I've spent most of the spring getting ready for a Trail Ultra-Marathon this fall. Along the way I've discovered some great trails around Lincoln that I never knew existed. I can't believe it took me 7 years to run in Wilderness Park! I've also sought out local and regional trail races in order to specifically train for the challenge I'll face in the fall. Two weeks ago, I ran the Ni-Bthaska-Ke Trail 12 K at Platte River State Park and today I ran a trail 1/2 marathon outside Lawrence, KS as part of the "Free State Trail Runs." The Ni-Bthaska-Ke run was the hardest race I've ever run and the one today wasn't much easier. Along the way, I've noticed a few things about trail running, which is distinctly different from road running.
The chance of breaking a bone trail running is pretty good.
There is a little more B.O. on a trail run.
People talk about new bands that remind them of the Grateful Dead.
The aid stations are awesome.
There is nearly always good beer and music I recognize at the finish.
Most runners have tattoos.
Nobody runs in lululemon.
Finish times mean very little.
Listening to music is frowned upon if not frankly against the rules.
Nobody talks about Boston.
Trail running is a lot more fun.
I'll have more on my trail running adventures in the coming weeks and months!
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Balance & Time Management
I was recently asked to draft an essay for a half-marathon training group, addressing issues of balance and time management. I know many others who are training for spring races. As the miles add up, we can find ourselves stretched thin at home and work. In this essay, I share some tips and tricks I learned while I was in the midst of my heavy training.
Here it is:
One of the questions I often get is, “how do you have time to train for marathons, work as a surgeon, and spend time with your family?” The answer is time management and balance. I would like to share with you what I have learned along the way, and give you some tips and tricks for how to tackle the training necessary for a full or half marathon, and stay balanced in your life, not neglecting your other responsibilities at home and work.
I had completed three marathons already by the time I met my wife, so she knew that I was a runner. However, until you live with one, it is difficult to understand what that means. Full marathons generally require at least one long run of 20 miles and several long runs of 12-20 miles in the weeks or months before that. Not to mention the weekday runs, too! The mileage for a half is obviously less, but the principles are the same. You might be gone for 2, 3, or 4 hours on your long run, but it isn’t just the time on the actual run that counts. The night before a long run you generally are going to want to go to bed early and eat a certain way. After the run, you are going to be tired and sore and not feel like doing a whole lot. Pretty soon, the long run can dominate an entire weekend. If you aren’t careful, this can result in resentment from your spouse or significant other if he or she is not on board. To this day, my wife is mad that when I ran the Salt Lake City Marathon, we never went and looked at the Great Salt Lake. I was too tired!! We joke about it now, but she was really disappointed!
I’ve compiled a few suggestions on how to manage your time and balance the demands of training with family and work responsibilities.
1. Get wise as to your why’s, and share them. If you have a spouse or significant other and he or she is not a runner, explain why you are training. Maybe it is get in shape, lose weight, connect with friends, deal with stress, or achieve a bucket list item. Whatever the reason is, share with those around you. They will better understand your motivation and are more likely to support your endeavor. My wife has learned that when I am training, I am the best version of myself. That spills over into every other aspect of my life at home and work. For this reason, among others, she is extremely supportive of my hobby. Also, when you truly understand why you are doing this, those reasons will help to keep you motivated. For me, my goal was to run a marathon in every state. That goal got me out the door lots of mornings I would have rather stayed in bed.
2. Make it a family affair. Whenever possible, include your family in your training. My wife and I planned our wedding during long training runs for the Country Music Marathon in 2004. It may not be practical to include your family in long training runs, but try and do some of your training with them. My wife and I often go on short jogs together now, and use this time to connect away from the distractions of home and work. Similarly, if your children are old enough to run, ask if they want to run with you. Even if it is only for a hundred yards, you will both enjoy it. Finally, if you have small kids, I highly recommend a Baby Jogger. It’s a great way to include young children in your run, and can lighten the load on your spouse.
A positive side effect of this will be the effect it has on your family. One of the things I am most proud of is the culture of exercise that exists in my house now. My kids think it is perfectly normal for running shoes, hats, and sweaty tech shirts to be lying around. They love to put on headlamps and run around in the back yard, pretending that they are running marathons in the dark like dad.
3. Sacrifice. You will have to sacrifice. My job involves long hours away from home so the last thing I want to do is sacrifice family time in order to train. For this reason, I have become extremely efficient at training. My goal for a weekend long run is to be home by the time everyone is eating breakfast. In order to do this, I usually have to get up and be out the door by 5 AM. I started one long run at 3:30 AM! I love these early morning solo runs. There is nothing more peaceful than a long run on a dark morning. I have found, too, that the miles seem to go by a little faster when it is very dark and early in the morning (probably because I am half asleep during the first half of it). I am usually home by 7 or 8 and don’t feel like I’ve missed much.
4. Use your time wisely. As a surgeon, my days can be unpredictable. I never know what might be waiting for me when I get to the hospital, and never know exactly what time I might get home. I have made the mistake of putting off a run until evening, assuming I would have time. Invariably something comes up that prevents me from getting the run in. Do it first thing in the morning before the many demands of work and family pile up. Sometimes, however, I can’t get my workout in before work, if I have an early surgery or emergency. For this reason, I keep a pair of running shoes and workout clothes in my car and hospital locker at all times. Even if I can only get away for 30 minutes, that is much better than missing a workout altogether.
5. Realize that running isn’t for everyone. I love running marathons and I love training for marathons. My wife has actually trained for and ran a few with me. She is a very gifted runner and has much more natural talent than I do. At first, I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t as passionate about the sport as I was. She could be so good! Over time, I have, of course, realized that running long distances for many is boring and pointless. She has other interests and doesn’t enjoy being tired and in pain. I’ve realized that she is actually the normal one, and I am the nut. I’m glad she has shared the experiences with me, and I enjoy our short jogs together.
6. Say “Thank You.” This is probably the easiest, yet most overlooked and most important key to balancing a time consuming hobby like distance running with family life. There are so many benefits to running, but let’s be honest, training for a half marathon or greater distance is selfish. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but it is. Recognize that others are probably making sacrifices, too, and acknowledge their contribution. When I ran my final state in Nevada my family was there to celebrate with me. The Las Vegas marathon is run on The Strip at night. I finished well after 9PM. My wife insisted that our young children be there at the finish, so she woke them up, loaded them into the stroller and Baby Bjorn, and navigated the throngs of people to get to the finish line. With help from my brothers-in-law, they were able to get through a barricade at the finish and with three kids in tow, we ran across the finish line together. Tears running down her face, my wife said, “it was so hard getting here!” I knew that she didn’t just mean getting to the finish line that day. The thousands of miles and hours before that were hard. Not just for me, but for my whole family. Be appreciative of the sacrifices that your family is likely making, too, and acknowledge them.
Here it is:
One of the questions I often get is, “how do you have time to train for marathons, work as a surgeon, and spend time with your family?” The answer is time management and balance. I would like to share with you what I have learned along the way, and give you some tips and tricks for how to tackle the training necessary for a full or half marathon, and stay balanced in your life, not neglecting your other responsibilities at home and work.
I had completed three marathons already by the time I met my wife, so she knew that I was a runner. However, until you live with one, it is difficult to understand what that means. Full marathons generally require at least one long run of 20 miles and several long runs of 12-20 miles in the weeks or months before that. Not to mention the weekday runs, too! The mileage for a half is obviously less, but the principles are the same. You might be gone for 2, 3, or 4 hours on your long run, but it isn’t just the time on the actual run that counts. The night before a long run you generally are going to want to go to bed early and eat a certain way. After the run, you are going to be tired and sore and not feel like doing a whole lot. Pretty soon, the long run can dominate an entire weekend. If you aren’t careful, this can result in resentment from your spouse or significant other if he or she is not on board. To this day, my wife is mad that when I ran the Salt Lake City Marathon, we never went and looked at the Great Salt Lake. I was too tired!! We joke about it now, but she was really disappointed!
I’ve compiled a few suggestions on how to manage your time and balance the demands of training with family and work responsibilities.
1. Get wise as to your why’s, and share them. If you have a spouse or significant other and he or she is not a runner, explain why you are training. Maybe it is get in shape, lose weight, connect with friends, deal with stress, or achieve a bucket list item. Whatever the reason is, share with those around you. They will better understand your motivation and are more likely to support your endeavor. My wife has learned that when I am training, I am the best version of myself. That spills over into every other aspect of my life at home and work. For this reason, among others, she is extremely supportive of my hobby. Also, when you truly understand why you are doing this, those reasons will help to keep you motivated. For me, my goal was to run a marathon in every state. That goal got me out the door lots of mornings I would have rather stayed in bed.
2. Make it a family affair. Whenever possible, include your family in your training. My wife and I planned our wedding during long training runs for the Country Music Marathon in 2004. It may not be practical to include your family in long training runs, but try and do some of your training with them. My wife and I often go on short jogs together now, and use this time to connect away from the distractions of home and work. Similarly, if your children are old enough to run, ask if they want to run with you. Even if it is only for a hundred yards, you will both enjoy it. Finally, if you have small kids, I highly recommend a Baby Jogger. It’s a great way to include young children in your run, and can lighten the load on your spouse.
A positive side effect of this will be the effect it has on your family. One of the things I am most proud of is the culture of exercise that exists in my house now. My kids think it is perfectly normal for running shoes, hats, and sweaty tech shirts to be lying around. They love to put on headlamps and run around in the back yard, pretending that they are running marathons in the dark like dad.
3. Sacrifice. You will have to sacrifice. My job involves long hours away from home so the last thing I want to do is sacrifice family time in order to train. For this reason, I have become extremely efficient at training. My goal for a weekend long run is to be home by the time everyone is eating breakfast. In order to do this, I usually have to get up and be out the door by 5 AM. I started one long run at 3:30 AM! I love these early morning solo runs. There is nothing more peaceful than a long run on a dark morning. I have found, too, that the miles seem to go by a little faster when it is very dark and early in the morning (probably because I am half asleep during the first half of it). I am usually home by 7 or 8 and don’t feel like I’ve missed much.
4. Use your time wisely. As a surgeon, my days can be unpredictable. I never know what might be waiting for me when I get to the hospital, and never know exactly what time I might get home. I have made the mistake of putting off a run until evening, assuming I would have time. Invariably something comes up that prevents me from getting the run in. Do it first thing in the morning before the many demands of work and family pile up. Sometimes, however, I can’t get my workout in before work, if I have an early surgery or emergency. For this reason, I keep a pair of running shoes and workout clothes in my car and hospital locker at all times. Even if I can only get away for 30 minutes, that is much better than missing a workout altogether.
5. Realize that running isn’t for everyone. I love running marathons and I love training for marathons. My wife has actually trained for and ran a few with me. She is a very gifted runner and has much more natural talent than I do. At first, I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t as passionate about the sport as I was. She could be so good! Over time, I have, of course, realized that running long distances for many is boring and pointless. She has other interests and doesn’t enjoy being tired and in pain. I’ve realized that she is actually the normal one, and I am the nut. I’m glad she has shared the experiences with me, and I enjoy our short jogs together.
6. Say “Thank You.” This is probably the easiest, yet most overlooked and most important key to balancing a time consuming hobby like distance running with family life. There are so many benefits to running, but let’s be honest, training for a half marathon or greater distance is selfish. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but it is. Recognize that others are probably making sacrifices, too, and acknowledge their contribution. When I ran my final state in Nevada my family was there to celebrate with me. The Las Vegas marathon is run on The Strip at night. I finished well after 9PM. My wife insisted that our young children be there at the finish, so she woke them up, loaded them into the stroller and Baby Bjorn, and navigated the throngs of people to get to the finish line. With help from my brothers-in-law, they were able to get through a barricade at the finish and with three kids in tow, we ran across the finish line together. Tears running down her face, my wife said, “it was so hard getting here!” I knew that she didn’t just mean getting to the finish line that day. The thousands of miles and hours before that were hard. Not just for me, but for my whole family. Be appreciative of the sacrifices that your family is likely making, too, and acknowledge them.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
2016 LTC Race Schedule
Here is the link to the schedule for Lincoln Track Club races in 2016. Happy New Year and Happy Running!
http://www.lincolnrun.org/races/schedule
http://www.lincolnrun.org/races/schedule
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Little Run on the Prairie
Great turnout for the 1 mile kids fun run yesterday at Prairie Hill Learning Center! Thanks to our many sponsors!
Friday, September 11, 2015
Little Run on the Prairie
I am proud to announce that I will be sponsoring the 2nd Annual "Little Run on the Prairie," a 1 mile kids fun run on Saturday, October 3. The race begins at 10:30AM and is held at Prairie Hill Learning Center, just off of HW 77 near Roca. Registration is just $10 and includes a t-shirt. After that, stay for the Children's Country Fair, where there will be lots of food, games, and fun.
Register here:
https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=122474
Register here:
https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=122474
Special thanks to the many other sponsors!!
Snyder Physical Therapy
Union Bank & Trust
Lincoln Surgical Hospital
Nebraska Surgery Center
Nelnet Foundation
Red Dirt Running Co.
Doctors of Children
Dr. Lawson at Lincoln Orthopaedic Center
Healthy Start Chiropractic
Wholehearted Health Care
Rehm, Bennett & Moore
Friday, September 4, 2015
For Running, Lincoln > Omaha
I have lived in Lincoln since 2008. Prior to that, I lived in Omaha for 15 years. To be honest, there are many things I still miss about Omaha. However, when it comes to running, Lincoln has Omaha beat, and it's not even close.
The trail system in Lincoln is one of the finest I have seen anywhere and it is even plowed in the winter! In Omaha, I could never run on the major trail, the Keystone Trail, until it thawed in the spring. I distinctly remember one long winter run in Omaha when, after just a few miles running in the snow, my toes began to go numb. I thought to myself that there was at least a chance that I might need my toes amputated after I finished my 16 miler! No such problems in the Capitol City.
We also have three great specialty shoe stores: The Lincoln Running Company, Red Dirt, and Footloose & Fancy. I've bought shoes and gear at each. No matter where you go, you'll find friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Finally, we have a great lineup of local races put on by the Lincoln Track Club and BRIN (your's truly is a proud sponsor!). The highlight of the year is, of course, the Lincoln Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. This is a very popular, well organized, well executed, and highly acclaimed race embraced by the entire city. Omaha just can't seem to get it's race right. Organizers are being forced to change the course because it wasn't approved in time. This is just the latest in a long line of stumbles and missteps that have plagued Omaha's distance events over the years. Meanwhile, Lincoln just gets better and better.
http://www.livewellnebraska.com/fitness/after-heartland-marathon-organizers-scramble-to-adjust-sunday-s-race/article_f64421cc-dec0-51db-b434-dd2d4f2d3b62.html
The trail system in Lincoln is one of the finest I have seen anywhere and it is even plowed in the winter! In Omaha, I could never run on the major trail, the Keystone Trail, until it thawed in the spring. I distinctly remember one long winter run in Omaha when, after just a few miles running in the snow, my toes began to go numb. I thought to myself that there was at least a chance that I might need my toes amputated after I finished my 16 miler! No such problems in the Capitol City.
We also have three great specialty shoe stores: The Lincoln Running Company, Red Dirt, and Footloose & Fancy. I've bought shoes and gear at each. No matter where you go, you'll find friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Finally, we have a great lineup of local races put on by the Lincoln Track Club and BRIN (your's truly is a proud sponsor!). The highlight of the year is, of course, the Lincoln Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. This is a very popular, well organized, well executed, and highly acclaimed race embraced by the entire city. Omaha just can't seem to get it's race right. Organizers are being forced to change the course because it wasn't approved in time. This is just the latest in a long line of stumbles and missteps that have plagued Omaha's distance events over the years. Meanwhile, Lincoln just gets better and better.
http://www.livewellnebraska.com/fitness/after-heartland-marathon-organizers-scramble-to-adjust-sunday-s-race/article_f64421cc-dec0-51db-b434-dd2d4f2d3b62.html
Monday, August 31, 2015
One Year. One Goal. One Hundred Miles. Leadville 2016.
Last weekend was the Leadville 100, a one hundred mile ultra-marathon in Leadville, Colorado. More than 600 runners began, and a little over 300 finished in under the 30 hour limit. Next year I plan to be one of them.
I have been fascinated by the race for years. I thought that I would be one of the 600 entrants last week, but the timing just wasn't right. My last marathon was the Las Vegas Marathon last November. It was my 23rd marathon in less than 3 years. I, and my family, too, needed a break.
However, I have not been able to shake the Leadville bug. The time off has really allowed me to consider why I want to do it so badly. Running, and running a long distance, brings me inner peace and calm, and makes me happy. But why must it be 100 miles? Even I know that seems crazy.
The real reason to do something as ambitious as this, isn't so much to achieve the goal, but to become the type of person who could achieve the goal. I know that in order to be one of the 300 or so finishers at Leadville, I will have to become the best version of myself that I have ever been. Absolutely determined, disciplined, and focused.
One year. One goal. One hundred miles. Leadville 2016!
I have been fascinated by the race for years. I thought that I would be one of the 600 entrants last week, but the timing just wasn't right. My last marathon was the Las Vegas Marathon last November. It was my 23rd marathon in less than 3 years. I, and my family, too, needed a break.
However, I have not been able to shake the Leadville bug. The time off has really allowed me to consider why I want to do it so badly. Running, and running a long distance, brings me inner peace and calm, and makes me happy. But why must it be 100 miles? Even I know that seems crazy.
The real reason to do something as ambitious as this, isn't so much to achieve the goal, but to become the type of person who could achieve the goal. I know that in order to be one of the 300 or so finishers at Leadville, I will have to become the best version of myself that I have ever been. Absolutely determined, disciplined, and focused.
One year. One goal. One hundred miles. Leadville 2016!
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