Category Archives: Running

Struggle with Running? 6 Tips to Make Training Easier

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There’s no shortage of advice out there when it comes to running further or faster, but what if getting to the start line is enough of a challenge in and of itself?

How do you make training less daunting when running is a total struggle?

I get asked this question a lot from people who are interested in training for a specific event but either A) are new to the game and don’t know how to get started, B) have a history of injury and/or medical conditions that prevent them from following a typical training plan or C) have crashed and burned in the past and realize that a more realistic approach is needed.

Believe it or not, at one point or another in my 20+ years of running experience, I’ve been in each of those places!

Disclaimer: Although I’m a former ACE-certified personal trainer, I’m not a running coach or a medical professional, so seek their guidance before following any advice you read here or elsewhere; this is just some insight I’ve gleaned from years of trial and error. 

First, have you cleared it with your doctor that you’re cool to run? If not, that’s priority numero uno. Second, get your expectations in order because there’s no quick fix here; the best approach is to follow the tortoise’s lead: slow and steady.

Also, keep in mind that one of the biggest reasons people “hate” running and/or end up abandoning it is because they get impatient, rush the process and it ends up being a miserable experience all around.

So instead, let’s talk tips for making training less about competition and more about completion so you step up to that start line confident, healthy and ready to run.

1. Take a typical training plan, and double the time it takes to prepare. For example, if your goal is a half marathon and the plan you want to use is four months in duration, give yourself eight to properly gear up for race day. Of course, we’re not talking twice the amount of hardcore training; we’re talking about giving yourself a longer runway to ease into running — without feeling the pressure of time — before actual training begins.

2. Start slow, stay slow and keep it comfortable. There’s a misconception that running has to suck in order for it to be working. Not so. If it’s uncomfortable, slow down. If it’s painful, stop. One tip here, which a lot of my triathlete friends swear by, is to calculate your heart rate ranges and use a heart rate monitor to quantitatively force yourself to slow down. Most of us are pushing too hard, so it’s often surprising to see how slow you really need to go in order to stay within range and build a true aerobic base!

3. Never underestimate the power of NOT running. I experimented with this concept as I was training for my first marathon back after a major injury (stress fracture in hip…followed by years of thinking I would never run 26.2 again). Knowing that when I run every day I can pretty much count on an injury, I found a plan where I was running only three times week and cross training and/or resting the other days. It worked like a charm! Not only did I get a personal record on race day, but I crossed the finish line injury-free.

4. Don’t get fixated on “running” the entire event. Put bluntly, you’ve got to know the constraints of your body, and sometimes running for hours on end in a longer event is just too much. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do it, it just means you may need to adjust your definition of what “running” the race means. If your goal truly is just to finish, make it your mission to figure out the equation that’ll get you there in one piece.

For example, in my last marathon, I had a pre-stress fracture in my tibia and had to take five weeks off during peak training for it to heal. I ramped up as best I could toward race day, but there was no way I’d make up the mileage and be able to run 26.2 without potentially re-injuring myself. So I consulted a coach, and we made a game plan for me to set my watch for 10-min jog/1-min walk increments. It was still was painful, yes, but I made it…and was only 10 minutes off my personal best time.

5. Get up close and personal with all kinds of cross-training. If running beats you up (like it does me), rely on other forms of cross training to develop cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. I cycled like crazy during those five weeks off from running during that last marathon training phase, and I credit it for helping me maintain my fitness despite having an injury. Of course, some running is important to get your body used to the movement, but otherwise swimming, biking, hiking, etc. are all awesome ways to condition yourself silly.

6. Put your faith in preventative care practices. One of the most important keys to success in running is what you’re doing when you’re not running. Think of it as banking good karma with the running gods every time you hit up a yoga class, break out the foam roller or take time for a stretch session. Supple muscles are strong, yet loose, and less prone to injury; take care of your body, and it will do the same for you. Plus, another bonus is that it’s a good brain break from all the other training you’re doing!

How do you make training suck less?

How I Run: Team LUNA Chix PDX’s Kelsie Adams

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In honor of our inaugural Team LUNA Chix Portland Run season, I’ll be introducing my teammates via this interview series throughout the next few months…get to know these impressive ladies, and come join us for a run Monday nights from 6:30-7:30 pm in Portland (click here for details)! 

Meet Kelsie Adams, mom to three “rambunctious” girls (with a fourth kiddo on the way!), who might quite possibly have the most energy out of all of us. I mean, running a marathon (which she’s done) must seem like a walk in the park compared to chasing around after a trio of little ladies every day, right?!

A born and bred Oregonian, Kelsie says that running is her perfect way to escape and have some “me” time amidst the happy chaos. Not only does she run to stay healthy physically and mentally, but she also believes it’s the secret to being a better, happier mom and wife.

These days, Kelsie runs whenever and wherever she can squeeze it in, though. Give her some rain and a beach, and she’s in her happy place.

But don’t discount her as a competitor — Kelsie’s participated in 10K’s, half marathons and completed the Portland Marathon when her oldest daughter was just nine months old. She also led her team in roadkills for last year’s Portland to Coast, proving that having kids can indeed kick your athleticism into high gear!

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1. What’s your favorite route? Anywhere along the coast. I love the smell of the fresh, salty air. It gives me a cleansing and invigorating feeling.

2. What shoes do you wear? New Balance 880v4

3. What other run gear can’t you live without? My phone. I know it is terrible but with three young kids I like to have it near me for safety reasons. My husbands knows not to bother me on a run, though, unless it’s an emergency!

4. What’s your best time-saver or “runhack?” Simply putting on my running shoes. The sooner I do it, the sooner I get out the door.

Kelsie making some road-kills at 2014's Portland to Coast relay!

Kelsie making some road-kills at 2014’s Portland to Coast relay!

5. What do you listen to while running? Pandora. I listen to many different stations from Running Radio Mix to Enya. It just depends on my mood at the moment.

6. What are you currently training for? Nothing at the moment. But hopefully I’ll get something on the books soon!

7. What are your recovery & sleep routines like? At this point in my life, I have NO recovery & sleep routines. I may have had one seven years ago before my first daughter was born, but I cannot remember 😉

8. What’s the best running advice you’ve ever received? Know that every pain will pass with each mile.

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9. What’s your favorite running-related memory? My first race. I just remember the energy around me before the race, and I knew that I was really going to like my new hobby.

10. Fill in the blank: I’d love to go on a run with __________. My husband. Pre kids we ran together, and it was always such a fun way to catch up on our days’ events. I know we’ll be able to do it again on day soon enough; I just don’t want to rush it.

Thanks, Kelsie! Looking forward to more adventures and memories over the next year (and beyond). 

Runner friends, shoot me a note — info (at) kineticfix.com — so I can feature you, too!

Race Report: Bridge of the Goddess 10k

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Want to add a Gorge-ous event in the Pacific Northwest to next season’s race calendar? Look no further than the Bridge of the Goddess half marathon and 10k in Cascade Locks, Oregon.

Not only is it an easy, hour-long scenic drive from Portland, but it also features a safe, supported course that’s great training run for fall marathons or a destination unto itself. The course starts on the deck of Bridge of the Gods (which you may remember from the movie Wild) over the Columbia River Gorge and spirits runners away from it all along the historic Columbia River Highway Trail.

And, as it turns out, Race Director Paula Harkin wasn’t kidding when she said that. “If the inclines don’t take your breath away, the views from on high surely will.”

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Because LUNA is one of the sponsors of the event, Team LUNA Chix Portland Run was invited to participate. Two of us team leaders (Nicole and me) decided to run, along with three of our community members, Anne, Katie and Debbie.

The event is only in it’s second year, but it’s gotten rave reviews for course, scenery and spirit, so we were pretty excited to check it out. Plus — nerd alert — I’ve been wanting to visit this landmark after seeing Wild, so it was a great way to do one of my favorite things: mix some sightseeing with running.

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I was a tad nervous, however, since I’d be running this one with an unpredictable little stowaway in my uterus. Even though my OB cleared me to run (and even encouraged it — yay!), I haven’t done much of it over the past few months since A) I’ve been sidelined with fatigue, which is putting it mildly, and B) frankly, my favorite form of cardio hasn’t felt that great.

My longest run in the past four months has been a seven-miler during which my right hip flexor got excessively angry and after which I spent the rest of the day on the couch feeling like I was mid-marathon training and had just finished a 14-miler. And although I seemed to have turned a corner last week and finally (fingers crossed) gotten some energy back, I knew this would be a bit of an experiment.

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So as we walked toward the start on the Bridge of the Gods on race morning, I had my OB’s parting words of wisdom in my head:

  1. Keep it conversational. After I inquired about that old keep-your-heartbeat-below-140-bpm rule, she said it’s more important to take it slow and be able to talk while working out. It makes sense — if you’re getting enough oxygen, so is the baby.
  2. Stay hydrated. If you’ve ever been or ever get pregnant, you’ll quickly realize that water — and getting enough of it — will quickly become the bane of your existence. Too little, and I get a headache, or enough/too much, and I am constantly in search of a restroom.
  3. Don’t get overheated. You want that bun in the oven fully-baked but not cooked through. Luckily, it was a nice, cool morning, and I wasn’t over-dressed, so keeping my body temperature steady wasn’t too much of a concern.
  4. Take in sugar throughout. Going in, I was very up front with my OB about fitness being an important part of my life. Aside from telling me to listen to my body, she’s ok with me staying active as long as I take in a steady stream of calories while doing so.
  5. Have fun. This is not the time to be attempting a new PR or getting crazy when the gun goes off. So I’m enjoying running with friends — not only to keep it social, but also to keep it more about completing the event than competing in it.

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Nicole, Anne and I planned on running as a group at around a 10-min/mile pace, while Katie and Debbie lined up farther back in the crowd to run together. We decided to regroup at the finish to grab some food, take some pictures and see how everyone’s race went.

It was a clear morning, so the starting area (on the bridge!) made for some beautiful pictures with the Gorge as a backdrop. Although I didn’t know the entire bottom of the bridge was a see-through grate until we stepped onto it; not only did my stomach drop just looking down, but I clutched my car keys hoping that I wouldn’t lose them while we were up there.

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The gun went off for the half marathon at 8 a.m., so we got to watch them take off before our 10k gun went off at 8:15 a.m. There’s a costume contest component, too, so many ladies were clad in togas as they made their way off the bridge down to the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail for an out and back.

We’d heard the course was “challenging and amazingly beautiful, well-supported and safe from traffic,” and I figured three out of four ain’t bad. Although I was interested to see what “challenging” meant, since I’ve come to find over the years that it’s a pretty subjective descriptor for races.

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A few minutes later, we were off! The course began with a nice downhill that curved gently back underneath the bridge and dropped us right into the trail.

It’s a pretty well-known area; several U.S. Forest Service trails intersect this segment of the trail including the Pacific Crest Trail. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, though, although I speculated that we might be running along side the highway for the majority of the race.

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Wrong! Instead, we were treated to ferns, moss-covered rocks, waterfalls and delicate, shaded wildflowers that flanked the nicely-paved trail.

And as soon as the scenery changed, so did the course from an elevation perspective. Nothing too crazy, of course, but lots of long stretches of low-grade inclines followed by low-grade descents.

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And since it was an out-and-back course, we knew this meant one thing: What goes up must come down. For each uphill, we’d be treated with a downhill on the way back…and vice versa.

Over the next three miles we navigated the hills, stopping to walk through aid stations for water and Glukos, making sure we didn’t get too winded on the ascents and taking advantage of the descents. Side note: This was my first experience with Glukos, and I was impressed; it’s got a nice, mild flavor like nuun but without the fizz. 

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Just as we hit the turnaround point, we saw the stairs that the half marathoners would climb to get to the second portion of their course. Although I’m sure the views from the top made the trek well worth it, we were all too happy to be able to circle back and tackle the second half of the 10k (especially because I felt like I needed to pee pretty badly!).

Up and down the rolling hills we ran toward the finish in Marine Park. As we turned the final corner into the park, we could hear the music and smell the food at the festivities, and everyone gave one last push to get across the finish. Final time ~ 1:03 (my Strava said 5.6, Anne’s said 6.4 and Nicole’s said 6.2, so we went with hers).

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After grabbing water and our finisher’s necklaces, we went straight into the pavilion to warm up and refuel. Well, if I’m really being honest, my first priority was to hit the restroom (thanks to BabyH bouncing around on my bladder for an hour), but then we dug into the feast of burritos, chips, salsa, fruit, cookies and beer.

On our way out, we stopped by the LUNA booth to say hello to the event team. They were passing out samples of the new Chocolate Salted Caramel protein bar, which we got a sneak peek and sample of back in March at Summit.

It’s yummy — especially if you’re in the mood for something sweet yet savory. And if you’ve got any dietary considerations to take into account, it’s gluten free and low glycemic, plus it’s got 12g protein, 3g fiber and if a good source of iron and Vitamin D.

I carry a few minis in my purse; they come in handy when I need a quick pick-me-up between meals, and they’ve come to the rescue on more than one occasion with friends who need the same!

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I’m especially thankful that BabyH made it through his/her first 10k with flying colors. And I’m also looking forward to easing back into some casual racing for as long as this rekindled love affair with running-while-pregnant lasts!

For more information on the Bridge of the Goddess half marathon and 10k, visit RunwithPaula.com.

August Goal Check-In

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“August is the Sunday of summer.”

I’ve been hearing this sentiment crop up lately as we enter our final stretch of summer. But it’s hard to share in that all-too-familiar melancholy when you feel as though you’ve made the most of the past few months, life-wise.

Admittedly, I haven’t been the most disciplined or the most goal-oriented when it comes to training and racing this season. But you know what? I needed a mental break, plus my body needed a breather. And I’m going to stop feeling guilty and/or apologizing about it. 

This is primarily a health and fitness blog, though, which is why I always put pressure on myself to keep pushing boundaries. I like it that way; not only for accountability, but to keep things fresh and fun and for the support of a community in which we reach for things once never thought possible.

But it’s also real life. And the truth is that the reality of living a healthy lifestyle isn’t always about testing the limits of strength and endurance or earning new PR’s and shiny finisher medals.

Those are wonderful — not gonna lie — but as my “off-season” stretched further than usual this year, I’m less concerned at the moment about living and dying by a strict training plan and more preoccupied with thinking about priorities, motivation, goals and how they’re evolving as I grow older.

As you can probably tell, I’ve had ample time to reflect this month. Maybe too much. But that’s one of the perks of an extended off-season, as well, I suppose.

So, you can see how it’s also hard to believe that this is the last summer edition of my monthly recaps; the next one will be after the official start of fall, and I’ve got something a little different in the works for September… Stay tuned!

Read more about the five goals toward which I’m working this year.

Here’s the latest on my progress:

1. Seeking Balance

In August we officially wrapped up the summer edition of the Portland Trail Series. There were two final races this month, one of which I paced friends and the other I ran with Ben (or rather, behind him) to finish the series just as we began it: together.

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What I’d really been waiting for, however, was a visit from my parents from Michigan! I can count the number of states my dad hasn’t been to on one hand — and Oregon was one of them, so it was especially thrilling to be able to explore with them and show off the beauty of summer in Portland.

2. Training Smarter

I like to think I’m pretty in tune with my body, but this month I honed my skills on the subtleties of hearing versus really listening. Hearing can be tuned out, but actual listening takes effort to decipher what’s going on — i.e. sometimes a nap with the dogs is warranted instead of a tough workout.

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Along that same theme of body awareness, I’ve taken a deeper dive into yoga, Pilates, barre, cycling and strength training this month. In the absence of playing with my usual running numbers (pace, mileage, etc.), I’ve found it very satisfying to keep my brain engaged with these types of technique-driven classes.

3. Facing Fears

Gah! Another month slipped by, and I’ve only made it into the pool once to practice those drills I learned in July. I did give Ben a long-desired birthday gift, however — a waterproof iPod and ear buds — which I’m thinking I will likely be stealing borrowing for upcoming water workouts.

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That’s right; no more excuses! I’m making it a goal to get in the pool at least once per week for September so I’m holding myself accountable — right here, right now.

4. Pushing Myself

Although I opted out of this year’s Hood to Coast in favor of cheering Ben on, I softened the blow by registering for a 5k with my sister in October. I’m also keeping an eye out for fun, holiday-themed events in November and December to round out the year. Because who doesn’t love a turkey trot?!

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And my eyes are already on the prize for 2016. The wheels have been turning, and I’m thinking I’d like to do a fall marathon, as well as some shorter distances (5k’s, 10k’s) in between to focus on speed over distance for a change. More on that soon…

5. Giving Back

Finally, our LUNA crew has really been blossoming over the course of the season, and I love ending Mondays with these beautiful, smiling faces. Our regulars are killin’ it with PR’s and all kinds of race distances, and we’re getting a steady stream of newbies popping by to check us out (if you’re interested, #justshowup — we really are ALL levels, walkers through runners)!

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In addition to sponsoring our second Portland Parks and Recreation $5 5k, we also started promoting our big Spin-a-thon charity event, which is taking place on September 27 from 3-5 pm at Revocycle in the Pearl. Get your sweat on, enjoy entertainment and refreshments, win some amazing raffle prizes and go home with a swag bag packed with goodies — all for a great case: the Breast Cancer Fund.

Join us — space is limited, so reserve your bike here before we sell out. And be sure to follow along in the fun via our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

We’re also still actively recruiting, so whether you want to get out and stretch your legs with a vigorous walk or challenge yourself with a tough track workout, we’ve got something for everyone at practice each week. Bring a friend, and start your week off on the right foot!

How are your 2015 goals coming along? 

How I Run: Team LUNA Chix PDX’s Katie Phillips

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In honor of our inaugural Team LUNA Chix Portland Run season, I’ll be introducing my teammates via this interview series throughout the next few months…get to know these impressive ladies, and come join us for a run Monday nights from 6:30-7:30 pm in Portland (click here for details)! 

If you’re a soccer fan (and who isn’t here in Portland?!), you’ve got Dr. Katie Phillips to thank for keeping our beloved Thorns players’ eyes on the prize, so to speak. As the official optometrist for the team, she provides the area’s most exceptional vision care (I can vouch as a patient myself!) to help keep the ladies in tip-top shape for game days.

A native of Reno, Nevada, Katie first moved to the Beaver State to attend Oregon State University for her undergraduate degree and went on to receive her Doctorate of Optometry at Pacific University. She’s been an Oregonian ever since; having met her husband while at OSU, they got married in 2005 and have had two adorable kiddos since.

Katie’s always been a great role model for moms who are juggling it all — career, family, fitness, etc. In addition to being a small business owner, she’s also a Hood to Coast veteran and frequent half marathon finisher, so I knew she’d make a great addition to our team when it comes to inspiring others to stay active despite hectic schedules!

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1. What’s your favorite route? At this point in my life, any time I am out running I am enjoying my route, although my neighborhood is super hilly, so when I find a scenic flat route, I am loving every second!

2. What shoes do you wear? Brooks Ravenna and Nike Air Zoom Vomero

3. What other run gear can’t you live without? Music! I find that a good running playlist helps the minutes fly by.

4. What’s your best time­saver or “runhack?” If I have the day off, I put my running gear on. It doesn’t guarantee a work out, but it limits my excuses.

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5. What do you listen to while running? I am embarrassed to admit I have terrible taste in music. I like upbeat pop music while I run.

6. What are you currently training for? Hood to Coast is first on the agenda, but I would like to get a half marathon on the books before the end of the year.

7. What are your recovery & sleep routines like? At this point I don’t have any specific routines, but a good meal after a race definitely hits the spot.

8. What’s the best running advice you’ve ever received? To listen to your body, and when that doesn’t work­ go visit the experts! Due to pregnancy restrictions and sciatica issues I was unable to run for nearly three years. After a properly-fit heel lift (thank you, Jenni Johnson), continued chiropractic care (Dr. Scott Shephard) and yoga when possible I was able to return to the exercise I love best.

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9. What’s your favorite running-­related memory? Before I began entering races, I went to cheer on a friend at several different mile markers as she completed her first marathon. I was so inspired by the runners and moved by the other people rooting on their loved ones, that when I got home that afternoon I signed up for a marathon.

10. Fill in the blank: I’d love to go on a run with ________.  My husband. Unfortunately, bad knees plague him, but it would be a great activity to do as a couple.

Thanks, Katie! So thrilled to be ‘seeing’ more of you now that we get to meet up for our weekly workouts 😉 

Runner friends, shoot me a note — info (at) kineticfix.com — so I can feature you, too!

Runners: To Wave Or Not to Wave?

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“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

To wave or not to wave? That is the question.

This is a topic I’ve been wanting to explore for quite some time — not only because I find the social dynamics of the dilemma fascinating, but also because I’ve seen geography come into play during my time living (and running) around the country.

Growing up in the Midwest, it was customary to greet everyone with a smile and a wave, nod or some other form of friendly acknowledgement. But it wasn’t until I moved to Boston for grad school that my advances made in passing were met with an utter lack of response from fellow joggers along the Charles River.

At first I took it personally. I’d go out of my way to try to catch someone’s eye and say hello. But then, not wanting to infringe on what was potentially their personal meditative time, I backed off and would cautiously wait for some kind of signal before making my move.

California was a mixed bag; I’m assuming because there are so many transplants in the Bay Area that a runner’s propensity toward waving is entirely dependent on where he or she claims roots. In the ‘burbs (where we lived for seven of our 10 Golden State years), it was much more common than in the city; I attribute that mostly to the hills, though, which made made breathing (let alone any other type of exertion) increasingly difficult.

But now that we’re living in Oregon — the “Midwest of the West Coast,” as I like to call it — I’m determined to re-incorporate the wave into my running routine. That’s right; as a staunch pro-waver, I’m officially campaigning to make the mid-run wave a show of solidarity.

Why? Well, as this Runner’s World article states, it’s first and foremost about acknowledging the presence of a fellow human being who clearly shares an affinity for the sport.

It’s also a mutual acknowledgement that you’re both out there, putting in work. It’s an unspoken conversation about the gorgeous scenery or change in seasons. It’s a show of empathy for some particularly tough terrain or crappy weather.

But it’s also as simple and paying it forward with a small gesture that has larger meaning.

Case in point: Just the other day, I overheard a gentleman in my apartment building lobby practicing his Spanish. I held the front door for him as we were leaving, and he said, “Gracias!”

“De nada,” I responded with a smile. To which he nodded, laughed and said, “Have a blessed day!”

It was a 15-second exchange, but I like to think we both went about our mornings with a little bit brighter outlook on the day.

The same goes for the runner’s wave: It’s not about disrupting someone’s train of thought or derailing a workout; it’s about creating more camaraderie in a sport that’s often a solitary endeavor.

So if you see me out there on the roads, the track or the trails, you know what to expect and what I’ll be looking for in return. Now, who’s with me??

To wave or not to wave — what’s your take?

This is a re-post of my latest Huffington Post article, which went live yesterday.  

10 Things to Know Before Your First Trail Race

Source: Holimites.com

Source: Holimites.com

Whether you’re stuck in a running rut, sick of the same old routes or simply in between training cycles and not sure quite what to do with yourself, it may be time to trade in that treadmill, take a break from the roads and head for the hills. Trust me: There’s nothing quite like a trail run to challenge your body, calm your mind and recharge your spirit.

As someone who had been running, training (and getting injured) on roads for years before discovering the trails, I know that there’s a period of adjustment before truly feeling comfortable on new terrain. But it’s well worth the time and effort — not only will you reap the benefits of fresh air and fantastic scenery, but you’ll also satisfy a primal need to connect with nature.

So here’s what to know as you venture off the beaten path:

1. Get the right gear. At minimum, invest in a pair of trail shoes. Not only do they have a lower profile to reduce the chance of ankle rolls, but they’ve also got a rugged tread to offer better traction when wet conditions make for slick footing.

2. Figure out fueling. Depending on the distance, most races will have several aid stations. But since you burn an estimated 10 percent more calories on the trails versus the road, I usually play it safe and carry a little food with me, just in case.

3. Stay hydrated. Your performance is impaired when you’re dehydrated by as little as two percent of your body weight. Again, even if there are aid stations on the course, I wear a backpack for longer distances or carry a hand-held water bottle for races lasting less than and hour.

4. On your mark, get set… Forget about waiting for the gun to go off at trail races; these events are much more mellow than your usual road-based affairs. So around start time, be sure to listen up because somebody will usually provide a quick countdown or simply say “go.”

5. Mind your manners. Don’t worry about elbowing, cutting people off or jockeying for position; trail runners are typically a polite, orderly bunch. Just stay on the right side of the path where you can to allow faster runners to pass, particularly if you notice a line forming behind you.

6. It’s all about balance. When you’re running on more technical trails with roots and rocks, it helps to keep your arms a little wider for balance. And prep your body in advance by adding some strength and balance exercises into your weekly workout regimen to develop strength and stability.

7. Focus on form. If you’re used to zoning out on road runs, remember that trails will require you to be more conscious about where you’re stepping. Run relaxed, keep your hips and shoulders in alignment, and scan a few yards ahead of you on the trail to watch for potential obstacles.

8. Forget about time. Sure, you can have a general goal in mind, but don’t try to use your road racing pace as reference because it won’t translate. Between elevation changes and navigating over difficult terrain

9. Leave no trace. Unlike road races where volunteers are positioned at aid stations to sweep up cups, you’ll be running on quiet trails, so be prepared to leave with what you bring in. This is another reason you’ll want that hand-held water bottle or hydration pack to help you tote it out.

10. Remember, it’s only a hill… Get over it! Take short, quick steps when going up, and use your arms. There’s also no shame in walking up bigger inclines; many ultrarunners use this strategy and then run the downhills and flats. As long as you’re moving forward, you’re doing it correctly.

Most importantly, have fun and stay safe — but be prepared to get hooked!

Would you add anything to the list? 

Race Report: Portland Trail Series Race No. 4

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You know what’s tough? Gearing up for a race on a Wednesday night when all you want to do is eat dinner. On the couch. In your sweatpants. And the only kind of ‘marathon’ you’re thinking about is on Netflix.

But you know what makes it easier? Meeting up with friends, passing the time telling stories while on the trails and the feeling of crossing the finish line. The post-race chips, salsa and burrito-fest doesn’t hurt either.

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Last Wednesday marked our fourth of five races in the Portland Trail Series, a super-mellow series held weekly in Forest Park in Portland. Read about the previous week’s race here.

The plan for the evening was 5.60 miles. A little longer than the third race in the series, but a welcome change in scenery and a little less elevation.

We’d start on Leif Erikson and go up Leif to Wild Cherry, up Wild Cherry to Wildwood, then down Wildwood to Alder, down Alder to Leif, down Leif to Dogwood, up Dogwood to Wildwood, down Wildwood to Wild Cherry, down Wild Cherry to Leif and Leif to the finish.

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Two of our buddies got stuck in traffic, so the plan was for me to pace Ashly again, this time to her second trail race finish. I waited until after our Wild Cherry ascent to tell her that my not-so-secret goal for the evening would be for her to finish this race in the same amount of time that we completed the previous week’s race (which was almost a mile shorter).

Even though she was leery of my plan for her to race more aggressively this time, she was a trooper! The course was in our favor, too; it leveled out quickly after Wild Cherry, and aside from a half-mile climb about two miles from the finish it felt like we had a lot of rolling flats and downhills to work with.

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Ashly’s hubby Sean met up with us with about a mile and a half to go, and his extra encouragement gave her just the boost she needed to bring it in strong to the finish. I tried to capture a shot of us in action; I’ll attribute the blurriness to our blazingly-flast pace back down Wild Cherry 😉

Our final time? It was 1:12:07, just about a minute more than our time from the previous week!

I’m already looking forward to the next race. Not only will we get to spend another evening on the (hilly) trails, but there’s also a post-race party celebrating the completion of the series at a local brewery.

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Stay tuned for my report from the fifth — and final — race of the series next week. Same place, same time, new route, plus party pics!

For more information on the Portland Trail Series or to sign up for next season’s series, click here.

July Goal Check-In

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Summer is in full swing, and we’ve been soaking up the sun here on the West Coast. From trips to the beach, kayaking around the lake, hiking excursions and dining al fresco, weekends are for taking full advantage of all the outdoorsy goodness that Oregon has to offer.

There may be no fall marathon on the horizon this year, but we’re still staying plenty active, too. I’m taking this unofficial off-season as a time to finally kick some of those chronic running injuries (SI joint, plantar fasciitis), as well as focus on getting stronger in cycling and — yes — swimming!

Read more about the five goals toward which I’m working this year.

Here’s the latest on my progress:

1. Seeking Balance

Between the heat and a packed summer schedule, Ben and I have been dialing back weekend workouts for a change. And you know what? Now that I’m over the initial anxiety of not being on a strict training schedule, it actually feels good.

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Don’t get me wrong — I’m still researching races as I mull over my next move. But listening to my body and being active when and how I want to (like an afternoon bike ride for ice cream or a lunch run with friends or a leisurely morning coffee walk with the dogs) versus doing only what’s prescribed for training has been really refreshing.

2. Training Smarter

My SI joint pain has all but subsided thanks to quitting kettlebell swings. And while I still run a few times a week to maintain my mileage, I’ve been hitting it hard and cross training with all kinds of barre, yoga, pilates and interval training classes.

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My newest discovery, though? Racing for fun.

Ben and I signed up for a weekly trail run series here in the Portland area and have been enjoying running without worrying about pace. Plus, I’ve paced new trail racers for the past two events, and helping them get across the finish line and accomplish something they weren’t sure they could do has been an incredibly rewarding experience!

3. Facing Fears

Huge news on this front: I took an informal swim lesson last week with a few friends! Mary Anne, who did the swim portion of the Pacific Crest long course triathlon along with Ben, kindly offered to hop in the pool, check out our form (or lackthereof) and share a few pointers.

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As it turns out, I’m not totally hopeless in the water! There were three major takeaways: I need to work on my body position (straighter vs bending at my waist), kick (full leg vs at the knee) and stroke (relax and extend more).

I also learned that I need to CHILL OUT in the water because I’m literally trying so hard and moving so rigidly that I’m actually working against myself. Mary Anne shared some great drills, so we made a pact to get in the pool more often to practice. Exciting!

4. Pushing Myself

As I mentioned last month, in lieu of setting training and racing goals in the immediate future I’ve been pursuing professional ones instead. Pulse Creative is officially up and running, so I’ve been digging into client projects, networking and meeting all kinds of interesting entrepreneurs in the process.

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That’s not to say I’m not thinking about my next challenge. On the contrary, I’ve been eyeing some destination races for fall travel, as well as potential events to add to the calendar for 2016. More on those soon…

5. Giving Back

Boom! It’s time for the official Team LUNA Chix Portland Run update. But first — how awesome are these ladies?!

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In July, we participated in our first sponsored event, the Portland Parks $5 5k Series race at Gabriel Park (note: we’ll be at August’s event at Laurelhurst Park, as well — join us!). We’re also growing in leaps and bounds — we’ve got an amazing group of regulars who are killing it every week.

Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for more info. Come join us, and bring your friends; we’re all levels (walkers and runners) and love seeing new faces each week!

How are your 2015 goals coming along? 

Race Report: Portland Trail Series Race No. 3

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And, with that, I am an official pacer for hire! Well, I’m free…but I do accept smiles, kind words and the occasional food-based bribe in exchange for getting you across the finish line in one piece.

Last Wednesday was the third of five races in the Portland Trail Series, a low-key (but highly fun!) series held weekly in Forest Park in Portland. Read about the previous week’s race here.

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Syreeta and I had such a blast on the trails last week that she came back for even more hill-ish torture this week — as a seasoned pro now, I might add. And at last week’s practice we even managed to talk one of our fellow Team LUNA Chix Portland Run members, Ashly, into joining us for her first-ever trail race.

Ashly’s done her fair share of road racing, but this was her first off-road foray, so she was understandably nervous — not only is the terrain challenging, but the temperature also spiked back up to near 100 here in Portland. Our friend Tiffany joined in on the fun, too, to round out our LUNA Chix crew!

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On the menu? An evening route of 4.78 miles. It’s the shortest of the courses so far in the series, but we didn’t let the distance fool us — there were bound to be some good hills in there.

We’d start on Leif Erikson and go up Leif to Wild Cherry, up Wild Cherry to Keil, down Keil to Wildwood, then down Wildwood to Alder, down Alder to Leif, up Leif to Dogwood, up Dogwood to Wildwood, down Wildwood to Wild Cherry, down Wild Cherry to Leif and Leif to the finish.

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We lined up near the back of the pack to let the faster runners go ahead. I wanted to make sure Ashly started conservatively, which meant staying out of the fray and listening to her body so she could go at a comfortable, sustainable pace.

For the third week in a row, we started off by scrambling up Wild Cherry (aka my nemesis). We made it most of the way up at a slow jog but slowed to a walk near the top so we could catch our breaths and allow our heart rates to come down.

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Tiffany and Syreeta went on ahead while Ashly and I deployed a walk-jog strategy: We’d walk up the steeper hills and jog the flats and downhills to help conserve energy and keep the focus on moving forward.

We were about a mile in when all of the sudden Syreeta came doubling back along the path to join us. Ashly led the way, and we followed her lead.

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Of course, we also fell easily into a great conversation, so when we weren’t gasping for breath up the hills we were laughing over stories, and the miles quickly flew by.

Before we knew it, we ran into Yassine from Animal Athletics, who said that not only did we only have a mile and a half to go, but also that is was mostly downhill. We picked up the pace and about a half mile later, we ran into Ashly’s husband, Sean, who had already finished and was coming back to provide some moral support for Ashly in the final mile.

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As we cruised back down Leif Erikson, we rounded the final corner and Ashly kicked it into high gear for the last 100 yards or so to the finish line. Our final time was 1:10:51.

I’m so proud of her for pushing through and dominating a hilly course like that in the heat. And you know what? She’s already contemplating coming back next week and making the step up to a longer distance trail race this fall. Mission accomplished; we’ve got a new trail runner in our midst!

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And, as always, we’re excited to do it all over again next week! Same place, same time, different route — so stay tuned for my report from race number four.

And for more information on the Portland Trail Series in the meantime, click here.

Are you a fan of trail races?