Winter-Proof Your Workouts
If you're one of those people who continue to run outside despite cold temperatures, blustery wind, and even snowy roads, you've probably heard more than once, "Why would you run outside in this weather?" Or, you may be the person asking that question.
Even if you're new to running, there are ways that you can "train your brain" to run straight through the winter months. Try some of these ideas:
Run with a group or a buddy. Find a local running group or recruit a friend to run with you. Knowing that someone is waiting for you will help motivate you to do those chilly runs.
Get the right clothes. Wearing running clothes that are right for cold weather running makes a huge difference in your comfort and motivation levels. Even though winter running clothes are not cheap, a few quality pieces are worth the investment.
Be prepared to run or workout indoors. Sometimes it's just not safe to run outside when it's extremely cold or very icy. But if you miss a few runs because of bad weather, it's very tempting to then just give it up completely during the winter. Keep up your exercise habit by running on a treadmill or doing other indoor workouts.
Sign up for races. Doing road races throughout the winter is a great way to guarantee you'll a) keep motivated to stay in shape and b) run outside, at least occasionally (for the races).
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Gifts for Runners
Around this time last year, I was eagerly awaiting the birth of my son. Because he was due a week before Christmas, I made every effort to get all my holiday shopping done in November. By the time he was born on December 15, I had everything bought and wrapped, so I was able to focus on our newborn during the week before Christmas. I was pretty stress-free and relaxed (despite being sleep-deprived) during that time and, as a result, I promised myself I would do the same thing this year, even though we're not expecting another baby.
How's it going so far? Well, to be honest, I haven't started yet. But I'm beginning to make lists and plan to go shopping this weekend. If you're also hoping to get a jump on your holiday shopping or you're looking for ideas for your own wish lists, check out these gift ideas for runners.
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Find a Turkey Trot
My husband and I are both runners, but we rarely run the same races these days. We have two small children so, when one of us runs a race, the other one is on cheerleading duty with the kids. I'm really excited because this year it's my turn to run our local Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. (My husband gets to do the Santa Run in December.)
I love starting out Thanksgiving with a race because it helps me feel less guilty when I'm reaching for the stuffing or pecan pie later that day. Turkey trots, which are usually 5K or 5-mile fun runs, are a great way to burn some calories before you start feasting. They're also a fun, healthy Thanksgiving Day activity for the whole family, as some communities even offer "tot trots" for younger kids. Search Active.com's Turkey Trot listings to find one near you.
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Celebrate World Run Day
Runners around the world are getting ready the annual World Run Day tomorrow. More than 1,600 charity runners across the U.S. are already registered to participate in the event, which asks runners to celebrate running and donate to a local charity. Many participants will choose their own course to run for the day, while others will participate in World Run Day group events, held from San Francisco to New York City.
Now in its 11th year, World Run Day has raised money for over 1,000 charities in the United States alone. Runners can decide which charity they want their donations to benefit. It's not too late to participate in World Run Day -- check out the World Run Day site to find out about group events or how to run on your own.
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Don't Forget the Hand Sanitizer
Runners who frequently participate in races have come to expect the standard race T-shirt, mini-energy bars, or pain reliever samples in their race goody bags. But if you're doing a race in the next few months, don't be surprised if you also find a bottle of hand sanitizer in there.
Fearing H1N1, as well as the regular flu and colds, some race organizers are taking precautions to prevent the spread of germs among runners. Participants in Sunday's New York City Marathon received a small bottle of hand sanitizer when they picked up their race packets and were cautioned to not run the race if they had flu symptoms. They were also reminded to be vigilant about washing their hands and getting rest after the marathon, since their immune systems may be compromised for up to three days after.
Even if you don't get a free bottle of hand sanitizer, it's always a good idea to bring your own and use it before and after your race -- especially if you're planning on giving race spectators lots of high-fives along the way.
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Marathons Are Not Just for the Swift
A recent article in the New York Times last has created a huge debate in the running community about whether slower runners and walkers should participate in marathons. Should the 26.2-mile race be reserved for those who can run the entire distance at a fast clip? The article states that some "purists" believe that, "Slow runners have disrespected the distance...and have ruined the marathon's mystique." The "stragglers" force race directors to keep the course open longer, which can make the race more expensive to organize.
In the interest of full disclosure, I ran my last marathon in 3:20, so I can't claim to know how it feels to be a back-of-the-packer. But I definitely don't agree with the elitist views of those faster runners who want to keep the marathon all to themselves. I get excited when I hear about the growing number of people taking on the marathon challenge. And with the huge obesity problem that we have in the U.S., I can't really imagine why anyone would want to criticize or discourage people who are actually getting off the couch and moving. Who cares how fast they're going?
I was at the New York City marathon on Sunday and watched in awe as the elite men and women passed by, running at incredible paces and still looking so relaxed and graceful. But I was equally as inspired and impressed many hours later when the back-of-the-packers made their way into Central Park for the last two miles. The huge crowds had left, the sun was setting, and the water stops were being broken down. Yet these troopers -- many of them proudly displaying their ages (some in their 70s!) or the words "Cancer Survivor" on their shirts -- still fiercely and proudly plodded along.
Mary Wittenberg, CEO of the New York Road Runners and the race director for the New York City marathon, wrote a thoughtful response to the New York Times article. I think this quote sums up her points best:
"A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day's effort, be it fast or slow."
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Big Day in New York City
U.S. marathoner Meb Keflezighi ended a long drought as he became the first American man since 1982 to win the New York City marathon yesterday. Pulling away from a very strong field in the 24th mile, Keflezighi, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist, won the race with a personal-best time of 2:09:15.
In the women's race, Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia won with a time of 2:28:52. Three-time NYC Marathon champion Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain struggled with a leg injury and faded to fourth place.
Among the more than 43,000 runners who started the race were some celebrities - including music stars, television and film actors, and sports legends. Oscar-nominated actor Ed Norton, who ran in support of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, finished in 3:48. His fellow Team Maasai member and Grammy-award-winning singer Alanis Morissette crossed in 4:28.
Other celebrities who made the 26.2-mile journey through New York's five boroughs included: former ER star Anthony Edwards (4:08), Olympic speed skater Dan Jansen (3:41), and NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine (4:27).
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Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Stay Safe When Running in the Dark
Now that we've turned the clocks back, we have limited hours of daylight in the evening. If you have to run in the dark, make sure to follow these safety tips.
Always run against traffic. It's easier to avoid cars if you can see them coming. Avoid busy roads and those with no shoulders or sidewalks.
Be visible. If you're running in the early morning or at night, even at dusk, wear white, yellow, or orange clothes. Also, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn't hurt to add more. A headlamp is also a great item for runners who do a lot of early morning or evening runs.
Run with a buddy. There's strength and safety in numbers. If possible, try to never run alone. If you're running alone, let someone know the route you're running and approximately how long you will be out.
Get more tips for running in the dark.
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The "Real" Rules of Running
Aside from the physical challenges, running can sometimes feel overwhelming to a beginner because of the many rules associated with the sport. I don't mean the rules posted on a sign at your local track or listed on a road race application. I mean those unstated rules -- the real running rules -- that you sort of discover by accident. They're often passed on from one runner to another, and include advice such, "Don't wear the giveaway race T-shirt during the actual race" and "You don't have to jog in place at red lights." They're the kind of things that may distinguish newbies from more experienced runners.
Well, you don't have to be part of some secret, exclusive running club to discover those unspoken rules of running. Now, runners can find all these "rules" in one place. The Runner's Rule Book provides answers to runners' burning questions about etiquette, lingo, gear and behavior. From the practical ("Have a mantra") to the humorous ("When elastic is gone, man, it is gone") to the introspective ("Run the mile you're in"), the book covers more than 100 unspoken rules of running.
I have a lot of running books on my shelves and this is one book that I know I'll keep referring to, for both information and a good laugh. If you're looking for holiday gift ideas for yourself or other runners in your life, it's a good book to add to your lists.
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Rain Won't Ruin Your Marathon
A lot of runners I know are running the New York City Marathon this Sunday and they've been constantly checking the forecast on weather.com. Right now, they're calling for rain, which has a lot of them totally freaking out. While it's not perfect marathon weather, a cool, rainy day definitely beats a sunny, warm one. Once you're running, you won't even notice the rain anymore. But here are tips to help keep you as comfortable as possible:
Dress in layers. If it's cold and rainy, you may need to wear a couple of layers. The most important layer is the one closest to your body. Make sure it's a technical fabric (not cotton), which will wick water and sweat away from your skin. Your outer layer (if necessary) should be a wind- and water-resistant jacket or vest.
But don't overdress. This is one the biggest mistakes runners make during rainy runs. Wearing more layers will not keep you dry. Unless you're running with an umbrella over your head, you will definitely get wet. If you have tons of layers on, you'll just be wearing more wet, heavy clothes. Dress for the temperature, as if it were a dry day.
Use a garbage bag. When you're waiting at the starting line, a big trash bag with armholes and a neck hole cut out can help you stay dry. You can take it off and throw it to the side once you get moving.
Wear a hat. A hat with a brim can be your best friend during a rainy run. It will keep the rain off your face.
Wear old running shoes and socks to the start. When waiting at the start, keep your race shoes and socks in a plastic bag to keep them dry. You can check your old shoes in your gear check bag, and put on your race shoes and socks right before you head to the starting line. If it has stopped raining by then, you'll be able to run the race in dry shoes and socks.
Prevent chafing. Spread Body Glide or Vaseline on parts of your body where you would normally chafe or get blisters -- such as your feet, inner thighs, underarms, sports bra lines (women), and nipples (men). (This is good advice for marathon running whether it's raining or not!)
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