It's just a number!

Yesterday I had the dreaded yearly check up appointment with my primary care physician. As if taking time out of my day to basically be told I am healthy and to keep doing what I’m doing isn’t bad enough, what’s the first thing they do when you get in the office? Make you step on that darned scale! Maybe the theory is to get it over with quickly? Anyway, I obliged and learned that I was 2.5 lbs more than last year. Uggg!

Now I know what you are thinking “2.5 lbs is nothing….I gain and loose that in a day!” And yes, I agree that it’s nothing to get worked up about, but it got me thinking about numbers. People always say that your weight is just a number and to not focus too much on it. But I realized that we base so much of what we think of ourselves on numbers. The number of dollars in our salaries, the number of square feet in our house, the number of cars we drive, the number of minutes it takes to run a race, the number of miles run in a week, the number of friends we have, the number of promotions we’ve received at work. I could go on but I think you get the idea.

I’m not really sure what my point is, but I think I’m saying that its hard not to focus on the numbers. Not all the numbers are bad as some of them make us feel good about ourselves. But focusing too much of our energy and self worth on numbers might leave us scratching our heads and searching for a calculator. My appointment and 2.5 lb gain (really, I’m fine with it!) was a good reminder to sometimes be more qualitative rather than quantitative. As an engineer, I am programmed to be quantitative, but I also know that numbers can lie and don’t always give you the full picture.

I guess, as with all things, it’s a balance I’m still trying to figure out…aren’t we all??

Focus!

Tonight I went to a very challenging yoga class. Tough both physically and mentally. It was physically tough because I was tired from a long day and a snowy 6 mile run. We did a ton of standing balancing poses with twists and flowing transitions that required a lot of strength to stay in them.

But mentally this practice was even tougher. There were lots of distractions during class. There were two men in the row in front of me that were having a contest over who could breath the loudest. Now I'm all for loud breathing during yoga but this was just ridiculous! What they were doing wasn't breathing but rather a combination of an om and a loud sigh. And you could tell they were doing it in some testosterone induced competition with each other....one would do it and then the other would do it louder (and in his mind, better). As if that wasn't distracting enough, there were a group of college girls right behind me that would laugh to each other when the noisy men were extra loud!

I realized I was focusing more on what was going on around me than what was happening on my mat. I got so caught up in other people's breath that I forgot my own. So I took a child's pose to re-center and re-entered my practice with much more inner focus. All of a sudden those standing twists were a little easier to balance in!

I need to try to do this more in my everyday live. Granted I can't drop to child's pose in the middle of my lab, but I can remember to focus on myself more and not so much on what other people are doing!

Keep Movin' On

I've been meaning to write this blog for over a year now and just never got around to it. Something happened today that made me think it would be the perfect time to write it! I know I usually keep this blog 'neutral' as far as non-running things (politics, religion, etc.) but I just have to share this story and the amazing music that has come from it.

I am lucky to have amazingly supportive running friends, many of whom are actually imaginary. Now before you call the people in the white coats and put me in a padded room, hear me out! For over a year now, I've been participating in an online running forum initially created for people running the Boston Marathon. But I found that it is so much more than that. These people have become friends, some of which I've meet in person and some who continue to be known as their screen name. Running Boston is what brought us together, but we've all gotten to know each other as more than just runners.

One of these people is Greg Coplen. Greg is an awesome runner....he just ran the Houston Marathon last weekend in 2:49:44!!! But what impresses me even more about Greg is his story and the way he has turned his life around. Just 5 years ago, Greg was an alcoholic. After hitting rock bottom and almost loosing his family, he turned to God to help save him.

With God's help, he has since turned his life around, recorded an amazing CD titled "Coming On Again" and started the Greg Coplen Ministries . His music has become a regular on my ipod and I love when one of his songs comes on during a run. I know what you are thinking....religious music for running?? His music is NOTHING like the hymns you sing in church! My favorites are If you see my heart, Coming On Again, and Movin' On but really the whole CD rocks! You can listen to the CD on his website and read more about his story.

What prompted me to write this blog today was a new video he made and posted online. No matter what your religious beliefs are, I urge you to watch this short 10 minute video and listen to Greg's message and music. Pass it along to others you think might need it and if you love his music as much as I do, you can buy the CD on itunes.

Thanks Greg for all you do. And as far as I'm concerned, you will never be singing alone!

It's gotta be the Phiten!

A couple months back, I posted about my Phiten Titanium necklace and its magical healing powers (you can stop your snickering skepticism please). Well tonight I am even more convinced that the Phiten technology is working!

Yesterday I ran a very slushy 4 miles over lunch at work in the snow/sleet. My left peroneus longus (PL) muscle was extremely tight and felt like it was completely knotted up. Of course I didn't have time to stretch after the run as I had to get back to work. That night I did approximately 30-60 seconds of massage on it with The Stick, but no icing or vigorous foam rolling (shame on me, I know!).

The next morning, I decided to put a couple of my Phiten sticky dots along my leg. Again, no stretching and then maybe 30 seconds of foam rolling before my tempo run.

(No comments on my pasty white legs....it's winter in New England!)

Guess what....no pain or tightnes!! I'm telling you....it's gotta be the Phiten!! What other explanation is there??

PS. In case you were wondering, yes, I did my tempo run on the TM this week....and liked it! 2 mile warm up, 2 x 2 miles at tempo pace (7:30-7:40) with 90 second rest between, 1 mile cool down

Friend or Foe?

I have posted in the past about my feelings for treadmills. In fact I think I usually refer to them as 'dreadmills.' But living in New England makes them a necessary evil.

This past week, I had my first interval workout since before the Philly Marathon. Most outdoor tracks are covered with a couple inches of snow and I don't have access to an indoor track (and I'm a track coach??). So I decided to do my intervals on the treadmill.

I learned two very valuable lessons:

1. While I can't read on the TM, I can flip through a magazine and look at pictures. I grabbed a couple guilty pleasure magazines (People, US Weekly) that I knew would have lots of celebrity pictures. Before I knew it, I was 3 miles into my warm up!

2. Intervals on a TM really aren't that bad.....I actually kind of like it! It was nice to be able to set the pace for each speed interval and just run. Don't get me wrong, I still like running ovals on a track better, but this is a good alternative. (Don't worry, I ditched the magazines during my intervals!)

Being my first speed session in 2 months, I eased into it with 5 x 800m repeats with 400m recoveries. My pace averaged 3:30-3:34 for the 800m (7:00-7:08 min/mile pace). Finished with a couple miles cool down (with my magazine!) and I had a nice 8 mile run....on the treadmill!

So while I wouldn't call us BFFs yet, I think I might be changing my mind on treadmills!

What's The Plan?

I haven't posted about my upcoming running plans recently and I've been getting some questions about what I have next on my racing schedule.

I'm sure it's not a surprise that I will be heading back out to Hopkinton on April 19th to run the 26.2 miles back into Boston. I absolutely LOVE this race....the atmosphere, the course, the camaraderie the runners have knowing we've all worked hard to get there (either by qualifying or by raising money for a charity...both equally hard work!). Boston just has a special feeling because you can't just sign up and run it like you can with every other marathon. You have to earn it!

What will be doubly as exciting this year is that I won't be running alone. After watching me race in 6 marathons, my husband Bryan has caught the marathon bug and decided to run Boston!! He will be raising money for the charity team at the hospital in which he is finishing his residency this July. I am really excited to train with him and even more excited to experience his first (and he claims 'only') marathon with him.

Rest assured, he and the rest of his charity team are in good hands regarding training. I have volunteered my time to be the Official Team Coach! My duties include answering questions for team members, sending out weekly e-mails with training tips, and even writing complete training plans for a couple of the team members. My first coaching clients that don't share my last name :)

So that's my plan for the spring. I might try to fit in a couple shorter races, but I have a lot on my plate with coaching (two teams now), running, and that necessity called real work. Now if the weather would just warm up some to make training a little more enjoyable!

New Recipe of the Week: Quick Paella

I know its been a while since I posted a ROTW, but I'm back!

Bryan and I LOVE Mexican food! While I'm guessing this recipe wouldn't classify as "authentic Mexican" it does satisfy my South of the Border cravings. It is also perfect post run as it has plenty of carbs and protein in it. Its fairly easy to prepare and it makes enough to feed an army!! You could have your entire run club over for dinner post long run and still have leftovers! Don't worry about the exact amounts of stuff as it doesn't really matter. The recipe does have a fair amount of sodium in it (if you use Mexican boxed rice), but otherwise its pretty healthy.....and definitely yummy! Enjoy!

Quick Paella

(modified by me!)

3/4 pound cooked chorizo sausage, cut into chunks (I used chicken sausage and cooked it in the skillet)
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1-pound bag saffron rice (I couldn't find this so I used a family size box of Mexican rice with the seasoning)
1 9-ounce package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and drained (I used artichokes in a jar)
1 8-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
2 cups chicken broth

1 cup white wine (or another cup of broth)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted

2 cups of water

1. In a large skillet with a lid (use the largest skillet you have.....mine was definitely overflowing!), brown the sausage in the oil until crispy, about 5 minutes (more if your sausage isn't pre-cooked).
2. Add the rice, artichoke hearts, peppers, broth or wine, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
3 Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
4 Stir in the shrimp and peas. Cover and continue cooking until the shrimp are opaque, 5 to 7 minutes.

Minor changes...Big differences

*****Updated with new picture*****

Ever feel like you are stuck in a rut? Like things are on repeat?

For example, I have worn my hair pretty much the same way for the past 3 years. The length changes a bit and the color can be different shades of blond, but for the most part I have worn my hair the same way. Straight, parted on the side, and side-swept bangs.

Exhibit A - The day after the Hartford Marathon in 2008

Exhibit B - Vacation in Cancun 2008

Exhibit C - My birthday 2009

As you can see, things haven't changed much (and hopefully not aging much either!). And while I like this style, I'm getting kind of bored. Stuck in a rut. Short of chopping it off or dying it black (yikes!) there wasn't much I thought I could do.

One day I decided to try parting it in the center. I know, not a big difference but I was shocked at how much it changed my whole look! It seemed to change the shape of my face and many coworkers asked if I had gotten it cut. I haven't completely given up on my roots as I still like the side part, but its nice to have little changes that make a big difference.

The alternate look

(This was 7:00am on Monday morning and taken with my iphone....I blame that for the bags under my eyes!!)

I need to remember this when it comes to my training. Its easy to fall into a routine with running....heck, that's what we as runners are supposed to do! But sticking to a schedule and being in a rut are two different things. Ruts cause me to resent our running. And when I resent running, I'm not a very friendly person!

So going forward I need to remember to put a little bit of a center part into my typical side swept training :)

How strong am I?!?!

If you know me at all, you know that I have a huge sweet tooth....especially for all things chocolate and every cookie imaginable! That's what makes this feat I am about to explain all the more impressive...

I had decided that after the holidays, I was going to spend some time really focusing in on my diet. Now I know what you're thinking, and yes, I agree that I am skinny and don't need to lose any weight.....but....this isn't so much about weight as it is about cleaning up my diet. You see from November 22nd (the Philly marathon date) until January 2nd, I didn't pay one bit of attention to what foods went in my mouth. Obviously I didn't go overboard but I let myself indulge on yummy foods. Granted I did attempt to eat my weight in Christmas cookies (I told you I love cookies!) but that's not going overboard, is it?

So I decided to focus on eating a very clean diet for at least a week to kick start things. I've been eating lots of protein, veggies, and fruit and I've limit my carbs. Again, this is only temporary so don't freak out....I know I'm a marathon runner and need my carbs! And most important - NO SWEETS!

I come into work on Monday, the first day of my cleanse, feeling good about myself and what is sitting on my desk staring at me? A COOKIE....my arch nemesis this week and it was only day 1!!! A very nice intern left it for me as a thank you....curse her for being nice and leaving me food! Even though it was 7:30am, I was tempted to dive right into that cookie (nothing wrong with cookies for breakfast in my book) but I didn't. I held out.

I'm proud to say that its been 3 whole days and that cookie is still sitting on my desk staring at me. I know I could have given it to someone to take away the temptation, but I kind of like having it there. Like a test. Seriously, how strong am I?!?! I don't think this has ever happened in the history of my life!

Now if it had been a chocolate chip cookie, this story might have gone a different way :)

2010 Already!?!?

I know people say this every year, but seriously where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday (or 365 days ago) that I was writing a 2008 recap!

Do you ever notice that it takes a major event (like say the end of a decade) to fully realized the changes you've made in your life and just how big some of the accomplishments are? 10 Years ago I was in my second year of college. Since then I've graduated from college, went to grad school, got married, started my career, and ran 6 marathons! Speaking of running....in the spring of 2007, I ran my first marathon at a 9:32 min/mile pace. In just 2.5 years, I ran Philly at an 8:05 min/mile.....that 1:30 PER MILE faster! Just 3 years ago, I couldn't even run a 5k at my current marathon pace! Although things don't always seem to change in the day to day life, looking back over the past 10 years I realize just how far I've come on this journey called life!

Instead of doing my standard recap of 2009, I thought I would run through it David Letterman style. So here you go....the top 10 events that happened in my life during 2009!

#10 - Re-discovering my yoga practice and committing to maintain it (this one would have been higher up the list but it happened so late in the year)

#9 - Overcoming an injury in early summer and staying p

ositive during that time

#8 - Becoming a USATF certified Track and Field Coach

#7 - Running the Boston Marathon as a qualified runner

#6 - Listening to my body and doing what it tells me rather than what my training schedule tells me. Keeping flexibility in my training also goes along with this one....flexibility is not really in my nature (see #2)

#5 - Running 1766 miles in 2009!!

#4 - Running a 7+ minute PR in the Philadelphia Marathon!!

#3 - Sharing the Philly race course and experience with my husband and parents

#2 - Not being afraid to take chances while doing what makes me happy rather than worrying about what other people think so much (I'm constantly working on this one as I am a classic "over achiever, type A, wants to please everyone" kind of person, but I think I did a pretty good job this year)

*

*

*

*

and the #1 thing that happened in 2009

*

*

*

#1 - I became a stronger person, wife, and friend....and really isn't this all we can ask for year after year?

Here's hoping that you all had a great 2009 and that 2010 turns out to be even better for all of us!! Thanks for following along with this blog and my journey. I hope something I've written has inspired you to take some chances of your own over the past year...and if not, hopefully I at least made you laugh :)