I've been streaking!

Have any of you been participating in the Runner's World Streak Challenge?  The challenge began on Thanksgiving day and runs through New Year's Day.  Runner's world has challenged everyone to run at least 1 mile every day.  This year, thanks to my friend Dani G., I have joined in the fun!

I have changed things a bit for me, though.  I don't run every day because my body would give out on me, so I have pledged to run, bike, or walk at least one mile every day.  I love it!  It has gotten me in a better habit with biking and I have remembered how good it feels.

So far, since I started the streak, I have traveled over 101 miles!  I love seeing the little black line everyday on my Garmin Connect calendar. 

Confession:  I missed one Sunday.  I went to bed after 1AM after working on a Christmas present for my in-laws and realized I didn't get my mile in.  Rather than quit, I brushed it off and continued with my goal.  Sometimes I feel like if we don't hit our training goals 100%, we decide to quit and say we'll maybe do it again "next year," or "next training cycle."  I know I do this!  The run streak has helped me realize that sometimes it's the mindset that matters.  I can still do my best!

Know what else the run streak has helped me with?  Not wimping out on the snow runs!

Happy streaking, everyone!

Nooooo!!! {And how to do a hard reset on your Garmin}

I got up this morning at 5:45 to meet my running partner, Jami, for a run.  I got dressed, laced up the shoes, strapped on my Garmin, pushed power, and....  NOTHING.

Nooooo!!!!

If I can't track it, it's like the run never even happened!  Right?!  At least it feels that way.  Thank goodness for Strava.

So today I did a hard reset of my watch to get it back to normal.  If you are ever having trouble with your Garmin turning on, locating satellites, or you are unable to pair up devices such as foot pod or heart rate monitor- usually a hard reset will correct the problem.

To do a hard reset you:

• Make sure the device is off.
• Hold "Power" and "Mode" at the same time.
• When the device powers on it will ask, "Do you really want to erase all user data?" select YES.

Keep your workouts backed up on Garmin Connect to be sure you don't lose any of your hard work!

I ran without my watch, used, Strava, and enjoyed an awesome hill and beautiful sunrise this morning.  Next time I hope to remember how to reset my watch so I can do it right away!

Strava

I have a problem.  I am very competitive.

Sometimes this is a good thing because I will push myself harder.  Sometimes it's a bad thing because I have no business being competitive when I'm really just a mom and being a runner doesn't matter.  I say this because sometimes how fast or slow I am can be tied to my self esteem.

Sad, but true.

So there's the honesty in the post for the day!

My friend Breona introduced me to an app called Strava.  Have you heard of this?  I at first had no interest because I still love my computer I strap to my arm (AKA my Garmin 305), but then she told me about segments.

A segment is a stretch of road that keeps track of other Strava users times and pits them against each other.  One person will have a course record, and then it will number the rest 2nd through 10th place.

This is bad for me!  The competition!!!

But it's oh so fun.  Last night Bre and I went out to run a specific segment.  And guess what!

 It is also fun to use to cheer your friends on because you know exactly what course they are running out there!

So check it out, find me, and let's run together!

PS- I spy my other favorite fitness app, Nike Training Club.  What's your favorite fitness app?

Get Up and Run

Ever since I started training again after I had Paige, it has been extremely difficult for me to get up in the morning. I say this, and my baby sleeps really well compared to a lot of others!

If you are tired and feel like you'd rather die than wake up for an early morning run, then you are not alone. I am recommitting myself to early morning runs! Here's how I plan to do it. 

1- Make a plan. Schedule it in! Set an alarm on my phone- multiple if I have to. 

2- Contact a running partner so I have a face to greet me in the cold, dark morning. 

3- Lay out my gear the night before. 

4- GO TO BED. I have a tendancy to stay up until midnight. From now on, the TV is off at ten and I will head to bed. 

What helps you get up in the morning?

Play it safe- and that one time when I got really freaked out on a run...

I am a road runner.

Besides worrying about my pace, I also have to worry about cars.  I've had a couple of close encounters- both of which occurred at night.  Running on the road means you have to be aware of your surroundings at all times.  Here are a couple of rules I follow:

1. At night, always wear a reflective vest, blinking LED tail light, and a head lamp.  You need to see where you are going, and cars need to see you.
2. If you listen to music, keep it down.  It's a good idea to leave one ear bud out, and keep the volume low enough that you can hear cars (or people, or dogs) that may be coming up on you.
3. Run facing traffic.  This typically means the left side of the road.  If you are facing the cars, you can make eye contact with the drivers- do it!  You can also see if you may need to bail off the road at the last minute for some reason.

Besides worrying about cars, you also need to worry about people.  Not far from where I live there is a trail where several women have been attacked while out running.  I feel pretty safe in my little town, but there are still times where I have been afraid.

A couple of weeks ago I was running with my friend Audra.  We were way out in the country, and there was no moon so it was really dark. We were running up the road and a car was coming towards us.  All of a sudden it stops- in the middle of the road- turns off, and then the driver turns off their lights.  Audra and I immediately stopped and started booking it in the other direction.

The driver started the car, drove closer to us, and then did it again.  Next thing we hear is someone saying, "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you!"

I screamed back, "WELL, YOU DID!!!!!!"

I was so glad that I wasn't alone, and that I had my mace.  My biggest regret was that neither of us brought our phone!  We were so freaked out that we cut our run short and headed home.

When running I would always be sure to protect yourself by:

1. Bringing a phone.  You never know if you may need help- from a sprained ankle to a more serious threat.
2. Carrying mace.  Heck!  If nothing else you may need it for a dog!
3. When possible, run with a partner.  There is always strength in numbers.
4. Always tell someone your route and when to expect you home.