Athleta Visor Present & Running Games

First and foremost, I want to thank Live Free and Run for her giveaway. I happened to be the lucky winner from her recent contest and received an Athleta visor.

I wore it for the first time today and must say it's pretty comfy! That is saying a lot coming from me. In the past, I have had nothing but bad luck with any type of hat or head gear while running. It either doesn't stay on or it feels like I am loosing circulation to my brain. Even the adjustable hats! "One Size Fits All" my arse!

So thanks again, Colleen! I'm in love with my prize and will definitely look into some Athleta gear in the future!

Anyway, I ran a 6 miler on the treadmill yesterday. At first, I was going to break it up since I consider the treadmill a "dreadmill." I figured I would do 3 miles, rest and make dinner. Then, I would follow up with 3 more miles and call it a day. But, I changed my mind about 10 times and ended up making a game out of it. Oh the ways we must entertain ourselves just to get through a run...

I'm sure it was only considered fun by my standards, but I decided to see how many miles I could do before Peter got home from his hair cut. Normally, he doesn't take too long to finish up. I figured I would at least get 3-4 miles in before he arrived. That's when I would take the break and finish out later in the evening.

Well, I ended up finishing the entire 6 miles before he got home.

That wasn't exactly how I wanted to play the game, but I think I won in the end because I got the dreadmill workout over with.

Today, I took to the trail for a 5 mile run. I was fooled by the weather and thought "This is going to be such a lovely run! I'll probably end up doing a few more miles!" I was so very wrong. It was really nice for the first mile, but once I was in the woods, the humidity was pretty heavy. Also, my legs were not too keen on the idea of running today. In fact, they started falling asleep during the last 2 miles. That has not happened in months, so I think they may actually need these next 2 rest days. Then, they will be ready to give me some more of the best running days ever! :o)

Happy Hump Day!


What hats or headgear have you worn this summer? Any recommendations for my fat head?

Any running games you play to make it a little more enjoyable? Anyone ever try that Zombies, Run! app?

Ever have your legs/feet fall asleep on a run? Have you found a way to stop it without having to take a break during your run?

All Calf, No Thigh

PRO Compression is now selling these awesomely patriotic socks. They will be perfect for my Run for Freedom 5k this July 4th. They are currently 40% off using coupon code JL4. Go buy some!

As I was measuring myself up for the best fit, it would appear that I have the largest calves in Boonsboro, MD. I discovered that largest part of my calf measures 14.5 inches. Say whaaa!? That is only a 3.5 inch difference from my thigh!

I made Peter measure his to compare. His calves were 16 inches. Then, his thighs were about 8 inches larger than his calves. It made my calf to thigh ratio look a bit sad, but I'm looking to beef them up. I know they are weak because lately, I have found myself struggling to climb stairs and other inclines. Peter calls me "Grandma Lindsey" because of how slow I have become.

Since I don't want to be mistaken for an elderly woman, I decided to add some extra strength exercises to give my thighs the boost they need. First, I did some simple lunges, but then, I thought I would turn it up a notch.

Switch lunges are a bit high impact in comparison to your regular lunges. Adding the jump really turns up the intensity. It may have been too early for me to start these as opposed to regular ol' lunges. The muscles just above my knee are KILLING me today from it. Though, it's like they say, "No pain, no gain!"

I figure if I increase my thigh strength, my running will ultimately improve. Especially when it comes to heavy inclines. I can't lose!

Have you ever bought PRO Compression Socks? What do you think of them? Are you buying the Patriotic pair?

Do you do any squats or lunges to improve your thigh strength? Has it improved your running?

What's your favorite thigh exercise?

Run, Grumpy, Run!

This is all I've been doing this weekend...

Oh, how embarrassing...wrong picture... ;-)

That's more like it.

I have been exhausted! I think the heat has really taken it out of me. Recently, I have been retiring to the couch to grab some zzz's after my weekend runs. I prefer not to take naps if I can avoid them. I feel that the only benefits they serve are to screw up sleep schedules and waste valuable productivity time. Unfortunately, I now have to take naps to function.

Upon returning from my 8 miler today, I threw a bit of a fit. I attempted to keep my run easy to avoid developing a crabby attitude from exhaustion. I even including a 15 minute break at the halfway point to admire the dam.

Yet, I still found myself grumpy at the finish. I also knew that cleaning had to be done upon arriving home. I didn't want any part of it this week. But Peter, being the kind, generous, and amazing boyfriend he is, let me relax while he did most of the cleaning himself.

I ended up sleeping for nearly 2 hours. Needless to say, I didn't get much done because of it. Though, I do feel a bit more level headed now that I regained some lost energy.

I really hope I get though this phase of exhaustion soon because I'm really not loving it. There are so many things I'd rather do than sleep (even though sleep is one of the best things ever). I have a mile long list of projects that need completed on the house, like this one...

This will be a future door to our Master Bathroom. Currently, we do not have a door. We didn't feel it a priority since the bathroom is attached to our bedroom. Now, I feel it's about time we install one. We can't do a standard door. Our door frames are sized in a way that you couldn't buy one from Lowe's and have it fit. We figured, if we are going to have to make a custom door, we may as well make it unique! I think I'll start buying the supplies on my next paycheck. :)


Do you find yourself napping more often after exerting yourself in the heat?

Do you have a bad temper after pushing yourself in hotter weather?

Do you like taking naps or do you try to avoid them?

Any home projects that you have planned for the summer? Do tell!

"Skimpy" Runner

Because I was up late with my lover and friends, a 6am run was not going to be occurring this Saturday. You heard absolutely no objections from me because I not only had a lovely time staying out, but I had no desire of waking up that early...

I ended up getting out of bed around 7:30, throwing on an average 80 degree weather outfit and was on the trail by 8:00. Soon after starting my first mile, I was stopped by a 50+ year old female, who I initially thought was trying being friendly, but ended up insulting me instead.

First, she asked me if I lived around the area. When I answered yes, she proceeded in telling me how she has lived here for over 15 years and that I was dressed too skimpy.

I was STUNNED. I did not know how to respond to the comment. I simply stared at her, said "okay," and continued forward. This left such a bad taste in my mouth. I was wearing Under Armour, not Victoria's Secret lingerie. I don't think what I was wearing was considered "sexy" or "slutty" by a long shot, yet she made me feel like I was breaking some unwritten rule of trail apparel in her neck of the woods.

What would drive someone to interrupt an individual's workout just to voice that they were under dressed? Call me a feminist, but I have never seen anyone approach a shirtless man while he was working out to say "You're dressed too skimpy." Why can't a woman receive the same freedom? I was not topless!

ANYWAY, enough about mean ol' ladies...

The plan was to do 10 miles and I sincerely thought that I would do just that. It was a little humid and a bit too hot for my liking. However, once I hit one of the downhill slopes, the temperature felt like it dropped 10 degrees and a breeze kicked in. So, like most long run days, I thought "Why not keep going?!"

I ended up doing 13.1 miles.


I tried to be more considerate of my heart rate during the first half. I thought the temps were going to kill me; however, once I reached the 5 mile mark and felt the cool breeze, my heart rate did end up slowing and I was able to focus on picking up my pace. I was actually able to get some of my miles under 9 minutes. That is a time frame I have not seen since the Nick Adenhart 5K. I guess my rest days paid off.

And the river was beautiful today so it really helped me push through...

Overall, I feel pretty good after my run today. I don't feel nearly as exhausted as I have in the previous weeks, but the goal is still to remain between 35-40 miles/week till the end of August. My week ended around 38 this time. Not too bad!

Well, have a great Saturday everyone!

Have you ever been negatively critiqued on your choice of workout clothing? 

How was the weather on your run today? Did you go longer/shorter than anticipated?

No Running Drive Today!!!

I must say, I am quite the unmotivated runner this week. I may have had the best race last Saturday and developed an ego the size of the Atlantic, but I have no desire to run! I want my rest days and my week off.

Maybe it's the heat? Or perhaps my body is genuinely exhausted. Either way, I'd rather kick my feet up with chocolate dipped waffle cone stuffed full of Coldstone ice cream (who's buying?).

I'm stubborn though. I refuse to take unscheduled days off unless I'm sick or injured. Even under those circumstances, it is hard to convince me not to run. Though, it wouldn't take much to persuade me to eat Coldstone (who's buying?).

Today, my run today was "easy" (easy would have been me laying on the couch with the above ice cream). It was a 5 miler on the treadmill and boy, was I excited to start!

That's the look of pure determination!!! ;-)

I am still trying to follow a 35 mile week, but Saturday will ultimately decide whether I stick to 35 or "accidentally" run more. I would only have to do 10 miles to reach my goal, but the weather is supposed to be super nice and I'm sure you know how it will end: 13+ miles. Then, I can almost guarantee that will be another week of Lazy Runner's Syndrome.

My week off will be here before I know it. I have 3 more to go until then. I plan on full rest and relaxation beginning right after my Run for Freedom 5k on July 4th. It will be perfect...I will suffer from heat exhaustion after competing in sky high temps, but I will get to enjoy a week praising all that is holy that I don't have to run in that weather!
My luck, we will have record low temperatures the whole time. :-\

But anyway, I made it to my running weekend and I am about to get lazy! Enjoy the rest of your hump day. I'm going to indulge in a snack! :)


How do you motivate yourself?

Bloggers I Religiously Follow

I have finally reached 10,000 page views. I'm feeling pretty badass. Though, I know I don't quite compare to other known running bloggers like Hungry Runner Girl or Run Eat Repeat. One day, I hope to be as influential as they are. Or maybe become as fast as they are. Or both?

Hungry Runner Girl aka Janae was the first blogger I started following when I became a runner. I love her enthusiasm. Every day, Janae is a gleaming ball of sunshine, even if she is suffering from an injury. She tends to find the positive in everything and I thrive off of that. Janae is also full of valuable information. She offers training tips almost daily for runners of all levels. I have found much of it extremely useful. This girl has given me some PRs!

And did I mention, she's a foodie?! Nothing like a fellow female that loves to eat!

So does this next lovely woman!

Run Eat Repeat aka Monica is a red headed runner (maybe I'm biased?) who originally started blogging to track weight loss. Monica has not only kicked butt at losing some lbs, but has become quite the runner. She has completed numerous marathons and half-marathons and is working towards 13 halfs for this year alone!

What I really love most about her is that she believes in a 80/20 lifestyle. That means that Monica spends 80% of her time maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well and working out. However, she also allows 20% of "fun" so she can have those cheat foods we love so much. I fully support this and tend to live my life the same way. Why restrict? Let's be happy!

I recommend both of these ladies if you're looking for running advice or some really delicious recipes. They have provided me with a great wealth of knowledge and it has done nothing but help me become a better runner. Without them, I would not be where I am today.

Do you have any blogs that you follow on a daily basis?

Who are your running inspirations? 

Ego Boost & 2 Rounds on the Treadmill

I think I am still on a high from my race on Saturday. I have never been more proud of myself as a runner. My manager at work even sent out an email to my department just to congratulate me on my accomplishment (he happened to be passing through when my award was announced...what are the odds!?).

My ego was heightened a little.

Anyway...
I believe that this has been the rainiest day we've had all year.

I knew that I had to take to the treadmill. The rain was way too sporadic for me to even think of going outside. It would sprinkle one minute, then, there would be a monsoon in the backyard the next. I would love to run in this type of weather; however, I think that would be frowned upon for safety reasons. Like my Hurricane Sandy run...

Anyway, since I wasn't entirely fond of a treadmill run today, I decided to break it up into two sessions. I did 3 miles for my first round. I figured it would kill some time while our delicious dinner was baking (cheesy breaded chicken). Then, once I did some digesting, I went back for round 2, completing another 3 miles.

Breaking up a run seems like a great idea, but I don't feel like I get the same benefits. I know I finished the mileage I wanted to, but it seemed too easy. I hear doing a workout, whether in full or broken up, provides the same results in the end. Though, I've heard conflicting views as well. I hate the internet sometimes.

I still managed to sweat my little butt off.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a nicer day. I should be able to push out a single session on the trail.

Hope you had a happy Monday!


How long does it take for you to come down from a great race?

Do you break up runs? Do you think they are just as beneficial as one full workout?