Am I A Runner?

This is a question I rarely ask myself, because the answer is simple. No. When people refer to me as a runner I always deny it. My friend Leandra often refers to me as her friend Kim "the runner." Every time she uses "the runner" label to differentiate me from another friend I always say, what are you talking about Leandra? I'm not a runner.

Funny, Rebecca (my running partner) doesn't consider herself a runner either. When people ask us if we are "runners" we say we run together and yeah, we run some races, but we aren't "runners". After all, look at me. If you saw me on the street you would never think of me as a runner. I don't go through running shoes every other month, I don't wear shorts that are high cut and flap in the wind or are tight. For goodness sake, I chafe in places where I know "runners" do not chafe.


To me, running is simply a recreation, time when Rebecca and I can be together and chat about all that is going on in our lives. We have actually saved specific topics for a run and read books specifically for our long runs. Knowing that it is our conversation that gets us through to the finish line we look forward to seeing each other every day. Often after we have run 10 miles and talked in the parking lot for 20 minutes I have to call her to tell her something I forgot to mention. We aren't runners......


I am currently reading the Runner's World "The Runner's Diet" by Madelyn H Fernstrom (which I will review when I am done reading). In her book Madelyn says "No matter whether you run 1 or 6 miles a day, you're a runner (p13)." She also paraphrases Descartes to "Offer an important guideline for all of us: 'I run; therefore I am a runner' (pXIV)." By this standard I guess Rebecca and I should consider ourselves runners.


My friend Leandra has made it a personal goal to convince me that I am a runner. She is constantly catching me off guard asking me questions when I least expect it. While golfing one day she asked me if I was wearing my running shoes (I just wear sneakers to golf in), I promptly said no, I only wear my running shoes when when I am running never any other time. "Oh she said, then you are a runner."


Then at soccer practice she asked me if I knew the time, when I told her she said, oh is that your heart rate monitor. Yes I said, it is. She replied, if you have a heart rate monitor then "you must be a runner."


Do you have a running partner? Yes, you know Rebecca is my running partner. "Oh, then you must be a runner."


I think you get the picture......


Sometimes I think this misconception that I am NOT a runner is a result of geography. After all, look where I live. When I tell people I ran a 1/2 marathon they say "Great, do you want to join me in the .... Marathon?" It seems like everyone around me is competing in IronMan, Marathon, Ultra Marathon etc. I only run a half marathons, but maybe just maybe instead of comparing myself to people that I will never compete with I should compare myself to where I came from.


I didn't even start running until I was 23 and in Graduate School. A long distance race for me as a 5K. I run farther than that on a daily basis now, and I still love running. I have run the Steamboat Half Marathon 5 times (4 times in a row) and I have even run 2 half marathons in the same season a few times. Now that is amazing when I look back on it.


OK Leandra, I guess you are right. Rebecca and I are runners! Instead of denying it when people ask we should hold our heads high and say


"Yes, as a matter of fact WE ARE runners!"


- Thank you friend


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Traditional Medicinals

Written by Kim:

As I mentioned in my first post, one of the things that has plagued me and my motivation to run over the past few months has been stomach issues. I don't know the root of this evil. It seems like I wake up every morning with a stomach ache and no motivation to run. However, because of my accountability to my running partner Rebecca I have run through it.

So, what is one to do? Being a fan of homeopathic medicine and my desire to solve problems naturally I began searching the internet for solutions to stomach issues. I found the answer quickly and it seems to have transformed my belly. I have been so happy and excited to wake up every morning with no stomach ache. I have started drinking Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Tea before I go to bed at night and it has made a world of difference. So YEAH again to Traditional Medicinals and their wonderful teas!


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Training Chart

I have found that I work best with a goal in mind, preferably one I have had to front some cash for. So this is part of the reason why I sign up for the Steamboat Half Marathon every year. Of course the fact that Steamboat is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado and 5 days away with my family and friends is one of the best weeks of the year for me has something to do with it too.

So, how does a novice/intermediate runner like me prepare for a Half Marathon?

Every year I follow Hal Higdon's Half Marathon training program. I find his website to be very informative, realistic and best of all FREE! He says "The excitement around half marathons often is the same as at a marathon -- except you get to go home early." I love this and it is exactly why I train for at least one half marathon a year. In my opinion a half marathon is not a race just anyone can get up and run, but at the same time the training is not so time intensive that I would fail to do it right.

With my two young boys I just have not gotten to the point yet where I can dedicate myself enough to training for a marathon. Although, my friend Tracey and I have promised ourselves that we will run a marathon together before we turn 40. Unfortunately that window is quickly closing and at least Tracey has the experience of running 5 marathons behind her (I know I know, already with the excuses).

Anyway, for the past several years I have followed Higdon's Novice 12 week program, but last year Rebecca and I thought we would try to bump it up to the Intermediate program. After all, we definitely fit the description - "THE ABOVE [Intermediate] SCHEDULE IS FOR EXPERIENCED RUNNERS: individuals who have left their Novice roots behind and who want to improve their performances. You should be capable of running 30 to 60 minutes a day, five to seven days a week, have competed in at least a few 5-K and 10-K races, if not a marathon, and at least be willing to consider the possibility that some speedwork might help you improve."

Last year we created our workout calendar (well I did and forced my spreadsheets on Rebecca), and everything started out easy. After all we were more than ready for this. ROAD BLOCK: I can not get myself through the speed workouts. Let's face it, I am a 10 minute miler. I enjoy this pace and I can continue to run this pace for miles on end. I hate sprinting, but I KNOW it would help me in many ways. First it would knock my body out of its doldrums and it may also decrease my mile time. The question is, is the pain worth going from a 10 minute mile to a 9:45 minute mile? I still won't win, but maybe I would finally hit that elusive 2:10 half marathon time I have always longed for and have come so close to.

This little tirade brings me back to yesterday's post and the how I mentioned that blogging was partially selfish. I figured if I created a workout and told everyone about it that it would make me even more accountable and more likely to stick to the parts that I don't like. So I promise continued updates.

My 12 week training program officially started this week and I am going to get out of this funk, get myself excited and start training for this race the right way! Anyone want to join me?

My Plan:
Mondays - Easy Run starting with 3 miles increasing 1/2 mile every other week
Tuesdays - Yoga and/or Sculpt & Tone Class
Wednesdays - Alternating 400 m weeks and tempo runs
Thursdays - Yoga and/or Sculpt & Tone Class
Fridays - 3 miles easy and strength
Saturdays - 3 miles easy increasing 1 mile every third week
Sundays - Long Runs starting with 5 miles, increasing 1 mile a week


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Road Block

Hello. I am Kim, Paul's wife. Paul has been asking me to write for our FamilyFanClub blog for 2 seasons now so I figured I should finally get around to doing it. Although, I have to say there are selfish reasons for my blogging as well, but we will get to that in a bit.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I am the proud mother of 2 handsome boys, ages 7 and 5, and a very happy wife. My primary duty is to be a mom to our boys, but in spare time I run 3 businesses. BINSI Labor and Birth Apparel, FamilyFanClub and I am also a birth doula.

My life is full of joy, however, it would absolutely not be the same if it wasn't for my running partner Rebecca (that's her on the left)! We prefer to call each other running partners rather than best friends because we feel like it shows more commitment to one another than simply just being best friends.

In fact more often than not, it is this commitment to Rebecca that keeps me running. That's why I am particularly thankful for her this year. For whatever reason it seems like I am hitting a running road block this season.

This is only the 3rd year that I have run all year long. In the past I would stop running sometime around November and pick it back up in March, but for the past three years Rebecca and I have run every Sunday outside, regardless of the temperature and this year (for the first time) we continued to run outside 3 days a week, regardless of temperature. Although, the coldest weather we ran in was 10 degrees.

I look forward to running season every year. I run the Mother's Day Title 9K and Steamboat Half Marathon every year, and sometimes the Bolder Boulder as well. Yes that is my season in 4 weeks, the rest of the summer I simply run for fun. But for some reason this year I have hit a running road block. I just don't seem up for the training this year. I have been struggling with stomach issues, exhaustion and flat out disinterest in running. What is that all about? Luckily I have Rebecca to keep me motivated and to help me get through this odd time.

So what am I going to do? I am going to get out my training chart and run my way out of this funk!


Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Thanks to Rudy Project!

I bought a pair of Exception glasses from Rudy Project via my local eyecare professional (Eagle Vision in Longmont, CO) in 2008. I love the flip capability that allows me to wear the glasses outside and flip (or remove) the lens when lighting conditions change. I wore the glasses snowmobiling this year and when I went to remove them, the frame snapped => devastation!

Luckily Rudy Project has a no hassle warranty replacement policy. I filled out this warranty form, with proof of purchase and $19.95. I had a brand new frame in hand in about a week and I couldn't be happier.

I recommended the glasses before they broke and with the excellent customer service, my happiness continues with Rudy Project. Thanks Rudy Project! (I love my helmet too, hopefully I won't be writing any testimonials on that.)


Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Don't start training without Road ID

Road ID is the perfect gift and training partner for the runner, cyclist, triathlete, or active person on your gift list. If you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. If you don't know exactly which Road ID to purchase, just order a Road ID Gift Card or an online eCard.

Road ID: It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind.

Kim and I both have Road ID bracelets and it really does give me peace of mind when Kim is out for a run or when I'm out for a ride on my bike. It's nice to know that if something happens to me, people will know who I am and how to contact family and friends. We even used our Road Ids for our kids a few times this summer when we were out at busy locations, such as Yankee Stadium!

If you don't think it can happen to you, checkout the testimonials. It's the best $20 you could spend this season.

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Miami International Triathlon

Congrats to Matt Chrabot & Sarah Haskins for winning the 2010 Miami International Triathlon yesterday & to all the pro and age group finishers.

If you're looking for a unique t-shirt, sticker or perhaps an oranament for the holidays, stop by the shop for Miami Triathlon t-shirts, stickers and more!


Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Happy get off the couch 3rd anniversary to me!

It's been three years this week since I decided enough was enough and got off the couch to get in better shape. Here are the reasons I wrote about here and here in 2008 as I started this blog. As I look back over the last three years I certainly feel great having:
* Lost 25 lbs. At my peak fitness in July 2008 preparing for Boulder Peak Olympic Triathlon, I was down 40 lbs, back to my Navy weight in 1995. I've gained some of that back, but overall very happy with how much better a feel.
* 9 Triathlons. 5 Sprints, 2 Olympic & 2 relays as the swimmer.
* 2 Bolder Boulder 10Ks & a couple handfuls of 5Ks
* Started Family Fan Club as a side project to create triathlon, running, marathon, cycling, duathlon, swimming and personalized t-shirts, stickers, sweatshirt, ornaments and more for family, friends and athletes. We've had a great time & meet a lot of wonderful athletes and supporters over the years.

So, three years down and an unlimited number of years ahead. This year I'm going to be focusing on shorter races and get my fitness where it needs to be for future considerations.

We've got a bunch of new products and designs in store that we'll be adding over the coming weeks and months. We're finalizing details on an exciting new product offering that we'll announce more about later this spring.

As everyone dials in their plans for 2010 race season, please considering making Family Fan Club part of your race schedule. Whether you're an athlete, sherpa, family or friends, we've got something for everyone, including personalized t-shirts.

If you've got a question, recommendation or would just like to say hi, contact us!


Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.