Wednesday Winner - Meet Megan!

Happy Wednesday, everybody!

It's time to meet another running/blogging buddy.....

This week, I'd like to introduce you to a new friend whose love of running skirts (apparently) rivals the Turtle Runner's, who chooses distance over speed (so far!), and realizes that athletes come in all shapes, sizes, and paces. Amen, sister! :-)  Having completed 3 half marathons in her first year of running, this lady is definitely a go-getter! Friends, I'd like to introduce you to .....

Megan,

of

Living in Luling

How would you describe yourself as a runner?

 Swift and speedy

 Slow and steady

 Somewhere in between

Ageless and Beautiful…. Are you:

 Tweaking the Twenties

 Thinking through the Thirties

 Forty-plus and feeling fine

Are you:

 A starting-line show-stopper

 A middle-of-the-pack mover

 A back-of-the-pack ‘better-late-than-not-at-all’ runner

 Somewhere in between? If so, which ones?

How long have you been running and why did you start running?

A:  I’ve been running for a little less than a year. I started running to lose baby weight from my second baby and to finally get into shape.

Favorite running gear and why?

A:  A skirt. It is hot in the summer in New Orleans and skirts are just too cute.

What do you listen to when you run?

A:  I like bad pop songs or hip hop. Catchy songs, preferably Britney Spears, Ke$ha, Timbaland, Janet Jackson.

What is something you cannot run without, and why?

A:  Two things: Water - I have problems with hydration. I drink tons of water, especially when I run. Sunglasses - I have sensitive eyes I guess. But I have to have shades.

What race distance is your favorite and why?

A:  10K - It takes me about 3mi to find my rhythm. Once I do, I feel like I can run forever. But after 6 miles, I’m not exhausted. I can go and enjoy the rest of my day.

What time of day do you usually run, and why?

A:  I run in the AM. I’m a morning person. It’s nothing for me to get up at 4:30AM and go for a run. Also, I have small kids and the only free time I have is in the morning.

Treadmill, streets, or trails, and why?

A:  I prefer being outside, but during the week I run on the 'mill. I don’t like to run in the dark. But on the weekends, when I have time, I run the streets. I love being outside.

What has been your most significant running-related learning experience to date?

A:  That I am an athlete. I’m clumsy and uncoordinated, but I can still be fit. I run half marathons. I feel like I could try anything. I may not be the fastest or even good at it. But I won’t know until I work at it.

What advice would you give to someone new to running?

A:  Just start. Have patience and keep at it. Sign up for a race and tell everyone you’re going to run it.

Short-term and long-term running goals?

A:  Short term - be more consistent with my speed work. I’ve been focused on distance for so long.

Long term - train for a duathalon/tri. Run a marathon before I’m 40 (9 yrs away).

Mileage goal for 2010?

A:  Somewhere near 1000mi. It’s a lofty goal. But, hey, I went from not running, at all, to running 3 half marathons. So apparently I like a challenge.

Do you have a blog, blog(s), or a website you’d like to share? If so, please list them.

A:  I do. http://www.megan-corey.blogspot.com/

I would love for everyone to stop by!  Or find me on DailyMile. I’m a member of the Pay it Forward 500 Mile Club and a friend of Robin.

BONUS:

I have two sweet, crazy maniac girls, Li & MM. They are hilarious. Everyday, they do something that cracks me up. I don’t talk about them enough on my blog.

Thanks, Meg!

Happy running, friends....

Robin

Tuesday TTRS ~ Hills & Speedwork, Race Calendars, and Running Skirts

The Complete Runner's Day-by-Day Log/2010 Calendar

Training Tip:

"If you're doing hills and speedwork in the same workout, do hills first."

**Since I don't do hills, I can't comment on this, but wonder if any of you can add to this tip? What experiences have you had?

Training Topic:     Planning your Race Calendar
Recently I asked, "How many races do you plan to run in 2010?" on the weekly survey, and a few folks weighed in: 

5 - 6 races and 10+ races received the largest # of votes, with 31% each 

1 - 2, 3 - 4, and 7 - 9 races each received 12% of the votes

How do you decide?

Then, I posted an open invitation to join us in St. Petersburg, Florida in November for the Women's Half Marathon weekend, hosted by Women's Running Magazine. 

A handful of readers said, "I'm in!" or shared that you're seriously considering it...

How do you decide?

As I learn more about running and its (apparent) yearly cycle, I'm begining to strategize as I plan my race calendar, considering location, cost, time of year, and the value I place on that particular race (such as a Chicago or Boston Half).  I'm also setting aside funds now for later ~ for gear, reg fees, travel costs, etc... How about you?  As you learn more about running (or over the years as you've learned) are you changing or have you changed (or creating for the first time) your strategy for selecting upcoming races? 

If so, how? 

Other Random Stuff:

I love, love, love running skirts(!), especially C9 at Target. They're simple, yet comfy and stylish. They seem more flattering than running shorts.  They feel understated, yet 'girlie' when done in a dark solid color.  They're fun. I love running skirts....  Have you tried one yet? 

Check back tomorrow for the Wednesday Winners Post and meet Meg from Living in Luling.

Happy running, friends....

Robin

Of Snot, Smears, and Other Fluids Running....

Question:

What r-u-n-s while you run? 

Running, I have found in recent months, provides a venue for experiences that one may or may not choose to share with others.  Sometimes, as they are happening, I wonder to myself, "Does this happen to other runners, and how do they deal with it?"  Sometimes, I think about things that could happen while I'm running - things related to the body and all its marvelous workings - and I wonder, "How would I deal with it?"  The long run, in particular, lends itself to these revelations and ruminations - sometimes, at the same time!

So, when I opened recent e-mail from active.com, and found a short article on the subject, I was thrilled. Well, I was intrigued, really - (okay, the 12 yr-old in me was peeking out!)  - by the title - The 6 Grossest Things About Running - and thought, "Hmmmm... I wonder which 6 the author is writing about," and then thought, "Finally, answers to my questions!"  Last thought: "Wonder if anyone else is wondering? 

If you are, then read on, fellow running friend.  The author compares marathon training/long runs to childbirth.  See if you relate to these experiences OR have now been enlightened.  Either way, it's an eye opener!  

Then, sign up for the active.com newsletter, if you don't already receive it... always a good read. 

Happy running, friends....

Robin

Monday Motivation - Week 13

"Running is one of the best

solutions to a clear mind.”

~ Sasha Azevedo

Do you agree?

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! ~ Join Us in St. Pete, Florida

Calling all blogging/running friends!

How about a girls' weekend that includes:

• A gorgeous (girlie) goodie bag
• Fantastic female camaraderie
• Beautiful (unique) bling
• Fabulous Florida weather
• 13.1 miles of fun, friendship, grit, and determination

Did I catch your attention yet??

Well, it took a little while to catch mine, too.  I admit it.  Sometimes I need a little lot more information to make a decision.  This drives hubs and coworkers crazy sometimes, but hey, I want to be sure about what I'm committing to.  Once I make the decision, though.... look out!  I'm on a mission!   

3 things that led to my decision to run
the Women's Half Marathon this November:

1.   Last fall, my (then new) group of Lake County running buddies invited me to join them in the inaugural Women's Half Marathon taking place in St. Petersburg, Florida.  While I was tempted, I was just tackling my first 10K and knew I was noooooowhere near ready to conquer 13.1 miles(!), but the event stayed in the back of my mind, especially when they told me all about it afterward:

"We had a great time!  It was awesome! So much fun! We met really cool  (celebrity-type) people!"

"Okay. Maybe next year.....," I thought.

2.   A month or so later, I was in the grocery store, cruising the magazine rack, and ran across this cover:

Being an avid reader of RW, I thought, "Hmmmm....let me see what this is all about."  Found good stuff ~ very 'girl-runner' oriented, lots of good info with a format that has a slightly softer feel to it than other running mags.  I didn't make the connection yet, though.......  

3.  The final tap on my shoulder came a few weeks ago:  Women's Running Magazine was at the Disney Princess Expo. "Ooooh, that's the magazine and the Half that the  Lake County gals  did back in November!" I thought to myself.  (Connection made, thank you very much, albeit a little slow...ha ha) You are a brilliant one, Robin.  I signed up for a 1-year subscription and got a cool t-shirt, too:

Since then, I've read the magazine cover-to-cover and visit their website regularly.  As a native Florida gal, I like where they're located, what they're about, and the overall 'feel' of their mission.  I'm in! 

 So.... did I catch your attention yet??

Join us in St. Pete for a healthy and totally rockin' girls' weekend. 

We'll play. We'll run. We'll eat. We'll laugh. 

We'll swap stories.  We'll take lots of pictures. 

Oh, and plenty of hugs to go around.....!   

And yes, bring the family unit.  FL weather is (usually) beautiful in November!

Haven't run a half yet?  Low on funds?  

I get that!  

You've got 7 months to train, save $$, ask friends/family for a gift donation to your weekend, and get your running ensemble ready! (Group shirts might even be in the works!)

What are you waiting for???  Sign up.  Make your travel plans. 
And get ready to have some f-u-n!

November 21, 2010

THIS can be your year!

Let's go! 

Want to win a one-year subscription to 

Women's Running Magazine? 

Look for giveaway details later this week .....
Don't miss out.  Giveaway open to U.S. and Canadian readers.
:-)

Happy running, friends.....

Robin

Lessons From My Laces.....

How many lessons can you possibly

learn in 3.1 miles? 

 Quite a few, it turns out! 

Check out the Turtle Runner's latest

 installment in her new series,

"Lessons from my Laces"

at Florida Running dot com,
to see what she learned during her

very first race.

Happy running, friends.....

 

Robin

Friday Photo ~ Birthday Wishes....

~ Happy 1st birthday,

sweet baby niece! ~

Gotta Feelin' Friday, Week 12 ~ Racing, Training, or Recovering This Weekend??

Calling all

Pay it Forward 500 Mile Club members

and

Turtles blog readers!

What's on your mind?

How are your goals coming along? 

Challenges or triumphs to share?

Training ideas, thoughts, suggestions, questions, tips.....?

How are you feeling this week?

The Turtle Runner is feelin' good....

It's Friday before Spring Break,

which means plenty of time to

run, blog, and create next week.

Woo Hoo!

I hope everyone had a great week,

found their motivation to get moving,

and looks forward to strong long runs or races this weekend!

And happy birthday this weekend to Megan!

Happy running, friends.....

Robin

Thunderous Applause Thursday... Shout-Outs and Recaps ~ Share your Details!

It's that time of the week again, 

time to shout and share......

Shout-outs and HUGS

to everyone who's racing this weekend!

Tell us YOUR

upcoming race details or

share a link to your recent race recap....

Rock those races, everybody!

How's your week going? 

Reaching your goals?

Check back tomorrow and tell us how you're feelin'!

As a sixteen-year educator,

I'm a sucker for the uber-cool stuff kids do.  :)

Hope this video makes you smile as much as it does me!!  

Go ahead.  Click the play button and dance/sing along....

No one's looking (unless you're at work, of course)! 

Happy running, friends....

Robin

Wednesday Winners - T-shirts Gone Wild! OR ... "Whatcha' Wearin' Wednesday"

Hey Everybody!

It's Wednesday, and we'd normally have a Wednesday Winner Turtles blog friend featured,

but everyone's busy running races lately, so today's post has a different flavor to it.....

Do you ever see t-shirts that make you laugh out loud? 

I love graphic tees. 

The funnier, edgier, more memorable,

or thought-provoking, the better.  

In fact, I get t-shirts customized regularly,

choosing to let my tees doing the talking.

So while searching for images to share,

I ran across this picture:

and thought,
"Who's Mark? Why a Tiffany necklace?
and.... How sweet of him!"

which led to wanting to find the answers.

Enter: this great list post (quick, easy read)

that's worth a look...

Then, while continuing my search for more tee mug shots,

I ran across this one:

which the blogger said led to a little controversy....

hee hee.. Can you imagine?!

Her post, though older, was fun to read, too ~

taking a look at great t-shirts

OR

sayings that would make a great t-shirt.

Then there are those of us who blog and run......

Or maybe we just want to share the wisdom shared with

us that keeps us moving??

Finally, what's a race without a cheering section?

So...

What are you wearing when you head out the door? 

Happy running, friends......

Robin

  

~ Up next Wednesday:  Meg from Living in Luling ~ 

Tuesday Tips, Topics, and Random Stuff ~ Airports, Relativity, and Cereal (??) .....

The Complete Runner's Day-by-Day Log/2010 Calendar

Training Tip:

"Keep running shoes in your carry-on bag, or wear them when you travel.  If your flight is delayed, take the shuttle bus to the long-term parking lot, and squeeze in a workout around its periphery.  This does wonders for mitigating the rage of flight delays."

A running/swimming/bking-type friend updated her status frequently yesterday on FB as her annoyance (rage?) grew and grew and grew.... at the airline, the employees, and the verbally combative passenger who caused the flight to be delayed no less than six hours. Six hours?? Seriously?? Okay ~ first, I'd want to use the running shoes to beat the living daylights out of the idiot who thought his attitude was going to be an okay situation.  Then, and only then, would I consider taking off for a spin around the airport's parking lot. I think running inside would be better ~ you know, avoiding jet fumes, weather conditions, etc... but I suppose airport security would wonder what the heck you were up to if you were cruising around in a gazelle-like fashion.  People get freaked out when someone over the age of 5 runs in public!  Don't they?  I'm not making that up. Think about it....

Training Topic:  It's all Relative......

Yesterday, I shared this quote:

"If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now.

Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it.”  

~ Priscilla Welch

And then I asked:
How do you define yourself as 'the best runner you can be'? Are you on your way to achieving that? 

I'd like to take you back to the first day you ever ran.  Stop and think back. Was it after a life-changing event, maybe having a baby (or babies) ?  Or maybe right before one, like preparing to get married and wanting to lose weight.  Was it 5 minutes ago or 5 years ago? What was it that made you decide to become a runner?  For me, it was a diabetes diagnosis at 39 and then transitioning from being a walker, realizing that runners really do come in all shapes, sizes, and paces.

Which brings me to today's training topic....relativity.  Being 'the best runner you can be' is relative, isn't it? For some, that means running faster. For others, it means the commitment to getting out the door x number of days each week.  And still for others, it means covering x number of miles or races.  For most (dare I say all?)  of us, it means increasing the amount of time we  run without walking.  Even that is seen as a negative, which amazes me, when you consider Jeff Galloway is by all perspectives, considered a world-class marathoner, and he not only subscribes to, but teaches others that walking is not only good while running, but often improves overall finish times.  Here's a thought:  races are called foot races for a reason.

Still not so sure about this?  Here's another example... while visiting my in-laws this past weekend, a one-hour special came on about the Badwater Ultramarathon, 135 miles of pure endurance, grit, and determination that takes place every July. I had read briefly about this foot race, but didn't know all the details.  I watched in awe (my father-in-law and hubby were kind enough to sit through 45 minutes of something they cared little about, but had reverance for these amazing athletes),  and shortly into the documentary, I saw it: the runners were walking when they needed to... hmmm..... See for yourself ~ 

 

What's interesting, though, is that so many of us get stuck in the 'have to,' 'must,' and 'should' places, that we often overlook our own progress. Or, if we see the progress, we don't really own it, relish  it, and feel totally, ridiculously thrilled about how far we've come. 

Instead, we get caught up in being as fast, as speedy, as thin, as 'front-of-the-pack' as our blogging/running friends.... R-I-G-H-T..... N-O-W.

Hmmm.... I say, Let's step back, lighten up a bit, bask in the moment, and then run like h*** toward our next goal!  :)  Seriously, let's enjoy the ride, the journey, the hard work we put in, even when that amounts to running for 3 consecutive minutes without needing oxygen!   

The other event that reminded me that all things are relative was my long run while we were visiting the hubby's parental units.  I decided an abbreviated LR would be acceptable, and my FIL took me out to drive the intended path to measure: 5.5 miles.  Okay, that would work.  Not quite my preferred 10, but hey, even to say that is weird(!).  Ten months ago, I could barely run a 1/2 mile and three months ago, I was lucky to get through 4 miles without a total meltdown.  Then, while running the selected route with hubby in the golf cart (yes, a golf cart...he refused to let me take a picture to document!),

His was waaaayyyy more cool, but you get the idea....

He shouted out to me.....

"Are you okay?  How you doing back there?"

(Yes, he was in front of me... pacing me??)

And without missing a beat, I shouted back:

"I'm good. This isn't so bad. After running 13.1 miles, this seems so easy."

Then, with clarity, I corrected myself:

"Well, it's not that it's so easy.  But it's definitely do-able."

And with that, he drove ahead and I plodded along.... turtle pace, but moving steadily forward, thank you very much.

It's all relative.

Other Random Stuff:

I admit it. I love cereal. I could eat it every night for dinner, in addition to every morning's 'breakfast of champions.'  In fact, before I was married, cereal covered most of my menu much of the week(!), but alas, I chose to cohabitate and couldn't convince the new life partner that cereal is just fine most of the time... sigh.... (Love milk, too.  It does a body good, right?)  And here's another confession: I'm a cereal partier... the more, the merrier.  Yep, mix 2, 3, even 4 kinds of cereal together and you've got yourself quite a little shindig! (Doesn't take much to entertain  me, I'm guessing you noticed.) 

Cereal mixologist.  That's me. 

Happy running, friends....





Robin

Monday Motivation - Week 12

“If you want to become the best runner

you can be, start now.

Don't spend the rest of your life

wondering if you can do it.”

~ Priscilla Welch

How do you define yourself as

'the best runner you can be'??

Are you on your way to achieving that?

Friday Photo!

~ I know it's here somewhere! ~

Gotta Feelin' Friday ~ Week 11: Racing, Training, or Recovering This Weekend??

Calling all

Pay it Forward 500 Mile Club members

and

Turtles blog readers!

What's on your mind?

How are your goals coming along?

Challenges or triumphs to share this week?

Training ideas, thoughts, suggestions, questions, tips.....?

How are you feeling this week?

The Turtle Runner is feelin' good....

back on training track with speedwork and

a tempo run done (along with wt training - ouch!),

in spite of the time change that

*made*me*want*to*sleep*in!

Anybody else dragging this week?

On deck for Sunday:  a long run, of course!  

I hope everyone had an amazing week,

found their motivation to get moving,

and looks forward to strong long runs or races this weekend!

Happy running, friends.....

Robin

Thunderous Applause Thursday ~ Send a Shout-Out, Tell us Your Details ....

It's that time of the week again...

time to send shout-outs to our fellow bloggy running buddies...

Shout-outs and HUGS

to everyone who's racing this weekend!

Tell us YOUR details or

share a link to your recent race recap....

Rock those races, everybody!

Good luck LA Marathon runners!

Happy running, friends....

Robin

May the Luck of the Irish be With You.....

In honor of our Irish friends....

Here's something to celebrate the day....

(lower your volume if you're in the office!)

Happy Saint Patty's Day! 

Wednesday Winner - Meet Anne!

Happy Wednesday, everybody!

It's time to meet another running/blogging buddy.....

  

This week, I'd like to introduce you to a lady who calls Canada home. She enjoys the beautiful scenery we saw recently during the Winter Olympics, while she runs and blogs. Like the Turtle Runner, she works at figuring out how her chronic health condition fits into her running lifestyle, and is a newbie runner ~ always reflecting on the journey.  We seem to have much in common and always have a good laugh about it.  Friends, I'd like to introduce you to .....

Anne,

of

Asthma and the Gift of Running

How would you describe yourself as a runner?

A:  I’m slow and steady and I’m okay with that …no really, I’m cool.  :)

Ageless and Beautiful…. Are you:

A:  Fifty plus and feelin’ amazin’

Are you......

A:  When I finally do race, I’ll probably be a back-of-the-pack ‘better-late-than-not-at-all’ runner…with a hopefully show-stopping outfit ;)

How long have you been running and why did you start running?

A:  I have been running for approximately 10 months and I started running because I have very severe asthma and I wanted to improve my lung capacity. I always said that I would never run, too hard for me I would say. When I first started, I could seriously barely make it through a full minute of running. I would run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes, but I gradually worked up to 20 minutes non-stop and then I ran my first 5K in September 2009.  Now, I love how running makes me feel. I could say I’m addicted!

Favorite running gear and why?

A:  I’m not very picky yet. I love my Walmart dryfit running shorts and my running shoes are Asics. I just got a really cute running skirt that I can’t wait to try out!  

What do you listen to when you run?

A:  Most often, I listen to surrounding sounds, my thoughts and my husband’s fun banter. On my ipod, you will hear a huge variety of music, from Jann Arden to Styx to Edith Piaf to King Crimson and many more.

What is something you cannot run without, and why?

A:  Clothes are pretty much the only must (I’ve run without shoes on the beach).

What race distance is your favorite and why?

A:  I have a 5K and a half-marathon scheduled for May 2010…I’ll let you know.

What time of day do you usually run, and why?

A:  Lately, I’ve been running around noonish due to my work schedule, but I’m hoping to include a few early morning runs once again. They are just such a great start to the day.

Treadmill, streets, or trails, and why?

A:  Streets. My neighborhood is great to run in. Treadmill only when I must and I’d love to try trails, but there are none close to home.

What has been your most significant running-related learning experience to date?

A:  Accepting my limitations and accepting where I’m at as a runner were important breakthroughs. When I first started reading blogs, I would unconsciously compare myself to other more experienced, younger and healthier runners. This prevented me from being proud of how far I’d come. A few wonderful comments from fellow bloggers helped put things back in perspective. I’m back to enjoying the journey.  (*Yay!!)

What advice would you give to someone new to running?

A:  It will not always be easy… I continue to find the first kilometer the hardest and I am always surprised that I usually feel much better after getting past it. Do not give up and take the time to enjoy the ride. Running will make you feel amazing!

Short-term and long-term running goals?

A:  Short:  Running a sub-30-minute 5K.   Long:  Running a marathon one day.

Mileage goal for 2010?

A:  1000Ks or about 625 miles

Do you have a blog, blog(s), or a website you’d like to share? 

A:  http://asthmaandthegiftofrunning.blogspot.com/

BONUS:  Any additional info you’d like to share??

A:  I’ve found that my passion for running has spread – my husband has decided to join me on my half-marathon and is enjoying running again; my super sister-in-law was a treadmill runner with no specific goal and she is also back on the roads and will be joining me at the half; my best friend Miglena is running again and loving it. Running is a contagious disease, it seems…thank goodness there is only one cure and that is to get out there and run some more!

 Thanks, Anne! 

Happy running, friends....

Robin