We had a long winter in my neck of the woods and I am elated that it is finally over. I had some great running plans for the winter season that were laid to rest by tons of snow and extreme cold temperatures. I gave it my best shot, though. In fact, I hosted my first ever Winter Running Clinic. We made it through four weeks until we just cried "uncle" and let nature have its way. Unfortunately, the majority of my running for the remainder of the season took place indoors on the dreadmill.
Running on a treadmill is no joy for Happy Feet. Indoor running lacks the change of scenery, terrain and fresh air that I enjoy when I am outdoors. You get the occasional runner, when running in the gym, who joins you on your left or right, but that can be a distraction. I am a social runner, for the most part (there are days when I'm in my happy pace and I don't want to be bothered), but I don't socialize while running on a treadmill. In fact, that is the only time that you will find me running with headphones. I have to take myself to another place in order to get my miles in on a treadmill. A person's heavy breathing, sweating or mismatched cadence is enough to make me pull the stop cord. There was one particular morning, however, when I was strapped for time and needed to clock five miles on the mill, and I entered a zone and didn't want to stop running. This was a definite first which I can't account for in any way.
Running is like that at times. You have your good and bad days and it is hard to tell why the tables turn either way. Some runs just start off on the wrong foot because you're not in the mood, not feeling the best or the weather is crappy. Funny thing is there are very few times when I've reluctantly started a run that I wasn't full of joy when I finished. As long as my good runs outweigh the bad, I'll never stop running!!
So, before I close, I'd like to make a shout out to the DC Running Club in Maryland. I was registered to run their George Washington Birthday Marathon this past February, but it was canceled due to the weather. You've got to love a marathon organized by real runners. They had to make a tough decision, but they did so in a timely manner, posted the cancellation on their website and sent out text messages to all of the registrants. Then, less than a month later, they refunded a portion of the registration fee (in cash), and mailed it to each registered runner along with their race bib, medal and the shirt. I was in awe of how gracefully and graciously the race director handled this. I've run 30 plus marathons (20 more states to go, by the way) that I've paid a lot more money to register and received far less after actually running the race. To receive a refund or even a portion of your registration is unheard of.
When I finish my 50 states in 2015, I'm heading for Maryland. I am determined to run that marathon. I'm sure they took some flack for canceling the race. I saw the photos on their site of race day conditions and I think it was a tough call. Sure a lot of us seasoned marathoners could have made our way through it, but they had to take all runners of every level into account and safety has to be a priority as a race director. Thanks for looking out!
Look for more frequent posts from me this year. I've got a lot of helpful information on running, fitness and nutrition that I'd like to share. Please stay in touch and forward my posts to fellow runners.
Your friend and coach (I am now certified!)
Tia (Happy Feet)
Friday, April 11, 2014
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Respect the Race -- The Boston Marathon
I often run with heavy legs, especially after mile 20 in a marathon, but it is rare that I run with a heavy heart. Today was one of those days. When I wake up each morning, one of the first things I do is check my phone for messages, -- just a habit because of the type of business I'm in. I received a message from my local YMCA this morning asking runners to wear race shirts this week in support of the individuals affected by yesterday’s bombing at the Boston Marathon. I keep my race shirts in a separate drawer, no special order, so I pulled out quite a few before I got my hands on what I thought was the best shirt to wear today – my last Chicago Marathon shirt from 2010. As I pulled it over my head I thought about the runners in the running club I belong to, The Kingdom Running Club, who are training with us for their very first marathon. I contemplated the thoughts that might be going through their heads right now and prayed that they would not be immobilized by the tragedy in Boston and that they would persevere and proudly wear their Chicago Marathon race shirt this fall.
The majority of the runners in our club will probably be in the 4-6 hour finisher category, -- the same group of runners who had just crossed the finish line or hadn’t reached the finish line when the bombs exploded in Boston. One of our leaders, Rochelle Trotter, who ran the Boston Marathon twice explained during an interview with Fox News this morning that many of these runners were running for charities. While their fundraising dollars will undoubtedly give them a sense of pride and accomplishment, someone stole their opportunity to fully experience the Boston Marathon which they worked so hard to complete. I’m sure they’ll still get their medals, but it will always represent a great day gone bad.
My heart and prayers go out to the families who lost loved ones, and to those who were injured physically and mentally by this despicable act. As a member of the global running community, I speak for many who are bitter following this event. My prayer as we run forward is that we will all become better because of this. I pray that runners, novice to professional, will strengthen their resolve to not only complete, but totally rock their first or next marathon because of what happened yesterday. I pray that runners won’t lose momentum, give up or give in to fear, but use their races as a platform to show their solidarity for world-wide peace and their respect for the marathon and what it represents.
Until I run again,
Happy Feet
P.S. Thank you to my family, friends and fellow runners who checked in with me and my husband yesterday to make sure we weren't running in Boston yesterday. I haven't qualified for Boston YET, but I WILL and I will run it with honor and pride for all that it represents.
The majority of the runners in our club will probably be in the 4-6 hour finisher category, -- the same group of runners who had just crossed the finish line or hadn’t reached the finish line when the bombs exploded in Boston. One of our leaders, Rochelle Trotter, who ran the Boston Marathon twice explained during an interview with Fox News this morning that many of these runners were running for charities. While their fundraising dollars will undoubtedly give them a sense of pride and accomplishment, someone stole their opportunity to fully experience the Boston Marathon which they worked so hard to complete. I’m sure they’ll still get their medals, but it will always represent a great day gone bad.
My heart and prayers go out to the families who lost loved ones, and to those who were injured physically and mentally by this despicable act. As a member of the global running community, I speak for many who are bitter following this event. My prayer as we run forward is that we will all become better because of this. I pray that runners, novice to professional, will strengthen their resolve to not only complete, but totally rock their first or next marathon because of what happened yesterday. I pray that runners won’t lose momentum, give up or give in to fear, but use their races as a platform to show their solidarity for world-wide peace and their respect for the marathon and what it represents.
Until I run again,
Happy Feet
P.S. Thank you to my family, friends and fellow runners who checked in with me and my husband yesterday to make sure we weren't running in Boston yesterday. I haven't qualified for Boston YET, but I WILL and I will run it with honor and pride for all that it represents.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Still Running....
It has been soooo long since my last posting that I don't know where to begin. A lot has transpired since my last blog in 2010. Not only in my running but in my business and family. So, in true Happy Feet fashion, I will try to bring you up to speed by using a running anecdote of some sort.
First and foremost I think an update is needed on where I am in in my goal to run a full marathon in each of the 50 states. I ran in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this past weekend which marked my 26th full marathon and 22nd state! One of these days I am going to do a recap of each of my marathons and provide what I consider the pros and cons of the course, race organization, goodies and travel accommodations. I've taken notes over the years that I just have to post for your use should you ever contemplate running any of the same races.
The highlight of my South Carolina race is that I reached a new PR (Personal Record). I still haven't run a sub-5 hour marathon but I got REAL close this time. My finishing time was 5:02!!! For a brief moment I was a little disappointed that I hadn't pushed myself a little harder and came in under 5 hours but then I realized I hadn't run a marathon nearly that fast since July 2010 when I set a PR in Oregon. Most importantly, I ran the entire marathon (walked through the water stops) and felt strong in the end. My legs are usually extremely fatigued after 20 miles, but I was still running at a consistent pace. It wasn't until about mile 25 that I started doing what I call my "marathon suffle".
So here's the lesson: In life and running it is sometimes hard to determine why we can do all the right things and not get the desired results. I determined last fall that my last marathon of 2011 in Philidelphia would be my record breaking marathon for the year. I did my short and long runs on a consistent basis, properly hydrated and nourished my body, recited my positive affirmations (confessions) along the way, and took my natural energy gels on the road. On top of that, the weather was nearly perfect and my travel accommodations couldn't have been better. I felt so good going into this race that I pre-ordered a race photo and customized my bib to say "Triumphant" instead of my name. My finishing time wasn't horrible but my performance was less than stellar. I finished in less than 5 1/2 hours but I was struggling most of the way.
Prior to my most recent race, I incorporated cross training (biking and swimming) and cut back on my daily caloric intake so that I could drop the 10 pounds I'd been babysitting for the past year. I lost 3 pounds before the race, but I don't think that made much of a difference. If I had to point out one thing that I THINK contributed to my new PR it would be the strengthening of the muscles that support my primary running muscles as a result of my cross training. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Until I run again,
Remember: "All you can do is all you can do and all you can do IS ENOUGH"!!!
Happy Feet
First and foremost I think an update is needed on where I am in in my goal to run a full marathon in each of the 50 states. I ran in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this past weekend which marked my 26th full marathon and 22nd state! One of these days I am going to do a recap of each of my marathons and provide what I consider the pros and cons of the course, race organization, goodies and travel accommodations. I've taken notes over the years that I just have to post for your use should you ever contemplate running any of the same races.
The highlight of my South Carolina race is that I reached a new PR (Personal Record). I still haven't run a sub-5 hour marathon but I got REAL close this time. My finishing time was 5:02!!! For a brief moment I was a little disappointed that I hadn't pushed myself a little harder and came in under 5 hours but then I realized I hadn't run a marathon nearly that fast since July 2010 when I set a PR in Oregon. Most importantly, I ran the entire marathon (walked through the water stops) and felt strong in the end. My legs are usually extremely fatigued after 20 miles, but I was still running at a consistent pace. It wasn't until about mile 25 that I started doing what I call my "marathon suffle".
So here's the lesson: In life and running it is sometimes hard to determine why we can do all the right things and not get the desired results. I determined last fall that my last marathon of 2011 in Philidelphia would be my record breaking marathon for the year. I did my short and long runs on a consistent basis, properly hydrated and nourished my body, recited my positive affirmations (confessions) along the way, and took my natural energy gels on the road. On top of that, the weather was nearly perfect and my travel accommodations couldn't have been better. I felt so good going into this race that I pre-ordered a race photo and customized my bib to say "Triumphant" instead of my name. My finishing time wasn't horrible but my performance was less than stellar. I finished in less than 5 1/2 hours but I was struggling most of the way.
Prior to my most recent race, I incorporated cross training (biking and swimming) and cut back on my daily caloric intake so that I could drop the 10 pounds I'd been babysitting for the past year. I lost 3 pounds before the race, but I don't think that made much of a difference. If I had to point out one thing that I THINK contributed to my new PR it would be the strengthening of the muscles that support my primary running muscles as a result of my cross training. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Until I run again,
Remember: "All you can do is all you can do and all you can do IS ENOUGH"!!!
Happy Feet
Monday, June 21, 2010
My Shooting Star!
In addition to my marathon training, my children have been running me to and fro for the past month with end of the school-year activities. Got miles? Oh, yeah! Miles to the mall, miles to the hairdresser, miles to the nail shop, miles back and forth to their schools.....before I tire myself out again, let me tell you where I'm going with this. My daughter, Jordyn, is valedictorian of her 8th grade class. I know this has absolutely nothing to do with running, but I am so proud of her that I wanted to tell all of my friends, family, partners, and members of my running community.
I hope you know by now that I can weave a running lesson into just about any story. So here's what I learned from my daughter's valedictorian speech. Jordyn shared in her speech how she dreamt for several years about being the valedictorian of her graduating class, but most importantly how she purposed in her mind to do whatever it took to make her dream a reality. Her approach was to strive for all A's in her classes. She may have fallen short a time or two but she never, ever lost sight of her dream.
I, too, have a dream. Actually it's more of a goal than a dream, but for the stories sake, I'll call it a dream. My goal is to run my marathons in less than 5 hours. A sub 5-hour marathon gives me more time to finish and make it back to my hotel room to shower before I jump on the plane home. I've also learned that while I am a social running (gabbing all the way), my feet are not so happy after 5 hours! When I ran in the Grandma marathon in Duluth, Minnesota this past weekend, my goal was to finish in less than 5 hours. I would have been happy with 4 hours and 59 minutes! I didn't run a sub-5 marathon, but I got closer than ever before and set a new PR of 5:08!
So the lesson learned is one you've probably heard many times before -- "Shoot for the moon, and even if you don't reach it you'll fall among the stars!" Like Jordyn, I'm not giving up until I make my dream a reality. Just as she confessed that she would have the highest grade point average in her graduating class, I can guarantee you, I WILL run a sub-5 marathon this year!
Until I run again, keep dreaming and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
I hope you know by now that I can weave a running lesson into just about any story. So here's what I learned from my daughter's valedictorian speech. Jordyn shared in her speech how she dreamt for several years about being the valedictorian of her graduating class, but most importantly how she purposed in her mind to do whatever it took to make her dream a reality. Her approach was to strive for all A's in her classes. She may have fallen short a time or two but she never, ever lost sight of her dream.
I, too, have a dream. Actually it's more of a goal than a dream, but for the stories sake, I'll call it a dream. My goal is to run my marathons in less than 5 hours. A sub 5-hour marathon gives me more time to finish and make it back to my hotel room to shower before I jump on the plane home. I've also learned that while I am a social running (gabbing all the way), my feet are not so happy after 5 hours! When I ran in the Grandma marathon in Duluth, Minnesota this past weekend, my goal was to finish in less than 5 hours. I would have been happy with 4 hours and 59 minutes! I didn't run a sub-5 marathon, but I got closer than ever before and set a new PR of 5:08!
So the lesson learned is one you've probably heard many times before -- "Shoot for the moon, and even if you don't reach it you'll fall among the stars!" Like Jordyn, I'm not giving up until I make my dream a reality. Just as she confessed that she would have the highest grade point average in her graduating class, I can guarantee you, I WILL run a sub-5 marathon this year!
Until I run again, keep dreaming and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Pressing Towards the Mark
I enjoy running with my husband, Richard, because he challenges me to run faster and sometimes further than I would some days. I don't know if he realizes it but he runs in intervals of varying speeds. I am well aware of this because I run with a watch that tells me my pace (a watch he jokingly refers to as my wrist top). Even if I wasn't wearing my watch while running with him, I've gotten so connected with my body while running that I can tell when I am running a 10:30 minute mile (my conversational pace); a 10-minute mile (my tempo pace); and a 9:30 minute mile (my goal pace) because my breathing is slightly labored at this speed.
Richard starts running at about a 10:30 pace for the first mile then he gradually picks up his pace until he settles into what I consider his comfort zone, -- a 9:30 minute mile. Remember, this is not my comfort zone so if I run 3 or more miles with him, I get a good workout. When he starts dropping below 9 minutes, I let him stretch it out so that he can reach his goal pace.
If you are reading this entry as a new runner, I strongly encourage you to occasionally run with someone who is slightly faster than you -- especially if you desire to run faster. If you are a non-runner, apply this tip to the people with whom you spend the majority of your time. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to stretch beyond your perceived capabilities or to think outside the box. I challenge each of you to step out of your comfort zone this week. Trust me, it won't feel good at first. You might even lose a few "friends" along the way, but if they are true friends they will cheer you on as you strive to reach your race pace and achieve your goals --rather on the road while running or in life in general.
Until I run again... keep moving and make it a great day!
Tia
a.k.a Happy Feet Harrison
Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:13
Richard starts running at about a 10:30 pace for the first mile then he gradually picks up his pace until he settles into what I consider his comfort zone, -- a 9:30 minute mile. Remember, this is not my comfort zone so if I run 3 or more miles with him, I get a good workout. When he starts dropping below 9 minutes, I let him stretch it out so that he can reach his goal pace.
If you are reading this entry as a new runner, I strongly encourage you to occasionally run with someone who is slightly faster than you -- especially if you desire to run faster. If you are a non-runner, apply this tip to the people with whom you spend the majority of your time. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to stretch beyond your perceived capabilities or to think outside the box. I challenge each of you to step out of your comfort zone this week. Trust me, it won't feel good at first. You might even lose a few "friends" along the way, but if they are true friends they will cheer you on as you strive to reach your race pace and achieve your goals --rather on the road while running or in life in general.
Until I run again... keep moving and make it a great day!
Tia
a.k.a Happy Feet Harrison
Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:13
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sweet Rolls Anyone?
Odd question from a runner blogger, huh? I made the offer because like many of my fellow runners, I occasionally get a sweet tooth and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I eat a healthy diet, 90 percent of the time. That 10 percent indulgence is one of the benefits of running. An indulgence for me, for the most part, has to be earned. If I stick to my training program Monday through Friday and get in a long run on the weekend, I reward myself with something sweet, or one of my favorite comfort foods -- French fries, Thai food, pizza or crusty bread with real butter. One of my favorite post-marathon treats is chocolate ice cream. A scoop or two will do ya. Don't eat a half gallon. Indulgences should be in moderation and limited to small portions as not to ruin all of your hard work. Remember, food is your fuel for exercise so be oh so careful as to what you put in your tank.
Back to the sweet rolls. I've had a sweet tooth for the past 48 hours that I can't kick no matter how much fruit I eat. This morning when I was running past a local bakery, I inhaled the sweet smell of what I think was sweet bread. Knowing that running is just as much mental as physical, I played a virtual mind game and imagined myself eating a freshly baked cinnamon roll. I could taste the frosting as if it was dripping from my fingers -- which were covered in gloves! That fantasy didn't last long because the next smell I inhaled was compost on some one's lawn. A rude awakening to what I was really doing - running 4 miles!
When I made it home, I made myself a chocolate protein drink which really hit the spot. Following is my very simple recipe. Try it after you've exercised for at least an hour as a recovery drink. I only ran 40 minutes, but after my sweet roll nightmare, I thought I deserved it.
Until I run again.....keep moving and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
Chocolate Protein Drink
1 ounce chocolate protein powder
1 teaspoon creatine
1 frozen banana
1 cup chocolate almond milk (Diamond is my favorite)
1 cup vanilla almond milk (Diamond, of course)
Blend for 1-2 minutes and enjoy! Add ice for a thicker consistency or vanilla yogurt (low fat organic, soy, coconut, rice, almond or Greek)
Back to the sweet rolls. I've had a sweet tooth for the past 48 hours that I can't kick no matter how much fruit I eat. This morning when I was running past a local bakery, I inhaled the sweet smell of what I think was sweet bread. Knowing that running is just as much mental as physical, I played a virtual mind game and imagined myself eating a freshly baked cinnamon roll. I could taste the frosting as if it was dripping from my fingers -- which were covered in gloves! That fantasy didn't last long because the next smell I inhaled was compost on some one's lawn. A rude awakening to what I was really doing - running 4 miles!
When I made it home, I made myself a chocolate protein drink which really hit the spot. Following is my very simple recipe. Try it after you've exercised for at least an hour as a recovery drink. I only ran 40 minutes, but after my sweet roll nightmare, I thought I deserved it.
Until I run again.....keep moving and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
Chocolate Protein Drink
1 ounce chocolate protein powder
1 teaspoon creatine
1 frozen banana
1 cup chocolate almond milk (Diamond is my favorite)
1 cup vanilla almond milk (Diamond, of course)
Blend for 1-2 minutes and enjoy! Add ice for a thicker consistency or vanilla yogurt (low fat organic, soy, coconut, rice, almond or Greek)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Reason Why I Run
I promised to share information about my chosen charity, Project Eden, and I will, but I think it is necessary for me to first tell how I got on the path to what I will term my 50/50/50 (a marathon in each of the 50 state, and $50,000 raised by my 50th birthday).
Before I started running four years ago, my only motivation to run was from something (like a dog), or to something (a taxi). Running for the sheer fun of it or for fitness was not part of my DNA -- or so I thought at the time. My family members were shocked when they heard I wanted to run a marathon because they knew I didn't like to sweat! Now if I don't sweat, I don't think I've gotten a decent workout. I do believe that if I have to sweat, I should look good doing it. You won't find me running in mismatched clothing. Most of my shirts are from past races, but I've purchased socks, shoes and shorts to match (It is amazing what you can find on the clearance racks at Marshalls, Target, and Sports Authority -- more about that in a future blog).
My husband, Richard, was my initial inspiration for running. After standing in extreme temperatures as he raced through the streets of Chicago during his first couple of marathons I started looking at the different people crossing the finishing line and thinking to myself, "If this 70-year-old man can do it, I can at least try!" Those thoughts coupled with the results I saw first hand in Richard motivated me to train for my first 5k run in my neighborhood. It took me awhile after I finished that race to build up my confidence to run further, but I did. Within the next year I trained and ran my first 10k, and half marathon.
I wasn't satisfied with my half marathon time, so I trained for another one which was part of my training towards running my first full marathon, -- the 2008 Chicago Marathon. During my training for the Chicago marathon, I discovered my joy for running. Running is my time. It is an opportunity for me to clear my head and allow God to fill it with his plans and promises for my day -- my life. You see, I learned during this time, that my running is for me but not about me. I run in honor of those who want to run but because of physical limitations they cannot. I run in memory of those who ran their individual races before me but are no longer here to share their stories (my mom). I run because running is an outward expression of my joy for the Lord and all that he continues to do in my life and more importantly what he can do in the lives of others through me.
My goal to run 50 marathons in each of the 50 states by my 50th birthday (and most importantly, raise $50,000 for Project Eden), is my way of putting my faith to my faith. As a charity runner, I no longer talk the talk -- I RUN IT!! Thanks for your continued support and pledges towards my goal.
Until I run again, keep moving and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
Before I started running four years ago, my only motivation to run was from something (like a dog), or to something (a taxi). Running for the sheer fun of it or for fitness was not part of my DNA -- or so I thought at the time. My family members were shocked when they heard I wanted to run a marathon because they knew I didn't like to sweat! Now if I don't sweat, I don't think I've gotten a decent workout. I do believe that if I have to sweat, I should look good doing it. You won't find me running in mismatched clothing. Most of my shirts are from past races, but I've purchased socks, shoes and shorts to match (It is amazing what you can find on the clearance racks at Marshalls, Target, and Sports Authority -- more about that in a future blog).
My husband, Richard, was my initial inspiration for running. After standing in extreme temperatures as he raced through the streets of Chicago during his first couple of marathons I started looking at the different people crossing the finishing line and thinking to myself, "If this 70-year-old man can do it, I can at least try!" Those thoughts coupled with the results I saw first hand in Richard motivated me to train for my first 5k run in my neighborhood. It took me awhile after I finished that race to build up my confidence to run further, but I did. Within the next year I trained and ran my first 10k, and half marathon.
I wasn't satisfied with my half marathon time, so I trained for another one which was part of my training towards running my first full marathon, -- the 2008 Chicago Marathon. During my training for the Chicago marathon, I discovered my joy for running. Running is my time. It is an opportunity for me to clear my head and allow God to fill it with his plans and promises for my day -- my life. You see, I learned during this time, that my running is for me but not about me. I run in honor of those who want to run but because of physical limitations they cannot. I run in memory of those who ran their individual races before me but are no longer here to share their stories (my mom). I run because running is an outward expression of my joy for the Lord and all that he continues to do in my life and more importantly what he can do in the lives of others through me.
My goal to run 50 marathons in each of the 50 states by my 50th birthday (and most importantly, raise $50,000 for Project Eden), is my way of putting my faith to my faith. As a charity runner, I no longer talk the talk -- I RUN IT!! Thanks for your continued support and pledges towards my goal.
Until I run again, keep moving and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
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