My Ode to Long Runs

(Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2012.)

Long Runs…

….at times, a confidence booster,
and other times…..an ego crusher

….show you how far you’ve come,
or how much farther you need to go

….a chance for mental cleansing,
or a time for “chatter brain” to be unleashed

….time to connect with running buddies,
or much needed “me” time

….done just as the sun is rising,
or chasing the sun to bed

….allow you to shed all the roles you wear in life,
except for one….runner.

Which do you prefer, short or long runs?

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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5 Things You May Not Know About Me

While I have been at this blogging thing for a while…(believe it or not it will be 11 years next week) there still might be a few things you do not know about me. So, I thought it might be fun just to share a few random facts about me.

Five Things You May Not Know About Me

Rugby — I joined the women’s rugby team my freshman year in college after one of my male floormates made fun of one of the women in our freshman unit who made mentioned she was thinking of going out for the team. Long story short, I came to her defense, there was a dare involved, I went to tryouts with her – she didn’t last, I loved it! I was even Captain of the team my Junior year. Still love the sport and watch it every chance I get!

Broken bones — I’ve never had a broken bone…gotcha, I’m sure you thought with rugby this was a given.

Country music  — My taste in music is pretty broad as evidenced by some of my run playlists, but the one thing I have absolutely no stomach for is country music. Can. not. stand. it.

Planner fanatic — I love quality stationery and planner supplies, and I’m a sucker for a pretty journal. You could say I’m a bit obsessed.

Tequila — I love a good tequila…and I’m not talking shots, but a good sipping tequila. (I’m also a big fan of margaritas and am still trying to perfect my recipe).

OK, your turn – tell me one fun fact about you.

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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It’s time for April coffee

As we ease into a new month, this is the perfect time to settle in and catch up over coffee. I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that it’s deja vu all over again. Just like March’s coffee date I cannot believe that I’m still dealing with snow. We got hit with a freak storm yesterday that made visibility on the roads tough and more is expected on Tuesday. I can’t whine about this winter anymore so I’ll just move on…

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that once the weather does settle down I cannot wait to get out in my garden and get planting. I have two gardens around my house (one sun and one shade) and they are both in need of some redesign – removing old plants that are past their blooming prime and relocating others that have gotten too big. I’ve been pouring over garden catalogs and sketching out some new layouts, and I’m itching to get started!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’ve just finished reading The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod (Affiliate link) and my curiosity is peaked. Elrod’s premise is that by intentionally managing your routine during the first hour of the day you can set the stage for success across many areas of your life. He provides guides on how to do this and elements he recommends be part of your routine. I’m going to try his 30 day challenge, and have wrangled my husband into joining me.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that lacrosse season officially kicks off in my house this weekend as both boys have their first games! With both boys playing across 3 teams, we’ve got a lot of games on the calendar over the next couple of months. This is always a crazy hectic time of year for us, but I love that this is a sport our whole family enjoys!

What would you tell me over coffee? 

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May 2017 Coffee Date

It’s the first Saturday of the month, so of course, that means it’s time for catching up over coffee! Thanks to Coco and Deborah for hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up.  Grab a mug and join me!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I cannot believe how fast our new pup is growing! He weighed in at just over 26 pounds at last week’s vet appointment, gaining 8 pounds in 2 weeks! Everyone who sees him comments on the size of his paws – he’s gonna be a big boy I think.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I think I’ve finally got all the camps and various activities figured out for my boys for the summer. I even have the pup’s trainer lined up to start in July. Now if I can just figure out a vacation spot for August that will take dogs. Any suggestions?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my latest snack addiction is Turmeric Pepitas. These things are seriously addictive! I found them in Run Fast, Eat Slow (affiliate link) and it’s become an instant favorite.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m heading to a Chi Running clinic this morning. I did a one-on-one session with a Chi Running coach 6 years ago when I wanted to make the transition from heel strike to forefoot strike. My chiro and I are convinced there’s something that’s gone awry with my gait, so when the opportunity to join this clinic came up I jumped on it.

Now I should get moving – got a busy day ahead!

What would you tell me over coffee?

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Earn that Shirt!

So the lovely ladies of Tuesdays on the Run linkup (that would be Marcia, Erika and Patty) are asking an age-old question this week – Do you race in the race shirt or not?

Race shirts

              Just a few from the growing collection

I’m not a judgmental person when it comes to race day – hey if you’re out there I applaud you for putting in the time, showing up and toeing the line! Wear what you want to wear and good luck to you!

However, I have to admit that the minute I saw this race shirt question I had an immediate reaction – you’ve got to earn that shirt! Since my very race – a local 5K…cotton shirt (don’t even get me started on wearing cotton to run under any circumstances!) –  I’ve wanted to do the distance before donning the shirt.

If I choose to wear the shirt at all, it’s usually later that same day (post-shower of course) or the next day – Of course there are some shirts that I never bother with because a lot of races still go with unisex sizing and those shirts are always too big. I beg all race directors to recognize that there are more women running races than men – embrace the women’s cut t-shirt!…but I digress.

So tell me: To race or not to race in the shirt – which do you do?

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Recovery – Week 1 Done!

Keep Calm Injury

Hi all! Just a quick check-in from my couch.

Hard to believe it’s already been a week since the surgery. I’m happy to say that things went well, I had great nurses and was sprung and home by Thursday afternoon.

Since then, I’ve been developing a mean game of Mario Kart vs. my son, moving from a shuffle to a walk….and resting as much as my body demands.

Of course the real trick will be in keep “resting” from turning into “restless” – but at least for now, my recovery is off to a good start 🙂

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Running Pet Peeves

Erika, Patty and April are inviting us to dish on some of our running pet peeves for this week’s Tuesdays on the Run. From sidewalk hogs to clueless drivers, you know you’ve got one or two 🙂 Here are some of mine:

pet-peeves

Runners who don’t acknowledge — I get that we all have moments where we’re pushing hard and are in the zone, but really is it so hard to raise a hand, nod, etc. when another runner greets you?

Rolling through right on red — I have had one too many close calls with drivers who come rolling through a red light to make a right turn without looking.

Waiting for a satellite — I’ve mentioned more than once lately that my Forerunner 10 is bumming me out lately with it’s inability to find a satellite. It can be frustrating to be ready to run and your watch is not! (I’ve been trying to use the time productively by getting in some dynamic stretches.)

Being told by non-runners that I should stop running — After running for 5 years, I’m still amazed by the number of non-runners who are quick to tell me that running is bad for my knees, back, etc. Really? I would never imagine sharing unsolicited advice about a sport that someone is clearly passionate about, would you?

Treadmill grunting — You knew I’d include a gym crazy here 🙂 My new fave at the gym is a treadmill grunter. Again, I have much respect for putting in a hard effort, but if I can hear you over my music….

What are some of your running pet peeves?

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Thursday Thoughts v6

Nope, I have not dropped off the face of the earth…I have been knee-deep in prepping for two major events for my job this weekend. My schedule lately has left me with many thoughts circulating in my head but nothing cohesive. So much randomness, so little time….so here come some Thursday Thoughts…

….I am giddy that my oldest son is coming home from camp tomorrow! What’s been so sweet is watching my youngest count down these final days. Let’s home this brotherly love holds on after they’re both back under one roof!

….I’ve recently discovered that Real Housewives of NY really helps to pass the time on the treadmill. Honestly, it’s a bit addictive (file this one under guilty pleasure)

Danielle Chips…. And speaking of addictive, my new fave snack addiction are Danielle pineapple chips. I love, love, love pineapple and these chips are way too tasty. I may need an intervention!

…. I’m Cape Cod bound this weekend, and while there will be some work involved, I am really looking forward to finally getting some beach time with the family 🙂

I’m linking up again with Amanda from Running with Spoons for Thinking Out Loud Thursdays. Thinking-Out-Loud2

By the way, Amanda recently posted a recipe for flourless white chocolate blueberry muffins that looks amazing – can’t wait to make them!

What’s your latest snack addiction? Guilty TV pleasure?

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My Mom the Runner

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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Thursday Thoughts

My head is swimming with final logistics for the event I’m working this weekend, along with camp prep, birthday and Father’s Day gifts that still need to be bought….well you get the idea….So today I’m joining in with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday and a little randomness coming your way.

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Camp pack lists – As we start assembling everything on my son’s camp pack list, I continue to marvel at just how much he’s taking with him. And, I’m also discovering how time consuming it is to label everything!

Paper explosion – Just as I was starting to feel a little in control of the paper clutter that often consumes my dining room table and kitchen counter, my 3rd grader’s been bringing home a steady stream of papers and art projects from throughout the year, and once again my dining table has disappeared. Really how many worksheets do these kids do?

Calendar white space – One of the things getting me through the sheer nuttiness of this week/weekend is seeing all the white space on the calendar for the next couple of weeks. The last school event is done and lacrosse season is over, and I have visions of more relaxed evenings and the return of family dinners.

Training plans – It’s been a while since I’ve been on a training plan, and after reading about so many getting ready to kick off their fall training, it’s got me kinda itching to get started. I’m still playing with my fall race calendar….

Zealots

New shoes – It was suggested by the orthopedists that I consider changing up my running shoes and try to opt for something with a little more cushion than my beloved Kinvaras – especially as I get back into the swing of things. So I’m going to give the Saucony Zealot ISOs a whirl – they’re suppose to offer the light weight and ride of the Kinvara with maximum cushioning – sounds like what the doctor ordered. Going to take them for a test run later today!

So tell me, are you drowning in end-of-school-year papers? Have you started your fall training?

Don’t forget to checkout my Wahoo Fitness giveaway!

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