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Long runs, Marathon running, Mental toughness, Running, Running a marathon during Covid times, Running and learning new things, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, Running in new places, Running keeps us younger, Running makes you smarter, Running Marathons, Running stronger together!, Strong women runners, Ultramarathon, Women runners

Three SAcramento women complete Caballo Blanco Ultra Marathon

March 21, 2022 carmenmicsa Leave a comment

The lessons they have learned from the Raramuri people

From left to right: Sacramento endurance athletes Lorena Van Rein, Norma Faubert, and Martha Rodriquez Photo taken by a bystander at the finish line

“Perhaps all our troubles — all the violence, obesity, illness, depression, and greed we can’t overcome — began when we stopped living as Running People. Deny your nature, and it will erupt in some other, uglier way.” — Christopher McDougall

Meet Sacramento residents Lorena Van Rein, Norma Faubert, and Martha Rodriquez who have completed the famous Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco on March 6th, 2022, a race that was first started by Micah True, whose nickname was El Caballo Blanco (the white horse) for runners from all over the world to run and experience.

True was fond of saying, “While they are at war, we come together to make peace here in the bottom of the canyon,” which cannot be more meaningful and powerful nowadays in the fight against the Coronavirus and the Ukrainian war. True fought against the Mexican drug cartel to maintain peace in the region.

After the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall came out, runners from all over the world descended upon the town of Urique, Chihuaha, Mexico to experience the mystique of the Caballo Blanco ultra marathon. Norma Faubert is one of the runners who has dreamed of doing this race and running with the Tarahumaras people. An endurance athlete originally from Mexico City, Faubert is a middle school Spanish teacher and a mother of a 14-year-old son.

Norma Faubert ran the ultramarathon with joy. Photo taken by the race photographers

This year, for instance, runners ran next to over 600 Raramuri people on a hot day with temperatures in the 80s, which to Van Rein felt like 100 degrees. The Tarahumara people, or Raramuri, are indigenous people of the Americas. Raramuri means “runners on foot” or “those who run fast.”

Their strength comes from their ability to run in huaraches, their traditional form of sandals, or what US minimalist running circles call Tarahumara sandals, for 200 miles (320Km) over a period of two days through their rough canyon country for inter-village communication, transportation, and hunting.

Lessons learned from running the Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco

“Just move your legs. Because if you don’t think you were born to run, you’re not only denying history. You’re denying who you are.” — Christopher McDougall

Van Rein, who first started running in 2013 after one of her best friends invited her to run, has completed 16 marathons, two 100-mile races, and many other races. She mainly runs to socialize with other people and to challenge herself. As the co-owner of Wild Rooster Restaurant, a family Mexican restaurant that serves delicious and fresh meals (I eat there often whenever I am in the mood for a burrito), Van Rein was excited to have completed the marathon this year after two years of the pandemic when races were put on hold.

Lorena Van Rein ran the ultramarathon with joy. Photo taken by the race photographers

“This event is a very unique race not only because you have to fly to this destination, but there is also another 12 more hours spent driving to Urique, where the event took place,” said Van Rein. “Roads are not easy to drive, but the views on the way to get there are impressive that no pictures give them justice.”

After meeting the Ramirez Family (Maria Lorena Ramirez finished second female overall in the 80Km), Van Rein knew that running the Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco had to be on her bucket list.

Her heart was full of joy for having completed this difficult but beautiful ultramarathon because she had experienced the rugged beauty and splendor of Copper Canyon, a whopping four times larger than the Grand Canyon with a depth of over a mile. The canyon rim sits at an altitude of 8,000 ft and is full of rocky outcrops and sheer drop-offs.

Copper Canyon, Mexico Photo taken by Lorena Van Rein

Running as a way of life

It doesn’t matter whether you’re the lion or a gazelle-when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.” — Christopher McDougall

Van Rein said that running this race was a hobby for her, whereas for the Raramuri people, running and walking everywhere is their way of life. They do it naturally without thinking about it, and the distances are pretty far. For instance, kids who need to get to school from the village need to run/walk for about three hours each way, which is why not everyone can go to school. For example, in the Ramirez Family, only the two older brothers were able to go to school and because of that, they can speak Spanish. The daughters couldn’t go, as they needed to stay home and help with the daily chores.

Faubert added: “The Raramuri people live in a remote place. It’s not uncommon to just run over to see a friend … And that might be 10–20 miles away.” Imagine having to run that long to see your friends, which shows us that we have no excuses for making and maintaining those important human connections.

Some of the Raramuri runners wearing the traditional sandals — The Raramuri women running in the traditional sandals. Photo taken by the race photographers

Kindness and trust are given openly and freely

“The reason we race isn’t so much to beat each other, but to be with each other.” — Christopher McDougall“

People were nice, polite, humble, and so welcoming to everyone,” Van Rein remarked. They were also trustful when she asked for coffee. They told her to go ahead take the coffee and pay later.

Being surrounded by these kind people has taught Van Rein that we can learn to trust one another and offer simple gestures of kindness, such as a warm cup of coffee. Not only did Van Rein enjoy the race, but she also made many friends with whom she chats every day online.

Van Rein was also impressed how well she did drinking Pinole served at the aid stations ( a drink made from corn and the powder mixed in the water). For inspiring, homemade, and wholesome pinole cookies and oatmeal, check out some recipes here. The aid stations also served oranges, bananas, bottles of water, and tortillas with beans, which ran out by the time she got there.

The necessity of running for food

“You don’t stop running because you get old, you get old because you stop running.” — Christopher McDougall

According to Van Rein, hundreds of Raramuri people of all ages — some of them in their 70s and 80s run the 80K distance because they receive a voucher to exchange food worth $350 Pesos about $17.50 dollars. “Unlike me, they could not run only the 42Km (26.2 miles); they had to run the 50 miles to receive food, which is why everyone wants to finish the race regardless of how long it takes,” Van Rein clarified.

Faubert also felt transfixed and transformed by this race.“The Raramuri people proved that we all have reservoirs of strength and untapped potential inside us,” Faubert said.

Photo taken by the race photographers. The Raramuri women running in their traditional clothes and sandals

Although Van Rein has done many hard races, the Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco would always be in her heart because she had a running epiphany during this event:

“While my running is simply a hobby, the Raramuri people run for food,” Van Rein said. “I totally recommend this race. You will leave part of your heart there.”

Final Takeaways

Besides being born to run, we cannot let the simple joys of movement and freedom ever escape from us. When we run with other people, we learn to forge deeper and more meaningful relationships, which I hope will transcend any unnecessary destructive acts against one another. I also pray that we will all learn to make peace in the bottom of the canyon, as Micah True said, or wherever we are in the world.

For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide and uplift you during these uncertain and crazy times, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion and Morsels of Love on Amazon, or buy it straight from my blog by clicking on my books link, which will take you to Amazon.

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. Also mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs) or selling (commission discount). Running for real estate with joy!

London Marathon, Long runs, Marathon running, Mental toughness, Running, Running a marathon during Covid times, Running and learning new things, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, Running in new places, Running keeps us younger, Running Marathons, Running stronger together!, Strong women runners, The joy of running, Training for your marathon, Women runners, World Marathons, Worldwide running

LONDON MARATHON, MY FOURTH WORLD MARATHON — THE JOY OF RUNNING DURING THE PANDEMIC

November 27, 2021 carmenmicsa Leave a comment

Photo taken by the race photographers – Running with joy next to the guy in red over the Tower Bridge

After the London marathon got canceled twice last year due to the pandemic, I finally had the opportunity to run my fourth world marathon in person on Oct. 3rd. Not only did I take part in the largest marathon in the world with about 60,000 in-person and virtual participants, but I also rejoiced being cheered on by the best, most supportive, and loudest spectators in the world.

As a competitive runner who strives to earn my six-star coveted medal by running all the six world marathons, getting accepted into the London marathon was a dream come true! To my surprise, the times I ran during the Chicago and New York City marathons that I completed in 2018, had earned me an invitation to participate in the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships. Knowing how hard it was to get into London marathon, I jumped at the unbelievable occasion. I felt honored and extremely fortunate to get invited.

Anticipation was high. Elations and emotions. Trials and tribulations. A solo international travel to Europe during a pandemic fully vaccinated but still masked and cautious.

The start of the marathon

After a well-organized packet pick-up on Friday two days before the marathon, I rested all day on Saturday to have fresh legs on Sunday. Luckily, it was a rainy day, which made it easy to stay warm under the covers, reading The Daily Telegraph newspaper that I picked up that morning at The Waitrose neighborhood market.

The morning of the marathon, we were blessed with no rain, clouds covering the sun in gray wisps of wonder, and a staggered start of our marathon due to Covid restrictions. Like most of the runners, I took the tube following crowds of excited and masked runners. I immediately became friends with a couple from Florida. We stuck together, as we had the same corral and start time.

The first thing I saw, as we got off at Blackheath, an area of South East London, England, straddling the border of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the London Borough of Lewisham was a church built out of solid rock greeting all of us runners. I felt piety and serenity envelop me warmer than my jacket that I was planning to dispose of on the course.

Photo taken by Carmen Micsa. All Saints’ Church in Blackheath Common, London Borough of Lewisham

To me, this was a great sign, as I always say prayers before each race and ask God to guide my steps during each mile all the way to the finish line. I also feel at peace, knowing that my dear father will watch over me from heaven, helping me when I need him most.

My new friends and I checked in, showing proof of our negative Covid tests (I had to test negative four times during my 10-day London trip), after which we lined up to the portaloos, The British word for porta-potties. The wide-screen TV showed images of regular runners like us, as well as the elite runners warming up.

Photo taken by Carmen Micsa. The wheelchair runners getting ready to start the London marathon.

We hung around for about an hour before our wave started, which gave me plenty of time to use the bathrooms, but it also made me stand instead of resting my legs.

Selfie taken by Carmen Micsa. My new runner friends and I found Robert Wang. He is gracious to keep us all informed on the World Marathon Majors Challenge.

Running the streets of London

Around 9:40 a.m. we did a short walk to our designated start line — there were multiple starting lines, but only one finish line, and off we went.

My goal was to run the first three miles at an 8-minute pace, or so, which due to the many runners on the course worked. We ran through Charlton and Woolwich for those miles and the crowds were already cheering on us. After mile three, I tried to pick up the pace, but by the time we merged with the other runners, there was barely any room to run around people. I decided not to weave in and to wait a little more till the 10K point.

Photo taken by the race photographers. Running through Cutty Sark by this ship

I remember thinking during the marathon how strange it was that we were running by a ship and that I wanted to find out more about this since I love to research and learn, or what my kids call me “being curious Mom who strikes again.” From what I read, Cutty Sark was a British clipper ship, one of the last and fastest tea clippers to be built that now sits on the dry dock in Greenwich for public display. What a treat to run through history and be surrounded by indelible sights and architecture!

At this point, I started to run at a 9-minute pace and relaxed into it, realizing how blessed I was to be there — running through historical neighborhoods and relishing the sights and sounds of London that had already stolen my heart from the first day I lay sight on it.

The second half of the marathon

Before I knew it, I was crossing over the River Thames and running across Tower Bridge. This was already about the half marathon point. I was mesmerized by the energy of the runners around me, and especially the spectators who were treating us like superstars. The only world marathon that comes close to London in terms of spectators’ density and support is New York City marathon.

Photo taken by the race photographers. At this point, I felt like crying with joy and gratitude for running, for being alive, and moving.

Photo taken by the race photographers. I am smiling and running sandwiched between runners. The spectators were three rows deep.

I could not help smiling and taking in the sights and the spectators. The volume was perfect. I felt exhilaration at every step and turn. My body did not want to move at the planned 7:50 pace, but I felt amazing and did not want to break this running spell.

Everything was magical and magnificent. My heart glowed with gratitude.

Miles 20 to the finish line

For some reason, I felt that I was covering London so quickly. I wasn’t even looking for mile markers, or for the dreaded 20-mile wall. As I ran along Tower Hill and Victoria Embarkment Parliament Square, I continued to be amazed by the crowds who had huge balloons arrangements representing various charities, such as ovarian cancer, Parkinsons’ disease, and so on.

I also started to take more Buxton natural mineral water bottles offered to us on the course. As London is such an environmentally friendly city even the water bottles are made from 100 percent recycled material and are 100 percent recyclable.

I also started to thank the Londoners for their incredible support by shouting: “I love you, London.”

The crowds went wild for me, which made me float through the streets of London elated and energized.

I kept running relaxed, keeping a steady 9-minute pace, for I realized that I would finish my fourth world marathon in under 4 hours.

As I came around the final corner in front of Buckingham palace, I picked up my pace and ran in the 8s. I kept raising my index finger to declare my love to the spectators that kept screaming: “way to go!”

They were jazzed up for me, and I kept on running strong all the way past the finish line.

Photo taken by the race photographers. Electrifying finish and backdrop. I was all pumped up, as you can tell!

Photo taken by the race photographers. Crying with joy past the finish line

The gentleman in blue next to me was so nice. He asked me:

“Why are you crying? You finished so strong!”

I’m crying with joy,” I replied. “I cry at the end of each marathon,” I continued.

Crying is so cathartic at the end of a marathon, and running all the 26.2 miles cleanses my soul and heart. The tears just trickled down my cheeks and I let them roll, as I crossed the finish line of the London marathon and started to stroll to the bag check area.

My awesome friend and Arete teammate Katie Koning ran into each other on the course and at the finish line.

We both have competed in the Wanda World Age Championships, so we got two shiny medals to display. We also finished super close to each other and shared impressions of our races while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the finish line — being surrounded by London’s old, beautiful, and well-kept buildings.

One of the big highlights of the London marathon: having the honor to see Shalane Flanagan blaze off on the other side of the road.

And were there any moments of doubts and physical challenge?

Yes! The last 10 miles of the marathon got pretty warm (I ended up drinking close to two liters of water) and blood came through my right shoe, as my toes bled towards the end squished by the Nike Vaporfly shoes, which I will not wear again in marathons, but these small challenges never stopped my eternal smiles through all the London miles.

Wishing you all to run the London marathon with joy, gratitude, and no bloody toes unless you’re a savage ninja like me, my nickname in the Sacramento running community and my Arete women only running club!

For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide and uplift you during these uncertain and crazy times, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion on Amazon, or buy it straight from my blog by clicking on my books link, which will take you to Amazon. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book is going to Girls on the Run Sacramento chapter organization.

Marathon running, Mental toughness, Running and learning new things, Running and Naturopathic Medicine, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, Running keeps us younger, Running makes you smarter, Running Marathons, Running Strong and Injury free, Running strong at any age

Running Healthy and Strong with Naturopathic Medicine By Getting to the Root of Health Conditions When They Arise

March 22, 2020 carmenmicsa Leave a comment

As a runner I am in tune with my body, which is why when I started to feel tired and exhausted on every run last year in December, I knew that something was wrong. Even my Strava running app was telling me that every run was harder than my usual effort. As soon as January 2020 rolled around, I asked my primary doctor to run a full blood panel, which is what I like to do at the beginning of each year. To my surprise, my thyroid levels were out of control and I got diagnosed with Graves autoimmune disorder with a hyperactive thyroid. After having seen the endocrinologist and getting more tests done, I was put on Methimazole with no explanation why I got the Graves. My philosophy about healing a chronic condition that doctors tell patients that it might be lifelong is getting to the root of the problem. My next step was to research my condition by reading articles and two books on curing the thyroid and even reversing my Graves autoimmune, which was exciting and promising. Since both authors pointed out that one should seek out the care of a naturopath, I did some research online and that’s how I found Dr. Dennis Godby, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center.

Gov. Bill Clinton giving Dr. Godby the “Arkansas Traveler” award on his cross country run through Arkansas, from SF to DC, in 1985, for peace in Central America during the Reagan years. The name of the run was the “Central America Emergency Run.”

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

According to Dr. Godby, Naturopathic Medicine is a unique and distinct system of health care that emphasizes the use of prevention, natural therapeutics, and helping each patient attain their best health possible. The doctors who practice naturopathic medicine, called naturopathic doctors (NDs), are trained to serve as primary care general practitioners who are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of both acute and chronic health conditions. Naturopathic doctors are trained at accredited, four-year, post-graduate, residential naturopathic medical programs. The training consists of comprehensive study of the conventional medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, immunology, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, cardiology, gastroenterology, gynecology, etc, as well as detailed study of a wide variety of natural therapies.

Naturopathic doctors are guided by six principles:

1. Do No Harm

2. The Healing Power of Nature

3. Find the Cause

4. Treat the Whole Person

5. Preventive Medicine

6. Doctor as Teacher

Dr. Godby’s run from Corvallis, Oregon, 1978, where he attended OSU, as an exercise physiology major, running 39 miles a day, solo, to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to raise awareness of exercise and nutrition when most adults didn’t exercise or even know what healthy food was. This picture was taken in the Canadian Rockies.

Why is it important to combine conventional medicine with naturopathic in many chronic illness and other health conditions?

Article from Anniston, Alabama, from the CA run in 1984-1985.

For most patients with chronic illness, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hypo/hyperthyroidism, autoimmune diseases, and many others, it is typically not necessary for the naturopathic patient to also be treated conventionally. Most patients of Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) present to the Naturopathic clinic already under the care of an MD/DO. Since patients do not have a disease because of a pharmaceutical deficiency, but, more than likely because of issues related to lifestyle, the solution does not lie in Western/Conventional/Allopathic Medicine, but in finding and treating the cause of disease, which can be addressed with lifestyle change. Sometimes, conventional medicine is helpful and/or necessary for having another opinion, for testing that naturopathic medicine doesn’t do, such as referring a patient with extremely elevated “liver” enzymes that may lead an ND to ask the patient to get an abdominal ultrasound from their doctor.

While also using scientific methods and arriving at many of the same diagnoses as MDs, naturopathic doctors take a more holistic approach and try to understand causes behind a patient’s diagnosis so these can be effectively managed. So, for example, an ND may use herbal or nutritional substances to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in a patient with arthritis, while at the same time use therapies to support healthy joint function and restore damaged tissues. Using a more holistic model, the ND may also look into the role that food intolerances or gastrointestinal health may play in the patient with arthritis. Uncovering these clues can be important in helping patients understand the causes of their conditions and empower them to take a more active role in improving their general health while managing their current “diagnosis.”

Dr. Godby’s Recommended Test for Runners and Everyone Else Wanting to Determine Overall Health

One of the things that Dr. Godby recommended for me to get to the root of my thyroid problem was the hair follicle test to determine overall nutritional deficiencies, environmental challenges like toxic metals, radiation, bodily systems under stress, microbial picture, and even electromagnetic radiation exposure. Once the causes are identified, action can be taken to improve one’s body’s chemistry and cell functioning. This test is nutritional and toxin exposure. Blood tests are very important tests, but they show different things than the hair test. Both are important. One thing to point out is that the blood panel at their office is much more comprehensive than what an average MD primary care doctor will do. For example, Dr. Godby would like to have a standard thyroid TSH around 1-2, instead of a 0.3 to 4.5 range of many doctors.

Runners like myself and Dr. Godby strive to excel and have overall great health, not just get by. This test will reveal how to have that extra edge in determining your nutrition and removing the obstacles to being at your best, like exposure to toxic metals, like mercury, lead, etc., or electromagnetic radiation like cell phones, or radiation.

Additionally, some key points to remember when every run feels hard and you are exhausted is to check your health, your iron levels, thyroid, and any other vitamin deficiencies. As of now, I feel great and my Graves is under control, because of the prescription medicine, vitamins prescribed by Dr. Godby, and my diet change from vegan to adding some organic animal protein to my diet to heal the thyroid. Taking a holistic approach to our health is more beneficial and will speed up the healing process.

For more information on Naturopathic medicine, please visit:

https://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/listings/sacramento-naturopathic-medical-center/

Roseville today website: https://www.rosevilletoday.com/author/dr-dennis-godby-nd/

Dr. Godby’s information below.

https://www.bioidenticaldoctorsacramento.com/about-dr-dennis-godby-n-d/

Pilates, Pilates for Runners, Running and learning new things, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, Running Strong and Injury free, Running strong at any age, Running stronger and faster, Sacramento real estate, Strength, Strong women runners, The joy of running, Vegan Runner, vegan running, Women runners

Pilates For Runners – Core, Stretches, and Injury Prevention

October 1, 2019 carmenmicsa Leave a comment

“Above all, learn how to breathe correctly.” Joseph Pilates

I wish I had a glamorous story to tell you about how I started to practice Pilates, but the truth of the matter is that I stumbled upon this class at California Family Fitness and I immediately loved it. At the time, I felt Pilates provided more movement and excitement than yoga, not knowing that over 12 million people practice Pilates worldwide. Nowadays, I practice both Pilates and hot yoga at least once a week, which makes my runner’s body stronger, happier, and less prone to injuries.

Adding the resistance band to the airplane pose makes the workout more challenging.

I particularly enjoy Kate Muir’s gentle Pilates class, because it seems to work wonders on my sore and tight runner’s body. Kate, who has a Master’s degree in history of art with emphasis on Bronze casting, has been teaching Pilates for about a decade. She also teaches cycling and strength training, but she teaches Pilates the most, which is five times a week. From the first time I took Kate’s class, I loved her lovely British accent, her sense of humor, and the fun exercises she had us do, changing up the routine often and providing at least three options to do the poses successfully. Once Kate found out that I was a runner, she teased me that I can run 50 miles, but I moaned and groaned when doing various stretches. Needless to say, Kate was right and her comments made me and the other people in the class laugh.

I even do Pilates on a bench on the Parkway after my run whenever I have an extra five minutes, or so.

Four reasons Pilates is so great for runners

Whole body workout. Developed by Joseph Pilates, the exercises were related to dances designed for people with injuries. Kate pointed out that runners always use forward motion, while Pilates works the body up and down, side to side, front and back.
The breath. We all know that the breath is so crucial in running, which is why the practice of Pilates requires mastering the breathing technique. Kate said that when we inhale and exhale in through the nose and out through the mouth, we expand the rib cage, pull the abs, and zip them up.
Strength. Pilates increases strength in anyone practicing it, which will reduce the risk of injuries. For instance, I am not big on lifting heavy weights, but knowing that I get my core, strength, and stretching done in one 45-minute class gives me confidence that I will get stronger with Pilates. As Kate says at the end of her class, “the more you do, the more you do.”
Flexibility. Like most runners, I am quite stiff and inflexible, which is why I simply can’t touch my toes without bending my knees. Pilates increases flexibility in our body and keeps us from getting injured.

Tree pose with my friend and Arete team mate Leilani Dunmoyer, who is also a big believer in Pilates, strength training, and Yoga.

THREE PILATES MOVES EVERY RUNNER SHOULD DO WEEKLY

Mondays are usually my days off from running, but as much as my awesome coach Jenny Hitchings wants me to take a full day of rest, I cannot do it without Pilates. I have tried the full rest and was stiff the next day, but when I only did Pilates on Monday and no running, I felt loose and my glutes and body were happy. However, if you don’t have access to a fitness club or studio to practice Pilates weekly, Kate suggested that you do the following three moves:

Planks and different variations. We usually do a variation in class and have been holding the pose for two minutes, or longer.

Fun doing side planks with leg raises with my awesome friend and best training partner Andrea Brizendine. We both ran Chicago marathon in 2018, so we are doing a little matching here.

2. Bird Dog pose is extremely beneficial for strength, core, and strong lower back and glutes.

Bird dog pose, one of the best to activate the core and glutes.

3. Single leg glute bridges are simply a must for runners, or anyone who wants to stay injury free. I do them 4-5 times a week and love doing them right before a run or race to activate the glute muscles and run strong.

Single leg glute bridge – the peanut butter and jelly pose – ha!ha! for us runners that we can do before or after a run, or any time we do our strength training routine.

Having lunch at the Pho House with my friend and favorite Pilates instructor Kate Muir.

Besides these three poses highly recommended by Kate, Runner’s World has some more Pilates moves that we can all incorporate into our routines so that we run strong and stay healthy, or as Kate likes to say: “Nice to see you to see you nice.” Namaste!

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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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Why Every Runner Should Do a Triathlon to Become a Stronger & More Well-Rounded Athlete

August 5, 2017 carmenmicsa Leave a comment

I graduated with my Masters degree in English from Sacramento State University in 2011. One of the highlights of my going back to school besides learning and becoming a better writer was biking from home to school using our beautiful American River Parkway. I was biking 20 miles round trip and loved my bike rides and the freedom they brought to my day. At the time, I was doing century rides for the American Diabetes Association in memory of my dear father who died of a heart attack due to his diabetes at the young age of 53.

TRIATHLON – A NEW SPORT TO MAKE US MORE WELL-ROUNDED

Now as a runner, I experience tremendous freedom and joy, but I also use the same muscles. After attending a free Triathlon information session at Fleet Feet, I have decided to jump right at it and do my first women only triathlon coming up on September 9th. Being new to triathlons, I did not even know what it really meant to do a triathlon. I found out that I would have to swim half a mile, bike 20 miles, and run 4 miles, so all doable. Moreover, after taking some clinics and talking to my runner friends who have done them, I realized that doing my first triathlon will open up new fitness doors that I never knew existed. This reminded me how important explorations and trying new things are.

At my first swim clinic wearing a wet suit for the first time in my life and feeling like a seal – all sealed up – ha!ha!

I figured the wet suit is not needed, so I bought myself some comfy swim shorts for my triathlon, as Carolyn, one of the women who has done many triathlons told me that it is easier to swim in a swim suit and transition easier and faster to the bike. I agree and have accepted the great advice.

What is a BRICK in triathlons? Why runners should do them once a week, or every other week to become stronger and faster whether training for a triathlon or not?

Veronica, one of my trail runner friends , who used to do half Ironman told me that I needed to start doing brick workouts. She explained to me what they meant, as I had no clue. The biking-running brick workout is one of the most popular, as one bikes first and then runs to prepare for the triathlon. Second most popular brick workout is swimming first and biking second. These two brick workouts can also be done in reverse, meaning run-bike, bike-swim, but the idea is to experience the same conditions and order as in the triathlon.

https://www.trainingpeaks.com/blog/using-brick-workouts-in-triathlon-training/

According to Chris Carmichael, there are various type of Brick workout, which he describes in his article.

http://trainright.com/get-it-together-with-brick-training/

Doing my first brick workout in preparation for my first Triathlon. I biked for 12.7 miles and then ran 4 miles.

Meeting Christy, a new fellow biker, who rides 50 miles on her days off. Wow! We rode together and immediately connected due to our being health conscious, vegan, and loving the freedom and control that exercise brings into our lives. To new friends! To more happy rides!

TOP FIVE REASONS TO DO BRICK WORKOUTS AS A RUNNER, OR JUST FOR OVERALL FITNESS

Excellent cross training exercises and routines.
The two sports help work and train different muscles in our bodies.
Reduced risk of injuries.
Increased cardio fitness.
Fun, fun, and more fun!

My first brick workout was biking 13.7 miles at a brisk pace and running 4 miles in the low 8s right after the biking. Although I felt my legs turn into bricks right after biking, I was able to run at a decent pace easing into each mile and being amazed at what my body could do. I felt confident and happy with my very first brick workout. I will report back after doing my second brick workout swimming and biking.

My selfie picture during the 4-mile brick workout. I had to quickly stop around mile 2, as it was getting hot. Running was not easy after biking, but what a great training!

Whether doing a triathlon, or not, I highly recommend mixing these type of brick workouts into your training to help you stay stronger and infuse more variety and fun into your workouts. Happy feet! Happy pedaling! Happy swim strokes! This is my favorite order for my upcoming women only triathlon, but everyone will have different favorites.

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 for REAL ESTATE!