My Running Moment: Philadelphia 2011

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog  is featuring a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog. If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

My Running Moment: Philadelphia 2011

I love to run because for me running is an adventure!  Whether I’m running a new route around my neighborhood, in another state or in another country, I love the thrill and excitement that running brings when I can experience new things.  Traveling by plane, car or bike is great, but I feel like I really soak in the place when I’m on my own two feet running around – plus it’s a chance to feel like a kid again!

 

In training for a fall marathon I was able to experience the shifting of the seasons from a hot summer to the changing leaves and the cooler fall.  Some rain and snow mixed in along the way all helped to add to the adventure.  There’s nothing better than running along a tree lined path with that fall smell in the air and the crunch of leaves beneath my feet.  But most of all the Philadelphia Marathon highlighted the three biggest reasons why I love to run:

 

1. To go new places: as I mentioned, I like adventures and going to a brand new city to run a race is one of my favorites.  It’s so fun to run in a new city and take in the scenery and Philadelphia did not disappoint.  From running by the Art Institute where Rocky famously ran the steps, to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Zoo, along the Schuylkill River and more, the race course was full of things to see and cheering people along the way.  Plus, being fueled by some of Philly’s delicious fresh, homemade pasta from the market the night before, it was bound to be a great run!

2. To push myself: this marathon was the fastest time I have ran to date, but it was by far the most painful run as well.  My training was great and I was ready to go but it was an uncharacteristically warm and sunny day in late November and I was really starting to feel it already by mile 16.  However, having trained so hard and being on a good pace to finish, I pushed through mile by mile straining for the next water stop and finally the finish line.  I learned that day that the body is an amazing thing and can go much farther than I thought. I had run 4 marathons before this one, but on this day I was elated to know I truly gave it my best effort and had nothing left in the tank. 

3. To inspire others:  I love meeting new people at races; everyone has a great story of how they ended up there.  Best of all, at this race I got to stay with a friend who lives in the city and she came with me to see the race and cheer me on.  It was the first race she had ever been to and she was hooked – she loved cheering for all of the runners and the camaraderie of thousands of people pushing themselves and encouraging each other at the same time.  It’s pretty overwhelming to have 35,000 people running through the streets of Philadelphia at 7 am with smiles on their faces and nervous excitement in the air.  Since then she has been inspired to run herself…6 days a week for 3-4 miles at a time.  And she even likes it; amazing for someone who had never run regularly before.  Most people don’t think they can do it so they never try because they don’t want to fail.  But having someone they know taking a chance encourages them to step out of their comfort zone and try it as well.  As I found out, this was so rewarding for both her and me!  

There are so many reasons I run and too many memorable races to relive here.  I urge you to set a goal, find a race you want to sign up for and go for it; I guarantee you’ll have a great story to tell at the end of it all.  You will find out more about yourself than you ever thought and maybe even inspire some friends to come with you on the journey along the way.  Best of luck and happy running!

 

Nicole Calvin

healthy & active...together!

A lot of our blogs are about personal fitness – the importance of having a commitment as an individual to a life that is active, healthy, and balanced. And that'’s good! We all need to challenge ourselves toward greater levels of commitment, personally, in these areas. Health and active living won'’t just “happen.” We need to be going after it.

But, we want to remember, too, that one of the best ways to get into the good and healthy habits that make up an active lifestyle is to get there as a family. We don'’t do this alone; we shouldn'’t have to! A family can together make a decision to “set the tone” for what their family life will look like – either unhealthy and inactive, or something quite the opposite. Here are just a few suggestion to get you thinking about how your family can take some simple steps toward going after a healthy and active lifestyle together:

1. Watch less television.
It'’s great to have a few T.V. shows or sports teams that you watch together. But don'’t make family life all about the television. Limit it. Set parameters (on yourselves, too, parents!) for how often the television will be on during the day. Chances are, with the television turned off, you’re not going to spend all of your time sitting on the couch, with nothing to watch! Treat the TV. as a “special” treat, not as a constant presence.

2. Sit down and eat together – for as many meals as possible!
You'’ve all heard that the statistics point clearly to the healthy benefit of eating a few solid meals in a day, rather than unhealthy snacking all the time. One easy way to move in that direction is to sit down, gather around the table, and eat meals together.  Eat at the table, not “on the run,” or standing around in the kitchen. Make meal time family time, and limit the unhealthy snacking tendency.

3. Make your own fun.
Parents (and kids!): get creative. Make a decision to do something together that you haven'’t tried before. Go to the gym all together, and play basketball. Take a jog/walk as a family in the park. Go on a bike ride. Explore a forest preserve, or walk around a lake together. A key part of making new habits as a family will be breaking the old ones (especially if they include sitting around watching T.V. every evening). Make a drastic change, and do something fun and active – together.

4. Start habits early.
If you'’re a parent of young children, you have a major advantage! You can start now, so that your kids grow up being used to a family that eats healthy, stays active, and does both exercise and fun activities together. When the weather is warm, make a family tradition out of an after-dinner walk. In the winter, head to your local gym every Saturday morning together, or go for a hike in the woods. It'’s easier to set the course now, then change it later!

Doing this together as a family is only going to strengthen your individual resolve to eat healthy, stay active, and live well. So, next time you find yourselves standing around and snacking before an evening of several hours planted in front of the television… -reconsider! Sit down as a family. Look each other in the eye and talk. And then head out to do something active and fun together.

My Running Moment: Disneyland 2011

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog will feature a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will attempt to allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog. If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

My Running Moment:  Disneyland 2011

Last September I ran my first ever half-marathon. I had never really thought about running for fun until I made the decision that in order to stay healthy I needed to start moving! As a former collegiate athlete I always ran because I had to stay in playing shape. When college ended I felt that I had done enough running for a lifetime. After a few years I realized that I had made an unhealthy decision. I was lethargic and unhappy.

While talking with some of my friends I found that they felt the same way. We decided that together we were going to change our habits. Our goal was to train together and hold each other accountable for healthy living. With that, our goal of running in a half-marathon was born and in September we traveled to the happiest place on earth and completed our first half-marathon. Since then, I have continued in my healthy choices and have been able to run in another half-marathon and even went so far as to run a full marathon!

How I Did It:

1. Partner Up – Find support from friends and family. Having training partners is wonderful. They keep you accountable to stick to a schedule. On days when you can’t run together call a friend/family member to say when you will start, when you want to finish, and what pace you want to run at; at the end of the run check back in to share your progress.

2. Set Realistic Goals – As I trained, I set many goals. I made sure that they were attainable and would motivate me on my journey. It is really easy to just think of an end result, but you have to plan on how to get there. Each time I met a goal I made a new one. You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time.

3. Make It Fun – Yes, I ran with friends at Disneyland, but that is not the only fun that I had. I ran in my neighborhood, at the gym, and also found new places to run around my community. I would also play games while I ran. Not every run is easy so you have to make it fun! I would challenge myself to run through three songs or I would set distance challenges.

I started running to challenge myself to make better choices and to live a healthier lifestyle. I found out that I really enjoy it. It challenges me and makes me stronger physically and mentally. Like most things that are hard, they have lasting impacts. I didn’t only change part of my life I changed all of it. I have been able to apply the above three steps to other parts of my life with great success. When faced with a challenge at work or home I find a support group, set goals, and make it fun. Who knew that when I started this journey I would be rewarded with so much! My “running moment” has become a running lifestyle.

Kristie Birkenstock

lessons learned lately

Last Sunday, I ran the Chicago Half-Marathon, just a couple of months after having our second little girl.  For me, running 13.1 miles is no small challenge!  And, if I'm honest, I have to admit that I was a little bit nervous.  I wasn't sure how my body would respond to that distance.  I wasn't sure that I'd be ready for that kind of challenge.

As soon as my doctor cleared me to run after having the baby, I went after preparations for the race.  I stuck with it - running on days when I felt like running...and on days when I didn't feel like running.  I committed to eating healthy food, to support my recovery from pregnancy and my training for the race.  I slowly built up the mileage, in order to get ready for the full 13.1 miles.

On race day, an amazing thing happened: everything was GREAT.  The run went according to plan!  A dear friend ran with me, and we enjoyed a beautiful run along Lake Michigan on a cool, crisp, and clear Chicago morning.  I was so excited about how well it went!  But then I began to think...
I shouldn't be so amazed that the run went so well.  Now, of course, there are sometimes surprising injuries, cramps, and other things you can't prepare for during a race.  But, I trained diligently - and accomplished what I intended to.  I shouldn't have  been shocked; the race went well because I had put in the hours to get ready for it.  It went the way it was supposed to go...and that made it a lot of fun!

This experience in the past week has gotten me thinking, so I want to offer you a few lessons that I've been learning through running lately:

*CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Lets be honest--there are days when we don't feel like running.  The key for me was running on the "good" days...and the "bad" days.  Sticking with it.  Whether it's running, eating healthier, or making other positive lifestyle choices, the ultimate key is consistency.  Running, specifically, is about so much more than speed, strength, or natural ability.  More than anything else, running rewards those who just go out and do it - with consistent commitment.  I wasn't the fastest person in the Half-Marathon last week.  But the consistency of my preparation meant that I didn't have a "freak out" moment.  I enjoyed a run that was the result of consistent preparation.

*PATTERNS CREATE HABITS
Starting a new commitment is always hard.  Some days, it will feel like you're fighting every impulse in your body to get out for a run, or to say no to an unhealthy snack that isn't a part of your commitment to healthy eating.  This "battle" can go on for a while!  But, a commitment to new patterns in life starts to do something.  Over time, those patterns begin to solidify...and become regular parts of your life.  They turn into HABITS.  Running becomes just something that you do.  It's less of a battle, and more of a "normal" thing.  It takes time to get there, but that's the fruit of changing your patterns.  It does get easier!

*HABITS LEAD TO GROWTH
We've got to remember, too, that consistently setting patterns that turn into habits eventually leads to growth.  That's when things get really fun.  You run a race at a distance that you never thought possible.  You live with healthy choices like you never have before.  GROWTH happens.  And it's not a mystery!  Consistent commitment in the same direction will eventually lead to lasting habits, which will bring growth and accomplishment.  As you start the process of change, remember your end goal.  Go after it, and don't forget that your efforts are going somewhere!
Today, go after it!  Start being consistent about something you've been wanting to pursue - going for a run, changing eating habits, or pursuing a more active lifestyle.  Set some patterns, and enjoy watching those solidify into habits.  Then, get ready for growth.  That's the fun part!

My Running Moment: Chicago 2011

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog will feature a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will attempt to allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog.  If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

 

My Running Moment: Chicago 2011

In October 2011, on a beautiful, warm, sunny day, I ran the Chicago Marathon.  It wasn’t my fastest marathon ever, and it certainly wasn’t my easiest one, but in some ways, it was the best one yet.  I ran that marathon as a mom of a beautiful 11-month-old, as a wife, and as an employee.  So, if this wasn’t my fastest or easiest marathon, what was so good about it?

1.      I ran because I love running.

 I obviously tried to do the best that I could, but as a 28-year-old mom, my finish time was not my first priority.  I ran for the fun of it.  I ran because I love using my body in a healthy way.  I ran because running is a great time for conversation with friends.  I ran because I enjoy getting up on Saturday mornings and going on long runs on the path by my house.  I ran because I love running with 45,000 other people through the streets of Chicago.  I ran, more than anything else, for the fun of it. 

2.      I set a goal and accomplished it.

Some goals in life are not as concrete as completing a marathon.  But a goal that includes completing a 26.2 mile race doesn’t leave much room for confusion: you either make it to the finish line, or you don’t.  Such a clear and focused goal is really very helpful- through the training, the discipline, and sometimes the fatigue.  But the bottom line is this:  the goal of the race (for me) was to finish.  And, while thousands of people finished ahead of me, and thousands more behind me, I felt the satisfaction of accomplishing that very specific goal. 

3.      The marathon was not an obsession, but a part of an already full life.

In the weeks leading up to the marathon, the race was certainly on my mind!  But, it wasn’t the only thing I was thinking about.  Raising a daughter, working a job, making dinner, being involved in our community… there are a lot of good things going on in my life.  Running is a joy, a breath of fresh air, and a gift; it is not an obsession.  I enjoy it most as it fits in to an already rich life. 

As you run, remember that – most of all – running is fun.  Set goals, do your best, and enjoy it!  That’s what I learned in my “running moment.”  I hope it’s helpful to you!

 

 

some thoughts on setting goals

Even if you never play an organized sport or compete for a championship, it’s important for every single one of us to aim for something as we pursue active lives of health, wellness, and fitness.  In fact, sometimes the biggest reason that people don’t get involved with running, for example, is that they don’t have a clear motivating factor in mind.  There’s no trophy.  No screaming crowd.  No screaming coach, pushing us forward.  Yet, there’s something that we can all use as motivation to become people who walk, run, and live lives of physical activity and health: goals.  Setting goals for yourself can be, in some ways, the best kind of motivation!  You’re holding yourself accountable to go after something – because it’s worth it.  With that in mind, here are just a few tips for you as you consider making some personal goals this school year in the area of running and physical fitness:

1.       Set REALISTIC goals.  You’re not going to get anywhere if you set yourself up for failure.  If you’ve never run a mile before, don’t set a goal of running 3 miles in 18 minutes!  That kind of goal will only create disappointment and frustration.  Set goals that you believe, after careful thought, are realistically achievable given your body, your time, and your situation.

2.       Set CHALLENGING goals.  There’s no point setting goals that will be a breeze to achieve!  To reach a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, you’ll need to set goals that will require some serious sweat and hard work to attain.  Challenge yourself.  Push yourself.  You’ll be glad you did!

3.       Find someone to HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE to work toward your goals.  Don’t keep your goals a secret!  You should set them on your own in a realistic way, but it will be very important to “let someone in” on your commitment.  If you’re committing to running a mile every day, then ask your friend to text you every morning to remind you to follow through on your commitment.  If your goal is to complete a 5K race, then sign a buddy up with you, and ask them to talk to you all the time about the race you’re going to run together.  Don’t try to do it all alone!

4.       CELEBRATE the completion of your goals.  Running a race – or just running every day for a week – may not be a big deal to some people.  But, if you completed your goal, it’s a big deal to you!  Celebrate a little bit.  Take satisfaction in meeting a goal that you set, especially if it took a lot of hard work and sweat to get there.

5.       Set NEW goals.  Don’t stop after you complete one set of goals.  Make it a practice!  It’s good to always be working toward something – whether in running, health, or life in general.  Be a person that is constantly setting realistic and challenging goals, meeting them, and then moving on to new ones.  Before you know it, you’ll be further along than you ever thought you would be!

I hope these have been helpful.  Remember, you can start by making some goals TODAY.  Don’t wait until tomorrow.  Set realistic goals.  Set challenging goals.  Find a friend, and tell him or her about your goals.  Then…go after them with everything you’ve got!

5 things: Olympics style.

"The Olympics are a wonderful metaphor for world cooperation, the kind of international competition that's wholesome and healthy, an interplay between countries that represents the best in all of us.”
- John Williams

As athletes from country after country file into the arena, dressed in colorful garb (as unique as the countries they represent), the diversity of the total picture continues to grow.  Different countries.  Different colors.  Different languages.  Brought together for two fabulous weeks.  I’m talking of course about the Olympic games.  You’ve probably been as glued to your television set as our family has!  So, what is it about this amazing gathering that captures our eyes...and grabs our hearts?  What is it about sport that has the capacity to bring so many drastically different peoples and cultures together like this?

First, sport speaks a common language.  It doesn’t take the same vocal vocabulary to appreciate and celebrate a powerful volleyball spike, to marvel at a perfect bullseye, or to revel in a long-awaited victory for a teenage gymnast.  Athletes and fans all over the world speak the language of sport; it’s a vocabulary that we all share, know, and love.

Second, sport exposes the range of human emotion.  Unlike almost any other area of life, the realm of athletics gives human beings exposure to the joy of victory, the struggle of competition, and, sometimes, the agony of defeat.  Everyone in the world understands the elation of a goal achieved...and the bitter pain of failure and loss.  In one game – one competition – sport exposes us to these dynamic and powerful emotions.

Third, sport – and especially the Olympics – comes to us inseparably tied to human stories.  I’m sure you’ve been as fascinated as I have by the stories of adversity, pain, setback, struggle, and growth of so many of the Olympic athletes.  Everyone has their own story...and they each bring them along to the great arena that is the Olympic games.  These stories go with the athletes as they run, shoot, lift, hit, and swim.  They motivate them, make them stronger, and bring meaning to their achievements.

Fourth, sport implies cooperation.  Competition, as fierce as it may be, takes place between people and countries who have gathered together and agreed to compete!  They compete according to a set of rules, and they do so for the sake of the beauty of sport.  The Olympic competitions give us a great picture of peace – even in the midst of struggle.

Fifth, and finally, sport brings health and fun to life.  Sports are not life in themselves.  There is much more to life than a big dive, a made basket, or a fast sprint.  And yet, sports contribute vitality and health to life.  They encourage us, inspire us, and enrich our understanding of life and humanity.

As you watch the Olympics conclude...enjoy the wonder of sport.  And I hope you make some room for exercise in your schedule, too, this week!