Running for Sherry

February 11, 2012 by 4 Comments

I got up this morning to get ready for my run, and, as with so many of my runs since her disappearance, my thoughts were of Sherry Arnold.

On January 7, Sherry, a mom, wife, teacher, friend, sister, went out for an early morning run and never came home. Like so many, the tragedy of Sherry’s death shook me to my core. I have shed tears and said prayers for Sherry and her family – it was a horrible reminder that terrible things happen to good people, that we’re not as safe as we sometimes think we are….that life is too short.

Today I was honored to join Beth, Sherry’s cousin and countless others in a virtual run in honor of Sherry. As Beth said when she announced the run on her blog Shut Up and Run:

My goal is to get the MOST love, momentum and energy moving in honor of Sherry. This run symbolizes the beginning of healing and honors a woman who was courageous, strong and loved by so many.

 It was snowing lightly when I left and my body was still feeling the effects of the stomach bug that has besieged my house – so I was not sure how far I was going to go, just that I was going to run.


It was a quiet, uneventful run. I decided to follow a simple out and back route through town. By 4 miles out my body let me know it was done and it was time to head back.

On the way back I came across another runner I see often on my Saturday runs. She fell in step next to me and asked me about the bib. I told her about Sherry and the virtual run. She asked me for Sherry’s name again and then said she would keep her in her thoughts for her run. We ran about a mile or so together. I appreciated the company and her acknowledgment of Sherry even more. When we split up, she wished me good luck and I told her I’d see her next week, then kept heading for home.

I’m grateful to Beth for organizing this virtual run and giving us a way to show our support of Sherry and her family. I hope knowing that so many of us care brings her family a little peace.

signature
Filed Under: running community, Sherry Arnold

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

February 9, 2012 by 11 Comments

My mind is a total jumble this morning as I’m trying to keep straight everyone’s schedules, backpack requirements, meeting times, groceries list, menu planning and other errands….yeah basically just the typical “Mom’s Brain Syndrome.” I would love one day when I could come down stairs in the morning and someone would tell me what I have scheduled for the day and then hand me a packed bag with all of the things I’ll need…a girl can dream can’t she?

After a great week of training capped off by a strong 11 mile run Saturday, I’m having a hard time finding a groove this week. Being up with my sick little guy half the night earlier this week hasn’t helped, but in general the runs have just been ok verging on blah. Guess that’s part of the ebb and flow of running.

The FedEx guy delivered my PureConnects yesterday (cue the angels!) I’m silly excited to try this shoe out, but it probably won’t be today as I’m off to do hill work and I doubt hills are the best way to try out a new shoe. Tomorrow’s suppose to be a rest day, but I may need to sneak a couple in just so I can give these shoes a go.

signature
Filed Under: 3 things, hill work, PureConnect

PureFit Bars Review & Coupon Code

February 7, 2012 by 4 Comments

A few weeks ago I was offered a chance to try PureFit Nutrition Bars. Given that the bars are gluten-, wheat-, and dairy-free, I was curious to check them out, as I often have trouble finding things that will agree with my stomach.

Here’s what PureFit says: (from the PureFit website)

“Kosher-certified and vegan-approved PureFit bars do not contain dairy, wheat, or gluten, and will not melt in their packaging. PureFit works diligently to provide high-quality, award-winning nutrition bars without artificial ingredients, sugar alcohols or common allergens, including milk, wheat or gluten.

100% All-Natural Ingredients, 18 Grams of Soy Protein, Non-GMO Soy, Unprecedented Great Taste. This low glycemic, nondairy bar is based on over 20 years of research and was not practical to manufacture until now. It offers:

  • NO Hydrogenated Oils
  • NO Animal Products – Vegan
  • NO Cholesterol or Trans Fatty Acids
  • NO Wheat or Gluten
  • NO Artificial Sweeteners
  • NO Hidden Carbohydrates
  • NO Sugar Alcohol”

Here’s what I say:

  • I used them pre-and post-run and as a meal replacement and I had absolutely no stomach issues with them.  
  • PureFit offers 5 flavors: Almond Crunch, Berry Almond Crunch, Chocolate Brownie, Granola Crunch and Peanut Butter Crunch. My favorites were the Granola Crunch and Peanut Butter Crunch. I was not a big fan of the Berry Almond – though I’m not really fond of anything with a cranberry or raspberry vibe. 
  • Given the consistency of the bars, you should make sure to have a glass of water on hand when eating one.
  • An all-natural bar that tastes good and leaves my stomach feeling fine is a big win in my book!

Interested in trying PureFit bars for yourself? Use the coupon code PROMO25 when you place an order and receive 25% off!

*Disclaimer: I was provided five bars by PureFit to sample and review. The opinions expressed here are my own and I did not receive compensation for this review.

signature
Filed Under: product reviews, PureFit Bars

Friday Five

February 3, 2012 by 16 Comments
  1. After 3 workouts in a 24-hr span, I am thoroughly embracing a rest day today! Some core work but nothing else – I want to have something in the tank for tomorrow’s long run.
  2. I’m beginning to realize that I have been underestimating the importance of getting enough sleep. While it is tempting to stay up to read, catch The Daily Show, try to get some writing done, etc., I need to do a better job of stepping away from all of it and catch some more zzz’s. My body and mind will thank me for it.
  3. I’m desperately on the hunt for some new tunes for the playlist – any suggestions? Please share.
  4. With the impending loss of Google Friend Connect, I’m starting to embrace the fact that I need to give those of you interested enough in following my little journey, alternative ways to follow. So you’ll see in the side bar that I’ve added a few options, including finally setting up a Facebook page. As I start writing more, I’ll be posting links to my Examiner articles there, so I hope you’ll check it out and give it a “like.” 
  5. Looking forward to a relatively quiet weekend full of the usual family activities, capped off with watching the Patriots bring home another Super Bowl win!

Any big weekend plans?

signature
Filed Under: Examiner, Facebook, Friday Five, need more sleep, Patriots

January Rewind

January 31, 2012 by 11 Comments
Good things for the month:
  • Kicked off the year with 77 miles!
  • Completed 1st month of the 100x Challenge (there’s time to join February’s challenge, click here).
  • Overall the weather for January was really mild so I only had to hit the treadmill twice to avoid icy roads.
  • Several quality sessions with Dr. Needles has the left leg feeling pretty good – whoot!

Things I could do without:
  • Really have nothing to complain about – love that!

On the decks for February:
  • First 10 mile race!
  • More miles – plan calls for 109.
  • Planning to try out the Brooks Pure Connects as soon as my local running store gets the new colors – can’t wait!
  • Adding Bikram yoga to the mix – that should be comical…er…interesting!
  • Going to finally bite the bullet and migrate to WordPress – wish me luck.

 
  

How has your 2012 started off?

    signature
    Filed Under: month in review

    Eleven, Eleven, Eleven, Eleven

    January 26, 2012 by 16 Comments

    I got tagged by both XL over at Taking It On  and Molly at I’m a Sleeper Baker to join in on the game of 11’s that’s been going on in bloggyland. I’ve been enjoying reading others’ bits of randomness, so here goes…

    In case you don’t know, the rules are:

    1. Post these rules
    2. You must post 11 random things about yourself
    3. Answer the questions set for you in their post
    4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
    5. Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them
    6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people!
    My Random Stuff
    1. I have a shoe and handbag addiction that could be viewed as unhealthy 
    2. Spiders freak me out
    3. I have two white board calendars in my kitchen that are color-coded for each family member (even the dog has a color) 
    4. I could wear only black clothing for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy 
    5. I’m a sucker for TV & movie awards shows 
    6. I love spicy food and make a mean jambalaya 
    7. I think Valentines Day is a bogus holiday 
    8. I’m a bit of a political junkie – both fascinated and repulsed by the whole process 
    9. When I’ve been pulled over, I’ve been able to talk my way out of speeding tickets  
    10. I love to decorate – I can spend hours looking at paint samples 
    11. I have no tolerance for bad customer service 
     XL’s Questions
    1. What is your ‘comfort food’? My husband J’s beef stroganoff
    2. Do you exercise better when you are angry or happy? Depends on the exercise – speedwork or hills are best done angry!
    3. Have you ever done anything to the point of puking? What? Yep – did the stupid drink too much thing once…once was enough
    4. Any embarrassing nicknames in your past? Spill it. In college – Mother Goose…long story.
    5. Guilty movie pleasure? Chick flicks – Devil Wears Prada is a fave.
    6. Do you like or dislike these tagging memes? Like them.
    7. Why do you run? (might seem like a stupid question, but I’m curious) For so many reasons…for sanity.. for the challenge (both mental and physical)…for “me” time
    8. Would you rather be rich or famous? Rich – I think of all I could do for my family, community, charities.
    9. If you could go anywhere tomorrow without any worries (everything would be taken care of perfectly for the duration) where would you go,  Australia
    10. with whom and   my husband J
    11. for how long?   a couple of months – I’d want our boys to join us but I want at least 1 week just the two of us!
    Molly’s Questions

    1. what is the one song you never tire of? At the moment, Jay-Z’s “Run this Town”
    2. what scares you? Living a life of unfulfilled dreams – don’t want to have a lot of should haves
    3. what’s on your bucket list? I don’t really have a list…but it would probably include lots of travel destinations
    4. salty or sweet? Salty
    5. what would you do with an unexpected day off? Head to the beach with a book
    6. boxers or briefs? Boxers
    7. what would you have for your last meal? Anything on the menu from Esca in NYC
    8. what is your favorite body part? My arms
    9. what do you like best about your job? I work out of my house so the flexibility
    10. Giants or Patriots? Patriots!
    11. what is your goal for 2012? To live more in the moment, to be present

      My Questions for the Newly Tagged
      1. Favorite quote or saying (not from a movie)?
      2. Favorite movie quote?
      3. 3 dinner guests -who would they be? (Can be dead or alive)
      4. Favorite indulgence?
      5. Favorite Cocktail (or beer or wine)?
      6. Favorite book from childhood?
      7. Have you traveled abroad? Where?
      8. Beyond running, what’s your favorite hobby? 
      9. What 3 things do you have to have in the morning?
      10. What 3 things do you have to have when you head to bed?
      11. What’s your biggest pet peeve?

      And, finally the Newly Tagged:
      (If you’ve been tagged before, please include a link to your post in a comment, cause I’d love to check it out)

      1. Erica at I Run Because…I Can
      2. Jeff at Detroit Runner
      3. Stephanie Anne at Running to Health
      4. Suz at Cows, Lasers and Everything in Between
      5. Carrie at Family Fitness Food
      6. Amanda at Run to the Finish
      7. Erika at MCM Mama
      8. Jill at One Tough Cookie and a Beer
      9. Paige at The Last Doughnut
      10. Lisa at Early Morning Run
      11. Rene at The Amherst Shuffle

      Whew…that was one crazy long post!

      signature
      Filed Under: eleven, general musings, randomness

      Week 6 – Monday Motivation

      January 23, 2012 by 9 Comments
      Source: Run the Edge

      OK so the step back week is done and now it’s time to pick up the pace a bit – I’ve got 4 weeks until the Wampanoag 10-miler and R’n’R DC is still 8 weeks out.

      On the plan for this week:
      Monday: Continue to bask in the glow of the Patriots win! Plus an easy run (3) & core work
      Tuesday: Speedwork – 1600 repeats (ack!)
      Wednesday: Easy run (3) plus weekly Pilates class
      Thursday: Whatever run (4) — meaning whatever pace my legs will go! & core work 
      Friday: Yoga
      Saturday: Long run (12)
      Sunday: Core work or total rest

      I’m going to see how things go this week  – if I continue to find that I’m dog-tired on Thursday to the point that I’m still feeling it when I head out Saturday, then I may consider cutting out the Wednesday runs and adding a couple more miles in on Mondays.

      What’s your week look like?

      Happy Running!
      signature
      Filed Under: Monday Motivation, Patriots, training

      Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

      January 19, 2012 by 5 Comments

      1)  I either need to find more hours in the day or tone down my somewhat ambitious to do list. Perhaps it’s the shortened week after the boys being home on Monday, but really feel like I’m struggling to keep all the balls in the air.

      2)  Is anyone else getting bombarded with summer camp brochures/email reminders? I mean seriously people it’s January 19 – what’s the rush?! I like to be as organized as the next girl, but sometimes it feels like there’s so much focus on the next thing/season/activity, etc. that there’s no time to just be in the moment and enjoy now. Of course, this is coming from someone who recently posted a full year’s race schedule…ironic, I know.

      3) My training schedule’s going to need some tweeking. In an effort to increase my weekly mileage, I’m running 5 days, but with my weekly hour of pilates butt-kicking…I mean class on Wednesday nights this means I’m running twice and doing the class all within a 24 hr period. While I’ve been able to do it, I’m freakin’ tired by the time Thursday afternoon rolls around. And even with Friday as a rest or yoga day, I’m finding I’m still a little low energy when I head out for my long run on Saturday. I’m going to play around with the plan over the next couple of weeks and see if I can come up with something that’s a little kinder to my 45-year-old legs 😉

      How’s your week going?
      signature
      Filed Under: 3 things, listening to your body, to do list, what's the rush

      Week 5 – Time to Step Back

      January 16, 2012 by 3 Comments

      I’ve come to embrace step-back weeks in a training plan!

      There is value in giving your legs a break. And, given the way my legs felt following Saturday’s long run (read heavy, tired, sore) ….a step back is needed!

      So this is a week of easy runs:

      Sunday — Rest
      Monday — 4
      Tuesday — 5, plus a trip to Dr. Needles
      Wednesday — 4, plus weekly pilates class
      Thursday — 5
      Friday — Yoga
      Saturday — 5

      It will be a good week to get back to get back to daily core work, while treating my legs to as much R.I.C.E. as possible!

      How’s your week shaping up?

      signature
      Filed Under: core work, step-back, training

      Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

      January 12, 2012 by 4 Comments
      • I love all of the different challenges going on right now on either blogs or Daily Mile. I joined Christine’s 100x Challenge over at Dream Big Runner. The Challenge goes all year with different targets of 100 each month – for January the goal’s to run 100k (or 62.2 miles) and next month it’s 100 push-ups per week (ouch!). I recently discovered Christine’s blog and really enjoy it so if you haven’t checked it out you should. Also, there’s still time to join the Challenge!
      • I went back to see “Dr. Needles” again on Tuesday, where both my left knee and lower back were once again given the human pin cushion treatment. He peppered me with a bunch of questions about my last couple of runs and seems happy with the progress. I’m going again next Tuesday and then will take a break for a couple of weeks and see how the leg responds.
      • Looks like I’ll be playing race director for my boys’ school fun run! I’ve volunteered at this event for the past couple of years – it’s one of our family’s favorite school events – and in a moment of insanity I agreed to chair the committee for this year’s race. The run includes 1/2 mile and 1 mile races for the kids plus a 5k for anyone who’s game. Should be fun to see what all goes into coordinating a local race – I’ve got until May to figure it out!

      signature
      Filed Under: 100x Challenge, 3 things, acupuncture, playing race director