Double digits

April 15, 2011 by 12 Comments

When I first put my training plan into Smart Coach weeks ago, today was a day I circled. Today would be the first time I’d hit double digits!

While I was out running this morning, I kept thinking about where I was almost a year ago – working my way through the Couch-to-5k plan, finding it hard to believe I’d ever get to 3 miles….and anything beyond that was just crazy talk. But there I was this morning, cruising along to my new playlist my youngest son helped me together last night, watching the miles tick off on my Garmin and feeling pretty good, (by the way, music planning with a five year old is always interesting!). Today there were no walk breaks, even the traffic lights cooperated. And, while definitely windy, it was a beautiful day for a run and hitting a new distance. Great feeling to look down at my Garmin and see that 10 miles!

Now I’m ready for another jam-packed weekend! I’m really looking forward to heading out to see part of the Marathon on Monday. Gotta send a huge Friday Shout Out to all the runners heading to Boston this weekend – congrats on all of your hard work to get to this point…now enjoy the final ride!

Enjoy Your Weekend!
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Filed Under: firsts, long runs, Shout-outs, Smart Coach

Lessons from Today’s Run

March 18, 2011 by 6 Comments

Today I learned:

  • I must pay more attention to what I eat the night before a long run. Note to self, no more Italian subs with hot peppers…’nuff said!
  • Seeing some friendly faces about half way through a long run gives me a great lift!
  • When negative thoughts start to creep in, I need to remind myself how far I’ve come in just a year of running.
  • Still trying to figure out mid-foot strike on hills – I think I’m up on my toes a lot, which makes my calves tire quickly.

It was beautiful weather for a run this morning, and with a busy weekend ahead it was great to get my 7 miles done. Just Pilates and strength training tomorrow and a short run on Sunday left on the plan for this week.

Happy Friday & 
Shout Outs to anyone racing this weekend!
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Filed Under: observations, Shout-outs, training

Friday Shout Outs

November 12, 2010 by 4 Comments

In pulling myself out of this little motivation slump I find myself in lately, I take inspiration from those of you toeing the line this weekend!

Especially wanted to send Friday Shout Outs to:

Chris at Evolving through Running running the OBX Marathon
David at Running …Because I Can running the Richmond Marathon
Amanda at Miss Zippy also running Richmond
Tricia at Endurance Isn’t Only Physical running the R&R San Antonio Marathon
Amanda at Run to the Finish running the Ft. Lauderdale Half
Tonia at Racing with Babes running the HCA 8k

I know many of you are running at less than 100% and I applaud you for showing up and giving it your all. Trust in your training and you’ll do great! Good Luck!!

As for me – I’m determined to shake off this mini funk and get back out on the road this weekend!

Have a Great Weekend & Happy Running!

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Filed Under: motivation, Shout-outs

The knee watch continues

October 29, 2010 by 3 Comments

So far, so good….

I managed to string together a couple of runs and a killer Pilates class this week, and the good news is any discomfort in my left knee was mild!

So barring any changes in the next couple of days, I’m going to run a local race on Sunday. I’m planning to just go easy, have fun and be moral support for a friend who’s running her very first race after completing the Couch to 5k plan! I’m really psyched for her!  (Isn’t it funny how once you start running, you want everyone else to run too!)

A huge Friday Shout Out to all the runners racing this weekend!

Enjoy the Halloween Weekend!

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Filed Under: C25K, injuries, race, Shout-outs

Couple of Friday Shout Outs

September 24, 2010 by 2 Comments

Whew it’s Friday again! I feel like I’ve been in a whirlwind ever since the kids went back to school. Hopefully by this time next week we’ll all feel more settled into a rhythm around here.

Five miles with three at tempo was on the schedule for this morning – felt pretty good. On tap for this weekend is my usual Saturday morning pilates class and then a 7 miler on Sunday (Actually looking forward to the 7 – it’s a confidence booster for sure!).

Sending some Friday Shout Outs:

What have you got on tap for the weekend?

Happy Friday!

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Filed Under: Shout-outs, tempo runs, training

6 long miles, Friday Shout Outs & an Award

September 10, 2010 by 4 Comments

Thank Goodness it’s Friday!!
For a short week (due to holidays) it sure felt like a long one — does that make sense? While I was pretty pleased with myself for keeping up with my training plan while on vacation last week, tired legs definitely caught up with me this week! For what ever reason each run this week my legs felt like dead weight – this morning was suppose to be 6 miles with 4 at tempo pace. Well there wasn’t much tempo, but I did push through the overwhelming urge at mile 3 to cut the run short and finished the 6 in just over an hour. Those were some long miles! But I’m trying to focus on what’s working, right? So the big plus was that I stayed with it even when I was so sure I couldn’t take another step!

Friday Shout Outs also return today!  

Sending big shout outs to:

  • Amanda at MissZippy  for her half marathon this weekend
  • Molly at I’m a Sleeper Baker who taking on 26.2 on Sunday
  • anyone else who’s toeing the line this weekend to take on a race! Good luck!!
  • and, Claudia at ..and so I ran for being so sweet to pass on the Cherry on Top Award to me

So with this award I’m suppose to pass this on to 6 people and answer the question: “If you had one chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?”

I believe everything that has happened in my life up til now has helped to make me the person that I am – and I good with that. I was an athlete in college and do wish I had more consistently stayed on top of my fitness over the years…but I’m doing it now so I guess that’s what counts, right?

Passing this on to:

Have a Great Weekend!!

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    Filed Under: awards, Shout-outs, tempo runs, training

    Friday Shout Outs!

    August 13, 2010 by 3 Comments

    Ready to dive into what looks like a great weekend and wanted to send along some Friday Shout Outs!

    • to Beth at Shut Up and Run for not only being featured in her local paper, but also for the great interview she got to do with Dean Karnazes! Check it out HERE.
    • to TMB at Racing with Babes for adding some hardware to the collection in her first 4 miler!
    • to Jamie at Running Diva Mama for hitting the 1,000 mile mark in August!!
    • to all the runners taking on a new race this weekend – Good Luck!
    • and a Happy Birthday to Amanda at Run to the Finish!

    Looking forward to taking on my first 6-miler this weekend!

    Have a great one!!

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    Filed Under: Shout-outs

    A Few Friday Shout-Outs!!

    July 30, 2010 by 6 Comments

    It’s Friday again and it’s a glorious day here in my neck of the woods. Picture perfect day with no humidity for a change! My youngest and the dog are already tugging at me to get outside…but before I do, a few Friday Shout-Outs to share:

    • to Tonia, Katye, Marcia and Jamie who are all taking on the Chicago RNR Half on Sunday! Good luck and have fun!
    • to Marcia again for her blog Running Off at the Mouth being ranked among the top 25 blogs by Treadmill Reviews! It’s well-deserved! If you haven’t checked out her blog, you really should!
    • to anyone else taking on a race or new challenge this weekend!

    Make it a Great Weekend!

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      Filed Under: Shout-outs

      Friday Shout Outs – Go Gals for Cal!

      July 23, 2010 by 2 Comments

      I want to dedicate this week’s Friday Shout Out to my friend Kathy and her team Gals for Cal!

      This great group of women have come together to raise awareness and funds to fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).  Did you know that Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood? It’s a very progressive muscle wasting disease primarily affecting boys and right now there is no cure.

      On Sunday the Gals for Cal will compete in the SheRox Triathlon — this will be the team’s second triathlon. The group was formed in 2009 and competed in the Danskin Triathlon in honor of now 8-year old Calvin. For most this was their first Tri but it didn’t stop them from raising over $25,000! Now their hoping to reach that goal again in honor of Calvin, and three others boys Keelan, Jake and Jett. You can check out the Gals site for more information and to make a donation.

      I’m very proud of my friend Kathy, who prior to this had one 5k to her credit and now she’s about to be a two time triathlete!

      Go Gals for Cal — I hope you all rock it this weekend!

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      Filed Under: DMD, Gals for Cal, Shout-outs

      Friday Shout Outs

      July 16, 2010 by 2 Comments

      Happy Friday!

      Boy that was a fast week! Looking forward to hanging out with the family this weekend and getting in a little beach time!

      Wanted to send out some Friday Shout-outs to:

      • Mel at Tall Mom on the Run for her “High Five Fridays” and the inspiration for this new post series
      • the wonderful counselors at my kids’ camp who continue to ensure that my kids come home each day happy and exhausted — made for very mellow evenings at my house this week 😉
      • Mother Nature for showing pity on me and providing a light rain and sub-70 temps for my run yesterday
      • Marlene at Mission to a(nother) Marathon for already surpassing 1,000 miles — impressive!
      • anyone taking on the challenge of a race this weekend — good luck & stay hydrated!!

      Have a Great Weekend!

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      Filed Under: Shout-outs