Routes, Partying and YMX

 

I finally broke in the VHTRC shirt.  I ran about 50 miles last week and most of them in my bright blue tech shirt.  Even though I am still feeling a little like a Popsicle trying to acclimate to life on the sidewalk, I have been running outside in the heat everyday.  I'm not sure I can say that my VHTRC shirt did anything exceptional considering it was soaked halfway through every run but it did seem to make cars beep at me more frequently than usual while I was on "the front road." 

 

 

Unlike in PA, when I am in VA I don't know that I have a "favorite" route.  Maybe my 8 something route is fairly enjoyable.  Or when I drive to the trails, that is always enjoyable except for the having to drive to the trails part.  I'm spoiled with my PA ability to run for hours and see 3 cars.  While running in VA this hour long run included easily 50 times that many cars since I ran my "front road" route.  But I did find wild raspberries that helped make the run a little more exciting and I am still in search of a couple front door friendly routes that will become my VA favorites.

 

 

 
 
 

 

Speaking of favorites, S'ghetti Girl turned 12 this month and we were again partying.  This time we were partying with her besties in VA. 

 

The weather cooperated and the kids spent their time swimming and splashing to their hearts content.  Even LBM was welcomed into the battle.  S'ghetti Girl is blessed with a wonderful group of friends both in PA and in VA. 

 

Surprisingly S'ghetti Girl's favorite "gift" was her cake.  She had requested cupcakes, even though the cup cakes from her PA party had gotten smashed she still wanted to try them again.  But after searching everywhere for anything Rise of the Guardians themed and finding nothing, I opted to have a caked printed with a ROTG photo. 

 

 

 

She loved it.  And of course ate Jack Frost's face because that's what tween girls do when they think a guy is cute.  I guess.  I'm still completely okay with her crushing on a fictional character, the alternative frightens me. 

 

I ended my weekend with a longish run in one of my YMX tops that I hadn't gotten to test yet.  It looked great and dried quickly even after it became wring-out-wet thanks to the humidity.  This shirt may actually be too pretty to run in.  When I put it on the super secret spy thought it was too nice to go get all sweaty.  I was concerned that the "lace" neckline would become itchy and bother me during my run but I never noticed it during the run.  With this VA heat this top will definitely be getting it's share of workouts.

 

That's it

That's it.  My 8.06 mile wake up run this morning was it. 

 That will be my last wake up run before school starts.  Beginning tomorrow morning I will have to - again - adjust the schedule.  It's the same every year just when I get into a solid routine with the kids at home the summer ends and I have to change.  This year I have a bigger wrinkle in the routine. 

I will be at home.

with LBM.

That should mean that I can get my run done when ever but it doesn't.  I will have to figure out if A) I can get up at dark o-thirty to run and be back before hubbs has to leave for work. B) I can wait until after S'ghetti Girl is taken to school and run with LBM in the jogger.  C)  I can get and run on a treadmill  D)  I can run after Hubbs is home from work.

For the first few days of school getting S'ghetti Girl on a routine will be more important than working out my own routine.  LBM and I will probably not offically start his preschool work until next week.  But I will need a plan.  I like my ducks in a row.  So for all those SAHM'ers out there what is your daily routine when you have to include taxi'ing kids to school, homeschooling others AND getting your workouts done?

As for today, we will be squeezing out every last drop of summer vacation as the kids enjoy a lazy day around the pool. 

One Word Wednesday

Oppps

An Obvious Analogy

You look at this photo and see a trail.  Maybe if you have been trail running you might a place you are not eager to return to.  I look at this photo and see an invitation.  I see a tempting stage set for my enjoyment.  I approached this scene yesterday with the excitement of a girl eager to explore.  I was eager to know the twists and turns in the trail.  I wanted to see how the trail rose and fell.  To see what places where wet and which were dry. 

At first it was awkward, it took some time for this trail and I to get to know each other. We fumbled a bit but in no time we were cruising along winded and sweaty. I took a few wrong turns but the trail helped get me back on track.  I just wanted to keep going as long as I possibly could.

But time ran out and I was left in a glorious satisfyingly sweaty mess.  Trail running draws analogy's from many other activities in life.  I'm sure you can see a few or have experienced the joy yourself.  But yesterday's run was a return to real trails after a much too long break.  I'm just happy that the trails are not a fickle lover.  Nature simply welcomed me back into the forest among the rocks, roots and streams. 

And the finish was amazing!

What everyone is talking about

If there were a water cooler it would be the hot topic; the heat.  Every one's talking about it.  I go to the store and the chit chat is not about the politics, not the weather, it's only about the heat.  How hot it was yesterday.  How hot it is today.  That it hasn't been this hot since...  You get the idea. 

They are right.   It's hot.  It gets hot early and it stays hot until late.  Since our treadmill adventure turned out to be a bust via Freecycle and no decision made about the options at Play It Again Sports, I am sans running options.  It's outside all the time everyday or night.  

Like many of you I am not at the mercy of the weather and elements.  While I know that I will get somewhat "used" to the higher temps here in Virginia, I know that I will rarely be able to simply walk out the door and run for an hour like I do in PA.  Now running takes a little more planning.  And sunscreen.  And hydration options.  And cell phones.  And usually jogging strollers.  Okay that last one isn't exactly new but pushing it in 100 degree weather is. 

Now I remember those new things before heading out the door.

How long will I be out?  If anything happens will I have enough fluids?

Suncreen? Even if I'm on the trails.

Cellphone?  If anything happens I can call for a ride back.

Leave a note? Or Tell someone where I'll be.

Listen to my body?  Know when enough is enough on those really tough days.

I could join the whiners and simply say it's just too hot.  Instead I have been looking at my run as if it were race day.  I've shown up and ran on race day in all kinds of weather!  Of course several times it did cross my mind to not race but I always toed the line.  That is my strategy with my daily running now; it's race day.  Just do it!

Do you have summer weather running tips?

Stay safe while you are staying active.

My scariest run ever

Back hom in PA they had hail

There are days when life and family come first and your run gets pushed farther and farther down the priority list.  That was the way my Friday played out and set the stage for one of the most frightening runs I have ever taken.  

I was sandblasted with dirt that had been blowing in the air

It started out routinely enough; I left the family in the pool.  They were cajoling me to stay and play while I knew that an hour alone would bring me back a much happier mom and wife.  So I laced the shoes, clicked on the headlight and off I went.

Back in PA luckily the only structural damage

 was to the dog enclosure.  Doggie was fine.

I planned to run 30 minutes out and then double back.  I was hoping that I could push my pace and get in about 7 miles and then jump into the pool.  I ran the first 2 miles uneventfully.  But it quickly became clear that I probably didn't have an hour before the storm that was pushing my direction would overtake me.  I've quickly learned that seeing a thunderstorm on the adjacent mountains is nothing unusual.  Quite often it will play it's self out long before getting to my house. 

24 hours after the storm there were trees still down

Friday evening was different.  The storm simply spread and kept growing with prolific lightning strikes.  I decided to turn around and head back but I was still thinking I could easily and safely make it back to the house.  Even though I did push my pace, I continued with the thought that I was completely safe until I turned onto "our" road.  Once I turned I was running in parallel to the storm instead of away from it and the wind that I hadn't even noticed before caught me. Instantly I could not stand straight up anymore, I had to almost squat to the ground to keep the wind from pushing me over. There was so much debris that I was being hit with a constant grit and leaves and branches were flying in the air. I started to run (as best I could double over) towards the nearest house when I heard the wind begin to sound like a train. All I could think was there must be a tornado and I HAD to get home. 

Tree hanging on electircal lines and into one lane of traffic

I cut across yards and fields to get closer to the house and as I did a giant flying object nearly knocked me over.  That object turned out to be our giant pool raft.  With debris hitting me and the blinding grit in the air, I chased down the raft and wedged it against me and the wind hoping I could use it to keep anything else from hitting me while I tried to call or text hubbs to come get me.  Yes, I had my phone the whole time.  As I was trying to text (I didn't think he would hear me over the wind), his truck drove by.  I tried to flash my headlamp at him but he did see.  I quickly sent a text that he ha just passed me and thankfully he got it, turned around and chuckled as I cling to that raft and wouldn't let it go until we had put it in the back of the truck. 

Back at the house the power was out which meant my only shower was with the water left in my handheld until the storm calmed and I jumped in the pool.  This will definitely go down as the scariest run I've ever!

Have a scary run story?  Think you've been though worse?

Please share.

Reasons Why I Run Every Day

This weekend was filled with lots of reasons why I need to run every day.

I blame it on Pinterest but this yummy sinful dish wasn't even on my radar until I looked at Pinterest.  And then all the sudden, I couldn't think of anything better to serve as a snack for S'ghetti girl's sleep over. 

Blame Pinterest again for this one.  Crack Potatoes.  Yes, they are call Crack because they are a bit addictive.  I have to admit I altered the extremely rich recipe a bit but it was still run inducing yummy!

Over indulging in food aside, there was the extended sleep over.  It's always nice to have extra playmates for the kids to spend time with however that added personality can sometimes up the need a run gauge a notch or two.

Lastly, Day #777 was Sunday. 

That was a great reason to get out for a celebratory run with LBM.  We enjoyed running 7.77 miles to mark the day.  Afterward I noticed that all the extra sweating from the heat had left a mark on me.

Moving Sunshine

Family fun in the woods

Daylight saving time.  Many wonder why it is still observed.  The state of Indiana seems to be permanently trapped in a debate over what time it is.  With the impending repayment of all those sun-filled moments due this past Saturday night my family made certain that we filled the 1639 minutes that made up our weekend with all the family fun we could.

S'ghetti girl was on the look out for quartz rocks.

Saturday didn't dawn quite as warm as we had hoped so our plans to climb Old Rag were derailed in favor of a closer to home adventure.  We headed to Preddy Creek Park.  This park has a nice little trail system which is very kid friendly.  I was able to get in some trail miles and then meet up with the family as the explored the area.  It was a great way to get the whole family outside.

Back at the house there were a few chores waiting for us but with everyone helping out the work went quickly and no one complained.  The super secret spy had gotten a half dozen magnolia trees that needed planted.  It was a nice start to the small forest I want to create.

Although we had to give back that hour of moments this weekend we didn't feel short changed at all.  It doesn't have to be about how much time you spend together.  It should be about how you fill those moments that really counts. 

And a rich indulgent brownie at the end of a great day doesn't hurt either.

Resolution Run ~ 2012

As I look ahead to the new year that I woke up to this morning; the thought of a clean slate, fresh goals and a renewed drive helped move my over indulged body and out of schedule mind. 

The weather was a wonderful mix of sunny skies and cloudy breaks with a breeze to keep me company.

Had I been in PA I would have had company on this run as Biking Sherpa is making fitness goals for 2012 she would have happily joined the fun

extra HBBC points are incentive too

and LBM would have enjoyed the jogger ride

but with the "race" to take place in VA traffic is often an issue.

But even solo the miles flew by and the hills didn't seem nearly as tough.  It's amazing what a little "race" incentive can do for your mind. 

I finished ready to return to my family and content that I did something wonderful for me.

Here's to another year to running and fitness!

Thanks Amanda.

Getting Paid

At times it seems like I am always running.  Running to the grocery store.  Running to let the dogs out.  Running to the sitter's.  Running to work.  Running back home.  Running to get homework done.  Running to make dinner, bath kids, clean up messes, wipe noses, not to mention behinds....

Although I still do most of those tasks while we are in VA, somehow it seems so much easier there. 

I suppose the difference might just stem from what frame of mind I am in.  My runs while in VA this past weekend proved to me that my mind is the strongest part of my body without a doubt!

Are you in the same boat?

I have found a wonderful 8+ mile loop near our house in VA.  It is full of all the things I have loved about running in rural PA the past 20+ years, cows, fields, water, trees, trails, quiet.  It will become my new VA normal run.  What I discovery or at least was reminded of this past weekend was how much different a route can feel from one run to the next.

Saturday's run I felt like I was putting it in on a comfortable pace I ended up averaging somewhere around 8:20 a mile.  I felt relaxed and confident even the hills although challenging where not huge temptations to stop.  Sunday's run was different.  I felt as though I was really working the entire run.  The hills teased at me to walk.  They said things like, "your training for a ultra so it's okay to walk!" and "You've run everyday for almost 500 days.  Go on! Walk a little.  You deserve a break."  or the most tempting, "No one will know.  just walk."  I made it to the intersection at about 6 miles and stopped.  I walked back and forth across the road convincing myself that it was just hotter than yesterday or I was simply a bit tired.  But I knew the truth. 

My mind just wasn't in the run.

And then I paused on the side of the road looking up the next hill I had to run, wondering what was wrong with me.  I stretched out my hamstrings mentally rallying to finish the run.  That's when I saw a perfect circle on the ground amongst the litter which is out of control in VA

I looked closer and recognized the silhouette

...a Susan B. Anthony Dollar.

That changed everything.

With my mind now occupied on something as silly as finding a long lost coin, I breezed home. 

I was just so excited to tell my husband that we might need to look at my race schedule because I was no longer a amateur...

now I'm a paid athlete!

What's the best loot you've ever found while on a run?

Ever win money for a race?

The cows wouldn't mind

If you follow me in FB life you might know that Saturday I committed a runner's no-no.  I told my family I was going to be running a certain route and distance only to completely change and length my run but more than twice the time and distance.  I mean I figured I was headed out for 3 -4 so what was a potential 8 - 12.  In runner's logic I was simply taking advantage of extended a great run.  So what if I was completely unprepared.  A completely rookie use of potentially bad judgment.  I didn't have a head lamp, water or cell phone.  Chalk it up to runner's logic.
As it turned out everything went fine and in fact my family didn't really notice that I was gone quite that long.  I simply got caught up in that wonderful feeling when a run feels great and you just don't want to miss out on it.  I declared my mistake to my virtual world to keep myself accountable for not making the same mistake twice only to leave for my run Sunday morning and forget my water on the back porch.  I should have ran back for it however I figured I was getting out much earlier and I knew I wouldn't be running as fast today after the strong effort yesterday (all week) BUT I did end up running nearly as fast and I did not respect the humidity in VA.  I guess that's a VA rookie mistake.  I guess I still haven't logged enough time here to understand that there are major differences in the conditions in VA versus in PA. 

I stopped running two times.  (FYI:  I did stop my watch when I stopped running)  First at this elevated bridge.  Let me tell you that little creek looked inviting!  I walked circles trying to get my core temp down.   I was certain that the cows wouldn't mind if I took a quick dip to cool off.

I stopped again when I finally made it back to the familiar connecting road.  Relief!  I knew I only had a few miles and could make it despite myself, again. 

Tell me your latest episode of runner's logic?

The Weekend Review - An Extra Hour

This is what happens to play time when I have to wait until after chores to go run.

Everything we do seems to relate to running.

It has even affected the way the kids see me...

pretty good likeness!

If the photos are ever available from the Fire on the Mountain Marathon

you'll get to see that I wore this shirt for the race and looked just about this tired too!

We worked on removing and installing flooring the majority of the day Saturday, finally Hubbs had to get more supplies and I was able to squeeze in a quick 4.33 miles.  After a quick running break it was back to the home improvement projects.  F.U.N. 

LBM says, "No! Me and Daddy!!"

I must say that the finished floor looks and feels 100% better than it did.  It was gross before!  Plus nothing beats the pride of having worked together to do it ourselves.

We enjoyed sleeping in a little and a hearty breakfast before finishing the flooring project Sunday.  Then it was a joint drive towards PA.  After a lunch stop Hubbs and the kiddos detoured for a movie to celebrate S'ghetti girls awesome report card and I continued home. 

I enjoyed a brief bit of solitude while I grabbed a quick barefoot 8 mile run on the treadmill.  My toes are so happy for the break from my shoes.  My toes are feeling so much better!

Day # 183 ~ 3.5 morning miles ~ 27:05

This morning Day # 183 started really cold.  The time change is great in the morning with the increase daylight but I know after work tonight I won't be enjoying it quite as much since it will be dark outside making a stroller run difficult to do.

How do you deal with the time change and loss of evening light?

What all did you squeeze into your extra hour?

Advice heard and taken

Day # 118 ~ 8.36 miles

Advice heard and taken.

In a post this weekend when I finally made my racing dreams actual plans, I asked for your input.  

Thanks for all the supportive "Yes you can do it" type comments.

I did receive a piece of experienced advice.  Experienced in that fact that the advice was from a lady who has been running a long time.

I will listen to advice from anyone who believes they have some information that will help me.  However, I usually reserve taking that advice and using it to situations where the advice givers have more (or similar) experience than myself or more education.  
Sometimes I take the advice because I KNOW that I just needed others to tell me what I already knew I should be doing. 
Why do we need that sometimes?

Day # 119 ~ 10.60 miles

 Cynthia O'H said that with the 50k coming up I might need to get in some longer consecutive runs.  Even though I have already done this distance twice, I think maybe that might be a good piece of advice.  So this weekend while I had some sitter support aka Hubbs, I hit the road and trails for some longer run.  

I have to tell you that I just love the distance.  There is something great about running for a long time.

Day # 120 ~ back in PA ~ 6.5 miles after driving 180

Is it just me? 

or do you feel it too?  

After you get past that warming up first mile and the finding your pace and stride miles you enter into that this-is-something-I could-do-all-day zone!

I found it this weekend after 8 miles.

Where did you find it? 

100 Days of Running ~ Reviews and Giveaways ~ Third Times the Charm

Saturday morning mega humid run 6.64 miles

I was so hungry all day!

Yesterday after having driven down to VA Friday evening, I was still feeling the effects of LBM's disrupted schedule and ended up sleeping from 7 a.m. until almost 9 a.m.

Since LBM didn't sleep much during the night.  Ugh!

But I was determined to get some miles in before we started our day.  I didn't want my run weighing on my mind, keeping me from enjoying the day.

So while everyone else still slept I peeled off my CEP Compression socks which I have been sleeping in nearly every night since the Ultra and I hit the road.

Right away I know it was going to be a hard one because I had to return to the house to re-visit the bathroom.

GI issues.

Not something that usually attacks me a lot BUT in my part of VA there are very few opportunities to duck into a corn field.  So I grab my water bottle again and headed back out the door for my 8 - 9 miles.

After the .35 mile to the "main" road I knew that the humidity was going to cut this run short.  

I did enjoy ducking into a garage sale during my run but that aside it was a mental game of struggling through how hot it was.  

The one thing that wasn't having a hard time; my legs.

Even since starting the Legs Love Lunges Challenge my CEP Compression socks have kept my legs feeling great!  

No more cramps in my legs, no more fatigue after my runs.   I didn't start wearing my socks until after the Ultra but I know that I would have benefited from using them much sooner.  I didn't need to run a race to feel the quick recovery that these socks help provide.

After even my short run days, I slip into the Hot Pink socks and feel ready for the next day. 

 

 We enjoyed some entertainment on the walking mall in Charlottesville

I contact CEP Compression  to tell them just what a difference they have made in my running and recovery.  The wonderful folks at CEP 
Compression  have offered to give one of you the opportunity to have the same great tool to help you enhance your running and recovery.


What they say about CEP  Compression:

CEP Running Socks

For all Runners and Endurance Athletes: The scientifically optimized pressure flow provides your muscles with the maximum amount of oxygen and energy during performance and recovery.

The times are over where the sole purpose of socks and stockings was to protect feet from blistering. The CEP compression sportsocks are the first functional sport socks with a unique compression profile that provides a scientifically proven increase in blood circulation and a consequent increase in performance.

Achilles Tendon Support: Additional support of the Achilles tendon protects and prevents irritable tendons.

Padded Foot Soles: The special support of the foot sole prevents irritations caused by pressure spots.

Ventilation Channels: For a pleasant foot climate.

3-D Fit: The socks adjust to the anatomy of the leg and foot for a perfect fit thanks to the three-dimensional manufacturing process.

Prevent:
Shin Splints
Cramps
Achilles Issues
Fatigue
Micro Muscle tears
Vibration trauma
Blisters
Blood clots from travel


So what do you need to do to get a chance at winning some great CEP  Compression?
Leave a comment for each item to get an entry. 

1. Be a follower of this blog.  (Mandatory)

2.  Visit CEP Compression  and learn more about compression and how it can help you.  Let me know what you like and what you learned.

 3.Follow CEP Compression on FB or on Twitter.

4.  If you took up the streak challenge on August 20th, report in.  How is it going? 
  
That's it!   Good Luck!  


Entries will be accepted until 7 a.m. September 1st, 2010
 A winner will be chosen from all entries in all three giveaways .  An explanation of how the winner was chosen will be given when the winners are announced
Watch for bonus entry possiblities.

I spy with my little eye...

....something that is GREEN.

Tonia @ Racing with babes had a great idea to show everyone what we see while we are putting in all these miles.  So although Sunday's run was less than photo worthy, Saturday I did manage a decent run of 6 miles.

Here is what I saw:

A little late on this one.  I started at my front but forgot the pic until I hit the road.

See there is NO shoulder on roads in VA and encroaching vegation everywhere.

Pretty to look at but not running with a jogging stroller friendly!

This is much closer to my speed!  This gets me off the lined road.  LBM seems to enjoy the bouncy ride.

A long tar-and-chip side road

 Coming back out the tar-and-chip long side road - boring

There is a trail ahead to the left (just before that utility pole) that I take

It is beautiful in the trees!

Back on our "drive."

This was run # 94 (Saturday)

It was really hot.  I forget what a difference there is between PA and VA!

That's what I see when I run in VA.

Lots and lots of GREEN.

What do you see?