The Kilted Mile Preview

It’s hard to preview a race that’s on a track and a mile distance. Can’t really talk about killer hills, water station placement or recovery woes. But there are some things about the Portland Highland Games kilted mile that make it unique. 

The obvious one being you have to wear a kilt. My first year, I attempted to do this in my kilt which goes to just below the knees. That prompted me to buy a running kilt which made things much easier the second year. They do have a limited amount of loaner kilts if you do not own one. However, these aren’t guaranteed to still be available day of, best to pre-register during the window (April 1-June 30).

You really, really have to like the sound of bagpipes. If you think they sound like someone strangling small animals, like my husband does, then best to skip this one. You hear them all morning before the race, you are piped to the starting line and for at least a good hour after you leave the event, you are still hearing them. Personally, I love the sound of bagpipes. They motivate me to run faster.

You have to be okay running in front of a stadium full of people. They are an enthusiastic audience and cheer loudly for the runners, even calling out bib numbers. You couldn’t ask for a better crowd. They are all gathered to watch the opening ceremonies which precede the run. Those are scheduled for noon so the race actually begins between 12:30 and 1pm depending. This can present two problems -the heat and food. Luckily the forecast is calling for more reasonable temperatures this weekend hopefully solving the first. The second is all about timing and when to eat to give you energy but not side cramps. 

If you like small races, then this is it with about 30-40 other runners. You do not have to navigate much. For me, I just try to stay out of the elites’ way since this race is about speed. It’s the only race of the year where I really push myself to go fast. Race record of 04:14.90 was set in 2012 by Trevor Dunbar, the first Alaskan to crack a 4-minute mile at Portland’s Roughriders Twilight Meet last year.  Most of the runners range in the 5-8 minute marks with a few of us pulling up the traffic cones in the back. 

So if you want to test your running speed, wearing a kilt, in front of lots of people all to the melodious sounds of bagpipes, then this is the race for you. Pre-reg is closed and there are a limited number of day of race registration.

New this year, the Mt. Hood Community College track has been resurfaced which is great because it was in desperate need of it. Due to that, they are changing the placement of vendors and some of the other activities that previously happened on the field encircled by the track. This will help because even though people are told to stay off the track during the run, they don’t always listen. Two years ago, I almost took out some poor old lady who stepped out in front of me. Now they will have less incentive to cross the track during the race.

Also new this year is they have made the games a two day event.  In addition to race, you can enjoy watching the heavy athletic competitions including the caber toss, the dancing competitions, the sheep dog exhibitions and then there’s the whiskey tasting plus some great Celtic bands, food and shopping. It’s a very family friendly event with a kids version of the heavy athletics and a kids run. For details and the schedule of events, visit www.phga.org.

Parks and Recreation Running

Sometimes race fees make doing a lot of 5Ks (or other races) almost impossible. One place to check is your local city or county parks and recreation departments. Many of these have at least one fun run or a whole series for $5-$25 per run. They might not come with the frills of T-shirts or medals, but it’s a chance to get out there with other runners and have some fun. This is by no means all inclusive-list, just a start to give you an idea where to find cheap races. Click the city/county below to get more information about their offerings. Happy running!
 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Albany

Hillsboro
Portland
Salem
West Linn 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lacey: (obstacle run)

Longview
PierceCounty
Seliah
Shoreline
Tacoma

Admitting My Addiction

According to psychiatrist Michael Brody, MD, in a WebMD feature on the definition of addiction, the criteria for such are as follows:

• The person needs more and more of a substance or behavior to keep him/her going;
• If the person does not get more of the substance or behavior, (s)he becomes irritable and miserable.

Well, that about nails it. I’m an addict and I’m addicted to running, especially organized races. Yes, I know there are worse things one could be addicted too, but let me go through some of the symptoms and consequences of such an addiction.

1)    Symptom 1 – Behavior and lifestyle changes
When you get addicted to running, one of the first telling signs is that your behavior changes. You start looking for the next run, have your full year of runs already mapped out or book two runs in one day. You’re cross training, doing fartlek workouts, purposefully run routes with hills and you actually USE your gym membership. You hide trips to the running store or purchase $20 pairs of socks online and have them shipped to work. You have four pair of the same shoe in various stages of wear that you have to number so you can tell them apart and track their mileage accordingly. When you do laundry, 85% of it is running clothes, and of those, 95% are fluorescent colors. You start waking up earlier to get a run in before work and will pace the neighborhood at night in your pajamas if you haven’t reached goal on your Nike Fuelband just to keep your streak going. You are experienced at applying KT tape, discuss all symptoms with your doctor or chiropractor as they relate to or affect your running, and have a Costco sized bottle of ibuprofen, ice packs with straps, a heating pad and a foam roller readily available at all times. You carefully read the nutrition label of every item you put in your shopping cart, but then consume packets of jam like goo with wild abandon during a race.

2)    Symptom 2 – Neglected work and other hobbies
Another symptom of running addiction is that work becomes neglected. And while your lunch hours might be slightly longer to afford that extra mile and a shower, you don’t necessarily sabotage the work that earns you money to pay for race entries or new shoes. However, you have also been known to take a day off to do a race or recover from one. But I’m talking about the other work, the housework, the yard work, and possibly even the other hobbies in which you once partook. Essentially, the dust has taken over the house, the weeds have taken over the yard and now all you watch for viewing pleasure are exercise videos on YouTube on how to strengthen your core and glutes. Your last crafting project was to make a tulle skirt for an upcoming race, a cape for the superhero themed fun-run or a collage of your race bibs on canvas, calling it art. Projects to organize the garage or install the shelving in the closet are still on the “honey do” list and you can’t imagine why your buddies from work would rather golf on the course than run it.

3)    Symptom 3 – Family and friends are affected
It wouldn’t be so bad if only you were involved, but your running can change the lives of those around you in one of two ways. You either neglect/annoy them or you drag them down with you. Let’s address the first of these two problems. When you’re addicted to running, you plan your entire social schedule around training and races. You use vacations as opportunities to run in different locations rather than to see loved ones, or you check if there are any organized runs in the area when you’re supposed to be there for a wedding. You drag your spouse out of bed early on a holiday morning so you can do packet pick-up before the race, but that now means he has to stand in subfreezing temperatures for the next hour while you run around a mall parking lot or a park. You are more up to date with the lives of professional runners via Facebook than you are your own friends, who probably have long since unfollowed you to avoid yet another running eBib that they just don’t get. Or the other extreme can happen, as running is one addiction that can be contagious, and they are now out there with you. This is the best outcome for all parties involved, just get them hooked, then you can see them regularly during training runs or races and no one feels unloved.

4)    Symptom 4 – Unable to quit
As indicative of any addiction, you are unable to quit “at any time.” Injuries barely sideline you. Inclement weather no longer fazes you. If you go too long without a run you get moody, feel terrible and are awash in guilt. Rest day becomes a dirty word. You see runners on the road and get jealous that it’s them and not you running. You can envision no other options as an alternative for you. Granted, you might add on some swimming and biking and call it a Tri; but for you, you live for the running. It has taken over your closets, your shoe racks, your Facebook pages, your free time and maybe, if the world is a just place, your family.

Consequences can be minimal or they can cause rifts in relationships and deep holes in pocketbooks. On the minimal end of the spectrum, you’re left with an active lifestyle, a sense of community and accomplishment, usually a basket full of tech shirts and some medals. No harm, no foul. But if you are unfortunate, then you’re left with family who shake their heads at you as you march out the door dressed as a pilgrim early on Thanksgiving morning to do  a “Turkey Trot.” You feed your addiction with races costing $35-$85 depending on distance, and shoes that cost about twice that. You spend $300+ on a reflective coat and half to the same on a running watch. You have more tech on you to record your race time, elevation and location than most cars do. Somewhere in between the two extremes is a happy medium. You’ll put some wear and tear on your body, have a collection of spent glow bracelets, more safety pins than you’ll ever use, learn that colored corn powder can get about anywhere, and meet some great new friends.

All told, running is an addiction I can live with and I’m fortunate enough to have a family who supports me, friends who run and/or understand me, and lots of closet space (which is rapidly running out).

(Disclaimer – You may or may not experience any or all of these symptoms or consequences. Some of these are factual to my own personal experience, but not all. Sadly, I just don’t have $300 for a reflective coat, but those sure are cool.)

Sciatica is a pain in the ....

About six years ago, I had an indignity foisted upon my backside. While visiting the historical site of Valley Forge, my fiancé (now husband) and I were upstairs in Washington’s Headquarters. I decided to go downstairs and look at some more things while he continued to explore up there. I’m not sure how it happened or really what happened, I just know I took the short way down those little, HARD colonial stairs. In addition to almost giving the National Park Ranger a heart-attack while he rushed to see if I survived my less than graceful approach to descending stairs, I gave myself what turned out to be an injury that would continue to haunt me. My left side took the brunt of the fall and for the rest of our trip (this happened on day one of a five day trip) I sported a black bruise over three quarters of my left derrière and had to one-cheek it anytime I sat down. We were there for a wedding (hard church pews) and to see the sights (lots of driving in and around Philly). I applied ice and other than enduring the pain and embarrassment of falling on my ass very publicly, I pretty much thought nothing more of it. Got married, settled into our new house, life went on and a few years passed.

Then, while I was teaching dance class, I often found my left cheek and leg were hurting and tight despite how limber as I was. I had no idea why as I had promptly forgotten my Philly woes. I went to the doctor who then sent me to a physical therapist. He did the usual range of motion tests to see where the weakness was. Then he did some “deep tissue” work. If you have not had the pleasure of such a “massage,” I can only describe it as a way to get people to give up their secrets. It still hurt so much the next day that I couldn’t sit down during a meeting. Apparently, when I fell at Valley Forge, I did more than I realized to my bum, deep down in the muscles. Luckily, that seemed to go away with the PT exercises and life was good again.    

Then I took up running. I started putting more stress on my body than it had experienced since I was a kid. I gave myself runner’s knee training for and doing a half marathon (another story). Worked my way through that and then right before Christmas one year, I must have “hit a nerve” so to speak. I was having problems just walking. I couldn’t figure out the pain. I broke down and went to a chiropractor. (Side note: I have never trusted them since I had to take a friend to one on an emergency “I have a crick in my neck so bad my head won’t move” and they hounded that person to come in on such a regular basis, I thought it was just about the money.) After looking through my provider options, I found one close to home that the insurance accepted. Heebee jeebees. I only went back two other times and the heebee jeebees never went away. Just something about him I didn’t like in addition to the ‘you need to come twice a week for the next few months’ crap that made me distrust chiropractors in the first place. But I was walking again and I moved on to just focus on runner’s knee pain.

Like that annoying old relative you only see every few years, it came back earlier this year. However, I found another chiropractor and she’s awesome. More of a “come see me when you need to” and definitely not creepy. When I fell, I don’t think I realized just how hard I hit. It was enough to knock my glasses off my face and I think it also made it easier to throw my hips out of alignment on occasion. And when that happens, that nerve running down the back of my leg gets angry and lets me know about it.

Introducing Mr. Sciatica, the current bane on my running schedule. Luckily, it’s better treated with stretching and exercise (just search sciatica exercises or stretches on YouTube and you’ll see) than bed rest, which would really drive me nuts. Problem is it is quite literally a pain in the ass. Usually just one side of it, and in my case, it’s the left side. Pain runs from the upper cheek down to the knee along the back of the leg. With each stride of a run, it’s not the leg striking the ground that hurts; it’s pulling the leg forward that does. So, I’m off again to the chiropractor’s this week to see if another adjustment will get everything back in alignment and the nerve a bit less inflamed and angry. Because an angry sciatic nerve means painful running and no running means an angry me.

(Medical disclaimer – this is in no way meant to diagnose or treat anyone’s leg pain or possible sciatica. If you are experiencing any type of severe pain, seek qualified medical assistance. Nor is it intended to disparage chiropractors, but do your due diligence before selecting one.)

My Couch to 5K Story

About eight years ago, I was a TV junkie. Each night was a specific show I had to watch and my family knew when not to call me. I watched CSI, House, Survivor, American Idol, Cold Case, Without a Trace, and some others that have since been erased from my memory. They seemed so important at the time, these crime/medical dramas or ‘reality’ shows. I’d eat bad fast food or take out and escape into the tele.

Then, I started really thinking about what I was watching and how much time I was spending living in someone else’s world. The plot lines all became the same, and the reality was anything but real. Why was I filling my head and life with this? I began watching TV less and less. And then, I became a different kind of junkie – a running junkie.

After participating in a small, local, youth-organized 5K, I graduated to another one that was a fundraiser for an animal shelter where I volunteered. And then another followed, and another. Costume runs, night runs, city runs, suburb runs, I loved it. This to me was life. People out there running were real and I became a part of them. To begin with, I wasn’t fast, I walked a lot, but I enjoyed every bit of it and looked forward to pushing myself and getting better. I tackled a 10K and a half marathon and realized I like 5Ks. I do about one a month and thrive on getting just a little bit better each time. I’m never first, but I start and I finish and I have fun.

Mostly, I realized I could easily survive without TV shows dictating my life. Have I given up TV all together? No, but I changed the way I watch it, either DVD or Netflix (so I don’t have to endure horrible commercials). I’m always a season behind with my new favorites like Big Bang Theory and Downton Abbey, but I do it on my time. Usually that is when it is too rainy or a rest day and I’m not running anyway. The TV schedule no longer controls how and when I spend my time and I feel more alive than ever before.

If you’re thinking of making a change for the better, consider* putting down the remote, lacing up the running shoes and experiencing your life in 3D. You’ll be amazed at how “high-def” it really is.

(*Always consult your doctor before starting any new type of exercise program to make sure it is right for you.)

The Cost of Running

One might think running is an inexpensive hobby to get into, you just need shoes and feet, but there is so much more. There is a huge industry for running related gear: moisture wicking clothes, shoes of all kinds, electronic devises to track speed and distance and more chemicals than you can imagine squished together into the form of power gels to give you that added energy boost. And that doesn't even include the race fees. Yet running is probably one of the most accessible activities for people to do and to start at almost any age.

Here are a few of the "accessories" that I found have became "necessities" to my running addiction:

Good shoes: I learned the hard way that you can't just pick a shoe for its color or logo. And you can't have just one pair. That mistake has cause me perpetual inflammation of runner's knee after training for and doing a half marathon (which is why I prefer 5Ks). If you can, visit a quality shoe store that has a treadmill and camera that records how you run. They will help decide your stride (pronate, supinate or neutral) and the best type of shoe for you. Do you need more support on the inside or outside of your foot, how much cushion, arch support, width, etc). Once you discover your magic shoe, get a few pairs to rotate through. Helps to make the shoes last longer, smell better and keep joints happy. This is not the place to go cheap! Plan on $100-$150 for a good pair (though getting last year's model of the same shoe can save you ~$20-$40). You only get one pair of feet and they have a long road ahead of them - take care of them.

Clothes: This is where fit matters, but expense and style (if you've seen some runners) aren't as important. If you do a lot of organized runs, many include a shirt (preferably a tech shirt) with your race entry. Depending on how many races you do, you'll have a closet full of shirts in no time. That supplies much of the upper half. The lower half is some trial and error on what works best (shorts vs capris vs leggings). If you spend money on this let it be for your winter wear. Bright is better if you'll be running on busy streets and reflective is a must whether it be the clothes or a running vest. If you're a woman, the most important article of clothing would be your sports bra. Chaffing is not fun! Find a seamless bra especially the lower band of it. My preference is Danskins' high impact seamless. Been harder to find lately, but I get them at Walmart of all places for $10 and they beat any high end sports brand name bra I've seen.

Socks: these are just as important as your shoes. No, really. You can't just go grab any old pair of "athletic socks" and not expect to get some blisters. Find the socks that provide the right amount of arch support, cushion and breathability. My favorite are the Darn Tough wool athletic socks. On the spendy side ($12-$16 a pair on Amazon), but worth every penny.

Gadgets: Where to begin. There are so many out there: Garmin, Fitbit, Nike, and many more. I can only speak to the ones I use, but you're bound to find something that fits your desired running program, pocketbook (the wearables can be expensive) and technical aptitude. There are also numerous phone apps for tracking (Nike Running), coaching (Couch to 5K) and just plain fun (Zombies, Run). I have friends who love their Fitbit and are using the couch to 5k trainer app that tells you when to run and when to walk. Both are very good for just getting started with running. I use the Nike Fuelband and running app because I like how they tie together. I use the Zombie app when I just run for fun and don't care about tracking miles/pace. Find what works for you, is easy to use and will make you want to run more.

Race "supplements": Well, honestly, you aren't really going to need power gels/chews for a 5K. At least if you ate properly before the race you won't. This is one of those things where you just hope to get samples in your race packet so you can try before you buy. I prefer the PowerBar gels only because their consistency is thinner and less like squirting jam into your mouth and expecting to consume it with any rapidity while running. As for others, the Honey Stinger Waffles are at least tasty, but I've yet to find a "gel" I really like. For the on the course/recovery drink (other than good ol' water) my favorite is Heed. Light and refreshing, it's less sweet and sticky than Gatorade. Most of these are in the $1-$3 range depending on where you buy it, but a banana and orange are just as tasty and usually cheaper.

Race fees: Typical for a 5K is $35-$40. Usually the 10k/15k and the 1/2 and full marathons are more. Some park and recs do neighborhood 5Ks for $5 but don't expect a lot of course support for those, just inexpensive fun! Since I don't pay a gym membership, I do monthly races. Means I have to keep training to stay in shape. And often there is a charity involved, so that's good too. I think it's worth it.

What do you get for all of this expense: some bling or a shirt; a healthier, more active lifestyle; a sense of accomplishment and community; and you just might meet some cool people and make new friends. Hope to see you on the course!


Please share your favorite running gear in the the comments!

Race Raves! – AIM at Melanoma & Starlight Run

Had the pleasure of doing two 5Ks, both fun non-timed races, on May 31^st. What a way to end the month. It was a beautiful spring morning in Portland for the AIM at Melanoma Walk in Wallace Park. OHSU was doing free skin spot checks, the sunscreen flowed from the various vendors and my buddies from Uberthons provided the music and race direction. It was a pretty laid back walk excluding bibs, chips and an on-course water station, but the wonderful volunteers made sure no one got lost as we wound our way through the trendy NW streets. As it was a completely volunteer-organized event, my hat’s off and a round of applause to them. This was an area of Portland where I haven’t done a race yet nor have I spent much time there so it was nice to “explore.” Even saw a staging area for the Starlight Parade (more on that later).

This race had special meaning as I was walking in memory of my grandpa Leo who died in 1985 of melanoma. (Here’s the PSA – WEAR SUNSCREEN and get ANNUAL SKIN CHECKS). But chiefly I was there to support my best friend Aimee, a warrior chic currently fighting the battle against the nastiest form of skin cancer out there. Aimee’s Army was decked out in our pink camo shirts, hats and bandanas and we had a blast and some Krispy Kremes. My husband, Jason, joined me as we power-walked the course (we also promptly got lost leaving, but had a nice drive doing it). 

The great thing about this fundraiser is that all the money they/we raised, over $18K, will stay in the community and be a part of the Knight Cancer Challenge funds. If you don’t know what that is, check it out here and consider making a donation. It’s a very worthwhile cause and could be the end to cancers.

After finding our way out of the north hills and a power brunch at IHOP (quickly becoming an after race tradition), I spent my time between races napping and icing my knees. Then it was time to don my tutu and meet my running buddy from Girls on the Run for the Starlight Run. While waiting for the race to start at Lincoln field, I got to see all the cool costumes (and some scary ones) for the costume contest. My favorites were the Up crew and the Iwo Jima group. There were some creative kids, too, especially the pirate claw vending machine. I also got to see one of my best buddies, Kristin, and chat with her as she decided last minute to join in the fun. As the sun went down and it cooled off, the perfect running weather signaled time to start!

This was also my first time doing the Starlight Run and while I’ve been in a couple parades (as an ROTC color guard, an animal shelter volunteer and even as a clown!) this was the first time leading one off, especially one as big as the Starlight! The streets downtown were packed with people, both on and off the road. Had a great time keeping pace with my 11-year-old running buddy while high-fiving kids all along the route. We even got some residual glow from the ever popular Spiderman who was with us for a while. With 8,000 runners, there was a bit of navigation involved and the occasional line of kids in the streets for their high-fives presented some obstacles, but we kept good time (better than I had expected at an average 12:13) and only had to do a couple lengths of walking in the last half mile. I was extremely proud of my Running Buddy SAM who made me work for it at times and I look forward to being a RB again next year! It's quite a wonderful experience to share my love of running with a youngster, especially since I don't have one of my own (and I think I burned the nephew out on it already).

At the end, SAM got her medal and a wonderful sense of accomplishment and I got to make some new friends. To top it all off as I rode the MAX back to the car, I got to visit with my good friend Jea, who was also a RB for GOTR and share our stories. 

Overall, it was a good day for a 5K - times two!