Freaky Friday

Well, hello lovlies! I'm running late today, but better late than never!

It's finally Friday, Woop, woop!

And it's Route 66 race weekend! I should be excited about that but it's 33 degrees and sleeting as I write this. And the weather isn't expected to be much better on Sunday.

I'm working shirt pickup at the expo tomorrow morning. Then, I was able to get a hotel in Tulsa, not far from the start line. That will definitely be an advantage on race day morning, especially if it is snowing or sleeting as predicted.

I tell my runners to control what they can control. And since I can't do anything about the weather, I'm going to try to make the best of it. See below for a preview of my race outfit! It will be an adventure and will make for a good blog post. Race recap coming up on a Monday!

Follow me on Instagram @tunruh67 or Twitter @rnrunnerdiva for #rt66 weekend fun and updates!

Have a fun and safe weekend!

Thursday Thoughts/Tag, You're it!

Good morning friends!! We're almost there!!

 

I've been watching the weekend weather forecasts very closely and I'm not liking it AT ALL!!  I keep telling myself that it will change. And, it has been......for the worse! Oh well, not much I can do about it, so I will control what I can control.

 

I wanted to get in a few more miles before the Route 66 half. The weather is going to take a major dump starting today, so I opted to run alone after work last night. I got in 3 miles a little faster than I'm used to. It was not a bad run at all. I was a little worried about running alone in downtown Tulsa after dark. I didn't have any major problems but I think some folks need a refresher that the pedestrian in the cross walk has the right of way!!
 

 My friend Bobbie Sue from A Building We Shall Go tagged me in a little game of blogger tag. So, I'm being a good sport and playing along: 

 

Favorite flower?  I'm not really a flower kinda girl. I think that they are frivolous because they don't last long. I do like flowers though and yellow tulips are probably my favorite. They are so simple and cheerful!
 

Organized space in your home? I could use a little help here! Actually, my kitchen probably because I know where all my "tools" are. I feel sorry for hubs when he unloads the dishwasher. I never know what I will find where!

What book have you read recently that really moved you? Does Runner's World magazine count?

What dish are you most looking forward to at Thanksgiving Dinner? Turkey and mashed potatoes....no gravy or stuffing for me this year though since I've given up gluten

 

How do you take your coffee?  With lots of flavored creamer! My current favorite is salted caramel mocha from International Delights

 

What do you miss most about high school? Not much actually except for my friend Dena and high school marching band
 

Most memorable concert? Rolling Stones at Memorial Stadium in 1997, Rolling Stones at The Myriad in OKC in 1999, Whitney Houston at The Myriad in OKC 1987, and One Republic with Rob Thomas at the Ford Center in 2009
 

Dots or Stripes? Both actually

 
How do you unwind before bed? Hot bath and/or foot rub. I also like to read before bed....puts me to sleep quickly!

 

And there you have it!! Thanks Rancher Girl, that was fun!  I'm tagging:

 

Christy from My Dirt Road Anthem

Mel from 4Kottez

Melissa from My Life As a Folz

Beth from Running of the Mouse

 

Thursday out!

Workout Wednesday #23

Good morning folks!!

Happy National Hug a Runner Day!

It's my second favorite day of the week....Wednesday!!  I love Wednesday because we're halfway through the work week (and we all know that I'm just workin' for the weekend) and it's also Workout Wednesday!!

Yesterday was crazy busy at work!!  I hit the ground running as soon as I got there and didn't stop all day! I had to stay late and missed my run last night. That makes me very grumpy!!  This is supposed to be taper week for me. I ran 3 miles on Monday night and want to get 2.5 - 3 more at least before the half marathon on Sunday. I guess I just needed the rest last night so I decided to make the best of it!! Hopefully I can get a few miles tonight after work.

I've got a full body burning workout for you today!!  Many of my friends are doing the Spartanrace burpee challenge--30 burpees for 30 days. One of my co-workers was talking to me about his workout finisher and it got me thinking, why not combine the two. So, here's what I came up with:

 

Check it out and let me know what you think.

 

And that's all I've got for now. Have a wonderful Wednesday!  Be amazing today!!

It's go time!

Good morning folks!!  I took a day off Friday but I'm back!!

It's another Monday and I'm already ready to get this one over with!!  It's race week and that's almost as good as Christmas in my book!!

I saw my chiropractor Thursday afternoon and figured a few things out. Apparently I don't have plantar fasciitis....fortunately!!  I have some muscle imbalances that cause medial collapse when I land on my left foot. I've been using a green Superfeet insole in a stability shoe which is supposed to prevent over pronation but I think it's been contributing to the pain I was having. I got some strengthening exercises and have been doing them faithfully. I'm just ready to run without any pain or problems!!

Saturday was the last long run for my group before the Route 66 half marathon. We were scheduled to do 7. It was rainy and windy. It was a little bit chilly so they wanted to cut it down to about 6. We ended up with about 6.5 then we had a few post run mimosas.

I took the Superfeet out of my shoes and rain with no foot pain!! I'm excited about Sunday!!  The local weather forecasters were predicting 4-8 inches of snow which would have been interesting to say the least, but the weather is looking a little bit better now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it stays this way.

The rest of Saturday was uneventful and involved sitting in my chair with my feet up watching college football.

Yesterday, my plan was to get up early, get some shopping done and meal prep for the week. Before I got ready to go the store, I logged on to Facebook. I went to my Pathways group page and found a very interesting message waiting there for me :)  One of the runners had posted a random picture of the Route 66 marathon finish line with a quip about "getting our kicks on Route 66" in 1 week. What she didn't know is the photo that she found on Google wasn't random to me. It was a picture of my dear friend that died recently!!  I copied (stole) it and sent it to his brother. I believe that everything happens for a reason, including these coincidental things. I believe that was meant to reassure me about the Route 66 half because I'm been a little nervous......pacing the first timers, the weather, my injuries, etc. I was over whelmed with emotion but also felt a sense of peace. I'll be running this race in honor of my friend.

I did end up getting all my shopping and meal prep done yesterday as I had hoped/planned. We shouldn't have any excuse to eat poorly this week because I prepared baked chicken breast, turkey meatloaf muffins, baked sweet potatoes, asparagus, green beans, brown rice, eggs, a huge salad, and a turkey "goulash" which is browned ground turkey mixed with quinoa and veggies(squash)....yum!! 

I'll be running a couple of short runs after work this week and doing some yoga/cross training to keep everything limber and pain free for Sunday. I've got a pretty good idea what I'll wear but will probably tweak it once or twice this week.

And that's all I've got for now, so I'm out.......

Have a wonderful Monday and be awesome today!!

About me

Good morning folks!!

We're almost through this work week.....yay!!

Last night, Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa hosted a Route 66 Marathon "sneak peek" run. We ran 3 miles of the course, past the start line, the finish line and the Center of the Universe detour. It was a fun run and several of my friends were there. After ward we went decided to go out to eat. We went to Jason's Deli where I impressed them all with my salad making skills. I should have taken a picture because it was a pretty epic salad!!

A couple of my Pathways group have been trying to convince me to form a relay team. I told them to find a 4th team member and they did, so now I'm the team captain of "3 Beauties and a Beast" I'm already doing the half marathon, so I will run the first 2 legs and they will split up the last 3 legs. This will be a good way for them to experience the marathon atmosphere without running all of it. I was giving them little tips last night and they said "obviously, this isn't your first rodeo" HA!!

I'm going to the chiropractor today for the foot pain and some other nagging issues that I've been dealing with lately. I'm hoping that he can get me patched up enough for Route 66!!  Ordinarily, I would say "I've just gotta get through this race, then I'll deal with it" but that's a little different now that I've decided to run the Little Rock marathon. All of my friends are starting to talk about spring marathons and I'm starting to get really excited!!  I love racing and my goal is to eventually run a half in all 50 states. I wanted to do it before I turn 50 but I don't think that's realistic. So, I'll get it done when I get it done!!

Apparently there is a game on Facebook where someone gives you a number and you post that many random things about you. I was given the number 15, so here are 15 random things that you always wished you knew about me!! 

1. I have only been running for 2.5 years.

2. I played the clarinet in high school and college band.

3. I have a degree in music.

4. I love to cook, but often don't have enough time to so we often eat popcorn for supper.

5. I can walk on stilts.

6. I read all 3 Fifty Shades of Gray books in about 24 hours

7. My don't really have a favorite color. I'm an equal opportunity color lover!!

8. I used to not eat eggs, but I'm learning to like them.

9. I do not like brussel sprouts!

10. I have an irrational fear of Sasquatch and am convinced that it lurks around my house. I'm certain that I'm going to run into it someday when I take my little dog out to potty.

11. I am OCD about the way my towels are folded and will often refold them when hubs does laundry.

12. I currently have 14 pairs of tennis shoes. 3 years ago, I only had 1 pair.

13. I hate folding laundry! My tech shirts, shorts, running and workout clothes often remain in the basket for extended periods of time!

14. I'm a candle hoarder. And maybe a book and yarn hoarder too!

15. Even in this technical, digital era, I still prefer a good, old fashioned book versus an e-book. I love the satisfaction of turning the pages!!

And there you have it! 15 random facts about me, probably more than you ever wanted to know...lol!!

Ok, I've got to bail. I have a nursing student shadowing me today, so I need to make a good impression, I guess!!

Take care and have a fantastic Thursday!!

Workout Wednesday-Cold Weather Running Tips

Hello folks!!

We're halfway there....just gotta get over the hump!!

Today is Workout Wednesday!!  I thought that I would change things up a little bit. With the days getting shorter and the temps getting cooler (colder!) I thought that I would share some of my favorite cold weather running tips. Also, November is National Running Safety Month.

Personally, I find cold weather running more challenging than running in the heat. I don't like the cold AT ALL!!  I am always cold and have a difficult time getting warmed up. I'm usually bundled up in multiple layers and often have a space heater on in addition to the central heater and fireplace. All I want to do is bundle up under a blanket in my comfy chair. The last thing I really want to do is get out in the cold and run or workout. I find staying motivated to run or workout difficult.

But, if it's important, then you will find a way.....at least that's what I tell myself to get my butt out the door and get it done!! Here's what I do to make my winter/cold weather running bearable:

 1.  Make sure you are visible.  Winter means that it gets dark earlier.  Many of us have to run early in the morning or in the evening after work.  Try to wear light colored clothing, safety yellow or neon green shows up really well. A neon safety vest is also a good option.  Most running clothing has reflective patches on it or you can purchase reflective tape to add to your shoes, clothing, etc.  And carry a light with you.  This makes you more visible to traffic and helps you see where you're going to help prevent injuries.  A headlamp with either a strap or that clips on the bill of a hat works well.  There are many good options available from your local or online sporting goods store.

2.  Pay close attention to weather forecasts/conditions.  Dress like it is 20 degrees warmer and dress in multiple layers.  Avoid cotton fabric because it retains moisture and keeps you wet which will ultimately make you feel colder.  Nylon helps to keep you dry.  It wicks away moisture and extra heat which helps prevent overheating and chilling. Staying dry is the key. I've run in rain, sleet and snow. It wasn't really pleasant but I got it done. I wore a trash bag to help keep me dry on a run before (didn't really work....it was actually a pretty miserable run). Change into dry clothes as quickly as possible after your run.

3.  Cover your hands and feet to prevent frost bite.  Wear gloves or mittens and warm socks.  Cover your head.  40% of body temp is lost through the head; wearing a hat will help prevent heat loss.  Also, consider covering your face with a mask or scarf if it is really cold. If I can keep my ears and hands warm, then I usually do ok on my run as my core typically warms up pretty quickly.

 So, that's what I've figured out so far about running in the cold. I'm not really looking forward to winter running. It always takes me a little time to get used to it but I know that I will! I've run through some really brutal summers, I know that I can and will survive the cold too!

Please feel free to add any tips that have worked for you in the past.

When?

Hello, hello friends!!

Happy 11/12/13 day!!

Nearly every morning for 2 years now, I've posted a positive uplifting message and quote to Facebook. Initially, I started this practice for myself more than anything, but now people have come to expect it.

My quote today was "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were afraid to have and the decisions we took too long to make."

I typically choose my quotes from a variety of sources. They may be pertinent to something that is going on in my life or to the day/holiday/world events, etc or it may just be totally random. That was the case when I posted this one this morning. It was just random. But the more I thought about it and recent events in my life, it is more pertinent than I initially thought.

When I started running, I tried to adopt a "live life to the fullest" attitude. I've tried to be more open to trying new things and having no fear. Life is short and I don't want to miss out on an opportunity to try new things or be better than I was yesterday. I don't want to get to the end of my time here and have to say "I wish I would have....." I want to be able to say "Wow! What a great ride! I've had a great time! Remember when I did....."

I haven't really been as good about this as I should, but I'm going to work on correcting that in the near future (comitting to a full marathon, getting my personal trainer certification) The hardest part is overcoming fear or finding time, but the time will pass anyway. So, now to focus on the little voice in my head that says "what if you can't do it" because, what if I can?!

Life is short! It's time to grab the bull by the horns and take a chance, make a change and truly live life to the fullest!!

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?