Multitasking to the extreme

This morning...

I ran a mile with my husband. To catch a Metro train.
We combined "couple time" with commuting with a workout.
(Multitasking takes on a whole new meaning with a 6 month old at home.)

PS
Lifting a 20-pound baby overhead, repeatedly, is waaaaay better than any Jillian Michaels workout. My biceps have never been bigger, and JM doesn't giggle with glee after a few reps.

Am I still a runner?

Last Sunday, I went for a 5 mile walk along the Mount Vernon bike path. The weather was gorgeous, but when Hubby and I pulled into the parking lot and I saw runner after runner glide by, I was suddenly hit by a wave of sadness.

I haven't run in weeks. I won't be able to run until Christmas.

The reason, of course, is an excellent one.
I'm training for a baby, not a race.

But still.
I miss running.
Terribly.

Some days I wonder if I can even still call myself a runner?

But sulking wouldn't solve anything, and walking is better than not moving forward at all. So I started walking.

And then, halfway through my walk, two women ran up to me and asked if I could take their picture. One handed over her phone while the other explained that they had just finished their first 10-miler.

High fives all around!

I asked what race they were training for. They told me they were going to run the Divas Half Marathon. I congratulated them both and wished them good luck on their race.

Just before they turned away to finish their cool-down, one of the women said: "And congratulations to you, too! Good for you for still run... er... walking."

"Thank you. I ran until 26 weeks, but my hips just can't take it anymore. I miss it!"
(What I didn't say was "And thank you for noticing that I am/was/am a runner, too! Even though I'm waddling... and I don't feel much like a runner these days...")

She congratulated me on getting that far.

And, for the first time in weeks...

I felt like a runner.
Even as I waddled.
I felt like a runner.

So. To the ladies who just finished their first 10-miler.
Congrats. Again.
And THANK YOU.

Running, by the numbers

Data and running and charts about racing...
... these are a few of my favorite things!
(Sung as though this were The Sound of Music)

Key findings:

• Either we're racing more, or there are more of us: Road racing finishers increased by 170% between 1991 and 2011 at a time when the U.S. population grew by only 20%.
• Despite early sell-out (or maybe because of it?) the number of marathons in the U.S. more than doubled between 2000 and 2011.
• There were more than 50,000 ultra-marathon finishers in 2011, but that still pales in comparison to the more than 500,000 marathon finishers.

Thanks to the Running Moron for the link, and RunningShoes.com for the infographic.

Summing up 2012 (because Miss Zippy asked)

Because Miss Zippy asked six questions summing up 2012 and MCM Mama's answers inspired me to reply... 


Best race experience?

The Gulf Shores Half Marathon might be the best half I've run. Ever.
I mean, really, how many races have parrots and Parrotheads at the water stops?

Best run?

The Blackwater Trail 10k ranks high on my "most memorable runs" list. I was nervous about racing in thick, swampy woods where it's easy to get lost, but once I got going, I had a great time.

My marker-spotting skills were sharp enough that I became the de-facto lead runner in our pack, and I was the only person in the first 2 waves of runners who didn't get stung by a swarm of bees.

Winning a $10 age group award didn't hurt, either.

Best new piece of gear?

Um... do new shoes count? I don't think I've purchased a single bit of running gear this year... Oh wait! My t-shirt from the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans half marathon is my favorite new piece of gear because when I wear it, I can tell the story about how I ran behind the sag wagon!

Best piece of running advice you received?

This year I gave more advice than I received, but a reader did stump me with a question about treadmill running... Her dilemma: feeling unstable and not running in a straight line on the 'mill.

I sent the question out into Facebookland and the Twitterverse, and readers responded with some excellent advice:

• Post a quote (or image) about six inches above eye level in front of the treadmill and focus on that. This works like using a visual focus point in yoga to keep you centered and balanced.
• Set the incline to a higher level and set the 'mill to a slow speed. It will feel more stable.

Most inspirational runner?

Meb Keflezighi's grace (both in physical form and in attitude) are an inspiration, and Alysia Montaño's Olympic quote is one that will stick with me for a long time...

Image source

“The flower is.. to me, means strength with femininity. I think that a lot of people say things like 'you run like a girl.' That doesn't mean that you have to run soft or you have to run dainty. It means that you're strong. We are the givers of life."
Alysia Montaño (after winning the women's 800 meter race to qualify for the 2012 US Olympic team)

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?

This was the year of "MORE."

I raced more, traveled more, and spent more time recovering from injury* than any other year since I started keeping records back in 2003...

I'm beginning to think 2013 should be the year of "more rest."
Hmm...
Then again, maybe not. There are races to run and places to see!

*Important note: "More" running did not cause "more" injury. I pulled my calf muscle while weight lifting.

How would you answer these questions?
(Answer in the comments section below, or write your own post and share the link in the comments section.)

You might be a runner if... (2012 holiday edition)

You might be a runner if...
(holiday edition)

• All you want for Christmas is... a pair of zero-drop shoes.
• When you pack for holiday travel, running clothes take up more space than all your other clothes combined.
• Santa confuses your wish list with a Runner's World gear guide.
• Some people spend December wrapping presents. You're wrapping up your racing season.
• Candy canes = Carbs.

• When you hear the Hanukkah story about the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days, you wonder what training plan it used to build up that kind of endurance.
• You wish someone would invent eggnog-flavored Gu.
• When someone asks if you'd like hot chocolate, you think they're asking for a 15k race report.
• The stocking you hang by the chimney is a compression sock.
• You decorate your Christmas tree with race medals.



Source: Uploaded by user via Meredith on Pinterest



• You avoid gaining weight over the holidays by run-streaking between Thanksgiving and the New Year.
• You don't fit in most winter knee-high boots because your calves are too big.
• On Festivus you know you've got "feats of strength" covered, but your "airing of grievances" issues all relate to plantar fasciitis and IT band problems.
• You can eat your weight in Christmas cookies after a long run.
• Your yes or no RSVP to a holiday party depends on whether or not you have a race the following morning.
• At holiday parties, your idea of "small talk" involves fartleks. (And you wonder why people shy away...)
• You prefer cowbells to jingle bells.
• Santa tried to recruit you for this year's sleigh team because he saw you running at night... wearing a blinking red light.
• You don't need New Year's Resolutions. You have a 2013 race schedule and training plan.

What would you add to this list?


See the running jokes page for more "You might be a runner" jokes.

More races should...

I just signed up for a half marathon (USATF certified course) that wow-ed me with a couple of features:

Cost: Only $25 (For non-members of the running club. Members get an extra discount.)
In an era when Runner's World has entire articles devoted to justifying the sky-high cost of mega-marathons, it's good to know that there are still plenty of races left that don't cost a week's worth of minimum-wage work.

Goodies: Just the basics.
The entry fee covers the cost of the race, food, and a t-shirt.
In fact, a "no t-shirt" option saves runners another $5. So, I only paid $20 for this half, and that price is available to everyone. I did not get any blogger-review behind-the-scenes discounts. (At only $20 who needs a discount?!)

Starting time: 8:30am
Oh my god I don't need to wake up at 4 in the morning to race!
What a novel concept!
I think I'm in love!

Awards: No finisher medals.
There are awards for the fleetest three men and women. That's it.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I really do love back-to-the-basics races that focus on a good run and a good meal afterward. Skipping the bling helps to keep the cost down, and I don't keep race medals anyway...

Now, granted, I haven't run the race yet. It might be a total mess. But I suspect that the running club in charge knows what they're doing. This race has a no-frills focus on running.

In my humble opinion, more races should follow this lead.

Pin bib. Run. Check finish time. Eat. Done.

Halelujah.


Do you run for the bling?
Or do you prefer the no-frills alternatives?

Postcards from Tallahassee

Last week I spent 36 hours in Tallahassee. I was invited to guest lecture and was in town long enough to enjoy a run, a lovely dinner, and a stroll around downtown. On the way home Hubby and I stopped at Torreya State Park for a hike and trail run, but that's another story for another time...

For now, here's your postcard from Tallahassee:
(It's just coincidence that my state capitol postcard arrives on Election Day, but it's a happy coincidence nonetheless.)

First things first... I've been in Tallahassee before, and my last trip centered around the Florida State University campus and capitol buildings. With little time to research alternate running options before my trip, I caved and asked the hotel front desk clerk to suggest a 3-ish mile route that didn't go through campus. (For the record: Hotel staff know the area and are used to questions from out-of-town runners, so they're usually a wonderful runners' resource.)

Unfortunately it's obvious that the clerk in question had never run a step in his life. He recommended that I run up Monroe St from Park to Lake Ella. To his credit, the route was almost exactly three miles. To his discredit, the entire route followed a bustling main street with numerous busy intersections. I spent most of my time sucking in fumes from passing cars and trying not to get hit while crossing the road...

The view along Monroe St. in Tallahassee

I wouldn't run a road like Monroe in my own hometown. I certainly would not recommend it to out-of-towners, especially when better scenery was only a few blocks away.

Fortunately things improved once I arrive at Lake Ella, a picturesque little park, surrounded by a paved trail.

Sign at the entrance to Lake Ella

  Unfortunately views across the lake accounted for less than half a mile of my 3+ mile route.

Egret looking over Lake Ella

But let's get back to the "better scenery" part of my commentary...

Nestled in the heart of Tallahassee is a thoroughfare known as Park Ave. This divided road is bisected by a "chain of parks." For runners who have the patience to wait for traffic signals, the scenery is pretty and the route is well shaded by overhanging live oaks.

One park in the Chain of Parks

The park at Park Ave and Monroe is home to a Saturday morning market with art, crafts, pastries, and some produce. (From what I understand, the true farmers market can be found at Market Square, also on Saturday mornings...)

Park Ave market

This neighborhood is also home to the state capitol, both the historic capitol and all of the functional administrative buildings.

Florida historic capitol building

The scenery and running options here are much better than the route I took the day before!

Dolphins in front of the Florida State Capitol

The streets, at least on a Saturday morning, are virtually silent, and a runner can enjoy an uninterrupted loop past historic architecture, community parks, and public art.

Oak poem and mural at one city park

Public art at Burnette Park

In fact, my only quibble is that the neighborhood might have been too quiet... I'm an unabashed fan of urban running. Part of the allure is passing shops and restaurants, dodging the hustle-and-bustle of crowded sidewalks, and giving the occasional nod to another runner.

The Tallahassee capitol area, however, is a virtual ghost town on Saturday mornings. (Unless you're waiting in line to vote at the Leon County Courthouse... Now there was a crowd!)

There are two ways to look at these long-voting-lines photos, I suppose. One perspective says:
"Oh my god. Look at those lines. How unfair."
The other says:
"Oh my god. Look at those lines. How awesome that so many people care enough to vote."
I suppose I believe both.

Either way...

Happy Election Day, y'all!

Postcards from Rhode Island

(Belated) greetings from Rhode Island!

All I'm going to say is thank goodness my family visit was last weekend. As a Florida resident, I have zero interest in spending my vacation time hunkered down during a hurricane. (Hope ya'll are safe and dry after Sandy!)

My family is outdoorsy (and you wondered where I got it from?), so we spent most of my visit hiking our way through some spectacular autumn scenery. (I really did get the luck of the devil with my travel planning - caught all of the foliage fireworks, and none of the storm surge.)

View of autumn color at Barden Reservoir

Now I'm going to take you on a loop around Barden Reservoir in Scituate, RI. This is an easy hike on gravel roads and a small stretch of paved roadway.

Hike on gravel roads around Barden Reservoir

Many pages of google search resulted in no maps of this hike/trail run, so I'm going to give you directions Rhode Island style (based on landmarks and road names).

Start on Hemlock Road, just west of the intersection with Ponagansett Rd. There are a few places to park off the road near reservoir dam and waterfall.

Waterfall over the dam at Barden Reservoir

Head back toward Ponagansett Rd and turn left. Stay to the left, and turn left at each roadway intersection for a complete circuit of the reservoir. (Left onto Ponagansett. Left onto Central Pike. Left onto King Randal Rd. Left onto Hemlock.)

A small section of the route traverses paved Central Pike. Stay to the left on this stretch as cars travel quickly on this section of road, but pause to admire the views out over the reservoir.

View from Central Pike

New England farmsteads are rocky places. Most farmers, during colonial times, cleared rocks from their land and piled them up in free-form stone walls between sections of their farm and along property lines.

Despite hundreds of years of wear and tear, these stone walls still crisscross the woods throughout New England.

In addition to the historic stone walls, a hiker often stumbles across tombstones on a typical trek in southern New England.

Historic New England cemeteries are a bit different than cemeteries in many other states in that they were often family plots, on local farms or homesteads, and not in a church yard.

Early Puritans rejected churchyard burials as they rebelled against other "papist" practices, as heretical and idolatrous. Instead, many 17th century New England towns set aside land as common community burial grounds.
Source: National Park Service

Tombstones in one of many historic graveyards near Barden Reservoir

Lichen and leaves in one of the historic graveyards

On this hike there is ample evidence that nature reclaims most of what humans can build...

Tree is slowly growing over a traffic sign

View over Barden Reservoir near the end of the hike

View of autumn foliage reflected in marsh near Barden Reservoir

  And while we did not see much wildlife on this trek, we did see this little guy...

Caterpillar. Anyone know what type he is?

And no New England autumn hike is complete without some fresh-from-the-farm apples.

Winesap apples, an absolutely delicious heirloom variety.

What's your favorite autumn hike?

Behind the scenes at a 10k (interview with a race director)

Eric and son after the 2012 Mardi Gras Mambo 10k

Do you daydream about quitting your day job to work in the athletic industry? Maybe the lure of being a race director tempts you when you're tired at the end of a long work week?

If you've ever wondered what it's like to organize a race, this interview is for you.

Eric Engemann is Vice President of Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation and Race Director of the Amedisys Mardi Gras Mambo 10k. Eric took some time out of his busy schedule to answer my questions so readers can get a sense of what it's like to run a race (pun intended).

Beth: When did the Mardi Gras Mambo 10k get its start?
Eric: The Mardi Gras Mambo 10k started in 1999 after our local newspaper suspended what was once the Great River Road Run 10k here in Baton Rouge. Our organization, with the help of our local running club and race partner, Club South Runners, looked to fill that void with the Mambo.

Beth: What other races/events does BRASF organize during the year?
Eric: We help support about 75 different sports events in Baton Rouge annually but we are solely responsible for the Mambo, the Battlefield Cross Country Festival which is a high school/middle school cross country event and a flag football tournament series that we are just starting this year. We also serve as the volunteer coordinator for the Louisiana Marathon, which is in its second year coming up in January.

2012 Mardi Gras Mambo 10k

Beth: How long have you been working in the athletic event industry?
Eric: My athletic industry career started in college athletics at LSU, University of Kentucky and the University of Wisconsin. I started working on runs when I was at UW with the Crazy Legs Classic (8k run, over 18,000 participants) and loved it. I started here with BRASF in 2007 and got the opportunity to work on and eventually direct the Mambo as well as a number of other Baton Rouge area running events.

Beth: How did you get started?
Eric: Volunteering got me started in running events; I wanted to learn as much as I could so I grabbed a race calendar and just started showing up to learn as much as I could – those early days paid off a ton.

Beth: How far in advance do you start planning an event like a 10k?
Eric: We generally start in June for a February race but that start date is getting pushed back further and further the larger the race gets!

Beth: How many staff and how many volunteers do you need for a 5k or 10k race?
Eric: We will have four staff members and about 40-50 volunteers on site for our 10k of about 2,000 runners. Some advancements have allowed us to use less volunteers and a number of our sponsors now bring large contingents of their employees to help out in different ways as well.

Beth: What is the hardest part of organizing a race?
Eric: Definitely race week – there’s so much that has to be done in such a short time frame that it wears on you mentally more than anything.

Beth: What is your favorite part of organizing a race?
Eric: Everything else! Honestly it is a lot of fun when you can facilitate a race where people can participate for a fair price, get some great stuff, run a fun course at a distance they may not tackle very often, and help them meet a fitness or distance milestone that they have been shooting for. That’s the “good stuff” as they say…

2012 Mardi Gras Mambo 10k

Beth: What is the strangest complaint (or compliment) you've ever received from a participant?
Eric: I'm not sure if this is a complaint or compliment but we traditionally announce the age group winners oldest to youngest – we like everyone to recognize those older ladies and gentlemen who can still go fast! And I think they appreciate the recognition.

Beth: ... after reading this, I know exactly what my "retirement career" will be. Until then, I have a couple of decades of volunteering and daydreaming to do. Thanks, Eric!

Readers:
What's your "dream job?"
What else would you like to know about being a race director?

Postcards from Williamsburg

Greetings from colonial Williamsburg, VA!

The term bucolic is almost (but not quite) right in characterizing Williamsburg. After all, the colony was more city than rural (at least for its time). But with sheep grazing alongside homes, "bucolic" will have to suffice.

View into colonial Williamsburg across a pond

The architecture is quaint, and the streets are wide, well-shaded, and runner-friendly even when throngs of tourists are touring.

One of the main boulevards in colonial Williamsburg

The governor's palace

Shady paths are runner friendly

Unfortunately, while most of the trees are oaks, black walnuts are also native to the area. One tree tried to bludgeon me with a softball-sized missile.

The walnut landed a few feet from where I was running on the trail.
(Score one for being just a little slow that day?)

Black walnut (still in outer hull) that tried to knock me unconscious

Livestock was crucial to colonial life, and still play a starring role in today's tourist-oriented recreation of Williamsburg. Horse-drawn carts ferry tourists to and fro. Oxen roam the streets with their handler. Sheep and cows graze in pastures between homes.

Yoked oxen

Horse drawn carts ferry tourists through the town

The cart drivers are in period costume

And it's not only animals who go to work in colonial Williamsburg each day. The town includes a bevy of period reenactments including a fully-functional brick yard, a blacksmith shop, wood-working shops, etc...

Brick yard, with piles of oyster shells, sand, clay, and bricks in various stages of completion

Blacksmith shop

Baker shaping loaves of bread for baking

Baking loaves of bread in an outdoor oven

Not to be outdone by the historical reenactments, modern-day archaeologists spend their afternoons digging up bits of the past.

Archaeologists at work...

People in period costumes relaxing in the shade

For what it's worth, this was not a town that took punishment lightly.

Like most British towns from the 1500s - mid-1700s, Williamsburg had a working stockade. And used it.

Stockade in the town center

My shadow, waving goodbye to Williamsburg, on my last run

Have you ever been to Williamsburg?
Are you a fan of historical re-creation tourist destinations?