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….)

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!

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.

Teacher Squad

Today I went for a run before school. Sometimes running with the people you work with is just what you need. We didn’t talk teaching, nor drama of who did what…. we just talked history and politics! This might be a big part of what I miss about school. (besides teaching students in a classroom, obviously.) I miss the nerdy history content conversations that teachers really do have during lunch breaks. We caught up over four miles and then settled into virtual meetings, PD and small group instruction. Can’t beat that start to your day.

Easy Goes It

Today I went for a run and knocked out a great speed session. The last month I have been running five, mainly six days a week and my body is just not made for that. I’ve felt less motivated, sluggish in my runs and blah. While reviewing my training log, now that barre has been moved online, I’ve nailed a few less barre classes and replaced it with more running. I didn’t realize I miss the balance of rest, building strength and running. This week I decided to cut back. So far I ran five miles on Tuesday and six miles today. And I plan to rest tomorrow!!!

Today I brought back some speedwork that I haven’t done in a month. How else will I improve that mile time?! I did 6x400s and I felt great! I needed a change of pace, I felt more rested and I’ve also missed these cool morning runs. I did my warm up running to the track, but unfortunately they have now blocked off the entrance. Well, like a good runner we adapt and I moved to the parking lot. Bam. I got back by 7:45 office hours, faculty meeting and felt like I was back in my routine. Positive Thursday vibes for sure!

Timed Mile

Today I went for a run and ran a timed mile. I have done mile repeats, but never have I ran one timed mile. And boy, was that tough! I remember conditioning in high school and doing timed miles, but that was decades ago! As part of my new goals for the month I completed my first, a timed mile, in 6:56. Now, I’m no Usain Bolt, but this was a good baseline to see where I can get to in a month! Considering my last speed workout was almost a month ago, I am pretty happy to be under 7 minutes! The winds were tough, but not as gusty as the previous day. My arms were pumping, and pacing was a beast for something that was over in four laps. So I started strong and just tried to hold on….. Now onto my next challenge! Let’s tackle another 5k and half marathon for the virtual Wahoo! Lemonade Running series!

Wednesday with the Guys

Today I went for a run, early before school. No joke, that was tough. I was tired! Motivation has dwindled with the cooler temperature, rain and no race on the horizon. The toasty flannel sheets made it hard to plant two feet on the ground, but eventually there we were at Honeygo under a bright, almost last quarter moon. As always, with a packed day ahead, there was no regret that I was able to get in a few morning miles.

More importantly I did some research and I found a plan to help me train for a solid 5k. I settled on one of my goals being a fast 5k before I turn 40. My current 5k time is 22:36 and anything under this time would be awesome. I’ve never been a speed demon, nor someone into pushing my limits; therefore, this seems like a good way to end my 30s with a bang! Next week I’ll start trying out some new runs, speedwork and paces that might make me uncomfortable. Instead of being timid and reverting to my easy going attitude, I’ll embrace the excitement of something new.

Rainy Run Warriors

Today I went for a run in the pouring rain along puddle filled streets. This has certainly been a mild winter, including this three day stretch of rain we have become caught in lately. Today was a rainy run with a 40 degree feel and puddles… lots of puddles. We kept close to the high school in order to make it a quick out and back. Overall it was not a bad run and there was only one section which included street wide puddles and side splashes from cars. I guess weather is funny and you grow a tolerance for certain conditions. Warm rain vs cold rain, heat and humidity vs snowy and sub 20s or even gusty, cool wind vs warm, mild winds. Either way the first step is getting out the door and committing. Next, enjoy a little time splashing through the puddles!

Bonus! My husband brought in the mail today and its official I was the third finishing female on my birthday! I know it was a small race, but a solid run one week post marathon was awesome! Perfect birthday gift.