THESE RUNS

"The beautiful part of living is to realize the joy of being alive."

~ Terry Mark

It's 4:45am.  I want more sleep.  I need it.  But it's not happening.  I'm up.  I head upstairs to make coffee.  My dog, who has no concept of time, hops up and greets me excitedly.  Always ready, she is.  I step outside.  It's cool, low 60s, sunny, dry.  Perfect.  I sip and relax.  Today is the first day in a several that I feel almost human.  Almost.  I've been fighting a cold/sinus/ear infection for weeks.  On Monday, I finally went to the doctor to get meds and quickly learned that I'm allergic to the antibiotics she prescribed me.  It was ugly and I'll spare you the details, but I was in fetal position for 24 hours as it worked its way through my system.  My last run was Saturday and, even then, I probably shouldn't have run.  So today, Wednesday, I'm back on my feet and I'm itching to go.  Can you crave a run?  Sometimes you crave what you need.  I need this.  I lace up and feel the caffeine kicking in as I continue to wake up.  I grab Clover and turn my music on, but I play it low and go with a mellow playlist for a change.  I don't need the extra boost at the moment.  I'm flowing, slowly, which is okay because it feels really good.  I'm not an early morning runner.  But, I understand the appeal.  It's peaceful, quiet, still.  The morning is mine.  Today is different.  I don't need to push myself.  I don't want to.  I'm not going for it.  I'm just going.  I'm so grateful that my body is responding; to be out here doing what I love.  Do things happen for a reason?  Who knows.  I work, I train, I race, I rarely take a break.  It was time.  I'd forgotten about these runs.  The runs where pace and distance are irrelevant.  The runs that keep me smiling for hours long after they're done.  The runs that remind me why I run.  These runs.  Yes.

Listen to this:

Maintain by Vilde

DIARY OF A RUNNER

Emails, texts, training log entries and ramblings between my coach and I over the past week and half:

FRIDAY, 6/9 (while up at Northeast Birdcamp)
Lowell,
Unfortunately, I've come down with something.  Have a sore throat and body aches.  I'm guessing it's because I'm run down from training and organizing camp.  I was supposed to do 7 this morning but stopped at 5 because I had nothing in the tank.  I'm going to play the rest of the weekend by ear.  Just keeping you in the loop.  Have I mentioned how much I HATE being sick?
Have a great week-end,
Rebecca

Rebecca,
Oh yuck, sorry to hear about the bug that got you.  I hope it passes quickly.  Do what you can this weekend but don't sweat missed miles.  This is about as good a time as any to miss some mileage.
~ Lowell

MONDAY, 6/12
Morning Lowell,
I successfully got 150 of us through Oiselle Birdcamp but, as you know, I paid the price.  I struggled the most on Saturday with a fever (sweats and chills....good times).  Sadly, I wasn't able to run for the rest of the weekend.  But, it happens.  I might try and get an easy 5 in today, but I'm still a bit off so will take it very slow.  More soon.
~ R

WEDNESDAY, 6/14
L-
Quick status for you.  Feeling better but still pretty wiped and can't breath out of my nose.  Not sure about this race on Sunday unless you feel like I should try and do it as a workout.  Also, I'm going to do my intervals tomorrow instead of today unless I hear otherwise.
Thx,
R

Rebecca,
I would definitely push the workout back and see how you feel on Friday.  Sunday's race is not important so I'm fine with you skipping it unless you feel a lot better going into it on Sunday morning.
~ Lowell

SATURDAY, 6/17
Morning Lowell,
Still not sure if I should race tomorrow or skip it and run long.  I feel a lot better but it's been a rough week.  I'm traveling Monday so I have to shuffle Monday and Tuesday's workouts either way.  I have time to run long tomorrow so perhaps I should take advantage of it?  Let me know what you think.
Thx,
R

Rebecca,
If you are 90% and have time to run long on Tuesday, I suggest racing.

SUNDAY, 6/18 (RACE DAY)
Hi L-
Pretty sub-par performance today.  Not really surprised, but always a little disheartening when I feel like I should be stronger than I am.  Heat/humidity were a big factor for me.  By the 3rd mile, I had nothing left and no will to fight.  It was a good workout.  That's about it.  Ugh.

Rebecca,
All I wanted out of this race was a good hard workout/effort.  I didn't expect a good time, so I am not disappointed in any way.  Onward and upwards, right?
~Lowell

MONDAY 6/19
Yes, onwards!  42 years later and I'm still hard on myself for underperforming, even when I know it's not necessary.  What I really could use is a gentle nudge from you the day before races like these reminding me that it's a workout, just to push hard and not worry about time, to relax and have fun.  Because I am never going to be able to say that to myself.  :)

Rebecca,
Yes, I can definitely give you that reminder before races.  I won't get this exactly right, but there is a quote by Arthur Lydiard that I really like.  It goes something like this when talking about big training cycles, "You will be running last when others are running in first.  But, when it matters most, you will be passing them."

Training cycles are a key component of a good training plan.  You can't be sharp and PR all the time.  Like many things in life, being 100% at one time or for one thing usually comes at the expense of something else.  You can't have your cake and eat it, too.  So, you have to pick the right spot to be 100% and accept that the times when you are not is a part of the process and journey.
Best,
Lowell

MY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Your body calls the shots. Listen to it.

2. Every race has a purpose and it's not always for the PR.

3. Training cycles are necessary and key.

4. Don't be so damn hard on yourself.

5. Trust your coach.

Listen to this:
62 Moons by Chaos by Invitation

NORTHEAST BIRDCAMP 2017

"You can do what I cannot do.  I can do what you cannot do.  

Together we can do great things."

~ Mother Teresa

Last week 150 women from the Oiselle team met up at Camp Foss in Strafford, NH for our 2nd Annual Northeast Birdcamp.  It was very similar to last year's camp; just a bit bigger with about 60 more people, more organized; because, being the ring leader, I knew what I was doing this time around, and a hell of a lot warmer (thank you, Mother Nature).  A lot of the gals were returning campers, but many were new and some were very recent additions to the team, which is a nation-wide crew of over 3000 women who love to run and to share that passion with those around them.  To an extrovert, our camp is a dream come true.  To an introvert, it's potentially their worst nightmare.  But, those of us who have been on the team for a while and who knew the camp drill, did our best to ease the minds of those who had trepidation about joining us before we made our way up there.  I didn't have a chance to talk to every single camper but the vibes I got were good and people seemed happy so hopefully everyone eventually settled in and by the end we all left as a new, bigger, better run-family, if you will.  Given that many of the women who came are active bloggers, I'm going to keep my post relatively short and sweet and give you the breakdown with photos.  Personally, I had a ball and have already started my countdown for next year.  In the meantime, I have the memories of all the amazing things we did together to keep me going.  It was incredibly bittersweet to say goodbye, but just knowing these women are out there and on my team is...well, it's powerful stuff and I'm insanely lucky to be a part of it.

NEBIRDCAMP 2017

we ran together,

we learned together, 

we swam together, 

we indulged together,

we flowed together,

we rolled together,

we caffeinated together,

we waited in line for that caffeine together,

we laughed together,

we ate good food together,

we reminisced together,

we bonded together,

we relaxed together,

we geeked out together,

and, in the end, we went our separate ways.  

But we will stay....always....together.

Listen to this:

The Gold - Manchester Orchestra

CELEBRATE RUNNING

GLOBAL RUNNING DAY

I RUN TO.... relieve stress, to think, to cope, to mourn, to celebrate, to clear my head, to unwind, to check in, to check out, to learn, to challenge myself, to stay sane, to be happy, to be healthy, to set an example for my kids, to set an example for my high school athletes, to connect, to reconnect, to strengthen bonds, to discover, to explore, to give back, to inspire, to be inspired, to defy age, to break boundaries, to set new ones, to rock out, to be a better mom, coach and friend.....TO LIVE.

******* RWM GRD GIVEAWAY ********

Global Running Day is a day for people around the world to celebrate the joys of running, share our passion for the sport and encourage runners of all levels to get moving.  Today I'm celebrating GRD with Nathan Sports, Skechers Performance and Jaybird Sport.  All of these companies support and encourage runners of all levels to get out there and be their best.  They also make products that enhance your overall running experience.  Which is why I'm partnering with them and sharing the love with you.  If you run, then you're a runner no matter why you go, how far or how fast.  So, hit the road.  And then enter the giveaway.  In whatever order works for you.  Happy trails!

THE GOODIES:
1. Nathan Running Box (includes)
~ Cool Ultra Cooling Towel - Cool off! This copper infused towel cools surface temperature by up to 30 degree when wet instantly and absorbs moisture on the spot!
~ Hipster - The #1 product across all categories of running essentials, the Hipster can hold it all (your keys, gels, ID, cash, lip balm, tissues, hair tie and sunglasses, too). This colorful line of sleek, stretchy training paks expand to fit much more than you think!
~ SpeedShot Plus Insulated - This insulated handheld keeps 12 ounces of fluids colder, longer, and has a pocket for running essentials.
~ Power Wash - Eco-friendly, pH neutral and fragrance free, our new detergent formulation is ready to combat your smelliest workout gear.

2. Skechers Performance VIP CARD
~ Purchase one pair of Skechers Performance Shoes at 50% off

3. Jaybird Sport Freedom Wireless Headphones
~ Freedoms (website winner)
~ X3s in new Road Rash Color (Instagram winner)

HOW TO ENTER:
Comment below.  In 5 words or less, tell us WHY YOU RUN.  Four winners will be picked on Wednesday, June 13th via random.org.  Contest for U.S. residents only.  Huge thanks to Skechers, Jaybird and Nathan for supplying the treats.  Good luck and happy running!
Note: Find RWM on Instagram (@runningwmusic) to enter again.

Listen to this:
Magic - Amy Stroup

THE REST OF IT

A conversation with my 10 year old last Thursday:
Grace: Mom, are you running this week?
Me: Nope.
Grace: For real?
Me: For real.  I need a break.
Grace: How long has it been?
Me: Haven't gone since Sunday and won't start back up until next week.  
Grace: Oh my gosh, Mom.  Is that, like, the longest you've ever gone without running?
Me: Nah.  I've gone longer.  
Grace: Are you dying?
Me: (laughing) No, Grace.  Not dying.  Not yet.  
Grace: Do you miss it?
Me: (still laughing) It's only been 6 days, Grace.  And I'm enjoying the time off.  But I appreciate your concern.
Grace: (thinking) So....what did you DO all week if you weren't running??

THIS KID!!  But, seriously, it's a fair question.  In a nutshell, beyond my typical every-day stuff, I did a whole lot of this....

Hiking in NH with the fam

and this....

Coaching @ EMASS Divisonals

post-race w/ the LHS 4 x 800 relay team

and this...

Watching & cheering @ Grace's Memorial Day soccer tournament

and, best of all, this....

NADA!

....and at the end of the week, after some good, quality time with my family, my friends, my high school track team, my dog and my coffee maker....I sat down and had a reflective moment with myself.  Yes, I love to train and race and chase my goals.  But, I both appreciate and need the time off to reconnect with all the other elements of my life; with the people and things that make me happy and keep me fulfilled day in and day out.  I may not always be able to run.  But, I will always have the rest of it.  Lucky me.

Listen to this:
VACAY by Sunny & Gabe