UNANTICIPATED NATURE REWARDS WORTH THE EFFORT

photo credit@vicki l sullivan, 2016

Everyone who routinely challenges the environmental elements by running will soon discover there are welcome AND unwelcome moments along the miles trek.   These past few days, as August has evolved into September, I've welcomed the change of some little cooler weather and the awe-inspiring honk of migrating geese making their morning flight to the river.

The familiar sound of their honking always takes me back to my growing up in the Mississippi Delta.  My home was located on a lake jutting off the Mississippi River and those autumn days were filled with happy, comforting memories of watching the geese flying in to land on the lake in front of the house, a warm fire in the fireplace, and Mom's fabulously delicious chili.

The welcome moments during a run make the struggle worth the effort.  Much like mentally girding for holding steady through the next line of traffic, the unwelcome moments are nothing more than a challenge to hold pace and keep on moving.  There will always be the negative challenges appearing in the environment; and yes, even from people passed along the way. 

That's life. Both experiences have been a part of the run every year (since 1985)  I've been a runner. Can't wait to hear the geese tomorrow!

NEW BROOKS, RUNNING, AND ROADSIDE CORN

 photo credit@vickilsullivan, 2016

What commonalities exist with, new Brooks, running, and roadside corn?  Well,  other than my experience out this morning while jogging along Post Rd, not much.  I mean, really, there is corn growing alongside the road and even one stalk is now sprouting corn.  Once upon a time, when running with my Little Rock, AR marathon master runner sister, we happened upon roadside trees laden with ripe bounty and did stop to gather all we could carry.  Since the trees were not on private property but along the city curb, we figured we were helping keep the mess to a minimum.  Well, that was the reasoning at the time anyway. 

Personally, I would really love to see communities show their appreciation for those hardy souls who set good examples through running/jogging/and or walking by installing roadside fresh water fountains!  We outside exercise enthusiasts who take to the streets are first line folks helping to build and maintain safe communities for everyone! We're up early and out there in the early morning, all day, and even late into the night getting in those few or many miles which provide for us a clear mind, healthy body, and calm, disciplined, stable life outlook.  I can just see them now with nice little welcoming plaques saying, "Thank you for helping keep our city safe and healthy." 

Ok, now about my new Brooks Glycerin 14's. Have a look!  

My first impression was the design construction seems more contoured than the Glycerin 13.  And, the tred  application is a whole new approach from past models.  

Glycerin 13

My style is to hit first on my heel and then roll forward. The 14's design, though a full 1/4 inch more narrow, to me, seems to ride with better support.  Now, the Glycerin shoe is a neutral support shoe. Still though the construction gives great support with little to no wobble when the heel strikes ground.

Again, I find I have to laud Brooks Running for a great new shoe upgrade AND apologize for going to a competing brand for a season.  I thought the extra padding of the competitors shoe might add to the comfort.  But, instead, I caused a tendon pull in my knee and was out of it for 6 months. 

I'm pleased to be back in Brooks shoes and out on the road Running Happy! 

OLYMPIC FEVER HOLDING A STEADY PACE

photo credit@vickisullivan, 2016

To be sure, most runners are not olympic bound. Still, though, the same rules of endurance, steady pacing, discipline, and love of the sport, regardless of our natural gifting, bind us all through empathy and understanding of how many runs are just like running uphill all the way. That pretty much describes my jog this morning. 

Temperature, humidity, weather, emotional status, physical condition, and mental toughness are, I think, the components most affecting each run.  I was really up for the jog after taking off all jogs for 2 weeks.  But, as the week progressed and the temperatures reached into the 90's, my enthusiasm for getting up before dawn waned considerably.  Now, as drudgery and 90 degree temps, have once more demanded discipline and commitment, I find myself considering and weighing the costs and benefits of just "getting out there."  

Given that I've been a runner since high school, I don't think I'm yet about giving up on what I've always found relaxing and invigorating. And, though my fast paced runner family members debate on whether I am walking or jogging, holding a steady pace has proved exceptionally foundational in every area of life. Hello - I plan on continuing.

Certainly, like so many, I have watched with interest as this year's Summer Olympics choose which athletes are the best at whatever sport. And, I've appreciated how they each and everyone "hold a steady pace." 

Keep your eyes on the next mile market and Go Team USA!

RUNNER'S ETIQUETTE - PLEASE! GET IT

Brooks Summer 

 

Uh, the posting McMinnville Civic Center Trail on the path states, "NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES WALKING TRAIL."   And, though the trail is also open to joggers, runners, and etc. the, "NO MOTORIZED," rule should be absolute.  That's for the safety of everyone because motorized vehicles present known risks.  I often encounter bikers and others out there enjoying being on wheels - usually they are well supervised by parents, etc. though not always.  That's when the awesome park staff offer a most important part. They're there to make sure the safety of all park participants will enjoy the park. 

For us runners, and joggers (that's me), here are the Runner's Etiquette rules we need to employ at all times shared by Angie Spencer of the marathontrainingacademy.com, (yes, I'm actually thinking about training for a marathon run.) 

My Favorite Rule 1 - Pass on the left whenever possible and ALWAYS give the person you're passing the warning before you pass.  Usually said, "Passing on your left."

This is my favorite rule today because I was reminded of it when passed by a rude stealth runner this morning.  Angie notes, and I quote, "This is especially important if you're running early in the morning or in the evening." That's probably because she also carries pepper spray or mace.

JUST FOR THE LOVE OF RUNNING

 

After a slow jog downhill early this morning and looking up from focusing intently on the path before me, this view unexpectedly appeared showing the top of a majestic mountain in the distance.  Ever notice how small children seem to rather be running than walking?  After years of pursuing running as my preferred form of exercise, I'm convinced my love of running is a solid determination not to ever again lose the joy such childlike simplicity running brings to a moment by moment living of life.

The love of running does appear to leave when adulthood is overshadowed by the more pressing desires of preforming and competition to achieve something or other. Running, for me, means ignoring all that distracts from the joy of living life and staying in the present moment.

SUMMER RUNNING ON THE HORIZION

The Magnificent Magnolia Fuscata

Summer is looming very near as the temperatures begin to soar into the 90's.  Fortunately, this morning was a gift as temperatures went down into the 50's overnight!  Truly enjoyed this morning's 3.5 mile view of the mountains, flowering trees and shrubs, and the "cool breezes!"

The photo above was taken last year in late May or June.  It's part of the Magnolia grouping and carries the lemony scent of the Southern Magnolia along with the similar banana scent of the Magnolia Fuscata. Very nice and delicate experience to run upon one of the sweet trees.  I know summer is right around the corner when these appear and douse their flavor about in the warm sunlight.

I'm having to practice getting up real early to be ready to get out there before the heat sets in for the day. I seem to take to cool weather jogging better than summer jogging because all I have to do is gear up warmly.  In the summer there's the heat factor bringing a whole different challenge. The sun can really bring negative consequences when added to a heat factor.  Sweat can blind the eyes and heat can bring disorientation. Hydration and focusing on  healthy habits is the gateway to enjoying the summer weather.

 This article presents some good reading along the line of health related food intake. Hope you enjoy it and a great week out there.

MEMORIAL DAY 2016 - RUN, JOG, OR WALK - BRAIN & BODY WORK

photo credit@vickilsullivan

Happy Memorial Day 2016 - Memorial Day heralds thanksgiving and remembrances of those fine people who gave their lives in the service of liberty and freedom!  It also is welcomed by summer celebrations of the 2016 school year endings, summer's very warm weather greetings (at least in the South), and great Bar-B-Que and cookouts across our nation. 

Those were my beginning thoughts this morning as I paced myself along a 3 mile jog.  Then they turned to determination to focus on the path before me, regulating my breathing, and maintaining core body posture and form.  Fact is, in the past week, a friend, concerned I would be run over, challenged  my choice of running (jogging, in my case) on asphalt rather than concrete, so this week I am particularly alert to stay mindful while on the roadside.

Even though I've been an avid runner since 1984 and pretty much feel comfortable watching and listening to the traffic before and behind me, when someone questions my choice, I rethink my position to possibly meet the challenge with confidence the next time I'm questioned.  With 32 years running, jogging, and walking on the road, on sidewalks, and trails, I pretty much have surveyed the information out there to make the best choice, for myself anyway.

Runner's World experts offer this article on the best surface for runners. My experience is the first 13 years I ran on concrete more than asphalt or trails and, thankfully, without injury. However, maybe that's why last summer I began having knee trouble. Many talented and experienced distance runners agree, concrete effects more impact on the body than any other surface. So that's my take on the subject. I stand resolute on it.  Enough said.

Running/jogging/ and walking brings out the best for all aspects of brain, body, and spirit. Physical systems begin to work as they should, and the brain gets oxygen and blood flow to continue to grow healthy cells and process thought creatively and with structure clearing the fog like sunshine in the morning. Here's links a goodly bit of information on that subject. 

Running on the street takes awareness, concentration, a good bit of focus, and yes, sometimes steel nerves.  Take off the earphones and keep eyes and ears open.  I hope not to take anything for granted and hope you won't either. 


Happy Memorial Day Running!