Training days and tidbits…….

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”

~John Muir

As I sit and write on this blustery March day…..wait…what!?! MARCH?? Feels more like January around here in Vermont. After a few weeks of pretty mild weather (we hit close to 70 degrees), old man winter is not loosening his grip on us. We are supposed to get dumped with 12-18″ of the white stuff on Tuesday. This kind of weather makes it challenging to get runs in for us Northerners, but as long as you dress for it, you will be just fine. I’m sporting my crane tights in the pic above from InkNburn. They are my most fun tights I run in, you will definitely be seen by motorist or deer, have no fear!! I love how comfy they are and of course the hidden large pocket in the front for carrying my phone, never miss a fun shot on the trails. The weather doesn’t bother me too bad (hmmmmm, as I write tho, I’m dreaming of summer days, please have mercy!), I’m not a treadmill girl, can’t wrap my head around it. I’d much rather feel all the elements thrown at me…of course at the VT 100 in July, I’m sure I’ll be wishing for these -10 windchill days when I’m melting like a snowcone in Phoenix (couldn’t help myself, I love Mrs. Doubtfire) In VT, we definitely get a little bit of everything……..

Four weeks from yesterday will be the Runamuck 50k!!! First race of the season!!!! I can’t wait to finally run with my friends and family, it’s feeling more real as my training runs are going well! Fingers crossed! Pretty please with sugar on top! Excited to meet Kimberly, a fellow blogger whom I met through our love of InkNburn. She has a wonderful blog called Kimberly on the Run. It’ll be fun to meet up in person as we toe the line in South Pomfret, VT. She is lightening fast, so I better talk quick, hehehe. She is a superb runner, mom and friend. I love all the connections I’ve been making through my running. My sister-in-law, Elaine is also running the 50k, this will be her first ultra. She’s been a wonderful crew and pacer for my hubs (her brother) throughout the 6 years he’s done the VT 100. So I’m ecstatic to see her find the love of running and join the ranks of all us crazies…..I hope we can all do a photo-op together!!! Hint hint…..

Friday, hubs and I got in a nice five miler. It was cold, but sunny and we decided to run to in our town forest and trek on some of the fun trails. We seriously have a playground around us. It’s nice to see the ice melting, can’t wait to get back to them on a regular basis. Running on trails is so different from the roads, every turn is a new surprise. As the seasons change you around you, you feel subtle differences in yourself as well. Hubs and I are working to intergrate core routines into our training. I found at Runner’s World, a great list of core exercises. I really want to add strength to my runs, something I can pull from when I’m feeling weaker at the VT100. During our run, we pondered life, did planks and bridges and were just goof balls. If you can’t bring fun into your training runs, then you are missing out. I want my runs to be focused but equally entertaining as well. It’s a great stress reliever out there, use your time on the trails to unwind. As I run, I feel the layers peel off and I begin to feel lighter….

Hubs pondering life……mid run…

Another site I’ve been following is Bigger than the trail. Tommy and his wife, Amber are raising awareness for mental health. One in five Americans suffer from mental illness, yet only one in 50 seek help. They are running the Bryce Canyon 100 miler in Utah and are raising $1 for every vertical foot of gain in the race, 18,000!! They are looking to improve the lives of others struggling with mental illness…wanting to stop the stigma of it and start changing the world together #biggerthanthetrail. Bigger Than The Trail partners with individuals to provide opportunities for education, support, and treatment. I received my pin, that I proudly wear on my running pack, a reminder to keep the conversation going. As a former sufferer of panic attacks (I now have tools to help me), I understand the impact it can have on one’s life. No one should suffer alone. Join the movement. Be the impact.

#biggerthanthetrail

Tidbits………

This is for the ladies….I’ve finally found a way to wear my hair running….drum roll please….the double ponytail!!! I suffer from migraines, so just the slight pull on my head will produce one. This is a way to achieve the ponytail, without the heavy weight on top of your head….phew. Another life hack checked off….

I was sad not to become a Tailwind Trailblazer for 2017, I think they had thousands apply. Kudos to all who made it, and thank you Tailwind for taking the time to reach out to all who applied personally, such a nice touch. I am such an advocate for their product, I won’t run without it in my water bottles. I love the Lemon and Mandarin Orange flavors the best. The VT50 last year was the first time I really ate throughout, and I accredited it to Tailwind. This will be my one and only hydration for all my races. End of story…..If you haven’t tried it yet… do…….you won’t be disappointed!

On a side note, the aroma of maple syrup is abundant in my kitchen right now. Hubs and our boys are boiling again today on our stove…who knew you could boil 2o+ gallons of sap inside the walls of your home?! Of course we haven’t seen our electric bill yet and there is a bunch of condensation pooling up on the ceiling…..but dang, that fresh syrup is yummy!

boiling…p.s. I want that hat!!

Lastly, InkNburn is holding a 30% off sale store wide. The discount will reflect in your cart. Great chance to stock up on some favorites! They are moving locations, making room for new designs….their clothes are happily Made in the USA and the only running clothes I love to wear!! Boom! Don’t forget to mention you heard it from your favorite InkNburn Ambassador, Krista