Friday, February 13, 2015

L-O-V-E


This week's Friday Five link-up, hosted by the DC Trifecta, is all about love...and in this past week, I've really learned how much love I have in my life. I could go on and on about how grateful I am for all the people in my life. Everyone that I know has helped me navigate a very difficult time.

But because this is a running blog, I decided to write about some of fitness-related things I am loving lately. And because I really want to stay positive!

1. I am absolutely loving the Sweatpink #TaketheLeap and #bringingbackyoga challenges. It's no secret how much I love yoga. I have been doing yoga for 17 years--since my oldest son was born. But now I get to share that love with all my Facebook and Instagram friends. It's been fun doing the daily poses and even more fun photographing them. I've never seen myself doing yoga, and while some of the poses look pretty good, others make me cringe! Here's me in Hanumanasana aka front splits, a pose which I haven't posted yet, but wanted you to see just how tight those hamstrings really are: 

Rock on Hanuman!
Anyways this challenge has been fun and has put a smile on my face every day, even lately, when I haven't had a lot to smile about. Although I won't lie, deciphering some of the poses has been tricky. IMHO, the sequence of poses is a little odd.



2. Can I also say how much I love the longer days? The sun is peeking out when I wake up at 6 am, and it's setting slowly when I leave work after 5. And even though we have a lot of snow on the ground, it's disappearing thanks to the warmth of the February sun. Although, as I write this, it's 11 degrees out. Mother Nature still likes to mess with us, doesn't she? We get a few teaser days here and there, and it's those days when I take it outside that I really get to fly. And I do love to run fast!


3. After much discussion with my husband, I made the very difficult decision to pull out of the Sarasota Half Marathon. Going to Florida to run, while we are dealing with my son's issues is probably not the best idea. Today, I sent an email to the race director explaining my situation and asking if there was the opportunity to defer the race or run virtually. I received THE NICEST response I could ever imagine. Can I say how much I love this race director? They will allow me to defer if I want, and offered to mail me my race packet. And this quote: "Everything in life is a marathon and not a sprint." I won't lie and say that I'm happy about this, but the kindness of the race director sure softened the blow of having to DNS. I will definitely try to run this one in the future. As my friend Marcia says, "unfinished business". 


4. And I love that I found another race to run that weekend here at home. Since I have been training and am prepared to race, I was unhappy with the idea of a DNS. The Get Lucky half marathon is on March 14 and it is not sold out. They also have the option of mailing my race packet. Can you say win? Even better, I love that my friends Karen and Sara will be there. I call that a huge win. Making lemonade out of lemons. The glass is half full. Ok, so the race in is Chicago, and it will probably be about 45 degrees. But there's green beer at the finish line. Get lucky? I think I did. In some small way.

Well..there's that. But only if they fold too...
5. Finally and totally superficial, I went to Marshalls today to soothe myself with some retail therapy. I love Marshalls and TJMaxx for my running gear and I was rewarded with another really cute Mondetta fleece lined top and a super cute RBX tank. Both bargains. I'm modeling the tank in the yoga picture above. The price? $9.99. And that is definitely something to love!

Happy Valentines Day to all my virtual friends near and far!  

















I'm also linking with Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday!

33 comments :

  1. Another (virtual) hug to you, Dear Friend :-) I've never had to pull a DNS, but I can sympathize how difficult it would be. Glad you found another race!!! (I'm also racing on March 14th...doing a Leprechaun Chase 10K) and it's also my birthday (and Karen's, FYI). There will be lots to celebrate in our green attire <3

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    1. We can race together virtually! And celebrate your birthday with a green beer (ugh)!

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  2. Oh, my gosh, Wendy! I hope you have a wonderful race this weekend; that's a great surprise! I love that the days are finally starting to get a little longer, too; such a relief! Have a great weekend and a wonderful Valentine's Day!

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    1. It's actually a month from now but I'm so glad that I found a race to fill the void.

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  3. I'm sorry to hear about your race, but agree you've made the best choice. What a wonderful attitude you have, my friend. Sending big love and hugs!

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    1. Trying, trying, trying...I can't lie and say I'm happy about it, but it felt like the right thing to do. The things we do for our kids, right?

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  4. How great is that RD? I'm sorry you have to do it, though, but respect you for making that choice. I'm glad you are enjoying the yoga challenge--I SHOULD be doing that!

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    1. I was really surprised by his response. You just never know. :)

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  5. I have absolutely been loving this challenge so much too and it has felt great to do at least a little bit of yoga every single day. I think I may have to keep it up even after the 30 days are over!

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  6. That is so cool about the Sarasota half. I would never have thought to ask. Glad you are able to run one locally so you don't waste your traiing. I love Marshall too but I have to stay away. I have enough running gear.

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  7. I'm so glad you found another half on the same weekend! The race director for Sarasota went above and beyond. How very nice. Hopefully, you can finish that business next year.

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    1. I'm so glad I get to put my training to work. At least it wasn't a total wash.

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  8. Retail therapy is the best! I am loving all of your yoga pics! Very inspiring

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  9. yes to the days getting longer - it really makes me happy! :)

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    1. Even tho it's super cold, it reminds me that there are better days coming!

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  10. I have got to find real running heart candies like that..lol. I have noticed longer days too and it makes me excited for what is to come!

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    1. I wonder if there are candies like that! I'd hand them out to all my running friends!

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  11. We will bond over our love of running and yoga :) I wish I had a race to run this weekend. Enjoy the run!

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    1. Absolutely! BTW, the race is March 14. I'm looking forward to it!

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  12. Yay for being able to defer! That is great news. I NEED to scour Marshalls and TJ's for these deals you speak of. Nice haul. I DO love the strengthening sun....when we see it that is...

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    1. The best Marshalls is in Mt Prospect, next to LA Fitness. But the AH one had lots of stuff!

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  13. Happy Heart day to you! You have been on my mind so I hope you are ok- I am sorry to hear about the Florida trip (because it is beautiful here) but I am glad you found another race to run close to home. I hope the running is helping. I was working most of the week in West Palm Beach and scored a long sleeve dry wick Nike running shirt- $9!! I too love a bargain- take care!

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    1. We're still coming to the Sunshine State, but only for a week. I was going to come by myself the first week, but clearly, not a good idea. Our weather is brutally cold right now.

      Thanks for your kind thoughts! :)

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  14. Your yoga has been awesome! I had no idea you had been doing it for so long! My hamstrings are so tight as well it's hard to nail some of those poses! I'm sorry to hear you had to drop out of the race, but the response from the race director is awesome. It's very rare that you encounter that! Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's day!

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    1. I've enjoyed your yoga poses too! I'm definitely hamstring challenged. It's a continual work in progress!

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  15. Sorry to hear about your race. Hope you had a great Valentine's weekend. It is always nice to find deals at TJMaxx, Home Goods etc.

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    1. It's ok. Life always has a way of letting you know who's really in charge.

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  16. I saw a couple of other bloggers mention the days getting longer, too! As much as I love snow, knowing that we're on the downside of winter makes me happy.

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