A bunch of running stuff that I don't want to forget so this post is mostly for me to remind myself...

- Hill training will always suck, even if I've done it before.
- That very first hill each and every week will especially suck.
- I will continue to sound like an 80-year old asthmatic once I reach the top of a hill no matter how many hills I've trained for, or how "in shape" I am.
- When running up hills, don't forget... pump those arms! (legs will naturally follow suit)
- A hill must be 400-600 meters long atleast. I don't remember the rule about incline. I should look that up.
- I need to eat something on those long, slow runs starting at the 45-minute mark. Something with quick, simple sugar that my body can use right away. Raisins have worked for me. I would like to try jelly beans and the gels and Gatorade at some point. I need to do this before I actually run the half-marathon.
- Always bring Kleenex!
- Although most experts agree that stretching before a run is not helpful - and may actually be harmful - a little warm up is a must. Try a few jumping jacks or running on the spot.
- Stretching after a run is a life need, and feels SOOOOO good.
- I must hold each stretch for 30 seconds for it to count.
- I LOVE the new stretch our clinic instructor Jodi taught me, cross the legs and bend down.
- Remember what that really smart Physiotherapist dude keeps saying... practice balance and glut exercises. It's important.
- Remember that Olympic coach who talked about drill training and that crazy night with walking lunges, and long jumps? All that stuff about fast twitch muscle fibers, slow twitch muscle fibers, anaerobic workouts, and lactic curves? It doesn't matter if I fully understand or not (seriously people, it is way more complicated than you could imagine), just do the drills and it will be really good for your runs. Really good. The dude is an Olympic coach; he knows what he's talking about!
- Must have the right shoes. It'll make or break you!
- Not running 10 and 1's (run 10 minutes, walk 1, which is how we've trained up until the half-marathon level) isn't actually that difficult.
- No matter how much I don't feel like going out for a run, I always feel good when I do it (and it's not worth the guilt I put on myself for having skipped!)
- The run always goes so much faster when I have someone to chat with.
- I always over-dress for running in colder weather (stop doing this Mandi!) Remember, I should be cold for the first 10 minutes, but once I'm warmed up, I'll be, well, warm!
- My feet, so far, have stayed warm. I hear smart wool socks are the way to go though.
- I need to get something to keep my face warm in the winter.
- Running in the rain? Not really that bad. Running in the cold? Not really that bad. Running on ice in a snow storm when you can't see the ice underneath you? CRAZY!
- Running on ice is actually better than walking on ice, and here's why: when you walk one foot is always on the ground and there is a point in each step when both feet are on the ground. When you run, both feet are never on the ground at the same time and there can be a point when neither foot is on the ground. SOOO if I start to slip when I'm running, both of my feet aren't on the ground, and I know my other foot is about to land somewhere different to help me regain my balance.
- Running UP hills when it's icy = not so bad. Running DOWN hills when it's icy = death trap.
- Choking on snowflakes can be real problem.

(Isn't it funny how many of these issues could be resolved with a simple treadmill? Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, Greg!)