Heaven's Newest Runner

Last night I lost one of my best friends - my Granny (Marjorie Sydoney Bodeman Chapman Barnes). While our family misses her terribly, we are comforted by the fact that she is RUNNING (something she has not been able to do in a long time) up and down the streets of gold! We'll miss you Granny!

Cool 5K in August!

Just wanted to let everyone know about an upcoming run that sounds pretty cool. It is a 5K across the new Lake Lewisville Toll Bridge. This will be the first and only time this bridge is open to pedestrians.

Click here for more information
Click here to register

Running Shoes

After a crazy couple of weeks, I was finally able to get back out and do some running this week. A crazy schedule is not the only reason my running has slowed down. For the past several weeks, I have been feeling a lot of pain when running. The reasons - I need new shoes. The shoes are one of the most important running tools. I thought I would pass along some of the info I have recently learned. Here are some great videos that I found (several of them will start playing at once, it is much easier to understand if you pause them all and watch them one at a time):

First of all...here is a review of the shoes I currently run in:



Interesting that only a few people can train in them everyday...I do and haven't had a problem with them. The only problem I have had with them is that the back of the shoe dug into my leg. Over time, the shoe does stretch out, but not before soaking several pairs of socks in blood. I learned that this problem can be fixed by wearing the correct socks (but we'll save that conversation for another day.

It is very important that you understand your own feet. They are the connection between your body and the road so it is critical that you wear the appropriate footwear. The first thing you need to understand is what kind of arch you have. Here is a great test to let you know:



Here are some more videos that explain the different types of pronation:

Normal


Overpronation


Underpronation


Once you understand your pronation, you are ready to pick a running shoe. Click HERE for a great Running Shoe Finder from Runner's World.

And finally...Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Thank you for all you do. Here is a cool video I found about a 13-year old who ran a 50-mile ultra-marathon with her mom. Maybe one day Brynn and I will do the same.

Warm Weather!

What great weather we have had this week! I hope everyone has had the opportunity to get out and enjoy Spring in Texas (it won't last long...) As the temperature and humidity increase, it is extremely important that we keep hydrated. HERE is a great article on calculating how much water is right for you.

I also wanted to let you know about an upcoming run. Setting goals can be a great motivation to get out there and get in shape. One of the main reasons that Lindsey and I are running today is because we were challenged to run a half marathon last year. It is amazing how you can push yourself if you have something to work for. This is also why we constantly have to readjust our goals. I once heard someone say, "Use goals not as ends in themselves but as stepping stones. When you reach 80% of your goal, reset it." This can also be applied to more than just running.

Back on topic...the Little Big Town 5K is coming up in Van Alstyne on Saturday May 9 at 8:30am (HERE is the website for more info). 5K's are great runs! At just over 3 miles, they can be trained for in 1-2 months. Here is a great training program that I have used called "The Couch to 5K Running Program". No running experience is needed and it will have you ready to run a 5K in 9 weeks. There are several other programs out there, but this is one of the more popular ones. Just remember that nobody knows your body better than you - if you need a day to rest, take it. One of the main reasons that people burn out so fast is because they push themselves so hard in the beginning stages of a training plan that they have nothing left for the later stages.

So in summary...
1. Get outside & enjoy God's creation - run, walk, do handstands, whatever it is that makes you happy.
2. Set a goal (HERE is a great calendar of upcoming running events)
3. Continue to challenge yourself - always have something that you are working for.
4. Listen to your body. No trainer or website knows your body like YOU. Take any training program at your own pace. Taking baby steps is better than taking no steps at all.

My Favorite Runs (Part 1)

Tonight I ran one of my favorite runs. I call this run Woods>Fairview(2)>Woods, meaning that I run down Belden to Woods, run 2 laps around Fairview Park and then run back down Woods to Belden. Here is a map:



Here are some of the pros & cons of this run:

Pros:
1. Fairview Park is a great place to run. It is very close to where we live, has lights so you don't break an ankle and it has a good blend of up & down hill sections. During the summer months you can utilize the swimming pool & the awesome snow cone stand!
2. You get to run by MG's not once...but twice! I can almost taste the grease as I run by and I am pretty sure that I gain several pounds just from breathing in the awesome smell, but it gives me a burst of energy just when I need it.
3. This run is just under 6 miles, so it can be done in about an hour. This makes it a perfect run for a lunch hour or after work if you need to get home before the Ranger game starts at 7:05.

Cons:
1. Every now & then (just like tonight) you run into wild dogs that have somehow escaped captivity. It is amazing how fast you can run with 2 dogs nipping at your heels for 2 miles!
2. The water fountains around the park do not work. I learned this the hard way when I was finishing a run in the park & almost passed out due to dehydration. Luckily, I have not had to utilize the bathroom facilities, but I would venture to guess that they are in the same condition.
3. It is always a good idea to see if anyone is up to bat as you pass the softball fields.
4. Dog poop...enough said!

Motivation!

I thought I would kick my blog off by sharing this video. It is the the amazing story of Dick & Rick Hoyt - a father & son running team who should motivate all of us. You can read more about Team Hoyt by clicking HERE. What a great reminder that we can do all things through CHRIST who gives us the strength!

Day 1

Welcome to my running journal! I finally decided that a blog would be the best way to keep track of all my running "stuff". No statement could potentially encompass the many topics that my entries will cover, so I won't even attempt to try to sum up my purposes...and if you know me at all, this is what you would expect. So enjoy & happy running!