tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68786055061340631832024-03-12T21:48:31.952-07:00Run Mezzo RunRun Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-20381194853156292492017-12-31T05:40:00.000-08:002017-12-31T05:41:22.382-08:00"I wanna keep running all day, and all night even when my mind tell my body that's enough" - The Avett Brothers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Fighting Boredom on a Run<br />
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<br /></div>
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When I talk to people about running (and let’s face it,
runners are always talking about running) I am often asked how I conquer the
boredom. I tell them I don’t really feel bored on a run. Too many things occupy
my brain over the miles. I could be ruminating about work, thinking about what
I need at the grocery store, or focusing on how far I still have to go. But, I’m
sure there was a time when I started running that I just needed something to
help me get through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here are some
things that help me out. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Listen to
music.</b> I know. Duh. But when I started running I’d listen to the same album
each time I ran. I’d tried to see how quickly I could get done with my run
based on what song I ended on. Track 9 this time? Awesome! It was middle of
track 10 the last time. This is pre-GPS watches. Plus, if it’s a record I LOVE
I am prone to sing along as I go. Keeps my pace steady. Can’t sing, too fast. The
album I listened to over an over again was The Avett Brothers album Mignonette.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Focus on
landmarks.</b> This works well for Tempo Runs and Fartleks. Run to the next
street corner before you look at your watch. Race to the next mailbox, lamp
post, etc. You’ll be done before you know it.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PODCASTS!</b>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wish I had podcasts during my
first marathon training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like these
better on long or easy runs. Music is more of a must while doing any speedy
runs or tracks workouts. Which ones do I love? Here are just a few.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Interview
Format</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://nerdist.com/podcasts/nerdist-podcast-channel/" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Nerdist</b></a> – I used to crush on Chris Hardwick when he was on Singled Out. He
interviews lots of cool people.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="http://www.unqualified.com/" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Anna Faris in Unqualified</b></a> – Anna’s format is great. She interviews well known
actors, musicians, etc. But also calls people who have submitted requests for
advice. It’s really fun to hear celebrities give advice. Many are so humble about it. I really liked the <a href="http://www.unqualified.com/2017/02/27/epsidoe-86-lauren-graham/" target="_blank">Lauren Graham episode</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://nerdist.com/podcasts/you-made-it-weird-channel/" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You Made it Weird</b></a>- part of The Nerdist network but Pete Holmes hosts. He waxes
philosophical with his guests and LOVES to laugh at his own jokes. Which sounds
bad but is actually really endearing.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>True
Crime</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://serialpodcast.org/" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Serial</b></a>
– An older podcast now but Season 1 is still my favorite podcast. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://www.upandvanished.com/episodes" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Up and Vanished</b></a> – This one was great because while the host was putting the episodes
out about an unsolved murder from 2005 some things started happening with the case</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Human
Interest/Comic</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="http://snapjudgment.org/podcast" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Snap Judgment </b></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="http://snapjudgment.org/All-Spooked-Episodes" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spooked</b></a>
(part of Snap Judgment) listen to it around Halloween, gives you all the
chills)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://themoth.org/podcast" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Moth</b></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="http://getmortified.com/podcast/" target="_blank"><b>The Mortified Podcast</b> </a>– I LOVED the <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70251218" target="_blank">documentary</a>. As someone who has been
journaling since childhood, I can truly appreciate the humor of this
series. I’ve thought about submitting some of my more embarrassing entries. But they are just too embarrassing.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Hope these help some people to get out there and run!</div>
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Any Podcasts you love?</div>
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What are your New Year's plans?</div>
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Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-12548882182710296862017-12-28T12:46:00.001-08:002017-12-28T12:46:33.512-08:00"While the Merry Bells Keep Ringing"<b>Greetings and Happy Holidays!</b><br />
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Christmas was a pretty low key event in our household. My family lives far away, so it was just my husband and I this year. It gets a little lonely but we spent time together eating good food and watching holiday classics like Gremlins and Die Hard. Fine family fun for all. (And yes we watched Elf and Home Alone and Christmas Vacation too). I love them all equally.<br />
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<a href="https://i.imgflip.com/ru2se.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for gremlins meme" border="0" class="irc_mi" height="212" src="https://i.imgflip.com/ru2se.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></a>New Year's will be much of the same unless we find something interesting to do this weekend. But truthfully, we are such home bodies, we will probably stay in. This is the problem with two married introverts. <br />
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Yesterday I took the day off and we headed up to the Cleveland Art Museum. It was mighty cold out there! Not quite ready for the brutal cold yet. <br />
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The museum was all decked out for the holidays.<br />
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Hoping to get some running in despite the cold. I don't mind bundling up. Got some new running gloves for Christmas. Hoping they help keep me toasty. <br />
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Cheers to you all!Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-51404682250321812862017-12-22T12:08:00.000-08:002017-12-29T09:18:00.742-08:00Good day sunshine - The BeatlesNortheast Ohio weather cooperated Wednesday and smiled upon us with beautiful sunny skies. Took off for a short 3 mile run. <br />
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I've been thinking about what my goals should be for next year. I don't have any specific race goals yet. The last couple of years I have had to go with the flow a lot more. Every time I tried to train for a full marathon, my body had other plans for me.<br />
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So, I kept it to two half marathons last year and a couple of 5ks.<br />
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First time doing the towpath half marathon last April. Really liked it!</h4>
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My 15th Half!</h4>
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<b> Turkey Trot with my BFF</b></div>
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Do I want to do another marathon? Part of me does just to prove that I can but that might not be a good enough reason.<br />
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Really I am just working on being healthy. Mind body soul healthy. And that takes a lot of time and energy.<br />
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I've been eating really well for the last couple of months. I've pretty much cut out all added sugar and I only drink about one drink a week. In general I feel better. It's a hard time of year to do that but I think it's important.<br />
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I've been doing more yoga at home and need to sign up for some classes.<br />
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I also want to be more creative. Perform more. I wrote a short silly post about listening to musical theater more often these days. Well, I'd like to perform in musicals or plays again too. It's been almost 10 years since my last production. Far too long.<br />
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I'm currently performing with my husband and our friend as a folk/rock trio. But we are really just starting out. So, hopefully we'll get some more gigs this year. <br />
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Just my initial thoughts on some goals for 2018. I'm sure I'll edit/update as needed. I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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<b>Any other performers out there?</b><br />
<b>How's your holiday shaping up? </b><br />
<b>Any last minute holiday races?</b><br />
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<br />Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-9560076634082797342017-12-19T19:45:00.003-08:002017-12-19T19:45:42.387-08:00Indoor KidLately, I've been getting in to musicals. It started last winter when I finally started listening to Hamilton. Not sure what took me so long. My students had been telling me to listen to it for a while. Most of my runs that winter and early spring involved a healthy dose of Hamilton. I'm so dorky, I even ran a half listening to only Hamilton. <br />
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I think I've always liked musicals, but I kind of got away from listening to them. Which is weird because I teach private voice lessons and have to teach musical numbers frequently.<br />
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The first time I can really remember "getting into" a musical was in the 8th grade. My high school was doing The Music Man and my older brother and my father were both playing trumpet in the pit band. I went to every performance (which I'm sure had nothing to do with the fact that I thought the lead was cute). For probably a month after that, I would play the cassette tape of the movie soundtrack in my room, singing along to (and...acting out... smh) every number.<br />
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Just another introvert thing to do. Singing for hours in my room was not a new thing. I used to jam to Debbie Gibson in the 80s. My husband often teases me about that. He envisions me with feathered hair belting out "Shake Your Love" in my unicorn poster adorned room.<br />
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I've always been that kind of indoor kid. But I guess it helped me hone my skills as a singer. Didn't help my social game much though. Oh well.<br />
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Just some thoughts today as I drove home listening to Dear Evan Hansen. I'm sure I'll end up obsessed with that too :)<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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<br />Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-65101392290571915152017-12-18T19:25:00.000-08:002017-12-18T19:25:37.032-08:00Let's Try This Again, Shall We?It's been almost 2 years since my last post. So, I'm going to try to put myself out there again. I've come to realize that in the last several years, the thing that gives me the most joy, that brings me the most peace is exercise. Mostly running, with some yoga sprinkled in.<br />
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When I first started seriously running, I did it so that I could run a half marathon with a friend. I enjoyed our long runs together. I enjoyed racing with others. But through the years, I've done most of my training runs and races....solo.<br />
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This suits my inner introvert just fine. Most of the time. The trouble is, I'm often doing things on my own. Hiding from the world. Hiding from others. And most of the time, I'm ok with that. But, the older I get, the more I crave connection with others. I'm not great at making friends. I have a tendency to push people away or try way too hard by putting effort towards friendships that aren't healthy or simply not meant to be.<br />
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I get my feelings hurt pretty easily. An introverted artist is a hard thing to be.<br />
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So, here I am. Trying this avenue. A somewhat safe avenue. Putting my thoughts out there, to whoever might listen. I hope whoever finds this is well.<br />
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CheersRun Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-23797086697600804142016-02-24T12:41:00.001-08:002016-02-24T12:41:36.849-08:00Last week was kind of a bust as far as training goes. I had planned to cut back a little, but ended up doing far less than I wanted to. Was trying my best to fight off a cold that finally took me down. Icy road conditions also made it tough to get out there. I know...excuses, excuses.<br />
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Over the weekend we had a big thaw and I thought I was feeling ok enough to run. I wasn't going to pass up 60+ degree weather. My husband and I had plans to do a longish run and it looked so promising. Unfortunately, things weren't quite as thawed out as they seemed. The trail would be clear for a minute and then you'd suddenly be running through snow the consistency of an Icee. Soaked our feet within minutes. Fun fact - my first job was at an amusement park and I worked at a kiosk that sold Icees. Free Icees all day long! </div>
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We should have know that trail wasn't great when NO bikes were out. Passed a guy pushing a stroller and saw him turn around pretty quickly. His kid probably thought it was awesome! </div>
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We made it 4 miles and decided to head home. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">A tenth of a mile down and it was all slush. </span></div>
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On Sunday, I stupidly decided to do another 4 around my neighborhood. It was tough the whole time. When I got home I just felt so wiped. The next day I got up and felt awful. I went to work for about half the day and then came home, laid in bed and started Parenthood. Ummmm...how did I wait so long to start this show??? Ugh....I'm in trouble. Totally addicted. Should have know, I heart all things Lauren Graham.</div>
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In general, when I get sick, I do the neck test. Do I feel it below my neck (in my chest)? If not, and I feel ok, I run. BUT, I try not to push it. If you don't feel well enough to run. Just don't. Not worth it. There are other days. The sickness will catch up with you.</div>
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So no running until today. Feeling more myself and decided to get a run in....in the pouring rain. Oh Ohio.....seriously what's with the manic weather!? (and yes I am aware that running in the rain is probably a little stupid after being sick but it was NOT raining when I started. Basically down poured for a mile and a half).</div>
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Put on the jacket I got from the Buckeye Half marathon. Life saver. Totally waterproof. A little big, but eh. Also, the hat. For some reason I HAD to have that hat back in the late 90s. It's an Oscar the Grouch hat that's supposed to be a spoof on the Calvin Klein Logo. I was in college and saw it at the mall and it was one of those items that you regret not getting. Went back and got it. I think I had a thing about sesame street stuff. I carried a cookie monster in my shirt pocket in high school. I was weird....scratch that...AM weird. </div>
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Yeah....so cool. </div>
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Puddles puddles everywhere.</div>
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Note: I wear one earbud in, especially when I run around my neighborhood. Helps me hear traffic and dogs. We have a lot of dogs around our neighborhood and some not so conscientious dog owners.<br />
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Playlist today: A lot of Dave Matthews and David Bowie. Random. The chorus on Pretty Things is great while running. And great in general.<br />
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So last week's workouts:</div>
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Sunday: Off..got home at 2 am...so not feeling it</div>
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Monday: Yoga</div>
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Tuesday: Elliptical and snow shoveling :p</div>
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Wednesday: 3 miles</div>
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Thursday: Yoga</div>
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Friday: off</div>
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Saturday: 4 slushy miles</div>
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So...7 miles. Hoping for 18 this week.</div>
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Any other Bowie fans out there?</div>
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Any Parenthood fans? Other good shows I should see?</div>
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What do you do if you have a cold? Run or no run?</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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<br />Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-33269558275809688392016-02-17T11:23:00.000-08:002016-02-17T11:23:22.465-08:00"Ah sugar....ah honey honey"<br />
So, it's February now and some of the weight I inevitably gained from the holidays is still sticking around. I indulged quite a bit this year, not really worrying about the outcome. So, it makes sense that those few pounds gained would be hard to take off. And I guess it's time to face the facts, I'm 38 going on 39, not 16 going on 17, so why eat like a teenager.<br />
<br />
I've been trying to cut back on sugar and really just watch my snacking. I work until 8 most work days and when I come home I am pretty ravenous. After dinner I end up snacking and then going to bed. Kind of a recipe for disaster.<br />
<br />
Not that I'm that bad. I generally eat pretty healthy. I was a vegetarian for 10 years and still don't eat red meat. I also am fully aware that I am at a healthy weight. I have struggled with image issues for years. Nowadays I know where I feel comfortable (about 5lbs less than I am now) and I know that any less would be hard to maintain and wouldn't necessarily mean I was any healthier.<br />
<br />
So I eat oatmeal in the mornings, sweetened with raisins and cinnamon and topped with almonds for some healthy fat. That keeps me going and I usually eat some cottage cheese and fruit some time before lunch. I eat lunch late too...around 2 or 3. My schedule is just weird.<br />
<br />
I haven't jumped on the scale yet. Trying to avoid that and just go off of how I feel, how my clothes fit etc. There was a time that I would jump on the scale several times a day. And I just don't want to go down that road again.<br />
<br />
I take walks during my lunch break. Helps clear my mind a bit. Pretty out there lately :)<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
In other news, kicked up the running last week. I really am sticking to that 10% increase in miles. Did an extra yoga session (even got the hubby to do it this week).<br />
<br />
On Saturday night, my husband's band <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Spacefaceband/?fref=ts">Spaceface</a> played a show. If you like punky sci-fi rock about robots, check them out. I am friends with the bass guitar player and drummer's wives. Only one was able to come out that night, but it's always a good time hanging out and supporting our husbands.<br />
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<br />
<br />
That's about all. This week I'm cutting back a bit. Good timing too because winter finally decided to show up and it's a bit icy out there.<br />
<br />
This week's workouts:<br />
<br />
Sunday: 4 miles with my husband<br />
Monday: Yoga<br />
Tuesday: 2 miles with my husband<br />
Wednesday: 6.5 miles<br />
Thursday: Yoga<br />
Friday: 4 miles<br />
Saturday: Off....too cold!!<br />
Total mileage :16.5....little by little. I miss higher mileage.<br />
<br />
Cheers!Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-5458634077694581012016-02-07T18:21:00.000-08:002016-02-07T18:21:17.469-08:00Weird Marathon Dreams and The Importance of Taking a Break<br />
Last night I had a dream that I was running a marathon
through a mall. But I got off course and when I didn’t see anyone else running
I stopped and couldn’t figure out if the marathon was still going on. My watch
read random miles, jumping forwards and backwards. Usually, I have these dreams
closer to race day but with nothing on the docket right now, I’m wondering why
I had this dream. Maybe it’s because I’m trying to get my miles back up. At any
rate, very random! I’ve had running dreams where I forget my bib, where I run
through houses as part of the course, etc. My brain is weird.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m trying to add miles slowly. I’ve dropped my mileage
considerably since November. I still ran 3 or 4 days a week but the miles were
low. Partly because I wasn’t training for anything and partly because my body
was showing serious signs of needing a break.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had it in my head that I would run a half marathon every
month last year. Some of those would be “official” halfs but most of them would
just be logging that distance every month. It didn’t go so well. Last Feb it
was impossible to log a half due to frigid cold and ice. I doubled up in April.
Skipped June, doubled up later. I figured because I wasn’t doing a full
marathon that I could handle it. I was wrong.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not giving my body a true off season took its toll. After
the Buckeye Half Marathon, which I did at the end of October with a head cold
(not so smart), my body got mad. Some nagging neck and upper back problems flared
up again. Additionally, what I thought was an ear infection after the head cold
turned out to be TMJ. It may not have been all because of running, but my body
definitely needed a rest from long runs.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is when I started to practice Yoga and I noticed
changes almost immediately. I have been doing it 2x a week for the last 11
weeks and I can’t believe I waited so long to start. As I stated previously, I stumbled
upon Yoga with Adriene and it’s been a game changer.<br />
<br />
Anyway,<br />
LOVING this mild weather though. This time last year, I looked like this most of the time!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
On Wednesday's 50+ degree run I looked like this :)<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONIZUwRhyhI/VrJI1rt3nKI/AAAAAAAAAGI/YE3QLagsSZk/s1600/000_0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONIZUwRhyhI/VrJI1rt3nKI/AAAAAAAAAGI/YE3QLagsSZk/s320/000_0254.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My former life as an opera singer. From Die Zauberflote.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In other news, since this blog is called Run MEZZO Run I
should probably share what has been happening on the music front. I am a
classically trained singer with a Master’s in Music. I’ve sang a lot of opera
in my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, nowadays I prefer to
sing folk, rock, etc. I haven’t performed much lately but I’m trying to get
back into it. My husband and I started working on some songs over the summer
and we are starting to record (at home) some of those songs. Just some fun,
surfy, pop kind of songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I’ll
post some when they are ready.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Week in workouts:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday: 4 miles with my hubby</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday: Yoga</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday: 2 miles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday: 6 Miles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday: Yoga</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday: 2 miles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday: 2.5 miles<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16.5 total miles. Trying to get back to 20 per week. Increasing 10% per week.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i>Anyone else have crazy running dreams?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i>Any singers out there who also love to run?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cheers!</div>
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Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-66710811370733987612016-01-27T07:37:00.001-08:002016-01-27T07:37:09.840-08:00Being Grateful and What's Next<br />
I can be a pretty pessimistic person. I have been for most of my life. My husband says I’m just a melancholy girl and keeps threatening to write a song about it. Running and exercise has changed that a good bit, but I still have many moments of melancholy in any given week. Perhaps it’s an artistic temperament; perhaps it’s the history of depression and anxiety in my family. At any rate, it gets old fast.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fVJfdRIUYc/VqjgJbPKimI/AAAAAAAAAF0/feuDQP886Ng/s1600/0912121531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fVJfdRIUYc/VqjgJbPKimI/AAAAAAAAAF0/feuDQP886Ng/s200/0912121531.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Oddly enough, I can be quite the positive person for others. I am a constant cheerleader for my students. I’ve been teaching private voice lessons for 10 years now. I encourage them to charge forward, to take risks, to be bold. I’m starting to heed my own advice, but I’ve a long way to go.<br />
<br />
Lately though I’ve been trying even harder to keep those dark thoughts at bay. Family and friend health issues have sort of shaken me a bit.<br />
Life is truly too short and often terribly unfair. So, instead of <br />
dwelling on the stupid, petty crap that infiltrates our daily lives, I’m working on gratitude. I’m here; I’m healthy (knock on wood). When I’m bothered by something or I have a hard workout ahead I just try to remember <b>I GET to be here, I GET to run</b>. So many aren’t so lucky.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6S68LQexsSg/Vqjfvv5rXeI/AAAAAAAAAFs/vvS4rk9GNlA/s1600/1019141317a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6S68LQexsSg/Vqjfvv5rXeI/AAAAAAAAAFs/vvS4rk9GNlA/s320/1019141317a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my last full marathon in 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In other words, <b><i>I need to suck it up sometimes. Life is good.</i></b><br />
<br />
In other news (or related to all of this, I guess) I’m trying to figure out race plans for the year. I usually do 3 big races a year. Last year,<br />
I did 3 half marathons. I skipped the full marathon. Just needed a break. <i><b>But I think I’m ready to tackle that distance again</b></i>. I miss<br />
getting those crazy long runs in. I’ll probably do Canton Half in April and definitely Akron in the fall. But, I’m not sure if I’ll do the full or the half. I am leaning towards doing either the Towpath Marathon or the Columbus Marathon. We shall see.<br />
<br />
Part of me wants to try a race in another state, but it’s hard to get the time off work to do that. Any<br />
way, random thoughts on a random day.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure who's reading this right now. Haven't been brave enough to share it on social media. Just trying to write more and get some thoughts out. If anyone is out there, hope you are all well. Cheers.Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-41684826827034539392016-01-24T13:19:00.000-08:002016-01-24T13:19:30.664-08:00<div class="yui3-widget yui3-hovercard yui3-widget-positioned yui3-widget-stacked" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453668646837_1531" style="left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; z-index: 100;">
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<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well it seems another year has passed since I last wrote a post. No</div>
<div>
time like the present.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I’ve been thinking a lot about intent lately, mostly because I started</div>
<div>
doing yoga (at home) twice a week. I’ve been doing the 30 day challenge</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBu-pQG6sTY">Yoga with Adriene</a>. Someday I’ll get to the actual 30 days in</div>
<div>
a row thing, but I’m new so twice a week is what works. As I begin each</div>
<div>
practice, the instructor talks about setting intent. What has brought me</div>
<div>
to the mat today?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I’ve been trying to bring that same question to my running. Why am I</div>
<div>
doing this? What am I trying to accomplish today?</div>
<div>
I started running regularly 5 years ago, and I think that intent keeps</div>
<div>
changing and evolving. When I first started, I wanted to train for a</div>
<div>
half marathon with a friend. I wanted to make exercise part of my life.</div>
<div>
I wanted to, for once, not give up on something after a month. The</div>
<div>
motivation to run with a friend, to have that accountability, kept me</div>
<div>
going. The rush of each race I trained for and finished motivated me to</div>
<div>
sign up for another race.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4-lSy3SmJ0/VqU-XI996iI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/cdMj6x8YMRg/s1600/0124161123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4-lSy3SmJ0/VqU-XI996iI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/cdMj6x8YMRg/s320/0124161123.jpg" width="320" /></a>But now, is that still the motivation? Not entirely. The friend I began running with isn’t able to race anymore. I still love to race, but I don’t need something on the calendar looming in the distance to get me to keep running, to motivate me to get out on the trail (even in the winter with snow and bitter temps).<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
So what keeps me going? I think, now, it’s mostly that running helps my</div>
<div>
self esteem. Maybe that seems obvious and simple. But, anyone who truly</div>
<div>
knows me understands what a struggle low self esteem has been for me.<br />
<br />
It started, as usual, in adolescence with weight issues, acne, moving to a</div>
<div>
new state, being bullied, etc. If you hear that you are fat, stupid,</div>
<div>
and ugly enough times, you really start to believe it. And those</div>
<div>
adolescent scars have stuck around. To add insult to injury I am fairly</div>
<div>
sensitive in nature. Add some depression in there and I’m a hot</div>
<div>
mess.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Getting out there and running helps keep the self doubt at bay. I NEED</div>
<div>
to run. I NEED to exercise. Sure, I want to keep the weight down. Sure,</div>
<div>
I want to be healthy. But, I need to do all of this because without it</div>
<div>
that self doubt just takes over. And I really can’t have that. Are there</div>
<div>
other ways to find self worth? Sure. But this is what works for me. I</div>
<div>
feel strong and I feel confident when I run. When I do Yoga, I find peace</div>
<div>
and acceptance. It’s ok to be me in that moment. For me, it's made such a huge difference. It's cliche, I know, but I'm ok with that.</div>
</div>
</div>
Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-74934693297213644632015-01-11T17:34:00.001-08:002015-01-11T17:34:18.438-08:00My Year in ReviewI started this blog over two years ago fueled by the excitement of a great race in Akron. Since then I haven't written anything. Well, I have...but it never ended up on here. Trying to make a change this year. So, rather than recap everything since then we'll just touch on my race highlights this past year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
April 2014 - Canton Hall of Fame Marathon (Half) </h4>
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<br />
Any ohioan will tell you last winter was a harsh one. Actually, I think most of the country would agree. It made training for a Spring race a bit difficult. But I muddled through. I don't own a treadmill so it can be hard to get long training runs done. In years past I have gone to some gym to make sure that I could keep up with running through the winter. For whatever reason, I didn't do that this past year. <br />
<br />
At any rate, the Hall of Fame Marathon was a new race. It was pretty cold for the end of April and I didn't dress as warmly as I should have. Needed some gloves! <br />
<br />
It was a sunny day which made the cold a bit more bearable. The course was hillier than I anticipated. The first 7 miles I was flying, excited by so much downhill racing. But...of course...I knew that downhill start means up hill to the finish line. Ugh! But, I ended up with my 2nd best half finish!<br />
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2nd Best Half! All smiles despite frozen digits!</div>
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September 2014 - Akron Marathon (Half)</h4>
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For several months I had dropped <strike>not so</strike> subtle hints to my friend that she should run a half marathon. I hinted at Canton at first but she seemed uninterested. Earlier in April we ran a 5k together and noticed we ran well together. In May we did a couple longer runs together. Right before I headed down south to see my family for a week, we did a 6 miler. Her very first! Later that evening while I was packing she texted me that she had signed up for the Akron Half! I was super excited!<br />
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My best friend also decided to run the race. Her 5th Akron race (I believe) and my 4th! As mentioned in my first post, running a half in the first place was her idea! Not sure I would have started this crazy journey without her!<br />
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So, training began. And in September we arrived at the start line.<br />
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Gotta have a shoe pic!</div>
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Akron is my favorite race. Granted, I haven't done a lot of different races. However, the energy, the support, the crowd, and usually the weather are fantastic at Akron! This year, the temps started to rise in the morning and we struggled a bit as we crossed the dreaded Y bridge back towards the finish line. But, despite the heat we finished! It was so awesome to cross the finish line with her! <br />
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October 2014 - Columbus Marathon (Full)</h4>
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Early on in my training for Akron I decided I wanted to do a fall Full marathon. It had been over a year since I had done one. I was nervous to undertake this kind of training. This would be my 4th full marathon.<br />
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After my last full I had a bit of a health scare. Long story short, I fainted at work...ended up in the ER....then had to go to a cardiologist to investigate something a little quirky on my EKG. After a stress echocardiogram the doc cleared me to keep running. Basically, low blood pressure, bradycardia (resting heart rate lower than 60 bpm...typical for distance runners) and low blood sugar caused me to faint. The quirkiness on the EKG was nothing to be too worried about. Sports drinks are my friends these days....doctor's orders.<br />
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Training went well, though my last long run (23 miles) was NOT awesome. I noticed this has happened during every marathon training cycle. The last long run just plain sucks. I learned a valuable lesson about pacing. I had it in my head that I could get my marathon below 5 hours. Not quite in the cards yet.<br />
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Columbus is an amazing race. I did my first full there in 2012. It's a big race. Lots of support, lots of music and a fast and flat course. Each mile is dedicated to a patient at Children's Hospital. Many of the patients are at the mile markers cheering us on. It's a very touching site. Hard not to get choked up!<br />
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Admittedly, I was freaked out about this race. My stomach was a mess the morning of! I was not running this race with anyone but I met some fantastic people at the start though. I always calm down once I get there and get my spot in the corral. I met a 74 woman walking the half with her son and I met a 60 year old man who had battled cancer this past year and was running a full for the first time since the 80s! <br />
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I paced myself well for this race. Remembering how my last training run went, I kept holding myself back. I told myself once I got to 20, I could pick it up if I felt like it. My husband and his sister were waiting for me at the Stadium (around mile 16 or 17). Another great part of this race is that you get to run into Buckeye Stadium (aka The Shoe). I got a little teary as I approached. I come from a big Buckeye family. They play marching band music as you approach the stadium. It always makes me think of my Dad when I'm there. He played in the Marching Band (TBDBITL)! <br />
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Miles 20 through 26 were a suckfest. But they always are. Your muscles really start to betray you. Your mental state starts to decline. It's a struggle for any marathoner. But, you just have to trust the training, trust yourself, trust your resolve. You CAN do it. Visualize the finish. Visualize the Medal. Run, Walk, or Crawl. You'll get there!<br />
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And I did...and had a PR for the day!!!! LOVE these medals! Sparkly :)</h4>
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So, this year. Hmmm, I have a hard time with resolutions. I just want to keep it up. Keep running, keep racing. I have some goal times in mind. But mostly, I just want to get stronger and get healthier (holy holiday food batman!). That's about it! Until next time!Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878605506134063183.post-17610038833238266782012-09-29T15:47:00.000-07:002012-09-29T15:47:07.934-07:00"Just do your best"This is my first blog post. I've been thinking of starting a blog for some time. Most that will read this, already know me. Those that don't will hopefully get to know me along the way. I can be a bit long winded, so hang on while I figure all this out. The blog name. I'm a singer, a trained Mezzo, and I am a runner. Two passions. One name. That's it.<br />
<br />I run. In case most of you hadn't guessed by the multitude of Facebook updates about running I have posted in the last two years. These, I am sure, may have people rolling their eyes or skimming and skipping to see if someone wrote something more important. But, what is Facebook for if not shameful self promotion?<br />
<br />Recently (today in fact), I ran my 4th half marathon. Coming off this particular half marathon I had a lot of thoughts. I got a little emotional crossing the finish, realizing I had set another goal and achieved it. <br />
<br />I was never one to exercise. I could not run a mile straight through in high school. I hated gym class (more on that later....maybe). In my early adulthood, I dabbled. I ran in the summers, building myself up to 3 miles and then taking the winter months off. I'd put on an extra layer of warmth (body fat) and then feel bad and try it all again.<br />
<br />In February of 2010, I bought an elliptical and started to exercise regularly. Then I started to add running into the mix again. In September of 2010, my best friend came back from having participated in the Relay of the Akron Marathon. She...like me...had ran some in college (maybe more that just "some"). She was ecstatic from the energy of the whole race "scene" and she asked if I wanted to train for the half marathon in Akron the following year.<br />
<br />That's when my life changed. That moment. I have her to thank (or yell at).<br />
<br />So the training began. I completed 4 miles, 5, 6, etc. Each time baffled and amazed that I could keep adding miles and that I actually enjoyed it.<br />
<br />My best friend and her sister-in-law, decided that maybe we could all be ready to run the Cleveland Half in May (4 months ahead of schedule). I was skeptical. But kept it up. Sure enough, I did the training and I was able to complete it.<br />
<br />I did the Akron Half in 2011, had a better finish than Cleveland. I did Cleveland 2012, had a better finish than Akron 2011. And now another PR from Akron Half 2012. Back in June, I started training for a full marathon (which is in Columbus next month).<br />
<br />It's hard to really put into words what running means to me. Yes, the physical exercise and cardiovascular benefits are a plus. But, really it's about so much more.<br />
<br />You learn how to set goals, how to complete them. How to forgive a bad run and praise a good run. You learn your limits and when to push past them. You learn to accept that some days are just better than others. Push here, pull back there, surge forward. Listen to your body, listen to your heart. Important life lessons.<br />So, I try to incorporate this in my everyday life. I am not always successful but I am learning to forgive myself when I am not.<br />
<br />I never thought I would be passionate about exercise (see above). I never even thought it would be something I would enjoy. I have things I enjoy: music, movies, true blood (No spoilers! I don't have cable!), cake (lots of cake), The Avett Brothers, any movie involving Ryan Gosling or Adrien Brody. Then I have things I am passionate about: singing, my friends and family, my husband, running, and The Avett Brothers (just kidding....but seriously). <br />
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Until another day...thanks for reading.Run Mezzo Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306908885600087205noreply@blogger.com0