Walk the Walk

Meandering thoughts from the trail: Walk the Walk
By Sheila Dawe

Back in my twenties, before I did any kind of exercise, I was challenged by a friend to do “The Great Walk”. This is a 64 km walk on the remote logging roads of Vancouver Island from one small community to another tiny village. One co-worker told me that there was no way he thought I would be able to do it. Those words stuck with me throughout my training, and I was determined to prove him wrong. I was a beginner in endurance sports and had no idea how

Walk the Walk in Columbia Gorge

During a scenic walk in the Columbia Gorge, Sheila stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

to train; in hind sight I realize I did not do nearly enough training. But I did complete it, despite my feet feeling like I was walking on only bones, and wanting to quit at every single aid station. This was the birth of my long distance walking obsession. I went on to complete the Great Walk 13 times, The Great Lake Walk (56 km) 4 times, and Nijmegen (4 consecutive days of 40km in Netherlands) twice. Additionally with my mom and some friends we did the Coast to Coast in England (192 miles over 2 weeks), which was a fantastic experience, that I long to do again.

Over ten years I grew to love the long distance walk. There is something very satisfying about walking for hours and continuing with the journey despite feeling bone weary fatigue. When friends started running, I would say “oh, I can’t run, my knees would hurt too much.” I had had surgery to repair a torn ACL and thought that running would never be something I could do. When I finally did start running (in 1999), I did it very cautiously, expecting it never to last. It turned out that running improved my knees by strengthening my quads resulting in better stability. I now feel that walking gives me the mental toughness and endurance while running improves my overall fitness.

Walking prepared me for my long distance running in a multitude of ways. It gave me determination, the ability to endure doing one thing for hours on end, and a passion for long distance training. Walking also gave me the confidence that I could cover any distance if I set my mind to it. When I ran my first marathon, and all subsequent marathons, I have never wondered if I could make it; I always know that no matter what, I can complete the distance even if I walked it. An odd trick I play with myself is that in the late stages of the marathon I work out the time it would take me to walk the remaining distance, and then I realize that I’m okay with that finish time. Somehow this mentally gives me an out and I end up running to the end because I know I would be still satisfied even if I had to walk to the end.

This, however, brings me to a disturbing thought I occasionally hear; runners stating that “at least I didn’t walk.” One author I read wanted

Walk the Walk glacier

Sheila tries to dip her feet in each location she walks, here the Glacier fed stream was quite refreshing.

something like this on his tombstone. They talk of walking as if it is a bad thing. I feel that walking and running are both tremendous forms of exercise and I have equal respect for both. In some ways walking is more difficult, as one is out there covering the distance for a longer period of time. I do both and feel that they are equally challenging, just in different ways. My ultra-marathon training is a combination of walking and running and I really don’t distinguish between them. I like to just say that I do X number of miles. When people hear that I am going to attempt a 100 miler there are several common questions I get asked:

      1. Do you constantly run the whole time? No, I walk a lot. When I run, I do a run/walk/run. And there are aid stations where I get a bite to eat, refill my camel bak with water, change clothes, and go to the bathroom. One has to manage time at aid stations carefully though by being efficient and taking care of yourself in the minimal time possible. Time goes by very fast in aid stations in Ultras.

 

      2. Do you stay awake the whole time? Yes. I expect to take just under 35 hours. Going through night is one of my favorite parts of the ultra. It’s peaceful, different for the mind, epic and time goes by pretty fast.

 

    3. Why would you want to do that? For me it is the challenge. This is the same feeling I felt with all the long distance walking. I feel like an explorer. Pushing my own boundaries. It is transformative being out walking or running for a very long time. It is epic.

So be it walking, running, biking, elliptical, or swimming they are all miles that we are logging on our Voyage to Venus. It is truly tremendous that all the moon joggers from all around the world are out adventuring and getting healthy. Here’s to many more miles…keep on keeping on.

Walk the walk in England

Sheila at the start of her journey across England, from St. Bees to Robin Hoods Bay.

sheila daweBiography:  Sheila being 49 years old, single, with no kids has the perfect lifestyle for becoming an obsessive runner. Her 77 year old mother, Catherine Campbell (another Moon Jogger) moved in next door to her in 2000. After cheering Sheila on at multiple marathons, Catherine finally caught the running bug. Sheila taught her to run in 2009 and this year is very significant as Sheila is training Catherine to complete her first ever half marathon. Sheila works for the Government of Canada as a fish health technician but longs for the day when she can retire and dedicate even more time to her passion…running.

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Cross Training

Rocking the Roads: “Cross-training”
By Hector Romo-Parra

hector31,2,3 breathe…

left, right, left …breathe.

It is fresh, low noise, quiet and dark. The bulb-light goes though the glasses and I can see only the blue line on the floor. Some people come in, looking at me, doing some meters and leaving me behind there.

New people come, do the same and go out, meanwhile I continue along the band…

Hector4right, left, right …breathe

go and back, back and for…

I learned to swim when I was very young, although I am not a professional swimmer and I have not been in any serious competition ( yet 😉 ), I do have some technique, which I could say is above average, that I have not forgotten at all. At that time I did not know that it would help me from one side with my training schedule but also, and more important, as a runner and human being. As many runners suggest it is good to combine the running with other activities, it’s called: “cross-training”. These extra activities have many advantages to the runners, they help the body to recover and let the legs to rest from the running stress; prevent injuries and in case of being injured, already help to heal by exercising other muscles; maintain the cardiovascular fitness and, among other advantages, prevent from boredom of doing the same activity every day (not in my case).

Since I love water I decided to have swimming as a parallel activity. Exactly the same way as I started to run I began to swim again, for instance: paying attention to my technique, drills training, trying not to overdue and be injured, increasing the distance slowly, etcetera. Later was when I realised that I got “hooked” to it and I wanted to go further so I started swimming more and more to try some events this year. Swimming long distances (>2000mts) personally I find it challenging, not from the activity itself, as in long running distances, but most from the boredom. While running I stare around, looking at the fields, the sky, hearing the sound of nature, etc. while in the pool there is nothing to stare at other than the floor and walls. But open water is close to nightmare since you see nothing unless the water is crystal clear (which is not the case in the rivers from Germany). The only noises that you hear are your breathing and the water-move, you feel and see your thoughts; actually there is nothing to do rather than stay moving: it is just your body and mind. It’s trying to control your inner voice telling you to stop and quit: “Hey, Hector. You already did some distance, are you not bored? Let´s go better for a beer”. This part has helped me to win to the mind, to overcome boredom and to learn how to relax and push further; it has been an alternative training to be use for those moments where we just want to stop and quit…even in life.

hector 5Now what started as a cross-training has escalated into a new activity, I will need to risk and find something else to do for my recovery. Maybe biking is the option 😉

1,2,3 breath

left, right, left …breath

go and back, back and for…

I’m still fresh, 90 minutes have passed and I am about to finish for today. New people come, go into the pool, do some meters, go out and look at me thinking how crazy I might be…

 

hector3Héctor is a runner during mornings and a Neurophysiologist during days.  He lives in Germany and he runs for three motivations: his 5 year old Son who is living in Mexico, to raise funds for “The Myasthenia Gravis Association” since he has been diagnosed with this disease and to fight against this disease.

 

“Move yourself for the one that can not move” support us: http://www.justgiving.com/Hector-Romo-Parra

Moon Joggers are dedicating their November virtual race to Hector and the MSG Foundation.  Learn more about ROCKING THE ROADS 2014

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USA RUN

USA RUN
By Perry Newburn

Go Perry Go!

Go Perry Go!

Boy these months are flying by at the moment – scary!!!! The next 4 months wont be any different either. So – What to write about? I wander whats on my mind? Yes I thought I would start a series on the USA run now we are into the countdown stage and lots are starting to happen.

Lets start with a brief of how this came about. After I got home from my 1053 km run in 15 days from Auckland to Christchurch about 3 years ago I was following Dean Karnzis Run Across America and apart from thinking that would be neat to do , at this point, I started to think what could be done in NZ of the same sort of magnitude. This was how the around NZ run eventuated – a 5000 plus km run around NZ in 70 days – and happened about 18 months ago. However, the idea of running across America in essence had been born. Around this time I also read Marshall Ulrich’s book of his record breaking run across America and the dream was firmly entrenched.

After the NZ run was successfully completed there was nothing left of this sort of magnitude in NZ so the idea started to evolve further. This of course became fimly entrenched about half way through last year after a discussion with Angie of my “ dream to run across America “ to celebrate my 60th birthday with an aim to break the masters record of 52 days plus a few hours ( held by Marshal Ulrich ). The aim has now been extended to break the overall record of 46 days 8 hours and 36 minutes. With Angie’s keenness  I of course jumped at the chance to ask her to be support manager, driver etc etc. and thankfully she accepted. This would also be a chance to highlight what a great group this is in so many ways – support, motivation, acceptance and so many more. Of course, secretly I will be highlighting what such a great person Angie is as well – Don’t tell her though!!!

From this point it was all about getting a plan together ( which would evolve over time ) , set a few tentative dates and start to look at how to raise the necessary money for this epic adventure ( up to $ 20 k).

Come run with Perry!

Come run with Perry!

So, where to start on all of this? Well number 1 was to get a website/face book page up and running with all the necessary information that potential sponsors need to see. Again thank goodness for Angie who was able to put this together. With the 2 vitual runs by the Moon Joggers we were off to a flying start. At this stage a huge cheer out needs to go to all the Moon Joggers – you are providing a huge amount of support and motivation and I know you all will be in September/October this year. I have been busy with some further sponsors in NZ which has been extremely promising. The set up of people /business’ being able to sponsor a half or full day has also got off to a flying start. This is so appreciated and I can’t thank you enough. The same goes with people hosting a night – I am so looking forward to meeting you all ( although I’m not sure how with it I will be !!!!) . This is important to pass the word onto friends to see if they can also help out in other areas.  Find out how to support and view my route here: https://www.moonjoggers.com/perrys-run-lodging-sponsors/

There is still much to do but it is all coming together. Apart from all of this the training still needs to continue. And this can take up to 5 – 6 hours per day. I am currently averaging about 210 kms per week ( about 130 miles ) and there will be higher weeks as we get closer. There have been niggles which have been due to shoes etc but this hasn’t stopped me – it has helped to strengthened the mind which will be a huge part whilst moving across America.

So 11 weeks to go till I fly out – this time will go by so quick. I am excited but I still need to keep the feet firmly on the ground and keep the balance with all that still needs to be done. Over the next 3 months if you have any questions you would like answered that I could include please let me know Send emails to corperry.new@xtra.co.nz

And remember all – keep having fun.

Perry

You can also support Perry by joining our virtual run 5K ACROSS THE USA! Virtually run with Perry as he crosses the USA!

Posted in choosing running shoes, Guest Post, Half Marathon Training, having fun running, Jogging, Marathon Runner, marathon running, New Zealand Runner, Over 60 And Still Running, overcoming addiction, Perry Newburn, Pictures of Runners, Places to Run, Run for Life, Running, Running in New Zealand, Ultra Marathon Runner, Virtual 10K, Virtual 5K, Virtual Run | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Moon Jogger for Life

Moon Jogger for Life
By Tina Bond

Is it considered cheating if I use the Millennium Falcon to help me get to Venus?

Is it considered cheating if I use the Millennium Falcon to help me get to Venus?

Hi Moon Joggers!  I’ve been writing for Moon Joggers since Angie started having guest authors back in October.  I’ve had an awesome time writing and I hope you’ve all enjoyed my articles, but unfortunately this will be my last article.  Don’t worry though… I’m still on the mission to Venus and you’ll still be able to find me on the Moon Jogger Facebook pages.  Does this mean that I need to share some kind of words of wisdom now?  Let’s see what I’ve got in my race bag!

I think I am finally coming out of my running rut.  This has been the most difficult rut I have ever been in.  Fortunately, I’ve started running more than once a week again and I’ve been running at least 5 miles on those runs (except when Jim tells me we’re going out for an east 5 or 6 and we end up doing 7!!!).  I’ve even signed up for 2 races (Space Coast and Celebration) but they’re not till the end of the year.  Carol Lee has been trying to get me to sign up for the Echo Half on June 8, but I just don’t feel like I am ready for that just yet.

I want to be strong for my next race.  I don’t want to get to the start line and wish it was over before the race even starts.  I did not enjoy the last half I ran.  I was more focused on everything else except the run if that makes any sense.  I was focused on my time, getting up hills, where the next port o potty was, and how tired I was from not properly training.

I’ve been to the Moon and back!  Really, that’s a piece of the moon!

I’ve been to the Moon and back! Really, that’s a piece of the moon!

My goal was to run the race in 2:45.  I even caught up with the 2:45 pace group and kept up with them for a good amount of time.  We kept jockeying back and forth.  They’d get ahead, but I always ended up catching them.  That was until I hit the bridge.  I think I tried to push it too hard going up the bridge.  They got ahead of me and I wasn’t worried because I knew I’d catch them, but ever so slowly the 2:45 pacer sign kept getting farther and farther ahead of me and just got disappointed.  I wasn’t in a good place.  I did finish the race but I wasn’t pleased with my performance.

Now when I go out to run I just try to enjoy the run for what it is.  I enjoy my early morning runs because I get to hear and see all kinds of birds.  I look at the trees, plants and bugs.  I look for gators in the tiny ditch that runs next to the trail.  I wave or throw up a hand to the other runners as they go by.  Luckily since we moved we have a fantastic trail to run on!  I believe running in a new place has helped as well.  I’ve been doing intervals just to keep myself from relapsing into another rut.  I tell myself that it’s ok to walk and enjoy that 30 seconds where I can just take it all in.

In my attempts to just ease back into it, I do find that I am still competitive with myself.  I’m not as fast as I was back in January, but I find myself trying to keep all of my runs at or below 12 mm.  I hate that I have lost the speed that I worked so hard for last year, but I know that I will get it back over time.  I’m just hoping it doesn’t take too long.  The good thing is I’ve done it before and I know what I need to do to get it back.

One of the things that I have learned from this is that if you’re in a rut, take your time getting back and don’t force it.  You have to do it at your own pace (just like running), even if that means taking a walk break just to enjoy the run.  It’s ok to take a week, a month or however long you need to get out of your rut.  Just be easy on yourself when you do get back into it.  You’re not going to be where you were when you stopped running, but you can get back what you’ve lost.  You’ve done it before, you can do it again and you know what it is going to take.

Let the shenanigans continue….!

Let the shenanigans continue….!

 

Tina lives in Winter Garden with her husband and fellow Moon Jogger, Jim. When she’s not jet setting across the country with her job or running, or training for a race, or recovering from a race, she enjoys reading, photography, movies, music and going to Disney!!

 

Posted in Guest Post, Half Marathon Training, having fun running, Jogging, Lessons learned from running, Moon Joggers, motivation, Running, Running at Disney World, Running in Florida, Tina Bond | Tagged , , , | Comments closed

Meeting Meb

Back of the Pack- Meeting Meb
By Amber Hadigan

On Monday April 21, I was glued to my computer watching Meb win the Boston Marathon. My heart raced as he closed in on the finish line, but someone else was closing in on him. I cheered when he crossed, the first American to win the race in 31 years. And I knew that my week would be perfect because I was going to meet him the following Saturday. One year after the Boston Marathon bombing, it felt like such a momentous achievement to have our country’s banner waved at the oldest marathon in the world.

Amber

As the ambassador for the Kiwanis Kingston Classic in Kingston, NY, everyone running was promised an opportunity to meet Meb, who is now an American hero. Never have I met such a down to earth, generous and gracious man.

His motto is “Run to Win” which he signed in the cover of my book. In his talk, he explained that it does not mean finishing first. It means giving it everything you have. When talking about his Boston Marathon, he explained that his first goal was to win. His second goal was to get a PR. His third goal was to do the best he could. He said if he got a PR and did not win, how could he fault himself, as he had given it his all and done the best he ever had.

He runs to win, so he takes chances. He said he could have held back, but he was pushing himself to his own limits, and it gave him a win in one of the most meaningful marathons in history, and he took the glory for his country and  for the world. He felt that it meant helping give Boston back to the world after the horrible outcome of last year. He wore the names of the dead on his bib and raced for them.

He answered every question. He took the time to sign autographs and take pictures with each and every person. He joked with the crowd and was so gracious to all those he met. With a high school track meet going on, many of the kids came over to meet him also. He took the time to answer their questions, joke with them, and give training tips. He truly was a man of the people, a man representing our country in the best way he knew how, to spread the love of running and racing to every single person.Amber1 Amber2

I think what impressed me most was when he was talking about adversity and giving up.  In a marathon where he was seriously struggling, he wanted to quit at about mile 19.  It was then he thought about his father, walking 225 miles to escape his war-torn country, having to leave his family to provide them with a better life.  As Meb said, if his father could walk 225 miles, he can make it another 7 to complete his marathon. He then recounted a story of meeting another runner on the course, and they each cheered and pushed each other forward. Thinking of his father and using the encouragement of another runner as fuel, he completed the race. The two ended up finishing together.

This is what running is. It is a community of people, united through common goals and struggles. It is cheering for each other, leaning on each other, supporting each other through the rough times and the great times. In my life, I have never met a more caring group of people than runners. We may not know each other, but we are brethren. I know when I see a runner on the street, I always think “my people”, whether he are doing. 6 minute mile or a 12. For this crazy love of running unites us.

At the Kingston Classic, I ran the 10K race. At the starting line was Meb, slapping hands and cheering on every starter. He held the tape for the finishers of each race. He presented awards, and showed himself to be a true ambassador of our sport. I have to admit, getting a high five from the winner of Boston put a jump in my step and encouraged me through the entire race. I made a PR that day, beating my goal by almost two minutes!

I am proud to be part of a community that include people like Meb. For he is the rule, not the exception. When I go to a race, everyone is friendly. I always meet new people, and we can talk forever. We are a support system united through the sweat of the miles ran. If you are not a runner, I do not think you can understand.

 

 
bio pic 2

Amber Hadigan currently lives in Hyde Park, NY with her husband John and her two cats, Sobe and Scrappy. Originally from Wisconsin, she has lived in many different states. Now settled, she spends her time working, freelance writing, and writing and performing folk music. A runner as a child, she began running again in May 2013 and has rediscovered the peace and joy running gives her.

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A Tale of Two Races

Meandering thoughts from the trail: A tale of two races
By Sheila Dawe

Sheila running in her first trail race of 2014, where she was happy to gain some valuable insight on having fun.

Sheila running in her first trail race of 2014, where she was happy to gain some valuable insight on having fun.

The two races I’ve run this spring couldn’t have been more different. The first one the weather was spectacular and perfect, sunny but not too hot. The second one the weather was miserable; typical West Coast weather with a constant drizzle. The first was a trail race while the second was a road race. The trail race was small and full of unknowns while the road race was the standard big race. Both I enjoyed for very different reasons.

Easter weekend I had my first race of 2014, a mystery race, where we were bussed to the secret start, the route and distance was unknown to runners. This was my slowest race ever but I was able to take away three unexpected lessons. #1: It is okay to be last, really, someone has to be and there is nothing wrong with that. #2: I can deal with a minor injury with pure concentration. #3: Intervals really make me faster. My second race of the season on May 4th, added another lesson, run to have fun.

The race day was a perfect weather wise. I really did not know what to expect from this race. I had only done it once before (5 years ago), which seems like a life time ago. When I did it in 2009 it was a different format then, and I was a very different runner. I haven’t been in a small race for some time, and had some strange foresight to place myself at the back of the pack. Only runners behind me were the sweepers who despite also de-flagging the course, were often within sight or hearing distance. I was slow, which does not bother me, it just sort of surprised me putting me in a position I had never been in before. I was last.

The very scenic and peaceful view from the finish line.

The very scenic and peaceful view from the finish line.

Many things run through your brain when you are in last place. The trail was so twisty and wooded that there was no way for me to tell how far I was behind others, as I rarely saw another soul besides the volunteers cheering me on. It felt good to be in my own little world and bubble, but I started imagining, the finish with everything packed up and nearly everyone gone. Oddly enough I think this was a very good experience, because I came to terms with my placing and the scenario I had imagined.

Early in the race (1.5 km in), I twisted my ankle. I briefly walked until the pain subsided a bit and started tentatively running again. About 15 minutes later, boom, I am down again. Argh! Okay Sheila, be careful, concentrate, land that foot straight every time. 20 minutes later, oops, but I caught myself, one of those near twists. Sheila, you must concentrate, FOCUS! The race ended up being 15.5 km long, I took 2:34. I finished 179/184, I passed five people in the final 2 km. I am extremely happy that after the ankle twisting occurring 3 times in under the first hour, that I did not have another twist for the remainder of the race. I was able to focus on my footing and be safe throughout the rugged, technical trail.

A very wet Sheila at the start of the Vancouver BMO Half Marathon.

A very wet Sheila at the start of the Vancouver BMO Half Marathon.

The most perplexing lesson is when in the last third of the race I switched to 1 min run and 1 min walks (from 3 and 1’s), and found my pace was picking up. Before you know it, not only was I seeing other runners but I was actually passing them. The only awkward thing was I didn’t want to do my walk break once I passed someone, so I did fudge it a bit, but tried to stick to the 1 and 1’s as much as I could.

The last lesson came to me post the race. I never took any fuel at all during the whole race. The last food I had was breakfast which by the time I had finished was over 5 hours earlier. Usually I am very good about either doing Gu, fig newtons, apricots or candy. All of which I had in my Camel bak. They even had an aid station half way where they were handing out Gus. I did collect 7 Roctane Gus and placed them in my pack. What I should have done was eaten one. I have no explanation for not fuelling myself. To be honest I just was so focused on being last and careful footing that my brain forgot to remind me to eat. This will be something that I can’t afford to do again in the future.

Finish of the Vancouver Half marathon, a very proud Moon jogger.

Finish of the Vancouver Half marathon, a very proud Moon jogger.

Second race of the year was the BMO Vancouver Half, which I dedicated to my mom, who stayed at home with her leg still in an air cast. Here I did everything right, I ran my intervals, I did my Gu’s at about every 40 minutes, and I had fun. One of the best things I did on this race was I focused on just enjoying the run and not obsessing with my pace. I wore my Garmin but I programmed it so the screen was only showing me the time of my current mile. It worked; I was able to run by how I felt and not how I thought I should be running. In the end, I was very pleased with the surprise of how I did (2:20) and have such fond memories now from both these races. I bought a book at the expo reminded me, “Remember you paid to do this”. Sometimes we lose sight of this. So enjoy every race, smile for the camera and have fun everyone. Keep on keeping on.

 

 
sheila daweBiography:  Sheila being 49 years old, single, with no kids has the perfect lifestyle for becoming an obsessive runner. Her 77 year old mother, Catherine Campbell (another Moon Jogger) moved in next door to her in 2000. After cheering Sheila on at multiple marathons, Catherine finally caught the running bug. Sheila taught her to run in 2009 and this year is very significant as Sheila is training Catherine to complete her first ever half marathon. Sheila works for the Government of Canada as a fish health technician but longs for the day when she can retire and dedicate even more time to her passion…running.

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Moon Joggers Highlight Videos

Posted in having fun running, Jogging, Moon Joggers, online running group, Pictures of Runners, Places to Run, Running, Running Video, Weekly Results | Comments closed

Critics Need Not Apply

Critics Need Not Apply
By Michelle Roberts

If anyone asked me yesterday what I was planning to write about this month I couldn’t have told them. I still wasn’t sure. But today something made me realize this particular blog post is long overdue. This subject should finally be the subject instead of just a quick mention in my “About the Author” at the bottom of my monthly Moon Jogger blog.michelle4

Why now? To be honest it feels safer today than it would have when I started writing for Moon Joggers last August. Many of you have gotten to know me. As well as anyone could know a stranger online. You’ve watched me comment, seen my posts and maybe even read a blog or two. 

And I know so many of you. I’ve even met a handful of Moon Joggers over the past year and count them as “real life” friends. I know how accepting and compassionate and caring the Moon Jogger community is in those moments when members reach out for support, encouragement and our own kind of virtual healing. I know, for sure, that Moon Joggers appreciate the times when others are vulnerable because it serves as a lesson for all of us and makes it easier for them to do the same.

But mostly, it’s because May is Mental Health Awareness month and a time to start the conversations that begin to end the stigma. It’s the right time to share stories that make it safe for others to reach out for help. I’ve already heard from many Moon Joggers over the past six months who’ve thanked me for including my bipolar diagnosis at the bottom of my blog. Meeting and getting to know people who live healthy, happy lives after living through the often frightening years of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment is so important. It helps us learn how to create the same for ourselves and the ones we love. Those of us touched by mental illness are rarely alone. We almost always have family members, friends and other people we care about who struggle in their own ways.

As someone who’s lived through the ups and downs of bipolar disorder and seen the inside of a Behavioral Health facility for myself, I don’t search out the so-called stable people as examples for my own life. I don’t place my bets on the ones who pretend to have it all figured out. Instead, I recognize the bravery in those who share the raw moments of instability that we all experience. The people who reveal those doubts, fears and insecurities that can undermine anyone at one time or another.

They are the ones who can bear witness to that vulnerability in others and normalize it. So often, Moon Joggers step toward the things that scare us the most. They take on the challenging, expansive and hopeful things that bring optimism and growth while sometimes temporary failure. And in those moments I’ve seen Moon Joggers rally around them by bolstering their confidence to shield them from the doubters, the negativity and the well-meaning protectors who can often hold them back.

A caring, supportive and encouraging community is all we need to reach for goals we once thought impossible. In running or in life that’s what we all deserve. Not everyone finds that at home or in their own family but if they’re brave enough to look those places exist for each of us.

I’m sharing my very first blog below. A story I wrote two years ago about my time in the hospital while pregnant with my daughter and being treated for mania. It was a scary experience but 12 years later I’m so grateful for having lived through it. The greatest gift my therapist ever gave me was the day she asked me what I was like when I was manic. I told her I was outgoing, happy, creative, and artistic. I spent my time dancing, painting, exercising, writing and enjoying life. She helped me realize that mania was my binge on all the things that I’d allowed everyday responsibilities to strip away. So now I write, socialize, draw and log my miles dutifully because I know it’s such an important part of my health in more ways than one.  

Laura Munson’s Haven Writing

http://blog.lauramunson.com/2012/03/18/breaking-point-17/
When close friends read the blog two years ago they found it hard to believe this ever happened to me. But I use it as a sobering reminder of the possibility that there may be someone you love today who is struggling and in need of help or the opportunity to share their own story. Mental illness affects individuals, families and communities every day whether we talk about it or not. By being that friend or family member who can listen without judgment and embrace them with understanding, you can become a part of their journey toward health and happiness.

New Moon Joggers are signing on every day and I’m excited about getting to know all the interesting people who’ve joined recently. You’ve become a part of a group that means so much to so many! Thank you for all for being the encouragers instead of the critics and continuing to create this safe place for everyone here.

michelleABOUT: Michelle Roberts lives in Tallahassee, Florida, with her husband, Paul, and two children, Ashleigh (10) and Philip (8). She ran her first 5k in October of 2012 and her first half marathon in February of 2013. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2001 and maintains a healthy balance without the use of medication thanks to a job she loves, a supportive family, regular exercise, her writing and therapy. A wonderful life of “Both Hills and Valleys”.

“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.”
Helen Keller

Posted in Both Hills and Valleys, Guest Post, Jogging, Michelle Roberts, Moon Joggers, online running group, Wellness Journey | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Moon Jogger attempts to break WORLD RECORD!

Runnin’ down a dream

By Zaryd Wilson

Perry Newburn achieved a long-held dream in running across the United States. He claimed a world record too. PHOTO/ZARYD WILSON
Perry Newburn achieved a long-held dream in running across the United States. He claimed a world record too. PHOTO/ZARYD WILSON

Perry Newburn ran from New York to Los Angeles in world record time. He tells Zaryd Wilson how he did it.

Watching the rain pour outside his Feilding home, Perry Newburn is glad he can say he’s not going for a run today.

Every morning for almost two years it’s been a must.

Last month the endurance runner finished his dream run across the United States. In completing the nearly 5000km journey from New York to Los Angeles he claimed the world masters record for the coast-to-coast run, covering the distance in 51 days, 16 hours and 40 minutes.

Newburn took up running just over a decade ago with the goal of running a marathon before he turned 50. He celebrated his 60th in September while on the run.

Born in Christchurch, Newburn came to Wanganui in the early 1990s after he met his wife, Kath. He stayed in Wanganui for 20 years where they raised their son Shaun before moving to Feilding.

Newburn has an impressive running CV, which includes an Auckland to Christchurch run, a circumnavigation of New Zealand and a 72-hour run without sleep where he ran a New Zealand record 487km in that time.

But the trans-American run always sat in the back of his mind.

A few years ago Newburn joined the online American running community Moon Joggers. It was started by two Utah sisters who decided to try to clock enough miles to run to the moon. It grew into a community of runners around the world who were logging their training miles online. New Zealand’s Newburn soon led the pack.

About that time he started talking to the group’s founder, Angie Webb. He mentioned his idea and the pair slowly stitched together a plan.

“One of the hardest things these days is trying to raise that necessary money, it’s not easy,” Newburn says.

A marathon 52 days on the road pushed Perry Newburn to the limit - but his attitude and experience got him through. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
A marathon 52 days on the road pushed Perry Newburn to the limit – but his attitude and experience got him through. 

He’d proven himself in New Zealand with multi-day runs and slowly the funds started to come in.

Big Barrell and Cross Country Rentals and other businesses and friends helped with donations, plus a fundraising effort from Moon Joggers.

“It was pretty humbling to be quite honest.”

The training was the easy bit. At his peak he was clocking over 200km a week and has run more than 20,000km in two years. On the other side of the world Webb was dealing with the logistics. She would be with Newburn the whole journey, following him in a van.

“She’s a brilliant person, brilliant family. She was the unsung hero in the background organising it all. I needed that back up, I needed someone based over there,” Newburn said.

At the end of August, Newburn jetted off to New York and on September 1 took his first stride west from the steps of the New York City Hall.

Over the next seven weeks he would pass through 13 states, running 90km a day, up to 15 hours a day. It takes the body a while to adjust to what it’s being put through, Newburn says.

“It’s a body-mind thing, I think, because your mind’s saying you ran 55 miles or whatever, you don’t need to do that today. In the first four or five days the body was screaming at me.”

He settled after about five days but immediately faced another battle in the 30C- plus temperatures. Coming from the New Zealand winter didn’t help.

“I was starting to drag a bit, I’d get out of the car and the heat from the ground was just bouncing up at me.”

The undulating terrain of Pennsylvania was next. He was not even a third of the way into the run and his body was telling him it needed time to recover.

“Probably by the second or third week, my quads were trashed.” So badly he was unable to stretch his leg back.

The days were relentless and there was not time for recovery. Newburn finished each day about 7pm. There was time for a shower and a meal but little else. Four to five hours’ sleep a night was the norm.

“I was probably so geared to it, it was so in my mind that ‘this is the routine’.”

And while that was tough, it has also been difficult getting out of that routine since he’s been back.

“My life for that period of time was just totally built around running. Now I find myself sitting around, twiddling my thumbs thinking ‘what do I do?’ It’s not easy. I think I’ve gone through a slight flat period.”

Each of the 52 days on the road was hard.

“There were times where I didn’t want to get out of the van.”

Experience has taught him to get on top of those thoughts before it festers. “You kick yourself out of the door quick. You know the longer you sit there and think, the harder it is to get out.”

Sending Webb ahead in the van a few miles was a technique which offered him no choice but to run ahead.

Angie Webb spent two months on the road supporting Perry Newburn on his world record breaking run. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Angie Webb spent two months on the road supporting Perry Newburn on his world record breaking run. 

Rattlesnakes, tarantulas and dogs all presented a danger that needed to be looked out for. “There were a couple of times we almost stepped on rattlers on the road. I didn’t like them at all. People had a laugh because I talked about my fear of snakes.”

As the California sun set on October 22, Newburn weaved his way through Los Angeles’ inner city with a convoy of supporters in tow.

“You try to think what it’s going to be like running and finishing. The last 200m I sent the group ahead so I could get my mind geared towards finishing.”

The training, the pain and the memories of people he’d met and the support and thoughts of the family in New Zealand overwhelmed. “I knew I was going to break two or three times that day and I did. It was just a feeling of completion. It’s hard to explain.”

His story spread as the run progressed and his Facebook page gained 28,000 followers. People wanted a slice of the action. Newburn can recount many stories of people who travelled hours to run a few miles with him.

“One women was only going to do three quarters of a mile but I said ‘hey, let’s go to that point at the top there’. She made it a mile and a quarter and she ran that extra bit with me and ever since then she’s been running every day.” Newburn feeds off that.

“I’ve always said most people have the capability to do what I do. It’s about wanting to do it, being able to train to do it, and balance your life around it.”

Newburn now sits up with the best to have attempted the feat. As far as anyone knows his time is in the top five for the US coast-to-coast run. He beat Marshall Ulrich’s previous masters record by a day. The overall world record is 46 days eight hours and 36 minutes, set in 1980.

“Just to be put in the same sentence as the Marshall Ulriches of the world is an achievement in itself. I mean, he’s one of the greats. He’s pretty much done everything.”

Sheer bloody mindedness is what Newburn says he has.

“It’s that whole point of being able to concentrate on one thing and make it happen as best you can. I’m not quite sure how you get that. I don’t know whether it’s learned or whether it’s an ingrained thing or what. It’s just impossible to tell.”

But Newburn has experience with a far greater battle. He beat a 16-year heroin and alcohol addiction. The skills learned from that were put into his work as a drug and alcohol counsellor. Now he applies them to his own running.

“I think getting back into life from something like that can almost be the same skills. You’ve got to battle. Running was part of that getting back into life. It was getting back into sport.”

Newburn is a man who knows the limits of his body and mind inside out.

“One foot in front of the other” is a phrase he repeated over and over again throughout the run. At times he would stare at a piece of bitumen a foot in front of him and tell himself to just get to that point. “I think that’s the only way. You can take that philosophy across into life. Keep it simple. How many times do people, me included, try and find the hard answer to something when it’s probably staring you straight in the face.”

Newburn isn’t yet finished with running but says the next few months is a time for recovery, family and reflection on a dream achieved.

“You gain in experience, you gain in confidence, you gain in every area possible. I think it makes you a better person. You see the goodness in people. It’s really nice to see that good side and I think that’s one of the main things I’ll take from it.

“There is one helluva lot of good in the world.”

– Wanganui Chronicle

Follow Perry on PERRY’S RUN FACEBOOK PAGE


Moon Jogger to Run from New York to Los Angeles in 46 Days
Ultramarathoner Aims to Break Thirty-four Year World Record

New YorkMay 1, 2014 – New Zealander Perry Newburn, an ultramarathon runner and Moon Jogger, officially announced today his attempt at the World Record record for running from New York to Los Angeles in the shortest time, a distance of approximately 3,100 miles. Newburn plans to begin his run at the New York City Hall on September 1, 2014.

Newburn will celebrate his 60th birthday during his record run.

Newburn will celebrate his 60th birthday during his record run.

The current World Record is held by Frank Giannino Jr, who crossed the US in 1980, in 46 days, 8 hours and 36 min. Newburn is expected to average a remarkable 60+ miles a day, propelling him across the country in just 46 days. No stranger to grueling runs, he circumvented New Zealand, a distance of around 3,100 miles, in 70 days last year.

“I turn 60 next September, so I wanted to do something in 2014 that would push me,” said Newburn. “After running around New Zealand, there wasn’t anything left of that magnitude here. But I followed Dean Karnazes when he ran across the U.S. and read Marshall Ulrich’s book of his record-breaking run, so this has been a dream of mine for a few years. Doing a little good along the way and inspiring a few would-be runners to become life-long runners will be an added bonus.”

Perry’s Run: America in 46 Days will raise funds for Koru Care, a charity for children in New Zealand and for the Little Heroes Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the mental and physical well being of children throughout the world, as part of an on-going partnership with the Moon Joggers. The Moon Joggers are an international running group dedicated to connecting and challenging all human beings on planet earth to start running and to boldly run where no one has run before.perry_newburn_takes_a_break_yesterday_south_of_moe_507fb71561

Scattered around the World in more than 40 countries, Moon Joggers in the U.S. will join Newburn on legs of his journey to cheer him on and offer running support.

“I have 3,400 running buddies,” Newburn said. “I’m guessing not many people can say that, but it’s one of the perks of being a Moon Jogger. There’s always someone who’s there to root for you. I’m thrilled to be able to meet some of them in person and honored that they will be taking this journey with me.”

Members of the public, running groups and sponsors are also encouraged to join Newburn on his run for as many miles as they feel comfortable pursuing. A map of Newburn’s route and estimated dates of arrival for route landmarks will be posted on the Moon Joggers’ website.

 

Follow Perry on PERRY’S RUN FACEBOOK PAGE

 

Run virtually with Perry in our 5K Across the USA event!

Run virtually with Perry in our 5K Across the USA event!

You can also support Perry’s Run by joining our 5K Across the USA virtual 5K.  Complete a 5K in Perry’s honor while he’s running across the country and receive an awesome medal too!  Sign up now for 5K ACROSS THE USA!

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About the Moon Joggers

The Moon Joggers are a global running community for people of all ages and fitness levels dedicated to connecting and challenging all human beings on planet earth to start running and to boldly run where no one has run before. Started in January 2013, the Moon Joggers are the brainchild of Angie and Ashley Webb. The group was originally formed to encourage themselves and a few fellow runners to reach their running goals by collectively “running to the moon.” In the matter of months the group went from a handful of runners to more than 1,400 runners in 40 countries. On May 23, 2013 the group made their first successful “moon landing” by completing 238,857 miles. After making a few laps around the moon, the group is made its way back. This year they are on their Voyage to Venus (approximately 25 million miles away at its closest point) in 2014. To reach their 25 million mile goal, Moon Joggers are still looking for more people around the world to join them and share their miles with the group. Learn more about our VOYAGE TO VENUS

About Koru Care New Zealand

Koru Care (NZ) is a registered charitable trust. Their volunteer team work for no financial reward, donating time and expertise to make dreams come true for kids who have drawn the short straw. In some cases they have cancer, kidney disease or heart problems, in other cases they have lost the use of their limbs or have serious congenital abnormalities. But they still have the capacity to smile, laugh and create good memories; they just need someone to wave the magic wand. Often, an injection of enjoyment helps to change a child’s outlook, which can improve day-to-day life. In making dreams come true for sick and disabled kids, they’re also helping their families. Visit there site at http://www.korucare.co.nz/

About The Little Heroes Foundation

The Little Heroes Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the mental and physical well being of children throughout the world by serving, supporting and enhancing human life. To learn more about the projects, grants and other ways in which The Little Heroes Foundation improves the lives of children, visit www.herowithin.org/.

Posted in Guest Post, Jogging, Marathon Runner, Moon Joggers, New Zealand Runner, Over 60 And Still Running, Perry Newburn, Running, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Food for Thought

Food for Thought from a Plodder Trying to Eat Healthy and Sort of Race Report
by Linda Livingstone

I’m short and have short legs. I’m still overweight in spite of losing 60 pounds over the last 2-3 years.  And, I’m old. Let’s be honest over 60 is no longer young, supple, or flexible; I’m slow. This is an odd fitness report for someone who has expected to start running for the first time in life. To add to the mix, I injured myself back in February. April 19th was the Wenatchee Marathon where I met up with my daughter for the half marathon.  Knowing that I was looking at a time where others run full marathons, thought needed to be given to fueling and hydration.  Going the distance isn’t a problem, the time it takes to go the distance was. (Finish time ended up 40 minutes longer than last year’s ½; a long time to be out pounding the body)

Recently, I radically changed my diet eliminating most processed foods, most processed sugars (or artificial sweetners) under any name, dairy, and most grains.  This makes fueling on the run interesting.  Even when I ate unlimited sugar I learned that Gels made me nauseous. I needed to look at what I ate as well as how often. Someone who can run a ½ marathon between 1 and 1-1/2 hours is not going to need the same amount of in race fuel as someone run/walking one in 3-1/2  hours.  Most of the fueling plans I read said to fuel every so many miles. When a mile takes 13-20 minutes that’s not going to work. I changed that to every 30 minutes. I carry my own fuel knowing that most races offer things I no longer allow into my diet and not enough of it for my race. I’ve tried carrying  baby food pouches with sweet potatoes and fruit, baked sweet potatoes, apples, homemade trail mix, but the bulk is difficult to store if you plan to fuel 7 or 8 times over the distance.  Making your own protein bars is pretty easy with a good blender and I’ve found two LaraBars that are just fruit and nuts with no added sugars (apple and cherry). I use cashews, almonds and dried fruits with no added sugar, then add my own spices. I carry these in a snack size baggie and when one is empty save it to store other trash. I eat ½ of one at each fueling.  Justin’s Classic Almond Butter comes in gel sized packets, good for a quick shot of added protein. But make sure you have some liquid to help wash it down.

On the subject of liquid. I know that with 3 hours of just water I’m going to cramp up, I need electrolytes and/or aminos. Nunn tablets (let ’em fizz before you close your hydration pouch) can give you electrolytes without a lot of added sugar like gatorade or powerade. I’ve also used Amino High Performance Energy by Succeed which has a  lesser amount of sugar than ades but not a sugar taste of shock to my system. I used this in the most recent half and it served me very well. On the subject of hydration, by carrying my own I can choose to by pass the water stations or take some plain water if it is offered but not locked into hydrating on the course schedule, instead as I need it. I find I do better doing little sips frequently than gulping down liquid every 45 minutes to an hour. Post race I have a can of unsweetened coconut water around. I carry a one liter Ultraspyre Spry hydration vest and have thought about putting the coconut water in there. Need to test it in practice first. The vest is awesome as it has pockets for my fuel and phone and I’m not fumbling with bottles.

My first time running 13.1 I experienced first hand under hydration and under fueling with bonking,  runner’s trots and muscle cramping. Compared to most runners, I now fuel and hydrate at a high level. But for this Plodder, it works. Here’s working toward a happier hip and better time next month.

Posted in Guest Post, Jogging | Comments closed

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