This is what the face of someone that ‘did a run that was mentally and physically hard for at least 72% of the run’ looks like. I don’t know why I decided to wrinkle my forehead but just go with it.
I am very grateful I have two easy days of running before my next hard workout again because this one was tough and I am positive the apple fritter the night before the size of my child may have had something to do with it;)
It was called a booster run…..7:28, 6:59, 6:57, 6:49, 6:48, 6:37 and 7:28. Not a ‘love running so much’ day but that is okay. That is part of the reason we all keep running because the days that we feel good and do love running make it all worth it.
Charlie is pretty darn smart and just sits right in front of Brooke whenever she is in the high chair. Brooke is pretty smart because she knows to throw food down to him to win his heart.
4.5 years since I have seen this girl. Not okay.
We were the bestest of friends in high school and college and did absolutely everything together. She moved away when she got married and we were never together in the same area at the same time until today.
Can we talk about the fact that the waitress brought brooke a kid’s menu and crayons? Is she old enough for that? Does that mean she isn’t a baby anymore? I don’t like this growing up business one bit.
For lunch I had the bbq chicken salad and it was perfect but that is probably because of the onion rings they put on top of it.
After lunch we walked around for a while catching up on everything. Now to convince her husband to move up north.
Hope you are having a fabulous Wednesday!
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How many ‘easy’ runs do you do a week?
What is the main reason you run NOW (not why you started running but what keeps you running now the most ((you can list a few things too if you want))?
Do you see your close friends from high school and college often?
77 comments
michelle kim
Now I run to relieve stress and get faster. I want to keep getting PR’s until I’m super old, haha.
I run about 3 to 4 easy days per week.
Ashley
In sticking with my goal of not getting injured I do 2-3 easy runs per week and only 1-2 “hard” ones. It’s working out well.
Now I run to improve and to keep myself sane. Seriously, it’s the best therapy.
I don’t see them often enough!! But I love that when I do we can pick up right where we left off :-)
Caitlin
Usually 3 easy runs, 1 long run, 1 track work out.
I’m nicer when I run, it keeps my waist thin, I REALLY like dessert, it helps me relieve stress, NYC marathon, the reward of a new PR.
My BFF from h.s. lives about 10 hrs. away driving, so we see each other at holidays.
Bridget
I just love to run because I love it! Sounds so dumb, but I do. I just love it.
However, I just fractured my heel, so I’m out for a few weeks/months.
AHHHHHHHH!!!!! I am already going crazy! Reading your blog helps a little though, haha. At least I can read about running, right?
Jen
Do you get breaks in-between those miles or just continous? I do varying degrees of easy and then do 1 hard speed work out a week…I am sure I don’t do it right, I just make it up as I go…but I want to spend some time coming up with a more specific plan so I can get my marathon under 3:20 this fall!
The Hungry Runner Girl
You will get that time girl! Your plan so far sounds great! The miles are continuous!
Jen
Thanks!!! Awesome run!!! I am hoping to get my blog up tomorrow!
MILF Runner
I never see old college friends, but my best high school buddy and I try to get together once a month. How can an apple fritter ever make something more difficult? I’ll bet the run would have been harder if you hadn’t eaten it ;-)
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I think the waitress was just trying to win Brooke over. She still looks like a baby to me, and an adorable one at that :)
I rarely ever see my friends from high school, and the last time I saw my best friend was probably something like 5 years ago. She moved away for school, and we’ve never really been able to coordinate anything =\ Needs to happen though… I miss the girl!
chelsea @ averytoday
whew i just moved from portland to houston so running outside is hooooorrrrible so i’m very envious of your pretty and tolerable weather! i may try a 7am run tomorrow (but who wants to get up that early) so i can keep my head sane!
Lisa
That’s great that you got to see your friend again! It’s always sad when friends move away or you do. Toughest thing for sure.
I see my friends from high school a bit, but not as often as I’d like but I guess that’s what happens!
Jessica R @ fromthekitchentotheroad
I very rarely see anyone from high school. I haven’t been home for the holidays in a few years and that was always the time I would see old friends as well. Very few of my friends stayed in town. I guess that is ok, people tend to move in and out of our lives as we grow and change.
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
I still run because its my time! I can think or chill or go as hard or easy as I want. I’ve also made the best friends through running :-) I actually had all of my old high school xc teammates over last Friday and it was a great reunion!
Sarah @pickyrunner
If its up to me, all of my runs would be easy. But my coach has us do two hard and one race and the rest easy. I haven’t followed that I awhile since I’m injured and can’t run. But I do love how the not fun runs make you love the fun ones so much more. Yay for seeing friends again! I don’t see high school friends much since I moved but its always nice to get together again.
Anissa angelosante
I run because I was forced to take a 6 year break and now I get to do it again!!! I talk to my old friends from high school and college I just don’t see them very much maybe once per year if we are lucky. I’m so glad you got to see your friend!!
Victoria @ My Bright Pink Runners
I’m running to lose weight, to have time to myself and to be healthy and inspire my boys.
Wendy @ New Moms Talk
I run for the same reasons I did when I started- to enjoy the beauty of the woods, to slow down, to be healthy, to challenge my body, to listen to myself, to enjoy.
While I hike more than run now a days, I enjoy it just as much. I also learned today that I can, indeed, run down mountain hills with my baby in the Ergobaby carrier. Hopefully this means more running- hike the hills run the flats and down hills.
Meaghan @Tale of Two Teachers
I love your response “to slow down.” It’s so true that running helps us slow down in life (even when we are running really fast ;) That is definitely one of my main reasons to run – thanks for sharing :)
Wendy @ New Moms Talk
Meaghan,
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, sometimes it seems that we need to speed up to slow down. Sometimes we have so much energy or stuff going on that the fast pace is calming. Such is my experience.
Oh, and wonderful blog that you have!
All the best,
Wendy
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
The main reason I run now is to get better. I want to go further, faster, longer! I love the push :) I don’t see my highschool/college friends nearly enough but we chat pretty frequently.
Koryn @ High Heels & Healthy Alternatives
I run now because:
I’m still a newbie to running (lol), I LOVE the feeling I get from the fun runs, my hubby inspired my love for running, running with him (hubby) is the Best, and its exciting to challenge myself.
I talk to my friends from high school/college via social media (i.e. facebook, twitter). I don’t get to see them that often sue to distance and differing time schedules. So, maybe 1 to 3 times a year.
Alaina
I run to relieve stress and for the post- run endorphins. I also run for future PRs!
Currently see my high school and college friends somewhat rarely. It is very sad. Hopefully things will get better once I move back closer to home. (If I ever move back closer to home. I seem to keep finding ways to delay it)
Stacy
Right now all of my runs are easy; I’m trying to run smart and build up my base after too many niggling aches and pains. I run for my health, my mental well-being, and so I can eat some sweets! I don’t see any of my high school or college friends; we moved 1200 miles away 17 years ago.
Laura
I run about 2 easy runs per week. I keep running now for a few reasons: 1) to keep weight off 2) I love to challenge myself 3) I like to sign up for races.
Christina @StinaOnTheMove
Normally, I run about 3 easy runs and 2 hard runs per week.
Now I am at a 100% running rest to take care of my IT band… mrmpfh.
I run, because it makes me happy.
(and I think running clothes are the most comfy clothes :o)
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama
I run to relieve stress, to set a good example for my girls & because I love it! Oh and so I can eat lots of dessert!!
Danica @ It's Progression
I rarely see friends from high school anymore, but I talk to a few of them regularly. It’s crazy how fast that time goes between seeing them!
Leah @ Running with the Hayneses
I run because it’s relaxing, because almost every run is an adventure, and because I love to challenge myself.
Britt @ BrittsRunningStyle
I do at least 3 easy runs each week, a long run, a tempo run, and a fartlek or interval run. I always take 1-2 days off. Brooke looks as precious as ever in this photos :)
Liz @ The Girl on Fire Now
I do 1 easy recovery a week, the day after my long run
It makes me feel good about myself and helps me mentally
Adriana @Laced Up With Lipstick
I run because I need it to breath. It’s something I cannot live without. So right now because my leg has been hurting and I haven’t had a decent run in two weeks, I feel really depressed. I keep up with college friends, not really any from high school. I was a shy nerd in high school who never went to any parties so I didn’t make “real friends,” until I went to college.
Matilda
Easy runs, about 2, and one of them is a recovery run after my lsd run.
I run now cause I enjoy it, it clears me head, gives me idea’s and I get to run on trails, which I love
I don’t see any of my close friends from school or college. If it weren’t for facebook, I properly would never seen any or them again. It’s not that I don’t want too, but life just happens.
Amanda
I started running to lose weight but now I run because I love it!
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise
Haha, my dog also loves it when kids throw her food or drop food on the floor when they’re eating. She also loves to lick my niece and nephew’s faces when they’ve gotten a little sloppy while eating, which they take as her showing them that she loves them. It’s pretty cute. My current training plan has me doing two recovery runs a week, and some weeks also have another easy run. It’s nice to get a break from hard runs sometimes. :)
HollieisFueledByLOLZ
I do roughly 60 miles of easy running weekly and 10 miles of hard (whether that is a tempo or a race)…sometimes a bit more if it’s a half marathon I’m racing. But I have no more of those until August!
Is it weird I’m excited how this new training is going to work for you? You are going to rock the rest of 2013…14…all the years ha ha.
Leah
I run now because it changes my mood so much. Even when I don’t feel like running, I know once I get back, I’ll be all endorphined up. Great stuff.
I do see my bestest friend a lot! We have been friends since 4th grade. In 2011 when she gave me the news that she was moving 3 hrs away, I was offered a job in the same town! We moved the same weekend, and ar still inseparable!
Christine
girl, did you get your VS lipgloss!?
The Hungry Runner Girl
I did wahoooooooo!!! Thank you!
Corrine
I do 2-3 easy runs a week. Although easy for me at the moment is based on mileage. I need to start pacing and doing negative splits!
I keep running because I think it keeps me positive and optimistic in other aspects of my life. My mood is significantly different on running vs. non-running days!
My best friend from middle school through college was in my wedding a few months ago and we make sure to see eachother atleast once a month, even though she now lives 4 hours away. And my husband was my other best friend in middle school. I guess I still talk to him ;) But we all came from the small town, so we’re probably not the norm..!
Alyssa @ See This Girl Run
I run for my sanity, to relieve stress, because I’m not happy with my body and would like to improve it, to continue to PR and because I love the way it makes me feel!!
I see my best college friends pretty frequently but my high school friends are a little more hit and miss.
[email protected]
I try and think of all my running as easy. I just go at whatever pace but depending on what mood I’m in.. I choose a hilly route or rolling.. I’m in it to just finish the 7 or 8 miles ..not to kill myself and burn out over trying to go too fast.
Keeps me running the most is that I love the ME time. My morning run is the best part of the day when I feel the healthiest and strongest.
I don’t see any friends from HS.. we all grew apart and have all different lives. Guess I should have picked better friends back then. ;0(
Katie
Hehe the picture of Brooke and Charlie is the best! :) Yay for seeing your friend finally! I run because I CAN, and I think it’s the coolest thing that our bodies can endure so much!! It makes me feel strong and empowered and also clears my head!
xo
Heather @ Run Like a G!
What keeps me running now is:
1. My freedom, I can unwind from the everyday stresses
2. Running goals – new PRS, new distances, etc.
3. To stay healthy :)
Ani
I run because, as an adoptive mom of three kids with special needs/trauma/attachment issues, I find that pushing through those tough workouts help me build the mental stamina and discipline that it takes to be a better mom. In our hardest moments I find myself thinking things like, “I didn’t quit on that last half mile repeat even though it felt like my lungs were going to explode, I can definitely make it through the rest of this temper tantrum without losing my patience.” or “If I can run a half marathon in freezing rain and PR, I can certainly make it through the next three hours until bedtime…”
Amy
Simply awesome! What an amazing lady you are!
char eats greens
GREAT run times!! I think I need to do an “uncomfortable” run soon, just to push me a little bit!!
Ari @ The Pace of it All
Easy runs? Maybe I need to rethink how I run, none of my running is easy for me! Hopefully one day I’ll get there? :) Why do I keep running now? To say that I stuck with it… I’m tired of quitting different things, I want to be able to say that I’m a runner and I’ve been running for X amount of years further down the road. That sounds odd.
No, I don’t see my friends from college or high school ever. Some of them just completely disappeared from my life. Sad. :( Glad you were able to meet up with one of yours and oh my word that salad looks amazing!
Runningwithscissors
I try to do 3 easy runs a week. I often find myself pushing too hard on them but it’s just darn hard to be disciplined.
I really never see college friends and rarely see my high school friends,even though I live in the town now where I grew up.
I run because it simply balances my life out!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
I’m not training for anything right now, so I do 3 or 4 easy runs a week and then one hard run. I run because it makes me feel great and helps me start my day on a positive note! I love it!
I only see my best friends from HS when I’m home in Chicago, but I haven’t seen my college friends since last summer, and I’m not sure when I will see them again. My old roomie is getting married next month and I was planning on going, but I’m leaving for Costa Rica for work the day after, and since she’s getting married in SC and I live in FL, I don’t think it’s possible to swing it. So sad.
Natalie @ Free Range Human
I don’t see my friends from school nearly often enough. We usually get together about twice a year, but I so wish it was more!
Meaghan @Tale of Two Teachers
I’m still really close with 8 of my high school friends. We are a really amazing support network for each other and most of us still live close enough to see each other regularly. I love it!
I run because it clears my head and because I like to push myself. I run because feeling the strength of my muscles working is an amazing feeling. I run because I live in an absolutely beautiful city and the best way to see it is on foot!
But in light of recent events in my life – I run because I am alive, able and thankful for every step my feet are able to take! I run for those who cannot run and those who were taken from this earth way to young.
Leigha
I run because I couldn’t live without it. It is my escape from life. And so I can eat lots!!
Gracie (Complicated Day)
I really only do one hard run a week, to be honest. So bad. I should really ratchet it up. So, 5 easy days for me!
Lindsey @ Run Freckles Run
How many ‘easy’ runs do you do a week?
– I try every day but it never ends as an easy run.
What is the main reason you run NOW (not why you started running but what keeps you running now the most ((you can list a few things too if you want))?
-To be the best that I can be.
Do you see your close friends from high school and college often?
-No :(
Emily @ Running for Boston
I can’t even remember the last time I did an easy run…..is that bad? I think I may have been pushing too much? I’ve gotten to that point where every run I push it as hard as I can. I think tomorrow I’m going to run with my ipod, listen to some norah jones, and just go for it.
The main reason I want to run now is to qualify for Boston/become a smarter and better runner. More for the latter reason though.
I see a few people often – 2 girls from high school (I went to an all girl school ….eck) and a few from college as a lot of people stayed/came back to Chicago.
Therese
Having moved across country a few years ago I totally miss all my school friends and i never really see them.
Hannah @ PalmBeachRunner
I hate to say it, but lately the majority of my runs are easy pace. I usually stay in the 7:30/8min mile range.
I started running in high school because I wanted to try out for the girls varsity cross country team and once I got in, I was hooked. There is something just so satisfying about sweat, passion, and accomplishing physical and mental goals. Its been a part of my life ever since.
Natalie @ Twenty-Something Talk
Run now to shake things up after a busy or stressful work day. AND to feel a little less guilty after digging into a 3 pound bag of pretzel m&m’s :)
Jessica
I love your lululemon run swiftly top!! I actually just got a job there! There is a store opening in the Fashion Place Mall soon. I am so excited!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Ahhhhh congrats that is so awesome!
Jamie
I missed my run this morning because our 1-year-old played with my alarm clock while my husband was watching her and apparently turned the volume down so it was effectively off. She’d played with it before and just turned the alarm off — I didn’t think to check the volume! So I thought I would miss my run today, but seeing your post with your mile splits today motivated me to get out the door. Thanks! I normally hate running at any time of day except early in the morning, so I needed to be kicked out the door a bit.
Sharisse
Still no running over here :(
I still see two of my close friends from high school every few months. Should be sooner, but at least it is as if nothing’s changed when we get together.
Debbie @ Deb Runs...
HaHa!!! All of my runs are easy these days! Running is totally social for me now. It’s the only way a couple of my girlfriends and I can find some time to spend together.
I never see my high school friends anymore (because they don’t go to the reunions), but at least we’ve caught up on facebook!
Hali
I run in preparation for my first full marathon, for stress relief, and for the way I feel after the run!
Krissy
I probably do 2-3 easy runs. I have been trying to do more speedwork – but I am not really following any plan specifically.
I run for the endorphins — it feels so good. It keeps me strong and healthy for my kiddos.
When you do the STRIDE workout….what pace are you doing the 20 second strides at — in other words at what approximate speed? And then what speed is your recovery minute? THANKS!
Kari @ Running Ricig
Most of my high school friends are fairly close by, so I see them at least once or twice a year. My college friends are all about 13 hours away so I don’t see them quite so much.
My main reason for running is that I love it and if I don’t run, I go a little crazy.
Amy
My husband and I started running and encouraging our teenage kids to join us about five years ago. Our kids see us cocktailing around our tiki bar with friends a lot and I wanted to do something healthy to give them another image of us. It started out with a couple of fun 5ks with the kids and now we are hooked! That lead to my son and I doing a triathlon, my daughter and I running a half marathon, and all of us doing the Warrior Dash. Now we are all training for the Rock n Roll half marathon in Vegas in November. My husband and I are renewing our vows at mile three with our kids and friends there. It’s been a blast and great quality time together as a family.
Lauri
I typically run 3x/week – one fast (for me anyway!!) tradmill run where I eally push it, one longer run where I try and stay steady (prob considered more like tempo) and one shorter, easier run.
I run to prove to myself that I can set small goals and achieve them…Also for overall cardiovascular fitness.
I rarely see my HS friends but good timing on this question, as I saw most of them last weekend at my TWENTY year HS reunion!!!
Linda @ running4two
I run now because it makes me feel awesome and gives me something to work towards….whether it be more runs at sub 8 or breaking a 1:45 half marathon.
I have a close group of 4 girlfriends from high school and we get together as often as we can. It’s so great that we have remained so close. :) Especially since we are old and having babies now!
Allie
Anytime I get to catch up with friends from high school and college, I look forward to it! When I see some of my friends, it almost feels like no time has passed, and we can chat for hours without feeling awkward. I love that! And I want that salad. Anything with fried rings on top is okay with me, yum!
Lisa
I run for my sanity, my anxiety, and so I can eat more!
Most all of my runs are easy. I’ve yet to do any speed work or things like that.
I’m only in touch with about ten people from high school, all of whom I was not
Friends with then. Funny how life changes.
Great job killin it on your run!
Sarah G.
Mmm… onion rings.
In my current training schedule, I have 2-3 “easy” runs per week but I usually do them at about 80% effort so if that is still “easy” then yep that’s it! I save the really relaxed pace for recovery runs on Sundays.
The main reason I run now is because I love it. I love the feeling I get after a run, I love races, I love my running group, and I love spending my entire paycheck on wicking material clothing.
Allll my BFFs from HS live at least 6 hrs from me now (I moved first, but then some of them moved even farther so one BFF is allll the way in CA and I am in PA. Boo!) so I don’t get to see them often. I am the godmother of my very best best friend’s baby boy so it gives me incentive to travel back to NY a little more often to go see them, but still probably only 3x/year if that. I wish I could see all of them more often!
Kristin @ A Mom on the Run
I run four days a week – one long run, one tempo/speed work, and two easy runs.
Right now, I’m running so I can finish the two marathons I signed up for!
Not really, I see one on occasion at races, but we’ve all kind of grown apart, it makes me sad.
Erika
Well, I’m not really a runner but I really do want to incorporate more runs into my workouts. Running for me helps build my endurance and it has helped with my weight loss.
I don’t see my close friends as often as I’d like but Facebook helps me keep in touch with them. My best friends from college and I are going to Vegas in August so that’s something to look forward to.
Btw, I’m brand new to your blog and I love it! Brooke is super cute!
Jill
If it makes you feel any better… I was given a highchair, crayons, and kids menu for my 6 month old last time we ate out. She just started solids a few weeks ago!
Melissa
that salad looks incredible!!!!
I don’t run much anymore, and do different workouts instead including weightlifting and I do it to keep in good shape physically, but even more so for the mental benefits of it. It definitely keeps me sane.
Kay
Aw what a fun reunion! I also recently met up with an old friend, we were best friends in middle/high school and she recently moved somewhat close by!