So. Very. Sore.

For one reason or another, I haven't run in few days. Take yesterday, for example. I figured I would run when Owen got home from work. But by the time I put Conal down for a nap, I was feeling sluggish and blah. I needed to do something. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to turn on the monitor in Conal's room so I couldn't run on the treadmill.

So, I hit up Exercise TV on Demand for a little workout. Or, in my case, a tough, butt-kicking workout!

Holy cannoli. I did a few different "shows" (I normally stick to The Shred but yesterday I shook it up) and they didn't feel too terribly tough when I was doing them but, today? Today I am sore. So. Very. Sore. My calves, hammies, butt, back, arms, core -- all sore. Sore in a good way, for sure, but sore nevertheless. The workouts kicked this runner's butt!

The workouts had a lot of lateral moves and a lot of jumping rope. Those two movements called some pretty sleepy muscles into action. Running doesn't involve very much lateral motion, afterall. And jumping? Not much of that in running either.

Anyway, I haven't run in a few days but I'm better off! Sounds weird but it is true. Whenever I get on a cross-training kick I feel like my running improves. Using those under-used muscles, and giving a break to the over-used ones, is a good thing!

So, need a break? Exercise TV on Demand really does have some effective programs to get you moving! Check it out, if you haven't already.

And . . . don't forget to check out my Smartwool giveaway, which ends tonight at 11:59pm EST! Go here to enter :-)

And one other thing! I wrote about the new Consumer Reports report on top treadmills here.

Well, that's it. Happy Thursday, everyone!

~ Felice

Wordless Wednesday*

Proud boy during the last day of gymnastics ribbon ceremony.

*with the exception of the caption.


PS: Don't forget to check out my Smartwool giveaway here!

Thanks for the cans.

I'm so behind in posting my Cans for Comments wrap up but here goes.

The deal was that I would donate one can of food to the Food Pantries for the Capital District for every five comments left on my Friday posts in December. During that period, you guys left a total of 127 comments, good for 26 cans! I was really pleased!

The 26 cans:


I went with the no salt veggies and some low salt veggie soup. I'm going to add in some diapers as well because food pantries have been seeing a real need for them lately. So, that's that!

It was a fun little campaign and I appreciate all of your support!

Enjoy your day!

~ Felice

PS: Don't forget to check out my Smartwool giveaway here!

Let's go!

Happy new year! I hope everyone had a nice New Year's Eve and has enjoyed the start of 2010 so far. I had a great time with fun friends on NYE/the early morning hours of New Year's Day. And I followed up the festivities with an easy 5-miler on the 1st so, all in all, a positive start to the year!

But now, it's time for me to set out my 2010 goals!

Last year, I started January with one set of goals that I quickly re-adjusted (in early March, I think) because I hadn't really thought out the original set well enough. Then, my re-adjusted goals were a little weird. So this year I hope to avoid setting scrap-worthy goals that are quickly followed by weird goals. Good plan, huh?

OK, so. Here they are. My 2010 (running-related) goals:

• To run strong and well throughout the year. I ran through 2009 without injury (some nagging soreness here and there notwithstanding) and I would like to do that again in 2010. If I continue to listen to my body, keep up with the cross training and run smart I believe I can easily achieve this goal.
• To set at least one new PR. Last year, I wanted more than almost anything to run a sub-23 minute 5K and set a PR at 22:56 or better. This year, I'm expanding on that goal. I would like a PR and will take one in any distance that I have raced so far: 5K, 3.5m, 4m, 10K, 15K, marathon.
  
• To run outdoors more often than indoors. I mostly do this now and with my new headlamp and decent cold-weather running gear I should be all set for success here.
  
• To meet some other running bloggers. This one should be a piece of cake since I'm planning to run the HMRRC Winter Marathon Relay with Suzy and Amanda. But, maybe I'll meet others? Who knows!
• To run 1010 miles for 2010. I ran 904 in 2009 so 1010 should be no problem!
• To break the death-grip that is my Starburst jellybean addiction. I was practically shaking just typing that. I lur-ur-ur-urve the Starbusrt jellybeans. They are my thing. But too much of a good thing is actually rotten so I would do well to cut back on the jellybeans. For real this time. Yes, I've quit before. This time will be different. How? I don't know! But it will!
  

As you can see, I'm all about setting myself up for success and I believe I can succeed in meeting these goals. Maybe not the last one but everyone has to have a stretch goal, right?

Over the course of the year, I'm sure I'll set some additional, short-term goals that will probably support at least one of these goals in some way. That's the way I do it. Let's just hope I don't scrap these goals in March. I doubt I will!

OK, yay! My goals are out there! I'd better get to work :-)

If you're interested, I wrote about running resolutions and suggestions for enhancing your running in 2010 over here.

Have a great week, everyone!

~ Felice

PS: Do you like Smartwool? Check out my giveaway over at my other site! Smartwool -- woo hoo!