Anniversary Run

Today I went for a run and completed my last long run before the A1A Marathon. After running the Miami Marathon last year, my husband got the South Florida Marathon bug. Running the streets of Miami and hearing stories about where he grew up, the shenanigans with friends and old family stories was a pretty awesome running experience. Not only that, but it was also pretty incredible to run a marathon with a person you love. When the Super Bowl fell in the hands of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, race dates flipped and the A1A marathon fell between both our birthdays and anniversary. Game on!

My husband will take on his fifth marathon and I’ll take on my favorite south Florida route on the A1A highway.

Today I split my run and completed the first five miles with Shawn and our friend in Kingsville. Part II I would do solo around Honeygo. Little did I know that after our run ended, my husband planned to quickly drive me and the kids over to propose near one of our favorite running spots we had just finished running. That might seem odd as we celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary today. Four years ago we decided to get married. No proposal, no big ring, no family, no big wedding – just us eloping in his home town of Miami. It was just our style. Today as we drove to the covered bridge I was slightly annoyed we weren’t heading back to Honeygo, so I could finish my long run. Instead he said, “Your mom never got a proposal and you guys weren’t part of our wedding. Today we’re going to fix that.” We pulled over and got out of the car. My husband got down on one knee and asked me if I would marry him. The kids took pictures and watched us, sharing in the excitement of the moment.

It was perfect. Our first “date” was a run after school together and next weekend we run his fifth marathon together. Today my kids took pictures and cheered us on happy to be part of our story. It took us a bit to find each other, but I couldn’t imagine not having him by my side. Life really is a marathon and I’m glad I get to run it with him.

Double Thursday

Today I went for a run after school and barre class at night. It was an extremely windy day as I laced up for an after school run. The morning news warned of gust clocked at 40mph and there I was battling the wind. I battled the wind head on and then rode it out when it favored my direction. At one point a car lingered at a stop sign and I was convinced they were watching me getting tossed around and stopped as I was being pushed towards a curb. I finished my five miles and then went to make a quick dinner for the family before barre. We had a substitute instructor, which was a great change of pace. Lunges, squats, heel lifts and planks. A perfect Thursday and way to move into Friday and a three day weekend.

Misty Miles and Thoughts

Today I went for a run before school with the guys. It was a pretty misty, foggy morning and I planned to start with the guys separate for three quick miles and then finish up the last few miles with them. It was perfect timing and I caught up with them for our last two miles back. I’m holding onto my three speedy miles a week! Lately life has been busy, but on my way to work this morning, as I battled foggy traffic, Bruce Springsteen came on the radio. It was just one of those moments when the soundtrack of your life plays while you’re deep in thought, reviewing your to do list for the day. My City of Ruins played out on the radio and the lyrics repeated, “with these hands…” and I kinda laughed to myself. Here I was thinking about my role at school, duties and tasks that needed to be accomplished for the day and Bruce was here singing to me. I had a solid run this morning and I was ready for the day. Oh what you can accomplish when you listen, reflect and act. Game on. “With these hands, I pray for the strength, with these hands… Come on Rise Up, Come on Rise Up.”

Last Long Run, Its Taper Time

Today I went for a run and logged my last 15.5 mile long run before the A1A Marathon. My alarm sounded and I looked out the window to pouring rain. I think it has rained three of the last four weekends!!! I didn’t mind the extra minutes lounging and luckily the rain ended and I was laced up to run by 8am. I kinda knew the direction I was going to go, but this was the first long run I hadn’t mapped out – partially because I wasn’t all in. I like to plan and check off miles as I go, but this time I just went with it. I looped the opposite direction to start, tacked on a new road I was passing and just went with it. Despite the rain ending, warm weather and strong +15mph winds remained. Wind and hills were going to be my challenge on this run. I’m not going to lie, at first I thought I was going to run five miles and call it quits. I reasoned that I would do ten miles later in hope that the wind would die down. So I picked up the pace. I got back to my car ready to pack it up and head out. The blue skies had pretty, misshapen clouds that looked like fluffy whipped cream and at least four people walked by me walking dogs enjoying the warm day. Ugh. So I took off my long sleeve shirt, took a gel and headed out. I went south on Honeygo and the wind pushed me along. It’s funny how it felt like someone was there pushing and encouraging me to keep moving. I picked up in pace and looped back east. At this point I was downing my water and felt a little off/lightheaded. I passed a man who lost his hat in a gust of wind. He smiled and wished me well, as if he knew I was eyeing the road that went back to my car. Then I turned and hit the wind and hills hard. I guess the one good thing about going up a hill – you must go down. I continued on looping, hitting new roads and trying to distract myself. Each turn more winds and hills. Eventually I made my way to my car for a water refill – mile 9.5. How was I only at ten miles!? But I went back out. I made it this far and I couldn’t stop now. I kept moving and I flew through three more quick miles. I kept thinking just get through a half marathon and then take it easy. I finally was back at my car 15.5 miles done. It was a tough run, not one that makes me proud. My legs felt great, but my energy lacked, I drank a ton of water and my chest felt heavy. I guess humidity and the warmer temperature could have caused it, but it was tough. My last three long runs have been rough and lethargic. All various speeds, terrains, locations, elevation and temperatures. Maybe it is my body just asking for a little rest from my beloved marathon. Regardless, I didn’t stop. I didn’t give up. I’m thankful for the wind that helped me, the people who greeted me and the saying on my wrist – “she believed she could.”

Late Treadmill 5

Today I went for a run on the treadmill for the first time in FOREVER! Today was a busy day – a delayed opening, dentist in the afternoon and just enough time for the treadmill. I used to love the treadmill, but the last few times have left me with IT Band pain. There was no way I was running on ice in the morning, so despite my reservations, the treadmill was my last option. I jumped on the treamill and held an easy pace for five miles. Everything felt great, but I’m curious if I might feel it tomorrow. After I did my planks I called it a night. I forgot to mention – for the month of January I’m trying a plank Challenge! I loved doing the planksgiving challenge for Barre and thought adding January planks could be a fun challenge. The app I found varies between 5-8 plank poses and extending times. So far I’m doing well, but there are some planks that are tough to balance and extend. I’m on day 8 and things seem to be going well!

One Harbor Run, One Honeygo Run, Two Falls and 18 miles

Today I went for a run in two parts to complete an eighteen mike long run. It was a misty, puddle filled morning and my goal was to complete ten miles with my friends and another ten solo. I met my friends early for a 5:15am run, a time I had avoided for a few weeks. I like early runs, but not in the cold and after seven months of marathon training and racing. We started around the harbor and within two miles I took my first spill. Frustrated with myself I brushed it off and picked myself up. My friends offered support, but my frustration with myself muted their support. Fast forward to mile nine and I tripped again after I began to feel myself not picking up my feet. Warning signs flashed in my head as I thought, “How am I going to run a marathon in three weeks!?” Last week was a tough run and now I couldn’t even stay upright on my two feet. I finished ten miles and drove home to start on my second round.I took out some tunes in hopes that it would change my mood and push me forward. I started part two and looped Honeygo and my familiar backroads. The Doobie Brithers kept the beat as my thoughts began to wander. Ft. Lauderdale was where me and my husband stayed when we eloped in Miami – South Beach. Now that we finally booked a flight I began to think about places we would visit for our anniversary trip. Suddenly I was taking the hill at mile seven. Sometimes getting lost in your thoughts is just what you need. I cut my run at eight miles, satisfied that I got in a solid 18 miles. After a rough first ten miles, I preserved and got through the rough patch without giving up. I’m excitied to run A1A with my husband, but happy to be taking a break soon.

Two runs and Its NYE

Today I went for a run on New Years Eve. We got back into town yesterday a little before noon. After a 2.5 hour long drive, unpacking, sorting laundry and getting back to reality I needed to run. I headed out to surprisingly better weather than what I left in NJ. I needed to get five miles done and then get ready for our family trip to see the Heat play the Wizards!!! Ever have that feeling, “how will I get it all in?” Well somehow we just do.

It was damp, however, twenty degrees warmer than NJ – I’ll take it! It was a much needed run and great to return to my MD roads after a tough weekend run. I rushed to get ready and we hit the road and ended up having a blast at the game despite the tough loss by the Heat.

The next day was another lazy morning. Breakfast with the kids, cleaning/organizing the house and enjoying the last day of the year. Suddenly it was 4pm and I needed to squeeze my run in before dark. Sometimes it feels like runners are more visible in the early morning hours than the late afternoon hours. I took to my backroads one last time and was lucky enough to catch the sun slipping away.

I guess now it’s time to think about goals and ideas for 2020. Always exciting to pick new adventures!

NJ long, long run

Today I went for a run that felt like it took FOREVER. It was just one of those days when a run feels ten miles longer than it should. Despite taking in my favorite sights on a familiar route, I just could not get into my run.

I completed my first eight miles thinking I was going to throw in the towel and do a split run and complete eight more later. However, my sister and family were coming over and we planned to make golumpki tonight. I guess that means, just get it done.

Despite my sluggish legs I kept pushing forward. I had my rock mix playing and soon enough Joe Walsh, The Police and Queen were pulling me up hills. I made my way towards the small airport where the annual balloon festival takes place each year. Planes were flying low and circling the area to land. It was a pretty neat process to watch and eventually I timed it perfectly to snap a quick picture before I ran back towards my parents.

I made my way back through the final stretch and as almost tripped and fell due to a broken branch on the side of the road. I was angry, frustrated and ready for this run to be over. I couldn’t believe it. I had an amazing run earlier in the week and now I just felt like I was dragging. And then I remembered this:

Deena wrote a pretty solid book titled, “Let Your Mind Run.” She discussed the ups and downs of training, injuries, and just running comradarie. Sometimes everything aligns and sometimes it’s a wreck. In the end today’s run doesn’t define me or my running. It was just one of those days, but at least I had some great views, tunes and golumpki to be eaten later!

NJ Runs

Today I went for a five mile run after looping five miles the night before at my parents house. My parents sold my childhood home almost three years ago. I miss the quiet, scenic roads that lead to my old home. Since then my parents downsized and moved to the neighboring town, still in a quiet area. There are rolling hills, scenic farmlands, and a foggy, forest filled side of a reservoir that surround the new neighborhood. In addition to the new views – streetlamps and a sidewalk. I will be the first to admit that it is too dark to run at night, even with a headlamp on the rolling hills out here. However, my parents new neighborhood has streetlamps and is a perfect .63 loop made for procrastinators and night runs. Yesterday I looped the neighborhood eight times with Shawn for a great five miles and then took to the hills this morning for a balmy five miles. The best of both worlds!

Point Run with a Kick

Today I went for a run with new running friends at The Point! We were going to meet for another group run, but Paul and Shawn were caught up after school. My coworker and I met up with another group member and we took on the Point run as three. We kept a steady pace going out and then talked about picking it up on the way back. At the turn around we quickly increased the pace and had a goal of keeping it under 8 minutes. It was a tough run and I instantly regretted not drinking more water during the day. After we finished I was pretty happy to keep up with the guys, despite the instant fatigue that was setting in. I guess you never know when you’re going to meet a new running friend!