Category: Inspiration

6 Boston Marathon Charity Runners Who Could Use Your Help Right Now

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn cold weather running, Inspiration, marathon training, running, The Boston Marathon1 Comment

The Boston Marathon is an amazing event for so many reasons. Not only is it an opportunity for athletes to showcase their strength and resilience, but it’s also a chance for the people of Boston and spectators from out of town to show their utter and complete love for the city, and its runners.

In addition to being a showcase of some of the world’s most powerful athletes, the Boston Marathon is also an incredible opportunity to raise awareness and money for life-changing causes, charities, and organizations. From research institutes that fund important cancer research and treatment initiatives, to hospitals with a mission of transforming outcomes for individuals who have suffered from traumatic injuries, many runners are out there not only chasing PRs, but their own personal finish line — like a world without cancer, or a better life for trauma survivors.

To learn more about some of the amazing charities and programs aligned with The Boston Marathon, I found six runners ready to toe the line in Hopkinton on Monday who are running for so much more than themselves. Check out their stories below to get inspired — and consider making a donation to their preferred charity or organization.

Kevin Walther: Stepping Strong, Brigham & Women’s Hospital
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“I was inspired to run my first Boston Marathon in 2016 after witnessing year over year the spirit and determination of countless runners with medical challenges. Following the marathon bombing, I wanted to give back in some way and found Brigham & Women’s Hospital. The Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation does incredible work to fuel trauma and care research that is truly saving lives. Can’t wait for another 26.2 in Boston!

Fundraising page here 

Andrew Gorman: Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge

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This is my third year running for Boston for DFMC. I’ve raised ~$40k for cancer research in the past, and the team consistently raises $5+ million. I run and fundraise in memory of my mother-in-law Maryellen, my grandfather William, and in honor of several of my friends who have battled cancer. One hundred percent of every dollar raised goes to cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the top cancer centers in the country.

Fundraising page here (~$300 short of $13,100 goal)

Amanda Ordway: Boston Medical Care

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Running the Boston Marathon has been at the TOP of my bucket list for over 13 years.  I honestly envied all the runners when I saw them walking around the weekend before with their Marathon jackets, or even when they are bundled up in those aluminum foil blankets after crossing the finish line.  Seeing someone complete something that takes so much time, dedication, hard work, and perseverance, it’s just incredible.  I wanted to be one of those people that I’ve looked up to.  I wanted to push myself and see myself accomplish something so big! This year, I’m running on behalf of Boston Medical Centre. BMC is a truly remarkable hospital, and your support goes directly towards helping them continue to provide exceptional care, without exception to anyone who walks through their doors. For the past 15 years, Boston Medical Center has proudly participated in Boston’s historic marathon, raising more than $4.7 million for the hospital. 

Fundraising page here ($3,029 short of $10,000 goal)| @Arordway
*Amanda will be getting a custom race kit from adidas and The Woolmark company. The Woolmark Company contributed $5,000 to this runners’ charity program.

Joe Dusseldorp, Mass Eye and Ear

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My name is Joe Dusseldorp, I am a plastic and reconstructive surgeon from Sydney, Australia, working at the Mass Eye and Ear in Boston. I have been inspired by the life-changing research taking place here. Much of this is possible due to generous donations given to the Mass Eye and Ear marathon team. 

I am a first-time marathon runner, and training for a marathon in Boston has been cold! So I am hoping to find supporters to help me fundraise to help Mass Eye and Ear reach its goals. One of my personal goals is to help to find a cure for children born without one or both ears. This condition known as microtia has no known cures and treatments vary around the world.

A Swiss company, Auregen Biotherapeutics, headquartered in Boston, is developing the ability to 3D print a patient’s missing ear using their own cartilage cells. Auregen has kindly offered to match any donations so that any donations I receive can go twice as far.

Fundraising page here
*Joe will be getting a custom race kit from adidas and The Woolmark company. The Woolmark Company contributed $5,000 to this runners’ charity program.

Danielle Maccini, Boston Medical Center

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If you had asked me a year ago if I could run the Boston Marathon, I  would have laughed it off! Never in a million years would I think I’d be ready to take off in single digit days to run my first marathon, let alone the coveted Boston Marathon. But here I am!

My journey began a little over a year ago: I had the chance to work on a local film surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings. I was hired as an actor, but the company also made a point to bring in real marathon runners as well as people who were there in 2013! Of course I knew what happened, but to hear these first-hand accounts truly opened my eyes! It blew my mind! The way these people described the running community and Marathon Monday was like nothing I had heard of before. I knew I needed to experience this for myself.

Fast forward to the 2017 Boston marathon, where I spent my first time actually watching and being a part of the crowd, and it was truly remarkable. That day I made a promise to myself that I  needed to run this race.

I committed to two things:

1. To raise some money and awareness for an amazing charity,

and,

2. To cross that finish line! I’ve always been really active but never a runner, so to pull his off I knew I  would have to work really hard. Through my journey I’ve not only grown stronger but I’ve met some incredible people, inspired others, and truly made a difference for my charity Boston Medical Center. Now all that’s left is race day, and with so many people backing me I’m ready to take it on! 

Fundraising page here | $719 short of $10,000 goal| @heyitsd123
*Danielle will be getting a custom race kit from adidas and The Woolmark company. The Woolmark Company contributed $5,000 to this runners’ charity program.

Malinda Ann Hill, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer

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My twin Leah and I deemed ourselves Twins Run in Our Family so we could share our experiences running together to raise awareness and funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. I am running Boston in memory of Leah’s brother-in-law and our grandmother, both of whom died of cancer. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was started by 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott who died of neuroblastoma in 2004. Alex’s Lemonade Stand is very close to my heart since I’m the bereavement coordinator at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where Alex was treated. By age eight, Alex had raised $1 million for cancer research. As of today, the foundation has raised $150 million for cancer research. I am motivated by how Alex achieved so much in her short life. Her legacy lives on and continues to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

Fundraising page here | $395 short of $1,000 goal 

20 Boston Marathon Finishers Share The One Thing They Wish They Knew Before The Race

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn Inspiration, marathon training, running, The Boston Marathon, travelLeave a comment

I remember my first Boston Marathon. I trekked out to Coolidge Corner with some of my friends, armed with sunscreen and Nalgene bottles filled with vodka. What I witnessed was terrifying: There were faces pitted with pure exhaustion, individuals limping along the course defeatedly, and way more bloody nipples than I ever thought I’d see in one day. At one point, a group of drunk college kids tried to cross over the route and knocked over some helpless runners along the way. Later, a runner pulled over in front of our group and tried to take a gulp from my friend Eric’s boozy hydration pack as he embarrassedly stammered, “Sir, it’s alcohol.”

Pure shock and limited knowledge about endurance races aside, I felt so inspired by all of the runners making the journey from Hopkinton to Boston that after I returned to campus, I ran on a treadmill in an empty Northeastern Marino Center, watching (mostly inebriated) college kids return from their cheering posts along the course in droves outside the window.

Several years, one graduation, and two of my own marathons later, I would get my own chance to make the epic right onto Hereford Street and left on Boylston that so many runners dream of. Though I’d watched the showdown happen live for five consecutive years and knew certain things — like if I took a drink from a college kid on the course, there was an 80 percent chance it would be beer — there was still a lot I didn’t know about how the race is organized, and what exactly this complicated course entails.

To help those running the course for the first time this year, I asked finishers of varying years past: What’s the one thing you wish you knew before running the Boston Marathon?

Before the Race: What You Need To Know

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Write Your Name On Your T-Shirt
“I’ll never forget how badly I was feeling during the 2016 marathon when I heard a random guy yell my name, and then meet my gaze to tell me that I was looking great. The realization that he had picked me out from the crowd of runners propelled me forward. Hearing any spectator shout your name because you have it on your shirt — or maybe even written vertically in Sharpie on your biceps — will at the very least make you smile, and at most give you a much-needed energy boost!” —Michele Gorman

The Expo Will Be Crowded
“The day before the marathon is the worst day to go to the expo. Everyone assumes it’s like other races where you can get in no problem. The line to get into the expo snakes around the building and then snakes all around the inside as well. Go on Friday!” —Brad Castillo Continue reading “20 Boston Marathon Finishers Share The One Thing They Wish They Knew Before The Race” →

Negative Splits Volume 3.0

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn fitness trends, headlines, Inspiration, marathon training, running1 Comment

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Hey everyone! I haven’t exactly been on my game when it comes to sending you updates, and I apologize. Between general life and marathon training, I’ve been busier than expected. What motivated me to start again was spectating at the United NYC Half this weekend. It’s always so inspiring to see runners of all ages and capabilities come together under one race and chase for one communal finish line.

With that: Welcome back to another edition of Negative Splits with Coach EK (volume 3). I’m here to talk to you about everything running-related, from industry news, to interesting happenings, to coaching advice.

What’s worth reading this week

Burn the Boat by Peter Bromka

This essay by Peter Bromka is a must-read for anyone who’s ever chased a running goal that you aren’t quite sure is in your reach. Bromka shares how he is chasing an OQT (Olympic Qualifying Time), despite the odds being stacked against him. His philosophy is simply, ‘What if?’ As a recreational runner myself, it helped to read about his determined pursuit — within reason. Though Bromka acknowledges his running dreams are not above his commitments as a husband and father, he is focused on stepping up to an opportunity merely because he was given the chance. He also documents his training process, breaking down his progress and how exactly he overcame each time barrier, literally sharing his struggle (and highlighting all of the hard work that has gone into each breakthrough). He writes, “The pursuit of an audacious goal is as worthy a lifestyle as I can imagine.” To which I say, same.

When You Can’t Run by Jen A. Miller

Jen A. Miller is one of my favorite journalists (and she’s the author of one of my favorite books: Running: A Love Story). In this piece, she’s writing about one of my least favorite topics: sidelining injuries! All runners know that not running sucks, and if you’ve ever had to take a break, you know that the struggle is real. Luckily, Miller has detailed what to know when you’re forced to take a running hiatus, and some tips on how to cope.

Read the full newsletter here and subscribe. 

The Runner Diaries — Allie Kieffer

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, marathon training, running, The New York City Marathon, The Runner Diaries, travel2 Comments

Welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here

This week, we have 30-year-old Allie Kieffer, a professional runner for Oiselle who placed fifth in the 2017 New York City Marathon. Kieffer is currently training in Iten, Kenya to prepare for the United NYC Half and the London Marathon. Follow along as she logs roughly 115 miles while living like a local.

The Run Down

Name: Allie Kieffer
Location: Iten, Kenya
Age: 30
Training for: NYC Half Marathon, London Marathon
Team or Club Affiliation? Oiselle & New York Athletic Club
How long you’ve been a “runner:” Forever! I joined my first running club when I was in kindergarten 🙂
Weekly mileage: 115

Runner’s Statement

I’ve been training in Iten, Kenya for the past 6 weeks to prepare for the NYC Half Marathon and London Marathon. In the past I’ve done altitude stints in Boulder, Colorado and Flagstaff, Arizona. I’ve always really enjoyed the mountains lifestyle and have responded well to the heightened elevation, so when the opportunity arose in January to train at altitude in a distance running mecca with a warm climate, I couldn’t pass it up!

After racing the Ooredoo Half Marathon in Doha, Qatar January 12th I got on a plane for my first trip to Africa! Since landing in Kenya, Betsy Saina and I have become fast friends- she has helped me set up an apartment, find a pacer (someone who does all of my runs with me), and figure out life in another country. Each week has gotten better than the last and I am excited to share with you my final week in Iten before returning to the US!

Saturday Feb 24th | Day One

5:40AM – woke up before the alarm! I make some shroom coffee and took advantage that it was only 9:40PM home in NY to call some loved ones!

6:10AM – head out the door with Chelsea (a friend from college that came to visit me in Kenya!) to meet Julia (a Canadian I recently met and have become friends with) and Dickson (my pacer). Usually we travel down to a lower altitude and flatter road for a fast, supported long run. As the sun comes up, matatus (vans for hire) follow groups of gazelle-like striders, handing out bottles of water and whatever super nutrition is packed inside. I have been sick for the past few days, though, and didn’t know how far I’d make it, so this week we ran from my apartment at 7,800ft to Kipsang Rd (named after Wilson Kipsang because he owns a nightclub on it).

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There’s no matatu today, and how far we’ll all go is a mystery; it’s only Chelsea’s second day in Kenya! I immediately feel awful and we shuffle for a few warm up miles. After 3K we meet the gang, plus a new friend, Edward, who is Dickson’s neighbor. After a mile he lets it slip that he won the Marugame Half Marathon in 60 minutes earlier this month.

Then, he zips off, putting distance between us like we’re standing still. I start to warm up and we click off 7:10-7:20’s for the next few miles. The rolling hills remind me of Magnolia Rd in Boulder, Colorado.

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At 10 miles we turn around, and I pick up the pace a bit and distance myself from the group. Just as I was starting to feel really strong I ran into Edward again. To my surprise, he turned and ran with me. We immediately drop the pace. There’s like an inherent thought with Kenyan men that they should pace and push the women. For the next 8 miles I hung on as best I could as he kept looking back to make sure he wasn’t dropping me.

After 20 miles I was back at the paved road and 3K from home. I decided to catch a motor bike back home with Chelsea and be happy making it through 20 miles!

Watch data: 20 miles in 2:24:20. Elevation gain: 1,128ft

9AM – arrive home to a buffet of omelette, pancakes, and tea!

11:30AM – Chelsea and I walk through the local market. Every Saturday locals set up shops and sell their goods in a field by the center of town.

1:30PM – head home for green grams and rice! We are so spoiled!

3:30PM – second run! I don’t usually double after a long run, but I missed a couple of doubles during the week because I was sick. I take Chelsea through my favorite route in the Singore forest.

Watch data: 4.83miles in 41:23 (avg page: 8:34). Elevation gain: 341ft

5:30PM – Julia comes over to hangout with Chelsea and I!

6:30PM – YouTube interview with Greg White (watch it here).

7:30PM – dinner – chapati (a slightly sweet, thick and airy tortilla-like African staple. it’s typically dipped in stew, but it tastes great plain too), kale, lentil, butternut squash soup, and my favorite fruit salad of banana, mango, pineapple, and avocado.

It’s not typical in Kenya to have dessert, but fruit salad is a great, healthy alternative. I believe in eating a diet rich in whole foods and a minimal amount of processed foods. In the US, I don’t usually eat very many simple carbs like bread and opt for something like a sweet potato instead, but in Kenya I eat like a local.

10:30PM – full belly and lights out!

Total daily mileage: 25 miles! Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Allie Kieffer” →

In The Taper We Trust…Wait, Do We?

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn Inspiration, marathon training, running2 Comments

If you’re signed up for the United Airlines NYC Half, you’ve probably entered the period of your training that just might the most difficult: the taper.

For what it’s worth, the taper is typically the two or three week period leading up to a race when a training program starts ‘tapering off’, if you will, calling for less running, fewer miles, and more recovery.

If you’re wondering, ‘Wait! I thought the taper was a time to rest and relax! What’s so hard about that?’, well, the only way to answer that is to ask another question: Have you ever known a runner to be good at relaxing?

Sure, resting is good in theory — especially when paired with brunch and a delicious beer after a long run or hard workout. But after a day or two, most runners are itching to get back to work. Working hard, putting forth our best efforts, and breathing heavy just come naturally to endurance athletes.

While I’d love to applaud those who are motivated to run more throughout the taper period (while simultaneously wondering where the heck that motivation was during your last speed session….), as a running coach I firmly have to advise you to slow your roll and respect the taper period. A productive and effective taper will allow your body to repair, recover, replenish, and regroup before you tackle the biggest challenge of your training plan: race day.

Here’s how to make the most of your taper for a successful race.

1. Do Less

And I don’t just mean running less. Yes, reducing your weekly mileage is an important part of every taper, as resting your muscles means an increase in strength and power output, increases in VO2 max and a more efficient running economy. But don’t try to fill up the time you’d normally spend running doing a million other activities. Try to stay off of your feet as much as possible, and give yourself time to relax, sleep more, and actually rest. While overtapering is a real thing, it’s rarely as threatening as the draw of taking on more social or work commitments that can lead to exhaustion. Continue reading “In The Taper We Trust…Wait, Do We?” →

Negative Splits with Coach EK, Volume II

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn fitness trends, headlines, Inspiration, marathon training, runningLeave a comment

Today, the second edition of Negative Splits with Coach EK, my running-focused newsletter, was sent out! Check out the below for a sample of some of the musings, workouts, and relevant running-related things you’ll find, and subscribe if you want to get them weekly!

The Run Down

What happened in the world of running this past week? Well, way more than I could actually ever address. But some highlights include…

  • The American Women’s 4×800-meter relay team broke the World Record on Saturday, right here in New York City at the Millrose Games. Their time was 8:05.89. As a high school 800-meter runner, the 2-min splits of the relay members are just gnarly to me. My best time ever was a 2:25 split, and I got beat out by a girl who peed her pants. Way to go, ladies! | via Runner’s World
  • Hawaii legislators were just denied a bill that would limit marathons and half marathons to the 18-and-over crowd under the claim that ‘distance running is bad for children.’ But here’s the thing — there’s no science to back that up. So, it got the boot. While I find it a little odd that kids as young as 10 and 12 are running 26.2 miles (I didn’t run my first marathon until I was 22!), I think it’s a much healthier alternative to some of the other activities kids engage in — like playing video games 24/7, or… uh, tackle football. | via Flotrack
  • TYSK* (Term You Should Know): “Plogging,” which is a Scandinavian term and practice that asks runners to pick up litter along their jogging routes. While I don’t recommend doing this during your next speed workout, your long run could probably use a few distractions…. | viamindbodygreen

    • *I made this up.

Worthwhile Reads…

Molly Huddle and the Perks of Running Dangerously

To be totally honest, I have been known to catch myself playing it safe in races. I know that’s not how to PR or really take advantage of my full strength, but I fear the alternative — which is going out too fast and possibly crashing hard later on. In this piece for Outside Online, Molly Huddle acknowledges “blowing up” (or burning out) in the last few miles of the Aramco Houston Half Marathon after starting the race at an aggressive pace. Yet despite her fade, Huddle ran a 1:07:25, breaking the American record.

  • TL;DR? Sometimes, it pays to take a risk — especially in shorter distances (read:not the marathon). No, that doesn’t mean you should be totally reckless in your next race. Even Huddle knew she wouldn’t be able to keep up that pace forever — but she wanted to see where the line was. So, I’m challenging you to find YOUR line. It may be uncomfortable, and you very well could bottom out. BUT, you could also break some (personal) records.

Workout of the Week: The Call To Adventure: 20 x 400m

This workout comes from Michael Joyner, a human performance expert at Mayo Clinic. I read about it in a Runner’s World article over a year ago, but haven’t had an athlete bold enough to try it yet (myself included).

The workout:

  • 20 x 400-meter repeats with a 200-meter recovery jog in between each interval.

Get the full workout (and the rest of the newsletter) here.

The Runner Diaries — Max Beitel

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, marathon training, running, The Runner Diaries, travelLeave a comment

Welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.

This week we have 28-year-old Max Beitel. Max is currently stationed in Crete, Greece with the United States Navy. A long time weightlifter and fitness enthusiast, Max got hooked on running as an adult and finished his first ultra marathon (a 72k) in 2015. Today, he strives to balance living a healthy lifestyle with his thirst for adventure sports like trail running, rock climbing and canyoning (more on that, later).

The Run Down

Name: Max Beitel
Location: Crete, Greece
Age: 28
Training For: Living the healthiest life I can, physically and psychologically.
Goal race: You never know what race may be the one.
Training plan: Just winging it.
How long you’ve been ‘a runner’: We are all runners at heart. When we are born at first crawl, then walk, and as soon as we can, we run. Many of us get comfortable and succumb to social norms of stagnancy and stop running. There is a runner at the core of us all. Some just act on it, I suppose I am one of them.
Goal weekly mileage: Erm, as many miles as it takes to get me across the finish line.

Runner Statement:

I started running because of my brother’s wife (thank you, Lily!). When they started dating, Lily got him hooked on the sport, and soon, so was I. Up until then I was strictly a weight lifter, focusing on PRs and laughing at the thought of cardio. Our first race was a 7-mile trail race. My brother Christian and I finished 1st and 2nd in our age group. We may or may not have been the only two runners in said age group, but I’ll take it…

Soon after that race, I started getting into triathlons and focusing more on endurance sports. I joined the Navy in the fall of 2015 and found myself stationed on the most incredible island, Crete. I had recently discovered the world of ultra marathons and the ever growing trail running scene, and craved the adventure. Initially upon my arrival in Greece, the goal was to run the Athens Marathon but that was soon replaced by a 72k in France. Upon finishing the run, I was hooked.

Ever since, I have been using running to explore as much as the island I am lucky to call my home. I try to stay well-rounded and am also big on rock climbing and Crossfit / HIIT-style workouts. Although climbing tends to limit my running, I think the experience it provides is invaluable and I have no reservations about nixing a long weekend run for a full day of climbing.

My workouts, both running and HIIT workouts are a combination of knowledge I have accrued over the years through reading and Instagram. Sometimes I do a predetermined Crossfit WOD, but more often I do my own thing. Anything that keeps me on my toes, and pushing myself is a good workout. I try to make every workout full body but change up the movements. Sometimes I will get hooked on a movement and incorporate several workouts in a row. As far as running. I try to alternate my “hard” runs or run-workouts with “easier” slow paced runs. At the end of the day, I strive for an overall level of fitness.

Day One – Monday

0530: Wake up eat a Banana, drink some water.

0610: My morning workout is “Chelsea,” which is Crossfit lingo for:

– @ bodyweight 5-pullups, 10-pushups, 15-squats every minute on the minute   for 30 minutes.

My morning workouts vary, but I like this routine in particular because it’s quick, simple, and doesn’t require equipment.

0730: Breakfast is 3 Hard boiled egg(whites), half a grapefruit, another banana,1 avocado, half cup of coffee, one pancake.

0800: Start work.

0930: Get hungry, I have a bacon sausage double egg cheese tomato on whole wheat.

1100: Lunch time: Chicken, Rice, Large Salad

1400: Another half cup of coffee

1650: Run:

– 5 miles total: 2.5-mile warm up; 7 strides; :30s on, 1:30 off.

1750: Dinner: Pork chop, some mashed potatoes. Salad with chicken, olive oil, lemon and some blue cheese dressing.

1820: Gym time:

– 8 Weighted pull-ups @25#s, 5 single-arm shoulder press @50#s,5 handstand pushups,  decline ab work.

1920: I work on this Run Diary + have a shake (1 egg, two bananas, almond milk, orange juice) Pretzels, string cheese, more dark chocolate.

2000: Shower, stretch, catch up with family and friends back home (time difference struggle!), finish watching Dead Poets Society, and catch an episode of Bob Ross on Netflix

2200: Sleep time!

**Reflecting on the day, I realize I tend to do this — “this” meaning overdoing it. I do it to myself every once and a while when I feel good and motivated. I also eat the same things during the week so I will spare you further details. I try to eat paleo-ish but have no problem indulging. Life is too short not to enjoy the things you love.

Daily Mileage: 5 miles +/- 500ft uphill Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Max Beitel” →

Negative Splits With Coach EK

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn fitness trends, food, headlines, Inspiration, marathon training, runningLeave a comment

I’ve decided to start a running-focused newsletter: Negative Splits with Coach EK!

This digital newsletter will give you a RUN DOWN (pun intended) of timely news and trends in the world of endurance sports, coaching advice and tips from yours truly, and random thoughts and musings for a more productive, better, efficient, happy, wonderful life (at least, that’s the dream).

You can check out the beginning (below), the full version here, and subscribe if you like it.

The Run Down

A lot of stuff happened in the running world this week, but the biggest thing to happen was the realization that Strava heat maps might be compromising American military base safety. I want to write about this in more detail, but honestly, we could all probably check our security settings when it comes to our Strava profiles. Especially women. Do you run straight back to your front door after  a run?

If your profile is public, then your home is literally on display for the whole world to see. Consider making your profile private, not posting a super consistent and/or regimented running routine if you run alone often, or stopping your watch a few blocks from your actual home. Call me paranoid, but honestly, these are valid things to think about.

Other Headlines:

  • Will Carrying A Phone Affect Your Running Form? TL;DR? Actually, yes. I recommend not carrying a phone if you can help it. Smart phones have gotten SO HEAVY, it’s almost impossible for it to not weigh heavily on whatever side you are carrying it on (thus compromising your form). If you NEED music to run, invest in an iPod shuffle (or a cheaper option). Ditching your phone will also be less distracting, especially if you’re prone to getting notifications during a run. If you need to run with your phone for safety reasons — or for tracking your mileage — invest in a running belt and keep it there (inside a ziplock bag, of course, because sweat).
  • How To Strengthen Your Mental Game With Kara Goucher: TL;DR? The more I learn about coaching and sport psychology, the more I realize that your mental game can be just as, if not more important than your physical talent and/or strength. In this interview, Kara Goucher shares why she keeps a Confidence Journal, where she forces herself to write ONE positive thing about her workout, even if she has a terrible, no good, very horrible run. I love this idea — whether you apply it to your running regime, or your every day life in general. Finding ONE positive thing can help slow negative feelings from snowballing, and set you up mentally for a better tomorrow.

You can read the full version here.

The Runner Diaries — Edith Zuschmann

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, The Boston Marathon, The Runner Diaries, travelLeave a comment

Welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.

This week, we’re following 41-year-old Edith Zuschmann of Klagenfurt, Austria, a lifelong runner who has been lucky enough to turn her passion into her profession. The sports journalist and run coach is also the global CEO of 261 Fearless, an international women’s running network she co-founded with women’s running pioneer Kathrine Switzer. Zuschmann runs to find peace and freedom, and to provide herself with a healthy work-life balance.

THE RUNDOWN

Location:
 I live  in Klagenfurt, Austria but travel half the year for work. This week I am in Boston
Age:
 41
Training For:
 My life! Running is my passion
Occupation:
 CEO 261 Fearless Inc. & Sports Journalist
Goal race?
 I want to do some Swim/Runs and Mountain Races in 2018
Following a training plan?
 No
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? 261 Fearless
How long you’ve been ‘a runner? Since I was a teenage
Goal weekly mileage: No specific number – right now, it’s just about staying fit!

Kopie von Kathrine Switzer running_Photo Credit Horst von Bohlen (1)
Author Edith Zuschmann (left) and Katherine Switzer (right)

Runner’s statement: “Do what you love – and love what you do!”

Thursday – Day One

6am: As a running coach, I tell my athletes to not only run, but also to concentrate on core work. So, to practice what I preach, the first thing I do today is a 30 minute CORE program. All I need is my yoga mat.

6:45am: After a quick shower, I enjoy a high protein breakfast — porridge with yoghurt, nuts and fresh fruits. I take my time because breakfast is my most important meal. I also drink some Italian coffee — that’s my luxury as I just live 40 minutes from the Italian border.

8:30am: My working day begins, which is full of writing, Skype meetings, and calls. Mostly it is about 261 Fearless (pronounced ‘TWO-SIX-ONE Fearless‘), a global social running network for women. Our main mission is to use running as a vehicle to empower and unite women globally through the creation of local running clubs, educational opportunities, a global communication platform and special events. By utilizing these networking opportunities, 261 Fearless breaks down the barriers of geography and creates a global community for women runners of all abilities to support each other and encourage a healthy lifestyle, a positive sense of self, and fearlessness. I established this non-profit organization in 2016 with women’s running pioneer Kathrine Switzer.

Today we have to work on setting up our 2018 Boston Marathon Charity Team and work on several inquiries about our international 261 Club network. I also need to prepare for my trips to Boston and New York City.

Noon: Lunch time! It’s fall – and pumpkins are everywhere. Homemade Pumpkin soup is easy to prepare and so healthy.

6pm: I meet up with my 261 Club ladies for our weekly, one hour social run. 261 Clubs are the core of 261 Fearless, as these local organizations provide weekly runs for women and support them through their journey of finding, and keeping, the joy of running. The main goal is to provide a non-performance driven, judgmental-free running community.

Today we warm up with an easy jog. After 1k, we stop to do some strength training: push ups, steps, dips, and balance exercises.

Our running route continues along the beach. We laugh and chat together, keeping a relaxed pace so we can all enjoy the run together.

2017-10-12 18.15.17-1

7:30pm: I jog back home, snag a quick shower, down a glass of hot chocolate, and start packing my suitcase.

10pm: In bed sleeping.

Daily mileage: ~7 miles Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Edith Zuschmann” →

A Look Back At 2017

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn fitness trends, headlines, Inspiration, marathon training, race recap, runningLeave a comment

They say you shouldn’t look back — that what’s in the past should stay in the past; it’s there for a reason. Yet while it can be counterproductive to revisit the past in many contexts, it can also be a helpful exercise in growing and moving forward.

2017 was an interesting year, to say the least. Despite feeling stuck in a lot of ways, time progressed anyway. Things happened, deadlines came and went, and relationships grew and grew apart.  And now, the year is nearly over.

What I have to show for it all isn’t anything spectacular. It’s mostly etched in internet postings and race times. But I wanted to sit down and think about it all.

Below, you’ll find a significant story I wrote, blog post I published, or race/running-related result from 2017. Continue reading “A Look Back At 2017” →