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!