Motivation Monday! Who Dey!

Today started with a little American football. I had to show support for my team while listening and watching online.

The team that no one ever believes in came out the winner!

I met the SWIC hiking group for the weekly climb up Nanshan. Today one member who usually needs to turn around made it all the way to the top!

I started thinking about the WHO DEY message. It originated during a time when the team was doing poorly, but then went on to play in the Super Bowl. Who Dey think going to beat those Bengals? Nobody!

We all go through those times, when we doubt ourselves, when others laugh at our goals. Those times when the mountain seems insurmountable.

But we have to
keep pushing,
keep fighting,
keep working,
keep climbing
for what we want.


What's your mountain?
How do you stay motivated?

#SundayRunday and What I Love About Strava

Today was one of those days where it wasn't easy to get up early and go for a run. Having a date to run with friends helps.

Before getting out the door, I did some warmups and stretches. This is a new one from the chiropractor that is great on the glutes, but makes my lower back feel good too. I think it's just a standing pigeon pose.

The girls and I got to see the end of sunrise along the waterfront and enjoy the newly planted trees at a new apartment complex. We also enjoyed comfortable temps in the high 70s for all 3.5 miles! It still felt like 85, but it was the first time I saw temps below 80 since moving to China in May.

I've always been a Nike Running fan. I have the Nike+ GPS watch and use the Nike Running app. Most of my running friends are using Strava and lately I've been checking it out.

There are 4 things that I really like about Strava:

1. The Feed. I can follow my friends and see their workouts.

2. The Kudos. Giving and getting high fives is awesome-ness.

3. The Groups. Because it's about finding and loving your tribe, right?

4. The Best Efforts. Instantly see what was good about each run (even when it felt like crap!).

I'll still use my Nike (until I get a newer, bigger, better running watch) because I can't leave all that running data behind!


What did you do on Sunday Runday? run, race, rest?
Are you on Strava?

Click here to share this post!

Friday Favorites: Rainbows and Rewards

At the end of a busy week, my body told me it was time for a rest day. So instead of joining the SWIC hiking group for a 3 hour walking tour, I opted to stay home and relax.

My day of rest turned into rainbows and rewards.

Here are some of my favorite moments:

A sign of peace.

Amazing NYC Rainbow today. Originating from #worldtradecenter the day before #911 pic.twitter.com/TophkKhqbr

— Ben Sturner (@leverageagency) September 10, 2015

Comfy pants and coffee.

Football on a Friday morning.

A surprise overnight trip to Macau Friday afternoon with mrC! (which is why this post is so late). We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. He took me to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and then went to see The House of Dancing Water.

We had the best time!

We spent all day today sightseeing around Macau.

Do you ever have blah days turn into amazing days?
Do you like surprise plans?

Click here to share this post!

The First Ever SWIC Running Group!!

I have been missing my MRTT running peeps, so I am attempting to put together a running group among the expats here in Shenzhen.

The group will meet at the Shenzhen International School on Thursday mornings at 8:00 sharp.

Today was our first meet-up! Four SWIC members came to join me for a run.

Together we ran a nice and easy 5K route that took us by the water.

We cooled off with some post run juices and good conversation.

I can't wait to see where this goes!

I also revisited the chiropractor. My adjustments and therapy have been very successful, but then yesterday I woke up with a terrible pain in my back. I think I just slept wrong because today it was better, but Dr. Steve said my rib cage was also rotated. I'm blaming the yoga.

Tonight I'm going to watch some friends play tennis.

In case you didn't hear:

CASE DISMISSEDI did not litter. My group size was always 12. I drank champagne after a 46 day life changing journey in...
Posted by Scott Jurek on Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Any tips on running groups?

How would celebrate after 46 days of running?

Trying Something New: Pilates

Today I tried something new. I took a Pilates class at the yoga center. I heard it's a great cross training option for runners.

photo Yogalife

I should start by saying it's lucky that I got in because despite showing up a little early to check in for the class, I forgot my YogaLife card. The friendly attendant who speaks only Chinese waved me in, I think because she remembered me.

With the help of a kind French woman named Virginia, I found room #1 and grabbed a mat by the windows. We chatted about our mutual lack of flexibility and she told me about some other Yoga classes.

And then the sweating commenced.

The 60 minute class was a combination of yoga poses and core exercises. Our instructor, Candy, led the class in both Chinese and English which I really liked. I think I will learn how to say right and left in Chinese very quickly!

Unlike Hatha Yoga on Saturday, I was able to do almost all of the work today. I am looking forward to seeing my flexibility and balance improve over the weeks as I take both classes.

Daily planking: It was free choice day for the challenge, so I'm counting all the planking I did in Pilates today.

Have you seen this? Oiselle is starting a reading club for runners! I've already read the book (it's really good) and am loving this idea.

Long Distance Reading Club starts soon! Kicking it off with a classic: Once A Runner. #staytuned #LDRclub pic.twitter.com/zyFyfjN4py

— oiselle (@oiselle) September 2, 2015

Have you taken Pilates? 
Do you have a favorite book about running/fitness?