Author: Chocolaterunsjudy

Solar powered: 6/8 – 14 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 42 Comments

Running this week went much better than it has for a while. Our weather keeps going back and forth between unseasonably hot and unseasonably cool, but so far it’s all good.

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Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing how I “train” for my next virtual race.

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Dogwalk,  Yoga (60 min)
  • Tuesday: 3 miles easy, Yoga (30 min)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min),
  • Thursday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
  • Friday: 3 miles easy including 5 x 20ish strides, Arms (10 min),  Yoga (60 min)
  • Saturday:  Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min)
  • Sunday: 6 miles LSD, some Yoga and some legwork later, I think

Mileage: 12 (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

Still finding rainbows

Tuesday: intention — recovery run listening to body
I felt as though as I was moving slowly (well, of course I actually was) but when I was done and looked at my stats, it was negative splits. Weird. It was much warmer today, although cloudy, which helped.

Had to capture the beauty of the tree with the sun peeking through it

Friday: intention — enjoy being outside on a beautiful day, but remind my feet they can run fast
Finally! The stars aligned: great running weather and a run that felt pretty darn good. First two miles very consistent, last fast due to strides. V02max still being stubborn, I thought it would go up with this run.

I had wanted to run Thursday, so Saturday could be an option for my long run, but it was disgustingly hot and humid by the time the rain cleared out. No thanks.

Friday’s rainbow
Sunday’s Rainbow: Hope!

Sunday: intention — enjoy the day, get friendly with hills again
Another gorgeous day to run, and another decent run. I went out hours later than I have been recently, which was nice (when I got up it was in the 40s!). I’m planning to sign up for the virtual 4th of July race, and make it a downhill race again — so it’s time to actually start running down steep hills again!

Decal applied thanks to Mr. Judy

Favorites of the week
I was surprised when Mr. Judy wasn’t resistant to a vinyl decal for the wall in my room. He hates putting almost anything on the walls. You’re supposed to apply them not long after they arrive. Oops, a month later . . . it was a challenge but Mr. Judy got it done and I love it!

They just love putting their heads . . . on anything; Bandit blending in to the pillow
Bandit & Lola . . . just cause . . . cuteness

What is brightening your spirits right now?

Favorite uplifting quote? 

Do you just get out there & run good weather or bad, or are you waiting for nicer weather? 

Coming up on Tuesday: The Tuesday Linkup gals (check it out here) are asking us what our training philosophy is. On Friday I’ll be sharing where you can get face masks specifically designed for running — if you wear them for running (I don’t). If you have one you love, feel free to share it in the comments! Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here — inventory & prices are decreasing!

Running with Intention

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 13 Comments

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When I made a goal of giving intentions to my runs for this month, Catrina @ Keeponrunning was curious to know why. Here ya go!

Fairytales and Fitness

Intention: the end or object intended; purpose

Synonyms: aim, goal, objective, plan, target

What sort of running intention can you set?
I like to have goals; to have something to work towards. My overall intention for running at present? Maintaining my base. That’s the physical part.

Spiritually/Physically, I continue to work on nasal breathing — although I must say I’m not sure how long I want to keep trying, as even after a couple of months it still seems hard — one of my intentions for staying the course with that is to connect mind and body.

Your intentions for running don’t have to be something big. It could be as simple as getting yourself out of the house. Enjoying the feeling of moving your body. These are great intentions!

Or it can be more elaborate: focusing on getting stronger, running further, improving your form so you can run pain free. There are as many intentions as there are runners, and there can be multiple intentions for one runner — even one run!

Intentions aren’t just for running
I’m sure that’s fairly obvious, but sometimes it’s a good thing to state the obvious. Sometimes we forget. You can set an intention for pretty much everything in your life:

  • What to do when you get up.
  • How to treat others.
  • How you want to feel today.
  • Do more ________ (you fill in the blank — set an intention why you want to do it, and maybe you will actually do it).
  • The clothes you choose. How do you intend to present yourself to the world today?

 

What’s the difference between affirmations and intentions?
I won’t lie — I went looking to other sources, because the truth is that affirmations and intentions are very, very similar. Both are powerful tools, and I suggest that you use both.

Affirmations are a declaration of what you want. You can use them whether or not you believe them to be true — simply by writing them or thinking/saying them to yourself, you are rewiring your brain to believe the affirmations are true. Affirmations should be written as if they are already true.

Some people find affirmations triggering. Some people get frustrated when they don’t come true.

Intentions (by my definition) are bringing mindfulness to everything you do. It’s not what you want, but how you want to feel.

Affirmations are an attempt to change your beliefs. Intentions are to do things with a goal in mind, aka to bring mindfulness to everything you do.

As you can see, there’s a very fine line between affirmations and intentions and this is actually a topic I need to explore more for myself.

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Why set intentions?
Whether you call it a goal, use an affirmation, or set an intention for an action — the truth is you still have to do the work. The intention helps you focus on what you want to work on. What you focus on grows.

Actually set an intention before you run, and notice how you feel after your run. After a week of runs. After a month of runs. Does setting an intention for your run keep you more focused? Do you find that you’re reaching that intention more and more?

If you’re still confused, don’t worry! I admit I’m still not 100% sure of the difference between goals, affirmations, and intentions.

Living a life without intentions is just existing. Living intentionally means living a life full of purpose. — Chocolaterunsjudy

Do you think you want to start setting intentions for runs — or do you already do that?

What about using intentions in other areas of your life?

Have you ever used intentions before — and did they make a difference in your life?

GWY Yoga Wrist Warmup

ICYMI: It’s a great idea to warm up those wrists before tackling table top, down dog, and planks. This short video is also a great midday (or anytime) stretch if you’re stuck at a desk — even at home! Especially if you do a lot of typing.  Practice with me in this short video here.

A Virtual 4th Race?

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 19 Comments

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I have started off my 4th of July celebrations for many years with a race. I went on my own the first year. Then I joined a running group, and met up with them a few times — which is oddly enough how I met my neighbor who runs. We went together a few times, but her life has been very difficult for a long time and she’s no longer running.

The race is a ton of fun. The community really comes out. It’s almost always really hot and the race starts too late, but there are people on the course with hoses and sprinklers, bands on the course, and much more.

Last year I was just about over this race, but a friend wanted to run it, so we did. We had a great time, as always. Only this friend is also no longer running and most of my running friends are no longer interested in the race — before the pandemic hit.

Of course the race is now virtual. I am still debating what I want to do!

Pros of Running Firecracker 4 virtually
Here are some of the pros of running a race virtually:

  1. No worries about parking. Parking was always a problem!
  2. No travel time. The race is a good 30 minutes away.
  3. I can start earlier; when it’s cooler.
  4. I can cherry pick the day I run the race, when hopefully there’s good weather.
  5. This year there’s a medal. Normally I don’t really want a medal for any race less than a half. So I’m not sure if this is a pro or a con — do I really want a reminder?

 

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It is a cool looking medal

Cons of Running Firecracker 4 virtually
And here are the cons:

  1. I’ve said that I don’t really need new race tees, but I find it’s nice to have some new ones. This falls in the cons because it looks like they’ve reverted back to their old race tees, which I’ve never liked (last year’s was actually nice!).
  2. My routes near home are so hilly! The race is hilly, too, but trust me, still not as bad as my routes. Although I can run downhill, while the race is up & downhill & ends on a long uphill.
  3. It’s a 4 mile race. I haven’t been “training”, haven’t been running that much. With my warmup, all of the sudden it’s almost my long run! Of course it’s virtual, so it doesn’t really matter, does it?

Will I or won’t I?
I’m leaning to signing up, just to support the race. Even if I never run it again. As I looked through the Website, at one point it said online registration closed a couple of days. Somewhere else stated you could register til the 28th. Not sure if I’ll get the medal and shirt or not, as it said you’re guaranteed if you register by the 5th. My guess is I still will, but obviously, not a big deal to me.

Are you still planning to “race” on the 4th? 

What motivates you to run virtual races?

Do you think you’ll do anything “special” on the 4th? 

If you don’t celebrate the 4th, what is your favorite Summer holiday?  Why?

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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Getting out of town: 6/1 – 7 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

If you read my coffee/tea post here, you already know that I went to visit my mom this week. If you didn’t, don’t worry, I’ll talk about it a bit in my favorites section. 🙂

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Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and a recovery week with lots of Yoga and some running and neighborhood “clean up”.

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Dogwalk, SB (15 min), Yoga (60 min)
  • Tuesday: Dogwalks, Visited Mom, Yoga (30 min)
  • Wednesday: 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min),
  • Thursday: Dogwalk, Yoga (40 min), Trying to clean the “new” rug
  • Friday: 3 miles easy including 6 x 20ish strides, Yoga (60 min)
  • Saturday:  Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min)
  • Sunday: 6 miles LSD, Yoga at some point (can’t break the Yoga streak)

Mileage: 12 (-1)

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

There are a lot of kid rainbows in the neighborhood

Wednesday: intention — recovery run listening to body
After my slog on Sunday, I knew I needed a slight running break. Despite the long day to visit my mom for an hour and a quarter the day before, I felt much better this morning. It wasn’t fast, but it felt so much better than Sunday, despite the fact that the sun came out — only during my run! V02max inched back up a point.

Another faded rainbow

Friday: intention — listen to my body, but remind it it can run fast
It got really chilly this past weekend (as you can see from how I’m dressed visiting my mom below), and then yesterday was 90F. Looks like this week will go the same way. So it was hot & humid, but thankfully cloudy, this morning. V02max dropped a point again — I thought this was a decent run, with negative splits thanks to the strides at the end. #justshakesheadinbewilderment

More rainbow kid art

Sunday: intention — listen to my body, think about Dad
Almost a repeat of last Sunday: great weather but about midway through this run I got tired. I actually stopped after 4 miles to walk a bit back & forth hoping to shake it off. That worked out well because someone was coming down the sidewalk, but didn’t help with the fatigue.

What gorgeous Peonies! Mine are just beginning to bloom (these aren’t mine)

It didn’t feel quite as hard as last Sunday’s. I thought a lot about my Dad; we were originally planning to hold his burial today. The weather would have been perfect.

A chilly, drizzly day (nicer back home, of course) but first time I’ve been eye to eye with my mom in almost four months

Favorites of the week
We did finally go to visit my mom. 2 hours down (one pitstop at a service area), 2 hours back , about an hour and a quarter chatting with my mom. Next time I’ll probably go by myself, because the dogs were a pain.

Lola can’t settle while on leash, and while Bandit was fine, he threw up just as we got there. Next time we do go with the dogs, I guess he’ll have to go with just one meal for the day; this isn’t the first time we’ve had that problem with him. But sometimes he’s okay.

Let’s just say maybe I should have left the carpet. We’ll see.

I’ve been dumpster diving. Well, no actual dumpsters involved. I carried this rug about a mile home. Unfortunately it’s kind of beat up, but I was thinking I could use it for Yoga students to have a more comfortable place to roll out their mats outside. We’ll see if I can make it presentable.

Then we also took this old fire pit above (had to go back & drive to get that one). Mr. Judy plans to make another fountain out of it. I think it’ll look cool!

Finally, tuna poke is one of my go-to meals for hot days. It’s relatively easy and quick and doesn’t require an oven. Although I used Right Rice (Amazon Affiliate link here) for it. They call it a plant based rice alternative, but a better title would be legume rice –it’s made using lentil, chickpea, and rice flour + pea fiber , but who would eat that?

Mr. Judy didn’t mind it; that’s high praise from him, actually, since he really likes rice. White rice, specifically. Right Rice is packed with 10 gm of protein per serving, comes in several different flavors, and is easy to make — just boil water, add Right Rice, and let it sit covered for 10 minutes.

Ever tried Right Rice? Did you like it?

What’s one of your favorite hot weather meals? I made a Chinese Chicken Salad this week that *I* thought was yummy.  

Do people put out stuff for free in your neighborhood? Ever helped yourself to something?

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m trying to decide if I want to do a virtual race on July 4th. On Friday I’ll be writing about why I’m making my runs intentional. Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here.

Lost dog tails: Tea/coffee Date June 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

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Thankfully my dog tale/tail had a happy ending!

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Pull up a chair and mug with Coco and Deborah and me for the ultimate coffee tea date: and I’ll tell you how I’m trying new/old stuff, spending more time outdoors, and finally getting to see (but not hug) my mom.

Enjoying my own herbal tea blends

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you everything old is new again. I have been fascinated by herbs for a long time. I’ve taken a few classes in the past, making some herbal teas I rarely drank. I have come full circle back to that, but now I am drinking my herbal teas. I guess I’m not alone, because it’s been hard to find some of the herbs I want to use!

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you even though we have not been that hard hit up here, I’m not up for large groups yet. It’s a personal decision and everyone has to do what they’re comfortable with. It’s not always about one person, sometimes it’s about the people in that person’s life. I am down with one on one in the open air.

The base for the next fountain & an outdoor rug courtesy of our neighborhood

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you we are slowly working on making our backyard more of an oasis, although Mr Judy does most of the work. There’s the Yoga platform. I put the Wicker chair I dragged home from a dumpster a few years ago behind the platform; it’s my meditation seat.

Mr. Judy is working on a fountain (all his fountains have been made with things we have at home so far, except for the power sources and pumps). Actually, now he’s working on another fountain with an old fire pit we dragged home this week. We’re planning to move our trellis over there, and I’m planning to hang some wind chimes from it.

Then I found the outdoor rug I’m carrying above — I carried that home about 3/4 mile (with multiple stops). Turns out that it’s pretty stained, but I’m working on cleaning it up and hoping to use it for my Yoga students (they can put their mats on it).

The sad part is that I’m the one that spends all the time out there and Mr. Judy does most of the work!

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you I walked the dogs last week, and at one point I noticed a dog that I thought was in its backyard. Then I noticed it wasn’t in its backyard. I tried to hustle the dogs along, but that’s when the dog noticed us. He ran over to us, and chaos ensued (if you’ve ever walked two dogs meeting another dog, you’ll understand).

Lola was freaking out and being all reactive, while Bandit was standing patiently and letting the dog sniff him. I felt terrible leaving the dog there, but I couldn’t try to get it into its yard with the way Lola was acting. The dog (who was very sweet) ran after us for a while, then headed back, and I was pretty sure I knew where it lived, but I had to get the dogs home first.

I went back as soon as I dropped the dogs off at home (I was basically far enough away that by the time Mr. Judy could’ve gotten to me, I would’ve been home already). As I was looking for the dog (and saw that indeed, the gate was open at its house), someone called me from across the street and wanted to know if I was looking for a poodle.

We chatted, I told him where the dog lived, and he was going to take it over later (it was still pretty early in the morning). I felt so much better, I’d felt terrible leaving the dog loose, but I couldn’t get him to his home safely with Lola raising such a fuss.

Socially distancing with Mom

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you we finally did make the trip to my mom:

  • 4 hours in the car
  • 1.25 hours chatting, socially distanced, outside, with masks
  • 1 pit stop
  • 1 hyper geriatric dog
  • 1 carsick dog

Totally worth it, even though it always makes for a tiring day!

Ever had to wrangle a loose dog to its home?

Have you picked up any new skills while in quarantine? 

Are you working on making your backyard more inviting? 

ICYMI: I’ve got another new Yin Yoga practice to help keep your immune system strong — or possibly help your digestion and breathing — maybe both! It’s a relatively short practice for Yin Yoga, a bit over 30 minutes long. Check it out here.

I am also linking up with:

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

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Getting Strong Now: May 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 30 Comments

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Mother Nature sure seemed confused in May

May blew in with very unwanted snow, but it went out with some lovely Summer weather.

Practicing Yoga on the Yoga platform in a skirt & with dogs

From strong to stronger and the iconic Rocky song “Gonna Fly Now”:

Getting strong now
Won’t be long now
Getting strong now

Gonna fly now
Flying high now
Gonna fly, fly, fly

Running takes a back burner for now, and hopefully I can focus on getting stronger. Now is the time to do those things you always say you’d do if only you had more time.

Getting in scheduled runs
I’m settling into 3 x week for the forseeable future. Unless maybe I decide to try a Peloton Bootcmp. 3 x week gives me lots of flexibility to move runs around!

Grade Earned:  A

Recording my runs
Still not journaling. Maybe I don’t want to remember this year next year! Seriously, though, the tough times are what help us to grow.

Grade Earned: F

Dynamic Warmup
I signed up for the Peloton App back when it was free for 90 days. I’ve been checking out their dynamic warmups. At some point I’ll write a review of the app, although seriously, I feel like I’m the last person to try it. 🙂

Grade Earned: A+

Foam Rolling
I slacked off a bit in the foam rolling department. I’m still rolling, but not quite as often. Probably because I’ve had to start filming stuff for my YouTube channel again!

Grade Earned: A-

Nutrition
Nutrition has been ok. I’m maintaining; no really, I’m plateauing, bouncing back and forth between small gains and losses. Which is fine. Except I would like to lose just a few pounds. I guess I don’t want to badly enough yet.

Grade Earned: B

Support

  • Massage? Nope. We all know why.
  • Chiropractor Appointment? See massage.
  • Do I need a hair appointment? Again, see above. I suppose I should take this section out, it ain’t happening in the near future (although the chiropractor is open). And the salon should open soon. I don’t think I can go a whole year without a haircut!

Grade Earned: F

Yoga everywhere

Cross Training
I’ve continued to mix things up with plenty of Yoga, short Peloton rides (except not on a Peloton bike of course — I wish!!!), and strength training.

Grade Earned: A

I was able to cherry pick a day with great weather for my virtual race

May 2020  gets  . . . 
. . . an A. Despite 2 Fs, and not meeting a couple of goals, all in all May was a pretty good month, including one virtual race (my first).

May Goals:

  • Add in Lean & Lovely once a week. Y. It’s a Kettlebell program I’ve used before with good results.
  • Continue running 3 x week, adding in more mileage. Y/N. I ran 3 x week (except one week when I didn’t feel good), but haven’t really upped the mileage. By the time I wanted to, Summer had arrived!
  • Strength train 2-3 x week. Y. A no brainer since I started a Kettlebell program.
  • Continue almost daily foam rolling. Y/N. Not as much as in April, although more than just running days.
  • Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Y. Weight is basically in maintenance mode, and that’s okay.
  • Explore a Backbend Course N. Backbends are actually really good for my Dosha (Kapha), but I didn’t get around to it in May. I worked on some other courses, one of which actually had to do with less intense backbends. So kind of a Y, except I didn’t do that with this goal in mind. Glad I made the goal. I’ll get to it!
  • Take the tests for the online Reiki course I’m taking. N. I began to study more, but never quite got around to the tests. Yet.

Which leads me to June Goals:

  • Continue exploring Peloton App. I have a feeling I’ll keep the Peloton App. There’s a lot I like about it (but some things not so much). While it’s free, though, I’m definitely going to take advantage of it.
  • Continue running 3 x week. Still just maintaining a running base.
  • Set an intention for each run. Everything in life should be done with intention (it’s called mindfulness!).
  • Explore a backbend course in one of the Yoga memberships I have. I looked last weekend and couldn’t find a specific course, but I did download a lot of classes on backbends from a couple of Yoga apps I use. Backbends are definitely good for me, so I’m going to work a bit more on them! I also need to focus on arms and core, because one of my goals is to do Wheel — I think it’s a combination of not enough strength (there’s that strong thing again) and fear — of failure? Of hitting my head? — that has been holding me back from doing wheel.
  • Continue almost daily foam rolling. It’s amazing how much of a difference this makes for me.
  • Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. It’s hard to believe, but it’s actually been a year since I stopped tracking what I eat. I never thought I’d get to that point in my life!
  • Take the tests for the online Reiki course I’m doing. Okay, I admit Reiki is a bit woo-woo even for me. I do believe that there’s a lot more to life than just our physical bodies, though, and I have actually found the course really fascinating. I’m not so sure I’ll get to it in June, either, but it’s a good goal and we’ll see.

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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Steep, Steep-er, Steep-est: 5/25 – 31 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 31 Comments

I started the week with my virtual Freihofers’ “race”, and ended it dragging myself through a longish run today — despite really great weather. I think my body was protesting having to go up and down hills again, rather than just downhill.

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Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and finishing out my 5ks.

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Virtual Freihofers 5k + .9 warmup, Yoga (60 min)
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min), Full Body ST (20 min)
  • Thursday: 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (40 min)
  • Friday: Dogwalk, Bootcamp  (cycle + weights — 30 min), Yoga (60 min)
  • Saturday:  Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min)
  • Sunday: 6 miles LSD, Yoga (30 min — maybe more later)

Mileage: 13 (+.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

A different starting line this year!

Monday
After practicing my 5ks last week, I ran my virtual 5k today. It was a lovely day to run — cloudy, breezy, almost perfect weather and I nailed my running outfit, too! It was also a slower 5k (due to nasal breathing), but my fastest 5k of the 4 I ran in the last week. 

I knew it wouldn’t be fast since nasal breathing is still slowing me down, but choosing a downhill course — and the weather — helped a lot. I had nice negative splits (due to the steep, steep-er, and steep-est hills on the route), and the last mile was the fastest I’ve seen in some time.

And nailed the outfit

I set out to make it hard-er training run, but not really trying to race. Somewhere in between. Mission accomplished. It also was not my slowest version of this race ever, so there’s that, too!

So many rainbows in the neighborhood!

Thursday
Just like that, what used to be our highs has become our lows. I got out early, although it never seems early enough. I went out with the intention of a recovery run, and that’s pretty much what happened.

Still haven’t finished cataloging rainbows in the neighborhood!

Sunday
The weather was really great for running today. It cooled off significantly from the earlier heat of the week. For whatever reason, though, my body was just not having a long run today. I finished, because who wants to walk back 3 miles, but it wasn’t pretty.

I tried really hard to concentrate on the beautiful day, but the reality was I just wanted to be done. Some runs are like that.

Bandit’s been a bit clingy lately. No idea why. He usually only climbs into my lap when he’s scared. He goes through periods like this though. You just have to be patient.

Favorites of the week
I didn’t want to join my friends in their social distance run/brunch — I’m sure it’s fine, but it’s just too big a group for me. I got “together” with a friend of mine — first time we’ve seen each other in person in a couple of months — just sitting and chatting in my backyard.

The hard part was that both dogs wanted to investigate her. It was nice catching up with her — as usual, I’m better in a small group. Or one on one.

Love my new Yoga mat!

New Yoga mat! I bought this one on Etsy. I’m forever carting my Yoga mat up & down stairs, so it’s nice to have one on each floor. It’s really pretty (and hand painted), it’s thicker than the one I already own — which means it doesn’t bunch up at all during my practice. The store on Etsy is TheArtofAnsel — I definitely recommend them!

You can see the fountain Mr. Judy is working on for me in the back.

Are you comfortable being in larger groups again? As I said to someone else recently, I have my mom (we plan to visit her next week, but it sucks that I can’t hug her) and others in my life that are at higher risk.

Would you travel by plane to run a race right now?  

What are you looking forward to in June? 

Coming up on Tuesday: It’s time to wrap up May. Then it’s time for the virtual Coffee Date next weekend. Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger: Runfessions May 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 26 Comments

bstronger2

I know people hate to say what we have is the new normal, but I think that’s the truth until a vaccine or treatment is found. You wouldn’t think I’d have much to runfess considering I am not racing, and not running a lot either. Coming clean always feels good, though, doesn’t it? Even if one of my runfessions is about my complete and utter lack of the cleaning gene.

I runfess . . .
I am still cleaning more than I used to — not hard to do! — but less than I was in April. We seem to have survived. Knock on wood.

Thumbs up for the Yoga platform & nice weather

I runfess . . .
Part of the reason I have been cleaning less is because we finally got nice weather, and between the tablet, the laptop, and the Yoga platform, I’m spending a lot of time outdoors. Who wants to be stuck inside — doing anything? — much less cleaning.

I runfess . . .
I didn’t really know how prophetic my word for 2020 would be (strong, which you can read about here). I thought it was because of my parents . . . well, we all know why we need to be strong now! In addition to all that, though, I’m taking advantage of no races to run less and try to do more strength training. Literally getting strong — or so I hope.

I runfess . . .
Ok, it’s not a runfession, but yes, my thoughts have already turned to Thanksgiving. I was going to host it again this year, with my father gone. I joked to Lloyd at one point, when we were considering eating the turkey en croute from TJs in our freezer, that that might be our Thanksgiving dinner.

I don’t think that’s a joke anymore. I can’t see my family, and especially my mother, coming here for Thanksgiving. At the moment if my mom leaves for anything other than a doctor’s appointment, she would have to self quarantine for 2 weeks. My sister is also planning to go back to work at Old Navy, so lots of exposure.

I’m trying to hunt down where bathrooms might be so we can make a trip out to see her soon. Yes, there are apps for that — except I haven’t found any that are really terribly useful.

I knew I bought it, and have the photo to prove it. What I don’t know is where it’s hiding!

I runfess . . .
In the perennial problem of I know I have it, it’s big, but where the heck is it, I have had a pair of capris go missing. I know I wore them last year, I have the photos. I’m mostly done with moving the Fall/Winter clothes out and the Spring/Summer clothes in, and yet — it’s hiding. I guess it’s a good thing that we’re now past capri season.

GWY Immunity Yin Yoga

ICYMI: I’ve got a new Yin Yoga practice to help keep your immune system strong — or help you stretch out before or after a run — maybe both! Check it out here.

Did you pick a word? Do you remember what it was? 

Do you find yourself wanting to stay outside all the time, even though you have things to do inside?

What was the last thing you couldn’t find that drove you nuts?

What do you have to runfess from May? Come join us

Runfessions

I am also linking up with:

Running Hacks Make Running a Little Smoother

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 26 Comments

bRunning Hacks

We all have them: those little hacks that makes running just a little easier. I shared one — one that I didn’t come up with, but a former fellow blogger did — last week here in my post on the benefits of running in your own neighborhood. I’ve got a few more to share!

Warm up inside when it’s cold outside
I suppose it’s the wrong time of year to share this one in the Northern Hemisphere, but it took me years before I had the aha! moment that I could simply warm up inside when it’s cold outside (another benefit to running in your own neighborhood — obviously doesn’t work so well when you’re meeting people elsewhere).

This shoelace hack never fails me!

Keep those laces tied!
I have shared this before, but no one ever seems to pick it up. Take your tied laces and push them under one of the places your laces cross on your running shoes. No more worries about laces coming undone during a race/run. I think it’s happened to me once in eleven years of running.

Freeze your water
It is the right time of year for this one, in fact, I wish I’d done this last Saturday! The night before a run/race, fill your water bottles about half full. Place in freezer. Right before your run, fill the bottle the rest of the way. Voila! Cold water for a much longer time.

Foam roll before you run
Want to make foam rolling a habit? Do it as part of your warm up. Because that is actually one of its purposes: to get the blood flowing to your muscles and get you warmed up. Bonus: it ensures you’ll do it. Wait til post run, and you’re much more likely to skip it.

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Hack Your Smoothies

Love your post run smoothies?
You can make them up ahead of time, too. You have two choices: freeze the ingredients (except the liquid) — then just throw the ingredients and your liquid in the blender and instant smoothie.

You can also simply make up the smoothie ahead of time. Your choice whether to have it just waiting for you in the fridge, or freezing the entire smoothie. If you make up the smoothie a few days ahead of time, just realize it’s going to oxidize.

There are two downsides to freezing the entire smoothie ahead of time:

  1. It will change the texture of the smoothie (it will get a bit more watery as the ingredients defrost)
  2. It will be harder to blend

Basically anything you know you won’t want to do post run, make sure to do it pre-run!

What are some of your favorite running hacks? 

Do you enjoy a post run smoothie?  What’s your favorite mixture?

What makes running more streamlined for 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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My Week of 5ks: 5/18 – 24 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 41 Comments

We had a string of beautiful days this week, and trust me, we all needed that for our sanity up here! I love the freedom of living in Skirt all Summer long (with temps going up to 90 next week, yup, looks like unofficial Summer has arrived).

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Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing my string of 5ks in prep for a virtual 5k — this week, or maybe on Memorial Day.

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, 3.1 miles easy, Bodyweight + Kettlebells (30 min)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Thursday: 3.1 miles easy with 7 x 20ish strides, Core (15 mn)
  • Friday: Dogwalk, Yoga (35 min)
  • Saturday:  6 miles (maybe not so easy), Yoga (60 min)
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, hopefully Platform Yoga and ST

Mileage: 12.2 (+3.2)

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

Another neighborhood rainbow

Tuesday
I kept thinking I needed to do my virtual Freihofers this week, but luckily realized I don’t need to do it until next week. I ran 3.1 anyway, just to have something to report if things don’t go my way next week. Another nice day to run, but I really need to start getting out there earlier.

Today I had to walk the dogs before I ran, as Mr. Judy was waiting for a delivery. Lola, who is 14, just can’t take temps much over 60F, so she needs to be walked earlier now.

Now violet is everywhere it seems!

Thursday
Another great day to run! Of course I stopped to take a photo and while I thought I’d paused my Garmin, I hadn’t. No matter what, nice negative splits. Still slow but those strides always help; I cheat and run down a slight incline in front of my home, pause the Garmin while I walk back to my starting point, and repeat. Maybe not so kosher but that’s how I roll.

A washed out rainbow

Saturday
I decided to try to tackle a 5k as part of my long run. I warmed up with .9 (because 3.1 + .9 = 4 miles). Then I ran down the road on one side of my neighborhood for 3.1 miles. I did stop a couple of times to take photos (and paused my Garmin) so this probably won’t be my official 5k. The pace was decent because it was almost entirely downhill, which the race isn’t. I’m sure the stops helped the pace, too.

Although in typical fashion of this particular race, it was suddenly hot! I got out a bit later than I wanted (but earlier than the race starts). By the time I finished it was in the mid 70s. I haven’t run in those temps in many months. I’ve been lucky if it’s in the 50s!

One of the weirdest things I’ve seen on the run (but not the weirdest)

Of course what goes down must come up. I walked up the very long, very steep hill after I’d finished those first 4 miles. I had zero desire to run up a hill that steep, intervals or not. I ran some more on the flatter parts. Then walked up the final hill, too. I did run it in.

I’d thought I might add a mile to my long run this week, but with the sudden increase in temps, I really just had no desire to. I must’ve gotten in a good couple of miles walking uphill in addition to my 6 miles running.

Lola joined me for a little Yoga

Favorites of the week
I’ve been teasing what Mr. Judy was building for me for a while. Lola and Bandit helped me to christen it after my run.

It’s a Yoga platform in my backyard!

Bandit continues to be my Yoga partner

As much as I love my deck Yoga, platform Yoga is even better! It’s shaded by our pine trees (although those pine needles get everywhere) and there’s a nice breeze back there.

Apparently he’s also my construction partner (he just needs thumbs)

I helped just a smidge: carrying over most of the top boards and tightening up most of the bolts on the corners.

This is where I plan to be teaching my Yoga student — I’m not sure if she’ll be on the ground or maybe with me on the platform. I think there’s enough social distance between us if our mats are turned the other way.

My friends are getting ready to social distance run and brunch (also outside). I wasn’t quite ready, and they decided to run today anyway — I’d already run Saturday. I want to join in, but I’m not quite sure it’s the right thing to do now. I have several people in my life that are at higher risk.

One is my mom, and of course it’s been months since I’ve been in contact with her — but I’m hoping to see her soon. Others are ones I’m in contact with more often. I shared a post on my FB page here this morning on the risks of various gatherings, written by a runner who is also a virologist.

Of course it’s also not great to be isolated. As I said on FB, difficult times and difficult decisions.

Wouldn’t you love to join me on my platform? I can definitely envision filming some videos out there! Too bad the wifi isn’t strong enough for Zooming.

Are you handy?  Me, nope. Good thing Mr. Judy is.

How much of your exercise do you take outdoors? I thought about strength training out there, but lugging the weights out — and back! — didn’t seem enticing. Of course it’s more exercise, but I use different weights.  Although I’m sure ultimately it would feel great!

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m sharing some of my running hacks that make running go smoother. Of course Friday it’s time for runfessions; we all love getting those out there, don’t we? Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here.