(I’m not) Training Update

Since running outside hasn’t been happening, I’ve channeled my inner indoorsy gal and made amends with the treadmill. Then I got myself a free gym membership. It’s been so much fun. Most importantly, there’s air conditioning. I really need to be doing more than just running. I have zero reasons why I can’t. Even if I had issues strength training in front of others – which I don’t – I own the same equipment. No excuses.

gym treadmills seem lower in incline

I’ve had some really good runs though! The photo above was an interval workout with some of my fastest paces ever. Which explains why my quads were sore for days afterwards. Can you still get a good run on the dreadmill? Absolutely! Just not my favorite.

Continuing to visit my favorite running haunts via a slower method of travel. I should be competing in the race walking Olympics. It’s a thing! Standby…

my friends!

One of my favorite aspects of the new watch is how it calculates and recommends what you should be doing that day based on previous patterns, like how you slept and trained the day prior. But of course I don’t take kindly to being bossed around so the first recommendation didn’t go well. We barely know each other, how dare it! It said don’t run today. I said I do what I want. I ran. It was awful. Beginner’s luck, maybe? I tried again the next time. And discovered I should just listen to it. Dammit.

Once work slows down, I’ll research some upcoming races. Maybe I can convince Morgan from Oregon to do another half! Probably time to take myself to the northwest region.

Glad I’ve been doing hill repeats! Especially if these geese keep chasing after me. Me > Geese.

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I ask you –

Do you have a pet name for workout equipment? I don’t. But I should!

What is this sorcery inside my watch that makes it think it knows me?

Give me suggestions for races in or near the Washington or Oregon area! She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s about to!

Races + Grumblings

“A (wo)man on a thousand mile walk has to forget the goal and say every morning, ‘Today I’m going to cover twenty-five miles and then rest up and sleep.’”

LEO TOLSTOY

Some blog posts just write themselves; all that’s required of me is jot it down as it flows. Those are the best.

still blooming

Let me skip to the good part. Why are Ragnars and relay races so incredibly expensive? $600 for 4-6 people to run an unaccompanied, off-road, course- supportless route whilst sleeping in one of the two vans you yourself and your team must drive. Exactly what am I paying for here? The name probably. Before I make enemies, allow me to disclaim I have no problem spending money on races! Sign this girl up! I’m just attempting to understand where my money goes when there’s no course support, no aid stations, no on-site medical personnel (because I love those people), and no ability nor obligation to support the local community where the race starts/ends. I don’t get it.

Speaking of spending money, let me introduce you to my most recent piece of expensive jewelry. Indeed it does more than I ever imagined. Garmin really does make quite the tech gear.

smaller than it looks

Full review coming soon. Need time to take her for a spin outdoors and with the heat not cooperating it may be some time. Speaking of the heat: holy hell, I’m over it. Just when I think maybe, possibly, with angels following me, and a fan on top of my head I may be able to run outdoors…yeah, no. Did I mention the migraines have returned, too? Heat and headaches: my favorite!

Fall can’t come soon enough.

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I ask you –

Any interest in completing a Ragnar?

Do you have a small, medium, or large sized wrist? Schmedium for me

Tell me something you’re looking forward to! My mini will be home in less than 2 weeks!

Is This Goodbye? Never!

It may be time to take the plunge away from mindbodyshameless and more into RoF. In analyzing the statistics surrounding my blog, social media, and word of mouth, it seems my Instagram handle is throwing things off. Unless you’re observant – which many are clearly not – the title/name difference is preventing people from transitioning from my IG to my FB. Though I still don’t get it how they don’t get it.

So perhaps if I do away with aka change the name of my IG account it might make more sense to encourage followers and, therefore, blog readers. I have no hopes this is a quick, painless process. There will be confusion. There’s always confusion. For now, I just need a plan.

It’s a little saddening to close mindbodyshameless though. I mean, she’s me. And I’m her. Offhand I don’t remember the rules about how often you can change your name on there; it’s not like it’s gone forever. I’m typing this now with a huge shrug. Maybe the rules have changed. How would I know?

I’m also in the market for a new watch. Fitbit and I have been in a relationship for over 6 years, maybe closer to 7? I’ve tried their original Charge, the newer ideations of Charge, and then I fell in love with the Ionic. It has served me well. We’ve run a lot of miles together! The app is easy to use – really I don’t have any complaints except for wanting more analysis/tracking details.

Photo credit: Joshua Miranda @pexels.com

Which brought me to Garmin. Several friends use Garmin as their everyday and exercise-specific watch with only rave reviews. Enter weeks of research. Disclaimer: I get buyer’s remorse before I even make the purchase! Tech gadgets cost a lot of money and I work hard to ensure needs trump all wants. My watch may be on the downhill swing, but it doesn’t negate bills or car maintenance or my child’s impending school budget. No reckless spending here.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, I want a new watch. Garmin Forerunner 745. Slightly bigger than the 645 but more potential. Also holds music because I hate running with my phone. Has built in location and emergency notification so no one thinks I’m vulnerable outside. Don’t get any ideas. I carry weapons. AND – it designs workouts based on real temperature so I don’t recreate the Virginia Beach incident a few years ago. No need to go over that again right now.

All these changes. It will be fine!

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I ask you –

Input?

Do you understand some people have different titles for their accounts?

Tell me your favorite emoji! This is mine: 💁