HAT Run Training – Week 2 Track (Tales of the Asthmatic Runner)

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I’ve never been much of a writer, but during a lot of my runs, especially in the cold when my asthma kicks into high gear, I always ponder about writing a book titled Tales of the Asthmatic Runner. I don’t know why. I think I just like the title. But I have no idea what the plot would be, et cetera, et cetera.

Last night at track we did hill work around Goucher. The track was icy, so we skipped the track portion of the workout. Probably a good thing. My lungs were tight and I could tell that it wasn’t going to be a good night. So, if I were to write about last night in a story format, I think it would go something like this… Continue reading →

HAT Run 50K – Week 2 (The Slush Can Suck It!)

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Okay, let’s try this again. I initially wrote this post on Sunday in a Word document and as I was ready to transfer it over to WordPress, my laptop crashed. And I don’t mean, just shut down…I mean the hard drive completely blew up. It also happened to my spare laptop. Both have been sent back to HP for repairs and I’m glad they’re still under warranty.

Anyway, my post was a little longer when I originally wrote it, but I have since forgotten most of it. It’s amazing how just a little bit of time makes you forget details that you thought were initially important. Lucky you, this is going to be short.

Sunday’s run was great, except for the stupid slush. Ya’ll know I hate wet feet, but what I hate worse than wet feet is freezing cold wet feet. Thirteen minutes in of schlepping through the slush, both feet were wet and cold. I eventually couldn’t feel my feet but my SmartWool socks did a decent job of keeping me from getting frostbite. It’s funny, I was telling some of the folks in my training group that this training is going to knock the prissy little girl right out of me. Last week I was “ew” or “gross” with every muddy step, this week it was more like “ew” or “gross” with every other slushy muddy step. Progress. Continue reading →

2013 Celtic Solstice Race Recap

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This is where it all began two years ago. This is the race that gave me the fire in the belly to take on running as an additional way to get fit, which in turn kinda changed my life. I absolutely love this race! The people, the course, the volunteers, the wassail…all of it is just fantastic!

We were expecting a mixed bag of precipitation today, but Mother Nature decided to just sprinkle us with a couple of flurries here and there instead. Thank you Mother Nature! Since I was dressed for crappy weather, I ended up very hot at around mile two. Oh well. I hate the cold and I’d rather be hot than cold. Continue reading →

30 Day Core Challege (Days 10 – 14) – The Hollow Rock

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12/13/13 NOTE: I am republishing this as I found out that I accidentally published this as ‘private’ back in September. My apologies.

This CrossFit exercise was recommended by a friend. It really is harder than it looks. Try to do this for 30 seconds to a minute twice a day for days 10 – 14. Continue reading →

30 Day Core Challege (Days 25 – 30) – Push Ups!

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12/13/13 NOTE: I am republishing this as I found out that I accidentally published this as ‘private’ back in September. My apologies.

Here we are! The home stretch! Yes, we are ending the 30 Day Core Challenge with traditional push-ups! Wha-what? Push-ups! Think of them as moving planks. You’re abs and back are engaged the entire time, and you get to work on those sexy arms and chest too! Continue reading →

30 Day Core Challege (Days 20 – 24) – Glute Bridge w/Marching

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12/13/13 NOTE: I am republishing this as I found out that I accidentally published this as ‘private’ back in September. My apologies.

The Glute bridge is an excellent way to work your glutes, hamstrings, and spinal muscles in lower back. If you can’t lift your knee while doing the bridge, simply lift your hips up and down until you build your strength. Continue reading →

30 Day Core Challege (Days 15 – 19) – Metronome aka Windshield Wiper

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12/13/13 NOTE: I am republishing this as I found out that I accidentally published this as ‘private’ back in September. My apologies.

UGH! This one is so tough for me! Lay on your back with your arms out to your sides and flat on the floor. Lift your legs at a 90 degree angle and move them side to side. Continue reading →

Friday Tip of the Week – World’s Best IT Band Stretch

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Runner’s World states that Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common overuse injuries among runners. It occurs when the iliotibial band, the ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin, is tight or inflamed. The IT band attaches to the knee and helps stabilize and move the joint. When the IT band isn’t working properly, movement of the knee (and, therefore, running) becomes painful. IT band pain can be severe enough to completely sideline a runner for weeks, or even longer. Continue reading →

2013 Winter Gear Review – Patagonia Women’s Capilene 4 1/4 Zip Hoody

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Last Friday, I went to Charm City Run and had a mini-shopping spree for cold weather running gear. I kinda went hog wild. But, hey…I really needed new Winter gear! So, with the request of several readers, I’ll be reviewing some of the new gear that has come out for the 2013 Winter season over the next several weeks. I’ll also have a guest blogger review some of their favorite gear of the Season. Continue reading →