Suddenly, this past week, Virginia decided it was July. Nevermind that it was really May, it was 90* with matching humidity. This is what I looked like when I got done running on Tuesday: Yes, that is sweat dripping from my elbows. Thanks for asking. Remember how cold it was for most of us this…
Category: tips
Packing for a destination race in five easy steps
I’ve traveled to a lot of races. I’ve run races at the beginning of vacations and at the end of vacations. I’ve driven us much as 6 hours just to run a race (ok, I admit it may have been more to spend time with the lovely ladies I was racing with.) Last year I…
A southern girl’s tips for training through winter
If you had asked me before this winter whether I preferred heavy mileage in winter or summer, I would have said absolutely winter. I’ve done a fall marathon, which involved 20 mile training runs in 90+ degrees with matching humidity. I’ve done a spring marathon, which involved long runs where I ran the same mile…
Shoe Justification
It’s no secret that I not only have a lot of shoes, but that I have a love for a lot of different shoes. If you look in my closet, you’ll find Saucony, Brooks, Mizuno, Altra, Skora, Vibrams, etc. and often more than one style from a brand. If it’s on the more minimalist end…
Confessions of an Evening Snacker
I admit it: I’m a snacker. I always have been. Regardless of how much exercise I’m doing or what my weight is, I feel better when I’m eating every few hours. I’ve tried to stop it in the past, but it seems there is not enough protein and healthy fat in the world for me…
How not to have a decent picture of yourself…
I’ve had a couple of occasions recently to need a picture of me. Not of my family. Not of me with my fun runner buddies. Me. Just me. I don’t have one. Or, to be more accurate, I don’t have one I like. If you too want to have no pictures that you can provide…
Lessons learned and 14 in 2014
Lessons learned from back to back half marathons (s0me of these I should have known LOL): Fueling and hydration are key. I did not eat enough of Friday or Saturday morning, nor did I drink enough during the race. (Just ’cause it’s raining doesn’t mean you aren’t sweating…) I ate pretty much constantly after the…
A teaser: The FitBase
Last week, I met up with a friend for coffee. This may have been the first time I’ve actually sat down and talked to this friend, as opposed to being covered in sweat and cursing his name. See, C.J. is a personal trainer and running coach. We’ve hung out at races together (note that we…
2 things Thursday + Pin It Party
1. I’m finally feeling normal. I took naps three days in a row this week, which is pretty much unheard of for me. But they weren’t optional. My body pretty much said “Sleep. Now.” So I did. Yesterday I finally went out in my Kinvara 4’s and ran a fast for me 4 miles. I…
Yoohoo! Wagon! Over here!
Virginia has a law about kids starting school before Labor Day, so my kids technically have one more week of summer. However, this morning, they start a full day Martial Arts camp. (Why, yes, I am nervous about Shoo learning how to fight with swords…) So, today our lives return to a schedule. I tend…
How to sneak up on a long run
To say that my long run mojo has been lacking would be to put it mildly. I know why it’s missing: cold weather, pain in my toes, and number of hours it takes. I’ve crossed over the 1.5 hour time frame (and really with getting ready, etc, it’s taking two hours) and that’s the point…
My water solution
I’m not great about drinking water in general, but I am really horrible about it in the winter. I get in the habit of only drinking coffee during the day and then a glass of nuun with meals or workouts. (I love nuun and would drink it all the time, but I don’t think…