Slow start and an Award

January 21, 2014 by 10 Comments

Slow Start — Let’s just say I didn’t light the world on fire with my first week back to training. A combination of sick kiddo home most of the week with a virus and then not feeling fab after spending 24/7 with said sick kiddo, lead to a less than stellar start to training. So the goal is to re-group this week and make sure I get all of my miles in…and get enough sleep to keep the virus at bay.

Health Activist — At the end of last week I was notified that I’d been nominated for the Best Kept Secret Award in the Third Annual WEGO Health Activist Awards. wego healthPretty cool huh? I still have no idea who was behind my nomination – so to my mystery supporter I say a big “Thank you!”

If you get a moment, please go HERE and endorse me – I’d really appreciate it!

 

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Filed Under: awards, training, WEGO Health

Koss Fit Series – Must Have Gear

January 16, 2014 by 9 Comments

 

Koss Headphones

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Koss Fit Series Headphones. All of the opinions expressed here are, as always, my own.

It’s always fun to kick off the new year and a new training cycle with new gear. And, as I mentioned yesterday, for me that also includes new playlists. So given how important music is in my training, you can imagine how happy I was to be given a chance to try out Koss Fit Series headphones!

Koss’ female designers teamed-up with Gold Medalist Dara Torres to create the world’s first headphones designed specifically for women by women. I received both the FitBuds and FitClips headphones.

Fit buds

At 33% smaller than any earbud Koss has ever created, the Koss FitBuds are ideally designed for smaller ear canals. I loved the fit right out of the box, comfortable and secure –  they do come with three different sizes of ear cushions so you can find your ideal fit. They are ultra light-weight and delivered great sound, even during a wind-swept run last Saturday. Did I mention that they’re sweat-resistant too? Win!

I was pleasantly surprised by the Koss FitClips because I’ve not had the best track record with over-the-ear headphones. I find this style of headphone usually pinches – so not the case with the FitClips!

fit clips

They were flexible and very comfortable. Like the FitBuds, they included three different sized ear cushions, are equally light-weight and sweat-resistant. I loved that I could just put them on and forget about them – no fiddling necessary.

Both the FitBuds and FitClips come in five great shades and retail for $29.99. They’re available at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Walgreens, Kmart and Sears.

Overall, I loved the quality of both headphones, the comfortable fit they provide and the great sound they delivered – making them must have fitness gear in my book! With my training kicking off this week, I know I’ll be putting both headphones to good use both in the gym and on the road.

You can connect with Koss via Social Media

 

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Filed Under: fave things, Koss Fit Series, product reviews

Tunes Wanted! Playlist Link-up

January 15, 2014 by 12 Comments

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The treadmill is quickly becoming my new BFF for the majority of my runs lately, which means I am heavily dependent on my tunes for added motivation (and distraction). But, with the playlist in heavy rotation, I am in need of some new songs to keep things interesting, so today I’m linking up with Mar on the Give Me a Beat playlist linkup!

Here are a few of my current faves (no judgement!):

“Applause” by Lady Gaga — This one made it to my playlist after my oldest son suggested I listen to it. Never fails to get my feet moving!

“Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars — Ever since I saw Bruno perform this at the Grammy’s I’ve been hooked.

“It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons — The slower pace makes it a great tune for early in the run.

“Try” by P!nk — This one comes up in the later miles of a long run – helps me to refocus when my energy level is waning.

“Counting Stars” by One Republic — Another one that never fails to get me going.

“Run this Town” by Jay-Z (feat. Rihanna & Kayne West) — There is always at least one Jay-Z song on every one of my playlists!

As you can see, my music tastes run the gamut!

So help me out – what’s the one tune that is a must have on your playlist? And, if you’re looking for inspiration, head on over to Mar on the Run and checkout the rest of the link up!

 

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Filed Under: playlists

Let the base-building begin

January 13, 2014 by 9 Comments

Happy Monday!

It never ceases to amaze me how a few miles out on the pavement can be such a mood-booster! After bemoaning the affects of the Polar Vortex last week, Mother Nature decided to show some mercy this weekend in the form of temps in the high 40s and low 50s. While Saturday’s run was not without some rain and wind, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. And if I’m to believe our local weather people, this January thaw should continue throughout the week.

The Start

Perfect timing as it’s time for me to get focused and start re-building my base for my spring races. I’m looking forward teaming up with Coach Bennett again and getting back to following a training plan! Goals for this week: log 16 miles, 2 strength workouts, at least one day of yoga , in addition to my daily planks.

Did you get to enjoy a break in the temps? What are you planning for this week?

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Filed Under: attitude adjustment, running coach, training

Polar Vortex Fatigue

January 10, 2014 by 10 Comments

white flagThat’s it Mother Nature! I can’t take it any more! After living under the effects of the Polar Vortex, I’ve been holding on to the weatherman’s promise of a “warm up” coming at the end of the week. So you can imagine what I was thinking when I woke up this morning to see it’s snowing! This is a warm-up?!? (My mother reads my blog so I’ll refrain from typing what I was really thinking!)

Yes I own Yaktrax and all of the appropriate winter running gear to brave the elements….but I must confess – I just don’t want to! I have Polar Vortex Fatigue.

So listen Mother Nature I know there’s still 10 weeks of winter (not that I’m counting or anything…) and I’m not asking for Spring-like temps (though a girl can dream!)…I’m just asking you to ease up on the whole Vortex of doom thing and return things to our regularly scheduled winter.

Anyone else suffering from Vortex Fatigue?

 

 

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Filed Under: weather, winter running

Motivated Monday

January 6, 2014 by 9 Comments

 

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Enjoying a rare break from frigid temps here this morning – it’s 48 and raining but I’ll take it…temps will plummet tonight. After an extended school break thanks to the storm that hit Thursday, I must admit I was gleefully ready to send my troops out the door this morning! While we had a great break – as one mom put it to me yesterday, we’ve had “an awful lot of togetherness!”

But now the house is quiet, I have my coffee mug in hand and my To Do list for the week overflowth! Amid the pending chaos, I’m committed to moving (running or walking) everyday with at least 10 running miles, 2 strength workouts, continuing my daily planks and signing up for classes at a new yoga studio.

What have you got planned for the week?!

 

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Filed Under: Monday Motivation

Ready for 2014!

January 2, 2014 by 11 Comments

New Year goals

This quote really does sum up how I feel about the start of a new year. Yes, you can obviously set goals for yourself at any time…and I often do. But for me there is something about having a fresh new year laid out before you that just speaks of infinite possibilities!

I carved out some quite time for myself over the last couple of days to really hone in on what I’d like 2014 to look like. On the fitness front, here’s some of what I’ll be shooting for this year:

  • #14in2014 Challenge
  • Consistent strength training — key word being consistent!
  • Run a sub-2:20 half marathon
  • Run more races with my oldest son
  • Set a new PR for the 10-mile distance — (haven’t quite figured out the target time yet)
  • Run 1,000 miles
  • Continue to learn more about nutrition to find what works best for my training and overall health

I’m ready to write that new chapter!  Happy New Year!

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Filed Under: #14in2014, goals

#13in2013 Flashback

December 31, 2013 by 9 Comments

When I first signed on for the #13in2013 challenge there was a big part of me that thought – “What are you thinking?!?” 13 races in one year? But I love a challenge – so why not?!

After my first race of the year was canceled due to a Nor’easter, I started my quest for 13 in February with the Frosty Virtual 5K. The run benefited the American Cancer Society and I ran in honor of both of my grandmothers.

Frosty 5K

BAA 5K CollageNext up was the B.A.A. 5K – the first race of the B.A.A. Distance Medley! The race was held the Sunday before the Boston Marathon and the course was set up so we would finish the final “right on Hereford, left on Boylston” stretch and across the Marathon’s famous finish line. Definitely a fun race!

Later that month, I ran the inaugural Newport 10 Miler.  Unfortunately this would be the first of a couple of races this year where my stomach totally turned on me 🙁  Stomach issues aside, there were lots of good things about this day including meet-ups, a beautiful course and hanging with my running buddy E. Newport group 4     With Kim at Newport 10  919029_647770745240367_1885810049_o

Race #4 was Boston’s Run to Remember Half Marathon. I love this race and running it shortly after the Marathon bombings, it took on special significance. The race honors fallen police officers and police officers lined many sections of the route. The level of emotion, the chants of “let’s go Boston!” and all of those officers cheering and high-fiving runners – it was an experience I will not soon forget.  picmonkey_image (3)

Race #5 was the B.A.A. 10K  — Have I mentioned how much I love a Boston Athletic Association race?! Despite the heat-fest, I managed a negative split on the back 5K but missed my PR goal.BAA 10K

Next up was Finish at the 50 10K — This race is part of a 4th of July celebration at Gillette Stadium with great activities for the whole family. My oldest son ran in the kids’ races and then I took on the 10K. Even with a start time of 6 PM, it was soul-sucking hot! All of the runners took a “we’re all in this together” approach and there was lots of cheering and encouragement. Post-race the family enjoyed a great picnic and awesome fireworks display! IMG_2160

Race #7 was definitely the best race of the year as I ran with my son for his first 5K at the Narragansett Running Festival!

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I finished off the summer with Race #8 – Jill & Jen’s Virtual Birthday Bash! We were on vacation in the Finger Lakes region so this was a beautiful run with the lake and mountains as my backdrop. Lake

Race #9 was my first trail race! I hadn’t planned on it being my first tail race – let’s just say the course description wasn’t very descriptive! It was challenging and quite the experience to say the least!

runchat Race #10 was the Wicked Half Marathon. The original plan was to treat this race as a test to make sure I’d finally put an end to my stomach troubles before taking on the B.A.A. Half, my fall goal race. Well let’s just say nothing went according to plan – I woke up not feeling so hot that morning and by mile 5, the wheels had come off the wagon. Some how I finished that  race, though there was a great deal of walking involved, and I was down and out for another week after!

A week before Race #11, I took a fall during my long run that left me with a seriously bruised and swollen knee and a very tender foot. I was determined not to miss the BAA Half – it was the last race of the Distance Medley! Also, it was my running buddy E’s first half – how could I not be there?! This is the race I’m probably the most proud of completing! BAA Bling

The rest of the fall became about healing both the knee and especially my foot. I had to take a pass on my favorite local race and my last half marathon planned for early December. As my foot healed I found I could tolerate some short runs so I finished my 13 races with two virtual races supporting two great causes:
hope4philippines bib   miles_for_melanoma_logo_website_v2 (1)-1

After such a great year in 2012, I had had much higher hopes for 2013.  I’m disappointed with the way this year played out, but I’m far from discouraged. I learned a lot about myself this year – I think I’m much more mentally tough and know that will serve me well in the future. I’m even more determined to reach my goals in 2014 and cannot wait for the #14in2014 Challenge!

 

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Filed Under: #13in2013, B.A.A. Distance Medley, Boston's Run to Remember, Finish at the 50, injuries, Newport 10 Miler, virtual race

One Last Race and #OneSmallChange

December 27, 2013 by 4 Comments

Happy Friday! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We had a great day in the RWA household – lots of food, drink and laughter – the perfect combination!

miles_for_melanoma_logo_website_v2 (1)-1On Christmas Eve morning I ran my final race of #13in2013 – the Miles for Melanoma 5K virtual run. The streets were quiet and it was a great way to steal a few peaceful minutes for myself before all the holiday festivities got underway. A lingering head cold made this a bit of a slug pace-wise; but, after not getting many runs in lately, I was just happy to out on the road and supporting a great cause.

smchange buttonIn other news – it’s week 12 of the #OneSmallChange Challenge! For the past 11 weeks I’ve been joining with others to make small changes each week. You can check out weeks 1 – 11 HERE. This has been a great challenge and I’m really happy with some of the habits that I’ve adopted. For the final week, I’m taking a page from Marcia, (creator of the Challenge), and focusing on some much needed self-care. I’m overdue to book a check-up, the dentist, a mammogram, haircut….you get the idea. So I’ll be taking some time to book a bunch of appointments and start 2014 off on the right foot. First up this afternoon – a massage!

Are you good about booking appointments for yourself or are you last on your to do list?

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Filed Under: #13in2013, Small changes

2014 Race Calendar Taking Shape

December 23, 2013 by 21 Comments

While not complete yet, my 2014 race calendar is starting to take shape. Here’s what I’ve got so far:

Super Sunday 5 Miler (2/2)

Winter Warlock 10K or Frozen Pilgrim 10K (2/16)

Black Cat 10 Miler (3/1)

B.A.A. 5K (4/19)

Newport 10 Miler (4/27)

Boston’s Run to Remember 5 Miler (5/25)

Runner’s World Heartbreak Half Marathon (6/8)

Boston 13.1 (9/14) or Newport Half Marathon (10/12)

Tufts 10K (10/13) – if I don’t run the Newport Half

Canton Fall Classic (10/26)

Richmond Half Marathon (11/15) or Philadelphia Half Marathon (11/23)

This would be potentially 11 races towards my #14in2014 goal. I think I’d like to add the BAA 10K again – it was warmer than I would have liked but there’s the possibility that they’re going to move this race from the end of June…the question is when?

I’m happy to have a couple of 10 milers planned, and I’ve never done a 5 mile race so it will be fun to do a new distance! Another big change for the upcoming year is no spring “goal” half marathon. While the Runner’s World Heartbreak Half in June should be a lot of fun, I know those Newton hills all too well – I will not be looking for a PR. Instead I’ll be looking to shave some time off my 10-mile time at Newport. The goal half marathon will wait until the fall – decision on which race to come later.

Have you picked your 2014 races?

 

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Filed Under: #14in2014, race calendar