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I am not superwoman!

| cheriarmour

I would like to pretend I am.  I go nonstop.  I teach classes, I go to work, I go for a run, I shower, and do it again and again and again.  Part of the reason for that is that one of my deepest fears related to working out is that if I skip a few days, that I will start to hate working out, and I will just sit on the couch all day and drink cokes and forget all about taking care of myself.  I know that’s not reasonable, or rational, but I just think about how I was in college (watching America’s Next Top Model Marathons for days on end while drinking a huge coke), and my blood runs cold.

“I’m young,” I tell myself, “I can slow down when my body won’t let me do this anymore!”  But this sort of thinking can lead to overtraining, injuries, lengthier recovery times, and general malaise.  But not to me, right, because I’m superwoman?  (Not so).

All of last week was absolutely brutal, as far as the weather was concerned.  Morning temperatures were regularly below freezing, and in the span of about a week, good old North Carolina got not one, but two big(ish) weather events.  I was also nursing a lingering cold throughout the week that wasn’t quite enough to actually be classified as sickness, but enough for me to pop a few daytime cold medications containing guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine.  Relieved my congestion, but didn’t do a whole lot for that general, energy-sucked feeling I had.  (Also, for you fitness folks, those colds meds dehydrate you, so be careful when you’re taking those).

But the show must go on!  I ran, I taught Zumba, and did my thing for the week.  Finally, on Saturday, it caught up with me.  I ate a teeny bit of something before I went to teach Zumba (probably not quite enough), and went down the the gym.  Throughout class, I just kept getting hotter and hotter.  I rolled my pant legs up, and removed a layer from the top.  Still sweating like a  pig.  Hm. Oh well!  Continued dancing.  The second to last song starts, and all of a sudden, it hit me.  I’m going to faint in front of this entire class.  And my nose may bleed when I hit my head in front of the entire class.  And planes will crash, and the electronic grid will shut down, and Beyonce will lip synch at the Superbowl.  I’m making this a tad more dramatic than it is, but if you know me, that’s not completely shocking.  But my thought is, “I’m going to fall in front of the class, and we can’t let that happen.”  So I eased myself to the ground, and THEN passed out.  Luckily, there was a doctor in the class, who sent someone for some gum and some Gatorade, checked my pulse, and sat with me until I was able to shake off the deep-seated embarrassment I was now feeling.

As a somewhat hysterical side note, it was close to the end of class, and when I regained my senses, I was still wearing the mic I wear to teach class.  So I turned my head, which was now resting comfortably on the floor, and announced to the class, “I’m sorry!  I’ve had a cold this week and I’m a little dehydrated!  But I will see you ladies same time next week!” ::insert 40 pairs of horrified/terrified eyes staring back on me here.

So the moral of the story is: chill out!  And I’m the first one who could benefit from that advice.  Yoga Kerri advised me, saying that you’re allowed to miss a long run and not have it mess up your entire marathon/life.  I’m not quite there yet, but I’m getting there, especially after that scary little blip on the radar.  I’ve been afforded the energy where generally, I can just go and go and go, but Saturday reminded me, that I’m a human, and that rest, especially on an off week where you’re sick and not feeling great, is not against the law.

A few things….

| cheriarmour

This is why we run.

Rise

If you think for a second that just cause we run, we don’t like to eat, you are very sadly mistaken.  I’ve been dibblin and dabblin in running for a few years now, and the more I run, the more wicked my sweet tooth gets.  The way I prevent myself from getting as big as a house is that I just can’t keep the good stuff around the house.  However, if someone brings them to work?  You better run.

Mizuno Matt brought us some donuts from Rise (a Bakery in Durham around Southpoint), so instead of eating my lunch, I ate most of an Oreo.  Then I pretended I was only going to eat half of a chocolate by cutting it in half.  I ate the first half, got three steps away, and ate the second half.  Woops.

GlovesAnd sometimes when you run, you find out what you’re doing is just not gonna work whatsoever.  I ran early this morning, where the temps were holding around a balmy and breezy 23 degrees.  ::fans self:: Hawt!  Anyhoo, obviously I was wearing my gloves and the whole shebang, but I think I touched my face a few times because by the end of the 6-miler, my hands were soaked, and I was in some pretty serious pain.  Thankfully, I managed to loop back around to my house, where I spent the next 20 minutes in absolutely agonizing pain.  I ran out after lunch today and hastily procured a new pair of thicker, drier gloves.  That brush with frostbite was more than enough for me to learn my lesson!

Disappointing start to Saturday

| cheriarmour

I was hoping to run a quick short run before I headed to Zumba today – and I got new gear that I wanted to try out, so I was extra pumped.

So I bundled up, and was met with the remnants of last night’s “weather event”

Weather 1

Aw shucks.  Maybe the street is better?

Weather 2

 

And as I was stepping of the complex into the street, I slipped, with the Jacksons “Enjoy Yourself” playing as the soundtrack.

Weather 3

 

I’m gonna have to try again tomorrow with my new gear (the Nike Element Shield Full-Zip in the most gorgeous shade of orange-red you’ve ever seen that looks AMAZING with my skin tone but whatever), and hopefully, 16 miles doesn’t hurt too badly after a day off.

Guest Blogger! Jessica Ekstrom!

| cheriarmour

I like to utilize my blog in a number of ways.  1, Obviously, I’m trying to keep you guys interested so you’ll actually donate.  2, I love talking about myself.  (Just kidding!  Kinda…) 3, To show off my new nail polish! 4, To give you fellow runners, as well as aspiring runners a taste of my greatness (or to give you some important tidbits I’ve leaned along the way), 5, To uplift some folks in the community that I think are doing some great things.

Jessica Ekstrom is a cool girl that I met while I was working for NC State’s Department of Campus Recreation.  Still to this day, it’s one of my favorite jobs.  There’s nothing better than working with a bunch of like-minded, healthy individuals, which is what I like about my job now.  Anyhoo, Jess is a youngin who has totally got her head on straight, and she’s made waves all over the country with her sweet project.  Jess, everyone!

HOH

“Right before my 20th birthday in the summer of 2011, I participated in an internship at the Make-A-Wish Foundation that changed my life forever.

Everyday, I got to wake up and grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. I took day trips to visit the wish kids at their houses and bring them their favorite toys. We received hundreds of letters from wish children that said we changed their lives; little did they know, they were changing mine.

One day, I was pulling my hair back in a ponytail and thought about the hundreds of girls I encountered that lose their hair to cancer. I saw how much losing their hair had an impact on their self-esteem and confidence level.

I thought about the thousands of girls around the world losing their hair to chemotherapy. Being a young girl presents many struggles with self-esteem already and losing their hair as a result of a life-threatening illness is traumatic. Not only do they have to face the risk of losing their lives, they feel that they lose a part of their feminine identity. 
I found that the girls loved to wear headbands to still feel “girly” after hair loss instead of wigs.

Therefore I started Headbands of Hope! For every headband purchased, one is given to a girl with cancer and $1 is donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fund life-saving childhood cancer research.

Since we launched in April, I’ve had the opportunity to distribute headbands to girls in the hospitals across the nation. The best part of my job is opening the door to their room and seeing their faces light up when I bring dozens of colorful headbands to their beds to choose from.  Even though it’s fun and fulfilling to bring the girls headbands in the hospitals, I’m constantly reminded that there still isn’t a cure.

Childhood cancer takes the lives of more children in the U.S. than any other disease – in fact, more than many other childhood diseases combined.  Progress is also especially slow in curing adolescents and young adults, because federal funding for childhood cancers is a fraction compared to adult cancers.  Therefore, attention needs to be brought to childhood cancer.

Progress can’t be made without research. Research can’t be done without funding. And funding can’t be done without awareness. Headbands of Hope aims to start with awareness and end with a cure.

Ever since I was a little girl, purpose has been close to my heart. My drive and work ethic came from knowing my sweat was going to fulfill a need, someway somehow. Cheri and here project “Running for Haiti” does exactly that. Run for purpose. In Cheri’s case, she saw a need in Haiti and used her passion for running as a tool to help.

Whether you’re selling headbands or running around Raleigh, look around you for an opportunity to make the world a better place!”

If you’re looking to make a difference, and you’re stumped, the best way to come up with an idea is to look at what you love.  Do you love to sing?  Do you love to dance?  Do you love chicken?  Find a way to turn that passion into action! And non-profit organizations love volunteers.  If there’s a cause you’re particularly stoked about, jump on board with a 501c3 that could use your skill.  It could turn into a job for you later!

I am a huge dumb-dumb!

| cheriarmour

I’m partially telling you this cautionary tale so you don’ t make the same mistake when you’re donating to my campaign.  (I’m not far from my goal, I need a few hundred dollars, and my Haitian brethren will be rollin in the dough! Sorta.)

So I was beyond beyond thrilled that Yoga Kerri was able to, with the help of her Yoga for Runner class, raise $103 for us.  Like beyond blown away.  She totally went above and beyond what she needed to, and I’m so grateful.  So I finally went and collected the rest of the Yoga donations.  I went to deposit them today, and accidentally made a huge huge boo boo.

Here is where you’re supposed to donate:

You're supposed to click the giant green button thing from my campaign to donate to Haiti.
You’re supposed to click the giant green button thing from my campaign to donate to Haiti.

Here is where I accidentally donated.

I clicked down here without thinking, which sent the Yoga money to the general Mercy pot, instead of to our specific campaign.
I scrolled down here without thinking, which sent the Yoga money to the general Mercy pot, instead of to our specific campaign.

So at this point, I immediately called donor services, which was 7pm EST.  “CRAP!” I said to myself.  Because who the heck is gonna be in the office?!  Well someone was over there at Mercy, and they immediately went to the task of fixing my error and re-coding my money for Haiti money, instead of for generic funds.  The young woman I spoke with on the phone was so professional, and she got right on top of fixing my dumb mistake.  (Thank you Mercy Amanda!)  Once again, Mercy Corps proves to be absolutely stellar to work with!  Between the care packages, the emails, the notes, and now the fix of my $100 mistake, I would love to work with these great folks again!

Fueling for a long run. Read me!

| cheriarmour

I’m not a big girl by any stretch of the imagination.  But because of how active I am between teaching and training, I eat constantly. I eat breakfast, I eat a snack.  I eat lunch, I eat two snacks….you get the deal.

So, when you’re running for literally hours on end, simply by virtue of the fact that you’re out there for hours, you’re gonna need to fuel.  Factor that in the fact that you’re burning a tremendous amount of calories, and sweating a ton, and you’re going to be dragging hardcore if you don’t figure out how to fuel.  Training for a half or a full?  Let me help you decide what you’re going to need to stay chugging for 13.1, 26.2, or maybe even ultra-marathon mileage!

My nutrition drawer. In addition to aluminum foil and ketchup packets (don't judge me, we all collect those), I've got Nuun, Clif Shot Blocks, gels, and some unidentified protein powder.
My nutrition drawer. In addition to aluminum foil and ketchup packets (don’t judge me, we all collect those), I’ve got Nuun, Clif Shot Blocks, gels, and some unidentified protein powder.

 

What is it/When do I need it? Pros Cons
Water (hydration) Hydration is going to be the biggest key to you not bonking.  I’m a camel, so I need a lot.  But generally the rule of thumb is if you’re going to be running (in normal temps) for over an hour, you need to build water stops into your run.  Drop water along your route before, run by a few coffee shops you know won’t mind giving you water, or wear a fuel belt, camel back, or a little handheld. All available at your local Fleet Feet! It’s water!  Don’t overdo it.  If you slam too much to quickly, it can cause you to cramp, so just swallow little mouthfuls at a time.  Also swishing and spitting is great for sticky runners mouth.
Nuun (Electrolyte enhanced drink tabs) Nuun is not a water replacement, but it helps to replace sodium and electrolytes you may have lost in a long run.  A few of the flavors contain a little bit of caffeine if you need the boost, too. This is a great alternative to a Gatorade, (which doesn’t suck either) because they’ve cut down on the sugar, while still maintaining the electrolyte replacement aspect.  If you’re watching your weight too, it’s low-cal! Generally, it tastes okay but dang I have come across some nasty flavors!  Pick one you like, and stick with it!  Even if you’re not running, sip on on one throughout the day.  (Also great for hot yoga).
Sport Beans Sport beans are energizing jelly beans are formulated to help you blast through any long run.  You take these guys about 30 minutes before activity, and continue as needed throughout activity.  Consume with water! They come in a convenient little pack, and they’re full of carbs, electrolytes, as well as energizing vitamins. They are really sweet, which is fine for some people, but they sort of made my teeth hurt.  Consume with a lot of water to cut the sugar.
Gu Gu is a thick energy gel that comes in a convenient little aluminum pouch thingie. I think I have a pack in my nutrition drawer. It comes in a host of different flavors, both caffeinated and uncaffeinated and it delivers carbs, electrolytes, and calories in a swift little 100-calorie punch.  The conventional thoughts on these is you pound on 15 minutes prior to a long run, and every 45 minutes after. Energy!  These little guys are super powerful, and the Roctane in particular really give you that extra boost that you may need to push through the last 6 miles, especially of a marathon.  Some people really find that they like the flavors of these things as well! Firstly, I’m not particularly partial to the taste of these.  They get the job done, but they’re difficult to choke down.  Also, **they are rough on your stomach** and I will leave it at that.  Experiment with these before race day, because you may find yourself making a few extra ladies-room breaks.
PowerBar Energy Gel Same exact idea as the Gu, but a little thinner of a consistency.  Same wisdom applies here, 15 before, and every 45 minutes after. Much better tasting, and the thinner consistency makes it a little easier to swallow (heh heh, no pun intended) with a good bit of water.  I find it a little easier on your tummy as well! If you’re really really sensitive, this may have a similar effect that Gu does on your stomach.  Once again, experimenting during training is super necessary to prevent any surprises.
Shot Blocks My personal favorite, these guys come in a gummy stick form partitioned out for consumption.  I usually don’t break into these until about 40 minutes in, and eat whenever my blood sugar starts to dip a little bit, before I bonk.  Again, it’s important to take this with a hearty helping of water. They come in a ton of flavors, and they’re caffeinated, so you’ll feel a little boost as soon as you eat it.  They’re not too sweet, and not too hard on your stomach. Some folks hate the idea of eating something while you run.  I have no issue with it, but it’s definitely valid!

This list is by no means exhaustive, but in my search, these popped up as the faves!This stuff can be purchased at your local running or outdoor-type store.  But may I suggest, if you have a Fleet Feet in your area, that you look them up and visit them!  If they don’t have something, they’ll know where you can get it, and staff there usually has tried everything at least once.

And last but not least, for folks who have dietary restrictions, your training is the time to experiment with things so that you’re not faced with a potentially dangerous or ugly surprise on race day.  I spoke with Mike Chappell, who’s a diabetic AND a local runner about this, and to fuel, he puts a lot of thought into what he eats the entire day, not just in the moments leading up to run time.  In addition, if you’re a vegetarian, read your labels…some of this stuff contains animal product from time to time.

Feel free to add your fuel of choice in the comments below!  Hope my handy chart helps!

Essie – Butler Please

Image | | cheriarmour

Essie - Butler Please

You guys know by now that for a person who spends like 90% of life in workout clothes, that I’m impossibly addicted to cosmetics, right? Perfume, eyeliner, and nail polish are the biggies.

Do I recognize this makes no sense? Yes. But polish, in particular makes me feel like I run faster. And just cause you work out and want to save the world at the same time doesn’t mean you can’t look pretty, right?

At any rate, for you polish junkies out there, this is Essie, Butler Please that I’m wearing. Give it two coats and a top coat, and you’ll be looking great!