My Run In Pictures

Despite the weather (cold and rainy), Pacers managed to put on another great race.  This morning’s GW Parkway Classic was a blast…and a perfect way to “get back in the swing of things” after my recent running injury (read about that here).

From plush bus transportation and coffee/space blankets at the start, to copious water/Gatorade stops and a generous hospitality tent at the finish line, it’s obvious that the race organizers have worked out all the kinks over 28 years of running. 

The results are now online, and all things considered, I’m happy with my time -10 min miles- and looking forward to the next race (where I’ll hopefully get back to beating my husband).   Happy Running!

I try to work out every day, but I always find myself wondering if I’m doing enough (especially at work) to stay active.   In the past, I’ve used pedometers to track my footsteps, but have had concerns about accuracy and limitations with tracking true activity.

The good news is that technology is finally catching up.  If you’ve “had it”  with guessing about daily sleep and activity levels there are several options (sort of) available to help.  These include:

• Up by Jawbone (not available until version 2.0 is released; no date set)
• Nike Fuelband (limited quantities released randomly, ugh)
• Fitbit

After several weeks of research (and a conscious decision to not participate in an overly engineered limited-release “frenzy”), I finally decided to go with the Fitbit.   And I LOVE it!

I’ve had my $99 Fitbit for nearly a month, so I think I have a good handle on what works and what needs a bit of tweaking.  Here’s my take:

Good

• Very easy to use!  I was up and running with my Fitbit within minutes
• Adorably small and well designed
• Accurate step counter.  I’ve tested this multiple times…it’s not perfect, but definitely closer than any pedometer I’ve ever owned
• Tracks stairs, too!
• When worn on the wrist at night, tracks sleep (i.e., number of times awake)
• Holds a charge for days
• Web/Android/iPhone application interface that’s easy to navigate and understand

Not So Good

• Discreet.  I know this is supposed to be a positive, but sometimes I forget I’m wearing it…I like the visual reminder to kick up my activity level, so I’ve started wearing my Fitbit on my collar/lapel.
• Lack of prompts.  I wish the Fitbit could be programmed to provide a beep (or similar tone) when activity levels are low.  Sometimes I need a reminder to get up and about…especially at work.
• Goal setting.  Ideally, the app would let you translate steps to weight loss goals.  I think this could be an easy fix, as the app already allows the user to track food and exercise.   It would be nice to know that an extra 5 or 10 thousand steps each day over the course of a week could equal pounds loss. 

The good obviously far outweighs the bad…so if you’re looking for a neat tool to help track activity, I highly recommend Fitbit.  I wear mine religiously and have already noticed major changes in my movement levels during the day.  It’s fun to set goals and make efforts to surpass those goals each day.  Plus, Fitbit looks cute hanging out on a pocket or collar!  Happy Running!

It was bound to happen.  I’ve been running for over 10 years now without an injury (if you don’t count a sesamoid stress fracture), but on Tuesday night my luck “ran” out. 

My husband and I went for (what was supposed to be) a quick run through Clarendon.  Right before the two mile mark I hit a curb wrong (I may or may not have been attempting parkour) and went down.  Hard.  In front of several dozen people.  In my mind, I felt like I did at least one complete flip…though there’s no way I looked that cool falling and Mike swears I wasn’t going fast enough.  Regardless, I came up with:

•  Two badly bruised and skinned knees
• A banged-up elbow
• A large bruise and abrasion on my hip
• A completely skinned and gravel-filled hand

Miraculously, no broken bones or sprained joints…so I still think I came out ahead.  I ended up walking the rest of the way home.

My kids had fun playing doctor and I felt a ton better after getting cleaned up.  I’m super sore and bruised, but my attempt at a power walk/jog this evening went well…so I’m still gearing up for the GW Parkway 10 Miler.

I also want to add a quick bit of praise for our amazing Office of Attending Physician nurses, too.  These incredible folks provide medical care to hundreds of tourists visiting the Capitol Complex each year.  At work today I hobbled into the first aid station for an extra band-aid and the nurses bandaged me up like a pro volleyball player.  Awesome!