Last night I reviewed my running log from Paris and was quite happy I managed to complete at least 10 runs there. This is significant since I am returning to the sport from injury and a two month absence. My time in Paris was a return to running, and I’m excited to have a detailed training schedule to get me from here to New York in November.
I completed my first post-Paris run last night- a full week since my last run. I went to my old Brentwood area with 5 miles in mind.
On the plane I had read a detailed article about the benefits of dynamic versus static stretching before a run, so I decided to try it out. I had also learned this lesson from my 15 year old cousin Cyrus who runs track. He even insisted on first doing his dynamic stretches at 10:30pm one night before we walked over to the Trocadero to watch the fireworks on Bastille Day.
I was a little anxious of doing dynamic stretches in public. I don’t normally see people doing a carioca warm-up down a sidewalk. But I felt good so decided to do it anyway. I jogged a little and then did a series of "Toy Soldiers" (walking with knees straight), Knee knicks, butt kicks, walking lunges, and "Hackey Sacks". After five minutes of these, I took off.
My run was very pleasant. My Garmin watch was all over the place (yeah, right, 7:00 minute/ mile?) but the out of whack fast time felt like a reflection of how I was feeling - pretty groovy. I started my adult running around Brentwood, and it felt really good coming back. I love running just before dusk, especially in this heat. My favorite part is when all the water sprinklers start working along Montana. I managed to clock in my 5 miles and felt pretty good about it.
Join me for a new LA Leggers season starting up soon! Sign up today at laleggers.org
The LA Leggers season is starting up soon! Sign up today here.
Happy running!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Running in Paris
In Paris, I have started running again. There is still knee pain, but the Bois du Bologne forest is so enjoyable, that I put that on the back burner.
The weather so far is beautiful – not like the last time I was here when I ran in the cold and snow, keeping a cautious eye on the ground under my feet so that I didn’t slip on any hard icy patches. Paris is actually a big running town. I see them all over the place, in the bois, on the street, complete in skin tight running clothes and fuel belts. There are more men than women runners – and everyone looks pretty fit. At Decathlon, the French sporting goods store, I took a stroll through the running section. There are different brands here, but a lot of the same. I notice that the French fuel belts are a lot cheaper than the American ones.
My sights are set on the New York Marathon, and I hope to come to Paris next year in April for the Paris Marathon.
For now, I will slowly increase my mileage to only 6 miles, practice my strength training exercises, and hope to heal my knee. It would help if I lost a few pounds, after not running regularly for several months, I have come to appreciate how the sport helps in weight maintenance.
The Los Angeles Leggers official training season starts with orientations on July 23 and 30. Check out our new website at www.laleggers.org to register.
The weather so far is beautiful – not like the last time I was here when I ran in the cold and snow, keeping a cautious eye on the ground under my feet so that I didn’t slip on any hard icy patches. Paris is actually a big running town. I see them all over the place, in the bois, on the street, complete in skin tight running clothes and fuel belts. There are more men than women runners – and everyone looks pretty fit. At Decathlon, the French sporting goods store, I took a stroll through the running section. There are different brands here, but a lot of the same. I notice that the French fuel belts are a lot cheaper than the American ones.
My sights are set on the New York Marathon, and I hope to come to Paris next year in April for the Paris Marathon.
For now, I will slowly increase my mileage to only 6 miles, practice my strength training exercises, and hope to heal my knee. It would help if I lost a few pounds, after not running regularly for several months, I have come to appreciate how the sport helps in weight maintenance.
The Los Angeles Leggers official training season starts with orientations on July 23 and 30. Check out our new website at www.laleggers.org to register.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Springtime Recap on My Runner's Almanac
Since I haven't posted anything in two months, I am going to summarize some of the key related events that have transpired since May.
First, I attended the Pasadena Marathon in an official capacity as an L.A. Leggers representative, complete with L.A. Leggers big blue canopy, snacks, blue bedazzled hats, and plenty of cheer and high-fiving enthusiasm. The incredible Rosa (also a board member), her amazing husband Floyd, and two volunteers and I handed out support, chips, candy, and Band-Aids at the 18 mile (marathon) 10 mile (half) marker. Lots of Leggers were out, and I was lucky enough to see Lan Bui - my friend who I met at last year's race when we walked to the start line together from the parking lot. Lan completed the Palos Verdes Marathon just the day before, and she along with some other ultra runners, were the debut class to complete the Palos-Dena Challenge. Rosa was at Palos Verdes yesterday and recognized several people.
I really love the Pasadena Marathon. Sure, it was hard last year, but witnessing it from the day's vantage point as a volunteer, everyone seemed to enjoy it, and the coziness of this small race offeres all the hometown warm feelings that a larger race can't provide. Rosa and I were so entranced, we said we would run Pasadena next year. Actually, she said we would do the Palos-Dena Challenge, and I told her she could do that one on her own!
Another running related activity has been my involvement with the L.A. Leggers board. I remember last year, when the season ended, and it felt like forever before it was August and we were ready to start training again. Being on the board erases that - since we meet regularly either for monthly board meetings, committee meetings, or mandatory early morning senior center desk duties. I have enjoyed being on the board so far, and encourage everyone to join when the season starts July 23 with our first of two orientations. Stay tuned for membership info on our soon to be new website at www.laleggers.org.
Early June, I participated in a very long walk, or rather a big stroll, with Legger John Flynn, his father-in-law, and a host of other good-natured people as we walked about 16 miles along the entire length of Santa Monica Blvd. Stops included the Hollywood Forever Cemetary (where a stranger introduced me to astrology via playing cards - I'm a 7 of clubs), theater row, the Slut Walk, and part of route 66 where deciphered all of the 66 related lamp post ornamentals. I received my first black toe from this endeavor, and learned that if you walk in L.A., and have a swagger that only comes from walking 10+ miles, then you make friends with the local homeless. We were offered discounted bus tickets.
I haven't been running much since the L.A. Marathon because of injury, but I did join a gym and have been attending regularly. I'll be off to Paris next week, and hope to run in the Bois de Bulogne as often as I can. Stay tuned!
First, I attended the Pasadena Marathon in an official capacity as an L.A. Leggers representative, complete with L.A. Leggers big blue canopy, snacks, blue bedazzled hats, and plenty of cheer and high-fiving enthusiasm. The incredible Rosa (also a board member), her amazing husband Floyd, and two volunteers and I handed out support, chips, candy, and Band-Aids at the 18 mile (marathon) 10 mile (half) marker. Lots of Leggers were out, and I was lucky enough to see Lan Bui - my friend who I met at last year's race when we walked to the start line together from the parking lot. Lan completed the Palos Verdes Marathon just the day before, and she along with some other ultra runners, were the debut class to complete the Palos-Dena Challenge. Rosa was at Palos Verdes yesterday and recognized several people.
I really love the Pasadena Marathon. Sure, it was hard last year, but witnessing it from the day's vantage point as a volunteer, everyone seemed to enjoy it, and the coziness of this small race offeres all the hometown warm feelings that a larger race can't provide. Rosa and I were so entranced, we said we would run Pasadena next year. Actually, she said we would do the Palos-Dena Challenge, and I told her she could do that one on her own!
Another running related activity has been my involvement with the L.A. Leggers board. I remember last year, when the season ended, and it felt like forever before it was August and we were ready to start training again. Being on the board erases that - since we meet regularly either for monthly board meetings, committee meetings, or mandatory early morning senior center desk duties. I have enjoyed being on the board so far, and encourage everyone to join when the season starts July 23 with our first of two orientations. Stay tuned for membership info on our soon to be new website at www.laleggers.org.
Early June, I participated in a very long walk, or rather a big stroll, with Legger John Flynn, his father-in-law, and a host of other good-natured people as we walked about 16 miles along the entire length of Santa Monica Blvd. Stops included the Hollywood Forever Cemetary (where a stranger introduced me to astrology via playing cards - I'm a 7 of clubs), theater row, the Slut Walk, and part of route 66 where deciphered all of the 66 related lamp post ornamentals. I received my first black toe from this endeavor, and learned that if you walk in L.A., and have a swagger that only comes from walking 10+ miles, then you make friends with the local homeless. We were offered discounted bus tickets.
I haven't been running much since the L.A. Marathon because of injury, but I did join a gym and have been attending regularly. I'll be off to Paris next week, and hope to run in the Bois de Bulogne as often as I can. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Bosu Ball Madness
I went to the gym last Friday, armed with a barrage of BOSU Ball exercises and an iron will to do them all.
I joined a new gym recently, allowing me to perform crazy looking exercise moves on fun contraptions any time I like. The BOSU Ball doesn't come cheap, so it saves me the possibility of purchasing it and not using it at home (like my STEP purchase two years ago). At least when I'm at the gym, I am forced to do it.
Now although I had several exercises prepared to try on this stabilizing ball, very few came easily. My sit-ups included a lot of wobbling, and hardly looked as effortless as this picture:
Who is this amazingly coordinated lady? My version included rolling all over the place.
I also tried squats on it, which was an easier move. I also like using the flat surface for planks, and push-ups like this:
The most difficult move was lunges. This meant standing on the BOSU ball, and lunging backward. If you aren't embarrassed by falling all over the place willingly in front of other people, go ahead and try it. Lunging forwarding onto the ball, would be a better alternative:
Next time, I will try these side lunges:
I don't see the BOSU Ball used often at the gym. I think it is because people just don't know what to do with it. Good news for me, since I plan to use it regularly.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
New Disney Race - Complete with Wings
Run Disney is adding a new race to its repertoire - If you are shut out of the already sold-out Disneyland Half-Marathon labor day weekend, put on some wings and flutter through the new Tinker Bell Half-Marathon debuting January 2012. This one goes through the Disney resort and the city of Anaheim.
Penned as a women's race, I've been told that men can also participate. The press release claims that the event will attract 10,000 participants. Since it is a winter race, maybe Disney will consider free or discounted park entry during the off-season?
Only if we believe fairies really exist.
http://www.examiner.com/disney-travel-in-national/disney-sports-announces-new-disneyland-race-the-tinker-bell-half-marathon
Penned as a women's race, I've been told that men can also participate. The press release claims that the event will attract 10,000 participants. Since it is a winter race, maybe Disney will consider free or discounted park entry during the off-season?
Only if we believe fairies really exist.
http://www.examiner.com/disney-travel-in-national/disney-sports-announces-new-disneyland-race-the-tinker-bell-half-marathon
Thursday, April 14, 2011
No pain, no gain - Not!
Today was my regular physical therapy appointment with Kristy at Paulseth & Associates in Century City. I am always pumped up after these session – Yes, I will do my PT exercises at home. Yes, I will strength train regularly. Yes, yes, yes! But once I get home, all my “yesses” turn into big fat lazy “nos”. One reason? The lure of a nice comfy couch and realty TV after a long day at work.
Kristy is treating my calf pain and a more recent knee pain connected to my IT band. After today’s session, I rolled up and down a hard black foam roller under the guidance of an aide. “How does the black one feel?” she inquires, as there is also a softer white foam roller. Kristy had massaged my left IT band and it was left sore, so the rolling hurt. “No pain, no gain!” I tell the aide. “Um, that’s not really what we stand for.” True – pain is a big no-no for someone who sees injured people all day.
“No pain, no gain” needs to be qualified for runners. Physical pain is never a good thing. Soreness is OK, but not pain. That’s the sign that the body is overworked, underprepared, and on the threshold of going from “not that bad” to “bad”. Mental pain is OK, but hopefully with consistent training, that gets better.
I know I am the culprit for my problems. I have been lax on strength training, stretching and cross-training, thus resulting in more pain and less gain. The IT band, a common issue for runners, came up during the marathon, disguised as knee discomfort. My calf issue stems (amongst other things) from a tight Achilles tendon and stiff ankle. The ankle and foot exercises Kristy has taught me are very helpful, as are regular ultrasound and icing. I have already seen the benefits. I had no discomfort in my right calf at the 10K on Sunday, but still have the IT pain. Recovery doesn’t happen over night.
Now I just have to remember to do my stretches and exercises during the week.
Kristy is treating my calf pain and a more recent knee pain connected to my IT band. After today’s session, I rolled up and down a hard black foam roller under the guidance of an aide. “How does the black one feel?” she inquires, as there is also a softer white foam roller. Kristy had massaged my left IT band and it was left sore, so the rolling hurt. “No pain, no gain!” I tell the aide. “Um, that’s not really what we stand for.” True – pain is a big no-no for someone who sees injured people all day.
“No pain, no gain” needs to be qualified for runners. Physical pain is never a good thing. Soreness is OK, but not pain. That’s the sign that the body is overworked, underprepared, and on the threshold of going from “not that bad” to “bad”. Mental pain is OK, but hopefully with consistent training, that gets better.
I know I am the culprit for my problems. I have been lax on strength training, stretching and cross-training, thus resulting in more pain and less gain. The IT band, a common issue for runners, came up during the marathon, disguised as knee discomfort. My calf issue stems (amongst other things) from a tight Achilles tendon and stiff ankle. The ankle and foot exercises Kristy has taught me are very helpful, as are regular ultrasound and icing. I have already seen the benefits. I had no discomfort in my right calf at the 10K on Sunday, but still have the IT pain. Recovery doesn’t happen over night.
Now I just have to remember to do my stretches and exercises during the week.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Victory for Victims 5k/10k Race Report
Sunday was my third year participating in the Center for Assault and Treatment Services (CATS) Victory for Victim 5k/10k in Balboa Park. I even had a team! Here we are:
At the start line, Julio insisted we recruit a few other people so that our team looked bigger than it actually was. These three gals – one of whom was a Pasadena Pacer – were cool enough to pose as Team Naz members:
The weather was beautiful. The crowd felt smaller than last year, but the atmosphere at this community race is always great. It attracts a lot of dedicated runners and running group members. Before the race started, we were approached by an older gentleman who asked “So who ran the Agoura Half-Marathon 6 days after the LA Marathon?” The answer? He did! It’s fun when runners brag about these things to each other. I was about to tell him that I ran the Safari Park Half-Marathon the weekend before, but he had me beat.
The course was nice. I ran into Legger Ellen who is on her way to the Boston Marathon. Julio, Susan, Sanjeev and I finished within a few minutes of each other. Great Team! After, we had multiple servings of the free rice bowls provided by the Los Torros Mexican Food booth.
Happy Running!
At the start line, Julio insisted we recruit a few other people so that our team looked bigger than it actually was. These three gals – one of whom was a Pasadena Pacer – were cool enough to pose as Team Naz members:
The weather was beautiful. The crowd felt smaller than last year, but the atmosphere at this community race is always great. It attracts a lot of dedicated runners and running group members. Before the race started, we were approached by an older gentleman who asked “So who ran the Agoura Half-Marathon 6 days after the LA Marathon?” The answer? He did! It’s fun when runners brag about these things to each other. I was about to tell him that I ran the Safari Park Half-Marathon the weekend before, but he had me beat.
The course was nice. I ran into Legger Ellen who is on her way to the Boston Marathon. Julio, Susan, Sanjeev and I finished within a few minutes of each other. Great Team! After, we had multiple servings of the free rice bowls provided by the Los Torros Mexican Food booth.
Happy Running!
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