Category Archives: Running

Join us Monday Nights for Team LUNA Chix Portland Run Workouts!

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Thanks to social media (i.e. a deluge of Twitter and Instagram posts!), you probably know I was down in Berkeley, Calif., this past weekend for the annual LUNA Chix Summit. This event serves as the official kick-off for the Team LUNA Chix season, which runs from April to October.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Terra Castro, a friend from high school who just happens to be a former professional triathlete and current LUNA sponsored athlete, invited me to check out last year’s Summit. Just one day with these incredible women, and I was hooked. I just knew I had to be a part of what they were doing.

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Why? Well, there a lot of inspiring (read: bad-ass) athletes in this crew. But — more importantly — as much as they’re into challenging themselves, they’re equally as committed to supporting and motivating other women to get active in a non-competitive environment.

So fast forward one year, and we’re launching a team here in Portland. But it’s not about us, even though we do have our own athletic goals that we’ll be striving for throughout the year; rather, our weekly workouts are about YOU, your goals and providing a platform with which women can connect with one another.

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Our goal is to set an example in the community as a running team that supports ALL fitness levels. Regardless of if you’ve never run a step in your life or if you’re a super-seasoned marathoner, we’d love to have you join us and help empower each other to be active, healthy and happy.

Our workouts are Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm, rotating between a few locations (check our Twitter & Facebook pages for details, and — shameless plug — please follow & friend us!). Our first one, though, will take place on April 6 at the Lincoln High School track in Portland. Hope to see you there!

In the meantime, I thought it’d be fun to share a few highlights from the weekend…

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Team leaders arrived Thursday so we could get down to business first thing Friday morning. We chatted about the brand, our goals for the season and best practices from the more established teams.

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We also heard from ladies at the Breast Cancer Fund, which is our charity partner. Little did I know, they’re not so much about fighting breast cancer as they are about preventing it. They gave a fascinating talk about how you can reduce your risk by reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation.

By early afternoon we were ready to get out into the sun, so we met outside for an easy four-mile shake-out run.

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After we showered up and changed, we headed over to Clif Bar & Company headquarters for a tour and dinner. This company lives and breathes the philosophy that “every day is an opportunity to do something that matters.”

Not only are they working to create a more sustainable food system by being responsible with how they source ingredients for their products, but they also are actively working to reduce their ecological footprint, be it by subsidizing the purchase of hybrid vehicles, using solar power to run the office or incentivizing employees to bike to work.

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The food was also nothing short of amazing. Megan, being a Registered Dietitian with her own nutrition company, was particularly impressed with the spread.

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I, however, was even more excited about the dessert table with treats from Snickerdoodle Sweets. The owner, Tiffany, talked to us about being a female entrepreneur and pursuing your dreams, and then she lead us in a fun cupcake-decorating competition.

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By Saturday morning, our sugar highs had subsided. We started the day with yoga before settling into some more training sessions — this time with the larger group of team leaders and members.

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After learning more about team dynamics and tips for new teams throughout the morning and early afternoon, we broke up into categories by sport and prepped for afternoon activities. Of course, I couldn’t resist another workout with Terra, so I headed to the track for her clinic!

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We had a blast doing 400’s with the LUNA professional and sponsored athletes. We weren’t running close to what I’d imagine their usual pace(s) to be, but it was thrilling running alongside them in the workout…and it’s that same feeling our team hopes to give to everyone who joins us on runs.

Unfortunately my darn SI joint was acting up again, so I opted out of the aqua jog clinic. Instead, I went to San Francisco Run team leader Dr. Heather Maxwell’s clinic on foam rolling and stuck around after to pick her brain for tips on how to keep strengthening my sleepy glutes.

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By then it was time to shower up and head to dinner. Our guest speaker was the President & CEO of the Breast Cancer Fund, Jeanne Rizzo.

She’s as entertaining as she is informative, and her talk was one of the most memorable moments of the weekend, as it was last year.

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After Jeanne spoke, we enjoyed watching a series of poignant short films, all of which are featured in this year’s LUNAFEST lineup. LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival of award-winning short films by, for and about women — and they did not disappoint; I highly recommend checking it out, if it comes to a city near you!

Sunday morning, we had the choice of easing in with yoga, Pilates or a run mechanics clinic. I opted to pick up some more tips from Terra on exercises to help get your body get into better running form (fingers crossed for those SI issues).

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Then it was time for the wrap-up run, so Megan and I decided to sport our new LUNA kits on our six-miler. The  tanks were really comfy, and I’m excited to get the rest of the team decked out for our season!

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About an hour later, we arrived back at the hotel — drenched in sweat, on a runner’s high and slightly sad that our 2015 Summit time was coming to an end. We showered up and ate lunch with the LUNA athletes and our fellow team members out in the sun before bidding each other goodbye until next year.

The good news, though, is that our enthusiasm coming our of Summit is about a 12 on a scale of 1-10. So get ready, Portland, because it’s going to be an exciting inaugural season as we embark on this adventure together!

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Want to join in on the fun? Stay tuned for updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and don’t forget to join us on Monday evenings for workouts and clinics when you’re in the Portland area.

Not in PDX? Don’t despair; there’s a good chance LUNA’s got a local team in a city near you, so click here to check.

Hope to grab some miles with you this season; please help us spread word that LUNA is in Portland — and ready to RUN!

The Last-Minute Half Marathon Training Plan

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What do you do when you’ve got a half marathon in less than six weeks and your running game has been lacking as of late?

A) Calculate the plausibility of using this month’s time change as an excuse for missing the race…next month.

B) Petition the race director to allow you to turn it into an impromptu duathlon.

C) Briefly consider hosting a blog giveaway for your bib.

D) Make a game plan, and get after it.

Answer: You guessed it, which is why I created this last-minute training strategy for getting Ben and I across the finish line of the Corvallis Half Marathon on April 12.

It’s nothing fancy, but it’s been helping us conservatively safely build up our mileage and will even allow for a tiny taper before race day.

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It’s still early in the season, and I’ve been doing way more cross training than running, so I’m not on the hunt for a PR (Ben may beg to differ; he’s eyeing a sub-1:50 finish). Rather, the idea is just to ease my legs — and my mind — back in to racing, so I can start to build toward that 50K in May.

As much as my off-season feels like it’s been extended into spring, I’ve loved taking the past few months to focus on strength, flexibility and adaptability with all different kinds of workouts. Plus, the mental break has been invaluable; I’m really looking forward to digging into training, as well as ramping up with Team LUNA Chix Portland Run come April 6 when our season officially kicks off.

What’s your approach to the upcoming race season? 

The 10 Commandments of Running Buddies

"2015 Hagg Lake Mud Runs Ultra 25k"

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. -African Proverb

The running buddy relationship is something special. As in, if you get a good one, it’s well worth it’s weight in gold. Or at least finisher’s medals.

He’s willing to hang patiently outside a public restroom while you tend to mid-run, marathon-training GI issues (thanks, Brian). You talk him out of that “dark place” while helping him conquer a new race distance (nice work, Ben). She’s a seasoned pro who selflessly paces you in your first ultramarathon (you rock, Jamie).

You meet her for “runch” to knock out a few mid-day miles (yep, Tasha). Or maybe you don’t even know each other, but you meet at the tail end of an overnight relay and provide some mutual moral support for the final few miles (shout out to Allison).

And those are just a handful of memories from the past year or so!

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As much as I enjoy running solo to the tune of my own thoughts, there’s just something wonderful about the bond that forms between people who break a sweat together. And much like that elusive runner’s high, a good running buddy makes it feel effortless: The conversation flows as the miles fly by.

That’s not to say it’s a relationship without its ups and downs… Inevitably, you’ll end up seeing each other at your very worst, but you also learn the subtle art of pushing one another to be the best version of yourselves.

It’s also not a partnership to be taken lightly, which is why I love this running buddy pre-nup by Amy Marxkors. She hits the nail on the head when it comes to finding happily ever after, complete with calf cramps, bloody nipples and covered in GU. TMI?

With running comes freedom, but also a responsibility — and it’s that notion that inspired me to make my own list of “10 Commandments for Running Buddies,” a set of principles to help guide us as we tackle the roads and trails together.

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1. Thou shalt remember that what happens on the run stays on the run. Runners usually cover more ground together than just miles, so they key is discretion when it comes to everything from topics of conversation to bodily functions.

2. Thou shalt not judge a book by its cover. Sometimes it’s the oddest couple that makes the best match, so keep an open mind and test the waters with a few casual runs before jumping into anything too serious.

3. Thou shalt aim thy bodily fluids properly. Say it, don’t spray it. Your buddy wants the news, not the weather. That goes for spit as well as snot, so just be smart and try not to unleash directly into the wind.

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4. Thou shalt choose thy buddy based on similar pace and goals. It’s important to have a frank discussion about where you are and where you’re looking to go. But don’t necessarily discount people of different paces! Even if they’re much faster, your tempo could be their recovery day, so it’s all about coordinating ahead of time.

5. Thou shalt respect thy buddy’s time — and vice versa. Occasional lateness is understandable, but perpetual lateness is unforgivable. Commit to whatever time you set, so you’re not leaving your buddy out in the cold (literally).

6. Thou shalt learn to read thy buddy’s body language. Some days your mouths may be running faster than your legs; other days one of you may feel like being more quiet and reflective while working through a wall. Respect each other’s space, and remember it’s ok to communicate if you need some silence.

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7. Thou shalt accommodate each other during training. Sh!t happens while running, so plan on sticking with your buddy through any kind of mid-run mishaps. Not only is it good karma, but it’s only a matter of time before he will be returning the favor.

8. Thou shalt not race without a game plan. There’s a huge difference between racing for fun and for time. If it’s the former, plan on sticking together and not paying attention to the clock. If it’s the latter, make a pact that you’re each going to run your own race — it’s every woman for herself in the pursuit of a PR.

9. Thou shalt not take things personally. Whether it’s conflicting schedules or chemistry that fizzles, recognize if something’s not working and when it might be time to move on. And just because you aren’t running soul mates doesn’t mean you can’t be yoga or boot-camp buddies instead.

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10. Thou shalt maintain a sense of humor. Above all, remember to have fun together. Repeat after me: Keep it in perspective; it’s just one foot in front of the other, after all.

In the grand scheme of things, all the medals, PR’s and podium finishes in the world won’t outweigh the personal satisfaction that comes with forging a bond that allows you each to push each other beyond what you once thought were your limits.

Are there any running buddy commandments that you’d add to the list? 

February Goal Check-In

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Two months down, 10 to go!

I wrote previously about the five goals toward which I’m working this year, and since this is my little corner of accountability on the Internet, here’s my update on how things are progressing:

1. Seeking Balance. I’m actively restraining myself from signing up for #AllTheRaces this year — which is difficult when you’re in a new state! — so you’ll see that my schedule for 2015 is still very much a work in progress. My strategy is to try to target new events, and I’m trying to mix things up rather than build toward a specific A race this season.

2. Training Smarter. Heart rate training went out the window this month in favor of a metric ton of cross-training. I’ve been barre-ing my butt off at PureBarre in an attempt to build more glute and core strength, riding at Revocycle to make sure I’m road-bike ready come spring, and testing out all kinds of other classes via ClassPass (post with details to come). Variety is the spice of life…and fitness, right?!

Ben and I also completed our own version of Whole30 (more like Whole45 since we had two minor cheat weekends with company in town), so nutrition has also been a major focus this month. As much as I used to pride myself on being able to eat whatever I wanted, I’ve got to admit that I feel so much better eating clean, unprocessed food and cutting down on added sugar.

3. Facing Fears. Ok, you got me — there’s not much progress to report on the swimming front. I haven’t been making regular weekly sessions, and although I’ve got a few standing offers for technique guidance, I haven’t had a chance to drag Ben to the pool to take videos of me in action. Hoping to remedy this in March!

4. Pushing Myself. I’m officially registered for my second ultramarathon — a 50K in May. I’m also eyeing a century ride earlier that month, as well as trying to decide between a sprint triathlon or Olympic duathlon in June. Throw in two overnight relays, and it’s looking to be an active summer!

5. Giving Back. We’re still in our pre-season for the Team LUNA Chix Portland Run team, so fundraising hasn’t started quite yet for the Breast Cancer Fund. However, we’ve been so excited to get going that we’ve gotten a jump on things by holding group runs once a month to touch base.

In the meantime, our potential century ride has fundraising component for the American Lung Association, so if we decide to bite the bullet on that event, Ben and I will be hitting up our friends and family to donate for another great cause.

Other than that, we’re looking forward to March coming in like a rainy lion and out like a damp lamb here in the Pacific Northwest…how about you?!

How are your 2015 goals coming along? 

Fave Fix: BioSkin Calf Skin Sleeves (+ giveaway!)

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During a particularly mucky morning workout recently (#BecausePortland), I bit it while running up some slick stone stairs and slammed my right shin directly into the corner of a step. It was one of those moments where your heart stops, your stomach drops, and a split second before the pain hits you try to do a full-body scan to assess the situation.

Fortunately, it was nothing too serious (aside from ego damage). It’s taken a few weeks, but the nasty bruise has finally subsided.

Unfortunately, though, this incident coincided with me needing wanting to ramp up my mileage base to get ready for the upcoming race season. And although a goose-egg lump and lingering tenderness certainly didn’t pose a huge threat, I figured it’d be the perfect opportunity to test a new pair of Calf Skin Sleeves that BioSkin sent me to check out.

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BioSkin designs and manufactures compression supports, orthopedic braces, and human performance gear for the orthopedic, sports medicine, and recreational sports markets worldwide. They’re an Oregon-based (Ashland) company, and I love their mentality — i.e. they chose the location not because it’s the easiest place to run a manufacturing business, but because it’s such a great place to live.

It’s this kind of attitude — quality over quantity — that usually carries over into great products. Especially because they also believe in focusing on the little details, which can make a big difference when you’re talking about products that people wear on a daily basis.

So, why compression? Well, it not only cuts down on muscle vibration, but also helps ensure that your muscles are in the proper position to maximize force production without wasted energy. Decreased muscle fatigue and improved proprioception also protect you from injury by giving you more precise control of your body.

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My first thought, out of the box, was that these aren’t your average compression sleeves. I wear a good amount of compression gear, but I’ve never run across anything quite like this; BioSkin uses a special material (non-neoprene and non-latex) that not only allows your legs to breathe, but also keeps it from sliding down your leg during vigorous activity.

They feel less like a sock and more like a super-thin wet suit. Getting them on can be a workout in and of itself — these suckers are tight! — but throwing on a thin sock makes it easier to shimmy them on over your heel and onto your leg.

The feel does take some getting used to at first; like I said, they’re designed to fit snugly. But I’ve been actively seeking a higher level of compression for my legs since my tibia injury last fall, especially because I envision it being a free mini-massage with every step.

And as much as I like them for workouts, I l-o-v-e them for recovery days. Whether it’s an easy session of running or biking, or just an off day, I’ll throw them on and feel noticeably less discomfort and soreness. BioSkin for the win!

Speaking of winning (I know; horrible segue) BioSkin’s been kind enough to provide me with a $20 gift card for one lucky reader. Enter here via a Rafflecopter giveaway!

Are you a fan of compression wear? When do you wear compression sleeves/socks? 

Race Report: Hagg Lake Mud Run 25k

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The alternate title for this race write-up? There Will Be Mud. 

Our friends Matt and Christian came in from San Francisco to spend Valentine’s Day weekend in Portland, and we’ve got a little tradition every time they visit the Pacific Northwest: Trail runs of escalating distances, which are usually sprung on them at the 11th hour (I’m lucky they’re such good sports — and strong athletes).

Last time it was a half marathon, so this time it was only fitting to bump it up a few miles to a 25K. And since the Hagg Lake Mud Run has been dubbed by Runner’s World Trail Edition as one of the top trail races in Oregon, we figured it’d be a great way to round out their trip.

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If you’re interested in all the details, keep reading. But if you want the short version, I can illustrate the run in just three pictures:

First, here’s the “before” from when we made our way over to the start.

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Next is the “during,” which I took at the first aid station, a little more than six miles into the race. That right shoe had just been submerged (and was nearly lost) in a huge pile of muck.

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And, finally, the “after,” which pretty much speaks for itself, doesn’t it? This shows Ben’s and my feet about half a second before we hopped into the lake — shoes and all.

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If you want all the gory details from in-between, I’ll start over at the beginning…

After a few dreary weeks of fog and intermittent rain, we got lucky with some unseasonably spring-like weather the week before the race. And since our last event was a cold, rainy one, we were thrilled to have ideal conditions for this one: 40’s at the 9 a.m. start and up to mid-50’s by noon.

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Hagg Lake is about 45 minutes outside of Portland, so we left around 7:30 a.m. to allow time for packet pick-up and a port-a-potty stop. The parking lot is about a quarter mile from the start, so we had ample time once we got there to get organized.

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The start area itself was clean, quiet and super mellow — a.k.a. another reason why I love trail races!

We casually lined up, took a quick group selfie and waited for the round of pre-race announcements from the race director.

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After the gun went off, we shuffled over the start line chip-time mats and made our way down the road for the first portion of the race, which is a quick out and back on a gravel road.

They tack this portion on for two reasons: First, to make up the difference in distance (the path around the lake is just a little less than 25k); second, to help runners space themselves out a bit before they hit the single-track trails.

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Also interesting about this section? It’s the largest elevation change in the race, so we ended up climbing most of the first mile.

But the good news is that ‘what goes up must come down,’ so we also got to descend the same distance before hitting the lake trail.

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Talk about some great scenery — and terrific running conditions! We eased in with some lovely damp, spongy footing as we started out on the trail headed counter-clockwise around the lake.

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The temperature was perfect, the sun was shining, we were all warmed up, getting into our respective grooves and in high spirits. How much better does it get than this?!

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Well, it was right about then that the mud hit. And shit started getting real…real muddy, that is.

Any hopes I had for keeping my shoes clean(ish) and dry were dashed as we slogged through the slop.

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Try as we might to avoid the worst of it, we eventually gave in and just ran straight through. Between navigating the rolling hills, managing the slick footing and avoiding roots and rocks, it just simply wasn’t worth the extra mental and physical energy to go out of our way around it.

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In between the rolling stretches of single-track trail, however, we enjoyed a few breaks on pavement and through open fields. Both were a welcome respite — not only were they flatter so we could catch our breaths, but the surer footing also allowed for a mental reset for what would come next.

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And what might that be, you ask? Well, more mud, of course.

In my estimation, we got to experience pretty much every kind and consistency of the brown, wet, sticky stuff…from quicksand-like mud that grabs hold of your shoes to murky puddles that are deceptively deep with squishy bottoms…

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…and from fluffy brownie-batter mud with footprints that disguise dangerous tree roots to thick clay mud so slippery and sticky that they have to throw hay in it to keep you from going off the rails around corners.

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And then there’s a combination of ALL of these kinds of mud in one place dubbed the “Pig Pen.”

In fact, this segment even came marked with a warning that if you somehow managed to keep your shoes clean up to that point, you should abandon all hope of keeping them that way.

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It was around this point, as Ben and I slipped, slided and skidded through the nastiness, that I wondered if Matt and Christian might be cursing me and cancelling any future travel plans.

Last race it was “Nutcracker Hill” that was the final insult, yet this race may have had that beat with a muddy mess of a stretch that was both physically and mentally demanding.

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Even though the mounting mileage was starting to wear on us, Ben and I both managed to keep our shoes. Whew.

A small, but much-needed, victory to get us to the finish!

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After we emerged from the Pig Pen, we had about a half of a mile to go, so Ben and I picked up the pace to bring it home.

Because we were both admittedly under-trained going into the race, my loose goal for the day was to complete the course in fewer than three hours. We crossed the finish line together in 2:51:54.

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Matt and Christian, who are both training for the Big Sur Marathon this spring, finished together in an impressive 2:28.

The best part of the race, though? You cross the finish just steps away from “Hagg Lake Spa,” which is also known as wading into the water, shoes and all.

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Waterlogged and jello-legged, we then made our way up to the (heated!) pavilion for a delicious feast of chili, hot dogs, grilled cheese, beer, cookies, candy and all the other usual ultra fare.

After chowing down, we hobbled to the car and began the process of stripping off filthy clothing, scraping off caked-on mud and getting ourselves just clean enough to get in the car for the ride to our next destination…brunch!

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And, of course, my wheels are already turning when it comes to planning the excursion for Matt and Christian’s next trip up north…

I’m thinking we continue the trend and shoot for 26.2. What do you say, guys??

How I Run: November Project’s Lillian Lingham

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Lillian Lingham’s favorite running buddy? Jake Gyllenhaal.

Well…kind of. See, she happened to jog by him during a pre-race warm-up at a Martha’s Vineyard event, did a double-take, then likely smoked him after the gun went off (Exhibit A: a 1:41 PR at Boston’s Heartbreak Hill half marathon).

I wouldn’t expect anything less from someone dubbed “The Terminator.” A Boston native, Lingham has been running since age 12, competing in track and cross country in both high school and college before moving to San Francisco, where she now resides (Exhibit B: an impressive 3:42 PR for the city’s hilly marathon…did I mention that this gal eats #HillsForBreakfast?!).

After achieving her goal of 1,000 miles in 2014, she’s now set her sights on 1,500 in 2015. And she’s already looking ahead to 2016 (and more — surprise, surprise — hills) in the Big Sur full marathon, pending lottery acceptance.

So I caught up with my former November Project pal recently to talk shop about pounding the pavement.

1. What’s your favorite route? Literally ANY route that involves a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from near, far or across! I’ve been living in SF for four years and first saw it over 10 years ago, but it still captivates me in a way that no other structure or icon can. Seeing it glow red in a sunrise or sunset against the gorgeous green background of the Marin Headlands makes me swoon. On the foggiest or dreariest of days (we are #weatherproof), knowing that I could catch a glimpse truly motivates me to lace up and run out the door!

2. What shoes do you wear? For a few years, I would only wear Mizuno. Then my college coach switched my team (at Smith College) to Asics 2100s, which I love, too. But now I’m hooked on New Balance 870s.  They are minimal, comfy and come in the best selection of neon colors!

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3. What other run gear can’t you live without? I can’t live without my Nathan lights — they are little colorful clip-on lights. I use a headlamp and the Nathan lights in the early hours before the sun is up, and these make me more visible for the cars. Hence, the Mama Lil nickname.

4. What’s your best time-saver or “runhack”? The night before an early morning (5:30am!) November Project workout, I lay out all my clothes, gear, snack and shoes at my front door. It makes getting dressed in the dark foolproof!

My other hack is to literally “run errands” — as in, I run to the bank to make deposits, I run to the store to do groceries, I run to the post office to mail a package…you name it. Time saver + exercise in one.

Okay maybe those were obvious ones, so here are some more courtesy of Buzzfeed.

5. What running-related thing are you better at than anyone else? I am good at hugging. Hugging is related to running. If you come to a November Project workout, you’ll see what I mean.

6. What do you listen to while running? I am shamelessly into electronica and dubstep. I’ll blast some Tiesto, Avicii, David Guetta…anything where the bass drops. The beat quickens my stride and heart-rate, and makes me float and dance instead of run. Workouts just fly by!

7. What are you currently training for? I am training for …LIFE. Aren’t we all?! It’s not a sprint, it’s marathon and I’m truly training to be the best that I can be every day so that I can live a long, healthy life.

In terms of races, I happily closed out 2014 with the Berkeley Half Marathon and the North Face Endurance Challenge. Now I’m in the market for a new 2015 race, and I’m thinking it’s going to be a full marathon….likely the SF Marathon. Why run it a second time? Well because the route goes over the Golden Gate Bridge, duh!

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8. What are your recovery & sleep routines like? Recovery for me equals food + hydration. (I should probably say stretching, too, but I don’t do enough of it. I go to yoga weekly instead.) The first thing I do when I get back from a run is eat a (homemade) Almond Butter Power Ball to get a quick boost of energy and protein. I usually make a batch to keep in my fridge….they are so easy to make (no bake, one bowl) and they cost way less than energy bars.

Here’s the recipe I’ve used, but I’ve modified it to include everything in my cabinet! My recipe adds honey, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cacao nibs and maca powder. Hence, the nickname @SFgluten_freek.

My sleep routine is strictly 7.5 hours. I used to sacrifice sleep in order to “be more productive,” but I found that I can accomplish more if I’m rested and work less, sleep more. The irony.

9. What’s the best running advice you’ve ever received? I read Runner’s World magazine religiously (well, running IS my religion), and I got the advice to create a mantra for your race. Mantra is Sanskrit for “instrument for thinking,” and having a well-chosen mantra really can keep you calm and focused during a race.

My mantra is “Think strong. Be Strong,” which is a reminder to myself of the power of the mind. If I’m doubting my ability to PR or I’m focused on any pain I’m feeling during a race or training run, I can derail the whole thing.

Instead I focus on how strong I am, and I repeat my mantra that if I think strong, I will be strong. Hence, the nickname Terminator. It distracts me from the negative and directs me toward the positive. This mantra has gotten me across many finish lines, both literally and figuratively.

10. What’s your favorite running-related memory? New Year’s Day 2014. I flew to Boston (where my family is based) from San Francisco on New Year’s Eve, partied with old friends all night, slept for two hours then went to the Harvard Stadium at 6:30am on January 1, 2014 to run with November Project Boston in the freezing temps of a New England winter around the Harvard Stadium.

It was amazing to see how many people had gotten out of bed early on a dark, cold morning to start their year off on the right foot, literally. I think there were 200+ people there, and that was considered a “small” group!

My friends thought I was crazy, but it was a pilgrimage for me. It set the tone for the whole year of 2014: a year full of running, community and adventure.

Second favorite memory: running to my goal of 1,000 miles in 2014. I reached it during a run in Paris, France in December 2014. Running is a wonderful way to visit and experience a foreign city/country: you get a fast-paced tour, yet you feel like a local. Pack your running shoes if you can!

Finish line at Berkeley Half Marathon

My least favorite running memory was when I got such painful calf cramps in both legs at mile nine in the Berkeley Half Marathon. I ended up running the last four miles of the race in my socks, with my sneakers on my hands. I was determined to cross that finish line! I crossed it eventually (completely missing my PR), but my sneakers were still in hand so the chip on my shoe didn’t register my results! It listed me as a non-finisher.

11. Fill in the blank: I’d love to go on a run with __________. I would love to go on a run with Rory Bosio, ultramarathoner and all-around-goofball. Her laugh is infectious, her energy contagious and her determination and positivity, inspiring. She seems like the best person to run next to for 30+ miles, assuming I could keep up!

12. Anything else you want to add? You’ve heard this before from other tribe members, but if you haven’t tried November Project (NP), then check it out.

I’ve been a runner since age 12, but nothing has transformed me or my running ability in the tremendously positive way that NP has. I’m a better runner, neighbor, hugger and athlete thanks to the community and support that NP creates.

Whether you’re new to it or have been running for years, I guarantee that NP will take your running experience (and social life) to the next level. It’s hard to explain, you just have to try it for yourself!

Thanks for playing, Lillian! We’ll cross our fingers for you for the 2016 Big Sur lotto — but keep crushing it in the meantime at NP 🙂

Runner friends of all ages/levels/abilities, please email me — info (at) kineticfix.com — if you’d like to be featured.

January Goal Check-in and Couch-to-5-Miler Running Program

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January’s almost over, folks — how are we doing on all those New Year’s promises?

While I’m not one for resolutions myself, per se, I do have those five goals toward which I’ll be working this year. And I’ll be holding myself accountable via the blog, of course, so here’s a little update one month in:

1. Exercising (some self control):  I’m still managing some residual aches and pains — namely that nagging case of plantar fasciitis, occasional lower back pain and a tendon twinge in my wrist that just popped up — so I’m trying to restrain myself from doing too much too soon and am focusing on lots of cross-training and rehab while slowly ramping up my running, mostly on the trails.

2. Heart rate training: While I don’t monitor this for every workout yet, I have been using my Wahoo Fitness TICKR for spin classes and shorter road runs to ensure I’m staying well within my range. But if I want to see progress, I know I’ll have to start doing this more regularly with every sweat session.

3. Swimming: While I’m working on figuring out next steps, I’ve made it a goal to hit the pool once a week for a workout. So far…well, I’ve got to get after this one!

4. Racing schedule: It’s coming along, as you can see here.

5. Team LUNA Chix Portland Run: We’re official! Check out our website here, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for April 6, which marks our first workout of the season — runners of all ages/levels/abilities are welcome: Join us!

 In the meantime, though, a few of my teammates asked about pre-season prep, which got me thinking…why not create a quick-‘n-dirty Couch-to-5-Miler running program?

Couch to 5 Miler

Disclaimer: I’m not a certified running coach, and you should consult your health care provider before starting any program and adapt it accordingly. I have been running and training myself (for better or for worse!) for a while, though, so if I was starting from scratch after some time off, this is the approach I’d take.

Here are some helpful hints if you’re going to take this program on:

  • Cross training includes any non-running cardio activity, such as elliptical, bike, walking, dance, etc.
  • Strength training is optional, but recommended, and includes things like free weights, a kettlebell class or barre
  • Stretching includes foam rolling, yoga or simply your favorite series of feel-good stretches
  • Run pace should be *comfortable* — that is, don’t worry about pushing it right out of the gate; build a base first
  • Feel free to swap days around depending on your schedule, but try to avoid two consecutive run days

If you give it a shot, I’d love your feedback. Happy running, friends! 

How I Run: Inside Tracker’s Jonathan Levitt

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I first bumped into Jonathan Levitt in the Twitterverse, which always reminds me how small a world it is that we live in. We connected over the fact that he works for a fitness start-up, and got nostalgic after chatting further and realizing he lives in the same town I did while in Boston (Allston) and is a member of the November Project tribe there.

After hearing about his big running goals for the next year, I asked him if he’d share some of the details via How I Run. Here it is, in his own words:

“Growing up playing hockey and baseball, the last thing I had ever imagined I’d enjoy was running. I was watching the 2013 Boston Marathon in Wellesley, seeing thousands of runners go by at the 13.1 mark. I thought if tens of thousands of normal-looking people (I’ve since learned runners are not “normal”) could run a marathon, why couldn’t I? Just a few weeks later, the One Run For Boston began, a cross country relay uniting runners from LA to Boston. It was then that I fell in love with running and even more importantly, the incredible community that exists.

A few weeks later, while out at a bar after a Red Sox game with a few new One Run For Boston friends, somebody brought up November Project. I had heard about it on Twitter, and had been interested in going. At around 11:30pm, we all agreed to show up the next morning, bright and early (6:30am!) at Harvard Stadium. Since then, my November Project friends have inspired me to run longer, stronger and much much faster. Since joining, I’ve run my first marathon, a few halfs and many other races.

I’ve been working in the health and fitness industry for three years now, and currently work at InsideTracker, a personalized health and science analytics company that monitors your nutrient and hormone levels to provide recommendations on how to help optimize performance based on food and lifestyle changes.”

1. What’s your favorite route? Anything along the Charles River in Boston!

2. What shoes do you wear? New Balance 1400’s for speed work, and Altra Zero Drop Torins for distance.

3. What other run gear can’t you live without? Garmin 220, ENERGYbits and November Project #GrassrootsGear (see photos!)

4. What’s your best time-saver or “runhack?” Run in the morning before other things get in the way!

5. What running-related thing are you better at than anyone else? Tweeting, which is often done while running. I’ve received so much free stuff as a result of tweeting, and am proud to help connect other runners with products and services (my running coach, Steven, and InsideTracker, in particular!) that help increase performance.

6. What do you listen to while running? Podcasts about running/nutrition or country music

7. What are you currently training for? Boston 2016. My plan is to BQ this spring with a 2:59 marathon.

8. What are your recovery & sleep routines like? Sleep by 10pm, up at 5am to train, 3x a week with November Project. November Project is a grassroots, morning fitness/social group/best described by just showing up and experiencing it yourself. (Check it out in 16 cities in the US and Canada, with more to come this year!)

Recover harder than you train! I focus on nutrition with the help of InsideTracker, which provides individualized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations with the goal of optimizing performance and recovery.

I have tart cherry juice, turmeric and black pepper every night before bed, which helps with sleep and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

9. What’s the best running advice you’ve ever received? Get uncomfortable. It’s not supposed to be easy.

10. What’s your favorite running-related memory? The One Run For Boston in 2013, just weeks after the Boston Marathon bombing. It started at 11:30 at night, and went up Heartbreak Hill and to Boylston Street along the Boston Marathon course. We finished at 12:30am, completing a 3300 cross country relay aimed at connecting runners across the country and showing solidarity in the face of a horrible tragedy.

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11. Fill in the blank: I’d love to go on a run with __________. Shalane Flanagan. (Again!)

I’ve run with Shalane at November Project, but I was tapering for her 5k race the next day (my goal race for the season) so I didn’t try and keep up to her on the hills. I hit my goal of a sub 18 5k (17:42) at a 5k she helped to organize and promote, to support her hometown track.

Her bold attitude when it comes to putting yourself out there by sharing your (big) goals has inspired me to do the same, and I’ve been so much more motivated to keep pushing as a result.

Thanks, Jonathan. Always fun to connect with a fellow November Project tribe member, and best of luck with that spring BQ goal!

Runner friends of all levels, please email me — info (at) kineticfix.com — if you’d like to be featured.

My 5 Goals for 2015

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Aside from freezing my butt off (#packingfail) while running around Michigan over the holidays, I had some time to think about goals for 2015.

2014 was pretty epic. It would be hard to top, and to try would likely be setting myself up for trouble. So, in light of my evaluation of last season and my “train smarter, not harder” mantra for 2015, I’m on a mission to build a solid foundation for a further (50M?), faster (sub-4 marathon?) 2016.

My 2015 goals are as follows:

1. Seek Balance. One of my goals for 2014 was to race roughly once per month, and while I enjoy motivating and challenging myself this way, I want 2015’s racing schedule (still TBD) to be based on quality, not quantity.

2. Train Smarter. I sound like a broken record with this one, but I want to take 2014’s lessons and apply them in 2015 — namely, building an aerobic base using heart rate, continuing strength training and pre-hab to activate glutes, along with regular cross-training for flexibility and functional fitness.

3. Face Fears. 2014 was the year of #bikelove — I went from never having clipped in to competing in an Olympic triathlon to completing a 50-mile solo ride and loving.it. — so I want to make the same strides as far as swimming goes. Gulp.

4. Push Myself. Nothing’s set in stone yet, but I’m tossing around a few ideas for challenges to keep me stoked and give me something for which to strive in the New Year, including a duathlon, another 50K and a century ride.

5. Give Back. It’s easy to get lost in your own little training world each season, so in 2015 I’m leading the Team LUNA Chix Portland Run crew in order to help inspire and encourage women to get outside and play, all while raising money and awareness for the Breast Cancer Fund.

Have you set your goals yet for 2015? What are they?