2021 – Page 2 – Run Read Repeat

Lowest monthly mileage- has running lost its spark?

I started tracking my mileage more completely in 2020. Prior to that I just ran and had a round about idea of how far I had run, unless of course I was in training cycle and I was hitting my key run and weekly mileage. Cue the pandemic in 2020 and my mileage jumped from on average 65-70 miles a month to 100 miles and steadily climbed to 130 miles a month. I obsessed over keeping track of miles and running streaks. Running was my cure for all the uncertainly surrounding the pandemic. Plus, I had more time than ever to run. It felt like the right amount to run and sooner or later I’ll get back there, but for right now I’m listening to my body and focusing on core/strength training as a component of my overall training.

July was different for a variety of reasons. I ran a Half Marathon at the beginning of the month and wait for it…I actually tapered. That gave me a dip from my normal 25-30 miles a week to just over 19 miles for the week. Following the race, I actually gave my body a day or two to recover rather than going right back into running. For months on end during what I’ll call “pandemic running” I ran every day. Didn’t think twice about it. Insisted my body didn’t need a rest day. And you know what, my body is tired. It needs a rest. And for once I’m actually listening to it. I went back to work full time. My dad entered hospice.

For the first six months of the year I was on pace to reach my overall mileage goal of 1500 miles on the year. In 2019 I ran just over 500 miles, last year I had set a goal of 1000 miles and then upped it to 1300 when I knew I was going to blow by 1000 miles. It’s now the beginning of August and I’ver run 827 miles. After being on pace to hit 1500, I’m now 50 or so miles off pace. Strava was always a fun push to stay on target and right now it just feels like it’s judging me for not hitting my miles. Maybe I was unrealistic when I set my goal. Maybe my year of pandemic running wasn’t really the one to use as a benchmark for setting this year’s goal. Maybe it’s ok if we don’t hit our goals if our priorities are shifting a bit, oh and we go back to work full time, and we have real life stress.

When I started running again in 2019 I had no real expectations of hitting weekly miles or paces for races. The longer I’ve been running the more pressure I put on myself for more miles or set unreasonable expectations for races. Some of the spark has rubbed off and it’s started to feel more like a chore. Marathon training starts again this month and I need to get my head on straight to focus, stay healthy, eat properly and get some sleep. Running the marathon became this grand idea during the pandemic. When racing got canceled I shifted my focus to why I run (in addition to being healthy, setting a good example), but for those who can’t. I realize with each and every step how fortunate I am to be able to physically run. But more importantly, I’m running the NYC Marathon with the Alzheimer’s Association team, to honor my father. It was a two pronged theory- 1) running gave me something to do when I felt helpless and couldn’t do anything for him and 2) I was able to raise important dollars so that we can find a cure for Alzheimer’s. He’s reaching the end of his Alzheimer’s battle. And while I’m full of hurt, pain and emotion the one thing that always helped me feel better- lacing up my shoes just isn’t doing it for me. I didn’t run Saturday just because we had a lot going on. Sunday, came and he was having a particularly bad day. Following a tear filled call I opted for a movie with the boys. But then my youngest said, are you sure you aren’t going to run today too? Like he knew I needed that last little push to get out the door. I went. It was fairly terrible. I opted to run outside because it normally helps me clear my head. I cried a lot and I’m not quite sure the run had it’s desired effect. But my accountability partners- who know how much running needs to me were there to remind me when I was struggling. This is an amazing example of when you’ve made a healthy habit a routine and you fall of the wagon so to speak your “people” are there to remind you of why you do what you do.

Now it’s Monday. Up early, writing this post, rather than running before work. But I still have enough time to squeeze in three easy miles before starting my day. My why remains the same of honoring those who can’t run, of finding a cure for a dreaded disease, of setting a healthy example for my children and taking care of my body. So I will lace up my shoes and put one foot in front of the other. As with any other hard time in life we have to just keep moving forward- one step at a time.

Frederick Half Marathon Race Recap

Amazing photo my friend took at the finish

After a long hiatus it seems as though we are returning to racing in person! I say this after having two in person races in just over a month. With the ten-mile race last month I made a variety of rookie mistakes. Things I knew better about doing or not doing. I didn’t taper, heck I didn’t even cut back my miles leading up to the race and somehow I expected to have fresh legs. I didn’t hydrate nearly enough before, during or after the race. So this time around I made a conscious effort BEFORE the race to do ALL THE RIGHT THINGS. I legitimately tapered, cutting back my mileage the week to ten days before the race. Ask any runner what one of the hardest things is about racing…it’s the taper. I made sure to hydrate nearly all week and eliminated wine. I wanted to feel my best to have my best race.

In racing there are things you can control and things that are beyond your control. The Frederick Running Festival was supposed to happen in May. Due to Covid restrictions that were still in place at that time it wasn’t possible for the race to happen then, so it got bumped to July. Maryland in July doesn’t really offer the very best conditions for racing. The heat and humidity have the ability to be debilitating. After the June ten miler, when I was clearly overheated and dehydrated, I knew I couldn’t control the weather but I could control how I made the most of the weather.

I invested in a new hydration vest for starters. It was lighter weight and had flasks in the front of the vest. I found this much more comfortable to wear and more breathable. This also allowed me to carry significantly more water. Further, the ease of the straws almost forced me to drink more along the route. Not going to lie, we got incredibly lucky with the weather. I say that but it was still 70 with 93% humidity at the 6:30 AM start time. So while better than what it could have been it was still a bit toasty. I’d rather run in the 30 degree weather any day of the week!

This was my first half marathon in person race since February of 2020, so 17 months. In that time I’ve been doing a lot of distance running and heck ran my first Marathon. But, let me tell you something- the more races I run, the more pressure I put on myself for a faster or better time. It’s really unrealistic because so much goes into a race time including the course, conditions. Unless you are comparing apples to apples you can’t make a true comparison. I set myself up all week to have a slower race. Heck, I even told my cheering section- hubby and two boys that I was expecting to a slower race and just wanted to finish. Anyone who knows me know that I could have said that over and over again until the cows come home and deep down I’m still competitive with myself and possibly set unreasonable expectations.

Is it possible to race without a flat lay?? Missing from this photo my hydration vest and Huma Gels.

We stayed over in Frederick the night before, which cut down on travel time on race day. Since my oldest son’s friend’s father was also running we all made a weekend of it. It’s been fun to share racing with someone else and the kids and spouses have each other as they wait for us to finish.

Let’s review my previous in person half marathons. My first, was the Baltimore Half in October of 2019. Truly my goal was to finish- but really my goal was for a sub two time. I managed that with time to spare finishing 1:58:18. The weather conditions were ideal, crisp Fall day and the adrenaline of having never run a half marathon before. Up next was the Disney Princess Half Marathon. The weather was unseasonable cool in Florida in February 2020. My kind of weather. There I had a finish of 1:54:34. That time included a very unfortunate need to go to the bathroom which easily added two minutes to my time. So what was I really going to be happy with for this Half Marathon. As much as I said time didn’t matter, it did. I still needed to come in under 2 hours to be satisfied.

I knew that I needed to slow my 8:30 a mile pace down a bit to accommodate for the heat and humidity. But in traditional fashion I took the first 3-4 miles too fast. The course was relatively flat, there was a light rain that would turn into even crazier humidity- think you can see the air kind of humidity and there was the excitement of an in person race. By about mile five however, I was overheated and questioning my sanity. Why exactly did I think running long races was a good idea?? I needed to get out of my head about time and focus on finishing. There is something to be said for knowing that your husband and kids are at the finish line waiting for you. Ask them, they want nothing more than to see me finish and couldn’t care less how long it takes me to run. I am my own worst enemy.

I needed this long run in a bad way. Tapering came at a particularly stressful time. Wednesday before the race, I was offered the job I had applied for a few months back. This was great news and I was super excited. However, it was a quick turn around and I was starting Monday. As in the day after the race and five days after being offered the job. The logistics of making sure the boys were covered and I was going to have the flexibility for drop off and pick up- days off that I needed etcetera were completely stressing me out. So yes, I needed 13.1 miles to run, think and settle myself down.

Running longer races is like riding a roller coaster. So much excitement to start, then usually a questioning of sanity, followed by a I do this for those that can’t, to really three miles to go to I’VE GOT THIS! On this hot day in Frederick I was very grateful for the folks who were handing out bottles of water. While I had plenty to drink I appreciated being able to pour some over my head to cool my internal temperature. As with every race, I dug deep, I channeled my why and I pushed to the end. Interestingly enough the end of the race was on the horse track at the Frederick Fairgrounds. It was literally like running in wet sand to finish-but as is my tradition I called to say I was heading into the back side of the Fairgrounds and that I would see them soon. I finished in 1:56:46. So basically right in the middle of my two previous times. Given the heat and humidity this was definitely a win. And you know what I felt way better after I finished, a good run was truly what I needed.

How do the number shake out? 323/1412 total runners. Not too shabby. 13/91 woman in the 40-44 age range. Overall a very solid run with lots learned along the way. 1) the new hydration vest is a total win, 2) I truly need to keep my pace slower as I prepare to begin training for the NYC Marathon and 3) there’s nothing quite like the runner’s high when you finish a race!

Coming soon- How July was my lowest mileage month and I’m OK with that and Going Back to Work- still making the time to exercise each morning!

What they don’t tell you before your first mammogram

In January I hit a milestone birthday, a new decade, a new age category for races. I turned forty. Along with turning forty comes the responsibility of getting your first mammogram. Truth be told I’m diligent about going to the dentist and to the gynecologist. When it comes to going to the eye doctor I generally go when I know my prescription needs to be adjusted. Don’t even get me started about routine bloodwork and physicals. I know, I know I need to do better. But this year I got my act together. I picked one day and did it all. Mammogram, physical, dermatologist. Check, check, check. And I had gotten the bloodwork done ahead of time. I was feeling quite proud of myself for getting everything done. I know you don’t rewarded for just doing what you are supposed to do, but I got it done.

So let’s talk a little about the mammogram experience. So maybe it’s just me but no one really adequately prepares you for this experience. I went to Advance Radiology because that’s where I went for all my ultrasounds with the boys and felt comfortable there. The very kind woman brought me back and clearly even with the mask on I had a deer in headlights look. At which time she said, “ah, it’s your first time.” Well, yes, yes it is and I’m basically terrified. She kind explained what was going to happen. That said, there’s actually no way to adequately prepare you for the squishing that occurs to your breast, but I digress. She had the presence of mind to say- “don’t worry if you get a call back letter; it happens all the time.” She said it. I heard it. I knew it was a possibility. But literally when the letter arrived I thought the worst. I spend so much time being super positive and thinking everything happens for a reason, but my mind when negative and then I couldn’t bring it back. I immediately scheduled the follow up mammogram and ultrasound. All the while, my brain was wondering how this could be possible?

I’d like to take a moment to talk about the letter. Now clearly, this was a letter written by a lawyer in anticipation of avoiding litigation. Somewhere along the line with medicine we lost sight of the human component. That a human being- ME or any number of other women whom I’m sure have received this or a similar letter are receiving the letter. The beginning is fairly benign (pun intended, only because I can laugh about it now).

Your breast imagine exam shows a finding that requires further imaging evaluation. While such findings are benign (not cancer), additional mammographic views and/or ultrasound is necessary to determine this. Ok, I get this part. They are trying to tell me that more views are necessary, could be benign, which leads to the possibility that things might not be benign. But then, there’s a huge section of By Maryland Law, we are required to provide you with the following information. Friends, there are then three long paragraphs of what they are required to tell me by law. Seriously?? Long and short of paragraph one: my breast tissue is dense. Oh and the determination of density is subjective and may vary from year to year. Paragraph two in summary: density is fairly common, BUT can be associated with an associated risk of cancer. Well, that cuts both ways. Density is common, but it could lead to cancer. What am I supposed to do with that information??? Paragraph three: we tell you this so you can figure out what to do with your doctor.

Like I said, as a lawyer, this was written with a potential lawsuit in mind and not with a human touch…at all. Keep this in the back of your mind, we will circle back to this when we get to the meeting with the doctor part of this saga shortly.k

I go for my follow up appointment at Advanced Radiology. If I was a deer in headlights the first time around, I probably looked like Bambi after seeing their mother get killed this time. First things first, they want to know where my referral is for the appointment. Hello, I’m here because you said I needed to come for a follow up. PS that lawyer written letter referenced above never made mention of getting a referral otherwise I certainly would have done so. So, now I have to wait for them to get my doctor’s office on the phone to get the requisite referral. Giving me plenty of time to worry. I thought I was fine though, had pulled myself together. But I got back into the room for the mammogram and the slow trickle of tears started. Again the technician was trying to be kind and explain that having a call back was “normal” and I likely wouldn’t even need the ultrasound too that they would probably get everything they needed from the mammogram. Alas, that was not the case and I needed the ultrasound too. Which of course triggers to me that something was clearly still showing up as wrong on the mammogram. Time for the ultrasound. Now, I’ve had an ultrasound before, but never have I had an ultrasound with so much pressure. Not only was it uncomfortable but I was also super worried so the tears continued. I wasn’t worried for myself per se, I was so worried about something being wrong and not being here for the boys. That’s what I couldn’t get out of my mind. The technician completed the ultrasound and said she would go speak to the radiologist and return. She came back and said “we will see you back in six months.” But why? If everything is OK why do I need to come back in six months. So again, I’m figuring something is still not quite right.

I reach out to my gynecologist who I expect to say, this is normal and no big deal. This is not the case. She calls me back. I missed the call because I was teaching and got a long message. The take aways being that she never treats anything like it’s benign and I should follow up with a breast specialist. So if I had finally gotten myself collected, that all fell apart and I went into full on panic mode.

Let’s talk a little bit about the second letter from Advanced Radiology: Your breast imaging exam performed on 5/11/2021 shows a finding we believe is probably benign (probably not cancer) but needs follow up. We would like you to return in 6 months to confirm the finding has not changed. Probably benign? What in the world does that mean. It means they don’t know with certainty otherwise it wouldn’t be probably. So again, maybe we shouldn’t use language in letters that can lead to speculation and concern. Maybe we should write letters like these as if a loved one was receiving it in the mail.

I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Sara Fogarty at GBMC Hospital. I had around two weeks to get in to see her. Two more weeks of pretending I wasn’t worried about it when in fact I was really worried about it. More worried about making sure I’m here for my children and husband. More confused as to how this could all be possible. On July 16 I had my appointment with Dr. Fogarty. I was convinced the appointment would lead to more follow up tests and worry. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Dr. Fogarty came in and couldn’t have been a nicer human being. The first thing she said “I’m not worried about these findings at all.” Insert deep breath. It was like she read my mind. She instantly knew that I had been completely worried about this for nearly a month. She took great time to read through the results with me, to show me on the screen the findings, to explain that I’m 40 years old and that’s why my breast tissue is dense as it should be. That the spot in question had no indicia of being malignant. I cannot sufficiently describe how kind, patient and nice Dr. Fogarty was to me. I felt completely comfortable after talking to her and realized that the unknown is what sparks so much worry. But you know what else? We can do better. The medical field can treat people like human beings rather than potential litigants in a lawsuit sending formal letters. And was quick to tell Dr. Fogarty this as well. She didn’t disagree. She was kind and receptive. And went one step further to explain what would happen next. For that six month follow up I would come to her office. There’s an Advanced Radiology there as well. I’ll get my mammogram/ultrasound and then I’ll see one of the people on her team to review the findings before I leave. No need to spend weeks worrying. My questions will be answered immediately. This is how it should be. I cannot even imagine the number of women like me who have spent hours worrying because of vaguely written letters designed to cover the rear end of Advanced Radiology. Let’s do better, let’s explain clearly, let’s return the human touch to medicine!

Having fun- learning and surviving in the summer

Show of hands- who is excited for not having to be up and out the door for school every morning?? How many of those hands are still up for those who like the idea of less structure but still need some structure? Do you follow? The idea of not having to get up at 5:00 AM and exercise, shower and get out the door by 7:30 AM is really a beautiful thing. As someone who stayed at home full time with the boys until they were school age, I also recognize that having a bit of structure in our day is critical for survival. While the years are short my friend, some days are LONG, very, very long.

Camp Mom has been a part of every summer. Truth be told some summers were purely Camp Mom. Last summer, for example was the summer of COVID, it was like Camp Mom on steroids because we couldn’t even go anywhere. But we aren’t there we are in 2021. The summer we get to go on family vacation again, the summer we return to camp for a few weeks, another summer where the boys and I have identified the key activities for Camp Mom. I’m not going to lie, I love that they call it that and I love that regardless of the other camp activities that they are signed up for in the summer they both specifically ask for some Camp Mom time too!

So in case you are wondering, I’m one of those Moms. What does that mean exactly? It means that I’m a card carrying Member of Lakeshore Learning. That we have books to stop the summer slide and we start each day with “morning work” after breakfast. I’m not talking hours, but enough time to keep using those skills they worked so hard to gain this year and keep their brains working. Truth be told we haven’t tested this Morning Work routine when actually going to camp, so time will tell for how it works during that time period. But for the first three weeks of summer break and the last three weeks of summer break there will be Morning Work! I’m talking about a little bit of phonics, reading and writing, some math. We make it fun and it’s how we start the day. Then we can check it off our list for the day.

Speaking of lists, I thought it was really important to create a check list of sorts to earn screen time this summer. We were blessed that when the boys’ school pivoted virtually l last year that Jackson received an iPad to take home for the summer and then through the school year. The time came for his iPad to get returned and we made the choice with the fact that we are fingers crossed going to have some family travel coming up to get them each a basic iPad. They love using apps such as Kodable, PBS Kids, EPIC Books, Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr. In order to limit the number of times I get asked if they can use their iPads, we came up with a system. A daily check list, to get the must do items done before the want item of using the iPad. I’m fully aware that there are going to be some days that we don’t necessarily complete the checklist before getting the iPad time, but at least it’s a guide to strive for each day. Many of these items would/do happen without the use of the checklist, but it’s helpful to have a guide or wish list.

Butterflies make the Camp Mom to do list every summer. We’ve used the same kit for a number of years so we are going to live big and get a new one this year. I’ll order this kit in the next week or two so that we can have later July/Early August butterflies.

This summer we are going to have a new addition. Both boys love coding. Both boys love LEGO. What could be better than the ability to build and then code movements for a LEGO robot?? One of the boys’ STEM teachers was super helpful in determining what I should order. They don’t know it yet, but this week we are going to introduce Spike into Camp Mom. Take a look here! Scratch the they don’t know part- as they just walked up as I was typing. I got delayed as we set up the box of LEGO so that first thing tomorrow….after morning work we can begin building with Spike. Can’t wait to see what fun we can have with this new addition!

I might be the most excited about this next plan for Camp Mom, but I have a feeling the boys will be too. Somewhere along the line they both determined that they like poetry. Carter is obsessed with Shel Silverstein and Jackson loves writing acrostic poems. So, I’m putting together a little poetry unit for Camp Mom. We kicked it off today by making acrostic poems for Father’s Day cards for my dad. FYI POP POP doesn’t really lend itself to too many options, but we made it work. Next we are going to brainstorm words that we want to turn into acrostic poems. Some we will do as individual work but others we will do together and make them funny. It’s something simple but an activity such as this even allows Carter to be thinking about what words start with a particular letter and practice some penmanship all at the same time.

After lunch most days is a time for reading. Be sure to check out my previous post for some reading ideas. The reality is that we spend time reading off an on throughout the day but our organized reading occurs mid afternoon. Spoiler alert I frequently doze off during this reading time as it’s the first time I take a seat for the day. The boys use this as an opportunity to suggest that maybe we should watch a show for a bit so I can rest my eyes.

Outside time is also a must. However, this first week home the weather left a lot to be desired. Oh and we are dealing with cicadas. So we have been sticking indoors for the time being. Once the weather settles down and the cicadas go away we will spend time outside on the playground, playing lacrosse, tennis, in our deck pool. You can never go wrong with bubbles either.

Activities don’t have to be overly complicated and your choice in what to do doesn’t have to mirror ours, but I would argue that having a schedule keeps things on track and increases the chances of you maintaining your sanity. Pick things that you and your kids enjoy learning more about. Another example of a something we are going to work on in the coming weeks is learning all about Maine before our trip there later this summer. So every day isn’t necessarily the same. Our camp weeks will look different too. But I find that the boys and I thrive when we know what to expect out of the day.

Tell me what are you favorite go-to summer activities?

Baltimore Ten Miler- What goes up must come down!

In the past all my races have been planned fairly for in advance. The Baltimore Ten Miler was a different story. Ironically, ten days before a friend politely twisted my arm to sign up. Honestly, there wasn’t much twisting, I was happy to sign up for an in person race, BUT I heard the course was going to be brutal! It’s fairly hilly where I live and do my outdoor runs so in my mind I was thinking how hilly could it be? Famous last words! I opted not to drive the course. Part of me was afraid if I knew what was coming I would change my mind. I figured that once I had the adrenaline and people around me a tough course wouldn’t seem quite so hard.

The beauty of this race is that it was literally ten minutes from our house. Seems like that theme of ten keeps coming up again and again. This was one of the reasons I was quick to do the last minute registration. You can’t beat the convenience of a close race! As with any race we had to get there early to beat the traffic and road closures. My amazing husband and boys came along to cheer me on. Yes, with a 5:00 AM start on the Saturday morning after the last day of school they all got in the car to come along! When I first started racing I completely underestimated the value of having support at the finish line. In an attempt to make things easier I was always quick to say that I would go alone so my husband wouldn’t have to juggle to boys waiting for the race to start, me to actually run the race and then navigate the post race madness. But I quickly learned how nice it is to have them there. I’ve made it a habit to call a mile out just to say I’m getting close and they can be on the look out. Having family support is HUGE. And I would find out during this particular race how important it was for them to be waiting for me at the finish line!

The other great thing about this particular race was that parking was close to the start and finish!! (win!) The start and finish were at the same place (win)! So the boys got to experience the start of the race vibe. The partially got to experience this when I ran the Baltimore Half marathon but that was nearly two years ago. Also this was a much smaller race, so they got to be in the mix of things. They saw how everything was set up for pre-race. Last minute packet pick up, the long lines at the porta potties, the runners warming up. They got to see how the groups were going to line up to go to the start and the police getting ready to. They even got to meet the Police Chief. It was interesting to see the start through their eyes. We strategized for the best place for them to see me start and then to see me finish. It was a nice way to ease back into running in person.

Over time I’ve learned that I’m a cold weather runner. I thrive in high 40 to 50 degree weather for running and racing. This means that in the alternative warmer weather running/racing tests my body a little bit differently. I must have checked the weather 100 times leading up to race morning. The temperature and humidity growing each time I checked. Why do I keep checking when there is nothing I can do about it?? Ultimately it was nearly 70 degrees with 85% humidity at race time. Yuck! I opted not to wear my Camelbak because I find it somewhat claustrophobic and opted for my Spibelt with two 6 ounces water bottles. There were refueling stations along the way if I needed them. (I didn’t). I didn’t because I probably didn’t drink enough water during the race. I generally don’t drink too much when I run, but I barely drank 6 ounces over 10 miles. Given the temperature and humidity I should have drank more. This is not the first and I’m sure it won’t be the last time I saw I should have drank more during a race.

Ready- set- go! To fully understand this race- getting a handle on the elevation gain is important. Take a look at the elevation gain as according to my Garmin watch:

My pace for the first four miles was right on point to faster than I wanted it to be- 8:02, 8:09, 8:11, 8:29. Mile 5 was a bit slower at 8:55. Which makes total sense looking at the elevation change. Mile 5 I had a HumaGel pouch- caffeinated with double electrolytes. I knew that between mile 7 and 8 that there was going to be a monster hill so I wanted to get the pouch into my system to have a little extra oomph for what was certainly going to be the hardest part of the course. Mile 6 back to target pace at 8:26. Mile 7 a little slower at 8:51 and then take a look at the elevation game friends. At mile 7.5 the hill/mountain almost broke me. My heart rate was CRAZY high and I knew there was no way I could run the hill. So I power walked. It was at that moment I knew that my overall race time wasn’t going to be where I wanted it to be. But I also knew that I had to walk to regulate my heart rate and try to bring my core body temperature down just a bit. So mile 8 was a slow 9:50. Mile 9 back at target pace range 8:34. But then you see that dip going up to finish the race, I was toast and had another slower mile at 9:27. But then I managed to run in for the last tenth of a mile or so.

So what was I thinking when I felt like the course was breaking me? I remembered my training. I knew that I had the ability to go the miles, but that I had to factor in that the terrain is a major factor in overall success. I know I can run way more than 10 miles, but I also know that I have never run this route before and by golly it was HARD. Therefore I couldn’t compare apples to apples in regards to time. I was thinking that my amazing husband and boys were waiting for me at the finish and I needed to finish for them. But I also knew that the only one who cared about how quickly I finished was me! All they cared about was seeing me finish. I could have finished dead last and they would have been just as proud of me. I also tend to forget how far I have come in basically two years time. That two years ago, the first time I ran ten miles I was barely hitting 10 minutes per mile. I’ve gotten stronger and faster. I also underestimate my abilities in comparison to my peers. As in, I assume I’m so much slower than everyone else. You have a lot of time to think when you are running ten miles. My husband’s comeback when I doubt myself will always be, you ran a marathon by yourself! He’s right- if I can do that, I can do anything- including some crazy hilly course. Funny thing is the Baltimore Ten Miler is moving back to the City next year. I kind of wish they would keep it here. You know you are delusional when you are trying to figure out how to run the course that nearly broke you just the day before.

The day after as I write this I am surprisingly sore in ways that I have never been before. Interestingly enough the up hills for the most part don’t bother me. Except of course the one at mile 7.5 which was more like a mountain. I’m not very good at letting gravity take it’s course on the downhills. So my quads are KILLING me today!! What goes up, must come down and apparently fighting the coming down has tested muscles that haven’t been tested quite that way before. I was supposed to run a 5K this morning. When I got up to let the dog out- and saw the rest of my family sleeping every so soundly after getting up so very early yesterday morning and felt my legs walking the steps down to the kitchen I decided that I’d be skipping that 5K! Today I’m respecting my body’s need for a little time to recover!

So am I glad I ran the race? Absolutely!! Not every race is going to be a PR. Not every course is going to be easy. Doing hard things makes us better and stronger! Oh and overall, I did way better than I expected when I looked at the results. And you know what?? I’d run this course again- just not today!

The Return of Running in Person

The past year to eighteen months have been a roller coaster of emotions. We’ve mentally gone from strict stay at home to stay safe- to embracing the boys going back to school (what a blessing) to now what I call reacclimating (which apparently isn’t a real word) back into regular “normal” life. I’m not going to lie, I think I might need a class or at least a top ten list of things to do while I get myself back into society. Granted, I’ve been fortunate enough to be substitute teaching all year, so I haven’t been strictly at home. However, my social interactions have been pretty limited to family and our pod family. We will continue to navigate the ups and downs and modifications of life brought to us by COVID.

This time last year I was learning that the NYC Marathon was canceled. It made total sense, but broke my heart. This year I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the NYC Marathon is happening and I’m IN!! It’s hard to believe that it’s really going to happen. Quite honestly I won’t fully believe it until I’m waiting in Staten Island to cross the Verrazano Bridge. But even before November we are seeing the return of racing in “real life.” Many states have been ahead of Maryland and I’ve seen friends share their racing experiences for months, while I was getting antsy to run. Now is finally my chance. Go big or go home. Why run one race in a weekend if you can run two??

After not running an in person race since the “there’s some trail” all trail race in August some ten months ago I’m slated to run two this weekend. Saturday is a 10 miler (that I ran virtually last year) that I actually wasn’t going to run. There’s a smaller 5K that was my first race two years ago when I started running again that I wanted to have fresh legs to run. One thing led to another (some friendly peer pressure) and how could I pass up a real life race ten minutes from my backyard. The course is challenging and post COVID racing looks a little bit different than pre-COVID racing, but I signed up at the last minute. I’ve had nervous, excited energy about it all week. Deciding what to wear. Deciding how much water to carry. Just honestly being excited to run with the push of other people around me. I’ve totally dialed back my pace to a lot of easy runs of late because I was focusing on number of miles and staying injury free. So I’m not quite sure what my pace will look like. I have a target pace in my mind that I’ve been hitting on my outdoor runs; I would imagine with the adrenaline and running with others will shave a little bit of time off that target pace. We shall see. Really it’s about running my best race and time shouldn’t matter. If you’re new here, I put crazy pressure on myself, so I’m the one who needs to be reminded that it’s just about finishing the race.

I was so excited to share with the boys that I would be running a race. So, I must share a funny story that occurred over dinner regarding the race.

Me: I’m running a race this weekend.

J (age 7): Can we shoot you with water guns when you finish again? (this is what they did when I finished my virtual marathon)

Me: Not this time. It’s an in person race.

J: Wow, like a real race?

Me: Yes!!

J: How far is it?

Me: 10 miles.

J: That should be easy. It’s not very far.

I don’t know, I kind of think 10 hilly miles when it’s supposed to be in the 70s with 90% plus humidity is kind of far. Apparently even my children have become numb to the fact that running long distances is just what I do. That said, I’m feeling some butterflies getting ready this week. I started laying out my gear and thinking a bit more about my nutrition and water intake during the week to make sure I’m properly hydrated. I’m trying to get more sleep, but that’s a losing battle this week. As I’m typing this I’m laughing and thinking of something someone told me when I was a trial attorney. “If walking into the courtroom to start a trial doesn’t still give you nervous excitement you should find something else to do.” I believe racing is truly the same thing. If it becomes too old hat that you don’t get some butterflies before you toe the line, it’s time to find a new hobby! Fortunately the butterflies are flying and hopefully I will be too!

Summer Reading Bucket List and Challenge

Years ago I created this Summer Reading Bucket List to do with the boys. I even collected books for the boys in each category and had them in a basket so we could check them all off the list. Recently, Carter asked if we could read in the bathtub again. He remembered! By read in the bathtub, what he actually meant was basically turn the soaking tub, that I never use into a fort. We filled it with blankets and actually read about book about a girl who blasts off into space in her bathtub. Very fitting, right?? So who am I kidding, I’m going to make a list of books that we are going to read for the various buckets. Here goes:

We can read any book in a tent.
Book about wild animals- Wild Kratts to the rescue! The boys love the Kratt brothers and have learned so much from them. So we will take a look at Wild Kratts, Wild Cats.
We can read any book at the breakfast table.
Read a book and act it out– The Who Would Win books have also been added to our summer reading list. I anticipate the boys acting out Who Would Win? Ultimate Dinosaur Rumble!
We can read any book to Ruby!
We can read any book at dinner.
Read in the bath- we will turn our bathtub into a submarine and read, The Magic School Bus Rides Again, Sink or Swim.
Read a book that makes you laugh– The Notebook of Doom Collection is sure to make you laugh. We are adding this collection to the mix this summer.
Read in a blanket fort- any book will do!
Read a book about space– Carter picked this one! The Magic School Bus Rides Again- Satellite Space Mission
Read a book about a city far away– Our plan is to read the rest of the Magic Treehouse series this summer. Dingoes at Dinnertime, Book 20 will take us to Australia!
Read a book about friendship– Ballpark Mysteries series is a family favorite and we are planning to read several of the books this summer. They explore the friendship of cousins and mysteries that happen at Major League Baseball parks all over the country.
We can read any book under a tree.- While any book will do we will go with Tops & Bottoms. This Caldecott Award winner, is sure to generate a chuckle or two and is full of life lessons.
We can also read any book by flashlight.
Read a book you wrote. Cue the boys to get writing so we can read their books later this summer. Something this might be fun to give them ideas to get started.
Read a book about your country– We have a couple ideas for this bucket. I survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 and What Were the Twin Towers, a who HQ book.
We always seem to read as a family!
Read an alphabet book– Jackson is a huge fan of Acrostic Poems. He loves writing and creating them. Bow Tie Pasta Acrostic Poems will be a fun way to kick off camp mom so that we can then working on writing our very own poems as a follow up activity.
Read a comic book– Snoopy and the Peanuts are fan favorites in our house. So Snoopy Cowabunga it will be. This will double as a great book to read at the beach!
Read a book in a funny accent
Read at the beach- any book will do here!
Read a book about art– Maybe not quite about art- but how fun will it be to read Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures– Framed in France?

So much for not planning out the books. I had too much fun filling in the more specific buckets with ideas that the boys would enjoy. Maybe you kiddos will enjoy a book or two from our list. As for some of the buckets- they are low lying fruit, right? Read at breakfast or dinner…this happens a few times a week in our house. While we make the books go away so we can talk about our day, they would be just as happy to keep reading and eating. But it’s possible that reading at the beach isn’t a possibility for you. So maybe you create a beach scene at home. Play some ocean music, put on your bathing suits and lay out a blanket on the floor. Get creative and use your imagination. The point is to get reading no matter what or where and to make it fun!!

You know what, it’s also key for your kiddos to see you read too. And by read, I don’t mean a book to/for them, but rather a book that is for YOU!! Showing that reading is still important to you allows our children to see that reading can be a life long hobby! I’ve started carrying a “real” book with me to read when I’m subbing. Why? Reading is a part of nearly every grades day. If my class is having 20 minutes of reading time, I join them. Why?? They see grown ups read too…and enjoy it!

Looking for books for you?? Follow me on Goodreads. I’d love to follow you back to get some ideas to add to my to be read list that seems to keep growing!! Plus they have lots of great giveaways and challenges to push you to keep reading!! Or consider signing up for Book of the Month. I’m in full fledged obsessed mode with Book of the Month. I’m still borrowing books from the library to read on my Kindle, but I’m actually enjoying the concept of reading an actually book again. Plus it allows me to sit down with a book and the boys see me reading rather than thinking I’m playing on my device.

Summer reading usually means the opportunity for reading challenges and ways to track your reading. In my post (Reward at the End of the Week) I talked about how we became regulars at Barnes and Noble lately. Did you know that Barnes and Noble has their own summer reading challenge? Kids in grades 1-6 can earn a free book (from a pre-selected list) for completing this form. Read eight books between July 1 and August 31, complete the form and bring it to your participating Barnes and Noble. Be sure to also check out your local library to see what if any Summer reading club options/challenges they might have available. Our local library has a family challenge o we can track all of our reading. I love making it a family affair.

Shocker, I recently just found my original library card. I’m talking my first library card when I was growing up. I can remember the summer reading challenge and how you had to go and talk to the librarian about the book that you read. I can even remember the layout of the library. It’s funny the things that you remember. As we are still in pandemic times to an extent much of the challenges are online. But the Barnes and Noble form does allow for a discussion about why it was your favorite book. As I’m typing this, I’m thinking of a way that the boys can keep track of the books that we read this summer and make a note about what they liked about a particular books that we read. Rather than just added it to the school summer reading log- really think about and reflect about the book after we finish it. The question is what does that look like? I’m thinking about getting Jackson and Carter each an old school Composition notebook. Carter can write a few words and draw a picture and Jackson can use it as a chance to do a little bit of writing- say 3-4 sentences about why he liked or didn’t like the particular book!

Reward at the end of the week!

I don’t know about you but come Friday, I’m spent. The kids are spent. We are all done from a full week at school. While we haven’t returned to full pre-covid times with the number of activities and birthday parties, etc. we are starting to safely do more. But truth be told after school on Friday we are ready for a shower, dinner, a book/movie and bed!! Oh and possible a glass of wine.

In case you are new here, we are avid readers in our house. We miss the library and own more books than most. I don’t say that in a bragging way like look at how many books we have, but more in a I’m a sucker for buying books that I know they will spend hours looking at and read over and over again. Some of this started with my time with Usborne Books & More and the boys having books from a young age, some of this is fueled by their passion to read and learn. And let’s be real, some of it is my joy in seeing how excited they get to get new books, snuggle up and read them with me. Some of this I believe dates back to my grandfather literally having a garage full of books. He would go to yard sales and buy a variety of books and read them all. He also had EVERY single National Geographic magazine. Back in the stone ages when I was doing a project on something he would always say “I have a book on that” and proceed to bull several from his collection for me to use of points of reference. So the long and short is we love books, my hubby too and we are all too happy to encourage the boys to read too.

Friday, May 7 was the end of a long week. It was raining and as we were heading home Barnes and Noble called to say the books I had ordered had come in. Bonus, we could pick them up and then head home. Think back to pre-covid times, I would take the boys to Barnes and Noble, they would play with the trains and we would get a book or two. Well, it’s been a long while since we went to Barnes and Noble thanks to Covid and most likely Amazon. I’m not knocking Amazon, they can get me things faster than anyone else. What I’m saying is that by not physically going to a book store for a long time I got the most unreal response from the boys when we walked in. Imagine a kid walking into a toy store and being told they could get anything they wanted. Their amazement at the number and variety of books was palpable. When Carter realized it was a bookstore and that he could keep the books he selected he was elated. Carter was interested in getting Dog Man books because his cousin loves them and he’s looked at them when we are there. Jackson, my fact loving, always learning kid opted for Weird but True books from National Geographic. The most amazing thing as we were getting ready to leave was that they wanted to make sure I had gotten a book too. I assured them that I had more than enough books at home, but appreciated to sentiment.

Fast forward to May 16. It’s the end of another long week, but added to the excitement I decided to run a few errands after school…with the boys! You know the important things…get gas (during a gas shortage), Target, get a gift certificate for an end of year gift for a teacher. I gave them the stores we were planning to hit and they were quiet. Then came the big question…”are we going to Barnes and Noble?” This was of course while they were trying to determine if they should ask for something at Target. While I hadn’t planned to go to Barnes and Noble again, how could I deprive them this end of the week “treat.” It’s possible I might have gone to Barnes and Noble on Mother’s Day also and gotten 5 more Dog Man books as Jackson had read the first one cover to cover twice. So they wanted the final four to complete the collection. Somehow, a Weird But True National Geographic food book also made it into the mix. I should note, that during the week Jackson had his first round of standardized tests. The whole nine yards of fill in the scantron, lots of pressure but doesn’t tell you anything kind of test. As the byproduct of two parents who take everything seriously (except this silly test), even though we didn’t put pressure on him, he put pressure on himself. He was spent from the week. It took so much out of him. So the fact, that he and I both knew some new books would do the trick for the weekend to get grounded and regroup, how could we go wrong.

Shocker, as soon as we got into the car the boys were both deep into the books. Quick showers and then we were all snuggled up, each with our own book on the couch. I took pause. At each stage of life our role as a parent changes a little bit, right? They don’t need us quite as much for things as they get a little bit older, but they still need us- just differently and need us to set the right example. I’m going to hold onto this Friday afternoon/evening tradition for as long as possible.

Longest Day Virtual 5K Version 2.0

The Longest Day is the Summer Solstice, the day with the most hours of sunlight. Last year, I ran a mile a mile an hour for every mile of daylight for a total of 16 miles as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association in conjunction with my fundraising to run the NYC Marathon. At the same time, I organized a virtual 5K in honor of the Longest Day and my Dad and several people participated. While I’ve technically completed my fundraising requirement to run the marathon, there’s no need to stop raising awareness and dollars for this important cause.

Very fittingly this year the Longest Day falls on Father’s Day. So I’m back at it and hoping you will join us as we run, walk or skip 3.1 from wherever you are on Sunday, June 20, 2021. You can register here. The rules aren’t really strict- run inside our outside. Walk if you prefer. Have fun with it. I’ll be opting for the 5K option this year and challenging Jackson and Carter to run/walk the whole distance with me. Truth be told, I’ll probably run a 5K first thing and then run walk another with the Jeffrey and the boys. Nothing says Father’s Day like getting moving together as a family!! Much better than the Mother’s Day visit to the Pet ER with the Ruby, but that’s a different story for a different day. Not to worry, she’s fine now.

You can’t have a race without a shirt, right??? This year’s shirt was a creation along with the boys. We learned a lot along the way in creating our design. Like that the elephant is the unofficial mascot for Alzheimer’s Awareness. Why?? Because an elephant never forgets. Elephants happen to be Jackson’s favorite animal so he was all over creating a shirt with elephant’s on it. Conveniently, Carter’s favorite color is purple. So they are both covered in our design.

Get your shirt today! Available in Unisex sizing, women’s (size up one to two sizes) and kids!!

We hope you’ll join us on June 20th to run, walk and raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. The end of Alzheimer’s disease starts with each and every one of us!

Why I joined Book of the Month (BOTM)

I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. In my adult years my reading has ebbed and flowed based upon other responsibilities (i.e. law school, kids, work etc.). Recently, I’m back on the reading bandwagon hard. I have a few favorite authors Michael Connelly, David Baldalcci, Lisa Scottoline, Fredrik Backman, J.A. Jance (if I could run a marathon listening to one of her books then she has to be a favorite for sure). Basically, I find an author that I like and I read everything they write…until I’m caught up and anxiously awaiting new releases. I’ve always struggled to find new titles to read and frequently look for recommendations. Goodreads has been a great place to see what others have read and liked, but similar to clothing and always picking the same thing I always steer towards the same types of books.

I read on my Kindle. In general I borrow e-books from my local library and read on my Kindle or sometimes my phone if I’m trying to squeeze in a few extra pages. To get wild and crazy I recently started listening on Audible to combine with my reading so I could listen while I run. Needless to say I’m trying to make all the time to find new books and read when possible. So, why add another variable like BOTM?

First, I’ll say I did a lot of research before deciding on BOTM. There are a lot of choices when it comes to book subscriptions. Many select the book for you. This was a deal breaker for me. I still want to have some control over what I’m reading. Some include other items to go with the book- “extras.” Let’s be real, I don’t need any extra “stuff” to go with the book, I just need the book. BOTM is special because each month they feature five books and you get to choose which of the five you want that month. If nothing looks exciting to you- you can pass for the month or select a book from a previous month. Also, they have add on books that you can choose from too! So basically BOTM seemed like the best of all words to me and what I was looking to get from a book subscription. What did I want?

NEW IDEAS FOR BOOKS

Years and years ago a friend suggested I read Beartown by Fredrik Backman. Me: “a book about hockey, seriously?” In case you haven’t read it, the book is about way more than hockey! It rates as one of the top books I’ve read…EVER. So if you haven’t read it yet…run and get Beartown and Us Against You the sequel. You won’t be disappointed. But the point to all of this babbling is I’m generally in a rut of what “type” of book I read. Legal mysteries. Think Law and Order in book form- that’s my go to. Which means I read Grisham, Connelly, and Baldalcci as soon as their books come out because I’ve already read everything else that they’ve written. I generally don’t care if I’m reading the new “hot” book that everyone else is reading. However, I’m now eager to be more in the “know” for what has been released and want to branch out. So why, BOTM?? I loved the fact that there are five books to choose from each month in a variety of genres. Not just that there are add on books that you can choose from as well. If you are anything like me having a choice is crucial, a total surprise book would not be my cup of tea. I want to still have some control over what I’m reading, while at the same time branching out. Plus BOTM features debut authors so it’s a great way to try new things!! See, back to that branching out idea!

Great gift idea and a way to reconnect

So I am totally excited about BOTM that I want to share it with all my friends. Ever have that happen? You try something new and then you want to share it with everyone?? I realized it was the perfect retirement gift for a friend. And then even more importantly the best birthday gift for my friend from college as it would also allow us to form our own “book club” and create an excuse for us to build time into each month to talk. She wants to read more, and I want to read new and different books. We both want time to connect. Win- win, am I right?

Read a “real” book again

Don’t get me wrong, I carry my Kindle with me everywhere. It’s great to read on in low light because it’s backlit or in the sunlight. It’s lightweight and totally convenient to keep with me. Plus I can read on my Kindle pick up where I left off on my phone or with Audible. But for a book lover there’s truly something about having a “real” book. When I read with the boys it’s always a “real” book. I know what you are thinking…do you really want/need more books in your house when you are doing? The short answer to that question is no. But my thought is to pass the books along to friends and family who might be interested and encourage them to do the same. Additionally, I’ll happily donate them to the Maryland Book Bank or maybe the boys and I will start our own Little Free Library. How fun would that be? The point being I can’t wait to enjoy reading a “real” book again. Plus then the boys see me reading an actual book rather than on a device. Raising readers to love “real” books by example is key!!

Do you want to give it a try?

Does this sound appealing to you? There’s no commitment. You can opt to sign up for one month to give it a try or possibly you want to sign up for a year and save? Either way if you want to learn more visit Book of the Month. Stay tuned as I’m thinking about a fun way to engage over books this summer with an adult summer reading challenge!

In the mean time- have an inspired day!