Running at Your Own Pace

By:  Deana Havens

Making Running Stick
About four years ago I had a friend who was looking to get back into shape after having a baby. We were chatting one day and she asked me to join her for a run. I quickly responded with "No...I don't run." She assured me that it would be fun. "We'll run slow," she said, "and talk." So, I agreed and that day changed my life. Over the years before I had tried running. It just never stuck. It was hard and I could never get very far without stopping. I always had this image in my mind of what a runner should be...and I never seemed to fit into that mold. I imagined that it shouldn't be so hard. That I should be able to go out and run a 5k without a problem. And when it was hard, I just gave up. But I was going about it all wrong. I was holding myself to a standard that was unrealistic for me. I was comparing myself to friends who had been running for as long as I could remember. Of course I couldn't compete with them. I needed to set my own goals based on my abilities. The day I realized that, I became a runner.

Don't Get Discouraged
Whether you are a new runner, someone who used to run and is coming back to it, or you are a runner recovering from an injury or having a baby, you may struggle when you first hit the pavement. The most important thing to remember is that you are out there and trying. No matter what your speed or your distance you are still "lapping everyone who is sitting on the couch." If you are new to running you may be easily discouraged (like I was) when things don't go exactly as planned. Don't let those feelings halt your steps. Set some goals for yourself so you can feel your progress as you make it...because as long as you keep running...you will!

Making Your Goals Your Own
Some run to win, some run to relax, and some run to get a break from the everyday. We all run for different reasons. I met a woman the other day who shared her story of how she started running. It started with a trip to the mailbox. She ran to hers, and it was way harder than she thought. But she decided she wouldn't let that stop her. So the next day she ran to the neighbor’s mailbox, and so on, until she was out of her neighborhood and participating in her first 5k. She didn't finish first. She didn't finish fast. She just finished. And that was her goal. When you surround yourself with runners of all abilities it is easy to look around and compare yourself to others. Don't. You are an individual with your own special gifts. Take inventory of those and base your goals on you and your personal bests. Be proud of your results...whether they include placing first in a race or hanging near the rear of the pack. Either way you are doing something great for you...your mind, your body, and your soul.

Where My Running Goals Have Taken Me
As I mentioned earlier, the day I started running changed my life. Since that day I've run 2 full marathons, numerous 1/2 marathons, 10ks, 8k's, and 5k's. I've lost weight, made my heart healthy, found Stroller Warriors and established lifelong friendships with some amazing women and achieved goals that I never even imagined. Every run, every race, every day, lends itself to meeting new goals. Sometimes those goals are to beat a personal best or to succeed at running a new distance, but most of the time they are to go out and enjoy the run.

See you on a run!
Deana

 

Deana Havens is a Marine Corps wife, Mother of 3, and co-coordinater for Stroller Warriors  Camp Lejeune. Deana has authored the Stroller Warriors Guidebook and helped establish new chapters across the world.  Check out her personal blog at http://www.athreeforall.blogspot.com/.

My Top Ten

By: Stephanie Geraghty

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd evaluate WHY I LOVE RUNNING!

1)  I created a massive running club.  Therefore, all my friends are runners.  And what do they like to do when we hang out?  RUN.  Not a bad tradeoff to have the best friends on the planet.

2)  Running gives me purpose.  Whether I'm running for a charity, running in prayer, running with another, or running for myself, tackling those trails is not just a workout.  It's always more.

3)  Bling bling...I like shiny things!  Nobody can argue that medals make the best decor.  But mostly because they are reminders of the feelings of accomplishment that runners deeply covet.  It's also fun for people to comment on them.  "You ran all those races?  You did a marathon?!"  Yep.  I did.

4)  I share running with my Valentine, my husband.  We don't run together (he wins and waits for me at the finish!) but we love to participate in races and talk shop.  It's something outside of work, house, bills, kids, that is just for us.

5)  It's hard.  And difficult things are always more worthwhile.  I remind the SWs all the time that the hardest runs are their BEST ones, because they overcame a great obstacle.

6)  I'm not terrible at it.  I'm also not great at it!  But the fact is I can do it, good or bad.  Our bodies and abilities are gifts, something that we must never forget.  Love them, use them, and be proud of what you can do.  My son Cole is a reminder of this every day.

7)  Some of my best conversations and memories have happened while pounding out the miles.  It's amazing the conclusions, decisions, and completely whacky conversations you can reach during those workouts.  Things just make more sense on the trail and it helps to have the undivided attention of your running buddy, aka, counselor!  When you are finished, you truly feel cleansed. 

8)  I run so I can EAT.  Let's face it; I'm not getting any younger.  Seems my metabolism slowed the second I turned 30!  Running keeps the donut accumulation around the waist-line in check.  I am addicted to food and I refuse to give it up.  So run, I shall...

9)  My kids see the value of fitness and moral support through the example I set.  My sons cheer me on from the stroller and wear my medals around the house.  I often find my medals packed away in Caden's treasure box.  They're proud!  Makes ME proud.

10)  It's something for me.  As Mothers and military spouses, a lot of time is sacrificed for others.  We do it willingly but to retain our sanity we have to strike a balance and do something for ourselves too.  Despite whatever is happening in my life, running is a successful constant that keeps me level.  And the best part...I get to share it with all my best friends.

The list goes on...so now you must write your own!  Why do YOU love to run?  If you can pinpoint why you run, you can also pinpoint why you don't.  And more than likely you'll realize the whys outweigh the why nots.  Happy Valentine's Day and happy running!  Now to go find my shoes...and some donuts...

HAPPY RUNNING,
Steph
Stroller Warriors Founder & Camp Lejeune Coordinator

Hibernating runners, it's time to emerge!

By: Stephanie Geraghty

 

Every year I make it through the race season spanning spring to fall, squeeze in that one last holiday 5K and then Christmas is just around the corner.  Not only is life chaotic with holiday festivities, the temperatures drop on through February.  And then I'm less excited to put on those running shoes.  My husband is forever confused at how I can be cold when he's literally sweating.  Layers and all, I crank the thermostat up more.

The fact is, I don't like cold.  When temperatures drop, I hibernate!

As a result, I've never been one to enjoy working out in the colder temps.  It seems my body can power through the blistering summer months but when it comes to getting out the door in 20-degree weather, I bulk.  I fear those initial shocking minutes of feeling heavy legs, whipping winds, and burning lungs.

Meanwhile, I totally forget how fantastic you feel for the remainder of the run!  The fact is, most runners pace faster when they run in cooler weather.  Now, THAT is appealing.  So why am I still having trouble getting my behind out the door?!

Stroller Warriors Camp Lejeune reconvened workouts this past week and temperatures are still hovering in the 40s, including some wind and rain.  Certainly not frigid (I grew up in the Midwest so frigid has a different definition) but enough to make you think twice about what to wear so you can be comfortable.  By just wearing the right gear, you can still get in an effective workout.

I came across an article written by Ben Davis on active.com with suggestions about cold weather running.  There is even a table breaking down what to wear for each temperature.http://www.active.com/running/Articles/4-Cold-Weather-Running-Tips-for-Beginners?page=2

Here's my summary:

LAYER IT UP:  There will be some trial and error as every runner is different. Wear layers, including a light tee under that long-sleeved pullover so on an out and back run, you can shed on the way out and grab on the way back.

EAR GEAR:  I require an earband for cold runs.  If I can keep the wind out of my ears, I can actually focus.  A hat tends to make me too hot.

STROLLIN':  As for the stroller-pushing runners, how do we justify taking the kiddos out in these temps?  Invest in a weather shield.  Yes, the companies charge a hefty amount but it's worth it to get in your workout and keep the wind off your stroller riders so they're safe and happy.  There's a lot of companies making generic covers that will fit name-brand strollers.  Check those out on Amazon.com.

DRINK:  When you're running in cooler weather, you may be less inclined to drink.  Your body is still burning calories and generating sweat under those layers, working double time to keep warm.  So hydrate before, during, and after, just like any other workout.  Even if you don't think you need it, do it.

CHANGE IT UP:  If the cold really does demotivate you, try something new.  I avoid the "dreadmill" like the plague but it's always a viable option especially if you're running next to a friend.  Consider taking a spin class, doing Crossfit, or lifting weights.  Use those cold temps to strength train inside during the off season before you're ready to hit the trail in the spring.

Rest assured, we're already one week into February so warmer temps are just around the corner.  Use these tips and get out of hibernation NOW!  You won't regret it and maybe you'll even be surprised by some promising finish times.
 

HAPPY RUNNING,
Steph
Stroller Warriors Founder & Camp Lejeune Coordinator

Mind over Matter

By: Stephanie Geraghty

I'm dismayed to admit that I created this blog over a year ago yet this is the first post.  Stories and ideas whirl around in my mind constantly but finding time to put them in writing can be a challenge!  My goal is to post weekly but keep the posts reasonable length.  That's achievable for both you and I, agreed?!

This first post I want to focus on what helps make the runners in Stroller Warriors so successful.  It's a simple concept.  Mind over matter.

This past weekend, two women at Stroller Warriors Camp Pendleton tackled the Carlsbad Marathon, their first full marathon.  Both women battled some incredible challenges, including injury and perhaps more intimidating, fear of failure.

Why do we harbor these fears?

Well, the answer is obvious.  Nobody wants to fail.  Nobody wants to be left behind, stared at, or perhaps worst of all, forgotten.  Not to mention, 26.2 miles (and ANY mileage) can seem like a LONG way. Especially if you're hurting.  You will probably be surprised to hear that a lot of Stroller Warriors are actually beginner runners, or just getting back into it after an extended break.  So these apprehensions are valid and prevalent.

The thing about Stroller Warriors is these factors become obsolete.  These spouses and families care about each other so much, not only as fellow runners, but as friends.  They run by your side and make you believe.  They push you to run that last interval faster than you could otherwise.  They stop and help you fix your stroller wheel or pick up your child's lost toy on the trail.  They wait to cheer until every last SW has passed.  They hug each other at the finish and share the joy as if it was their own.

Stroller Warriors Camp Pendleton Coordinator Mia Mashburn jumped on the race course with her team mate, giving Anne a boost when she needed it most.

 

Their presence and support alone helps make SHEER WILL the only option.  Mind over matter suddenly becomes easier.  Yeah, this is hard.  Yeah, this hurts.  But I'm going to do it anyway.  I want to, need to, and WILL.

So that's why the runners in this club succeed in meeting their goals.  Running is challenging and sometimes the miles can seem insurmountable.  Especially as military spouses.  On any given day, we're fielding surprises, changes, separation, deployments, loss, and life.  Taking care of the house, the kids, working, volunteering at school, going to school themselves, running businesses, helping out the neighbors, and generally trying to save the world. Oh, and try to squeeze in that running workout too, with time you don't really have!

But when you've got friends at your side, suddenly mind over matter becomes achievable.

Congratulations Anne and Dao!

Stroller Warriors Camp Pendleton workout leader Sarah Viczorek posted this quote on their site recently, referencing the hardships we all battle at times.

"There’s no joy, poetry, or rhythm to those first few weeks. Your body seems to have forgotten that it’s been running since you were three years old. There’s no connection between your shoulders, your arms, your knees, and your feet. They don’t work together like the fluid, well-oiled machine you remember. Instead, they rattle and rumble and lumber along. You don’t run like a Kenyan, you run like a Quasimodo.

So far as I know, there is no way to avoid this process, and there is only one way through it: _sheer will_. You go out and force yourself to do the ugly thing tomorrow, and then the day after that, and then the day after that. You trust that a better day will come. No matter how slow, awkward, and horrible each run feels, you envision a more-fluid future. You stay optimistic."  ~Amby Burfoot (78) returning to the Boston Marathon after winning it in 1968

 

So get out and WILL it, runners.  You can.  You must.  You will.

HAPPY RUNNING,
Steph
Stroller Warriors Founder & Camp Lejeune Coordinator