Bay to Breakers 12K

Okay, I’m going to go off the beaten path today.  This blog has more to do with health, than billing.  So here goes……… 

I ran my first 12k yesterday.  For those of you who are not familiar with the metric system (like myself), it calculates to 7.45 miles.  It was a beautiful day for the running of the 101^st Bay to Breakers in San Francisco, CA.  Myself, my sister Donna, youngest daughter Kirsten and niece-in-law Juliette all dressed alike in pink tutu’s, pink tops, pink headbands, matching socks and pink glasses.  We really thought we might look CrAzY, but didn’t even come close to some of the other runners on the course.  I didn’t come in first, but I didn’t come in last either and my time was respectable for the 50-59 age bracket.  According to several sources, there were approximately 50,000 people running today.  And to say that all of them were FULLY DRESSED  would be lying!  I think this just gives a “free pass” to those who like to flaunt it. 

Why did I do this?  I’ve gained a few too many pounds in the last 20+ years and never seem to keep it off when I do lose it. I love my chocolate and ice cream and need to find a happy balance. I had been “training” for a half-marathon since the first of November, 2011.  I had a little set-back at the end of December, as I had to have emergency gallbladder surgery and was in the hospital 4 days and 3 nights.  Since it was laparoscopic surgery, my surgeon pretty much released me back to full activities within 2 weeks.  Of course, I thought differently as still took it easy for at least 3 weeks before I felt like going back to training and at that, it wasn’t right where I left off either.  I had to ease back into it gradually to catch up to where I had already gotten to.  To make a long story short, we failed to sign up in time for the half marathon (13.1 miles) and didn’t get in.  Hmmmm, now what?  I managed to squeak a 10k in on the beach last weekend, so why not graduate to something a little harder with a extremely long hill to climb….hence  the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco.  Seeing how none of us were really “runners”, this sounded much better than the half-marathon anyway.  Well, we signed up, and did it.  It was a lot of fun, and just having a lot of people running with us and around us, motivated us to keep going. In fact, we’re already talking about finding another race, maybe a 10k (6.2 miles), as I’m still not sure I’m ready for a half-marathon yet. 

To prepare for any kind of event takes planning and training.  You also need the proper tools to be successful.  There are several website online where you can find training guides.  This site from Merrell seems to be a good start.  Just type in trainer.active.com and it will come up with a really great website on training programs/plans.  Another one of my favorite websites is Walk Run Jog,   http://www.walkjogrun.net/  You can map out your own routes, figure out your mileage and save your routes.

Last of all, you’ll need the tools to make yourself successful.       

Shoes:   A good pair of running shoes is first in order.  You don’t have to spend buko bucks for these, but it’s probably a good idea if you talk to fellow runners or look over running magazines for suggestions.  You can even go to your local department store and buy a pair.  It was suggested to me that you buy a pair ½ size too big.  This is because your feet may swell during a run and because you should be wearing some good running socks. 

Socks:  My sister only wears and swears by thorlo socks.  I myself haven’t tried them yet, but plan on picking up a pair soon.  I just wear a nice low cut cushiony sock and seem to do fine.  Just like the shoes, you can spend a little or a lot, depending on your preference. 

Sports Bras:  A good supportive sports bra should be at the top of the list for women.  It makes all the difference in the world.

Fanny pack:  I just upgraded my fanny pack.  The one I had before used to slide all over my backside when I ran.  I seemed to spend more time readjusting it then running.  My newest one is of a neoprene material and has two zipper pockets.  I love it.  It’s light- weight and snug, yet I don’t feel like I’m even wearing it.  Fanny packs can vary and can go from simple to fancy.  Some can hold as many as 4 water bottles (for you very long distance runners to be).  Mine was pretty basic.  I can clip on my small water bottle, have room for my cell phone, I.D, a little money, car keys and inhaler.

Goo:  Goo seemed to be everywhere at the race.  Basically it seems to be a high caloric tube of energy food that replaces some of your electrolytes that you lose while exercising.  I haven’t tried any yet, but there are several brands and flavors out there.

Diet:  I haven’t really devilled into the whole “what should I eat before and after my race” thing yet.  I usually try to make sure I have protein and carbs before I run, but I don’t like to eat too much before I run either.  I just do what’s comfortable for me so far.  The best bet would be to talk with your physician, nutritionalist or sports trainer for ideas.  I’m sure the web has many rules of thoughts on this as well.

Well, I hope this gets you moving and motivated.  I know I’m not moving very well today, but will be hitting the pavement tomorrow and looking for my next racing adventure.