Running On Memories

I have always believed that no matter how long a person is in your life, whether a short time or a life long friend, that each and every person is meant to be there. Each person we meet fits like a puzzle piece into our lives. Take that piece away then there is an empty space. Friendships grow, change, evolve and sometimes lose their way. I have been fortunate to have many amazing women in my life. Some have passed through while others have remained for years. Some friends I have gone years without actually seeing yet that doesn't change the feelings I hold for them. There are new friendships I have formed that have evolved and become strong and vital to me. I am thankful for each and every single one as every person is as unique as the friendship they bring.

Last week I was scrolling through Facebook feed as usual. There it was on her page: "RIP, you will be missed." I instantly felt numb, sick, and sadness washed over me. I jumped to her page and started reading a couple of comments which confirmed my inner fear. She had passed away. I found out on the day she was buried. This burned me even more as I would have been there to send her off in peace. To tell her one last time that I missed her. To let her know that I loved her and no amount of time that separated us would change that.

We grew apart somewhere around 2011. There was no falling out or ugly argument. Both our lives started moving in other directions. We would send one another the concessional "I miss you" either by text or via one another Facebook page yet never get together again. The news of her passing hit me and had me searching for answers. I am not sure what exactly I was looking for. Maybe peace; for her and for me. What I found instead were several conversations on her FB page that she and I exchanged, runs that brought me to tears, and dreams where she lingered. She was gone. That final message on her Facebook wall we exchanged on July 12th, 2012 would be our last. Four years and one day to the day she passed she passed away.

This isn't my grief though. My heart aches as her friend and the friendship we had formed long ago. What pains me the most is that she was not just a woman, not just a friend, but she was a mother. Left behind are children who won't have their mom to call anymore. A daughter who won't be able to have her mother braid her hair, paint her nails, kiss her tears away or go wedding dress shopping with. Left behind are son's who will no longer share the excitement of their day, her arms wrap around them, and hear her voice tell stories of her childhood. It's their sadness that penetrates within me. 

All those little things we take for granted every day, they matter. That is what I kept going back to on my runs each morning. The simple things are really the things that matter most to our children: brushing their hair, washing their hands, and putting them to bed. Singing songs, reading books and belly laughs. Cleaning dirty finger prints off the doors and windows. Wiping boogers and butts and holding them close while they are sick. Getting them ready for their first day of school or sending them off to camp. Many are small tasks we sometimes grumble over. Small yes, but so very important to a child. Each and every interaction we have with our children helps to shape them and they remember the littlest things. Things which we may not realize are so big to them. 

Tears greeted my face a few times as my feet hit the pavement last week. I felt a heaviness in me that was all too familiar and unwelcome. I have never been good at handling my own emotions when it comes to death. I have lost people close to me over the years and one thing I have learned is that grief takes form in many ways and the pain of losing a loved one never truly goes away. All the while my runs were filled with prayer, asking God and her to watch over those children and leave them with only happy memories. There were also prayers of selfishness asking God never to take me from mine. The very thought of it brings me to tears and terrifies me. I want to be able to share and become better at savoring each and every moment. Even all those little ones. The silent ones. They all matter, each and every one. 

Her death reminded me not only of the beautiful person I remember, the one who loved babies and dogs, it also reminded me just how we never know what each day brings. We are not promised tomorrow. There is no guarantee you and I will speak in the morning or even next week. So maybe we all need to be better about telling those we love how much we love them. Send a card, pick up the phone, or make that time to see them. Most importantly, if you have kids, hug them tight. Tell them you love them every chance you get. If they ask to snuggle, then stop what you are doing and snuggle. Those hugs your kids give you, hold on tight when they do. Those dirty little fingers on your glass door that you want to Windex away, maybe just leave them there a little longer. Someday these moments will all seem so far away. Let's not wish we would have made the time for all the amazing small moments. I hope I can be better about creating more and living in them. This life is a gift, always live it with a grateful heart. Most importantly: Always say I love you! 


"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people stay for awhile, and move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same." ~ Flavia Weedn

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Greeting A New Home, A New Day And Worcester Half Marathon

It feels so awesome to be sitting here at my computer with a few minutes to start writing. I can't say I will get through writing this post in one sitting yet I am OK with that. This has been the longest that I have gone without writing and blogging. In part it was my choice though I will admit I missed it something fierce. I enjoy writing and this blog has been such a great outlet for me. Not to mention the connections I have made and other blogs I love to read. All of that was pushed aside as we got ready to move into our new house. Between work and trying to sort through boxes I feel like I haven't had any down time. No worries, I have managed to get in my running. Priorities my friends! 
 

Run, Rest, Repeat!!!

Here I am actually sitting at my desk writing this. I finally have an office which I can work from and write. I work part time and most of that is from home. For the past couple of years my desk has been the kitchen table. Though sitting down as a family for dinner is something very important to me I will admit there were nights my trusty laptop accompanied the meal as it was pushed aside due to not wanting to unplug and relocate when I would need it later. Now I have my own little cozy spot where I don't have to worry about the kids screaming or me having to apologize to clients for the ruckus in the background. There is still plenty of noise and ruckus, it just is a muffled now.

Finally, a place to work!

The other exciting thing is that the other side of my office is now where mama can exercise. Plenty of space and no need to move the sandbag, hand weights or yoga mat to and from another room. My hubby even scored me a used treadmill. As for the "dreadmill" I am not sure if my relationship with her will ever flourish. For the five years I have been running I run outside. Yes, even with living in Vermont all my runs are outside throughout the year. I have run through sun, rain, sleet, hail and snow. I have jumped snowbanks and fallen flat on my ass after slipping on ice. I hate the cold. Not sure why I even live in Vermont (oh yeah, family, that's it!) Despite that I actually enjoy running outside even when it is cold out. It has become a normal to me and running outside will never be replaced by a treadmill for me. I decided to give her a try the other day, just 3.1 miles. It was awful! Thank God it was a bonus run for me because there was nothing enjoyable about it! My time and speed was slow, I sweat like a pig and I couldn't wait to get the hell off it. I suppose she will come in handy when the hubby goes away or I want to get in an extra workout. As for her name, I am still working on that. Yes, she deserves a name! Even my Camelbak has a name! 

Sharon & I Pre-Race

The last post I wrote here on this blog was my preparation for the Worcester Running Festival Half Marathon on June 19th. This was Half Marathon #9 for me as well as my first out of state race. More importantly my dear friend Sharon ran her second race in the 5K portion of it. It was so fun spending the weekend with friends and sharing a memory like this.

This is Joshua, He will never know it but he kept me going!

As for the race itself, it was not what I expected. It was pretty poorly organized starting off with the Port O Potty's not being delivered on time. This left runners with two bathrooms in the town building to share. The race was suppose to start at 7am and was then pushed back to be sure everyone got their potty break in. The course itself was challenging in the beginning with some promised hills during the first five miles. Honestly I thought they were going to be worse than they really were. I did love running the streets of Worcester since I use to live in Massachusetts. The streets were familiar and comforting. I was able to reminisce in my head of years ago, even those crazy Becker College days where WPI Frat boys threw some damn good parties. There were a couple parts of the coarse which were not marked very well and even one part where you were actually running down the middle of two way traffic. Not exactly safe for runners. Crowd support was minimal which surprised me. I did pace with a nice guy the last half of the race which kept me moving at a decent pace. I finished in 1:39:22. I was 55 overall out of 556 runners and the 10th woman to finish the Half Marathon Portion. 

The best part of any race: seeing these faces when I am done.

June's mileage was 130 miles which was lower than I had wanted. Even the past couple weeks my longer runs have not been as long as I have planned. Time seems to be an issue these days and I am hoping to find a better balance now that I am getting settled. Lots of running in the early morning to beat the heat. Some mornings are a struggle to get out of bed yet I never regret it once I am out the door. I really enjoy starting my day with my feet hitting the pavement as the sun rises.

Sunrise run

This month there are no big goals. I am tossing around the idea of another Half at the end of the month yet that is to be determined. It's a busy work month for me and I will admit it has been nice to just enjoy my runs the past few weeks without feeling the pressure of another race. Sometimes we need to be reminded why we run in the first place. It's nice to reflect and just be one with myself. I have needed those runs in the chaos of life these days. Stepping into a new home has been a blessing. It has also been one of the most stressful things that I have done. I am ready for life to level out so I can enjoy the walls that surround me. It's time for new memories and laughter to fill these walls. It's also time to figure out new running routes even though I am not that far from the old place. Some mornings I get thrown off. #Runnerproblems! It adds to the adjustment period for sure!


Ahhh, I feel better! I actually wrote this post in one sitting. Granted the kids did interrupt once but hey, that's not bad! I hope to be posting more and visiting my favorite blogs more too! Until then, Happy Running! xo


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Gearing Up For Worcester Running Festival

It was just two weeks ago that I ran the first Half of the Vermont City Marathon and in just over a week I am heading to Worcester, Massachusetts to run my next Half Marathon in the Worcester Running Festival. This will be my first Half that I am doing out of state. Someday I would love to do Disney or even the Runner's World Half but until the little's get a wee bit bigger, and I can actually get the nerve to leave them overnight, races have to be close by. It was a goal of 2016 to do one out of state race and it only seemed appropriate it be in Massachusetts since that is where I spent my twenties and still call it home. 

I have no idea what to expect from this race. I read the coarse description which did offer that starting around mile three it will offer the hilliest stretch for the next couple miles. Isn't that just very nice of the coarse! I do love hills just as much as I hate them. Being that it is earlier in the race I am figuring this will help me pace myself the first half of the race and those hills I will be running down the last half and can gain some time back then. 

I love running new routes and seeing new scenery. Worcester has some very old and historic buildings and houses that I am sure will be wonderful to see. I don't need to know the coarse to feel comfortable running it. It's an adventure to me to venture out on new roads. I always take my running shoes with me when we do our family mini vacation to Old Orchard Beach, Maine each year and love running while having no idea where I am. 

It's been a busy month and I am looking forward to next weekend. Of course for the race and also because we get to stay with and see close friends of ours. The Worcester Half also has a 5K portion that  my girlfriend Sharon is running. This will be her second 5K and I am so proud of her! Not only has she taken up running in the past year but this also comes after she suffered a stroke. She is a strong woman, wonderful mother, and incredible friend. She has always been there for me and has supported me in my running. Now we get to go to a race together! I am very excited and can't wait to be at the START line next to her. 

I have no goals for this race other than to have fun! I am not worried about time or a PR. Don't get me wrong, a new PR would be lovely yet I don't think it will be this race. I want to take this race and just do it because I love running. I want it to serve as a reminder that I am lucky to be able to run and savor in the steps my feet take. I want to run with a smile on my face and greet the hills with determination. I want this race to be filled with moments of euphoria that only a runner could understand. It could end up being the worst race I have done, but it still will be running where I use to call home. That right there, that is something special. 


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Other Posts By Discovering Me In Them: 

VCM 2016 & Half Marathon #8 Recap
The A,B,C's Of A Runner 
The Addiction I Can't Kick 

VCM 2016 & Half Marathon #8 Recap

Here's the thing about Vermont, it is like the worst boyfriend/girlfriend you ever had. It's unreliable and completely untrustworthy. At least that is how the weather is. Just a few weeks ago it was reaching freezing at night and suddenly we are blasted with a heat spell. This past weekend was one of my favorite weekends of spring: The Vermont City Marathon. I have loved this event for years. I have been a spectator, a participant in the 3-5 person relay and for the past three years I have run a Half Marathon in it, teaming up with my father. To say I look forward to this is an understatement. I feel like a little kid at Christmas when this race approaches and running in it is like unwrapping my gifts.

This was my second Half Marathon of this year along with it being the 8th one I have run to date. My training this year has been better than the past few years. It doesn't always feel it in the moment yet on a long run I can feel the difference in my endurance and the way my legs carry me. In April I did the Half Marathon Unplugged and was so close to beating my personal PR (by 45 seconds!). I had not made a commitment to break any PR's in this run. I had been watching the weather for days and saw that the heat and humidity were going to be a factor. I ran a couple runs when it was in the 80's in the weeks leading up to this race yet nothing more than five miles with my trusty Camelbak with Nuun to help me through the beating sun. Race morning the weather predicted cloudy skies, in the 80's with humidity. All week there were updates from Race Vermont regarding the conditions and how they would prepare for this day. The thing is, can you really prepare for Mother Nature? This race proved you could not.

Dad & I. Team: Pounding Pavement

By the start at 8am the sun had made it's appearance and was already blazing the pavement. I had hydrated well and properly fueled throughout the week and that morning. The race started and I was among the thousand of runners that filled the streets of Burlington. The roar and cheers of the spectators guiding us through the first few miles until we found ourselves on the Burlington Beltline. For those of you who are not from Vermont, this is a stretch of pavement that has no shade. It is also the only time of the year that it is ever closed down as it is a major connector within Burlington. Race morning the announcers for the race titled it "The Frying Pan". Suddenly there were thousands of runners in that pan that were literally being cooked. With no shade and inclines to challenge you, this part of the coarse became the hardest.

I have run the Beltline several times over the years. Most people grumble about it. Others speak profanities about this part of the race. I have always enjoyed it. That was until Sunday.
 

Heading out to the "Frying Pan"

I was happy with my pace up until around mile six. Around this time I realized that in order to finish this race I would have to slow down and be sure I listened to my body. Part of me wanted to push myself a little harder than I was but I knew that I couldn't. I resorted to a comfortable pace and by mile 8 was just happy to see the end of the Belt Line. I knew after that the last five miles would be kinder to me. This proved to be to be partly true. The sun was not the only evil factor, the humidity had started to come play too. Cheers from the crowds were being competed with by the sirens from rescue attending to other runners. Mile 11 I saw a marathoner just stop and stagger.

The people in the neighborhoods were amazing, as always. Out there along with the volunteers handing out water and snacks from there house and standing there hosing down runners as they passed by. I made sure to run in every hose I went by as I prayed for clouds and rain. It was evident I was going to finish this part of the race without either one of those.

As I hit mile twelve I felt a wave of relief. Instead of the usual push in that last mile I simply was just happy it was almost done. I finally came into Oakledge Park and handed off to my father to finish the last half. I finished in 1:41:39. Despite the conditions I was happy with my time and that I was able to finish safely.

I was worried about my father and the other runners. The heat and humidity were increasing. I waited with my brother for my sister in law to come in (it was her FIRST Half!!! Congrats to her!) and when she did we all headed to the finish to wait for my father. I was reunited with my kids who at this point were happy to see me but also ready to go home.The heat turns even the sweetest children into grumbling little monsters. I managed to get my youngest to sleep on me as we watched waves of runners come in. I got to see a couple of people I know finish and the guy that I was pacing with up until my last mile. As we waited Run Vermont asked for every one's attention and announced that the race was officially closed due to the heat and humidity and needing to keep everyone safe. The crowd fell silent, cheers suddenly stopped, and people were crying. I felt a sinking in my stomach and my heart suddenly felt heavy for the runners out there. I also wondered if my father would get to finish his Half or would he be pulled off the coarse.

I continued to cheer on the finishers with my family, repeatedly checking my phone to be sure dad hadn't sent a text. Then suddenly we saw him and it was such a great moment. We eagerly went to greet him and he had no idea that the coarse had been shut down. That last wave of runners were just getting in and would be the last to celebrate their victories.

I understand why the coarse was shut down. It still does not change the fact of how many runners were crushed by this. All those that trained so hard to run these miles only to be told that they couldn't. They stopped running and they didn't have a choice. Months, miles, and sweat all came down to Mother Nature taking control of this day and devastating thousands who had worked so damn hard. It was someones goal, someones dream, and someones journey that was taken away. I hope all those runners dig deep and realize they did not fail. I hope that they know there will be another marathon and they will be even stronger for it! Anyone who ran this race Sunday, whether three miles, twenty miles or 26.2 deserves a medal. 
 

189 is mine!

I want to end this on a happy note. My son and my nephew ran their first race this weekend, The Yam Scram!!! They ran their own "Half"... a half mile. This mama couldn't have been more happy and proud of these kids. To see their faces and eagerness was awesome.  I love that Run Vermont puts this on for the kids. This was truly a highlight of my weekend! Chase was thrilled he got a medal and once in the car asked when he could do it again. That's my boy!!!

In closing, I think it is important to remember that even though our bodies are amazing vessels and capable of some crazy things, we also have to be sure to listen to our bodies. We need to know when to slow down, when to walk, how to breathe and when we need to stop to stay safe. Remember, running is a gift!


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The A B,C's Of A Runner

Running means something different to each one of us. It's a personal relationship we all have with the road. One may run to get fit, the person next to him may be running for a cause, a purpose they are faithful to, and the person behind you may be racing against something much more personal. A struggle or pain that only that person see's. Running is our freedom, our church, our belief in the blessing it is to be able to run. Running also has an amazing way of bringing together other runners. We influence, motivate, inspire and challenge one another. We share our goals and scream our PR's. We encourage and support one another. At the end of any run, any race, we share the same A,B,C's of running. Here they are:

A- ACHIEVE: You set a goal, you sweat your heart out for it, and you crush it!

B- BELIEVE: "Always Believe You Can". If you think it, you can do it. You are capable of more than you know.

C- COMMITMENT: You made a decision to create a better you. It takes courage and commitment to take those steps forward to reach that goal.

D- DISCIPLINE: You train and sacrifice knowing that the end goal is victory.

E- EXERCISE: We run because we love it, and because it's good for us!

F- FIERCE: We are aggressive, strong, and powerful. Runner's are FIERCE!

G-GRATEFUL: Running has taught us to be humble. To worship our bodies. We are thankful for our bodies, our legs, and the air we breathe.

H-HUNGRY: This is what happens after our runs or during training. We eat. We eat a lot! If we don't eat, we become "hangry"!

I- INFLUENTIAL: We influence one another. The sport becomes an addiction, intoxicating to some.

J-JOY: Running bring pleasure and happiness. We rejoice in our victories and the victories of our friends. We discover an unique euphoric feeling.

K- KNOWLEDGE: We evolve as runners through experience, patience, and learning from ourselves.

L- LIBERATING: We run to feel free, to find release, and to heal.

M-MOTIVATION: We are inspired and driven. We challenge our bodies and minds with each step we take.

N-NEED: Some of us want to run, some of us need to run.

O-OPTIMISTIC: Be confident, stay positive, and always tell yourself you can.

P- PAIN: It's not always easy. There are days that it is going to hurt. There will be moments you are not sure you can go on. You push through that pain. It's there to keep you humble and make you stronger.

Q- QUALITY: Some days the run isn't about the miles or time, it is about what we gain in return from that run.

R- RUN: Because we can!

S-STRONG: Our bodies of amazing things. We are strong!

T- TENACIOUS: Runners are persistent, determined and strong willed.

U- UNDIVIDED: Running brings runners together. We have created a community of support, encouragement and unity.

V-VICTORY: That amazing feeling as we cross that finish line.

W-WILLPOWER: The three D's : Determination, Discipline, and Desire.

X- XERIC: This means being deficient in moisture, I think we all have a time or two where were have experienced dehydration! Drink your water runner's!

Y- YES: Runner's typically don't like to take no for an answer. We are over achiever's, risk takers and goal setters.

Z-ZEALOUS: We are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated to this sport.


There you go my running friends, always make sure you know your A,B,C'S!

HAPPY RUNNING!!!

P.S. A shout out to all the runner's who are taking part in the Vermont City Marathon this Sunday along with many thanks to every single volunteer! Have an awesome run! 

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The Addiction I Can't Kick

When my husband informed me that he was going to be out of town the weekend before my next half marathon there may have been fire coming out of me ears. When he tried to switch it to the weekend before and it didn't work with everyone else I think fire then came out of my mouth. It's not the fact that he is going away. By all means, I encourage him to do things and want him to be happy. What the problem is when I hear that he is going out of town what that translates into for me is: I won't be able to run.

I start to go over in my head how I can build my miles before he leaves. I consider adding in another stroller run while my oldest is in school. I can always get my folks to watch the kids so I can get a long run in. Maybe I could have the neighbor's daughter come over... All these things go racing through my head. I can feel the blood rush to my face and hear my voice rise as I utter words "under my breath" but loud enough so that he knows I am displeased. Displeased doesn't even describe it. Let's go with furious! I know I am being selfish and irrational. Truth is it is not my first Half Marathon and I know I am ready for it even if I have to taper back sooner than I planned. I was so counting on that last weekend before the race to get a couple more long runs in. It doesn't matter to me right then. I have to run, need to run, and a part of me feels like I will go crazy without my runs!

Stock Photo

I am addicted to running. It is my drug. I think it, I dream it and I anxiously wait for that next time I can get out there. I grow envious of of other runners when I am driving or happen to look out my window and see someone running. It didn't start out this way for me. I was a late bloomer, in my thirties and after my first child before I got hooked on running. Sure, I dabbled in it before but never seemed to get that to that place within me that I do now. What started as a healthy habit turned into the best high I ever had. Who knew the motion of my own body could create such euphoria.

I don't like having to take running breaks. Due to an injury, health or life's schedule.  I hate to have it not be in my control that I don't get to run. After my second son was born I couldn't wait to get back out there. I had run throughout my entire pregnancy and now I was being told I had to heal before I could get out there. I had my son via c-section (it was my second one). I was suppose to wait 6 to 8 weeks before I started running again. I started running at 4 weeks post baby. Shhh, I never told my doctors. Let's just say I have never been that good at listening to orders. (In my defense I knew my body and was ready to ease back in. Always listen to your doctors! As a mother would say: Do as I Say, not as I do!).

Is it an addiction? It's dedication, determination, and drive. An addiction is classified as something that is harmful to you. Yes, I depend on running. Yes, I need running. And yes, I can't imagine my life without it now that I have it. The benefits of running are truly amazing and how can something so great be bad? Because it is not! Running is one of the best commitments I have ever made. I made the choice to better who I was. I committed to creating a healthier, happier, and stronger me. Call it an addiction if you like, but this is one habit I hope I never give up. I am grateful I get to run. My legs are a gift. My body is incredible. My life is a blessing.

Simple Definition of addiction

• : a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble)
• : an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

 

 

Yes, I will still be grumbling that I will lose miles at the end of the month. It may make me go a little stir crazy. Here is what I find comfort in: I know running will be there when my husband gets back. Waiting for me like an old friend ready to catch up on life. The pavement ready to let me dance on it's surface. The wind pushing me forward when I am not sure I can do that extra mile. The thrill of a faster pace or a new PR. Those two little faces that I think of as I reach the finish line. This certainly is the best habit I have ever picked up. If only my younger self would have know about this...but then again, I may not have appreciated it as I do now. Life is amazing like that...always surprising us, teaching us and pushing us to grow. 

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Summer Running Essentials

Happy May! I am getting excited for warmer weather, sunshine, picnics, the beach, hiking and running in less clothing! With warmer temps it does take some time for the body to adapt. We had a freak day of 75 two weeks back and running in it felt like it was 85! I hate the cold yet get accustomed to running outside when it is 20 and once the temperature starts to rise I have to adjust once again. My perfect running temp would be around 45-50. If only I could turn a thermostat up or down for my runs then adjust it accordingly to me life. With that being said I thought it was a good time to share some of my favorite running essentials for the summer.

CamelBak: This has got to be one of my favorite pieces of running gear. I was discovering that when I ran races and tried to run and drink water at water stations I ended up spilling most of it on me or choking on it. I do not like to stop when I run there fore I knew I needed to be able to carry water on me. I tried a handheld water bottle but this didn't impress me one bit. I don't like running with anything in my hands as it is. Last year I decided to get me a CamelBak Charm. It's nothing fancy and I searched for the best deal on the one I was looking at. I even used Birthday money that my in laws gave me which was a nice bonus. I love it and even through the winter I would take it on my longer runs. Staying hydrated through out my long runs had helped me perform better. I have been adding Nuun to my water which also gives my body electrolytes. On the days I know I have some miles ahead of me I throw in a Nuun Energy. During a race I don't have to worry about stopping at a water station, I am a drink and go girl: "An object in motion stays in motion." ~ Newton

Running Belt: This is a must for every run but especially helpful for long runs or race day. I use my belts on every run. I stuff it with my phone, fuel and mace. On race day it is nice to have a place for my ID, car key and cash. I own a SPIbelt and a SLS3Dual Pocket Running belt. I think both are great and as I mentioned before being hands free when running is essential for me. 

Anti Chaffing Ointment: With the warm weather you sweat more, your clothes rub on you, your body parts start rubbing against each other and you are left with angry chaffing marks. I try my best to remember to pre treat certain areas before I head out for a run. I can't say I am always successful on preventing chaffing, some days the odds are against me. There are several great products out there that can help with chaffing. I have tried a couple (Body Glide, Chafex) but my trusty go to for preventing chaffing as well as treating it is Aquaphor Healing Ointment. I first found this product when my first son was a baby. I was given a sample of it as it helps with diaper rash and wounds. I used it for those things then started using it for chaffing. If you don't have a tub of this in your house than you need to get one! It has saved me several times and even cleared up some nasty spots from chaffing. 

Sunscreen: I love the sun! I also love my skin! Being active outside means that I need to protect my face from the rays.  Be sure to use a sunscreen each time you walk out that door. You will thank yourself twenty years from now. 

Remember to stay hydrated and protect your body in the months ahead. Pay attention to the heat and humidity. Most importantly, always listen to your body! 

HAPPY RUNNING!!!


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