“My name is Elliot Smith. I am from south Louisiana. We moved soon after I was born and I was raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; going to school and doing farm work.  High school was over in 2000 and I tried my luck In the workforce for a couple years. When September 11 happened, I began building a desire to join the military. In April of 2004 I was inducted into the U.S. Army. From there I went straight to boot camp, advanced individual training, desert and urban combat training, and by December 2004 I was in An Najaf, Iraq.

On May 8, 2005, I was on checkpoint duty, and was accidentally run over by heavy equipment (Tank). My foot was destroyed. A few weeks later, I underwent a right below knee amputation surgery. I was then ordered to physical therapy that lasted about 8 months. In July of 2006 I was retired from the Army on medical retirement. I went through a period of abuse of pain killers, lost a lot of hope for myself, and struggled with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress. Ie: hyper-vigilance, flashbacks, depression, insomnia, ect. In May of 2010, I decided, through the motivation of negative consequences, (weight gain, low self esteem, negative self image, loss of direction in life) to give a healthy, active, productive life another chance. I resolved to to the best I could do, even if I could never be as strong or active as I once was.

I got a gym membership at Real Time Fitness on Nine Mile Road. They were really helpful in encouraging me and giving me tips and pointers along the way. I began losing big weight. And decided I should give jogging a try. I went to my prosthetics provider at Hangar Prosthetics on Creighton Rd and expressed my desire to start jogging again. Hangar ordered me a basic running foot and fitted me for it. I took it out the next day and began my training.

It was painful at first, not with the leg as much, but just being so out of shape, my body hurt, my leg burned, And my mind kept telling me to just give up. I started running a mile here, a half mile there, and didn’t push myself too hard. I just kept showing up, and doing it. Over the next few years, my body got stronger, my mind developed more positive motivations, and my cardiovascular system built more endurance. I say again that I didn’t push myself too hard, I just showed up, did the work, and let my body do its thing in its own time.

I ran my first 5k in 2011 and my first 10k in 2012. Also I ran 11 miles on a training day in my hometown in Mississippi. It was from my high school in Sumrall, MS to my house in Oloh, MS.

Today, I am stronger than I’ve ever been. I’m 6ft, and 222 lean pounds.  I was 270 jiggly pounds when I started in 2010. My self image has improved by strides , my physical condition and blood work is very balanced, and my desire to just keep doing my best is restored.

In today’s world, many people have forgotten what work is about. We want drive-through results, yesterday. This is not realistic. Real change takes real work and commitment. It’s not as difficult as I can tend to make it. It’s really just about showing up, each day, just for that day, and going through the motions. Some days I love it, some days I hate it, but I just keep doing it, because the results are worth every drop of blood and sweat. Running has helped save my life. I’m here to remind people, that if I can achieve what I have achieved and will continue to achieve, with one left leg, an artificial right leg, and the cards that I have stacked against me, than anyone can do it. The only thing in our way is an excuse. Today I have no excuses. And if you have two good legs with a healthy heart, then your excuse means little to me-just sayin’.”

We also had the opportunity for a Q & A session with Elliott. Here is our conversation:

At what point did you decide to start running and how did you do it?

I started running back in 2010. prior to that, I had over time, allowed my injury to provide me an excuse as to why I shouldn’t be very athletic anymore. I gained a lot of weight. I must have weighed about 270 lbs. a healthy weight for me is about 220. One day in 2010, I went canoeing a river with some friends. After the float was over, I found myself digging sand from an unnatural area that had developed under my moobs (man boobs) . I also noticed that my moobs were resting on my gut. I began to get enough of not only my physic

al condition, but my self image as well. So, I started working out in a gym. I Eventually talked to my prosthesis provider, and one thing led to another. I received my first running foot, and began the slow, hard work of learning to use it. I began running a mile every other day. It built up from there over a several month period. I began to believe in myself again. My self image began to get better and better. And the old lie that I once told myself, that I’d never be athletic again, began to fade away. A big mark in that recovery process was entering into the 2011 Seafood Fest 5k. And the rest is history from there. Today I weigh a solid 222lbs.

What was your biggest fear?

My biggest fear was that I would quit without giving my best. But that fear was disproved.

What is your most memorable running experience?

The most memorable experience was with a cross country runner in 2011.  I met her through a friend. And I wanted to impress her. Up until this point I had never run more than 3-4 miles all at once. She invited me to go for a run with her and I was like, “of course”. When we got to the running trails, I asked her how far she wanted to go. She said, “not far. Maybe 6 or 7 miles.”  And without skipping a beat I said, “ok. Sounds good.”   Haha. So we ran. She got way out ahead of me. But I resolved that if she could do it, I could do it. I made it about 6 miles of the 7 mile path she took us down. She had gotten so far out ahead, that I had given up on catching her. I cut through the woods, and short-cut back to the parking lot. I rested on the tailgate of my truck and waited for her. About 10 mins later she showed up, with a surprised look on her face. I said “what took you so long?”   Then I laughed and told her what I did.  But up until that day, I had never ran that far with my prosthetic foot. Ever since, I have been pushing myself further and further. So far, my furthest run is 11 miles.

What is your favorite run gear and why?

• I’m a minimal gear runner.  I was a Brooks shoe runner. And I still love Brooks. But these new Newtons are interesting.
• I like them because, with my prosthesis, I have a tendency to run a bit flat footed on my good foot
• And these Newtons are built in a way that helps me to have a better impact, roll, and toe off
  
• My good leg feels better and more fully worked
• It feels like my good leg is getting stronger because of the way the shoe
• I also like the Amphipod water bottle. I can take water with me on 10ks and not have to grip at a bottle or worry about dropping it.

When I go further than 10k, I run with my camel back. It serves the same purpose, yet I can keep more water with me for the distance. Because I run with only one good leg, I actually use muscles that physically sound runners don’t incorporate as much. Abs, back, hips, ect. So I actually use twice to 3x the energy to run as a physically sound runner. Which means hydration is a little more important. So I keep water with me. The running newest designs of running feet and it incorporates more than one “blade” to give me a smoother step. When you have a “C” shaped blade by itself,prosthesis I run with is called “catapult” and it is made by a company called “freedom”. It’s one of the there is a small problem with the physics of impact. Because at impact, the angle of the “C” is at such a point,, that when action

What’s next?

My next goal is to run the Pensacola Half Marathon in November. I plan to achieve that by training all summer. I have a training plan. To boot, will be in Germany and greater Europe  all summer. So I will be training in thinner air and much more inconsistent elevation. If I stick to my training plans, I should be super ready for the half marathon on Florida’s flat ground and oxygen rich air. We’ll see. equals opposite reaction, there is actually a slight push backwards which creates a “dead spot” in the action.  Catapult has added an extra, smaller “C” band, slightly forward of the “dead spot”. This extra band flexes along with the main band on impact and helps to “pull” the energy forward across the “dead spot” so in essence, it eliminates the dead spot all together. I’ve broken 3 of them so far. Lol. But freedom loves a challenge. They build a stronger, better one free of charge, ship it to me, and challenge me to break the new one. Lol. I enjoy working with them.

We are giving you the chance to win some Newtons too.  Enter to win a pair of your own.  Register to win June 5-June 26 here. Click on the “Giveaway” tab and enter your email.

Why did you sign up for the My First 5k program?

My lifestyle was very stressful and I had slowly become sedentary and overweight. I had an athletic background, but had allowed life responsibilities to crowd out my commitment to health.  A coworker mentioned the “My First 5k” program to me and we decided we wanted to check it out.  I was at the store being fitted for shoes on the next Saturday!

What stands out in your mind about your experience in the 5k class and what was your biggest fear?

Mostly I remember how intimidated I was showing up on the first night.  I had zero running experience in my background, was overweight, and had no clue what I was doing.  I found that the training class was very diverse in age and athletic ability and the coaches and participants were very friendly and encouraging.  I immediately felt at ease and learned all the things I needed to know.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as you were starting the 5k class? 

Fake it till you make it!  I felt like a faux runner for the longest time and was hung up on how slow I was and how much I didn’t know.  It doesn’t matter! Just show up to every training run and clinic, follow your schedule, and listen to your coaches.  If you do exactly what they tell you, you will safely and successfully run your 5k at the end of the program. You will amaze yourself!

What was the hardest thing about training with the 5k class?

The first 4 weeks were especially tough.   I was tired and sore.  I hated every minute of every run and contemplated quitting almost daily.   Pushing past the mental frustration and the urge to quit was the hardest thing for me.  Now I am so glad I did!  I would have missed so much!

Why did you decide to continue training with Running Wild? 

I made running friends in the 5k class and began feeling truly committed to them and to our runs.  The camaraderie and accountability became a huge part of my inspiration, so I decided to keep training with the group.  I also began to see small successes and I knew the training was working.

How did you decide on your “road map” for increasing your training?

I was hooked after my first 5k race!  However, my road map has not been a straight line.  I tried to pace myself while still taking on new challenges and juggling life.  I did the 5k training a total of 3 times before I felt ready to move on!   I later completed both the 10K and 15K programs after I gained some experience and felt more comfortable in my running ability.  The Half Marathon training seemed especially daunting, but I finally took that on this year and completed it.  I have genuinely surprised myself every time I crossed the finish line!  If I can do this, anyone can!

You just completed the Half Marathon Training Program, congrats! How did that feel to cross the finish line? 

It felt amazing to not only finish, but to feel like I was prepared both mentally and physically for the race.  While I did put in the work, my results clearly show the quality of the training programs at Running Wild.   I have come a long way since that very first 5K class almost 3 years ago.  I love running, the people I have met continue to inspire me, and I look forward to working on my next big goal… completing my first marathon!

Two weeks have come and gone since that fateful moment that robbed the running community and it’s family of a joyful moment.  Instead of a joyous celebration that the runners have been waiting for…we have mourned the senseless loss of life and our hearts have ached in the aftermath of what the victims are going through.

But we are not broken. Like after 911…our community comes together tighter than ever.  We are more unified than we were before.  Just within our Pensacola running community we had a record number of first time participants training for the My First 5K.  FIFTY FIVE new runners have committed to finish their first 5k…to become runners that makeup the running family….the same family that was effected by two Boston bombs…just 3 days after they occurred.  Just one week later our store raised $5000 for One Fund Boston and running communities near and far have come to do the same. This fund has since raised MILLIONS of dollars for the innocent victims of that fateful moment.

We celebrate the heroes that were made that day.  Paul and I met Everett Spain last week…whom President Obama mentioned when speaking of the heroes.  He was one of two guides for a blind runner on the last leg of the marathon. They were directly between the two bombs when the explosions occurred.  Everett had the other guide take the runner to safety while he…a colonel in the Army in doctorial classes at Harvard…jumped into action. The windows of Marathon Sport had blown out and he tore clothes out of there to make tourniquets for the victims.  He told me how thankful he was that God put him in that spot at that moment and I could not agree more.

Can I share with you my run?  Will there ever be a time that it is appropriate to speak of it.  Will it motivate others or will it show my selfishness…that I can keep moving.  That I am still safe. That I was still one of the lucky ones.

The morning of the race I was more concerned with painting my fingernails in the waiting grounds at Hopkinton than actually racing.  I had trained a decent amount but knew that this was not to be the elusive goal time that is on my bucket list.  That was going to be in October…the Chicago marathon.  This run was going to be a joyful run.  Pink nail polish.

Everyone in my group…Paul—Heather—Jeremy—Rusty and Evan were running in the first corral. Only Brian and I were in the second corral.

The potty lines were 30 minutes long so I said goodbye to Brian and took a chance by the busses.  Met two other girls there waiting in line and swear they could be Phat Girlz.  They were so joyful and excited and nice.  This was their first Boston…my third. They waited in line with me and walked me to my bus so I could drop off my gear.  We took pictures together.  We looked like we had traveled together.

I caught Brian 30 seconds before the gun went off in our corral….I pressed the start on my watch as we crossed the start line and @#$%!!!!  I had changed the time on my watch and accidentally changed my pace setting to speed.  I was more interested in deciding if I would paint my nails pink or purple and now I was stuck with this configure and totally at a loss.  What in the world is 7.8?????  I lose Brian right at this moment.  Start asking people…”how fast are you running? “….every couple of minutes.  First mile was 7:58….and then I was all over the place trying to find out what 7:30 was.  I finally found it and just tried to stick to that feeling…how did my stride feel right here…keep it there.  This is really a challenge in a crowd because you feel SOOOOO good in the beginning.  But I actually felt soooo good for 20 miles right here.  I had a plan of 7:30 for 10…7;20 for the next 10 and 7:15 for the last six. But plans don’t work for me at Boston.  SO I picked it up a little at 10 but not at 7:20 because I did not even know what 7:20 was on my watch.  ( I am embarrassed at this point to say that I own a running store….these are things I am supposed to know…right?)

I ran the first ten miles for all my phat girl friends.  Many of them were starting their daily run at the same time that I was and they were tracking me so that helped to keep in mind.  Because they were tracking me…I also knew I couldn’t be super girl in the first half and ape girl in the second half like NYC so I just focused on one mile at a time.  And the time flew by.  It really was a very joyful run.  Jack Frost delivered even though I still needed to throw water on my head every other mile to cool down.

When I get to Welsley (sp?) around mile 15…it’s the normal crazy loud screaming!  So much energy.  I see a girl with a sign that says…KISS ME IF YOU WANT A PR. I run from the middle of the street cutting people off so that I could kiss her…I do not think she meant me.

Then there were the military runners in combat boots and rucksacks.  People who made sacrifices so that I could run in this truly awesome event…short shorts…lipstick…pink nail polish…running next to half naked men…They are not going to let the marathon bombs defeat their spirits and neither will I.

Heart break Hill was a pretty slow mile…but not my slowest.  Once I saw the Citgo sign I knew we were almost done.  But my quads were already done.  It’s not that Heart break hill is such a terrible hill; it is because there are so many little hills along the way… a pretty big hill…and then a really big hill and your quads hurt like….well hurt a lot. Running downhill is worse for me I think…my quads feel like each and every muscle is striking.  Pins and needles.  It hurts to run fast.  It hurts to run slow. I needed to feel God’s presence and I did for a mile.  I looked at my watch and was running a little too fast too soon.  I thanked Him and just knew this was going to be a great run. I ran for my girls.  One mile at a time.  And then in the end I ran near a woman who had her name on her arm so the crowd kept calling her name….SADIE!!!!

Mile 24 I am sure I was running so slow…I look at my watch and I am running 11.2….whatever that is!!!!  Mile ends and says I just ran 6:45….NO WAY!!!  My legs are hurting so bad now.  I just want to walk but know I just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  That last mile still ended up being really slow…so slow that I thought the watch was broken and stopped looking.

When I finished it was not a PR but it was my fastest Boston time. #3timesacharm  3:20 and change and 47th in my age so “yeay” for me.  But as you know…that does not matter anymore.

I cross the finish line and they give me the silver blanket for the death march to the busses. Along the way I see a nice spot to sit down.  And somehow I end up in the wheel chair again (this somehow happened at NYC so Paul thinks this is my standard procedure now) going to the medical tent.  I assure them that I am not disoriented even though I know there is warmth in that tent…and hot chicken broth…and I can even lay down.  I see Heather Asmar and she lets Paul know where I am so I think its ok. (If you hear Paul’s version on this part you will get another story.  It’s not my fault that he does not know how to get into the medical tent. ) It’s very busy in there and I only stay a short time because I know that there are more people in need than me….I did not know just how many more were about to be in need in just a very short time.

Paul ran a 2:58 (i know what you are thinking…Bad Ass Hot Stuff) and started 20 minutes ahead of me so he is waiting for me for a very long time. And when you stop…Jack Frost is no longer your friend.  It is soooooo cold.  (I feel terrible for the runners that were stopped at mile 25 with no idea what was going on….the race is over…find your families and your own way back to your hotel…and the temperature drops)

Paul and I finally hook up and I am changing into dry clothes when the bombs go off. What is that?  No one has any idea.  One volunteer says thunder.  I look up at the sky….definitely not thunder.  We start the walk four blocks away to the hotel and Paul and everyone else are on the phone…and block by block the scene begins to change as people are getting information.

We get to the hotel and there is a real concern.  Shock.  The streets are filled with ambulances…firetrucks…police…bomb squad…FBI.  It was surreal.  We stayed in the hotel all night.  No celebration.  Praying.  Is there another one going off?  Help us God. There are tears as we find out more information.  I miss my kids but am so thankful they are not there.

The experience brought everyone that is a runner even closer.  We all felt the pain and hurt whether we were one of the heroes like Everett Spain or one of the new 5K runners that had signed up to change their life that week.  Our hearts go out to the father who lost his son…his daughter lost a leg and wife underwent brain surgery.  There is not much room for celebration after stories like this.  But spirits are not broken.  A ballerina who lost her foot in the explosion has vowed to run the marathon next year.  As well as so many others.  The Epsteins are running Boston next year.  (OK…I gave my slot to Chicago away…I do feel I need to stay closer to home right now…but I will be back to Boston!!!)

#Bostonstrong #runnersstong #familiesstrong  #Godstrong

*Marathon Training 2013 kicks off in both RW locations on July 15. Cherie and Paul Epstein walk the walk and their stories inspire our running community.  Looking forward to running with these two this summer.

What resource have you overlooked in your life? See that sidewalk around the park? Boring, but it’s there and your kids are busy playing at the park-why not sneak in a 10 minute run? Do you have a time resource? You CAN get up 20 minutes earlier, are you choosing not to? Got a water cooler in your office? Start drinking the water you have available all day long.

Simple choices. Each day. They add up to a big pay off.  Start saying yes.

Beantown, Bahston, tea parties, midnight rides, even massacres.  Everyone knows where Boston, Massachusetts is even if they’ve never been there.  And, upon hearing the name, Boston, even school age youngsters have an immediate translation:”Yeah, that’s where a bunch of people threw tea into the harbor…or How about the Red Sox this year?”  But for those of us who call ourselves runners, the name Boston has only one meaning:  A MARATHON!

Get a group of us (you know, runners) together and we talk about things like black toe nails and chafing in unseen places, and other mostly gross things, but often someone will bring up the “B” word.

For those who have run Boston they immediately think of things like: lying in a field for hours with 25,000 other runners in a small Massachusetts town, or the Wellesley scream tunnel at mile 13, or whose cruel idea was it to start all the uphills at mile 19.  For those who have not run Boston, they may be thinking of their next marathon in order to qualify so that they can run Boston, and without a doubt, the Boston marathon mystique is in the air.

And so as I think back to the slowest marathon that I’ve ever suffered through (Boston 2006) and one of the most rewarding I’ve ever run (Boston 2008) I ponder why I keep going back.

Boston circa 2008

After 7 Boston Marathons I still haven’t had my fill.  As a marathon runner there is something special about standing in Hopkinton on the third Monday of April toeing the line of the Boston Marathon.  It’s not necessarily the fastest marathon, nor is it the largest, yet because of its rich history and qualification process it is the most esteemed in the world of running.  I would say that if you’ve never considered running in the Boston Marathon, consider it.  Not because of its rich history or because of the rock star status you’ll enjoy from all the spectators on the course, but because the Boston Marathon is the ultimate celebration of this great sport of running that we all participate in.

Team Running Wild hanging in the field pre race

If you’ve considered running a marathon, check out Marathon Training 2013, starting July 15. The training is perfect for first timers just wanting to cross the finish line AND those wanting to try qualifying for Boston. For more info on the Boston Marathon and qualifying info check out www.baa.org Good luck to our local athletes running the Boston Marathon this Monday, April 15!

Ever felt like you’ve “shut down” during a workout or race? Your stomach literally says NO WAY – you can’t eat or drink anything, even water. As the intensity of the exercise increases, the working muscles require more blood.  Therefore, less blood is directed to the stomach. The uncomfortable feeling makes you slow down significantly.  If this is you, learning more about Metabolic Efficiency Training will help.

Metabolic Efficiency training relates to how athletes train their bodies to burn more fat vs carbohydrates. By doing this, you reduce the amount of calories needed during endurance type events, thus reducing he possibility of GI issues.

In the words of Bob Seebohar from his book Metabolic Efficiency Training, “Metabolic Efficiency Training (MET) comprises specific nutrition and physical training techniques that manipulate cellular processes in ways that improve the body’s ability to utilize macronutrients. The main benefit of MET is that it allows the body to more efficiently use macronutrients. Aerobic training induces cellular changes that improve the body’s efficiency in using macronutrients, specifically fats. This is important, because fat burning is the main source of energy when the exercise intensity is low.  Because the muscle stores of glycogen (carbohydrate-based fuel) can deplete rather quickly (after two to three hours of moderately intense exercise) and supplemental carbohydrates (e.g. sports drinks) cannot provide adequate energy for longer-distance training due to the GI distress they cause or the inconvenience of transport, it is beneficial to teach the body to become more metabolically efficient in using fats as an energy source.  These metabolic changes can typically happen in as little time as two weeks with the proper eating and training program.”

Coach Bob is a Level 3 Elite & Junior certified coach.  He’s worked with Olympian and National champions. Bob holds several degrees in Exercise & Sport Science with a master’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition.  Basically, totally impressive knowledge base. I had the pleasure of sitting in on one of his lectures during a USAT certification. When it comes to Metabolic Efficiency training, Bob wrote the book…literally and figuratively.

Join us as we delve into the topic of Metabolic Efficiency Training here on the blog, next installment coming soon.

The Porter Gang at Firecracker 5k

Why did you start running?

(Stacy) I started running in 2002 because Mark suggested we should sign up for a 5k, and my first race was the Navy Birthday 5k in November 2002.  I had played sports in junior high and high school, but I had not run in several years.  After having kids, running gave me free time away from my small kiddos.  What mom wouldn’t want to run for an hour and give her husband the “opportunity” to be blessed by changing diapers?!?

(Mark) I restarted running almost one year ago this week for this reason, I was sitting in my lazy boy recliner watching TV with a separated right shoulder from basketball, a coke in one hand, the clicker in my other and an extra 30 lbs of reserve weight wrapped around my mid section.  Stacy kissed me good night because she was going to be getting up early to run.  I turned the TV off after she left and sat there completely disgusted in the state I was in…..out of shape, immobile and a bad example as a husband first and a dad second.  Somehow I had slowly gotten out of shape (or changed shape) and was overcome by the circumstances of life and pushed a very important part of life out..health.  Stacy is the person that inspired me to start running and God is the one who put the passion in me to continue.  I started out walking with my arm in a sling and eventually started jogging like that.  I got disciplined to do some jog/walking 5 days a week and after a couple of weeks of sorting things out I sat down and wrote out my goals for the next 9 months.  It was a list of things that would be impossible to do as a one day a week basketball player.  I kept track of what I did every day and reviewed the list.  One by one I checked them off and was blessed to be able to check off several of them 2 and 3 times.

How has Running Wild helped you reach your goals?  

(Stacy) I first came to Running Wild as I started training for my first 5k.  I realized quickly after a few short runs that the “Clearance shoe at the local sports store” was not working for me.  I needed to be properly fit for running shoes, and the experts have never disappointed me.  I have met a lot of great people through Running Wild who have challenged me exponentially.  I recently used Keaton at Running Wild to pace me for the Seaside half marathon, and I determined (at approximately mile 6) that I was not going to be riding his Pain Train!  He PR’d this race by a landslide by negative splitting the second half!  However, it did give me a bull’s eye on his Running Wild singlet, and in turn, I set my PR for a 13.1 – 1:45:56.

(Mark)My immediate goal was to just become a better husband so I kept finding myself stopping by Running Wild to see what else I could find for Stacy to help her with her running that she did not already have.  If I was going to be running I needed to get some good equipment and be on a good team and I found both at Running Wild.  The first piece of advice that I got from one of the staff was to sign up for a race and the rest would be history.

What is your favorite thing about training with Running Wild?

(Mark) My favorite thing about training with Running Wild is the positive attitude of the people that make it up.  Each team member that I have met from the owners to the newest hire all have an energy about them that winners possess….a positive attitude and the sky is the limit mentality.  Whether it is a long run on a Saturday or 6@6 on a Tuesday or Thursday, you are surrounded with people that WANT to be there and that makes a huge difference.

Pensacola Half Marathon

What is your greatest athletic accomplishment to date and why?

(Stacy) Greatest athletic accomplishment…without a doubt was the SRI Tri in October 2012.  As we all know, you are either a swimmer or a runner.  Well, my idea of swimming has always been to wade into the gulf to “cool off” from sunbathing!  So when Mark mentioned we should do a Tri, it was a bit intimidating to me.  However, I enjoy challenges; so, I signed myself up for Masters Classes at the Y and started swimming 3 times weekly with the group.  I will never forget the feeling of “What have I gotten myself into?” as I stood there looking into the gulf waiting for my wave to start.  But I also will never forget the feeling of completing the 600 yard swim and running out of the water, transitioning onto my bike, and thinking, “So this is what it feels like to accomplish something that you thought was unattainable .“Self doubt is often our worst enemy; so kick him to the curb, or to the beach!  There is no room in an athlete’s mind for negative thinking.  One of my favorite quotes is, “Show me a woman who is content, and I’ll show you an underachiever.”

(Mark) My greatest athletic accomplishment was TRAINING for my first Marathon.  Going to bed between 8:30 and 9:00 every night to make the 4:15AM alarm clock 5 days a week for 22 weeks was a complete schedule change from my “normal” life.  By the time the marathon came I felt more prepared than I had ever been for anything athletic.  My first was the “It’s about the shirt” marathon in Fairhope.  The first half of the race was overcast and hilly and the last half was 4+ inches of rain and flat.  I can say I was a top 20 finisher in my first marathon…don’t ask how many people finished the race.    Stacy, who had signed me up for this and had trained 18 weeks for it, had gotten bronchitis the week prior and still completed the half.

Backing up just a little, I did my first half marathon in November of 2011 to see what the feeling was like as compared to how my wife had described it in words.  The only problem is I trained on the Thursday prior to the race only running 6 miles.  I say that because looking back on it I did it all wrong and that is no way to plan for a half marathon.  In fact, it was so bad that when I labeled the race at Garmin connect (using my wife’s pink 110) I named it “Mark’s First and Last Half Marathon”.  Sometimes we have to eat our words!

What is your favorite running gear and why?

(Stacy) My favorite running gear is my Garmin 110, which is very user friendly and starts up quickly.  Also my Thorlo Experia socks are the only socks I use.  They are moisture wicking, and it seems to help with toenail blisters.

(Mark) My favorite running gear (besides shorts and a shirt) would be my Garmin 310xt.  I used apps on my android and iphone until my wife got me a GPS specific timing device.  I later found out that I was putting down 7 minute miles just a few weeks into my training and that was not setting well with Stacy who had been training for years to get to that.  Being the competitor that she is, she wanted me to have the best equipment that would help me the most.  It proved that I was not a 7 minute miler and that some days my apps would be accurate and some days they would not.  You have to get a GPS specific watch if you want consistency and to improve.  We do speed workouts, interval running and different courses all with the 310xt and if you are a solo runner it is like having a partner with you.  The staff helped with our dicison to get the 310xt because of our desire to do triathlons and it has been great!

What shoes do you train in and why?

(Stacy) I train in several different shoes depending on my run workout for the day, and I also find rotating my shoes helps to avoid injury.  My favorite, and usually my racing shoe, is the Newton Distance.  I transitioned slowly into wearing them and have noticed an improvement in my stride and form.  I also like the Brooks Pure Flow, a great minimalist shoe that is very light.

(Mark) I have gone through 3 pairs of Brooks (Defiance, Ghost, and Pure Flows) shoes and just purchased my first pair of Newtons.  I used the Defiance for the first part of my first marathon training which was about 18 weeks and then the last 4 weeks I purchased the Ghost and finished it out with the race.  Stacy suggested that I rotate my shoes throughout my next race training and that is what I have done.  My favorite racing shoe is the Brooks Pure Flow for anything half marathon or shorter so far.  I have done two full marathons and have used my Ghost for both because of the distance and extra support that particular shoe has.  With my Defiance retired I will now work my Newtons into the rotation.  As of today I have put 1 mile on my Newtons.  I got advice from Shannon, Keaton and Jared and they all pretty much agreed with the type of shoes I should be in even with their varied preferences.

What is your next athletic goal and how do you plan to reach it?

(Stacy) On Sunday, March 24, Mark and I will be running the Inaugural Corpus Christi Navy Marathon.  I am usually skeptical of inaugural runs, and especially inaugural marathons for that matter!  However, we were going to be in Austin for a real estate seminar; so why not try to nab some TX bling while there.  This will be my seventh 26.2, but I am planning to run this one for fun since my 26.2 training is still early in the season.

(Mark) I will be running a marathon in Corpus Christi on March 24th and then one in May.  We are training for the one in May using a combination of two training programs.  My body likes two rest days a week so I combine a training program from the first marathon I did (2 rest days beginner program) with the program I used for the second marathon (1 rest day intermediate).  Tweaked, it has the same mileage of the intermediate with 2 rest days.  Only TIME will tell how that works out….literally.  Two other goals that I have in sight are an Ultra marathon and a half Ironman. I enjoy the challenge of doing something that pushes me past what I think I can do.  I am going to continue with the group running which naturally pushes me harder and I will continue with TRI Gulf Coast in their Mere Mortals program, which meets on Sunday mornings for tri training.

Thank you for this privilege and we are grateful and blessed to be a part of this great Pensacola area running community!

Seaside Half Marathon Fun

We asked staffer Jared Black from Running Wild Pensacola how to deal with a blister on the foot.

Here are some tips from Jared…

“There are several solutions to this common running problem. The first (after being properly/professionally fit for the correct type of shoe) is to change to a good pair of running socks. Good running socks are cotton free and made of synthetic fibers that hold the foot better and protect it from friction in the shoe as well as wick moister away from the foot. Good socks come in all colors and sizes we even have toe socks that will protect every single one of your toes if that’s where you’re getting blisters.

Here are a few great options:

Thorlo Experia Socks. They have the super soft cushion that you love from Thorlo, but with a lower profile fit.  The breathable mesh makes it feel lighter and less bulky than the traditional Thorlo sock.

Thorlo Experia Socks

Feetures! Elite Merino Wool Sock. This sock is anatomically correct, one for left, one for right. The insulating properties of wool keep you warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s hot. The fit of wool stays put, but doesn’t squeeze.

Feetures! Elite Merino Wool Sock

After you are confident you have the correct sock for your foot and shoe combo, try Bodyglide or some sort of anti-chafing remedy. These products are to be applied directly to the area of the foot that is being rubbed and irritated and causing the blisters. This usually works best for the heel or in between toes but can be tried anywhere (and by anywhere, we mean anywhere). BodyGlide comes in a convenient tube that looks like deodorant.  It’s not greasy and doesn’t goop up your clothing. Try it.  It’ll change your life.

Another consideration is HOW you are tying your shoes.  If you feel like your shoe is slipping up and down in the back, check it out as Jared demonstrates this nifty “runner knot”…

But hey if you wait long enough maybe your blisters will turn into calluses and then it wont matter anymore.

Rusty racing Soldier Marathon with Jeremy

Rusty Branch is the February Athlete of the Month. Rusty’s athletic ability is surpassed only by his humble attitude and generosity in giving back to the sport of running.  After only a couple of years as a runner he competed in his first marathon finishing in 2 hours and 59 minutes and only one year later improved his finish time in the marathon to 2 hours and 51 minutes.  His greatest accomplishment as a competitive runner, though, is his encouraging spirit in helping others reach their goals.  Rusty does all this while effectively balancing a full time career, being a supportive husband to his wife Melanie and father to three young children, and serving as senior pastor of a church.

We asked Rusty a few questions about his running…

Why did you start running?

I started running because a friend (Jeremy Lloyd) told me he had started running and invited me to join him.

How has Running Wild helped you reach your goals?

Running Wild has been essential to me meeting my running goals from getting me into the right shoes, to providing effective running plans, to consistent groups runs that have tested and stretched my running abilities.

What is your favorite thing about training with Running Wild?

My favorite thing about training with Running Wild is that the runs are all planned. You don’t have to worry about routes, water stops and all the other stuff that would be a part of a training run…you simply show up and run.

What is your greatest athletic accomplishment to date and why?

My favorite accomplishment in running to date is a sub 3:00 hour marathon in my first marathon. The two main reason that is my favorite, because it was the first true running goal I set and I was able to meet it. The second is that several people not only doubted I could do it, but told me flat out that there was no way it was going to happen.

What is your favorite running gear and why?

My favorite running gear is my Red Pearl Izumi beanie. It fits well, it’s comfortable, it’s bright and I just like it.

What shoes do you train in and why do you like them?

I train in Brooks Adrenaline GTS. They provide good support, but don’t have the feel of a bulky support shoe.

What is your next athletic goal and how do you plan to reach it?

My next goal is to finish the Boston Marathon in under 3 hours. I plan to reach it by sticking with a Running Wild, tried and true, marathon training plan as developed by Paul Epstein.

Good luck at Boston Rusty. You are a hard worker and we know you’ll represent.

Today was an early Valentine’s Day celebration that kicked off with healthy snacks.

There were cute kids…

…lots of them…

Some girlz got a special massage. Thanks Escape Spa!

And lots of girlz got sweaty…

The Phat Girlz had an all around great time today, with lots of pink.  Thanks for coming out ladies.  See you next week!