More Great Workouts, A Fall, No More MBE & Racing. Oh, Randomness.

List post!

• You’ll notice I did not post an MBE this week.  Or maybe you won’t.  Either way, it was a good run but all good things must come to an end.  The truth is, there was so little participation and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with, that it became somewhat of a distraction.  I simply have too much going on, and too many things I want to blog about.
•  On Mothers Day, I worked at BFG for 12 hours!!!  12!  And worse, I fell right before my shift started.  I was taking the wine glasses out to the bar and the roller they were stacked on gave out.  Seven racks of wine glasses began to tumble and as I tried to save them and hold them up, I went down in a split with the racks on top of me.  I don’t think I have done a split since I was little!  I actually thought I hurt my leg, but turns out it was my back.  I don’t think it is anything major, but still…ouch!
• Ran 5 miles today 🙂  Yes, even with the back pain!  That was my second consecutive 5-miler that went fabulous!  My legs are holding up (thank goodness) and my endurance has been great.  Best of all my speed is getting better and better!
• The next two weekends are going to be crazy busy, but also so much fun.  This weekend, I have a surprise party for a friend (won’t write the name, I have no idea who reads my blog!) and a wedding for one of my closest teammates.  The following weekend, I am taking R2 to Lancaster for his birthday.  We are staying two nights at a B&B and I am taking him to the Lancaster Brewery for dinner and a tour (which he doesn’t know about yet) of the brewery.  I am so looking forward to some quality time with him.  And yes, I am an amazing girlfriend 🙂
• I am posting a poll on the right side of my blog- I am looking for a new car.  I currently drive a Toyota Corolla, which I love.  It has been good to me but I have always wanted a Honda Civic.  I am conflicted.  The cars are somewhat similar in size, gas mileage and even price.  I have also been throwing the idea of the Chevy Cruze around because it’s American and lower in price.  I don’t like that it replaces the Cobalt which was a bomb but I had a Cavalier for my first car which was in my family for like 15 years so I know they can make good cars that last long.  I’ll take any advice I can get on the Cruze and the Civic if you have any.   The poll is just for fun- help me pick my new car 🙂
• As many of you noted in my last post, my spirits are high and I am in a really good place right now.  The only thing in my life I wish I could change is my job.  Since I have so much good in my life outside of work, I feel like I can get through 8 hours a day.  Plus, I know how lucky I am to have a job in the first place!
• I have been noticing more and more people are running the Philadelphia Half & Marathon in November!  I’ll be staying in the city (even though I live 20 mins away!) and would love to do a bloggy meet-up.  I am thinking the afternoon of the expo, maybe designating a place for drinks/apps?  I am in the city a lot and know quite a few good places.  If this sparks enough interest, I will work on putting something together.
• I have decided on my second fall half-marathon.  I am going to run the Newport-Liberty Half on Sunday, September 25.  It is cheap, mostly flat and fairly close to home for me.  My friend lives pretty close and is running it with me, so travel will be relatively easy.  Anyone ever run this race?  Anyone planning to?

 

Ok interwebs, back to work for me.  Hope to catch up on my reader this week since I won’t be around this weekend!  Hope everyone is having a great week!

Monday Brain Exchange Week 34- Being Green

Every Monday, at the end of the current weeks M.B.E answer, I will post a question for the following week.  This way you can cue your post for Monday if you wish.  If Monday doesn’t work for you, you can still play along any day of the week that works best. If you want to play along, all you have to do is post the question and your answer on your own blog.  If you prefer to simply answer in the comments section below, that is okay too!

This Weeks Topic:  Running Green

This Weeks Question:  In celebration of (a very belated) Earth Day, tell us how you do your part in leaving the Earth better than we found it by recycling, using alternative energy sources, doing something natural and etc…

Here is the honest truth.  I do not liter.  I recycle.  I reuse.  And that is about it.

I do feel like I do my part, but I don’t put aside time to think more outside of the box.  Not too long ago, Denise wrote a post about how she stays green and I was (am) in awe of her determination to be as green as possible!

The one major thing I wish I could do different, isn’t possible.  I would love to ride my bike to work but there are no accessible roads.  The commute would be treacherous on a bike, at best.  I am always jealous of those who can commute to work by other modes of transportation other than a car.

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Next Weeks Topic: Handling Set-Backs

Next Weeks Question: What kind of set-backs have you experienced when it comes to your sport?  Have you had an injury, financial issue or other stress that has interfered with your training and how did/do you handle it?

MBE Resumes…Question For Next Week

Every Monday, at the end of the current weeks M.B.E answer, I will post a question for the following week.  This way you can cue your post for Monday if you wish.  If Monday doesn’t work for you, you can still play along any day of the week that works best. If you want to play along, all you have to do is post the question and your answer on your own blog.  If you prefer to simply answer in the comments section below, that is okay too!

Next Weeks Topic:  Running Green

Next Weeks Question:  In celebration of (belated) Earth Day, tell us how you help the earth by running green.

Monday Brain Exchange Week 33- Boston!!!

Every Monday, at the end of the current weeks M.B.E answer, I will post a question for the following week.  This way you can cue your post for Monday if you wish.  If Monday doesn’t work for you, you can still play along any day of the week that works best. If you want to play along, all you have to do is post the question and your answer on your own blog.  Link your post to my blog so that I know you have participated, and in the following weeks post, I will link all the participant blogs from the prior week.

This Weeks Topic:  All About Boston

This Weeks Question:  What are your thoughts on the Boston Marathon?  Have you, are you or do you plan to, run the Boston Marathon?  What do you think of the new regulations? 

When I started running, I never intended on even doing a half-marathon.  I definitely never saw myself running a marathon- in fact, the idea of running 26.2 miles is still hard for me to process.  I don’t quite understand the concept of running 26.2 miles as it applies to me.  I know I am training for it…I know I am signed up for it…I know I am going to do it…but the whole idea of it still blows my mind.  And you Boston runners- you blow my mind too!  I cannot imagine holding the Boston pace for 3 miles, let alone the 26.2 you had to do to qualify.  To me, you are all amazing. 

I will cross the Boston finish line this year- but as a part of the B.A.A 5k!  And that is the closest I will ever come to “running Boston” myself.  And that is really enough for me.  I never did have dreams of running Boston- hell, I don’t know if I will ever run a marathon #2- it just never crossed my radar as something I wanted to do.  I run at a middle-of-the-pack pace and that suits me.  Even if I could run at the current qualifying pace, they have now changed it- a change that I truly believe, was needed.  The thing is, because I am not someone trying to qualify, I don’t really think my opinion has its place when it comes to qualification requirements.

Boston for me, is all about a fun time!  I am looking forward to flying with my mom (our first time flying together) and spending quality time with her.  I am so excited for the 5K and lunch with awesome bloggers.  I cannot wait for lots and lots of photos and I REALLY cannot wait to spectate the marathon!  I am looking so very forward to watching you all start and finish this race! 

See you in Beantown, kids!!!

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*MBE will not post on Monday, April 18, as I will be in Boston!  It will resume with a question the following week.

Monday Brain Exchange Week 32- Building Mileage

Every Monday, at the end of the current weeks M.B.E answer, I will post a question for the following week.  This way you can cue your post for Monday if you wish.  If Monday doesn’t work for you, you can still play along any day of the week that works best. If you want to play along, all you have to do is post the question and your answer on your own blog.  Link your post to my blog so that I know you have participated, and in the following weeks post, I will link all the participant blogs from the prior week.

This Weeks Topic:  Building Mileage

This Weeks Question:  Regardless of the distance you train for, or whether it be road racing or triathlon, training is time-consuming.  What are your tricks for fitting all your training into your schedule?  How do you balance family, friends, work and training?

I wish I had tricks.  I wish it were that easy, really!  The truth is, I don’t have any tricks.  The truth is, it just happens.  I am not sure how I do it, but somehow I manage to fit everything in.  And when I can’t, I typically have a mini-meltdown about it and then move on and try to do better.  I hate letting people down and I hate letting myself down…but it happens.  I try my best to fit everything in, schedule things around other things and make it all work.  Most of the time it does; sometimes it doesn’t.  I would say the one thing I sacrifice most, and have to work on not sacrificing, is sleeping.  I know that sleep is such an important part of training, however I hate to miss out on anything so I always seem to let the hours slip away from sleep time.

I am looking very forward to your “tricks” to help me out!!!

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Next Weeks Topic:  All About Boston

Next Weeks Question:  What are your thoughts on the Boston Marathon?  Have you, are you or do you plan to, run the Boston Marathon?  What do you think of the new regulations? 

*MBE will not post on Monday, April 18, as I will be in Boston! 🙂

Monday Brain Exchange Week 31- Race Reports

Since links are still kind of an issue, I have decided to link everyone who has participated in my M.B.E recently:  Kandi, Andrea, Kim, Darlene, Kim, Kera, Steve, Kitzzy, Whitney.  If I missed you, please let me know!!!

Every Monday, at the end of the current weeks M.B.E answer, I will post a question for the following week.  This way you can cue your post for Monday if you wish.  If Monday doesn’t work for you, you can still play along any day of the week that works best. If you want to play along, all you have to do is post the question and your answer on your own blog.  Link your post to my blog so that I know you have participated, and in the following weeks post, I will link all the participant blogs from the prior week.

This Weeks Topic:  Race Reports

This Weeks Question: Do you enjoy writing your race reports?  Do you use them later for reference?

 I love writing race reports!  Actually, I write them in my head as I am racing most of the time.  For one, it keeps me focused on something and for two, it gives me something to push harder for- race reports, when you think about it, are just another way to stay accountable!  And they are even better for reflecting on later.  I always reference my reports for repeat races.  I like to see where I want to make changes and what I can do differently.  Re-reading reports helps me to remember what did work and what did not work.  I think even if I wasn’t blogging, I would keep reports of some nature.

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Next Weeks Topic:  Building Mileage

Next Weeks Question:  Regardless of the distance you train for, or whether it be road racing or triathlon, training is time consuming.  What are your tricks for fitting all your training into your schedule?  How do you balance family, friends, work and training?

Monday Brain Exchange Week 30- Your First Kicks

Still having link issues- urrrg!  The good news is- MBE has made it 30 weeks!!!

Every Monday, at the end of the current weeks M.B.E answer, I will post a question for the following week.  This way you can cue your post for Monday if you wish.  If Monday doesn’t work for you, you can still play along any day of the week that works best. If you want to play along, all you have to do is post the question and your answer on your own blog.  Link your post to my blog so that I know you have participated, and in the following weeks post, I will link all the participant blogs from the prior week.

This Weeks Topic: Your First Kicks

This Weeks Question: All runners have a connection to their shoes.  Tell the story behind how you came to love the kicks you’re in- what were your first shoes?  What do you wear now?  Do you stick to one shoe or change it up?

Like most people, when I first started running, I wore basic running shoes.  I am pretty sure they were New Balance.  I was having all kinds of trouble to my shins/calves so on a recommendation from my Uncle, I went to the local running store.

And that is where the Brooks Adrenalines and I fell in love.

I tried on at least three pairs that day…I didn’t really like any of them.  Then, the last pair they brought out, “good for overpronators” were the Brooks.  I had never even heard of Brooks.  I loved them the second I had them on- and haven’t wavered since because any time I do try on a different pair of shoes, I always come back to the Brooks.  And always the Adrenalines.

I usually have two pairs rotating at all times.  One pair, the new ones, are always for race training, where as the old ones are for just wearing around or to the gym.  I usually change out my shoes every 350-400 miles or so, give or take.

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Next Weeks Topic:  Race Reports

Next Weeks Question: Do you enjoy writing your race reports?  Do you use them later for reference?

Monday Brain Exchange Week 29- Music Montage

I am having a serious issue with links- for whatever reason, when you all link your questions, they are not ping-ing back to me.  Last week the only one I got was from Darlene.  I’m working on trying to figure out why they are coming back to me, but for this week and until I figure it out, just let me know in comments that you participated and I’ll make sure to credit you.  Thanks 🙂

Every Monday, at the end of the current weeks M.B.E answer, I will post a question for the following week.  This way you can cue your post for Monday if you wish.  If Monday doesn’t work for you, you can still play along any day of the week that works best. If you want to play along, all you have to do is post the question and your answer on your own blog.  Link your post to my blog so that I know you have participated, and in the following weeks post, I will link all the participant blogs from the prior week.

This Weeks Topic: Music Montage

This Weeks Question: If you had a soundtrack for your training and racing, what songs would appear on it?

I listen to so many different songs when I work out, I wouldn’t even know where to begin.  I like everything from country, to 80’s pop to hip hop depending on what workout I am doing and what mood I am in at the time.  Instead of listing all my songs, which would take forever and possibly bore you out of your skull, I shuffled my Ipod and chose the first 10 that came up.

Pink- So what

Eminem- Soldier

Chevelle- Send the pain below

Black Eyed Peas- Boom Boom Pow

Paramore- Decode

DJ Khaled- All I do is win

Sugarland- Down in the Mississippi

Tom Petty- American Girl

Black Eyed Peas- Let the beat rock

All American Rejects- Move along

I am currently working on putting together another new playlist for marathon training- and I want some new tunes to add to the mix.  Even if you don’t participate in MBE, let me know your favorites in the comments below!

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Next Weeks Topic: Your First Kicks

Next Weeks Question: All runners have a connection to their shoes.  Tell the story behind how you came to love the kicks you’re in- what were your first shoes?  What do you wear now?  Do you stick to one shoe or change it up?

Monday Brain Exchange Week 28- Socially Networking

I am slacking again on the links, I know- please bear with me…I am on vacation 🙂

Every Monday, at the end of the current weeks M.B.E answer, I will post a question for the following week.  This way you can cue your post for Monday if you wish.  If Monday doesn’t work for you, you can still play along any day of the week that works best. If you want to play along, all you have to do is post the question and your answer on your own blog.  Link your post to my blog so that I know you have participated, and in the following weeks post, I will link all the participant blogs from the prior week.

This Weeks Topic: Social Networking

This Weeks Question: Do you use Facebook, Twitter, Daily Mile etc… to socially network for your blog?

I am addicted to Facebook. Entirely too much.  I have been a member for over five years but I didn’t really care about it at first.  I would say in the last two years it has crept into my life and now I love it.  I love how it keeps me in touch with my friends that I otherwise wouldn’t see.  But I don’t use it for my blog- my blog doesn’t have a page and I don’t post my posts there.  For me, it would just be another thing for me to keep up with and I don’t think I would be very good at doing so.

As for other social networking sites, I don’t use any.  I used to use Daily Mile and I actually really loved it…but again…just another thing to keep up with and I didn’t do a good job.  I seriously needed to downsize all of the things I was trying to do- and since I already have a log I keep my stats on, I really didn’t need it.  And twitter…well tweeters, you will NEVER see me send a tweet.  Just can’t get into it.  Oh, and I don’t need another addiction!!!

 

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Next Weeks Topic: Music Montage

Next Weeks Question: If you had a soundtrack for your training and racing, what songs would appear on it?

Monday Brain Exchange Week 27- Races & Vacations

Last Week’s Players will be linked tomorrow- Sorry- I forgot I have off today and all my info is saved on the work computer!

Every Monday, at the end of the current weeks M.B.E answer, I will post a question for the following week.  This way you can cue your post for Monday if you wish.  If Monday doesn’t work for you, you can still play along any day of the week that works best. If you want to play along, all you have to do is post the question and your answer on your own blog.  Link your post to my blog so that I know you have participated, and in the following weeks post, I will link all the participant blogs from the prior week.

This Weeks Topic: Racing and Vacations

This Weeks Question: Do you make vacations out of your races when they are far from home?

I love to travel, so for me, finding destination races is part of the fun.  If the race is already going to cost me a flight and days off from work, I see no reason why it shouldn’t be made into a vacation!  In the past, I have done this with at least three of my races and have a few planned for this year as well.

I hope that when I have a family, I can continue finding races while vacationing.  I think it is a good way to keep doing what I love while also including my family.

This Friday, I leave for Florida.  While I am not racing and this is a R&R long weekend away…Victoria and I cannot let go of our training.  We have an open water swim planned as well as a few runs and we even scoped out our gym so we can lift one day.  One of the best things about taking trips with friends who are also training, is that they totally get it.

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Next Weeks Topic: Social Networking

Next Weeks Question: Do you use Facebook, Twitter, Daily Mile etc… to socially network for your blog?