Runner Insight

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Out of all my running stories, this one takes first prize for dumbest move on my part.

I had stopped driving after my diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa, so most nights when I had to go to the hospital to work my graveyard shift, I would get a ride or take a taxi.  One night in late summer about a year after my diagnosis, I decided to run to work.  I wanted to try out a new headlamp I just got, and what a perfect opportunity, since my shift at the hospital didn’t start until 11:00 PM.

There was a workout room connected to the hospital, and I could shower and clean up before my shift, so I put on my running clothes and put my work clothes into a backpack. Giving myself plenty of time to have a quick weightlifting session too, I headed out the door, with headlamp on and started down the long hill where I lived.

So far, so good.  My headlamp seemed to be working well. I was pleased.  It wasn’t until I got on to the busy street that would take me to within a few blocks of the hospital, that I ran into some trouble.  Thinking I was being smart, I got onto the sidewalk. Although the bike path alongside the road was smoother, I was worried about not being seen, as I had no blinkers or flashing lights on me: just the headlamp, which was now starting to feel heavy and clumsy on my head. It kept slipping, and I had to keep re-adjusting it. The sidewalk would be safer from traffic, but it had a lot of uneven spots in it, too.

I was running along, making good time, and naturally I caught one of those uneven spots with my toe, a section of cement sticking up about 3″.  I went down fast and hard, reaching out with my hands to stop myself, hitting my chin on the pavement and catching the full brunt of my body weight with my right elbow.

After a couple of moments of shock and processing, I realized what had happened. I did a body check.  Yep all my teeth were still where they needed to be.  But my arm hurt and I had some nasty road rash on my hands.  And now I had to decide what to do next: I’m about half way there, so do I turn around and head back home?   Or do I continue on running to work?

This story is a little too long to complete in one installment, so please join me on Wednesday to continue the adventure….

How ’bout it?

-Vision Runner

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After making the commitment to do what it takes to train for and run a marathon, the next thing I had to do was to find a good training program.

As I searched the internet, I found lots of different marathon training programs, but what I was looking for was a straight-forward approach.  I was not interested in building speed; my goal for my first marathon was simply to finish it. That would be an exhilarating accomplishment in and of itself, and one that very few people, sighted or blind, could claim to have done.

After looking at several different programs, I picked the one that I could modify to my work schedule. Most training regimens are set up for the average person who works a 9 to 5 job Monday through Friday, with weekends off.  And because a marathon is usually run on a Sunday, the long training runs are usually scheduled for Sundays.

However, this wouldn’t work for me, as I worked not only the graveyard shift, but I also worked weekends. So a bit of modifying was needed. Here is an example of the marathon training schedule after I modified it to my own work/running schedule.

It took some concentrated effort and juggling to modify the schedule to ensure that I got in all the miles I needed, plus the right amount of time off between long runs.

With that issue resolved, the next thing I needed to do was to find a new pair of running shoes. While attending a local Marathon Training Class, they suggested that runners should buy two pairs of the same running shoes.  Was this some kind of ingenious marketing ploy and sales trick?  No it turned out to be a very smart trick for me. 

Anders, the owner of my local running store, (I would link to it if their website was up, Anders…hint, hint) explained that buying two pairs of the running shoes that I wear, would ensure that I would have them when I needed them. I would train in one pair for the first few months, but then about 6 to 8 weeks before the marathon, I would want to put on the new pair and start to break them in. Then I could put them away about two weeks before the race.  When race day came, I would use that pair that only had four to six weeks of road miles on them. That way I had a relatively fresh pair of shoes for my 26 mile marathon. They would be broke in just enough so as not to cause foot pain, but still have all the support and bounce I need to be able to run a long race. It was excellent advice, and I have used it since for half-marathons I’ve run, as well.

This worked out even better than I could have expected for the marathon, as I found out later from Anders that they were having a hard time getting in the running shoes I liked, plus everyone was buying their running shoes for the race at the last minute. I already had mine, ready and waiting. So on race day I put on what looked like a brand new pair of running shoes, but without the worry of getting sore feet or blisters…

Well, I did get sore feet, but I’m pretty sure it was from running 26.2 miles. 

How ‘bout it?

 -Vision Runner

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Or… 

My Obsession with Running Clothes

I absolutely love living in Montana.  One of the best things about being here is the change of seasons.  As summer gives way to fall, I just love the vibrant gold and red leaves against the deep blue sky. Well I used to anyway, and to some extent I can still see that, or at least my memory sight does. It’s not only the subdued lighting and dynamic colors that I love, but the air feels different. It has a crisp, fresh feel to it…sweater weather. 

It also smells different. With a hint of wood smoke and apples, it brings back sweet memories of raking the yard to jump in the leaves, school days, and the anticipation of Halloween.  

As much as I love the change of seasons, I must admit, my running always suffers a bit. The problem lies with my running apparel.  Okay I know it sounds silly, but it’s all about transitioning.  One day I’m wearing my shorts and a tank top, and then, poof, the next day I’m not sure what to wear. My routine is disrupted.  I usually lay out what I will wear for my run the next day as I’m getting ready for bed. This preparation the night before nearly always ensures that I will actually get my butt out of bed to run.

I have a large selection of running shorts and shirts to choose from. Oops, did I say “large” selection? Perhaps the fact that I own over 50 running tops and probably a slightly smaller quantity of running shorts and tights, qualifies me for the “extra-extra-large” category regarding my selection and variety of running clothes.  Magnificent Abundance – Gotta love that.

A Rainbow In My Closet

I do have a rainbow in my closet. It’s this need to be color coordinated; I don’t know where that stems from. Okay, yes I do. I get it from my mother, who has to be matched and coordinated right down to her shoe laces.  But besides my color coordination fixation, having a wide selection of colors to choose from is the way I keep myself energized and excited to get up and run. The concept of a new pair of running shorts or shirt can keep me going for a week. Sometimes months, if I really like them. 

Yes, you could say it is an obsession of sorts. My friends and family used to give me a hard time about how much running apparel I had, wondering why I needed more. Once I explained that new running clothes keep me motivated, I don’t get nearly as much grief about it. So the downside of my treasure trove of choices is that I have a harder time deciding what to wear. Not truly a downside, but a consideration, nonetheless.

Eventually I get the hang of the transition from summer to the fall season, and how to dress for it.  More layering is required.  I don’t like to be too hot while running, but it’s better to be able to take something off than to get too cold. Getting chilled causes problems like injuries or illness, not to mention, having to cut my run short due to inadequate forethought and preparation. 

Now, after writing this blog post, I’m thinking it’s time for a trip to my favorite local running store for some socks or a new running top maybe? I’m going to need to transition to long sleeves here soon. Or maybe a lightweight jacket? I’m thinking a new one in red would be a good choice.  

How ‘bout it?

Vision Runner

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