Getting to Know Your Body

I want to preface this post with: everybody's body is different and will require a different amount of calories, different amount of preparation, and a different amount of personal determination.

The point of me writing this is to tell you, the runner, or anyone reading this, is to listen to your body. It tells you what you need. When we do not listen to our bodies, we become tired, or sore, and lose our determination and stamina to continue.

I learned over the past few years that in order for me to run 13.1 miles, when I start increasing mileage during training, I need to take water with me and drink regularly. In fact, the best for me is to switch between a bit of Gatorade, and then water.

I learned that after 8 miles, I need to ingest extra calories or I bonk big time. I learned that it is okay to stop and go pee when I need to! I learned that I can't run in the heat of the day- it's either morning or evening.

Here's my body while running, and I say, you need to come up with your own bodily needs schedule too:

4 mile run-no need to bring anything extra.
6 mile run-winter I'm okay with a glass of water beforehand, but in the summer, I bring water with me.
8 mile run-bring water!
9+ miles-bring water mixed with a little Gatorade, and 2 gu packets. My favs are the coffee and the peanut butter. I also stop to pee about 2 times. I like to know that I am hydrated-lol!

If I don't have gu, I bring whatever is on hand. It can be trail mix, granola bars, pretzels, you name it, I ate it!! It just has to fit in my trusty zipper pouch!

Happy running!

The Nike Women's Half Marathon 2014

In 2014, I joined Team in Training to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in order to run for a cause. Not only was I fighting for all those who have survived and passed from horrible cancers, I was running for my grandfather who was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Lymphoma. I loved their mission and truly believe that their research has helped millions and given us new medicines and a better understanding of blood type cancers. Overall, I raised over $3,000.00 to aid the charity.

This was the mother-load of half marathons for me (in 2014 of course, since 2017 has another bucket list run waiting). I was going to run in the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco! I'm sure you have all heard of this epic run, but just in case, there are about 30,000 women (and some men) who run this and Nike gives out a Tiffany necklace as the finisher medal. Say what? I wanted my Tiffany necklace like no other medal. And of course, I got the necklace! Now, you also probably know that 2015 was the last time Nike did the race in San Francisco. Can you believe it? I got in just in the nick of time! No word yet on 2017. Don't mind my exhausted face in the pic.

Train, train, train. That's what I did. Day in, day out. I was a fanatic. My poor husband was a trooper and supported the crazy schedule. He helped with getting the kids to school and with making dinner if I was out at night. I wonder how he put up with all the healthy food though?

Not going too murch into this subject, but isn't it good for kids to have a role model parent that has a healthy hobby that shows stamina, determination and fitness? I'm sticking to my thoughts on this. I'm sure a phycologist may disagree. That is also assuming my girls think of me as a role model.

I had to be ready for the hills of San Francisco, duh!

Here is what my schedule looked like, and I do NOT recommend this one since it really ended up taking a toll on my body:

Monday-Short run (3-4 miles with 2 hills)
Tuesday-rest
Wednesday-Short run (3-4 miles with 2 hills)
Thursday-Yoga
Friday-Run (6 mile run with 2 hills)
Saturday-rest
Sunday-Long run. This run started at 6 miles and continued, 1 mile more each week. I also incorporated a longer, steeper hill on this run.

I was so excited to train for this run, I started training way too early. So I was prepped and ready about a month before the race. This is a big mistake. Not only did I over-train, I was over-training on hills. I started getting horrible hip pain that was super sore when I pressed near the hip flexor area and couldn't figure out why.

Doing what I always do, I started to research hip pain and running. I wanted to be my own doctor and diagnose myself. NOTE: DO NOT RELY ON THE INTERNET TO GIVE YOU A DIAGNOSIS. Funny, I can say that now, but at the time, I was not going to stop running or see a doctor. I kinda had a sneaky suspicion that a doctor might tell me to back off the running. Seriously, nobody was going to get in the way of my goal.

Anyway, after hours of internet surfing on the subject, I came across a few articles regarding the Psoas muscle. This is where I am going to warn you that I am not a medical professional and always seek medical attention when needed.

Since I read so much about my Psoas, I came to realize that my issue was exactly this. Here is the best article from Runner's World describing the injury:

Runner's World Psoas

This opened up my eyes to that thing called rest, that I was bragging about in a previous post.
This totally didn't deter me either. I kept going. Long story short, I ran the hills of San Francisco, with a Psoas injury. You can see from my stats that I performed a lot worse than I should have. I could have run backwards, but was taking it easy. This also could be that my husband and both kids were in tow and we made a mini-vacation from it. We hit all the ultra fun tourist spots: Alcatraz, Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf, cable car rides, Union Square, and Golden Gate Park. But I did it:

 


And I didn't stop there. 5 days later, I received an email that the Temecula Half Marathon was back in town and happening that coming Sunday.

Sooo, of course...I had to conquer those hills. And you all know that since this was the first half that I signed up for back in 2011 and bonked big time, I had to show that half that I was ready and ready to beat the crap out of it. Take a look at this time--and to say that I came in overall at 117 out of 604 runners!! Woot woot!

Stats

Bib	1798
Division	30-39 Female
Last Name	Richards
First Name	Julie
Age	35
Sex	F
Division Place	18
Gun	01:57:29
Chip	01:57:13
Pace	00:08:57
Overall	117
Sex Place	47
City	Murrieta
State	CA
Country	Us
Total Runners	604
Gender Total	403
Division Total	168

• Stats

Stats will come here...

To my poor Psoas, I took a running break as the "doctor" suggested. I decided the best form of exercise for me at this time was to become a yogi and stretch out while strengthening my muscles.

Notes	Pages	Download	Filter By
			Keyword	Exact
			Division	No Filter1-10 Female1-10 Male11-15 Female11-15 Male16-19 Female16-19 Male20-29 Female20-29 Male30-39 Female30-39 Male40-49 Female40-49 Male50-59 Female50-59 Male60-69 Female60-69 Male70-79 Female70-79 MaleAge Unknown - Male

Bib	Division	Last Name	First Name	Age	Sex	Division Place	Chip	Overall
2403	40-49 Male	Richards	Danny	46	M	3	00:24:14	24
2405	40-49 Female	Richardson	Dana	41	F	82	00:59:52	458
2406	60-69 Male	Richardson	David	61	M	7	01:03:07	471
2404	50-59 Female	Richardson	Dana	59	F	63	01:03:07	472

The Two Year Hiatus

Well folks, I'm back after a looong two year break. In 2014 I thought I was ready to start writing, but turns out life had another idea for me instead!!

When I started Athlete in My Mind, it was founded on my addiction to running (literally, I love the high of finishing 13.1). Not only did that mean the organized sport, but also, "running" through life at warp speed--it's bat woman, no...wait, Wonder Woman!  I was a runner throughout high school. Not on any teams, just for an after-school activity for fun-lol!! I'm a complete nerd, what can I say?

Just to catch a glimpse of the two past years in a few sentences:
I ran a few half marathons and some fun runs (I bet you didn't guess that)!

 

 

My family took a few vacations.

Emily and Kyra started growing up.




I became addicted to yoga.

We added an adorable furry friend, Einstein, to our family.

I got myself a new job, then decided I hated it and went my own direction. I now own my own company, Infinity Bouquets.

We, as a family unit, moved to a great San Diego, CA community.

I began remodeling our new house.

I got so busy in life I forgot to run, seriously, for about 6 months.

My grandfather passed away.

And then before I knew it, we were sitting around on December 31, 2016, watching Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve, because we partied hard, with the new Christmas karaoke machine, pretending we were rock stars. At least our excuse for sitting at home was the winter rain storm passing through. It couldn't be the champagne induced state of mind...

So now it's 2017, and it's game time!!

My 2017 promises to be a time to step up to the plate and get with the glass that is half full, knock on the door of opportunity, put the icing on the cake, and knock that ball outta the field, kind of year!


I started with a New Years resolution to get me out of my funk. With this constant rain, it's going to be a tough start. Don't worry, I ate my black eyed peas for good luck. My mantra this year is: spend more quality time with my girls before they become teenagers and hate me. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot--and get outside and run my heart out!

What promises, plans or thoughts do you have in store for 2017?

TNT Nike Women's San Francisco Virtual Run

TNT Nike Women's San Francisco Virtual Run

Join Team in Training and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on a Virtual Run!!

Proceeds from our event will be benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Team in Training (TNT) exists to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. It also looks to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

This virtual run benefits the Team in Training FLEX members going to San Francisco this October. This run you do on or before September 27th at your pace, your time, your location. In return, you will receive a beautiful custom finisher's metal. $15 per entry (use the name Richards at the bottom of the page for donation).

Visit the link below to sign up online:
http://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=w62vxh7

The Tired Athlete Syndrome

I have been sooo tired this week. You could have pushed me off the bed and I would not have known.

When my alarm started going off at 6:00am on Monday, scared-I didn't know what the noise was...until I realized that it was my phone. Oh yeah, I was going to get up and go on my Monday morning run.

Nope. I had to go back to sleep. In fact, I didn't get up until 8:00am. And I still had to drag myself out of my slumber to get into the shower. I did manage to text my coworkers that I won't be in until 9ish.
My plan was ruined. What should I do? I got home from work and decided I had to run in the evening. Tuesday, I did great-I got up with the alarm and 4.20 miles later I was home around 7:30am. How about that for a training schedule?

Over the past few months, I've been trying to get up early and run in the nice "cool" hours of the mornings. It is just plain too hot to go out in this heat and sweat to death mid-day or even in the early evening hours. I will admit that I am THE worst morning person in the world. Please do not bother me or talk to me until I've had time to absorb the daylight (usually about 2 hours). I don't know how some people get up to watch the sunrise--wouldn't they rather see the sunset and enjoy the peace of the evening settling in as the sun moves behind the mountains? I want to put the kids to sleep and enjoy the peace and quite of the stillness and nothing. This is when I do my best work. This is when my energy level is at its peak. I'm telling you I can think about my day and run like the wind (again, in my mind).

So I guess it comes back to this: should I force myself to get up and have a horrible run or should I wait and go later even though I know the heat will be beating down. I choose the latter. Why? I don't think it's good to force your body into doing something it is not prepared for when it is obvious you need rest. I think rest is a HUGE part of training. I don't need to strain or pull a muscle. It's too late in my game. More importantly, if I don't take the time rest or recuperate when my body is telling me, I won't get faster or stronger. This goes for life in general. If I am too tired and can't focus, what good am I? Like the old saying goes: If you don't get your rest, you won't be at your best! I don't want to stress my body. This will aggravate my joints and muscles, eventually leading to a weaker body. I do tend to over-do everything in life, but when it comes to my training, I know my limits and I know that sleeping will give me energy. I will definitely have a better run in the evening even though I will be sweating balls.

There are many benefits to resting. 1st and foremost, you have energy! 2nd, your body will actually become stronger. A quick article that highlights the benefits of getting enough R&R: http://www.livestrong.com/article/417699-does-your-body-need-to-rest-after-a-workout/

Overtraining is a syndrome that any athlete or recreational runner can easily fall into. If you feel guilty because you didn't get that 1 exercise in and it didn't fit in your schedule, you may be overtraining. I have learned that for me (and all of our bodies need different amounts of rest and exercise), my personal training schedule looks something like this:

Monday: 4 mile run
Tuesday: 4 mile run
Wednesday: Cross-training (usually an aerobic workout highlighting target muscles and yoga)
Thursday: REST
Friday: 4 mile run
Saturday: REST
Sunday: Long run (depending on where I am at in the training process. Usually this starts at 6 miles and each week I increase this by 1 mile until reaching 12 miles).

So my personal training schedule only includes 4 actual days of running.  On my Monday run, I take it slow. This is what I call my "recovery run." I want to recover from Sunday's long run and make sure that I don't lose momentum. Sometimes I do change this schedule to fit into my life as well. I might need to take a break on Tuesday and do a 4 mile run on Thursday. I try to do 1 fast run each week. This is my speed training. My average is about 8:45 per mile, but on my fast run day I try to speed up to get down to 8:00 in the first mile and 8:30 for the remainder of the miles.

With my personal schedule in place, I always try to stick as close as possible to this as I can. Of course, when life calls and you get sick or cannot schedule that workout due to work responsibilities or your kid's schedule, my personal opinion is just skip it! Your body will thank you in the end!

The Beginning

Okay, so I did it. I created a blog.  I thought I'd hop on the bandwagon and get into the ever so popular blogging thing since it seems that every joe-shmoe on the net these days can create and write about their everyday problems or opinions or life story  and somebody will read it.

Let me begin by saying that I never thought I would be the person who blogs. I'm 35, work full time and have 2 kids (Emily 6 and Kyra almost 4). Yep.  Both girls.  So you get the drama and competition in my household. I rarely have time to think let alone sit down and write what I am thinking. And whoever said a working mother has it easier it utterly,  completely wrong! I work when I am at work.  Then I come home and work.  I play mediator,  cook,  dishwasher,  housekeeper,  mom,  house manager,  laundry maid,  accountant. ... No need to continue.  You get the point.  Really thinking about it, I would love to quit my job even though I love what I do-who wouldn't?

I am an Activities Director for a 55+ community in Southern California. I plan events and get to decorate,  hire great local musicians, plan and go on fun excursions and be creative with flyer design and newsletters, just to name a few things. We are preparing for our 4th of July BBQ currently and I love the chaos of it all! It gets my adrenaline pumping and for some reason,  I feed off of this (maybe it's extreme stress of trying to make everything prefect). This past week I had back-to- back events beginning with a volunteer dinner for the"most important" community members followed by a Social Hour for my drinking crowd and a High Tea for the non drinking crowd. Talk about stress!  Plus shopping and setting up with a committee that consists of just me, myself and I-well,  my body sometimes wants to just give up.

But of course,  being me is not so simple.  I am the type of person who thinks I can do it all. So cliche but so true.  I overwork myself, usually going to bed around 1 am, then wonder why I'm so tired and can barely function at 6am when the alarm goes off. This is seriously a daily occurrance. I kind of roll out of bed and pull on my running clothes. I then blast my headphones hoping it will jolt me out of my slumber and push one leg in front of the other.  Then it's off to work at work,  come home and work and start the process over.

In my mind, I am an athlete. In reality,  I am just plain crazy! Why do you ask do I want to torture myself?  I believe in living life to its fullest.  I don't want to miss out in one single moment.  And I don't.  I do sit and watch TV on occasion. I do stay current on news and celebrity gossip.  I read (or listen) to popular fiction novels.  I am the average Joe. Except I want more.

About 5 years ago, I decided to take some time it for myself And BE that athlete I thought I was. I started running more.  If it didn't fit into my daily schedule,  I made it fit at night in the dark (I know right? Not the safest thing in the world today). You can say I had a goal.  I signed up for my 1st half marathon near my house. I was extremely nervous and didn't know what to expect. This was an inaugural event. And you know what? That run sucked!! I was so pissed off because I had to stop at mile 12 due to lack of hydration. The organizer of the event did not purchase enough water. To be fair, this marathon was in October and the weather started at 50 degrees in the morning and 2 hours later it was over 100 degrees. I seriously almost passed out. I was pissed at myself mainly because I couldn't figure out what I did wrong. I did end up finishing. I walked to the end. My time was horrible. At my stopping point, the nicest lady stopped as well to make sure I was okay. All I remember of her is that she gave me her water bottle and walked with me all the way to the end. I learned that she runs marathons all the time and that stuff like what I was going through happens all the time depending on your body. Then came the worst part-no water at the end. I had to wait for my husband and girls to pick me up and drive to breakfast while my head was still slightly spinning.

Needless to say, that experience made me want to try harder. Train more. I signed up for the innagural (apparently I like 1st time events)Tinkerbell half marathon. And you know what? I ran the entire 13.1 miles without a glitch. I realized at that point, the horrible experience I had at the previous half marathon was not lack of training, but lack of knowledge of proper nutrition and hydration. I LEARNED about myself.  I learned that I needed calories at about 8 miles into my run or I can't make it. I needed Gatorade as well as water for the electrolytes. And must of all I learned I can be an athlete, just without the professional title.

I ran a few more events and kept my training schedule up to speed.  It was at my last half that I realized I was running faster overall.  Not crazy fast like I was going to win the race,  but faster than in any of my runs. The funny part was, I got really sick about 3 weeks before the run, so I was freaking out and lost 2 weeks in training. But I came in under 2 hours! When I saw the 9 minute per mile pacer, I couldn't believe it because I felt great and passed him on up! This girl was on fire!

Anyway, this running thing is definitely addicting. I keep saying the next one is going to be my last.  That clearly hasn't happened yet.

My new goal: get to the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco this October. That's it. This is the mother of all races. Nike - I'm coming for you!!

• You can help me reach my goal by visiting my website and making a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: http:// pages.teamintraining.org/Calso/nikesf14 / julierichards.