Running As a Spectator Event

On Sunday, a friend and I drove to Long Beach to watch the Long Beach Half and Full Marathon. I was prepared for a nice day of spectating, ans was fully prepared with camping chair, sandwiches, hand-made signs, and pretzels and Starbursts to hand out. The pink cowbell I purchased from the Run with Donna 26.2 website hasn't made it in the mail yet, otherwise I would have brought that too! That being said, all you really need to be a successful spectator is your presence, and your cheering voice.

We arrived at the Start Line around 6:30 a.m. I have never done this race before, and was glad to see how easy it was to park and get to the starting line. Liz and I only saw a few Leggers, so we hung out at the Start until the masses were released. We then walked about 1.5 miles to the vicinity of Mile 11 (half) and Mile 24 (full) to set up out chairs. I wanted to go a little further, but Liz thought we may get tired walking back afterward.

It was kind of funny how we had our chairs set up - all we needed was a cooler of beer and we could have been tailgating at a football game. Except we didn't have much time to tailgate since soon the lead half-marathoner came through. But we did wait about two hours for the marathoners.

I knew people in both the full and half events, and kept a watchful eye out for them. Along the way, I was happy to see Leggers whom I recognized. Here is a photo(taken by Legger Jennifer) of us spectating:



By the end of the day, all the pretzels and Starburts I brought were consumed. The day turned out to be rather hot, so the pretzels were pretty popular (necessary salt for long-distance runners). Liz even helped out with the water station at Mile 25.

Some interesting sights along the course:

A marathoner pushing a Pomeranian in a stroller - It's funny, I saw the dog at the beginning, and then again around mile 24-25. She seemed extremely happy.

A marathoner dressed as Superman, complete in tights over his running shorts.

A troupe of women dressed elaborately as witches in the bike race.

Sighting of Yolanda Holder, the keeper of the Guinness Record for most marathons completed by a woman in a single year.

Sadly, I didn't see my Pasadena Marathon friend Lan, or Legger Carol, but they did great. I was also very happy for Legger Michelle who made amazing time and cut her PR by over an hour.

Spectating is A LOT of fun. You get to support people who don't even know, most of whom are in a very good mood. I was looking at the route for the Los Angeles Rock n' Roll Half-Marathon to determine where I will spectate that day - the problem is that I'm unfamiliar with the area (all around downtown) and have to figure out the best place - Is it just me, or does the course look like it goes through South Central?

Happy running, and happy spectating!

14 miles

The weekend's 14 miler went pretty well. The only thing - it's still dark at 6:30 a.m. I planned on wearing my prescription sunglasses the whole time (didn't wear contacts), so I had to bring my regular glasses and store the sunglasses somewhere in the back of my pants. During these long runs, I become a long-distance traveler and have to hide things all over the place. A baggie of pretzels, water, Gatorade - things tend to fall off.

I started with the 13:30 min/mile pace group running 2:1 intervals. I need to run on a pretty flat surface or my runner's knee flares up - so no uphills or downhills (however gradual). Our route was pretty good - I kept with the group for their entire 10 miles, then went on my own for 4.

Before the run, I took a couple of Aleve. I like Aleve but its use (Naproxen) isn't recommended during marathons because of its potential harmful effects on kidneys and salt retention. It's too bad since I prefer it to Tylenol, but I'll manage.

After a Leggers board meeting, I went to Ralphs and picked up a couple bags of ice for an ice bath. I have, surprisingly, gotten very good and staying in an ice bath. I can manage for about 10+ minutes. Reading material helps.

Happy training!

Running with Injuries

My 12 mile run last weekend was successful overall. I started off with the 13.5 pace group and had my first taste at 1:1 intervals. It's funny - before you know it, there's a walk break. They also incorporated mile repeats every even mile. I even didn't mind the first mile repeat. It was the second one, around mile 4, that started creating pain in my knee.

So I peeled off from the group. I applied a sample of BioFreeze which I had carried with me. BioFreeze is a cooling agent with Menthol popular for those with an active lifestyle (supposedly Chaz Bono is using it because of his dancing injury). I had taken two Alleve at the start of the day and that eventually kicked in. I did some quick dynamic stretches, and ran the way back along Speedway, and then the Venice Boardwalk, on my own.

I kept the 1:1 intervals on my watch, but ran at a 2:1. I discovered I like having my watch go off every minute. It's a nice reminder without looking at my wrist constantly.

My run went pretty well until around mile 10. I passed the walkers on the Santa Monica stairs, and ran through the snazzy Santa Monica residential streets before heading back. It was on my way back to the Senior Center (possibly because of slight decline), that I was having pain, this time in my other knee.

All in all, I was happy with the run. I came home and had an ice bath. Note to self: Need to buy twice the amount of ice next time.


I've been very cognizant of my form. In a lot of running tomes and magazines (even Shape this month), there is a big push against heel-striking. I don't think I was ever much of a heel striker, and since my stride is already pretty short, I don't think this is a big problem. But I do advise runners to notice their form when they run. Even the arm swing - back and forth, not side to side, and not too high. In race photos, I occasionally see my hands a little to high, giving myself the thumbs up (not sure why I do this!)

I also went to the Sports MD and got the official diagnosis of runner's knee. No tears to the miniscus or ligaments, thank Goodness. Back to physical therapy.

Reducing mileage for the long run this weekend.

Happy running!

Running is Group Running

My first group run of the season was last Saturday. Running with a group is so much fun, and it makes the effort so much less noticeable. Because of my injuries (which I am starting to discover the root of - including hip imbalance), I am slowing down my group pace and am running with the 13.5's. They have some interesting tactics. For example, this weekend, they will run every odd mile as a mile repeat. I am a little anxious about that, but considering the group head mentor, I know I am in good hands!

Other than that, the Long Beach Half-Marathon is coming up, and after watching a video that will be featured in a future Leggers newsletter (courtesy of John Flynn), I am tempted to register. If I don't, I will plan on going out to support the crowd as a spectator. If you have never watched a half-marathon or marathon before, do it. After finished the 5K at the L.A. Marathon in 2008, I planted myself next to some nice people in front of the L.A. Coliseum and watched the marathon. It was so exciting – I ran it the following year.

Oh, I have been reading "Run for Life", the book our group has selected to distribute to. When I first got it last year, I didn't find it as easy to read as those by Jeff Galloway (which I love) or Frank Shorter’s. The book doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles in terms of how it looks. But I tried again last night, and once you get past the lack of advanced publishing, it isn't a bad book. It is from a casual runner's perspective, not an elite’s. It actually got me to seriously consider running barefoot for a couple of miles to see how it affects my form - or maybe get a pair of those Vibrom 5-fingers.

Planning on 12 miles this Saturday. See you there!

The inflexible Runner

I used to be relatively flexible. In yoga, I could lie on my back and catapult my legs so far behind me that they would touch the ground over my heard. I would do the "happy baby" pose - grabbing my feet and rocking on the floor - a sort of massage for the spine. Well since I started running, and perhaps not doing yoga as frequently, these moves are now more difficult. I am less flexible. Poses that used to be easy, are now hard. I can't throw my legs as far back anymore, and happy baby tends to send a painful stiff feeling down my back. Pigeon pose, which is said to be a great stretch for runners, is also more difficult now.

Through running, I have gained a lot. But one thing I have lost is my flexibility. Runners just aren't the most flexible people. But as long as I keep stretching what I can, I hope to find a nice balance. I may not have a happy baby, but at least I'll have a happy medium.

happy running!

New Garmin Velcro Strap

My Garmin strap fell apart in Paris, so I went on Amazon and purchased a velcro replacement. I had the watch for about 1.5 years before the original plastic band ripped, which seemed to be the amount of time other straps lasted when I read reviews on-line.

The strap is inexpensive, and a lot more user-friendly than the original plastic. Also, you can tighten the velcro easily and adjust the fit better. The only downside is that the fabric must be cleaned regularly since it can get sweaty after a long run.

So if your Garmin breaks, don't fret! You can go velcro or just buy an identical replacement online.

Running Season Back in Session!

The L.A. Leggers 2011-2012 season is almost upon us!

For me, it feels like the season never ended since I've been involved with the Board since April and have been in touch with Legger friends.

This Saturday will be the first of two orientations for new members, although returning members are welcome to join in on the new season fun. The first ever Leggers Expo will take place with our sponsors. All new Leggers should come at 7:00 AM for the timed-mile to determine what pace group best meets your needs.

When I first did the timed-mile three years ago, I ran a 9:40 mile/minute (Of course I sprinted toward the end, which you are not supposed to do). If you add about 1-1:30 minutes that that time, it gives you an estimate of what your marathon pace should be. At the time, I was doing a lot of short races, so I thought I could handle a 10 minute/mile for the marathon. Boy, was I wrong!

Register at www.laleggers.org today. The next orientation will be August 13th.

Happy group running!