I don't believe I've ever taken this many photos of myself- EVER... I LOVE INKnBURN; but because I often work out  by myself... there's "no proof" of my attire unless I take a picture, myself.

Today was an easy 3 miler on the treadmill at the gym. It wasn't bad! I still had time before yoga so I did a FEW sets of arm & shoulder exercises; then I made my way over to the studio. Yoga was wonderful, as usual. The instructor is always happy & friendly. My fellow "classmates" are always chatty & welcoming. Today the instructor announced that I had a new clothing line! I looked at her with some panic then she corrected herself. "Sarah has a new company she is endorsing..." & gestures to me. Everyone turned to look at me & my LEAF design tank/singlet. I explained the white shirt-sublimation process. I explained the bright colors & new lace design. One of the ladies had me spell it & then confirmed it sounded like a tattoo place. I extended my arms & reassured that I have no tattoos but then explained my Run or Die design. "It's bright, edgy & the closest thing I'm getting to a tattoo..." Layered over a race shirt-- I LOVE it!

What a CRAZY weekend! I worked. The weather was awful & scary to drive in. We hired a new person to help us with our workload. The girls were off school a lot this week... I'm still trying to do "mom" stuff. I had a race. We had archery practice for the 4-H group. I was trying to get to a family event for Jim's family. I didn't work out... At some point- you can't say yes to everything.


I FORGOT I had a race this weekend! How does one "forget" something like that?! My long run got bumped a few times because of the weather & LIFE... -Organizing group, work & family events mean planning multiple details & steps. I enjoy it, really; but, this week was a daily juggling act.


At times of incredible chaos, a run is the only thing that calms & makes sense. I am incredibly grateful that I have this new lifestyle. I am incredibly grateful that I can PROMOTE this lifestyle. I LOVE talking about running, racing & running gear. I enjoy talking race schedules & training plans. I enjoy talking to new people about "how to start"; &, I love learning a thing or two from more experienced runners.


My goal is to eventually transition into ultra running. This may be the year it happens! Biomechanically, this is the best form I've been in- in years! I just need to build my mileage back up... & add those darn hills! I struggle with nutrition timing but am getting better with that, too. Today, I received a BUNCH of suggestions on blister prevention- important for Ultras!


I have come out of my shell enough to ask for help... & guess what? People aren't all mean & scary! Racing is fun & social... but I haven't gotten to the point of socializing, at a race, for long. It's "coming"... I am not the wall flower I used to be. I don't like the lime light but sometimes taking the lead PUTS you in the lime light. I appreciate that many have entrusted me with responsibilities.

I am looking forward to the Glass City Marathon. I look forward to local Toledo Roadrunner events that I am participating in & volunteering at... I look forward to some themed races in Michigan & locally that I will dress accordingly for! I excitedly anticipate 2015 & what it holds in store... 

I FEEL FREAKISHLY AMAZING!!!

I've been cooped up & freaking out that I was falling farther & farther behind on my training, this week. I physically can't run on a treadmill. -My MIND goes bonkers but my calves start BURNING as the machine forces the weight transfer from mid foot to toe push off, a bit too quickly for me. I can get used to it, eventually... but not on a long run. -It has been SO COLD! I have tried to run outside on shorter runs. It's "possible" but not enjoyable in ski bibs & face mask... -I decided to drive farther to a place with an indoor track, today. It was awesome! Enough distraction present to keep me from getting bored. I brought my little hand held clicker/counter, so it was like a little reward getting to click. 16 laps equaled one mile. I did 100 laps. It went quickly! Today was a trial & I will be back for my long run. -I got motivated by seeing other people exercising. I saw a friendly, familiar face & was able to speed play by pushing the pace on the side (short) straight away. If the weather is cold... this is my new place! It was SOOOOOO NICE wearing a running skirt & tank top- not being under layers of clothes! It was SO NICE not worrying about ice, uneven, snow packed terrain. It was SO NICE not worrying about carrying a water bottle; I just left it on the knee wall. It was so nice being able to put two ear buds in, not carrying mace & just JAM- not worrying about being alone & watching my surroundings. THEN...

I came home to find my black package in the mail from INKnBURN!!!

I felt my ambassador business cards in there, too! I LOVE my new INKnBURN Run or Die pieces! I am NOT a "skull girl" but these were SO bright... & they are even better in person! I put on my tee & my husband LITERALLY stopped mid-sentence then gasped. "THAT'S a NICE tee." Me: "I know, right? I can get you one." My girls were both saying "Niiiice!" -I am still a bit of a wall flower. I'm not "SHY"... I explain that I'm an introvert: self-reflective, self-preserving, non-lime light person... BUT still waters run deep. My new clothing makes me feel POWERFUL. It makes me feel strong! It's hard to explain how a shirt can do this... It's as if all the colors & designs that explain WHO I am, the art & passion in my mind & heart, the quietness & love of the Earth... are on these shirts.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE INKnBURN!!!

Treadmill Day: I will never enjoy the treadmill, I think...

There was a time I couldn't stand to be outside running: Too many bugs... too hot... too cold... too humid... too scary... too embarrassing... too HARD!

Now, I can't stand to be cooped up, inside. I know the treadmill has it's place like any tool. I'm just detached from using it. I ran a couple of miles then went back to lift some weights. I realized it has been quite some time since my power lifting days, too. My muscle definition is gone in my arms & chest. I see a much older woman but I don't mind too much. I am discovering myself, my abilities, my likes & dislikes.

At one time: I didn't "mind" not having an opinion or preference... Now, I enjoy giving our daughters life experiences & learning my own likes & dislikes, as well. -In giving them the opportunity to find themselves... I am learning about myself.

I saw some new running clothing. It had an "in your face" SKULL on the front. It was so brightly designed with the words "RUN OR DIE" in the graphics, that I was simultaneously scared & in awe of it. I was "repelled" & secretly drawn to it. "What does that say about the inner person of my heart?" -I am NOT girlie. I want to be... & DON'T want to be... I am a tomboy. I am proud of this... & embarrassed around girlie girls... "What" am I? I am "all" of it. I am a princess, the queen, a hippy, a cowgirl, a gear head, a Star Wars nerd, an artist, a child-activist, a feminist, a business woman & a mother... -I purchased those skull faced running shirts & I will wear them before or after I wear my peace sign shirts, my butterfly & dragonfly tees & my super hero shirts. I will wear my Star Wars shirts & race shirts. I will wear my "Run Like a Girl" shirts & my shooting club shirts. I will wear my business suits & high heels. -I will enjoy figuring out who I am with my girls & thank my husband for encouraging me to try new things...

The many facets of who I am becoming... will be fun to discover...

OMG! It has been SO COLD! I am ALL for cold weather running but this has been "someone-could-die-cold" weather!

As I contemplated the weather, I moved my long run to Friday before the cold snap. Don't get me wrong. It was still FREEZING on Friday (3 layers of cold gear cold!) but better than my racing buddies this weekend! Check out photos from a race I volunteered at... I almost got plowed by a snow plow! SERIOUS bragging rights for all involved!

Get Luckey 5K Race- in Luckey, Ohio

As it has "warmed up" to negative 15 with the windchill... I will drag myself to the gym to run on the dreadmill. I only have 3 miles... so I'm sure I can tolerate it for 3... (MINUTES!!!) but I will try...

On the bright side, I get to wear a running skirt & a Flutter INKnBURN tank! Come on Spring!

I am CRYING from under those shades. It was SOOO COLD, today! I had THREE layers of cold gear on! I finally peeked out from behind my face mask & then eventually "lifted" it to a hat. I did 9 1/2 miles with Lucy at Oak Openings. We ran on the roads, today. I couldn't bring myself to do a long run in Yaktrax, anymore. Lucy hang tough! She had little icicles on her little chinny, chin, chin & so I brought her home. I figured I'd do my last 2 on the road in front of my house. By the time I got home, the sweat & cold temperatures had me shivering uncontrollably. I switched out to dry layers to finish.

Ironically, no mental barriers, today. I had NO DOUBT I could run 11--- BUT--- I also ate a good breakfast! Nothing messes with my long run more than not eating enough! I did NOT drink anything or take gels "during". My water froze by the time I got back from mile 9-ish (!!!) & my iPhone shut off due to the cold- more reasons to come home for a bit. All good... 11 in the books before it gets colder, tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I'm volunteering at a race... not running... before I head to work. I'll be the little Eskimo wearing ski pants & the puffy coat.

Let's talk mentoring & encouragement:

We've all started at "zero", at some point in our lives. When I applied to be an ambassador for INKnBURN, I was asked if I do any volunteer work or mentoring. I was easily able to answer yes on the subject of volunteering. I've spent years, donating hours, supplies and money as I've organized & set up book fairs, fair booths, parade floats... I've done accounting and set designs for school art shows & displays, reading programs, gun safety education, etc. While most of my volunteer work has been mostly for kids & kid related organizations, I still LOVE to promote the healing power of a good run!

 

My family is always first on my mind. My obligations to them & their interests help prioritize which group will receive my attention... Mentoring? Have I TRULY mentored? Other than my kids...?

 

• men·tor- verb-
  

  advise or train (someone, especially a younger colleague).

 

 While embarrassed & always second guessing my abilities, my goal has always been to encourage females to run. It has brought me mental relief from a life filled with daily stress & worries. I want women & girls to know they can have an emotional outlet & feel PROUD of themselves; so, I talk & write about the good & bad- so others can learn from my mistakes or see that even someone with limited abilities (& a late start in life) can have eventual success. When you can do something you couldn't do a month ago... it's a pretty GREAT feeling! I had someone encourage & tell me "I could"... even when I didn't think it was possible. That is the one message I have: someone's encouragement can often be the motivation to believe & try something new & gloriously scary!

 

Today I met with a local business woman. We talked about family, business, the Glass City Marathon & the expo! It was very heart warming to see someone take up running (later in life, like me!) & have all the new questions I did so many years ago! We discussed injuries, pace, running solo, running with others,  locations to run, pepper spray, tech fabrics, reflective materials, INKnBURN graphics, colors, hand held water bottles, Camelbaks & MANY other topics! Another local mom came in sharing HER progress on moving from walking to running! We all encouraged each other to not give up. 

 

-In the end: she wants to be a vendor at our local Glass City Marathon expo in April! Promoting our race? You bet!!!

Congratulations, Tami Riffle, on beginning your running journey! Looking forward to having you toe the line, soon, at a race!!!

Tami is the owner of Look at Me! Signs, Graphics & Screen printing in Whitehouse, Ohio. Look for her- hopefully at our expo... or at the start line!

6.64 miles with "The Moose"

Oak Openings is beautiful in the winter as well as the summer. There are more trail running options during warmer weather; but, it still beats the treadmill! We stayed on the paved Brown trail then made our way to the Bike Trail & back. We saw a bearded fellow runner. He gave us the "runner wave"; we gave him a thumbs up & audible "Good job".

We saw deer, people walking & people walking with dogs. Lucy was eager to wag her tail & make a friend. We were scolded by a small chipmunk; &, I audibly chuckled as he took a wide stance & noisily chattered at us as we passed. Most of our run was quiet & uneventful except for my music in my right ear from my iPhone. I lost track of time & soon it was time to turn around.

I was proud, today- not about my pace- but the fact that, yesterday, I struggled to run three miles... & here I was, confident at the thought of a 6 miler. -I honor the fact that each day my body & mind are able to do different things. I was cautious as there was still a lot of ice... & I shuffled across slippery areas. I looked for the hash tags in the snow I had seen, last week. They were gone under the latest snow & ice. I looked & saw "parts" of the adorable snowman from a week, ago. He was pushed over when the trail was plowed. I saw his little torso & stick arm "reaching up" like an injured soldier. I was briefly sad. -The scenery is always changing, there, & I was quickly distracted by a darting Blue Jay.

My mind drifted between what I was physically feeling in my feet, arches, heels, knees... to the scenery... to my music... to the Glass City marathon... -I am "sure" that being asked to be an INKnBURN ambassador was only "possible" because I was a Glass City Marathon Ambassador. I am a Glass City Marathon Ambassador because of one person asking me. I realized how much hinged on her asking me a few months, ago. I would not consider applying for an INKnBURN position a year ago. As a matter of fact, I turned down an opportunity to blog about trail running... I didn't think it would go anywhere & I was "just a mom in Ohio..."

My mind drifts between lost opportunities and grasped opportunities. I contemplate this week's work schedule, family events & other upcoming volunteer commitments. Before I realize it, we're on the home stretch & I am grateful for the time to be alone in my own head. Sometimes I am "lonely" on a solo run... but usually... I find I enjoy being alone. I am able to come home and resume life. Laundry is still waiting to be put away. The dishwasher is through its wash cycle... & it is time to get the girls from school, soon. Life resumes right where it left off but I am refreshed... albeit hungry...

I was FINALLY able to sit & review some upcoming events.

• I filled out some entry forms & signed up for some races.
• I filled out my online registration for an upcoming all women's shooting group.
• I filled out my paper work to go to Southern Ohio to get certified to be a Hunting-Wildlife instructor for our 4-H group... 
• THEN I get some fabulous news from INKnBURN, inviting me to be an ambassador for their company.

I cannot contain my excitement for ALL of these upcoming events & privileges!

I am SOOOO STOKED! Bring on 2015!!!

OMG!!!! YOU GUYS, I WAS JUST ASKED TO BE AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE COMPANY INKnBURN!!!

I have to read all the fine print in the paperwork; but, I am SOOOOOO EXCITED!!! They are the "artsiest" running clothes (active gear) I have ever seen!!! They are colorful & I feel SOOO GOOD when I wear them! They are definitely not your run of the mill "quiet" clothes that I was used to wearing.


I need to read my obligations; but, I'd do just about anything to represent this company.

*HAPPY DANCE; HAPPY DANCE; Boom-shaka-laka-BOOM; HAPPY DANCE; HAPPY DANCE*

INKnBURN ART -WOWSERS- new line

 

 

 

(To the left is last season's design: I also have a pirate shirt, a Leprechaun shirt, a black & white tank with giant Koi all over it. I have a shirt that looks like peeling paint, another that looks like Eucalyptus tree bark, a giant BUTTERFLY covering the whole shirt, an owl, one that says "Chick'd", a tank with green, veiny leaves covering it, another with Lotus flowers, calm cherry blossoms & in an your face BRIGHT YELLOW close up of a Buddha face... I haven't even tried their capris... but maybe, now, I'll "need" to get that robot outfit I've had my eye on...)

Did I mention I was HAPPY?!?!?!?

I can't be the only one that keeps questioning their abilities. It gets just as tiresome to BELIEVE & QUESTION my abilities, as it is to say it to my family. As I gathered myself for a run, my mind played all the negative talk that has become so familiar.

 

My training schedule had an easy 3 miler... so I knew I "could" do it. I was not worried about a 3 miler... until I got OUT there. "It's too cold. It's too icy. I'm going to slip & crack my head! I didn't wear enough layers. I'm lonely doing this by myself..."

I knew I had to TRY despite however cold I was... Lucy & I ran to the end of the trail. (We usually go past the Metropark entry but it is piled impassably HIGH with snow.) We turned around & I swore I would run straight back to my van. Lucy was oblivious to my discomfort & was happy to be out. She seemed unaffected by the cold & was eager to sniff her surroundings. I knew she would want to be out longer than a mile. I went through the regular "guilt trip" reminding myself how disappointed I would be in myself if I only ran one. "It took longer to get dressed, drive to the Metropark, get cleaned up afterwards & change... Longer than the run itself. Just do it..." Eventually, I warmed up "enough" & ran past my van. I knew the upcoming tree line would break the wind & it would soon feel "warmer". The trail was icy but I was in no real discomfort. There was no PHYSICAL reason not to continue...

As I approached the turn around, I saw a man running. He was not in usual running attire. He wore khakis, an open Carhart  jacket, a hat in his hand & phone in his other hand. I surmised he was hiking & upped his pace. I gave him a double thumbs up & a loud "Good job, Man!" He looked confused then smiled. He seemed as if he was concentrating on his breathing. (I've seen 'the look', before... I've HAD the 'look' before...) I turned around & picked up the pace. It was not fast but I was feeling grateful for life, health, the opportunity to run...

I reflected on my initial mindset & realized THIS is why I run. I need to prove it to myself. I caught myself downgrading my form, my abilities... & shortly afterwards praised my own efforts.

Running is exercise: physically & mentally. I would NEVER speak to my girls what I mentally say in my own mind about myself- the constant need for performance... I realize running is my own form of self-kindness. My lack of self-mercy is followed by self-merciful expressions...

I finish feeling proud that I DID it... & wishing I would have gone farther... Tomorrow is another day to battle.

This is what I did NOT know about our local event a few years, ago. The day prior to the "grown up races" are the kid events! These look absolutely ADORABLE & I hope I can attend, this year withOUT crying! *I am a tender hearted, child advocate.*

Two years ago, I saw pictures of beautiful babies running on the UT football field with the support of family members, the UT football team, the UT mascots & local runners. I cried just looking at the photos!

What a privilege to be part of such an encouraging, supportive, local group. What a MEMORY to be running alongside a GIANT, "football man"!

Be part of the local event: KID RACES

6 miles with Lucy. Didn't want to... Did want to... Did...

The all-purpose trail was plowed but icy & snow covered. Today wasn't about speed but being sure footed & safe. As usual, once I warmed up, it was not "difficult". It is always the mental battle I deal with: "Can I...?" I opted for a: lower mileage-no pressure-no specific pace-miles only-run. Sometimes this is the best "mind trick" to just get me out the door. I think I can... but I've been mid run in the past & "broke"... then had to hobble back. I have NOT had those issues since I've been with the new doctor... but every twinge incurs a mild panic, as I DON'T want to return to the "injured runner sidelines." --Sometimes, less aggressive is the wiser choice...

 

As I approached mile 4... I saw some comical & some crude hash tags. I chuckled & took some photos. Lucy was oblivious.

 

As I remind myself how far I've come, races I've done, weather I've encountered, pain that has subsided... I reflect on the Glass City Marathon, approaching in April. I am "only" doing the 1/2 marathon. I will continue to prepare & log miles through the ice, snow & teeth chattering temps. My mileage is reduced from Summer & Fall full marathon training; but, I will be able to toe the line, this Spring. OHHHHHHHH, how I look forward to Spring! SOOOOOO CLOSE!!!

Hospitality: noun-

the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers,

relating to or denoting the business of housing or entertaining visitors.

So... you've decided? You're committed! You're from out of town? No worries... we've got you covered! Glass City Marathon has provisions for our out of town runners!

Partner Hotels

The Ramada Hotel and Conference Center is the Glass City Marathon host hotel. The Ramada Hotel is located on Secor Road minutes from the University of Toledo Campus. A special marathon room rate of $95 plus tax is being offered to those making reservations by Friday, April 3, 2015.

 

Cold & snowed in, today... If I ever wondered "if I was a runner", this winter is "proving" it. Last year, I couldn't run a couple of days in a row. This year, while each run is less than spectacular, a daily run is always on my mind. I'm sulking & biting at the bit, today- not being able to get out... I AM able to keep busy. That's a plus... -There's always something that needs to be completed at home... but my mind was outside.

This weekend, as I prepared for the snow storm, I got work done, early. When talking to people at work, I'm reminded that I'm different. I was surprised that when I speak about Toledo's Glass City Marathon, I'm not met with ecstatic enthusiasm. I explain that there are more distances than just the marathon. I even explain the kid events the day before... people stare at me blankly. I discuss it as a kid & family friendly day. -I still get blank stares.

I do not consider myself a talented competitor at races... yet (I realize as I gaze at expressionless eyes) that I am an excited participant... I am always nervous but I've moved myself past many excuses & fears-- & I feel proud about that... So, tomorrow. I suppose a ROAD run, instead of trails, will be in order. I look forward to the sights.

One day "off" from running has been physically restful, mentally anxious & motivation for tomorrow...