Falling in love with the treadmill just in time for Valentine’s Day

06. February 2014 · 3 comments · Categories: running, running gear · Tags: , , , ,

OK, maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but lately I’ve actually enjoyed running on the treadmill (with the exception of that almost fainting episode of course).

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I busted out 6 miles (which is close to the longest distance I’ve ever done on a treadmill. I think 7 is my max) and I felt strong the entire time. I focused on my form and kept looking straight ahead focusing on the exit sign above the doors at the entrance to the gym. It was like I was in a trance….in my zone….I kept to a 10min/mile pace for most of the run but added in a few short bursts in the in the 8:30min/mile range here and there just because I felt I was holding back. This was supposed to be an “as you feel” style run so I went with it and honestly it was awesome!

Remember a while back I mentioned in this post that I bought two pairs of my favorite brooks running capris on sale. Well they arrived and I wore one pair a whole lot already. But the second pair ripped on the seam as I was putting them on for the first time.

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This is actually the second time I had a pair rip on the seam. The first pair ripped during the very beginning of a 20 mile run. I didn’t know at first until I felt burning and pain and looked down to see blood about 10 miles into the run. The rip was along the seam in the inner thigh and i ended up with major chub rub.

ouchie!

ouchie!

I emailed Brooks customer service and after submitting a claim with a pic they sent me a replacement pair. So I emailed them again for this pair and they are sending me a replacement for these as well. So happy. They stand behind their slogan “Run Happy”.

Meanwhile I randomly found this fortune on my desk at work yesterday.

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Not sure how it got there since I have never ordered chinese at work. But I think I’m going to follow along and relax the rest of today. I love my Thursdays off. =)

Question: Do you love or hate the treadmill? Do you eat fortune cookies or just break them open for the fortune and then toss the cookie?

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I Heart Jelly Donuts

06. February 2014 · 2 comments · Categories: running, sweet treats · Tags: , , ,

Well Mother Nature just dropped a whole lot of precipitation on us. You name it we got it…snow turned to freezing rain which eventually turned to plain rain. I opted to venture in to the office only after seeing that the ice layer on my car was quite thin. It ended up being a zippy ride with no issue. The office was super quiet. Most people opted to work from home. After lunch my boss slipped me some cash and asked if I would run an errand for him. It was critical we get donuts for the brave coworkers who trekked in. And so I was off to Dunkin Donuts. All prepared for the slush puddles of NYC with my waterproof boots.

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My feet are totally submerged from the ankles down

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I could just eat all dozen in the elevator but i won’t….self control Sally!

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What’s better than a jelly donut? A heart shaped jelly donut!

photo 5Tomorrow I have a 6 miler to bang out. With the roads and sidewalks such a mess I might just opt for the treadmill at the gym (unless my local park is in good shape). I just don’t want to burn myself out dancing around puddles and ice patches. This particular run is just a straight one…no tempos, intervals, or hills….but that means nothing to break up 6 “dreadmill” miles. #runnerproblems

Well, last night’s Biggest Loser finale left me concerned….somehow seeing the winner drop down to “underweight” just seemed off-putting to me. Tonight it’s American Idol! I’ve already fallen for 2 contestants and Hollywood week just started. Majesty and Spencer.

OOOH, I’m hungry too…ok gotta split…time to make a snackie.

Question: Reality TV? What do you watch? Have you ever seen My Strange Addiction? Now that’s a wild one.

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Make it Work Monday and Treadmill Tuesday

05. February 2014 · Write a comment · Categories: labradoodle, running, Uncategorized · Tags: , , , ,

We sure got walloped with a lot of snow yesterday.

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I knew commuting through the blizzard would be unpredictable, unsafe and quite honestly just frustrating so I cleared it with my boss to work from home. The best part of this was that it saved me from having to deal with shoveling or leaving the house for most of the day. I did bundle up to take the dog out a couple of times.

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Life is always good!

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Snow nose!

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I think my privates just froze

Good thing I had no running on the agenda. Work kept me busy. My meals were pretty last resort….packet of oatmeal for breakfast and a pb&j sandwich for lunch. Thankfully I remembered I had this one piece of “in case of emergency” chocolate saved for a day just like this.

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emergency chocolate!

So I tore open that wrapper and indulged along with a cup of coffee right after my 3:00 conference call. (Note to self: buy a replacement chocolate square ASAP!)

Eventually after the snow stopped falling I shoveled out, cleaned off the car and trekked out to the grocery store. I literally was the only customer.

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sole supermarket shopper

Today, I went to the gym at lunch for what should have been a 5 mile hill workout. Well I had to stop at 4 miles because I got lightheaded and almost passed out. I went to the locker room and just sat down on a bench for a few. Then put my coat on (over my sweaty running clothes) and hoofed it back to the office. I was afraid to get in the hot shower because of how woozy I felt. I finally started to feel better after being back at the office and eating a turkey sandwich. Luckily none of my coworkers noticed since I am always a pretty casual dresser. Lol.

photo 5The run was great while it lasted. I kept the speed steady at 6mph (10:00 mile pace). I put the incline to 1 for a half mile and then bump it up to 5 for the next half alternating this for all 4 miles. It really clearly showed how my effort level increases dramatically to maintain the same pace on the inclines. I know that these Tuesday workouts (intervals, tempos, hills) are definitely making me a better, stronger and hopefully slightly faster runner.

I’m now chillin’ on the sofa with the dog and we’re watching the Biggest Loser Finale! I always love to see the transformations but for heaven’s sake, why must they put these people in high heel shoes that are so high they can’t walk down the steps? These are real people…not runway models.

We’re getting another snow/ice storm starting late tonight and into tomorrow morning. I guess I’ll evaluate in the morning whether or not i’ll be heading to the office or working from home.

Hope everyone is having a lovely evening.

Anyone watching the Biggest Loser?

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Solo Shuffle Sunday

03. February 2014 · 1 comment · Categories: running, running gear, Uncategorized · Tags: ,

Hi again!

Hope you’re all enjoying Superbowl Sunday in some way shape or form….earlier today I told you all about my fun day running with friends yesterday and I was on the fence about getting in my long run. I mean, I did just have a surgical procedure on Friday….but I felt fine running yesterday. so I decided not make excuses and got “suited up”.

It's Springish in February

It’s Springish in February

It was REALLY warm here today. We’re talking high 40s (might have actually hit 50). I decided to just get in a 2 hour run which would probably be about 10ish miles. 12 just seemed like too much. (go figure?).

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random graffiti. cute!

While I left the extra outer layer, buff, gloves and winter hat home, I did pile on some other accessories:

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Garmin watch, SpiBelt with Amphipod iPhone pouch (there was a pack of sport beans in the SpiBelt too), iPod Shuffle, keychain bracelet and handheld Amphipod water bottle. (white cap and sunglasses too!)

It’s been a while since I wore my SpiBelt and I have to say it was REALLY annoying me. The water bottle irked me too (yet that backpack yesterday didn’t bother me at all. Perhaps my mood needed some adjustment today). But I shuffled along and managed to complete 10.25 miles. I have to admit there was no runner’s high today. I enjoyed the weather and maybe 2 or 3 miles but then I just put myself on autopilot to “getterdone”. It’s ok. I never regret a run. Sometimes it’s just not all unicorns and rainbows.

Speaking of unicorns and rainbows….(well not really but it makes for a nice segue) here are a couple more pics from yesterday courtesy of Roger:

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Roger’s wife and 2 running peeps Gary and Cindy (who just didn’t run yesterday) joined us for breakfast. The more the merrier.

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Roger photobombed his own pic.

I want to give a shout out to my friend and loyal reader Valerie who ran a half marathon in the POURING RAIN today. She was soaked before the race even began. And she still pulled off a sub 2 hour finish time. Go Valerie!

Alrighty. I’m off to relax now and try not to get the Sunday Dreads 🙁 Why can’t weekends be longer?

Question? What’s your favorite day of the week? Mine is Thursday. I am off on Thursdays. It always feels like a bonus. Anyone else watching the Puppy Bowl?

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