Author: Chocolaterunsjudy

Welcome to Go with Yin Yoga

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 23 Comments

Today I am unveiling my new Website and Blog for Yoga here. It is very much a work in progress, so I appreciate your gentle, constructive criticism. At the moment it’s also a personal site, so there are some things I can’t change — and then there are some things I can change, but I need to figure out how!

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I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida and Run Laugh Eat Pie for Fit Five Friday

What you’ll find there
I offer several freebies you are free to download and I point you to some of the different sorts of videos I post to my YouTube channel. I’ll continue to post my new videos here — I try to put it all the way at the bottom of the post, because I know not everyone is interested — but I know some people are.

I have also started a new blog. My videos do often target things that are beneficial for runners — and at the end of February I’m taking a myofascial release class — I’m definitely excited to share more videos on that eventually!

In fact, just this week one day one shoulder was really bothering me; I could lift my arm above my shoulder without a fair amount of pain. I didn’t know why, since I haven’t been doing a whole lot, but I did a lot of myofascial release work on it and it was 90% better the next day and perfectly fine now.

Since this new Website is devoted to Yoga, I’ll also be diving into subjects like Yoga philosophy and pranayama — and how both can really help you in life. I will definitely also be posting about how Yoga can help — and hurt! — runners. I have lots of ideas; it’s always a matter of time!

An excerpt from the first blog post
I am writing a whole series on the Yamas and Niyamas, and how that might help you set some goals for this year, if you haven’t already. You don’t have to know what they are — I’ll explain them all.

What if you chose just one thing to concentrate on for all of 2021? How do you think your life would look like at the end of 2021 if you just chose one thing — and stuck to it? If you’re sighing a huge sigh of relief right now, keep reading — because I’m going to make it easy for you.

You can read the full post here.

Gratitude
I appreciate everyone that has subscribed to my channel, to everyone that has liked one of my videos — or left me a comment! I know that Yoga isn’t everybody’s thing, so I also appreciate you tolerating my passion for it.

If you have used my videos and enjoyed them, I’d love to get a testimonial from you I can feature on the Website. Email me here with whatever you feel called on to write and thank you so much for doing so!

Thanks for indulging me!

If Yoga isn’t your thing, but you know someone who might be interested, please pass along the Website — thank you!

 

Thoughts on Running through a Pandemic

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 32 Comments

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Back in August, I wrote about the good things in a Pandemic (you can read that post here). It’s easy to find bad things, but what you focus on grows, so why not focus on the good stuff? The topic today is what did I learn about myself in the Pandemic, but I sort of covered that so I’ll share some thoughts about running through a Pandemic.

Running can be your friend
Some people are comfortable running with friends, some aren’t — and we all have different circumstances. Running can absolutely be like getting together with an old friend:

  • Running can push you
  • Running can cheer you up
  • Running rituals (warmups, foam rolling, post run drinks) can be comforting
  • Running can take you away — literally — from all the bad that surrounds you

Last but not least, running is always there for you. If you have to take a break, running will be waiting.

Virtual Races can serve a purpose/s
There are plenty of avid runners that never race. There are plenty of runners that are over virtual races. Again everyone is different; it’s a no judgement zone!

We all run for different reasons, but one of my reasons is to challenge myself. I don’t go all out training for a virtual race and I definitely don’t push as hard during. I do make sure I’m in shape for the distance and I like to push a little. It’s just good for the body and soul.

Virtual Races can also help support your favorite running groups and charities.

Running during a Pandemic can be freeing
For some of us. There are those that #runallthemiles (again, whatever floats your boat) and there are those that found it freeing to relax their running a bit. Both reactions can serve a purpose.

As much as I miss my racecations, I have also turned my thoughts to regular vacations. Maybe we’ll actually take one when we feel comfortable traveling again. I will definitely bring my running gear and I will definitely run — so fun to run in a new place! — but there is a certain amount of stress that comes with the racecation.

Right now I am embracing Winter, because you should never wish your life away, but I am definitely looking forward to warmer days and exploring new places and old favorites without fearing I’ll fall or donning a gazillion layers. I think it will still be a while before we travel. Maybe in the Fall? For our anniversary?

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Final Thoughts
My running has definitely changed during these “interesting” times. Much less of it — which can be freeing — there’s definitely more to life than running for me. Completely solo (although walks with friends when I can). Less hard running.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m pretty sure it will hold more running

What would you add to my list about ways running can be your friend?

If you ran a virtual race in 2020 — why? 

How are you embracing the now? 

You’re invited: I’m going to a lead a Facebook Live meditation on unity tomorrow, at 11 am EST. You can join in here.

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Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

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Down but not out: 1/11 – 17 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 37 Comments

No running; still tired, but walking every day. This should be a pretty short post!

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I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and still not running. Yoga + walking to keep the body moving.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)

Running Mileage: 0 (-3)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Update

Zero, zip, nada

Look closely; you can just see my red pajama bottoms Bandit’s snuggling up against

Favorites of the week
There have been more snuggles with Bandit. One day he actually snuggled with me a long time, but since then he’s mostly back to “I’ll lay on you when I want something from you” mode.

When I get up Bandit’s quick to claim the warm spot

Despite the extremely gray week, it was somewhat warm (for Winter) and mostly not too windy. In other words, good running weather for Winter — except Saturday, when we had a wintry mix. Although I don’t think I had COVID, I did get tested on Friday. Not sure when I’ll visit my mom again, but I just felt I had to make sure before I did. Still waiting on results.

I have definitely not been a complete couch potato, but I did finish up Bridgerton on Netflix. Lovely costumes, attractive actors, beautiful sets. If you’re looking for something light, you might enjoy this.

I’m also in the middle of Tiny Pretty Things, also on Netflix, which is pretty much a complete 180 from Bridgerton. It’s about high school aged ballet dancers at a fancy ballet school in Chicago, and opens with a mystery about who pushed one of the dancers off the roof.

It’s pretty dark, and lots of sex, but the mystery is interesting and the dancing is great. If you enjoy ballet, you might like this.

Finally we watched One Night in Miami on Amazon Prime last night. It was interesting and I’d recommend it.

What do you do when you feel stiff & achy?

Seen the sun lately?

Watching anything good on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

gwy banish aches

ICYMI: Movement is lotion — even when you’re not feeling 100%. This short practice will help you banish stiffness: when you’re sick, when you wake up — it also works as a great warmup for a longer Yoga practice. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: What has the Pandemic taught me about running? Friday I hope to reveal another project I’ve been working on while I haven’t been running — but we’ll see, it’s been slow going.

5 Reasons to Love Nuun

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 19 Comments

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I am so happy to be back as a Legacy Nuun Ambassador! Legacy means that I’ve been representing Nuun for 4 years (or more). I have actually been using Nuun for running for much longer than that. When you find something that works for your running, you don’t often stray from that product: today I’m sharing five reasons I love using Nuun.

Fairytales and Fitness

Run cramp free
I had some terrible problems with cramping in my toes while running a few years back. I also often had problems with cramping in my hamstrings after a run. I had started out using Nuun, but had gotten away from it. When I went back to using Nuun, the cramping mostly disappeared.

Clean ingredients
I am that health nut that pretty much always reads the labels. I try to get my family to read labels, too! Ingredients are important to me, and I like what Nuun puts in its electrolytes (you can buy Nuun Sport here):

Nuun drink tablets are made with plant-based ingredients. They are gluten free, dairy free & soy free.

They are also sweetened with stevia, so no sugar highs and crashes. Some versions of Nuun Sport also include caffeine from green tea — I love to use that before a race!

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Making sure I stay hydrated before a humid Savannah race

Convenience
Plop. plop, fizz, fizz — I probably just really dated myself there. Just drop a tablet into water (or your beverage of choice) and wait a few minutes for it to completely dissolve. Recyclable plastic tubes make Nuun easy to travel with — and I have traveled all over the country with Nuun!

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It’s not just for sports
Those Nuun tubes? My husband is always commenting on how often they appear empty on the table. I give them to him, he usually finds some uses for them, although they are recyclable (except for the tops).

You would think after 4+ years he’d have gotten used to the fact that I use Nuun most days. On the days I’m not running — especially in 2020 and this year — I’m drinking Nuun Immunity (buy Nuun Immunity here). Nuun Immunity includes things like zinc, vitamin c, elderberry — and a lot of other ingredients to help you stay healthy.

Nuun Immunity has been a staple for me for years. I take it before, during, and after a racecation — when I was able to to race and travel — I look forward to getting back to that!

It’s about more than just electrolytes
Nuun is about more than just hydration. It’s about getting out there and muuving, as the CEO likes to say. They offer free plans for strength and Yoga — running is coming. You can sign up here.

What are your favorite running products?

Have you ever tried Nuun? If yes, what’s your favorite flavor?

My favorite tends to change but right now it’s Strawberry Lemonade!

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I’m also linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida and Run Laugh Eat Pie for Fit Five Friday

Outcome vs Process Goals

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 31 Comments

Have you heard about SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time bound) goals? That’s usually all you hear about this time of year! Of course it’s important for your goals to be SMART, or smart, for that matter!

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What about outcome vs process goals?

Outcome Goals
Outcome goals are the end result you’re looking for. They’re proverbial marathon, not the sprint! Examples of Outcome goals:

  1. Run a PR at __________ distance
  2. Run a faster 5k
  3. Run without walking breaks

Outcome goals motivate us in a big way. The problem with outcome goals? They are usually things we don’t have total control over. We’ve all trained hard for a particular race or distance only to come up short on race day. That’s why runners say that you never know what race day will hand you. That’s why we try to train for the things we think race day will hand us, but we’ve all had races where unexpected things went wrong that no amount of training could have prepared us for.

Process Goals
This is exactly where process goals come in. These are goals that we can control.

Let’s take the outcome goal of running a particular race without taking walking breaks. The process goals are relatively simple:

  • Start with organized run/walk intervals
  • Gradually begin to increase your run interval and shorten your walk interval
  • Practice running shorter distances with no walk breaks at all when you think you’re ready
  • Gradually begin to increase your runs with no walking until you know you can run the distance without walking
  • Give yourself peace of mind by going further than the race distance (depending on how long it is, there is the law of diminishing returns, so if you’re training for a marathon, running beyond that distance opens you up to injury or illness — although there are those that swear by always running longer than the race distance)

There could be a lot of other process goals in that list: hire a coach; find a training plan that suits your desired outcome; make sure you have a solid base before training for your race; do running drills; strength train; make sure you work in rest days; make sure you leave yourself extra training time in case of injury or illness.

By now you’re probably thinking of some outcome goals for 2021, and what process goals will move you towards that outcome.

I admit I’ve struggled with enjoying the journey sometimes. I love to tick things off a list though! I look forward to exploring outcome goals vs process goals more. — Chocolaterunsjudy

Final Thoughts
We hear all the time that it’s the journey, not the destination. Of course outcomes are fantastic when we achieve them, but they can be oh-so-elusive, too.

There is a lot of satisfaction — and ease of mind! — in ticking off all your process goals. You will know that you did your very best. You will feel proud of every step you took towards your goal. You will feel a sense of accomplishment, whether or not you manage to meet your outcome goal.

ICYMI: I’ve covered Who & What in the Yin Yoga FAQ; now it’s time to explain when you should practice, which you’ll here.  If you have a question, drop it in the comments and I’ll cover it — eventually!

What outcome goals are you working on?

Have you thought about the process goals you need to complete to achieve your outcome goal? 

Or would you rather not think and just run? 

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Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

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God laughs at plans: 1/4 – 10 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 40 Comments

Another fresh week, another fresh start . . .or so I thought. Apparently God and I weren’t on the same page when it came to my plans for this week.

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But first I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and not off to a running start in 2021.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min),  3 TM miles, Dogwalk, a little touchup shoveling
  • Tuesday: Yoga (10 min), Sick day (some sort of stomach bug)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Better, still mostly resting, Noon Yoga (30 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk (rest day!)
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk (rest day!)
  • Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk (rest day!)
  • Sunday: Some Yoga, some MFR (myofascial release), Dogwalk if it’s not too cold for Bandit

Running Mileage: 3 (-10)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Update

This was why I was on the treadmill in the AM

Monday intention: easy — but oops! speed work
It’s been a while since I ran two days in a row. If I had waited for the melting in the afternoon, I could’ve run outside, but I wanted to get done in the morning, so treadmill it was. I had planned an easy run, chose a Peloton fun run, and got sucked into speed work (some, anyway, I also just took it easy at times). Achilles felt fine.

Bandit is my sick-o-meter

Favorites of the week
There was a lot of snuggling this week. although most of the time it feels as though he wants to push me off to get the warm spot. Generally he doesn’t lay with me much, but he seems highly sensitive to when I’m not feeling good.

I had been battling something, I knew, from the beginning of the year. I had a sore throat one day, which quickly went away, and my RHR was higher than normal in general, but I usually felt okay after running (and during). In hindsight I guess I really should have rested more.

Tuesday I woke up dizzy and nauseous. It was so weird — but thankfully passed after a few hours. I wasn’t hungry — always a pretty clear sign I’m sick! As each day has gone by, I definitely feel better and better but am still tired.

It wasn’t the week I planned, but it was the week I needed. I’d been thinking about taking some time off of running — with nothing on the calendar, it seems far easier to do. My body voted yes! So much for my new goal of walking outside everyday (you can read about that here), although I only missed two days of walking this week.

Winter does give us some amazing sunsets

I was confused about my mom & the vaccines last week. They got tested (not vaccinated) last week, due to the small outbreak of cases there, and now they are open again for activities and visitors, although I am not planning to go anytime soon for obvious reasons. Happy for my mom that she can interact with more people again and eat dinner with friends.

We sometimes ate “together” (via the Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Affiliate link here) — one time we chatted for over 40 minutes during our dinner. My mom doesn’t have a smart phone, although we have tried that in the past. She also has a pretty significant palsy in her hands, and the Echo works well for her because for the most part she doesn’t have to type anything; sometimes when I’m there I adjust things.

It’s quirky, though. It comes on when it shouldn’t sometimes, and I had to turn it on and off one day this week because Alexa wasn’t responding. It turned on close captioning in the video chats when I’m pretty sure I didn’t do it, and it took a while to figure out how to turn it back off.

I wish we’d bought one while my Dad was still alive. He was so hard of hearing he could no longer talk on the phone, but with the close captioning it might have helped. Hindsight is so very 2020, right?

How is your 2021 going?

How are any new challenges/goals going?

Have you reflected on 2020 or just moved forward?

GWY Releasing 2020

ICYMI: I am reposting the meditation/journaling exercise I led on NYE in my private Yoga group (you can request to join here). Everyone needs to reflect back and look forward! You’ll find the video here. Since it was a Facebook Live, the video quality isn’t as good but it should load a lot faster.

Coming up on Tuesday: You’re familiar with SMART goals, but what about outcome vs process goals?

5 Reasons Clear is . . .

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 6 Comments

 

. . . My Word for 2021

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Clear: 

                1. Remove an unwanted item
                2. Pure & Intense
                3. Away from
                4. Get over something safely

Synonyms: wholly, strip, remove, crystal clear, straightforward

I struggled with picking a word for 2021. I came this close to going with Aware, aka mindfulness. Sometimes I’m a very mindful person — and sometimes I’m really not. I get caught up in the “I’m so busy” trap, which never ends well. Somehow I knew it Aware wasn’t quite right.

One morning, as I was doing some Yoga, I was thinking about the Yamas & Niyamas (which I actually am writing a post about for the Website/blog I’ve been mightily resisting creating for my Yoga, and finally realized I really need to do). Clean actually popped into my mind suddenly, and then Clear just popped in. 

In some ways it still doesn’t feel like “the one”, and yet my gut says it is.

Fairytales and Fitness

Clear away what is not serving me
We all have things that aren’t serving us. Sometimes they’re just habits. Sometimes they’re inertia: much easier to keep a status quo than do something about it.. 

Clear away more clutter
I worked really hard on this in 2020, and made a lot of progress. I’ve been on a hiatus from it because the end of the year just always does a real job on my energy — and that’s in a good year.

There is more work to be done, though, and I want to clear out my Yoga room more. I already feel a sense of peace when I step in there, but there’s also still some clutter that needs to be cleared. That’s not the only space in my house where more clutter needs to go.

Be clear on my goals
Yes, I’ve started to use my Simple Elephant planner — even though we all know what happened to planning in 2020 (I can no longer find this planner on Amazon, but this one is similar — Amazon Affiliate link here).! The planner lives up to its name: it is, indeed, quite simple.

This makes it a lot smaller than my Clever Fox planner from 2020 (see my review here) — which I never did completely fill, so I’m using it for note taking right now, LOL.

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Clear my mind regularly
Ok, I already do this. When I first started to meditate, it was an on again off again thing, but it’s been a daily practice for several years now. It can make such a difference in your day to start it off with some meditation. You don’t have to sit for 20 minutes! Even just 5 minutes of calm can make all the difference in how you face  — and embrace — your day.

Cue Yoga classes clearly
Clear cueing is not my strong point. It’s something I’m continually working on. I also tend to trip over my words when I’m just doing vlogs, too — which I’m pretty sure is always going to happen. I intend to audit another teacher training that I’ve heard really helps with cueing.

Do you pick a word for each year?

What is your word for 2021?

Even if you don’t pick a word, what would you like to see more of in 2021?

What will keep you moving in 2021?

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 28 Comments

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Motivation can be hard to come by in the North during Winter. Motivating yourself out the door when the wind is howling, the snow is flying, and often it’s bitterly cold. Then there’s all the layers — you just feel weighed down. Or is it just me?

The things that normally motivate me in Winter — the post run brunches, the handful of races, the occasional racecation around my birthday — they’re not things I can do in 2021. Or even did in 2020. So what can you do to stay motivated? I went looking for some running challenges to tackle. They are endless, and once you start searching, of course even more will pop up in your FB feed.

Here’s a few you can consider, and also search on your state. Because every state has a challenge or two.

Run Across America Winter Warmup
Choose your goal to run/walk 50km, 100km, or 250km before Daylight Savings on 3/14. Your $45 entry includes either a long sleeve tech shirt or a winter beanie. Medals are extra. It sounds like a fun challenge, although a bit pricey for what you get. They will match your donation to their charity of choice, Feeding America. Sign up here.

2021 Invincible Challenge
The 2021 Invincible Challenge was designed to keep you moving all year. This challenge is totally flexible to your abilities and goals. You can run, walk, cycle, swim, or row the miles in any combination you see fit. All exercise miles count, indoors or out. Select either MILES or KM.

I have to admit I think the tee designs are cool. I know I’m not doing 2021 miles. But 2021 KM? Reasonably priced at $32 (includes just the tee), but no charity component. Sign up here.

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Winter Mile Club
All Winter Mile Club Participants will get access to a 12 week half or full marathon training plan (including mobility, stretching, strength), you’ll log miles on RunSignup to show on our leaderboard, will receive our awesome Boco Gear Winter Beanie, and receive an exclusive Customized CSWS Running Mileage Goal Sticker with your accomplished mile tier.

It’s pricey, again, $50 for a 3 month training plan — plus $7.50 shipping. But I do like a training plan (even if I’m probably not running a Spring half). Sign up here.

I Live to Run Gold Challenge
Run/Walk 500 and/or up to 2000 miles in 2021. $50 for a tee and medal, $34 for just the medal. I’m not a bling-driven runner, but it’s a cool medal. I don’t think it’s cool enough to pay $34 for, but maybe you will. Sign up here.

Race Through the States Challenge
Each month, race through a different state and get a medal representing that state. You choose the distance for each “race”. 20% of your registration goes to feeding America. You can purchase a tee separately. Sign up here.

The same company has a similar challenge with Zodiac signs here. Actually, they do have a lot of cool themed virtual races that can keep you “racing”, including their Neptune Challenge (here) which allows you to pick a running/ walking goal for 2021.

Jenny Hadfield’s Winter Warrior Challenge
This challenge aims to keep you running strong through the Winter, and includes: 3 virtual races of varying distances; nutrition, health, and training tips; access to Jenny’s training plans; a finisher’s medal; access to Jenny’s warm-up, cool down, strength, and stretching workouts. It’s $49 for the Winter Challenge or $147 for the full year. Sign up here.

Zooma Run Club
The Zooma Run Club is free, and you can pick your mileage challenge. You can also choose to pay for some swag, but you’ll get the camaraderie, the mileage trackers, and the monthly challenges for free. Sign up here.

AMR Many Happy Miles
AMR Many Happy Miles is a year long program. It includes a training journal, monthly workouts, guest coaches, expert workshops, and a lot more! It’s $185 per year. Sign up here.

Final Thoughts
There is a challenge out there for everyone! From free to inexpensive to a bit of an investment. One of the good things to come out of 2020 was all the way runners and race companies were forced to get creative. Will I sign up for one of these? Stay tuned.

I have also come up with an easy challenge for myself in 2021: walk outside every day, unless I’m injured, or am getting sick, or am actually sick — or the weather is really too dangerous to walk outside. I already do this for the most part; Bandit gets walked most days. There are days it’s too cold for him to walk outside, though — but not necessarily too cold for me (except for that dog mom guilt he always gives me when I walk out that door).

I need gentle challenges, because I tend to cling too tightly to them sometimes. I just need something that will push me to do a little more. Anyone want to join me?

Have you ever signed up for a challenge to keep you moving?

Have you participated in a state themed challenge in 2020? 

Do any of these challenges sound interesting to you? 

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

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Bye Bye, 2020!: 12/28 – 1/3 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

It was that sort of week: one filled with little frustrations. Nothing big, nothing terrible, but when you pile them all on — well, I made it out of 2020 and while I know it will be a long time before we see truly good news, I am always hopeful at the start of a new year. The weather outside might be frightful, but there’s just something about turning the page to a new year that is hopeful.

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But first I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running into 2021.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (50 min),  Dogwalk, Walk in the park
  • Tuesday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, 3ish TM miles (Peloton WU + 2010s run), Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk+extra mile, PB ST (25 min), Moon Salutations (because, full moon)
  • Thursday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk (rest day!)
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 7 mile LSD, Yoga (30 min)
  • Saturday:  Yoga (20 min), Shoveling ice off the driveway, Peloton Beatles Vol. 1 (30 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, 3 TM miles, PB ST, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 13 (NC)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Update

Tuesday intention: a little speed play
I had high hopes for the 2010s run; I really liked the playlist. I don’t know why, but it was good, not great. What was great was its mix of endurance with a little speed play. What wasn’t great was how tired I felt running. 

It was nice when I started (for Winter) but got cloudy & then felt really cold!

Friday intention: add a mile (work on distance)
Paths were finally clearing out, but with more snow/ice predicted over the weekend, I knew if I wanted to add a mile today was the day. Despite the sun and almost no wind, I had great trouble getting out the door. I’d been feeling run down again this week (I think 2020 is just the year of feeling rundown for me — grateful to actually be healthy), but I felt really good on the run.

It was slow, though, because there were still patches of black ice. Teeny, tiny patches, but even walking very carefully over them I’d slide. I stayed upright. I ran some around the preserve that I parked at at the end (the rest was on a fitness path), and decided to stop and walk around and take some photos before my last mile. Which was a mistake, because the sun disappeared and it felt a lot colder.

I finished though. Unfortunately my Achilles was mildly irritated afterwards, and still tight the next morning, but with some myofascial release it felt fine. It was a little tight (not as much) again this morning, with an active rest day yeseterday, but again myofascial release had it feeling fine.

Sunday intention: recovery run
Can it really be a recovery run if it’s been a couple of days since you’re long run? Maybe better titled easy run. Actually Peloton has no recovery runs — or if they do, they’re hidden — so it was technically an endurance run (or steady state). I made it through 30 minutes and then I needed a short walk break. This run was also just ok. Well, the Peloton part, the run was fine — nothing great, nothing terrible.

I’d been here half a dozen times in the last few months; who knew there were turkeys?

Favorites of the week
Discovering the turkeys. They’re beauties, aren’t they?

Someone’s ready for dinner! As seen on the Beatles ride.

The Peloton Beatles ride (vol. 1). So much fun to sing along as a pretty good recovery ride, if you modify a bit. Loved it!

That I finally (mostly) got the Echo Show at my mom’s to work, at least to the point that we can video chat. There were several more COVID cases right before New Years, so they are back on an almost complete lockdown (getting food delivered to their apartment instead of eating in the dining room, no in person activities, no visitation).

At least my brother & I can video chat with her and brighten her day. As much as it sucks for her, I could use a little break. Supposedly vaccines will be offered next week, but we haven’t heard anything further so not sure it will happen.

Embracing virtuals again or do you have real races on the brain?

Thought about goals or a word for 2021?

Feeling hopeful with a new year?

GWY Sleep Course 4

ICYMI: Today it’s a deep relaxation practice which is similar to, but not the same as, Savasana. You’ll find it here. The Better Sleep playlist has 9 videos all aimed at helping you get a better night’s sleep. Check it out here!

Coming up on Tuesday: Looking for a challenge or two for 2021? I’ve got way more than that for you. On Friday it’s the big reveal — my word for the year!

Do you believe?: Tea/coffee Date January 2021

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 29 Comments

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Pull up a chair and mug with Coco and Deborah and me and a bunch of bloggers for the first ultimate coffee tea date in 2021. I know we’re all crossing our fingers that 2021 will be a much, much better year. I definitely feel I’m overdue for a good year.

What else has been going on in my world?

Pull up some hot chocolate (because that’s my favorite hot beverage in the Winter) and I’ll listen to what’s going on in your world, then tell you what’s going on in mine.

bdoyoubelieve

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you Mr. Judy never seems to believe me, like the time I told him some states you can register to vote on election day — 19, in fact, and the District of Columbia — or the time I told him my Tracfone app said I have 40,000 minutes left on my plan. He was so sure I meant 4000, but nope, 40,000 is what the app said.

Out of curiosity I asked Alexa how many hours 40,000 minutes is: 666. We almost died laughing when we heard that! Yes, it’s a glitch in the app, I don’t have quite that much time.

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The story behind the scarf

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you the story behind the scarf in the photo above, since I got a lot of admiring comments on it. Many years ago, while we were still living in TX, I tagged along on a business trip to Paris with Mr. Judy. A week in Paris? Yes please!

I had a lot of fun traipsing all over Paris, mostly on my own, since Mr. Judy was working. One day I took a walking tour of Montmarte, which turned out great, because it ended at Sacre Coeur Cathedral in such a way that you don’t have to climb up all the steps (if you’ve been, you know what I’m talking about).

There just happened to be a craft fair around the outside of the cathedral that day, and that’s where I bought the scarf. I don’t wear it often because it’s not very long, but I was so glad I wore it in the photo above because it was in the 30s that morning and quite cold hiking around Olana!

Doesn’t seem that long ago we were eating outside but now it’s my fireplace (we don’t have one)

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you that the infrared patio heater I bought for Mr. Judy for his birthday back in September, the one that Lola enjoyed so much in her last few weeks . . . I’m enjoying it right now. I’ve got it next to the recliner I usually sit in at night when we watch tv, and you better believe I’ve been basking in its glow! Supposedly there are a lot of health benefits to infrared heat, such as:

  • Improve blood circulation and skin complexion.
  • Strengthens cardiovascular system.
  • Improve detoxification.
  • Wound healing.
  • Relaxation and pain/aches management.
  • Immunity boosting.
  • Cancer support.

I’m not sure this heater does all that, but it does feel nice.

It helps me sleep better

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you when I got the humidifier from Doterra I’d ordered (which you can put essential oils in), I immediately showed it to Mr. Judy, although it wasn’t yet Hannukah. He’d been talking about buying a humidifier for years. He promptly showed me the humidifier he’d bought.

It’s always thirsty

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you don’t worry, the house is more than big enough for two humidifiers. Mr. Judy has his running 24/7 and he’s having to fill it every day. I only run the one in the bedroom for a couple of hours before bed, so it lasts a few days. I use lavender essential oil in there and have definitely noticed I sleep better when I run it.

Have you ever bought the same present for a loved one they bought for you? 

Ended up using a gift you bought for your significant other? 

Is there something you look for when you travel? For me it’s usually scarves, mugs, and earrings.

I am also linking up with the  Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness from Fairytales & Fitness.

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