Monica Bruno's Blog, page 4

5 Ways Running and Meditating are Alike

Did you know 40 million adults, or 18% percent of Americans, suffer from anxiety? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. To be honest, I’ve always been a little high-strung. I think that’s why I love running so much, because it naturally helps bring my anxiety levels down. Whenever I go for my annual check-up, the nurse will inevitably ask me if I’m a runner after taking my blood pressure. “Yes,” I say. “Keep it up,” she’ll say, “your blood pressure is fantastic.” But even with all the running I do, a few years ago, I still found myself feeling super anxious. I had just finished writing my first novel, and even though I should have been excited I had finally completed it, I felt nervous and down. I mean, really down. I had spent so much time in the fictional world I created, when it was over, I felt empty. Writing a novel was a very isolating experience for me. I would write all …

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How to Start Running (Even if You Hate it)

If you clicked this post, I’m assuming you’re not a fan of running, but you know all about its many benefits, so you’re still interested in becoming a runner. Maybe you’ve tried running, and after a while said, “Nope.” But then, you see a runner pass by, and you secretly wish you could run like them. I hear you. I used to HATE running. I thought I was physically incapable of running for an extended period of time. I didn’t enjoy it, it was just painful and hard. It wasn’t until I moved to Austin in 2000, at the age of thirty, when I became inspired to run. I’ve been running consistently now for fifteen years. So, how did I go from being someone who used to hate running to someone who now loves it? I could tell you if you want to start running you need to make sure to buy the right shoes and sign up for a fun run to keep you motivated. And while all those things are useful, none of it matters if you don’t …

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How to Beat Procrastination & Thrive

Last week, I finished the rough draft of my second novel. I was supposed to have it completed by the end of June, but it didn’t happen. Nothing stopped me from meeting my initial deadline other than myself. I was fighting a huge resistance from within.

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My Top 10 Running Songs

There are questions in this world we may never find the answers to … Just how were those Moai statues moved to Easter Island? What exactly is dark matter made of? Does Bigfoot really exist? Where does the other sock go when it gets lost in the dyer? And, of course the biggest mystery of all, how do long distance runners run without listening to music?

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Confessions from an Ex-Extrovert

I recently read an article in the New York Times that said you can tell a lot about a person by where they like to go on vacation (you can read all about it here: What Your Vacation Says About You). Supposedly, extroverts like to go to the beach, while introverts like to go to the mountains. The logic is that extroverts like being surrounded by a lot of people, half naked in their bathing suits, while introverts like to get lost alone in the mountains.

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The Mountains Are Calling

The summer is almost over and we're getting ready to take one last vacation before the kids go back to school. In a few days, we'll be off to Colorado. If you had told me five years ago I would be taking yearly trips to the mountains, I would have laughed. Anyone who knows me would have laughed, too. I've never been an outdoorsy person, I cringed at the thought of sleeping in a tent or being exposed to bugs, or snakes, or bears. And, call me kooky, but I really like having access to a clean bathroom and a hot shower.

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Why do You Love to Run?

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Runners are a special breed. I mean,  we spend a lot of time … running. Like, for fun. Why do we invest so much time running when there’s a hundred other things we should could be doing? Non-runners probably wonder if we’re just a little crazy. They might think, there’s got to be a better way to get in shape. And, although I’m sure that’s why many people start running, getting in shape is not the best part about running.

In fact, keeping in shape is more of a side effect, because running is so much more than just a form of exercise. Running is a life changing habit that gives you a certain peace of mind like nothing else.

I asked a few of my running friends why they run, and what’s their favorite song to run to (because I just have to know), and here’s what they had to say:

Laura from The Bay Area, CA * R unning since 2012 * Runs 35 miles per wk

Why do you run?

I was grieving the sudden loss of my husband of 25 years, who lost his battle to lymphoma. I saw a flyer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Team in Training. I had never even walked a mile but something got me interested in attending the informational meeting. I paid $50 to enroll in the program and signed up to train with them to run a marathon. My 3 daughters laughed when I told them was I going to do. 4 months later I completed my first marathon in San Diego. Took me 6:16 to finish it and swore to the high heavens I would never do it again. To this day I’ve ran 3 marathons and over 30 half marathons. Almost 3,000 miles later, I can say that my angel in heaven sent me the flyer so I could change my life forever!

What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?

I got trained to run without music, so I’ve never run listening to any songs. I solve the world’s problems in every run, I meditate, and I recharge my soul.

***

Sherry from Oregon * Running since 2009 * Runs 25 miles per wk

Why do you run?

I started running early on in school and did track and field from elementary to high school, but I was a jumper/sprinter. I hated long distance running. I didn’t get serious about running until after having kids as a way to help lose the baby weight. My sister actually got me started on running races. I’ve really been inspired by her and by so many people on social media. I love to run because I actually enjoy it now. Not only does it help me stay healthy and fit but it’s challenging. I’ve taken the plunge to run my first full marathon.

What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?

Brave by Sarah Bareilles

***

Lisa from Chicago * Running since 2010 * Runs 25 miles per wk

Why do you run?

I spent my entire adult life believing that I had exercise-induced asthma because I would lose a lung every time I tried to run to the train station to catch a train for work. I never tried to actually run though. I didn’t even own gym shoes for about 15 years!

I started running [at the age of 45] when I encountered this little old lady who would run in the dark through my neighborhood when I was driving to the train station for work. She was dedicated to running in all kinds of weather. She would even carry soup cans as she ran for the extra weight challenge. She inspired me to start running.

I didn’t run in any races until my 3rd year. Nor did I hook up with or even know that a running community existed. But I decided to run in a local race that I used to watch as child. It was the hottest, most humid day ever … But I was so happy to experience a race and the adrenaline of crossing a finish line! I was hooked! I have since run in about 65 races since that first race 2 1/2 years ago, in 4 states and including about 8 half marathons!

What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?

For a long time, I would start every run with It’s a Beautiful Day by U2. That song gives me chills. I also like to start with Glad You Came by The Wanted. When I ran my PR half marathon, I played Red Hot Chili Peppers the entire race but finished with Springsteen Born To Run, which was being played by the DJ at the finish line. My coldest ever longest ever race (15miles and 5F) I listened to Ed Sheerin X about 4 times to get me through those 3 hours.

***

Ross from Petaluma, CA * Running since 2011 * Runs 25 miles per wk

Why do you run?

I had always envied people with the motivation and determination to run. Over my life, I had tried to get into it on a few occasions but it never stuck. I was at a point in my life were I was stressed out over various things and was walking almost all the time. I thought to myself maybe I should just run. I ran home about a block or two from a friends one time and realized I wasn’t in as good of shape as I thought and needed some work. At that point I found my motivation.

I started to run shortly after and worked my way up the ranks feeling completely obsessed. I ran to lose weight and free my mind from things that stressed me out. Now I run for many reasons. I love running because it makes me feel great both mentally and physically. Sometimes I don’t even know why I like it, I just do.

One of my other favorite spots [to run] is the golden gate bridge in San Francisco. I love running across the bridge, down to the bottom and back up because it’s scenic, iconic and makes me feel very fortunate to have grown up where I did. It’s pretty massive and amazing to run across.

What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?

I don’t listen to music when I run cause I like to hear whats going on and enjoy the thoughts in my head and sounds around me. Sometimes I think about whats going on in my life or what is going on at that moment, but often I think about my cadence, pace, gait and breathing depending on what kind of run I’m on. Other runners or people that inspire me are always helpful to keep me going. I often think about what I’m going to eat when I get home, and when I’m really in the zone, I think about nothing at all.

***

GuruDan from Ontario * Running since 1980 * Runs 50-75 miles per wk

Why do you run?

At age 12 I began my martial arts training & yoga training. The Shotokan style of karate was very intensive physical training that req’d barefoot speed and endurance running. I have been running this way ever since. I have made karate/yoga a lifelong practice.

Running is part of who I am. In the karate dojo the higher belts also teach the art…so running became part of the teaching. In 2007 I experienced a life-changing event…I died twice during the event…no resuscitation…just died and lived both times. Now running is the only sport in which I’m allowed to indulge…so I run…all the time…for long distance…for long periods. I’ve also chosen a cause to donate my running: Gender Equality.

What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?

I don’t run to any song in particular, but to playlists which are approx. 6 hours long, and consists of different genres of music…my fave female singer, currently, is Ellie Goulding…my fave band could be Frightened Rabbit or Bon Iver.

***

I think all of these runners are pretty amazing. And I don’t know how Laura and Ross can run without music. My iPod died on me recently at mile two on a five mile run and I barely made it back without stopping. Longest. Three. Miles. Ever.

As for me, I’ve been running since 2000. I started running because we moved to Austin and it seemed like everyone and their goldfish were runners. I was actually inspired to run by my elderly neighbor, who was sixty eight at the time and ran everyday. I try to run at least 25 miles per week. I love running because it gives me self confidence and helps keep my stress levels in check.

My favorite song to run to right now is If Not for You by Shakey Graves.

What about you? Why do you run? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

All the runners featured today participate in the Earthathon Relay, a virtual running group open to runners of all levels. You can find out more and sign up at @earthathon.

Laura is a team captain for #werun2gether. Connect with Laura on Twitter at @albidress .

Sherry is a team captain for #RunderfulRunners. She’s also the cool runner in the featured photo. Connect with Sherry at Stay Healthy N Fit 4 You or @healthynfit4you on Twitter.

Lisa is a member of the #teamhumanrace. Connect with Lisa at lisa-barnhart.tumblr.com or @lisaeber on Twitter.

Ross is a member of #RunderfulRunners. Conncet with Ross at @ross_707 on Twitter.

GuruDan is a team captain for #HeForSheRunners you can connect with him at @Gurudan.

5 Ways to Stay Cool While Running in the Heat

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Now that summer is here and in full force, it feels like the heat has been turned up to eleven (sorry, I love This is Spinal Tap and couldn’t resist). Keeping up with your running routine can be extra challenging in the summer because intense heat can zap the energy right out of you.

Of course, the best way to avoid running in the heat is to run either before or after the sun is out, or to run indoors on a treadmill. I can’t run on a treadmill. I. just. can’t. do. it. Plus, I have a hard time waking up early in the morning, and my energy level is already low in the evenings, so I still prefer to run the middle of the day. But, as long as you’re prepared, you can run in almost any weather.

Here are some things you can do to keep running in the heat:

1. Stay hydrated.  Along with other things, our bodies use water to maintain our temperature and lubricate our joints. Since we’re sweating more than usual, it’s more important than ever to make sure we’re adequately hydrated. Some runners carry their water with them. I don’t, but I make sure I run where there are plenty of water stops. It’s important to keep hydrated throughout the entire day, not just when we’re running. And although I don’t like sports drinks, it’s a good idea to drink one after your run when it’s really hot outside. They’re better than water because of the added sodium and electrolytes they contain which helps with the recovery process.

2. Run by the water. Try running by a nearby lake or ocean and feel the difference. The weather is usually cooler by the water because the air becomes cooler when it combines with the water temperature nearby. Getting in cold water (by jumping into a pool, lake or just taking a cold bath) before your run can also help keep you cooler while you’re running.

3. Keep your neck cool. Keeping the neck cool lowers the entire body’s core temperature because blood flows close to the surface of the skin there. The best way to do this is to roll a plastic bag of ice cubes in a bandanna and tie it around your neck. Or, better yet, tie the ends of the bandanna to your shirt or sports bra so it doesn’t choke you as it gets weighted down by sweat. I’ve found ice wrapped in a bandanna works even better than those cooling towels you can buy (it gets colder and stays colder longer).

4. Slow down. Unless you’re a glutton for punishment, it’s probably not a good idea to work on your speed when it’s over ninety five thousand degrees outside. The heat will slow you down anyway, so just go with it!

5. Don’t forget the sunscreen. I wish I started doing this sooner. I have numerous sunspots on the back of my shoulders and all over my legs because of the years I ran without using sunscreen (I used to put it on my face only). Don’t forget to use it on partly cloudy days as well because harmful ultraviolet rays can still damage your skin through the clouds.

I also have to mention how important it is to pay attention to how you feel. We runners tend to push ourselves through anything (the stubborn no pain, no gain mentality). But, heat stroke is a serious medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Early symptoms of heat stroke include:

goose bumps
tingling sensation on the skin
dull headache
dizziness
nausea

If you feel any of these symptoms, you should stop running and seek help right away.

Hopefully, these tips can help you stay cool and keep on keeping on this summer.

How about you? How do you keep cool while running in the heat? I’d love to hear from you!

You might also enjoy:

How to Get Used to Exercising in the Heat (and Why You Should)

20 Tips to Stay Cool on a Summer Run

6 Essential Strategies Revealed by the Science of Hot Weather Running 

My Top Five Highlights from ThrillerFest X

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Last week, I attend the ThrillerFest X in New York City for the first time. For those who aren’t familiar, ThrillerFest is the annual conference of the International Thriller Writers (ITW). Now in its tenth year, ThrillerFest brings together world renowned bestselling authors, writers of every level, readers, publishers, producers, editors, and agents to promote and support thriller authors everywhere.

The conference has four main components: Master CraftFest, CraftFest, PitchFest and the last two days is the ThrillerFest (which was what I attended), designed to offer readers a chance to meet the best authors in the industry and be introduced to debut and mid-list authors.

Now that I’m back home, and had a chance to digest everything I experienced, I’d like to share my top five highlights from the conference with you:

1. The interview with Greg Iles. I always beat myself up when I don’t get my writing quota done for the day. Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, the consensus is that you should try to write something every day. So, it was surprising to hear what Greg Iles had to say when asked about his writing process. He said he’ll go long stretches without writing anything at all. He just waits for the muse to come and once he has the entire story in his head, he’ll go to work and write for days on end. It just goes to show you, there really aren’t any rules.

Greg Iles

Iles’ entire interview was interesting. He’s good friends with Stephen King (they play in the same band together) and he shared some great stories. He also discussed how his writing changed after he was in a life threatening car accident and lost his leg. That’s when he stopped writing what he thought would sell and started writing what he wanted. He said his writing has become better for it.

2. The Roundtable Discussion: Creating Empathetic Antagonist. I learned that even though it’s a good idea to have a well rounded villain, someone your reader can relate to, you can’t always create an empathetic antagonist. Some bad guys are just bad. Robert Dugoni said that about 3 – 4% of our population are psychopaths and will kill merely for the sake of killing (think Ted Bundy or John Wayne Gacy). So, a lively discussion broke out when one of the panelists argued that some people can’t help it if they are born with the inclination to kill. And, it was unfortunate that it took just one slip up for everyone to turn against them. Hmm … I think it’s safe to say, she might have a little too much sympathy for the psychopath.

3. The interview with Mark Billingham. I smiled when bestselling author, Mark Billingham, said you needed to be at least forty years old before you should start writing. He felt people should actually live a little before they can write about it. He also made me chuckle when he said he was amused when he would get messages from readers who were offended by the profanity he used in his novels. He found it odd they were fine with the kidnappings, the fighting and murders, but they couldn’t understand why he had to use swear words, that was just over the line.

Mark Billingham

4. ThrillerMasters Panel Discussion: Most important lessons learned. My favorite story came from a panel of veteran bestselling authors. I don’t remember the exact question asked, but it had something to do with book signings. One of the panelist said that during a book signing early in his career, no one showed up. He was there, ready with his presentation and a room full of empty chairs. During the last five minutes of the event, three men ran into the room and sat down, directly in front of him. He began to present and a few minutes later the police came in and arrested the men for just robbing a bank. Apparently, the men thought nobody would look for them at a book signing.

5. How NICE everybody was. The most surprising thing to me was how incredibly nice everyone was. This was an event where you had famous authors (like Lee Child, R.L. Stine, Kathy Reichs) some of who have had their novels turned into blockbuster motion pictures, sitting next to fans and debut authors, like myself. Almost everyone was friendly and approachable.

Panel Discussion. Music, TV, Movies: Finding Inspiration to Write

I was also part of a panel discussion on Music, TV and Movies: Finding Inspiration to Write. This was my first time on a panel, so I was pretty nervous. But, everyone made me feel comfortable and it was actually a lot of fun to share insights and compare notes.

All in all, it was an amazing conference and I hope I can go again next year.

As a side note, I was able to escape a little while I was there and went to see the Broadway musical, Kinky Boots. It was great! I also had some time to run in Central Park. I swear, it’s one of the most amazing places to run. I’m pretty sure I smiled ear to ear the entire time I was out there.

How about you? Have you been to any great book conferences lately? Or, have you had the pleasure of running in Central Park before? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

Here are a couple of other recaps of this year’s ThrillerFest:

How Pitching a Novel is Like Being in the Secret Service

The Thrill and DeMille

Why Write?

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I’m in a couple of writing groups and the admin in one of them recently posed the following question to its members:

Why write?

With such a staggering number of books out there — there are more than 130,000,000 books in existence — why is your book important? Only a small percentage of writers have ever made a living at writing (and most of those were people who wrote books on how to make a living at writing), and that percentage seems to be shrinking. More than 80% of books sell less than 100 copies. Maybe 50% sell only about ten or so. So, why write? [And] why take the time to learn the craft if some of the books that do sell are poorly written tripe?

I’m not sure if those statistics are accurate, but I’ve read similar figures (e.g., according to Heather Maclean, of the 500,000 books that are released every year, both published and self-published, only 10% will sell more than 500 copies). What a bummer, right?

So asking why a person bothers to write is a valid question, considering the amount of work it takes to write a book. Many of the answers from members were simply because writing was their passion and they couldn’t imagine living their lives not writing.

If your main reason for writing a book is to make money, you’re probably in for a big disappointment. To put it into perspective, you can work less hours and make more money as a fry cook in a fast food restaurant than as a writer. That’s not to say writers can’t make good money, obviously there are those who do (and some do very well), but it’s definitely not the norm.

It’s sad, but true and sometimes it’s a hard pill to swallow.

Especially because writing isn’t easy. It takes a lot of time, dedication, perseverance and sacrifice. Writers have to make time to write on top of all the other demands in their busy lives. If you’re not passionate about writing, you’ll have a difficult time finishing your book (that’s why so many people who start writing a book never complete it). Something needs to get you back in that chair and generating all those words on a daily basis.

So, if the monetary return on investment is so low, why write?

Because it fills the soul to create. It’s the same reason a painter paints, a sculptor sculpts, a dancer dances. Making something from nothing is one of the most satisfying things you can do.


Because it helps you grow. Writing consistently not only helps develop your craft, but it also makes you more sensitive and aware of your surroundings and feelings. These insights trickle into your writing. You can learn more about yourself as your characters reveal themselves to you. It’s really a self-discovering journey. Some would say, it’s therapeutic.


Because it allows you to connect. Whether my story is good or not is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. Some will love it, others will hate it. But if I can create a story, take someone to a different place and it resonates with them, then I’ve made a connection. And, isn’t that what life is all about, to make human connections? Sometimes, that’s all the validation you need.

So, I’ll keep writing, if for no other reasons than to create, grow and hopefully connect.

What about you? Why do you write? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!