Five Awesome Things

If you are looking for a Fourth of July firecracker of a race, I highly recommend Park 2 Park in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. This was my third year running it (not consecutively) and you best bet I’ll be back for more. 

Registration: Easy peasy, online, through this link. https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Bloomington/Park2Park 

Cost: $25 (goes up to either $30/35 after a certain date) I feel like this is an incredible deal given the quality race they put on. This includes a t-shirt. I LOVED the t-shirt for this year and will wear it casually. In the other two years, it was a cheaper, tech fabric and I did not end up wearing it. This year, the shirt did run a wee bit small. 

Start: This is a point-to-point course that begins at Miller Park and ends at The Corn Crib ballpark in Normal. There is the option to take a shuttle from the Corn Crib to Miller Park, but I cannot comment on how that is as I have always had someone drop me off and pick me up. The great thing about Miller Park is that there are plenty of brick-and-mortar, flushable toilets and the lines have not been terribly long, in my experience. I arrived about 30 minutes before the start and that was plenty of time. There was music and announcements from the Pavillion and then you walk to the start at the corner of the park on Wood Street. One note that I never remember, this race is chip timed, but there is only a pad at the end with everyone going off the same start time. So, if you are not at the front of the pack, your time is likely 10 - 45 seconds slower than your actual time. Not that this is such a big race that you need waves or corrals, but as someone who does care about my time, I should have started up closer to the start line. 

There were about 600 participants... from competitive runners (I am always amazed with how many local fasties there are!) to casual runners, families, I even saw a stroller or two. Course: This is a sneaky course in that it is a slight uphill most of the way, with a couple of nice downhills. It isn’t so much of a hill that you are thinking “woah, this is a nasty hill” but the type that makes you go, why does this feel so hard? This is compounded because each time I have raced this run it has been hot and humid, and this course has very little shade. You run down Wood to Main and run on Main for miles 1 - 3.5. At mile 3.5 (by ISU) you turn on Gregory - which brought a sweet, needed breeze and downhill. Then, you turn right onto Adelaide (mile 4) which leads to a nice, shaded path that goes along a golf course. Finally, you cross Raab Road, run into the Corn Crib and finish on the Pitcher’s Mound.  Finish: First of all, it is really cool to finish the race in the Corn Crib, on the mound. Second of all, their finish line spread is AMAZING. After downing a delicious grape Powerade, I headed up to the concourse where they had bagels, donuts, cupcakes, as well as apples, bananas, sodas, etc. 

Oh hey! How ya been? Just dusting things off over here. Don’t mind me. Wait, mind me. What is the point of a blog but to be minded? 

As the title indicates, I have been back doing hot yoga for about 9 months now. I am a bit obsessed with CorePower Yoga here in Chicago. I know it is not a traditional yoga studio, but it has been ideal to meet my needs. Hear me out.

1. Black Tag Membership - CorePower Yoga

Convenience: Location -  It is walking distance from my apartment, which means I go. I mean it - I even went at least three days a week all during the Chicago winter. There is also one close to where I work. Also, they are in most major cities, so if I travel, I can still go. 

Convenience: Class times - CPY has an abundant class listing at ALL hours of the day from early mornings to candlelight evenings - including weekends! You also do not have to sign up ahead of time. Both of those factors were a big source of frustration at other gyms for me, so I appreciate this convenience greatly. Again, it makes sure I am on my mat more often. 

Price: Is it cheap? No. However, they do have a teacher discount, and if you go regularly it is much cheaper than other options in my area.

My favorite classes are: C2, HPF, and C1. My only complaint is that that they seem to be phasing out C1 and HPF. I really like all of the teachers at my studio - they each bring something different and I always walk away feeling strong, refreshed and thoroughly sweaty.

2. Yogitoes Towel

For hot yoga, you need a good mat. There are a lot of great mats, all with pros and cons, depending on what you like in a mat. However, you need a good towel, and boy, all towels are NOT created equal. I have done the cheap route, and then splurged on a Yogitoes towel when they went on sale... whoa. Guys. After using a Yogitoes towel, it is impossible to go back to the other towels without looking down at your hands sliding around in downdog, thinking... this towel is so not a Yogitoes towel. Yogitoes have little nubbins on the bottom that stick and grip your mat, so you can stick and grip your towel. I know there is an imitation one on Amazon for $20 because I bought it. It isn’t the same. 

That said, they are not cheap. At all. It is hard for me to say that at full price they are worth it, as the midwesterner in me still goes... 58 bucks for a towel?! I don’t think so! The good news is that they go on sale pretty regularly. The sale price is still pretty splurgy to me, I mean... it is a towel! But what a fantastic towel it is. 

https://www.manduka.com/yoga-towels/yogitoes-towels.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwgezoBRDNARIsAGzEfe7qGKVDCOYsaJXeurFM7ZksApAiAMS6tBueG3YRcYgEfKHkbOJg_bMaAjQ1EALw_wcB

3. Align Yoga Pants - Lululemon

There is this weird thing in hot yoga, where you need to be wearing pants to catch all the sweat dripping off your legs, but those pants need to breathe. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt like my yoga pants, that super thin fabric, can feel like it is suffocating me. 

So, much like the Yogitoes towels, not all yoga pants are created equal. Not even all the fancy label yoga pants are created equal, and not all Lulu pants are created equal for hot yoga. The BEST, most buttery soft, opaque pants that can take the heat and humidity and still keep you feeling fresh... are the align collection. Again, not cheap. They occasionally go on the We Made Too Much sale (new stuff on sale every Thursday), usually in odd colors, but sometimes in cute prints/flattering colors for non-models. Right now I only own one pair, but it is the pair that I do a happy dance for every time they come out of the laundry. 

Also, quick tip to runners. I learned the hard way that the tights with back or side pockets with zippers that we love so much for running are not your friend on the mat. Not the biggest deal, but definitely some uncomfortable moments. 

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-pants/Align-Pant-2/_/prod2020012?color=34116

4. Sweaty Bands

When I cut my hair last year, I went from liking Sweaty Bands to LOVING Sweaty Bands. For running, and hot yoga, they hold my hair back and don’t budge. I like the standard 1-inch designs the best, and I am a big fan of all the Chicago designs! 

Hot tip - after a workout, wash in the sink (while you are washing your face!) and hang to dry. 

www.sweatybands.com 

5. Off the Mat Pouch - Lululemon If you are like me and are loathe to go in the crowded locker room and using a locker unless absolutely necessary, this pouch is a lifesaver. It clips to the Lulu mat strap (and probably any cheaper carrying strap) and you can keep your phone, lip balm, keys, etc in there in the room with you. It makes summertime yoga in the city super easy. Granted, if you are driving to and from, it is probably not necessary... but if you are walking multiple blocks in the city like I am, it is a game changer! 

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/Off-The-Mat-Pouch-Neoprene/_/prod9270439?color=0001

The first words out of everyone’s mouth when I told them I was moving back to the Midwest were, “oh my God, the WEATHER!” Not just my fellow Angelenos, my Illinois friends and family, too, would have one sentence of welcoming excitement, followed by, “but are you ready for WINTER?” I stopped watching Game of Thrones after the first season, but “Winter is Coming” was looming, impending doom since we arrived in August. I thought, you better enjoy this mild weather now, Sher, for it may be your last before the unbearable winter nightmare begins!

This was particularly troublesome as a runner. One of the things L.A. runners take great pride in is that they can run year round. Usually in shorts and a tank top. Still, I wasn’t too worried - I’ve always been one who could hammer out long runs on a treadmill if necessary. So, I enjoyed the seasons turning. The true fall weather, legitimate temperatures for sweaters, scarves, and boots, not to mention long sleeve running tops. November rolled through, then December, now January...and I have kept running outside. I have discovered that cold weather running is actually my FAVORITE. 35 - 40 degrees is perfection! Chicago runners run year round, too… and there is always some crazy dude in shorts! I have learned that the Ranulph Fiennes quote is true: “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”

Here are my Top 5 Necessities to be an Awesome Winter Running Warrior.

1. Gloves/Mittens - When the temps dip and the wind blows, this is actually the first thing you need. Thin gloves under 40 degrees, and intense mittens under 20. I wear the cheap-o stretchy non-technical ones from the $3 Target bin if it is above 20. That way if you take them off and lose one, it is no biggie. If it is below 20, I wear my Oiselle Soft Shell Mittens. These suckers are WARM. Honestly, too warm for over 25 degrees. They will give you the hand sweats (interesting sensation) unless it is in that bone chilling temperature zone. Then they are an absolute dream, and no fear of losing them, because you are not taking them off. At first I was hesitant ordering mittens, I mean, what am I? Ten? But they are warmer, and I find I wear them as my regular gloves on those super chilly days, too.

2. Vest -  I’ve found it is actually better to do multiple thin layers than one thick one. It wicks the sweat away quickly and you can peel something off if you get too warm. So, if it is above 20, I usually wear two thin long sleeves, and top with a vest. Bonus - a vest has pockets that hold all sorts of goodies… your phone, lip balm, Gus, gloves that you take off after you warm up. My Oiselle Katron vest is still going strong after a few years. 

If it is in the teens or negatives, I wear my Lululemon First Mile jacket over a long sleeve. But it is really too much if it is over 25 degrees.

3. Gaiter or Balaclava - Along with gloves/mittens this is a must. If it isn’t too cold, you can get away with a buff or gaiter around your neck, and pull it up over your nose and mouth for a bit of time to warm your face up. The two problems with the gaiter are that it fogs up your sunglasses and they don’t stay up for long periods of time, in my experience. Which is fine, as long as it isn’t too cold. Pair with an ear warmer or hat and you are all good.

When it is below 20, the balaclava is a gift from heaven! My friend Alie sent me one, and I LOVE it. Not only do I look and feel like a straight-up ninja, but my face stays warm. You can pull it down to your chin when you want to, and pull it up over your mouth when you need to. No more windburned cheeks! 

4. Handheld or Hydration Vest - One bummer of winter running is that water fountains are turned off so the pipes don’t freeze. That means you have to carry more water with you on your run. I also recently learned the hard way that if you have your typical pack with the bladder - the water will freeze in the tube if you do not either blow the water back into the bladder or have an insulated cover for the tube. I recently bought a new, lighter vest, the Nathan Firecracker. I like that it has two bottles up front (they won’t freeze on my long runs!) and I can have Nuun in one and water in the other. 

Another tip - put your phone in a sock and then put it in your jacket or have it right next to your body. Super cold temps drain your battery pretty much immediately. Again, learned through the School of Rookie Mistakes.

5. Nuun - I recently discovered the glory of drinking Nuun warm! This is the perfect way to get your electrolytes or vitamins (I am a huge fan of the new vitamins line) in a warm beverage. It is like having a comforting cup of tea. It is the perfect, low-cal way to get in your H2O, stay hydrated, and warm up after your run.

I’ve loved dogs my whole life, and was lucky to grow up in a family where a dog is simply a hairier and cuter sibling. They share the bed, they share the couch, they get into your heart and rip it wide open when they leave. And no matter how long they are with us, they always leave too soon. I’ve loved cantankerous dogs who preferred rolling in mud to getting pets (Panda), rascally dogs who lived hard on the edge and frequented junior high cheerleading practice (Rebel), big, sweet, ‘fraidy dogs who sat on your lap, long after they hit 75 lbs (Romeo)... and Frodo. My perfect, soul-mate dog.

Frodo had a lot of nicknames: Mr. Perfect, Mr. Delicious, Angel Boy. I never knew Frodo as a puppy, or even as a young, adult dog. We rescued him at the age of 13, and he made our home a better, happier, more love-filled space for six short years, living to a wonderfully blessed age of 19. From the start, he was the best behaved dog I have EVER had. As the years went on, we knew we had him on borrowed time, so we made it a point to love him enormously and appreciate every day that he was here. If there is a first-class express train to heaven, he was on it late afternoon October 18th.

He loved snuggling his humans and sometimes his brother (Coco does not allow such shenanigans), helping himself to food (especially hamburgers and popcorn), sunbathing, and a good snooze. He is survived by his brother Chachi and sister Coco Marie.

The top five things I miss about Frodo: (hand me the kleenex)

1. Snuggling cheek-to-cheek - This was my preferred method of carrying him. He had the softest cheeks, and I loved the way he smelled. Seriously, even when he had D.O. (dog odor), he was always Mr. Delicious to me. This was obviously prime kissing territory... me kissing him. He didn’t give kisses - unless you put peanut butter on your cheek. Not that I did that or anything.

2. His snoring - I wish I could make a white noise machine with the sounds of his soft snore. I would play it any time I was scared, or anxious, or upset. It was audio xanax.

3. His bowed-legged walk - Frodo was double jointed in his knees, which caused him stand and walk in a unique way. He was still spry when we first adopted him, making his way up dog stairs and going on walks with his little waddle. Like anyone elderly, walking became harder and harder for him through the years... but he would still bound down the hallway, with his tail wagging and a light in his eye when we came home or if he heard the treat bag. Hearing the staccato sounds of his nails on the hardwood floor is something I miss, and can still hear if I close my eyes.

4. His go-for-broke food philosophy - I know most dogs love food, but Frodo LOVED food. He was on a prescription diet for all the time we had him - the same food morning, noon, and night, and that dog ALWAYS ate it happily and defended his bowl with gusto. When he didn’t want to eat, I knew it was a sign he was ready to go. Coco and Chachi are shameless beggers, but Frodo was a shameless grabber. Only his age and size kept him from flat-out stealing food more often. The first time I encountered his “go big” mentality, I was sick in bed. Oddly, when I am sick, the only thing that sounds appetizing to me is a cheeseburger from a fast food restaurant (judge away). Mark brought it to me in bed, where I was resting with Frodo. I picked up the burger, and *right* before I took a bite, Frodo lunged, grunted, and took a bite. Even in this last year, when he did not do much other than snuggle and sleep, he found a new gear to spring into action if food was ever within his reach.

5. Snuggling for chihuahua afternoon - A chihuahua afternoon in our house means cuddle up with your softest blanket and enjoy a snooze. The dogs also highly recommend a chihuahua morning. Frodo was an expert cuddler, finding the ideal way to curl into your body for an epic snooze.

Bottom line, what do I miss? Everything.

For what am I grateful? Everything.

Good night, sweet boy. Thank you for showing me that my heart is multilayered and capable of showing up through difficult things. We will love you forever and always.

Fleet Feet Sports has a motto: Running Changes Everything. It is simple, but it hits home in a profound way, especially for those of us who are Born Again Runners.

In 2011, I ran my first marathon as a newbie runner. I only had about two months of training, after about twelve years of a somewhat unhealthy and definitely unathletic lifestyle. I ran the LA Marathon with a time of 5:31 - in the pouring rain. No, wait. Torrential downpour. To this day, I think that was the hardest thing I have physically ever done.

One week ago (five and a half years later), I ran my sixth marathon in 4:05, shaving off 86 minutes. I could finish the marathon, watch Run Lola Run (81 minutes), and post an insta (five minutes) in that time.

So much is the same…. But different.

1. It is hard. In fact, one of my mantras (from Oiselle pro runner Kate Grace) was “You are the kind of athlete that does hard things.” No matter if you are a 2:40 marathoner or a 6:40 marathoner, you have to get from point A to point Z covering 26.2 miles on foot. There is always a point in the marathon where I am just DONE. I always think, this was a dumb idea, I don’t ever want to do this again. Then I always get past it.

But DIFFERENT: Nothing was as hard as that first marathon. I am certainly not a professional, and I have friends who race all the time and have run 20+ marathons in the same span of time as my 6. In my experience, the longer I was out there, the harder it was. I have also learned a number of tricks, an evolving toolbelt of skills, and a whole lot more muscle that help me along. My two marathons that were over 5 hours (5:31 and 5:18), I didn’t even have music! I didn’t have anyone waiting at the finish line of my first marathon - I walked over a mile to my car, in the freezing rain, and drove myself home like NBD. Only, sobbing hysterically because it was a VERY BD.

Advice to newbie marathoners - have someone at the finish line with your gear bag, if possible. You don’t want to stand in that gear check line after the race (unless it is a small one), if you can avoid it. If you have nothing else in that bag, have a pair of comfortable flip flops. Just trust me on that. (Thank you, Mark!)

2. It is painful. In 2011 (and 2013, for that matter) I stopped at a medical tent, worried about the pain. This year, I stopped at an aid station and grabbed some Bio Freeze to slather on my right leg. There is a difference between injury pain (my 2013 stress fracture in my hip) and the normal pain of repetitive motion on asphalt. My friend Chris reminded me a couple of weeks out that it is painful for everyone - even the people that win.

But DIFFERENT: After my first marathon, the pain in my knees was so intense walking was so painful, I took the stairs backwards. Now, I can walk the next day, and could easily run days out. I do take 10 days completely off (thanks to Coach Larry) post marathon to let those micro tears start healing, and to avoid complete burnout. I have to say, I am itching to run, but I know taking rest is important. Ever since I started taking these mini-breaks, I haven’t had any major injuries.

Advice to newbie marathoners -  Embrace ice baths in training and recovery. I put these off out of fear for FAR too long. An ice bath the two nights before the race, after a hard workout or race… what a difference! New legs!

3. It is unknown. Back in 2011, my longest run was 14 miles. I had no idea what was in store for me from mile 15 - 26.2. At the starting line, and pretty much all the way until I got to San Vicente, I had no idea if I could or would finish. What I know now, is I can definitely finish (provided nothing catastrophic happens), but a lot of little and not-so-little things can and do happen in the marathon. From side stitches (mile 17), to upset stomach and having to force the Gu down praying I don’t throw it up (mile 20), to “Can I blame Donald Trump for this wall???” (Mile 20).

But DIFFERENT - I now try to mentally prep for these unknowns. Especially during the taper week, I visualize and talk myself through these circumstances. I also brace myself. I think there can be this great danger of simply saying, “remember to have fun! Enjoy yourself!” While this is true, and you should absolutely recognize and enjoy each fun, easy mile (hopefully you have a lot of them!)... also know there will be some gritty, painful miles. That way, when they come, you aren’t thrown off course. You can say, “oh, HERE you are… I was wondering when you’d show up. I have a plan for you.” So, if that side stitch comes, you work out your breathing. When the upset stomach comes, you slowly take in the Gu a little at a time. When you hit that wall, you know you have been there before, and there are easier miles on the other side… just run to the next aid station. Or if you have to pull a Hail Mary, and for the first time in any run put in BOTH earbuds and listen to “Can’t Stop the Feeling” on repeat from mile 20 - 22, and “My Shot” from mile 24 - 26.2.

Advice to newbie marathoners - Make a killer playlist for your shuffle, and TEST IT the night before. I have had two SNAFUs with my shuffle due to mistakes I made charging it. Not fun to discover on race day that either your shuffle says “to load songs, please…” or is playing the same two songs over and over.

4. It is inspiring. One of my favorite exercises is “just like me.” I do it at the start, during the race, and especially when I am hitting a rough patch. It reminds me that I am not alone in this, and keeps me from feeling sorry for myself. Like an old coach used to say, “It is raining in everyone’s lane.”  So… “Just like me, they are really nervous.” “Just like me, they are in the heat.” “Just like me, their legs hurt.” Often, it has me look around and realize I am doing much better than I may feel. Mile 20 I can look around and think - hey, you are still moving and your gait is still somewhat smooth, pick it up. Hey, you are still breathing really easily, you’ve got this.

Not different at all: Still inspiring. Still humbling when a guy juggles the entire time without dropping it and runs a 2:55. Still inspiring to see people far older than you kicking your butt out there. Still so inspiring to see people working through some deep dark places - physically and mentally to make it to the finish line.

Advice to newbie marathoners - When you are struggling, let the city carry you. High five kids. Smile. Read the posters. Thank all the volunteers, police officers, medics, etc. Be grateful you are able to do this. For fun, you weirdo.

5. It is emotional. I still tear up crossing the finish line. I still choke up looking at the people on the sidelines. It is still humbling to see all of the volunteers who got up super early and are spending MORE time on their feet than I am. There is an overwhelming sense of community

Not different at all:  I still have to avoid looking at the crowd at times to keep from crying.

And finally… it still ends the same with more goal setting (sub 4, and sub 3:45 BQ), lessons learned (don’t celebrate early in your race), and signing up again for next year! 

Mile 25ish.

*Note: While I am a member of the Oiselle Volée, I have not received any compensation or product from them gratis. I eagerly await each exquisite package after laying down my own cold hard cash (er... entering my credit card information online.)

I’ve been thinking of writing this blog for awhile, as runners are frequently asking for my recommendations. I love Oiselle: the clothes, the company, the women in charge... and the incredible team they have nurtured and built. If you run with me, or follow me on any social media, you’ve heard me gush and fan girl over this brand.

But it is really hard to whittle down my favorite five pieces. I mean, it is hard for me to even whittle down my five favorite pairs of shorts! It is like picking your favorite color - some days I feel sugar shock pink, some days I am a preppy green, and I will always defer to everyone’s best friend - navy blue. But if I could only keep 5 pieces... here’s what they would be.

One thing I love about Oiselle, is that they include pictures of real women wearing their clothes on their website. It is much easier as a consumer to see those and think “yeah, I think that would work on me...” or “Nope. That style would not be a good look on me.” So I am including pictures of me in all of these styles. For reference, I am 5′2″ and wear a range of XS - S and 2 - 4 in women’s clothes. I am not a Barbizon model, but I think I look pretty good for 39 1/2!

1. Roga -

When I first saw Lauren Fleshman rocking a pair of roga shorts, I knew I had to have them. Super flattering, yoga inspired waist band, quick drying, flattering fabric... and a cut that makes your butt look like that sweet peach emojii. I have these in a rainbow of colors, but my favorite are either my basic black, navy blue with the navy lux waistband, or these POP eye catchers. These are my “group run gotta look cute” or “fishing for compliments” shorts. (Also wearing Wazelle tank, and Goodr sunglasses)

Don’t forget the TOOLBELT ROGA, the super practical sister to the Roga is the marathon runner’s dream. As a distance runner, I am always looking for storage for gels. These have the same super flattering cut (**peach butt emojii**) and material... but also have three waistband pockets for all your gelatinous needs. These are my long run and race day go-tos. (Toolbelt picture is later in the post with Go Tank)

In the heat of summer, I’ll even break out my Mac Rogas - these are the shorties you wear when you want to work on those runner tanlines. These are SHORT though. You may show some cheek. But(t) seriously, it will be so hot... who cares? You’re welcome, person running behind me. (all puns intended)

Also wearing Lux Layer - which I LOVE. I mostly wear it casually, though. The material is truly LUX - but a little warm for my running purposes. But hello... long sleeves + short shorts = winner winner.

If you prefer a longer length short, they also make the Long Roga. But these frankly look ridiculous on me.

2. Long Flyte Shorts -

Oiselle has a Ph.D. in Hella Fine Shortsl Overall, the flyte material is my favorite material. It wicks like nobody’s business, is soft, and super flattering. The tank, the short sleeve, ohhh...the long sleeve that is so buttery soft it makes me long for more cold days in Southern California.

The Long Flyte shorts make me feel strong, sexy, and FAST. And these shorts are like magic... whenever I wear them, people are extra friendly on my run. These shorts give me attitude, in a good way. If they had pockets they would be perfection. These are my midweek, short run, pretend I am a pro short. Flyte shorts also come in shorter inseams, but I like this length, and I find they do not ride up at all.

3. Verrazano Bra -

One of the first things that caught my eye at Oiselle (after I was hypnotized by the Roga) were these fiercely feminine strappy bras. I mean, up until this point, a good sports bra was something that went on without feeling like a straight jacket and stayed hidden under my running shirt. THESE are sports bras you WANT to show off. A sports bra can be fashionable??? Oh, yesssss.... These are great for A-B cups. They come on and off in a cinch (even when super sweaty), they stay put, and they look hot. No shirt needed.

They have now expanded their line with a bunch of beautiful sports bras that are supportive for women who are more gifted in the chest.

I also give the Oiselle Volée credit for giving me the confidence to post a picture of myself in a sports bra!

4. Go Tank -

It gets hot here in the summer. Like, too hot to sit and exist, and definitely too hot to run. This tank is weightless. A mere whisper. The running equivalent of a silky nightgown or the cool side of the pillow. This is the top that got me through my 22 milers prepping for the Chicago Marathon last summer... the ones that topped out at 101 degrees? Or that I did in the NYC humid summer heat? Yeah. I am going to need a few more of these before summer begins here.

Shown here with Toolbelt Rogas. I think I am wearing a size too big, but I still love it.

5. Trials Hoodie - 

I’ll admit. I always loved the look of the Trials Hoodie, but balked at the price tag. It is super cute, but how great could a hoodie be? When I got a gift card, I bit the bullet and bought one... and realized I thought I knew the comfort of hoodies... but I was WRONG. This one *is* that great. The inside lining is made of something so soft (is it made of baby dreams? chihuahua smiles?) you just want to live in it. And if you see me on cool days and evenings, you’ll know that I do.

Shown here with Toolbelt Rogas and Goodr sunglasses.

Honorable mentions:

For girls that love capris - the Jogging Knickers are my favorite, especially in dark blues or Black. I don’t find the lighter colors to be very flattering on me.

For girls that want tights - I pretty much never run in full tights, but the Flow tights are dreamy. I wear them as leggings a lot. They are more like crops on taller women, tho. And I LOVE the charcoal joggings... I am crossing my fingers Oiselle makes petite tights and capris an option. 

I have a special relationship with the Los Angeles Marathon. It is the first race I ever ran as an adult in 2011, in the torrential rain. That was the race that made me a runner, really.  It is the race where my husband proposed at the finish line in 2013. While these were both incredible experiences... these were both races where I suffered. A lot. Races where I swore off doing another marathon ever. So, the LA Marathon is the old friend I’ve had a lot of laughs with, but didn’t talk to for awhile because it put me through the wringer and we had some trust issues.  

Two weeks going into the race I was dealing with a gnarly cold and nausea/stomach issues. I was thankful that this came during my taper - as I was one of the lucky ones who was illness and injury free for the bulk of my training.

The day before the marathon, I went to the expo and to watch the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. It was so inspiring to see my heroes running in person - particularly Kara Goucher, Shalane Flanagan, and the entire Oiselle Haute Volee crew. I watched two laps of the race, and then decided to get out of the sun and get hydrated. I could feel my anxiety rising - I had been worried about the predicted heat for the marathon - and seeing the elites suffer and DNF weighed in the back of my mind. While I was thoroughly heat trained during the SoCal summer, this winter we have been spoiled with 40-50 degree long run days.

Over the course of the afternoon I drank a bottle of Pedialyte to get rehydrated from my stomach bug and stayed off my feet the rest of the day. I soothed myself by watching Law and Order re-runs. There is just something calming about the Sam Waterson and Jerry Orbach combo. I was able to take a big nap, eat a good pre-race meal, and sleep decently well that night. My stomach was still not 100%, but it is hard to tell if that was the lingering stomach bug or pre-race anxiety... likely a combination of the two. 

Because of my illness and the heat, I altered my race plan... from going for sub 4 - 4:15, to something between 4:15 - 4:30. I just wanted to run at a comfortable pace and have a good attitude. I decided to go out easy, and push the pace later in the race.

I find it incredibly daunting to run 26 miles. Even breaking it into 10 miles/10 miles/10k is too daunting for me. I like to break my race up into larger chunks at the beginning (4 or so miles), and 2 mile chunks towards the end. That way I am only ever thinking about the next 4 miles, tops. A few days before the race I mapped out my “chunks”... 

Another thing I do, is I think... “Run the mile you are in.” Also known as... “So this is what mile _____ looks/feels like.” For some reason that helps break up the monotony for me.

3:30 a.m. - Wake up alarm. Get dressed. Eat a piece of bread. Eat Honey Stinger Waffle. Drink some water.

4:30 a.m. - My awesome husband drives me to Dodger Stadium.

5:00 a.m. - Arrive at Team NutriBullet Ketel One Club. Thank you, TNB! This was such a gift. A warm place to gather and chat with teammates before the day was to unfold. And two words that are priceless to every runner: Private Bathroom. I ate a banana, had a water, and tried to distract myself from my bundle of nerves.

6:15ish a.m. - Pre-Race talk from Jimmy Dean. My big take-aways were:

1) It was up to us how we feel about today. That we were going to have high highs and possibly low lows.

2) There is gold in every moment.

I make one last bathroom stop and head out to the open corral with my NutriBuddies whom I’ve trained with the last 6 months.

I’ll admit I was nervous about the open corral, because last time I was in the LAM open corral, it took me 30+ minutes to cross the start line... and on a day where heat was going to be a factor, I wanted to cross the start line as soon as possible. 

7:07 - We cross the start line! Hallelujah! I was so thrilled that the corrals moved so quickly and we were on our way.

Miles 1 - 4.5 - Dodger Stadium through Downtown L.A. I am running with my awesome and inspiring pal, Arlene. Even though we weren’t really talking, it was nice to be step-for-step with my teammate. She reminded me of the importance of running the tangents, and I kept that up for the rest of the race whenever I could. We got up the Disney Hall Hill together and I decided to stop for water... and I lost her. (5K split - 10:06/av pace)

I was feeling tired - I think the two weeks sick and not running was getting shaken out of my system. I didn’t linger on this feeling... instead refocused myself to look around and appreciate the sights of downtown L.A. that I so rarely see.

I am not sure if Arlene is ahead of me or behind me... I know her goal pace was around mine... but the pack is so thick, I don’t find her again.

Miles 4.5 - 6 - Echo Park - What a pretty lake! I have missed looking at it in my prior two LAM! I’m feeling good - appreciating the shade and cool morning temperatures. I stick with my fuel plan: 1 Gu every 45, 1 salt pill every hour... water throughout. I have my little handheld, so I only stop for water every few water stations to refill, and dump water on my back/neck towel. (10k split - 10:11/av pace)

Mile 7ish - Coach Jimmy Dean saddles up beside me and I feel the comfort of locking in with an old, trusted buddy. He pointed out the Hollywood sign in view, I also notice Griffith Observatory, and for the next few miles I focused on their beauty. If you spend any time with JDF, you get an attitude lift... and that is oh-so-appreciated in a marathon.. even if you are already feeling pretty darn good. 

Miles 8 - 13 - I’m just ticking off the miles, feeling good, I must be in my “running zone.” Sometimes I enter a zone, and I miss out on things around me. It is a meditative state of being... I have no idea what I am thinking about at that time. I am just in the rhythm of moving forward. Case and point - I missed seeing Sergio and Team Owie at the 1/2 way mark! I was bummed about that... but I still felt their energy. I heard my name yelled at some point on Hollywood/Sunset, but again, with the thick crowd, I couldn’t tell who yelled it... and didn’t want to risk tripping or being trampled by turning completely around.

At this point I start wondering... “Where’s The Griddle?” I knew it was somewhere in the Hollywood-ish area. I knew I had friends (and possibly Mark) enjoying breakfast and watching the marathon there... but I neglected to look up exactly where The Griddle is located. I didn’t know if they would just be there for the elites, or when I passed through.

Once I was convinced I had passed it, I heard a call from behind... and it is my friend Joey! I was in such a zone, I barely turned around and smiled and waved. So sorry, Joey! It really was a joy to see you out there!

(15k split 9:54/av pace) (20k split 9:48/av pace)

Miles 13 - 14 - Sunset Strip. I feel it warming up so I make an effort to run on the side, in the shade. My neck towel seems to be working and staying cool. I am relieved it isn’t bothering me as much as I thought it would... but I am not really able to flip in and run at the same time. For some reason, every time I pour water on my back, the pack that is on my lower back holding my phone starts really hurting. It becomes something I manage... I’d rather stay cool and not overheat and have a pain in my back.

Going into mile 15 there was a steep downhill I had been looking forward to the prior two miles. It turned out to be really painful for my legs - pins and needles... and I notice my feet really hurt. My toes are banging against the front of my shoes. I wonder - is it possible my toes have broken through my socks? I think my long freaking toes have broken through the Injinji socks! Ack!

Miles 15 - 16 - Somehow I completely miss West Hollywood. I thought - oh, that’s sad... there are no WeHo cheerleaders out! No bands, no distractions. Later, I saw other people had pictures in WeHo with cheering crowds, so I must have been in my runner tunnel again. I am relieved to be in TNB training territory. I also realize that I may have had too much water - and start looking for a porta potty without a line. (25k split 10:10/ av per mile)

I think after that there was another downhill that was painful going into...

Miles 16 - 17 - Burton. Freaking Way. I wasn’t in a bad spot, but looking at my Strava, it was one of my slowest miles. I am heating up... and I start my countdown to mile 20. I tell myself I just need to hang tough for a couple of miles, and then I’ll be home-free.

Mile 18 - One of those HIGHS Jimmy was talking about. I felt awesome. “Fight Song” came on my playlist. Mile 18 always brings me some kind of accomplishment, relief. It feels like you have come a long way and you are nearing the end. I pass the high school cheerleaders and the Oiselle and November Project cheerstation. I feel like 100 bucks! I am sailing through, but I remind myself not to celebrate too early.  (30k split 10:23/ av per mile)

Mile 19 - Ooops. Spoke too soon. I feel hot. I find a porta potty (yay!) and it is approximately 3000 degrees inside. I get out as soon as possible. I feel overheated and take my first walk break. I limit it to 30 seconds and get going... and perfect timing. I see a sign that says “If Jeb Bush can still run, so can you.” This both makes me laugh, and pushes me on not to let Jeb Bush out run me.

Mile 20 - 21 - The Mood-Swing Miles

Ugh. Hot hot hot. I take another walk break and I have my first internal temper tantrum. I just want to be finished. Even my run feels like a slog, like I am barely moving. My body hurts, but I remind myself that everybody’s body hurts.  I somehow get to the top of Sepulveda and turn onto Wilshire and...

Yay! I feel awesome! I am running and feeling good and breezy. It is that joyous slight downhill. I see Kent and Carly... and Kent gives me another laugh by yelling out as I pass “You are not as close as you think!”

I feel good and I make it up Barry and Kiowa, I am so excited! I am about to hit San Vicente, this is my “home-free” zone! However,  I turn onto San Vicente and do not feel home-free.. I feel the heat again, and fall into the “this isn’t supposed to feel like this” trap. I had envisioned feeling good at this point, of there being a cool breeze or shade. Nope. I take another walk break, again setting a 30 second limit. I remind myself that the My Coach Larry crew will be up ahead... and I hope they haven’t run out of otter pops.

(35k - 11:16 av per mile... not awful when you take into account a 3 minute bathroom break and 3 walk breaks)

Mile 22 - I see the tell-tale lime green Fro silhouette!!! I just run towards the MCL tent... and see Larry off on the side not just with otter pops - but with them brilliantly cut in half for easy consumption. He asks how I am doing, I think I just mutter, and he goes... “it’s hot, huh? Do you need anything?” He notices my towel, and shouts to MCL volunteers to cool down my towel. I head over there, and these angels soak my neck towel in ice cold water, and refill my handheld. I put it back on and refocus myself. Even though I’ve been absent training with TNB the last few months, Larry has a way of talking to you that gets your back in the game.

Miles 22.something - Coach Josh! Even though I am wearing a full-length pair of pain pants, he keeps me running. He asks how I am doing, and again, I mutter... “I just want to be done... but I know that thought isn’t helping me.” He says “You’re right.” And in that moment, I let that thought go. I start just calling out anything that feels good, I find the gold... “Oh, this shade is good.” “Oh, running through that hose was awesome.” “Oh that breeze is great.” He also lets me know that I don’t have to feel pressured to talk or hold conversation, which is exactly what I needed to hear at that moment.

Mile 23.something - Consuela’s wife Val - angel alert! She refills my water bottle (I must be drinking soooo much water at this point) and I grab a handful of ice to shove down my sports bra. I thank her and keep going with Josh.

We run into Annie - and she jumps in to run with me as Josh heads off. This was another gift, another boost, another inspiration to get me to the finish. I ask her to talk to me because I needed to be distracted from my own thoughts. She shared that she wasn’t physically able to run with us right now (this coming from a multiple time Boston Marathoner, someone who I have looked up to and respected for years). This was the motivation I needed for the final few miles.

I didn’t want to run the last few miles. People are on the sidelines screaming “You’re almost there!” Which, yes, is true. But 3 miles is still 3 miles... and when you want to throw yourself into a heap of garbage it doesn’t really matter if it is 3 more miles or 3 more streets.

But thinking about Annie, and Sergio, and all of the other Team NutriBullet members who I know would have done ANYTHING to be on that course today... it felt like an insult NOT to dig in and give it everything I had. I got my 15th wind.

Mile 24 - Nothing in the marathon is constant. If you feel awesome, great, enjoy it, it isn’t going to last. If you feel miserable, great, feel it, it isn’t going to last. In this case the heat gave way to this beautiful, chilly and fog-filled marine layer. This coupled with the gentle downhill gave me new life and I took off for the fastest miles of the day. I was no longer fake-smiling, I was authentically beaming as I made my way towards the ocean.

Mile 25 - I was glad to be legitimately moving well and in good spirits when I passed my school. Students, colleagues, the Principal and the Head of School were all out on the lawn cheering. It was another injection of enthusiasm to see them light up as I passed.

As I round the corner to San Vicente, I look to my watch. Once I took my walk breaks and porta-potty break, I didn’t look at my watch as I didn’t want to depress myself. I wasn’t great at doing math in my head, and with the fog I couldn’t exactly see where the finish was... but I thought I had a shot of coming in sub 4:30. I knuckled down to find another gear. This was going to be a 25 mile warm-up and one mile race to the finish against the clock.

As I got closer and closer to the finish, I glanced at my watch. 4:22. 4:24. 4:26. It was possible, but it was going to be tight... 4:28... 4:29... come on come on...

Finish Line - I crossed the finish line with a big smile at...

...4:30:07

I had to laugh, but really, I was (and am) thrilled with the time. It is my second fastest marathon time, and fastest time on the LA Marathon course.

The moment I stopped running, I was overwhelmed with how badly it hurt to walk. I grabbed snack sized bags of goodies... and as I shuffled along the finish line shoot, I proceeded to drop one bag, and had to pain-painstakingly bend over to pick it up every 10 steps. The idea of walking to the car seemed insurmountable.

I waddled my way block after endless block until I finally reached Mark... and immediately collapsed sobbing in his arms. We go over to a little dirt patch in Palisades Park (”where is the grass?” I cry.) I take off my shoes and socks and discover 6 enormous blisters on my feet.

(I KNEW my feet hurt!)

Heading home and reflecting... I had a FANTASTIC day out there. I mean, I had 23+ amazing miles through the streets of Los Angeles, and less than 3 miles that tortured me a little. 3 miles that were painful, but still filled with GOLD - friends, coaches, fellow runners - especially Students Run LA runners, otter pops, ice, and a body that didn’t quit.

So, on Monday when a kid asks if I won... I can honestly answer... “Yes, yes I did!”

Last year, my friend and coach Jimmy Dean Freeman told me about a longstanding tradition he has with one of his friends. Around their birthday they make a playlist of songs that moved them throughout the year. The songs don’t need to have come out that year, but they need to speak to that slice of life. The entire mix cannot be longer than 60 minutes. It seemed like a fun exercise, so I decided to give it a go... as I just celebrated my 39th (insert WHOA emojii here). Mine might be a little under 60 minutes - but I ran out of space for videos quickly!

It feels bizarrely vulnerable to share these tracks. These are the songs I listened to countless times this past year... 99% of the time by myself. These songs were my muses... sung at top volume in the car, stinging the backs of my eyes when wrestling demons, traveling through cities where the ghost of my younger self longs to live. They kept me company on long runs - so many long runs, started at dark o’clock and finished long after my legs wanted to stop. 

These are songs I would have burned on a blank silver cd and given to my closest friends a few years ago... and it would have felt like urgently ripping out a page of my diary to give to them. These are songs, that when they are played in years to come... I’ll say with a smile “ah... 38... that was an awesome year.”

1. Something From Nothing - Foo Fighters

“Give me that flammable life...I’m cold as a match, ready to strike...”

Oh man. This song. At this year’s Foo show, this is the song I scream/cried to... This whole album is pretty perfect... but this song is so layered in meaning. It is inspired by the city of Chicago, and my year 38 largely orbited around Chicago. Training for the Chicago Marathon, returning home to Illinois for my 20th reunion, the Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup, the Cubbies making it to the playoffs... Chicago was my intense love. But beyond that... the song hits me with how far I have come from that small Illinois town, and how hard I have worked all these years to get here. 

2. Graceless - The National

“I‘m trying but I’ve gone through the glass again, just come and find me...”

The National is one of my all time favorite bands, and it was hard for me to choose which song from this album for this list. A friend once said that I love music that sounds like the whole world is lonely, and this album definitely falls into that category.

3. From the Night - Stars

“I don’t care if we never come back from the night....”

This song is a guaranteed good mood for me. Whether getting ready for a night on the town or in one of those rough middle miles of a run... this puts a smile on my face.

https://soundcloud.com/youarestars/from-the-night

4. Future Sound - Jurassic 5

“Either your here to teach or your here to be taught If you don't plan to get away then you plan to get caught”

Long time J5 fan, and every year I have a new favorite I-have-hella-confidence song. This is this years...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyTA475VowY

5. Woe Be Gone - Ani DiFranco “I get so off track sometimes....”

Again, I don’t think I’ve put a mix together in the last 15 years that didn’t have an Ani DiFranco song. I had this one in my ears on the long bus rides this spring in Boston/Philadelphia. I love the sweetness and kindness in the way “I get so off track sometimes” is sung. A gentle, it’s okay... we all do...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghwmeo-a-sc

6. No Room in Frame - Death Cab for Cutie “And how can I stay in the sun... when the rain flows all through my veins, it’s true.”

Another song that hits me on multiple levels and inspires my novel. But mostly speaks to my “How do I still live in Los Angeles?” feelings.

7.  You are a Tourist - Death Cab for Cutie

“And if you feel just like a tourist In the city you were born Then it's time to go And define your destination There's so many different places to call home Cause when you find yourself the villain In the story you have written It's plain to see That sometimes the best intentions Are in need of redemption Would you agree? If so please show me”

This song accompanied me to my 20th high school reunion - which was a total mixed bag of emotions. Big highs and major redemption for the things that matter most to me... mixed with sadness for friendships lost and misconstrued.

*Your favorite band always gets (at least) two slots on a mix tape. Unwritten rule.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkk5wViJo-I

8. Beverly Hills - Weezer

“I didn’t go to boarding school...”

Oh, wait. Yes, I did. Still love this song... especially when I feel out of place with the fancy-pants Angelenos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL_WvOly7mY

9. Wildest Dreams - Ryan Adams (Taylor Swift)

“Say you’ll remember me standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset...”

I’ve overplayed both T-Swift and Ryan Adams versions of 1989 and it is a toss up as to which one I like more. But the beginning guitar riff on this song of Adams’s... I swear it is what my heart would sound like if it was let out of it’s cage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVCme_D7pV4

10. Raised on It - Sam Hunt

“Snap backs and Levi jeans...”

All your childhood memories rolled into one summer anthem. 

11. Family is Family - Kacey Musgraves

“Don’t get you at all, but your apple don’t fall too far from ‘em...”

Her album is the most fun I have singing in the car. A southern turn of phrase gets me every time.

Hey y’all… I interrupt your regular Five Awesome Things broadcast to throw out a little short story I wrote this summer. Like all things, it is a work in progress… but part of that progress is taking the risk and putting it out there.

Finding Spiderman

            “Hey, Sher – you wanna play Spiderman with me?” The question jolted me from my summer vacation, television-watching fog with surprise. Was he talking to me? Was my big brother actually asking me, aka squirt, aka runt, aka get-away-from-me-or-I’m-telling-mom to join him outside to play?

            “Yes! Yes! Yesssssss!” I squealed, racing through my grandma’s kitchen, down the four steps, and out through the screen door. Bouncing twice before it slammed behind me, the door punctuated my excitement.

            Never mind that I didn’t know how to “play” Spiderman or who the other characters could even be. My brother Hank, who is six years older, rarely showed any interest in me other than the occasional eye roll or painful towel snap. It seemed we did not even speak the same language – he was constantly going on about the Millennium Falcon and using “the force,” while I was much more interested in Mary Lou Retton and My Little Pony.

            That summer at my grandparent’s house, my brother played with all of our older cousins and his neighborhood friends, all boys. Meanwhile, I kept Panda, the cantankerous old shih zhu company outside, ran through sprinklers by myself, and caught lightning bugs in a jar… when I wasn’t watching reruns of “Golden Girls” or “The Love Boat.”

            Not today. Today, I was playing Spiderman with my big brother.

            I took off chasing Hank, barefoot on the lush, overgrown grass, along the fence and into the backfield. I may be small, but I am fast. Hank’s tanned legs karate chopped through the air in tiny, striped Adidas shorts. With each move he landed, he accented it with a stern, forceful look.

            “I am going to get you, you stupid spider,” I threatened in my most menacing voice. Furrowing my eyebrows and pursing my lips, I was a tiny, committed eight-year-old villain. I mimicked his karate kick, jutting my leg out as far and as high and as close to him as I could get – without getting in trouble.

            Slap!

            His hand quickly and easily wrapped around my ankle and knocked my feet out from under me. My face hit the grass and Hank was holding my by the legs in one, smooth motion.

            “You should know I am a RADIOACTIVE spider!” He exclaimed.

            Blood rushed to my face and my eyes pooled. My hands grappled to steady myself on the ground.

            “Hank! Let me go! I just… I just wanted to play with you!”

            He flung me right side up like a rag doll, but kept his arms tightly around my chest, pinning my arms to my side. I wished my mom was looking out the kitchen window and not caught up in conversation with my Aunts. I wish Panda was off his leash and would come bite Hank, like he always did to protect me. I wish I was stronger, more powerful, and could break free. I wish the real Spiderman would come and save me.

                        “I’ve got you in my web now, Squirt.” Hank sneered, pulling a jump rope out of the back of his pants. He grabbed me under his right arm and carried me to a tree.

            The bark was scratchy against the back of my legs and my favorite E.T. tee shirt was now stained with tears, sweat and fear. Swiftly the jump rope web was tightly tied around me.

            “Hank! Stop it right now! I am going to tell mom! You are hurting me! I whimpered. I tried to kick and flail, but he was just too strong and big.

            With one last yank to finish the knot, he was off. Tan legs and all, across the yard, past the flowerpots, into the screen door, and out of sight.

            Surely he’ll come right back. I count to thirty; like this is just a cruel came of hide and go seek.

            “Come on, Hank! This isn’t funny!”

            One minute.

            Two minutes.

            Five minutes go by. No sign of him. Panicking, my breath rapidly gets away from me.

            “Help me!” I cried. “Oh my goodness, someone please please please HELP ME!” My insides felt completely out of control. I wanted to cover my face and curl up in a ball, but all I could do was sob against the tree. The bark scratching and cutting against my sunburned, summer skin.

            Just then, a small voice interrupted my helpless cries.

            “Hi, there. My name is Carrie. I live two doors down. I heard you screaming.”

            I opened my clenched eyes to see a little curly haired girl peaking from around the fence. She smiled at me and when I smiled back, she ran over to the tree.

            “You look like you need a friend.” She said, untying the rope.

It is that time again! The “new year” for all teachers and students and much relieved parents. Where store aisles are ransacked war zones of notebooks, pencil cases, and the latest and greatest folder collection. When your olfactory memory suddenly floods with pencil shavings, unwrapped crayons, and Elmer’s glue. And teachers, like athletes, prepare... gathering their brightest energy, summer research and training, and best practices plans.

Here are the 5 Awesome things that give me the Back to School butterflies!

1. Plum Paper Designs

I LOVE a good paper product. Give me fancy, old fashioned stationary, personalized notepads, overpriced cards that give you a chuckle and have a hefty weight to them. So, when I discovered Plum Paper Designs on Etsy last year, I just had to have their personal planner. While it was a little pricier than my normal planners, and took a month to arrive (as I could request the cover with my name, types of pages, and start and end months), it was SO worth the money and wait. From the durable cover that went through my rough wear and tear of the year, to the personalized pages (I prefer the morning-afternoon-evening set up), it was practical and easy to use. I also just LOVED pulling out the adorable cover - it kept me organized and made me feel stylish and on top of things. Two constant goals of mine. **grin** This year, I took it a step further. I ordered the personal planner AND the teacher planner. And boy-oh-boy, for any fellow organizational and school supply nerds - this is the mothership! Slots for 7 classes per day, plus weekly spots for meetings, goals, checklists and prep work, in addition to a full page for notes per month. In the back, you have pages for student contacts, health info, classroom expenses, passwords, professional development, behavior log, parent communication and birthdays. PLUS a grade book section, plain note pages, and folders to hold miscellaneous handouts. ***heavens opening up and angels singing***

They also make family planners, student planners, and have extra add-ons like stickers or fitness planning sections.

www.plumpaper.com

2. Colleen Cruz

I had the extraordinary privilege of attending the Writing Workshop conference at Teachers College this summer. I have been a fan of Lucy Calkins for awhile, but I was blown away with my large group leader, Colleen Cruz. She’s funny, charming, and chock-a-block full of real-life advice and insights to make you a better teacher.  I immediately ordered her book The Unstroppable Writing Teacher: Real Strategies for the Real Classroom. In it, she articulates many things you think, but are afraid to say out loud. She guides you through naming your “monster” and working out a plan. I especially love that she acknowledges that teaching writing is HARD. There are always challenges that arise - but we need to celebrate when we spot those challenges. It is our opportunity to grow as educators and help our students become better, more skilled writers.

Also, tons of great information at her website: http://www.colleencruz.com/

3. Own Your Awesome deck by Your Joyologist

Attitude is everything. Getting ready for school, and walking into school with the myriad of personalities, problems, and needs that need to be met, addressed, and honored in their own way... it can take a lot out of you. It is far too easy to fall into the negative spiral of complaining or gossip. I am really digging these 52 cards, each one displaying a positive, powerful affirmation. I pull one each week and place it above my home desk where I can see it frequently. I say it out loud and repeat it during the day when it gets tough. I sometimes even jot it down on a post it and put it on my computer to continue to remind me.

We can’t choose our circumstances, but we CAN choose our attitude. Period.

http://shop.yourjoyologist.com/

4. TOMS Backpack

One #teacherproblem is having to cart lots of heavy books and work to and from school. I used to use an over the shoulder bag; however, with my neck and shoulder issues, it really became super painful. Last year, when I was headed on a week long trip with my students, I knew I needed a bag that could carry a lot, but not weigh me down. Bonus points for attractiveness. I invested in the TOMS Every Mother Counts Backpack (super cute bag and profits went to support maternal health in developing countries) and was amazed with just HOW MUCH it held, but still felt comfortable on my back. Seriously, it is like a clown car with all it holds! It is now my go-to bag... whether on a flight, running errands, or going to and from school.

The model I bought is no longer available, but they have other similar designs on their website.

http://www.toms.com/

5. Mr. Sketch Markers

I love school supplies! I am a school supply junkie and I have strong opinions about my favorite pens (Frixion pens are #1, by FAR), post-its (large, bright colors, lined), highlighters (thin, yellow), and paper clips (they should only make LARGE paperclips!). But nothing gives me a childlike thrill as much as Mr. Sketch Markers. I make a lot of anchor charts for the classroom, and these are far and away my favorite. I have to watch to make sure other teachers don’t steal them! I also have to watch to make sure I don’t end up with marker on the end of my nose - I still can’t resist sniffing them!

Being a feminist has long been a huge part of my identity. I am a big fan of women, and especially women confident enough to loudly support other women. I am psyched to list Five Awesome Women I am currently actively fan-girling. This is the beginning of my dream dinner party list.

1. Ronda Rousey

Not only is she the toughest chick in the world, she is charming, witty, bold, honest, endearing and... well... she looks like this.

2. Amy Poehler

Started Upright Citizens Brigade. Hilariously successful on SNL. Created and starred in the very brilliant, very funny Parks and Recreation. Don’t even ask how many times I’ve seen Baby Mama. Her book Yes Please is equal parts insightful and entertaining book.  Super smart, super driven, super quotable, and seems like a super best friend. Just plain super all around.   

3. Reese Witherspoon

I’ve loved her forever: Election, Legally Blonde, Wild, Walk the Line, Four Christmases, Sweet Home Alabama (yeah, I said it.) I am always humbled and appreciative when someone says I remind them of her... and she has just upped the ante on her long list of awesomeness... a really adorable, Southern inspired clothing and accessory line called Draper James. So it is just that much easier for me to copy her style. I am eyeballing both the Belle Meade and Opry dresses and dreaming of planning my next trip to Nasvhille.

http://www.draperjames.com/clothing

4. Jessica Seinfeld

She’s one of my favorite people to follow on instagram... she conveys razor sharp wit, drool-worthy food, on-the-pulse fashion, all things NYC, and a huge heart helping others through her charity Babby Buggy. She is totes adorable and my dream dinner party hostess with the mostess.

http://www.doitdelicious.com/

5. Whitney Cummings

Smart. Funny. Creative. Wildly successful in charge of her own creative projects. But I really love her for all the work and awareness she does for rescue animals... and I completely identify with this video. Bonus: The amazing Beth Stern.  

Flying has long been one of my anxiety triggers. In my early 20s it was pretty debilitating for me. When I would have to fly back to the East coast for college, I would be worried sick for days, and crying hysterically (read: embarrassing!) in the airport. I think my mom just thought I was going to miss her that much... which I would. But I was crying because I did NOT want to be trapped in that flying tin can!

I don’t know when it began, really. As a kid and into high school flying was no big thang. Didn’t give it a second thought. In my 20s, the thought of being confined, trapped within inches to a stranger for hours was just more than I could bear. What if I got sick and needed to get out immediately? Note - my fear is not really based in terrorism or an airplane crashing, though 9/11 did not help my fear of flying by any means.

So, yeah, I’d rather take a train from place to place. But that really isn’t an option. Unless we are in a tricked out RV, I am not driving across the country either... so... I had to find a way to fly. This year especially I have had to do quite a bit of flying on my own, and I came up with my FIVE AWESOME THINGS to get me on and off the plane with a smile.

(Preferred method of transportation above)

1. Fly with someone you love. My husband is my rock, my protector, my big teddy bear... and needless to say, flying with him keeps my anxiety in check 90% of the time. He is able to anticipate my triggers, what is going to annoy me, make me uncomfortable... he knows when I am about to lose it and when I really just need to eat something. I can nuzzle my face in his shoulder or tell a silly joke, and I know it is all okay.

2. Fly Virgin or Jet Blue. Hey, if you can fly first class on American, that is your best best. It is just usually out of my budget. Virgin and Jet Blue offer in-seat entertainment that distracts me enough to get from point A to point Z. Virgin also lets you order food, drinks, movies, and TV shows anytime you want - without even talking to someone! Also, music is able to cure a variety of maladies. Virgin has upbeat music playing in their airport areas and it makes a huge difference to me. They also have a rockin’ inflight safety video that almost gets me excited to fly!!! Almost.

(This looks like fun)

3. Sit up front.  I know it is safer to sit in the back, but my concern really is the “I’m trapped inside!” not “The plane is going down!” On Virgin, it is usually worth it for me to upgrade to  Main Cabin Select. Bonus: you get PreCheck screening and board the plane early.

4. Have some comforting rituals. I don’t mean touch the light switch 25 times with your left pinky. Just... the little stuff can make you feel good. And then you can focus on the feel good and not the other stuff. Use the distractions to your advantage. Now is the time I want a really expensive Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte and the super caloric cranberry orange scone. I take a Bonine an hour before my flight to ensure I won’t have motion sickness - and it makes me a wee bit sleepy and calm. Add your favorite magazine, a small bottle of lavender oil to sniff, and life’s getting a little better. Smile.

5. Lucky charms. It may be superstitious, but I have a few pieces of jewelry I always wear on my flights. Whenever there is turbulence or I look up and see rows and rows of heads blocking my exit, I touch my jewelry and let their good juju calm me down. It might be silly, but it got me from L.A. to NYC. 

As an adult, I got into running in a backwards I-don't-recommend-it-to-everyone kind of way. Heavy on inspiration, light on the perspiration. It started by reading a book, Born to Run. Like many, I rushed out to buy a pair of Vibram 5 finger shoes and in earnest sought out an ultra running trail group. All before running a mile. I look back and think... whaaaaa? I seriously thought: I'll start running, I'll probably be AMAZING at it just like my junior high track captain days... and soon I'll run a 100 mile race! I'll be a natural! Watch out, Jenn Shelton!

I started running on my own. I wasn't wearing a watch, so I was guessing at my distance and pace... and looking back, I was VERY generous with myself. I'd go out, run and come home thinking I ran 2 miles, because it FELT like I ran 2 miles. I know now that .38 miles can FEEL like 2 miles, so I imagine at the time, I was really running about .5 - 1 miles on my own.

Let it be known, I wasn't doing any other kind of exercise, either. A stray yoga class here and there. A NYCB dvd once, then never again. I was eating crap, had gained weight.  I'm just driving home the point - I was NOT a runner.

So, of course it was the time to reach out to Jimmy Dean Freeman and the SoCal Coyotes... pretty much THE group if you are a trail/ultra runner. Let's be honest. I had NO business even clicking "send" on the email. My skills were much better suited to a Couch to 5k program... but (to me) there was nothing sexy about a Couch to 5k program. The Coyotes are a rambunctious, hard-core, good-looking, shenanigans-loving crew. Jimmy is a charismatic, funny, magnetic leader... his writing on the website is compelling. You want to be around him and you hope some of that awesomeness will rub off on you. Plus, with the mantra "If you are not having fun, you are doing it wrong"...I wanted to figure out how to do it RIGHT. I HAD to join. (I'd later meet his super hero wife Kate... whom I admire greatly as a runner, writer, and all-around super rad 'n gorgeous chick)

Emailing Jimmy, I stretched my current longest run of *ahem* "2 miles" to "6 miles." In my head I thought, well, if I HAD to... at GUN point... I think I could slog out 6 miles. Jimmy suggested I look into the L.A. Marathon and come to a Tuesday night practice. I agreed. I was nervous. I knew I was out of my league. By a lot. I sent frantic texts trying to back out... to which Jimmy replied "Just show up." Jimmy's given me lots of life-altering advice over the years; "just show up" is up there with the most useful.

I got lost on the way and show up to a group of smiling, fit, attractive folks in snappy looking active wear. I have no idea what I was wearing, but I know it was closer to crappy than snappy. I was thankful for the dark. Due to being lost, I missed the one mile (it is really 1.5 miles - trail runners have a habit of sneakily adding distance) warm up. Thank GOD. I would not have been able to face what came next.

What came next was probably the bravest run I have ever done. A 4 mile (I think it is closer to 4.6) "time trial." I am pretty sure that is the first time I had run 4 miles straight. Ever. The effort was truly heroic. I wasn't wearing a watch, nor listening to music. I was just running my hardest because I was running on a lie. That white hot feeling in the lungs, the taste of blood in my mouth from pushing my body to the edge. I can't have this ultra-dude find out I haven't been running 6 miles on the reg! I finished last, of course, but the whole team was waiting with the tunnel of love.

No matter what run I do now, I remember... no run is going to be as hard as those ridiculous 4 miles.

Le sigh.

Part of My Coach Larry's program is to take a prescribed 10 day rest period after 8 - 10 weeks of hard training. This gives the body the chance to recover and avoid injury. I didn't understand my schedule, and I showed up to track last Tuesday, and he let me know I was supposed to be on break for 10 days. I am allowed to run every other day, 24 minutes tops. So I did 22 minutes on the track, easy running, while watching the others warm-up, stretch, do their strength work, and hit the speed. Easiest track night ever.

I had an odd panic set in... wha-wha-wha-what do you mean I can't run for 10 days? More importantly, wha-wha-wha-what am I going to be able to eat when I am not burning an 500+ calories a day?

Me: Can I cross train?

Larry: Ideally, no... the idea is for your body to rest.

Me: So, like, I can do arms and abs, because I normally do nothing with those, and I really should?

Larry: ... I guess if you want to do arms and abs, that is... okay. You are going to do it anyway.

Truth be told, my calves have been CRAZY tight, bordering on painful, and my old friend piriformis syndrome has been knocking on my butt cheek again, so rest is probably a good and overdue thing for me. Still ain't easy.

Wednesday, I decided to do the Jillian Michaels DVD I bought to force me to do a little strength training. I thought, well, this doesn't really count. I am really going to just focus on the abs and arms.

It seemed simple enough. Honestly, I was a little cocky. Jillian has you do lunges, squats, etc. while you are doing your weights, and I thought... hey, I run 30+ miles a week... I can do a little lunge and that is still rest for MY body. I did the 20 minute workout and felt good.

I woke up Thursday barely able to move my legs! The soreness in my hamstrings was unbelievable! Just reminded me that even though I run a lot, I don't work all of my muscles. And that Jillian means business when she says "ripped in 30."

Other fun things I've done on this break...

Begin Again. LOVED this. I'm a big Mark Ruffalo fan. Like, I saw a superhero movie I like him so much. Parts of this story hit super close to home and I shed some tears. Loved every second of it - especially the music. See it.

I've lived in L.A. for nearly 14 years, most of it less than 3 miles from Universal Studios, and I went to the theme park for the first time yesterday. I had a blast! I especially loved the Jurassic Park ride - I am a sucker for a water ride with a big splash 'n plunge, Waterworld, and the Studio Tour. I loved Minion Mayhem as well, but the simulation rides can make me feel a little queasy so Shrek was more my speed.

I brought home these new friends...

I had my monthly ART therapy and adjustment with the amazing Dr. Tosh... who gave me exercises to strengthen the glutes and lower back.

Today I am headed to the pool to catch up with friends and read. Then, a super short (under 24 minute) run tonight.

Before joining up with My Coach Larry, I had not done speed work or even been on a track since the '90s. I am both excited and TERRIFIED of each weekly workout.The last couple of years it was really about covering distance without wanting to die. Honestly, the first year, I only had ONE speed... or it felt like it. Whether I was running 3 miles or a marathon, it was whatever was most comfortable. This last year, I gained a couple of gear shifts... a 5k pace, a half-marathon pace, and the go-all-day-pace.

I've been drawn to the track and the lure of finding my speed. I've been excited and ready for this next step in my training.

I had a vision of myself looking like this...

I don't.

Not even close.

I also don't have any experience with paces faster than my 5k pace. (Current PR is 24:23) So, when Coach Larry gave me my first workout, the newbie 4 x 400 workout, and said "a medium effort pace", I said "so, a 10k pace? 5k?" He laughed. "No, much faster than that. Each lap should be about a 1:45."

I had no clue what that meant. I still don't, really. I have been doing speed training for a month and I am still learning the difference between running a 1:38 and a 1:59. All I know is that it puts me in a pain cave... and I feel amazing and stronger afterwards.

Last night, I did my first timed mile as an adult. I have actually been really nervous about this. Silly nervous. Obsessed nervous. Let's-get-this-out-of-the-way nervous. I didn't know what it would be, what it would feel like.

First of all, it was 86 degrees and felt HOT. And it felt hard.

I wore my Oiselle Shimmel and matching Roga shorts because they make me feel like a pro. No matter how far away from "pro" status I am, when I am running, it helps when I feel a little profesh. Or if the run totally blows up... at least I feel cute.

I went for it. I left it all out there. It was one of those few runs where I can really say... that is the BEST I could do. I had the Oiselle mantras "Head up. Wings out." and "Go Fast. Take Chances." running through my head when I felt faded.

In the end, I ran a 7:21. I was actually hoping it was going to be closer to 7, but this is a great starting point. It is MY starting point and I am excited and terrified to see what that circle of pain has in store for me each Tuesday.

In yummy news... another successful dish from Runner's World Cookbook! I made the fresh fruit scones this morning... and I am normally not a scone fan. I find them rather dry - but this one was really soft and delicious. I was nervous putting this in the oven because the "scoring" that the recipe recommends did not work at all. The end result was super yummy, though. The perfect balance of sweet and bread-y. I highly recommend!

Life is made up of mini-obsessions. At least it is for me, anyway. Lately I have been waving my fan girl freak flag because I just can't get enough of Lauren Fleshman.

1. Lauren "Fleshman Flyer" Fleshman is an all-around professional running hero with a resume and collection of PRs that are almost twice as fast as my own. There are household names for other sports stars... I rarely watch basketball, but I know who Chris Paul and LeBron, and Tony Parker play for... same with football, hockey, and even golf. Friggin' GOLF. I'd like to see more household runner names out there... especially female runners. And Lauren should be one of them. I'm secure enough in my late-30s skin to admit that I just want to be her BFF. Her blog is a hoot. I was introduced to it, like many people, through her "Keeping It Real" post which went viral. She's a really fun writer with a compelling voice that makes you feel like you are having a hang sesh with one of your girlfriends. I hope she writes a book one day... I'd love to read it.

http://asklaurenfleshman.com/2013/11/keeping-it-real/

2. I have a hard time getting my butt in gear in the morning. Thing is... I usually need to be up early... to run, to teach... but I like to sleep until the last possible second. Which means waking up and making a leisurely breakfast rarely happens. Well, superhero Lauren (as well as her husband and friend) created Picky Bars. Which are not only delicious, but using her science-y and pro-athlete brain they are created with the perfect carb to protein ratio. I was a little skeptical, but they are super yummy. Plus, they give you an energy rush. Perfect pre or post workout... or just cuz. I joined the Picky Club so I now receive a monthly shipment. I am hoping to be able to buy one of their super rad trucker hats or sweatbands to take my fan girl status up to a near crazy level. Like, New Kids on the Block level. My favorite Picky flavors are Lauren's Mega Nuts (Peanut Butter Booyah) and Blueberry Boomdizzle. The Smooth Caffeinator is delicious, but I am off the coffee.

www.pickybars.com

3. Lauren left Nike in 2013 to join the Oiselle team. This year, another runner I admire, Kara Goucher, joined Oiselle as well. Listen, there is no shortage of really adorable, awesome running clothing for women. Usually I mix and match from a bunch of different brands. From Nike, to Lulu, to Athleta, to Moving Comfort... there is a lot of good stuff out there. But I do LOVE Oiselle's philosophy, and the fact that Lauren is involved, and there is this incredible running sisterhood of the traveling rogas... I am excited to be wearing their stuff. In fact, perfect spot to get a fan girl shirt...

4. It is summer, and that means I am inspired and cooking again. I got a new cookbook to fuel my running and clean up my diet a wee bit. I am so excited to have the time to chop and dice and preheat and experiment in the kitchen. Last night I made the meatloaf. I'm from the Midwest and I love a good meatloaf. I was worried because it is heavy on the veg and you use oat bran instead of breadcrumbs... but it was really delish. The hubs had thirds, and he is the first to turn his nose up at any "diet" dish.

5. I'm trying out a new running group. Which feels exciting and weird. Different. Still working on coming out of my shell a bit and making connections to other runners. I have shifted my focus from trail running to road running and was drawn to this program for the convenience and the fun attitude. I was especially drawn to the Tuesday night track workouts. This is a whole different level of pain for me as I just have not done speed work like this since... um... junior high? I have to say, it is really fun to be at the track. Even though it has been a few *ahem* years, it brings back such memories of running around the oval. Some things you just don't forget. The fan girl in me wants my own set of spikes and some competition briefs. While I may not be at that level... I did earn this sucker at our Sunday night fun run....

I've been running for a few years now. Like many runners, it has become an obsession for me. One of the great things about running is that it really doesn't require much to get started. Probably just a good pair of shoes (properly fitted at a running store, not from the T.J. Maxx clearance rack) would be considered essential. Even that is arguable, with the whole "barefoot running" movement.

My favorite shoes vary depending on the month, my mood, and the terrain.

In a sport almost defined by "getting comfortable being uncomfortable"... here are my 5 favorite items that make running one of my favorite things to do.

1. Nike+ Sport Watch and the Nike+ website/app I love this watch and really think for a second about NOT running if I forget it. It gives you all the details you want (pace, distance, elapsed time, etc.) in an easy to use format. I used to use the big orange Garmin watch which I know does a billion more things. But I don't need a billion things. This does the job, looks cooler, is 1000% easier to use, and tells you right away when you have broken one of your own personal records! The website/app adds that fun social media aspect to it to see how many miles your friends are logging. It also allows you to set your own running goals and keeps track as to whether or not you are on pace to achieve those goals.

2. Yurbuds

Pretty simple. These earbuds actually stay in your ears while you are running.

3. iPod Shuffle

It is small and clips to your shirt so it is easy to skip songs. Plus you don't have a hefty arm band weighing down one side/bruising your arm.

4. Lululemon Pacesetter Skirt

This skirt is SO adorable, comfortable and seemingly universally flattering... but that is not why it made my list. It also stores a bunch of stuff. You can fit your phone in the back pocket, and you can stuff two gels into EACH of the front pockets (there are two). For a gal who has grown tired of wearing a hydration pack or running fanny pack for gel space, it is amazing! Perfect for the half-marathon distance... though not sure if I could cram enough gels in the pockets for a full marathon. Hmmm. Nobody's perfect.

5. Injinji Socks

Last year when training for and running the marathon, I got some pretty gnarly, painful blisters. I read about these socks and they seem to be miracle workers for my tootsies. I know it seems like they would be uncomfortable, but you really forget about them the moment you put them on. LOVE. Plus, they really do look cute on your feetsies!