Press Pause - Wheel's Up

Hi All,

What a couple of days it has been.  I have learned that evening workouts do not work for me.  It is shame, since I could push myself harder and I truly enjoyed not having to pay attention to the distance or programming my watch to indicate things.  The nights of restless sleep, however, were not working.  I kind of figured it out in the Fall, but decided I would be organized and not have the same issue in the Spring.  Ah well - one can try, but then adapt, yeah?

"Press Pause" is the theme for March.  It is fitting as preparing for Easter encourages me to fix or to change something.  This year I am trying to do Press Pause and also something else.  Meditation, reflection, being still and listening are a couple ways to describe the same activity.  namely - give yourself time to just unwind and figure out the best course of action.

Ironically, it took me three weeks of stalling to finally begin a project at work last week.  Yesterday and today, I did additional work on it.  Updates on how it is going will not occur much, but I can attest that writing is challenging and my respect for professional writers is boundless.

So whatever you are facing that is tough, seemingly insurmountable, or out of your control; my advice is to put it aside as best you can and then prepare to tackle tomorrow with gusto.  New days present opportunities to begin fresh and, I hope, be filled with enthusiasm.  Mine is finally returning, after a hiatus that involved little running or exercise.

Happy Tuesday!

Wednesday - Core and Resistance Band Day

Since beginning to do group workouts on Tuesday, I find myself taking Wednesday easy.  I used to get frustrated or upset, when I woke up and just felt not great.  My coach quickly reminded me that I am likely experiencing delayed muscle soreness and this is the first time I have done regular speed work in years.  I have to say that it is easier to do group workouts rather than solo speed work.  I go in with an intensity and determination to do the best I possibly can.   Do I blow it?  Yep - last week, I did all the repeats and yet the times were not consistent.  Still, it is exciting to know I have speed that is reappearing (3:16 for a 600 m).

Last Saturday, I had to cut my long run short.  It had been a tough week and the weather was surprisingly warm.  And so, I found that I really wanted water and my shirt resembled the following (Saturday and last night):

A week from this Tuesday, I will be doing a 5k in lieu of a speed workout (most likely) and then I will be racing a 5k that Sunday.  I will be curious to see how my times have changed, since I pushed my way through a 5k at the end of September.  I can tell my coach is making a huge difference in how I mentally approach things.  She is wonderful!

Happy Wednesday however you choose to spend it!

Monday, Monday....

Happy Monday!

Somethings today went well and others went ok.  I cannot help but be thrilled that tonight I had my best run, after cutting two runs short last week, since last Wednesday.  The last 1.5 miles were tough, but that was due to poor planning.  I think that I am finally past it!  Hip, Hip, Hooray!!

I hope your week is going well and I will be back on Wednesday - maybe sooner - with some fun things to share.

Happy Exercising.

Portland, Oregon - Running camp Announcement - First Week of August

Hi All,

My coach is hosting a running camp in Portland, Oregon, the first week of August.  She is lots of fun and I know anyone who attends will learn a lot.

Sadly - I am signed up to do a different camp and the timing does not work for me.  Maybe it will for you?

Details about the camp are available here.  If you are interested, please RSVP to the email on the flyer.  If you have questions, just let me know!

Happy Sunday.

"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but my dear...."

Hi All,

My apologies for hiding from the blog for a week.  For many reasons, last week I just could not get my stuff together to survive the week and post.  It did not help that I felt sick and only on Monday, did I begin to feel semi-normal.  My running had to once again take a backwards step, but the momentum is building.  Forward movement is happening.

Today, I was supposed to do speed work, which I delayed due to a tough day and not feeling great.  On my way home, it was snowing and the roads were not the best.  I decided to move speed work until tomorrow morning.  I do better in the morning and why not, eh?

Despite a running camp I plan to attend being 6 months and 3 days away, I am super excited.  It will be my second only running camp and this one has a "do what you can but come" approach.  Does it not sound great?

Have a lovely evening!