Blah Tuesday

Today I went for a run before Garrett’s baseball game. The temperatures have cooled off and it was a perfect 70 degree day! (Now if only I was motivated to move.) I took to the road for a few miles, which was somewhat of a struggle. Motivation was hard to find and despite the blah feeling that was overcoming me, I knew a run was the best medicine. Afterwards I took in Garrett’s game to end the busy evening. Tuesday, check!

Image from: https://www.sarakurth.com/dont-quit-before-start-running-motivation/

Recovery Sunday

Today I went for a short, super sweaty 4 mile recovery run. More importantly, now I’m officially relaxing until I pick up fall marathon training! Today was a laid back/relaxing morning with the family, an easy run and then an awesome barre class. These past few months have been fun and a nice change of pace from the regular marathon training.

Since my last marathon in January I’ve kept my training around 25-30 miles per week. Simple runs, barre cross training and less days running – 4 tops. I’ve tried new races, new routes and have really enjoyed getting back to the adventure of running. I might not feel like I’m in “amazing” shape, but in reality I am. I’m just not in “tired, less recovered marathon” shape. I’m glad I was able to run less this spring and focus more on cross training and recovery. I’ve really enjoyed my barre adventure and the quiet time for me to reflect and release stress.

Saint Michaels Half Marathon

Today I went for a run and completed the Saint Michaels Half Marathon with Amanda. A few months back I stumbled upon a 1/2 price deal for this race and my friends and I took a leap and signed up. Flash forward to the busiest week ever, Preakness and a softball doubleheader. Nonetheless, Amanda and I woke up early to hit the road by 4:30am and hopefully arrive at the race area by 6am. Neither of us had ever been to Saint Michaels, so the excitement helped ease the stress of the one and a half hour drive down to the Eastern Shore.

We arrived and found prime parking and walked over to grab out bibs and shirts. Since there was no bag area we went back to the car, prepped ourselves for the run and then returned to line up. A quick stop (code for: holy moly world’s longest bathroom lines ever) at the bathroom prevented us from starting in our wave, but no biggie! The 4th wave started and we first headed through the town of historic Saint Michaels. Next we travelled on surrounding streets of a golf course and headed into a dead end neighborhood. The houses were ones you dream about owning, the trees were tall and perfectly pruned and the yellow flowering fields were a great escape from the sidewalks of Baltimore County. About mile six the sun had made it’s way through and the clouds were disappearing fast. Temperatures were on the rise and we slowed are pace to adjust and maintain. Finally we made our way back into town and were met by cheering spectators posted along the last mile. As we approached the finish line the announcer read our names and fun facts we had listed at registration. The after party was fun! We quickly ate our post race PBJ sandwiches and made our way towards the sound of the 80s cover band. We took a moment to relax and cool off. What a fun time, supportive crowd/volunteers and overall great Eastern Shore running community! This race is definetly one to do again!

And I got back in time to see the last two innings of Abigail’s softball game and her full second game of her double header!

Friday – Prom!!!

Today I went for an easy thirty minute run in the morning before getting gas, coffee and munchkins for my kiddos. Today is a big day involving shipping AP exams, proctoring state assessments and making a quick appearance at the Prom. I got my morning run in, but ended my week with a total of 54,230 steps – excluding runs. More importantly my mentees have been excited about sharing details about their prom dresses, hairstyles and nail colors for the past two weeks. My husband and I were able to grab a quick date night dinner before heading over to the Prom. It was amazing how well dressed the students were and how excited each were to complimemt each other on their styles. I was proud to see my mentees, more mature and confident compared to their 9th grade year, and optimistic about challenging the world head on!

Softball Wednesday

Today I went for a run while my daughter was at practice. I looped around the park where she practiced and then took in a few more miles before looping back. The temperature shot up today into the 70’s. Although it was warm, there was a nice solid breeze to give some relief. This weekend is the Saint Michael’s Half Marathon and I’m nervous the temperature might be similar to my run tonight. But…. at least it won’t be raining!!! I’m pretty pumped about going to Saint Michael’s because I’ve never been there and hear it’s pretty scenic! #newyearnewruns

From Popsugar website.

Four to Race the Rain

Today I went for a run and tried to race the rain….. I didn’t win. I went for a short run and about half way through the rain broke through. I have to say, I can’t complain because it was a pretty amazing sky to watch as I moved along the route. After a pretty busy day nothing could be more relaxing than a view like I had tonight. I was reluctant to step out the door, but I am not regretting it now.

10 Miler in Kingsville

Today I went for a run taking on a new running adventure in Kingsville. Amanda and I met up and set out on our 10 mile route as the sun was beginning to rise. Fog slowly cleared from the fields as we made our way towards the covered bridge with high rushing streams on our right. (It poured last night!!!!)

The scenery was pretty amazing and reminded me of a few sleepy roads in NJ that I miss often. Amanda and I were continually challenged by the many rolling, and at times steep, hills. Overall we had a great time and it was a perfect way to explore a new route. More importantly we finished in time to get back to see my husband’s baseball payoff game because my daughter’s had been rained out. They won!

Flamingo Friday

Today I went for a run in the morning and tried to pick up the pace a little. After a tough barre class Thursday night I was slow to get up and get moving for a 5am run. Despite doing barre the last few months, I still struggle and embrace “the shake.” I set the pace with the guys for the first two miles and then picked up the pace for a few solo speed repeats. I jammed out to Another One Bites the Dust and I nailed some quality paces. Nothing beats great tunes and a great run to start a busy day. Meanwhile, at school, I nailed my Fancy Friday Shirt selection.

Wednesday and Were Half Way Therrrrreeeee

Today I went for an easy morning run with the guys. It has been a pretty busy week so far, but I managed to get in a barre class Monday before baseball and softball cramped the rest of the week. Today was a great morning run because the temperature was perfect and its finally getting brighter in the morning! When I got home from the run my 2018 mother’s day iris was in bloom. What a way to start the day! Easy miles, keep showing up.

This Broad Can Take Down Any Street

Today I went for a run and ran the Broad Street 10 miler!!! Bucket list race – check! I’ve been eyeing up this race for years and put my name in the lottery this year. I’m so glad that I took a chance on it because it was a blast! My future sister in law works near the finish line and hooked me up with her friend/coworker who was running as well. We drove down parked and made our way to the busy train station near the stadiums. It took us an hour to get up there making us miss the 8am start of the race. No worries, at least we weren’t there early and standing in the rain!! I jumped in the nearest wave and in no time we were off. The course is a straight shot down Broad Street. The first six miles of the race you make your way towards City Hall, which today was in the cloudy, rainy distance. Despite the rain each block had crowds, DJs, music and lots of high fives. On the Temple campus the marching Band and cheerleaders were putting on a great show. Around mile 7 I saw a woman wearing a tshirt that said, “This Broad can take down any street.” What a great phrase and awesome shirt for this race!!! I didn’t check my watch because the buildings were altering the signal. Overall I felt strong and had a pretty decent time despite the delayed start and steady rain. Afterwards I met up with my new friend and future sister in law for Pho! A perfect way to warm up after a rainy run!

Here is a link to a good article/photos from the run shown above.

Ponchos, umbrellas and duct-taped sneakers: Scenes from 2019’s rainy Broad Street Run