I Choose

So here we are.  Here I am.  Marathon number 7.  Giddy up.  New race (Hartford).  New state (CT).  New adventure.  Same age category (35-39).  Same socks (New Balance).  Same awesome running partner (KH).  Why do I keep running marathons?  When I think about it, the main reasons never change.  I love to run.  I love the rush.  I love the challenge.  I love the pain.  I hate all those things, too, but not always and never at the same time.  Do I want the PR?  Hell, yeah!  But that's not my main goal this time around.  Through this training cycle, my mental state has shifted.  I have reached back and tapped into the simple joy of running.  On Saturday, I'm running to remind myself how lucky I am that I get to do this.  It's my choice.  I choose to train.  I choose to push myself.  I choose to do it again.  I choose.  I'm ready.  Let's ride!

Listen to this:
Black Out Days - Phantogram

The Three Mile Run

Lucy, catchin' the breeze.

This Saturday, I'm running the Hartford Marathon in CT. (pause here for minor freak out)  Over the past four months, my running partner KH and I have been tackling various workouts including tempo runs, marathon pace runs, long runs (20+ milers), and short repeats of various lengths on the track.  These workouts were typically a minimum of 8 miles and our weeks would total anywhere from 40-60 miles.  Both of us were admittedly beyond tired on a regular basis throughout most of September.  As I write it all down like this, it does make me wonder why the hell I continue to do this over and over again.  But, that is for another day.  Back to the point.  Next week, my training schedule looks like this:

Sunday - 8 Miles

Monday - off

Tuesday - 5 miles

Wednesday - cross train

Thursday 3 miles

Friday - off

Wait...THREE MILES???  Okay, yes, I am running 26.2 miles on Saturday, but still.  To a crazy, marathon runner like myself, a three mile run is such a simple pleasure.  Mentally, it is, by far, the easiest run to tackle.  Even if I'm lacking motivation or desire, just knowing it's three miles makes it doable.  Logistically, it's easy to squeeze in three miles, even on the busiest of days.  Physically, it's short and sweet while, at the same time, it's just enough.  Would an easy three mile cruiser satisfy me all the time?  Probably not.  But once in a while it's really nice.  Yesterday, as I thought about my upcoming week, and specifically, the three mile run that I have to look forward to,  I took a minute to think about other things that are equally enjoyable, while also relatively simple.  For my 8 year old, I would guess that it's doing a cartwheel, as, these days, it always puts a smile on her face.  For my 6 year old, it might be eating a cupcake or anything sweet which tends to have the same effect.  For my dog, Lucy, perhaps it's a long drive on a beautiful day.  Clearly, you can see how this makes her feel.  For me, oh where to begin.  I had a lot of fun with this one.  Below are just a few that I came up with right of the bat.  But the list goes on and on.  I've got a lot on my plate this week, but on Thursday, I'm going to do my best to soak in the simple joy of the three mile run.



The "3 Mile Run" List: All Things Simple & Sweet

1. A hot cup of coffee.

2. A freshly vacuumed car. (just did this.  yes, it was that good)

3. The start of a new book.

4. An unexpected hug from my daughter.

5. Hooded sweatshirts.

6. New running socks.

7. A high five. (giving OR receiving)

8. A bubble bath.

9. A good song on the radio.

10. A cat nap.


Listen to this:
Fantasy - MSMR  

She Rocks

When it comes to music, I do not discriminate.  Pop, rock, alternative, reggae...I am all ears, all the time.  My radar is always on and, at this particular moment, it is honing in on bands that are either comprised of women or have a badass female lead.  Why?  Because these lovely ladies are writing, singing and/or playing incredible music and I'm hearing it everywhere I go.  I am literally pulling over to the side of the road (in bustling Winchester, MA) so I can write it all down; on a daily basis.  I am loving it.  I am inspired by it.  I am sharing it.  I am running with it.  I am more than thrilled to listen to it with my own girls (ages 6 & 8) who are also into music and think it's "really cool" when they hear the ladies rocking out.  And beyond cool when the band is made up of sisters.  (I'm not going to lie...I think it's AWESOME that Rosie and Grace have been wearing their Hannah Montana wigs and rocking out on their Barbie keyboard & guitar, pretending to be HAIM, less one sister).  These bands are creating some serious waves and I'm willing to wager that you will want to hear what they've got to say.  If not, that's okay.  You can at least appreciate the many channels of music and the incredibly positive influence it can have over someone.  Bottom line, I continue to be amazed on a regular basis by really good music and the fact that these ladies are currently on top of my list doesn't bother me a bit.  Here's a few bands that are, in my humble opinion, killing it and some of the songs I think are worth your time.  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.  Many thanks to these lovely ladies who do what they do so well.

HAIM

Sisters - Daneielle, Este, & Alana Haim

CHVCHES

Lauren Mayberry

I BREAK HORSES

Maria Lindén

AU REVOIR SIMONE

Erika Forster, Annie Hart, and Heather D'Angelo

LISTEN TO THESE:
I Break Horses 
            Denial (new this year)  
            Hearts (from 2011. Undoubtedly makes me run faster)  
Au Revoir Simone - Gravitron  
Haim - Don't Save ME  
Chvches - We Sink  

Trick, Treat, Etc.

Sweet, sweet October.  Literally.  The candy situation is officially out of control starting today.  It's a mom's worst nightmare.  There is really nothing I can do but embrace it and join the fun - or hop on my broom and fly with the best of them.  (insert a good cackle here).  Fall is in full swing now.  And I LOVE it.  The leaves are changing and coming down, the temp is dropping and the jackets are coming out on a regular basis.  It's easily the best month for running.  I have a perma-grin every time I head out.  My kids also have perma-grins every day as they countdown to Halloween.  I have nothing to complain about...well, except the sugar situation, but that's minor and has an end to it.  The new music continues to flow and I continue to enjoy it.  All in, I am one lucky....witch.  Here's what's on my October "to-do" list:

1. Run a marathon.  Oh BOY!! (the tone here is both sarcastic AND excited).
2. Take two weeks off from running after said marathon.
3. Guide my high school girls' xc team through the rest of their league meets.
4. Buy candy corn and eat too much of it (happens every year).
5. Carve pumpkins with my daughters.
6. Attempt to drum up a costume for myself as my girls claim that I never dress up.
7. Listen to the girls (and their friends) talk about candy, costumes and everything else related to Halloween for 31 days. Non-stop.
8. Start planning my daughter's birthday 9th party.  (wait...9??? How did that happen?)
9. Enjoy the first fire of the season with my family. (ooh, better get my chimneys cleaned)
10. Last, but not least, sit back, relax and listen to some really good music.

Hope you all have a spooktacular month.  Happy listening & Happy Halloween.

SONG:
Team - Lorde


ALBUM:


In Rolling Waves
by The Naked & Famous