Before I start this post, if you're interested check out my "Family" tab for an update on today's Perry Fire Department Pancake Breakfast! Also check out the I2P tab for a brief post on the "company picninc bwahahaa" Now for my run post:
I mentioned in my last post that long runs were less than ideal for me. I really have been loving the short and fast speed sessions. However a run with a friend and some input from Ray on nutritional needs may have put the mojo back into my long run.
I've started my back to back long runs up again and have been less than enthusiastic about that. That is until last week when we happened to start a run at the same time Mike Nicholson was there. My hubby, Mike, and I all decided to run together. I've always liked and admired both Mike and his wife. Before we started, Mike had stated "I was going to run and take some pictures if you don't mind". Instantly I said "Hey I used to do that!" and inside I thought,
"What the hell happened, why don't I do that anymore?" And that was the beginning of a run with a few realizations.
We ran and chatted and laughed the whole time. I haven't had that much fun on a run in a long time. (All the time wondering why). At what point did I start to show up at the trail head, put my head down, and decide to "Lets just get this shit over with"? At what point did I lose what trail running really is all about? In the end, I decided it doesn't really matter. What matters is that I knock that shit off and get back to how it used to be.
We run North Chagrin ALL the time. Seriously ALL the time. I thought I knew it inside and out. But apparently not! Mike showed us a few things that we both missed along the way, and the whole time I was both enjoying myself and kicking myself for being so lame. My "put your head down and get it done" mentality really sucked. I stopped noticing things, stopped exploring. And truth is - when I was doing those things -taking pictures, stopping to look at cool stuff along the way I was running better, I was happier, and loved running so much more. So I promised myself I wouldn't let it get to that point again. As a bit of a reminder of my promise to myself my friend Steve Hawthorne posted today "Perfect day to run with Fools and friends! Be sure to check out the little flowers popping up everywhere. It's going to be a great day :)" A perfect reminder. I also spoke to Ray about all this, and he wanted me to revamp my food stuff. He gave me an EXCELLENT breakfast recipe that I absolutely love. The combo of the run with Nicholson and Ray's nutritional advice seemed to do wonders! What happened this week? Over 30 seconds faster per mile on the road on Saturday than last week and 2 MINUTES faster per mile on the trail the following day!! Woot! AND I stopped to look at the pretty flowers on more than one occasion. (And heard the beautiful birds, and noticed the beauty of leaves blowing in the wind.) Simple beauty. Thanks so much guys for making me realize I lost a little bit of something along the way!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
HUSKIES, FIRE EXPLORERS, NEW GIG, AND AUBURN!
It's been awhile since I've done a "what's going on in my life" post so here goes! So many changes are happening, and all for the better. I've got a new job, ANOTHER new husky,started a fundraiser for the Perry Fire Explorers, and my son got accepted into Auburn's EMS program for his junior and senior year! So many good things to keep me busy along with the running!
Since I've done a blog reorg (business people cringe, but in this case it's good) you can pick and choose which items you'd like to hear about - check out each tab above and see for yourself!
My new job and running updates will be below. But the other info you can find in the following:
New husky = Check out my "Huskies" tab
My son's acceptance into Auburn = "Family" tab
New fundraiser = "Community" tab
So there you have it :) I'm going to enjoy filling up the photography tab. My wish is to take a new picture each week, but we'll see how that goes. Until then feel free to browse through the albums I've got links to.
NEW JOB:
I'm so please to say I got a new job!! I started my new position on March 11, and so far so good. So very good! I enjoy coming to work, and don't even mind the 10 - 10 1/2 hour days I've been putting in! It's been such a relief - my stress is gone, my mood is better, and I realize now just how stressed I was at the last place. I've only had 1 stressful day at work so far (and this stress I really brought on myself, as I failed to recognize I was NOT in the old place anymore). This particular day my stomach hurt, I was exhausted, swelling - hmmmm sound familiar?! At the end of the day I realized what I did and was pretty mad at myself. But was a bit happy. YES happy! Happy because I realized I felt like this EVERY single day before and don't have to go through that anymore. FANTASTIC!! Just that thought alone lifted my spirits immensely! At the last place I tried everything. Meditating, Yoga, listening to comedy programs at work - nothing did the trick. I'm so incredibly relieved. The department is awesome, my boss is great, coworkers are fantastic - and here's the BIGGIE.....They are giving one of us the opportunity to work from home starting in June! I certainly threw my name in the hat for that one! Even if I don't get that chance it's ok, since my department is great. This first work from home employee will be a guinea pig of sorts before they open up more spots for the rest of us. Incredible!!! So glad I'm here!
RUNNING:
Since the day after I found out I would be working elsewhere - BOOM. Got sick. Acutally I expected it and was not the least bit surprised. The stress was gone, my body didn't have to fight the stress anymore and it was just letting go. My cold lasted over an entire month though. That was a bit aggravating. I kept the runs shorter and did no speed work or hill work. Just tedious boring runs which were brutal. I wanted to feel my lungs burn, wanted to feel the ache of a good run in my muscles, but I was patient. As I said I expected this and there wasn't really anything I could do other than just get through it and that was mighty fine with me. Now the cold is gone and my awesome friend and coach Ray Zahab has given me my first 3 week training block back. This week marks the last week of that block and I've already seen improvements. ( And LOVE the fact that I'm back to doing speedwork again! To think I used to dread it in the beginning!!) I'm starting to really enjoy the gnarly, brutal, shorter speedwork sessions over the mega long stuff. I just love the feeling of working as hard as you can and those speedwork sessions give me that. To go on a long run and have to pace yourself so you save some for the end has been agonizing to me. I do have to say though, a recent run with one of our friends, Mike Nicholson really opened my eyes to some things on the long run - but will share that in my next blog. So there you have it! First three weeks back at real training and things are looking up! I'm pretty pumped and ready to get my next 3 weeks block!
Since I've done a blog reorg (business people cringe, but in this case it's good) you can pick and choose which items you'd like to hear about - check out each tab above and see for yourself!
My new job and running updates will be below. But the other info you can find in the following:
New husky = Check out my "Huskies" tab
My son's acceptance into Auburn = "Family" tab
New fundraiser = "Community" tab
So there you have it :) I'm going to enjoy filling up the photography tab. My wish is to take a new picture each week, but we'll see how that goes. Until then feel free to browse through the albums I've got links to.
NEW JOB:
I'm so please to say I got a new job!! I started my new position on March 11, and so far so good. So very good! I enjoy coming to work, and don't even mind the 10 - 10 1/2 hour days I've been putting in! It's been such a relief - my stress is gone, my mood is better, and I realize now just how stressed I was at the last place. I've only had 1 stressful day at work so far (and this stress I really brought on myself, as I failed to recognize I was NOT in the old place anymore). This particular day my stomach hurt, I was exhausted, swelling - hmmmm sound familiar?! At the end of the day I realized what I did and was pretty mad at myself. But was a bit happy. YES happy! Happy because I realized I felt like this EVERY single day before and don't have to go through that anymore. FANTASTIC!! Just that thought alone lifted my spirits immensely! At the last place I tried everything. Meditating, Yoga, listening to comedy programs at work - nothing did the trick. I'm so incredibly relieved. The department is awesome, my boss is great, coworkers are fantastic - and here's the BIGGIE.....They are giving one of us the opportunity to work from home starting in June! I certainly threw my name in the hat for that one! Even if I don't get that chance it's ok, since my department is great. This first work from home employee will be a guinea pig of sorts before they open up more spots for the rest of us. Incredible!!! So glad I'm here!
RUNNING:
Since the day after I found out I would be working elsewhere - BOOM. Got sick. Acutally I expected it and was not the least bit surprised. The stress was gone, my body didn't have to fight the stress anymore and it was just letting go. My cold lasted over an entire month though. That was a bit aggravating. I kept the runs shorter and did no speed work or hill work. Just tedious boring runs which were brutal. I wanted to feel my lungs burn, wanted to feel the ache of a good run in my muscles, but I was patient. As I said I expected this and there wasn't really anything I could do other than just get through it and that was mighty fine with me. Now the cold is gone and my awesome friend and coach Ray Zahab has given me my first 3 week training block back. This week marks the last week of that block and I've already seen improvements. ( And LOVE the fact that I'm back to doing speedwork again! To think I used to dread it in the beginning!!) I'm starting to really enjoy the gnarly, brutal, shorter speedwork sessions over the mega long stuff. I just love the feeling of working as hard as you can and those speedwork sessions give me that. To go on a long run and have to pace yourself so you save some for the end has been agonizing to me. I do have to say though, a recent run with one of our friends, Mike Nicholson really opened my eyes to some things on the long run - but will share that in my next blog. So there you have it! First three weeks back at real training and things are looking up! I'm pretty pumped and ready to get my next 3 weeks block!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Battle against cancer: W O N
This is a must see piece on our friends Mike and Beth Shaughnessy! Job well done to runner friends John Telich and Doug Hermann of Fox 8 News Cleveland for putting this story together. I've long been wanting to blog for awhile about our inspirational friends but didn't want to touch on such a private issue with them while they were dealing with so much. But the good news is Mike is now CANCER FREE!! Our time was spent this weekend at Mike's "I beat cancer party" which was a blast. Mike and Beth are both such amazingly strong and inspiring people. Hugs to you both!!
Please check out the story on them here:
http://fox8.com/2013/04/02/marathon-runner-wins-battle-against-cancer/
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Changes
New changes to the blog! Hope you like it! Since I always break my blog up in sections I have created separate pages for each of the items I talk about on a regular basis. I've been wanting to do this for awhile now and I finally took 2 minutes to sit down to try and figure it out (ha). So enjoy! Looking forwarding to adding more to each!
Happy Running,
Laurie
Happy Running,
Laurie
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Faux Shamrock Shake!
Running updates to come soon, but with St. Patty's day right around the corner I wanted to hurry up and get this out!
FAUX SHAMROCK SHAKE
Driving and seeing a McDonald's every 5 minutes I'm sure you know that Shamrock Shakes are out! But wait! You CAN indulge in that great taste WITHOUT whatever the hell it is they put in those things. Don't let the spinach scare you off - you can't even taste it.
Recipe
1 frozen banana
3 cups spinach
vanilla stevia to taste (I used about 10 drops)
mint extract to taste (I like just a hint of mint, so I used 1/8 tsp.)
*If you don't like your shake as thick as I do, you can add some water or coconut/almond milk to get the consistency you want. Just add a little at a time and blend until it's to your desired consistency and it really won't change the flavor. I made 3 different shakes to test - one with one cup water, one with one cup milk, and one without any added liquid at all and they all tasted the same. My personal preference in terms of consistency is no extra liquid :-) *
Put all ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. Simple and tasty, and perfect post run fuel! I'm thinking tomorrow I might add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the mix, just for the added health benefits. Enjoy, and let me know what you think of the taste!
Happy Running,
Laurie
FAUX SHAMROCK SHAKE
Driving and seeing a McDonald's every 5 minutes I'm sure you know that Shamrock Shakes are out! But wait! You CAN indulge in that great taste WITHOUT whatever the hell it is they put in those things. Don't let the spinach scare you off - you can't even taste it.
Recipe
1 frozen banana
3 cups spinach
vanilla stevia to taste (I used about 10 drops)
mint extract to taste (I like just a hint of mint, so I used 1/8 tsp.)
*If you don't like your shake as thick as I do, you can add some water or coconut/almond milk to get the consistency you want. Just add a little at a time and blend until it's to your desired consistency and it really won't change the flavor. I made 3 different shakes to test - one with one cup water, one with one cup milk, and one without any added liquid at all and they all tasted the same. My personal preference in terms of consistency is no extra liquid :-) *
Put all ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. Simple and tasty, and perfect post run fuel! I'm thinking tomorrow I might add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the mix, just for the added health benefits. Enjoy, and let me know what you think of the taste!
Happy Running,
Laurie
(Please forgive the crummy picture, for some reason I just can't get a handle on photographing food. Just know it tastes delish!!)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Amazing runner friends doing amazing things!
WOW! What wild weather we've been having! Our new pup didn't like the 60 degree days we had, but is thrilled (and doesn't want to come inside) now that our temps are once again below 30. Right now I have many running friends participating in some pretty fabulous adventures and wanted to wish them well. Each and every one of them are not only fabulous runners, but extraordinary individuals outside of the athletic community.
Our local Ohioan, Star Blackford will be running the Rock Raccoon 100 miler. Star is one of my early running inspirations and that is true to this day, along with inspiring my son. At home he's coined the phrase running "Star style" after seeing her run at the Burning River 100 miler. "Star style" is coming into the aidstations happy, kind, and full of life (even at mile 93!) ;-)
My Grand to Grand running friends Stefano Gregoretti and Davide Ugolini are traveling all the way from Italy to the great white north, Canada, to participate in the Yukon Arctic Ultra - both 100 mile distance. These two men are some of the kindest people you will meet, on and off the running field. (And Davide has one hell of a singing voice!) Stefano will be representing Team i2P!
More i2P mates, Nathalie Samson and Jeff Dean are currently running 200km in Cambodia in an attempt to raise enough funds to provide 200 families with a bio-sand filter, ensuring them reliable and safe drinking water. Each filter costs Just $60.00 - I encourage you to follow them and to donate!
Onefilteronefamilly donation page:
http://onefilteronefamily.com/
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/One-Filter-One-Family/158115700898517?fref=ts
Their blog:
http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/Canada/Ontario/blog-768889.html
The running community is filled with these kind of people - people who use this incredible sport to do good for others and expecting nothing in return. Please support all of them by cheering them on loud and proud wherever you are!!
Happy Running!
Laurie
Our local Ohioan, Star Blackford will be running the Rock Raccoon 100 miler. Star is one of my early running inspirations and that is true to this day, along with inspiring my son. At home he's coined the phrase running "Star style" after seeing her run at the Burning River 100 miler. "Star style" is coming into the aidstations happy, kind, and full of life (even at mile 93!) ;-)
My Grand to Grand running friends Stefano Gregoretti and Davide Ugolini are traveling all the way from Italy to the great white north, Canada, to participate in the Yukon Arctic Ultra - both 100 mile distance. These two men are some of the kindest people you will meet, on and off the running field. (And Davide has one hell of a singing voice!) Stefano will be representing Team i2P!
More i2P mates, Nathalie Samson and Jeff Dean are currently running 200km in Cambodia in an attempt to raise enough funds to provide 200 families with a bio-sand filter, ensuring them reliable and safe drinking water. Each filter costs Just $60.00 - I encourage you to follow them and to donate!
Onefilteronefamilly donation page:
http://onefilteronefamily.com/
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/One-Filter-One-Family/158115700898517?fref=ts
Their blog:
http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/Canada/Ontario/blog-768889.html
The running community is filled with these kind of people - people who use this incredible sport to do good for others and expecting nothing in return. Please support all of them by cheering them on loud and proud wherever you are!!
Happy Running!
Laurie
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Welcome Barkley!
I failed to mention in my last post that we have a new addition to the family. Welcome our new dog Barkley!
We brought Barkley home right before Christmas. Then, she was 8 weeks. Now she's 13 weeks and already doubled in weight! Barkley is a Siberian Husky. What a beauty! Before we decided to get a husky we did a lot of reading on their habits, traits, etc. In some cases what we found out was astounding! Huskies can run up to 30 mph. (I knew they were fast, Idiatrod and all but WOW!) They can run fast and run long. I came across an interesting blog on an ultrarunner who actually runs her ultras WITH her huskies! WOW! You can find her blog here: http://www.sandrabowers.blogspot.com/
I have to say, huskies seem to be the perfect ultra running partner. But you MUST MUST MUST know what you're getting into. They're a huge ball of energy, and get destructive if not excersized. Two, three times a day even depending on how long you run. Barkley has been on introductory "feeler" runs with us so far, and she has yet to get tired on any of the runs. We are letting her go at her pace, so the runs turn into more of a fartlek running session. She sprints unbelievably fast, then stops for a sec to chew on some leaves. Such as been our runs thus far :-)
I have to say, huskies seem to be the perfect ultra running partner. But you MUST MUST MUST know what you're getting into. They're a huge ball of energy, and get destructive if not excersized. Two, three times a day even depending on how long you run. Barkley has been on introductory "feeler" runs with us so far, and she has yet to get tired on any of the runs. We are letting her go at her pace, so the runs turn into more of a fartlek running session. She sprints unbelievably fast, then stops for a sec to chew on some leaves. Such as been our runs thus far :-)
Thursday was the first quality workout she joined us for. She actually did hill repeats with my husband, our friend Crystal and myself. Needless to say, she beat us all and it was her first time! So incredible!! We definitely can tell when we are not quick to excersize her during the day, when we want to get some work done before we take her out she gets antsy. And, as I said - a tad destructive. Her form of destruction so far is chewing. She has chewed my garmin charger to bits, our bedpost, and some socks to name a few things. She's even taken a nice healthy dump right on my treadmill! So while huskies are beautiful dogs - do be careful if you're thinking you want one. For us, with three runners in the house she's the perfect fit for our family. Many of these dogs do wind up being rescued though, and in speaking with Barkley's vet during today's visit he did say that so many of these dogs just go crazy - stir crazy because they go into homes where they aren't taken outside, aren't run, etc. and that he was very glad when he saw her because he could tell by looking at her nails she was definitely getting excersize.
Despite what the vet said I was still worried we were running her too much, too soon. I explained to the vet - "Hey we're marathoners and ultramarathoners, even my son ran a marathon - so we can run for long chunks of time and I'm a bit worried that we're doing too much with her right now." The vet just looked at me and laughed and said not to worry, that Barkley will definitely let us know when she's tired, and that honestly we really shouldn't worry about it, because if she isn't already - then soon she'll be running so much that we'll be the ones tired when it's all said and done, not her. I can't imagine!! She really is an incredible dog and I'm glad we have her - and looking forward to many running and backpacking adventures with her in the near future!
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