Why I Want Massanutten

When I realized the date yesterday, and how could I miss it with the world celebrating the "longest" day of the year, it dawned on me that it has been a month since I left Massanutten unsuccessful in my attempt to return to the meadow and cross that famous finish line.

I spent some time in the days after the race checking out other options to still make 2013 my 100 mile debut year but with concerns for my knee those hours were merely a means to use the energy and excitement I still had for wanting to have "done it."  I found myself seriously considering a looped 100 in PA in the middle of July only to present myself with a dozen reasons why I couldn't do it.

All this left me with a question I had been asked ringing through my head,
"Why do you want Massanutten?"

Biking Sherpa had asked this question while we filled miles with endless chatter.  She didn't exactly want an answer when she asked it.  She had wanted an explanation for not only her but for, maybe everyone who clicked refresh dozens of times that beautiful Saturday in May.  She wanted to know why another 100, any 100, couldn't be worked into the fall schedule and I could have that buckle.

The reason to me is simple, I want the real deal.  I don't want to run around in circles to say that I can run 100 miles.  Honestly the distance isn't the attraction.  I'm drawn to those climbs.  I want to see what is on top, around the next corner, down the next trail.   I want to know those rocks just like I know my favorite country routes that I grew my running on.  Wanting Massanutten is a little like being able to get any boyfriend in your school but wanting to date the teacher. 

I think back to what drew me to wanting Massanutten when this 100 mile dream first started.  I want to be honest about my reasons so I will admit that in choosing MMT I was making a decision based a bit on a preconceived idea of just how far I could reach...and couldn't.  I was giving myself such a big challenge that if I failed, the mere attempt would be a success.  In that way, it felt safe to want such a lofty goal.  Another thing that drew me to MMT was my running club.  The Virginia Happy Trails Running Club.  This is a group of the best people I have ever met.  In my trail running world, they are the in crowd.  But in my case I felt like the kid always picked last and I wanted to show this amazing group of people that I did belong on their dodge ball team at recess.  But there was one other thing rattling around in my head as I was encouraged by my trail brethren to do MMT, it was the thought that I actually could do it.  I didn't need loops or a flat course to join the club.  I simply could complete Massanutten.  I believed I could.

As it turned out, I didn't quite make it.  MMT slipped through my fingers - this time.  But I still believe I can and I will.  Now MMT is to me like many of my double day runs when I run a certain number of miles plus a point five.  I've run this way for years to leave something to finish.  MMT is now for me that half mile I left undone this morning, I don't have a choice but to finish it.  And how could I start another 100 before I finish this one.

 

I Only Drank Coffee for the Sugar....

In three short days I've discovered that black coffee sucks.  Okay, I actually figured that out on Day One but I now accept the fact that it won't get any better.  Black coffee just sucks and I was clearly only drinking it for the milk and sugar I put in it.

 

Not any more.  Thanks to the

 

I've survived to see Day 3. 

Survived is not to strong of a word. 

My kids did not like the threats that the only food allowed in the house would have to follow these rules:

 

Do not consume added sugar of any kind, real or artificial. No maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, Splenda, Equal, Nutrasweet, xylitol, stevia, etc. Read your labels, because companies sneak sugar into products in ways you might not recognize.  Clearly I underestimated my addiction to sugar because this one has proven super hard.  Plus sugar is in every thing!

• Do not consume alcohol, in any form, not even for cooking. (And it should go without saying, but no tobacco products of any sort, either.) Not an issue because I gave up alcohol a life time again but did you know it's in all the extracts you use for baking?!
• Do not eat grains. This includes (but is not limited to) wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, rice, millet, bulgur, sorghum, amaranth, buckwheat, sprouted grains and all of those gluten-free pseudo-grains like quinoa. Yes, we said corn… for the purposes of this program, corn is a grain! This also includes all the ways we add wheat, corn and rice into our foods in the form of bran, germ, starch and so on. Again, read your labels.  This is another temptation simply because bread makes meals especially for kids much easier.  So it's a lazy factor.
• Do not eat legumes. This includes beans of all kinds (black, red, pinto, navy, white, kidney, lima, fava, etc.), peas, chickpeas, lentils, and peanuts. No peanut butter, either. This also includes all forms of soy – soy sauce, miso, tofu, tempeh, edamame, and all the ways we sneak soy into foods (like lecithin).  This delayed my start day by a day because I bought hummus not thinking about chickpeas being a legume and ate some.  Duh!   And come on!  No PB.
• Do not eat dairy. This includes cow, goat or sheep’s milk products such as cream, cheese (hard or soft), kefir, yogurt (even Greek), and sour cream… with the exception of clarified butter or ghee. (See below for details.)  Butter isn't a big deal but cheese.  Cheese makes everything better, right? 
• Do not consume carrageenan, MSG or sulfites. If these ingredients appear in any form on the label of your processed food or beverage, it’s out for the Whole30.  Not a big deal here since I avoided this stuff before and already know which brands/items we buy that have or don't have it.  Read labels!
• Do not eat white potatoes. This is somewhat arbitrary, but if we are trying to change your habits and improve the hormonal impact of your food choices, it’s best to leave white, red, purple, Yukon gold and fingerling potatoes off your plate.  Skipping the potatoes isn't an issue either.  Not a big challenge. 

Luckily for my children I didn't throw out all the non-compliant food.  Their eating habits will have to be changed in a much more gradual way or they will revolt and you will find my floating face down in our swimming pool. 

 

 

We celebrated S'ghetti girls 12th birthday this week and I did buy a cake.  I didn't risk baking one that early in the plan The kids enjoyed the sugary treat.  I couldn't have gotten my nose closer to that icing if I had tried...and I did.  It was really hard to not indulge but the kids have all been very supportive of mommy's new "eating plan."  S'ghetti girl reminded me that it's only 30 days and I will be so happy after I complete my 30 days that a simple piece of cake won't be such a temptation any more.

 

 

 

These days I'm drinking my coffee iced with coconut milk and bonking on my most of my runs.  But hopefully that feeling will pass as my body gets used to the new fueling program.  With the super secret spy out on a mission, the kids filling the role of cheerleader and a healthy supply of healthy foods around I'm excited to see how I'm feeling in 27 more days.

 



 

And in case you were wondering, while you will be seeing pictures of my yummy meals, you probably won't be seeing those "before" photos any time soon. 

A treadmill is NOT just for running

When you workout at home you do things and think that everyone else is doing them to but yesterday as I was posting my workouts from the day on the HBBC FB page

 

 

I found out that I might be doing something that isn't quite as common.

 

With planks seemingly all the rage but extremely boring and my mommy tummy not getting any tighter on it's own, I wanted to raise the bar on my core workouts without the expense of say, a CorBench.  

 

I've call them walking planks and a quick google shows me that others do them too so I'm not crazy.  They are crazy hard.  Since this amazing lady is much nicer to look at we will use your video as an artistic interpretation of how I look doing them.  

 

 

 I start standing right behind my treadmill with the belt running. Remember to start slow you can always work up to a faster "walk" in time. Safety first. I then simply do a plank over the moving belt. First with my hands on the side rails and then once I'm set in position, I start "walking" with my hands on the belt. Even if you can only go for a short time, try walking for X length of time and holding plank on the side rails for X length of time. That way you can work up to longer "walks."

 

 

 

Another thing I do while on the treadmill is basketball drills. Lateral side shuffles and running backwards. Lately I've been doing a lot of lateral side shuffles in a squat position.   I usually do this drill after my run portion so my legs are a bit tired.  I squat slightly and side shuffle turning sides every minute with a backwards run inbetween. 

 

 

 

Lastly I do agility drills to practice the needed "fast feet" while running on rocky technical trails.  Which simply means taking several strides on the belt and then stepping once on alternating side rails then right back onto the moving belt.  Remember safety first.  Start slow and work up to going longer and faster as your ability allows.

These are just a few ways I try to keep my treadmill workouts hitting different muscles and keep my brain more active while running in one place. 

Eye Opening

What Mizuno has to say:

The Mezamashii Run Project is an effort by Mizuno to help create a more euphoric running experience — a more "brilliant" run — for more runners everywhere. The word "mezamashii" means "eye-opening" or "brilliant" in Japanese — it’s a word that captures the euphoric feeling of a brilliant run.

Mizuno believes their shoes can help runners achieve this mezamashii feeling more often, so they’re inviting thousands of runners to receive a free pair of shoes and join their quest for the brilliant run.

I like that translation; eye-opening.  Now that I think about it, my running could be boiled down to that word.  My eyes have been opened more to the world around me.  I see and appreciate life, nature and people in a deeper way as my running has evolved.  My eyes are open to just how blessed I am in this life.  My eyes are open to how wonderfully different everyone is and just so much the same.  My eyes have been open to how the small action can have the biggest impact.  My eyes were opened to how losing myself on a run could help me come back to those around me more myself than I was before. 

Yes, I'd say that running is eye-opening.  So promoting a company who believes that the pursuit of that euphoric feeling is worth giving away thousands of shoes just to prove that their shoes can help get you there, is something I can do.  So this nearly lifelong brand loyal girl is about to lace up a different shoe and I invite you to do the same.

Another great runners who have joined the pursuit of a brilliant run:

Marica's Healthy Slice

All Kinds of Wet

Thinking back to Massanutten and my worries that if I got in I might have an issue with the heat, now seem hilarious to me.  It amuses me that I thought it would be hot in early May.  I don't think I knew what hot was until I tried running in Virgina at 4 in the afternoon yesterday. 

I felt after a measly run of 4 miles that my entire body had melted.  Without much cover on the route I choose and no breeze at all, I ended my brief run soaked from heat to toe.  In time I assume I will get used to the temperatures and find a better schedule to fit in my outside miles but until there I am sure I will be spending me days soaking wet...

one way or another.

How early do you get up to get your miles in before the heat?

Or do you suck it up and run outside regardless?

# 2

My training plan.

yeah I do have one.

its written in pencil

good thing considering how much erasing I have done lately.

This weekend is to be my 20/12 b2b long run. 

I can tell you now that will not happen this weekend
if
we are in Virginia.

That's the thing with my life.  It doesn't seem to care that I have a plan.
It doesn't care that in about 16 weeks I could be high up on a mountain half lost on a rocky trail frantic to make friends with another runner who wants to run, in the dark, through the night, with their new best friend, me.
My life doesn't care about any of that.
This week my back to backs came early in the week and spanned 3 days.

That is the way my life goes.  A bit off-plan.  Often unpredictable.
But come to think of it. 
My training my be exactly the plan I need to see my way to a 100 mile finish line.
Ultras tend to be a bit unpredictable.  They rarely follow a plan.

With 16 weeks to go, I think I might actually be right on track.


If you are wondering were I am on the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 wait
list click Here

How important is it to you to "follow the plan"?

I need a favor...

I do.  I need a favor. 

Somehow I have gotten out of the habit of getting

my increasingly big butt

out of bed in the morning.

The morning is seriously a great time to squeeze in a little exercise and start the day right.  I know all this stuff.  I lived the double days for years.  Lately I have gotten tired.

Tired of fighting with LBM. 

Tired of dealing with weather. 

 Tired of not getting my sleep again thanks to LBM. 

Tired of feeling, well tired.

The odd thing is that the days I do get up even for a short run or workout I always feel better throughout the day.

So this morning if you haven't seen me post my run on DailyMile by, let's say 9 o'clock feel free to

completely call me out, say I'm lazy, remind me that I'm letting myself down...

 leave me an encouraging comment.

I'll be happy to return the favor because 

that after run smile...is always worth it.

The Other D Word

Recovery is about more than not being active.

I was thinking about recovery while I was watching The Biggest Loser last night.  For anyone who has watched the show, you know that first episode shows scenes of "contestants" being pushed beyond their limits physically and mentally.  That usually results in footage of contestants fainting, throwing up, crying, whining, or just plain walking out. 

Last night we were even introduced to the term "fake vomiting."  Which Bob Harper explained is really the way a contestant gets to take a break in the workout.  While I didn't watch the entire episode what I did see left me wondering why they still don't show any footage of what the trainers have the contestants do or not do for recovery. 

Now I do realize they are editing hundreds, maybe thousands of hours of footage down to fit into their hour and a half show time. 

Come on.  they are not kidding anyone.  At least 30 minutes of every show is advertisements!

I credit them with trying to show as much of "the process" as they do BUT I think they are missing a key element in the fitness journey.

RECOVERY

This is probably the last topic you might expect to read about here considering that I haven't taken what most would consider a "rest" day for recovery in over 600 days.  I do however use many things for recovery after every workout. 

Today let's talk about diet. 

I know it's the other D word but often your diet can be a critical part of not only your fueling but your recovery.

I am currently on a "diet" meaning I am restricting the options and reducing my calories on purpose.  In case you are interesting I am basically following The 17 Day Diet.  This plan for the first 17 days capitalizes on the rapid weight loss you can experience due to reducing the amount of water you retain.  While many may feel that "water weight" loss is not "real" weight loss and thus has no value.  I would disagree. 

The first positive of the rapid results on the scale, as quickly as the second day, are that you feel motivated to continue to eat healthier because you see your efforts rewarded. 

You also benefit on this plan by eliminating items from your diet that may be difficult for your body to digest.  Due to any number of reasons I have gotten lazy in my meal preparation.  Typically after my evening run I simply just want to make sure the little kids have eaten and they are often happy with less than stellar choices.  With this plan I am reminded how little preparation is required to have several day's worth of meal ready that are fresh and good for my body.

My mid morning snack

Fueling your body in a healthy way will help your body to repair and recover from all the stresses you put it through.  While this plan may not be for every one and may not be an example of a realistic life long eating plan for most, a "diet" is a tool to help rid your body of unneeded pounds and bad habits that are hindering your performance.  Diet doesn't have to be a bad word.  A diet can be a useful tool in achieving the fitness level you are reaching for this year.

So how you do feel about diets?

Have you ever followed The 17 Day Diet?

How has "dieting" effected your training?

Speaking of recovery tools.  You don't have to visit often to know my number 1 recovery tool, my all time favorite recovery tool is COMPRESSION.  And The Studly Runner is hosting a Aspaeris shorts giveaway.  I am dying to try them since I hear amazing things from every one who has.  Hop over and share some of your wisdom with Marcia or just go to talk about my crazy dieting-during-training thing.

An unexpected ring

Yesterday was day # 599.

Since I am taking some time off from the Big Girl job the kids and I are in VA while the poor super secret spy has to work.  Well, he had to work today. 

I had big plans for the run today.  The plan was to run a long loop with LBM in the jogger to start pushing my upper body strength a bit.  Then follow that run with a round of Insanity while the kiddos all played and frequently checked on me to make sure I didn't pass out.

I still got out for a run. I still challenged myself during that run.  It just wasn't the "big deal" I had wanted it to be.  And forget doing anything after.  LBM was having no part of being away from me to play or nap. 

So we baked brownies side by side in the kitchen in my running clothes.  S'ghetti girl had a friend over and everyone loved the unexpected treat.  It got me thinking about how I had wanted to make a big deal out of the approaching Day #600 tomorrow.  Joining the Charlottesville Area Trail Runners for a long trail run or run a memorable number of miles or start a serious cross training program to mark the day.  I thought about all those things.  But I will probably be the only person who notes the day to mean anything to me and my running. 

After not clicking publish yesterday on the half written post above.  I stand corrected thanks to the unexpected ringing of my phone today.  I had just gotten back from a 8 and 1/2ish run which was much more challenging than I would have liked such a distance to be.  I was feeling a little defeated and little down about my running, my fitness about what I am trying to do with sharing my silly little running life until that phone call.

The unexpected sharing of a friend's acknowledgement of my day 600 and a reaffirming that I might actually be reaching someone, anyone who happens upon my blog was just the pat on the back I needed.  It never ceases to amaze me that my friend might have thought he was thanking me for helping him get back to running and start his own running streak but his unexpected kind words ended up helping me.   

Thanks to my friend and to everyone who supported and encouraged and followed me down this rabbit hole of running, streaking and ultra running.  No matter how far down you have gone with me, thanks for believing in me and more importantly believing in yourself that you can do these crazy things too!

Who's up for day #601 tomorrow?  I know I am!
How do you plan to use your LAST day of 2011?

Ending the year on a high note

Last night I was figuring out my yearly mileage.  I keep my workouts recorded in several places. 

I am old school and still write it on a paper calendar.

I use an spreadsheet based program on my computer.

I also use DailyMile to record and network with other runners.

The numbers didn't add up.

I thought at first the error was due to DMs lovely rounded but I actually forgot to enter a run in June into my computer database.  That is usually where I get my totals.

So this morning I knew I only have to run 7.4 miles to hit 3000 for the year.

I did what any runner would do.  I ran 9.

While the number of miles really doesn't show anything about my running year it was a fun way to not slack as if the HBBC wasn't keeping me going enough!

Now the next milestone will be on the 30th when I hit 600 days on my running streak. 

Always something to look forward to, right?

What are you looking forward to as the year ends?

Or are you just glad to have 2011 over?

How'd November Go

November 2011

Monthly Miles Ran: 275 (Year total: 2727.6)

Highest Mileage Week: 11/14 - 11/20 (DM Weeks)   92 miles

Rest Days Taken: 0

The Streak: November 30th was Day # 570 of the streak ~ 4578.8 miles,

Runs ~ ave. 8 miles per day/ 56.2 miles per week

Races:

Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k ~ November 6th

Stone Mill 50 Miler ~ November 19th

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Pumpkins desserts. 
I found a new recipe and will be sharing it closer to the Holidays
Believe me, you will want to write it down!

Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Stalking race websites for registration days.  Oh yeah, life on the edge baby!

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

After boring you with a million self photos it seems like I rarely take one during my runs. 

I have been typically wearing my 2010 FOTM white shirt and yellow running skirt (inside version)

Layered long sleeve tech top and tights (outside cold version)

A Mix of tops and my Nike shorts (outside warm version)

What We Are Watching:

With the Kiddos:

Cars 2

My Viewing:

The Walking Dead
Season 1

Funniest/Best Kid Quote:

"Daddy, are we going to go run over the deer now?

 

Current Triumph:

5 Ultras in 2011

Running my farthest distance yet thanks to the Stone Mill 50 Miler
arguably almost 55 miles

Current Goals

Personal:

Organizing my PA house

Running/Fitness:

Working slowly at dropping that extra pudge

Current Blessing:

Every single day in my life. A gift.

Current Excitement:

Family:
S'ghetti Girl landed a part in her fifth grade play!

Blogging:
So exciting news in the coming month.

Running/Fitness:

Already registered for two spring 50ks

Current Concern:  

Personal:
Surviving the holiday madness.

Family:
Working out fitting all S'ghetti girl's practices into an already hectic schedule.

Running:
Adopting a plan that allows all my goals to be achievable.

How did your November days add up?

What I Love/What I'd Love to Love Wednesday

What I Love and

What I'd Love to Love Wednesday

Through daily life it is often the little things that make each day special.  With that in mind, today I wanted to share with you a few things that I have been using/enjoying lately. 

My Crocs

After so many miles on my feet nothing beats slipping on these shoes.  My toes are often tender after ultra length events and the roomy toe box allows me to give my tootsies all the room they need.  I also like the feeling of walking barefoot.  I wear these around the house after running and I haven't had any problems with my feet or calves cramping after hard runs.  Could there be a connection?  I don't know for sure but the soles of my feet haven't felt better!

The Walking Dead

When my oldest attempted to get my interested in this series I said No Thanks!  However, when I was stuck on the treadmill Again with nothing to watch he talked me into giving it another chance.  10 miles later I was hooked.  Granted I could do without the graphicness of the show, the story line is reminiscent of Lost with wonderfully well rounded characters and an engrossing story line.

Today is day # 570 of my running streak and with this series to watch, I think tonight's going to be a long one!

Using Leftovers

One quick and super easy way to get a few more servings of veggies in your diet is to use those left over veggies from dinner in your breakfast or lunch.  As a full time working married single parenting mom, my time is at a premium so packing for the day's work is often something that doesn't get done.  That usually means I won't be eating since I work straight through without a break.  But if I plan ahead it doesn't have to.

A trick I have found that is super fast is to use my leftover veggies in my breakfast meal.  Whether I add them to my eggs or eat them in a wrap.  If I made extra the night before I will add the reheated veggies to my salad at lunch time.  I love how the warm and cold veggies mix in interesting textures.  Its a quick extra serving or two of veggies that might have gone to waste. 

Running Skirts

Okay so I was the one that was so keen on my Running Skirts skirts at first.  They didn't stay up but I did keep trying them and found that I really like them for shorter runs.  I even wore one for the Fire on the Mountain 50k.  I had pinned it to my tights to keep it from slipping. 

But this little one is on my

What I'd LOVE to Love List!

Lululemon Run You Heart Out Skirt

Do you see that little cord?  I think it could be the answer to my skirt slipping problems!  The only issue is the price of this little beauty.

Another thing holding me back are some of the negative comments about it's fit. 

So do you have this sweetheart of a running skirt?

What do you think of it?  Is it worth the investment?

Do you like zombie movies?  Or watching movies while you run?

Do you now think I'm a geek for loving my crocs?

How are you doing getting those HBBC points?

What have you been Loving lately?

What's on your Love to Love It List?

Super Human Abilities



I know you are waiting on that Stone Mill 50 Miler race report and it is coming. 

In the meantime, marvel at my super human abilites.

which do not include dressing like an adult  for work...or ironing clothes.

Feel free to be impressed!

3TT ~ Other's Goals, Real Goals, Dreamland Goals

Others
Alyssa at chocolate is my life is also running Stone Mill on Saturday.  She posted about her "non-goals" for her first 50 Miler.  I think enjoying the experience is a great way to head into the challenging task of running 50 miles.  Hop over and wish  her...not good luck because luck has nothing to do with it...but maybe a strong mind and unfailing legs!
Another friend, Kara at It's a dog lick baby world has spent the summer and fall preparing for her first 50 mile adventure.  If you haven't been lucky enough to already follow her please click over there and send her some well wishes as she takes on the mighty JFK 50 Miler this Saturday!
She posted some to me aggressive goals.  Goals I feel certain her training and the course will carry her to hit.  I have been giving my Stone Mill goals A LOT of thought.  Although I hadn't planned on setting any public goals with all the question marks surrounding this race day, I decided that nothing ventured is nothing gain. 

So here for better or worse are my Stone Mill 50 Miler
REAL Goals:

My I FINISHED goal:

To arrive on time. To start.

To finish.  To finish feeling fine.  To finish feeling fine having fun!

 

My I CAN goal:

The race has a 12 hour cut off.  I feel baring any issues that would

result in my legs being removed from my body

force me to DNF 

I can finish this course within that time frame.

My I LOVE IT goal:

A new distance PR. I have run some of these trails during the Seneca Greenway 50k this spring.  I set my 50k trail PR on that section of trail.  Setting a new PR shouldn't be completely outside the realm of possibility.  Anything under 11:08:59 would do it.

DREAMLAND

My I DREAM IT goal:

10 hours and anything

Seriously with my lack of 50k+/- length training runs, the healing tailbone, the cold that won't quit and now sick kids too, if the course and day give me 10:59:59 I would be giddy with happiness.

The Run.org

The Run.org

As I sat on only one butt check trying to drive my manual transmission car yesterday morning due to my extremely sensitive tail bone, I was so excited when I passed this bus.  So excited that after dropping LBM at the preschool/sitter I went back to see if I could catch a quick chat with them. 
Don't know what The Run.org is?

We’re leading the movement to transform the nation’s health through healthy lifestyle and natural medicine.

The Run: Moving Natural Medicine Forward, was founded to dramatize and publicize the urgent need for all Americans to take massive action and transform our nation’s health and spark a movement on Main Street America. Dr. Dennis Godby, nephew Jonas Ely, and two sons, Isaiah and Jeremiah, are taking the drastic steps, of each running an average of 30 miles per day- (currently the team has run over 8,000 miles) – to bring attention to, and raise awareness how lifestyle choices and natural medicine is “the cure” to optimizing health for which we have been waiting!
The US Healthcare costs for 2011 will be 2.8 trillion dollars! Yet, the nation’s health has never been worse. The steadily declining health of the American people is a national emergency and an unfolding human and financial disaster:


“Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation of children that will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.” – Surgeon General Richard Carmona, 2004


One in three American children born in 2000 will develop diabetes if they adopt the nation’s inactive and overeating lifestyle. For Hispanic children, the odds are even worse: 1 in 2 children will develop diabetes if we do not change our current system of living (K.M. Venkat Narayan, MD, from the CDC in Atlanta).


What is especially tragic in the nation’s declining health is that it is mostly our own chosen lifestyles that are killing us – not bad luck or poor genes!


The Run began in San Francisco on July 17, 2011, and will end in New York, NY, on 11-11-11, Veteran’s Day, with a symbolic leg to Bridgeport, CT on November 16, 2011. The ability of The Run to help transform America’s health depends on how we are able to get the word out to everyone we know. YOU can play a big part in the transformation of the nation’s health! Your donation will make a difference in helping us to publicize how we can make significant changes in America’s health, and maybe even yours!

I like a health care plan/system that makes people accountable for their own health first.  By living in a healthy way; eating less, moving more, eating in season and local, using moderation, I believe we can achieve better health for the majority of people.  I know all too well that sometimes a person can be living a healthy lifestyle and still become seriously ill.  But I agree that there are more options for maintaining good health and treatment for illness than most people know about. 
So hop over the The Run.org maybe while you are recovering from your weekend race or long run. 



 I love the saying on the back of their bus, "CAUTION:  Runners in road next 3,250 miles."

The Run.org Blog 

A Copper Lining

How many photos does it take to get to the bottom of my outfit?  Too many.

After several wonderful days of outside runs I was forced inside thanks to the plummeting temperatures and heavy rain.  It was honestly a nice break from pushing the jogger and negotiating with LBM about how much faster I should be able to run so it can be his turn to run.  I also got the opportunity to wear my Tommie Copper calf sleeves for the longest run yet, 12 miles.

I have been lucky enough to have several piece of Compression wear from Tommie Copper to review over the past few weeks.  I have been wearing the compression shirt under my tops at work.  Before I switched shoes and my heel/ankle started aching I had been wearing my ankle sleeves in the evenings and through the night.  I even wore my knee and calf sleeves at the same time during and after several runs to test how they compared to my typical brand of compression wear.

I wish Tommie Copper came in styles like S'ghetti Girl's socks.

I was feeling a little T while rocking calf sleeves AND a skirt!

Calf and Knee Sleeves:  After having the opportunity to wear the calf and knee sleeves in both recovery and running situations in my experience I felt a boost of energy from the compression while running and I enjoyed the compression of my tired muscles post workout.  The level of compression is not like what I am used to wearing and at first I felt both sleeves were not tight enough however after having them on for a while the compression seemed more noticeable.  I give both these items a thumbs up.  They will be a part of my regular running/recovery wear.

Ankle Sleeve:  I loved this.  Maybe because I used it and my ankle/heel stopped talking.  Positive results often favor a positive review.  Whether it was the copper, the compression or a coincidence I know that before I started wearing the ankle sleeves my mornings were filled with tender slow steps due to my sore ankle/heel.  But after using the sleeves two nights, bye bye sore ankle/heel.  I give the ankle sleeve huge thumbs up and a permanent place in my daily routine.

Compression Shirt:  Just as a positive result garners a positive review, a non-result garners a blah reveiw.  This piece may just have been a bad fit for my body.  Even with my unwelcomed extra pounds the medium that I received just wasn't snug.  It did however want to curl up at the bottom which caused me to be continually pulling it down.  So an item I wanted to wear and be invisible to others kept drawing attention to it's self.  I did not wear this to run as I mentioned the rolling up issue.  Whether there was any benefit to wearing the shirt I have yet to realize one but I do think with my positive result with the other items had this one fit properly I may have noticed more of an effect.  I give this item a question mark.  You'll have to decide for yourself on this one.  This item will probably not make the cut for my regular wear.  Although I will probably give it another try when I work through Insanity again.  Everything deserves a second chance, right?

Over all, I loved the products that fit my body and feel that they helped support me in my active lifestyle.

What piece of Tommie Copper compression would you like to try out?

Do you think rainy days have copper silver linings or do they just ruin your plans?

It's all about the GREEN

This weekend my super secret spy husband had to play spy which left me to take care of all the things that needed done around the house including an errand to the vet.  Which clearing could have been schedule when he could do it.  Since I am the sucker one who brought him the most adorable kitten ever and talked him into providing shelter to yet another of God's furry friends, I didn't grumble too much when he said I needed to adjust my schedule to do it.  Any runner worth their sneaks would have simply gotten up early to get those miles in but not me.  I just knew that I would be able to sleep in and still get my planned run done. 

Somehow.

Sleep in didn't happen because LBM was up early after hearing super secret spy husband trying to be quiet while getting out the door.  FAIL.

LBM and I get up and instead of slipping out the door while S'ghetti Girl continued to sleep.

What? I would have slipped a note under the door so she wouldn't have felt abandoned!

We started making breakfast and before we knew it we had to leave for the vet.

The less than excited PipSqueak aka Pippa

Less than a hour and piles of $$$$ later we had the same healthy cat but now had a white piece of paper telling us she is healthy AND a little white card telling us when we get to bring her back and give them more $$$$ to make sure she A) stays healthy B) doesn't become a mommy C) ensures we've spent so much on her we won't ever get mad enough to kick her out!

HaHa Mom!  I'm beating you again!

After bonding with Pippa cat I needed to get LBM into the old jogger to attempt to find a route that would allow me to get my miles in since I was needing 8 - 10 miles or at least a hour on my feet.  I was concerned that my regular 8+ mile VA route would be dangerous with the jogger.  Thinking LBM would be getting in the jogger soon we chased each other up and down the hill in the front yard to wear each other him out.   

Look out Dad!  I got this.

But before I could convince LBM that he'd love a stroller ride we got settled down to go, super secret spy husband got home.  He must have been able save the world more quickly than he thought.  Of course, that meant it was chore time and onto the Big Green Tractor.  Into the land of yard work we went.  A place where no one keeps track of time and running is NOT a priority.  to anyone but me  Before we knew it our group chores were done and the light was quickly fading from the sky. 

How ever it happens.  My run always makes my day!

That is how I ended up taking a step back week, running along the road with the old green jogger and no headlamp.  I had almost forgotten about that old bare bones forest green jogger sitting in the corner of the garage.  I forgot how much easier it is to push compared to my new spring-action, fully-loaded, children comfort jogger and with the wind, I was glad for it!

Whatta ya mean?  Dad couldn't just watch me?

I'm just gonna find under here until you're done.

LBM must not have be bothered too much by the lack of thrills.

Although I do think he would have enjoyed having a weather shield.

A day in my life...

My day began with the unusual ability of sleeping until 5:30 when the little guy who was snuggled in my bed decided to need just a little more room in the bed.  Since I was awake anyway I got up like all moms and enjoyed potentially my only visit to the bathroom without an audience.  But it wasn't long before LBM realized he was alone and called for me to come back to bed.  This is my favorite time of day whether I am getting in a morning workout or getting to watch my little sleep, I love the early morning when the house is quiet and I am the only one awake.  

But before I knew it the alarm is about to go off and I had to get S'ghetti girl moving.  This is a process.  While I am getting myself ready for a day of work I repeatedly go back into her bed room to make sure she is actually vertical.  It's not always a friendly process even though I try to ease her into the morning, she doesn't always appreciate the welcome. 

After the bus takes S'ghetti girl off to fifth grade, LBM and I are on our way to his pre-school/sitter and I am off to work.  I rarely eat breakfast before work a bad habit from years of typically having killed my appetite by running in the morning, I grab coffee for a boost.  It's one of those little indulgences that somehow makes the coffee taste a bit better than if I made it at home.

Today work was, well work until I stepped outside and saw this little critter.  It was just the thing to distract from my tedious pile of work.  I enjoyed a few moments outside watching the praying mantis and breathing in the fall day.

At 5 o'clock I was set free and headed to pick up the kids and attend to my next daily privilege, my evening run.  With no Oldest son to help out this evening and a grouchy LBM, I hit the treadmill knowing I had a double digit run to put in.  With the younger kids flitting around as I ran listening to a movie as the miles flowed by I knew that I might have found my second favorite part of my day.  It wasn't exactly the run it's self but the ability to be watching the kids go about playing happily.

But then I realized, I didn't yet know what I was making for dinner?

How'd September Go? (And Winners)

September 2011

Monthly Miles Ran: 245.7 (Year total: 2216.40)

Highest Mileage Week: 09/5 - 09/11 (DM Weeks) 68 miles

Rest Days Taken: 0

The Streak: September 30st was Day # 509 of the streak ~ 4067.9 miles,

692 Runs ~ ave. 8 miles per day/ 55.95 miles per week

Races:

None. So sad.

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:  
Eating out way too often.

Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure: 
Swimming in the way too cold pool.
I just love using the pool as my "icing" after running in VA.  It will have to end soon.

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

What We Are Watching:

With the Kiddos:  Still watching Veggie Tales.

We have a lot of them!

My Viewing: 
My Run and
Robin Hood

with Russell Crowe

Funniest/Best Kid Quote:

 

"My homeworks is all done!"  spoken most every night by S'ghetti Girl

She is the homework rock star!

Current Triumph:

Hitting 500+ days on my streak

Current Goals

Personal:
Making this a bigger priority
Lose this freakin' 15 pounds

Running/Fitness:

Maintain a 50 - 65 mile week base
to prepare for another round trail 50ks,

A Tough Mudder with Hubbs

and another 50 miler in November

To lose 15+ pounds

will this ever happen?

Current Blessing:

Every single day in my life. A gift.

Both those few days in CA to spend time with just Hubbs were needed.

Current Excitement:

Family: a Few days on the West Coast with Hubbs - without the kiddos

those days are still fresh in my mind.

Blogging:  Got to meet Katie in real life.  Amazing person.

Running/Fitness: Having races (oh yeah plural!) to look forward to again.

Current Concern:

Personal: Eating out TOO much

Running: Not being anywhere near a comfortable race weight.
And having a 10k tomorrow.  It might not be pretty.

How did your September days add up?

It took a long time to tabulate all the entries
(19 eliminating Miss Zippy's at her request)
on my My Run giveaway post but I finally got it done.

Whew!

Thanks to Random.org

# 10 Julie at Adventure Is Out There is the lucky winner

I always think of Mr. Fredrickson from Up

# 19 Jeff at Detroit Runner is the other lucky winner

Each of you will soon be snuggled on the coach or sweating on the treadmill watching the amazing story of Terry Hitchcock and his 75 marathons in 75 days.