Saturday, March 23, 2013

A Weekend Run

This week has been crazy and I didn't make it to the gym once.  I was really looking forward to my group run to kick off the Zooma Annapolis race training this morning!  While I'm not committing to the full training program (the month of April is completely booked and there's no way I would make it to any of the runs), I thought it would be fun to attend the event, meet some new people, and check out a new running store.

The event didn't disappoint!  I arrived a couple of minutes late (neither my GPS or phone were cooperating and since I am navigationally challenged I needed to get at least one of them working!) and ladies were signing in as I arrived. I thought it was nice that they wanted to make sure everyone who left made it back ok!  A couple of minutes later we were out the door of Charm City Run and on our way to run.

There were ladies of all ages and different fitness levels so it was great knowing that I would probably have someone to chat with.  I went on a group run once and everyone there was pretty much a triathlete.  They were nice and slowed down for me, but I liked not having to worry about that this time around!  As we went out the door I noticed someone with a J&A race hoodie on (my favorite race organizers!) and we ended up talking for the duration of the 3.5 mile run.  It was a nice change of pace having someone to keep me company during a run and the time flew by!

When we got back they had Panera bagels, coffee, protein drinks, and mimosas waiting for us along with the option to get fitted for sports bras and some good deals throughout the store.  Everyone was incredibly nice and it was really fun getting to talk to the different runners about different races we had done or had coming up.  I'm really excited about the race and even more so after this event.

Now I'm off to spend some time with my main man before getting ready for a friend's birthday dinner!  Have a happy Saturday!


Sunday, March 17, 2013

I Didn't Race

The Rock n' Roll and I are not meant to be.  Even though I started feeling significantly better the week leading up to the race, I knew it was better not to try to push through it.  I would have had to do a run/walk version of it and would have taken at least 3 hours to finish the race and it just wasn't worth it to me.  Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a run/walk, but I know what I'm capable of when I'm feeling well and I just would have been frustrated the whole time had I gone.  I also want to continue taking it easy while I start building back up for the Nike Women's Half.  Even if I have to crawl to the finish I will get my Tiffany's necklace!

Despite not running in the race, I still went to the expo to pick up my race packet.  Probably the most expensive running shirt I've ever gotten.  My little brother and his girlfriend came to visit and made me feel not as sad as we wandered around looking at all the expo had to offer and navigated through the crowds of people excited to race.  It was hard not to feel bummed because the expo was huge and exciting.  I did at least get to snag a few free samples of Lara bars and there was a booth for the race my brother's girlfriend is running in a few weeks and it was fun to see her talk to the people and get really excited for it.

Race Goodies

This may seem like a sad story, but really the day was not a complete sob fest.  On the way to the expo we stopped at Spike Mendelsohn's restaurant We, the Pizza and got pizza slices the size of our heads.  Who can think about not running when you are enjoying that kind of cheesy goodness?




So now here we are.  I'm going to try to do a few three mile runs (with nice and easy walk breaks to appease my mother and to stay on the safe side) and then slowly, slowly build up.  There are 6 weeks until the Nike Women's Half, so there's not a lot of time to get back into shape.  Instead I'm going to focus on enjoying being out there again and running for the love of running.  It's most likely not going to be a PR, but honestly, it's felt so good to just run again (no matter how slowly) that at this point, I don't even care.  2013 is only a quarter over (what?!?!!) so there is plenty of time for my goal race.  Sometimes you have to slow down and be smart so that you can get better faster.  Please send patience vibes my way!!

Congratulations to all of you who rocked the Rock n' Roll DC!!!!!  You guys are AMAZING!!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Ready to Run

I'm finally (slowly) starting to feel better and have been able to do more than lounge around the house.  I think the snow day did me some good!

Maddux and I enjoyed the beautiful weather we had on Thursday and headed to the park for some fresh air and a short walk.  I think my pup was happy to have a decent walk!  Between travel, bad weather, and feeling gross we hadn't been to the park in a long time and we were both excited to be back.

You can't tell from here, but the geese were looming in the background. 

The past few days I have been doing the exercise bike at the gym.  It's one of the less popular machines so I've been able to hop on with no problem which is nice.  The battle for the 'mills can get old.  While I've definitely missed running, the bike has been kind of nice.  I read one of the magazines that has been sitting in a "to read" pile for months or listen to my beloved "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me!"  Maybe I'll add it in to my regular routine once I have one again.  I'm supposed to be cross training anyway, right?

I think now the time has come to try out a run (well...a run/walk.  I'm trying to be smart here and not push myself back into my bad rut).  I've been feeling pretty good the past few days and I have been ready for WEEKS to run.  As much as I hate it, I'm forgoing the gorgeous weather outside and sticking to the 'mill just in case things go wrong, but I'm so, so excited!  Keep your fingers crossed that it all goes well!

The rest of the weekend should be amazing because the pretty weather is supposed to keep up.  For once I have no real plans so I can spend most of my time planning for my best friend's upcoming bachelorette party and hanging out with my favorite guy.

Apparently not looking at the camera runs in our family.


I hope your weekend's off to a great start!


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Inclement Weather Running

Today is a snow day woohoo!  While I am definitely not a fan of the cold (the southern in me will never fully go away no matter how long I'm gone) I do love a surprise midweek day off.  It's been nice lounging in my pajamas (I may never change out of them) and taking my time with my coffee watching  my beloved Rachael Ray.

We ventured out and Maddux was not pleased.

I'm still not able to run (grr), but watching the snow fall made me think about running in different kinds of weather.  It's funny how runners are so different.  Some runners can't stand the treadmill and would rather run outdoors no matter what the circumstances.  Some runners prefer the treadmill no matter what the weather.  I fall somewhere in between.

Don't get me wrong, I love running outside and some days it pains me to have to hop on the treadmill.  I love my trails and I think running is one of the best ways to explore your city.  I've found so many of my favorite places in my city because of running.  Some days though when I just don't feel like I can make it it's nice to know that the treadmill is there for me.  My water is right there, I have my music to pump me up (I typically leave the music at home on outdoor runs), and I know if it turns out I really can't make it, I am right where I started just a couple minutes away from home.

When the weather is sunny and the temperatures just right I usually don't find myself dragging to get out on the roads.  When it's sprinkling out (let's be real, if it's pouring rain there's no way) or even snowing it takes me a lot little longer to get my butt out the door.  Secretly though?  I feel kind of badass running when the weather conditions are less than perfect.  My seven miler (man, that seems like forever ago) was pretty much all in a light snow, and while it's really not that big of a deal I felt all big and bad because I was out there when not a lot of other people were.  When I'm running in the rain and I see people in cars giving me those "that girl is crazy" look, I embrace it and think "Yeah I am!  Crazy about RUNNING! WOO!"  Without the rain and snow I wouldn't have half of those badass moments.

Anybody else feel the same way?  It's ok if I'm alone here--I gotta take my moments when I can!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Things are Looking Up

This weekend has been very relaxed.  I'm trying to do things right and rest up so that I can get back to running.  I realize that the Rock n' Roll race might not happen.  If it does happen I'm not going to be able to really run it.  That sucks.  I do however, have a race that I'm very excited about coming up at the end of April and I want to do everything I can to make sure I can get to the start line feeling good.

Other than sleeping, I read a lot and baked.   If you are looking for a yummy pumpkin bread recipe that isn't super sweet I definitely recommend this recipe.  The only changes I made were that I traded one cup of all purpose flour for one whole wheat.  I also made four mini loaves and added chocolate chips to two of them.



Today I tried out the stationary bike at the gym.  I took it easy and broke a little bit of a sweat (not hard for me to do).  Although I would have preferred running next to the other people on the treadmill, it was nice to know that I found a way to at least work off some frustration, if nothing else.

Maddux was happy I got to work out, too.  He loves my Sweat Pink laces.
So, while things are far from perfect on the workout front, I at least have found one form of cardio that I  can do and yummy pumpkin bread to snack on.  Not a bad way to end the weekend!


Friday, March 1, 2013

Favorite Things Friday

I've been kind of sad lately.  I haven't been able to run for over two weeks now and I'm slowly going crazy.  While I'm definitely not in any life threatening position, it has been frustrating not feeling like myself.  Hopefully whatever's ailing me will clear up soon, but in the meantime I have to take it easy.

To take my mind off being a couch potato, I figured I'd list some things that make me happy.  Positive thinking is said to work wonders so here we go:

This picture shows two of my favorite things.  Cozy flannel (falalala) sheets and my sweet baboo.  Maddux thinks it's a game when I put new sheets on the bed and jumps on and off the bed making it impossible to make the bed look nice.  This time he burrowed in.  I can't help but laugh whenever we play this "game."



Earning free drinks at Starbucks.  I have one waiting for me on my card and am thinking of cashing in this weekend.  It's supposed to get pretty chilly and a peppermint mocha is calling my name.

Pullovers with thumb holes.  My mom and dad have always been awesome valentines and offered to send this my way.  I'm pretty sure I will live in it.



Longer days and warmer days.  I am so excited that the days are slowly getting longer.  It's nice to be able to walk my pup after his dinner as well as right when I get home from work.

Clean floors.  I finally vacuumed and Swiffered.  It feels good.

Talks with my family (and friends!).   I was so lucky to be born into a such a supportive family who can make me laugh.  They constantly remind me that better days are on the way.



Typing this list made me feel significantly better.  I think it's important to step back and remember the things that are going right when life is feeling pretty wrong.  Now I'm trying to find ways to exercise without too much bouncing or head movement.  Planks have been my saving grave lately and I'm thinking of trying out the stationary bike tomorrow.  I seriously need to work up a good sweat.  If anybody else has any ideas I would love to hear them!

Have a happy weekend!