Distance: 0
Song of the Run: A Murmuration
Weather: Fallish, windy and sunny
MUSE OF THE DAY
After some crazy weather here in the Northeast, we are finally beginning to see the trees start changing colors. That is for the trees that are still upright. Although, my neighborhood was not affected, most of Connecticut has been without power since the freak snow storm last weekend. I do not know how people are managing without power, which means no heat but they are.
I have not been running because I have been sick for the past tow and a half weeks. However, I am finally feeling much better, so starting on Monday I have to get myself back in shape.
So for everyone who has been struggling this week I offer a wonderful moment of nature.
Enjoy!
Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Halloween is in the air!
Distance: 3 miles
Weather: Cold and damp
Song of the Run: This is Halloween
MUSE OF THE DAY
Well, right after the Hartford Half Marathon, I caught a nasty old cold. I guess my body wanted more of a rest than I thought and I was out for a week. I have only just started back with running and working out. I am trying to be good and just doing small runs. Yesterday, I got back to the gym and was able to work in a half-mile swim. It is so nice to be back!
My highlight of the day was having an egret (I am pretty sure that's what it was) fly right across my path not more than 5 feet in front of me. What a beautiful sight!
I went for a walk with the dog yesterday and it looks beautiful out. Very autumnal. I think that's a word.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
Go out and have some fun today!
Weather: Cold and damp
Song of the Run: This is Halloween
MUSE OF THE DAY
Well, right after the Hartford Half Marathon, I caught a nasty old cold. I guess my body wanted more of a rest than I thought and I was out for a week. I have only just started back with running and working out. I am trying to be good and just doing small runs. Yesterday, I got back to the gym and was able to work in a half-mile swim. It is so nice to be back!
My highlight of the day was having an egret (I am pretty sure that's what it was) fly right across my path not more than 5 feet in front of me. What a beautiful sight!
I went for a walk with the dog yesterday and it looks beautiful out. Very autumnal. I think that's a word.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
Go out and have some fun today!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Hartford Half Marathon
Distance: 13.1 miles of course!
Song of the run: The Distance by Cake
Weather: Perfect fall morning, chilly but warmed up throughout the day
MUSE OF THE DAY
It was a pretty good run on Saturday. I felt strong but ran stupidly and not at a consistent pace. Still I ended up finishing just over 2 hours, 02:04:17. This is a few minutes slower than my time from 2 years ago.
I made too many stops along this race. The first stop was a bathroom break at mile three where there was a long line. Then I slowed for water at mile 5 and 9. A stop at mile 7 for gu which I did not need and a stop at mile 8 for swag (I got a great orange hat!). Each time I had to work hard to get my pace back up and pass all the same people over and over again. Finally, in the last three miles I just gunned it and made up for my lack of pace. If I had just made the one important first stop and kept my pace up I could have easily run an 8:30 pace and bettered my earlier time. Ah well... live and learn. I should know better by now!
Other than that it was a beautiful day. I have to say the race was well supported and I loved the new route. There were a lot of spectators all along the way and it was very encouraging. Kudos to the ING people for sponsoring a great event. There was a lot of swag and they give out great finishing medals. I will definitely do it again next year!
So I am writing this on Monday morning and now feel the song of the run is inappropriate given the sad news about Indy racer Dan Wheldon. Sorry if it upsets anyone, but it was the song running through my head for 13 miles. So think of it as a tribute especially to the Speed Racer cartoon.
I have also included a great video tribute to one of my all time favorite painters - just because. I hope you enjoy it!
Song of the run: The Distance by Cake
Weather: Perfect fall morning, chilly but warmed up throughout the day
MUSE OF THE DAY
It was a pretty good run on Saturday. I felt strong but ran stupidly and not at a consistent pace. Still I ended up finishing just over 2 hours, 02:04:17. This is a few minutes slower than my time from 2 years ago.
I made too many stops along this race. The first stop was a bathroom break at mile three where there was a long line. Then I slowed for water at mile 5 and 9. A stop at mile 7 for gu which I did not need and a stop at mile 8 for swag (I got a great orange hat!). Each time I had to work hard to get my pace back up and pass all the same people over and over again. Finally, in the last three miles I just gunned it and made up for my lack of pace. If I had just made the one important first stop and kept my pace up I could have easily run an 8:30 pace and bettered my earlier time. Ah well... live and learn. I should know better by now!
Other than that it was a beautiful day. I have to say the race was well supported and I loved the new route. There were a lot of spectators all along the way and it was very encouraging. Kudos to the ING people for sponsoring a great event. There was a lot of swag and they give out great finishing medals. I will definitely do it again next year!
So I am writing this on Monday morning and now feel the song of the run is inappropriate given the sad news about Indy racer Dan Wheldon. Sorry if it upsets anyone, but it was the song running through my head for 13 miles. So think of it as a tribute especially to the Speed Racer cartoon.
I have also included a great video tribute to one of my all time favorite painters - just because. I hope you enjoy it!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Steve Jobs RIP
Distance: 6 miles + interval training
Weather: chilly, it is fall after all
Song of the Run: See below
MUSE OF THE DAY
Last night I read on-line about the passing of Steve Jobs and it made me terribly, terribly sad. I never knew the man but I sat there looking at my computer and just sobbed. The technology he brought forward are such a presence in my home and life it is almost it is as if I lost a friend and in many ways we have. He has given the world so much.
The first computer I ever used was an Apple IIc. I was working for a small theater company and they had their subscriber database on it. It was on this machine that I learned to understand how to open folders, literally that is what they had back in those days, to search for information and update records. And it made complete sense! I was hooked on Apple from that day on.
I have always had a Mac of some sort. The only time I veered from the Mac platform was when I got a Droid phone. It was the most unintuitive piece of technology I have ever used. I was so happy when I finally had the chance to trade it in and to get an iPhone.
When I think on how Steve Jobs changed how we communicate, learn and connect, I think back to that Apple IIc and then I look at my iPhone. I am amazed, and then saddened that we will not get to see what was going to come next from his genius.
I think we should remember these words from a brilliant mind. I think them even more important since I have just been let go from a job I have had for the last 15 years and I am just starting to look forward to find "Love what you do." Thanks Steve.
Weather: chilly, it is fall after all
Song of the Run: See below
MUSE OF THE DAY
Last night I read on-line about the passing of Steve Jobs and it made me terribly, terribly sad. I never knew the man but I sat there looking at my computer and just sobbed. The technology he brought forward are such a presence in my home and life it is almost it is as if I lost a friend and in many ways we have. He has given the world so much.
The first computer I ever used was an Apple IIc. I was working for a small theater company and they had their subscriber database on it. It was on this machine that I learned to understand how to open folders, literally that is what they had back in those days, to search for information and update records. And it made complete sense! I was hooked on Apple from that day on.
I have always had a Mac of some sort. The only time I veered from the Mac platform was when I got a Droid phone. It was the most unintuitive piece of technology I have ever used. I was so happy when I finally had the chance to trade it in and to get an iPhone.
When I think on how Steve Jobs changed how we communicate, learn and connect, I think back to that Apple IIc and then I look at my iPhone. I am amazed, and then saddened that we will not get to see what was going to come next from his genius.
I think we should remember these words from a brilliant mind. I think them even more important since I have just been let go from a job I have had for the last 15 years and I am just starting to look forward to find "Love what you do." Thanks Steve.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Serious Thoughts about the King of Pop
Distance: 6 miles
Song of the Run: Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Weather: Chilly in the 50s
MUSE OF THE DAY
I heard a newscast about the Michael Jackson trial just before I headed out the door for my run so it was definitely on my mind today. Do I think Conrad Murray is guilty of administering the fatal dose of drugs? Not sure. However, it does seem that he acted carelessly and recklessly by making such a powerful drug such as propofol available for home use. He must have known that the drug he was providing his patient was making a mess of him. He seemed to have ignored the drugged out phone calls of MJ and then when disaster finally struck his first actions were to clean the room before calling 911.
Murray is guilty of being spineless and not living up to the medical code of ethics. Spineless, because he ignored the signs of addict and continued to provide stronger and stronger drugs to someone who could not understand all the consequences of his actions. Unethical, because as a doctor he got caught up in the money and superstardom instead of acting in the best interest of his patient. He allowed his own ego and greed to get in the way of non-malfiesence, considered the most important code of medical ethics.
Could MJ have overdosed himself? Not sure. He was an addict. He couldn't sleep. Maybe he felt that if he just took one-more-hit, he would get the rest he needed. Let's face it, although Michael Jackson was an incredibly talented individual, he always seemed to have problems with good judgement. Starting with the obsession regarding his looks and the overuse of plastic surgery, to dangling a baby over a balcony, and the admission to sleeping with young boys his actions have not been that of a wise man. Whether his actions were of a malevolent nature have never been clear. However, it seemed pretty clear that for some reason he could not allow himself to grow up and arranged his life to continue as a perennial child. In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Donovan pursues immortality and picks the wrong goblet. Similarly, Jackson repeatedly went down the wrong path in his quest to remain a child. And like the knight guarding those goblets we can only shake our heads at these exploits and utter "he chose poorly."
The point is - the drug never should have been there in the first place. Conrad Murray was negligent in making it available and giving it to an addict. He acted like a drug dealer and like any pusher whose victim has OD'ed he should be held accountable.
Ah Michael - so brilliant, so strange. RIP
Song of the Run: Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Weather: Chilly in the 50s
MUSE OF THE DAY
I heard a newscast about the Michael Jackson trial just before I headed out the door for my run so it was definitely on my mind today. Do I think Conrad Murray is guilty of administering the fatal dose of drugs? Not sure. However, it does seem that he acted carelessly and recklessly by making such a powerful drug such as propofol available for home use. He must have known that the drug he was providing his patient was making a mess of him. He seemed to have ignored the drugged out phone calls of MJ and then when disaster finally struck his first actions were to clean the room before calling 911.
Murray is guilty of being spineless and not living up to the medical code of ethics. Spineless, because he ignored the signs of addict and continued to provide stronger and stronger drugs to someone who could not understand all the consequences of his actions. Unethical, because as a doctor he got caught up in the money and superstardom instead of acting in the best interest of his patient. He allowed his own ego and greed to get in the way of non-malfiesence, considered the most important code of medical ethics.
Could MJ have overdosed himself? Not sure. He was an addict. He couldn't sleep. Maybe he felt that if he just took one-more-hit, he would get the rest he needed. Let's face it, although Michael Jackson was an incredibly talented individual, he always seemed to have problems with good judgement. Starting with the obsession regarding his looks and the overuse of plastic surgery, to dangling a baby over a balcony, and the admission to sleeping with young boys his actions have not been that of a wise man. Whether his actions were of a malevolent nature have never been clear. However, it seemed pretty clear that for some reason he could not allow himself to grow up and arranged his life to continue as a perennial child. In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Donovan pursues immortality and picks the wrong goblet. Similarly, Jackson repeatedly went down the wrong path in his quest to remain a child. And like the knight guarding those goblets we can only shake our heads at these exploits and utter "he chose poorly."
The point is - the drug never should have been there in the first place. Conrad Murray was negligent in making it available and giving it to an addict. He acted like a drug dealer and like any pusher whose victim has OD'ed he should be held accountable.
Ah Michael - so brilliant, so strange. RIP
Friday, September 16, 2011
September 11th
Triathlon Day! Women's Sprint Triathlon in Farmington CT.
My goal for the triathlon was to finish in less than 2 hours and I did it!!!
My final time was 1:47:39. Not bad for an old lady!
Muse of the Day
There was an inspiring speech at the beginning of the tri which emphasized the need to celebrate living on a day when we commemorated the people who died on 9/11. It wasn't that we did not remember the tragic events of the day but it is also important that we continue with our lives. This day is always difficult for me. You see it is my birthday and it always seems awkward to want to celebrate my day when so many others are mourning. This year was especially hard since it was the 10-year anniversary. I set aside time to grieve and remember that day but I try to continue on with my life and my day. I think it is important to do so otherwise all of those people died for no reason and the people who inflicted this pain on us will have won. So for me it is always a day filled with love, celebration, and sadness. A colleague's niece was born on 9/11 and expressed concern that her birthday would be forever associated with tragedy. One of her clients told her that the people born on this day are here to pick up the spirit of those who were lost. I think that sums it up nicely.
The Triathlon
A bit of the scare at the beginning because I arrived at the transition area with only a minute before it closed. At first they weren't going to let me in and then acquiesced when they realized there were still a lot of people setting up. Fortunately, I had set my bag up the night before and was able to get everything in place in less than 60 seconds.
Swim - .5 miles
The swim was much harder than I anticipated. At first I didn't think I could swim the distance. A little scary since I was already out in the middle of the lake. I was just thinking I could turn back when I saw another swimmer freak out and grab onto the nearest kayak. I realized that I needed and wanted to finish it out. After doing some relaxing side stroke, I got into the rhythm of my stroke with a golden oldie "Stand By Me" and made it through that portion of the race. The swim took me 26 minutes, longer than I had hoped for and knew I would have to make it up on the bike and the run.
Song of the Swim:
Bike - 12 miles
The bike ride went by faster than I thought it would. I channeled Alberto Contador and got up on my pedals and powered up and over the hills and passed a lot of other riders. However, there was one rider that I kept passing then she would pass me. She finally left me in the dust when I missed a gear change on a hill. GRRRR!
Before I knew it I was coming back into the transition area with Florence and the Machine's Dog Days playing in my head. Although, this was not a big competitive tri, I couldn't help but kick it at the end and blow past another rider. :P
Song of the ride:
Run - 3.1 miles
This was a beautiful shady trail run. It has been a long time since I ran trails and after the swim and bike it was wonderful not to run pavement. My only complaint about the run was that it was uphill coming out of the transition area and went across sand. UGHHH! Other than that the run was fantastic. My body was saying, "Why couldn't we have just done this instead of all that other stuff?" Most of the run was uphill but it felt great. A friend had told me not to worry the soul of Molly the Dog would be running with me and she was right! I have never felt so fantastic going across the finishing line!
Song of the run:
All in all it was fun. Go and create some fun of your own!
My goal for the triathlon was to finish in less than 2 hours and I did it!!!
My final time was 1:47:39. Not bad for an old lady!
Muse of the Day
There was an inspiring speech at the beginning of the tri which emphasized the need to celebrate living on a day when we commemorated the people who died on 9/11. It wasn't that we did not remember the tragic events of the day but it is also important that we continue with our lives. This day is always difficult for me. You see it is my birthday and it always seems awkward to want to celebrate my day when so many others are mourning. This year was especially hard since it was the 10-year anniversary. I set aside time to grieve and remember that day but I try to continue on with my life and my day. I think it is important to do so otherwise all of those people died for no reason and the people who inflicted this pain on us will have won. So for me it is always a day filled with love, celebration, and sadness. A colleague's niece was born on 9/11 and expressed concern that her birthday would be forever associated with tragedy. One of her clients told her that the people born on this day are here to pick up the spirit of those who were lost. I think that sums it up nicely.
The Triathlon
A bit of the scare at the beginning because I arrived at the transition area with only a minute before it closed. At first they weren't going to let me in and then acquiesced when they realized there were still a lot of people setting up. Fortunately, I had set my bag up the night before and was able to get everything in place in less than 60 seconds.
Swim - .5 miles
The swim was much harder than I anticipated. At first I didn't think I could swim the distance. A little scary since I was already out in the middle of the lake. I was just thinking I could turn back when I saw another swimmer freak out and grab onto the nearest kayak. I realized that I needed and wanted to finish it out. After doing some relaxing side stroke, I got into the rhythm of my stroke with a golden oldie "Stand By Me" and made it through that portion of the race. The swim took me 26 minutes, longer than I had hoped for and knew I would have to make it up on the bike and the run.
Song of the Swim:
Bike - 12 miles
The bike ride went by faster than I thought it would. I channeled Alberto Contador and got up on my pedals and powered up and over the hills and passed a lot of other riders. However, there was one rider that I kept passing then she would pass me. She finally left me in the dust when I missed a gear change on a hill. GRRRR!
Before I knew it I was coming back into the transition area with Florence and the Machine's Dog Days playing in my head. Although, this was not a big competitive tri, I couldn't help but kick it at the end and blow past another rider. :P
Song of the ride:
Run - 3.1 miles
This was a beautiful shady trail run. It has been a long time since I ran trails and after the swim and bike it was wonderful not to run pavement. My only complaint about the run was that it was uphill coming out of the transition area and went across sand. UGHHH! Other than that the run was fantastic. My body was saying, "Why couldn't we have just done this instead of all that other stuff?" Most of the run was uphill but it felt great. A friend had told me not to worry the soul of Molly the Dog would be running with me and she was right! I have never felt so fantastic going across the finishing line!
Song of the run:
All in all it was fun. Go and create some fun of your own!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Free Swim
Distance: 4 miles
Song of the Run: Katy Perry - Firework
Weather: Rain, Rain Rain
Muse of the Day:
I tried my first free swim yesterday. It freaked me out. I had a total panic attack out on the water. Fortunately, my husband was with me in the kayak and I could hang onto it until I got it under control. I was apprehensive about the swim to begin with but I did not think it was going to affect me that much. My problems were - first, I started out too fast and couldn't get my stroke or breathing organized; second, it was pitch black underneath me and I didn't like the weird ghostly look of the dark water on my arms; third, I went too far to fast. Then I thought I saw something under the water, that just put me over the edge.
After I caught my breath and got it under control I managed to alleviate my fears by shutting my eyes when I put my head into the water. It makes it hard for sighting so I have to keep looking up every 3-4 strokes. However, I have to do that even if I shut my eyes, now I must do it more often. I also have to start out slow no matter how cold the water is. When I am in the pool I tend to swim the first 2 laps very quickly to warm up and then take a pause. I cannot do that out there. Last, I need to concentrate on my stroke and resist the urge to swim at everyone else's pace. We'll see how that works with when I swim with all the other participants.
Fortunately, there is a first-timers swim wave in this race. I have been playing in my head the Katy Perry song while I swim and I hope this will help focus me.
We did meet a very nice woman who was also swimming in the lake and she said that she was freaked out the first time she did a lake swim. She advised me to do a back or side stroke if I start feeling anxious until I can continue with my freestyle. She really made me feel okay about my fears.
I know I can swim the distance. I know I am strong enough to complete the race. Now I just need to work on the mental aspect of the swim.
Wish me luck!
D
Rose: The wonderful woman who made me feel okay about my swim.
Thorn: Panic in the water!
Song of the Run: Katy Perry - Firework
Weather: Rain, Rain Rain
Muse of the Day:
I tried my first free swim yesterday. It freaked me out. I had a total panic attack out on the water. Fortunately, my husband was with me in the kayak and I could hang onto it until I got it under control. I was apprehensive about the swim to begin with but I did not think it was going to affect me that much. My problems were - first, I started out too fast and couldn't get my stroke or breathing organized; second, it was pitch black underneath me and I didn't like the weird ghostly look of the dark water on my arms; third, I went too far to fast. Then I thought I saw something under the water, that just put me over the edge.
After I caught my breath and got it under control I managed to alleviate my fears by shutting my eyes when I put my head into the water. It makes it hard for sighting so I have to keep looking up every 3-4 strokes. However, I have to do that even if I shut my eyes, now I must do it more often. I also have to start out slow no matter how cold the water is. When I am in the pool I tend to swim the first 2 laps very quickly to warm up and then take a pause. I cannot do that out there. Last, I need to concentrate on my stroke and resist the urge to swim at everyone else's pace. We'll see how that works with when I swim with all the other participants.
Fortunately, there is a first-timers swim wave in this race. I have been playing in my head the Katy Perry song while I swim and I hope this will help focus me.
We did meet a very nice woman who was also swimming in the lake and she said that she was freaked out the first time she did a lake swim. She advised me to do a back or side stroke if I start feeling anxious until I can continue with my freestyle. She really made me feel okay about my fears.
I know I can swim the distance. I know I am strong enough to complete the race. Now I just need to work on the mental aspect of the swim.
Wish me luck!
D
Rose: The wonderful woman who made me feel okay about my swim.
Thorn: Panic in the water!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Storm has passed!
Distance: Run - 4 miles; Bike - 13 miles
Song of the Run: Florence and the Machine "Dog Days Are Over"
Weather: Beautiful in the 80's
Muse of the Day:
Irene swept in and out of the east coast over the weekend leaving a lot of destruction. We were lucky. We did not loose power or cable; none of the trees in the yard came falling down, and the basement did not flood. I realize not everyone got off so easy. As a matter of fact, it never seemed that wild in my neighbor hood so to see all the damage to other areas on the news is almost surprising. However, the damage is still around me. Riding today I came across large trees down, blocks with no power yet the next block over had power. It is crazy!
I dropped my beautiful daughter off at college on Monday and I already miss her. Although I know she will be home from time to time my heart aches at the change. It will pass and I will learn to embrace this phase of parenthood but until then I will mourn the change.
Highlight of the Day:
Sleeping in to 7AM!
Here are some pics of what the hurricane left behind.
Song of the Run: Florence and the Machine "Dog Days Are Over"
Weather: Beautiful in the 80's
Muse of the Day:
Irene swept in and out of the east coast over the weekend leaving a lot of destruction. We were lucky. We did not loose power or cable; none of the trees in the yard came falling down, and the basement did not flood. I realize not everyone got off so easy. As a matter of fact, it never seemed that wild in my neighbor hood so to see all the damage to other areas on the news is almost surprising. However, the damage is still around me. Riding today I came across large trees down, blocks with no power yet the next block over had power. It is crazy!
I dropped my beautiful daughter off at college on Monday and I already miss her. Although I know she will be home from time to time my heart aches at the change. It will pass and I will learn to embrace this phase of parenthood but until then I will mourn the change.
Highlight of the Day:
Sleeping in to 7AM!
Here are some pics of what the hurricane left behind.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
In Training
Distance: 5.3 miles (longest mileage in 5 weeks!)
Song of the Run: Band on the Run by Wings
The original - back when Sir Paul was just the cute Beatle (sigh)
So I have signed up for a triathlon which takes place on September 11. Half mile swim, 12-mile bike ride, and 5k run. I thought training for this would be a good thing to occupy my time as my daughter leaves for college. If I am busy I won't feel her absence as much as if I were unoccupied. Little did I know what I was getting myself in for.
I started this adventure back in May and was making some progress. I ran into a time crunch with my daughter's graduation from high school, which meant visiting in-laws visiting, and then I started working 12-14 hours a day with the Festival. On top of all that I caught pneumonia! So I was out for the count.
My real training started about 3.5 weeks ago. After being sick it seemed to take forever to just run a mile. The first week my legs felt like concrete slabs. I was seriously rethinking this whole triathlon thing. I mean running should be the easiest thing and it definitely was not.
Second week I added biking and swimming. Still the running thing was not happening.The swim made me feel light as air. The biking was okay, I have never been a big biker but I went on a couple of easy little rides with my husband.
Third week, my legs finally felt like they were doing what they were supposed to do - Run! It felt wonderful to have my body back. So I celebrated by doing a "brick." I had never heard of this before, but it is a combination of two of the three activities you do in a tri.. so I rode about 15 miles and swam a half mile. Not too bad.
This past weekend I did another brick - rode 18 miles and ran 3 miles. Wow did that kick my ass!
So far this week I have finally pushed my run to 5 miles. Quite a milestone for me anyway. Hard to believe I once was running 12-13 runs on a regular basis. For now I am happy where I am at. This triathlon might just be a possibility after all.
Song of the Run: Band on the Run by Wings
The original - back when Sir Paul was just the cute Beatle (sigh)
So I have signed up for a triathlon which takes place on September 11. Half mile swim, 12-mile bike ride, and 5k run. I thought training for this would be a good thing to occupy my time as my daughter leaves for college. If I am busy I won't feel her absence as much as if I were unoccupied. Little did I know what I was getting myself in for.
I started this adventure back in May and was making some progress. I ran into a time crunch with my daughter's graduation from high school, which meant visiting in-laws visiting, and then I started working 12-14 hours a day with the Festival. On top of all that I caught pneumonia! So I was out for the count.
My real training started about 3.5 weeks ago. After being sick it seemed to take forever to just run a mile. The first week my legs felt like concrete slabs. I was seriously rethinking this whole triathlon thing. I mean running should be the easiest thing and it definitely was not.
Second week I added biking and swimming. Still the running thing was not happening.The swim made me feel light as air. The biking was okay, I have never been a big biker but I went on a couple of easy little rides with my husband.
Third week, my legs finally felt like they were doing what they were supposed to do - Run! It felt wonderful to have my body back. So I celebrated by doing a "brick." I had never heard of this before, but it is a combination of two of the three activities you do in a tri.. so I rode about 15 miles and swam a half mile. Not too bad.
This past weekend I did another brick - rode 18 miles and ran 3 miles. Wow did that kick my ass!
So far this week I have finally pushed my run to 5 miles. Quite a milestone for me anyway. Hard to believe I once was running 12-13 runs on a regular basis. For now I am happy where I am at. This triathlon might just be a possibility after all.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Beauty of Spring
Distance: 5 miles
Song of the Run: Animal by Neon Trees http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM7Hlg75Mlo
Weather: A beautiful 30 degrees
Muse of the Run:
Wow! What a beautiful day! Plants once burdened by a heavy coating of snow are now popping up trying to regain their stature in the yard. On the supply the swans and ducks were swimming instead of standing on the ice. But the one most singular sign of spring is the birds. Darting here and there, flirting with each other, singing their songs of birdie love. They are the true heralds of the spring!
A great way to start a new day!
Hope yours is a wonder....
Song of the Run: Animal by Neon Trees http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM7Hlg75Mlo
Weather: A beautiful 30 degrees
Muse of the Run:
Wow! What a beautiful day! Plants once burdened by a heavy coating of snow are now popping up trying to regain their stature in the yard. On the supply the swans and ducks were swimming instead of standing on the ice. But the one most singular sign of spring is the birds. Darting here and there, flirting with each other, singing their songs of birdie love. They are the true heralds of the spring!
A great way to start a new day!
Hope yours is a wonder....
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Okay Enough Snow already!
Distance: 4.5 miles
Song of the Run: California Dreamin' - Mamas & the Papas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xN9r0bWe78
Weather: Snowy- about 17 degrees
I was driving in the middle of yet another snow storm today and this is the song that came on the radio. Rather appropriate I thought - Here I am a California girl driving in the middle of a snow storm and the thought of L.A. with sun and orange trees brought tears to my eyes. I'm not even a Southern Californian!
The main topic around here is the seemingly never-ending snow. We've had one storm after another and the mounds have become almost as tall as I am. However, as crazy as it has been this winter with storm after storm I still think it is an amazing new experience. The snow is beautiful, at least until you have to shovel it.
I am thinking that tomorrow is a home day! Tonight another 8" of the white stuff!
Song of the Run: California Dreamin' - Mamas & the Papas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xN9r0bWe78
Weather: Snowy- about 17 degrees
I was driving in the middle of yet another snow storm today and this is the song that came on the radio. Rather appropriate I thought - Here I am a California girl driving in the middle of a snow storm and the thought of L.A. with sun and orange trees brought tears to my eyes. I'm not even a Southern Californian!
The main topic around here is the seemingly never-ending snow. We've had one storm after another and the mounds have become almost as tall as I am. However, as crazy as it has been this winter with storm after storm I still think it is an amazing new experience. The snow is beautiful, at least until you have to shovel it.
I am thinking that tomorrow is a home day! Tonight another 8" of the white stuff!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Let it snow!
Distance: 3.5 miles
Song of the run: It's My Life - Bon Jovi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SKFwtgUJHs
(Why Bon Jovi?? I am not even a fan but it was the song in my head?!)
Weather: Brr! About 30 degrees
I am actually cheating and writing this the day after my run because I did not have time yesterday and today it is snowing so much I cannot get out to run. They are saying this is one of the fifth biggest snow storms in CT history. There is so much snow! We must have about 18" and it has not stopped yet. I figure I do not have to do weights this morning because I will spend the next couple of hours digging out.
I think it is quite beautiful out right now. I grew up on the west coast where it never snowed and if for some reason, half an inch came down we all acted like idiots and tried to make snowmen and have snowball fights ala Charlie Brown's Christmas. This is incredible! It makes me realize how much I have adapted to the climate here. Yesterday, I went for a run on snow plowed roads with mounds of snow from the past two storms and crossed by the frozen supply ponds covered with snow. The swans were sitting on the ice on the far side of the pond and my fingers were freezing, but all in all it was beautiful, crisp and clear. Not too bad, I have run on colder days - I find it invigorating. Never would I have imagined that I would live somewhere where I would do such a thing.
I have realized that after 14 years on the east coast I have finally adapted to the weather. My first year here I wore long underwear everyday and tried not to go out if I didn't have to. I thought the snow was pretty but couldn't understand how to navigate the streets and sidewalks. Now, I think nothing of hopping out and going about with just a light sweater and down vest. Or finding a path to run after the streets have been plowed. The cold is something I have adjusted to, I still hate being cold, but I don't feel like it is invading my body anymore. I know how to deal with it and don't let it keep me from going outside and hiking walking or running. I guess I have slowly become an east coaster - enjoying what each season has to offer. I would miss the snow if I moved back west, or at least until it comes time to shovel, which is what I have to do now.
Song of the run: It's My Life - Bon Jovi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SKFwtgUJHs
(Why Bon Jovi?? I am not even a fan but it was the song in my head?!)
Weather: Brr! About 30 degrees
I am actually cheating and writing this the day after my run because I did not have time yesterday and today it is snowing so much I cannot get out to run. They are saying this is one of the fifth biggest snow storms in CT history. There is so much snow! We must have about 18" and it has not stopped yet. I figure I do not have to do weights this morning because I will spend the next couple of hours digging out.
I think it is quite beautiful out right now. I grew up on the west coast where it never snowed and if for some reason, half an inch came down we all acted like idiots and tried to make snowmen and have snowball fights ala Charlie Brown's Christmas. This is incredible! It makes me realize how much I have adapted to the climate here. Yesterday, I went for a run on snow plowed roads with mounds of snow from the past two storms and crossed by the frozen supply ponds covered with snow. The swans were sitting on the ice on the far side of the pond and my fingers were freezing, but all in all it was beautiful, crisp and clear. Not too bad, I have run on colder days - I find it invigorating. Never would I have imagined that I would live somewhere where I would do such a thing.
I have realized that after 14 years on the east coast I have finally adapted to the weather. My first year here I wore long underwear everyday and tried not to go out if I didn't have to. I thought the snow was pretty but couldn't understand how to navigate the streets and sidewalks. Now, I think nothing of hopping out and going about with just a light sweater and down vest. Or finding a path to run after the streets have been plowed. The cold is something I have adjusted to, I still hate being cold, but I don't feel like it is invading my body anymore. I know how to deal with it and don't let it keep me from going outside and hiking walking or running. I guess I have slowly become an east coaster - enjoying what each season has to offer. I would miss the snow if I moved back west, or at least until it comes time to shovel, which is what I have to do now.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A whole new year
Distance: 2.5 miles. Whimpy run but I haven't run in over a week
Song of the Run: Band on the Run - Wings (I think this was influenced by seeing Sir Paul on the Kennedy Center Awards last week.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBX2dySWGew
Weather: beautiful winter day - 24 degrees
Well it has been a long time since I have written anything and one of my New Year's resolutions is to keep my blog current this year. Another one of my resolutions is to smile more.
I look back at 2010 and have a hard time remembering what happened. It was not my best year for running. I have been having a hard time keeping it consistent and am not really sure of the reason for it. I did have an injury which sidelined me for 4 weeks, but that is only a short time overall. I think in a lot of ways I got tired. I needed to revamp my workout so I joined a gym. I only joined because my husband thought I should cross train. So now I am swimming and hope to do a triathalon this year.
Enough about workouts no one really cares but me. However, I am a crankier person when I am not working out on a regular basis.
Some of the highlights of the year:
Sunny California in March to visit family and colleges.
A short but fun camping trip to Cape Cod.
My beautiful daughter in her prom dress.
A trip to Orlando to celebrate my daughter's 18th birthday complete with a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
My mother's Christmas visit.
My daughter finishing her college applications. Bittersweet actually because I know she will be in college next year at this time.
Some wonderful trips to NYC with my husband.
I look forward to 2011. It is going to be a year full of changes and I think they will be good ones.
Bring it on!!!
Song of the Run: Band on the Run - Wings (I think this was influenced by seeing Sir Paul on the Kennedy Center Awards last week.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBX2dySWGew
Weather: beautiful winter day - 24 degrees
Well it has been a long time since I have written anything and one of my New Year's resolutions is to keep my blog current this year. Another one of my resolutions is to smile more.
I look back at 2010 and have a hard time remembering what happened. It was not my best year for running. I have been having a hard time keeping it consistent and am not really sure of the reason for it. I did have an injury which sidelined me for 4 weeks, but that is only a short time overall. I think in a lot of ways I got tired. I needed to revamp my workout so I joined a gym. I only joined because my husband thought I should cross train. So now I am swimming and hope to do a triathalon this year.
Enough about workouts no one really cares but me. However, I am a crankier person when I am not working out on a regular basis.
Some of the highlights of the year:
Sunny California in March to visit family and colleges.
A short but fun camping trip to Cape Cod.
My beautiful daughter in her prom dress.
A trip to Orlando to celebrate my daughter's 18th birthday complete with a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
My mother's Christmas visit.
My daughter finishing her college applications. Bittersweet actually because I know she will be in college next year at this time.
Some wonderful trips to NYC with my husband.
I look forward to 2011. It is going to be a year full of changes and I think they will be good ones.
Bring it on!!!
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