Power Food: Fueling Success

I must admit I love to eat. I love good heathy food. At our house it is always a quest to make the perfect healthy meal and make sure it is something that will fuel our bodies for the activities we endure on a daily basis. Diet & nutrition play a big part of any athlete's performance. Ability to consume and use the food you put inside your personal"vessel" really does make a difference. I am not a nutritionist, but I have read plenty of books on the subject, and as a competitive endurance athlete since the 1990's -I know what works for me! I also know that I cannot perform well when I am "heavy" and out of "shape" for my own body. So I am always reading up and trying to stay on top of what keeps me near that "Racing Weight". It has always been a struggle for me, like it has been for many others I know that have taken up running to lose weight.

The VT50 was a true test of fueling my body - September 2011

There are many types of powders, gels, and recovery foods out there on the market. Only you can be the judge on what works for you and take the recommendations of others and do lots of taste testing and real time run testing to really find out what works, how your stomach feels, and how your performance is enhanced. Top on my personal list is Shaklee Sports Nutrition (Performance & Physique) and lately I really have performed well with GU - GU2O and GU gels & chomps. But my latest? Jelly Belly Sport Beans --- oh ya! A Swedish Fish lover, these little gems hit the spot! (Yum!). Seriously when you can say yum after a sports nutrition product - you know it is your fuel! :)  In the Boston Marathon 2012 I had great success with 1 GU every 4 miles and I really am glad I pushed the fuel a little more than I had in the past to survive that marathon! So try some sports nutrition on your next long run and see how much of a  difference it makes for you! 

Wonder Woman Granola in Mom's Wooden Bowl

Like my mom, I love to cook and make things from "scratch" Today we call it the home made revolution -- we as a family are trying to get away from processed food. Have you read labels lately? Look for fructose, sugar, high fructose corn syrup and check out the fat content too. When you make it yourself - you know what is inside, without the chemicals, preservatives and others things that could really reek havoc with your system. My latest lunch favorite is Chobani Greek Yogurt (great substitute for dessert if you are an ice cream lover!) -- Try it with home made granola! I came up with my own recipe for "Wonder Woman Granola" last year to get fueled for the Chicago Marathon and I swear by it's power! :) 

If you are looking for other bar recipes that actually taste really good check out the Bohemian Revolution - they have posted quite the line up. Best part about making your own is that you can choose which tastes you want inside! 

Nancy's Top Twelve Training Foods: 

Adapted from Runner's World article "The Best Foods for Runners"

Almonds - We love roasted almonds - just have 5 and it curbs your appetite and gets your metabolism going! Slivered almonds on salad is truly a treat. 

Black Beans - Mix in with salad or try a little chili to warm you up!

Eggs -  Try just one scrambled in the morning is a good protein to sustain your morning. We also keep hard boiled eggs for a quick protein pick me up!

Chicken - Grilled is our preference - after all it is almost summer - but we grill all year round!

Low fat yogurt - CHOBANI -- with my WW granola it is such a treat!

Mixed Salad Greens - Salad every night!

Oranges - Clementines are so sweet & tasty! 

Salmon - We love it in phyllo dough or just with white wine, EVOO, lemon and spices

Sweet Potatoes -My husband's favorite cooked with a little olive oil & Montreal Seasoning roasted in the oven

Whole Grain Bread - There are so many varieties to choose from -check out the grocers shelf near you!

Whole Wheat Cereal - MY favorite morning choice - Heritage by Nature's Path - have you tried it? 

Whole Grain Pasta - My son Schuyler's favorite !

Food is fuel. If you choose the right type of calories it will equal power and endurance. Eat to run and give your body that edge to feel strong and powerful. Recovery is as important as fueling before a race, so get on a good plan and make it work for you!

Other articles of interest: 

35 Power Foods

Race Weight: A Healthy Way to get There

12 Power Food: Never Go Hungry

18 Winter Power Food recipes (Whole Living) 

Outside Magazine: How do I find my Ideal Race Weight?

It’s all about the “Schwag”

My favorite Boston memoribilia

I don’t remember where I first heard the term, “schwag”, whether it was in the ski biz or as a runner when I would win a spot in my age group.  As a running “racer”, I began to collect “schwag” or all kinds of “stuff”. I would collect fun items with the race logo & giveaways at races that I would proudly wear. Maybe I thought it would show that I am a runner - branded everywhere! J It was back when I was living “hand to mouth” or as my dad would say – when I “didn’t have 2 dimes to rub together”… that I would appreciate all that could be collected as part of my race entry fee. J  I would rate the race on the pre-race goodie bag, the post-race BBQ and the “schwag” that could be won by running as fast as I could! J I would race every weekend - - make new friends – eat some great BBQ and collect new running partners, along with all this great "schwag" ! SO much fun!

My dog Oakley walking through the crystal. :)

My first Boston Marathon in 1997 I couldn’t afford to buy the jacket, but I eyed the $100 stylish little jacket & all the other gear with the Boston Marathon logo – paying for the Motel 8 was the priority and not more “stuff”. J  Fast forward to 2002…. I bought my first marathon jacket at Boston and like my friend DP says -  just love to “strut” with my jacket on! Every year I have run the Boston Marathon since I have bought the jacket and wear it with pride! I truly am a collector of jackets and love the marathon jackets that are offered at the races. So cool to say “ya – I ran that marathon!" I hate to even admit to how many marathon jackets are in my closet, but I will say that I proudly own 7 Boston Marathon jackets!

Boston 2009 Finish Roses from my sweetheart

Expo photo with my number in Boston 2012

Let me tell you about the marathon EXPO.... When you go to a marathon expo, you get to see the latest in gear. You see the latest cutting edge products in technical wearable’s & energy foods. It is so fun to shop with 5000 or more of your new “running buddies” – all sharing  the same love of running. I find my eyes wandering to what shirts they are wearing – what shoes they are trying on – and the varied reactions to new product being tasted. And maybe run into some friends you have met before or waited to meet along the way. J

Posing with the mannequins :)

After you finish it is the shiny metal blanket that covers your shoulders, keeps you warm, or blocks the elements. It is the memories of that finish when you get the cool medal to hang around your neck and wear for at least the rest of the day!  I have a shadow box of my medal collection & a shelf with some shiny hardware proudly sharing my marathon memories!  Some collect bib numbers, technical tshirts & those shiny metal blankets Iike me! For some reason to look back at them gives me strength & motivation knowing what I have accomplished.

What is it that you like to collect from your race experience?  Is there anything that you look for in particular when you go to a large athletic Expo?  Be ready because the SF Marathon has a great expo with lots of vendors and fun to share! Be ready to check it out!


See you in July!
Signed "Marathon Shopaholic" :) 

A Cast of Athletic Characters

Next time you go to a road race or triathlon look around you... and do a little "people watching". If you are a "race junkie" like me you may have noticed some similar characters there like I have at the races. It is fun to be a part of this social network -- sometimes every weekend if you race in the region, you meet and get to know many amazing people. But where ever you go you might recognize some of the same "characters" that show up. :)

The question was asked on dailymile a few days back "What personalities at the races annoys you?" and "What race etiquette or pet peeves annoy you the most".... someone must have been on edge at a race recently to ask these type of questions so close together.  Anyway - I came up with personalities that you may see at races where ever you go. These characters are identified from my days as a triathlete - I hope you find it as  funny as I do. 

MCM 2009 feeling fit!

1. The "Flash" - They think they are so "hot" and walk around like they are better than everyone else with their high priced equipment and clothes. I love to pass these people in the race. Sometimes you find them in the shower area immediately after blow drying their hair to look "hot" for the award ceremony. 

2. The "Yen" - They are "one" with themselves & sit around focusing on the side of the event, find a hill put your hands together and start chanting - you will find them everywhere. :) I can relate to this group the best - so I am not poking fun (seriously) 

3. The "Social Climber" - They try to act like they are building up a group for political office, try to be exclusive & ask where "Shirley, Jackie, and Louise" are today because they missed them last race. They usually clump together at the award ceremony too. I avoid these people like the plague. :)

Our favorite Studmuffin Charlie - kidding! 

4. The "Rookie" - first race or first BIG race, this person is wide eyed and wheeling their "10-speed" to the rack (maybe even a mountain bike) - no speedo, but owns goggles (whew!). Sometimes you just have to reach out and let them borrow your Glide or an extra towel because they really had no idea what to expect. I remember when I fit this description! :)

5. The "Cinderella" - She (or he) is new to the scene, fit & ready to compete, not quite the top of the line "stuff", but not rags either -- This is another version of the newbie, yet a little more on the ball and kicks everyone's butt out there! Upsetting all those "Social Climbers" :) You go girl! Find your Prince Charming! 

6. The "Stud-muffin" - Think little black comb hidden in their pocket to use at just the right moment. Quiet but strikingly gorgeous, just sitting in the background - not a winner, but always ends up with the girl. He doesn't come to win. He comes to conquer. You find him in the chaise lounge at the award ceremony in the back. He isn't hard to miss.

My favorite Chatty Cheerleader Friends at Boston 2011

7. The "Chatty Cheerleader" - Does she ever shut up? How can she get enough oxygen to compete when she talks so much? Do you think she has something to offer on EVERY subject? All negativity aside the Chatty Cheerleader is making friends with everyone and is there to cheer them on all thae way to the end, even when she is walking to her car and the last participants are crossing the line!  This is me. To a tee. :)

Do you recognize these characters - - Is anyone else out there worth mentioning? I can find a little of each of them in me (almost). I am sure you can think of other characters that I may have missed! Enjoy your next race and take a minute to look around and observe those fun people everywhere! 

Scavenger Hunt Sunday - Skiing in Style!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday Skiing in Style


Routine
This is Max. 
It's all a routine for a skiing family. The benefits of your children skiing in the Development Program at Mount Snow really makes skiing fun and a routine that fits the winter life at Mount Snow. He is a freestyle skier and at 13 is comfortable skiing every where! We skied the park at Carinthia, the trees, steeps on the Northface, Yard Sale and even "Ripcord" which is the steepest of them all. Such fun -- such a great routine!

Music
This is Barb. 
When in Vermont we think of the Sound of Music! The hills are alive with the sound of music - indeed! Such a beautiful photo of my dear friend and ski racer mom. Love the view of Stratton Mountain from Bromley!

Technology
This is Olivia. 
She is an amazing athlete & skier. Failed technology was in the stars at the race this past Sunday at Bromley. Many of the boys and girls "stepped" right out of their bindings. . . You can see how when she hit the burm (edge of the track) she steps right out of her binding and crashes to the ground. She was utterly disappointed and so so sad. You can see her father comforting her in the shots below. These kids push themselves so hard, that when a crash like this happens it really affects their psyche.

Show Me Your Style
This is Danny. 
This 9 year old boy is true inspiration. His edge angles, body position and line is always so exact he is a joy to watch & show others as a perfect example. The best part about this boy is just so sweet & nice and caring of all his friends. You can see the love of the sport of skiing in his face every time he competes. I made an album of his ski racing last year and it shows his style -- so perfectly. 

Mismatch
This is Kayla. 
All the colors of the GS suits are actually hard to match if you get various colors! This is such a beautiful colorful display of matching or mismatching of a colorful style! I love how these colorful GS suits POP out in the snow!

Hope you like my selections this week! It has been a fun winter photographing and getting to know these 7,8.9 and 10 year old little athletes! ;) Please leave a comment if you stop by!

Scavenger Hunt - 2 of my favorite things - Skiing & Mountains

Crossed
Berkshire East hosted the Pioneer Valley Individual Championships.  I shot the boys Slalom run - this is the number 1 seeded boy John Mentor - what amazing form!  In Slalom skiing when you reach across your body to hit the gate is called a "cross block" :)

John Mentor, Longmeadow, Seeded #1

A Glimpse

...of a future Olympian. :)  Schuyler is so jazzed now that he is skiing fast and placing in and near the top 10 of the 70 plus 9-10 year old boys.  He has such great form, the whole thing is finally coming together and he loves it!  So amazing to see him have such confidence in his skiing!  

Schuyler - 2nd run at Stratton, VT

Handwritten

The Stratton Training Center made this banner for their kids at their home race this past weekend.  Each J5 (9-10 year old) signed the banner -- very cool to have the motivation and support of your team mates!

J5 STC banner at Stratton, VT

Bliss

... to see our friend Glen who survived a stroke at the same time I was diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago.  It was bliss to see him recovering and happy!  Here he is with our other dear friend Richard - they are coaches for the Longmeadow team.

Glenn & Richard

Gray

..skies mean snow is coming! Or so we hope.  It has been a dry winter here in Massachusetts and pretty dry up north in Southern VT too.  Here is the view of Bromley from Stratton Mountain.  We love the mountains in the winter!

Bromley Mountain, VT

Hope you like my photos! Please leave a comment if you stop by! If you are interested in more great photos from some amazing photographers and/or want to play along check out the link to Ashley's blog below! 

The Wonder Woman Runner Streak!

When I think of streakers, I think of crazy people.  Remembering back when I was a ski patroller at Killington one of only 5 woman patrollers, we would get the random call of a "nudity" issue on the slopes - whether it was male, female, topless, bottomless or both! :)  My friend Ned was "famous" for streaking through the Rutland mall parking lot and we continuously would laugh about those days! If you are wondering - the answer is no, I never did ski topless.  :)  I did however ski with tights on and my Louis Garneau bike outfit (see picture below) :)

Me at the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge circa 1990's

But now streaking has taken on a new meaning to me. Runners World put forth the challenge to get people up and running every day for at least a mile from Thanksgiving to New Years. Since I was currently running consecutive days and loving these motivations to keep on the pavement, I joined in. I was able to talk a few of my dailymile friends to do the same.  It was Sandra and I who braved it out those short winter days to get our runs in and shared  "you are a rockstar" motivations!  At first I thought that maybe my body would get tired, achy, and not want to go out every day.  I usually catch a cold in the or feel under the weather that a day off is always so nice, but knock on wood, I have stayed very healthy through this whole timeframe.  I always have looked forward to my run, but something about this streak thing has me craving running even more and finding new ways to squeak in the miles.

The best running partner ever!

Yes - I get up every day and start my day with a run with Oakley, my beautiful 11 year old yellow lab.  (Check out my last post on running with your Canine Companion) We run 2-3 miles in the "hood" and I miss him when I have to travel or coach on the weekends.  Coaching skiing at Mount Snow is my regular weekend gig.  I really didn't know how it was all going to fit into my winter lifestyle, but honestly it has been AWESOME to run in this mountainous area that I love as my second home.  The hills are challenging, but making me so much stronger!  I have new loops up there that I run every weekend now.  The added bonus is the cheers from my fellow coaches, ski instructors and families as they pass me in their cars.  They think I am nuts, but they are all so encouraging and have become quite a motivator.

Today I have been running every day for 95 days
Yes that is running every day since before Thanksgiving for at least 2 miles of running per day.  Approaching the 100 day mark is really exciting.  I love counting the days!

Me skiing Mt Hood in Oregon - July 2011

When will I stop?  I really don't know yet, I want to prep myself that I may not be able to keep this up and listen to my body - so when that time comes - I will stop.  Promise. :)  First I will hit 100, then 150 and so on, but ultimately I would like to go a full year.  If I can keep this up during ski season when skiing is my prime sport - I KNOW I can do it during the other seasons too!

Why streak?  It becomes a habit.  It is a challenge. It is another goal to pursue. You have an excuse to tell your story, why you run.... and experience running everywhere you go. You have a reason to change it up, otherwise it will get real boring fast! It is something I haven't done before and as a cancer survivor, I celebrate every day, so why not run every day!

Today is 51 days till the Boston Marathon.
This will be my 25th marathon (not including my 4 Ironman Triathlons & 50 miler) and my 8th Boston!
I am feeling really strong and I credit this runstreak -- nothing gets in my way to get my run in and actually I am known for 2 runs a day to lessen the impact on my body and to get in those additional miles.  I have been doing fairly low mileage weeks lately because I am so darn busy, but hope to increase in the next few weeks.


Things I have learned from "streaking"
1. Plan ahead - when & where are you going to run?
2."Just do it" - get out there and run!  NO excuses.  Even if it is 1 mile (that can be a rest day)
3. Change the scenery, find new routes - keep it interesting
4. Find friends to run with and talk to, it will keep you going & entertained!
5. Hydration, diet and sleep are KEY to keeping up with any endurance event or goal like streaking!
6. Stretch, yoga, meditation - do what it takes to stay flexible and not get injured
7. Log every day - dailymile is great for posting a note about each day of your streak- tell your story and keep yourself accountable.
8. It's all a balance, time with family, time to cross train and time to run!
8. Celebrate your success and share with others - people are real supportive of this healthy habit/obsession called running.

The Big 4th Springfield MA 2011- Random fun runners everywhere!

Here are some links of interest on Runstreaks that share the fun and many others that streaking right along with me.  I found some other streakers by keyword #runstreak on Twitter too.  How fun! There are people that have been streaking for more than 1500 days -- just incredible stories out there.  I hope that my story of the "Wonder Woman RunStreak" will be just as incredible some day.  Wish me luck and watch me run!

Runners World Holiday Runstreak
Twitter RunStreak Search
Streak Runners International
The Dangers of Streak Running

Scavenger Hunt Sunday - Ski Racing Edition

Strike a Pose,
My winter fun is ski racing photography.  I love to catch these young athletes in action! Check out these little ones Jake & Tess  striking a pose.  (J6 = 7-8 year olds) Tess below won both J6 races -- and for good reason -- look at that form! 

Footwear
Although ski boots are tight and not always fun to get on your feet.  To get the right ones is a real advantage to how well you ski.  Schuyler is in Nordicas and doing a little boot skiing at the top of the race course with friends! 

Hobby
A hobby, a love, a passion -- our family loves to ski and Schuyler has grown up in the ski world with us.  I am so incredibly proud to see him ski the course with such vigor and be so proud of his performance at the finish line.  There's nothing better than that!

Shiny
 After coaching on Sunday I went back to my knoll to shoot some J3 (13-14 year olds) photos for their race (SVC GS) at Mount Snow - these young athletes are amazing!  This is Jean Pierre who I recognize because of his shiny goggles! :)  We had the opportunity to free ski with his dad, Pepe, who is the Amherst High School ski coach & a long time family friend. 

Color Me Green
Here is Harrison Ma - our friends from Clifton Park NY.  They ski out of Willard, NY and Pico VT -- I have photographed him every year and was so happy that I got a few shots of him in his new green GS suit - :)  Last time I photographed him he was in yellow!  Looking good out there cresting the knoll Harrison!

These guys were keeping me in line so I didn't wander too far into the course away from the B net.  They were laughing and posed for this crazy shot.  This is where the coaches and the TD stand where they can see the majority of the course.  (TD = Technical Director) :)  

Ski Racing Albums from this weekend
SVC J3 GS at Mount Snow 




Hope you like my photos! 
Please leave a comment if you stop by!

Scavenger Hunt!

The rules are simple: 

1. Anyone can participate.
2. You're encouraged to take five new photos this week for the challenge. Creativity is also encouraged!
3. If you get stumped, you may use one photo from your archive 
4. Link up on Sunday to Ashley's link above
5. Leave comments for at least five entries around yours
6. Have fun!

Running with Your Canine Companion

What do I love about running?  The list goes on and on... but one thing that comes up on my list over and over again is the fact that it is the time that I get to spend with my canine companion!

1/2 Marathon finish relaxing with Chester in Colorado 1999

Exploring the mountains with Chester in 1999

Chester & I in Keystone, CO 1999

 I remember running with my first yellow labrador, "Birchfield's Chester Valentine" in the 1990's & it was early in my marathon training that I realized that the dog motivation to run was like none other.  He would be wagging his tail and literally jumping around the room waiting for me every morning! The time that I spend on the road and the trails training was NOT alone because I have the companionship of my amazing dog. I called him the Wonder Puppy! My loyal, loving dog that LOVES to run almost as much as I do! The thing about running in Vermont with Chester was always to find the streams and the lakes where he could take a dip and drink from the streams. He loved to pull sticks and LARGE logs out of the woods... bringing a smile to my face. I have such amazing memories of running with Chester -- I cherish every single one! One race in the Stratton Mountain Vermont area I actually ran a road race with him & another dog by my side for more than 6 miles! He climbed mountains, swam in the lakes & went on snowshoe trips with me too! Chester & I packed all we owned in the back of my GMC Sonoma and moved west to Colorado for 2 years in 1997. He experienced Colorado life in the mountains with me at Estes Park, Keystone (sleeping in the back of the truck when we went skiing) & more! The sad day came when I had to put Chester down when they found cancer had taken over his entire body. I light a luminaria in his name every year at the Relay For Life in my community & look forward to participating in our nearby Bark For Life to remember and celebrate his life. I still have this sad feeling in my heart & love & remember the wonderful times with him all the time.  Even though I thought he could never be replaced, Chester's legacy continued with my next yellow lab "Toryfield Master Oakley".

  Oakley literally claws me out of bed in the morning relentlessly until I drag my weary self to the floor, to the coffee pot, to the door and on the road! Oakley is an amazing running partner & doesn't let me off easy -- he has been running with me since he was 6 months old.  He didn't go to obedience school -- running with me was school!  :)  Oakley just turned 11 and has so much energy and "umpf" for a dog of his years!   I truly think the years of running has increased his lifespan, strengthened his heart and the experience of running shows his love for life!  Just like a human, the more you get out there, experience the world and enjoy life, the more life will give back to you tenfold! Oakley would run all my runs with me until the past year and now runs 2 to 5 miles a day.  He loves to run the trails and in our woods out back we have a trail named "Oakley Trail Loop" that is our favorite place to run!



Tips for running with your dog: 

Oakley & me - running all 4 seasons!

1. Hydration is key- remember that a dog can't sweat - they get hot and pant once it is to a point that they need to show it.  Keep them hydrated and cool.  It is best to run near streams and water so you don't get "stuck" when they really need water.  Run in the shade and trees as much as possible to keep them cool.

2. Running with your dog on a leash is a skill in itself.  Expandable leashes are great when you have the room to let them extend and explore, especially as a puppy.  When they are better trained you can go to a shorter leash and it will be easier to be able to control them, keeping them close and tight to your body.

3. Realize when your dog is tired and give them a break.  A dog will lag back and you can figure out the mileage that your dog can cover and limit it to that without pushing them. If your dog is lame, or limping - no better how much they drive you crazy to run with you -- they honestly need to rest.  :)

4. Manage the distractions - realize ahead of time when you see another dog, a squirrel, chipmunk, rabbit and other humans along the way that you are going to get pulled in that direction.  Be ready, brace yourself and eventually train your dog that they need to just keep running by.  This is the upper body workout in running when you have your dog & can be a challenge but manageable at the same time!  :)

5. Be safe & stay safe - Know when you can go off leash & when you need to have your dog on the leash.  Obey all signs in this regard.  Nothing worse than nuisance dogs off leash irritating your dog to the limit.  Dog fights are NO fun - so avoid them at all costs.  Know when there is a dog friendly dog and when to STAY away!

6. Know your doggie neighborhood & the leash laws.  It is nice to know where the dogs are in the neighborhood to manage distractions, but also to be aware and ready in case they happen to be "off leash" in their own property. I have been bit by dogs and my dogs have been bit by dogs.  It is no fun to have to get a tetanus shot and treated for infection after a dog bite.  It is even more horrible to watch your puppy or dog get attacked by another dog and you are doing all your might to pull them away.   Just ask me. :(
 Carry "poop" bags and be respectful of others property. Obviously if you aren't deep in the woods, you are responsible for "it". :)

7. Share the love!  It is so great to run with your dog!  I love dogs & the dog "friends" in the neighborhood.  I was so fortunate when I lived in New Hampshire to have a running buddy that also had a chocolate lab "Nutmeg".  Lucky Oakley had a running friend too!   Sharing our annual story through our Christmas letter every year is written by Oakley!  He does a fine job for a canine with paws on the keyboard.  HA!  He can write a pretty good fundraising letter too!  :) Check out a local Bark For Life to meet other dog lovers!  Great way to meet others that love to exercise with their dogs!  As a dog lover, photos of my Oakley are something I am very proud of- check out the gallery below!  Enjoy every minute -- a canine life is too short not to be lived to the fullest each and every day!


More great canine running info I have found very interesting and helpful below!

Happy times running with Oakley the best running partner ever!  

How running with your dog can enhance canine and human training at the same time!  

Great post from the NY Times online that links to great resources on running with your dog! 


Nancy E Photography SmugMug Oakley Gallery

Do you have a great dog running companion?
Please comment below! Thanks!

The Savvy Running Traveler

What to know before you go....  on a plane, train or automobile you need to be ready, packed and motivated to get all your workouts in while you are on the road. The high heels don't like to share the bag with dirty sneakers and packing can get tight if you are trying to fit it all in an overnight carry on bag so you don't have to check luggage. Ask me - I know -- I have traveled in my current position for the past 15 years in upwards of 60,000 miles a year. I travel to various places in the United States and stay at many different brands of hotels. The best part about running to me is the fact that you can pack your shoes and clothes and you are ready to run! Just remember you need extra shirts, bras & socks if you run more than one day... they tend to get smelly - especially on those southern trips! :)

Traveling for work can be adventurous and it is always great to meet new runners along the way. I have been known to introduce myself and invite a random runner dressed up "runner style" in the morning to tag along just for company! At work we have email groups of the people traveling to our meetings so it is a great opportunity to let people know that "We" are running and will meet in the lobby at 6:30 am to run and be back to shower and ready for the day. "We" don't wait for people and are on a schedule so be on time!  In the lobby we either all run as a group or gather by pace choice if there is a large group or naturally break up as the group splits into a comfortable pace.  "We" always have someone in the front to lead (and not get us lost) and someone in the back to make sure we don't lose anyone.  :) Our group of runners has run in some great areas of the country.  "We" have run in Orlando out to Pleasure Island, Austin along the river, Boston along the Charles, Salt Lake City up and around the capital, Dallas in the ice storm and in the middle of the city and LaGuna Beach in California along the docks on the water. It is a great way to get outside and see the sights before a meeting and really get to know some of your fellow workers too!

It is important for me to get in my exercise as I am ultimately more productive and can be very happy that I am on track for marathon training and getting in my weekly mileage. The worst part is when I have to catch an early flight --- it isn't always easy fitting it in, but I do my best!


Here are some great tips while traveling:

1. Pack running shoes in carry on in case of lost baggage.
2. Check the weather before you go and make sure you pack the right clothes to wear if you are planning on running outside!
3. Check out the running opportunities in the area before you leave and use tools like MayMyRun and GoogleMaps to help you build a route and a plan while on your trip.
4. Always check in with the concierge or front desk for directions and "safe" running locations before heading out on your run.  They can be available to hold your room key so you don't lose it too! :)
5. IF you are feeling really social you can search online local running clubs that may share routes or even have a group run you can "crash" :) 
6. Be safe!  Carry identification or better yet medical information in case of emergency.  If you don't already have one consider buying a RoadID or 1BandID . Always let someone know where you are going and try to always run with a partner when running while traveling.

Other great websites to check for running routes where you travel:

USAT - "America's Running Routes"
Did you know that USAT has a searchable database of running routes?  Check these out for travel and even for your home area! Very cool.

Worldwide Running and Travel Guides
Great links to running locations around the world!

Photos Top to Bottom - Judy Reichling & I at the Applefest 1/2 marathon in New Hampshire 2009, Judy & I at the Chicago Marathon 2010, Becky Lunders & I in California at her 2008 Relay For Life. Love my travel running friends!

Happy Running where ever you go!  

Aspirations, Goals & Dreams

It's January.  We see a lot written about goals for the New Year.  People see January 1st, the start of a new year, a clean slate, time to start anew.  We re-evaluate the goals we set from last year, we celebrate those goals we accomplished and see the reasons why we didn't make some of the others.  After all it is the new year and it is a chance to look at new things to accomplish and realize some things that aren't so important anymore.   The latest trend is to categorize into focus areas - focus words - focus actions they want to see happen in this new year.  I like to set goals, am a goal oriented person, motivated by numbers and commitment.  Once I write it down, share it with others it's in front of me to achieve.

A newly addicted runner friend of mine said to me the other day how she loves the running community and especially because the competition is about YOU.  It is about your own "Personal Record" or PR. Everyone cheers each other on and the camaraderie of motivation is evident at the races, online and in the running groups that form where ever you go.  I love that about running too.  Seems most of the time I run alone and need to motivate myself to go faster, find new "carrots" to dangle in front of me and set goals almost every run so I can achieve success in my running.  So when I network on social media I love the interaction, motivation and cheers from other runners just like me - needing motivation and push each day.  I love it when I find new running groups, partners to pace with or even just for the company along the road.  All of this can help me meet my goals of being a better runner, faster runner and give back to the running community to inspire others to run and compete at high levels.

Let's set our goals this year!  Set a focus - or focus areas - or a focus word - whatever feels good to you... something that you can focus on to make things happen in your life this year.
My focus word is CELEBRATE.  I have just celebrated one year as a cancer survivor and I can relate that word to all my goals as I celebrate each day.  :)  Now let's create an Acrostic Poem.  An Acrostic poem tells about the word. It uses the letters of the word for the first letter of each line and share your goals.  


Here's mine:

C - CELEBRATE each goal, each day, each birthday, each holiday with some type of special tradition.
E - ELEVATE my PR times, goals in training and in racing.  Speed play and running partners and training with the high school cross country team should help to accomplish this. 
L - LOVE my family, my friends, my co-workers for all they do to support me!
E - ENORMOUS! Goal -- what shall it be -- choose one race to KICK some serious butt!  For me I hope to kick it in for the Boston Marathon in April (my 7th Boston and PR course!) and the San Francisco Marathon on July 29.  The timing is perfect for a great running pace and hopefully with my long distance training and racing the course won't slow me down too much!  
B - BOY-- take care of my boy - help him to set goals for himself in sport and school.  Share my passion and motivation and thrill for making a goal come true.  Celebrate his goals!
R - RUN hard, run fast, run long, Runstreak to 100 days (or at least 75 -- who knows maybe all year?!)  
A - ALLOW- allow my faith to carry me through hard times, injury, soreness and overwhelming periods.  Try not to stress about the little things and do only what I think is possible.
T- TEACH others to do the things that make me happy & help me to stay positive.  Running and skiing is on the top of that list.  Work with those that ask for my assistance and help them to reach their goals with encouragement and support. 
E - ENTERTAIN - Always stay positive, be happy & positive to inspire and entertain!  It is fun to entertain with friends and family!  

What a great year it is going to be!  Tell me about your goals!