Monday, April 26, 2010

knowledge overload ...

So, this weekend was my long awaited coaching certification course hosted by RRCA. (The lovely MissZippy was also in attendance. Small world, right?) The certification process included taking the two-day course, passing an online exam (which I did last night! 94%!) and holding CPR and First Aid certifications.

It was a jam-packed 16 hours of learning about all aspects of training from energy systems to pace runs. Talk about information overload. I was in heaven. As someone who is constantly striving to be a stronger runner, putting me in this class was like a putting a fat kid in a candy store (and I should know, I was the fat kid.)

It re cemented some things that I already knew and opened my eyes to things that I had never considered. My biggest takeaway is that I am running too fast for my easy and long runs. I've always heard that you must run slower to run faster, but never understood why. Seeing the science behind this theory has inspired me to try it out. Hopefully, it works. (Note: I tried to slow down to my newly prescribed pace on this morning's five miler. And let's just say it's HARD.)

When I got home, I was hit with more awesomeness. J had taken the girls shopping while I was gone and they found a little present for me.

Super cute, right? And I think the best part is that they purchased some for Dizzle and Doodle too.
I'm pretty sure that if it is up to us, skirts and socks are going to take over the running world!

And don't forget to check out my Tarma Designs Giveaway!

43 comments:

Kerrie said...

I think I'm first!

Congratulations on the certification and the socks! The girls are so cute in them, too!

Kerrie said...

PS: Okay, I'm never first so that was just a quick comment to make sure I was first.

I think it's so awesome that you got your certification. Can't wait to learn more from you! What are your plans? What are you going to do with your cert?

I also think it's awesome that J went out and got you those socks. Way to go man!

misszippy said...

I'm so jealous you already took the test! I was also jealous when I passed your town en route to my house--another 2 hrs. to go. I am beat today! The girls look adorable in the socks.

saundra said...

Tall Mom just posted about running fast during training over the weekend, and I was in agreement with her! Please tell us, Coach, why running slower is important. Congrats on your certification!!! And love the socks!

Rene' said...

love, love, love the socks! the girls look adorable. are you going to share with us why we should run slower?? congrats on your certification!

bobbie said...

Congrats on the certification!!

Christine Jensen said...

I have the HARDEST time running slow in my training runs! I don't often succeed.

Marlene said...

Congrats on the certification. Sounds like plenty of knowledge to share!

Great new socks too!!

Katye said...

your girls looks toooo cute!!! CONGRATS!

jamie@sweatyhugs said...

I'm loving the new socks and your girls look adorable! Congrats on the certification. You rock!

Nicole said...

I thought of you this weekend at my race.... There were a couple of girls wearing cool knee highs. So fun! I'm finally comfortable running in my skirt, maybe the fun socks will come next!

dr. jen said...

I'm a new follower! Please explain this "run slower to run faster" science! I'm so intrigued, I came out of hiding to comment!

Unknown said...

awesome job on your certification!!
You rock mama and cute socks!

Pining for Pinterest said...

OMG, the picture of your girls is precious!! I hope you have a great week! That is awesome that you learned some new things :)

Liz said...

That's a great picture - your girls look gorgeous!

Steel Springs said...

Congratulations on your certification! That's so exciting! I'd love to hear more about the science behind running slowly on easy runs. I've also heard that advice numerous times, but I have trouble understanding why it's so important.

That is an absolutely adorable picture of your girls!

Sarah said...

OMG they are too too cute!!

Carly said...

Running slow isn't my problem. It' running fast.
And I think your daughters are being brainwashed. :-)

Judi said...

Glad you had a successful weekend of training!

What a treat to come home to! Very thoughtful crew you have there!

Happy Monday!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Where do you find such cute socks! Love them!

Congrats on the certification. There is one in my PA area soon. I bet I could learn a lot!

I hope your new run slow to run faster goes well.

Anonymous said...

what a great weekend and great socks! love that the girls have some too :)

Mrs. D said...

LOVE the socks! You and the girls should do a "run" together! Around the cul-de-sac anyway...... Then Perhaps the runner's envy could lessen.

I have "sock-envy". May just have to get some for my Comeback Race.....

Emz said...

I'm with Saundra - want to know more about the slow running thing! Very intrigued!

the socks are the best!!

Jen said...

Too cute. My daughter needs that outfit.

BTW: Check out my blog for a giveaway. It is Day 1 of the Five Days of Giveaways.

the dawn said...

I am so jealous, not just of the socks...but of the certification!!! I am one who is always craving more information and to be given the gift of 16 hours of running info...talk about total bliss. Can't wait to hear more about what you learned!

Nicole said...

Too cute! Love the girlies in their socks and skirts. :)

RunToTheFinish said...

Ok so the whole slowing down on long runs...I've been trying, but I get very mentally freaked out that if I slow down I'll never be able to run the right pace on race day. I'd love a post on what your thoughts are on this and how to figure out what pace I should run@

Meg Kathleen said...

I have such a hard time slowing down too! Why is it important to slow down on easy runs?

Anabela (Bela) Neves said...

Congrats on teh certification and those are some funky socks!

Teamarcia said...

Um yeah running too fast on slow runs, BTDT. Hard to stop.
Congrats on the certification! Love the socks and the chicklets even more!

Aimee said...

That certification conference must have been amazing! And, woohoo for passing the test! :)

Oh..I have the hardest time slowing down on my long, easy runs. It's torture for me even though I know I need to do it.

ihaverun said...

Congrats on the ceritification. That is awesome.

Almost as awesome as that picture of your girls. So, so cute!

Anonymous said...

super cute socks, and good job on the certification!

ajh said...

Love the socks. Congrats in a big way!!! I 'd love to hear more about running slower to run faster.

Lindsay said...

LOVE LOVE the socks!! Great job on the certification too :)

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE the socks and the girls with socks and skirts. SOOOOOO cute! Interesting about the long runs vs MP. I've been switching it up for my past two marathons, just to see what would happen. Congrats on your certification!

akjenniekt said...

Congrats on being certified :)!!

Super cute socks!!

Anonymous said...

I love the socks! Adorable :) Congrats on the certification

Anonymous said...

congratulations on your certification! i am so happy for you! your girls look so adorable! they are following a wonderful role model.

Katie A. said...

Nice job on the certification! Congrats!
And those socks and girls are ADORABLE!

AM! said...

cool that you and miss zippy were at the same conference! nice job on the certification


and i LOVE the pic of your lil' ones;-) too cute

Unknown said...

Too cute. You're right. Running slow is hard; it is such a mental challenge. Sometimes I tell myself that it is harder to run slowly than it is to push yourself; it just seems backwards to everything we're aiming for.

Running Diva Mom said...

Your girls are too cute!