Category Archives: Fitness

Betty Says: Be Safe Out There

On Saturday, January 7, Montana teacher Sherry Arnold went out for an early morning run. She never came home. Six days later, the FBI had a suspect in custody for her murder. I had been following the story on her cousin Beth Risdon’s blog, Shut Up and Run. Like all of Beth’s readers, we hoped…

Betty Says: Bite Me

This week on the Facebook page for Run Like a Mother (an excellent book for anyone who feels like their fitness needs to compete with work, family and that massive to-do list), they asked: So let’s talk trail running this afternoon. Curious: are you scared of it? If so, why? Animals, injury, getting lost, falling, something…

Betty Says: You Don’t Want to Run?

From the “I know the feeling” department. Dear Betty, I also ran Nike on October 16 and since then… well, I haven’t done anything. I don’t feel like running at all. Am I the only one? – Directionless in Denver Oh Directionless, I absolutely feel your pain. Didn’t you read my post on Sunday night?…

Betty Says: What’s Next?

With four days until race day, people are looking ahead to what’s next. Hi Betty, What’s your plan for after Nike? Do you have any other races on the calendar? How do you plan to stay in shape? – Planning in Portland Wow, the race hasn’t even happened yet and you’re already talking about the…

Training: Tiny Coach Wisdom

I managed to record part of a conversation with the Tiny Coaching Assistant tonight, and I’m transcribing it here to share the lessons with all of you. After all, who doesn’t need the wisdom of a 5-year-old who spends an inordinate amount of time contemplating why his mother is so slow? TCA: ”Well, you’ve gotta get…

Betty Says: Welcome to SF for Nike Women’s Marathon

Ladies, it’s that time. Next weekend, all of our hard work and training will end with us lining up around Union Square in the pre-dawn hours. Dear Betty, What should I know about in advance of race weekend? – Ready in Raleigh Hi Ready, As an out-of-towner, there are so many cool things to see,…

Betty Says: Why Run?

Today’s question comes all the way from Canada (hello, Canada!) and asks the ever-important question: Dear Betty, What made you decide to start running? Why do you stick with it? – Curious in Calgary Hi Curious, I have no doubt that all of the high school friends who’ve reconnected with me on Facebook are a…

Betty Says: Ditching Your Friends

Today’s question comes from one of my Texas Bettys: Dear Betty, I’m training for an upcoming race with some fellow Bettys in December. Running is new to several of them & they are racing the half. I did 5 halfs last year & really (really!) want to complete a full. Am I a “bad” Betty…

Training: Lead Legs and Vineyard Runs

The family was still out of town for the first part of the week, and again I had all kinds of grand plans for fun workouts. Instead, I spent Monday and Tuesday with my plumber dealing with an emergency repair that kept me home both days. Fun times! I did manage to get to the…

Training: Less-Than-Badass Mother Runner

The family is away this week and I thought that I’d take my free time and do all sorts of wonderful things. No schedules! Flexibility! And so far, it’s been status quo. Like on Wednesday, I had to get up at 3:30 AM (ack!) to drive the boys to SFO. I was fully planning on…