Run with all the Colors of the Wind

WARM WEATHER IS FINALLY HERE!

And with the warm weather comes one of the many things I love to do: run outside. This morning was my first run outdoors in 2014. Don't worry though, the treadmill is still my primary method of cardio, however, there is nothing better than feeling the cool wind on your face as you push your body to the limit.

One of the reasons I find running outside so exhilarating is because nature has a way to make your run more challenging. For example:

• THE GROUND: A treadmill is soft on your feet. The cushion of the black belt is like running on a cloud compared to the cold, hard cement sidewalk or rugged trails at the park. It takes more force and effort to run outside.
• THE WIND: I was fortunate this morning that there was only a light breeze. This was just enough to cool me down as I began to sweat. Unfortunately, the wind doesn't always cooperate like it did this morning which brings me to my next point...
• YOUR LUNGS: Everyone up in the north, especially after this past winter, knows how much more difficult it is to breathe in frigid temperatures and through high gusts of wind. I vividly remember just walking across the street with a co-worker and each gust of wind took my breath away... literally! When I tried to speak, the wind was so strong it knocked the words right out of my mouth. Imagine trying to run like that!
• NATURE'S NEMESIS: Allergies. Enough said...

As the weather continues to warm, I cannot wait to run outside more. Being able to take in the changing scenery while rocking out to my favorite tunes is a great way to break up my run and make it seem easier.

One of the benefits of running on a treadmill is that, based on your speed and time, the treadmill will track your distance for you. When running outside, that can be a little trickier. There are many apps out for your smartphones that track your run. My current favorite, Map my Run. This app not only tracks my distance, but also my pace! There are so many other apps out now that do the same and more! Check out the below link to find the best running apps to enhance your run and keep you on track with your goals!

http://appscout.pcmag.com/mobile-apps/311148-top-5-apps-for-runners

Actually Elsa, the Cold Bothers the Rest of US

It’s been a while since my last blog post, which I apologize! Between the end of a grueling semester and a bad cold (thanks to the up and down of the weather) I have been MIA to the world.

My last post was all about my trip to Planet with my darling mother. Unfortunately that has been my last since. About three weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to the far away kingdom of Traverse City for a weekend away with my friends and go skiing/snowboarding. Sounds fun, right? Nothing could go wrong, right? WRONG!

Just a little back story, for those of you who are unaware, I am not a graceful person. I can trip over my own feet like it’s nobody’s business. So, me learning to snowboard probably was not the best idea in the world to begin with.

Regardless of my lack of sporting abilities, I held my head high on the ski lift, awaiting my turn to fly down the beautiful snowy mountain with poise, elegance, and complete confidence in myself. Before I even get fully off the ski lift, SPLAT! Fell right on my face.

Over the course of the next two hours, I only was able to make it down the mountain three times… THREE TIMES! Not because I was trying to go slow, but I kept going too fast and wiping out. My last time down the mountain, all I kept thinking about was, “This is my last time snowboarding down this mountain today… I will rent skis.” Mid-thought I hit a snow drift and flew forward knocking myself out. I couldn’t breathe for about a good 30 seconds to a minute!

I eventually learned that I am better on skis, once I got up the courage to go down the mountain again. I felt like I was flying down the mountain as I would follow the turns and curves that lay ahead of me. I finally felt unstoppable, and I am pleased to announce did not fall on skis once.

I knew going into this experience that I would feel a whole new level of sore the next day. What I didn’t anticipate was having a badly bruised rib that would take 4-6 weeks to heal! So unfortunately, I have not been able to run for the last three weeks; however, over the past few days I have been feeling much better and am looking forward to getting the opportunity to get back on that treadmill! 

Erin in Neverland: My Adventure with Tink

Dangling her legs

practicing to

fly like Tink

This is a different kind of post for me this week. Unlike other weeks, I am going to tell you all a story.

For those of you who do not know my mother she has this fascination with becoming Tinkerbell at Disney World and “flying” down the zip line from Cinderella’s castle. This is on top of her past desires of being a dead body on CSI, being in the Olympics on the luge, being a back-up “booty dancer” in concert and countless other endeavors that lead to a very imaginative childhood. Since I’ve started my blog all she has asked is for me to take her with me to Planet. Yes, to workout. Yes, to feel the gym environment and get fit (not that she needs it) but most importantly, to be a character in my blog.

When I came down the stairs this morning dressed and ready to hop in the car and run my heart out, the first thing out of my mom’s mouth wasn’t good morning but, “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU!” How could I say no? I just knew I was signing myself up for an experience.

So what happened?

• “You know, I was always raised, and raised you girls, to always think that less is more. Except when it comes to hot fudge. And jelly beans…”
• After our run we headed to the stretch. She grabs a stability ball and with her headphones still in, “IS IT OKAY TO PUT THIS ON THE GLASS?”
• Realizing she just yelled out to the entire gym, “Oops…”
• Background: Whenever my dad and brother hear any and all Metallica songs on the radio they both have this habit if yelling out, “METALLICA!” This is a habit that rubbed off onto my mom. Knowing that she can’t yell it out to the whole gym she quietly whispers, “METALLICA!” with a huge smile on her face and throwing her hands in the air.
• At age 51, still rocking it out harder than me.

My mom has faced and overcome so many obstacles in her life. She has had countless surgeries that baffle doctors, is a cancer survivor, the most stubborn and determined woman I have ever known, and a woman I can look to for inspiration as I struggle and strive to be a healthier me. That throughout chronic aches, pains and moments where you just want to give up, fight. So Mom, not only were you a character, but you were my whole post. I love you!