My 30 Day Challenge

January 24 - A few weeks ago, I was reading a post by Kristy and learned about a challenge that would help me improve my running.

This seemed easy enough. So I vowed to do it. 

Then I saw a great video by Patrick Goudeau, a Nike Elite Fitness Trainer, that promised to boost metabolism and keep me in my skinny jeans. Another pledge.

Around the same time Fitness online sent me an email with a promise for 

Sensational Legs in Only 3 Moves. One more oath.

I decided to combine all three of these short and simple exercises into my own 30 Day Challenge. Each exercise takes only a few minutes to do and can add maximum benefits to my running through form, strength, and toning. 

And because I want legs like these:

Source: toned-tanned-fit-and-ready.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Creating this personal challenge appeals to me because I'm the type of person who needs variety. My runs are never the same. Different distance. Different route. Different days. 

I also need direction. Focus. A goal. 

My 30DC gives me a perfect combination of everything I need. At the end of thirty days, I can create a whole new challenge. Beautiful.

Have you ever joined a 30 day challenge or made your own?

Winter Warrior-ing

January 21 - It has been another fun week of winter running here in New England and half marathon training continues. It snowed a little Tuesday morning but that didn't stop hubs and I from getting out for another snowy run. We don't believe in shorts cuts around here. He ran with me for 1.5 before turning around to become photographer and leaving me to do the remaining 4.5. ON MY OWN. I hate running by myself and this run was a brutal reminder of how spoiled I have been for, oh, the last 10 months. No precipitation on Thursday's run, just bitterly cold wind gusts. Turns out I run pretty good when the sidewalks are clear.

Tuesday photos by hubs

Today my training partner and I met up at Runner's Alley, a local running store, to run with the Winter Warriors group. The store itself is a perfect little gem nestled downtown. We are always greeted by friendly and knowledgeable sales people and they have an excellent selection of running shoes, clothing, and gear.

Source

I'd been hearing about the WW Runs but never attended mainly because we don't live that convenient to the store. Even so, I was interested in finding out for myself what the group runs were like. Here's a blurb from their newsletter:

It's Not Too Late to Be a Warrior! You keep hearing about Winter Warrior runs, and since there are a lot of chilly months ahead of us, how about another friendly reminder on what WW is all about? *Group Runs (all paces/levels): Thursdays at 6:00pm and Saturday mornings at 8:00am *Throughout the winter, each store will host try-on nightsfrom different brands, plus raffles and other giveaways! *Every time you come to a run, you get a point. *Every time you bring a canned good, another point! *25 or more points at the end of the season means you score some free gear with the Warrior branding. Suh-weet! *Have we mentioned it's a blast? Yeah, it is...cuz that's how fun we are....  I arrived at the store 5 minutes before 8 and found about 15 other runners already inside getting ready mostly in small groups with little conversation. After figuring out where to sign in, someone announced that the run would be about 4 miles because of the snow. I have to admit that the irony of that statement made me smile a little inside. So, we ran with the group for 4 miles, took a short break back at the store, then went on for another 6. Even though the group was a little tamer than I expected, today's run was a blast...from old man winter! I can now say that I have experienced the following: snow flakes in the eyes, snow covered face, icicles in my eyebrows and lashes, and possibly even some frozen snot (lovely). I also learned that if you buy a pair of snow cleats, they probably work better if you wear them. Due North Traction Aids Today, I also completed the Twitter Road Race 5K. I loved being able to print my own personalized bib! Not the easiest day to run a race, but I did the best I could in the snow! Twitter Road Race 5K: 30:33 What kind of WARRIOR are you? Did you run the Twitter Road Race? How did you do?

No Shortcuts

January 16 - I saw this the other day on Pinterest:

                                               Source: flawlessfitnessbook.com via Amy on Pinterest

It fit perfectly with my training run on Saturday. My running partner and I had made plans to run 8 miles on the local trail, one of our favorite routes. We had a mini-snow storm on Thursday followed by some freezing rain on Friday, but Saturday looked good. Cold temps, but no bad weather forecasted.

Before heading out, I gathered the necessary gear for my run.

This is what we saw when we got to the trail:

No problem, right? Wrong. The freezing rain had left a layer of crust on top of the snow. When we ran, we crunched our way through the four inches or so left over from Thursday. We did this for about 1.5 miles. It was like running while doing knee-ups at the same time, so we ditched the trail. After quickly discussing our options we made our way out to the main road and started an alternate route hoping we could make our 8 mile goal.

We ended up combining one of our regular routes around the lake with a loop through the village added at the end. Although we missed out on our trail run, we did get some amazing views of the frozen lake.

Lesson of the day: Anything worth having is worth fighting for. We did not give up on our run. We did not quit because it was hard. We are training for a half marathon. There are no shortcuts. 

What obstacles have you had to overcome during your training?

Snow Day & Ice Cleats

January 12 - Today I got the heavily anticipated email stating Due to the weather, all schools...will be closed today. It was snow day number three. No school for me. No flights for hubs. Just a good 'ole fashion mini-snow storm in New England. I was still up early (after telling the kids to sleep in - go figure), so with the downstairs to myself for a couple of hours I did my first day of the #100Ups Challenge that I read about on INSPIRUNNING's blog along with my usual NTC workout. Then I relaxed with my coffee, the computer, and the news while waiting for hubs to wake up.

Fast forward. After lunch, I FINALLY coaxed hubs into going on a snow run with me. It was still snowing a little but it felt pretty good out. Hubs offered a pair of snow & ice cleats which I happily accepted to try out for the first time. Made of rubber each cleat slips on over the running shoe and has six spikes positioned to help with traction. I've never used them before so I was excited to test them out.

We made our way easily enough down the plow-guy deprived driveway through about six inches of snow. Our short out and back run of three miles would take us on the main road briefly before turning off onto a side back road, and then on to a dirt road that led to a pond.

The roads were semi-plowed so it had that chunky feel. Where the plows had passed, the cleats worked really well. No slipping at all. Feet felt firm almost like they were on pavement. Where the roads were still snow covered I felt as if I were running in sand. It was just hard. The snow was the powdery slippery kind and it made my legs really have to work. I never felt like I was going to fall or slip though.

Our snow day run was a lot of fun. We had to jump in the snow banks as cars passed, wait for the snow plow to push by a couple of times, and almost help a car that was stuck pulling out of a driveway, but definitely worth going out and avoiding the treadmill. I love the white wonderland that is created after a fresh snow.

My next run is another training run for the half marathons coming up. Running in the snow today was a great workout in my training. It wasn't speedy or lengthy, but it was challenging. And, you never know about the weather in New England. You have to be prepared for anything!

Do you run in the snow/bad weather or head to the treadmill?

What was your weather like today?

To Keep Running

Almost to the finish line!

January 9 - Last year my major running milestone was running my very first half marathon. This year (cross your fingers for continued healthy running) I will attempt to run THREE half marathons while keeping up with my goal for 2012: TO KEEP RUNNING


After taking some time off from running to let my shin heal once I completed the half marathon in August, I basically had to start over.  It is amazing what a couple of weeks without running can do to your body! I had no idea. Since  then I have been running non-stop. Through the fall and winter I ran a bunch of 5Ks and a couple of 10Ks.

To keep me motivated (and prevent the whole starting-over-again thing), I am attempting to run a race every month. This requires planning. Here is what I have scheduled: (highlighted = races registered/finished):

January 1 - First Run 10K - Lowell, MA - 58:09 PR
February 19 - Half at the Hamptons - Hampton, NH
March 11 - St. Paddy's 5 Miler - Portsmouth, NH
April 21 - Stonyfield Earth Day 5K - Londonderry, NH
May 6 - Cox Rhode Races Half Marathon - Providence, RI
June ? - Kickoff to Summer 5K - New Boston, NH
July 3 - Manchester 5K - Manchester, NH
August 19 - Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon - Providence, RI
September 22 - Zooma Cape Cod 10K - Falmouth, MA
October ? - My Dogs Are Barking 5K - Bedford, NH
November 11 - Newport Pell Bridge Run - Newport, RI
December 1 - Santa Shuffle - Manchester, NH

For me to complete the above schedule I have to focus on my training and stay healthy.  In "How to Run Injury-Free" on Active.com, Jeff Galloway offers great advice to runners on how avoid overuse injuries and enjoy years of running. The main points Galloway makes include:

1. Train fewer days during the week
2. Slow your pace on long runs 
3. Take walk breaks 
4. Massage instead of stretch
5. Prepare for speed training
6. Stop if you experience pain

Also, on his blog Galloway stresses the importance of resting after long runs to allow muscles to recover, rebuild, and reduce the chance of injury. Rest days are great for doing some light cross training activities. I have found some good workouts on the Nike Training Club app. 

One thing I know that will help me achieve my goal to keep running is to let go of the idea that a "real runner" doesn't need to stop and walk. If I want to stay injury-free and enjoy all of the races I signed up for, I have to listen to my body. If I need to take a break in the middle of an 8 mile run, it's OK! I'm still running 8 miles, right?  

What do you do to KEEP RUNNING?