Counting Blessings and Taking Stock

The proverbial rush of the holiday season has died down for me now that I am on Christmas Break from my teaching position...and my running is going on a brief hiatus due to an overuse injury (shin splints).  Having met my yearly mileage goal of 1,000 miles last weekend, I am giving myself a small break to heal and reflect...but not without having a few last group runs to celebrate, despite my injury and gimpiness.  (Yes...I’ve joined another running group...more on that in a future post!)

Festive running apparel, complete with lights!

Monday night found me with a small group of dedicated Michigan runners braving cold rain, wind, and two passes over a drawbridge at night.  (I have found running over this drawbridge on a walkway wide enough for only one person and only six inches and a railing between me and traffic at night to be epically thrilling!) This fast-paced group has a ‘get-it-done’ mentality that matches my own training philosophy.   

Tuesday, I joined Run Muskegon for a Sweaty Santa holiday run complete with festive running gear and Christmas lights.  I had been keeping an eye out for brightly decorated houses along our running routes to make as destinations for the group the past few weeks.  The anticipation of this group outing brought out the youth in me as I prepared to done my holiday apparel...complete with tinsel garland, lights, and jingle bells.  I figured running in the dark required reflective gear and lights of some kind...why not make it festive for tonight?

Run Muskegon crew

Cheers to running friendships!

Afterward, the Run Muskegon group convened at our watering hole, Pigeon Hill Brewery, for a pint, some pizza, and cookies.  While the group has grown and changed in the year I have been a part of it, I am profoundly thankful for the friendships that have been forged through our love of running.  As I spend today icing and stretching, I am given the opportunity to count the many blessings running has brought into my life (and my son’s as well).  There are individuals and families that are dear friends, no longer mere acquaintances, and whose friendship extends well beyond worn out shoes and training plans.  I am beyond glad that I chose to continue to be a part of a run group...because there was a brief period I considered going back to solo running exclusively (due in part to personal conflicts).   This choice also led me to seek out another running group, Grand Haven Running Club, where I will continue to create new ties with more runners who are even more dedicated and crazy than I am about running.  

Life is funny.  I feel a bit like a phoenix rising who has been rising from the ashes for a few years now...smoldering, still singed around the edges from lingering fires and flare ups...but still rising, overcoming, growing.  And all with the help of family, friends, and running partners...so many blessings.

Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!  Run happy and often!  From one runner to many, many other...

A Runner's Christmas List

Have a runner on your Christmas shopping list?  Are you completely clueless what to by your pavement pounding, trail blazing, half (marathon) crazy friend or family member?  Below are a few suggestions for the perfect running gift.

Running in the Mitten’s Top Ten Gift Suggestions:

10) Gift certificate to a local running store
Shopping local is usually the best bet for running gear and shoes.  Specialty running stores, like Gazelle Sports, offer expert advice because their employees are runners too! They understand why we need three or four different pairs of running shoes!  (Trail shoes, race shoes, training shoes, winter shoes…)

9) Yoga/Pilates/Gym trial membership
Cross training is an integral part of any training plan and winter is the perfect time to incorporate this often overlooked component.  A trial membership lets your runner test out some new classes before fully committing to a gym or instructor.

8) Mittens/gloves
I love these Frosty Run Gloves *Reflective from Lululemon.  They are warm and fashionable, but still functional for nighttime running with their reflective accents.  AND they have snaps to ensure the search for a missing glove doesn’t derail an outdoor run!

7) Fuel
Not a gasoline gift card...but whatever gu/chew/food your runner prefers.  I use HUMA gels because I love that I can pronounce every ingredient on the package and they don’t give me ‘race stomach’ like other gels do.  Picky Bars are another favorite...again, all natural ingredients that are thoughtfully concocted by athletes for athletes.  And your runner really is an athlete.

6) Fleeced running tights 
Not all winter running tights are created equal.  Fleecing on the inside adds a layer of warmth for any cold weather run.  Look for tights that have pockets and reflective accents such as the Reflective Locks Run Tight by Oiselle for Title Nine.  Or my personal favorite, the Oiselle Moto Lesley Tights. 

5)  Reflective gear
Winter harkens shorter days and longer nights.  Chances are the runner in your life is pounding the pavement in the dark.  Why not light up their run with some reflective gear to keep them safe?  The Tracer360 Visibility Vest

4) A foam roller 
These are game changers for recovering after tough training runs and races.

3) Socks 
And not your boring white athletic socks!  A nice pair of wool running socks shows that you understand running is tough on feet.  There is nothing worse than running with frozen and soaked feet.  Wool socks wick moisture away and keep feet warm.  

2) Reflective running vest  
A vest offers more versatility than a jacket during winter runs. Runners warm up after a few miles and jackets can be too warm.  A vest is a nice compromise.  Again, reflective details are always a welcome bonus for any winter running gear!  I recently purchased this vest from Athleta.  I wanted something other than the typical neon yellow and pink that is common for reflective gear.

1) A race entry
Longer distance race entry fees can be pricey, so a gift like this is always welcome. Even better if you offer to be there cheering along the sidelines or as a running buddy.

 Good luck with your Christmas shopping!

*All of these suggestions are my own.  I am not receiving any swag or samples from any of the companies or products mentioned above. 

Ugly Sweater Run - Grand Rapids 2014 Recap

It’s not very often I run just for the fun of it, let alone pay for a run that isn’t timed.  So when I saw the Ugly Sweater Run was coming to Grand Rapids, I was dismissive at first.  

Usually, my son and I choose to participate in the Whoville Dash, but the cost is very high and we couldn’t run together, so I had to be sure to arrange for someone to watch him while I ran.  

I was bummed not to have a holiday run this year, and Cole has been showing even more interest in wanting to run with me, so I looked into the Ugly Sweater Run a bit more.  I am so glad I did!

After hunting through a few Goodwill stores to find some ugly Christmas sweaters, we eagerly awaited the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Knowing my son really hadn’t ‘trained’ for a 5K, I mentally prepared myself to have patience in abundance. 

 

Calder Plaza, smack downtown Grand Rapids, is the hosting venue for many outdoor events in the area, and the Ugly Sweater Run chose well to start and finish the race there.  Christmas music was pumping through loudspeakers and hot chocolate was flowing as participants lined up for pictures in front of the many festive decorations scattered throughout the plaza.  We picked up our swag bags and hats, bumping into a few runner friends from home, then made our way to the race corral. 

Photo courtesy of GameFace & the Ugly Sweater Run

“Snow” was falling as the announcer released the first few heats of ugly-sweater-wearing runners.  The feeling all around was festive and merry!  Cole was chomping at the bit to start running...and I gently reminded him that three miles was a long way.  “We need to pace ourselves buddy!”  It didn’t take too long for us to have to slow to a walk and begin the run/walk cycle to get us through the course.  Reining in my own personal frustration not to be running, I encouraged Cole to set his own pace and listen to his body.  He happily chatted throughout the streets of downtown Grand Rapids.  By the end, his little legs were weary, but he powered through straight to the finish.  So proud of my little guy! 

Ultimately, my goal of running with my son was achieved.  It wasn’t fast.  But it was a meaningful experience for both of us.  It kicked off our holiday season perfectly.  

Photo courtesy of GameFace & the Ugly Sweater Run

PS...he still wants to be a runner...perhaps this spring and summer will hold more mother & son runs together.

Still smiling!