Back in the Saddle

I haven't written in so long for so many reasons ... one of which is shouting, "Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy" as I write at 8:51 p.m., which is way past bedtime.

So, a few run updates.

Hobble Creek 1/2 Marathon

I fully expected to run this without any issues and finish at least close to the 2:04 I ran Provo River 1/2 last year. Oh, when will I learn to not be so arrogant? My time was 2:20, which isn't a bad time but just a whole lot more slow than last year's. I knew I had been running more slowly in my trainings but not that much more slowly. Here are a few of the lessons I learned:

1. Get more sleep the night before.

2. Eat something before the race.

3. Don't wear newer shoes for a race, especially a downhill race. My feet were battered.

4. Don't run downhill races, meaning significantly steeper downhill races.

5. Just because I had bathroom issues last year didn't mean that I needed to stop at EVERY potty on the course.

6. If taking a beverage from the beverage stations, walk, do not run, while drinking otherwise it is a pointless endeavor.

7. Know the course ahead of time so that the sprint to the finish can really be to the finish and not to the last bend before the finish. (See Lindy's post, too!)

8. Drink more.

This 1/2 was brutal for me. I left wiped out, more sore than I'd been in months, and highly discouraged. For a few days I was convinced I would be cheering you all on from the sidelines at St. George. Even the week following was horrible, but it turns out I was just getting sick when I ran Hobble Creek. My son had a stomach bug a few weeks prior and I came down with it a few days after the race. I didn't run for almost a week after the 1/2.

I had met a friend at the race start who has run St. Georrge 10 times -- every year since she was 12, except last year when she was pregnant. She runs a mile and walks a minute for the whole race. I decided to try it for an eight mile run the Saturday after the race. I made it four miles and walked the four miles back, knowing that I can't stop to walk because it's so hard to start running again!

Well, last weekend I just decided to give another long run a go. I was shooting for 20 miles but my watch wasn't working so I couldn't tell for sure how far I'd gone. It ended up being an 18 mile loop ... and I felt TONS better than I had for the 1/2. Here's what I learned on the 18 mile run:

1. When planning for a long run, make sure there is an open 24-hour somekind of place with a bathroom along the route. I'm not a McDonald's fan, but I loved the sight of the Golden Arches at mile seven or so.

2. Eat goo a small squirt at a time with lots of water. I tried taking a big swallow at first, but it was horrid. I'm glad I figured out how to down it because it really did give me some much needed energy. I'm also glad I had enough water to wash it down.

3. After 13 miles, who really cares how fast all the other runners are going? I just kept thinking to myself, "He must be out for a 5K today. She's not training for a marathon." And, by the end when I was merely shuffling along, I didn't care how I looked or who ran past me.

I'm feeling much more optimistic today. I've decided to do more strength building this month than I have in the past. I know it's a little late, but even a little will help, right?

Also, here's some advice from the friend who has run St. George 10 times: It's cold at the beginning so have a pair of stretchy gloves. I didn't know that they have labeled bags for all runners so that jackets and sweatshirts can be put in them and left at the start. That's mighty considerate of them. So, here's to St. George! Are any of you getting on the 4:00 a.m. bus?

Goodies, Gadgets and Helpful Stuff from a Running Geek

Call it my marketing blog. This post is for some good tips on all of the things that I use or have heard about that can help your running experience all around. It dawned on me during the Bodyglide posts that we might want a little forum to share our useful secrets. I'm just a bit of a techie, so anything that I can get that helps along the way I'm all about it. Surprised at myself for taking so long to get the Garmin! ;) Each heading is a link to more info. Just let me know if you can't get to any of them. Please leave comments or another post about what some of your favorite things are!

While You're Out There:
Bodyglide
Anti-chafing stick to use anywhere! They even have one that has sunblock built in.
Aquaphor
Great for healing and prevention of chafing. Works great as lip balm and also helps moisturize dry skin.
Bauerfeind Genutrain Braces
If you've got knee issues at all, these are great! I posted a blog on this specifically last month.
RoadID
Please, ladies, take the time to order one. It could save your life one day. It only takes a minute. You can even buy gift certificates for them - perfect birthday or holiday gift for your running friends if they don't have one.
Balega Socks
Great socks make all the difference! I just decided to give in and pay the extra money for some good socks...AMAZING. Make the sacrifice. It's worth it.
Nike Tempo Shorts
Can get these just about anywhere in all different colors. Great shorts - super light, dri-fit so you stay cool, small pocket inside, have underwear built in. I have at least 10 pair of these! I also love Nike Dri-Fit Sport Tops. Good support.
Goody Stay-Put Hairbands
They always pass these out as freebies at races and I love them. They do exactly what their name says - Stay Put! They are all over my house because as it turns out they double as cat toys. LOL
FuelBelt
A great water belt that doesn't bounce all over the place. I never leave home without it! Definitely lasts forever - I'm using Tim's old one and it's got to be more than 7 years "in the running". ;) Now they have all different colors with a bit of a bigger storage pocket than mine, so I'm thinking of getting a new one.
iPod Shuffle
Small and compact, and holds enough songs for any race. Not too technical of a device and not clunky! I have an older one without the voiceover, and I think it is perfect because at that size you don't feel it, it doesn't bounce, and you don't need any arm straps or holders. It just clips to anything. The new one is even better for song navigation, but if you can get an older used one for cheaper, go for it! My 1GB is just fine for any race.
GasCap
I don't have one, but it may be one of my next purchases. Holds gels on the sides of your hat! Very cool!
Rocktane
Just tried this new gel a few weeks ago and the flavors are pretty tasty. Also is the ultimate super booster!
Jelly Belly Sport Beans
A yummy treat - think of gatorade in a candy. I like all of them, especially the red ones. :) They also make Extreme Sport Beans that are not as flavorful but they have added caffeine.
Neutrogena Sport Sunblock Spray
Good stuff! Goes on with a nice cooling mist and works great. Doesn't have that bad smell and greasiness that other sprays have.
Timex Ironman Triathlon Watch
Not ready to jump to the Garmin? This one you can find on sale from $35-40 and does a great job with everything you might need for the basics. Water resistant for swimming, alarms, interval timing, splits, multi-lap, storage of your times, etc. Helpful and can wear it all the time if you wanted. Comes in lots of colors!
Garmin Forerunner 305
First, let me say that I don't recommend the newer model - the 405. Expensive price tag with bad reviews. The 305 has come way down in price and seems to do a great job according to reviews and friends that have one. Comes with a heart rate monitor too. Mine will be here tomorrow! Yay!

Healing and Prevention:
Foam Roller
Stretches and masages your larger muscles. Many injuries and soreness can stem from not stretching your iliotibial band (IT band) and this is the perfect tool for doing so among other awesome uses. Here's an article about the benefits.
The Stick
This thing is THE best for sore muscles. A must have! I have the small Travel Stick and can take it with me for Ragnar or leave in the car for after a half. Can even gear check it to have it right after the race.
Foot Rubz
A cheap lifesaver, well, footsaver at least! I love this thing for massaging out the foot cramps. Also works on hand cramps. The makers of The Stick also make the FootWheel and that works well too, but it is more expensive and the Foot Rubz just feels neato. ;) I'll let you try both if you want. LOL
AquaJogger
Sore but still need to get a run in? Sick of running in the heat? Head to the pool and get a non-impact run in. You'll work up a sweat but still stay cool in the water.
ACE Hot/Cold Compression Wrap
Think icing after a long run gets to be a pain? Keep a couple of these in the freezer and it will make the perfect solution for both icing and compressing. The best part...no leaky ice packs and you can still get up and walk around while wearing them because it's a wrap!

Planning Your Next Adventure (Long or Short):
Active.com
Active helps you find all of your local races and training groups. Most races you can register for right on their site. They also have great team and fundraising capabilities. Ask me if you need any info on teams and raising money.
GetSetAZ and GetSetUT
Lots of local races, sometimes list the less common ones that you won't find on Active. I sign up for their newsletter and they send updates for upcoming races.

Education and Progress Tracking:
Runner's World Subscription
Need some good bathroom reading? Good magazine to have around for motivation, shoe reviews, training tips, etc. If you don't want the subscription, definitely check out their website for some great articles, tricks of the trade and more.
Runner's World Training Log
If you don't log your runs, no better time to start than now. It's free and you can track everything down to mileage on your shoes! I love it. Nice reporting features too to see how you've progressed. I enjoy that it totals your hours of running. You will know how many complete days of your life you spent running. ;)

Shopping:
RoadRunner Sports
Great store online or in the local store. Sign up for their VIP membership and you'll end up saving a good deal. It will likely pay for itself your first purchase's savings. They have a 60 day shoe guarantee new or used. So test those new shoes out for a couple months - if you hate them you can exchange them for a different pair. No questions.
Dick's Sporting Goods
A few of these have popped up here in AZ and they've got good prices in store and online. Nice store with lots of stuff!
Amazon.com
No explanation needed - they've just got good deals!