Yoga

Marching in: 3/1 – 7 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

I’d like to say that Spring is marching in, but it sure seemed much more like Winter this week. A few dustings of snow, frigid temps with howling winds. Our hawks came back to roost, though, so surely Spring is on its way? I could have also titled this Breaking Away (remember that movie?), since I finally got to run a little outside my neighborhood today.

bwrd

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

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (20 min), PB Cardio Abs (12 min), Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: Yoga (15 min), 1.5 TM Bootcamp, SB 3.86 mile (15 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Abs (15 min), Filmed Yoga Video (20 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (20 min), Rest Day — ST was planned, but I was super tired & passed
  • Saturday: Yoga (20 min) — another rest day while the wind howled
  • Sunday: Yoga (20 min), 5 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 9.50 (-1.25)

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

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

Running Update

Tuesday Intention: a little speed, some strength, cut back
I wanted to finally try a Peloton Tread Bootcamp, and I chose a 45 minute Classic Rock Bootcamp. It was a good class; although I had intentions of doing a cool down run because I ran even less than I thought I would — well, that was before I did the class. Note to self: if you want more miles, do a warmup run. I did follow it with a stationary bike cool down, though.

I thought about a 60 minute bootcamp — probably would have gotten me the mileage I wanted — but I’ve been a bit tired (and busy) the last couple of weeks so I was trying to take it a little easier. Insert evil laugh there!

A lot of snow has melted, but Winter temps have been hanging on

Thursday Intention: Take it Easy!
I was feeling a little off this week. Tuesday’s workout was a bit intense, plus there were various minor frustrations yesterday. It was gray, cold, and windy. It was also a very consistent run, and while I won’t say it felt great — the pace was a bit faster than it’s been in a while.

Both photos from our lawn. I expect this to be gone by the end of next week!

Sunday Intention: go the distance
Just 5 miles. Don’t let the sun fool you — it was cold, but not as cold as Saturday! I walked out and thought I was overdressed, but then the wind kicked up — nope, it was just right for me. the first three miles passed fairly “quickly”, that last mile was a bit of a struggle.

Favorites of the week
I had to ask Alexa if hawks go south for the Winter. Yup, indeed. I noticed that they hadn’t been around, but I also noticed them flying around and then coming to to rest on “their” trees opposite from our house (where we saw what I’m calling a young eagle last week). I look forward to watching them ride the thermals in the Summer. Sorry no photos.

It was a busy week, but nothing terribly exciting happened and I barely took any photos . Actually, I did finally get my new Yoga props, but I never took any photos of them. Oops!

Training or just running?

Snow all gone or hanging in there? Ours is mostly gone (for now) although it’s been so cold & we’ve had some flurries so there’s still some hanging on.

Did you race this weekend? 

GWY Balance 1

ICYMI: It’s the first video in my Better Balance + Core Challenge! You’ll find the video here. This week I also did two bonus Facebook Lives — one core, one for the back in the Facebook group; you can join here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Some historic moments in women’s running for Women’s History Month. Friday I’m sharing what I did to heal my Achilles Tendonitis. Of course I am not a medical professional and don’t really know which — or if all — of the things I did worked.

Warmer days are ahead!: 2/22 – 28 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

Wednesday had a high of 50F! Perfect running weather. I went to visit my mom; I got to enjoy the warmer weather on my hike there, but there was no time to run. I notice how much more birdsong there is these days, and the days staying light longer. Spring takes a long time to come up here, but every little sign of it is encouraging.

bwrd

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

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min), PB ST (15 min), Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 2.75 TM, SB 4.45 mile (15 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), 2 mile hike Olana, Yoga (20 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (20 min), 5 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (20 min), PB ST (10 min), 13ish miles SB while taking the mobiliy course
  • Sunday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 10.75 (+1.25)

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

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

Running Update

Tuesday Intention: go the distance
I gave serious consideration to skipping this run altogether. I woke up feeling tired. I was going to run outside — maybe I could have — but we’d had a bit of snow overnight, running in the afternoon when it would be clearer wasn’t an option, and quite frankly even though it was a warmer day, I wasn’t feeling it. I decided to run on the treadmill — an endurance run (steady pace) — and just keep the pace conservative. I survived.

Even after some warmer weather—still a ways to go. With rain in the forecast for this weekend we should see less & less of the white stuff.

Friday Intention: increase distance, keep pace easy
Mission accomplished! 5 miles that felt surprisingly good. Mostly consistent and the last mile was the fastest. I only look at my watch to see when miles are coming up; I drink some water each mile. So I have no idea how fast I’m running most of the time. No side stitches!

Our side of the street doesn’t get a lot of sun. I’m be other side you see grass!

Sunday Intention: take it easy, enjoy those warmer temps
It was almost 40F by the time I finished my run. No wind; sadly no sun either. A relatively easy 3 miles, meeting my intention.

Forgot about the photo until they were almost gone! They taste much better than they look in this photo.

Favorites of the week
I took some of my starter out of the fridge to reactivate, with the intention of making more bread. It was a busy week and I knew I just didn’t have the time to make bread — Friday I had my long-ish run, and Saturday I had an online class all day. So I decided to make some more pancakes. Apparently you can never have too many pancakes. They seemed to fuel 5 miles quite well.

Learned a lot about mobility & self myofascial release yesterday. It will make its way to the blog eventually.

I will definitely be changing up some of my foam rolling with what I learned in yesterday’s class. I’ll share a lot of what I learned, but it’s going to take a little time to digest all that information. The vibrating ball (in front) might just be my new bestie.

Bandit kept me company for almost the whole class (roughly 6 hours).

Over tea next Friday I  talk about Bandit & snuggling. I’ve noticed a decline since it’s been warming up, but he hung out with me during my class almost the entire time. Hard work, but a dog’s gotta do what a dog’s gotta do.

What are the little Spring approaching signs you’ve noticed?

Spring racing plans? Nothing for me, not yet anyway.

Have you tried a vibrating massage tool/foam roller? Yes, they make vibrating foam rollers. That might be next on my list.GWY Manifest Your Dream Meditation

ICYMI: A short, moving mediation. This will help you push away the fear and bring in the things you want in your life. You’ll find the video here. On the other blog I explain Oracle cards, how to use them, and a few options to consider here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Thoughts on the run — outside and inside. Friday I’m grabbing some hot chocolate and getting together with you virtually to share what’s going on in my life — and I promise to listen to what’s going on in yours, too.

Typical February Week: 2/15 – 21 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 42 Comments

Snow. Ice. Cold. Not nearly as much as forecast, though — in fact, much, much less (except the cold part). I was able to run outside twice. My heart goes out to my friends in Austin, even while I’m actually glad (for once!) that we live here and not there. I’ve been without power. I’ve been without water. Neither is fun. Throw into that burst pipes — yikes!

I am ready for some good news, I truly am!

bwrd

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

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (40 min), PB Legs (11 min), Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), PB Balance + Core (10 min), 2.5 TM, 4.5 SB, Shoveling, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), PB ST (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Easy 3 miles, Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), PB Legs (10 min), A little touch up shoveling, Dogwalk
  • Saturday: Yoga (20 min), PB Arms (10 min), Dogwalk
  • Sunday: Yoga (20 min), 4 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 9.5 (+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

This is how it looked by the afternoon when the temps had risen above freezing and the ice was melting. Made the shoveling easier, but I stuck to the mill in the morning.

Tuesday Intention: just a touch of speed + more time
I chose a 45 minute intervals run today. I’ve been using 45 minute runs, but just running for 30 minutes. I continue to slowly increase time and length of my runs, so this week I wanted to run for 35 minutes. Which I did.

Another cool ice photo. Makes plastic mesh look like chain mail!

I kept my “speed” relatively low, walked the last 10 minutes, and then cooled down with a 10 minute indoor bike ride. I’ve been doing 15 minute cycles, but it was getting really close to lunch and no one wants Mr. Judy hangry.

No killer storms here but lots of days with just a few inches of snow & lots of cold means the snow stays. Until next week when we’re supposed to get more seasonal temps.

Thursday Intention: opt outside + easy miles
No wind for the win again! Which is good because it was just barely above 22F. Definitely took it easy, but a good run overall. Except for when I turned around at the end of one street and almost literally ran into a woman running on the wrong side of the street — I had no idea she was there. Otherwise uneventful except for V02 Max nudging up a little and my last mile being a pretty normal pace.

Typical February scenes

Sunday Intention: add some more distance (again!)
Another cold in the low 20s run, but wind not too bad and bright sunshine! It still felt more difficult than Thursday’s run. No idea why. Back up to 4 miles. Woohoo! Although I did stop after mile 3 to make sure Mr. Judy had been out to walk Bandit — he just won’t walk if I’m at home and Mr. Judy takes him solo, but he usually will walk if I’m not at home. Looking for me, no doubt. I was worried I’d get home and then have to go back out to walk him — which I do a lot — but I just wasn’t feeling that today. He’s such a weird dog.

Rarely seen sunshine outside; but no way to get Vitamin D from that sunshine so gotta get light somehow

Favorites of the week
I want to thank everyone, again, who took time out of their love day to wish me a happy birthday last week; I am grateful to each and every one of you.

Mr. Judy actually put his thinking cap on and got me a great gift: a new light box for the mornings. I’ve had a small one for many years, but the rechargeable battery was slowly dying. The new one is much larger. I still get tired in Winter, but I do think it helps! I also asked for something like a water pick — food is always getting stuck in my teeth — and he got me that, too. It took some getting used to but my teeth feel so good after using it.

He also chipped in with his family, and there are some new Yoga props on their way, too.

Of course birthdays aren’t about what you receive, but it’s always nice to know that people are thinking about you.

Favorite recent birthday gift?

How’s your motivation holding up as Winter grinds on?

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a free virtual Yoga class here! 

GWY Yin Yoga Hamilton

ICYMI: It’s a Hamilton Yin Yoga practice! I had so much fun working on this. You’ll deeply stretch your whole body. I will give you a quote from the play for each Asana (posture). I can’t play music from the soundtrack due to copyright, but maybe you can entertain yourself with it in your mind as we practice together. You’ll find the video here. If you’re looking for some inspirational morning reading I’ve got some suggestions here.

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

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m wrapping up February (just a few days early). Friday it’s time for some runfessions!

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

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

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

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

bwrd

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

Workouts update

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

Running Mileage: 8.5 (+2)

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

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

Running Update

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

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

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

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

Clearing the air as I drive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

gwy MR yin

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

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

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

February at its best: 2/1 – 7 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 43 Comments

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

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

bwrd

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

Workouts update

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

Running Mileage: 6.5 (+3.25)

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

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

Running Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An immunity dessert!

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

Bandit says February is for snuggling

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

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

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

GWY Yin Yoga Saucha

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

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

Last year in the 50s: Tea/coffee Date February 2021

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 Comments

Ultimate-Coffee-Date-1-300x300

Thanks,  Coco and Deborah, for inviting me and all the other bloggers to get together with the warm beverage of our choice and get caught up in what’s going on in our worlds.

b50s

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you the last couple of years have changed my relationship with running. I don’t know if it will change back when things are finally more normal. I never lived to race. Do I miss it? Sometimes. Sometimes not. I haven’t even really missed running much — not running opened up a lot of time to work on my passion projects and I got so much done — while still staying fit with other fitness pursuits.

Winter running can be peaceful. It can also test your limits. Some embrace the cold; some “run” from it.

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you part of the reason I probably don’t miss running so much right now is it’s Winter. A relatively mild Winter in these parts (until this month, of course), but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been some bone-chilling cold days and snow. Usually for me Winter is a time for maintaining my base.

Although I have been known to train through Winter, most of the time when I’ve done it I swear never again! I’m a sucker for a race around my birthday, though, which is next week. That means travel. Because who wants to run a half marathon in Winter in upstate NY even when times are normal? Well, some people do, but not this girl!

Mason jars make me happy. Mason jars with healthy food even happier.

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you these brightly colored mason jars filled with healthy food: parsley — used to make pesto, not pictured but it’s also in a mason jar!, home made chocolate cashew milk,  greens soup, vegetarian chili, cauliflower (which has been transformed into cauliflower leek soup), home made chicken bone broth — they make my heart sing every time I open the refrigerator door.

I’d also tell you somehow I got 2 things of parsley into my grocery order, and because every time you go back to adjust an order with that company, you have to enter your substitutions all over again, I just let it be. Then when it came, there were three things of parsley! One was used for the greens soup, another for the pesto, and I guess I’ll just have to make more of my greens soup!

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you I hurt my shoulder doing Yoga last month; the first time I was able to resolve it pretty quickly with self myofascial release (SMR), even though it was so painful I could barely lift my arm past shoulder height.

The second time also resolved pretty quickly, for the same reason. Although I had one night, after it was almost all better, when oddly I had a terrible time sleeping because I couldn’t get comfortable — despite the fact that during the day it was feeling pretty good. Weird! Luckily it was fine by the time it snowed and shoveling didn’t bother it.

If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . .
I’d tell you I turn 59 next week. Of course I can’t tell you how I’ll feel when I turn 60 in 2022, but right now it doesn’t bother me. I think that’s because I’m the baby of my family — both my immediate and my extended family. Also there’s the fact my sister is 7 years older, so obviously she turned 60 long ago, although sometimes I swear I feel like the older sister!

How do you feel about big birthdays? 

Oldest, youngest, middle child or only child? 

What would you do with #alltheparsley?

Also linking up with:

bfitfivefriday

Commencement: 1/25 -31 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 46 Comments

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

bwrd

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

Workouts update

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

Running Mileage: 3.25 (+3.25)

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

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

Running Update

Just a wee bit chilly (and windy)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GWY Yin Yoga Ahimsa (1)

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

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

A week of creativity: 1/18 – 24 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 37 Comments

Even though I felt even better most of this week, there were a few days I didn’t. Very annoying. Even more annoying? I managed to tweak something in my dominant arm shoulder, not once, but twice! After a lot of SMR (self myofascial release), both times, the pain quickly went away — although it took some working on!

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and still not running. Yoga + walking to keep the body moving.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk
  • Saturday: Yoga (10 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (10 min), Yoga (15 min)

Running Mileage: 0 (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

Still not running

Thanks for giving me a reason to be creative, Liz!

Favorites of the week
I had fun drawing Liz’s cats for my Happy Birthday sign for her. Thanks, Cari @ Travelingwithcari for the heads up and glad you had a good birthday, Liz!

I made chicken soup yesterday from the bones of a chicken we cooked. Nothing quite like home made chicken soup on a very cold day!

We split the certificate so not all the chocolate stuff was mine!

We also finally used a gift certificate our SIL had given us for hannukah. Above is our haul.

GWY Web Logo

ICYMI, I did a soft launch on my Yoga Website here. Yes, a second blog. Some freebies. Still a work in progress, in fact hoping today to set up a Yin Yoga FAQ page to link up to all the short videos I’ve been created on that. Not being as active gave me the time I needed to work on that, and it was a lot of work — even though I used to design Websites as a living! That was a long, long time ago though. They were much simpler back then.

Have  you ever tried to run two blogs simultaneously?

How would you fill your time if you weren’t able to run?

What would you love to do, career wise,  other than your current job?

GWY Meditation for Unity

ICYMI: Before the inauguration I felt called to do a Facebook Live, leading a meditation for unity. I’ll help you move your body a little first so you can relax. guide you through a healing meditation, and we’ll spend a little time in gratitude. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m sharing six favorites from 2020. Yes, 2020 was challenging in so many ways, but there were good things that came out of it, too. Always better to focus on the positive. Friday it’s time to get a few things off my chest at the runfessional here — join us!.

Welcome to Go with Yin Yoga

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 24 Comments

Today I am unveiling my new Website and Blog for Yoga here. It is very much a work in progress, so I appreciate your gentle, constructive criticism. At the moment it’s also a personal site, so there are some things I can’t change — and then there are some things I can change, but I need to figure out how!

bfitfivefriday

I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida and Run Laugh Eat Pie for Fit Five Friday

What you’ll find there
I offer several freebies you are free to download and I point you to some of the different sorts of videos I post to my YouTube channel. I’ll continue to post my new videos here — I try to put it all the way at the bottom of the post, because I know not everyone is interested — but I know some people are.

I have also started a new blog. My videos do often target things that are beneficial for runners — and at the end of February I’m taking a myofascial release class — I’m definitely excited to share more videos on that eventually!

In fact, just this week one day one shoulder was really bothering me; I could lift my arm above my shoulder without a fair amount of pain. I didn’t know why, since I haven’t been doing a whole lot, but I did a lot of myofascial release work on it and it was 90% better the next day and perfectly fine now.

Since this new Website is devoted to Yoga, I’ll also be diving into subjects like Yoga philosophy and pranayama — and how both can really help you in life. I will definitely also be posting about how Yoga can help — and hurt! — runners. I have lots of ideas; it’s always a matter of time!

An excerpt from the first blog post
I am writing a whole series on the Yamas and Niyamas, and how that might help you set some goals for this year, if you haven’t already. You don’t have to know what they are — I’ll explain them all.

What if you chose just one thing to concentrate on for all of 2021? How do you think your life would look like at the end of 2021 if you just chose one thing — and stuck to it? If you’re sighing a huge sigh of relief right now, keep reading — because I’m going to make it easy for you.

You can read the full post here.

Gratitude
I appreciate everyone that has subscribed to my channel, to everyone that has liked one of my videos — or left me a comment! I know that Yoga isn’t everybody’s thing, so I also appreciate you tolerating my passion for it.

If you have used my videos and enjoyed them, I’d love to get a testimonial from you I can feature on the Website. Email me here with whatever you feel called on to write and thank you so much for doing so!

Thanks for indulging me!

If Yoga isn’t your thing, but you know someone who might be interested, please pass along the Website — thank you!

 

Down but not out: 1/11 – 17 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 37 Comments

No running; still tired, but walking every day. This should be a pretty short post!

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and still not running. Yoga + walking to keep the body moving.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (10 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)

Running Mileage: 0 (-3)

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

Zero, zip, nada

Look closely; you can just see my red pajama bottoms Bandit’s snuggling up against

Favorites of the week
There have been more snuggles with Bandit. One day he actually snuggled with me a long time, but since then he’s mostly back to “I’ll lay on you when I want something from you” mode.

When I get up Bandit’s quick to claim the warm spot

Despite the extremely gray week, it was somewhat warm (for Winter) and mostly not too windy. In other words, good running weather for Winter — except Saturday, when we had a wintry mix. Although I don’t think I had COVID, I did get tested on Friday. Not sure when I’ll visit my mom again, but I just felt I had to make sure before I did. Still waiting on results.

I have definitely not been a complete couch potato, but I did finish up Bridgerton on Netflix. Lovely costumes, attractive actors, beautiful sets. If you’re looking for something light, you might enjoy this.

I’m also in the middle of Tiny Pretty Things, also on Netflix, which is pretty much a complete 180 from Bridgerton. It’s about high school aged ballet dancers at a fancy ballet school in Chicago, and opens with a mystery about who pushed one of the dancers off the roof.

It’s pretty dark, and lots of sex, but the mystery is interesting and the dancing is great. If you enjoy ballet, you might like this.

Finally we watched One Night in Miami on Amazon Prime last night. It was interesting and I’d recommend it.

What do you do when you feel stiff & achy?

Seen the sun lately?

Watching anything good on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

gwy banish aches

ICYMI: Movement is lotion — even when you’re not feeling 100%. This short practice will help you banish stiffness: when you’re sick, when you wake up — it also works as a great warmup for a longer Yoga practice. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: What has the Pandemic taught me about running? Friday I hope to reveal another project I’ve been working on while I haven’t been running — but we’ll see, it’s been slow going.