run Archives - Through Heather's Looking Glass

5 Tips for Working out on Vacation

February 15, 2019 by Heather

Ah, vacation. A great time to connect with family and friends, eat amazing food, and go somewhere new. Luckily, you can do all of these things and also not forget about your health and your workouts. Here are 5 tips for working out on vacation that have worked for me over the years. I leave for a trip in less than two months, so I’m gearing up for my workouts while I’m away!

1.) Don’t Stress out about it. You are on vacation! If you don’t work out as hard or as much, it’s ok! Just do what you can, when you can.

2.) Take advantage of your new surroundings. One of the reasons I love working out on vacation is that it’s somewhere new to run, with new scenery and places to visit. It makes the workout go by faster!

3.) Mix it up: If you have access to a pool, swim or tread water while your family catches some rays. Or, you could go for a walk and explore a new city, your resort, or the beach. Surf or snorkel in a tropical paradise. Play golf on a new to you course, or make new friends and play beach volleyball.

asics shoes

4.) Check out the hotel gym. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised at the nice equipment or a great view out the windows. It makes a difference!

5.) Workout early: Get your workout done before your day starts so then you have extra energy and don’t have the thought of exercise weighing on you all day. Then you can just focus on your family, friends, and creating memories.

QOTD: What is your favorite vacation workout?

Filed Under: health, running, Uncategorized Tagged: Health, run, tips, travel, vacation, workout

Thanksgiving 2017

November 28, 2017 by Heather

This year, I hosted Thanksgiving at my house. It was just us and my parents, but we ended up with enough food to feed a small army, and ate leftovers all weekend. It was nice and relaxing, and I’m glad I got to spend time with my family.

Thursday morning I started cooking and getting ready, and soon my parents arrived with the turkey, an it was time for the parade.

It was also time for mimosas!

Bella is one smart cookie. She knows when the turkey is being cut, every year!

After we ate, everyone but me napped (what’s new) and we watched football.

The next day Emma Kate and I went shopping with my parents while Bobby was at work.

Is it just me or does she look way too grown in that picture?!? Anyway, Saturday we went to the playground, and found a turtle (we are VERY exciting people).

That night we met one of EK’s friends from school at our local outdoor mall for the dancing lights and a kids sing along show.

She has a BLAST and we were all worn out after. On Sunday, Emma Kate and I went for a stroller run to the playground while Bobby was at work, and then we met up with my parents at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but more on that in another post. Anyone recognize that office from a certain movie about a dolphin?

We had a great holiday, and I hope you did, too! Now, on to my favorite…Christmas!

Filed Under: blogging, family, holidays Tagged: aquarium, family, holidays, playground, run, thanksgiving

runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Changes

March 10, 2016 by Heather

A lot of people have been wondering why runDisney has been waiting so long to announce prices and more registration information for this fall’s runDisney Wine and Dine half marathon weekend. You may have even seen over the past few days that some people found an active link that mentioned a 10k as well as the expo dates shifting over. It turns out, there is good reason for the delay, as there are some significant changes coming to this years race weekend. Read below to get the scoop:

Addition of a 10K: runDisney runners have been begging for this to happen, and it finally is! The 10k will be run on Saturday morning.

Addition of a challenge: Following along historically, runDisney has also added a challenge for those that complete the 10k as well as the half marathon. Looks like tradition remains intact as you can now earn a challenge medal for 2016. The name of the challenge will be “Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge”. Adorable!

Time change of the half marathon: This one is probably the biggest shocker of them all. The half marathon will NOT be run at night as in previous years, but instead will be held on Sunday morning. This is not the fault of runDisney, but with all of the construction going on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this was the only way to make it happen.

Time change for the after party: Because the half marathon is being run on Sunday morning, the after party will not be held until Sunday night (8:00 pm-1:00 am). Frankly, I am happy about this, because let’s be honest. Hobbling around EPCOT all sweaty in the freezing cold, while you are half asleep is not always a ton of fun. This way, everyone will be able to go back to their hotel, shower, nap, and then come back later to party refreshed and ready for some fun. Works for me!

Course Change: Again, due to the construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the course has been altered to avoid the park all together. I am actually interested and excited to see a different course!

Don’t forget those of you with an annual pass can register a week early on March 22 at noon EST, and everyone else can register the following week (29th). Be sure to check out runDisney.com for more information.

Entry Fees

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

$190

Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge

$330

Disney Wine & Dine 10K

$120

Mickey’s Holiday 5K

runDisney Kids’ Races presented by GoGo squeeZ® Applesauce on the Go

runDisney 1-Mile Run

Post Race Party Tickets

QOTD: What are your thoughts on these changes?

Filed Under: Disney, runDisney, running Tagged: run, runDisney, running, wine and dine half

On Running Fast

March 9, 2016 by Heather

Oh how I love to run fast. In High school, I was a sprinter, and loved the 100 meter dash and anchoring the 4 x 100 meter relay. There is just something about the adrenaline and the thrill of going as fast as you can…but only for a short time. I’m not so good at running fast to GET faster, but I’m working on it! Here are some tips to help if you are looking to run FAST to get faster that I was given as a Jeff Galloway Blogger:

Why is running faster a good thing? Short and fast segments not only help you run faster in races. If you run a few faster segments each week you can improve your running efficiency while receiving a better attitude boost.
How long should you be running before you add some faster running in? After 2-3 months of regular running some short accelerations can be added with minimal risk of aches and pains.

Is it possible that running fast can actually be fun? Yes. The secret is be creative and limit the length of the fast segment at first.
How often should you run fast? Playful speed can be done once or twice a week.

Four Faster, Fun Workouts
1. Speed play that you can do on your own. ACCELERATE AND GLIDE. After an easy 10 minute warmup of slow running, pick up the pace for 10 steps, then coast off the momentum for 10-20 steps. Don’t be obsessed about the number of steps as this is just a guideline. Don’t sprint–be playful. Gradually pick up the pace, and then glide back down to a jog. Repeat 2-3 times on your first attempt, and take a one minute walk break. Each week you could increase the number of accelerations as you wish, with a recommended walk break of 1-2 minutes between each.

2. Speed play you can do with one friend—CHASE game. After an easy 5 minute jog together, one person takes the lead. As the leader changes the pace (speeding up, then slowing down, speeding up) the follower tries to stay close but not pass. After 3-5 minutes, take a 1-2 minute walk break and repeat with the other runner leading. Repeat as many times as desired.
3. Speed play you can do with two friends—SURPRISE game. Following the same format as game 1, the follower tries to surprise the leader by passing gently but quickly. While there should be no sprinting, it is OK to run fast for 10-30 steps to pass.
4. A speed play workout you can do with three or more friends—INDIAN RUNNING. The group is running single file for a minute or two at an easy pace. Then, the last runner, passes all of the other runners and takes the lead for a minute or two. The current leader sets the pace, and takes a walk break. When the running resumes, the last runner starts to move to the front. Each runner gets to take the lead at least once in this game.

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The 2015 Jeff Galloway 13.1 Virtual Race is closing on March 21st! This is a great way to earn an awesome medal and one of the best race shirts around! Run a 5K or half marathon in your town and be a part of the Jeff Galloway 13.1 Virtual Race!
Register at Virtual Race Registration.

Filed Under: blogging, Disney, runDisney, running Tagged: Jeff Galloway, run, runner, running, sprint

Motivation with Moto 360 Sport

March 1, 2016 by Heather

Motivation can be such a tricky thing. Not everyone is motivated by the same things, and sometimes it can be hard to figure out what gets you going personally. I have had t try many different tactics to keep me motivated to stay fit and healthy, and honestly I have realized that it’s not just one thing for me.

Wanting to set a good example for my daughter, having group accountability, and keeping track of progress are all good motivators for me. My toddler is a little to young to go run with me (haha) but I still try to get a good example by being active with her, going on walks, and playing outside. I joined a boot camp class for motivation in a group setting (it’s expensive so I go simply to not waste money, if nothing else), and I keep track of data like my steps walked, heart rate, calories burned, and run stats because seeing progress is definitely motivating.

I have used many different things in the past few years to help keep track of my stats, and the new Moto 360 Sport watch is by far the coolest thing!

Right out of the box, I knew I was going to like this watch because it is a good size. I have other touch screen watches but the faces have been really big, so this guy is ahead of his time by having all the same technology but in a sleeker design. The flame orange is pretty awesome to me, but if it’s not your favorite, the Moto 360 Sport also comes in white and black.

So let’s start with the obvious for me, all about the numbers for this data and running geek. This watch gives it all to you without having to carry your phone. The top left number on the above photo is how many minutes I have moved that day, the bottom lest is my calorie burn, top right is steps walked, and bottom right is the second hand for the clock. The clock face I had my watch on is the “sport” one, and as you can see I can easily hit ONE BUTTON….START from the main screen and start my run. It will track all the stats of a regular GPS watch as well as heart rate and time spent in different heart rate zones, but that is just the beginning!

Music on the run? Sure! There are 4 GB of space and it is compatible with Spotify which is awesome (love the integration!) Oh, speaking of integration, it is also compatible with programs you may already use like FitBit, Map My Run, and Strava.

Check out the cool charging dock, just set it inside the cradle. I have to charge it nightly because it has so many cool features always running, but that’s ok, it’s totally worth it!

I downloaded Android Wear™ which allowed me to sync up my watch so that I can check traffic, weather, get social media or email notifications, and even text messages!

The watch itself is very durable, make of silicone that doesn’t absorb sweat while ventilation channels keep you cool. The Motorola AnyLight display is really brilliant. It’s the world’s first hybrid screen and you can read the display even in bright sunlight because it adapts to the light level around it. So cool.

Another really cool aesthetic is the ability to change the watch face. There are tons to choose from, like this gorgeous blossom option.

Now, I don’t know about you but I think that is MOTOvating! If you are a numbers + technology geek like me, then you should give this watch a shot. Maybe it could be a good motivator for you like is has been for me.

Whatever it may be, I hope you can find something that MOTOvates you to get and stay healthy. We all need a reason to keep on keeping on, it’s so important! Reading blogs and having people encourage me has also been a big help, so if any of you ever need a little motivational boost, I will be happy to help you out, so feel free to email me anytime. But for now, check out this awesome video that will tell you a little more about the Moto 360 Sport watch.

You can purchase your own watch at Motorola.com, Best Buy, Nordstrom, Amazon, Google Play, Verizon.com, and at the Moto Shop in downtown Chicago.

To help get you MOTOvated, Motorola is giving away FOUR watches! Simply follow the rafflecoptor instructions below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Motorola. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, Giveaway, health, motivation, running, running gear, technology Tagged: FitFluential, gear, GPS, motorola, run, running, watch

Can You PR with Run/Walk/Run Method?

February 8, 2016 by Heather

I feel like this is a question a lot of people ask. To a newer runner, the thought of running 13.1 or 26.2 miles is daunting, and I understand the concern. I have personally used both methods (straight run and Jeff Galloway run/walk) and have PR’ed both ways. Let’s take a look at what Jeff Galloway himself has to say on the matter:

“How can runners, even Boston Qualifiers, run faster by taking walk breaks? I know, it’s counter-intuitive but in numerous surveys I’ve found that former non-walk-break runners improve an average of more than 13 minutes when they walk early and often.
How does it work? Those who have a strategy almost always do better than those who just get out there and see what happens. A muscle, etc., that is used constantly will fatigue and break down more quickly. By taking scheduled walk breaks, the muscles stay strong and resilient to the finish. The principle behind walk breaks is “Conservation of energy”.

PR doing a straight run at Princess Half marathon

How can you run a faster marathon with walk breaks? Almost everyone who runs continuously experiences a slowdown during the last 3-6 miles. Runners who use strategic walk breaks from the beginning tend to either speed up at the end or at least avoid slowing down.
Can you actually set a PR with the run/walk method? I hear from thousands every year who set Personal Records by using the method.
How does the run/walk method protect you against injury? Each runner has certain “weak links” that ache more and are common injury sites. Continuous use of the muscle will first cause the muscle to fatigue early, reducing muscle performance. Continuing to run run under increasing fatigue will cause muscle, tendon and joint damage. Walk breaks stop the abuse of a weak link, allowing the tissue to adapt, significantly reducing aches, injuries and recovery time.
How does the run/walk method affect your day-to-day recovery? Because there is less damage to repair after a run, the legs, knees, etc., feel better, sooner. Many report that by using my run-walk-run method they can run the next day after a marathon. Some injured runners have been able to train for and run marathons while the injury gradually healed. Walk breaks can keep one below the threshold of further irritation. “

PR doing a run/walk/run LA marathon

I can attest that when I run/walk, I recover faster and am less sore after the race. It’s a lower risk of injury for me, and it makes the distance not seem so impossible. My full marathon PR is from a run/walk, and my half marathon PR is from a straight run. I have never tried to PR with a run/walk in the half, but am curious as to what my results would be!

Don’t forget you can still register for the Jeff Galloway virtual race!

QOTD: Do you run/walk? Have you ever PR’ed doin’ the Galloway method?

As a Jeff Galloway blogger I am provided with tips to share with my readers.

Filed Under: blogging, Disney, runDisney, running Tagged: Jeff Galloway, run, runDisney, running

Jingle Bell Jog 5k 2015

December 8, 2015 by Heather

I ran my first race since the spring on Saturday, and it felt good to be back! Local races and very few and far between way down here in the summer, and early fall brought lots of changes and extra work so I have not been running as much. Actually, in November I am pretty sure I ran a total of 11 miles, so I was a bit nervous about the race. On the other hand, I have been going to boot camp, so I was excited to see if it was paying off.

Of course the one race I sign up for happens to be when it’s 32 degrees outside at the start! We bundled up and headed out to the local high school. This race had a 5k, 10k, and half marathon.

I was very thankful I had only signed up for the 5k when I realized how cold it was! At the last minute however, I decided to shed my top jacket, and I am SO glad I did. I get warm very quickly when I run, and I would have been dying in that extra jacket/third layer.

The start of this race was very…interesting. They had the half marathoners start up the hill first, then had us back behind them about 35 yards, then had the 10k runners behind us about 100 yard, but we were told we would all be starting at the same time…ok?

No one was told “if you are walking start to the back” or anything like that. I got fairly close to the front when I realized there was no starting mat, only a finishers mat, so our timer would be started on the gun even if we didn’t cross the start when the gun went off. Well, the gun went off rather abruptly, and a bunch of people just casually started walking or slow jogging. You can see in the picture below, it was like “oh, let’s go for a stroll! As we stand at the FRONT of the 5k RACE!” I can’t blame the participants though, because they didn’t tell everyone where to line up.

Anyway, I luckily didn’t have to do much weaving because we immediately were out onto a divided highway and we had both lanes to spread out in. I hugged the median because I didn’t want to run any extra distance (insert ominous music here). I warmed up fast, and actually felt really good. Then I realized why I felt really good, we were practically going straight downhill! This of course made me feel amazing, until I remembered we would have to go back UP the hill coming back to the finish! I really wanted to just let myself fly down the hill, but I reigned it in and saved some energy for the last half. Even so, I was having a good time and felt really strong. THANK YOU BOOTCAMP! I was so happy that it was working. I ran mile one in just over 9:00, and was happy with that, considering I was holding back a little. I came to a flat part where the turn around was to the other side of the highway, and tried to speed up a little bit before having to go back uphill. I also snapped a photo of the people in front of me on my side after the turn and the people still coming. There were 1000 people in all signed up between the three races.

Apparently, while I was running, so was Emma Kate.

I took this next one after the race but thought it might break up some of the text to insert here. Smile

I made it to mile two in 8:59, and couldn’t believe it. I was going UPHILL and running a sub nine after running 11 miles over the last month? Yes please! I made it to 2.5, and still had not stopped to walk once and just kept pushing up the hill, but not TOO hard because I didn’t want to burn it out before I got too close to the end. When I got to 2.75, I started to get a little concerned. I know this road very well because I drive on it every week, and knew that we were way farther away than a quarter mile. Uh oh. I kept looking at my watch as it crept closer and closer to 3.1 miles, and the school still was not in sight! When I hit 3.13 I paused my garmin because I knew the course was long and wanted my true 5k distance time. I kept running, and will admit I did slow down because by then I was frustrated that I wasn’t going to get a “true” finish time.

I made the turn into the school, down the hill, and towards the finish and there was Bobby and Emma Kate cheering me on!

My sad attempt at waving as I went by.

I was happy that I felt so good and so strong but bummed about the length. I finished and told Bobby the course was long, that it measured 3.45 miles!

My finish time for the 3.45 was 31:20, but my time for 3.13 was 28:30, which I am happy with! (I ended up with 6th place in the 30-39 age group out of 56 women in that age range).

I got my medal and some water, found Bobby, and caught my breathe. I went over to the guy with the bullhorn who had been giving instructions at the start and asked if the 5k course was long. His answer was “I hope not.” Oh. good….. I asked if it was certified and he said no…then I asked if anyone else had said anything about the course being long and he said “well…it might be a little long””. Alrighty then.

We were freezing so we decided to head on home pretty quickly. Oh, I forgot to mention, this race was to raise money for the children’s cancer hospital in Mississippi, a very worthy cause!

Later that night I went to check the results and came across the race’s Facebook page. A lot of people (who ran all the different distances) were complaining about the race being long. Then someone pointed out that in VERY small numbers, the organizers had put the true distances in the results. Look closely next to the work “5K” and you will see it says (3.45). Ha! I was right!

Aside from the course being long, I really did enjoy this race, and it was just what I needed to boost my running confidence. If I can run a 28:30 with no miles hardly, then I know I can do well combining the boot camp with my running if I can get on a good schedule after Christmas. I’m excited!

QOTD: Have you ever run a long or short course?

Filed Under: fitness, Race Recaps, running, Running Skirts Tagged: 5k, fitness, jingle bell jog, run, running

ASICS Ambassador

October 1, 2015 by Heather

Hey guys! As you can guess by the title of this post, I have some great news! I have been selected by my favorite brands ASICS to be a 2015-2016 ASICS ambassador! It’s been hard keeping the secret for a month but I am finally allowed to spill it!

There are going to be some exciting things coming up this year with ASICS that I will be involved in, and I will share them as they come, but think product reviews, giveaways, I will get the chance to go to events, etc. Right know just know I AM SO EXCITED!

asics ambassador

ASICS was the very first shoe that I bought when I got fitted for running shoes back in 2010.

I tried other brands throughout the years, but ended up with many different foot and leg injuries. Why on earth I thought it was a good idea to mess with a good thing, I will never know.

I think I have worn about every color of ASICS shoe there is, and I love all the options!

I have a high arch and I slightly over pronate, but I also need a bit of a wider toe box. I guess I have high maintenance feet?

I am currently LOVING the Gel Quantum 360’s!

ASICS not only has amazing shoes, but they have other great workout apparel as well.

I had the privilege of running the LA marathon with team ASICS this past March, and while it was a tough race in 90 degree weather, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I may have only been just a little over 2 months postpartum when they emailed me asking if I wanted to run, but I of course accepted! I was on a high for days. I couldn’t believe the brand of the shoes that I was already running in wanted to work with me. I had reviewed shoes for them in the past, but this was big.

I felt so blessed to meet some of my running heroes and hang out in LA with such an amazing and generous brand.

I think one of my favorite things about ASICS is that they “get” bloggers. I have worked with many different brands over the past almost six years, and some did a great job at relating to and working with bloggers, and some not so much. ASICS seriously knocks. it. out. of. the. park. It has been my pleasure to promote them, it makes me want to work hard for them because they have done so much for me. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store, but I know that no matter what it will be epic with ASICS.

Check out my fellow ambassadors and their blogs!

1. Eric Rayvid – Dirty Old Sneakers

2. Heather Montgomery – Thorough Heather’s Looking Glass

3. Megan Wood Copello – I Run For Wine

4. Rachel Steffen- Running Rachel

5. Megan Lee- Run Like A Grl

6. Toni Church – Running Loving Living

7. Katie McFarland – Moms Little Running Buddy

8. Gelcys Castaneda – Runner Unleashed

9. Linzie Starr- Sharp Endurance

10. Julie Weiss – Marathon Goddess

11. Ryan Falkenrath – Triathlon Training Daddy

12. Lisa Gully – Workout Mommy

13. Grace Kim – Lean Girls Club

14. Angela Simpson- Eat Spin Run Repeat

15. Sadie Sabin – Simply Sadie Jane

QOTD: Have you tried different brands of running shoes over the years? Did you end up back with the brand you started with?

Filed Under: asics, blogging, fitness, health, running Tagged: ambassador, asics, asics ambassador, blogger, run, running

8 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Run

September 8, 2015 by Heather

Let’s be real here. There are some days that I wake up and the last thing I want to do is go for a run. I have a million excuses I have used, ranging from the weather to a busy schedule to not feeling well. However, nine times out of ten, my excuses are not legitimate, and I just need a little push to get out the door. Below are eight ways to motivate yourself to run that have helped me over the years when I am having a hard time getting motivated to run for whatever reason.

1.) Buy some new gear: Running in new shoes or wearing cute new capris always makes me feel lighter, faster, and happy. Try wearing something new and see if it motivates you to get out the door.

2.) Find a new route: I have the attention span of a gnat. I am constantly jumping from thing to thing, so as you can imagine, running on the same roads over and over again gets really boring to me. If I know I am going to be bored, it is so much harder for me to lace up for a long run, so I try to pick different neighborhoods to run in to keep things interesting.

3.) Start a training plan: If I am running aimlessly without a goal in mind, I will quickly lose focus and purpose. I am not one of those people that can just go out and run thee miles four times a week with no end goal. Finding a training plan where I am running different distances and speeds every time helps to keep me form slacking.

4.) Sign up for a Race: I don’t like to waste money. If I pay for a race, gosh darn it, I’m going to run it, so I may as well train for it.

5.) Join a running club: This has been a more recent development for me, and I have done several runs with our local Fleet Feet. It keeps things interesting, and the idea of prizes and free drinks at the end of a run is very motivating!

6.) Tell everyone: I love this one, because it is the whole reason my blog got started! I started it as an online accountability journal while I was getting ready for my first half marathon. I knew if I put it “out there” on the internet that I was running a race, I would have to actually train!

7.) Reward yourself: I personally don’t like using food related rewards, but something fun like a pedicure or a new running top could be a way to reward yourself for sticking with your training plan for a week or a month. Try it!

8.) Learn about yourself: Sometimes I “think” I know myself, but turns out I was wrong or that my preferences have changed. Are you hating your runs because you are trying to do them all at night, but you are a morning person? Try to learn about yourself and see what the underlying problem is as to why you don’t want to go on an individual run and see if it’s something you can fix or change.

QOTD: What is your best tip for motivating yourself to run?

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, motivation, running, tips Tagged: motivation, run, running, running tips, training

10 Confessions

August 26, 2015 by Heather

Confession: I have eaten way more frozen yogurt in the past two weeks than any one person should eat.

But it’s blackberry greek with fruit, nuts, and granola!

Confession: I tend to over commit and then can’t do my best work because I am rushed.

Confession: I watched all the seasons of Nashville in a span of a month.

Confession: I have gotten jealous of people getting to run so many fun destination races that I have been missing out on.

Did you see the new runDisney announcement yesterday here on THLG?

Confession: I made a new year’s resolution to walk my dog more, and I am not doing so great with it (it’s SO HOT outside!)

Confession: I am in denial that my little baby will be one in less than a month

Confession: In the past two weeks we have eaten out and eaten frozen dinners on most nights.

Confession: I let my baby do things I swore I would never allow before I had kids.

Confession: I’m still obsessed with Taylor Swift’s 1989 album. Did I really just type that?

Confession: I have an alert on my phone for when The Walking Dead comes back on for the fall. (Thoughts on the companion series?)

QOTD: Ok, spill it. Give me a confession!

Filed Under: baby, blogging, fitness, runDisney Tagged: confession, Froyo, orange leaf, run, runDisney, television, walking dead