Firsts of 2016

Perplexus Rookie

It’s time once again to review my year and see what things I have experienced for the first time during the last twelve months. I’m a believer in lifelong learning. A look back helps me evaluate how I am doing in this lifelong quest. Here are a few of the things I experienced for the first time in 2016.

• I made Crème’ Brulee for the first time using this slow cooker recipe.

• 

  Brooks Ghost

  I owned my first pair of Brooks running shoes. I think I’m hooked!

• First visit to Detroit, Michigan. With that came my first road trip through the Midwest, first ice cream cone at Great America, and my first Michigan Left. (The latter was a hair-raising experience!)

• I published my first blog post from my iPhone.

•  I went on my first run Down Upper Targhee during Grand Teton Relay 2016 and sustained only one black toenail!

• I had my first paid cross country coaching gig. I’ve been volunteering for years. The pay was a nice perk!

• 

  Part of my team!

  Ran into a stranger while he was reading one of my books in the Costco food court!

• First Christmas Day without my youngest child. He was caught in a snowstorm and couldn’t make it home. We missed him!

• I also published with Power Point for the first time (sometimes I’m a slow learner), mowed a lawn with my grandson for the first time (he’s two), and solved a Perplexus puzzle for the first time!

I can’t wait to see what’s new in 2017!

Tell me about your year. What did you do or learn how to do for the first time?

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

- Carol aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Bust Your Bells Fun Run 2016 - The Report

Jingle Bells adorn our shoes!

Runners are the toughest people I know. Bust Your Bells FunRun 2016 proves it. The morning dawned (Well, I guess it dawned. We hadn’t seen the sun in a while) breezy and cold! By race time the winds that were gusting to 22 mph the evening before had slowed to under 5 mph. The temperature? That was another story. I worried that no runners would show.

As I checked and rechecked my weather app I prayed the sub-zero temps would rise. I awaited phone calls from participants apologizing and begging off. None came. I watched the temperature climb, ever so slowly. I checked our facebook page. There were expressions of dread, but nobody was backing out. The race was on!

Food Bank Donation

This fun run is a small town event with the local foodbank as the beneficiary. Runners donate non-perishable food items as their registration fee. Commemorative shirts can be purchased, but they are not necessary for participation. However, who wouldn’t want one of these?

The starting bells jingled at 10:09am or 10:11am sharp, just like always! Hey, we were waiting for warmer temps. It was a balmy 6 degrees above zero with very little wind. The sun even attempted to break through the cold haze. Runners slipped and slid their way along a 5K, 10K, and a modified 1.34 mile course. Most of those brave souls opted for the 5K with a handful of particularly tough folks running the full 10K course. Times were slow and faces were frosty, but everyone was smiling as they slid into the finish line. Nobody froze to death and nobody was injured.

As I mentioned previously, runners are the toughest people I know!

Here are the results from Bust Your Bells 2016!

Women's 5K -

1st Place - 31.20 Lydia Stevenson

2nd Place - 39.25 Kelsey Noble

3rd Place - 39.30 Sonia Basterrechea-Maggard

Men's 5K -

1st Place - 23.38 Alex Peterson

2nd Place - 23.40 Stetson Beus

3rd Place - 28.25 Grant Stockett

10K -

1st Place - 42.13 Dennis Atkinson

2nd Place - 46.26 Britton Parker

Special thanks to Shu's Idaho Running Company for donating the timing clock and prizes.

To view more photos and stay informed about future Bust Your Bells Fun Runs, follow our facebook page.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

- Carol aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Affordable Reflective Running Gear!

Can you see us?

In my last post, Winter Running Motivation for Beginners, I mentioned a runner’s need for reflective gear during the winter. Reflective running gear is essential any time you are on the road in low visibility whether it be early morning, evening, or in the middle of a snowstorm. (Yes, I’ve done that.) I’ve listed below some of my favorite reflective items that will keep you safe and won’t slow you down!

Adjustable Headlamp –

You need one of these for two reasons. First, it helps oncoming cars see you. Drivers are sure to spot a bobbing LED light headed their way! Second, you can adjust the beam so it lights up the road in front of you. This is very important for runners like me who tend to locate potholes with their feet! The lamp can be worn directly on your head or over a running hat.

Reflective Running Vest –

I like Amphipod’s Xinglet running vest (pictured). It is light, super reflective, and adjustable. The strappy design doesn’t interfere or impede movement. It’s great for summer running, too, because it doesn’t add another layer to an already warm torso.

Reflective Snap Bracelet –

Yes, it’s a bracelet … or an anklet. The one pictured is from Bell. You can even wear it on your upper arm if you want. Slap it around your wrist or ankle and off you go. Moving even more than the bobbing head lamp, the snap bracelet will also catch a driver’s eye.

Flashing Arm Light –

This adjustable light by Duracell can be set to glow white, red, green, blue, yellow, or purple! It has a steady beam or you can adjust it to flash. This is another lightweight and affordable safety item that can be worn on the upper arm or attached to a belt or vest. Set it to flashing red and wear it on the back of your reflective vest for added visibility from behind.

These items are all well suited for running or biking in low visibility. They are lightweight, adjustable and affordable. ($5 - $35) It’s a small price to pay for safety!

Do you have a reflective safety item you would like to share? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

- Carol aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Winter Running Motivation for Beginners

Uh-oh! It’s winter and you may have lost your motivation for running! Perhaps you began running in the summer and adjusting to the colder temps is proving quite a challenge. The wicking t-shirts and capri running tights you obtained to help you look and feel like a runner aren’t going to help when the thermometer dips below your comfort zone! The winter holiday celebrations are sure to present their own challenges with piles of goodies, not to mention the crunch they present on your discretionary time.

How are you going to stay motivated? How will you stay warm enough to run? How will you find the time to run while your To-Do list continues to grow? Here are some Dos and Don’ts that might help.

Don’t panic …

Running, like everything in life, has its seasons. Consider winter the maintenance season. Unless you live in the tropics, you won’t find many marathons to join in the winter months. Stick with a lighter schedule logging fewer miles and perhaps 2 – 3 running workouts per week. Remember, the weather will warm again and race season will be in full swing! You’ll get back in shape.

Do participate in a Fun Run on occasion …

Remember, it’s a “fun” run. Join your friends in a local holiday walk/run, gather for lunch or hot cocoa and cookies after (Yeah, you earned it), exchange gifts, and knock that task off your To-Do list. You may have to be the encourager here, but I promise it is a rewarding role.

Do join a group …

Running clubs, running buddies, even virtual groups can be effective in keeping you honest and accountable. Find a local group or create one of your own. Mark Zuckerberg did it and so did I! Check out A Mile for MyHeart on Facebook and feel free to join me.

Do dress in layers …

Read this blog post for some helpful hints for cold weather gear.

Don’t forget to be seen!

Shorter days present a real challenge for runners, especially if you work an 8 to 5 job. If you are going to run outside, invest in some affordable reflective gear. A head lamp might look and feel goofy, but it will keep you visible and light up those pesky potholes. Be safe out there!

Last of all …

Don’t feel guilty!

You’ve got a lot of living to do and running might help you buy some extra days or years. Be sure to enjoy every one!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Easiest hard water stain removal!

This post has very little to do with running, but I just had to share my new discovery!  (Okay, I didn’t discover it – a running buddy shared it with me.) Anytime I learn something that makes my life easier or better I want to tell the world about it. This is the easiest way to remove hard water stains from porcelain and stainless steel I have ever used.

Yes, I think I tried the bottle of Coca Cola in the toilet bowl overnight. No, it did not work!

Pumice stones are effective, but they are messy and make a terrible sound. Save them for removing foot callouses. (If you are a runner, you have those!)

Strong chemicals are smelly, expensive, and potentially hazardous if they splash or spill, or are ingested by small children. They haven’t proved very effective, either.

Drywall screens. That’s right. I didn’t even know they existed until my running buddy told me about them. She learned their usefulness from a friend with a cleaning service. I was skeptical, but I gave it a try.

The screens were more effective and required less muscle power than a pumice stone! They are also less abrasive. That’s exciting to me, so I’m telling my friends. You can find them at your local home improvement store. They’ll be near painting, wall repair, and sand paper supplies. They ought to be near the cleaning supplies as well!

No more smelly splashing concoctions. Now more sodas poured down the drain. No more earplugs to avoid the scraping sound of a pumice stone. Just cut off a piece of drywall screen and buff those hard water stains away! You'll have more time for running or other worthy pursuits.

Seriously, it works!

Do you have a cleaning tip that the world needs to hear? Comment below or message me to be featured on a future post.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Pumpkins and Pans - September Giveaway!

Pumpkins and Pans Giveaway! There is a touch of Autumn in the air. Celebrate with items from two Etsy shops! One lucky winner will receive all three hand painted wooden pumpkins and a copy of Gold Pans and Iron Skillets.  We are running it on Instagram, so hop over there to follow all the shops.

Rules -

•1 - Follow these accounts on Instagram: @craftcoop and @runninggrannygreen

•2 - Tag a friend to receive an additional entry.

•3 - Comment below for another chance to win!

You have one week to enter. Winner will be announced by Noon MST on October 22. (Giveaway not affiliated with Blogger, Instagram, or Etsy.)

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Mental Trick to Add Time to Your Running Workout with Music

Bluetooth headphones and music help keep you going

This mental trick will help you add time to your running workout. Music is a great mental diversion when you are logging miles on the run. You can use it to extend the length of your workout. Whether your goal is to log more miles or burn more calories, music can help you make it happen.

Here is the mental trick.

Music keeps your mind off your discomfort – at least it helps. When you are listening to music the sound of your own breathing is softened. This alone keeps the “I’m working too hard” and “I want to quit” thoughts at bay. While music can be a time waster of sorts, this is good while on the run as it allows you to get lost in the words and rhythms. The rhythm, or beat, also aids in finding a consistent pace as your steps sync with the music.

Try this:

Create a playlist of songs you like to sing along with. They should be upbeat enough to keep you moving, but not so fast that you get exhausted trying to keep up with them. If you can sing all the words while running, the beat is too slow. If you can’t belt out any phrases, slow it down. Check the time and number of songs on your playlist. If you typically run for 30 minutes, make sure your playlist lasts longer than that. I would suggest 45 minutes. You can use the shuffle and repeat modes to extend the playlist if you prefer, but hearing a song for a second time may trick you into thinking you have completed your workout and you may be tempted to stop.

Whether you are a beginning runner or a seasoned competitor, you can benefit by changing up your running playlist to trick you into running longer. You can use this mental trick to help you endure other tasks like mowing the yard, painting a room, or canning vegetables!

Do you have a mental trick that helps keep you moving? Please share it in the comments below.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Grand Teton Relay 2016 - The Recap

Gang Greens ready to run!

Grand Teton Relay 2016 is over and I can’t wait until 2017! After three years of running around Island Park, Teton Basin, and over Teton Pass into Wyoming, I am as fascinated as ever by the beauty of that land. I am blessed with a community of runners who have become family to me and I am ever pleased with the supportive running community at large. I am amazed at the miracle that is the human body and the way it rises to the task, endures and eventually repairs itself. Yes, I said “repairs.” Grand Teton Relay is no easy feat, but the rewards are worth it!

Carb Loading at Olive Garden

We indulged in the traditional pasta dinner at Olive Garden Restaurant in Idaho Falls before heading north to spend the evening in St. Anthony. Our race start was 8:00 am in Ashton – two hours earlier than the previous two years. Van 1 consumed breakfast burritos in the hotel parking lot because the continental breakfast didn’t open before we had to depart. I have yet to learn what Van 2 ate that morning. They arrived at the start in time for a team photo in our shirts sponsored by Caldwell Immediate Care and TrailridgeDental and then we were off and running!

Runner 2 coming in strong!

Rolling wheat fields stretched out before us and then behind as we ran and climbed towards Island Park. That first leg is a lung burner for us lowlanders of the Treasure Valley! I kept thinking, “My lungs hate me right now!” Gratefully, the temps were lower than GTR 2015! Van 1 finished our 32.5 miles and handed off to Van 2. They ran off into the forest and mountains with their bear spray while we refueled our bodies and attempted to get some rest. We had no contact with them until they were within about a mile of our next van transition.

No visit to Island Park would be complete without a stop at Mesa Falls. Gorgeous! I could listen and watch the water run over those falls for hours.

Mesa Falls

Anxious not to miss Van 2 we arrived at the transition point very early where we watched other teams arrive and move on. The views grew more scenic as the sun’s angle lowered and smoke from a distant forest fire filtered the evening light. Excitement and a little anxiety festered as we awaited our second leg and the night run. Van 2 arrived after pounding out 42.5 fast miles and we were off and running once again!

Van 2 returning from Island Park

Injuries happen. We were registered as a competitive team meaning we had to cover all of our miles with the original 12 runners. Suited up in reflective gear and headlamps, we began our night run. When Runner 1 had to pull out, two others rose to the occasion and logged extra miles to keep us in competitive status. You should have seen me scrambling with reflective vests, lights, new batteries and such to get my teammates geared up for their unexpected tag team duties! The night air was cold. My run was on an abandoned rail bed, part of the Rails to Trails system. Unlike the advice often given to runners to keep their eye on the goal and off the road, it is best to keep an eye on the trail. As I neared Tetonia, I could see the lights a half mile ahead and I fixed my gaze on the goal – and off the trail. When I discovered myself face down on the ground after being tripped up by a rock I considered for a moment calling my teammates and asking them to come rescue me. My pride and my knee were both hurt! I got up, walked for a few yards, and then decided it best to finish my run. After all, my teammates were already doing their part.

Sasquatch Sighting!

After handing off to Van 2 in Tetonia at 12:30 am, we made our way to Teton High School in Driggs where we found some cold grass on which to rest. Warm showers were available, so I washed the dirt off of me and warmed up a bit before attempting to rest on the cold ground. (Temperatures dipped to below freezing before sunrise.) At 2:50 am I received a text that Van 2 was on the move up Targhee Ski Hill Road and we needed to get moving in order to meet them at the top. I was afraid to move. Any movement stirred up the cold air around me. We mustered our courage and hit the road.

Sunrise over Teton Valley

We decided it best if I ran down upper Targhee as it is a non-support leg. If Runner 1 tried to run and got into trouble, we couldn’t help him, so at 4:00 am I was once again on the move. Almost four miles downhill was a blessing for my lungs! My quadriceps, however, would pay for it the following day. Temperatures continued to drop as we made our way through Driggs to Cedron and then finished our task in Victor. There were places where ice covered potato fields. The smoke from forest fires obscured the usual view of the Teton peaks. Still, the lighting made for some interesting photos.

Runner 1 attempted to run again, but couldn't complete his leg. Runners 3 & 4 picked up extra miles and we met Van 2 in Victor. The relief and lighthearted attitudes of Van 1 contrasted with the anxious anticipation of Van 2 as they faced the task of climbing up and over Teton Pass! (Summit 8,432’) We cheered them on and then enjoyed a much deserved hot breakfast at Sherwood’s Post.

Smokey Grand Teton Sunrise

After dining and some freshening up with Shower in a Box (my name for baby wipes), we made our way via vehicle over Teton Pass and into Teton Village where we awaited the arrival of Van 2 and Runner 12. The entire team joined her for the last 150 yards to cross the finish line together. In the end, Team Gang Greens finished in record time this year! We received our medals, took a few pictures, munched on ice cream sandwiches and headed home! A short rest in Ririe for pizza and reminiscing preceded the five hour drive back to the Treasure Valley where we arrived as the sun was setting on another day and muscle cramping and exhaustion was setting in.

Why, you might ask, do we do this? It has been over a week since we returned and most of the team is still experiencing GTR2016 withdrawals. We see each other at a community or church event and we talk about the relay. We post pictures and share finish times (28 hours 20 minutes) on social media. We miss each other and we miss the experience. There is something magical about sharing difficulties with others. Those experiences forge friendships that last. We celebrate life by pushing our bodies to do difficult things and then experience the miracle of recovery. We learn that discomfort can be endured and joy can be found even during misery.

Why, you might ask, do we do this?

Because we can!

Sasquatch Impersonating!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Rist Roller Gets a Thumbs Up!

I’m excited to share a new gadget with you. When I came across the Rist Roller on Twitter, I wanted to try it out. I am always looking for a better, quicker, or easier way to recover from a long run or endurance challenge like the Grand Teton Relay. (More about the relay in a future post.) I have become an advocate for massage therapy and often use gadgets like the TheraCane, the Stick, or a tennis ball to work the kinks out of tight muscles. Rist Roller is another tool in my recovery arsenal.

Things I like about the Rist Roller:

·         Size: I tried the mini firm foam roller. It is small and lightweight measuring 5 ¾” x 1 ½”. It is easy to stash in your purse or gym bag so you can always have it with you.

·         Ease of use: Unlike the Theracane or Stick, Rist Roller is operated with one hand, wrist, or foot making it easy to use while watching a movie, riding in a crowded vehicle, or working at your computer desk.

·         Best for: Rolling out sore quadriceps, heels, arches, calves, and upper back.

·         Try this: Place the Rist Roller vertically between a chair back and your tight trapezius muscles and gently sway upper body from right to left.  It’s easier than using a tennis ball.

Although it is marketed for hands and wrists, the Rist Roller is great for athletes, too. I am please with its convenience and versatility. Rist Roller has found its place in my collection of recovery tools.

Get your Rist Roller by visiting their website.

Follow Rist Roller on Twitter and Instagram.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Grand Teton Relay Eve

It's relay time! We followed tradition with a pasta dinner at Olive Garden prior to locating our rooms in St. Anthony. The evening sky was gorgeous as expected! We have four team members still arriving, then it's off to bed for an early start! 

Follow runninggrannygreen on Instagram to see some awesome views and find out how we are running along!

Happy Running!

 

When the Pipes Rise up to Meet You – Just Run!

Hurdles? Anyone?

I’ve been reading, listening, and striving to improve my blog. While I am seeing an increase in my readership and I like the overall presentation better, sometimes it isn’t joyful. Not that everything in life should be joyful. Without adversity we would lack opportunities for true growth and we would not recognize true joy. Today, however, I am blogging for fun, because it brings me joy!

It’s not unlike running. Running is not always joyful. In fact, running is often painful, exhausting, and even dreaded. Yes, sometimes I dread the run. It’s too hot, cold, early, late, or far. I’m too tired, old, hungry, weak, or uninterested. Something hurts. (Oh that’s right, something always hurts!) I have learned that those obstacles which we conquer can be means by which we discover joy.

I have been preparing for the Grand Teton Relay. Even the name of this event brings me joy as I grew up in the shadows of those majestic peaks. My running buddy, Kelli, who had been missing in action for a while, joined me a few weeks ago. Kelli is faster, stronger, younger (Wait! All my running buddies are younger!) and more determined than I. It has been good for me. I am feeling stronger and I truly enjoy her company. She has brought more joy to the run.

That’s Kelli in the photo at the top of this post. Yesterday we encountered some obstacles on our run. We chose a route that wound through some farm fields. We had not been on the route for some time, but we had a plan. As we rounded the end of a potato field we discovered rows of sprinkler pipes crossing our path. We had to make a quick decision. Should we turn around and adjust our route or move ahead, hopping over the pipes and adjusting our stride along the way? Our quick decision was to move forward. We dodged mud and hopped over pipes for nearly half a mile. We did not anticipate the distance nor did we expect to have a lot of fun – but we did. We became stronger and we found joy as we conquered those unexpected obstacles!

Now that I have had some fun on my blog today, I’m going to get back to studying and striving to improve. Here are a few more joyful posts for you!

Tuesday's Training Tip: Find the Joy
Guest Blogger: Paulee makes decorating easy
Guest Blogger: Jennifer shares some thoughts on happiness

Thanks for stopping by and remember, when the pipes rise up to meet you - just run!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.