go.ryan.go

I've always been a gameday addict. I crave the feeling I used to get standing on the sideline listening to the National Anthem being played right before a game is about to begin. I need that feeling, which is why I started running in the first place. I love to compete.

Since I moved to Kansas City, I haven't raced. I had been questioning whether or not I've been getting faster and stronger. To test this,  last week I noticed a 10k was going on this weekend and decided to sign up. Put up or shut up. 

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I tried a variety of stretches but nothing seemed to work. After some research I found one stretch which really did the trick. When I woke up this morning my IT band was hurting and I whipped out my trusty stretch and voila, it felt great. 

Here's my stretch 

This is the standing version of the classic ITB stretch. Give it a try.

To stretch the IT band of your right leg, stand with your left side facing the wall. Cross your right leg behind your left, while putting your left hand against the wall. Put your weight on the right leg and lean against the wall by pushing your right hip away from the wall. Be sure that your right foot is parallel to the wall during the stretch. You should be able to feel the stretch in your hip and down the IT band (in this case, along the right side of your right leg). Hold for five seconds and do this ten times. For the left leg, do as above, but stand with your right side facing the wall, and put your left leg behind your right.

Today, was the first day I've ever done a 'long run' with a friend.  

Jb, a Marketing Intern and all around great guy at the NSCAA is running his first 1/2 mary this weekend in Kansas City. I was all set to run as well until I got pulled into a meeting in Las Vegas all day Saturday.  

The Goal: Jb had never been over 10mi before in his previous runs and he wanted to get above 13.1 before the race on Sunday. 

We did that and then some. 

The best part about the run?

Running with a friend.

Jb and I both were talking bout how tough it is to train solo, but when you get together and pound out some miles with a friend, it's a different story. 

I remember at one point during the run I had a good feeling of 'runners high' as we plowed along, sun setting, beautiful night and we had the same stride. Fantastic feeling.

It's on days like tonight that I feel bad for those people who don't run or have an outdoor pursuit they enjoy. Nothing beats a beautiful 60 degree fall day when the pavement moves under my feet at 9:00 mi/hr.

On those days, all is right with the world, especially when you're running with a friend.   

On a side note, if you are in KC this weekend at the 1/2 marathon, make sure to cheer loud for Jb. You'll notice him with the floppy red hair and Vibrams on. GO GET EM!

Every Second Counts

When I'm in the middle of a tough workout, especially swim, I'm always tempted to take a few extra seconds of rest because it feels like the best thing to do when I'm completely gassed.  

I figure, one second can't hurt, right?

Well, tell that to my friend Mark, who qualified for Boston this past weekend at the Wineglass Marathon by running a time of 3:10:59. 

One second more and he's not making the trip. 

So, I guess every second does count, huh?

What's your ultimate post long run craving?

Something has been bothering me lately with regards to my training (and life in general). Maybe you have the same problem. 

Since I started training for my next 1/2 marathon on November 21st, I decided to give up beer/alcohol almost entirely (minus a random glass of wine with a nice dinner or the odd single beer to celebrate). I've also switched to about a 80% paleo diet with a few cheat meals in there. 

Both decisions have been made because of a) training and b) money. 

I didn't expect was the assumption I am judging others because I choose not to partake in certain activities, or the negative opinions I've received because I am apparently elitist and think I'm 'holier than thou' because I'm in the best shape of my life. 

Look, it's simple. I'm not judging you because of what I choose not to do. Everyone has their own belief system. If someone disagrees with my choices, it is because of their life experiences and thoughts, not because of mine. 

I enjoy running, a lot. I love riding my bike, swimming, being active and being in the best shape of my life at 27 years old. When I don't want to eat that piece of cake or have a beer, I'm not being elitist. I'm making a conscious choice because I want to beat that person who finishes the race 1 second in front of me. I'm not saying "boy, I think you are terrible person for eating that cake." I actually wish I could destroy that piece of cake and the rest of the cake entirely, but I choose not to.  

My choices are my own. My choices do not reflect how I feel about others. Just because I'm not drinking DOES NOT mean I'm judging you. Don't assume when I am choosing not to do something, it immediately means I'm condoning you because you are. 

Anyone else experience the same feeling?