Meditation

Cookie Monster: 7/19 – 7/25 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

The subject will be revealed under favorites. It has been a lot of back and forth with mom, as I suspected it would be last week, and the rehab closed to visitors on Tuesday because of a non-COVID upper respiratory infection going around. I had already gone there, was going to leave from there to go home — well, I did, but without being able to visit.

My sister was finally able to visit in the lobby for a short time on Friday. The plan was to go down this Tuesday because there’s a meeting with the social worker, but that will depend on if I can go to it. Even if I can’t stay to visit, I’d like to go for the day to hear what they have to say. Time will tell.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and doing my best to stay active in a difficult time.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (40 min), PB Walk + Toning (25 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Swim (15 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 minutes), 5 mile “long” run, PB Cardio Toning (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (20 min), 2 recovery miles, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, PB ST + Cardio (30 min)
  • Sunday:  Yoga, yes; Dogwalk, maybe (if the rain has a few gaps or doesn’t appear at all, perhaps some other kind of cardio at some point

Running Mileage: 10 (+4)


PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

Good advice

Tuesday Intention: just run
It was a slog out there today and that’s okay. There was haze from the Western Wildfires, it was very humid — not really that warm, but just humid. I was in no rush and my pace showed that. I tried to capture the orange sun but it wouldn’t show up in photos.

I find there tends to be less to take photos of in Summer; these berries caught my eye on my longer run

Thursday Intention: go longer but easy
Does 5 miles really equal a long run? Well, it was longer than my longest run last week. I was blessed with a day with low humidity, finally. I definitely took it easy. I also got out a bit later than I probably should in Summer, and it was quite sunny, but the temps and the humidity were lower than we’ve seen for a while. So close to negative splits, but the last mile was slower, although not the slow-est.

Friday Intention: easy recovery
Same as I wonder if 5 miles should really be called a long run, although of course when I started to run it definitely qualified for me!, I wonder if a 5 mile long run needs recovery miles. My body seems to enjoy it, though, so I continue to do them. Plus I needed to get back to walk Bandit, so keeping it short was important. Negative splits again. Oops! Here I thought I was keeping that second mile slower.

Not too exciting — but wait, there’s more!

Favorites of the week
I met a friend for a cool down walk from her run and to wander one of the local farmer’s markets. We get a veggie box, and it’s a lot of veggies, so there wasn’t much I needed in that department.

I was on the lookout for a cookie for dessert.

What’s that hiding inside, you ask?

This was more like a brookie: a brownie/cookie combo and it was delish. So fudgy. Mr. Judy and I split it.

Why yes, it’s marshmallow

Why yes, it’s marshmallow. Mr. Judy isn’t quite as into chocolate as I am, but he liked it too — it just probably wouldn’t have been his choice. It wasn’t what I was looking for, but sometimes you get what you need?

Speaking of getting what you need, being home almost the entire week. Cooler weather. An end to the rain! Sometimes it’s the little things. Right now I have no idea if I’ll be home next week or spending part of the week with my mom again.

GWY Turn Overwhelm into Gratitude MeditationMeditation

ICYMI: As you might imagine the last couple of weeks have been overwhelming on many different levels. I found one solution for that, which I’m sharing in today’s 15 minute meditation.  Check it out here. There are also two short vlogs that go with the meditation:  here and here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Since I covered reasons to run in groups last week, this week it’s reasons to run solo. On Friday it’s time to come clean with Marcia @ MarciasHealthySlice and runfessions.

Inching towards normal: 5/24 – 30 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

It was a busy but quiet week, if that makes sense. I thought it would be a cut back week but I finally added in a fourth (short) run this week. Mainly because of the cooler weather at the end of the week! Next week it’ll be a juggling act to get in three, I think, so it’ll be my cutback week.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running hot and cold (literally!).

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), Walk with a friend, Yoga (30 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy (last mile fartlek), PB ST (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video(60 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 6 mile LSD, Dogwalk, PB Toning (20 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (30 min), 2 miles recovery, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 minutes)
  • Sunday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (45 min), Some sort of ST at some point

Running Mileage: 14 (+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

Can you see the bunny? Apparently all the cool bunnies hang out at the bike paths. Which means our Hostas are thriving.

Monday Intention: recover
Is it wrong that my recovery run was slightly faster than my long run and also just slightly negative splits? I blame the lovely weather. A cold front had come from the afternoon before, I didn’t have to hustle to get out early, and it was perfect running weather.

I really enjoy doing a quick sketch after a run, sitting in firelog to stretch my legs — if it’s not too cold, humid, or buggy. Although if I’m bundled up I’m ok.

Wednesday Intention: try to add just a little speed
I was a bit apprehensive about this run, suddenly Summer made a brief appearance again, but there was a lovely breeze by the river and the bugs were AWOL. The middle mile was rather slow, accommodating the still warm temps (about 70 at the beginning), but I decided to do pickups during the last mile, which just kinda turned into run a bit faster as long as I felt like it. Which resulted in a much faster pace for the last mile than expected.

Sadly I forgot my phone at home so no photo. It’s such a lovely spot. The trail is very short, but fine for 3 miles. I share this quick sketch I did after the run — journaling and doing a quick sketch in my journal has become a favorite way to relax after a run. Now that it’s getting warmer, though, and buggier, it’s not always quite so enjoyable.

More of whatever this wildflower is

Friday Intention: distance + speed
I have been to this bike path, and fairly recently, but I guess I’ve always gone the other way. Suddenly one way the benches have multiplied! On mile 3 and mile 6 I decided to do intervals within intervals — so sort of a fartlek in my run/walk intervals. Mile 6 was actually the fastest mile. 

The weather had dropped 40F (from 90 to 50) since Wednesday, so no reason to get out there early — and it did make for some lovely running weather. 

Caught the woodpecker on our walk this morning!

Favorites of the week
I got together for a walk with a friend whom I hadn’t seen in a while (working on trying to meet up with a couple of other friends!). Speaking of parks changing, we went to a park I hadn’t been to in a long time (because it’s usually fairly crowded). My how that one has changed! No photos, we were too busy chatting.

We did not wear masks. We are slowly inching our way back to normal. Mr. Judy had mentioned that he was ready to eat indoors, I wasn’t so sure, but when we decided to get some restaurant food on Friday, he decided he didn’t want to do that after all. I just hate all the extra plastic that goes along with getting takeout!

Have your parks been upgraded during the Pandemic? 

Enjoying the maskless freedom?

Anything fun going on this weekend?

GWY Grounding Chakra Meditation

ICYMI: Do you always run out the house feeling scattered and unfocused? This quick 10 minute, guided meditation can change all that. It will help you get in touch with all your Chakras, too. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: It’s time to wrap up May. On Friday I’ll be sipping some hot chocolate and catching up with what’s going on in your world — and mine.

Roatripping: 8/10 – 16 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 44 Comments

Some people are effected more by heat than others. I remember once, in TX, we’d been out to a memorial service. It was hot and humid. As we sat in the car afterwards, trying to decide what to do, the sweat was rolling down my face. But not Mr. Judy’s.

I’d rather run outside than on the treadmill, but for me, I’d come to the proverbial breaking point between the heat, humidity, and early mornings. Embracing the treadmill again this week helped. A lot! Originally I planned to run today, too — inside or outside — but I took a long walk instead. You’ll see why.

I’m not trying to tell you to run on a treadmill, not at all. Just reminding y’all that we’re all different. The most important thing is to just keep moving by whatever mode works for you.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and easing back into running and embracing my treadmill again (a little).

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Dogwalk, 3 ish treadmill miles, Filmed Yoga video (50 min)
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, Peloton Bootcamp (2ish? mies + ST — total 45 min)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Walking around historic sites & over bridges
  • Thursday: Dogwalk, Yoga with Weights (20 min)
  • Friday: 8 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday:  Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min), Soul Stroll
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, Long Walk in a New Place

Mileage: 12 (+.9)

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: try something new
My first running class on Peloton. I did a 10 min running warmup + a 30 min running class (beginner) + 10 min walking cooldown. Apparently the incline is broken on my treadmill again. Not the end of the world. Garmin is notoriously inaccurate with indoor runs, and of course ancient mills aren’t so accurate either. So not so sure how far I ran, but I know it was fine and definitely hit some paces (for a brief time) I wouldn’t have if I’d slogged it out outside.

Tuesday intention: nasal breathing
I did my first running + ST bootcamp with Peloton App. I chose a beginner, 30 min bootcamp. I definitely liked the running portion — perfect way to get just a little bit of running in and I was able to push the pace while running (it used run/walk intervals) and maintain nasal breathing — something I just haven’t been able to do outside during the Summer, although I keep trying!

The strength portion was good, but again, I really felt like it was rushed.

Scooooore! Rabbit in front of goal amused me

Friday intention: support women with breast cancer
It was much warmer than predicted this morning. I wish I’d worn my cooling towel. The roads seemed choked with wrong siders, but most crossed when they saw me running towards them. I tried hard to stay with my run/walk intervals (not throwing in extra walk breaks) and mostly — but not completely — succeeded.

I spent some time before this run thinking about my intention, and I pulled out the 5 whys (ask yourself why you’re doing something, then ask 4 more times). Finally I came up with dedicating this run to the women battling cancer and the virtual Dempsey Challenge I’m training for to raise funds for them (If you’d like to donate, you can do it here. Thank you!).

I got it done. I have to admit the run took a lot out of me, but then I thought about the women battling cancer. The ones that don’t win their fight. The ones that battle through all their treatments. Running 8 miles in heat & humidity seemed a small thing to do.

Scenes from my side trip on my way to visit my mom

Favorites of the week
I decided to break up my drive to my mom on Wednesday with a small side trip. As much as I like seeing my mom, these trips are also tiring. The side trip (made easier by no husband or dogs in tow) was well worth the extra time — even if I was really feeling the need for a bathroom by the time I got home!

Long walk on a new to me rail trail

Today I am off to pick up my bowl/mug for me and my friend from our virtual XC series in July. I found what sounds like a nice rail trail close to the pickup location.

At least I added one new mug this year

The rail trail was very nice! So is the new mug.

He looked left, then right & I captured both
Lola spends a lot of time just staring into space

What have you been doing to have some fun this Summer?

Do you think you can’t meditate? There is no can’t, only won’t!

What was the highlight of your week? 

ICYMI: I had a video on balance done early. Except I hadn’t uploaded it to YouTube. Then our desktop crashed and died yesterday. So it’s stuck inside the desktop. I made a quick vlog on my walk today about the many benefits of meditation. Watch it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Strength training — why I do it and where I do it. On Friday I’ll be thinking about what good things have come out of the Pandemic. I hope anyway, everything takes a lot longer on my phone/tablet. It’s probably going to take me longer to comment on blogs, too.

A Buzzzy Week: 8/3 – 9 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

We’ve spent way more time eating & relaxing on our deck this Summer than we ever have. In the past, heat (it’s off of the second floor) often prevented us. Of course we’ve had plenty of heat this Summer, but with two umbrellas instead of just one, we’ve been out there more.

The other limiting factor was always the wasps/hornets (what’s the difference?). There have been some this Summer, but I’ve managed to control my freak out until this week.

We were eating dinner, and I had my bare feet up on a chair when a hornet landed on my foot. Do you know how many nerve endings there are in your foot? Somehow I managed to brush him off without getting stung after about a minute, but that was it for me that night.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and easing back into running and embracing my treadmill again (a little).

Workouts update

  • Monday:  3 miles easy, Pilates Stretch (8 min) + Yoga (50 min), PM Dogwalk (tropical storm moving in for Tuesday)
  • Tuesday: Peloton Bootcamp (1.13 mile + ST), Dogwalk rained out by Isaias!
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Pilates (30 min), Soul Stroll
  • Thursday: Roadtrip with lots of walking
  • Friday: 8 mile LSD, Dogwalk
  • Saturday:  Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min), Walking with a friend later,  Full Body ST (25 min)

Mileage: 12.13 (+5.13)

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

I captured a “real” rainbow!

Monday intention: body scan
It’s clear I’m not going to find much joy in runs in the heat, but I continue to try to tune into my body and try to figure out what would make it better. I spent a lot of time trying different things and seeing how it effected my hamstrings, which are always slightly achy when I run — even slowly. I’m not sure I have answers yet.

It was warm and humid and not as cloudy as I’d like, but it was a nice, consistent run and after about an hour back in the coolness of the house I felt re-energized (not right after the run!).

Tuesday intention: nasal breathing
I did my first running + ST bootcamp with Peloton App. I chose a beginner, 30 min bootcamp. I definitely liked the running portion — perfect way to get just a little bit of running in and I was able to push the pace while running (it used run/walk intervals) and maintain nasal breathing — something I just haven’t been able to do outside during the Summer, although I keep trying!

The strength portion was good, but again, I really felt like it was rushed.

Third time I’ve caught a rabbit in this spot

Friday intention: be kind
It wasn’t supposed to rain that long or that much when I went to bed, but by morning things had changed. The good news was the comfortable temps. The rain came & went (mostly came), but stayed between a drizzle and more steady rain. In fact, when it went I was not happy — but it came back!

I had paused my Garmin to take this photo (no, not downed from Isaias, grooming for returning college students) when my Garmin just decided my run was over. Too bad I was still a couple of miles away from home.

I did feel kind of tired. Technology was rebelling all over the place. My Garmin kept moving data screens, and finally decided to end my run at one point when I paused it to take pictures. It was super annoying.

Still, I’ve been at 7 miles for weeks so decided to try for 8. I’m not sure that was really being kind to myself, but oh well, I did it.

I felt as thought I was inside a Van Gough painting

Favorites of the week
Oops! We did it again! Another road trip. Darlene @ Myfirst5k posted photos of a beautiful field of sunflowers, and I knew I had to go see it. It was cooler, so we took the dogs (who did fine this time).

This was the other buzzy part of the week — we could hear the sunflower field just buzzing with bees! They left me alone & I left them alone.

Some photos from our other walks

We also stopped at a couple of pocket parks in a different town, ending up at a surprise covered bridge (close to vehicular traffic! Yay!).

I bet Darlene knows exactly where we were 🙂

Ended with lunch at a popular farm which I’ve only ever run at before (once) — there was a takeout window and picnic tables to eat at. The first time we’ve done anything other than delivery in forever.

Isaias knocked out power to my mom for days. No phone. No internet. There is a generator there, but it only powers the essentials. Because she rarely uses her cell phone — and I’m not sure she actually hears it ring — no way to contact her. They finally got everything up and running yesterday, so we got to talk.

Bandit was the only one that enjoyed the hammock, sadly. It leans to one side. Any advice?
Bandit also makes Yoga challenging some days
Lola will come say hi during Yoga, but she never stays

Do you have a getaway planned? Nope, not me.

What about short day trips? Yup, I’m embracing them while I can!

Any advice for the unbalanced hammock?  It has really hard slant to the side, making it uncomfortable.

gwy personal oasis

ICYMI: I have a short meditation (roughly 10 minutes) that will help you build your own personal oasis you can visit anytime you need to escape it all. Watch it here.

ICYMI2: Don’t forget that 100% of your donation to my Dempsey Challenge fundraiser goes directly to benefit cancer patients, survivors, and their families.  If you’d like to donate, you can do it here. Thank you!

Coming up on Tuesday: I’ll be talking about how you can take Yoga off your mat and out into your life. Friday I’m sharing my thoughts on four of the masks I use regularly — all are appropriate for running. Or are they?

Running on sunshine: 4/20 – 26 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

I’d like to say snow is in our tailview mirror, but not this week. At least there was no accumulation. But there was snow, rain, sleet, and hail oh my! In between all that there was also sunshine, and some days that were breezy instead of super windy. A little sunshine goes a long way!

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing some sunny runs that have saved this runner’s mojo.

Last week I noted that my RHR (resting heart rate, taken first thing n the morning) was going up, up, up. If it suddenly jumps 10 degrees it’s a pretty sure sign that you’re getting sick. Mine wasn’t increasing that much, but there was a noticeably trend up and my runs definitely felt off. This week was better in both departments.

Spring is always a difficult time for me health-wise. Last year at about this time I’d spent a night in a hospital due to fainting & a really nasty stomach bug. So grateful that was last year, not this year. I haven’t been truly sick, but I have definitely struggled with feeling run down the last couple of months. Something some sun and warm days could cure — but alas, it’ll be a while before we see that.

Not my best photo, but loved soaking up some Vit D (Bandit, too)

Of course after I wrote the paragraph above, we finally had a Spring-like day, and I totally took advantage of it, eating lunch outside and then doing my recovery Yoga outside too. I slept like a log last night!

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Yoga (8 min), Dogwalk, PB Arms (15 min)
  • Tuesday: 4 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (50 min)
  • Wednesday: SB (20 min), Yoga (5 min), Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Yoga (8 min), 4 miles easy, Dogwalk
  • Friday: SB (20 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (8 min), 9 mile LSD, Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (7 min), Dogwalk, ST later

Mileage: 17 (+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

New leaves & flowers are always such a hopeful sign

Tuesday
Rain was in the forecast and so I “hustled” and actually got out there around 9. I’d probably get out earlier, but it was cold and windy. The first 3 miles weren’t too bad, and I probably should have called it quits there. Unfortunately the wind wore me down that last mile, especially running into the headwind the last quarter mile. 

I seem to have taken a few steps back. What is my body trying to tell me?

It wasn’t warm, but it was sunny — we needed that!

Thursday
The first nice day in what seems like forever. By nice I mean in the 40s, with a slight breeze, but sunny, LOL! This run was better than most of last week’s, but still felt hard. Which might be because I chose a hilly route, just to get myself out of the neighborhood! I enjoyed the sunshine, though.

First rainbow & a heart, extra points!

Saturday
Often they promise us nice weather but don’t deliver — today they certainly did! I realized maybe I’m simply pushing too hard on my long runs. Then again, I don’t usually look at pace at all. Anyway, I gave myself permission to walk when I felt like it and I felt like it a lot. 

Second rainbow — people are creative!

The pace was still considerably better than last week’s long run, despite the extra mile; no doubt due to the more favorable weather.

Lola & Bandit practicing proper social distancing (actually it was hard to get this photo!)

Favorites of the week
If you follow me on Instagram here, you’ll know that we participated in a car parade to thank the staffers at our local Humane Society.

The scarf sorta worked — this was after Tuesday’s run, so yup, a chilly but sunny day

They are not allowing the many volunteers to go in (although apparently they’re going to start letting some come in), so those guys are working overtime to keep the animals safe — while adoptions seem to be booming.

I will totally be getting this again!

This Poke Bowl. Just had to share!

Bandit wanted some too (but didn’t get anything; he got some dog treats eventually)

I’ve noticed cars zipping around, ignoring stop signs and even red lights. On one run this week, though, I had a car stop at a green light and wave me over so I could cross the street. Seriously, how cool was that?

How are you thanking essential workers?

Still looking for rainbows? 

What virtual races did you run this week? Just not my thing

Coming up on Tuesday: April’s not quite over, but I’m wrapping up my month & putting a grade on it. Of course I’ll be joining y’all (virtually) for some tea next weekend.

ICYMI: It’s a crave busting meditation. I know there’s been some issues with volume on my videos (not completely sure why), but I worked on this and hopefully it’ll be much better. You can view the meditation here. And Yes, you can always join the 21 Days of Yoga Challenge at any time 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.

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

~ 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

Blurry daffodils, still most welcome

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.

Now that’s partner Yoga!

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

~ 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?

Finally Daffodils

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.

Dogs. The silly things they do.

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.

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.

Business as usual: 3/23-29 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 44 Comments

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

bwrd

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

Workouts update

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

Mileage: 15 (+3)

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

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

Running Update

Snow in Spring? Now that actually is normal

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

There was lots of walking coming up this hill

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

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

Running through raindrops

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

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

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

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

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

Are you doing all the cooking?

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

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

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

gwy grounding meditation

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

Be the first to know when I release new videos: sign up for my newsletter here to find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free Self Love Affirmation PDF and a bonus audio-only version of this self love meditation.

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

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 46 Comments

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

bwrd

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

Workouts update

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

Mileage: 15 (+3)

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

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

Running Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

Path angels at work!

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

Hidden in a tree

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

Palak Paneer &  Potato Cauliflower Fritters (Aloo something?)

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

The bakery is open for takeout
Such yummy goodness

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

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

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

Are you having to learn new skills now?

Are you working from home?

How are you destressing? 

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

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

Be the first to know when I release new videos: sign up for my newsletter here to find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free Self Love Affirmation PDF and a bonus audio-only version of this self love meditation.