Archives for January 7, 2007

Today, while running on the trail, I silently cheered for the New Years Resolution runners who are trying their hardest to start out the New Year on the right foot. I said “hello” as I passed them, and got funny looks in return. As someone who has chosen running as my favorite past time ever since I can remember, I am guessing that it is difficult for you right now. I urge you to stick with it. It will get easier, and you will get faster.

Prior to going out for my run this morning I read Susie’s entry about an article she read on change. The article notes odds of nine to one that you will stick with your New Years resolution. I urge you to defy the odds. Be the “one” – ALL of you.

There is a load of advice out there for you to read. Here is just a little more…

ADVICE FROM JULS:
– Say “hello” to the people that pass you, or when you pass other people. Doing so will make them feel good, and it will do the same for you.
– When someone passes you (going the same direction as you) do not be discouraged. Instead, you can be encouraged that you will be the passer, rather than the passee, some day. Just keep it up.
– Join a training group, or create your own, and commit to a race. The camaraderie will be a huge support. The friends that you make will keep you going, and the event will give you a goal. Finishing the race my affect you so intensely that you will be forever hooked to running.
– If someone says, “on your left,” this means to that they will soon be passing you on YOUR left side. Stay put. When you get used to this occurring, it is ideal that you actually move slightly to your right.
– This is especially important if the “on your left” message comes from a cyclist, and even more important if this cyclist is a child.
– Don’t under estimate the importance of good shoes. Go to a good “running” store and find out what shoes are right for your feet.
– Celebrate your you every success. If you made it to the trail, then celebrate. If you ran a 1/2 mile, then celebrate. When you run your first 5K, celebrate. Every step is just that. It is ALL worth celebrating…and so are YOU.

The sun was out at 7 am, but I remained in bed. I couldn’t generate the enthusiasm to hit the pavement alone. A sat up in bed, pulled off the Band-Aid from my blister. It looked like it might be a little early for a run, but I knew that I was in need of one.

After coffee, oatmeal, and a little motivating reading, meaning the “blogs”, I was starting the feel like it was time. The problem of the blister remained however. I have had blister issues in the past. I remembered using a product called Blister Block when I was first breaking in my orthotics while trying to train for my 2nd marathon. The orthotics are now retired, but I had several packages of the Blister Block left in my first aid supplies. It was worth a try.

I applied one to the top of my blister and, remembering that they tend to roll off from the friction, secured it with paper tape. YaYa and I loaded his bicycle in the van and drove to the trail.

We traveled down the path together with YaYa leading the way on his bike. I ran on the dirt shoulder of the trail when I could. My foot felt relatively okay, with the blister making itself known very little in the first mile or so. I was encouraged, and began seeing me covering 8 or possibly 10 miles. In the back of my head, I knew that I was dreaming. Then YaYa and I came to the sign noting that the trail was closed ahead.

There were detour signs leading into the neighboring streets. It wasn’t as ideal as my previous plan. YaYa would have to be reigned in close during this part. The detour quickly took us from dirt to road and my foot began to become more and more aware of the blister. The nervousness of having YaYa on his bike with the cars was also overwhelming me. We turned around shortly after beginning the detour.

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