Apparently I was gone for the whole month of June. I'm not even sure what I did or where I went or why I didn't write. I think, like many right now, I'm still trying to find some semblance of "normal" in the current situation. So, I'm going Deb and Coco for a little bit of socially distanced coffee. If we were having coffee, I'd tell you that one of the reasons I've been out of touch is that I am constantly running or walking. I'm doing the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee and have decided I'd really like to get the 1000 mile pin, not just the 1000k buckle. So, I have to average a little over 8 miles a day. I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I'm nuts - I run every morning and then walk the neighborhood at least 2-3 times a day. … [Read more...]
Runfessions of a Run from Home Runner
Here we are, a crazy number of days into Virginia's Stay at Home order. Today, the Northern Virginia area began Phase 1, which means more things will be open at reduced capacity and with masks required in establishments. To be honest, it's not really going to change my behavior (we are super careful), including that I will continue to run the majority of my runs right out my front door. But I do have some runfessions, so I'm linking up with my buddy Marcia to share them with you. I runfess that I never really got into Virtual Races. I always had enough real races on the calendar that I didn't need them. I still don't LOVE virtuals, but I've registered for a few. Everything I've registered for has had one thing in common: the money … [Read more...]
Tips for Running a Virtual Race
It's now been 2 months since races started getting canceled. Two months of not getting that motivation that races provide. Two months of missing the social interaction of running with (possibly 1000s) of your best runner friends. Naturally, runners are looking for something to fill that need. At the same time, organizations are trying to bring in income or fulfill the promise they made to provide a race or, unfortunately, take advantage of the situation. Yes, I've heard rumors of fake virtual races out there. So, here are my tips to have a successful virtual run. Choose a legit race. OK, maybe you didn't get a choice because the virtual is the option given to you for a canceled race. But if you are looking for a new race, there are … [Read more...]
Keeping my sanity during the Covid-19 / coronavirus pandemic
AKA how I'm only losing my shit occasionally during the coronavirus pandemic. I'm not going to pretend that I'm not stressed and that I haven't had moments of panic or that I haven't yelled at my kids, but for the most part, I'm doing ok. But it's not just "luck" that I'm doing ok. I had to institute some things to take care of myself and make this situation bearable for me. My number one rule: Cut myself (and my family) some slack. My kids are doing online learning now. I can still work for two of my jobs. My house needs a spring cleaning. Yada yada yada. Bottomline is that there's plenty for me and them to do. Some days we get shit done. Some days we don't. And that's ok. I've started a run streak. I realized late last week that … [Read more...]
Celebrate International Women’s Day with ZOOMA!
International Women's Day is March 8, 2020. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. It has been celebrated for over a century and I hope that in my lifetime it becomes truly just a celebration of women, rather than a call to action. Unfortunately, we are not there yet. ZOOMA Women's Races supports and honors women every day, but for International Women's Day, we are hosting a virtual race to specifically support Women for Women International. Women for Women not only supports women in conflict areas directly by giving them support and tools that they need to overcome, but they also work to educate and … [Read more...]
ZOOMA Run Love Challenge, Hardywood Brewing, and Snow
This weekend was crazy busy. I crammed in two separate virtual races, a soccer game, an overnight visit to Richmond, and now it's snowing. I'm actually enjoying the snow because we had plans this morning, but canceled them when we saw the snow coming. This meant I slept in until 10 am (hence this late post) and the boys are still sleeping. I think we all needed the sleep more than the event we were going to attend. One of the big things on my calendar was the ZOOMA Run Love Challenge. I planned to run a 10K and I wanted to beat the time I ran my last 10k training run in: 1:02 and change. Spoiler: I did not run a 10k and my 5k was one of my slowest. It was a balmy 25 degrees yesterday with not much wind and a fair amount of sun, so it … [Read more...]
Virtual Race Recap: All4Run with Gone for a Run
Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Gone for a Run virtual race, but was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own. There are also affiliate links below, which means I might make a commission if you buy something. I love a good virtual race. In fact, for my 40th birthday, I organized my own Mama Goes Masters virtual. So, I was totally into running the All 4 Run. One problem: my shortest run these days is 6 miles and most of my miles are far from race pace. That's ok. The beauty of a virtual race is you can run it when and how you want. Since I wanted to be at least a bit on the speedy side, I ran it as part of my speed work last week. All 4 Run Virtual Race July 4, 2015 39:42 Temp: 75* with 82% … [Read more...]
Gone for a Run: All 4 Run Virtual 4 Mile Race
We all know I can't resist a race. I'm really kind of an addict. I'm not good at pushing myself when I'm doing a training run, so I need a reason to go harder and faster than my usual long run pace. Luckily for me, a virtual race works to push me as well. Add in the fact that my new training plan calls for some pretty significant tempo runs and I'm looking for any excuse to push myself. So, when Gone for a Run reached out to me about their July virtual race, I was all in! Never run a virtual race before? Here's how it works: Sign up, go for a run of the prescribed distance, enjoy your swag! And while you are at it, post about your race on social media so we can all cheer you on! Check out the All 4 Run Virtual Race … [Read more...]
It’s definitely summer here
High heat and lightning. That pretty much sums up my weekend. But, you know me, I can't leave it at that, so I'm linking up with Tara at Running 'n' Reading and Erin at Her Heartland Soul with my weekend update. And we have more of the lovely same weather this week. Ugh, I'm over summer and it's not even officially here yet. Friday night, Shoo had soccer tryouts. Not exactly how I like to spend my Friday evening, but he loves the game, so off we went. Where we encountered thunder and lightning and pouring rain. Tryouts - canceled. … [Read more...]
Skirt Sports 10 on 10!
We all know how much I love Skirt Sports! I wear the Happy Girl skirt at nearly every race I run. So, I'm really excited to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. But, I'm not nearly as excited as they are! To celebrate, they are holding another virtual run. This is their 10 on 10 virtual race - run a 10k or 10 miles on September 13, 14, or 15, 2014 in honor of their 10 year anniversary and get some cute swag! Here are some details Skirt Sports 10 on 10 Virtual Race Who: You and your Skirt Sisters What: 10k or 10 mile Virtual Run Where: In your home town or run with us in Boulder When: September 13, 14 or 15, 2014 How: Simply click here to signup I love that if you live close to them you can meet up at the Skirt … [Read more...]
Five Miles
The first time I ran (almost) 5 miles, I didn't realize I was running that far. It was my first race ever - an 8k - and I'd failed at the math. Who knew that 8k was 4.97? I thought it was just over four and had trained for that. Yesterday I ran 5 miles for the first time since June 2 as part of Laura's "5 and 10" series where you are supposed to run either 5 or 10 miles by the 5th of the month. With 2 marathons and 15+ (can't remember, too lazy to check) half marathons under my belt, you'd think 5 miles would be no big deal. But it was. Slowing my pace down and finishing 5 miles with the knowledge that I still had some gas in the tank was huge for me yesterday. I needed that confidence builder. I won't be ready to run a half … [Read more...]
Breaking the rules
As I mentioned earlier, I joined Team Tough Chik in January. I'm not sure exactly why I joined, other than the shirt was cute and I like their philosophy. As it turns out, it's a group of women from all walks of life. We are all different ages from different parts of the country. We are young and old. Some run, some do triathlons, one woman rock climbs (holy cow!) What I found (and had no idea I'd find) was a wonderfully supportive group of women who are willing to discuss everything from menopause to injuries to fashion while running. One of the TC's came up with the idea of a weekly "Riddle me this?" question for those of us who blog to answer if we feel like it. This week's question: What running rule do you break? Me? I … [Read more...]
