Why Runners Should "Keep it Real"

After I posted yesterday about my race fail from Sunday aka my first ever DNF, the floodgates of support opened. I was overwhelmed and touched by all the messages I received from other runners, readers, and followers. It's humbling and it's amazing how much we all care about each other. One comment that I received multiple times and that stood out to me was: "thanks for keeping it real."

I never gave it much thought that so many people aren't "keeping it real". When I think about it, though, keeping it real is probably the exception rather than the rule. Fitspo? Curated feeds? Humble brags?

My First DNF: Buffalo Grove Stampede 10k Race Recap

Disclaimer: My result in no way reflects on the Buffalo Grove Stampede. The Stampede is a well-organized race which is part of the CARA race circuit. This race attracts a fast field of runners.

My friend Steph and I have been running together since the beginning of the year and we thought it would be fun to finally run a race together. We signed up to run the Hot Chocolate 15k in October. Two weeks ago, Steph and I were talking about the Buffalo Grove Stampede, a race both of us have done in the past. There is a 5k and a 10k. We decided to sign up for the 10k. A piece of cake, right?

Coffee Talk

I can't quite get my head around that it is September! We're having a taste of fall this week, courtesy of Harvey. I'm not complaining--a little cool, windy weather is not a problem at all. It's hard to believe all the damage that this storm has brought to Texas. Let's talk about it over a cup of coffee, shall we? It's cool today, so let's enjoy a hot mug. I'm taking half and half in mine. How about you?

3 Reasons I Can't Run Naked

**Thanks to Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run, DC for the inspiration! This post contains affiliate links.

A few years ago, I told my husband I wanted an Apple Watch for my birthday and he asked me why. "You don't need it", he said. Truth. But I wanted one. I do love my gadgets and the Apple Watch was no different. I had high hopes for the Apple Watch. I thought it could be my every watch, my all-in-one running gadget. Well, not so much. While I love my Apple Watch for its functionality, I still rely on my Garmin to keep my running stats. I've got a few other gadgets that I don't hit the road without as well.

This post is all about my 3 favorite running gadgets. Because even if I tried to hit the road without clothes, I couldn't leave home without my gear.

Naked running? No one wants to see that.

Juggling the Weekly Workout Routine

When I think about it, I'm pretty regimented with my weekly schedule. Between working out and going to work, I've got everything very well synchronized. Even when everything falls into place, my routine is a delicate balancing act. It doesn't take much to throw my schedule off track. Summer is especially a challenge. Flexibility is the key. All summer long, I've been moving my workouts around, getting up early just to get them in, or worst case scenario, skipping a workout altogether. Between vacations and fun outings, I've had to do a lot of juggling with my workout schedule. This week was no different.

Runfessions: August Style

Hello? How did we already get to the end of August? The end of summer? The only thing that makes me realize we're there is that I have SO MUCH to runfess. It's almost scary how much builds up over the month. Thankfully, Marcia opens the runfessional every month and she doesn't even hand out a penance. Whew!

On with the cleansing...

Let's Talk about Inflammation

Disclaimer: Through my affiliation with Mambo Sprouts, I received GOPO Rosehip with Galactolipids as well as compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

As a runner and an athlete, I am very familiar with inflammation. While physical activity is generally anti-inflammatory, endurance training or high-intensity training can lead to oxidative stress, increasing the production of free radicals, which leads to an inflammatory response by the body. You might notice this as soreness, swelling, or tiredness. If you take it easy after a tough workout or event, you start to feel better. But if you keep pushing yourself, over time, this inflammation can affect the immune system and make the athlete more prone to fatigue, illness, and injury. (source) Clearly, athletes have to find a balance in their training to prevent inflammation from becoming chronic. That isn't always easy to do when training for an event that requires a high output for a prolonged period of time.

Athletes can prevent oxidative stress and inflammation to a certain extent through supplements and diet. Certain foods are known for causing inflammation, while others are known for helping reduce inflammation. There has been a lot of research demonstrating the benefits of tart cherry juice, blueberries, and quercetin, which is found in many fruits and vegetables. I've shared my love for my morning smoothies--I try to eat the rainbow every week all in the name of fighting inflammation.

What about supplements? Is there anything an endurance athlete can take to help prevent inflammation and/or reduce inflammation after a tough workout?