I could hardly walk and now I run!

My amazing relay team!

The human body is an amazing creation. It’s ability to endure injury and repair itself is nothing short of miraculous. Even while sporting scarring evidence of pain and imperfection, it often grows stronger as it heals the wound. What other things in nature can claim the same?

Twenty-three years ago today I could hardly walk. My mid-section had just been sliced open to deliver my third child – a little boy with stick up hair and long feet. He still has stick up hair and long feet. As I stood and willed my legs to move, I recognized the familiar sensation that my insides might actually fall out in front of me. I expressed that feeling to a physician once and he replied, “Just walk backwards and you won’t step on anything!” I’m quite certain I held my breath for the first few steps.

Over the following several days my walks grew longer and quicker as my incision healed and I regained my strength. I soon resumed normal activity. The limitations of those first few days faded and life carried on.

My boys

A few years ago, ten to be exact, I once again found myself facing a physical challenge. I began to run. I thought I was too old, but a friend encouraged me and so I tried. I have since participated in many races with half marathons being my longest. I even coach middle school cross country runners. I don’t know that I will ever attempt a marathon. My favorite race is a relay (about 200 miles) with my team of twelve. I enjoy the comradery and shared misery unique to an overnight endurance challenge. I rejoice that my body will allow me to participate.

Walking seemed almost insurmountable when I was younger and had just given birth with the aid of a surgeon. Now I run, because I can. Yes, it seemed insurmountable at first. No, it isn’t easy and it isn’t always fun, but my body can do it. This body that has years and miles, wounds and scars, heartaches and joys, can run! I think that is miraculous and I am grateful that I am so blessed! I bet you are, too.

What can your body do that once seemed insurmountable? I would love to hear about it.

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.

New Running Books Released! Run at Any Age Guidebook and Journals

What began as a few blog posts about training tips for new runners has evolved into a series of books for beginners. Run at Any Age: A Beginner's Guide for Adults is directed at grownups who have a desire to begin running or to resume running after a few years away from the sport. I share those things that have worked for me as I began running when I was older.

The purpose of this book is not to convince you, the reader, that you should begin running. You have already come to that realization. You may, however, have some doubts about your ability to become a runner.

The purpose of this book is 1) to encourage and convince you that you CAN begin running given you have a clear bill of health from your doctor, 2) to give you information that will help you get started, 3) to provide tips and techniques to help you endure when the physical or mental going gets tough, and 4) to help you obtain benefits and satisfaction that only a runner will understand.

This book is for anyone who is anxious about running, but especially for women who have neglected their physical well-being while providing for the day-to-day needs of those they love. You know who you are and you want to be healthier – not so much for yourself, but for those you love. You want to live a long and active life so you will be here to care for, celebrate with, and cheer on your loved ones, young and old.

You know you should, but you aren’t convinced you can. Let’s begin by dispelling some of the myths you have heard or created about running. Let’s begin slowly and wisely. Let’s begin with the right tools to be successful. Let’s begin with the support and encouragement of other runners.

As I was creating Run at Any Age: A Beginner's Guide for Adults, I pondered much about my advice to log, record progress, write about, and share running workouts as a motivation to keep going. I considered including a sample page within the section, Log Your Workout, but it did not fit the format of the book. A sample page, although it would offer an idea, would not serve the runner over a period of time - and the goal of the motivation sections is to keep the new runner pursuing the goal over more than a few days or weeks. It occurred to me that a logbook and journal combination would be beneficial to new runners. Using the weekly log and journal prompt questions will help the runner see progress during the course of a year. The runner might be surprised to note the physical, mental, emotional, and social changes that running has induced.

As I developed the Run at Any Age Journal, I considered how it might be received by the younger runners whom I coach. My experience with young adolescent runners helped me create prompt questions designed for them. I adapted the journal and prompt question to better fit the running experience of girls and boys - and now we have Run at Any Age Journal for Girls and Run at Any Age Journal for Boys!

Here is a sample of the journal interior ...

Last, but not least, the runner's guide is currently being adapted for young runners! It will be released in late June or early July. I'll be sure to let you know where to find it!

It has been a busy spring!

Find copies of all Run at Any Age books on Amazon or Etsy.
Run at Any Age: A Beginner's Guide for Adults will be available on Kindle.

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.

Running for Immediate Stress Relief

Running, or exercise, can improve the mental and emotional health of the runner. She may simply feel a sense of accomplishment or she may be happy because her clothing fits better, but studies show that enough strenuous exercise can lessen the symptoms and effects of stress, anxiety and depression. Let me show you how running is an immediate stress reliever for me.

I can’t say that I often crave a run. I crave cookies and chocolate. The anticipation of a run is often the hardest part, so no, I don’t really crave running. I do, however, crave the way I feel after a run – and by “feel” I don’t mean the physical exhaustion immediately post-run. I am referring to the emotional calm and mental clarity that begins to show forth during the run and continues for a time afterwards. The physical comfort and calm does not come until I have cooled down, stretched, hydrated, and showered!

How stress is immediately reduced:

Shift in activity and focus. When current mental demands such as work responsibilities, bill paying, or even housework pile up and a feeling of rising panic looms, a short run can shift your focus from those things that are causing anxiety to a physical challenge. It is difficult to focus on emotional worries when your legs are aching and lungs are burning. Your attention is aimed at the immediate physical task and those other worries are put aside, at least for a time. This shift also tends to clear the cobwebs and eliminate unproductive thoughts that may be looping through your mind – unless those unproductive thoughts are about how badly your legs are hurting! We will address those issues in Mental Tricks for Beginning Runners on my Tips for Beginning Runners page.

Affirmation of your abilities. Doing something difficult increases confidence in your ability to conquer other difficult tasks. Going for a run is hard. Cleaning the bathroom? That’s not nearly so difficult! Even mowing the lawn becomes almost relaxing compared to a long run.

Physical fatigue allows the mind to focus on what is next. When I have completed a run and cooled down, it is much easier to sort through my pile of tasks and prioritize them. Rather than feeling as if everything needs to be done immediately, which is impossible, my mind and body work together to recognize what is most important. Perhaps it is the feeling of exhaustion confirming that there is limited time and energy that allows me to clearly place in order my responsibilities. There is a peace of mind that accompanies doing things in wisdom and order.

Try this:

The next time you are feeling anxious about things on your To Do List or out of your control, go for a short run or even a brisk walk. Ten to 20 minutes should do the trick. Stay with it long enough to shift your focus. Move until those anxious thoughts settle down and you can think more clearly about what is most important. Then return to your list of things to do and take control!

Do you have a motivational tip for runners? I would love to hear about it! Post 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!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

10 Running Quotes to Inspire Your Life

And for anyone else who needs a little encouragement!

I run because running teaches me about life. I write about running to teach others about running and about life! These ten running quotes can inspire your life. See how they apply to things not running related.

·         "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." - John Bingham

Beginning is often the hardest, most daunting part of any undertaking. Have the courage to move forward.

·         "I had as many doubts as anyone else. Standing on the starting line, we're all cowards." - Alberto Salazar

It’s called “courage” when we do it in spite of our doubts. Stop stalling and start doing. I bake cookies as a stall tactic. What do you do?

·        “When I first started running, I was so embarrassed I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers.” - Joan Benoit Samuelson

I’ve been there, but I got over it and you should, too. Don’t be afraid to let others know what you are striving for. They may prove to be your biggest support. Conquer Obstacles to Self-improvement

·        "I often hear someone say I'm not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner." - Bart Yasso

Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s not about them, it’s about you! Your progress is what matters whether on the run, in relationships, or any aspect of your life. It’s your path, not someone else’s.

  

·       "The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank." - George Sheehan

So enter the race already! Sign up and show up for life. Launch your blog. Publish your book. Sell those fabulous paintings that you keep hidden in a closet. Run a relay!

·        "Methinks that the moment my legs began to move, my thoughts began to flow." - Henry David Thoreau

Whether you are a writer like Thoreau, or someone who just needs to sort her thoughts, running will help you gain clarity. It has a way of cleaning out the cobwebs.

·       "Anybody can be a runner. We were meant to move. We were meant to run. It's the easiest sport." - Bill Rodgers

It isn’t easy because it’s easy, it is easy because there are few excuses. We don’t need a lot of equipment or even a gymnasium. The weather doesn’t have to be a factor, nor does daylight. When we get rid of the excuses, we can just run. Getting rid of the excuses in other parts of your life allows you to just live your life and move forward with worthy goals.

·       "Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself." - John Bingham

Believe that you are smart enough to go back to college. Believe that you are old enough to be successful or young enough to begin a new career. Believe that your story should be told and you are smart enough to write it. Believe.

·       "It's important to know that at the end of the day it's not the medals you remember. What you remember is the process -- what you learn about yourself by challenging yourself, the experiences you share with other people, the honesty the training demands -- those are things nobody can take away from you whether you finish twelfth or you're an Olympic Champion." - Silken Laumann

Remember that life is about the journey. It is the relationships that are formed and the experiences along the way that are important. Don’t ignore those things while in pursuit of your goals. You will learn most from the path, not the finish.

·       "Many people shy away from hills. They make it easy on themselves, but that limits their improvement. The more you repeat something, the stronger you get." - Joe Catalano

Or, as Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, “That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed but that our power to do has increased.”

Running isn’t really about running. It’s about living – living happier, living healthier, living smarter, and living longer! Go live!

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

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Running to Increase Physical Endurance on the Ski Hill

Running increases physical endurance. This increased endurance will benefit many aspects of your life by improving your ability to maintain activity and delay fatigue. Think of your favorite pastimes. From water-skiing and snow skiing to baking with the grandkids and hiking a mountain trail, your favorite hobbies will benefit from regular running. Fatigue is an enemy to us all. It can stop our fun or stop us in our tracks. Increased physical endurance gained through running will manifest itself in your ability to walk farther, play longer, and enjoy everyday activities more fully.

My favorite ski buddy!

I run to ski. I belong to a family of skiers and it appears that we will be skiing for a long time. The grandkids are embracing the sport and I want to be able to enjoy it with them for a long time.

When performed well, snow skiing appears effortless. It is not. While it requires strength in the lower body, skiing isn’t all about the legs. In fact, much of skiing is about endurance and a lot about technique. When I get tired my technique worsens. Fatigue brings on bad habits. Bad ski habits bring on danger and the opportunity for injury. (Read about one such experience HERE.) I have discovered that the more I run, the longer I can ski without fatigue. The longer I ski, the more I improve my technique and the less likely I am to experience an injury. The longer I can remain injury free, the longer I will be able to enjoy skiing with my grandchildren.

My skiing family!

Snow skiing is just one of my motivators for running to increase physical endurance. It's only one, but I think it's a pretty good reason. On days when it seems too difficult to lace up my shoes and get out the door, I can remind myself that I run to ski with my family and that may be all the motivation I need.

How has running helped you increase physical endurance? I would like to hear about it in the comments below.

Happy Running!
- Carol aka Running Granny Green
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Running to Increase Physical Endurance

Running increases physical endurance. This increased endurance will benefit many aspects of your life by improving your ability to maintain activity and delay fatigue. Running may prove so enjoyable to some that it is motivation enough. However, many of us need more reasons to run than the satisfaction we feel during the run. I know I do! Whether you need to improve your endurance for everyday activities or a back packing trip with your family, running can help. Think of your favorite pastimes. From water-skiing and snow skiing to baking with the grandkids and hiking a mountain trail, your favorite hobbies will benefit from regular running. Fatigue is an enemy to us all. It can stop our fun or stop us in our tracks. Increased physical endurance gained through running will manifest itself in your ability to walk farther, play longer, and enjoy everyday activities more fully.

Benefits of Increased Physical Endurance in Daily Life

Housework? Yard work? Shopping? Laundry? Do you experience fatigue or exhaustion after a full day of any of these activities? Would they be more enjoyable if you did not feel worn out when completed? Would the anticipation of a full day of physical work be better received If it did not hold promise of the need for recovery?

Regular running, or any other sustained physical exertion, will result in an increase of stamina and physical endurance making everyday activities more achievable and more enjoyable. I have watched peers struggle to rise from a sofa and avoid a stroll through the park because they did not have the strength nor the stamina to perform the tasks.

Begin running now to increase your ability to enjoy daily life.

Benefits or Increased Physical Endurance in Leisure Pursuits

Think of your favorite pastimes. From water-skiing and snow skiing to baking with the grandkids and hiking a mountain trail, your favorite hobbies will benefit from regular running. The increased physical endurance will be most evident when engaging in physically taxing activities. I've experienced it myself and I've had reports from others who noticed improved strength and stamina, not during a run or workout, but while carving large S shapes in the water behind a ski boat or hiking with their family.

Whatever your favorite pastimes, they will benefit from increased physical endurance.
Running to Increase Physical Endurance on the Ski Hill

Benefits of Increased Physical Endurance for Longevity

Why do we stop doing things we love as we age? Do they become too difficult? Do they require more energy than we feel we can expend? Is it simply a mind set?

What if I said you don't have to stop doing what you love - at least not as soon as you might think? What if those things did not have to become too difficult and you could have enough energy to continue. What if it isn't just a mind set?

I'm not pitching a miracle diet or pill. What I am suggesting is that if you do something difficult on purpose, such as running regularly, you can enjoy life a little longer? Why is this important to me? I intend to be an octogenarian. I come from a long line of octogenarians. It's in my genes. I also have stroke, Type II Diabetes, and heart disease as hereditary risk factors. The way I see it, if I am going to be eighty-something, or even ninety-something I would like to keep my faculties as long as I can. And so ... I run.

What better motivation than to know you are doing something that may prolong your life and make it more enjoyable along the way? I'm a granny and its the best job I've ever had! I want to enjoy it for many years to come! And so ... I run.

Why do you run? Please share your motivation tips in the comments below.

Happy Running!
- Carol aka Running Granny Green
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!