On the Run in April

It's time again for our run-down (Rich, that pun's for you!) of fun running events happening in the coming month!  


No foolin'.  The Ta Ta Trot 5k is happening on April 1st at 9am at Belfast Area High School (98 Walso Ave, Belfast).  You can pre-register here or starting at 7:30am the day of the race. 

On April 7th, there is the ever popular Race The Runways  1 miler, 5k, Half-Marathon and 14.1 miler down at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station.  Something for everyone, no matter the distance you like! This is a no-frills race - they advertise this "You won’t received a “goody bag” full of junk, promotions, butt butter and beer can cozys.  You will receive a quality race put on by runners and triathletes for runners and triathletes."  But, don't let that scare you away - all ability levels are welcome, including walkers.  I did the half last year and will vouch for it being a super-friendly race  - even for those of us who aren't finishing in the front (...or middle!).  Apart from really nice volunteers, one of the best things about this race is the flat course!! Hope to see you there!

If you're looking to stay a little closer to the Bangor area, you can just head over to Verona Island for the Bridge the Gap 5k and 10-miler.   Both races start at 10am at Fort Knox and finish at the Verona Island Picnic Area. 

On Friday April 20th, the 5th annual Healthy High 1 mile, 5k and 10k run/walk will be held at U Maine.  The race starts at 4:20pm at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center.  You can register online here or at the race. 

Get ready for the Tri for the Y at the Bangor Y on April 29th at 8am.  This is a sprint distance tri featuring a 325-yard pool swim in Means & Aloupis Pools, a 13.3 mile bike ride along a well-marked course in Bangor and a 3.1 mile run.  You can register online here. The race proceeds go to benefit the Bangor Y's Access-Y Scholarship program, which gives everyone the opportunity to participate in Y programs regardless of their financial situation.  So, not only are you doing good for your health, but you're also helping others do the same.  Plus, as an added bonus, the ladies of Mainely Running will be working the course, cheering you on!! 

You can round out the month with the Orrington 10K & 1-Mile Fun Run on April 30th at the Center Drive School in Orrington. Registration starts at 8am, the 1 mile run starts at 9am and the 10k starts at 9:30am.  The proceeds go to benefit the track and cross country programs at the Center Drive School.  A small town race on quiet country roads in the beautiful Maine springtime! 

Happy running!

Wednesday Wisdom: the Roses

"I didn't train all that time just to come here

and get it over with as fast as I can."

- John Bingham, on running marathons

I laughed out loud when I read this. What a fabulous quote! And I'm not just saying that because I'm a total back-of-the-packer when it comes to running marathons (well..maybe that's not true).

One of the things that Christine, Amy and I always say is that training for a marathon is the tough part. The race itself? Well, you should celebrate getting to that point. All of the hard work that you put in week after week is about to pay off. So don't feel like you have to rush through (unless you're going for a PR of course...in that case, get moving) . Stop and smell those roses!

A Revolutionary Update: Louise

Remember Louise? We've been in touch with her again recently and are thrilled to hear that she's back at it and making fantastic progress toward her 5k goal.  We asked her about it and here's what she had to say:

Update! I finally can say that I'm "on my way" ! I started Weight Watchers in January, and to date, have lost 35 lbs. I have been experimenting with different Couch to 5K programs and have found that I like the one by RunHelper. It's called  Ease into 5 K.  So far I'm working on week # 2. I'm finding that as the running distances get longer, my legs hurt a little more… BUT…. I have seen so much progress in myself that the next day, I go right back out and do it again. Last night, I went to walk, and ended up running 4/10 of a mile! That was a big accomplishment for me. Months ago, I wouldn't have been able to even walk that far. I am so motivated and have to remind myself to take it easy and not get too over zealous. The last thing I want is to injure myself.  If anyone is interested in walking or running the Crohn's Awareness Walk in Portland on May 19th, I would love to have you join our team, "Friends of Cat C". That will be my first running event, with no pressure. After that, I will set my sights on a 5K but I have yet to just pick one and sign up! 
Louise C.

Louise, we are so proud of the progress that you are making!  We know that you are well on your way to a 5k!! Are you inspired by Louise? Have your own story of goal-setting to share?  Contact us at info@mainelyrunning.com and become one of our fitness revolutionaries.   It's a great way to keep yourself accountable, inspiring others along the way!  

Bouncing Back

via

And no, I'm not talking about the girls!  (Jen has a great post about that though and I totally second her recommendation for the Fiona - it's my current fav and on sale right now!)  I'm more talking about bouncing back from injury or illness.  It's tough but we all have to do it at some point.  When you're following a training plan for a big race, it's easy to start thinking that you're in trouble if you miss a few workouts.  I know that I'm there again after suffering from a nasty stomach bug this past weekend.  It's taken me a good chunk of the week to recover from that and combining it with workshops and vacations, I'm starting to have some worries about staying on track for the marathon in May.  I went through the same thing a couple of years ago after getting tendonitis in my foot just 6 weeks before my second marathon.  While I was freaking out then, I ran across this awesome article put together by  the folks over at Running Planet (and no, we're not being paid to promote them - yet, at least ;)) that offers tips on how to adjust your training schedule to work around your injury or illness.  With this in mind, and a whole lot of PT, I made it to race day and finished pain-free (well, as pain-free as you can finish a marathon!).  So, take care and stay healthy but if you do get injured, don't despair - you still might be able to make it work! 

Wednesday Wisdom: Pretty

via

I guess I'm doing something right ;)  

It's hard to let go of the self-consciousness when you're first starting out running in public.  I had to do a lot of the self-coaching and reminding myself that people driving by can judge all they want, it doesn't matter - besides, they're not actually out running.  And that nobody really cares that much about what I look like - they're more concerned with themselves.  Eventually, I got more used to it and it doesn't bother me so much anymore, although I still feel self-conscious about the visibility of my bulges and jiggly bits flopping around when I start to wear fewer layers (don't worry - they are covered up!! I'm just down to one shirt instead of 4 or 5).  So here's another little saying to add to my list of mantras :)

Fitness Revolutionaries

via

We've been in touch with our revolutionaries, and boy, do they have some inspiring and amazing things to report!!  Some huge strides in running and fitness (not to mention overall well-being) and some very significant weight loss - so much closer to achieving their goals. You are going to be so impressed and proud of them!! We are are going to let them tell you about their successes in their own words, but wanted to let you know that some great news is on the way, so stay tuned! :)


Do you have a story about your fitness journey and goals to share?  We want to hear from you! Contact us at info@mainelyrunning.com and become one of our fitness revolutionaries.   It's a great way to keep yourself accountable, inspiring others along the way!  

Survey says....

via

First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who filled out our survey!  We really value the feedback (I know, I sound like a recording on one of those phone mazes)  - but honestly, we do!  Our hope is to motivate, inspire and support you all on your individual running/fitness journeys and to be able to pay forward the encouragement and support that others have given to us.  But, we know that everyone works a little differently so it is so helpful to hear what you really think! 


We got some very informative responses and I thought we could share some of the interesting details with you. For instance, Facebook seems to be the way that the majority of people both heard about and keep up to date with our group (so maybe my FB addiction is really just good business?) .  Our Fitness Revolutionaries, local race info, inspirational quotes and general health and fitness were reported as favorite topics while our Fitness Revolutionaries, inspirational quotes and general health and fitness were also rated as least favorite topics.  :)  Thankfully, we try to provide a little something for everyone!  


We heard that folks would also like to see more talk about local fitness resources, more group runs, more advice for the folks just starting out,  and a section about healthy food.  The response to a closed bulletin board system for finding running partners was kind of lukewarm (which I totally understand!) but it sounds like most people would be on board with some organized groups runs especially on weekends.  We hear you and will see what we can do!  

But, now, for the most exciting part of the survey - the winner of our mystery giveaway!  We are thrilled to be able to give to one lucky runner an assortment of GU energy gels and chews.  I know, not anything you'd ever choose for a snack when not exercising, but trust me, they are awesome when you've been running for a while and need something to keep you going.  A name was selected at random and, drumroll please....
The winner is .....

Karyn

Karyn, congrats!  We'll get your prize out to you pronto!  


So folks, thanks again for your input!  If you have any other ideas that you want to share, we're all ears!  Leave a comment here or send us a note via our Contact Us page.  We want to know what's on your mind! 


Happy running!

Not Everything That Is Good For You Always Feels Good

via

Now, That's More Like It!

That's what I'm talking about...  Really, it is about time!

via

After several weeks of lack of motivation, heavy legs and hard-fought runs, I had a great run today and finally feel like I'm getting my running mojo back.  The logical side of my brain knew that my slump wouldn't last forever, and to just hold tight and it would end eventually.   So, despite how I was feeling, I kept up with the training plan and got the mileage in (I probably wouldn't call them quality miles but they were done nonetheless).  But I still had the thoughts and worries like "what if this is the new norm?", "what if running never feels good again?" and even on to "maybe I shouldn't be trying to run marathons" and then the ever popular "this sucks. why am I doing it?" I know, a little melodramatic but it's hard to not give in to those negative thoughts and doubts.  I imagine that we all have them at one point or another.  You just have to decide whether or not you are going to listen to them.  Trust me, don't!!   


Well, ok, you can listen a little, nod politely and insert a "yup" and "m-hmm" in the right places. Maybe even a courteous "No thank-you".  But whatever you do, don't take those negative thoughts to heart.  Hang in there and make your way through however you can - in the end it will be worth it! 


The nice thing is that once you do start feeling a little better you definitely appreciate the good runs more.  It felt so awesome today to be able to complete my run with energy to spare, to not be struggling with every step and to just have a better attitude toward the whole thing.  I know I wouldn't have been able to feel that strong again if I'd slacked off in a serious way and given up.  I guess the point I'm trying to make is that we ALL go through ups and downs in running (just like in life) and that if you can stick it out, the rewards will be worth it! 


ps. check back soon for some ideas about how to get through those tough runs when you're not on your game....

How do you fit it in?

We recently received a great question from one of our fabulous readers, who just started running last winter and ran her first 5k this past summer:

" I am SOOO inconsistent! I was doing well this summer, but once I went back [to work, I] fizzled, BIG TIME. I really need help figuring out how all of the working moms do it. I need to figure out how to make the "me" time."

I completely understand!! I don't work outside the home (aside from a little photography and my involvement with Mainely Running, which is a lot of fun so I can hardly call that work!) and I still have trouble finding the time alot of days so I can imagine it can be pretty near impossible with a full time job on top of your family and household duties. But, as impossible as it might seem, it is so worth the time physically, mentally and emotionally....

via

Personally, I need to set aside workout time on my calendar. If it's planned in advance, I'm much more likely to actually follow through. Not to say that I always can manage to fit in all of the workouts, but on most days, it does work for me. I know some moms who get up an hour before the rest of the family to workout, others who plan their workout for immediately following work before the kids are picked up, and others who save their workouts for after the kids go to bed at night. Finding what works best for you is really the key!

That's just what works for me, but I know that we have a lot of savvy readers who have figured out how to make it for them. So please share; how do YOU fit in the time for a workout while juggling work, home and family?

Wednesday Wisdom: Do Something Today

What will that be? Is it running a 5k, 10k or half marathon? We can help!  The next session of our Mainely Running class at the Bangor Y starts on Friday and it's not too late to register!  Call the Bangor Y today at 941-2808.  Or, if the class isn't what you're after, get in touch about our mentoring program.  Your future self says thank you! :)

A Bounce Update...Sorry Boys!

Remember this? I know it's been awhile, but I do have some good news! I've found two sports bras that live up to my no bounce, no chafing requirements.

The first is the Fiona Bra by Moving Comfort. I've worn this more times then I can count, and it never fails. It's held up great through all of the washer AND dryer cycles I've put it through...a definite A+ from me.



The second one I stumbled upon because I needed to buy a sports bra for a race the following day. Limited to what I could find in my size at the store, I felt like I was doomed from the start. Needless-to-say I was pleasantly surprised with my purchase. The Under Armour Women's Endure C Sports Bra delivers comfort, no chafe and no bounce. Like my Moving Comfort bra, this one has endured multiple washing and drying cycles, and still has its shape and support. Another A+!



So if you're in the market for a new sports bra, give these a try! I will continue to seek out the best of the best and report back on my findings. Until then, happy running!

On the run in March

via

How is it the end of February already?!!  Well, whether you're ready or not, it's time to get some races up on the calendar!  Here are just a few of the races going on around here this March:


Start off March right with a local 5k and half-marathon right here in Brewer!  The Chamberlain March Half-Marathon and 5k is scheduled for March 4 starting at 10am at the Brewer Armory at 133 Elm Street.  Funds raised from the race will be used to fund a college scholarship for Maine children of fallen soldiers. With 2 distances to choose from, it's perfect for all!


Never fear, if you can't make the Chamberlain Half, or even if you can, there's another local half the following weekend.  The First Annual MidCoast Half Marathon  is planned for Sunday March 11 at 9:30am, just down the road in Lincolnville.  The race will be held on the gorgeous grounds of the Cellardoor Winery. A post race party will include a delicious meal, live music, wine tastings, vendors and awards ceremony. It sounds like a great way to kick off the racing season!


The luck of the Irish will be with you on Saturday, March 17th for the St. Paddy's Day 5k in Hartland, part of the Teachers-on-the-Run series.  Registration starts at 8:15am and the race starts at 9am.  All participants will be entered into a drawing to win this month’s themed prize. Participants can earn extra tickets into the drawing by wearing something GREEN. Also, participants that pre-register by March 16, will earn an extra ticket into the drawing. That’s a lot of chances to win!  Plus, there will be a supervised kid's fun run held in the gym during the 5k, so parents, you've got no excuses!! 


On March 31st, head on down to Lamoine for the Flattop 5k, part of Sub5's Tradewinds race series.  The race starts at the Lamoine School with a 1 mile kids run at 9:30 and the 5k at 10am. Fun for the whole family!


So, what are your plans? Hope to see you at some of these races!!