Running season is coming soon and I have a big reason to run!

"Running season" is getting closer and I can't wait!  It's been such a hot summer in Charlotte and I have only been able to run outside a couple of times.  I absolutely love fall and being able to run makes fall that much better.  I got engaged in May, so running to get back in shape is very important to me!  I've been making plans for my next race and I'm going to run the Thunder Road Half Marathon again!  They moved it to November from Dec. so it should be much better weather than in years past.  Plus, it will come before the holidays which makes it easier to keep on track.  If you've considered running a half marathon, I strongly recommend running the Thunder Road.  It's Charlotte based, has a fairly good crowd base during the run, and it a great time of year.  It's a difficult course, but it's hard to find races around here that aren't.  I've included the link below!

http://www.runcharlotte.com/

This is perfect time to post some of my running tips for new runners:

1. Start my doing a mix of running and walking.  If you aren't use to running, it won't come easy.  Try to run for a couple of minutes and then walk for a couple of minutes.  This will help you build muscle and endurance to be able to run longer.  Gradually increase the time you run vs. the time you walk.  Eventually you'll be able to run the entire time!
2.  Drink lots of water!  If you naturally don't drink much water, you need to start!  Running is extremely difficult to do when your even slightly dehydrated.  Make sure you drink plenty of water in general, but specifically an hour before you go on a run.
3.  Find a friend to run with.  Running can be all about accountability.  If you don't naturally enjoy it, having a friend to go with you will help you get motivated and help you push yourself during the run.  Try to find someone around your own level to go with.
4. Set a goal!  Find a race that you can train for or set a distance goal for yourself.  Even though I enjoy running, I need goals to keep myself motivated.  I recommend finding a community 5k.

Good luck!

More Reasons to run!

Scientists have discovered the fountain of youth—it's running. Studies continue to find that hitting the roads improves health and well-being. "The biggest benefits come from vigorous exercise like running," says JoAnn Manson, M.D., chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

-Runners who log a weekly run of 10 miles (or more) are 39 percent less likely to use high blood pressure meds and 34 percent less likely to need cholesterol meds compared with those who don't go farther than 3 mile.

-A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported that women who were active as teenagers were less likely to develop dementia later in life.

-A review of 22 studies found that people who work out 2.5 hours a week are 19 percent less likely to die prematurely than those who don't exercise. A separate study found that active people have a 50 percent lower risk of premature death.

-Insomniacs fell asleep in 17 minutes on days they ran, compared to 38 minutes on days they didn't. They also slept for an extra hour on days they exercised.

Charlotte Racefest 10k

The race went well this past Saturday despite the weather.  It was def. an interesting day to run a race since there was severe thunderstorm warnings and a tornado watch.  You may have seen on the news where several areas in North Carolina had terrible destruction.  I'm extremely thankful that Charlotte wasn't effected that bad and the race wasn't canceled.  We did have a lot of rain though!  It rained during most of the race but not too hard.  It wasn't until the 10k portion was over that it started to pour.  I still really enjoyed doing this race.  As you can see from the photos, I ran it with two other friends.  I didn't bring an ipod for the first time ever, so I was able to talk some during the race and enjoy myself more.  I also didn't really even think about getting a good time.  I ran it slower than normal, but that was okay!  We finished in 56 minutes, which I'm happy with.  The last 10k I ran (this one, but two years ago), I ran it in 52 minutes!  I'm still happy with getting it under an hour, especially since I took my time a bit.  Races are so much more fun when you have people to share it with.  Even if you don't run together the entire time, having someone at the finish, and people to talk about it with before and after makes it much more enjoyable. 

Find a friend to train with and start running!

My next race!

I'm planning to run the Charlotte Racefest 10k this weekend!  This was the first race that I ever ran, so I'm very excited to run it again!  My co-worker Jackie is also planning to run and I'm hoping another friend will as well, so it should be a great time!  10k's can be tough because you can't run as hard and fast as a 5k, but you also can't pace as well as a half marathon.  I wouldn't mind getting a good time at this race, but I'm also running it for fun and to do a spring race before it gets too hot!  I've started running more over the past few weeks now that it stays lighter longer outside and since it's gotten so much warmer.  I'm trying to get back in good shape for bathing suit season!  I'll keep everyone posted on how the race goes on Saturday!

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."
Race Info:  http://www.charlotteracefest.com/

Corporate Cup

I ran the Corporate Cup Race with my company a few weekends ago.  I really like this race because it's a huge race and it's fun to run with my co-workers.  Lots of other large companies in Charlotte come out and participate.  I ran the 5k and set a goal for myself to run it in 25 minutes because that's what I had ran my last 5k in.  I haven't been running much, so when I ran it in 25 min., I was very excited!  The photo aboce is me and some of my co-workers that day.

Great Article to learn about some basic running information and how to get started!

How do I get started?

Start walking for a length of time that feels comfortable—anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Once you can walk for 30 minutes easily, sprinkle one to two minute running sessions into your walking. As time goes on, make the running sessions longer, until you're running for 30 minutes straight. For more running tips, visit our Web site at runnersworld.com and click on "Getting Started" on the left-hand side of the home page.

Is it normal to feel pain during running?

Some discomfort is normal as you add distance and intensity to your training. But real pain isn't normal. If some part of your body feels so bad that you have to run with a limp or otherwise alter your stride, you have a problem. Stop running immediately, and take a few days off. If you're not sure about the pain, try walking for a minute or two to see if the discomfort disappears.

Do I have to wear running shoes, or are sneakers fine?

Running doesn't require much investment in gear and accessories, but you have to have a good pair of running shoes. Unlike sneakers, running shoes are designed to help your foot strike the ground properly, reducing the amount of shock that travels up your leg. They're also made to fit your foot snugly, which reduces the slipping and sliding that can lead to blisters. Visit a specialty running store to find the right shoe for you.

What's the difference between running on a treadmill and running outdoors?

A treadmill "pulls" the ground underneath your feet, and you don't face any wind resistance, both of which make running somewhat easier. Many treadmills are padded, making them a good option if you're carrying a few extra pounds or are injury-prone and want to decrease impact. To better simulate the effort of outdoor running, you can always set your treadmill at a 1 percent incline.

Where should I run?

You can run anywhere that's safe and enjoyable. The best running routes are scenic, well-lit, free of traffic, and well-populated. Think of running as a way to explore new territory. Use your watch to gauge your distance, and set out on a new adventure on each run. Ask other runners about the best local routes.

I always feel out of breath when I run. Is something wrong?

Yes, you're probably trying to run too fast. Relax. Slow down. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is to run too fast. Concentrate on breathing from deep down in your belly, and if you have to, take walking breaks.

I often suffer from a side stitch when I run. Will these ever go away?

Side stitches are common among beginners because your abdomen is not used to the jostling that running causes. Most runners find that stitches go away as fitness increases. Also, don't eat any solid foods during the hour before you run. When you get a stitch, breathe deeply, concentrating on pushing all of the air out of your abdomen. This will stretch out your diaphragm muscle (just below your lungs), which is usually where a cramp occurs.

Should I breathe through my nose or my mouth?

Both. It's normal and natural to breathe through your nose and mouth at the same time. Keep your mouth slightly open, and relax your jaw muscles.

Should I be doing anything in the gym to build my fitness?

Working on stretching and flexibility is always helpful, especially to prevent injuries. Men's Health Personal Trainer has a Weight Training for Runners program as well as experts who can answer any questions you may have.

Inspiring story!

http://www.wcnc.com/news/87-year-old-marathoner-still-running-110210739.html

If she can do it, anyone can!