TOTR: Runner's Wish List

Today I am linking up with the lovely ladies behind Tuesdays on the Run: MCM Mama Runs, Marcia's Healthy Slice, and My No-Guilt Life! And the topic is definitely timely!

And, yes, my snowman is wearing a tiara...

I'm going to stick to a runner's wish list even though we could talk just basic wish lists all day long...even my kids were recently commenting that Mom's wish list is the longest one out of everyone in the family! Hey...Mom's just smart enough to know that if I don't tell them exactly what I want they will go all rogue and just start buying random stuff. I've learned my lesson. LOL So without further ado...

Redfox Wireless EDGE Bluetooth Headphones

I was lucky enough to win a pair of these from Another Mother Runner and I absolutely LOVE them! They are super comfortable and I forget I'm even wearing them. I've even gone so far as to walk out of the room with them still on because I totally forgot they were there! The sound quality is excellent and they are certified IPX4 Water and Sweat Resistant. I have an iPhone 5c and a Dell Windows Tablet that I link to and have never had any problem with connecting. Works flawlessly every time and the battery life is superb. They were also a Runner's World Best Headphones selection, so they agree with me. Bonus - they are on sale now for only $65.99 (regularly $99.99). You can't get a better wireless headphone for that price (even at FULL price you can't get a better wireless headphone).

Island Boost Energy Shots

My running coach recommended I give Island Boost a try and I'm so glad she did because this stuff is amazing!! I still love GU in some situations - especially because I can find it just about anywhere, but what makes Island Boost different is that it is SPEEDY in that it hits your system and provides energy within 5 minutes of taking it. Unlike other energy gels that you need to consume about 15-20 minutes before needing, Island Boost is 5 minutes from consumption to delivery. And it is specifically formulated to not cause stomach distress. Another thing I really like about it is that it isn't a gel, it's a liquid. Many times with gels I have to slowly take them or it makes me gag on the consistency of it. I don't have that problem with Island Boost. I can drink it on the run and get fast energy without any stomach distress! Island Boost is on sale right now and the 30 pack at $42.00 is on my wish list.

Believe Journal

I got my first Believe Training Journal last year and I've enjoyed it so much all year long!! It's been great to see my progress (or lack of...) all in one place and the insight from pro runners Lauren Fleshman and Ro McGettigan-Dumas has been fabulous. It's $18.95 at Velo Press, but you can find it at many other retailers as well such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon. They also have additional colors this year - bonus!

Smartwool PhD Running Socks

I have two pairs of Smartwool socks along with a variety of other brands. I also love Feetures, Balega, and my Skirt Sports socks, but I'm going to put the Smartwool socks on this list because wool is fabulous whether you live in cold or warm climates - it will control the temperature beautifully no matter what! They also have knee-high socks and I'm definitely putting a pair on my wish list since I can't wear compression, but knee-high are just fine and will allow me some extra warmth on chilly days!

Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer

I've talked before about my admiration and respect for Kathrine Switzer so I won't go into it again here, but if you want some inspiration, just put this book on your wish list! She's amazing and has just launched a global 261 Fearless Movement with run clubs for women sprouting up around the world with more to come as the training for leaders continues to roll out. She's currently writing a follow-up book, so read this one now so you can be ready when the next one comes out.

Nuun Hydration Tabs

With a variety of types and flavors there's something for everyone! And as they say themselves on the website, hydration is extremely important - during exercise a mere 2% loss in body weight can lead to a decrease in performance. nuun active hydration contains a superior blend of electrolytes without added sugars; it has a light-refreshing taste that promotes the consumption of water. So it is delicious, doesn't contain added sugar, and provides optimal electrolyte replacement. I absolutely love that Nuun doesn't have an overly sweet flavor a la Gatorade or Powerade drinks. One tab flavors 16 oz. and each tube has 12 tabs for approximately $7.00. You can also find these at local retailers such as Sprouts or other sporting goods stores in addition to online through nuun.com or amazon.com.

Skirt Sports Redemption Capris

I honestly want pretty much anything and everything from Skirt Sports, but I'm limiting my wish list to the Redemption Capris because they are AH-MAZZZZ-ING!!! I have them in the Safari print and was wearing them the other day and my husband couldn't stop saying how nice my butt looked. Sorry if that's TMI, but these capris have a magic butt capability built into them. LOL Okay, you know that isn't real, but they are obviously made BY women FOR women because they fit perfectly. They are also the perfect weight and material for running, cross-training, cycling, canoeing, paddling, whatever. Don't forget you can use my Ambassador Code for a 20% discount: SSPQL20.

You'll note that I kept my wish list pretty affordable this year because even though running can get quite expensive, it doesn't always have to be top dollar items in order to make the runner in your life a happy camper...er, runner. LOL

Question: What is on YOUR wish list this year?

Keep pursuing quality, friends!

ToTR: I Never Run Without...

Welcome to another edition of Tuesdays on the Run hosted by the lovely ladies, Erika, Patty and April! This week we are talking what we absolutely cannot ever run without!

There's probably only one thing (outside of SHOES of course) that I never run without and that is my phone. I know there are a lot of mixed opinions about this one and many people can't stand running with their phone and never do...and I totally get that! It's great to unplug and it's wonderful when we can get out for a run without having to worry about phone calls or text messages or that constant need to be in contact. I sometimes wonder what we ever did before cell phones because, honestly, they have become so ingrained in our lives now.

But the reason I can't run without my phone isn't because I can't live without it for even a few minutes, it's because I want to be able to make a call if I have an emergency! In this day and age when cell phones do exist and are easily portable, it just seems silly to go out on my own without it.

What if I was hit by a car or was feeling like I might pass out or twisted an ankle? There's so many things that could go wrong that might be easily remedied by making a simple phone call. But if I didn't have my phone with me I would have to depend on first, someone else knowing there was a problem, and second, them making the call that needs to be made. I'd rather not have to depend on those two conditions because we all know that for the most part other people outside of our "bubble" are invisible.

I'm often reminded of the story a few years back about the runner that left for his jog and went missing. It took them days to find him. His autopsy revealed that he most likely died from a heart defect, but I can never help but wonder if he had his cell phone with him if they might have been able to save him. We will never know, but I also don't want to find out the hard way if something like that happens to me. I want to be able to hit 9-1-1 if I'm physically able to.

Another reason I run with my phone is because of the Road ID app. If Chad Rogers had the app installed on his phone and was using it, they would have been able to find him much quicker as it has the emergency alert feature that will call your emergency contacts that you have designated and sound an alarm if you haven't moved in five minutes. Great if you pass out like Chad did, so even if you can't physically dial 9-1-1 yourself, the app will send an alert for you, along with your eCrumbs that you have left while using the GPS feature.

Honestly, I think that this app is something that EVERY runner and cyclist should be using. I know you don't want to drag your phone around, but think about that one time that you might really, really need it. Wouldn't you want your family to know that even if you couldn't call for help, they could by receiving a notification that you might be in distress? I know I do...

There are lots of things I like to run WITH, like Vinnie (my Garmin 220), or my handheld Nathan water bottle, or my Jaybird Freedom wireless headphones. Those are all great. But the one thing I NEVER run without, is my phone. It's like the saying goes - I'd rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. 

Your turn - what's something you would never run (or bike, or walk, or raft, or kayak, or SUP or whatever...) without?

TOTR: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

The gals that host the Tuesdays on the Run each week (Erika, Patty and April) are talking hydration - and I'm so glad they are because it is very important!! Even though everything is turning to talk of pumpkin spice everything, weather cooling, and leaves changing colors, hydration is still an important topic! Not just when you're out running/exercising either, it is even more important during the cooler months to ensure you are getting enough fluids because your thirst won't trigger as much thanks to that cooler weather. AND it's actually drier in the winter than in the summer...so grab a glass and let's drink up while we talk hydration!

One of the biggest changes I made in my lifestyle that helps me meet my daily water goal is to fill up my Thermos water bottle (it holds 24 oz - equivalent to 3 servings of water) before I leave for work in the morning and then I drink that bad boy in the 15-20 minutes it takes me to drive the 8 miles to work. So by the time I barely even walk in the door, I already have 3 of the minimum 8 servings done and taken care of - BOOM!

Another way I get my water is I have a reminder set on my computer that tells me every hour to drink up and move my booty for a few. (side note: because I drink my water like I should, I actually end up moving more because I have to use the restroom more frequently! So it's a total win-win...booyah!) My goal is to drink at least one serving of water every hour, or at the minimum to have my Thermos empty and ready for a refill by lunchtime. That's another three servings so that I'm now at 6/8! And then if I do the same in the afternoon and have another bottle gone by the end of my workday I've now hit 9/8 - over my goal!!

And then finally, I fill the bottle when I get home and sip on it throughout the evening while I'm cooking dinner or just relaxing. More often than not I can finish off the day over the minimum goal. I do usually try to drink more than the minimum 8 cups a day; several water calculators say I should be drinking about 11. Here's a pretty cool one on Cambelbak.com.

But, ultimately, the best way to know if you are drinking enough water is what color your urine is. If it looks like weak lemonade then you are good to go!! Check out this handy little chart:

Just remember, if your urine is totally clear and has no color whatsoever, you are probably drinking too much water...and there is a thing called "too much of a good thing" in this case.

To wrap this up, I know that many people don't really care for water, especially when you are hooked on the flavored drinks like soda, juice, teas, etc. but with so many options for flavoring your water without adding calories, anyone can find a way to stay hydrated!

Question: What is one way that you ensure you are staying hydrated?

TOTR: Over the Shoulder Boulder Holders

Welcome back for another edition of Tuesdays on the Run hosted by Erika, April, and Patty! Today's topic is Running Bras - those lovely things that support the girls.

As any female runner knows, support for the girls is important - whether you've got ample cleavage to tame or just a little bit, knowing that you can run free without worry of bouncing, rubbing, or other uncomfortable things happening makes it so much easier to enjoy the run!

There are pretty much a ton of different types and styles and brands and level of support when it comes to running bras. Believe me, I've been through quite a few myself! When I first started exercising I didn't need much so I was able to pick up a medium support Danskin from Walmart for about $10-12 which fit right into my budget at the time. Honestly, I had begun many a workout program that never stuck, so I really didn't want to drop a huge chunk of change on a wardrobe that may end up sitting unused. So the cheapie bra was perfect for me...THEN. 

But as I began running more and running longer distances, it quickly became apparent that the cheapie Danskin bra, even though I had transitioned to high impact, was not going to cut it. I ended up getting a lot of painful chafing under the girls and that was absolutely NO fun! It didn't take more than a couple times of that happening to realize it was time to make a change and that you get what you pay for. 

My first, what I consider to be a "REAL" bra was a Saucony Bounce Trouncer and it made me question my entire existence and why I had waited so gosh darn long to get a real honest to goodness sports bra made for running! It was like the heavens opened and the angels sang Hallelujah when I wore that bra!! Sure, it wasn't cheap by any means and the price tag proved it. But it was honestly worth every single penny to never have to worry about bounce or chafing. 

Not a great picture, but click the pic and it will take you to the website where you can look at it in better detail. At about $50 it's an investment for sure, but it is definitely great quality!

When I became an ambassador for Skirt Sports I purchased a Kelly bra and just like with the Bounce Trouncer I was amazed at how awesome the support and fit is without any rubbing or movement whatsoever. I would say that my Kelly bra is definitely comparable in quality with the Saucony, but maybe a little step up. So if the Saucony is a 4.5, the Skirt Sports Kelly bra is a 5. (and just look at that awesome Razz color...yes, please!!)

What I love the most about the Kelly bra is the front adjustable straps that are easy to get the perfect fit on thanks to the velcro, but still holds so securely I never worry if it is going to fail me. The other cool thing is how easy it is to convert from regular straps to criss-cross straps. The Bounce Trouncer has convertible straps too, but honestly it is so hard to do, I never change them and just leave the straps in the traditional U shape. The last really awesome thing about the Kelly bra is that you can purchase "bra bling"! Bra Bling is straps that come in cute, funky patterns that you can easily change on your bra to give you an entirely different look...very cool in my opinion and a girl always loves accessories! And these are for your BRA!?!? Um, hello - BRILLIANT!

So there you have my two favorite bras, and I only have two because who needs to keep looking when you've already found perfection?!? The Kelly comes in at a slightly higher price point at $65, but don't forget you can use SSPQL20 for 20% off! 

And since we are talking about boobies, let me just remind you that the Skirt Sports Virtual Boobie Run is right around the corner, but it's not too late to get registered! Just click the picture below and use the same discount code I just gave you right above for 20% off the registration which includes a $70 voucher to get your very own Skirt Sports bra! They have several different styles, but you could always get my favorite, The Kelly!

* Just a reminder, I am a Skirt Sports Ambassador and was provided the bra of my choice free of charge, but all opinions of that bra are my own and I have not been asked to include any Skirt Sports products in this post. I just happen to really, really love my Kelly bra! 

Question: What do you most look for in a sports/running bra? What's your max price point on a really great sports bra?

TOTR: My Running Heroes!

Welcome back for another edition of Tuesdays on the Run hosted by Erika, April, and Patty! Today's topic is Runners Who Inspire Me.

When thinking about runners that inspire me I can't help but think about elites like Kara Goucher, Shalane Flanagan, Lauren Fleshman and more. I also can't help but think about runners that may not be as well known to the average everyday person, but are well known in their field like Nicole DeBoom, Dimity McDowell and Sara Bowen Shea from Another Mother Runner, and more. And there are those that led the way so that women could participate in sports today like Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon that I wrote a post about earlier this year. I also think about all the great people I know through various groups such as my Skirt Sports sistahs, Coach Jenny Hadfield's Challenge Group, Sweat Pink Ambassadors, and more.

In other words, inspiring runners are in abundance and can be found just about anywhere I look!

But, I have to say that the runners that TRULY inspire me are the underdog runners. The ones that don't fit the "running mold". The ones that are 80 and still running. The ones that don't find running to be the easiest thing but keep going out there and pushing just a little bit harder.

I'm sure you've seen them at races. They are usually at the very back and sometimes they are crossing the finish line long after the majority of people have gone home.

Rick and Dick Hoyt

Jimmy Jenson that was the first runner with Down Syndrome to cross the finish line of the NYC Marathon in 2013.

The blind runners and their partners like Scotty Smiley and his race partner and brother-in-law, Andy Cooper.

These are the runners that amaze and inspire me! I can find inspiration in so many places, but I truly do root for the underdog! Running isn't easy for me and I'm not a natural athlete. But anytime I want to complain about my pace or my abilities or pull a woe is me moment, I don't have to look far to find someone that is not just fighting through their own lazy brain syndrome (like I am 90% of the time) but is fighting through insurmountable odds to accomplish a dream.

Why yes, my excuse is invalid. It most definitely is. But thankfully, the inspiration I get from all these amazing runners that are my running heroes, is usually enough to get past whatever invalid excuses I have!

Question: Who are your running (or other life) heroes? Who provides you with the inspiration you need to keep going through tough situations?

Don't forget to stop by any of the hosts pages to visit the other posts about inspirational runners!

ToTR: Fall Racing Schedule

Today is another awesome Tuesdays on the Run topic - Fall Racing Schedule! The lovely gals behind the ToTR linkup are: MCM Mama Runs, Run the Great Wide Somewhere, and My No-Guilt Life. Don't forget to stop by one of their pages to check out the other posts for today's topic.

Before I jump into today's topic though, I first need to share some pictures with you of Joshua's first day of school!

Okay, now that we have that out of the way, let's talk Fall Racing Schedule. I actually have a really great schedule shaping up and I'm excited about every single race! Let's take a look...

Register for the race using my Ambassador Discount Code SSPQL20 for 20% off registration! 

First up on the schedule is a virtual race on September 12 - The Skirt Sports Boobie Run. This race is all about the TaTa's and when you register, instead of a shirt you'll never wear or a medal that you'll hang on the rack (hahaha - that could be a really bad pun right there) that gathers dust, you get a $70 Skirt Sports gift certificate to pick out the right bra for you! Personally, I love the Kelly Bra and I know they have a variety of styles to meet the needs of everyone between A - DD. AND you get to enjoy a virtual run or walk of either 8k or 8 miles because, you get it, the 8 on its side is like the TaTa's. Very clever, Skirt Sports...very clever.

Next up is the first physical (AKA non-virtual) race of the fall season on October 3 - Hometown Heroes Honor Run. This race benefits the Riverside Police Officers Association and the money they raise goes to an injured officer or his family. The first year the profits went to help an officer that was injured during the Christopher Dorner rampage and he actually ran the race last year! So it goes to a great cause and I'm always happy to support this race. Another great benefit is that this one is the first in the Riverside Challenge race series. I'll be running the 5k again this year, and this race is the one that holds my current 5k PR. I'm not expecting a PR this year though.

October 25 is my third half marathon of 2015 and my 6th half marathon overall for the Temecula Half Marathon. I'm doing this one with a group of people from work. Several of us will be doing the half, but even more will be participating in the 5k, along with my daughter Michelle doing her second 5k race. This race will be mostly for fun and the camaraderie of participating with my daughter and co-workers.

Next up is the Mission Inn Run on November 8 - This is the second in the Run Riverside Challenge and I've done the 10k race the past several years, but am going to do the 5k this time out. Since I'm not familiar with the 5k course, I'll also be doing this one for fun and just to get a baseline of where I'm at after a few months of training with my running coach (still so bizarre to say that!), Tiffany.

The following weekend on November 15 I'll be running the Surfers Point 10k in Ventura with my running pal, Sally. This is the real reason I'm only doing the 5k at the Mission Inn the week before. I am hoping that I can nail a 10k PR at this race since it is flat, near the beach so the weather should be good, and I'll be with my speedier friend Sally. If she paces me I think I can pull off a PR.

And technically, that is my Fall Racing Schedule! I do have a half marathon in January (the third in the Run Riverside Challenge), but I don't consider that to be part of the fall season. So I'll reserve talking about that one until a different day. :-) I'm really surprised that my fall racing schedule came together so nicely and as I mentioned previously, I'm excited for all of them!

Question: What is on your fall schedule whether it is racing or other activities?

TOTR: Free Topic!! (AKA...Thoughts Gone Wild!!)

I'm back again for another round of Tuesdays on the Run with the lovely gals that host this wonderful thing: MCM Mama Runs, Run the Great Wide Somewhere, and My No-Guilt Life!

And guess what - today is a FREE TOPIC. Oh snap...just seeing the topic and my brain goes wild with possibilities! So I'm going to go introspective for a moment here.

As a Mom, and maybe just genetics and upbringing have something to do with it too, I have been conditioned to not really think that much about what I want. I know what my basic needs are, and I even know a lot of things that I enjoy. But something I've always had a difficult time with is making actual decisions or knowing what I want when other people ask me for my opinion. In life, to eat for dinner, to do for a date...you name it, I'm pretty much undecided about it when others are involved. If it is just me I can usually just go straight to what I want because I'm not worried about letting someone else down. It used to drive my Dad batty when I would visit for the summer. A typical conversation might go like this: Dad says "what do you want for dinner?". I respond "I don't know". Dad says "how do you not know? You must have some kind of idea". Me: "I don't know". Dad: Pick something, anything...whatever you want. Me: I don't know. Dad: Make a DECISION. Me: Okay, I want burritos. Dad: Thank you!!!! Burritos it is.

So sometimes when I actually do allow myself to dive in deep to my thoughts and think about what I want, one of the things that rises to the top is I want to be a better runner. I know that it is something that I want. I want to train. I want to put in the hard work. I want to get faster. I want awesome running form. I want to just be better at it. I don't care if I win races or beat other people. I just want to know, deep down inside, that I'm a pretty decent runner because I put in the work to be one.

That's something I want - but there's a definite disconnect between the want and the actual work to get there. And that is always what it comes back to for me. How do I get past the hurdle of cutting myself too much slack so I can achieve my little dream of being a better runner? How do I beat the stupid lazy brain syndrome that tells me to just stop, just go slower, just take it easy today, just get some more sleep, just do it tomorrow.

I haven't figured it out yet...but I'm trying! If you have any suggestions, please share! I can use all the help I can get...trust me!

TOTR: Where I Run (AKA - I Run This Town!)

I'm linking up once again with MCM Mama Runs for another Tuesdays on the Run. This week's topic is showing ya'll where I run. So in other words, I'm going to show you how I run this town!

I do my fair share of complaining about my boring town that I live in and its lack of scenic trails and places for adventures to happen. It's also fairly flat, so I have to get creative to get my hill training in, but you know for all my complaining, if I ever left my hometown I would surely miss many of my running routes! So let's take a look at some of my regular views, shall we?

My number one running route is around my neighborhood because that's what is easiest, right? Strap on some shoes and head out the door to get it done. I live in a gated community that isn't too bad on nice views and clean, safe well-lit streets so that's definitely a plus. And then if I need to go longer than a few miles I can head out of the gate and find some additional routes that offer their own benefits.

One of four lakes in my neighborhood that are host to ducks and other water fowl on occasion.

Canadian Geese telling the Mallards "What's up, eh??" ;-)

The next "route" that gets the most use is the one that is in my home office/workout space. I really don't know what to call this room outside of MY ROOM, because it really is the only room in the house that is very much mine and mine alone. It's where Max hangs out during the days he gets to rest.

A little glimpse at my trusty pal, Maximus Decimus! I absolutely LOOOOOVVVVEEE him. :-)

It's where my Daisy pup hangs out too when she isn't snoring in other areas of the house or using the wall in the living room as a pillow.

She was seriously SLEEPING like that for hours...and snoring so loud to boot!

And it's of course the place that has all my racing motivation, my medals, my degrees, my books, and my treasured items.

Motivation Wall and another look at Max.

Thankfully I have windows to look out of and my tablet so I can watch Netflix otherwise I don't think Max and I would be such great friends. One of these days I will dedicate an entire post to my love for Max though - I know you can't wait, right?!?

I have another spot that we like to hit for our hill training that I have "lovingly" nicknamed The Beast. It's a massive hill that goes from the base of the valley to the top of a man-made lake. It offers stunning vistas, views of the lake, and a whole lot of heavy breathing and hamstring burners and quad killers.

The first portion of The Beast - it is quite harmless here but that is just a false sense of security...don't be fooled by it!

View from the middle of The Beast - right after the worst of the climb you get the reward of a view of the valley.

Last year I did a lot of my running at the lake at the top of The Beast and it was awesome. Unfortunately, the lake levels are so low right now because of the drought it just breaks my heart to see it. I haven't gotten out there much this year but it is one of my favorite places to train, especially for the hills.

Diamond Valley Lake last year already showing lower water levels, and it has gotten much worse this year. :(

Just earlier this year I started adding in a little trail running on a path that I used to just hike. It starts out a nice and gently rolling hills, but about 3 miles in turns into a MAJOR hike. One that makes The Beast look like nothing more than an ant hill. It climbs up and up for days. BUT if I stick to only running the first part, it makes for a nice trail run just around the corner from my house which is pretty freaking awesome.

My sister snapped this picture of me and I absolutely love it. The hills aren't green now though and are a very scorched brown.

 So where do I run? I run my town!!! I love driving around and thinking "yup, I've run this street", or seeing one of my favorite spots like the little bridge that runs over the dry waterbed and makes me feel like I'm running someplace else instead of my boring town.

This last picture says it all...that's where I run - that little town down in the valley are my streets and I run them!!!

TOTR: Social Media Share

Today's post is part of the Tuesdays on the Run Linkup through MCM Mama Runs, one of the link sponsors.

Be sure to take some time to check out the other posts by clicking the above image! :-)

The topic today is all about sharing our social media handles so everyone can find some new, awesome people to follow along with!

I know that "social media" can be a double-edged sword; here you are opening your life up to strangers that may or may not have your best interests in mind. We hear all the time about spamming, trolling, flamers, etc. But at the same time, social media can be a great tool to keep you inspired! I can't tell you how many times I've felt like being a total lazy bum, but then I see a post from someone to Facebook or Instagram and I'm reminded that if they can get out and run, then there's no reason I can't too! Or just to see others that post their paces and they are similar to mine...makes me feel like we are part of the same tribe. The reality is that I find myself inspired by social media more than I find myself on the negative side of it. I follow some truly amazing people that are all around the world. I feel like I've gotten to explore places I've never seen through the eyes of people I may not have even met, but have become good friends! I've cheered a social media friend through her marathons on the other side of the country via text message. I've gotten to know all my amazing Skirt Sisters through our Facebook page. I've participated on the Coach Jenny's Holiday Challenge the past several years and have gotten to know some truly AWESOME people through that group even though I've only actually met one of them! But as it turns out, the one I did meet - Brian - I went to school with his wife and his Mother-in-Law was my favorite teacher at the Teen Mom school that I attended while pregnant with my first son. We've seen each other at several races now and always cheer each other on and I never would have known who he was without Coach Jenny's group.

So even though Social Media can get a bum rap sometimes, it can also be an amazing thing with the right people involved. So if you're looking for some inspiration, take some time to visit the link-up and follow along! If you aren't already following my journey, you can through the following avenues:

kgrimes26 - Just click the image and follow some boards!

@kgrimes526 - Just click the picture and hit follow!

@PuttPuttRunner - just click the picture and hit follow!

+KristenGrimes - just click the picture and add me to a circle!

The Pursuit of a Quality Life Page - just click the picture and Like!

Hope you join me in sharing the journey! 

TOTR - Group or Solo Running?

This is my first time linking up via MCM Mama Runs to talk about Group or Solo Running and I'm so excited to jump in on this conversation because it is one that I've been thinking about a lot lately!!

So why has this been on my mind a lot lately? Well, it's no surprise to anybody that has been reading that I'm struggling...and have been for a long time!! I would definitely say that my struggle started back during my marathon training. Heading out for those really long runs all by myself was brutal and my hamster brain got the best of me time and time again. But let me back up for just a bit...

At least a couple days a week I am out with my Mom & Sister so even though I'm technically not running solo, we are all at our own paces and are running solo the majority of the time. But I've gotten a taste a few times of how it feels to run with someone else. First I got to run with my lovely DIL, Auxi, a few times. Unfortunately for me, she and my son got stationed in Okinawa, Japan so I can't run with her these days. Ha! There's just a little bit of a distance problem...lol

Like in April when we did the San Jacinto Run United 5k together...

What has also spoiled me lately, especially on the longer runs, is getting to do several training runs leading up to the Ventura Marathon last year, along with a couple races now, with my running friend, Sally!

I've gotten tastes of what it's like to run with someone and I fear I may never be able to go back!!!

Sally on the right after the Avocado Half in May 2015

Sally on the left at the Idyllwild 10k in June 2015

So my dilemma is now that I know how nice it is to share the miles with someone and how quickly it goes when you're chatting away about anything and everything I want to have that on a more regular basis!!! But I know that Sally is holding back for me as she is much quicker than I am. And I also know that as far as training runs go, Sally likes to start a little later than my ridiculously early morning runs. My other dilemma is that there aren't any running groups in my area that I know of. There is a Moms Run This Town group about 20 minutes away that I could meet up with, but I also feel like I'm not really a "mom" like those ladies are. My kids are grown and I'm on grand kids now. LOL Many of those gals are still pushing strollers. Then the third dilemma is that I'm not a speedster. I fear that even if I found a running group that I'd still be running solo because I'm not equally paced with someone else. Like that time I went on a group run in Temecula with Sally and the entire group quickly left me in the dust. Like, it was literally, maybe 5 minutes before they were all long gone and I was...running solo. Thankfully Sally came back and shared some of the miles with me because I didn't even have the route and ended up lost very quickly. Let's just say it was not the best experience ever...

The best part about my only group run to date was that it was a new-to-me running area so there was lots to look at! 

Even though I would really love to run with a group, especially when doing the longer training runs and/or races, I have several roadblocks to doing so on a regular basis. So most of the time I am solo. So ask me what I prefer, solo or group, and I would probably say that group would be pretty awesome if I ever get a chance to really try it. Solo is pretty cool some of the time especially if I have a lot on my mind and want to just zone out. But my real preference would be if I could find a perfectly matched BRF...someone that wants to run at the butt crack o'dawn on a regular basis, lives locally, and can push me out of my comfort zone and make me go just a little faster. That's not too much to ask, is it? Know anyone??? ;-)