Warm weather running and wow it’s the weekend already

30. May 2015 · 3 comments · Categories: labradoodle, running, Uncategorized · Tags: , ,

Happy Weekend!

How exciting that’s it’s already the weekend again!

Thursday I worked from home and managed to get in 4 miles around lunchtime. It was hot and humid but I survived.

I overdid it on the patterns. but somehow I think I made it work =)

I overdid it on the patterns. but somehow I think I made it work =)

RANDOM: The other night there was a thunderstorm just before sunset that left this beautiful rainbow.

Sunset Rainbow!

Sunset Rainbow!

Yesterday I ran another 3 miles. It was still hot but less humid. I’m feeling so slow with my running but happy nonetheless. I love runs that are only 35-45 minutes. Just enough to sweat out the small stuff but not too much that I have no time for other things.

friday-time

warm weather running means visor time!

warm weather running means visor time!

Duncan hates the heat and humidity. He prefers to chill out inside where the air conditioning is…

how many days until Fall?

how many days until Fall?

You go for a walk. I'll stay here. mmmkay?

You go for a walk. I’ll stay here. mmmkay?

This pillow isn't fluffy enough.

This pillow isn’t fluffy enough.

And to help keep him cool (and spot ticks easier) he got a haircut yesterday. So handsome!

I smell delicious!

I smell delicious!

Today I’m headed to a first birthday party. Tomorrow I have the day all to myself with nothing on the agenda which is such a rare thing these days. I’m giddy! I can’t wait to sleep in and take the day as it comes.

Warm weather running requires a few adjustments to make it through without melting. These are the things that I do to cope:

1. Protect the peepers: I always wear sunglasses to keep the sun (and little bugs like gnats and mosquitos) out of my eyes.
2. Wear a visor or light hat: I sweat a TON and the visor or hat help keep the sweat from getting in my eyes. It also helps keep the sun out of my face which is super important because I’m petrified of the damage the sun does to my face.
3. Wear sunscreen: This is a no-brainer. I wear SPF 60 on my face 365 days a year but once the warmer weather is here and my arms and neck are exposed i slather on the stuff.
4. Wear light, loose, sweat wicking running gear: While I am not a fan of wearing shorts I’ve discovered that compression shorts (alone or with a running skirt over top) plus my new Lululemon shorts make a huge difference at keeping me cooler than my capri or leggings. Just think about how the backs of your knees sweat. Isn’t it nice to let them be free? =)
5. Hydrate! I bought these nifty ice cube trays that make long sticks that fit into a water bottle and carry my amphipod with cold water. I also tend to run routes where I know there will be water fountains. And in the city I’ll take cash with me to stop into a deli to buy water if I need.
6. Slow down: I run a whole lot slower on a hot humid day and take frequent walk breaks when I need as well. If I need to do a speed or tempo workout I’ll hit the treadmill at the gym.

What are your warm weather running tips? Or do you live in Antarctica? 

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RBX Active Digital Camo Leggings

28. May 2015 · 1 comment · Categories: running gear, Uncategorized · Tags: ,

I was given a pair of these free of charge. I’m sharing my thoughts (and a discount promo code!) with you. All opinions are my own. While the leggings were given to me I am not being compensated to write this review.

RBX legging

RBX Active Digital Camo Legging

Last Friday, I took advantage of my day off and headed out for a run in the late morning—my favorite. It was a beautiful day and I had just received a package a few days earlier containing a pair of leggings—the RBX Active Digital Camo Leggings (you can view the entire collection here)

The big story here I think has to do with affordability. These leggings only cost $29.99. Plus, if you use the discount promo code: Active25 you’ll get a 25% discount (good through 7/31/15). You’ll also get free shipping for purchases over $50  (after the coupon deduction).

I usually wear black leggings or capris so I wasn’t sure how I’d like the pattern but I ended up liking them a lot. Mine are gray with glowing green accents but it comes in a few other colors too.

My favorite part of these is the waistband. It’s flattering and stayed up even without a drawstring of any kind. There’s also a pocket in the top of the waistband to store a key or money.

wide waistband and secret pocket

wide waistband and secret pocket

And best of all I finally have bottoms to match my super bright NJ Marathon finisher’s shirt =)

The fabric is light so I’d say these are best for warmer weather outdoor running and indoor sports and gym classes. I’ve only worn them once for just 3 miles so I’ll post back soon to let you know how they’ve held up (I’ll do this before the discount code expires though!)

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Just having fun with a self timer app

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first 3 miles in patterned tights!

They are machine washable, sweat wicking and have flat lock seams to prevent chafing.

IMG_5516

Sizes range S-M-L-XL fitting 4/6, 6/8. 8/10, 12-14. I am wearing the Medium (6/8) and they fit true to size. I’m short (5′ 3″) so if you’re taller you can expect them to be a bit more like capris.

Do you wear patterned shorts, capris or leggings or are you more of a solid black kinda person?

 

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Staten Island Advance Memorial Day Run

27. May 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: recreational fun, running, Uncategorized · Tags: , , ,

I’m exhausted from this weekend! But it was worth it!

Let’s see, I already told you about Saturday’s Spring Lake 5 miler that I spectated at. On Sunday, I went sailing with Mr. SOTSS and his family. We set sail around noon and returned in the evening just about sunset. It was so relaxing.

Sailing Sally Selfie

Sailing Sally Selfie

IMG_5726

My sweatshirt was a little big on her but she wasn’t complaining….it got CHILLY on the water =)

mr-sotss-sailing

Nope, that’s not the boat’s anchor….that’s MY anchor!

sailing-shells

Seashells

sailing2

Testing the waters by venturing to the side of the boat.

sunset

That’s a wrap

On Monday I ran the Staten Island Advance Memorial Day Run.

memorial-4-miler3 memorial-4-miler2It’s a small local 4 mile race. I ran it back in 2012 too. They had same day registration so I registered at 8:00am and the race started promptly at 9:00am. I bumped into my friend Cathy at the registration table and then I bumped into my friend Robyn and her son in the corral. I also bumped into this feathered family…

duck-famI held a pretty good pace and I’m very pleased with the finish especially considering my not so stellar start. I was so busy chatting with Robyn I didn’t connect my Garmin and when the race started I didn’t have time to get a signal and the walkers were behind me (with strollers and small children). I finally gave up on the Garmin and turned on my Runkeeper app on my phone but by the time I actually started the race I had to dodge and weave around lots of the walkers. While my Runkeeper has my time at 38:45 which would have been a 16 second PR) the official time was 39:40 which was the time on the clock when I crossed the finish. I guess they didn’t record chip time. It was a small race. Only 859 runners.

memorial-4-miler5

Taking a minute to enjoy the breeze and reflect on a lot.

Taking a minute to enjoy the breeze and reflect on a lot.

I’ve never trained for this race but i’m thinking maybe next year I will. I would like to shoot for 36 minutes next year.

I was interviewed for a blog post over at Fastblr. If you want to see what I (and a few other bloggers too!) have to say about my favorite running shoes you can check it out here.

Have you run any 4 mile races before? It’s a fun distance. 

What are your favorite running shoes?

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Spring Lake 5 miler

23. May 2015 · 6 comments · Categories: running, Uncategorized · Tags: , ,

Hi and happy weekend! And for those in the U.S., Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Today was the Spring Lake 5 miler in Spring Lake New Jersey. I signed up for it last year but due to injury couldn’t run and spectated instead. I had so much fun I decided to go spectate again this year. So at 5:45am Duncan and I were on the road headed down to get a good parking spot. We met up with Lisa and her cousin Bill and his wife and later on the rest of the crew and chit chatted for the hour before the race began.

the runners

the runners

cutest, most well behaved spectator doodle

cutest, most well behaved spectator doodle

I love being at the start of a race where you actually get to see the runners take off at the sound of the horn.

spring-lake-start2

The very front of the pack

Bill is the UPS driver for the town of Spring Lake so all the stores in town know him by name. He’s sort of famous. Anyway, when I mentioned where I would be standing (at the halfway point) Bill told me and his wife to go stand by the Life is Good store because there is a young man named Shaun who loves watching the race and give out high fives to all the runners over there. I had no idea just how well known Shaun is in the community but I soon came to discover that.

This is just a sampling of the high-fives happening. I think I counted at least 100 people

This is just a sampling of the high-fives happening. I think I counted at least 100 people

Waiting for our friends to run by

Waiting for our friends to run by

He was so funny. He refused to get on the curb. Luckily he didn't get trampled over.

He was so funny. He refused to get on the curb. Luckily he didn’t get trampled over.

Bill, Shaun and there's Lisa to the right!

Bill, Shaun and there’s Lisa to the right!

What a sight! This guy was so happy but the runners were even happier to see HIM! I could hear them shouting his name and crossing from the other side of the course just to come give him a high five or a hug. So my camera was out and primed just as Lisa and Bill arrived. I caught Bill’s hug to Shaun and it was such a special moment.

Somehow I spotted Miss Elvia...actually I think she saw me and called my name. The sun was blinding but I snapped this pic and was so happy hours later when I saw I actually got her.

Somehow I spotted Miss Elvia…actually I think she saw me and called my name. The sun was blinding but I snapped this pic and was so happy hours later when I saw I actually got her.

I dig this license

I dig this license

Lisa and Jorge!

Lisa and Jorge!

This little vignette really captures so much for this weekend.

This little vignette really captures so much for this weekend.

I’m hoping next year I’ll finally be able to run it. But I won’t be missing out on races completely this weekend because I just decided I’m going to register for our local 4 mile Memorial Day race here on Staten Island on Monday morning. It’s a super flat course and I’m probably ready to go from 3 miles to 4 for my long run (HA!). So what the heck. I’m pretty stoked. It’ll be my first race in a month. (it feel like so much longer!).

Do you have anything fun going on this weekend?

I’m going on a sailboat tomorrow. I haven’t been on one in about 25 years! I’m hoping I don’t get seasick =)

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