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| "Running is an activity that is just for me" |
Why do you run?
Because it’s there! Running is an activity that is just for me – for my health and mental wellbeing. I had a high stress job when I first started running. At first it helped with stress, and then became something more. I can honestly say that running changed my life and helped me learn a lot about myself.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I’m always trying to find boundaries and push through them. I was in my early 30s, I had never been athletic and wasn’t even able to run a mile in high school. Running was about the hardest thing I could think of doing, so I decided to do it. It wasn’t about losing weight, but just proving to myself that I could do it no matter how hard it was. I really hated running for that first year. It was still really difficult and each workout was a struggle, but I stuck with it and am glad that I did. It wasn’t until I started training for longer distances that I started to really love running.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
There is always an excuse to miss a workout. Long days at work, being tired, or having something else to do… I made this a priority in my life and constantly maintain a workout schedule. I’ve run in 10 below weather with frozen water bottles. My only valid excuses for missing a workout is if I puke, pass out, or need to go to the hospital. If I have a scheduled run, I will run.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I’m actually a running and triathlon coach and read a ton of running/triathlon books. I’m a master at building killer training plans and helping people get faster, go further, and getting PRs. Like most people, I’ve found that I’m not good at being objective with my own training and tend to over-train for the simple reason that if I’m feeling good, I want to keep going/push harder. I have friends that are also coaches that have come to the same conclusion, so we help each other out.
In terms of books, I’ve got quite a selection and am constantly getting more. I’m currently reading “Relentless Forward Progress” by Bryon Powell which is one of the best running books I’ve come across.
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
It just has to be a priority. If I need to travel or if something I plan ahead to get up early. Warning: I’m not the most pleasant person at 3AM, except on race day.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
My friends and family are both supportive and think I’m crazy. My wife is my biggest supporter for sure – She comes to all my events, holds signs, cheers, and drives me home when I’m done. I couldn’t do any of this without her.
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
I’m not a fan of the treadmill. The longest run I’ve had on a treadmill was 12 miles – and that’s probably as far as I’ll go. If you can find a good trail, I think that’s the way to go especially if you’re a lone wolf runner like me. I tend to run mostly on pavement though since it’s most convenient from my house.
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
I’m sad to say that my hardest race was my first half marathon. I was injured, but so focused on wanting to finish that I kept training through it. By the time I got to the event, My longest run was only 8 miles and after 5 miles in the race my injury was really hurting. I pushed through it, but had to walk the last few miles. I was exhausted, limping, and even after finishing and getting my medal, felt defeated. I watched the finish line video many times of me in pain, limping over the finish line. I knew going forward, I needed to be more prepared, more efficient, and have improved form.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
I did the PF Chang’s Rock’n’Roll half a few months later. My mother saw me run for the first time and I had a lot of the family there to support me. I felt great when I got to the finish line and could have gone several more miles. A huge contrast from my first race, I think this was where I really got hooked.
Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
I still have problems with my calf when I push too hard. After that first half, I had to take almost 6 weeks off. It would feel better, I would run, and it would hurt for a few days. Not fun! I finally just had to take several weeks completely off. Swimming and biking really helped me, allowed me to build cardio and give my calf time to heal. On the plus side, I learned the hard way and bring this with me in my coaching…to help other athletes avoid the problems that I’ve experienced.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
One to two runs each week I will use music IF I’m running on a trail or somewhere I won’t get run over. Listening to Natalie Portman’s rap from Lonely Island can make you laugh your way right through mile 11. Every Thursday on Twitter, I use hash tag #RunningSongThursday and encourage people to post a track from a running playlist. I don’t use music all the time because it’s easy to rely on it and many events don’t allow the use of headphones (side note: Bluetooth headphones plus your cell phone = AWESOME).
I do heart rate training to get the most out of track workouts, long runs, and recovery runs. Once you start hitting the right zones, your overall fitness, speed, and endurance will increase much faster.
And yes, once a week I ditch all of the watches and headphones and just run for the pure joy of it. I think everyone should do this! No distractions, just you and the trail!
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
I’m very Zen when I run and just keep going.... In general, I don’t need to repeat a mantra or force myself even in intense track workouts. I do remember that there was a point when I first started running that I said to myself “I’m don’t care if this kills me, I’m going to keep going” and I kept going and was fine. From that point, I was fearless. I’ve ran in subzero temperatures, snow, rain, wind, extreme heat…if you become fearless, it won’t bother you, it will just harden you up.
A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?
It’s different for everyone, but for me it is all about experimenting with foods/HR in training and not trying new things on race day. I’ve heard that as many as 50% of runners do something different on race day – the wrong flavored gu pack can really be a buzz kill. I know exactly how my body will react if I’m holding a given HR and I make sure that I do everything I can to eat the right foods/foods I know will work when I need them to.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Two things! 1. Stick with it! It won’t always be miserable! You’ll meet some great people, get healthier, and learn a ton about yourself. 2. Run your own race. Go at your pace especially on race day. Unless you don’t need this advice, someone will be faster than you (guy running a 14 minute 5k…I’m looking at you). It’s easy to start running faster than you should (trying to keep up with someone or catch someone), and a couple miles in you’ll be toast. It’s best to run your own race and focus on your own pacing and time.
What is your next big race?
I haven’t firmed up my schedule for the year yet, but am planning on the Mt Lemmon Half marathon in April. It’s almost entirely uphill and finishes at 9100 feet.
What is your immediate running goal?
I’m not used to hills or altitude… so it will be working on these.
What is your ultimate running goal?
Goals are made to be broken! My current ultimate goal is to do a 50+ mile ultra. I’m planning to do this in 2013 so I’ll need a new goal after that.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Blog: www.therunningmike.com
Twitter: TheRunningMike
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Awww I love this. Such great pictures and article ^_^
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