Something for the Road

My New Favorite Running Partner

I like to run by myself, but I also like all many kinds of partners.  At one time, I was running part of my mileage with a friend that lived close by, then I would get in the car and drive to my sister’s and finish out the mileage with her.  This winter has been great – I’ve been able to maintain running outside most of the time, but there have been some days on the treadmill.

Mike got me this Motorola S305 Bluetooth Stereo Headset for Christmas.  I love it.  My indoor treadmill workouts can be long and I get through them by propping my laptop on a few of my food storage buckets so that I can watch some of my favorite shows on Hulu.  My treadmill is a hand-me-down from dad and it is indestructible, but it is very loud.  So, I have been wearing my headphones, hooked to my laptop, hoping that I don’t yank the laptop off of the buckets.  It’s a close stretch . . . . . not anymore.  These are wireless and make me oh, so happy.  And, the stereo sound is so great that I can barely hear the roaring of the treadmill.

Half-Marathon training starts in a couple of weeks.  I’m almost positive these will become my best friend.

The Pleasure in Getting New Shoes

I’m pretty sure that I have posted about new shoes – running or other – more than once.  I especially love getting new running shoes.  Usually my shoes have about 600 miles on them and they are more than ready to move on.  They are a little stinky, have a few holes, and lack that nice bounce they have when I first buy them.

These are my new shoes. Saucony Kinvara 2.

I love these shoes.  They are super light and a little more “minimalist” than my usual shoe.  I doubt I will ever go to something completely minimalist or “barefoot,” but I am liking these.   I got them in particular because of a recommendation from RunBlogger in this article- a great running blog that my friends recommended.  These have a 4mm heel-forefoot drop of 4mm, which is a little different than my previous 8mm.

I have done mostly treadmill and cross-training with them, but as soon as the ice clears, I plan to take them on the road.  In the meantime I look especially hip in my basement and when I make the periodic trip to the gym.

Feeling Great in 8

A few of my friends talked me into being on a team.  Not just any team, but one where I am forced to change my lifestyle and be accountable to them.  Oh no!  Not that!  Usually I can add my 200-500 calorie treat into my allotted calories and nobody is hurt by it.  Yes, it may take me a little longer to drop those “vanity pounds” at that rate, but I’m ok with that.

This program is all about points.  You get points for positive behavior – I am good at that part.  20 points for exercising more than 45 minutes a day.  That’s a cinch for me.  10 points for eating 5+ servings of fruits and vegetables.  Easy peasy.  10 points for drinking enough water.  Simple.  10 points for eating from a list of good foods.  I can dig that.  -2 points for each food on the naughty list.  Now, that doesn’t make for a happy stress-eater.  There are several other positives to earn points. And, I do get points for losing weight – if the scale shows that it all pays off at the end of the week, I just may be a convert.

At the end of the week, I will total my points and report them to my team leader.  She will then report them to the director of this particular Feeling Great in 8 Competition and there will be a winner for the week among the 19 teams that are competing.  I’m kind of excited to see how everyone did.

This week has been tough, but I’m finding that:  1) I am competitive; and (2) I won’t be responsible for making my team lose.  We intend to win.

I’ll post an update and review in March when we finish our 8 weeks.  In the meantime, if it looks interesting, and you like competition, and you need to be made accountable, you might want to start your own “Feeling Great in 8” contest.

*Please note that the link above lists the director for my contest only.  If you are interested in doing it, you will need to find someone starting a competition with open enrollment, or start one yourself.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake

So I’m out of berries and I’m trying to increase my protein and I’m fighting cravings.  Solution:  super yummy shake that solves all of my problems.  I drank this for breakfast yesterday and didn’t need anything until lunch.  Plus, it’s my own creation, and it’s super yummy.

1/3 cup Chocolate Sorbet
1 scoop Vanilla Whey Powder
1 1/2 tablespoons Chunky Peanut Butter
1/2 frozen Banana
1/3 cup Skim Milk

 

Blend all ingredients in a blender.  I love to eat it with a straw.

Nutritional Value:  431 calories; 14g fat; 234mg sodium, 47.9 carbohydrates; 5g fiber; 33g protein

Now, it’s not low-calorie, and I don’t know if you can call it “healthy,” but it’s my own creation and it gives me tons of protein, keeps me full, and satisfies my particularly out-of-control peanut butter/chocolate craving.  It’s a full meal.  You’ve got to try it.  Just make sure you run extra hard!

Running Hope

Thanks to everyone who helped me with my Running Hope goals.  I didn’t come very close to my goal.  Maybe it was a little too lofty or maybe I should’ve promoted it a little more.  But, $417.40 will make a difference to these orphans.  26.2 miles later, I feel stronger, and I feel more compassion toward orphans and those who adopt.  Even more than compassion I feel admiration.

Thank You!  Thank You!  Thank You!

One More Plea for Running Hope

The end of my goal is fast approaching.  I will be running the second half of my 26.2 mile goal, next Monday, Independence Day.

I have trained and put in the miles, but I’m far from my Running Hope Goal.

If you can help – any small amount makes a difference to these kids and amazing families.

See you at the finish line!

Like Mother Like Daughter

I am pretty brave to put this picture of my legs on a post, don’t you think?  This isn’t a post about Bates’ ankles, or nomination for the most unattractive legs.  This is a post about a little comment:  “Mom, we have the same legs.  We even have the same cuts and bruises.”

Hers are from the many hours spent riding her bike (it’s a new thing) the past couple of weeks.  We’ve dug out many a piece of gravel out of those knees, and there has been very little complaining.  Mine are from running – specifically last weekend.  Some barbed wire and I had a little battle and I think I lost.  Bruised knee caps and little gouges are my trophy.  But I did finish the 10 miles.  And she did conquer bike riding.  I got the prize of a tetanus shot.  She got the prize of being the fastest 6-year old on the block.

But, she’s right – we do have the same legs right down to the shape and the pudgy knees.  How lucky am I?

Running Hope

 

Seble’s Story is a good one.  And her family’s journey was made just a little easier because of Show Hope.  It’s just one reason that I’m Running Hope.  I’ve run half of my goal – the sequel is on July 4th.  Can you help me make a difference?

Running Hope

I’m still running hope and hoping to make a difference.  My goal is about 34 days away.  I’m following a different training schedule than I’ve done before.  I have a different mindset this time – I’m not setting any lofty goals, other than those associated with Running Hope.  And, I’m re-discovering why I love to run.

If you are interested in following my training, you can see it here.  If you would like to help me make a difference, you can help here.

Still Running Hope

I am still Running Hope.  Now I’m focused on the Foot Flat Half Marathon, on the 4th of July.  I’m not sure if I have lofty time goals, but I do have a lofty fundraising goal – $2238 short.

He has a story.  I know a small part of it. I may even know the ending.  He’s another reason I’m Running Hope.  Can you help?