Do you engage your core when you run?

Started my day with Insanity--I know ironic--isn't everyday insane for a mom.  Anyway....Wednesday is Bosom Buddies Breastfeeding Support Group--my weekly volunteer time.  I love this group but sometimes the organization and time that I give is a little overwhelming.  I usually cannot schedule any work appointments on Wednesday since the group is smack in the middle of the day--but I do get to sneak my workouts in.  I usually workout in am and then run after group.

Today we meet at Thompson Park for a Stroller Strides demo class--it was a lot of fun.  I wish they had classes like that when my kiddies were little.  I was able to sneak in a 2 mile run after---my right hamstring is still a little sore--but not painful---I tried to keep a short stride and keep the pace moderate.  My left Achilles was also acting up--but it felt fine when I ran--a few minor twinges only.

I broke out my new black running shoes--I know BLACK---I hate black shoes, especially sneakers---but I figured they would be great for hitting the trails.

Here are the new sneaks (I am addicted to all Brooks gear):

Perfect for running trails like this one--Rugby trail at Thompson:

I am running at Sandy Hook on Friday and I really want to get a 5-6 mile run in there.


I also tried to engage my core when I ran--does anyone else do this?  My core is my trouble area---I am holding on to extra padding there and I really want to get rid of it.


http://connect.garmin.com/activity/52866424

Grrrh Ugh!

My day got off to a bad start--had to rearrange morning schedule in order to attend my son's writer's workshop at school.  Yes, he knew about it ahead of time and just forgot to tell me.  So after canceling my group run and then running C to early am orthodontist, I headed over to the school.  Arriving right on time--only to find an entire class of kids and parents waiting.  I am never late---everyone must have arrived a good 15 minutes early----it was wierd.

The kids got to read their stories and it quickly became evident that my son have taken some short cuts with this project.  He had an overnight playdate Sunday night and did not tell me that he had to type up his story yesterday when he came home.  He must have quickly typed it and his lack of effort was obvious.  He had not bothered to correct the mistakes his teacher had already pointed out in previous drafts and that was just the mechanical errors.  I was disappointed and he knew it.  As the other children read parts of their stories aloud in response to the teacher's request for examples, he quickly realized his story did not compare.  So he started to cry---yes, I win the bad mother of the day award.  He knew I knew it was not his best work and we had just had a discussion last night regarding school work and the use of the computer for games when he was supposed to be researching a school project.  Don't get me wrong, he is an A student, but he is my "do the bare minimum" kid.  I took him out into the hallway so he could "gather himself up"--he pulled the "You said my story was horrible"--at this point arguing with him would have been pointless. Of course, I did not say his story was horrible.  Needless to say, I left there feeling HORRIBLE.

I decided I would get a run in---nothing fancy, just a run in the neighborhood to help me clear my head---but that did not go according to plan either--my garmin claimed "low battery"???? it figures--I know I ran faster than I have in a long time--almost 4 miles done.  Now to prepare for the coming home from school confrontation--wish me luck.

Today's song, The Bottom Line, Big Audio Dynamite

Run today Oct 12th cancelled

Sorry for last minute cancellation--my son just handed me an invitation to his writer's workshop at school this am---grrrrrh ugh (it has been sitting in his bookbag for some time now).  Good thing I did not have a work appointment planned. 

Scheduled Group Runs Week of October 11th

Scheduled Group Runs for Week of October 11^th:

Tuesday, October 12^th 10:15 am     2-3 miles                              YMCA, Freehold Parking Lot

Wednesday, October 13^th12:30pm 2-3miles (intervals)             Thompson parking lot near playground

Friday, October 15^th11:30am            5-6 miles                               Sandy Hook (meet at first parking lot on the right)

Saturday, October 16^th, 10am           4-5 miles                               Cross Farms

P.S. Registration has opened for the Asbury Park ½---this is a great race for those of you who want to run your first ½ or those who just want to run a fun race---the course is FLAT and Beautiful—from AP—to Sea Girt---and back, https://register.boardwalkrelay.org/register/Final.aspx?event=2397 There is PLENTY of time to train!

Holy Hills at Holmdel

Had a 5 mile run on the schedule but ended up with 3 and change--the hills were killer.  K meet me at Holmdel Park ; I do not run here often--the trail is very hilly and this park tends to be more crowded with walking groups than other county parks.  My right hamstring was tight--not painful, just tight, so I was a little worried about the stress of the hills.  We took it slow and steady and I felt great.  We walked about a quarter of a mile at the end to cool down and my right hip flexor was tweaky--I wonder if I was compensating--hamstring still felt tight.  

Sitting here post hot shower---I feel fine.  I should have probably iced it, but that takes so long---Nurses make the worst patients.


http://connect.garmin.com/activity/52130527

Nice 2 mile run with B & L

What a perfect day for a run.  Nice 2 mile run with B&L today at Thompson.  We tried to do some intervals--WOW, that is hard.  We will keep working on it.

5 planned for tomorrow am--I am going to work some more on intervals and hills.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/52034622
Today's song, Neon Trees, Animal

Scheduled Runs for Week of October 4th

The weather last week along with a busy work week for me really threw my running schedule off.  I am hoping to jump right back in this week.  Only 5 weeks left until Beauty and the Beach. As far as I know it is not too late to register for this event.

Monday October 4^th   11:30 am    2 miles     Thompson, meet at parking lot near playground (Intervals)

Tuesday October 5^th  10:15 am    3 miles     YMCA parking lot (slow and steady)

Thursday October 7^th 10:30 am    2-3           Thompson (Intervals)

Friday October 8^th      9 am         5 miles     Holmdel Park (Hill work)