Running…When You Are Sick…ACHOOO!!!!

I woke up with a headache. I had body chills and I figured, “just gimme my coffee and Tylenol and I will be fine.” Then , I started feeling progressively worse. My throat was feeling funny, I felt weak, I lost my appetite, and then, I started sneezing. Oh crap! I’ve got a damn cold! Immediately, I started thinking about all the people who I’ve encountered the past week that were sneezing. I started going through different phases of how I got sick- “did I get sick because I left the window open at night and there was a draft? Was it the lady at the cash registrar that got me sick? I mean, she was sneezing and she touched my hand when she was giving me my change back. No, no, I got sick because I was running outside without a jacket and it was sprinkling” …whatever the reason was, I was sick and miserable.

The hardest part about being sick is knowing whether you are sick enough to stay in bed, or if you can get away with working out for a bit. It’s hard to train when you are sick. I have a freakin marathon coming up and I don’t want to fall behind in training. Ugh!

The general rule for working out when you  are sick is using the “below or above neck” rule: if you feel sick below your neck (chest cold, weak, chills), DON’T RUN! If you feel fine  from neck up, you are ok. Of course, you should slow down your work out.

The most important thing you need to do if you are sick is to take care of it! You’re better off resting so you can run/workout 100% when you’re healthy.

If you decide to work out / run / jog:
Stay hydrated, don’t over do your workout, and slow down.

If you decide NOT to work out:
don’t beat yourself up over it. You will recover in no time. 

So, I guess I will be resting for a couple of days. Stay well, my running peeps!!!

I Ran Another Half Marathon Last Weekend! SF GIANTS HALF..WOOHOO

Yes, I have another medal to add to my marathon running collection! The SF Giants running event was on August 4, 2013. It was beautiful, cold, and difficult. I did NOT train as much as I should have. Two days before the event, I sprained my ankle. I didn’t want to waste money on the event (and YES, running events are a bit too high) and so I iced and elevated my foot for as long as I could. Oh, what made it even more miserable was on the day of the race, my tummy was acting all weird. BUT, with the encouragement from my friends, I was able to pass through the finish line with flying colors

Running Tip Of The Day (taken from Hal Higdon)

TIP OF THE DAY: You say you can’t afford a health club membership or expensive home weight lifting equipment? If you use Tide liquid detergent, try recycling the 100 fl. oz. containers: brightly orange-colored and with handles you can grab. I have two containers now filled with water. Together they weigh about 14 pounds. Grasping one in each hand, I swing my arms to mimic the running motion. My Tidebells can also be used similar to barbells. Be innovative. You don’t need to be a health club member to do sit-ups and push-ups.

-Hal Higdon

There’s really no reason  or no excuse to not work out.

Im Happy ! I Got A Groupon Deal For Running Gear…SCORE!!!

What I got under $40 (with groupon deal)

*pair of women’s “feetures” socks

*men’s calf sleeves

*Foot rulez ball

*nike men’s lightweight tech running gloves

*the “stick”

When it comes to running, it’s a pretty cheap sport compared to cycling. As you become a more “serious” runner, you tend to buy things catered towards different weather, muscle recovery, buying expensive high quality socks, etc. I bought a groupon deal back in October last year for Fleet Feet , when I first started running.

As a beginning runner, I didnt know what to buy at the store. I’d just browse through the store and  said “eh, i dont need that”. And here I am 6 months later, going back to the same store, buying all sorts of running essentials I  “need”. I felt like I was in the candy store. LOL

I scored big time with purchasing two groupon certificates.

I cant wait for another groupon/living social deal on fitness classes, stores, and running events. Thanks again, Groupon. This running chick is happy!

My Top Ten Reasons Why I Run

Reasons Why I Run

1. It’s a good challenging workout I can do alone

2. I dont need to spend a lot of money (unless I sign up for a marathon..that’s a different story..LOL)

3. I can run any where

4. I can clear my mind

5. it’s my personal time to reflect. When you run a long distance, you think ALOT

6. I always feel good after a run

7.It’s good for my heart

8. Weight loss and muscle definition

9. I can cheat and eat chocolate if I am doing a long endurance run and NOT feel guilty

10. I can run and raise money for a great charity.

Happy Running!

Cycling/Running Duathlon…Is That Possible For Me To Do?

Everyday, I try to make an effort to do some physical activity, whether it’s running, jogging, hiking, walking, dreadmill, tennis, biking, etc. For some reason, I just love the thrill of being out and about and doing things. I am able to clear my mind, get away from all the tension, and spend time with my bf.

Anyhow, there is a cycling/running duathlon event coming up in the SF Bay in five months. I dont know if I’ll be ready for it, but i am super excited. It seems like a fun challenge. I got the running part down (I’m so happy I can say that), but I gotta train on my bike. Biking is so different. I actually find it more difficult to bike uphill than run uphill. Is that weird?

Well, I have made a firm decision to do the duathlon. I am NOT going to be discouraged. I dont “look” like the ideal athlete. I dont have the slim muscular figure that most runners have. I dont have a hard body six pack that allows me to freely wear a jogging bra showing my midriff. When I proudly wear my half marathon shirts, people look at me in disbelief that I actually ran 13 miles.  I am chubby. I am okay with that. Not many people can do that.  I’ve only been doing this running thing for a couple of months, but I found an activity that I absolutely love.

Wish me luck on my duathlon. I’m gonna need it. Until then, Happy Running!

 

 

Are You Addicted To Finding Running Events, Too?!?!

I have no idea what’s going on with me,but I guess I’ve been hit with the whole “runners high” thing. The first thing I do when I turn my computer on, or when I wake up and look at my phone is look at http://www.active.com/running   and  http://runningintheusa.com/Race/ (and other websites pertaining to running). Gosh, I dont know what’s gotten into me….

I started running last year October 2012, and since then, I’ve done a 5k and 2 half marathons. I want to do more! LOL.  I have noticed some changes in me within the past couple of months. I don’t really care about shopping (huge deal for me since i was a shopaholic) and I crave running/hiking/biking/being active.

What’s going on with me?!? I’ve switched my wedges to my dirty running shoes, my long silky highlighted hair is up in a pony tail, and my makeup (false lashes, primer/eyeshadow, liquid foundation/powder) is now au naturale. I can officially say that I am a “wanna be athletic chick” and damn proud of it!

Oakland’s Zico Half Marathon- 2nd Running Event of The Year

My second running event of the year took place a couple of weeks ago in Oakland on March 23, 2013. (Oaktown is hella ghetto). I did the half marathon and I had a blast! I didnt really train much for this event but I got through it. Me and the bf stayed in Oakland’s Chinatown  (Clarion Hotel). We tried to save money by finding a hotel that was close by, decent and a bit cheaper than the Marriott. BIG MISTAKE…One word: Ghetto.What do I mean by ghetto? Well, piss drunk bums every where, abandoned building with graffiti all over it, garbage piled up high, urine smelling air…ugh, it was bad. If you’re going to do an event in Oakland, spend the extra money for a nice safe hotel . That’s one thing I’ve learned. LOL.

Race day was hectic. There were about 10,000 people…not as much porta-potties and the streets were just filthy.

First 3 Miles:  It was hard. I was tired and it was hot. I had on three shirts: a thermal, thin cotton shirt and a top layer shirt that says “runner girl”. I wanted to rip the hell outta my shirts and run naked. ugh! the torture of running in heat. Not my kinda weather.

Miles 4-10 wasnt as bad. There were some shaded areas and I was able to hide from the sun. We were greeted by local Oakland people bumpin music from their car, screamin out “good job! You got dis, baby. You got it”. People were dancing in the street, dj’s spinnin rap music…it was nice to see people coming out together, cheering us on.

(im struggling here)

Miles 11-13. Im getting tired and anxious. There’s signs on the course “2 Miles” and then “1 Mile”….I kept trying to run but my feet wanted to slow down. My bf was just all smiles and giggles the whole time and that irritated the hell outta me. There were people standing outside on their balcony  sayin “you can do this. Aint nobody gonna take it away from you” and then I see runners walking with the big medal around their neck screamin “you are almost there.” Holy crap, the last mile felt like eternity. I didnt see no finish line. Where the hell was the damn finish line?

Finally….I climbed up the hill and there were balloons…and a timer…I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to cry out loud but I was so exhausted and  I didnt have any energy to. I felt proud of myself that day for being able to do it. Yes, I may not look like your average typical “runner chick” but shit, give a chubby girl credit for attempting to run. We all gotta start somewhere. Yes, I got chipmunk cheeks. LOL

I am more than ever determined to do more running events. I think I may have found my one true passion: running!!!!!

What To Eat During A Distance Race/ Run

Ever wondered what to eat during a distance run? Well, I have to be extra careful what I put in my sensitive tummy ( g.I problems) and it’s sorta been a hit or miss kinda thing with me. Some people eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches during a run (cut up pieces, of course) and others eat snickers bar (yum). Hey, if it works , more power to them. Im just sad that snickers is not on the list of top foods to eat. (Waaaahhhhhhhh…crying like a baby).

On the other hand, sports drinks are high on the glycemic index, which makes them good candidates for mid-race pick-me-ups.

Has anyone ever suggested you eat a Snickers bar for a burst of energy before playing a soccer game or trekking off on a long run? If so, kindly decline, because it’s not the best energy food.

Distance runners push their bodies to extremes during 10K and marathon races. It’s not uncommon for a distance runner to burn through 1,800 calories during a run . That’s why proper nutrition is a critical element to any training program. But nutrition leading up to race day isn’t the only consideration. What you eat during your run could be the difference in how, or even if, you finish.

Carbohydrates are to the human body’s muscles what gasoline is to a car’s engine. Carbohydrates are broken down by the body then converted into fuel in the form of glucose, fructose, maltose or lactose. Sugar levels in the blood rise and fall as a result of your carbohydrate intake. In addition, the two main types of carbohydrates — simple and complex — act in different ways. Simple carbohydrates rank high on the glycemic index (GI) and are used up faster by your body. Simple carbohydrates give you more energy earlier but will burn off much faster. Complex carbohydrates take longer for your body to break down into useable energy. In other words, you’ll have more energy for a longer period of time.

Now that you’ve prepared for your distance race, it’s time to consider what you need during the run. If you’ve prepared properly, you should have stored enough fuel to get you through the race. But you still need to refuel during your run. Because each run may be slightly different, and you never know how close you are to running out of energy, you want to avoid hitting “the wall.” That happens when your body has no more calories to burn. You’re out of stored energy. So what you need is something to give you more quick energy.

During your race, eat and drink high GI foods. Obviously you can’t run and eat a plate of pasta or rice (both above 90 GI) but you can grab small snacks along the way. Below is a chart with a few high GI foods .

Food	GI
Gatorade sports drink	89
GatorLode sports drink	100
Rice Krispies	82
Baguette	92
Pretzels	81
Power Bar (chocolate, energy bar)	83
Rice Chex	89
Jelly beans	80

One mistake many runners make is drinking water in conjunction with sports drinks. Stick to sports drinks. Water dilutes the sports drink, thus decreasing the rate the carbohydrates will break down. Think of what would happen if you mixed cheap 87-octane gasoline with racing gas. The octane level is lowered and the car wouldn’t run as fast. The same thing happens within your body when you mix water with sports drinks.

These are just a few foods you can eat during a race. Most of them are small enough to munch on in stride. Runners tend to get into a rhythm during a race, but once the body starts to shut down, you simply can’t continue. These foods give you energy faster. Unlike complex carbohydrates, these will get into your system and start producing fuel much quicker. Just remember, you’ll use that fuel up sooner so make sure to space out your food intake.

Oh yeah, about that Snickers? It’s roughly 40 on the GI. You’re better off with a Rice Krispie treat.

After taking a five day break from running (my friend matt got me sick), Im going back out and running again.

Happy Running!

Running With A Cold…A-Chooooo…..

So, I am training for my very first half marathon. I’ve been looking forward to this damn event, which takes place in two weeks. I have been running faithfully every other day, but I have a cold. Damn! I’m so annoyed! Why does this cold have to come on at such an inconvenient time? It’s 1 am and I am sneezing. I am taking airborne , along with tylenol. Usually, I’d stay in bed for days. But, with this half marathon event coming up, I am going to be a fighter and “deal” with it. This whole “cold/flu” thing has got me wondering  …..

Is it alright to jog / exercise when you have a cold?

When you’re running with a cold, it can be harsh and make you end up feeling worst. DUH! A hard or long running session can make you feel like hell when your nose is runny and you feel it in your chest.

Once a cold is resident on your chest and you have one of those coughs that irritate everyone around you, training MUST stop and only resume once you have had clearance from your doctor and an infection has been ruled out or killed off by antibiotics.

The general rule for runners as far as colds are concerned is that if the cold is above your throat, ie you have nasal congestion and don’t feel you have a fever, then a GENTLE jog should be ok.

If the cold is in your throat or chest, then DO NOT RUN under any circumstances. There have been a number of cases over the years where people have trained with chesty coughs and colds and the virus embeds itself deeper in the cardiovascular system ending up in the heart, with the consequences sometimes being fatal.

The advice for runners with a dose of flu is to not run at all until it is cleared up. Even if you take a week off training, it won’t take you long at all to be back where you were before and it eliminates any risk of you prolonging the cold and it moving south into your chest. It’s just not worth the risk – why not take the week off training and shake it off rather than run the risk of putting yourself off games for several weeks with a chest infection?

Right now, I have a runny nose and slight sore throat. I shall see how I feel later on today. Wish me luck!

Happy Running!

 

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