Vacation doesn’t have to equal time off

After taking a big stretch break on the two day trip up to Haines and Skagway, Alaska (2 planes, 4 cities, 2 ferries, a truck, and a few mega hilly bike rides), I was able to start enjoying my vacation. The past ten days have been a whirl of meeting up with old friends, trying to pack in sight seeing, and enjoying the woods again. I’ve never been one for mellow traveling. Vacations to me mean adventure, exploration, and excitement, so these ten days have been about running... Read More

Running Ruminations – Live where you run, run where you live

When Kelly asked me to help her plan a trip to Tahoe for a weekend of birthday festivities, how could I say no? Tahoe is an outdoor girl’s fantasy, and I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to go spend four days in the wilderness with good friends, great weather, and some “OK” views… just kidding about the views, just Google the word ‘Tahoe’ and you’ll see what I’m talking about. After months of planning which usually consisted... Read More

“Hello, my name is…” Do you name your device?

Garmin, iPod, Nike Plus, etc. What do you call it? Back in the day I used to be a triathlete (yes, I’m finally admitting to the temporary lapse in judgment), and from there I did a bit of cycle, and mountain bike racing. My bike’s name was Jane, and she was as trusty as my best friend. These days I stick to running. I name my shoes, but keep in simple… our relationships are quick and dirty. I named my iPod Tiffany because she’s fun, but not always dependable... Read More

Mile repeat yasso 800 Myrtl intervals… what?

The running season kicked off with a bang this year, and it seems like I’m seeing more and more people training for their upcoming fall event. I’m excited about the prospect of many new running buddies, but am wondering how their training is going. There are plenty of free training calendars and programs for novice to elite runners available online, and then there are thousands of books and articles about how to train, when to train, and where to train. I remember... Read More

Swim Cross Training for Runners

Overtraining injuries are the story of my life. From IT band inflammation, to pulled muscles in my abdomen, to a swollen foot. Injury prevention is just as important to a runner as good nutrition and a solid training schedule. Two days ago, I woke up with a swollen metatarsal in my left foot. I can still walk on it, but in order to make sure my future in running maintains, I’ve been taking a step away from running and into the pool. I grew up on the swim team. In Alaska,... Read More

eat bananas

Recently I’ve been lost in the frustrating world of the un-motivated. I’m afraid of becoming indifferent to my training. I run when I’m supposed to, and often longer than I’m supposed to, but it’s getting harder—for my muscles, yes, but the challenge (and I knew this was coming) is to find strength in my mind. It seems silly. I read the books, magazine articles, blogs and forum posts of elite runners. I listen to their pre-recorded Nike workouts,... Read More