Taking The Day Off

Mar5

So after my post yesterday, I did some thinking. I had a few friends contact me. I did some more thinking and then a little more.

I’m wondering if I was also having the “I didn’t get into the NYC Marathon blues.” The drawing was yesterday. If you couldn’t tell, I didn’t get in. I didn’t expect to get in, but I still dreamed of being a lucky lottery winner. If my Grammy didn’t teach me anything, she taught me that my family is not destined to win any lottery drawing. If that was the case, her 50 years of buying and tracking her numbers would have hit by now. So, I knew I wouldn’t be that lucky, but I did dare to dream. There are other dreams though:)

I am giving myself a snow day. I am actually giving myself a snow weekend to come up with my plan. Yes, I’m working on it. As my cohort said, I do need “to go to the gym and lift some heavy things.” So that is part one of the equation. I’m working on part two. I will have a plan and implement it. I’m just not sure what it is yet:)

Keep Calm and Get Me Out of This Slump

Mar4

We all know that it is so much easier to fall off the proverbial wagon than to climb back up on it. I don’t know anyone who this is any different either. Right now, I’m trying to climb back on the wagon but the wagon’s wheels are stuck in the snow. I’m not sure if it’s the never ending winter blues, the lack of sleep, or just I need a gentle nudge; but I seem to have lost my umph.

I’m looking for it.

I’m going through the motions

(although not has hard as I used to).

I’m signing up for races left and right,

yet still….

Something is off.

Maybe it really is the Winter Blues. I can’t seem to get back into my routine with the kids having a delayed opening what seems like every other day. Then there is the fact that the streets really are not conducive to getting a good, long, hard run in. I need spring and I am normally a winter person. I need the sun on my face and my feet to stay dry. I also need not to have to worry about slipping and breaking something. Yes, I know that I can run on the treadmill but it is just not the same.

I would like to blame some of my off scheduling on my cute little puppy who is getting bigger by the day, but honestly I was off before his arrival. But by mentioning him, I will throw in a new puppy picture.

Maybe it is because when I first started on this path, I went full force. I started at a level (which I miss) that was unsustainable. I was working out every day which as a whole took up two hours of my day. Not really a tremendous amount of time, but still. At that time, I had something to prove not to anyone else but myself. I proved it too. I think that might be part of the problem. I seem to be in permanent taper and I need a kick to get me going again.

I really think this slide started when I gave up Crossfit. Yes, I said I was done with it. Yet, it keeps pulling me back in. I’ve tried going to the local gym to cross train. It’s just not the same. It’s boring. It’s not fun. It’s not the same. I once at an older gentlemen tell me at the gym while I was doing barbell curls, “Wow, that’s a lot of weight for a girl.” I wanted to tell him it was a lot of weight for a guy too, but just smiled. See, not the same.

As they say once you recognize you have a problem, you can fix it. So, I recognize my slump. I now just need to figure out how to get out of it. Especially with all these races I’ve signup up for!

I bought on an auction a month pass to Crossfit as my last box membership expired. At least that will kick my butt. Until I start though, I will work on getting myself out the door and motivated!

Race Recap and Proud Tutu Wearing Mama!

Mar2

I ran a 5K yesterday. When I signed up for it, I had aspirations of this being my 25 minute PR. I knew going in that this would not be so and I am glad that I adjusted my expectations beforehand as it was a beautifully out and back hilly course. I wish that I was not pushing it as there were some spectacular views of the Hudson that I would have liked to get a picture of, but I was running a race and couldn’t stop for pictures. I will say that if I do meet the goal this year, it will not be on a course like this one. That being said, I still did well with a 28:25 time. I’m happy. This will move me up a coral in my Road Runner races now. Yeah me:)

Now since I knew going into this I was only going to end up using this run as a good push it run, I decided to make it fun and wear a Tutu! Actually, I was not alone in my tutu either. We had a clown car filled with six of us MRTT Mama’s and five of us opted for the tutu. This got me thinking as to why sane rational woman would wear a tutu. I can only speak for me, but this is what I came up with.

It is just fun!

Think about it….

As a woman….

As a mother…..

As a wife…..

As a Cub Scout Leader (yup, that’s me)…….

As a woman with lots and lots of responsibilities, jobs, and things on our plates…..

When do we just let to let it all hang out?

When do we just let to do something silly?

I am well past the time when I am not always juggling something.

I am well past the time for stupid silly either.

So for me wearing a tutu is my chance to just be silly and I’m not talking “play with your kid” silly either. So if wearing a tutu allows me to remind myself that it is ok to just be silly for the sake of silly, why not? I think this is a much healthier outlet that ending up on an episode of “Mom’s gone wild.” This is wild enough for me. This is my chance to “let my hair down” in a fun positive way.

Tutu’s Rock in that way!

I will also add that my group was asked a few times to have our picture taken by random people. We even made the Road Runners Race Album. One guy even wanted to be in the picture with us! Not sure what he will tell his friends when he shows them the pictures, but he wasn’t laughing at us but with us. Yes, there were some but not as many as you would think who may have been laughing at us, but you know what…..

I DON’T CARE!

This is my race, my tutu, and my friends.

We had a great time rockin our tutus and to me it really is all about the fun.

So as a Mom who is only a month away from 46, if I want to act like a kid and wear a tutu, silly hats, silly socks, ect when I run so be it.

Friday Five – Why Do I Want to Run NYCM

Feb27

Friday Five Link-up with by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s Theme

It’s a Friday Free For All

So, I’m going with….

5 Reasons I want to run the NYC Marathon

I figure since I’m talking about my 9 plus 1 races so much and my quest to run it in 2016,

that maybe I should ponder why I want to do it in the first place.

1. It’s not easy to get into it and I do love a challenge. For your average runner like me to run the NYCM, you have two options. You can get in by raising money for charity or you can run the 9 plus 1 to qualify. I have chosen the 9 plus 1 therefore I will by running my 9 NYC Road Runner Races and volunteer at one event.

2. I drank the kool-aid! When listening and following your fellow MRTT Mama’s on their journey of running in 2014, I realized how amazing it would be to not just be cheering someone on but to actually experience it first hand. I am running many of these races with an amazing group of MRTT Mama’s and we are having fun! You know that I feel fun is important.

4. I think the way to show your children that they can do anything is to show them by example. If I can do anything I set my mind to (with in reason), they will know that they can too!

5. To be able to say,

“I ran the NYC Marathon!”

Now time for some puppy love

Whew That was Tough!

Feb23

I am so relaxed today. So very relaxed. It didn’t really start out that way, but I’m jello now and have been all afternoon. I had a few months credit saved up from Hand & Stone Spa and I used one today. It was amazing. I went for a 90 Minute Hot Stone Massage. I was so relaxed that I almost fell asleep. I didn’t because if I am getting a massage I don’t want to waste it by sleeping. Really the only thing that stopped me from falling asleep was a little snore!

I felt like this…

Every time I go for a massage, I swear I will be better and go more often. I think today’s massage was the one that I was going to get in November after the Marathon. Oops;)

I remember going for a Spa Day with my Mother once. She had never been for a massage and got her first and only massage that day. She was nervous and is a bit chatty normally and always more so when she is nervous. I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and was only getting a Spa pedicure. When her massage was over we went to lunch. She went on about how much she liked it and then she started telling me all the things her and her massage therapist talked about during her massage. I was flabbergasted as I have never known anyone to talk during a massage. I admit that I was so relaxed today, I would not have been able to form coherent sentences even if I wanted. I couldn’t imagine talking through the whole thing. It would actually make it weird.

Although if you think about it the whole process of going for a massage, it is weird. Most of the time, you make your appointment not knowing who you are going to see. The only stipulation that I have is that is a woman therapist. Upon arrival, they take you into a room for you to undress and wait for them in a low light and soft music. This would be why, you always want to get a recommendation on where to go for your massage or at least go to an established place. There has to be a certain level of comfort to enjoy the massage experience and although the therapist is a professional, I would be uncomfortable with a male therapist. It would ruin the whole thing for me.

I didn’t realize how much my body needed today until I was on the table. There really is something to be said for the healing powers of massage. I think it is an under appreciated therapy. I didn’t realize how much tension was in my back and neck until she worked them out! Also didn’t hurt to have the knots in my calves worked out too. Here is hoping to staying nice and loose for this weekends 5K!

As I’ve said in the past, I must remember to go for massages on a regular basis. I’m not talking twice a month, but I should go at least every other month. Especially with “race season” starting up.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET A MASSAGE?

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERENCE WITH YOUR THERAPIST.

I’m So Tired.

Feb21

As I mentioned yesterday, we got a new puppy. His name is Finn and I underestimated how much having him would impede me from my training. I forgot how much time would be required. Logically, I knew but I still didn’t add it all up. For example, yesterday I had planned to run. It was brutally cold. Brutally. I still thought about running. I thought about going to the Y to run, but then I napped on the couch when Finn napped. Like a Baby, I have been getting up with him multiple times a night. Except unlike a baby, I am ending up outside in 4 degree weather. Then I come in and can’t necessarily fall right back to sleep. So I’m tired. So tired.

We are trying to crate training him. I know that I’m not doing it right. This morning, my son came out to the living room to find me snuggled next to the cage sleeping with the dog who was not in the cage. I admit it. I’m weak. I’m a patsy. I’m working on it. I have a Dog Trainer coming to the house today who is going to tell me all the things that me (and my family) are doing wrong. I’m hoping with some professional help, I will be better.

But since I’ve only had Finn for a few days, I’m giving myself a chance to get into the new routine with him as it will need to be tweaked in the beginning. I will make sure to include my training time on his schedule. I will work it out. I will do what I need to do. Not just for me, but for him as well. As my sister said there is nothing better than a well trained Big Dog and Finn is going to be a decent size. He is a Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Most people have never heard of this bread. He’s Swiss and he end up about 70 pounds.

But when he’s bigger, he will need a decent amount of exercise. I envision running trails with him.

It’s going to be so much fun and I think he will like it too! But like anything else it’s going to take some work to get to the fun part. Not that some of it isn’t fun now:)

What are You Running in 2015 – Friday Five

Feb20

Yeah, I’m blogging today. It’s been a crazy week preparing and then getting a new puppy, but I didn’t want to miss the Friday Five Link-up with by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s Theme

Five Races to Run in 2015

This is a big year for me running wise. This is the year, I am actually plainning out my events. Yes, I will add some along the way as they come up, but I’ve got a lot that need to be planned out since I’m doing the 9 plus 1. That being said, there are some races that I am doing just for me!

Sandy Hood Triathlon, September 13

This one has special meaning as this is the race that got me off my behind and running. This will be my 3rd year now and I’m hoping that three times is the charm. Last year they added miles to the bike route and it kicked my behind. So this year I’m hoping to beat last years time as a whole. This one is on the bay, but in Sandy Hook National Park right along the beach.

Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon, October 4

My running cohort did this last year and she said it was a really nice run. So why not? Plus fall is such a nice time to run the trails!

Superhero Halloween Half Marathon, October 18

Doesn’t the name say why I want to run it. This is a Superhero event and I ran one last year in May and it was a lot of fun. Besides, doesn’t it sound like fun. Costumes. Candy! Running with a group of MRTT ladies. Sounds perfect (except, of course the 13.1 miles:)

NYRR Ladies only Moore Half Marathon, April 19th

It’s my birthday and I think this is an awesome way to spend it. This one will also count for my 9 plus 1 program too. I’m still deciding if I’m going to push it and try to do it 2 hours as one of my goals for the years is to run a 2 hour half. What better way to say that I won’t feel 46 than running a half fast:):)

NY Scotland Run 10K, April 4

This just sounds like fun. I will use it as a training run and enjoy the bag pipes and festivities. Plus another one to count for my 9 plus 1 in NY.

What are you running in 2015?

Shameless Puppy Picture

Readjusting Goals and Expectations

Feb17

With all goal setting, it is important along the way to take stock of how things are going and how expectations are meeting reality.

This is where I am today.

One of my goals for this year was to have a Bib a month. I was very clear in my goals that Bibs would not carry over and only one a month would count on this. Well it is time to readjust this goal seeing as I feel like I live in the Frozen Tundra and there are no races this month. More to the point the races that were available, I could not do. I wasn’t overly concerned because my MRTT group was hosting a Frozen Booty event. I was going to do the 5K. First we had a problem with the location and it was decided to be less formal event at a local park. Then the weather took a sever dive and it was determined that everyone would run their own race and post their times. I still did my 5K. I even did it outside because I really, really, really dislike the treadmill. My time was not spectacular, but I did it. I finished in 31:03. Actually not bad considering I walked at some points because I didn’t feel like landing on my behind in the snow. But I did it. I also plan to count this as I submitted my time to the National Chapter of MRTT. Official enough for me.

One of my other goals for the year is to run a 5K in 25 minutes. As I’ve said before, my PR for a 5K is 27 minutes. I had hoped to know this goal out at the March 1rst 5K, but I really don’t see it happening. I’ve been running on the treadmill, but I hate the treadmill. This is not to say that I’m not going to try, but I think realistically I hopefully can reach this goal later in the year. This is not the only 5K that I will run this year and this is only a goal at a local 5K. If I don’t make it this year, I can always try again next.

As for my goal of qualifying for the NYCM, I do seem to be on track for that one. I’ve already done one race and I’m registered for 5 more. Along the way, my cohort and I are trying to make sure that we also run enough of the Borough series races to automatically qualify for the NYC Half Marathon next year. Wouldn’t that be nice. We’ve already got one qualifying event under our belt and are registered for others. With any luck, things will fall into place and next year we can run the half and full. That would be amazing to say the least! So must keep on running to make sure that happens.

It is nice too that I can already say that I’ve reached a goal by running a trail half this year. Thanks Dawn:)

So as of now, I am satisfied with where I am in my training and my goals.

and

No, I haven’t forget the 2 hour Half. Just not sure of when.

How are you doing with yours?

You Know Your A Runner When….

Feb16

You get ready to leave for a run and say, “I’m going for a short run today. I’m only going 3 miles.”
When you have more running clothes than any other type of clothes.
When you think nothing of ringing a friends bell to use her bathroom because your out for a long run.
You buy your GU by the case
You have more running shoes than days of the week
You consider your running time your me time and guard it accordingly.
You think the best way to help your sore legs is more running to “work it out.”
You are not only willing but excited to spend 15 minutes getting dressed for cold weather because it means you will be able to get your run in no matter what the thermometer says.
You match your pedicure nail polish to the shade of blue one of your toenails is already colored.
You check to see if there are any races taking place where you plan to vacation.

How Do You know Your a Runner….

Friday Five Love Fest!

Feb13

Love, Love, Love

(Admit it, you sang it or are singing it now)

Today we are celebrating Love with the Friday Five Link-up with by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Let’s talk about the 5 things that I LOVE about running in a Tutu!

1. You can coordinate your whole outfit with your tutu and look stylish.

I met this stylish woman after the Runner’s World Half Marathon. She looked so stylish that I had to take a picture of her. Afterwards, I saw her on Runner’s World Instagram post and we now follow each other. Small World!!

2. This brings me to how when wearing a Tutu, you will be asked to take pictures with perfect strangers! This also happened to my and my tutu wearing friends at Greta’s Gallop Half last year.

We do not know the fun loving Boa wearing couple, but she is a breast cancer survivor visiting NY and wanted to take a picture with us. How could we say no?

3. When rocking a tutu, you may hear more than once during a race…..

Go Pink Tutu!

Love the Tutu!

Almost there Tutu!

or any such phrase that will incorporate your tutu into it.

You may stand out a little more in the crowd too:)

4. I also feel that wearing a tutu helps to bring my A game to a race. Why? Because if you are going to be brave/crazy enough to wear a tutu, you have to be willing to back it up.

5. Last but not least…..

It’s fun!!!!!!

Life should be fun. Running should be fun. Unless you are a competitive runner, you should enjoy each and every race. Life is too short not to have fun. If wearing a tutu is something you have secretly wanted to do, do it. Besides when else as an adult can you wear a tutu (crazy hat or costume) without people thinking you should be locked up? If I start wearing it to school pick-up or around town, then I should talk to someone. But to have fun with my BRF (Best running friends), I will always choose a tutu:)

Have you run in a Tutu?

Do you now want to run in a Tutu?

The Accidentally Running Mama

Run, Bike, Swim and Have a Life!