A really good run

07. February 2016 · 8 comments · Categories: running · Tags: , , , , , , ,

I can’t remember the last time I felt the endorphins like I did today. I ran 5 miles which is the longest I’ve run this year.

5 miles to start....building up to 13.1

5 miles to start….building up to 13.1

Even the iPod felt good enough to last 52 minutes all while saying "battery low".

Even the iPod felt good enough to last 52 minutes all while saying “battery low”.

Happy!

Happy!

And technically I’m calling this my first long training run for all my Spring races. I’ve got the Cherry Blossom DC 10 miler the beginning of April followed by the Philly Love Run Half Marathon the week after that and the NJ Marathon (Half) the first week of May.

Yesterday I slogged through 3 miles but definitely didn’t feel as amazing.

3-kicks-watch

New kicks couldn't give me the oomph.

New kicks couldn’t give me the oomph.

I’ve been fighting a cold since I came home from Vermont. But today the cold symptoms didn’t hold me back one bit.

This is all so perfect for me right now. To feel that boost in self-esteem and to feel happy and excited for racing again.

Aside from sniffling, coughing until my abs hurt and going through 1,250,400 cough drops and tissues, not too much has happened since I came back from my ski weekend last Sunday. I worked from home the first 3 days of the week.

This was my Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

This was my Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Duncan got a haircut…

Coiffed!

Coiffed!

Thursday and Friday I worked in the city. Friday morning was interesting. It was snowing heavily for my commute in but by the time I left in the evening you’d never know it.

First I had to clean off the car

First I had to clean off the car

I drove to the train station and walked through a winter wonderland to get to the platform

I drove to the train station and walked through a winter wonderland to get to the platform

and then I waited forever for the train

and then I waited forever for the train

Two hours later I got into the city to see that the snow wasn't even sticking.

Two hours later I got into the city to see that the snow wasn’t even sticking.

I caught a gorgeous sunset with the Statue of Liberty to the left while waiting for the ferry home

I caught a gorgeous sunset with the Statue of Liberty to the left while waiting for the ferry home

And then captured this shot....all the exhausted, disgruntled commuters inside the boat and the gorgeous colorful sunset and statue right outside the window

And then captured this shot….all the exhausted, disgruntled commuters inside the boat and the gorgeous colorful sunset and statue right outside the window

And now it’s time to prepare for the Superbowl. I have no interest in the game really, just the food, commercials and the Puppy Bowl during halftime 🙂

Got any plans for the “Big Game”? 
Have you had any endorphin filled runs lately?

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  1. 60 degrees in December
  2. testing out new shoes and a twisted knee in my sleep
  3. O’Hammy! And props to Miss Frankenbooty!

The Blizzard of 2016 recap. Nope it isn’t a race.

27. January 2016 · 4 comments · Categories: labradoodle, recreational fun, running, Uncategorized · Tags: , , , , , , ,

The Blizzard of 2016 recap. Nope it isn’t a race.

Warning: a ton of pictures of snow and dogs. 🙂

I am doing my best to type this as the hours of shoveling on Sunday have rendered my body sore beyond belief.

Mother nature dumped over 2 feet of snow on us over the weekend. It was awesome! Well, except for the shoveling.

blizzard

I drove over to Mr. SOTSS’ house Friday night when there was only a few inches on the ground. I figured if I was going to be housebound for a bit it would be more fun spending the time with him and his girls. We completed a jigsaw puzzle…

we counted....1008 pieces....that's 8 more than the box said!

we counted….1008 pieces….that’s 8 more than the box said!

And made Shrinky Dinks…

I made the rainbow, pencil and shooting stars....The other beauties were done by Mr. SOTSS' 10 year old. She's quite the budding artist. Love her evenly spaced sprinkles and watermelon seeds

I made the rainbow, pencil and shooting stars….The other beauties were done by Mr. SOTSS’ 10 year old. She’s quite the budding artist. Love her evenly spaced sprinkles and watermelon seeds

And during the peak of the storm when they had a travel ban we just took the dogs and the sleds around the neighborhood streets. Chester actually pulls the sled. He’s pretty talented.

blizzard-neighborhoodBoth Mr. SOTSS and I tried out our snow shoes too.

G-snowshoe

Just snow shoeing around the hood in the middle of a blizzard

Just snow shoeing around the hood in the middle of a blizzard

my new snow shoes!

my new snow shoes!

More »

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  1. Let the weekend begin
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A short run, more snow and my second ART with Graston

08. March 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: injury, labradoodle, running, Uncategorized · Tags: , , , , ,

Happy Saturday!

So I followed Dr. Williams orders and went running on Wednesday. I had to use the treadmill at the gym thanks to snow, ice and time restrictions. But I was only planning on 2 miles…and 2 miles is exactly what I completed…

IMG_3704The knee held up fine until I stopped. Usually it gives out while running but this time it locked up on me after running. It ended up being sore until the next morning. I was relatively calm though because I wasn’t “sneaking” in a run. Oh, and I wore my new New Balance 1080’s and my new custom inserts and LOVED them both!

FullSizeRender 6Such a cushy ride. So there’s the good thing about only being able to run 2 miles….perfect way to break in new gear. =)

Thursday we had ANOTHER snow storm. I worked remotely but managed to spend a few minutes outside enjoying the white stuff.IMG_3769
Guess we won't be barbecuing for a few more weeks...

Guess we won’t be barbecuing for a few more weeks…

In his glory

In his glory

Weee!!!! An unplowed street to run down!!!!

Weee!!!! An unplowed street to run down!!!!

After playing in the snow they defrosted on matching towels.

After playing in the snow they defrosted on matching towels.

And then yesterday after battling ridiculous traffic painfully slow bus rides (resulting from the snowstorm the day before), I went back to Dr Williams for my second ART session.
waiting again for another bus

waiting at the bus stop for the bus.

waiting for a bus

waiting for a bus again!

He also used the Graston technique on me. The combo of these two things made me almost puke from the pain. I told him I’m a wimp but he said “no, this stuff is really very painful.” Well at least he cleared that up. Just give me a puke bucket, but FIX MY KNEE! I mentioned about my knee locking up at the end of my run on Wednesday but he wasn’t concerned…he insisted I keep running. He said even if it’s a mile. In addition to foam rolling and stretching the quad I have to do some hip flexor stretches too. Bottom line is that the ART and Graston create some inflammation which will force my body to focus on healing. Oh and he said the knee might feel bruised. Well apparently it is…

i guess the bruise is more noticeable next to my pale skin.

i guess the bruise is more noticeable next to my pale skin. I don’t have the most shapely legs…sorry bout that!

I got home in the late afternoon, grabbed Duncan and took him to the park so we could both unwind and enjoy the winter wonderland around us. When there is sunshine on my face and nature’s beauty around me I can’t help to be anything but happy.
drawing in snow

I can’t remember the last time I professed my love this way but it sure felt good. If you’re reading sweetie, you know I love you because I wrote it in the snow 🙂

snowy bench

Come “chill” out on this bench with me! LOL!

park snowscape

Snowy serenity

Duncan at the park

I think i want to paint this picture and hang it in my house somewhere. I love it!

After the walk we came home, I made a quick dinner and then poured myself a glass of wine.
friday evening fun

Friday evening fun

I have a nice quiet and relaxing weekend completely solo which is rare these days between all the fun I spend with my friends, my family and Mr. SOTSS.

Duncan and I even slept in until 7am!
good morning!

Good morning!

Then Instagram reminded me that the NYC Half is just 8 days away.

NYC Half

this should be interesting

I have my 3rd visit with Dr. Williams on Tuesday and I’ll probably get in a 4th visit on Friday which can only help I suppose. I’m meeting my friends after the race for some brunch and to catch up on life so hopefully they won’t mind waiting a little extra longer for me to finish…my plan right now is to walk briskly (15 min pace) for the first 10 miles and run the last 5k…but like I said, I’ll have my MetroCard so I can just bail and hop on a subway to the Starbucks afterparty 🙂 I have already run the NYC Half and have more medals than I can count so it really doesn’t matter if I finish or not. Actually last year I had a MISERABLE time at the NYC Half.

Today, I spent a lazy morning cleaning house and then decided to take the doodle for yet another walk in the snow. We changed it up and visited a different park this time. But still the most beautiful views.

a dog and his human

a whole lotta curls…well mine were looser because i had leave-in conditioner in it and had it in a bun most of the day. #themoreyouknow

bobbing for apples?

bobbing for snow apples?

clove lakes park

Red fences make pictures so perfect

IMG_3844

snow and dog

peek a doodle

I’m now cozy on the couch and will probably go to bed a little early tonight since I’m a sad sack we lose an hour of sleep this weekend. Ah Daylight Savings….love that sunsets will be later but not looking forward to darkness at 6:30am. Tomorrow I’m planning on running 1-2miles. It’s going to be a mild 47 degrees out. I can’t wait to have just 20 minutes of outdoor running bliss.

Have a great weekend!

Anyone running a half marathon this month?

Are you an early riser? Night Owl? What’s your favorite time of the day?

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Shoulder MRI and the last couple of days

25. February 2015 · 2 comments · Categories: injury, labradoodle, recreational fun, Uncategorized · Tags: , , , ,

Hi there.

Hope your week has been going fine and dandy well.

Last night I had my shoulder MRI. It was pretty painless. Took about 25 minutes and the technician had alternative rock playing so I was happy. They made me take my bra off because of the metal clasp, but I was able to keep the rest of my clothing on so I didn’t need to wear a silly paper gown. I tossed the bra in my purse. After the test was over I was in such a rush to get home I forgot to put it back on. When I got home I laughed that it was still in my purse.

have bra will travel

have bra will travel

I’ll get the results next week but as I’ve mentioned I’m finally feeling improvement and feel confident that at this point some PT will be all I need to get my full range of motion back in my shoulder. I cannot wait for the day I can pull a shirt over my head without having to gingerly slide my right arm into the sleeve first.

Oh, and I finally made some progress in the attempt for a referral to a sports injury doc. The receptionist at the doc’s office took down all the info for my request and was going to share with my primary care doc. If he approves then they’ll just call me when the referral is ready. Cross your fingers! The doc I’m hoping to see is actually a sports chiropractor. His bio says “Dr. Williams has dedicated his life to treating sports injuries and teaching proper biomechanics to athletes, as well as any individual interested in leading an active life.” Sounds like the right guy for me! 

So last I left you I had just filled you in on my meltdown and the Cold Feat 10k. After my running peeps went home, I had to make a quick stop up the road at my folks’ house. It had started to snow and everything was blanketed in white.

childhood home

The house I grew up in…

Then on Sunday morning I took some cool shots of ice formations around my neighborhood.

I love when the water droplets freeze like this

I love when the water droplets freeze like this

More »

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