New Normal Deja Vu: 11/2 – 8 WRD

November 8, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 31 Comments

I won’t lie: life is much easier without Lola. The sadness lingers, though, of course, and I’d trade the easiness for more time with her, but it is what it is. Is was the right decision. My heart has been heavy much of this week, but we laugh, too, because life truly does go on.

The only thing certain in life is change. Speaking of change, while I’m very happy that Biden/Harris are the apparent winners of our elections, I also caution people: don’t gloat. Show grace. See my post here about compassion and respect, even though it wasn’t written about the election, it applies to it.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and healing through movement and time in nature.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), TM Peloton 5k Prep + WU + CD (3.20 miles), Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), PB Walking + Toning (30 min), Dogwalk., Yoga (20 min)
Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Peloton Intervals (3ish miles), Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (30 min), Short walk/hike on way to moms, Yoga (20 min)
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Long walk/hike with friend, Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 5 mile “LSD”, Couple of miles walking WU & CD, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 11ish (+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: 5k Prep
I could definitely have run outside, as the rain stopped early, but since I’m using the Peloton 5k Course, I’m sticking with the treadmill for a couple of runs during the week. So far, anyway. This was mostly intervals, at 5k and 1 mile pace (whatever that may be). It was definitely not easy, but I did my best.

Thursday intention: More speed work
Bandit was due for a long overdue annual (mostly because of all the problems with Lola). Plus I was headed to my mom the next day, and there’s always some prep for that, more so this time because I was getting the Echo Show ready to take with me.

The mill would be faster even though it was a great day to run. I did a 45 minute interval run, and I didn’t need extra run time on that, so I did a quick 5 minute stretch before & after. Go me.

**Beautiful day but masks in hands does nothing people! You never know what you’ll see outside.**

Sunday intention: longer run
It was a lovely day to run today, but I learned my lesson: don’t go up to this park on a weekend when the weather is unseasonably warm! Very few people felt the need to wear a mask, and the path isn’t that wide.

I grew increasingly frustrated as I pulled my doubled over gaiter up and down constantly — and many people walked around with their mask in the their hand. Even with my early warning of “coming up on your left”, people felt no need at all to actually put that mask on. I definitely grumbled (somewhat under my breath) at one point that wearing your mask on your hand does nothing. Maybe I should’ve saved this for runfessions this month!

**Now I know how to get to this trail!**

Favorites of the week
I hate the reason, but not having to take care of Lola meant more time for walking/light hiking/visiting mom. First we visited a small park Darlene @ Myfirst5k goes to sometimes with the running group.

As I drive to mom, I’ve often seen this path along the highway leading off into the woods. I wondered where the heck it was. Now I know. Oddly enough this was the park that Darlene and I tried SUP 4 1/2 years ago — I know this because it was the day we would end up adopting Bandit, the day before the fourth.

We helped Chester cross the bridge a day after New Years. Lola on Halloween. Adopted Bandit the day before the fourth. What the heck is it with our rescue dogs?

I never have enough time when I stop at Olana, but the bathroom continues to be open and I continue to use this as my pitstop. Not bad, eh?

Yesterday it was a long walk/hike with a friend who has gone through many of the same things I have since I moved here. We get each other. She works crazy hours (still), so we only get together once in a while, but we always have so much to catch up on when we do.

Not so favorite: I was astounded that I was able to get an appointment for Bandit so quickly. The news was mixed, and we’re waiting on some test results on the cysts on his chest.

The vet did tell us she heard a very slight heart murmur. I am 3 for 3 for dogs & heart murmurs. That doesn’t really worry me, though, it’s very slight right now. Lola had a slight heart murmur detected at about the same age as Bandit is now, but while it effected her, it never was a big deal and wasn’t what got her in the end.

Still questions this week. Love on your loved ones.

gwy calm heart meditation

ICYMI: I have thought about creating a meditation for grief for a long time. Sometimes you create what you need for yourself. Yes, I’ve been using this meditation daily since we lost Lola. You can find it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: I have a fun blog on the lessons runners can learn from dogs (no doubt with many Lola photos — that girl was a great sprinter). On Friday I’ll be musing about if I’ll ever run another half marathon.

RIP Lola (2005 – 2020): 10/26 – 11/1 WRD

November 1, 2020November 1, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 45 Comments

It was a long, long week. Physically and emotionally draining. Lola improved, just slightly, then she got worse. The runs were short, although that doesn’t always mean they were easy.

**She loved laying by the patio heater this week**

Even last night, this wasn’t the post I thought I’d be writing, but Lola went to her final sleep in my arms last night (at the animal ER).

**Meanwhile Bandit is enjoying not having doors closed anymore**

Sleep was often interrupted, there have been six visits to two different vets in the last week. Even when the runs felt hard, though, in the end I felt better for doing them and am happy I was able to squeeze them in.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and reporting on easing back into running.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk/RGB Walk 2.9, Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), TM Peloton 5k Prep + WU + CD (2.77 miles), Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk., Yoga (20 min)
Thursday: Yoga (30 min),Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (30 min), TM “Fun Run” + WU 3ish miles, Yoga (20 min)
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), 4 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), Walking at the park, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 10ish (+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

Tuesday intention: 5k Prep
This had to be squeezed in before taking Lola to the vet. Not quite sure what to expect, but it was mostly intervals. I debated about waiting until Wednesday, as I hadn’t had a good night’s sleep, but I’m glad I went ahead and did it; it gave me more flexibility with runs the rest of the week, and with cold, rain, snow, and wind in the forecast I needed that!

Thursday intention: take it easy
Because of all the stress lately and sleep deprivation, a Pop Fun Run sounded perfect to me. Fun run my a$$! This was speed work, plain & simple, but it was a short enough run that once I started it, I was sorta committed. Oh well, I survived it.

Saturday intention: run out the sadness (again)
I dropped Lola back off at the ER right before this run. Or rather, I was foam rolling and getting ready for this run, when she threw up again and it was clear she needed to be seen. Knowing I probably had hours until I heard from the vet — they are so slammed these days — I decided I would attempt to run. Stopping to check my phone every mile.

**I wondered what was going to go on in there?**

My heart and legs felt heavy, it wasn’t fast, it felt hard. No doubt from lack of sleep and emotions. It was slow, but fairly consistent, so there’s that. It was also a lovely day, and I tried to be present enough to enjoy it — although it wasn’t easy.

Of course not long after this run and a quick hop in the shower to warm up, we got the call from the vet. Lola’s kidney values were very elevated, which wasn’t shocking to me, but for the first time in our 35 years of married life, the vet strongly urged us to put her to sleep. Right away.

She also told me she could make her comfortable for the weekend, and she had an appointment with the holistic vet on Monday. I know the holistic vet could have made her feel better . . . for a while. It’s not curable, though, of course, and it’s much harder on dogs than cats. We made the hard decision to let her go.

Favorites of the week
I never wrote about our new Breville Toaster Oven/Air Fryer we bought for our anniversary. Something I’d been eyeing a long time. Like the Instant Pot, there’s a learning curve, but so far we really like it. The entire meal above was made in its air fryer — Mr. Judy liked it, and he can be a tough customer.

I really haven’t been able to get away much lately. Lola couldn’t be left alone for more than a few minutes at a time. This morning, though, I needed to get away and go for a walk, so I did. It’s not a pretty day, it’s very windy, and we keep losing Internet, but I found some healing in nature. The rest will just take time.

And just like that, the two cats and two dogs we moved here with 11 1/2 years ago are gone.

I’m also going to ask for prayers for a neighbor’s husband. He’s been in the hospital with COVID — he did have underlying conditions — but at the moment it’s not looking great and she’s not even allowed to visit him.

No questions this week. Love on your loved ones.

GWY Gentle Moon Salutations

ICYMI: I actually did manage to get up a video this week — early, even. Because I wanted people to have the opportunity to do it on the Halloween Full Moon — it goes really well with a full or new moon! You can find it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: I have started to make my own nut milk, and I’m going to share how that’s going. Maybe it’s a stretch to share on a running linkup, but hopefully you guys will be ok with it. On Friday I’ll be joining so many friendly bloggers here for tea — or coffee if that’s your thing.

Best & Worst of Times: 10/19 – 25 WRD

October 25, 2020October 25, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 26 Comments

This week didn’t start off as I planned, but it was pretty good — until the weekend. Then things went rapidly downhill.

I had targeted a park that was a little further away than we usually go for our anniversary roadtrip. I’d been there, once, and I thought Mr. Judy might enjoy it, too. We didn’t go on our actual anniversary, as the weather wasn’t great, although it wasn’t a lot better on the day we did go.

**The weather wasn’t pretty but we still enjoyed our day**

Unfortunately that night Lola fell ill. She could barely walk and sometimes couldn’t even stand. She stopped eating and drinking — and she’s always been a really big drinker. We’re still not 100% sure what is causing it (still); any and all good vibes and prayers are much appreciated.

**Right before she started acting strange**

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and reporting on easing back into running.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk/RGB Walk 2.9, Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (50 min), TM Intervals 2.53, Dogwalk/RGB Walk .92, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk./RBG Walk 5 (and just like that, RBG is a wrap)
Thursday: Yoga (30 min),RBG Walk/Dogwalk/Hike 2.50, Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (30 min), Much pacing at Animal ER, TM Run 2 + Core
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), Easy 4 miles, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 8.43 (-.49)
Walking: Finished RBG; don’t think I’ll be tracking walking on the regular now but still trying to add in some extra miles

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: oops, I didn’t really think about one
Probably because I am using the Peloton Road to 5k (partially) for my virtual 5k in about a month. It was speedwork today. May have actually run it a bit slowly, but always better to save it for the “race”/

Friday intention: destress
If you follow me on FB here, you know that we had a belated road trip for our anniversary on Thursday (our actual anniversary was Monday). Everything seemed fine, until that night, when Lola started to act odd. There was sleep deprivation. The next morning she was even worse, and we ended up at the animal ER.

After pacing around waiting for many hours while they tried to diagnose and treat her (no real diagnosis, possible UTI and other things that could be much worse but we elected not to spend $$$ on testing for things that probably aren’t really treatable at her age), I finally brought her home and for the first time in a really long time I felt the need to pound out some stress. Of course there’s been lots of stress all year long, but most of the time, I haven’t felt the need to run hard. Today I did.

This particular Peloton workout as part of the Road to 5k obliged with some speed work.

Sunday intention: run out the sadness
Lola is hanging in there after a second trip to the ER (ka-ching, ka-ching) and still no definitive diagnosis. Mr. Judy was very pleased that she ate & drank a bit on her own after he picked her up while I was running. As I’m typing this, she doesn’t seem too interested in treats again, but we’re grilling a steak so fingers crossed. She’s sighing a lot. I’m not terribly surprised, I warned Mr. Judy not to get too excited. She did enjoy some steak.

My heart was just heavy as I ran, but I’m still hopeful. She already has an appointment at the holistic vet, but getting in to any vet, and especially specialists, which was suggested, is super hard right now. It can take months to get an appointment.

I had originally planned a slightly longer run, but by the time I got out the afternoon was almost moving into evening so 4 it was. Probably just as well, there was sleep deprivation again last night.

**There’s a deer hiding out on the left**

Favorites of the week
On a better note, I met one friend I haven’t seen this year in the flesh for a walk this week.

Then later in the week I met another friend for a walk near the pond and on the fitness path.

Are you using running to help you destress lately?

What other things do you do to destress?

What is one thing you’re proud you did this week?

Releasing Yin Yoga

ICYMI: This week I have a longer Yin Yoga practice to help you release — whatever you have to release! It will also help you open up your hips, your low back, and your chest. You can find it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Yup, it’s time to wrap up October! On Friday I’ll be visiting the Runfessional here to cleanse my running soul.

Mr. Judy to the Rescue: 10/12 – 18 WRD

October 18, 2020October 18, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 30 Comments

Yes, there is some running to report this week! Nothing wild, just a few short runs. Still lots of Yoga and walking. Less walking, though, because . . . running. My running miles basically replaced my extra walking miles from the previous week.
bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and reporting on easing back into running.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk/RGB Walk 3.00, Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (50 min), TM Intervals 2.71, Dogwalk/RGB Walk .38, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk./RBG Walk 4.59
Thursday: Yoga (60 min),RBG Walk/Dogwalk/Hike 2.50, Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (40 min), TM Run 2.21 + Legs, RBG Walk .42
Saturday: Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Dogwalk 2.76, Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga (40 min), RBG Walk/Hike 2.22, Easy 4 miles, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 8.92 (=8.92)
Walking: 15.87 miles (-9.45)

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: Restart Running safely
Circumstances had me running on the two rainy days this week, which meant treadmill runs for me. I also started a loose version of the Peloton Road to 5k Program. Today’s run was intervals. I may have run a bit harder than I’d really intended but all was well and there was never any DOMs.

Friday intention: Running but finally some weights!
More rain. More treadmill miles. This time it was a 10 min WU, 20 min run with 10 min of legwork. Somehow following a Peloton class makes it much easier on the treadmill (for me).

**I started with a warmup walk through the woods**

Sunday intention: Go the distance . . .
. . . but not really. Just a slightly longer run than the first couple of runs — but easy! Although somehow negative splits. The mostly downhill second half might have had something to do with that. I started out with a walk through the woods (pictured above) to warm up.

It was a bit hillier than I’d intended, but I had all the colored leaves to keep me entertained.

**And this is where things went sideways**

I chose a different way back because it was supposed to bring me back to where I’d parked. Then I got to the “path end” sign and had no idea how to go. I ended up calling Mr. Judy because I hate the maps app on my iphone 6, and he was able to point me in the right direction. I knew I was so close, but after walking back and forth for about a mile, I was getting darn hungry and anxious, too.

Favorites of the week
Despite a couple of days of rain, we’re really at peak up here in upstate NY and we’ve been blessed with some great Fall weather, too.

I didn’t need ice cream for most of my short walks/hikes this week, but since we got a warmer day — and I don’t like ice cream when it’s cold — this could be the last of the season.

**Loved our walk around this pond so much I returned to this area to run (not the trails we walked on)**

**Short walk at another nature preserve with the dogs**

This particular preserve had warnings about the duck hunting going on. A lot of people were still walking. I decided to chance it. I could hear shots, but never very close.

You guys, this hot chocolate is da bomb. Seriously. I made it with chocolate cashew milk I made. I add collagen, turmeric paste, and some mini chocolate chips to it so it’s nice and creamy and chocolatey. Today I actually added some whipped cream and cinnamon (unpictured) because I ended up going a lot farther than I’d planned to! Yes, at some point I’ll be posting about my nut milk making adventures.

Oh, and that’s the Echo Show 8 we bought for my mom in the background. I’m working on setting it up for her. We got a good deal on Prime Day; it’s not as good a deal now, of course, but it is slightly discounted here (Amazon Affiliate link). The sound is great! I’ve been having fun with it, when I’m not tearing my hair out how to get stuff working, of course. It’s been that kind of week. Sorry for the long post!

Do you ease back into running after a break or just pick up where you left off?

Do you embrace walking in addition to running or do you always feel the need for speed?

What is one thing you’re proud you did this week?

gwy self healing meditation

ICYMI: Sometimes video and audio fights me, and that was the case this week. I finally did get my Self Healing meditation put together after much hair pulling (ironic, no?) and you can find it here. ~~Or maybe not. The first try at uploading it hung up. I’ve never had that happen before. I’m trying again but it’s unlikely to be live by the time I post.~~

Coming up on Tuesday: I finished my 40 Day Kriya and I’m sharing my thoughts on that. On Friday it’s a very personal post. Please view it with compassion and know that it’s not aimed at any person/s in particular.

Generator/Instant Pot to the rescue!: 10/5 – 11 WRD

October 7, 2020October 11, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments

Not running actually frees up some of my time. Yes, I’m walking more, but that doesn’t take as much pre- and post-routines (for me). Of course I could explore by running in the places I’m walking, but one problem I have is that I get so sweaty running that I can be uncomfortable post run if I have to drive a longer way home.
bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and just the walks, ma’am.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk/RGB Walk 3.67, Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk/RGB Walk 5.39, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk./RBG Walk 2.50, Yoga (15 min)
Thursday: Yoga (50 min),RBG Walk/Dogwalk 2.80, Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Hike 6.20
Saturday: Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Dogwalk 3.1, Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), RBG Walk/Hike 1.66, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 0 (NC)
Walking: 25.32 miles (+3.30)

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

Week intention: Recovery
That was the intention, but the Mother Nature had something else in mind. Wednesday afternoon we had a really short, really severe storm pass through. We weren’t hit hard, but there were trees down all over the neighborhood.

We lost power for almost 3 days. Luckily we have a generator, but it doesn’t power everything, and it’s really loud — which made sleep difficult. Still I am very grateful for that generator — sleep would have been just as difficult without heat! Plus it powers our freezer & fridge. Most of my cooking was in the InstantPot or Toaster Oven.

I hadn’t intended my running break to be quite this long, but the purpose was recovery, and I knew returning to running while really tired from sleep deprivation wasn’t in my best interest. There was lots of walking (and photos), though!

**Started to take Lola on short walks; she was never happy being left behind!**

Favorites of the week
The week started with a trip to mom with a stop at Olana first. I got to explore more trails. I definitely want to go sometime when I have even more time to explore!

**We used this carrier above to carry Lola up the steps at Olana & to try to keep her calm while I visited with mom**

**It helped to keep her a *little* calmer**

A short walk at a nearby nature trail

I took a solo walk at a nearby park & a little hike

10k walk/hike at Saratoga Spa State Park

Short walk with the dogs at one of my favorite (short) running trails

**Today we visited a new place. May be the best place we’ve visited so far!**

Lots of walking and Yoga, not much else. I wish I’d preloaded a few Peloton classes, but I didn’t. Plus . . . sleep deprivation most of the week, mom visit, vet visit for Lola . . . it was a busy work even without Wifi. I got in some amazing walks & lots of fall foliage, though!

How’re the leaves looking near you (if they turn)?

How do you cook without power?

What is one thing you’re proud you did this week?

ICYMI: I had several things almost ready to film, but there was the generator noise — and no way to upload. Uploading video take s a long time. I plan to get a new meditation up soon. Stay tuned.

Coming up on Tuesday: Not sure yet. On Friday I share part of why I took my running break. I actually wrote that for last Friday, but it wasn’t finished, and I don’t have unlimited data, so this Friday it will be. I’m obviously very far behind on commenting on blogs and returning comments! Thanks for your patience.

Walking for RBG: 9/27 – 10/4 WRD

October 4, 2020October 7, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 27 Comments

Nothing very exciting going on this week. No running to report (planned for break). Although I actually did get in more miles walking than I normally would with running, due to the Run for Ruth distance challenge.
bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running/walking my virtual Dempsey Challenge races.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, RGB Walk 3.13, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk./RBG Walk 3.58, Yoga (15 min)
Thursday: Yoga (50 min),RBG Walk/Dogwalk 4.63, Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Dogwalk 3.20, PB Walk + Toning (25 min)
Saturday: Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Dogwalk 2.5, Filmed Yoga Videos (40 min)
Sunday: Yoga (40 min), RBG Walk with a friend 5.62, Yoga (20 min)

Mileage: 0 (-10)
Walking: 22.62 miles

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

Week intention: taking it easy
Which meant no running for me this week. Despite decent weather, I didn’t really miss it, either. I did lots of walking. I *think* Bandit seems to be enjoying his extra, solo walks.

**Bandit is not amused to lose his freedom a little, too**

Favorites of the week
Lola continues to improve, but we’re not back to walks yet. The vet suggested only on grass. Well, she’s running around the backyard & where the heck are we going to be able to go for a short walk on grass? Actually I do have a few ideas.

**Foggy start but the runway lights were cool!**

But first a walk with a friend this morning. Miles always go by more quickly with a friend.

**It doesn’t cost anything after Labor Day (except on the weekends)**

Earlier in the week I visited Saratoga Spa State Park. I have run and raced a handful of times in this park, in fact normally I’d be doing a 10k there in a couple of weeks, but I don’t really know my way around it well and quite frankly I don’t think the road and trail signs are great.

Still I had a very nice walk that morning, enjoying the changing leaves and a waterfall or two.

The main reason I joined the walk for Ruth was the tshirt. Well, of course to honor her memory, too. Have you done a virtual just because you liked the swag?

Do you think the trails in your area are well marked?

What is one thing you’re proud you did this week?

GWY Easy AM Yoga1

ICYMI: An easy AM Yoga flow to banish any stiffness after sleeping here. Please excuse the resting b#*ch face. Sometimes it’s hard to get a great still!

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m finally giving you the lowdown on nasal breathing. On Friday ~~I’ll suggest a few ways you can make virtual races more fun~~I’m explaining why I decided to take a running break.

My Quest for Steps

March 15, 2019March 14, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 26 Comments

Or how I walked 5 miles in my house

I wrote about my strange rungries and sleep disturbances when I started to run again after a short runbbatical here. This week I’m going to talk about how I managed to get in my steps — even with bitter cold, no running, limited power, and no dog walks.

Fairytales and Fitness

Imagine this scenario: it’s about 1 degree outside. You’ve lost power, but at least the generator is keeping the house warm. No treadmill though, so running, while an option for some, wasn’t an option for me — it was not only cold, it was incredibly windy, which is why we lost power in the first place.

I live in an ordinary house of roughly 1800 square feet. Now can you imagine getting in 10,000 steps with no treadmill and without going outside (except to get the mail)?

Pay attention to the Garmin
I’ve been working on upping my steps on non running days for a while now. Since I have a Garmin Vivoactive, it buzzes to let me know that I’ve been immobile for too long. I often use that as a sign to get up and move around.

Except when I don’t. Sometimes I get engrossed in whatever I am doing and I just ignore my Garmin. It does help me be mindful of when I’m sitting too long, though.

**Up and down, around and round, for 5 miles**

Walk around every hour
If I wait for my Garmin to buzz at me, no doubt I’ve already been sitting too long. So my next thought was to try to get up every hour and walk around a little. This is a really good strategy — again, when you can pry yourself away from whatever it is you’re doing.

Some days, when I know that I’m likely to be less active, I up the ante and try to get up every half hour. I don’t always, of course, but having a goal makes it more likely that you actually do something.

Extend the pacing
Rather than worrying too much about steps, I set a simple goal to walk around a couple of minutes every hour. Then I’d try to beat that: walk for 3 minutes, walk for 4, etc. It really doesn’t seem like much, but it can sure add up over the course of a day.

If you’re at work, walking every hour and extending the time you walk are good strategies — if it’s possible at your place of work, of course. A walking lunch break can really help you get in some steps; it has the added benefit of hopefully getting you outside and giving you some more energy.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way
I did it. 5 miles simply walking around my house, either in a conscious attempt to get in more steps or just as part of my normal day. No dogwalk, no run. I won’t say it was easy, but it is doable.

How do you get in your steps when you can’t get outside?

Do you have a certain number of steps you aim for each day?

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever done to meet your step goal?

You can do anything you set your mind to — the trick is to make the decision to just do it (thank you, Nike) and just take the first step. — Chocolaterunsjudy

Second verse, same as the first

January 20, 2017January 19, 2017 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 20 Comments

5winteractivities

So many people love their winter sports: skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, ice skating. Me? Not so much. Why do you think I don’t want to live somewhere cold & snowy? We’re talking winter activities on the Friday Five 2.0 from Fairytales & Fitness and Rachel @ Running on Happy.

I must runfess, though, that my winter activities look pretty much like my activities in the spring, summer, and fall!

frifive2

nyd17 — Still running; taking advantage of free supported long runs

Always running
Even if I’m not training for anything, I run through the winter. Most winters I’m not training for anything. Because it’s hard. That lets me skip a run if the weather sucks. It lets me run less, run when I feel like it, run how far I feel like. I don’t do hills and I don’t do speedwork.

I don’t stop, though, because I don’t want to have to start from square one again. It’s my off season, which just means I run less and don’t run fast. Except for a few weeks here and there, whether from injury or recovering from a goal race, I really haven’t stopped running since I began eight years ago. Thankfully!

This year, of course, I am training through the winter. Mother Nature has been somewhat kind to me so far. I am praying that she continues to be in a good mood. Although February is notoriously harsh in these parts.

The one winter activity: shoveling
I’m not a fan of the snow blower. Thankfully I have Mr. Judy for that. When it snows there is almost always some areas that need some TLC with a regular shovel, and that usually falls to me.

So far there hasn’t been too much shoveling. I know people who truly enjoy it, but like any repetitive cleaning chore, it’s not one I enjoy. It gets in the way of my fitness.

I know, I know, it is exercise too, but I’d much rather be doing yoga, strength training, running . . . anything other than shoveling.

Breaking it up with the bike
I am so glad we bought my fitdesk last year. I’ve been trying hard to break up the sitting with little spurts of activity throughout the day, and the fitdesk is perfect for that. I try to get up every hour and bike for about 5-10 minutes.

I watch the news and scroll IG and voila! Cross training. I also try to get up and walk around when my Garmin Vivoactive vibrates to tell me I’ve been sitting too long. Those little bits of activity have a way of adding up!

Walking the dogs
There are days that it’s too icy, too wet, or too cold to walk the dogs. But those are the exceptions. Year round, almost every day, I am out there walking the dogs. It’s not a power walk — there is much sniffing and peeing (and more) going on.

But it is another way I add in a little more movement into my day. It makes it easier to hit 10k steps most days — on days when I don’t run and can’t walk the dogs, it’s hard to get up to 10k steps.

So if you want to move more, just get a dog. Or volunteer at a shelter — they love having volunteers walk the dogs, who sorely need that break from their kennel. It’s win-win: you get the fun and companionship of a dog without the upkeep, they get much needed socialization and exercise and fresh air.

Even more baking
What, you don’t think baking is exercise? Well, no, I have to admit that it isn’t. But it gets you up and on your feet rather than putting a butt sized dent into your couch. You could make it a little more active by throwing in some exercises while waiting for things to bake (although I rarely do, I admit).

Baking is not a winter sport for me, I try to medal at it year-round. It’s a stress reliever like exercise, but then you have something yummy to eat, too! And it can be creative, too — although unlike cooking, you really do have to pay attention to what you’re doing. There was the time I grabbed the garlic salt instead of regular salt for the chocolate chip cookies . . . not a good flavor combination; trust me.

Let me know in the comments:

#teamhibernate or #teamlovewinter?

Are you sad when there’s no snow (I do my happy dance then)?

Any epic baking fails?