Community

August 8, 2015August 8, 2015 by drkarimoran ♥ 5 Comments

This year, my training has been completely solo. I worked out at the gym by myself, I run by myself, now I work out at home by myself. It is very convenient. I can do things on my schedule, move them around as I please, mix and match to fit my travel schedule. The freedom is nice, I have had a lot of time to spend with my family and the results have been paying off. But something is missing. As I read my notes to my wonderful trainer at Alaris Fitness, I realize that all year I have been plagued with lack of motivation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the type of person to actually not do my workouts, I have only missed about 5 workouts in about 30 weeks, some of which were exchanged for other activity. I had fallen into a rut of enjoying the process too much, without something to look forward to, including the positive influence of relationships. Since NW1/2M training started a few weeks ago, I have more motivation, but my team is still nearly 3000 miles away.

Having community and being a part of a team have been important parts of my life, and those relationships get you through the toughest times. I personally also have added motivation when you are putting your energy into something that is greater than yourself. On a recent phone interview, I realized that this is something missing from my life RIGHT NOW! My training has been for me, and I that is about to change!

After I realized that I wanted to rebuild my community, I decided I wanted something to push me and something to give back to my local community, I joined two teams to fulfill this.

To push myself I joined the team Oiselle Volée. Oiselle is a small company that designs and creates women’s running apparel. They focus on making a quality product for women’s body. Which sound like something that all apparel companies should do, but it is surprisingly difficult to find piece of clothing, athletic or business, that I don’t have a complaint about the fit or function. The team manifesto starts with Build a Sisterhood, and goes on to list ways in which you push yourself to be the best you you can be. Push myself, check. Added bonus: the team manifesto expresses my feelings towards women’s issues such as eating to fuel performance, expressing yourself, and being fierce in what you do. I’m sure I will have more to say when I receive my manifesto and start assimilating into the team.

To give back to my local community, I’ve joined the SoleMates, the adult charity running group to support Girls on the Run DC (GOTR). GOTRDC is a nonprofit whose vision is, “… a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.” BOOM. So I joined a team of with 11 other local women to fundraise and run the Ragnar Relay DC. My minimum contribution will cover a tuition scholarship and shoes (and a little more) for a girl in DC to participate in the after school program, which ends with a 5k.

I’m really excited about my new community, and looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new teammates! Follow for updates on both!

The beginning: my training journey

July 22, 2015 by drkarimoran ♥ 1 Comment

This week is the beginning of my training journey. When I entered the lottery for NW-SF I started ramping up my weekly mileage and building a base. After being accepted into the race, I began to look for a race specific training plan. Now, 13 weeks away from race day, I’ve settled on a plan. I’ve modified the recommended Nike training plan that is associated with the race. Since I still feel like I am on the verge of shin splints, I’ve decided to exchange ‘easy run’ days with bicycle commuting to work, and I will have 2 double-days per week to keep up with my Alaris strength training. This gives me 2 rest days, 2 cross training days, 2 quality runs (speed or hill intervals), and 1 long run each week. Strength training will be added to either quality run day or cross training day.

I think that this is a sustainable, yet challenging schedule to keep. It’s week one and I’ve already had to rotate a rest day with a quality run because I planned to run after work, but it was far too hot and humid. Luckily I was able to disciine myself to running 400m intervals in the morning.

I have started a long journey. It will be hard, but I’m up for the challenge!

I Made It! I will run Nike Women San Francisco

July 20, 2015July 20, 2015 by drkarimoran ♥ 1 Comment

In a few short months, I will be putting my 2015 goal to the test! I will be running the Nike Women’s 1/2 Marathon, San Francisco with two of my best sisters in sport.

We entered the random draw as a team back in May, and found out a few days ago that we were selected. I’ve ramped up my base training and will begin race specific training next week. Stay tuned for updates on my journey!

I am a runner.

July 7, 2015July 7, 2015 by drkarimoran ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

“I always thought of running as just dancing forward.” – Tom Hiddleston

Dirty legs after a run through Rock Creek Park

Like most runners, I started running (for the sake of running) in high school. Running has been around me as long as I can remember. My dad ran marathons when I was very young, and they had let us participate in the events’ associated children’s fun runs (on the order of 1km). To be honest, I was too young to actually remember these events. And running was a tool for sport (namely, soccer) rather than a sport in and of itself.

In high school, I started running because I come from a family of runners. My grandfather ran, my dad ran, my sister ran, so I would run too. I wasn’t very good at running, but I joined cross country and subsequently track. Since I wasn’t very fast, I ran distance for track, the 1600m & the 3200m races. It was a way to stay in shape for cross country during the spring. We followed a very traditional training regimen: run long, run slow. Build a base. Add in some long intervals and form drills; eat your weight in spaghetti the night before a race; crosstraining was doing some ab or hip work. That is how you train for running (so I thought back then). For me, this was a recipe for disaster. I have historically had an amazing ability to push through any physical stress without even noticing pain. Sounds cool, right? WRONG! Poor form, no cross-training, and over-training ultimately lead to multiple stress fractures that I could barely even walk. Needless to say, this injury ended my running career as a student.

In the next several years, finishing out high school and throughout college, I was pretty inactive. I’ve always had an ‘anti-jock’ type attitude. (Rude awakening, when several years later I realize that I am a jock!) Then, early in grad school, my research group signed up as a team to run a 5k. Given that I was a runner before, I had high expectations for myself. I don’t recall my precise time, but lets say it was around 40 minutes to complete. I couldn’t believe how slow I was! Especially since by now, I was about 20# lighter than my slow-but-not-that-slow high school self. I decided to improve. I lived in a great place for running too.

Beachside trail that runs into UCSB campus Image credit: Tisha Bohr http://tishabohr.com/?page_id=80

So, with no plan in mind, I started to run. Again. Shaving minutes off of my 5k time, and increasing distance until I was ready to run a half marathon. Around this time (2007 or so), I was google-chatting with a new acquaintance/friend and running came up. I stupidly wrote something to the effect of, “I think I want to run a marathon. Want to run it with me?” And so was born one of my strongest relationships to date, my sister in sport. Not knowing any better, we found a marathon training plan, based on long slow distance, and added in the occasional ab routine. Then several months later, we each shuffled across the finish line. One worse than the other, but that one was in love. I on the other hand, decided never again.

Following the marathon, I decided to try something else new. I bought a road bike, but eventually ended up with a pair of roller skates and diverted into roller derby (this story will come in another post). Running then faded into the background. I was still very active, so I would participate in a local 5k every now and again. Somehow I would even take over a bib every so often if someone dropped out of a 1/2 marathon. 2015 is the first year since that time that I’m not preoccupied by roller derby, and have had some consistent running patterns for the past 6 months.

One of my goals for this year is to run a PR 1/2 marathon, specifically a time faster than correlating to BQ pace for my division (1:45:00). Now that 2015 is half way over and my training is sporadic at best, I have decided an October or November race would be ideal. The problem is, I am continuously fighting injury (shin splints- the worst!) again. I am cross training, and not following a running routine, but run when I feel like it (which apparently can be too much). I’ve decided to follow Budd Coates 14-day base training and will develop a 1/2 marathon training plan for myself (probably with inputs from Budd Coates, Nike training, and Breaking Muscle). I’ve signed up for the Nike Women’s 1/2 Marathon SF random draw with my Sisters in Sport. This week is the lottery. Training is about to get real!

My running philosophy is constantly changing. This training season, I am focusing on form and enjoying the journey. The views aren’t as good in DC, but I have a wonderful new training partner who forces me to focus. His name is Badger and he loves to run with me!

Race Report: Blue Crab Bolt 10k Trail Race

July 5, 2015 by drkarimoran ♥ 4 Comments

At the beginning of the year, I set some race goals for 2015. So far, I’ve been avoiding racing. I’ve been struggling with shin splints (even more frustrating because this is the first time they’ve bothered me in 20 years) and motivation. The opportunity to take a bib in a trail race came up, so obviously, I took the chance. I should mention here that the last time I participated in a trail race was in high school cross country, and I hadn’t been running for a week because of my shins. I don’t know why I said I would do it, but I did, on Thursday for a Saturday race. Needless to say, I did not properly prepare for the experience. But I took it for what it was, an experience. An opportunity to test my baseline on something like this. I didn’t know what to expect. I promised myself that I would listen to my body, slow for pain, push through discomfort, and focus on form. So I pack the family up, wake them super early to make the trek to Clarksville, MD and get ready to go.

First things first, we are not off to a good start. I try to feed Badger right when he woke up, but he wouldn’t eat. So I take him for a short walk around the block. He does his business and we go back home. Now he scarfs down his food and we’re ready to go. We typically play “jump in the car Badger,” (this is where a 4 door car would have been a better choice). After a few minutes we realize we’re not getting anywhere so Ian picks him up and puts him in. Right as we’re about to pull out, we realize he’s been sick and is now trying to eat the by-product of his sickness. Stop, clean, make sure the doggy is feeling okay, and finally we’re off!

Forty-five minutes later, we arrive at Little Bennett Regional Park. I have never done a trail run, and especially not one that is organized by a small, local group. I can’t believe that how few people are in attendance. I’m glad that the crowd is not overwhelming (especially since husband and doggy will be alone for about an hour). I fill out the liability form, get my shirt, and make use of the porta-potty (a few times, I’m getting nervous now). I do a small warm up, mostly a dynamic stretch routine that I pulled from The Run Experience, tell my man that my goal is to finish under an hour, and make my way to the pre-run brief.

Standing in the small crowd, the organizer explains the course, cautions us to watch for slippery mud (from the rain yesterday through early that morning), and then tells us the course is actually over 10.5 kilometers. Hmmmm. At 8 AM sharp, he releases us for the run.

We’re off! It looks more like a chase than a race. The race begins with a wide dirt road, a short out and back before we head into the woods on a single lane track. I take off at an unsustainable pace. I want to make sure I’m in front of the slower folks before the trail narrows.

Trail running, at race pace, sandwiched between strangers is quite an experience! You don’t know what is really happening in front of you because you can’t see the trail more than one or two strides in front of you, and you don’t want to slow down or change abruptly because you don’t know the people behind you by a stride or two. Then, the person in front of you takes off and now you are behind someone going substantially slower. You must pass. Look at the trail, look ahead, and plan your move. “On your left!” And quickly move ahead, making sure there is room to dart back to the trail from the shoulder without cutting off the dude you just overtook. Eventually, after about 1.5 miles, the crowd thins. Unfortunately for me, my shoe comes untied and I have to drop from the pack. I try my best to catch up, but I’m not in race condition (and am sore from strength training Friday) so my sustained increased pace gives me 2 massive side cramps. Oops. Slow it down and focus on my breath.

Aside: I’ve been working on Budd Coates’ running on air method. So I was at a 52 when my shoe came untied, ramped up to a 32 to catch up, which forced me to a 51 to recover.

Here I came upon the first aide station. WATER! YES! Shortly after the 10k splits away from the 5k. After this, I can comfortably keep my pace, despite being passed two more times. I watch my breath and think about my core. A few more miles and we begin to climb again. Here, I start taking off the pack that dropped me, one by one. They are spread pretty thin and passing is easier on the wider trail. I push on the climb and open up and let gravity do its work on the descent. My polar M400 beeps for 6 miles and I return my focus to my breath. “Breath. Watch the trail. You can do this.” My mantra repeats in my head, over and over, “Almost there!” From behind, someone comments on my watch. Then we continue to talk about work. He recommends I give up my office job for serving. I give a fake laugh (really? why would I ever serve tables?!?) and then continue to focus on my form and finishing without tripping. The final obstacle (last .25mi of the course) requires traversing a 10m wide, 18in deep creek. Well, I guess my feet are getting nice and wet. A few more switch backs and I can see the runners corral. This is the que to open my stride and finish strong. I’m pushing at a 2-1-1 breath, finish! I finally cross the finish line at 1:01:34, second in my (and the bib I’m running as) age group! My watch tells me the course was actually 6.75 miles, so I’m proud of my time.

Overall, the experience was great. The run was fun, the people were nice & polite, easy for even an introvert like me to small talk with. I would have signed up for the next race in the series, but I’m traveling that day. I look forward to pushing myself in a trail race again.

Check out the event photos from Swim, Bike, Run Photography: http://swimbikerunphoto.zenfolio.com/blue_crab_bolt_little_bennett_2015_gallery

A pause in my journey for gratitude

April 7, 2015April 7, 2015 by drkarimoran ♥ 2 Comments

I easily wake up and jump out of bed. This isn’t normal for me, at home I can never wake up this easily. It is still dark, but this place always gives me energy. The morning air is thick, and smells of the ocean. The fog and clouds cover the earth like a blanket. The temperature is cool, but not cold. I pull over a sweater, tip-toe out of the bedroom, and pour some coffee. Every time I’m here, I imagine having a timed coffee maker at home. I cuddle up and wait in silence for the pitter patter of little feet. Here they come! This means we will be out of the house soon.

After coffee and small talk, we are on our way. In the car we go, The ocean smell turns to pine. It is still dark. We arrive at the base of the mountain. We have the trail to ourselves, no one else has arrived yet. We get out of the car, stretch and moan, and set forth. There is still pavement beneath our feet as we pass through the pedestrian gate. Beyond this point the pavement begins to wither away. I am always amazed how the green of the plants, both close and encompassing the city, look so much more green when they are set against the marine layer. The air is fresh, and although I would be happy just to sit, we have come to conquer. We climb. We quicken our gait until it becomes a run. The road curves and we no longer see our origin. After two more corners, we are faced with a fork in the road. As we continue to run up the trail, the trail continues to narrow; we are running in single file now. We are lucky that there has been rain. The trail takes us down, we descend and there is water in the stream. It is always so much more fun to jump from rock to rock. That relief from the descent is short-lived. After passing the creek we work our way up again. A steep climb, now the trail hugs the mountain-side and we level off for a moment. Here again, you can take inventory of your accomplishment, seeing how far you have come in such a short amount of time. The mountain is more brown up here, we are making our way through the clouds at this point. And we continue to go up. Now the trail takes us back and forth, back and forth, with level and steep climbs alternating quickly. The last portion of the climb is the worst, so sharp and dry that the soil has began to degrade. Single wooden stairs stand in and assist as we push our last efforts to find the mountain crest.

Relief, accomplishment, and joy rush over you as you cross the other, larger trail whose head we passed so long ago. After the cross roads is an open space, to sit (or stand) and enjoy. We stand. Here we are above the clouds. Just minutes ago, we were unaware of the beauty and the warmth that the sun provides. We can see the waves traveling through the clouds, although you must be patient, since these are much longer and slower than the waves of the ocean beneath us. Every time I come here I am grateful. I’m grateful for each experience, for each woman that runs that trail with me, for the beauty and energy of the sun, for the strength and longevity of the mountain. For the strength and accomplishments of my amazing body, moving me from the bottom to the top with ease and grace. Life is put into perspective up here. There is still another peak directly behind us. And if we were to sit long enough for the clouds to dissipate, we would see the entire city of Santa Barbara & Goleta, the ocean, the vast large world in which we live. The city is like no other. Small white specks separated by elevation and green from pine trees. All set between the beautiful and powerful ocean and mountains. We stand at this peak, Inspiration Point to reflect on life, to be grateful, and to appreciate the presence of our company.

Peak behind inspiration point. Santa Barbara, CA October 2014

After some time, we will descend, reversing our journey. Slowly (not too slowly, we are running) coming back to the place we began. Changed. Happier. Mindful. And a little lighter. The journey we take can be taken for granted, but I challenge you to be awake and aware of the journey you are on. And take a moment at the top to appreciate how you got there.

The Beginning.

March 29, 2015 by drkarimoran ♥ 3 Comments

“Not knowing when the dawn will come I open every door” -Emily Dickinson

Good morning and welcome to my blog! For those who don’t know me, I’m Kari. I’m a young professional living and working in Washington, D.C. My husband and I moved here when I finished grad school in 2012. In grad school I studied mechanical engineering, specifically MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) and parametric resonance (nonlinear dynamics). You can read about that here, if you feel so inclined. In addition to studying, I spent a lot of time developing hobbies and cultivating amazing friendships. My interests, errr passions really, include running, roller derby, cycling, strength training (outside, in the gym or crossfit), and yoga. I’ve spent much of my free time over the last decade learning, experimenting, and trying to become the best version of myself that I can be, at this point in time. Over the next week or so, I’ll write about my experience in each sport and link them as they come online. I don’t want to bog you down on this first entry, if you’re like me you’ll appreciate short, concise posts and organization.

I’ve started this blog to share with the world how I apply my critical thinking to my personal interests, in a quest to be the best me that I can be. Most of what I’ll be talking about is fitness and lifestyle. I’ll be reviewing the books and articles I’ve read, sharing my goals, and explaining my current self-exploration/experimentation. I’m also participating in the April writer’s U, so I will probably post some of my assignments here too. I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts and trials with you! Feel free to comment here or on social media (links on your right).

Kari Moran

A documentation of my journey & interests: science, fitness, & wellness

Author: drkarimoran