Saturday, January 29, 2011

Getting Ready for Spring!


Well, it hasn’t been an easy year of running for me, so far. After the marathon in Las Vegas in December, I made the decision to take a break from marathons through the end of January. I actually ran nine marathons in 2010, but I only enjoyed seven of them. My last two races, Portland and Las Vegas, were painful because of the plantar fasciitis in my right foot and, although I hate to admit it, my body and soul both felt tired.

One of the hard things to learn as a woman (and perhaps even harder for a man) is how to listen to what the body needs and wants. We are so easily caught up in image and social demands that when the foot whispers, “Ouch. Let me take a break, please,” we may not want to hear. Or when the quads say, “Hey lady, try some other activity for a few days and give me a breather,” we may just plug our ears and sing louder along with the tune playing on our iPod.

I made the mistake at the close of 2010 of not listening to my body. When I crossed the finish line in Anchorage in August, my foot hurt like a mother. I took advantage of one of those free massages after the race, and when I stood up, pain shot through my body like lightening. I couldn’t walk back to our rental car, and I didn’t know what had happened. I’d never fallen or twisted anything or even taken a single misstep during the race. I hadn’t felt much more than a little bit of soreness on the course itself, so I really didn’t understand why I had so much discomfort.

If I’d been attending to my body as is within my value system, I would have pushed pause at that moment and stopped putting in so many miles until my foot gave me the go-ahead. But I had two more marathons on my schedule. I wanted to tick off Oregon and Nevada from the 50 States goal. And this meant training up to the marathon distance, which meant putting in a lot of miles between races.

After the Las Vegas marathon, I made a promise to myself that I would take a month off---from marathons and training for marathons, that is. I gave myself a few guidelines

**Run no more than six miles at a time
**Run no more than three times per week
**Run most of the month on my shock-absorbing treadmill in the garage while watching last season’s episodes of Big Love on DVD
**Supplement running with other kinds of exercise so I keep a decent base fitness level intact



Well, the good news is that I think my rules are working. Not only is my foot getting better (it’s still not quite back to normal), but I’m starting to miss running somethin’ awful. And that’s a good thing. Mostly because of the pain, but possibly also because my life was a tiny bit out of balance last year, the hard-earned joy of running had dissipated for me. I feel it coming back---that longing to strap on my running belt and muck through the puddles for a couple of hours.

One of the things I’m doing to get back into the groove is that I’m joining Carol Frazey’s 6-Week Running/Walking Program for Women starting on Monday, February 7 at 8:30 am at Civic Field here in Bellingham. I’ve always shied away from the track workouts that Bill goes to because I’m so slow and noncompetitive in my approach to running, but that’s what makes Carol’s runing/walking program for women perfect. I hope others will join me in picking up the pace in February. No matter why you’ve taken some time away from running or walking, it’s a good time to start again!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Calling Bellingham Women: Let's Pick up the Pace!

This is a post especially for women local to me - in or near Bellingham, but I hope it serves as an encouragement to all of you who follow this blog, local or not (woman or not).

If you've wanted 2011 to be a year of health, a year of taking good care of yourself, body and mind, check out Carol Frazey's six week Fit for School Walking/Running Program. ALL LEVELS are welcome, so if you can't run because of injury or pain, put on your walking shoes instead; there's no shame in walking. If you do run and simply want to improve your pace or form, this is for you, too!! I can wholeheartedly recommend Carol. She knows what she's doing and she's a supportive listener. Her program is only $97 for the whole six weeks (12 sessions) or $10 to drop in.

If you're not a Bellinghamster, don't fret. Almost every U.S. town has a good running club, a community involved running store or a local branch of USA Fit, the terrific national run/walking training program. I've heard from lots of readers who are training for a marathon or half-marathon this year. Look for a schedule that works for you and let's get started!!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The Red Wheelbarrow Writers' Series

Just as much as I love and am committed to running, I love and am committed to the craft of writing, too. And I'm so deliriously pleased to be participating (along with my friend and mentor, novelist Laura Kalpakian, our mutual writerly friend, Susan Tive) in the creation of the Red Wheelbarrow Writers' Series beginning in February. We've developed a three-part writers' workshop to encourage writers in their work and in building community with other writers. If you've never taken a class or workshop from Laura, you're in for a treat. Her feedback is suitable and helpful for writers doing any kind of narrative writing (memoir, fiction, children's fiction, etc.).

Description:

This three-month workshop which will focus on the cycle of practice, process and publishing for writers. Each month will build on and enhance writers’ skills and awareness. Below is a description of what each day-long workshop has in store as well as information about the location and how to pay for the series.

February 5: Practice

This first session will spotlight the creation and development of strong characterization and narrative voice. Writers of fiction and nonfiction will discover how to populate their pages with memorable people. Participants will learn through written prompts and theatrical techniques.

March 5: Process

In this second session writers will have the opportunity to further develop their narrative skills and will begin to write their query letters for an agent or editor. Participants will also unearth their natural strengths to enhance their writing process.

April 2: Publish

For the final session, special industry guests will answer writers’ questions with regard to the publishing process. Participants will revise and receive feedback on their query letters.

“So much depends…” on community. At Red Wheelbarrow, we are committed to building community among writers. All three sessions will include occasions to connect with others.

Cost: $350 - includes all three-day workshops. Does not include lunch.

Times and Location:

Each session will take place at the Chrysalis Inn and Spa (http://www.thechrysalisinn.com/) located at 804 10thStreet, Bellingham. Parking is available on the street above the building or in the garage below.

Workshops run from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

How to sign up:

Send an email to clostman@live.com to reserve your space. Then send your check for $350 to Cami Ostman at PO Box 29043, Bellingham, WA 98228. You may also pay by Paypal using the email clostman@live.com. Please respond as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Link to article from the Bellingham Herald.