Shoes and Little Feet

"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, impossibles and won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me ...Anything can happen, child. Anything can be." - Shel Silverstein

 Hobbling to the garage to find some solitude, I mutter a few sweary words under my breath before colliding with the steps. After I remove my shoe and sock I begin inspecting my foot for tread marks. My entire running career flashes before my eyes and all futuristic goals, too. One of the neighborhood kids had just driven a motorized vehicle over my foot (not intentionally). With many weeks of training under my belt and a 17 mile run scheduled for the following day, I immediately start hyperventilating and feel a sickness in my stomach that's making its way up to my throat.
 Most days I consider myself a calm composed adult, but if we are talking about a possible foot injury, here comes the whining, crying, screaming, kicking, punching, and breath holding that an advanced individual may classify as a temper tantrum. My feet have been driven over by bicycles, slammed in car doors, jumped and stomped on by boots and cleats, and sun burnt. Thankfully, no breaks! Most of these injuries are accidental and non avoidable (I have little monkeys roaming my yard). However, most long distance runners can improve performance by keeping their feet in top condition.
 How? ... It's important to wear the right footwear. I recently purchased a pair of running shoes solely for training purposes that will last no greater than 3 months. There is no such thing as "best brand". During a shoe selection I keep 3 things in mind, 1.) I have high arches (foot type), 2.) I have the strongest wear in the heel (foot strike) and 3.) I am a supinator (stride pattern). During the selection, I'm also going to try and avoid a shoe designed for motion control, I've recently purchased orthodics which will help resolve this foot problem. It's usually best to locate a speciality running store, staff are often knowledgeable about different brands and styles of shoes and foot problems. Most staff can also offer personal testimony.
 So, after my darling daughter attempted climbing the shoe display wall, reorganized the color coded athletic tape, licked several mirrors, removed her own shoes and socks to pick lint from her toes, dumped her fish crackers onto the carpet and marched on top of them, I had made my selection! I just know my little Ava is going to be a runner, she bolted (much like a sprinter from the starting blocks) to the clothing racks when I told her it was time to go. I snatched up my child, tickled her tiny tummy, and paid for my shoes. I'm pretty sure they locked the door behind me. I love running after my children, I run to keep up with them.

Hyponatremia

"Superman's not brave. You can't be brave if you're indestructible. It's every day people, like you and me, that are brave knowing we could be easily defeated but still continue forward." - Unknown

I'm often mocked about the little amount of clothing I NEED to run in (if it was legal to race nude, I would consider, but then ... chafing!). Jamie, my training partner will arrive at the door in a snowsuit, I will be wearing shorts and a sports bra (teensy exaggeration). Most of my training partners and workout chums know me well enough to understand that the more clothing I wear the greater chance they have of receiving a sweaty shower.
 A long run on a warm spring day seemed like the perfect idea, I made a few extra water drops due to the balmy temperature and popped some ibuprofen, why suffer. The afternoon was really heating up and a few miles into the course I decided to shed some clothing, the t-shirt I was wearing was now drenched with sweat. I reevaluated the course route and decided if I ran a double back I would be able to hit my water stops twice. I felt thirsty ... and drank a lot of water. As my mileage increased my vigor and strength decreased, I was becoming nauseous and lightheaded ...I felt thirsty and consumed more water. Not listening to my body I pushed on determined to finish my mileage, I now had a throbbing headache was growing weaker, and sweatier.
 I had every intention of having lunch when I returned home, I sat down in the kitchen to remove my shoes and thought about some soup. Within moments I was making my way to the second floor bathroom, I remained here for well over an hour vomiting nothing but water. I wasn't strong enough to shower and barely able to move myself to the bedroom, here I stayed for over 2 days. Occasionally, I would wake and sip a sports beverage and eat a few crackers. I knew something went wrong out there, I had to find out.
 Runner's are well aware of the need for hydration, but too much? Hyponatremia is a lack of sodium in the blood caused by excessive sweating. You lose sodium through sweat, drinking too much water during endurance activities such as marathons and training can dilute the sodium content of your blood. Runner's can actually be dehydrated while virtually drowning their body. I was fortunate enough to suffer symptoms similar to the stomach flu, however, more serious cases can be life threatening.
 Running isn't always comfortable, sometimes I'm tired or unmotivated. Through my years of training I've started listening to my body and understanding when I'm seriously injured or capable of a "run through". My body wasn't just talking to me during that specific training run, it was screaming! I know I have a lot to learn about running and racing, I often joke with my partners that every run is a new experience and I DO learn something new. I now run with salt tablets, packets and have filled a Ziploc with salt pinned to the inside of my shorts for a quick tear-away. At the first sign of light- headedness during a race, I know it's my sodium level.

Runner's and Reading

 I'm practically skipping up the sidewalk on a very cold January night, I don't bother knocking as no one would come to the door ..except Wrigley, and he's just an overweight black lab that loves barking up the entry way. Ryan is standing at the top of the steps and already shouting down the hallway, "Noelle, your lover is here and she brought her bible!" Noelle and I refer to Runner's World as the bible, we start giggling like high school girls reading a Seventeen magazine in the library during study hall. We compass the table with the most recent copies of Women's Health, SELF and of course, Runner's World. Noelle and I pour over the articles, offer judgement and announce our opinion on every female photo (women ARE harsh critics!) ...
 Many runner's read extensively about their sport. Books and magazines can provide the latest running news and information, advise on running equipment, offer reviews of the latest gadgets, suggest training schedules and techniques, and list upcoming races. Whether currently a runner or thinking about becoming one you need inspiration to get you into your running shoes and out the door. Find some form of literature that fits into your library.
 ... Wrigley is back to the entry and alerting us to yet another race contender. Noelle and I immediately hassle Rob about being late and suggest a consequence, aka beer! After exchanging a few one-liners and some witticism we are dressed and heading out the door. As a group, we don't generally listen to music, I'll sing (mostly out of tune), Noelle will keep time with her "GAS" and Rob will entertain us with judicial review ...but we mostly discuss running!
 Honestly, I don't have a multitude of time to donate to reading. I might grab a magazine for the car ride to a hockey game or wrestling tournament. Possibly turn a few pages before grabbing some shut eye ( ...and it better be funny or enlightening or I'm in a state of dormancy.) The following is a few short written words (books) that I enjoyed and possibly received some comic mirth that describes a runner's insanity.

The Runner's Guide To The Meaning Of Life - Amby Burfoot
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running - Haruki Murakami
I Run, ThereFore I Am--NUTS! - Bob Schwartz

Just Push Play

One of my favorite motivators for running, MUSIC! Sometimes, I just need a little boost of energy to get me through those miles. ...*play*
 .. She stepped off the bus out into the city streets, just a small town girl with her whole life packed in a suitcase by her feet ... *pause*
 "Please come pick me up in one hour, I'm going to run east on Co Hwy 11!", I yelled into the house. I don't know why I'm yelling, possibly due to the neurochemical reaction about to rush through my body. I slammed the porch door behind me and headed for the street, pausing temporarily on the sidewalk while my Garmin searches for satellite ...*play*
 ..well she wants to be the queen, then she thinks about her scene, pulls her hair back as she screams, "I don't really want to be the queen!" ...*pause*
 I do a quick warm up in town jogging a few blocks before setting out on my designated course. I spot a lawn ornament, aka/chocolate lab, finishing his business on a shrub a short sprint ahead. My heart does a little flutter, my stomach gets queezy and I think I'm perspiring on my nose (even though the temp is only 17 degrees). I hope he doesn't spot me, I'm sure my calf would make a great collectible for his dish! Little bowwow sprints over and suddenly I've hit a blockade. Luckily, he just wants to sniff around a little. I'm back pounding the pavement ...*play*
 ..burning up -don't know just how far that I can go. Soon be home - only just a few miles down the road ..and I can make it, I know I can ... *pause*
 I remove my gloves and toss them to the ditch, I'm almost to the bridge. Typically I stop here, slosh some water around in my mouth, read some graffiti and fling a leg on the rail to stretch out a hamstring. I didn't bring any aqua with today but I did notice a cherry tootsie roll in a small pocket on my sleeve, after tightening a shoe string I think I'll dine on that ... *play*
 ..Please come love I think I'm falling holding on to all I think is safe, it seems I've found the road to no where and I'm trying to escape. I yelled back when I heard thunder but I'm down to one last breathe and with it let me say, let me say ... *pause*
 From here it's a straight route to the finish 4 miles away. With no clouds in the sky the direct glow from the sun will cause my buns to roast if I don't drop some of this costume. I quickly shed a layer and pitch it to the side of the road. If I actually reclaimed all the articles of clothing I've chucked I might not need a short term loan to cover the cost of my running apparel ...*play*
 ..you talk, talk, talk to me, your eyes touch me physically, stay with me we'll take the night, as passion takes another bite, oh who's the hunter, who's the game, I feel the beat call your name, I hold you close in victory, I don't wanna tame your animal style you won't be caged in the call of the wild ... *pause*
 I turn around and run backwards so I have a view of the traffic, my ride is visible on the horizon. After a 45 second sprint to a snow covered mailbox I climb in the car and wipe the sweat from my eyes. I need to pull my ipod from a pocket to push power but I continue to belt the sweet lyrics of Def Leppard's, Photograph ...*play*
.. I'd be your lover if you were there, put your hurt on me, if you dare, such a woman, you got style, you make every man feel like a child ...

Multiple Partners

 I would highly suggest experimenting with partners! A partner can introduce you to new techniques, help get you in the mood, prevent boredom and keep you occupied. It has been debated that it might stimulate more areas of the brain and make you smarter, a partner can provide you with better settings and locality to accomplish your task, provide musical exchange of lyrics and chit chat, motivation, and just make the time fly. Running is often thought of as a solo sport (Did you think I was talking about something else?), but you're missing out if you always hit the roads by yourself. You might be surprised at how your running improves and the knowledge you acquire.
 With the year 2011 now on us and keeping tradition, I would like to take a look back and thank my running partners, 'Thank You'. I would also like to share their wisdom, knowledge, and expertise on how to properly train and run a race. I have been fortunate to prepare physically and run with 4 VERY talented 'in the know' athletes.
Rob's Technique
   In the event you are sidelined with a stitch many runners carry toilet paper or at least know the whereabouts of a toilet. However, if you don't want to weight yourself down with such frivolous assets, remove your t-shirt, locate a grove and commence wiping. Never wear anything new.
Jamie's Wisdom
 Many runners incorporate some form of speed work into their training. Speed work doesn't need to be done on a track and can be initiated on all types of terrains. Runners should alternate between fast segments and slow jogs. In fact, a runner could remove excess clothing when overheated, toss into the ditch, begin a jog and immediately progress to fartleks when a male passerby decides pink is his favorite color too.
Noelle's Expertise
 Before a long run it's important to eat and drink properly, carb-loading is a strategy to increase the amount of fuel (gas) stored in your muscles to improve athletic performance. Carbohydrates give you the energy to complete an endurance event with less fatigue. Some runners will benefit from a diet high in soluble fiber just prior to a long training run. This will allow you enough 'GAS' to truly propel you to the finish line.
Heidi's Knowledge
 Runners often need to know how far a running route is for training purposes. Some of us can guess the distance of a route based on our typical pace and the time it took to run the course. If for some reason you are mathematically challenged, (ahh, me!) locate the nearest field plot and run 1 mile to the south, 1 mile to the west, 1 mile to the north, and finish with 1 mile to the east. Repeat 1, 2, or 5 times and establish aid stations on opposing corners.

"Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing" -  Zig Ziglar