• back to trail running or mud versus chocolate

Uber happy at the half-way turn-around point

My 6 year old daughter and I are reading Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. The latest chapter was about the chocolate room. I’m sure you remember from the book and/or movie, it’s the one where everything is pretty and sweet and eatable and a chocolate river runs through it. Can you imagine the delight?!! Well, those of you who know me know I’d rather be on tour in a cheese factory where the trees and flowers are made of cheddar, gouda and pecorino, where it rains shredded parmesan and the river is made of melted fondue cheese…. But I digress. What I’m trying to say is, I felt like a kid in a candy store on my recent trail run. Forget the Snickers, Jolly Ranchers and Reeces Pieces, however, I had single track, rocks, mud, rollers, lake-side view, birds, fern and yes, even a little poison oak!

Friend Aaron (better known as CrazyPants for the wild tights he wears on cold days), organized a group run out at Lookout Reservoir, just south of Eugene. I love that trail and know it like the back of my hand. When my hubby and I first got together, we would take our 3 dogs there almost every Saturday. We even found our cat of 13 years there as a kitten stranded up a tree and brought him home. My husband often reminds me that it’s where I first started running and “where I learned to breathe.” Anyway, when my coach Cathie from Eugene Running Club said my foot was ready for a mellow 6 mile trail run (if I promised to go slowly), my heart skipped a beat!

I carpooled with my buddy Danuta who planned to run 7 miles a bit faster than I. It was SO nice to catch up with her on the 30 minute ride to the trailhead.

It's been a while since Danuta & I got to hang out - pre-run chat is the BEST!

View from the parking lot at the dam. Is that blue sky?

Dead last but lovin’ every minute of it, my first couple miles were a wake up call. I had forgotten how quick on your feet you have to be to dodge rocks, hop over roots and pretend you have x-ray vision to see what’s under slippery leaves. By mile 4 I was back in the groove though and allowed myself some glances around and out over the lake. Popping in and out of sunlight from under the heavily forested trail, the air was cool and smelled delicious.

Waterfalls and little pools can be found every mile or so of this trail and in the summer, the clover is deliciously lemon-minty.

Who needs a chocolate river when you've got mud to play in?!!

The poison oak didn’t phase me much. I must have brushed by a leaf in that little band between where my sock ends above my ankle and where my long tights start. Doh! My poor hubby ended up catching it on his wrist. It sounds kinkier than it is. It was probably from doing my wash. Anyway, with my shoes full of mud and my heart full of joy, I look forward to my next romp in the woods.

• compression socks are the new rainbow socks

Cozy and oh so fashionable

Remember those rainbow socks we all LOVED. Oh, c’mon, you loved them and you know it. Show of hands. Well, since I can’t seem to find mine and everyone is talking up compression socks, I just decided to grab a pair and try them out. I know, they’ve been around a while, but I’m slow on the uptake sometimes. I love gear and accessories, but am not one to run out and grab the latest thing. However, I have to say that I regret not getting compression socks earlier. Love them! And not just  because they are cozy and oh so fashionable.

But let’s back up. What are compression socks?

They’re not really new. They’ve been around, as you probably know, for a long time in the medical world for use on folks who were bed ridden or had low activity and then prescribed to people who sat for long periods. The idea is that pressure on the leg increases blood flow and inhibits the pooling of blood in one area. This, in turn, is supposed to help speed recovery of muscle soreness and inflammation among other things. Not only are they supposed to be great after a workout, but during. Because I’m still getting back in the saddle with injured time off over the summer, I haven’t worn them in a workout yet, but love the after effects. I can’t wait to try them after a really long run and see how they make my legs feel.

The "left" and "right" tabs make me feel like I'm puttin on something extra scientifically special.

I bought the Nike Cush Compression Knee Highs at The Eugene Running Company. Here’s the technical details from the Nike website:

Designed with high-density padding for the best impact protection, the Nike Cush Compression Knee-High Running Socks are up to the endurance test for comfort and performance.

• Dri-FIT fabric wicks away moisture to help keep feet dry and comfortable
• FootStrike cushioning in ball of foot and heel
• High-density padding for impact protection
• Anatomical left and right fit for superior comfort
• Fabric: Dri-FIT 92% nylon/ 8% elastane
• Machine wash

I first tried them about a month ago after my short and easy runs and they felt so good on my injured footsie. It was supported, which felt great in and of itself, but it also felt tingly and warm and I could tell that the blood was doing it’s thing and my foot was less sore when I got up after resting. They also feel great after a long day on my feet and after I use the foam roller or tennis ball under my foot. Heck, I have put them on after a run and accidentally forgot to take them off. (Geesh, I sound like an old panty-hose commercial.) After a few hours, however, my feet and legs start to feel a bit squished and I have to move on to regular socks or flip flops to let my feet relax.

I’ll keep you posted on how they feel after or during long runs. Until then, here’s some great reading on the subject of compression socks:

• Scientific article:  Compression Socks by Steve Magnus from the Science of Running blog
• Top socks to get from one of our favorite running authors:  Feeling the Squeeze: Compression Socks for Any Running Scenario by Sarah Bowen Shea
• A funny read:  Feel the Squeeze: Sizing Up the Benefits of Compression Socks by Peter Segal

Have you tried compression socks? What’s your review?

• build a base; in running and in friendship

I had way too much fun with you this year at our Winery Run & Brunches!

First, I’d like to say Happy New Year and thanks for all the great fun, feedback and running fellowship you’ve given me. Not to mention the laughs and support of my business. I’m having sooo much fun meeting new people online and on the trail and enjoying some wonderful new relationships. This last year has been great for building the base for my business so we can have an exciting jumping off point for 2012.

My favorite new words – Building a base:

I am loving this new term and it may just be my mantra for 2012. My coach, Cathie, and I talked this week about  building a running base as I recover from a summer of almost no running and being injured.  I used to think my “base” was being able to go out and run 10-15 miles whenever I wanted to. Nope. It’s about being able to comfortably run a solid amount of miles per week and having your body be well prepared to build from there for hills, speed, races. I thought I kind of did that, but quickly learned (the hard way) that I didn’t have the solid base to train from. I ran races anyway–7 of them in 13 months, the shortest being a 13.1–on shaking ground and my legs and foot fell apart.

I made it through the 20 mile race, but I could have been stronger.

Example:

I saw guy on my run today wearing a “Fall Creek Run Around” sweatshirt. I smiled because I have one of those from that 20 miler I ran in 20 degree weather last year. It’s a small race and I’m proud to say I did it. But it was hard. Harder than it should have been. My legs were tired and it wasn’t just because it was a bit hillier than I thought or that we ran in snow for about half of the race. I didn’t have a good base.

Here’s the basics of what I did wrong:

• I ran too fast on ‘regular’ recovery days. In between long and/or hilly runs, I would go out and run my ‘recovery’ 3-4 miler. Problem was I’d get bored and run it too fast. This means I was adding a tempo run instead of letting my body recover.

• I ran too long too often. Someone wanted to run a 20 miler on a Saturday, “Sure, I’m in!” Next Saturday, same thing. No-no.

• I held myself to a 40-45 mile running week no matter what. This was probably the dumbest idea and meant that if I only had 4 running days in a week, I’d have to run at least 2, 10 milers.

• I didn’t cross-train.

Here’s how I’m building it up the right way:

• I started a back-to-running program that was VERY conservative. I literally ran for minutes at a time, with many walk breaks. 5 minutes on, 10 minute walk, 5 minute run, walk to the finish. I wasn’t even sweating, didn’t have to wash my running clothes or my hair.

• I’ve built back up slowly this way over several months. I can now run 20 mile weeks with 3, 4-5 milers and a 6-8 mile long run. This will last for at least a month – ah, the BASE. Get the body used to being on my feet before doing anything else. Got it.

• From here I will add a few small hills, then speed. I should be at 10-12 mile runs by the end of February. Then I can begin to train for longer distances and races.

• I’m also swimming twice a week and doing pilates and more stretching.

• For now, all of these base-building miles are at an easy pace.

But everything is subjective in running. What is an easy pace?

What’s an easy, “conversational” pace? Let’s get specific. When you’re running partner asked what you made for dinner last night and all you can eek out is a one syllable “tahos” instead of “grilled chicken fajita tacos” followed by “sguh” instead of “they were good”, you know you should slow down cuz that’s not a conversation.

And now I’m shouting it from the mountain tops!

Armed with my new mantra, I’ve been blabbing about it to everyone who will listen. I have a friend who is new to running. She was talking today about how her feet and knees are bothering her. Oh goodie, another person to blab at…”Let’s talk about your shoes, the surface you run on, your form and of course, BUILDING A BASE!” I said. She said she didn’t know what the base thing meant, but it sounded good.

We are newer friends, her and I, so we are building a base with our friendship too. You know, we’ve done all the family-of-origin-drama-and-who-pushes-your-buttons-and-what-we’re-working-on stuff. She knows when to laugh at what I say and when I need a hug. We are learning to read each other, trust each other and inch our way out on that vulnerable friendship limb of real honesty.

Of course, both friendship and running offer life-long learning about building a solid foundation. And, as Richard Bach so profoundly says, “You best teach what you most need to learn.”

What will you teach and learn this year?

• a runner’s body: pass the gravy AND the bodyglide

Working hard on my runner bod is more fun when I do it with friends!

I don’t mean to put a damper on the holidays, but really, this time of year can be an emotional one in regards to eating and body image, especially for women. Online articles and social media is chock full of how to “get through it” without gaining weight, how to deprive yourself and trick yourself just enough so you won’t feel horribly guilty about what you’re eating and how to fit into that cute red dress on New Years. At the same time, we’re being overwhelmed by sugary recipes. Yikes!

In my last blog post, I talked about how to CELEBRATE fitness and use the momentum you have with your running and workouts to stay focused on feeling healthy. Learning to “treat” yourself with healthy activities and good food is a shift in perspective for most of us, me included. I grew up being told that a treat was getting a Twinkie or staying up later to watch more TV…or both! I’m not sure when I was hit over the head with the fact that I wanted to the opposite lifestyle, but I’m glad that happened.

Don’t get me wrong, I struggle EVERY DAY with food choices; wanting a cheese fix instead of veggies, or skipping  a meal because I’m just too busy. But I love running and a runner’s body needs more than cheese. I’m a foodie and love to make up recipes for runners that feed the family and fuel the fun!

So, this holiday season, I’m going to focus on having a great runner’s body! Not the super-skinny-elite kind, of course, that’s not me, but the one that’s happiest being out there with the wind in her hair and the mud in her socks…

Here’s some of my awesome runner body qualities:

1. I have less-than attractive feet. Toenails are cut short so as not to interfere with the shoes. Nail polish usually worn off. Sometimes the toenails get worn off. Sometimes I get blisters. Sometimes I get blisters under my calluses. Lovely.

2. I have chaffing marks. On a recent doctor visit, I got quite a few frowns about one at the bra line, followed by a diatribe on how to treat it. Yes, it’s self-inflicted. I’m ok with that.  Pass the BodyGlide, thank you very much.

3. My quads make my pants fit weird. I like it that you can see my biggy quads under my jeans when my mileage gets up there. That’s sexy in some cultures, right?

4. The muddier and the bloodier runs are usually the most fun.

5. I don’t smell nice all the time and neither do my clothes. Sure sign of a kick-butt workout. I’ll take it.

6. I usually gain a pound or two during marathon training. That happens to most of us and I look forward to running it off post-thon, on shorter, faster runs.

7. As my runner friends will attest to, I’m a spitter and snot-rocket extraordinaire. These are needed skills on chilly long runs.

8. I have hat hair, headband hair and sometimes salty-face build up in the mornings.

9. No, I didn’t run into a door and I’m not a cyclops, I was wearing a headlamp for 2 hours this morning.

10. I can look in the mirror and say to myself that I feel pretty damned good for my 46 years and am so happy that I am in better shape than I was when I was 25.

And I am in great company!!

You can have your red dress. I’ll take my runner’s body any day of the year! Happy Holidays to all my runner momma friends!!

• eugene marathon kick-off party 2012

Looking at the course map is always a bit of a reality check. Yep, 26.2 is a looooong way.

Time flies. Wasn’t it just a few months ago folks were running the Eugene Marathon? And now they are signing up to race and beginning their training again. Wahoo! Signing up for a race is an exciting day. The Eugene Marathon had their annual kick off party this morning at the Eugene Running Company and there was definitely a buzz in the air. It was part, “yeck, yeah, let’s do this thing!” and part, “oh, man, what did I just do?” Either way, it’s a jazzed feeling and the beginning of a kick-butt commitment to run and train. I am so lucky to have been witness to so many smiling, runner faces registering for a great race. The Eugene Marathon puts on an amazing weekend filled with a kid’s run, 5K, half and full marathon. The course is primarily flat, fast, full of loud spectators and that fabulous Tracktown energy…. you could feel it today!

Thanks to those who stopped by the booth to check out and pick up some runner items and everyone I got to chat with. Lots of free hugs happening!

Yep, we had the RMR goodies there today. As well as our fun winery event slideshow. It was fun having people come by and see themselves. Y'all are so cute!

Tate, super momma and ultra runner, works for the Eugene Marathon. She was doin it all today!

A Thursday regular to the RMR group, another Laura! I got to meet her sweet family today too.

Of course, OTC was represented. Become a member - great local and runner bennies!

Danuta and I got a good chat in where she confessed to me her latest running goal. I'm keeping it a secret.

I love Natalie's smile, but she was wearing some really slick boots. I wish I would have gotten a photo of those too! She was our winery run & brunch speaker - great to see her again today!

Terri, in the middle, was a recent customer, but I can't say more than that because recipients of those goodies are in the photos. Ssshhh...it's holiday time.

Thanks for making my weekend you fab runners! Keep me posted on how training goes on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear updates!

• stay fitness-focused this holiday season

Runner's high can take you a long way!

Yeah it’s cold, yeah the holiday calories are coming your way, but…

…don’t ditch the hard work you’ve done. We’re all about CELEBRATING here at RMR and at this seasonal time of celebration, I’m not going to challenge you to eat less, run more, cut corners or deprive yourself. But I AM going to tell you how to celebrate YOU this season so you can stay focused on your running and fitness. Here’s my lucky number 7 tips:

1. Celebrate YOU. First of all, take a minute to give yourself a big pat on the back for all the workouts you’ve done this year, all the schedule juggling to fit in your long runs, all the times you pulled yourself out of bed in the wee hours to get it done! When you hear the word “celebrate” this season, use that as a reminder to celebrate yourself.

2. Use momentum. Use the energy you’ve built with your running and fitness this year to run through the egg nog, swim through the gravy, bike through the sugar cookies, bundle up and get your butt out there. This is NO easy task, especially with little ones. It’s even more challenging during the holiday school break, but look how brilliant you’ve been for figuring out how to do it. Stay with it. Grab your hubby, your partner, your support crew and be creative about your running schedule. In a recent Runner’s World poll, 42% said they run early in the morning. There’s a reason for this – it’s called get it done!  Use that momentum you’ve made to keep things going.

One of my favorite treats!

3. Redefine “treats”. This is a big one and it deserves more of a discussion than this blog post (it will be part of our retreat program!) The word “treat” is often associated with sugary or fattening foods, inactivity, grand expenditures, time away or just plain skipping things that are healthy. The media doesn’t help. Ads and commercials are constantly telling us (and our kids!) what you should have “when you’re good” and what you “deserve.” Don’t get me wrong. I love a good pile of onion rings, micro-beer, stinky cheese and a couch nap as much as the next gal, but I’m working on redefining “treat” into something healthy. If I have a great run, I’ll treat myself to a super healthy smoothie (here’s some of your ideas for yummy ingredients), to a 1/2 hour earlier bedtime, to a massage, to a quick yoga session in my bedroom to 15 minutes with my Runner’s World magazine. This month, take a look at how you “treat” yourself and chose a few healthier ones that celebrates your runner’s body.

4. Set a running goal. We already talked about being creative with the winter break schedule. Setting a goal will help you stick with that plan. “Treat” yourself to a 2012 race registration, a mileage bench-mark, trying 3 new routes, or something that will keep your eye on the overall goal of staying fit this holiday.

My crazy birthday run made my day!

5. Make it fun! Consider a holiday party on the run! My running partner treated me to the BEST birthday gift ever by throwing me a running girlfriend surprise party. They jumped out from behind trees along my birthday trail run a few weeks ago. Why not connect with friends one day during the holidays and do a group run with jingle bells on or Santa hats. Keep it simple, sweet and fun!

6. Remember, everything is connected. When I workout, I eat better. My mind is clearer to make better choices about food and my health in general. I actually floss more when I’m on a strong running streak. I know, crazy, but true.

I took time to smell the roses event though my nose hair was frozen.

7. Warm up slowly, finish on top. On a recent, icy morning, I took photos on my run to help me remember how lucky I am to be able to run and appreciate nature along the way. It also helped me take my warm up slower which can be helpful in colder weather. My tight muscles and chilly lungs thanked me by giving me a strong and warm finish. One good thing leads to another. If you finish feeling great, your body remembers that and gets excited about your next workout. We chatted on Facebook about ways to get out there when it’s cold. What’s your strategy?

With kids out of school, the days getting shorter, the mornings getting colder, and the food getting sweeter, take some time to celebrate the fitness you’ve accomplished. Use that momentum to keep that ball rolling and  “treat” yourself to continued fitness. Whether you’re a beginning runner or a long-time pavement pounder, head into 2012 happy and healthy.

Do you have more ideas about celebrating you, your fitness or running through the holiday season? We’d love to hear them. 

• shut up, i know how to have fun!

Celebrating my 40th trip around the sun at Newport Marathon, 2005

I have had a couple friends turn 40 this year and I’m so happy for them. I loved turning 40. It’s like you get to wear this invisible sign around from then on that says, “Shut up, I know what I’m talking about.” When people asked me what I was going to do for my big 4-0, I decided it would be a marathon. I conquered by first 26.2 at Newport. I’ve done many other long distance runs, marathons, trail races and even a 50K, but nothing has compared to that first, special event.

Until today!

Me, the unsuspecting birthday girl

Today I turned 46 and am still on a surprise-running-birthday-party-high from this morning’s shenanigans (I can say that word, I’m 46 remember). As you probably know, I’ve been injured for most of the summer with plantar fasciitis and a cacophony of other foot problems, but have slowly worked my way back to 3-mile runs so far. My stellar running partner Leah (at TrailSmittenMom) and I planned to head to Pre’s Trail here in Eugene this morning and do an easy birthday 3 through the woods on our favorite barkchip path. Driving out there, I was in heaven. Tunes blaring, coffee warming my tummy, I felt like I was “back” in the running world. We headed out in the misty fog, chatting quietly about how serene and pretty it was when all of sudden, about 100 yards from the trail head out jumps Carolyn and Laura with birthday horns and fancy hats! WHAT?! Carolyn, sporting a leopard fuzzy hat, scarf and gloves, had a  birthday card attached to her in the standard 4-pin race bib style. Laura was our photographer who quickly draped a red feather boa around me and started clicking away.

Is it a bird, an over-dressed lap dancer or a birthday girl on a run?

Oh, what a treat! After I caught my breath, we were off again down the path and through the woods, when YES, more girls jumped out, then more, then more! Next thing you know Wendy (in her classic pink attire) along with Maggie, Tana and Tanya approached with birthday glasses, more hugs and more photo taking. Debbi, dressed in a big bird mask, “flew” down from a tree to join us. It was OVER. THE. TOP! Horns blowing, feather boa flying, we headed down the trail in complete hysterics. We honked and helloed as we passed other runners, making sure they knew it was a birthday party and we meant business!

After our 3 miler that went by way too fast, there were more hugs and a party caravan to coffee and chit chat. Leah got me a gorgeous new running shirt and brought treats which, of course, included my culinary soul mate, cheeeeeeese. Not a detail was missed.

Carolyn, Tanya, Debbi, Me, Leah, Tana, Wendy (Laura & Maggie are off grabbing a person to take a photo of all of us, will post soon)

I can’t thank you enough, ladies, for the best birthday morning evah. It was especially sweet because I have been so missing running with all of you. I truly believe the joy of running (which, for me, is huge already) is doubled when shared.

46 is going to be a good year. My new invisible sign will read, “Shut up, I know how to have fun!”

• luxuries big and small – like lattes and running retreats

Frothy milk, one of life's little luxuries

I’m easy to please. If you have little kids you understand what I mean. A hot shower 3 days in a row is good. So is being able to go to the bathroom without someone yelling for juice or to get two stuck Leggo pieces apart. An hour at home alone is also way up there on the super awesome list of little luxuries as is drinking a cup of coffee while it’s hot.

Today I got a small luxury in the mail for my birthday on Saturday.  My bestie and business partner, Michelle, said to expect a package, so when I got it, I dropped everything and tore into it. When I took a quick look inside, I saw two batteries and a long, slender case. Gasp! Really? Is that what I think it is? She’s the buddy that knows EVERYTHING, so OK, I could use a new one of THOSE, I thought to myself. Oh, but kids are in the room, can’t open it now. I threw it up on a high shelf, then, after the kids went to bed, I finished opening the package to find…. an Aerolatte. It wasn’t a you-know-what, but I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a steam-free milk frother and within 3 minutes I had a hot Chai Tea Latte with cinnamon! You just stick the little battery-operated whisk in a mug of hot milk and in 20 seconds you’ve got whipped up yumminess. I tucked myself in bed with Netflix-streamed 30 Rock episodes I’ve missed and sipped sipped away. A little bit of luxury!

And, sometimes, there are big luxuries for mommas like me.

Michelle and I have been working on creating one.  Today we  launched registration for the Sisterhood of the Traveling Trails Women’s Running Retreat! It’s scary and exciting at the same time. This is no small deal. It’s a lot of work and it’s not cheap. Our mission is celebrating women who run….and we hope this is a full-on-blow-out celebration.

Michelle checks out the cabins' deep soaking tubs. Big Luxury!

I did a test run of coffee by the fire after a chilly trail run. Yep, you'll love it!

Sweet accommodations, awesome food, beer, wine, speakers, oh, and running! FivePine Lodge in Sisters, Oregon will be our host. Their cabins are gorgeous, the event space beautiful and the grounds are like a park.

We’ll have unlimited access to Sister’s Athletic Club and there’s a top-notch spa and yummy brewery on the campus too. Michelle and I snuck over to Sisters all stealth-like a few weeks ago and spent the night, got the tour and did some serious schedule crunching to figure out how to create a fun weekend for women runners filled with just enough activities and free time in a naturific and hip little town. The super fun bonus for us is that we get to work with one of our dear friends, Tricia, who’s the event director at FivePine. Michelle, Tricia and I all worked together 16 years ago and are so excited to be reconnected for such a special event. That means three cool chicks are pouring their hearts into this retreat. We would love for you join us. You can learn all about the retreat and register on our website.

Oh, and they will have little luxuries there too. Like freshly ground coffee from local roasters in our rooms. And we’ll get to drink it while it’s hot!

• quick harvest recovery lunch

One of my favorite lunches in my favorite old bowl = comfort.

I don’t “do” Trader Joe’s. I know, I’m weird. I try to be a Joe’s girl, I really do. I go, I look around, and never really get much. Oh sure, the list of things I WANT to buy is long; macaroons, cute little frozen enchilada thingies, cheap wine and chocolate covered everything. I know there are healthier gems in there, but I don’t go enough to really comb the isles and seek them out. I wait for other moms to gimme the, “Hey, you GOTTA try this” review.

Michelle (the new RMR biz partner and super foodie) sent me a bag of Harvest Grain from Trader Joes all the way from Arizona. She wasn’t convinced I would actually go buy it myself since I’m TJ-challenged, so she stuck it in the mail.

You GOTTA try this!

I use it as a base for lots of dishes. You can pile anything on it sauce-wise. It’s got Israeli couscous, along with red and green orzo, split dried garbanzo beans, and red quinoa. I like to whip up a batch, add proteins and have it all week long for a quick heat and eat lunch after a workout…or cold if I’m on the run. As many of you know, I’m a savory and love it for breakfast too with an egg on top.

Harvest Grain Recovery Lunch

Make as much of the Harvest Grain as you’d like per package directions. About 1/2 a bag does me for 3 or 4 lunches.

To the saucepan, add

- 1/4 c chopped onion

- can of great northern beans or soybeans

- 1 tsp ginger

- 1 tsp red wine vinegar (or more if you like it tangy)

- 1/2 veggie bouillon cube

After it’s cooked, spoon a cup or so into a bowl, top with protein (tofu, chopped, cooked chicken or turkey if desired), add shredded cabbage or chopped raw spinach and add another sauce if you want. I love salsa on mine.

Other great toppings:

- almonds or seeds

- parmesean

- more vinegar

- leftover spaghetti sauce

- any ol’ thing you want!

Of course, it’s really yummy with a chocolate covered macaroon. Hey, who said that?

• i’m a runner, you’re a runner, wouldn’t you like to be a runner too?

What is a “real runner”?

This topic has been argued many times, even among my friends. I guess it’s my turn because the question has been swimming around in my head lately. Being on the injured list all summer has had me wondering more than once if I was still a runner. If you take 3 months off and someone asks what you like to do, it feels weird to say, “Oh, I’m a runner.” So I have been adding, “I’m injured right now though.” Seems silly that I feel compelled to tack that on.

A nice couple I met in the pool this summer were chatting me up at o’dark thirty one morning before starting laps. It went something like,

“Hi, I’m Dave and this is my wife Nancy.”

“Hi. I’m Laura. I see you guys here often. Do you swim every day?”

“Most days. Yeah. How about you? You like this pool?”

“No, I don’t swim everyday. I do like it here. I’ve tried a couple open water swims this summer too.”

“Oh, you like that better?

“No, I like long distance runner better. But I’m injured right now, hence the swimming.”

“Oh! Do you run marathons?”

“Yes. Or longer.”

“Wow, you’re a real runner then.”

“Yes, I am.”

I said yes not because I run marathons, but because that’s what my heart loves to do. Thankfully, we all swam off to do laps and I didn’t have to talk any further about how much I really missed it while the feel of the water on my face helped take away the need to cry. At that point in my recovery, I wasn’t sure how long I would be out of commission. I felt like a runner inside, but my body wasn’t behaving like one.

The question of “real runner” came up again recently in an RMR meeting. I sat with an athletic club director who does all kinds of sports, including running, my business partner, Michelle, who is new to running and a friend Tricia, who has been a runner long before I took it up. At one point Michelle said something about me being a “serious runner”, having  run a 50K. The athletic club director’s eyebrows went up and he nodded in recognition of the accomplishment. The funny thing was, I felt like the phony because I hadn’t been running as long as Tricia had. She doesn’t run marathons, but she’s been in love with it for much longer than I have. I looked at Michelle and felt jealous of all the firsts she gets to have; first runners’ high, first 5K, first running group, first Gu (well, maybe I’m not jealous about that.). All of those feelings and vibes circled the room in less than a minute. It seems there are well-defined lines, but why? And defined by whom? Is it our own lack of confidence or never-ending need to compare ourselves to others? Or does it just come from our want to improve ourselves?

And as people look up to me, I look up to others. I get totally star struck with the famous and the fast. When I picked up my packet for the Siskiyou Outback race at the Rogue Valley Runners store in Ashland, I overheard folks talking about the course. I leaned in a bit to listen, then a tall guy asked me if I was running tomorrow. When I said yes, he proceeded to tell me about the course and  excitedly pointed to highlights on the map. I was listening for about 10 seconds when I realized it was Hal Koerner. (You know, one of the top 10 ultra runners in North America, two-time winner of Western States 100.) From then on, I had no idea what he was saying. I think I nodded a few times. It was hard to say in that moment that I felt like a “real runner” standing next to him even though I was about to embark on my longest race to date.

After much thought, and, as corny as it sounds, I’m going to say that if you feel like a runner in your heart, then you are one, regardless of pace, distance, medals or mileage. I say this because my mind keeps going back to a conversation I had with an acquaintance who manages an indoor pool. I saw him at a coffee house a few years ago, but the short conversation stuck with me.  I had just finished a long, early morning run. He was grabbing coffee on his way to work. He asked if I ran often and if I was in training. I asked him if he was a runner too. He said he had been a runner for years and years, but very bad knees turned him into a swimmer and a swim coach. He talked about distance running and races he’d done. The look in his eyes and sadness in his voice made me think an old friend had died. And, like hearing that kind of news, there’s nothing I could have said to make him feel better. In his heart he was a runner. There was no arguing that.