Somebody please tell me why they call it a “Fun Run”? As a novice runner, I made a pledge to get a 5K run under my belt this summer. Little did I know, I would be taking on a serious lifestyle change. As a frequent gym loafer (reading magazines while on the treadmill or bike and/or going to the gym to sit in the sauna)I never really maximized my workout. Retraction: most women maximize their workout when they see a cutie pie in the gym or another chick with abs and a butt of steel. One day while running on the treadmill, this guy comes over to me and tells me that I’m “popping”. If you’re like me, the first thing that came to mind was popcorn. Especially since the Power Bar I had recently eaten wasn’t doing the trick. What he meant was I was popping up and down and not running “heal toe”. This is when you place your heel down first and then your toes which help prevent injuries.
The more interesting tidbits I started to discover about the sport, the more I wanted to jump right into it. After registering for my 5K, I thought I could just lace up, get out there on the trail and start training. Wrong! I’m here to witness to the fact that there are some spoken and unspoken rules of the road. Here are a few tidbits I have learned along the way:
How to Run: First stretch. I notice when I don’t do it enough I feel it the next day. My co-workers can attest to this fact as I have been seen limping around the FastServers.Net office. It is absolutely a requirement to stretch before and after the run. At the present moment, I run long distances at a slow, gradual pace. If you have seen those runners who look like they are Rocky B. on the way to the Philadelphia Museum, this is probably not the best method for a newbie. To maximize a distance run, it is important to keep a steady pace with your hands down at the waist without clenched fists of steel! Are those guys running or about to start a fight?
Buying new Shoes: Before I got serious, I had an old pair of dusty New Balance’s that I got out of the Eastbay catalog in 2000. Now I know that shoes should be worn about 250-400 miles and not over two years. Now I’m flying fast and fancy free in my Mizuno Waves! I even picked up an extra pair of Asics. There is a really cool store just outside of city that that specializes in finding the right shoes for your structure and activity level. They even let you do a test run in them. https://www.runningforkicks.com
Join a Running Group: I have found that even the least victory-hungry person can hone in on their competitive streak and get motivated by running with others. For example, there is a chick in my group who simply insisted on running in front of me and tossing her ponytail in the wind (in my face). That was the fuel I needed. Needless to say she only tried that once. Now she tosses that tail on someone else. Our group members also hold conversations while running. This is excellent for keeping a steady rhythm of breath. By running with others you can also get the proper training on your form. My coach has been running for over 30 years. The second I start popping he gives me a shout.
Rules of the Road: As with every environment there are unspoken rules. From my experience, I have found there is a pecking order between the groups on the road. Bikers are at the top, next runners, and lastly walkers. This is primarily true because of the amount of speed the particular group exerts. Yes, bikers will damn near run you over and not “call it out”. This means they should say “on your left or right” when approaching. Some runners get irritated by walkers because they are slow and consequentially, walkers shun runners due to the shear fact that they are the slowest on the trail. It’s all exercise though, right? Below is a bit of lingo I picked up along the way and some stuff that is LOL funny:
Runners Lingo/Slang:
“What’s your distance? Or “What’s your PR?“ -how far do you run?
Clydesdale - a heavy weight runner.
Carbo Loading - bulk up on carbs (typically pasta) the night before a big run.
Overpronation- when your foot rolls inward while running.
Dick Cheney Racing Strategy- when one thinks they have the race won before it starts.
chub rub - chafing caused by fat thighs rubbing together.
hit the wall - a sudden crash in which you die so suddenly it’s as if you ran into a wall
Runners High? It has been said after prolonged amounts of running, an individual starts to get an uplifted feeling or a sense that they are high. Many say that every athlete experiences this state because they are working to their maximum potential which leads you to feeling like you are on top of the world. I haven’t experienced it, but I guess I have something to look forward to! Who knew that you could experience nirvana while exercising?
So the 5K I registered for is a part of the Scenic 10-Mile Run. I know I can run an outstanding time because I just recently ran 8.5 miles. So the question remains, why do they call it a Fun Run? Maybe it’s the pleasure of knowing that you can achieve a small but daunting feat while competing against others. Whatever the case, I’m prepared. I’m geared up and ready to run. http://www.scenic10.com/Race_Info/race_info.html
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