Weekly Run Down

Business as usual: 3/23-29 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 44 Comments

Sort of. Ok, obviously it’s not completely normal, but in general things are going along okay so far here. I hope that it is with you guys, too. We adjust and we just pray and have to have faith that we will get through this.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing more doggy cuteness, because why not?

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Dogwalk, SB 20 min
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, SB 10 min, 4 miles easy, Yoga (30 min)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
  • Thursday: Dogwalk, SB (15 min), Yoga (30 min)
  • Friday: 8 mile LSD, Yoga (30 min)
  • Saturday: Dogwalk, FB Live Yoga (35 min)
  • Sunday: 4 miles easy, no doubt some Yoga later

Mileage: 15 (+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

Snow in Spring? Now that actually is normal

Tuesday
I’m trying to remember this run, I truly am. I think it was a decent run. Obviously nothing memorable. The only thing memorable was the 6″ of snow the day before, of course, but that’s the nice thing about Spring snow: it melts quickly.

There was lots of walking coming up this hill

Friday
Initially Saturday looked like the better day, but my body didn’t want to run Thursday, Sunday looked to be a washout, so Friday it was for my long run. Turned out it was a beautiful day. The run was hard, because I chose a very hilly path.

I got further on this particular path than I have before, and there’s one really steep hill then lots of rolling hills. I discovered there’s also an insanely steep hill further on after the really steep hill, LOL! There was a lot of walking, it was slow, but I finished. Too soon, as it turns out . . . I could easily have made it a 9 mile run but I just had a very long cool down walk.

Running through raindrops

Sunday
The radar showed a potential break in the rain, but good thing I had mentally prepared myself to get wet, because I did. At least I didn’t get poured on. 4 miles to burn off a frustrating morning.

Trying to keep local restaurants afloat & trying new ones, too

Favorites of the week
We’re still going around the world with delivered food. This week it was Greek, and it was yummy: mine was Spanokopita appetizers and a Vegan Gyro. Both were yummy. I do kind of feel divided, worrying a bit that maybe we’re putting ourselves at risk. We get the food out of the packaging, wash our hands, then spritz the counter with cleaner. After all, I’m still grocery shopping too (although not as often).

It was cold out there yesterday — I feel for those swimsuit models!

I really needed a good head shot for a project I’ve been working on for my YouTube channel (you can check it out here, of course) and although we’ve tried a few times, we just weren’t successful . . . until yesterday. We got quite a few good ones. This is not one I’m using, unfortunately Lola came out blurry. Hadn’t planned to have the dogs in there but they wanted to participate. 🙂

Are you doing all the cooking?

Are you afraid of going live on Facebook? I know I’ve been resisting it!

#teamtraining or #teammaintenance? For now I am still training, at least until I find out if the half end of June is a go or not. If it’s cancelled, I’ll be back to maintenance.

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m wrapping up March. I am hoping to get out another Yin Video and Mediation video next week, but not quite sure how that will go yet.

gwy grounding meditation

ICYMI: I’ve got a new grounding meditation for you here. I went live on Facebook yesterday –you can catch the replay here. You wanted Yin? You got it! If you do like these meditations, please press the like button — it helps me continue to bring everyone free videos.

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.

Life hasn’t changed too much: 3/16-22 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 46 Comments

Yet. After a lot of back and forth (I’d feel perfectly fine, then not great — never terrible, by any means), I do believe I turned the corner — finally! this week, and feel 100%. Or maybe 95%? My life hasn’t changed that much. Not yet, anyway. Of course there are changes, but in general, being an introvert and a homebody has served me well.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing more doggy cuteness, because why not?

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
  • Wednesday: 4 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
  • Thursday: Dogwalk, Pilates (15 min), Yoga (30 min)
  • Friday: 4 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
  • Saturday: Dogwalk, PB Walking + Toning, Yoga (40 min)
  • Sunday: 7 miles easy, no doubt some Yoga later

Mileage: 15 (+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

Sorry for the graininess, didn’t want to disturb them too much

Wednesday
I figure as long as I’m able to get out for a run, I will try — there could come a day when we’re not supposed to at all, as I’ve read has happened in some places in Europe. We had walked the dogs at the trail by the river on Monday, so I made plans to come back and run there. It’s a very short, packed dirt with a little crushed gravel trail.

It was a beautiful day, perfect for running, and I enjoyed this run greatly. There were feathers on the trail that looked like eagle feathers. I’ve never seen an eagle there, but I’m sure they are probably around. A little further down, though, I almost literally ran into 4 chickens. This would not have been at all odd when I lived in Austin, but this is something I’ve never run into before here.

They definitely didn’t look wild. I’ve always wanted to have chickens . . . anyway, as I continued on pondering whether or not I should call animal control or grab one on the way back, by the time I got back to that point on the trail they’d vanished. You just never know what you’ll see when you #optoutside!

I may have been rained on, but I enjoyed this run

Friday
Today I had to try to outrun the rain. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. It was a warmer day, but my run was in the morning and it was only in the 50s with wind — and yes, light rain. It was still a good run!

Path angels at work!

Sunday
I headed up to a path I haven’t been to since last year. I guess I’d forgotten it was mostly uphill the way out . . . but of course that means mostly downhill on the way back. Path angels were busy with postive chalk art messages & I loved them!

Hidden in a tree

I didn’t notice this leprechaun in the opening of a tree, but some walkers did and I asked them what they were oohing & aahing over. Of course I waited until they had moved on to take my photo.

Palak Paneer &  Potato Cauliflower Fritters (Aloo something?)

Favorites of the week
You can still get delivery/take out from restaurants. I have always made about 90% of my own food — that includes way back when I worked outside of the home — but I like a break once in a while. This week it was Indian food, last week it was Chinese, I guess we’re doing a virtual world tour. I was surprised the Palak Paneer was in a cream sauce, I haven’t had it that way before. It was very good — no doubt pretty fattening too!

The bakery is open for takeout
Such yummy goodness

Part of the protein bar, a little bit of the scone, and some of my mom’s birthday cheesecake (remember, her birthday was the 10th!) just may have been lunch. Don’t judge. The brownie will probably get frozen. I don’t think I need all that and the cheesecake. Not for 7 miles.

I called my order in, and then I didn’t have to wait online. It was ready & waiting for me when I got there. Easy peasy.

I lured him with a protein bar I was eating, then didn’t share. Bad Mommy.
Finally found a relatively cheap quilt at Target. We’d been using an old sheet, and that was beginning to tear. So far Lola hasn’t decided to eat it. That tail, though!

Are you having to learn new skills now?

Are you working from home?

How are you destressing? 

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m gathering up some of the many low cost and free resources that are being offered. Seriously, there are just so many things you can do to keep fit at home!

ICYMI: I uploadeed this meditation to help you reduce anxiety here. I’m working on more meditations. I have a lot of ideas and a couple already sketched out! If you do like these meditations, please press the like button — it helps me continue to bring everyone free videos.

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.

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.

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.

What’s Your Strong?: 2/24-3/1 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

With Mr. Judy gone, it was a quiet week. Except for Lola’s stomach issues. There wasn’t a lot of sleep much of the time he was gone.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, still training, although still unsure that I’ll be running a half anytime soon. Maybe. Maybe not.

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 x 2, Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Taught Yoga (60 min), 4 Miles with 8 Hill Repeats, PB Cardio Toning + Balance (35 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (15 min), Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Yoga (10 min), 3 miles failed 400s, Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, PB Weights (30 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Rest Day!
  • Sunday: Yoga (20 min), 9 mile LSD, PB Weights of some sort later . . .

Mileage: 16 (+.5)

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

Poor Forsythia are confused by the warm weather (well, it’s gone now!)

Tuesday
So much for Spring. It wasn’t really a bad day weather day, just gloomy. I’m so over gloomy. After procrastinating (on other stuff that needed to get done) I finally got myself out the door during lunch, which made for a weird lunch very late. Pretty consistent 4 miles even with 1 mile of running up and down a short, but steep hill.

Searched for signs of Spring, looks like some of our neighbor’s Forsythias are beginning to bloom. Not ours, we don’t get as much sun on my side of the street. Definitely way too early!

Notice the flag flying high. Yup, a lot of wind. Somehow I survived.

Thursday
I woke up trying to convince myself I could handle the cold and wind later in the day, that it would make me stronger. Then it started to snow . . . not the fluffy, pretty kind, but the little sleety balls kind. I had new shoes to try out though . . . and somehow I managed to run outside.

It wasn’t too bad. Except my attempt to create a custom workout on my Garmin Vivoactive 3 was an epic fail — it was supposed to be 400s, and but apparently I put in .05 miles for the warmup & cooldown — not the half mile I’d intended. Basically I ran hard for a while and walked a bit then ran hard, and it was what it was (because my watch said I was done with the workout after one mile!).

Don’t let the pretty blue sky fool you. That wind was fierce!

Sunday
This was a nice run when the wind was calm. Cold, but not bad. When the wind blew, though, which it did fairly regularly, it was pretty brutal. I did not run on the path above, but it was nice to see it was pretty clear. I thought about calling it quits early, but the truth was I knew I could do 9 miles, so I did. I definitely found my strong on this run!

The crepe is folded sort of like an ice cream cone — they’re yummy! Dessert crepes, too.

Favorites of the week
I did get together with a friend for lunch this week. We see each other at our WW meeting once a week — well, except during all the months my Dad was failing, I missed many meetings — but we like to get together for lunch once in a while.

I introduced her to the Japanese crepe place, which I really do enjoy — and she did too.

img_6427
I’m going to suggest the Lioness. New colors are available and it’s so comfortable AND has 3 pockets (1 zippered big enough for your keys).

Last day to snag awesome deals at Skirt Sports here. Use code LEAP50 for 50% off almost everything here. Even sale and outlet!

Are you worried about Coronavirus?

What did you do for fun this week?

Do you find yourself thinking you have to get into a deeper pose because everyone else is? 

gwy strong vlog

ICYMI: It’s a short vlog video this week here. What does strong mean to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts — and not just about Yoga. 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.

Look Ma, No Gloves!: 2/17-23 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments

No Gaiter, Either!

A date was set for the burial. I can do the April half, if I want. But there’s still some other stuff going on in my life that means it’s still in limbo. You’ll have to stay tuned to see how it all turns out.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and training for a half I may never run.

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
  • Tuesday: Taught Yoga (60 min), Shoveled some ice, PB Cardio Toning + Balance (35 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (15 min), 4 miles with 6 Hill Repeats, Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Yoga (10 min), PB Toning + Weights (30 min), Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (15 min), 3.5 TM Progressive Miles, Dogwalk
  • Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 8 mile LSD, PB Weights of some sort later . . .

Mileage: 15.5 (+1.5)

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

My Hill repeats hill — it’s not that bad a hill, but multiple times gets tiring

Wednesday
The sun was partly shining, but man it was windy and cold! Which probably explains why I thought I was slow in the beginning, but actually was running at a good pace for me. Added a mile. Really didn’t want to get out there, and while I can’t say I enjoyed this run, I didn’t regret it either.

Friday
Today was actually beautiful. Sunny, but cold. If I didn’t have to walk the dogs and have a lot to do, I would absolutely have run outside. I knew I’d be getting outside later with the dogs. The treadmill was a time saver in the morning. I had intended to try for 4 miles progressive — and I tried — but I was just not feeling that last mile so I called it good at 3.5 miles.

What a difference a week makes!

Sunday
This run was on the slow side — maybe I do run faster when it’s colder — but my God, that sure felt good. 40s, sunny, no wind. It’s the first run I’ve actually wanted to get outside and do in weeks. About 90% of it was in the snow & ice-free park, too.

I’m just happy I can get them from somewhere, and don’t care about the color — but i do like purple

Favorites of the week
This is the second pair of Newtons Mr. Judy has ordered for me on Ebay. From England! Yes, the second time my running shoes came from England. I’m happy that Ebay makes that possible.

Not a great photo, but really, they are bulbs! Spring is coming!

I just happened to catch the first bulbs trying to shoot up on yesterday’s dogwalk. It feels early — but definitely makes me happy! Yay for an early Spring (even if we’re looking at Wintry mix next week).

Have you seen any bulbs?  Are any bulbs blooming?

Will you be happy for an early Spring?

Do you buy running shoes because of the pattern/color? I have to admit that I just ordered a different brand, for easy days, with a floral bottom. I ordered them because they were on sale — and yes, cute — but I’ve never worn that particular model so we’ll see.

ICYMI: You guys are going to love stretching out your hips in this short (relatively, it’s about 40 minutes — that’s short for Yin!) video here. 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.

Add another state?: 2/10-16 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 47 Comments

The date for my Dad’s burial has been set, and it was arranged so I could run the April half if I want to — or so I thought. I can still run the April half, but the new potential date means two trips at the end of April. So it’s gone from a nice long weekend away to add another state, to potentially all sorts of driving and my Dad’s burial — not so much relaxing. What to do?

We most likely won’t make our decision until the end of the month, since the price goes up in March (and it’s already not cheap) — in the meantime I’m still in limbo, trying to begin to up my training just in case.

If I do run the April half, most likely I will target it mostly for fun and training for my June half (although the April half is flat & fast, and the June half is downhill, and therefore has the potential to be fast). I’d probably continue to run just three times a week — unless that early spring arrives — maybe even if it does — and simply begin to increase those long runs.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and trying to motivate myself through the gray days of Winter.

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:  Yoga (60 min), Shoveling ice, Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: 3 miles with 5 hill repeats
  • Wednesday: Yoga (15 min), Dogwalk, Taught Yoga (60 min)
  • Thursday: Cardio (10 min), Yoga (30 min), Shoveling Ice, PB Walk with Weights (25 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (15 min), 3 TM Progressive Miles
  • Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Soul Stroll
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 8 mile LSD, PB ST (10 min)

Mileage: 14 (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

Finally got the driveway clear of ice (before the next ice storm hit)

Tuesday
It was an ugly day: cold drizzle and gray, but the temps hovered just above freezing allowing me to get out there without having to worry about black ice. I took it nice & easy, even backing off on the number of hill repeats I did. Oddly enough, this turned out to be a strong run for me — the first that felt that way in quite some time. I guess my Garmin agreed, because I gained back the point on my VO2 Max that I’d lost.

Friday
Going to my mom’s for her first Valentine’s Day alone, so 3 progressive mill miles it was (due to the cold, the wind, and time crunch).

I was able to gingerly walk over this bridge

Sunday
I was hoping the bike path was clear; I made a quick trip there, and our overnight dusting of snow was still there. Who know what was underneath that snow? I didn’t want to find out.

I was tired of running in the same neighborhood, but there wasn’t much choice. The path to the bridge was clear, though, so I slowly and carefully walked over into the park. Most of today’s run was in the park, but there were still spots were the path was completely covered in ice. Wearing my trail shoes today helped a lot.

I also spent quite a bit of time running around parking lots — a runner’s gotta do what a runner’s gotta do — and discovered some new sidewalks to extend my run into 8 miles without looping.

A far warmer, and less windy, day than yesterday, but it still wasn’t an easy run. I couldn’t convince myself for much of the run that Winter running is, indeed, a good thing (like I wrote about this week here), but I rallied enough to realize that I am lucky I can run, and that I got to do it outside.

I think my Mom deserves the roses on Valentine’s — but I got flowers from Mr. Judy, too (not pictured — the flowers or Mr. Judy). My necklace? That was a gift from my parents on my Bat Mitzvah. It’s almost antique now, LOL!

Favorites of the week
I usually like to get a massage on my birthday, whether or not I’ve run. Since it’s almost a month since my Dad passed, and Valentine’s Day happens to be my birthday, and my brother was coming in for a visit (he had scheduled that a long time ago), I thought it would help my mom if I went down to her instead. No time for a massage.

Instead of pampering myself I spent my birthday running on the treadmill; picking up roses, chocolate covered strawberries, and new towels for my mom; and of course the 90+ minute commute down there. I attended Shabbat Services with her, but she did have a cake for me at dinner, which was just ok, but wait, there’s more . . .

Grandma soaking up the love

My brother came in the next day with his daughter. I’d overheard my mom talking to my sister, and knew she was bringing another cake that day. Along with pizza for lunch for everyone. Oy! The cake was supposed to be a surprise, but I can still hear fairly well.

It tasted as good as it looked! My poor sister brought sparkler candles for the cake. They don’t allow candles at all at my mom’s senior living facility.

As you can see, though, it was a beautiful cake (and much better tasting than the previous night’s cake.

So . . . not the best birthday, although I rarely spend it with family, and while we’ve been brought together a lot this year for sad things, it was nice to spend a happier occasion together. Not my worst birthday, either: that belongs to my fourteenth, when my Uncle died unexpectedly of a heart attack.

Do you have cake on your birthday?  Because it’s just me & Mr. Judy, I haven’t had a cake on my birthday since my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah, 5 years ago (it happened to fall on my birthday). I do always have dessert on my birthday, though. 🙂 Just no need for an entire cake!

If you travel to your halfs, are they just a quickie, or do you take the time to explore? Mine are called racecations for a reason — I like to take my time in the area that I’m visiting!

Do you pamper your mom on Valentine’s Day?  Yourself?

ICYMI: February is about love — self love, that is. Because you can’t love others if you don’t love yourself! Try my short (just 5 minutes!) guided Self Love meditation here. 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.