Friday, January 4, 2013

First Run 10K 2013

Once again, my running partner Daisy and I made plans to kick off another year of running by signing up for the First Run 10K in Lowell, MA. We ran this race last year and I started the year with a shiny new medal and 10K PR.  



It was also a great way to ensure that we racked up some Chilly Challenge miles for Team Escapades. We weren't the only ones to have that in mind. While waiting for the start of the race, we ran into several people planning to log miles for our team including Bill (who I might have guilted into joining) and Dani and some members from that other team. Just kidding, it is always fun to see what Janine will be wearing!



At the last minute, my husband decided to join us and run the 5K. He's planning to re-start his own running adventure and begin training for his next half marathon. I really love having a fit-husband.



More than 1600 people participated in the 5K/10K combination race this year. The unchanged course was a neighborhood loop that started and finished at the local Elks Lodge where pre and post race amenities were held. During the first loop it was very crowded, but since they offered pace corrals the glob of runners surrounding us moved at a pace I was comfortable with. From the 5K split to the finish it was much easier running, if you could ignore the occasional bitter cold head winds. 



One of the fun parts of this race is the crowd support including my husband right at the finish ready to get the best shot! And there's my Simple Hydration water bottle in action, too. That little gem let's me cruise right through the water stops and without the aggravation of carrying it in my hand.




Katherine also surprised us by signing up for the race last minute and despite arriving last minute (barely getting her bib on when the race started), she took her speedy self right past me to the finish. I think it is because she joined the Mizuno club...check out our #brilliantrun gear.  


Spending the first half of New Year's Day running with my husband and friends is nothing less than awesome. Even though this race seems to have outgrown it's facility, the course, the volunteers, and the community make it a fun one to do. So despite only finding some granola cereal and Emergen-C packs, I was very happy to discover that I tied my 10K PR at 56:23!





How did you start your new year?

How do you feel about poor post race experiences?



Want to know more about how to join Team Escapades in the Chilly Challenge? Check out all the details here or skip right to the sign-up part and be sure to choose #TeamEscapades! Already a member? Don't forget to follow #ChillyChallenge on Twitter and join the Facebook group.



Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Review: PV.Body December

To my delight, the little pink package arrived at my door again last week causing a slight delay in departing for the local grocery. Everyone knows that all packages must be opened immediately, right?



I'm still loving the extra touch pv.body puts into their packages by wrapping each item in tissue paper. Plus it adds another layer to the suspense of wondering what they put inside for me this month.



Once again I opened the package containing the top first. The NUX Rib Racer Tank in midnight blue is vibrant and similar to the capris I received last month. At first I was worried that the tank would be too tight for me, but it was comfortable once I tried it on. If you are unfamiliar with NUX activewear, you might like to know that it is made in the USA so you can wear it with pride.



I was happy to find a darker color in the second package. Now even though I'm not a yogi, the raven black Pisces Yoga Crop from Cozy Orange looked cute with the hyacinth purple asymmetrical color block waist band. Hidden under the front part of the waist band is a pocket big enough for a key or id.



As promised, pv.body is getting caught up with their shipments after the mad rush of orders they experienced in November. Despite the delays, I am excited about the outfits they have put together for me and being introduced to some new names in fitness fashion.



Have you discovered any new fitness labels recently?





Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, December 31, 2012

TrainingTruths: It's All Fun

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I hope you are looking forward to starting 2013 as much as I am. It's not too late to join Team Escapades in the Chilly ChallengeCheck out all the details here or skip right to the sign-up part and be sure to choose #TeamEscapades! Then go invite all your friends: more people = more miles! We have members ready to log miles in Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, Georgia and Virginia!



Last week was all about holidays, winter weather, and fun. As the year winds to a close, I am happy to say that running IS still fun. I've had some ups and downs with different injuries, but fortunately I have been able to keep running through each of them.  

#TrainingTruth: Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running!

Monday: Since it was Christmas Eve, I decided to wear my Santa hat when I met up with Daisy for our morning run. It was a beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed every single beep of the horn, thumbs up, and wave that I received from passing drivers.


Thursday: With a Nor'easter dumping a bunch of snow causing a postponement of the girls' run and the hubs asking me to stay inside, I took my running to the treadmill and logged 6.2 miles. I'm starting 2013 with a New Year's Day 10K (just like last year), so I thought, why not? Afterwards, I kind of liked the juxtaposition of me in a sweaty tank while the outside world was swallowed in cold and snow.



Saturday: I had a fun run with the girls through the cold, snowy streets of downtown Manchester. We warmed up afterwards by the fire with some coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, and a lot of girl talk. Perfect Saturday morning!



What kind of fun workouts did you have last week?



#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:
  1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
  2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
  3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments
I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!







Friday, December 28, 2012

Fitness Friday: New Year, New Goals

It's that time of year again: time to reflect, assess, and set new goals. 


But first, I made a list of some of my favorite running moments from 2012:

1. Earning a half marathon PR 1:57:51

2. Running another half marathon with my husband
3. Serving as a ZOOMA ambassador
4. Meeting and running with Joan Benoit Samuelson
5. Participating in my first relay RTB:NH
6. Finishing 6 half marathons!
7. Running and races with my step daughters.


It's been a year full of amazing running experiences, but did I meet my goals? Time for a little 2012 analysis:

1. Keep running!! - I ran more than 850 miles this year!
2. Run a race every month (at least one) - I ran a race every month - 19 total
3. Continue to improve my blog - Completely biased, but I think it's #1
4. Add another New England state to the list of places I have run - I ran a couple of races in Massachusetts this year
5. Keep meeting new running friends - I'm so lucky to have met so many amazing people this year. I'm looking forward to many more runs with all of you!


Looking back on my highlights and goals reminds me that every accomplishment begins with the decision to try. So, here are my 2013 goals:

1. Set a new half marathon PR
2. Run in NYC 
3. Host a fun run
4. Run 1000 miles
5. Do strength exercises consistently



What do your goals look like?



Monday, December 24, 2012

TrainingTruths: It's Not Always Easy

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!


The last week before Christmas vacation is always a little hard...kids are excited at school, there are sporting events to get to, and lots of preparation to do. Somehow, I was still able to get in three decent workouts and keep up with my strength exercises.

#TrainingTruths: It's not always easy or pretty, but always worth it.

Tuesday: Another cold and rainy day chased me inside to the treadmill. Did an  interval workout using one of my favorite RockMyRun playlists followed by my planks. I'm loving my Polar heart rate monitor and learning how many fat calories I actually burn during my workouts.


Thursday: Did an easy out and back 5 miler after school trying to beat the darkness. Learned later that it was actually the shortest day of the year (probably should've known that). I wore my fancy seasonal stockings because I was feeling festive and because I've been participating in I Have Run's Runnerd Photo-A-Day Challenge: Holiday Edition.


Saturday: Got up early on the first day of vacation to get in a long run. As much as I was looking forward to running an old favorite route, my body wasn't feeling it. Two long days leading into this run and I was feeling very out whack. No winter wonderland on this run, but we did stop and check out the gathering of birds.


Sunday: After completing my daily plank and strength exercises, I decided to do a walking workout using a new playlist from MotionTraxx. Once again, I enjoyed seeing the results of my workout on my Polar. I'm thinking of adding a goal to keep track of how many fat calories I'm burning each week/month. Does anyone else do this?



#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:
  1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
  2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
  3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments
I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!




Have you joined the Chilly Challenge yet? Only 8 more days until we get started. Check out all the details here or skip right to the sign-up part and be sure to choose #TeamEscapades! Then go invite all your friends: more people = more miles!




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