it's all about the t-shirt

I'm not gonna lie.  Sometimes, I run races simply because I want the race shirt.  So I can wear it and say, "See, I am a real runner.  I do RACES."  My very favorite shirts are the ones that are the wick-away fabric...especially the long sleeved ones!

Today I used my lunch hour to drive out to Andover to pick up my bib and shirt for Thursday's Feaster Five.  I didn't need to do this, but after too many races receiving shirts that are too large and ill-fitting, I decided I wanted to take a drive and make sure I get a shirt that is my size and that I can wear!

Below are a few of my shirts, not nearly all of them but a few of my more recent races.  Some are cool and subtle, some are loud and ostentatious.  Either way, I'm proud to wear them and say, "Yes, I run.  And I pay money to run.  Because I LIKE to run."  Which one is your favorite?

My very favorite shirt is the one below in the middle, with New Balance written on the side.  It fits perfectly and is the best choice when the temperature is 50deg outside.  I did a 10K specifically because I wanted that shirt.  :)

I must admit that I don't often wear my Chicago Marathon shirt...because that one is a little too braggy, I think.  But it's a favorite because it's from a marathon!

feeling on a run-cation

This past week I embarked on a run-cation.  A week of guilt free runlessness.  (Yes, I realize I just made up at least two words.)  The only problem with a run-cation is that running helps me deal with my emotions.  I am a very emotional person.  Sometimes my emotions get the better of me, be it sadness, anger, depression, what-have-you.  Running is a release of those feelings.  I can be a more pleasant person when I am running on a consistent basis.  For you non-runners out there I'm sure you have something that helps you deal with sometimes overwhelming emotions.  For me, running it out is better than talking it out, therefore better (and cheaper!) than therapy.

This week on my run-cation, Friday specifically, I was feeling particularly vulnerable to some heart-wrenching news.  There are things that go on that are simply Not. Fair.  Friends are struggling with horrible things and all I can do is watch and pray for them.  It feels so incredibly passive...  So after getting some rather dismal news in an email, I switched over to checking the world news (my news of choice comes from msnbc.com in case you're curious).  Turns out there was another mine collapse, this time in New Zealand.  Scrolling down the page led to more headlines of not-good news.  So I went upstairs to collect my mail and received a letter from World Vision telling me (and showing me pictures, the nerve!) of children who are living in countries around the world, barely surviving.  My friends, I was so overwhelmed with grief, I didn't know what to do.  My heart literally felt like it was breaking...  

I should have gone for a run right then and there...but I didn't.  I let my heart break for all the tragedy and injustice in the world because too often I don't.  I sit in my warm home with too much food to eat, not feeling or caring about those outside my small circle.

I didn't wallow though, I kept replaying in my head, over and over and over, this verse:  "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world!" John 16:33b

He has overcome this world and "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4  


For these reasons, not because I went for a run and forgot about it, I am feeling much better today.  And now I am off to worship God with my church family.  God is good, All the time.  

fitting in and in control

I've felt a little restless lately.  Like I'm not quite sure what I'm doing with my life.  Yeah, I've got a great job, awesome friends and a comfortable life...but something just feels off.  It all began when I turned 31.  I don't even like to say those words - thirty ONE.  I loved being 30, it was awesome.  I was thirty, flirty and thriving. ;)   And running better than I ever had.  But now, I am no longer that fun, carefree 30 year old.  Now I'm 31 and just...O. L. D.  (Just so we're clear, age is relative just as time and distance is relative. I wrote a post about that...)

Here's the thing:  my friends that are my age are married, most of them with 1-2 kids.  I can't just randomly call them up one night and see if they want to go have dinner and watch a movie.  They have responsibilities and  a spouse to think of.  So I end up hanging out with people who are much younger than me.  And while I enjoy that, keeps me feeling young!, I'm not 25 any more.  I want different things, I am at a totally different life stage than they are.

Okay....now what?  Where do I go from here?  Where do I fit in?  I know this may come as a surprise to you...but I feel most like I'm doing what I need to do when I am out on the roads, racking up the miles.  It's focused, there is a goal to achieve, I am in control.  Not so with actual life.  As much as I am in control of my training, I know that God is in control of my life.  And most of the time, I'm very glad and I want to follow where I feel He's leading me.  But what about the times where I don't know where I'm supposed to go or where I belong?  I suppose this is just one of those times.

Speaking of being in control and training...(since I know that's why you read this blog, not to hear my ramblings about life...) this week has been super productive!  I didn't get a chance to run on either Sunday or Monday but took full advantage of my reflective gear and got a load of mileage packed into three days.  Tuesday I ran with a friend on some back roads in Lexington.  Note to self:  buy a headlamp.  It was rainy and dark on curvy roads that we didn't know so well.  That slowed us down a little...as did the fact that I ate too many almonds before heading out.  Another note to self:  don't eat almonds pre-run. Uuuugh.  Total mileage: 3.3

Wednesday had me out and about in Wakefield.  It was clear and calm but also quite chilly!  To get some good mileage in I ran through my neighborhood, into town, around the lake and back the way I came.  I got some good hills in at the beginning and end of the run.  I was shooting for 9miles but as I was on my way home, the wind picked up and the temperature dropped.  It was freeeeeezing.  Total mileage:  8.44

Yesterday was a quick jaunt along Mass Ave in Lexington.  I usually run along the bike path (which follows Mass Ave) but since it's dark and I don't carry Mace, I figured it'd be better to run along the road.  :)  It was a most enjoyable run!  Not too cold or windy and no rain.  Delightful.  Total mileage: 4.06

I'm also excited to report that my Pre-Training is almost complete.  In one month I begin Training.  I can hardly wait...

it's my birthday, i'll run if i want to

And run I did, folks! So did 11 of my friends! Last year, I turned 30. To celebrate I asked my friends to run a 5K with me...they did and we had fun! I thought, "well, why not do it again this year since it was so much fun last year?!" So we did, and we had fun!

The Run For All Ages, affectionately known as the RFAA, is held around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield every year early in November. It's a quick, fun, highly participated race. I especially like it because it's in my hometown and it's on or near my birthday. I did not PR in this race, but I did set a good pace for myself and I came in at #169 out of 455 (8/25 in my age group). My time was 27min flat, which equals out to an 8:42min/mile. I'll take it!

Below are some pics from prior to the race, the race and the brunch afterward. (because, let's face it: if you're going to run, you're going to eat...it's why some of us run in the first place!) Enjoy! And Happy Birthday to me! :)

Kirsten, me and Lauren (don't let the smiles fool you...it was COLD.)

My new running buddy, Karyn!

The finish line is in sight!! (thanks to Karyn's husband for this shot)

Running buddies for evah!

My dear friend Joci who would've run...but came down with a head cold.

me and some of my favorite people in the whole world.

Johnny and me. He's a super fast runner...ran 6:09's on Saturday!

pre-training

I am not currently in training for anything. I am simply pre-training. That is, training to begin training. Getting in shape enough to being an Intermediate Marathon Program. It's intense and I'm excited to get started. But before I get too amped to being this program, I need to make sure I am in proper shape to do this program well. Which is what the pre-training is for.

What's pre-training look like, you may ask. Let me tell you what it looks like for me. I make sure to run between 25-30mi a week with at least one long run (8mi or more) a week. I will run a couple short, fast ones (3mi at 9:00 pace) and a couple mid-length at a comfortable pace (6-7miles, 9:30 pace). Currently I am taking 2 days off a week...but in the intermediate program, I only get one. That makes me nervous but also excited for the challenge!

Quick update on some recent runs: I've been spoiled these past few weeks with having running buddies join me often. My friend, Erika (who is training for a half marathon on Dec 4th) was in town so we made the goal to get to 10miles while she was here. And, readers, I am happy to report that we made it! We ran a 7.5mi loop on the 23rd and felt good. Then followed up with a 10.55mi loop on the 30th and felt great! Erika's friend (and my new friend!) Karyn has been running as well and joined us for both of these distances. Tonight Karyn and I will shoot for 12mi. Can't wait!! All these group runs have made me lonely when I have to run by myself!

Also, winter is nearly upon us and it is very apparent here in the North East. It gets dark at 5:30pm, the high temp is only 50...and that's in the middle of the day. By the time I get out to run it's dark and 40deg. Brrr. Thankfully I've got my trusty winter gear out as well as my stylish and ever so flattering reflective vest. Better safe than sorry... :)