Friday Five

Wow, I guess I took an unexpected hiatus to blogging . With work being super busy and getting ready for the holidays.
I am hoping to be back up and blogging regularly soon.
In the meantime , enjoy my Friday 5

1 Ran the Christmas Story 5k/10k in Cleveland 12/7 and loved it. My friend Stacie and I ran it for fun and not for time. Dressed as elves and I found out I love Ovaltine.

2. Why did it take me so long to fall in love with Starbucks. I love the skinny Peppermint Mocha

3. Participated int Sock Exchange with Third Time's a Charm. I received this lovely package from Judy Armfield from Kimberling City MO. Thank you I loved the package.

4. Participated in Frosty Frolic last weekend . We had quite a bit of snow that fell prior to the race. I ran for Team Compass.

5. We are done shopping and wrapping. Our Christmas Festivities begin tonight!! Let the celebrating begin.

Friday Five- Picture version

1.Walking down memory lane at Great Trail Girl Scout Camp on the last day it is open. Hiked 3 hrs with childhood friends Jen and Karen. Many memories and laughs shared that day.

2.Terri and I dressed up to hand out candy for Trick or Treat. We had a bowl fire since it was cold and had hot apple cider for the parents of trick or treaters.

3. I am the  pumpkin in the front. Running the Monster Dash 2013 10/27,I didn't realize till the other day that I got a PR with 26:05. I placed 4th in my age group.

4. The pumpkins Terri and I carved. She had fun this the drill making holes in her pumpkin.

5. I dressed as Pippi Longstocking for Halloween yesterday at work. Everyone loved my costume, Some people thought I was Wendy from Wendy's...lol

Strava Run App for IPhone review

Let's face it , there are a lot of running/GPS trackers or apps out there for us to use. How do we know which ones to use and how good are they?

I have used several apps over the course of a few years- Runtastic, Mapmyrun, Runkeeper , Live-strong and Endomondo. I finally settled into the Runkeeper and found that it fit my needs and was user friendly for me.I do not use a GPS watch since my phone is always on me when I run outside for safety measures.

I was asked to review a fairly new running app on my IPhone with Strava. At first I was reluctant to try another running app since I found one that was working but I decided to give it a try.I did use Strava at the same time as my other app to keep track of the miles on my current shoes.

The app is free on your Iphone or Android but you can upgrade to premium. I did my review based on the free version.

There is a big social aspect of this app with challenges with others on the Strava community,  tracking runs of your friends on Strava and joining challenges with other runners . It allows you to find other athletes and friends and lets you track their running or cycling activities.You can comment on others runs and achievements and vice versa. Strava also offers a separate cycling app.

The record area of the app is very simple to use. Just press the center red button and go. That simple. To pause just press the center button again. When you are finished there is a checker board button to the right of the center button. Press that and you are done.
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You can participate and compete with others across the nation who use the app. They vary from fastest time, to distance challenges.It ranks you and your effort during the challenge and how awesome would you feel if you were in the top percentile of thousands of other runners?

With this app you can keep track of all your runs with the details of distance, average pace ,elevation and calories burned. I loved how you can see your splits and pull up the map section during the run to see where you are, how far you have went and where you have to go yet.

This app has a lot to offer even without the upgrading to premium.With premium you can pay $5.99/month or $59.99/year. You then will get real time segments a, pace zone analysis , suffer score (how hard you are working to how hard you think you are doing) and leader board to see where you stack up against others.

Pros

Monthly challenges
Fast GPS signal
Connect with other for support and motivation
Map and measure your progress
Ability to see where you rank against others
Easy to navigate site/app
Easy to manually add activity(when you run inside on dreadmill)
Easy to change activity to walk , hike, etc
Runs well with other apps at the same time

Cons

None that I can think of


Overall I am pleased with this app and it just might become my go to app for running and keeping track of my miles/runs. I found this app to be reliable, accurate and easy to use.I like the social aspects and challenges that other apps do not offer.


Go visit Strava or find it on your IPhone or android to download. Give it a try, I do not think you will be disappointed.

Three for Thursday

1. Look what I found at the local GW store and at first did not buy it but I kept thinking about it and wanting it. So Terri was kind enough to go back and get it for me. A vintage Ben Cooper Strawberry Shortcake costume. Not sure if I will modify it to wear it or just wear the mask and adapt some other clothing to make it fit.

2. I signed up for my first trail series race. I know I will be running it slower but I am going to enjoy it and have fun with it. OhioOutside trail series. We get a hoodie and on each race we get a beer glass!!

3. Happy Fall

Medical Scare

I have been distracted lately... a lot...my mind has been else where.

Why because I was dealing with some swollen lymph nodes and the surgeon scheduled me for a lymph node biopsy and rule out lymphoma that throws your world through a loop.

Tuesday morning I went to the OP surgery center. I was soo nervous....beyond belief.
Putting on my best smile.

On the upside, I got to try out my new spectacles from Zenni....LOVE them and the price for them.

The procedure went well and the nurses and surgeon were great. Tuesday night was rough with some pain. The incision was in the crook of my neck. I took Wed off work because of lack of sleep and just didn't feel great.

Back to work Thursday . I went in to the office and knew I had a long day starting at 730am all the way through a meeting into the night that lasted till 730pm. What made my day better? Getting a call from the surgeon saying that the pathology report was negative!!!!!

~~Happy Dance Happy Dance~~~

Such a weight lifted off my shoulders and Terri and my loved ones. We were so worried.

What now?
Well I have to wait till next Tuesday to run, yes I am counting the days.
I am signing up for the Christmas Story 10K in Cleveland that runs to the Christmas Story home and back and you can get a medal with a leg lamp on it.!!
Also looking at some other runs and races for the fall.
I am also trying out a new App on my IPhone ..Strava, Have you tried it yet? If not here is the link Strava

What races are you running?

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Fitness Survey

It’s Fitness Survey time! Thanks to Sara at She cooks, She crafts , She runs for hosting.

1. What type of workout have you not tried but want to? PX90.
2. Favorite song(s) to workout to. 80's anything
3. What is one thing on your list of fitness things to accomplish? Under 26 for a 5K
4. Favorite Sports Bra. Any that hold these babies tight.
5. What piece of fitness advice would you give someone just starting out? Enjoy it. Start slow and build up. 
6. What is your favorite thing about Fall sports? (increased training, races, etc) Races and  love running in the cooler weather.
7. Does your pace improve as the weather cools down? By how much? Yes, it does , maybe 30 secs faster, not exactly sure.
8. Does your schedule change with cooler temperatures? Do you run more? Longer distances? No schedule change except maybe more afternoon runs and not early morning. Still gun shy to run in the dark after my broken ankle last year. I do run more and tend to pick up the distance.
9. How much, if any, does your attire change with cooler temps? At what temperature do you begin to layer? Probably 40′s-50′s I’m in pants or capris, with a long sleeve. 20′s-30′s I’m in a jacket as well, with gloves and sometimes a hat. Below that and I am wearing a fleece pullover and lined pants.
10. What is the best time of day for your workouts? I love early morning runs. It is quiet, less crowded and it just feels good.
11. Post a picture of your most recent workout. 
    
    
    
    
    

Holy Moly

It is September 10th and it is 96 degrees outside. I was in the office early today for meetings on the Wellness program and out later than usual. I was hoping to get a run in today but it is humid, so I will go first thing in the morning with lower temps. It is supposed to be another hot one Wednesday and then back down to normal temperature the rest of the week into the 60's.

Terri and I started the Fall Hiking Spree in our area this past weekend. We have one hike down and we are hoping to get in a few more this weekend with lower temps. Terri is looking forward to getting her first hiking staff and I am anxious to get a new staff shield.

Signed up yesterday for a 5K on Sunday. I missed running it last year as we were on a cruise! The year before in 2011, I placed 1st in Athena division and also 3rd in my age group. I am excited to run it this year knowing that my speed has improved even more so and I am a more knowledgeable runner.

Work is picking up and I am researching on getting my certification in Personal Training and also Nutritional education. Those combined with my nursing degree and also Holistic Health Advisory Certification I will be set with the Health and Wellness Advisor position that I am doing right now.

I recently agreed to give a new Running GPS site a try, Strava Running. If any of you are on there, friend me at Jen Ressler or leave me your sign on to friend you.

More to come on my opinions on Strava after I give it a nice try. 

Friday Quiz

Rachel- passed along this quiz . Join me in answering on your own blog post if you wish



1. Who is your running shoe twin? I am not sure, I used to wear Mizuno Wave Riders but after Achilles tendinitis, I switched to more support with Brooks Adrenaline. 

2. When do you pause your watch on a run? I don't wear a watch. I use Run keeper on my phone and rarely pause it. 

3. What is worse – being called a jogger or hearing someone call a 5K a “marathon”? Being called a jogger. I am a runner. Period. Whether I run slow or fast , I am a runner.

4. What is your preferred running shorts inseam length? I do not heart booty shorts. Must cover some of my inner thighs.

5. Spitting when you run – gross or necessary or neither? Ohh necessary! I am  a spitter or extra saliva, not snot rockets or hockers. Just extra  saliva.

6. What is more exciting randomly seeing a friend on a run, or hitting a goal pace/workout? Randomly seeing a friend on the run

7. What has been your worst running injury (something that happened on a run or something caused by running)? It would have to be breaking my ankle Oct 2012 when I was on an early morning run and either hit a rut in the road or slipped on wet leaves about 1 mile into my run. Rolled my ankle and went down. I got up , walked it off some and finished for a 3 mile run. Later could not walk on it and swelled to the size of half a softball.
Not running for few months.

8. What is your perfect running temp? Anywhere from 40-60's. Fall is the best weather time for me.

9. Do you follow a running plan or make your own? I pretty much run to the beat of my own feet...LOL

10. Preference – treadmill, road, groomed trail, or technical trail? Road or groomed trail/towpath.



Happy Friday

My Road ID Review

Recently I was given the opportunity to review Road ID  product of my choice. I have wanted one for awhile and just procrastinated on get Road ID even though I thought it was a good idea

We all know safety is a big deal for runners. It is a dangerous place out there sometimes and being safe is so important.

Source-Road ID

I was sent an E Gift card to go online and personalize my own Road ID.

I immediately went online and got started.  The site was really easy to navigate and there were several options to choose from.  I chose the wrist ID sport because I thought I would use it most.  I started to build my ID by measuring my wrist with a dollar like instructed, chose my size and went on to the next step, filling in all kinds of information!  I wasn't really sure what I wanted to put in here, I mean there is a lot to choose from, but the site gave perfect examples of what to put, how to abbreviate things and gave suggestions I wouldn't have thought of.  AND you can see what it will look like while you type.

Source-Road ID

Source - Road ID

Once I was done filling everything out (including my name, city, birth year, 3 emergency contact phone numbers, and any allergies or medical history I might have), I got a preview and hit submit.  The site said it would take 7 – 10 days to get to my house. It came pretty quick.

I have since worn it on every run ! It is very comfortable and I love the feel and knowing I am safe. It doesn't rub and takes pretty quick to dry from my sweaty skin. I have not noticed that it holds odors either.

Here is the back side of my ID, since I do not want to show my personal information. The straps come in a variety of colors to chose from and you can even just order extra straps if you want to be fashionable and change out every once in awhile!

I also got a  Road ID visor which has a lot of reflective materials for safety and the cool max material for quick drying. I was unsure on the elastic strap in the back and no adjust ability but it is actually very comfortable . It has become my go to visor now!

Per Road ID: 

The Road ID Visor, custom made by Headsweats, is based on the most popular visor design in the triathlon market. Made from COOLMAX® fabric, this sweet-looking lid wicks away moisture for optimum comfort and performance. And at only 1.3 ounces, you don’t have to worry about it weighing you down. As an added safety feature for those of you training at dusk or dawn, we integrated highly-reflective piping around the front bill and sides of the hat to help motorists see you in the dark. One size fits all.

During my order I also purchased  a Road ID as a gift for Terri , so when she is bike riding she will feel safe and secure as well.

I am so happy with my Road ID and feel blessed to have been able to get my ID and do a review for them.

I recommend Road ID to all my active friends and family who walk, run, bike, and swim. What ever activity you do, stay safe and get a Road ID!

Visit Road ID website - Road ID

Facebook -Facebook-Road ID

Twitter- Twitter-Road ID

**I was given this product free in exchange for my review. Thoughts and opinions are all my own and I was not required to give a positive feedback**

Picture update/recap

I figured this post would be a pictorial update on what I have been doing

My friend and running buddy Carri and I ran the Stark Parks 5K on August 10th. I figure with still coming back after Achilles tendinitis that finishing at 28:02 is pretty good.

Terri and I decided to go camping for a few days this past week. It was nice weather with no chances of rain and warmer than it has been. It has been a weird summer for Ohio. The temperature was actually in the 70's this past week!! Woot. We read, biked, kayaked and just relaxed.

 Love this view!

 Camp food is oh so good!

Kool-Aide Man visiting Terri at camp!

How cool that the playground had Teether Ball.

So my running is getting better and the Achilles Tendinitis is is going away as well. I feel some soreness in the other heel but I am doing exercises and stretches to assist. I also have a massage coming up to assist.

I am running a 10K in a couple weeks that I am excited about. I will be pacing Carri on her first 10K. The Hall of Fame City Challenge should be a good one.I am looking forward to running through downtown Canton, where I spent some years growing up.  I won an entry to the race through their Facebook page! Thank you Hall of Fame City Challenge. I am grateful to be able to pace my running buddy ! Maybe next year I can do the Half marathon.

Out of hiding

Not that I meant to stay away and hide from the blogging world recently.

Just seemed like a lot going on and no real itch to blog.

House is up for sale and on the market. We have an open house this weekend, so we have been busy working on the house and getting it ready.

I am released to run again but slow increase of one of the following each week- distance, intensity or frequency.

I went to Fleet Feet for a new pair of shoes. Not sure about them yet, and they say I have moved out of neutral shoe to one with more support since I pronate. I feel more sore in them after I run than I did with my neutrals , but will try one more run to see what happens. Maybe I just need to get used to them.

I have a few items to review and write about coming up as well. I am excited to share about these products.

Going, Going, Going

Yes, that is right I think my Achilles tendinitis is going , going, going and soon to be gone.

After one week of different running form, flat running surface and no more than 3 miles every other day,
I think the recovery is going well . I am less discouraged and more enthusiastic about how my tendinitis is doing.

I was even able to run a 2 mile race on Independence Day. Now I did not push myself and still ran it in 19 minutes. I did not know there was hills so I walked up the larger hill.  If I was not injured I can only imagine what I could do. I feel the speed in me and want to release it but the injuries hold me back at times.

I have an appointment with the physical therapist on Wednesday to see how I am doing and I will ask when I can increase speed, mileage and elevation. I know I need to follow their return to running plans and be good!

I have a couple races in my future I want to do. The one I signed up for was the Run to the Wall 5k . Terri, my sister ,niece and sister in law are walking it and I will be running. It funds a local Veteran's Memorial Park. Run to the Wall 5K/10K

I am also hoping to run with my friend Carri on her first 10 in September at the Hall of Fame City Challenge I want to pace her and support her through this run!! I also was to run the July 28th Pro Football Hall of Fame 5miler, there is a Stark in the Park 5k In Navarre as well. All of these are up in the air, depends on how my recovery continues.

Pity Party

So I haven't blogged for a bit about what is going on with me ....why I am having a pity party.

After my Half Marathon in April I knew my Achilles tendon was sore. I gave it a rest while I traveled to Georgia with my sister. I started running again but  it just didn't feel 100%. I knew around Memorial Day weekend that I had something going on. I did a 6+ mile run on 5/26 . The next run on 5/28 I stopped soon into my run because my gait was off and I hurt. I placed myself on running hiatus to rest.
Speed ahead, I saw Sports Medicine 6/12/2013 and I have Achilles tendinitis. I started working with Physical therapy  6/18/13 and I am wearing a night splint. I am being diligent with exercises on my own. On 6/21 Physical therapy stated the tendinitis is not as bad and I am feeling no pain or tightness, even with running drills. I was given the ok to run 1-1.5 miles that weekend and a couple times in the week and see them back on 6/28.
This weekend we worked on home repairs- Saturday we painted the garage and garage door- lots of climbing the ladder time. Sunday I ran 1.5 miles and it felt good. Home for more work and painting-front and side doors with more ladder time. I was sore by the end of the evening but not bad. Monday my tendon was stiff but not sore. Tuesday I woke up feeling good and went for 1 miles run....then it started to hurt. Grrr. Walked back to car. All day Tuesday it hurt and was stiff. Did my exercises, iced after my run.
I am feeling very frustrated and discouraged.
Today it is better just slightly stiff. More exercises. Still discouraged and just want to run again. Run long and hard, even in the heat and humidity...I wouldn't even complain. I see races I want to run but can't commit because I don't know when I will be running again.
I want to cry because I cannot run right now. Big sigh.
Just plain old having a pity party today.

Friday Old School

A. Attached or Single? Attached 

B. Best Friend? My best friend Jessica from high school. But I also would say my partner Terri, and my friend Lori.

C. Cake or pie? Hoho cake and banana cream pie

D. Day of choice? Sunday...it is usually a long run day and then relaxing

E. Essential Item? Coffee! Oh and my toothbrush

F. Favorite color? Depends on my mood- either earthy browns,greens and oranges or neon 80's colors.

G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy bears.

H. Home town? Magnolia Ohio

I. Favorite Indulgence? Frozen Yogurt shops

J. January or July? I would have to say July, January in Ohio can be bitter cold.

K. Kids? Do fur kids count? My cats are my kids

L. Life isn’t complete without? Friends

M. Marriage date? Not married

N. Number of brothers/sisters? 2 brothers, 1 step brother, 1 sister and 1 stepsister. 

O. Oranges or Apples? Apples are my go to fruit

P. Phobias? Heights, -mostly on a ladder . Snake....I can't stand them

Q. Quotes?  My favorite is 

R. Reasons to smile? Terri, friends, family, life

S. Season of choice? Fall- I love the colors, the smells and the fact that life is shedding its skin and rebirthing in the spring

T. Tag 5 People. Anyone who would like to, please feel free to keep the survey going!

U. Unknown fact about me? I have a great Horror movie scream, not many hear it as people would call the police thinking something is wrong.

V. Vegetable? I love vegetables...all of them

W. Worst habit? I have a tendency to stay things like 3 times when trying to get someones attention...like " Wait wait wait"

X. Xray or Ultrasound? Neither :/

Y. Your favorite food? Avocados, new kick is overnight oats in a jar

Z. Zodiac sign?  Scorpio.

Friday Fun

1.  On average how many races do you run a year? Probably 5-6 a year

2.  Head accessories, things you have to run with:  a hat, a visor, sunglasses, chapstick, sunscreen, head band, ponytail, braids, sweat band?  Usually a hat or visor or headband, I wear a small belt for my cellphone and fuel if a longer run.

3.  Where do your workouts come from?  A training plan, a coach, whatever you feel like doing that day or what your training partner is doing that day? Whatever I feel like doing . Long runs usually on Sat or Sunday with my running partner Michael.

4.  How many miles on average do you put on a pair of shoes? 300-400. I usually feel when they need changed out.

5.  Cell phone=  do you bring it with you on your run or leave it at home? Always with me.

6.  What was your last running related injury or have you been an injury free runner? In October I broke my ankle while running. Right now nursing some Achilles tendinitis.

7.  Is your current running goal about running a farther distance (adding more mileage) or getting faster or BOTH?!? Getting faster. Sometimes it is both. I would love to push beyond the 13 miles.

8.  Speedwork—->  at the track, on the treadmill, on the roads or never do it? On the roads

9.  Stretching after a run:  hit the ground after a run and get stretching, stretch in the shower, stretch once you get to work/school, skip the stretching? I try to stretch after a run but a lot of times I just keep moving on things and forget to stretch.

10.  What was your reason(S) for starting to run?  To lose weight and to see if I could run because I thought that I couldn't. 

Wordless Wednesday...almost

Happy National Running Day!
I am running in spirit since I am still on hiatus from running till seen my Sports Medicine MD.

Wordless Wednesday

Pic Post

I want this shirt BAD!

Wearing my new Run Happy shirt

Terri setting off on a bike ride as I do a 7 mile run.

Mom and I at Mother's Day! I had to teach her silly face picture taking!