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!

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.

BRRC Cupid’s Crush 2020

Today I went for a run and completed the BRRC Cupid’s Crush Five Mile run! The Baltimore Road Runners running club is a fun community of runners of all abilities who provide fantastic races year round. January included a few races, Father Time Frolic and Frozen Finger 5 Miler, I was unable to attend but luckily this race was a sure bet. The weather has been very inconsistent and luckily it was warmer than last year low 30s! We got to the race early, picked up our bibs and awesome pom pom hats before relaxing in the car until the start. With five minutes before the start we lined up, scanned the crowd for familiar faces and were ready to enjoy a fun run with hills. Five miles and many hills later we were making our way towards the finish. It’s funny how you forget not every race has to be a long marathon. The sun had warmed the day to 40 degrees, we had an assortment of cookies to choose from and a finish line carnation along with our pom pom hats as parting gifts. What a great race and running community to be a part of here in Baltimore!

Barre and 7 Miles

Today I went for a run after an awesome morning barre class. I have to admit my barre streak took a hit in January. Tapering and Recovering from running the A1A Marathon prevented me from getting my barre routine solidified after the holiday. Luckily I like to think February is when the new year really starts. I just celebrated my birthday, I’m setting new running goals and getting back into routine. February at Inline Barre is their big promotional month and lots of newbies fill classes. This morning was no exception. There is nothing more empowering than a packed room of females of all shapes, sizes, and athletic abilities there to better themselves. Due to the packed room, we did lots of work at the barre and despite what you might think – it was intense! After class I took to the hilly roads of Perry Hall and ran on tired legs. Thankfully no long runs this weekend and no crazy training runs – just a fun run. A successful fitness Saturday and a perfect start to the weekend.

Wednesday Honeygo Joggers

Today I went for a run with the guys before heading to work. Due to our traveling if feels like we haven’t had a run with Paul in what feels like ages! We met up at 5:30am and did an easy six miles, despite the thick humidity. Fun details about summer vacation, upcoming sports seasons and usual aches and pains dominated conversation. The summer has brought on many solo runs and this run provided me a moment of gratitude – it was nice to have a husband and friends who enjoy the same heathly habits and madness to wake up early and run. Now bring on my rest day!!!!

Moonwalk Saturday

Today I went for a run on the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s landing on the moon and famous American moonwalk. The entire week has been a showcase of documentaries, interviews, artifact restoration and overall celebration of the first man to walk on the moon. I have to say, at times it has been difficult to walk away from the tv because some shows and news clips have been so engaging. Today also marks day five of this horrible heatwave and plans of me running a long run will have to be delayed. So instead, a quick four miles through the heat will have to do and hopefully I have the guts to get it done tomorrow. But in the meantime, I will continue to have way too much fun placing Neil Armstrong in my photos!

Heat Wave Continues

Today I went for a run in 100% humidity and 78 degrees starting temps. Despite my somewhat early start (only 7am) the air was thick and muggy from the previous day’s thunderstorms and current 4 day heatwave. I laced up for a run early because I was unable to get a run in yesterday due to the afternoon storms, so I gave up my chance to sleep in. Luckily the sun was rising, but a few clouds hung around giving me a partly cloud run with some shade. There have been a lot of article posted online lately about the effects of heat/humidity on training runs and the best advice I have found is: drink water before, during, after and listen to your body. In this heat if your body is just not that into it – stop! There is always another day, so don’t risk it!

Why did I sleep through my alarm?

Today I went for a run in the mid 80’s, strong sun and just before dinner. It pretty much felt like I was running on an empty tank after returning to work after two weeks off, working through my lunch and not drinking enough water. My alarm went off at 5am, but I just was not motivated to get up and honestly for no good reason!? Well lesson learned! I hit the road around 4:15pm right when the sun starts to lower to that strong ‘in your face’ angle. I turned on my tunes and Van Halen got me moving. I pushed through the hills, busy road with cars cranking AC and strong exhaust fumes and finally made my way home. I didn’t give up, I stayed strong and pushed through on an empty tank.

To Long Run or Not?

Today I went for a run, but didn’t complete my long run as planned because it was just too humid outside. The last few days the temperatures have been high and humidity full blast. Although the late morning and afternoon were plagued by thunderstorms, the morning consisted of oppressive heat and humidity. I woke up hoping to get out the door at 5:30am, but instead it was closer to 6am and the sun was already bright. I completed a six mile loop and called it quits. Sometimes a run like this is defeating because you gave up on yourself and didn’t have the courage to step out of your comfort zone and persist. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes about courage – something that helped me in my personal life, in working towards my masters in leadership, in conversations with students and in running:

And that’s what I will do – try again tomorrow. I’m happy to report that despite my crash and burn run we still got out for a great six mile bike ride up and down the island before the storms blew through the area. It was a solid morning and a great way to finish up my vacation that went too fast!

Kayaking and Crabbing

Today I went for a run at night after a busy day crabbing, kayaking, beaching and biking. I got up this morning with the hope of getting in a run, but going for a morning walk with my sister and niece to the bay sounded a little more fun. My kids and husband had gotten a head start crabbing and we made our way over to catch up with them at the pier. After a devastatingly bad crab catching turnout, a stop to get Bavarian cream crumb cake helped the situation, but not for me who still did not get in a run.

Next, Shawn and I went out kayaking around the island and later my kids and I went for a bike ride down the strip, but still no run for me. Finally at 9:30pm I laced up and headed out along the bay and finally on the boardwalk. I did not want to run, but I’m glad I got out the door, saw some fireworks and took in the calm ocean breeze.