Treadmill

Private Yin Yoga Class Giveaway: 2/8 – 14 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

I visited my mom for the first time in almost 6 weeks, which made  her very happy. It was a very busy, tiring week though, but I feel as if I accomplished a lot — including three runs, a tiny bit of indoor cycling, and some short strength training sessions. I’d like to say today will be restful, but I’m running and still working on some stuff — maybe tomorrow???

There is also a lot of snow in the forecast for next week. I’m really trying to run outside at least occasionally, but Mother Nature isn’t making that easy! Perhaps we’ll get lucky and be on the low side of the forecasts. I think a lot of my strength training could be shoveling next week!

bwrd

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

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, PB ST Arms (10 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), 2.5 TM, 4.5 SB, Shoveling, Yoga (90 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Short Hike at Olana
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), PB ST (13 min), Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 2.5 TM miles progressive, CD walk (15 min), CD Cycle (15 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (30 min), PB Standing Abs (6 min), Dogwalk
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 3.5 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 8.5 (+2)

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: work on endurance
Back on the treadmill. I was excited when I got up and it wasn’t snowing yet, but it wasn’t long before it started. Endurance run, slight walk to cool down, then hopped on the stationary bike for the rest of the cool down. The endurance run was 45 minutes, but I only ran 30 — I think I like using the stationary bike for a cool down after a shorter run. Good to change things up!

Friday Intention: a little (very little) speed
I could have run outside. Yes, it was very cold, but not very windy and even some sun. I had a lot of balls to juggle though — or maybe I just didn’t want to freeze my butt off! I chose a progression run, keeping it very moderate. This did feel a tiny bit harder than the endurance run on Monday (same amount of time). I again enjoyed a cool down cycle.

This is what 59 looks like. Notice the rabbit tracks behind me.

Sunday Intention: add some more distance
I had many lovely birthday gifts today, but not gonna lie: this was  one of the best. a run that felt pretty darn good. It’s still relatively short and slow, but my longest run in over a month. I realized on this gray day, that the lack of wind is even better than sun in Winter, although of course both would be lovely. Now unfortunately it’s time to batten down the hatches and most likely more treadmill runs if the forecasts for next week are to be believed.

Clearing the air as I drive

Favorites of the week
I took my portable diffuser with me on the road to my mom. I loved using it in the car! I also wanted to show it to my mom to see if she’d have any interest in it.

Flour. Salt. Water. Baking Soda. Pretty amazing!

For months every morning I’d get up and say “this is the day I’m going to start a sourdough starter again”. It’s really not that hard. But I didn’t do it. Until finally I did. It didn’t go moldy this time. I made sourdough pancakes from the discard again. Yesterday I finally baked my first loaf!

Bandit channeling Lola. So many memories of her (and Chester) popped up for me on FB today.

How are you dealing with the snow (if you have it)?

Cake, cupcake, donuts, cookies, brownies? What’s your favorite dessert?

If you bake sourdough bread, what do you do with the discard? 

gwy MR yin

ICYMI: A “short” Yin Yoga practice that will ground you and energize you for your day. This is the last piece of my morning routine practices. Yes, it’s longer, but today is Valentine’s Day so maybe try this for an afternoon energy burst! I don’t suggest doing this practice in the evening because it’s designed to be energizing. You’ll find the video here. You can also read a blog post about morning routines here for a little more information.

I’m running a fun challenge in my private Facebook Group. I’ll be trying to help you get into the “routine” of practicing at least one of these routines each morning. I will be raffling off a free thirty minute private Yin Yoga class via Zoom. You can join here. You can only enter to win if you’re in the Facebook group, and you have until the end of the month to enter. No pressure, it’s supposed to be fun!

Coming up on Tuesday: Five Pandemic Running Pet Peeves. Friday I’ll share how to ease back into running after an illness — which is a little different from coming back from injury..

February at its best: 2/1 – 7 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 43 Comments

There was nothing remarkable about this week — except for the fact that my mom got her first vaccine. Otherwise, pretty much same old, same old. February is doing what February does best: cold, gray, and snowy. Although I’d still say despite that we’re “enjoying” a somewhat mild Winter.’

I have to admit I don’t really quite remember what I did when in the beginning of the week — it was mainly Yoga, walking, and a little shoveling. I ran three times this week, and even squeezed in a short full body ST session yesterday.

bwrd

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

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (90 min), Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (90 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (90 min), 2 TM Miles, Yoga (20 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Shoveling
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 2.5 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, PB ST (10 minutes)
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 2 miles very easy, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 6.5 (+3.25)

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

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

Running Update

Wednesday Intention: work on endurance
Still on the treadmill. I took a “fun” run — seriously, Peloton has to rename these. Every “fun” run I’ve taken is speedwork, and I go in intending to take it easy and then don’t. I did love the 60s soundtrack!

Unfortunately I had to battle wind & of course the sun came out later

Friday Intention: fresh air + a little further
Why yes, I did finally venture outside for a run. It was a lot warmer than it’s going to be next week, although the winds were definitely fierce. Since my Garmin is set to run/walk intervals I just went with that. I was hoping the forecast flurries would fall during my run (and not the Wintry mix, also in the forecast), but there was just wind. No black ice, though, so very happy about that.

Trying to find the beauty in Winter but it’s a Charlie Brown shrub! We need to take a hint from the plants: rest up now to be ready to bloom in Spring.

Sunday Intention: early start (if not snowing) + ease back on distance
Met my intention completely. Much colder than Saturday, but no wind for the win. Running from my house very short distances — so much easier than getting in a long run. It would be hard to run long in my neighborhood in Winter. I was not nearly as tired after this run as I was after Friday’s — that wind makes a big difference.

Because it’s rechargeable, I can literally use it anywhere

Favorites of the week
My new portable essential oil diffuser! I’ve been wanting this forever, but it was always sold out. I freakin’ love this thing, especially the fact that I can move it around from room to room; it’s been used in my Yoga room, the family room, and the living area (which is quite open).

I also love the AirX essential oil I bought at the same time. I’ve had a very slight nagging cough, just enough that I had to take cough medicine in the morning and evening. After the first time I started diffusing AirX I was able to stop the cough meds. I won’t say I don’t cough at all, but it’s much less.

An immunity dessert!

Add Nuun Immunity tablets to the juice and let them dissolve completely to make immunity jello.

Bandit says February is for snuggling

How are you dealing with the snow (if you have it)?

Favorite type of chocolate — dark or milk? As a kid it was milk, now it’s dark — very dark!

Signing up for any real races? Not me, not yet, I think it’ll still be a while for me.

GWY Yin Yoga Saucha

ICYMI: Yin Yoga doesn’t always get into our upper body that much, but this practice will. It targets the Small Intestine — not to mention the hips and hamstrings in addition to the upper body. We’ll be discussing Saucha (decluttering/cleanliness — you can read more about it in this post here). I really encourage you to pay attention to what feels right in your body — always important. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Five things you may or may not know about me + takeaways for you. Friday I’ll be talking a little about one of our most important muscles. Can you guess which one it is?

Commencement: 1/25 -31 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 46 Comments

As in let the runs commence. A little, anyway. For much of January we had decent Winter running. Not too cold (mostly), not to snowy (mostly). Unfortunately I also wasn’t feeling up to running. Naturally now that I am, we’ve already had snow & bitter cold & a Nor’Easter maybe on the way — my return to running commenced with treadmill runs.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and #alltheyoga + return to running.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (90 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Yoga (90 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 1.5 TM, Yoga (30 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (90 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (60 min), 1.75 with 4 x 20 sec strides TM, dragging Bandit? (well, we’ll see if he wants to walk, because it’s been a few days and likely to be a few more), Yoga (15 min)

Running Mileage: 3.25 (+3.25)

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

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

Running Update

Just a wee bit chilly (and windy)

Friday Intention: take it easy!
I took to the treadmill — see the temps above! — and figured I’d do an easy 2 miles. Peloton really doesn’t have easy or recovery run as an option, so I just chose a progression run and kept my pace slow. It actually felt pretty good, but I started to feel tired (I didn’t take any walk breaks!) at 1.5 miles so I called it quits there. I didn’t even break a sweat! 

I suppose I could have chosen a run/walk workout, but I’m happy with my choice.

Sunday Intention: easy + a little further?
While it’s a little warmer, 11F is hardly warm. I did go a little further (not much!), I kept the pace slow, and I discovered Peloton does have a few recovery runs. That darn lack of a search feature! Anyway, I found some, I did one, and I just adjusted to my needs. I broke a tiny sweat, LOL! And there were no DOMs from my first run a couple of days before.

Favorites of the week
My sister has pulled the plug on the FL move. A long story. They still plan to move, but not in 2021 (although who really knows?). While I feel badly for her, I have to admit it takes a huge weight off my shoulders.

Somehow I missed season 3 of Outlander on Netflix, and season 4 was recently released. I’m set for what to watch for a while. I’m a huge fan of the series (as in the books).

Did you read the Outlander books, or get introduced to it on Netflix?

Obsessed with time travel themed books/movies? I always have been!

What is your favorite genre to read? Not sure I have a favorite. I’m open to most things!

GWY Yin Yoga Ahimsa (1)

ICYMI: This longer Yin Yoga practice is going to help you get into everywhere a runner needs to get into! We’ll also be focusing on loving kindness, or the Yama Ahimsa. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m recapping January. There wasn’t much running, but there was still a fair amount of movement. Friday I’ll be grabbing some hot chocolate & meeting up virtually with some other bloggers here — join us!.

Finally Coming Clean: Runfessions December 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 20 Comments

I come clean about something that’s been bothering me a long time. Then there’s tech issues (because when isn’t there?). Then finally there’s some animal shenanigans — because isn’t there always when you live with furkids?

I runfess . . .
I’ll open with a whopper: my achilles tendon started acting up about mid Summer. It went back and forth for a while — sometimes it would painful enough that I would limp after a run (it would be fine after just a few hours), other times I’d feel nothing wrong with it at all.

I’m not 100% sure what caused it, in the end, although I suspect it may just have been shoes with too many miles on them. There were those downhill races — but I’ve run down mountains and not been bothered it at all. There was one particular virtual race where it was very painful the next day and I was limping for a while. That’s when I decided to drop my mileage, and it’s taken me until now to feel almost normal again.

I’m also not quite sure what I did to fix it — like many aches/pains, I did a variety of things. Even now sometimes it’s a case of one thing is not like the other (it’s only on the left leg, which is the leg susceptible to all those sorts of thing) but most of the time it feels just fine. Hopefully this runfession is now firmly in the rearview mirror!

I runfess . . .
I’m okay with the treadmill — up to a certain point. I don’t want to do long runs on it (although I have). I don’t want to do every run on it, either. I’m very happy that it keeps ticking along. The Peloton app definitely helps me feel more comfortable on it, as you can see from my review of the Peloton Road to 5K Program here.

No treadmill for Bandit. He’ll just drive us crazy wanting to go out every 5 minutes. Don’t let that sweet face fool you!

I runfess . . .
Speaking of the treadmill, we got the idea to try to train Bandit on that. Let that sink in a minute. I started it on the slowest speed, with me also standing on it. I forgot, though, that because of its age and multiple repairs, it starts out way faster than what it’s set to and then slows down — so now imagine poor Bandit sliding off the back of the treadmill . . . yes, he’s just fine.

We actually tried it again with it already running, but although he got up on it again, we still didn’t have success. Okay, buddy, you can just suffer with cabin fever — and he is, because the cold + the Nor’easter means he wasn’t walked for days last week. We did spend more time playing with him & doing some training, which he loved. It didn’t make him any calmer in the “long run” though.

I runfess . . .
My Vivoactive 3 suddenly stopped syncing with the Garmin Connect app not too long ago. I updated the app. I deleted the app and then reinstalled the app. I checked to see if there was a software update for the watch but there wasn’t. Nothing seemed to be working. The watch isn’t that old.

Then I turned the watch off and back on — the standard fix — and voila! I never turn it off because it’s also my fitness tracker. The updated app now breaks down my sleep into light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and awake. For some reason I find that kind of fascinating. Skimming through it, looks like my patterns seem relatively normal (now, wasn’t always the case). I found this interesting post on sleep, its stages, how much you should get in each stage here.

Then I had to turn it on and off to get it to sync again this week. I hope this doesn’t continue!

I would’ve never seen these muskrats(?) if I ran indoors, although right now I assume those paths are buried under snow & it’s hard to find places to run outside! ETA: with the warm weather and rain the past couple of days, most of the snow is gone. For now.

I runfess . . .
It felt good to run outside more after I finished up the Peloton 5k training program, but I also runfess I’m still perfectly happy to run on the treadmill on bad weather days (like today). And by bad weather I mean too cold, too hot, too windy, too wet, too slippery, or anytime I don’t have too much time, LOL!

Have you ever had your dog run on a treadmill? 

Any tech problems lately?

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

All kidding aside, despite the trials and tribulations of 2020, I have much to be grateful for, not the least is  a healthy family so far, knock on wood. I know for many, myself included, Thanksgiving wasn’t what we expected or wanted, but I hope you found it in your heart to be grateful for what you have. Ditto with Hannukah/Christmas/whatever you celebrate at this time of year.

GWY Sleep Course 3

ICYMI: my gift to you — the third short Yin Yoga flow + meditation (if you choose) to help you sleep better tonight. Give yourself the gift of relaxation! Practice with me here.

Runfessions

I am also linking up with:

So You’re Running Virtually . . .

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments

bvirtualrunning

Why not spruce up the scenery?

Virtual races are all the rage right now! So far I have not participated in one, but I might for one or two when the charity is right. Just to run? No thanks! But that’s me, everyone is different.

Maybe the weather sucks, or maybe you have to entertain babies/toddler/young children, or maybe you’re not allowed to run outside. Maybe the treadmill is the only option for you. How will you keep yourself motivated on that treadmill?

I did a little digging to find some options that might make a virtual race feel a little bit more like a real race. I haven’t personally tried any of these, but here goes:

adventure alberta alpine amazing
Make a treadmill run easier by “running” somewhere scenic | Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Virtual Active
Virtual Active lets you pick videos from scenic places to run all over the world. They can be guided or unguided. $7.95 for SD, $10.95 HD. Buy multiples in a pack for a discount. Subscribe to their newsletter for 20% off your first purchase.

You’ll find the running videos here (there are also videos for hiking and cycling).

photo of man running in the forest
Maybe a virtual trail race is the only way you’ll ever run trails | Photo by Ogy Kovachev on Pexels.com

Virtual Runner
Virtual Runner seems to be trying to appeal to more hard core runners. In addition to the videos you purchase in an app, it displays elapsed time, distance, pace, HR, and cadence. Of course most of that information comes from a footpod, and it wasn’t obvious to me where you buy the footpod.

The cool thing about the footpod is that it will slow down or speed up the video to correspond with how fast you’re running.

You must be able to maintain a 15 mm pace to use the app.

There are links to Android, Apple, and Microsoft apps here.

Peloton App
I think most runners, unless they’ve been living under a rock, are aware of the Peloton App (which you’ll find here). Peloton includes running classes and outdoor course videos. You can try the app for 30 days free. Did you know that they’ve stopped selling Peloton Treadmills because of the installation? My 20 year old treadmill better survive this virus.

royal guard standing near lamp post
Run London on your treadmill | Photo by Samuel Wölfl on Pexels.com

Free Course Videos
Okay, I’ll bet that there are plenty more resources, but how about running the World Major courses with the elites without having to travel anywhere? I found course videos of them all on YouTube — except oddly Boston.
The only thing I could find of Boston was a live stream from Heartbreak Hill (which I walked up, long story) — but seriously, watching runners endlessly battling Heartbreak Hill probably wouldn’t really be that inspiring. Or maybe it would be to you!
  • London Marathon here
  • Tokyo Marathon here
  • NYC Marathon here
  • Berlin Marathon here
  • Chicago Maratho here
There are lots of course videos for other races, too. Google the one you want to run and see if it’s there — it may very well be!

Do you ever run on a treadmill using course videos? 

Do you think it would make it feel easier to run on the treadmill if you did? 

What can you add to my list? 

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

Nature finds a way: Runfessions January 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 Comments

bnature

I’m runfessing and sipping tea all in one post. There wasn’t a whole lot of running in January, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have things to get off my chest. There always seems to be a steady stream of things to tell you and odd things going on in my life. I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours!

The Vitamix has been christened. It will be used a lot in the coming years!

I would tell you . . .
I’d been eyeing a new Vitamix for a few years. Mine is at least 12 years old, maybe older. It sees a lot of use. Mr. Judy found me a good deal, and it sat on the the counter. And it sat . . . and sat . . .

I had soups I wanted to make (I don’t use it as much for smoothies in Winter) but I just never could seem to find the time. I finally made a Potato Leek Soup and the new Vitamix is christened. Now to figure out what to do with the old one  . . . which still runs, by the way.

I runfess . . .
#thestruggleisreal when it comes to getting out the door in Winter. January was actually on the mild side, despite some snow, some freezing rain, and some bitter cold. But mostly it was unseasonably warm, including running in that skirt for one long run!

Finding the skirt? It was not something I expected to need in Winter, so it was packed away. But in which cube? Getting out the door is hard enough without having to go through the Summer running clothes!

I runfess . . .
Running on the treadmill usually means I do a more thorough warm up, because I’m not out there freezing my butt off waiting to get started. Things got intense mid-month, I was stressed, I was busy, I was tired. I realized as I was running on the mill one day that foam rolling never even entered my mind — I runfess that I didn’t do it afterwards, either (because it was already lunchtime and I was hungry!).

I runfess . . .
I did pretty good with food through most of the holidays. Until I spent much of the week between Christmas and New Years at my moms. Of course spending another week with her after my Dad passed was also a struggle, with more eating out and not many healthy choices available some days.

Who knew eating at a senior living community could be such a food struggle?

I shake my head every time I see this. It’s not the only one, either!

I would tell you . . .
We had a planter outside on the deck, and we brought it in knowing it would probably fall apart out there during Winter. It has pots with dead herb plants on it. In those pots, which have not seen a drop of water in months, these seedlings are growing — that’s what the subject of this post refers to. Seriously, how?

Have you ever seen plants growing without any water (other than cacti)? 

Have you had to haul out Summer running clothes this Winter?

Open stuff immediately, whether or not you’re ready to use it?

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

Runfessions

I am also linking up with:

Ultimate-Coffee-Date-1-300x300

Coco and Deborah for the ultimate coffee tea date.

As well as Fairytales and Fitness

It’s a party this weekend!

Snow, Ice & Cold, Oh My!: 1/21-27 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 33 Comments

Training Week 7: Best Damn Race Savannah Half

Snow. Check. Ice. Check. Extreme cold. Check. Pouring rain. Check. Mother Nature sure threw a lot at us this week, but I did my best to keep on keeping on.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home to wrap up half and half: half treadmill runs, half running outside.

WWSki-Orange

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Yoga (7 minutes), TM Tempo, DM Lower Body
  • Tuesday:  4 TM miles, Abs
  • Wednesday: Very short Dogwalk (cold! snow!),  DM Pilates (11 Minutes), Yoga (8 minutes)
  • Thursday: Yoga AM (7 minutes), YFPR Flexibility & Flow afternoon (30 minutes)
  • Friday:   11 Mile LSD
  • Saturday: Dogwalk, TBL Pilates (30 minutes)
  • Sunday: Yoga (7 minutes), 3 mile supported run/race, IS Abbreviated, Dogwalk

Mileage: 23 (-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 Updates

The good thing about running inside was trying out some different skirts. This one’s Hover.

Monday
-7 in the morning — without the windchill (and there was windchill) — I know some people would still run outside in those temps, but some people bungee jump too.

5 miles on the treadmill, 3 at tempo, and stick a fork in me (as far as running).

Getting some abwork in in between miles. This skirt’s Jette.

Tuesday
While cold, it was sunny and not too windy. I didn’t really want to drive somewhere and the roads in my neighborhood were still too slippery. I did 4 miles on the treadmill, stopping each mile to do some abs.

The last time I did a similar workout it seemed to take forever. This time, while yes it took longer than just running obviously, it felt good — maybe in contrast to how hard yesterday’s tempo felt!

A better shot of the Wonder Wool top. Such bright colors this year!

Friday
Yesterday it poured cats & dogs, then changed over to snow, and this morning the roads just looked a mess. I decided to stay safe and do a shorter run on the treadmill. I made some energy balls I’d been meaning to  try out on a long run (so good!). And then I kept looking at the weather, looking at the road, looking at the weather . . . I decided to go for the long run after all.

It was almost noon by the time I started, so I was running through lunch. Had I decided to do this I definitely would have eaten differently and probably not made those energy balls. Basically I was running in neighborhoods near the park, but not in the park — not exactly exciting, but more exciting than running in my own neighborhood, and the roads in my neighborhood were still quite messy with slush and ice when I left.

I was still cautious and slowed over anything that looked wet, but there was no slippery ice like last week and aside from some tired hamstrings (probably because I didn’t foam roll before or warm up at all) the run was fine.

Sunday
Another cold (but not too bad, except for the wind) supported run/race. It was a tough morning at home, and my heart wasn’t really in it, but I knew I’d be better off running and I also knew that on my own I wouldn’t have pushed it as hard. Not that I really thought I was pushing hard but it was a pretty good pace and nice negative splits.

Peanut Butter Mud Pie — the waitress split it in half unasked!

Favorites of the week
This pie. It’s made multiple appearances on this blog, usually after a double digit run, and it never disappoints.

Seat warmers. Not on my car, obviously, which is almost 19 years old, but the ones in my husband’s car. I swear I wanted to ask him to just drive around some more on the way home from the restaurant so I could just luxuriate in the warmth. I may have actually asked that out loud . . .

I you liked some of the Skirt Sports I’m sporting here, feel free to ask about it and/or use my discount code 522CRJ for 15% off.

Let’s get the conversation started:

Do you have an amazing dessert that you love and therefore never try the other desserts at the restaurant — even though they look pretty awesome too? 

If you do run on the treadmill, do you mix things up on it?

Do you have a different fitness routine during winter?

 

What I Think About When I Think About My Treadmill

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 25 Comments

bmill

Treadmills: love em or hate em?

Treadmills definitely seem to be polarizing among runners. I’d almost say either you love them or you hate them, but there is a middle ground, and that’s where I think I fall.

My treadmill story in a nutshell
So what’s my treadmill story? In a nutshell, when I first started to run, most of it was on my trusty treadmill. Which I’d bought so that I could walk during the hot Austin summers (and yes, it got a lot of use when I was a walker). Then I began to run more on the road, and the treadmill got relegated to bad weather days. Eventually I noticed some improvement when doing speedwork on the treadmill, but it’s still relegated to bad weather days. But should it be?

A Useful tool in the beginning
When I started running, it was just at the tail end of our time in Austin. I don’t think I actually ran on the treadmill then. What I did was just throw a little bit of running intervals — with absolutely no plan whatsoever — into my daily dogwalks.

I even remember taking the dogs to the “track” at a nearby grade school. And by track, I mean an unpaved circle that I guess was for the kids to either run or walk around. It most definitely wasn’t 400 meters. But I’d put the dog in a stay and I run around it once. Then twice. And so on. It was a win-win: I was running and training the dogs at the same time.

Then we moved, and I eventually decided to train for the Freihofer’s 5k. Initially all my training was on the treadmill, because, you know, I wasn’t really a runner. Eventually I knew I had to run on the road since it was a road race, and so I did.

bmill1
When I’m here, it means it’s cold, snowy, rainy, or windy — or all of the above

Bye-Bye treadmill — except for weather
Nowadays it’s no longer scary to run on the road. Or the trails (kind of). Or on a track. A very small percentage of my runs are on Old Faithful (because she’s about 18 years old and has been resuscitated more than once).

I don’t love her, although I love the fact that she’s an option. I don’t hate her, either. But I do prefer to run outside when I can.

Is the treadmill a handy tool?
One thing I’ve come to realize, though, is that running on the treadmill allows me to better control my pace. It makes speed work easier — not because of the moving belt I’m running on, although there’s that, but because I set it at a certain pace so unless I stop or fall off, I’m going to hit that pace.

I’ve also noticed benefits beyond simply easily controlling my pace: I feel it actually helps me get faster. I’ve noticed when I’ve had a period when I’m forced (or choose to, let’s be honest here) to run on the treadmill once a week, at a pace I might very well not hit out on the road, I find myself actually running faster, easier, when I am out on the run.

Oh, not every run, to be sure. But I have noticed a definite pattern of improvement with steady treadmill use. In the back of my mind, sometimes I think that I should run on the treadmill once a week — to help me with paces and to give my body a break from pounding the road. I don’t think that will actually happen, mind you, but I do think about it.

It also amuses me that some of the runners I know would never, ever set a foot on a treadmill but wouldn’t think twice about hopping onto a stationary bike or bike trainer. Bike trainers don’t seem to evoke the same emotions as treadmills do. Maybe because there are tools to help us runners battle almost any weather, but it’s absolutely far more treacherous to be on a bike in the same conditions.

Talk to me:

Where do you fall in the great treadmill debate?

Have you noticed benefits to running on a treadmill?

Do you feel differently about a bike trainer than you do about a treadmill?

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

Tor-box

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Another one bites the dust: 1/8- 14 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 Comments

Race streak, that is. I’ve been doing the New Year’s Day “race” since 2011; I ran this race before I’d even run my first half! First it got pushed from New Years Day to today due to the extreme cold on New Years Day. Turned out to be just as cold today, and despite the ice/snow storm we had yesterday, it wasn’t canceled. But I chose to stay safe (and much warmer) on my treadmill. Of course Darlene @ Myfirst5kandmore ran it. I hate breaking the streak, but it was the right decision for me, especially since I feel as though I’m finally back to normal. I hope!

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home — thanks, Wendy, for stepping into Tricia’s shoes (we miss your smiling face, Tricia!).

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Short Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: 6 miles outside! (can you tell I was excited?), dogwalk
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Yoga Booty Ballet
  • Thursday:  Dogwalk, 3 miles easy
  • Friday:  3 treadmill miles
  • Saturday: Flat Belly Yoga, trying to shovel (and not succeeding) the ice off the driveway)
  • Sunday: 4 treadmill miles, driveway still a sheet of ice

Mileage: 14 (NC)

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

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

Running updates 

 

Screw shoes got me through no problem

 

Tuesday

The first outside run of 2018! And it felt great . . . for about 2 miles. I went to the park, and while they clear the paths, and were actually clearing paths as I ran, the windrift means there are still stretches where I’m running on snow that isn’t packed down. It was like trail running!

By mile 3 the sun was disappearing and I was tired already. The good news is that I finished my run, never had any sliding at all due to my screw shoes, and while I definitely felt tired afterwards, finally a day where I felt my temp was normal.

 

A few people still do have decorations up

Thursday

 

Mid 40s so my second outside run this year! Nothing super spectacular about this one. On the slow side but someone checked his phone early in the morning, and while he got back to sleep, I didn’t. So yup, kind of tired. It just felt nice to be running without a gazillion layers on.

Friday

Did you catch it? My first 2 days of running in a row in quite some time. Unfortunately, due to the pouring rain and getting together with a friend in the afternoon, I was back on the treadmill. The good news is that it warmed up and all the snow (mostly) melted overnight. The bad news is more (and ice) is on its way and Sunday’s race, which was pushed back from NYD, is in jeopardy. Again.

Sunday

Yup, still on the treadmill. I watched the first two episodes of “13 Reasons Why” — can’t say as it grabbed me the way it seems to have a lot of people, but then again, it got me through 6 miles on the treadmill..

 

Boot cuff

Favorites of the week
There wasn’t a whole lot of anything going on this week. The bomb cyclone bombed (in that we only got 4 inches, thankfully, which isn’t much in these parts). Yes, it got really, really cold, but the good news is I was able to hunker down at home for most of it and we never lost power.

 

 

Not the greatest photo but you get the idea

 

Met up with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while for lunch on Friday and we went to a salad place I’d been wanting to try for a while. Win-win. It was pretty good, although somewhat pricey for a salad, but as you can see they were huge (we’d already been eating for a while by the time I remembered to take a photo).

 

Bandit willing something to drop

 

Yes, we decided to tackle some sushi again Saturday night. This time we decided to stick to cooked, although the raw fish we had the first time was from Whole Foods and was fine — it’s just expensive!

Notice Bandit looking on in anticipation. We made some edamame to go with our sushi both times. Bandit, our finicky dog, who often turns up his nose at breakfast, loves edamame (turns out Lola will eat it, too). I mean seriously loves it. Like he’ll train for it. He’ll stay for it. Who knew? Weird dog! I also let him lick just a tiny bit of Sriracha off my finger and he seemed to enjoy that, too.

These are my rolls. Mr. Judy makes much better looking rolls (they all taste just fine!)

 

I made a cucumber avocado roll and a “crab” roll. I bought imitation crab that is specifically for sushi. I really don’t like the ingredients — no actual crab, but some wheat and sugar, but Mr. Judy wanted it. We were discussing how we could get in some more variety when I had  a lightbulb moment: I could make the avocado peanut rolls I love so much! Next time.

I’m wrapping it up with a few favorite blogs from this week:

 

link-up-badge

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

Let’s get the conversation started:

What’s the weirdest thing your furkid eats?

What is your favorite type of food to go out for?

Are you into fiber arts?

Short & Sweet: 1/1- 7 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments

Kind of like me. Still battling that on again off again low grade temp. I’m not sick enough to not work out, and not quite feeling good enough to work out as much as normal. There’s the horrible crud that’s been making the rounds that lasts for weeks, and thankfully mine is not that bad.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin (ok, it’s just Holly now — unless she has a new cohost), but I just decided to leave Tricia in there. We all appreciate your work so much, ladies!

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Recovery day after my LSD, a little shoveling
  • Tuesday: 5 treadmill miles
  • Wednesday: Physique 57 Arms & Abs, Dogwalk (first one in a week due to the cold! And probably last one for almost another week — more cold and snow/wintry mix on the way)
  • Thursday:  Rest day
  • Friday:  3 treadmill miles, shoveling paths for the dogs in the backyard
  • Saturday: JY Run Your Core, JY Hamstrings
  • Sunday: 6 mile treadmill LSD, JY Quick Post Run Reset

Mileage: 14 (NC)

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

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

Running updates 


Tuesday

After so many rest days, I was definitely itching for a little movement. We’d had 6 inches of the white stuff the previous day, but Mr. Judy took care of that with the snow blower.

Still, messy and cold, I took it to the treadmill. I also increased my run interval to 2.5 minutes, but decreased the pace a little.


Friday

Still on the treadmill and still working on some endurance, I again slowed the pace just a little but increased my run interval to 3 1/2 minutes. Even just an easy 3 miles seemed to take a long time.

Sunday

Yup, still on the treadmill. I watched the first two episodes of “13 Reasons Why” — can’t say as it grabbed me the way it seems to have a lot of people, but then again, it got me through 6 miles on the treadmill..


Favorites of the week
There wasn’t a whole lot of anything going on this week. The bomb cyclone bombed (in that we only got 4 inches, thankfully, which isn’t much in these parts). Yes, it got really, really cold, but the good news is I was able to hunker down at home for most of it and we never lost power.

I thought I would try to begin highlighting a few of my favorite blogs from the week here (in case you missed them):

I am also enjoying the freedom from training — at the moment, anyway. I’m getting at some things in the house that have been on the back burner a long, long time. I had actually hoped to be running more mileage at this point, just for base building, but it is what it is. I’m happy that I’ve still been able to get in some runs.

I’ve been working on goals for 2019 and some other healthy behaviors I’d like to make habits. Would you believe I’ve finally done some Epsom soaks? Twice? More on that in Tuesday’s post, which is all about healthy goals you might consider for 2018. All bets are off when I get into serious training, no doubt, but for now, I have the time, and hopefully I can make some new habits.

link-up-badge

And that’s a wrap!

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

Let’s get the conversation started:

Made your 2018 goals — do share!?

Did you get dumped on or was the bomb cyclone a bomb in your area, too?

Are you a skier & look forward to snow?