Crazy running arms

I've been putting a lot of thought lately into my running form. I'm sure I look like a total goober when I run, but that's not to say I plan on focusing on changing it any time soon. I'm not sure if it's because it's been so gross out that I've been trying to focus on something other than the heat, but I've been thinking a lot about what my arms are doing, in particular.

I've been seeing a lot of strange "running arms."

Yesterday at the gym I discovered "The Fly Swatter"

 

If you know this girl, please help her.

I've also noticed the "arms at sides," which just seems really difficult, along with the "exaggerated arm swing" and the "hands behind the back." Maybe that one is intended as practice for having to run if handcuffed?

According to most sources I've explored, I'd describe my bad running arms as the "cross my heart," which sounds nice, but apparently it's not right. I guess I should work on keeping my arms from sliding across my chest. Eh, we'll see.

That finger is always pointing at something to my right.

And, just for fun, the day I was so happy for the race to be over, I inadvertently did "The Phoebe."

Momma, you don't judge me on my "butt-tuck" running, do you?

Charity Miles: too good to be true?

Today I finally researched something pretty interesting that I've been hearing about: Charity Miles. It's actually pretty awesome. I'm surprised it's not more popular.

Bikers earn 10¢ a mile and walkers and runners earn 25¢ a mile, up to our initial $1,000,000 sponsorship pool.

Simply turn on the app, choose a charity, and press start. As you exercise, we'll track your distance and the money earned.

You download the app, choose a charity (from the 22 choices), and tell it whether you're running/walking or biking. It tracks your mileage via GPS and tells you how much money is donated to the charity you chose based on the distance. The only downside is that, since it works off GPS, you can't earn mileage from the treadmill or stationary bike.

Since I just discovered this today, I can't really speak to its integrity or how well it works, but in theory, it's an awesome idea.

Sara McLachlin would be proud to know that I plan on selecting the ASPCA as my charity of choice.

Runner, walker, and biker friends, have you heard of Charity Miles? 

If so, would you recommend it?

Epiphany

I've been absent from blogging for a while now. Basically? Life happened. Life, and me working through some things. Getting back to running after an almost five-month hiatus while dealing with a back "injury" has put a lot of things into perspective.

It feels like I'm starting over. My first run back was ok, but the resulting muscle pain was ridiculous. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I guess I figured maybe I'm lucky and I'll bounce back quickly.

Nuh-uh!

Endurance is earned, not given. You have to earn that shit back, guys. It's no joke! My training plan for my next race doesn't start until next week, but since my first long run (next weekend...already!) is six miles, I knew I needed to work up to it and put in some base miles so I decided I wouldn't wait for the doctor's ok and started running again about a month ago. I'm quite the risk-taker.

I'm in LOVE with my shoes. Sorry, Brooks. I'm a traitor.

Before my running hiatus, I'd gotten to the point where I felt like I was comparing myself with my running counterparts (who are much more competitive and better runners than me) and it wasn't enjoyable anymore. I was almost ready to throw in the towel.

Almost.

This past Sunday while I was running with my friend, Lindsey, we discussed this issue and I realized I wasn't the only one who'd experienced this "runner's guilt." We didn't have a particularly fast run and we weren't competing with each other. We ran at a comfortable pace and walked when we needed it. It was stress-free and, dare I say it, enjoyable! But we were still putting in the miles. I can't remember the last time before this year that I actually enjoyed a run. No, seriously.

Why was I comparing myself with everyone else? Why did I let it bother me that I'm slower than they are and not wanting to run longer races? Epiphany: Why not be in competition...with only myself? I know, novel idea, right? Welcome to adulthood, self.

Yes, my goal at my next race is to PR (and at the one after that and the one after that) but I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't. I'm just going to enjoy the journey...and embrace my inner tortoise.

Running again!

That's right. After five months of recovering, I'm back at it. It's been slow and annoying and I'm so frustrated with my loss of endurance, but I guess that's to be expected. I did a lot of hemming and hawing around what new shoes to try since I've never had a pair that didn't cause me pain of some sort (mainly in the form of blisters) and I ended up going with a pair of Asics GEL-Cumulus.

So far I've not run more than 3.5 miles so I'm not sure how they'll do for long runs, but for short ones, so far they're winning. I feel bad for cheating on Brooks. We had a good run (no pun intended), but I had to move on. I've also been painfully reminded how much it sucks running in the humidity. Summer forecast: dog breath.

Luckily I've found a group of awesome girls to run with which makes it so much more fun and motivating. Also, they like food as much as I do. It's a match made in heaven.

My first run back...in downtown Raleigh!

And now, to brighten up your hump day:

Boing!