SUMMER RUNNING ON THE HORIZION

The Magnificent Magnolia Fuscata

Summer is looming very near as the temperatures begin to soar into the 90's.  Fortunately, this morning was a gift as temperatures went down into the 50's overnight!  Truly enjoyed this morning's 3.5 mile view of the mountains, flowering trees and shrubs, and the "cool breezes!"

The photo above was taken last year in late May or June.  It's part of the Magnolia grouping and carries the lemony scent of the Southern Magnolia along with the similar banana scent of the Magnolia Fuscata. Very nice and delicate experience to run upon one of the sweet trees.  I know summer is right around the corner when these appear and douse their flavor about in the warm sunlight.

I'm having to practice getting up real early to be ready to get out there before the heat sets in for the day. I seem to take to cool weather jogging better than summer jogging because all I have to do is gear up warmly.  In the summer there's the heat factor bringing a whole different challenge. The sun can really bring negative consequences when added to a heat factor.  Sweat can blind the eyes and heat can bring disorientation. Hydration and focusing on  healthy habits is the gateway to enjoying the summer weather.

 This article presents some good reading along the line of health related food intake. Hope you enjoy it and a great week out there.

MEMORIAL DAY 2016 - RUN, JOG, OR WALK - BRAIN & BODY WORK

photo credit@vickilsullivan

Happy Memorial Day 2016 - Memorial Day heralds thanksgiving and remembrances of those fine people who gave their lives in the service of liberty and freedom!  It also is welcomed by summer celebrations of the 2016 school year endings, summer's very warm weather greetings (at least in the South), and great Bar-B-Que and cookouts across our nation. 

Those were my beginning thoughts this morning as I paced myself along a 3 mile jog.  Then they turned to determination to focus on the path before me, regulating my breathing, and maintaining core body posture and form.  Fact is, in the past week, a friend, concerned I would be run over, challenged  my choice of running (jogging, in my case) on asphalt rather than concrete, so this week I am particularly alert to stay mindful while on the roadside.

Even though I've been an avid runner since 1984 and pretty much feel comfortable watching and listening to the traffic before and behind me, when someone questions my choice, I rethink my position to possibly meet the challenge with confidence the next time I'm questioned.  With 32 years running, jogging, and walking on the road, on sidewalks, and trails, I pretty much have surveyed the information out there to make the best choice, for myself anyway.

Runner's World experts offer this article on the best surface for runners. My experience is the first 13 years I ran on concrete more than asphalt or trails and, thankfully, without injury. However, maybe that's why last summer I began having knee trouble. Many talented and experienced distance runners agree, concrete effects more impact on the body than any other surface. So that's my take on the subject. I stand resolute on it.  Enough said.

Running/jogging/ and walking brings out the best for all aspects of brain, body, and spirit. Physical systems begin to work as they should, and the brain gets oxygen and blood flow to continue to grow healthy cells and process thought creatively and with structure clearing the fog like sunshine in the morning. Here's links a goodly bit of information on that subject. 

Running on the street takes awareness, concentration, a good bit of focus, and yes, sometimes steel nerves.  Take off the earphones and keep eyes and ears open.  I hope not to take anything for granted and hope you won't either. 


Happy Memorial Day Running! 

A DAY AT CHICAGO'S FABULOUS WRIGLEY FIELD

Chicago's Magnificent Mile

Last week began with a flight into Chicago for a visit with my oldest daughter, Christian.

christiantaylorvo.com

Christian is a VoiceOver actress and Producer. She was scheduled to do a voiceover recording in Chicago.  The office view above is from the reception/lounge area of the company where she was recording. And, there is where my education about the REAL CHICAGO began. Christian loves Chicago...and it seems, Chicago loves her! 

You see, like many folks, I only know what I read on the news about Chicago and unfortunately, the absolutely, positively, beautiful, family city gets a pretty big negative image portrayed. For several years now, whenever Christian would brag about Chicago, I would privately ask myself, what was so great about Chicago given all I heard was the negative.  Then, the past 2 days I have been seeing the Chicago my daughter and her family brag about all the time; the side making Chicago the great American city that it is today.

And yes, this blog is about running, jogging, and walking for that is what I've been doing to become acquainted with The Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, and onto WRIGLEY STADIUM, and those superb CHICAGO CUBS!  

Day 1. After finding our parking and fast pacing it up to the studio for the recording, we set out for lunch at Grand Lux Cafe.  I was comfortably impressed by the quaint, and elegant Victorian family  atmosphere and the food was superb. The Grand Lux has successfully brought the past forward into today's food culture while maintaining the ambiance and old world feeling of yesterday's grand dining rooms. 

RUNNING FROM PILLAR TO POST

photo credit: vickilsullivan - Blue Skies Above and The Road Down Below

Running from "pillar to Post," for me means running (or as for me, jogging) begins when I leave my abode and start toward the long trek along Post Road. And, depending upon the direction one takes, that can include 2 most difficult hills.  The terminology, "pillar to post," is thought to have originated way back possibly centuries before the 15th century in the game of Court Tennis. At that time, the saying referred to a volley known as, "post to pillar;" the post, "referring to a post that supported the net (though a rope was used in those days, rather than a net) and one of the pillars that supported the galleries." (linked quote credit)

This morning, to my amazement, while out there, I realized I was beginning to think like I use to think before deciding to enter a race. I used to be rather quick of foot when necessary but these days that is no longer true. Preferably now,  I had rather enjoy seeing that trait in my grandchildren.  

Joining a road race can take quite a lot of time and as my thoughts progressed, I decided rather to write, in a 3 point posting,  all the preparation it takes for me to get ready to enter one.  1st, I have to see one I might want to enter (there are many considerations going for this portion of the process) and think over the reasons for entering. 2nd, often is getting out there to run the trek to see if I think I might even consider running it in a road race. It's so stressful to be the last one in when, at least, I used to be able to be somewhere before last. I think I am trending toward being very lazy!

And 3rd, if making the decision to go given the plus side outshines the minus side, there's the actual signing up and setting aside time to prepare and train. Race day there is anxious jitters, breakfast decisions,  time to get up and get out there, etc. Really, there's a lot more to the sport if one decides to run road races. 

I guess my favorite and most unfavorite part is challenging myself.  That's why I admire those who remain steadfast lifelong runners! 

Just maybe I'll see you out there one day! 

BROOKS SHOE FINDER QUESTIONS

Ok, I just took the Brooks Shoe Finder   and here's the recommended shoe for support and energy return. 

The Brooks Ravenna 7 

My preferred color for spring and summer though is the Ravenna 7 in pink and gray.

ACHOO! ...RUNNING THROUGH ALLERGY SEASON

 

Flowering pear trees at Warren Co, TN Civic Ctr. - photo credit: Vicki L. Sullivan 3/21/16

HAPPY EASTER

Glorious celebration of Spring's arrival in the flowering pear and red bud trees. The weather has been really nice and the Warren County area has been welcoming the season with an abundance of beautiful flowering pears, cherry, and red bud trees.   

I tend to sneeze during this time of year when exercising outside. This article from a  runnersworld.com  contributor offers very good  help for  planning when, where, and how to run.  

Pushing too hard and fast can take in pollen deep into the lungs. I learned that one springtime in a race along a tree-lined path in Virginia  and pass it on hoping the experience might prevent someone else from having a bad allergy day.  

Little such lessons are really all part and parcel of learning about being a runner and committing to the sport. I've yet to commit beyond a 5 or 10K but haven't ruled out forever staying at that level. Basically, I know any level is all about training, and training, and more training. Uh, maybe one day. 

For the present, I find contentment and appreciation in and for the level I have attained. And, at times, I have backed wisely away from those who look down from loftier heights. 

It's is still a really fine day when I get out there for a 3 miler and a truly nice gift to find I have exceeded that distance. 

I say, "Welcome Spring! Thank you for adding your sweetness, fresh air, and glad new appearances to each day."

THE WEATHER AND TIME- THEY ARE FOREVER CHANGING

It's almost mid-March and soon to be officially declared Springtime. Hopefully, you already know those facts.  We've been enjoying a lot of rain the past 2 weeks amid some very much appreciated warmer temperatures absent of freeze warnings. 

Yesterday, upon beginning my jog, I noticed my 2 youngest granddaughters working to get their kite in the air.  Being that one of my favorite childhood experiences, I walked over to coach.  As fortune would have it a gust of wind swooped it up very quickly and I was privileged to stand by encouraging their efforts while it reached into the sky! They were delighted.  And, so was I. 

Getting outside has it's benefits and challenges. For me the benefits have always been greater than the challenges.  I'm delighted to see more are choosing to bring that attitude into their daily lives and get off the sofa.   Good shoes, for me that would be a nice pair of Brooks, make all the difference in an enjoyable jog, run, or walk. Sorry, can't help but give Brooks a high-five.

Though throughout the year the weather presents the most challenges to outdoor exercise, truly fabulous gear is still being designed and created to enhance the experience. Time, is another story all together.  That's personal to each individual to make the time to participate.  But, there are 24 hours in a day and most any hour chosen will bring big health benefits! 

Check out runnersworld for really encouraging and informative stuff! 

Happy Springtime,


Vicki