Live to Run, Run to Eat

July 30th, 2010 by Darris

I have a confession. I love to eat snacks. Okay, junk food. Who doesn’t, right? But I think I might have a problem.

See, I went through our pantry the other day, a pretty typical day in a pretty typical time of year around our house, to take inventory of our snacks.

And I counted – wait for it – 13 bags/boxes of different snacks. That didn’t even include some duplicates! Amongst them: regular pretzels, honey mustard pretzels, kettle chips, baked cheddar and sour cream chips, sea salt pita chips, salt and vinegar chips, salt and vinegar crisps, nuts, and a snack mix of assorted pretzels, chips and curls.

Yes, I know, not healthy. But wait, I run, remember? Quite a bit, thank you very much. I earned the right to eat such things! The same goes for my love of beef/turkey/bison jerky, too. And cheese. And the list goes on and on. Just ask anyone who really knows me.

While I ran for sports in junior high and high school, I didn’t really become a runner until 1986, and that was – wait for it – because I started to gain weight. I wasn’t about to give up my love of food – snacks or otherwise – so I turned to running.

I know some people will frown upon my habit of buying one kind of snack or another EVERY time I go to the store, regardless of what I already have at home, but I think it is helping me lead a balanced life. Paraphrasing a line from my old life in the Harley-Davidson marketing world: “Live to Run, Run to Eat.” Zen-like, I know.

My snack habit stems from childhood, specifically visits to my grandmother’s house. It was awesome going there, because she had bags and bags of snacks to enjoy! Nothing like it at home! Woo hoo!

Well, the example she set was not one of a healthy lifestyle. She was obese, and had diabetes. Yet she lived to the age of 85.

My other grandmother was more puritan in her dietary intake and generally took much better care of herself, even walking twice a day in her later years. She was maybe 4-foot-8 and weighed 90 pounds fully clothed for winter. Interestingly, she also lived to be 85.

So class, what have we learned? Which path is the right one? I prefer a line from a great book about running called “Once A Runner.”

“If the engine is hot enough, anything will burn – even Big Macs.” Indeed.

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Excuses & The Bathing Suit Incident

July 29th, 2010 by Kelli

It’s been 3 years since I walked the Columbus Half Marathon. Three years since I really felt in shape. Now, roughly 30 pounds later and a beautiful 4-month-old baby boy, things are much tougher this time around. The last couple of weeks have been a true struggle. I am training with some friends and have lately found any excuse not to walk. Heat, being tired, my friend’s on vacation, you know it, I used it. Anything to not strap on my shoes and head out. And when I do walk I just feel SO much SLOWER and if I am being honest, just not as into it. I have been very disappointed in myself.

Kelli NowinskiSo yes, the last couple of weeks have been extremely challenging. But my attitude and motivation is turning back around all because I went bathing suit shopping. I wouldn’t recommend this four months after having a baby. I was shocked at what I saw in the mirror. I cried. It was horrible. When something is unappealing you decide right then and there that something HAS to be done about it. How did I let this happen? I realize I just had a baby but still…I was not prepared. It’s something about seeing yourself in a bathing suit that makes you want to run screaming out of the store. Unless you are one of those women who can eat whatever you want and don’t have to work out (sigh), you know EXACTLY what I am talking about.

Then my husband Sam bought me a gift certificate to the Columbus Running Company for my birthday. Just in the nick of time. I needed a little excitement and a kick-start to my training again. I am thrilled about getting shoes that fit properly. I have always worn Nikes, but who knows now… maybe those have always been the wrong ones for my feet. And of course new shoes are always a motivation to get out right? :)

I think it’s good that this has happened. Sometimes obstacles give us just the push we need. I really need that push and although I started out strong and my motivation was fierce and I started my training with gusto, I got sidetracked along the way. I have a goal and I need to see it through. So what if I am slower and not as fit as the last time? I guess I need to realize that YES there will be days where I don’t want to go out and do my walk. And there will be times I am less than pleased about my pace and timing. But I know that I have to do this. Not only for me, but for my baby boy. Even though he is too little to understand, I want him to be proud of his mama and know that obstacles may knock you off course, but you have to get back up, brush yourself off and always try to finish what you started.

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Training is my excuse for bogey golf and new pants

July 27th, 2010 by Eric Motter → Find Eric on Twitter + Facebook

Eric Motter“The man at the top of the mountain did not fall there.”
- Unknown

To me, the sound of the alarm clock at 5 a.m. is like fingernails being dragged across a chalkboard. It startles me out of my slumber, causes my ears to bleed and makes me wish I had gone to bed earlier the night before. But it also provides notice that I have a chance to get my fat butt out of bed and get my run on. I’d love to be able to tell you that I have the discipline to lace up my running shoes every time the alarm goes off, but sometimes I’m just not feeling it. It all comes down to motivation.

Motivation is an odd thing. I’m sure some runners run for the sense of accomplishment at the end of the race or because they’ve always run and can’t imagine not running. I wish I fell into one of those two buckets, but the truth is that I run for some combination of accomplishment, health and solitude.

Accomplishment

Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a run. I’ve run three half marathons over the last couple of years, and that feeling of crossing the finish line is one of the greatest natural highs anyone could ever feel. That said, I really get a similar charge out of a long training run.

There’s something about being up at dawn and seeing lights come on around the neighborhood an hour into a run. I really feel like I’m accomplishing something special. Plus, I feel great for the rest of the day. I’ve had weekend mornings where I’ve put in 8 miles and then met friends at the golf course for a 10 a.m. tee time. It’s kind of fun to be able to say that I’ve already gotten in a 90-minute workout before even reaching the first tee. Plus, it provides me with an excuse to play worse than bogey golf.

Health

I really started to get into running as I got older and my cholesterol numbers began creeping upward. My doctor pretty much scared me into running to maintain (gain?) a level of physical fitness. I’ve found that keeping a good training schedule and pushing myself has not only had a good impact on my blood scores, but I also see a corresponding drop in the numbers on the scale. The only downside to this is that I have to keep buying new pants, but I guess that would fall under the header of “Vanity” instead of “Health.” Either way, it’s definitely part of my motivation.

Solitude

I don’t think anyone who knows me would be surprised to hear my Myers-Briggs scores indicate that I’m an extrovert, but I still need some solitude every now and then. This is the primary reason that I have eschewed training with a partner. I think having a running partner would definitely help me get out of bed at 5 a.m. more often, but I feel like having a training partner would prevent me from using an early morning run to clear my head, plan out my day and just enjoy the silence.

What motivates you to run? Why are you running 13.1 or 26.2 in October?

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Marathon Tips from the Medical Team

July 22nd, 2010 by The Columbus Marathon → Find The Marathon on Twitter + Facebook

We are about 12 weeks away from the 31st running of the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon. Registration is currently at a record pace and we anticipate the largest field of runners and walkers participating in this year’s event.

Our medical team wanted to provide you with some important information regarding your preparation for the upcoming event and participation on race day.

The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon takes extraordinary measures to ensure the health and safety of all participants. However, despite our greatest efforts, there is still some risk associated with participating in any running or walking event. Please review the following information regarding the health risks associated with a walking or running event.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the safety of participating in running and walking events. It has been shown that individuals suffering from pre-existing medical problems are at an increased risk for developing medical complications during an event. The most significant of these pre-existing issues relates to conditions affecting the heart and cardiovascular system. Unfortunately, these conditions can be silent until they develop without warning during strenuous physical activity. Although each Columbus Marathon participant assumes full responsibility for their health on race day, we highly recommend the following suggestions in order to decrease your risk for medical complications during the upcoming event:

  • Consult your Doctor: Discuss your plans for participating in the upcoming Columbus Marathon or 1/2 Marathon with your doctor. It is important that you seek consultation with a physician who is familiar with conditions common to endurance athletes and knowledgeable about the stresses placed on your cardiovascular system during race participation. Based on your age, medical history, and family medical history, your doctor will assess your risk for cardiovascular disease. Based on this risk assessment, your doctor may choose to perform further testing. The necessity and type of pre-participation screening will be determined by your physician.
  • Train Properly: As noted earlier, we have approximately 12 weeks until race day. Make sure you have completed the necessary training for running or walking 13.1 or 26.2 miles. It is important that we prepare our bodies and cardiovascular system for the stresses that race day will provide. This preparation is an important part of lowering your risk on race day. If your marathon training has been a struggle and feel that you are not prepared for the full marathon you may transfer to the 1/2 marathon – but this must be done by October 1.
  • Listen to your Body: Although cardiovascular events can develop without warning, there are some symptoms which should be taken very seriously. Listen to your body during your training and on race day. Warnings signs for a serious cardiovascular disease may include: chest pain, chest tightness, pressure in your chest, or shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms during your training please discuss this with your doctor. If you develop any of these symptoms on race day please report them to appropriate medical personnel. Medical personnel will be easily identified throughout the course and at the finish line.

Good luck with the rest of your training and we look forward to seeing you on October 17th.

Darrin Bright, MD
Medical Director, Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon

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