Add another state?: 2/10-16 WRD

February 16, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 47 Comments

The date for my Dad’s burial has been set, and it was arranged so I could run the April half if I want to — or so I thought. I can still run the April half, but the new potential date means two trips at the end of April. So it’s gone from a nice long weekend away to add another state, to potentially all sorts of driving and my Dad’s burial — not so much relaxing. What to do?

We most likely won’t make our decision until the end of the month, since the price goes up in March (and it’s already not cheap) — in the meantime I’m still in limbo, trying to begin to up my training just in case.

If I do run the April half, most likely I will target it mostly for fun and training for my June half (although the April half is flat & fast, and the June half is downhill, and therefore has the potential to be fast). I’d probably continue to run just three times a week — unless that early spring arrives — maybe even if it does — and simply begin to increase those long runs.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and trying to motivate myself through the gray days of Winter.

briots

And linking up with Jenn @ Runswithpugs, Brandi @ Funnerrunner, Anna Louise @ Graciouswarriorprincess, Briana @ Matsmilesmedals, Meghan @ Meghanonthemove, and Elizabeth @ Trainwithbainfor RIOTS(running is our therapy)

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (60 min), Shoveling ice, Dogwalk
Tuesday: 3 miles with 5 hill repeats
Wednesday: Yoga (15 min), Dogwalk, Taught Yoga (60 min)
Thursday: Cardio (10 min), Yoga (30 min), Shoveling Ice, PB Walk with Weights (25 min)
Friday: Yoga (15 min), 3 TM Progressive Miles
Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Soul Stroll
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 8 mile LSD, PB ST (10 min)

Mileage: 14 (NC)

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

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

Running Update

Finally got the driveway clear of ice (before the next ice storm hit)

Tuesday
It was an ugly day: cold drizzle and gray, but the temps hovered just above freezing allowing me to get out there without having to worry about black ice. I took it nice & easy, even backing off on the number of hill repeats I did. Oddly enough, this turned out to be a strong run for me — the first that felt that way in quite some time. I guess my Garmin agreed, because I gained back the point on my VO2 Max that I’d lost.

Friday
Going to my mom’s for her first Valentine’s Day alone, so 3 progressive mill miles it was (due to the cold, the wind, and time crunch).

**I was able to gingerly walk over this bridge**

Sunday
I was hoping the bike path was clear; I made a quick trip there, and our overnight dusting of snow was still there. Who know what was underneath that snow? I didn’t want to find out.

I was tired of running in the same neighborhood, but there wasn’t much choice. The path to the bridge was clear, though, so I slowly and carefully walked over into the park. Most of today’s run was in the park, but there were still spots were the path was completely covered in ice. Wearing my trail shoes today helped a lot.

I also spent quite a bit of time running around parking lots — a runner’s gotta do what a runner’s gotta do — and discovered some new sidewalks to extend my run into 8 miles without looping.

A far warmer, and less windy, day than yesterday, but it still wasn’t an easy run. I couldn’t convince myself for much of the run that Winter running is, indeed, a good thing (like I wrote about this week here), but I rallied enough to realize that I am lucky I can run, and that I got to do it outside.

I think my Mom deserves the roses on Valentine’s — but I got flowers from Mr. Judy, too (not pictured — the flowers or Mr. Judy). My necklace? That was a gift from my parents on my Bat Mitzvah. It’s almost antique now, LOL!

Favorites of the week
I usually like to get a massage on my birthday, whether or not I’ve run. Since it’s almost a month since my Dad passed, and Valentine’s Day happens to be my birthday, and my brother was coming in for a visit (he had scheduled that a long time ago), I thought it would help my mom if I went down to her instead. No time for a massage.

Instead of pampering myself I spent my birthday running on the treadmill; picking up roses, chocolate covered strawberries, and new towels for my mom; and of course the 90+ minute commute down there. I attended Shabbat Services with her, but she did have a cake for me at dinner, which was just ok, but wait, there’s more . . .

My brother came in the next day with his daughter. I’d overheard my mom talking to my sister, and knew she was bringing another cake that day. Along with pizza for lunch for everyone. Oy! The cake was supposed to be a surprise, but I can still hear fairly well.

**It tasted as good as it looked! My poor sister brought sparkler candles for the cake. They don’t allow candles at all at my mom’s senior living facility.**

As you can see, though, it was a beautiful cake (and much better tasting than the previous night’s cake.

So . . . not the best birthday, although I rarely spend it with family, and while we’ve been brought together a lot this year for sad things, it was nice to spend a happier occasion together. Not my worst birthday, either: that belongs to my fourteenth, when my Uncle died unexpectedly of a heart attack.

Do you have cake on your birthday? Because it’s just me & Mr. Judy, I haven’t had a cake on my birthday since my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah, 5 years ago (it happened to fall on my birthday). I do always have dessert on my birthday, though. 🙂 Just no need for an entire cake!

If you travel to your halfs, are they just a quickie, or do you take the time to explore? Mine are called racecations for a reason — I like to take my time in the area that I’m visiting!

Do you pamper your mom on Valentine’s Day? Yourself?

ICYMI: February is about love — self love, that is. Because you can’t love others if you don’t love yourself! Try my short (just 5 minutes!) guided Self Love meditation here. Be the first to know when I release new videos: sign up for my newsletter here to find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free Self Love Affirmation PDF and a bonus audio-only version of this self love meditation.

5 Reasons Winter Running is Good

February 14, 2020February 10, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 21 Comments

Some people love running in Winter. I am not one of those people. Which seems odd, because I’d rather tackle a cold run than a hot, humid one any day of the week. I decided to try to convince myself that Winter running is actually a good thing.

Fairytales and Fitness

Almost no need for sunscreen
If you live in the Southern states, this isn’t true for you. Up here in the frozen tundra, sunscreen on my face is all I need during Winter — because those rays ain’t penetrating my many layers. No tweaking my back trying to get sunscreen on it.

No chafing (or rarely)
Oh yes, you can chafe. Even when it’s below freezing. Thankfully it’s a relatively rare occurrence. I don’t apply anti chafe gel during Winter and I rarely have to regret that decision.

**Beanies keep my hair somewhat presentable**

Beanies are kinder to my hair
Seriously, it’s all about the hair. My hair just looks gross in summer when it’s been shoved into a hat or visor. Beanies don’t completely kill my curls. They feel so much more comfortable than a hard brimmed baseball cap, too.

It gets you outside
If I didn’t have dogs and I didn’t run, I would try to hibernate through Winter. That’s not quite true, I can remember walking a lot in Winter when I lived in VT and we didn’t have dogs then and I certainly didn’t run. I am not a fan of Winter — did you notice? — but I’d rather run outside than on the treadmill, so I get out there on days I definitely wouldn’t if I didn’t need to run.

It toughens you up!
It’s easy to love running when the sun is shining brightly, the temps are just right, and you have the freedom to run in a tank and skirt. Running through Winter takes discipline. It takes grit. It dedication. All those things that you will need to get through your training the rest of the year.

Consistency: the most important bonus!
I have a lot of friends who tend to stop running during Winter. They have their excuses (and it is just that — an excuse!). They also always struggle to get back into running when the weather is nicer, and they tend to struggle with injuries, too, I’ve noticed.

Runners do get injured, whether we take time off or not, but those months off make it difficult to get started again, and often the runners who take the Winter off try to start back at the same level they left off at — a recipe for injury.

I think that consistency is the key to pretty much everything in life. If you want it, show up, do the work, and keep showing up. It isn’t easier, but it’s easier than “I’ll start again on Monday (or when Winter/Summer ends)”.

Do you embrace Winter running?

What do you like about Winter running?

Do you think Winter running toughens you up?

My Good Samaritan Moment: 2/3-9 WRD

February 9, 2020February 9, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 43 Comments

Mr. Judy was slated for a short business trip the latter end of the week. The snow/ice had different plans for him, though, and he ended up having to reschedule. I have to admit I was looking forward to just cooking for myself and getting at some projects I wanted to tackle.

On the other hand, it was nice not having to manage the snow and ice on my own. The snow wasn’t too bad at all, but the ice . . . that’s a different story.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and trying to motivate myself through the gray days of Winter.

briots

Workouts update

Monday: 3 miles with 9 hill repeats, Yoga (60 min)
Tuesday: All the Yoga: Taught Yoga (60 min), Filmed Yoga (20 min), Practiced Upcoming Cat Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, PB Cardio + Light Weights (20 min)
Wednesday: Time Trial 3 Miles, Yoga Vin + Yin (60 min)
Thursday: Cardio (10 min), Yoga (60 min), Filmed 2 Yoga Videos (60 min), PB Walk with Weights (25 min)
Friday: Cardio (40 min), Yoga (30 min)
Saturday: Shoveling snow & ice, Yoga (60 min), Filmed Yoga Video (10 min), PB St + Cardio (15 min)
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 8 mile LSD

Mileage: 14 (+1)

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

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

Running Update

Partly cloudy was the theme for this week

Monday
The sun eventually peeked out, but most of this day was gloomy. What else is new? The dusting of snow, the cold drizzle in the morning. My body seemed unhappy with back to back running days, my VO2 MAX moved down (just a point) for the first time in ages.

**Not sure why I wasn’t feeling this run. And why didn’t I think to make it my long run instead?**

Wednesday
My first time trial was a long time ago — September, as it turns out. I raced enough that I didn’t really feel the need for another one. I decided to try one yesterday, before the snow/ice moved in. For some reason I was just really lacking in energy. I warmed up half a mile, tried to run hard for a mile and half, and then easy the last mile.

Looking back on my one & only time trial, I’d stopped my watch & restarted it between the warmup and the actual time trial. I didn’t think to do that this time. I also had to stop because there’s a short tunnel I had to go through, and I know that it ices up — good thing, it was a sheet of ice on one end and I had to walk gingerly over that. Ice would be a theme for this week, too.

I really struggled, and was a bit disappointed, thinking I’d lost fitness. When I compared it, though, the times were actually somewhat close. The first part was slower than that first trial, but the second part was faster. I *think* my HR was a bit lower, but since I forgot about stopping it, it’s my average HR for the entire run.

Anyway, it was a good, hard effort and I remained uninjured. Winning!

**The hardest part was walking over the ice in the parking lot, as usual**

Sunday
I have been stuck in the 7 mile long run for months. Not training for anything. Today I decided to bust through and add 1 more mile. I had thought about a half the end of April, but it doesn’t look like that will happen.

Funny thing was once I decided to do 8, it wasn’t that big a deal. It was really cold (teens) but not windy, and the sun continued to play peekaboo. And then I had my good Samaritan moment at the end of this run (more on that in this week’s Favorites.

**Me in an older Skirt Sports top with Bandit**

Favorites of the week
I totally forgot to mention this last week — I am so proud to be a Skirt Sports Legacy Ambassador! Which pretty much just means I’ve been wearing & repping Skirt Sports for a long time. I love sharing the Skirt Sports love, so you know you’ll keep seeing me in Skirt Sports! Take a browse through their Website here, use Code SS15Jud244 for a discount on many items, and feel free to contact me with any questions.

I thought this post would be pretty short, it was another uneventful week. Aside from the storm and drama of Mr. Judy not being able to get out. And then my week took a turn — in a great way!

I received a card from one of my running buddies, and thought, oh, how nice, another condolence card. Only it turned out to be from my little running group, and had a very generous donation to Hudson Valley Hospice, who had taken care of my Dad in his final weeks. Even better, my birthday is next week.

I was so touched, and completely surprised! I kind of felt badly that I chose to do my long run today, rather than joining the group yesterday. I worried about the still-icy roads, and frankly just wasn’t feeling it yesterday.

And then . . . I was about a quarter mile from being finished when I saw a credit card in the road. I almost ran on by . . . what to do? It was right in front of one house’s driveway. There was no house across the street.

Yes, I stopped, walked up, and rang the doorbell. And waited, and waited some more, lots of dogs barking . . . footsteps . . . more waiting, rang the doorbell again. Finally a man opened the door. I asked him if he knew the person on the card. When he said it was him, I asked for ID (you never know).

He was so happy I’d found his card! Apparently he’d given it to his mom, and she’d lost it. They looked for it, but it was during the storm, and he figured they’d find it when the snow & ice melted. I’m sure he would have found it without my help, it truly was right at the end of his driveway (just on the other side of the ice), but still, you never know. He was very happy I’d found it. Considering I’ve had people find my wallet and return it — twice — I was more than happy to return the favor.

And I was glad that I’d listened to my intuition after all and run today.

Do you look forward to alone time?

What body part tends to bother you the most? Lately I’ve been doing fairly well, knock on wood. Until I got this knot in my calf, like yesterday, I have no idea from what.

Have you ever tried to run in a skirt? Just one skirt and I was hooked!

ICYMI: Runners who battle feet problems, you’re going to love my short Yoga video to help you strengthen those tootsies here. Well, you may not love me during, but your feet will thank you. Do this a few times a week and your feet should feel a whole lot better. In the future I’ll be sharing an even shorter Yoga video to help you side step all those foot problems runners suffer from. Be the first to know when I release new videos: sign up for my newsletter here to find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free Self Love Affirmation PDF and a bonus Abundance meditation.

Searching for Vitamin D: 1/27-2/2 WRD

February 2, 2020February 2, 2020 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

No big shock, I was very tired the beginning of the week. Last week was intense. Heck, the last half year (and more) was intense. I just wanted to come home & sleep for a million years.

Of course life goes on, and even though I have to admit I wasn’t super motivated this week, I got out there for a few runs. The weather wasn’t horrible, and I even got my runs done outside.

It was a mostly gloomy week though. This morning I woke up to sunshine and a dusting of snow, but by the time I got out midday, that was all gone. It’s why I struggle so much with running outside in Winter.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and sharing getting back to my new normal. It seems like there’s always a new, new normal — doesn’t it?

briots

Workouts update

Monday: PB ST (25 min), Dogwalk
Tuesday: Taught Yoga (60 min), 3 miles + 8 x 20ish sec hill repeats, Dogwalk
Wednesday: PB ST + Cardio (20 min), Dogwalk
Thursday: Bodyweight Abs + Arms (10 min), Dogwalk
Friday: 7 Mile LSD
Saturday: Cardio (10 min), Dogwalk
Sunday: Filmed short Yoga Video, 3 miles easy with 7 x 20 sec strides, Dogwalk

Mileage: 13 (NC)

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

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

Running Update

That pretty, fresh holiday snow? This is what it looks like after a few months.

Tuesday
Gloomy, raw day. Went out for an easy run and decided on hill repeats instead — gotta get them in when the roads are clear, although it looks like they’ll stay clear for a while (fingers crossed).

**Still gloomy. Takes forever for me to get out there.**

Friday
Cloudy, raw, totally uninviting. I took my sweet time getting ready in the morning, but I got out there — and the last 2 miles were the fastest. I think I was just ready to be done! Plus I try to start out “slow” and finish strong. Sometimes, anyway.

**This is my landmark to end one repeat of strides**

Sunday
With midweek weather looking frightful, I have a feeling I’ll be running tomorrow. Maybe a time trial (if I have time, LOL!). So I didn’t want to run hard today. Since I’m only running 3 x week, I wanted to put in strides. I run (downhill) from my mailbox to the fence above. Much rather do this than just 3 miles easy!

Favorites of the week
Home again, that was the highlight of my week! Not having to drive my mom home in the dark on those curvy country roads was also very nice. Otherwise, it really was an an unremarkable week.

Both Mr. Judy and I tried the Bobo’s Toaster Pastry pictured above this week (I found it at Whole Foods). We both wondered where the Chocolate Peanut Butter filling was, but we both agreed we’d eat it again.

I used the toaster pastry as dessert with my lunch after my long run this week. It has a surprising 9 gm of protein in it (it partially uses chickpea flour, although you’d never notice that (Mr. Judy didn’t).

Do you have a full race schedule for 2020? Mine has one race. Kinda like 2019.

Are you struggling getting out the door during Winter? Tuesday I’ll be talking about why you should keep running even when you don’t feel like it.

Any interesting finds at the grocery store recently?

ICYMI: I uploaded a vlog about Yoga Props here. Next Saturday watch for a little love for your feet. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel to be notified when new videos are released! Sign up for my newsletter hereto find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free companion PDF and a bonus Abundance meditation.

Moving into 2020: 12/23-29 WRD

December 29, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 32 Comments

It was a somewhat challenging week to get in movement, due to travel and weather, but I managed pretty well. Got together with friends, briefly, attended a party, was there for my family.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and continuing my run when I can theme — and often walk when I can, too. I have to walkfess that I enjoy walking on my own sometimes (without the dogs).

briots

Workouts update

Monday: 3 miles with Hill Repeats, Yoga (40 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), 3 Progressive TM, PB Cardio + Weights (40 min)
Wednesday: Walk & Soul Stroll
Thursday: Yoga (45 min), Soul Stroll
Friday: 7 mile LSD, Yoga (30 min)
Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Walking with friends, Dogwalk, PB Abs
Sunday: tudio Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, PB Weights

Mileage: 13 (NC)

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

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

Running Update

Love the reindeers that glitter!

Monday
More hill repeats — because I could. Actually we are finally warming up, and for the first time (after a very frustrating morning), this run felt really good. Running off the frustration.

Tuesday
I haven’t run 2 days in a row much since I’ve only been running 3 days a week, but I would be on my way to admit my Dad to the nursing home & stay with my Mom a few days and didn’t know when I’d have the opportunity to run again. To the mill it was — streets definitely runnable, but time was an issue.

**Most of the snow had melted, but obviously not all.**

Friday
I really needed to run off the stress again. Rain in the forecast, starting time always changing, but I got out there relatively early since I had to be back for a call. My friends planned to run Saturday, but I just needed to pound some pavement. Plus I had a holiday party to go to in the evening.

Still a few icy patches here & there, but much warmer than last week!

Favorites of the week
I liked my mom’s electric menorah (they’re not allowed to have candles there).

**A night of pizza, holiday treats, and a gift swap (and steal!)**

We attended a party for volunteers at the Humane Society (Mr. Judy volunteers there). There was pizza, baked goods, and a Yankee swap. I did my long run that morning. I don’t have to run to indulge, but I have to admit, it makes me feel better to feel I’ve earned my treats.

I hope to have a new Yoga video out after the New Year to help you set a word or intention for 2020. Stay tuned! Thanks for checking out my Yoga videos — I’d love it if you drop a comment or hit the like button (assuming you enjoy them, of course).

I hope that everyone has a safe, happy New Years.

Are you looking forward to a new decade?

Did you ever pick a word for 2020? What is it (see mine here)?

Have you set some intentions/goals/resolutions for 2020?

Still We Run: 12/16-22 WRD

December 22, 2019December 22, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

Running went quite well this week. Paces are dropping a tad while HR is steady, all while pretty much running by feel. I got in a little more strength training, too. Snow flew, frigidly cold air moved in.

Life, however, well, not so great. We have been pushing through getting my Dad into a nursing home (which is surprisingly difficult), because even with a live in aide, my 91 year old Mom, just can’t handle him. We’ll make the transition next week.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and yup, still maintaining my base — in what feels like the frozen tundra.

briots

Workouts update

Monday: 3 miles with Hill Repeats, Dogwalk, Yoga AM/PM (60 min), PB Abs (10 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), PB Cardio + Weights (40 min)
Wednesday: Yoga AM/PM (60 min), 3 miles TM Progressive, Dogwalk
Thursday: Yoga (40 min), TM Soul Stroll (33 min)
Friday: 7 mile LSD, Yoga (30 min)
Saturday: Yoga (45 min), Filmed Yoga Video (50 min), Very short Dogwalk (Brrrr!)
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), Studio Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, PB Weights

Mileage: 13 (NC)

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

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

Running Update

A little holiday cheer on the road before the snow

Monday
Snow in the forecast for the next day, so I got out for more hill repeats while the hill was still runnable.

Wednesday
Snow was restocked, so to the mill it was. We didn’t get much this time, but it takes a while for the roads to really be runnable.

Friday
Our temps plummeted this week, and it was a very, very cold day. Sunny, at least. Some wind, but not too bad. I went out later in the day, when it was at least in the teens (although still felt like single digits). The run was strong, but it was also a tough one.

Favorites of the week
This week I tried Oat Milk. I haven’t drunk cow’s milk in forever (although I still occasionally eat cheese and more often yogurt); I use nut milks mostly. I tried the Oat Milk first in a Matcha Latte and I was underwhelmed. Much prefer my Almond Milk.

The next day I tried the Oat Milk in oatmeal I cooked in my mini crockpot overnight. Some synchronicity there, right? I really liked it that way; the oatmeal came out really creamy!

A very Happy Holidays to all who celebrate next week. To those that struggle this time of year, I’m sending you a virtual hug. Hang in there. It will get better.

Do you drink Cow’s Milk or alternative milks?

Do you really feel that tough runs make you a stronger runner?

Are you hoping for anything special this holiday season?

Thawing out: 12/9-15 WRD

December 15, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

I thought we’d be going to my parents today, but we’re going to try for tomorrow since my nephew (who lives in India — yes, the country) will be visiting. So I didn’t need to get that long run in on Friday, but then I didn’t have to deal with the crazy wind today.

I considered just showing up & doing a few miles with my friends, which would have been the first time I’ve run 4 x week in a long time, but I wasn’t feeling it and there was a lot to do today. Going to my parents sucks up an entire day and requires some prep the day before (get stuff ready for the dogs, lay out clothes to run in and clothes to actually wear the rest of the day — among other stuff).

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and yup, still maintaining my base.

briots

Workouts update

Monday: 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Filmed Yoga Video (25 min), PB Cardio + Weights (45 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy (with 6 x 20ish hill repeats), Studio Yin Yoga (60 min)
Thursday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, PB Cardio + Weights (30 min)
Friday: 7 mile LSD, Yoga (30 min)
Saturday: Yoga (40 min), PB ST (35 min), TM Soul Stroll (30 min)
Sunday: Dogwalk, Yoga (40 min)

Mileage: 13 (NC)

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

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

Running Update

Sometimes the hardest part is getting out of your own driveway

Monday
I expected to wake up to rain and be on the treadmill — only I didn’t (wake up to rain, that is). I had what looked like a few hours rain free (although the radar often lies). I quickly ate some breakfast, got dressed, foam rolled, warmed up a little and got myself out there. I still wore screw shoes, there are still icy bits out there — not much, but it doesn’t take much. I did hit one slushy patch I slipped on slightly, but all in all a decent run.

**Much of the snow gone after a day of rain**

Wednesday
A very busy day, so I managed to get out the door fairly early (not quite as early as Monday). We’ve had a thaw the last few days, so a lot of the snow has melted. I took advantage of the clearing to do some hill repeats — definitely don’t want to do those on iffy roads!

**Again, remember all the snow & ice here last week? Same parking lot!**

Friday
The day was gray and cold, but not too bad, and only a little bit of icy patches here and there. I was able to get most of my run done in the park, and it was a really strong run, with most miles within seconds of each other (except that rogue mile 2). No idea why, but it made me happy.

Favorites of the week
This time I tried an edamame + mung bean pasta. Mr. Judy didn’t even comment on it — he’s usually rightly suspicious when I serve pasta. This pasta has 24 gm of protein in a serving! It goes in the pot a greenish color, but most of that fades during cooking. I cooked it a bit longer than the box suggested, which seemed to work.

I am working on starting that Youtube channel. In fact, I hope to have it done in time for Tuesday’s post! Let’s just say there’s been a lot of hair pulling going on because this girl knows nothing about editing video. Even after trying to edit a few.

Do you ever try alternative pasta? Have a favorite one?

Any exciting races lately?

Is your holiday shopping done or are you just getting started?

Wrapping up Racing: 12/2-8 WRD

December 9, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 32 Comments

Last night (yup, night) was probably my last race for 2019. There was a 5k I considered for next weekend, but the weather right now doesn’t look great — of course that can always change. This week was still a bit light in strength training, but I suppose I made up for that with all the shoveling!

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and again just maintaining my base.

briots

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (40 min), TM Soul Stroll, Lots of shoveling
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Shoveling, 3 TM progressive miles, Yin Yoga (30 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
Thursday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, PB Cardio + Weights (30 min)
Friday: Yoga (40 min), 7 mile LSD
Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Last Run 5k
Sunday: Yoga (40 min), Vin , Practiced Yoga with a friend (60 min)

Mileage: 13 (+1)

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

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

Running Update

**Almost 2 feet of snow, and a bit more on & off later in the week**

Tuesday
After a weekend of snow, the roads weren’t really that bad; we know how to handle it up here! I still stayed on my treadmill, from an abundance of caution. It only takes a little ice to take a runner down. I managed to procrastinate getting started even though I wasn’t going outside!

**The hardest part of this run was not slipping on the way out of the parking lot**

Friday
I still managed to procrastinate a little (well, read blogs & comment on blogs, feed the dogs, etc), which meant that I got out when I planned to get out, rather than a little early (more snow on the way). The predicted snow showed up right on time, basically during my last mile.

There is something extremely peaceful about running in falling snow — before it starts sticking to the roads, and I managed to time this perfectly in that respect. The hardest part about this run was getting into and out of the parking lot (pictured above), but I was grateful that at least the parking lot had been cleared.

**The lights & the fireworks keep us coming to this race despite cold & snow**

Saturday
Last Run is always a fun time, and I posted a video of the fireworks over on IG. First time posting other than ambassador stuff in a long while! Always a fun race, which I’ll recap Tuesday.

Three years ago I’d invited some friends over to my house post race, and despite the snow storm, most of them came. Apparently it’s become a tradition, although other people in our group have opened their homes since the first one at my house. A good time was had by all.

Favorites of the week
I picked up some chickpea granola at Whole Foods. I’d definitely recommend it. As much as I love oatmeal, I find I just have to be careful about how much I consume to keep my weight in check. Although with the party Saturday night, there was a bit more indulging this week anyway.

I finally upgraded from a free WordPress blog to a paid one, so you don’t have to type quite as much any more (you should be able to reach me at Chocolaterunsjudy.com now). I was a little apprehensive, but I was already at 99.5% of my storage on the free account. The transition appears to have gone smoothly.

I slept in just a tad (like, 6am instead of 4:30 or 5), did my yoga, did some errands, and then practiced yoga with a friend. So I’m late to the link up party tonight!

Any more races for you this year?

Interesting snack finds?

How many holiday parties do you have?

It’s bad when they name the storm: 11/25-12/1 WRD

December 1, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 26 Comments

Thanksgiving was spent with my parents, my sister and her kids, plus one of the couples my parents eat with on a regular basis. It wasn’t horrible and it wasn’t great, and I have a strong feeling it might be my Dad’s last Thanksgiving, but only time will tell. Not a whole lot of activity this week, but there’s going to be a lot of shoveling (potentially) the next couple of days.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and again just maintaining my base.

briots

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (40 min), 3 miles easy
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Cardio + Weights (45 min), Dogwalk, Yin Yoga (45 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
Thursday: Yoga (30 min), 3 mile progressive TM
Friday: Yoga (40 min), Chilly Dogwalk
Saturday: Yoga (40 min), 6 miles LSD
Sunday: Yoga (40 min), Vin + Yin Studio (60 min), Dogwalk

Mileage: 12 (-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

This path will be buried in snow soon, so took advantage of it while it’s clear

Monday
I arranged my run around errands again. I also had trouble making up my mind when I actually wanted to run, and while today was relatively warm, it was also gray. Guess I better suck it up because that describes a lot of our winter! 3 easy miles; nothing terribly remarkable, but I guess I did okay because it nudged my VO2 up a point. No cats. 🙂

Thursday
We had to leave by 9am so the treadmill it was for 3 progressive miles. Thanksgiving was . . . ok. No big drama (not til much later that night, or actually early Friday morning, long after we’d left).

**Cold, but thankfully little wind & sun for the win**

Saturday
A very chilly 6 miles with friends. Not too much wind and sunshine, though, so it really wasn’t bad, and I actually had company the whole six miles. Been a long time since I actually ran with someone!

**Horrible Bald Eagle specs — but he was a beauty! Or she?**

Favorites of the week
I spotted this Bald Eagle during one of our walk breaks. Although we do have eagles in the area, and I’ve actually seen them on the path in a different town once (also on a run with friends), I had never seen one on this particular path (which is the end of Mowhawk Hudson Half/Marathon — you never know what you might see!).

Ford vs Ferrari. I have zero interest in cars (as you might be able to tell from my 19 year old Honda Civic) or car racing, but this was a terrific movie and I highly recommend it.

Do you like cars and/or car racing?

Favorite Thanksgiving memory?

Any other new movies you’d recommend?

All the leaves are brown: 11/18-24 WRD

November 24, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 43 Comments

Another week at home, although I had a false alarm midweek. Physically my Dad is regaining some strength, but mentally not so much and it’s only going to continue going downhill. Even with an aide, it’s very hard on my Mom. On everyone, really.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and sharing how I am taking another shot at that 5k PR.

briots

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (40 min), 3 miles easy
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Shoveling icy snow, Taught Yoga (60 min) Dogwalk
Wednesday: Yoga (Kudalini 40 min), Dogwalk, St (20 min)
Thursday: Yoga (90 min), 7 mile LSD
Friday: Yoga (40 min), Cardio (20 min), Dogwalk
Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Girls on the Run 5k + .9 mile warmup, Practiced Yin with a friend (60 min)
Sunday: Yoga (40 min), ST (15 min)

Mileage: 14 (+1)

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

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

Running Update

**Why does the universe keep throwing cats at me?**

Monday
I seriously had no desire to run today. Considered waiting til tomorrow and taking it to the mill if the forecast wintry mix showed up (it did, along with some snow). I also know that there will probably be lots of treadmill days in my future, so why retreat when there’s no reason? Ran into another cat on the trail. Why is the universe throwing cats at me lately?

I’ll also add this tip to my post on winter running tips (read it here): plan errands around your run. It’ll get you out the door when you just want to hunker down at home.

**This cemetery in the middle of the subdivison seemed a little creepy — must be fun on Halloween!**

Thursday
The one where I discover #alltheneighborhoods. I set out for a long run (planning on a 5k Saturday), but the path still had some lingering slushy/snowy bits, and I feared the opposite way would be even worse (it was).

So I took one of the side paths that led into a neighborhood. Many neighborhoods, in fact. Hilly neighborhoods. I discovered you could run for miles back there. Would I brave walking 3/4 of a mile on a snowy path to get to those neighborhoods to have someplace new to run in the Winter? Dunno.

This part of the path doesn’t generally have as many people on it as another section I frequently run, but it’s closer to me. If I’m running later in the day, I’m mostly alone. So knowing the neighborhoods are right there is a nice alternative.

Saturday
The weather was pretty atrocious this week, but I caught the one nice day for my 5k. I signed up early this week, and since it was the Girls on the Run 5k (read about them here), I knew if the weather was really bad it would just be a donation — but I got lucky. So how did that work for me . . . I’ll recap it on Tuesday. Yes, I love to tease. 🙂

Favorites of the week
Somewhere in this week, I’m pretty sure, was Lola’s fourteenth birthday. I have been doing some organizing, rearranging, and decluttering — and somehow all her records aside from the past few years have gone missing. I ~~have~~had the records from Simba, Chester, and Gizmo still (gone almost 7, 4, and 1 years) — and Bandit’s records with his three different birth dates (not kidding!) — but Lola’s has gone poof! So we simply celebrated her all week.

At times Lola is still possessed of puppy-like energy, but we definitely see her age. She’s gotten a little snappy about being handled sometimes. She has a lot of trouble jumping (and we already have stairs in our bed & living rooms for her). She doesn’t want to eat first thing in the morning these days (although evenings are a very different story).

In general, though, considering her age she’s doing well. That’s definitely something to celebrate.

Do you like the challenge of the 5k or prefer the longer distances where you don’t have to go full out all the way?

Do you celebrate your furkid’s birthdays? My SIL is having a “bark mitzvah” for their dog. I kid you not.

Do your furkids love “real” food?