86 days….

August 5, 2015 by 18 Comments

 

commitment

86 days until the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philly half…

Yes I counted.

86 days to see if I can get back to running double digits….

It’s been a while since I’ve seen 10 or higher staring back at me from my Garmin.

86 days to see if PT, strength work, bargaining, praying…oh yeah and running can get me to the starting line.

But I am making a promise…no a commitment… to myself to do everything that I can to get there.

I’m linking up with Deb for Wednesday Word – Be sure to stop by and see what others have to say about Commitment.rp_WednesdayWordScrabbleButton.jpg

 

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Filed Under: #WednesdayWord, pulling out all the stops, RnRPhilly

August Ultimate Coffee Date

August 1, 2015 by 18 Comments

 

The Ultimate Coffee Date

Hello August!

We are flying through the summer! And, while I’m over the heat & humidity combo – especially after this morning’s run/slog, I am looking forward to soaking up all I can of these last couple of weeks!

I’m starting the month off by joining The Ultimate Coffee Date, hosted by Coco, Lynda and Deborah. It’s always a fun link-up! So grab a mug – I’m sticking with an iced coffee from Dunkin’ – and join us 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while it’s been a good summer so far, I still have a lot left on my “summer bucket list.” I haven’t even made it to the beach yet, though we’re hoping to fix that with a little family time on the Cape once my son comes home from camp.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we’re in the middle of a whirlwind of family birthday celebrations – my youngest just turned 10 this past week and my oldest and I both have birthdays coming up this week. My hubs J’s birthday is a couple weeks later.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that running is leaving me feeling a little meh lately – climbing out of the valley of injury is both a slow and tedious trek…and yes I know that the recent wave of humidity is not helping at all. But, I do have to say that I’m loving my PT and his team and am grateful for the pain-free runs!

EnduroPacks2If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that this month I’ll be trying out EnduroPacks, which is a 4-step vitamin & mineral replacement system for endurance athletes. The very nice folks over at EnduroPacks offered me a trial a couple of months ago, but I was in the middle of my MRI/What’s wrong with my knee? madness so I decided to hold off until now.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve got to run to get ready for a family party this afternoon to celebrate my mother’s retirement!

So tell me, what’s left on your summer bucket list?

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Filed Under: EnduroPacks, Ultimate coffee date

Journal Menu Review & Giveaway

July 27, 2015 by 11 Comments

Journal Menu provided me with a Running Journal in exchange for a product review.  As always, all opinions are my own. 

I’ve shared here many times that I am a bit a planner obsessed – using my planner is a key part of my morning routine, helping me to stay on top of a busy family schedule, work, to do’s and long-term goals. When I first started running I use to track my workouts and progress in my planner, but it quickly became too much and I switched to using a separate training log. I like having one place dedicated to my running, and I’ve kept a training journal for each of the last 4 years. So when Erica from Journal Menu reached out to me and offered me a customized journal, there was no way I could turn her down!

Journal2

Well, let me just come right out and say that there’s so much to love about this running journal! There are sections for:

  • goal planning
  • sample training plans and space for your training plans
  • race planning and reviews
  • pace charts
  • interval training
  • personal records
  • inspirational quotes throughout, and
  • the daily entry covers everything from food journal, weather, pace, mileage and notes

Best of all is the level of customization Journal Menu provides – you pick the cover art, the pages to be included and the tracking template. Journal Menu also offers journals for yoga, triathlons, general fitness and a running/crossfit hybrid. Each journal is unique – you build it the way you want it. Seriously, what’s not to love!?

After spending these past couple of months working my way back from injury, this journal’s already got me dreaming big for next year!

So how’s you like the chance to create your own customized journal? Thanks to Journal Menu one lucky RWA reader will win their very own customized running journal!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

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Filed Under: giveaways, product reviews

Alternative treatments help keep me running

July 21, 2015 by 19 Comments

I’m linking up once again with Erika, April & Patty for Tuesdays on the Run. This week’s topic is one that I have always found really interesting – alternative treatments for running injury/injury prevention.

AcupunctureOver the past couple of years, I have turned to both acupuncture and chiropractic treatment at various times to deal with different nagging issues. Long before I started running, I’d been a big fan of acupuncture ever since it helped me deal with what were once debilitating migraines. So when I first encountered some knee/ITB issues I quickly turned to acupuncture and had great success with it. Which, of course, begs the question, why stop? Sadly, my talented acupuncturist moved his practice out of state and I just haven’t found a replacement.

I’m also a huge fan of massage, especially when I’m actively training for a race and my mileage is high (for me). I find sport massage helps to both keep my legs feeling good and aids my recovery. I would love to go on a regular basis….hmmm maybe I need to buy some lottery tickets 😉

Obviously, I’m not a doctor nor do I have a medical background – I can only say what works for me.

Have you tried any alternative treatments? What works for you?

Tuesdays-on-the-run

 

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Filed Under: acupuncture, chiropractor, massage

My Mom the Runner

July 19, 2015 by 10 Comments

I recently saw this fun questionnaire on both Angela‘s and Sue’s  blogs giving a kid’s perspective on life with a mother runner. I thought it would be fun to play along and luckily my youngest son was game (Son #1 continues to enjoy life at sleep-away camp!)

level of crazy

1. What does mom eat before a run?

“I don’t know cause I don’t see you before your runs…maybe a protein bar?” No, but a good guess.

2. How far does mom run everyday?

“20 – 26 miles.” — Seriously who does he think I am?!

3. What was mom’s favorite race?

“The B.A.A. Half.” — He clearly doesn’t remember that I was injured going into this race and limped my way through it.

4. Why do you think your mom runs?

“Just to run!” — That made me laugh!

5. What injuries has mom had from running?

“Not sure…a knee injury or something.” — I like the “or something.”

6. Do you like going to mom’s races?

“Yes cause it’s fun to cheer you on!” — Aww, best answer!

7. Have you learned anything from having a mom who runs?

“Not that much…well maybe something about running.”– hmmm…

8. Does having a mom who runs make you want to run?

“Yep makes me want to run with you, but I don’t want to race.” — Interesting since he’s been talking about running a 5K?!

9. What’s your least favorite thing about having a mom who runs?

“That you run too much!” — Well sure he thinks I run too much, he also thinks I run 20 miles a day!

10. Do you think you’ll run when you are your mom’s age? And how old do you think your mom is?

“I don’t think I’ll be running at 48, but I think I’ll be playing in a men’s lacrosse league like dad.” — I knew he’d get the age right…I also could have guessed the rest of his answer. I live in a lax-obsessed household!

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Filed Under: general musings, kids

Physical Therapy Update – Slow and Steady

July 15, 2015 by 23 Comments

I had another challenging session at Marathon Physical Therapy today. I don’t really know what I was expecting when I started, but these sessions are tough – full of shaky-leg-inducing exercises. Turns out my left leg is just full of surprises! Not only are we working on my hip strength and limited ankle dorsiflexion, but we’re also trying to correct a stuck fibula head! As my PT explained it, the fibula head tracking is directly related to the the limited ankle range of motion, the hip instability, and tight ITB – yep I’m developing a much better understanding of the whole kinetic chain.

What’s interesting to me is that I have no discomfort when walking or doing any other cardio activity – just running. But the good news is that I’m making steady progress and I have been able to continue to run.

I do want to get a better handle on figuring out what’s happening when I run. So next up – a gait analysis. One of the reasons I wanted to work with Marathon was because of the great range of sports medicine services they offer. I’ll get to work with one of their running coaches, along with my PT to analyze my gait and figure out what in my mechanics and approach to training I can improve upon so I don’t end up heading down this road again.

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Filed Under: injuries, Physical Therapy

Five Fitness Trends I’ll Never Try

July 10, 2015 by 13 Comments

Happy Friday all!

When I saw the topic Courtney, Mar & Cynthia proposed for this week’s #FridayFive link-up I chuckled cause I’m sure we can all come up with a few fitness trends where we have the reaction – thanks but no thanks!

Now first I must say that I’m all for anything that gets and keeps people moving. And, just because it is not my cup of Gatorade um tea, does not mean it might not be THE thing for someone else. I’m most definitely a “to each her own” kinda of gal…

So with that said, here are a couple of fitness trends whose bandwagons you won’t find me on any time soon.

Mud runs/Obstacle runs/Color runs – I have friends who are very into doing these runs and try as they might they cannot convince me to join them. I just want to run – plain and simple.

Zumba – Nope.

CrossFit – While this one has peaked me interest in the past, I’m kinda over it.

Spinning – Again, another one where I have friends who swear by it, but being confined in a room with a bunch of others on stationary bikes and music pumping just holds no appeal.

Hot yoga – I greatly enjoy the benefits of yoga, but the thought of doing yoga in a hot, humid room?!?

This picture says it all for me!

This picture says it all for me!

Is there a fitness trend you’d pass on?

 

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Filed Under: Friday Five

Some Thursday Thoughts

July 9, 2015 by 6 Comments

How is it possible that it is Thursday already? I have nuggets of posts I started earlier this week that for various reasons still sit in draft mode… lots of thoughts swirling, but nothing complete. So brace yourself for a little randomness coming your way…

Lazy summer? – I’m still waiting for the lazy days of summer to kick in. While we’re not going at the kids’ sports/activities-fueled pace of the school year, things are still fairly busy. I find myself craving a little laziness.

Heat & humidity – Yeah I know I said after this past winter I was not going to complain….but the heat and humidity is just kicking my butt! My run this morning was so slow I was sure my shoes were melting into the pavement.

Forerunner 10 woes – I’ve been less than happy with my Garmin Forerunner 10 lately. It’s been taking forever to find a signal and a couple of times when it goes into auto pause at a traffic light it takes a while before it resumes tracking. First world problems for sure – might be time for a call to customer service.

Girls night out – I’m heading out to dinner with a friend tonight and I’m so looking forward to catching up! In fact, last Thursday, I also had the chance to get together with a friend, and next week it will be a night out with two dear college friends – we haven’t been together in years! This time to connect with friends nourishes my soul!

How are you doing the heat? Any one having better luck with their Forerunner?

Thinking-Out-Loud2I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Garmin, Thursday Thoughts

July’s Ultimate Coffee Date

July 4, 2015 by 15 Comments

The Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy 4th of July!  I’m so glad we could take a little time out during this holiday weekend to catch up with The Ultimate Coffee Date. A big thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah for hosting! Don’t forget to check out the link-up and see what the other ladies are dishing about.

rp_fireworks.jpgIf we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that a 4th of July isn’t complete for me without some fireworks! We caught a great show last night and my youngest is already asking if we can see more tonight.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my oldest son has been away at camp for a week and I’m thrilled to say that he’s already written home! It sounds like he’s having a blast, which makes missing him much easier. I am counting the days until parents’ visiting day – 14 😉

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I started physical therapy on Wednesday. My evaluation revealed weak and unstable hips (no surprise) and limited range of motion in my ankles (who knew?). So I’m faithfully doing my exercises and am scheduled for 2 PT visits a week for the next month or two. The exercises are tedious, but I’ll do anything to get back to running with less discomfort.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m doing two challenges with Black Girls Run! Boston this month – log 50 miles and a daily plank series. I love the way this group of ladies cheer each other on. I’m really hoping to squeeze in a couple of group runs with them this month too.

What have you got planned for this weekend? Are you catching any fireworks?

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Filed Under: 4th of July, Challenges, Physical Therapy, Ultimate coffee date

Mid-Year Goals Update

June 30, 2015 by 20 Comments

We are at the half way point of the year so, of course, it seems like the perfect time to check in on 2015 goals, right? So I’m linking up again with Erika, Patty and April for Tuesdays on the Run as they invite everyone to join in on the mid-year check-in.

Your road

Back in January, I laid out the following fitness/running goals:

  • Run a 2:15 – 2:20 half marathon — There were no half marathons, or racing of any kind for that matter so I’m still waiting on this one – we’ll see what the fall races bring.
  • Set a new 10-mile PR  — Again, no racing…but I do have the Wicked 10-Miler set for September.
  • 1,000 Miles — Nope – not gonna happen. Once I started tending to my left knee issues I quickly let go of any mileage goals for this year…and I’m ok with that!
  • Continue my strength program — Happy to say I have fully embraced this one! Monthly sessions with Trainer Stacey have helped keep me accountable and on track.
  • Actively manage recovery – Hmm, this one is a mixed bag as I’m still not consistently rolling after runs/workouts, and I haven’t run long enough to require Epsom salt baths, etc.
  • Have fun! — I had a ball running the BAA 5K with my husband and son this spring and am hoping for some fall family racing as well. Coming back from injury has slowed my roll a bit, but there are lots of fun blogger meet-ups, Black Girls Run group runs, and destination races on the horizon!
  • Be kinder to myself — this one is still a work in progress for me. Rebuilding mileage has been a slow process and I’m generally not a patient person.

It probably goes without saying that I was hoping to be further along in some of my goals by this point. But, I’m thrilled to be on the other side of the injury and working my way back. I’m itching to shake things up to help re-capture that running fire — taking a step back from running has a way of making you re-access things —  but still haven’t quite put my finger on what that “shake-up” will be. Looking forward to seeing what the second half of the year brings!

So, of course I have to ask – how are you doing with your 2015 goals?

Tuesdays-on-the-run

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Filed Under: goals, injuries, Tuesdays on the Run