Should've Listened

Last Saturday, I was scheduled to go on an 8 mile run. I did my usual routine- sunscreen, hat, water bottle and nourishment (sport beans). Usually, I have go to the restroom before I hit the pavement but I didn't have to go this time. 

This is the part in my story where I should have listened to my mama. She always says, "Be sure to go to the restroom before leaving the house!". It's like telling a 3 year old to go potty and them not listening, only I'm 24 now! (I guess some things never change)

Therefore, I hit the road! I was feeling good! I had my playlist and a great pace going. I was going to do my "best mile ever today". Things quickly took a turn for the worse. I was 3 miles into my run and then it hit me. I had to go to the "lou". 

I picked up the pace in hopes to find a restroom on the trail but there was none in sight. My mind immediately went racing, where was the nearest restroom? Then it hit me, it was approximately 3 miles away- at my house!

Flight or fight? 

Do I just hold it? Do I run home? Do I go back to the days when I went to Ethopia and dig a hole in the ground and squat?

The answer is, go home.

I began my run back to the house. Less than half a mile completed and I felt like everything was giggling around in me. "Oh, no!!!"

At that point, you clinch your butt cheeks and run- run like the wind! In instances like this I listen to the wise words of my grandmother, "quick, quick, quick!"

I made it home, just in time!

Twiggy

They say in marathon running that you'll learn quickly there is no room for pride. 

Recently, I have been experiencing some friction between my thighs while running. I have chosen to ignore it but now it is getting to the point where it is unbearable to run for longer than 4 miles.

 Therefore, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and purchased this:

When I got there, I was embarrassed to ask where the chaffing gel was, so I aimlessly wandered around the store looking for it. Then I found it in the shoe section (explain that on to me!) where a strapping young man was working. He approached me and asked if I needed any assistance. My reply, "No thanks, I found the water bottles!" Then he went to the back to check something out for another customer and that's when I grabbed the chaffing gel and speedily walked to the front to check-out.

When I approached the registers, there were only males checking people out. Being embarrassed, I pretended to still need something and walked around for a bit, I do the same thing when I check out with a male and I'm buying tampons!

Upon my second walk around the store, I realized that the only person's thighs that don't touch are Twiggy's! When I got over myself, I went to the front and checked out.

Tomorrow, I will be going on an 8 mile run and will be testing this stuff out. Let's hope it works because it's painful when your legs rub together for long periods of time.

In a previous post, I mentioned the importance in keeping yourself hydrated and nourished. So while I was at Dick's I decided that I would try the jelly beans. They are made with jelly belly flavors! I tried the gels last time and I have never tasted anything so disgusting.

So with my 2 new products in hand, I left Dick's and will be testing them tomorrow.

How To Run Your Long Runs

For any long distance training program, the long run is essential. Along with being a very important part of your training efforts, it is also very important that you complete your long runs correctly. Yes, there is a right and wrong way to running or walking your weekly long efforts. And no better time than now to learn the correct way to run, as we are getting into some longer mileage. Whether you are someone who takes a little more time to complete your training sessions or someone who likes to finish your workouts as quick as you can and return to the warmth of your bed, all runners should run their long runs at the same “pace.”

That is not to say that someone who is able to run an 8-minute mile should slow down to run a 12-minute mile with his/her friend. You should be completing your long efforts at a “conversational pace.” In other words, you should be able to comfortably carry on a conversation throughout your long effort, even if you are training by yourself. Naturally, this may seem rather odd to passersby, so perhaps singing a song to yourself may seem more appropriate. Then again, you can always have fun with those you pass with some rather interesting conversation topics. Ask me for some good ones for your next run. ;)

By training at a conversational pace, you will get the most out of your long effort. The goal is to train your body to handle a good amount of time on your feet, and prepare you both physically and mentally for the rigors of a long distance race. Even if you can run 8-minute miles during your weekday runs of 3 or 4 miles, you will want to slow down a bit for your weekly long effort. Pushing yourself too hard too early in your training is just setting yourself up for trouble. Depending on your pace, and comfort level, try adding about 30 to 60 seconds per mile to your current weekday run pace. Better to add that time at the beginning of your run and throughout your long run, then to HAVE to add 3 or 4 minutes PER mile to your run for the last few miles of a 20-mile effort because you expended all of your energy too early. Your weekday runs and track workouts down the road are your opportunities to run at a more intense pace and to improve your speed, plus concentrate on other areas of running which we will discuss throughout the season.

I Bid Thee Farewell...

The nice thing about running in a group is that you don't need to take music with you. You just enjoy the run with your group and now more than ever, I appreciate that.

My iPod, Percy, died today only a few hours after our practice today.

It went something like this:

   Still plays music but the forward button doesn't work.

After that, someone at work went to see what song was playing and the screen turned insane colors and then shut off.

                                      MOMENTS LATER

                           Farewell Percy!

Group Run #1

Did you know that less than 5% of the population will ever complete a half marathon or marathon?

Today was my first group run with Miracles in Motion (p.s. I'm still in DIRE need of sponsors) and it was fun. Originally, we were supposed to start at 6 am but when I arrived at the park, aside from Coach Rick, I was the only one there.We did a group stretch and hit the trail at Kawains Park at about 6:30.

I was able to complete the 4 miles scheduled today in 30 minutes! Although, my legs were tight this morning I had to work through it. I was foolish and ran 3 miles on Friday and also did yoga (nuts!!!) While I'm no Flo Jo, I'm excited to see the progress that I will make over the next 6 months.

When we finished our run, there was a man from the Runner's Den there to talk with us about somethings. He was there to talk to us about what the magazines tell us we need and what we actually need. Here is what he recommended:

1. PROPER RUNNING SHOES
• a good shoe that provides great support rather than looks stylish.
2. HYDRATION AND NUTRITION 
• water, water, water. If you are going longer than 90 minutes take water with you. If less, hydrate before and after. 
• Use flue bars, gels, or other forms of energy past 90 minutes and every 40 minutes thereafter.
3. PROTECTING YOUR DANGLEY BITS: 
• Ladies:
1. A good sports bra does NOT come from Target. Protect your ladies. 
2. Never put your sports bras in the dryer. 
3. Most important, your bra should NEVER have a birthday! 
• Men: 
1. purchase shorts with lining because you don't want to wear a jock strap for 26 miles!
2. Buy laytex free band-aids and cover your nipples, so they don't bleed from your shirts rubbing them raw during a long run
4. SUN PROTECTION
• wear a hat 
• use sunscreen
5. CHAFFING GEL
• reduce your friction!!!

I hope that you find this as useful as I did.

Phoenix Children's Hospital

I did it! I finally did it and because you are reading this blog this makes it real. I have made a commitment to raise $1,500 for the Phoenix Children's Hospital at the

Most of you know that I have been running for the last year or so and that I was going to run in last years race but it didn't work out.

This year, I wanted to run in the marathon but do it for a good cause. I've become painfully aware, over the past couple of months, of how self-centered I am. I want to run but not just for myself. I want to do this marathon for something or someone beyond myself.

At first, I was considering Breast Cancer and other major organizations, but they have a lot of people that run for them and do fundraising for them. After doing my research, I finally landed on raising money for the Phoenix Children's Hospital.

I have a heart for children and the thought of a child suffering breaks my heart and beyond that the burden that is placed onto the family, especially financially. Its hard enough to watch your child be suffer, much less, not being able to pay all of the medical bills.

While I may not know every child's story or may not be able to pay every bill, I can certainly volunteer my time and run for something that is worth running for. Joining the Phoenix Children's Hospital's Miracles in Motion team, means that I will actually get to meet the child that I will be raising money for on August 28th!!!

If you are interested in helping me raise money for my honor patient please visit this site:

www.firstgiving.com/analisacervantez

I am so excited for this journey!