1st Half-marathon of 2013

I know it has been quiet around here. For a few reasons. I’ve been devoting a lot of my time and attention to my new daily vlogging series on YouTube called Live 365! I’ve committed to posting every day in 2013. It is certainly a challenge but I keep my videos short and I like to think entertaining. I’d actually love if you’d watch. I’m thinking I might post them daily here too just so you get to see my antics on camera in addition to in writing.

And I don’t think I mentioned it but during the holidays I was sick as a dog! I think I had a minor case of the influenza and honestly, this week is really the first time I feeling at 100%. This has put a big damper on my posting and getting outside to exercise. Although, I did run (well, that might be an exaggeration – run/wog/WALK) ten miles with my girl Lorraine to prepare for the Zooma Race in Florida this Saturday. The run was rough for me and that is how we ended up doing more walking than anything else. But we had a ball, covered the distance and I’m confident that we will have a great time on Saturday!

Here is a collage of photos after the run. Of course Lorraine and I are smiling – it is what we do! I also wanted to highlight some of the things that I am wearing now. First up, my latest edition to my Polar training computers. If you don’t know, I’m a HUGE Polar fan and became an ambassador and a member of the race team a few yeas ago. But I’ve been working out with Polar products since 2010 and I can’t remember a workout when I haven’t worn one. Well, my old faithful watch still works of course but now that my focus is on running, I’ve been gifted with an RC3. It has built in GPS and I can see my minute splits after synching online. I wasn’t that interested this run but generally this will be great info to have. I can also use a new app Polar Beat which is available on iTunes and gives you all the info you need on your smartphone. I love it!

It was a pretty brisk day when we ran so I decided to try out my Lucy Brave the Cold running jacket. Not only is it cute but it is functional! Despite the many starts and stops on my run, I was never once cold even after sweating profusely and then walking! Although this is my first time trying Lucy products, I admit that I am already a fan! I’ve been sent a few more items to try out and I’ll let you know my thoughts when I do!

Finally, I am part of the Brooks Running Pure Project. I have had the opportunity to run in the Pure Cadence 2 shoe. Let’s start with – it is my favorite color purple. But of course, running well is not based on the color of my shoes! These shoes are mid-level minimalist shoes. By that I mean they have some support but do encourage running on the forefoot. As you may have guessed from my various photos of my feet, I have trouble finding shoes that don’t make my feet blister or hurt. But in these shoes, my feet sing. I truly am amazed by the comfort – lack of blisters and the bounce that I have in these shoes. I finally think I’ve found another running shoe to permanently add to my collection!

I am excited about this year. I am not sure what it will hold and I’m still in the planning process but I’m looking forward to running new races and traveling to new destinations during 2013!