Today’s Topic is: Five Goals for the Last 1/4 of the Year

Where has the year gone?  It went so fast..

2023 did not start out well for me but it definitely has improved.

Here are my goals for the last 3 months of 2023:

1. Stay healthy.

I got my flu, RSV and COVID shots so that should help.

I hope to continue being outdoors as often as possible (even with the early sunsets.)

2. Avoid over-use injuries.

IOW, I will take rest days and not overdo the miles each week.

It’s not easy to do when you are training for a big race.

Work and baby time have kept me in line so I don’t have time to run a zillion miles.

3. Continue weekly workouts at the Y.

There have been times when I stayed in bed rather than hitting the gym before work.

And yes, sleep is important.

But if I don’t go to the gym several mornings a week, I plan to cancel my membership for 2024.

Unfortunately, it is too crowded at lunch or after work.

4. Do some fun hikes.

Once the boating season is over, I’ll have time to hike on Sundays.

Also I have every other Monday off… and hopefully we will not have as much Monday rain as there has been.

5.Complete Marathon #2.

It’s not a given.  It will be hard!!

You can track me:

Fingers crossed that I get this:

Happy Running! What are your goals for the last 1/4 of the year? Please share.

Today’s Topic is: Five Reasons to Use a Race as a Training Run

If you training for a big race: a half marathon, a full marathon or an ultra, it is tempting to skip races during your training cycle so you can complete all the long runs on your plan.

Here are 5 reasons that’s ok to race while training for a big race:

1. Races are more fun.

Running is supposed to be fun, right?

I don’t know about you, but I rarely have fun during my long run. I get them done. Period.

HM in RI or a 13 mile? HM!!

2. It’s a speed drill in disguise.

Even if you say that it’s only a training run, most likely the enthusiasm and crowd support will have you running faster in a race than in your training run.

3. Free water stops, porta-potties and post-run refreshments.

Ok, not free because you have to pay to run the race but you know what I mean.

It’s welcomed support along or after your run.

4. You can practice race pace.

You may often run your long runs too fast or too slow.

Obviously it’s easier to practice “race pace” in a race.

on CP hills no less

5.You can add on the miles before or after the race.

If your plan calls for more miles than the race, you have the option of running more miles before or after.

If after the race then it’s practice running on tired legs, right?  We all need that.

7 + 13 = 20 miles

Happy Running! Do you ever use a race as a training run? Or do you stick to your plan?

Today’s Topic is: Five Favorite Running/Fitness Products

Unless you’ve never read this blog before, none of these are new:

1.Skirt Sports Skirts

Never shorts and never tights or capris.  I just don’t like the way they accent my butt/thighs (I know… it’s just me!!)

Skirt Sports skirts come in many lengths, styles, fabrics and all have hidden pockets.

This one is called Cascade but I often wear Gym Girl Ultras.

2. Topos Running Shoes

I used to wear Brooks and Mizunos. After I was diagnosed with a Neuroma, I tried Topos.

They have a low heel drop (0-5mm) and a wide toe box.

The neuroma pain disappeared and now I’m afraid to switch back.

They come in different styles however their color selection is boring.

These are Specters but I often wear Phantoms or Cyclones.

3. SpiBelt

Although I wear skirts with pockets, for races, I need to also carry my car key, ID and fuel so I use my SpiBelt for my phone and I also attach my bib to it.

And it stay put (and doesn’t move around when I run.)

4. Goodr Sunglasses

Because I wear contacts, I even wear sunglasses to keep the wind and rain out of my eyes.

These glasses are light and so comfortable and come in all sorts of cool colors/patterns.

5.Zensah Calf Sleeves

I started wearing calf sleeves because I heard they helped recovery after long runs and races.

I also wear them in the fall and spring when my legs are cold and in the summer to reduce the bug bites.

You know how I like to cooperate my clothes. Well, Zensah offers quite a few patterns for every occasion.

Happy Running! Do you use any of my favorites?  What are some of yours? Please Share.

Whoa! Where did summer go?

I LOVE summer but here are a few things that I will enjoy this Fall:

1.Cooler and Less Humid Weather Conditions.

As I said, I normally love the sunshine and warm temps of summer.  But this summer, the humidity  really tried my patience.

Hopefully, this Fall, my runs will be more comfortable and hence speedier.

2. Fall Foliage Viewing and More Hiking Activities.

Living in upstate New York, we are usually treated to gorgeous fall colors.  Hopefully the wet summer weather will not impact this.

The Fall is also for the same reason, my favorite season to hike in. Boating Sundays will end soon and be replaced by Hiking Sundays.

3. More Racing Ops.

Many more races are scheduled in the Fall compared to the summer.

4. A Race-cation with Friends.

Last year, I went to Maine with my running friends and we had so much fun that this year, we rented a house again and plan to spend 4 days in the Finger Lakes region of NYS which will include running a race and other assorted shenanigans.

5.Pumpkin everything and Cider Donuts!

Yes, I do love Fall food!! Especially those with added sugar.  A must-have after a long run or race.

Happy Running! Are you looking forward to Fall? If so, what activities are on your bucket list?

Today’s topic is Five Ways Age Affects Your Fitness Journey.

IOW: Does Age Matter?

Not to Jeannie Rice!

At age 75, she is still setting world records at ALL distances from ONE mile to 26.2 miles.

But to the rest of us mere mortals, does our age affect our fitness?

Well, rather than list the ways it does because that may be depressing (healing slower, bone loss, lack of muscle tone, weight gain, etc), I will post about…

Five Ways to Lessen the Effects of Age on our Fitness Journey:

1.Keep moving. Every Day!

You don’t have to train to run an ultra marathon.

It can just be walking, biking, going to the gym, playing tennis…

Do whatever you enjoy that gets you off the couch!

2. Eat healthy enough to keep your weight to a normal BMI (18.5-24.9).

Of course, eating healthy is different for everyone.  Some people can eat ice cream everyday and not gain a pound.

Unfortunately, as older adults, our metabolism slows down and we have to be more careful about what we eat (and drink.)

And you also may not agree that BMI is the best way to judge your healthy weight. You can monitor your weight by the numbers on the scale or how your clothes fit.

We all know that it is easier to gain weight than take it off.

3. Establish Realistic Goals.

Your goals most likely will have to change as you get older.

Unlike Jeannie Rice, most older runners will not achieve PRs.

Rather than worrying about your slower pace, try for an age group award.  They are often easier to win as you age.

Increase your daily steps.

Learn a new sport. Pickleball, anyone?

Join a gym. Enroll in CrossFit, Orange Theory, Peleton, etc.

4. Find a role model.

Sometimes you feel old and unsuccessful in your fitness journey until you read about someone who is older and doing so much more.

That person may not be older but they may have a physical handicap that is not holding them back.

Marathoner Tanya Khvitsko

5. Focus on what you CAN accomplish rather than what you CAN’T!!

If you can’t complete a half marathon, sign up for a 5k.

Instead of a road race, try a trail race.

Walk a 5k if you can no longer run.

Of course, there are many goals that aren’t even related to running but keep you moving forward.

Happy Running! Have you had to change your fitness routine based on your age?  Any other suggestions? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

Today’s topic is FIVE Ways to Avoid Fitness Burnout:

1.Do not do it alone.

Whether it’s the gym or biking or running, it’s more fun with the company of a friend.

Obviously, you have to be flexible.  Maybe not do it the time you prefer or the location you prefer.

You won’t bail if someone is waiting for you.  You will work out more often. You will run longer or even faster.

love my walking/hiking/running buddies

2. Have a realistic goal.

It could be to walk a certain number of steps each day.  Maybe it’s to lose a few pounds.

It could also be to increase your cadence or pace or even complete a certain distance.

Having a goal can help you keep at it each day.

My 2023 goal

3. Switch it up.

Vary the time you work out. Try for sunrises rather than sunsets.

Or change the location where you run. Switch from road running to trail running.

Go biking or swimming instead. Take a yoga class.

Learn something new such as SUP or Pickleball.

4. Make it fun.

It shouldn’t feel like a punishment.

Take photos of the pretty scenery where you run or hike.

Reward yourself with a delicious treat.

5. Cut yourself slack.

The most important thing to consider when it comes to avoiding fitness burnout is how you deal with yourself.

We are always our own worst critics. If there are days where you just don’t feel like getting up and working out or running, your first instinct may be to start overwhelming yourself with negative thoughts (i.e. “I feel so lazy.” “I’ll never be ready for this race.”)

They don’t help you. They’re certainly not encouraging you to achieve your fitness goals.

Instead, say to yourself: “I’m tired. That’s okay. I’ll get up and shower and if I’m still really not feeling like a run, I’ll go for a walk instead and I’ll run tomorrow.” 

Happy Running! Ever feel that fitness burnout? If so, what do you do?  Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!