Saturday, January 1, 2011

What I learned in 2010...and Happy New Year!

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."
Hal Borland

A little over a year ago, at the age of 50, I started running. In 2010, I went from a complete newbie, to someone who easily uses the words pace, cadence, hill repeats, fartlek, Gu, Sports Beans, salt tablets, minimalist shoes, cross-training, compression socks, foam roller and Body Glide. I know what PR, PT, BQ, Yasso's and SUAR stand for. I've joined a world where pit stop has a whole new meaning and carbo-loading is a good thing.
It was also a year ago today, that I first started blogging. I guess that makes January first my blogiversary :)
That's a lot of new things and let's just say that my learning curve in 2010 was quite steep!

Before I give you my list of things I learned in 2010, let me show you the cool shirt I got from Stefano of Run with the Black Knight. If you are not yet a member of the Black Knight army head on over and join us.
The words on the top left are "Forti e Veloci" which means "Strong and Fast" in Italian. How cool is that! Thanks again Stefano :)

Also thanks to Giorgio of Giorgio's runners blog, my other Italian friend who sent me this beautiful print of the Vatican in Rome. Very Beautiful.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming :)
Things I learned in 2010 (these relate to MOI, everyone should do what works for them):
  • Registering for races is great motivation.
  • Take it slow...do not try and do too much too quickly. Always increase gradually.
  • Stick to one pair of shoes.
  • Do not switch to new shoes without going through a transition phase. Even if they are the exact same shoe, the new shoe will not be the same as the worn in shoe and could cause minor injury.
  • Wear a minimalist shoe to maintain good running form (Saucony Type A4 is working FOR ME).
  • Land on the mid-foot, then let the heel go down to help with the push off. Give the final push off with the big toe and tighten glute.
  • Make sure abs are strong to help with running form.
  • Maintain a 180 steps per minute cadence (approximately).
  • CROSS-TRAIN (just running is the recipe for injury in my case).
  • You can workout from home, no more gym membership (again, this pertains to me as I had been going to the gym for three years and I now feel comfortable doing it at home).
  • But, have a personnal trainer make a new program for you every 3 months or so.
  • See PT as soon as there is pain for more than two runs. It always helps me avoid serious injury.
  • Plastic bags over my long thick socks works to keep the wet out, but make sure the bag is not too tight at the toes, because the toes push through and make a hole.
  • Running partners help pass the time on long runs. 
  • Whenever possible, run by a washroom at the halfway point of a long run.
  • I am always glad I got out there...I have never regretted going for a run.
  • The blogging community is a wonderful source of support and knowledge.
  • But, real life always comes first.
I could go on and on...but, none of my lessons can be yours, as experience is the best teacher. However, I would like to end this post by reminding you never to take your good health for granted.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
I wish you good health, injury-free running and many moments of pure joy in 2011.

Cheers!

46 comments:

Char said...

You're so right about seeing the PT. Once you get to a certain age those niggles just don't disappear by themselves.

MomRunningFromCancer said...

That is a lot of learning for one year! 2010 was a great year, even with injuries. We learn so much from running - it provides us so much more than simply good health. Often we just have to listen to our bodies to hear what it is trying to teach us.

Hoping you have a wonderful 2011.

Enjoy!

Kate said...

Great advice! Signing up motivates me, too...otherwise I'd have a terrible time getting out of bed early.

Happy New Year! I'm glad I've gotten the chance to get to "meet" you on here.

ajh said...

I love the new header. You have a lot of wisdom in your post! Keep on running!

Katie V. said...

Sounds like 2010 was a great year for you! You are very inspirational. All the best in 2011 and thanks for the tips!

Gilles said...

Happy New running Year Anne!

Caroline said...

Bonne Année!!!

Darlene said...

Really enjoyed this post!!

Kelly said...

The new picture on your header is fantastic! I really enjoyed reading your take aways from 2010... that was a whole lot of learning. :) Happy New Year & "blogiversary"!

Melissa said...

What an amazing year for you! Isn't it fun to look back?

Anabela (Bela) Neves said...

Happy New Year and wishing you a fabulous 2011!

Beth said...

Congratulations on your year of blogging! You have learned so much and also been a huge inspiration for me and others. Happy New Year and I hope your next year brings you as many lessons and as much happiness as your first.

Hi! I'm Erin said...

Happy blog birthday! Those are some great lessons you've learned this year. You've come so far. Congrats!

Jennifer said...

Great lessons learned! Kudos to you! Have a great new year, it's going to be wonderful!

ThE MidLiFe CrUiSeR said...

Ciao Bella! Oooh, that shirt is channeling the Italian in me! I love the lessons you shared. I also LOVE my Saucony shoes. I use the Fastwich for running and the Kinvaras for knock around shoes. Minimalist works for ME too :)

Buon Anno Nuovo!
(Happy New Year)

Southbaygirl said...

Happy New year!!! Sounds like you had a fantastic first year!

Johann said...

Happy New Year Anne! 2010 was a big year for you with your running. All the best for a wonderful 2011!

Giorgio said...

I began running five years ago and I really like reading your running blog. I completely agree with you about our blogging community: it's wonderful, but, at first, there's the real life.

Thanks again for your kind words!
Happy New running Year, Anne!

Black Knight said...

Happy blog anniversary!
Thank you very much for the mention, you are always very kind.
Great list about the learned things.
Happy new year!!!!!!

Marlene said...

What a year it has been! It was fun to get to "know" you through your blog (and meeting you in person, of course!!). Here's hoping 2011 brings as many or more good things! Happy New Year!

Alexandra said...

Nice gifts from Stefano and Giorgio! I like your recap of what you learned in 2010 with "I am always glad I got out there" being my favourite! Happy New Year to you Anne!

Suzy said...

Happy New Year Anne! You learned a lot this year and made some great choices with running and life. Congrats to you.

misszippy said...

That's a great list and probably more than most new runners learn in the first 5 years! Good job and happy new year!

Michelle said...

Awesome advice! Thanks for sharing. IF you like Clif Bars / gels / shot bloks, check out my giveaway that ends January 3rd.

MCM Mama said...

Happy New Year! You came a long way in 2010. May 2011 be an awesome year for you.

Julie said...

Happy New Year to you Anne! You have accomplished so much this past year and have so much to be proud of! Happy Blogggy Anniversary! My anniversary was in December...God, can you believe that we have been blogging for a year!?!

Yes, I totally agree, Stefano and Giorgio are the best! I love those guys! They are so friendly, kind, sincere and generous:) I enjoy their blogs and love reading about their running adventures in Italy:)

Good luck to you in 2011! I have a feeling it is going to be a great running year for you! Hugs:)

Molly said...

I completely agree about how you never regret a run!! Love your new header : ) Happy New Year Anne, hope 2011 brings you all good things!!

Heather said...

Great list, and great year! Happy New Year!

Lily on the Road said...

Happy Blogaversary!! You've come a long way baby in the world of running and you are doing it right. Do what works for YOU!

Happy training and let's hope that this is the year we meet. Happy New Year Anne!

Wifey said...

You're such an INSPIRATION! Kudos on a wonderful year and congrats on your blogaversary!

Happy New Year!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Syneloi said...

Pozdrowienia z Warszawy z życzeniami tysiącletniego szczęścia.

Wendy said...

Love your list!

Matty B. said...

I love the final bullet "real life comes first". I've struggled a lot with managing every thing that's going on from work to, running to family and friends to, a way distant on the priority scale, blogging. It's been tough.

I hope that you have a fantastic Monday back at work. Thanks for your note!

Iron Mike said...

You're speaking like a total veteran and there's still so much more to learn and grow.
Great Year, Anne, enjoy 2011!

Laura said...

Happy new year! I love your new blog header btw, that's an amazing picture!

Meg said...

Thanks for the list of things that you've learned, such wonderful reminders. Congrats on your first year, I can't wait to learn more and follow you in this new year!

Jill said...

Wow, I didn't know you had been running for a relatively short time - and look at all the amazing things you have accomplished! I bow to you, girl - way to go!!! Absolutely cannot wait to see what 2011 brings to you, it is going to be a fantastic year!

And I love the shirt Stefano sent for your blog gift exchange. He's such a great guy! :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

kilax said...

Happy Blogiversary! You have come so far this year! :) I hope to try some minimalist shoes someday :)

Teamarcia said...

Happy Bloggyversary! It feels like you've been around longer! You've really come far and I know 2011 will be wonderful for you. Wow your header is scaring the crap out of me!

ThE MidLiFe CrUiSeR said...

I just wanted to stop by and let you know how much I love having you stop by my blog and make comments :) Whenever I have an issue with my asthma, I think about you, and know I'm not alone out there. I want to run dagnabit! Tomorrow is a new day, right?!? :)

Nellie
http://midlifecruiser.blogspot.com

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

Hi Anne! Thanks for your note - I like the similarities, too :) We should compare notes - I developed asthma in high school when I was swimming competitively, and it took a more serious turn this past year. I'm still working out the kinks with new meds and whatnot, but it hasn't slowed me down in terms of racing and training. I'll be interested to hear how you're dealing with it.

RunKathyRun said...

What an amazing year; I'm glad to have been following you on your journey.

Matty B. said...

Of course I know how to contact you!

Hope you had an awesome weekend, Anne!

Andrew Opala said...

yes, registering for races really peps up the training runs!

Melinda said...

I know I'm a bit late, but happy new year to you, too. I love all the advice you have to share. A very wise woman indeed!

Party of Nine said...

Happy New Year! Love your #2...take it slow :) A lot of good advice here. Looking forward to coming back here for tips!!