Author: Chocolaterunsjudy

So Your Race Was Canceled

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 16 Comments

bnow what

Almost all runners have been effected by race cancellations in recent days. Unless you’re one of those runners that just likes to run (there are many!),  you’re left wondering: I’m all trained up, now what? Or should I keep training for a race that’s coming up in a few months?

Race virtually
I know that’s what some of my friends have done. A lot of my friends, actually. If it helps you calm down and feel better, go for it.

I’m not sure I would do that, and here’s why: running is hard on the body. Even if it makes you feel better, your immune system is probably taking a hit — and is that what you really want to be doing right now?

Keep in mind I wasn’t really training, only sort of, maybe training. I was getting excited about going to DE, but I’m a firm believer that things have a way of turning out for the best, and that maybe there’s something better out there for me.

I am not a virtual race kinda gal. I enjoy the atmosphere of a race, conquering new territory. But I don’t what I would have done if I’d put in a lot of hard training.

Keep on training
My “goal” race isn’t until June. Hopefully with the warmer weather by that point the virus will have died down, although no one really knows. Since it’s still a few months out, though, I’m going to train as if I’m going to be racing it.

If your race is closer, it’s a toss up whether or not you should keep training (again, because while running can boost your immune system, hard training — or every just long distance running — can also give your immune system a challenge). We’re challenged enough right now.

So a race 1 month away: I’d maintain my base and do speed work once a week.

A race a few months out: I’d train normally.

img_5929-1
Running will help you burn off the crazies

Keep on running
Even if you live to race and you can’t, you don’t want to let your base go. We will be racing again some day. No need to start over from scratch. Running will help you stay calmer, too. It will get you outdoors, which will help you feel better, especially now as the weather begins to get nicer.

Get strong
Are you always saying you want to get strong but you’re always training for a race? Now is your opportunity! It’s a crap shoot on whether or not gyms are going to stay open, but there are so many wonderful ways to strength train online. For free!

Becoming a stronger person will make you a stronger runner.

bindulge

Keep an eye on the eating and drinking
It’s so easy to turn to food and alcohol after a stressful day. There’s nothing wrong with that — in moderation. It’s also very easy to overdo either — or both! — when times are stressful.

Both eating comfort food and drinking feel really good in the moment. They don’t make us feel good in the long run. They can pack on the pounds if we overindulge too much, which becomes a vicious cycle: you’re heavier, it’s harder to move, you continue to eat crap and get heavier, you don’t want to move, and so on and so forth.

Comfort food tends to be the opposite of healthy food, and when we’re going through a stressful time, eating healthy can actually help us stay well (or lessen an illness if we do get one) — and can help you feel better physically (maybe even mentally).

Last but definitely not least . . . 
Now is the time to do the things you normally don’t do because you don’t have time. Maybe you’re working from home. Maybe the kids and/your husband are home and they’re driving you nuts.

It’s the perfect time to try out that Yoga you know you should do, or begin to meditate, or foam roll more often. Of course you knew I’d go there, but so many teachers are offering incredible deals — or free workouts! — right now. Take advantage of it (and check out my YouTube channel here, of course — I’ll be adding a meditation to help you reduce anxiety this week!).

Final thoughts
As crazy as life might seem right now, maybe there’s a golden opportunity for us all. Haven’t we all said that we just don’t have the time for certain things — things that we know will actually make us better runners and better people?

You can complain about what you can’t do or you can try something new. The choice is up to you.

Will you run your race virtually if it’s cancelled? 

Are the kids home and/or are you working from home? 

Do you have another suggestion?

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

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

Runners_Roundup_Logo-640x640

Running down a virus: 3/9-15 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 33 Comments

Yes, I was mildly sick last week. Still a little back and forth this week. No fever, no congestion, no coughing, no sneezing (at least no more coughing and sneezing than normal). I don’t meet the criteria to be tested, so I haven’t been.

Out of an abundance of caution I did’t go to my normal WW meeting, didn’t meet up with friends to run. and we canceled my Yoga with Cats for this month. About the only thing I have been doing still is grocery shopping. I worry a little that maybe I shouldn’t even be doing that.

My mom turned 92 on Tuesday, but that was the day her senior living community closed their doors to visitors. They said that we could come pick her up and take her out, but we couldn’t come in. This seemed silly to me, so we didn’t go. I’m not sure when we’ll be able to see her again, but we talk pretty much every day.

She was supposed to go visit my brother in CA in a couple of weeks, but they’ve canceled the trip (there were a lot of moving parts to that visit, and let’s just say a lot of it just imploded). She’s taking it all in stride. My brother’s MIL, who also lives in a senior community in CA, is on total lockdown. A friend of my mom’s, who also lives in a senior community in NY, had traveled to Europe with family, and was not allowed back into his apartment (part of why we canceled my mom’s trip to CA).

No half anytime soon for me (or anyone, it seems). I’d been in contact with the RD from the Coastal DE Running Festival just days before they decided to cancel it.

Here’s what I know: it’s important to take precautions, and even more important to try to stay calm and not stress over the things you can’t control. I plan another meditation on my YouTube channel next week about trying to take your anxiety down a notch. This will pass. My heart goes out to those who are sick and to those who lose loved ones — and especially to small businesses that are so hard hit. We will get through this and we will come out stronger the other side. — Chocolaterunsjudy

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing a little bit of doggy cuteness, healthy and not-so-healthy food, and a little bit of activity.

briots

And linking up with Jenn @ Runswithpugs, Brandi @ Funnerrunner, Anna Louise @ Graciouswarriorprincess, Briana @ Matsmilesmedals, Meghan @ Meghanonthemove, and Elizabeth @ Trainwithbainfor RIOTS(running is our therapy)

Workouts update

  • Monday:  3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
  • Tuesday: Taught Yoga (60 min), Yoga (30 min)
  • Wednesday: 4 miles easy, Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Dogwalk, Rest Day
  • Friday: Dogwalk, Rest Day
  • Saturday: Dogwalk, Rest Day
  • Sunday: 5 miles easy

Mileage: 12 (+8)

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

Loved being able to run in a skirt!

 

Monday
I felt better, although still tired. It was such a nice day, though, it was time to run. The first mile felt pretty good, and then the next 2 miles dragged. It was a really lovely day, though, so I was glad I got out there (I even filmed this week’s Yoga video on our deck outside!).

Still tracking the bulbs’ progress; nothing flowering yet

Wednesday
Much cooler, but still a nice day. Still hunting down the signs of Spring. I went out to do 3 but ended up with 4 — it felt a lot easier than Monday’s 3. Otherwise I really don’t remember a lot about this run.

A lovely if slightly chilly run, with I swear a headwind both out & back!

Sunday
Thursday afternoon I suddenly felt worse again. My RHR was elevated the next two mornings. Lots of rest. Just as suddenly on Saturday afternoon I started to feel normal again, and with a normal RHR this morning, I set out to see if there was any food left at the grocery stores — there was, with the exception of onions and potatoes ?? and frozen veggies, at least at the small market I shop at frequently.

Then I set out to do a shorter long run. I had 5 miles in mind, and that’s what I did. It felt good and it was a pretty normal HR and pace for me.

Home made chicken noodle soup

Favorites of the week
We’d cooked a whole chicken quite a while ago, and threw the bones in the freezer. So I decided to make some bone broth.

Sorry mom, I’ll bring some next time we’re together!

Since I don’t know when I’ll get to see my mom again in person, I ended up eating some of the cheesecake slices I’d bought to bring to her. If her birthday had been Monday instead of Tuesday, I could have gotten to her. Probably just as well I didn’t, since I have been just mildly sick. I just ate smaller pieces of some of the slices (brownie, apple, and raspberry). I also got to enjoy the flowers I’d bought for her, but I’ve sent the address book to her in the mail.

Lola likes to snuggle with Mr. Judy on the couch in the mornings

Just a little dose of doggy cuteness.

How have you been effected by Coronavirus?

Are you doing virtual races?

Have you had trouble finding food? 

gwy healing meditiaion thumbnail

ICYMI: It was supposed to be a Vinyasa Yoga video today, but I wasn’t feeling great this week, so I filmed a Healing Meditation here for you instead. I know there lots going around (not just Coronavirus). Be the first to know when I release new videos: sign up for my newsletter here to find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free Self Love Affirmation PDF and a bonus audio-only version of this self love meditation.

Keep calm but stay healthy!

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 15 Comments

bstayhealthy

When I asked if people were worried about Coronavirus, most weren’t, but some were. Or at least it was on their radar. Even if you’re not, we’re in that time of year when colds and viruses just love to strike. What can you do to insure you’re not a victim? Or to get better if you do succumb?

Fairytales and Fitness

 

Gargle with warm salt water at the first sign of a scratchy throat
It may be what your mom or your grandma told you to do. Turns out mom & grandma were right. According to this post on the WebMD here:

You’re creating a high-salt barrier and you’re pulling out a lot of fluids from the tissues in the throat area, so you’re washing the virus out. The salt functions as a magnet for water. It’s good for symptomatic relief. And you end up swallowing some of it, so it’s sort of helping you with dehydration as well.” (To clarify: The swallowing bit is incidental — it just tends to happens when gargling. You’re not meant to actually drink the warm salt water.)

I hadn’t gargled in years, but when this tip showed up in multiple places and my throat was a bit sore last week, I did. It didn’t hurt, anyway, and may have helped.

Steeping some Tulsi tea

Try Tulsi Tea
If you read this article here, it seems that Tulsi Tea can cure everything, including cancer. It is definitely good for your immune system, and I drink it regularly. I love Allegro Lemon Ginger tea (Amazon Affiliate link here). Another popular brand, which I’ve also used, is Organic India (Amazon Affiliate link here).

Make sure that you cover your tea while it’s steeping (for about 5 minutes). Covering your tea keeps it hot, but it also helps prevents the essential oils in herbal teas from evaporating.

Covering black and green teas can allow more tannins to seep into your tea, which can leave a bitter taste — although I drink a lot of green tea, which I steep covered for 3 minutes. I don’t find it bitter, except when I let it stay covered for longer than 3 minutes.

Honey + Black Pepper + Ginger + Turmeric Oh My!

Take some honey
I know a lot of people swear by honey in their tea to soothe a sore throat. Yes, that works. I happened to read a post when I was first feeling unwell, which recommended adding turmeric, black pepper, and ginger to raw honey and mixing it all together; approximately 1 tbsp honey and a couple of pinches of each herb. Then just lick off the spoon. It certainly didn’t hurt and it tasted good!

By the way, did you know that you actually shouldn’t bake with honey? There are several reasons why in this post here. You also should be looking for raw (there’s the heat thing again), local honey.

It may sound gross, but . . . 
Oil your nostrils. The truth is a dry nose is a pain, but did you know that there are actual health benefits to oiling your nose (and your ears, too). I know it sounds wacky. It’s part of Ayurvedic wisdom, but modern science is beginning to catch up with this ancient tradition, as seen in this post here.

Modern science has recognized this nose-to-brain connection as well, noting that the upper region of the nasal cavity, or the olfactory region, is directly connected to the brain, as is the respiratory region of the nasal cavity, which is connected to the trigeminal sensory neurons and blood vessels. These neurons are responsible for facial sensations and our ability to bite and chew.

I like to add cacao to my Golden Milk. I mean, why not?

Keeping calm is actually important
One way to keep calm (and potentially lower blood sugar, improve digestion, fight off bacteria and viruses — according to this post here, which also has instructions on how to make it, may be with Golden Milk. You can buy mixes, but it’s really not that hard to just make your own turmeric paste (like I do above) and add it to almond milk (or your milk of choice).

This is what it looks like after it’s warmed up and the turmeric paste has melted into the almond milk (but before I add the cacao). Turmeric will turn just about anything it comes in contact with yellow!

I, of course, love to make a healthy hot chocolate with home made Golden Milk and cacao.

Pho Yum (which is the restaurant’s name)!

When all else fails . . .
Have some chicken soup. Again, grandma and mom were right. Science is beginning to catch up with grandma and mom, too.

If you’ve never tried Pho (Vietnamese chicken — or beef, or vegetarian — noodle soup) — you should! It’s yummy. The noodles are rice noodles, which are gluten free (don’t ask me what goes into the broth, though). Although I also swear by canned Chicken Matzo Ball soup.

Have you ever tried any of these home remedies for sickness?

Which one sounds appealing to you?

Have you tried Pho? Do you want to now?

Trail Running Maybe?

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 25 Comments

btrailrunning

It’s hard to believe that it was 3 years ago that I got the bug to run a trail race. My first. A half. Because . . . chocolate. Not kidding!

None of my friends were the least bit interested in trails, so I trained alone. In fact, I ran four halfs that year so it was just a matter of getting in some trail time. I managed to stay upright (for the most part) on my runs.

My pace was super slow. We were having a warm Spring, those trails were hilly, and I logged some of my slowest miles ever in my running career. Which went nicely with my trail half, which was one of my slowest ever, too.

But I did it.

bmud3
First trail race: Mud & Chocolate & it lived up to its name!

Did I get the trail running bug?
Not really. I did go on to run a trail 5k later that summer. Trail running was a nice change of scenery, but trail running is also hard, y’all. If you’ve never run trails, a 5k can definitely feel like a 10k.

I remember trying to keep one trail run a week in my training that summer, but that only lasted until the grass got about thigh high. No thanks.

img_6784
A drier day with friends (although I made a couple of friends at that first trail half!)

Then my friends got interested in trail running . . . 
Sort of. When I first started, pretty much all of my friends. local and online, professed their fear of trails. The first words out of everyone’s mouth is always “I’m afraid of falling”. It’s a legitimate fear, but I’ve fallen on roads as much as I have on trails, which thankfully isn’t very much.

So my friends finally started to go to our Summer trail running series. I joined a few times. It was nice not being on my own, but they’re in the evenings, and that’s just hard for this early bird.

Last Summer I did run a trail 5k (on my own) and then a 10k (my first at that distance on the trails) with a friend.

Everyone is afraid of falling on a trail. Of course it’s possible. It’s also possible on the road — the road tends to be far less forgiving. You simply have to check your ego and run slower. Whether you fall in love with trails or not, it’s a nice change of “pace” and scenery. An added bonus is how laid back trail races tend to be. — Chocolaterunsjudy

img_5528
I suspect I’ll always be mainly a road runner, but trails are a nice change of scenery

Final thoughts
I’ve seen some of the trails that other runners post. They look amazing. Ours tend to be rather technical, rarely a nice groomed sand or gravel path. The nicer paths are at least a good 30 minute drive away. It’s hard to justify an hour’s drive for running less than an hour!

I’ve been envious of some of my online friends who seem to have hooked up with local  trail running groups and had a great time. I know a few trail runners here, my friends are now into it, but as usual, the right group still eludes me.

Are you afraid to try trail running because you might fall? 

Or are you a trail lover? 

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

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

Runners_Roundup_Logo-640x640

A little break (hopefully): 3/2-8 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 48 Comments

After my run on Tuesday, I just didn’t feel well the next day. Nothing serious, basically just fatigue, slight temp, and muscle aches. Unfortunately it persisted the rest of the week. No big goals, so I gave my body some much-needed rest. Hoping to pick up where I left off next week. So very little activity.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing that sometimes the best thing you can do for your body is not to push.

briots

And linking up with Jenn @ Runswithpugs, Brandi @ Funnerrunner, Anna Louise @ Graciouswarriorprincess, Briana @ Matsmilesmedals, Meghan @ Meghanonthemove, and Elizabeth @ Trainwithbainfor RIOTS(running is our therapy)

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Rest day!, Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 4 Miles easy, Dogwalk
  • Wednesday: Rest Day
  • Thursday: Rest Day
  • Friday: Dogwalk, Rest Day
  • Saturday: Dogwalk, Rest Day
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, Rest Day

Mileage: 4 (-12)

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

More bulbs pushing through and aren’t these Brooks the cutest? Too bad I have pretty much nothing that matches them! They were really comfortable, too.

Tuesday
I really lucked out and got out there before the rain, while the sun was still brightly shining. It was 59F by the time I finished, y’all! Loving these hints of Spring. Not loving how tired I was, so I decided to make it an easy run, which was a good call, I think (especially as I got sick the next day). My HR went really high for no reason at one point, which meant a slow pace, but all in all, an enjoyable run — I just wish I’d worn a skirt! Always so hard to figure out those transitional days.

Nurses Bandit & Lola

Favorites of the week
Bandit did the rare lay on me thing (usually he only lays on us when he’s cold or wants something – and sometimes when I’m sick or really stressed). I had to get Mr. Judy to capture the moment.

I also started seeing robins this week, like many other bloggers. Although our weather is still bouncing back and forth between Spring and Winter, Robins are always the first sign that Spring is truly on its way. Today is quite lovely, and I was tempted to run. I have a long day on Tuesday, though, and tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer, so I’m giving rest another day.

Just lay back & say ahhhh!

I did go to the Women’s Festival with a friend today. We both bought this pillow above. It’s a pressure-activated massage pillow. It takes either 2 D batteries (which were included) or you can plug it into a USB port. You can put it pretty much anywhere — we had it behind our backs — then the salesman had us put our feet on it. They’re on sale at the Website here, although we got a better deal at the expo.

My friend and I also each bought one of these wraparound  bracelets (not the same one). I got a good deal on Bamboo Sheets, which I really needed. Ours are getting threadbare and I’d actually been keeping an eye out for a good deal for a while now.

de coastal running festival

I am still unsure if I’ll do the April half, but this is the one. We booked a hotel today. Just in case. Rooms were definitely going quickly!

Are you more tired with changing over the clocks?

Do you run through illnesses?

Celebrating International Women’s Day today somehow? 

gwy healing meditiaion thumbnail

ICYMI: It was supposed to be a Vinyasa Yoga video today, but I wasn’t feeling great this week, so I filmed a Healing Meditation here for you instead. I know there lots going around (not just Coronavirus). Be the first to know when I release new videos: sign up for my newsletter here to find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free Self Love Affirmation PDF and a bonus audio-only version of this self love meditation.

Aging isn’t for sissies: Tea/coffee Date March 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 29 Comments

btea320

Mr. Judy and the dogs are once again front and center if we were getting together over a hot beverage. Aren’t they always?

Ultimate-Coffee-Date-1-300x300

Pull up a chair and mug with Coco and Deborah and me for the ultimate coffee tea date: can we talk? Especially about the damn menopot!

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I would tell you Mr. Judy was away last week at a conference. I finally got my alone time. Somehow I accomplish a great deal more when he isn’t home. I am, however, very grateful that we were not clobbered with a big snowstorm this time.

Mr. Judy has gone to this conference many times, and we’re almost always hit with a big one while he’s away. I didn’t have to shovel once!

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you that I am all care-giver’d out. It’s been one thing after another since we moved to NY 11 years ago: parents and a whole string of aging furkids. Lola was having stomach issues while Mr. Judy was gone. She was waking me up several times a night to go outside. I am quite grateful that she didn’t just do something inside, but still.

One night it was so bad that I left the back door, the one with the pet door that we usually close at night, open. I knew it was the only way I was going to get any sleep.

Aging is not easy, in humans or animals. Good thing they’re cute.

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you that it is also ironic — and sad — that 4 years ago Lola was the one that had to be admonished to slow down on walks because Chester was in heart failure and couldn’t walk that fast. Now it’s Bandit who has to slow down for Lola. She’s not in heart failure, at least not yet, but she is old (14) and definitely showing it.

No worries, I still have plenty that fit & are flattering.

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you I have a large pile of jeans to donate. They actually fit — my guess is that I am probably thinner now than I was when I bought them — but let’s just say things have shifted and a lower rise does this middle aged body no favors. Damn menopot! Do you feel me? I know some of you do, anyway.

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you that something is going on with me and soap lately. I brought a different brand of dishsoap. In trying to get it going the first time, I ended up with soap all over my sweater. I was not pleased. I won’t be buying that brand again.

Then I was reaching over to get the cup that holds our toothbrushes so I could wash it, and I knocked the soap container into the sink, where it proceeded to break into a million pieces.

I scooped up the pieces to throw out in the garbage in the kitchen, unwittingly trailing soap across the bathroom, the hallway, and the kitchen floor. There’s a trash can in the bathroom. Don’t ask me why I didn’t just throw it in there. Maybe sleep deprivation The soap container was cheap, but I really liked it. I almost bought two at the time . . .

Is your body shifting (but maybe not your weight)?

One word to describe 2020 Winter so far? I admit I don’t know what I’d pick, so I’m interested to see what you pick.

Do you buy multiples of things you like? 

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

bfridayfairy

I’m a Gadget Gal and . . .

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 41 Comments

Proud of It!

It’s no secret that I love my gadgets. You won’t find me running naked (aka no GPS watch). Some runners can’t be bothered to check their stats on the run. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with running naked — or using your watch to guide you through a run. It’s all good. You do you.

Gadgets help me recover wisely, actually

Why I enjoy my stats
Some runners can just run, never thinking about their mileage or pace, and it all works out for them. Other runners have a tendency to push their bodies too hard, for one reason or another.

A GPS Watch can help you check yourself before you wreck yourself:

  • I have definitely enjoyed being able to keep my eye on my heart rate (HR) while I run. It’s really easy to run easy runs too hard — and then wonder why you’re not hitting paces — or not feeling recovered (for those who don’t care about pace).
  • I have also found that running by HR, I need to start out slower than I really think I do — even for easy runs, not just speedwork or races! — to make sure I’m not burning up all my fuel right out of the gate. It’s so easy to just run fast at the start of a run. Keeping my HR lower than I want it to at the beginning can mean the difference between feeling good at the end of the run or feeling like I’m dying.
  • Totally unrelated to pace, I like to know my distance. I rarely have a route in mind when I go out for a run, and while I have loops I do all the time, they’re varied and I don’t really know their distance.
  • Hand in hand with knowing the distance I’ve run, is knowing when it’s time to turn around. Although I’ve been guilty of poor runner math many times and had to walk way longer to cool down than I planned on — in the cold, in the heat, in the rain.

Why it’s good to run naked
I admire the people who love to run “naked”. I’m good at not paying attention to pace at times, but I like my stats, so the watch is always running. There’s still something to be said for ditching the watch:

  • Your body is pretty smart. Running without checking your pace allows you to check in with your body more, and lets you learn what a pace actually feels like (if pace is important to you).
  • Again, your body is smart. You may have speedwork on your plan, and your body might be telling you no way, jose. Running naked (by feel) is a good way to honor your body.
  • Sometimes it’s a bummer when we’re trying to run a certain pace, and we come up short. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss.
  • It can be more fun to do whatever the heck you (or your body) feels like doing. Feel like your burning out? Ditch the watch. Just run. Enjoy.
  • When you’re not looking at your watch, you’re much more likely to take in the scenery around you. That can make you happier — and make a hard run feel easier.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with running with a watch — or without it. Can’t we all just get along? If you’re happy, I’m happy, and let’s not try to convince each other that our way is the best way. — Chocolaterunsjudy

Final thoughts
I won’t be joining the naked running brigade any time soon. I’ll probably continue to keep an eye on my HR during easy runs. That’s the only thing I check during easy runs, though, just to make sure I’m actually taking it easy.

I do feel as though I’ve become much more aware (most of the time, anyway) of what my body wants this year. It probably helped that I haven’t been training for any big goals in a long time. There was enough pressure in my life. That is one of the most important things about running naked: getting back in tune with your body. Yoga can help with that, too, of course, and there has been lots of Yoga this year as well.

I am not going to try to convince you that data is important. Please don’t try to convince me that running by feel is the be all, end all of running. There’s room for all of us in running.

Are you #teamgadget or #teamnaked?

Do you enjoy your runs more when you’re unaware of pace? Since starting to train by HR (loosely), I’m rarely aware of pace on most runs. I don’t think it makes a difference to me mentally. I do think it helps me to keep things easy when they should be easy.

What’s your favorite running gadget? 

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

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

Runners_Roundup_Logo-640x640