Today I went for a run after spending the day at school on a Saturday. Sometimes even on a sunny day you have to work, but at least I got home with time to spare for a few miles. I’m not sure I’ll get a long run this weekend. My legs are super sore and I’m not very sure why. I went to barre Thursday night and Jen is a great instructor known to make you squat and squat… and squat…. But, I’m not sure that was it. Despite the fatigue, I was able to finish six miles and caught the last bit of warm rays before the sun set on a warm February day.
Today I went for a run at 4am to try and beat the sun for my 15 mile run. I set the alarm for 3:30am; however, anxiety of sleeping through my alarm had me wide awake at 2:50am. As I moved through the quiet house pulling my running gear together I took a moment to check the weather, regrettably.
Despite the discouraging outlook, I laced up and walked out the door ready to take on the run – with the most positive attitude possible. I ran north on 35 in the bike lane and was fairly solo despite a few passing cars. Every time a car passed I jumped on the sidewalk to pause, nervous due to a recent accident that occurred with my friend who shattered her leg due to a tragic incident involving a drunk driver at 6:30am when she was running. I thought about turning around and sticking to the boardwalk and looping it thirteen times – no way. The recent news of her accident hit hard because it was such a surreal story that you think just can’t happen to you or someone you know. I continued on in the dim lighting, three miles in, drenched in sweat and already hoping the turn around point was soon. Despite the heat and sweat there was a bay breeze coming from the west, which helped to keep me, not as hot, maybe?
From: Gone For A Run Facebook page
Finally I made it home with ten successful miles under my belt. Ready for a chilled gel and a refill of water. My pace was in a slow decline and motivation was lacking – this was turning out to be an ugly run. I went back out the door with a four mile loop in mind and headed south on 35. The sun was now starting to show and was going to be just above the horizon as I made it up to the boardwalk. At mile 12 I paused at our block and took in the view.
What a view it was. The calm ocean waves gently slapping the sand, a few people walking along the water and calmness. The challenges and struggle I was feeling on this run were not going away, but the calmness of this view came along with me for the rest of the run. An image can change an attitude and spirit in seconds. I finished the boardwalk, looped to the bay and made my way back to the house doing the five mile loop add on instead of four. Done. It was an ugly run, with lots of pauses, hesitation, and self doubt. The conditions were less than ideal and I really wanted to just end the run at ten miles. I’m glad I didn’t miss the sun over the ocean and happy to push through and check my run as “completed – with no excuses.”
Today I went for a run with the guys around Honeygo. Its Friday, summer, early morning and just an average run before work. Yesterday we had terrible storms blow through the area causing flash flooding. Despite the massive storms, 100% humidity remained and we ran through some sticky air. I’m pretty excited about the upcoming weekend. Tomorrow is the Barre Block Party and I hope to take in two thirty minute classes at the outdoor party. I also hope we get a trip in to DC! Something really exciting is that I found a new running adventure I want to run!
Today I went for a run and completed some loops around the track. I haven’t completed many up tempo runs since I’ve been on vacation, so I took to the track to do some 800s. Gee, that seemed like a great idea until I stepped out the door and was hit by the wall of humidity. It was hard to find an even pace and my recovery times differed each repeat. But despite the thick air, my legs felt strong and I pushed through until the end. It was comforting to know I wasn’t alone: there was an older speed walker, another man walking and a woman keeping a steady pace who joined in as I did my loops. At least I wasn’t alone in the swamp, and happy about the fit community I live in.
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!
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.
Today I went for a run, early in the morning on my second to last Friday of the school year!!! This week I was able to get three barre classes in before my second run of the week. The days are becoming longer and filled with more end of year activites – softball playoffs, baseball playoffs, end of year parties, graduation, 5th Grade Farewell, end of year picnics and field trips. Early morning runs are proving to be most helpful with a busy schedule. Today we had a coaches party and a carnival leading into another busy weekend. Tomorrow I take on plogging! Wish me luck! Cheers to good weather and a fun weekend!
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.
One week until the NJ Half Marathon – looking forward to a Jersey Shore run!
Today I went for a run after tons of procrastination and lots of motivational searching. We drove back from NJ this morning in time to do laundry, unpack and clean up everything we dropped Thursday before we left town. I have to say I was tired, hungry and not motivated to run. I’m sure every profession could claim to be the busiest, most stressful or overworked group employed today. Teaching is tough, under appreciated by the public, yet the most rewarding profession that I wouldn’t trade for anything else. However, as a mom I wish I had a few more days to spend relaxing with my own kids which is part of the reason why it was hard staying motivated this weekend to run. It reminded me of the quote below I saw on Facebook from #lifeinadayofarunner. Everyday you keep showing up and you find a way even if you only have a spring weekend and no spring break.
Today I went for a 4 mile run despite a busy Saturday packed with school work, sports, haircuts and yardwork. I’m not sure about you, but once spring hits, my calendar is split between softball, baseball, my husband’s high school baseball season and end of year school activites. After getting home mid day I went for a run up to the softball fields to see my daughters softball practice. I also got to try out my new Bmore Goodr shades while enjoying the perfect, sunny weather which will be around for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler tomorrow! It was one of those runs when you pass tons of runners – young, old, men, women, those running with dogs, others pushing jogging strollers – and love the community that supports such a healthy atmosphere.
Today I went for a run... 