Run Like An Animal

Let's face it, I may live in California, but it's COLD outside!! (For those of you experiencing much worse conditions on the East coast, my regards)

Over the weekend, the weather warmed up to a hot 85 degrees...then, all of a sudden, yesterday transformed to rain, cold, and wind! 

Friday night I started to feel feverish, getting much worse the next day, holding me back from my long 17 miler on Saturday :( Rest was all I could do over weekend, skipping every work out. I did manage to squeeze in a quick 4 mile hike with the dogs; just because I'm suffering doesn't mean they have to :-/

Here are a couple pictures from my doggy hike:

As most of you know, Tuesdays are "my" running days. The day I remind myself why I love to run, with no expectations on pacing and time, just logging miles and being mindful. Well...too bad yesterday was FREEZING and I was scheduled to run 9 miles. 

Since I'm still battling a lingering cough and runny nose, it probably was not the best idea to run outside in cold, rainy weather. So what do I do...I ran on the "hamster wheel". I felt like an ANIMAL! RRrrrrrr!

My boyfriend's mom has a treadmill in her office, with a T.V.!! AWESOME!! So while getting in a sweaty work out, I was able to keep up on my reality show drama...Vanderpump Rules, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and The Bachelor! Whoo!

After all was said and done, I walked outside to drive home, and the sky lit up!! It was thunder storming (a rarity in California). Good thing I opted for the 'mill, I would have died... :-/ 

This once Oregon girl (me), has converted herself to a Cali girl...I don't handle cold and rain as well as I used to.

Incline up, set my pace, T.V. on, and zoned out :)

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

Unplugged

It's time to take off those headphones and just run! I DARE you ;)

How many of you miss moments like this, because you had your headphones on?

The other night, I drove down to the beach to log an 8 mile run. It was dark, and I wanted to breath in the fresh ocean air. Just like routine, I packed my reflective gear, armband, ipod, and headphones.

About 2 miles in to my run, I'm listening to a good song, and start to think...

Realizing my lack of purity and gratitude, I took off my headphones and chose to run the rest of the way with no music blasting in my ears. 

Tuesday runs are supposed to "my" day! The day I step back and run because I love running! This is the day, I do not focus on time or pace, and run for ME!

Just so you all know, I LOVE music! I listen to it all of the time, and am always looking and discovering new music. Music for me, takes me to a happy place, and acts as a minor distraction from the pain and fatigue I'm in during a work out. It also works as a motivator. 

Just like I expected, even though I eliminated the tunes, I still heard music! It was a quiet night, allowing me to only hear the sounds of my feet pounding the pavement. and the waves crashing just 20 feet away. Honestly, it was so refreshing!! I instantly went to my happy place of serenity and peace.

I strongly encourage you to look at the pictures once more, I posted above, and just put yourself inside of them! To add some more inspiration, here's another...

Many runners have strong opinions toward running with or with out headphones. I personally, don't care either way. But I do believe there are benefits to each!

With headphones, they act as a distraction, removing you from the fatigue, and "pumping" you up.

Without headphones, increases awareness of your body, pacing, foot strike, and the sounds around you. 

Would love to hear your stories and experiences about a time when you unplugged?

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous