Running After 40

Running After 40

I was hoping that the summer of 2015 would pattern after previous summers.

I’d get a slow start, recovering from winter inactivity, and then get back into my running groove by June.

This year was a different story. This year was my first summer running after the age of forty. It’s been a struggle to get my speed and endurance back to where I was last year. 

There’s been days that I’ve considered hanging up my running shoes but I don't think that will ever happen. 

I celebrated my fortieth birthday in January, 2015. Within a year’s time I’ve struggled with weight gain, fatigue and I already have a wealthy collection of reading glasses.

Running has been a part of my life since I was in elementary school. My friends and I raced in the streets. We’d have races during gym class. When I participated in my first major track meet at the age of 13, I knew that running is something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Today I still love the sport as much as I ever did, but my faith, family and career takes precedence.

Perhaps if I had more time to focus on running, I would still be chasing my 5K PR of 23 minutes. Did I mention I’ve never been an elite runner? (Smile)

I suppose what’s most important is that I keep running… that I keep giving my best to a sport that I’ve loved since a child.

As I learn to appreciate the strength I still have and the dawning of a new day, I’m finding that running after 40 is a wonderful thing.

When I consider retiring from my runs and my dreams of running a full marathon, something inside of me just can’t let go.

What I must let go of is the disappointment of 10 minute mile times and the need to have to stop and walk from time to time.

Running after 40 just means I have to focus more on strength training, stretching and eating a healthy diet every day.

How do I run after 40? I put one foot in front of the other and enjoy and ride.

~ Candra Evans

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Running Struggles | Half Marathon Hopes

I have completed three running workouts so far in 2015 and all of them have been less than desirable. My heart is set on completing the Flying Pig Half Marathon in May, but at this rate I feel unsure about body’s ability to go the distance.

My last run was a 2 miler at my local park. I felt like I was running a decent pace until I looked at my GPS watch and saw that my mile pace was almost at 11 minutes! My normal mile pace for a short run is anywhere between 8 and 9 minutes.

I sped up to bring the time down and thought I was going to pass out! Lol

In any case I fell back to a comfortable speed because it was very cold over the weekend and my number one injury concern is my knees. They tend to bother me more in cold temperatures.

Still I feel determined in my heart to keep training for the half marathon. This will be my first one since 2008! I’m older now…actually just turned 40 a few weeks ago. So I’m nervous but still excited to see how far I can push.

Oh, I purchased a Fitbit Flex for my birthday, which I am very excited about! After a few more months I plan on doing a review.

God bless and Happy Running!

~Candra

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New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch: First Impression

New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch

This is my first impression of the New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch.

I was originally shopping around for a fitness band because they're so popular and my Nike Fuel Band went south on me. However, before making the investment I sat myself down and asked, “What is it that I really want in a fitness tracking device?”

I loved the concept of the Jawbone UP24 and Fitbit Flex bands but I wanted a device with a screen, GPS, and a focus on running in particular. Tracking my sleep activity and number of steps is cool, but not necessary for me.

When I found the New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch, I had to try it. First, for a GPS running watch it was very affordable. I purchased the watch for around $75.00 on Amazon with free shipping.

There was a little doubt as to how it would compare with higher end running watches like the TomTom or Garmin brands. But in the end it was the customer reviews on Amazon that finally sold me.

New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch Details:

•      GPS, it monitors speed distance, and pace
•          It has 6 customizable interval timers
•          It tells the time (of course…lol), day, date, and has an alarm
•          The watch is not water proof but water resistant
•          Has run memory that allows you to view your pace history
•          As you run you can view your average and current pace
•          Includes a USB charging cable to download workout data
•          Choice of two viewing screens while you run with 3 fields per screen
•          Any stat can be set to any position on either of the two screens
•          Tracking for running and cycling
•          Auto-lap function at user set distance
•          12 hour battery life

After receiving the watch, I found it very easy to maneuver through the screens to adjust the settings. There are six modes: Running, Interval, Cycling, History, Setup and Clock. Even without pulling an all-nighter with the New Balance NX950 manual, I could figure out how each mode functions.

My first run with the NX950 was awesome. The GPS only took a few minutes to activate. Sometimes the GPS picks up right away. To test its accuracy I ran on a pre-marked running trail. At every half mile, the NX950 was right on target! The GPS function is right in the watch. There is no shoe sensor, and no additional gadgets to wear on your hip or arm. Yay!!!

The face is large which makes the watch a bit bulky, but it doesn't feel heavy and fits snugly on my small wrist. I know a lot of runners prefer smaller faces and a variety of color options, so the aesthetics of the New Balance NX950 may not be preferred.

I recently incorporated the run-walk-run method into my training. The interval mode works well but you cannot see your running stats at the same time. 

A work around is to use the auto-lap feature instead. The NX950 will beep and that is my signal when to run, walk, or jog. Previously with the Nike Sports Band and it was impossible to set interval times.

For the price I am very pleased with my new running watch! You can spend a whole lot more to get more options, but the New Balance NX950 really does suit all of my running needs.

If you have any comments or questions, just leave them down below.

Happy Running!

~Candra

 

Life Beyond Running

Although I created this blog to devote to my running journey, I have also embarked upon a health and beauty journey. Essentially, I want to be a healthy, whole and well-rounded woman.

I am a new fan of blogger Lauren Mechelle. Not only does she have the best giveaways online (which actually sparked this blog post), but she is living the life I believe many young ladies dream of. She is pursuing her dreams, sharing her gifts with the world, and not afraid to explore unfamiliar territories.

Although I frequent her blog for beauty and DIY tips, I decided today to browse through her “life” category. I was very excited to read about her recap of her attendance at Workshops for Women, organized by Councilwoman Blondell Brown in Philadelphia.

In this post (http://www.laurenmechelle.com/2014/03/councilwoman-browns-workshops-women/), she shares treasures of information that will help in progressing her passion and career. I love reading articles like this!

Too often people complain about they cannot do and what they will never accomplish. I know. I use to be one of them. But sometimes you have to take “life” by the reigns and insist on doing better and going higher.

The sky’s the limit!

Network outside of your comfort zone. Dream big and don’t be ashamed. I love running with my whole, but it isn’t everything. I believe that in order for me to be a whole person, I have to say yes to more than just one or two opportunities.

Thank you Lauren for overcoming intimidation, saying yes to life, and sharing it with the world!

Running Quote of the Week - 

"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." – Jesse Owens

Cold Weather Running Quotes

Ever since I started running again back in 2007, I have struggled with cold weather running.  It is difficult to get my muscles warmed up and breathing in near freezing temperature air is misery. To relieve my cold weather running experience, I frequent the gym more often and run out my miles on the treadmill. Treadmill running has its perils too, but at least it's hot. :D

I stumbled upon a few running quotes that really got me motivated to get back out on the cold concrete. Last night I ran at the gym. Today, it's back to road running. I'll save the treadmill for snow days. ;)

"There's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people". - Bill Bowerman

"This is about doing something difficult and not stopping when it becomes not just difficult, but cold and difficult... or cold and wet and difficult... or cold and wet and dark and difficult." - Suzy Hamilton

"Runners don't get rained out, they get rained on." - Unknown

Should I Be Running 6.7 Today?

Anyone who knows me well can tell you that there is always something wrong with me.  Wait… that didn't come out right. (Smile)

As I get older, I seem to be more prone to aches and strains. Thank God that I have not suffered any major sickness or long term injury (other than minor knee pain).  Yet, when you love to run like I do, anything that inhibits a run can be frustrating.

Last week I somehow strained my lower back.  I thought perhaps I did it working out, but when I think back, I was doing a lot of chair moving at church.  I do happen to also recall moving a large table as well.  Yes, I should have waited for help, but I think I’m super woman. 

So, for the last several days I took a break from running, thinking that would help my back. But, instead of getting better, it became sorer and Mr. Icy-Hot and I saw a lot of each other.

Then yesterday I decided to jump the “rest and relax” ship and head to the gym.  I couldn't take it anymore! Hahaha… Running addicts know where I’m coming from.

I hit the treadmill with the intent to walk.  After all, it made sense to me to not run a 10K if you have a sore back.  I tried to walk.  I promise I did.  But I was surrounded by everyday athletes like me, running their hearts out.  Running euphoria was in the air.

I tried to walk and preoccupy my mind with the theater movie of the day, “Maid in Manhattan”.  That was a no go.

I started walking at 4.0…then 4.5….then a slight jog at 5.2.  The soreness in my back was bearable.  As a matter of fact, after I hit the first mile, my back felt less sore.  Well that’s all I needed to crank it up to 6.7! It felt good to be home again! (Smile)

PLEASE NOTE!!! – If you have an injury, see your physician and ask how you should proceed with your fitness regimen.  My decision to go to 6.7 with a sore back is because I’m stubborn.  Be warned.

The ironic thing was this morning, my back feels better.  Thank God for having grace and mercy on my stubborn running soul.  The morning before, I had to pull myself with my upper body to get out of the bed.  Now granted that is not so different from other mornings, but this time it was physically painful. 

This morning, there was only a slight soreness and as I sit at my computer blogging, I can feel no pain.  Hallelujah!!!

Once again...I am not a doctor. You definitely should see a doctor if you are injured or else you can cause more damage to your body. It seemed like getting back into my exercise routine helped do the trick or like I said before, God just had mercy on this running-loving lady.  Either way, I’ll take it.

My Top Ten Excuses For Not Running Today

My top ten excuses for not running today....ends today.

1. It's too cold.
2. It's raining.
3. I have to do my laundry.
4. I'm too tired.
5. I need to join a gym first.
6. I just went to the hair salon.
7. My cute running clothes are dirty.
8. I don't want anyone to see me/I'm embarrassed of my body.
9. I don't have time.
10. I need someone to run with me.

There is no excuse for not doing the best you can when you can.  Get fit today.