Do you have what it takes to show me “What’s Beautiful?” Please join me this summer on a trail running journey to find out why trail running is amazing! #IWILL

#WhatsBeautiful Running Long on a Beautiful Riverside trail.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Under Armour through FitFluential. No matter what I’d still be taking part in the campaign and would ask you to join my team to help me redefine the female athlete.

I am  crazy about trail running and here are my top ten reasons why (well, there may be more . . .)

1. You can run on the trails wearing a skirt and feel like a total bada$$
2. Everyone loves getting dirty now and then.
3. The adventures are endless (choose your own adventure!)
4. The scenery is amazing.
5. If the weather is warm you might find the perfect swimming hole for cooling off.
6. Did you know that trail running is secretly strength training . . . you will be a stronger you after a summer of running on the trails!
7. Trail running will work your abs better than the P90X Ab Ripper Workouts (well, maybe not but the uneven terrain keeps your core in gear as you run resulting in firmer abdominal muscles).
8. You will have an awesome story to tell when your run is done (perhaps you will encounter a bear or take an epic fall)!
9. You will have fewer injuries from trail running (well at least impact injuries) due to the softer surface that you will be running on (think moss covered ground, pine needle laden single track . . . well, you get the picture).
10. Your friends will love you for dragging them off the pavement and into the woods!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and hit the trails! You know you want to!

And if you do . . . PLEASE join my awesome Under Armour What’s Beautiful Team “Beautiful Trail Runners” and we will challenge each other as we take on the adventure of trail running! I CAN’T WAIT to see your pictures. Go for it and say #IWILL!

What’s Beautiful. Under Armour 3.0. #IWILL #whatsbeautiful

Link Love:

Beautiful By Me-Matters of Course by Running Hutch

Under Armour What’s Beautiful–Go The Xtra Mile

Becoming Limitless with Under Armour What’s Beautiful 3.0–Fit Mom in Training

What’s Beautiful–Happy Fit Mama

What’s Beautiful . . . Knowing You’re Limitless–Living the Dream: Fancy Nanacy

I WILL . . .

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Under Armour through FitFluential. No matter what I’d still be taking part in the campaign and would ask you to join my team to help me redefine the female athlete.

What’s Beautiful. Under Armour 3.0. #IWILL #whatsbeautiful

I am truly excited to announce that I have been chosen to be a part of the Under Armour What’s Beautiful 3.0 Campaign as a part of my ambassadorship with Fitfluential. It is my job to inspire and motivate you to reach further than you ever thought you could by setting new goals for yourself. Please join my team “Beautiful Trail Runners” HERE so that we can build a community of women with strength both inside and out who will support each other as we reach outside the comfort zone and go for our dreams. You can achieve whatever goals you have by saying #IWILL.

Fitfluential is “Fitness Found”

Never underestimate yourself. Don’t listen to that voice inside your head that says “I can’t.” Try something new.

#whatsbeautiful #iwill

Take risks and go beyond what you ever thought you could do before. You will surprise yourself when you find out how truly strong you are! 

The task is simple:

• Set up your own profile HERE #whatsbeautiful
• Join my Under Armour #whatsbeautiful team Beautiful Trail Runners and set some new goals for yourself on the trail. Your goal can be as simple as exploring a new trail every week or trying your first trail race. The idea is to challenge yourself to do something new, to be positive, and to be inpired. You are WHAT’S BEAUTIFUL!
• Share this with all of your friends (WOMEN only) and we will join together to inspire each other to step off of the pavement and on to the trails for my next running adventure to gain strength both inside and out to show the world What’s Beautiful!

My first goal was to finish my first 50K with inner-strength and determination however a possible injury to my left foot (possible stress fracture or peroneal tendonitis) has caused a shift in plans. I need to make sure that I take care of my foot and let it heal before I the injury becomes more long-term. Sometimes life slows us down for a reason so that we take the time to refocus and to readjust. this is just a minor “root” for me to navigate as I continue this awesome running adventure.

Under Armour What’s Beautiful 3.0

My new goal for the Under Armour What’s Beautiful 3.0 Campaign:

I will train for the Loon Mountain Race in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I will be positive and continue to inspire others even as my body works to heal itself! #IWILL

Trail running heaven on The Kingdom Trails.

Trail Running–An adventure every running enthusiast should try!

Have you ever gone trail running? I first discovered my true love for running on trails when I first moved to this area in 2000. I was a teacher and was stressed out. Two teachers that I met who are now my best friends and training partners convinced me to try running the trails with them on The Kingdom Trails in Burke VT.

I did. I fell in love. Trail running is heaven. Trail running is peaceful. Trail running is challenging. Running on the trails as nature bursts into spring all around you is medicine for the soul.

Thank you Joanna and Bridget for showing me my heaven.

If you haven’t tried running on the trails before you should. Your body and soul will thank you. You may even become hooked like me!

Happy trail running!

Single Track Trail Running

Trail Running bliss on the Kingdom trails in Burke VT.

Muddy Trail Running at its best!

When was the last time you ran a race just to have fun? After the Boston Marathon I wasn’t planning on racing for a little while. However when my two amazing friends asked me to run the Muddy Moose 14 miler I decided it would be the a fun adventure and good medicine for my soul. Being with my friends provided the healthy laughter that I needed and running the gorgeous trails in the fresh air brought me peace.

The original Pete & Gerry’s Organic Chicks ready for some muddy trail running.

I proudly wore my Boston Marathon colors and got ready for a muddy adventure. I had no expectations but wasn’t sure if my legs would carry me. Bridget, Joanna and I warmed up and checked out the start of the course. The ground seemed fairly dry which I would later discover was not true.

Muddy Moose 14 Miler: Organic Runner Mom is #BostonSTRONG

The race director gave us all hints of the mud that was to come on the Muddy Moose trail racing adventure. The pace was fast off the line and as we turned onto the trail the mud greeted us. At first I tried to maneuver nimbly around the ever growing mud pits left in the wake of strong strides. But after a bit I decided to just go forth and have fun and get dirty. A few moments after this decision I ran into the quicksand mud and my left shoe was promptly sucked off of my foot. Rather than discouraged this made me laugh. I pried my shoe out of the gooey mud and tried to find a solid pace again.

After about two miles the trail evened to a nice dirt road by a lake (it was hot at the race and very tempting to bail out and jump in the icy waters). Then there was some climbing up to a beautiful vista. It was so peaceful in the woods, calming and healing.Just me and the trail and the occasional other racer. Amazingly my legs felt strong and I was able to focus on my strengths. I absolutely love the technicality of trail running. Nimble footsteps hopping over rocks and roots, and weaving around trees. The sweet smell of the earth and the giant canopy brightened by patches of cerulean blue. The other runners too were quiet and focused on the terrain.

Eventually I began to see racers returning on the out and back course as we headed towards a “choose your own adventure” pathway. My friend Bridget came flying by, a flash on the trail racing to stay ahead of the pack. The course had a lollipop loop and you could run either direction. I chose to go left and was surprised by a water crossing that was “skirt high,” reaching the lower edge of my Skirt Sports. The icy water felt refreshing but shocked my legs. My pace coming out was slowed by frozen muscles (nothing like a quick ice bath mid-race). But I quickly got back in the groove for seven miles back. The course was an out and back which is great if you are feeling good because you have already seen the terrain. On the way back I actually felt pretty amazing. Perhaps it was the endorphins. The other racers on the course were friendly and there were lots of big smiles (because who doesn’t like playing in the mud!).
The toughest part about the race was that I was hungry and needed more water as it was hotter than expected. I usually come well equipped with plenty of Ignite Naturals Reload Energy gels but for some reason didn’t bring enough. For the last two miles all I could think about was food and rehydration. My finish time was 2:24.16, 7th female, a strong finish post Boston. The hose at the finish was definitely needed!

The Aftermath of a Muddy Trail Race

I would definitely do The Muddy Moose 14 miler again next year. It was a challenging course but a blast in the mud and the trail running was gorgeous!

Have you ever run a super muddy trail running race?

My friend Joanna rocking the muddy trail at the Muddy Moose 14 Miler.

Muddy but having a blast at the Muddy Moose 14 Miler

The Women’s Winner at the Muddy Moose 14 Miler showing off her Moose Prize.

Defy your fears and set some new goals!

Goals! Goals! Goals! Don’t let fear be an obstacle!

Now that the Boston Marathon 2013 has come and gone (Actual race recap coming sometime soon, when I feel I am ready to share) it is time to set some new goals for the spring! Life can be fleeting. Make your dreams a reality and bring others along your journey.

I may be crazy but at some point during the winter I signed up for my first 50K trail race and now I’ve got to recover from the Boston Marathon, add in some miles and hit the trails. I can’t wait!

I run with the most amazing group of women. All strong and determined. When not running they work very hard in their everyday lives and when they are running their work ethic is the same . . .absolutely incredible! When my friends choose goals they don’t let anything stand in their way and they just go after it.

I am always so amazed when I see my friend Bridget at races. As soon as the starter says go she is off the line like a rocket. I have dreams of catching her. As soon as the race starts she is focused and she puts it all on the line, charging ahead with no fear . . . failure is not an option, there is no such thing as “I can’t.” When I run she is often someone who I think about. I am determined to “attack” my goals like Bridget, with strength and determination. I want to learn how to leave it all on the race course. 

When you run do you experience fear . . . fear of being too slow, fear of the pain you might feel when you run faster, fear of being passed, fear of not achieving your goals?

I think these are some of the most common fears that I have had as a runner on race day. It is such a mental game and it is so easy to talk yourself out of being successful. You are in control of the path to reaching your goals.

Don’t fear the obstacles in your life . . . Muddy Moose Trail Run 14 Miler

I am determined to not let fear stand in the way of achieving my goals!

Here are my spring GOALS:

1. Train for and race my First 50K Trail race at the Pineland Farms Trail Running Festival.
2. Do a core workout routine at least 3 times a week.
3. Try Mountain Biking (Real Mountain Biking without being afraid).
4. Do more yoga!
5. Ride my road bike (I haven’t ridden my road bike on the road in about 3 years).
6. Take my rowing shell out on the water for a row (I haven’t done this since beofre my daughter was born. I think it’s time to dust off my oars!).
7. Go to bed earlier.
8. Wake up earlier.
9. Start Meatless Monday at our house #MeatlessMonday
10. Go for more hikes with my kids.

What are your spring goals?

In London, Runners yearn for 2014 Boston Marathon : the Boston Globe

Marathon TAPER TIME!

I am in full on marathon taper for the Boston Marathon. My legs are achy. I feel as though I have arthritis when I get up and move. I am starting to have race day stress dreams. Marathon Taper is tough because all I want to do is get out and run especially now that the weather is warming up!

This cartoon totally shows what a typical stress dream might be for me leading up to a race  during marathon taper  What a nightmare! A marathon with no finish!!!!!

I have ants in my pants. I just want to race already!!!!!!

Beware of Tapering Runner (Thanks Races 2 Remember for the picture!)

Thankfully I was able to get in some amazing running last week during our Florida vacation to help calm the nerves as well as to stretch my legs on some gorgeous trails right in the Ocala Forest. .I even had a nice confidence booster when I took my husband out for an 8 mile trail run (his longest run ever!). He ran behind me and said he couldn’t imagine running a whole marathon at a pace faster than the easy pace we kept on our run. He said I looked strong and relaxed. PHEW! Thankfully I did not forget how to run while we were on vacation.

Don’t be fooled. This trail run may have taken place during the taper for the Boston Marathon but I am strong, confident and ready to run and kick some a$$!

If you want to keep track of my progress on Boston Marathon Monday you can follow me using this cool app:

Boston Marathon Runner Tracker

My BIB Number is : 15056

Boston Marathon BIB Number 15056–I’m “All in for Boston!”

IN Refresh – Ignite Naturals 100% plant-based electrolyte drink

MUD SEASON!!!!

Winter is days away from officially being over. The Vernal Equinox is this Wednesday, March 20th. That means spring will be here right? Not exactly. I was just about ready to ditch the layers and the long running tights in favor of my bright rainbow array of running skirts but instead today, the “lion” of March has dropped more snow on us. It’s officially mud season here in New Hampshire with a little more old man winter to keep things interesting for running!

Spring for a New Hampshire runner is a very different beast. One which perhaps you might say makes a New England runner tougher.

Here is why I love spring running so much:
1. Spring=MUD SEASON. Coming back from a run with mud splattered over the backs of your legs makes you feel like a bada$$. Hey, it’s why mud runs are so popular right?

2. Spring days when the temperatures continue to resist rising above freezing toughen your spirit, determination and resilience.

3. On a 50 degree spring day during mud season runners can be seen dressed as if it’s the middle of summer. Do the math-50 degrees is 70 degrees warmer than a -20 degree wind chill winter day. It’s a heat wave!

4. Mud season signals the start to an awesome summer trail and mountain running season. What? You haven’t tried trail running yet? I would highly recommend it!

5. Spring racing season is around the corner. It’s time to test out that winter training. For me that means running my first official Boston Marathon and my first 50K ultra at the Pineland Farms Trail Running Festival. What spring races will you be running?

Once the snow melts every day will be a mud run (at least for a little while). Get out and enjoy the adventure!

Running in Mud Season

I Love Trail Running

Valentine’s Day and a love of trail running

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, a great time to reflect on love and what makes you happy. When I run I am happiest when I am trail running and this is why:

I love trail running

1. I love trail running in the woods.  It is quiet in the woods. I love the sounds of the birds and the loves rustling against each other. I love hearing the sound of the snow or leaves crunching beneath your feet. I love the smell of the trees and the earth . . . fresh mud after a rainfall, pine needles. I love the sunlight peeking through the leaves as your feet softly hit the carpet moss, leaves and   gently packed soil.
2. Trail running has saved me from the dark depths of depression. It is my therapy. It is my release. I am healed by the rush of endorphins, the fresh air, and the Vitamin D.
3. I love coming around the corner on a trail only to discover a surprising view . . . an unexpected waterfall, a sweeping postcard view, a hidden cabin in the woods.
4. I love trail running because it requires intense focus (you have to pay attention or a root might suddenly leave you with your nose in the dirt).
5. I love trail running because it has allowed me to learn to love being alone. I am a true extrovert (ESFJ according to the Myers-Briggs) so being by myself has always been a challenge but now I relish the escape into the peaceful and quiet woods.
6. Trail Running has helped me to become more adventurous and to set more goals. I want to run up mountains and run longer distances and to see new places.
7. I have discovered some of my best friends through trail running. We can run together in complete silence or talk the entire time even while pushing up big hills and it is fun either way.
8. I love trail running because I live in Northern  New Hampshire where trails are hidden everywhere so why wouldn’t you choose to run on the trails instead of the road?
9. Running on trails at night can be an amazing adventure especially if the moon is full.
10. Trail running makes me happy . . .it’s just that simple

Why do you love to trail run?

Why do you love to run? Join the #RUNCHAT Valentine’s Day Challenge and spread the love of running.

If you want to join in with “spreading the love of running,” #RUNCHAT is hosting a Valentine’s Day contest with some sweet prizes from Sparkly Soul and StrideBox to name a few. All you need to do is this, “The challenge is simple: make a list of 5-10 things you love about running. Blog about it and then post a link in our comments . . .to find out more please click HERE.

Link Love:

Motivation: Running Outside My Comfort Zone & Women Who Inspire

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Runners

Blizzards make for some crazy racing!–DangerGirl

Why I love Running–Happy Fit Mama

Spread the love of running– The #RUNCHAT

Why Do You Love Running? (The#RunChat Valentine’s Challenge)–Perspicacity

A List: Why I Love Running–Kate Muehe

On running–Planes, Trains and Running Shoes

 Yoga–heart openers and some peaceful quiet rest

Yoga. Practicing Heart Openers.

Head cold. UGH . . . no running . . . at least not on the trails today. I have been so healthy up to this point in my Boston Marathon training perhaps my body is telling me I need a day off? Today I will use some yoga and the power of positive thinking, perhaps some extra vitamin C and some extra sleep to nurse my body back to 100% health.

I hate being sick! The top 2 reasons why I hat being sick . . . 1. It affects my running! 2. It is hard to be a Mom when you are sick and your kids are swirling around as usual as though you fed them straight sugar and coffee for breakfast.

Ok . . . now that I am done complaining, how do you stay motivated when your body is telling you it is time to go an snuggle up in bed with a good book instead of sticking to your training plan?

YOGA–Love yourself, Find Your Energy and Your Inner Happiness

I decided that for today yoga and working on “heart openers” was the perfect answer to try to lift the foggy feeling hanging over me.  When I practice yoga I usually like to go to a class to gain the additional feelings of energy from those practicing around me. However, recently I discovered GAIAM TV  through FitFluential (did you know I am a FitFluential Amassador?) where you can stream films, interviews, yoga and fitness videos.  This is perfect for when you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home but want to get in a good workout or quiet yoga session. Today I chose to try some “Happy Heart Flow”  yoga from Nicole Wienholt.

I love the quiet focus of yoga and the open release and energy flow at the end of a practice. Even though I have had to skip a few runs I am working to heal my body and get some rest so that I can find my motivation later this week for some renewed energy for some trail running and focused marathon training.

Link Love:

Sniffles, Flu, Fever: When it’s OK to workout

Blizzards Make for Some Crazy Racing

Valentine’s Gifts For Runners–Running for Dummies

Running in the Snow-Happy Fit Mama

I’m a Tough Girl–Review of Skirt Sports from MizFitOnline

RRCA Certification Recap–Mommy Run Fast

The Happy Heart Project–The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail

Avocado Egg Salad

When the forecast calls for a blizzard (#NEMO), get out and go for a trail run.

(disclaimer: don’t go out if conditions are not safe i.e. blizzard like conditions)

Here are some scenes from my run and Blizzard #NEMO earlier today . I can’t wait for the storm to subside so we can get outside and play with the kids! I also want to do some post blizzard cross country skiing and mountain running!

This ice was hiding under the snow for the majority of my trail run. I was wishing I had my yak traks or MICROspikes. Right after I took the video I slipped and fell on my rear

Beautiful quiet trail run in the woods today.

The sky above.

Check out the giant blocks of ice dumped on the river break last week after the ice jams broke during the end of January thaw.

Beginnings of the blizzard on our playhouse.

What kind of training  is on your schedule during the blizzard and after the snowpocolypse?