Confessions of a Mother Runner

Healthy Living, Running & Vegetarian

5 Things I’ll be Doing in 5 Years

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This sounded like a fun Friday Five post to write! I haven't really thought about this at all really but here goes: 1.  Turning 50!? Ok wow I will be turning the big 5-0 in 5 years. Yikes that sounds really old doesn't it? But 50 is the new 40 right? 2. Becoming an Empty Nester I just dropped my daughter off at college yesterday and in five years my son will be in college and we will be empty nesters. That sounds very surreal just to type. I am in no way ready for that to … [Read more...]

I’m an Iron Girl

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If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that I've been training for the Iron Girl Triathlon all spring and summer. I did my first tri and my first Iron Girl 9 years ago and was hooked on tri races. I participated in a few a year for the next 5 years. I then decided to take a hiatus from tri races and focus on running longer distance racing. This past winter, I got the bug and decided I was ready to "Tri" again. I roped a couple of MRTT friends into joining me for a warm up tri back … [Read more...]

5 Things You Should Never Do Before A Race

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  [Tweet "Don't make any of these classic #race week mistakes #fitfluential #sweatpink"] With my goal race coming up this weekend, I've given lots of thought to my race day plans and anxiety (here) and some of the mistakes I've made in the past. I've actually done all of these things on my list at some point even though I knew it was a bad idea. Hope these tips help you avoid making some of the same mistakes I've made. 1. Do not try to cram in any missed workout from previous weeks I have … [Read more...]

Taking Initiative

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I am linking up with Deb Runs today to join in on my first Wednesday Word link up. This week's word INITIATIVE. Initiative: ~An introductory act or step ~Readiness & ability in initiating an action ~Leadership, Forcefulness   Reverse time about 2 1/2 years ago...I was a solo runner. Yes-hard to even remember at this point. I would go out on my runs alone a few times a week and see other moms running the same routes I ran. Who were they? Where did they live? Were they also … [Read more...]

Tips To Curb Race Day Anxiety

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So...I am just about a week away from my summer goal race, The Iron Girl Triathlon,  and I am starting to get a bit anxious.  It always amazes me how I go from feeling completely calm & prepared to feeling anxious & full of self doubt the week before a big race. Sound familiar? I've come up with a few tips to help Curb Race Day Anxiety that I hope will help us both. 1. Do Your Homework: -Read the information the race directors send out so that you know the logistics on where to park, … [Read more...]

Running to Remember

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My grandmother, Miriam, "Micki" as we all called her passed away last year after suffering from Alzheimer's for many years. I was her oldest of 5 grandchildren and we always had a very close and unique relationship. Throughout my high school years we traveled together many times and when I went to college,  just blocks away from her apartment, we spent much more time together. It was her approval I wanted when I met my husband and I have such vivid memories of her wedding dress shopping with me … [Read more...]

Welcome Runs & TomTom Multisport Watch Review

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We have had such great success with our Welcome Runs lately that we have decided to make them a monthly occurrence for our MRTT group. We have regular weekly runs with pretty good attendance, however whenever we have a welcome run loads of ladies come out.   We always try to encourage newer members to join the runs but I think they are intimidated or unsure about their pace. Having an official welcome run with a shorter route planned, really appeals to everyone and we plan to end our … [Read more...]

Bikers & Runners & Drivers Can’t We All Play Nice?

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 It's officially Summertime here in the Washington, DC area and that means one thing:-total chaos out on the multi use trails lots of people out enjoying the beautiful trails our area has to offer. As a biker, runner and driver I have witnessed some crazy and dangerous behavior out there the past few weeks. I hate so many people out on the trails I love that so many people are out exercising and enjoying the lovely weather. For everyone's safety and sanity, we can all share the roads and trails … [Read more...]

Reston Sprint Tri Recap & What’s next?

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On Sunday I remembered how much I loved doing Tri races and I also remembered how hard it is to run after biking. Reston Sprint is a small local Tri Race in it's 9th year. I did this same race 9 years ago (and 3 more years following) when there were only 300 people and most of them men. Things have really changed in the Tri world as women have really taken to the sport in the last 10 years. This year over 800 athletes were signed up with 50% women. There is something very low key and charming … [Read more...]

Transition Tips for Beginner Triathletes

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Somehow, back in the dead of winter, I convinced two of my BRF's (best running friends) to sign up for their first sprint triathlon. Now that we are days away from our race, I promised them a little info on how things will work on race day. So Holly & Laura this post is for you! The transitons (T1 & T2) are essentially a 4th component of a Triathlon race and can really be chaotic and confusing to a newbie. I preface all this information by stating that I am not an expert or a tri … [Read more...]

Why I Coach Girls On The Run

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This past weekend my Girls on Track team (the Middle school program for Girls on The Run) had their end of season 5k race. It's always such an emotional and rewarding experience for me to see the girls achieve their goals on race day. The race is a celebration of what we've learned and achieved together the last 2 months during our bi-weekly practices.   This season was my 3rd volunteering to coach at my kids old Elementary School. While running with all of the Northern Virginia … [Read more...]

5 Crazy Thoughts Runners Have While Racing

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Happy Friday! Ok this is my last Ragnar I promise! I am linking up with Courtney, Cynthia and Mar for Friday Five. While doing our Ragnar race last week, our team noticed that we all had some of the same crazy thoughts throughout our 36 hour adventure. I am wondering whether some of you have had similar thoughts at one time or another while racing? 1. "I hate running, why the ____ am I doing this?"  Then..."I love running so much! This is amazing". 2. "I will never forgive you all for … [Read more...]