SheRuns~Locker Room Chatter...

Cross-Training with a “Forbidden” Trek.

2008-09-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

In the midst of training for my first half-marathon, I decided to do a bit of cross-training so, from Vancouver where I was checking out the local spas, I headed up to Coastal Trek Resort on Vancouver Island for a few days of hiking.

I really appreciate that owners Andrea and Shayne Stuchbery bent the rules a bit to allow me to stay for just these “few days” because the minimum stay is typically seven-days. The whole focus of this intimate, family-run property is health and fitness and the week-long program revolves around daily hikes. There are more than 100 different options in the immediate area and each daily hike is selected by guide Mike Black based on guests interest and fitness level.

After the first day of what might be called a “starter hike,” I was ready for the big one – a 27 km (16.2 miles) signature hike across Forbidden Plateau. Shayne explained it to all six guests as we sat around the massive dining room table enjoying a healthy breakfast. As well as being co-owner, Shayne also guides hikes and he says the 27 km, the retreat’s flagship hike is his personal favourite. Turns out, I’m the only one up for the challenge. So while Mike takes the rest of the group on another day-long hike, Shayne and I will traverse the Forbidden Plateau.

While the name – Forbidden Plateau – sounds more than a bit foreboding, Shayne assures me that it is nothing of the sort. In fact, he said, I always do it in my bare feet. How difficult can a hike be if this man can do it barefooted?

This will be no outing to smell the wild flowers, enjoy the view or snap photos – this is a hike for fitness sake and the goal is to complete it in the record time of six hours, which Shayne tells me he did with a previous thirty-something male guest.

The beginning of our trail, which is on Washington Mountain in
Strathcona Provincial Park (located in the centre of Vancouver Island and designated the oldest park in British Columbia) includes a touristy boardwalk, followed by a groomed forest trail, soft on the feet (good for my barefooted guide) and dappled with sunlight. At Murray Meadows, about 8 km into the hike, Shayne announces “now we’re at the hard part.” The next three km, a collection of roots, muddy patches and water hazards, really slows the pace. Then comes the warning, “the most difficult part is still to come.”

At noon, about the 11km mark we stop for lunch on a rocky spot between two lakes. We take just enough time to rest our feet and enjoy part of the picnic lunch – which includes a chicken wrap and steamed edamame (soy beans) - prepared by the chef at Coastal Trek.

Not long after lunch we hit one of the longest “difficult parts” - a steep and constant incline up the saddle between two mountains that takes us up about 1,000 feet.

While there were many gentle parts – forest and meadows - the route was more obstacle course than hiking trail and many parts were not groomed. We encountered sections strewn with huge fallen limbs, rocks that made walking difficult, slippery muddy patches, two significant inclines and lots of mosquitos. We passed through beautiful old-growth forests and peaceful lake-side meadows. The only sounds, other than those made by our own voices, were those of birds, squirrels the occasional rushing waters or trickling streams.

The highlight for me was actually one of the most difficult sections - a treacherous pebble covered terrain of an old ski hill closed down in the 90s. It was like walking on marbles and we really slowed the pace. It was here I took my one and only tumble of the day. Ouch. Turns out it afforded the day’s most scenic view. We were looking down on Comax Village, Georgia Strait and the Coastal Mountains beyond.

It took close to seven hours to complete Forbidden Plateau Traverse and along the way we met only one other person – a solo trekker looking to set up camp for the night.

Cold drinks, snacks and iced hand towels were waiting for us back at the resort. We didn’t make the six-hour finish time but still I feel a great sense of accomplishment. Especially when I learn that only 2 per cent of guests set out to complete this great hike. Along with Mount Kenya, Havasu Canyon and Grosmorn Mountain, I see it as another notch in my hiking belt. And, yes, except for the pebble-covered ski slope, Shayne did it all in his bare feet.

Anne Dimon is the editor of Travel to Wellness

Getting back in the swing of things

2008-09-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. I found it really difficult to get out the door and go running over the summer. I don’t know what it is about the summer that sometimes makes it difficult for me to run. Is is the hot weather? Is it because my mind is in vacation-mode? Is it because my daily routine is off-kilter?

I’ve come to the conclusion it’s that lackadaisical state we get into, a result of some of the reasons just mentioned. The heat, the vacations, the lack of daily routine. But I’m not alone. As a health & nutrition counselor, I see it all the time. Many people put off their health and weight loss goals until September. They make excuses as to why they can’t start a healthy regimen during the summer - they’re taking a trip, the kids are home from school or they just lack the motivation.

Come September, they realize they haven’t lost those extra pounds put on during vacation and oops! those Fall clothes are a bit snug. They decide to take some action and get their health back on track and contact me for some help. I outline a plan and schedule coaching sessions to assist them with their goals. I’m going to do the same with my running.

I’ve added running days and times into my calendar just as I would any other appointment. That’s how I have to look at it - an appointment. Just like a meeting with a client, friend, or business associate. I wouldn’t skip them and will do the same with myself. My scheduled running sessions are appointments with myself. Time set apart to help me live a better live. A way for me to get healthier, happier, and feel a sense of accomplishment. Why not do the same for yourself this September?

The weather is cooler, vacations are over, the kids are back to school, and daily routines are back in order. No more excuses. Give yourself the gift of health and get out there and running!

Happy running and healthy eating,

*Dinneen*

Why I run

2008-09-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

I am 32 years old. I am the mother of three beautiful children, who never let me forget - for even one minute - how precious life is. I am a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister. I am an ex-smoker.

My children are full of energy, a pure love for life and spend most of their days just begging for one more minute of sunshine, or hoping for one more playdate with a friend.

I have spent most of my life acting as if I was living life to its fullest ... capturing moments and enjoying my family and friends, and the beauty of the world we live in.

But in all honesty, I was in denial. I started smoking when I was about 16 years old (smoked for a good 15 years!!) and although I would have never admitted to anyone that I was addicted, I definitely let cigarettes control and dictate my life, my schedule and my ability to truly participate in life.

Everything involved with my day - from sunup to sundown - revolved around smoking. I smoked when I first woke up ... smoked one last cigarette before going to bed.

When I had the kids in the car on a long drive, we'd pull over to a rest stop, just so I could have a cigarette. I would make my family wait in the parking lot after a long grocery shopping trip so that I could have a cigarette after buckling them into carseats.

What I failed to realize, pack after pack after pack of cigarettes, is that I was short-changing myself, my kids, my husband and my life. What I saw as a harmless way to relax myself, pass the time or even sneak in a bit of quiet moments for myself during the day ... was in truth, a horrible addiction that really had a controlling hold on every part of me.

On May 18th of this year, I had one cigarette left in my trusty hiding spot, and I forgot to ask my husband to pick up a pack for me on his way home from work.

May 19th was my first day on the road to being an ex-smoker.

Later that week, I also decided to start running. I wanted desperately to replace my addiction to smoking with another obsession ... a healthy choice this time. Running it was.

I signed up to run a half-marathon on September 27th and have been slowly training my body to respond to what running asks of it.

I'm nowhere near where I should be to run this half-marathon, but it's ok. I've set out to simply cross the finish line, whether I walk, run or crawl over.

I watch other runners at the gym and often am in awe of their spirit, their determination and their will. I read the blogs of runners and wish I could be "where they are" ... running 20 milers on the weekends ... part of running clubs and with a slew of races on their list of accomplishments.

Then I realize ... I am those runners. Simply because I get up, lace my shoes and start to run ... I am one of them. It doesn't matter if I am only able to run 2 miles at any one time, or if I can't fathom running a 10:00 split. It doesn't matter if the clothes I run in match, or if I am familiar with the latest hydration belt on the market.

I am a runner.

I run because I love my family. I run because I want to always choose a quick run over a pack of cigarettes.

I run because it frees my mind. I run because it gives my body something to attain. I run because it makes me feel strong.

I run because I want my children to see me accomplish a goal.

I run because there's nothing else like it ...

I haven't had a cigarette since that day in May ... and while it isn't a simple road, it sure feels good to be able to breathe again. To start my run and know that my lungs are pure again ... and able to function as they were meant to function - - for many days to come!

Happy running,

Naomi

Team Member Cloud shares her story

2008-09-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

Less than 8 weeks until my fourth half marathon, and I’m going to count the weeks down in this blog. I’d like to say I’m a great runner but I’m not. At 47, I putz around the event courses like a woman in a more, how shall we say, senior division? Average finish times are what my timing chips turn in most often. I don’t really care, because I run for just about every other reason out there except competitive performance. To keep from smoking, for mental health, to study residential landscapes more easily than while driving (I moonlight as a landscape designer), for weight control and to fight osteoporosis, and because sweating feels good – pretty much in that order.

The latest reason is Team in Training. “TNT” is an amazing organization/program now celebrating its twentieth year supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society while helping train amateur athletes to compete in various types of endurance sports events including triathlons, marathons and half-marathons and raise funds for LLS.

As a TNT team member I have access to awesome coaching, various informational clinics (such as nutrition, shoe/equipment, injury prevention, fund-raising, speedwork/form), a web page to collect donations, and team social events to help me reach two goals – athletic and fund-raising. I have competed in two Team in Training events and this fall will run in the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco CA on October 19. I have found that because of TNT’s guidance both goals are amazingly easy.

Each team has an Honored Hero, who is a patient being treated for any type of blood cancer. This Hero is local and we celebrate our successes together periodically throughout the training season. I never fully calculated the power of my ability to do something important for someone else. Through Team in Training I have raised $7600 since I started and if I make the goal for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon, I will have raised (with my blessed donors) over $10,000 in 12 months’ time. That’s a dent! And 75% of whatever I raise goes directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. That’s a great ratio.

If you know a woman who could benefit in her body or her soul, or both, please tell her about Team in Training.

By the end of August we’re supposed to be doing 10 miles, according to the training schedule TNT provides. Then the remaining 3 is achieved more gradually, Sept – Oct. As an old lady I worried about stepping it up 4 miles in August, from 6 to 10, and now I have a bit of a knee injury. I fell on my bike during the Acworth Women’s Sprint Triathlon on August 10 and somehow injured the inside of my left knee. So my training has been extremely guarded and I’m not on schedule distance-wise. I will HOPE to do 8 - 10 this weekend. Please send good vibes my way.

Team Member Judy wants to know what's on your IPOD?

2008-08-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

WHAT'S ON YOUR IPOD?

I don't know about everyone else, but for me, the I-Pod has made it possible for me to run again. Getting my former couch potato self off and running always meant dealing with that part of myself that whines loudly and unceasingly, like a kid on a cross country road trip. You know what I mean. "I can't breath." "My feet hurt." "Are we done yet?" "You mean we've only gone one tenth of a mile?" "We always run down this road, can't we do something different?" "If we don't stop right now, I'm going to have a heart attack. Really. I mean it."

Music on the MP3 player works as well as puzzles, snacks, books and auto lotto worked to occupy my sister and me back in the 1960s or, in my daughter's case, a portable DVD player and her Gameboy.

It's not like listening to the radio, since there are no commercials and you know that every song you'll hear is something you like. I've found that I need bright music with a good beat, nothing dark or heavy metal. The absolute best is Bruce Springsteen. When "Born To Run" comes around, I'm always re-energized, practically sprinting as I mouth "Tramps like us, baby, we were born to ruuuuuuuuuuuuun!" I also like hearing him do "Badlands" and a song called "American Land" which always reminds me of seeing him in concert last April. It's an uplifting Celtic tune with filddles and accordions and you just can't help but move your feet.

Other songs that get me going are "Copper Head Road" by Steve Earl, "Bad To The Bone" by George Thorogood, "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac and "Beds Are Burning" by Midnight Oil. A good saxophone solo helps, too, like the riff in Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street."

Of course, you do need to be careful running with headphones on, as you're not as likely to hear cars coming. I'm lucky enough to live in a subdivision where there's not much traffic and most of my route is in an uninhabited development. The only people using the roads there are other runners, cyclists and people walking their dogs. I just hope the housing market stays flat and no one moves back there for at least another year or two.

So, I'm curious. What's the song that gets you past the wall and keeps you going to the end?

Advice for getting started--Team Member Dinneen

2008-08-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

As an on-again, off-again runner (and as a health & nutrition counselor) one thing people often ask me is how to get started running (or exercising, for that matter). Whether it’s a friend, colleague, or client I tell them all the same thing, “just start...with one foot in front of the other.”

What I mean is to just to get out there and do it! Nobody starts off running 5 miles right away. They all start off slow. It takes patience, practice, and most of all, a desire to get outside and have some fun.

For clients who currently don’t exercise, I tell them to just start walking. Even if it’s around the block a few times. Then slowly begin walking further and longer. Then you can start adding small bits of running in between. For example, walk 5 minutes, jog for 2 minutes, walk for 5, run for 2, etc. The thing is to start of small and slowly build up.

For beginners or the non-athlete, a good book to read is John Bingham’s “The Courage to Start.” John is a columnist for Runner’s World Magazine and was “once an overweight couch potato” (taken from his website - so his words, not mine!), who at 43 started running and hasn’t looked back. His books talk about his transformation from being a sedentary guy to a runner and athlete. His writing is funny, uplifting, and best of all, inspires you and tells you how to get started yourself. You’ll read about his struggles, frustrations, along with his triumphs and happy moments. Running, like many things in life, can be tough and not always easy, but the rewards make it all worthwhile.

Like John, I’m a regular person just trying to get some exercise, keep my weight down (I love to eat!), be healthy, but most of all, feel a sense of accomplishment and have fun.

That, my friends, is what running (and life) is all about. Having some fun.

So if you too have an on-again, off-again running relationship, I invite you to not only follow my running progress, but to join me on the road to becoming a real “runner.” We’ll have good days, bad days, days when we want to quit, days when we can’t imagine quitting, and days when we wonder why the heck we ever started running. As John Bingham says, “the miracle isn’t that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start.” So just have the courage to start.

Guest Blogger Nicole gives back to Bay Area girls

2008-08-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Nicole has found a way to give back to young girls while incorporating her passion.

I have been a runner since I was 13 (currently 27). I have always enjoyed running, and believe there is a real value to not only your physical health but also to your mental health. Being a runner, gave me the confidence I needed as a teenager to get through all of the challenges one can face not only as a teenager, but also as a young woman who desired to succeed under very challenging circumstances. As an adult, I look back and wonder how different my life would have been without track or cross country. Since this was such a great benefit to me, I got involved with an organization that teaches girls about the importance of staying active, being a part of a team and building that self confidence at an early age to carry through the rest of her life. I am currently involved with Girls on the Run of the Bay Area and have taken a role as the events chair.

Girls on the Run is an after-school running program for girls that teaches the importance of exercise while also teaching them about empowerment, self-respect, friendship, teamwork, and goal setting. Many of the girls deal with death, violence, and other uncertainties in their communities every day.

Have you figured out a way for your passion to benefit others?

Guest Blogger Deborah tells how she went from hate to love

2008-08-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

Deborah's story is like so many of the one that we hear from the women we meet at the expos.

I used to hate running. I even talked about it on my radio show today about how in high school, I would try out for the track team just to force myself to like running. Of course, it didnât work, and I'd just end up quitting because I hated it so much. I even found reasons NOT to run in gym class. I couldn't imagine anyone liking running. I was very into fitness (off and on) but aerobic weight training was really my thing.

It wasn't until about four years ago that I decided I was going to learn to run and LIKE it by golly. I found a training program online that promised to turn me into a 5K runner in only 12 wks. As I laughed, I said, "Oh yeah, try me," (insert an evil witch laugh here). I vowed to finish the entire 12 week program no matter what, and guess what? I did. I run almost exclusively now and enjoy it greatly.

I also was blessed about that time with our first child after years of infertility tests and failed treatments. Being able to take her with me for a jog in a stroller was going to be much easier than holding her while trying to lift weights and do a grapevine. No matter what I did, I was determined to be a positive influence on her and show her that you can do anything you want . . . even RUNNING!

With all that said, I will say that if I had to classify, I'd say I'm more a jogger than a runner, but either way, it's not walking and not aerobics, and it works for me.

Deborah W.

Is your story similar? We want to hear about it.

Guest Blogger Tracy H. gives us her secret to stay focused and relieve stress

2008-08-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

Tracy shares her secret for keeping her entrepreneurial spirit focused.

Dear {SheRuns}:

I must admit, I was going to wait to write you this comment until after I ran, but thought I better do it now!

I am someone who started running later in life. I started running five years ago (I'm 43 now). I was never a runner but decided to start so I could lose weight. I had always been a swimmer, who never liked the idea of actually sweating to get in shape. I started running up and down in my pool because that was easy (and familiar territory)! I ran until the snow flakes started flying in mid-October (in Syracuse, NY), and my husband told me he had to cover the pool! I moved inside my house to continue running in there. I didn't buy a treadmill right away, because I wasn't sure I'd stick with it long enough to warrant the expense. So instead I just jogged up and down in place for 20 minutes every day!

By Spring, I started running outside around the perimeter of my large, rural house (too embarrassed to run in "public" yet). After my sister, a cross country runner in high school, came and gave my running style a "thumbs up" I finally decided to run in public with all the other sane runners in town. That was six years ago. I have been addicted every since! I run every single day, usually 3 miles a day and mainly to get my entrepreneurial energy out of my system. I can't imagine living without it. Running helps me take out negative business energy and replace it with positive, constructive thoughts, solutions and energy.

Last year, I took my new love one step further. I ran in my first 5K race. I am the President of Women TIES (Women Together Inspiring Entrepreneurial Success), a company that promotes women entrepreneurship in New York State. One of my members organized a race to raise money for her foundation, Maureen's Hope Foundation. It was sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. in Baldwinsville, New York. I told my members I was "running for women entrepreneurs." At the end of the race, when they handed out the beautiful Michelob Ultra Beer Bottle first place trophies, my name was called. Surprisingly enough, I finished first place for my age group! I must admit it was one of the proudest moments of my entrepreneurial and personal career! My beautiful Michelob trophy sits proudly next to my very formal looking SBA Women in Business Champion Award! I'm proud to be recognized for promoting women entrepreneurship as well as winning first place in my first race!

Does running help you stay focused or relieve stress?

Guest Blogger Jennifer G.

2008-08-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

Jennifer runs with her girlfriends to stay motivated and to reconnect....

My name is Jennifer G., I live in the Washington D.C. metro area and I have run (on and off) since high school. (Considering the fact that I am 36 now, I think it falls into the “whole life” category.) I didn’t actually start running in races until my early thirties though. I have developed an intense love with the sport since then. My favorite quote? “My sport is your sport’s punishment!”

Every Saturday I get together with a couple of girlfriends (and an occasional guy friend) to do my long run. We run a minimum of ten miles right now. We are currently in training for the Ragnar Relay in Washington D.C. (183 miles) and the Baltimore Half Marathon.

Do you run with friends or family? How do you stay motivated?

A survivor's story--guest blogger Katie D.P.

2008-08-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

A survivor's story...

I've been running since my divorce in 1984. I ran intermittently until January 2004 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I ran most of the way thru chemo until my feet blistered and I couldn't run any more. I read an article about that time that said that running and regular exercise had as big an impact on reducing the chances of cancer recurrence as chemo --- so I started running again. Worked my way up to 3 miles a day and ran my first half-marathon last year. When my fellow survivors put together a calendar, the idea was to show something about yourself that was different post cancer so I posed in nothing but my running shoes.

Katie D. P.

Katie M. shares her love of running

2008-08-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

Meet another runner who loves it--Katie M.

I {just}turn{ed} 27 and started running October of 2006. I have had asthma for as long as I can remember, and I never looked at myself as a runner…athletic, yes…runner, no! I used to make jokes that I only run when people are chasing me. I have a large bust and tried to use that as an excuse that it hurt my back to run. I was never seriously overweight, but was never skinny…a healthy size 12 since middle school. I tried to run in high school to get fit, but could not find the motivation to get me past the “I am going to die…really, my chest is closing and I have pain in my heart,” feeling. I played softball mostly (was a catcher) and worked through various knee injuries, like surgery, etc. that provided more excuses for me not to run.

I then started a program to learn how to eat better… I started to lose weight. I then ventured to the gym (knowing that you need both the right diet and exercise to get more fit) and thought maybe I will get on the treadmill and run until I can’t run any more. It helps that the gym had TVs in front of every treadmill! After 10 minutes, I was winded and sweaty…so I got off and lifted some weights…then the next time I was in the gym, I ran again…adding a little more time as a friend suggested. I started to lose more weight and became more fit…I could tell by the way my clothes fit, not the scale.

I started sleeping better at night and was generally more with it at work…I began to crave my runs. I finally understand what people mean by endorphins (I was convinced they were fabricated by the running industry.) I still (try to) run between 20-30 minutes five-times a week. I learned that I am not a distance runner and that I don’t have to be. It is hard to keep up the routine and I still go looking for my excuses when my boyfriend says, “why don’t you go for a run, it will make you feel better!” But, when I do remember the feeling and get back on the treadmill, I feel like I am back to normal…and I just keep telling myself that it is the old me that is chasing me, so keep running!

Katie M.

Do you love or hate running? We want to hear your story.

Upcoming Events

2008-08-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

SheRuns is hitting the road over the next few weeks and we'd love to see you.

Hope in Motion 10K & 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, August 03, 2008, 08:00 AM
Lake Merritt
568 Bellevue Ave
Oakland, CA 94612

America's Finest City
August 15-16

Disneyland Half Marathon
August 29-30, 2008

Come see us if you are in the area or participating in one of these events.

The trials and tribulations of a 40 year-old woman's running experience!

2008-08-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Read Dinneen's post and be inspired by her enthusiasm!

I am a Health and Nutrition Counselor (aka. Health & Wellness Coach) and what I do is empower women with the tools to find a healthful relationship with food and their bodies, so they can gain control of their weight with a 'non-diet' mentality. Women today are so confused by all of the nutrition and diet info out there that they no longer know how, what, when or even why to eat. I teach them how to Eat Without Guilt, while still eating healthy and nourishing their bodies AND their minds.

I'm a big proponent of exercise (for both myself and my clients) and over many, many years have dallied with running - but never been able to make it a habit. I belong to a gym, keep in shape, and run here & there - but have not stuck to a regular regimen of running (at the gym I lift weights, use the elliptical machines, take classes, use the treadmill, etc).

This past June I turned 40 (gulp!) and decided once and for all to start running regularly. (there's just something about turning 40 for a woman...time to FINALLY get those lifelong goals into play!) I knew that in order to do that (run REGULARLY) I needed a GOAL - I feel setting goals is important whether it be for weight loss, to improve one's fitness, health, or even personal aspirations. So I took the plunge and registered for the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon taking place next January, 2009.

I've always wanted to run a full-marathon. So registering for a half-marathon is a way to get there. I'm realistic and know that it takes one step at a time, and what better way to eventually running a FULL marathon than first running a half-marathon.

Why have I always wanted to run a marathon?

1) to get into better shape (one can always improve...)
2) use it as an excuse to travel running various events (I enjoy traveling, have visited many places, and even lived in France for 5 years)
3) as a proud accomplishment (if I can finish a marathon, I can do anything!)
4) it's always been a goal of mine
5) I was born and raised a Bostonian - the Boston Marathon is in our blood...the late Johnny Kelley is a HERO here (I know, he's a hero to ALL runners, not just Bostonians!)

Yeah, I've always wanted to run a marathon but never took any ACTION so I could actually DO IT. Well now that has changed!

I will LOVE to log my progress and my training (which is just beginning), tell interesting & funny stories of my love/hate relationship with running, and motivate others to get out there and run (for body AND mind). And who would be better suited to tell their story on their quest than a 40 year-old Health & Wellness Coach who helps & inspires women to eat better, gain more self-confidence, and have a better body image.

Yes, that would be ME.

I invite you to visit my website: www.EatWithoutGuilt.com to learn more about me (read the "About Me" section) and what I do.

Warmly,
Dinneen

Guest Blogger Judy N., -an inspiration

2008-08-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

We told you we'd have some new "team mates" posting and here is our first of many more to come. Judy N. is an inspiration and we love her story!

Hi.

I'm a 52 year old woman who's recently gotten back into running after quite some time. I haven't done any serious running since I was 25 and as I got older and heavier I never intended to do it again. But this year, after losing 28 pounds, I decided that I wanted to run a triathlon. So I strapped on my trainers and ran up the road for exactly 10 minutes and 48 seconds before I felt like I was going to collapse right there. Not much of a start.

But I kept at it, and I got so I was looking forward to it. Being able to listen to my favorite songs on my MP3 player made it fun. Pretty soon I was running two miles and then three miles.

As it turned out, the triathlon fell by the wayside. I didn't have a chance to swim in open water and I am not that fast at cycling. The event held locally in Wilmington requires everyone to finish in two hours and 15 minutes, and that just wasn't going to happen.

So I did the next best thing. I entered the Wilmington NC Tri-Span Race (it does have "tri" in the title just like "tri"athlon).

I finished the 5K race with a time of 37:53. My goal was 1) to run the entire race without stopping to walk, which I did, and 2) not to come in last, which I also managed to pull off, finishing 72nd out of 92 females, and I placed second in the 50-54 age group Only 16 seconds separated me from the first place finisher, so if I'd pushed a little harder, I could have won my category.

I can't wait to run another race. I love the feeling when everyone starts out together and everyone cheers. And I'm at the point in life where they give me a prize for showing up.

Judy N.
Wilmington, NC

Thanks for sharing Judy. Do you have a story to share? We'd love to hear it!

Back in season

2008-07-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

We're back! We've taken a little time off and are back with something new and exciting for you. In the coming weeks you'll have an opportunity to read some very interesting, helpful, funny, informative, and inspiring stories from everyday women who've joined our "team."

Our new team members have lots to say and share with you. They come from far and wide, we know your going to love them as much as we do. Stay tuned.

Next stops on our road games:
Hope in Motion 10K & 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, August 03, 2008, 08:00 AM
Lake Merritt
568 Bellevue Ave
Oakland, CA 94612

Disneyland Half Marathon
August 29-30, 2008

Come see us if you are participating in one of these events.

View of the Bay

2008-01-24T19:20:00.001-08:00

My dinner group of 4 friends call ourselves "View of the Bay". We live in the San Francisco Bay Area and get together to try new restaurants & hot spots and discuss different topics, similar to ABC's The View. These conversations range in subject from the latest trend to politics to moral and ethical dilemmas.

I recently shared with one of the girls from the group that when I was a child I really wanted to be a writer, but was discouraged by my parents. She responded that it's not too late. I suggested to her that we take View of the Bay (VOTB) LIVE for two reasons: I have learned that my passion may not have been to write, but to be heard and through this experience--learning to listen. By listening I hope to find myself. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not lost but I am simply acknowledging that I have some growing to do.

One question that has come up in VOTB is, "Would you be willing to appear on a reality show?" My response was no because I don't want the world judging me. My thoughts of writiing a book were stalled for the same reason, I don't want those in my circle to know my inner most feelings. I wondered could I write under an alias... well taking VOTB live is my first step... I am sharing my thoughts (and those of the group) and I believe the goal of this site is for you to share yours. Not necessarily to respond to the thoughts or comments of others but to go inside yourself and share how you feel, what you think of the topic. The joy of a good discussion or debate is the differenence of opinions, to learn from others position and respectfully agreeing or disagreeing.

Thank goodness we have the internet to make it easy for us. Let us know what you think.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year runners! We ended 2007 on a high note with lots of love, support and encouragement from our customers.

SheRuns is really excited about 2008 and have gotten of to an awesome start! We are just back from the Disney World Marathon Weekend--and it was in a word, MAGICAL!

It is always nice to meet new and returning customers! Katie of katyshops.wordpress.com stopped by with her mom and 3 sisters. The group ran to celebrate a milestone birthday for mom, she turned 65 and completed her first half marathon! Go Katy's mom!

We also met a few women who had completed all 15 marathons--how inspiring, they ROCK!

We'd like to wish you all the best for a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year!

One of our goals for 2008 is to keep you all update with our goings on, tell us what your goals are for 2008...

Gym Bag--SheRuns gift giving favorites (12.2.07)

2007-12-02T23:39:00.000-08:00

Did I say gift giving? One might get the impression that I was suggesting things for other people...well, what girl doesn't deserve to buy her self a little something during the holidays??? The locker room is all a buzz about the next two gym bag must haves!

***Who said you shouldn't be thinking about what to wear on Christmas night or for New Year's Eve? Well, this one is perfect for the girls that live in the Bay Area! I recently stumbled across the chicest boutique's that Piedmont Avenue has to offer McMullen. This is new East Bay fashion haven has the most beautiful pieces that could easily be the star in any fashionista's wardrobe. So girls, when you begin to think about what to wear and you have visions of the can't live without Catherine Malandrino, Robert Rodriguez, or Rory Beca pieces of perfection, it's time for a trip to McMullen on Piedmont!

***"Meet me at the finish line" cami and matching "finish line" thong are perfect to inspire a little holiday cheer! Santa thinks they are both naughty and nice.

We are always looking for new must have items and great gift ideas, even if you plan on keeping them for yourself--tell us about your favorites, what's in your gym bag?

Gym Bag--SheRuns favorite gift giving ideas (12.1.07)

2007-12-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

Well, now that the count down of the holiday season is in full swing SheRuns has a few items that are must haves for any ones gym bags and great gift ideas!

***Universal Body Lotion by Soulstice Spa
This is the most luxurious lotion and feels like a second skin. UBL is perfect year round, it is lightweight but provides enough moisture even in the coldest months of winter. This is something that is always in our gym bag!

***"SheRuns" logo pullover hoody and matching pants are a season favorite and if we're not wearing it is in the gym bag ready to be worn. We find these items "live in comfortable!"

We are always looking for new must have items and great gift ideas--tell us about your favorites, what's in your gym bag?

The LOLA Good Food Guide

2007-10-18T00:57:00.000-07:00

I talked about our friend Kim, the founder of LOLA, in a previous post and I wanted to share her "Eating: Rules to Live By...":

1. Eat breakfast everyday.
2. Establish an eating cut-off time at night, preferably 2 hours before bedtime.
3. Drink water throughout the day.
4. Limit your alcohol consumption (less than 6 drinks per week).
5. Eat 3 meals and 2 planned snacks per day. Balance all meals and snacks.
6. There are no "bad" foods, just remember moderation. "You are what you eat."
7. Limit restaurant dining to a maximum of twice a week.
8. Center dinner around vegetables.
9. Curb emotional eating. Understanding how and why you eat can help you change your behavior.

Kim says "eating well takes planning...don't ruin good training with a bad diet!" She also says that "being nutritionally fit is a lifestyle, not a quick fix diet."

Kim's eating rules are things that we've all heard before but for many of us, it goes in one ear and out the other. SheRuns thoughts on becoming nutritionally fit...begin incorporating Kim's eating rules slowly and don't try to do it all at once. Changing your "bad" food behaviors and creating healthy habits takes time to take hold. By taking your time you are more likely to stick with it--funny, it's just like exercising.

run LOLA run

2007-10-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

I told you guys that we had a busy weekend and now let me tell you about Sunday....

I got up at the crack of dawn to head out to Mill Valley in Marin County to support one of our featured "runners" Kim Juarez, founder of LOLA.

Team LOLA had a "party" on Sunday morning. The "party" was at this very cool gym called Endurance Performance Training Center--I'm calling it a gym but it is really so much more...it is all about training athletes of all levels and abilities. There were about 35 women who came ready to have fun with the girls. Kari Dozler, a core and strength specialist, kicked things off by conducting a core clinic. The clinic was great because Kari really showed some exercises that were not too complicated and would be easy to remember the proper form. We've all heard that strengthening your core supports your entire body and will help to improve all of your activities, not to mention the side benefits of walking taller, looking leaner, and feeling good about yourself.

After Kari kicked butt, the Team LOLA Ladies headed out on a 5 mile training run through the streets of Mill Valley. While the Team was out running, I was setting up our shirts because I knew that there would be some fast girls on the Team and I wanted to be ready for them when they came back.

All in all, getting up super early and driving from the East Bay was worth it--Kim and Team LOLA definitely know how to throw a party! Let me tell you, if you live in Marin County check out LOLA! I keep trying to put a bug in Kim's ear about moving to the East Bay so I can train with the Team!

Another busy weekend

2007-10-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

Our weekends seem to be jam packed these days! And this one was no exception. Friday and Saturday we had a great time at the Rock n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon expo in San Jose, CA. As I mentioned in the last post, this was the return to the place where it all began for us so I was really quite special to be back....In the year we've grown and expanded our product line and it has been thrilling to say the least.

We were also very excited to see a number of our first customers! A few even came back wearing what they bought from us last year! That was the best. Imagine you're a singer and you hear your song on the radio for the first time--that is what seeing our shirts on customers is like for us.

And that was just Friday and Saturday--we'll tell you about Sunday in the next post.

How busy was your weekend? Or should we be jealous because you were able to just chill???? Do tell....

back to where it all started....

2007-10-10T23:33:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe that a year has past since we did our very first expo! SheRuns is excited to be returning to the Rock n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon--this was our official launching pad! We are super excited to be headed back with a even better, stronger product line!

The year has flown by and we are absolutely thrilled with the response that we get from you--our customers.

Please stop by our booth and say hi if you are going to be in San Jose on Friday or Saturday.

Thank you for a great year and stay tuned as we continue to grow and add to our lifestyle brand!

SheRuns on Overdrive

2007-10-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

I feel like we have just been moving in fifth gear at full throttle these past few weeks! Moving from one event to the next, don't get me wrong--it's all good--just super busy!

Last weekend we went to the Lake Tahoe Marathon and met so many great people from all across the country. We also ran into some familiar faces--Janine from Lodi and another customer from Miami, who still can't stop talking about our best selling "She runs. He follows." tee (she was surprised that I remembered her, but sometimes I have these moments of instant recall...).

Anyway, it is always so great to talk to women at the events to hear their stories about their life, what motivates them and keeps them moving. One woman told us about how she didn't start running until she was 50 and had never been active but had always wanted to run a marathon and in five years she has participated in 10 major events! Way to go Susana! What an inspiration to us all--live your dreams, it is never to late.

We love to hear your stories to keep them coming!