As some of you may be preparing for some fall marathons or half marathons, I thought I would post an article that a dear friend of UNR's wrote as she was training for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. This was originally published in the Erie Reader and they have graciously allowed me to post it here for you all to enjoy.....so please do so! (Link to article: http://www.eriereader.com/topics/health/runners-highs-and-lows
Runner's Highs (and Lows)
by Abby Badach | April 13, 2011 - 12:05am
One slumbering night, my cruel subconscious race director designed a course that led me to become wedged between two panels of a wooden playground climbing wall. As race volunteers pulled me out, my bib number got stuck in the splinters and I was told I had to finish the remaining 12 miles barefoot on a path of densely packed pebbles.
I woke up sucking air in a cold sweat, my cotton sheets sticking to my arms and legs.
Yes, many a wise author has written about the primitive thrill of barefoot running, and some folks find it refreshing. But I know nothing of barefoot running. Heck, I know nothing about running. Every morning when I look at my half-marathon training plan on my kitchen cupboard, I ask myself, “What have I gotten myself into?”
The only thing I know for certain: On May 15, on the streets of Pittsburgh, I’ll be wearing a damn good pair of shoes.
The last time I took running quasi-seriously, I was 18 and creepily crushing on a young lad who lived on my side of town. We went on a few dates, I learned he ran cross country, I knew he drove on Route 5 on his way home from work and – bingo! – perfect excuse for a hormonally driven teenager to pick up a daily two-miler conveniently along the same road.
My T-shirts were looser and my calf muscles were tighter then, but my intentions were impure.
I ran to be seen. I ran from my own unrest. I ran for someone else – a “someone else” who, by the way, stood me up for dinner plans. I dropped the dud of a dude and the running habit in the same week.
At the wise ol’ age of 22, I can tell you already that running to chase someone down isn’t nearly as gratifying as running for yourself.
As for running with someone at your side? Well, that’s just a blessing you can’t plan for.
If it weren’t for Pat, my best friend and all-too-patient trainer, I’d still be spending my free time elbow-deep in a bag of Doritos while watching Family Guy instead of putting my miles in during a gorgeous afternoon at Presque Isle.
Pat’s been there during excruciating January runs when I’ve angrily kicked slush off the sidewalk in a fit of rage fueled by Erie weather. He’s been in my peripheral vision on the adjacent treadmill, blipping and bleeping up the speed and challenging me to challenge myself.
Pat has witnessed me PR, shave minutes off my five-mile pace, and curl up in a ball on my couch from the searing pain of shin splints.
Most of all, though, he pensively reminds me, “You have to ask yourself why you run. And you have to find your own answer.”
I don’t know if I’ve conceptualized a clear-cut answer yet – but I know every step gets me closer to that moment of enlightenment. Or maybe it doesn’t come during a moment at all, and illumination seeps out somewhere between the journey of the individual run and the journey of this thing that is “running.”
But then again...
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A Cause That We Very Much Support
Win an Up-N-Running Gift Certificate!
$400 Gift Card Raffle
Benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Up-N-Running is supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program by donating a $50 gift certificate to a $400 gift card raffle being held as a Team in Training fundraiser.
Team in Training members participate in endurance events around the country to raise awareness of Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers, and to generate donations for research and treatment.
The winner receives gift cards from:
Up-N-Running
GNC
Harmony Salon
Starbucks
Get Go
Applebee’s
Soergel Orchards & Market
Target
Tickets can be purchased here for $5, or five tickets for $20. Tickets are available for purchase at our store!
The winning ticket will be drawn April 30, 2011
Good luck!
$400 Gift Card Raffle
Benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Up-N-Running is supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program by donating a $50 gift certificate to a $400 gift card raffle being held as a Team in Training fundraiser.
Team in Training members participate in endurance events around the country to raise awareness of Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers, and to generate donations for research and treatment.
The winner receives gift cards from:
Up-N-Running
GNC
Harmony Salon
Starbucks
Get Go
Applebee’s
Soergel Orchards & Market
Target
Tickets can be purchased here for $5, or five tickets for $20. Tickets are available for purchase at our store!
The winning ticket will be drawn April 30, 2011
Good luck!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Two new Frontiers: Motherhood and “Runnerhood”
By: Christina Mackrell
I was never a runner. When I was younger, I played sports where I ran, but never just ran for the sake of running. In fact, I didn’t really like to run. It always felt like a boring chore that was hard to keep up with. Four months ago that all changed. . . . after giving birth to my first, oh so precious, son, I started to run.
Six weeks after Connor was born, my doctor gave me clearance to start working out. After looking in the mirror and realizing that my body didn’t look too much different from the day I gave birth, I concluded that something HAD to be done. Not just did my pre-pregnancy clothes not fit, but I felt horrible about my appearance. I was never a super skinny girl (I am built like a true Greek), but I also never saw so many curves on my body. Voluptuous was an understatement. I knew that Connor needed a mom who was happy with her body and not constantly stressing over weight and fat. I had many options. I could join a gym, do workout tapes, buy an elliptical and the list goes on. But I wanted to do something simple. Something where I could set aside 40-50 minutes and know I did a solid workout. My hubby suggested running. He was a runner all his life and had a true passion for it. With a park across the street with a 1.1 mile loop, I figured running would be easy. I can start the second I set foot outside the door, workout as long and as hard as I want, and then be done for the day. . . easy enough to give a try.
And that’s when it all started, I was taking my first steps towards becoming a runner. Every day, I would run. I started off running/walking 3. After several weeks, I was able to cut out all the walking. I slowly started to add on to my run, averaging .5 miles every other week. The days turned into weeks, then turned into months and before I knew it, I was running 6,7,8 miles and fast (well, fast for me). And the craziest part was I loved it. It’s not a chore. I can’t say there aren’t days where I would rather cuddle up on the couch with my new little family, but the majority of the time, once I got out the door, I realized why I have kept it up. I love the feeling of getting out on the road and feeling free, energized, and in control. While I run, I could clear my head and reflect on life. It gave me my time to think, analyze, wish, dream and sort out all those thoughts that pile up from life. I can honestly say, that without this time to myself, I don’t think I would have been able to juggle going back to work, caring for my son, and coping with everything else life has to throw my way.
In addition to running for fun, I started to participate in local 5K races. I started doing one every other weekend, and noticed that my times got significantly better. It drew out my competitive side. I started to step up my training. Instead of just running for distance, I started running for time and began to add hills into my workout. Running became even more rewarding as I could see improvements with each race.
It’s interesting how one new frontier introduces another. I never would have thought that becoming a mother would result in my becoming a runner. At this stage, I could not image where I would be without turning to running. I feel it has made such a positive impact on my life and my son’s. I can’t end this blog without giving a big shout out to my hubby. I could not have taken on this new hobby without his love and support- you’re the best!
I was never a runner. When I was younger, I played sports where I ran, but never just ran for the sake of running. In fact, I didn’t really like to run. It always felt like a boring chore that was hard to keep up with. Four months ago that all changed. . . . after giving birth to my first, oh so precious, son, I started to run.
Six weeks after Connor was born, my doctor gave me clearance to start working out. After looking in the mirror and realizing that my body didn’t look too much different from the day I gave birth, I concluded that something HAD to be done. Not just did my pre-pregnancy clothes not fit, but I felt horrible about my appearance. I was never a super skinny girl (I am built like a true Greek), but I also never saw so many curves on my body. Voluptuous was an understatement. I knew that Connor needed a mom who was happy with her body and not constantly stressing over weight and fat. I had many options. I could join a gym, do workout tapes, buy an elliptical and the list goes on. But I wanted to do something simple. Something where I could set aside 40-50 minutes and know I did a solid workout. My hubby suggested running. He was a runner all his life and had a true passion for it. With a park across the street with a 1.1 mile loop, I figured running would be easy. I can start the second I set foot outside the door, workout as long and as hard as I want, and then be done for the day. . . easy enough to give a try.
And that’s when it all started, I was taking my first steps towards becoming a runner. Every day, I would run. I started off running/walking 3. After several weeks, I was able to cut out all the walking. I slowly started to add on to my run, averaging .5 miles every other week. The days turned into weeks, then turned into months and before I knew it, I was running 6,7,8 miles and fast (well, fast for me). And the craziest part was I loved it. It’s not a chore. I can’t say there aren’t days where I would rather cuddle up on the couch with my new little family, but the majority of the time, once I got out the door, I realized why I have kept it up. I love the feeling of getting out on the road and feeling free, energized, and in control. While I run, I could clear my head and reflect on life. It gave me my time to think, analyze, wish, dream and sort out all those thoughts that pile up from life. I can honestly say, that without this time to myself, I don’t think I would have been able to juggle going back to work, caring for my son, and coping with everything else life has to throw my way.
In addition to running for fun, I started to participate in local 5K races. I started doing one every other weekend, and noticed that my times got significantly better. It drew out my competitive side. I started to step up my training. Instead of just running for distance, I started running for time and began to add hills into my workout. Running became even more rewarding as I could see improvements with each race.
It’s interesting how one new frontier introduces another. I never would have thought that becoming a mother would result in my becoming a runner. At this stage, I could not image where I would be without turning to running. I feel it has made such a positive impact on my life and my son’s. I can’t end this blog without giving a big shout out to my hubby. I could not have taken on this new hobby without his love and support- you’re the best!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
A Daughter's Inspiration That Changed A Life
Up-N-Running decided to start a blog! We're going to have guest bloggers. Sometimes it may be little words of wisdom. Sometimes it may be facts to help make your run a little easier. And, sometimes....like this time....if will be a little peak into what inspires people to run.
It is fitting that we start this blog with a writing from Margretta Lutz. She is a friend of the store and can be seen at several races all over Western PA. She is a multiple Boston Marathon Finisher and holds many national records for her age group. Here is her story:
“The life changing event that happened 31 years ago – at age 50-
My daughter, Pat Neubert began to run on the back roads alone to get her legs strengthened for skiing. Although she was married, as a Mother, I could not help but worry about her. I guess I badgered her so much that one day she said, “If you are so worried, why don’t you walk while I run.” The next time it was, “Why don’t you jog.” Then, “Why don’t you run.” Okay, I began to run, and run, and run. And have not stopped.”
It is fitting that we start this blog with a writing from Margretta Lutz. She is a friend of the store and can be seen at several races all over Western PA. She is a multiple Boston Marathon Finisher and holds many national records for her age group. Here is her story:
“The life changing event that happened 31 years ago – at age 50-
My daughter, Pat Neubert began to run on the back roads alone to get her legs strengthened for skiing. Although she was married, as a Mother, I could not help but worry about her. I guess I badgered her so much that one day she said, “If you are so worried, why don’t you walk while I run.” The next time it was, “Why don’t you jog.” Then, “Why don’t you run.” Okay, I began to run, and run, and run. And have not stopped.”
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