National Running Day 2015

June 3, 2015 by 11 Comments

Happy National Running Day!

Today is a day to celebrate all things running…not that runners really need an excuse to celebrate 🙂  But who knows, maybe someone will be inspired to lace up for the first time! And, from the look at my inbox, it looks like there will be a lot of great deals for both gear and races available today – never a bad thing, right?

2015 national running day

Fellow SweatPink Ambassador Kristen from Jonesin’ for a Run invited a bunch of us to answer the questions of her running interview for “a look into my miles” – so here goes…

national running day interview

1. Why do you run? There are so many reasons why I run…my sanity, my health, for the challenge…because it helps me to be a better version of myself.

2. How do you plan to celebrate National Running Day? After being sidelined these last few weeks, being able to run today makes me smile.

3. How many miles have you run so far this year?  I honestly haven’t checked – thanks to over 100 inches of snow this winter (forcing me to deal with treadmill runs) and my left knee woes, there have not been a lot of miles. But I’ve got 7 months of 2015 left and I plan to make the most of them!

4. What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year? My race calendar has been a bit of a moving target, but I am really looking forward to running RnR Philly and RnR Vegas. I’m looking for an early fall race and would like to get a couple of shorter distances in.

5. Before I leave for a run I must have:  Garmin, iPhone, earbuds, SPIbelt,  usually a hat /visor, and, if it’s really bright, sunglasses.

6. Do you have one favorite app to track your runs?  I haven’t tried any of the running apps yet.

7. Who is your favorite running partner? Of late, my husband has been running with me on the weekends, otherwise I run solo.

8. What races have you ran so far this year? Just one – the BAA 5K with my family…always fun!

9. If you had to give someone one piece of advice about running what would it be? Run for yourself and don’t get caught up in the comparison game.

10.  Describe your relationship with running in one word: Complex

Kara quote

What one word would you chose? 

Check out how others answered these questions or answer yourself and link up with us! 

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Filed Under: Nat'l Running Day

June Refresh

June 1, 2015 by 12 Comments

It’s the first of June…and a Monday…sounds like a perfect time for a refresh!

I confessed during my Runfessions that my eating has gotten a little off track. I hadn’t stepped on a scale but I could tell I’d added a few pounds. Well I got on the scale this weekend…um yeah, there are definitely some extra pounds that have shown up. Time for these uninvited guests to go!

Refresh

Just some of our food prep

So starting today I’m doing Beachbody’s 3-day Refresh. The program’s a combination of protein shakes, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. The goal is to help re-set your eating habits and maybe drop a couple of pounds.

After reviewing the program, I liked that this doesn’t look a “starvation” plan, and that there’s lots of real food involved. I’ve even convinced my husband J to do the program with me! I’ll let you know how it goes…

What do you do when you find your eating gotten off track?

*I am in no way affiliated with Beachbody – I purchased the 3-day Refresh, and all opinions expressed here, as always are my own.

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Filed Under: 3-day refresh, Nutrition

May Runfessions

May 29, 2015 by 18 Comments

It’s Runfession Friday and I’m linking up with Marcia again  – time to cleanse my sweaty soul. Who’s in?

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Runfession #1 –– OK, this one should come as no great surprise given my knee woes – I haven’t run much this month. But, now that I’ve got the green light, I’ll be adding miles in June!

Runfession #2 — This one’s more of a food-fession: my schedule has been super hectic lately and I have been eating a lot on the fly…and not always the best choices. I haven’t stepped on the scale but I’m fairly sure a few extra lbs have crept on to the scene – no bueno.

Runfession #3 — The gym crazies flood gates are now officially open at my gym! And, while I haven’t seen Mr. Dress Shoes lately, I have to admit I’m enjoying the people watching – it’s made the time on the elliptical go by faster.

Runfession #4 — While I know I’m suppose to ramp up my running slowly, I’m having a hard time suppressing the desire to sign up for a summer race. I generally don’t love running much less racing in the heat, but I’m feeling the need to put a target out there before I get to my fall races. Crazy to add the race calendar?

I’m also linking up with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia for their Friday link-up. It’s a “Free Friday” this week so be sure to stop and check out what everyone’s talking about!

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So tell me, what’s your Runfession? Do you race in the summer?

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Filed Under: gym crazies, race calendar, Runfessions

MRI update

May 27, 2015 by 13 Comments

 

It’s been 3 weeks since I first went to see the orthopedic doc and she said I needed an MRI to get to the bottom of my left knee issues. The real question – is there a meniscal tear?

Let me just say it’s been a long three weeks people! One’s imagination can be a dangerous thing…I’ve imagined being told of tears and the need for knee surgery…of being told no running for unbearable lengths of time. I’ve been trying to keep the negative thinking at bay, but I’ve definitely had my super cranky moments – just ask my family!

Well, I’m very happy to say that the final verdict is a good one – all of the cartilage is just fine! I do have a little osteoarthritis to deal with, but at least it’s something that can be managed. I have a green light to return to running and build my mileage (slowly!) and will continue with my strength work, plus add in some PT.

Breathing a huge sigh of relief here and am ready to get going!!

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Filed Under: injuries, left knee

Meditation Tips & Benefits

May 20, 2015 by 18 Comments

I had dinner with a friend the other night and over the course of catching up, she smiled and said, “You’ll be happy to know that I’ve started mediating and I’m really loving it!” And, she was right, it did make me happy to hear it. Meditation has become an important ritual to me – a chance to get centered before the bluster of the day threatens to take over. Often when I share with others that I meditate, I often get a reaction along the lines of “Oh that’s great, but I could never do that” or “I tried meditating once and just couldn’t sit still for THAT long!”

Now before you dismiss meditation as a little too new-agey for you, consider some of these benefits, so well summoned up in this infographic:

10-Science-Based-Reasons-To-Start-Meditating-Today-INFOGRAPHIC

OK – so now that I’ve got your attention, here are my tips for getting started:

Start small — Start with 5 minutes and build up to 10 minutes, but don’t push it.

Location matters – Pick a spot in your house, garden/yard, wherever you feel a sense of peace. Find a quiet spot, a place that will help you to feel calmer and not distracted.

Breathe —  While some people like mantras, I found that when I first started meditating that trying to remember the mantra was distracting and stressful. I think it’s easier to just focus on your breath – just breathe naturally, focusing on the natural in and out rhythm.

Thoughts happen — If you try to “clear your mind,” you will make yourself crazy! Thoughts are going to come – notice them but then bring your attention back to your breath.  I will admit this one will take a bit to get the hang of, but it will get easier with practice.

Be consistent — Do your best to carve out some time every day. Consider this time a little gift to yourself and enjoy it.

Do you meditate? What tips would you add?

Infographic courtesy of Emma Seppala, PhD.

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Filed Under: meditation

Return of the Gym Crazies

May 15, 2015 by 24 Comments

It was not too long ago that I had commented on how much I liked my new gym…and that so far there had been no gym crazy sightings. Well, I should have known it wouldn’t last…so I happily share with you another edition of Gym Crazies!

This week’s cast of characters:

First, there was Running Man – this guy was clipping along at a good pace on the treadmill behind me when all the sudden he hops off and does a slow lap around the gym floor all while leaving the treadmill running…and then he’d jump back on again! This went on for a good 30 minutes the other day…and did I mention my gym does not have an indoor track so he was literally running in and around the equipment, all while his treadmill kept going.

Then there was Dress Shoes – I kid you not, a guy got on the elliptical next to me the other day wearing khaki pants and dress shoes! There’s no explaining this one…

And, finally I give you the Grunter – this woman grunted through her treadmill run and then upped the ante on the stairmaster. And, I’m not talking the occasionally grunt…it sounded like she was literally grunting with each step! She had headphones on so I can only imagine she couldn’t hear herself, right?

I’ll be heading over to the gym in a bit to get my strength workout in – can’t wait to see who will show up today!

Source: Cartoonstock

Source: Cartoonstock

Do you ever feel like you’re the only sane person at your gym?

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Filed Under: general musings, gym crazies

Wednesday Word – Challenging

May 13, 2015 by 22 Comments

I’ve really been enjoying Deb’s #WednesdayWord posts, so I thought this week I’d join in.

Deb Runs

 

This week’s word – “Challenging”

Right now challenging to me means…

… not being able to run as far as I’d like

…. letting go of “should haves” and accepting what is

…. getting creative to keep both body and mind fit

…. finding the lesson in each moment

…. pushing beyond my limits

…. always looking for new ways to test my abilities

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What does “challenging” mean to you?

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Filed Under: #WednesdayWord, Challenges

Friday Five: Sharing the Love of Running

May 8, 2015 by 23 Comments

Hello Friday!

It’s been another whirlwind week and I am looking forward to getting this weekend started! But first, I’m linking up again with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia. Today’s topic is “5 ways to share running/fitness love.” Since catching the running bug five years ago, I have enjoyed sharing my new passion with anyone willing to listen 😉 But nothing has made me happier than to be able to share my love of running with my family!

Let it be their idea! — I’ve shared before my tips for running with kids before, and by far, I think the most important one is to let it be their idea. If you do, they’re more likely to stick with it!

Make it fun — Getting my family on the running bandwagon means keeping it fun. No thoughts of pace or crazy goals – especially in the beginning!

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Mix it up — This is an extension on the idea of keeping it fun. We mix up where we run – sometimes it’s a trail, sometimes it’s the track, and other times it’s around the neighborhood. Helping them to try running in different environments, keeps it interesting.

Cheer their efforts — When my husband J ran his first trail race, the kids and I hiked up to a clearing along the course and cheered he and his fellow runners on. The boys got a lot of high fives and had a ball!

Lead by example — Best way to share your love of running with your family is to invite them to be a part of your journey.  Share both the good and bad runs, and your big race goals – your enthusiasm and passion can be infectious.

Does your family share your love of running?

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Filed Under: family running, Friday Five

Stepping Back to Move Forward

May 6, 2015 by 16 Comments

Back in January, I thought I had strained my left medial meniscus. Rest, icing, foam rolling and PT exercises seem to get me back on track. That is until about a month or so ago, then the knee started to not feel so good again, but I could manage it, with some days being better than others. After a miserable 4-mile run a week ago I had to face reality that something else might be going on.

So I went to see an orthopedist and she confirmed that it’s that pesky meniscus again. She’s pretty certain there’s a tear, but only an MRI will confirm it for sure. Then we can figure out the next steps – “We’ll get you running right again” she assured me. I liked that she’s a runner too – we chatted about running and racing – she gets it.

But for now I have to take a step back – she confirmed my suspicion that running the Newport 10-miler is not a good choice. We’re going to play wait and see on the RTR 5-miler.

Am I frustrated? Absolutely – I love that Newport course. And I’d be lying if I didn’t say part of me just wants to have a big ole pity party. But, I’m taking a long-term view…my goal race for this year is Rock ‘n’ Roll Philly…and my overall goal is to have a long-term relationship with running.

Moving forward1

The good news is  while I wait for my MRI, I can continue to do my strength workouts, cardio (hello Arc Trainer!), and short easy runs, (as long as there’s no pain).

So I do what I need to do now, so I can do what I want to do later.

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Filed Under: injuries, left knee, Newport 10 Miler, RnRPhilly

May’s Ultimate Coffee Date

May 2, 2015 by 28 Comments

The Ultimate Coffee Date

It’s May! And I’m getting this month started by joining one of my favorite link-ups, The Ultimate Coffee Date. Thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah for hosting!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that the forecast is finally showing real signs of consistent spring weather, and I cannot wait to get into my garden this weekend and start planting. Despite the harsh winter, many of my plants look to be in better shape than I thought they would be, but I’ve still got a fair amount of work to do!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while this week started off a bit hectic, that seeing my son start to feel better, a massage and spending the afternoon doing a little retail therapy with a friend helped to turn things around!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m actually looking forward to my appointment this week with the orthopedist, cause I need someone to help me get to the bottom of what’s going on with my left knee. Running continues to be a real challenge and I’m not feeling good about my two spring races.

fiveIf we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that believe it or not my blog turned 5 this past week! It’s really hard to believe that I have been running, and writing about it, for five years! I so appreciate all of you who have been hanging out with me during this ride 🙂

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? What have you got planned for this weekend?

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Filed Under: gardening, left knee, massage, milestones, Ultimate coffee date