Tuesday Topics – Page 45

17
Mar
2020

Tuesday Topics: What I think about when running

How is everyone doing? I have been home since yesterday planning for 8 days of instruction for my students. Definitely a lot more work than I anticipated but it needs to be done. We were supposed to have an Institute Day yesterday and Parent/Teacher Conferences today. That changed and conferences were changed to take place via Google Hangout. Instructions and letters with the information were sent home on Friday. Now, schools are closed as of today so no Institute Day nor conferences.

Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week we’re talking about what you think about when running. Anyone have any interesting stories? Let’s discuss!

Tuesday Topics-35.jpg

This week’s Tuesday Topic: What do you think about when you’re running? 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!

Lately I haven’t done too much running. It’s been two weeks since my half marathon in Atlanta and I’ve done one run. That is it. I haven’t been motivated. Now that I am not training for a specific race (my three races have been cancelled), I want to run just for fun.

Social media sucks. I understand it is a difficult time for many people. I get it. I had to unfollow a few people from Twitter because of stupid comments. Some people are just plain selfish.

Anyway, back to the topic. Sometimes I listen to music while running. I have a playlist that I like so music isn’t really a problem. Other times I have too much going on and want to think things through.

Below are some things I think about in no specific order or importance.

√ My pace. Lately I’ve been running slower than usual and I wonder why but at the same time know the reason. Just running is not going to make me faster. I need to do other things besides running.

√ My students. Many times they do annoy me but they make me smile and laugh a whole lot more. They’re kids. They’re innocent.

√ A house. I have mentioned a few times that I am looking for a house to buy. In my head I have the perfect one. Now I need to find it. I have been looking for a few years and don’t understand why I haven’t found it.

√ My mom. Luckily she is doing better after her stroke. Her doctor has mentioned that her glucose and cholesterol levels are under control. What she struggles with is high blood pressure. We cannot get that under control.

√ My cats. They’re my babies. I love them. They’re so cute! Right? 🙂

√ My job. I don’t love it but don’t hate it either. I like it. Lately I’ve been struggling because I want to do so much for my students but then get frustrated because I don’t have enough time. There’s been days that I stay at work till 5 or 6 pm a few nights a week. It is frustrating because no matter how many hours I put in, I will never finish everything I want to do.

√ My family. A few of us like to get together to eat, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s been a few week since we’ve gotten together and who knows when the next time will be.

10
Mar
2020

Tuesday Topics: Yes to trail running!

categories: Tuesday Topics

Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week we’re talking about trail running. I’ve done a few runs here and there but nothing compared to what other runners do. Trail running isn’t for everyone and that is OK. Let’s discuss!

Tuesday Topics-34

This week’s Tuesday Topic: Trail running – yes or no? 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!

For years I’ve been a road runner. Sometimes I drive to the lakefront and run there. Sometimes I run by myself and other times with a group. The past couple of years I’ve been running by my house. To me it is much more convenient and easier.

A few years ago I started going to Waterfall Glen. It is perfect for hill training because as you know Chicago is FLAT. I go there too to get a break from running on the pavement. My favorite time to go is in the Fall. Not only do I love Fall running but going there is beautiful. The trees and the leaves give me a peaceful feeling. Oh, and I also love going after it rains. The smell of the dirt!! There is something about it that I love. I know, it sounds weird.

I realize it isn’t a difficult terrain. It is still smooth. The hills is what makes it challenging hence providing a great workout.

Besides the softer terrain, other benefits of trail running include: strengthens the legs; it is quieter; reduces the risk of injury; high quality air; and improves your mood.

I am planning to run at Waterfall Glen more often. These past few months haven’t been going well (running wise) and I hope things are better the rest of the year.

If you need trail running shoes, Wendy wrote a great review of the Brooks Cascadia 14 XT. Check it out!

Trail running might not be for everyone. That is OK. Now trail racing is something I don’t think I will ever do. You?

03
Mar
2020

Tuesday Topics: Publix Atlanta Half Marathon Race Recap

categories: Race all 50 states, Race Recap, Tuesday Topics

This weekend went by so fast. I am back home recoverating from my race on Sunday. If you missed my recap of the Olympic Marathon Trials, click HERE to read about it.

Tuesday Topics-33.jpg

This week’s Tuesday Topic: Have you ever taken a break from running? Why? 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’m deviating from this week’s topic to write my recap of the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon. I ran this race the day after the Olympic Marathon Trials. Did you watch it? It was INCREDIBLE. I have no idea where it will take place in 4 years but for sure I want to be there again.

I signed up for this race in April of last year. I paid $50 plus fees. Pretty great deal!

I didn’t sleep well on Saturday night. I even took a melatonin. I think I finally went to sleep around 10:30 pm. The race started at 7 am but I always like to get there early and use the port-a-potty. Plus, I knew it was going to be cold in the morning and I was planning on wearing sweatpants and sweatshirt, so I also needed plenty of time to check in a gear bag.

2020 Atlanta Half Marathon-1

2020 Atlanta Half Marathon-2

I woke up at 4:40 am but didn’t get up till 15 minutes later. I quickly got ready and went to the lobby to get a coffee from Starbucks. Then I walked to the start line at the Olympic Centennial Park. I had 3 layers so I did not feel cold at all. 🙂

I used the port-a-potty, took some pictures, then I checked in my gear bag. I got in line about 6:30. Then I waited. And waited. I asked myself why I had gotten there so early. It was chilly but I wasn’t THAT cold. I wore a Oiselle flyout long sleeve underneath my singlet and that helped.

When it was almost start time, the race announcer introduced Meb. He was pacing the 1:40 group. I was in Corral C and I am assuming he was in either A or B. I wanted to leave my corral and find him. I didn’t. Then she mentioned that the Olympic Marathon Trials winners were there as well. Neat way to start off the race.

Then it was time to run. My goals were to finish the race and to have fun. I did finish it and made the best of it. I was tired and in pain. I knew it was a hilly course. I underestimated how hilly it was. The plan was to walk up the hills and run the downhills. Good plan, right? Well, in this race I was either going up or down. There were very few flat areas.

Here is the elevation map from my Garmin.

2020 Atlanta Half Marathon-6

I felt good for about 3 miles then I got really tired. I decided to just walk and run whenever I felt like it. I don’t remember too many details because I was so focused on running and walking. By then it had warmed up a little and the sun was out. I was never hot nor cold. In reality it was just perfect weather.

While running I saw Kim and we ran together for a few minutes. I could not keep up with her. 🙂 I also saw Vanessa and ran with her but also could not keep up with her. I saw Jessica pacing the 5:30 team but also could not keep up. I was really struggling but I still wanted to finish. I didn’t care about my finish time. I just wanted to finish.

I took two Huma gels (mile 4 and 8) and stopped at every water station. I think it was around mile 11 or 12 that I had some Powerade. I needed something to get me through the final miles of the race. I don’t remember being thirsty but that drink tasted really good!

I enjoyed running in Piedmont Park. It was lovely and a great place for running. I didn’t see other runners except those running the race. I thought that was strange.

The last 4 miles is when I was cursing a little bit. I was tired of the hills. I was struggling more than ever. But I was almost done and I just needed to hang in there.

I was so happy to hear the race announcer. I was almost done and could stop running. 🙂

After the race I got my medal and was handed a bottle of water and chocolate milk. There was a tent with some food but I didn’t get anything. I got my bag from gear check and went to take some pictures. I just wanted to get back to the hotel to eat something. I was so hungry.

2020 Atlanta Half Marathon-21

I showered, packed my suitcase, and my friends and I went to Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. We then went back to Olympic Centennial Park to walk around for a bit before going to The National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

I loved that they offered FREE race photos. I like the long sleeve shirt. It is soft, comfortable, and perfect as a pajama top. I don’t like the medal. So plain. 🙁

There weren’t too many people on the course. The volunteers were friendly and encouraging. There were also plenty of water stations. I was looking for a medical tent and did not see one at all. I was disappointed because I wanted some Vaseline or something to apply to where I had chafed.

This was state #43 for me. Next is the Garmin Oz Half Marathon in April (#44) and the Fargo Half Marathon in May (#45). Then I will need 6 more to go! Total will be 51 because I am counting Washington DC as a state.

Have you run this race before? Would you run a race knowing that it was a hilly course?

25
Feb
2020

Tuesday Topics: A few things I am loving

categories: Things I Am Loving, Tuesday Topics

Hard to believe we are at the last week of February. For being a short month, it sure went by fast! I am leaving on Friday morning for Atlanta. The Trials are on Saturday and I am running a half marathon on Sunday. Should be a fun weekend! I will have a recap in next week’s linkup.

Tuesday Topics-32.jpg

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!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

♥ Ritual – It is a multivitamin. Yes, I can get one pretty much anywhere. I got these based on another friend’s recommendation. These vitamins are vegan certified, gluten and allergen free, non-GMO, and no colorants or synthetic fillers. (Source: https://ritual.com/). There are 3 options to pick from: Multivitamin 18+, Prenatal Vitamin, and Multivitamin 50+. Each month you get a bottle with 60 capsules (you take 2 per day). You also get an email a few days before you get charged and before they’re shipped. You can then rush or delay an order. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. Each pill has 9 key ingredients such as folate, omega-3, vitamins B12, vitamin D3, iron, vitamin K2, boron, vitamin E, and magnesium. I like that everything is in one pill (versus taking multiple ones) and that they’re delivered to me. Have I noticed anything different? Well, lately I have noticed that I am more calm. Could be from the multivitamin or something else. If you want to try it out, let me know and I can send you a link to get $15 off your first order.

♥ Billie Razors – I have tried many different kinds of razors and I finally found one that I like a lot. These razors are inexpensive and leave your legs very smooth. At sign up you pay $9 and you get a shaver, a magnetic holder, and two 5-blade razor cartridges. Then for $9, every month or every 2 or 3 months (you select the subscription frequency), you get four replacement blade cartridges sent to your house. You can also delay an order or cancel your subscription. I shave once a week and replace my razor every month. Other products you can purchase are shave cream, body lotion, a travel case, an extra handle and holder, and body wash. Click HERE to order your razors.

♥ Prose Personalized Hair Care – Yes, I get my shampoo and conditioner through the mail. There are questions you answer (consultation) and based on your answers, Prose recommends the items for you to buy. There are questions such as age, hair texture and length, condition of hair, whether you have dandruff or dry scalp. They also take into consideration the city you are living in for humidity, pollution, UV rays, and water hardness. You can also pick if you want vegan, gluten-free, and silicone-free products. Yes, lots of questions! Finally, they recommend a fragrance but you can also change it (there is also an option for fragrance-free).

I received my first order in December. The bottles are really small. I was very impressed with the scent. I don’t wash my hair every day anymore and can say that I really like the shampoo and conditioner. My scalp doesn’t itch as much and my hair does feel very soft and smells nice. I also ordered the hair oil but I thought it was too greasy (turns out I was using too much). I let them know about it and they gave me a refund. They said I could keep the bottle and now I use it mostly as a deep conditioner. Other items you can get are leave-in conditioner, dry shampoo, pre-shampoo mask, curl cream, and a boar bristle.

If you subscribe, you save 20% off your order. You can change or cancel your subscription at any time. Even if you don’t subscribe, you can change the formula of your shampoo and conditioner by doing another consultation. Each bottle of shampoo and conditioner is $25. I know it isn’t cheap but I really like them and will continue to use them. If you want to try it out, let me know and I can send you a link to get $10 off your first order.

Just curious but how often do you shave your legs? Are you using any of the products I mentioned?

18
Feb
2020

Tuesday Topics: The Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta

categories: Tuesday Topics

Happy Tuesday? Were you off yesterday? I did a semi long run (7.33 miles), went to see a house (did not like it at all), and did some work for school (got it all done). Progress report grades are due today. Five more weeks till the end of the quarter. The end of the school year will be here soon!

Tuesday Topics-31.jpg

This week’s Tuesday Topic: Who are you rooting for in the Olympic Trials? 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 so excited for my trip to Atlanta! Not sure if I am more excited to spectate the Trials or to run. Maybe both? I am nervous for this race because of the hilly course. I did not train on hills for this training cycle and I had every intention of doing so. Oh well. We will see how it goes. 🙂

What is the Olympic Marathon Trials? It is a race that will determine the 3 men and women that will go on to compete in and represent the U.S. in the marathon at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Not everyone can run at the Olympic Trials. There are qualifying standards in order to compete in the Trials.

Oympic Trials Standards-1 I couldn’t find a list of the men and competing competing in the Trials but I do know Desi Linden will be there. And that my friends is who I am rooting for this year in the women’s team.

Desi is pretty amazing. I’ve met her a few times but have been shy around her so I’ve never said much to her. One time I did ask her if she spoke Spanish and she said “no”.

She won the women’s race at the 2018 Boston Marathon in the cold and pouring rain. I watched it with my students and I think I cried when she won.

She is a very humble person. Doesn’t say much either and is always smiling and looks happy.

Desi made her first Olympic Team in 2012 in Houston. She finished in 2nd place. Then in 2016, in Los Angeles, she also finished in 2nd place.

Fun video to watch: 26.2 Questions with Des Linden.

I want this shirt.

Keep showing up shirt-1

Desi is sponsored by Brooks. You all know my love for my Brooks shoes.

Brooks Shoes-10

Desi is someone I would love to run with one day. However, I am much, much slower than her so not sure how that will go. 🙂

Zenaida Arroyo

Category: Tuesday Topics