In one week, I’ll be running my first 50-mile race. I’ve been diligently following a training schedule, and I’m ready to give it a go. However, this past week, I’ve been unable to run outside at all. There is snow and ice everywhere! In fact, we had to cancel our (outside) training run with Boise RunWalk (our training group) for the first time ever. The running path was simply unsafe to run on, and it would have been irresponsible to lead a group of runners and walkers on such treacherous conditions.

That said, I’ve had to move indoors and train on a treadmill – and this week will probably be the same.  Not the ideal scenario for the last couple of weeks before a long race, but I’m lucky to be able to get my workouts in at all.

There was a time when I would have stressed out over this “kink” in my training plan – to be honest, a “kink” in any kind of plan would have caused anxiety. However, I’m totally ok with this minor obstacle, and I’ve asked myself: “What is the Opportunity?” in this.

There are several answers to that question: (more…)

A few days ago, I wrote a post about my back-to-back 20-mile runs and climbing the hills on the 2nd 20. Today, I have another “hill” post. If it seems like I’m obsessed with hills, maybe I am, just a little. I’m just so excited to be able to run hills!

When I decided to take on my ultrarunning adventures, one of my primary goals was to become a good hill runner. (more…)

My friend Dick Beardsley visited Idaho for the first time this week. On Tuesday night, Dick gave an inspirational talk here in Boise at The Pursuit. He continues to inspire people everywhere he goes with his message of hope and perseverance.  (more…)

This past weekend was a milestone for me. I did back-to-back 20-milers, and it was awesome! I had been getting psyched all week, and it’s all about what you “dial in” your brain. I knew that I would be running 20 miles on relatively flat on Saturday with 20 miles on hills on Sunday. I’ve never done a double 20 before, and I was so exhilarated to accomplish this endeavor.

On Saturday, our local running group – Boise RunWalk – met to begin the “winter session,” and I ran the first few miles with some folks from the group. After they turned around, I relaxed and ran the rest alone. I’m accustomed to solitary running and I enjoy it, so I had no trouble when I left the group. I felt pretty good when I finished – the greenbelt is pretty flat, so it was a typical 20-mile run.

Sunday was a little different story. (more…)

A few days ago, I suggested that you get started on your goals now instead of waiting until the New Year. Have you started yet? What’s stopping you? If you’re not sure how to get started, here are a few tips:

1. Do something today. Do anything. Go out and walk around the block. Do a few situps. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Just do something today.
2. Eliminate ALL excuses. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. The hardest part is getting started, so just start with 10 minutes. I KNOW you have 10 minutes you can spend walking or doing some kind of exercise. Not having the time is the biggest excuse. No more excuses!
3. Make it a habit. It only takes 21-30 days to form a new habit. So, do a little something everyday. Before you know it, you will have exercised for one month, then 2 months. After only one month of exercise, you’ll  notice a change in many aspects of your life…and you’ll love it. Stick with it, and form a new good habit.

Everyone is different, and we all have different views of exercise. Do what works for you. Make it fun. Set a goal. And enjoy your success!

I got out a little later than usual for my morning run today, but when I headed out, I decided that my purpose today was to be open to nature. I left the ipod at home and as I ran along, I listened to the rushing water and the sounds of the birds.

My schedule called for some speed intervals after a nice 2-mile warmup. As I rounded a curve on the Greenbelt along the Boise River – still in my easy and comfortable warmup – I saw 2 bald eagles standing on some rocks by the water’s edge. I stopped for just a moment to watch them just before they flew off.

I was still so thrilled to see them, and as I rounded another curve, there they were sitting in a tree beside the river. I watched them for a minute more before I continued on my run. I felt a new sense of energy and ran my intervals strong and fast. When I turned around to head back, one of the eagles was still in the same spot I had passed 15 minutes earlier.

As this was nature’s gift to me today, I said a silent word of gratitude for being part of their world today.

December is here, and maybe you’re already thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions. Personally, I’ve never been fond of the word “resolutions” in connection with “New Year’s.” So many resolutions get broken, and once it’s broken, you think, “Oh well, since I already broke my resolution, I don’t have to keep trying to keep it.” Resolutions are things that have to be “kept.” “Goals,” on the other hand, are ongoing and ever-changing, and if you don’t hit your target “goal” right away, you can modify it and keep working on it. You don’t abandon goals as easily as resolutions.

Also, why do we just set “resolutions” with the changing of a “new year”? Every day is the beginning of a “new year.”

So, instead of making New Year’s Resolutions on January 1, start today by setting a new goal. Why wait until January 1 when you can start now?

Thanksgiving is now over. Did you eat too much? Exercise too little? Are you already thinking about the Christmas holidays? Maybe you’re thinking that in 2009 – after the holidays – you’d like to lose 10 pounds.

Why don’t you try something totally different? Instead of shedding those 10 pounds beginning January 1, why don’t you make it your goal to LOSE a few pounds over the next month instead of GAINING a few pounds over the next month? Crazy idea, I know!

And, even crazier…Why don’t you start your exercise program now? “Now?” you ask, “It’s not 2009 yet.” Why wait? Get a headstart on all your friends. Start walking, running, join a gym. If you go to a local gym and tell them that you want their New Year’s special now, I’ll bet they’ll give it to you. In order to G-E-T, you have to A-S-K!

No more excuses or procrastination. The New Year starts today!