Shortest Day of the Year Run

Today I went for a run on the shortest day of the year! We did it guys!!!! We hit the shortest day and it is only uphill from here. I can smell summer around the corner.

Well that is a lie, but at least you know the days will only get longer from here on out. I forgot my running lamp and boy did it make me nervous on this run. I have noticed post covid, drivers are less focused and a little more careless with pedestrians. Please stay safe and wear the right gear if you are running at night! I put a new running vest on my Christmas list! I hope I get it!!! Can you believe I only have reflective vests, headlamps and a clip on lamp. I am late to the light up vest party.

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!

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!

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!

Monday Motivation – Squad Run

Today I went for a run after school on our first day back from winter break. Wooohooo! It was a great day to get out on a Monday, which I never do, and got the squad together! It was a great run to talk about current events, winter break, Christmas gifts and movies. One topic was the new Wonder Woman movie!!! No spoilers, but it was a great film to get in over break – make sure you watch it! Five easy miles on Monday is a pretty good start to the week. After one week off and two weeks of no long runs and less than 30 miles, I’m ready to figure out what’s next!

New Trail and a New Year

Today I went for a run on New Year’s Day 2021!!! Today I started my #Run40ThrowDown by hitting a new trail with a friend. My quest to work on trail running is mainly to help vary my runs away from my normal routes, but also to try to increase my confidence on uneven terrain allowing me the ability to take on new runs. Today was a great start exploring a new Gunpowder Trail route. Instead of heading straight towards the tunnel, we remained on the east side of Bel Air Road and made our way north towards Mt Vista Road. The flat path along the river was a great way to start the run and gave us a clear view of the Gunpowder River. Next, we headed north and continued the trek on more leaf covered paths with rocks and waterfalls.

The views were great, but I still struggle being able to take them in during the run. My toes grabbed a few stumps and rocks, but I remained on my two feet the entire time. I am embarrassed to say instead of my arms moving in their regular motion, they were extended and flapping as if I might take flight. Despite my awkward balance and motion I completed the run, a full six miles, on the trail!!! I’m hoping as I continue to practice more trail runs, I’ll be able to take in the views as I run, instead of pausing every so often to take in the scene. Not to mention it was great to tag along with my

I can successfully check off my first accomplishment from my list! It feels good to start this new year with a new outlook!

Cold Squad Run

Today I went for a run in chilly, cold weather. The great debate today was hat or gloves!? If you could only have one to run in, what would it be!? I even asked my class today what they thought. They overwhelmingly agreed gloves were better than hats, hands down. I wore both this morning for our morning run with feels like temps hanging around 21 degrees. At the end of the day having a Squad Run to keep you motivated to get out the door with or without gloves really is the winner.

Bittersweet Harbor 12

Today I went for a run on what would have been my 40th marathon in Tucson. This year has had many pits, but also many blessings in disguise. Although I am devastated to not be in Arizona seeing my first tall cactus and celebrating a desert terrain run, I am thankful for the many great “instead of” moments that have occurred this year.

First, I’ve checked off many bucket list runs – many runs and challenges I would never, ever have dreamt of doing if I was in a regular training cycle. Including – The Yeti 50k 24 hour challenge, 100k in a week, 200 mile month, covering over 30 miles of a coastline in two runs, charity virtual runs with teammates, my fastest unofficial 5k, and so many new routes. I’m thankful for trying new things and not allowing negative self talk to talk myself out of runs

Second, I’m finally comfortable in just being the runner that I am. I don’t need virtual runs to stay motivated. Instead I just need a goal that makes me happy and feel accomplished. 40 by 40 really means the world to me being a goal ten years in the making!!! Despite my climbing age, I’m wearing tighter shorts because I can stash my phone and not miss capturing an awesome running moment. Being able to allow myself to have my own goals and not feel FOMO or pressured to run a certain way has been refreshing.

Third, I’ve made new running friends, kept in touch with old and value my solo runs that have been MANY! I’ve enjoyed running while my injured husband biked. I’ve stayed in touch with co-workers by early morning runs before virtual teaching. I’ve run marathons with long time friends and plan to take a new marathon next week solo. Its been a great way to enjoy the run however it comes with whoever is there. It has even been nice running at different times so I could enjoy breakfast with the kids, late night family movie nights or whatever else might be missed by a regular running routine. And I’ve cherished watching teammates and others in the running community who are still on the hunt for a new run or race – feeling inspired by the next ‘what if?’

And lastly I’ve enjoyed each new turn and adventure – even if it’s only been a new speedwork run, new shoes, a new hydration plan, or a fun new pair of sunglasses or hat. My super exciting news is that I was selected to be part of the Alter Ego running team as a hat ambassador. It’s more than taking a photo with a hat – it is the journey and adventure you crave each run you begin. Just like Clark Kent has his branded S and hidden cape, I have my ponytail, trusted shoes and hat. We both take on that invinsible feeling as we flip our roles and take on our alter ego. I’m ready to see where my hat takes me and what adventures await in 2021.

Today I hit the harbor with two friends for a twelve miler. We stayed along the promenade, recharged near the Domino’s Sugar Factory and dodged puddles and wind gusts. It was a cloudy start, but eventually the sun peaked through to wake up the city.

I’ve missed these harbor views, fun conversation and energy of a solid run. We had negative splits, maybe with the help of the wind, but it felt good.

We shared stories, random thoughts and problem solved ALL the unanswered questions. It was just what I needed to remind me that even though I was not in Tucson completing my 40th marathon I was still doing what I loved in a familiar spot and loving the scenes of the city where I sarted my marathon running journey.