October 9, 2019
Another overdue post on “Roadrunner” but this one has a little bonus at the end! This summer Levi and I were set up in Minnesota. I was working as part of the outside crew at Minneapolis Southwest KOA Campground and Levi was working as a scuba diver/site manager for a waterfront restoration company, Long Lake’s Waterfront Restoration. (We should be posting our workamping experiences within the next few weeks so be sure to check them out in our “Jobs on the Trail” portion of the blog.)
But I digress…back to running. Guess what?! I ran my first 10K and it was exhilarating! Training lasted a good four months and this was probably the most consistent training I’ve accomplished, running 3-4 times a week. I didn’t follow one particular training schedule. Instead I combined a few I saw online.
I basically applied the 10% rule every 2 weeks, increasing my weekly mileage about 10% every two weeks. One of those runs was a designated “long run.” Mileage on that long run increased 1/2 a mile every week or every other week until it plateaued at 6 miles.
I had taken some time off after leaving Texas and arriving in Minnesota. Travel, weather, and a bout of the sniffles delayed consistent outside workouts. I applied a 20-30 minute run/walk routine the first couple of weeks just so I could get back into the swing of running.
I ran laps around the campground, alongside cornfields, through flat scenic trails, and even down busy highways. I switched from listening to music to listening to podcasts…one on crime stories (Once Upon a Crime) and another on running (Mojo for Running). I also created an Instagram account @rv4thelongrun where I posted most of my runs and routes.
This 10K event was in Long Lake, MN on a portions of the Luce Line State Trail (an old railroad track converted into a recreational trail). The event was called Luce Line Lace Up and scheduled on Saturday, September, 14th.
Levi did a fun little video on the race. I ended up placing 20th overall, fifth in my age division. I had been training at an average pace of 11 minutes per mile but completed the 6.2 miles in under an hour! I was pretty proud of this!
(Video transcript) Thanks for watching our video. Running in races is not the only thing we like to do while we are exploring the country. Over the years, we have been able to experience scuba diving in different locations of the US and hiking in some of the most beautiful scenery mother nature has to offer! We have tried loads and loads of local dishes and had amazing food experiences. We have had whiskey directly from a still at a distillery and tried local brewed craft beer from state to state.
We feel that taking this leap of faith and taking on the RV lifestyle has allowed us to experience, in just 5 years, what would have taken more than a lifetime to experience had we not decided to play it safe and just dreamed about doing it. That being said, not only are we always trying to experience all that RV life has to offer, we are always learning new tips, ideas, and tidbits about how to make our RV lifestyle easier, better, and more fulfilling.
This is why we jumped at the chance to help work on Full Time Freedom Week this year. Full Time Freedom Week is a 4 day mega online summit you can watch from the comfort of your laptop or tablet. If you are dreaming about taking on the RV lifestyle, this is a “must attend” for you.
The amount of information you get from over 30 speakers is priceless for those in the research and dreaming phase.For those of you who already live the RV lifestyle, you know that just one good tip can make life on the road easier. Try tons of good tips in one location.
Are you wondering what RV type is right for you? Liz from The Virtual Campground is going to talk about that.
How about how to build you RV toolbox? Ed from Ed’s RV Repair has a presentation on that.
Do you want to boondock more but need some help and guidance?Andy & Lezlie from Unknown Normal will be presenting boondocking basics.
Other topics include:
NOMAD LIFE: THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
BUYING NEW OR USED
DIY PROJECT: RV SOLAR
RVING OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY
ADJUSTING TO TINY LIVING
RV TRAVEL WITH PETS
TECHNOLOGY FOR RVERS
SHOULD YOU RV BEFORE YOU KNOW IT ALL?
There are many many more topics.
We will be presenting WORK CAMPING YEAR ROUND. We talk about the types of jobs we use to keep us employed and traveling year round.
How do you attend online and how much does it cost? You click the link below to sign up to attend.
If you just want to watch the online videos as they are available live November 5-8, it is Free! If you decide you want to have that information available even after the dates, there are several options to purchase access to the videos for a month to a year or even a lifetime. Since its free to watch it live you have nothing to loose. So sign up to attend and we will be watching with you in November.
Now back to your regularly scheduled running…
March 17, 2019
How many other full time RVers enjoy running? Our travels add a whole new element to my runs. Routes vary with each new, undiscovered location. If you follow the sun, there is nothing but blue skies to enjoy. It’s also fun to sign up for races throughout the year. You are literally running across the country! Run Forrest Run!
This year I have made a few personal running goals, including increasing my distance (a “Before I turn 40” kinda-promise). I just completed a 5K and am gearing up for an eventual 10K. For this 5K, I used this simple to follow 6-week training schedule for beginners from Very Well Fit. Some of our previous and current workamping jobs were rather physically intense so I felt confident enough to run at least 5 minutes straight. Once or twice a week during “cross training” days, I’d do a yoga session using one of many free yoga apps, use a roller, or go for a hike. Most running days I ditched the music and opted for an audio book. I just finished listening to The Inner Runner. The author focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of the sport. It was informative and in many ways a motivation to keep up the routine.
This training period was different from previous trainings. I stuck with the schedule, was motivated to wake up and run first thing in the morning, and I did it without dragging my husband into it. He’s my constant cheerleader but I know he’d rather go swimming and diving over pounding the pavement. Training took place in multiple states as we traveled southwest from Tennessee to Texas. That’s one of my favorite parts of running and traveling, the changing scenery on runs. I ran in Tennessee, Mississippi, and eastern and southern Texas. Some runs were around a tranquil lake, in a quiet neighborhood, at a not so glamorous RV park, alongside a busy road, through an orchard, passed a ranch with an emu, and parallel to a city canal. Weather ranged from cold and rainy to hot and humid.
I participated in the Mesquite Fire 5K in South Texas. It was a part blacktop and part dirt trail; however, the dirt trail was more like a muddy trail since it had rained nonstop the night before but this didn’t stop a sold out event from happening. At 50 degrees, I dressed in warm up pants and two layers of wicking shirts. For the majority of the run I stayed with a pack that was running at a comfortable pace and then raced the last point-something miles to the finish line.
I am so good at recording my runs with my “Map My Run” app, but that morning I completely spaced it as I crossed the starting line since I was more concerned about figuring out where the heck my running music went. Alas, I resorted to searching my songs one at a time on YouTube and took some very blurry photos and videos along the route…all while running the route…I should get a metal for multi-tasking during a run!
During training, my time ranged from 11 to 13 minute miles. I am pretty happy with my time for this 5K, 11:13 min/mile. I believe this is my fastest pace to date in races:) Yippee:)
January 1, 2018
We finished off 2017 and started 2018 with a series of 5Ks–3 to be exact-that were completed in a 24-hour period. I, however, underestimated how cold the temps would be in Wichita, Kansas during this time of year. Levi and I ended up running in below freezing temps and even subzero temps. Layers, most importantly made of wicking material, and face masks helped us through. The terrain was fairly flat and included asphalt and dirt trails.
We ran slower than our training sessions and were still able to increase our times each run. The first 5K, Resolution Run, took place in El Dorado State Park, about 30 minutes outside Wichita. This is a popular run in the series as it is a beer run and participants (of legal age, of course) can opt to refill their race mugs at stations along the route. Chili and more beer concluded the run.
The second 5K was called Run into the New Year. This was held in Wichita at the city’s famed center, Keeper of the Plains. The run started a quarter to midnight and finished up with a toast to the new year with warm apple cider and cookies.
The final run happened the morning of the new year and included a half marathon and 5K. We began the 5K at 9:30 AM and finished of with ice forming on our clothing. We enjoyed coffee and donuts before heading off for a big breakfast. We collected medals and apparel from each run, almost a full wardrobe. Levi put together a video of our running adventure. Take a look!
July 4, 2017
We made it to the finish line at the Fourth of July 5K Blast at Floyd Lamb Park/Tule Springs in Las Vegas, Nevada… however, as a two and a half foot tall little girl sped past us at the end we realized we should train more…
June 9,2017
Running more frequently and feeling good about it!
After leaving our seasonal job in Kansas, we made our way to visit family in Texas and then California where we are currently staying with family! The property is a couple or so acres and sits on a hill which means uphill walking/running for this gal (…and of course Levi gets dragged into it). The trail we follow forms a kind of triangle blob. The first half is all uphill, moderately steep with a hiccup of level spots. The terrain is almost completely paved save an area of uneven dirt and grass on the descent but nothing treacherous. One loop is about .42 miles. We’ve been averaging 4 loops in the AM with rest days inbetween. Levi has been busy with extra yard work around the property, so he doesn’t always get to accompany me, but our dog and his parent’s dog are always happy to tag along.
Pictures always help so here are a few shots of the trail…
The first week was spent just getting use to the climb and drop. We walked, eventually looping around four times. The next steps have been running up the incline in sections, about 1/4 increments. This has proven much more of a struggle than predicted. We have made it about half way up the hill before walking the remainder of the way. Again,we do this four times. I started running downhill at one point but stopped. It’s pretty steep and knowing my clumsy luck, I would fall and seriously hurt myself…it’s just uphill running for me. My goal is to run up the hill in one fell swoop before we take off to our next location. I have another week to get to this point…think this is possible?
Aside from being out of breath on our way up, we are doing pretty well. There’s some minor muscle soreness; our bodies are adjusting and healing. We don’t push it on the runs. just small strides uphill, making sure to lift our knees. Having said that, I may start wearing my knee supports as the climbing increases.
We’ve also made some healthy choices with our diet by including more fruits and vegetables. This isn’t a problem living in California in the summer when farmer’s markets and fruit stands are around every corner. Plus the produce is so fresh and crisp!
All of this in preparation for our upcoming 5K scheduled on the 4th of July in Las Vegas…
Special thanks to Levi’s mom for the FitBit Zip! I wear it everywhere! The daily updates on mileage and steps I receive on my smartphone via app are very encouraging and keep me out on the trail!
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April 30, 2017
This will be a short entry…more of an after thought…
One of the best parts about running (or in my case, running/walking sporadically these last two months), is capturing the simple beauties of nature. We just recently left our work camping job in Kansas for our next venture, but in that wrinkle of time, I had several instances along my routes where everyday sites evoked feelings of serenity, magnificence, and at times somberness. However, I could have just been hallucinating from exhaustion or thirst…take a look at the images I captured around Wichita, Kansas.
February 20,2017
So much for keeping Road Runner journal updated every week, but I do have some great news!! Levi and I did it!! We completed the Strataca 5K Mine Run in a little over 35 minutes!! Not too shabby for a couple of newbies averaging one practice run a week for about 6-7 weeks.
Proof that we actually ran those few times…
We ran (or rather jogged) the entire course despite the many times we wanted to stop and take a breather. Levi created a pretty awesome video of our underground run and I wrote an adjoining article about the experience. You can take a look at it here!!
Our overall feeling of the experience was a mixture of exhilaration and exhaustion! The underground run was indeed a one-of-a-kind event and even more remarkable being our first organized run. We were able to keep a relatively comfortable pace even though we experienced labored breathing for the majority of the run and evident soreness the following two days.
Some things I would change for the next race:
- Stay consistent with training. Life can get in the way, but making room for exercise makes a world of a difference with stamina and strength!
- Refrain from greasy food the night before. We indulged in pizza,wings, and soda. Acid indigestion is no fun on a run.
- Get a good night’s sleep. I hardly slept the night before. I’m not sure if it was nerves, bad food, day’s activity (or lack of), or maybe a combination.
- Our breakfast was sandwiches and coffee from Starbucks a couple of hours before the race. It wasn’t a heavy meal but more water intake would help with keeping hydrated.
- Chose shorts or leggings. Shorts allow better air flow than wind breaker pants. I love my windbreakers, but my legs were burning after the run.
January 17, 2017
Life threw a few curve balls this last week and a half. A routine visit to the vet’s office led us to discover a mass in our dog’s leg. It was determined to be cancerous and we prepared for the worst. After the surgery, she is slowly on the mend. Test results showed that her mass was a low grade tumor so chances of it reoccurring are very slim. We are still going to a specialist to see if there are any preventative measures we can take.
Assured that our dog could be alone in the RV with her donut or e-collar (equivalent to a cone but 10x more comfortable and stylish), we went back to the gym today to continue our running routine.
We were a bit nervous hitting the track today. We weren’t sure if we’d lost the momentum we slowly built up to our last run on January 5. Levi ran 1.5 nonstop and I completed 4 reps of running/jogging 6 mins and walking 1 minute. I ran to music…much better! Makes running around an indoor track more interesting.
Today we both started out on the indoor track. Levi ended up running/jogging about 2 miles nonstop, making sure to stretch some before and after. It took him about 30 minutes to complete. I repeated my 6 minute run/1 minute walk reps, 4 reps total, walking about 5 minutes before and after. I did a few leg stretches in the end.
Our overall performance? Surprisingly, we both felt good during and after the run. Levi’s legs started feeling fatigued toward the end of his two miles, and he commented to me later that he should make it a habit to bring his inhaler next time, but it was a good practice session. I felt like I reached a comfortable pace and could have continued running. If it wasn’t for some labored breathing, I would have continued. My music on this run: 80’s music from female artists with a little Red Hot Chili Peppers mixed in.
Later on tonight I am feeling some soreness so may stretch a bit more.
I watched a documentary on Hulu titled Free to Run (2016). The film details the evolution of running and the ups and downs enthusiasts faced within the last 50 years, everything from women obtaining the right to run in organized events to competitive runners gaining professional status. It was a profound insight to the sport and a glimpse of the struggles faced not too long ago. If you have the opportunity, I recommend a watch.
We are back on the clock tomorrow, but with warmer temperatures in the forecast, we are looking at doing some road runs the next few days after work.
January 5, 2017
A few workout days in and we realized that we weren’t as fit as we assumed. Our first running day ended up being January 1st (as opposed to December 30th) since we were asked to start our new job earlier than planned. Levi and I packed some exercise wear and a swimsuit before heading off to the YMCA, conveniently located only minutes away.
We took some before shots and weighted ourselves to set a sort of baseline. Levi’s main goal in this endeavor is to loose weight. Mine is to build endurance and if muscle toning is a result, that’s a bonus!
  |   |
| 1/1/2017 Height 5'7" Weight 209 | 1/1/2017 Height 5'6" Weight 120 |
Here is how the last four days have panned out:
Day 1: We used the indoor track at the Y. Using my stop watch, I initially walked for 10 minutes, jogged for five minutes, walked one minute, repeated the jogging 5/walking 1 two more times before calling it. I walked for another four or five minutes before a few leg stretches. I was struggling as soon as I started running. I could barely hold a conversation with Levi and my heart was pounding. Even my legs were fatigued. I also felt, as ridiculous as this sounds, like I forgot how to run. I couldn’t pick a happy pace. Instead of running/walking the planned 4 times, I topped out at the third rep. I did not feel discouraged though. This was a good starting point and a reality check with my body’s activity level.
Levi’s workout consisted of walking the track once (11 laps=1 mile) and then jogging as far as he could before walking again to complete a mile. It took him about 15 minutes to complete the mile. He jumped in the lap pool for another 15 minutes swimming freestyle. Just like me, his legs and body felt fatigued and talking while jogging was a chore.
This is pretty much how we felt after our first run…….
I joined Levi afterwards in the facility’s jacuzzi and then steam room. A bit too warm for me, but it was a good muscle relaxer and sinus reliever.
Day 2: Rest day. We were both scheduled to work and spent much of the day on our feet, putting away decorations around the park and finishing our routine responsibilities. We were both slightly sore but not to the point that inhibited our movements.
Day 3: Back at the Y, we stretched before beginning and then jumped on the treadmill in attempts to complete the four reps of jogging 5 minutes/walking 1 minute. This time around was much easier. The equipment allowed us to control our pace, play around with the incline, and monitor our heart rate/activity level. We were both able to complete our four reps. We averaged a one mile reach in about 15-16 minutes.
Again, we enjoyed a bit of time in the jacuzzi and steam room; however, I think I may skip that in the future because I ended up overheating and with a migraine!
Day 4: Rest Day. Ended up running errands and cleaning the RV. Not really feeling soreness.
One thing we have noticed since beginning our cardio workouts is our increase in food intact. We are so hungry after each workout, me more than usual. I am learning to listen to my body more, whether it be avoiding the steam room after running, watching my water intact, and making sure I eat when I am hungry! Otherwise, my body retaliates.
December 29, 2016
2016 is quickly coming to an end…finally! Levi and I completed our work camping job as Amazon CamperForce Associates in Campbellsville, KY and traveled down to our current seasonal gig in Wichita, KS. We are camp hosts at USI RV Park once more (since we worked here last winter). We are glad to be in familiar territory working with people that have become good friends!
Now that we are all set up, RV hooked up and interior organized and orientation/training completed, we got down to taking care of running business. (Well, running business for me. Levi wants to continue staying active since he shed some weight and gained muscle this past year with outside jobs. Positives for both!)
Today was final preparations for solidifying our active new year. We were not only able to find a place to exercise during the cold winter months, but we were able to choose workout options and breakdown the big goal of running a marathon into the first baby step.
We took a trip down to the closest YMCA (since Wichita has a total of nine facilities) and signed up for membership. Lucky for us, we enrolled before January 16 and paid $0 for initial fees! Our monthly bill, based on household income, came out to $50/month. That is our combined monthly payment. Not too shabby considering that we have access to all nine facilities and each one houses their own activities. The YMCA closest to us not only has your typical gym equipment, but it has a couple of pools, a sauna, a steam room, an indoor track, racquetball and basketball courts, a rock climbing wall, and an array of daily classes.
The Midwest is already seeing temperatures below freezing. Training outside did not seem like the best option, at the moment. Icy roads and running do not go well together. Plus, the YMCA offers so many options for cross training, breaking up the monotony of running and walking.
The next “To Do” item (more so for me) was establishing the first small step towards the ultimate goal of finally running a marathon. With Levi’s help, we came up with a doozie! I wanted to plan and sign up for a run, a 5K to be exact. Wichita has a number of 5Ks throughout the year, at least two a month. Although any of those would have been viable options, Levi and I started talking about one in particular, located about an hour outside of town, that we learned about last year when visiting a rather unique place, Strataca. This underground salt mine museum, situated 650 feet underground, holds a 5K Mine Run every year, mid February. Much of the run is in total darkness so a safety helmet and flashlight are necessary to participate.
We figured the first race needed to be not only obtainable but scheduled sometime in the near future and one to remember! What could be more memorable than a run 650 feet underground in darkness! To top that off, Levi decided to participate, as well! Much of this planning and motivation is definitely fueled by his support! (Side note: The entrance fee is a hefty $55 per person, increasing after January 1st, but funds are used to maintain the museum and educational endeavors provided to the public.)
Since the Mine Run is a mere seven weeks away, I started looking for training programs that would fit my activity level and fitness preferences. I wanted a plan that initially incorporated both walking and jogging to eventually taper off to solely running. I also wanted a plan that included cross training days where I could utilize the many exercise programs and facilities at the YMCA. The result was this six-week program courtesy of Christine Many Luff, a running coach and writer for the health and wellness website, verywell.com.
This plan was copied directly from the article:
Week 1:
Day 1: Run 5 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat 3 times
Day 2: Rest or cross-train
Day 3: Run 6 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat 3 times
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 7 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat 3 times
Day 6: Rest or cross-train
Day 7: Rest
Week 2:
Day 1: Run 7 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat 3 times
Day 2: Rest or cross-train
Day 3: Run 8 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat 3 times
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 9 minutes mile, walk 1 min – repeat 3 times
Day 6: Rest or cross-train
Day 7: Rest
Week 3:
Day 1: Run 10 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat 2 times
Day 2: Cross-train
Day 3: Run 12 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat 2 times
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 13 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat 2 times
Day 6: Rest or cross-train
Day 7: Rest
Week 4:
Day 1: Run 15 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat 2 times
Day 2: Cross-train
Day 3: Run 17 minutes, walk 1 min, run 7 min
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 19 minutes, walk 1 min, run 7 min
Day 6: Rest or cross-train
Day 7: Rest
Week 5:
Day 1: Run 20 minutes, walk 1 min, run 6 min
Day 2: Cross-train
Day 3: Run 24 minutes
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 26 minutes
Day 6: Rest or cross-train
Day 7: Rest
Week 6:
Day 1: Run 28 minutes
Day 2: Rest or cross-train
Day 3: Run 30 minutes
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 20 minutes
Day 6: Rest
Day 7: Race! Run 3.1 miles
As mentioned before, we have seven weeks before the big event, so this will allow some flexibility with the plan. Not to mention the fact that I won’t be able to follow it verbatim with our work schedule. Still, the plan includes all of my prerequisites at a pace that I can manage both physically and mentally.
Tomorrow is Day 1 of training. Levi has his own method of preparation, which I will mention in the next post, alongside my progress. Time to get in gear and make the new year one to put in the books!
December 14, 2016
Just about to complete our final week here in Campbellsville, KY as Amazon CamperForce Associates. Our final day will be the 21st and the company has our shift working 6 out of 7 days, with Friday as our only reprieve. It’s the last push for final orders before Christmas.
This means Levi and I will be on our feet for six more, 10-hour days. I was hoping to get a head start on my running regime but looks like that will be happening after we head out of here towards our next destination in Wichita, KS.
This past week was five, 10-hour days at Amazon stowing away. Even though we have been at it for six weeks, our legs and feet are tired. Standing on concrete, I suppose, does not help.
This past week I have had time to examine my New Year’s Resolution a bit more….examine any unfulfilled resolution for that matter. Two major problems I found seem to revolve around the obvious: they are too complex and for that matter, unobtainable. In my current case, running a marathon involves months of preparation. Don’t get me started on the countless running plans and runner’s philosophies. Plus, with our transient lifestyle, it’s hard to plan so far in advance…and the excuses continue.
My solution: think small and make it simple. Baby steps. I’ve broken down the goal into mini goals, running in various races based on ascending lengths: beginning with a 5K, then a 10K, followed by a half marathon, eventually reaching the ending goal of a marathon.
BUT…even with this breakdown, I know myself. I know that simply seeing a big idea broken down into more manageable achievements will still be a struggle. My husband gently reminded me of the fact that a well thought out schedule does not necessarily mean it will be completed…often times a little carrot needs to be dangled in front to keep the rabbit hopping. What would be my carrot to get me through each day and each passing week? What would be that push to help get me out of my lounging position, into my running clothes, and out the door?
What is your carrot?
December 7, 2016
Each year, I’ll buy the latest marathon training book and sometimes sign up for a race. I’ll announce to my friends and family that THIS IS THE YEAR that I will get active, get fit, and cross that finish line. I arm myself with a beginning runner’s schedule for the next 4-6 months, pinning it to the refrigerator or somewhere I am sure to see it.
Whatever the reason, I end up convincing myself to completely forgo even getting out and running regularly. In fact, except for an outing here or there, regular exercise is not very regular. After all, why am I subjecting my body to this torture?
This new year, I am asking my family, my friends, anyone interested in reading my Roadrunner page for help! We all strive to better ourselves in one area or another, more often when the new year rolls around. I am hoping that those who follow this journal can help drive me to reach my goal, and in return, I hope I can inspire you to achieve yours.
I will be posing a question at the end of each weekly journal entry for your input and support. You know my one New Year’s resolution. What’s yours?**
**Comments can be posted via Facebook, the comment section on this page, or email at levi@henleyshappytrails.com. Resolutions will be shared in the following entry.
