Long Run

Warmer days are ahead!: 2/22 – 28 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

Wednesday had a high of 50F! Perfect running weather. I went to visit my mom; I got to enjoy the warmer weather on my hike there, but there was no time to run. I notice how much more birdsong there is these days, and the days staying light longer. Spring takes a long time to come up here, but every little sign of it is encouraging.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and easing slowly back into running and strength training.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min), PB ST (15 min), Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 2.75 TM, SB 4.45 mile (15 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), 2 mile hike Olana, Yoga (20 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (20 min), 5 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (20 min), PB ST (10 min), 13ish miles SB while taking the mobiliy course
  • Sunday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 10.75 (+1.25)

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

Tuesday Intention: go the distance
I gave serious consideration to skipping this run altogether. I woke up feeling tired. I was going to run outside — maybe I could have — but we’d had a bit of snow overnight, running in the afternoon when it would be clearer wasn’t an option, and quite frankly even though it was a warmer day, I wasn’t feeling it. I decided to run on the treadmill — an endurance run (steady pace) — and just keep the pace conservative. I survived.

Even after some warmer weather—still a ways to go. With rain in the forecast for this weekend we should see less & less of the white stuff.

Friday Intention: increase distance, keep pace easy
Mission accomplished! 5 miles that felt surprisingly good. Mostly consistent and the last mile was the fastest. I only look at my watch to see when miles are coming up; I drink some water each mile. So I have no idea how fast I’m running most of the time. No side stitches!

Our side of the street doesn’t get a lot of sun. I’m be other side you see grass!

Sunday Intention: take it easy, enjoy those warmer temps
It was almost 40F by the time I finished my run. No wind; sadly no sun either. A relatively easy 3 miles, meeting my intention.

Forgot about the photo until they were almost gone! They taste much better than they look in this photo.

Favorites of the week
I took some of my starter out of the fridge to reactivate, with the intention of making more bread. It was a busy week and I knew I just didn’t have the time to make bread — Friday I had my long-ish run, and Saturday I had an online class all day. So I decided to make some more pancakes. Apparently you can never have too many pancakes. They seemed to fuel 5 miles quite well.

Learned a lot about mobility & self myofascial release yesterday. It will make its way to the blog eventually.

I will definitely be changing up some of my foam rolling with what I learned in yesterday’s class. I’ll share a lot of what I learned, but it’s going to take a little time to digest all that information. The vibrating ball (in front) might just be my new bestie.

Bandit kept me company for almost the whole class (roughly 6 hours).

Over tea next Friday I  talk about Bandit & snuggling. I’ve noticed a decline since it’s been warming up, but he hung out with me during my class almost the entire time. Hard work, but a dog’s gotta do what a dog’s gotta do.

What are the little Spring approaching signs you’ve noticed?

Spring racing plans? Nothing for me, not yet anyway.

Have you tried a vibrating massage tool/foam roller? Yes, they make vibrating foam rollers. That might be next on my list.GWY Manifest Your Dream Meditation

ICYMI: A short, moving mediation. This will help you push away the fear and bring in the things you want in your life. You’ll find the video here. On the other blog I explain Oracle cards, how to use them, and a few options to consider here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Thoughts on the run — outside and inside. Friday I’m grabbing some hot chocolate and getting together with you virtually to share what’s going on in my life — and I promise to listen to what’s going on in yours, too.

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.

RIP, Dad: 1/20-26 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 46 Comments
I shared a love of swimming & the water with my Dad

When last we talked, I had just come home from visiting my Dad. As it turned out he passed away just a few hours later, and regular readers of this blog know that it was indeed a blessing. I went back the next day and have stayed with my Mom until today, helping with all the many tasks that needed to be done — dying is not actually simple, it turns out.

I am comforted by the fact that the Hospice Nurse had been there before my Mother & I came, and my sister visited not long after we did. So he had been surrounded by people on his last day, although no one was with  him at the very end.

Although the last few years have not been good, and the last few months were frankly hellish, my Dad had an amazing life filled with family, friends, and many adventures.

Sadly my brother was not able to visit him while he was in the nursing home or this last week, but in some ways I think that was a good thing. My brother was the closest to my Dad, but the Dad we knew has been gone a long time.

My brother, like my Dad, is a good speaker, and he gave the eulogy at his funeral, which didn’t leave a dry eye in the room — but also delivered many laughs. Oddly enough, I felt called on to say a few words too.

I was not nearly as close to my Dad as my brother was; although my Dad was a charming man, he could also be a very difficult man. I did want to share with you just a little bit of the end:

I was not an athlete like the rest of my family. Late in my life I started to run, then to race. Dad taught us to not be afraid to try new things, and to work hard. I am working on trying to run a half marathon in every state. Dad loved following that journey and always asked where the next race would be.

I remember showing him one of my race photos. He turned to my Mom and said “Who would have thought she’d be the athlete?”. He was so proud of my accomplishments.

When I came to visit Mom & Dad, Dad often called me his angel. Now you’re my angel, Dad. I know you’re reunited with so many loved ones and I know you’ll always be there, helping me when the going gets tough.

Your race is done, Dad, and you ran it well.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and sharing moving through loss.

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

I couldn’t really quite tell you what I did when. There were 2 runs, a lot of walking, some yoga, and some Soul Strolls.

Mileage: 10 (-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

Monday
The beginning of the week was brutally cold. Although I’d packed a bag when I went to visit the day before, just in case, I had to repack for a longer visit. I wasn’t sure when/if I’d run again, but I packed running clothes just in case. I also quickly pounded out 3 progressive miles on the mill.

I think these sculptures are meant to be flowers or leaves, but the one on the right reminded me of an angel

Thursday
By Thursday we had done as much as we could do without the death certificates, and I decided to run. Maybe I’d do a long run, maybe not. The hills are really killer there. But I did get in 7 slow, hilly miles. Almost got eaten by a pack of dogs trying the take the photo above, though!

Not letting me out of his sight — until it’s time to eat, LOL!

Favorites of the week
It was definitely a hard week. We got to spend a lot of time together as a family, of course, and while it’s not the circumstances we wanted, I’m glad almost the entire immediate family was together.

I came home this afternoon, and to say the dogs were overjoyed is an understatement. Bandit really never hangs out in the office with me, and Mr. Judy is about to call him upstairs for his dinner, but I think he wants to make sure I don’t disappear again anytime soon.

Life should settle down now, for a while, I hope. Of course my Mom is almost 92. I think she’ll live a few more years, both my parents were extremely strong people, but who knows? This was the love of her life and they were married for 72 years and knew each other for 77.

No questions this week. Just give your loved ones some hugs.

The Final Countdown: 11/27-12/3 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 32 Comments

And just like that, 2017 is almost over. But it ain’t over til the fat lady sings. You might just feel like the fat lady after Thanksgiving Shenanigans — that’s okay; holidays are meant to be enjoyed.

But they’re called holidays for a reason — don’t let one day stretch into an entire month.

This week was relatively uneventful, save for the case of the mysterious missing wallet (more on that at the end of the post).

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin who just ran a half together in FL with some other bloggers — yes, the same one that started my PR roll off last year (you can read about that one here) — congrats, ladies! Teresa @ Findingfabulousatfifty and Karen @ Runningoverthehill, ran it with them.

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Dogwalk, 3 easy treadmill miles (cold & wind seems a Monday theme)
  • Tuesday: 5 miles easy, Dogwalk, DM Abs & Arms
  • Wednesday: DM ST, Dogwalk
  • Thursday:  Yogaworks AM, 4 miles easy
  • Friday:  DM Abs, Dogwalk, 35 minute swim (4 laps with kickboard)
  • Saturday: 6 mile LSD, Dogwalk
  • Sunday: Dogwalk

Mileage: 18 (NC)

JY = Jasyoga
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 updates 

Monday

Monday was super windy; again. And although it “warmed up” as the day went on, the wind kept it feeling damn chilly. So I bumped up my pace a notch on the treadmill and got it done in the morning.

Have you been naughty or nice?


Tuesday

This one — not so much negative splits. It was so windy. So tired of wind. Every day they tease us with warm temps, it seems to be extremely windy (and gray) and therefore feels cold.

I took Bandit with me for the first 2 1/2 miles, which he seemed to enjoy, although he thought he should be done when we made the turn that can either go up to our house, or around again. He clearly didn’t want to go around again.

Poor flamingo must be cold!

Thursday

Again with the wind and cold (even if it was technically in the 40s, it sure didn’t feel like it). I came real close to another treadmill run, but I sucked it up and head out with Bandit for a mile & a half to warm up. And felt pretty grumpy about it, I must admit. Damn wind.

I dropped him off, and my pace continued to drop, as well. Another negative split run without trying for one. But when all was said and done, I felt happy that I got out there and did it.

Another gray, chilly long run

Saturday

Darlene, Running Buddy J & I mostly ran together today. Most of the speedier runners couldn’t make it. Running Buddy J will be “flying” south for the winter before I know it. Still just maintaining my base . . . which will be the theme for many months to come.

I had hoped to do a Jingle Bell 5k with a friend today, but in the end she couldn’t go and I didn’t feel like going on my own (even if it would have allowed me to relax more in the morning).

So far, so good!


Favorites of the week
I can’t really blame my lack of presence on social media on being busy anymore, although there was yet another vet appointment for Lola (and yet another one next week, too). If you’re friends with me on my personal FB page, though, you know that I bought a new toy on Cyber Monday: an Instant Pot.

There’s a steep learning curve, but it’s far less scary than the monster pressure cooker I used many decades ago to can stuff. Nowadays I just pour hot stuff in mason jars — kind of a poor man’s canning (lazy man? woman?).

Not bad for about 15 minutes of prep

I made a quinoa and bean dish, frozen fish (as in it was frozen when I put it in the pot), and today am working on brisket. And of course I had to create a new board on Pinterest that you can find here.

I bought the 6 quart Duo Instant Pot Plus, which you can buy here (Amazon Affiliate link). It was a much better price on Cyber Monday, but you can try to use Camelcamelcamel to get sent an alert when the price drops again — I’m sure at some point it will.

Run is done, food is coming, all smiles
Chocolate PB Mud Pie. Always a little different. always delicious & always shared

We went out for breakfast after our “long” run (I definitely use that term loosely), but I was saving myself for the dessert above that evening, so I just ate a snack I had brought with me when we went out for breakfast.

And finally, I am deeply appreciative of the ladies who dropped off my wallet. I had no idea it had somehow fallen out of my bag, so I never had any angst about it — in fact, I still have no idea how it happened. The pocket I normally keep it in was zipped shut and I don’t remember ever going into it (or can imagine a reason I would have to).

Not only did some ladies find it, they actually drove to my house to return it (I was still out, but thankfully Mr. Judy was home) — it’s a good 15 minute drive from where we were running. They refused a reward and nothing was touched.

This is actually the second time I’ve had such an incident, although the two incidents were many years apart (over a decade). Thank you, whatever angel is looking out for me.

And that’s a wrap 

link-up-badge

This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.

Let’s get the conversation started:

Have you been watching the Southern Soul Sisters shenanigans?

Any must try Instant Pot Hacks or Recipes?

What’s your favorite type of pie?  I am down with anything chocolate & peanut butter — two great tastes that definitely go together

Happy Anniversary to Us!: 10/16-22 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 33 Comments

32 years. My God, we were just kids. Seriously. To put that into perspective, though, my parents will be celebrating seventy years soon.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin to kick off those holiday-themed races.

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Dogwalk, 4 easy trail miles, YFPR Knees
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, 4 miles easy grass miles
  • Wednesday: DM HIIT, Dogwalk
  • Thursday:  Dogwalk, 7 mile LSD
  • Friday: Yogaworks AM, Dogwalk, DM Booty
  • Saturday: Dogwalk, 4 miles easy
  • Sunday: Lots of little dogwalks (they sure add up)

Mileage: 19 (+5)

JY = Jasyoga
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 updates 

 

Fall on the trails

Monday

 

I dropped the dogs off at Lola’s pet sitter — she’s never had Bandit, but it would definitely be easier to leave the dogs with her, at least occasionally, rather than having to drive almost 30 minutes. He did just fine.

Then I hit the trails for 4 very windy, very cloudy, very cold miles. Why does 4 miles on trails feel like about 8 on the road?

 

The bolero fits in a pocket once you warm up

Tuesday

 

Because the park is closer than where I run trails, I got the bright idea to run at the park — only on the grass (and another test “run” for Bandit being uncaged while I was gone; it went well). There are no trails on the grass, mind you. But if I end up doing the trail race I’m eye in a couple of next (just a 10k!), part of it is on the grass. Seemed like a good solution to me.

And then I’ll have my trail trifecta: a half, a 5k, and a 10k — in that order.

Unfortunately, the weather ain’t looking too good for a trail race next weekend (lots of train translating into lots of mud). I’m still debating.

Nice light at the bikepath

Thursday

Although it was literally our anniversary today, we were going away the next day, so I wanted to squeeze in that long run. It was actually a great day for a run — warm, but not humid, with a nice breeze.  I was working on negative splits at a surprising pace for me (not intentionally), until about mile 5 when suddenly I felt a niggle in my quad. Weird. Never felt that before.

So I slowed it down; better safe than sorry.

Much of this run was alongside a busy highway

Saturday

I was super glad I’d gotten in that long run Thursday. It wasn’t super scenic where we stayed, and I just ran along the highway (it had nice wide shoulders). I totally missed this barn going out. I kind of wonder why people live there; doesn’t seem to be much there at all. We just needed a dog friendly hotel that had room last minute.

Love this stojo travel mug

Favorites of the week
I’d bought this travel mug quite some time ago from Stojo (Amazon Affiliate link), but had never used it until this weekend. And now I don’t know why I waited so long! It’s made from silicone and is collapsible, so it packs down small. It’s got a hard plastic sleeve so you can hold it even if your beverage is piping hot. I’m pretty sure I’ll be traveling a lot ore with this in the future.

The weekend didn’t quite go as planned, mainly because it turned out that being in a new place made Bandit very anxious. To the outsider he looked pretty relaxed, but it was difficult to get him to eat or into a crate when we were at my parents (we didn’t want the dogs lose in their apartment when we went out to dinner).

He did fairly well, all things considered: no accidents, no marking, almost no barking at my parents. Barking at the hotel . . . that was a different story. He barked almost any time someone walked past our hotel room. He finally settled down around midnight. Then wanted to go out around 6:30 (and it was 39F out).  He did get to sleep in bed with us all weekend, though, and he certainly brightened a lot of people’s day at my parents’ senior living community (Lola, too, of course).

We stopped at Clermont House to take in the views of the Hudson River

And that’s a wrap 

link-up-badge

This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.

Let’s get the conversation started:

Do you mind doing your long run midweek?

How long does your run have to be before it qualifies as a long run? 

How do you usually celebrate your anniversary (we usually do go somewhere)? 

Beta testing what I’ll need: 4/17- 23 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 44 Comments

That’s what training is: beta testing. Do these clothes feel good (and don’t chafe)? Does that fuel sit well in my stomach? How should I carry my water?

NOLA was easy to pack for, but this race is much trickier, and while I’m trying not to check a bag because we’ll be there less than a week, I’m pretty sure I want to have some options.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin so we can all inspire each other to stay active.

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Dogwalk, Pilates Rapid Results Arms, Total Body & Stretch, Iron Strength Glute Blaster, JY Hips & Calf Reset
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, 5 mostly flat trail miles
  • Wednesday: 5 miles with some hill downhills, Dogwalk
  • Thursday:  Dogwalk, Iron Strength Abbreviated
  • Friday: 5 miles easy, Dogwalk
  • Saturday: Pilates Tighten & Tone Arms, Lower Body Body, Stretch, Strala Arms, Back & Shoulders, Dogwalk
  • Sunday: 9 mile, hilly LSD, JY Aligh Your Stride

Mileage: 24 (-1)

JY = Jasyoga
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 updates 

 

Finally a somewhat flat trail

 

Tuesday

I set out determined to find a flatter route on the trails. I knew I’d run some way flatter from what I’d run this past weekend — but there are a lot of trails in this preserve, and there’s the whole trying to remember where the heck I turned thing.

I was successful though! And with the weather a good 20 degrees cooler, I had a much better run. They weren’t completely flat, and they’re still somewhat technical, but I didn’t have the life sucked out of me like I did on my last couple of runs.

I even managed to stay upright, although I caught a toe on a root during a walking break. Geez!

 

Forsythia is fleshing out

 

Wednesday

The temperatures dropped even more. It was insanely windy — I thought we left the wind in March, but apparently not. I got out with Bandit to warm up, then tackled some more downward hill repeats. I could squeeze 4 into 2 miles — I know this doesn’t seem like much, but it’s a long way back around to the top of the hill. I think that plus my hilly trail runs are preparing me for my trail half and UT just fine.

At least I hope so.

Friday

It’s been about 6 weeks since I’ve run with anyone. It’s also been quite some time since I ran somewhere flat. And it’s been almost 4 months since I’d seen the friend I ran with (she’s a snowbird and goes to FL for the winter).

We ran together for about 3 miles, but then I ran on ahead for the last 2, and the run was lovely negative splits without trying. Running has really seemed hard the last couple of weeks, so this was a gift. We also ran on a flat path, the weather was just about perfect, and so was the company. So much so that I totally forget to take any photos.

Just one of many very steep hills on this trail


Sunday

What a difference 25 degrees makes! A truly lovely day to run, and probably mimics race conditions fairly well (minus potential showers & mud).

Parts of these trails are still insanely hilly — trust me, the photo doesn’t do it justice. This was a more confidence building run and didn’t suck the life from me like last week. I still find it more tiring to run trails — I think. We’ll see what race day adrenaline does for me.

I think I may have a seen a turkey. I never got close enough to it to tell, but it was a damn big bird.

I also got to try out a Camelbak Hydration vest Mr. Judy bought a while ago but has never used — because I was already getting my cheap one to dry out to pack. And now I’m not quite sure which to take! Pros and cons to both.

Favorites of the week

Everything tastes better eaten outside



Running with a friend — finally! We also checked out Halotherapy on Sunday — if nothing else, it’s very relaxing. More on that at a future date.

My car passing inspection. Hopefully Old Faithful and I have more time together. The check engine light came on again just a couple of days later.

Being able to spend a whole weekend at home.  Even if it means I’m still packing my own stuff!

Being able to eat out al fresco on Sunday. Nothing like fresh air (and 9 miles + 1 mile walking because you misjudge your turnaround point) to whet your appetite!

And that’s a wrap 

link-up-badge

This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.

Let’s get the conversation started:

If you raced this week, how’d it go? 

If you haven’t raced, are you gearing up for a race? 

Ever used a race as a training run?

Horses, Hills & Snakes, Oh My!: 4/10- 16 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 37 Comments

This week went down a lot like my last couple of weeks: nothing great, nothing terrible.

Running was hard this week. Some weeks are just like that. Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? A lot of my friends were racing this weekend, but I couldn’t.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin so we can all inspire each other to stay active.

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Dogwalk, Pilates Rapid Results Arms, Total Body & Stretch, Iron Strength Glute Blaster, JY Hips & Calf Reset
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, 5 hilly trail miles
  • Wednesday: Iron Strength Abbreviated, 5 miles with some hill downhills, Dogwalk
  • Thursday:  Dogwalk
  • Friday: 5 miles easy, Dogwalk
  • Saturday: Pilates Perfect Body Arms, Total Body, Stretch, Strala Arms, Back & Shoulders, Working on my parents house
  • Sunday: 10 mile, hilly LSD, Hit Reset Yoga

Mileage: 25 (+7)

JY = Jasyoga
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 updates 

Hopefully you can see how hilly it was!

Tuesday

Seriously, why has getting out to run been so hard lately? I realized I’d left my phone in my purse all night (usually I shut it off before I go to bed — really!) and it was at 17%. Plus I’d forgotten to charge my Garmin in the morning, too: 57%.

So I walked the dogs without my watch on and sacrificed several thousand steps. Then wasted a lot of time looking for the top I wanted to wear because summer had inexplicably visited for a couple of days.

I pulled up to the parking lot and there was a whole class of kids on the begining of the trail — who thannkfully I did not see again until I was just finishing up my run.

I chose poorly with my trails this fine, sunny, hot day: lots of sand, lots of hills. So of course I fell shortly after the first mile, but escaped with just a few scrapes, really nothing to write home about.

I ran in a totally different direction, pretty far away from the center I parked at, and started to hear a lot of bangs. Would I be blown up? Would a tree fall on me? Thankfully, nothing of the sort happened (it’s actually near the pistol range where Mr. Judy goes: apparently that was the bangs).

There was very little shade, my legs were suffering from some DOMs, and did I mention how hilly it was? And sandy? About the only good thing about this run was that it got done. And that I used my hydration pack (which was more annoying on my bare shoulders) so I was able to stay well hydrated. And I didn’t get lost this time.

Wednesday

After the rain finally stopped, I took Bandit out for a warmup. We tackled one of the taller hills in my neighborhood — running up the smaller hill, then running down the longer hill in preparation for both UT and Wineglass.

I dropped Bandit back off at the house, then continued on, to the even larger hill a mile or so away. I ran down it three times. It’s not really that long, only about .1 mile, but it is steep. Plus I’d actually done a very hilly run the day before. And was still suffering legs’ DOMs from my return to strength training.

I was pleased to see this run was negative splits, but I run fess I may have paused my watch a time (or two) and walked more than normal. This was a tough “easy” run on tired aching legs! Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to do Iron Strength Abbreviated in the morning, before the run. It’s a short workout, but it ain’t easy.

At least one day was a lovely day to run!

Friday

Finally some beautiful spring weather. And daffodils. And forsythia. Spring is trying to break through! I warmed up with Bandit again. Dropped him off, set out to finish up the last 3 1/2 miles.

Somewhere along the way I got kind of grumpy despite the beautiful weather — probably because it had been a long time since breakfast and I was getting hungry. I was running near where I like to throw in a fartlek because of the long row of trees. I knew I’d really been working my legs hard this week, so I did it, but I made sure I was just picking it up a little. It worked; I felt happier after that.

Course I still had to go home and walk the dogs . . .

Not often I see this on the trails!

Sunday

Hot. Sandy. Hilly. A little deja vu all over again (only it was even hotter, but actually maybe a little less hilly — maybe). I can’t say that this run gave me loads of confidence, right now I’m just hoping to finish within the time limit! The good news is that it’s highly unlikely (although not impossible) for it to be 80F in WA. Or sandy.

I think/hope/pray that where I’m running here is far more technical than the race, which is supposed to be slightly hilly, well groomed trails. I know just how hilly WA can be, since I run there whenever we visit my MIL, but man, a lot of the hills on these trails, even though short, are almost vertical. Between that and the heat just stick a fork in me. I was totally done by mile 9.

And this wasn’t the only snake I saw . . . 

I did at least remain upright, and that, along with finishing within the time limit so I can earn my medal, are two of my main goals. That and eating all the chocolate.

Favorites of the week
My parents’ home is close to being done as far as the packing up goes. I might actually get my weekends back . . . someday. It’s bittersweet and Saturday was kind of hard. I know it’s not my last time in the house, but it’s still difficult on many levels.

Chocolate PB Cup ice cream makes everything better!?

The first spring ice cream helped take the sting out of Sunday’s run.

New Balance Vazee Summit

 

New trail shoes — so far, so good!

And that’s a wrap 

link-up-badge

This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.

Let’s get the conversation started:

What critters do you see on your runs? 

Ever tried a hydration vest? 

Got any trail running tips for me?

Burning up the trails: 4/3- 9 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 31 Comments

In some ways, this week was a repeat of last week: nothing particularly exciting going on, another trip to my parents — which I thought would be the last one, except it took much longer than I expected and I think there’s more left to do than my sister realizes.

Still a bit back and forth, feeling okay one day, the next not 100% — today I feel pretty good and with some vitamin D from my run, I’m hoping I stay that way!

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin so we can all inspire each other to stay active.

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Dogwalk, DM Flow
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, Pilates Perfect Body Arms, Legs, Belly & Stretch
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, 5 miles easy on trails
  • Thursday:  Dogwalk, Iron Strength Abbreviated
  • Friday: Dogwalk, 5 miles easy
  • Saturday: Pilates Perfect Body Arms, Total Body, Stretch, Strala Arms, Back & Shoulders, Working on my parents house
  • Sunday: 8 mile LSD

Mileage: 18 (+11)

JY = Jasyoga
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 updates 

No, I didn’t run up these!

 Wednesday

After a few extra rest days (again), I can’t say that I still felt 100% but frankly, I was getting tired of resting. Sort of. Actually Tuesday I felt good, but oddly Wednesday I was feeling run down again. No idea why.

So I headed out to run some trails. Which you might notice is different from where I normally run. Because I runfess that I’ve been keeping quiet about my next half, which just happens to be a trail race. And I’ve never done a trail race.

I have run on trails — occasionally. But not often. Other than getting slightly lost at the end of the run, it was fine.

Friday

I totally waffled back and forth on this: it was supposed to rain all day, only it really didn’t. I had to go out and run errands in the morning, but I knew Bandit would have a difficult time handling how long I’d have to be out if I tacked on a run.

I figured I’d run on the treadmill. No, I’d go outside. No, treadmill. In the end, it wasn’t raining too bad, so I took Bandit out for 1 1/2 miles, dropped him off, and then finished off in a cold, windy drizzle.

No filter

Sunday

Finally a perfect day to run. The universe seemed to conspire against me — I’m not going to go into all the details, but when I got to the trails I’d planned to run on, the Fire Department had closed them for a controlled burn. Who does this happen to (besides me, of course)?

I ended up driving around way more than I had any desire to after 3 hours in the car yesterday, but I did at least run on an unpaved path. A short one. With lots of looping. Well, my trail half will have loops 3 times so it was good practice. The run itself went well.

I also used a relatively inexpensive hydration backpack I’d bought last year and never used. I didn’t fill the bladder all the way, so it made a lot of sloshing noises, but otherwise it actually worked quite well.

Still no filter

Favorites of the week
So, again, not a great week and not a horrible week. The beautiful weather today was absolutely a favorite, and it’s supposed to stick around a few days. I’m just going to do what I did last week: I’ll share some photos from my long run.

I swear these guys were posing for me!


Nothing like running along the water

And that’s a wrap 

link-up-badge

This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.

Let’s get the conversation started:

Ever done a race that loops multiple times? 

Ever feel like the universe doesn’t want you to run? 

Trails or the road?

Spring Blizzard Stella: 3/13-19 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 Comments

You’ll notice, probably, that there wasn’t as much activity as normal. Not a lot of dog walking. Not much cross training. Not as much strength work.

Yes, a lot of that was due to the blizzard, because when I wasn’t running on the treadmill, I was shoveling. Maybe Stella came along at a good time for me and prevented me from overdoing things? Although if you’ve ever shoveled two feet of snow, you know it’s a workout. Good thing Mr. Judy uses the snow blower on most of it.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin and am into my taper — I always love me a taper.

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Iron Strength Glutes Blaster, Dogwalk Pilates Rapid Results Arms, Buns & Thighs
  • Tuesday: 6 miles (4 @ tempo)
  • Wednesday: 4 miles easy
  • Thursday:  6 miles speedwork
  • Friday: Iron Strength Abbreviated, Dogwalk
  • Saturday: Dogwalk
  • Sunday: 8 Mile LSD & a massage

Mileage: 24 (-6)

JY = Jasyoga
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 updates 

b31417blizzard
When a blizzard hits, I hit the treadmill for 6
Tuesday

Did you hear the one about Blizzard Stella? Yeah, unfortunately they got that forecast right. So in between shoveling paths for the dogs so they didn’t disappear forever and freeze to death, I ran my tempo run on the treadmill.

I’d already whine the previous evening to Rachel @ Runningonhappy to not make me do 6, and she said 5 was okay. But once I got on there — no, it wasn’t easy, but what’s one more mile? Maybe it felt a little easier? Maybe?

b31517treadmill
Pre indoor run in fleece lined tights

Wednesday

I seriously did not want to be back on the treadmill but . . . still cold and super windy. Hardly worth going out twice (errands earlier in the day), which makes Bandit super anxious and can lead to bathroom issues . . . hoping this is my last treadmill run for a while.

 

Thursday

Another tough speed workout! 8 x 400m with 200m recovery (plus warmup & cooldown, of course). And while I could have run outside, it was bitterly cold, super windy — yes, still — and I spent my third day in a row on the treadmill. A first, I think.

Somewhere in the fourth mile I couldn’t remember if I was in the middle or the beginning of the little 400m track on my treadmill . . . pretty sure I screwed up and no doubt ended up not running as hard for as long as I should’ve.

Still, the 400m were at 6.2 mph, which for me is super fast (and yes, it wasn’t easy either — especially not for 3 miles!).

I wore a skirt for this run!

Really does not show the amount of snow there!

Sunday

I finally met up with Darlene for a run for the first time in many months. Our schedules just haven’t meshed much lately, due to her job and my working on my parents’ house.

And in the first time in what seems like forever, the weather was great. We met up at the park  and there was a lot of looping, as not all the paths are cleared, but the ones that were were fine.

As always when running with Darlene, I sometimes ran a little faster than I probably would have on my own. I keep an eye on my pace, though, and dial it back down when I realize we’re running at a pace that’s too fast for me to maintain for 8 miles.

Nothing beats a little face to face time and it was really nice to catch up.

 

Favorites of the week
No scrumptious desserts this week — I’ll have a few next week, no doubt! And while Blizzard Stella could hardly be called a favorite, it did give me a few photo opps:

bstella1
Just liked the shapes the snow made

bstella2
Our front door with roughly 2 feet of snow blocking it

bstella3
A winter wonderland — just in time for spring!

bstella4
It’s a team effort with Mr. Judy snow blowing & me shoveling pitstops for the dogs

bstella5
If Bandit wanted to escape, he missed his chance

bstella6
Here’s why we need to make paths in the backyard
What those photos doesn’t show is the cold. And wind. And the cold all that snow pumps out. And the fact that there are very few places to get a long run in without snow shoes — the good news being it was my last long run before my race, meaning it wasn’t as long.

Of course the run with Darlene was a favorite. Running into my running buddy and catching up with her, too, although unfortunately she has some sad news. And a massage.

And that’s a wrap 

link-up-badge

This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.

Let’s get the conversation started:

What temperature would you like it to be now? 

Any exciting Spring vacations coming up?

Do you lose track of speedwork repeats?

Roaring in: 3/6-12 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments

Indeed

Well, March is certainly marching in with plenty of wind (apparently there isn’t much truth to the whole in like a lion, out like a lamb rhyme, according to this article from farmer’s almanac). If my half is windy, I’ll be well prepared. What I won’t be prepared for is the heat. Because snow is in the air again, and as I write this, I’m trying to psych myself up for what will probably be my coldest run of this season (yeah, I thought that happened last week).

There was snow on the ground when we visited my parents (but not up here — no, that’s waiting for next Tuesday and my tempo run).

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin and really wishing I can siphon off just a little bit of their heat so NOLA doesn’t wring me out!

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Dogwalk, Iron Strength Glutes Blaster, Pilates Total Body
  • Tuesday: 6 miles (4 @ tempo)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, 7 miles easy
  • Thursday:  Dogwalk, Iron Strength Abbreviated
  • Friday: 5 miles speed intervals
  • Saturday: Working on my parents’ house, up and down lots of stairs
  • Sunday: 12 Mile LSD

Mileage: 30 (+1.5)

JY = Jasyoga
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 updates 

blions3717
I actually didn’t get rained on . . . much

Tuesday

And, again, what a difference a week makes. I’m not sure why, but I struggled more with this run (the same one I did last week, on the same path) — I was just tired and it was hard to push through it.

The wind didn’t help, but in the end it wasn’t as bad as I the forecast made it out to be. My warmup and cooldown were a lot slower than the previous week. I only had one mile that I couldn’t hit the right pace — which I didn’t even realize while I was running it — but that always makes me mad.

The forecast also said rain, but for the most part it stayed dry while I was running. In a twisted way, I was a little bummed about that. You never know what race day will give you, so a little rain training might have been good (in a bad way?). I do know that if it’s a windy race, I am so prepared. I’ve been “enjoying” a lot of very windy runs lately.

Well, I did it and I didn’t die, so there’s that.

bcrossings3817
A great day to run and my heart just wasn’t really in it

Wednesday

It was a really beautiful day for running, although a little windy (what else is new?). Yet I just couldn’t enjoy this run. My butt was killing me, my legs were tired, one hip was protesting, I was hungry because I got started later than I’d planned to — yes, I ate a snack, but I was running through lunch.

No matter how hard I tried to distract myself, to think of my injured friends who would love to be running, this run was just hard. I didn’t want to run 7 miles. I had to rush home to meet a new pet sitter (and hopefully shower first).

I think the fact that I was rushing around all day long trying to get everything done just made this run feel harder than it should have. Well, again, it’s done!

bdeer
Didn’t even know this little guy was there

Friday

This was a really tough speed workout for me: a reverse ladder starting out with 1600m, then 2 x 800m, then the schedule said 2 x 400m (but 5 miles, and that didn’t add up, so I did 4 x 400m because apparently I’m a glutton for punishment).

I’ve been struggling with pace all week, and this run was no different. I didn’t meet most of the paces, not until the 400m (no walking — I figure you can do anything for quarter of a mile).

There was also the little fact that we were leaving a few hours afterwards to go to my parents and I needed to get stuff together. I had thought this workout would go well, because you get to walk in between intervals to recover and I usually do well with that sort of workout. I did my best, and I was glad I ran it this day after the birthday dessert I consumed that night (see Weekly Favorites below).

b31217coloniepark
Way too cold to take photos outside! Saved by Thermoball

Sunday

As I was running my last really long long run, I thought the story would be the cold. I wrote last week that it was my coldest long run of the winter; oh, never tempt the running Gods, because it was even colder today.

That is, of course, until I got to mile 8.5, tripped, and went flying. This is only the secondthird time I’ve fallen on a run — third, because the only other time it happened it happened twice on the same run.

I’ve now discovered what those gazillion winter layers are good for — to protect you when you fall! I was very lucky; nothing is hurt, not even really scraped. My lip, palms and knees took the brunt of it, but nothing was twisted or really hurt and even better there wasn’t even anyone around to see it.

So other than the extreme cold, and the fall, it was a decent run. Not as good as last week; I was tired and my hamstrings were protesting for whatever reason — still, when all is said and done, I ran 12 miles at what I used to consider race pace. Without really trying to. Which is not to say it was exactly easy, did I mention the wind?

Does this predict a PR for me in my upcoming half? I know I’ve worked hard and I’ve had some pretty good runs. I also know that the weather is unlikely to be what I consider to be optimal (which lately seems to be anything below 10F). There’s cobblestones to contend with.

That is exactly why I have goals that have nothing to do with a PR. One of my goals for this race would be to beat my best time from a hot race. I also know that if the race doesn’t go as I want, all the work I’ve been doing the past couple of months is not wasted. It takes time to really see the benefits of hard training.

Not that any of that means I won’t be trying my best!

We’ll see what race day brings.

Run easy, race hard.–Judy Litt

I came up with that mantra for today!

bdessert31017
Second great dessert in two weeks

Favorites of the week
But first, dessert, as the saying goes. Seriously, we took my parents out for my mom’s 89th birthday (not pictured, because she hates it, my sister and her husband). I didn’t order dessert, because the description for the Chocolate Peanut butter mousse was so deceiving — I’m so glad my mom did and we shared it because it was totally awesome.

bmom31017
Happy Birthday to my lovely Mom!

We spent the night with my parents in their apartment after dinner and then went down to the house to continue working on it.

bfamily31017
Happy pre-birthday to you, too, Dad

bbench

I shared on Facebook, on my personal page, that we brought home this bench from my parents’ house. It’s been a hard time; it’s sad and depressing going through your loved ones’ things, and it’s bittersweet to have this bench in my home. It’s rather like my thoughts of Chester — but I will try to use it as a reminder of happier times.

 

And that’s a wrap 

link-up-badge

This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.

Let’s get the conversation started:

How’s your running going? 

Do you feel like you lost an hour last night (I don’t!)?

Do you trip over your own feet (and are glad when no one witnesses it?