nwm Archives - Page 2 of 3 - What Would Betty Do?

Training: The Pre-Race Blitz

Written on October 14, 2011 by Alisa.

On Thursday night, we went into SF to hit the Nike Women’s Marathon expo and beat the crowds. I’m not sure if we actually beat any crowds — it was pretty much a mob scene — but we did manage to take care of business and eliminate one source of pre-race stress. It was a funny […] Read More

Betty Says: What’s Next?

Written on October 12, 2011 by Alisa.

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 […] Read More

Training: Restless Legs

Written on October 9, 2011 by Alisa.

I’ve reached the point of the taper where my legs are feeling restless and my brain is filled with strangely vivid dreams of being fast, smooth and powerful. I’m still going to be running the race at a snail’s pace, but there’s something to be said for subconscious empowerment. On Tuesday night, our coach confiscated […] Read More

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

Written on October 5, 2011 by Alisa.

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, […] Read More

Training: Tapering Hypochondria

Written on October 2, 2011 by Alisa.

I’m one week into my pre-race taper, and two weeks from race day. Coach Tim warned about phantom pains and hypochondria coming to roost in these slower weeks. Maybe I’m excessively paranoid because I never got a chance to taper last year, but I’m terrified of a season-ending injury or illness. Case in point: on […] Read More

Betty Says: Why Run?

Written on September 21, 2011 by Alisa.

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 […] Read More

Training: Six Weeks to Go

Written on September 4, 2011 by Alisa.

We are a mere six weeks from race day. I don’t want to admit that I’m feeling unprepared, but holy cow, I’m feeling unprepared. Tuesday night was fartlek night. Fartlek is supposed to be Swedish for “speed play,” but frankly I think it’s all a big Swedish joke to give us a ridiculous-sounding name to […] Read More

Training: After the Race

Written on April 3, 2011 by Alisa.

Just when you think you’re hitting your stride, life decides to conspire against you. The Plan Monday: Gym Tuesday: Kickboxing Wednesday: Pilates Thursday: Kickboxing Run? Friday: Gym Saturday: Big, giant, hilly hike Sunday: Does the mad-dash through the airport count? Last week, all was well. I ran my first post-injury 5K in what was, for […] Read More

Training: The News Isn’t All Bad

Written on September 27, 2010 by Alisa.

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their support. Online comments, Twitter DMs, offline emails, phone calls, visits… every single one has been appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and your concern. I didn’t cry when I got hurt, but some of your notes and messages have reduced me to tears. The Good […] Read More

Training: Just Like That, It’s Over

Written on September 26, 2010 by Alisa.

And just like that, my training season is over, three weeks too early. I broke my foot last night. I was wrestling alligators. No, wait, I was skydiving and landed on it wrong. No, let me start over: I spent the weekend in the mountains with Kathy Bates (thanks for that one, Will Sansbury). Good […] Read More