TMI on the trail

One of the things I've noticed with our running group is that we usually at some point during or after our runs talk about bodily functions. It starts with running ailments like shin splints or ankle pain, then somehow we get to stomach issues like nausea and finding the portapotty before it's too late, and other fun things.  

It's not unique to our group, either.  I just googled "bodily functions marathons" and there's all sorts of fun stuff like this gem.  Or embarrassing moments while running.  That's a good one.  I've also heard about the "#2 tempo run" and bloody nipples (for guys) and black toenails but luckily those things never happened to me.  I did have a toenail fall off once but I couldn't claim that trophy from running.  My kitchen table just jumped out at me and its leg crashed down on my toe. For no reason. I still have a "baby toenail" growing back and I threaten to show it to my boys when they are acting up.  "Look at the baby toenail!"  "Ew gross Mom!"

When you are running for more than an hour, there's not a lot to talk about that is very stimulating.  And the only way you find out about this stuff and how to deal with it is to talk about it.   

So, what's your most embarrassing moment on a run or race?  The worst I can claim is trying to throw a cup of Gatorade into the trash after the water stop and instead having the entire cup spill on me. Sticky gross mess for 5 miles. 

Or what's the weirdest thing you've talked about on your run? 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Slow and steady wins the race. That's a message from the Tortoise and the Hare, one of Aesop's fables. The hare is obviously the quicker of the two, and so during the race he slacks off and takes a nap, while the tortoise plods along slowly and and steadily to beat the hare to the finish line. You can also take away the message that you shouldn't be overconfident, but I like the persistence and determination of the tortoise.  It's where I'm at with my training.

Tortoise and Hare, Copley Square, Boston

When I talk about training for the marathon with other people, they always assume I'm a fast runner.  Isn't 26.2 miles enough? I have to be fast, too?

I've blogged about how it feels to be a very slow runner.  My first post ever, "I am a penguin," was about me just starting out with a training group (before any races!) and how slow I was. I hated being slow, but then a stress fracture in my leg taught me that speed isn't really important.

But it's hard to face the comments -  "You aren't a runner, you are a jogger," or "how can you run that slow? you might as well walk" - and the fact that when we started, the training group didn't even have a coach for the marathoners for our pace group or any slower pace (yet they had one for the walkers and the run/walkers).

Then my husband tells me, "Get over it."   Really, I think I have. I'm in a great pace group with other people at the same level, and they are a lot of fun and very supportive.  It's really all about finishing the race for us.  Slow and steady gets us to the finish line. That's how we win.

So my message is for the rest of you who don't think you can run or that you are too slow to be a runner - Get over it! You are runners, and you can do it, and you will be glad you did!

I'll leave you with some words of wisdom from others:

• from Runner's World Magazine Quote of the Day: "I often hear people say 'I’m not a real runner.' We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I've never met a fake runner." —RW's Chief Running Officer, Bart Yasso
• I am not a jogger. " I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far. I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not."
• "You might be a penguin if......you have to politely (for the third time) tell the men in the police car moving behind you that no you do not wish for a ride...[or] ...during a race, you keep turning around to see if there is still anybody behind you."
• Find your inner penguin.
• On my husband's running closet door (yes he has a running closet -where do you think all his shoes go?):  "Every run is a gift. Run long, run strong." - Ryan Hall. 

Now off to bed so I am ready for my 8 miles in the morning.  Happy running!

Shoes! And Jelly Beans!

Got some new shoes today! And some jelly beans!  I have been using Gu in the past for half marathons, but considering that I will be likely be out on the course for five hours or more for the marathon, I wanted to try the "sports beans" because they might be a little easier on the stomach.

What do you use for nutrition during a race?