Hydration is your friend

While on my long run yesterday I had a lot of time to think about hydration; I repeat a LOT of time. As I was running it occurred to me that a lot of people underestimate the necessity of hydration. Everyone is different with regards to hydration needs plus there are many factors such as weather and temperature that come in to play.

A good baseline for judging hydration needs is a "sweat test." I performed a sweat test a few years back on a day that was sunny and in the low 60's with a light breeze. I weighed myself at the gym using the scale with the slide-y thingies (yes, that is the technical term) BEFORE I went on a run. I ran for 45 minutes and stopped to talk to a friend for about 5 minutes during that run. I was barely misty. Boy was I shocked to learn that in that easy 45 minute run that I lost 2.5 pounds!! Note that one pound of weight loss is equivalent to approximately one small 16oz (500mL) of water. Amazing, seriously amazing.

Credit: designerfied.com

It is important to note that finding the right hydration strategy can be tricky because too much water can lead to a dangerous condition called hyponatremia (low blood sodium) which brings to light the importance of balancing hydration with electrolyte intake. And by balancing electrolyte intake I don't mean licking salt and lime before a tequila shot!

Regardless, this information made me much more cognizant of my hydration habits for sure.

To find out how to do your own "sweat test" check out this article from Runner's world HERE

So remember hydration is your friend even when caught in a downpour at mile 9 of a 16 mile run!
(Yes, that happened)
Save the fruity drinks for after you've hydrated and are reaping the rewards of your run +/- training.

Super, Super Girl Power!

Me & Miss "Girl on the Run" Grace

Hello friends. Today I am sharing with you a little about a wonderful program called Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is a 12 week program for girls ages 8 to 13 years old. As the website states the program teaches girls to be "healthful, joyful and confident" or as a past participant states "[the program taught her] to be "the boss of my own brain." Along with the lessons of empowerment the girls train to participate in (and complete!) a 5k run.

Before the Race spring 2012

After the race (spring 2012)

I have been volunteering with Boston area Girls on the Run for a few years. Starting this year, I have been lucky enough to be a coach for the program. Over the last several weeks Head coach Alex, coach Katie & myself have taught a wonderful group of girls about empowerment and healthy living. In fact over a week ago we had our practice 5k - I am so proud to say that all of the girls completed this distance!

The fall program will finish this week with the "real" race this coming Sunday -> the Walters Run 5k. If you are in the Boston area sign up as it is a great race plus you'll be able to see all of our local Girls on the Run teams complete their 5k - sure to bring a smile to your face!

To register for Walter's Run in West Roxbury go to: http://www.waltersrun.org

To be inspired by Girls on the Run check out this video:

Have a SUPER SUPER (girl power) DAY!

Silliness

Caught in the act! (photo credit: Robert Terry photography)

Over the last few days I've run into a few of you and it has been mentioned that it was unusual to see a sad blog post because usually I am so "chipper" as one friend put it. Firstly, thank you for your kind words & condolences; and secondly, thank you for reading - I really wasn't sure that anyone read this blog so that made me smile.

I have decided to post some silly pictures to make YOU smile.

Kiwi cat - insists that she's never silly so this photo will have to do

Here's a sort of silly story from my run the other day - while at a traffic light I smiled to someone that I thought I knew; turns out I didn't actually know the person. Sadly, I do that kind of thing a lot...maybe I should get my eyes checked again? Oh well could be worse.

Have a wonderful day!

Riley the JRT being silly (photo credit: Robert Terry photography)

Too soon.

Sunset at the Observatory. Mauna Kea, Big Island, Hawaii (2008)

Today I have a heavy heart.  A childhood friend was taken way too soon as she lost her courageous battle with breast cancer. Cancer sucks.

So what does this have to do with training? Well, admittedly I just didn't have the motivation to get off the couch yesterday to do my long run (sometimes the couch, PJs and a good book wins). But today, I needed the run. I needed to just get out there and heal. I needed to get out there and appreciate the sun on my face and the wind (oh it was windy!) on my chest.

No music, no podcasts, no checking the watch.

I ran today with my friend...I ran FOR my friend.
Be at peace.

Gobbledygook

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
We started our day with our annual Thanksgiving tradition - the Gobble, Gobble, Gobble road race hosted by the Somerville Road Runners. This is a fantastic race that starts & finishes in Davis square (and is so popular it sells out weeks in advance).  I always laugh when I think this is the only day of the year that I have a beer BEFORE my morning coffee. Can't mess with tradition.

This is me - obviously ready to run...or in dire need of coffee.

To be honest, when I woke up this morning I really didn't want to race. The bed was so warm & comfy plus I had a warm puppy at my feet. I admit that I've had problems with motivation as of late - but I find that if I don't think about the big picture and take baby steps (like putting on running clothes, drinking water etc.) before I know it I'm at the start line.

Admittedly this was not very good run for me but it was a beautiful day and I got to see a lot of familiar faces out there.  Oh and did I mention there was beer at the end??

Check out these turkeys:

On this day I am super thankful to be able to run. I am thankful for my wonderful family especially my awesome husband who is an amazing athletic supporter (heh heh) and I am thankful to have my health and to be surrounded by incredible friends.

And of course I'm thankful for my little turkeys:

What are you thankful for?

And so it begins....

Hello friends both old and new. Welcome to my new blog adventure as I describe my trials and tribulations and general musings over the next several months as I train and raise money for the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

This year I was fortunate enough to be one of four people chosen to represent the ARL Boston for the 2013 Boston marathon. Back in 2010 I was fortunate enough to run the Boston marathon for the first time (in celebration of my 40th birthday!). It was not my best marathon as far as the actual running part but it was an amazing experience nonetheless (more on that later).

Thank you for joining on my journey.
And so it begins.