Writing, Running, Cross Fitting, Summering, and all the ings

01 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

by Lori in Exercise, Fitness, Running Tags: , ,

Hiyah friends! Ahh.. the elephant in the space – I’ve been MIA! And if you hadn’t noticed, then it’s just as well, and huge shrug. I had to take a healthy break to catch up with my to-do list and bring it down to a managable size while maintaining my activities. In essence, I had to sacrifice something, and my writing went to the chopping block. Am IĀ  ready to resume? Yes! Sorta! Maybe. The list grows ridiculously, but I gotta get back to writing, and there’s no time like the simmering/summer-to-be present to get me thinking and doing. If you’re wondering what about, then here’s a glimpse into my current and possible future shenanigans this year.

So I’m happy to say that yours truly is back at the box, aka crossfit, at least 3 times per week, and it feels great! I’m also running 2-3 times, albeit shorter runs, but man, it’s satisfying. And no, my lower back and sciatic nerve issues have not been totally resolved. Hence, the more restricted schedule, but I’m not about to complain given the progress I’ve made after a year of PT and at least 6 months of very little running. In fact, I’m ecstatic with my fitness, and while the journey has proved tougher in the last few years, it remains rewarding. It goes without saying that there’s always room for improvement and a toner stomach to be had if I’m to keep it real. All in all, I’m pretty chuffed that the long breaks didn’t put me back to square one and that I’m in a decent place with my lifts, my workouts, and my running. Slow and steady does it, and that’s my intentions these days, both at the gym and on my runs. They keep me safe and sane, and that’s also very important these days.

What’s more, or what’s next? Well, I’m glad you asked (wink)! I may have mentioned in an earlier post that I have intentions to participate in a triathlon this year. Well I’m still focused on doing just that, but it’s been a witch of a time finding the right training for the swimming portion of the event. Unfortunately, New York City is indeed the concrete jungle Alicia Keyes sang about, so swimming is quite the exclusive event. No matter, I’ll have to make do and figure something out pretty soon given how quickly time’s a’flying. And what of the race! Where and when? Believe it or not, I’m not sure yet, but that too will be finalized soon. It has to happen by the end of fall, so there’s only so much time left. Stay tuned for further updates.

Meanwhile, I’ll have a quick run for Global Running Day, and I hope you’ll do, if not the same, something that includes moving outside at a pace that’s somewhat uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens in the comfort zone, and that is and deserves a whole other blog post by itself. Lol. God knows what we’re in for this summer. We can only pray and prepare. At the very least, we can set ourselves up for a great one by keeping it moving. Like I always say, perspective is everything. And you can’t have too much of that. In fact, it might just change everything if you try. Go ahead then, and get you that summer perspective that speaks to your best one yet. I’m standing with and believing for us.

Happy New Year of running, cycling, swimming, climbing, hiking, crossfittng, adventuring, writing, traveling, and clean eating!

29 Jan 2023 Leave a comment

by Lori in Exercise Tags: , , , ,

@ Coney Island

The year is young and so are we! Full of potential, promise, and purpose is how a new year makes you feel, until about four months in. But that’s not going to happen this year. No no, no. 2023 is the year we’re going to woman or man up, put our best foot forward, and grab each day by its proverbial horns and wrestle the best out of it. How has that been going for you dear reader? Are you off to a good start? I’m sending you my best; you’ve got this! Re the topic heading, I’ve been able to get some in and it’s only January. I’m greatly encouraged. But a word of caution here: I’m looking at progress over perfection. Let’s hear it for good intentions! They can be a great motivator but you have to pace yourself and remain consistent. This is how we will see progress.

My running game is on the downside these days as I’m having some sciatic-related issues w my feet. I’m on the hunt for a good pair of running shoes to help with that and have been more gym hopping and at least one major bike ride happened. That’s big for me as it’s winter and I’m not a fan of doing anything in the cold and cycling in with cold air is not up there on my favorite things to do. That said, last Saturday I went on a 15 mile ride to the beach and back. It was a beautiful day and in line with the tamest of winters we’ve had in a minute. What a ride! Perfectly awesome from start to finish, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Now I hadn’t been on the bike since last September I think so I was prepared to feel all sorts of after effects. Much to my delight, it seems that the “it’s like riding a bike” saying has some merit. My body certainly testifies to it and fell right into groove no questions asked. Of course that random spring ish day has not resurfaced yet but I have hopes that it will.

Meanwhile, I’ve mixed up my workout regime for the next few weeks to include some yoga, Tabatha, HIIT, cycling, and strength workouts. My goal is to resume CrossFit in March and I’ve had the idea to slowly wake up my body to getting back into workout mode with various cross training techniques. Also, it’s a good opportunity to see what kind of shape my back is in before transitioning into a more demanding style of working out and lifting weights once more. I’m also excited to start some swimming classes as I have intentions to do a sprint triathlon sometime this year. It’s been a minute with any type of water sports for me but I’m believing it’ll be like riding a bike. Lol.

There you have it! My doings and intentions are moving along. By God’s grace there will be no hiccups along the way but even if I’m ok with taking it slow. This year my watchwords are consistent and free indeed. I have been given the gift of health and free choice. With God’s help, I am empowered to choose wisely and commit to following through on my intentions – day by day and one workout at a time. I’d love to hear what’s empowering your year my friends. Please share. šŸ’•

Happy January 2022! Yes, we’re running.

30 Jan 2022 Leave a comment

by Lori in Running Tags: , , , ,

New Year wishes and prayers and hopes and dreams my friends! We made it! 2021 was another year for the books and I prefer not to rehash too much but to thank God for the positives and move on. On to my one official running intention this year, which is the Chicago marathon. In 2020 we saw that plan go belly up as with everything else back then. Thank God for another year and another running chance.

After taking December off, I entered the new year in a full on sprint only to taper off to a jog as the days, already short, seem only to be getting shorter and my plate heavier.  Wisdom speaks and I had better listen, so from next month I’ve decided on officially scaling back my posts to bi- weekly to better manage my time. The latter part of last year saw me so pressed for time that I was in danger of running off the rails for a while there. But God. Therefore I needed to establish some parameters for this year to ensure that I finish the year in good stead..not burnt out and having accomplished little. That said, it’s been a pretty decent January in these parts. New York has not seen any snow to speak of – not like what we’re accustomed to. But this last weekend of January, a nor’easter of sorts passed by and dumped a few inches to remind us it’s winter – as if we needed reminding. It’s been cold! No complaints though because we’re about to run into February and, well, everything happens in February.

I now live within running distance to Prospect Park in Brooklyn, another one of the more popular parks in the city next to Central Park, though not as famous of course. I expect to be spending equal time in both later on in the year as it warms up. These days, I try to steal away for early morning and weekend runs as much as I can but this January will probably record the least milage I’ve ever run. I guess I have to be ok with that. I’m content to uncover new running routes in these parts as the weather improves. Staying real local, last weekend I went out on a 10 mile run to downtown Brooklyn in which my hands were the only casualties. I had to seek refuge a couple of times to thaw them out; crazily they’re the only part of me that is always cold in the winter even when I’m wearing gloves. The run turned out to be a decent and interesting diversion from any winter blues that day and was marred only by the cold temperature as I wasn’t able to enjoy the sights and sounds that was Brooklyn. When I wasn’t thawing out, I kept a decent pace and felt pretty strong sans pain. I hope this bodes well for successive runs. I don’t treat with pain very well and tend to ignore it as much as possible so I run the risk of literally running into an injury. Hopefully this streak keeps up as I’m hoping for a good year of running and getting back to the gym and some lifting. God be in the details.

Everyone knows that moving is crazy work, I hadn’t anticipated its effects stretching out this much. Now I know! I moved across the city, from one borough to the next on Jan 1. It was a whirlwind operation and life’s been pretty constant in its whirlwind state since. Aside from fighting with boxes, I’ve been fighting to get some running in, and fighting to stay on top of my PT exercises for lower back pain/sciatica which I’ve been experiencing for the past few months. The struggle is real. What is really exciting, but not that enjoyable yet, is that I have some new backyard digs to run/discover. While not much has happened yet, I have hopes for post February and the advent of Spring and possibly a new run club. I’m looking into it as my former run group is not yet back officially and well, a girl’s gotta train! For now, my runs may remain somewhat sporadic but with intent. Lol.

Since I only have one major run planned this year and it’s all the way in October, I’m open to running a 2023 Boston qualifier if possible when the weather improves. There are a lot of shifting pieces right now, in the world as well as in my life and likely yours. This requires flexibility, adaptation and grace – grace for others and for ourselves. We can only control what we can, the rest is in God’s hands. Ironically, it’s all in His hands ultimately. And it would behoove us to get comfortable with them there. A happy and blessed New Year friends. šŸŽŠ

This City Girl Runs The Suburbs -a run-on commentary

07 Dec 2025 Leave a comment

by Lori in Cycling, Exercise, Health and Wellness, Running Tags: , , , , , , ,

Photo Credit: Seussville

After living in New York for over 10 years, I find myself feeling a bit at sea out here in suburban Georgia. For the most part, this city girl moves under the power of her two feet whether that means running or walking, and there’s biking when I’m plumb out of pocket of options. Because my feet are the primary mode of getting around, I place a high value on my ability to move: speed, agility, and strength, being the building blocks of my mobility. That said, I’m super grateful that I have these options out here even when passersby feel the need to stop and offer me a ride. It’s that southern hospitality they’re famous for or so I tell myself. I suppose it’s a bit of a rarity to see someone walking or biking from the grocery store. On a side note, I went to the local Walmart on a scouting mission to look for some decorative stickers and found myself on the receiving end of a few curious stares and comments as I meandered through the aisles with my bike. Next time I’ll probably park it, though I didn’t notice any designated parking. I am unfazed by the novelty I present to these driving surburbanites. I run to the gym, the pharmacy, to family and friends, to the library, and anywhere within a five-mile radius whether for purpose or fun and sometimes fun is the purpose. Interestingly, I don’t run to church, well for two reasons really: it’s a bit farther than five miles, which just happens to be as there’s a church on almost every corner. They don’t call it the Bible Belt for nothing. Also, running to church is impractical even for me. I mean, the shoes, the dress etc., the good Lord knows it just wouldn’t work. Jokes aside, running is one of the ways I get to explore my neighborhood and find little hideaways – the less-traveled path if you will. Plus, taking care of an elderly person warrents some running away for mental and emotional health – it’s a bit of a destressor and I make no excuses for that. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and the ability to get going when the need arises. When I’m out walking it’s usually with a goal in mind and may include the grocery store, the thrift store, from the gym somtimes – after a grueling workout. I also take mom out almost-daily on short walks in our neighborhood as well. Walking – the slowest of my options is not my favorite as you may have guessed. I much rather a faster pace, which running and biking allows me. It turns out that getting the bike was one of the best decisions I made in 2020, even though it was for a triathlon that’s yet to happen. Since then, its taken me places and afforded me a greater bandwidth in terms of exercise and movement than I had before. I’m glad I didn’t get rid of it when I moved down and  had the presence of mind to plan ahead in this regard. Biking around is growing on me as most of it happens on the roads and I’m still growing confidence to ride with traffic. I think the cars are getting accustomed to me too. Bike lanes are not so much a rarity but just appears at random and doesn’t go a whole lot of anywhere really. Like the running community, biking isn’t so common either – at least not in the neighborhoods. I did join a local Tri club, so there’s proof the community exists. But as with everything in these parts, they’re a bit of a distance away and I have yet to make it to the meetups. On the other hand, I have been swimming in a local pool and working up my nerve to get in the open water next year. Step by step, bit by bit, I’m confident I’ll get there. I’m getting better at accepting that things won’t always happen when I want them to or just because I want them to. Sometimes, it’ll take a while or turn out a bit different than I want and that’s ok. I just have to do my part and that is enough. I guess the next question is, what is my part? I’ll just say for now that in each season of life “my” part may look different and so could yours.

A Healthy Take on Thanksgiving

27 Nov 2025 Leave a comment

by Lori in Health and Wellness Tags: , , , ,

Most Americans will agree that Thanksgiving is about family gathering for the thanksgiving meal with a lot of focus on the turkey, the sides, and desert. Post dinner and it’s time for football, not the playing kind but the best kind where – Monday quarterbacking happens – from the couch. But there are a few who start the day with a Turkey trot or a derivative thereof so they can justify the calorie overload that’s coming later that day and even weekend in some cases because the truth is we’re sometimes still having thanksgiving leftovers come Sunday.

But there is a way to not let this American tradition erase your resolutions that have been moving along without much disturbance for the most part. There is a way to stand strong and run the race youĀ  decided on January 1st of this year and it doesn’t involve ditching thanksgiving or fasting turkey and all the trimmings or the dessert table. Too many times we move to extremes when we feel cornered but what if the solution is right in the middle. Yes, what if the secret, a secret any longer, lies in moderation. I’ve heard so many people take sides on the issue of what their favorites are and we’re all entitled to have some or the other but what really needs to motivate our eating habits on this day and subsequent weekend is our commitment to healthy living every other day of the year.

So here’s my take on what this day and season could look like that won’t leave you feeling guilty or cheated. Plan ahead to begin your day with some sort of exercise: a walk, run, ride, workout – always better with friends. Then get involved in the food preparation. Staying actively involved in the meal prep will stimulate your senses and keep you on the move and not just idiling and more prone to eating or snacking. Be sure to stay hydrated and it’s safe to do some taste tests and even have a small amount for an in-between meal so you are satiated and not running on empty. Have a plan for your thanksgiving plate including your desert option for the family gathering part of your day. I’m willing to bet that after eating you won’t be much into seconds with all sensory overload from your exposure to all the prepping. My final recommendation is try not to have too late of a night as you’ll likely be tired and have less self control and so be more apt to snack. Stay committed to having a restful night by keeping moderate bedtime hours so that you can awake early and energized. Early morning exercise the morning after is also a good way to keep you committed to making healthy decisions for the rest of the weekend. As you move through the weekend, always remember that small plates go a long way to help with portion sizing and in keeping you happy and healthy. Pay attention to your plate size and keep yourself active around or outside the home and away from the kitchen. It is always better to manage your expectations and habits rather than have to deal with the fall out. Stay healthy and be well my friends.šŸ™šŸ¼

The Peaches & Cream of my Running Life

09 Nov 2025 Leave a comment

by Lori in Running Tags: , , , ,

After much ado about everything, I’m back to running in peachy Georgia! I moved down in early February of this year to help care for my 92-year-old mom. And just like that it’s been 9 months of life in the suburbs already! Time sure flies whether you’re having fun or not. To be fair, it hasn’t all been “unfun” but some time over the past ten years, I’ve discovered that I’m a city girl who likes to visit the country and not the other way around. Anyway, all water under the bridge as I’m here and determined to make the most of it. But it’s wild how seasons change and while you’re in one, more often than not, you can’t anticipate what’s to come. I always feel like if I know ahead of time, like have a little snippit into tomorrow, I can better prepare. Do you get what I mean? Hmm… if you think no, you’re right. I know that’s not true. There’s a reason God is God and I am not. I have to trust Him with the future and settle for today. Yet, taking things one day at a time is so contrary to my do-it-all or do-as-much-as-possible mindset. And so, I’m learning the pace of grace – grace for myself and for others. Yours truly is attending the school of life.

That being said, there are some perks to the peachy state. One of the two things I like (majorly) about being back is the warmer weather and the proximity to my family. I’m grateful to support them and in turn receive their support. Life transitions can be unsettling and induce all sorts of anxious thoughts if you can’t manage your expectations and adopt the right perspective. I’m grateful each day I get to choose to see the blessings all around me and embrace this season and all it brings, albeit sometimes a bit reluctantly – some days are tough y’all! In other good news on the proximity-to-family front, we’re having our first baby in the family in a few days! Obviously, yours truly is very excited, and pleased to be adopting the grand name of Loli to the babe. Huge smile and winks all around, it couldn’t have happened at a better time! Who knew but God. Serendipity or not, a baby certainly is the cream on top.

Peaches, check. Cream check. Now running, I’ve been thinking and running and running while thinking and it’s awesome the epiphanies that can be ushered in by a cooling breeze. It also helps that Autumn is the perfect season for seeing beauty form from the mundane. I cannot overlook the falling leaves, the vibrant colors, the sunshine caresses instead of burns, and the sudden descent of dusk amidst shorter days. This always highlights the seasonal nature of life to me, which makes me grateful all over again that I get to run. Seasons come and go and changes and transitions happen no matter if we want them to or not, but running remains among my most treasured long-lasting gifts. Over the years, I’ve only been derailed by two injuries, thank God, and the setbacks then actually served to have me work on other things that needed developing. How’s that for perspective!Ā  Lol, hindsight perspective anyway.

There are few things I’m certain of in this life, one is that God is in the details and another is that no matter where life takes me, just as long as I’m running, I’ll be ok. Until next week, I hope you’re running and I hope you’re ok too!

Let Today Be D-Day

03 Nov 2025 Leave a comment

by Lori in Exercise, Fitness, Health and Wellness, Running Tags: , , , ,

photo stop @ the Fuller Farm

“A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true.ā€ā€” Attributed to Greg S. Reid

I got up today, threw on some tights and a shirt, laced up my sneakers, and ran out the door. It didn’t matter that it was wet. It didn’t matter that it was suddenly cooler. It didn’t matter that my heel still hurt and my back was still sore. It didn’t matter for a hundred reasons. It mattered only that today is D-day.Ā  On any given day, I could give a reason as to why I wouldn’t run, shouldn’t write, couldn’t make the time. But today is not that day. Today, I’ve determined to take one step in the direction of my dreams, forgetting the days behind me and looking ahead to the possibilities wrapped up in all that’s before me. I will not waste another day in the I -will-get-to-it-soon camp.

You see, there are a dozen reasons and hundreds of excuses for procrastinating. I’ve been there, done that, and it doesn’t make getting the thing that needs to be done any easier.Ā Akin to that dig-deep feeling you get when you’re running and tired and you’d love to call it quits and just stop but somehow and from somewhere you feel resilience bubbling up – and like a phoneix rising from the ashes -you’re able to shake it off, fan those wings into a flame and burn a path to the finish line. It must be the runner in me but I have this desire to get back on the trail of my passion for writing about my health and fitness journey. Gratefully, technology makes it hella easy to just dive in. For unlike the “ole” days when I would quite literally take pen to paper, I only grab my phone, find a corner and some silence, thumb out a few words, and voila, today is d-day! The thing about falling off a routine is that it’s actually way easier that most of us anticipate. All it takes is no accountability and some procrastinating and pretty soon it’s a thing I used to do that I’ll get back to soon and almost two years later you’re like me wondering how the heck did I fall off the blog. Truth is I know what happened, life did. Life happens to us all. In fact, it’s happening right now. You and I, we’ve got choices and decisions to make daily that will either take us in the direction we want to go or not. I won’t bore you with past choices, but I will tell you that today I choose to write and I have every intention on going for a run tomorrow. It won’t pay to get too ambitious, so I’ll leave it there for now.

Back to the run today though, it was the best kind –Ā  easy and pretty or pretty easy. I ran 2.5 miles to the gym, worked out, and then ran back home. Running in Georgia in the Fall season can’t compare with New York at all. The weather is so much warmer in these parts thankfully, mostly, I think, so I can run at midday and feel pretty good. It was a gorgeous sunny day, mild really, so I was able to stop on the way home to grab a couple of pics and appreciate the Fall foliage. I ran past farms and lots of greenery with some construction and traffic tossed in for good measure – and for a few minutes I could have almost imagined I was back in the big apple, zigzagging crazily to avoid ending up as road carnage. I ended up taking to the brush to keep pace and the lack of sidewalks reminded me that running in suburban Georgia is at my own risk. No matter, I won’t be thwarted. This city runner knows how to get around anywhere and everywhere is fair game when you’re low on options. And, well, let’s just say there are no commuter trains out here. No worries tho, I have feet that’ll take me where I want to run and then there’s biking around. The rest we’ll figure out I expect.

And that goes for writing too. I have a few ideas bubbling around that I’d like to mix and match with running.

Let’s see how I do.

Thanks for reading. I can’t wait to share more!

On a peachy runšŸ‘

2024 is Running my life! šŸ™ƒ

29 Apr 2024 Leave a comment

by Lori in Running Tags: , , ,

Blooming runs in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Hiyah friends! I’m just gonna go ahead and jump right on in the deep end and let y’all know that it’s been a pretty overextended 6 to 8 months. Overextended me i.e, doing way too much with way too little capacity, and that led to – you guessed it – me figuring out that juggling is not my superpower and that I’m a much better runner. Period. I ended up cutting back so I wouldn’t have to go off the deep end after life offered some unforeseen setbacks, and unfortunately, my writing got the short end of the stick. Well, this runner girl believes that often setbacks are setups for something greater, so I’ll keep that in mind going forward and not bother with that pity party after all. I bet you believe it when I tell you that despite all the happenings, my fitness did not suffer. It sure didn’t, and here’s why, exercise acts as both a destressor and a reward of sorts for me. I might even say that for every feeling I have, there’s a run or workout for that. That’s a lot of exercise with all the emotions I’ve been working through these past few months.

Hear me out. It’s no secret that I love any excuse for a good run. In fact, no excuse will also do as I’ve come to appreciate. Over the past year, I’ve encountered many changes in my world and witnessed many in the wider world. Some of which I’ve embraced while others not so much. One of the most consistent things I’ve valued in my life over this time has been the desire, ability, and opportunity to run. Through the good and the bad, the happy and sad, and at my highest and lowest points and every time in-between, I have welcomed running as an opportunity to bring peace, reflection, focus, refreshment, relief, escape, perspective, gratitude, and joy – sometimes singularly but often as a combination. All runs, in all seasons, and all expressions welcome. I can almost feel your question: have all your runs been positive experiences then? Let me be clear, no, not at all. In no way am I trying to say that running is always a feel-good sport – not in the moment anyway, not at all on the very run sometimes – but the end result of all my runs have always produced a satisfaction of one or more of the above expressions. It’s the reason I’ve always looked upon running as my happy place. šŸ¤©

In my last two seasons, the last quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year, I  found myself dealing with family issues, the loss of loved ones and the grief that follows, the seasonal highs and lows, illness, and life upheavals of various kinds in tandem with the economic and political instability of the global  climate but also here in the United States. Two things kept me going, praying and exercising, including running and crossfit. I don’t pretend to know or even try to indicate that this is the answer to every issue, but I do want to suggest that it is an answer, possibly one in part, but certainly one that deserves a chance. Of course, the spring season is lots of perfect for running and perfect for me, minus the rains, so I’ve been getting around the neighborhood and the parks, checking out the blooms and runs around town and even gotten myself signed up for a 5K event! The 5 Ws’: Wait, what, why? A 5K? Where? And when? šŸ˜€

I’ve been working with a client to get her on the run and I gotta tell you, one of my recommendations everytime someone tells me they think they want to run, but they’re not sure about all the things involved like schedule, commitment, sacrifice, and ability, is that they should sign up for a race, a small one, to give them a goal to work towards. I mean, there’s nothing like having a goal that will motivate the heck outta you to get it done, especially if it’s a smart one. This tends to get one out the start gate, into the running community, and onto a healthier path, and I dare say give rise to a fitter individual. So, go figure, I did my thing a tad too excitedly, I’ll admit, and voliĆ , here we are! Just in case you’re wondering how I am about putting my money where my mouth is. We’re heading over to an island on the island of Manhattan  on May 12 for her first race and my first 5k since Oct ’22. Fun times, my friends, fun times! šŸ™ƒ

Be encouraged to start, restart, or just step out. Get running and drop me a shout-out when you do! šŸ„°

July is for Running, Birthdays, Vacations and Mangoes

02 Aug 2023 1 Comment

by Lori in Running Tags: , ,

Blue Hawaiian cocktail

Summer Vacations started early this year with a mini version of the family deciding on a week at the beach during the last week of June. Way to ring in July and fourth of July, vacations, beach runs, and the incessant complaining of how hot it is. I dare say that I’m only just warming up, and there’s more to follow because one week is just enough to tingle my tastebuds. These days, I live in vacation mode. In fact, I’m back and packed. Just say the word. We make our memories, and I dont mind making fun ones . Life is life and all sorts of messy and wild, and so it’s worth all the fun and beach runs with sunrises and sunsets we can get. And why not? You just never know what tomorrow will bring. Two years ago, post covid, we decided to spend a week together each summer, andĀ  so West Palm Beach was my daughter’s pick this year with a bonus trip down to Miami just for the heck of it.

Wherever I travel, I’m always on the hunt for a cool running course. This year, I was on the hunt for a box to workout as well and was very pleased to come across a fun one not too far from where we stayed. Two out of two are some good odds. In truth, I was only able to make it to the box one time, but I got a run on the beach, and that was good enough considering the 100Ā° temps. That, and the mangoes! Friends, everything is better with mangoes. When I realized that there were mango trees right in the yard where we were staying, I was pretty chuffed and delighted to awaken to fresh mangoes for breakfast every morning. My personal manna- from-heaven type story. God is awesome, and I’m convinced there are mangoes in heaven. And then there was a day trip to Peanut Island and our little to no attempt at snorkeling and another to South Beach. Turned into a bit of a drag when our truck got towed, but the debt was settled when we finally got to the beach. It was wonderful. The water was nothing short of amazing: cool and crystal clear, and there was a nice family vibe on the beach itself. Lots of coolers and music, and surprisingly, not quite so littered with people. We had watersports, skysports, cruise ships, and stunning sunset skyline views. Quite an eye party and didn’t leave until after sunset.

A week later, I headed to Charleston for my birthday. My best friend lives in the Mt Pleasant area, and I had in mind a quiet 4 days with less sun exposure than the previous trip. It didn’t quite turn out that way as I ended up mired in sun-drenched activities: a sunrise bridge run, a beach walk & sun bathing, a sunset cruise and dolphins, a plantation tour, swimming, and then a gym workout which included a short run in the crazy mid-morning heat. LOL, while it wasn’t my idea of a relaxing time, it sure was fun and goes to show that the best times are really those that are unplanned. The following weekend, I took the train out to Long Island to the beach for a group outing and ended up in the sun again but in some cold water this time. Beaches in the north/northeast boast cold water all year round and are certainly not my idea of a fun time and go against every bit of my island girl blood but somehow I managed to have a good time in the water with the crew and a beach ball. Somethings you should never do alone. Snacks and junk food I never do, but even that happened – sort of – and since then, I’ve gone low-carb and committed to a summer of salads.

More on food and fuel and what’s up with the swimming in my next post. Stay tuned. So long, July, it’s been fun and way too much humidity and thunderstorms, but I love the travel adventures and water action.

Charleston Harbor view from the water

āœØHappy New Year’s EveāœØ

31 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

by Lori in Running Tags: , , , ,

Pin @ Stocksy United

ā€œWe run when weā€™re scared, we run when weā€™re ecstatic, we run away from our problems and run around for a good time.ā€ ā€•Ā Christopher McDougall, Born to Run

Happy everything my running peeps! Here we are standing on the cusp of another year! If you can’t decide how to feel about that, know it’s ok, you’re in good company with at least half of us out here. If you’re on the side that can’t imagine how we got here so fast then welcome to all of us! I’ve heard so many agree that this year just went. For some it has been a three-year stint disguised as one because 2020 was the year without end, until now. For those, the end didn’t come fast enough. Either way, phew! We’re still here. There’s purpose and power in that and don’t let anyone tell you different. I only have to think of those who didn’t make it to December 31 to appreciate the gift that has been given to me. Let this be your perspective my friends. Being grateful for what you have in front of you is one sure way to open up your eyes to the possibilities that exist and will help you to walk into the new year with a fresh perspective.

The final day of the year always finds me out for a run. Today was no exception. Though I’ve been resting, somewhat, per my PT instructions, I opted for a 7.5 mile run on this overcast, slightly wet, and warmer- than-usual winter day. I’ve always admired how the running community remains unphased in the face of anything/everything. In fact, it seems our answer in almost all situations is to go for a run. It’s as if you can take away everything just leave us the opportunity to run. Therefore, almost every time I head out for a run, I am almost never alone. Rain, sun, snow, storm, come what may, I’m sure to find like-minded souls out and about running. We’re certifiable is what we are when we brave the elements just to get that run in. But more than that I suspect it’s our free, happy, and confident place – the one place we get to be fully in control (more than less anyway). The world might be tied up in knots and going crazy about us but throwing on a pair of sneakers will put some perspective on it all. As such, I had ample company today with a comradeiere that didn’t need words. It was awesome!

I cannot say what the new year will hold, the uncertainty of this world and the fast pace of things are apt to leave you grappling with the last shoe drop while waiting for the next one. I refuse to get caught up in the web of dread and what will happen next. So guess what I’ll be doing instead? It involves those dear sneakers and dear old running but also some cross training, more on that next time, which will go a long way in helping me maintain perspective. Join me, will yah!

Pin @ Tumblr

Happy November, Thanksgiving, & Turkey Trots Thoughts

22 Nov 2022 Leave a comment

by Lori in Exercise, Marathons, Running Tags: , , ,

“The First Step to being Great is being Grateful.”

-attributed to Ralph Smart

This year it’s a November for the books! We kicked it off with the New York City marathon two weeks ago with record temps and record finishers in those conditions, some 47,839, as I stood at the 14th mile fluid station with sweat rolling down my back handing out drink after drink to thousands of runners. Let’s just say, that we should never underestimate the role of those who perform this painstaking task time and again. All props to those volunteers who hand out both fluid and encouragement for hours each year. They’re the real Gs! On the other hand, our runners this year are simply rockstars. Unless you’re a runner, you can’t appreciate the grit and determination it takes to finish a marathon in mid 70Ā° temps with 79% humidity. For sure there were some casualties with 48,000 runners starting out. But if you were or know anyone who was still able to run a PR, wow, double kudos to you and to them.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t feel any desire to join the running crowd back on November 9. I felt I had chosen the wiser path. LoL. And since then I’ve been walking, for the most part, in wisdom and resting and taking care of a knee issue that arose out of my Chicago run. The past two weeks have seen me run a few times, most notably, this past Saturday when I went on a 5-mile morning run to the park and back. It was an easy run meant to act as a sort of feel-out run and I did just that. Happily, I felt no pain and was able to enjoy a sunny but chilly fall run and come away with the impression that I needed some new running shoes and to take advantage of the sunshine, even though it’s cold, before the real winter weather gets here.

This week we’re celebrating Thanksgiving in these United States and amidst all the turkey talk, I’m being super intentional about demonstrating gratitude for this year and all that I’ve been able to have, receive, accomplish, and share. Most Americans are thankful for the season and for their family and provisions, as we should all be, but I encourage us all to expand our thankfulness to everything we are and are blessed with. After all that we, as a global community, have been through in the past two years, we are blessed to be here and blessed to be a blessing. A heart overflowing with gratitude will ensure that we pass it on and hopefully create a contagious pattern of behavior – an attitude of gratitude – that is not restricted to a day but extends throughout the remainder of the year and all into next year too.

And if that isn’t enough November action for you, well, we runners love our turkey trots around these parts. So, in New York City, the Thanksgiving tradion also includes a festive 5K run/trot held on Thanksgiving morning. It’s a family-friendly race where you can run, walk, trot, and gather socially to get some exercise; because we like to associate running with everything we do, but also so we can feel less guilt about the turkey and its embellishments we intend to gobble up later that day. LoL. Happy trotting and happy thanksgiving! šŸ¦ƒ

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