Runner's High

Even though I have raced triathlon for over too many years to admit, running is my love. Its what helped get me in shape during off season volleyball back in college days in Oregon,
brought me to the sport of triathlon and has been my strength…. and ….my weakness in too many triathlons too count.

Yep Im going to catch that guy

Today running is my sanity.   I love to bike, and I love to bike hard. I love cyclocross and getting muddy on dirty trails.  I love biking with boys faster than me.  Swimming ok and logistically challenging and I am proud to say I haven't jumped into the water for over a year now. 

But running is always there. It's so easy to put on your shoes and head out the door. It's the easiest when you have to travel or are short on time.  It's the easiest to go race. A bib number and your running shoes is all you need.  As a single mom, working full time and managing a house and a 12  year old who loves to be in sports,  running has been helping me keep my head on straight and help me start the day off fabulous, even when I only have a 30 min window.

Game face, even for a 5k

On my runs I can:

- plan the day
-solve all the problems at work
-re-arrange my house
-pick out paint colors for household upgrades
-landscape my backyard
-figure out dinner
-problem solve and coordinate a 12 year olds summer schedule while I'm at work
-daydream about being on beach somewhere hot and sunny
-zone out and listen to naughty music
-push myself when I want to stop

my yard is looking so Fab

Sometimes a short run feels long, and sometimes a long run feels like it just started and thats a runners high. Today it was cold windy, and grey. I didn't have a specific workout, major goal or any planned effort. But I just went and ran. I wanted to stop and go home because ……why.  But after a certain point I just ran for the love of it and kept going and ended up being my longest run since the 1/2 marathon in Feb.

its always worth it in the end

I did enjoy an amazing Memorial day weekend in Colorado.  I packed my running shoes, but didn't really run because I was having too much fun. I did find myself on the top of some mountains short of breath and smiling. 

I heart Colorado trips

Smiling in Colorado

Oh and this one is 12 now, good thing he is an amazing kid. 

Jack at age 5

Lots of more running miles to come this summer and fall.  

R.A.T.-S….Random Acts of Training

Typically in the past by now i would have done a big race,. This year I haven't even signed up for one yet.  My current training plan is called: RATS, random acts of training …Springstyle!

Even though i might not be as triathlon strong as I was when I was qualifying for world championship events and training mega hours per week, this spring I am feeling stronger than I have ever been inside and out.  Even on my weakest most overwhelmed day when I wonder how I will fit it all in, I feel stronger than ever. Ive been loving my new normal which is at times challenging, but I'm getting better at it.  Im hitting break through efforts at running this house and  even making upgrades,  getting to work everyday and fixing people (who seem quite happy  when they can get back to running or their sport ) working in my yard,

and….yes managing to squeeze in some workouts. I'm not Martha Stewart, even though I try,  I'm not the fastest in my age group right now, but am getting enough spring fitness back that I can think about finding a race.  

Right now is the longest I have ever gone without a coach.   Last year Jen Harrison coached me and did an amazing job of directing me and coming up with the perfect workouts when was crawling out of a dark time,  all over the board and unfocused with what I wanted to do. This year,  I want to do a lot of different things, but can't focus or pick something and am so busy can't sit long enough to even register if I knew what I wanted to do.  But , I do get up and push myself every day. I get up and see what I have time for and make up a workout as I go and how my body feels.   Its unstructured and random and don't recommend it if you are training for some big goal race or event.  Right now its working for me.  I have some fun ideas bouncing in my head along with a million other thoughts,  but have to see how my world goes, and keep looking for some new and exciting events that are fun challenging and different.   In the meantime I've been riding head on into that crazy wind ( its getting  a little easier) running hills,  or the track and hitting the gym to get stronger.  I've been loving my local gym Pound for Pound these days. When its warm and sunny they pull up the garage doors and let the sun in, plus occasionally I flip some tractor tires, and swing a sledgehammer. 

Finding some fast

wind makes you strong

Jack is in rugby this year, for a spring sport instead of lacrosse.  He chose to do this on his own saying it will help him to get better for football. This week when I was fixing him dinner he told me he wants  to play football, wrestle in the winter, and do track and rugby in the spring, so in high school he can try out for fullback. I stopped in my tracks and realized he on his own was coming up with a long term plan to work towards a goal he wants. Hmmm,  reminds me of someone, but glad at least one of us is focused right now . And its funny because watching him run the ball in rugby he looks just like my brothers did running the ball as a fullback.

Shiny new hair always helps you feel strong and fast too.

I saw this somewhere and it was really the cute red coat that caught my eye and thought I needed to shop for one, and I don't feel alone because have so many amazing friends and family, but I do appreciate a new type of strong Ive found.

Spring Staycation

This spring I took some much needed time off from work to stay home and …..do some more work…. Yard work, house projects, and a little bit of training, but I did try to relax some too.  Typically I have no problem using up all my PTO to head off to somewhere fun.  I love to travel and escape the midwest back home to Oregon or other more mountainous and scenic places, but  this time a week at home to do things I don't have time to do in a normal week and just relax some was the best idea in a long time.   I added in some of may favorite fun things and my staycation ended up being so amazing. My boyfriend even joined me on my staycation!!! Lucky me,  he likes to ride bikes and sit by fire pits too. 

It was a challenge, but I tried not to work the entire time on the house or the yard. And, quite opposite of other staycations, i've given myself I didn't devote the entire time off around fitting as much swim bike and running in a day as possible to get ready for a big race somewhere. Actually its April, and ……..Im not even signed up for a race! Ive been training some and feel motivated, but haven't nailed down anything yet. 

I've been loving getting outside on the bike again,  hmmmm maybe a bike race or 2, 

but running is my favorite, hmmm maybe a marathon or some 1/2 's 

and doing my strength at the gym, hmmm its fun getting stronger again 

In the yard we moved plants that were too big, cut back trees that were too big, and made upgrades to the old by planting new fun things.   I actually love working in the yard,  probably just an excuse to be outside, because I have plenty to keep up with around the house, but a spiffy looking backyard and patio is going to be so fun this summer.  

Zoey was a huge help

I had coffee on the patio when it was gorgeous outside to start the day, 

and we built fire pits at night even when it was way too cold and windy which only made it more fun!

Fire pit, hello so fun!

There was rain and wind and a tornado, then sun and now this is happening now…….

Signs of Life

I slept in,  and actually waited for it to warm up to go ride,  and went to the gym when I was ready, not when I had to squeeze it in. (what????… who does that?)  

 Thank you P4P, for an awesome gym 5 min from home

I didn't spend much time at all on the bike indoors on the trainer through the winter, so the spring south wind that I love/and hate at the same time made for good rides. I love the south wind because it makes it warm and its relentless so it makes you strong, but I'll say naughty words to it at the same time especially with very few bike miles in me. 

Surviving the south wind wasn't so bad

At the end of the week I took Zoey for a sunny hike. It was muddy from the to big thunderstorms but sunny and warm but I loved it. 

I loved every second of my staycation and appreciate the little things even more. Going back to work and tackling the task of big work days,  managing the house,  and Jack while trying to train even just a little can be overwhelming at times, but after my amazing week off I am ready for it all again.

March Madness….. This is Happening!

March has already been a month full of seriously fun madness, and not just the basketball tournament. I don't follow college basketball or have enough time to educate myself on the the teams to bet on because my brain is so full of trying to remember everything I can't remember to buy milk and sometimes drive past my own subdivision. At work we have a fun competition going, so I did make some picks in the bracket to have some teams to follow through the tournament  My choices were based on:

* if the school was out west/  Pac 12,

* an underdog

*I liked the mascot 

*I knew someone who went to the school. 

(not necessarily in that order)

So far I'm a little better than 50%

So many other fun and exciting things have been happening and keeping me so busy that I can't believe March is almost over.  Its gone fast but I'm not  the least bit sad to say good bye to the piles of snow, freezing sub zero temps and wind chill.  March started with the most amazing birthday weekend that kept me smiling laughing and having more fun than I can remember. 

Dreamy Birthday dinner

With my birthday also came daylight savings and some 60 and 70 degree days which were like presents. I have been able to get outside and ride a few times and run without being in so many layers that I feel like a fat blind ninja that can't breath. 

sunset from the bike

Spring is officially here and that must mean its officially time for my schedule at work to be maxed. My schedule is so full, and booked out for weeks which means people aren't taking care of themselves! Some days I come out of work late and my Forerunner looks so lonely waiting for me. At least its light out now. 

The injured runners and are trickling back in which is good because I love the challenge of getting an injured runner back to running again, and trust me its a challenge!

When they actually listen are patient and follow the plan something amazing happens…they get better and back on the road . With an entire spring summer and fall of races left in 2015, March is a little early to be injured limping and overused.  Be smart stretch get stronger or it will eventually catch up to you and then you'll be trying to find time for therapy appointments. 

I had to call myself out even as I have actually felt like a 40 something year old running and have been  a little more consistent with my own stretching. Thankfully I'm not hurt, but between long work days and ramping up some running I feel 40 something getting out of bed or trying to run fast.  Don't be a stranger to the foam roller and some stretching.

Here is an easy stretch that covers a lot for the lazy stretcher: 

(no excuses you an still look at your phone) Lay on floor with feet up on the wall and try to get your butt, back of knees and legs all touching the wall with feet flexed and pointing straight ahead.

Jack finished his club wrestling season 5th place at a really big Wisconsin Dells tournament! He worked so hard and finished the season with a big pin, and learned the lesson that consistent hard work, dedication and motivation will eventually pay off. I woke him for school the next Monday and found the trophy on the pillow next to him. Snif.

TeamBetty15 kits arrived, which means race season is really here!  Lets Race! 

TeamBetty15

I've building my training back up for another 1/2 marathon
and hopefully some speedy 5ks and 10ks along the way.

 I got some new running shoes from Geneva Running Outfitters and Eric actually got me to break away from my normal love love favorite running shoe the Nike Lunar Racer to try the new Asics lightweight trainer.  

Did you know you can now shop for Asics while shopping for Betty gear check it out! 

Good Luck to all in the MarchMadness tournament! Cheers to underdogs and crazy upsets!

Running… Texas Style!

This winter my big motivation was to escape the frozen plains, go somewhere warm, completely new and different that I'd never been with a little running involved.   Of course it had to fit into my crazy schedule of coordinating work, Jack's school schedule and life. The Austin 1/2 marathon was the perfect destination race and city to escape to.  It fell on Valentines / Presidents Day weekend, but was  about 1 month earlier than any other early season race I'd ever signed up for. One winter  decided to get ugly and nasty,  training for it became an adventure too. I flew off to Austin knowing I was short on speed, strength AND volume!  But I couldn't have been more excited for an early season race. 

I left chicago in an absolute white out. My plan to do an easy 30 min pre race run was blown out the window like the blizzard going across my front lawn making it impossible to see the other side of the street.

White Out!

 I quickly decided to run in TX once I landed and later found myself running here instead which was the smartest warmest and best procrastination decision I have made in a long time! 

Warm and Sunny

 I ran into my friend and fellow BettyDesigns teammate Erin Harvego on the plane. I didn't notice her until she got up towards mid flight. It was fun to catch up with her and very nice of her sister to give me a ride to my hotel. Chicago Betty's rocked Texas!

Race morning was perfect, once again being late to sign up for race or hotel worked in the best possible way. The only hotel with openings left was the one 2 blocks from the start. Darn. All I had to do was cross the street race morning with my coffee from the hotel lobby.   I loved this race, but was surprised at how big it was. It wasn't until the start that I hear there were 15000, runners between the 1/2 and full marathon but it was so well organized and friendly. Texans are so laid back and nice Ya'll!. I started the line not feeling super confident in my fitness thanks to blizzards, freezing arctic temps, crazy work schedules and more. One of my last long run days I spent more time shoveling 18 inches or traipsing through shin deep snow than getting solid running in. The long steady uphills over the first 3 miles or so helped solve the problem of me starting too fast like I usually do, but  found myself running a respectable pace through much of the race that I would have been happy with.  But the last 2  miles or so there were some nice big uphills that my legs and calves were surprised to see and ruined the nice pace I had going. I finished 6th/395 in my age group which I'll take with a smile on my face.  I have long since given up on feeling completely prepared for races anymore simply due to time and life, but also its been nice to spend time doing other fun things besides just spending every moment training. So I left the race feeling happy and satisfied but still motivated for more. 

Ouch

I felt like such a lucky girl all weekend.  A very special guy who I've been dating happened to want to come watch me race!!!,  and hang out with me on Valentines weekend. We had so much fun exploring Austin. I couldn't stop smiling all weekend!

Corner Star, bar  SMILING

My cousin Randy also lives there and came to take us to the absolute best post race recovery lunch I have ever had! I don't usually do BBQ post race!, but when I do I'll have pulled pork from the Salt Lick!  Omg this was so fun. Randy showed us around Austin, and gave tour of my Aunts gorgeous ….home/estate in the foothills followed by this amazing lunch.  It is quite popular and there was a very long wait but that just added to the fun!  Hanging out in the outside open area smelling this fabulous food smoking/cooking in the open BBQ pits,  live music and amazing company made it an amazing afternoon. 

My cousin Randy knows how to do post race!

I loved Austin, the race and will definitely want to go back next year. For now I am motivated to keep running and getting stronger, so hills late in a race won't be so much of a surprise. I don't have another race picked out yet but can't wait for winter to melt away and find another race to sign up for.  I know spring has to be coming soon!  I'm fighting off winter with flowers in my house, and buying knee warmers for outside rides and spring capris to hopefully run in a few less layers. Check out BettyDesigns for fun spring gear

Loving Februrary

February is here! 

…..and with it comes so much fun starting with a kick ass Betty Designs Flash Sale starting Feb 4 for 24 hrs only!  use the code LOVEBETTY15 to save on some HOT gear to heat up your February training, or share the BettyLove with a special Valentine!
Here in the Midwest the groundhog saw his shadow, (actually can't remember when he didn't) and winter will be hanging around awhile.   Click the Pink ShopBetty Butterly logo to the left for some retail therapy from the cold

Its exciting to see a smidge more daylight, race updates reminding you your first 2015 race is less than 2 weeks away (hmmm, hello race season) and my schedule at work filling with injured runners means spring is near! I'm sorry they are hurt, but love helping them get their run back!

In less than 2 weeks I will be on the start line for my first race of 2015, I don't feel ready! Winter freeze outs, blizzards, darkness and long work days get in my way…. but having a fun adventure somewhere warm has kept me on the move and enjoying some great runs, ….along with some plods through the snow where its completely hard to even lift your legs. I've done some double run days, runs on treadmills, hard fast 10 milers and everything in between. Yep, I feel like I've been cramming, but don't care because I also have been LOVING:

> seeing these too go crazy in the blizzard 

> wearing my red boots on fun adventures to the mountains

Getting a weekday run in ALMOST entirely in daylight

Happy February xoxo

Motivation

My new blog!  New Year and new motivations!

This time of year I always need a little extra motivation.   A kick in the pants or something to light a fire in my gut to get me moving.  Its dark, cold, and frozen.  Summer fun and racing seem so far away.  To overcome the urge to hibernate, I like to sign up for an early spring/ late winter race (depending on where you live)  to motivate me to train through the dark and cold. Without that, for me, it would be easy to stay in the cocoon of my fluffy comforter and warm bed, or sofa by the fireplace until its sunny, warm and above 50 degrees.  This winter hadn't been too awful, and I spent a solid 7-8 days in Oregon where the weather was amazing and I ran in capri's every day of the trip…….

DEC running in Oregon

…..signed up for a Feb. 1/2 marathon in a far away warm state and,  and the next day when I returned to Chicago, it turned arctic, and subzero cold.   Its still enough to motivate me to squeeze in runs as the bus is pulling up and its freezing and barely light.  It also motivated me enough to join a local, grass roots gym  5 min from my house for the use of a treadmill to run even earlier. Turns out the local gym is pretty cool and has everything I need just 5 min from my house plus a cool coffee shop right across the street.> extra bonus.   

Turf for dynamic warm up and drills  before speedy tready runs

But I've learned over the years people are motivated by different things. I see it with my patients every day, and I see it with athletes I coach as well as  observations of other athletes on the various teams Ive been on.  Some of my patients are motivated because they need to get back to work  just to have $$ to drive their car or put food on table, some want to get back to a sport and some just want to walk again. 

As for the athletes some are motivated to workout/ race because they want to eat, some to lose weight, some to achieve something never have done before, and for some it is a social outlet. There is no right or wrong, people are driven by different forces.

In the past I have bought new swim suits to help motivate me to get to the pool to swim 
( i can't remember the last swim workout I did…May maybe?), 
However, I still buy cool BETTYDESIGNS swimsuits for fun adventures like stand up paddle boarding and playing in the sun.  Maybe I'll do some swim workouts again this summer, and hopefully I'll have be going on some fun SUP adventures.

But…here is a little extra winter motivation: summer is coming and Betty Designs Bling Tatoos

photo credit:  BREEDFREAKPHOTO

And one day soon it will be warm enough to playoutside without hats gloves parkas and boots!

Bonus Workout!

My son Jack and I love the Oregon Ducks. We follow them on twitter,  instagram and all of it! We loved watching the motivational videos each week. I don't see how they can't fire you up just a little.  I really loved this last one going in to the National Championship. I love the background, behind the scenes, hard work and determination!

Oregon Duck Motivational Videohttp://vimeo.com/116379127

Even though they lost, its still amazing.  It was enough to finally cave and paint Jack's room Oregon Green and Grey. 

Oregon Fans

Stay motivated!