Pass It On.

The world can be a dark and unfair place. There are plenty of mean people, lots of scary news and an abundance of negativity in the world. Tell me something I don't know. Watching the news almost always seems like a bad idea about 3 minutes into the broadcast. There's plenty of scary to go around; I try to focus on the good.

The kind.

The positive.

I've been blessed by countless acts of kindness and positivity along my journey as a runner (and a person). These unexpected little moments always seem to happen at exactly the right time; when I need them the most. I've so frequently been on the receiving end of these gifts of positive energy; I try to pass the joy along every chance I get.

Positivity. That's where its at. Thanks to everyone who has sent it in my direction.

Pass it on.


Text messages: Not just for sending naked selfies to your boyfriend.
In the days leading up to my first marathon this past Spring, I got a few encouraging text messages from one of my cousins who happens to be an IRONMAN. These well-timed messages probably took him just a few seconds to shoot my way, but they made a world of difference. Just to know that he was thinking of me and proud of what I'd done (even before I'd completed the 26.2), meant so much. If you're impressing an IRONMan, you're doing something right.

When you least expect it...
I was jogging through the neighborhood the other day. As a car passed slowly by, the driver stuck her head out the window. As I darted towards the ditch, trying to get out of the way, (waiting to be yelled at...or worse), she grinned and hollered "Lookin' good! Keep up the great work!" as her little blue car went by, CoExist sticker proudly smacked on the rear. Dang, I didn't see that one coming.

Pat yourself (and somebody else) on the back.
I love passing the same runners day after day. The camaraderie I feel towards fellow runners, especially those I see frequently out on the trail, is pretty awesome. We are on the same journey, though our paths lead in different directions. Lets encourage each other, offer words of encouragement, smile, even throw up a high-five (or a fist-bump...this IS flu season, ya'll). Feed off the positive energy of others and share yours freely with them. Positivity is free, and its awesome.


In the past few months, I've sent random text messages of encouragement to other runners and athletes in my life, on the eve of major events, hoping to keep the chain of positivity going. I've stuck my own head out of my car window in order to cheer for a passing runner in my neighborhood. I've offered high-fives to my fellow trail runners, some of whom were so surprised that they burst out laughing as our hands connected. It was a bright spot in their day and mine; we shared a moment, a smile and now, probably about a thousand sweaty germs.  You're welcome!

There's a quote I've been sort of obsessed with lately, just can't seem to get it out of my head. It seems relevant every day, in every situation.

Turn the Music OFF.

I love music. I have about a hundred “favorite” songs, I’m usually the first in line for karaoke and I’m even learning how to play the ukulele. You get it. I. Love. Music. I’m even passing along my love for bad pop music and spontaneous dancing to my kiddo. Proud Mama.

When it comes to running, my musical tastes range from hillbilly mountain music (for the long, slow, “out for the day” kind of run) to The Chili Peppers (for when I have the urge to play air drums) to Whitney Houston (anytime, anywhere).

As much as I love belting out Katy Perry’s California Gurls while bouncing down the trail, I cannot ignore the flaws of running with music. I used to be strictly anti-earphones while running, choosing to be “One with Nature.” All Yoga-Zen and stuff. Then one day, I was feeling particularly bouncy and decided to turn on the tunes. Just this once. Fast-forward about six months later and I’ve shamelessly joined the zoned-out flock of loyal “Must Run with Music-ers,”….Whoops.

I headed to the park yesterday for a nice little six-miler with my headphones on and my phone plugged into my running app. About a mile into my trek, I had a sudden and acute sense that I needed to get those earbuds out of my head. I suddenly felt irritated by the noise, longing for the sounds of nature punctuated by the baseline of my feet hitting the dirt. Pipe down, Taylor Swift. I’m running here. I flipped off the tunes, tuned into Now.

Ahh, that’s better.

Running with music is fun. I love it. It’s also totally addicting and should be used with caution. Coming off a long stretch of total indulgence, it’s time to leave the headphones at home; time to reconnect with nature and stuff. There are lots of reasons to unplug. Here are a few of them.

 

Nice little reminder, Reedy Creek along the James

 

 

Don’t be that guy. 

A few weeks ago when I was jogging on the trail, I came up behind a poky man-runner that I needed to pass. From about 10 yards back, I gave the usual “To your left,” warning. He didn’t budge. I said it again (a little louder); he was oblivious. Damn headphones. By the time he realized I was passing him, I was about 2 inches from his face. He jumped like 5 feet in the air, almost stumbled down a steep embankment and then gave me a dirty look as I passed by. As if!

Catcalls.

If you’re running down the street sans headphones (looking fierce, of course), and some guy yells “Nice legs!” from his car window, you’ll want to hear it. You’ll predictably roll your eyes and seem to be appropriately offended, but deep down you’ll feel like a hot runner chick. I’m right. I promise.

See Ya.

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve passed in races and out on the trail who stopped running to mess with their phone, rearrange their uncomfortable earphone cord or wait for their running app to restart. I, too, have fallen victim to this running-with-music trap; it’s totally obnoxious. I listen to Pandora most of the time, and sometimes I’ll begin my run thinking I’m in the mood for some No Doubt radio, only to become totally annoyed by Gwen Stephani about 3 miles in. I stop, dig my phone out of its pocket, unlock it, wait for my app to open, change the station (then change the station again).  I finally decide on a little Van Halen (rock on!), put my phone away and hit the dirt. Then I realize my Nike Running app has conveniently paused itself. Great. By the time this whole floundering event has unfolded, I’ve lost about 5 minutes, along with most of my trail-runner dignity. Pitiful.

Kids sound awesome.

I recently came up on a sweet little trio: a dad and his kids collecting sticks and exploring in the woods. I heard the little boy laughing. It wasn’t a regular “oh that’s kinda funny,” sort of laugh. It was a deep-down belly-laugh that kids enjoy so easily and so much more often that adults seem to. It was the kind of laugh that found its way to every inch of his body. This kid’s toenails were laughing. I was about 12 miles into a 14-miler, and things weren’t going that great. I was cranky. Hearing the boy’s laughter smacked me out of my funk instantly; I found myself laughing with him as I jogged past. He looked up from his dirt pile, gave me a huge mile and waved, “Hey, fast runner lady!”
Those last 2 miles flew by. Thanks, kid.

Crickets, frogs and other critters.

Maybe it’s because I grew up playing with slimy insects and catching bugs, but the sound of crickets and bullfrogs makes me happy. Really happy. When I ditch the earphones, the first thing I always notice is the sound of hundreds of critters, loyally keeping me company out on the trail. I love those guys.

Dudes with Axes.

You don’t need Pearl Jam distracting you if you happen to come across a guy in the woods carrying a large axe. I once crossed paths with a large mountain man who happened to be wielding a giant ax-saw-mallet-combo tool. After almost peeing my pants and trying desperately to remember my old kickboxing moves, I realized he was a friendly park volunteer just doing some trail maintenance. False alarm. But still.

Crutches Are for Sprained Ankles.

Face it. Music is a crutch for runners. It gives you a boost, helps you maintain whatever pace you’re aiming for that day and keeps your mind occupied during your run. That’s great and all, but what happens if you forget your music? Or a race doesn’t allow headphones? Or your battery dies? Suddenly, you find yourself at a completely self-imposed disadvantage. You don’t need a crutch.

 

I’m not suggesting that we should go all anti-headphones all the time. That’s crazy. I’m just saying headphones are best saved for jaunts on the treadmill (barf!) or for avoiding conversations with people you don’t like. Or both at the same time.

Try leaving the music off every now and then. You might like the crickets’ concert more than you’re expecting.

 

 

Round & Round on the Merry-Go-Round

I love reading blog entries from last year, when I was just beginning my training season for the marathon. I used to spend a lot of time planning out trail routes that would keep me interested and distract me from the distance I was running. The main reason for this : if the route wasn't interesting, I would have a really hard time actually completing the distance I planned. I would map out long loop routes, not only because I wanted to see as much different scenery as possible, but also because, on a loop trail, there's no going back, no shortcuts, no way to run any less distance than what's laid out.

Rockwood Park. Home of the nice little 1.5 mile loop trail packed with short, steep little climbs, nice terrain and pretty views. Its also about 3 minutes from my house. Score. Last year, there was a guy I'd always see at the park; he would be running easily when I arrived; and still calmly trekking around the loop when I'd head out. We'd always wave, that fellow-runner camaraderie alive and well. Mister runner-man was always there, going around and around and around that loop trail. I can do that, I thought. When Lu is in school, I like to be at least sort of close to my car, just in case something happens and I need to go pick her up early. I worry that I'll get a call from her school when I'm in the woods, 6 miles away from my car. Mom of the year, ya'll!  I like the idea of short laps that keep me close to my adorable little VW and my kiddo. So, watching Mister Marathon man at Rockwood gave me an idea for my longer mid-week runs. I can do that.

I headed to Rockwood, aiming for 6 miles while Lu was in school. I couldn't do it. I couldn't sit still that long. It was a monumental task to quiet my mind and calm down enough to go around the same loop 4 times in a row. I tried again. And again. I was successful once or twice, and it was very uncomfortable. I almost always found some reason to stop early or start running sprints to keep my mind occupied, which always resulted in total exhaustion way before my 6-mile goal. So dumb.

After gaining the experience of one full marathon training season, culminating in the marathon and continuing to today, I feel more settled and calm than ever. Yesterday, I did the same 6-mile run at Rockwood: 4 times around the nice little 1.5-mile Orange trail. It was a beautiful day, I had my easy tunes to keep me company, and I actually enjoyed the laps. So weird.

My attitude towards training this time around is very different than it has been in the past. I'm more relaxed, less uptight and more confident in myself and my body. With the 50k in December and two 1/2 Marathons before that, I'll need all the positive energy, determination and confidence I can muster.

Time to hop back on the Merry-Go-Round, I've got another 6-miler to take care of.

One of my favorite not-so-obvious running songs. Zac Brown's Quiet Your Mind.

 

Enjoy the ride. 

"Its not about what you've done. Its about what you're doing."

I love my cycle instructor at the YMCA. She plans awesome workouts, doesn't bark at us the whole time and most importantly, picks good music. One song she's hooked on right now is Calvin Harris' "Let's Go." The tune is boppy and fun, perfect for cycling (and running). The lyrics are perfect for getting pumped for a good sweat. There's a great phrase in the song; it goes, "Its not about what you've done, its about what you're doing."

My instructor picked out the song lyric during a particularly tough sprint series the other day, saying it over a few times as we were preparing for the next (of many) sprints. Her goal was to get us zoned in on the sprint we were gearing up for at that moment, not worried about how many sprints we had left and not thinking about how many we'd already done. She's the perfect mixture between cheerleader and drill sergeant; its amazing.

Anyway, I found the song and the quote to be super motivating in the moment (take that, gajillion sprints), and couldn't get it out of my head even after the class was over.

"Its not about what you've DONE. Its about what you're DOING."

Personally, for where I am in my training and running life, the quote is perfect. I've got some great accomplishments under my belt and I'm proud of every one. And, like most people, I also have some bad decisions and rough days behind me. I try not to focus on the bad days, failures and some choices I may regret. I also try not to spend too much time thinking about how great it was that I ran a marathon. So what?

This song is a (poppy, yet deep) reminder not to rest on the laurels of my past accomplishments OR let my mistakes and failures define me, as a runner and a person. I can't focus on what I've done in the past or get too caught up in what might happen in the future. Today is what matters.

 

What are you doing NOW? How hard can you work today? 

 

No one is here to see how hard you're working. Except you.

One day at a time, one foot in front of the other.

 

"Lets go, make no excuses now.

I'm talking here and now, I'm talking here and now. "

 

 

50k Training- GO!

Days 'til Seashore 50k- 100

Looks like I'm back in the training saddle after a nice long, semi-lazy summer. It was super nice to not be worried about my mileage for a while; I tried to just enjoy each run, going whatever distance felt right that day. My main goals over the summer were:

1. Don't get too fat
2. Don't take more than 3 days off in a row.

I was successful at the 2nd thing. I feel sluggish and weird if I take too many days off anyway, so that wasn't too hard. The first thing, well, let's just say I've got a little extra cushion to show for all those margaritas and nachos. Oh well. I friggin' love margaritas.

Anyway, let's talk calendars. Leading up to the 50k in December, I've got 2 half-marathons lined up to keep me entertained through my training. The Cumberland Multi-Use-Trail 1/2 Marathon is up first, October 5th @ Bear Creek Lake. Then, in November I'll travel to Moab Utah (YIPPEEE!!!) for what's sure to be a super fun and challenging 13.1 miles on the red rocks. Its also a great excuse to visit my awesome old trail-buddy friend who happens to live in the area. I. Can't. Wait!

Those race dates will be here in a hot second, so I better get my tushie in gear.

Bring it.

This week has been a big one around the Baltz house. Lucy started ballet and preschool and I began my first real week of 50k training. My hubby also started a new bowling league (hoo-rah!). Oh, and Lucy has conveniently decided that big kids don't take naps. Now THIS is going to take some getting used to. The house is a wreck, I'm ready for bed at 8pm and the laundry is epic, but other than that, we're in good shape.

Cute little munchkin, off to school!

Yesterday was Lu's first day of preschool and my first day of morning-run bliss. I dropped her off in her new big-girl class and popped over to Rockwood Park for a nice little 5-miler to get the week started off right. The weather was perfect for trail-running. Not too hot or humid, nice little breeze blowing. Oh, YEAH.

 I popped in my headphones (Pandora is the best thing ever), and pulled up my Nike running app. Rock and Roll.

The first song to pop up, Phil Collins Easy Lover. Also known as MY JAM.

Heck YES!

I love running at Rockwood; their orange trail is a nice, hilly 1.5 mi loop. I love running hands-free, so I'll leave my water stashed behind a log and settle in for a few laps around the park. Feeling particularly frisky yesterday, I decided midway through the first loop that I would go for negative splits on each of the 5miles I planned to log. This will keep things interesting! I don't know if it was my sweet music, the weather or the fact that preschool started that day (WHOOPEEE!!!), but I was feeling it. After an awesome run, I still had time to shower, snack and play with my new Ukulele a little before picking up my girl from school. Dang, I love fall.

See Ya'll at the Gym.

I think maybe I've reached my max quota for running in obnoxious heat and humidity for one season.

This week alone, I've run...brace yourself...TWICE...on a treadmill. Inside. With A/C. The shock of the sheer wimpiness of my behavior is almost too much to handle.

I sheepishly pull into my beautiful little YMCA with my "Got Trails?" sticker and my 26.2 magnet (brag much?), only to climb aboard the pansy treadmill next to the rest of the wussy runners who choose fluorescent lighting and free Wi-Fi over the thrill of running in the great outdoors. Pitiful.

Trouble is, I don't really feel that bad about it. I mean, how many unbearably humid, sticky days can even a bad-ass shirtless runner be expected to tolerate?

If you're the outdoorsy type (of course you are, you're reading this), you may remember a blissful little stretch of cool weather here in VA a couple of weeks ago. I like to refer to it as my period of summer-time outdoor running unraveling. It was freakishly cool and crisp (and ahh-mazing) for over a week. That's about how long it took for my body to decide, "Oh great! Fall is here!"

Dream on, shorty.

As you know, we've paid dearly for that tease of fall-like weather that Mother Nature so ruthlessly dangled in front of our faces. Its the first week of Fall, the pool is closed (BOO!) and it feels like a sauna wrapped in an itchy wool sweater out there.

This trail runner has no shame. Ain't no way I'm pushing 60lbs of jogging stroller, picking up the 6 lbs of dog poo that will inevitably be dropped by my K9 running buddy along the way, dodging school buses and UPS trucks, all while playing "I Spy" with my passenger for 6 dang miles today.

Ain't. No. Way.

See ya'll at the gym.

Make Your Own Breeze

Heading out for a jog with my older brother at OBX. Wearing my usual summer-time running get-up. Shorts. Bra. Footwear. Smile. Deodorant. Whoops, I knew I forgot something.

Brother- "Is that what you're wearing?

umm...do I smell that bad already?

Me- "Yep, let's Rock & Roll."

Homie about to get smoked by his little sister.

Bro- "You're just going to run in your bra?"

They're just boobs.

Me- "Word."

Bro- "You don't worry about people looking at you?"

Nope.

Me- "Do I seem like the type of person who gives a damn about that?"

Bro- "Hmmf."

He lasted 3 miles, I had to run an extra 5 (practically naked!) just to rub it in. Old habits, you know.


Once you go shirtless, its hard to go back. I never used to run without a shirt, ever. I'd see women running in just their sports bras and think the same thing my older brother was probably thinking...."Put on a shirt, you hooker." I just didn't get it. Were these bra-clad chicks trying to be all hottie-hottie or was it actually about comfort?

Then, one insanely hot evening last year, I got my answer. I was out for a run and it was so hot I couldn't NOT take my shirt off. It was oppressively, impossibly hot. Like "why the HELL am I running right now?!"  hot. For the first time, I went shirtless.

 

FREE AT LAST!!

Oh my holy friggin' MOLY. Now THIS is what I'm talking about.

I had NO idea what I was missing out on by being such a covered-up prude.

The heat lifted off my skin like a foggy, sweaty veil; the breeze on my stomach and back was enough to give me a kick of runners-high right on the spot. So my "not-so-six-pack" was on display, who cares ....this is the BOMB. Like that scene in Divine Sisters of the YaYa Sisterhood (LOVE that movie), sometimes you gotta "make your own damn breeze."

Nowadays, I'm shirtless pretty much all the time. When I'm running I mean. I always wear a shirt at Kroger. And almost always at Walmart.

Anyway, I don't think I'd run in a shirt now if someone paid me. I mean unless they paid me a LOT. Like at least 5 bucks.

Sometimes, I'll start out in a tank-top, cruising through the neighborhood with Lu in the stroller. The farthest I've made it before my inevitable de-cloaking is about a half-mile. I seriously don't know how people run in shirts; now that I've joined the throngs of shirtless running mamas, it makes me sweat just to look at someone running all covered up.

The only downside so far has been a nasty little batch of poison ivy on my stomach that took, oh....2 months to totally clear up. Eh. Small potatoes.

Of course, there's my big-brother's concern..."What if someone LOOKS at you??"
If my teeny-weeny B-cup mosquito bites give some random dude a thrill, he must be really desperate.

There's only a couple weeks of summertime left ladies. Try leaving that shirt at home while its still hot. You're gonna love it.