tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14095754044016633752024-03-11T14:22:06.872+01:00Mom's Home RunInspiration and information for running momsNicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.comBlogger809125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-24055300588331692862024-03-09T06:45:00.003+01:002024-03-10T08:31:05.065+01:00Buying new running shoes is no fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_ivOUIWLly0I31xpfxsbT0kXFuU2AtUZ9h8Vq5f713BiT0Mw0ODZw6ZF072-PYroDa_gJfIOnCZMLwghkF2HqwbYt6a6eQazaZeNvv7cE1ZbNh7dMQi8VCXZlxxn34dlfbgFgdWaI30/s1600/Schermafbeelding+2010-11-09+om+18.21.32.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running shoes" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_ivOUIWLly0I31xpfxsbT0kXFuU2AtUZ9h8Vq5f713BiT0Mw0ODZw6ZF072-PYroDa_gJfIOnCZMLwghkF2HqwbYt6a6eQazaZeNvv7cE1ZbNh7dMQi8VCXZlxxn34dlfbgFgdWaI30/s16000/Schermafbeelding+2010-11-09+om+18.21.32.png" title="running shoes" /></a></div>It's odd: as a mom I lóve buying new shoes, but as a runner I keep postponing it. I find buying <i>running shoes </i>no fun at all.<div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Why buying running shoes is no fun at all </h2>
<br />
You don't get to choose the ones with the most beautiful colors, or the nicest shape. You have to take whatever the expert tells you suits your feet the best. Usually that's a pair of big clumpy shoes, with colors I wouldn't have chosen in a million years.</div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Looking into the sole of my running shoe</h2>
<br />
But when I look at the soles of my running shoes I fear the time has definitely come to get me a new pair. So I'll reluctantly fork over a lot of money for shoes I don't like the look off, and I'll tell myself: 'When it comes to running shoes 'no pain ís my gain'!'</div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">My perfect running shoes!</h2>
<br />
But sometimes when I lie awake at night, I imagine my perfect running shoes: bright pink and sprinkled with little daisies!<br />
<br />
<b>Do you like buying running shoes?<br />
What would your 'dream running shoes' look like?</b></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-73102512490903606412024-03-02T09:12:00.001+01:002024-03-02T09:12:00.134+01:00Setting goals: what running can teach moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-wOEH4G4vx4TXqeVNzgN1N3KBu0mc7NjQJgosP-GUCWB6XoJHpg6Vl7zl8oc37KBc0DZ-iqeW9oPur3vp18yEBvEJKPt42d5JQUHL7iu35_8WrbR5iy89Kf20S-uJYhQ3vlUQGYpTYo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-07-07+at+10.40.58.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running mom" border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-wOEH4G4vx4TXqeVNzgN1N3KBu0mc7NjQJgosP-GUCWB6XoJHpg6Vl7zl8oc37KBc0DZ-iqeW9oPur3vp18yEBvEJKPt42d5JQUHL7iu35_8WrbR5iy89Kf20S-uJYhQ3vlUQGYpTYo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-07-07+at+10.40.58.png" title="running and being a mom" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Ask any mother what she hopes to achieve for her children and the answer will probably be:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'That he'll be happy.' </blockquote>
<br />
Certainly an admirable goal, but how do you go about achieving it? Isn't the goal 'As long as they're happy,' comparable with a beginning runner saying: 'I want to run the New York marathon?' <br />
<br />
<h2>
What mothers can learn from running</h2>
<br />
Here motherhood can take her cue from running: set a goal, and then chop it up in little goals, that are achievable in the short term. This will give you a feeling of succes and encouragement.<br />
<br />
Sometimes your goal can be as simple as 'getting through the day without screaming'. Other days you can set your sights higher: 'Playing board games with the children without screaming.'<br />
<br />
At the end of the day you can put your feet up at look back at a good day's work.<br />
<br />
And at the end of your career as a mom, you can look at a happy child.Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-71916712837899490222024-02-24T06:45:00.001+01:002024-02-24T06:45:00.125+01:005 benefits of yoga for runners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD33PEwNGp047ln10lvanrIqDoPhCEz_pPL6QyFw-mJ6pL8Q2OO5i3_TCKX40W4tt6CWdBmJVmyuKYx26qVA4f8NYhTV9ZqxotXScXLZq5Q1ZhVI4w6OwSHS5_VYXzuZ9ewDP5ozyKo2s/s1500/running+and+yoga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running and yoga" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD33PEwNGp047ln10lvanrIqDoPhCEz_pPL6QyFw-mJ6pL8Q2OO5i3_TCKX40W4tt6CWdBmJVmyuKYx26qVA4f8NYhTV9ZqxotXScXLZq5Q1ZhVI4w6OwSHS5_VYXzuZ9ewDP5ozyKo2s/s16000/running+and+yoga.jpg" title="running and yoga" /></a></div><br />I've been feeling rather annoyed about the advice to do cross-training.<br />
<br />
I mean, here I am, finally doing something sporty like running and then they go and tell me it's not enough and I have to do another sporty thing! I mean: yuck!<br />
<br />
Anyway, lately I've been feeling kind of stressed out, and I started thinking about yoga. Yoga and running are very good friends, I've been told. And I suppose that makes sense. Yoga complements running. It's the ying to the yang of running. It's the salt to the running egg, it's the Big Mac you can demolish after running for an hour.<br />
<br />
<h2>
The benefits of yoga for runners</h2>
<ol><br />
<li>It makes your muscles more supple, thereby reducing your risk for injuries which is always a good thing.</li>
<li>When I tried <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2010/02/when-life-hurts.html" target="_blank" title="Don’t fight it, run with it">chirunning</a>, one of the most important lessons was about posture. Yoga is all about postures! So what you learn during yoga, you can use during your runs. Chirunning thought me to think of my pelvic area as a bowl filled with water. It was my job not to spill the water when I ran, so I had to slightly tilt my pelvic muscles to keep the 'bowl' upright. This is an important yoga lesson too.</li>
<li>When you're doing your yoga exercises, your breathing is a central part of the exercise. When you're running how you breathe matters too. Just think of the old beginner's advice: if you can't hold a conversation because you're out of breath, you're moving too fast!</li>
<li>During yoga you have to keep asking yourself: 'How does this feel? How does my body react when I contort my body in this unpleasant way?' That's mindfulness! Another thing that's important when you run: listening to your body.</li>
<li>Yoga is a great way to get a work out while giving your body a break from the pounding of running.</li>
</ol>
Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-44337324393916996302024-02-17T06:45:00.000+01:002024-02-17T06:45:00.122+01:00Friday Five: my favorite books about running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdDdZfR9_iYe-V8tOwYPMkKC1a1_2_oJbhNcIr2iWpC9OFQFEDBcmleLJ8HQEKls4yYMGgEbzDr2XWoYNVwk5qn_34hOKEUUobDFI5nfuqK2A9Op3BSzNWWMUWm-4mR8woN33pjyccmHIJ2LpAJiLwQYvz4b028vYlRsd3VIEGtqbk6UMRBDRn1f6QaQc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running books" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdDdZfR9_iYe-V8tOwYPMkKC1a1_2_oJbhNcIr2iWpC9OFQFEDBcmleLJ8HQEKls4yYMGgEbzDr2XWoYNVwk5qn_34hOKEUUobDFI5nfuqK2A9Op3BSzNWWMUWm-4mR8woN33pjyccmHIJ2LpAJiLwQYvz4b028vYlRsd3VIEGtqbk6UMRBDRn1f6QaQc=s16000" title="running books" /></a></div><br />Reading about running motivates me! So I made a list of my 6 favorite books about running.<br />
<h2>
My top 5 running books</h2>
<ol><br />
<li>The Courage to Start, John Bingham. I love the fact that before he discovered the joy of running he was mowing his lawn on one of those lawn mowers you can sít on. That's how lazy he was.</li>
<br />
<li>The Complete book about running, Jim Fixx. My my favorite part is where he tells about his first run. He just put on some old boots and off he went.</li>
<br />
<li>The Complete book of Running for Women, Claire Kowalchik. This is the book that got me started as a runner! The training programme inside this book, is the one I followed when I first took my tentative steps on the path of running.</li>
<br />
<li>The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life, Amby Burfoot. I love the things you can learn from running, and how running applies to life!</li>
<br />
<li>ChiRunning, Danny Dreyer. It's more than a way of running, it's a way of life. And I really like that.</li></ol>
<br />
<strong>What's your favorite book about running?</strong>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-78734479024407734692024-02-10T06:45:00.000+01:002024-02-10T06:45:00.142+01:00Power Song: the power of music!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTTVNgbtnGeQYI_CKf14rCStsCe2PqGZoBRI2u6QTC0Z6zKPAWmGPBIqVoJuy8GnMtk6yph9YjpCCU5KwUVP-UTOGY0xdGKQ0WfAgk2iS47CVD-I5Zo6-XqcYkTKnavReB_d-fNo1uu8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-05-12+at+11.18.16.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="power song for runners" border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTTVNgbtnGeQYI_CKf14rCStsCe2PqGZoBRI2u6QTC0Z6zKPAWmGPBIqVoJuy8GnMtk6yph9YjpCCU5KwUVP-UTOGY0xdGKQ0WfAgk2iS47CVD-I5Zo6-XqcYkTKnavReB_d-fNo1uu8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-05-12+at+11.18.16.png" title="" /></a></div>
<br />
A <b><i>power song</i></b> is a song with a strong motivational power. Hence the name 'power song'!<br />
<br />
So it only makes sense that a power song can come in quite useful during a run. If you're using the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike%2B" target="_blank" title="nike+">Nike+ iPod Sensor</a> you can even program a Power Song to start playing in your hour of need. You know, that moment when all you want to do is stop running? Your power song is only one push on a little button away. And if it's a good power song, it will make you want to start moving again.<br />
<h2>
My favoriete power song</h2>
Mijn favorite power song is '<a href="http://www.renmamaren.com/2011/10/hey-orriens-moj-wel-deurlopen.html" target="_blank" title="‘Hey Orriëns! Moj wel deurlopen!’">Is this the way to Amarillo</a>?' But I also like Emmylou Harris's song 'I was born to run'. Whenever I hear it during a run, I feel I'm an embarassment to the song if I don't run. You can't be listening to 'I was born to run' and just wander about! So that always gets me running again.<br />
<br />
My favourite part of this power song is: 'I was born to be fast, I was born to run.' I know the first few words are a big fat lie when it comes to my running prowess, but I don't care. It makes me wanna run!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7PIlw22Urro" width="420"></iframe><br />
<h2>
Power Song: use the power of music</h2>
The power of a power songs lies in the <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2011/07/power-of-music.html" target="_blank" title="The power of music">power of music</a>. Research has shown that music has a powerful effect on running. Here are some of the results:<br />
<ul><br />
<li>Music makes you faster</li>
<br />
<li>Running while listening to music is easier than running without music. Because music takes your mind off of your <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2008/04/says-left-side-of-brain-why-are-we.html" target="_blank" title="Left side of the brain messages">left brain's messages</a>: 'Why are you running! Stop! For the love of God!'</li>
<br />
<li>Happy music makes you feel better, and that makes running feel better. So don't you go listening to Mozarts requiem during a run!</li>
</ul>
<br />
It wouldn't be fair nót to admit running while listening to music also has some drawbacks. You're less aware of your body and surroundings, while listening to music. So the great advantage of running with music, is also the big drawback. It all depends on your perspective.<br />
<h2>
Power Song: not every runner's cup of tea</h2>
Power songs do not have a powerful effect on all runners! It depends on the kind of runner you are. Associative runners won't benefit from a power song. They focus on their body. Music would only get in the way of that. But your average runner is a <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2013/02/associative-versus-disassociative-running.html" target="_blank" title="Associative versus disassociative running">disassociative runner</a>, and uses music to distract and motivate herself.<br />
<br />
<strong>What's your power song? What song compells you to move?!</strong>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-9419165926608201922024-02-03T06:45:00.001+01:002024-02-03T06:45:00.127+01:00My personal runner's quadrant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xzE7OZbywZUmCJ_j9094Nh1qoqe5dr6D0r6J69Hr9qLlyIfHg5r8LwLWmQV8Fbe-7ba1g2Z92SeZ2rI4RZptXLVUMYXbfK-iT4ZY4rwPz-2M2PtBt6317J0SdZs_et6MQ2V56iMlX4c/s1600/shutterstock_295906904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running" border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xzE7OZbywZUmCJ_j9094Nh1qoqe5dr6D0r6J69Hr9qLlyIfHg5r8LwLWmQV8Fbe-7ba1g2Z92SeZ2rI4RZptXLVUMYXbfK-iT4ZY4rwPz-2M2PtBt6317J0SdZs_et6MQ2V56iMlX4c/s640/shutterstock_295906904.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
Once upon a time I wrote a post about the <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2013/11/fine-line-discipline-compulsion.html" target="_blank" title="The fine line between discipline and compulsion">fine line between discipline and compulsive behavior</a>. And I admitted about sometimes going to the dark side.<br />
<br />
We all have our strengths and weaknesses. And Daniel Ofman helps you capture them in a Core Quadrant.<br />
<br />
<h2>
About the Core Quadrant</h2>
<br />
The core quality is someone’s natural positive quality. A quality you're born with. It's what you'ld call one of your 'strong points'.<br />
<br />
However, there can be too much of a good thing!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And when that happens your strong point can become your weakness.</blockquote>
<br />
This strong point of the personality can, however, go too far because of which the strength becomes a weakness. Let's say you're a very punctual and tidy person. That's one of the things that make you a great person!<br />
<br />
Your pitfall would be when the limit is exceeded. Then punctual and tidy become perfectionist and obsessive.<br />
<h2>
My own runner's quadrant</h2>
<div>
Using Ofman's Core Quadrant I made my own <strong>Runner's Quadrant!</strong><em> </em>Featuring what makes me a good runner, and what my pitfalls are.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPqinm8QpVNFa8XvpcriV-r2AHy8oG98wXoIT77ejlbPv8y9bWhCyEgcqpHZaoBAGKM2IaD8M2ZwCLwxMOuep3qWGfNpU-bVQhg6Y8GkmPzkbGkJJK4hZ3hAwU-jA9Mp3ZbAt4SD1fzQ/s1600/Knipsel.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPqinm8QpVNFa8XvpcriV-r2AHy8oG98wXoIT77ejlbPv8y9bWhCyEgcqpHZaoBAGKM2IaD8M2ZwCLwxMOuep3qWGfNpU-bVQhg6Y8GkmPzkbGkJJK4hZ3hAwU-jA9Mp3ZbAt4SD1fzQ/s1600/Knipsel.PNG" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>What are your strengths and weaknesses as a runner?</strong><br />
<em><strong><br /></strong></em>
<em>Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" target="_blank">Shutterstock</a></em>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-16185590082670533072024-01-27T06:45:00.000+01:002024-01-27T06:45:00.158+01:00I've got the power! I am runner, hear me roar!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPLZzVTRCJeGonAlg0_zUOQDJl_wYoqT2w1XVKN5ZYBQjtV0fo0A5pQ9Y2WfCeCiZno8A3i5qTgag1cRulBxkgcBIPcId7QdLB1UxoUR9XiPR7oUSmiWGoQFSiDdE-BTYcZlFP6U5p0c/s1600/I%2527ve+got+the+power%2521.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPLZzVTRCJeGonAlg0_zUOQDJl_wYoqT2w1XVKN5ZYBQjtV0fo0A5pQ9Y2WfCeCiZno8A3i5qTgag1cRulBxkgcBIPcId7QdLB1UxoUR9XiPR7oUSmiWGoQFSiDdE-BTYcZlFP6U5p0c/s1600/I%2527ve+got+the+power%2521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
In my top ten of <i>Things that annoy me when I go for a run</i>, men making 'funny' remarks, and dogs, feature prominently. <div><br /></div><div>But a well deserved third place is reserved for big groups of cyclists. They look like a swarm of evil insects, as they race towards me.<br />
<h2>
Swarms of cyclists</h2>
And there must have been some sort of race today, because I ran into several swarms of cyclists! Dressed in speedy looking helmets, and fluorescent shirts sporting as many company logos as possible. They made the bike path I was running along decidedly scary.<br />
<h2>
Gesture</h2>
But then I saw something: the cyclist in the front made a gesture with his right hand, and this gesture was passed along! And when it reached the back of the swarm, they swarmed to the side, kindly offering me space!<br />
<h2>
I've got the power!</h2>
I felt drunk with power! As a mom I often feel helpless, but as a runner I have the power to move whole groups of cyclists!<br />
<br />
I am runner hear me roar!<br />
</div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-27129402723530249262024-01-20T06:45:00.001+01:002024-01-20T06:45:00.137+01:00Runner's Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v_c6E83m7jVTBeRd7cpCrceRF7hssSwVvMQlHx9A5roJ0G8S839nMJZ2L4xFHf-Eq_7zOvXq52sufRuRFZAnJ__DrD4oUZqFKcxkNQCtBsxx60pshnVHbFnpyGRoKNUhIQvKwzLP2Jk/s1600/runner's%2Bfear.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="runner's fear" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v_c6E83m7jVTBeRd7cpCrceRF7hssSwVvMQlHx9A5roJ0G8S839nMJZ2L4xFHf-Eq_7zOvXq52sufRuRFZAnJ__DrD4oUZqFKcxkNQCtBsxx60pshnVHbFnpyGRoKNUhIQvKwzLP2Jk/s1600/runner's%2Bfear.JPG" title="" /></a></div>
<br />
Once upon a time I took a yoga class every Friday morning. After all, <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2011/08/cross-training-are-you-crazy.html" target="_blank">crosstraining</a> is good for you. Even if you don't like it. <div><br /></div><div>By adding crosstraining to your running routine you make sure you work your whole body, and nothing but the whole body. Not just the legs.<br />
<br />
So anyway, for almost year, every Friday I got in my car and drove to the gym. Until one day the car wouldn't start. So I missed one Yoga lesson.<br />
<br />
And that was it. I never returned to the gym.<h2>It's a slippery slope</h2>
<br />
It's a slippery slope, they say. The Merriam Webster dictionary explains 'a slippery slope' very well:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'A process or series of events that is hard to stop or control once it has begun and that usually leads to worse or more difficult things.' </blockquote>
<br />
And this is why I don't allow myself to skip a run. I fear skipping a run once, will lead to skipping a run twice and before I know it I'll be a runner no more. It can happen! I know it can. After all, it happend with yoga!<br />
<h2>
The power of habit will set me free?</h2>
On the other hand, I've been running for 13 years now. Thanks to the force of habit, chances of my suddenly quitting running are slim. Running has become such an integral part of my day it feels weird if I don't run. Like something is wrong.<br />
<br />
But still, I worry. It's my biggest Runner's Fear: no longer being a runner.<br />
<br />
<b>What's your biggest Runner's Fear?</b></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-46754882081510000732024-01-13T06:45:00.000+01:002024-01-13T06:45:00.123+01:00Buying new running shoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYVBanZIVe0m3P1FEccD4SCpv3krdOJxUz-crSwdBUfaHEi-ZHdKlVstZw9l1HmsASrJdWDLFiH0ipk7qQZPrZKU1hmhZMQD5Ibdan_T6k9aoHyTE6xJhMtlSJ_BreCDAkKlOCq0hdgo/s1600/Knipsel.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYVBanZIVe0m3P1FEccD4SCpv3krdOJxUz-crSwdBUfaHEi-ZHdKlVstZw9l1HmsASrJdWDLFiH0ipk7qQZPrZKU1hmhZMQD5Ibdan_T6k9aoHyTE6xJhMtlSJ_BreCDAkKlOCq0hdgo/s16000/Knipsel.PNG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
I often feel a bit like a fraud when I tell people I <em>run</em>. Even though I do.<br />
<br />
I've been a runner for twelve years, and I run at least 4 times a week. I still feel like someone is suddenly going to jump out, point his finger and shout: 'She's a fake!'<br />
<br />
Luckily I have my running shoes to assure me I really ám a runner.<br />
<h2>
Hole in the heel of my Saucony Progrid running shoes. Again!</h2>
I had worn a hole in the heel of my Saucony Progrid running shoes. Again. Whenever I wore them, I got a blister. So I alternated between my <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2013/09/merrell-running-shoes-mix-master-move-glide.html" target="_blank" title="Merrell running shoes: Mix Master Move Glide">Merrell</a> and <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2011/04/product-review-sos-bandje-van.html" target="_blank" title="Product Review: Saucony’s ProGrid Mirages">Progrid Mirage</a> running shoes, to give my poor feet a break. But since both are minimalistic shoes, I didn't want to wear them too often.<br />
<br />
So off to the running store I went. I'd been back before, with the same problem. The <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2013/01/saucony-running-shoes.html" target="_blank" title="Saucony running shoes">first time</a> they gave me a new pair of shoes because I'd only had them about three months. This time however, the shoe store guy told me that '<em>hole in the heel</em>' is a common problem when it comes to running shoes.Then he looked deep into my soul, soles, and told me they were done for.<br />
<br />
So I had to buy a new pair of running shoes anyway.<br />
<h2>
Buying new running shoes</h2>
Whenever the shoes guy tells me to do something, I do it. So I obediently bought myself a new pair of Saucony progrid running shoes. Even though I don't really enjoy buying running shoes, I have to admit it's quite easy. I just buy the pair the shoe guy tells me to.<br />
<br />
The Saucony Progrid 2013 model comes in bright colors, which I love. They cost about 156 bucks, which I did not love. But whenever I have to buy running shoes I tell myself: 'At least it's cheaper than a gym membership!'<br />
<br />
Running is still the cheapest sport I know.Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-82922723547463195842024-01-06T09:11:00.000+01:002024-01-06T09:11:23.612+01:00Mommy blaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvVqkMMsab9jjGpwZ6hhmXVDxhCeBg2NfwKVIDXeWcw7vjhR9BOklUf2p5h4qJi4KRQA-DAm0zIH529z1kvUBg414GXmUab8EHWDt0zMX5ygs3R8KHXdLC2cqSUe4gCxv7s1iC5NoHbfu-XnhYN0Lde0LAlZkDVpN89uUjX4ZWIUPg29_-YBptKyeKOw/s1050/mommy%20blaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mommy blaming" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvVqkMMsab9jjGpwZ6hhmXVDxhCeBg2NfwKVIDXeWcw7vjhR9BOklUf2p5h4qJi4KRQA-DAm0zIH529z1kvUBg414GXmUab8EHWDt0zMX5ygs3R8KHXdLC2cqSUe4gCxv7s1iC5NoHbfu-XnhYN0Lde0LAlZkDVpN89uUjX4ZWIUPg29_-YBptKyeKOw/s16000/mommy%20blaming.jpg" title="mommy blaming" /></a></div><br />Now there's yet another thing mom's can be blamed for! Brace yourself, here it comes: <div><br /></div><div><blockquote>Moms may be a contributing factor to the country's rampant growth of obesity.</blockquote><div><br />
<br />
How come you ask?<br />
<br />
Let me tell you.<br />
<h2>
Moms move their bodies about 11 hours less per week</h2>
A certain professor Archer studied 50.000 activity logs. These activity logs were collected by the <i>American Heritage Time Use Study </i>over an impressive period of 45 years. Activity logs were then compared. </div><div><br /></div><div>And it turns out moms with children aged between 5 and 18 move about on average 20,9 hours per week. That doesn't sound too bad. But wait till you hear how much moms moved in 1965! About 31 hours per week!<br />
<h2>
Who's to blame? Let's play the blame game</h2>
Luckily, besides moms, there's something else to blame. This time it's technology! The technology that brought us nifty machines. Like washing machines and vacuumers. Because of them, doing the housework became easier, and requires less physical exertions.<br />
<br />
And if that wasn't bad enough, then came the internet! And cheap television sets. That's when moms' numbers hit rock bottom.<br />
<h2>
Mom is leading by bad example</h2>
According to professor Archer the fact that moms move about less, is a contributing factor to the country's growing number of people with weight problems. Moms are setting a bad example.<br />
<h2>
Running Moms are not to blame!</h2>
I worry about all kinds of stuff. But this little tidbit of news, I didn't mind. Because as a mom who likes to run, I know I'm definitely offering my kids the right example.<br />
<br />
I'm showing them the importance of exercise every day.<br />
<br />
So there!</div></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-45273697748549913892023-12-30T06:45:00.002+01:002023-12-30T06:45:00.129+01:00The world is my gym!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mXxrI11AdZrGun2DjVGz0CEqGd2SqWu9EDILRXwzSoJxfF_GOlzxWQcVsnCxUr0NE1NKm8avoWWXlfUjcKqRFUYghiiM7QCGVMJYqeToEkB0xYDVjCN9nTMdQcJr4F8_bmUR1qOYvko/s1600/world.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mXxrI11AdZrGun2DjVGz0CEqGd2SqWu9EDILRXwzSoJxfF_GOlzxWQcVsnCxUr0NE1NKm8avoWWXlfUjcKqRFUYghiiM7QCGVMJYqeToEkB0xYDVjCN9nTMdQcJr4F8_bmUR1qOYvko/s640/world.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
One of the things I like about running is the cheap thrills it offers me!<h2>I boldly go where many have gone before. But so what?!</h2>
<br />
In the gym that is the world, I regularly find new and exciting new routes, which give me that great feeling of <span style="font-style: italic;">boldly going where no one has gone before</span>.<br />
<br />
Right now my gym is decorated for winter. The trees show me their barren branches. And the houses are decorated for Christmas.<br />
<h2>
My Granny's run</h2>
I named my newest route after <span style="font-style: italic;">Granny's</span> in honor of this coffee place called Granny's where I grab my cup of coffee after 5 kilometers.<br />
<h2>
Seeing the sights</h2>
There are lots of things to see on the way there. I pass the train station, run through a residential area, and then on to a road which is very fittingly called 'Sports Road'. And it really is very sporty. Because it's surrounded by playing fields with children playing hockey and soccer while their parents stand on the sidelines watching.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This gives me an extra thrill from the joy of nót being one of thém.</blockquote><p> </p><h2>And then there it is: Granny's! </h2>
Then on to a little harbor with lots of parked boats, over a footbridge and then there it is, my goal for the day: Granny's.<br />
<br />
And as I run towards it I can already smell the coffee and freshly made apple pie.<br />
<br />
There really is no better gym than the world itself!<br />
<br />Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-43106033620606632352023-12-23T06:45:00.000+01:002023-12-23T06:45:00.131+01:00Christmas music to run to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcFluTEtwSS0ZNmvbfIiGrbQhyVg0y7DF7eVNVHd_s_APCbjGgK_jFrp5GzOf1QMzP3WoJMGjMrKEfDoV8PJ4rzu85evfawmRlcUzKX57JjWZ2c3m8gnxWa4-0GHeuovVxepuEdV20JU/s1500/How+oms+Deal.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="christmas music" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcFluTEtwSS0ZNmvbfIiGrbQhyVg0y7DF7eVNVHd_s_APCbjGgK_jFrp5GzOf1QMzP3WoJMGjMrKEfDoV8PJ4rzu85evfawmRlcUzKX57JjWZ2c3m8gnxWa4-0GHeuovVxepuEdV20JU/s16000/How+oms+Deal.png" /></a></div><br />Christmas songs are perhaps not the first thing that pop into your mind when you think about running music! But there are some out there, that really make you want to move!<br />
<br />
My Christmas favourite is <i>Grandma got run over by a reindeer</i>, because it always makes me smile! I especially love the line that says: 'They should never give a license, to a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves'.<br />
<br />
Do you have any recommendations for Christmas songs to run to?!<h2 style="text-align: left;">Grandma got run over by a reindeer</h2><div>
Hope you enjoy mine! Here it is:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dr8fKFN6acU" width="460"></iframe></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-14947780463894530252023-12-16T06:45:00.001+01:002023-12-16T06:45:00.120+01:00Runners spat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwT7fJshjyYpXAVdtIGq8zdrQXC5DKktxIdVDvu6xaCOvyvD_cAOl05hRoo5Ufi2Ikpu6XMMtK4Zg3rUKb_XJojCSe5-Yp8SGun1nwvT5KKyUT5_MeN8ggCnUfvsZe62IMXBs17MdaeU/s1600/Goals+for+2016+Pinterest+%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwT7fJshjyYpXAVdtIGq8zdrQXC5DKktxIdVDvu6xaCOvyvD_cAOl05hRoo5Ufi2Ikpu6XMMtK4Zg3rUKb_XJojCSe5-Yp8SGun1nwvT5KKyUT5_MeN8ggCnUfvsZe62IMXBs17MdaeU/s1600/Goals+for+2016+Pinterest+%25282%2529.png" title="running" /></a></div>
<br />
Me and one of my running mates had a big blow up.<br />
<br />
She was always whining and complaining and wanting me to go slower or take a break. In the end I just snapped and said: 'You know what? I don't want you to be my running mate anymore! Go and take a hike!'<br />
<h2>
She couldn't take a hint</h2>
But this running mate didn't recognize rejection when she was rejected, and kept following me wherever I ran. So I ran a little bit faster, and faster, and faster in an attempt to shake her off, but she stuck to me like glue.<br />
<br />
I never ran so fast in my life and even broke my personal record. So then I thought:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'Wait a minute! She's actually the perfect running mate: she really pushes me to my limit and helps me improve my pace. So what if she's a total whiner.'</blockquote>
<br />
So we reconciled and shook hands and now we run together again.<br />
<br />
Me and my mind.Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-17627696976846972102023-12-09T06:45:00.000+01:002023-12-09T06:45:00.124+01:00The brass ring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxICA0Ux9zyqyIlz1ruiHAni8SG0EMymBHAY5bI8ESuSDLhnKfacZCVwuZEql75JzZD9xrDFnGZw_99PDSBkOgeUGGGxFR5zFHksNr0uO-IPIIeZPSKPYykh7szUTRPnasVtR82Du_zNA1KV-6KXsfmrydnRXKzRqqu2kMNvK96hyUGM_f6_S6a1tf1FI/s1050/The%20Brass%20ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the brass ring" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxICA0Ux9zyqyIlz1ruiHAni8SG0EMymBHAY5bI8ESuSDLhnKfacZCVwuZEql75JzZD9xrDFnGZw_99PDSBkOgeUGGGxFR5zFHksNr0uO-IPIIeZPSKPYykh7szUTRPnasVtR82Du_zNA1KV-6KXsfmrydnRXKzRqqu2kMNvK96hyUGM_f6_S6a1tf1FI/s16000/The%20Brass%20ring.jpg" title="the brass ring" /></a></div><br />As a mom I strive for the brass ring. I'm giving it everything I've got to be the best mom I can be. <div><br /></div><div>As a runner, oh well, I'll just go out and buy me a ring. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's so much easier. <br />
<br />
As a runner I don't even try to get the brass ring. I know I'm not a fast runner and I mostly strive for strength and equilibrium. Both of which will serve me well as a mom. <br />
<br />
But of course, my inner runner likes a treat now and then too, hence the ring at John Hardy. And maybe a watch, and a pendant, and a charm bracelet. I wish I had run into this shop before my birthday!</div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Ring with a 'growing diamond' </h2>
<br />
For my eighteenth birthday my parents gave me this golden ring with a small diamond that could grow. Experts are now very concerned about its stunted growth. <br />
<br />
So when I turned forty I thought:</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote> 'Wouldn't it be nice to to have a slightly bigger diamond to mark this special occasion?' </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>My husband ran to the nearest jewelry store, but came home crying like a baby, when he heard how much it cost. So he gave me a nice new set of towels for my birthday. It really brought tears to my eyes.</div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">It's almost Christmas time</h2>
But then I stumbled upon John Hardy's shop, and my heart skipped more beats than it does during running. They have the most beautiful rings, and some rockin' watches! And the best news is: it's almost Christmas!<br />
<br />
So I'm already making a list, and checking it twice.<br /></div><br />Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-41848450372033650742023-12-02T06:45:00.000+01:002023-12-02T06:45:00.124+01:00I have so many layers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaWKg6XjQf3Z3rWiODLZyMd2rHm-u86IWrIqFcxbAAAVSbDy9oNdDTdAShDC4kBBRd7p87NZ65HD19z9jeyOBBgDf_qz1n4PGPyZvRtIxZpqylQC84YLxt_bap_dNtUOB_l6lKwNgt4w/s1048/Screen+Shot+2021-01-02+at+08.21.40.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running" border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="696" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaWKg6XjQf3Z3rWiODLZyMd2rHm-u86IWrIqFcxbAAAVSbDy9oNdDTdAShDC4kBBRd7p87NZ65HD19z9jeyOBBgDf_qz1n4PGPyZvRtIxZpqylQC84YLxt_bap_dNtUOB_l6lKwNgt4w/s16000/Screen+Shot+2021-01-02+at+08.21.40.png" title="running" /></a></div><br />With the temperatures seasonally cold I found myself faced with a whole new challenge: <div><br /></div><div><blockquote>How to dress for succesfully staying warm? </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>In previous years I addressed this issue by staying on the couch, but this year I no longer will be deterred by a bit of frostbite. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a runner hear me roar! </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">It's all about layering</h2><div>Looking around the internet the answer was obvious: layering. To keep warm during wintry temperatures you gotta layer yourself. So that's what I did. </div><div><br /></div><div>First I put on a little vest, followed by a t-shirt, followed by a long sleeved top, followed by a sweater. And I finished the look with my windbreaker that I bought at the Aldi for only 2 dollars. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just thinking about all the money I saved there made me feel all warm and fuzzy. And to top it off I put a hat on top of me. I looked like I'd gained several ounces. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I wasn't cold! </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">I'm actually feeling kind of hot. And not in a good way</h2><div>To be honest, after about half a mile I felt decidedly hot. So I hiked my sweater up around my bosom finally looking like the buxom woman I would have been if only my breasts were bigger.
After a succesful, quite heated run, I came home telling my husband: </div><div><br /></div><div>'I have soo many layers!' to which he replied: 'Yes you do honey. You're really deep.'</div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-90363315922957845872023-11-25T06:45:00.000+01:002023-11-25T06:45:00.139+01:00Running, dogs and their owners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QIrUAfieEfWhxvpztKitZGLxgtIraksAuI90DlDNRyxdy9h0rO7gaqGaHa5JKLo3ujjIuKKEDL9YAsXxgeqGLZjKSQM7L1S0NeYcbPp62ztihydLoI0m5bJUj8dM-IytvxLHKT8iq0UYLMhB68hVOu7d8Zpm73REUr8c-7jhZ0Bn6TcdjYZNCnYl7FA/s1050/Running,%20dogs%20and%20their%20owners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running and dogs" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QIrUAfieEfWhxvpztKitZGLxgtIraksAuI90DlDNRyxdy9h0rO7gaqGaHa5JKLo3ujjIuKKEDL9YAsXxgeqGLZjKSQM7L1S0NeYcbPp62ztihydLoI0m5bJUj8dM-IytvxLHKT8iq0UYLMhB68hVOu7d8Zpm73REUr8c-7jhZ0Bn6TcdjYZNCnYl7FA/s16000/Running,%20dogs%20and%20their%20owners.jpg" title="running and dogs" /></a></div><br />As a runner, dogs and their owners are the bane of my life. <div><br /></div><div>Especially dog owners who have their dogs on one of those extendable leashes, which they only use to extend. </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Dog owners</h2><div>Nót to pull their sex crazed dog back when it starts humping my poor innocent legs.
But apparently things can get worse, because today a dog tried to get a whiff of my crotch, and its male owner said: </div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>'Don't do that boy! It's probably real nice, but it's not allowed.' </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>I was stunned by such ungentlemanly behavior. </div><div><br /></div><div>With such an owner, you almost can't blame the dog. </div><div><br /></div><div>Almost. </div><div><br /></div><div>I blame both.</div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-50068641009919354692023-11-18T06:45:00.001+01:002023-11-18T06:45:00.137+01:00Running after time<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNu8wUQqDlInUTxm00Y6_198sW1rjcwKct9Bg0KtEHOSXZgoJiIoebNPqndHBmT4aAfPQLm0JdwwTNt7MhjVGXZNs8CfqRCEmA5lPSvpdH1D23PASuVKP5s0RdHJjC9SCHeUPrwBxtWs/s1200/IMG_20201025_131100_157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNu8wUQqDlInUTxm00Y6_198sW1rjcwKct9Bg0KtEHOSXZgoJiIoebNPqndHBmT4aAfPQLm0JdwwTNt7MhjVGXZNs8CfqRCEmA5lPSvpdH1D23PASuVKP5s0RdHJjC9SCHeUPrwBxtWs/s16000/IMG_20201025_131100_157.jpg" title="running" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Running after time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, you read that right.</div><div><br /></div><div>I made this photo thinking of how fast time goes by, and how it can sometimes feel as if you're permanently trying to catch up.</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></div><div>So this is me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully not running out of time, but after it ; )</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><b>Don't miss any of my posts! Get yourself a free subscription, and you'll never have to worry about missing out!</b>
<form action="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=runningalong', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow"><p>Enter your email address:</p><p><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /></p><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="Runningalong" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><p>Delivered by <a href="https://feedburner.google.com" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></p></form>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-65145117835992289332023-11-11T06:45:00.000+01:002023-11-11T06:45:00.127+01:00Need a pick-me-up to get you motivated?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy1JeL6ufPHW_e-JLKuCnAS3F5WFyqqgnysEvCm3uHSIdULudG6Qo65TfNqbFASO4FRZ0dyIflTgnE9jkIMDVTsA17oTX5MdTbp9UFDuEWtD1iqG5tBoLBDDImzxJVt73YAbNIvMBdHxP_BtPfFQav5kz_uqnSybEqnnkjn1AO9ph3NWvnCqmOhJBvzg/s1050/Get%20all%20inspired!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running motivation" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy1JeL6ufPHW_e-JLKuCnAS3F5WFyqqgnysEvCm3uHSIdULudG6Qo65TfNqbFASO4FRZ0dyIflTgnE9jkIMDVTsA17oTX5MdTbp9UFDuEWtD1iqG5tBoLBDDImzxJVt73YAbNIvMBdHxP_BtPfFQav5kz_uqnSybEqnnkjn1AO9ph3NWvnCqmOhJBvzg/s16000/Get%20all%20inspired!.jpg" title="running motivation" /></a></div><br />I was both moved, and motivated when I watched Ben Davis' 'My 120 pound journey'.<div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Motivational video </h2>First I was all 'Awwww, how cute' when I saw a little Ben, and then I got choked up when I saw how little Ben turned into Big Ben. As the video continued I was impressed by how Ben took his life into his hands, and made it work. <br /><br />I've been suffering from <a href="http://www.momshomerun.com/2013/03/winter-blues.html" target="_blank" title="Winter blues">Winter Blues</a>, but this video really helps to get me motivated again. It shows everything that is great about running, and how running can help you lead a better life.<br /><br />So if you'll excuse me:</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote> I simply must go for a run. Right now!</blockquote><h2 style="text-align: left;">Get inspired!</h2><em>Warning:</em> If you're going to watch this video, I recommend getting your running gear ready.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8SbXgQqbOoU" width="420"></iframe></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-76735948311000728512023-11-04T06:45:00.002+01:002023-11-04T06:45:00.142+01:00Running for my peace of mind: Mindful Running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhJNE6iXqZP86AQXMOPaSl2eLE0v7BeoW1UejI7YC5fMpw7L7l3Fpc4iHCZ02k0ASWFpy1p817cYYnAuAwvJKBJYyJ-cPEnQfIqvCezgCg0qI0St6-JQwc7pBFjWnHU9SlIO_ai8GrrXUK9FzbQj6Ypj4w8BNjwk6otNcoLdjeAZTv4-s57wq0iXBCFI/s1050/Who%20am%20i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mindful running" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhJNE6iXqZP86AQXMOPaSl2eLE0v7BeoW1UejI7YC5fMpw7L7l3Fpc4iHCZ02k0ASWFpy1p817cYYnAuAwvJKBJYyJ-cPEnQfIqvCezgCg0qI0St6-JQwc7pBFjWnHU9SlIO_ai8GrrXUK9FzbQj6Ypj4w8BNjwk6otNcoLdjeAZTv4-s57wq0iXBCFI/s16000/Who%20am%20i.jpg" title="mindful running" /></a></div><br />The kids are home from school. Again.<div><br />
And I'm busier than ever. Again.</div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Who am I?</h2>
<br />
This morning when I woke up, I thought to myself: 'Who ám I?!' And I wasn't sure what the answer was. When this happens I know just what to do: I go out for a run. And not just any kind of run, but a <i>Mindful Run</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Time to go for a mindful run and find myself!</h2>
<br />
So I scrolled through my music list, ignoring my beloved <i>Country and Western songs</i>, and chose the '<i>Mindful Running Podcast</i>'. This podcast consists of a <i>pyramid run</i>: you start by running 1 minute, then walking 1 minute, building up to a grand total of 3 minutes! After you've done 3 minutes, you then taper down to subsequently 2 minutes, then 1 minute. All in all, it's an 18 minute run.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">'Stay in the moment'</h3>
<br />
What's so mindful about this podcast is that the 'running coach' tells you to 'stay in the moment'. She admonishes you to pay attention to how you feel, how your feet touch the ground, to consider your breathing etc. And I must say, this really helps me. I <i>need</i> someone to tell me to pay attention to myself.</div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">There's a glimmer of me</h2>
<br />
But that doesn't mean it's easy. Even with the voice telling me what to do, my mind wanders. So I did the run three times, and the third time I finally saw a glimmer of me!<div><br />
And I almost know the answer to the question: 'Who am I?'<br />
<br />
It starts with an 'N'.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you practice mindful running?</b></div></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-17826484678397493662023-10-28T06:45:00.000+02:002023-10-28T06:45:00.131+02:00Runner's have nothing to fear but fear itself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qqFjA7RUzpb4BzeZAYJu25M5A87RqKEzFgrcSfLJJie9BbRcaBX3Z3EqQywatHukx-w_Q_aM6IqHkJEaMaaQMPPfpsKKy6EaY9cpGA4k_N8NjrpA6gS8qoUG2oGsX9pqVsxx8vPan9WvDDz89isbA1sBztrrnOZRYPtpBQ0wEFBZ0lviXq4065SuRzk/s735/Runner's%20have%20nothing%20to%20fear%20but%20fear%20itself%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qqFjA7RUzpb4BzeZAYJu25M5A87RqKEzFgrcSfLJJie9BbRcaBX3Z3EqQywatHukx-w_Q_aM6IqHkJEaMaaQMPPfpsKKy6EaY9cpGA4k_N8NjrpA6gS8qoUG2oGsX9pqVsxx8vPan9WvDDz89isbA1sBztrrnOZRYPtpBQ0wEFBZ0lviXq4065SuRzk/s16000/Runner's%20have%20nothing%20to%20fear%20but%20fear%20itself%20(1).jpg" /></a></div><br />I found myself trying out a new route, covering 12 miles. <div><br /></div><div>I had never run away from home 12 miles before. So I took my mobile with me, to call my husband when I'd arrived, so he could come and get me.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Running where I had not gone before</h2><div>
<br />Covering 12 miles, going where I had not gone before, made me feel nervous. And that was kind of funny, because I run 12 miles all the time, only I usually do it in 2 stages. I run 6 miles from home, have a cup of coffee, and then run home 6 miles. I know I can do 12 miles, and yet this was making me nervous.<br />
<br />
It brought home to me the power of the mind, and how there is nothing to fear but fear itself. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was all in my head!<br />
<br />
<b>Are you aware of the power of your mind, and how it may help or sometimes sabotage you?</b><br /></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-25726339634680238842023-10-21T06:45:00.000+02:002023-10-21T06:45:00.131+02:00Mommy, Marathon Mommy and Yoyo Mommy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBnq7C2V7pDnuKCIYeLnKeBZFiFV8nlBIMiO1q7-Xo5cs_cG-Xl_fhy1YUwXpLbIytkmg8Feq52-dtuLM0CLRb3N8a1moFZZU9RQfKHE5Y9OGRs6AOcrmucWxKXvWDIxaC97yYnjhXn8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-10-13+at+09.29.37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBnq7C2V7pDnuKCIYeLnKeBZFiFV8nlBIMiO1q7-Xo5cs_cG-Xl_fhy1YUwXpLbIytkmg8Feq52-dtuLM0CLRb3N8a1moFZZU9RQfKHE5Y9OGRs6AOcrmucWxKXvWDIxaC97yYnjhXn8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-10-13+at+09.29.37.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I 'do' a marathon every week. Yep, that's me, Marathon Mommy.<br />
<br />
I have calculated: every morning I walk my kids to school, that's one kilometer right there. Then I walk home all by my lonesome, which makes it two. <br />
<h2>
<br />Twelve o' clock school run</h2>
<br />
At around twelve 'o clock I walk one kilometer to take them home for lunch, which adds up to four kilometers. At one o'clock I take them back to school again and head home, which makes it six.<br />
<br />
And then there's the final school run at three fifteen which brings the day's total to eight kilometers.<br />
<br />
<h2>
That's 40 kilometers right there!</h2>
<br />
Multiply these daily eight kilometers, times five days a week, and that's forty kilometers right there! And the missing kilometers I figure I make up with running around the house and doing all the housework.<br />
<br />
But maybe I should call myself Yoyo Mommy.<br />
<br />
Because that's how I sometimes feel.Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-37824258599035035762023-10-14T06:45:00.000+02:002023-10-14T06:45:00.129+02:00The fear of the female runner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7tpP31j3DxhiX8C9VsuuvD6XRJla61eDdZd4w3r0y2RkwUlNQ12kJfg4gwRuTWJXK4mRTvlxPAzpo7v1tkIEcQKJglxVdYWnOmei93etmcbRVCaufuPWdrzUI_3s7kaBk-Z_qM3ObsQ2WPfl_Wq9kkHnOp2-u1BaRP_aY_yyIxAkt2_2h2geGLS4siM/s1050/The%20fear%20of%20the%20female%20runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="female runner" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7tpP31j3DxhiX8C9VsuuvD6XRJla61eDdZd4w3r0y2RkwUlNQ12kJfg4gwRuTWJXK4mRTvlxPAzpo7v1tkIEcQKJglxVdYWnOmei93etmcbRVCaufuPWdrzUI_3s7kaBk-Z_qM3ObsQ2WPfl_Wq9kkHnOp2-u1BaRP_aY_yyIxAkt2_2h2geGLS4siM/s16000/The%20fear%20of%20the%20female%20runner.jpg" title="female runner" /></a></div><br />With a heartbeat of 175, caused by a mixture of effort and fear, I galloped along that 'cute little trail' I couldn't resist.
<br />
But it kept winding further and further away from the nearest road. My mind already began thinking up the headlines:<div><br /></div><div><blockquote> '<i>Female runner found murdered on cute little trail</i>' and experts shaking their heads saying: '<i>Curiosity killed this female runner dead.</i>'</blockquote><br />
<br />
Just when I thought I really should just turn around, the path suddenly became wider and I found myself once again in the world of the living. What sweet relief! Especially since I absolutely hate 'turning back'. Turning back is like the t-shirt: 'Been there, done that!'<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Mom Self versus my Runner Self</h2>
<br />
As a mom I like my life quiet and uneventful. I get enough adrenaline rushes when the kids are fighting about who is looking at who 'funny', muddy footsteps on clean kitchen floors, and empty milk cartons ín the fridge. <div><br /></div><div>But as a runner, I like to be adventurous. I like exploring 'strange and new worlds'. And when I see a dirt path, I'm drawn to it.<br />
<br />
But as a woman you are vulnerable, and you shouldn't take unnecessary risks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Which is a real bummer if you ask me.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you run along desolate dirt tracks?<br />
And do you prefer familiar routes, or do you like to try out new ones?</b></div></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-52467578675100318952023-10-07T06:45:00.000+02:002023-10-07T06:45:00.144+02:00Running style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz617GLIhdtdKG6a0vjizEYuvcNh6yzamSJ6NKbw_krUER7GMpeF7yWw05gY-Kp2_InxUx5ok5-3yKCRP1Wm2Km2UOKjYgWFwuqtb_2C1zQy7p_lqu0KqBA-kd69aupa7lOInqU83rGH7yDbEVQ8pWsyHbvJZl4V2dsBvwXU7YuR0FiPsmTRGKbCr1pis/s1050/running%20style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="running style" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz617GLIhdtdKG6a0vjizEYuvcNh6yzamSJ6NKbw_krUER7GMpeF7yWw05gY-Kp2_InxUx5ok5-3yKCRP1Wm2Km2UOKjYgWFwuqtb_2C1zQy7p_lqu0KqBA-kd69aupa7lOInqU83rGH7yDbEVQ8pWsyHbvJZl4V2dsBvwXU7YuR0FiPsmTRGKbCr1pis/s16000/running%20style.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I like to check out other runners. And since they always run right past me, leaving me to eat their dust, I have ample opportunity.<div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Running style</h2>
First I check out the way they put their feet down. Do they pronate excessively? And if so, could they be wearing the wrong shoes? Then my eyes wander up to their shoulders: are they relaxed or having a nice visit with the ears?</div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Arms</h3>
But my favourites are the arms. Yesterday I saw a male runner boxing several rounds with an imaginary assailant, and another guy was frantically drying some dishes.</div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Attention to my body</h3>
And after checking my fellow runners out, I turn my attention to my own body. I relax my shoulders, and make sure my arms don't do any funny business. Because some examples inspire you to do things different!<br />
<br />
Like Phoebe from Friends!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W-IVhJLD0sQ" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Do you check out other runners?<br />
Are you aware of your own running style?</b></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-14215256851217704952023-09-30T06:45:00.000+02:002023-09-30T06:45:00.146+02:00Strange running experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOtx3s8D0YGCMnCbARasQQoPRVzayYmL5Qp_2eXJqunn6Kv3qtO4o7X1mp16G-mBDFNieMt8gqHbp60XlQ2VnQ2-idm1hd1ufZU1oxUBjdJ1Vs1hfSi_U7oksHYcVjoFXenyGMXYpTbgvPqMta0QM2aE01onIWqlmT9g8R-VsF3_AMWHxzTJQPH-CIto/s1050/Een%20wonderlijke%20hardloopervaring%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="strange running experience" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOtx3s8D0YGCMnCbARasQQoPRVzayYmL5Qp_2eXJqunn6Kv3qtO4o7X1mp16G-mBDFNieMt8gqHbp60XlQ2VnQ2-idm1hd1ufZU1oxUBjdJ1Vs1hfSi_U7oksHYcVjoFXenyGMXYpTbgvPqMta0QM2aE01onIWqlmT9g8R-VsF3_AMWHxzTJQPH-CIto/s16000/Een%20wonderlijke%20hardloopervaring%20(1).jpg" title="running experience" /></a></div><br />I had this strange running experience. <div><br /></div><div>Here's what happened.</div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Here's what happened</h2><div>To spice up my daily running routine, I decided to do the Fit on 4 running training.
The Fit on 4 training is a running program for beginners.
You run to classical music with the goal of running for 30 minutes without a walking break after 9 weeks. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;"> Why I decided to do the Fit on 4 running training</h3><div>As I mentioned above, I needed 'something different.' I was getting a bit tired of my country songs, and I didn't feel like listening to a podcast while running either. </div><div><br /></div><div>Running to classical music seemed like a good idea because I generally find classical music soothing. And since there are no lyrics, your thoughts aren't influenced by someone else's words. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, I secretly thought it would be nice to have more walking breaks... </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Strange running experience</h3><div>But it was precisely those frequent walking breaks that led to a remarkable running experience. And here it is: </div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote> While I can usually run comfortably for, say, 11 minutes straight, I found it very challenging to keep on running for 3 minutes during the Fit on 4 running training! </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>After 2 minutes of running, I was already thinking 'How much longer do I have to go?' which I don't usually think about after a few minutes without the Fit on 4 episode. </div><div><br /></div><div> In fact, I initially skipped the lessons that required running for a whopping 10 minutes without stopping! I repeated the first lessons where you don't run for more than 3 minutes before you can walk several times.
Is this a mental thing? </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Is this a power of the mind thing?</h2><div>Now, I wonder: could this be an example of the power of your mind? </div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>Or in this case, the weakness of the mind? </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>Does the knowledge that you only have to run for 'just' 3 minutes make you feel tired after just 2 minutes? </div><div><br /></div><div>I started running longer stretches without a break
when I realized that I became much more fatigued from short bursts of running, I decided to do the lessons that required running for at least 10 minutes straight.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Yes I cán run for 10 minutes straight!</h4><div>I was a bit concerned because I had developed the idea that I couldn't last for 10 minutes. After all, I was struggling with 3 minutes!
But guess what?
I could easily run for 10 minutes straight! </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Summing up</h2><div>So, my conclusion is that, at least for me, when I know I'm going to run for a short period, both my body and mind fully adapt to that idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a result, I find it challenging to sustain 3 minutes of running, huffing and puffing, or rather, with great difficulty. </div><div><br /></div><div> I don't like that! </div><div><br /></div><div>So, although I still find the Fit on 4 beginner's running schedule very enjoyable, it's less suitable for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, I can easily follow the lessons where you run for at least 10 minutes straight. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Jeff Galloway recommends walking breaks</h3><div>Jeff Galloway recommends walking breaks, and I agree with him. But this experience has taught me that 3 minutes of running is too short for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jeff Galloway's Magic Mile
On his website, <a href="https://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/magic-mile/" target="_blank">Jeff Galloway offers a calculator</a> that allows you to precisely determine how long you should run and how long your walking break should be. </div><div><br /></div><div>I must admit that I find the calculator too complicated, but maybe you'll find it helpful.</div></div>Nicole Orriënshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02061262281050363451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409575404401663375.post-55886992020915830102023-09-23T06:45:00.000+02:002023-09-23T06:45:00.133+02:00Why do my shoes wear out on the inside heel?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbykOGlfNK-fbLhn_t4H-LuoZNeEBgTrt7niaBznylsODTUE83uZJI0JEnAzsXRhGy9cn-5ISU4jI6APnSJJ7s7SsdKn9wOAoHaj9vFY-PkdTyqkQ4QKvJpAw2K0IFCm2vHw1oj6Tyj4/s1600/Nieuwe+Asics+hardloopschoenen+2018.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why do my shoes wear out on the inside heel?" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbykOGlfNK-fbLhn_t4H-LuoZNeEBgTrt7niaBznylsODTUE83uZJI0JEnAzsXRhGy9cn-5ISU4jI6APnSJJ7s7SsdKn9wOAoHaj9vFY-PkdTyqkQ4QKvJpAw2K0IFCm2vHw1oj6Tyj4/s1600/Nieuwe+Asics+hardloopschoenen+2018.png" title="Why do my shoes wear out on the inside heel?" /></a></div>
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It's been only 10 months since I bought my latest running shoes. <div><br /></div><div>But already I had no choice but to go out, and buy a new pair. Because the hole on the inside of my shoe where the heel is supposed to be was so big, even wearing thick socks didn't help anymore.<br />
<h2>
Why do my shoes wear out on the inside heel?</h2>
My shoes wearing out on the inside heel has been a problem for all my running shoes. And it's often the reason I have to buy new shoes. </div><div><br /></div><div>The reason my shoes wear out on the inside heel isn't all that hard to imagine: it's all about my feet rubbing my shoes the wrong way. But then the next question is: why is there so much rubbing?! Are they not a good fit?<br />
<h2>
Why I keep buying the same shoes over and over again</h2>
Still I keep buying the same shoes over and over again. Because after 17 years of running the inside of the heel is the worst of their problemes. My Asics have been keeping me running without injuries for a long time. So I'm not in a hurry to try something new.<br />
<h2>
Solution to wear and tear on the inside of the heel</h2>
But the next time I feel the heels of my new shoes starting to fray, I'm going to a Shoe Repair Service and ask them to put something over the problem area in the shoe. Because that's what the woman in the shop advised me to do, and I think it's worth a try.<br />
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