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.

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!

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.

Tempo Thursday

Today I went for a run to do speedwork with the guys! It was tough getting outta bed! I’m not sure about you, but the temps are dropping and I am in that awkward ‘not sure how to dress’ phase. Today was a chilly 28 degrees, but luckily no wind – tall socks were a go. We did our two mile warm up and then jumped into our 6x5min repeats. I havent done many group speedwork runs, but this was fun and a better way to stay motivated and strong throughout the run. Of course conversation turned from 70s rock bands to camal spiders, school, podcasts and formula one quickly. What are the craziest things you have talked about? I can only imagine a pretty funny book could be published. And then, bam – nine miles done just like that!

15 Miles into Island Beach State Park

Today I went for a run and for the first time in weeks felt strong. We got into town yesterday and enjoyed much needed family time. When Sunday morning came it included bagels, procrastination and howling 20mph winds. I spent the morning plotting how to take on this run without instant defeat due to the wind and my recent sluggishness. I was hoping a change of scenery would be just what I needed… and it was!

Shawn dropped me off at the entry to Island Beach State Park. This had been a bucketlist run that I was ready to explore. I had initially planned to run one warm up mile south into the park before heading north for fourteen more miles. My goal was to keep the strong wind on my back as much as possible. Well, change of plans!

Once I began on the two lane road, I just couldn’t stop. The wind was a beast, but it was in the fifties and the sun was beating through intermittent clouds. I took in the views of natural sand dunes with overgrown, wild grass and wirey pine trees. Wind blown reeds nearly parallel to the ground and seagulls effortlessly coasting above the mounds.

I planned to work on a good upbeat six miles during the run. My strategy included a nice six mile warm up and then go time. After five miles in I was really beginning to feel the impact of the wind as the peninsula began to narrow and wind from the ocean side was joining forces with the south wind. I turned around at the fisherman’s walk, taking a moment to enjoy the view of the Barnegat Bay. I was far enough south making the Mathis Bridge indistinguishable, but too far north to see the Barnegat Lighthouse.

Regardless the view before me was stunning. Waves crashing, blown tree limbs framed the rocky shoreline and a cloudy sky screamed of an incoming storm. I turned around determined to take on the next ten miles and find my groove. On my return I jumped into my alternating six miles. I average an alternating of 8:10 and 9:00. It didn’t feel too bad. Five miles brought me out of the park and in no time I was finishing my last 8:15 miles along Ocean Ave. At mile 11 I paused to take a gel and wrap my long sleeve around my waist, despite the gloomy gray sky that hid any sign of an earlier, sunny day.

I reached the end of the boardwalk in Seaside Heights and ran up the dunes in order to catch a glimpse of the ocean. The waves were crashing and the beach was empty. What a different view from my morning runs over the past summer. The boardwalk looked closed down and construction projects were underway in hopes to be done by next May. I continued along until I felt the uncomfortable feeling of being followed… it was Shawn!

I have only used live tracking on my garmin once before this time and he never opened it. Well today he was happy to catch up with me and share that him and my dad had been teaching me the entire and enjoying my scenic route. It made me happy… more than happy. It was nice to know that maybe my solid run was due to the unknown support and cheers I was getting from home.

With one more quick check of the boardwalk I headed towards home, another two and a half miles to go. I looped up to the Lavallette boardwalk, turned before the lifeguard and followed 35 home. Outside Shawn walked out the front door to greet me. Fifteen miles done. Alternating miles done. A boost in self confidence done. It was just what I needed getting back into my last build up for my official 40th marathon. There’s just something about running down the shore, on a new adventures and feeling supported.

Rainy Squad Run

Today I went for a run on a rainy, Thursday morning. Have you ever thought running in the rain must equal double the miles!? Sure do!!! Today was actually not a terrible run in the rain due to the warmer 63 degree weather. All was great until the last half mile of our run turned into a windy force of nature that felt like a slap in the face. Still it was great to get out and move before colder weather rolls in and November temperatures return.

Back at it…

Today I went for a run after three days off. My hips and hamstrings have been tight. I think this virtual teaching is really getting to me despite having an adjustable desk. I managed to get my run in before the rain and school day started, but boy was it humid! I tried to shake off the rust by varying paces to see if maybe my stiffness was due to a pretty even, non varying pace on my last few runs. Regardless I was less stiff, happy to beat the rain and ready to take on hump day! Now to get back to training for 40×40!