Running on Hope

Ten Reasons Why I Run

2009-07-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

In the heat of training, and in the boredom of it all also, I've been wondering lately why it is I run at all. Yesterday, on a run (of course), I came up with the top ten reasons why I run.

Top Ten Reasons I Run

1. It makes me feel good
2. It makes my body look good
3. It is a goal I can achieve
4. It makes me feel I have achieved something each day
5. It makes me feel capable
6. It makes me feel strong
7. It makes me feel happy
8. It is - sometimes - fun
9. It is something I can do alone and something that helps clear my ahead
10. Not running is not an option

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Oh Just Make it Stop

2009-07-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Today, when I passed the two hour mark on my run, I was high with energy. I made it! I thought...and then I started thinking about running further. You see, whenever I pass a goal I have set for myself, I always want to push myself just a little further. What this means, is that I went for another two miles.

Although the psychology behind this is good - that if you aren't forcing yourself to finish you will overcome your expectations - biology wasn't on my side this time. I was just darn tired, and another two miles was pushing me a lot further than I had anticipated.

What was the result?

By the time I did finish those extra two miles - at a pace anyone should be ashamed of - I was angry and exhausted. The moral of this story is to stop while you're ahead (within reason, of course).

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What's the best song to Run to Today?

2009-07-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Under African Skies.

Paul Simon.

Get it.

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What's the best song to Run to Today?

2009-07-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Africa.

by Toto.

I heart it.

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The Training Begins

2009-07-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

It wasn't without fanfare that I began my training this week. I had water, and a fully loaded ipod, and even a snack or two in my pocket. All this for a 2 hour run, you say? Absolutely. At least when a two hour run is the first of many such longer runs throughout a very long training process.

Indeed, I find NOT getting good and geared up for a longer run leaves me much more unhappy afterwards. For me, it is better to tell myself I'm going to run a long way, and bring along the snacks and fuel I need to do so. Otherwise, I get tired and empty of blood sugar and just want to stop...

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Another Day

2009-06-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

My runs of late have been long and difficult, and I've become no stranger to two hours of boredom. Indeed, as I train, I get slower and slower. Is this possible?

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What's the Best Song to Run to Today?

2009-05-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

What's the best song to run to today?

Rehab. Amy Winehouse.

Yup.

That one.

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Hope Runs and Claire in The Huffington Post

2009-04-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

I'm psyched about this great article about me (Claire) and Hope Runs in the Huffington Post. Thanks to Julia Moulden for the great piece. Read away!

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Can You Run When You're Sick?

2009-04-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well, you can do anything (or most anything you want to do) but that's not the question.

Should you run when you're sick?

This week, I decided not to. However, in that decision, I got lots of other non-medical personnel advice. One person in particular seemed pretty convinced that running would get the bugs out of me.

So then I started doing some google research (ah the joys of being one's own doctor with a laptop)...

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Hope Runs in Cool Running

2009-04-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice new article about the Hope Runs 777: 7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Weeks Challenge over at CoolRunning. The article was written by Skip Cleaver of Cool Running and we're psyched!

Check it out!

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What's the Best Song to Run to Today?

2009-04-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

What's the best song to run to today?

Toto's Africa.

Amazingly upbeat, great beats (yes, the word 'beat' has been used twice in one short sentence), and cool message.

Listen to Toto's Africa now and see if it just might be your next favorite song to run to.

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London Marathon: Tomorrow!

2009-04-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

The London Marathon is tomorrow, and as I go to bed feeling not very athletic and very sickly (thanks to antibiotics and sinus infections), I think of all the thousands of runners who should have eaten their carbs and drunk their water tonight.

Best of luck!

(And isn't this a great shot?)

...

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Boston Marathon Wrap Up

2009-04-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

I was very lucky to spend a beautiful weekend in warmer-than-usual Boston this fine marathon weekend, and am sad to leave to head back across the pond.

My Boston weekend was timed perfectly to kill two birds with one stone (or whatever the upbeat version of that phrase is!)...

Not only did I meet some amazing Kenyan runners, former Silver medal Olympians, and general amazing runners, but I also attended the wedding of a dear friend.

Marathons and Marriage. (I think people get married in the Las Vegas marathon, right?)

What's better?

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Boston Marathon: On A Monday?

2009-04-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

I've got my dates and times pretty confused around these parts, so when Hope Runs Lara told reminded me about some of our Sunday meetings, I looked at her confused. How are we meeting runners the day of the marathon?? Aren't they going to be, well, tired? Or, at least, busy?

That's when she kindly reminded me that the marathon is on a Monday, on Patriots' Day.

And that's when I kindly asked her if Patriots' Day was really a national holiday.

Anyone?

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A Year Without a Marathon

2009-04-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

As I get closer and closer to the 777 challenge, I start to get scared that I'm not running enough. Like, really really scared. It mostly revolves around the fact that other team members are running marathons. Napa, London, Boston, the team members are all over. I, in contrast, haven't run a full marathon in over a year. Will I forget how? Have I already forgotten how?

Sure, I've been doing other things this year. And I have been training. But I lack the marathons on my belt this 2009.

So here is the question of the day: Should I run a full marathon before the 777 begins next January, or should I be resting, training, and training more?

Opinions needed...

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New Article in Runner's World

2009-04-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

One of the volunteers for Hope Runs right now, Michelle, who used to work at Runner's World, has a great new piece on Hope Runs over at Runner's World.

Make sure to check it out here!

I love how the mention of Michelle getting hot on the run while the kids remain freezing in their wool hats...it is so unbelievably true;)

Claire

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Almost Here: The New Hope Runs Website

2009-03-18T02:54:00.000-07:00

We're psyched to be working on an improved website for Hope Runs with Erica over at Techno Mom Designs and the ever webby Jonathan. Here's the new header, which I just love. Hope Runs Lara and the kids jumping...

They're supposed to be stretching post-run, but...yeah....

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Natasha is Running The Shamrock Shuffle

2009-03-17T02:30:00.000-07:00

Natasha over at nat[dot]waz is running The Shamrock Shuffle in support for Hope Runs. She ran her first marathon in Chicago (it reached 84 degrees that day;) and is set to run 7 of them with us next year!

Good luck on the 8k Shamrock Shuffle - should be a bit easier than next year's races;)

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a 20 mile run on his first day in the usa...

2009-03-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, there's one thing I forgot to mention about James, as per the last post on his arrival in CA.

On his first day in the USA he ran a 20 mile training run with Jonathan (James and Jonathan above, years ago). Wow!

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Meet James!

2009-03-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Meet James! (see his dirty shoes below)

James is an extraordinary young Kenyan man who served as the most committed runner and captain of the Hope Runs kids at Tumaini Children's Home for two years. Six weeks ago, his life changed dramatically when he arrived in CA to begin a two year stint of studying and training.

We are all thrilled for all that James has accomplished so far, and can't wait to watch as he progresses. Recently, James started a blog with his hosts (former Hope Runs volunteers) about his new life in Palo Alto and it is wonderful to read about all the new cultural crazy cultural experiences he is having.

I highly recommend you stop by here.

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Guest Post: Napa Valley Race Report

2009-03-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to be able to share this post by Julianne at I Heart Running. Julianne is one of the runners on our Hope Runs 777 team and it's so fun to read about her rainy, rainy, rainy marathon day in Napa! Enjoy!

Napa Valley Marathon Race Report

I completed my 7th marathon on Sunday and I have to say Napa Valley Marathon was one of the most grueling and painful races to date. Wait, let me start from the beginning. I've been training for this marathon since early January when I signed up for it. I had just run CIM in December and felt really good. I PR'd by 12 minutes at CIM and I felt like I could run another marathon pretty easily. So I started training, putting in the miles and hitting all the long runs. I wasn't planning on breaking another personal record this weekend but I wanted to do well. There was a lot of things I could control, like my training plan, nutrition, degree of workout, etc. One thing I didn't have control over was the weather.

I woke up Sunday morning at 4am to the sound of rain. It was expected. The weather forecast called for rain on Sunday. All week. I saw the heavy clouds forming by Sunset. But, I really really hoped that the rain would hold off until later Sunday. Like after I was done with the marathon. I've never run further than 8 miles in the rain and it wasn't because I chose to. I got caught in the rain! I heard the sound of rain, which I normally love but that morning, it was a sound of dread. I fell asleep for another 45 minutes and woke up. I got dressed, ate my pre-race peanut butter sandwich and faced the music. Questioning my sanity the whole time. I live about an hour away from Napa and as Duane drove me and my friend to the starting line, I saw the windshield wipers moving back and forth, back and forth. The rain was coming down. During the drive, I had all sorts of thoughts. Should I not run? What if I didn't finish? All sorts of doubts.

Started decently enough... (with my friend Dennis, who PR'd by 12 minutes, btw!)

At the start line, starting 6 min after gun time! (I'm in the pink shirt!)

We parked not to far from the starting line and I had to use the Porta-Potty as usual. This was supposed to be a smaller race, with about 3000 runners. Apparently, everyone and their mother had to go because the lines were really long. To make a long story short, I started 6 minutes after the gun went off. I kissed Duane good bye, even took a photo of me at the starting line and then, off I went. Marathon #7! I wasn't really nervous or all that excited. I figured I'd just enjoy myself and see where the run took me. It was actually kind of nice to start late because I didn't have to weave through people and saved me a lot of energy. Maybe that's why I started off too fast. Maybe if I started on time, I wouldn't have rushed in the beginning? Did I mention, it was still raining?

Me around mile 3, still going strong!

Did I mention that it rained the WHOLE time???

The first couple of miles were a breeze, I passed a bunch of people and felt I even caught up to my pace group. I must have been running around 8:30 min pace. There were a few hills in the beginning, actually, hillier than I expected but I still had a lot of energy at this point. Then, around mile 3, I felt wetness all around my feet. My shoes were wet. And so were my socks. At almost mile 4, I glanced at my Nike+ Sportband to see how fast I was going. It was blank. My watch died. I totally panicked. I didn't even know how far I had gone! I saw Duane around mile 5 and I shouted to him, "My watch died! Please go find my other watch in the bottom of my gym bag." The poor guy had to run with me for a few yard to catch what I was saying. Good thing I brought my gym bag with me where I have an old Timex Ironman watch. When Duane caught up with me around mile 8, I was completely soaked, freezing and already tired. My shoes sloshed and felt really heavy. Duane passed my the Timex and when I looked at it, it was an hour off due to the Day Light Savings from last year! Ugh, why didn't I check before??

It went downhill pretty quickly from there. I was still on target for a sub 4 hour finish at around half way point. I was running a bit too fast and Duane actually missed me twice, somewhere around the half way point and also at mile 18ish. I didn't see him again until mile 23. I had expected to see him and was really sad that I didn't. I was really struggling and could have used his lovely smile. The amazing thing is that at time when I didn't see Duane, I got to see the ROHOs! The girls had told me that they were coming up to cheer for me, which was the most awesome thing ever. I had text'd them at 5am to tell them not to come due to the rain but they came anyway. All dressed in ROHO gear with the BEST signs in tow. I think I heard them from half a mile away, with their cheering and cow-bell'ing. There wasn't much crowd support for this marathon, not sure if it was the rain or not... but it was pretty lonely out there. So whenever I neared any kind of crowd, I figured the noise came from them. And it did! They were like a little ray of sunshine during a storm... literally! If you haven't seen their spectator reports, go check out Aron, Tara, Maritza and Kristin's blog. They have some awesome photos!! I love the signs!!

So, besides the little spots of ROHO sunshine, it was a tough run. So let's see, where was I? I was soaked to my socks, my Nike+ died... My Timex had the wrong time and I forgot how to set it and didn't bother to even start the timer. Oh and my left ankle started sending out sharp pains. And the best part was that I started to feel lots of irritation on the soles of my feet. Yep, blisters were forming. I did something really stupid. I bought brand new shoes a week before my marathon and I figured since they were Asics GT-2140s, shoes that I have never had issues with, I was good to go. Maybe under normal circumstances, that may have been ok even to run in a marathon. But in the rain, brand new shoes were probably not a smart choice. I felt irritation and pain in areas that I don't normally feel. Like on the balls of my feet. I am not going to share these blister photos with you because I wince every time I look at my feet. And I don't want to gross you out! I have a total of 5 blisters the size of a quarter EACH. One of which I freshly popped and drained tonight. They all hurt like a mother during the race but somehow, I was able to block them out!

Anyway, back to the run. Somehow, I managed to make it to mile 16 but at this point, I was done. I thought about quitting. But the idea of a DNF was worse than any physical pain. I knew Duane and the ROHO girls were out there waiting for me at the next landmark and I couldn't let them down! I already felt bad that they had to wait so long for me! Slowly, my sub 4 hour finish started slipping away from me. I had to walk a few times, every few miles, I walked for a few minutes. Around mile 22, I knew I couldn't stop anymore. Because it just hurt too much to start running again. My feet were screaming murder and I figured if I ran, I would finish that much faster. A few times, I had to choke back some tears, also because if I started crying, I knew I would hyperventilate. It was hard enough to breathe as it was!

Some more photos for your enjoyment... Courtesy of Duane's excellent photography... LOL! My husband might be bad at taking running photos but he's pretty fabulous!

Yeah, I was suffering and in PAIN.

Why are the last 6 miles the LONGEST miles in history? In my delirious-ness, I somehow managed to knock out those last 6 miles... seeing Duane at mile 23 helped and the ROHO girls at mile 25.5. Heh. They were there at the very end. Jumping up and down, waving their arms and shaking their cow bells. I wish you guys could have seen what I saw. It really took all my energy, not to cry. I was exhausted, whipped, a bit defeated but never felt so loved!

And when I crossed that finish line and saw my finish time of 4:20:XX, I was a little surprised. I thought I would finish much later.

My official chip time is 4:15:19. Not my best but certainly not my worst. It was probably one of the most emotional and challenging race, ever. Not because the course is hard... The Nike Women's Marathon takes the cake for that one but because so many things went wrong for me. If only the weather cooperated, if only my NIke+ didn't die, if only my shoes were broken in, if only my ankle didn't hurt, if only my feet didn't blister... if only I had trained more, if only... Gosh, let me get out of my pity party. There are so many "if onlys" but it is what it is. I don't want to dwell on all the things that went wrong. There will be good races and bad races.

And this will be one of those that I'll learn from. I ran 150 miles each in January and February but I don't think those miles really prepared me for this race. As for the post-race hoopla, I didn't have the energy to do much. I congratulated other finishers and took pictures with my friends from Twitter (who, by the way all happened to all PR or run really great races IN THE RAIN) got my post-race soup. All I wanted to do was get out of my wet shoes and clothes. I was a little delirious at this point and almost forgot about my friend Dennis, who we gave a ride to! Oops. He also PR'd by 12 minutes and finished a 3:36 race. Hello, 12 minutes? Grrrrr. I was supposed to meet up with the ROHOs but I just couldn't. Emotionally and physically, I was drained. We got back home and Duane made me the most delicious cheeseburger ever. I ate two. And then passed out promptly. I needed some alone time to lick my wound and forget about the morning. I woke up feeling much better. It looked like it finally stopped raining, too. I thought about my finish time and didn't feel so bad about 4:15:19. After all, I ran my 7th marathon...

Did I mention I chaffed around my ankle, where my socks sat? Sorry for the mug shot of my foot. It ain't pretty on this side, just think what it looks like on the other side!

I wish I could share my blister photos but seriously, I am embarrassed to show them to you guys!

Was it all worth it? YES, of course!!!

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Article in Ode Magazine: Social Entrepreneurs Go MainStream

2009-03-06T10:03:00.001-08:00

I'm happy about the nice article by Andrew Tolve and great picture spread by J Carrier in Ode Magazine this month. See the online version here.

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The Best Running Movie?

2009-03-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

...or is the worst?

I am desperate to see Running the Sahara. Why? Because I love crazy, weird, excruciating endurance events, particularly when I'm simply watching someone else do it from the comfort of my couch - nachos and all.

Have you seen this movie? Are you also surprised that Matt Damon produced it (I think Ben Affleck ran a marathon once...but Matt?)

I'm this close to coughing up the 9.99 on itunes...

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Keep Your Running PlayList Sacred

2009-03-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

Here's my problem: I love a song, I listen to it a lot. I love another song, I listen to that a lot. Story continues....

So this means, if I find a song I love, I listen to it all the time.

When I'm running.
When I'm working on my computer.
When I'm commuting.

All the time.

Pretty soon, I'm firing up my ipod to go on a run and I'm thinking "oh no - I have to listen to that same old playlist again?"

Talk about bad motivation in the first few minutes of running. The answer to this self-induced problem, of course, is to keep your play list sacred.

Make a marathon playlist (or a running playlist) and only listen to it when running.

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Ten Months to Get in Shape (Really in Shape)

2009-03-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

I was doing some work on the website at Hope Runs today (no - no changes live to see), and realized that, according to the ticker we have going on the site, that the Hope Runs 777 Challenge: 7 Marathons 7 Continents 7 Weeks is set to start in 326 days.

Now - aside from the joy and excitement this brings me. It also brings me dread. Dread that I realize I have very few months left of non-training running ahead of me. In ten months, I must be in wildly different shape than I am now. Running is one thing, but training is another. I haven't run any marathons since the fall of 2007 - so it's been nearly 16 months since my last two. I ran two in a week that fall to test out the whole 777 strategy (marathons on weekends, week of rest in between) and found myself tired, but not horribly spent.

Today, though, I am nowhere near in the shape I was then. And nowhere near in the shape I need to be for 10 months from now.

Time to get cracking....

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A Sunny Day to Run

2009-03-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

In the UK, a sunny day is cause to celebrate. Today, I am thrilled to be able to run in the sunshine. Amazingly, though, as soon as I start running in the sun I realize how much easier it is to run when I am cold. I move faster, I start faster, I stay faster! Even though it's only 55 degrees out, a winter of cold hasn't trained my body to run in anything close to a sun ray.

Now, as for the photo above, you might guess that this is not English in March (It's Uruguay in January). But I didn't take pictures today;(

How to Run When You Travel...

2009-02-05T13:15:00.000-08:00

This month has been an intense one of travel, travel, and more travel. When traveling, though, it's easy for me to get out of the groove of my running pattern and skip a day or two. As we know, without a set routine it is very very hard to make ourselves do what we know we should do. Waking up at different times of the day, in different hotel rooms (sometimes with beautiful and enticing pools outside)...how on earth do you motivate yourself?

Here are three great ways:

1. Make running the thing you HAVE TO DO before completing a task that you must do every day (even while traveling). i.e. - if you're on vacation and every day you head to the beach to tan, then make sure that each day before you go to the beach you get in a run!

2. Make running the very first thing you do in the morning. Yes. You have heard this before and will hear this again. As soon as you get up. Do nothing else before you run...

3. Tell yourself it's okay to run for a shorter length of time. This is one of the best ways to get the unmotivated sloth in you out the door. "Only a 15 minute run," you can tell yourself. As you'll see, when you get to 15 minutes you most likely will extend your time. (I'm already out here...might as well...)

Running and Pictures...

2009-02-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Every day, my little (yes, let's call it like it is these days) run around Oxford takes me past these gorgeous museum. Isn't it just a gem? For a full 4 months I actually thought it was a student residence, because I had been so very observant as to not see the larger than life sign reading "museum" on the outside.

Ah, well.

2009-02-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

When will the sun return to pretty old Oxford?

Every day, on my runs here, I ask myself the same question. Although I was prepared to spend a year in the cold and damp (well, not prepared, but we can pretend...) I wasn't prepared for the lack of light around here lately.

Even though we're in February now, I'm still waking up in darkness, and heading out of fine MBA classes when it's already dark!

Oh, how I long to be running in South America (just one more week and I will be)...

My Run Today...

2009-02-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

Was long, and cold and full of British weather problems... I stepped in puddles, I thought I was going to step in more, etc.

Although I did not make it down to London, as the dear photograph from last month suggests, I did run a full ten minutes longer than the puny little distance I've been running of late...

James is Here!

2009-01-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

In a truly amazing turn of events, Hope Runner James, 21, who was in the first Hope Runs program two years ago just got a visa to come study and train in California! We are so thoroughly excited and think this is just the beginning of great running things to come...

The Holidays...

2008-12-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

I'll be on a near-month break during holiday time...(Do you like the christmas dress?)

Reading any good running blogs?

2008-12-05T03:54:00.001-08:00

What's one thing this runner loves more than actually running? Reading about it (yes, from the comfort of a well-heated British living room)...

Have you read a good running blog lately that gave you the inspiration to get out the door in the morning??

If so, help me give shout outs to others!

Look for a great, new on here!

Caffeine

2008-11-21T13:57:00.001-08:00

Lately, I've been noticing bad things with caffeine.

Yes, I've read the articles saying that drinking 1-2 cups of caffeinated coffee a day are fine for runners and for runners' health. I know coffee is not inherently a horrid thing for my health as both a human and a marathoner. However, my coffee problems seem to be pretty wide reaching. Of late when I've had a cup, I've noticed shaking hands and an increased heart rate. The only thing that can diminish said symptoms, it seems, is going on a run - where I let out some of the steam and help the toxin run itself through my system.

Have you had any bad experiences with caffeine?

I'm going back to caffeine-free Good Earth for awhile, thank you.

Morocco...

2008-11-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

...just a cool picture...

Moroccon Protein Fix

2008-11-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

I kept thinking about how I should just buy pounds and pounds of nuts to drag home with me ...

More Morocco

2008-11-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

Snakes as pets...that was never my thing...

Down in Morocco

2008-11-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

So we went down to Morocco for a quick, wonderful five day jaunt. I hadn't been there since the days of TrippingOnWords with Lara, long before Hope Runs took over my life, and it was great to be back. We stayed right in the center, in a beautiful Riad (what they call the cute tiny hotels) stuck right smack in the middle of mazes and mazes of alleyways.

Some of the highlights?

-The fresh squeezed orange juice.
-The henna
-The sun

What didn't I do?

I did not run.

For 4 days I did not run. (Sure, I have missed 4 days before. But in the past few years I try not to.) Honestly, it baffles me how anyone could run anywhere near where we were staying, so of course, that is my handy excuse.

Running in the UK

2008-11-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

This fall, I have been out studying in the UK, and the weather has apparently continued to be its UK-like self. In response, of course, I want to stay inside and NOT run when light is not even coming into my bedroom window at 7 am.

The answer in such troubled times?

Get out there!

Lara Lands in Kenya....

2008-09-25T17:05:00.001-07:00

It was her blackberry, and the immediate 30 emails about urgent Hope Runs 777 planning, that tipped me off. To make sure, though, I called her just as she was sitting down to a welcome dinner at the orphanage in Nyeri. Since her cell phone isn't up and working yet, I had called the ever sarcastic and amazing manager of the orphanage, Eunice.

When I asked if Lara was there safe and in one piece, she answered in classic Eunice style:

"You should probably talk to her personally to ask her if she thinks she is one piece."

Lara said, indeed, she was still a whole person. She also said that Edwin, 11 (I can't believe how big he is now) had immediately asked if she had brought the shoes "for to go running."

I heart those kids.

if there's no gym in your hotel, how can you work out when traveling?

2008-09-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Although your first response to this question is naturally going to be - GET YOURSELF OUTSIDE - hold up a moment. In the previous post, we explored the problems of traveling as a single woman when it comes to getting in your daily exercise.

If you do find yourself in a situation in which it is not a safe move to venture outdoors solo for a run, you should make the obvious choice and stay in.

But what if there is no gym in your hotel or hostel?

This is where creativity comes in. On my eight month trip around the world, I got very good at running in the smallest of places, again and again proving that it is possible to work up a sweat in even the smallest of hotel rooms.

How?

Although it sounds crazy, just start running circles. Make the widest path you can inside the small room, and begin to jog, telling yourself you'll only go for 15 minutes at first. If you aren't working up enough of a sweat, throw in other aerobic exercises (ten jumping jacks, ten push ups, ten sit ups) every ten "laps", say.

Most importantly, when you do reach 15 minutes - go for another 15!

Crazy, but possible. And when there's no other option, it's a must.

When You Should Not Go Outside to Run When Traveling

2008-09-15T13:15:00.002-07:00

Why on each would you not want to go outside to go for a run?

If you're in a beautiful new locale, what better reason to go look at the sites than run, you might say. True, but not always possible. As a single woman traveling alone, safety should always be your number one concern. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, seriously consider opting for the indoor gym.

1. You are alone.
2. It is nighttime. (Unless you are planning to go outside and run on a private track in a gated community in Tuscany, if it's night and you aren't in your hometown - don't do it;))
3. You don't know where you are and might be get lost.

What is the most motivating song for you as a runner?

2008-07-31T18:53:00.001-07:00

If you had to choose just one song as your favorite to motivates you - not two, not three, not a dozen - what would it be?

You Need a Goal: When is Your Next Race?

2008-07-27T14:38:00.001-07:00

A goal is critical to any good training program, and without a goal in mind, even the most dedicated runners can find themselves putting off or forgetting their daily run. Don't make the mistake of not knowing what you're running for.

Sunday is the typical day when most of us who are training are running our Long Runs.

Are you? If you aren't training for a longer distance, can you be training for a shorter one through speedwork or hill repeats? The easiest step to take to move towards your running goals - whatever they may be - is to sign up for a race.

Find a race and get out of the house today!

Multi-tasking when you run? What do you do?

2008-07-24T07:41:00.001-07:00

Following up on the comment on why I love to ride the exercise bike (because it feels like a treat to read a novel while I exercise), I wonder what you do to multi-task when you run. Especially during marathon training seasons when long runs are all that more frequent - how do you stave off the boredom?

Do you talk on the phone?
Do you listen to books on tape?
Do you listen to music?
Do you run on a treadmill so you can watch the news?

Why I Love The Bike

2008-07-24T07:39:00.001-07:00

Some days, when running seems entirely too energetic - I retreat to my next favorite exercise machine: the bike!

Although I love the exercise bike for the low-key, not-so-intense workout it can offer, my favorite reason for the exercise bike has to do with multitasking.

When I ride the bike - I read a novel I can't wait to read!

Meal Planning: What to Drink?

2008-07-16T16:43:00.001-07:00

As a runner, it is easy to forget that there are beverages ASIDE from water that do a body good.

When water ain't your cup of tea, try:

dark beer
fresh squeezed juices
still water (yes! tastes different!)

Why Don't I Feel Like Running?

2008-07-10T15:25:00.001-07:00

It was a holiday yesterday in Argentina, and I found myself asking - why is it that I always want to give myself a break on the holidays?

And why does giving myself a break mean not running?

What if I could train my body to see running as a treat - and not the opposite?

In efforts to make running a treat for you this week, try the following easy steps:

1. Buy a new running related apparel item that you are excited to wear

2. Program all new songs into your ipod or other running MP3 player so that you have entirely new songs to listen to on your next run

3. Schedule your run with a friend you don't see much of

4. Take your run on the road to a beautiful new location

5. Reward your run with a favorite treat!

What is Your Favorite Running Blog?

2008-07-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Kirsten Armstrong has a new essay out in Runner´s World, and a new post on her blog.

The question arises?

Where do you get the best running tips?

Where do you find the best running inspiration?

Meal Planning: Plan Around Your Protein

2008-07-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

The first step in meal planning is to make sure to PLAN AROUND YOUR PROTEIN.
There are two clear reasons for this:

1. As runners, getting enough protein (60-90 grams per day roughly depending on your weigh) is essential to being fit and fast and recovering well.

2. One of the huge benefits to meal planning is a financial one. Planning your meals around which protein is on sale at the supermarket is the best way to make your meal planning save money for you.

This week?

Buy what´s on sale, and freeze the rest.

Step By Step Meal Planning

2008-07-06T20:23:00.001-07:00

Meal Planning really does work for runners.

How Can You Do Step by Step Meal Planning?

Here's How:

1. Get a calendar - mark blank slots for three meals a day and 2 snacks - one morning snack and one evening snack.

2. Make a list of the most powerful, vitamin-filled, fueling foods that you can think of. Foods that really get you out the door for your run. Check out our superfood list to get your brain thinking!

3. Combine these foods into as many variations of meals and snacks that you can think of.

4. Decide how many meals per week you aim to eat outside of your home. I.E. meals that you will NOT prepare your your own.

5. Begin to plot the meals and snacks you plan to make at home on the next two weeks of your calendar. (Leave blank the estimated meals and snacks you plan on eating out).

Now you have a meal plan.

Tomorrow - you can begin buying the foods to stock your refrigerator for the next two weeks!

Run Harder Edwin

2008-07-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

Edwin, one of our absolute favorites, has great legs - when he uses them. Channel that energy to run Edwin....;)

Run on the Fourth of July!

2008-07-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

Aside from meat and merriment, for most American runners the Fourth of July means one thing: heat.

Yes, running in the heat hurts, and when the weather warms and hot dogs are a plenty, there is nothing easier than running in a cool, air-conditioned gym. But on the Fourth of July, celebrate independence by celebrating your independence - run solo in the hot of the mid day.

Get your vitamin D.

Run the speed of a cheetah!

2008-06-24T21:30:00.001-07:00

What if you could run the speed of a cheetah?

Okay, perhaps it's not realistic to imagine yourself dashing across the plains like our fastest mammal, but there are some good, solid ways that you can become a better runner, slowly and surely.

Tip #1

Bring a watch. How can you expect to get better if you don't use a real stopwatch. Although many runners these days have begun to opt for only checking their ipod to tell time, having a real stop watch makes a difference both practically and psychologically.

This week - take the same route four times, aiming to reduce your times by 30 seconds for every 11 minutes of running.

What is a good time to run a mile in?

2008-06-24T17:20:00.001-07:00

What is a good time to run a mile in?

Although it may seen like a silly question, discovering the answer to what YOUR best mile time is could be the key to taking you to the next step in your running speed.

Even if you are not looking to up your running speed, try this to determine whether or not your running program is actually increasing your endurance instead of just maintaining the status quo:

Go to the local track and time yourself once every three weeks during your regular training program.

After 3 months - note if your times are improving at all.

If they are, good job.

If not, it's time to incorporate tiny speed efforts into your daily runs.

Menu Planning for Runners: Is it for You? Part 1

2008-06-24T09:29:00.001-07:00

Today begins a several part series on Menu Planning, and how runners can use menu planning to their fullest advantage.

Why Would You Choose Menu Planning?

If you find yourself in an on-going effort to find healthy, delicious, and consistently nutritious meals to fuel your workouts - but have limited time in which to do so - Menu Planning might be for you.

What is Menu Planning?

In basic terms, it is a method of outlining exactly what you plan on eating at each meal for a predetermined period of time. One month is the most popular timeline - as it allows you to fully rotate your taste palate (Mexican to Japanese to Italian and back again) and take advantage of the monthly flux of grocery store discounts.

However, you may find menu planning works for you for only about a week at a time (on the other spectrum, there are people who plan meals out as far as a year in advance!) The basic premise, though, is that you get a calendar and begin listing exactly what you plan on eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your specified timeline.

For runners, this gives the extreme benefit of allowing you to look at - day by day - your protein/carbohydrate/fiber/water intake and vitamin needs. With Menu Planning, you no longer operate on a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants strategy in choosing what to have for dinner. No more do you fall into the trap of realizing you have not had anywhere near your needed daily protein intake for two days and thus suddenly deciding you simply must go out and buy a rotisserie chicken at midnight.

Tomorrow: Step by Step Menu Planning
Later: How Menu Planning Can Save You Cash!

Why I Run Outside

2008-06-23T06:43:00.001-07:00

When the weather warms to unbearable degrees, there is nothing easier than running in a cool, air-conditioned gym where water, restrooms, and CNN are at your disposal.

But what do you lose from running inside?

- Vitamin D. Yes, although it seems hard to remember the importance of Vitamin D when the summertime sun is trying to burn you bright red most of the time, it is important to still get good doses of this critical vitamin - and from its original source.

How Long is the Boston Marathon?

2008-06-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

Question: How Long is the Boston Marathon?

Answer: 26.2 Miles (duh)

Factoid Info:

Although this question may never come from a dedicated runner - it is one of the most popular questions from non-runners about the Boston Marathon!

The Kenyan Hope Runs Kids Read Runner's World ...

2008-06-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

... to see if they'll be in it again;)

Remember Your Water

2008-06-19T04:06:00.001-07:00

This morning, in my home town of Buenos Aires, I ran a freezing cold run on the city streets. Winter in the southern hemisphere is - obviously - the opposite of the intense heat that most American runners find themselves struggling with these days.

For those suffering in the heat - remember your water.

4 ounces of water for every mile is essential - but more in the summer!

Summer Runs

2008-06-18T07:14:00.001-07:00

As the weather heats up in the USA, the eternal running question emerge once again: what time of day should you run? Given that it's hot, and you don't feel like melting in the noontime sun, the answer is an apparently obvious one: in the morning.

But Why?

What does running in the morning do for your body?

1. Running in the morning trains your body to remember to exercise. Study after study show that individuals who run in the morning time are much more likely to stick to a regular exercise routine and not abandon it.
2. Running in the morning ups your endorphin level (as all running does, we know) but not at the expense of your ability to sleep well during the night.
3. Running in the morning is one of the easiest ways to address the fuel issue of when you should eat during the day to balance your exercise routine. Eating something light before a run gives you the fuel to finish - and doesn't disrupt your regular meal plans.

Best Songs to Run To Running Playlist Part 5

2008-05-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

Another round of songs (yes, we're still going). After exhaustive research, though, this concludes my attempts to renovate my running playlist to find the best, catchiest, and most run-worthy songs.

Breakable - Ingrid Michaelson
The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
Petula Clark - Downtown
Three Dog Night - Shambala
I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany
Come Sail Away - Styx
You woke the morning - Matt Kearny
Let Your Rain Fall - Matt Kearny
Nothing Left to Lose - Mat Kearney
Whitney Houston - My Love Is Your Love
Murder On The Dancefloor - Sophie Ellis Bextor
Take Away This Ball And Chain - Social Distortion

Get more tips every day!

Best Songs to Run To Running Playlist Part 4

2008-05-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, the list continues, as I scour through my ipod to try to find the very best songs to run to. This challenge - the challenge of giving out the songs on my ipod's "Marathon Playist" - have made me reevaluate my whole playlist in a sort of brutal manner. Asking myself:

Does this song make me run faster?
Does this song lift me up?

For those songs that don't, I am trying to shift them to ANOTHER list - NOT my "Marathon Playlist."

Also important: as we talked about before, you DO NOT WANT songs on your running playlist that you listen to all the time. Instead, the songs on your marathon playlist should be the songs that are perfectly suited to making you run faster, farther, and happier. In this way you can train your body to WANT to move when you hear this music!

Today's selection is very women heavy;

Indigo Girls - i don't wanna talk about it
Midnight Train To Georgia - Indigo Girls
indigo girls - closer to fine
Indigo Girls - Galileo
It's All Coming Back To Me Now - Celine Dion F
That's The Way It Is - Celine Dion
I Need You - Leanne Rimes
Numb - Sia Colour
Getting Scared - Imogen Heap
Speeding Cars - Imogen Heap
regina spektor - Loveology
Regina Spektor - Aquarius
Us 4:52 Regina Spektor

Get more tips every day!

Best Songs to Run To Running Playlist Part 3

2008-05-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

More songs on my "marathon playlist" on my ipod. All great, upbeat, enthusiastic and awesome.

Eyes Like Yours - Shakira
Suerte (Whenever, Wherever) - Shakira
Te Dejo Madrid - Shakira Laundry
Once In A Lifetime - Talking Heads
suicidal - Sean Kingston
Talking Heads - Once In A Lifetime
Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
james blunt - 1973
Love Is Free - Sheryl Crow
New Soul - Yael Naim
Colbie Caillat - Bubbly
Make your own kind of music - Mathieu Bouthier
Phantom of the Opera - Music of the Night

Get more tips every day - subscribe!

Best Songs to Run To Running Playlist Part 2

2008-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have a long running playlist of the very best songs to run to. Here are more:

Better - Regina Spektor
Read My Mind - The Killers
Hey Mama - Black Eyed Peas
Irreplaceable - Beyoncé
Umbrella - Rhianna
Stronger - Kanye West
No One - Alicia Keys
Float On - Modest Mouse Float On
Hey Ya - Outkast
Ms Jackson - Outkast
The Way You Move - Outkast
The Killers - Mr. Brightside
96 Degrees In The Shade - Bob Marley

Get more tips every day!

Best Songs to Run To Running Playlist Part 1

2008-05-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

Someone asked for the running playlist I use, called "marathon" for further encouragement.

Here we go:

Bon Jovi & Sugarland - Who Says You
Cyrkle - Red Rubber Ball
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
America Is Not The World
Forca 3:40 Nelly Furtado
I Ain't In Checotah Anymore - Carrie Underwood
Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood
Goodbye Earl - Dixie Chicks
Enrique Iglesias - Dont turn off the
Fleetwood Mac - Dance
How To Save A Life- The Fray
suicidal - Sean Kingston
Rehab - Amy Winehouse
Undeniable - Mat Kearney
Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's
Smile -Lily Allen
AhHa - Take On Me
The Cure - Friday I'm In Love
This Love -Maroon5
Maroon Five - Harder To Breathe
LDN - Lily Allen
the proclaimers - i would walk 500 miles
Losin' It - Vigilantes of Love
It Ain't Me, Babe - Johnny Cash & June Carter

What's Important Today

2008-05-22T16:34:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken one morning of the chalkboard of a classroom at one of our Hopr Runs orphanage sites in Tanzania. No matter your religion, let this message remind you what's important today.

The Best Songs to Run To

2008-05-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

My itunes playlist - called "marathon" - is critical to my daily runs. Building, editing, and keeping said list up to date is essential to keeping me up to demands of my daily runs.

But what's ALSO important is making sure that I don't spend too much time listening to the playlist when I'm not running.

Yes - listen carefully to this one. If you make a running playlist, try to limit your listening to only when you are running. This will train your body to pick up the pace when you hear certain songs, and to crave the run as much as you crave the music.

The Best (and Fastest) Pasta Sauce You Have Ever Eaten

2008-05-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

In the vein of the pizza fast food post of last week (pizza IS the healthiest fast food thanks to the super food that is a TOMATO), here is another recipe full of tomatoes to give you the vitamins you need.

Plus - it complements the perfect carbo load.

I have tried dozens of different tomato sauces, but there is nothing I like more than this recipe by Molly at Orangette.

The plus?

It could not be easier.

Ingredients:

2 Cans peeled tomatoes
5 tablespoons butter (unsalted preferrably)
1/2 yellow onion
salt to taste

Combine it all together (keep the onion whole and stick it in the pot!) and let simmer for 45 minutes.

It will be - I swear - one the fastest, and best vegetarian tomato sauces for a pre-race carbo load. Easy to make in huge batches as well;)

Why is Sushi So Good for Healthy Eating?

2008-05-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

A great low carb, high-protein choice for runners is Sushi. This long-favorite also several key benefits that everyone - athletes and non-athletes included - can enjoy.

1. Time

The eating of sushi requires time - far more time than shoving a hamburger into your mouth - and this time is of the essence in letting your stomach (and its fullness quotient) catch up with your overactive (and generally overly hungry) mind.

2.
Small Pieces/Small Plates

Japanese obesity rates (and lack thereof) have been reported by some researchers to be highly correlated to the small plate size used by the general populace. It makes sense - as the downfall of US obesity comes hand in hand with oversized Denny's platters.

3. Fresh, Raw, Unprocessed

Unless you go tempura style, simple sushi and sashima eliminate fried, overly processed problems and deliver your food as it should be - in its natural form.

Eat sushi today!

Keeping Rest Days at Bay

2008-05-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

After some of my marathons, I have taken the resting advice to heart - no running, limited walking, lots of food and fluids. However, what happens when you have no reason but just can't seem to get off the couch?

Although I often let Sunday be a potential rest day when I am not in training, I sometimes find it is too easy to make it always be a de facto rest day.

What do you do to stay motivated when you don't want to work out?

Free Exercise Outdoors

2008-05-17T01:11:00.000-07:00

At some gyms - and especially when taking a special yoga, spinning, or step class - you end up paying per session. Every time you go, you dole out money. This is especially true when traveling. Since all I do is travel doing my non-profit work for Hope Runs in Africa and living in South America, I am aware of the high cost hotel gyms can run you.

As runners, though, we have the ability to exercise for free every single day. Today, walk, run, or GET MOVING outside.

Added benefit vitamin D and fresh air.

Pick 3 SuperFoods to Eat Today!

2008-05-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

To take one step towards health every day, look at the list of superfoods, and find three that will work to bring into your meal plans TODAY!

For today, I will add to my diet:

* Tea (green or black)
* Tomatoes
* Yogurt

In 5 minutes, you just got healthier...

Are You Eating Your Superfoods?

2008-05-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

The first step in the process of knowing whether or not you are eating your superfoods is (duh) knowing what they are...

So, do you know what the superfoods are?

Let's review:

* Beans
* Blueberries
* Broccoli
* Oats
* Oranges
* Pumpkin
* Salmon
* Soy
* Spinach
* Tea (green or black)
* Tomatoes
* Turkey
* Walnuts
* Yogurt

Pizza is the Healthiest Fast Food

2008-05-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

What is the healthiest fast food?

It's pizza!

With tomatoes being one of the 12 Super Foods, pizza packs the phytochemical punch of those veggies, and provides protein through cheese.

To make it healthier, ask for less cheese, more sauce, and another protein on top...

What is the Healthiest Fast Food?

2008-05-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

What is the healthiest fast food?

Options:

1. Chicken Nuggets
2. Pizza
3. Hamburger

Answer Coming Tomorrow!

Do You Beat Yourself Up When You Skip a Day?

2008-05-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

I do.

Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned over the years is to be okay with not running. Yes - although it may sound like a misnomer (shouldn't I be encouraging myself to run?!!?), giving yourself credit for a needed day off is just as important as patting yourself on the back for a run well run.

And not just after a marathon.

What is the Best Sports Bra You have Ever Owned?

2008-05-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

This is the question. My answer is none. I hate all sports bras I have ever owned and wonder what makes women's athletics manufacturers so incapable of creating a comfortable, attractive, dri-fit item.

Yes, this is my plea.

Make Your Own Nike Ipod Tracker Holder

2008-05-10T02:46:00.000-07:00

Don't want to spend fifteen dollars for the tiny device to keep your Nike Ipod Tracker secure on your running shoe?

Try these three quick fixes to secure your Nike Ipod Tracker:

1. Duct Tape (stick it under your laces, tape over with duct tape)
2. Put the tracker in your shoe under the tongue (I've been doing this for years and swear I don't notice it)
3. Cut the finger off a gardening glove cut a hole in it to tie through your laces.

Subscribe!

To Gym or Not To Gym

2008-05-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

Today, running in a stuffy, sticky gym, I wondered about the use of outdoor runs versus indoor ones. Yes, I have always claimed that the importance of getting outside is half the battle - but there is something to be said about those days when you don't feel like anyone watching your slow, slow split times and less than endurance-displaying breathing.

On these days, when the thought of showing my urban neighbors here in Buenos Aires the sight of my poor running form is enough to send me back to the couch, the gym is just the thing.

The point?

That 30 dollar a month membership just might be your saving grace sometimes.

Why Do You Run?

2008-05-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Today, as I couldn't get the nerve to go anywhere that involved running shoes, I thought back to marathons past, and wondered (as I often do when I don't feel like exercising): Why do I run anyway?"

What is it that makes me get up and run for 10 minutes or 2 hours on some days?
And what is it that keeps me in, glued to demands of work, and conference calls, and (yes, I admit) idiotic reality television?

What gets you out of the house?

Why do you run?

New Video On Runner's World!

2008-05-08T02:28:00.000-07:00

Our new video on Runner's World.com is up!
Hear all about the life of Ludaphine, who lives at Tumaini Children's Home in Kenya!

What Doesn't Work for Me Wednesday

2008-05-08T02:19:00.000-07:00

On Wednesdays, a fellow blogger posts of a list of all the things that don't work for her in this world. Then, she encourages others to do the same. It's definitely an excellent snapshot into the stupid daily mistakes others make - and how you can avoid them.

What doesn't work for you in running?

My Top Three

1. Cotton Socks
2. Running on an Empty Stomach
3. Not Eating on a Run of More than 90 Minutes

Morning or Night Run

2008-05-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

One of the oldest - and some might argue the most circular and mind-numbing - arguments for runners has to do with when to run.

First thing in the morning?
Last thing at night?
Lunchtime at work?
After work cool down?

Running Times has an interesting article on the topic.

Thesis: Run when you want (sort of); BUT morning best.

More Runners Running For Causes

2008-05-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Fundraising Coordinator at Hope Runs just finished her first half marathon! Happily, Emily ran in a Hope Runs shirt designed by her brother's company, Three Bears Design.

Yay to Emily, and cheers to all the work she does for us. Can't wait to see you in Kenya and Tanzania in a couple weeks!

Free Wallpaper from Runner's World!

2008-05-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

Free, awesome wallpaper for your desktop from Runner's World. The catch? It's all about running of course.

Get it here!

Thank You For Running For Us!

2008-05-05T22:28:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the Kim, who recently ran the Big Sur Marathon and raised 2200 USD for Hope Runs in the process! We could not be more grateful for her efforts. Read about her grueling day/awesome run here.

And, shameless plug - you can run also to raise money for our programs. (No, really, we won't hold you back...) Want info about running a race for Hope Runs?

Run For a Cause

2008-05-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Running for a cause is the most sure-fire way to get you across the finish line. Team in Training is a fantastic standby option for raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Want something different?

Run for Hope Runs - and support athletic programs in AIDS orphanages in Africa! Interested?

If the Kids in Kenya can...So Can You...

2008-05-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

Run. Walk. For 5 Minutes.

Did You Excercise Today?

2008-05-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

One of the first questions I ask myself at the end of each day: Did I exercise today?

Although perhaps this seems obvious, it is the act of asking that helps improve your chances of doing it again.

Why?

1. Positive Affirmation (if you did do it) sparks a cycle of repeat
2. Positive Encouragement (if you did NOT do it) incites you to want to try tomorrow

For lots of great ways to motivate yourself, check out the free The Daily Boost, a part of MotivationtoMove.com.

This fantastic podcast does a great job of motivating you every single day.

Plus - if the kids in Kenya can, so can you.

The Best Running Blog

2008-05-01T18:15:00.001-07:00

Is here.

If only she posted her well-written words more frequently.

Is 20 Miles Halfway?

2008-05-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

Is 20 miles really halfway? Kirsten Armstrong and former husband Lance recently did a few short videos for Runner's World Magazine. Filmed the day before the Boston marathon, the two share thoughts on their upcoming race (Kirsten's 6th).

One thing they say: In a marathon, 20 miles is halfway.

Sadly, I'd say the second half starts more about at 17...

Ryan Shay on ESPN 7 PM EST April 30

2008-04-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Seven months after the untimely death of Ryan Shay, ESPN will be showing a special tonight on the life and untimely end of Ryan Shay. Our thoughts to his wife, Alica Shay, who preps for the Olympic Trials, and to his entire family.

Most Informative Running Magazine

2008-04-30T15:45:00.001-07:00

The best and most informative running magazine is Runner's World! There is no doubt it has the most extensive articles and information available.

Next best? Runner's Weekly - a more low budget, but also useful resource.

Best Pre-Run Food

2008-04-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

A Banana!

Increase Your Running Speed

2008-04-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Increase Your Speed!

Quick Exercises to Increase Your Speed

1. Heel Lift
2. Thigh Push Forward
3. Flex Your Hip Joints

Read More from Michael Yessis

My Run

2008-04-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

Today:

A Cold, Brisk run in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hope Runs: Why I Run (the beginning)

2008-04-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hope Runs: Training Kenyan AIDS Orphans for the Mt. Kilimanjaro Marathon
Claire A. Williams

by Claire A. Williams
USA/Kenya

For my first marathon, I trained in cotton socks. I didn’t know better, and four months of blood blisters punished me for this oversight. My shoes were old, and I never measured the miles I ran. Instead, I relied solely on my own overly optimistic minutes-per-mile calculations on the city streets where I trained. I had no cause, raised no money, and was lucky to have my one and only spectator on race day. Naturally, she forgot to take any pictures.

The second time around, though, I decided things would be different. I would finish in a timely manner and prove not only that I could finish a marathon, but make good time as well. TumainiI got an iPod Nano, a red one at that, which meant that I was supporting charitable causes.

But the best laid plans are rarely the backdrop for success. Thus it happened that in November of 2006, I traveled to climb Mt. Kenya, stayed at a nearby orphanage overnight, and never left. I never climbed the mountain, but in its absence emerged Hope Runs, the organization my traveling partner, Lara, and I started, to train the AIDS orphans of the Tumaini Children’s Center in Nyeri, Kenya, for the Mt. Kilimanjaro marathon on June 24th, 2007.

My marathon training program is wildly different than I originally imagined it would be. Claire with girlsFive days a week, I now run five kilometer loops on the dirt roads near the Tumaini Children’s Center. For the first hour I jog at a near nonexistent pace holding the hands of two-foot-tall primary school girls who run in their church dresses (their only non-school uniforms). For the second hour, I embarrass myself by panting behind the lanky legs of the teenage boys in secondary school. But no matter how fast each orphan runs, his or her feet bear the first successes of our program—a pair of the nearly seven hundred running shoes donated from some of our many generous donors.

The premise of Hope Runs is that of any good organization: by recognizing the importance of connections and creating them, we can transform the lives of the individuals who take part in such endeavors. In practice, Hope Runs: Partnering with Children to Outpace Poverty operates much in the same way that the orphanage began. The Tumaini Children’s Center was conceived in response to the significant number of children in the community in need of food, clothing, and school entrance fees.

As more and more of the eight hundred some children in the nearby community came seeking food, the members of the local parish stepped in to provide. The project soon expanded to house some of the community’s AIDS orphans. In a country with skyrocketing unemployment rates, a living parent hardly ensures immunity from poverty. So while the majority of Tumaini children are orphaned, their diversity also represents the reality of the larger impoverished community in which they live.

At Tumaini (Kiswahili for hope), every building is named something symbolic, and the philosophy of their projects embodies the spirit of Florence's Duomo (use all your resources to build it, and you'll find more) and Shoeless Joe Jackson's Field of Dreams (if you build it, they will come). With each project, Tumaini uses its resources to build the foundation of a new building, and thus continues its growth. In four years, this strategy has produced an orphanage which houses 170 children (and has 130 empty beds), a smaller orphanage of 45 mostly disabled children, a nearly finished community health clinic, and an up and coming old folks’ home.

In its first month, Hope Runs has, in a sense, mimicked the evolution of the orphanage. We started with shoes, moved on to socks, and then slowly began forming partnerships with other non-profits. Now officially able to accept tax-exempt donations, we are pushing full steam ahead to find the massive resources needed to take the kids to a nearby marathon in Kenya in June. Then we’ll use the help of eight Hope Runs volunteers coming to Kenya to launch our first annual 10K race fundraiser at Tumaini.

Lara, Mary, and LucyOver and over again, I am reminded that doing something worthwhile in this world is not just about the money I donate, but rather the connections and experiences I gain in the process. For this very reason, a volunteer's experience in another place on the globe can certainly be worth the cost of the plane ticket to get there. In the long run, such a commitment really can do as much, if not more than simply sending money abroad—it’s this kind of personal involvement that helps transform the nature of our global citizens’ response to growth, aid, and healing change.

The excitement at Tumaini these days is mounting. Nearly twenty of the oldest orphans are officially engaged in marathon training with Lara and me, dozens of older youth run regularly, and over forty younger children never miss a day.

But in our own efforts to encourage such excitement, we can’t help but worry if we’ll really be able to take them to the marathon. We do a lot of finger crossing. Although we’ve all read about the power of endorphins, we’re pretty sure that the real fuel around here is hope.

For more information about Hope Runs, please visit TrippingOnWords.com or HopeRuns.Org.

And follow their activities on Twitter.

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