Weekly Recap and Looking Ahead

Well this week was good and bad for training.  I was super busy with my cousin's graduation, lots of family parties and visiting guests.  We had a ton of fun, are a ton of unhealthy food and I didn't have much time for running or training.  SO, I decided to forgive myself and move on.

I did get a few shorts run in and while I used to get really frustrated that I didn't have enough time to complete the workout I had imagined in my mind, I now can let it go.  I focus on what I AM doing and that I have the ability and time to be out there, even if for just a short period of time.

Even a quick two miler is better than staying at home on the couch and a quick weight workout does me better than skipping it entirely.

So after the parties ended, I had a full week or work.  I was quite busy every day and some days I wasn't able to fit my workout in.  My work this week was really physically demanding and I was physically tired as well.  Again, I forgave myself and moved on.

Instead of working out in the morning, I took some sunset runs...I love the warm summer breeze in the evening and my lungs are actually warmed up and it is easier to run.

I am already fighting the humidity with my asthma and finding that when it's sticky out, it is best to run in the morning or night or stay inside.

Roxy has her Kool Collar on and it seems to be working well for her.

So, we are excited about making up some ground in the next few weeks and enjoying it.  I do love a good, hot summer workout where you can't wait to jump into a swimming hole after your run.

New Routines

Well since spraining my ankle, and making it through a New England winter, Roxy and I have slowly and steadily been getting back into a running routine.

While I love trail running, it isn't always the easiest for me to fit into my schedule.  My favorite park is about 30 minutes away.  AND we aren't able to socialize with other dogs or people there.

So, we've been going to our town recreation center which has a 1.2 mile paved/gravel path with minimal hills etc.

Very wet running shoes from playing in puddles with Roxy.

I'm working my way back up to 15 miles a week.  I would love to get back to 20 but I know that my time and body have limitations and I'm learning to work with those.

In the summer, humid days make it tough for me to breathe with my asthma so we are trying to get out in the morning.

We're working on Roxy's training too.  She is still a little afraid of strangers and gets excited when we see other dogs.  Many times we can "run around" them, but sometimes we have to stop and pull off to the side or move around a bit.  It is a small price to pay for having a running buddy who loves being out there so much.

I will say I've gone from finding running painful again to being able to put in a few easy miles and not feel as if I will be exhausted later on.

Sometimes Roxy even sleeps when we get home!

We often stop at the library on the way home or Starbucks for a latte.  I think that even through both Roxy and I need the workout, we love the time together the most.

Quest Nutrition Bars

Protein bars are sometimes a necessary part of a busy life.  Since we don't all know house cleaners, personal assistants and butlers, we need all the help we can get.  Having a good tasting, healthy bar to grab and go is a must.  I really like Quest Nutrition's bars.

They have no sugar alcohols, no added sugars, no soy protein and some are even gluten free.  They come in flavors such as chocolate chip cookie dough, apple pie, chocolate peanut butter and even peanut butter and jelly!  Take a peek at the whole list, there is something for everyone.

Bars won't break the bank and if you sign up for auto delivery you get an extra 10% off.  I love that bars can be purchased in multi packs so you don't have to pick just one!

Take a look at all of the flavors and the good for you nutrition facts on their website here: http://www.questproteinbar.com

Kool Collar, Our Newest Running Companion

When the summer heat first hit, my doggie Roxy and I were on our normal daily run and about 2 miles in, she over heated.  She refused to go any further.  When we got home, she got into the shower right away.  It took a lot of water and time or her to cool down.  

I realized that not only can my dog not tell me when she's hot.  She can't cool off the same way I can when we run.  I felt terrible, but knew that she still needs to get her workout in.

I soon found Kool Collar.  It is a collar that holds a special ice pack that you put into the freezer and then insert into the collar itself.

You can use ice cubes too.  However, that is only for outdoor use as they melt.

The ice packs are reusable and non staining and non toxic (a must with doggies!).

The collar comes in lots of sizes and colors and is affordable.  It is a great way to make your dog more comfortable in the summer months and give yourself peace of mind.  After all, you can change outfits and head into air conditioning!  

So while Roxy can't tell me she feels better while we're running in the summer heat, she hasn't slowed down, tried to dive into any puddles and she seems as happy as ever during our runs.  I don't leave home without her Kool Collar.  If I stop for a coffee on the way home too, I know she still feels great!  

And when we travel, I can get ice cubes from any fast food restaurant!  

Get your Kool Collar here: http://www.koolcollar4dogs.com

Married to Running

Yes, I have goals.  Yes, I like to improve.  However, the most important thing to me when running is that I can run the rest of my life.  My runs don't take hours.  My races don't cost hundreds of dollars.  My shoes were bought on clearance.  However, I know that I will run for my mental health, my physical health and my life.  And I will never stop.  Although it changes time of day, location and speed, I have run for years and I have come back from multiple injuries.  I fit it in to my life when I can.  It doesn't consume me. Running and I are lifelong companions.  Some days we hate each other and some days we're best friends.  However, like a marriage, we are always together and we're in it forever.

Supergoop Sunblock Review

I am really picky about my sunblock.  And obsessive about application.  So I am usually a little cautious about trying a new brand and super concerned about how it will work.

I was able to try Supergoop's SPF 50 Antioxidant Sunblock Spray.  It comes in a spray can so it is easy to throw into your bag and there is no worry of it leaking out and spilling on your beach stuff.  

The spray works easily and sprays evenly.  You can quickly rub in the sun block and it is absorbed quite fast.  I love this sunblock for running, sitting outside and hiking.  It never feels sticky and is always easy to put on.  The antioxidants and vitamin C, fight sun damage and aging.  My husband also loves this sunblock because he can spray and go without having to worry about it getting on clothes or his camera equipment.  (He is a sports photographer.)  It smells pleasant but not over powering or super feminine.  

Here are the technical specks on the sun block:

• Provides complete broad-spectrum protection for a full 80 minutes in water, with 35% less alcohol than other leading sunscreen sprays
• 100% oxybenzone-free*, unlike most leading sunscreen sprays; also free of parabens and fragrances
• Delivers antioxidant-fueled hydration that nourishes and moisturizes
• Will never dry you out or leave an oily residue
• Instantly goes to work upon application
• A leak-proof travel twist lock for easy closure

I was able to try Supergoop's Acai Fusion Lip Balm.  It has quickly become my favorite lip balm.  And trust me, I have a lot.  With SPF 30 it protects my lips.  However, it also leaves them soft and with just the right amount of shine.  I love using this before a run.  My lips are comfortable the whole run from wind and sun and they don't dry out.  

Here are the technical specks on the lip balm:

• Protects against broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays
• Calms, soothes and protects dry or chapped lips
• Hydrates to keep your lips continuously moisturized
• Makes lips look beautiful and healthy with a sheer pink tint
• Free of oxybenzone*, parabens, and fragrances

All of Supergoop's products are paraben free so you can feel safe using them.  

Get these and lots more of their products on their website: http://www.supergoop.com/

(They are also available for purchase at Ulta and Nordstroms)