Running with Some Rainbows Around the Sun!

Posted on May 20, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

We celebrated Mother’s Day a week later this past Sunday with a trip to Chatham. It was BEAUTIFUL! Chatham always reminds me a lot of Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. There are so many gorgeous old homes, and it’s very “quaint” as we sometimes say of New England towns!

double rainbowWe went out to a great brunch and then headed to the beach and the wildlife center that overlooks Monomoy Island. From the beach that is close by, you could see the seals “hauled out” and sunning themselves. The great whites aren’t up here yet, so no sightings! Winking smile

We also saw something I have never seen before (or never noticed): sun dogs. These are rainbows that circle the sun. While at the beach, we looked up and saw two rainbows circling the sun. It was so cool!

I started the day off right with a run along the beach. I stopped and snapped a pic of one of the two osprey nests I see on my regular running route (see picture to the left). I think it’s so cool that both the males and females take turns sitting on the eggs!

ospreyI love being back on my old running route and getting to see the ocean everyday. It feels so good to be home again, and I cannot wait for summer. I plan on taking the kids down the street to the beach almost every day!

Filed Under: Family, Training

Protein- How Much Is Enough?

Posted on December 20, 2011 Written by 3 Comments

One of the nutritional questions that often arises among runners is: How do I know if I am getting enough protein? Signs that your diet may be lacking in protein can include decreased energy, you may feel weaker when running or strength training, or you find yourself becoming injured more often and not recovering effectively.

The amount of protein you need depends on a variety of factors including age, activity level, and your size. The general formula for determining the minimum number of grams of protein you need daily is as follows: [Read more...]

Filed Under: Health, Nutrition Tagged: , ,

Altra Intuition Review

Posted on December 10, 2011 Written by 6 Comments

Note the wider toe box.

Over the past couple of months, I have been introducing more shoes that have a lower heel-t0-drop than the traditional running shoe. As a result, I have been experimenting with the Saucony Mirage, Saucony Kinvara, and the Merrill Pace Glove. I was very excited to get the opportunity to review the Altra Intution, a zero-drop shoe made specifically for a woman’s foot.

When I first looked at the Altra Intuition, the first thing I noticed was the wider toe box (see picture). The toe box of the Intuition is definitely wider than any running shoe I have worn. The purpose of the wider toe box is to let you toes splay as you hit the ground (similar to what they would do if you were running barefoot).

The result is a very comfortable shoe. I have hammertoes from years of wearing heels, so shoes with a tighter toe box are often uncomfortable if worn for longer runs. The lack of toe discomfort was one of the first things I noticed after wearing the Intuitions on a number of runs of varying distance. I wore the shoes for training, but quickly decided to wear them at other times during the day because they were so comfy. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gear, Reviews Tagged: , ,

End of the Season

Posted on December 7, 2011 Written by 6 Comments

The 5K I ran this past weekend was the last race of my 2011 season. It’s funny how I look at the end of the fall racing season with mixed emotions. I am happy to let myself get some additional rest before gearing up for half-marathon training, but at the same time I know I will miss the adrenaline rush that comes with racing.

The spring and fall 2011 racing season was the first time I have really had the chance to focus on training since the birth of my two boys. I have to admit, it was nice to finally have the time to concentrate on myself and something that I am passionate about. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Racing, Training Tagged: , ,

Downtown Jingle 5K Race Report

Posted on December 6, 2011 Written by 8 Comments

Sunday morning I ran the Downtown Jingle 5K. It was the first time I had ever done this race, and the first time I have run in festive running gear. There’s a first time for everything right? I had gone to Target to find some Christmas knee socks (see picture) and a red long-sleeve technical shirt. I opted not to wear the jingle bells they handed out with your number because I think they would drive me absolutely nuts when running!

This race was sort of an experiment in a number of different ways. Since my mileage has been down a bit and I haven’t been doing as much speedwork lately (due to the shin injury), I wasn’t sure what to expect. I also ran this race without my Garmin FR60, so I really had no idea what my pacing was. I tried not to have high expectations about a PR. I think this ended up working in my favor.

Samantha and I (I'm on the left) Pre-race

At the start, I met up with Samantha and her family to wait for the start. It was so much fun meeting another running blogger “in person.” She was running with her entire family, which I thought was very cool. Being able to chat and hang out helped me stay relaxed while waiting to head to the start line. When we went out to line up, I opted for the 7 minute pace group and jogged in place to stay warm.

I went out pretty fast on the first mile – split was 6:45, so I had to settle in. Mile 2 went by pretty fast. I just tried to hold my pace and start picking some people off. When I saw the mile 2 split I think it was around 17:04, so I knew there was a chance that I could PR. I gritted my teeth and picked up the pace a bit for the last mile. I hung on through the last minute and when I saw the finish clock still in the 21s, I decided to kick it and grab my PR.

I crossed the line in 21:54.6– a PR by 23 seconds! It was nice to go out with a bang, since I don’t have an races on the horizon for the next two months. Half marathon training begins the day after Christmas for the Shamrock Half in March. I am giving some PR credit to the increased pool running I have been doing. Apparently pool running can help make you faster because it increases your stride length. I am going to keep at it to give my joints a break a couple of times a week and also to see if I can keep chasing some more PRs!

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to enter the SPIbelt sweepstakes!

Filed Under: Racing Tagged: , ,

SPIBelt Review – Win a SPIBelt!

Posted on December 5, 2011 Written by 70 Comments

I am saving the Downtown Jingle 5K race report (it’s a good one) for tomorrow, since it’s Monday and I want to start the week off right with a giveaway! The lucky winner will receive a SPIbelt in color of their choice. Read on to learn more about the SPIbelt and the sweepstakes rules…

Let’s face it–it’s sometimes challenging to find a good way to carry personal items on the run. If you drive somewhere to run, you need to stash your keys and most likely your phone. If you are running long, you will also need storage for nutrition. I do have a Fuel Belt that has a pocket for small items, but honestly, it’s not my favorite thing to wear while running. So I was pretty excited to receive a SPIbelt to try out.

The SPIbelt (SPI stands for small personal items) is a fully adjustable belt that has an expandable pocket for storing keys, cell phone, money, and more. When I opened up the SPIbelt, I looked at the storage compartment and thought that there was no way that my iPhone would fit. However, I discovered that the pocket does expand quite a bit and could carry my iPhone (and still allow room for my keys).

My SPIbelt (empty)

I tested the SPIbelt on a four miler at about 8:25 pace. I wanted to put something in it that I knew had the potential to be very annoying: my giant key ring! I am happy to report that I didn’t even notice that I was carrying my keys with me-not a peep! The SPIbelt stayed in place, and I almost forgot it was there.

The SPIbelt is also very versatile- you could use it for walking, biking, hiking, travel, etc., not just for running. Even better, I am allowed to give one away to a reader. Please leave a comment below (on this post) telling me which color of SPIbelt you would choose if you win. Click HERE to see the color chart.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

To enter the sweepstakes for SPIbelt, please just leave a comment below with the color of SPIbelt you would choose if you win.  You cannot enter by any other means. There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY or any other type of consideration that must be given to enter this sweepstakes. By entering a comment, you are entering in the sweepstakes terms and conditions. To enter this sweepstakes you must be over 18 years of age and a United States citizen.

This sweepstakes starts on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 8 a.m. and will go to Monday, December 12, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. The winner will be chosen using Random.org, and the results will be posted on this blog. Winner will be announced by Monday, December 13 at 8 a.m.  A winner has one week from the announcement of the winner to claim the prize or else a new winner will be chosen (December 20 at 8 a.m.). All prizes will be awarded. Thus, if the winner does not come forward, a new winner will be chosen. The writer of this blog will not be held liable for any typographical errors or technical failures.

Winner of this contest will receive SPIbelt basic valued at $19.95.

Filed Under: Gear, Giveaways, Reviews Tagged:

What Is an ElliptiGO?

Posted on December 4, 2011 Written by 2 Comments

Few people have probably ever seen an ElliptiGO in action. Have you even heard of one? The ElliptiGO is cross-training tool favored by Lauren Fleshman (world-class 5000m runner and recent NYC marathoner) and other elite athletes like ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes. Due to recurring injuries, Fleshman cannot log triple digit weeks, so she  fills in the extra miles on her ElliptiGO. The ElliptiGO is an elliptical bike that mimics the motion of running minus the impact and was invented by a former triathlete in 2008. It moves like a bike but your legs work in an elliptical motion to power it forward. Similar to a bike, it has adjustable gears on the handle bars.

Here’s the ElliptiGO in action:

The Elliptigo looks like a very fun cross-training workout, but I think it’s hampered a bit by its price tag. The lowest end model comes in at $1800 (the top of the line model is $3500). I guess there’s always the Christmas List! If you are interested in trying out an ElliptiGO, there are different dealers you can visit to take it for a spin.

Stay tuned tomorrow for another chance to win some free running gear! 

Filed Under: Cross Training, Gear Tagged: , ,

Magdalena Lewy-Boulet – Another Inspirational Mother Runner

Posted on December 3, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment

The first time I heard Magdalena Lewy-Boulet’s name was at the Falmouth Road Race this past August. I was standing in my corral behind the elite runners, and I asked my friend (a former co-director of the race) who he thought was going to win the women’s race. He said that he thought Magdalena Lewy-Boulet was going to take first and informed me that she was another mother runner.

Source - Bay Area Track Club (click on image to visit their site)

Fast forward to the end of the race, and Lewy-Boulet did in fact finish in first place in the women’s field. At 38, she was the first female finisher and the first American woman to cross the line. Her time was 36:58 for the 7.1 mile course! She is only the second American woman to win the race in the past 17 years. When you look at her personal records for the 5K, 10K and marathon: 15:14, 31:48, and 2:26, it is unbelievable that four years ago she was unsponsored and paying her own way to the Olympic Marathon Trials!

Lewy-Boulet was born in Poland and became a U.S. citizen on September 11, 2001. In addition to running professionally, Magdalena has also coached the cross country team at her alma mater, University of California- Berkeley. She is under the coaching guidance of legendary distance running coach, Jack Daniels.

I visited Magdalena’s blog on the Bay Area Track Club website and found this wonderful post - Older, Wiser, Stronger, & Faster. In her post, she imparts many words of wisdom that are important to all runners, not just mother runners! That fact that she continues to set new personal records as she ages gives me the inspiration and hope to set new goals for myself. I didn’t start running competitively until recently (I had done very few races in my running career). Watching Magdalena’s progress makes me believe that I can continue to set PRs well into the future.

Have you checked out the Facebook page for the 30 Something Mother Runner yet? Click on the Facebook badge to the right of this post and “Like” the page–you will then get to see my daily posts in your newsfeed! 

Filed Under: Motivation Tagged: ,

Running for Charity

Posted on December 2, 2011 Written by 7 Comments

I have had the opportunity to run races for charity on several different occasions. This past August, I ran the Falmouth Road Race as a part of the Running for Cover Team (Melanoma Foundation of New England). This charity is close to my heart since my step-father is currently battling Stage 3 melanoma. I think that running for a charity helps to give you that extra motivation that you might need to get out there and train hard. When you are lamenting some aspect of running and you start thinking about someone you are running for, it helps to keep things in perspective.

There are  number of charity programs that are out there now that will provide you with entry into a high profile race, in addition to training programs. In fact, if you are still looking for a Boston Marathon number and did not qualify, the Melanoma Foundation of New England recently secured a couple of more spots (you must raise a minimum of $4000).

Other training programs include the popular Team in Training, which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In exchange for fundraising, Team in Training provides you with coaching via certified running coaches or online through that virtual coaching network and they have over 200 endurance events to choose from.

If you are looking to a do a half marathon or marathon and feel that raising money for a charity would give you the extra motivation you need to make the commitment, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • It’s helpful to pick a charity to which you have a personal connection. I find that this makes it easier for me to ask for donations when it’s something very close to my heart, and I have a strong personal interest in furthering the cause.
  • Think outside the box when looking at fundraising options. Although the financial commitment may seem like a lot, if you can organize a few successful events, it will go a long way towards helping you meet your goal. Charity runners have hosted pub nights, silent auctions, bake sales, pie making during the holidays, tennis/golf tournaments, etc.
  • Take advantage of the online programs that help you track and solicit donations. You can often load your e-mail contacts into these programs and personalize a message asking for donations. When donors can complete the whole process online quickly, they are that much more likely to donate.
  • Don’t forget to follow-up! You may feel like you are being pushy by following up on an e-mail request for a donation, but sometimes people just overlook an e-mail or forget that they were planning on sending you a check.
  • Keep everyone updated on your fundraising progress. This will help you push for more donations when you are really close to your goal,
  • Personally thank ALL of your donors. Although the charity usually sends a notification of donation for tax purposes, a heartfelt thank you means a lot more!
Filed Under: Motivation, Racing Tagged: , , ,

My Running Christmas List

Posted on December 1, 2011 Written by 7 Comments

Since it is the first of December, I think it’s the perfect time to unveil this year’s running Christmas list:

Dear Santa (or any generous family member),

Here is the running gear I would like for Christmas:

  1. Lululemon speed shorts – with ruffle (several would be ideal, but one is fine too)
  2. Entry fees for two half marathons (yet to be chosen).
  3. 12 4-packs of nuun (assorted flavors)
  4. Brooks Silver Bullet Jacket
  5. iTunes gift cards to fuel my many playlists
  6. CEP Compression Running Socks (in pink of course)
  7. Rundies from Oiselle- why not have runderwear to match your workout for the day?
  8. A Garmin Forerunner- yes, I still do not have one! The FR60 is just not cutting it anymore…
  9. Custom Race Bib Coasters- I love Etsy! What an awesome idea for recycling your race bibs! They would also make a really cool gift for running parents or family members.
  10. Lululemon Brisk Run Earwarmer (2)

Tell me– what’s on your running Christmas list?

Filed Under: Family, Gear Tagged:
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