Running Respite

December 8, 2010 by 9 Comments

Every year I promise myself that I will slow down and actually enjoy the holiday season, instead of sprinting through it, feverishly checking things off my to do list as I go. Well, with 17 days to go until Christmas, let’s just say that I’m moving at a very fast trot…so that’s an improvement.

And, while I was sure that by this point the frigid temps would have kept me indoors, my running time has become an even more necessary respite. It’s a chance to step away from volunteer commitments at my son’s school, gifts to be purchased (or wrapped, or shipped), cards still not addressed, a Christmas dinner menu still to be planned…the list goes on and on. It’s a chance to focus on nothing except putting one foot in front of the other, while Eminem or the Black Eyed Peas provides a little motivation to fight through the chilly headwind.

It’s a chance to re-group, to recharge and lately, I’ve been feeling very grateful that I’ve found running!

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Filed Under: general musings

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 things)

December 3, 2010 by 2 Comments

My November miles took a serious nosedive — a combination of a motivation vacation and being hijacked by my to-do list! I’m feeling pretty confident that with the Hyannis 10k on the horizon, this case of mileage shrinkage will correct itself.

Brooks Women's Adrenaline Gts 11 Running Shoe,White/Obsidian/Silver/Black,9.5 B USI went to a great local running store today to get fitted for new a pair of shoes! After being measured, having my gait analyzed and generally talking about my running, aches & pains and goals, I walked out with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11!

I love the feel of these shoes and can’t wait to run in them tomorrow! (Product review to come!)

Got a chance to create a training plan for my hubs J to help him get ready for his first 10k. So I’ve introduced him to Smart Coach and Daily Mile and we’re now learning the juggling act needed to incorporate two running schedules into our very hectic family life!

Happy Thursday!

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Filed Under: 3 things, Brooks Adrenaline, Hyannis 10k, mileage shrinkage, Smart Coach, to do list

So what’s your cold threshold?

November 29, 2010 by 8 Comments

How cold does it have to be before you say no to a run, or at least head for a treadmill?

I am not…repeat not a cold weather kind of girl! But after whining….er, I mean expressing my displeasure with Mother Nature and her never-ending hot flashes this summer, I promised I wasn’t going to complain when the weather finally moved to cooler temps.

Each morning as I run by the bank sign displaying the current temp, I wonder what my threshold is going to be. So far I have surprised myself (and family & friends I might add — yes I’m known as a bit of a cold wimp!) Today it flashed 29 degrees! “It’s brisk! It’s refreshing!” I kept repeating to myself, but actually once I was a mile or so in, it really wasn’t too bad. Besides it gave me a chance to try out my Lucy Propel Run Tights – a birthday present from my hubs back in August. I’m happy to say it was love at first run with these tights!

So what’s your cold threshold? How low do the temps have to drop before you stay indoors? And, what your favorite winter running gear – this girl’s got a wardrobe to build 😉

Happy Running!

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Filed Under: fave things, weather

Gratitude….

November 25, 2010 by 1 Comment
Gratitude …. 
unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, 
chaos into order, confusion to clarity….
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today 
and creates a vision for tomorrow.
                                                                           –Melody Beattie
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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Filed Under: gratitude, Quotes

Bootie Busting & Turkey Feeding

November 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment
HBBC Logo

This weekend marked the kickoff of the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge courtesy of Amanda at Run to the Finish.  I got my Challenge started with a killer Pilates workout on the reformer on Saturday and a chilly 5.3 mile run on Sunday. I’m hoping to rack up some Challenge points this week with some Pilates, a little Yoga and at least a couple of runs. There are over 300 of us taking part in HBBC – if you haven’t signed up yet, check it out HERE!

For added incentive this week, I’ll be Feeding the Turkey!

Feed the Turkey is a virtual 5k Turkey Trot to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital — they’ll receive 100% of the donations!  Want to trot for a good cause?  Visit http://www.dailymile.com/turkey_trot to sign up and make a donation and then on Thanksgiving Day run (or walk) your 5k anywhere you happen to be! Dailymile will be handing out prizes to a few lucky winners, but best of all you’ll be helping St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital which is the #1 children’s cancer hospital! (By the way, you can participate whether you have a Dailymile account or not.) So sign up and spread the word!!

Have a Good Week!
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Filed Under: Holiday Bootie Buster, motivation, Turkey trot

On a chilly morning

November 19, 2010 by 5 Comments

On this morning’s run, I discovered….

  • 36 degrees feels so much colder when it’s windy and the whole run feels like you’re running into the wind!
  • I may have been out of my mind registering for a race at the end of February on Cape Cod!
  • running by the bank display when it reads 36 degrees is no better than running by it when it reads 86 degrees
  • …and I’m still wondering who decided banks needed to provide the temperature in the first place!
  • I’m not sure the point of wearing “wicking” material when I’m too cold to generate a sweat!
  • those extending dog leashes should be outlawed if it means people and their little dogs are allowed to take up the entire sidewalk
  • …and why is it you never see a big dog on one of those things?
  • running with a cap with a brim in the wind = a lot of wasted effort to keep the darn thing on
  • despite moments of whining, I’m glad I got out here!
Have a Great Weekend!
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Filed Under: general musings, Hyannis 10k, weather

Shaking off the funk!

November 17, 2010 by 2 Comments

I’m happy to say that I’m starting to come out of my mini motivation funk! I finally got back out on the road on Sunday for a nice four mile run — family commitments made a long run not possible. But it was nice to be out running! This morning I followed up with another three — legs were heavy, but moving. Tomorrow I’ll be back in the Pilates studio and then will run again on Thursday.

And, while I’m looking to jump back on that motivation bandwagon, I’ve decided to run another 10k race! I picked one at the end of February — part of the Hyannis Marathon series — I figured post holiday madness is best! And my hubs J announced that he wants to run it with me!

Hello Motivation!

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Filed Under: Hyannis 10k, motivation, race

Friday Shout Outs

November 12, 2010 by 4 Comments

In pulling myself out of this little motivation slump I find myself in lately, I take inspiration from those of you toeing the line this weekend!

Especially wanted to send Friday Shout Outs to:

Chris at Evolving through Running running the OBX Marathon
David at Running …Because I Can running the Richmond Marathon
Amanda at Miss Zippy also running Richmond
Tricia at Endurance Isn’t Only Physical running the R&R San Antonio Marathon
Amanda at Run to the Finish running the Ft. Lauderdale Half
Tonia at Racing with Babes running the HCA 8k

I know many of you are running at less than 100% and I applaud you for showing up and giving it your all. Trust in your training and you’ll do great! Good Luck!!

As for me – I’m determined to shake off this mini funk and get back out on the road this weekend!

Have a Great Weekend & Happy Running!

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Filed Under: motivation, Shout-outs

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 things)

November 11, 2010 by 3 Comments
  1. If someone finds my motivation, could you please return it to me! I haven’t run or cross-trained in a week — nothing, nada, zip! My mood is starting to suffer a bit.
  2. “I am not my To Do list!” — This has become my mantra this week as I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed by my commitments. (Definitely contributed to #1)
  3. A simple, but heartfelt Thank You to our men and women who serve, to our veterans and their families!
Happy Veterans Day!
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Filed Under: 3 things, general musings, motivation, Veterans Day

November – Now What?

November 4, 2010 by 4 Comments
October is now in the rearview mirror but it will be missed!

While I didn’t continue my “more mileage each month” trend, I did run two races this month including my first 10k and I saw my pace start to get faster. I even had a 4 minute PR in my 5K!

But now there is no training plan to greet me each morning. Instead there are frosty temps and total darkness that could easily leave me clinging to my blankets and hitting the snooze button.  As a newbie runner my big fear is shrinkage…mileage shrinkage that is! Yeah I know that there’s always the treadmill. And, despite how much I loathe the ‘Mill, I will probably have to embrace it at some point. BUT…let’s just say that I don’t see the ‘Mill being a shrinkage cure-all for me! 

Without a race to train for, I need to set some new goals:
  • Improve my core strength
  • Get back in the gym and hit the weights
  • Improve my flexibility….Ok who are we kidding? My hamstrings are so tight this goal should probably just be “find some flexibility!”
  • And, yes maintain my mileage base…and dare I say, increase it?!
 For a little added incentive, I’m joining the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge hosted by Amanda at RuntoTheFinish. Check out her challenge here.


I’m still toying with the idea of a Turkey Trot or Jingle Bell Run but haven’t decided yet – stay tuned!

   

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Filed Under: goals, Holiday Bootie Buster, race