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My Lent Focus

In the spirit of the Lent season, I did something yesterday that brought me some much needed peace and calm.

003 004 I headed uptown an hour early so that I could partake in Ash Wednesday services at St.Thomas Church. One common theme that I’ve heard over the years at these services is that the season isn’t necessarily about what you’re giving up or how many people know what you’re strong enough to give up for 40 days. In fact, Frank Allen, the rector at St David’s in Wayne, Pennsylvania said that he often gained more by choosing to focus on something during these days. Since then, I’ve done my best to take a similar attitude. Even if I choose something to refrain from during Lent, such as this year’s processed sweets, I try to take it a step further by spending at least five to ten minutes each day focusing on something.

Last year, I focused on patience, much to my mother’s pleasure. This year, I chose something that is even more important for me: gratitude. I find that I often move so quickly, both in my personal life and work life, that I forget all the amazing things in my life each day. Therefore, each day I am writing a hand written note thank you note to someone showing them appreciation for everything they do each day, near or far. Even though today was only my second thank you note, the few minutes of quiet, focusing on how much they have brought to my life, has been meditation like.

I challenge you to give it a try. Take five minutes and write someone a good old fashion thank you note.

Question: Do you participate in Lent? What are you giving up or focusing on this year? 

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How to Avoid Marathon Burnout

Today’s marathons+moderation guest post was highly requested! I’ve received emails and comments requesting that Meghann, from Meals and Miles, do a guest post. I think everyone, whether you’re a runner or not, can appreciate the topic: burning out.

Hey guys!

My name is Meghann, from Meals and Miles, and I’m here to talk about burning out. Yes, the elusive ‘burnt out’ feeling towards racing and/or running. Trust me, we’ve all been there before and I’m here to tell you that it’s ok to take a break. In fact, I highly recommend it!

In 2009 and 2010 I went a little racing crazy. Over the course of two years I ran 5 marathons, 1 ultra-marathon, 3 half marathons, and several other race distances. I trained hard, shaved several minutes off of my personal records, and loved every minute of it. But at the end of 2010, I realized I needed a break. My mind was fried, my body was tired, and I was just plain burnt out on racing. I knew if I wanted to keep my love for running, then I needed to take a breather. So that’s what I did.

2011 became my year of rest. I didn’t step away from racing completely, but instead I just took it easy and had fun. I cut down on my speed training, paced some friends in their big races, and didn’t worry about my own time or pace. I took a break from trying to PR and just went along for the ride. I rediscovered why I loved running and just took everything in.

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In addition to stepping back from speed training, I also picked up triathlon training. My siblings and I got this crazy idea to complete a half ironman, which ended up being just what I needed. I learned to push my body in ways it had never been pushed before in both the water and on the bike. I did something I never thought I would ever do – I crossed the finish line of a half ironman with the biggest smile on my face.

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After training for my half ironman, I realized I was ready to start training for marathons again. My legs and mind were both antsy for new PRs. The break served its purpose well. That burnt out feeling? Gone.

Getting back to speed was something I knew wasn’t going to happen overnight. I started from scratch with a new training plan and took it one run at a time. When my speed wasn’t where I remembered it being the year before, I tried not to let it get to me. Instead I stayed positive and reminded myself that we all have to start somewhere.

Slowly, but surely, the speed returned. My legs found their place and came back stronger than ever. In fact, two weeks ago I shaved a full 7 minutes off of my half marathon PR and that’s only the beginning. I’ve got plans – big plans.

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So take my advice, if you’re feeling burnt out on running or races, do not be afraid to take a break. It’s good for the body and mind. Who knows, you might just return faster than ever with fresh legs and a fresh attitude.

Question: Have you ever suffered from burn out? What do you do to avoid it?

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Reach the Beach 2012

Twelve weeks from now, I am going to have the opportunity to spend the weekend with some of my favorite bloggers. No, I’m not going to a blogger conference or a meet up. Instead, I’m going to spend 24 hours with them exploring the roads of Massachusetts via foot and van during the New Balance Reach the Beach Relay!

Massachusetts - Wachusett to Westport

I’m looking forward to one exploring the back road of Massachusetts as I’ve seen very little of the state outside of Harvard Square. If only the elevation climbs didn’t have me scared shitless and intimidated.

Good thing my fellow team Off Balance teammates are rock stars and will certainly motivate me to bust my butt in training these next 84 days! It doesn’t hurt that our friends at New Balance believe enough in us to sponsor us for the big event.  We can’t let them down, now can we?

(awesome graphic created by Liz)

Our team includes:

  1. Anne of Fannetastic Food
  2. Sarah of SarahFit.com
  3. Patricia of Run Foodie Run
  4. Tina of Carrots ‘N Cake
  5. Me
  6. Bridget of Yogurt and Berries
  7. Liz from On Tap for Today
  8. Theodora of Losing Weight in the City, whose shirt is proof that Patriots and Giants fans can peacefully coexist… in a photo collage, at least.
  9. Gretchen of Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen!
  10. Monica of Run Eat Repeat
  11. Ali of Food Fitness Fashion
  12. Melissa of Fitness NYC

As someone who still considers myself a new runner who is anything but fast, it’s exciting to be chosen to be on a team with the likes of a You Tube workout queen, speedy red head, and lots of banana lovers. Who knows, maybe during the weekend I’ll learn a thing or two from these amazing ladies!

I’ve already asked Chrissy, my relay loving guest blogger from last week, to do a part two about training for relay races. As of now, I know very little except the following:

  • Squeeze in at least one 2 a day runs in the weeks leading up to the relay.
  • Come to terms with the fact that you’ll be living in a van, squashed between other women, for 24 hours.

Until then, I’m going to start doing 2 a day run workouts next week and will share my training plan with you once it’s finalized.

Reach the Beach Relay

If you’re interested in forming your own team, Reach the Beach is already 80% full so you better act quickly! Check out their website because registration is filling up fast!  Entry fee is around $1200 for a team of 12 but the memories will be priceless! Charity options are also available for those interested in reaching the beach for a cause.

That’s all I know. This is truly a first for me so I’m hoping you, my readers, can help me out with your tips and tricks.

*Thank you New Balance and Reach the Beach for this awesome opportunity!

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