I have been asked many times in the past, “are you a trail runner?” or, “don’t you just love running on trails?!”  I have to admit, this running mama doesn’t have a lot of trail running experience.  It isn’t a lack of interest, really.  It is just the fact that trails don’t really lend themselves to a running buggy, never mind a double running buggy.  I also have grown to liking the ‘door-to-door’ running experience: Get running gear on. Walk out door.  Start running–wave to neighbours, see the sights, clock some miles.  Arrive back at door.  Go inside.  Done.

The whole, ‘get in the car and drive to trail-head’ part tends to be part of a more special type of running experience for me these days.  So, when it does happen, it is new and exciting!  Imagine the extra excitement of going on a trail run in late December!  It is like a Christmas bonus from Mother Nature!  This past Sunday I went out with a group for my long run, and we went into the trails.  This particular group is very familiar with trail system, so it was a treat to ‘tag along’.  I consider myself very lucky to live in a geographic location that lends itself to trail running–they’re everywhere in and around Guelph, Ontario.  Imagine how great it is to hammer out a 3 hour run with minimal roads, and many trails…

Running on trails in the early winter is perfection.  They aren’t muddy when there is a small dusting of snow.  The leaves crunch crunch crunch with every step.  The river (because trails seem to always follow along some sort of water, am I right?) is trickling and rushing.  The trees are still.  All that is seemingly dead in this wilderness is brought alive by the chatter and vibrance of us runners out socializing, making the first foot prints of the day in the snow.

We follow the paths, we make turns, we navigate hills, channeling our own inner mountain goat.  There are many rocks, roots, trees and twigs.  I watch every step as we pass through this nature.  I have no fear of falling, as I am having too much fun to notice.  I am also having too much fun to notice the miles go by.  As we emerge from the trail, I take a deep breath and look back.  Our footprints are there, but the beauty of the trail looks untouched.  Cars rush by on the road.  It’s busy.  Windy.

I know I will be back, trails.  Perhaps not until spring, but you have stolen a piece of this runner’s heart, with all of your nature–your mud and your cedar smell will call me back again, don’t you worry.  I just might need a map.

I am often asked how I got my children interested in running. Well there was no set time or one thing that did it. In fact, we never really tried. It just happened. But we have had to nurture them along the way, helping them through their down times and when they have had a bad run on a hot day or super cold day, it’s a must to do something to keep their spirits up.

I would never try to force anything on them, but I do try to find all of the positives and help them see the value and rewards of running as a sport and a general active lifestyle. It’s not to trick them, but when you are young, it sometimes seem like be encouraged is like being ‘told’, So it’s something you may on occasion have to tiptoe around because let’s face it, running is not as glamorous to a youngster as other sports are; hockey, baseball or soccer to name a few.

Now that the holidays are upon us, perhaps a little nudge in the form of a gift would be nice. A new windbreaker or shoes a fancy water bottle maybe or perhaps a new toque and gloves may just inspire them to get out there during the coming colder weather.

And of course, you have to tag along. No one wants to be sent out into the cold alone! So maybe you’d better grab yourself some new winter apparel as well!

Vive les enfants!

P.S. We are still looking for Young iRunners to profile here:

The Challenge: Are you a young runner, or do you have a child that runs? I am looking to gather some stories for a future article. Whether your child is either just getting into running or really into the sport, either for recreation or competition, I’d love it if you could have them write about how they got started, why they like running and what their future running goals are. And for the adults out there, if you ran in your youth, I’d like to hear form you too. There is no minimum or maximum length for the stories but if it is a child, it should be in their own words and include their age and hometown. Adults, you can leave out the age part if you wish but do note what age you were when you ran as a youth. Some entries may be edited for space purposes.

Optional: Include a photo, either posing or ‘on the run’ for inclusion on this blog.

Email stories and photos to dave@beachesrunner.com

Follow Dave on Twitter

twitter.com/beachesrunner

Your voice counts as well – If you have any questions or topics you’d like to see addressed please leave a comment or email me at dave @ beachesrunner . com

Am I the only runner that has loaded up a “Christmas Running” playlist to my iPod?  I know I am not the only runner that enjoys getting out there in the evening, when it’s dark (which, let’s face it, is any time after 4:30pm these days?!) to enjoy the glimmer of Christmas lights on houses in the neighbourhood.  I figure I have the choice to either A) blame the holidays for making me too busy to fit in some good running time; or B) Embrace the fact that I want to get out there, and use the runs as a stress-reliever in this busy month!  I choose B!

I choose to get out there, relax, and enjoy the calm.  I choose to add an extra layer if needed, to stay cozy enough to add an extra mile or two.  It feels so great to leave the chaos of home, with two of the three boys waving out the window at me, knowing I am making myself a more patient person through the time I have carved out for my run.  It feels even better to arrive home, rosy-cheeked and runny-nosed, knowing I can cuddle up and relax with them and a nice book, with the glow of the Christmas tree in the background.

Last week was nuts (a three year old with a double ear infection will do that). We spent the entire week together, her switching between fevered on the couch and my giggling little girl helping me with errands. Anyway, I didn’t get a thing done other than take care of her (including studying for this week’s exams, cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc etc etc.)

I dropped her off at preschool today and came home to write an online exam. And now, I’m headed out for a run. It’s cold and sunny today and it feels just about perfect for a run.

Life hits pause when kids are sick. There’s no sneaking out of the house to run and by the time they’re in bed, I’m always exhausted too. But she’s better now (and I bet those antibiotics she’s on will ensure a snuffle free Christmas) and since this is the last week of exams, elementary school and preschool before Christmas vacation, I am looking forward to clocking some kms on my Nike+ app!

What about you? Are you managing to make time for runs during this crazy time of year?

Funny how I’m about to run a marathon in 4 weeks and I feel totally out of shape.  Many people would look at me and think I’m crazy unless you are a runner.  7 months ago I ran a PB marathon with an average pace of 5:19min/km for 42.2km.  I went for a 8 km run this week and thought I was going to pass out at a 5:35min/km pace.  So funny (or not) how my slow run pace turns into my new tempo.  I just keep telling myself that I just have to get the mileage in the next 4 weeks because my “goal ” is Boston.  As my online coach from Adidas Nicole says “my real training begins the week after Disney”.   Yes, Adidas has given me an online coach.  I actually had time to google her today.  Wow a PB  marathon at 2:32 – this girl knows how to run!

My road to Boston has learned to start early.  I have two great running partners Lisa and Jennifer that run at 5am – yes really 5 am!  I’ve joined them 3 times the last couple of weeks.  As much as I dislike that alarm at 4:45am, it feels great to have my run done and not having to worry about finding the energy or motivation to run after the kids are in bed.  Tomorrow morning I’m hitting the road for another long run.  I hope to burn off enough calories for my Christmas cookie exchange tomorrow night…

By: Rhonda Eden

With Christmas upon us it seems there is always more food around and more opportunities to be social…which usually means more food around!!!

My wish for everyone this holiday season is that you take the time to enjoy the entire season which means ENJOYING the festive food!!  It seems when holidays come around there is an enormous amount of guilt that surrounds the “eating” part of the holidays – “there are too many BAD foods around.”

Rather than thinking of foods in terms of GOOD and BAD let’s put everything on a level playing field and focus on enjoying a reasonable amount of everything.  Take the guilt and anxiety off your shoulders and listen to your body instead.  Enjoy some of everything and stop when you are satisfied.  Be in tune with your needs based on hunger, satiety and the pure enjoyment of the great food that is around.

Tips for the holiday season:

• Never go to a social outing really hungry – Hunger can equal overeating and eating without being in tune with your body’s true needs

• Take a little of everything and check in with yourself when you are finished – Am I satisfied? If I were to go back for more what do I really want?

• Don’t allow yourself to think of foods as GOOD and BAD – This mindset is a possible recipe for overeating, cravings, and resentful feelings

• Make a plan – Take the time to plan out your week including your social calendar and meal plan so that when you are at home you ensure you are eating clean wholesome food.