Why walk if you can run?

Filed under Fitness, Local, Running by on 1 April 2011 at 7:30 am {2 comments}

*Jeremy wanted to drop in for a  guest post. So here he is.

Lately Clarice has been running outside a lot to prepare for races like the April Fool’s Four Miler. One of the routes she has been running is one of my favorite outdoor runs. This is the run “out to Packers Falls.”

I have favorite running routes in every place I have lived. In high school, my favorite long-distance track workout was the run from my high school (in downtown Rochester, NY) over the Genesee River to the Rochester Zoo. In college, I regularly commandeered Arkansas bike trails to meet my running needs. Here, it is no different. The run from Newmarket, NH to Packers Falls (towards Durham) down Packers Falls Road is convenient, full of interesting landmarks that help you keep a good pace, and ends at a scenic, rocky, New England river. This area is also surrounded by nature preserves and recreational areas that require exploration.

In total, the run is about 3 miles. There is a slight incline up to the middle, a slight decline towards the
Falls and then back. Start by walking or jogging to the stretching point.

We walk past the train tracks and into the town cemetery.

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While walking through a cemetery may not be the best way to start just about anything, the scenic view of the river can be relaxing. It certainly beats the road.

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We stretch (always stretch well or you’ll end up gimpy with Knee FPS like me!) in a little grassy clearing between the cemetery and Water treatment facility. I don’t think it is actually used anymore. I won’t ask and won’t become concerned.

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Now start running from the river down Packers Falls Road towards Durham.

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Soon, and out of nowhere, you make your way up the windy road to another old gated cemetery. Since we have lived in New Hampshire for a while and realize that at any moment, we may see a tombstone from the 1700’s or a historic marker; we aren’t that curious. Keep running!

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Pass by Little John Road, give a little Oo-de-lally, and keep on your way.

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Next up, on the left, we go past Garrison House Farm where horses are trained to be ridden and people are trained to ride horses. Very often, they will be out riding and sometimes jumping over gates.IMG_7432-1

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We are halfway there. Now the long straightaway.

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After the straightaway, we hit a few more curves and pass the “Artist’s Yard.”

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The steps say “art is architecture” but don’t really lead anywhere. Certainly better than lawn gnomes
(creepy). But we’re pretty much there.

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Before turning around to go back home, take a minute to enjoy the scenery.

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I am not sure I have had a regular running route that has as much character and scenery as this one. It may be my favorite of all.

Jeremy’s right, this is the best run ever. Thanks for the post Jeremy. Next time you have to edit and insert your own pictures.

Winking smile

Trail Run?

Filed under Fitness by on 8 May 2010 at 9:19 pm {no comments}

I really wanted to try “running” on a trail today. I researched several local trails, found something I liked, and asked Jeremy if he wanted to try it out.  He said, and I quote, “I love any sort of outdoor running.” So even though it was drizzling, we headed out. I was confident; I was sure the sun would come out. I was, in a word, wrong.

First, we couldn’t find the trail head. It was in a little corner, coming around a bend, which made it almost impossible to see going east. We drove around for a bit before finally finding it. After turning around, we were able to see the sign. Strike one.

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We got there; instead of the sun coming out, it started raining harder. It was chilly, 50 degrees. After prying ourselves out of the warm, dry car. I looked at the trail head map; I chose a trail. We launched into the forest, and there were no trail head signs or markers when we got in; I had no clue which way to go. Strike two.

*I’d like to mention that throughout this process, my dear husband, was sighing and huffing. He never once complained, but it was obvious he was not on board with this plan.* :-)

I blindly chose a trail. We walked about two feet onto the path and the mosquitoes swarmed. They were biting me through my yoga pants. They were circling around Jeremy’s head. A) I have a fear of EEE. B) I’m pretty sure I’m allergic to mosquitoes. When they bite me, I get huge red welts. It is a bad thing. Ugh, Strike three!

We left. I didn’t want to torture Jeremy. I didn’t want to itch all day tomorrow. Some sunny day soon(with Backwoods Off), we will give it another go. But today was just not the day.

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Tomorrow, I’m involved in a surprise. I love surprises.

Margarita's 5k

Filed under Fitness by on 2 May 2010 at 4:18 pm {3 comments}

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My previous running exploits have been mostly on flat land. The two previous races were in Salisbury, MA which is on the coast, and the coast means flat. So I was not prepared for the hillyness of the course today. Please be reminded that I, in no way, refer to myself as a runner. I am sure that I did better this time than I have in the past even if the clock says differently. I didn’t wear a watch, so I have no idea what my real time was. I feel like I did better because:

  • I walked very little
  • My legs didn’t feel like they were going to collapse at the end
  • I paced my breathing
  • Jeremy kept me at a good pace

All the races I’ve been in are in the Will Run for Beer series. The organization of the last race was great, even though they ran out of water. This race was actually kind of annoying for the following reasons:

  • No *timing* chips
  • No starting line
  • One small clock at the end
  • No starting sound – just some guy saying ok go

I know these things may sound trivial, but races are expensive. I found this article on Cool Running about where race fees go. The author gives this summary of costs per person for a 500 person race.

Costs

* T-shirt $4.00
* Printing $1.50

* Chip timing $1.00
* Police $2.00

* Chip rental $1.00
* Medical $1.00

* Chip mats $1.00
* Port-o-johns $1.00

* Bib number $0.30
* Advertising $2.00

* Postage $0.50
* Equipment $2.00

* Insurance $1.00

* Food $2.00

GRAND TOTAL: $20.30

This race had at the very least 1000 people possibly more. It seems that  this would at least lower the price per person for things like equipment, making it feasible to do things like chip timing. I just think it’s weird that the races I’ve been in are all organized by the same group of people yet some seem so much more structured and organized than others.

With all that said, the rice and beans at the end of today’s race were extremely welcomed and delicious. Thanks to all the kids handing out water. Also, to the mom who taught her kids to cheer for her by saying, “Go, Mommy, Go!” their smiles and jumping were a real boost at the end.

I’m looking forward to the culminating race, which is here in Newmarket.  A big thanks to my husband for A) running with me today and B) helping me learn to run.

Nervous/I am not a runner

Filed under Uncategorized by on 1 January 2010 at 12:00 am {no comments}

Nervous . . .

Nervous because I am not a runner.

Why did I think it was a good idea to sign up for a 5k on January1st? A) It’s supposed to be snowing B) I’m used to running inside with a TV,  not outside in the snow. While I’m definitely not a runner under the best circumstances, this sounds like things might go really poorly. I have been “training” for this. I have been trying to prepare myself, but I feel like this could be an epic fail.

I really hope to:

  • * just not have to walk  too much
  • * cross the line before all of the really old people I know will be running
  • * not fall on my butt in the slippery snow
  • * make it in under 40 minutes (by not a runner, I mean I am, as a New Englander would say, “wicked slow”)

Walk 500 Miles . . .

Filed under Uncategorized by on 7 December 2009 at 10:06 pm {4 comments}

I turned over my shoes before my last run jog to find out that on one side they were basically bare. I am an over-pronator and have flat feet, which means after a bit my shoes look like this:

They say you should replace your running shoes every 300 – 500 miles. I’m guessing I haven’t gone 500 miles since I got my shoes; but if they’re worn like this, they should be replaced. In the past, when I was far less serious about my feet and knees, I would have kept using these shoes for at least a few more months. Now though, I value my feet.

When I played basketball all through high school and the beginning of college I always wore Nikes. Not any more.  I purchased my first pair of New Balance shoes last January, after talking to a physical therapist and having some knee trouble. If you have difficult feet like I do, New Balance is the brand for you.
Here are some things I really like about New Balance:

  1. They come in so many different sizes and widths. You have a much better chance of getting a really good fit. This is one of the only brands that I can find with wide width shoes.
  2. Their website is very specific about what each shoe does: stability, cushioning, motion control, etc.
  3. NB has a great return policy.
  4. Last, these shoes are made well but are also affordable. You can manage to buy a couple of pairs a year and not feel bad about it.

This post is in no way supported by New Balance. I just want to share the love. I’m an NB 769 girl. My new shoes are on the way. I can’t wait for them to get here.

I can definitely see the advantages of Nike Plus, even though I can’t wear them. What’s your favorite running shoe?

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