Tag Archives: Running with friends

Sacramento Running Clubs and Racing Teams – Five Reasons You Should Choose a Team/Club in 2019

December 21, 2018 carmenmicsa 27 Comments

“Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together.” Paul Ryan

This quote strongly resonates with my progress as a runner and athlete due to the fact that I joined various teams and running clubs right after becoming a runner. I felt that running with friends gave me more strength, endurance, tenacity, better performance, and it was simply more fun that running alone.

I run with many friends and running groups, but Andrea and I are best running buddies and have logged thousands of miles together. We are fortunate to live close to each other and enjoy each other’s company.

SHORT HISTORY OF MY RUNNING JOURNEY

1. My greatest appreciation as a runner goes to Fleet Feet Sacramento training groups, as they helped me so much as a new runner. I could hardly wait to go to their Sunday long runs in preparation for California International marathon, when I started running in 2015.

2. After training for my first marathon, I got into trail running by joining Folsom Trail Running group and Trail Mix on Facebook. That was amazing, as trail runners are the friendliest people and so supportive.

3. In the summer of 2016, I joined Fleet Feet Fit program, where I met more wonderful runners and I did more track workouts, which improved my speed. After one season, I had enough fast races and qualified for the Fleet Feet Sacramento racing team. I have raced for them for the last two years and had great success and performances.

4. While on the team, I hired my own coach Robert Ressl-Moyer, who helped me PR in two half marathons, two marathons, and one ultra marathon. I also continued to run with Trail Running Adventures, Trail Mix, and Folsom Trail Runners, as well as the Fleet Feet Roseville racing team, as I enjoyed meeting new runners and running in various locations.

4. In 2019, I’ll be joining Arete team, as I feel they are an amazing supportive group of women (it is a women only team) and their training will challenge me more as a runner and help me grow. I am also training with SRA elite Jenny Hitchings (for more info, read the blog I wrote a few months ago on her huge accomplishments), amazing runner, coach, mother of two, who holds four age group National records in the 5K, 10K, 10 mile, and half marathon distance, and who checks in on me to make sure I am not doing too much, as I used to overtrain and race too much. Very excited about working with Jenny and looking forward to hitting some new PRs when the timing will be right.

OVERVIEW OF RUNNING CLUBS AND RACING TEAMS IN THE SACRAMENTO REGION

With 2019 around the corner, I wanted to give the running community an overview of the majority of our running clubs and teams. I was not able to reach everyone, or get info from all existing groups, but I have done this analysis to help you decide where you belong next year, as running with others is more fun and will likely get you stronger and faster.

1. ARETE

E-mail interview with Tamara Torlakson, who is Sacramento’s team leader of Arete.

Year Started: Fall of 2017
Number of Athletes: 103
Website: www.runarete.com
Other Random Facts:

– Arete was started in Santa Cruz by two best friends who wanted more from running teams!

– Arete is coached by Mary Wright, sub 3 hour marathoner and Mom of three! She posts awesome workouts weekly and gives great training advice. But if you have your own coach or like to follow your own plan, that is totally fine! We welcome all.

Super Sunday race. Arete team is cohesive and extremely supportive.

HOW TO JOIN THE CLUB

New members can join starting on January 1^st through the website, www.runarete.com. We will have a formal 2019 season launch party on Saturday February 2^nd at 2pm at one of our teammates homes. This is a chance to pick up new Rabbit uniform tops, meet teammates, Arete coach and co-founder Mary, and get any last minute questions answered! You can also sign up there, but we encourage you to sign up in advance if you can!

WHAT MAKES ARETE UNIQUE IN COMPARISON WITH THE OTHER CLUBS OUT THERE

Arete is the only all women’s running club in the Sacramento region. While we love running with men and they often join us for runs – we are open to all, we feel that having an all women’s team offers a safe space for open dialogue and a very supportive and positive space.

WHAT RUNNING MEANS TO YOU OR THE ARETE TEAM

Leading the Sacramento chapter of Arete has been such a joy! I love all the women that have joined us who have never been on a team before. Seeing them form friendships, find running partners, and improve their running is really fulfilling to see!

Info about Arete

This all women’s intermediate and advanced running team is fast with a side of fun. We are an environment that welcomes authenticity, grit, sweat, and fun. We believe that when women come together to support each other, they will get the most out of their running and their lives. We started Arete because we believe that running strong and joyfully is one of the best parts of life, and we know that women who share these values and goals exist in every city town across the country.

If you are wondering if it’s a good fit, we recommend you can run 6 miles without stopping– not to exclude anyone but to foster a space where no one is left behind and everyone feels encouraged. We also encourage you to start your own chapter or join our Remote team if an Arete team doesn’t already exist near you. (TT adding: In addition to the Sacramento chapter, there are chapters in Santa Cruz (where Arete started), Oakland, San Francisco Peninsula, Colorado Springs, and a Remote team – you can live anywhere – there are small groups in Chico, Santa Barbara, and Bend, Oregon.)

We understand that our lives are busy and your schedule may not always allow you to make every workout.

We look forward to gathering Arete groups from all over to race together, explore new trails, and meet people you may not have normally crossed paths with.

We all have a passion for this movement, for self-improvement, for being a part of something bigger than ourselves. There is something very special about a team.

2. TRAIL MIX

E-mail interview with Brad De Luchi, a great group leader who even creates training schedules for Salmon Falls 50K and AR 50 mile races.

Trail Mix was born out of one person’s desire to keep in touch with people and to keep running in between Fleet Feet Sacramento trail training sessions. It is not a racing team or running club; it has always been a loose collective of people who want to run together. It is a secret group on Facebook, meaning that you can’t look for it. You join by having an existing member add you. There is no expectation or requirement that members volunteer although it is encouraged and Trail Mix does host aid stations at a few races, most notably the Horseshoe Bar aid station at AR50/25.

What makes the group unique is that there is a penalty for falling while on a run. The original penalty, back when the group was small, was that you bought pancakes for those running with you. As the membership increased and the number of people at a run bigger the penalty switched to donuts. The fall penalty is taken very seriously and there are rules around what constitutes a fall and situations where fall rules are suspended. The rules have been amended over the years as new scenarios are discovered.

The photo I am attaching is not from a race but from one the best days out on the trail. We crossed a raging Hastings Creek near Cronan Ranch and in true Trail Mix fashion, we all worked together to make sure everybody got across safely. There is now a bridge over that creek so that day can never be repeated.

Trail Mix adventure run crossing the swollen, raging river after the rain. I skipped that run, as I was too chicken to go due to the wet conditions.

Running with Trail Mix has always meant friendship, support, connection.

3. TRAIL RUNNING ADVENTURES

E-mail interview with Carina Kool and Hassan Aboukhadijeh, group leaders.

Trail Running Adventures is a group of people who love to have fun and motivate each other as we all embark on our own unique running journey. Our motto is simple, “no runner left behind”.

The founders of Trail Running Adventures and one of the members. This year they also created their team hats, visors, and T-shirts. Looking great!

If you want to join the group, it’s easy! We have runners of all ages and paces so you’ll be sure to always have a few people to run with.

As part of this group, we’ll introduce you to all sorts of incredible trails/races that you’ve likely never even heard about. In addition, the social component of our group is very important to us and thus we regularly host potlucks, movie nights, and even coordinate our travels together.

Oh, and we love taking pictures, so smile!

Volunteering:

We love giving back to the running community and volunteering. We love encouraging & supporting other runners. By being a part of our group, you aren’t required to volunteer though, but if you can, that’s great.

Website for more info: http://www.trailrunningadventures.run/

4. TEAM REMO

E-mail interview with Robert Ressl-Moyer, coach, ultra runner, and founder of the group.

Team ReMo in action with amazing runners. I love being part of this awesome group led by a terrific coach and wonderful human being Robert Ressl-Moyer.

Behind Team ReMo is Remo Fitness founded by Robert Ressl-Moyer in 2018. He offers personal training, group classes in partnership with Dai Endurance and personalized run coaching. His services are open to everyone regardless your club affiliation.

How to join?

You can started with us through personalized run coaching, personal training, or small group training. Once started you are part of the ReMo family. www.remofitness.com

What makes ReMO unique?

ReMo is open to everyone. I am working with runners from run/walkers, injured runners fighting their way back, to runners dreaming of an Olympic qualifier. There are no prerequisites to join ReMo. You bring the passion and I got your back while pursuing your wildest dreams.

What does running mean to ReMo?

We face our fears, build our strengths and find joy in challenging who we are.

5. FLEET FEET ROSEVILLE/FOLSOM

E-mail interview with Rob Schmidt, passionate runner, assistant coach, and supportive friend and wonderful human being.

Rob said: “Yeah, we have a pretty cool team. Jocelyn, my daughter, is enhancing it this year by including four structured (approx 1/2 marathon) training programs that are included: two trail races and two road. It addition, we’ll have team events that support the local community, such as Folsom Turkey Trot, Folsom Firecracker, and other East Sac area races. Basically those are races that we’d like team members to participate in, but that is totally optional.”

What’s unique about the group?

The neon pink and green jerseys that their members wear and make them stand out at a race.
The team accepts and has runners of all levels. Their group isn’t about being the fastest; they rather focus on team support and recognition for those who like to run and participate in group activities be that local or across the country. The group also celebrates AG winners along with those who simply PR in any given race.
The team’s end of the year celebration party is about all the runners in the team, as FF Roseville/Folsom has male and female “Athlete of the Year” Awards, race AG wins, and participation/volunteering at team events. They also have Boston Qualifier Award, Rookie of the Year, and Pink and Green contribution awards. Some of the prizes were embroidered backpacks given to runners who participated in six of the eight selected team races, as well as plaques.

Volunteering

Fleet Feet Roseville/Sacramento asks for volunteers at team sponsored events, tent monitor, aid stations, and other duties, but it is requested and not demanded.

What does running mean to Rob Schmidt?

“I believe that running has helped build new friendships, enhanced my health, and provided a venue of positive support and encouragement. Running with a team that embraces those values makes exercising and accomplishing goals a lot of fun. I run everything from road 5ks to ultra trail 50ks, and everything in between. I enjoy the side benefit of running outdoors in this wonderful environment we are lucky to live within. NorCal has a lot to offer and running allows me to experience it at a higher level.”

How to Sign Up?

… https://raceroster.com/events/2019/20450/fleet-feet-racing-team-2019?fbclid=IwAR1vZJEmsoTVquai9xEFQXHSNWXQiG1tBT7XszQnEbikfWb0HKAshltfsRw

INFORMATION NIGHT: Join them on Thursday, January 3rd at Fleet Feet Folsom at 6:00pm for our kick-off meeting and first workout of the year!

What is the Racing Team all about?

Our Racing Team is driven by passionate coaches who lead weekly runs, and experienced mentors to help facilitate workouts. Through our Fleet Feet Racing Team, our coaches will facilitate year-round runs for participants to meet up, gather, and run together.

Team Details

Year-round program
Training plans for goals races
4 goal races strategically placed quarterly:
- Lost Trail Half Marathon, Granite Bay, CA (Trail)
- Parkway Half Marathon, Carmichael, CA (Road)
- TBD
- TBD
Two coached workouts:
- Thursday @ 6pm
- Saturday @ 8am
- Meetup locations will primarily be in Folsom with occasional workouts closer to our Roseville location
Facebook private group access
Monthly emails with upcoming training schedule and updates
Printable event calendar featuring Fleet Feet Events and training
Team challenges and social events year-round
All racing distances are welcome!
Program fee: $150

6. FLEET FEET RACING SACRAMENTO

Having been a member of this group for two years, I will provide the information.

Info about Fleet Feet Racing Sacramento

As opposed to Fleet Feet Roseville/Folsom, runners who want to join have to meet the qualification standards to be accepted. To find out all the details, go to the team’s website http://www.fleetfeetracingsacramento.com/.

Having been part of Fleet Feet Racing, I grew as an athlete and I enjoyed giving back to the community, as well as making wonderful friends for life. However, unlike all the other teams in Sacramento, Fleet Feet Racing Sacramento requires their team members to volunteer at least three times a year, which is not hard to do, but for those runners who barely find time to run, they need to take into considerations the following commitment as presented on the website:

Commit to be active in Fleet Feet Racing practices, racing events, and social events. Membership does not preclude individuality. We recognize that each member has a specific set of running goals that may direct him or her to different races. However, visibility in Sacramento-area races with a focus on Buzz Oates RunSac Race Series events and attendance at team practices are an important part of membership.
Minimum number of races per year: 6
Support Fleet Feet Events Management events through volunteering a minimum of 3 times per year.

What’s Unique about Fleet Feet Racing Sacramento?

The competitive spirit, the drive to accomplish more as an athlete and human being, as well as good team support and strong runners who will inspire you to become the best version of yourself.

The Power of FOO at the Super Sunday race, where the energy and the support were amazing.

2. The power of orange, or FOO. New Balance has been a generous and wonderful sponsor to our team. Runners receive discounts on the New Balance shoes and merchandise.

3. Great end of the year party at a nice restaurant, celebrating the runners who have volunteered the most, but we did not have awards for the top athletes like Fleet Feet Roseville/Folsom. I think that would be great to have those awards added in the future to recognize our outstanding runners.

7. THE RIVER CITY REBELS, OR SIMPLY THE REBELS

E-mail interview with Andy Harris, founder of the group and with Bobby Carpenter, a passionate runner and the owner of Hot Yoga at Sunrise, during a trail run together on the bluffs by Hazel.

Info about The Rebels and How to Join

For info on this awesome group of runners who are one of our region’s best cross country male team, please visit their website at https://rivercityrebelsrunning.com/.

The River City Rebels are a Sacramento-based club formed in 1994 by a handful of local runners who liked training and racing together. The name “Rebels” fits both the club’s founding spirit and it’s ongoing philosophy of training hard, racing often, and always having a good time.

Info from their website: “We are the LEAST EXPENSIVE running club in Sacramento that has the most FUN!
ONLY $25.00 to join and $40 for a family membership!

Your River City Rebels membership automatically enters you in the RunSac competitive division for 2019. Entering the RunSac series on your own would cost you $35, so membership is a real bargain!

You can also to fill out and mail the membership form with your dues by downloading it HERE. If you choose this option, please mail the form to: River City Rebels, P.O.Box 189667, Sacramento, CA 95818.

The Rebels after another successful cross country race. Lots of fun, great support , and camaraderie.

8. Buffalo Chips

Info about Buffalo Chips and how to join

I was not able to get an e-mail interview, but as most of you know, and according to their great website, the Buffalo Chips, are Sacramento’s oldest running club. They are a diverse group that includes competitive and casual runners, short-distance, marathon and ultra-marathon runners.

As George Parrott pointed out, the Buffalo Chips also supports a strong youth program with a separate youth coach and training series. The Tuesday night workouts for the Chips started in 1980 ONLY for women. The Chips was and still is strongly supportive of women’s fitness and excellence in sport with women’s marathon teams that have WON the team title at Boston 3X in the open and 2X in the master’s division and the National Championship at the marathon once. In the 1990’s Runner’s World named the Chips “the best running club in the United States.”

To find out more about the club, click here. Questions about Buffalo Chips Membership? Please send an email to membership@buffalochips.com. Click here to join or renew your membership. Make sure you are current to continue to receive all the benefits of membership. Don’t forget to renew your PAUSATF membership as well, at http://www.pausatf.org

“The members of the Buffalo Chips Running Club consider ourselves active participants in the local running community and the overall Sacramento metropolitan area through our contributions of energy and resources to promote a healthy lifestyle and positive changes in the lives of its vibrant population. Each year, we dedicate a portion of the proceeds collected from our membership dues, race revenue, and outside donations to promote activities and organizations that contribute to the well-being of our neighbors.”

Indeed, I have many friends belonging to this wonderful group of runners, and I can say that I am impressed by their friendliness, kindness, great attitude towards life and running, and their commitment to helping our community. Their 10-mile Buffalo Stampede yearly summer race is one of the best in our region.

9. Run4EVER

In 2015 after having completed CIM, my first marathon, I set up Run4Ever group as a way for us to keep in touch with each other after having met through the amazing Fleet Feet CIM training group. Please feel free to join it on FB and enjoy weekly inspiring posts about running, life, nutrition, and being a ninja- ha!ha!

You also can see at least two runs posted every week, especially trail running. As the name of the group says, I wish everyone to run 4 ever with joy.

Elisia de Bord was my first friend I started running with in the CIM training group. The funny thing is that we reconnected through running after we had gone through Graduate school together taking our Masters degrees in English at Sacramento State University. So grateful for the friendship.

Holly Macriss has also been one of my very first and dearest friends I started running with. Our first run together was a half marathon on the bike trail on a Wednesday, as I sometimes could not make the long weekend runs.

10. Other FB running groups

If you are a trail runner, you sure are covered.

Here are a few more running groups that you can easily find on Facebook and join: Folsom Trail Runners, Auburn Ultrarunners, Norcal Runagades, Rogue Runners, Ultra Training, Trail Whisperers, Auburn Area, Sierra Foothills Trail Runners, Canyons 100K , and Moms Run this Town, which has many chapters all around Sacramento and is focused on both road and trail running.

11. SRA Elite – Sacramento Running Association, which will be a separate blog.

How to join: only open to elite runners. Outstanding organization and Sacramento’s premier racing team!

After this thorough analysis of teams and clubs, if you are still not sure whether you wish to join a team, here are five reasons why you should choose a team/club in 2019:

The most compelling one is the camaraderie you will develop with the runners in your team, which gets you through fun and tough times so much easier.
Doing speed workouts and long runs together with your teammates is huge, especially when running a 20-miler and you feel like throwing in the towel and questioning your own sanity. Instead, running with others will confirm your craziness and even make it cool!
Giving it your best and running with passion and dedication in racing events while wearing your team’s apparel.
Having a coach, or a team leader you can check with regarding your progress, your injuries, or anything else that you wish to ask.
Staying motivated, inspired, and challenged for being part of a team that believes in you and supports your goals and dreams.

This blog does not contain all the clubs and racing teams in Sacramento, but the author Carmen Micsa has tried to give a detailed picture of the majority of teams and clubs out there.

Questions on joining any of these groups, organizations, teams? Please comment on the blog.

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17 Life Lessons I Learned from Running in 2017

January 2, 2018 carmenmicsa Leave a comment

“Running is like a blooming rose – each petal encapsulating its own beauty amidst thorns. Running is also peeling off the layers of life one petal at a time to achieve the ultimate magic.” Carmen Micsa

At the end of each year, there is reflection and remembering all the lessons we have learned.

Physical Fitness Lessons

When your first injury as a runner strikes, learn to let your body heal through cross training, such as swimming and biking.

I consider myself pretty fortunate to avoid injuries, as I do have a decent form and I am good about listening to my body if something hurts me during a run. However, this year I got my first injury that sidelined me from running for almost two months after doing a tough track workout with my Fleet Feet Sacramento Racing team. We did mile repeats and I felt great during the workout. However, when I returned home, I was visibly limping, which is why my husband asked me if I got injured. I replied that I felt great during my track workout and that it is probably just temporary. I was wrong: I had peroneal tendonitis, which hurt my foot when I walked, so I had to take time off and heal using acupuncture and my new best friend the TENS machine, which is short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Although my tendon was not completely healed, I have decided to race my favorite 5K race the ZooZoom Run. I finished second in my age group, but at the end of the race, I was barely able to walk. I knew I had to listen to my body and start healing and take time off from running. Poor decision to run the race.

2. Let aqua jogging be thy medicine!

Although we runners believe there is no such thing as swimmer’s high, swimming is one of the best methods to recover from an injury. I did different pool jogging intervals to keep my cardio fitness up and the tendon loved the gentleness of the water. http://running.competitor.com/2014/07/training/cross-training-101-swimming-for-runners_82017

I was lucky that my California Family Fitneess club had the hydro-fit belt that helped me do pool running, gave me joy, strength, and helped me heal my tendon.

3. Biking is another great cross training method for runners.

Biking is extremely beneficial to keep your cardio level up, as well as one of the favorite with injured runners, but I have decided to continue biking as cross training when not injured.

Preparing for my first triathlon. Combining swimming, running, and biking is quite fun and challenging. I have also enjoyed doing bricks workouts, such as biking followed by running.

4. Getting injured can help one put perspective on things, as well as become more adventurous in trying other athletic endeavors, such as a triathlon.

After I healed from my injury, I gained a new perspective on things and learned to appreciate swimming and biking, which is why I have decided to do compete in my first triathlon on Sept. 9 organized by Total Body Fitness. To my great delight, I finished third in my age group, doing very well in swimming, OK in biking, and outstanding in running.

I finished third in my age group, even though I did my very first triathlon. Yet, the highlight was the discovery that I can have stamina and strength to swim, bike, and run.

5. Learning to trust our bodies after an injury and come back stronger.

It took me almost a month to regain my speed and confidence in my ability to run strong and continue to get PRs in all my half marathon races, my marathon, and my 10K. At first, I tried to stay away from track workouts, but I realized that I needed to continue my running journey with passion and confidence.

Running together with my friend Andrea Brizendine helped me bounce back from injury and made me look forward to my runs.

6. Learning to respect my body and to strengthen it with key workouts and specific exercises to avoid future injuries.

One of the best exercises to strengthen muscles are kettle bells thrusts. My gluteal muscles often hurt after long runs, so I knew that I needed to do specific exercises to keep strong and be a better runner because of weekly strength workouts.

7. Learning to trust your body when running higher mileage weeks in preparation for a marathon.

Getting my own coach to prepare me to run my strongest marathon so far was the best decision I made, as Robert-Ressl Moyer, a top ultra runner and winner of many 50k races, taught me to trust my body when running between 50 to 70 miles a week. He helped me get my body stronger by having me do a few easy runs after every tough speed workout, which kept me healthy and uninjured through California International Marathon.

Running strong and faster with the help of my amazing coach Robert Ressl-Moyer.

8. Running fast on tired legs is not a myth!

With the help of my coach, I have learned to finish my races with negative splits, meaning running faster at the end. The main workout to help me accomplish this were my weekly progressive runs for the first month I trained with him to get me to run faster on tired legs at the end of our workout. I succeeded to negative split the Urban Cow half marathon finishing with a 3-minute PR in 1:43:56 with a 7:56 pace, The Mandarin half marathon finishing in 1:41:21 with a 7:45 pace another 2:30 mins PR only a month later after running Urban Cow half marathon, and the California International Marathon, where I had a 7-minute PR and qualified for Boston for the first time.

My awesome friend and training partner Andrea and I after finishing a smooth progressive run together.

Boston-Bound at California International Marathon, where I finished my fourth marathon in 3:40:41.

Mental Fitness Lessons

9. Dig deep literally means just that when you use your mental toughness during your training runs or races.

Digging deep as a runner, or a human being on the quest of achieving a big goal means just that. Although I am not a gardener, I find this expression to represent physical and mental strength when digging a hole, but more importantly, the strength is imperative to dig one’s way out of the hole. As runners we have to find that inner fortitude to run strong through the pain when our bodies rebel against us. My revelation came during the middle miles of my fourth marathon that I ran on Dec. 3rd, 2017. I was getting really tired and my gluteal muscles were sore and hurting. I slowed down by 30 seconds from my goal marathon pace of 8:16 and I was even thinking that marathons are not my cup of tea and why was I insisting on abusing my body like that. I even wanted to stop and use the bathroom, but I decided to harness my mental strength and focus on good form technique, and running the best I could to Loehman’s Plaza past the 20 mile point. Sure enough after that my body stopped hurting, or was it my mind overwriting the body? I started to run at 8:14 pace and felt rejuvenated and confident in my ability to finish strong.

I was able to run part of the CIM with my wonderful friend Karen Clark who ran ahead of me during the middle miles. I managed to catch up with her around mile 22 when my mental strength helped me dig deep and get out of the pain hole that slowed me down.

10. Find another gear.

How do runners differ from bikers? They just don’t have as many gears. Nevertheless, once we allow our brains to process and transcend physical pain, we become stronger and able to find faster gears that we did not know existed and were available to us. The way I learned to access my faster gears was by finishing many key track workouts with a few 200 meter repeats on tired legs. The first time I discovered that I could run super fast at the end of the workout on tired legs, I felt like a legit athlete. Running strong at the end felt like pulling a rabbit out of a magician’s hat, since the pain had disappeared and allowed the legs to do their thing.

My super fast and supportive team mates Genevieve Clavier and David Pai made me look forward to our 5:20 a.m. Tuesday workouts, when we all gave it our best and felt as if we were hanging off a precipice, but somehow managed to stay in control of our tired legs and finished the workouts strong.

11. Overwriting our doubts and mental weakness.

I was doing 800 meters on track with my awesome team mates, when my body and legs rebelled and started to slow down. My coach who was timing us noticed that I slowed down, so he said: “Your legs are not tired; it’s all in your mind.” I smiled and tried to process that statement. My next 800 was stronger, and the last one was the strongest. I had to simply overwrite my brain that was giving wrong signals to my body. All of a sudden, I found renewed energy in my running and knew I could do it! I felt in control of my body, thoughts, and managed to subdue the doubts that were creeping up like tiny spiders ready to weave their web of lies around my tired legs that were capable to give more that morning on track. Positive thoughts and reinforcement are an important tool for runners to have when needed.

Doing track workouts with friends is always more fun and motivating.

12. The power of visualization.

It is essential to visualize our goals and even more important to let our friends, our social network and media know about our goals, so that they can keep us accountable. Besides visualizing our goals, it really helps to repeat to yourself what you wish to get out of a race. For instance, when I ran the MandaRun half marathon, I kept telling myself that I wanted to finish with a 7:45 pace, since my pace during my Urban Cow half marathon was 7:56. During the race, I felt great and the speed was effortless, but I kept pushing myself to run a little faster than 7:45 to account for slowing down on a few hills. To my great surprise, I finished the half marathon in 1:41:21 with a 7:45 pace. I was elated and surprised that I finished third in my age group, as half marathons are harder to place. This was my first time finishing in the top three at a half marathon and felt that repeating the magic pace numbers worked well for me. The brain and the body were focused on the same goal and worked as a team!

Showing off my two medals that I earned at the Mandarun half marathon. First time getting an age group award for a half marathon race.

Spiritual Lessons

13. Jumping with Joy.

To me running is the perfect harmony between body and mind. In order to celebrate that inimitable feeling, I often jump with joy suspended between Heaven and Earth and rejoicing in the runner’s high.

No description needed. Too much joy and exhilaration!

14. Running is divine.

I have enjoyed doing trail runs for the change in scenery and for the divine beauty I see all around me. Just like we need to break up the monotony in running and run trails instead of road all the time, it is the same with life. We need to find the divine in various activities, in the people we meet, and in the ordinary that we can easily transform into extraordinary. The divine is within each of us and once we learn how to access it, we will feel our hearts expand with love for others and ourselves.

15. Running is finding God in nature.

Even though we need to watch our feet and pay attention to each step we take on the trails, I always rejoice in connecting with God during my runs. This year, I saw a cross in the sky right before Easter and I teared up thinking how much God loved us and how much I enjoyed discovering and talking to God during my runs through nature. Then on Christmas Eve when I ran the Foresthill Divide Loop with a few wonderful friends from our racing team, I stopped on the trail enthralled to discover God’s Temple.

I took this picture on Good Friday before Easter this year. At first, I thought it was just the evening sky right before sunset, but when I looked at the picture on my phone, I was in awe to see the clouds forming a cross in the sky. I cried, prayed, and wrote a poem about this divine apparition in the sky.

The light filtering through this old, mature bent over tree stopped me in my tracks. I felt God’s infinite love for me and all mankind. This deep spiritual connection filled my heart with love and gratitude for the existence of a higher BEING and for being ALIVE and closer to GOD.

16. Running is transcendence.

Whenever I run, there is a calmness descending over me that transcends any worries, crazy thoughts, doubts, or fears. Moreover, running becomes my way of transcending time and space and propels me in the NOW.

I love bridges, as they connect two ends, two worlds, two souls, two hearts, and many transcending moments in time.

17. The Zen of Running.

Running is controlling the shallow and deep breaths into a rhythmic breath, which I call the Zen of running, for it gives me inner peace, calmness, and composure to be the best human being possible. I also feel serene when I enter the Zen realm and know that no matter how difficult or long the run is, I will end up overcoming pain and come out cleansed and elated.

This art reminds me of the Zen of running, of breathing and living a meaningful and joyous life.

I am humbled to share what I have learned from running in 2017 and hope to hear your stories, too about your ultimate running experiences. Please share any special moments and lessons you have learned during your runs. Namaste!

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!

Long runs, Running, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, Running in new places, Running keeps us younger, Sacramento real estate, The joy of running, vegan running

Making Long Runs in New Places, Towns, & States Fun, Enriching, & Memorable!

July 2, 2017 carmenmicsa 2 Comments

Traveling to new places with my family means bonding, having fun, laughing, trying new foods, and exploring. We love to play sports, hike, visit museums and caves, and enjoy being together. Yet, my favorite way to explore new places is to do it at my own running pace before our children even wake up and are ready to start their day with us.

We have recently visited the Midwest and have enjoyed Chicago, the impressive, unforgettable, and most beautiful American city in my humble opinion, the sweeping and undulating corn fields of Illinois and Indiana, the magnificent lush forests, the balm weather, the history, and spending time with our friends.

After having spent a week in Illinois, we headed to French Lick, Indiana, a quaint, small town with a population of around 1,800. I also wondered about the name and found out that this town used to be a French Trading Post built near a spring and salt lick. Known for its Pluto Water and healing springs, French Lick is also the hometown of basketball legend Larry Bird.

The signs pointing to the many adventures around French Lick, IN.

From the moment we drove into town, I noticed the winding paths. As always, my husband helped me plan and plot my run, so I had a route ready for the next day.

THE HISTORY

On a crisp June morning with 55 degree temperatures, I took off for my long run that had to be at least 10 miles. I was soaking in the fresh air and was giddy with excitement. I was also thinking of my friends back home in Sacramento who had to put up with the 107-degree sweltering weather. In less than a mile, I arrived in front of the French Lick Springs Hotel, which is on the United States National Register of Historic Places for its architecture and old charm in our modern world (the hotel first opened in 1855).

Front of the French Link Springs Hotel, where I took the path leading to the next small city West Baden and the other historic hotel West Baden Springs.

Running down this paved trail was enjoyable.

After about two miles of running, I reached the next town and hotel West Baden Springs Hotel, also named the Carlsbad of America. I loved the arched entry and the brick path. I stopped to take some pictures, as well as learn about the history of the hotel and its mineral water and baths that were alleged to cure more than fifty ailments.

The double arches confer a European appearance to the hotel.

As I ran on the brick path towards the hotel and the beautiful gardens, I learned that it was the original brick street installed when the hotel was built in 1902.

I loved running through the garden of West Baden Hotel, as the brick road reminded me of some streets in Romania, where I grew up.

I could not resist taking a selfie of the water fountain in the middle of the garden that was a healing place many years ago when visitors came to find cure to their illnesses by drinking the springs water.

Running is social – connecting with a local runner

Around mile 3 into my run, I ran into a local runner. I asked him how long the trail outside the West Baden Hotel was and he told me that the path ended right after the bridge. At that point, I figured I might as well repeat the same loop and asked him if I could join him. David told me that he was running his usual three-mile loop, so I was happy to have company and talk to a local runner. I found out that he was a teacher, married with two small children, and that his wife was a nurse. We talked about Indiana and why he liked it. I also told him a little bit about California and our lives there. He told me that he enjoyed running 5K races and that he also ran a half marathon with his wife in Kentucky. David was polite, kind, and a good running companion, which made my long run more enjoyable. No matter where I meet new runner friends, I feel so blessed to be part of a worldwide running community. Our universal love of running does not need translating; it simply resurfaces like a well-balanced surf board above high and tall waves.

David kept me company for about three miles and regaled me with stories from his hometown French Lick, IN. I enjoy meeting new runners who are passionate about our sport and run with happy feet.

After an enjoyable run, I said good-bye to David and thanked him for his company. I only had four miles left to make it to 10 miles, so I headed back towards French Link, passing by churches, small restaurants, a mini golf course, and small antique stores.

I loved the brick church and what it represented: Christianity , warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of Southern Indiana.

Our Lady of the Springs Church founded in 1887 faces the street sign reading Indiana Street.

TRIVIA

Besides exercising, socializing, learning about the history of French Link and West Baden, I also gathered some fun trivia knowledge that I can share during my runs with my runner friends back home.

TOMATO JUICE

In front of the French Link Hotel, there is a sign about the invention of the tomato juice. In 1917, French Lick Chef Louis Perrin ran out of oranges to squeeze for juice during the breakfast rush. With a group of Chicago businessmen waiting, Chef Perrin improvised and squeezed some tomatoes. The businessmen loved it and spread the word: tomato juice was great stuff. By the 1920, tomato juice was promoted as a health drink.

WEST BADEN – THE CARLSBAD OF AMERICA

According to one of the signs in front of the hotel,Carlsbad means “Charles’ bath,” named for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who is believed to have discovered the mineral springs at Carlsbad in 1347.

ORIGIN OF THE WORD HYGIENE

West Baden Springs Hotel had four springs all known for their amazing healing properties. One of the springs was named Hygeia, based upon the goddess of health in Greek mythology. Thus, the word hygiene comes from this Greek goddess’ name.

With running tours becoming more popular, I am grateful to go on my own running tours and learn on the go, as well as immerse myself in the culture of the new places I visit. During this trip, I have become fascinated with fireflies, brick homes and buildings, the dancing corn fields extending for miles, and the ubiquitous red barns.

When traveling, I also like to apply this German saying: “we grow too soon old and too late smart,” which matches with my philosophy to explore new places we visit with the eyes of a curious and inquisitive child and the soul of a wiser traveler.

This teapot was hung on the wall of the German Restaurant we had lunch in French Lick. Our kids loved the Polish sausage and the home-made pretzels.

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!

Long runs, Marathon running, Running, Running and real estate, Running keeps us younger, Running stronger together!, The joy of running, vegan running

10 Reasons Buddy Runs are Fun, Interesting, and Challenging!

May 28, 2017 carmenmicsa 2 Comments

“The best way to relieve stress is not yoga or meditation – although those can be wonderful – but human contact. We need each other.”

Maia Szalavitz, The Sun Magazine

Although running is a wonderful activity to do solo, because it is a great way to problem solve, meditate, and reflect on life, running with your friends can be fulfilling, fun, and make those miles pass by quickly. To me, running with fun and interesting friends has been especially valuable during the long runs, as well as when doing trail running. The chatting, the laughter, the multiple perspectives on life and running have made me look forward to my runs with my amazing friends and training partners.

Holly has been my first running partner. We connected through the Fleet Feet training Facebook page and we became friends. It is always lovely to run together!

Although we went to graduate school together, Elisia and I became friends during my first CIM training with Fleet Feet in 2015. We ran many of our long runs together and had fun and interesting conversations. I am so happy that we reconnected through running.

10 REASONS RUNNING WITH FRIENDS IS MORE FUN, INTERESTING, AND CHALLENGING

Running is a social experience and making new friends who love running as much as we do makes running much more enjoyable.
Running is simply more fun when doing it with your running buddy/training partner, or doing it with a big group.
My wonderful friend and favorite training partner Andrea and I jumping with joy during an easy run through Ancil Hoffman, or what I call my slice of Paradise. Lots of joy and excitement.

3. Running with a good like-minded friend can make you step outside your comfort zone, such as adding push-ups after your runs, or doing squats and lunges at the bottom of a hill. My friend Cheri, who teaches an awesome core class at Cal Fit, inspires me to get those push-ups done.

After Cheri saw lots of my running posts and jumping pictures, she played around with her phone and came up with a brilliant way to take high jumping selfies. She set the phone on the 10 second timer and placed it on the ground, making our jump look really high. Fun photography I-phone trick that I would not have learned had I not met Cheri and started running together.

4. We all have a love-hate relationship with speed workouts on the track, but doing it together as a group makes it so much fun and challenging. Being on the Fleet feet Sacramento racing team, I get to train with the team on Tuesdays for our track workouts and long runs during the weekend. When I see my team mates run strong, I am motivated to run strong myself.

A fun evening doing speed workout with my Fleet Feet racing team. Josh and Tracy are much faster and stronger than me as a runner, which motivates me to strive and reach for more.

5. Running with others is beneficial to our emotional well-being, as we can talk about our successes and injuries to people who might have similar experiences and can be supportive of our journeys. The key, however, is balance, as we do not want to bring everyone down with our injuries. Instead, we want to find ways to be positive and encouraging of our running partners.

6. Trail running is the best to run with others for various reasons: company, support, strength in numbers in case a bear or mountain lion cross our paths, and the fun of being together in nature.

Having become part of the Trail Mix family of dedicated trail runners in 2016 has been the most amazing experience for me, as I have met incredible people and have explored new trails I never knew that existed before.

Exploring the Auburn Confluence trails with Adam and Aaron. Adam and I have been on the Fleet Feet Fit and now on the Racing team together. He has also been an amazing training partner in 2016 when I trained for the CIM (California International Marathon), my third marathon.

7. Running with others gives us a different perspective on life, as talking about our ideas, problems, and challenges with our friends can bring solutions and answers that we could not have found on our own.

8. Running and training with a group, such as my racing team, can infuse more meaning and purpose into your life, as well as unveil life’s pure joys.

My team mates from Fleet Feet Sacramento Racing team, which I have joined last year in December after running my third marathon and having a great year with a few age group wins in races.

9. Running with others makes us more accountable, which is paramount to our success in life and sports.

I have run most of my 20 milers with my wonderful friends from FF Fit who kept me accountable and made me enjoy those 20 mile training runs for CIM.

10. Running with others brings the concept of togetherness to a new level and makes us happy, content, and physically and mentally healthy.

Karen and I became wonderful friends during the Parkway 20-mile race that we both ran before the CIM. This picture is at the start of the CIM marathon in 2016. Grateful for our amazing friendship.

And when in doubt of whether to run or not to run, simply reach out to your friends who will help you stay on track. Also remember: running is a two-way street, which means that your friends are there for you and you will in turn be there for them. All for one and one for all – my favorite musketeer mantra.

“What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult to each other? “ George Eliot, Middlemarch