The Blonde Runner

During winter the days seem so short. It gets dark so fast and I find myself running in the dark all too often. This is the time of year that safety is on my mind. I know first hand how difficult it can be to see a runner at night and often the little reflection that their shoes provide is the only sign of them in the dark. Think about it, how many people have you barely seen?

I urge those people who enjoy exercising outside (yes, even in the winter) to wear reflective clothing, have a blinking light and carry ID. If you were hit and knocked unconscious how would anyone know who you are? A cell phone doesn’t provide the paramedics with any information on who you are. Nobody expects an “accident” so carrying ID could help them contact a loved one in time to say goodbye (let’s hope this never happens. ever!). It may help them learn that the person has a medical condition that would effect their treatment (ie. diabetes, heart condition). This list goes on and on.

I am sure many of you have seen the little red velcro ID badge I wear on my shoe. It is made by Road ID and stays on my shoe. I also have a pink one for my ankle when I am on my road bike (it is even more important to have ID on a bike!). You can choose your color and design it yourself. They cost about $20, but are well worth the peace of mind to me. They make a great gift and as an extra incentive you can save yourself a buck. Just click on the link below and use the coupon number: ThanksLora439398 (expires Jan. 8, 2009)

“Joggers go by looks. Runners go by feel.”

 What do you think?

“Cyclo-cross is a form of bicycle racing. Races take place typically in the autumn and winter (the international or “World Cup” season is September-January), and consists of many laps of a short (2.5-3.5  km or 1.5-2  mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike whilst navigating the obstruction and remount in one motion. Races for senior categories are generally between 30 minutes and an hour long” -Wikipedia

For information on the Utah Cyclocross race series visit: http://www.utahcyclocross.com/

After completing 50 certified marathons in 50 states in 50 days this is what Ultramarathon Man, Dean Karnazes, had to say:

“Yes, it was over.  But for me, as for so many runners, there really are no finish lines.  Runs end; running doesn’t.”          

 - Dean Karnazes

I’m lovin’ it – oh so true!

If you have never participated in the Wasatch Back relay, I highly recommend it. I was fortunate enough to be in the company of fantastic members of South Davis Road Runners group this weekend. What makes this 181 mile race from Logan to Park City so great you might ask? How could a grueling and challenging race be fun? For me, challenge is fun. But what makes this race so exceptional to me is the sense of camaraderie and team effort. In all of my years of racing (hundreds of races) I have never experience a race with such a great sense of enjoying the challenge of running and doing your best. Teams cheered for each other and decorated their vehicles. This race is certainly not about winning – it’s about the journey! It was truly a highlight for me this year! I look forward to next year, and hope to enjoy it with the same fantastic people! You guys are “superstars”! http://www.ragnarrelay.com/

Last spring I was contacted by a local paper and interviewed about safety and running. You see, four months earlier a woman was struck by a car and killed while out exercising, then again another runner was killed just a few months later. Both victims did not have identification on them and their family members went days before knowing of their respective tragedy. How many times do you go out for a walk, hike, run, or bikeride without carrying identification?

Nobody plans on getting hit by a car or suffering a stroke/heart attack, or diabetic seizure while out exercising? (This is how many people that don’t know they have diabetes find out that they do). It just happens, so I urge you take identification with you. I know it is not practical to carry a driver’s license in your hand while you are running, and shorts pockets aren’t often big enough. The best solution I have found is an ID type Velcro shoe clip or a band worn around the ankle or wrist. They are not bulky and they can stay right on you and never be forgotten. They are produced by a company called Road ID. Just click on the logo link below and you can see what they have to offer. I think $20 is well worth the information that can potentially save a life or keep family members informed in the event of an accident. Be safe, be identified.

Click the logo link below and order one today! Get an additional $1 off by using the promo code: RID372118 (offer good for the first 30 people before June 15, 2008)

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Do you want to prevent injuries and feel great! If so, you will want to watch these video clips!

Do you have a race coming up?  Are you ready?  Do you have your splits figured out?  If not click here and plan your race.  Knowing your splits, can help you stay focused and maintain a consistant pace.  This can keep you from ”hitting the wall.”  Don’t forget to have a hydration and carbohydrate replenishing plan.  Good luck runners! 

Several years ago I was flipping through the pages of a newspaper and I came across an inspiring picture of Ray Browning, a professional triathlete finishing the third annual Ironman Triathlon in Oahu in 1980. He was able to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run a 26.2 mile marathon - one right after the other! I was amazed that the human body could be trained for such an undertaking. I thought to myself that I could possibly do something like that one day.

Now I have competed in many triathlons on my quest to complete the Ironman distance. I have absolutely loved the challenge of training and competing in triathlons.

As with any new endeavor there is a certain amount of learning that takes place. My college running experience and nutrition education accelerated my learning. As an experienced athlete who benefited from knowledgeable coaches myself, I realize how valuable it is to have someone to answer questions and share experience …sure you can learn from a book, but nobody learns what an orange tastes like by reading a book …they learn from tasting it.

If you have ever considered a triathlon you will want to get in on the 12 week Women’s Beginner Triathlon Training Program I will be offering. This training is for beginners and will focus on the sprint triathlon distance (300 yard pool swim, 11 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run). I love to help others achieve their goals and will only be taking a select few for this exclusive and comprehensive training. To learn more about the Women of Steel triathlon we will be training for visit www.triutah.com Group training begins the first week of March. Experience the taste of a triathlon - you might just love the flavor!