Become The One

How many times has it been the friend waiting  on the street corner that gets you out  of bed for your run in the morning?  Or knowing that someone in the group ride is waiting for you?  Or kicking off the covers to make the 5:30 muscle class because the instructor will ask where you were when you don't show up.

It is safe to say that many marathon long runs are planned with friends.  And century ride training is done with a peloton.  And ocean water swims are done as a group, and should never be done alone.

Which brings me to my challenge for 2010.  Why not, for the new year, become The One.  The one who is on that street corner waiting for your friend so you can run together.  The one who accepts the challenge of entering and running in the local 10K then trains with a buddy and crosses the finish line together.  The one who is always at Masters practice, or the track, or the meeting place for the group rides.  Always.

Reliable.  Available.  A Goal Setter.  Why not, for the new decade, try and be the person that others can count on.   Resolve now to not miss a workout, be there when you said you'd be there, and support those that are supporting you.   Make a goal to strive for something beyond your reach.  Then work with others to get there.   Because doing it alone isn't nearly as fun as doing it together.

Lecture #102

The fam is skiing all week.  And being the social gal that I am, I encourage small talk while riding up the lift.   Today I asked the Ski Patrol Girl on the chair lift which was more dangerous, skiing or boarding.

"They are about the same, " she said.  "With boarders you see wrist injuries, with skiers you see knees."

But while we were talking, a distress call blared out over her radio.  Two skiers down, one with a helmet, one without.  "That's what makes a difference," she said.  "whether you wear a helmet or not."

Now I know there are lots of skiers on the mountain more focused on looking good --with their Chanel sunglasses, cute ski suits, and freshly highlighted hair flowing in the breeze.  But it always disturbs me that they are not wearing helmets.  Haven't they heard of Sonny Bono or Natasha Richardson?

Helmets are warm, comfortable, safe and some even have built-in Ipod speakers.  Don't be stupid.  Beanies are great, but helmets are best.

Entranced with Lance

I have to admit it openly - I like this guy.  I may be confused. I may be out of line.  But when I see what Lance can do with his bike or in a gym - ah hem, it just amazes me.  Is he on something?  I choose to believe not.  Who knows.

Having an insightful sister who chose my name in the Christmas gift exchange, I was also lucky to receive this as a gift:

My review:  Great photos, lots of personalized information from Lance, nice cover, good size.  If there is a Lance fan in your family, go get one today.

Comeback 2.0 -- for me he never left.

Treadmill Running

Personally, treadmill running is not my fave.  It can get tedious, and after five minutes I am checking my watch every 30 seconds or so.  But sometimes it is a neccessity.  Like when you are here:

In these incidences, I have learned (again from triathlon pro Jessi Stensland) that you should do the following:

1.  Position the treadmill incline button to 2 percent to simulate outdoor road conditions.  (I also use the "Hill" workout as another option.)

2.  Stand and run upright, keeping your core firm.

3.  Keep your foot directly under the hips.

4.  Neck, shoulders and back relaxed.  Arms by your side, fingers relaxed, not tightly clenched.

Treadmills are a great place to work on cadence.  Try and keep your strides light, running on the ball of your foot, turning over quickly.  Another good treadmill feature is that you can hear yourself run -- whether you are landing light or heavy on your feet.  Try and tweek your run until you hear the beautiful sound of quiet, efficient running mixed with the whizzing hum of the treadmill.  And if you can pop in a good movie at the same time, all the better.

Let's Be Serious

Don't think for one minute this triathlon training doesn't leave time for this:

or this,

or this...

It just makes it all the more sweet when you do.

Happy Holidays to You!

Awww,  cute.

The Bees Knees

A recent Stanford University study reported in Runner's World claims that knee problems might not necessarily be related to running.

The osteoarthritis study of the knee followed runners and non runners over two decades and reports that running is associated with lower incidences of arthritis.  Initially, seven percent of runners had mild arthritis; none of the non runners did.  Yet 18 years later, the non runners were 60 percent more likely to have arthritis - and four times more likely to have severe arthritis.

Like I've stated in an earlier post,  I think that Omega 3s are helping with my knee and joint pain.  I use Dr. Sears brand, which is easy to take and not fishy smelling.  Omega 3s are not manufactured in your body and must be obtained through diet or supplements.   They help with inflammation and joint dexterity.  They've done my body good!