'Bay to Breakers' here I come!

As my first running test, I have decided to join my room-mates in the ever so popular Bay to Breakers 12K race in San Francisco. It is a fun 7.46 miles long and a great way to prepare for that half-marathon in the fall. While this run may feel intimidating, I hear that the majority of it is a party and many of the people there are just looking for a fun time! Throughout the race, people dress up in wild and crazy costumes and some consume alcohol as a way to really celebrate.

Either way.... I am very excited. My room-mates and I decided to dress up as the Sesame Street characters. Kendall is Zoe, Dana is Elmo, Alicia is Big Bird, and I am the good ole' Cookie Monster. We have found shirts that we decorated and designed to look just like those furry Muppets we all know and grew to love.

While I have only made it to 5 miles currently and have not been on the pavement in a while, I do not fear. You will be surprised at how much adrenaline pumps a runner up and prepares them for what they believe to be a long haul on race day.

I have started researching some great race day tips via ehow.com, for those who may have a race approaching and need some advice:

1. It is important to have everything ready for race day the night before. Set up where your clothes are and timing chip, with any additional food or papers necessary for race check-in. Tip: bring sunscreen with you and apply it as well, you never know how much sun you will soak up throughout the race.

2. Sleep is very important to get the two days before race day. (The first of those two days is especially important for a good race performance). Don't stress, just drink some fluids while you are awake and go to bed early.

3. Wake up three hours before your check-in time. Go about your normal routine and eat a light breakfast of familiar food. Don't skip out on breakfast. This is a big no-no. You will regret not eating half-way through the race. Grab for something high in carbohydrates or potassium, such as a banana, bagel, or energy bar.

4. Warm up your muscles before the actual race. Don't overdo it, but you will run better on loose muscles and you can gauge the temperature conditions better for when you get going on your race.

5.Make sure to use the rest room before the race begins, as stopping to pee will affect your overall race time. The race will not wait for you!

6. During the race, it is sometimes helpful for people to take part in drafting. Drafting is when you follow alongside a certain someone, causing yourself to keep an even pace and perhaps a more unified driven attitude while running.

7. Drink plenty of fluids. There is a wide range of sustenance, such as gels and sports drinks. Gels provide a more immediate release of carbohydrates and electrolytes, but sports drinks will do the job as well. Just don't drink too much, only drink when you are thirsty and stop drinking just before your tummy feels uncomfortable.

These are only a few of many important and helpful hints to running any type of distance race. If you are curious, I encourage you to check it our for yourself and research some of the best tips and tricks for beginners and the 'regulars'.

... hope to see you out at Bay to Breakers. If not, then perhaps we can connect at the finish line for a beer!

run-sarah-run!

Battlewounds are to be expected!

These past few weeks have been crazy. Trying to keep up with homework, running, and just remembering to eat three meals a day, can be tough at certain times throughout the semester. But for me, it helps to make exercise like a class. This will cause you to make it happen, whether or not you have time. Believe me, you will be happy you made time for it. After all, there is no point in keeping up with class work, if your health is slipping.

Over the course of three weeks, I somehow made it to 5 miles! I am not sure when it was, but one day I felt great and decided to increase my mileage. Ever since that 5 mile run, I have incorporated smaller runs in order to challenge my time and hopefully increase my stride.

Unfortunately, there are bad parts to running. The injuries! As I was almost finished with my 5 mile course, my feet were burning and I could tell that a blister would be there for me after I stopped. You just know! Not only that, but my legs began chafing. Chafing is really common with runners, especially those who tend to sweat much more. So, needless to say, there is a BIG difference with your body between 3 miles and 5.

My predictions were right. As soon as I took off my shoes, I had several disgusting blisters on the sides of my feet. They did not hurt as much as my eyes hurt to look at them.

No need to fear. Do not stop now. There are some great tricks to fix any of these body malfunctions. Target sells both blister block and chafing lotion, as well as blister Bandaides, if it is too late to prevent those nasty bubbles. Also, try using baby powder in between your thighs, it will help keep the area dry and prevent chafing. If running shorts are not your thing, you are in luck. Wearing duo-dry pants can help prevent this problem as well. Make sure to wear thick, durable socks when running long courses and you can always tape your foot if you are still having trouble.

Yes, running has its downside, but that is no reason to give in now. All the chafing, blisters, callouses, and bruises will be worth it in the end.

Besides.. my feet were never my best feature!

run-sarah-run!