New Beginnings

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Chris

January! Always the first month of the year. We can truly leave the old year behind and look forward to new beginnings and possibilities for the current one that has just begun. This year I was more than ever to say “Good Bye” to the old year. A year that ended with such an immense loss for us.

January was the first full month we lived without Nelson and although we have (more or LESS!!!) adjusted to not having him by our side at all times, it has not been easy. The raw pain we felt right after he died has eased but we miss him constantly. I don’t cry every day anymore but it still does not take much to get me tearing up, especially when I come across something I am not expecting (a video of him on our camera taken just days before he passed away), or when someone asks about him. The mother of one of my best friends said it best: “Time does not actually heal wounds, it just allows them to scab over. And every scab can be ripped off at a moment’s notice!” I know that for some it is hard to understand that I could grieve over a dog like I do, but to us Nelson was truly a family member and the pain of losing him is just as great as losing a human one.

Our friends and neighbors keep asking if we will get another dog. Eventually we will, but for now we need to let our hearts heal and fulfill some travel plans. The last two years of his life we did not want to leave Nelson for extended periods of time as he was getting older and frailer, even though we had wonderful friends who looked after him lovingly. We had really only gone away for long weekends at the most and would love to travel more frequently and extensively now that we don’t have the responsibility of a furry friend at home. We will know when the time is right and we are able to love another but for now we will take a break and enjoy our friends’ dogs and cat.

The winter so far has been nothing but brilliant weather wise and January brought us temperatures in the mid 80s. I am not complaining!

I took a trip up to Santa Barbara to see my friend Wendy graduate with her Ph.D. from the school I used to work at. I am so incredibly proud of her as she had to overcome many obstacles to reach this admirable achievement. It was nice to see former co workers, some of whom are wonderful friends.

Talking of wonderful friends, one of our “oldest” came to visit us for two weeks. I met Barry on Thanksgiving Day in 1987 and David has known him even longer. For a while we lived close to each other and saw each other regularly, but then he moved to Tuscany (I KNOW!!!). It was nice to catch up and spend time together and we made plans to visit him this summer (I KNOW!!!).

And to wrap up a month of friendships and (re)connections, I went to my friend Hayley’s baby shower this past weekend. I met Hayley through Team in Training in Santa Barbara and have loved her from the day I met her. I actually knew her husband, Nick, before I knew Hayley and I could not be more thrilled that they are expecting their first child, a son, who is due in April. I cannot wait to meet Baby Mullen and a trip to NYC, where they live now, is planned. It was a lovely even with fabulous (running) friends, friends I love dearly even if I do not see them that much any more.

And speaking of running: I felt great all month, even ran through a short cold without feeling crappy. I have to believe that Nellie’s gentle soul was shining down on me. Let’s hope February will continue on this track.

Total Distance:	230.52 miles
Total Time:	51:39:22 min
Run Distance:	186.4 miles
Run Time:	23:44:22 min
Walk Distance:	44.12 miles
Walk Time:	14:55:00 min

Shortest run: 5 miles
Longest run: 6.8 miles
Average speed: 7:38 min/miles
Strength & Endurance: 9 hours
Spinning: 3 hours

Today’s Running Tip: Running with a cold!

Even though this has been a mild winter nation wide so far, cold and flu season always brings up the question: “Can I run while sick?” The rule of thumb is that if your symptoms are below the neck (chest cold, bronchial infection, body ache) you should take a break from running and rest until you are well again. If your symptoms are above the neck (runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing) you can continue with your workouts.

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It’s a Wrap

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Chris

Well, here we are again: the beginning of a brand new year. New beginnings. Filled with promises. 2011 was a tough year, both personally and in general. I have yet to meet someone who was not more than ready and happy that it came to an end.

I am not one who likes to hold on to the past too much or reminisce days gone by, so the obligatory Year in Review is not going to happen here. But you can always look at it here if you wish!

Personally, the biggest event of last year was the loss of Nelson in early December. Life without him is getting a bit easier but the void he left is ever present. A few of our friends and neighbors have asked us if we will get a new dog. Eventually we will, but only when the time is right and our hearts are open to love another. We will allow as much time to pass as necessary before we bring a new furry friend into our home and the meantime we will look back on our years with Nellie with great fondness and memories of how lucky we were to have him in our lives!

As we look forward to the year ahead of us we are excited about new possibilities, travel, elections, and good times spent with friends and family! And I look forward to another year of injury free running with some races thrown in for good measure.

Happy New Year!

2011 in numbers:

Total Distance:	2097.1 miles
Total Time:	292:15:05 min
Run Distance:	1842.2 miles
Run Time:	247:45:15 min
Walk Distance:	544.81 miles
Walk Time:	164:05 min

Best running month: 187.1 miles (July)

Average speed: 7:47 min/miles

Strength & Endurance: 85:45 hours

Yoga: 18:14 hours

Bike Distance: 541 miles

Bike Time: 56:08:00 min

Average Speed: 15.3 mi/hr

Today’s Running Tip: Sticking with your New Years Running Resolution!

Everyone wakes up on New Years Day with the same thoughts: this year will be the year I will… (fill in the blank)! In order to stick with your running goals sign up for a race early in the year. It does not have to be a marathon, just a distance that you need to train for. A training schedule within the first few months of the new year will help you get used to a regular training plan and sticking with a routine!

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Movember

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Chris

I almost missed December 1st this year. All I know is that November flew by and all of a sudden here it was: December. In all of it’s glory it brought with it unusually cold Santa Ana winds. I know, I know! The rest of the country is living through snow and ice while we always enjoy the best weather in the nation this time of year. There is a reason Californians are also known as “wuzzes”, “fruits”, and “nuts”! So what? We love our heat and get quite cranky when the temperatures drop below our comfort level of 90 degrees. And up until now it has been fabulous. Balmy, sunny days with endless blue sky, a heat wave even. I am not complaining! Yet! Maybe! Because December is the month where winter officially sets in BUT it is also the month when the days start to get longer again and my least favorite season – Fall – will be over soon. Spring is next!!!

And for running this past month has been excellent. There even was a race. Yes, only a Turkey Trot, over before you could properly warm up, but it felt good to line up at the start and be part of the yearly tradition here in the desert. It starts Thanksgiving day on the right foot. And we sure had a lovely Thanksgiving at our friends house. Great company and excellent food. Then I threw it all up. Not on purpose. Just to be clear.

But tummy troubles aside I did manage to get a decent amount of exercise in this past month. Here is to a jolly December.

Total Distance:	216.8 miles
Total Time:	59:34:47 min
Run Distance:	165.2 miles
Run Time:	21:04:47 min
Walk Distance:	51.6 miles
Walk Time:	24:30:00 min

Shortest run: 5 miles
Longest run: 6.8 miles
Average speed: 7:39 min/miles
Strength & Endurance: 11 hours
Spinning: 2 hours

Today’s Running Tip: Sticking with a routine throughout the Holiday Season!

To prevent weight gain, loss of fitness and motivation during the holidays it is best to adjust your routine to something that is manageable with all other commitments you might have this month. Choose a schedule that is easier to stick with: run three times a week instead of you usual 5, run 3 miles instead of 6, run early in the day instead of later when other plans can get in the way, run with a buddy who will keep you motivated and hold you accountable.

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November is here! Again!

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Chris

Well, here we are! In November! The official beginning of my least favorite months! I know, I know! With temperatures still in the 90s, bright sunshine, and endless blue skies I should just shut up and quit the whining. But, BUT… the glorious days are now numbered, even here! And soon enough there will be overcast days and rain! RAIN! I am not looking forward to this! Not one bit! OK, I do look forward to running in the rain (it’s actually my favorite. I am crazy like that.) but that’s about it. Add to that the short days and early darkness and you might as well just wake me in April. I suck at winter. Every year! And I take comfort in knowing that I am not the only one.

I go through these motions every fall, knowing all too well that by the time January rolls around I am totally fine with the long darkness (as IF it is really THAT long, I live in Southern California after all) and “grimy” weather (SoCal again). And let’s face it, there are some nice and cozy aspects to fall and winter: fireplaces, soup, hot salted caramel chocolate, chamomile tea, movies, fresh citrus fruit right from the tree, a month filled with Christmas Parties, and less stress to get everything done so one can head outside (like right now!).

Talking of the more positive aspects of this time of year; October was absolutely magnificent. We had perfect weather, even a last minute heat wave. It’s only been for this past week that we can no longer go into the (unheated) pool. Workout wise it was a good month as well, even if the Group X room at my gym has turned into a meat locker, thanks to a broken air conditioner. My hope is always that when an air conditioner breaks it stops working, but it is my luck that this one continues to work. In fact it works so well that no one can seem to switch it off, which leaves us working out at 57 degrees. No fun! My hope is that as a little token for November it will be fixed soon. Send warm thoughts!

The end of September, beginning of October is always a bit rough and I tend to not post my stats. This month I shall resume posting my milage:

Total Distance:	216.62 miles
Total Time:	52:12:21 min
Run Distance:	174.2 miles
Run Time:	22:08:21 min
Walk Distance:	42.42 miles
Walk Time:	18:04:00 min

Shortest run: 5 miles
Longest run: 6.8 miles
Average speed: 7:38 min/miles
Strength & Endurance: 8 hours
Spinning: 4 hours

Today’s Running Tip: Adjusting to fall conditions!

As runners it is often rather cumbersome to adjust to changing weather during the fall months. Often we dress too light or too heavy. Your best bet is to dress in layers that can easily be taken off and carried! Wear light colors and reflectors if you run during dusk and dawn hours! And don’t forget to hydrate!

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August Review

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Chris

So this morning I woke up and it was September! How did that happen? Can it be that August is really over??? The dog days of summer are once again behind us? Yeah, that noise you are hearing! That is me! Wailing!

Everyone who knows me even slightly also knows just HOW MUCH I LOVE SUMMER!!! That’s right, I love it THIS MUCH!!! Even after moving to the desert full time, I can never get enough of the heat and endless summer days and nights. I love everything about it and this year it did not disappoint: hot, and at times sweaty, and tropical. We had lots of BBQs, play time in the pool, visitors, and frozen drinks! Exactly the way I like it! I even managed to continuously run outside, only hitting the treadmill for weekly hill workouts. Yes, you read that right, I used a treadmill. In a gym! Because after a month of looking I finally found a new gym last month and am loving it. New environment, new classes, lots of new people but also familiar ones from my old gym that closed its doors. Life is all good again! Even if it is almost fall. And I am not looking forward to the days getting shorter and the temperatures dropping back into the double digits. Not at all!

BUT… for now it is only the beginning of September and no tears need to be shed yet. We still have at least another couple of months where we can look forward to balmy days and warmish nights. But the heat, the HEAT is once again behind us. And boy, did it get HOT. After talking about how relatively mild our summer had been, August brought heat and humidity. BIG TIME! Even I found it to be on the sweltering side. Which says a lot as I can take a lot of intense heat and sweatiness. At least I should be well prepared for the heatwave that usually hits Santa Barbara on Labor Day weekend. Just in time for Pier-to-Peak.

See you on the mountain!

Total Distance:	195.35 miles
Total Time:	47:05:40 min
Run Distance:	176.35 miles
Run Time:	22:46:40 min
Walk Distance:	19 miles
Walk Time:	8:19:00 min

Shortest run: 2.8 miles
Longest run: 7.1 miles
Average speed: 7:45 min/miles
Strength & Endurance: 9 hours
Spinning: 5 hours

Today’s Running Tip: Hill training on the treadmill!

For those who do not have hills in their neighborhood there is always the option of the treadmill. In order to get a good hill workout in warm up at a zero incline. Then increase the incline by two levels every two minutes until you hit level 12. Run one to two minutes slower than your normal training pace. Descend in the same manner.

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That Girl Runs

"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." ~ Lance Armstrong

Category Archives: Monthlys

New Beginnings

It’s a Wrap

Movember

November is here! Again!

August Review