Runner Insight

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This year winter in Montana hit hard and fast.  We were having a nice long Indian summer, and I had only worn my running tights a few times up until mid December. And that was only because of the wind or because I would meet my mom after my run, and we would go for a walk.  For the most part, I had been running in my running shorts and a lightweight running jacket all the way up until about the second week of December.

In fact, I wrote “Christmas Tree Run” blog a few weeks ago about running in my shorts in December!  But that ended up being the last day I was able to run outside in my running shorts. As it happens, it was the last time I’ve run outside to date.  We got hit with about 9” of snow, then the wind started to blow and the temperatures took a dive down to the land of negative numbers.  When it got that cold, I was content to stay warm and cozy inside…for about 3 days.

Then the restlessness struck, and I just couldn’t stand not running.  So I packed my gym bag and began the long and involved process of getting dressed to venture out into the beyond-frigid, frozen tundra that was now the world outside.  I swear it took me as long to get dressed as it did to waddle like a penguin in my multi-layered winter protection package to the gym, which is only a couple of blocks away.

Out of all the seasons, winter poses the most challenges for me as a blind runner. From snow to sub-zero temps to ice underfoot and freezing rain, the challenge is not in the knowing when or how to run in these elements, but rather it’s understanding and internalizing that I can’t, and finding an alternative to get my running fix.

Because I don’t see well, it’s a no-brainer for me. When there is snow on the running path, I can’t run. Same goes for temps below 20 degrees. It’s not much fun when it’s that cold, and can be dangerous if the weather takes a turn for the worse while I’m out in it.  So during these unfavorable conditions, I usually resign myself to running on a treadmill.

Treadmill workouts are not my favorite thing, but they do serve a useful purpose: mainly to keep me from going crazy from not getting my running fix!  But I have to admit that if that was all I could do – run on a treadmill – I don’t think I would be a runner. I just love running outside so much.  Even though I don’t see well, there is just something wonderful, yet indefinable about being outdoors and running that defies my understanding as to why I love it so darn much. But regardless of the reason, in order to be able to run outside when the weather is better and not have to completely start my training regimen from scratch every spring, I use the treadmill to keep myself in shape. That way I am able to do longer runs once the weather improves.

Since I don’t enjoy running on the treadmill, but find it to be a necessary evil, over the years I have developed some tricks that I use to keep myself sane while running on the treadmill.  One strategy I learned was to put a towel over the display panel of the treadmill.  This way I don’t keep looking to see how much time has passed or how much further I have to go.  I no longer need to do this, as I can’t see the display screen anymore. In fact, it’s quite comical if you’re watching, because I practically have to put my nose on it to see it.

Another thing that I do to make the treadmill running tolerable is I listen to my mp3 player.  I will select music that I have listened to during some of my different runs.  For example, while I was on vacation in Hawaii with my parents in 2002, I was listing to Shakira “Laundry Service” for the 3 weeks I was there. When I run on the treadmill, with Shakira along for the fun, I can visualize myself running along the path by the canal, watching the kayaks float by. Listening to a good book on the mp3 player can make the time go by faster, too.

Another tip is to get a treadmill by a window if you can. The gym I go to has huge picture windows, so I make it a point to get as close to one as possible. Not only is it cooler, but it gives me more of the sense of being outside.

I also use my time on the treadmill to do some speed work.  I can’t do speed work when I’m running outside, as I have to really watch where I’m going. Since I’m not able to run fast outdoors and be safe, too, I punch up the speed on the treadmill and really get a good sweat going.  I also find if I do run faster, I don’t feel like I need to spend as much time on it!

The other big positive about running on the treadmill, it actually gets me into the gym, so I am more likely to do my weight training! And that’s a good thing, isn’t it?

How ‘bout it?
-Vision Runner

Popularity: 18% [?]

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Imagine giving a gift that your runner will use every time they head out the door to go running. If you’re not a runner, you are probably flabbergasted at the thought of having to come up with the inspired gift idea that your runner will treasure for many runs to come. Well, you can now set aside your “flabbergastion” and confusion.  

Yes, it’s true; you can give a cherished gift that will make your runner curious as to the source of your insight, and they’ll wonder how in the world they ever lived without it! But keep them guessing. You don’t have to tell all your secrets.

Being a runner myself for more than 15 years, I can attest to how much a runner can truly appreciate a thoughtful running gift, and you don’t have to sacrifice your self-respect by giving them the ubiquitous box of cordial cherries or resorting to the brightly colored toe socks, or whatever else you happen to walk by in the drugstore in a desperate search for something even slightly appropriate.

I know, I know….it’s not quite that bad…maybe.

To help you out, I’ve written an eBook that you can get for free. It’s called “Gifts For Runners – More Than 50 Unique and Creative Gifts For The Runner In Your Life”  It’s written in an easy to read, relaxed style in a quick downloading .pdf file format.  It’s yours at absolutely no cost, just by clicking on the link above or you can more easily fill in the form just below. There’s also a link in the sidebar under “Pages” if you know someone that wants to download it later.

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In the meantime, here’s an excerpt with my Top 5 Most Appreciated Gifts For Runners….the links are active, and they should all be formatted to open in a new window. So you can click on them to see pictures or get more information or order online and not lose your place on this page…

• Road ID – Most runners don’t carry any sort of ID with them as they head out for their run. Not because they don’t want to, but primarily because it’s inconvenient. You may not have thought about it, but it’s very difficult to carry a wallet or personal ID in the flimsy little bits of wick-away fabric known as running shorts. If it crossed my mind, I might occasionally remember to take a piece of paper with some general contact information on it. After a couple of runs, it would become worn and difficult to read, and I would toss it, and then forget to make a new one.

When I received the Road ID as a gift, I was thrilled to have something so small and light weight, with all my important contact information right on it.      

The Road ID is personal identification gear with your info laser engraved on a tag that’s easy to take with you, easy to read, and it comes in many different styles and colors.  I was given both the wrist band and shoe ID style. The wrist band Velcro’s around my wrist like a sports watch, bracelet-style. The Shoe Id attaches via Velcro to my shoe laces, and it just stays there, until I change out running shoes every few hundred miles. By having both kinds, if I forget to put my wrist band on, I always have the Road ID on my running shoes. They also have an ankle style and shoe pouch style. You can even choose a cool picture or logo to put on the dog tag style (Fixx ID) that will capture your runner’s unique personality. While I hope no one will ever have to use my Road ID for its intended purpose, it’s just a good layer of protection for me and peace of mind for my loved ones.

• Flashers/Blinkers/Safety Lights – I’m a big believer in being as safe as possible. And the primary way for a runner, walker or bicyclist to be safe is to be seen. Again, this was something I had never even considered using until I was given a safety flasher as a gift.

What better way to provide your runner with a bubble of protection than a blinking light that can been seen from half-mile to a mile away? Flashers and blinkers now come in all sorts of sizes and shapes; they are lightweight and the batteries last a long time. They even have flashers that clip right to your running hat! I often wear two or more, one on the brim of my hat, and at least one on my waistband. 

• Running Pocket - Now, I know this probably wouldn’t occur to the average non-runner, but to an avid runner, this is a coveted treasure. I searched high and low, long and hard for just the right clip-on pocket to run with. I knew exactly what I wanted; I just had a hard time finding it.

Most of the pockets I found weren’t really designed for running. They were bulky and bounced around a lot. It wasn’t until I was in Illinois visiting family, that I found exactly what I wanted.      

At the local running store, there it was: the perfect running pocket.  It was made by Amphipod. This handy piece of equipment is great, because it doesn’t bounce around at all, and it’s flat so it hangs comfortably on my running shorts.  The built-in pocket in running shorts is oftentimes too small or there isn’t one at all.  There are certain things I like to carry with me when I’m out running, such as Lifesavers, Chap Stick, my house key, and an extra battery for my mp3 player; not to mention sometimes I want cash or a Starbucks gift card for my caffeine fix on the way home! I can carry gels or energy beans with the pocket, and it’s great to have for races, too. 

• Pedometer - I don’t know any runner who wouldn’t love this gift. I love to chart my running mileage, and if I take a different route, I always want to know how far I have run. Omron makes a good one with a tether on it, the HJ-112 so you don’t have to worry about losing it. And it actually works for longer than two to three months, like so many of them that we’ve tried. We’ve had the Omron HJ-112 for probably a year and a half or two years now, and it’s still working great.

Most pedometers have several different functions on them, from time and date to counting mileage and calories to counting total steps versus aerobic steps to memory functions. Although the Omron HJ-112 doesn’t have a “talking” feature, it’s nice to have one that talks, that way I can just push a button and keep my eyes on the road. 

• Subscription to a Running Magazine – My favorite is Runner’s World, but there are other choices available as well. Just imagine, every month when they get their new copy of Runner’s World they will be thinking of you! And it’s just the thing to keep your enthusiastic runner motivated all year round!

Hopefully that gets you started with some great ideas, and don’t forget to get your copy of the free eBook I wrote for you:  “Gifts For Runners – More Than 50 Unique and Creative Gifts For The Runner In Your Life” .

How ’bout it?

- Vision Runner

Popularity: 32% [?]