Runner Insight

My Marathon Book

Yahoo!  My new book is finished.  It’s called  “Running Blind: The Journey of a Blind Runner Training For Her First Marathon”

I got it done just before I ran the 4^th annual Missoula Marathon last month. The marathon I finished in July was actually my second time running the full one, cause after I ran the inaugural Missoula Marathon, I’ve run the half marathon the past two years.

When I was finished with my first marathon in 2007, I was convinced that I had no need to put myself through that torture ever again.

It wasn’t until I started writing my book about my first marathon experience that I decided to run another full marathon, so that’s how I ended up running it again a few weeks ago.

But let me tell you about my book – I’m so excited!  “Running Blind” is all about my first marathon experience. It includes everything from what lead up to my decision to run a full marathon, to the long months of dedicated and consistent training and finally to the running of the full 26.2 mile marathon, including all of the many lessons I learned along the way.  It’s full of great stories and the humorous tales of my journey.

I hope you’ll buy a copy for yourself, for friends and family, and be sure to tell everyone you know, too.  ’Cause it’s not just for runners – it’s for anyone who enjoys a great read. We all have obstacles to overcome in our life; this is just my story of how I took on the challenge of one of mine.

Right now there’s a couple of special promos going on to get a discount on the book – Purchase Running Blind: The Journey of a Blind Runner Training For Her First Marathon with 15% off with coupon code BEACHREAD305 or

You can get free shipping with a purchase over $19.95 with coupon code FREESHIP. So use whichever code works better with the amount you’re purchasing!

Just click any of the  links on this page to order your copy today! Click here:  Running Blind or download the first chapter for free at the top of the right hand column/sidebar!

And Enjoy!!

How ’bout it?

-Vision Runner

Popularity: 71% [?]

^ Click Arrow To Listen

Spring Running Tips

I wrote this about ten days ago or so….sorry it didn’t get posted till now!

What a glorious day it was today.  For the first time this year I went running without my running jacket!  Clad in my new running shorts and the electric blue short sleeve running shirt I bought just after Christmas, I headed out for what I knew was going to be a good run.  I had finished listening to the book “Sea Glass” by Anita Shreve so I took along my mp3 player loaded with my running songs.  I was listening to Melissa Etheridge’s “Breakdown” -one of my favorite CD’s to run to.

So after my beautiful sunny day run it occurred to me that I could share some spring running tips I have found useful over the years.

So off we go…

Spring Running Tips number one: No-Sweat Sunscreen

You might think about putting on some sun block before heading out in your running shorts and short-sleeved running shirt or tank top.   Having run in running tights or running pants all winter, exposing much more skin to the sun can cause some discomfort the next day.  But make sure you don’t put regular sun block on your forehead.  You will be sorry when you start to sweat!  You don’t want it burning your eyes while you’re trying to get a good run in. Believe me, I know!  You can get one of the no-sweat sun blocks that won’t burn your eyes. Click Here Now to check out Coppertone’s no-sweat sun blocks

Spring Running Tips number two: Check the weather. 

If there is a chance it might rain…or snow, make sure you bring your running jacket just in case.  I always bring along a snack size Ziploc plastic bag with a rubber band around it, too.  If it starts to rain I slip my cell phone into it and secure it with the rubber band.  It clips right back into the belt clip…albeit a much tighter fit. 

Spring Running Tips number 3: New pair of running shoes. 

If you have been running outdoors all winter, your running shoes have probably seen better days.  And don’t you want to look good when you put on your new spring running clothes? Seriously though, your running shoes wear out faster after being worn in the snow and slush.  They lose their form and don’t fit properly anymore, exposing you to all sorts of unnecessary foot and leg pain.

Spring Running Tips number 4: Leave the running songs.

If you normally go out running with an mp3 player, leave it at home for a change.  Give yourself the chance to listen to all the cool sounds of spring, like the robins singing and people out enjoying the nice weather.  You may even hear the buds starting to come out on the trees…well maybe not, but the sound of your feet hitting the path, and the rhythmic sound of your breathing will make your heart soar and put a smile on your face. Take in some deep breaths and just savor the taste of spring and the smells of new life all around you.

Hopefully you can use some of these spring running tips to your advantage!

How ‘bout it? 

-Vision Runner

Popularity: 34% [?]

^ Click Arrow To Listen 

I’m not sure why, but about two weeks ago a highly unexpected thought entered my head.  “Maybe I should start training for the Missoula Marathon in July.” 

What?  Not the half-marathon that I had already planned on shooting for, but the full 26.2 mile run.

I’m not quite sure what got into me.  I dunno. Maybe it was the beautiful spring day, or the fact that my sciatica seems to be on the mend, and I’m feeling like I’m getting back to my old self again?  But I just couldn’t shake the thought. 

To test my resolve, I told T I was maybe thinking about running the full marathon.  Her reaction was one of surprise and confusion.  “What has gotten into you?” she asked.  After all, I had barely started running again, and only 3 miles at that. Not one to discourage me, she just let me sort out my thoughts on the matter, supportive of my decision, either way.

If I could get my weekly mileage up by April 15^th, I could start the marathon training schedule.  It would be hard, and a lot would depend on the weather and my sciatica, but I was seriously thinking about it, and getting excited about it, too.

The next day, enthusiastic about my new plan to run the marathon, I was determined not to let a mini-blizzard stand in my way.  So as I dressed in my spandex shorts and heavier running tights, along with my long sleeve running shirt, and new warmer running jacket, I nestled my fleece hat onto my head and took the plunge into the cold, wind-chilled day.  It only took me, oh about a minute I’d say, to come to my senses!  It was freaking cold out there!  The wind was blowing the fallen snow, and I couldn’t see a thing!  I went back inside, a bit dejected, but glad I was wiser than years past.

The next day was cold again, but the sun was out and the wind had stopped for the most part.  Again, I dressed warmly.  Zipped up, I once again headed out the door, this time relieved to find my body was responding nicely to the 10 days of inactivity.  My right leg felt pretty good, and my lower back did not hurt at all.  I was only able to run about 3 ½ miles. I was feeling heavy on my right side and had to stop and walk a few times. 

Later that day, my thighs hurt from the run, but that was just normal aches and pains from not having run in a while.  But my right calf was very tight, like when I first started running again about 4 weeks ago.

Knowing the tightness was from the sciatica, I was disappointed.

Don’t get me wrong.  I was very happy about how my body was reacting to my running, but I knew there was no way I could do the mileage necessary to get me up to where I needed to be to start the longer marathon training runs by April.

I truly hadn’t been planning on running the full marathon this year, anyway. I just got struck by a whim that took a few days to wear off. So I gave myself permission to take it easy on myself.  After all I was making good progress with my back and sciatic nerve.

I have come to realize that getting myself aligned and healthy will allow me many more years of running.  I need not hurry the process and take the risk of re-injuring myself just because I want to prove something to myself:  That I could come off a debilitating back injury and run a full marathon in the same year. 

Well the heck with that noise.  I’m proud of me right now for not allowing the pain and fear of re-injuring my back keep me from running, like it does so many other people.  Even if it’s only a few miles at a time, I will keep running and continue to listen to my body. 

The most important thing for me to remember is: I run for me.  And me says, “Be gentle with yourself; I want to keep running for many more years to come!”

How ‘bout it?

-Vision Runner

P.S. Special Happy Birthday message to T’s mom!!! Hope it was a Great One!!

Popularity: 27% [?]