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Sacramento Masters Elite Runner Jenny Hitchings Advice on How to Run Strong and with Joy in Your 40s, 50s, & Beyond

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“Every race I do, whether it’s a success or a fail, I learn something.” Jenny Hitchings

 

Running Strong and with Joy at Any Age

 

 

Jenny Hitchings racing and winning the 2018 Susan B. Anthony 5K with a new age group American record of 18:05.

 

After having listened to Jenny Hitchings podcast on Rambling Runner during one of my mid-week long runs, I was totally inspired by her success story, her down to earth approach to running, her humbling attitude, but most of all by the fact that Jenny Hitchings seriously started running when she was 40 (I myself have started to run when I was 42 just three years ago, so that totally gave me hope that I have more to give and loftier goals to pursue) and that at 55, she has won Mountains 2 Beach Marathon and has set two American age group records in the Susan B Anthony 5K and Buffalo Stampede 10-mile races. Jenny Hitchings’ astounding success comes with hard work and a strong passion for running. To me, she embodies all the strong women runners out there who are willing to put in the work and not use the fact that they are 40 or 50 years old as an excuse.

 

Additionally, I believe that Jenny Hitchings’ American records show all runners young, older, male and female the following:

  1. Passion is the number one ingredient in life, running, and our careers.
  2. Dedication and determination are not just two words starting with the letter “d”; they represent a mental aspect of running that can propel other women runners of all ages towards greatness and satisfaction with their strong performances.
  3. Hard work is our way of reaping the rewards after being consistent in our training and daily commitment to achieving our highest goals.
  4. Joy comes from many sweaty runs – a sprinkle of satisfaction, inner peace and harmony that we runners learn to find when pounding the roads and the trails.
  5. Satisfaction is the frosting on the cake after all the hard work and follow through, which will show and make us shine when we hit that personal best, win our age group, or just win the race.
  6. Victory is the cherry on top, so to speak, when the running Gods place that symbolic victory wreath on our heads.

 

Running as Identity

 

To Jenny Hitchings, running is part of her identity.  Married to Andy, who runs a bit, but mainly loves to swim, Jenny is also a mother of two grown girls, Molly and Maggie. Jenny has lived in Sacramento for over 20 years, after moving here from Mill Valley. A running coach helping runners of all abilities, Jenny also coaches middle school cross country team and an elementary youth running program. Although busy with work and her family, Jenny usually runs six days a week, unless circumstances prevent her from doing this. A key ingredient to Jenny’s tremendous success is the fact that she always takes a FULL rest day. Her coach, Jenny Spangler, from Chicago gives Jenny her workouts, which tend to be one to two speedier workouts and a longer run during the week. Right now, Jenny’s weekly mileage is low 60s, but she will reach mid to high 70s as she approaches a marathon training cycle. Jenny has never been an extremely high mileage person, which is probably a quintessential element to staying injury free and running super strong in her 50s.

 

Jenny does most of her training runs on our beautiful American River Parkway, a place where runners, bikers, and walkers share the trails.

 

Running as a Passion, Joy, and Rival

 

Jenny Hitchings believes that running is a passion, a joy, an escape, a challenge, her own personal rival, and she is good at it. This multi-faceted aspect of running has translated into many successful races for Jenny.  “I always take away something from a race, which is probably why I continue to race, as I want to put the lessons learned from a previous race into action…or at least try, ” said Hitchings.

With that being said, Jenny Hitchings’ most impressive races have been:

1. Eugene Marathon, 2011. She was 47 (soon to be 48) and ran a personal best of 2:46:10. A bittersweet race, as she wanted to qualify for the 2012 Marathon Olympic Trials (a big dream). She ran her best race that day, but missed the OQT by 10 seconds. It was a very long 10 sec!! She is proud of this effort, as there were nay sayers and doubters out there, and she really wanted to prove some people wrong. She also wanted to prove to herself that she could do it, or at least try.

 

Barely missing the qualifying time for the Olympic trials by 10 seconds, a very long 10 seconds, and yet Jenny’s best and fastest marathon.

 

2. CIM (California International Marathon), 2015 – Jenny Hitching was 52 and ran a 2:49, breaking a standing 30 year age group course record of 2:51. She tried for a couple of years to do this, as she wanted this bad!! This was a race where mental toughness took over, or really helped.

 

Jenny running the California International Marathon with poise and determination.

 

3. Boston, 2015 – Jenny won her age group at the Boston Marathon in 2:52 – What a thrill! All the press she received following this race was more amplified due to the fact that so many people know and care about Boston.

4. Susan B Anthony 5k, 2018 – Jenny Hitching ran a PR of 27 sec to win the race and get an American Age Group Record in 18:05.

5. Buffalo Stampede 10-mile race, 2018 – Jenny Hitchings set another American Age Group Record and a PR, finishing in 1:01:20.

 

Advice for Women 40 years and Older to be the Strong and Passionate Runners that They Can Be

 

According to Jenny Hitchings, the most important word of advice for women 40 and older is consistency. Jenny pointed out that as we get older and our lives get busier or more full, it’s so easy for us to put our own needs and goals aside and focus on others, such as our families, friends, careers, our homes, pets, etc. However, as runners, women should have specific goals – small or big, which means that they need to fit the runs and training into their schedule and make it a priority. There can’t be excuses! “Have a sniffle? Get over it!” said Hitchings. To her, having a goal and working consistently towards that goal is paramount. Running here and there won’t work.

For women in their 50s, running is crucial, as it regenerates bone density, according to an article published by Washington Post.

Another specific advice Jenny Hitchings has for women 50 and older is to have their hormonal issues checked out. For instance, if women 50 and older are having sleep (the worst), mood, recovery, and motivation issues due to perimenopause or menopause, Jenny recommends that women talk to their doctor about how to get back on track and feeling more like themselves. Taking supplements that are good for your joints, bones, skin, etc., is also good. In addition, stretching, rolling, doing strength training, as well as getting deep tissue massages to keep things loose are quite beneficial and good for runners.

Injury prevention is key, since  most runners and athletes do get hurt at one time or another, which is why Jenny Hitchings advices runners to pay attention to the warning signs. Feel a niggle in your achilles? Should you stop your run? You know the difference between something minor or something that really doesn’t feel right. These little niggles can turn into full blown nightmares!

When it comes to nutrition, Jenny eats many things in moderation throughout the day. Although, she loves sweets, Jenny doesn’t eat large amounts in one sitting. She tends to eat things that make her feel good, but not creamy, fried, heavy foods that don’t sit well in her stomach. Jenny LOVES french fries, so this is an exception.

Strength and cross training are not high on Jenny’s priority list, as she generally just runs unless she is in a recovery mode or injured. She does like to cross train by cycling on her Peloton bike.  Jenny also likes to see Tony Mikla at KIME Performance, for he helps her with stretching and strength work.

 

Jenny Hitchings’ Final Words of Wisdom for New and Experienced Runners

 

 

New Runners:

 

  1. Enjoy running, or you will never stick with it.
  2. Be patient, as it takes time to build fitness and feel comfortable.
  3. Consistency, motivation, and following a training program will bring you results.

 

Experienced Runners:

 

  1. Keep up the running.
  2. Make new goals.
  3. Challenge yourself.
  4. Follow your dreams.
  5. Mix it up and stay healthy.
  6. And to all runners – think about hiring a coach. Sometimes we all need a supplemental brain.

 

Hope you all enjoyed this blog and that you got at least one good lesson to apply to your running. For me, running with consistency, purpose, and joy is what will continue to help me improve as a runner. I will also choose not to worry about my age group and instead just run strong and reap the rewards. How about you, my runner and non-runner friends? What is one lesson you took away from this blog? What other lessons do you want to add for all runners of all ages and abilities? Do you have any specific running or coaching questions for Jenny?

 

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

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Third 50K Race, 30 mins PR, and Third Female Overall- Tips and Thoughts on Running Ultras

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“As long as you can run, jog, walk, crawl, hop and skip for many hours, you are an ultra runner.” Carmen Micsa

 

Two weeks after I had completed my second 50K race with a 48-min PR from my very first ultra marathon the 2016 Folsom Gold Rush, my coach and I decided that I was ready to run another 50K race, the Chanoako 50K, which was new this year. With my American River 50-mile race approaching in April, I needed another long run, so after my new trail runner Tracy Bedwell told me that she would be running Chanoako 50K,  I jumped on it. Organized by Total Body Fitness, the Chanoako 50K did not have major elevation gains, but it had technical terrain in some spots. Nonetheless, I told my coach that my goal was to break 6 hours in this race. He believed that I should be able to do it. I was excited about my new challenge.

 

The Start Line

 

My sweet husband dropped me off at the start line at the Auburn Overlook from where we would run all the way to Granite Bay Beach by Folsom Lake. The weather was perfect with cloudy skies, but no rain or wind. The temperatures in the low 50s perfect for a long run in short sleeve. My coach Robert Ressl-Moyer was also running the 50K . It was wonderful to see him at the start line and later on have him cheer on me at the finish line.  I felt particularly more motivated to break 6 hours and run a strong race. Moreover, I knew I could do it due to the focused and personalized training schedule that Robert created for me – feel free to check out his website and maybe take your fitness and running to the next level. I was also happy to see my friend Tracy Bedwell who had the same goal to break 6 hours. We even talked about running this together and pushing each other. However, at mile 2, we got separated and had to run our own race. In racing, we need to be flexible. If it works to run with a partner, we do it, and if not, we need to keep moving.

 

At the start line of my third ultra the Chanoako 50K with my amazing coach and Fleet Feet Sacramento racing teammate Robert Ressl-Moyer.

 

The first mile of the race, I ran it a little fast at 7:43 pace, since it was all downhill, but then I slowed down in the 9s and 10s. I felt exuberant and confident about today’s race for some reason. I even got myself a new pair of compression pants, as I knew I would need the support and wanted to wear something new in my race, which brought me good luck in past races when I ran with a new water bottle, new arm sleeves, and so on.

 

The trail and the lake competing for the runners’ attention. I always love running by the lake, or the river, even though I only take a quick glance, as I need to pay attention to my feet.

 

The Race and My Thoughts While Running

 

The undulating trail unraveled in front of me and helped me gain momentum at times, while slowing me down when the terrain was steep, uneven, or rocky. I felt good running at a steady pace between 9 and 10 minutes, which gave wings to keep running until I reached the next aid station, and then the next.

I have learned that the 10-mile mark during a 50K race is crucial, as it feels like the first big boulder that we move out of the way to reach the finish line. I always say to myself: “I am third way done with my 50K race. Running strong! I got this!”

As I passed the 10-mile mark, I also started to pass more runners. I worked hard on staying focused on my form, since my right knee started to hurt me from breaking a little too much on the downhill. I kept running and staying within each mile. I also paid attention to the course and followed the pink ribbons to make sure I remained on track, for who wants to add any more distance to an already long race? Around mile 15, I passed a younger woman after I kept seeing her running in front of me. I felt strong and steady.

From miles 15 to about 24, I have developed my race mantra, which is different for every race depending on how I feel and the conditions in the race. This time, I came up with one word that kept me running up and down the hills: UNSTOPPABLE. I kept telling myself that I am unstoppable, so that I don’t get any ideas that I needed to quickly stop when my legs, gluteus muscle, or my knees had their own ultra running story to tell.  I also kept assuring myself that I was mighty and strong, which reminded me of my co-ed soccer days with my husband before our kids were born. Our friends used to call me “mighty mouse,” as I was fearless and always ready to score from a great pass.

The advantage of running this race was that we were running my next race American River 50 mile in reverse. I knew the terrain from all the wonderful training runs with my trail runner friends from Trail Running Adventures and Trail Mix. I also knew that I had to run carefully when I got to the meat grinder, which is called that for a reason. Capable of grinding feet, muscles, and joints, the meat grinder could not grind my spirit, I told myself, feeling, or more exactly pretending to be in control of the rocks, large steps I had to hop on, twists and turns, roots, and steep terrain. I did not take any chances, so I slowed down to a shuffle around there. I even saw the race photographer, as I was carefully keeping my balance and moving forward. I gave him a big smile pretending the meat grinder and I were best buddies.

 

The exhilaration of trail running. The meat grinder cannot dampen my joy and my desire to break 6 hours in my third 50K race. The lake background and the constant views made this course my favorite.

 

The gentle downhills helped me out, but the steep and rocky ones made my legs quiver with doubt in my downhill abilities. I even admitted to myself that I was not a strong downhill runner, but did not let that truth smear my rosy image of me finishing this race under 6 hours. Another constant concern I had during the run was the snacking on time without losing energy. The race was super well-organized and the owners of Total Body Fitness always put together the best races. However, when I realized that I would get no bananas, or other fresh fruit during this race, I turned a little grumpy, for I love eating bananas during marathons and ultra marathons. My friend and awesome training partner Andrea Brizendine made fun of me when I recapped the race for her and said that maybe that’s the reason I ran faster, as I wanted to get to the real food at the finish. Great point! Having relied mainly on Cliff gels, shot blocks, dry fruit, and some pretzels kept me running to fill up my stomach with the real deal at the finish.

 

The Finish Line

 

The last 6 miles of the race were a combination of levee running, which was flat and rocky, but helped me run a little faster, running around the parking lot of Beal’s point, and up and down hills around Cavitt in Granite Bay, CA, where I tried to shift my focus from the steep hills to the gorgeous homes towering over the lake and winking at the trail. My Garmin watch and Strava were telling me different times, but I knew that I had to keep running strong to finish under 6 hours.

My goal to break 6 hours was starting to become attainable. It was not just a phantom anymore; it started to crystalize. At this point in the race when I passed the 26ish marathon distance, the miles just came and went, buzzing around like butterfly wings, without me keeping too much track of them. The hills, trails, and my legs were the real time keepers, so things shifted to my interior monologue. I  uncovered the simple truth that ultra running is a long meat grinder, as well as a joyous triumph at the end when you forget how you piled up 31 miles. Running ultras also feels like running on top of clouds at times when things go well and you feel the “unbearable lightness of being,” or simply running in Dante’s Inferno –  punished to eternity.

I kept running and stayed focused on my form to finish strong.  As I reached the parking lot at Granite Head Beach, I remembered the finish of other trail races, as well as my triathlon. I started to speed up to get to the finish line. Will I finish under 6 hours? I was so fortunate that my body has this wonderful extra bounciness and energy at the end of races, so I started to work on my final kick for the race. As I ran down, the straight and flat path towards the finish line, I saw my coach Robert in the distance. He was cheering for me – visibly happy and excited. I knew that I had to switch gears and kick it higher.

“Go, Carmen!” my coach cheered for me with all his being. “You got this!” “Go, go, go!” Although he took my video running to the finish line, I posted below the video that my friend Monica Davis took of me, as she kept still a little better than my coach -just saying – ha!ha! Emotions, joy, bliss, infinite gratitude.

Chanoako50K_Thirdfemale

I heard other friends cheer for me and there was nobody coming behind me, so when the announcer said my name, I crossed the finish line with a big smile and looked at the race clock. It showed the final race time of 5:59:20. Yet, my official time was 5:56:29 –  even better.

“I made it under 6 hours,” I told my coach.

“Yes, you were also third female,” he said with a proud look on his face.

“In my age group?” I asked.

“No, third overall.”

I was ecstatic. I hugged my sweet husband who was waiting for me. We took a few pictures. What a feat! Two weeks after running Salmon Falls 50K I was able to get a 30-min PR, run under 6 hours and finish third woman overall in a smaller and beautiful Chanoako 50K race. We are capable of great things when we believe and work hard!

 

My sweet husband Catalin who always waits for me at the finish line of long races. He also drops me off and fully supports my running.

 

My coach Robert Ressl-Moyer won the race in 3:56! Yet, he made me feel as if I won the race. He is the most encouraging, knowledgeable,  and wonderful coach!

 

On the podium with my friend Tracy Bedwell, who finished second, and Mandi Kruse, first female overall! Trail running is about making friends and celebrating our victories together. A million thanks to my coach Robert Ressl-Moyer who prepares me for all my races and who waited for me two hours at the finish line. So lucky to have him as my coach. My motto in races is “Make Robert proud.”

 

After the awards, I was happy to eat pasta and salad. My body felt great and I could not have been happier with my race. My gratitude goes to my wonderful family, our sweet kids, Alex and Sophia, my mom whom I dedicated this race to, my awesome Fleet Feet racing team, and all my friends and running partners. It takes a village to raise a runner and I could not have done this on my own!

My coach was happy with my running two 50K races just two weeks apart, because they had taught me to run on tired legs and be well-prepared for my first 50-mile race, the American River 50, the second oldest 50-mile race in America.

How about you? Have you ever run a 50K race? How about a 50-miler? Share your experiences here.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

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Salmon Falls- My Second 50K Race, a 48-min PR – The Joys of Trail Running

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“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Confucius

 

Running a 50K trail race feels exactly like carrying away small stones to chip away at the distance and finish strong. Unlike running marathons, in ultra running, the focus is less on getting to various milestones, and more on running from one aid station to another. Runner 208 was sure ready to enjoy the cold, crisp, and sunny winter morning after having trained with my Fleet Feet Sacramento racing team and my awesome coach Robert Ressl-Moyer, winner of many 50K races and such a kind and generous soul.

 

The day before the race I was calm and composed as I usually am before races, but I was also emotional thinking of my dear father who passed away from diabetes at the young age of 53. I dedicated the race to him and loved that all the proceeds from the race go towards finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. The race already held a special place in my heart. Vamos!

 

The Start Line

 

Long distance races require preparation and support from our families and friends. As always, my sweet husband drove me to the start line. On our way to Magnolia Ranch, Coloma, CA, where Salmon Falls race starts, the temperature kept dropping all the way to 25 degrees. My husband kept joking with me and said: “It’s freezing out there and you will run 31 miles in the cold. Did I tell you you’re crazy?”

“Yes, darling. You already know this. I am much happier to run in the cold than when it is hot,” I replied.

After my husband dropped me off, I immediately scanned the shivering runners trying to find my friends. The ground was frozen, the grass covered in frost, the sky clear, and most runners bundled up in coats, hats, and gloves at the start line. I knew that I would get warm quickly, but I also chose to wear cheap gloves that I was planning to dispose off later.

 

My friend Rob Schmidt and I ran together in preparation for Salmon Falls. Terri,  his sweet wife, was the first one to give me a hug at the start line and to wish me good luck. His daughter Jocelyn in the picture also raced and placed. It takes a village to raise a runner!

 

I also got to chat with my Fleet Feet racing team mates Josh Fernandez, who is wicked fast , and Melissa Tafoya, who has just joined our team and who is also a boxer. I felt great to be in such wonderful company and promised myself to relish every moment of my second 50K race and to become one with nature, breathing in joy, exhaling any stress, doubts, or fears.

 

At the start line feeling excited, hopeful, and a little bit emotional thinking of my dear father. My mantra for this race: “Run for Daddy,” or short “for Daddy.”

 

The First 12 miles

 

I started strong, but not pushing it too hard knowing that I had 31 miles ahead. The crisp winter air permeated my joyous being and gave me energy. The gloves kept my hands warm. I focused on my breathing, footing, stride, and the terrain, which on this course it is a constant up and down, making it hard to get into a rhythm.  We also had a creek crossing. I got my right foot wet, while I climbed on the rocks, but I knew that I would dry quickly.

During my first miles, I noticed the frost and the frozen ground that gave me a nice bounce, almost like doing a quick jump on a trampoline. I started writing in my head, too, as I normally do when I run.

However, in descending to Cronan Ranch, where the first aid station was, I was able to get moving and it felt great. I was knew there were a total of seven aid stations, so from now on, it was about reaching and counting the aid stations, where I would refuel with bananas, grapes, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and water.

 

Photo credit to Jaclyn Schmidt. Descending into Cronan Ranch and hitting the first aid station. My friend Terri cheered loudly for me. I grabbed some grapes and half a banana, heading out for some steep hills that I had to power hike.

 

After the first aid station, I started my climbing and focused on taking small steps. I also remembered what my awesome coach Robert Ressl-Moyer told me on the phone the previous day. He always calls me before races to discuss strategy and to push me towards greatness. He said: “You’re great with hills, so don’t sell yourself short by power hiking too much. Try to run portions of big hills and only power hike a little to conserve energy.” I applied his advice and it felt great to pass runners on the hills, while breathing steadily.

I soon arrived at the second aid station, where the signs made me smile. One of the signs said: “You’re not crazy, you’re ultra special.” Indeed, people think running these long distances is crazy, but being out there for hours feels like being rinsed inside and out in nature’s washing machine. It is about being immersed into something grander than ourselves, which turns us into more humble and grounded human beings. And, yes, I will admit that there is a little bit of craziness required for this equation of happiness to work.

Around mile 12, my team mate Melissa and my trail friend Tracy caught up with me. Melissa and I started running together and kept each other company, which was the best part of the race. I knew my father was watching over me, sending me a team mate, which is why I never despaired at the distance.

 

Melissa and I descending on Red Dragon trail. We watched our steps and cheered as we ran, enjoying the roller coaster sensations. Our beings overjoyed, ecstatic, and filled with positives energy and gratitude for running in nature surrounded by like-minded people. Living in harmony with our souls, hearts, and minds while conquering the red devil and any other demons that might lurk inside.

 

The half marathon point was getting near. We could hear cheering and clapping. As we came through Skunk Hollow, I heard friends screaming: “It’s Carmen.” Special thanks to my awesome friend Amy Jensen, whom I met in my first year of running through the California International Marathon training. She took my video and pictures, as well as helped me out with the food and hydration. So grateful for my running friends.

Video_CarmenSalmonFalls_Feb24

 

Skunk Hollow aid station around mile 13, where I am dancing with joy. My friends were cheering loudly for me, making me feel like a rock star. I danced, ate, and used the bathroom. Good times!

 

Melissa and I continued our running and talking, taking the Sweet Water Trail after we crossed the Salmon Falls Bridge. These trails reminded me of my training for the race and loved the rolling hills, even though we could not get into a rhythm. We still started to pass runners and focused on the trail, trying to avoid the many rocks, which I did remember from my training. This was the spot where I turned into a tea bag, immersing myself into nature the same way I did when I did my long training runs.

  

In preparation for the race, I have run various segments of the Salmon Falls 50K course with friends. I loved to turn myself into a tea bag and steep in all the beauty of nature, so I here is the poem I wrote below.

 

 Ode to Tea Bag

Today during my 18-mile run I turned into a tea bag

and steeped myself in the lush grass, nature,

the moss-covered trees, the creek, the hills,

and the fresh air after the rain.

Trail running brings me the most joy.

I am mindful and love the twists and turns of the trails,

as well as the tunnels of trees.

I am focused on every step, every rock, and root.

I am deliberate running up and down the trail

while I quickly check the views

and sink and steep deeper into

nature’s magnificent teapot

allowing the flavors to infuse my being.

 

The Middle Miles – Long and Rolling

 

Melissa and I took turns to lead and stayed steady and strong. We talked, joked, and laughed. I told her that I knew that section of the trail very well and that we would get to New York Creek soon. We tried to get into a rhythm, but the rolling hills and rocky terrain made it a little challenging. Nonetheless, we felt great and were grateful to run together.  Melissa’s form and climbing ability were impressive, so she motivated me to keep running strong. She also told me that I was giving her confidence with my positive attitude. We pushed each other on the trails; our running effort felt easier and much more pleasant than if we had each run on our own. Team work at its best!

Around mile 20, we started to pass a few runners. Our famous words were: “Coming through,” or “on your left.” As we passed these runners, most of them were nice, supportive, and cheered on us by saying: “Looking strong, ladies.”

 

The Last 7 Miles of My Second 50K Race

 

As opposed to my first 50K race that I ran with a lot of despair at the end two years ago, Salmon Falls 50K race made me feel calm, contained, and strong. I was telling Melissa about my improving as a runner and about my amazing coach Robert, when my cell phone rang. I pushed the middle button on my headset and responded, as I always do: “Hi, this is Carmen.” My coach was on the other line checking in with me. I told him that I only had seven miles to go and that I felt great. He told me to stay steady and finish strong. He also told me that he won a 50K race in the Bay Area for which I congratulated him. Later on that evening when we attended the Sacramento Running Association Awards ceremony, he told me that he was very surprised I answered the phone.

“I was happy to hear from you, coach,” I responded. Running at a 10-min to 11-min pace due to all the hills and the terrain made it easy to talk. Besides I am known to talk even during a much faster pace, so I was glad to have a life line to my amazing coach during the race, which helped me stay motivated and determined.

The sun felt warmer as it was past noon time, the trails replete with raw beauty, the hills ubiquitous, and the sweeping views of Folsom Lake magnificent. My body felt strong and my being anticipated the finish. However, as I told Melissa, we needed to stay and run within each mile and not let our minds wander. We ran in the NOW, the only true constant on the trails. We had to keep our focus on every step we took, every rock, tree root, hill, you name it. We became the one with the trail and gave it the respect it needed, while also asserting ourselves with conviction, determination, and joy.

We had been running for a little over six hours, when we reached the long and interminable  levy leading us to Folsom Five Point Park, where the finish line was. I told Melissa that by now we could smell the blood, so to speak, and needed to push and finish strong. Melissa took the lead, getting into a much faster gear. The cheering got louder and louder. I saw Terri and David who cheered on me with enthusiasm and joy. To my left, I heard my husband and then saw our sweet son Alex who started to run next to me on the outside of our enclosed finish line. Sophia was also cheering on me dressed in her black winter jacket, her pony tail swinging from left to right.

“Come on, Mom. You can run faster,” Alex told me.

I crossed the finish line with elation and tremendous gratitude. My father was there in spirit. I cried with joy, as I received the beautiful medal made out of a light wood.

 

The sweet finish line! I felt strong with no pains in my body. How was that possible? I guess I had become a badass ultra runner.

 

Celebrating our awesome race and finish. Melissa finished 10th in her age group and I finished 14th in 6:25:34 minutes. What a feat!

 

Meeting my family at the finish line is always the sweetest sight for me – one I look forward to every big race. My husband is wonderful to drop me off and pick me up from all my long races. His love and support of me mean a lot!

 

I was not too hungry after the race, because I kept snacking and eating during the race, but was happy to get a Blue Ale and sit down a little. I was happy and amazed at my ability to run this 50K race and have a 48-minute PR from my first Folsom Gold Rush 50K, which felt hard at the time.

Practice, training with my Fleet Feet Racing team, as well as having my own coach sure make a big difference. To many more running adventures with gratitude for a race well-done and for the company of my new friend Melissa. I finished Salmon Falls 50K strong, defeating Red Dragon trail and any other demons lurking out there.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

 

 

Healthy eating and stronger running, Long runs, Marathon running, Runing stronger and faster, Running, Running and real estate, Running keeps us younger, The joy of running, Training for your marathon, Uncategorized, vegan running

What the Beets? Why Every Athlete Should Make Beets Part of Their Weekly Menu

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When it comes to endurance events, such a running a marathon, biking a century ride, doing an Ironman, and so on, most athletes reach out to energy drinks and caffeine before the start of their events. But what if we can replace the above-mentioned with beet juice instead and boost athletic performance even more?

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Jaclyn Schmidt

My picture during Urban Cow Half marathon on Oct. 1, 2017, where I had a big PR, finishing in 1:43:56 with a 7:56 pace. I felt amazing during the whole time and the Super Beets powder that I mixed in my water and drank it before the race sure kept me steady and strong.

 

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology in 2009 found that individuals who drank beet juice experienced up to a 16% increase in endurance compared to those who did not. Also according to Jacqueline Ritz, founder of the Paleo Mama blog, beets fight cancer, lower the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, increase endurance in athletes, and they are also an aphrodisiac. Being a high nitrate vegetable, beetroot, the red bulbous part, has become the super food for runners, cyclists, and other athletes. What if you don’t like beets and don’t wish to eat it, but still want to reap some benefits in increasing your endurance? There are many products on the market, such as this powder I buy from Wholefoods.

 

I have used this before races and my running felt effortless. I just mix a scoop with water and take it about an hour before the race, or a long run. Love it!

 

How high nitrate foods enhance our performance:

 

Another thing you can do to benefit from high nitrate vegetables is to eat more spinach, arugula, radishes, celery, lettuce, parsley, and rhubarb. Talking about nitrates, Amby Burfoot, the author of In Beet Juice We Believe published in the Runner’s World, explains how our body processes beets and turns them into a superfood. Burfoot points out that beets get their endurance power from helpful mouth bacteria that convert the nitrate in beets to nitric oxide, which appears to be the miracle substance. Nitric oxide can substantially lower blood pressure and somehow extend endurance. I guess we runners should not need too much more convincing regarding beets, which are good sources of folate, manganese, potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, since we all try to avoid the famous “wall,” when our body rebels and starts hurting.

 

Ways to eat your beets:

 

  1. My favorite one is borscht.

 

 

Best borscht I have ever had made by my awesome friend and best training partner Andrea Brizendine. She added quinoa,  carrots, potatoes, and onions to it. I gobbled it up with whole grain bread and hummus. Delicious! It also makes me run longer and stronger! Isn’t this what we runners want?

 

To try this recipe and cook the same vegan borscht that my friend Andrea shared with me, please go to https://natashaskitchen.com/2013/05/18/easy-superfood-red-borsch/

So easy to make and so healthy! For a quick glance at the ingredients needed to make this,  see below.

 

Ingredients for Superfood Red Borsch – vegan style:

 

12 cups reduced sodium veggie broth
1 medium or 1/2 large onion, peeled and cut in half (ends removed)
3 medium potatoes, sliced
1/4 cup quinoa
3 medium beets, peeled and grated
2 good handfuls of chopped kale leaves
2 bay leaves
3/4 cup sliced carrots
1 Tbsp Mrs. Dash
3 Tbsp ketchup
1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste

 

2. Roasted beets, which I cut up, drizzle with olive oil, wrap them in aluminum foil, and roast them in the oven till they are tender.

 

3. Beet salad, which I used to eat as a child and liked its sweet taste. To make this salad, I cut up the beets and boil them till they are soft and tender. After they cool off, I remove the skin and grate them. I mix them up with a little salt and pepper and drizzle red wine vinegar on top. I keep the beet salad in a glass container in the fridge and eat it with roasted potatoes and other meals that go well together with this salad.

 

Credit recipe goes to my friend Cristina Nagy.

 

How about you? How do you like to eat your beets? Any special recipes you would like to share? No matter how you choose to eat, or drink them, one good thing could happen: you will BEAT your race PR with the mighty BEET!

 

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

 

 

Running, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, Running keeps us younger, Solo running, The joy of running, Uncategorized, vegan running

10 Ways to Make Your Solo Runs Fun, Interesting, and Challenging!

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“When you reach a dead end road, don’t despair. Instead, watch the sky, the swimming clouds, and the narrow paths that open up.  After this exploration, pick yourself up and elevate your soul and mind with jumping joy.” Carmen Micsa

 

Jumping with joy!

 

Let’s be honest: it is always more fun to run with friends, especially those long runs. Yet, many times we need to run on our own for various reasons, such as time constraints, pace desired, coming back from an injury, and so forth.  This Thursday, May 11th, I had a terrific solo 6-mile run in the high 8s and felt so great after not having run for more than a month due to my tendonitis. While running, I usually listen to some of my favorite podcasts, such as The Hidden Brain, Runner’s World, The Moth, The Nutrition Diva, and a few others. This time, I was ready for a selfie running video, as an idea came to my mind. I wanted to explore running and exercising alone and how we can make it fun and exciting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow3SAkci4DI

 

During my solo runs, I love to stop more often and capture the pretty views that unfold in front of me.

 

I took this picture at Ancil Hoffman Park on Good Friday before Easter. Only after I  looked at my picture, I saw the divine cross burning in the sky at sunset. I was thrilled with my discovery and took my time before getting back to my run.

 

Ever since I got into running, I felt that I needed to test my body and lungs on my own first. From that first day in 2015 when I ran down the street from my house for half a mile, or so, I have discovered different ways to enjoy my solo runs. It wasn’t always easy, since I am quite a social person and love company, but here are my 10 ways to make your runs solo more fun, interesting, and challenging.

  1. Turn your solo run into that much needed mediation in motion, which is why it is good to leave the headsets behind sometimes.
  2. Listen to interesting podcasts that you like, which feels like running together with an intelligent, fun,  and well-read friend.
  3. Make an appointment with yourself and write it on your calendar. You can write something like: “Running 6 miles tomorrow around Ancil Hoffman Park with my new podcasts to listen. ” By penciling the run on your calendar, you won’t dread going by yourself. It will almost feel that you are meeting someone and you have to stick to the schedule and be punctual.
  4. Combine workouts, such as speed workout with hill repeats, one of my favorite combinations. Another combo I like is tempo run on a hilly course.
  5. Wear a silly hat, or piece of costume around the holidays (Christmas, Halloween) and enjoy the smiles you get from other runners and walkers, as well as from the drivers passing by you.
Wearing my Santa hat and my Christmas top.

 

6.  Find a new running route and create as many different routes around your neighborhood to have choices and be excited to get out the door and start running.

7.  Solve whatever problems you are having during your solo runs and you will be amazed at your creativity and ease of finding the right answers and solutions.

8. Stop to talk to other runners and make friends, or even run together just like I did in Las Vegas when I met two wonderful guys from Canada. We ran down the strip up to Mandalay Bay Casino and Resort and it was wonderful to chat with them and run together. We have stayed friends and are connected on Strava.

 

Picture in front of Paris, Paris with my new running friends. They were kind, fun, and interesting to run with! They had the right pace, too! Runners are the nicest people!

 

9.  Allow yourself to be poetic  and philosophical when running in beautiful places. I love writing little poems in my head, coming up with my own quotes, which makes my run quite exciting and interesting.

10. Give yourself a weekly challenge, such as taking a beautiful pic of wild flowers, animals, taking a selfie jumping picture, etc. You can do the same challenge a few times that week and that will give you even more purpose and something to look forward to besides your tempo run, speed workout, or easy run that day.

 

Besides making your solo runs more interesting as I mentioned above, there are also three gifts that come from running alone:

 

In other words, running alone should be practiced weekly  for all the reasons above-mentioned and many more that you might have yourself, as well as to become mentally stronger for your races when you are mostly likely to run by yourself surrounded by the other runners.

 

  1. Running alone is the gift of solitude and peace that your soul needs on a weekly basis to recharge itself.
  2. Running alone is also the gift of gratitude, as it will teach you to be more humble and grateful for that great running friend and partner who helps you pick up your pace and lifts up your spirits the days you do run together.
  3. Running alone is the gift of good health and extended life, as it will offer you so many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

And to find out how running with others will make you a stronger and happier runner, stay tuned for my next blog.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

 

Healthy eating and stronger running, Long runs, Losing weight on the vegan diet, Marathon running, Running, Running and real estate, The joy of running, Training for your marathon, vegan running

How to Lose Weight, Have More Energy, and Run Faster on Real Vegan Food!

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Sports, Nutrition, and Energy

 

I loved sports since childhood and have been blessed with tremendous energy to keep going for hours, doing gymnastics, playing soccer, tennis, handball, basketball, and running, which has become my greatest passion next to tennis. Having been so fortunate to have all this energy, I never thought that I could increase my energy levels even more by becoming vegan, but once that happened, I was amazed. I also felt that I fully earned my nickname the “energizer bunny” that a lot of my friends bestowed upon me.  However, the main difference in my stamina came in 2012 when I decided to become pesco-vegan http://www.livestrong.com/article/98689-pescovegetarian-diet/ after watching Tamra, one of my tennis friends who is vegan eat after our tennis matches. She was my inspiration! One day after our singles match, I told her I was ready to become vegan, so she gave me many good pointers. I thus made the switch right away and turned fully vegan for the first month, after which I added the seafood to my diet.

The pesco-vegan diet

 

It follows the vegan diet, meaning no dairy products, no meat, no eggs, but adds seafood and wild fish, which are good sources of Omega-3s and are great for brain function.  In less than a month, after I changed my diet, my energy level doubled and I felt twenty years younger. I also lost weight, even though I was never big, but the belly fat after giving birth to our sweet children would not go away until I changed my diet and dropped from size 8 to size 4 in just two months.

As a pesco-vegan, I used to enjoy wild-caught salmon with a variety of side dishes. Always buy wild-caught fish if you decide to eat fish.
Salmon and sweet potatoes

 

The Fully Vegan Diet

 

In December 2016, while taking a Pilates class at California Family Fitness with Linda, a vegan for more than 27 years, I decided to become fully vegan and not eat any more seafood. Last year, I had a phenomenal year in running winning seven races in my age group and setting 16 PRs (personal records) out of the 18  road and trail races that I ran,  and I never ran low on fuel or energy. I also got accepted into the Sacramento Fleet Feet Racing Team, so fueling my body properly is super important. I have fun making big pots of lentil soup, vegan burgers, salads, pizza using the fresh herbs dough from Trader Joe’s, and pasta.

Pasta with mushrooms and zucchini.

 

Lentil and mixed whole grains- Yummy!
Carbs are great for runners and all other athletes!
Salads are great and so easy to make! You can top them with beans for extra protein, tofu, Quinoa, and seeds. Delicious and so healthy!

While all this sounds good, you might wonder why you should accept my story. How about other runners or athletes? Do they share a similar story with mine? Pretty much so!

Interview with Josh Fernandez, writer, English Professor at Folsom Lake College, vegan marathon and ultra runner who is on the Sacramento Fleet Feet Racing team

Josh will run Boston this year, 2017!

What made you decide to become vegan?

“At first, it was my friend Toni Okamoto, who runs a website called Plant Based on a Budget http://plantbasedonabudget.com/.  One night, I was at dinner and I called her and asked her about being a vegan. That night, she convinced me that I could easily go from being a vegetarian to vegan. Eventually, we started running together and we ran the Running With the Bears marathon where I met one of her friends, a guy named Dave Wiskowski. He was really cool an ended up running a lot of the race with me. He is an ultrarunner and a vegan. Actually, at the time, he was a fruitarian. An ultrarunner who only eats fruit! I love weird stuff like that.  Anyway, he’s a really amazing guy. A true inspiration. Together, they convinced me that cruelty-free eating is the only way for me.”

 How did changing your diet affect your running?

“I became a vegan several months before the California International Marathon in 2015. I thought to myself, “Well, this will either help me or kill me.” I started eating a lot of avocados, veggies, and pasta. I could feel a difference in my body right away. I felt leaner. I had more energy. I started training with very little fatigue. I got this feeling that I could run forever. Maybe some of it was a placebo effect, but it didn’t matter. I felt strong. That year I knocked almost 20 minutes off my marathon PR and qualified for the Boston Marathon.” 

 Was your experience as a vegan only positive?

“Yes. I used to get tired every day at around 3 p.m., like this really low energy, sluggish feeling, especially if I was at work. At 3 p.m., I would literally rest my head on my desk and struggle to get up. Then I’d pound a coffee, which would keep me up all night. I don’t get that tired feeling anymore and I attribute that all to being vegan. Dairy, especially cheese and lard, weighs me down quite a bit. Cutting that stuff out produces really beneficial and exciting results if you’re an athlete.”  

 What is your favorite source of protein after a long run? 

“I love avocados. I really like to eat a big fat sandwich with avocados, spinach, bell peppers, cucumbers, and hummus. I wash it down with a smoothie made with kale, celery, ginger, apple, garlic and a scoop of Vega protein powder. I think when you’re vegan for a while, your taste buds morph, so even sort of gross food (like garlic in a smoothie) is somehow incredibly appetizing. That’s what my wife says, at least. “

 Any pros and cons of the vegan diet?
“The only con is when people invite you over to dinner, you have to engage in the awkward conversation where you let them know they’re either going to have to make a vegan meal, or you’ll just “bring something from home,” which never happens. But luckily, when you’re vegan, nobody really invites you to dinner, anyway.” 

Any specific advice for runners or anyone else looking to change their diet and become fully vegans?

 “My friend Toni suggested (since I really loved cheese, like in a sick way, enough that I would sometimes eat a block of medium cheddar for lunch) that I should become a vegan in phases–first you get rid of  milk, then eggs, then cheese, etc. So that’s what I did and it really worked. I don’t miss cheese anymore. When I’m craving pizza, Amy’s makes a really good frozen cheese-less pizza that hits the spot, since I don’t like the taste of imitation cheese. You’d think with all the technological advances in the world someone would engineer a cheese that doesn’t taste like toe fungus, but I guess that’s not really a priority. Anyway, I think everyone loves animals, so I would suggest that everybody go vegan. Don’t make me bust out pictures of what happens at factory farms.” 

 Why vegan vs. vegetarian?

“For me, it comes down to two things: health and compassion. I feel my healthiest when I’m not weighed down by meat and dairy. I also feel the most connected to the world when I’m not causing pain to other animals.” 

Now that you have two opinions on turning vegan, I urge you to find out what works for you as far as your diet, consult a nutritionist, read more about the vegetarian and the vegan diets, and embrace the change.  I wish you a healthier, speedier, and more amazing 2017. You can do it!

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!