Every weekend that I spend at my parents' house is fun. This past weekend, I went to the suburbs to see my mom and grandma for Mother's Day (we went to dinner on Saturday night) and pick up my cowboy boots for an upcoming trip to Nashville(!). Friday night involved walking the dogs, a workout in the basement gym, and the usual pizza and wine. On Saturday, we did went shopping at Costo and Target in the morning. Then, my mom and I changed and went for a 10-mile run in the forest preserve.
The past two long runs that I've done were nine miles, and those were easy for me. I struggled more with this one. I was fine until mile eight, and then I was exhausted. By the time I got to the last mile, I was yearning for a source of hydration. I couldn't drink that pond water, but there was a part of me that wanted to do it!
Thanks to my mom, I know better than to get discouraged when I struggle during a run. With Mother's Day being yesterday (we spent a long day together at PAWS!) and the upcoming marathon, I think it's appropriate to share some of her words of running wisdom that she has taught to me over the years.
My mom has been a long-distance runner since before I was born. She stopped running for many years and then started again about eight years ago. Despite a scary cancer diagnosis that required open-abdominal surgery and chemo and radiation, she started running as soon as her healing scars allowed her to and continued every day throughout her treatment. She decided to run the Chicago Marathon with Team PAWS and never looked back after that. This many years later, in her 60s, she is still going strong. She's a shepherd (or mentor) for Team PAWS runners, and dozens of runners count on her for her expertise every year. She's knowledgeable, inspirational, and somebody I am so proud to call my mom! Now, I'll share a sampling of her running tips that I carry with me through my runs (and throughout life).
1. Not every run is going to be a good run. Don't let a bad run stop you from doing another one.
2. Slow down if you're tired, but keep running. If you keep going, you will improve your endurance and will be in better shape for your next run.
3. Your music is everything. Pick good songs that work for you. This can make or break your run.
4. Don't go too fast on your long-distance training runs. Work on your speed on shorter runs or during races.
5. Drink a homemade protein shake between your run and your shower.
6. Take advantage of the opportunity for eating extra calories after long runs (but don't go overboard!).
7. Use Glide for runs that are longer than seven miles or reap the consequences (like the chafed thighs I had on Saturday after not using it).
8. Marathons are better when you run with a charity. The support that you get from the group makes it worthwhile.
9. When mapping out your long training runs, make sure you have a designated bathroom spot.
10. The mind is the All-Powerful. Practice self-love and positivity. Think I can and not I can't. It makes all the difference in the world. I can is what will keep you going, even at your lowest points, one foot in front of the other.
Have a wonderful week!
1. Not every run is going to be a good run. Don't let a bad run stop you from doing another one.
2. Slow down if you're tired, but keep running. If you keep going, you will improve your endurance and will be in better shape for your next run.
3. Your music is everything. Pick good songs that work for you. This can make or break your run.
4. Don't go too fast on your long-distance training runs. Work on your speed on shorter runs or during races.
5. Drink a homemade protein shake between your run and your shower.
6. Take advantage of the opportunity for eating extra calories after long runs (but don't go overboard!).
7. Use Glide for runs that are longer than seven miles or reap the consequences (like the chafed thighs I had on Saturday after not using it).
8. Marathons are better when you run with a charity. The support that you get from the group makes it worthwhile.
9. When mapping out your long training runs, make sure you have a designated bathroom spot.
10. The mind is the All-Powerful. Practice self-love and positivity. Think I can and not I can't. It makes all the difference in the world. I can is what will keep you going, even at your lowest points, one foot in front of the other.
Have a wonderful week!
RSS Feed
