AND NOW - ON TO THE NEW YEAR! 2015 BECKONS

Runner's Eitquette - FYI

CHRISTMAS 2014 has been a blast - the exercise blast that is!  Health is abounding across the USA as health minded individuals bring to every community an awareness of the importance of getting fit and staying that way to enjoy life and to show an appreciation for the great gift of life!

The sun was up bright and glorious this morning - cold overnight freeze but warmed up quickly into the 40's and I got in a 3 mile jog to top off a fabulous Christmas supper with family.  And, thanks Rachel for the big Hershey bar with almonds. It boosted my jog quite well for the miles out there on the road. 

MY IDEA OF A RUNNER'S PRAYER


EXCERPT FROM: "ON A HIGH PART OF THE COAST OF CUMBERLAND"

"Whate'er the path these mortal feet may trace,
          Breathe through my soul the blessing of thy grace,
          Glad, through a perfect love, a faith sincere
          Drawn from the wisdom that begins with fear,
          Glad to expand; and, for a season, free
          From finite cares, to rest absorbed in Thee!"
           ...Wm. Wordsworth: Easter Sunday, 1883

GEARING UP FOR REINDEER RUNS? YES, IT'S DECEMBER ALREADY!

The fun starts now!  TENNESSEE DECEMBER RUNNING EVENTS.

Did you know we're celebrating Rudolph's first feature length film Christmas Special 50th birthday this year?  Yep, it premiered December, 1964.  WOW! How time flies.  And runner's especially love to celebrate the season with A FABULOUS CHRISTMAS designer race.

Be it a Reindeer Run or a ride on Santa's Sleigh, most everybody loves December,  excepting Scrooge, that is.  The weather's on the plateau been truly great these past 2 weeks with fairly low humidity and temperatures in the 50's or higher during the daylight hours.  Just right for long slow runs!

Slow runner?  I'm certainly qualified for that title.  These days it's difficult to believe I once won my age division in a Fast 5K race because I've now slowed so slow my family describes me as a walker not a runner.   Therewith, I have begun to seriously consider how to best remedy my seemingly ever slowing pace.  Here's one look at slow -   Just the facts, please!  International Association of  Women's Runners. 

So get out there and get going!  Looks like the weather is going to hold throughout the month before winter finally sets in in January. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  

Vicki

TURKEY TALK

Tennessee Turkey Trot Races

It's Turkey Time again! Yea! Tennesseans are gearing up all over Tennessee to join in the races. Cold weather is really, really upon us this week. In fact, the warm temperature for today is said to be about 34 degrees. I don't think it made 34 degrees.  And, yes, cold weather, out-of-doors, exercise demands putting on layers to make sure winter winds cannot sweep in and chill you to the core.  My best strategy for a comfy run is layering  with top to bottom thin, thermal, snugly fitting layers. Course, if you're into year round, outside exercise then you probably already know layering for warmth and keeping the wind out is the only way to go.


 Here's my recommendation:  UH, I guess my preference for Brooks anything and everything may be old news to some by now.  However, for those of you who've just happened upon this site...for Winter Running Gear - Thermal tights, cotton socks (i.e., not wool), thermal underwear, turtleneck, gloves, hat, and of course, Brooks Women's Adapt Running Jacket. In my opinion, this jacket is the final word in running jackets for cold weather running! It even incorporates its own facemask (balaclava).

 Brooks Women's Adapt Running Jacket

photo credit copyright@brooksrunning.com

BROOKS TECHNOLOGY
What makes Brooks my go to choice for all things running?  Their TECH! What is 3D Fit Print,  3D HEX LUGS, Ballistic Rock Shield, Guide Rails, and gosh, there is so much more.  I mean, the science at Brooks is unsurpassed in building the best products for runners on the market.  That's my opinion and it's based on a lot of miles on the road.







HAPPY RUNNING AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

BR-R-R-R-r-r-r-r-r-r-r IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - LAYER UP

Cold weather exercise is fun only when you are dressed appropriately for the weather.



.....more to follow

A GREAT COMBINATION - HOT CHAMOMILE TEA AND BROOKS' UTOPIA THERMAL TIGHT II

photography credit copyright@VickiLSullivan

Cold weather exercise has it's own rewards - like healthy hot teas after the workout.  This morning the weather is bright (temps in the 50's), a little windy,  and made glorious by the sun, scents of fireplace fires warming nearby homes, and those breathtaking scenes of red, yellow,  and golden brown leaves still hanging onto the last vestiges of nuture gathered from the branches before being gracefully carried on wind swept billows.  Whew! I'm winded just writing that sentence!

What a day to get out and enjoy the day!

Chamomile tea has numerous health benefits in addition to being a warm-up beverage after cold weather exercise.  This amazing tea is touted to soothe inflammation, boost the immune system, ease anxiety thereby promoting sleep.  Steep the tea for about 5 minutes in just boiled water.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

NOT ALL RUNNERS ARE MARATHONERS

SUN'S UP - copyright@Vicki L. Sullivan

NOT ALL RUNNERS ARE MARATHONERS and that includes me.  While I admire and cheer for runners/joggers/walkers in every strata of the sport, I am not a marathoner.  Being on a road run for 3 hours just isn't my idea of a fun morning.  Certainly, I could see me doing a half-marathon because for a few years my Saturday run was 6 miles into Washington, DC from Arlington, VA and 6 miles back.  That's almost a half. Right?   I think that took me about 2 hours even in my late 30'a and early 40's.  This morning I did the usual 3 mile hiller in about 45 minutes.  And, I have to say, anyone can bend a straw into an alphabetic letter but how many of you can do hills at 68 years?

Happy running, etc. folks!  It's a beautiful day but I'm told, the weather is about to change.  

A PROPER THANKS TO ALL WHO SERVE -

THANK YOU!

My cold weather running began while living in Arlington, VA about 1984. You can believe me when I say,  my experience was excellent beginner's training for running in the extreme North! On really cold runs my facemask hat would get completely frozen. But, the more I trained the more I learned to enjoy the run, the outside, and the fun shared with other runners who also understood and appreciated the sport.  

In warm weather while running in Washington, DC, when happening upon a military unit out for a training run around the tidal basin, my running friend and I would run alongside them like small fish do whales and dolphins.  It was great fun to feel the freedom and strength to participate is such a run.

Today, I jogged/walked my own 5K in keeping with the regiment pictured above.  My oldest grandson serves in this regiment.  My son-in-law, youngest daughter's husband serve in the United States Navy.  Such an investment in our country's freedom and liberty, to me,  means all who hold the United States of America as a sacred trust are unbelievably gifted because of those who serve in our regard and  on our behalf.  


 GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL! 

RUN, WALK, OR JOG - YOU'RE INVITED

invitation copyright@ McMinnville TN Parks & Recreation Dept.

p.s.  "wear your BROOKS!"

No it's not the pumpkin run - But, it is almost October 31, 2014 - Weather has been great though the predictions for the weekend say wrap up and stay warm if you're planning on outside events for celebrating this weekend. 

RUNNINGTN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER MIDDLE TENNESSEE RACES

BOO! The Upper Cumberland Haunted Half
Starts Saturday, October 18, 2014.



 

FROM THE FARM; TO THE OVEN; TO THE PLATE - RUN HEALTHY MEANS RUNNING HAPPY

 

Want to trim the fat from your diet?  Want to feel better when exercising?  Want to find the extra energy for another few miles jogging, running, or walking?

Try adding a plate 3/4 full of farm fresh veggies and fruit and you'll not only trim the fat from your diet but you'll be increasing your bond to healthy habits while you trim your waistline. To discover helps for starting a new initiative this autumn, I've linked the words, "Healthy Habits," to a non-profit site promoting healthy eating through adding more vegetables and fruit to every meal.  There's no way I could provide all the great information this site has to offer - so please check it out if you're so inclined to want to know more about fighting the obesity epidemic affecting so many Americans these days.

Oven roasted acorn squash baked in  maple syrup, lemon and spices provides a delicious and nourishing veggie! One cup provides loads of Vitamin A, C, and B antioxidants.  The whole squash is edible including the seeds which can be roasted for snacks.  If you've farm grown your own you're got the best!  If not, stores are stocking these winter wonders. 

My own journey into the vegan world flowed from the first few years of running and naturally turned focus more to fruits, veggies, whole grains, and less meat, milk, and dairy. I'm not vegan purist though and seriously doubt I'll ever be.  Most of us southerners grow up on 3 eggs,  slices of bacon/ham/sausage, cheesey grits, and 4 butter biscuits slathered in strawberry jam, and that's really not easy to change to yogurt, fruit, nuts, and 1 slice of whole grain toast. But, give it a try some days and see what happens? 

Happy Friday! 

Vicki

23 MINUTES A MILE - 0H MY!

It's Monday, September 29, 20014. Weather: some clouds with 72 degrees and bright sunshine with a 5% chance of rain. It's a totally beautiful Autumn day in Middle Tennessee. The leaves are just beginning to take on color, trees are being trimmed in preparation for winter. And, I just finished a 3 mile jog. My Brook's Glycerin 10's are holding up better than any previous ones. Thanks Brook's! Still the cushioning is beginning to flatten out and the treds are showing some wear. Time for a pit stop.

At almost, uh well... more than several years out there one the road running or jogging, I'm thankful for the ability to still enjoy my favorite sport. Though somehow I just can't see 23 minute miles as good. Got to cut that time back to at least 15; 1 lb. for every minute.

BEYOND TRENDS: WORKING ON THE BREAD BASKET

I AM DELIGHTED when seeing folks off the sofa and out exercising! The health community is winning in their efforts to help people recognize being a sofa prop doesn't build good health, a good mind, or a truly enjoyable life. It's just great to see people caring for themselves and in doing so, enhancing life quality and extending life by years and years. Trends come and trends go is no mere whimsical phrase. Exercise and healthy diet are persistent and dependable practices not subject to the latest trend or fashion. By incorporating those time tested and proven maintenance habits into my daily life, I won't fall victim to the latest fad fade fanned by what's popular at the moment.

My running/jogging/walking exercise days officially began in 1983 as a plan to gain strength and energy to reduce the tummy and recover from a nine month vigil following the high risk birth of my 4th child. Didn't I already say that a few blogs back? I think so. But, surely my exercise commitment beginning was taught and nurtured growing up in a school system and social culture which focused on good health and nutrition for children, youth, and adults.

Physical Education class, a required class in Jr and Sr High, preceded exercise and play at recess as an essential ingredient in a positive elementary school education. The linked youtube.com video is labeled as "1960's school lunch propaganda." That's a bunch of hooey! It is simple,plain, and communicates well without the frills of today's techno-wizardy. It is still the same message given out today - especially relevant (needed) due to the super-bug society within which we all currently live.

1950's Army Exercise Class Courtesy of Horton Web Design

Anyway, with those givens in my background, I naturally knew how to proceed in the bread basket management class of 1983. Meaning I had to drop the ice cream, bread, rice, rich foods and exercise. The first few days out were not fun! I'm 30 so years down the road from that and having to start all over again. I never stopped running/jogging/walkin through those years but did load on the pounds again. The 2015 USDA Healthy Guidelines for eating are just out but not as yet distributed. You can check out the last USDA guidelines developed in 2010 at the linked page.

I did my almost 3 mile jog this morning. Gosh, it was a glorious morning in Middle Tennessee. Bright sunshine, cool temps in the 50's to enjoy the fabulous colors beginning their Autumn Showing!

Get out there and have a great time! Hope to see you soon! Vicki

RUNNING ISN'T JUST ABOUT COMPETITION - IT'S A QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUE

QUOTE OF THE DAY

                                                                 BROOKS THINKS OUT OF THE BOX

Running, for me, was not about getting into a race or competition with other people.  It was, and still is, fully and only about my determination to stay fit enough to enjoy my life day by day, task by task. Regardless of whether the task calls for little effort or a lot of effort, I want to attempt it and gain a sense of satisfaction informing me that my efforts are conforming to my expectations of myself.

In other words, I compete against my own internalized self-image.  The link at the beginning of this blog post says a lot about what I believe about myself and other people. It's statement, "There's An Athlete In Everyone," is echoed across the health and sports industry.  I highly recommend those who want to stay in good health give this book a read or two.  The author, Dr. Philip Maffetone, has the qualifications and credentials to be heard. Granted the review on Amazon states the Greeks first set forth the idea of self-development - well, that's debatable.  Anyway, I hope you'll check it out.  I plan to.

Aw, and yes, I'm a diehard BROOKS fan!

Happy Running Today!


Vicki

BROOK'S END-OF-SUMMER SALE - A PICTURE'S WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

UP TO 35% OFF SUMMER SALE!!!

BROOKS

   

                   

          

THE GENESIS - THE BEGINNING

                              

               MY RUN HAPPY SHOES - ENGINEERED DESIGN FOR HEALTHY RUNNING 

BY 

BROOKS

I've been a content creator for Yahoo Voices since 2009. This month the news arrived Yahoo is closing the network totally by August 31, 2014. Thereby, to keep you, the reader, interested -  the genesis of this blog is the demise of Yahoo Voices!  Goodbye Yahoo. Hello, MYRUNHAPPY!

Hey, if your viewing the magazine please go to the Classical View for the full article.

 I've been fortunate to write articles about Brooks for a few years now!  This blog will continue to publish my Brooks articles along with articles relating to running, food to fuel good runs, and health related ideas, hints, helps, and fun stuff!

MY INTRO - 
My running life began after the birth of my 4th child. Suddenly I realized managing a household of 6 would  require me to be physically fit.  Um, "physically fit..." yes, that's a word used during the 1960's PE Classes most of which I managed to skip in lieu of running errands. I'm  not sure what is used today.  "In shape," maybe or just "strong?"  I began in 1983 and after 2 miles couldn't run a step more.  Then I learned, add the extra mile and the endorphins would kick in.  I did and have been running ever since. Only now, my running daughters tease me stating, "Really, Mom, you  walk. That is not running!"  I call myself doing a relaxed  version of "the military shuffle." And, thankfully due to now having been a runner for a few years, I  respond, "I can still run when need be. Just watch out!"

Actually, my three year old granddaughter  out runs me these days. 


Hang around! See ya soon!