Feelin Sick Sunday

Today I went for a ten mile run despite my stuffy nose and sore throat. I had one of those mornings where 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 showed on my clock, but I couldn’t move from bed. Finally at 8:00am I rolled out of bed and geared up for ten miles. It was one of those days when you justify only doing seven out of ten miles because “your throat is scratchy and there is no reason for training right now.” Well I got to it, and took on my 10 miles without cutting the run short. In the end I think what kept me moving was the feeling of annoyance that was rising in me with each step. Can you believe there was already more trash from where I plogged yesterday!? In the end I’m still glad I plogged, but who are these people whom see to be more important than the environment? I guess in reality you don’t notice how much litter there is until you take ownership and help clean up. Otherwise it is easy to ignore what is happening especially if you are not part of it.

Plogging For the First Time

Today I went for a run… I mean today I went plogging! What the heck is plogging!? Well, from what I was able to find out, plogging is a fitness craze that started in Sweden. It’s a smush of words – “Plocka upp” which means pick up and well I think you know the other – “jogging.” (Thank you The Washington Post) I’m not going to pretend this was something that I initially thought was possible. I mean how do you pick up garbage while running and then carry it for 5 miles? Well let’s give it whirl…

I started heading up Honeygo Boulevard in Perry Hall with a bag and a glove. In front of the Honeygo Plaza there was a ton of litter including coffee cups, alcohol carrying cartons, plastic bags, newspapers and styrofoam. (Note to self, empty beverage containers before placing in bag.) I moved up the road and found a fresh dog poop bag and a milk gallon jug. In no time I realized my bag was almost full in only one and a half miles. My husband called because my daughter left her softball bag in my car and needed my keys, perfect! He was able to bring me another bag and snap a picture of me in action!

I moved down the road picking various cans, small liquor bottles, water bottles, cardboard, receipts, tissue, wet wipes, a pair of jeans, one glove, a shirt and other odd metal objects. Public reaction was interesting. I had a few honks and cheers of encouragement from passing cars. I passed a few couples walking who smiled and said hello. However, most passerbys did a double take or looked surprised to see me running with a large, growing bag and stopping to pick up garbage.

Overall I made it through my five mile run with two stuffed bags. (I dropped the first at a can in the park, score!) I could have done another bag for sure, but my arm was trying its best to not tense up from the second bags’ weight and my daughter had a softball game. Would I do this again? For sure!!! I’m more surprised the local running groups haven’t done this! To be honest Team Ultra inspired me to go out plogging today. However more recently our 9th grade students completed a service learning project and picked up litter in addition to a colleague of mine who completed the 1 Bag of Litter a Day challenge in April. It’s really a simple thing to do to improve our community and help the environment. My favorite runs are the ones where I get lost on the rolling back roads and they should not be cluttered with trash. Cheers to plogging!

Fantastic Friday

Today I went for a run, early in the morning on my second to last Friday of the school year!!! This week I was able to get three barre classes in before my second run of the week. The days are becoming longer and filled with more end of year activites – softball playoffs, baseball playoffs, end of year parties, graduation, 5th Grade Farewell, end of year picnics and field trips. Early morning runs are proving to be most helpful with a busy schedule. Today we had a coaches party and a carnival leading into another busy weekend. Tomorrow I take on plogging! Wish me luck! Cheers to good weather and a fun weekend!

Global Running Day!!!

Today I went for a run in honor of Global Running Day. I know our calendar is filled with crazy holidays that celebrate groundhogs, pranks, flags and ice cream, but where did this one come from!? I did a little research and found out the “holiday” originated in 2009 as National Running Day. It changed names and in 2016 the first Global Running Day was held across the world as 2.5 million pledged to run 9.2 million miles. Today running groups, running enthusiasts, non-runners, new runners, old runners and even walkers take part in this day making sure to clog everyone’s social media with their participation.

Overall I hope you get out to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, possible company from a friend, and taking part in a global community who hopes for a healthier future.

(A repost of my favorite running quote I shared early this year….because it never gets old and speaks to the true spirit of running!)

K-Town 10

Today I went for a ten mile run with my husband and friends in Kingsville. After running this route a few weeks ago we decided to run it again with a few extra hills. We hit the road at 8am and made our way towards the covered bridge. Instead of only going half way up the hill towards Moutain Road, we pushed on and made it to the top.

We took a pit stop at Jerusalem Mill before heading back to the original route. The temperature towards the end of our run was starting to spike, but thankfully the second half of our run was through shady, tree lined roads. It was a great way to start the day before cheering on my daughter for her doubleheader softball Saturday.

Double Up

Today I went for a run and squeezed in a barre class in the afternoon. First, what a picture perfect morning! A sliver of the moon was shining along the horizon when we began our run. In no time the sun crept into the sky sending pink and purple ripples through the low clouds. It was a great way to start the day. After work, I ran to pick up rescue plants from Lowes. When I got home I quickly decided to squeeze in a barre class before dinner. Great way to start and end a Friday.

From: befitfabulous.com

Business As Usual

Today I went for a run before another busy day at school and book club at night. Business as usual today, getting up to run at 5am with the guys. I wasn’t going to join in, but decided to join in after a sleepless night. The mornings are starting to get muggy and temperatures are warming up. Summer with soon be here; including, marathon training in the heat. I better continue enjoying the down time before that humid, hot long runs begin! I already did Barre on Tuesday and Wednesday and might try to get a third day in this week! Wish me luck!

I Did the Grid!

Today I went for a run in memory of those who have died serving our country. Over a month ago a staff member where I teach sent an email about a Memorial Day run in honor of his fallen brother who served in the Marines and died in Iraq by enemy sniper fire. Although the run takes place in NY, a new virtual run was being held for more people to take part. A group from the staff signed up to complete the run around the neighborhoods where we teach; however, I could not take part because of our NJ weekend.

The original course in NY has 31 turns on the grid for those to run with the names of four fallen soldiers on their bib. I waited to run my race until Memorial Day and I hit the shore streets for my four mile in my Marine Corps Marathon tank. I looped the ocean and bay while thinking about the simple life I had not worrying about my brother or husband at war because of another soldiers bravery. Although I didn’t ring the Lavallette bell, I’m still thankful for those who have died while serving for our country.

Here is a link to the story about #teamchris:

http://www.cplchris.com/

Lava Love

Today I went for a run in Lavallette!!! Ah, it finally feels like summer is near now that I was able to get a Lava run on my regular route! We slept in and had a great morning breakfast – including pork roll of course! Despite the temperatures already at 70, I took a left turn near the baseball field and headed towards Bay Boulevard. I dodged tons of people on the out and back stretch of the boardwalk and returned to the bay before reaching home. So many people were out taking advantage of the beautiful Memorial Day weekend weather.

Finally I passed the Lavallette Memorial Park and was reminded of the many Memorial Day and 4th of July Parades I had watched along the same route. Great memories of an easier time.

Memorial Day Traditions

Today I went for a run and completed my fourth Spring Lake 5 miler! This has become a staple part of our Memorial Day weekend since my parents rebuilt the shore house after Hurricane Sandy. We drove up to Spring Lake, picked up our t-shirt/glass and had time to relax before the race. Shawn wasn’t feeling to hot, so I asked him if I could go ahead. I inched up towards the front of the 12000 person race. Despite my efforts the first mile and a half was crowded!!! Eventually I found a groove and picked it up. It was perfect weather and a great crowd. Lots of people lined the street on 3rd Avenue while Bruce Springsteen blared through the speakers from a local business. I made the last turn and gave a push while running along side the boardwalk.

I can’t complain about my run! I started my watch 10 seconds early, so it shifted things. But what a solid run! My goal was to be fast enough to get a rose – mission accomplished. (no clue how many they give out, but in the past they were always gone before I finished) Afterwards I grabbed a bagel, fruit snacks, Honest Tea and sat on the curb next to the Essex Sussex House waiting for Shawn. I have a blast every year running this race and this year was great.

We made it back to the house in time for more of the family to arrive. We got in some beach time, Abigail’s birthday dinner and a relaxing bike ride to B&B Departmemt store. Summer is just around the corner!!!