Run Chatting on Twitter and Hitting Up The Trails

Have you ever participated in #runchat or #runDisneyChat on Twitter? I've done it a couple of times now and it's really fun. I've found new people to follow and gained new followers each time I've done it. If you're a #runchat newbie, check it out, it's kind of cool. Questions are posted by the host(s) and then people reply and add #runchat or #runDisneyChat. (They're two separate chats, just to confuse things for you!) Anyway, it's pretty cool.

As for getting out of my rut, I actually managed to get in 3 runs this week! I know that's not really a lot for pretty much every other runner out there, but for me that's an accomplishment these days. I had been feeling pretty burnt out for awhile and I'm trying to get myself back into the groove of actually being a dedicated runner.

I met my friend, Lara, for a long run early Saturday morning. The sun is rising much later these days and we underestimated how early we needed to start.

Squishy Moon

It was surprisingly chilly, too. Last year at this time it was much, much warmer. The moon set was gorgeous, though. It's a good thing a like to take pictures when I run...

Looks like a picture from Africa or something!

I mentioned previously that I would really like to work on my speed. My advice? Find someone that runs faster than you and is a Nazi about running. That will do the trick. We ran 7 miles at least 30-60 seconds faster per minute. It was a tough run, but the good news is that I was able to actually keep running at that faster pace for much longer stretches and I took way fewer walk breaks. I was feeling pretty proud of myself.

I've also been reading and researching ways to improve my running. Since I ended up deferring my 2013 NYC Marathon until 2014, I don't want to have regrets when I toe that start line next year. I don't see a whole lot of full marathons in my future, and the NYCM is pretty damn big deal, so I want to do something different: actually be at my best. I know, I know, what's gotten into me? I hardly recognize myself! There's a story here, but I'll save that for a future blog post.

I feel really good and hopeful about my run yesterday. It felt tough, but I didn't feel like I was going to die while I was out there, so that's a plus. I also took my boy, Lou, on the trail, too. Lucky for him, we just took a leisurely stroll.

Trail time!

Sporting my Ragnar shirt.

I also downloaded some new music. I know some people hate Pitbull, but I love his stuff for running. I love this song. I listened to it on repeat on Thursday night when I went out for a quick 4 miler. It's dirty and totally annoying and awesome.



You're welcome.