March and Goals!

Today I went for a run and finished four, frigid morning miles with the squad. It is a new month and I am ready to train! I am not sure what I am training for yet, but there are a few May Half Marathons that I am eyeing up and today starts my training! I guess I am just a little to nervous to register and commit to a race because it might just jinx the race from happening. I can’t be alone in that feeling, right!!???!

Today we hit the road for four miles in the morning before work. My goal this month, even though it is not on my Run 40 Throw Down list is to get back to at least one early weekday run each week. It is time to stop hibernating and get moving again in the morning. I have to say that I have missed my sunrise runs and starting the day with a good run. It has been been a lot easier just waiting for the sun and warmer temperatures before heading out the door. This month we are going to pick up training and get back to routines! Let’s Go!!!!!

Heatwave!!!

Today I went for a run and it was warm and sunny!!! I feel like it has snowed, became windy, and then turned gray all in three days. Not a great way to remain motivated, nor keep you moving after a mild January. So I decided to buckle up and do speedwork I totally skipped the previous week due to wind. We did a Fartlek run with 30 seconds on and 60 seconds recovery. It was solid. The first half felt great, but I was ready for it to be done by the last two. I have to say there is nothing that provides a more accomplished feelings then checking your garmin afterwards and seeing a steady interval chart. I needed this run to start the month off strong and keep myself motivated despite the unsteady weather. Let’s keep this party going!!!!

Mapping PH

Today I went for a run in freezing cold weather and bitter wind. I didn’t get out yesterday and was a little disappointed in myself. Today, I mapped out a new route determined to check off new roads and remain motivated despite the cold. Luckily Paul was familiar with one of the road and was excited to test his time on a Strava segment. Turns out this new loop has a killer 149ft hill. WHAT!!! It was intense. The steep incline went up, leveled out for about ten feet before another incline hit you in the face. And the worst part of navigating this hill is the sub 20 degree temperature your cutting through while your lungs are burning. Yea, so that is one way to end you week – not stressful or traumatic whatsoever!? But at the end of the day I ran, climbed a hill and lived to tell the tale.

Long Run Fun

Today I went for a run and nailed a half marathon in pretty cold weather. I’m not going to lie – this weather is taking its toll on me! I can do cold, but windy, cold is a different story. I missed out running with the DHS Squad on Saturday and almost missed this run when my alarm sounded at 6am. I rolled over and stayed in bed until 7am only because the temperature read 28 feels like 18. I just didn’t have it in me to get up and moving despite mapping out another new, fun route. So I slept until 7am, drank some coffee, hung out with my daughter and watched the morning news.

My husband had a trail run planned and it was tempting to tag along with him instead of tackling a long run. I mean trail running would be a solid workout too! Instead I kept with my goal, laced up and got out the door. The first loop was familiar as I hung around the area I normally run, but then headed up Bel Air Road to Chapel Hill before turning towards Snyder Lane. I mapped a zig zag between streets, rolling hills and uncharted roads – and by chance passed this awesome mural!

Luckily by 10:30 the sun was shining and warming the route and my hands. There was still a breeze that was biting in the shade, but it only helped to keep me moving along. Overall I crushed some killer hills, beat the cold and had some awesome tunes throughout my run to keep me moving. I was pretty consistent with pacing and left two fast miles to end! Sometimes getting lost in a new run with a new soundtrack is just what you need. And let’s be real, I was rocking my nike vest, some warm tights, my NYC hat and a sweet pair of goodr sunglasses that left me feeling like a rockstar. Sometimes a good outfit gets you out the door too.

This run was needed. I needed a solo run, needed new views and needed to have some good self talk to work through these hills. The saying is true, you never regret a run once it’s done – only a run you choose not to do.

Keep it Fresh Friday!

Today I went for a run and mapped out a route with a few new roads. I’m pretty excited for this challenge and it seems like Friday is usually the day I include a new route. Today we laced up and started across Honeygo and towards our first new “area.” It was a fantastic downhill stretch. However; despite mapping this run, I neglected to check the elevation and climbs while doing so. We had some solid uphill battles, with no sidewalks that were challenging, but doable. I think the best part about this challenge is learning more about where I am, how it is all connected and really being able to check out the cool places where I live. About 14% of my neighborhood roads are done so far and lots to go!

A return to Tempo Runs

Today I went for a run, even though I didn’t want to at ALL!!!! The worst part was, the weather was not even terrible – 50 degrees and sunny!?! I rested the last two days due to crazy windy, chilly weather and this morning seemed repetitive when I looked outside. But I was determined to get back into some speedwork and I needed to do this. And to be honest, if I had not been flipping through Strava and seeing some of my friends doing great things, I might have ditched. Who would have thought that social media would be the motivating factor when your own will let’s you down. And, I’m embarrassed to say, I was really excitied about wearing my new Batman Goodr shades I got as an anniversary gift.

Enough! I took off with my warm up and then 4 x 5 minute intervals. The first one was FAST, but a good fast. The second three were perfect in pacing – WHAT!? I have not run like that in a long time. Maybe my monthly challenge of three strength training days a week is paying off or maybe just taking a break from long runs!?!? All I know is – I felt STRONG as heck and crushed those intervals. BAM! (And to think I wasn’t going to run….)

Hampton Hill

Today I went for a run and was totally surprised by the hills I was tasked to climb! With no school, I was able to sleep in, enjoy my coffee and meet the guys for a late morning run. We began the loop and planned to take on a few uncharted roads to make the run a five mile loop. No biggie, but as we headed north, the rolling hills began and kept rolling. It was fun to take on a new area, but it was one of those moments you feel totally unprepared. We headed up the first hill and took a detour around the historic area. Although the driveway continued to take us higher in elevation it was still cool to explore the historic estate I had only heard about, but have never seen despite its close proximity. The view from the top of the Hampton estate was impressive; as well as, the building itself!

We made our way back to the road only to meet our biggest incline yet. We climbed for what felt like an eternity – 165ft. It was a slow and steady burn up that hill, but luckily the remaining hills felt much easier after that one. We continued chatting about TV, Netflix and upcoming vaccinations and finally we were back at our cars. Today was a reminder to go with the flow, enjoy the unknown and have faith in your abilities. We are so quick to allow ourselves to feel defeated by challenges and being physically uncomfortable, but why not change that mindset. Why not embrace it.

Harbor 12

Today I went for a run in the Inner Harbor and got in twelve great miles. It seems like forever since I’ve been downtown – at least early December. Today I did my longest consecutive miles since my marathon. I’m not going to lie, I was slow moving towards the end, but nonetheless happy to be out there! I met up with the guys downtown and we immediately got moving. We were on a mission to get to Fells Point around 8am to meet up with two other friends. Perfect timing! We looped around Bond Street Warf and towards the Sandlot where we met up with our tag alongs. It was great! We continued along the harbor towards the downtown area before looping back out towards Key Highway. The sun was up and it warmed things up quickly!!! We chatted about trivia, tv series, netflix and all things funny.

Once we made it to the Domino factory we took a quick photo before heading back on the same route. We dropped off our friends around 9am and made our way back finishing at 9:30am. Perfect timing for me to get back, cleaned up and off to Barre. It was great running with a few new people and back in a familiar route. I was also pretty impressed that I was still able to do my lunges, squats and band work after those miles. We all agreed, these miles were a lot more enjoyable together than solo. This pandemic has been tough and human interaction limited. Although running with face coverings in the city was a challenge, it was worth it to be able to interact with others again. I even got to check off running with someone new from my Run 40 Throw Down list!

Point Run with a View

Today I went for a run with the guys to the Point and caught an incredible view. We met after school a little after three thirty when the late day sun was starting to hang heavy in the sky. The five of us, including Shawn (who has been battling injury), took off toward the service road and North Point State Park. One of my favorite things during the winter months, are the scenic paths you often don’t notice during the warmer, greener months. As we ran we passed marshy, swampy areas that usually go unnoticed due to foliage, the sun now reflecting and creating a glowing ground cover.

Once we entered the park I pushed the pace a little under nine utilizing my fresh, rested legs. The weather was fifty, the sun was hanging low and a light breeze made the effort feel good. As I turned and made my way toward the water, I was surprised by the haze covering the calm water. The cooler water temperature must have been the culprit. Paul and I made it first to the end, with a solid effort. As we got there the view was stunning. The haze blurred the horizon over the water. The lowering sun threw ever shade of yellow and orange towards the west. A huge tanker ship made its way into sight, navigating the Chesapeake towards the Atlantic. We took in the view and enjoyed a quick break before resetting and making our way back to the car.

We continued a solid pace for two more miles until we reach the service road. After we eased up and enjoyed a cool down mile before making our way to the car, beating the setting sun. This winter has been surprisingly mild, but I am not convinced it is over. In the meantime, I’m enjoying these mild afternoon runs and good company.

Double Digits!

Today I went for a run And finally hit double digit miles again. Well, kinda. It was a double run of five miles in the morning and five in the afternoon. I’ve taken it easy running between 3-29 weekly miles the last four weeks. My goal was rest and keep it under 30 miles. Now that I am a month away from last marathon I’m ready to think about picking up training again. The only problem – I’m not sure what I’m going to train for with most races being pushed to the fall!? I have the Love Run in Philly at the end of March, but I’m skeptical that we’ll occur. I found a few fun marathons in the spring, but none that have given me goosebumps or really left me feeling inspired. I’m not going to push training and run a marathon to check off another race. And to be honest, some of these races would be expensive to get to with no close airports. So the search continues. In the meantime I’ll pick up training for my half and enjoy the shorter distance! I think I’m ready to get back to shorter runs and some play with speedwork!