Extraordinary Strides
Welcome to Extraordinary Strides, the podcast that celebrates the spirit of running and the inspiring stories of those who lace up their shoes and hit the pavement.
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Extraordinary Strides
Top Running Books (51-75) and Road to the Half-Marathon with Shelly Rose
Ready to become a running detective this October? Discover the spine-chilling Mystery of the Midnight Mile and help solve the enigmatic disappearance of Jack Lantern. Our special Halloween-themed challenge will add a spooky twist to your training, with eerie clues and engaging tasks that promise both fun and fitness. With the final weekend for sign-ups fast approaching, there’s no better time to join this thrilling adventure! Sign up here.
We also continue our exploration of the top 100 running books, diving into entries from 75 to 51. From "The Running Club" by Ben Gross to "Running with the Kenyans" by Adharanand Finn, these books offer fascinating insights and stories that any runner would cherish. Whether you're seeking motivation, training tips, or simply a great read, our highlighted selections promise to enrich your running journey. Make sure to check out the full list on our website for even more inspiration.
Ever wondered if morning or evening runs are better for you? We break down the differences and benefits of each, sharing practical tips on pre-run meals and sleep routines to enhance your performance. Special guest Shelly Rose joins us to share her journey toward her first half marathon, emphasizing the importance of consistency, nutrition, rest, and social accountability. From tackling new distances to finding fresh motivation, this episode is packed with valuable insights to elevate your running experience.
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Hey friend, welcome to Extraordinary Strides, the podcast where we lace up our shoes and we go the extra mile towards our big, bold, audacious goals. I am your host, coach Christine, and today we have a very exciting episode. It's lined up with all sorts of goodies to get some extra motivation and sparkle to your running journey, and we're gonna be chatting a little bit about our newest community challenge. But we're also gonna catch up on some exciting updates. You're going to hear the next of the top 100 running lists and, of course, we get to sit down and chat with one of our very own, shelly Rose, as she works towards her first half marathon. So let's kick it off with a very special announcement.
Speaker 1:This is the final weekend to sign up for our October spooky challenge the mystery of the midnight mile. From October 1st to October 31st, you're invited to step into a spine chilling adventure and become a detective of your own In our thrilling Halloween themed challenge. Here's the mystery the infamous runner, jack Lantern, has mysteriously disappeared during a midnight training run on the spooky Crescent Trails and we need you to unravel the truth. And here's how it works Each week, you'll receive eerie clues and story updates through exclusive audio companions to your runs, helping you piece together the puzzle of Jack's disappearance. Listen carefully as you tackle your miles and incredible workouts, because these clues can make all the difference. But that's not all, because every step of the way, you'll be facing engaging challenges to earn detective badges and unlock more hints. And, as Halloween approaches, we'll have the big reveal where you get to solve the mystery of the midnight mile. Are you going gonna be the person that cracks this case? So, whether you're a seasoned runner or a walker, or you're just starting out, this challenge is designed to add a little dash of spooky fun to your training. So don't miss out. Head over to extraordinarystridescom and sign up before it is too late. Now, my friends, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.
Speaker 1:But on to additional news. We have. The highly anticipated top 100 running books list is live on the website Right now. You can find books that are ranked from 76 to 100 from our previous episode, and I've just added the next installment, number 75 to 51, but I'm going to go over it with you right here and now. It truly is a treasure trove of running wisdom, motivation and inspiration, and I can't wait to get this started with you right now. First, before we dig into it, let's just discuss that this is incredibly hard. I have changed this list so many times because it's hard to narrow it down and it's hard to make it like your top. So if you disagree with me or you feel like I am missing some very important books to this list once we get through it, I really welcome you to reach out and let me know what you feel should be on this list or what order you would place it in.
Speaker 1:Okay, so, without further ado, number 75 is the Running Club by Ben Gross. This is actually a novel and it centers on the seven members of a Salt Lake City running club and their plan to murder their fellow member. So, my friends, I'm not gonna get into too many details, but it is a light read. It is a little bit of a silly read. It is still quite interesting, so I would suggest that you add it to your list of books that you want to check into.
Speaker 1:Next on here is the Longest Race, and now there's going to be two books with this exact same title, but this one is the Longest Race, by Ed Ayers, because it is a story of a seasoned ultra runner who reflects on his participation in the JFK 50 mile race. Weaving in his observations on environmentalism, endurance and the future of humanity, ayers combines his passion for running with a thought provoking discussion on sustainability, aging and what it means to push our limits. I told you during the last series from 76 to 100, that we would have a lot of ultra runners topping this list. What can I say? They're out there for miles and miles, so it makes sense that they put together books in their head. So I'm not surprised that it's going to have quite as many ultra runners as there are.
Speaker 1:But next on the list is number 73, life at these Speeds by Jeremy Jackson. It's a novel about a young runner coping with loss and trauma, using running as a way to process grief and find meaning. This story delves into the healing power of movement and how running helps the protagonist navigate the complexities of life and a coming of age which, of course, this book was actually then became the basis for the major motion picture One Mile to you. I definitely would suggest adding this to the list as well. And if you're wondering where are all the books that I actually have heard of, because some of these you may not have well, I'm interweaving some of maybe the books that are a little less known or some authors that aren't quite as well known, but I do think you're going to get a kick out of a majority of these on the list.
Speaker 1:Coming in at number 72 is the Pants of Perspective by Anna McNuff. Mcnuff recounts her solo adventure running the length of New Zealand, offering a humorous and honest insight into the joys and hardships of ultra distance running. Her journey is a testament to resilience, self-discovery and finding perspective in the face of challenges, and I'm kind of surprised that that wasn't adapted into a motion picture, like maybe a runner's version of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Okay, I know I'm still not that funny. What can I say? I'm a reader, not a jokester. But coming in at number 71 is Running with the Kenyans by Adaharand Finn. Finn takes readers on a journey to Kenya where he lives and trains with some of the world's best distance runners, and this book offers insights into the Kenyan running culture, training methods and what makes these athletes so dominant in long distance running. I do believe this is a must read for anyone embarking in endurance running, especially when you start to realize that, while this is a competition about beating others efficiently. It's really about working together as a team to be the best version of ourselves. So, friends, we're coming on down this list to number 70, confessions of an Unlikely Runner.
Speaker 1:I think this particular book is so easily relatable to anyone who came to running a little later on in life. Author Dana Ayers Ayers shares her humorous and lighthearted experiences as a non-elite runner Again, completely relatable. Lots of encouragement and laughs for those who don't take themselves too seriously but still love this sport. Sign me up, my friends. That is all about how I love to approach our running as well which. The next one on the list is number 69.
Speaker 1:Running is my therapy by Scott Douglas. In this book, douglas explores the psychological benefits of running because you guys know that's my official love language there and course he helps to show how this sport can improve mental health and well-being. He delves into the science behind how running affects the brain, offering a compelling argument for the therapeutic power of movement. Going next to the list is number 68, run Simple by Duncan Larkin. Oh, love this book. In this book, larkin advocates for a minimalist approach to running, focusing on the basics of consistency, effort and enjoyment, rather than complex over-the-top gadgets. His philosophy encourages runners to strip away the distractions and rediscover the joy of running. And if you've been working with me as a one-on-one, this book is something that I actually do reference quite frequently in terms of how I want you to focus on your training consistency, effort, the things you can control, being in the mile that you're in, instead of all of the other things, and not worrying too much about what our Garmin says. I know quite a few of you are aghast when I suggest that you actually run without a watch, but I think I'm chipping away at a few of you. I think a few of you might actually consider it and if you haven't yet considered it, and maybe this book is what it takes to bring you on over to that minimalist side.
Speaker 1:Next on the list is number 67, the Examined Run why Good People Make Better Runners by Sabrina Little. In this book, sabrina reflects on the ethical and philosophical aspects of running, linking personal integrity with athletic success. She offers insights on how character development and running intersect and she makes a case for why striving to be a good person can improve your performance Absolutely. This is likely why I have maybe two rosy colored of glasses on when it comes to running community. I truly do feel that a majority of runners are really good humans and are working on being their absolute best and have that integrity, and also why I just I think we're just a super cool community, super cool breed of people, and this book is there to actually highlight why that is and also why I think we're just a super cool community, super cool breed of people, and this book is there to actually highlight why that is.
Speaker 1:Now number 66 is the Perfect Mile by Neil Bascom and this particular book. It is a gripping narrative of three athletes' quest to break the four-minute mile, focusing on the intense rivalry and the ultimate triumph in one of the running's world's most iconic achievements, and this book captures the spirit of competition, the spirit of perseverance and, of course, helps to turn a page on our own running history and athletic history that we so love to dive into. Number 65 on this list I don't think you can have a top 100 and not include this book. It's 26 Marathons what I Learned About Faith, running and my Life from my Marathon Career by Meb. Meb shares lessons from his 26 marathon races, offering insights into faith and mindset required to tackle life's challenges. This memoir provides inspiration and practical advice for runners and non-runners alike, y'all.
Speaker 1:I really do love these books and I'm so grateful that we live in a timeframe where we are able to have access to so many of these. So again, I wanna remind you I mentioned it in the blog post, but I'm gonna mention it here again you don't have to go out and spend a fortune on all of these books. I have quite a few of them myself, but that's because this is part of like my world. However, you can use so many great resources. Shout out, of course, to our local public libraries, which, brittany, thank you so much. We have our fellow librarian who is always going to remind us to check into your library resources. And then there's two audio apps. If you're listening to audio books on your long runs, you can check out Libby and Hoopla. Both of them, with your library card, will let you access quite the plethora of running books. That was completely not a sponsored ad, because I don't need to have a sponsored ad. I have the Extra Mile Club. So quick shout out to the Extra Mile Club that, with their monthly sponsorship, keeps this podcast 100% ad free, which means whenever I discuss something, it's because I truly, truly believe it. I've used it. I love it myself. Okay, let's get back to this list, because I think that again we're talking about some mind blowing books. It's so hard.
Speaker 1:Born to Run 2. That's right, the sequel by Christopher McDougall. I know you were thinking that I was going to include it on the list, but maybe it is, but it'll be a little bit later for sure. But this is a follow-up to the mega hit Born to Run, and this book explores how the lessons from the first book evolved into a practical guide for barefoot and minimalist running. Now, I'm not personally a barefoot or a minimalist runner. I don't necessarily believe that that is the best approach for every single style of running or runner. However, I do think there are little nuggets of wisdom and gems here, so I would highly recommend this book Plus. Christopher McDougall is just such a phenomenal author and he really weaves the storytelling in with the wisdom and science and it's just really amazing what he's got going on in that book.
Speaker 1:Number 63 is the Athlete's Way Christopher Berglund. In this book, berglund combines his experience as an ultra distance triathlete with neuroscience to offer insights into harnessing both mind and body for peak performance. In this book, you'll get to hear techniques for building endurance, that mental toughness that we all need, and fortitude, and, obviously, maintaining motivation, since that does tend to wane. So if you're looking for something to put a little extra pep in your step, this might be the way for you. Okay, number 62 is Running to the Limits by Sam Murphy. In this book, sam shares his journey of self-improvement as a runner, documenting his transformation from a beginner to a marathoner. He provides training advice, strategies and inspiration for those looking to push beyond their limits.
Speaker 1:We're continuing to make our way through this list. We have already hit 61, which I could not have a top 100 and not include Running for Women, jason Karp and Carolyn Smith. In this comprehensive guide, it offers training advice, injury prevention and nutrition tips tailored specifically for female runners. It addresses the unique physiological needs and challenges that women face in the sport. So if you've been with me for some time, you know that I love Dr Stacey Sims and her work with Roar and Next Level. This specific guide is something that I would say is akin to her work, but specifically for endurance and for running. So, again, something you should definitely have in your list of go-to references.
Speaker 1:But it is also important that we make our way to number 60, which is Spirit Run by Noe Alvarez. In this book, alvarez shares his experience participating in a Native American relay run from Canada to Guatemala. That makes my Florida Keys relay run seem like absolutely nothing, but in this relay he got to reflect on his own cultural heritage, social justice and the meaning of movement. This book explores the connection between running and identity. There's not one person listening to me here that hasn't felt like they've rediscovered who they are, feel more akin to their own beliefs, values and maybe even their personal history through running, because I think this sport continues to give us so much more than we give it.
Speaker 1:Which brings us to number 59, a Race Like no Other, by Liz Robbins. This, my friends, is a deep dive into the New York City Marathon, exploring its history, the diverse experiences of runners and the unique challenges of this iconic race. In this book, robbins captures excitement, the grit and community that define the legendary NYC Marathon. So if you have embarked on or you're thinking of one day embarking on a NYC Marathon, got to add this book to your must-read list Again. I know I've talked quite a bit about ultra runners and I swear it's not just because I'm tackling my first 50K, it is truly, because there is a lot of wonderful resources to learn from the ultra running community, even if you have zero desire to run an ultra distance yourself. But this next book is a great example of exactly that, and it is number 58 in the Ultra Mindset by Travis Macy. This is a practical guide that applies lessons from ultra running to everyday life, focusing on mental toughness and staying the course when challenges arise. In this book, macy approaches goal setting and perseverance, and applicable both on and off the trail.
Speaker 1:Number 57, running the Rift by Naomi Benarone. This is another novel. It's set against the backdrop of the Rwandan genocide and it follows a young runner's journey to pursue his Olympic dreams while navigating the horrors of war. This story is a powerful testament to hope and resilience and, of course, a transformative power of running. We are making our way completely down this list. I love this next one. Number 56 is Older, faster, stronger. It's not the follow-up hit to Daft Punk, I promise, but it is by author Margaret Webb, and in this book Webb explores the potential of female athletes over 50, and she combines personal antidotes with scientific research. She shows how older women can remain competitive in endurance sports, challenging stereotypes about aging.
Speaker 1:Number 55, the Runner by Marcus Torgaby. This is a memoir about Torgaby's decision to live in isolation in the Swedish wilderness, using running as a way to find peace, solitude and self-understanding. The book offers a unique perspective in the power of nature and simplicity. Okay, my friends, we have number 54, my Year of Running Dangerously, by Tom Foreman. This is a journalist that recounts his experience of going from a couch potato to marathoner, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of running as a middle-aged athlete. The story is inspiring and very, very funny, making it relatable to all runners of all levels. And we have number 53,notes a Vibar Cregan read a blend of science, history and personal narrative, exploring the deep connection between running and the human experience. The book examines how running has shaped humanity, both physically and spiritually. This is considered one of the classics and I struggled where to place this on this top 100 list, but trust me, if you have not included this in your must read list, it needs to be at the very, very top. But number 52 is. All you need is rhythm and grit.
Speaker 1:I just recently encountered this book by Corey Worden Malcolm. In this book, worden Malcolm shares practical advice on how to find rhythm and running, blending joy and purpose to create a sustainable and fulfilling routine. This guide encourages runners to focus on mental and physical well-being over speed. Can we say that one more time, especially for anybody who's out on their endurance run, my friend, all about that mental, physical well-being, going the distance over speed. Okay, our very last book on this portion of the list, coming in at number 51, is Fast Girl by Susie Favor Hamilton. In this book, a candid memoir by former Olympic runner Susie Favor Hamilton, she details her struggles with mental health, her journey through scandal and how running played a role to her recovery. This book is raw and an honest account of resilience and redemption, which is again one of the very many reasons that I love running, because I do believe that we are able to find grace and acceptance of ourselves, despite any mistakes that we may be presently making or have made in the past, and also helps us to embrace more confidence every single step of the way. So again, we are just halfway through this list.
Speaker 1:The next episode I will have 50 to 26. And I'm curious, my friends, of the top 50 or the 50 that I've given so far, if there's one of yours that maybe is favorites that you feel like should have ranked a bit higher. I'm telling you, this is hard. You try ranking your top 100. It is not easy. It's like choosing my favorite child. That's what my books are. Okay, my friends, without further ado, let's get into this incredible conversation with Shelly, because we haven't caught up with her for quite some time and she has a whole lot of awesomeness going on in her life right now and, of course, her training. So, without further ado, welcome on in, shelly Rose. Thank you, I'm excited to chat. I am, too. I feel like we get to chat, but it's been a while, since everyone in the audience has had an opportunity to hear what's going on with your training. So let's start there. What's going on with your training?
Speaker 2:A lot. I'm getting a lot of stuff in a lot of miles, up to seven now. So that is that is new and exciting for a while. It's been a while since I've done seven full miles.
Speaker 1:Okay so you've kind of hit some new territory and it's actually become a bit old hat for you at this point.
Speaker 2:Yeah, the last two weeks now we've been up to is it two weeks Seven, and then this week is seven again, I think.
Speaker 1:Yeah, we're doing a little bit of a slow build as we get you ready, since we started earlier. So how are you feeling as we start to go from big summer to summer junior on our way to that half marathon in December?
Speaker 2:I'm really excited about summer, junior and hopefully fall in the near future. But I feel like I'm feeling pretty good. I still feel kind of confident, starting to get a little excited and a little anxious knowing that it's creeping closer to race day. I feel like it's going to be here before I know it. So, yeah, I'm feeling pretty good.
Speaker 1:So let's talk a little bit about Summer Junior for you here, because I feel like you have posted a couple of times that maybe there was a couple of times that maybe there was a possibility of, like a little breeze hinting at those temperatures cooling. So how did you survive summer and what are you doing now with a little bit of the temperature change, if anything different?
Speaker 2:With summer I just stayed really, really hydrated Now that it's a little bit cooler every now and then because it's been raining a now that it's a little bit cooler every now and then because it's been raining a lot, which is a little bit abnormal for this time of year.
Speaker 2:Normally the rain's much earlier in the season. But, um, I've kind of fallen off a little bit of my, my hydration and I'm picking that back up, uh, a little bit better than I was. Um. But yeah, it was really just about going as early as I possibly could, and I'm not a super early riser. So that meant I wanted to be done with my run by 8.30 at the absolute latest in the morning, no matter what time. That meant I had to leave the house on the longer run days. On the other days I have work, so I've got to be done by like 7, 7.30. So it's all about that early time. And then, more recently, because it has been slightly cooler in the evening because of that rain, I've moved a couple of my runs to later after work so that I could get the benefits of that cool rainy breeze.
Speaker 1:Okay, I want to know what have you found different about morning runs versus evening runs?
Speaker 2:Not temperature-wise, but more about how you feel physically. Morning runs it seems like it takes me a minute to kind of like shake off the sleepy, because I don't. I'm not someone who gets up super early to eat like a full on breakfast and coffee before I go. Because it's not going to work for me, I wait and do all that afterwards. I usually have like a decent sized snack before I go. So morning runs it takes me a minute to feel like I'm present. Evening runs I feel like I have a little more mental clarity and so I feel like I can get into the groove a little bit faster and a little bit more strength. Almost in the evenings I feel a little stronger. When I look at my times in the run, it looks the same, but I feel internally a little bit stronger in the evening.
Speaker 1:Okay, so a little bit more awake and it feels like it's maybe a little bit easier to comprehend the pacing or the changes and all that stuff. Since you're, you have had a chance to have some caffeine and some fuel. Okay, very cool. I'm curious, though You've also you've started officially the track shack fanatic series, or Super Fan Series, right Is that what they call it For all the races plus the extra distances, yes, and you've already hit two course PRs as you've embarked on it. How do you feel about that?
Speaker 2:Really great, especially this most recent one, because the training schedule it was I had a total of seven miles, so I had four before I did the 5k. Um, and then the last three is the 5k. So I was like this is going to be garbage, this is going to be one of the worst times I've ever had in a 5k because I've already done four miles, but it ended up being a course PR for me.
Speaker 2:So I am really excited about that Um and I felt I felt really good because I could tell at that point that I've been making progress, whether I know it or not. I haven't really been focusing on wanting to be faster per se, but it's obvious that adding more miles and adding strength and all of this stuff is really adding up.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I mean it all kind of harmonizes and comes together in your consistency. Let's definitely give you a whole lot of credit. Your consistency is off the charts. But I also want to talk about and give you a lot of kudos, folks. The specific Saturday that she's talking about with this course PR after tackling her four miles for her training run because we will fit any race in, but that does sometimes mean that we're going to have to add in miles before or after was probably the stickiest, most humid day that I think I've personally encountered since this entire summer started. I think I broke up with running at least 482 times that day and you still nailed a course PR record. So I mean that's absolutely amazing.
Speaker 2:Congratulations on that, yeah thanks, it was so sticky. After the four miles I changed my socks and my shirt and I planned that because I had a feeling it was happening and then started over in a new. You know, I kept the the, the bottoms because we're going to get, you know, wet regardless. And, just you know, powered through that 5k and it's no breeze at all 97% humidity, zero breeze.
Speaker 1:It was. It was pretty horrible. The dew point was off the charts too. Let's talk a little bit about that, because I think that's something that folks don't recognize or realize. That's even an option to do. I'm a big proponent of it. While there are some effects of stopping after your run or breaking up your run into little chunks Um, and it varies as to the time I am a big proponent of changing to get more comfortable. So did you find that that made it more difficult for you when you first got started on your run, or were you able to kind of just warm it back up before you actually hit go?
Speaker 2:I felt like I was a little right at the beginning, feeling a little the effects of having stopped for about right little freaking tiny, yeah, yeah, um in between, because I just ran around where the race was to make it easier, um, so that kind of like heavy legs feeling I had for maybe the first like half a mile, but then I felt like which, I felt like I warmed up after that, which for me it usually takes about a mile before my I feel totally engaged and I'm like going anyway. So a half mile is nice Okay so good.
Speaker 1:So actually it seemed to work out better for you that way. Then it did. Oh, I like it All right. So I'm curious what has been maybe one of the biggest lessons or learning curves during this half marathon training?
Speaker 2:biggest lessons or learning curves during this half marathon training. Food and rest have really had to be a this for me. And when I say food, I don't mean like fuel on the run, I mean like what I eat before I go running, because I do have a sensitive stomach. So I'm being very mindful of what I'm having If I'm going to run in the morning, what I'm having for dinner, because that can really make or break how I'm feeling that next day, Cause I, like I said, I get when my stomach is a little icky sometimes. So having to be really planful about that is something I've learned.
Speaker 2:It's now, um, now my wife will be like what are you running tomorrow? What are we having for dinner? Because I know that's going to be a problem. I'm like it is. We can't go out to eat today, you know, or whatever it is. And then with rest, I feel like I've been struggling to get really good sleep just because there's been some stress going on the last couple of weeks and I've been really trying to figure out how to make the rest that I am getting more restful or more quality. So I feel like I've been learning a lot about my sleep over this training cycle.
Speaker 1:Well, I know that it's always kind of a game of tweaking, and that's the process of the journey. Have you found a go-to meal that seems to work well in terms of providing energy but not upsetting your stomach?
Speaker 2:I have a lot of times for some. I love salmon and I don't really eat a lot of. I don't eat chicken at all, actually.
Speaker 2:Um, not gonna explain why. Not worth it because I don't want anyone else to deal with what I have to do with the chicken. So, uh, salmon is really easy on my stomach, um, and I can make it really fast because I have an air fryer and I pretty, if we didn't have the air fryer I wouldn't We'd all start in my house. So make salmon in the air fryer and then usually a vegetable that's not broccoli or cauliflower, any of those other good cruciferous vegetables that do things to our internal organs when we eat them. Also, learn Brussels sprouts on the list of no thank you before a run. So usually, and then maybe some starch, whether it's a which rice or potatoes or something is usually my go-to before a longer run. We'll have usually salad potatoes or rice and salmon for dinner.
Speaker 1:You just discovered, like you literally just talked about, the best. I am such a big fan of baked potatoes for the night before and adding in that little bit of extra salt and not being too shy about it, especially if you're a salty sweater the next day, so that sounds delicious. Sounds like get your protein in. You've got some good carbs there and it's definitely holds you over, helps set you up for success the next day. What about sleeping? What have you found so far that you feel you're implementing that works well for you or that you kind of still need to tweak?
Speaker 2:So I have, I read somewhere and I don't know if it's working or not, but the whole routine seems to be working, so we're going to keep doing it.
Speaker 2:I probably should have done things in in you know phases to figure out what actually works, but you know, that's not what I did. So drinking some tart cherry juice about an hour before I go to bed, drinking some tart cherry juice about an hour before I go to bed I've been doing that for the last couple of weeks. I've been trying to do something relaxing within that hour before I go to bed, whether that's read a book, do some like wind down yoga or something that's just going to try to de-stress a little bit. And then I've been trying I'm not always successful to stay off my phone for at least 20 or 30 minutes before bedtime. So minimizing that blue light a little bit Okay, yeah, I'm trying. I struggle with that, though, because I am a competitive person and with the challenge going on, I'm like checking this what's going on here? Who's got their time in? I have no idea what you're talking about.
Speaker 1:I'm not by any means doing the exact same thing. We're talking about friends, about our monthly challenge, and it does. It's always intriguing to me when we have these, who has that level of competitiveness that I wouldn't necessarily expect. It's always somebody who's a little quiet. I'm like, oh, we're gonna be a great team member, but they're usually really competitive. Let's talk about that tart cherry juice, because that is actually a great benefit also for a runner, since it has that anti-inflammatory process or helps with that in terms of the antioxidants. So are you finding what I'm hearing you say is that it's literally not just the running, it's holistically approaching all of these different things to help you with the running. Am I putting words in your mouth?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean, it's just like all of the things that I I feel like running has made a bunch of changes in my life that are helpful all around, but they started because, you know, I was hoping to improve my running but it's really kind of makes a lot of difference across all aspects of life when I feel like I'm really committed and doing it right, I guess.
Speaker 1:Interesting. So that brings me to the next thing. It sounds like it's a shift in mindset as to how you're approaching your running. So how are you tackling that mental preparation that comes along for going the distance?
Speaker 2:I have found, and I did not think this would be true because I am kind of a I'm not a very people-y person, but running with a group of people it just really takes your mind off of the miles completely. And I didn't really think that would be true for me because I'm not people-y, but it is, the miles just kind of fly by and I'm actually I'm a little faster when I run with a group. But when I can't necessarily run with a group, I try to break it down into little pieces and my first thought is if I can, I'll pick the right. I'll pick some music or a podcast, depending on what's going on. If I have a little bit of speed or something I need in there, I'll listen to music. If it's just an easy run, I've got a podcast.
Speaker 2:I choose based on what the work is and then if I can just get out the door and get that first mile done, that's, that's the hardest part.
Speaker 2:And when I do that I'm like okay, then the next three miles I can, I'm in, I'm in the game, I'm not questioning my life choices. So if the yeah, if the run is longer than four total miles, then I start breaking it down into parts Like, okay, where's the halfway point? I get to the halfway point, I'm like, okay, I only have this number of you know this number of miles left or whatever it is. And then when I get into about the last mile, I'm like, okay, I know how fast I am and I know my run-walk intervals are very easy to break down into time, into like how many minutes or how many more times I'm running, and I'll start breaking it down into that. Like, okay, you have one mile left. You know if you're going at a 14 pace, that means it's 14 more. You know times. You have to run for 30 seconds and you can handle that. And then break it down as I get closer to the end of the run.
Speaker 1:Same. You just nailed exactly what I do. It's a lot of mental gymnastics and figuring out how to kind of I won't say trick, but how to coerce our brain into coming along for the ride. Because there is a lot of that. Why don't we just hang out and have breakfast now? So yeah, if those are the choices that you guys are questioning, then these are all fabulous trip tips and breaking it down, making it seem more manageable, kind of that whole little phrase of how to eat an elephant one bite at a time. So running the mile or interval that you're in is even best. Um, and I feel like we ran into each other on the course and I learned a lesson from you Do not listen to depressing audio books, while on a long run, Evidently that didn't work out very well.
Speaker 2:Absolutely not. I'm not an audio book person, but I was like I'm going to give it a try and everybody's talking about this book and I really should have paid more attention to what the book was about. Because I was like I'm going to try it for maybe, like you know, the first mile. Because the first mile, because you know, if I can get through the first mile, everything's solid and I barely made it. I was like I'm going to cry or just like I'm losing motivation. She's talking about all this grief and sadness and I'm like I can't. I just can't do this. I've had to switch to something really happy.
Speaker 1:So know the type of runner that you are. For some of you guys that may be very cathartic and it may be exactly what you need to put a little extra pep in your step. For others it sounds like not so much. So again, kind of being very flexible with changing that method if you need to and adjusting. I'm curious if you would share and it's pretty insightful, because I think it's hard to kind of pinpoint just one thing but if there is a most rewarding part of your journey so far, Um, well, and for me I think so far it's been.
Speaker 2:I have, like I said, I'm not a people-y person but for some reason and I didn't notice this until my wife pointed it out to me last week when we were at the race and afterwards I'm like talking to random strangers and, like you know, just acting like I know all these people, like they're all my friends, you know, just because they are fellow runners that just did the same race that I did, and she was like you do you know all, like you're very chatty and I was like I am chatty, so I was very proud of myself. But I feel like I've kind of opened up and be myself in this group of people and that's just not a lot of times how I present myself most to others. So I'm really proud of myself. I feel like I've grown a lot because of the running. So I feel like that's what I feel like has been most rewarding, is that I feel like I'm growing as a person outside of the running.
Speaker 1:Oh, I love that. I do. Do you credit it with feeling good after the run, having that shared common experience or a little bit of everything?
Speaker 2:I think it's a lot of things, it's that shared common experience, but I feel like, with something about training for a distance longer than a 5K makes me feel like a real runner, like I know we're all real runners and but the feeling of just oh well, oh well, you just do 5k, you know, there's still kind of that out there for me.
Speaker 2:So feeling like the fact that I'm training for this half marathon distance just makes me feel like I'm one of the real runners, that's, you know, out there doing the thing, and so I think some of that has helped Okay.
Speaker 1:So you feel like you've arrived, a little bit like you're solid in your running era. Yes, a la Taylor Swift, okay, got it. And also the fact that our bodies produce some oxytocin doesn't hurt, well, sure. So again, exercise is great, I mean it. Just it helps us to get all those really good feeling hormones, okay. So what would you say has been the biggest change of going piggybacking off, the fact that your 5k is a little different now that you're doing half marathon training, you feel very different in that regard. What's the biggest changes that you've seen evolve from when you were doing 5ks and 10ks to now where you're training for a half?
Speaker 2:Um, I don't know, I just I feel just like a very different. I feel like a very different runner. Just it's like I'm not. It's not a slog to get through. You know my workouts. I don't feel like I'm having to like every now, most of the time I'm not having to be like you're getting up today and you're gonna do the thing. Um, I feel I feel better on during actual races. I feel better when I'm running. I feel like I actually have a I know myself at this point where I can say, okay, if you can get through the first mile, you're going to be okay, because I know that that's what it takes for me. And I feel like I know my body better than I did before because I'm testing it and putting it to more challenge than I had in the past. So I feel like I know things about myself that I didn't before when I wasn't running, trying to run a longer distance if that makes sense.
Speaker 1:So it's creating an opportunity for you to be more connected, listening to your body and also I'm going to go back to what you mentioned earlier it sounds like you're also holistically tackling so many different of the puzzle pieces. So, between the fueling and the hydrating off the run and prioritizing sleep, prioritizing cross-training and strength, it's adding to helping that evolution. I love so much of this conversation and find it incredibly inspiring, because the next question is going to be what about those days that it does just seem like a Herculean effort to get up and get laced up? As you mentioned, that is the hardest part of every single run. I mean, I don't get to see it on my side because you just do it, like I just log into final surge and I just see you've just tackled every single thing that has been prescribed. You're adding in yoga Like you're, just like you're just doing it. So what do you feel helps you when you are struggling with that motivation? Do you struggle with motivation? Are you Sarah Connor?
Speaker 2:I do struggle with motivation for sure, especially the last couple of weeks, cause my, like I said, my sleep has been a little miffed.
Speaker 2:Um but I definitely do. Um, so I set, I try to set myself up. I always lay my clothes out beforehand and I think the people that say, oh well, sleep in your workout clothes. Are men, because there's no way a woman can sleep in their workout clothes. You will never fall asleep because that bra is not going to happen for you. So I think that's a man's recommendation. So I do not sleep in my workout clothes, but I do lay them out so that I know that I don't want to run in my running clothes.
Speaker 1:Like they are so uncomfortable. Like, seriously, even the most comfortable is not comfortable. Okay.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so, um, I do that, but then I've told so many people that I'm doing this thing and I post it on social media so often that I feel like I'm going to be disappointing people if I don't do the thing.
Speaker 1:Social accountability.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so much accountability. And even my wife, if I don't get up and I plan on doing evening whenever she because she leaves before I do she'll be like I noticed you didn't get up this morning, like, ok, look, I'm doing it. I have a plan. It's tonight, you're going to be a tennis, leave me alone. So I have kind of some of that accountability already built in, because I kind of set it up that way on purpose and because I'm a loud mouth and I like to share my goals with everybody.
Speaker 1:I'm telling you, even just setting your running clothes out is like the best thing, because they'll judge you all day long if you don't go out for a run Every time I walk in that room I'm like oh, don't look at me skirt.
Speaker 2:I promise I'll wear you a little later, just wait.
Speaker 1:OK, so sharing with others what our goals are big, audacious, disney challenge and do all of the races and get all of the medals. What precipitated that whole conversation in your brain, and tell us a little bit more about the challenge that you're tackling?
Speaker 2:So I love me some Disney and Snow White is one of my favorite all-time princesses, and when I heard that the princess challenge was going to be Snow White themed metal, I was like, well, now I have to do that, because I have to have that. I want to be Snow White and I want to run a race as Snow White at Disney and and I want this special medal. So that's where it started a little bit. But then the community of people that run at Disney is so exciting and they're so fun and they're constantly like, oh well, this is amazing, this is amazing, you should do this and that and the other. And I just I feel like I'm just swept up in the excitement and so after, so I signed up for the princess challenge, but then I immediately signed up for the springtime surprise challenge as well. So all of the things. So I feel like I just get so excited and I just have to do it.
Speaker 1:So let's talk about what the challenge for princess looks like, specifically in terms of the race distances that you're doing that weekend.
Speaker 2:challenge for Princess looks like specifically in terms of the race distances that you're doing that weekend. I'll be doing the 10k and then the back-to-back.
Speaker 1:And, for the record, she has fully drinking the very expensive Disney Kool-Aid because, yes, she's all in. So tell us what springtime surprise challenge looks like.
Speaker 2:That one's all back-to-back. That's 5k, 10k and a 10 miler.
Speaker 1:That one's a all back to back this 5K, 10k and a 10 miler. So we went from I want to maybe do a half marathon to I'm just going to run all of the races. Tell me what kind of thoughts you have, if any. Are there any concerns? Have you already started to kind of maybe put those run Disney groups on mute so that you're not freaking out about the balloon ladies? Is there any concern about those?
Speaker 2:as opposed to the half marathon you're tackling in December. Ouc. The only thing that's funny, the only thing that makes me nervous, is with the I feel like I can probably keep up the pace that I'll need to keep up to be ahead of the balloon. Ladies, Wonderful volunteers. But because you know it's a decision on how many character stops, essentially for me, because I think 16 won't that required pace I don't think will be a major issue, as long as I manage the number of character stops. What concerns, what worries me, is that I hear that some of the course may be up ramps of some sort, which makes me a bit nervous because Florida is quite flat and I like it that way, so the ramps make me a bit nervous.
Speaker 1:But you have already incorporated hill repeats into your training plan and your hill is actually hill repeats into your training plan, and your hill is actually it's. They're all bridges, friends. We have no hills like we have, seriously, but, um, your hill and or bridge overpass is very similar to the ramps that they have for the record. Oh, that's good, so you'll, you'll be, you'll be a okay in that regard. Um, the only difference that you're going to see really in your training, well, one of the biggest differences I think you'll see in your training is doing a little bit more of those simulations of back to back and just getting your body ready for that with minimal recovery.
Speaker 1:But aside from that, I am tackling my top 100 reading books about running, and you are a huge, I mean like, you read all sorts of books, but specifically, I know you read a lot about running books. If you had to accumulate your top five books about I know she wasn't prepared for this I love it your top five books about running, what would they be? Or top three, because I know you've read some incredible books already.
Speaker 2:Yes, for sure, I really. I usually go back to Des Linden's book Hers is phenomenal, yeah, and I really enjoyed or am currently enjoying, because it's more of kind of like a read along and kind of exercise workbook Kara Goucher's Strong Strong. I'm really, I'm really loving that. I feel like it's nice to read about something, but it's also nice to figure out how to put it into practice while you're, while you're learning that. And I'm gonna have to think about a third one.
Speaker 1:Okay, have you read Dina Kesher's? Uh, let your Mind Run. Oh yes, that was phenomenal.
Speaker 2:Okay, see there's just so many good ones, it's hard to narrow it down. Okay.
Speaker 1:So, basically, you have some really great inspirational reads on your list, and if you ever want to share more, feel free to let me know and I'll share with the audience as well. What would you say to somebody who is maybe considering signing up for their first half marathon and still is having some fears about it?
Speaker 2:Um, as long as you give yourself enough lead time before that half marathon, then I think just do it, because until you sign up and actually put it on the calendar and pay for that day, you're always going to wonder if you can. You're going to do it, you're going to show up and either you're going to be prepared or you won't, but you're going to actually get there.
Speaker 1:So just do it. I love it. I mean, it worked for Nike, it's going to work for us, right? Why not? All right, shelly, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Give us a glimpse of all of your wisdom that you are accumulating throughout this process, and I'm super excited about all of the running that you've got planned.
Speaker 2:Yes, very excited. I'm looking forward to this weekend, this weekend's run and all of the good stuff that's coming with it.
Speaker 1:So it's always so exciting when you get an opportunity to talk to athletes that are really focused and dedicated but also really taking time to enjoy the process every single step of the way, and if it's been some time since you've enjoyed the process, it's likely because you're not having enough fun.
Speaker 1:So I am going to say this is your opportunity again to come on over, join us at the league, where truly, it's about fellow athletes that are pushing each other towards their best but having a whole lot of fun every single step of the way.
Speaker 1:So again, don't forget that we have the Midnight Mile Mystery October Challenge that is open. This is the final weekend to sign up so you can be all set to go for October 1st. You're gonna want to check out that link in episode notes, along with make your way over to the website extraordinarystridescom so you can check out the blog if you needed to catch some of those books and add them to your list. With that said, my friend, I want to thank you so much for joining us and for being a part of this incredible community where we get to celebrate every mile and every moment and, of course, solve a few couple different mysteries, of course. Now, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm Coach Christine and I want to remind you to keep going, keep striving and always dare to be extraordinary. Until next time, happy running.
