Running with Mary

Thanksgiving is upon us and soon you may be asked the annual question, “What are you thankful for?” This year I am thankful for my family, health and friends! But this year I am especially thankful for my friend and running partner Mary. If you have ever had a training partner you know how important it is to have a reliable and motivating person to train with.  Some days are easy and we’ll talk comfortably as we run while other days we ease into a quiet silence of deep concentration and focus as each step propels us faster. Night or day, rolling hills and flats, trails or road, anything will do.  We only run 3 times a week, yet it seems like so much more.  I love hearing stories about her Grandson Achillies and her dog Charlie (Charwee.) I tell her about my son Anthony, “Ant,” and my adventures at work. Sometimes Ant comes with us and rides alongside us on his bike and entertains us with his never-ending stories! 

     It’s always an adventure with Mary, we never have a set course of where we are going to run, we just pick the miles we want to run and go! “O.K., lets go this way… or that!”

Headlamps blasting through the dark evening runs and cute running skirts in the summer! With every step we get stronger and faster! Blazing up steep long hills. Most the time sure footed, although I have tripped and fallen, but it’s good to know Mary is there to help pick me up! I have more than a running partner; I have a friend. We laugh a lot on our runs~ more than people should be allowed to laugh. But are serious when necessaryMary and I have a lot in common, we are both vegetarians and we even have the same middle name, Louise! And we both can get moody too! 

     

Running with Mary, I’ve learned so much!  Although she may not know it, she has been instrumental in making me a better runner. Mary is tough as nails, and I am honored to run with her! So this Thanksgiving let me say Thank you Mary for your friendship and miles we have run and have yet to run! 

Chantry Flat 2009

Despite the Rain...

     If you know me, you know that I hate rain… or at least running in it! I hate cold or any type of weather that could be considered inclement! In an ideal world athletes would always have the perfect conditions to compete and train in!

     But unfortunately this isn’t an ideal world! As a runner we have hills, mountains, wind, heat, rain, snow and much more to contend with! But as a runner who LOVES to run I will find anyway I can to run despite the weather. Lucky for me I live in Southern California, so for most of the year So Cal has exquisite sunshine and mild temperatures. I guess that’s why I am so spoiled and very aggravated at the thought of unfavorable conditions. I don’t have to run in snow, nor do I have hailstorms or tornados to avoid, yet I hate when I am forced to get my run in on the “dread-mill.” I love running outdoors despite the cooler temps, wind and occasional rain.

     I came to a realization today sitting in my car pre-race while the rain and wind tapped my car. I was cold and uncomfortable, and all I could think of was going home. I realized what a whinny baby I was and how I was letting the cold and the rain get the better of me. The previous week I ran a half marathon in very windy conditions but persevered through. I see how easily I had forgotten my own fortitude even under such conditions. I almost left the race and went home because the thought of running in the wet cold was unbearable. Shame on me! What a big baby! 10 minutes until the race and I hadn’t decided if I was going to run.

     I thought, “O.K., it’s now or never! Get your big butt out of this car and run!” And I did run. I pushed beyond my comfort zone even though I didn’t want to. Today many of my friends of mine are doing Ironman a race of 2.4 miles swimming, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 miles running. I can’t fathom the discomfort and pain their bodies are going through today, but despite it are still going and I believe they had rain too. I have no cause to whine or complain ever even with a little rain or cold.

     I ended up running my fastest 10k in a while- 48:06, 1^st in my age group and first female.  The point being~ even though it may be hard or uncomfortable you can do it all you have to do is try.

     

Rain Running

Run Smart at Night.

Run Smart...

By Diana L. Pacheco

As fall returns, so does daylight savings. Shorter days make for less daylight running hours. Most of us who work during the day and are left to run in the dark. When I run at night I come across many other runners out there too. My running partner and I get many odd looks as we dash by with our reflective gear and bright headlamps, possibly visible from outer space! But my thought is, that it is better to be seen than to be hit!

That is the difference between a smart

night runner and …well a not so smart one! Most running gear today has some type of reflector or reflective material on it, Brooks even has a

line completely dedicated to night running. General running safety is very important but especially at night when people can’t see you. My running partner Mary and I mainly run on well-lit streets, we use our headlamps to light up the shadowy sidewalks, which one can easily take a tumble on (and I have.) It’s very invigorating running at this time but it’s important to remember some simple tips for running in the evening/night hours.

Number one- run with a running partner, the more the merrier~ we have all heard the saying safety in numbers, especially for female runners.

Number two- be visible! Running with reflective clothing allows you to be seen. A reflective vest is highly suggested, sure you might look like a crossi

ng guard but there are several versions of the running vests; a headlamp is also important to light the dark shadowy sidewalks to help you avert uneven sidewalks and debris. Many sporting good stores sell head lamps light enough to wear on your hat or visor. Make sure you get one with enough lumens to brighten up your path. My headlamp has 43 lumens, which can light up to 150 feet.

Number three- don’t be a daredevil! It’s extra important to be extra careful at night. And to watch for cars when you cross the streets even when you have the green. Don’t dart into the streets. A lot of times people will turn without even looking for pedestrians~ most drivers don’t expect to see p

edestrians or runners in the evening hours. If I am waiting at a light I will make eye contact with the driver waiting to turn and wait for acknowledgement that they see me. My running partner Mary laughs when I scold the drivers who aren’t paying attention.

Number four- Always run against traffic, it’s easier for a runner to get out of the way of an oncoming car if you can see it coming! Also never run on streets with no shoulder or sidewalks. That’s why it’s very important to know the area you are running in to avoid any surprises. But it is also important to vary your routes so you do not become an easy target for att

ackers.

Number five~ Carry identification and or a cell phone with you. In case of emergencies it’s good to know you can call for help or be able to access your medical information in a snap. When I run I wear my Road ID, which can be a bracelet, necklace or shoe clip with your name and emergency information. My RoadID bracelet is interactive and my health and medical information can be obtained through discreetly by medical responders though the provided 1-800 number or interactive website.

Finally have fun! I love night running; it is quite exhilarating but be safe and enjoy your run!