It's a new month and new running shoes.

Hi All,

Today, I did my first run in my new Brooks Adrenaline.  I was delaying switching shoes, but given the rain weather on Saturday and the lovely rain coming up through the soles of the shoe, well, that settled my decision.  I love the feel of running in new shoes.  Tomorrow, I will run my first workout in shoes that will be for workouts and racing.  It will be my first run in the Brooks Ravenna.  Below is my Instagram picture and caption of them:

Racing (Brooks Ravenna) and workout shoes followed by easy and long run shoes (Brooks Adrenaline). Someone recently suggested, kindly, that I give up running until my work deadlines are under control. I nodded kindly and thought, "um, respectfully, no - running keeps me sane!"

A post shared by Runningwithallergies (@runningwithallergies) on May 1, 2017 at 3:57pm PDT

Some have commented, over the years and recently, about why I prioritize running when surrounded by deadlines.  I have a simple answer for you.  Running keeps me sane.  I miss it horribly, when I cannot do it, and I always feel 10x better after a run, even when I am soaking wet!

May might be deadline month, but that does not mean it will keep me from lacking up my shoes and hitting the roads and trail.

Happy Monday!

Living with unsettled areas, projects, and feelings..

Exactly a week ago yesterday, I was up until close to midnight and I finished moving.  A week ago tomorrow, I bought a lawn mower and cut the lawn.  If you look at my house, however, it appears extremely unsettled.  In fact, you might question if I have done anything at all.  The answer is not much.

Right now, my office is filled with projects in an unsettled state and most of them are due within the next two-and-a-half weeks.  These days and times happen.  For someone, who loves to announce "it's done," these times are trying.

Living in a messy place did not use to get to me as much, which means I will be tackling at least one area tomorrow in an attempt to make it feel "settled."  A week ago my stitches from a dental procedure were removed and I resumed eating normally.  It still does not feel normal and pain continues to emerge, but I am taking it a day at a time.

Running - last week - did not go as well and so my coach and I planned for me to do a repeat week.   I am happy to announce that Running is being completed.  Running is getting done.  It gives me greater satisfaction than you can possibly imagine to say this.

If you are a fan of podcasts, I recommend Running4Real with Tina Muir and a new one, which I am enjoying, is by Ali Feler called, "Ali on the run."  Also - don't forget Carrie Tollefoson (www.ctollerun.com), whose podcasts are as enjoyable and informative as her videos were previously!  All of these podcast hosts are active on Instagram and I just happen to love the quote Ali posted below:

Just a little reminder that sometimes you just need to go for it. (Whatever "it" is for you.) Less planning, less worrying, less waiting until the time is right or everything is perfect or things fall flawlessly into place. Do that thing you want to do or always said you'd do or wish you could do. Sometimes scrappy reaps greater rewards than perfection. (Trying to implement this more in my own life lately, so I figured if I made a little image of it and put it out there, I'd HAVE to practice what I Insta-preach, right?) This and other mantras that get me through rough runs and tough times on Episode 18 of the Ali on the Run Show. The link is in the bio, but listen on iTunes, Stitcher, SoundCloud, Overcast, or Google Play. (And always looking for more mantras, so hit me up with your favorite go-to phrase!)

A post shared by Ali Feller (@aliontherun1) on Apr 12, 2017 at 4:39am PDT

Happy Friday - If you are also in an unsettled state, just remember that it will fade with time.

Exciting times and Deadlines!

Hi All,

Not quite a week ago, I got some extremely exciting news!  You would think finalizing a move, closing on a house, completing the move, getting running shoes, purchasing a mower, and then using it would be enough.  Nope - I got some news that beat all of that and I am still in shock about it.  As it relates to my professional life and not to running, I am going to keep the news quiet yet.  If, however, you notice me bouncing more than usual, this is probably part of the reason.  Come November, just ask and I will happily share it.

The next 6 weeks are full of fun but stressful times.  Deadlines are imminent and I am doing my best to meet them all.  Focusing on it a day-at-a-time is my survival mechanism at the moment.

Meanwhile, you can expect to hear about my return to running after a few ways away and see pictures of the house changing into becoming a comfy place for me.

Happy Monday!

Few things are more fun than appreciating what a bit of sweat, effort, a handy tool will give you. The first mowing of the lawn is complete.

A post shared by Runningwithallergies (@runningwithallergies) on Apr 22, 2017 at 11:53am PDT

Almost done relocating (2x in 8 months - not a record) and...Wednesday Happenings

Hi All,

The past almost 10 weeks have been filled with lots of stress and some good things along the way.  Today, after the second chat in a couple of days with an awesome co-worker, I decided to push out of the muck and refocus on the good and joy.  It exists, even on the days we have trouble spotting it.

So what good has happened in the last 10 weeks?  Here are just a few:

• I relocated and I am sleeping better than I have in 9 months.
• At work, by connecting and being open to possibilities, I finagled a first time opportunity in a program, which has existed for 20 years.
• Running wise - I am choosing to listen to my body over pushing to race.  It's kept me healthy.  I sure have missed consistent running.

The next few weeks are sure to have tough spots, but I am going to really focus on finding the good each and every day.

Be Happy.  Smile.  Believe me - it is worth it.

Happy Wednesday!

End of March...Wow...Checking In for the Week

Hi All,

I am so glad to a)have a coach who keeps me going and b)to be healthy to run.  Work, for whatever reason, has been a bit tough lately.  I averaged 9-11 hour days this week.  I love my job, but I sure am ready for the weekend.

Due to the extended work days, I ended up having to sleep/recover rather than run Tuesday and Wednesday.  Yesterday, I got back into it and I continued the trend today.  Next week, I will have to skip 3-5 days due to a minor procedure.  I know it is important to get the procedure done, but not exercising for that amount of time is not making me happy.  Plus - I will be racing a 5k on April 23rd.  My coach is a life saver and she sure talked me off the cliff this week.

Happy Friday!

5th in Age Group - Recap of "Wearing of the Green 5k"

Today, despite planning with sufficient time, I got stuck at train crossings twice.  Being new to the area, I wasted quite a bit of time a)hoping the train would pass and b)looking for alternative routes.  I then arrived at the location and spent another few minutes getting all turned around, before finally arriving in the right spot.  Thankfully, I had pre-registered and getting my bib was easy.

The race started on time, conditions overall were good, and about 135 people participated.  I decided to not look at my watch, after starting, and just do my best.  My time was around 32 minutes and I placed 5th in my age group.  What a shock!  I am excited though, since I am pretty sure my time will only improve with the additional training.  All age group finishers received the following glass.

Happy Sunday!

I placed 5th in my age group and felt so much better overall than in all my previous 5ks to date! @runacious is a major reason for this and I am excited to continue learning to enjoy the 5k.

A post shared by Runningwithallergies (@runningwithallergies) on Mar 19, 2017 at 9:55am PDT

Fighting the Pre-Race Jitters - Am I ready?

Hi All,

Last night, I did three things unusual for me in the days leading up to a race.  First, I bailed on volunteering.  The weather had been snowing all day and this was followed by rain.  When I left work, the sidewalks were nasty.  Yes - I felt bad about bailing, but my health and sanity will always come first.

Second, I got wine and had a glass in addition to my Kombucha.  Wine is a rarity for me these days, unless I am have company, because the Kombucha is such a treat!  Nonetheless, I have no regrets and it had been a week - not just for my friends but for me as well.

Third, I did not set an alarm and I managed to get 9 hours of sleep for the first time all week.  I was running on fumes and I need some extra sleep, if I was hoping to do get pumped and ready for tomorrow.  This picture pretty much describes my behavior all week long.

I am not sure how tomorrow will go.  My goal is to do my best and listen to my body first and foremost.  I will start my watch, but I will not be looking at it during the race.

All week, I have been keeping my mileage in the range set by my coach and I only look at my watch to see when I need to turnaround.  I am pretty on it regarding mileage completed before looking.

Odd change - my times per mile are decreasing on easy day/long runs and I am not making any attempt to do this.  Also, my breathing is not noticeably challenged or different.  Is this odd or what?

Happy Saturday and Pre-Race Day Jitters!

It's been tough, but I have been through worse times.

Hi All,

Last weekend, I learned that a friend, who is also a fitness fanatic, is facing unemployment in the upcoming months.  Despite switching jobs and working part-time at one point, I have only been "unemployed" for a few days in nearly ten years of my professional career.  It is something for which I am grateful, but I do remember being quite depressed for five months, when I worked only 8-16 hours a week, if I was lucky.   I am doing my best to support this friend and her colleagues and it sure put some perspective on my own situation.  Each position or job contains hurdles.  Do you leap them?  Run around them?  Or break it as you continue pushing?

Running this week is going really well and it is proving to be cathartic.  The time change throws me for a loop each year - especially in the Spring - but that's ok.  It is Thursday and I have managed to follow my training plan completely for a week.  Go me!  Also - I managed a workout despite not great conditions and I am convinced this will make me stronger for the 5k on Sunday.  It also gave me a great chance to continue wearing my smart wool socks and wazzie wool layers.

All hail the fun colored smart wool socks. They are essential in this crazy but fun weather.

A post shared by Runningwithallergies (@runningwithallergies) on Mar 13, 2017 at 5:31pm PDT

As Sunday approaches, my goals are simple:

1)Do not get injured!  I do not anticipate this being an issue, but I am always happy to cross the line without sustaining an injury.

2)Run a smart race.  My speed workouts indicate I can do a 10-10:30 mile for a decent amount of time.  Will I be able to pull that off Sunday?  I am not sure.  I will start the watch with the race and ignore it until I cross the finish line.  If I am feeling ok, I will pickup my pace for the last 1.6 miles of the race.  Ending on a sprint is always fun.

3)Beat previous race time.  I am in much better shape - even with setbacks - than I was in October.  Keeping that in mind, I should be able to beat my previous race time.  I am not going for a personal best (I prefer it to personal record!).  Perhaps by April 23rd, I will be able to get a sub 30 minute 5k, but I want to make sure I enjoy all the races.

If you are running long this weekend, good luck!  If you are racing, I wish you good weather and the time you desire at the end.

Happy Thursday!

Two 5ks about a month apart - Am I ready?

Hi All,

Yes - I am delaying a half marathon, until my training - especially the long runs - are more consistent.  Am I disappointed?  Sure - this, however, is the right choice for where I am emotionally and physically at the moment.

Next Sunday, I will run my first 5k since starting to train with a coach.  My goal is to cross the line healthy and, if possible, break the time I set achieved the last 5k.  I will practice going out slow and then going all-out in the last 1-1.7 miles of the race.  I might try to count people as I pass them, but that is if I can get up enough speed to do so.  Then, on April 23rd, I will try to cut down on my time yet again.  Is it possible?  Sure - I keep negative splitting easy runs.  Is this bad?  It could be, but I am choosing not to think about it overly much.  This is why I have a coach.

Right - I am excited that I can - in fact - run with just about no pain and do myrtl as well.  This is a big accomplishment from a week ago, when the lastest craziness hit.

Happy Tuesday, All!

Looking at the past Month: Plan for the upcoming Month

Hi All,

Happy Monday.  I am excited to actually be posting on a Monday.  Yep - this is an improvement.

As described in my previous post, this past 1-1.5 months have not been easy.  Today, I got two good pieces of news, which should make the upcoming months much easier.  Don't get excited - nothing is final yet, but these trees might be mine in the upcoming weeks:

If all goes well, this tree might be owned by me at the end of April.

A post shared by Runningwithallergies (@runningwithallergies) on Mar 4, 2017 at 1:41pm PST

About a 5 weeks ago, I went in for a consultation.  During this visit, things went well, but I was scheduled for some tests due to a procedure I had a few years ago.  The tests went well, but something appeared not exactly as it should.  Today, I went back and had a more advanced test and things went smashingly!  Yes, I am still suffering a few side effects, but I will take the, "You are healthy" message with minor side effects any day of the week.

And now - I am going to get things in order so that I can have a productive day tomorrow.

Happy Monday!
Margaret

Moving past the sludge: A few weeks in review

Hi All!

My posting lately has been sporadic and I am working towards being more consistent - ironically for posting and running!

This morning I got in 6 miles.  Lately - my long runs have been cut short (3 weeks in a row) or have not happened.  It is likely that my half marathon on April 23 will not be a personal record (PR) or personal best (PB).  My goal for the 23rd is run the best that I can, but I want to enjoy it.  Also - I truly want to run a smart race, since going into it, my speedwork and training are better than they have been previously.

My first half marathon was part of a running camp and I finished it in 2 hours.  Prior to it, I ran 6 miles three days a week and completed each in about an hour (10 min miles).  Right now, by contrast, my long runs/easy runs are in the 12:30 range, although today I unintentionally did a cut down workout and managed to shave off nearly a minute.  Given that my speed workout earlier this week was slower than in previous weeks, I was thrilled.

The second half marathon took place in warm weather with only a day's transition (bad).  I ate things the night before, which backfired during the second half of the race (not a pretty sight).  It was a long drive to/from the location and I was exhausted going into the race.  So - no surprise here - I finished in 2:17:24.  Actually, looking at it now, that looks pretty good.  My training had been on a treadmill and, while I learned to use it as training tool, it was never my favorite.

Half marathon three was the worst experience ever.  I was battling allergies and had switched up my diet a few weeks prior to the race.  I wrote about the experience and my frustration with it in great detail here.

Going into half marathon four, I want to enjoy it.  More than that, I want to see if I can feel better, relaxed, and enjoy it, while also putting in a good effort and giving a good kick at the end of it.  I am not expecting to break 2:30, but I would not be sad if it happened.  This will be my first long distance event since 2015, after backing out of a fall 2016 half marathon.

Now - I am tired but happy.   This afternoon, I took a huge step in the right direction and this could lead to a relocation in late April/early May that will assist in good changes.

Happy Saturday!

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!