The Comparison Challenge

September 27, 2016 by 33 Comments

“The most challenging aspect of running right now is__________________.” – this is the prompt posed for this week’s Tuesday on the Run. My most challenging aspect? Not comparing my old runner self to the current one.

After a particularly tough workout recently, I was bemoaning to the RunnersConnect team how paces that “use to be” easy, now are so hard to hit. Everyone was so supportive, but I especially appreciated a note I got from one of the coaches who reminded me to not let comparison – the shoulda’s – take away from the joy of the current journey.

comparison

Past times and past achievements can be a great motivator – it’s why we shoot for PRs. However, if you focus only on comparing the current to the past, you can miss the progress being made.

What is your most challenging about aspect of running? Join in with Erika, Marcia and Patty and share.

 

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Filed Under: Quotes, Tuesdays on the Run

Running Uneasy

April 5, 2016 by 20 Comments

So for this week’s Tuesdays on the Run, Erika, Marcia & Patty are asking everyone to share one word that describes your running lately. I’ll be very interested to see what words are chosen….

My word?  Uneasy.

According to Dictionary.com,

  1. not easy in body or mind; uncomfortable; restless; disturbed; perturbed.
  2. not easy in manner; constrained; awkward.
  3. not conducive to ease; causing bodily discomfort.

Yep…”not easy in body or mind…uncomfortable…not conducive to ease…” that pretty much sums up my running right now.

View from the top

Most of my runs lately have been a struggle … I’m feeling restless that I’m not making as much progress as I’d like. But Saturday’s run…in wind-swept rain, no less, gave me a much needed boost. Let’s hope this is the beginning of a trend.

What one word would you use to describe your running? #TOTR #runchat Click To Tweet

What one word would you pick?

Be sure to head over to the link-up and see what others had to say.

Tuesdays revised

 

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Filed Under: one word, tough runs, Tuesdays on the Run

Earn that Shirt!

March 22, 2016 by 7 Comments

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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Filed Under: general musings, Tuesdays on the Run

Race Calendar Revisited

March 8, 2016 by 20 Comments

So earlier in January, I was still debating so many race options….then this happened….

Team-2016

Well that just opened a whole new can of worms …options…so many options

I already planned to run RnR Philly in September, and had wanted to add a half marathon in both October and November – problem solved!

So now the plan is…

Run to Remember Half — May

Finish at the 50 10K — July (Yes July…I may regret this one!)

RnR Philly Half — September (flat and fast…goal race perhaps?)

RnR Brooklyn Half — October (Perfect way to spend the long weekend in NYC!)

Canton Fall Classic — October (5K and 10K option – TBD)

RnR Las Vegas — November (I was all set to run the #StripAtNight last year, then the surgery happened, so I don’t want to miss a 2nd chance to run this one!)

Now…if I allow myself to dream and the travel gods were to smile on me, RnR Dublin in August would be a fun way to celebrate my birthday, and then there’s RnR San Antonio in December. Let the stalking of airline websites commence!

Want to add an Rock’n’Roll race (or two) to your calendar? As a member of the Rock’n’Blog team, I’m happy to finally be able to share a discount code with you! Use code ROCKATTITUDE and save $15 on domestic half marathons or marathons, and €/£3 on international races.

 Will I see you at any of these race this year?

rp_Tuesdays-on-the-run-150x150.jpgLinking up with Erika, Marcia and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run

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Filed Under: #RocknBlog, race calendar, Tuesdays on the Run

Reminiscing – Favorite Race Medals

February 23, 2016 by 18 Comments

Erika, Marcia and Patty are inviting everyone to share their favorite race medals for this week’s Tuesdays on the Run. It could be a medal you’re just dying to add to your collection or one you already happily earned. It will be fun to see all the different medals people share.

I, for one, do love a good piece of bling…and there are many out there that I have my eye on. But when it comes to picking a favorite, it was no contest…

RTR 2011 medal

Do you have a favorite race medal? Click To Tweet

My favorite medal is this one from Boston’s Run to Remember – it was my first half marathon (you can read the full recap here).

It was such a special day for me from start to finish. I remember soaking in every moment – from the other runners to the volunteers to my family’s amazing support along the course (seriously, they were everywhere!).

So while this medal is not the fanciest bling, it symbolizes a major goal accomplished and a day I’ll never forget!

Do you have a favorite race medal?

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Filed Under: Boston's Run to Remember, Tuesdays on the Run

Running Must Haves

September 22, 2015 by 13 Comments

Joining up with Erika, April, and Patty again for today’s Tuesdays on the Run topic “I won’t run without…” While I have been know to occasionally run “naked” – leaving the Garmin in the drawer, there are some items I just must have when I step out the door.

Beyond my running shoes and a good sports bra 😉 I won’t run without my…

iPhone – it’s both for safety, since I do the majority of my runs alone, and for music – I do love my tunes!

Earbuds – Can’t have tunes without a pair of earbuds. I’ve mentioned my Koss FitClips (affiliate link) on a couple of occasions – they continue to be my faves (you can check out my review of them here).

SPI Belt – I love my SPI belt (affiliate link)! It holds my phone, gels and a car key if necessary, without feeling bulky.

Hat or Visor – I’m not a fan of the sun in my face, so I usually run in a hat – when I don’t sunglasses are a must!

Are you a creature of habit? What are your running must haves?

Tuesdays-on-the-run

 

 

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Filed Under: Koss Fit Series, Tuesdays on the Run

Running Pet Peeves

September 8, 2015 by 13 Comments

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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Filed Under: general musings, pet peeves, Tuesdays on the Run

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

Training Check-in and a Detox Update

April 14, 2015 by 20 Comments

Training Check In

Last week’s goal was to get 3 runs, 2 strength and at least 1 yoga session, in addition to keeping up with the April Plank Challenge. Reality was a bit of a mixed bag, as I missed both a run and a strength session – I am rocking the planks. I’m not happy about missing the run, but sometimes juggling everything else in life just gets in the way.

It’s a good thing I’m planning on just running the BAA 5K with my husband and son for fun ’cause a respectable time is just not in the cards.  I’m even thinking of just leaving the Garmin at home – Have you ever “raced” sans watch?

In other news…when I posted recently that I was doing the Naked Me 14-day tea detox, many of you expressed interest in hearing how things turned out.  Well, in a word, I’m underwhelmed. After reading much about this detox across the interwebs, I was really looking forward to trying it.  I figured it was a good fit since I’m already a big tea drinker and I liked the fact that there was no extreme diet attached to it.

The detox consists of two teas – the Boost Me morning tea, which is suppose to boost your metabolism, increase energy and regulate your blood sugar levels; and the Cleanse Me evening tea, which is suppose to promote digestion and detoxification.  I have to say I just felt no special benefits from drinking these tea blends vs. the green teas I usually drink. I continued to eat healthy and exercise as I normally do and after two weeks I saw no significant changes…and no weight-loss. So there you have it. The only benefit of this two week experiment? I have returned to my evening tea habit, which is always a nice way to wind down at the end of the day.

What are your thoughts on doing a detox?

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How’s your spring training going? I’m joining Erika, Patty and April again for Tuesdays on the Run. 

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Filed Under: training, Tuesdays on the Run

Training Check-in — Accountability

April 7, 2015 by 21 Comments

 

Training Check In

As much as I love my training journal, I’m feeling the need for more accountability. Accountability was one of the main reasons I started this blog in the first place….and so I’m returning to my training check-ins.

A couple of weeks ago, I announced I’d mapped out a training plan to get myself to the start line of the Newport 10 miler. I have been aiming for two days of yoga, two days of strength work and three days of running a week. So how’d it go last week? Thanks to a crazy work schedule and feeling under the weather, my runs were jammed into the later half of the week – but I did get 3 shorts runs done…including some family time at the track (where my oldest snapped the pic above). Since I wasn’t feeling so hot, there was only one strength and one yoga session — I opted instead for much needed rest. But, I did sign-on for Boston Road Runners’ April Plank Challenge, so a daily plank series has been happening.

Given how I was feeling, I’d say it was a decent week. And, after a quiet weekend, I’m feeling rested and ready to go this week! I’ll let you know how it goes….

How’s your training going? Do you find it helpful to post training updates?

I’m linking up again with Erika, Patty and April for Tuesdays on the Run Tuesdays-on-the-run

 

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Filed Under: Newport 10 Miler, training, Tuesdays on the Run