Month: April 2012

My Drug Of Choice While Running

R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

Drugs, gimme drugs, gimme drugs (My Chemical Romance) … Hahahaha! If you really think I’m going to write about which performance enhancing drug I use while running, you won’t find me writing about any type of pill.  I’m not big on drugs or medications, so you’re out of luck.  I don’t drink – ever, nor do I smoke.  Let me tell you what my drug of choice is while running … It’s music. Gotcha.  I’m BORING, remember.  So straight and narrow, boring, predictable, plain Jane.  Honestly, if truth were to be told, the only performance enhancing drug that I use pre-run is a Tall, Triple, Non-Fat, No whip Mocha from Starbucks.  No magic tricks to gettin’ it done.  I’m fairly good at motivating myself and gettin’ what I need to do, done.

They say that listening to music while running or during any exercise, can increase your performance by about 15%.  It lessens your perception of your exertion and causes a distraction from just how hard you’re working.

Row. Row.'s Running Machine!

I remember getting my first walkman many, many years ago.  My dad had bought it for me as a gift, along with several popular tapes such as Madonna, Journey, and REO Speedwagon.  It was one of the BEST gifts that I have ever received.  My little Walkman was small enough to tote around with me as I ran way back then in high school.  Throughout the years, it had been replaced with other Walkman’s, and then Discman’s, then recently several iPods.  In the last 7 years I’ve gone thru one original iPod, two shuffles, two nanos, and two iPhones … Yep.  I’m pretty passionate about my music.  I’m happy to say that I have passed this passion down to ALL of my children who have also gone thru several Apple products!  It’s pretty amazing how technology has progressed!  I love my music!

For every race that I have run, I make sure that it’s okay to wear head/earphones and to use devices such as an iPod.  The majority of races do allow them, and I am thankful for this because I am not sure that I could run without my tunes.

I know.  I know.  I could run without my music. Really, I could.  Would I want to? Would I choose to? If given a choice, no, I would not choose to run without it.  Running with my music helps me blunt the pain of running.  It helps distract me from the miles that I have yet to run.  It blocks out the mindless, irritating chatter of the other runners that at times drives me incessantly crazy, and helps me to refrain from saying things that I know I should not!  Running or working out with music truly helps me run/workout harder, longer, faster.  I can push just a little further, and I am able to do *that* much more, and gett’er done!

My music, is MY music.  Playlists chosen and made of my own accord.  I pick music that has a good beat, mostly top 40, Pop, hip/hop, alternative, some crazy rap.  I like music that has good lyrics because at times I’ll start belting out in song mid-run!  If you’re near me, I may serenade you, so be forewarned.

My last playlist had artists such as The Wanted, Linkin Park, P!nk, Madonna, Calvin Harris, Maroon 5, Trapt … I had a DJ, DJ D Ferreira, mix on there.  When “Glad You Came” came on, I thought of my friend, Sharon, who just started running.  It brought a smile to my face to think of Sharon because she’s focused and determined, and excited to run her first 5K.  I love that she comes to me for advice.  When Maroon 5’s “Payphone” came on, I thought of my gal-pal, Linda, who was running SLO.  I thought of her, and in my mind ran beside her, wishing her well, and hoping that she was okay.  When “Headstrong” came on by Trapt, I thought of my daughter, Grace, singing the lyrics which are so badass and crazy.  To envision her singing it, with her head bob, and serious face … always brings a huge smile on my face.  D Ferreira’s mixes are always lively and upbeat!  He’s been mixing music and sharing them for several years now, and I have so many of them, and am so thankful that he shares!

So … music, while not for everone, is for me.  There IS a correlation between better running performance while listening to music.  However, when making out your playlist, you have to be sure that you’re picking out music that suits you and your run.  If you pick out music that is too slow or dreary, it can slow you down and dampen your performance.  If you pick out music that is too fast, you can ultimately tire yourself out way before you’re to finish.  Pick out music that you like, that makes you happy and puts a smile on your face.  If you’re out for a strength run, or a tempo run, then make sure that you have that heart pumping music to push you thru.  The slower music may be good for times when you just want to get out there and move, no time goals, just out enjoying the outdoors. Music helps me power thru the miles when they seem long and painful.  It works like a drug for me, truth be told.  And while music may be my drug of choice while running, just plain old running and working out does it for me – Exercise Endorphins are the BEST!

Right now, I listen to all of my music via my iPhone. I have thousands – and I do mean THOUSANDS of songs stored on my iTunes account, so I have much to choose from.  My power songs are Fat Boy Slim’s “Rockafeller Skank” and “Headstrong” by Trapt.  The earbuds that I use are called V-Moda’s that I got from Costco.  My playlists vary from race to race to prevent boredom.  Honestly, I don’t run with both earbuds in my ears, usually only the left one in, the right one out, and my volume is usually set to below medium (I like to hear … sometimes).  There are those times though when both earbuds are firmly planted in both ears – and that’s when I’m surrounded by too many people and I need to block out the chatter.

I know that a lot of us run with music.  What’s your favorite? What’s your power song? What’s on your playlist? Most importantly, what’s your drug of choice while running.

Running The Lines – Double Race Weekend Craziness

R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment
Weekend Race READY! Let's gooo!

It’s no secret that I’m a little crazy.  No secret.  For me to sign up for back to back races is no big deal. I get a lot of crazy looks, and some sarcastic comments, but I’m used to that by now so I don’t react or respond. That’s their opinion, and what they think has nothing to do with me …

It is crazy, but like I said, I am crazy but in a good way.  I’ve already discussed obsessed vs. addicted, and have decided that I am neither.  I am enthusiastic and dedicated to my fitness … I am committed.  I’ve been fortunate also to have been blessed with free and discounted entry fees into some really cool races. I can’t complain … I’ve run some really cool races this year and have been having a lot of FUN!  This weekend was no different.

I love My Noah! =)
Noah was awesome to run with his crazy Mama!

Saturday you would’ve found my clan and I in Lathrop at the first annual Survivor Mud Run NorCal.  I was able to score two entries via Schwaggle for Chris and I!  We were “IN.”  However, at the last minute, Chris was unable to get Friday night off, so my boy, Noah, stepped in and took his Dad’s place.  It was cool though, as my friend, Alexis, was running with her boys, and one of her son’s, Connor, is friends with Noah. It was an awesome morning of fun!  We were in the second wave and we had a lot of fun!  3.5 miles with 16 obstacles!  Yeah!  Too much fun!

Stopping to pose at the water stop!
Towards the finish - feeling strong.

I found the course to be fairly easy.  After the uphill start, then the downhill led us straight to the first obstable … mud crawl!  There were several mud pits, a cargo net climb, plank walk, tires, heavy net, monkey bars, pipe crawl, stair runs, rope web … It was all fun and crazy.  The only thing was was that I ran alone because my friend, Alexis was running with Lisa, and my Noah was running with Connor and another friend, Matthew.  I am okay running alone, ’cause really, I’m not ever really “alone.”  I met some really nice people along the way as I ran an encouraged those that I passed.  Also, I forget that people recognize my crazy self, and my friends working the water station recognized me immediately!  I really had a great time.  One of the most memorable moments was running by some women, saying a few words of encouragement, only for them to tell me, “Your shirt is awesome! And your ass rocks, too!” That fueled me for the rest of the run and I just had a lot of fun! A lot of people were surprised that I had enough energy to encourage people.  Heehee … don’t they know that I’m usually just talking to myself?!

DONE!!! Dirty Girl! =)
Chillin' after an ice bath & foot scrub by FF Stockton!

My stats were pretty good for the run.  I felt that it could’ve been so much better had people actually moved over and along for the obstacles ’cause I zipped thru all the obstacles, but a lot of my time was wasted waiting for others whining and worrying how they were gonna get thru!  Really? Ah, well … It was all for fun, yes, but I’m a little competitive. I was happy to have my brother, Patrick, and my sister-in-law, Camille there.  This was their first race, and they had a great time!  My brother was pretty excited.

Crazy, Fun Mother & Son!
With my son and my brother, Patrick!

For an inaugural/first event in Lathrop, it was well organized.  I’m sure it’s because of the fact that the event was held at Dell Oso Farms which has holds a yearly Corn Maze every Halloween that attracts thousands upon thousands of people from all over NorCal.  Packet pickup was organized, as was parking.  I enjoyed the post-race expo and the food court.  I love that my local Fleet Feet (Fleet Feet Stockton) was there and that I got an ice bath for my feet that was awesome!

Race Ready in Calistoga!
With Chris - Grace 4 A Cause! =)

Thanks to my friends at On Your Mark Events, Chris and I were fortunate enough to gain entry into the Inaugural Napa Valley Silverado Half Marathon on Sunday.  We were planning to run San Louis Obispo, but for one reason or another, it just didn’t workout.  This half in Calistoga was perfect.  The size was right, too!

0400 came quickly!  Chris and I left pretty early because we were unsure of the traffic.  Fortunately the drive was uneventful, and again, this event was well organized for an inaugural!  We were able to stop for our customary Starbucks breakfast and rest for a minute before the race started.  There were enough porta potties to accomodate everyone.  Same day race registration seemed to go easily for those who decided to run at the last minute.

Start!

The race started on the track of the high school.  We wrapped around the track once and headed out onto the road which would eventually lead us to Silverado Road – the main road for this half which was an out and back.  It was an awesome run – all rolling hills, beautiful scenery, water/aid stations every 1.5 – 2 miles that were well stocked and had happy volunteers!  I enjoyed looking at all the beautiful houses, the rows upon rows of grape vineyards, and counted the seemingly endless spas.  I talked to other runners, and encouraged them as we ran together.  Can’t forget that there were a good amount of Calistoga Police and CHP officers there – and they did a great job of directing traffic and keeping us safe on the road.

Signature running pose - Running Code 3 - Shaka!

For the most part, I ran this race “alone” … Silverado Road was closed to the public, so I was able to run the entire race down the middle, following the yellow double lines that separated the lanes.  I really enjoyed running the lines – following it the entire way, although it probably was not the smartest thing as the road was slightly crooked.  Another thing I enjoyed was seeing my shadow as I ran – crazy bouncing pony tail, but steady, and strong body.  I ran behind a really nice girl for the majority of the race from about mile 3 to close to the end. I would learn at around mile 10 that her name was Becky, and I thanked her for letting me run beside and behind her.  She was equally grateful to have run behind me “following my wings” from mile 7 until mile 10 then we ran together until the end with another runner named Jason.  It was fun running behind Becky as her gait is more like a “prance.”  She runs on her tip toes.  She was very sweet, and I had a nice time running with her and Jason.  As the race was an out and back, we ran together on the track towards the finish line and high-fived each other at the end.

Chris at the turnaround!

I was happy to see Chris after I hit the turn around of “the big tree.” He looked like he was doing okay, trucking away, and he laughed as he passed me saying, “I feel as if I’m running the wrong way.”  Neither one of us is fond of out and back runs, but it was still a really nice run.  The playlist that I had made for this run was absolutely perfect.  I really enjoyed be-boppin’ and singin’ along to what I had on my iPod.

The only complaint that I had about this half, and there was NOTHING that any race director or anyone could do about it – was that it was tooooooo HOT!  Seriously when we started it was already 60s.  I was sweating and huffin’ and puffin’ before we hit mile 1.  I dumped water down the back of my head and down my back at every water stop.  I have learned that I’m very comfortable in 40 – 50 degree weather.  60s and above not so much if I’m running long distances.  I’ve gotten really good at gauging the temps and knowing what to wear.  It’s funny because I can tell you that I have worn capris for only 2 races this year … I have worn shorts, a tank top, and arm sleeves or a running bolero for every other race I have run.  The weather has just been good to me this year in regards to running.  That and, like I said, I’ve gotten really good at figuring out what I’m comfortable in.

Stick a fork in us ... We're DONE!

The post race hydration and nutrition tent was well stocked.  I drank cups of cold water, and ate some really good snacks.  I sat in the shade for awhile, waiting for Chris, and got to know other runners who also sat beside me.  When I saw Chris, I got up and took his picture, and he asked me to run to the finish with him which I thought was really sweet.  So I ran beside him around the track as he made his way around to the finish line.  It was a nice, fun gesture, and I truly enjoyed running beside him.

Weekend SUCCESS!!!

Can’t complain.  I had a really great time at both runs! I’d do them both again!  I had an awesome weekend! Next up for me is the San Francisco Divas Run.  My racing schedule can be found here.  It’s going to be a fun, fun summer!  You ready?  Let’s gooooo ….

Obsessed or Addicted?

R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment
Resting is an IMPORTANT part of any training ...

The last two months have been rough on me and my body.  I’ve been sicker than I have been in a really LONG time.  But I’ve worked through it and I’ve gotten considerably better and am at almost 100% … because I’ve actually taken the time to rest and take care of myself.  Being sick was actually more like a “forced rest” for my rib joints that have been injured, and it was a blessing that I finally went to  see my Physical Therapist.

I’ve gotten a lot of flack from people though about my exercise habits, especially while sick.  Not a little, but a lot.  People like to say things to me like, “You’re obsessed.” Or, “You’re addicted.”  Really, people?  Maybe I am, but which one am I?  Let’s look at the definitions and then figure out which one I am, obsessed or addicted …

The World English Dictionary defines obsessed as: (noun)  A persistent preoccupation, idea, or feeling.  In psychiatry, they say it’s a persistent idea or impulse that continually forcesits way into consciousness, often associated with anxiety andmental illness.  Ohhhhkaaayyy … so an obsession is something that dominates your thinking or your thoughts, right? That can’t be all that bad.

Addiction, on the other hand, is defined by Dictionary.com as: (noun)  The state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.  So, of the two, obsession or addiction, this is the worse of the two, right, because it implies that it affects your mood and behavior negatively. This is BAD.

I’m neither.  Seriously … I do think about my exercise habits, but not to the point where I think I’m going to kill myself trying to do it.  Honestly, in the last couple weeks, I have NOT exercised consistently at all.  My trainer has sent me texts wondering if I have fallen off the planet.  I’ve run a few races, but not at 100%.  The last race I ran, I practically had to walk because I was so sick.  So … I know my limits.  I understand and know when I can’t push and should stop.  What most people are seeing though are my Facebook posts that I “ran” a race or that I went to workout.  It’s not consistent, people.  Yes, I love my workouts.  I love working out and getting physical, but I know when I can and can’t and shouldn’t  … I know.  Ask my friends that I workout with … They will vouch that I have NOT been in the box hitting the gym consistently at all.  Ask my running partners … They will tell you that I have not been running as far or even as much as I should.  My husband will tell you that I go to races sick and gagging, but I still run because 1) I already paid for the race, and 2) I wouldn’t run if I really physically couldn’t.  Ask my trainer, and he’ll tell you that I’ve been missing in action, and he’s been big on me getting better so he tells me to get better then get my a$$ back in the gym. Over the last few weeks, I could be found lounging on the couch or in bed chillin’, and taking more vitamins and even a round of antibiotics that I usually would NOT take.

There ya go ...

So obsessed or addicted? I believe that my behaviors border on obsession, but … I believe that the word we’re looking for here is dedicated.  Defined, dedicated means: (adjective) wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal.  I have fitness and training goals, and I LOVE training and working out, however not to the point where I’d say I’d kill myself if I didn’t.  I like to joke that I am somewhat “OCD” about my workouts, but I’ve been known to be lazy at times, so “addiction” does not fit me.  It’s dedication, not obsessed, nor addicted … I am DEDICATED.

Shhhh! Shut up already!

I also would like to point out that the people who are such “experts” on letting me know that I have obsessed and addicted behaviors, have BMIs over 30+ and are no where near active in any way shape or form and they should just keep their mouths shut – verbally and physically to keep the crap that they say from spewing out, and to keep the crap that they feed themselves from getting in! Really, don’t people have better things to do than comment on MY behavior, when they have absolutely NO room to talk about their obsessions and addictions with lack of exercise and with their love of carbs and junk food?

Bitter much? Naw, just tired of people who think they know everything about me when they don’t even know me … Let ME worry about ME.  Okay … I know that I’ve really gone round and round with this over the last few posts so I’ll get off my soap box now.  I’m done. Before I sign off, have a peek at this article … It’s a really good article on foods that can help you heal and recover.   Have a great day, everyone!

Hard Headed

R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

It’s been over a month now that I’ve been fighting a really nasty cold that turned into some serious bronchitis.  No joke.  A month.

It started off as mild allergies – sniffling here and there and maybe some sneezing, then turned into a full blown cold, then the flu, back to a cold, then dwindled down to allergies, then recently, back to some serious a$$ kicking in the form of a fever/chills, severe congestion, couging, which travelled down to right under my neck right around my collarbones complete with some serious bronchospasms.  A month of this, and yes, I have rested.

Okay … I’m a liar.  I have rested for the most part, however, it’s been rough sitting still.  For two weeks, I did nothing except run two times (a half one week, and a 5k the next) – nothing in between.  Both times I ran sick, and both times I did well.  The next race, I ran really sick, however, at that race, too, I did fairly well.  I ran, Elk Grove’s Running of the Elks, I was not sick, and did really well, however, two days later, I ended up severely ill! What the heck? Can’t a girl catch a break? I mean, geez Louise already!

Before we get any farther, I am an adult, and I have been a nurse for MORE than half of my life.  Although I am a nurse, I’m NOT a fan of conventional, modern medicine.  I don’t take medications except for the occasional tylenol or ibuprofen, and even that is few and far between. I haven’t taken an antibiotic for years … I mean YEARS, and I still refuse to do so. I am a big fan of preventative health care, and can be seen shaking my head at “reactional medicine.” I guess I’m just tired of taking people who don’t take care of themselves at all, and who make tons of excuses for their health (i.e., I don’t have enough time, I have kids, I’m too tired, it costs too much, etc.). So many people want a pill to take care of their illnesses or for weight loss, but can’t seem to realize that if they had just taken care of themselves they would not have been in the position that they were in to begin with. There are NO magic pills for anything!!!

So … yes, I’ve been sick, and, yes, I have been working out and running thru some of my illness when I can. I am a big girl, and I know my own limits.  I don’t need people telling me that I’m not going to get any better because I never take the time to rest.  What? (Mind you, this is a nurse colleague of mine who does ZERO exercise or exertion telling me what to do.)  I am the BEST expert on my own body, and I really don’t need an opinion from someone who knows absolutely nothing about me.  Contrary to popular belief,  I HAVE been resting, trust me. It may not seem like it, but I have been. I know my body and I know when it’s time to stop. And last week, I did break down and asked for a prescription for a Z-pack which I did take. No one forced it down my throat, I took it because I knew that I needed it.  Last week, I even covered my shift because I knew that I was too sick to go to work when I could have just called in sick and left my shift open and my co-workers short.   (Who does that?)

We forget that the rib cage goes ALL the way around. Source for pic.

On a bright note, I got some news about my injured shoulder.  I was able to FINALLY get a referral and got in to see my favorite Physical Thearapist, Todd!  As you can remember, I’ve had this injured, bum right shoulder since December.  Despite resting it as much as I can, it hasn’t really healed. I’ve resorted to alternative medicine in the form of accupuncture which has made a remarkable difference (that’s another blog post for another day)! But going in to see Todd made all the difference as he was able to fit all the pieces together and come up with a real diagnosis!  What I thought was my shoulder all this time has actually NOT been my shoulder, but rather my rib joints! What the heck? Who would have thought? Seriously, Todd was able to pin point all my areas of pain and make a concrete diagnosis.  “First thru third rib joint irritation secondary to muscle strain (tight pecs and lats).” He showed me that when he pushed the muscle out of the way of the ribs that were affected, that my pain was alleviated. That’s true because the huge knot that’s in my back, when I have it pushed down, there is no pain what so ever, and my ROM is much improved!  Who would have thought?  That’s why I think Todd is the greatest PT ever!  He’s helped me thru a lot of my issues regarding my musculoskletal system.  So I now have exercises to help stretch the muscles that are injured, and he has assured me that I will heal, but that I need to be patient … something that I am not good at!

So … my lessons … be patient and take care of myself… I will heal.  I have NO doubt that I will.  Those that don’t know me can just shut up.  I have no time for naysayers.  Leave me alone.  I know that I’m hard headed – I’ve been called that my entire life, so it isn’t anything new. I’m tenacious. I’m good, and I know what I’m doing.  I’m busy getting well, and besides … I’m going to do whatever I want to do anyway. =)