Welcome to the first podcast from The Streaking Runner!

I wanted to do something to help runners of all experience levels – no matter if you are a beginning runner or been a runner for years.    Hopefully, the running tips that we talk about will help you – or you’ll know of someone they can help!  I know that I like to download things to listen to on my mp3 player while I’m running – and I figured you do, too!

So, listen to the first episode.  It’s not very long and just an intro of what we’ll be talking about.  I hope that you’ll subscribe so that you’ll know when each new episode airs.

If there is anything that you’d like us to discuss on the podcast – just send me an email to judy@thestreakingrunner.com.  I want us to talk about things that you want to know about!

Run Happy!

Judy

This week I am still out of town on a vacation with my hubby.  Of course, I have been running every day.  I absolutely love running on vacation – and this week has been great! After all the trauma and drama in my life the last couple of years – I really feel like my old legs are coming back.  My mileage is getting back up to where it should be and I’m beginning to run faster.

Now, I’ve never been real fast – and is recent years, I just really haven’t cared about speed work.  With all that’s been going on in my life – I consider myself lucky to get any run in. I’m sure you know what I mean – life can be crazy at times with personal and professional things.  But, that’s another topic for another time.

Several years ago, my Mom wanted an old-fashioned bike to ride around while she was in Florida during the winter.  Nothing fancy – no gears, no handle breaks – just a regular bike like we all used to have.  My husband found one and restored it for her for Christmas.  It’s a 1951 bike – and really nice.  She loved it and rode it around until her stroke kept her from being able to.  The picture is of the bike – isn’t it pretty!

When we went down to pack up where my parents stayed in Florida – we brought the bike back to our house.   And, it’s been sitting in our garage for the last 8 or so months. We decided to bring it with us on vacation this year to Tennessee.   So, he pumped up the tires and put it in the car trailer with our show car.

Now you’ve heard me say before that I’m no cyclist.  It’s been years since I’ve ridden a bike.  And, I’m really not too keen on not being able to see what may run me down.  At least running – I can see and jump out of the way.  But, there are biking paths here and I can ride 4 miles without going on the main road.

And, I’ve been able to stay upright on the bike while I’ve been here.  You know what they say – it’s as easy as riding a bike.  Well, I was afraid that maybe you could forget how to ride – but it did all come back.  I’ve enjoyed my rides!  Maybe there is something to this biking for runners!

Runners should do some cross training – and I’ve always done free weights.  But, I have noticed that my harder runs have gone better this week.  Is that strictly a coincidence  - or does bike riding help?  I choose to believe that the biking has helped.

So, once I get back home – I’ll go for a 3-5 mile ride every other day.   I feel that it will help me to keep staying healthy and running strong as I get into my mid 50′s.  Just as long as I don’t have to leave the roads of my neighborhood!  :-)

Run Happy!

Judy

Hi!  My name is Judy Mick, also known as The Streaking Runner.  Now, I don’t run naked – we’ll get to the name in a minute!

I am passionate about running and helping runners to stay runners for life.  So many runners start a running program and quit for some reason or another – I want to keep them involved in the running lifestyle!

Throughout the years I’ve run numerous races at all distances.  As I’ve grown older, though, I find myself running the longer distances  – marathons and half-marathons.  And, I always plan a race in Florida during January or February to get out of the cold!

I started running in college (around 1978) to basically try to stay in shape (you know, beer and pizza at all hours).  There was also a secondary reason.  My best friend and roommate was trying to catch the eye of a member of the cross country team.  Well, it worked on all counts, she married the runner and I’m still running!

My main claim to fame is that I have not missed a day of running since November 20 1985!   Thus the name of this blog.  I absolutely love running and I know that it has kept me healthy all these years – and probably more sane!

In this blog, we’ll be talking about many different aspects of running – from staying overall fit, proper clothes, shoes, fun races, continuing to run as you get older, etc.  Feel free to comment to let me know anything you’d like to see.

I’m also a firm believer in positive attitude and motivation.  Positive attitude can make all the difference in all area of life – including running!

If you’re a Facebook or Twitter user, I’d love for you to connect with me there!  Just click on the link to get to my Facebook Fan Page (and please “like” me while you’re there) and to follow me on Twitter!  I’d love to keep in touch!

If you’ve been a runner for any amount of time at all – I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.  You run so many miles a week and the miles pile up on your running shoes.  You know that to keep from getting injured and to keep running well – you need to replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles.

Your shoes, though, still look pretty good.  After you’re done running in them – you can wear the around when you’re not running.  But, trust me, after a while – they start piling up.  They’re still too good to throw away – so what to do with them?

Well, good news!  There are several different organizations that take your old running shoes that are still in good shape and send them to underprivileged kids in this country and other countries.  These kids may not have shoes to run in without these donations.

One of the organizations is Give Running.  Greg Woodburn started this organization a few years back when he was injured and unable to run for a while.  Being unable to run made him realize how much running means to him and all it gives — such as self-esteem, confidence, and friendships. In his words, while running is hard, not running is harder.

From http://giverunning.org:  ”have turned adversity into opportunity by creating Give Running, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that teaches youth, through running, the character traits and skills that serve as a foundation for success in life. For instance, we currently promote a love for running — as well as the many benefits and opportunities running provides — by collecting, cleaning, and then donating new and used (but still in good condition) running and athletic shoes to disadvantaged youth in developing countries and local inner-city communities.”

Please stop by this website and read what all he has been able to do and the kids that he has helped.  http://giverunning.org.    And, then, pack up some of those old running shoes that I know you’ve got under your bed or in a corner of your closet!  :-)   These kids can use our help!

Run Happy!

Judy

I am a Pepsi-holic!  I admit it – and I’m not ashamed of it!  I still drink a lot of water during the day (usually between 80 and 100 ounces), but I also drink my Pepsi.

Now, nothing gets me more crazy than people who talk about those who drink soft drinks are……….well, you get my drift.  They talk about how we’re all obese,  aren’t healthy, etc.  That’s simply not always the case.  I am far from obese – and I consider myself to be healthy and energetic.

I also did a little research into caffeine and soft drinks.  You may be surprised at the results.  Here’s what I found out about caffeine and running.

In a study that was published in The Journal of Pain, a team of University of Georgia researchers finds that moderate doses of caffeine, roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee, cut post-workout muscle pain by up to 48 percent in a small sample of volunteers.

Lead author Victor Maridakis, a researcher in the department of kinesiology at the UGA College of Education, said the findings may be particularly relevant to people new to exercise, since they tend to experience the most soreness.

“If you can use caffeine to reduce the pain, it may make it easier to transition from that first week into a much longer exercise program,” he said.

Caffeine has long been known to increase alertness and endurance, and a 2003 study led by UGA professor Patrick O’Connor found that caffeine reduces thigh pain during moderate-intensity cycling. O’Connor, who along with professors Kevin McCully and the late Gary Dudley co-authored the current study, explained that caffeine likely works by blocking the body’s receptors for adenosine, a chemical released in response to inflammation.

And, another study found that soft drinks can have a positive effect.  In addition to the caffeine (which we just talked about), carbonated water has proven to have many benefits for the gastrointestinal tract.  Carbonated water eases stomachaches, quells nausea and has been proven to alleviate constipation.

Sodium is another product found in soft drinks. Sodium is an important mineral found in almost all natural foods. Sodium helps your body retain water, helps avoid and treat muscle cramps, keeps electrolyte balance, prevents the effects of aging of your skin and prevents the drop of your blood pressure.

I have personally found that soft drinks help me with long distance races.  There’s a 15 mile race in Charleston, West Virginia, that I used to run every year.  The first 5 miles of this race is basically up hill.  In fact, they call the area South Hills.  Then, the rest of the race is basically 10 miles of flat.  And, sometimes those last 10 are the toughest.

There was a place at around 7 miles where my wonderful hubby would meet me with a Pepsi.  And, did it always taste wonderful!  And, it gave me the energy that I needed to make it through the rest of the race.   So, I’m a believer.  Oh, and by the way, he does meet me after long races with a Pepsi.

I know that there will always be those out there that want to give us soft drink and caffeine drinkers grief – but, that’s OK.  It works for me – and many others out there!  So, I think I’ll go have a Pepsi right now!  Want to join me?

Run Happy!

Judy

There are so many things out there that runners can buy.  And, trust me – I’ve bought more than my fair share.  There are nifty things that you really need and; of course, there are things that are a waste of money.

I do get asked a lot what are the things that runners really do need.  So, that’s the question that I posed to our Running Experts for this month.  ”There are so many running things that you can buy.  What are the ones that you use and recommend?”

Here’s what they had to say.

From Bart Yasso – Runner In Chief for Runner’s World Magazine:

I’m all about the lightweight, breathable shirts and shorts made from high-tech fabrics. Technical gear can cost more than cotton, but the big payoff is running in comfort.

Here’s the answer from Olympian Jeff Galloway who has coached over a million runners to their goals:

• The run/walk/run timer takes the guesswork out of taking walk breaks.  It can also “train the brain” to save resources by taking walk breaks early: www.RunInjuryFree.com
• A supply belt for long runs.  I use the ifitness belt which fits snugly, can carry a cell phone, has room for other supplies, with manageable size water bottles.
• Compression socks:  Research shows quicker recovery, better circulation.
• A comprehensive running book as a guide.  By having a proven program such as A Woman’s Guide To Running, or Galloway Training Programs, runners tend to avoid problems and make more progress.
• Women–a good running bra.  Try on several and get advice from experienced staff members at quality running stores.
• Apps for training:  lolofit puts out a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon that coaches you through the training, each day.

I’m going to weigh in on this discussion, also.  Here’s a link to items that I think are necessities for runners:  http://judyruns.com/RunningItems.

So, what do you think are items needed for runners?  Leave a comment and let us know!

Run Happy!

Judy

Any of you that know me – know that I am usually a chipper, positive person.  However, there are some times when things that happen on the run really get on my nerves.  Here are 3 of them.

People who mow their lawns and leave the grass in the road.  This is fresh in my mind because there’s a couple of houses in my neighborhood that do this.  (Sorry if I’m stepping on toes here).  And, one of them hadn’t mowed for awhile so it is like 2 inches deep on the road.

Not only does this look trashy, it can be a hazard to runners and walkers.  If it rains before the grass heaps finally go away it can cause someone to fall – probably me.  Wet grass is extremely slick – so if ever see some on the road, make sure you go around it.

Another thing that drives me crazy is people who don’t dim their car lights.  Bright lights can blind you when you are running – and it seems to me to be just common courtesy to dim them when you come up on someone.  I always do this when I’m driving and come across walkers.

And, then there are the houses that have dogs that don’t obey the leash laws.  Now before I get started on this rant – I am a total animal lover.  Ask anyone and they will tell you that I’ll help an animal before anything else.  And, that is one of the reasons why people who don’t keep their dogs secure bother me.  If a dog chases after me and follow me, he could get lost or hit by a car.  That’s what really worries me.

However, then there are those that are just kinda goofy.  I actually run past a house where 2 little dogs live.  You know the ones – the ones that can trip you.  Both of them come after me and I just keep running.  Their owner comes screaming after them.   One day she actually yelled at me to stop.  Really?  Someone else was walking their dog on the opposite side of the street from me.  She actually crossed the road and at the same time let out the leash so that it got tangled up in my feet!

OK, is all of that crazy – or is it just me?   Anyway, thanks for letting me get that out of my system!  I feel much better now – and can go back to my perky self!

What about you?  Are there things that totally drive you crazy when you’re out on the run?  Please leave me a comment and let me know!

Run Happy!

Judy

I decided to take on another topic that could cause some controversy.  To tell you the truth, I’m really torn on this one.  If you’ve been following me for any time – you know that I’m certainly not a cyclist.  But, I totally respect them.  And, I faithfully watch the Tour de France and any other cycling events that are on TV – as I write this the USA Pro Challenge is going on.

I’ve been watching the Tour de France for many years.  And, yes, I thought – and really still do – think that Lance Armstrong is amazing.  I really find it hard to believe that he was involved in any doping during that time.   Reading about what all he went through with his cancer – he was worried about what chemicals that he had to put in his body to fight the disease.  So, I find it hard to believe that Lance would do any doping during the races.

Plus, when they are on the Tour – they are always subject to random tests.   Another reason why I have problems thinking that he did anything wrong.

At first, when he decided to quit fighting – I was upset and thought that it was an admission.  But, I can understand just wanting to stop and get on with life.  However, having said that – Lance has always been such a fighter, I’m having a hard time with him giving up this fight.

He is still fighting for his organization that helps cancer patients, Livestrong, and that’s a wonderful thing.  With this mess behind him, he can put all his energy into this foundation and it’s work.

However, what’s really got me upset about all of this is that this agency is banning him from certain running events – including the upcoming New York Marathon.   Maybe I’m just goofy – but if the problem is with cycling – and in the past – let him run.

Lance’s presence is runs is a good thing. It gives cancer survivors the knowledge that they can do anything that they attempt post-cancer.  Plus, it is also a wonderful way to raise money for Livestrong.  In my opinion, he should be able to run and continue to raise awareness for cancer survivors.

I know that they are many of you reading this that is screaming at your computer right now.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.  I’m open to hear all sides.

Run Happy!

Judy

I had absolutely no idea that treadmills made for dogs even existed!  I saw an ad for one when I was looking for something totally unrelated.  At first, I thought it was a totally goofy idea – but then I thought more about it.  Why Not?

Dogs look forward to their walks and runs just as much – and probably more than their 2-legged companion.  So, what happens when it’s stormy or icy – when the conditions outside just aren’t safe to stay out there for a long  time?  Human runners come inside to their treadmills – so why not dogs, also?   They still need some exercise – for the same reasons we do.  To stay fit, prolong their life, etc.  Having somewhere indoors for them to get a decent run or walk in makes perfect sense.

So many people have dogs that really want to be exercised more than their humans do – or may even have time to do.  Having a treadmill for them makes perfect sense! Especially if you have a dog such as a greyhound that lives to run.

Then, I got on Amazon to just see what’s out there.  Boy, was I surprised by the amount of dog treadmills out there.  There are many different styles – and you can get different sizes for different sizes of dogs.  One of the ones that I looked at had a remote that was shaped like a bone – how fun is that!

Reading the reviews was fun, too!  One person got one for his dog and his cat got jealous. He got another one for the cat and placed one right behind the other one.  Then, turns them on with the dog on one and the cat on the other.  They chase each other without leaving the room and destroying the house!

If you run with your dog – you should at least take a look at them.  On those days when you hit your treadmill and your dog sits there with his big eyes watching you longing to be running, also……..just think, you could let him walk on his own treadmill beside you!

Take a look around at them – I enjoyed looking at them and I don’t even have a dog.  But, I’m thinking about my kitty……….

You can find them at http://budurl.com/dogtreadmill

Run Happy!

Judy

On Monday mornings I post a video to my YouTube Channel.  It includes a quote to get motivated to run for the week.   Even if you had a bad week previously, Monday is the beginning of a new week and time to get back on track.

I also wanted to share this week’s quote here.  It’s by Alberto Salazar:  ”We may train or peek for a certain race, but running is a lifetime sport.”

Here’s the link to the video, also: http://youtu.be/42ioTc44-_k

I absolutely love this quote!  There are so many runners that only run when they are training for a specific race.  They never run any other time.  I have a friend that does this.  He runs a 15 mile race each year – and only starts running the month or two before.  And,  after the race, he doesn’t run again for another year.  True story!

Now, I agree that training for races is great for staying motivated to run.  But, you also need to be out there at other times to stay healthy and enjoy all the benefits that running gives you.

Running is so great for you!  If you run at all, I hope that you keep it up other than training for races!  Even if you only run a mile or two a day – get out there and do it.  You’ll be so glad that you did!

Run Happy!
Judy