Kelly – Page 2 – Run Read Repeat

Chicago Marathon 2022 in comparison to NYC 2021

Marathon training is time consuming. A fall marathon, combined with the start of school, a busy fall for work and the Jewish Holidays…exhausting. Literally in the week leading up to race day I was more concerned about getting everything done and less concerned about actually running the marathon. Well that and whether we could all stay healthy to travel to Chicago. Crazy, right??

Unlike New York, I am not as familiar with the city of Chicago. Jeffrey and I had been to visit for a long weekend, but that was more than ten years ago. The boys were excited to do some sightseeing- the Willis Tower and the Bean. Jeffrey and I were excited for dinner at the Chop House. We were able to accomplish all of those things on Friday and Saturday. Race day was Sunday morning. While each race stands on its own, I would be remiss if I didn’t do a little comparing and contrasting the two experiences. NY is unique in the fact that everyone who is running needs to get to Staten Island before the race starts. That makes for an extra early morning and a lot of sitting around waiting to start! While I didn’t realize it at the time, it caused me to really under eat breakfast in 2021 and I was cognizant of that going into Chicago in 2022.

While I ran for the Alzheimer’s Association both times, in 2021 we were not quite “out of Covid” yet. So many of the perks of running for a team weren’t present. In Chicago it was amazing to be part of the team. We had a team lunch the day before. It really helped build a sense of community. Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Association had a hospitality suite directly across from the start/finish area of the marathon. This is a HUGE amenity. It meant staying inside, eating my hot oatmeal until about 45 minutes before I had to be in my corral to start the race vs. 5 hours in the cold in Staten Island. To start the race I was more fresh- Jeff and the boys had a home base to start from and return to as well. This in and of itself was a huge game changer in the experience.

As I eluded to above, I was BUSY leading up to race day. So much so, that I did’t mind the taper like I normally do because it gave me more time to work. Being busy was apparently a good distraction. Overall throughout the training process I stayed healthy. No major complaints of pain, other than my one calf, which corrected itself with a little rest. All this to say, while tired I was feeling physically up to the challenge of running 26.2 miles. I was mentally prepared to go the distance as well. While I kept saying, this was going to be my last marathon…the pressure of training feeling like a lot…I also registered for the London lottery before going to Chicago. No way of making sense of that logic other than if it’s meant to be it’s meant to be.

Similar to in NY, Jeffrey, the boys and I walked the finish line area as best we could the day before. Having a visual is helpful to me. I was so pleased to see that where I would exit Grant Park was right across the street from the Alzheimer’s hotel. That I would have the ability to decompress, change and then walk the mile or so to our hotel. A difference from NY and Chicago- Jeff and the boys were going to be on the course at mile 20.5. After mile twenty it’s tough. Truth be told, in NY it was before mile 20 that got tough for me. So I thought it would be great to have them there to give me a push for the last six miles or so.

The weather was perfect on race day. Cool. Dry. It was in the 40s to get started. My favorite running temperature. I kept repeating to myself…do no go out too hard…do not go out too hard. I honestly tried my very best not to do it. But with the cooler temperatures and feeling so good, I went out a little aggressive. Not as aggressive as I did in NY but aggressive nonetheless. I was pacing for 4:10 for the first 18-20 miles. The miles felt like they were flying by. That was even with a bathroom stop at mile 5. I was feeling good….until I like so many others hit the walk right around mile 21. I didn’t realize how much seeing Jeffrey and the boys was motivating me. Then once I saw them it as like the wheels kind of came off the cart. My stomach was also not feeling the best. I don’t think it was the Maurten gels, because I trained with them. I think it was the Gatorade, which I also trained with but somehow the combination wasn’t sitting so well with me. It’s possible I was taking in too much fluid? I’m not quite sure. But I stopped taking Gatorade and only took water. I started walking the water stops. I knew I was going to finish, but I also knew I needed to be real about the time it was going to take me, enjoy the experience and realize that I was running a damn marathon.

Anyone remember when I went to run NYC me saying I was a one and done marathoner? I just wanted to run NY and I was going to be happy. I ran NY in 4:18:55. I was chasing 4:00. I was delusional. 1) It’s a hilly course and 2) my 4:07:29 virtual marathon wasn’t really 4:07 it was 4:26:27. 4:07:29 was my moving time. I stopped my watch when I refreshed my water or stopped for the restroom. I was’t thinking about the 4:26:27 elapsed time, I was just thinking about the 4:07 time. So 4:00 would have been stretch- but mentally that wasn’t what I was thinking. Mentally, I was beating myself up, when in reality my 4:18:55 was a marathon PR on a very difficult course. I let my frustration take away from the fun of the experience, which is what led me to register for Chicago on the way home. I felt like I had to prove something to myself…but it wasn’t getting a particular time…it was that I could run the race and make the most of the experience no matter what the time. I vacillated in the days leading up to Chicago about pacing. Did I want to pace for a 4:20 or a 4:10? If I paced for 4:10 was I setting myself up for frustration like last year. I train solo. While I enjoyed running with a pace group last year for the first half of the race, did it cause me to push myself too much too soon? I had read all about how my GPS would be all confused to start Chicago so would I even know what pace I was running if I paced myself?? These were all real and actual thoughts as I got my head in the game. So what was the answer?? There was no 4:10 or 4:20 pace group in my corral. Options?? I change corrals or I pace myself. I’m not big on changing flights or plans. I was in a particular corral for a reason and that was where I was going to run. So yes, I was going to pace myself. There were temporary tattoos at the expo with the pace times. I had 4:10 on my left arm and 4:20 on my right arm. For the majority of the race I was pacing 4:10. Too aggressive? Maybe, but I felt good. And when I started to fell less good this time around it wasn’t nearly as bad as NY nor was it for nearly as long. I consider that a huge improvement.

Mentally, I was running MY race. While there was incredible crowd support, I listened to music the whole time. I was focused internally on feeling my best and not getting caught up in expectations. Yes, I hit the wall. I started doing a little run, walk, run walk for a mile or two between 22 and 25. But I knew I was going to finish. Funny thing, I texted the whole race with Jeffrey. In the beginning as a distraction to try to slow myself down. Then for logistics on where to find them specifically on the course so I didn’t miss them. Then as they made their way back to the start/finish area. All the time, he was offering positive reinforcement. Telling me at the end I was moving too quickly for them to see me another time. I felt like I was moving anything but fast. Why do I share all this, because who texts during a marathon?? Apparently, I do. And it made the experience that much better. The reminder that I had it. The reinforcement of I was running a marathon and ultimately the time I crossed the line was secondary. The encouragement to just enjoy the experience. The support throughout the entire process that he provides is amazing. I am truly blessed.

Time for the finish. I knew I was a bit slower than my NY time. I didn’t yet realize that I was faster than my virtual marathon time. I had enough in the tank to pick things up for the final mile. To relish the fact that I was about to finish my second World Major Marathon in less than a year, while working full time and having two kids. I ran hard to the finish- huge smile on my face because I knew I had done it! Whether this is my last marathon…or not I know I did the best I could do. And I was so happy to cross the finish line!

Looks like the face of someone who isn’t done running marathons. Just saying.

I made my way to Alzheimer’s hospitality area where I was greeted with big hugs and kisses. My gang was so proud of me! I was proud of me. I took advantage of a sports massage, changing out of my shoes and a moment to collect myself before we made the walk back to the hotel. Another important point of comparison- it was only 12:30. We had the entire rest of the day. My wave in Chicago started at 8:00 a.m. allowing me to be done by midday. In NY I didn’t start until 10:40. By the time I got back to the hotel it was dinner time. This also made a huge difference. Plus this time I got a break before heading back to the hotel and got to walk with Jeffrey and the boys. Overall, I was sore, but it was manageable. Heck, the boys little legs had gone 9 miles that day and they were tired too.

The days after the marathon are a process of mentally decompressing from the anticipation of running and the exertion on the body. Other than my quads feeling particularly sore, I felt great. By midweek steps were no longer a challenge and by Thursday I had marathon amnesia and was thinking that wasn’t so bad, I could do that again. All kidding aside, I’m truly amazed at the body’s ability to push itself so hard and to recover. I thought for sure, I would totally crash afterwards, but my immune system must be at peek performance because I managed to stay healthy. I’m truly grateful for all who supported this journey, listened to me talk about the training and the race itself. What’s next? Time will tell. But Jackson did want to known “so what marathon are WE doing next?” Love how marathon running has become a family affair.

September 2022 Books in Review…a bit after the fact

The start of the school year combined with the marathon training left much less time for keeping up to date with my blogging. Here it is October 22 and I’m just getting around to sharing about my September reads. I think I’ve finally come out the other side of the hectic fall to have a moment to gather my thoughts. You can tell it was a busy month, I only read four books. There was a time when reading four books in a month would have seemed like a lot, but given the amount of reading I’ve been able to do over the last year it feels a little below the monthly average. The fall was a time for many new releases. So while, the number of books I already have to read is….a lot, I still had to grab these new releases as soon as they came out. Two new releases I couldn’t wait to read were The Most Likely Club and Carrie Soto is Back.

The Most Likely Club, by Elyssa Friedland (September 3-5)

Hello, the 90s are calling. This was a much anticipated book for me this fall. I’ve been following Elyssa Friedland on Instagram and enjoyed all of the advance fun she was providing by way of Blockbuster cards, CK cologne and the like. I’ve greatly enjoyed her other books as well. This was a fun, skip my long run to finish kind of book. It really made me stop to think about where I thought I was headed in HS and the road that came after. Five stars!

Carrie Soto is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid (September 5-11)

If you have read any of my reviews, you know that TJR is one of my absolute favorite authors. This was another book that I pre-ordered and had waiting for me on release day. While I don’t know much about professional tennis, I was sucked into the story. This book was one of those that I was sad that it as over because I wanted to know more about where the characters went after. A book about life, expectations and our own misgivings about ourselves. Another must read by TJR.

When we Were Bright and Beautiful, by Jillian Medoff, (September 11-20)

The bar for books this month was set high. I’m not completely sure what I was expecting from this Book of the Month book by Jilian Medoff. The best words to describe it were raw emotions and intense. While fiction, this book tackled some serious issues. I read to not think about serious issues- so this was a little much from that perspective and might be why it took me so long to get through. Honest thoughts- pass on this one there are too many other great books to read.

The Dinner List, by Rebecca Serle (September 21-27)

I needed the comfort of a favorite author after my last book. I’ve been carrying around The Dinner List for well over a year. While this too was an intense book, it was thought provoking and enjoyable to read. Had a great aha moment. There were definitely laughs and tears along the way. Signs of a great book!! Highly recommend this quick read by Serle.

Chicago Marathon 2022- Training Weeks 1-4

Holy cow- how is it time to start marathon training again?? Truth be told I’m much happier when I’m in a training cycle. I enjoy the structure. This comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me since I’m pretty regimented and particular. I haven’t really been in a training cycle since I trained for NYC. While I ran a few other races in the Spring I didn’t formally train. So here we go- Marathon training cycle number 3. Three summer/early fall training cycles at what starts as the quiet part of the year and as the miles build up becomes one of the craziest, busiest times of the year. Back to school, holidays, birthdays and for the last two cycles balancing a full time job. I’m so fortunate to have the support of my husband along the way to encourage me and help cover the boys especially when the training runs get longer- but there’s also their enthusiasm that keeps me going. Goal- stay healthy and injury free. Less focus on time, more focus on enjoying the experience and finishing the race.

Week 1- July 18-24

I have followed my friend Suzy Goodwin’s training plan with each and every race that I have run. When you have a flexible system that works- you do it! I love the flexibility of having one key run and a mileage goal for the week. It means that I can get the miles done any way that works best for me. And that was certainly the case with this first week of training. This week was my youngest’s birthday and we were leaving extra early on Sunday morning to go to Legoland with the boys. So I had a birthday, birthday party and one morning I knew I couldn’t run to negotiate around. Additionally, while I had been building my mileage back up, I haven’t hit 24 miles in a week in quite some time. The beginning of the week (M-W) I ran 3.5 or so miles each morning. Nothing fantabulous. On Thursday morning, I thought I had enough time to inflate the birthday banner and run. I was wrong. So it turned into a rest day. I had some flexibility on time on Friday because my husband could drop the boys off at camp and I took advantage of it. I ran 10 miles on Friday in 3 chunks. 20 minute Peloton on demand class. Breakfast with the boys. 20 minute live Peloton class. Boys off to camp. Followed by an hour Peloton class on demand. See…that flexibility enabled me to get my key run a 10K and a chunk oof miles done on Friday. Allowing me to only run 3.35 on Saturday and have Sunday off. First week in the books. Feeling good.

Week 2- July 25-31

Week two coming in hot. Monday we were still in Legoland. The indoor fitness center left a bit to be desired and there wasn’t really anywhere to get any solid miles in. That and the four hour drive and eight hours in the park the day before might have left me a little tired. But again, flexibility in the training plan allowed me to not freak out about missing a day. The key run for week two is 8 miles with 24 overall miles. Again, as I was still easing into increased miles I kept my runs doing the week to a 5K each morning Tuesday-Friday. Saturday morning I ran 8.64 miles. Checking off my key run and inching me closer to my overall mileage. Alas, I finished the week at 21.14 miles a bit short of the 24 but overall I felt good and knowing I’m hitting the longer runs I’m not concerned about not quite hitting 24 miles for the week.

Week 3 August 1-7

Weekly mileage increases this week…and at the end of the week we are leaving for vacation. Translation- if I’m gong to run on Saturday. It’s going to have to be early and it’s not going to be more than three miles or so. I’m starting to feel much stronger in my runs. Yay!! I hoped that would come as I was consistently running more miles, but you never know. Key effort this week is speed work (800 x 4) with overall mileage of 26. PS camp is also over so I’m working some days at home to be home with the boys. Lots of things happening all at the same time. Monday and Tuesday 3.11 miles each. Wednesday I was able to take a live Peloton class early in the morning and get my key run done. Speed work is my least favorite. I can do it. But it’s not my cup of tea and it generally makes my body sore. This is the case every training cycle. I get through some of the weeks with speed work before I have to drop the spadework and just focus on the miles. But I crushed my spadework this week. The next day I was a little bit sore, but manageable. As is always the case my right hip is starting to be a bit tender. I really need to get back to strength and core training to help keep everything in alignment. But, that pesky hand injury has been preventing me from lifting. Wednesday and Thursday saw 4.5 miles. Friday I pushed to get 6.13 miles done, leaving 3.15 miles and live Peloton class at 6:00 a.m. before leaving for vacation. Yup, I’m crazy. So I finished the week with 24.57 miles. You’ll notice that’s about 1.5 miles short of the 26 mile goal…but I’ll take it. Speed work done. Feeling good. Miles increasing. Week three is in the books!

Week 4- August 8-14

While vacation brings more potential time for running it is also a bit harder because I just want to spend time with my family and feel bad carving out that time for running. That and if I don’t have to get up extra early for a week it feels like a blessing. Sunday was a rest day- well because it was a rest day and I enjoyed a little extra sleep. Monday should have been a run day. But we were horseback riding that morning and I just wasn’t motivated to run beforehand. Key run this week is 10 miles and 26 overall miles. Tuesday was a good day for a longer run because we didn’t have an activity until 11:00. I wasn’t quite sure what I was planning for mileage wise when I hit the treadmill. I knew I would start with 45 minutes and go from there. After two days of rest I was feeling solid so I ran for 75 minutes and 8 miles. Not quite 10 but if you can run 8, you can run 10. Wednesday, I didn’t have quite as much time but got in 45 minutes and another 5 miles. Thursday was for kayaking so I didn’t run. Friday morning, back at it for 45 minutes and another 5 miles. Saturday was a travel day. Yes, I could have gotten 3 or so miles in that morning, but I could also sleep a little bit later and I opted for sleep. I knew that meant I would have 8 miles on Sunday morning to get my mileage goal. I started with 45 minutes and 5 miles and then added another 30 adding a total of 8.08 to my overall mileage. So I met my mileage goal, but you say I didn’t run a 10 miler. Eight is close enough. This week I was more focused on hitting the miles, while still enjoying vacation. It was a win. Still no major complaints. I actually felt really strong this week. I imagine a little extra sleep and vacation will do that! First month of training— DONE!

Why do I blog about my training weeks? I learn something from each training cycle and it allows me to look back to see if I’ve felt the same way at the same time in other cycles. Each time I know I need to strength train more, so hopefully this will be the time I actually do it. Eight more weeks to go before I run Chicago in an effort to ENDALZ!

August 2022 Books in Review

August signifies summer coming to a close, but I intend to eek out the last little bit of vacation, extra time with family and time for reading this month before the hustle and bustle of back to school and a busy fall. With a week long vacation on tap this month I’m anticipating it to be a month full of reading.

The House Across the Lake, Riley Sager (July 28-August 5)

This was my first book by Riley Sager. He has a ton of thrillers, but was an author I was not previously familiar until The House Across the Lake was one of the most anticipated books of summer. The book was intriguing and kept me on my toes. I must admit that it got a bit extreme in the last 1/4 or so, but with that sad I will look at some of Sanger’s other books in the future. While I love a good thriller, and I can’t wait to read House Across the Lake I’ve been tending to steer towards “calmer” reads of late.

After I Do, by Taylor Jenkins Reid (August 6-August 8)

What if the only way to save your marriage was to take a break from your marriage? Taylor Jenkins Reid has another winner as she weaves together a story of a couple who take a one year break to hopefully save their marriage. With no contact with one another for the entire rear they are left to deeply consider what went so wrong to hopefully come back together. Filled with laughs and tears, and surprises another quick read by TJR left me smiling.

One True Loves, by Taylor Jenkins Reid (August 8 – August 10)

What if you thought your husband was dead, so after years of grieving you begin to move on and find yourself broken but able to love again only to learn that your husband isn’t actually dead and he’s coming home?? Can you have more than one true love? Emma, Jesse and Sam are about to find out. Seriously, I don’t know how TJR does it, but she continually finds new ways to write thought provoking, truly enjoyable reads. Another must read!

Daisy Jones & The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid (August 10-August 13)

I thought TJR had finally written a book that I wasn’t going to love…but alas I was wrong and I was sucked into drugs, sex and rock and roll of the 1970s in this interview style book. Reid really set the stage (literally and figuratively) for the decade of music, while weaving in the relationship of the band, addiction and the struggles of life on the road. Completely different from all her other books, but again a winner!

Daisy Darker, by Alice Feeney (August 14-21)

I was eager to read another book by Alice Feeney. I enjoyed Rock, Paper, Scissors. This was a dark, twisty turvy book filled with family drama, death and who done it. There was a time that I was reading primarily mystery/thriller books. Following the intensity of this read, I’m going to follow it up with something “lighter.” It’s hard to really review this book without giving away too much. That said, there was definitely a moment when I said “I didn’t see that coming.” A solidly good, not quite great book!

The Unhoneymooners, by Christina Lauren (August 26-31)

The perfect romantic comedy “lighter” book to follow up Daisy Darker! This was my first book by Christina Lauren. I know, I know late to the party again with an amazing author. It will definitely not be my last. This feel good book, reminds of finding love when we least expect it. I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it! Highly recommend.

July Books in Review

We are just past the half way point in the year. I thought keeping one long running list of books was a great way to keep everything organized, but I’m reevaluating. Sometimes we just don’t know until we try something, right? So I’m going to do a little combination going forward for the second half of the year where I’ll have a monthly post of the books that I read that month all in one place, and then I’ll add them to the running (yes, love to include a good running pun when I can!) of books for the year. This will save me from putting them all there later, but will also allow for an easier look at each month. I’m also going to try to give a for details with each review, rather than I really liked or it my attempt at saying I didn’t like it without saying I didn’t like it because I can only imagine how much hard work an author and their team put into each book. So here’s July!

Every Summer After, by Carley Fortune (June 26-July 1)

I was seeing Every Summer After just about everywhere on reading blogs, Instagram and the like. So of course I had to add it to my to be read list. This is a debut novel for Carley Fortune and she hits it out of the park!! Told over a series of years this book tackles young love, angst of the teenage years and reflection of what has been lost. I cannot recommend this book enough. I laughed, I cried and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I needed to know what happened to the characters.

The Bodyguard, by Katherine Center (July 2- July 3)

Katherine Center has many books. So while I’m late to the Katherine Center book party, I’m happy to be here. I’ve found that the more I’m engrossed in the book/reading community the more in tune I am to new releases. This is a good thing for my TBR list is getting longer and more diversified, while being a bad thing for my wallet. The fact that Book of the Month had The Bodyguard as an early release had me beyond excited. Who doesn’t love a tough as nails female protagonist who learns that she might have to let down her guard just a bit and shift her focus in life just a tad to have it all. The Bodyguard kept me on my toes until the final pages and it was a solid 5 star book!!

The Measure, by Nikki Erlick (July 6-July 13)

The Measure was such a thought provoking and inspiring read that in order to do it justice it needed its very own dedicated blog post.

You’re Invited, by Amanda Jayatissa (July 15-17)

It was time to add a thriller to the mix. This was the book that my bestie and I selected as our Book of the Month read for July. Maybe it’s because I’ve just come to expect too much from a book that this one fell a bit flat. It was good, just not great. There were some unexpected twists along the way, but overall I would say it was a three star read.

A Shoe Story, by Jane L. Rosen (July 18-July 23)

Shoes, love, Yiddish, food, and NYC were the perfect combination in this winner from Jane L. Rosen. While it felt a tiny bit slow to begin (or I was just too tired to read at night, which is a real possibility) I ignored my Saturday morning responsibilities to binge the last 150 pages of this book that had me laughing and crying. Highly recommend A Shoe Story.

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid (July 24-July 25)

I have yet to meet a Taylor Jenkins Reid book that I don’t devour in 24 hours. The tragic start to Forever, Interrupted pulled me in and I was eager to keep reading. A solid 4.5 stars. Now I’m off to read TJR’s other books before her new book is released next month. It’s always great to find an author whose style you just love.

That’s a wrap on July. Onto August reading. I have a heavy supply of to be read books that I’ll be taking on vacation. Hoping for a 7-8 book month.

What’s in the length of a string?

Truth be told most books that I read get a quick recap and a note as to whether or not I would recommend the book. I rave about those that I love and enjoy passing them along to others to read. I politely say a book wasn’t quite my taste, while hoping to not offend the author that I know spent endless hours writing and editing. The Measure, by Nikki Erlick deserves its very own blog post. That should tell you the significance of this book. If you only read one book that I’ve talked ever-about make this the book. It’s not so much about the story (which is great), but more for the thoughts that it provokes while reading. This debut novel by Erlick will get you thinking. Quick recap about the premise of the book…everyone 22 and older receives a box at their front door. Inside they find a string and the length of the string is an indication of the length of their life.

So many thoughts- but first I have to start with to look or not to look?? How do you decide whether or not you want to know when you are going to die? Can you imagine having the chance to know when specifically death was going to come? Not how, but when. How would it alter the way in which you live your life. Would it make you live life more fully or would you be bitter if you were a “short stringer?” Would you quit your job and travel the world? Spend more time with those that you love? Perhaps be kinder to those who you knew had less time left? My first thoughts on to look or not to look are tied to my family history with Alzheimer’s. I couldn’t quite shake that thought throughout the entire book. There are of course genetic tests that can be done to determine if you have the gene for Alzheimer’s. Similar to looking at your string, you can’t unsee the results. Long string…yay life is good. Short string…why is this happening. No different with the genetic testing. No potential likelihood for Alzheimer’s a big cheer. You have the gene- changes the rest of your life. It’s easy to say that you wouldn’t allow the knowledge to consume you, but personally I just don’t know how it wouldn’t have an impact. There was a period of time when I thought I would get the testing. I’m a planner after all and would rather know than not. I could at least make plans for the future. But then there’s a huge part of me who knows that it would be looming in the back of my mind if the results weren’t favorable. So for now, I’ve opted for ignorance is bliss.

Next big thought abut the string length is also directly related to my experience with Alzheimer’s. Long string means a long life, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a long life with a good quality of life. So, is a long string that includes a period of dementia or an illness that limits your quality of life better than a short string with a higher quality of life? I would argue that a short string with a healthy, higher quality of life would be better than a long string. But I imagine there are different opinions as to quality over quantity. I vote for quality every day of the week!

In our house we are always trying to make the most of each day. My mantras for running marathons are “I run for those who can’t” and “I run today because one day I won’t be able.” I would like to think that we are making the most of every without knowing when the end might be coming. Is that not what life is all about? That’s not to say that there aren’t things you have to do before the things you want to do or that it’s fun and games all the time. But that’s also life. There are responsibilities that come with the ability to go and do and explore the world around you.

One last aside, for those who know me, I run in the morning. When I got up this morning I just had to finish The Measure. So I sat on the floor with the Ruby while the rest of the house was asleep. Until my eight year old came into the room, book in hand and asked if he could sit in my lap and read with me. So we read, in a quiet house, while I cried finishing The Measure and I can’t think of a better reason for skipping my morning run.

So I have to know…would you look or tuck your box away and continue with life as though it hadn’t arrive?

Three months to the Chicago Marathon

Three months…90 days until I run my next marathon. I’m really starting to believe that running a marathon is like having a child. Allow me to explain. You find out you are pregnant and you have nervous excitement. The equivalent to I just finished a marathon and I signed up for another on the way home. Nervous excitement. Then there’s some waiting. Similar to a pregnancy there comes that moment of oh wow, this is getting real. That would be today for me. Things are real and rather than start nesting it’s time to get my butt in gear!

So over the last few weeks my running has been really inconsistent. Quite honestly, I was just plain tired. I’ve been sick off and on and gave my body some grace. What started out as giving my body grace turned into a lack of routine, which translated to a lack of consistency, which made it easier to skip another day. Another pregnancy similarity- it’s like I just excited the first trimester and feeling good. Please note this is not some subliminal pregnancy reveal- I just really love the parallelism better the two journeys. Pregnancy is hard on your body and you get an amazing child at the end of the journey. Training and running a marathon is hard on your body- but rewarding in so many ways.

While marathon training doesn’t start until July 18 I had a solid build up week this week. I’ve been running long enough to know if I go from 10-12 mile running weeks to 24 miles I’m going to be sore and run the risk of injury. So after some seriously low mileage weeks I ran just shy of 17 miles this week. Next week I’ll run 20 miles over the course of the week and then I’ll be ready for that first week of training which calls for 24 miles.

Another way marathon training and pregnancy are similar…you need to eat better and get more sleep. While I’ve been keeping my water at 100 or so ounces a day, which if you know me is a major accomplishment. Huge! But overall my eating has been, shall we say- whatever the heck I want. As I sit here sipping my protein shake (thanks Kerry for the push to get back on the shake train!) I know that fueling my body is critical for the added miles and strength training coming my way. There will also be less Prosecco in my future. (See another pregnancy similarity!). But notice, I didn’t say none, just less so I guess it’s a little different. And I just need to get some more sleep. Basically, if I’m going to expect my body to perform and hold up to training cycle and marathon, I need to give it the things it needs- sleep and better nutrition.

This will be my third marathon training cycle. First was during COVID, when I ran a virtual marathon. Feels crazier and crazier every time I think about it. I had the gift of all the time in the world during most of that training cycle because we weren’t going anywhere or doing anything. Second training cycle started right after my Dad died. I had the extra emotional push of channeling my why and the fact that after so much anticipation I was running the NYC Marathon. But that was combined with having gone back to work full time. So far less time for training- but I got it done!! As I contemplate training cycle number three my why remains the same. I run in memory of my Dad and to #endalz. In some respects it is hard to believe that he’s gone nearly a year. The emotion is still raw, but in other ways because of Alzheimer’s I truly lost my Dad, years before. Not that it makes it any easier to fully lose him, but the disease robbed us of quality time together. So when I’m tired or trying to figure out when I’m going to get my next training run in, I did deep and channel my why. While it won’t bring my dad back, it might save another daughter from having to watch the effects of Alzheimer’s on their mom or dad.

Please consider joining me in the effort to end Alzheimer’s….no you don’t have to run…even though I’m trying to put together a running group at work. You can join me by making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in support of my Chicago Marathon run. Together we can end Alzheimer’s!

Stay tuned- a training cycle means more posts. I love keeping track of how I’m feeling during the process so I have something to compare it to next time. That said, I keep sayin Chicago is going to be my last marathon- so maybe the training updates will just be for prosperity?! Time will tell.

It all started with some sunscreen

Picture from 2016- packaging looks different now- but the product is still just as effective and a family favorite!

There are times in our life when we start to make healthier choices. At least that has been my journey. Approaching 40- better start moving this body mine and before I know it I’m running a marathon. Have kids- start looking a little more closely at the labels of things like sunscreen. We joke but our youngest has some very pale white skin. When he was a baby I was always worried about keeping his skin protected from the sun. I laugh because I can distinctly remember putting baby oil on my skin before going out in the sun as a teenager, but alas I digress. I knew I was doing something right when our pediatrician commented at how great the boys’ skin was even in the summer, that I was clearly slathering them up effectively with sunscreen.

Sunscreen is one of those things that has a lot of opinions in regards to keeping our oceans safe and avoiding unnecessary chemicals for our skin. Introduce Beautycounter sunscreen. Years, I’m talking 8 plus years ago I was introduced to Beautycounter sunscreen and it’s been the only sunscreen we use on the boys. It started with the sunscreen sticks, because who doesn’t want to make things easier?! We still use the sticks on their face and neck. No rubbing. Easy application. To be honest until recently we only used the sticks, but now that the boys are older and less squirmy during sunscreen application we use the lotion as well. A little goes a long way. There’s no heavy odor after applying and no greasiness. The best part- it works! The sweat proof, water proof sunscreen protects the boys (and us) day in and day out.

So, why am I sharing this now? While you should wear sunscreen year round, I’m in the throws of applying sunscreen every morning before we get out the door for camp/work. So it’s fresh on my brain how much I love this sunscreen. I even carry a sunscreen stick in my bag all the time, because well you never know when you might find yourself outside and need a quick application or the kids might need a touch up. I’ve raved about it for years, shared about it on social for my friend Jodi, amazing Beautycounter consultant and finally decided why not join the Beautycounter family and more formally share my love of sunscreen. Well that and I needed a real kick in the pants to get my skincare routine back in order. I used to be so consistent and have not been for quite some time. I’m off the age where caring for my skin is important- just as important and moving for at least 30 minutes and drinking my water, right? You’ve seen the memes about it being time for a night serum. It’s past time!

Yes, over the years I have done everything from sell jewelry to children’s books (my first and probably most beloved thing that I sold and kickstarted a love or reading for the boys). This is different, I’m a touch busier now that I’ve gone back to work full time (just a touch 😉 and gearing up for marathon training, while balancing all the things for the boys. So while I’m not necessarily looking to make Beautycounter a business, I will be sharing my love of sunscreen and hopefully my skincare journey along the way- no different than I share my runs and the books that I’m reading. Want to try it- reach out. Want to read a book I suggest- please do so we can chat! Want to talk about running?? I’m game any day of the week.

Take a look around to see the other amazing products Beautycounter has to offer. Until next time- run, read, repeat! Have an inspired day!

Baltimore 10 Miler Race Recap- June 2022

Interesting thing about the school year and my race schedule- I ran a race the Saturday after the first and the last week of school. Needless to say I was a bit more fresh for the first week of school than the last. Not to mention the fact that May 2022 was my lowest mileage month in more than two years. Between being busy at work and under the weather my routine was completely thrown off and I was totally inconsistent. So in hindsight, I really had a lot of nerve showing up to run 10 miles completely undertrained. But I can do hard things!! And it’s a privilege to be able to run!!

Up until the day before I wasn’t really sure I was going to race. It meant getting everyone up at 5:00 a.m. to head downtown. The weather had been super hot and humid. Well, and there was the thought in the back of mind that I haven’t run 10 miles or more since November- so in more than 6 months. All this to say it was really a game time decision. The weather looked like it wasn’t going to be unbearable and I really felt the need to get another race under my belt testing my new nutrition before October. Now that it’s summer months here in Maryland there will not be many more racing opportunities. While I hope to run the Charles Street 12 in September as it’s one of my favorites, we may have a conflict. As I’m typing, I’m realizing this might really be my only race before my next marathon. Eek.

Let’s get to it. The race started at 7:00 a.m. Temperatures were moderate considering it was the beginning of June. I ate a good breakfast. Planned out my Maurten nutrition and all things considered was excited to have a race opportunity. Mentally, I knew I should shoot for a 9 minute a mile pace given the lack of consistency over the last month and the fact that I haven’t run this far in half a year. Spoiler alert- I went out too hard. I’m notorious for going out too hard. If I could just train myself to negative splits…I’ll keep trying. I was feeling good and the sun hadn’t really come up yet. Had this been a 10K I would have been golden. First six mile splits 8:17, 8:37, 8:28, 8:31, 8:41 and 8:53. Solid, right? I certainly didn’t think I had that many 8 minute miles in the tank. When I transitioned to marathon training my focus was more on going the distance and so my paces were closer to 9/9:30 a mile. After mile 6 the sun was blazing and my heart rate was high. There was no way around it, I just couldn’t bring my heart rate down to a place that was appropriate. So I dialed the pace way down. The other piece to this puzzle was the fact that I knew there were about 300 feet of elevation gain in the last three miles or so. Ugh- high heart rate, overheated and elevation gain. Quite the trifecta. But I also knew that I could certainly finish the race. So much of running is mental. So many of my conversations with the boys lately have been about the fact that you need to listen to your body and there might come a time that I can’t finish a race because it’s dangerous to do so. That there are professional runners who don’t finish races from time to time. Racing and running have been full of life lessons not only for myself but for the boys. So back to the last third of the race. It was rough. I’m truly a cooler weather runner and these June races really aren’t in my wheelhouse. Hearing about some other athletes having serious health consequences after running too hard has me a little worried. Fingers crossed that it’s not unseasonably warm in Chicago in October.

Every race I’ve run I’ve felt like the time mattered. Even when I said it didn’t, the time always mattered to me. I mentally beat myself up for the last 6 or so miles in NYC because I was so disappointed I wasn’t go sub 4 hours. In hindsight, this is completely crazy. 4:18:55 seconds for the NYC marathon- my first in person marathon is something to be proud about and I’ve come to realize that over the last few months. Hoping I can take this new mindset to Chicago with me.

Back to yesterday- I’m always chasing a goal or a PR. Yesterday, it just didn’t matter. Yesterday was all about a chance to race and finishing. Having that change in mindset really helped with the latter part of the race when I would have probably overdone it to come in at a particular time. But instead, I listened to my body- still got it done and crossed the finish line smiling with my husband and boys cheering me in. They didn’t care what time was on the clock. Quite honestly the opposite. Every time I texted updates to my husband, his response was “take your time.” So we both knew I wasn’t chasing a PR and would just be happy with a finish.

Lessons learned- training matters- but I have a good base that allowed me to pull out a ten mile run after months of running shorter distances. Maurten will be my nutrition for Chicago. Now I need to incorporate the drink component the day before and morning of into my training. Nothing new on race day!! The other question is how many races am I going to do a year. Things have changed since I started racing. Back to work. Busier schedule. I don’t have quite as much time to commit to training and it’s a huge time commitment for my family. Chicago will be my next big training effort starting in July. I have about 5 more weeks to keep my running casual before I need to get my head in the game and body in gear to go the distance! Then who knows. Maybe I’ll pick two races a year. Maybe I’ll just be a casual runner and add the Peloton bike into rotation. Time will tell. Either way- moving my body for 30 minutes a day will be part of the equation- it’s just a question of how that movement will happen. I feel truly fortunate to be able to exercise and the opportunities that racing has brought along the way. The running community is special. I’m happy to be a part of it!

Stay tuned- marathon training starts the week of July 18. I think running a marathon is a bit like having a child- you kind of block out the hard and difficult parts and only remember the highlights.

Book of the Month- One year later

One year ago I decided to give Book of the Month a try. I was finally recommitted to reading more and constantly looking for new books to read. I told myself, I would try it for a month and then take it from there. Then I gifted a friend three months of Book of the Month. So then I said, when her three months are up, I’ll reevaluate. Here I am a year later, and I’m eagerly awaiting what books will be available next month.

In the last year, 22 of the books that I have read have been my selections from Book of the Month. You see the way it works is that you can select one of the 5-7 books as your Book of the Month and then you can select up to two add on books. That’s how I’ve surpassed 12 books for the year that I’ve been part of Book of the Month. Plus, my stack of too be read (TBR) books contains quite a few Book of the Month choices that I haven’t gotten to just yet. So many books, so little time!

So why Book of the Month?

Book of the Month has introduced me to new authors that I love. After reading their latest releases I frequently go back and read all of their earlier books. i.e. Laura Dave, Emily Henry (anxiously awaiting her new book coming out May 2022), Alex Michaelides, and Greer Hendricks/Sarah Pekkanen.
I’m reading new genres, such as historical fiction, thrillers and memoirs. I’m a creature of habit and would read the same type of book all of the time, generally a mystery that includes a who done it. Reading a variety of genres has opened the door to new types of books to consider when adding to my TBR list.
So many great books. Not going to lie, they aren’t all winners. And it’s possible that my friend and I judge all other books that are mediocre in comparison to a book that had to do with wolves. I would not recommend it. But even if a book isn’t a winner it’s a new experience and I always take away something from each read. You know, such as cross that author off the list for future books or that was amazing let me read ALL of their back books!!
You can’t be the price. My monthly renewal is $14.99. So for $14.99 I get one hard cover book. That includes shipping. Then for $9.99 each I can included up to two “add on books.” These are also hard cover. You’ll be hard pressed to find current hard cover books at that price point.
It’s something fun to look forward to. I start trying to anticipate what the next months books are going to be. Whether they will overlap with other book club suggestions for the month or whether we will get an early release of an upcoming book. I love a good early release!!

I’ve yet to find a negative to Book of the Month. It’s literally the gift that keeps on giving as it has also been my go to gift for family and friends. Think birthdays, teacher appreciation, retirement, just because! Plus I love the fact that I’m reading “real” actual books again. Then I can share them with friends and family after I read them too. All this to say, if you are on the fence, give Book of the Month a try!