Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

February 9, 2012 by 11 Comments

My mind is a total jumble this morning as I’m trying to keep straight everyone’s schedules, backpack requirements, meeting times, groceries list, menu planning and other errands….yeah basically just the typical “Mom’s Brain Syndrome.” I would love one day when I could come down stairs in the morning and someone would tell me what I have scheduled for the day and then hand me a packed bag with all of the things I’ll need…a girl can dream can’t she?

After a great week of training capped off by a strong 11 mile run Saturday, I’m having a hard time finding a groove this week. Being up with my sick little guy half the night earlier this week hasn’t helped, but in general the runs have just been ok verging on blah. Guess that’s part of the ebb and flow of running.

The FedEx guy delivered my PureConnects yesterday (cue the angels!) I’m silly excited to try this shoe out, but it probably won’t be today as I’m off to do hill work and I doubt hills are the best way to try out a new shoe. Tomorrow’s suppose to be a rest day, but I may need to sneak a couple in just so I can give these shoes a go.

signature
Filed Under: 3 things, hill work, PureConnect

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

January 19, 2012 by 5 Comments

1)  I either need to find more hours in the day or tone down my somewhat ambitious to do list. Perhaps it’s the shortened week after the boys being home on Monday, but really feel like I’m struggling to keep all the balls in the air.

2)  Is anyone else getting bombarded with summer camp brochures/email reminders? I mean seriously people it’s January 19 – what’s the rush?! I like to be as organized as the next girl, but sometimes it feels like there’s so much focus on the next thing/season/activity, etc. that there’s no time to just be in the moment and enjoy now. Of course, this is coming from someone who recently posted a full year’s race schedule…ironic, I know.

3) My training schedule’s going to need some tweeking. In an effort to increase my weekly mileage, I’m running 5 days, but with my weekly hour of pilates butt-kicking…I mean class on Wednesday nights this means I’m running twice and doing the class all within a 24 hr period. While I’ve been able to do it, I’m freakin’ tired by the time Thursday afternoon rolls around. And even with Friday as a rest or yoga day, I’m finding I’m still a little low energy when I head out for my long run on Saturday. I’m going to play around with the plan over the next couple of weeks and see if I can come up with something that’s a little kinder to my 45-year-old legs 😉

How’s your week going?
signature
Filed Under: 3 things, listening to your body, to do list, what's the rush

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

January 12, 2012 by 4 Comments
  • I love all of the different challenges going on right now on either blogs or Daily Mile. I joined Christine’s 100x Challenge over at Dream Big Runner. The Challenge goes all year with different targets of 100 each month – for January the goal’s to run 100k (or 62.2 miles) and next month it’s 100 push-ups per week (ouch!). I recently discovered Christine’s blog and really enjoy it so if you haven’t checked it out you should. Also, there’s still time to join the Challenge!
  • I went back to see “Dr. Needles” again on Tuesday, where both my left knee and lower back were once again given the human pin cushion treatment. He peppered me with a bunch of questions about my last couple of runs and seems happy with the progress. I’m going again next Tuesday and then will take a break for a couple of weeks and see how the leg responds.
  • Looks like I’ll be playing race director for my boys’ school fun run! I’ve volunteered at this event for the past couple of years – it’s one of our family’s favorite school events – and in a moment of insanity I agreed to chair the committee for this year’s race. The run includes 1/2 mile and 1 mile races for the kids plus a 5k for anyone who’s game. Should be fun to see what all goes into coordinating a local race – I’ve got until May to figure it out!

signature
Filed Under: 100x Challenge, 3 things, acupuncture, playing race director

3 Things – Record heat, Sony Discount, "My Run" giveaway

October 6, 2011 by 3 Comments
  • “Record heat” — those were the words uttered by my local weather guy as he gave the forecast for the holiday weekend. They’re predicting 81 degrees for Monday – this is suppose to be fall race weather?!?  We had a frost advisory this morning and now record heat! C’mon Mother Nature! 
  • Sony Discount — As a member of Team Sony Walkman, I’ve been given some discount codes to share with my readers to save 10% off a W Series Walkman MP3 player! If you missed my review of the new W Series, you can check it out HERE   I only have a limited number of coupons and the offer expires on October 15th. So, if you’re interested, leave a comment below or shoot me an email.
  • “My Run” DVD — Don’t forget my giveaway ends tomorrow!

signature
Filed Under: 3 things, giveaways, Sony, weather

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!

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

Thursday Thoughts – Hangover, Young Runners & Core Challenge

August 11, 2011 by 6 Comments
  • Got hit with what I’m calling the “Half Hangover” — post race I felt really good Monday and Tuesday, but whamo on Wednesday I felt totally spent! I’m talking dead on my feet…even had a sore throat – so random. Still wasn’t feeling fab when I got up this morning, but I figured I’d go for just a quick couple of miles before the kids went to camp. Surprisingly the heaviness in my legs was gone within the first half mile, and by the run’s end I was feeling much, much better.
  • I can’t stop thinking about a runner I met Sunday while hanging out before the race. She was 13 years old and there to run her first half marathon! She was the sweetest girl and her face completely lit up when she talked about running. But 13?! Is it just me, or does that seem too young to be out there and running by herself? I’ve been wondering how she held up in that crazy weather.
    • Today I’m kicking off a 30-day ab-work challenge for myself. My core could be a lot stronger than it is, and of late this is an area I’ve really been slacking off in my workouts. So from now through September 9th, I’m committing to do some core work daily. Hopefully after 30 days, it will be a habit I stick with.
    Want to play along? What’s your favorite core workout?

    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, core work, half marathon hangover, too young to race?

    Thursday Thoughts – Birthday edition

    August 4, 2011 by 13 Comments
    • Yep it’s my birthday and I started my morning nice and early with an easy 3-mile run. My kiddos thought I was going to sleep late this morning…and while tempting, this workout was my little gift to myself to start my 46th year right. Running’s truly been a gift for me – it’s made me healthier and fitter than I have been in a very long time…and it helps keep me sane. Seriously, how many things can you say that about?!
    • I know some people who dread their birthdays – the thought of getting another year older. I prefer to think of it as my own personal New Year’s — a chance to reflect on the past year and set some new goals. (In case you hadn’t noticed I’m very Type A…it’s all about goal-setting!)
    • Celebrating will be fun but low-keyed …in other words, one glass (ok maybe 2) of wine …more celebrating after Sunday’s race 🙂 I’m meeting a friend for lunch and shopping (of course!) and tonight J is taking me to the Chihuly exhibit then dinner. I’ve been dying to see this exhibit…can’t wait!

    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, birthday celebrations, gift of running

    Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

    June 30, 2011 by 6 Comments

    Crazy schedule wrapping up the school year, plus taking a a few days off after the race turned June into one of my lowest mileage months this year.

    With school finally done, we’re settling into a summer routine around here and I’ve been pushing the alarm clock back to get those early morning runs in – must be working cause I woke up at 5:30 this morning without the alarm…only problem was today’s a rest day.

    I loved reading everyone’s comments about how fast to do a long run. I have 10 miles on the plan for tomorrow. This will be the first time going back up to double digits since the race so I’ve decided to just run by feel and see where I come out pace-wise — should serve as a good benchmark. I’ll also be testing out my Nathan hydration belt.

    Can you believe tomorrow is July 1 already?!?!
    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, early morning runs, long runs, Nathan hydration belt, Schedule vs Training

    Thursday Thoughts – aka 3 things

    June 2, 2011 by 5 Comments
    • Took my first post-race run this morning — it was a very tentative 2 miles. While my knee felt ok, my hamstring was not having it! It was such a beautiful morning, I wish I could have gone further, but I’m playing it safe.
    • Don’t forget about my Running on Empty giveaway – it ends tomorrow. You can click HERE for details. There are some really great giveaways going on in the blog world – I have a bunch listed on the sidebar if you want to check them out.
    • I’m WAY behind on my “spring cleaning” so I’m back on a huge clutter purge. With the end of school coming, it time to go through all the many school papers and projects that seems to be taking over my dining room table!
     It’s almost Friday – love a short week!

      signature
      Filed Under: 3 things, giveaways, injuries, Running on Empty

      Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

      April 21, 2011 by 7 Comments
      • So far the shift to early morning workouts is working. The alarm’s been going off at 5:20 and I’m usually moving 15 mins later. Despite not being what I would ever consider a morning person, I’ve been reminded this week of how much I enjoy starting my day with a run. It’s like a morning meditation in motion.
      • Speaking of meditation, I signed for another 21-day Meditation Challenge sponsored by the Chopra Center. I did a similar challenge during the winter and stuck with meditating for weeks afterwards. But of late I’ve let it slip so this challenge came at a good time. I find I’m definitely more focused and even-keeled when I’m meditating.
      •  My love affair with my Saucony Mirage continues – I’ve been doing all of my short runs in them while using my Brooks for the long runs. I’ve got another 10 on the plan for tomorrow and I’m tempted to try the Sauconys instead. My calves are really tight after yesterday’s tempo run so I’ll have to see how I feel in the morning.

      Do you rotate shoes or stick to a one pair at a time?

      signature
      Filed Under: 3 things, Brooks Adrenaline, Chopra Center, meditation, Saucony