Wednesday Word – Qualities of a Runner

Deb Runs

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is Quality

or according the dictionary “a distinctive characteristic possessed by someone.”

Well, for runners, there are several important ones:

  • Confidence.

We runners may not have started out confident.  And we may not be confident all the time. But if we didn’t have the confidence to start running, then we never would have.  With each step, we become more confident.  We enter 5ks and then 10ks. Eventually we may become confident enough to run a half marathon.  Some of us even attempt marathons and ultras.  When we lose our confidence is when we have problems.  (90% of running is mental so they say.)

  • Sense of humor.

This means rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff. Let’s face it, sometimes running sucks. Sometimes it’s cold or too hot or raining. Sometimes we forget to pack our socks. Sometimes we are off pace. Sometimes we have intestinal issues or chafing. A sense of humor comes in handy in all these situations! There is always tomorrow, and after all, not every run is going to be a good one.  Knowing that things happen that are out of our control, helps us to stay focused, laugh it off, and move on.

  • Commitment.

In running, you must be committed. You get out of running what you put into running. In theory, if you do those drills and weekly training runs, you will get stronger and/or faster.

  • Consistency.

Consistency is key to any workout routine. If you want to be a better runner, you need to establish a routine and avoid deviating too much from it.  We all know what happens when we skip runs and let our training slide … poor results or even worse, an injury.

  • Flexibility.

Runners need to go with the flow, and often. Maybe you were looking to do your long run on Saturday and now realize you can’t. It may be the weather or work or family obligations. Maybe you planned to run 10 miles but only have time for five. Runners need to be flexible for many reasons.  I could go on and on about this because often it is frustrating.

  • Enthusiasm.

Being an enthusiastic runner is contagious! If you’re enthusiastic, you will inspire those around you to embrace running.  It feels great when someone says that they started running “because of you.”

Happy Running! Any other qualities of a runner that you can add?

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Monday Running Update

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Last Week: 

  • Monday –  Took my morning walk around work and then knit on the exercise bike. After work, it was cold and windy but still ventured out for a run before visiting a friend (the one who just had a mastectomy.)

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  • Tuesday – We had a huge holiday brunch for the whole school. Took my afternoon walk around work. After work, I played tennis and went out to dinner after.
  • Wednesday – Today we had another holiday lunch with my dept at work. The weather was even colder and windy.  I still got out to run after work but my hands were frozen and I stopped after 3 miles.

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  • Thursday – Just work today – truly a rest day.
  • Friday – Warmed up to the 30’s (heat wave!) so did my after work run followed by an evening of mah jongg games.

  • Saturday – Rain & sleet in the am so glad to be enjoying a rest day. After lots of housework, got bored so went out to do some retail therapy – bought stuff that I didn’t really need but got GREAT deals.
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I have a sock obsession – notice that the $40 socks cost a penny and I saved $73.63.

  • Sunday – Another free race – I ran the 15K and followed it with a few more miles.
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course PR for the race

Celebrated our anniversary (which was Saturday) with a dinner at our favorite restaurant.

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  (3 weeks until Half Marathon #17) 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – dentist, tennis
  • Tuesday – 4 mile run, movie with BFF
  • Wednesday – rest, yoga
  • Thursday – 4 mile run
  • Friday –   restmah jongg
  • Saturday – 12 mile run
  • Sunday rest
I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races ?

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HMRRC Winter Series #4 (15K) Race Report

This same race in 2015

Once again the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsored a FREE race for its members and this weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 15K and 30K.

I was hoping for better weather than last weekend so that I could run one of these races. Remember, I don’t like rain or snow of ice….

Well, it was great – in the 30’s with just a little wind.

Since I have a half marathon in 3 weeks, I chose to run the 15K and then add on more miles after.

I have run several 15Ks (including 3 on this same course) and as you can see my times are all over the place:

2015
HMRRC #4 – 1:34:29 -same course
Stockade-athon 15K – 1:31:35 PR
2014
Stockeadeathon – 1:33:23
HMRRC #1 – 1:34:55 – same course
HMRRC #4 – 1:42:40 -same course

2013
Stockeadeathon – 1:42:22
2011
Stockeadeathon – 1:36:08

As I said previously, I am NOT stating any goals for my races. I just wanted to enjoy the race, not have any pain and get my training miles in for my upcoming half marathon.

Without all that pressure, I felt relaxed for the race.

These races start at 10 am so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. I always leave early to get parking since these races are crowded and there are other events going on at UAlbany.

Because this race was organized by ARE, I thought that they would have bibs & chip timing like last year so I wore my race belt but they didn’t.

And since it was a holiday weekend, the attendance seemed to be down from 2 weeks ago so I was there earlier than I needed to be.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know. And I immediately bumped into running friends, Judy & Barbara again.

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We stayed indoors until the last minute and then made out way outside.

I lined up with Barbara who was also running the 15K.  I hoped that she would run slower than the 3.5 mile race a few weeks ago and we could run the race together.

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basically a few loops around parking lots

With all the races that I have run (about 175?), I have never raced with anyone.  My friends are either slower or faster so I always run solo.

Well, I did stay with Barbara for about 3 miles.  We were running in the 9s and I had wanted to run this race around 10. It was a training run and I was afraid of straining something.

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As you can see, Barbara is getting ahead of me

So I let her run ahead and as she did last time, she seemed to maintain her pace and I did not.  I could only keep her in my sight for a few miles and then she disappeared from view.

For most of the race, I felt fine.  I was warm so I unzipped my jacket and took off my gloves but by the end, I felt chilled.

I walked through the water stop around mile 3 and then several times after mile 6 including to take a Gu (Orange – gag!) and another water stop around mile 7. I ran up most of the hills until the last one (I was pooped by mile 9.)

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love this pic!

I was very happy with how I ran this race as a training run – I pushed myself just enough but not too much. It wasn’t a PR 15K but it turned out to be a course PR and my 2nd fast 15k.

Race splits:

mile 1 – 9:28
mile 2 – 9:53
mile 3 – 9:41
mile 4 – 10:16 (water)
mile 5 – 10:07
mile 6 – 9:58
mile 7 – 10:50 (gu & water)
mile 8 – 10:07
mile 9 – 10:26 (walks)
.3 – 8:38

Finish Time – 1:33:13

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only prizes for 1st & 2nd

Barbara whose time was 1:29:xx was waiting for me at the finish line. (Judy had run the 3 miler and was long gone.)

We chatted and had some refreshments. There was pumpkin bisque and vegetable curry soups – I had both and some bread and hot cocoa.

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After Barbara left,  I dragged myself out the door to run some more miles. It was tough. My legs had stiffened and I was cold & sweaty but I ran the scenic part of the campus.

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2.2 miles more to bring my total up to 11.5 for the day.

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my new bargain smartwool socks & Nike shoes = no blisters (happy feet)

My hubby won his tennis match so we are off to celebrate that, my race and our wedding anniversary.

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Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter?  Did you run this weekend?

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Loving/Not Loving

Welcome to the winter edition of Loving/Not Loving

Loving: HMMRC, a local running club, offers a winter racing series. The races are on Sundays and free.  Each race has 3 distance options.
Not Loving: The distances don’t coincide with the long runs that I need to do to prepare for my half marathon. This weekend is a 15k and I need to run 11 miles. On 1/31, there is a 10 miler and I need to run only 8.

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3.5 mile race

Loving: SkirtSports has come out with a new print.
Not Loving: Now I want to order it in everything style. I don’t need any more running outfits!!

free love print

Loving: In the cold weather, I don’t have to worry about my feet sweating and getting blisters after a long run.
Not Loving: Shoes and boots aggravate my bunions and now my foot hurts again. (And it’s a long time until sandal/flip flop season!!!)

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Loving: I have found new ways to relax – coloring books, knitting and jigsaw puzzles.
Not Loving: These are all sedentary activities. I found that I can knit and ride the exercise bike but the others, NOPE (gotta sit!).

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Loving: You get a free Starbucks item after you get 12 stars. I then always order the most expensive thing on the menu.
Not Loving: I forgot that I used my two “free” items and ordered a venti coconut milk cinnamon vanilla chai latte. (ouch!)

Loving: My FitBit tracks my steps. It makes me take the stairs rather than the elevator.
Not Loving: It’s not accurate on the treadmill and does not record steps while on the bike.

Loving: The days are getting longer. When I leave work to run, it’s still light (for about 15 min.)
Not Loving: The cold weather has just arrived and will be around for awhile.

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Loving: Downton Abbey is back on TV.
Not Loving: This is its last season.

Loving: It’s so easy to shop online and find what you what cheaper.
Not Loving: It’s too easy and you may buy what you don’t need.

new shoes

my current Nikes in a new color – $20 less & no tax or shipping – had to buy, right?

Loving: When you are dragging at work around 4 pm, the cold crisp air (while running) certainly wakes you up.
Not LovingMy hands almost froze off.  How can I keep them warm?

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Happy Running! What are  you Loving or Not Loving today?

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Friday Five: Things I Won’t Run Without


Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup.  Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!)  They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My “favorite” topic for this Friday is My Favorite Running Items (things that I couldn’t run without.)

  1. a Skirt

I never run in shorts and when it is too cold for a skirt, I wear one over capris or tights.

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image

img_80332. A race belt

I always carry my phone when I run and my belt holds it.  I can also attach my bib to it so I don’t need safety pins.

Albany Last Run - December

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3. GU

This is my race fuel of choice.  I doesn’t bother my stomach so why switch. I don’t like their fruity flavors.  I am partial to Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Rootbeer, etc.

gu

Anyone try this one!?

4. Comfortable running shoes (with a wide toe box)

I tried them all and my favorite brand changes.  It was Brooks Adrenaline at one point and then I loved Mizuno Wave Rider 18s. Now I’m wearing Nikes (AIR ZOOM VOMERO 10).

Run for the Roc - September

running on Nisky bike path

5. Garmin GPS Watch

I have the 205 – the old big one and I still love it – it shows everything I want on ONE screen.  No hitting any buttons.  I’ll be sad when it dies.

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Happy Running! What are your favorite running items?

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My Favorite Instagram Posts of 2015 & TOLT

I love Instagram. (If you don’t yet, please follow me @dsc59)

So I took Amanda (from Run to the Finish)’s idea and am sharing my favorite Instagram photos of 2015-

January

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This is from my half marathon in Florida where I surprisingly had a PR and AG award. I love it because I may never be that fast again and winning an award in a half is tough.

February

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It’s challenging using the timer on my iphone so I just propped it against the fence on the ground and only got my feet (They’re the most important part, right?)

March

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I was sad that my flight to Palm Springs got cancelled and I missed running a race with my friend.  But running on this trail made up for it.  I loved it there!!

April

april

We had a long winter in the NE so I was happy to be running without a jacket and wearing my SportSkirts running skirt.  Being selected as an Ambassador Captain for this company is one of the highlights of my year!

May

may

This is my favorite race and the only race that I’ve run every year (even after ankle surgery in 2012.) As you can tell, it’s all women – all ages, all paces – so empowering.

June

jun

Ice cream is my favorite food.  To be able to have a root beer float after a hot sweaty run = priceless (especially with the cows as my witnesses.)

July

july

I met Judy through Facebook and although she thinks she is too slow for me, she has gotten me through many a long run.  I like this pic because my car is in it and that guy in red running behind us.

August

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The Crossings is one of my favorite places to run after work in the summer.  And also I think this picture makes me look fast. Ha Ha!

September

sept

This was at the end of a long run while training for my October half marathon.  I asked Judy (my photographer) to wait so it would look like I chicked those guys. LOL.

October

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This was taken after my painful RNR Brooklyn Half Marathon. I turned around and saw someone whom I had taught when I was a high school French teacher many moons ago. What a treat! 

November

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While picking up my bib for the Stockade-athon 15k race, I met Frank Shorter.  He signed my bib and I swear that he brought me luck since I did PR at the race the next day.

December

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We were very lucky to have a pretty mild December.  This was taken on one of my favorite new places to run – a rail trail that was recently paved. It’s beautiful (especially the bridges).  If only you weren’t running uphill on the way back.

Since it is Thursday,  I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

So how do you take pictures to post on Instagram?  How do you prop up your phone???  (BTW: I hate selfies. Too old to have a camera that close to my face!!)

Happy Running! Are you on Instagram? If so, let me know & I’ll follow you.

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Monday Running Update

mon r u
Last Week: 

  • Monday –  First day back at work after 11 days off.  And it was freezing!! No running for me, just 1 1/2 hours of doubles tennis after work
  • Tuesday – Another freezing day (the coldest of the winter so far) but I bundled up and ran outside after work.

  • Wednesday – A lot warmer today (30 vs 10). I took a quick run after work before going to a yoga class.
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my legs felt great yesterday but today, very sluggish!!

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  • Thursday – Rode the exercise bike at work during lunch.  I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it (and I was able to KNIT while on it 🙂 ).  Went out to dinner with an old friend.
  • Friday – I had planned to run today but the iffy weekend weather made me skip it. I actually walked for 15 min in the morning and rode the exercise bike for 1/2 hr (while knitting) at lunch.
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just walked in circle around the lst floor with a co-worker

  • Saturday – I had hoped for a relaxing day but since rain was forecast for Sunday, I needed to do my long run instead. I ran 5 by myself and then Judy arrived to run the last 6. Thanks Judy.

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The rest of the day was filled with housework and taking doing those holiday decorations finally.

  • Sunday – Another free race – I had planned to run the 10K and follow it with 3.8 more miles to complete my 10 mile long run.  But I had done my long run on Saturday and since it was pouring, I DNSed.
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cross-training??

17 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. (9 miles less than last weeks. Oops)

This Week:  (3 weeks until Half Marathon #17) 

  • Monday – 4 mile run after work
  • Tuesday – rest, holiday brunch at work, tennis
  • Wednesday – holiday lunch at work, 4 mile run after work
  • Thursday –  rest
  • Friday –  3 mile run, mah jongg chez moi
  • Saturday – rest
  • Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #4  – 15K race + 1.7 more miles
I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races ?

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LSD & a DNS

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winter series #3 in 2013

Once again the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsored a FREE race for its members.

For Winter Series #3 today, they offered distances of 3M, 10K and 25K.

Since I have a half marathon in 4 weeks, I would have chosen to run the 10K and then add on more miles after. But due to predicted rain, I decided to do my long run yesterday and maybe just run the 3 mile option today.

I like to vary my long run routes – so far I have run on the Delmar Rail Trail…

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on the Corning Bike Trail…

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So this week, I decided on the Nisky Bike Trail.

My plan was to run 4 miles and then Judy would join me for 6 miles.

The path was clear and the temps significantly warmer than the beginning of the week (10 vs 40 degrees)

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But there were also sections that were icy… (I tiptoed over those)

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As you can see, the river isn’t frozen yet.
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Since I felt good, I wound up running 5 miles and then met Judy.

We ran most of our run in the opposite direction… turned around when there was ice.

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I got 11 miles done and I was a happy camper.

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I stopped off on my way home for my reward Starbucks and at Target (where as usual spent way too much money.)

The rest of the day was spent putting away those holiday decorations (it’s hard work.)

Today I woke early to POURING rain with high winds predicted.

I had planned on running the race.  I knew many people going and I have raced many times in the rain. And it was warm (in the 50s.)

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the Love Run

Lake George Half

Lake George Half Marathon

But for a free local race….NOPE!!

I stayed home and cooked.

The only thing I may brave the rain for today is a movie.

Here’s a pic from last week’s race – pretty much for the same course as today’s race.

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I miss racing but am glad to be home and dry.

If the weather is better, I plan to run the 15k next Sunday and the 10 miler on Jan. 31.

Happy Running! Do you run in the rain?

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Friday Five: Healthy Eating


Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup.  Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!)  They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My “food & drink” topic for this Friday is Five Healthy Items I have Everyday

I’m the first to admit that I don’t eat healthy.  If there is a sweet around, I will eat it.

But here’s what I eat/drink everyday:

  1. Oatmeal

I would prefer waffles, pancakes or French toast with syrup, butter and bacon!! But I do eat oatmeal everyday for breakfast.  I add raisins, cinnamon and sometimes fruit or nuts.

 

2. Herbal Tea

I drink it in the morning and sometimes in the evening.  I gave up caffeine so this was my alternative.  (I am dying for a cup of coffee as I write this.) I buy leaves in many flavors and I also have tea bags (which don’t taste as good.) But yes, I still crave a vanilla latte. (I get decaf ones in Starbucks for a treat.)

3. Greek Yogurt

I have it for lunch.  I usually add granola. Would I rather have pizza?  YES!!

4. Water

I keep it at my desk.  Do I drink as much as I should?  Not at all.  The only time I really get thirsty is when I’m on the treadmill. But I haven’t had soda in years and I don’t miss it at all.

5. Apple

Sometimes, I eat one for a snack at work but mostly I eat one in the evening.  It’s my snack.  I don’t keep cookies or chips in the house so this is what I grab when I am hungry.

Of course, there are other things that sneak into my diet that aren’t so healthy.

Happy Running! What healthy things do you eat on a daily basis?

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TOLT: One Word , a New Half, Winter & Long Runs

Since it is Thursday,  I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

What I am thinking about today is…

My One Word for 2016.

The My One Word approach is popular every year.

If you’ve never heard about it, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.

2014 was the first time that I tried it.

My word was:

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In 2015,  the word that I chose was:

This year, I am picking:

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is “a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation.”

Why did I choose Gratitude?

Expectations lead to disappointments.

As runners, I think (myself included) we focus too much on mileage totals, PRs, bling, etc. And we expect to improve or run at a certain pace and when we don’t, we get depressed or even stressed.

Especially as we age, we need to concentrate on being thankful that we CAN run.

How will I focus on my word?

  • Be more positive.
  • Post more about the good things that happened during a race or a run.
  • Run & race happy.
  • Forget those PR and pace goals.
  • Volunteer more.
  • Thank those who make races possible.

Half Marathon #18

I am also thinking about a dear friend who had a mastectomy on Tuesday.  It is her 3rd bout with breast cancer (& 2nd in 2 years.) She is strong. She is optimistic. I am confident that because of these qualities, she will beat this terrible disease.

So I made the impromptu decision to run another half marathon – one in her honor.

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March 13, 2016

It is very hilly. It is only a 5 weeks after my Florida half. But these tough 13.1 miles will be nothing compared to the pain that my friend has endured.

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Winter

Dec 24:

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Jan 5:

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Amazing!

I HATE the cold.  But I hate the treadmill more.

So yesterday after work, I braved the cold and ran outside.  I was cold but I survived.  It wasn’t so bad and I felt really “badass” when I was done.  I warmed up at Starbucks where the barista remarked “You run when it’s this cold!?” And I responded “Yes, I do!”

Long Runs

But what do you do when the weather doesn’t cooperate?

sat-sun

I had planned to race (10K) on Sunday and add more miles on afterward to complete 10 miles total.

I don’t want to run 10 miles IN THE RAIN!!!

So I could change to do my 10 miles on Saturday (before the rain and if there is no ice and snow on the ground from Friday night). That means that I would rest on Friday (with Thursday also being my rest day) and on Sunday, skip the race or only run the 3 mile option. Or I could run on Friday and skip my long run since I did run 10 miles last Saturday and run 11 miles next weekend.

Decisions, decisions, decisions..

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Anyone else running this half marathon? Do you run outside in the colder temps? Does the weather get it the way of your long runs or do you run in any conditions? What are you thinking about today?

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