Running For A Cause

The idea for this blog came about when I decided to start training for a half-marathon this upcoming December. The half-marathon takes place on December 5 and it is in Vegas, baby!!! But, more importantly...I am running for a cause. 

I joined CCFA's Team Challenge a few weeks ago and I am pumped about this experience. For everyone that doesn't know...The CCFA stands for The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. As a member of Team Challenge, I am fundraising and asking for support for the continued search of a cure for these horrible diseases. 

Not only am I running for the CCFA and all of those affected by Crohn's and Colitis...I am running for me.

About 9 years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. It has been a constant struggle in my life. To read more about my story and why I am a part of Team Challenge, check out my fundraising page: http://www.active.com/donate/lv10neohio/JPrada.

I am currently in training and it has been going well so far. Throughout these next couple months of training, I will be updating my blog with posts about my training and experiences with running. I also hope to cover various running topics such as cool running products (shoes, sunglasses?) out there, diet and nutrition for athletes in training, and upcoming running events. If it's anything about running/training...You can find it here!

The more I run for a cause...the more I am becoming interested and excited about running. Hopefully this blog motivates people and provides inspiration for all. I am finding out that running speaks volumes.

Don't fall asleep while running!!

Recently my foot has been falling asleep while running long distances. It usually happens around the 3rd mile and it is really annoying to run with because my foot goes numb. I made sure my shoes are not tied to tight but does anyone have any theories on why this might happen? Any experienced runners that have dealt with this issue?

I look online for some theories out there...

First, it could be shin splints or related to sore/tight muscles in the shins and calves. Second, and probably more likely, it could be related to a nerve in the top of the foot, or the band at the bottom of the ankle that covers the point where the tendon and muscle meet (this is not related to swollen or agitated Achilles pain, which usually occurs in the lower heel where the tendon connects with the foot bone). Since the tendon can become damaged during a long run, the band works to protect it. What happens when you’re running longer (whether on a long run, or increasing your weekly mileage)? You increase the amount of blood that pumps through your muscles. This causes your muscles to expand; the band reacts by also expanding and gives space for the muscles to swell. If the band is damaged then it wont expand, creating tension that compresses the muscles and nerve in the top of your foot, causing it to go numb.

So what should you do if your foot is going numb during long runs? Massage the area around the tendon, which can be pretty painful but it’s worth it if the numbness is bothering you. A massage therapist can do this for you if it makes you queasy. I’ve read that it might also help to stretch and ice your ankle after a longer run, which is a good practice in general. Other than that, if there’s pain, or the numbness persists, I suggest seeing a sports doctor.

Check out this site. It has great topics on training and nutrition!

http://www.kathyruns.com/2008/11/numb-foot-not-just-caused-by-cold-feet/

Race Day Food!

I finally decided on my race day food. I will be eating FRS pomegranate blueberry chews to get that extra kick of energy on race day. I plan on eating one of these starburst looking things every half hour. They are delicious and they are better than gu because I actually feel like I am eating something I am s surprisingly upposed to be...not gu haha.

FRS Chews
FRS soft chews are individually wrapped and ideal for travel. No matter where you are in the afternoon simply unwrap two chews and eat, no water required. Because FRS chews are individually wrapped and compact they’re the perfect pre workout supplement. Each 30 count bag provides 15 servings.

I highly recommend them!

One Week Left of Training!!

So I know it has been awhile since I last blogged, but now that I am in my last week of training I have a lot of topics that I want to discuss.

It has gone by so fast! I never knew that I could run 2 hours straight with the amount of energy that I did. It is amazing how you can condition your body for extreme activities. I am getting so excited to go to Vegas for this half-marathon.

This week I am winding down on my runs so my legs can recover and so I have enough energy come sunday morning. The race starts at 7 am! Yikes! On race day I am going to try to wake up around 5 and eat a banana or two so I have energy going into the race. I will be in corral 12 because I am currently estimating that it will take me slightly over 2 hours to finish the race. I hope I am right!

If anyone has race day experiences that they would like to share, please do!! I could use any advice. I feel like I am not going to be able to sleep the night before..

What Happens in Vegas...Stays in Vegas Baby!

So this will be my view while running in Vegas. Has anyone been to Vegas before? Please let me know what you think about it and what I can expect. I only here good things about it!

Apparently the main strip is closed completely just for this race and they rarely close down the strip. I'm so excited! Last year I heard that they had a guy parachute right onto the starting line to begin the race...also that there were tigers and a band of guys running dressed up like Elvis! There's always live bands performing outside the restaurants and Bret Michaels will be performing live after the race. I thought I was training for a half-marathon...but it seems more like a crazy adventure! Here I come Vegas! Hopefully I survive!

Why I Keep Running...Why I Try Not to Complain...

Hey guys,

I just wanted to pass this story along that I received from my CCFA Chapter...It's a story that helped put a lot of things in perspective for me and it reminds me why I am fundraising for this cause. There are a lot of people that need help and I hope to provide any support I can...

hospital is bad news

I am 11 years old and was diagnosed with crohns on April 2nd of 2009, and diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at at a later date. I had my first flare up in October of 2008, but thought it was just the stomach bug. Then on march 17th I had another flare up, with constant bleeding like in October. On March 30th I went to the doctors, my pediatrician got worried about me and sent me to another doctor on april 2nd, my gi doctor now. The next day on april 3rd I had an endooscopy and colonoscopy,that day I was officially diagnosed with crohns. I have been taking several medicine at different times, but right now I am taking 6mp, folic acid, and iron. On February 8th this year I had to go to the hospital but was told I was coming home the next day. That turned into 2 and a half weeks later. While in the hospital, I had constant blood work, sugar checks, x-rays, and had to get a pickline put in where it gives you your nutrition. I was on complete bowel rest meaning I couldn't eat or drink anything, except have ice. My friends came to visit me, sent me cards, and texted me/called me. I constantlly cried that I was home sick, and missed my family, 3 dogs, and friends. On february 25th I was finally relased from the hospital, and was surprised to go to florida on Feb 26th but was told I couldn't anymore. My heart dropped, but instead we went April 16th til april 24th. I got a wish vacation from Starlight to go swimming with the dolphins in florida, so I am going june 24 til june30. I love animals and was ecstatic about that. The vacation is completely free for us, we dont even have to pay for gas, airfaire, or to get souvineers, or restaurants, or parks, and off course discovery cove, and seaworld are free when I go in june!

This story and others like it may be found at http://www.ccfacommunity.org/Default.aspx. Please check this out if you can...I'm trying to raise any awareness I can. Crohn's sucks...

Hemophilia Red Derby 10K Run

So I've had a tough past two weeks of training due to be worn down from illness, but I am finally getting back into things with only a month left before I fly out to Vegas. I ran yesterday morning in the freezing weather! I was a participant of the first 10K run for the Hemophilia Foundation. The race was right outside Coe Lake, so it couldn't be more convenient for me to attend. The route set up for the race is actually the path I usually run from day to day. Awesome! I wasn't really focused on speed this time around, but I was able to finish in an hour flat which is pretty good for me. There was actually and elderly man that was running with a bad leg (usually in front of me). It was amazing to see how he kept pace and was able to finish with a better time than me, even with him stopping for a water break, when I didn't have to. It just shows how years of training and experience helps form a runner. Practice makes perfect. This will definitely motivate me in this month to come. It was a nice event and there was hot soup and bagels waiting for me at the finish line!