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

March 22, 2020 ~ 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!

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!

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!

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.

We are lucky

March 20, 2020March 19, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 27 Comments

You probably don’t feel so lucky right now — or maybe you do. I must say, now is a great time to be an introvert. Who knew it’s the introverts who can more easily weather a pandemic? We like to be at home. We like to be with just a small tribe. Sometimes we really like to be alone, too.

Now I want you to close your eyes and imagine if this had happened 20 years ago. Heck, it probably did. I mean, there was 9/11 after all. There was Y2K, too. Yes, we survived those and many other tragedies and most of us will survive this one, too. Today we have so many more tools that can help us to weather this storm.

Fairytales and Fitness

bconnected

We are so connected
Being connected isn’t always such a good thing (not if you’re glued to your phone while walking), but in this case, it is. We can Facetime. We can text. We can follow each other on Social Media. In times like these, that’s a good thing.

I tried so hard to teach my mom how to use a smart phone, but unfortunately she wasn’t really interested and she has a pretty severe hand palsy that made it difficult so she gave up. Yes, I tried to teach her how to use the microphone. I can and do stay in touch with her by phone!

We can get so much information — so fast
I definitely don’t suggest that you stay glued to the news 24/7 — it’s a really bad idea. Always check out any information you do glean online, too, there’s lots of misinformation out there.

We live in a time, though, that makes it so easy to get information out to most people. We are lucky!

We have entertainment at our fingertips — 24/7
I remember what a big deal MTV was when it first premiered. I couldn’t watch it, as my parents didn’t have cable TV. Back then, though, there wasn’t much on after a certain time. That’s why MTV was so ground breaking. Now we have almost first run movies and more TV series than we could watch in a lifetime due to cable, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more.

bkindle

Most of us have hundreds (at least!) of books at our fingertips
When I was growing up, I reread the same few books over and over again. I knew them inside and out. I don’t get to know books like that anymore, which is kind of sad, but the reason — there are just so many books available to us — is good!

Audiobooks, too, which are perfect while driving (most of us will probably be spending much less time in our cars in the days ahead) — or while running.

Virtual friends
You can’t catch COVID-19 through your computer screen, thank goodness (although maybe from your computer screen if you touch it!). It’s so nice to check in with you all through the linkups, hear your news, get tips on how to stay sane in troubling times.

Online Games
I’m not really a gamer, about all I know about online games is Words with Friends. No, I don’t play it — maybe it’s a good time to start, although I’m actually not great with Scrabble, which is weird, I have a good vocabulary. Games in real life with your family is a great idea right now, too.

Keep the ones that aren’t so lucky in your prayers & heart
Not everyone lives in a first world country, with easy access to clean water and medical care. Realize how very lucky we are, and pray for the ones that won’t be that lucky.

These are tough times, with the toughest thing being the uncertainty. There is always a silver lining, if you look hard enough for it. I actually think that we’ve been given an opportunity here — to evaluate our lives, the “busyness” of our lives, and whether or not that serves us. Now is the time to think about what is truly important to you. I hope that you can use this time to make positive changes in your life. For those that are afflicted, I pray that you get the care you need and come through this and back to health. — Chocolaterunsjudy

What are you doing to stay calm?

Any online or regular games you recommend?

Are you practicing a little more self care right now?

ICYMI: I know that most of us are anxious and on edge right now. Being on high alert all the time is actually really damaging to our immune system. I created this meditation to help you reduce anxiety here. In fact, I had so much material that I plan to create a another guided meditation to reduce anxiety soon — stay tuned!

I’m also working on one for irritability, because with all the close quarters and disruption to our lives, tempers are likely to flare. If you do like these meditations, please press the like button — it helps me continue to bring everyone free videos.

So Your Race Was Canceled

March 17, 2020March 16, 2020 ~ 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.

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Running down a virus: 3/9-15 WRD

March 15, 2020 ~ 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

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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

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.

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?

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!

March 13, 2020March 6, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 15 Comments

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.

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?

March 10, 2020March 6, 2020 ~ 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.

**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

**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

March 8, 2020 ~ 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

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.

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.

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?