Setbacks, Sun Protection, Congrats and Reese's Run!!

Another random ramblings post:

Random Rambling 1: Running Motivation

First off, I apologize for abandoning my blogging duties for so long... I haven't felt much like blogging as I hadn't been running much and just had an overall blah-writers block kinda feeling.

Last week I ran a 10 miler Good Friday race that was pretty slow, about a 9:14 mile pace. It was frustrating when I had ran a 8:38 mile paced half marathon only a few weeks earlier. It is scary how a cold can totally wreck your fitness so quickly. I just haven't felt great, but then this past week I kinda snapped out of it. I told myself to quit feeling sorry for myself, so many people can't run, or have been setback with major injuries (our girl Lily is forced to hang up her shoes for now-go send her some love) so SUCK IT UP Marci!!!

I think getting a little mad at myself worked because I ran 40 miles, the last four days and ran over 20 miles on Sunday. I am still recovering from the cold, but my pace is slowly getting better. Hopefully I will be race ready by mid May. I am targeting either Mississauga or Cleveland marathon.

I know some of you have had setbacks much worse than my silly little cold, how did you come back? What kept you motivated/sane??

Random Rambling #2: Sun Protection

Like many of you, I started running to lose a little weight, and while it has turned into much more than this, lets face it, having strong legs and maintaining a healthy weight certainly helps keeps me running (most of the time, see r.rambling #1).

Unfortunately running also exposes runners to excessive amounts of UVA/UVB rays. I remembered this when I returned from my first lovely sunny spring run this week with a red nose and bright red thighs, despite wearing sunscreen.

I couldn't help but thinking about the damage I must being doing to my skin, so I thought it may be a blog-worthy point of discussion.

Here are some tips to consider to protect yourself from the elements:

- Wear a white running hat with a rim. The white reflects the light. It may not be fashionable, but neither are wrinkles
-Sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunscreen. With my water drop, I will also drop sunscreen. I like the sports spray on sunscreen for longer runs when I am less co-ordinated and bending down hurts.
-Hydrate. Really this is year round advice, but I think it is especially important in warmer weather.
-I did find this site, that makes UV protectant running gear. I remember seeing a company at a running expo that makes these types of clothes. Anyone had any experience with these?

Any other tips? Please share!!

Random Rambling #3: Congratulations

Congratulations to all Boston Marathon Event finishers!

-Marlene
-Lam
-Frayed Lace
-N her Shoes
-Running Dude Bill
-ND runner

And anyone else I missed. Congratulations, you are all inspiring!!

Random Rambling #4: Reese's Run

I can't believe Reese's Run is this Friday!! Wow how time has flown. Its not too late to sign up, there are great prizes.

Just to recap the event in case you are not familiar. It is a four mile virtual organized by myself and Christy in honour of her daughter Reese's fourth birthday. Reese suffers from Juvenile Arthritis. 100% of your registration fee (donation) goes to the Arthritis Society. We also have amazing prizes!

Click here to register for Reese's Run (donate to the Arthritis Society).

Looking forward to catching up with all of your blogs! Thanks for reading!