In order to reach your runnng goals, it's important to remember that each workout is a step towards that goal. You'll accomplish great and lofty goals by doing the work (the small, yet tough, workouts).
Interview with a Future Runner
This past Sunday, Little Bird, aka Lucia Green, saw her first race - Meghan's half marathon in Vancouver, Washington. She was inspired and told her mom that she wanted to race just like the Hot Birds. After, Meghan sat down with Little Bird to find out more about this future runner.
Why do you want to start running?
My mom, Jessica, ran the whole time I was growing in her belly. It was a stress reliever for her and put me to sleep. I think I'll like it as I get older. Plus, the BOB looks really cool and I want to explore Portland.
What's the best piece of running advice you've ever received?
I heard Mom and Meghan always telling their clients to listen to their bodies. I like that approach because it works for me. For example, when I'm hungry, I cry; when I want to be held, I cry. I think listening is very important.
Who inspires you to run?
Mom, of course. She's the best runner I know. Meghan is a close 2nd.
Who would you love to run with and why?
The Hot Birds, oh and my Dad. I hear he runs every now and again.
What’s your favorite post running meal?
Milk.
Favorite way to sweat other than run?
I'm really good at working up a sweat while crying.
Motivational Monday
There are times when I look at my half-marathon training plan and I think "how can I possibly run those times". It's easy to talk yourself out of a fast run or a track workout because of the fear of not being able to hit a specific time or pace. However, as I've learned over the past few weeks of running fast, sustained runs, you'll never know what you are capable of doing if you don't attempt. There have been days were I didn't hit my pace and it's okay because I attempted, I got out there, I ran and I learned. The runs that don't quite measure up are the ones with the greatest learning potential - what was your sleep like the night before, what did you eat, was it a different course or terrain? Use those runs as building blocks and remember, never let the fear of not hitting a pace stop you from attempting the run.
Taking on a New Challenge - Mud Running
As we were creating our 2013 fitness goals, we started throwing the idea of a mud run or an obstacle race into the mix. Not knowing much about them, we asked Emily Metzloff, the founder of Mud Running HQ and author of Obstacle Course Racing, to share her thoughts on what it takes to train for a mud run and which races are good for us as New Yorkers.
If you’re looking for a new running or fitness goal in 2013, why not give mud running a shot? Perhaps you are already familiar with this latest fitness craze or you’ve seen some of the ads where everyone is caked in mud as they crawl under barbed wire. Mud runs take a typical running course and then add a bunch of obstacles, costumes and yes, mud! If you are a New Yorker you’ll have almost 20 different events to choose from in New York alone in 2013.
Most of the major series that put events on all over the country will make an appearance in New York, including the Spartan, Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash.
There are also several themed races coming to New York. For example, in the Fugitive Mud Run, participants run through a normal obstacle course, but also have the added challenge of trying to avoid the “guards” who will try to steal flags from your freedom flag belt. Your job is to escape to freedom with all of your flags intact. In addition to some of the national series, New York will also host several local events such as the Finger Lakes Mud Run that will donate all of its proceeds to charity.
Though women mud runners excel in the most intense of races, some women would just prefer to get their feet muddy for the first time without the guys around. If that sounds like you, check out LoziLu or Dirty Girl, which are both 5k women-only events.
No matter what race you decide on, mud runs require strength and stamina. You need to prepare your body for short bursts of power to help you get over an obstacle as you also maintain a steady running pace. Circuit training, running intervals and longer moderate runs are all important parts of preparing for a mud run. Coaches at Hot Bird Running can help you devise a training plan that will get you ready to compete in any mud run you choose.
Whether you’re already a hardcore runner or you’re just starting out, mix up your routine this year with a mud run. Aim for a new goal in 2013 and enjoy one of the many mud running events in the Empire State!
Emily Metzloff is the author of Obstacle Course Racing available at Amazon. Please visit Mud Running HQ for a complete calendar of 2013 Mud Runs in New York.