National Running Day

Happy National Running Day!

In honor of today, I completed day 10 of the RW Run Streak:

Then cooled down in the pool:

And pampered my muscles in the hot tub:

I am so glad to be a runner. Running gives me mental reprieve when I need it most, constantly allows me to prove to myself all that I'm able to accomplish, forces me to challenge myself, and keeps my body healthy.

For more on why I run, here's some recommended reading:

My mini memoir...the first mile
Addiction and Cure
Burning Up What is False
The Truth About Effort
I'm Not Crying...

Why are you glad to be a runner?

What did you do to celebrate NRD?

ABK

Day 9 (RWRunStreak)

Just a quick post because I had to share my enthusiasm. Today was one of those mornings when I almost didn't get up for my run. I was so tired, and it was nice and dark in my room, a sure sign that it was cloudy out.

But I reminded myself that this streak is for no one but myself, that I could sleep through my workout if I wanted to. But in the end, I'd be letting myself down. And now, a quarter of the way into the streak, I just couldn't let myself miss a day based on something as lame as a comfy bed.

There are days I may have to miss because of flights and wedding festivities, but today was not one of those days. With no excuse to fall back on, I got myself going.

I'm so glad I went. I kept up negative splits, and for the first time on an outdoor run during this streak, I pushed past the one mile minimum.

The gloom outside gave way to just the right amount of drizzle. I felt motivated, strong, and exuberant the entire time. It was one of those perfect, feel good, Good-with-a-capital-G runs. I'm so glad I went.

How do you motivate yourself to get your workout in?
When's the last time you had a Good run?

ABK

Running Outfits & Staycations

Packing for a trip with running on my mind is an interesting endeavor. Usually, I would just throw my favorite running clothes into my suitcase without having to consider what I've worn recently, because when I'm taking rest days between runs, there's time for one last load of laundry. But the Runner's World run streak has certainly thrown a wrench into my usual plan.

It's only day 1 and I'm already lobster-red. I reapplied sunscreen three times!

Running everyday means my two pairs of compression sleeves aren't enough; my three favorite running outfits need to be packed, but I'm also running the day before (and the day of) the beginning of my trip...so that means I have to wear a non-favorite backup outfit before we leave.

Am I the only one who has these? A running outfit that's comfortable and works well but just isn't the best? It's just not your favorite thing to wear?

Backup plan B. (I swear, someday I'll clean this room.)

My "plan B" outfit is a white sleeveless top and pink Puma shorts. The top is weirdly modest; I love singlets, but this top is high-cut at the neck and is just a slightly heavier material than a race singlet, so it's not as nice to wear. The shorts are one of my favorite styles - I have the same pair in black and adore them - but for some reason this shade of pink makes me feel so frivolous. I love me some pink, but something about the shade and the style together just makes me feel silly.
 

Plan C...These shorts scream 80s aerobics video, no?

 My "plan C" outfit is spandex bike shorts and a running top from Target. I actually prefer this top to the white one, but because it's so fitted, I think it makes the pink shorts look even poofier than they are. (Lots of thought has to go into this...maybe I should just start buying more of my favorites, even though they're expensive.)

If I'm in the position of wearing these clothes, I probably also have to forgo wearing my calf sleeves, and I might find myself wearing regular Hanes socks. Like I said, these articles of clothing are perfectly fine for running. They fit well, they're actual running clothes, etc. But this is definitely an "all my clothes are dirty or otherwise occupied" wardrobe choice.

My favorite running outfits include my Saucony Hydralite singlets, my Puma or Nike shorts (black bottoms are key), compression sleeves or socks by ProCompression, and Thorlo Experia socks.

I approve!

Internet is going to be hit-and-miss for the remainder of the week, so here's some random stuff to end this post on:

1. My sister ran her first race since November's Turkey Trot; she's been doing CrossFit, but hasn't been running. She destroyed her 5k time, coming in around 25 minutes and placing 2nd in her AG! I guess there really is something to say for cross-training.

Hey, whatever gets you moving...

The spirit of a race really gets to her...So sensitive!

2. I was worried I'd have to break my run streak for two reasons. First, I was having some hip pain; that went away, luckily. Then, I got that fantastic sunburn pictured above. While it hurt to put on my running clothes and get moving, today's run was one of my best. I felt strong, kept my pace uncomfortable, and added some distance. This is definitely the longest streak I've ever been on, and it's having the desired effects of turning running back into a habit for me, improving my running fitness, and getting me into a routine before marathon training begins.

Booya!

3. Matt's and my staycation continues this week. We've already enjoyed a full day of beachy goodness, family, and games. As an introvert, this can be very overwhelming and exhausting for me, but so far it's been simply delightful.

Enjoying the sunet.

Nothing better.

Do you prefer the beach or the pool? 
Do you like to vacation where it's warm or cold?
Anyone have a fool-proof sunburn treatment to share? I usually do ibuprofen, lots of water, and aloe, but my usual cure doesn't seem to be helping.

ABK