If you want to know anything about the local running scene, ask Heather Cass. A member of the Erie Runners Club for 10-plus years, she is immersed in the local fitness culture, and she's taking your questions. Read more about this blog.
There’s a nice article in the latest Active.com E-newsletter I received.The article, “Are you Ready for a Lifestyle Change,” was written by Jayme Otto for Women’s Running magazine and tells the tale of three women who changed their lives by …well, choosing a different lifestyle, namely a healthier one.
I like that these women took charge of their lives and wish that more people realized that the key to weight loss lies in their own hands. I was one of those woman who fretted and worried and complained and whined and obsessed about my weight and my body. I filled journals with diatribes about how much I hated my body and wanted to lose weight.
One day it occurred to me that if I spent 1/2 as much time doing something about it (instead of just writing about it and wishing the weight away), I might actually see results.
And…boy, did I. Walking just an hour a day progressed to running and….in one summer — from January to September, I went from a size 20-something to a size 8, which is what I still am 10+ years later.
Exhibit A:
With newborn niece in Feb. ‘96 With same niece in Dec. ‘96
Today is Vol. 15 of “Marathon Mommas.” Come along as we follow two women — Theressa Miller and Christine Vassen — in their quest to run their their first marathon in the spring. Each week, they’ll give us a glimpse into their training and mindset as they push themselves toward 26.2.
By Theressa Miller
Have you ever been hit by the crazies? Sometimes I think that endorphins make you crazy. For instance, when Christine had a great run in December, she turned on the computer and registered us for Cleveland’s marathon 2 weeks into our official training and 5 months before the race.
The first Oil Creek 100 trail run happened in 2009. This year, the race distance is a 50-K (31 miles), a 100-K and a 100-mile race.
Last year, Christine read all about these trail runs on the blogs and Web, but I was not moving from… “Stop thinking about it. It is crazy!” At the time, we were only training for a half marathon (13.1 miles) and training mostly on flat roads. I knew Oil Creek park, or at least how to get to several fishing holes thanks to my husband. I am not sure that there is flat space anywhere in the park.
So in January, when Christine saw the web chatter about the trail runs picking up, she started talking about the run.
It was funny because she would talk about it and I was not saying “no.” I was listening. Thinking.
Well, our marathon training has been going really well. We are training for 26.2 miles on hills. Nothing like the park, but at least our legs would not completely be unprepared.
This past Saturday a group was gathering to hike part of the park. Just 5 miles. Just a test, a trial? Could we think about going 31 miles of hilly trails?
This is the type of thinking that lead Christine and I to join the group.
What an amazing hike! It was beautiful and pristine and WOW …you want to talk about hills?? (I think they might be mountains). Our guide was great. He kept the pace moving. He even gave the group an out after 2 miles, but no one took it.
After 2 hours and 45 minutes, the 5-mile hike took us up one side and back down, across a bridge and back up and down the other side. I wore hiking boots, when I should have gone with spikes (Silly me!). I fell down a flight of stairs in the woods. And that was after falling in a small wet spot less than a mile into the hike.
So why am I thinking more about Oil Creek and how to train for it?
It’s a little crazy! Those hills are not small and I was very tired after the 5 miles.
So why am I looking forward to going back? Why do I want to drive down into the fishing hole parking area and see if I can find Gerard Trail? Why am I looking at any path in the woods thinking, is that a trail? What about the trails at Asbury Woods and Preque Isle? Would running those help with training?
This type of thinking is what pushed Christine and I from running a 5K at Cook’s Forest to a half-marathon.
Meant to post a link to this when I read it a few days ago — it’s a Good Morning column written by Erie Times-News reporter Kevin Flowers in which he talks about his favorite workout tunes.
I haven’t had a chance yet, but I plan to sample some of these songs on iTunes because my running mix could use some fresh tracks.
One of these days I’m going to have to share my iPod running mix playlist with you, but…if I do…you have to promise to share yours (I’ll show you mine…you show me yours).
That’s my best Patti LaBelle impression ….you know, Patti LaBelle’s 80s song “New Attitude.”
Yeah, so…anyway….
Where I’m going with this is that I got new shoes (never would’ve guessed, eh?) and coincidentally (or not?), had the best run I’ve had in months on Sunday morning.
I should’ve had a lousy run because it had, of course, snowed inches overnight and I had run 8 miles on Saturday. Normally, this would be the recipe for a draggon ass run (you know…draggin’ ass), but…for some reason (perhaps the new shoes?), I had a great time.
It was fairly warm on Sunday morning and there was virtually no wind. I ended up ditching my windbreaker and running in a long-sleeve t-shirt. I even took my gloves off for the last half of the run. All the neighbors outside snowblowing, bundled up in all their parkas and winter gear, thought I was insane, I’m sure. I’m used to that…and I kinda like it.
I set out to do about 5 miles and ended up running 7. I’d have run longer, but that was all I had time for.
I love the township I live in….we may be south of I-90 in the sticks, but my township knows how to clear streets. Some were actually down to pavement at 8 a.m. on Sunday. (Not so in Millcreek & Erie, though).
So I don’t know if it was the weather, the shoes, the iPod playlist or the stars aligned just right that day, but…I’m grateful for a good run.
This time of year, you gotta take those whenever you can get them.
Check out this older post about winter running over at Mark Remy’s blog at www.RunnersWorld.com. It gave me a chuckle when I read it because, of course, we tough-as-nails winter runners in Erie scoff at those pansy runners down south who are intimidated by a few feet of snow.
The comments are worth scrolling through, too.
Though, I have to admit, I wanted to use the spike side of my Grip-On Ice and Snow Traction Cleats to bitchslap all those annoying people who wrote comments like … “That’s too bad, it’s 60 degrees here in Tampa Bay…” and “…70 degrees and sunny here in California”
Braggart schmucks.
Don’t be trying to spread your sunshiney, sing-songy Southern charm up here in the ice-encrusted, snow-covered angry North.
Looks like it’s going to be another snowy weekend of long runs for all you spring marathoners out there. Take it easy, stay upright and try not to pull anything.
And, next time, pick a fall marathon….muuuuccchhh nicer (though hotter) to train for.
Today is Vol. 14 of “Marathon Mommas.” Come along as we follow two women — Theressa Miller and Christine Vassen — in their quest to run their their first marathon in the spring. Each week, they’ll give us a glimpse into their training and mindset as they push themselves toward 26.2.
By Theressa Miller
I am the unorganized running partner. I never have “everything.” I don’t normally miss big things, but between my office desk, my purse, the running bag, the gym bag and the office bathroom, somehow I don’t always have what I need. I am the wing-it partner.
This works for Christine and I because she has thought about all of the things she could be missing and planned accordingly, so, normally, we are good.
Last year, I tried to do the training log that all the “seasoned” runner talk about. Something to look back on and something to note your accomplishments. I love the idea in thought, but, in practice, it just doesn’t work for me. So I judge where we are by our PRs. (Personal Records – the fastest time we have completed a specific distance.)
Saturday, we were scheduled for eight miles. Angel, Christine and I met at the Rotary pavilion on the peninsula to start our run. Time conflicts and mom schedules meant we needed to run in Erie. I was very happy with this flat route.
We were very pace focused. For the eight miles, we have a minimum and a maximum pace range. The min. was supposed to be 12:30. (This is still hard for me to judge. It’s going to be lower next time. Keep reading!)
I realized at 8:01 a.m., that I had no headphones, so I had to run without music. It was a quiet run for me. Just lots going on, and, really, Christine has been the talker lately on the runs. (For those that know her, I swear she talks a lot on the runs.)
At some point, Christine said we had a mile to go. This is our code for, “if you have anything left, you best run it out hard.”
My legs felt fresh so I took it up a notch. Christine said to me, “what did you hit a Nickleback song?” I yelled a little angrily, “I DON’T HAVE ANY MUSIC!”
We finished well.
Here is the e-mail that Christine sent me later.
“12:56. That was our pace last year for the ½ marathon. And we were overjoyed by that pace — and it was hard earned — not a cake-walk pace. Today, (Saturday) was 8 miles at a 12:25 pace. OK, I know you said to keep us under 12:30, but I didn’t expect those 10:xx pace for the mile…..so I’m saying I kept us on pace. And that was on non-ideal sometimes slippery conditions.
Wow! Triple WOW! All the dragging my butt out in the winter weather/gym might have actually paid off.”
Her organization pays off again. I am really looking forward to the half and the whole marathons on the peninsula this year.
Living south of 90 means the roads around my place (on Saturday morning) were still snow covered & icy in parts. I honestly couldn’t bear the thought of another winter run on uneven footing Saturday when the sun was shining and the birds were singing.
So, I got all my gear and decided to head for parts north, er, west.
In any event, I decided to go run at the peninsula where I’d have a chance at running on dry pavement. I don’t often drive out to the peninsula to run…especially to run by myself…but Saturday it just seemed to call to me.
I ran the loop backwards starting at the first parking lot, going out to Sara’s and then over the beach road past Beach 1 and on around the park. It was icier than I had anticipated….in some places I had to stop and walk very carefully, but, fortunately, there were only a few.
In some spots I saw lots of other runners and walkers, but…mostly it was a peaceful, serene run (well, except for the Kid Rock, Ozzy and Rush playing in my ear).
I took my time and enjoyed the run…for the first time in a really long time.
The good news…no real P.F. pain afterward, though I made it a point to both ice and stretch after the run.
Sunday, of course, turned out to be just as beautiful and…warmer, even. I was tempted and actually Attempted to go out for another run, but….good sense prevailed (and sore legs) prevailed and I decided to just walk.
Normally, I’d have pushed through the soreness and forced myself to do at least 5 miles, but…in the interest of getting healthy, I realized it would be better if I wasn’t always pushing and actually allowed some time for recovery.
Hope you were able to get out & enjoy the sunshine!
Today is Vol. 13 of “Marathon Mommas.” Come along as we follow two women — Theressa Miller and Christine Vassen — in their quest to run their their first marathon in the spring. Each week, they’ll give us a glimpse into their training and mindset as they push themselves toward 26.2.
By Theressa Miller
Some time ago, Christine found a quote from Will Smith at the Nickelodeon Awards in which he said that the keys to live were reading and running.
Reading is key because there are so many books, that if you know how to read, you will find that someone else has been through the same experience as you.
Running is key because if you can beat the little guy on your shoulder that is telling you to quit (because you lungs are burning and your legs are dead), you can overcome anything.
Saturday’s run was all about not listening to the little guy screaming to stop running. The problems with Saturday’s run began on Thursday. Christine and I had a 40-minute training session with personal trainer Kate (who is awesome). Lunges, abs and arms. Lunges kill my legs because I hate hills and my weight is still significant.
So Thursday night came along and Christine went home for mom duty (this is part of full and balanced run life, plus she made a couple more lunch runs than I did during the week), while I set off on a 6-mile (5 miles at 90 percent sprint pace) run with our Thursday night run group.
Friday: Where is the Aleve?? We don’t run at lunch. I am having trouble moving from sitting to standing. Friday night was worse. The pain in my legs woke me. It was bad. I am not sure if my next steps were right or wrong, but here is what happened.
I woke up Saturday morning. Rubbed my legs down the best I could and got ready to go 16 miles. Mile 1 was bad. I kept thinking that I hate the first mile and my legs would just loosen up once we got into the run.
Mile 2 we were looking up the turtle hill, which I got up with tears in my eyes, yelling at Christine (20 feet in front of me) to keep running because that is the purpose of running up the **** hill. She was standing and walking waiting for me to catch-up. I began pondering a do over on Sunday to give my legs another day. The little voice was very loud.
At Mile 3, I said something that made Christine and I both laugh. Christine said, “How are you doing?” My reply was “I just have to hang on until Mile 7 and then I will be alright.”
Confused? Mile 7 begins a nice only rolling hill portion of our 16-mile run. Plus we would be on a blacktop road and off the loose, snow covered, dirt roads, which weren’t the most inviting of road surface to keep a solid pace. I was already trying to play a mind game with myself. Our compromise was to let go of the pace and just get the 16 miles in. Christine should always be in charge of pace when I say “screw the pace.” Keep reading for why.
I asked her how long we were running at one point and got a very odd answer.
“I’ll tell you in about 5 minutes,” she said.
I was so tired and sore and confused, I said, “Just tell me how long we have been running!”
“Nearly 3 hours.”
Crap another hour.
Suddenly she said “13.1 miles right on pace.”
I told her to let go of the pace, I thought. My next thought was my legs were beyond tired, but we were hitting our pace goals.
“Hell yea! I can crush that target on fresh legs.” That’s just the confidence I needed that for the last 3 miles. It gave me a little more pep.
We finish with an overall pace of 13:54, when our pace goal was 13:44 minutes per mile.I have heard that running on tired legs is great training. I am not sure that I will do it again and we have moved our future Kate sessions to weeks when we are not running LONG miles.
But we did it.
For those of you who run alone, that’s amazing. I would have called it a day and tried again another day. But Christine was there.
I would not allow the little guy to win. Because it would have met him beating me and maybe her, too.
TO BE CONTINUED….
EDITOR’S NOTE: Watch Will Smith’s speech below (sorry about the stupid mix….I can’t find the original raw video, so…you’ll have to endure the “mix”):
I had to laugh when I read the article “Hell Week” by Kristina Pinto in the latest issue of Runner’s World magazine. The subhead below the headline read: “What happens when a runner-mother doesn’t get to exercise her demons?”
Um…unfortunately, I know and it is NOT pretty. (My husband and children would agree, no doubt).
I could relate to the article and I suspect and runner who’s ever had to take any sort of time off can relate to.
“…I couldn’t run with a sprained ankle. With a look of fear on his face, my husband quipped to our 4-year-old, ‘What will happen to us now that Mommy can’t run?’ He knows running keeps me sane…”
“We were taught that we could have a career and a family and a life outside both. But to make it all work, sometimes we need to run away. Out on the road, there are neither babies nor bosses tugging at our pant legs.”
Another favorite passage:
“The woman on the playground who uses phrases like ‘oopsy daisy’ spits and swears while running with friends. Pink running skirts are deceiving; there’s nothing pretty about the conversations held by running moms on long runs.”
The essay is worth a read & I’d absolutely link you to the article, but…of course…I can’t find it online anywhere, so you’ll need to pick up the March issue of Runner’s World magazine and read “Hell Week” on page 48.
