run like a bandit

so running, yeah.


i would like to apologize to those of you that have been writing emails to me asking me about a playlist or questions for those of you that just started running.  i have to admit that i am not an amazing runner, nor have i been doing it my whole life. 


here's my average history of physical activity so far...

ballet - age 3

ballet and tap, surfing - ages 4 - 6

gymnastics, tandem surfing - age 7

jazz, tennis and softball, longboarding - age 8, 9, 10

softball, pop warner dance and cheer, longboarding - until high school

cheerleading and tumbling and running a mile a day at the least, longboarding - age 13

running daily, songleading {cheer/dance}, occasional longboarding - age 14-17

pilates, yoga, running as much as i could in college, surfing when home - age 17 - 18

taught pilates, yoga and kickboxing with minimal running - ages 18 - 21

running as much as i could, pilates, yoga - age 22

running many miles a day, ballet, hip hop, taught cycle classes + yoga + pilates + stand-up paddleboarding - 
ages 23 - until now

i don't know if anyone would be interested in that line-up but i wanted to express that i did not run on a team or in high school so i am not the best person to take advice from.  i first started to run because it helped me fit in my cheer skirts and tight dance pants.  we were always on a strict diet of running, no bubbles and no bread to help our teams stay fit. then i began to crave it.  i wasn't allowed to run outside of our gated community growing up so i had my punk songs on tape and found some amazing hills throughout the community that had me looking forward to run.  in college i stopped running so much because it was snowing most of the time and i hate gyms but knew i missed it.  when i got back from san francisco, i started to run often because it helped me get through what i was going through and allowed me to get an appetite.  i challenged my goals with adding half marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, turkey trots, mud runs and others. 

i do know what it feels like to start running from the beginning or if it has been a while.  it's not the easiest.

so if you are brand new to running or just starting back up... here is my advice.  take it or leave it... or tell me if i am wrong because i don't mind.  i love advice or things that work best for you.

+ make time for it in your schedule. sometimes i write out my week and then figure out what times work best. if you have kids, the best time {i think} is before they wake up or if you have them in school.  you get it done, out of the way or learn to run with a stroller.

+ find places you want to run. like a path near your home, or the beach, or a high school track.  some place you can go to that makes you feel comfortable and safe.  then you can add other destinations as you become familiar with your new running program.

+ tell your friends. they will keep up on you if you have a goal to run.  tell them to ask you how much you are running if that will motivate you to not give up.  or go with your friends.  i personally don't like running with people but maybe you do?

+ buy new shoes. it will make a difference in your run.  your arches of your feet will be supported, the soles of your shoes need to be strong and comfortable.  it's hard to let go of shoes, but if you have put a lot of miles on them, buy yourself some good ones.

+ clothes. they make a difference in how you feel.  if you wear frumpy clothes, you will be a frumpish runner.  i like to run in the shortest shorts possible when it's hot and if it's cold, i like really tight pants.  i shirt that isn't too tight or a sports bra is what i usually like.  if the shirt is too tight, i feel like my skin doesn't breathe.  you can find shorts that nike makes that has the underwear inside and flowy shorts that are short to assist your speed.  if it was normal or right to run in bathing suit bottoms i would but don't.

+ proper form.  i know so many things to remember. click here to read more.

+ breathe.  it helps so much to breath the correct way.  in through your nose and out through your mouth. nothing seems worse next to rolling your ankle as getting cramps from bad breathing.  a lot of us shallow breathe which is quick inhales and quick exhales but it you allow yourself to slow down with your lungs taking in about 3 second inhales, and 5 second exhales... it can help.

+ don't give up. some people start running, find out that they don't like it, or are not good at it, or whatever.  it is so good for your heart, your muscles and your well being.  some people use running to control anger or depression or to sort out their emotions to create a clear mind.  try to find what it is about running that you love and stick to it.  also, when running, try to improve the amount of times you stop to walk it out and make a goal to do better the next time.  you will hit that peak where you love running and could run forever... like forrest.

+ stay positive. it really helps.  i'll tell my students to smile when i am having them do something uncomfortable or somewhat painful.  it helps distract the pain.  i have always believed anything is possible as long as you put mind over matter.  you can tell yourself that you can run six miles and do it.  just allow your mind to control your body and it should work.  stray from thoughts of that you are weak or tired or the food you had is slowing you down or in the controllable pain is stopping you - excuses. yes they are.  i think they are excuses people tell themselves to give up. stick with your positive goals of finishing it well and you will.  

and last but not least...

+ have something to listen to.  ipod, whatever.  make sure it's fun, upbeat music that you feel happy listening to.  no music that makes you emotional like old songs with your exes or songs that are depressing.  if you have high tempo, upbeat songs, you will endure or be distracted.

some of you have asked me for my playlists for when i run.  here are just two that i have typed out but will give more if any of you are interested.  they are pretty random and maybe not your type of music but they all help me enjoy my runs.  if you have a great playlist, send it my way.  i would love to see what helps you run faster, or better.

	running playlist one mushaboom: feist girls and boys: blur sad song: au revoir simone - pick up pace the energy of fantasy: ministry of dreams silver city: ghostland observatory  soilder girl: the polyphonic spree - sprints breath & stop: q-tip - have fun! say hello to the angels: interpol cloud: fischerspooner - constant to faster right here's the spot: basement jaxx - sprints smooth criminal: michael jackson pop goes the world: men without hats walking on a dream: empire of the sun even fairy tale characters would be jealous: play radioplay - consistent speed indie rokkers: mgmt - slower pace frug: rilo kiley approx: 60 minute run

running playlist two

trolleywood: eisley {warm up} we will become silhouettes: the postal service hot 'n cold: basement jaxx {so fun} bonnie and clyde: jay-z and beyonce i don't want to fall in love: she wants revenge the big jump: the chemical brothers all shook up: elvis presley girls in the back: white rose movement watch the tapes: lcd soundsystem {steady pace} out of control: kenna {sprints} come inside: the chemical brothers (start consistent, build speed, and sprint when the beat drops} i hear noises: tegan and sara your arms around me: jens lekman {makes me happy} running with scissors: ben lee gimmie sympathy: metric someone great: lcd soundsystem crash into me: dave mathews band {cool down} approx. 60 minutes