A Buzzzy Week: 8/3 – 9 WRD

August 9, 2020August 10, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 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

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.

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?

Just what the Doctor Ordered: 7/27 – 8/2 WRD

August 2, 2020August 2, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 42 Comments

Garmin was back up. Temps were just a little down. The makings of a great running week, right? Except I knew I needed a break from most activity — and I took it. After several days I felt a whole lot better, but I still had little desire to run. Or really tax my body in any way. It was a little staycation from fitness, and it was needed.

There was some Yoga, one long run, and a fair amount of easy walking. Plus one half day trip.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and getting lucky with the weather for my runs this week. Mostly.

Workouts update

Monday: Dogwalk
Tuesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk (the morning dogwalk was intentionally cut short due to a thunderstorm)
Wednesday: Dogwalk, walking around while Lola was a the vet (routine visit)
Thursday: Dogwalk , Filmed Yoga Video (60 min)
Friday: Dogwalking Half Day Trip
Saturday: 7 mile LSD
Sunday: Dogwalk, maybe some Yoga later

Mileage: 7 (-6)

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 always wonder how these apples taste (it’s in my neighborhood)

Saturday intention: duality
This run was great . . . for the first mile. It was actually a decent day to run by Summer standards — that is, low humidity. It was also pretty much cloudless, and buggy. Why is it that I seem to be one of the only ones dealing with gnats? Is it because I sweat so much?

I spent a lot of this run trying to figure what I need to do in August to bring back some joy to my runs. The early mornings and Summer temps have just been soul-sucking for me. I’m not sure I have a plan yet.

I also spent some time thinking about dualities:

Bugs (annoying) vs low humidity (more comfortable)
Run interval seems forever and the walk interval flies by
Intention to take it easy but just want to get it over!
Intention to clear my mind yet writing blog posts as I run

You have to appreciate the good and the bad, and practicing doing just that helps you become more resilient (so those soul sucking runs aren’t as draining — although my main problem has been that the runs have been physically draining).

**Apparently we’re trend setters again — good thing we got out here before it was on the news today!**

Favorites of the week
We hit the road again. Another outdoor (free) sculpture garden. There were actually quite a lot of people there, but for the most part it wasn’t hard to social distance (I never even had to put on my mask, although it was in my pocket). There were quite a few dogs, there, too — thankfully on leash.

We made a stop at a preserve on the way back, and some waterfalls close to that preserve — sadly the waterfalls were almost completely dry.

**Lola spends a lot of time down here these days**

I think the next day trip we take the dogs need to stay home. It wasn’t that hot, but we had to cut it short due to Lola. Even Bandit seemed to struggle with the temps. Which is so weird, the last time they did so well.

I already have a possibility lined up for our next trip — not a sculpture garden!

I had several potatoes/sweet potatoes that were growing eyes. I mentioned to Mr. Judy that I wanted to see if I could grow potatoes. Next thing I know there were potato bags showing up. I think the biggest problem is that they need quite a bit of time to grow — I’m hoping we have just enough time before the first freeze.

Can you remember the last time you took a fitness break?

What’s keeping you motivated to keep up with exercise?

Have you been able to go exploring anywhere?

Irritability Yin Yoga

ICYMI: I am tackling irritability this week. Bandit plays a starring role — he stayed with me the entire practice. These poses will get into your hips, groin, and inner thighs deeply, so I take a lot of time warming those areas up — and didn’t hold the peak poses quite so long. As always, I encourage you to pause the video and hold longer where it feels right to do so. Watch it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m sharing my thoughts on the Peloton App. Friday we’re getting together virtually for a coffee date here. Join us!

Fighter: July 2020

July 28, 2020July 26, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 20 Comments

bfighter

July was actually rather busy. A 30 hour meditation course. 2 trips to mom. A fun daytrip. Family Zoom call. Routine vet visit for Lola (Bandit needs one, too). Filming videos (which lately seems to always be a struggle).

Myself and my loved ones are healthy. My mom tires a lot easier — as does Lola — to be expected at both their ages, but not always easy to witness.

July’s song is Fighter by Christina Aguilera. I don’t really know many Christina Aguilera songs, although I do know she has a powerful voice. Has anyone else noticed how much this lyric resembles Kelly Clarkson’s “What doesn’t kill you”?

Makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a Fighter

2020 has not been kind to us, and yet — it’s the hard times we go through that make us grow. As much as we might wish we didn’t have to go through hard, painful, times, they shape the people we become.

**A little irony with the “happy” in the paragraph below — my face matches my top!!!**

Getting in scheduled runs
I’m still happy with 3 x week for the forseeable future. It gives me more time for my stationary bike, strength training, and Yoga. I kept thinking I would go a little longer for my long run, but then someone turned the thermostat to hot and humid.

Except I started to feel run down last week, so this last week of July I’m going to skip a run. Or two. We’ll see. Trying to get ahead of whatever is going on.

Grade Earned: A

Recording my runs
Yeah, still not happening..

Grade Earned: F

Dynamic Warmup
I was doing great with this — I’d even say I was on a streak. Until a couple of very hot and humid days when I totally skipped the warm up. Bugs may have been the reason.

Grade Earned: A-

Foam Rolling
Still only rolling before a run — at least that it something that I have not skipped (so far).

Grade Earned: B

Nutrition
Nutrition has been pretty good, but as always, room for improvement. The older I get the less I can eat. It is what it is.

Grade Earned: B

Support

Massage? Nope. We all know why.
Chiropractor Appointment? See massage.
Do I need a hair appointment? This could end up being the longest I go without a haircut — which is saying something, I’ve actually gone 5 months before.

Grade Earned: F

Cross Training
Cross training is my super power, apparently. Yoga, strength training, Pilates, stationary cycling.

Grade Earned: A+

June 2020 gets . . .
. . . an A. A couple of Fs again, but mostly July was a busy month and I did the best I could with the time I had.

July Goals:

Continue exploring Peloton App. Y. I’ve tried one class (at least) from a lot of the different categories, although there are probably some categories I won’t try. There’s definitely still more to explore.
Continue running 3 x week. Y. I have continued my outside running streak. Definitely not always easy with this hot summer! I’m giving myself a pass on skipping a run/s this week. It was needed.
Set an intention for each run. Y. I won’t lie: sometimes I struggle with coming up with an intention. Sometimes I struggle with remembering what the intention was! (read more about intentions here).
Continue almost daily foam rolling. N. I foam rolled before my runs. That’s all.
Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Y. Weight is basically in maintenance mode, and that’s okay.
Learn more about meditation.Y. I took a 30 hour Beginning Meditation Coach course, which I really enjoyed.
Extend either a weekday or long run. Y. I signed up for virtual trail runs this month (with the swag being pottery), and we’re assigned a different distance each week.
Complete virtual July 4th race.Y. I even managed to do it on the fourth.

Which leads me to August Goals:

Run 4 x week. I plan to take some of the Peloton bootcamps, and that will involve treadmill running. So it won’t be a lot extra, and it’ll be mill miles, but miles are miles. Doesn’t have to happen every week but that’s what I’ll shoot for. Gonna be flexible with it – depends how I feel.
Set an intention for each run. I enjoy this goal!
Finish the irest course I started. I’ve been into something called Yoga Nidra for a while. It’s part relaxation, part meditation. irest is a particular form based on Yoga Nidra — and I signed up for the Great Courses for free so I could take this course. But I only have a month! I’m halfway through so I’m sure I’ll finish it before my free trial is up.
Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. A permanent goal.
Add in more Pilates when I can. I really enjoy Pilates. There’s a lot of benefits to runners from practicing it. Even just 10 minutes. It’s just hard to squeeze in. Strength training was a bit lacking at the end of last July, and with less going on in August, I’d definitely like to be more regular about it.

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

Runners_Roundup_Logo-640x640

The Runaround: 7/20 – 26 WRD

July 26, 2020July 26, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 42 Comments

. . . Or GarminGate?

It was a busy week. A visit to my mom. 2 zoom calls the next day, one to wrap up a course I was taking, the other a family call — some of my cousins were in on it this time, so that was nice (haven’t seen them in years, all the West Coasters).

That was all followed by a couple of days fighting with technology — and of course then Garmin went down. Not a big deal, really. I thought it would delay getting a signal for my long run, since I couldn’t sync — nope, got a signal immediately!

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and getting lucky with the weather for my runs this week. Mostly.

Workouts update

Monday: 3 non technical trail miles, Yoga (50 min)
Tuesday: Dogwalk, trip to mom with 2 more short walks
Wednesday: 3 miles easy
Thursday: Dogwalk , Filmed Yoga Video (60 min)
Friday: Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min)
Saturday: 7 mile LSD, Abs (10 min)
Sunday: Dogwalk, hopefully some SB, ST, & Yoga

Mileage: 13 (-.24)

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

Looked threatening but I stayed dry

Monday intention: find the joy in this run
It wasn’t easy. The bugs were relentless again. It was mid 70s and very humid at 6:30 am. I knew Tuesday would be much nicer, but I was going to see my mom.

Despite another night of interrupted sleep (thanks for walking us at 2:30 am, Bandit), the run itself was pretty strong — I couldn’t hold onto my nasal breathing as much as I want to, which just means I was running too fast, but I was okay with that — I just wanted to run away from the bugs!

I did my best to try to find the joy in this run:

Clouds
A little bit of sunshine on the water
My coolit top & skirt really did help to keep me cooler — at least if felt as if it did. And they helped keep the bugs away from my torso. Now if I could just keep them away from my head!
I didn’t take any extra walk breaks.

**Instead of rainbows I give you #alltherabbits**

Wednesday intention: listen to my heart
I knew I was tired from the trip to my mom’s + several weeks of not so great sleep, so I didn’t set an alarm. I was rewarded with a really good night of sleep — I also got out about an hour later than I have been, but lucked out because it was cool, cloudy, and just a little drizzly.

I knew I needed to take it easy, which is why I made the intention of listening to my heart/intuition (not literally watching HR). I walked a bit more when I felt the need. The first mile was slow. The second mile was also slow, but not as much. By the third I felt okay and knew I could achieve negative splits if I put my mind to it — so I did & I did.

Saturday intention: easy/self care
Although I’d had a few nights of really good sleep this week, Friday night was not one of them. The weather was pretty good for Summer running — not too humid, although warm (mid to high 60s), and sunny.

Exercise is most definitely a form of self care — when you don’t take it to extremes. So I ran by feel, I walked a lot, and yeah, the last couple of miles were draining. Pace all over the place. Still slightly encouraged since I ran at this pace in the Spring — when the weather was much cooler.

It will be interesting to see what happens when the weather cools down again — not wishing for Summer to go away, for sure, but less humidity and a bit less heat would be welcome. Too bad we’re going into August and the dog days of Summer.

**. . . speaking of dogs, Bandit being tortured by Mr. Judy again**

Favorites of the week
Although it’s draining to be back on the road to my mom more often, it’s also good to see her more often. It was also nice to see my cousins and hear about what’s going on in their worlds.

**No idea what I was saying, but look — something other than Oofos on my feet! Picking up our veggie box.**

Second veggie box had corn in it. So we enjoyed our first grilled corn of the Summer. It was good – but not great — corn. Probably just too early. So far I’m quite pleased with the veggies and we managed to eat up all the lettuce. There were lots of salads!

Unfortunately we ended up with two things of lettuce again. The window to swap out veggies was very narrow (about 4 hours) this week, and I happened to be at my mom’s. Oh well, it’s gonna be hot again so I’ve no doubt I’m up to polishing all the lettuce off again this week!

What comes to mind when I say “self care”?

Are you all about the salads in Summer?

Are your furkids polite beggars?

gwy cooling yoga

ICYMI: I already shared a Cooling Yin Yoga practice here, but this week it’s more slow Yoga/Hatha style — IOW, more “regular” Yoga. There’s an extended Savasana practice (roughly 10 minutes). I know it’s tempting to skip, but I really encourage you to take some time for yourself and stick it out! I think you’ll come away feeling much cooler (literally and figuratively) and calmer. Let me know! Watch it here.

ICYMI2: For years I’ve wanted to join friends for the Dempsey Challenge, a run that supports Patrick Dempsey’s Cancer Center in ME. We thought this would be the year, finally — well, you all know what happened: like everything it’s gone virtual. I am going to join this year — as a virtual run — and I am fund raising (even though this year they waived the fund raising requirement). 100% of your donation directly benefits cancer patients, survivors, and their families. If you’d like to donate, you can do it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: It’s that time of the month (no not that time, I’m past that time) — time to wrap up July! Friday we’re all gathering at the runfessional here. Join us!

Hamilton Touring: 7/13 – 19 WRD

July 19, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 42 Comments

We got even further out of our neighborhood this week with a small day trip. The dogs and I enjoyed it, anyway. Mr. Judy enjoyed the ice cream.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and getting lucky with the weather for my runs this week. Mostly.

Workouts update

Monday: 3.24 non technical trail miles, Yoga (20 min), Pilates Arms (10 min)
Tuesday: Daytrip — not super taxing but roughtly 10k steps when all was said & done & a good mental boost
Wednesday: 3 miles easy, Yoga (20 min), Pilates Arms (10 min)
Thursday: Dogwalk , SB Intervals + Arms (30 min)
Friday: Dogwalk, Abs (10 min)
Saturday: 7 mile LSD, Yoga (30 min)
Sunday: Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min), SB (20 min), Pilates (30 min)

Mileage: 13.24 (-.1.5)

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

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

Running Update

Monday: intention — attention to breath & foot turnover
Well, that was the intention. Except it was so buggy that this short run was actually torturous. The upside was that I ran faster trying to get it over. The downside is I can’t easily run that pace using nasal breathing — but you do what you gotta do.

I ate my post run snack (which was basically breakfast) outside afterward, but because of the bugs, it just wasn’t pleasant.

Wednesday: pick it up + breath attention (always)
I worried that I got out too late & would need the cooling towel I didn’t take. I knew it was cooler — but how long would the sun stay hidden? Thankfully the entire run. This was the nicest day I’ve had to run in a month!

I took advantage of that to consciously pick up the pace. It was still slow, of course, but a steady first two miles and slightly faster the last mile. I had to breath through my mouth on some of my walk breaks & my V02 Max remains stuck, but I’m ok with both!

**This guy stayed put as I ran past him twice, and I swear he was still in the same place when I walked the dogs this morning!**

Saturday: intention — time on my feet, taking it easy
Friday was so nice and cool (mid 60s — I actually wore a hoodie to walk the dogs), I wished I’d felt up to running Friday morning. I haven’t been sleeping great for a few weeks — due to heat & dogs — and I knew I was better served by a rest day.

**It wasn’t really quite that hot — but it felt like it was!**

Saturday was relentlessly sunny, but thankfully the humidity hadn’t been turned on yet, and I chose a route that had a fair amount of shade. This was a surprisingly strong run, relatively steady, with the last mile being the fastest.

I took it relatively easy because of the heat and sun, but while certainly not fast, it was quite a bit faster than most of my long runs have been recently — despite more walk breaks when I felt like it.

Favorites of the week
We headed out and about on Tuesday — the heat had subsided briefly, and I needed to escape from home! Other than going to my mom, the last time we went anywhere further than our town was 8 months ago.

*I* had a lovely time. Mr. Judy tolerated it (although I think the ice cream at the end helped). The dogs did quite well. I think Lola’s serious hiking days are over, though (there were no serious hikes on this trip).

I had downloaded the Hamilton soundtrack to play as we drove. Which was a lovely bit of synchronicity, as we drove through Schuylerville and close to Philip Schuyler’s (Eliza Hamilton’s father) house — I knew the house was closed, although unsure of the grounds, so we didn’t stop there. Maybe another time.

**Lettuce, Chard, Squash, Beets, Scallions & Parsley**

We got our first CSA (community supported agriculture) box this week. Mr. Judy will need to step up his veggie consumption!

**Not always easy doing Yoga around the dogs!**

A impromptu photoshoot on the Yoga platform. Bandit was briefly my Yoga buddy again this week when it was cooler. When it’s hotter he comes and checks on me, but doesn’t hang out with me.

So you or have you done a CSA?

What was your last daytrip?

Got a non-DEET bug spray that actually works? I’m still looking.

Divine Unity Meditation

ICYMI: You’ll need a mirror for this 15ish minute meditation. If you’ve been feeling scattered, alone, and unconnected, this meditation should be a lovely practice. Excuse the skirt. Last time I’ll film a video in skirt! Watch it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Dealing with fear. On Friday I’m thinking about ways you can make hard runs more fun. Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here — inventory & prices are decreasing!

The one where I leave my neighborhood: 6/6 – 7/12 WRD

July 12, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 32 Comments

Obviously I have left my neighborhood: to shop, to see my mom, to take Lola to the vet. This week was the first week in many that I took one of my runs out of the neighborhood.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing pushing through the heat this week.

Workouts update

Monday: 4.72 non technical trail miles, Yoga (34 min)
Tuesday: Dogwalk, SB Lady Gaga (30 min), Pilates (8 min), Yoga (30 min)
Wednesday: 3 miles easy, Pilates (Booty) + Peloton Crush Your Core (15 min) Shot Yoga Video (60 min),
Thursday: Dogwalk , Pilates (30 min), Yoga (15 min)
Friday: 7 mile LSD — that’s all she wrote, folks!
Saturday: Dogwalk, SB (15 min), Pilates Arms + Abs (20 min)
Sunday: Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min), Pilates Legs (10 min), SB planned for later

Mileage: 14.72 (+.72)

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

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

Running Update

Monday: intention — easy recovery run
For the first time in months, I got in the car and drove somewhere to run. I’m signed up for a virtual series of trail runs this month, with the swag being a bowl or mug at the end (hence the odd mileage for this run). One of my friends is running the series with me (not literally with me, though).

I took it to one of my favorite non technical trails, which is by a river. There’s a lot of grass around most of it, so I knew even if it was busy I could just step aside (as I did several times).

**Eating my post run snack looking out over the water . . . heaven**

This run was enjoyable (always love running by water) and felt really tough at the same time. It’s a short trail, so I ran back and forth a few times. I slowed down the last two miles, and put in some extra walking the last mile because I felt just the teeniest bit light headed. Week one done.

**That was a hot one — and it only got hotter as the week went on!**

Wednesday: easy does it + breath attention
Despite rain predictions the night before, I laid out clothes for this morning. Very humid, yes. Also cloudy and breezy. Not so bad except for when the bugs closed in — which was about half the run. Glad I got it done so I can try to pick the best day weather-wise for my long run, not that any day this weekend is looking great.

**I think he was trying to blend with the tree**

Friday: intention — survive the heat
I got up earlier, but somehow I got out the same time as my long run last week. I didn’t think I was procrastinating. Or maybe it was the interrupted sleep last night that slowed me down (getting on out the door & on the run!).

I’m sure my FL friends are laughing at me. It wasn’t too humid, actually. The bugs weren’t horrible. But it was about 80 by 7 am (half an hour into the run) and the sun was relentless.

It started out not too bad, but I was definitely feeling that heat by mile 5. I chose the slightly less steep side, which helped. Not training for anything? Yup, I’m gonna walk more if I feel like it.

This was a 7 mile run (using intervals) with no big walk break in the middle though. A big slow down miles 5 & 6, but I rallied the last mile — no mile was fast, but I was faster on the last mile than miles 5 & 6. Glad I chose Friday — Saturday & Sunday were even worse humidity-wise (although there was cloud cover).

**These make a great pre- or post run snack**

Favorites of the week
I’ve mentioned Bobo’s Toaster Pastries before (Amazon Affiliate link here) but they’ve been a great light-ish snack before early morning runs — or after the run. They do have a lot of sugar (hello, pastry) so it’s not something I eat all the time. The nut butter ones have a little less sugar.

We also got lobster rolls on Friday. We picked them up and brought them home to eat. Sorry, I didn’t take a photo. I had thought to get some for the Fourth, maybe, but that didn’t work out. It also allowed us both to go out at the same time briefly — want to make sure the dogs don’t get too used to us being around all the time.

We also watched Hamilton again, as well as a documentary about it and Lin Manuel Miranda. The documentary was interested (One Shot to Broadway on Amazon), although a little dry. I’m sure we’ll watch Hamilton at least one more time before our month is done.

I also googled if Hamilton County here in upstate NY was named after Alexander Hamilton. It was. I’d suspected as much. I then googled if Elizaville was named after Elisabeth Schulyer/Hamilton — couldn’t find out if it was. I suspect it was. A couple of years ago I read the novel My Deal Hamilton. I recommend that, too!

**The things dogs do with their beds . . .**

How would you caption the photo of Bandit above?

Where would you rather run: by water? In the mountains? On the trails? On the road? Someplace I haven’t mentioned?

What animal do you see most on the run? Really, my answer is probably birds. The rabbits are out in force this summer, though.

GWY Cooling Yin Yoga

ICYMI: The heat is on, #amiright? This Yin Yoga practice can help you cool down after a run or a vigorous workout — both literally and figuratively. Watch it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Fitting in fitness; it’s the topic for the Tuesday Linkup here on the 28th, but since I’ll be wrapping up July then, I decided to write about that on Tuesday. On Friday I’m sharing some thoughts about running being fun. Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here — inventory & prices are decreasing!

It’s Getting Hot in Here. . . : 6/29 – 7/5 WRD

July 5, 2020July 5, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 Comments

. . . Again!

The heat wave is coming, and it heated up this week culminating in a horribly humid Friday with quite the short storm that night. Lucky for me that ushered in nicer weather for my virtual race the next day.

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Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and finishing my annual Fourth of July race virtually this year.

Workouts update

Monday: 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
Tuesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min), SB (20 min), Pilates (30 min)
Wednesday: 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Arms (20 min), Yoga (20 min),
Thursday: Dogwalk , Pilates (30 min), Yoga (15 min)
Friday: Dogwalk
Saturday: Virtual Firecracker 4 (1 mile WU, 4 miles race, walking back up hill 2.5 miles, 3 mile CD), Pilates (20 min), Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Dogwalk, something more at some point . . .

Mileage: 14 (NC)

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

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

Running Update

**This week it was celebrating seniors**

Monday: intention — easy recovery run
This was the earliest I’ve gotten out so far! The rain had cooled things off, too. My focus this week was the graduating class decorations. A decent run, although legs felt heavy. I managed to squeeze in Yoga outside in between rainstorms for the win — but did I mention I got poured on on the run? It’s all good, a warm rain is almost always welcome.

**Senior display complete with lights!**

Wednesday: truly easy run
I kind of kicked myself for not making today my virtual 4th of July race. Cloudy, cool, just a touch humid — perfect weather for a Summer race. They’d predicted rain in the morning (it did eventually start, after my run) and possible thunderstorms. So 4th of July it will be. Nothing terribly memorable about this run — not always a bad thing.

**Catching an eagle & fireworks on the 4th (LOL!). You better believe I ran through every sprinkler I could!**

Saturday: intention — Virtual Firecracker 4; pay attention to turnover, breathing, and push a little
My “training” (aka my dry run last week) helped me prepare pretty well for today’s long run + virtual race. I got out fairly early, but of course not as early as I wanted to, mostly because I didn’t want to get up at 4 am — which is probably what I would’ve done had I run the real race.

I took an easy warm up mile. Then I (mostly) ran downhill for 4 miles, although I won’t lie: there were quite a few photo breaks on this run. Which might explain why it was 3 minutes’ faster than last week’s dry run. Overall it was the slowest time for this race, which is hardly surprising. Almost negative splits, and the last mile (with the steep hill) was the fastest mile I’ve seen in a while.

Walked back uphill 2.5 miles (I tracked it this time — just curious). Then I finished with a cool down of 3 miles. Yes, 8 miles running (but not consecutively) + 2.5 miles walking. I lucked out because the cloud cover held almost the entire time I was out there. Not long after I finished it there was not a cloud in the sky. In fact, I finished around the time the race would have normally started.

**Love this Skirt Sports top for all the pockets (including this cleavage alley pocket)**

**My Garmin went nuts on the floors again. I mean, it was a hilly course, but still!**

**Bandit is always happy when I’m back**

**I know my mom wouldn’t be happy with this photo, but it was good to see her**

Favorites of the week
I went to see my mom again this week, by myself. No dog drama, still many hours in the car, but always good to see her. Feels so wrong not to hug her, but I’m grateful that where she lives has kept her so safe through all of this.

Bandit has officially been with us 4 years now. I joke it seems like 10. He is not the easiest of dogs, but thankfully has become so much easier with time.

**Poor Bandit being tortured by Mr. Judy for a cute photo**

It kills me that had he had better care in his first two homes, he could have been an awesome dog. The first owner — well, we won’t go into that. His second owner loved him, but she didn’t give him the structure and discipline dogs need to feel secure. Maybe it was also her husband, she was getting divorced and couldn’t keep her animals, which was how we ended up with Bandit at 8 years old.

**He usually only lays with me if I’m sick or he wants something, but occasionally he snuggles — for like a minute**

No one meeting him now would ever suspect the dog he was in the beginning. Mr. Judy posted a photo talking about 4 years of begging — only in the first few months it was a struggle to get him to eat at all — I guess I have a longer memory!

Once in a while he still goes on a short hunger strike, but they’re fewer and farther between. Most of the time he spends his days begging for pretty much anything — cucumber or steak, it almost doesn’t seem to matter!

**Lola is our old girl now, though (and most of the doghair in the** **photo** **is from Bandit — our first short hair dog is also the worst offender when it comes to shedding)**

Thanks to Coco @ Runningwithperserverance, I got the bee in my bonnet about Disney+ and Hamilton. Except we don’t have cable, we have a TV, a Tivo, and antenna and that’s it. Thanks to Mr. Judy we were able to sign up and watch it yesterday. He got Disney+ on his laptop and connected it to our TV. We both enjoyed it!

How did you celebrate the Fourth (if you do)?

Have you seen Hamilton? Do you want to?

If you adopted your furkid, do you celebrate their adoptaversary? Bandit’s is easy to remember. It was July 3rd.

GWY Heart's Desire Meditation

ICYMI: Are you pondering life’s big questions, like why are you here? This short meditation will calm and ground you, and get you in touch with your heart’s desire. Watch it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Do you have pet names for the houses in your neighborhood? We do! On Friday I’ll share some of my Summer running hacks and how I’m adapting to the Summer heat. Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here — inventory & prices are decreasing!

Let’s Lift Each Other Up: June 2020

June 30, 2020June 28, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 26 Comments

blift

The weather in June was all over the place. Mostly lovely, so I can’t complain. A couple of weekends were so chilly that one day I had to take my Yoga inside. Then it heated up quickly! Luckily I picked the right spot for my Yoga platform. It’s nice and shady and even on days in the low 90s I am comfortable back there.

Now the ants are a different story . . .

I am taking a break from stronger lyrics (strong is my word for 2020), but “Hey Girl” from Lady Gaga & Florence Welch (a song not familiar to me) caught my eye — I thought it was a good message for the times.

Hey girl, hey girl
We can make it easy if we lift each other
Hey girl, hey girl
We don’t need to keep on one-in’ up another

Although aimed at women, it’s a good message for everyone. Stop tearing people down to make yourself feel better. We all rise together.

**Chasing rainbows & trying to stay cool (literally)**

Grade Earned: A

Recording my runs
Maybe this sections just needs to go away . . . like many of us think about 2020.

Grade Earned: F

Dynamic Warmup
I’ve been doing good with a pre-, and usually a post-run stretch, thanks to Peloton.

Grade Earned: A+

Foam Rolling
I’ve been exploring a lot of new things, so I’m back to foam rolling only before I run. I know my body would be very happy if I tried for more again. It still needs to be a goal!

Grade Earned: B

Nutrition
Mostly good. The extreme heat towards the end of the month had me not so hungry. Definitely room for improvement though. Isn’t there always?

Grade Earned: B

Support

Massage? Nope. We all know why.
Chiropractor Appointment? See massage.
Do I need a hair appointment? While we can get haircuts again, my hairdresser is actually opening a new salon. Which hasn’t happened yet. It’s braid season; I can wait.

Grade Earned: F

Yoga inside, outside, plus stationary cycling & more!

Cross Training
Running less means I have more time for other fitness activities, which I enjoy. Yet it still seems as though there’s not enough hours in a day to get everything done!

Grade Earned: A+

June 2020 gets . . .
. . . an A. A couple of Fs again, but mostly June was a decent month.

June Goals:

Continue exploring Peloton App. Y. There’s a lot to love, but there are some things I’m not as fond of. Nothing’s perfect, right?
Continue running 3 x week. Y. I also made an effort to keep those runs outside — it wasn’t easy when the second half of the month was stacked with heat waves but I persevered.
Set an intention for each run. Y. I like to work towards goals, and since I don’t actually have a running goal right now, having an intention for every run gives me a “goal” (read more about intentions here).
Continue almost daily foam rolling. N. I foam rolled before my runs. That’s all.
Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Y. Weight is basically in maintenance mode, and that’s okay.
Explore a Backbend Course Y/N. As I wrote last month, I couldn’t find a specific build to Wheel course. I should have just modified this goal to work on strengthening my arms and core — which I did. I have a feeling that it will take a lot longer than a month, and may not be a pose that works for me. We’ll talk again at the end of the year.
Take the tests for the online Reiki course I’m taking. N. I am taking a meditation course in July. I’m still practicing Reiki on myself, and when I have time/remember, the dogs. Even occasionally Mr. Judy.

Which leads me to July Goals:

Continue exploring Peloton App. I haven’t tried a meditation yet. I’ve only done one Yoga class. Then there’s the Artist series that Kim @ Kookyrunner turned me on to.
Continue running 3 x week. If it ain’t broke . . .
Set an intention for each run. I enjoy this goal!
Learn more about meditation. I’ve been meditating for several years. I enjoy creating meditations for my YouTube channel (here). I’d been looking into meditation teacher trainings — but when someone I’d been following offered a shorter (30 hour) , discounted course, I signed up. Hopefully I’ll be adding more meditations with what I learn.
Extend either a weekday or long run. I will admit, summer running is not my jam. I have extended some weekday runs. I’d like to run a little longer for my long runs, but I just haven’t been feeling it with the weather.
Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. I think this is another permanent goal.
Complete virtual July 4th race. This may not happen in July — it might have even already happened!

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

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Raindrops are falling on my head: 6/22 – 28 WRD

June 28, 2020June 28, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments

We had some really nice weather this week once it cooled down, so I was back outside as much as I could be.

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Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and my training for the next virtual race.

Workouts update

Monday: 3 miles easy, Yoga (40 min), Legs (20 min)
Tuesday: Dogwalk, Pink Cycling (30 min), Yoga (50 min)
Wednesday: 4 miles with 6 x 20ish strides, Dogwalk, Arms (20 min), Yoga (20 min),
Thursday: Dogwalk , Yoga (20 min)
Friday: 7 mile LSD (1 mile WU, 4 miles practice virtual race, 3 miles walking uphill, 2 mile CD), Yoga (20 min)
Saturday: Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
Sunday: Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min), SB Show Tunes Pride (30 min), probably core later

Mileage: 14 (+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

**Today’s rainbow was my new suncatcher — it came from France!**

Monday: intention — easy recovery run — like, super easy!
Although it didn’t feel easy, but it wasn’t horrible, either. I got out earlier, which helped, although of course not as early as I’d planned. I scratched the fartlek and slightly longer run idea in favor of bowing to the weather gods and just taking it easy. Considering the day’s high ended up being 93F, I think that was the right move!

Close up. The light was nice.

Wednesday: intention — pay attention to foot turnover during strides
I got out later than intended (what’s new) but that was mostly because I was debating between treadmill (potential for thunderstorms) and running outside. So glad I #optedoutside — the thunderstorms missed us, and with the cloud cover, it was almost pleasant.

I almost didn’t do the strides at the end; I heard a crack of thunder as I headed back home. I never heard more thunder, it didn’t seem to be darkening (although the wind picked up — which was actually nice!), and since I do them in front of my house, I felt fairly certain I could just head on in if need be. I did forget abut the foot turnover until the last two strides . . . oh well. Another decent run.

**Another fountain in the works. It’s been changed, but there are some creative differences going on. Stay tuned.**

Friday: intention — dry run for Virtual Firecracker 4
I learned from last week’s long run and took more water with me. I did a dry run for my virtual Fourth of July race (it might actually be the race, we’ll see).

1 mile warm up, 4 miles mostly downhill. Walked about 3 miles back up the very steep hills, then finished up with a 2 mile cool down. Not gonna lie, those last 2 miles were tough. Probably because it was 9 am already.

The weather was really nice for a change (which is why this might be the race I report). I pretended I was hiking in OR (my race would’ve been there yesterday, I would hopefully have met Laurie @ MeditationsinMotion). Ah well, it was not meant to be.
This run was pretty strong and pretty consistent. I didn’t push (well, maybe a tiny bit) but let the downhills carry me down. Right now the Fourth actually looks like good weather, but we all know how that can change!
Animal sightings: groundhog and maybe a bald eagle. I didn’t think it was big enough. I’ve never seen one this close to home. But it was quite large and it had a white head . . .

**Lola likes to check out what’s going on on the Yoga platform.**

Favorites of the week
I met up with a friend in my backyard again this week. Always good to chat with someone other than Mr. Judy!

**Bandit likes to come out on the deck for lunch. He often gets some treats from our meal out there. But he likes to lay on the deck, too.**

I practiced Yoga after I walked the dogs this morning. Rain was in the forecast, and yup, it sure did rain. But I chose the location of my Yoga platform wisely — it’s under a lot of tree cover. Yes, I got a little wet, but we don’t melt people! It felt great. Luckily the thunderstorms hadn’t started yet.

I did head on in for the reclined positions at the end, because my mat was getting pretty wet and I didn’t want to lay down on it. I’m still in the clothes I was wearing, 3 hours later — the Go Longer Skirt Sports skirts dry quickly! If you’re an XS or S, you’re in luck, they still have some in stock. I wear a S, but if you’re in between sizes I’d size up.

Is there a planned race you’re mourning right now?

Spending more time in your own backyard (if you have one)?

Ever done Yoga in the rain?

GWY Yin Yoga for Mindfulness

ICYMI: I titled this practice Yin Yoga for Mindfulness, obviously, but it is definitely a great practice for runners. It’ll help you get into the fascia that tightens up so much on us. And yes, it will help you really tune into your body, too. Watch it here. This is a longer practice, so if you’re getting rained on like we are, enjoy!

Coming up on Tuesday: It’s time to wrap up June. Friday it’s time to virtually gather over the tea/coffee pot. Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here — inventory & prices are decreasing!

Out & About: 6/15 – 21 WRD

June 21, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

Well, sort of out and about. We had to go to the bank this week, and I had to take Lola for a long overdue vet appointment. I could almost hear my car sigh with contentment for being driven.

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Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing a decent week of fitness, despite the heat.

Workouts update

Monday: Dogwalk, SB Greatest Showman (30 min), Yoga (60 min)
Tuesday: 4 miles easy, Yoga (30 min)
Wednesday: Dogwalk, Soul Stroll, Legs (15 min), Yoga (20 min),
Thursday: 3 miles easy including 6 x 20ish strides, Arms (15 min), Yoga (15 min)
Friday: Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
Saturday: 6 mile LSD, Arms (15 min)Yoga (45 min)
Sunday: Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min)

Mileage: 13 (+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

Tuesday: intention — recovery run + fartlek
I knew this was probably the last nice morning to run this week. I decided to head down towards the college, which was a good move because it’s shady down there and there’s a row of trees I love to use for fartleks.

I found that I my breathing quickly got out of control on the fartlek, so a little later when I used telephone poles for the same purpose I made sure the hard running portion wasn’t quite so hard. This was a nice, strong run.

**I may have shared this rainbow already . . .**

Thursday: intention — listen to breath to keep it easy, pay attention to foot turnover during strides
It wasn’t as humid as I feared, and I had nice cloud cover. Took the first 2.6 miles easy, then downhill strides. Today I focused on foot turnover. My cadence tends to be slow. Somehow I finally pushed my V02max up a point.

Sunday: intention — don’t worry about pace, more downhill training
I did a lot of things right for this hot run: I froze water in my water bottles. I wore my cooling towel. I didn’t care about pace. However, I also didn’t bring enough water (especially because I chose to walk the uphill, which is literally 2 miles). I would wet the cooling towel each mile, which helped, but I also tried wetting my visor — that dried so fast it wasn’t worth the water.

Plus I started too late, despite the fact that that’s the earliest I’ve started this year. Ah well, lessons learned. It wasn’t a horrible run all things considered, but it definitely took something out of me. It was 80F by the time I finished, and no clouds — not much shade, either, but I was grateful for every piece of shade I found! Not surprisingly, the V02max came back down a point. Frankly, I was surprised it wasn’t more!

Favorites of the week
We now have an inside fountain, a fountain on our raised deck where we often eat lunch (but not today!), and the firepit fountain is out by my Yoga platform. I love them all! You can view the firepit fountain in action in my latest YouTube video (a Down Dog tutorial) here.

**The tshirt says “The Dogfather” (and no, I didn’t buy it for him); it was bath day, notice Lola cowering in the background on the right**

Not loving: we had to go to the bank this week. We needed to get something notarized, in addition to straightening something else out. We got there and there was a masked security guard standing outside, which was a bit off putting. There was no hand sanitizer anywhere (except on the employee’s desk). There was also absolutely no attempt to clean between the people before us and us. Good thing Mr. Judy brought his own pen!

If you’re in the middle of a heatwave too, what’s your favorite way to stay cool? Right now I’m enjoying smoothies post run and smoothie bowls for breakfast.

Taken up any new hobbies? Seriously, I already have too many!

Did you find any good father’s day gifts for the men in your life?

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m sharing some of my favorite smoothie recipes on Tuesday. After my long run yesterday, I absolutely couldn’t face food — thank goodness for refueling with a smoothie! On Friday I’ll be joining the runfessional — it’s time to get a few things off my chest! Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here — inventory & prices are decreasing!