More Cowbell Please!

April 30, 2012 2 Comments

Through the years I have participated and competed in numerous races.  I’ve done 5Ks, marathons, 200 mile relays, a few duathlons, a couple one mile races and more!  One thing I haven’t really done though, is participated as a spectator. This year some issues with my running prevented me from participating in Nashville’s Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon. This race is huge and runs right by my street. I knew several folks who would be running so I decided to try my hand as a spectator.

Well, let me tell you not only was it a lot of fun but I also learned a lot. Apparently there is more to being a good spectator than just showing up! I figured I’d share my lessons learned as a race spectator so you too can be prepared in the future!

1.  If you show up with cowbell (as I did) – runners will expect you to ring it the whole time!  I was a spectator for about 2 hours – that’s a lot of bell ringing.  I’ll admit my arm and wrist got a little tired so I took some breaks.  No less than 1/2 dozen runners called me out for my slacking off with requests for “More cowbell please!”

*Side note- I think the cowbell could possibly rival the shake weight for a good arm workout … look for my infomercial “Cowbell Your Way to Better Arms” coming soon!  

2. Mimosa’s are Good!  - At least it sure looked like the crew across the street from us with their fancy tent, table, vase of flowers, stemware and mimosa’s were having a great time. It never occurred to my little crew that we should have planned and catered our spectating!  Next time!!

3.  Wardrobe is Key! – One of the folks in my crew was wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers shirt and I can’t even tell you how many runners high-fived him!  Apparently there are a lot of not bright runners out there ;-)  Next time I’ll do my Bengals the honor of representing!!  

4.  Finding friends is harder than finding a needle in a haystack!  - I knew quite a few folks running and yet it was difficult to find them in the mix. Often times they spotted us before we spotted them! It might have helped to know what color shirt or hat to look for but with 35,000 people running by it’s still not the easiest to spot one specific person!

5. Forget Photos!- It’s a nice idea to tell your friends you’ll take pictures of them.  But it’s just that an idea. Let me break it down for you – if you happen to notice your friend, get the camera out and attempt to take a photo – you will most likely get their backside or another runner who cuts in front of your shot!  The poor guy next to me must have tried to capture a dozen folks. He accomplished six rear end shots and about six complete misses.  They have professional photographers on the course for a reason!

6. Prepare to be Entertained! – You just don’t know what you might see out there. We witnessed a 10 person dragon, identical twins in matching all white suits, a guy running in loafers, a juggler, many cowboys and cowgirls, people running and talking on cell phones, and Elvis too. This was not even a race known for it’s costumes.

7. Clever Signs are Key! – We saw several signs cheering on family and friends or supporting a charity.  Then we also so these noteworthy signs.

7.  Prepare to be Inspired! – Of course there were the elite runners and it’s exciting to see such talent and speed. They make it look effortless. What I found more inspiring, however, were all the other runners.  They came in all shapes and sizes and each had their own gait.  Some folks made it look easy and others made it look downright miserable. None the less – they were all out there doing it. It  just goes to show – just about anybody can be a runner if they are willing to make the effort.  We were standing by the 7 mile marker and at 2 hours there were still so many folks coming through. The race is not just to the swift but to everyone that shows up and runs it.

Being a spectator was even more fun than I could have imagined!  It was inspiring and motivating, too! I know the runners appreciated the support on this hot day but I also appreciated what they were doing.  If you get the chance to be a spectator – take it!  You won’t regret it!!

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Girls on the Run Practice 5K

April 17, 2012 2 Comments

Me and my Girl on the Run

One of the benefits of owning my own Pilates business is I work a more flexible schedule.  Not only can I run my errands while the rest of the world is sitting in an office- I also am now able to volunteer with Girls on the Run.  This is something I had wanted to do for quite some time but it required being available from 2-4pm.  I was drawn to GOTR because I started running as a shy 7th grader. I truly believe running has enriched and changed my life.  It has given me confidence, taught me how to work towards goals, shown me the highs of winning and how to react to losing. I’ve made great friends through running and of course it’s kept my body strong and healthy.

If you aren’t familiar with Girls on the Run – here’s the nutshell description: GOTR is a non-profit organization that works with girls usually in the 3rd-6th grade to teach them life lessons, confidence, self esteem, teamwork and it’s all done while training the girls to run a 5K race.  Many of the girls in the program come from lower income families or single parent families.  Each girl has an adult female buddy (or mentor) who serves as a role model and runs the 5K race with the girl.

My girl on the run is Kennedy – a shy but spunky 9 year old.  Her best friend Ninivet is also in GOTR and the two often run together holding hands.  I was paired with Kennedy because I was told she needed a buddy who could run an 8 minute mile.  I was up for the challenge!

This past Wednesday was the practice 5K for the girls.  It was a chance for the girls to try their hand at running the 5K without all the other runners and the pressure of the real race.  Most of these girls practice in small spaces behind their schools and don’t have access to a track or a chance to run much more than a mile leading up to this practice.  I knew Kennedy was speedy and I tried to explain to her that we should not start too fast so we could run the whole race and finish strong.  The concept of ‘negative splits’ was lost on this nine year old.  Honestly – I still struggle with this concept sometimes so I’m not sure why I thought a kid would get it!!  As the gun went off, she took off at a 6:15 per mile pace and held that for the first 1/2 mile.  Around the 1/2 mile mark Kennedy realized her best friend Ninevet was not far behind and she wanted to slow down and wait for her.  This program is about teamwork and self esteem not speed so I couldn’t argue with that!  We continued the rest of the race alternating between all out sprinting and some walking.  Kennedy and Ninivet stayed together until about the last 3/4 of a mile.  Ninivet’s buddy had fallen behind so I was helping both girls at this point – offering encouragement and making sure they stayed on the course and out of traffic.  As Kennedy began to pull ahead, I was stuck running back and forth between both girls.  Ninivet was needing more support and encouragement but Kennedy was leading all the other runners and could not be left alone.  It was a bit of a dilemma.  Fortunately, we had a lead bike and I asked her to keep an eye on Kennedy and bring her home while I helped Ninivet.  For the real race – we’ll find Ninivet a faster buddy :)

Kennedy came in first for the Girls on the Run Girls by over a minute and finished at 26:06.  Her friend Ninevet was not far behind and took second.  Both girls grinned from ear to ear as they crossed the finish line. And both nine years turned in a respectable 5K – regardless of their young age!

I truly believe both of these girls have natural talent for running. I hope they will continue to pursue running and possibly compete in track or cross country when they are older but only if they continue to enjoy running.  They are too young to do this if it’s not fun!  Even if they never run again after Girls on the Run- they will remain winners.  They have learned how to help out a friend, to support each other, to make good decisions and to finish what they start.  I’m just happy I get to be part of this and act as a positive role model.  This race is not about me or my time and I was happy to sprint the first half mile to stay with my girl on the run.  This was her race and her victory but I am the one that left inspired!

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Many Thanks!

April 12, 2012 Leave a comment

Many Thanks!

I was recently honored with the Liebster Award by another blog Cultfit -a big thank you!!  I’m honored and pleased that folks want to read what I have to say!!  Check them out- great ideas and inspiration!

So what is this award anyway???

-’This award is given to bloggers who inspire you and have less than 200 followers. The Liebster Award takes its name from the German word meaning ‘Beloved, Dearest or Favorite.’

First up, The obligatory rules pertaining to the Liebster Award:

  1. Link back to the person who gave it to you and thank them: Check!
  2. Post the award to your blog: Check!
  3. Give the award to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers that you appreciate and value (It’s a great way to get to word out there about other blogs!!): Go!
  4. Leave a comment on the 5 blogs to let them know that they have received this award: Go!

So in keeping with the rules – I’m passing the award on to the following blogs

1. Meinbalance - another great pilates enthusiast from Cincinnati no less!

2.  SnoringDogStudio – great sense of humor and take on life

3. The better man project - follow one man’s journey to better things

4. ActiveBuys – If you live in Nashville – this is your source for all things active and healthy!

Some of these folks may have more than 200 followers but who’s counting?  And I know I’m short one blog but who’s counting?  Thanks again for reading, commenting and inspiring me!

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Competition? Bring it!!

February 14, 2012 Leave a comment

Chattanooga Stump Jump Trail Race

Those that know me well- and even some who have just met me – know I like to compete. Or maybe I should say I like to win!  There is a difference. Some competition is good. It can be healthy. It can be motivating. It can push you to achieve more.

If you are running next me at the gym on the treadmill- we are racing!  You may not be an active participant in this ‘race’ but it’s on. I’ll smile and say hi as I glance at your speed … and then I’ll bump mine up a few notches just to make sure I am winning. And I’ll be a good sport- I won’t say anything about your lose.

If you are in the checkout line next to me at the grocery store… I’m getting out first. Nevermind that I have more items- I’m ready with my loyalty card, coupons, and reusable bag. I’ll help with the bagging if need be and forgo small talk with the cashier!

Don’t ask me to help you paint a room – because I’m willing to sacrifice precision and neatness to get my wall done first. I also have everyday ‘competitions’ – can I get the clothes out of the dryer, folded and put away during the commercial break??? Can I set the land speed record for chopping vegetables?? It’s a wonder I haven’t lost a finger.

About a month ago, while doing a casual jog through my neighborhood – a recovery run – I entered in to an all out race with a complete stranger. My run started out as just a meander through the neighborhood to put a few miles on the legs and stretch out a bit. I crossed the road, passed a slow jogger, and continued on my way. About a block further  - I realized this jogger had actually picked up his pace quite a bit and was now on my heels.  Instantly I thought “You want some on this?? Oh it’s on!” Good bye casual run. Within a few feet, unknown stranger and I were literally sprinting through the park- and we continued this for close to half a mile. I was patting myself on the back for not only leading but also knowing where the finish line was – my house – just ahead! My pace dropped by close to 2 minutes per mile by the end of it. It felt great to push myself, to run faster than I had in a while and to win. I can only assume this stranger shares my same ‘winning’ personality.

So competition is a good thing right??  Sometimes. That answer may surprise some of you – especially coming from an admitted competitor. But let me break it down for you:

Running faster or harder and achieving a new PR – great! Rushing through a pilates workout- and missing the real work or connection- not great. Pushing myself so hard I run the risk of injury and have to take time off- not smart. Missing out on the camaraderie that can come with working out with others – a lose. Feeling like I have to win all the time and not enjoying what I am doing- a big miss.

There is also another side to competing that is not so pretty- losing. No matter how good you are – at some point you will lose. Let’s be honest- losing sucks. You worked hard, you gave it your all and it wasn’t good enough. It’s a tough pill to swallow. Maybe there were circumstances beyond your control – bad weather, a cold, the wrong equipment – none the less the result is the same- you didn’t win. That lose can can affect how you approach the competition in the future. It can produce doubt, feelings of ‘not good enough’ and fear. It can even make you decide not to compete or participate again.

I learned a much needed lesson several years ago at the finish of a 5k race. I had run an ‘ok’ race – enough to place in my age group but not the time I wanted. I was not happy. In my mind I had lost. One of my girlfriends congratulated me on my time. I proceed to tell her how slow I was, how frustrated, and how I wasn’t sure I wanted to run 5k’s anymore if I couldn’t do any better. She very wisely pointed out that there were quite a few women including herself who finished behind me and would have been very happy with my time. It had’t occurred to me that my ‘losing’ might be ‘winning’ for someone else. And my bad attitude not only spoiled my race but potentially affected others too. What right did I have to rain on their parade?

So… competition can be good if you use it to motivate yourself, to work harder and too achieve more.  But choose your ‘races’.  Slow down and enjoy what you are doing from time to time. Being so focused on a finish line real or imaginary can cause you to lose sight or perspective. A couple weeks ago at the Zoo 5K – I reminded myself to look around while racing. I noticed four elephants just a few feet off the course cheering us on as we rounded a corner. I would have ‘lost’ this cool moment if I had kept my tunnel vision and only focused on my pace.  Accept that you may not win them all and choose to be a good sport – if not for yourself for the sake of the other competitors.  Being too competitive can take the enjoyment out of what you are doing and cause you to only focus on the possibility of a win or lose. These are things I have to constantly remind myself. I’ll always be a competitor and I hope I continue to push myself – but I also hope I take time to enjoy the moment and to be a good sport too.

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