Everyone has their quirks.

What can’t you race without? (Not counting the obvious – running shoes & socks)

Here are my must haves:

1.Baseball Cap

It keeps my unruly hair out of my face. It also shields my face from the sun, wind and rain. Not a fan of headbands and visors – anyway you can get melanoma on your scalp.)

Brooks Run Happy ones are my favorites but I can wear most brands (even race ones).

2.Sunglasses

I wear contacts and the wind, sun and glare bother my eyes.  I’m pretty partial to Goodrs. And they have so many colors, they can match my outfit.

3. Skirt

In the spring and summer, it’s just a skirt but in the fall and winter, I have ones that have capris and tights attached.

I love the pockets that it hides (and my thighs, of course).

4. Race Belt

I don’t like to put pins in my clothes.  I also like to have the ability to take off an outer layer.  I can carry my phone in it. That leaves room in my pockets for GUs and car keys.

5. Garmin

Yes, I have raced without it and I don’t rely on it during a race. But I like to look at the stats after.

** Compression Calf Sleeves

Not a necessity but maybe my security blanket.  Once I race without them (in Florida), I ended up with a calf injury. Now I wear them all the time.  I wear the calf sleeves so I can wear any socks I choose.

Happy Running! What are your race necessities? Please share.

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In these often stressful times, it is important to reflect on why we are thankful for running:

Here are FIVE+ reasons why I AM:

1. I am HEALTHIER.

an energetic run in Central Park after a hard day’s work

I hardly even get sick. It’s very rare that I even get a cold. (knock on wood) If I ever feel rundown or tired, I just go for a run and that feeling disappears.

Running is my Energy/Vitamin source.

2. I feel YOUNGER.

hanging out after a 5k with thirty somethings

This may sound corny but I sometimes forget that I am 68 years old when I am running.  I often run faster than runners half my age.  And often slower than runners older than me. So I guess 

Running is my fountain of youth.

3. I have MET so many awesome PEOPLE since I started running.

I have met them by joining running groups, at races, through social networking and through other runners.

In other words, Running has become part of my Social Life.

4. Running has made me feel more CONFIDENT.

I am not athletic.  I never played a sport growing up.  In fact, I am very clumsy.  Imagine my surprise when I won my first age group.  I tell people that I am not fast but it depends who shows up at a race.  My speed is not bad “for my age.”

Running has filled my empty Trophy Case.

5. Running has given me STRENGTH.

I have done things that I never thought possible.  Run 13.1 miles? Who me?

first half marathon

Run a marathon? Now way, Jose!

first marathon

I have been able to push through pain and not give up on things that seemed too hard. Yes to running through injuries, hills, running in the rain, heat and sub zero temps.

Running is my Kryptonite.

6. Running has taken me to new PLACES.

Yes, all my vacations involve races.  As a result, I have traveled to Philly, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Montreal, Bermuda, Paris and more!!

Running is actually my Travel Agent.

7. Running gets me OUTDOORS

I am sure that if I weren’t a runner, I would read more, watch TV more maybe even cook or clean more often.

But it’s running that drives me out of my house early on the weekend mornings and out of my office at the end of a long work day.

Running is my Vitamin D.

and

Happy Running! Why are you thankful for running? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

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Now that races are happening again…

What is your next big race? How did you decide which one to choose?

Here are some things to consider:

1. Size

Sure there are more logistics to deal with when running a large race.

But there is more crowd support.

You are never running alone. The atmosphere is electric.

Both of these factors are important to me.  I would never run a small marathon!!

2. Location

How will you get to the race – plane, train, bus, car?

Is it easy to get to the start – shuttle, walk, public transportation?

If you have to drive, is there ample parking?

shuttle to the start? yes, please

If I drive, I love when there is nearby parking. Otherwise, I hope there is public transportation or I take an Uber. Best case scenario is staying in a hotel near the race start (if you can afford that…)

3. Deferral Policies

If the race is canceled, what happens? If you are injured, can you defer to another year?  Do either of these matter?

The half marathon that I am planning to run in February was deferred (free) from 2020. I am glad with COVID that many races offered that option.  Many just went virtual (not happy about that) but who knew a pandemic would happen in 2020?

4. Cost

The cost of registration? What swag does it include? Do you have to spend additional money on transportation and hotel?

$$ but worth it!!

Neither one is really a dealer breaker for me. But enough with the shirts!! A hat, hoodie, gloves, something more practical, please.  I do, however, enjoy good food and drink after a big race!

5. Course

Is road or trails?

Is it point-to-point or a loop?

Is it scenic or boring?

Is it flat or hilly?

Steel Rail Half = perfect

My preference would be point-to-point, scenic and mostly flat.   But obviously I’m not picky. I love to race!!

I would also add: who else is running it? A friend, another blogger? It’s much more fun to run a race with someone else.

Happy Running! How do you pick a marathon or big race? What is your next ‘big’ race? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

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As Fall seems to be the time for Big races (especially this year), this topic seems appropriate.

Grete Waitz is a legend and I always think of her when I hear people lament that they are running a race but they didn’t train well. (Often it is me LOL)

She had never run farther than 12 miles before her first marathon in New York in 1978. Not only did she finish the race, but she won it – and set a course record. At age 25.

Most unprepared runners aren’t so lucky.

So if you are signed up to run a big race and have not adequately trained for it, here are some things you can do:

1.Consider your alternatives.

Some races allow runners to switch from a marathon to a half-marathon, a half to a 5K, or to enter a relay with friends rather than completing the entire distance alone. You can also try contacting the race director to see if you can transfer your bib to next year’s race. Volunteering to give out water or simply cheering are also good ways to be part of the race without risking injury.

my friend Tina downgraded to the 5k from the Half. (in Montreal)

two of friends (left & right) decided to spectate rather than run.

But if you’re committed to running the entire race.  All hope is not lost. You just have to approach the race with the strategy and mindset of a champion – even if your training was anything but.

2.Prepare Your Body 

Sometimes life or your body gets in the way of your training.

So two weeks prior to the race, do not do anything crazy. The last thing you want to do in the final two weeks is squeeze in those long runs because you think that you will be better prepared for the race.

The best thing you can do is just get a few short runs in to keep your legs fresh.

Calf injury curtailed my Half training – had to cut back rather than doing my long double digit runs.

In other words, don’t cram in those miles.

3.Prepare Your Mind

It’s even more important to manage your expectations when entering a race with little or no training.

It is very unlikely that if you didn’t train for the race that you will achieve a PR or BQ.

thrilled with finishing the NYC Half Marathon

my friend Deb walked the half because she hadn’t trained

Remember to celebrate FINISH LINES not FINISH TIMES.

4.Race Strategically

Once the gun goes off, hold yourself back. Pace yourself, take walk breaks and even take time periodically to stop, stretch and massage any muscles that are getting tense.

You can also play mind games with yourself. Think about the race as smaller segments – a half marathon could be broken into about four 5Ks races, for example.

Another hint is to “Run the mile you’re in” rather than thinking about all the miles you have YET to run and how hard it will be to finish the race distance.

with no double digits runs done for this half…my legs were indeed weary at this 15k point!!

Try to maintain positivity, not panic. This is the real trick to finishing a race when you’re not trained.

I’m certainly not an expert but something special happens on race day. You have support, you have crowds, you have water stops, and more.

You will be mentally fired up in a way that you cannot be for any training run – that’s why we do races. You have to have faith in race day magic.

Believe me, it will happen.

my friend Heidi lost some precious weeks early in her training but she adapted and ran a great race

5.Have fun!

If you are not trained for race, the race will most likely feel tough but it can still be enjoyable.

Often, the greatest joy comes from the toughest challenges.

As they say: “Pain is temporary. Pride lasts forever”

I say “GO FOR IT!”

This was my slowest half marathon (in 2011). I walked half of it due to recovering from an Achilles injury but I had the BEST time!!

** None of the above applies to racing with a serious injury or against Doctor’s orders!!!

Happy Running! Have you ever run a race without training? How did it turn out? If so, any other tips to add? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

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