Anniversary Hiking: 10/18 – 24 WRD

October 22, 2021October 24, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 37 Comments

A short visit to my mom, who seems to be doing well. I suspect the change in some meds and the fact that she’s on oxygen accounts for that — although the oxygen is literally a drag. The rest of the week was run, hike, rinse, lather, repeat!

Fall is in full swing here, so for those who don’t get Fall, you’re welcome.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and another week strong on activity, a bit weak on rest.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy + surges, PB metcon (25 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Anniversary Hiking Moreau Lake State Park, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk AM, PB Walking with Weights (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
Thursday: Yoga, (40 minutes), 2 mile hike
Friday: Yoga (40 min), PB 5.17 long-er run, Yoga (20 min)
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk AM, 1 mile recovery run, PB Walking with Weights (25 min)
Sunday: Yoga + Dogwalk + Rest Day (except, packing — for me & Bandit)

Running Mileage: 12.17 (+1.17)

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

Running Update

**I’ve been visiting local race courses lately (not on purpose); this one’s gone virtual though**

Monday Intention: mostly easy + a little speed
I seem to be visiting race courses lately — totally unplanned. Since I’d pushed myself a little yesterday, I wanted to take it easy — but also remind my legs they can go faster. So I inserted some surges randomly through the second mile. Started out slow but negative splits for the win. My Garmin seems happy with my efforts lately. Summer running just isn’t my jam, and we are clearly out of Summer.

Wednesday Intention: EASY!!!
It’s a busy week of run, hike, run, hike, visit mom, etc. Our hiking yesterday was about 2 miles easy, 1 mile moderate. So I was determined to take it easy today — except I don’t watch my pace. So negative splits again; sue me! Mr. Judy offered to walk Bandit, which I took him up on, only they hadn’t gotten very far by the time I was walking home, so I ended up adding another mile on so they could both get some movement in, too.

**Stopped in the middle of my long-we run to visit a place off the path I used to stop at for a post run snack (on the left)**

Friday Intention: go long-er (working on endurance)
Normally I like at least one rest day before a long-er run, and visiting my mom tends to be stressful. It’s easier to just visit for a few hours compared to staying overnight and driving her all over.

Today went out for a long-er run determined to take it easy, and I mostly did. Splits all over the place, last mile fastest, but the overall pace was easy and felt it. A bit windy but I told myself how much better that was than running in heat & humidity!

**More neighborhood color; it’s kind of spotty this year**

Saturday Intention: recovery + endurance
Walked Bandit as a warmup and then headed out for the one mile recovery run. Except . . . I can’t seem to run slowly (for me) for just a mile with no walk breaks. I definitely wasn’t trying to push the past like I did last week with my 1 mile run, but it still ended up a little speedy for a recovery run (okay, a lot). Just a mile, though.

**Annual Anniversary hike/lunch, new to us location**

Favorites of the week
We are making up for previous lack of hiking this month! This is the second week of day hiking (with a second hike for me on the way to see mom) — and guess what? Booked an AirBnB for next week to finally test out Bandit away from home and a short getaway. Fingers crossed that the forecast changes because there are just amazing hikes where we’re going — but a not-so-amazing forecast (including 90% chance of rain one day).

**Some hiking at Olana too on the way to visit mom**

Albie (and of course, many Alvins) still sighted on the regular. Mr. Judy finally got a nice shot of Albie!

**Gotta admit chipmunks annoy me. First, they’re dumb. Second, for such a small critter they’re very noisy. But great photo, Mr. Judy!**

GWY Yin Yoga to Destress

ICYMI: Are you ready for some de-stressing and self care? God knows I am and that’s why I created this video! This Yin Yoga Practice will help you open and strengthen your hips and lower legs and is perfect for runners even if you don’t need to destress like I do.

Relaxing Yin Yoga | Post Run Stretch click here * How Long to Hold Yin Poses? Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Why pumpkin is good for runners & how to deal with pie pumpkins. Friday it’s time to cozy up to the runfessional with Marcia @ Marciashealthyslice!

Should I Stay or Go Now?: 10/11 – 17 WRD

October 16, 2021October 17, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 30 Comments

The week started out with my Mom on her way to the hospital. Seriously, I took her to the cardiologist the previous Tuesday and by the next Monday she was in the hospital with (supposedly) pneumonia. With assurances from my sister that she wasn’t at death’s door and the very limited hospital visiting hours, I stayed home — although every day I didn’t know whether or not I’d need to go down. I appreciate you guys listening to me go on and on about all this, but what can I say? That’s my life.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing a another surprisingly active week — gotta get it in when you can!

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (45 min), 3 miles easy, PB Walking with Weights (25 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (45 min), Light Hiking
Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), 5 mile long-er run, Filmed Yoga Video (40 min), PB ST (25 min), Dogwalk AM/PM
Thursday: Yoga, (30 minutes), 2 Recovery Miles, Dogwalk AM
Friday: Yoga (45 min), PB Metcon (25 min), Dogwalk AM/PM
Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk AM, Filmed Yoga Video (60 min)
Sunday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, 1 mile “speedy”, Yoga later & Abs maybe later

Running Mileage: 11 (+.68)

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

Running Update

Monday Intention: change the scenery, get in some miles before leaving again potentially
I got an early morning call from my sister. My mom was on her way to the hospital. Of course we weren’t sure what was going down, if I’d have to go down (probably), so I got out to do some grocery shopping and get in a few miles while I could. Consistent the first 2, then tried to — successfully — pick up the pace.

**Obviously I’m not the only one leaving off letters. Inspirational messages along local marathon route.**

Wednesday Intention: go long-er
Mom still in the hospital, I’m still at home, unsure of what the week will bring, so wanted to knock out my long-er run. It’s been incredibly foggy & chilly in the mornings the last couple of days, warmer by the afternoon. Glad I chose to wear a skirt.

Picked up the pace the last mile again — it’s just a long-er run, not a long run (that is, less than 90 minutes), but that last mile was the fastest I’ve seen in a long time. Have I slowed down? Probably. Maybe not with some speed work and some less stress.

**I think we’re about at peak but between wind & rain . . . not sure why it was a blurry pic**

Thursday Intention: recover
I couldn’t do recovery miles after Monday’s run because we wanted to hike on Tuesday, but today I had the time. Man I felt slow! It wasn’t actually as slow as it felt. Mom still in the hospital, no better, no worse.

**The winds & rain last night blew a lot of leaves & pine needles off our trees but this neighbor’s tree is still hanging onto its leaves.**

Sunday Intention: just run
As in see if I could just run a mile with no walking, which I did. As I often do, I came up with that intention on the run. It was a somewhat speedy mile for me. I originally was going to do 2 easy, but trying to not make the mistake of adding on too much again. So a little speed it was. Didn’t hurt that it had cooled off massively overnight (and the wind/rain took down a lot of the leaves). Mom now home.

**A good day full of gentle hiking & waterfalls**

Favorites of the week
We did get to enjoy a lovely hike on Tuesday.

We finally dealt with the pie pumpkins we got a couple of weeks ago. Mr. Judy has been asking me about them almost on the daily, but I knew it would be a big project — and it was! Done. Yes, you can expect a post about that in a little bit.

My mom finally came home from the hospital on Saturday. Fingers crossed she can stay home. Happy dance that she didn’t have to go to rehab again!

GWY Restorative Hip Release

ICYMI: Want to relax and open your hips and show your back some love all at the same time? I’ve got you covered with this 40 minute Restorative Yoga practice. Yes, I know there’s a typo — again!

Hip Releasing Restorative Yoga click here * Difference between Restorative & Yin Yoga Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: How to fit in fitness when you’re not at home. Friday I share what you can do if you realize that you’re burning out on running.

Just Keep Moving: 10/4 – 10 WRD

October 10, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 37 Comments

As I work on this intro, it’s Friday. At least this week I know what sidelined me! I was at my mo. The week went south from there with all sorts of stressful stuff. Getting older just ain’t fun, and caring for the elderly can sometimes make you feel ancient too!

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing a surprisingly active week although light on running and strength training, but I knew going in that would probably be the case.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy
Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), Walk AM & PM, took mom to the doctor
Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), AM Walk, 3 mile hike at Olana on the way home
Thursday: Yoga, (50 minutes), Dogwalk AM, PB Toning Walk (25 min)
Friday: Yoga (45 min), 5.32 mile long-er run, Dogwalk PM, Yoga (20 min)
Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk AM, 2 mile recovery run, PB Cardio + ST (25 min)
Sunday: Yoga (45 min), Dogwalk

Running Mileage: 10.32 (-.68)

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

Running Update

Monday Intention: get in some miles before the rain
This was the type of morning I usually would have run on the treadmill. I can’t get in 3 miles on the treadmill, so I headed out hoping I could stay dry and I did. It rained most of the rest of the day, though (while I was driving, of course).

**Not sure what these wildflowers are (they look like miniature asters); probably some invasive species cause they’re EVERYWHERE on this path. Pretty, though.**

Friday Intention: go long-er
The boots I wore while at my mom’s (which aren’t new or high heels or narrow and I’ve worn many times before comfortably) caused the top of my foot to be painful again. I didn’t run while I was down there (never planned to anyway), and added an extra rest day because I need it after a visit.

This run was relatively good. A tiny bit humid. I was a little overdressed, but not too bad, and I ditched the vest I was wearing during the last mile. The standout from this run were the two huge herons (I think that’s what they were). One was white and I saw it flying in the distance; the other was dark and nearly landed on my head! Even the walkers behind me commented on how big it was. Wish I could’ve grabbed my phone quickly enough to catch some photos!

**The corn husks started to shake & then a squirrel popped out**

Saturday Intention: recover
Warmed up walking Bandit, then out for an easy 2 miles. Tried to keep it slow, it certainly felt slow, but was just a tiny bit faster than a recovery run should be. During the Summer this was often my easy pace — and slower. So slow progress.

**The trail ends way in the back there with a view of these barns from the other side**

Favorites of the week
Most of the time I stop at Olana on the way to my mom, but it was raining, sometimes pretty heavily, on the way down. She plays bridge on Wednesdays, so I left “early” — which gave me more time to walk around and finally get to the end of one trail I’ve only been able to do partway before.

Now for something completely different — I looked up the symbolism of herons:

Tranquility and stillness

Determination because we are bound to wade through marshes and ponds through life’s journey, but we must never give up

That second one spoke to me! I am definitely wading right now, and of course there were literally marshes on either side of the running path sometimes. Tranquility & Stillness? Not so much!

I met up with a friend I haven’t seen in a while yesterday afternoon & we had a great chat, even if it was chilly out. Normally I would have suggested a walk, but I was pooped! My foot feels fine now, too. Weird!

I do not see the stress dying down anytime soon, my mom’s live in aide has given notice . . . but in the good news department, there are no doctor’s appointments, at least not ones we have to take her to until November.. Of course by then I could be on a jury . . .

Except after I wrote the above she wasn’t feeling well yesterday and wants to see the cardiologist (which I just took her to) again. Oy! I highly doubt she’ll get an appointment, but maybe I can convince her to try telemedicine, which I know the office has.

GWY Shoulder Release

ICYMI: I’m on a roll with body-specific Yoga lately! There’s a tiny bit of myofascial release in the beginning of this video, and then we loosen up and release tension from our shoulders while also strengthening them. I don’t know about you, but I tend to store a lot of stress there!

Release Shoulder Tension here * How Often Should You Practice? Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Splurge or save? Everyone has different priorities with running gear, but I share where I think you should splurge and where you can save. Friday I share 5 signs you might be burning out on running.

1 Step Forwards, 2 Steps Back: 9/27 – 10/3 WRD

October 3, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

Another busy week; mostly in a good way. Finally got to check something off my to do list that I’ve been struggling with for months. Getting that done, the RRCA course done, the First Aid/CPR course done — all those things were a big relief to me. Then the jury duty notice came in the mail yesterday . . .

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, still juggling activity and helping out my mom — tomorrow I head back and will take her to a follow up visit with one of her doctor’s assistants on Tuesday. My brother is in town visiting her, so I’ll get to see him as well, which is always nice.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (45 min), 3 miles easy, PB Walking with Weights (25 min), Dogwalk, PB ST ( 25 min), Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 2 recovery miles, Dogwalk PM, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, AM/PM, PB STs (25 min)
Thursday: Yoga, (40 minutes), 4.48 miles, Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (40 min), 5 mile long-er run, Taught Yoga (45 min), PB ST (25 min)
Saturday: Yoga (45 min), Dogwalk AM, 1 mile recovery run, PB Balance & Posture (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, packing

Running Mileage: 11 (+3)

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

Running Update

Monday Intention: change of scenery
New shoes. Fall temps. My fastest run in a very long time that was also negative splits. I beat the rain, too! Tempted to run 4 but since I ran so littler mileage and was in new shoes — I wasn’t going there.

Tuesday Intention: recover
Back in the old shoes, much slower — but of course it’s supposed to be! Enjoying not having to get out early, Fall temps, and Fall decorations.

**Assuming those marks were man made but since a collapsed beaver dam recently damaged a local road who knows?**

Friday Intention: go long-er
A beautiful (and busy) Fall day. Chilly — down to the low 40s when I first got up, but had warmed up about 10 degrees by the time I got out there. I was wearing my vest over a very light long sleeve top, and I worried I’d overheat, but with most of the path shady it was fine. The paces were kind of all over the place, but still faster all over the place with the new shoes. They sure do seem to be magic!

Saturday Intention: recover
Another beautiful day. Took Bandit for a walk and then went out for a 1 mile run, which was the same pace as most of my long run yesterday. Oops. Wasn’t wearing the new shoes either!

Teaching Yoga in my little slice of Yoga heaven (photo & Yoga platform thanks to Mr. Judy).

Favorites of the week
An acquaintance had won a 30 minute Yoga class with me way back in the beginning of the Summer. Between her schedule and my mom’s problems, it didn’t happen until Friday. She enjoyed it, I always enjoy teaching — but Bandit was barky so he had to be contained. I’m glad to get that off my plate though! Because of her patience I did a longer class than originally planned.

Loving the new Saucony Endorphin Speed.

Anyone know what this is? It was on my back window but thankfully not aggressive when I had to get into the trunk

GWY Release Neck

ICYMI: It’s a really quick practice to keep your neck happy (yes, I know there’s a typo in the graphic above). Another short talk about why Yoga teachers put so much emphasis on a strong, straight spine.

Release Neck Tension here * What are Nadis? Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: How long is your long run really? Then I’m sharing my experience with the online First Aid/CPR course, since quite a few people seemed interested in that.

Welcoming Fall in Shorts: 9/20 – 26 WRD

September 26, 2021September 25, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

Having the RRCA test off my plate was a huge relief, and I also knocked out my First Aid/CPR course this weekend — so I should get a certificate as a running coach in the next couple of weeks. The online First Aid/CPR course was interesting — no Zoom, self paced, and you are sent on “missions” (helping a choking victim, a burn victim, etc.).

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and an unplanned for cut back week. I probably would have run tomorrow, as it’s supposed to be lovely, but I’ll be heading down to visit mom. Just a short visit, then a week at home, then another overnight visit to take her to another doctor’s appointment. Hoping she stabilizes soon and we can all get a little more rest.

Won’t be home til late afternoon/early evening so commenting will be delayed (again).

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 2 recovery miles, Dogwalk, PB ST ( 25 min), Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (60 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, AM/, PB Walking with Weights (25 min)
Thursday: Yoga, (40 minutes), 4.48 miles, Yoga (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk AM, 1.5 TM miles, PB ST (25 min)
Saturday: Yoga (15 min), Dogwalk AM
Sunday: Yoga (50 min), some dogwalking probably, probably not much else

Running Mileage: 8 (-3.5)

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

Running Update

Monday Intention: recover
It’s Wednesday as I write this, and I’m really trying to remember this run. It was cool, I remember that now, because I actually wore a heavier long sleeve top with a skirt, and was concerned I would overheat, but I was literally shivering at the beginning and fine by the end. Didn’t hurt it was only 2 slow miles, either.

**This short photo stop meant yet another mosquito bite**

Thursday Intention: easy long-er run
It’s Friday as I write this, and yes, today would have been a much better day for my longer run, since the pouring rain stopped early in the morning. We make the best choices we can. It was warm (70F) plus plenty humid — some of that humid falling on me in the first few miles (aka rain, from drizzle to pretty steady and back again) on this run. The rain was fine, really.

Around mile 3 my Garmin apparently lost its mind. I was on a walk break, and at some point realized I’d been walking way longer than 30 seconds. Which is when I discovered that somehow the walk setting in my intervals got changed to 54 minutes and 34 seconds. No joke. Not only that, the data screens also got changed so I couldn’t see distance or time elapsed. Those settings are 5 setting deep, and somehow got changed while I was running.

So I finished up my run just running & walking when I felt, which means it was positive splits. The pace wasn’t horrible for a very humid morning.

I had considered going to 5 miles, but by the time I got back to where I was parked, I was so over this run. The good news? I actually didn’t feel as wiped out as I have by my long-er runs lately. Being home for a while and getting a couple of rest days in helped a lot, I think. Sorry for the long ramble!

Friday Intention: treadmill test
Again. Mr. Judy tried some new things. Nope, it didn’t work, and just added to the mounting frustration of this week. Mostly first world problems, but by the end of the week they were beginning to really get to me.

**The photo really doesn’t do the full moon justice. Somehow looking at a full moon is very calming even if I don’t always sleep well during a full moon.**

Favorites of the week
Did you catch this month’s Full Moon? Wasn’t it beautiful? I may not love our house, but I do feel lucky that we get to see both the sunrise and sunset & the moon.

Aren’t these Daikon radishes pretty? I didn’t know what to do with them, so I just had Mr. Judy cook them on the grill. I know they’re very healthy! I am also grateful that Mr. Judy has been going and getting our veggie box every week. Now that I’ve tried them, I have 3 sets of them in next week’s veggie box.

Now I also have some pie pumpkins to cook and I’m not sure what I’m going to do with them, either. I used to make pumpkin bread pudding with them years ago when we lived in VT. Maybe I need to search for InstantPot ideas! Except unfortunately they don’t fit in the InstantPot, although I’ve read you can cut them up (hello, Mr. Judy!) and still cook them in the InstantPot.

**Someone wanted deli for his birthday (that’s my sandwich, his was different)**

**No, it wasn’t Bandit’s birthday but he did want some too. That blurry tail was really wagging!**

It’s been quite some time since I shared anything new from Skirt Sports (you can buy them here). The top is the Free Me Tank, which has always been one of my favorites.

I probably won’t be wearing these shorts again this year, but it was warm enough for them on this particular day this week. I love all the pockets (5!) on them and that fact that my small phone fits into the back pocket.

Speaking of my phone, there was a software update due to the security issues even for my iphone 6, so I have some more time to consider phones. On the other hand, I think the treadmill research really needs to commence.

GWY Fall Equinox Yin Yoga

ICYMI: I’m still working on that transition into Fall! Today it’s a great Yin Yoga practice to work on that Posterior Chain again (physically), while also working on your Lung Meridian in your Subtle Body. Not sure what a Meridian is? Or what the Lung Meridian does? I have a very quick vlog that explains a little bit more about it.

Yin Yoga for Fall Equinox here * Lung Meridian Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: It’s time to wrap up September, and I’m ready for that, quite frankly. On Friday join me for some hot chocolate, tea, or coffee & let’s catch up.

Falling Inward: 9/13 – 19 WRD

September 18, 2021September 19, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

It was coming down to the wire to complete my RRCA Coaching test this week — it was hard, but I got it done! Now just need to do the First Aid/CPR courses and I’ll be a certified running coach (or maybe just certifiable).

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running easy while reflecting back on the past year (since it was Yom Kippur, and the Jewish New Year was 10 days ago) while looking forward to the new year — and yes, that included a fast on Thursday. And lots of reading, Yoga, and meditation on that day, too!

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 4 mile run, Yoga (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 2 recovery miles, PB ST (25 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, AM/PM,1.5 mile TM test
Thursday: Yoga, (30 minutes), Dogwalk, AM/PM, Yoga (60 min)
Friday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk AM/PM, PB ST (25 min)
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk AM, Walking with friends
Sunday: Yoga (50 min), 4 miles easy, hopefully more ST

Running Mileage: 11.5 (+2.5)

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

Running Update

**Not usually a little waterfall but we’ve had SO much rain**

Monday Intention: go long-er
Another long-er run was on tap because I wasn’t sure how this week would play out. Except somehow it turned into sort of mile repeats and negative splits. Most likely because I knew Mr. Judy was waiting on me. It wasn’t exactly fast, still, but fast-er paces than I’ve seen in a while.

Oh, and I’d slept poorly the night before. We’d had some rain, and there was one of the leaf bins under the roof. It sounded like a drumbeat. Mr. Judy didn’t even hear it. I had to get up and go sleep on the couch (which is where I sleep when I visit my mom). Good thing I don’t have a bad back!

**Taken while walking Bandit but I run past here all the time!**

Tuesday Intention: recover
I don’t know why I ended up doing speedwork yesterday, my body just seemed to want to do it, so I made sure that I took this recovery run nice & easy. It may have helped that due to errands in the morning, I ended up running around midday, which I usually try to avoid.

Wednesday Intention: treadmill test
I am probably going to start my treadmill search soon. Any recommendations? How did you get rid of the old treadmill? Mine is too heavy for us to get into a car! Mr. Judy, however, isn’t ready to throw in the towel yet.

I had no desire to run three days in a row, and was quite tired actually, but he had done some tweaks so I did a second recovery run. Oddly it went much longer before it started to slow down — about 19 minutes. Still it is not keeping pace and not going to do me much good if the weather is bad.

**Catching leaves before they’re gone!**

Sunday Intention: easy & enjoy cooler weather
The weather was gorgeous and the run was slow. I did run 4 times this week, and two of those were 4 miles — which is what is passing for a long run for me at the moment — plus the RRCA test stressed me out! The top of my back was completely covered by mosquitoe bites from yesterday’s chat with friends, but I have an essential oil blend for that that helps a lot! It also helped that I got to a park I haven’t been to since last year.

**We got a couple of new (free) lounge chairs lately. Ever the guard dog.**

Favorites of the week
I completed and passed my RRCA Level 1 Run Coach test. I’d signed up for it back in May, before the drama with my mom. I took this course really to expand my own information; I’d actually wanted to do it for many years.

The test wasn’t easy. It’s 100 multiple choice questions, and while many weren’t hard, some were very hard (to me, anyway). Plus you need an 85 to pass. I definitely don’t think I could go from there to coaching someone, but I learned some new things, and you know I’ll be passing along some tips!

I was supposed to have gone back to my mom to take her to the doctor on Friday, but something happened that moved up the appointment (she’s okay, kina anyway) so my sister ended up taking her. I needed a little rest after the last few weeks!

**They literally (some of them) pop up over night**

Mushrooms aren’t a favorite, especially since I have to pick them so Bandit doesn’t eat them. Bandit has never really shown interest in them, but there are so many of them after the wet Summer we’ve had. I often wonder what’s in our soil that makes bright yellow mushrooms! Now we have a new kind of wrinkled mushroom I haven’t seen before, too.

GWY Fall Equinox 2021 Meditation

ICYMI: Fall is coming quickly. I have a 15 minute meditation that will relax you, get you grounded, and also have you thinking about what you need to let go of — like the trees let go of their leaves. I also have a shorter discussion on the changing of Summer into Fall, with a few tips of what you might need to change up as you move into Fall.

Fall Meditation here * Fall Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Yes, we’re done with colonoscopies! On Tuesday it’s why C is the most important letter. Friday I think it’s time for Runfessions — that’s what I’ve written, anyway!

Never Forget: 9/6 – 12 WRD

September 12, 2021September 11, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments

I think we all know what we’re remembering this week. Let me tell you, it was a week. There was mom stress, there was car stress, there was the run coach test stress (which I’m still working on!).

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and doing my best to try to look on the bright side.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy (2.25 on the road, .75 on the Mill), PB ST (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), 2ish TM recovery miles
Thursday: Yoga, (40 minutes), AM Walk
Friday: Yoga (40 min), AM Walk
Saturday: Yoga (20 min), 4 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga, Walk with friends, hopefully more ST

Running Mileage: 9ish (-3) <== deliberately taking it easy

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

Running Update

Tuesday Intention: pain free
After resting my feet for 3 days (sort of, there was still plenty of walking), it was time to see what happened when I ran. I also wanted to test out the mill. I was going to do 2 miles outside, and 1 inside, but I was afraid if the mill was the same I wouldn’t get in that final mile. It seemed a shame, too, because the weather was just beautiful this morning!

The mill — still not sure. I made it through .75 mile on it, more or less, but it did get very noisy towards the end again. The foot — while definitely much better, there’s still some sensation there. Nothing that causes me to limp, I can jump on it (but I don’t) or press on it without pain. After tomorrow’s short run (fingers crossed) I’ll have another 2 days off running while I’m at my mom again.

Wednesday Intention: recover & test treadmill
Sadly so far nothing Mr. Judy has tried has really fixed the treadmill. I did one mile, which was fine. Stopped, walked around a bit to let the mill relax. Not long after I started the second mile it started to slow down.

Oddly if I lean on the control panel it keeps the right pace, but that gets old quickly (and my Garmin can no longer track anything). So probably close to 2 miles, but not quite there. I had mentally prepared myself for one or one and a half, so I wasn’t too frustrated.

Peace, contemplation, running & journaling by the water

Saturday Intention: go long-er & remember
I wasn’t about to make the same mistake two weeks in a row, plus the week was exhausting, so I ditched a long run in favor of just a long-er run. Still some sensation there, but fairly quickly goes away. Thoughts of 9/11 before, during, and after this run.

**We also celebrated Rose Hashanah this week with a non traditional grazing board & the more traditional apples & honey**

Favorites of the week
Despite the stress, there was plenty of good this week, too. Mom has healed well and this was her last visit to the orthopedist.

One of my nephews got married this week. It was a not-so-live YouTube ceremony; still, I was able to set my mom up so she could watch on my Ipad while I watched on my phone.

As if the stress at my mom’s wasn’t enough, when I started to leave the car lit up like a Christmas Tree. I knew Mr. Judy had a doctor’s appointment, but luckily I was able to get ahold of him. We determined that *hopefully* the car was driveable, as I was two hours away from home, and quite frankly I was out of clean clothes and food!

I made it home just fine, but we can’t get an appointment for three weeks. I’m supposed to take my mom to the cardiologist next week.

gwy small ball

ICYMI: I’ve got not one, not two, but three short (5 minutes or less) videos to help you keep your feet happy this week (and every week). These are all techniques I use myself at least several times a week, with the exception of the foot compression (because my feet aren’t bothering me as much anymore — but I did use it for quite some time when they did bother me). I also get a little fancy with some video in video this week! Try them all, pick the exercises that work for you — and get ready to feel a whole lot better when you run.

Foot compression click here * Quick Calf Rolling click here * Feet Exercises click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: I’ve got a lot more to say about colonoscopies. Once I’m done with you, you’ll be feeling a whole lot better about that first colonoscopy!

Settling Back In: 8/30 – 9/5 WRD

September 5, 2021September 4, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 29 Comments

A quiet (but busy) week back home. Very grateful to have gotten away, even for a short amount of time!

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and settling back in after vacation.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk
Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), 2 recovery miles, Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (20 min), PB ST (25 min)
Thursday: Yoga, (45 minutes), Dogwalk
Friday: Yoga (30 min), 6 mile Long-ish run, Dogwalk, PB Walking with Weights (25 min)
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk
Sunday: Yoga, Dogwalk, hopefully more ST

Running Mileage: 12 (+7) <== notice the big jump in miles

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

Running Update

**Love the colors in this fall planting**

Tuesday Intention: easy
It had basically been a week since I’d run. The road by my friends’ house had no shoulder, and the paths I could drive to were mostly concrete. Not to mention the heat wave . . . I was still plenty active, but it had been a while since I ran! I was also still tired. Which showed in the pace. Forward is a pace. 🙂

**More fall falling. Strange pine needle circle still on the driveway.**

Wednesday Intention: recover
Another cool morning — Fall is definitely on its way! It wasn’t hard to keep the pace slow enough to count as a recovery run and that was just fine by me. Mr. Judy was heading out on a walk with Bandit just before I got back to the house, so I joined them for my cool down.

**I’d noticed the apple trees on this path on my last run. This apple wasn’t there as I ran out. Brought to mind Eve . . . at least there was no snake!**

Friday Intention: go long-er
Cooler weather. Good running weather. Some relaxing mornings. Nothing terribly exciting going on & that’s okay! Unfortunately, the top of my right foot hurt after this run. It was still sore on Saturday. Maybe I should have kept this run shorter since I didn’t run long the previous week. Hoping the soreness leaves soon!

Favorites of the week
This week was both busy and quiet. I did meet up with some running friends I haven’t seen in a very long time yesterday. I’m also really digging the Fall-like weather — it’s perfect for running!

GWY Jet Lag Yin Yoga

ICYMI: If you’re traveling I have a great 20 minute Yin Yoga practice here. I also talk a little bit about what clothing you can wear to practice Yoga here. Hint: pretty sure the ancient Yogis didn’t wear tights and I love practicing in my pjs (which I didn’t mention in the vlog).

Coming up on Tuesday: Tips for new runners. On Friday I’ve got 5 tips for colonoscopy first timers. Yup, I went there. Nothing gross, I promise!

Adventure Awaits!: 8/23 – 29 WRD

August 29, 2021August 28, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 29 Comments

After the bulk of my Summer got hijacked, it was finally time for some R&R!

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and moving through a short vacation.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy, PB ST + Cardio (25 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 2 recovery miles, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), PB ST (25 min), Walk breaks on the 6-7 hr drive to ME
Thursday: Taught Yoga (40 minutes), Walking around ME
Friday: Hiking around ME
Saturday: Still touring ME as we head south
Sunday: Heading home, maybe a stop to stretch our legs in VT

Running Mileage: 5 (-3)

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

Running Update

Really no longer remember wha caught my eye for this picture

Monday Intention: easy
With Henri all set to drop on us, I had no plans to run; in fact, I was considering taking a week off of running altogether. Until I woke up and we had a break in the rain (which came back later in the day). No clothes laid out, no half frozen water bottle — and it was super humid, as you might imagine — but I got out there as soon as I could to cover 3 slow miles.

I did think the reflection of the flag in this puddle was cool

Tuesday Intention: recover
Shouldn’t a tropical storm blow out the humidity? No such luck. I prepped last night, though, and got out there for 2 slow and sweaty recovery miles.

Just a small “taste” of ME & VT (almost all ME)

Favorites of the week
Running was on the light side this week, but walking & some hiking while visiting friends in ME was front & center. I wouldn’t say it was a restful vacation, but it was fun!

We are most likely on the road back home as you read this, so I will probably be late to comments again. I should have a little time this morning before we head home.

GWY Tune in for Calm Meditation

ICYMI: It’s a super quick, super destressing guided meditation here. I also have a two short vlogs where I try to explain 2 of the 8 limbs of Yoga here and here. Not quite sure how successful I was!

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m wrapping up August. On Friday it’s time to grab your favorite hot or cold beverage and exchange what’s been going on in our lives.

Exhaling, for Now: 8/16 – 22 WRD

August 22, 2021August 22, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 29 Comments

It was another stressful week in a month full of stressful weeks — but I knew it would be going into it. Activity was hard, but I did my best, which wasn’t half bad.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and moving through learning and bringing my mom home.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 2 mile recovery run, Dogwalk, PB Cardio Walk (25 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), 5 miles long-er run, Dogwalk x 2 (AM/PM), PB Walking with Weights (25 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), 1.5ish TM miles, Dogwalk
Thursday: Yoga (40 minutes), Soul Stroll, PM Walk
Friday: Yoga (40 min), Walk
Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min)
Sunday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, PB Boosted Walk (25 min)

Running Mileage: 8 (-3)

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

Running Update

**Don’t know what this weed is but it sure is happy**

Monday Intention: recover
The pace was about right for recovery, and consistent (for the 2 miles). As seems the norm for me, V02 ticked up a point (after coming down a point for yesterday’s long run). Beautiful morning to run; I would have expected to be faster with cooler temps, but yesterday was very busy in addition to the long run and that was just fine.

**Fall is coming as the hibiscus sheds its flowers**

Tuesday Intention: more miles easy
Despite temps in the high 60sF with plenty of humidity, it didn’t feel too bad — not with the soft Summer drizzle and a pleasant breeze. I was tired, though, from 3 days running in a row, two of them long-er runs. Bringing my mom home and plenty of rain the forecast, plus a course over the weekend, meant I had little time to run this week.

So far the Achilles is not acting up despite back to back running days — just a slight awareness after this run.

Wednesday Intention: recover again
I wanted 2 miles. I wanted the treadmill to be fixed. Sadly, neither happened. So I got around 1.5 miles gradually slowing to a walking pace. After walking Bandit in the holy humidity after this run, I was glad I didn’t run outside — I would have been a real sweaty mess instead of just a sweaty mess, and I was heading down to pick up and bring my mom home (and yes, of course, I still showered after).

Favorites of the week
Despite spending most of my time indoors helping my mom, I still managed to get in a lot of walking and had no trouble meeting and exceeding my daily step goal. Doesn’t hurt that she’s not an early riser. She does have a live-in aide, for now, but I was still helping out a lot.

I had signed up to take the RRCA Level 1 Coaching course a few months ago. Little did I know what a difficult week this would already be! So.much.information in a short time. No, I don’t really plan to coach anyone, it was more for my own information; the fact that you can know take it online meant no travel and no extra $$ for meals and hotels.

Obviously I won’t be commenting much on blogs today

GWY Yin Yoga for the Whole Back Body

ICYMI: Even if you have no desire to do this Yin Yoga practice that will help strengthen your whole Posterior Chain (and you should do it!), you still need to check it out here — to see me having to do child’s post sitting on top of Bandit! Seriously, I couldn’t stop laughing! I also have a short vlog to help you think about anything you’ve let go of that you need to bring back into your life here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Interested in a plant based protein bar that won’t weigh you down? Check out my review of Mezcla Bars. On Friday it’s time to join Marcia @ Marciashealthyslice to get some runfessions off my chest.