and run like Forrest Gump!

Posted in Life lessons, Movies, Running

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Are you a warrior or a princess runner?

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