fitness

Tuesday Topics | How to save money on running gear & races

October 12, 2021 filed under: budgeting, linkup, running, Tuesday Topics

photo credit: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and today is National Savings Day and we’re talking about how to save money on running gear/races. When I started our running, I thought that running is a fairly inexpensive sport. All you need is some workout clothes and some proper running shoes. Yeah, well, turns out that you will start spending more money on gear and races then you might have thought. So, I am sure we’ve all come up with some strategies to save on these expenses. Here are some of mine.

Buy things on sale and/or from off-name brands

I hardly ever buy any workout clothing at regular price. I usually scour the sales’ racks at Target, Old Navy or Nordstrom’s. Two of my other favorite off-name brands are CRZYOGA (a Lululemon knock-off) and Queenikie (these are available on Amazon, but also have their own websites).

Buying higher quality brands items with coupons and sales

I occasionally do invest into higher-quality brand items, but I usually only do that when they have a special sale or if I have a coupon/gift card.

Buy last year’s shoe model

I never buy the latest shoe model. I always go for last year’s version. It’s usually sold at a significant discount, but the shoe is “new” enough to not be completely “out of date”. Strangely though, the two-year old models tend to go up in price again (might be because if it’s a popular shoe, they go out of stock and therefore the price goes up.)

Buy two pairs of the same shoe.

If you really love a shoe, consider investing in buying a second pair and keeping it for later. An updated version of a certain model is not necessarily better and often people complain about changes in a new version that they don’t like. So, if you have a shoe that you really love, it’s a smart idea to invest in a backup pair, esp. if you’re already saving money by buying last year’s model.

Sign up for races early

If at all possible, and if you can reasonably commit that far in advance, sign up for races early. In most cases, you can defer your registration, if you can’t make the race, but sign-up fees are usually the cheapest if you register right after the previous race.

Do you have any other tips to save some dollars on gear/races?

Tuesday Topics | The SeaWheeze 2021 Virtual Half Marathon

September 28, 2021 filed under: running, Tuesday Topics

In August, I signed up for the SeaWheeze Virtual Half Marathon. I hadn’t run a race since last year, and I desperately needed a race on the calendar. The sign-up fee was only $5. There wasn’t going to be a t-shirt or medal (but a virtual badge on Strava to commemorate the achievement!), and yes, ‘virtual’ meant I’d be running this race solo, but hey I am a solo-runner by nature and I just needed something to work towards.

All funds raised were going to be distributed through lululemon’s social impact program, HERE TO BE, and evenly contributed to the three non-profit organizations: BACK ON MY FEET, BLACK MEN RUN, and GIRLS ON THE RUN.

I mean, it seemed like a no-brainer.

I have to admit though that my training wasn’t ideal. I had hopped on the training plan late (but figured that wouldn’t be a problem as I had been consistently running), but then I ended up only rather loosely sticking to my training plan for the whole cycle. On the one hand, a few runs had to be canceled due to poor air quality because of the California wildfires, on the other hand because I was admittedly a little distracted by my Peloton bike. Oops.

But this last week came and I had from September 18 to September 26 to complete the 21.1km (13.1 miles) in a single effort. I was pretty confident that I could somehow manage the distance but wasn’t taking any bets on the finish time and I was absolutely prepared to take a few walking breaks if necessary.

So, I got up at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning, had a bite to eat, then did a little cardio warm up and was out the door at 8 a.m.. The temperature was just right at 63F/17C and I actually felt pretty good. At the beginning, I even had to force myself to slow down a little, as I was sure I wouldn’t be able to hold the pace. I had preplanned my route along the river with as few obstacles (traffic lights, street crossings, etc.) as possible. My strategy for long runs – not just in a race – always is “run the mile you’re in”.

To be honest, I was a bit afraid that I would hit a wall somewhere in the second half. My longest run in previous weeks had been 10 miles and like I said, my training runs hadn’t been consistent. You can see from my negative splits that I did slow down a bit after mile 7, but all in all I was surprised how steady I was able to keep my pace. In mile 12, I had a cramp in my left foot all of a sudden but it fortunately resolved relatively quickly, so that I was able to finish strong.

I have to say, I surprised myself quite a bit. I didn’t think it would go so well. I waited the whole time for the massive slump, but somehow it didn’t come. I don’t want to say that the last 4-5 miles were not hard and I had to do some mental gymnastics to keep my focus on the individual mile, but I guess even though I ran fewer miles in preparation for this race, the cross training paid off in its own way.

In the end I was able to beat my previous PR by almost 2 minutes. That doesn’t sound like much but every runner knows that every minute shaved off a long distance run is hard-fought for and I love that I continue to improve and that consistency keeps paying off.

Did you run the Virtual SeaWheeze Half or 10k or any other races this month? How did it go?

I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

Tuesday Topics | Tips for Beginner Runners

September 7, 2021 filed under: fitness, running, Tuesday Topics

I am a relatively new runner myself (7 years) but I think I have inspired a few other people in the last few years to also pick up running as a form of exercise and self-care and it makes me so happy. Here are a few tips I’ve given those new runners when they first started out.

Get fitted for proper running shoes.

That’s probably my first and most important piece of advice. It’s easy to say “oh, I am just going to use these old sneakers that I have lying around” (and I’d better not tell you that I started my running journey running in hiking shoes *yikes* not for very long though!) but the right footwear is so important to prevent injury.

Start with run-walk intervals.

There’s no shame in starting with run-walk intervals, in fact, I think it’s the smart way to approach a running exercise regime and build up your endurance. There are plenty of beginner training plans out there that are not focused on distance/pace, but on building up endurance with the goal to run for an extended period of time.

Run by feel.

This goes hand in hand with the previous tip, don’t be a slave to your running watch/app when you first start out. I know, we all have “expectations” of ourselves and maybe think we “should be able” to run at a certain pace, but paces are highly variable (depending on the day) and also highly dependent on each person and their fitness level. It’s ok to work towards goals, but don’t set yourself up for failure because you’re not hitting certain paces on day one.

Don’t compare yourself to others.

In particular, don’t compare yourself to runners that have more experience and training time under their belt. Progress takes time, commitment, and perseverance. Speed and endurance comes with regular training and time. Running should be fun, or otherwise you’ll hate it, so don’t try to ‘compete’ with people who are further along in their running journey.

Remember: not every run will feel the same.

Progression and regression is normal, not every run will feel the same. Sometimes, the hard runs will feel easy and the easy runs will feel hard. It’s all part of a running routine and you should embrace it.

Consider incorporating some cross-training.

When I first started running, I was so focused on running that I completely neglected any type of cross-training (except for the occasional yoga class or a session on the elliptical at the gym). I was pretty good at warming up and stretching before and after runs, but what I failed to realize is that regular cross-training (esp. some light core and strength training) would have helped my running a lot. I saw immediate progress when I finally started doing more cross-training exercises and I would encourage every new runner to also consider short (even 10 minutes is a good start!) strength exercises as part of your new routine.

Treat your body like it belongs to someone you love.

Yes, that’s a Peloton instructor quote and so fitting. Especially when you’re a beginner runner, you need to take rest days and cues from your body seriously. It’s so easy to overdo it when you first start out. Make sure you drink plenty of water, you fuel your body right, and give your body time to recover between workouts!

Any other tips that you’d give a beginner runner?

I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

Tuesday Topics | When the world goes to hell in a handbasket, or why I caved and finally got a Peloton

August 31, 2021 filed under: excitement, fitness, sports, Tuesday Topics

Remember when I said last month that riding my friend’s Peloton was really nice but that I’ve been trying to convince myself that I am absolutely 100% fine with the no-frill bike that I have? Yeah, turns out I wasn’t very good at convincing. Not even a month later, we pulled the trigger.

If you’ve been reading here for a while, you know that I am a runner and sports enthusiast.

I’ve played sports all my life, grew up skiing, playing tennis and softball (and probably tried every other sport out there), went on to get a degree in physical education, and then picked up running a few years ago. I was a gym member for many years and took advantage of their equipment and classes. Two years ago, I also fell in love with spinning after joining my friend Tanja for a spin class in SoCal. Sports are in my blood (my Dad’s a retired P.E. teacher and tennis coach) and if I can’t move, I am not happy. This has never been more apparent than during this pandemic. If one thing has kept me sane these last 18 months, it’s been the option to run and exercise.

Here we are in August (almost September), and I honestly expected a bit more from 2021. A new president and administration and the arrival and distribution of vaccines in the spring yielded a lot of hope. Jon and I, both still so very cautious, felt strongly that things were going to look up this summer. Then the delta variant emerged and (too many) people turned out to be conspiracy theorists that didn’t believe in the science of vaccines. Covid cases are surging again, California’s wildfire season started off with a bang and early, and the news from around the world (esp. Afghanistan and the Middle East) are worsening by the day.

Truth is, the news – locally and globally – has been devastating and horrific lately, I haven’t seen my family in almost two years, the Central Valley is blanketed with smoke again, and I don’t know how to deal.

So, what do you do when the world goes to hell in a handbasket?

You say f***k it, and you finally get a Peloton – and for at least a brief moment – that puts the brightest smile on your face (ok, actually for a little longer as I haven’t stopped smiling since that thing arrived).

You must know, I am a numbers nerd, I thrive on data. If you can measure something, I want it measured. I had ‘piecemealed’ together feedback about my workout stats by using a cadence and speed sensor, a heart monitor, and a second app that could calculate “virtual output” from these sensors (as my Sunny bike didn’t provide resistance or output numbers), and I was convinced that following the classes on my iPhone screen (no, not the Plus) was totally fine! Who needs a big screen?

Turns out, I do — apparently. Or, at least I enjoy it a hell of a lot more than I ever thought I would.

And having all the stats accurately and boldly displayed on the huge screen right in front of my face, and being able to compete with others on the leaderboard (something I also thought wouldn’t interest me that much) is THE ultimate geek-stuff.

You can bet that I’ll be taking advantage of ALL metrics and stats and training programs that Peloton has to offer and that I couldn’t take full advantage of as an app rider.

If I am completely honest with myself, I didn’t have to get a Peloton to motivate myself to work out. I did just fine with my outdoor runs and getting on my Sunny Bike and using the heck out of the Peloton app. But I would be lying if I said that my enthusiasm hasn’t increased a hundredfold since the bike arrived. I feel like not only have I done something to continue to improve my physical health, but my mental health going forward as well.

The decision to buy wasn’t easy for me (I probably thought about this much longer than you’d care to know because I have a hard time spending a lot of money on myself – although I am hoping that Jon will use the bike, too – and the Peloton is not cheap, and admittedly, probably also hyped up), but you can’t argue that it isn’t a beautiful, slick, high-end piece of exercise equipment.

I probably also somehow felt, subconsciously, that I had to prove myself on the Sunny bike first, but I finally got to a point where this investment felt absolutely worth it to me. If I was able to say one thing with certainty, a thing that many people fear when they make a big investment like that, it was that this wasn’t going to become an expensive clothes rack in my house. I knew and know that I am going to use it. And with a little bit (ok, a lot) of nudging from Jon (he’s much better at making decisions than I am), we finally decided to order. Little did we know that the bike would arrive within 72 hours.

When I submitted my annual leave request three weeks ago, I had no clue that I’d be spending a large chunk of my week-long staycation (first leave I’ve taken in 2021) on an actual Peloton bike. I mean, I am not complaining! It’s like it was meant to work out that way.

I truly feel beyond fortunate that we are able to afford it and I don’t take this for granted in the slightest, but I also admit that after everything we’ve all been through, after staying put for 18 months, I felt like I deserved something – anything! (like, the bike that goes nowhere, ha!) – that makes this life a tiny bit more exciting right now.

Moving your body, being able to ride with friends, and feeling connected to a community — isn’t that worth so very much in times like these?

I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

Tuesday Topics | My favorite quick workouts

August 10, 2021 filed under: fitness, Tuesday Topics

I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and today we’re talking about our favorite quick workouts. As you know, I am currently attempting a 365 workout streak and that is a bit of a feat, as you don’t really know what your week, month, or year will look like. Some days will be busy and there will only be time for a quick workout to keep the streak going. But the good news is, there are plenty of effective, short workouts that you can choose from on a busy day.

HIIT/Cardio/Strength

If you’re looking for a short, but effective workout, a quick HIIT Cardio workout will give you the “most bang for your ~~buck~~ time”. HIIT, high-intensity interval training, can also be applied to many different forms of exercise. There are HIIT workouts for running, cycling, strength training, and cardio.

Yoga

When I am really pressed for time or on days when I just physically don’t feel that great, I usually opt for a 10-15 minute yoga practice. It’s mostly low impact (or it can be, depending on the poses you choose, ha) and it still gets your blood flowing and your body moving for a bit.

Core Workout

I often like to throw a 10-minute core workout into my day. You don’t need any equipment, you can do it almost anywhere, and your abs will be burning from working on that six-pack. Maybe 10 minutes doesn’t seem like a lot, but if you do it regularly, you’ll see the changes. Promise!

Walk

And then, of course, there’s also the option of just taking a walk. Don’t underestimate the benefits of just going for a walk around the block. It gets you off the couch and out of your head, so it’s a great short exercise in my book.

I have a repertoire of body exercises that I can draw from anytime, but of course, having jumped on the Peloton bandwagon, I have to mention that the Peloton app offers a ton of short, (10-15-20 minute) workouts that get your heart rate up and your pores sweating, if you need a bit of guidance.

The Peloton App requires a subscription, but there is also the Adidas Training app by Runtastic, which was the first app that I’ve used when I started running (before I got a GPS watch) and which has a ton of free short workout resources.