Taking a break from Running

This week several of us missed our Running class to participate in RAD Self-Defense. 

It was an empowering and eye-opening experience I hope each of you choose to participate in.  We ended our 12 hours of training with a simulation session with the RAD Suit aka "Creepy Bad Guy".  All of us learned that we can kick some booty when the adrenaline kicks in.

Our next session will be held sometime in February.  Check with Ami if you are interested!!

From the RAD website:

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth, and is the key to our free lifetime return and practice policy for R.A.D. graduates.

Our First 5k

Tonight at our 5k Training class, some of the beginning runners were asking "Is it always this hard?" and "When does this get fun?". I promised them that it gets better and one day they too will love running. I also said that I know how they feel because I've been in their shoes....

Almost a year ago Ami, Rachelle and I started training for the ATT Austin Half Marathon. It had been years since any of had run so we decided it would be best to set a smaller goal to keep us motivated. We signed up for the 6th Annual Turkey Dash held at the Katy YMCA on November 27, 2008.

We used the same training program that we use in our Moms on the Run Training Sessions. After running four times a week for 8 weeks "Race Day" was here!

Rachelle and I met in the YMCA Parking lot bright and early (Ami went out of town for Thanksgiving). After we picked up our chips we were both nervous so we started warming up and decided that we should run a quick mile to calm down. (Looking back, I don't know what we were thinking! I do not recommend doing this.)

Fifteen minutes later we just had enough time to say bye to our hubbies and start lining up at the start line. There were only about 950 people but at the time it felt like millions.

We were all packed shoulder to shoulder waiting for the gun to go off. When it finally did there was a huge force pulling us across the start line. Rachelle and I instantly got separated. Unfortunately for me and my race inexperience, the crowd caused me to go much faster than I was used to. Not to mention the fact that there was 100+% humidity and record level highs for Thanksgiving Day! I thought I was going to die!!! Man oh man, I wished I had a towel too! Sweat was pouring into my eyes and burning....

Then I saw it...the 1 Mile Marker...9:32 gun time! "Wow! that's the fastest I have ever run a mile in my life! Yay! Uggh this hurts so bad!"...is what was going through my head. Luckily the first water station was coming up ahead. I quickly grabbed a cup, swished some water around in my mouth and threw the rest onto my face, and kept going.

As I was reaching the halfway point where we turned down the other side of the street I noticed something strange...hmm...what's this? There was a guy running the wrong way!....and a few feet behind him there was ANOTHER runner?!? HAHA! Apparently the winners of the race were passing me up...ON THEIR SECOND TIME AROUND THE COURSE!!!

My brain then said to me...Oh this really sucks!...Keep Going!...You can do it!...One foot in front of the other. Then I hear "Go Kristy!" It was Rachelle on the other side of the street! This gave me another burst of energy and before I knew it I could see the big Luke's Locker Banners across the Finish Line...I pick up my speed and give it my all.

I can hear my hubby and Clay cheering for me as I pass by and beep beep...I cross the finish line!


Now please excuse me while I go throw up!

Just Kidding...I didn't. Boy was that hard...but...I DID IT!!!...I FINISHED! YEAH! My final time inded up being 30:33.9..about a 9:50 mile. I still haven't finished a 5k that fast. It is a very good example of bad race strategy. (more on this later)

....Meanwhile, after I caught my breath and turned in my chip I headed back to the Finish Line so I could watch Rachelle cross.

It was so awesome to be able to see my friend and training partner run the final stretch and be able to cheer her on...Go Rachelle!!


Thanks so much for running this race with me and always helping me stay motivated!!
Things I learned from this race:
1. You are only running against yourself. It doesn't matter how many people cross the finish line before you.
2. Don't run a mile before a 5k...it's too much.
3. Start your race slow, then pick up your pace so you can finish strong. (aka negative splits)
4. Having friends there to cheer you on is awesome!
5. Crossing the finish line is very motivating!

Choosing the Right Shoe

The importance of getting into the right shoe cannot be over emphasized. There is a lot of pressure and force that your feet will bear when running. A way to help avoid many different types of injuries is choosing the right shoe for you. It is an investment in your running experience!

The first step is to find a running store in your area. Moms on the Run recommends Luke’s Locker or Fleet Feet. Please be sure that the store is staffed with runners and people who know about running. Most commercial shoe stores (i.e. Academy, Foot Locker…etc.) do not have a deep level of running shoe knowledge; please choose your store carefully. Also, check to be sure they carry a wide variety of brands to choose from. You will want to be able to try on a myriad of shoes to find the right fit.

Secondly, go to try on shoes at the end of the day or after a run as your feet will be slightly swollen. You will want your new shoes to be able to handle this swelling. Be sure to wear the same socks you would wear on your runs and try on both shoes. The best way to get a good feel for the shoes you try is to run in them. The salesperson should watch how your foot hits the ground and whether that particular shoe is appropriate for your gait (how your foot hits and leaves the ground). If the shoe feels tight, you may need to go up a 1/2 size. They will not stretch, so be sure the sizing is right when you buy them.

Lastly, there is a lifespan to your shoes. For the 5k distance training you will be doing, your shoes should last a good six months. It is also helpful to track your training mileage. For reference our 8 week 5k training program covers 50 miles. On average shoes will last around 500 miles. It IS important to replace them at this time, they break down and won't support your body...leading to possible injury.

Track Etiquette

Since we are holding our 5k Training Session at the Track I felt it was important to go over Track Etiquette to help each night go smoothly.

In the presence of others the following rules apply:
1. Run counter clockwise. If you decide to run clockwise, run on the outer most lanes. Stay out of the way of runners who are working out and running in the accepted direction.
2. Stay alert and don’t use ear phones.

3. Treat the track like you would a road. Look both ways before entering onto a track.
4. Bicycles, scooters, roller blades, etc. are not allowed on tracks. If you bring these items for your children please be sure they do not interfere with others using the track. The Track we use does not allow animals.
5. The faster the runner, the more inside the lane reserved for him or her. Tracks with lanes are numbered from inside (nearest the infield) to the outside (near stands). Most commonly they are from 1-8. Lanes 1 & 2 are reserved for the fastest runners on the track at the time. Lanes 3-5 are for the next faster runners with the slower joggers. Walking is reserved for the outside most lanes.

6. Never stand on the track, especially where there may be fast runners such as in lanes 1 and 2.

7. Always be aware of nearby runners. When you finish an interval, look over your shoulder and move to the right as you stop. If you move left you are more likely to get run over by another runner.

8. Large training groups should split into smaller groups so they don't block areas of the track where other may wish to pass. Please try to keep your group to less than 3 across.
9. If a track team is working out on the track – they take precedence over individuals. If you can workout on the farthest outside lanes without interfering and the coaches allow you, then do so. Otherwise, come back another time.

10. If you have to bring your children along with you to workouts it's ok. It’s good parental role modeling for the kids even if they aren’t running or walking. It’s also something that many single parents have to resort to. Bring balls and activities to keep them busy. Often you can even get them to run some laps. However, not all children have the self-control necessary. You know your child best. Please consider all the others on the track.

See you at the next run!

Race for the Cure

Our Charity Race to finish up our 5k Training Program will be
2009 Komen Houston Race for the Cure®

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Sam Houston Park Downtown
Run. Walk. Watch. Volunteer. Get Involved!

Stroller Strides, Luna Moms Club and Mom's on the Run are teaming up this year to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!

Please Join our Team! (Click this link to go to our team page)
For those who are participating in the 5k Training Program, please be sure to enter in the "competitive" 5k run, that way you will have a timing chip.
We will have a walking team AND running team. Everyone is welcome to join us! Ask your friends, relatives and neighbors.

Let's make a difference!

Tentative Race Day Schedule
7:45 Opening Ceremonies & Memorial Birds Release
8:00 Run/Walk Begins
9:15 Runners’ Award Ceremony
10:00 Survivor Celebration by Baker Hughes
*All participants need to arrive and be in the Race staging areas by 7:30 am.

AND if you already have plans on October 3rd you can still help us out by signing up for Sleep in for the Cure

There are tons of ways you can get involved...Check it out