Monday Motivation.

I read a sentence the other day that just hit me, and stayed with me, the way some things do sometimes.

"Why not choose to do everything you do with joy and enthusiasm?" 

Huh. I mean, really. Why not? Why not choose to do that? The way you live your life, the attitude that you have, those are both your choice, right? Right.

And if you choose to do everything you do with joy and enthusiasm, it makes sense that everything you do will be more enjoyable. More joyful.

At least I think so.

No, I don't think so. I believe it.

Sure, it is tough to always be enthusiastic about some things. I get it. But, if you choose it, you'll be more likely to get it.

So this week -- why not choose it? Choose to do everything you do with joy and enthusiasm. You'll feel better. Give it a shot :-)

Have a great week, everyone!

* The quote is from The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

What do you #RUNFOR?

Running. We do it for all sorts of reasons. And, at different times in our lives, we probably run for different reasons -- some more inspirational than others but, I'd say, all of them real and meaningful to the runners they belong to.

DICK'S Sporting Goods has tapped into the inspirational end of why runners run. Their #RUNFOR campaign shares truly inspirational stories about how running has impacted individual runner's lives.

One standout is the story of Alicia Shay. You may have heard a little of her story at some point. Her husband, Ryan Shay, was a promising long-distance runner who died during the US Olympic marathon trials in 2007. It was terrible -- he had a massive heart attack a few miles into the race and died.

He left behind his wife, Alicia, who is also a runner. She turned to running to work through her grief after her husband died -- eventually starting "Shay Hostel," a communal space where runners live and train. Now, DICK'S is sharing her story.

Check it out:






They have other short films, too, including one about Team Hoyt, which I also recommend you check out.

These kinds of stories can surely do wonders to motivate you on days when you don't feel like lacing up your running shoes, or when you're feeling a little out of sorts. Watch one of the #RUNFOR stories and you'll probably feel pretty grateful for what you have and you'll likely be motivated to get out there and run -- whatever your reason!!

Run on, friends!

Disclaimer: I am not associated with this campaign -- I was sent information about it and decided it was worth sharing.

Don't quit.

Me? I think this is some pretty good advice:

 

Could be a good mantra for 2014 . . . don't you think?

 

November recap.

November was a decent month for me. I ran fairly consistently, although I did have a few glitches in the schedule when my hip injury flared up and when I had to lay low because of some nasty headaches.

I haven't been running all that fast or all that long. Instead, I've kept most of my runs to an easy pace and my distance has topped out at about 6-7 miles. That's right where I want to be now. I'm pleased. At some point, though, I need to get serious again and start thinking about what I want to do in 2014.

Those lyrics give me the racing itch!

Spring marathon? Fall marathon? Neither? Both? And what about those trusty half marathons? And my beloved 5Ks?

I have questions to answer. And time to do it.

Until I do, here's a look at my November:

November stats:

Running (miles): 76.7
Races: none!

Welcome, December! I'm looking forward to more easy miles and maybe, just maybe, a low-key race or two.

Have a great week, everyone!

Starting to train.

I haven't technically started training for the More/Fitness half marathon in April, but I have been working on my plan. One of the things I've been thinking about is what finish time I would like to target. I've been putting times into various calculators and getting projected times spit out to me.

It has stressed me out.

So I'm scrapping the time goal for right now. Instead, I am going to follow some sage advice, from someone who obviously knows his stuff:

I'm keeping things simple.

I'm developing a plan that I know I will adapt as my training cycle progresses. I'm going to hold off on targeting a finish time until I'm actually far enough along in my training to know how fast I can run.

I'm not thinking about the finish line just yet. There will be plenty of time for that!

When do you decide on target finish times for your big races?

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Felice

Re-energize your running!

No kidding around: The winter doldrums can hit even the most motivated runners and cause energy levels to sag. 

It happens. The days are cold. The sun sets early. There's a ton of stuff to be done. Running might become a little flat.

If you feel like a saggy runner these days, I have some tips to help you break out of your slump. Read on . . . and then run on!

Re-energizing tip #1: READ!

A sure way to break out of a slump and re-energize your running is to read about the running exploits of others. Reading about how runners overcome adversity, manage to train for multiple marathons in a year, or find beauty in their daily 3-milers can be inspiring.

Ultra Marathon Man
by Dean Karnazes

For some, the over-the-top stories of ultrarunners like Dean Karnazes or Marshall Ulrich are just what they need to read to help them get out the door on days when their energy is flagging. 

For others, the observations of local runners dealing with the day-to-day challenges of regular runners everywhere are more motivating.

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, there are many resources for reading about running and runners. Start with these:

Strides
by Benjamin Cheever

• Search your local library or bookstore to find books on running and runners. In addition to the two runners mentioned above, some authors to consider include Bart Yasso, Benjamin Cheever, John Brant and Christopher McDougall. 

• Chances are, there are some inspiring local running bloggers in your city or town. Search for them online or contact your local running club and ask if they know of local running blogs. You might learn some new things about your local running community! 

• Magazines such as Runners World, Running Times, Trail Runner, Women's Running and UltraRunning all have an online presence where you can check them out and subscribe to the print versions.

Re-energizing tip #2: RACE!

If you put racing on-hold during the dark days of winter, you are missing out! One of the best ways to stay motivated and keep your energy levels up is to race because races force you to get outside -- and sometimes just running outside is all it takes to make you feel more energetic. The faster running can shake up your routine and put a little spring in your step as well. 

My local running club puts on a winter series of races that are incredibly low-key affairs. They are good opportunities to get in (supported) long runs, without having to worry about any of the hoopla that can surround bigger in-season races. Check out your local club to find some races for yourself -- or, plan a destination race that gets your running someplace else. A nice option for those of you who live in the colder climates (like me!).

Re-energizing tip #3: DATE!

Date? Yup, date. 

My third re-energizing tip is to make running dates with people you don't normally run with. Maybe someone faster than you or someone slower, or that running friend you haven't seen in ages . . . doesn't matter who it is, just make a date and run. If you usually run alone, just running with someone will be a treat! Try it out!

Do you have a go-to tactic for re-energizing your running
when you feel a slump coming on?

Thanks for stopping by ~ and happy running!

~ Felice

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Friday running motivation.

My advice for you this weekend -- as you head out for your long run, easy run, or you line up for your race -- is this:

Have a great weekend, everyone!

~ Felice

Lessons from Danell Leyva.

Last night, I watched the Olympics men's gymnastics individual all-around finals and I was struck by something that I am 100% going to strive to apply to my running.

Danell Leyva rocked out on his floor routine at the start of the competition. One rotation later, he had to tackle the pommel horse. 

Unfortunately, it was more like the pommel horse tackled him. 

He had a poor routine that garnered a low score. It looked like he was out of the run for a medal. He was so low in the standings. He had to feel defeated.

He did not give up.

Somehow, someway, he shook off his "catastrophic" pommel horse routine and moved on, scoring well in each of the following rotations and moving up to claim the bronze medal.

He went from a low-low to the high of being an Olympic medalist!

Believe me, I know I'm not ever going to win an Olympic medal. But I still can learn from Danell. And, I bet, so can you.

He did not give up.

How bad must it have appeared after that pommel horse routine? How horrible must he have felt? How many doubts about himself must he have had?

Plenty bad. Plenty horrible. Plenty doubts.

I'm just guessing.

He did not give up.

So what did I learn from Danell? Well, if a 20-year-old can find a way not to crumble under pressure after almost certain failure, then I -- you know, with all the worldly wisdom that comes with age and motherhood -- should not crumble after one lousy race, one lousy run, or one lousy mile.

There is no reason to let past mistakes lead to future failures. A lousy run doesn't mean I've lost my endurance. A lousy mile repeat doesn't mean I've lost my speed. A lousy race doesn't mean my PRs are all behind me.

If I trust my training and trust my abilities, I can rise above poor performances and keep on going. 

In other words, I will not give up.

I've been feeling off ever since my crummy performance at the Boilermaker in early July. August will be my month to shake off that feeling and focus on my training and upcoming races. The Boilermaker will be forgotten.

Have you had to work hard to move on after lousy races? What worked best for you?

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Felice

Marathon tips Monday: Melissa.

After a one week break, I'm back with Marathon tips Monday!

Today's tips come from one of my training partners for the New Jersey Marathon, Melissa. Melissa inspires me with her ability to run fast while pushing her 2.5 year-old daughter, Mia, in the jogging stroller. I can barely break 10 minute miles while pushing my son in that thing, but Melissa? Well, she puts me to shame. She's speedy -- in fact, she recently ran a 34-minute 4-mile race while pushing her daughter! 

Melissa crossing the finish line of her second marathon in the month of May, alongside her daughter, Mia.

Not only does this 33-year-old mother-of-one (and wife of Joe, who also runs) run fast while pushing her daughter in the stroller, she knows a thing or two about marathons. So, let's check out today's tips from Melissa:

How many marathons have you run?

6 attempted, 5 completed (2 in the month of May!)

Two marathons in one month . . . I'm always amazed when I think about that! What was your favorite marathon?

New York City, it’s like one big party the whole way. The crowds are amazing.

And what is your marathon PR?

4:23:59

What is your favorite part of marathon training?

The long runs. During my last training cycle I did my long runs with a group of amazing women (including the Happy Runner). In the past I have done my long runs by myself for the most part and always dreaded them. This time I found myself looking forward to them every week.

I felt the same way! Loved the long runs this spring. So, what is your least favorite part of training?

Probably trying to balance training with the rest of life, but I love it so with the support of my wonderful family I am able to do it.

How long do you typically train for a marathon?

I have always followed 16-18 week training plans and I run 5 days a week.

What advice would you give to runners setting out to train for their first marathon?

Ha ha!! I have a lot of good advice that I should learn to follow.

Don’t start out too fast and run your own race. I went into the New Jersey Marathon with the goal of breaking 4 hours and I knew exactly what pace I needed to maintain to get there, I even made a pace band. Instead I let myself get caught up in the race day excitement and took off like a maniac. I ran the first half with a pace 30 seconds per mile faster than I should have. I felt great and was mentally thinking how I was not only going to break 4 hours I was going to crush it. Then at around mile 16 I started falling apart. I hadn’t trained to run a marathon that fast, I should have stuck to my plan. I ended up with a 10 minute PR at 4:23:59 but I was disappointed because I knew I could have done better if I stuck with my plan. I’m still extremely proud of that race and I learned a lot from it.

What race are you training for now?

My next race is the Utica Boilermaker a 15K on July 8th. I feel like I am in good shape from just coming off a marathon training cycle so I am going to focus the next few weeks on recovery and maintaining that. After that I will be running the Hudson Mohawk Marathon in October and finally getting that sub 4 hour marathon!

I bet you'll get that sub-4 in October, for sure! Aside from running a sub-4 marathon, do you have a "dream marathon" on your list that you'd love to run some day?

There are several marathons on my dream list. One is the Big Sur Marathon in Big Sur, CA, I have seen photos of this race and it’s a beautiful course. The views are spectacular. I hope to run it in the next few years. Another one on my list is the San Diego Marathon. I had just signed up for it in 2009 and begun the first few weeks of training when I found out I was pregnant with Mia. I decided not to run it since I didn’t know how my body would handle pregnancy and running let alone attempting a marathon, plus I didn’t want to spend the money on travel across country for a race I most likely could not put my all into. I would also like to participate in a Run Disney race, either the Walt Disney World Marathon or the Disney Princess Half. They look like such fun races!

*     *     *

Awesome, Melissa! That was wise to beg off the San Diego Marathon to see how your body would handle running while pregnant. I hope you get to run San Diego someday! And, thanks for sharing your marathon advice.

You can read more from Melissa at her blog: miasmommyruns.blogspot.com. 

Or, if you have any questions you'd like to ask Melissa about her marathon experience, leave a comment and I'll pass them along!

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Felice

PS: If you would like to be featured on Marathon Tips Monday, send me an email at felicehalf at yahoo dot com.

Mental running lessons.

This weekend, I re-learned a running lesson.

I had a long run set up with my friend, Rebecca. Because of timing, we had to meet at 8:30 and needed to be done 10. My schedule called for 10 miles on Saturday but, as we were figuring out the plan to meet for the run, I decided to scratch that. Sure, I wanted to run 10 but that meant we'd have to hit the path right at 8:30 and run 9 minute miles the whole 10 miles.

I didn't think that would happen.

And then Rebecca wrote that she wanted to run 10 -- or maybe even 11 -- miles at an 8:30/9:00 min/mile pace.

Oh.

Stop sand-bagging, Happy Runner. You can so easily run at that pace. Didn't you run a half marathon at 8:15 pace and an entire marathon at 9:00 pace? So, 10 miles at 9 min/mile? You can totally do that.


Yes, I could.

So I agreed to meet Rebecca and we'd bang out 10 miles at an 8:45-ish pace.

And that's almost what we did.

Rebecca was delayed getting to our meeting spot (darn one way streets!) so we didn't get to start right at 8:30. Since we got off a little late, we decided to run 9 miles. We settled immediately into an 8:45 pace and kept it going as we chatted and chatted for the first 4+ miles. We turned around at 4.5 miles and continued to run strong. About 7 or so miles into our run, Rebecca needed to make a pit stop. She told me to keep going (because she knew I needed to be back at my car by 10) so I did.

Here's the thing: I started our run feeling cruddy. My breathing was crap and I couldn't get into a good rhythm for the longest time. The whole first 4 miles, I wanted to stop. If I hadn't been running with Rebecca, I would've slowed down or maybe even cut the run short.

And then, after 7 miles at a good clip, I had to finish the run alone.

Photo from my friend, Amanda. Lonely stretch of road --
that's what the last two miles of Saturday's run felt like in my mind.

For a second, I felt my body slow. Just take it easy. Slow down. Why do you want to run so fast, anyway? 


For a second, I entertained those thoughts. And then I silenced them.

So what if I was now running alone? I can push myself. I am a strong runner. This run would make me an even stronger runner.

I reminded myself that I have run much faster than this for much longer. Then I reminded myself that discomfort in training runs leads to better races. I focused on my breathing  -- in, in, out, out, in, in, out, out -- and on how strong I was truly feeling (brain fatigue aside). I did a posture check.


I picked the pace back up and told myself there was no way I was finishing this strong run with two weak miles.

I finished with 9.05 miles at 8:43 pace.

And felt great!

Now, what of that running lesson that I re-learned?

Source: fuckyeahfitspo.tumblr.com via Felice on Pinterest

Source: erica-sara.blogspot.com via Felice on Pinterest

The lesson I re-learned is that running is one heck of a mental activity. Your legs might be propelling you forward but if your brain isn't thinking the right thoughts, you aren't going to go as far or as fast as you'd like.

Your brain is in control. And, sometimes, it is going to want to stop.


I am working on getting my brain in the game.


Saturday was a success. I overruled the part of my brain that didn't want to run at the 8:45 pace and then I overruled the part that wanted to slow down 7 miles in to the run. I ended up with a great run. I've done it before, I will do it again. It is a running lesson to learn over and over and over.  


To make this easier, I've put together a short list of awesome training runs and races that I can look back on when I'm hitting a rough patch in a run and my brain wants me to slow down or stop. It may seem like a dorky thing to do, but just writing those performances down gives them more life and -- I hope -- will make them a more powerful tool against the "slow-down" brain.

So there you have it. My running lesson re-learned and my tip for overriding your brain.

Now, please tell me I'm not the only one who has to repeatedly learn this lesson! 

Do you have any good tips for convincing your brain that you can do it?

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Felice

Marathon motivation!

Back to marathon mania today!


Three sleeps until the New Jersey marathon. I'm excited. I'm nervous. I've developed what my friend Tami calls phantom pains. 


But I'm ready. I know it. I just need to remember it! So, here's some motivation for everyone racing this weekend or anytime soon -- and for me and my fellow New Jersey marathon runners! 


Enjoy . . . 

Source: teaim.tumblr.com via Felice on Pinterest

Source: healthy-is-the-way-to-go.tumblr.com via Felice on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Felice on Pinterest

Source: thinkfit.tumblr.com via Felice on Pinterest

 

Source: dietandridicule.com via Felice on Pinterest

Source: losingfat-findingme.tumblr.com via Felice on Pinterest

Source: honeybeeinthecity.blogspot.com via Felice on Pinterest

Have a great day, everyone! 

~ Felice

Running motivation 6.

It has been a while since I posted a new running motivation. So, here you go!

Look at that! Even Buddha can inspire runners ;-)

Go do what you'll be!


~ Felice


PS: You can find more running motivation HERE.

Running motivation 5.

Just in time for the weekend . . . another of my favorite quotes!

(Stop over HERE for a little more running motivation.)

I'll be off having a "life most fully lived" tomorrow morning, running 16 miles.

Have a great weekend, everyone. Enjoy!

~ Felice

Running motivation 4.

One of my favorite quotes ever.

Have a great day! And, while you're at it, check out my page dedicated to running motivation HERE. Yup, I'm quote crazy!

~ Felice

Running motivation 3.

True story.

Try it.


Hope you're having a great weekend!

~ Felice

Running motivation

Icy out there? Too cold? Too dark?

No worries. You can make this the truth:

Have a great weekend, everyone!

~ Felice

Running motivation!

I've gone a little nuts and started making some running motivation images. You may say that I've gone over the edge into complete running dorkdom. That's OK. I can handle it.

I plan to make up some images and post them now and then. I hope you enjoy them!

Now, for your Tuesday, running motivation #1:

Have a great day!

~ Felice

Ignoring and motivating.

Yeah, so, when you decide -- 10 days out -- to talk about how great the weather forecast for race day is, well, you tend to jinx yourself. Or at least I do.

Because it seems that's what has happened here, folks. I've been jinxed.

Not so much for race day, because the forecast is still decent for that (high of 50 and cloudy). But tomorrow? My travel day? Yeah, doesn't look so good. In fact, the forecast is for, oh, just 6-12 inches of snow. Or more. And maybe some freezing rain. Why not?

Right now, I'm ignoring the weather. Hoping it is all a big joke. April Fools!


I'm also still ignoring my knee pain and pretending that the extra stretching, rolling and tennis ball massaging that I am doing is just part of my race day build-up.

In more productive fashion, I'm getting revved up! And I thought I would share some motivation with all of you, whether you are running in the Happy Runner Half Marathon Challenge or just running on your own this weekend. So, here you go:

"Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible."

- Doug Larson

"Dream barriers look very high until someone climbs them. They are not barriers anymore."

- Lasse Viren

"Sport is not about being wrapped up in cotton wool. Sport as about adapting to the unexpected and being able to modify plans at the last minute. 

Sport, like all life, is about taking risks."

- Sir Roger Bannister

"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. 

You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. 

It is the will to succeed."

- - Jacqueline Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon champ

Run on!

~ Felice

The awesomeness of runners.

Saturday was The Race: The Freihofer's Run for Women, which "my runners" had been working toward for the past three months. It was awesome. Even more, I saw again the hard-core awesomeness of runners.

But first, the expo.

On Friday, I met up with four of the new runners and fellow running blogger, Suzy, to get our shirts, bibs and box o' chocolate chip cookies! Makes it all worth it . . .

With Suzy just before heading over to the cookie table.

With new runners Bridget and Jen M.

I have to admit it was a little exciting watching everyone get their first bibs! Bibs in hand, we picked up our cookies and then headed off to shop. Suzy and Jen F. picked up some cute Bondi Bands and I kept my wallet in my bag, although there were plenty of cute things I could have purchased.

And then it was race day.

Hot and humid, but no rain. The forecast had been iffy so the no rain thing was big. The group met ahead of time for a pre-race photo and what was supposed to be my last pep talk. I didn't have it in me. Folks, I don't know if I've said this before but I'm a crier. Oh, yeah. Total crier. Sobby McCrierson. Add in some pregnancy hormones and, sheesh, I turn into a weeper.

So, I skipped my talk. I knew I wouldn't be able to get the words out without getting choked up so, instead, I simply gathered the runners, wished them good luck and gave them each one of these:


I'd had these bracelets made about a month ago and couldn't wait to hand them out! They say, "Strong Running Mama" on them because each of the runners are just that: Strong running mamas! Hard working, tough, getting-it-done women.

So, off we went to race and everyone did great but you'll have to wait until tomorrow when I post my race report to learn more about it. Sorry!

For now, I want to talk about this:


After the race, we lined up to take a group shot and the runners presented me with a gift bag. As soon as I pulled the book out, I teared up (Sobby McCrierson, remember?). If I was teary just looking at the cover, when I opened the book I was full-on crying:


The girls had made a beautiful book celebrating the running group and our journey together. It's full of pictures from our group runs and some of me running various races over the past years. They also put in a bunch of my favorite quotations and even some things that I've written on this blog.

I had to wait until I was home to look at it for real because I was simply too emotional right after the race to view it without sobbing.

It's just a wonderful, special gift. I love it. Love the photos, love the quotes but most of all I love the sentiment behind it:

Awesome. Runners are awesome. And I couldn't be happier to have had a small part in turning a few great women into awesome runners.

Jeez, I'm getting teary just writing about it! I had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to start this running group a little over three months ago. I thought it would be fun, for sure, but I didn't realize how much I would get out of the group. I didn't realize that simply by trying to share my love for running with a group of non-runners, my appreciation for that most basic human activity of moving forward would grow. And I really had no way of knowing how much the new runners would come to love running. I'm happy they do. I'm proud of what they've accomplished. I'm glad I was part of it!

Now, before I cry again, I'll sign off. But I'll be back tomorrow with my race report so you can find out how well all these awesome runners did in their first race!

Thanks for reading!

~ Felice

Time to run.

“I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.” ~William Shakespeare

Yes, indeed. Thank you all SO much for your kind words, congratulations and well wishes on my last post. I should go through life-changing events more often -- I feel so loved! :-)

* * *

I got a little taste of things to come on Tuesday. It was one of those full days that, on paper, has no room for a run. And yet, the weather was terrific and I needed to run. So I made it work. The morning was filled with getting ready, posting to my blog, washing dishes, writing an article, playing with Conal, urging him to hurry up, etc, etc. Then we headed to my mother's house so Conal could spend the afternoon with her while I went to a kids consignment sale (a twice-yearly sale -- it's a big deal with the moms around here). I shopped with purpose, scoring some outfits that still had the tags on them and some key additions to Conal's growing Thomas the Tank Engine collection.

I had played it right and still had just enough time to sneak in a 4.5 mile run before meeting some friends for our monthly night out. Oh, man, am I glad I ran! It was sunny and warm and I ran in shorts and a t-shirt. It felt great. After my run, I followed the lead of some other sneaky runners and washed the sweat off with wet-naps and made myself presentable and -- dare I say, not too stinky -- for dinner.

Dinner with great friends and then home to crash.

It was a jam-packed day (granted, with good stuff but jam-packed never-the-less) but I made time for my run. Days like that make me feel confident that I'll be able to balance life with a toddler and a newborn and my running. I think I can, I think I can, I know I can!

And on that note, I'm off to run in the park (while pushing the toddler) with one of the new runners from my running group!

Have a great day, everyone!

~ Felice