stormy.

This past weekend I went on a (rather) breezy long run to train for a marathon. For awhile it was lonely and dark, but as soon as the sun started coming up, it was beautiful.

This is why I love running in New Mexico more than anywhere else.

tri harder.

In high school, I finished a triathlon so I could cross it off my bucket list. For the next six years, through high school and college I focused on competitive running and my triathlon past fell by the wayside. However, after an injury last December, I returned to my roots, so to speak, and began biking and swimming a little more, all in combination with running. I forgot how much fun I used to have biking (swimming, less so...), and how good it felt to ride over the rolling hills on a sunny day. More than anything, I love how balanced I feel when doing these three sports together. Thus, I decided to sign up for a triathlon just to see how it went. Thankfully, I did not die and I had an absolute blast and I even walked away with the award for first place in my age group.

While there were some slipups (a mismarked bike course, and me forgetting you can't dive into the pool - I did an awkward side flop instead), but it was wonderful, and I plan on doing one in the spring.

pre-workout snack conundrums.

One of the awful things about Celiac's and other digestive issues is that you never know when you might eat something to set your stomach off. This is one of the reasons I always have to be careful of what I eat before running or cycling, especially if I do it later in the day when I'm usually drained and I need some comida for energy. I've learned many things: some bad (ranch and I will never be friends) and some good (peanut butter was better). However, the best thing I have found is definitely almonds. Perfect amount of carbs for energy and easy to digest. And the other really great thing is that they travel really well, so you can even bring some along for a mid-run snack. I know this post isn't super substantial, but it's something that has served me well, and I hope this advice does the same for you.

warrior dash.

A few weeks ago, I ran a great race with my mom called the Warrior Dash, which benefits St. Jude. Needless to say, I haven't done any race like this before. It was just a 5k, but a bit slower than most I run because there are thirteen obstacles over the race course, including a mud pit and climbing over cargo nets. While it was definitely the hardest 5k I've ever done, it was also the most fun, especially with my mom.

My mom and I, pre-race. 

I'm pretty sure this is the coolest I will ever look. 

gone with the wind.

Running usually brings with it its own set of challenges: hills, thirst, and many-a-cramp. However, last Thursday when I went running I had to deal with a whole new challenge: wind. And not just wind, but rather 50-plus mile an hour gusts from two directions. I had already set my mind on doing a pretty hard run (5 x 5 minutes hard, 4 minutes easy for 5 miles), and I had no intention of letting the wind stop me, although that might have been against my better judgment. Nobody else was out on the path I was running on, and with good reason. I was literally getting pushed to the side of the road, dirt was blowing in my face, I had tears running down my cheeks and my nose would not stop running. On top of that it was really hot. I'm pretty sure it was what running through the Saudi Arabian desert would feel like. However, did I regret this? No. Why? Am I crazy, or maybe just a glutton for punishment? Well perhaps, but I realized after I finished how good I felt. Strong, successful, and pretty badass. These are the kinds of runs that I know will help me get better and faster in the long run (pun intended). After being sick with food allergies for so long, I really appreciate how much my body can do now that I am healthy and eating (and not eating) the right foods. Now, while I won't exactly be praying for another day with wind like this, I would welcome it if it showed up on my afternoon run.

a fun run in the sun.

Lately (minus today) the weather here has been just too perfect. Spring always means one thing for me: midday desert runs. This may seem odd, but the temperature is wonderful in the middle of the day and the sun is all the way out, so you get the warmth without the beating heat and crazy locust noises that accompany it in the middle of summer. This allows for great, hard runs in super-nice weather. I always come back tired, but feeling much better about myself than I did when I left.

necessary colorful running shoes

Lately I've been training for this and this (hopefully --- cross your fingers!), and the sun has been the perfect training partner, making me go faster because its not too hot, and staying out longer because its just so beautiful.

it's so nice to be back (running) in lewiston.

For my spring break, I'm up visiting my boyfriend at college in the smallish city where I lived for four years, give or take. I actually came to adore Lewiston, with all of its little quirks, although it could really use real Mexican food and a Starbucks closer to campus. And for the most part, I'm actually happy living at home, although I have found this week that Lewiston has a couple of perks, mainly when it comes to running.

The trails by my house are beautiful but have plenty of dangers, and I haven't had to deal with any of those here. Namely, bobcats, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, stray dogs, and crazy mountain bikers. Running in Lewiston I didn't find any of these (obviously)! It was only after I moved back home that these things became very bothersome because I have had to try to avoid one danger or another on my runs. Maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but it sure is nice to run without fearing your life on account of a large standard poodle...

time to wear sunscreen again.

Two days ago, I decided I would try and do a track workout for the first time in, I dunno, eight months? I have to admit, it was pretty scary after several emergency medical procedures, stomach problems, and diet changes over the last few months. But it was beautiful out, and I went running in shorts, a t-shirt, and my favorite: sunscreen. I actually do really love sunscreen and I wear it obsessively, but that's another blog post. I drove to the high school where I work as a debate coach to see how this would play out. Well, there were quite a few rather intense groups out there - like a Japanese professional running team and some Russians (I think, I'm not actually sure what language they were speaking). So while I looked super cool doing 400s really slowly, everyone else seemed to be doing multiple mile repeats at an incredibly fast pace. I felt really good, but this conversation I had with a very elite runner on the track is pretty funny and shows just how out of place I was:

Him: What are you training for?
Me: Um, maybe a 5k in the spring? What about you?
Him: The 800 meter Olympic trials.
Me: Oh well, that's cool.
Him: Gotta start now. Your stride looked really strong though.
Me: Oh my gosh! Thank you! That's so nice of you!

Maybe I was a little too gracious with the thank yous, but it felt so good that someone noticed and said that I wasn't failing next to the Russian and Japanese runners. Well after an ashtanga class the day before,  my muscles are still paying for it. However, I'm really happy to be back to running, and I'm excited about my next workout (hopefully) in the sun!

running for heartbreak.

So, I'm not supposed to be running, but, I broke down and I ran. Bad Molly. And oh, I paid for it. But I desperately needed to try out the new spandex my boyfriend got me for Christmas. What else can I do though? Running has slowly become my anecdote for everything - stress, anxiety, happiness, sadness, overeating. The runs in Manchester have also been a really welcome change from the dry air that permeates every waking minute in Albuquerque. I guess I will take the pain with the pleasure, since I have to go home tomorrow and say goodbye to my boyfriend again. What other relief is there for heartbreak at leaving someone you love, even for a short time?

accesorizing sneakers.

As I've mentioned, I have patellar tendonitis so I cannot run for around six weeks. It has also severely limited my footwear to sneakers. Now I wish I was really hip and had a whole plethora of sneakers that I matched with really trendy outfits, but that is hardly the case.

The always cool Dunks, in my office, which I share with two cardboard cutouts of men and three other students. 

My wonderful, trusty running shoes, which have seen no action lately. 

What does one wear with these? Well, for me, this means spandex and workout shirts because that's really the only thing I want to wear in the winter. Voraciously accessorizing those outfits with tons of jewelry might work with boots to make you look really cool and artsy, but with sneakers all the jewelry makes you look like one of the crazy ladies at the gym who wears more bling than a Cartier shop. However, that is not really appropriate for museum work. So, more than a blog discussing my fashion-sense, this is a cry for help. Somebody, please tell me what to wear for the next 5.5 weeks of my life so I don't look like a really colorful gym rat. 

winter run playlist.

For me, the change of seasons necessitates a change in music. Winter always draws me towards haunting melodies that have a slightly sad bent. To balance that out, I always like to add in some Christmas cheer and classic old-timey tunes. When I'm thinking of making playlists to run I like to think of songs that will keep me going,  keep me in a positive mind so I can finish my runs on a strong note, and remind me of winter and the snow around me. This is one of my winter running playlists that I've been jamming out to. Run, relax, and enjoy:

"Minnesota, WI" by Bon Iver
This is a beautifully composed song that gets you in the perfect mood for a winter run. This is also absolutely fitting since Bon Iver apparently took their name from the French phase bon hiver, meaning "have a good winter." 

"A Foggy Day (In London Town)" by Tony Bennett
A better song for cloudy weather? I think not. And the voice of Mr. Bennett can only make things smoother. 

"Set the Dark on Fire" by Turin Brakes
This duo brings a fast melody to beautiful lyrics which makes you want to run faster. Besides that, this song is nostalgic of winters and loves past, a perfect song to reflect to on your run.

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by Michael Bublé
An upbeat melody that makes you feel like doing high kicks with the rockettes. Or just picking up your pace, either one works. 

"Something About Us" by Daft Punk
This song absolutely reminds me of doing homework in the campus coffee shop during sophomore year at college. It adds a great techno beat to your run and gives you an opportunity to do a nice pickup.

"Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones
After the previous pickup you can slow down a little bit with this lovely, happy song from the inimitable Norah Jones.

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by She & Him 
An uptempo version of a great Christmas classic by Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward to get you in the mood for wrapping presents and online shopping after your run.

"White Blank Page" by Mumford and Sons
Another wonderful, haunting melody from a folk group. This fierce song will get you through the tough part of the run.

"Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!" by Frank Sinatra
Anything better than Old Blue Eyes? I think not. Anything better than snow for a winter run? Never! This duo is the perfect, upbeat song for your run among a bleakish winter landscape.

"Sweeter" by Gavin DeGraw
FYI, I love Gavin DeGraw and have for years. I think this a great song to start off the last part of your run.

"20 Years" by the Civil Wars
This male/female duo composes beautiful music with even more beautiful harmonies. This song is a great example to put in the playlist and makes you want to warm up with hot chocolate after your run.

"Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Glee Cast
This is my all-time favorite version of my all-time favorite holiday song. Perfect sweetness to end your run.