International Women’s Day: Run like a Girl

This morning was looking like it was going to be what felt like the fourth Monday in a row, so I laced up my shoes and went for a run.  I hadn’t gone for a run since Sunday and it was obvious to those around me.

I ran the city river trail, through the cemetery, and then to the woods and back.   It was 3.2 miles of alone time, which I desperately needed.

The run was quick as I had other things to do, but the light dusting of snow made the scenery calming and, in some areas, slick.  My pace has been getting quicker over the past few months, which I attribute to being stronger.

I came across a fallen tree in the trail, which reminded me about the daily struggle with obstacles and how it is easier and more efficient to just go around than it is to stop and worry.

On this International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the teasing from kids, saying that someone does something “like a girl.”   Today, I aspire to do things like a girl:  With purpose, heart, strength, determination and persistence.

I am strong.  I am persistent.  I run like a girl and you can too!

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving comes in many forms:  daydreaming, applying makeup, texting, eating, dog on the lap, children fighting in the backseat, or changing the radio. The list is endless. 

Distracted driving results are many:  missed turns, crossing the center line, driving on rumble strips, and, in extremely horrible cases, death.

It seems like bicyclists and fellow runners are getting hit by cars more frequently.  Of course, it could also be that I am paying more attention to news of my fellow calorie-burners being struck by vehicles, but either way, these deaths could have been prevented.

Victim blaming will not help anything, but there are somethings that we, as runners, can do.  Wearing bright clothing and reflective gear in the evening is a wise choice.  I have been run off the road in neon yellow in the middle of the day.  I have thought about adding a lighted blinking vest to my holiday list, but question whether blinking lights would actually catch the eye of a distracted driver.  Perhaps, it would actually serve as a magnet to a drunk driver as they may drive toward the “pretty lights.”

Just this week, I read another news story about a runner who was hit and killed. 

Perhaps this wasn’t because of distracted driving but because it was icy here in Michigan and that is how the driver lost control.  Either way, there are at least two families who are suffering.

This is probably not news to you, but when I was a new runner, everything was news to me, so here are some easy things runners can do to minimize their risk:

-Wear reflective clothing

-Run during daylight

-Tell a friend or family member when you are going out and your route

-Wear a RoadID or some type of identification

-Run on the left side of the road, so that oncoming traffic is visible

-Do not wear earbuds

Be safe out there!

Make Every Day #GivingTuesday for Free

By the use of a free app during your activity, you can have a corporate sponsor donate to a nonprofit.

For example, during my lunch run, Varidesk donated $1.00 to Girls On The Run. 

Charity Miles is a free app that allows an individual to earn money for nonprofits.

As you walk, run, or bike, the app tracks your distance. Bikers earn 10 cents per mile for their charity; walkers and runners earn 25 cents per mile. The money comes from corporate sponsors and the app will run without any problems with all other apps on your phone (including Garmin, MapMyRun, Music, etc).

Cyber Monday is for Runners

I am not one to do much shopping online or in stores as the last thing I or my family needs is more “stuff.” 

Note:  Running Gear is not considered “stuff” and one can never have too many running clothes. 

I did find myself online, however, earlier today, taking advantage of discounted race entry fees and thought I would share:

Lake Michigan Half Marathon in Muskegon, Michigan on June 23, 2018

https://seawayrun.com/ 

Special Cyber Monday Pricing:  

Half Marathon $45, 10K $30, 5K $20 and 5K Community Walk $7.50

Gazelle Girl Half Marathon in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 22, 2018 https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/GazelleGirl

Take 10% OFF your registration (for all distances).  Discount code:  CyberMonday

If you know of other race registration discounts, please share in the comments.

Thanksgiving Lansing Turkey Trot

Turkey Trot

I kicked off the holiday running season, this morning, with the Lansing Turkey Trot 5K followed by cinnamon rolls, coffee, mimosas, turkey, potatoes, cranberry relish, green bean casserole and a lot of pumpkin pie filling.   

I’m not tired because of the tryptophan.  I’m tired because I overate. 

Here’s to the first day of the holiday running streak:  One day down, 30 more to go.