All the Seasons of Spring: Tea/coffee Date April 2021

April 2, 2021March 24, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

Ultimate-Coffee-Date-1-300x300

Thanks, Coco and Deborah, getting us altogether virtually for a coffee date. It may be Spring, with all that applies — swinging back & forth between Spring & Winter — so I’m still drinking hot chocolate. 🙂

bteaapril21

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you a couple of weeks ago I was having serious vaccine envy. It seemed as though everyone I know — aside from my sister & BIL — is vaccinated. I whined to everyone about it and I apologize! The next week they opened it up to 50+.

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you the day I learned that I would be eligible to try to make a vaccine appointment the next day — (3/22) — was also the first day I was able to use the Yoga platform in 2021. I got a little goofy trying to take photos of my wrap after I wrapped that practice. It was a good day! My appointment is 5/29, although I’m hoping to move that closer.

ETA: the day after I made the 5/29 appointment (3/24), I made an appointment for 4/26. It was at a site a bit over an hour from me; the 5/29 appointment was much closer. Then I made one for 4/15 (same place, longer drive). This was all the morning of the 24th. Then Darlene told me there was a more local place that had a lot of appointments for that day (the 24th — are you following all this?).

Yup, I made an appointment for that afternoon and prayed I wouldn’t have a reaction so I could go visit my mom the next day as planned, which also happened to be my Dad’s birthday. My mom is pretty stoic, and rarely mentions those sort of anniversary dates. Still I thought it would help brighten her day to have a visit. I knew it would brighten her day to hear I’d had my first vaccine!

On top of all that, my brother is in the middle of getting his vaccinations, and planning a trip out to see my mom in June. He hasn’t seen her in over a year. Plus I also have to fill out a jury questionnaire by the beginning of April; I don’t know when/if I might be called, but the thought of jury duty was definitely freaking me out. As long as it’s not on the date for my second shot . . .

**This photo was less than a week before the photo above — Spring is nothing if not changeable!**

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you I’ve been doing my best to ~~drag~~take Mr. Judy out for hikes. Any day that is even reasonably warm and dry (and by warm I’m including windy, cloudy, and about 50 sometimes). Bandit doesn’t need any prodding.

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you I have been jonesing for a cookie. I’ve also been busy and not baking. Then I spied a container in the freezer — lo and behold, it was brownies! I’m usually fairly good at mentally keeping track of what’s in there, but I had no clue they were there — and so happy they were!

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
We started to watch Upload (Amazon Prime). The first episode was silly, but mildly entertaining, and it’s definitely light fare, but it got better after the first episode. Although I’m beginning to think we should consider an HBO subscription. You’d think Netflix and Amazon Prime would be enough, wouldn’t you?

Does your beverage of choice change with the seasons?

Have you been able to put away Winter running clothes? At least I’ve fairly certain I won’t need the stuff for 20 and below anymore, but I don’t want to jinx it!

What are you watching these days? Always looking for recommendations.

Also linking up with:

Down but not out: 1/11 – 17 WRD

January 17, 2021January 17, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 37 Comments

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

bwrd

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

Workouts update

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

Running Mileage: 0 (-3)

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

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

Running Update

Zero, zip, nada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you do when you feel stiff & achy?

Seen the sun lately?

Watching anything good on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

gwy banish aches

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

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

5 Things I’m Loving/Not Loving

December 18, 2020December 17, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 17 Comments

End of Year Edition

bloving

It’s been a while since I’ve shared some things I love — and some things I don’t.

Fairytales and Fitness

One: Loving
. . . My new Brooks sneakers. It was time!

**Not exciting but my feet needed these**

Not Loving
. . . the uninspired colors. Of course they were on sale — about half what I’d normally pay for running shoes — so I can’t really complain.

Two: Loving
. . . Finding the single sock that had disappeared months ago. I’ve no idea where it was, but it suddenly just appeared in some laundry. Actually, this is the second missing sock I’ve actually found this year.

Not Loving
. . . how dirty the sock was (just like that first one I finally found) — even after washing it. I’m not sure either will ever get clean enough to wear again!

Three: Loving
. . . my new Smartwool socks. It seems like they never go on sale, but I finally got a discount! Yes, these aren’t running socks.

Not Loving
. . . I need to rearrange my (multiple) sock drawers/boxes.

**So much easier with just Bandit, even if he didn’t quite understand walking a labyrinth**

Four: Loving
. . . Walking one dog. It’s so much easier. I felt the same way after Chester passed and Lola was our only dog.

Not Loving
. . . the reason we’re only walking one dog.

Five: Loving
. . . that I can now go in my mom’s apartment. Having a bathroom to use . . . it’s priceless when you’ll be away from home pretty much all day!

Not Loving
. . . the big announcement: my sister sold her house and plans to move somewhere down south. I am happy for her, and in many ways she has done more than her fair share with my parents. However, she lived about 40 minutes away from my mom as opposed to my almost 2 hours away. Not only that, if my mom ends up in the hospital at some point — unless I can stay at my mom’s apartment (which obviously is about 40 minutes away from the hospital), I have nowhere to stay without having to get a hotel room.

I am happy for my sister. She is 65, and the time is right for her. Although they have sold their house & have no idea where they’re actually going to move/live.

Sucks for me and my mom, though.

What are you loving/not loving lately?

In & Out: 11/30 – 12/6 WRD

December 6, 2020December 7, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 41 Comments

Last week I managed to get all my runs done outside. This week the weather was crappy on and off, and there were two treadmill runs. I’m totally fine with that — I still get outside to walk Bandit — except yesterday. Cold rain all day long? No thank you. Peloton does make the treadmill more bearable.

I’m totally digging a short hike before my run. Soon it’ll probably be too icy/snowy to do that — I wouldn’t be surprised if this week’s were the last. You can bet next Fall I’ll be revisiting these trails before my runs (in the Summer it’s really buggy on this path).

bwrd

But first I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and coasting towards the New Year.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3.5 TM miles (Peloton Hamilton Run), Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Peloton Hamilton Ride, Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk., Yoga (20 min)
Thursday: Yoga (30 min), 6 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (30 min), Hiking, Yoga (20 min)
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), 3 TM miles, Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), Recovery Ride (20 min), PB ST, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 12.5 (+3.5)

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

Monday intention: easy run (not so much)
I’m finished with the Peloton 5k training, so I finally got around to the Hamilton run. Aside from finding it — and the instructor talking too much despite saying at the beginning that he wouldn’t, it was fine; but not great. Mainly because of the instructor talking almost non stop (slight Hamilton reference there).

The next day I took the Hamilton cycle, and I actually enjoyed that much better. The instructor did talk, but not as much. Not such a great choice for a recovery workout though.

**Never know what you’ll see in the woods**

Thursday intention: easy does it
The sun was calling my name, and the weekend weather sounded iffy at best. I warmed up with a 1 mile hike — and didn’t get lost this time! I even saw another woman walk up onto the trail as I was doing my cool down walk. I haven’t encountered a soul back there, but I could see bike tread in the mud.

My main goal was to keep it an easy long run. No negative splits, since it’s a decline out and an incline back — no need to push so I didn’t. Mostly pretty consistent. It was a good run — that sun and lack of wind helped so much!

Saturday intention: work on endurance
It was a cold, rainy Saturday, so I chose a Peloton endurance run. With no real races and less mileage, I know my endurance has suffered in 2020. Hopefully 2021 will bring some races — and it’s time to do some more steady state type runs. I was proud of no walk breaks during this run!

**Squint & you can see the hawk in the tree (lower branches)**

Favorites of the week
I ~~dragged~~went with Mr. Judy to another park for a short hike this week. We got lucky and we saw a hawk up close!

It was actually quite close and the photo doesn’t do it justice.

**My local peeps know where I am. Gloomy day but brightened by a nature walk.**

**I’m sure Bandit could’ve climbed down, too, but it would’ve been more difficult for the human holding the leash.**

We both also climbed down (separately; someone had to hold onto Bandit) the steep trail to get closer to the falls.

**It wasn’t much of a harvest but those are the first two potatoes I’ve ever grown**

These potatoes! I truly didn’t expect anything, and seriously, it’s not much, but it took almost no work at all.

Are you working on any running goals?

I asked for Netflix recommendations on our coffee date — anyone didn’t chime in yet?

How are you dealing with the looooong nights right now?

GWY FAQ 1

ICYMI: With a name of GoWithYin Yoga, obviously, I dig Yin Yoga (now). Have you ever wondered how Yin Yoga differs from other types of Yoga? How it can benefit you? I’m starting a series of short videos that will eventually make up a Yin Yoga FAQ. The first one explains the 3 principles of Yin Yoga here. If you have a question, drop it in the comments and I’ll cover it — eventually!

Coming up on Tuesday: What can lead to injury? Friday I’m TOL (thinking out loud) about how to make sense of what seems needless loss.

Sunrise, Sunset: 11/9 – 15 WRD

November 15, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

As I go over in my favs of this week, there were amazing sunsets this week — and some beautiful Monet-like sunrises, too. No, I’m not outside to see them, although I’m beginning to think maybe I need to grab the patio heater to watch the next one.

It was another week with minimal movement. It’s funny, on Tuesday I had a great short run, and the next day I felt run down. I went from running in a skirt and light long sleeve top on Tuesday, to bundling up in a beanie, neck gaiter, jacket, and tights on Friday for my longish run.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and a strange week of strong running while feeling rundown.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, 3 miles easy-ish with fartlek/pickups (whatever you want to call it), Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk., Yoga (20 min)
Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (30 min), 5 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 3ish TM recovery miles (includes WU & CD runs), Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 11ish (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

**Couldn’t pass up running outside on such a beautiful day. Yes, that’s a tree decorated for Christmas behind me. I say whatever makes you happy in 2020!**

Tuesday intention: Push pace a little
It was way too nice to run inside and I had no pressing appointments for once so I ran outside. In a skirt. Thank God I changed from the heavier Watch Me Go Top to the Cool It Top — I could’ve worn a tank top!

Basically the second half of every mile I threw in short bursts of speed, aka pick ups, totally randomly. Then the last half mile did a set of 5 x 30ish second strides. Nice negative splits. The first time that I felt I had some energy in a long, long time. The weather certainly helped.

**Cold & gray but a good run. I didn’t run with the gaiter pulled up, but my sunglasses would fog up when I had to pull it up because of other people on the path.**

Friday intention: take it easy, go a bit longer
I picked a park closer to me this week. It wasn’t great weather, so I felt fairly sure that it wouldn’t be as frustrating as last week’s “long” run and I was right. There were still almost no one wearing masks, but I also didn’t have to run through groups of people 5 deep.

**Beauty even on a gray day — you have to open up & look around you**

I wasn’t sure if I should take another rest day or not, but this run went surprisingly well. Pretty consistent and a decent pace — best of all, my running outfit was prefect for the weather.

Sunday intention: recovery run
Cold and windy but the rain held off so far. Today I was happy to run on the treadmill. I took it very easy, and enjoyed my recovery run (even if the Peloton instructor mixed up Nutcracker for Swan Lake at one point; yes, it was set to orchestral music).

**I actually had to filter this photo to get it to approach how it really looked, but it was even more stunning in RL**

Favorites of the week
This sunset (as seen from our deck). The sky was on fire!

**Bandit isn’t usually a fan of the photo shoot but he cooperated & those ears!**

We finally got the results back on Bandit’s cysts. One is just a lipoma, which is pretty common in older dogs (and cats) and nothing to worry about. The other had a few suspicious cells, but the pathologist felt there were few enough that it’s most likely benign so we’ll just keep an eye on it. So good news finally!

**First chicken wings in the air fryer**

Neither one of us likes Buffalo wings, but Mr. Judy does enjoy roasted chicken wings. I’d been wanting to try these out in the air fryer for a while. In fact, I did the whole meal: wings, cauliflower, and fries, in the air fryer.

I had to use two oven racks, as you don’t want to crowd stuff in the air fryer. I put the potatoes below the wings intentionally so they would soak up some schmaltz (chicken fat). It worked beautifully.

Because Mr. Judy likes his wings crunchier than I do, I put his in first. He was happy with his. I’m not particularly fussy about it, but mine could have used some more time in the oven, too.

**The first carrot I pulled was a carrot nub; a few weeks later a real carrot**

I didn’t cover the carrots last night, though, and we had a hard freeze. They still need a bit more time. Hopefully I didn’t freeze them all.

Do you have an air fryer, or have you considered one?

Are you a fan of chicken wings?

How’s running going for you right now?

GWY Yin Yoga for Calves

ICYMI: I’m showing my lower legs some love this week. This will get into your feet, ankles, hamstrings — and especially your calves. Because I have really tight calves! You can find it here. It is a longer practice, but I also spend some time demoing several options for a pose towards the end; so it’s not as long as you think it is. If you have tight legs and feet (and what runner doesn’t), this will help you.

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m jumping ahead on the Tuesday Topics linkups and sharing why I’m still grateful for running in 2020 — kind of a rebuttal to my own post this week on whether or not I will ever run another half marathon (which you can read here). On Friday I’m talking about recovery hot chocolate, my simple recovery hot chocolate recipe — and sharing some of my favorite healthy hot chocolate mixes.

Finding Rainbows in Nature: Runfessions October 2020

October 30, 2020October 29, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 25 Comments

Between all the colorful leaves, the lakes/ponds, and grasses, it’s been easy to find my rainbows out in nature these days. Hopefully these memories will help sustain me through the long, cold, dark, dreary Winter. Or maybe I’ll find more beauty in nature this Winter; who knows?

I runfess . . .
During our 3 day power outage our generator powers a lot, but not all, of our house. The microwave, refrigerator, and toaster oven (if you move it to another plug) for instance, but not the stove.

We use a portable light for the bathroom. Because we thought those lights weren’t powered (just like the bedroom lights aren’t). We almost died laughing the day I walked into the bathroom and turned on the lights without thinking about it, and sure enough they went on. One switch. There’s another switch that powers a different light as you walk in that isn’t powered by the generator.

I runfess . . .
I actually think a mostly extended break from hard running this year actually has done my body a lot of good. It’s given me time to try to figure out what the right amount of running for me is. Still not sure, but it has helped me mostly move from “I have to run” to “I get to run“. Most days.

I runfess . . .
I think that you’re really not going to lose a lot of fitness in 2 weeks (if you’re not laid up injured or sick). I didn’t have any DOMs when I started to run again — or lift. I’m sure all the walking/hiking I did instead of running helped, too. Don’t be so afraid to stop running every once in a while — just keep moving!

I dogfess . . .
Last Sunday I had the dogs in the office with me while Mr. Judy made dinner. All by his lonesome. After dinner he fed Lola and Bandit some leftover steak, as he always does, and we were so happy Lola ate some. Then we sat down to watch some TV. After the first show I realized I had never actually fed poor Bandit dinner!

I runfess . . .
Apparently our hot, humid Summer was good for one thing: colorful Fall leaves. At least that’s what someone commented on a post on FB. Or maybe it was the great Fall weather we enjoyed (until now) — according to this PDF here:

The best weather for brilliant fall foliage is a growing season with ample
moisture followed by a dry, cool and sunny autumn with warm days and cool but frostless nights.

I know we’re still actually in a drought, but we haven’t had a frost — yet — and it’s been relatively sunny and dry this Fall. No matter what, all the colorful leaves makes for some happy walking, hiking, and running.

Do you think Fall has been particularly colorful this year?

Ever felt a little running break actually helped?

Have you been finding new trails/paths to enjoy?

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

I am also linking up with:

Fairytales and Fitness

Springing into . . . Snow?: 4/6 – 12 WRD

April 12, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 43 Comments

Yes indeed, we got just a tiny bit of the white stuff yesterday — nothing sticking, just a brief snow shower. Thankfully I chose to run today, a much nicer day. Yesterday the wind was insane. Today it was just windy.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing still more doggy cuteness again. Which is what happens when we’re at home and Mr. Judy is bored.

Workouts update

Monday: SB (15 mn), 4 miles easy, Dogwalk
Tuesday: SB (18 min), Dogwalk, PB Cardio + Weights (30 min)
Wednesday: Cardio (10 min), SB (5 min), 4 miles easy, Yin Yoga (30 min)
Thursday: Rainy Dogwalk, Rest Day
Friday: SB (20 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
Saturday: Dogwalk, Rest Day
Sunday: 8 miles LSD, Yoga later

Mileage: 16 (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

Monday
Finally a nice running day; I was even a little overdressed due to getting out later than planned (I got caught up working on my spare room). Still nose breathing, still slow, but a lovely day to run.

**I don’t normally do runfies, but this was part of stuff I was working on for Tuesday’s post**

Wednesday
Not so nice, but not too bad either. I got excited because this run was just a little faster. Then I remembered I came up with an idea for Tuesday’s post and there were a lot of photo stops in the beginning.

**I’ve been talking about grounding a lot lately. Notice the trees roots rising out of the muck — that’s grounding!**

Sunday
You may or may not have noticed I took a lot of rest this week. I was feeling pretty run down by the end of the week. The weather wasn’t bad today. I chose the other side of the neighborhood, which is still hilly, but not as steep.

Still can’t figure out why a much slower pace still feels really hard simply by breathing through your nose. A glimmer of hope, though, this was slightly faster than last week’s 8 miler, and the pace was very consistent — whether I was going uphill or downhill. I was tiring towards the end, and walking a bit more, and really wondering why I had to run into that headwind at the end.

Favorites of the week
Lola tries to get Mr. Judy to go to bed earlier than he wants to. And Bandit gets very clingy and/or antsy until I’m in bed at night.

So far, so good. That’s how I usually respond when people ask how we’re doing. Another week, getting groceries delivered from the store, did curbside pickup from the pet store for dog food and Frontline (talk about sticker shock!). This week we really threw caution to the wind and got sushi delivered — mainly because it’s Passover. Sushi isn’t exactly considered kosher for Passover but I say it’s in the spirit of the holiday.

I wanted to share some other stuff from YouTube; a couple of videos I watched this morning. Oh my goodness, this YouTube video here is so inspirational (watch til the end, it even ties in a bit with running!).

Ishvara pranidhana is a concept that I love — basically that there is a higher power that has a plan for us. I believe in that. Watch this YouTube video here if you want to see how that concept could help you right now.

How are you doing?

Are you in a new normal?

If you celebrate Easter today, how has that changed for you?

Coming up on Tuesday: I have a fun little challenge for those of you who are stuck running in your neighborhoods. Stayed tuned.

ICYMI: Well, nothing new on YouTube or Facebook today. I suggest pairing my new grounding Yin Yoga practice here with the grounding 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.

Trying Something New: 3/30-4/5 WRD

April 5, 2020April 6, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 31 Comments

Of course. Cause if you get to know me, you know I’m almost always trying something new. I crave variety in most things in life.

bwrd

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

Workouts update

Monday: Dogwalk, SB 15 min, PB Cardio Toning (25 min), Yoga (30 min)
Tuesday: Dogwalk, SB 10 min, 4 miles easy, Yoga (30 min)
Wednesday: SB (15 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (50 min), Soul Stroll (20 min)
Thursday: SB (10 min), 4 miles easy, Dogwalk, PB Barre + Foam Rolling, Yoga (30 min)
Friday: Soul Stroll (30 min), FB Live Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk
Saturday: 8 mile LSD, Dogwalk, FilmedYoga Video (23 min oops, was supposed to be 10-15)
Sunday: Dogwalk, PB Cardio + Weights (25 min), Yoga (30 min)

Mileage: 16 (+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

Pepperoni wanted out from social distancing

Tuesday
Kind of a raw, chilly day. At least I didn’t get rained on. Of course Wednesday was beautiful, but I got other stuff done then. Started working on nasal breathing while running. I’ll write about that — eventually. Basically it made my run much slower, and felt really hard — even though slower.

I’ve also never struggled with my nose running while running until today. Who knew mouth breathing was the answer?

Thursday
Still breathing in & out through my nose. Felt a bit easier today. Still very slow but it’s supposed to be in the beginning. It’s kind of like beginning HR training. I tried a few things and nose wasn’t running as much.

**I didn’t run up that hill, but lots of others**

Sunday
Back to nose running (literally & figuratively). Have to admit I couldn’t imagine nasal breathing for 8 miles, and it was tough, but I mostly did it. This run was 12 minutes slower than my very hilly run last week. Same distance. That wasn’t completely due to nasal breathing, though, I just wasn’t feeling the hills on the way back so I did a lot of walking.

Mr. Judy & I debated me calling him to come pick me up so I didn’t have to come back up the hills, but in the end, I nixed that idea. Kinda sorry about that.

Favorites of the week
Lola is definitely showing her age, sleeping a great deal, and sleeping later in the mornings. I told Mr. Judy to just put the bolster on top of her when he got up, so he did.

Not liking? Got an email update from my mom’s senior living community. They have their first case. In assisted living, and my mom does not live in assisted living, but it’s still part of the building. Thinking good thoughts. She’s tough.

**Ending on a lighter note. It’s not just Lola. Although Bandit did this on his own.**

No doubt you’ve probably heard about the Blogger Zoom call yesterday by now. I’m sure it will have even more people next week. And hilarity will ensue.

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: There are three things you need for a bad weather run. Then on Friday I’ll go more into Karma vs Dharma which I talked a little bit about in my vlog here.

No Worries Meditation

ICYMI: I’ve got a new meditation to help you let go of your worries here. I went live on Facebook yesterday Friday with a great Yin post run stretch that hits all those tight spots — you can catch the replay here. If you do like these meditations and videos, please press the like button — it helps me continue to bring everyone free videos.

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.

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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.

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

March 6, 2020March 2, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 29 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you buy multiples of things you like?

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

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