Right Now

Posted on by
Reply

It’s been a little while since I’ve sat down and put fingers to keys. So much good is happening in my life and I find myself floating from one happy to the next.

I’m still on a hiker’s high from our 41-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail. I keep starting posts about the journey, but have yet to finish them. Soon. The AT has been a total game-changer in my life.

Our homestead continues to thrive – from the active bees to the growing chickens, the 20+ fruit trees, perennials, and the handful of annuals I’ve planted, we’re munching away daily on garden eats.

Work, while in a transition, is in a good place. I’m working around-the-clock (I’m currently taking a break from travel planning right now to write this), but I couldn’t be happier about it. I haven’t complained about work in almost 5 weeks. Though I’m sleep-deprived and moving a mile a minute, it’s sure sign that things are moving in the right direction.

Shane is happy. He’s always happy, so that’s not new, but he’s in a good place all around, too. And that makes me happy.

I’m planning work-related travel to places like Aspen, Denver, Toronto, La Jolla, L.A., and San Diego. Does that need explanation? Pinch me!

I’ve chosen to cut back on fitness classes – from 11 to 5/week. It’s been quite an adjustment, but I’m loving the time I have to dedicate to my own running and yoga practice. Marathon training is right on track.

Speaking of running, I’ve signed up for a half marathon in Chicago this summer, and a Ragnar Relay race from Chatanooga to Nashville this fall (with a group of 10 girls from my alma mater). Loving race travel–especially for these fun events.

My newest fitness class, INSANITY, is taking off like crazy and I’m so excited to share it with my fitness community (and new people). It’s so rewarding to complete a tough workout like INSANITY, but to do it surrounded by people you adore? That’s pure magic.

Summertime traditions like berry-picking, jam-making, early morning kayaking, waltzes around the homestead, and nights spent sitting under our tree are here which fills me with so much joy.

I want to kiss all of these sweet moments in my life–hold them close and not let them fade away. I’m basking in all of this sunshine and happiness and enjoying that I’m finally in a place where everything has achieved balance, order, simplicity, and loveliness.

What’s the saying? My cup runneth over.

And suddenly the race schedule picks up

Posted on by
Reply

After the Annapolis Half last weekend, I posted that I didn’t have a single race lined up until the full marathon in November.

All of a sudden, I was presented with a number suggestions — Baltimore 10 miler, run the A-10, the July 6 Chestertown Running Festival, the new Chester River Challenge half marathon in November…

I think I’ll end up signing up for most (except the Baltimore 10). I love a good distance race!

In the happy spirit of upcoming races, I impulsively signed up for a race in Chicago. Running a race in Chicago is on my runner bucket list, and while I’d love to run the full marathon, I want Philly to be my only marathon this year. So, I signed up for the ZOOMA Chicago Half!

I’ve enjoyed running ZOOMA races (this will be #4) and am excited to have the opportunity to run in one of my favorite cities.

Anyone else running the ZOOMA race on August 10? Looking forward to road tripping for a race, and Shane is even coming with me! Double, triple win. He’s my absolute biggest running supporter and I’m so excited to have him there when I cross the finish line.

 

5 Weird Things I’ve Learned from Gardening

Posted on by
Reply

1. Plants want to survive.

Plants want to be tested. They need to push from their seeds, fight the other ‘weeds’ that could beat them for space, survive the wind and rain, and grow. They want to do this! Don’t beat yourself up if you forget to water the plants for a couple of days. Just don’t go a week without water in the middle of an Eastern shore July. That’s far too much fighting for the plants.

2. It’s easiest to pull ‘weeds’ right after a rainstorm.

Does this need explanation? I will say that it took me three years of gardening to learn this. YOU’RE WELCOME.

3. Soil is alive.

This might sound silly, but before getting into gardening a few years ago, I thought of dirt as just plain dirt. Now, I know better–dirt is full of microorganisms that challenge and feed the different plants. Even more, the right combinations of certain macronutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) will make the garden flourish.

4. If you plant it, the bugs and birds will come.

Similar to a baseball field, if you build the environment, you’ll find the wildlife will follow. I’ve never seen so many exciting bugs and birds in my yard. My neighbors love it.

5. I’m obsessed with the weather.

I can tell you when it’s about to rain, even if the sky is blue. It starts with listening to (and observing) your plants. Every day. Watch their behavior and they’ll tell you when the rain is comin’. Or just check weather.com–sometimes they know, too.

Zooma Annapolis Half Marathon

Posted on by
2

There are a million different ways to run a race. I’ve tried a bunch of them — running solo, with and without music, running with a buddy, pacing someone else, walk/running, steady running, running in the cold, the heat, the most awesome spring weather. Really, in my 23 road races, I’ve seen a lot!photo

Today’s race experience was no exception. I ran the ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon (my fourth half!) on one of the hottest days of the year.

Going into the race, I was a little nervous about keeping hydrated. My 41-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail earlier in the week left me dehydrated, causing me to play catch-up all week. I’ve been downing water, Gatorade, watermelon, grapes, celery and salt – anything to help rehydrate me. Knowing that today’s race would be hot (87 degrees) and humid (75%), I knew it would be a test for sure.

photo(1)

I started the race morning like any other – two cups of water, a travel mug of coffee, and a banana. I strongly believe in my pre-race rituals – this combination works so well for me!photo(2)

I ran the race with my dear running partner G. This was her first half! We’ve been running together since last August and have found a great rhythm and groove in our running (we’re both super obsessive about it and willingly get up at 4:15 a.m. to run a long distance before work). I’m so glad to have shared this half marathon experience! We split about 5 miles into the race–I thought I could push ahead and maybe PR.

I’ve been training for distance this year — 2012 was all about adding races, running fast, and learning to build distance. The focus in 2013 is on marathon training. So my hope of having a PR for the ZOOMA half was a little far-fetched, but go big or go home, right?

We started the first couple of miles at our normal training pace – slow and steady, in no rush, just trying to get our bodies into the running zone. Around mile 3, I started feeling the adrenaline of race day. I was ready to gun it, but talked myself out of it since mile 3/13 is hardly any distance at all. I need to reach mile 5 or 6 before really starting to book it.

At mile 5, there was a water station, and I wasn’t ready to stop yet, but G wanted to, so we parted ways here. I ran miles 5-8 at a steady 8:15 pace–a little fast for me, but I was feeling so great, even with the hills (including the crazy steep Severn River Bridge).

Just before mile 8, I thought for sure I could PR. I wanted to–I could taste it. But then the heat caught up with me. I decided that keeping cool and hydrated far outweighed a silly personal best race, so I slowed my pace and made a point to stop at each water station from miles 8-13.1, even walking through each of them to make sure I could drink enough water.

I finished at 2:19, not my fastest half marathon, but not my slowest either. For a hot day following a 41-mile hike, I think I did a pretty amazing job! Plus, the race was in one of my favorite race towns, how can I beat that?!

photo(3)

The swag for ZOOMA races is always top notch. We got cute reusable bags, a female-fitted race shirt (seriously, these are the BEST), a water bottle, and a yoga mat. Not too shabby, ZOOMA!

Usually at the end of a race post, I detail my next race, but I don’t have a near-future race lined up this time. I have the Philly marathon on November 17, but until then, my race schedule is open. I’m looking for some fun races (maybe the Ctown half, maybe the A-10?), and would even consider some short distance travel to race it. Any suggestions? What races are you running this summer?

 

Pen Mar to Harpers Ferry

Posted on by
4

I’m getting ready to embark on an adventure.

Screen shot 2013-05-22 at 10.55.38 AM

source

That’s a snapshot of my journey from Saturday-Tuesday on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Shane and I are hiking 40+ miles, starting in Pen Mar, MD/PA and ending in Harpers Ferry, WV. We’re hiking/camping our way through the state of Maryland, AT style!

Hiking the full AT (2,100+ miles) is definitely a lifetime goal of mine. We’re starting with section hikes. Maryland is the closest to us, so it seemed natural to start here. I’m so flippin’ excited.

We’ve spent the last couple of weeks prepping for this inaugural AT trip. We’re hiking/tent camping, so all food/life/shelter supplies will be divided between the two of us and carried in our hiking packs. I’m putting together a post about food and supplies since it’s taken a careful bit of consideration on our parts and is worth documenting separately.

This is a first for me – hiking/camping for several days. Shane, an Eagle Scout, has done this before and has been absolutely amazing with details I wouldn’t even think to consider. For example: did you know that dryer lint can help start a campfire? Or that it’s best to prep and label food in meal quantities so you’re ready to throw items into a pan without the hassle of measuring?

We’ve mapped our trek in fairly equal daily hikes – we’ll average about 10 miles per day (that’s the plan).

Shane’s mom has graciously offered to drive us to our start point so we can leave the car at the end point. The logistics of getting to and from the trail has been the hardest part to put together! Harpers Ferry is a great start or end point, since you can take a train or bus from there to major cities.

I’ve made a reservation at a B&B in Harpers Ferry as a birthday treat (my birthday is next Tuesday!) to conclude our trek. I think we’ll both be grateful for the shower and warm meal opportunity before getting on a train to D.C.

I’m so excited for this adventure!

St. Michaels Running Festival 10k

Posted on by
Reply

For the second year in a row, I ran in the St. Michaels Running Festival 10k.

photo(3)

I enjoy this race for the flat and scenic course, the location on the Eastern Shore, and the crowd it draws–not too large or too small, and tons of family-oriented people. It offers a great atmosphere!

It’s been awhile since I ran a race (February was the last time, for George Washington’s Birthday), so I headed into this race mostly unsure of the outcome.

I’ve been training for a marathon, and my running has been slow, steady, and long distance. Last spring, I focused on speed, so I ran much faster and shorter distances.

The long distances agree with me–I love getting into a rhythm with running, letting my body adjust to a steady pace, instead of pushing myself to complete a time goal. My average marathon training runs have held at a consistent 11-minute mile.

I run faster during races than in training, but I didn’t think I’d be able to keep last year’s pace (8:30 overall) this year.

With all of this swirling in my head, I approached the starting line feeling ready to run but thinking that my race and splits would be all over the place.

photo(2)

Then I started running. Now, let me make a runner confession: the first mile or two is almost always rough. My body and mind need to find balance and I’m conscious of good running form for those first two miles. Then, my training and practice kick in, my mind and body connect, and it’s smooth sailing.

On adrenaline from the excitement of starting a race surrounded by other runners, I started the first mile with a breezy 8:40 pace. I tried to slow myself, but then something amazing happened: my mind and body balanced. At 8:40-minute miles.

I ran the second and third at the same pace, and by the fourth, I was running closer to 8:30. Even better, I felt the power increase in my legs, and pushed my stride even longer with ease.

I finished at 54:13, just a minute increase from last year’s race–amazing! I felt so good toward the finish that I even sprinted for the last half mile. I was on fire (and a very nice runner’s high!).

But the best part of the race came after the finish.

After finding water and an open place to sit down and stretch, a runner that I recognized from the race approached me and said “Thank you.”

Seeing the puzzled look on my face, she explained, “You helped me run my fastest race time yet. I spotted you and worked to emulate your strength and ease with running. I fixed my sight on you and powered through when I thought I couldn’t run any farther.”

I’m so touched that she not only experienced this surge of running power because of me, but that she felt compelled to share the moment after the race. THIS is one of the reasons I run: the people, the community, sharing the physical experience and rejoicing in the sweetness of it all.

My next race is the ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon in two weeks. I’m running it with my dear running/training/super awesome friend G. Can’t wait!

Let’s Chat

Posted on by
2

There’s a whole lotta good going on in my little world.

For starters, I’m feeling good about this new transition in my work environment. Choosing to be proactive, responsive, and positive have always worked well for me.

I spontaneously decided to take Friday off (always a good decision) to focus on a few homestead projects. We’re in the middle of building a fabulous chicken coop for our chicken ladies, I have a little more planting to do, and we have some fruit tree guild design to do as well. So, a busy but meaningful day ‘off’ is planned.

Both Shane and I are spending an entire week at the end of this month on a 5-day Appalachian Trail trek! I’m so excited for this. One of my life goals is to walk the length of the AT (2,100 miles, no big deal) and this trip offers me some insight for the longer trip.

I’m currently reading A Walk in the Woods – a tale by a man who walked the length of the Appalachian Trial, very fitting for my upcoming adventure.

Let’s see…I’ve also planned a fun sister beach weekend at the end of next month, an annual tradition that I’ve come to really love. Can’t wait for a few days of sand and sun with my sisters.

We also have chickens! And tomorrow, we’re picking up a new hive of bees. Tons of buzzing happening at the little house on Pine. Once I get a moment to breathe it all in, I can’t wait to share more here.

Saturday Adventures in Photos

Posted on by
Reply

Other than teaching a morning PiYo class and responding to messages from prospective students who need to make a college decision by May 1, I found myself with a delightfully free spring Saturday afternoon in Chestertown.

Leaving yummy kitten snuggles early in the morning, I spent an hour teaching PiYo Strength to a group of awesome women–we stretched, strengthened, and giggled. I relish the opportunity to share PiYo on Saturday mornings.

photophoto (8)

I ventured into the warm and inviting sunshine of downtown Chestertown for a delicious Evergrain latte (I’m seriously spoiled — you haven’t had a latte until you’ve tried one from Evergrain). I love the shaded brick sidewalks of historic Chestertown–I love them even more now that I make more practical shoe choices.

photo (7)photo (1)

A Saturday ritual, I stopped by some of my favorite tables at the Chestertown Market, picking up some meat and asparagus for dinners this week.

photo (4)

Indulging even more in the sunshine, I made a trip to the home and garden shop for a sweet strawberry purchase. My latest homestead project is constructing a strawberry field (forever).

photo (2) photo (5)

After making a mess on the homestead (no worries, it looks great now!), I rewarded myself with this treat: Cedar run spicy sausage and a ‘grilled’ natural PB and homemade blackberry jam sandwich (on sourdough bread). Sweet ending to a sweet day!

photo (3)

5 Tips for Starting a Garden

Posted on by
Reply

1. Choose Your Space. Maybe you have a large backyard, a small patio, a windowsill, a rooftop. Guess what? You can garden just about anywhere.

DSC_0266

My homestead is on a quarter acre – we have raised vegetable beds, multiple fruit trees, a berry forest, an apiary, and now a chicken coop.

2. Pick something to grow. Start small, maybe just a few plants, or maybe one type of vegetable. Make sure it’s something you enjoy! I grew tomatoes for the longest time and don’t actually eat tomatoes.

3. Consult your local cooperative or extension office. This will help you choose what to grown and when you can grow it. When I first started, I got a helpful growing guide from my local extension office that had start and finish dates for just about every plant I’d want to grow.

4. Figure out your watering system. This could be as easy as a simple watering can that you bring to your site, a hose, or an intricate soaker hose system. Tip: the easier you make your garden to water, the more likely you will remember and be willing to water it.

5. Visit your seedlings/plants daily. Make it part of your routine to give daily care to your plants. If you visit them each day, even just for five minutes, you’ll be able to observe all phases of the growing cycle. You’ll remember to water or weed around your plants, you’ll get to see whether you have any garden visitors (good or bad), and you’ll have a few moments of joy each day.