Passionately Hardcore

"Maybe I shouldn't have had breakfast at Denny's." ~ Jordan Kent, who vomited after running the 400 meters in the 2002 USA Junior National Championships held in Eugene, Oregon.

Yesterday I dedicated my run to a running partner who is injured right now.  She is training for her very first 5k.  Usually training for a 5k means running lots of miles and speed work, but right now her training means letting her body rest so that it can heal.  We’re hoping for her full recovery and an excellent 5k experience. 

I got the idea to dedicate my run from an inspiring post by our Women Can Run clinic director:

Hey, ladies. I just saw a post on a friend's Facebook status... an idea that she got from a friend of hers and one that is worth passing along to you. It said:
"Like my status, and while I am running/walking I will devote a mile in prayer for you, I will send you a message or post letting you know. If you have a specific prayer feel free to send me a message. (If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matt. 21:22)"
What a great way to occupy your thoughts while your body is working! Consider trying this idea or a variation thereof.

I think this is a WONDERFUL idea and I hope that it starts a movement.  I don’t know who began the original post but I am inspired.  My runs will never be un-dedicated again. 

In honor of my friend, I wanted to pick a difficult workout to dedicate to her.  It didn’t take me long to decide what to do.  Off of Skyline onto Sheppard Drive is my town’s version of Heartbreak Hill.  It is a 342-foot elevated gain up a mile long hill.  It is the kind of road that you love to drive down at full speed but when you turn around to drive back up your engine screams in protest for the duration of the pull.  I knew my calves would be screaming in protest, too.  I was looking forward to it.    

Halfway up the hill my stomach began to feel…eh…not so good.  Halfway down the hill my stomach was not only upset, it was angry with me.  Ok, so maybe I had brought it on myself.  I had eaten a leftover doughnut for breakfast.  I know better but… What?!  Doughnuts at my house are an extreme rarity so it wasn’t an option to leave that apple fritter in the frig all day long to taunt me.  I had to knock it out first thing.  =)  But hours later, during my evening run, all of that sugar left my belly feeling a little woozy.  And it was time to find a bathroom.   

If you’re not a runner and you’re reading this right now, you may be a little disgusted with me for sharing too much information.  First, I want to say…that is not the entirety of information I could have shared.  Second, you’re welcome.  =)  If you are a runner, you’re most likely not even phased by my sharing.  We’ve all been there.  It’s a situation similar to that of a non-mother getting grossed out by seeing a dirty diaper.  Contrast that reaction with the reaction of a mother, who doesn’t even recognize it as something nasty any more – it’s just a part of life that is a little messy, but to which you have grown accustomed.  That’s how many runners feel about tummy troubles.  It’s just part of it.     

So I ran straight down off of that hill and into the little bathroom in the park.  I did not pass GO, I did not collect two hundred dollars.  I was sitting there in that nasty concrete barely-windowed poorly ventilated bathroom with toilet paper decorating the floor and the absurdity of it made me start to giggle.  Isn’t it strange how sometimes it is the odd predicament that can make us feel more fully alive.  I suddenly felt this strong sense of community with runners all over the world.  There is a whole group of people out there who understand what I was experiencing at that moment.  They are the same people who get up at 4am to go for that long distance run before the kids wake up.  The same people who get their second wind from watching the sun rising up over the trees.  The same people who chase the clouds to the finish line.  The same people who set a personal record in the middle of a trail surrounded by trees with no audience except themselves and God to cheer them on and that is enough for them.  I felt connected to them all and it was a great feeling.  And the best part?  Despite stomach problems and all, we choose it.  We choose to run.  Because we are passionate.  Because we are hardcore.   

The great thing about all of this is that we don’t have to be runners to be hardcore about life.  Hardcore is not limited to those who are physically fit or into any kind of sport.  If we are living passionately for a God-inspired purpose, we are hardcore.  If we are engaged when it would be more comfortable to be apathetic, we are hardcore.  If we are living for passion and purpose instead of for comfort and convenience, we are hardcore.  And if we are sitting it out while we nurse an injury so that we can get back into the game like my running partner is right now, we are hardcore.  Sitting it out is sometimes a necessary part of getting back in.  It takes a lot of courage and patience.  And that, too, is hardcore. 

God works to get our attention in many ways.  He speaks to us through many things, including the passions He Himself wove into our soul’s DNA.  One need only read a few chapters of the Bible to see that God loves adventure.  So I’m going to be hardcore about life.  I’m running toward the adventure instead of seeking the convenient.  I’m listening for the messages He’s been trying to whisper to me.  I’m letting Him run right next to me, matching me stride for stride, and wearing out my defenses until I can see clearly what He sees.  Passionately hardcore for this life He’s gifted to me.         

Yesterday, after I had ran up and down the 34 story building we call Sheppard Drive, I pulled up into my driveway and realized that I had forgotten my pepper spray in the bathroom at the park.  So I asked my hubby if he would like to go with me to pick it up so that we could share about our day while riding in the car together.  He happily agreed.  When we drove over the crest of Sheppard Drive and began speeding down the hill he questioned, “Is THIS the hill you ran up?”  “Yes.”  And, without me mentioning my newfound buzzword of the day to him, he exclaimed, “You’re hardcore!”  Yes, honey.  Yes, I guess I am.  =) 

Please read and be inspired by this moving story about a hardcore woman who died in the London Marathon one mile from the finish line.  She was running to raise money for a charity.  I’m sorry that she is gone, but what a way to go.  I admire and respect her and promote her cause.  May we all spend our last breath in pursuit of the calling God put on our heart like this young lady did.      

  

Have fun out there today and dedicate your run to someone you love or to someone you need to love more.  Til next time, may you live life on the run.  

Running: Solo or Social?

"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." ~ African Proverb

Some things are better done alone, like eating an entire batch of oatmeal raisin cookies still warm from the oven. Not that I did that this weekend. *awkward* Moving on... Some things are better done with others, like watching a comedy and laughing so hard that no sound comes out except for the occasional squeaky gasp. But when it comes to running, people are divided. Some would argue that running is a solo sport. Others would beg to differ, saying it is best enjoyed as a social sport. Here are some considerations for each to help you decide whether you are a solo runner or a social runner.

Running Solo

I love the freedom of running alone. I like to listen to my body and let it run wild and free, according to however I am feeling in any particular moment. Sometimes I am energized by a song or a beautiful thought and I will soar through a few miles, my feet flying and my heart pounding. Other times, I just like to settle into a slow and smooth rhythm that allows me to get lost in my thoughts. I like to be able to determine my pace by how I feel and it may change throughout my run.

I also enjoy setting my own training goals. Everyone trains a little differently. Discovering what works best for you individually is a vital part of learning how to enjoy running. One of the more important advantages of running alone is that you learn how to pace yourself by listening to your body. Dr George Sheehan, a cardiologist and author best known for his books about running, said, “Listen to your body. Do not be a blind and deaf tenant.” Listening to your body’s feedback requires awareness and continual evaluation which is less likely to occur during conversation with other runners.

Listening to ourselves is a very important part of life that many skip over because it can be uncomfortable at times. In prayer and meditation we allow our character to be developed. I’ve heard it said that running is meditation for people who can’t sit still. I’ve found that most runners, by nature, are happy with their own company. They enjoy the time alone and they embrace the solitude of being able to shut the world out for a few minutes and hear their own thoughts clearly and pray without distraction.

There are cons to running solo, too. You may find yourself lonely and wishing to share the experience with someone from time to time. I tend to feel this way particularly when I have an idea or solution that surfaces and I want to celebrate it with someone.

I also find myself wanting a running partner when I could use some motivation to help me through that last mile. Friends are great at pushing each other to run a little further or a little faster. You may also be more likely to complete your workout goal for the day if are running with someone. It is much easier to give up when you are by yourself and without support. A friend will encourage you to do what you set out to accomplish.

Another disadvantage to running solo is, unfortunately, safety risks. If you like to run at night or on trails, it is obviously much safer to run with a friend or group. Attackers are much more likely to strike a lone runner than they are to attack a group. Furthermore, if someone becomes injured or starts to feel sick, there is someone who can run for help.

Running with a Friend or a Group

Sharing the running experience with a friend or group can make running quite memorable. The time spent together is great for talking out problems and sharing successes. You can obsess over the details of your run until your heart is content because you know that your running partner shares the same passion!

Running with a group can bring out the best runner in us. When you’re running with people who encourage you to run faster and farther, it’s easier to take yourself to the next level. You will have the opportunity to meet other runners and gain knowledge from their experiences. AND! You get your own personal cheering squad. =) Members cheer each other on during races and support each other on long distance runs. Friends can be highly motivational and entertaining, which can make the tough miles easier to take on. You are also less likely to skip workouts if there are people counting on you to show up.

It is a great opportunity to get to know other people with similar interests. Many people have even met their significant other or close friends through a running group. For people with busy schedules, running combines their social life and fitness into one fun package. Oftentimes groups will go away to events together. They share racing experiences which gives them a particularly strong and special bond.

Some people like to run alone so they can use their running time for brainstorming because exercise gets our creative juices flowing. However, running in a group may be more helpful than hindering for brainstorming because you can bounce your ideas off other people.

There are some disadvantages to running with a group. Sometimes the group dynamics can be stressful and competitive (see March's blog post titled What a Difference Support Makes about having a healthy attitude about competition). Just remember to that there may be someone who mistakes the purpose of a friendly workout for a chest beating competition. Stay true to who you are and don’t let their mindset become your own. Strive for your personal best and encourage others to do the same.

Another disadvantage is inconvenience. Your group may choose to meet at a time that is not the best for you. They may run at a slower or faster pace than you. Different runners are strong in different parts of the run. Your group will not necessarily pace themselves according to your natural pace. They may take a route that you don’t particularly like. Inconvenience will usually be part of any social activity. Personally, I think that making memories with good friends is worth the small price of inconvenience. If it helps, treat the group runs more like a social gathering with a run thrown in for fun. Don’t take them too seriously. Save that desire for control for your solo runs.

Here’s one last thought to ponder. The fact is that Africans dominate marathons. Any advice that they share about running, the rest of us could benefit by taking notice. I am referring to the African proverb at the beginning of today’s blog. I believe it is referring to life in general, but I think it may also have some useful implications for our running strategy. We might include both solo and social running into our lives so that we may get the maximum benefit of both. “If you want to go quickly, go alone.” In other words, use those solo workouts to push yourself to improve your speed. “If you want to go far, go together.” Make those long distance runs more enjoyable by celebrating the camaraderie you share with other runners.

Try it and see what you think. Are you a solo or a social runner? Or both?

And, finally, for those of us who have encouraged our significant other or friend to start running with us… check this out and get ready to smile. =)

A Runner’s Biggest Fear

Recently Women’s Running Magazine asked women what is their biggest fear about running. Some of the answers were quite entertaining. On the chance you missed it, I thought it would be fun to share some of them with you.

One incredibly honest soul said, “Falling and messing up my teeth.” She must have a really beautiful smile. =D

Someone else’s fear is, “Getting injured and never ever being able to run again.” Never. Ever. Ever. Someone needs a hug and a first aid kit.

I’m seriously concerned for this next commenter, who responded, “Having a heart attack.” I understand. I can’t say that thought has not crossed my mind during especially strenuous workouts. Um, may I suggest cutting back on the speed work? Staying alive should be tippy top on the to-do list today and every day. At least top three. (I hope that person was exaggerating!)

The list of running fears went on and on. There were many comments.

“The dreaded line at the port-o-potty that ruins your time!!” She must have been running a few paces behind this lady, whose greatest fear is, “Peeing in my pants…….” I like the dot dot dot, as if there is a story behind this.

Another brave runner faces a particularly dangerous obstacle on the trail every day. She has fears of “getting eaten by a mountain lion.” Wait…what!?! Note to self: Don’t run on the sidewalks by the zoo.

One woman said, “It’s a toss up between throwing up while running, stray dogs, and criminals.” I don’t like vomiting either but on the scale of scary things I don’t think it places anywhere near assault. But that’s just me.

This comment left me perplexed. “I love running outdoors! But I fear a crazy person taking advantage of a solo female runner! So I run with mace, stun gun, and pocket knife!” Yes, that will scare off the crazy people. And take some scissors with you just in case you drop the knife somewhere along the way. I believe you may be your own worst enemy.

But I must give out my Honorable Mention award to this lady’s response when asked her biggest running fear: “Teenage boys with paintball guns.” Honey, where do you LIVE? You’ve got to get yourself into a safer neighborhood. At least find a new route. Mix it up a bit! We might need to hook you up with Runs With Scissors to get some protection for yourself.

So I ask you, what is it you think about when you’re out there running? Mountain lions and mace? Are these ladies’ fears representative of us as a group? What do you think? I think that there may be an ounce of truth in them or it wouldn’t be so hilarious. =D

Ok, so away from the ridiculous and into the relevant. One of the most frequently mentioned running fears is a “did not finish”, or “DNF”. In the world of running there may be nothing that messes with our head more than to set out with determination and a goal but instead go home disappointed. So here is something that I learned about while studying psychology and it really helps me to stay in a positive frame of mind while running.

Our minds and our bodies are connected. Our thoughts have an affect on our bodies. When our minds are focusing on how difficult a run is, our bodies have a physical response to those thoughts. It may be at a subtle level, flying just below the radar of detection, but it weakens our overall performance and increases the difficulty factor. We can improve our performance by being proactive in choosing our thoughts.

1. Focus on the benefit instead of the cost. Remind yourself why you chose to take up running in the first place. Weight loss goal? Feeling of accomplishment? Raising money for your favorite charity? Improved self esteem? Some quiet time by yourself to think? Stay in shape to keep up with the kids? Put that prize in front of you like a mental carrot and chase it down the trail.
2. Put it into perspective. Eavesdrop on that conversation going on in between your ears. What you hear is called your self talk. Research shows that self talk has a tremendous impact on your performance. If you haven't learned how to enjoy running yet, what are you saying to yourself when you run? "I really don't like to run. This is so hard. I want to quit. How much further?" Try this instead. Put the truth into perspective with the bigger picture in mind. “I don’t enjoy running right now, but every time I run it gets a little easier. My body gets stronger, I gain confidence, and I get a little closer to my goal.”
3. Embrace the difficulty. Release the idea that life should be comfortable and convenient. Research suggests that a life purposed for comfort and convenience results in a rather unfulfilling, not to mention unremarkable, life. Overcoming obstacles is one piece in life’s puzzle that makes an interesting, happy person. If we stop wasting emotional energy being unhappy that life is not easier than it is, and we choose to accept that the best things in life are worth fighting for, we can redirect that emotional energy into pursuits and relationships that make life worth living. If running were easy, everyone would do it. It is difficult and that’s partly why it is so rewarding.

Worst case scenario...you don’t finish a race. Yes, you will be super disappointed. Yes, everyone will tell you, with honest sincerity, that you made the right decision to pull out. You will appreciate their support and you will agree that you made a wise choice, but you will still be disappointed. However, the story does not end there. Your life is more than a single moment in time. There will be another race. Dust it off and get back on the running trail.

Challenge: Listen to your self talk during your next run. What adjustments can be made to make your running experience a more pleasurable one?