Dry Martini: This and That
In order to tie up some loose ends, this is going to be one of those posts that should really be a couple of smaller posts but that I’m going to jam together for my own convenience (because it’s all about me). There will, however, be dog pictures.
Mini post #1
Our dogs spent a fair amount of the holiday break like this.
Our corgi Lucy is recovering from her back surgery. Initially, the surgeon gave us a 50/50 prediction for her recovering the use of her back legs and controlling her bladder/bowels. Because she is a headstrong corg, which causes us all no end of grief when she is 100 percent healthy, she was peeing and pooping under her own control about 48 hours after we got her home. Maybe two days later, she could walk with weight on her back feet for short distances. And now, about three weeks out, she’s walking slowly around the block with all four limbs at about 80 percent working order.
Which just goes to show you that being stubborn can serve you well, if you can apply your mighty will to a goal. Keep this in mind the next time your two-year old makes you completely crazy by insisting she’ll do it herself. Play the long game and she’ll reap the rewards.
Lucy has decided that crate rest is not for her and is applying her mighty will to making us all nuts enough to let her out on her own recognizance. That’s not going to happen until her follow-up on January 23. My own stubborn streak has been honed by years of my own toddlers and through teaching undergrads. I might have to break out the noise canceling headphones, though.
She is allowed small breaks from the dreaded crate if stays on the couch with us.
Mini post #2
Every now and again, I give the sermon at my local Unitarian Universalists church.
This surprises a lot of people. “You don’t seem especially church-y,” they say. They are right. But standing in front of a trapped audience and talking is right in my wheelhouse.
Preparing for these services is a lot like running a big race. There’s a lot to do during the weeks leading up to it. There are moments when you wonder why the heck you decided to do it. Then there’s the over-the-moon feeling once you cross the finish. Over the years, I’ve reflected on running and year-end rituals and women’s history during these sermons. This year’s is titled “T.B.D.,” which caused a couple of Abbott and Costello-style exchanges with church staff.
Mini post #3
Operation Run All 50 is a go, if only because my husband gave me a way to track my progress.
I can’t turn back now that I have a visual reminder of my quest.
I’ve committed to coloring in at least two states this year: Louisiana and Wisconsin. I’ve got my tickets for New Orleans in February and will run Eau Claire as part of the retreat in May. I’m in the last weeks of training for NOLA. So far this winter, I’ve only flirted with hypothermia and slipping on the ice a few times. I have 13-14 on the schedule for this weekend and the high here will be 18. I’m preemptively looking forward to my post-run hot shower on Saturday — and to running a race someplace where the air doesn’t hurt my face.
I had to break out the knuckle lights at 4:30 p.m. on Monday because I live in a cold, dark place.
Any suggestions for where to eat or what to do in the Big Easy? Or in Eau Claire?
Finding Money While Running Miles
“Penny!”
“Money!!”
“Dime!”
“’nother penny!”
These exclamations punctuate pretty much every run my best running friend, Molly, and I take. As our conversation slides from best dance programs for my 8th-grade son and the retro-style dress she’s sewing to the new brewpub she and her hubby enjoyed last night, our eyes continually scan the road. Is that sparkle of silver half-buried under a leaf a quarter…or a bottle cap? Reddish, round blob: penny or wad of gum? Glint of a dime?
The radar-like visual sweep doesn’t distract from our chitchat: It’s unspoken, yet we’re both 100% aware the other one is doing it, too. Our continual search does, however, often determine what route we run or guide what direction we turn. (So many options: Our side of Portland is a grid!) On New Year’s Day, thanks to my jetlag, I ran several hours before Molly did. I nabbed three dimes and three pennies (woohoo: three is my lucky number!). Before Molly headed out, she texted me.
We are well versed in the pockets of Portland that reliably produce change (I’m not fool: I’m not telling you where!!). Molly coined (ouch!) the phrase, “Mo’ money routes,” as in asking, “Should we run a mo’ money route today?” when we meet up halfway between our houses at the start of a run. There are worse ways to choose a route.
Over the years, our #foundchange quest has gone through phases. At first, I found at least 85% of the money. Once Molly started to hit her money-finding stride, we got competitive, often arguing over who spied the moola first. (Yeah, now that I type that, I see where the issue may have originated… #OwnIt) When it started to border on contentious—my older daughter, Phoebe, asked if it was going to rip apart the close friendship Molly and I have—we laid ground rules. (Whoever calls it, gets it. After you find money, you switch places/sides if the non-finder wants to, on the theory the curb-side runner finds more change.)
And, perhaps most importantly, we changed our attitude. Instead of feeling envy or resentment toward the finder, we express delight and kudos. “Awesome: good eye!” “Nice work!” “Wow, I never would have seen that!” “Woohoo!”
Previous years’ coinage in my closet
At first, it was a bit of fake-it-until-you-make-it, but now our enthusiasm feels genuine. And we believe that attitude has karmic repercussions. E.g. On Saturday, about 5.5 miles into our run, we had found two pennies each when Molly yelped, “penny!!” I congratulated her, pleased for her. Then, adopting the Molly method of scanning the surrounding area for more coins (often done while singing lines from the musical Hamilton: “Look around; look around!”), I nabbed a dime. We resumed our run, commenting on our shared good fortune.
Molly’s 2018 #foundchange
Some folks totally get the almost-electric surge Molly and I feel when we find money; other people are completely baffled by our quest. Especially when I admit I don’t spend or donate what I find. I squirrel it away, almost literally burying it on the upper shelf of my bedroom closet, up near shoes I rarely wear and an off-season purse or two. I occasionally contemplate collecting it all and spending it on something significant—a pretty pair of sterling-silver earrings I’d wear frequently or a pendant from a favorite boutique—but I never can find the exact right thing. (Molly, on the other hand, donates her annual tallies to a local charity that helps the homeless.)
It’s definitely not about the worth of the money—it’s about the search and the thrill of discovery.
“Money!!”
But, hey, since I suspect you’re wondering, I’ll tell you: Molly found $6.67 (all coins) on 2018 runs. Me? $67.43 ($44 in a wallet I returned to the owner; $11 in paper money; $23.43 in U.S. coins. Plus my first find of 2018: a 10 bani, the equivalent of a Romanian dime.)
My 2018 findings
Do you search for #foundchange, or think I’m a a bit loony?
#345: Three Running Coaches Offer Training + Racing Advice
Sarah and Dimity talk with three coaches to help you put your best foot forward in 2019. First up is Jenn Gill, a certified personal trainer and strength coach in addition to being a running coach (did we mention she has three kids, too?!). Jenn talks up the overlooked beauty (and discomfort) of 5K races, and she shares tips on how to maximize results in shorter races. She gets teary when telling how much she loves being a cheerleader for runners.
The next coach is Amanda Loudin, highlighting the new 13.1 and 26.2 training plans in the Train Like a Mother Club. She details how to get the most out of your legs, imparting crucial advice for half- and full marathoners. Coach Amanda emphasizes the importance of consistency over the long haul (pun intended), and the ladies laugh about how double-digits run end up seeming like NBD when training for an endurance race. Finally, this veteran of 30+ marathons gives race-day advice for 26.2-mile events.
The final coach to join the program is Liz Waterstraat, one half of the duo now orchestrating the TLAM Club heart-rate training programs. Coach Liz explains why heart rate is such a “rich metric” of what’s going on inside a runner’s body during training. She describes the benefits—and the beauty—of HRT; she elaborates on the importance of taking training day by day, one run at a time. Wrapping up with race advice, Liz sings the praises of being prepared: why it is critical and how it can ensure race success.
In the intro, Sarah shares details of her family’s European vacation and Dimity talks of her family’s holiday; the first coach joins the show at 13:15.
Get $50 off the purchase of an AfterShokz wireless bundle at amr.aftershokz.com by using code AMRBUNDLE at checkout.
AMR Gears Up: Winter Running Accessories
Welcome to Another Mother Runner Gears Up: Our gear testing column! We are going to have #motherrunners put key running gear—capris, headlamps, socks, bras, etc.—to the test, and deliver the results to you so that you can grab the gear that works best for your running and body.
AMR Gears Up: Winter Running Accessories
To quote Olivia from author Ian Falconer, “You can always accessorize.” And, when it comes to cold weather running, accessories are critical to being comfortable on the run. From gloves, to hats, spikes, and a Buff that doesn’t freeze, we have the items you need to protect yourself from the elements, stay warm, and stay upright on the run. Read on and start shopping for yourself and your best running buddy.
Buff ThermoNet Multifunctional Headwear
Tester Rating: 5
Review: Made with breathable, wicking Primaloft yarn, this handy, multi-functional headwear (headband, hat, neck gaiter…. it has you covered!) provides lightweight, breathable warmth; dries quickly; and, best of all, doesn’t freeze. The seamless construction prevents hot spots, and the top and bottom fold over on themselves, providing welcome yet comfortable staying power when you pull the Buff over your mouth (incredibly useful during cold-weather runs).
Price: $27
Perfect for: adding extra warmth, protecting your chin from chafing, as a hat
Grab it here: buffusa.com
Brooks Ugly Sweater Beanie
Tester Rating: 5
Review: A tester who said a running hat is a part of her mandatory cold weather kit, was a fan of this hat because of the festive print, of course, and also because it was warm without being too hot, and wicking.
Price: $24
Perfect for: keeping your noggin warm
Grab it here: brooksrunning.com
Smartwool Merino 250 Cuffed Beanie
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: Yes, this super soft and cozy beanie is made of wool, and it’s meant to get sweaty while still keeping you warm. A tester who said she can run in pretty much any temperature as long as her head and feet are warm, gave this two thumbs up.
Price: $28
Perfect for: staying toasty on chilly days
Grab it here: smartwool.com
The North Face ETip Gloves
Tester Rating: 5
Review: “These gloves are warm, toasty, and keep your fingers from going numb—which happens a lot during Canadian winters—but the best feature is that they work with your screens! No more risking frostbite to check a text from home or change my playlist.” They also wicked sweat “like a boss” without feeling heavy or wet.
Price: $45
Perfect for: warm hands on frigid days
Grab it here: thenorthface.com
Under Armour ColdGear Storm Liner Gloves
Tester Rating: 5
Review: Testers raved about how the silicone print on the palms made it easy to hold a slippery phone and how easy it was to use devices without removing gloves. On the design side, the tapered wrists and sleek fit meant no cold air got in, even when wearing a watch.
Price: $29.99
Perfect for: running, layering, keeping out chilly breezes, plus these pack a punch for the price
Grab it here: underarmour.com
Outdoor Research Backstop Sensor Gloves
Tester Rating: 5
Review: According to our tester who said gloves are her most important piece of cold weather gear, “These are the best cold weather running gloves I’ve ever tried!” They were breathable, wicking, toasty, blocked the wind, and easy to use with devices.
Price: $40
Perfect for: keeping cold hands at bay
Grab it here: outdoorresearch.com
Kahtoola Nanospikes
Tester Rating: 5
Review: “I did a hard run that included hill repeats followed by a tempo run in snowy and icy conditions and did not slip or lose my footing once!” This tester who said she’s tried lots of other spikes and cleats without being satisfied, appreciated how easy these were to put on and take off, and that she could wear them for a four-hour run and be completely comfortable. Nanospikes use small and durable tungsten carbide spikes for stability.
Price: $49.95
Perfect for: keeping your shoes tread side down on snow- and ice-covered sidewalks, streets, and urban trails
Grab it here: kahtoola.com
Yaktrax Run
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: A combination of carbide spikes and steel coils make for confident striding in wintry weather. These are easy to put on and take off, with adjustable webbing over the forefoot for a truly secure fit.
Price: $40
Perfect for: no slip running on snow packed roads and sidewalks
Grab it here: yaktrax.implus.com
Check out all of the Gears Up Columns Here!
Did we miss your favorite winter running accessory item?
Disagree or agree with the reviews?
Let us know in the comments below; it takes a #motherrunner village to find the perfect gear!
AMR Gears Up: Winter Running Clothing
Welcome to Another Mother Runner Gears Up: Our gear testing column! We are going to have #motherrunners put key running gear—capris, headlamps, socks, bras, etc.—to the test, and deliver the results to you so that you can grab the gear that works best for your running and body.
AMR Gear Test: Winter Clothing
Winter running can be beautifully stark and solitary. It can also be a miserable slog in bitter headwinds and inclement weather. Truly though, it comes down to being prepared and having a good attitude. A good attitude even happened to be one tester’s favorite winter “gear!” We’re also fans of the Norwegian saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” With that in mind, we convinced AMR readers from New Jersey to Canada to brave wintry weather and test the latest in cold weather running gear. Not only did they stay comfortably toasty and have a blast, they found new favorites, and we cannot wait to share them with you!
Brooks Running Notch Thermal Hoodie
Tester Rating: 5++
Review: “I love the softness of the material! I love that the sleeves were long enough for my long arms when I used the thumb holes in the cuffs. I love the half zip and high neck that keeps my neck warm. And I love that the hood stayed up and wasn’t bulky,” said one New Jersey-based tester. In case you need more to convince you, testers said it runs true to size and is stylish enough to wear with jeans when you aren’t on the run.
Price: $85
Perfect for: wearing on its own in more temperate climates and as a layering piece in truly cold weather
Grab it here: brooksrunning.com
The North Face Winter Warm Half-Zip Pullover
Tester Rating: 5
Review: This pullover was a hit, with one tester saying, “This is what running top dreams are made of.” Boom, we’ll take two! Besides the facts that this piece is wind- and water-resistant and feels soft against the skin, testers liked the longer length, that it’s good for layering, the zip pocket (always a win!), and that it didn’t ride up on the run, despite its slim fit.
Price: $110
Perfect for: wearing over a shirt on cold days, and as part of a layering system when temperatures drop
Grab it here: thenorthface.com
Tracksmith Turnover Tight
Tester Rating: 5
Review: Our tester loved that these kept her warm on the run without feeling thick or heavy. They stayed put, felt soft against her skin, and dried quickly. She tested them for running outside when temperatures were hovering around 22 degrees, and indoors at a boot camp, saying they were ideal for both. You know you’ve found a winning piece of gear when people stop you, compliment your retro style, and ask where they can get a pair for themselves!
Price: $128
Perfect for: cold weather running
Grab it here: tracksmith.com
Under Armour ColdGear Run Storm Tights
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: Our testers were fans of the flattering, compressive fit on these tights. “I LOVE how they stay up and do not move at all—no more hiking my pants up while I wait for a light to change.” Ankle zippers make them easy to get on and off, and the pocket was big enough to hold an iPhone X. Temperatures ranged from 15 to 35 degrees when our testers were running in these, and they reported being completely comfortable. They are also slim enough to function as a base layer on really chilly days.
Price: $75
Perfect for: compression, cold runs, and layering
Grab it here: underarmour.com
Patagonia Peak Mission Jacket
Tester Rating: 4
Review: Microfleece is bonded to a breathable soft shell for a hooded and water-resistant winter running coat that provides warmth and protection. Testers said it was warm without being clammy, and had pockets to hold a phone, keys, gels, and even to warm up hands. In addition to raving about the longer length, one tester was a fan of the cozy, brushed fleece lining which was also a good place to wipe her nose (TMI, but true!).
Price: $199
Perfect for: warmth and protection on inclement days
Grab it here: patagonia.com