Running Music City

I am not a big fan of country music, but when in Rome...

We took a team of runners from Chicago Endurance Sports (half and full marathon training program) to Nashville for the Country Music Marathon yesterday. 23,000 runners and walkers and a country music band at every mile. It was a fantastic event!

The Music City race was a beautifully rolling course through the Nashville community and a fun journey with rockin' tunes even I enjoyed. The team was really challenged by the never ending hills, but they had trained all winter on the one hill we have in Chicago and treadmills too. Not exactly the same, but it helped them conquer hill after hill.

We met at a hip honky tonk "Tootsie's Orchid Lounge" later that night and all of them were surprised and excited about what they had accomplished. And to my surprise, we were even caught dancing to the country music.

Every now and then it pays to push your self outside your comfort zone physically and culturally. You realize just how much you can achieve and learn to enjoy different styles of life too...

Happy Trails Ya'All,

Coach Jenny

Earth Day Run...

I think I am one day off the official celebration of Earth Day, but nonetheless, I had a beautiful day to run my annual Earth Day Run. 10 miles, sunny and cool and it couldn't have been a better day. It is a run I started after I raced in Eco-Challenge out of respect for the terrain we live on day to day.

Eco-Challenge was a grueling race and also an opportunity to help the terrain and the community where we raced. In Borneo we planted new trees in a park. In New Zealand, we donated books to the school children and in Fiji, I adopted a family. We were cold, wet and tired and they invited us into their hut for hot tea. We took off our shoes and walked in the back door, out of respect for the chief of the village. We talked (they speak english), we celebrated life and shared stories of our cultures. It was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life. The fijian woman was my age and had a lovely family of children. We hit it off as soon as we met. No shoes, not much food and hardly any clothing, yet they were happy in their village and shared what little they had. A life lesson for me.

So as I run on Earth Day, I pick up what ever trash comes in my path and toss it in the garbage. That is quite a lot on the lakefront path in Chicago. I know, it is not exactly a huge contribution, but at this point in my life it is a way to remember the Fijian family and a small way of respecting this wonderful planet we call Earth.

Happy Trails,

Coach Jenny

Running on the wrong side of the lake...

I'm fortunate enough to be up in Toronto speaking to a great group of coaches for the Jeans Marines Training Program. Toronto is a great city, and there is nothing like running through the streets to get the feel of the town. It reminds me an awful lot of Chicago, only the lake is on the wrong side of the city! They have a nice running path along the lake, but boy am I turned around. I just might have to break out my adventure racing compass again.

Happy Trails...

Coach Jenny

Happy Birthday to Me...

Yes, today is my 39th birthday. One more year until I hit 40. I thought I would be upset about leaving my thirties, but I can't stop thinking of how great it will be to have another 5 minutes to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Life is good.

I ran my traditional birthday run on the lakefront path today. I am about one minute per mile slower than I was 10 years ago, but I still smile when I run. Running is the ultimate gift. That is what I try to remember when I get down on my times. I am still out there enjoying it!

Happy Trails...

Coach Jenny

Warm Weather Running Tips

I had the chance to get out and run today. What a gift! The weather is Chicago has been pretty darn icky lately, but not this morning. I ran past the Lakefront beaches and they were taking down the winter snow fencing and that can only mean one thing... the warm weather runs are coming. The best way to acclimate to running in the warm weather is to give yourself time to acclimate.

It can take 10 days of running in warm weather for your body to acclimate. Take is easy and slow down. Wear technical fabrics that keep you cool. Wear sunscreen and shades to protect yourself from the sun and run when it is cooler in the day.

If your heart rate and effort level seem elevated, have no fear - you're RIGHT! Your body is trying its darndest to cool you off and it is a bit rusty since you've been running in the cooler temps. Work with it and slow down. Eventually, you will be able to run at your normal efforts in the warmer weather.

Windy Runs

Boy, it was a windy one today. I find it is always a good idea to head out into the wind for the first half of the run and get warm (this time of year) and head back with the wind on your way home. That way, you won't get cold heading back into a wind sweaty. It is a wodnerful mental challenge as well. Not every day can be done in a perfect running climate, so days like today are a gift. They build character and strength and give us something to talk about later in the day:)

Happy Trails...

Spring Training

This is the time of year we start thinking of Summer, of goals to run, or bike or swim. The possibilities are endless. I am asked frequently how to start a training program. The key to succes is to start with where you are, rather than where you want to be.

If you want to train for a half marathon, find a program that starts with the same frequency of running you are currently doing. If you jump into a program that is too aggressive it will catch up with you and the risk for injury sky-rockets.

For those of you who are looking for structured training programs, I have developed a menu of programs from 5K - marathon on the http://www.ActiveTrainer.com site. There are tips from John "the Penguin" Bingham and training programs for every level!

When Life Intervenes...

It has been awhile since my last post. I had goals to train, to run a Spring Ultra Marathon. The goals have been set aside and the miles shortened. Now, I run to stay strong and postive. I run to get through the emotional tornado that has ripped through my life. I run, because my dad can't.

My father has hit a rough spot in his life and in he is six weeks into radation for an in-operable brain tumor. What happens when life intervenes and turns it upside down? We run...

This blog is dedicated to my dad. His strength and will to live inspires me to live life to the fullest.

Which Shoes are the best for running?

QUESTION: My running partner wears Nike shoes. She says they are the best.
Should I buy Nike shoes? Also where is the best place to buy shoes?
Thank You

ANSWER:
Hi...

What works for one person may not work for another. Buying shoes is like eyeglasses. Everyone has different needs for support and fit.

I highly encourage you to go shopping at a local running specialty store and get fitted.

Shop later in the day when your feet are swollen to avoid buying shoes that are too small. Your feet also swell when running. Wear the same socks you plan to wear running and make sure they are made of wicking material like Dri-fit or coolmax.

Knowledgeable running store employees should do the following when fitting you with shoes:

The store should have a wide variety of shoes and brands. The staff should have a good working knowledge of each shoe and what is provides.

They should ask how many miles you run per week, on what terrain and your running experience and goals.

If you’ve been running regularly in shoes, bring them with you. Although it is not an exact science, examining wear patterns may give them some clues as to which shoes will fit you best.

They should look at the shape of your foot and measure it standing and seated. Doing so will tell them how your foot measures both weight bearing and non-weight bearing. Looking at the shape will give them a starting point for determining the degree of stability you may need in your shoes.

Patience is a virtue. You may have to try on several pairs of shoes before you find the pair that fits the best. They should watch you run in each pair to make sure the shoe supports your needs.

Ultimately, it comes down to fit and feel. Once you determine the style that will best support you, finding the most comfortable model is that last step. The shoe should feel comfortable the minute you put it on. If it doesn’t, keep shopping.

Happy Trails,
Coach Jenny

Long Run

Got in a 9-miler today. We had a snow storm last night, so I was expecting a tough run. It actually turned out to be a highlight run of the season. Sunny, warmer and great conversation the whole way. There is nothing like a long run that seems short:)

I am recovering from the Disney - Goofy Race and a Half Challenge in early January. Someone at Disney thought it would be cool to host the Half Marathon Saturday and the full Marathon on Sunday and then offer a Goofy Challenge and a Half and run both! I heard they thought 300 people would do it, they ended up with 3,000! John Bingham and I were "Goofy" and ran it and as it turned out, it was actually a lot of fun! It made me focus on pacing and strategy, making sure that I finish the marathon. The pacing plan worked and I ended up running the last mile of the marathon the fastest. I am convinvced negative splits are the way to go. Take the first half of the race slower than the second. It works like a charm and you look good for the photo at the finish line:)

Happy Trails,

Jenny

To blog, or not to blog...

Well, it is official. I have a blog. It seems like everyone has a blog these days, so I thought I would give it a shot.

It seems like a great place to share tips and tricks for training, thoughts on training and racing and maybe even a training log entry or two. It is always nice to have a little accountability for your training...

Have a question on training? Please ask? We can all learn together.

Happy Trails,

Coach Jenny