An Easy 10 with Liz Weed

After being back from vacation (post coming soon) it is time to get in "An Easy 10." Allow me to introduce: Liz Weed.

Name: Liz Weed
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Race History for 2009:
January: Phoenix Rock-N-Roll Half Marathon
March: Shamrock Run (4 mile race)
May: Indianapolis 500 Mini Half-Marathon, San Diego Rock-N-Roll Marathon — I ran the marathon injured and well... now I am trying to heal up for a half marathon in November.

I started running... when I was 8yrs old. I did my first 5K at that time and was hooked.

When I'm not running, I... am taking care of my three children and my disabled mother. I am an RN and volunteer my time in this area as well. I also help coach middle school track. I love to travel and plan some of my trips around races.

One time when I was on a long run... I got lost. I decided to run from my home and then through the next town using back country roads. I didn't check my Garmin for battery power and it died mid run. Being stubborn I just kept running but realized I was pretty lost after an hour of running and not recognizing any of the roads. Thankfully I had a working cell phone. I have no idea how many miles I ran that day. My best guess was 20 miles. Lesson learned.

I choose to run without... people. I prefer to run alone. I will on occasion run with one friend but she knows I am not a talk and run type of person. I like to run with her because she can set the pace faster and I help her maintain that pace.

The question I am asked most about running is... "Where do you run?" Indianapolis is not known for having great trails. I usually run on the roads. I live outside the city and in an area that has a lot of country roads that are quite hilly. I also run at a state park near me called Eagle Creek State Park. I actually run to it and then hop on a trail and eventually run home. In the winter I run at my health club. I am not a winter running girl. I do not like the cold and it is too dark in the mornings to run outside. Did I mention the cold???

After an event or tough run, I... usually try and walk a few miles. It always helps. After San Diego we walked through downtown. The next day we went hiking at Torrey Pines. Seems to be a faster recovery for me that way. I also get a massage.

Running is... my Therapy. No doubt I have solved many of my dilemma's through running. If I had a problem in high school I would put on my shoes and go for a run. In College, if I was tired from studying I would go on a run and feel refreshed. For me it isn't about how fast I go or how far. I run to clear my mind.

When I'm on the road... I put on my iPod and tune everything out around me.

I wish other runners would... I really don't wish other runners would do anything different. I can attest that the running community is far more compassionate then any group of people I have come across. When my mom had her accident the most supportive group was and still is her running group. She has a group called the ladies of the morning. They give me respite breaks and call and write her consistently. One of them, 75 years young, is coming in November to do a half marathon with me. So maybe I wish their attitudes would rub off on others.

If I could run 3-miles with someone famous, it would be... I think it would be fun to run with a sitting president. I want to know what he or she (someday right?) is thinking and how they plan to direct the country. My mom had this happen when I was around 9 years old. She was at a metro park in Ohio. All of a sudden a group of men surrounded her on the trail. She ended up running with senior Bush. In our small town (Milbury,Ohio) it was big news. I think he was V.P at the time campaigning for president.

Liz is also on Facebook and can be found on the link or via search: Liz Weed.

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Thank you Liz. Hope you are recovering well from your injury and we look forward to your continued success out there on the road... just remember to charge your Garmin the night before. :)

If you'd like to be a part of "An Easy 10 with..." please email me at pavementrunner@gmail.com.

Back in the Saddle... or in the shoes

With a month to go before my last marathon of 2009 and after two weeks on vacation, it was Back in the Saddle Again with a 15 mile jaunt to "ease" back into it.

15 was an aggressive return considering mile 13 would be my longest run in 3 weeks. It was a tiring experience to be in the road for 2.5 hours even though 15 would typically be a semi-easy distance during my typical training schedule. But I had to throw myself back into it with little time to build back up to marathon distance.

I'll be looking to break near 4:30 which would be 15 min. off my PR of 4:45. It will be the CIM in Sacramento Dec. 6. Our training group will be sending two 4-people relay teams and (as far as I know) 5 people running the full. So it will be a packed house which should add needed motivation and incentive to "bring what I got."

Training Schedule looks like:

Nov. 12 - 18-19
Nov. 19 - 22
Nov. 26 - 13
Dec. 6 - Race

With mid-weekly maintenance runs of 5 miles and speed training worked in with track work and tempo runs. 

So there it is. Out in the open which means I have to commit to it. I'm looking for success at CIM and hopefully using it as a great way to end my 2009 event schedule. This year has been phenomenal for me and would love to end my full distance events on a positive note.

Returning in Early November

I will be on vacation for the next two weeks in Nicaragua and will have extremely limited access to Facebook, MySpace and the Blog, so please allow me to direct you to some blogs that I frequent and enjoy. Until I return: Run Strong, Finish Stronger.

Marathon Mama: An extremely talented (and fast) runner. Her blog has been featured on the Rock N Roll Marathon Newsletters, specifically the recent San Jose Rock n Roll Marathon. She has a huge following, and rightfully so.

In Steph's Shoes: The Road to 26.2: Recently completed her first full marathon in Detroit. An avid runner and a great writing style. If you are looking on how to prepare for your first full distance, her past posts will help. Heck, if you are looking to complete any distance, they will help... she debuted with a sub 4-hour time. 

Between the Miles: The thing I enjoy about this blogger is the efficiency in the posts. I tend to ramble, I know. But this one is perfect — quick and to the point, but with the right amount of useful information.

Run Faster Mommy: You would think I am a mother with the blogs I read. This site is packed with useful information and a touch of day-to-day humor. Great site with another huge following. be sure to check out the comments section for each post, there is some great insight from the community.

Girl Who Loves to Run: She hasn't been posting as much lately, but when she does, I enjoy them. A recognized author and excellent blogger. A blend of family and running. The balance we all try to reach.

Runnrgrrl's Blog: Fresh off a Boston Qualifier, with no Garmin, and the Pace Bunny passing her... Great blog, Great accomplishment.

Dean Karnazes Blog on Runner's World: Dean Karnazes... enough said. Ok, for those of you looking for more. This man is a running icon. He is known as the Ultramarathon Man for a reason. I highly recommend reading the blog and learning more on his website.

There is a short list of what I read online. Of course there is more, but maybe I'll save those for my next vacation. If you have a blog and want to share, be sure to put a link in the comments section for others to enjoy.

I'll see you in two weeks and good luck to all runners in events coming up.  New York is coming up. GOOD LUCK PATRICK, LORI AND CHRIS. You guys are going to do great!

Recent Runner's Deaths

After participating in the San Jose Marathon it was troubling to find out two people had died during the race. The news is now covering yesterday's Detroit Marathon where three people died. We all know that running a marathon tests your strength, will power, endurance and physical prowess. But are you putting your life at risk? I'm not here to tell you that running a race will cause you to die, but at the same time, you are not 100% risk free. It's a physical endurance sport and should not be taken lightly.

Although statistically, you are safer running a marathon than driving a car, you should always listen to your body when running. There is a difference in running through fatigue or pain and continuing to run when you are doing physical harm to yourself. It's a fine line and it may be de difficult to tell the difference. This being said, we runners are stubborn: 

"We can run through it." 

"We've done it in the past." 

"We didn't train for 3 months to give up at mile 18." 

These may be the thoughts we want to think... but we need to know that there is always another race to finish and another day to run. Every runner should get an annual physical from your doctor or a routine check up to help prevent forseeable tragedy. But understand this: DOING THIS DOES NOT MEAN THIS CANNOT HAPPEN TO YOU. This can happen to any runner. The three runners that died in Detroit yesterday were described as "healthy" and were avid runners.

I've seen numbers that say deaths occur 0.8 per 100,000 in marathons... Those are pretty good numbers, all things considered, but that also (again) states you are not 100% risk free.

Runner's deaths during races always seem to be reported (and rightfully so), but let's not forget the accomplishments that are reached out there. In a given race, you are looking at 5,000 plus runners and larger races such as New York, up to 37,000. If a quarter of those people are finishing their first marathon and another couple thousand PR, those are amazing feats. Individual achievements cannot be reported or receive National coverage, but accomplishments are reached by thousands of people at every race. First timers, PRs, sub 4 hours, Boston Qualifiers, placing in your age group, marathon number 10, alphabet marathon series, 50 state marathon club, etc.

When you take a moment of silence to acknowledge the loss of a fellow runner, remember that runners support each other and although we all feel the loss of an individual, we must celebrate and encourage each others feats and continue to strive for greatness for ourselves and those that can no longer run with us.

An Easy 10 with Brandi Rubio

Fresh off a PR last weekend at the Chicago Marathon, I would like to introduce Brandi Rubio.

Name: Brandi Rubio
Location: San Antonio, TX

Race History: 10k: hmmmm... I don't know if I've ever completed an official 10k but I've done a few 5Ks
Marathon Relays: Corpus Christi 2006 and 2007
Half Marathon: 6 (PR 1:44:13) Austin, Houston, Helotes (2), San Antonio, Carraba's
Full Marathon: 7 (PR 3:35:15) Blackhorse Marathon, Austin (2), Boston, SA Rock n' Roll, Houston, Ft Collins Colorado and Chicago. I'm registered for SA Rock n' Roll in November, and then Houston again in January and that will make 10!!!!
Triathlon: It's on my life list
Ultra marathon: I want to do a 50 miler someday but nothing more than that... ugh!
 
I started running... in high school. I fell in love with Cross Country and just found my "chi" running... It was and still is my way of feeling good about myself. I've always struggled with self esteem issues and running gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment and gives my sweet tooth a justification... Running makes me feel thin.
 
When I'm not running, I... am playing around with my 6 year old daughter Angelina, working at a fitness center teaching cycling, step aerobics, kickboxing, or strength training, hanging out with good friends, or painting. Oh and I also think about running when I'm not running too...

 
One time when I was on a long run... I really had to go to the bathroom... So I squatted behind some trees... I was so scared someone would see me... but I was all by myself. A friend of mine told me that I wasn't a "true runner" until I went to the bathroom outside... I pulled up my pants and felt victorious, I wanted to yell out: "I AM A RUNNER"!!!!!

I choose to run without... a buddy. Well, most of the time. I like to run alone. Maybe it's because I'm selfish or maybe it's because I don't get a lot of "me" time.. but it's nice being just me and I'm usually just competing against myself anyways. I want to be better, faster, stronger.. And it's also nice to not have to run someone else's pace... I get to run mine.
 
The question I am asked most about running is... Why do you do that to yourself? People tell me that I'm going to be crippled when I'm 50 if I keep running... and I say well at least I'll be crippled and fit and hot too!!! You never know what will happen. Why should I let fear of hurting myself keep me from doing something I love. I could also become crippled by driving my car or walking down the street. You never know... but Running is how I live.

After an event or tough run, I... get really sleepy... I need to take a long nap. and most of the time I'm sick to my stomach... it sure is lovely.
 
Running is... one of my best friends...Challenges me, supports me, makes me a better person, and is always there when I need him or her.

When I'm on the road... I daydream.
 
I wish other runners would... get in their right pace corral at the start of the race... It's those darn people who are so anxious to get started with the wrong pace group and then they start walking right in front of you and then you almost trip and then so does the person behind you... and it makes me wanna scream!!!

If I could run 3-miles with someone famous, it would be...Deena Kastor, cuz Damn she's fast and if I could keep up with her for 3 miles than damn I would be fast too!!!!

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Thank you Brandi. Great job last weekend in Chicago and congrats on the new PR. Recover strong.

If you'd like to be a part of "An Easy 10 with..." please email me at pavementrunner@gmail.com.