It’s always something. I felt fine after my 13 mile run on Saturday. I did some gardening and then woke up Sunday with pain and stiffness in my lower back on the right side. (I should mention is that I’ve had this exact pain in the past starting years ago after pulling up a boat anchor.)
So I went for two hikes. No pain when walking. Still stiff and painful when I bent over or got up from a seated position.
I woke up Monday morning even more stiff so I googled my symptoms (doesn’t everyone?)
Google Diagnosis: Lower Back Strain: Bending over increases the strain on a person’s back, which can result in pain. Lower back strain is a common cause of back pain when bending over. The position can put significant pressure on the lower back, causing the muscles and ligaments to stretch excessively. A strain in the area can also cause inflammation, which can lead to muscle spasms. Recommended Treatments: Resting the back for 1–3 days can help reduce muscle pain, as can taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some over-the-counter (OTC) options include ibuprofen and naproxen. Massage, applying ice and heat, and using electrical muscle stimulation therapies may also help. Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the back and help prevent further injuries My Treatments: Taking Naproxen (have some from a previous injury), applying ice and spending time in my hot tub, using my trigger gun, walking, running and hiking only if not painful. No virtual races this week!! May even trying some exercises. Oh and I made an appointment with my chiropractor to see if she could work some magic.
❤ ❤ – perfect temps to soak…haven’t used it all summer and just cleaned and re-heated it…must have known something lol
So I have fully embraced Fall for its flowers
love this color asters
and food
haven’t visited the orchards yet to get the real thing…
Why do I say that I don’t like Virtual Races and then sign up for another??
Because I wanted to support the Lake George Conservancy…they maintain all 14 trails in the Lake George area. I have never done this trail because it is difficult and I would not sign up for a trail race. Now that’s it’s virtual, I could run its 4.5 miles anywhere.
Oct 2-5, 2020 – oops that’s when I’ll be NH – I guess I’ll either run it there or before I leave.
Last Week –
Monday – Sat in the hot tub instead of walking before work . Unfortunately, sitting all day is the worst thing for a sore back. I went for a short walk at lunch just to stretch.
walking felt great… and still finding new flowers blooming
I met a running friend after work at the Corning Bike path. We just walked (although I was tempted to run).
6 miles followed by grocery shopping
Tuesday – I started the day again with a soak in the hot tub instead of a chilly walk … almost frosty out there.
I did a short walk during lunch.
parts of my water line need trimming
Since I hadn’t run since Saturday, I decided to drive to UAlbany and run a few miles.
I did feel discomfort in my back… so I walked often
After my run, I started my weekly STEM volunteering assignment. I have done this in the past but this year, it will just be walking instead of training for a 5k. (The goal of STEM is: EMPOWERING DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVORS THROUGH THE SPORT OF RUNNING… hopefully, it will be back to running in the spring.) This group was made up of young women in a substance abuse treatment facility – they refused to wear masks, were texting and swearing…. I may not go back next week 😦
Wednesday – As I mentioned above, I made an appointment with my chiropractor. I had started seeing her when I had a calf injury and she performed ART and completely cured me. After that, I planned to see her for monthly tune-ups. I think the last time was last November after my marathon… and then came the foot pain and the pandemic.
Her diagnosis was that my body was TOTALLY out of alignment and that I have tight hip flexors due to sitting all day. The pain in my lower back on the right is most likely caused by an inflamed SI joint. She worked on me for quite a while and gave me stretches to do before and after running.
before
after
I go back next Wed to see if there’s any improvement. Fingers crossed that she can work her magic and make me pain-free.
I celebrated commiserated with Starbucks and free pastry in my hot tub.
my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season – yum!
For our weekly Sole Sisters after work trail walk today, I suggested another new place (that I previewed last Sunday.) I walked it cautiously due to my painful SI joint. My back felt felt good…so happy that I went.
after we walked in the Conmunity Gardens, we crossed the road and continued into Tawasentha Park – the lack of blue skies today was due to the smoke from the fires
Thursday – woke up to news that a restaurant in front our our marina burned to the ground overnight. Very sad and very scary for us boaters.
No time for a morning walk bur I get one in at lunch…
signs of Fall in the ‘hood
And then after work, I had planned on a run but decided to rest the back …
and go for a peaceful hike.
the trails at the Pine Hollow Arboretum always make me feel better
Afterward, I drove to meet my BFF for an outdoor mall walk to catch up and chat. Pain is minimal when I walk and the longer I walk, the better I feel (but it may only be mental lol).
Friday – Rest Day Friday. I’ve been getting lazy with my pre-work walk but still try to squeeze one during lunch.
And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers.
introduced my friends to the water line trail… followed by a parking lot picnic
Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we were back on the Zim Smith Trail with brunch at Leah’s. With no real races on my schedule until maybe February, I just try to connect with friends, run some miles and eat good food. Due to my back pain, it wouldn’t have been smart to run 13 miles again. In fact, I probably should have skipped it totally. But I did not. I decided to run/walk and see how I felt. It ended up only being a 6 mile walk but I was so glad to have the company of three friends who walked as well and of the others afterward (and Leah’s quiche).
a beautiful blue skies day. started out pretty chilly but warmed up nicely
After errands and housework, still feeling energetic on this beautiful fall day so I went for a hike. I bumped into my chiropractor there and she wanted to know how my back felt running. She was surprised that I was NOT running. (She know me lol)
so lucky to live close to Five Rivers Environmental Center
Then I went to see where my former co-worker (whom I walk with on Fridays) is moving.
it has access to one of my favorite nature preserves – Phillipin Kill
Sunday – Since I had not run on Saturday, I met a friend in the morning on the rail trail to test out my back and see how it felt to run. There was no pressure since I already completed my 13 mile run last week and if it hurt too much, I could cut it short and walk again. Not 100% but seems like I am on the mend.
patience is the word that I am pointing too. It seems that taking time off this week and just walking instead of running helped. not the 12 miles that were on my plan but happy with the relatively pain-free miles.
Normally today would be a day to go boating with the hubby. But the temps are getting fall-like and I have to accept that our swimming days are over. Still, the lake is beautiful in the fall and I hope to continue our boating until the middle of October.
Instead of boating, I took Big Red on its first road trip. I drove to Zim Smith (where I walked on Saturday) and rode 7 (slow) miles.
Both my legs and the bike need a tune-up, I think. But it was pretty enjoyable.
On my way home, I stopped at a new trail, Ushers Road State Forest. It’s actually connected at some point to Zim Smith but I drove to its entrance.
very pretty and will be even more so when the leaves change color
This Coming Week –
Monday – rest day, bike, hike
Tuesday – run, STEM walk
Wednesday – rest day, chiro appt, trail walk at Vosburgh Trails
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? Any “real” races yet? How are you embracing Fall? Anyone ever suffer from SI pain? Please share.
It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
It’s almost Fall 2020 and time for a What Am I LovingNow post so that’s my topic this week.
Some things are probably the same as previous Falls but one big thing that has changed… NO FALL RACES!!
2018:
RnR Montreal Half
Govenors Is 5k
Poland Springs 10k
and no BIG RACE to train for 😦
2019:
1. Cooler Temps
Of course even I, who love sunshine and flowers, appreciate that it is easier to run when it is cooler.
a run too cool for a skirt and tank…
2. My Deep Tissue Massage Gun (cheap version of the Theragun)
It’s advertised to “rejuvenate sore muscles and aching joints, greatly reduce your recovery time after sports and improve your health condition. It has 11 Speeds and 6 Heads to be used on “different muscle groups and provides targeted treatment for fast recovery.”
I’ve used it on my calves and my lower back. My hubby has used it for his tennis elbow. Thumbs up so far.
3. A New Starbucks Flavor
it’s Medium-roasted coffee with:
Turmeric
Ginger
Black Pepper
Cinnamon
I like it. The Turmeric taste is not as strong as you think. And Turmeric (anti-inflammatory qualities, and antioxidant qualities) is healthy, right? .
4. Our Weekly Trail Walks
Our local running club (ARE) in non-pandemic times organized runs on different local trails every week.
As a substitute, my running friends (the Sole Sisters) and I decided instead to walk on a different trail each week. These will continue as long as it stays light long enough. Then we may have to switch to the weekend.
3.5 miles on Vosburgh Trails
5. My Long Run Saturdays
I love ALL my running friends and they have gotten me through all my long runs. I used to find these a struggle but I haven’t run fewer than 10 miles since last August. It’s my favorite run of the week and one I never miss. Who knew this 5k runner would prefer the longer distance?
last year’s pic but the same partners in crime plus Debbie
But even better than the long runs, are the conversations had over brunch afterward. We are still able to do take-out and sit outdoors … apart. Not sure what will happen when the weather gets cold.
the good ole days – pre-pandemic
6.(because I can’t stick with 5). Hiking the Mountains
I’ve been hiking all summer and wish I had more time…
Vroman’s Nose
Moxham Mt.
Mt Severance
Cat Mountain
but I can’t wait until the leaves change color. It will be even more awesome.
view from Prospect Mt.
Happy Running! What are you loving right now? Please share.
Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
The Topic for today is: What speed work do you incorporate in your running?
I was never one to do any speed drills. I used to run 5k races to get faster.
2019
Well, that was then and this is now…
But we all have heard this before – You have to run FAST in order to get FAST.
So here are a few things that you can still do (without any short races) to get faster:
RUN VIRTUAL 5K RACES
Sign up and race them. These are not the same as a “real” races but you can use them as speed drills.
RUN INTERVALS ON THE TRACK
Find a high school track and use it to do 400m or 800 repeats. It’s much easier on a track than on the road.
DO STRIDES AT THE END OF A RUN
So when you are almost done with your run, just run as fast as you can. Repeat this several times.
Honestly, when I am done, I am done. My number of strides is usually just one LOL
ADD SOME FARTLEKS DURING YOUR RUN
During your run, just slow down and pick up the pace for intervals of various lengths depending on how you feel. So it is pretty unstructured in that no pace or distance is prescribed.
I as many others probably do is just run fast to the next mailbox or post, then slow down. Repeat.
This is one of my most frequently used speed drills (though I may not intentionally use them for speed.)
TRY TEMPO RUNS
These generally include an easy warmup, then about 20 minutes at 80 to 90 percent effort, followed by a cool-down. But it can be longer than 20 minutes too.
Tempo runs can often be easier on a treadmill.
DO SOME HILL REPEATS
Find a hill that takes between 30 seconds and five minutes to climb at 85-90 per cent effort, and run up it. Then jog back down to recover. It’s a great alternative to track intervals.
Love those 4 day work weeks. In this case, it was a Monday holiday so I thought it would be a challenge finding a hike without lots of people. But it was not 🙂
I said that I’m not a fan of virtuals and yet I completed a few this week. LOL
I usually run this as a 5k. Well, for $25, I could run both, get a mask, maybe an AG award and $10 off next year’s race. Plus support local charities. It seemed like a no brainer to sign up.
Last Week –
Monday – As I mentioned last week, since I had today off, I decided to sleep on our boat so I could get an early start.
First I had breakfast at the marina (see pic below for my view) and then I went for a run on my usual route.
Next on my plan was a hike. I got some recommendations and choose Mt Severance which was about 30 minutes away. It had nice views, a big parking lot and though it was straight uphill, the trail was well marked.
At the top, there was a view of Schroon Lake (in the pic of me) and then also a view of Paradox Lake (bottom left)
Since I was nearby to Schroon Lake, I decided to stop and walk around town. The wind had really picked up. My hubby made the right call not to go boating today.
the waves on the lake are due to the wind. I had actually signed up to do a half here in a few weeks but of course, it is now virtual.
Tuesday – I was planning on a rest day. But this week was quite busy work-wise. I wasn’t able to get out for an early morning walk and I had a ZOOM scheduled for after work so I decided to run my virtual 5k during lunch.
As I mentioned last week, I have been struggling with speed. This week was even worse. I can give a lot of excuses – tired legs from the day before, no shade, warmer, more humid yada yada. But I got it done and I have 6 more to go.
lots of rest stops and I was dripping by the end (and I don’t sweat)
I am actually seeing my college friends more often thanks to ZOOM.
we spent our junior year in Nice, France together many many years ago
Wednesday – A busy work day and a rest day. I didn’t even get out for a morning or lunch walk so after work I was determined to go hiking. I decided to go visit the trails that was on the plan for the next day. There were several loops you could take but I wanted to get to the end and see French’s Hollow Falls. The trails started out with just grass and then changed to woods around the lake. I couldn’t figure out how to get to the Falls so I just turned around and took a shorter (yet more challenging) way back. Then I drove to the Falls.
3 miles on the Vosburgh Trails
Thursday – Rain was predicted for today. I had wanted to get in a run but I knew that it might not happen. It rained on and off all morning. And it was POURING at lunch. So NADA.
But it finally stopped raining by the time I ended work. For our weekly Sole Sisters after work trail walk, I suggested a new place, Vosburgh Trails (which I had previewed the day before).
we followed the trail all the way to the Falls and back (3.5 miles)
Friday – Rest Day Friday. Normally. But I hadn’t run the past two days. So I decided to run during lunch since it was cool and breezy (didn’t realize until too late how humid it was).
why not do my virtual race a week early? If you are wondering…my times are getting slower not faster and I know the flower matched my shirt lol
And of course, I ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers. We walked 5.66 miles or 9.11K to honor this day!
Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we were back on the rail trail with brunch at Emma’s. With no real races on my schedule until maybe February, I just try to connect with friends, run some miles and eat good food each weekend.
The weather was perfect for running. In fact, when I started it was chilly (in the 40s) but it quickly warmed up and I shed my gloves and arm warmers. I ran 2 quick miles before Deirdre arrived. Then we ran 10 miles (30:30 intervals) together. Debbie joined us for a few miles (and finally Heidi). Then they decided to add another mile. I could have quit but I figured why not just go for it.
an impromptu half marathon
I ate back all the calories burned at brunch.
I guess I could count this as my virtual race(s) too
Sunday – Normally Sunday is my day to go boating with the hubby provided the weather cooperates. I can’t complain because we’ve had some great boating Sundays.
our previous Sunday on Lake George
Today the weather was iffy (and my hubby had a tennis match) so we decided to skip it. I went on a hike instead. It was great… all alone in the woods but met up with the race director from the virtual race that I did. He remembered me since I usually run the race (and win my AG). We talked racing, of course.
100 Acre Woods Trails – a new one for me
me & the RD in 2014
I only walked about 2 miles. Weeding was on the schedule for the afternoon and another hike.
Community Gardens Trails – decided to preview them for this coming week’s group trail walk
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races yet? Are you looking forward to Fall? Please share.
It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
My Topic for this week appropriately is: Remembering9-11
1.World Trade Center
1991
I had the luxury of visiting the Twin Towers before 9-11-01. I brought foreign students there to visit several times. So glad I did. I even saved the ticket stubs (and I am not a saver.)
2. September 11, 2001
I remember the day it happened and actually watched on TV live when the second tower was hit. It was shocking. I’ll never forget what I saw.
3. January 2002
My hubby and I visited NYC 4 months later and there was still smoke in the air. We visited the Ground Zero. It was very sad.
4. Recent NYC Visits
Since then I have visited the Memorial and often run near the Freedom Tower.
Every time I see the new tower, I think about what used to be there.
At 8:46 am on September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked and crashed a passenger jet into the north tower of New York City’s World Trade Center. A second plane slammed into the south tower at 9:03 am. At 9:38, a third airliner dove into the Pentagon right outside the capital. At 10:03, fourth jet, bound for Washington D.C., crashed in Pennsylvania.
Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
The Topic for today is: How do you stay motivated to run?
So here’s a few things that get me out the door several times each week this year:
FRIENDS
This is the biggest one for me. I used to have some friends to run with during the week but now I am pretty much solo. And guess what? I am running less.
Luckily on the weekends, I do have my tribe.
CHALLENGES
There is no loss of challenges to sign up for. I chose the ONENY Challenge. I had to run or walk 620 miles between May 15 and Aug 31.
You bet that got me out of my house rain or shine.
VIRTUAL RACES
Not my favorite thing. I have not signed up for that many. But in some cases, it has been either FOMO or that the race was cancelled with no other option.
NYC Half Marathon
MY SEDENTARY JOB
Due to our current pandemic situation, I have been working from home since March 16.
Yup, sitting at the computer ALL DAY.
Running has kept me sane.
NATURE
At least during the spring and summer months when the different flowers are my motivation.
I have to admit, if you asked me this question in previous years, I’m sure my answers would have been totally different. I had shorter races on the weekend or was training for big longer race. I wanted to be in shape to do well at my races. Racing always motivated me to get out and run.
I get sad when Fall is approaching. It means the end of flowers. The end of boating. The days are getting shorter. Soon my group walks and hikes after work will have to end as well as bike paths to run on. Sigh.
Until then, I plan to enjoy what’s left.
I had a discount code and could do this virtual race series for free so I signed up. Maybe it’ll get me motivated to fun faster (…or not.)
They give you the routes but since I don’t live in MASS, I could just run anywhere. One 5k each week for 8 weeks starting Aug 31 and ending Oct. 25.
Last Week –
Monday – It was actually chilly when I woke up. Too bad I had declared it a rest day since I had run 12 miles the day before (Grr…Sunday runs mess up my week!)
Instead, I sneaked out for a short bike ride on Big Red in the neighborhood.
my sunflower was very sad this am…I have planted my first fall mums.
At lunch, I headed back to walk in our local park.
had enough time for both loops today
And it was so nice outside so I decided to drag my weary legs out for run. My running friend, Deirdre, suggested walking in Washington Park which wasn’t part of my plan so I parked my car and ran to meet her at Starbucks. We walked around the park and then I ran back to my car. Mission accomplished.
1.5 miles before and .5 after + flower views 🙂
Tuesday – No time for a walk before work (though it was again beautiful outside).
I did squeeze in a short walk during lunch
I’ve posted this before but they seem to change colors each week
and after work, I thought about a run at UAlbany before I met my BFF for a walk around an outside mall. But then I offered to pick up race swag for a running buddy and realized that Six Mile Waterworks was nearby. So change in running plans. Glad I did too. A mixture of road, trails, sand and lots of interesting nature views. The only downside was that I fell toward the end. (Very dirty and bloody but no serious injuries). It confirmed to me that I should NEVER run a trail race lol.
every now and then I jump…this was before the fall. Love this time of year because of all the monarch butterflies around.
Wednesday – I decided on a rest day because I knew I’d be hiking after work. I had thought I could at least squeeze in a walk during lunch but it poured all morning and continued to rain most of the day 😦
Finally the rain ended by the time I finished work. For our weekly after work trail walk this week, we went back to the trails at the Pine Bush but drove to the Water Tower (purple trail) and did an out and back and then a loop for 3.25 miles.
not the most exciting trail but the exercise and the company were great
Thursday – I had to go to work to print stuff and I thought I had time to squeeze in a run first. Remember I signed up for a virtual 5k each week for the next 8 weeks. Unfortunately it would have been too rushed so instead I took a quick walk so I could photograph more flowers.
found one!
That meant that my “virtual” 5k had to happen during my lunch break. I stopped off at the rail trail on my way home from the office. It was sunny and very humid and I was hungry but I had no choice but to just “DO IT.”
5K #1 completed with negative splits and a delicious post run Indian lunch.
I have been running with walking intervals with a pace of 13:XX or so. No big deal. Not racing. Just enjoying the outdoors and being with friends. I decided with these 8 5ks that I would try and push the pace. Not race them but just be uncomfortable. Not easy when you haven’t run more than 45 seconds without walking.
I did not walk but I stopped to tie my shoes 2x and take pics and catch my breath many times (and I think my Apple watch does auto-pause.)
This 5k made me realize that I have a lot of work to do if I want to return to my former 27:XX 5k times. Not sure that I care. However each week, I can work on something different. This week I decided to just stop when winded rather than walking which of course, would not happen in a “real” race.
Friday – Rest Day Friday. No running but some walking…
in the ‘hood before work
I followed this (sightly wounded) butterfly around)…I am monarch obsessed at this time of year
at the preserve at lunch and one last look at the nearby sunflower farm.
they are fading a bit…still pretty
And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers. I convinced them to meet at the Voorheesville end to show them the art work hanging from the trees.
They loved it. And afterward we hung out and had some wine and cheese. Such a fun evening.
Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. This week, we chose the Nisky Bike Path. As usual, I arrived first to run a few miles with Alyssa and then paired up to run intervals with Deirdre and Jan. 12 miles done!!!
getting ready for our virtual half in NH
Of course, the highlight was our group brunch afterwards. (Cinnamon Swirl pancakes and bacon this week).
Sunday – Boating Days are limited. Today was the annual Christmas on Log Bay party. Surprisingly, it was allowed to take place.
Xmas party on the lake – 2019
The weather was warm and we invited 2 friends on our boat. Such a fun day!!
2020 version
Because I had the next day off from work, I planned to stay overnight on the boat so I could get up early and run and hike.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races yet? Are you looking forward to Fall? Please share.
to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I said that I was over Virtual races. I hadn’t run one since May.
I asked for a refund for both of my September Half Marathons and asked for a deferral for the August one BUT my October race has gone VIRTUAL with no refund or deferral option.
So I guess I’m doing another virtual race. Reluctantly. I really don’t care about getting a half-zip or medal when I have not run a “real” race.
How do you feel about this? Do you want swag from “virtual” races?
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I was okay when I heard that Skirt Sports was going out of business. I have made quite a few friends in past years by being an Ambassador and I have enough skirts to last (my lifetime).
As you may have heard, the company was bought by Sarah R, the owner of the ZOOMA race series.
I ran ZOOMA Bermuda last February and met Sarah. This race was one of the best race experiences (and I have run a lot of them lol).
And there were quite a few Skirt Sports skirts at the race.
and MCM Mama
Perfect match, right?
Have you run a Zooma race recently? If so, did you enjoy it? Do you wear Skirt Sports? How do you feel about its future?
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that related to the above 2 updates, I signed up for another virtual race. I signed up with two other Skirt Sports ambassadors…
and it’s a ZOOMA race.
virtual swag
Have you done any virtual races lately? How about any ZOOMA virtual races?
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that although gyms in NYS were allowed to open, my free gym has not.
It’s not that I was a frequent gym goer but I do worry about when winter comes. I do not own a treadmill or a stationary bike.
Have you gone to a gym yet?
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I have unearthed my old bike.
last ridden in 2012!?
You won’t see me at any duathlons. I will be just be a casual biker. So far, I have only ridden around the neighborhood.
I need to get a bike rack for my car if I want to ride it on any of the bike paths. But it turns out bike racks are like toilet paper in March …None to be found 😦
How often do you bike? How far?
It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
The Topic for today is: What is the best fitness advice you’ve ever received?
You know me, I can’t just pick ONE thing…
So here’s a few of the most important ones:
Join a Running Class
Some persons just start running on their own. They risk acquiring bad habits. This may lead to injuries.
One day after a tennis match, one player suggested that three of us enroll in No Boundaries, a Fleet Feet-based class for those wanting to learn to run. The class culminated 16 weeks later with a 5k race. It was a great way to start my running journey. I still recall many of things I was taught by my coaches.
with my partners in crime (back in 2008)
Find Your Tribe
Of course, it is more convenient to run when you want, where you want and how fast you want. But you will definitely find more benefits in running with others.
When I first started running, I blogged and read other running blogs. One day in 2010, a local blogger (The Happy Runner) asked me to help her start a group for new runners (Strong Running Mamas) with the goal of having them run a 5k race. This group grew immensely to include runners of all ages and levels. I bump into someone from that group at almost every race.
the larger group at a 2013 half marathon (yes, we had shirts made up with the group’s name)
Currently, I am fortunate to be part of another group called the Sole Sisters (as a result of a race-cation for the Wine Glass HM). They support me, motivate me and have become friends, in addition to running partners.
most of the group at a local 5k
Run longer distances.
It is perfectly fine to be a short distance runner. It certainly is much easier to fit in a training plan and to focus on speed and PRS.
That was my plan for several years. I ran 5ks and I ran lots of 5ks. Nothing longer.
Then one day, a running friend insisted that I was capable of running a half marathon. I was so skeptical that I signed up for one and didn’t tell anyone (in case I failed.)
My first (2011):
My 41st (2020):
obviously the colors of my running outfits haven’t changed lol
Yes, I got hooked.
In fact, before the Pandemic of 2020, I was planning to run one each month this year. (Yes, 12 in 12 months!!)
Run the NYC Marathon
No one needs to run a marathon to consider herself a runner. And if you do, it doesn’t have to be a BIG one like NYC.
Running a marathon was NEVER one of my running goals.
In 2018, I ran the Brooklyn HM fast enough to get into the 2019 NYC Marathon. I was told that it was a “no brainer” to run it since it is so hard to get into and I would not likely get in at a future time through the lottery.
However, my job in 2019 did not lend itself to training for one. Again, I was reminded that there will “NEVER be a perfect time.”
So I signed up. I trained (supported by my “Sole Sisters”). I connected with fellow bloggers Lacey and Cari during Marathon weekend. Most importantly, I finished those 26.2 miles with a smile on my face.
best weekend ever!
I could go on and on. I am sure I was given a lot of other good advice related to fitness. (Much of which I have probably ignored LOL)
