- As soon as I get motivated (aka as soon as it rains and some of the pollen goes away, so I feel like I have brains instead of just snot in my head), I will be doing a GU giveaway. I’m thinking two winners and I know it will include some gels, chomps and brews. Stay tuned. ;o)
- This week has turned into a relatively low mileage week and I apparently needed it. The two weeks right before spring break were high mileage and exhausting. Then we left mid-day Friday, March 26 and didn’t return until late afternoon Easter Sunday. Between the running, packing, unpacking, and daily living, the house looked like the FBI had tossed the place. Having some extra time allowed me to get things back to the normal chaos and I’m in a much better place mentally now. Yesterday, I spent the time I would have spent running decluttering the playroom. Seriously. It took me as long to straighten out the mess as it would have taken to run 20 miles. Normally, the boys would have been involved in the cleanup, but since they really hadn’t played out there much this winter (it’s a converted porch and is cold unless we turn on its heater), I took the chance to make some stuff “disappear”. ;o)
- Anyone use a gel flask? I’m liking the chomps, but the gel seems to work best for my stomach. The last time I ran with gel, though, I ended up all sticky. I looked at some options at REI today, but was wondering if anyone has used one and can give me feedback. Also, has anyone run a road race in trail shoes? I need hiking shoes for Alaska, but I’m also running a race while there. I’m trying to figure out if there is a shoe out there that would work for both. Any ideas?
And a Bonus for you – a picture from the finish line of the race. Yes, I wore the jacket the whole time. Every time I thought about taking it off, the wind or the rain picked up.
I don't blame you at all. I got quite chilled when that wind picked up for sure and at the end – forget about it! I froze and had to run back to the car for a jacket! I need to go look up pictures…I don't use a gel flask for running just for ease of packing. I have used them on the bike, still gooey.
Sounds like you definitely needed a few days of downtime. I'm tired just reading all of that.I'm not a fan of the gel flask. Something about squirting the Gu in there is just not appealing. I really don't mind carrying and opening the packets. And that way I get a variety of flavors!
sometimes the downtime is really great for the mental health – sounds like you needed it! i also can't wait until the pollen calms down – i'm a sneezing leaking itchy watery mess. yuk.
1. I am excited for your giveaway2. Sometimes you need to take a "rest" week – even if that means just lower mileage!3. I know nothing about trail shoes. But it sound like a good trip!And for your skirt question, runningskirts.com has it's own sizing system. It goes like this.If you wear a 0-2 in pants, you wear a size 1 skirtIf you wear a 4-6 in pants (me), you wear a size 2 skirtIf you wear a 8 in pants, you wear a 3 skirtIf you wear a 10-12 in pants, you wear a 4 skirtThe sizes are pretty true to what they say.
I am glad you took a break…I guess sometimes we just need to gather ourselves up and return to running healthier and happier!
Sometimes once I get sweaty during a run I get chilled and feel sick to my stomach if I take a layer off. I need to make a few things disappear around my house too.I left some love for you on my post today!
I am glad I am not the only one who goes away for the weekend and upon return home it loks as if the house has been burglarized. I was amazed at just how bad it was! I have to declutter our playroom too…I get sentimentally attached to their toys and have a hard time parting with them. 🙂
I just found your blog today whilst trying to keep myself sane in the taper down to my first marathon, so hello!I get really sticky with gels, too – they always end up on my hands, and I end up trying to wipe them on wet grass which doesn't work. I've never heard of a gel flask, so I'm off to look them up. Anything to keep my mind off that thing that's happening on the 25th April.
It's nice to get something else accomplished sometimes 🙂 Can't offer any gel or shoe advice…but I'm sure you'll get lots of feedback. Have a great weekend 🙂
Strong finish pic!I can't stomach gel, so no flasky-flask for me. I like the chomps, but actually prefer the Shot Bloks over GU.
I took the day off from running today to get some things done at work. Maybe I will make it up this weekend. I have never even heard of the gel flask!
Brr. Just looking at that picture makes me feel a little chilly!Nice job clearing out some toys. I need to do that . . .
I love the picture of your finishing:) Wow, you are going to Alaska and most likely running in a race!! I would love to be able to do that some day too! I will be watching for your giveaway:)
We don't sell a whole lot of the gel flasks. (I know I haven't sold one in the last 6 months myself.) I think the task of cleaning them out makes it not as worth it. As for the trail shoes, what is your normal running shoe? May be able to make some recommendations off of that. Trail shoes are generally heavier than road shoes, so not as nice to use on the road later on. If you're only doing a few trail run in them, your normal running shoe is likely fine – your feet may just be a little more damp.
Sounds like some down time is just what you needed. Have a great weekend!
Breaks are good especially after 2 high mileage weeks!I have issues w/ gels in general… so I hope you can figure it out. The flasks seem like a good idea if you are good with one flavor. and I promise if I am ever in the DC area for more than 14 hours I will contact you for a run. it is my goal to 1) meet up with bloggers and 2) run in the DC area!
First snow-now pollen! Get it together DC! I'm heading home today and hoping my head stays clear!