Run Defensively

Moments before, I had been happily driving with my girlfriend – we were on our way to be inducted into a national honor fraternity ceremony at our college.  She sat on the passenger side putting on her last touches of make up.  I was driving, and I watched a man coming toward me with his blinker on.  I looked in disbelief, he was so close to me, there was no way he could make the turn.  And besides, I had the right of way. 

That was my last thought.  I have the right of way. 

Autumn Runs

I really never tire of the fall foliage.  Here in Massachusetts, the leaves are just starting to change. And they are spectacular.  Really. 

Go Ahead and Fail

Maybe that sounds a bit like a threat, or sarcastic…  But I promise it is not. 

I am the queen of failure.  Meaning, I have tried and not succeeded at more than I really would like to think about – or admit.

But the big question we all face is not whether or how often we fail, but how often we get up and try again.

And then, There is Sand

Summer is a time for sand, huh?  Well, per my usual M.O., I bring my sneakers everywhere.  Including vacations or wherever I may be traveling to.  Just the way it is.

Recently, I was sharing how I received a humility check in the form of a hill.  Or at least what upstate New Yorkers refer to as a hill.  I like to think of it as Mount Everest.  Basically, it was me against the hill -  my time slow, and my body ached.  But I did feel stronger.  And deeply humbled.  It was a change in my running route.

Running Form

What’s with all this talk running form?  Is it really critical to running?  Maybe.  Here’s my take on it with 40 years of running experience.

I think form is important – to a point.  And that point is if you want to be an elite runner, then maybe you should focus on form. 

To the Newbie

During the warmer months, folks come outside in droves.  People are on the bike paths, in the parks, the woods, and on the streets.  People are motoring along on bikes, rollerblades and skateboards. 

And for some, now seems like the perfect time to take up running.  They are encouraged by the warm air, the sun, the breeze, and just plain being outside. 

Shine

It’s true. I’m a runner. I am not a basketball player. I am not a soccer player. I don’t enjoy trying to hit a ball being thrown at me super fast with a bat. Not my thing.

And maybe running is not your thing.

Revitalize Your Running

There is something to be said for the well worn path.

How many of us have been running the same routes at the same pace for years? I know I have.

Are you feeling bored with your running routine?  Lacking the energy to stay motivated?  Caught in the doldrums?

Genetically Modified

I get that modifying food for a growing nation, population and world has some logical reasons (crops having the ability to withstand droughts, or floods, or bugs, or pesticides) and so, there are some very real and reasonable arguments for genetically modified (GM) foods.

Sometimes a Picture is worth a thousand words. That's the case here.

Post Run Stretch????

So I guess everyone knows that the right way to start and end a run is with a good warm up and stretch… I guess that was everyone except me.

Until recently, my warm up and cool down happened on my front steps.

Keeping your toes Fancy Free

During the tough winter season, it makes sense to share some practical advise on keeping your feet in running condition. 

I devised a short list of things that help.  Written for the person on the go with about 5 minutes to pay attention to my words of wisdom  J   

5 Reasons to still get out in the Winter

It's true, winter is a time for hibernation.  The bears do it.  The birds escape.  And so, it is no wonder we find it difficult to get out there when we peer out the window and see the snow.  With that thought in mind, I thought I would do a list of why you should get out there, regardless of the weather.  Believe me, I think I have mentioned, I am a summer girl.  Winter is not my season.  I need this list and this reminder as much (or more!) than you.

Treadmills Workouts in the Sport of Running

Ok, I’m just going to say it.

Do treadmill workouts count as ‘runs’?  Only partially.  

I know there are some people reading this who are already up in arms, but bear with me a moment before you bear down on me. 

Resolution Time

Resolution Time

The New Year always brings a renewed sense of commitment, of plans, goals and changes.  As I ran on the beautiful – albeit frigid - New Year’s morning, I was reminded again of this very important ritual we all seem to do. 

During my runs, I always note the oddball things I see along the road.  The one that gets me thinking is the random shoe.  How is it that there can be just ONE shoe on the road?  Are there that many people that don’t notice one barefoot?  Or do we have a huge majority of one-footed people out there?  How does this one shoe lay forgotten on the roadside?