Eat Healthy, Eat Happy, Eat Inclusively
“Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do”
Have you ever done Strengths Finder? In a non-certified nutshell, it’s a program that uses a series of questions to gauge a person’s top “themes” aka, areas of greatest strength. Companies often have employees go through the program to better understand where they shine, help them work better as teams, and help managers better manage based on people’s unique strengths.
Life is the best when everyone is included
In my top three strengths is the theme, Includer. Again, in an “I’m-not-certified-so-I-only-know-the-basics” nutshell, it means when I’m in a group setting, I proactively make an effort to ensure everyone feels included. This theme is one I definitely feel fits me. I always hated feeling left out of anything when I was younger so it’s important to me that no one else ever feels like they’re not being included.
I realized this inclusive trait extends to other areas of my life – one in particular, eating. Not shocking to anyone who reads the blog or follows my social accounts, I love food. More than that, I’m a fan of inclusive diets vs. those that deem you can’t eat certain foods.
I know, I know – this idea of inclusive eating probably sounds really bizarre coming from someone who voluntarily excludes a major group of foods from her daily diet. Yes, I’m a vegetarian. No, I don’t exclude meat because I think it’s bad or I shouldn’t eat it. I simply don’t like it; never really have. I wish I did though; I would totally mooch off my husband’s stellar meal prepping skills.
Anyway, back to diets. I think most people have tried a diet or two in their lifetime that comes with rules of certain foods you can’t eat. As in life, here’s why I feel an inclusive approach to eating is best.
1. Variety is the Spice of Life
Unless you’re allergic, intolerant, or simply don’t like something, there’s no reason you should have to exclude anything from your diet. Opening yourself up to all possibilities keeps things interesting, plus, you might find some new, healthy food combos that you really enjoy.
And, not only does restrictive eating get mundane, depending on how restrictive it is, it might be really hard to maintain IRL. Raw veggies and meat only might sound like a great idea in theory but it’s also really tough to exclude all the other foods – both from a convenience and willpower standpoint.
2. Nutrition
Speaking of high-restrictive, omitting certain foods could leave you lacking in nutrients. Most restrictive diets do just that – restrict. Whether dairy, carbs, gluten (which, p.s. is not a diet but too many people treat it like one), or fruit is off-limits, the body ends up missing out on the natural goodness found in those foods.
Not a perfect meal but lots of good, tasty stuff in here
Supplements are an option but typically the body doesn’t absorb the nutrients as well as it does if it were actual food. As someone who has tried really hard to make up for lack of protein with powders, bars, even beans and legumes, trust me, I know – it’s not quite the same as the protein power that comes from animal meat. Sigh.
3. Screw Deprivation
Ice cream. Skittles. Cheetos. While one could argue there is zero nutritional value to these foods and they should therefore be excluded from a healthy diet, I disagree. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a treat every now and then – even if it is a zero-nutrition, sugar-filled, empty-calorie donut. Mmmm, donuts. If you want the donut, have it! Then get over it and get back to the good stuff at your next meals. Deprive yourself too long and it could be a quick train ride to binge-city.
Plus, by labeling some foods as “forbidden” the desire to eat them might grow and you’ll feel awful about yourself when you indulge when, really, it’s okay. Again, move on and eat something better at your next meal.
4. Being Social
Take it from a vegetarian – when your diet doesn’t include a common, popular type of food, social settings where food is involved can be tough to navigate. Many times, my “dinner” has consisted of a hotdog bun with cheese because there was nothing else for me to eat. The upside, I wasn’t staring at the hotdogs and hamburgers, wishing I could have one.
A restrictive diet can be tough in social situations as much as personal ones. Not saying it can’t be done; I’ve been handling them for years (often resorting to packing my own food or at least ensuring I have a Quest bar and apple in my purse). But if you can avoid it and just enjoy yourself, that’s gotta be much more pleasant than having food FOMO.
5. Eat to Live
Finally, let’s be real for a sec and remember the true purpose of food. It’s meant to fuel our bodies to do great things, whether that’s curing cancer, running a marathon, or getting a two-year-old dressed and off to daycare without incident.
Jimmy Johns – fueling my marathons and long runs for years
Restricting foods gets us back to the relationship where we associate food with being “bad” and making us “fat” meaning we, as humans, must be bad and fat people when we want to eat. I’d like to close by throwing it back to a blog I wrote around the holidays a couple years ago and remind you: Food isn’t bad. You’re not bad.
Now that I’ve put that out there, I want to see this from the other side. Do you believe in restrictive diets? What benefits have you personally seen from one? Comment or tweet me @LindsayIRL. Share photos of your healthy food choices on Instagram and Twitter using hasthtag #wellirl.
5 Things Leslie Knope Teaches Us About Living Well
I’m big enough to admit that I’m often inspired by myself
If you know me, you know I love the show “Parks & Rec.” My libertarian views align with those of Ron Swanson. My annoyingly perky, over-enthusiastic approach to running and wellness is scarily similar to Chris. And, like many of us, I share a love of #TreatYoSelf with Donna and Tom. Yes, I quote and live this show often IRL.
One of the best parts about Parks & Rec is lead character, Leslie Knope. Leslie is great. She’s funny, she works hard, she gives credit to others, she’s genuine, and she’s kind. Although I don’t always agree with her, I think the world would benefit from more Leslie Knopes.
I also think Leslie shows great examples of how to successfully live well. Whether you’re a runner, triathlete, CrossFit nut, or a combination of them all, here are 5 things we can all learn from Leslie Knope to live a balanced, well lifestyle.
1. Passion Pays Off
Nobody – and I mean nobody – works harder than Leslie. That’s obviously one of the reasons she accomplishes as much as she does. But to her, the hard work isn’t the same as others perceive it because she enjoys it. She’s incredibly passionate about government and public service, making her poised to succeed.
In order to succeed with a balanced lifestyle that includes running or other fitness discipline, there has to be passion. If you’re not passionate about it but want to be, that’s a start! Focus on what makes you want to do it, the way you feel after a workout, how great it is knowing you’re well.
2. Eat and Enjoy It
Like Leslie, I love waffles. Like Leslie, I love breakfast food in general. Like Leslie, I would eat nothing but breakfast and be happy forever.
Waffles. Breakfast. Mmmm.
To live a well lifestyle, you need fuel, end of story. While running, cycling, or and working out in general isn’t an excuse to binge with reckless abandon, it’s important to have balance. Enjoy your favorite foods, eat them when you want. And do it unapologetically – like waffles. In the hospital. While recovering from the flu. Even when someone offers you chicken soup.
3. Leverage Connections – and Return the Favor
When Leslie attempted to revive the Harvest Festival, she needed a ton of support from the community. One of those groups, the local police department, was happy to help out, saying, “What Leslie Knope needs, Leslie Knope gets.” Clearly, she had a great relationship with the group.
Whether you need advice on meal prepping, support for your charity run event, or sometimes just a buddy to make you go to Friday a.m. cycling class, it’s important to have connections in the wellness arena. And be sure to lend your help to them just the same.
4. Celebrate Victories – Even the Little Ones
It would be hard to be friends with Leslie – not because she’s difficult, but because she’s THAT good of a friend. She remembers and marks every friendship milestone, even the smallest ones, and makes it a big occasion. To Leslie, everything is a reason to celebrate.
Don’t forget to celebrate your own little milestones in your ongoing wellness journey. Drink a gallon of water every day for a week – give yourself a high-five. Complete Day 1 of your Couch to 5k program – enjoy some R&R with Netflix.
5. It’s Okay to be Dramatic
“Everything hurts and I’m dying.” Famous words from Leslie. She has also been known to check – and double, and triple check – with others to make sure tasks and things are in order. Overkill? Maybe. Valid? Absolutely.
This has been me…many times
While I can’t speak for all athletes, runners, especially while tapering for a big race, can be a bit…okay, incredibly dramatic. For those of you who lift hard, swim hard, cycle hard, or meal prep hard, some days it can quite literally feel like everything hurts and you’re dying. And that’s okay. It may, but you’re not. You’re going to be okay.
Parks & Rec fans, are there other ways you can relate to Leslie on a health and wellness level? Comment or tweet me @LindsayIRL. Share photos and moments from your wellness journey on Instagram and Twitter using hasthtag #wellirl.
3 Reasons to Take a Rest Day
“I really regret that workout.”
You’ve probably read the above quote, followed by the words, “Said no one ever.” I left out those words on purpose. Because, let’s be real, I think most of us have had a workout that sucked so bad we wish it wouldn’t have happened. Whether it reminded me how tired and burned out I really was or it was so bad it even ruined the next day’s workout, there are plenty of workouts I’ve regretted.
A terrible workout can be rooted in many reasons. You had a bad day at work. You didn’t get good sleep the night – or several nights – before. Your mind is focused on a major issue with your partner or child. Or, one of the biggest and what I often find, a bad workout is a plea for a rest day.
Enjoying some R&R with my favorite lil guy.
Rest is crucial to every athlete’s workout regimen, whether the casual gym-goer or the hardcore professional. There’s now even a #restdaybrags phenomenon, with people sharing their rest day on social media instead of bragging about their workout.
National Relaxation Day is this week so it’s a great time for a reminder of why a rest day every week is important.
Your Body Needs It
You know how you’re not supposed to lift the same muscle groups two days in a row? It’s because those muscles need to rest in order to recover and grow.
The same is true for the rest of your body; you’re doing more harm than good by pushing it every day without allowing adequate time to recover.
Your Mind Needs It
Workout burnout is a real thing. Even the most enthusiastic gym rat can fall into a rut with a day-in, day-out, over and over again workout mentality. Like other muscles in your body, your brain deserves a day off from counting reps, calculating splits, or thinking about what’s next in the circuit.
An added bonus, knowing a rest day is coming can help you keep pushing in the days leading up to it.
Your Tomorrow Self Needs It
I don’t know about you but after one day off from running or the gym, I’m eager to get back at it. There’s something about taking a day away that allows the recharge needed to come back strong and with energy. Especially if you’re one who dwells on a bad workout and it gets in the way of the next day’s, the rest day really proves its worth, not the day you take it, the next day.
Take too long to give yourself that opportunity to step away from workout-mode, and you might find the next day at the gym is harder. The day after that, even worse. It’s a pattern that can lead to major burnout and forgoing workouts for a timeframe TBD – a pattern none of us want to fall into.
Do you take a rest day every week? Is it planned or do you listen to your body and use that as the guide for when it’s time to take a day off? Comment or tweet me, @LindsayIRL. Share your rest day pics on Twitter and Instagram too, and be sure to use hashtag #wellirl along with #restdaybrags.
Training For a Fall Marathon is Hard. Really Hard.
“There’s a first time for everything”
I’m no stranger to marathons. With nine under my belt, I’ve experienced a lot, both during training and on race day. But one thing I’ve never experienced until now is a whole new beast: marathon training in the summer.
Winter marathon training – what I know best
Of those nine full marathons I’ve run, all have been in the spring, either April or May. Because of this timing, I’ve only ever trained for marathons in the late winter/early spring. And, as someone who would take zero degrees, clouds, even snow over 75 degrees and sun ANY day, it has been great.
This fall I have, not one, but two full marathons on my schedule: Dick Beardsley on September 9, and Chicago on October 8. I’m hoping to be on the pace team for September’s race and I’m super-excited to be running October’s with my oldest bro; his first full marathon.
With each being exciting for its own reason, my enthusiasm to train is certainly there. I knew early on I’d need to make some adjustments to my training plan to accommodate summer life vs. winter life and that part has gone well. In fact, I’ve enjoyed the shift to more early morning runs. There was even one Friday I got up at 4:15 to knock out my long run – 12 miles – before work – and it wasn’t bad!
But, as someone who would take zero degrees over 75, I’m realizing that aspect makes training for a marathon in the summer hard. In fact, it’s really, really hard. In addition to acclimating my body to running earlier, both for shorter, weekly runs, and my weekly long run, I’ve made a few other adjustments.
Summer marathon training – a whole new game
First, I’ve said goodbye to shyness and braved the shirtless run numerous times. It’s amazing what consistent running in 70-plus degrees and sun can do to a person. Zero fucks are given anymore.
Next, I’ve experimented with a new fueling strategy. Normally, if I’m running 10 or more miles, I would eat a light breakfast and drink coffee beforehand to ensure I had enough gas in the tank to endure the long run. Getting out the door in the 5 a.m. hour doesn’t allow much flex to eat beforehand so I’ve been making it work, successfully running more than half marathon distance on a single Clif block alone.
Finally, water has been crucial – both to drink and to dump all over myself. I’ve started to more strategically plan my routes to have optional water access points along the way, such as supermarkets and gas stations. I’ve also learned that I need to add plenty of ice to my water bottle to have a chance of making it 10 miles without the liquid becoming lukewarm.
It’s funny; people often gasp and are amazed when I tell them I train for marathons outdoors, in the middle of winter – cold, snow, and all. But I’ve gotta say, training for a marathon in the middle of summer – now that’s something impressive. Although I’ve struggled several times and my finish times likely won’t be nearly as strong as if I had cooler weather to work with, I’m grateful for this new experience. I’ve got my eye on the payoff: Getting to run, not one, but two full marathons during my absolute favorite running season. Even more reason to be excited for fall!
Anyone else training for a fall marathon? Which one? Do you have any good tips you could offer me? Comment or tweet me, @LindsayIRL. Share your training progress on Twitter and Instagram too using hashtag #wellirl.
3 Beginner Poses for Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga
“Yoga is my favorite way to pretend like I’m working out”
Over the Fourth of July, I decided to take my love of stand-up paddleboarding and yoga, and give SUP yoga a try. I mean, I’m great at paddleboarding, I’m good at yoga, how hard could combining the two be?
One of my finer SUP yoga moments.
Turns out, very hard. I was not good. However, I did enjoy giving it a try.
In between failed attempts and splashdowns in the lake, I did find a couple poses I could do moderately well. Kind of makes we want to keep trying.
If you’re interested in giving SUP yoga a try, you should. Rather than try for a headstand, tree pose, or something equally advanced right out of the gate, allow me to recommend three poses that are moderately easy on the paddleboard. A great way to get your feet wet, without actually getting wet, if you catch my drift.
Below are three good SUP yoga poses for beginners. I also chose these three because they’re pretty common so most who practice yoga, even beginners, are familiar with them.
1. Cobra
After you’ve paddled out to your destination, why not stay on your belly and enjoy the feeling of a good Cobra pose?
Not the finest but a good addition to the sesh.
2. Downward Dog
Another favorite of many who practice yoga, downward dog offers a ton of benefits. It’s also a nice transition from the stability of a belly-down position on your paddleboard.
3. Warrior
I’ll warn you – this one’s not nearly as easy as the other two. Getting your feet properly positioned takes a lot of balance. As you can see from my photo, I didn’t exactly master this one on my first try. But it’s worth trying. It’s one of those poses that makes you feel so strong and powerful. I supposed that’s why it’s called Warrior.
Have you tried stand-up paddleboard yoga? Was it a success or more of a disaster? Comment or tweet me, @LindsayIRL. Share your pics on Twitter and Instagram too, and be sure to use hashtag #wellirl.
Why We Run
“Baby we were born to run”
Nearly two years ago, I ran my first race as an Ainsley’s Angels runner. If you’re not familiar with Ainsley’s Angels, it’s a great group that pairs up special needs kids with runners to push them in races.
We have a race coming up, the first one we’re hosting since our chapter was established. Last week, I got together with my teammates, Trav and Riley, to do a little stroller-running practice.
Team Shamus for the Sunrise 5k
You may remember Trav from his interview I shared on the blog a year ago. If you live in the Fargo-Moorhead area, you might recognize Riley as the morning anchor on our local ABC affiliate.
As we were wrapping up, we started talking about running – how much we all love it and the reasons we do it. And wouldn’t you know, not a single one of those was weight loss. Not a single.damn.one.
In all reality, of course weight management is an awesome benefit of running. Between the calorie burn and muscle strengthening, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t appreciate the positive way it affects my body. But there are plenty of forms of cardio that achieve those results – cycling, swimming, even an elliptical machine.
As I’ve continued to run throughout the years and talk to others who also run as a religion, I’ve found that rarely is weight loss a reason that anyone loves to run and continues to do it.
Between Trav, Riley, and me, here are the reasons we love running. If you ever need something to give you a good kick in the butt (and don’t we all some days?), feel free to draw on these for inspiration.
1. It Makes Us Feel Great
This one is so hard to argue. While we agree that sometimes, it can be hard to get up and go for a run, it feels so good after, both mentally and physically. And then there’s the racing side of it.
I remember finishing my first 20-mile training run for my first marathon. I felt like such a badass. I recall talking with Trav and the pride he felt crossing the finish line of his first half marathon. There’s no better feeling. Running lets us capture those moments every time we choose to lace up and hit the pavement.
2. It’s Stress Relief
We all have stress in our lives. For Trav, he’s working all the time, and has his hands in tons of different projects. For Riley, I mean, the girl is on live TV every day. ‘Nuff said. For me, I balance writing for editors to meet tight deadlines, pulling together reports for our C-Suite, and fielding other requests that come my way as my company’s sole PR Specialist. And those are just our work lives.
Running is powerful stress relief. There’s just something about it that helps us unwind and deal with things that consume our day-to-day lives.
3. It Does Good
Ainsley’s Angels is a perfect example of how running benefits others.
And you don’t have to volunteer with a group like we do; there are plenty of races that allow you to fundraise for great causes. In other races, just by running and paying the race fee, you’re supporting a charitable organization.
4. It’s Fun
Oh, this one. Whenever I tell people, non-runners, that I love to run because it’s fun, I’m greeted with horrible blank stares.
With runners though, they totally get it. Especially in a team setting with a fun race like Trav, Riley, and I are going to run, it really is so much fun.
My favorite four-legged running partner
5. It’s For Everyone
I enjoy long distances and 8-minute miles with the company of my dog. Trav digs the half marathon, has been gradually increasing speed, and enjoys group runs. Riley has done a 10k and handfuls of 5ks, and is shooting for 10-minute miles in our next race.
Difference distances, varying pace-per-miles. And guess what – we’re all runners. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how far, how fast, or how often you run. If you run, you’re a runner.
Speaking of that, join us for the Sunrise 5k on July 1. Walk, jog, run, whatever’s your pleasure. If you don’t live in the Fargo-Moorhead area, no worries, there’s a virtual option. Sign up here.
Do you run for reasons other than weight loss? What is your number one reason you run? Comment or tweet me, @LindsayIRL. Share your reasons to run on Twitter and Instagram too, and be sure to use hashtag #wellirl.
Respect for the Shirtless Runners
“Hot child in the city, running wild and looking pretty”
Summer is here. Well, not officially, at least according to the calendar. But in terms of weather, particularly, running weather, it’s hot, hot, HOT. With that, last week began the time of year in which I never used to take part. Yes, I think we can safely say it’s time to ditch the tops and run sans shirt.
It took me 10 years but I can finally head out for a run like this.
For those who don’t know me well, this has been a step for me. Prior to last summer, running shirtless was something, in my decade of the sport, I had never done. It’s not that I’m ashamed or embarrassed by my belly; it’s a product of my genetics and, mostly, my love of food. I even wear a bikini at the lake.
That’s the difference though: Spending the day shirtless at the lake? Acceptable, even expected. Out for a run, shirtless, through the southern neighborhoods of my city? Unnecessary, even attention-seeking.
But as someone who’s Function over Form (both in personal and professional life), I started thinking about the simple functionality of running shirtless on very, very hot days.
It was a few months after my first shirtless running experiment I learned I wasn’t alone. You may have heard of @KellyKKRoberts, a runner who has been proudly running in her sports bra for quite some time. Similar to me, she was self-conscious to run shirtless. And similar to me, she decided it was just to effing hot and running in just a sports bra was so much more comfortable. In fact, her brave movement inspired a following knowing as the #SportsBraSquad. Basically, a group for anyone who enjoys the comfort of running shirtless and doesn’t care what anyone thinks of it. And for all you guys out there, @BareThomas10, also known as Running Shirtless, spreads the message of running shirtless.
Not saying I’m a full-on member of the #SportsBraSquad or Running Shirtless crew. I do it only when absolutely necessary. I do it only when I decide shedding the shirt is worth it to gain a degree or more of coolness on my body. In summary, I do it only when it’s hot AF. But I’ve come a long way and thank goodness – this summer is already off to a hellishly hot start.
My respect to you, Kelly and Bare Thomas. Thanks for reminding us all we’re strong and awesome and totally justified to ditch our shirts!
When it’s hot outside, do you run, bike, walk – whatever it is you do – shirtless? Or do you prefer to keep it all under wraps, regardless of the heat? Comment or tweet me, @LindsayIRL. And because shirtless is as real as it gets, don’t forget to use the hasthtag #wellirl.
Wellness In Real Life
“Keepin it real”
If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed my handles have changed. Depending on how familiar you are with my blogging or you found this blog entry, you may also notice you’re reading it on a new site. I didn’t get hacked, both are intentional! I’ve changed the name of my blog and moved to a new site – welcome to Wellness In Real Life.
Still a running girl – with her dog
When I first began blogging a few years ago, I was mostly focused on running – who am I kidding, I still am. But as I continued to write, I realized my life was less about just running and more about striving for wellness. Running just happens to be a major player in my quest for wellness, physical and mental. And that’s not changing any time soon, unless my body just up and falls apart…
So why the name change? I mean, really, “What’s in a name?” Thanks to the Always ‘Like A Girl’ campaign that launched a couple years back, girls’ running groups, and the recent rise of new-age, social media feminism (none of which I’m associated with), my original name, ‘Run Like A Girl’ has taken on a life of its own. It has become almost gimmicky and doesn’t really jive with the reason I originally chose the name – which was, simply, because I’m a girl. So I run like one.
Another common theme in my writing is honesty – no matter how unpleasant, feisty, or, sometimes, gross it may be. Working out, eating right, controlling stress, everything that goes into wellness, it’s not always pretty. Working out takes, well, WORK. Being hungry sucks. Some days, cardio is the worst. And I can’t even imagine the tough days for all you parents out there. All in all, there are times it all just sucks. Bad.
I really, really like food
I’ve never been one to sugarcoat. Pretending I don’t enjoy chocolate and waffles and Cheez-Its? That’s not real. Saying I pop out of bed and go running at 5 a.m. with ease? That’s not real. Taking 100 gym selfies to get one that hits the perfect balance of looking like I’m working out, yet maintaining a perfect ponytail, and flexed butt and biceps? That’s not real.
In short, there’s a lot of fake stuff, bullshit advice, and things that just aren’t realistic in our real lives. Wellness is choices, it’s work, and it’s an ongoing effort.
Yes, I’m all about keepin it real. And I felt a new name would better represent me – what I’m, my writing, and my mission is all about.
So once again, welcome to Wellness In Real Life. I’m still working on the site and fully transitioning, so there are still some hints of ‘Run Like A Girl’ here too – I don’t want to totally confuse everyone who visits just yet. Above all else, it’s still me so I hope you’ll stick around and keep reading.
As always, if you have comments, please leave them below. For questions or other things to say, tweet me, @LindsayIRL. And use the hasthtag #wellirl to share your real-life wellness moments – the grosser, funnier, and real-er, the better.
The Hardest Part of Marathon Training Comes After 26.2
“You can’t start the next chapter if you keep re-reading the last one”
Two members of my pace crew – started together, finished together.
Another Fargo Marathon in the books. This year’s race was one of the most fun for me, as I had the privilege of leading one of the pace groups. While I was nervous for my first assignment as a full marathon pacer, those nerves quickly went away, as I laughed, encouraged, and bonded with some great people throughout the streets, bike paths, and college campuses of Fargo and Moorhead.
Like other marathon runners, the hardest part of marathon training is here – what to do next. There are several reasons post-marathon time is tough but unlike other marathon runners, I don’t have the “whats” part of it to deal with. You know the “whats”:
“What could I have done differently?”
“What if I had run the first few miles a little faster?”
“What should I have changed with my training to do better?”
Runners are notoriously hard on themselves, often dissecting and analyzing every part of the race, every step in the training process, all to know what they could have done better.
What’s next for me? More fun runs with Ainsley’s Angels
As a pacer, I had a different approach than most runners hoping for a personal goal; I simply had a job to do and, I’m happy to say, I believe I did it well. So I get to look back on this year’s event and training with no regrets, no “whats,” but I sympathize with runners right now who are dealing with, both the scrutinizing “whats” and the big question: “What do I do now?” That’s why I offer up a throwback blog, how to beat those after-marathon-blues.
Those of you who recently ran a marathon, whether Fargo or other, I invite you to read as well. Remember to celebrate your accomplishment. No matter how race day turned out, you worked hard for months and that alone is worth recognizing. Most importantly, it will help you move on to a better “whats” – what’s next!
If you like this post and think other runners would too, please share it on Facebook or Twitter. As always, if you have questions or something to say, please leave a comment or tweet me, @runlikeagirl311.
Why You Should Run With a Pacer – And Why You Shouldn’t
“Follow the leader”
Iiiitttt’ssss Marathon Week! After a long winter of training, it’s hard to believe the big day is almost here. On Saturday, along with thousands of runners, I’ll step up to the start line at the Fargo Marathon, my eleventh consecutive year running my beloved hometown race.
I’m THIS EXCITED for marathon Saturday
What’s different about other years I’ve run the full marathon is this year I’m doing it as a pacer – my first time pacing a full 26.2 endeavor. I’m leading the 4:20 finish group so hoping I have a couple first-timers run, at least part of their journey, alongside me.
As a pacer, I’d love to tell you all the reasons why running with us is a great idea. And, as a runner who never ran in a pace group myself, I feel I should give you the other side of the story, too. So here they are, the reasons why running with a pacer is a great idea – and, why it may not be for you.
To help illustrate, I’ve identified five types of runners; hopefully you can see some of yourself in one – or all – of these.
1. If You’re a First-Timer
I identify the First-Timer as, maybe not a rookie racer, but a first-timer in his or her respective race, whether a full or half marathon, a 10-miler or 10k.
Why You Want to Run With a Pacer
The most obvious of all, it’s your first race! A pacer will help calm your nerves, keep your adrenaline in check, remind you to take fluids or gel, and, most importantly, keep you positive. Not only that, you’ll get the camaraderie of the full pace group – you’re all in it together.
Why You Don’t Want to Run With a Pacer
Especially for your first race, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and push too fast to keep up with a group. Conversely, you may end up underestimating yourself and be held back by the group you thought would be the right pace for you. Remember, a pacer knows how to run the race really well. But you know YOU really well.
2. If You’re a Type A Runner
I identify the Type A runner as the runner who has a plan on race day. Not only do these runners have have a goal finish time, they likely have a target pace per-every-mile. They’ve looked ahead at the course and have strategy for navigating turns and hills. They even a plan when they’ll take their gels and water stops. Full disclosure, I am the Type A Runner.
Why You Want to Run With a Pacer
The only scenario you’re likely to even consider running with a pacer is if you aren’t totally confident in the ability to pace to your goal. While it’s hard for the control freak to put their trust in someone else, the Type A Runner may see the pacer as a way to maintain the target and, ultimately, achieve their goal.
Why You Don’t Want to Run With a Pacer
The Type A Runner needs to be in full control of every aspect of the race possible. That’s pretty much the end of this story.
3. If You’re a Lazy Runner
No, not an oxymoron, there is a type of runner who I’d identify as “lazy” on race day. They’re the ones who put in the training but, when race day comes, they back off and don’t push it. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with this. I myself have taken a day or two off from being a Type A Runner to enjoy the spoils of a lazy marathon.
Pacers make it fun – mascot selfies and all
Why You Want to Run With a Pacer
Another pretty obvious one – if, deep down, you want to achieve a PR or other time goal, running with a pacer will give you the push you may not otherwise do on your own. Also, you’ll likely enjoy the fun of running in a group.
Why You Don’t Want to Run With a Pacer
Often, the Lazy Runner is lazy because that’s how they enjoy running. Taking in the sights and sounds of the race, getting lost in the moment, not worrying about their watch. If this is how you enjoy running, make no apologies, and just enjoy it.
4. If You’re An Energy Feeder
Kind of the opposite of the Lazy Runner, I define the Energy Runner as one less disciplined during training but then feeds off all the energy and excitement on race day. They’re energetic early on, but may start to fade before they see a mile marker with a number in the 20s.
Why You Want to Run With a Pacer
All that energy in one bunch? A leader keeping the group motivated? Extra cheers from the crowd directed towards the entire group? You’ll love all the added motivation and camaraderie built-in throughout the course. And if you choose to line up with a group that’s running a pace realistic to what you can maintain, it might help from going out too fast, too early, and conserve your energy.
Why You Don’t Want to Run With a Pacer
The extra excitement and early energy bursts might cause the Feeder to experience an earlier-than-usual bonk. If you’re prone to this, it might be best to stay focused on you vs. others – notice your breath, how you’re feeling, your stride, and do what feels right.
5. If You’re A Repeat Offender
Repeat Offenders – many of us fall into this category, even if we’ve already identified a fit in one of the four above. I identify the Repeat Offenders as the ones who have run their particular race, from 5k to marathon, numerous times. They know how their body and mind react through the miles, and probably have a good idea of how to pace themselves on their own.
Repeat half marathon offenders – my pal, Dakota and me
Why You Want to Run With a Pacer
If you haven’t yet hit that PR or time goal you’ve been wanting, this is a great chance to do so. Because you know these miles really well, you’re likely to choose a realistic pace group and use that to hit a goal.
Why You Don’t Want to Run With a Pacer
It has been said before and will be said again – the pacer knows the course and mile splits, but no one knows you better than you. If you’re seeking a new PR, running on your own is a great opportunity to teach yourself the art of pacing and make you a stronger runner. And, as an experienced runner and one who keeps coming back for more, you certainly don’t need the energy and extra push that a pacer provides.
Just as every runner is different, every runner on race day is different. Between the weather, nerves, sleep, and about a million other variables, you never know how race day is going to shake out. Always do what feels right for you.
If you’re considering running with a pacer, the best advice I can give is to start in the group, then either get ahead or drop back depending on the feels.
Have you ever run a race with a pacer? Why or why not? If you did, was it a good experience? Comment below or tweet me @runlikeagirl311 on Twitter.
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