Friday Five

September 23, 2011 by 5 Comments

  1.  I’m wondering what happened to the lovely fall-like temps we had here in New England just a week ago. Oppressive humidity has returned and it is sucking the life out of my “speedwork.”
  2. I’m in the final days of trying to get ready for the family’s first trip to Disney World – my head is spinning from the daily emails from the lovely Disney folks reminding us of all the activities/shows/etc. we have to choose from, advice from friends on the “must dos,” and thinking of all that needs to get done before we get on the plane!
  3. My last two long runs have been 10-milers and I’ve got 11 on tap for Sunday. I’ve really been enjoying my long runs and lovin’ how I’m feeling when I’m done. A turning point? 
  4. I’ve started using my Kinvaras for more than just track work and am amazed at how different the foot feel is vs. the Mirages. I think this slow and steady transition to a minimalist shoe has been the best approach for me – eventually I’d like to be running in the Kinvaras for long runs as well, but I think I’m going to wait until after Philly’s done.
  5. Looking forward to a fairly quiet weekend – just the usual kids sports and family running around. After another crazy busy week, I’m craving some down time.
 Have a Great Weekend!
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    Filed Under: Disney, general musings, Kinvara, Minimalism, Saucony

    Sony W Series Walkman Review

    September 21, 2011 by 8 Comments

    As some of you may remember, this summer I signed on to be part of Team Sony Walkman. Of course, the biggest perk of being on this team is the opportunity to try out Sony’s new wireless Walkman. I received my first Walkman headset back in July and have been running with it ever since.

    The new W Series Walkman

    What I have loved:

    • It’s wireless! I love that I can just put in the earbuds and go, without any cords to worry about knocking out mid-run (as I’ve been known to do)
    • It is lightweight — when I first read about and saw the design I was a little concerned about the unit being heavy or awkward, but once I picked up the package I realized that wasn’t going to be a problem. It’s very light! 
    • It’s water-proof – and let me tell you running in the downpour that was the Providence Rock n Roll put that waterproof promise to the ultimate test! And I can say it never faltered – it was great to just run and never worry about it.
    • It gives you Sony-quality sound – in my book, ‘nuf said!

    The initial set up on my laptop was fairly straight forward (you do need a Windows operating system) and you can drag and drop songs and playlists from iTunes in just a few minutes. Having all of the controls right on the headset did take a little getting use to – I hit the wrong button more then once on my first couple of runs.

    I do miss that, because of the design, I can’t run with just one ear bud in when I want- something I like to do in races. Also, I can’t plug into the treadmill TV if I want to catch up on ESPN while I’m logging time at the gym (still bringing traditional earphones for that).

    Overall, I’ve been really pleased with my Sony Walkman and just as I was going to post this review, I got a great surprise in the mail — the newly redesigned W Series Walkman! The new design is even lighter and smaller, and I think it has a much sleeker look. The control buttons are now split between the two earbuds (instead of all being on the right side as in the earlier version) — I’m finding it easier to manage. It’s also nice that it comes in white as well as black. All-in-all a nice upgrade!

    (I was provided with the Walkman but the reviews expressed here are completely my own.)

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    Filed Under: product reviews, Sony

    The simple joy of a run

    September 16, 2011 by 5 Comments

    Earlier this week I had talked about making choices, and that first on my list for the week was to hit the target pace for each workout. A worthwhile goal right?

    So I went to the track on Tuesday to face the intervals I dread the most…1600’s. As I ticked off each lap, pace math was making my head swim – I was obsessed with the numbers…but I did it, each interval was in fact below my target. I left the track, sweat-drenched and satisfied. Wednesday was a good strength training session and then came Thursday’s tempo run. I admit I can get a little psyched out over tempo runs, but I kept telling myself that the 1600 intervals I had run called for a faster pace than this run did…and besides the goal was to hit each target pace right? Wrong!

    From the beginning I struggled through the run and, as the numbers on my Garmin didn’t come down, the level of my negative self-talk went up. Now yes, it was 75 degrees out and crazy humid but there was more going wrong here than just Mother Nature not cooperating. I slogged through and in the end only hit 1 mile where I wanted to, and as soon as the Garmin chimed for the 5th mile I did something I’ve never done before. I stopped my watch and walked the last quarter mile home. I was miserable and just wanted to be done! It wasn’t until I was whining about it to J last night that it hit me….I was so caught up in hitting the pace that I had completely sucked the joy out of the run. I had kept using phrases like “I have to…” that morning, like it was some chore I needed to check off my to do list. Not a good recipe for success.

    This morning I was eager to get back out on the road – not necessarily for “redemption” but just to cut loose and enjoy a run. I debated wearing my Garmin, but did throw it on promising myself that no matter what number flashed at me that this was to be a run purely on feel. I just let go – I didn’t think about “have tos” or “must dos” I just ran for the simple joy of being out for a run on a perfect fall morning. Yes, I did glance at my Garmin once or twice, but I stuck to my promise to just go by feel. And, when I was done I felt recharged…and the nice bonus was I’d run a faster 4 miles then I have in awhile.

    While training plans and target paces are all valuable to help reach whatever goal you’ve set, it is so important to not forget to just run for the simple joy of a run!

    Happy Running!
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    Filed Under: choices, gift of running, goals

    Monday Motivation – Week 5

    September 12, 2011 by 7 Comments
    “Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”
    — Aristotle
    Week 4 was the first solid week of training for me and it was capped off with a fantastic 10 miler yesterday morning. I finished each workout feeling strong…instead of the “What the heck was that?!?” feeling of weeks 1 & 2.

    So, it’s on the week 5 and I choose to …..

    ….hit all my target paces for each workout
    ….re-introduce my ITB to the foam roller
    ….do daily core work
    ….pay better attention to what I’m eating
    ….get more sleep so I’m not dragging my tail outta bed in the morning
    ….in addition to my runs, commit to doing yoga and strength training
    So what choices will you make today?
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    Filed Under: choices, Monday Motivation, training

    Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

    September 8, 2011 by 6 Comments

    This morning marks Day 2 of watching the big yellow bus whisk my “baby” off to Kindergarten. Why is it that they never look smaller or more vulnerable then when they’re climbing up those bus stairs?

    With both boys now on the same school schedule (cue the angels singing!), I’ve now got a big block of time for client projects, house projects…and to up the ante on my running. Following the Providence RnR, there was major mileage shrinkage in August. But let’s be honest, it wasn’t only the mileage that went down, my enthusiasm for yoga and strength training was non-existant. I was tired and I was getting my tail kicked by ragweed. I was happier just hanging out and enjoying the last weeks of the summer – cocktails were enjoyed and I pretty much ate what I wanted. But, I did jumpstart my training last week and am feel pretty good about the effort I put in. And now, I have more flexibility in getting my workouts in, so I’m expecting big things for this month!

    With the weather faucet in what seems like the permanent “on” position, I’m fully embracing the treadmill. I have been known to whine in the past about the ‘mill, but I’ve decided I need to change my attitude. So when I hit the gym now I remind myself to be grateful that I have an alternative to pounding the pavement in sloshy running shoes. The attitude adjustment helps – the runs haven’t felt like such a chore, and I actually like doing my hill work on the ‘mill. Besides, it all gives me a chance to get my fill of ESPN and all things football!

    Season kicks off tonight – Go Saints!

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    Filed Under: 3 things, back to school, football, mileage shrinkage, treadmill run

    Are you listening?

    September 1, 2011 by 6 Comments

    Some days your body is trying to tell you something…the question is…are you listening?

    Do you ever have those mornings where body parts are in revolt before you ever roll out of bed and touch one foot to floor? But you shake it off and think…wow I’m stiff this morning – (or, as was the case for me this morning….getting old sucks!)

    Then as you move around going through whatever your routine is before heading out the door, those same body parts continue to voice their displeasure with what you’ve got planned – but you wave it off and think I’ll be fine once I get moving.

    Now you’re out the door and moving…it’s not pretty at first, but at least your moving. By a mile in, you’ve found a rhythm and you feel like you’ve shown those body parts who’s the boss. But as you start mile 4, the revolt has returned in earnest and you can’t ignore the message that you might have gotten a little carried away with yesterday’s strength training, and that if you don’t want to be walking funny the rest of the day that it’s best to back off the pace…right now!

    So you wrap-up your run, much slower than you want, but the rebels are for the moment pacified, content that they got their point across.

    Yeah…well that’s pretty much how my run went this morning. Clearly my legs were still feeling the effects of yesterday’s workout and continuing to push today just might not have ended well, and I didn’t want to do anything to risk missing this weekend’s long run.

    But it’s always an interesting question for runners – when do you push through and when do you back off?

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    Filed Under: general musings, listening to your body, to push or not to push

    Training reboot

    August 30, 2011 by 7 Comments

    While I don’t want to call week 2 a failure it was definitely nothing special and makes me happy there are still 12 weeks to go!

    There were good points — hill repeats on the mill and a great strength and core workout; but there was much that was just so-so or worst…non-existent (no yoga, and thanks to Hurricane Irene I missed my 8-miler).

    So I’m coming at this week with renewed energy and focus! This morning was a beautiful morning to be at the track – on the plan was 3 sets of 200/200/400 with jogs, plus warm-up and cool-down. There were a lot of us on the track, but despite a little weaving I nailed my target pace for each interval!

    For the rest of the week – there’s daily core work, plus:

    Wednesday:    Easy run plus strength work
    Thursday:        Tempo run
    Friday:             Rest
    Saturday:         Weekly Pilates Reformer group
    Sunday:           Long run (9)

    Hopefully this morning’s workout means I’ll get much better results this week.

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    Filed Under: refocusing, track work, training

    Really?! Another Half Marathon?

    August 26, 2011 by 11 Comments

    “Really?! Another half marathon?” – that’s been the response from a couple of my non-running friends to the news that I’m running Philly in November.

    The truth is I had barely crossed the finish line of the Providence Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon before I knew one thing for sure – I was registering for another!

    When I started running in March 2010, I could barely complete a mile. Running a 5k seemed like a major undertaking! But even then I was harboring a secret desire to run a half marathon.

    So what is it about the half marathon distance?

    •  13.1 miles is a significant enough distance that you need to respect it and have to put in the training for it. There is a level of both mental commitment and stamina required.
    • On the other hand, you can train for a half and maintain a balance with the rest of your life! As a mom of two active young boys, I just don’t know how I’d fit in 3-4 hour training runs. To all you running moms who do it and my hat’s off to you — I’m just not there yet!
    • Recovery time is manageable. I’m comfortably walking the next day and can be back out on the road within a couple days of racing.
    • I love a race with bling! (Most 10ks and 5ks don’t offer medals)
    • There’s a great sense of accomplishment when I’m done!

    So my answer to the question about another half is quite simply – Heck ya! What’s not to love? Yes I will run my third this year and I’m already eyeing a few halfs for next year! I think someone warned me before my first that this distance would be addicting…and they might be right 🙂

    What’s your favorite race distance?
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    Filed Under: fave things, Half marathon, RnR Providence

    Week 2 Begins & Gotein Winners

    August 22, 2011 by 9 Comments

    So week 1 of Philly training is complete – it was a little all over the place as I making tweaks. After checking out the boys’ school schedule, adding more hill and speed work, and taking into account a couple of 10ks I hope to run, I think I’ve got a plan that will work.

    On the decks for this week:

    Monday:          Yoga

    Tuesday:          Hill repeats (6)

    Wednesday:     Easy run (3) plus Strength work

    Thursday:         Tempo run (5)

    Friday:               Rest

    Saturday:          Pilates Reformer

    Sunday:             Long run (8 or 9)

    ===========================================

    Gotein Giveaway Winners!

    With the help of Random.org, the winners are Danielle (DEM) and Jenna Z! Congrats ladies! Shoot me at email at runningwithattitude (at) yahoo (dot) com.

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    Filed Under: giveaways, Gotein, hill work, Philly Half, training

    Friday Five

    August 19, 2011 by 7 Comments
    • It’s funny sometimes where and how you can connect with another runner — yesterday I was having my refrigerator fixed again (that’s a whole other story!) and after the repairman had explained to me what the problem was, he then paused and said “So how’d you do?” I, of course, had no idea what he was talking about then he pointed to our whiteboard calendar hanging on the wall and said “The Rock n Roll – how was it?” Turns out he’s a runner and had wanted to run that race but had a conflict! We proceeded to spend the rest of the time while he was fixing the fridge talking about running and local races. He was a great guy with funny running stories – and best of all the parts were under warranty so it didn’t cost me anything!
    • After some tweaking, I think I have my training plan for Philly figured out. I used Smart Coach for my last two races, but when I looked at the plan it gave me this time it just felt like too much of the same. So after poking around and some Twitter conversations, I’ve modified the plan using some elements of Hal Higdon’s Advanced Half Training plan. My revised plan includes more speedwork throughout the entire training cycle and also incorporates more hill work in the first few weeks — both are areas I really want to improve on.
    •  My core work challenge continues. To be honest, I’ve missed a day here and there but overall I’m much more mindful about trying to get some core work in (at least planks) – I think it will pay off for me over time.
    • This has been a l-o-n-g week! For no particular reason, it just seems like for the first time all summer it has taken forever to get to Friday — anyone else feel like that?
    Have a great weekend!
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    Filed Under: giveaways, Gotein, Hal Higdon, Philly Half, running community, Smart Coach