Thank you to everyone that entered my birthday giveaway.  The winner is: Lisa.

This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  Tell us why you’re thankful for running this year!  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I am thankful every single day for everything I have.  But now with this pandemic, I am even more thankful.  I know it is tough for everyone.

I am very thankful for running.   It is my ME time.  I listen to music, think about my day, or cry.   Let me tell you other reasons why I am thankful for running.

🟣 You.  As I mentioned above, it is a tough time for everyone.  However, you’ve all been there for me.  You inspire and motivate me.  You also believe in me.  Oh, and you listen when I complain about the school situation.

🟣 Working with a great coach.  I have known my coach for a few years but this year was the first time working with him.  I have had many great runs and have seen many improvements.  I am very excited to see what I do next year.  Watch out everyone!

🟣 My running shoes and gear.  You all know how much I love my running shoes.  They may be from the same company but I love the feeling of wearing new shoes every couple of months.  What’s not to like about new gear?  I treat myself and love buying some new Oiselle items.  They make me feel good and make me happy too.

🟣 Being outside.  Thanks to Covid, we are “required” to stay home.   If it isn’t for the trip to the grocery store, I wouldn’t even have the chance to go outside.  Running gets me outside even if it is just an hour.  My mother rarely leaves the house and many times I feel bad about it, but I know it is for the best.

🟣 Running streak.  Knock on wood no injuries.  I had plantar fasciitis last year and it was one of the worst injuries.  I began a running streak in August but had to stop running when I quarantined when my mom and sister got Covid.  I started again two weeks later and today it is day #88.  Not sure how long I will keep it going but for now it is a huge motivator for me.

I know it will be different from previous years but I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving.

This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  What’s the worst fitness advice you’ve ever received?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I think over the years I have received mostly good fitness advice.  Ha, now do I always listen to or do what I am supposed to do?  Not all of the time.  🙂

Here is a list of the worst advice I have received.  Thank goodness I don’t not listen to it anymore.

√ A weight scale shows whether you’ve made progress or not.  Definitely not.  I do have one but now am wondering why I even have it anymore.  Once my pants are too tight then I know I need to do something about it.  The number on the scale is higher compared to 10-15 years ago but I am still wearing the same pant size.

√ Exercise alone is the only way to lose weight.  It is a combination of exercise and eating healthy/good eating habits.  I do watch what I eat but sometimes I do indulgence and have wine and mashed potatoes for dinner.  Talk about stressful times!  

√ If you can talk while running then you are not running hard/fast enough.  Run faster!  Over the last year or so I’ve really learned to understand and love my easy runs.  There’s no pressure and the pace is supposed to be slower anyway.  

√ You need to carbo load the night before a race.  Pasta and more pasta was always the key to a successful race/run.  Now I eat what I want but am careful NOT to eat too much or anything that I know will not sit well the next day.  I know too much spicy food is definitely not good for me.

√ Running is bad for your knees.  Definitely not.  Yes I have had some issues with my knees but it’s been because I needed to strengthen other parts of my body (i.e., hips and glutes).

This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  How did you get back on the fitness wagon?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

It is tough to be motivated at a time when there are no races.  There have been a few but not to the extend of how it was before.  During the first couple of months of the year I was not motivated to run or workout.  In late April I got a coach and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made this year.  To me now is the perfect time to get fit and train for next year.  

Here are some tips that have helped me get back into a fitness routine:

Set goals

I have a few goals for next year.  Well, my goals were for this year but, well, we know what happened.  I am seeing many improvements in my running and it gets me excited for when we start racing again.  Many times I feel like it is too good to be true.

Rely on support from others

YOU all inspire me.  We’re all going through a rough time right now but yet I know I can count on you for support and guidance.  Your posts make me smile and let me know that things will be OK.  We will get through all of this.  I love reading about your tips, new workout classes, and new gear to try out. <<I trust you more than any other influencer out there.  🙂

Make it fun

I’ve always made a point by saying that running should be fun.  NO pressure.  It is not our job, just a hobby.  Right now for me it is a way to start off the day.  I enjoy the solitude and the silence to clear my head.  Also, it doesn’t have to be just running.  I love reading about Kim’s Orangetheory workouts, Deborah’s Peloton classes, Darlene’s trail walking, and Wendy’s Crossfit/strength workouts, etc.  The common theme is that they’re all making it fun.

This week’s Tuesday Topic is a FREE topic.  Feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I know October is not over yet.  We still have a few more days left.  Things are going well in the running department and I am trying to stay positive and taking it day by day in the work department.

It’s been 7 months since everything changed in this world.  Still cannot believe it’s been that long.  Two more months and 2020 will be over.  Will next year be the same?  Or maybe a little better?  I guess we’ll have to wait and see. 

Mileage:  As of this morning I’ve run 87.54 miles.  For sure I will make it to 100 this month.   July has been my highest with 103.54 miles.  It looks like I will pass that amount and it makes me excited.

My highest mileage ever was 186.27 miles in July 2016.  Crazy, huh?

Highest Mileage Week:  24.57.  It was this past week and it took me 4:58:47 hours.  

Current Challenge:  None.  Anything good out there?  I am doing a running streak.  Today is day #60.  So far so good.

Current Book:  None but I need to pick up “Truths I Never Told You” from the library.  I also have requested the following books:

In the Dream House
Once I was You
Notorious RBG
The Vanishing Half
The Lies That Bind
Saving Ruby King

I know I can get these faster as an e-book but seriously the last thing I want to do after being on the computer for a few hours is stare at another gadget to read.  I want to sit down with my book and a glass of wine.

Current Song:  Wind of Change.  I don’t listen to it while running.  For some reason it relaxes me so I play it during breaks throughout the day.

Current Shoes:  Brooks Ghost 20th x Ghost 12.  I have way too many pairs (currently 6 pairs in boxes).  My plan is to replace my shoes every 3 months which is about 300+ miles per pair.  

Favorite new item:  Spiral Hair Ties.  I love that they prevent tangling and hair damage.

What am I looking forward to next month?  My birthday!  Actually, there are few of us that link up here and/or on Sunday that also have a November birthday.  Time to celebrate!  I am also looking forward to a few days off for Thanksgiving.  I know things will be different but hanging out with my siblings will be a great time.

How often do you replace your running shoes?