All I want for Christmas is clear sidewalks
I’ll admit it, I haven’t been running much lately. But the few times I have gotten out, the conditions have been pretty tough. In 30 minutes of running/sliding around, I think I saw about 30 total feet of clear sidewalk. Rarely did I see a patch of clear sidewalk or even street for that matter. (That said, the City of Madison does do an excellent job of keeping the bike paths as clear as humanly possible.)
The snow crews should get plenty of practice in the coming months: it looks like it’s going to be another record-setting winter here in Madison. As I’m typing this, snow is swirling around outside my window. It’s not pretty, big, snowflake snow; it’s menacing, swirling Ice Age snow.
Of course for all the whining I’m doing, there is nothing more fun than bundling up and running through the snow. Of course, the hard part is getting out the door but once you do and once you warm up, it’s pretty fun. Until you fall down, of course.
Posted December 23, 2008
It’s not that cold out (yet)
Last week, after stepping out of the office and getting a blast of arctic air directly in the face, I thought, ‘There’s no way I’m running tonight.’
But I did. Not so much because I wanted to but more so because I’m signed up to do the Berbee Derby as part of Berkeley’s team. So I’d rather not bite the dust at that race.
In the end, I’m glad I did get out the door because it ended up being one of the best runs I’ve gotten in for quite awhile. Sure it was a little cold out but I warmed up after about five minutes. And sure I did have a pretty chilly headwind for a good two-three miles but it wasn’t that bad.
In fact, I really enjoyed myself for most of the run. As I ran along Lake Mendota in the dark, I could see the Capitol and Isthmus all light up. A few early holiday lights along the way also helped cheer things up.
The best part of the run came in the last mile. With home in my radar, it started snowing really hard. It was an absolute blizzard. Cars were reduced to a couple of blurry headlights and visibility was less than half a block. The snow only lasted a couple minutes and I‘m not excited about the idea of snow actually sticking but it was pretty cool to be charging home with snow coming down like that.
If anything, the run reminded me that with a couple extra layers, it is pretty easy to run comfortably in cold weather. Of course once we do get snow, footing becomes a big issue. Hopefully, we have another month before we have to even think about that.
Last winter, I remember falling about once every other week. At the end of the winter my running friend Matt and I had a couple of battle scars but we persevered.
And then the cold hit. I remember a stretch of especially cold weather when I wore a face mask, two hats, several layers of shirts and shorts, pants and jackets. Despite all of this, my hands were still cold. I discovered a major breakthrough one night when I wore wool sock over my gloves. It made opening doors hard but kept my hands nice and warm.
Posted November 25, 2008
Interview with Monica Theis!At long last, we have a new interview! This interview is one worth waiting for. Monica Theis, a senior lecturer in the Food Science Department at UW, is not only a great runner but also a very smart one. She is the Bill Rodgers of sports nutrition and offers some of her valuable advice here. Listen up!
When or how did you start running?
I started running in 7th grade. That is when I switched from parochial to public school. On one of the first days of gym class in public school, we were told we would be running the 600. I had no idea how to pace that, because we didn't run in parochial school, so I just ran--fast. I finished first and almost broke the school record. I have been running ever since.
What is your proudest running accomplishment?
Breaking a 3 hour marathon in Minneapolis; I don't recall the exact year but it was a while ago.
Where is your favorite place to run in or around Madison?
I particularly enjoy what my running friends and I refer to as the south loop. We start somewhere around West High, run through the arb, take the left turn onto Seminole as we come out of the arb and then run down Seminore and turn right on to the capital bike path. I love running through the meadow area especially this time of year when summac is turned, the turkey foot is at its peak of height and the wild sunflowers are still in bloom. There are also some beautiful places to run where I live in Middleton. The pheasant branch conservancy is particularly beautiful. We see sandhill cranes there quite often.
What is your favorite area race?
I enjoy the Lake Monona Run. The course is challenging and beautiful. I also am emotionally attached to Syttende Mai and the Black Earth 10 mile run. These races have been around for 30 years and have a unique spirit about them.
Is there anything about running you don't necessarily like?
Not a thing
What do you think people need to do to be a healthy lifetime runner?
Listen to their body. It lets you know when it needs a break or to simply slow down.
Nutritionally, what are a couple pieces advice you would give to other runners?
First of all, make food and health a priority by putting time and thought into it. Eat whole, real food and think ahead about what, when and where you are going to eat every day. This will prevent common pitfalls of mindless eating, overeating and eating things that do little more than provide empty calories.
Also, be careful about overcompensating for calories burned on a run. I think athletes in general tend to overestimate how much they burn and then justify overeating. I am a huge Michael Pollan fan and agree that the best nutrition advice is to eat food, eat less and eat mostly plants. I am a vegetarian and find that it works particularly well for me for a number of reasons.
What race is next on your calendar?
The Berbee Derby on Thanksgiving Day. My husband, Craig Schiestl, and I run it and always have a great time. It serves as a great start to my favorite holiday.
Posted Friday October 24, 2008
The Year Round Runner
Well, most of our big fall marathons have come and gone. What’s a runner to do? I imagine a lot of runners have packed it in for the winter. (Or are planning on getting in the annual Turkey Trot and then calling it quits until Spring).
Already, it is getting colder. I actually wore running pants last night on my run. It was a little depressing but an inevitability as a Wisconsin Runner. But, really, there’s no reason to stop running during the cold months. Last winter, I did some of my best training ever and set a PR in the 5K. Of course, most nights I was swearing under my breath as I tripped over a chunk of ice or nearly slipped on a path of ice. Still it’s possible to run during the winter, even when we get 100 plus inches of snow.
I know winter is a long ways off but cold weather running is already upon us. Once it dips below that 50 degree mark you have to start thinking about wearing pants over those running shorts.
So, I think one of the first steps in running in colder weather is to acquire a pair of running pants. Believe me, there is a huge difference between running in a pair of old sweat pants compared to something a little sleeker, something designed for runners. I bought a pair of Hind running pants about eight years ago for $40. At the time, the price seemed a little high but I can now safely say it was probably the best $40 I’ve ever spent. I still wear them. Safety pins keep the ankle zippers in place but they still work great.
The next step, in really cold weather, is to get a thin, breathable jacket to wear over all those layers that are necessary in really cold weather. Wearing a breathable material may not sound that appealing when it’s 20 degrees out but once you get running you will sweat a little and there is no better way to get sick then by running in cold weather in sweaty clothing. Breathable material allows that sweat to evaporate which actually keeps you warmer.
The most important thing during cold weather running is motivation. Read a book about running, rent Chariots of Fire, keep racing! The last couple of years, I’ve enjoyed races all year round and nothing gets me out the door better than knowing I have a race in a couple weeks that I have to be ready for.
Last year, I ran the Hash House Harriers 5-Miler in the middle of December. At that time there was about three inches of fresh snow on the ground and it continued to snow through the course of the race. It was the slowest 5-mile I’ve ever run but also one of the most fun.
Posted Wednesday October 22, 2008
It's Not Over Yet
Yes, most of the fall marathons are done with. (Except of course NYC) But there is no reason to become a football couch potato just yet.
As I mentioned in a previous post, fall weather is about the best time of year to run and there are still a couple good area races on the calendar.
There’s the UW Running club’s Fall 15K. I did this last year, and it was a lot of fun. It’s a nice sized race with a reasonable entry fee. The Tyranena Beer Run is coming up as well. This may well be your last chance to run a half marathon in Wisconsin before, dare I say, the snow settles in. I’ve never run this race but I’m planning on giving it a go this fall.
Then there is the Berbee Derby. This is one of the largest Thanksgiving Day runs in the Midwest. Last year, despite freezing temperatures, almost 3,000 runners completed the 10K or 5K. I’ve run this race the last two years and am planning on making it back for a third.
These are just some of the bigger races taking place in the area. There are lots more, I’m sure. So get out and enjoy the weather and get in a race or two!
Posted Tuesday October 14, 2008
Still Going!
When I finished my first marathon in May, I was happy because I was looking forward to taking a break from running.
I just finished my second marathon this past Sunday and soon after the race, I was looking forward to getting into even better shape for an upcoming half marathon.
I know the former scenario is the recommended one. It’s usually a good idea to take a break after running a marathon. But to be honest, I really never put in more than 60 miles for any of my weeks in preparing for my latest marathon. So, despite running 26.2, I’m mentally and hopefully physically ready to get right back at it.
Plus, I love running the fall. It’s the perfect time to train. The weather is usually great for running, it’s the best time of year to be outdoors (if you ask me) with the leaves changing and there are some great races in the late fall.
That said, I was definitely sore after my latest marathon. After running the marathon on Sunday, I didn’t run Monday or Tuesday. (I could barely walk Monday). On Wednesday, I went out the door planning on getting in a nice four-miler. After about one mile, I knew that two-mile would probably be better.
Then on Thursday, I got in my four miles and felt pretty good. The real test will be tomorrow when I run an eight-miler with a friend. I might have to stop and stretch half way through but either way, I’m confident I can get into racing shape for this half marathon, which is less than a month away.
Good luck this weekend to our Chicago Marathoners!
Posted Friday October 10, 2008
Badgerland Striders Know How to Run a Marathon
Along with almost 2,000 other runners, I ran the Lakefront Marathon this past weekend in Milwaukee. It was great. There was talk of rain the night before but the rain held off and we even had sunny skies for most of the race.
This was only my second marathon so I didn’t have huge expectations but I still had a goal time I really wanted to hit. Well, I was about four minutes off my goal time but I’m still happy with how the race went. I held a steady pace for most of the race, I made sure to take in water, Gatorade and GU along the course and I had people to run with almost the whole way.
I held my pace until around mile 22. Going into the race, I knew I hadn’t quite done the long runs I should have but I tried to keep that knowledge in the back of my mind. By mile 22, I couldn’t escape the fact that I simply hadn’t quite put in the mileage to hit my goal time. But, because I had taken in GU, water and Gatorade, I didn’t hit the wall nearly as bad as I did in my first marathon.
The marathon is definitely different than any other race I’ve run before. The half-marathon doesn’t even compare to the marathon. The amount of strength and endurance you need in your legs to run a solid marathon is just incredible.
Overall, the race experience was very pleasant. There was a nice number of people out cheering us on. There were adequate aid stations, the course was well marked and the start and finish were very well organized. There was a little detour in the final miles of the course that had us running on grass for a little bit. After 20+ miles of running on blacktop, running over grass feels like sand.
The part I liked most of all was that us marathoners had the course to ourselves. The Lakefront Marathon is one of those rare events that features only a marathon (there is a relay competition too but it is limited to 90 teams). There is nothing worse than having to expend extra energy weaving around other runners when you are trying to run a marathon. Both parties get a little annoyed.
I know that the half-marathon is the one of the most quickly growing race distances, but I hope the good people at the Badgerland Striders stay true to their tradition of sticking to the marathon. They sure know how to put on a good marathon.
Posted October 6, 2008
Last-Minute Marathon Dread
Only 1 day and 18 hours until I and a couple thousand other runners will be toeing the starting line of the Lakefront Marathon. The fact that I will be racing 26.2 miles is starting to sink in. What I’m feeling is a mixture of excitement and dread. The kind of dread you feel when you have a dentist appointment or know you have to do some public speaking.
As with most runners about to take on the marathon this weekend or next, I’m looking back at my training and wishing I had done one or two more long runs or maybe a couple more hard workouts. That feeling is normal. However, another thing I’m wondering about is this tapering thing.
An article in this month’s issue of Running Times takes a new look at tapering. Instead of totally falling off your training schedule, like a lot of plans call for, this article suggests a less drastic reduction of miles. If you taper too much, the article says, you feel flat.
Looking back in my recent training, the weeks I felt best were the days that I had put in consistent, not-too-taxing runs. This week, I have adopted the old-fashioned taper method of really reducing my mileage to almost nothing and I have felt very flat and tired on all of my runs.
Every time you train for a marathon I imagine you learn a number of new things. Next time, I think I might look at taking a less drastic taper in an effort to stay sharp leading into the marathon.
I’m sure some people will read this and say this approach is completely absurd but if I’ve learned anything from running it is that everyone is different and that to be successful you have to do what works for you.
That said, I’m still looking for a big PR at the Lakefront Marathon. My first marathon did not go so well and I don’t think I will have a problem improving upon that race. So, as long as the rain hold off on Sunday, we should have a great race! Good luck to everyone running a marathon in the next couple of weeks.
Posted Friday, October 3, 2008