Alarm, Coffee, Run, Repeat

Not one to lament growing older, I have had to come to the stark realization that I am not 30 anymore. To quote the insert that came with my Native Deoderant purchase, "Take care of your body, it's the only place you have to live." Although I am not a doctor, I am pretty in tune with how my body feels; therefore, when something aches my motivation goes south quickly. Right now, my motivation is centered somewhere in Antarctica because my whole left hip, from lower back to knee, is aching like a tooth in need of a root canal. I would blame it on my dogs, but really it was just a freak moment when I jumped one direction as they jumped the other while playing in the driveway. A moment of fun has lead to roughly three months of on and off irritation. So, here I sit, looking up stretching and strength training exercises in order to address a pulled piriformus muscle that not only irritates me when I run but is putting a hitch in my get along when standing, sitting, or walki...

It's been a while since I last posted either before or after the alarm clock. I think I began to rebel against the very alarm clock that encouraged me to be up before dawn to listen to the sounds of the crickets and enjoy a cup of coffee that would bolster me into a run shortly after. I am not sure what happened but I believe that, even with all of the best of intentions, the structure of routine, while it can be liberating (because you always know when something will happen), it can also be stifling because there is no room for improvisation. Here's my thinking about why my routines fall apart. When I am not taking care of myself, I withdraw because I don't want to be judged for not sticking with my routines. I love to be around like minded people, who enjoy the same things I enjoy, but when I break from the routines (that I actually love and need for my own sanity) I don't want anyone to know and I retreat. I believe this is normal and I always come back around...

I am often confused when I see days that I take for granted listed as a 'National' day as if to be commemorated and then left for another year. I understand and even honored yesterday's National Running Day with my kiddos as we traveled our fairly quiet neighborhood by running shoe. It was a time for the three of us to see what has changed and grown and died in the course of time that has passed since they ran with me last. We took the opportunity to ask each other questions about our day, our respective school years, and about the myriad plans we have to both relax and avoid electronics this summer. I learned that they have become strong runners! But upon reflection, the kids and I have discussions like this everyday whether we run or not. I run almost daily, whether it's National Running Day or not. I want to ride my bike to work every day but can ill afford to get hit by a car driven by someone who is more interested in their cell phone than the road. In my humble ...

Sports bras, friends, family and runners all offer a slightly different level of support. In my most recent event, the Carlsbad Half Marathon, all if the above presented in droves to get me through my run. Sports Bra was there for me on the closest literal level. Supportive and comfortable, she neither chafes nor allows movement thus allowing me to focus on the pain in my knees and ankles so much better. However, I do not have to use the dreaded Body Glide because she knows me so well. Thanks Sports Bra for your daily attention and race ready attitude! Then friends are the next layer in the onion of my running life's suport. My friends wished me good luck all weekend and brought a smile to my face. They support my addiction even though they think I am a loon sometimes. Some of my friends run and some do not but they know how important running is to me and will always encourage me. They make me a better person for knowing them. Thank you friends!! My family has always considered...

I am addicted to running. Even on the days when I am taking a rest or I don’t want to get out of bed in the morning, running is still on my mind. I am constantly playing a game with myself to change it up; make it seem brand new. Like that new relationship feeling, or that new car smell, or the new shoe excitement. Running is the one relationship that I am not afraid to work on; we may take a break from each other for a spell but when we hook up again, it’s like we were never apart. Running will always leave me breathless with anticipation for the next fix. Endorphins are my friend. Keep running, Stacy

I am having so much fun training for my upcoming 1/2 marathon!! The Carlsbad Half is my favorite race because it’s on the coast, it’s flat and it’s fast!! I am running at all odd hours of the day to prepare but the weather is so amazing during the day that running at o’dark thirty is no longer necessary or agreeable! With the kids sound asleep at 4:45 AM, I was running on the hamster mill and grooving to my favorite Pandora station, when I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. I, of course, had a heart attack (because nothing moves in my house that early in the morning), until I realized it was my son. Apparently, the kids are now old enough that noise wakes them from their normally coma-like sleep. He said he had heard the treadmill and got up to see what I was doing. He didn’t know how early it was and so I sent him back to bed; however, my run was over, at least inside. I added some outer wear and cruised down the road but with it being really dark and a bit chilly, it wa...