Mountain Mother Runner

March always gives us Daylight Savings, St. Patrick’s Day, and the Spring Equinox! It also marks the final month of training before the Greater Bellingham Running Club’s annual Honeywagon Runs Half Marathon ! (You can still register early online here , unless you prefer to do day of race registration.) In March 2016, I logged a total of 112.59 miles including two races (Padden Mudfest and Runnin’ O the Green 8k) plus coach-led group track practices. My training was well-rounded and I was overly eager as a ‘beginner, yet kinda serious’ runner. This year, I only logged 76.87 miles including one race ( Runnin' O the Green 5k while pushing Eisley in the stroller) and no track practices. I’ll admit, this is a little disheartening, but I feel that my overall fitness level has improved compared to last year. Wk 1: 1-4: 10.48 miles Wk 2: 5-11: 17.75 miles (including Runnin’ O the Green 5k) Wk 3: 12-18: 21.91 miles Wk 4: 19-25: 19.77 miles (including foot recovery) Wk 5: 26...

I’m not sure about YOU, but once I started becoming involved with my running relationship, an unknown part of me began to surface. I call it…”Runner’s OCD”. For every race, I would look up the previous year’s results for my age group. Then, I would scroll down past the obviously competitive or seasoned runner results and began examining the times I wanted to beat. My mind would think, “Hmmm, I can do that. Why not?” After that, I had to break down their final race time into miles to figure out the pace and try to compile my own set of goal miles that would hopefully equal out the same pace, or have me finishing slightly faster…everyone does that, right? Anyways, I’ve come across some extremely helpful resources that do a lot of the work for you and will make your “Runner’s OCD” dreams come true!   1. Pace Calculator from coolrunning.com This is my #1 go-to for training runs, and even checking on my previous events. You are able to calculate your running pace per mile or k...

In 2016, the Fragrance Lake Half Marathon/10k was my first race of the year AND my very first trail race! I chose it with six weeks to train, with majority of my runs having to be on a treadmill due to the magic of drop-in childcare. I ended doing much better than I had expected, in fact, I finished in 1:13:17 as the second place overall female! Even though I REALLY wanted to try the half marathon distance this year, it would’ve been silly to even attempt that challenge at my current fitness level. Standing with the First and Second overall Females! Girl power! A major difference this year was the ability to go run out on the trails, in addition to the gym, during my “extremely casual” training plan. We also had a family member spending time with us, so they could stay with Eisley during naptime while I could go running. I am very thankful! Another big difference was the weather this winter. We had icy conditions, below freezing temperatures, and tons of snow that seemed like it...

The morning after a big race or tough workout, you may open your eyes, stand up, wobble around, then fall right back down into your cozy bed. (Sometimes I start walking down the stairs and feel like my legs will give out under me!) You could have a strong case of the DOMS…aka delayed-onset muscle soreness. This soreness can last between 3-5 days and it is typically the most painful 24-72 hours after exercising. The American College of Sports Medicine describes this process occurring due to tiny tears to the muscle fibers from exercises that cause the muscles to lengthen while force is applied. Instead of waiting it out, give these methods a shot to help you deal with the DOMS! 1. Drink Pineapple Juice! Delicious pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain which helps relax inflamed muscles and has anti-swelling effects. It is even linked to lower pain and is a great alternative to over-the-counter pain medications. Instead of drinking the juice, you can simply eat it or even...

What better way to kick off the New Year than by running a local race?! The cold, wet winter can send runners to the warm gym, or even cause them lay low in their homes until springtime appears. Cross training is very popular during the off season, but for some, there is no such thing as an ‘off season’. This is the first year I started running in the ice and snow while wearing cleats on my shoes and it was one of the most liberating experiences. I grew up in Colorado thinking that snow was only meant for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or days off school…never once did I think anyone would choose to go run in it! Scenic Lake Samish By running in weather far below freezing or pouring rain with wind, showing up to race day with clouds and temps in the high 30’s sounded ideal! Earlier this month was the 41st Annual Lake Samish Runs , offering 6.5 or 13.1 mile options. I hadn’t run more than 8 miles since September, so going for the half marathon didn’t seem like a smart idea. We ha...

Do you ever feel like you've lost your mojo? Taking a big break from anything physical (running/spin class/yoga/hiking/etc) after doing it 5-6 days a week can be a shock to your system. Words cannot even describe the happiness brought to me through the simple act of running! Last month I said, “November, I WILL RUN YOU” and I did just that. October only had 5 runs and November went up to 13 runs, including 4 workouts at the YMCA and 1 race. Perfect view on a trail run! Week 1: 1-5: 5.2 miles Week 2: 5-12: 5.45 miles Week 3: 13-19: 8.87 miles (Turkey Trot 5k) Week 4: 20-26: 14.76 miles Week 5: 27-30: 17.07 miles Total miles for November: 51.35 The first few weeks were slow. My body was still confused as to why I was making it move and running took major effort. It can be frustrating to put all of your energy into a certain pace or distance that used to be easy. Luckily, I knew it wouldn’t take long to return to my previous level of fitness. After simply focus...

Holiday shopping doesn't have to be your Achilles heel! This guide has everything you need to give the lady runners in your life! Some gift items are pretty useful, others simply make you look good, and the rest may be a little random…but isn’t that how most runners are? (Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any of these businesses or products.) 1. I love to stay hydrated by popping a Nuun Active formula tablet in my water bottle after a run! There are nine flavors to choose from: Lemon+lime, tri-berry, strawberry lemonade, orange, fruit punch, grape, watermelon, tropical, and citrus fruit (my FAVORITE is strawberry lemonade!).   Each tube has 10 tabs and costs $7 on the Nuun website . 2. Keep track of personal records while displaying your race bibs and favorite race medals! This chalkboard display is handmade and available for $43 on Etsy by five1fivesigns.    3. Get ready for your next (or FIRST) half marathon by following the ‘Train...

October included ZERO races, ONE trip to the YMCA, and only FIVE runs! Talk about some low numbers! Following two of my highest mileage months, October won last place for running in 2016. With a whopping 19.65 miles, my priorities were obviously in a different place. It’s not that I didn’t want to run, trust me! Life has been pretty crazy. After our trip we moved into our new home, and we moved right when it started raining all of the time! I think we had nine days in a row of pouring rain. Eisley and I made sure to get out on the few dry/lightly raining days to explore our new community and surrounding areas. I definitely need to order a rain cover for the stroller so we can still enjoy the outdoors this Fall/Winter! Hot and humid runs in Oklahoma! Week 1: 1: 0 miles (Trip in Oklahoma) Week 2: 2-8: 10.18 miles (Trip in Oklahoma) Week 3: 9-15: 1.08 miles Week 4: 16-22: 0 miles Week 5: 23-29: 8.39 miles Week 6: 30-31: 0 miles Total Miles for October: 19.65! (It’s p...

As you enter the wild world of running, you might find yourself attempting to translate training plans, surrounded by unusual (and possibly unnecessary) gear, all while confused by a whole new language! Coaches and friends may use lingo leaving you scratching your head while staying on the sidelines. Here’s a list of 21 running terms to help get you going on your running journey! Aid Station: Points along the race course (more common in distances further than a 5k) where volunteers/staff hand out water, electrolyte drinks, snacks, etc. In extreme environments or in ultra distances, medical staff is there to measure weight, check for dehydration, and make sure the runner is physically able to continue the race. Base Mileage: A runner’s average weekly miles ran.   Bib: The number corresponding to each individual runner “bib number” so they can be identified, printed on a square piece of paper.  Race Bib BQ: “Boston Qualifier” A qualifying time standard that r...

August was the first month that didn’t include any track practices, social runs, or races. I was able to go on one long run with a friend, but besides that, my running life had me prowling like a lone wolf. Week 1: 1-6: 25.85 miles Week 2: 7-13: 20.49 miles Week 3: 14-20: 27.07 miles Week 4: 21-27: 44.42 miles (The most I’ve ran in a week!) Week 5: 28-31: 20.58 miles Total miles for August: 138.41! (The most I’ve ran in a month!) Mama Lone Wolf To run alone, or in a group...that is the question. For me personally, solo running has always been preferable to social running. Maybe it’s because I’ve only had a little experience of running with others. The beginning of this year I joined a local running club and made some fellow running friends which has been the extent of my social running. Currently, I am doing some training with a friend for the Bellingham Bay Half Marathon . There are definitely pros and cons to both solo and group running . Whether I’m in a...

Felling less than enthusiastic about waking up early to run? Dreading the potential boredom of hitting the treadmill? When I find myself wanting some extra motivation, I tend to get that much needed boost through quotes and mantras. (If you're trying to become a more balanced runner , click over to read some helpful tips.) Here are 12 encouraging running quotes that will motivate you to simply get out the door, switch up your training plan, or even go on your very first run! You can do it! “Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running.” –Julie Isphording “Training is what you are doing while your opponent is sleeping in.” –Brian Owen “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” –Dean Karnazes “Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough.” –Hal Higdon “If one coul...

Holy summertime! Can you believe July is here already? I’m still shocked at how fast this year is flying by. Yesterday was the end of June, so you know what that means…time to write about my mileage and training!   Week 1: 1-4: 15.60 miles Week 2: 5-11: 26.46 miles including Race Beneath the Sun Week 3: 12-18: 20.76 miles Week 4: 19-25: 19.74 miles Week 5: 26-30: 17.90 miles Total miles for June: 100.46 I barely scraped by with my weekly distance goal of 20+ miles which was a little frustrating, but I did incorporate more weight training and a couple yoga classes. We had a busy month filled with so many “different than our routine” things. We went to Mt. Baker, Lake Whatcom, and Lake Padden within three days. My husband went out of town for a few days, we had family stay with us from Oklahoma, and I finally weaned Eisley! Our “night weaning boot camp” lasted about two weeks. There was lots of crying, thrashing, comforting, and many nights I coslept in her ro...

Happy Global Running Day! Since I dove deep into the world of running, something stood out to me that I hadn’t noticed before. I started connecting with people in the running community, locally and all over the world, regardless of language barriers, race, religion, etc. I realized how united we are. Running is like a universal language (similar to happiness), that allows us to relate to one another and better understand each other. We all know the sense of accomplishment when we cross the finish line. We all know how hard it can be to roll out of bed and go out on an early morning run, when it’d be much easier to stay snuggled in bed. Although it is still technically a ‘competition’, runners always seem to be extremely supportive of their opponents, cheering and motivating them to keep pushing strong. I am so happy that I’ve discovered this ‘new world’ and urge you to do some discovering for yourself! Curious about Global Running Day? So far, over 2 MILLION people have pledged ...

Memorial Day weekend is coming up, which means Bellingham is putting on Ski to Sea !  This time last year I had the privilege to participate in this epic adventure race while ten months postpartum. The original race that inspired it all was the Mt. Baker Marathon back in 1911. In case you don’t know much about it, the Ski to Sea race was first established in 1973.  Each team is made up of eight people, competing in seven legs: Cross Country Ski (4 miles), Downhill Ski/Snowboard (2.5 miles), Running (8 miles), Road Bike (41 miles), Canoe (2 paddlers, 18.5 miles), Cyclocross Bike (13 miles), and Sea Kayak (5 miles). The event starts 10,750ft high at Mt. Baker Ski area , continues down throughout the state, and finishes at Marine Park in historic Fairhaven. The finish line celebration is like one giant block party with family fun, live music, local food vendors, and of course the Boundary Bay (Bellingham’s longest operating brewery) beer garden! A few months before...