Can't Stop, Won't Stop!

Hot enough for you? This week, Mother Nature unleashed a fury of scorching, steamy weather on top of what has been an already hot summer for us Midwesterners. While a few weeks back I wrote a post about embracing the summer heat, loving these conditions is a challenge for even the most summer loving of us!

But you know the mantra: the weather might be hot but the workouts don't stop!

Ok, I just made that up.

But truly, the workouts haven't stopped. I just can't, you know....

Book Review: Boston Bound

How many of us have that one pinnacle event, that must-do marathon, that bucket list race? For me, it was the Big Sur International Marathon. For Elizabeth Clor, that race was the Boston Marathon. But as many runners know, even if training runs are on the mark, qualifying isn't as easy as it would seem. In her memoir Boston Bound, Clor chronicles her journey through multiple marathons as she attempts to slay the demons that kept her from lining up at what most long distance runners consider to be the ultimate race of marathoning.

A LIfe Without Running...

Imagine if you will, a life without running.

Maybe you can.

I've given it some thought. I've had a tough go of it this summer. I've finally conceded to this relentless PF and pulled back on my mileage and my pacing. By doing so, I've lost a lot of fitness. Combine that with the heat and humidity of summer and my runs have been really tough.

I miss those easy 8-10 milers that I normally run on the weekends.

I miss the fast paced 5-6 milers I bust out during the week.

I miss training for a race.

Right now, I'm happy if I can finish 4 miles without stopping to walk.

I blame the weather and PF but is there more contributing to my problems with running?

Is this the inevitable slowdown that comes with aging? Can I accept that? Should I just hang up my shoes?

People do stop running as they get older. The proof is in the numbers. When I moved from the 45-49 age group into my current old lady group, the drop in the number of participants was dramatic. Arthritis happens. All that wear and tear on the joints takes a toll.

Staying Grounded, Staying Afloat

Life has been full of ups and downs this summer.

Thankfully, I've got running and yoga to keep me grounded. And I've always got my sense of humor to keep me moving forward.

It's been a really full week and there's lots to read here...

I could not get my legs all the way up this time!

Running Treasure Hunt!

It's August. And it's hot. I don't know about you but I don't feel motivated to do much of anything this time of year. I just want to lay in a hammock somewhere, on the beach, reading a trashy novel.

But I'm a runner, dammit! So I've been doing what runners do this time of year, slogging along, trying to get some miles in, and posting sweaty selfies. Last week while suffering through one of my runs, I couldn't help but notice all kinds of interesting things along the roadside. After I run by, I think about those things I see and the story behind them. Since my lack of ambition has extended to the blog, those thoughts about roadside treasure inspired a theme custom-made for the lazy running blogger.

Maybe the heat has affected my brain, but I thought, why not host a running treasure hunt! Yes! We all see interesting things on the run, right? While interesting may be in the eye of the beholder, I think it's fun to see what other people find along the route. I've got a link up at the bottom of this post so you can share your post. You don't have to be a blogger. You can post your Instagram, Facebook, or blog URL in the link up.

The rules are simple. After you link up, please visit at least 2-3 others to share the love. I do ask is that you link back to this post. There's a graphic at the bottom of the post you can use if you'd like. Feedback is always welcome!

Running Captivated

Fully 99% of my runs are outside. If you live in the northern part of the US, you know that running outside any time of year can be a challenge. We experience the most extremes of weather--from the polar vortex to heat that has been described as hell. I may adjust my schedule in accordance with the conditions, but the only conditions that force me to run on my treadmill are ice and lightning. When my boys were little, sometimes I had no choice but to run inside. Life happens. But it's those runners who choose to run on the treadmill--I may not understand you, but I'm not judging you.

It's just that treadmill running is just so darned boring. What is there to look at while you are running on the treadmill? The TV?

Quite often I lose myself in my runs because the scenery is so captivating. Where I live and run, the scenery isn't so spectacular, but year round, Mother Nature comes through with rewards almost every morning. For the last couple of years, I've attempted to capture what I see on my runs.

Time For To Play

Wouldn't it be nice if we could always be on vacation?

After a short jaunt to the north woods last weekend, it was back to work with Becky and back to work for reals. Another trip to the ER with Matthew, this time for anaphylaxis. Scared and shaken, but he's ok.

All of which threatened to shake my resolve to stay positive. And that's all I'm going to say about that. Instead, I'm going to focus on our fun, active getaway. 

And just keep on running...

The title of this post is a lyric from a Jimmy Buffett song, The Weather is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful.