Red Kettle Run

As temperatures dipped near zero, it looks like a good day to head to the gym for a treadmill run. It won't be as easy as I hoped as today appears to be one of those days where its hard to shake the cobwebs out.

In talking with a friend, I am considering breaking up my day with a run in the morning and another in the afternoon. It's a great way to get in extra mileage.

I'm not sure how it will bode for the Turkey Trot 5-mile run tomorrow, but at $7, I'm looking at the race as more of a fun run anyway. Much like the Red Kettle Run planned in Fargo on Thanksgiving Day.

Last year, quite a few people turned out for the Red Kettle Run, which the Salvation Army uses to collect food and money for those in need. There are different routes and distances (ranging from 3 to 10 miles) and a great way to start your holiday. Not only do the donations go to help the needy, but it gives runners a chance to burn off some calories without feeling guilty later in the day for taking a second (or third) helping during Thanksgiving dinner. Don't expect a medal or T-shirt, just a chance to share T-Day morning with a group of runners. It starts at 8 a.m. at the YMCA in downtown Fargo.

Posted by: RunningSpud on 11/20/2008 at 9:54 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Sleeping it off

So many of our everyday habits and routines effect our running. Poor nutrition, stress, demands of family and work. And one that often gets overlooked - sleep.

When I was training for my first half marathon last year, I picked up a book along the way. In it, it stressed how important the final 48 hours before a big race are, particularly getting enough sleep. But the reality is that sleep also affects our training and that can be bad news if you aren't getting enough.

More and more, I realize that poor sleeping habits play a vital role in how good we feel during our runs. Not enough, and it will be difficult to get those runs in or feel strong during a workout. Instead of trying to do more on less, one of the key components of training for my next marathon is going to bed earlier. While Fridays are often a day off from running for me, I looked at the schedule this week and made an adjustment. A few long work days early in the week, and the day off on Friday, prompted a decision to skip this morning's run so I can run long tomorrow after sleeping in.

That type of flexibility keeps my training from feeling like a chore and turn out better workouts, which in turn should result in better training and racing.

Posted by: RunningSpud on 11/20/2008 at 9:30 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Winning the mental battles

At this time last year, as temperatures began to dip, there was no way that I was going to run outside. It's strange how things change - long runs in snow, rain and heat while marathon training have a way of changing your perspective.

Now a blustery, cold day seems like a challenge worth taking on, instead of avoiding discomfort and heading indoors.

"Do the thing we fear, and the death of fear is certain." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Those words are comforting. Pushing our boundaries and limits as runners makes us better runners. You can't control a lot of things, especially the weather, on race day. One of the things I've been proud in my own performance during several races is the feeling that I have a mental edge, especially in the rain. During the Twin Cities Marathon, when it was blustery and cold at the start line, I kept telling myself, "Everything I have done has prepared me for this moment."

That mantra carried me through the first few miles, and when the rain came, I remained focused. Mental victories like those will help carry me through the winter, even when it doesn't sound too appealing to walk out into the dark and cold for a training run.

Posted by: RunningSpud on 11/19/2008 at 9:15 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Into the wind

One of the big realizations of designing my own marathon training program is coming to grips with having to get up early. In my book, really early.

Everyone has a time of day when they feel best for a workout. My favorite time to lift weights was the middle of the day. But when it comes to running, I like to get it done right away in the morning. It sets the tone for my day, and I feel sharper mentally and physically the rest of the day.

So my plan is to get up early and get out the day, but the only way that will work is if I get to bed early. Well, last night I actually pulled it off, and had a great 5-mile run this morning. But it still isn't easy getting up before 6 a.m. to get on the road.

Even with a windchill dropping the temperature to 8 degrees, though, it was a nice morning for a run. Last winter, I struggled all season with the idea of running outside and always felt chilled to the bone. I've learned a lot since then, and a collection of fleece vests greatly enhance my enjoyment during cold-weather runs. At this point, I'm guessing there's no turning back to the mild temps of fall, so there will be plenty of strategy and planning to keep runs safe and warm.  

Posted by: RunningSpud on 11/18/2008 at 8:20 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Talking turkey

After doing research and beginning to plan out my training program for the upcoming Fargo Marathon, it struck me that my long runs probably haven't been long enough - even while in maintenance mode. And to prepare myself for what is an aggressive training schedule, my plan is add some 15-milers in the coming weeks to bolster my base for a grueling 4-month program.

But there's still room to have fun, and I'm looking forward to Turkey Trot 5-mile run, which starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at Fargo's Edgewood Golf Chalet. It will count as a speed workout for me, and at it's bargain basement price of $7, there could be a good turnout. The long-range weather forecast looks good, too, with partly sunny skies expected after overnight temps in the mid-20s. For those hoping to race, without putting much of a dent in the pocketbook, this is your race. And, as an added bonus, it will give you an excuse to grab another helping of turkey and dressing on Turkey Day.

There's been talk in running circles about whether the current state of the economy will hurt local races. This story says Philadelphia-area races are being effected, but we have yet to feel it here. But with nearly everyone looking at stretching dollars further than before, now is a good time for local race directors to ditch the T-shirts and lower entry fees (they just pass along the T-shirt price on to runners, anyway). Keep everyone turning out, and interest in the sport high.

Posted by: RunningSpud on 11/17/2008 at 9:46 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink