Welcome To The Streaking Runner!

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Judy Mick

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!

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Building Mileage Diary – Part 4

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Judy Mick

Here I am back with an update on building mileage after having to cut back.  I wasn’t sure how my mileage would go last week.  My mother-in-law was in town and I knew that there would be things to do with her.  She wanted to go visiting to 2 different places out  of town, plus just keeping her entertained.

But, I was able to keep my mileage at the level of the week before – which I consider a success.  Plus, I increased my long run to 8 miles – and it felt great!  (And, I must admit – I needed the time away! :-) )

I’ve had mixed emotions about my running as I’ve been getting it back together.  I know that I had to back off on the mileage while I was taking care of everything – but it’s frustrating getting it back up.  And, I’m sure that if you’ve ever been in that position, you know what I mean.

But, in the last couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling much better!  My longer runs are getting easier – plus getting back up close to double digits.  And, I’m getting faster – in fact in a few of my runs my last mile was the faster by far.  That makes me feel super, also!  So, I know that coming back slowly has helped – and is the correct way to get it done!

So, if you’re getting your mileage back up after a lay-off, or if you are just getting started building mileage – do it slowly and safely!  No more than 10% increase from one week to the next.  It really does work!

Run Happy!

Judy

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Running Tips – When To Ice And When To Use Heat On Running Injuries

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Judy Mick

Most runners know that you are supposed to use ice or heat on running injuries.  However, do you know which one to use and when?   Let’s see is we can make it clear.

Most running injuries are either acute or chronic.  Acute injuries are that those that have just happened – within 72 hours.  Chronic injuries are those that are ongoing – for more than 4-5 days.   Acute injuries will be inflamed and chronic injuries will not be.

During the acute stage of your running injury is when you want to ice.  Icing the area will help numb the pain and will help with decreasing the swelling as ice constricts blood flow.   You may still want to ice the area when you have a chronic injury and have re-aggravated the area.  Icing will also help with muscle soreness after your longer training runs.

You should ice the injured area for no longer 10-15 minutes at a time.  Then give the area time to warm back up – approximately an hour.  The more times that you can repeat this cycle, the shorter period of time the healing process will take.

You want to use heat if you have an ongoing chronic injury.  If you have some tender spot that keeps nagging you, you can heat to help loosen the muscles and relax the injured area.  Heating the area causes blood to flow freely into the area.  Only heat the area for 15-20 minutes.  To heat the area, you can use a heating pad.  Wet, hot towels work well, also.  Make sure that you do not fall asleep on a heating pad.

Make sure that you are staying away from heat if the area is still swollen.  Heating this area while it is still inflamed will actually cause you more pain as it pulls blood into the affected area and will even delay your healing process.

Heating and icing are both great ways to help with running injuries.  It’s just important to remember when to ice and when to use heat.  Remember the basic rule of thumb is to ice the area if it is an acute injury and to heat the area if it is an ongoing chronic condition.

Hopefully that cleared the heat/ice issue up for you.

Run Happy!
Judy

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Running Tips – Getting Family Support For Your Running

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Judy Mick

Lately I’ve heard from several of my running friends who really don’t think they have the support of their family in regards of their running.  They feel as if their family tolerates their running, but don’t really support – or understand their obsession with it.

I’m so lucky that I’ve always had the support of my family – and especially my husband.  (This is a picture that was taken after the met me at the finish line of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Marathon a couple of years ago.)  He understands that running is my passion and that it’s something that I need to do for many reasons.  In case you are one of those runners who need some help in this area, here are a couple of tips for getting family support for your running.

First of all, sit down with your family and let them know how much your running means to you.  Make sure that you are also telling them the reasons that you are running in the first place.   You will also want to include that you are running for your health – to make sure that you are around for a long time for them.

If you are planning on starting training for a longer distance race, such as a marathon or half-marathon let your family know about it.  How much the goal-setting and testing yourself means to you.  Also, let them know that it will be time-consuming and that there will be days where you may be out running for 3-4 hours at a time.  Letting your loved ones in on your plans and what is involved is important for getting the support of your running.

Get your family involved with some of your running.  You may want to plan a race out of town where you can have a mini-vacation with your family.  If you are doing a long run, you could have them meet you somewhere along the way with water or sports drink.  You could have your kids ride their bikes along side you as you are going for a run.

Having the support of your family is important.  You don’t want them to put up a wall every time you talk about running or go out for a run.  So, let them understand how important it is to you – and help them to be a part of it so that they can share in your successes.

Run Happy!

Judy

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Building Running Mileage Diary – Part 3 – The Runner Returns!

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Judy Mick

Here we are with another post of getting your mileage back up after a lay-off.  As we talked about before, it can be a complete lay-off due to injury or (as in my case) a cut back in mileage due to personal circumstances.

Last week was a great week!  If you’ve ever had to cut your mileage back and then work on increasing it – you know that for awhile, you just don’t feel like you used to.  And, it’s frustrating.  You know you’ve still got 20 milers in you – but it’s all you can do to run a 5-miler.  Well, that’s normal.  You just mentally have to just keep on building wisely.  Eventually, you’ll feel like the runner you used to me.

For me, that was last week.  Now, my mileage is still about 1/2 – 2/3 of what I usually do, but I’ve been building slowly.  Besides the fact that you should to keep healthy and uninjured, when you’re 50+ sometimes the body doesn’t always do what it used to do!  :-)

Last week I did a run that involved a long, long hill that I hadn’t done for while.  And, it felt great!  Then, the next day, I killed a 7-miler!  Hey, maybe the runner inside me is finally coming back out!  And, after a couple of few days of a 2-miler and a couple of 3-milers, I did a wonderful 5-miler on a hot and humid day!  And, it felt great!

For the first time in a long time, I actually feel like I’m a runner again.  Last week, my runs were faster and I didn’t feel like I was just going through the motion of running.  So, if you’re in the building process – and you’re getting frustrated – don’t worry.  You’ll get those running legs back!  And, maybe even better!  If you’re just getting started, keep doing it wisely.  No more than 10% from one week to the next.  Your breakthrough will come!

Run Happy!
Judy

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Review Of Power Bar Energy Gel Blasts

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Judy Mick

I tried something yesterday that I want to share with you.  Power Bar Energy Gel Blasts. These are great little chews for use before and during runs – or any exercise.  For the those techies out there – they are formulated with Power C2 MAX dual source energy blend.  It’s a 2:1 glucose to fructose blend found to deliver 20–50% more energy to muscles than glucose alone and improve endurance performance .

Now, I’ve always been a Banana Power Bar girl – I eat one every morning before I head out for my run – so I figured I’d try these.  I had run a really hilly workout on Tuesday and then a 7 miler on Wednesday.  It was a humid morning Wednesday, and I was feeling the hills a little bit from the day before – so I figured I’d try out my new energy treat, even though usually I don’t take anything for an hour run – just over an hour.

After about 40 minutes of running, I popped a few of these in my mouth.  At first, the consistency was kind of weird – but then, I realized that they were kind of like a gummy bear. And, then a “blast” of gel from the inside.  I tried the Raspberry Flavor – yum.

And, I think they worked.  Even after a hard run the day before and feeling kind of draggy when I started out, I finished my 7-miler feeling great and ran the last few miles faster than the first few miles of my run.  So, I think that I’m hooked.

Power Bar Energy Gel Blasts come in a nice little foil pack that is resealable.  So, it makes them great to tuck into a pocket to take more out of on super long runs.  Usually during a run of 1 1/2 hours or longer, I take a gel or 2.  I think I’m really going to like these little chews much better.  If it’s a hot day – and maybe it’s just me being klutzy – but I usually have gels all over me (after I fight to open the pouch).  I see that these little bites will be much more convenient.

I’m looking forward to trying them on a run of 1 1/2 hours or more to see if they do the job as well as energy gels do.   I’ll let you know what I find out.

Meanwhile, you may want to pick up a bag or two of these to try.  I think that you’ll like them.  They are so convenient and not messy at all.   You can find them at http://budurl.com/EnergyBites.

Run Happy!

Judy

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Top 5 Running Myths

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Judy Mick
Nothing drives me crazier than some things that you hear about running that is completely untrue.  And, what really bothers me more, is that newbie runners will believe some of these myths.  Here are what I feel are the top 5 myths about running.
Running will hurt your knees. Non-runners assume that since you are out there pounding the pavement that you are destroying your knees. This is totally false. In fact, running can actually increase bone density. A study was done of runners and non-runners. After a certain period of time, a higher percentage of non-runners had arthritic problems with their knees than the runners did. So, don’t listen if someone tries to tell you how bad running is for your knees.
You should always stretch before you run. This can actually harm you instead of helping you. Stretching cold muscles can actually pull or tear them. If you want to stretch before your run, do a little walking to get the blood flowing through your muscles, then stretch. Many runners actually don’t stretch before their runs – they warm up by running their first ½ – mile slowly and easily. Then, they do their stretching after their runs.
If you walk during your run, you’re a wimp. For many runners, taking walking breaks can help you to run farther and to run longer. In fact, world-class runner Jeff Galloway has devised several run/walk programs for runners to help them through different races. They run for a period of time, walk for a short period, run walk, etc. This plan has helped many runners get through long distances. If you are feeling like you need a short walking break, it’s OK. Just make sure to keep it short and get back to running.
Runners don’t need strength training. Doing some light, easy strength training will improve your strength and the elasticity in your muscles. This will make you a more efficient runner and strong runner. And, a more efficient runner is usually a non-injured runner. Leg lifts will strengthen the area around your knees and can help prevent runner’s knee.
You’ll damage your lungs if you run in cold weather. Our bodies are made to protect us. Unless you are running long distances in temperatures well before 0, there is no danger from running in the cold. In fact, your body will warm up the cold air by the time that it reaches your lungs.
So, if someone is trying to tell you how bad running is for you – don’t listen.  You know how great you feel!  Don’t let anyone take that away from you!
Run Happy!
Judy
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Building Mileage Diary – Part 2

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Judy Mick

Back with you with another post about me slowing building  mileage back up to where it used to be.  It’s such a challenge to do it slowly – but I know that it’s the only way to do it so that I don’t get injured.  I can’t just preach it – I need to live it!

In case you missed part 1 – here’s the link to it:  http://www.lifetimefitnessconnection.com/thestreakingrunner/building-mileage-diary-part-1/

I’ve been working on building up my mileage for a few week now, so last week I made it an easy week.  If you are building your mileage up after an injury or a lay off, every 4 weeks or so, you need to take a week where you do about 1/2 to 3/4 of the mileage that you usually do.  It’s good for you to do this – just as you do easy days after a hard run.

So, this week I was back at it again.  My longest run of the week was 7 miles (adding one mile to my longest run each week).  It still feels really weird to say that’s my longest run of the week – but then, again, I’m happy that I’m slowly getting back to my usual mileage.

That 7 miles felt really good, so I know that I’m on the right track.  And, besides, 7 is  my lucky number!  Next week, I’ll do another 7 for my longer run and add another mile or 2 to one of the other days.  Then, the week after, will go up to 8 for the long run.

I hope that if you are a beginning runner just starting to build mileage, that you are doing it the same way.  Build slowly and you’ll stay injury free and enjoying your running!

Run Happy!
Judy

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Running From The Cat’s Point Of View

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Judy Mick

Hi everyone!  Mom is a little busy today, so I thought that I’d write her blog post for her.  (See me here with her tablet!)  Anyway, I know that she loves to run, so I thought that I’d talk about her running from my perspective.

Now, Mom goes running everyday.  Most days she goes outside, but there’s a few days that she does downstairs and runs on that funny machine.  I don’t know why she does that sometimes, but it may have something to do with the weather.  Since I don’t go outside, I’m not sure of the difference!  When she runs on the machine, I sit or lay there on her bench that she does what she calls her weight workout on.  It’s funny to watch the rolling machine!

When Mom goes outside to run, I always walk with her to the door.  She leaves the big solid door open so that I can watch through the other door, which is glass.  I always lay there and watch for her to come back.  And, she always waves to me as she starts her run.  Some days she’s gone longer than others.  On those days, I’m usually asleep when she comes back.

I’ve got my Mom trained really well!  Whenever she’s done running – whether she runs inside or outside – she always give me one of my kitty treats.  Not very often, but sometimes she’ll forget (or take a little too long to get them) and I have to remind her.  She always feels bad when she forgets and gets it for me right away.

On the days where she’s gone longer, when she comes back she takes my mouse finder and rubs it over her legs.  I think she calls it her running stick – I think that it makes her legs feel better after she comes back.  All I know is that she also uses it to find my little mice from under the couch.  I get a little excited when I play with them and sometimes (OK, a lot of times, bat them under the couch!).  So, Mom finds them with this stick.  After she uses it on herself, I sit there until she uses it to fish a mouse out for me.

Another thing that I really like to do is to lick her legs when she comes back in.  I think that she’s thinks it’s gross, but it’s just that her legs taste so salty.  And, I like it!  Do you think that’s bad?

Well, I’d better go.  I feel a cat nap coming on.  Boy, I’m glad she doesn’t make me run with her!

As Mom always says,

Run Happy!

Missy (Judy’s cat)

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Running Tips – Preventing and Treating Black Toenails

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Judy Mick

To me, black toenails can be like a badge of honor.  My Dad used to tease me about my black toenails.  He also used to laugh that I started using dark polish on my toes so that I could hide my black toenails when I was wearing my favorite shoes – flip flops!

By the way, this is not my foot.  When I used to get black toenails, they were always my big toe!

Many runners at one time or another will experience black toenails. They are caused by constant rubbing of the toes against the front of your running shoes. There are several causes of blackened toenails and several ways that you can prevent them. They are fairly Continue reading →

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