Fair-Weathered Friend

There, I admit it.

When it comes to running, I'm sort of a fair-weathered friend.

Maybe I don't belong here...

Confession: I only run when I feel like it and want to.

Sure, if I'm training for an event, I'll stick to my schedule and get out the door if I'm dithering.

But right now, I'm not training for an event and I'm just running when I want to run. Given the serious crap the sky has been unleashing upon my hood lately, I haven't been spending too many days outside. Yesterday was an outside day.

I laced up my Mizuno's, updated my iPod, put on sleek shades, strapped on my watch, and I was out. [Don't worry, the clothes had already been put on]

I headed south down the middle or the road. It was the middle of the day and there were few cars out. I cranked my music and felt the sun on my body. It was pure bliss.

I went about a mile and found myself at the bottom of one big, ass mofo of a hill. I stretched it out briefly, found my inner-beast and sprinted up that hill, hard. I did sprint intervals the entire way up (1.5miles) before walking the entire way down. At which point I realized I was better off sprinting up 100m, walking down. Rinse repeat. I did a few more repeats from the bottom and jogged home.

It felt so good. My booty was feelin' it the next day and I loved every second of it.

Mmmm, I missed you.

Fitness Forums

In December of 2009 I graduated and had a lot more time on my hands. I started frequenting Oxygen Magazine's fitness board. I LOVED it there. I "met" the most amazing women with a range of inspiring stories. There are distance runners, bodybuilders, weight loss success stories, and fit mommies! But what we all have in common is our dedication to a generally healthy lifestyle consisting of healthy heating and activity. It's awesome to be "around" like-minded females and to have so many resources directly at your disposal.

I don't necessarily love Oxygen magazine and all that it represents, to be honest with you. It's gotten quite commercial and the advice can be shady at best.

Recently, the magazine sent us out an e-mail letting us know they were shutting down the forum and launching a new site, etc. [We're unsure if there will be a new forum with the new site]. To make an already long story a touch shorter, the online community there isn't thrilled.

However, two beautiful projects have come out of it. It's amazing to see people pull together and when there is a need to be met, really go the extra mile.

Two stand out members of the board have each created new forums.

So if you're ever looking for advice on anything and everything related to health, fitness, pregnancy, sport-specific training, etc. go check out:

Female Fitness Forum

or

Strong Chic

Each has its own vibe. The first is arguably more informative while the second is more laid-back.

Nevertheless, both are brand new so you can say that you were there when...

AND, there's some phenomenal experts in their field eager to give advice and chat.

So, if you're in Upstate NY like me and experiencing a rainy weekend [or MONTH], browse around.


End plug.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...

Absence from what you may ask?




...Absence from school.

From reading nonstop, from typing up papers, from doing research, from constructing powerpoints, and even driving 40miles one way to get there.

It gives me juice;
provides me with a certain 'up'.

When I'm fully immersed in all things school I get the pleasure of feeling satisfied, fulfilled, challenged, and strong.

Do I get these reward elsewhere? Sure.

But not as much mentally. I run. I go to the gym. I have an amazing boyfriend and a lovely family who fill me up to the brim. But sometimes when I'm not mentally stimulated my mind turns to mush.

So what project am I taking on this week you may ask?

We have an old picnic table [aka eyesore] on our patio. I decided I'm going to learn how to mosaic, go find some old plates, etc. at thrift stores, pick a design [aka random chaos], and get to it. It will give both my hands and my mind some work for a while, plus with a great reward.


I'll let you know when things get really going and share some pictures.

Cookie Monster

Dear Celebratory Moments,

Why do you always have to come with so much crap food? Why must you find me when I am so stressed? I love how you share your time with red velvet cake, home made double chocolate brownies, and ooey-gooey cheese dips. But, alas, we need some time apart. With celebration comes a wealth of emotions, a lot of work, and a lot of pounds. I will see you again in June.

I need my own month to find myself

Love,

Sarah