Second Wind

There's a well-known saying about "getting your second wind", but have you ever actually experienced it yourself? You know, you're at the point in your run when your legs feel like lead, you feel like you're breathing through a straw and your heart is trying to pound through your chest when suddenly, you feel an unexplainable burst of energy. You feel like you can run forever...and really fast...!!! There's several ways to explain it - some physiological and some psychological - all I know is that I love it! It's a fantastic feeling!

The last couple of times I've gone out to run I've had the pleasure of experiencing a second wind, however, it dawned on me today that I don't know that it would be something I'd wish for every time. Why? Because a second wind, in it's very definition, only happens when the first 'wind' is gone.

"Second wind is a phenomenon in distance running, such as marathons or road running (as well as other sports), whereby an athlete who is too out of breath and tired to continue suddenly finds the strength to press on at top performance with less exertion."

You have to suffer through the pain of heavy legs and the tightness in your chest from breathlessness in order for the second wind to even kick in. It hurts. It's hard. And you want to quit...

...But you don't quit. You fight through it and next thing you know, it's gone. Replaced by a burst of energy that lets you take a deep breath, relax and settle in for a strong finish!

...Or you do quit because it's just too hard or it hurts too much. And you miss out. And you don't even know how close you were to breaking through. It may have never come - or it may have only been one more step away.
 
I've not read anywhere that people can predict when exactly a runner will get his/her second wind, so I'll never really know if or when it will happen. What I do know is that pushing through and getting to the other side is completely worth it!

Run Strong!

Three Diesel Ds!

I'll have to admit I've been struggling lately. Start with the post-marathon blues, add in sluggish injury recovery, sprinkle in crappy weather and you get a very unmotivated runner! I started listening to myself... "It's too cold" ... "My knee feels tight" ... "I feel so tired" ...and my new favorite, "Running in the cold air makes me cough" ...any of that sound familiar to you?

It got me thinking about the different things we say to cover up the fact that we really just don't want to do something. I mean, be honest, when you say something like, "It's too cold", aren't you really just saying you don't want to run? Because if you really wanted to run, you'd figure it out...you'd layer up or run inside on a treadmill...you'd figure out a way to make it happen regardless of the weather. And I'm not judging - we've all been there. For some reason, it makes us feel better if we think we have a legitimate reason, because "I don't want to" just seems so childish.

So, we don't want to...what now?

This is the hard part. What do you do when you really should do something, but you really don't want to? Here's where the rubber meets the road because the answer to that question really shows your level of discipline. Not a real sexy word, but it's what gets you out of bed in the morning - or gets you out on the road in the cold - or ______________ (you fill in the blank). And most importantly, it tell you just how much "Diesel" lives inside of you!!

I've heard it said that to build discipline you should do something you don't want to do and not do something you do want to do...every day! And that makes sense because having discipline in a certain situation once does seem to make it easier the next time. The other thing I've found is that usually if I push through the initial "I don't want to" excuses and just do it, I feel so much better, and that after-feeling strengthens my discipline and feeds my determination, or my inner Diesel!!

Where are you right now on the Diesel continuum? Are you like me and your Diesel needs a bit of encouragement? If so, I've come up with three Diesel-Ds that may help us push through:

1. Diesel Discipline

 

Go ahead and start the daily exercise of doing one thing you don't want to do and not doing one thing you want to do. Get a calendar or notebook and just jot down what you did and what you didn't do so that you can see it. Then make plans to celebrate it after a week and then after a month!! (P.S. this can be done for anything - not just running...food choices...bad habits...being nice when you don't want to...whatever!)

2. Diesel Determination

 

Sign up for a race. The season of racing is upon us!! I know here where I live there's just about one every weekend. Pick one that far enough out for you to train for and  sign up. There's nothing like training for a race to keep you motivated and determined. Oh, and it helps if you tell someone you've signed up. Sometimes it also takes a little peer pressure to keep you on track!

 

 

3. Diesel Diary

 

Keep track of how you are feel after a run, or if you were going to run but didn't, why you didn't make it. This is so helpful in recognizing those excuses we make! You'll start to see a pattern of why you keep missing your date with the pavement. It may help you to start working to overcome the "I don't want to"s.

 

Are you on board? Find your inner Diesel and let's get this done!!!! Keep in touch and let me know how it's going!

Run Strong!!

What's Your Story?

“Everyone has baggage.  It’s just that some carry Louis Vuitton while others carry brown paper sacks.”

I had a friend tell me this once and it has always made me laugh. And it’s true in that we all carry around our past experiences in some form or fashion – they have made us who we are and created our view of both our internal and external worlds. We judge circumstances and people based on our Baggage. We make decisions based on our Baggage. And we fiercely stand on our Baggage when it comes time to defend our actions and reactions to others – when we are absolutely right and they are so absolutely wrong! However, we all try to act like our Baggage isn’t there. We try to hide it and pretend we’ve “let it go” and that “the past is the past”. Or worse – we harbor shame because we won’t own it.

So, here’s a thought: what if we were able to sit back and see our baggage as one big Story? I had this experience recently during a…let’s call it a “disagreement” with the Hubs. We had taken sides, which were polar opposites of each other, and we were really dug in. So, in an effort to restore communication, I asked if I could tell him a Story. (P.S. That’s a great way to start a conversation, by the way, because not very many people will tell you no…). I proceeded to tell him a Story, which was a little piece of my past (opened up some of my Baggage) that I was sure completed supported my ‘side’ of the argument. I just knew he was going to give in and tell me I was right and profusely apologize for being oh so wrong…

Well, guess what happened. He had a Story to tell, too. But you know what else happened? We listened to each other’s Stories and we were able to work towards more of a middle-ground. We owned our own stories, recognized them for what they were and how they made us act towards each other and respected the fact that each of our Stories made us who we are today.

So, now I ask you: What is your Story? What makes you who you are? Why do you do the things you do? Does it change your perspective when you stop calling it Baggage and start claiming your Story? Do you start to forgive yourself, give yourself a break, see yourself for who you are? Can you see that you are the Whole of many, many Parts as a Story is made up of Chapters?

What about those around you? What is their Story? Why do they do the things they do? Does it help you to be kinder, more understanding, a little more forgiving and graceful towards them?

Now, please do not misunderstand me and think that I’m okay with people using their Stories as an excuse or a crutch for doing or being a certain way. What I would hope is that when you see your Story for what it is, you can start to write new Chapters that find you becoming a more insightful, complete person who knows that there are truly at least two sides to every Story.  If you are still living and breathing then your Story is not finished!
 

I challenge you to find someone close to you and ask them if you can tell them a Story. I challenge you to find someone close to you and ask them to tell you their Story. And, then, I’d love to hear the Story of how that worked out for you!

Run Strong! (And tell Stories!)

Stop Making Resolutions!

OK, be honest.  How many of you have made your New Year's Resolutions and your list looks a lot like the one you made a year ago?  Probably looks something like this:

"Exercise more"..."Eat healthier"..."Cut back on sweets"..."Drink less alcohol"

Sound familiar?

That's exactly why I don't make New Year's Resolutions.  They might as well be called New Year's Wishes!  I would spend time reflecting on all the different ways I could be "better" in the next year and think that this year was going to be different...this year I was determined...this year was the year...and by March I was hiding in dark corners eating Reese's Peanut Butter cups like they were my last meal.

So, let's stop calling them Resolutions already and let's set some GOALS!  Goals are strategic and solid.  However, goals can also become wishes if you don't make plans to reach your goals.  I've put together a few tips to help you do that. 

 

1. BRAINSTORM THEM: Write down all the things you'd like to make "better" this year.  I mean, just dump it all out there.  No rights, no wrongs.  Write it all down.  I like to use post-it notes because it helps keep me concise and to the point.
2. BUCKET THEM: Look back through your list and see if you can 'bucket' things.  For example, "cross train more" and "get back to the weights" fall under Health/Fitness Goals, where "read more books" and "take an art class" may fall under Personal Growth.  You should start to see some themes in your thoughts.  I like to think of FUN names for my buckets, so Health/Fitness becomes "Work That Body, Baby" and Personal Growth is "If Momma Ain't Happy...".  The point is make it fit your personal style!
3. QUANTIFY THEM: Now, at this point we still just have wishes, so now is the time to make your list measurable.  So, "cross train more" becomes "Take three group fitness classes per week" and "read more books" becomes "Read one book per month".  Some things may just have a "due date" because they're one-time deals. I want to take an art class, so that could become "Sign up for an art class by March".  Also, some things may become repetitive and need to be taken off the list.  For me this was "Lose weight".  If I do the other things in my bucket, I should see some weight loss.  Plus, I personally don't want to get hung up on my weight.  Might be different for you...
   
4. SCHEDULE THEM: OK, here's the hard part...finding time to fit all of it in! It is an absolute MUST that you schedule your goals into your daily/weekly/monthly calendars.  Use whatever is easiest for you.  I love using an old-fashioned paper planner.  However, there are great smartphone/tablet apps, too!  The point is it has to be something practical that you will use.  Once you have things scheduled, treat them as if they were appointments with your boss or a doctor.  Work all other activities around them and/or fit them in around your work schedule.
5. TRACK THEM: Keep a journal and/or a log of your progress (or lack thereof).  Apps come in very handy for this part!  Personally, I love "My Fitness Pal" for my Work That Body, Baby goals.  There are bunches out there, though.  Again, find what works for you!  I've found that keeping a log or journal keeps me be accountable to my goals and helps me see trends when I start making excuses as to why I didn't do something I said I'd do.
6. TELL THEM: Last, but not least, TELL SOMEBODY!!!  Have someone else hold you accountable, as well.  Someone who will support your goals and help you be successful.

Things to keep in mind -

• You may have to ramp up your goals.  For example, if you don't work out at all and your goal is to work out 5 times per week, you may want to start with three days a week to keep it realistic.  Set a date to add Day 4...and then Day 5.
• You may not have time to do everything.  Pick maybe 2-3 things that take priority and work those in for the next 4-6 weeks and then reevaluate.

Hope that helps!!  Let me know what some of your 2014 goals are and, of course, keep me updated on your progress!!!  May 2014 be your year!!!!

Run Strong!

KISS

I’ve always loved the phrase, “Keep It Simple, Stupid!” (or KISS for short).  It’s a reset button for times when I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.  It helps me refocus, clear out the clutter, and just find a way to take the next step and move forward.  It’s why I was drawn to read the book "Insanely Simple: The Obsession That Drives Apple’s Success" by Ken Segal, who worked with Steve Jobs as ad agency creative director for Apple. (FYI: It’s a fantastic book, especially if you’re in the sales/marketing line of work.)  Segal tells stories of Steve Job’s absolute insistence on Simplicity.  He would wield what co-workers called a Simple Stick, sometimes brutally, but always effectively.

Well, in the weeks since my Marathon (and since getting medically ‘cleared’), I’ve hit my runs with the Simple Stick.  I’ve intentionally made the decision to Keep It Simple, Stupid and run – just run.  No music, no GPS or timer.  And, let me say it has been incredibly refreshing!  There is a freedom to just enjoy the run and not worry about how fast I’m going or how far.  And there’s no music to distract me from my thoughts or to take away from the sounds of nature (or traffic…) around me.  After the months of training I’ve put in, I definitely needed to Just Run.

So here’s the question: What else in my life needs to be hit with the Simple Stick?  What things in your life need to be hit with the Simple Stick?  What would we enjoy that much more if we did?  Hey, it’s Christmas, the Holidays or whatever you celebrate, which in its simplest form is supposed to be about…what?  Are we making it more complicated than it needs to be?  What would it look like if we keep it simple, stupid and give it a giant wallop with the Simple Stick?

“Simplicity allows people to focus on one thing.  Conversely, focusing on one thing helps achieve Simplicity.”      ~Ken Segal 

I'm sure I’ll add the gadgets back in soon as I set my eyes on the next race or goal, but for now it’s just me, a pair of shoes and some pavement.

Run Simple!

The Diagnosis

Judgment Day...time to finally find out what, if anything, is wrong with this knee.  I've been a good girl and let my knee rest - no running for four weeks now.  (Though I have cheated just a little by trotting from the store to my Jeep a couple of times...there was a slight drizzle, I swear...).  The knee feels much better, so as I sat on the exam table in the clinic, I was hoping for the best.

 

My doc comes in with the MRI results in his hand, but flips them over and lays them down on the counter as he asks me how my knee is feeling.  He runs me through a few push/pulls and "does it hurt when I do this?" drills and I realize I'm holding my breath.  Just tell me already!!!
 

"You're fine.  There's nothing wrong with your knee anymore."

(insert HAPPY DANCE here!)

 

He said a few other things after that as he showed me my MRI, but I wasn't really listening anymore.  What I wanted to know was when could I get back to running...can we consider the last four weeks 'time served'?
 
"The answer is yes...yes and yes.  No restrictions or limitations.  Go run!"
 

So, before I lace up and put shoe to pavement, I feel the need to make one last point.  Remember my last post?  I was right in my original diagnosis.  Just needed to put that out there...haha!
 
Run Strong!
 
 
 

Side-Lined

Hi, my name is Diesel and I am a self-diagnoser.  I've got just enough knowledge of the human anatomy and sports injuries to have a pretty good idea of what is wrong with me when I do injure myself.  I may do a little research or ask some people a few questions, but if and when I ever make it into a doctor's office, it is usually just to have him confirm what I already know. This behavior has been greatly encouraged over the years because usually I'm right.

With this "Marathon Knee" thing I've got going on, I'd decided on one of two things: Runner's Knee or IT Band Tendonitis.  In other words, rest, stretch, maybe a little rehab....same ole, same ole...

So, as a sat in the office with my orthopedic doc and listened to him explain to me where my IT Band is and how if it gets inflamed it can cause pain...I just smiled on the inside.  Hahaha! Right again!!

But then he said words I've never heard before, "However," (dramatic pause as he flips to another x-ray view of my knee) "I think you may have a stress fracture."

WHAT?!?!

Oh, no no no no no no no.  That wasn't on my radar.  I mean, at all.  Must be a mistake.  I don't see that tiny little grey line...nope...don't see it...it's not there.
But you don't understand, I'm a runner!  That means that I run.  It's what I do.  I have a blog, for gods sake!  I can't take 4-6 weeks off!  I'm already getting twitchy from taking two weeks off.  (I'm not gonna cry...I'm not gonna cry...).

Now, whenever I've had someone freak out on me like this, my first tendency is to slap them just to bring them back to earth (P.S. I've never actually done that), which is exactly what my doctor did.  Not physically, but verbally.

"If you don't take a break and it is a stress fracture, the next step would be surgery and that would be life-altering."

Oh, well, when you put like that...how soon can we schedule the MRI?
Stay tuned, my friends.

Run Strong! (you know I'm jealous, right?)
 
 

The Diary of a Marathon Runner

The Soldier Marathon, November 9, 2013

My start was uneventful.  I was in a pretty big crowd, and as always, I tried to find some space to run where I didn’t feel like I was about to get run over and/or about to run over someone else.  I felt good.  The air was crisp.  I think the temperature at the start was in the mid-40’s and I remembered that I meant to run with gloves on, so I pulled the sleeves of my shirt down to cover my hands.

Soon after the start I entered Fort Benning.  It is a beautiful base.  The course ran through residential areas, for the most part, and some of the families were on the sidewalks and in their yards cheering for us as we went by.  Soldiers lined the route and encouraged us, especially the drill sergeants lining a particularly steep hill.  I did feel a little bit of a cramping feeling in my left hamstring as I ran the hill, but it didn’t last long and I have felt that before when I’ve run in the cold.  My breathing was fine – I didn’t feel winded at all - and though I knew I was running faster than I trained, I was having trouble slowing down because I felt so good.

My goal time was 4:34 because that was my finish time at Disney (my first marathon).  I had said I’d be happy with a 4:45 finish, but I really had my sights set on beating my first time.

The course winded around a golf course and the water treatment facilities and flattened out pretty good.  I started to see the half-marathoners coming back on the other side of the running path and knew I was close to their turnaround.  I figured once I got past that point, I could really settle in to a slower pace and buckle in for the last half of the marathon.  I reached the half turnaround at about 10 miles and entered a wooded area with the marathoners.  At this point I started to feel the familiar twinges in my left knee.  About three weeks before, I felt like I had developed some tendonitis or something in my knee, but it usually started hurting around 6 miles or so.  I was actually relieved that it hadn’t flared up until about 11 miles.  I knew the pain would get worse and then I hoped it would subside.  It didn’t.  It got worse.  Much worse.

By the time I got to the 13.1 split, I was telling myself I had made a huge mistake in running the full marathon.

I quickly realized I needed to manage my self-talk.  Mentally, I was afraid and dwelling too much on how much further I had to run.  I tried to tap into my Diesel mentality, but the pain was making it hard to concentrate on being a badass.  I tried to loose myself in the scenery.  I was running along the river walk through wooded areas and over little bridges.  It should have been very relaxing.  Instead I was trying not to panic.

I knew that my husband would be at the marathon turnaround area at the 17 mile marker, so I set a goal of getting to that point and then I’d take a break and rest a minute, maybe eat something.  Before I got there, I decided to stop at the water stop at 15 miles to refill my water bottles.  Just past this was a turn onto an uphill climb.  As I started to run again, the pain in my knee was excruciating.  It hurt so bad that I was literally hobbling up the hill and, once again, desperately trying to manage the panic I was feeling.  After I crested the hill, the stabbing pain ebbed into an ache that radiated from my hip flexor down to my knee.  I realized it hurt too bad to stop and restart.  I had no choice but to keep on running.  The good news was that on a fitness level, I still felt fine.  I didn’t feel like I was tanking or running out of gas.  I was just a wreck mentally.

Not too much further along, I started to feel some cramping in my quad on my right leg.  I figured I was probably compensating for the pain in the left leg and had changed my form and causing my right leg to over-work.  So I really tried to concentrate on my form and stride.  I ran up a steep incline to a long bridge that crossed over the river and at the top I felt both calves try to cramp.  So much for trying to use good form.  I shuffled to the turnaround with a goal to stop, stretch and take the break I had planned – even though I knew it would hurt to start back up.

As I rounded the turn, my husband was off to the side taking pictures – which made me so mad for some reason.  I didn’t want any pictures of my suffering.  I stopped and drank a Gatorade and he refilled my water bottles while I stretched.  He offered food, but I was too mad to accept anything.  I just wanted to get moving again.  I told him I was cramping up and let him know that my knee was going to be really messed up after the race.  I also told him that I was still going to try to finish around 4:30.  He didn’t look like he believed me, but I really just thought it was a matter of hunkering down and getting to the finish.  I turned and started running again.  The first steps were excruciating, but I knew it would dissipate in a bit.  It did, but the cramping started up again.  At the 20 mile mark, in an effort to control the cramping, I decided to walk.  Big mistake.  Walking on my knee was so painful I almost couldn’t stand on it.  So, here I was, 6 miles from the finish line trying to fight off full-leg cramps and severe knee pain.  Running resulted in cramping.  Walking resulted in severe knee pain.

And that’s when the wheels came off.

I started seriously playing out the idea of quitting.  No one would blame me for not being able to finish.  People would feel sorry for me.  My friends and family would look at me with sympathy and tell me it was okay.  But I knew I would not be okay.  I’d have to live with the knowledge that I quit – and I’d never get a chance to get it off my record.  One of my favorite sayings is, “Pain is temporary; quitting is forever”.

I compared the pain I was in at that moment to what I knew I would feel like if I had to live with the knowledge that I quit.  At that point my motivation shifted away from the positives of finishing to the negatives of quitting.  The shadows of a shattered pride and a bruised ego became my running partners for the next 6 miles.

I worked into a routine of running a little and walking a little, though every time I had to walk, I sunk deeper and deeper into a funk.  I watched minutes tick by and knew I wasn’t going to be setting any PR’s today.  I continued on in absolute agony - mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally wrecked.

As I came up on the 24 mile marker, I started thinking about how I wanted to finish this god-forsaken race.  Part of me wanted to hang my head and just keep walking right up to the finish line.  Just give up for good and screw trying to finish strong.

But, I’ve always said, it doesn’t matter how you run the race.  It matters how you finish.

So, I made a plan to walk the entire 24^th mile in an effort to rest enough to run from the 25 mile marker to the finish.  I had to really hold myself to the plan because walking that entire mile felt like an eternity.  I kept wondering if I’d missed the mile marker for 25 because it seemed to take forever.  But, the 25 mile marker did eventually come along and I set off at a slow and painful trot.  I turned onto the main road that runs along the side of the parking lot and the museum where the finish line was.  I felt a small burst of energy pushing me forward, but had to hold back to keep my legs from cramping.  I turned the corner and ran along in front of the museum and finally made the turn towards the finish line.  It looked so far away and there were people lining the sides of the street cheering.  I tried to make my legs cooperate for a good finish.  Somehow, the thrill of the finish pushed the pain to the side and I was able to finish strong.  Then I was there – crossing the finish line and pumping my arms because it was over.

Finally.

Pretty much immediately, my legs gave out and I stopped trying to fight the cramps.  My entire right leg cramped up and my left knee was so painful I couldn’t put any pressure on that leg.  My choices were to hit the ground or walk it out.  My dad was there and he half carried, half dragged me around so I could try to walk the cramps out.  I was trying not to cry, but was crying anyway and just wanted to get away from the crowds.  We finally found a place for me to sit down and recover.  Eventually, the cramps quit and I was able to relax.  It was hell and I made it through. In 4:44.30.

One of my favorite running quotes is, “Running never takes more than it gives back.  Believe in the run.”  I do believe in the run and I do believe that running that marathon has given me….something.  I just don’t know what that is yet.  I know that I can endure.  I know that I won’t quit even if everyone would understand if I did.  I know that the pain of quitting is scarier than the pain of finishing.  Are these gifts?  If they are, I’m not sure I am eager to put them to use again.  That may be a blog for another day…

The Monday after the marathon, I was limping around getting ready for work when I realized that in an almost subconscious moment, in thinking about my experience, I was putting the Soldier Marathon on my “list” to take it on again someday.  I actually stopped, laughed, and said out loud,

“Well, Diesel’s back”.

Lost Love...

The last few weeks have been rough.  Mainly because I made the mistake of forgetting how much I love to run.  With less than a month until my Marathon, I'd let myself get so bogged down in what my training schedule told me I had to accomplish that I forgot to just go out there and enjoy myself.  I began to see my training as more of a "have to" instead of a "get to" and it clouded my vision of why I started in the first place.

Isn't that the truth about so many things?  We get so stressed and so busy that things in our lives just become a giant "To-Do" list.  We hurry, hurry, hurry to check one item off and move on to the next item and daily life becomes a chore rather than an opportunity to do things we love to do.  Days turn into weeks, weeks into months and suddenly we realize time has passed and we forgot to enjoy it!
So, how did I get out of my funk?

I went for a long run. 

(I know, it sounds like I'm talking in circles, but hang with me).

See, a long run means I run a little slower and get to notice the world around me.  It means I plan routes that don't exhaust me so I get to lift my head up and enjoy the scenery.  It means that for 3+ hours, I put one foot in front of the other and I just breathe.  And, after a few deep, cleansing, fresh-air breaths, the "have to" falls away and I remember why I love to run!

What would that look like in our day-to-day lives?  What if we took things a little bit slower?  Maybe made sure we didn't try to keep a schedule that exhausts us.  What if we took time to look around us?  Make a point to remember how much we love our friends and family...how much we love having fun...how much we love living!!

There will always be mundane things that have to be done, that really are items on a to-do list.  That's just the way it is, especially if you are preparing for something big, however, you can choose to check those things off - see them as means to an end - so that you can get back to loving the things you love to do!

Run Strong!

Being Needy

I train alone. I'm not 100% sure I know why - I use the excuse that I'm too competitive - but I think in all honesty, that is not true.  I'm pretty sure the real reason is that my pride wants be able to say I did it on my own.  That I was strong enough, brave enough, independent enough not to need anyone else in order to succeed.  And I don't think there is anything wrong with that.  We all want to know we can make it on our own, if need be. 

On my last long run, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting a very special older gentleman.   I sometimes run a 1/2 mile road that laps around and through a local cemetery.  He was there early that morning and each time I passed by him I watched as he unloaded a lawnmower bag and a gas can...then a hose...then there was a rake... and the lawn mower.... then he was raking fallen leaves into a pile...next lap the leaves were gone and the lawn mower bag was full...finally, he sat his truck, watching a sprinkler water the grass...lap after lap he watched...

I assumed the area he cared for was where a relative was buried - probably his wife - and he was making his once-in-a-while stop to visit the site and keep the area clean.  It got me thinking about needing other people.  About man "not being an island".  Really questioning why I run alone and, at that moment, kind of wishing I had someone running alongside me.

I think there comes a time in everyone's life when you realize that being strong means having the strength to ask others for help.  That being brave means not being afraid to tell others you need them to fight alongside you.  That being independent means others have shored up your foundation enough to allow you to stand strong on your own.


In my running life, it means I've had to make that phone call to ask my husband to come pick me up because my body is telling me it's time to stop and I'm still miles from home.  It's when I ran my first marathon and got that renewed burst of energy from seeing my friend and husband at various places along the course.  And crossing that finish line knowing my family was watching!  I needed them to be there.  Being needy is not a weakness!  There is a setting aside of pride, a dismissal of fear, a childlike faith in letting someone know you need them.  And, please, if there is one take-away message, it is this: If someone tells you they need you, do everything in your power to be there for them.  It is a vulnerable moment.

So, back to the older man in the cemetery.  As I'm struggling through my 16th mile, I notice he's cleaned up his gear and is looking in my direction.  I slowed and pulled my earbuds out in order to talk to him and he says to me, "You're incredible! You keep on running!".  I thanked him and asked if this was a relative he was visiting.  He answered, "That's my wife.  I come out here twice a week to take care of her.  We were married for 57 and 1/2 years...".  Even in death, he still needed to be needed.

 

His Wife

 

No, Sir, you are incredible.

Run Strong!

Movin' To The Music

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Solid Gold Dancer when I grew up. (I kind of still do, but I think that ship has sailed...). I loved hearing the music and seeing how it could drive movement.

 

And as I grew up through the Michael/Janet Jackson era, I started to emulate other's moves, eventually finding my own rhythm.  I never did venture out to see if I could actually make it onto Solid Gold, but I do love to move to the music!  Music can make anything more fun, especially if you're shaking your booty to the beat!   Try it!  Clean the house, wash the car, go for a run!  Move to the Music!

Music Moves Me in every way!

As I journeyed through the ups & downs of being a teenager, I also recognized that lyrics combined with just the right sounds had the ability to not just move me physically, but emotionally!  The soundtrack of my life is exciting, depressing, happy, sad, a little hardcore and a bit of soft pop.

Which is why, for my long runs, I have to have just the right combination of songs on my playlist. I'll even time my songs to give me just what I need when I think I'm going to need it.  If you see me out running on the road, there's a good chance I'm singing - and possibly even dancing (with my head and hands) - as I run.  I'm sure it causes people to chuckle, but I don't really care! "Dance like no one is watching", right?

So, I thought I'd share a few of my fave songs with you, along with what moves me about each song.  I'd love it if you'd return the favor! I'm always looking to add to my playlist!!!!

Diesel Tunes

"Thunderstruck", AC/DC: I will start with my finish.  Everyone should have a "run out of the tunnel" song.  You know, if you're introduced to a large crowd, what song do you want to run out of the tunnel to?  The beginning of "Thunderstruck" is my tunnel song.  I always time this to match it up with my expected finish time. Love hearing "you've been...THUNDERSTRUCK!!" as I sprint to the finish!

"Firework", Katy Perry: At the Disney Marathon, they started my corral to this song...a little bit 'bubble-gum-popcorn' for me, but for that moment it was perfect! I start every race to this song:  "Do you ever feel already buried deep six feet under?  Scream but no one seems to hear a thing Do you know that there's still a chance for you,  'Cause there's a spark in you?  You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine.  Just own the night like the 4th of July! 'Cause, baby, you're a firework, Come on, show 'em what you're worth!"

"How Far We've Come", Matchbox Twenty: First, love it because of a fun choreographed kickboxing routine I used to teach - I'll be punching and running!  Secondly, love the build to the end, "Let's see how far we've come, let's see how far we've come!!"

"Lose Yourself", Eminem:  I like Eminem.  His emotion seems to always seep into his music.  Lyrics like "Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity  to seize everything you ever wanted, one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?" keep me focused.  This song is a good "marathon pace" song for me, too.  It's a bit slower than what I want to run, but I know if my feet match the beat then I'm good for the long haul.

"All the People in the World", Safri Duo:  Another one from my group fitness days.  This is the hardest spinning/RPM track I've ever taught.  It takes grit and determination to finish the track on a bike and I can tap into that feeling when this song comes on.  Plus, it has a killer bongo beat!!  Worth a listen if you've never heard it before!

"Shake It Out", Florence + The Machine:  Oh, where to start??  Great song about moving on..."hard to dance with the devil on your back, so shake him off"...and is loaded with strong emotion.  Plus, I just love Florence Welch's voice!

"'Till I Collapse", Eminem (feat. Nate Dogg):  A must for any runner's playlist!!  The intro to this song is one of my absolute most favorite motivational quotes.  A great song for the end of the run when I'm starting to question my own sanity...

"The Champ", Nelly: I first heard this while watching Game Day on ESPN.  It has a fun football theme to it - and I love football!!  But it's the lyrics that I like the most.  It's all about hard work and determination.  This is the song I put in right before "Thunderstruck" to keep me going hard to the finish.  "'Cause today is the day that I have always dreamed of..."!

"The Fighter", Gym Class Heroes (feat. Ryan Tedder):  Another perfect end-of-the-run song. The lyrics are great for when you are really ready to throw in the towel.

"Give em hell, turn their heads, Gonna live life 'til we're dead.
Give me scars, give me pain. Then they'll say to me, say to me, say to me,
There goes the fighter, there goes the fighter, Here comes the fighter
That's what they'll say to me, say to me, say to me, This one's a fighter."

"Madness", Muse: So, this is just a cool song.  Kind of deep.  Kind of dark.  Has a hint of Nine Inch Nails.  What I like the most is the tempo.  It is a perfect "happy pace" song for me. Once I get my feet matched up to the beat, I feel like I'm dancing!! A nice mid-playlist song for the long runs!

"Can't Hold Us", Macklemore:  I like this song because it has that football-band sound to it. I have it in the mix just to have something fun to listen to about mid-run or so.  The ending lyrics are pretty cool, too: "Let the night come, before the fight's won, some might run against the test. But those that triumph, embrace the fight cause their fears then prove that courage exists."  Oh yeah!!

"Fix You", Coldplay: OK, so I get goose bumps almost every time I hear this song!  The music seems to lift me right off of my feet.  I honestly think I could put this song on repeat and run forever!  The lyrics are beautiful and make me think of my two kiddos.

"And the tears come streaming down your face when you lose something you can't replace.  When you love someone, but it goes to waste...Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones.  And I will try to fix you."

 

"Run the World (Girls)", Beyonce:  Such a fun "girl power" song!!!  "Who runs this mutha?  GIRLS!".  I mean is there anything more to say than, "Strong enough to bear the children, then get back to business!".  Hell. yeah.


So, those are a few of my favorite running tunes.  Again, please let me know what you are listening to!!!   Look forward to hearing from you!

Run Strong!

I Give Up!

Or at least I wanted to.  It was one of those runs that started off great and ended with me in tears - questioning myself, my abilities, and my training.

Let me set the scene: my training plan insisted on 16 miles...in the rain...and 90+% humidity...OK, no problem. Got off to a good start.  Legs felt fresh, pace was comfortable, fuel belt stocked.  I've got this!  And then the rain picked up...and my phone, which I use to track my run and play my music, begins to act demon possessed - because it's wet.  And I'm wet, head to toe, so I can't dry it off, or dry myself off so I can try to fix it.  And I'm only at my half-way point...Deep breath.  Regroup.  I know my route.  I can run without my music.  It's a chance for me to just run... unplugged... me and the road.  I've got this!  And then my ankle starts hurting - a similar pain from when I trained for a half-marathon two years ago.  And my soaking wet clothes are rubbing me raw in places you don't talk about in public.  So, I make the decision...take it home, change into dry clothes, and run the rest of the miles on my treadmill...as much as I HATE a treadmill...Still, I've got this...

Limp it on home with 3.3 miles left to go, change into dry clothes and get on the treadmill.  And hit the proverbial wall!  I was tired.  I was in pain.  I felt like I had absolutely nothing left to give.  I didn't have this...tears of frustration, disappointment, self-doubt, and exhaustion mixed with the sweat dripping off my face.  And, yet, between running, walking, and sometimes shuffling, I finished up those 3.3 miles.

So why the tears?  Because I was tired of trying.  Because it was too hard.  Because it was causing me pain.  Because my goal seemed out of reach.  Because every single little circumstance seemed to be telling me to quit. Because I wanted to quit.

As it is with running, so it is with life.  How many times has it seemed too hard or too painful?  How many times have circumstances thrown you a curve ball?  How many times have you compromised your dreams and goals because it got too hard?  So adjust your plan, even cry a little bit, but never stop moving.  Never give up!

Dreams are worth pursuing!  Goals are worth reaching!  Is it possible that you will limp across that finish line out of breath, out of gas, in tears? Yes!  But will you also know in your heart of hearts that you persevered, you did what you had to do, you never gave up and you never quit?

Abso-freakin'-lutely!  You've got this!

Run Strong!

What the....Hills?!?

 I live in Auburn, Alabama, commonly known as "The Loveliest Village on the Plains", though you are hard pressed to find a "plain" to run on.  In fact, it is pretty much impossible to run for any significant distance without encountering a hill or two.  So, over the years I've learned several different ways to deal with running hills depending on my fitness level at the time.  Here are a few different options:

 

Use Imagery

If you're the kind of person that really likes the sports psychology side to running, using imagery is probably right up your alley.  My dad will tell you that he imagines a hill as an escalator and he's just along for the ride.  Thinking that way helps him maintain a smooth stride and allows him to regulate his breathing.  Others just simply picture themselves already at the top and use that sense of accomplishment to urge themselves on.  I tend to imagine the hill as something to conquer - almost a living, breathing thing that can be defeated.  It becomes a competition and drives me to win!

Walk All or Part of the Hill

Though it is my least favorite option, walking hills is a very viable way to train, especially if you are brand new to running and/or if you are finishing up a distance run and have hit the wall, so to speak.  I know I've had times (more than I'd like to admit) when I'm on a something-teen mile run and certain hills just get the best of me.  Walking seems to be the only way to make it to the top without passing out!  However, I always make a mental note...that hill goes on my "list".  There will come a day when we will meet again...which takes me to my next option.

Make That Hill Your Bitch

OK, so you know there had to be a "Diesel" way to get up a hill!!  This option is all about attitude.  It is a combination of imagery - Me vs. the Hill - and fighting determination.  It's a no-matter-what mental state.  It's what I use as revenge on the hills on my "list".  The ones that had beaten me before...now it's my turn!
Making a hill your bitch does come with a warning: you can get yourself in trouble by biting off more than you can chew.  I've made it to the top before and realized that was it...I'm out!  I just used up all I had left in my tank to beat that hill and I've still got miles to go.  That's never a good feeling.  You want to hold just enough back so that when you get to the top you can look back over your shoulder and whisper ever so quietly, "I just made you my bitch"! Ha!

What's your most-used method of Hill Domination?

I'd love to hear how you get up and over those hills!  Whatever works, right?!?!   Leave your comments - they are much appreciated!

Run Strong!

Mind Games

10, 12, 14...my mileage for the last three Saturdays!  What is so AMAZING about that, you ask?  Well, each week, once finished, I would have told you I could not have taken one more step; that it was so hard; that I was exhausted, spent, and completely out of gas.  And yet, just one week later, I successfully added two more miles!!!

So, here's what is AMAZING: the mind is the strongest and most persuasive organ in the human body.  Did I suddenly increase my fitness level in 7 days?  No.  Was the weather drastically different? No.  Did I run a less hilly route?  No.  Did I know what my training program required of me? YES!  Did I know that I couldn't stop until I was finished? YES!  Did I know that unless I push I cannot improve? YES! YES! and YES!!

It is all about Mind Games.

It's learning to cheerlead for yourself.  It's telling yourself to ignore the fatique and just keep running!  It's inventing a badass alter-ego and naming her Diesel!!  Conversely, it's knowing how to quiet that inner voice that tries to tell you you can't do it or whispers comparisons having to do with not being faster, better, healthier...

Perhaps the most AMAZING thing is we think we are out there day after day, week after week training our bodies when the absolute truth of the matter is we are out there training our MINDS!

Run Strong!

Running on Diesel Fuel!

Welcome to my running blog!  I hope you'll find my thoughts on life and running interesting and entertaining.   "Diesel" is a nickname and a badass alter-ego born during a rough patch in life.  Ever since then, Diesel is that inner-strength I tap into when I get whiney and my runs start to feel weak.  That's when I'm running on Diesel Fuel!!   

 

I love to Run!  Running is cheaper than therapy, so when I'm out there putting one foot in front of the other I usually have my best ideas, my greatest thoughts and many lightbulb moments! ("A-Ha! I should start a blog!").

Who I Am

"I'm a bitch, I'm a lover, I'm a child, I'm a mother
I'm a sinner, I'm a saint, I do not feel ashamed..." ~ Meredith Brooks

Fun song from the '90's and it kind of sums up who I am.  I can be edgy.  I can be shocking.  I can say things that may offend.  I can also be boring and quiet. You may find all of that in this blog!  In fact, I hope that you do, because there is nothing worse than the same-ole, same-ole!!  Please read on and always let me know what you think.

Run Strong!