Keep it Simple!

 "Still as they run they look behind, they hear a voice in every WIND, and snatch a fearful joy."

-Thomas Gray "Ode on a distant Prospect of Eton College."

Long Run Sunday. Sunday are run days. That is just what they have always been. It is so hard to explain to people that do not run. My training requires this. You cant cheat training or you will pay for it later.

I felt so bad leaving breakfast today in a whirlwind. Lacey was waiting for me in the parking lot of the Villager and I had only taken 3 bites out of my chicken pita. We had to meet Joan in Grand Blanc to run our long run together.

The weather was a 50' and sunny. But don't let that fool you. Even though we were removing layers didn't mean our run was totally a "bask in the sun". We got the snot beat out of us between the wind that literally PUSHED us and the dodging of massive mud puddles. We were working hard. We had one car hit a gigantic puddle just missing us with at least a 5ft spray.  It was a bit of a ego boost in Grand Blanc though, just when I was feeling tired and awful a car passed us whistling and hollering. Joan and I quickly discovered it wasn't for us. I alone look like a confused adolescent, 12 year old boy body with a 42 year old face.  Then there was Lacey, Blonde hair blowing with a sports bra that still cant cover her "C" cup breasts up!  I knew they weren't honking at me!

RUNDOWN

Distance:14miles

Time:2:09

Pace:9:17

This Week I got in an extra run with Lacey on Saturday after work. 3.5 miles

I was able to get 5 out of 7 days with my crunches/sit-ups. Giving me 700 crunches/sit ups.

These look they could be Super Hero Tights!

Downtown Holly, being slap happy and silly with Lacey!

Laceys loves this view. She was so excited to share the with us. Check out the trees, how perfectly they line the streets.

I got some goodies in the mail from FABULETICS. I purchased these new running tights.

I told you that I want to add more color..Well, they are BRIGHT Pinkish red. They fit great. A little tight on my belly. I have issues with clothing on my waist.

Lacey interrupted me and reached over to grab a handful of fabric, "OH my gosh, those are so tight." Well, they are tights! I am always good about covering up my bum. The material was so soft. Although the length was a little long, the fabric gathered at my ankles, I like didn't mind it at all.  

Chilling after my run. They are so cozy.

TOMORROW IS another LONG RUN and a fun RUN! We are heading to NEW Boston for a 4 mile LEAP YEAR RACE! It is at 6:30 at night. I am going with Lacey and Melissa. Should be fun. I think I will wear my super hero tights again! Because it is going to be Super Fun and I will Need SUPER energy!

4 NEW SONGS ADDED To MY PLAYLIST

1. Adventure of a Lifetime: Coldplay
2. Magnets (Feat Lorde): Disclosure
3. Me, Myself and I :G Easy x Bebe Rexha
4. Apparently: J.Cole

Anita 

If it works,WORK IT!

Over a month ago I gave everyone a  AB Challenge". Hal Koerner does at least 100 crunches EVERY DAY. His book has been my training tool for my ultra training.
Much to my surprise people actually read my blog and even doubly surprising, even apply some of it.

Danielle, Lacey and Michelle B all have been doing the Ab Challenge. I was so pleased to get a comment from Michelle B. that she "HAS ABS!".
You know the saying. "If it works, WORK IT!

That snow storm came in like a LION! It put me in the gym for the last 2 days.
My kids have had snow days for the last couple days. But I actually have always loved having them home with me.
I took Alec to GAC with me this morning.
While I was on the TM, Alec was balling.

Getting Creative on TREADMILL.
The Treadmill has so many options to get a workout in. YES, it can be boring, especially for someone like me who is A.D.D.
That's WHY You GOTTA SWITCH it up.
GOAL: 9 miles, sweat, hurt, struggle and feel accomplished. I wanted to do both Speed and Hills.
1mile warm-up @ 8:34min/m.
Next 4 Miles: I continued to maintain pace. Each mile, I did a 200m Fartlek at about 80%. It was a progressive interval finishing at a sub 7. I kept the incline up @ 1% the entire 5 miles. I took about 1 minute after each interval to recover. Right BEFORE each intervals I brought my pace down to a fast walk for about 30-45 second to prepare for my Fartlek. The idea of this is to get my legs used to the turn over. To increase my strength, endurance and pain threshold.
Middle 3 Miles: INCLINE! I kept my incline at a minimum of 4.0. I did different intervals both increasing the pace, increasing the incline and increasing both.
Last Mile: Was a hodge podge of intervals of both speed, hills and recovery.

I really struggle picking a spot and just focusing on that for 9 miles. I am all over the place. As soon as someone walks by me I am distracted to see who it is, not like I know them. I try to refocus staring at the wall tiles in the back, but that only lasts until the next person walks in front of me. Or gets on the TM next to me.
I was really motivated by the guy on the TM in front of me. I could see his digits on his TM. And yes, I was trying to keep up with him. I even pretended we were racing and tried to punch in my pace just a little faster. I beat him, he finished his distance before I was finished, leaving me vacant for another distraction.
I always try to find someone who is putting the work in. Someone who is red faced and sweaty. This reminds me that "There is ALWAYS someone out there who is working harder than you."

Speaking of someone who is working hard. As I was leaving, I saw Kathy M. She is a coach I believe for Flushing. She is an incredible running with a big gorgeous smile. She was hitting the track for a Tempo Run. And let me tell you, she is about 10 years older than me and puts me to SHAME! She works full time as a teacher qualifies every year for Boston!
That's Inspiration!


A LITTLE Of This and THAT:

This picture does NOT do this bruise any justice. ANDY Towel snapped me and broke the blood vessel! Then mom got so excited at Austins Basketball game when he score she punched me! I was so embarrassed of my legs today!

• Keep Jeff in your prayers, he was in the hospital this week, diverticulitis.
• Cross Country is starting and I am head coach this year. I have been buckling down on my reading material the last few weeks. This will be my 7th year coaching but 1st year as Head Coach. I pray I do a good job. I learned a lot from Kay, and really enjoyed working with her when she was Head Coach. I even begged her to come back but she is coaching at another school.
• I got some new Running tights from Fabuletics. BRIGHT RED/PINK! But I probably wont get much wear out of them. This Sunday, it is supposed to be 50'! This year I am going BRIGHT. Less black and more COLOR in my running wardrobe! ORANGE is the HOT color this season! I did purchase a Orange tank also. Its super simple but I like it!

After a tough 9 mile run, I am grateful I took the time to ICE. I didn't take a shower at the gym because Alec was waiting for me. I was smelly and exhausted as I drew a bath. I woke up in the tub to Andy calling. "HEY, I am taking the rest of the afternoon off for some fun with the family."  Barely awake I heard enough that he was planning on taking us all sledding.
I was trying to process the thought and be happy about the plan. I was just so sore and tired.
BUT my body recovered. And it was a lot of fun. I think we were the oldest adults going up and down the hill. This made me smile, I was so thankful for childlike heart to play with my kids and also the body that can still do it.
Never give up the opportunity to be a kid! Its just as fun as an adult!

Anita

Rocking it to Roughing it!

Before I went to bed I did everything I could think of to recover from my 16 miler with Lacey and be prepared for my long run today.
I felt like a pill popper:

• 4 Juice Plus capsules
• 2 Motrin, my legs were twitchy
• Synthroid,(Thyroid medicine)
• 1 Meletonin (Helps me sleep)
• 1 Probiotic capsule

I rubbed my chest with essential oils, RC, drank some green tea and honey and 16oz of water.

I was up all stinking NIGHT! Andy barked at me about midnight because I was flopping all over the bed. The water had me up a half dozen times. I was so stressed, I grabbed my pillow at midnight and slept with Alec.
About 2 in the morning, I remembered I forgot to take NyQuil. It was too late now, I would never get up. Of course the way I felt, I didn't think I would be getting up very good anyhow.

I didn't sleep any better with Alec. I was on the extra mattress on the floor and Sheba thinks it is her bed. She came in all curled up on my head. I felt bad pushing her off. About 3 am, I didn't feel bad ANYMORE. I felt bad for whoever was going to have to deal with me today. She would get up, wait about 2 minutes, then sneak back under the covers with me. I love cuddling with her, but I lost that loving feeling.

Rocking it to Roughing It. 

The coffee didn't even go down good. I was dragging through the house like a zombie. I knew I needed to eat something but food sounded awful. I tried to swallow down a hard boiled egg and thought I would puke. I was able to hold down a turkey sausage but it was work. Food is NOT my friend this early. 

My luck, that I would be beat up and have to go back into the ring again. I was damaged goods. Handicapped.

I met Claudia and we headed over to the entrance of the trails at Holly Rec. I love running out there. And I love having running companions. I am getting pretty familiar with it now. I was so proud of myself. I arrived there without turning around or getting lost. 

We met Kris and Rachel. 

We headed onto the trails about 9:30am.

The trails were frozen but cleared. The scenery was daunting. Even though the woods lacked color and even appeared drab they were very impressive. The trees were so large, we had to climb over a few that had fallen. The bright green moss with its contrast was striking, it almost glowed against the gray bark. And the lakes were icy with snow still covering them. Several times I wanted to go off the path and go exploring down by the lake. I love exploring. 

I loved the sound of nothing but out shoes running over the leaves and path. 

But that is about all I Loved. 

Because I wasn't In LOVE with my fatigue. I wasn't In Love with my sore calf. I wasn't In Love with my burning quads every time we climbed another hill. I wasn't even in love with myself. The dialogue in my head was irritating to say the least. The more I listened to the nonproductive rambling between my ears the harder time I was having. 

Thankfully we broke with run up with fun photos, laughs, and even a little exploring. 

We finished out our 11 miler with smiles and laughter. My body struggled with this run. It was a rough one. 

I had to add some more miles. When I got home I leashed Sheba and we added 2 more miles making my final miles at 13, with just over 800ft of elevation.

One of the reasons I was looking forward to running trails is because I have a new pair of Pearl Izumi's collecting dust. 

I have been itching to try them out.

 

Project Emotion

Style N1, trail, neutral. 

They rode like a beast. I have no blisters after 11 miles. They are a lighter shoe than my Hoka Cliftons, that I love when running on the trails. The toe box has a steal plate to keep the toes safe against rocks or roots. 

I am used to a little more cushion but my body did fine in them. My feet were secure and I felt more stability in this shoe compared to my Hoka's. I believe this is going to be a great trail shoe for running 15 miles or less, however; my Hoka's provide the cushioning that I need for longer runs. 

Anita

One Choice Away

"Your only ONE choice away from a Different Life."

I try to get up early to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before all the chaos of the Harless homes wakes. I curl up on the chair and enjoy the sweet sound of nothing. My coffee cup rest between my fingers and the creamy nectar gives me great pleasure.

Then Craziness ensues. Everyone's making a mad dash for the their bibles, keys, toothbrushes. Running late, like every Sunday.

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest but it is one of our busiest days. I have a long run after church. I am always scrambling for more time every Sunday. There is always a little voice that says, "Just SKIP, then you can run earlier, you can relax, you will have more time."

BUT, I CHOOSE CHURCH FIRST.

I am so grateful that God has given me legs to run. He has given me breath to breath. He has given me passion but he also has given me the opportunity to CHOOSE.

I have so much to be thankful for and I owe it ALL to God. Its a CHOICE, Its making the CHOICE.

I have seen the power in making those choices, in my marriage, in my home, in my health, in my kids.

I was so thankful I didn't listen to the voices this morning. I laughed so hard at church. We had a comedian who had me "Laughing Out Loud" This is the title of his series.

Todays message was titled "Your only ONE Choice away from a Different Life."

It really had me thinking. There were so many BAD choices I made and it mostly produced BAD results.

But most of my good choices really did present good results, NOT all the time. But the results really were in my favor when I made good choices.

On my run next to Lacey I thought of some of the good choices I have made. Lacey, was one of them. I have some incredible friendships. I am so blessed by great friends. I thought these same thoughts when I was running with Danielle on Thursday.

I picked Lacey up to run a different route. She really does love me because it was another HILL route.

NOT A GOOD CHOICE.

It was good for me because I need the elevation but Lacey, not so much. And to add injury to insult Lacey was under the weather.

She doesn't complain, she just doesn't talk.

The last 3 miles I didn't hear much more than a peep from her.

Even as we finished the only thing she said was "I am Done with YOUR miles!"

My distance was about a tenth ahead of hers.

My Garmin beeped, 16 miles. "Let's Go Lacey, Finish it OUT..."

She stayed right next to me. She never quit. She is not a quitter. I knew she would be so happy if she chose to finish the whole thing out. I knew it sucked, I knew she was exhausted, I knew she is amazing and really even though her body wanted to cheat those last few hundred feet her mind didn't.

She finished.

We Finished.

She was bent over the curve, light headed and sore.

But she was happy in a weird way.

Less than an hour later I got a text  "...thanks for always pushing me."

I was so happy she still loved me!

My close friendships bring so much into my life. They make me a better person. I am very blessed.

You wanna make good choices? Whos is in your circle? Start there. Surround yourself with inspiration, encouragement, love, support, laughter. Surround yourself with people that will encourage you to make good choices, people that make good choices themselves.

RUNDOWN:

Distance: 16.17

Time: 2:28

Pace: 9:11

Anita

The Farmstead. Kensington was CLEAR!

As I pulled into Kensington I was laughing for 2 reasons.

1. I took the wrong turn 2 times, and I have been to Kensington more times than I can count.
2. Lacey called while I was turned around, laughing at the fact it was only 2' outside. She was giggling and wondering if Danielle knew it was that cold.
   

I didn't have to wait to long before Danielle was texting me. "Uh, when did it get so cold?!!!...."

I sat in the parking lot at The Farmstead off the Bruno Rd entrance lacing up my shoes and

waiting for Danielle.

It was a beautiful crystal blue morning. The air was brisk and the trees were glimmering. They had icicles on all the branches.

It was going to be a cold run but I knew I would be fine with sun. We have ran in much worse.

Danielle pulled in with one of those looks "AHH, really?!" She had a big smile to greet me with. I was excited to see her and more excited to run at the park with her.

I can not describe the beauty out there in the park. Every bend, every curve offered more brilliance than you had just seen. The lake was flat and untouched. It was rounded with large trees glowing along its edges. The sun was so bright it danced around the icy branches making them glow.

Our eyelashes were frozen and our breath was billowing as we spoke. It was bitter cold, except we never complained (after that first mile) because the sun warmed us up.

By the time we finished running we were actually quite toasty. Danielle actually was taking her mittens off her hands got so warm.

Even when we finished, it was only 7'degrees out,you would never had known it though. The suns rays were very kind to us.

We normally run about 8.5 miles and walk the last half a mile back to the car. Today, we ran it all and walked around the Farmstead. I really enjoyed looking at the animals. It is amazing how unaffected by the temperatures the animals appeared to be.

RUNDOWN:

Distance: 9miles

Pace: 8:54

We had a great run. I was surprised at our pace, I thought it would be significantly slower due to the first frigid mile and the pictures I took on the run. Not to mention, I was relatively sore starting out.

Michigan Barn of the Year

Review: DOVE Antiperspirant

This is a newer product. It is also my 2nd bottle. It smells so feminine. I ran a long run on the track a few weeks ago and kept looking for a Glade Plug in. Then I discovered it WAS ME! I smelled so pretty. This is a good feeling after running and sweating. I hate to smell. Stink Stinks!

Anita!

ROOT Restaurant review

I have never did a review on a restaurant before.
I am doing this for Angie!

I made reservations at ROOT in White Lake 4 weeks ago and was very pleased to get a 6pm time slot. I thought it would more difficult than it was to get that time because  of what I have heard.
I have NEVER heard a bad review of this restaurant.
WHY I wanted to go:

1. I enjoy experiencing new places to Dine.
2. I don't have the opportunity to get all "FANCIED UP" these days. I love getting dressed up, smelling good, feeling pretty and slipping out of running shoes or my TOMS into a pair of heels.
3. Root is known for the menu items all being local. Fresh, clean and supporting the nearby venders.

We arrived to discover there was NO waiting room, there was also no wait and no one waiting.  This was Valentines Weekend?! Where was everyone? It appeared that they do not operate to full capacity. It isn't about packing people in, its about the dining experience. I was instantly in love.

The tables were not packed on top of one another. The staff were dressed semi-casual. The décor was very clean. A mural of roots stretched across one wall. Earthy colors, neutral tones.

I was excited to see the menu.

I ordered my usual, coffee.

Bread came out, hot and homemade.

Andy and I both knew right away what we wanted. Because we rarely dine at this level but enjoy food, we decided to get "The Tasting Menu"

This was 6 courses of their specialties. 45$

For my first course, I had "chefs Amuse Bouche" This means something along the lines of "tickle your pallet."

And it DID!

Octopus &Black Garlic Terrine. It was lovely.

COURSE 2:

I had the Scallops. I didn't want to share!

"Smoked Apple butter, Shaved almond Parsley, Brown Butter. Golden Raisin. Pickled Shallot."

COURSE 3.

Orchard Salad, Andy got the Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad, that was delicious.

This Salad was very large, Andy actually finished for me. Everything was very fresh and flavorful.

COURSE 4.

INTERMEZZO. We thought we were so brilliant.

"Intermezzo, Hmm, that must mean intermission."

THATS NOT what it MEANS!

This is actually a course that is light and designed to clear your pallet and prepare you for the main course.

Chai Orange Sorbet

I could have made a meal out of the sorbet. I have never tasted sorbet that amazing. If it was not a nice restaurant I may have licked the dish!

COURSE 5.

I got the fish, It was Sashimi Grade Tuna with a Sesame sauce over noodles.

I am a big fan of Sashimi Grade Tuna. However, the Sesame flavor was a little over powering. I ate the Tuna and it was magnificent, I am not a big noodle fan, therefore, I did not eat the noodles.

Andys meal was scrumptious, it was Chicken Cacciatore. There was nothing left on his plate.

COURSE 6.

Dessert! Black Velvet Cheesecake

I think my tongue smacked my brains with this dessert. The portion size was just enough to make you feel like you are in Heaven. It was very fresh, as if they just made it. The crust was textured and rich, yet the Cheesecake was light, unlike any cheesecake I have had before.

I must say, it was not only a wonderful meal, it was a superb experience. The wait staff were very knowledgeable and pleasant.  There was never a wait for anything. The courses were delivered with precision timing.

And the Head chef was only 28 years old!

I would Highly Recommend trying this restaurant out. They are also open for brunch. A dear friend of mine, ALI R. has dined there for brunch a few times and recommended this dining also.

I would Love to HEAR your Comments! Have any of you dined at ROOT?

Anita

Pain is a LOVE/HATE Relationship

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have might he increaseth in strength."

Isaiah 40:29

I wonder if the older I get the wimpier I get.
Pain is a LOVE/HATE relationship.

I have had some great runs this week. Lacey and I rocked out a 9:09min/mi 14 miler on the track and I followed that up with Claudia the following day with ANOTHER 14 miler @Indian Springs. I let Claudia drag my sorry butt the whole time. On our first loop, we were finishing our 8 miler up that stupid hill and I thought I would just walk it up, or maybe crawl up it. NO! NOT CLAUDIA, she decided to blaze her way up it like freaking sprinter. I let her go but was desperate to hold close to her. By the time I reached the top and was crossing the intersection I was hoping a car was coming to put me out of my misery!
My lungs were burning, my legs were applesauce. I was trying not to think about the fact that I had 6 miles to go!
Then I reminded myself. "HEY, this is what YOU NEED TO BE DOING!" I needed to be pushed, gently!
After that 8 miles, Claudia and I decided we should bring it down.
YEAH RIGHT, when I looked at our pace when we finished it was still a 9:30m/m. I was sore and felt every bit of it.
It is really amazing what our bodies are capable of doing.

As I get older, I am losing that loving feeling with my body. I am disappointed in it. I am hurting more. I am less tolerant of pain. I am irritated with the fact that no matter how healthy I eat, how much I work out, how much I do to be strong and healthy I am not getting the same results I did 5 years ago.
This week was another week of exhaustion. I managed to get through it without crawling back into bed though. I have bucked up and dug deep. My whole families been battling sickness and I am grateful I have not had to contend with that on top of being chronically tired.

Just when I think I am a big WUSS I review my training. I am not running as bad as I feel.
After my runs, I look at my digits and am super stoked at my finish. My start looks like a turtles crawl but my Finish is Solid.
That's my runs these days, It takes a couple, maybe even a few miles to warm up the engine but then I ready to go.
Today Jeff was waiting for me on our favorite TM's. I have been looking forward to our workout since he told me what we would be doing weeks ago.

THE WORKOUT
Our normal Progressive run on the TM. 5 miles. We converse for about 3 of the miles but as we increase our pace we decrease our conversation!
Head to the track for strides.
1lap cool down.
4 strides
1 lap cool down.
(YOU can Increase Your strides, this is just what we did. I actually wanted to run a couple more, they felt good..But I was taking the time to recover!

It felt lovely to "Open it up". The strides were just on the straight way. We walked the curves. It is shocking how your body will still have power to pick it up like that AFTER you have had a moderate run. It is all about proper recovery. This is something that Jeff continues to remind me. I don't take my recovery down enough, that is why I get gassed doing repeats or intervals.

"Our greatest danger in life is permitting the urgent things to crowd out the important." Charles E. Hummel

IT'S all about the RECOVERY.

Maybe it is getting older, being a little more seasoned, but I have learned a little bit in the Recovery Process. (remember, just because I have learned it, doesn't mean I am good at it)
When it comes to Running:
Recovery is instrumental in the healing process. It allows to feel pain in the process of growing stronger, faster. better. When we are progressively moving forward we struggle with Recovery because we get excited in the process, there is not much fun in the recovery stage. It is a stage that takes self discipline and faith.
When it comes to LIFE.
I think Recovery is equally as difficult. Life beats you up. The bills never quit coming, our jobs often display multiple levels of stress and our relationships are a petri dish of conflict resolution. Life doesn't present us with ideal opportunities to sit in "Time Out" and recover from the hurt, disappointments, unmet expectations or the daily struggles of life.
So we often do what we know what we do best; KEEP MOVING. And as we move forward, we continue to take on injury after injury never healing from the previous one and moving into the next one already handicapped.
I am so guilty of this.
I get hurt, I get angry, I get disappointed, I then snap at the kids, bark at the husband, isolate, or find myself discouraged then depressed. I am then no good to anyone, I am not even safe to myself.
Recovery to SELF is important.

1. Recognize when You are "injured"
2. Do some SELF INVENTORY, try to pinpoint what is the problem area. (H.A.L.T. Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
3. Pray/Meditate.
4. Address your problem area, or learn to Let Go and Let God.
5. Grieve. Grief is a real issue. We get to busy in life to take time to just "FEEL" our pain. The only way to move through grief is to MOVE through it. Pain is a LOVE/HATE relationship.

"So teach us to number out days, that we may apply out hearts into wisdom." Psalm 90:12

How do you do in Recovery?
Anita