Product Review: Apera Bags Performance Duffel

- Mel

I’ve been on a search for the perfect gym/workout bag for far too long. Last year, I was gifted this Gaiam yoga bag for Christmas. It proved to be too small for my two-a-day run//yoga//run//club necessities; the shoe pouch was also too small for my Size 9.5 sneakers. And once I upgraded my yoga mat to a Manduka, I could no longer use the straps underneath to carry under the bag (the Manduka mats are, like, 10x heavier than those everyday, cheapie mats). Then, I received another bag this year courtesy of Chelsea Collective preview party. I really wanted to like this bag — my shoes fit after a little Tetris-ing, there was plenty of storage, and the straps were the right size — but I missed having an exterior pocket to hold a water bottle, of all things. Plus, the zippers seemed overly difficult to move and the bag overall feels a little cheaply made.

On Black Friday I saw a tweet about Apera Bags and a 20% sale, so I finally decided to make the Big Purchase (I consider dropping $100+ on a workout bag a Big Purchase). I landed on the Apera Performance Duffel.

apera bag review 30something therapy

Few things that I outwardly LOVE about it: It fits everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. The bag has great organization for my needs and can hold a LOT of gear — it fit TWO PAIRS of Size 9.5 sneakers on both ends (this bag has two separate shoe pockets) while also holding a freaking laptop. It’s a NICE looking bag, and it is obvious that it’s well-made. Bonus: SO MANY POCKETS with/without zippers, some with mesh for airing stuff out! The bag came with its own interior wet bag too. I can even fit my yoga mat inside (and peek the top out) if I want.

Some mehs: it’s actually quite large — while not totally a breaking point for me since I needed a bigger bag, it kind of overwhelms my frame and was awkward to carry with all of my stuff in it. This purchase continues my streak of being completely unaware of dimensions when purchasing items online.

30something therapy apera bag review
You like my “workout” pants? 😛

POO: The strap is WAY too long for my body — even when pulled all the way tight from both ends — and not all that comfortable to carry when walking the mile+ to work with all my stuff. It hits just below my butt and even pulled up my skirt (!!!). And after using the Nike bag from Chelsea Collective, I kind of missed the option of carrying like a tote (the Apera bag has two small handles at the top to lift but I can’t carry at any length with them).

So, I’m a little disappointed because I *really* need a commuter-style workout bag and I really love this bag, BUT I think I might keep this to replace my roller derby bag: 1) because my derby bag really needs to be replaced and 2) because this bag is so huge that it might actually fit all my gear. I’m not sure about how it will handle the weight, though; would be an interesting test.

30something therapy workout roller derby bag review
This bag is seriously, like, 20 years old. If it ain’t broke, right? Wait…

Completely off-topic tangent on my current derby bag: One of the zippers of the outside side pocket broke off when a piece of my gear got stuck in it (at an away game in Columbus, Ohio; hilarious that I remember it because I was pretty mad that night and I obviously have brute strength). The long strap is being held on by mustache-printed duct tape (seriously). I bought this as part of my FIRST luggage set (yes, I used to have an entire set in this color scheme) at a Super Kmart when I was a freaking teenager. But, hey, the colors match my team’s uniforms, so that’s fun!

Here’s some benefits (and a tl;dr), if you’re looking at Apera bags:

  • Sanitized-Infused antimicrobial product protection resists the formation of bacterial odor, inside and out.
  • Two flexible exterior water bottle pockets.
  • Padded shoulder strap and two top carry handles.
  • Exterior pocket for a laptop and tablet storage.
  • Immense capacity features 43 litres of storage volume.
  • Water-resistant base protects the interior from moisture.
  • Laser-cut venting for your bag to breathe, ventilate, and stay healthy.
  • Large exterior pocket on each end holds a pair of men’s size 12 shoes.
  • Comes with a Fit Pocket washable insert.

I could probably use this Apera bag for race-cations and other travel weekends too. There’s a possibility that I may exchange for a smaller bag but I haven’t completely decided on that yet (and tbh, I am the worst with actually returning things; for the record: Apera has an amazing no-hassle return policy and free shipping). I even tossed the idea of getting the strap taken in at the luggage repair place but that seems ridiculous to spend even MORE money on a bag that was already over $100.

The search for my “perfect” workout bag, however, continues.

Note: I purchased this Apera Performance Duffel for my own needs, and did not receive any compensation for reviewing and/or this post.

Gasparilla Challenge: Training Week #6

- Mel

Though this was the official kick-off week to training for the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 1, I’m still in the midst of training for the Gasparilla races in February. I’ll switch over my post titles once Gasparilla training is over. But most importantly, this week was travel team tryouts for roller derby!

MONDAY: THREE HOURS of roller derby practice. Since league and my home team practice are on the same night (and overlap), I decided it would be helpful in advance of tryouts this week to get more skate time, and both practices were skills-based with a LOT of 1-on-1/2-on-1 work. I also re-tested my laps (hooray, endurance!) but didn’t pace myself as well as last month – only getting 30 this time around. Our minimum skills require 27 laps in 5 minutes. It was a really fun night, especially skating for the first time with my new Avengers teammates. Make no mistake, my legs (and my poor feet!) were TIRED.

There was much chocolate milk after this practice.

TUESDAY: Travel Team Tryouts Day #1! Most of this first night of tryouts was focused on minimum skills — the word “minimum” is certainly a trap given that A-teamers should definitely be performing at more than a minimum skill level. There’s always an opportunity to step it up, even when doing partner work with someone at a lower (or higher!) skill level. Even when something is super easy for me, I have to remind myself that.

WEDNESDAY: [REST DAY] Skipped my weekly run//yoga session to rest my legs for Thursday’s night two of tryouts and opted for laundry instead. I feel like I haven’t had a chance to catch up since the holidays!

THURSDAY: Travel Team Tryouts Day #2! Tonight was scrimmage night, which, again, was SO much fun. Nights like these remind me of the reasons of why I wanted to return to the sport. In between halves, our group broke out to do some more skills and 1-on-1 work (each of the 3 teams played 2 halves in some order in addition to the skills work). I got a call-back for round two of tryouts this week!

FRIDAY: [REST DAY]

SATURDAY: Marathon Kick-off Day! So many exclamations in this training week. Since this is a drop-back week for me, I only needed to do 3 miles buuuuuut a friend texted me the night before and really wanted to do 6 (and for me to run with her). So I joined her. This was probably a good idea that I made plans specifically with someone else so that I didn’t skip out on the training run (because as much as I love running in winter, I equally love my warm bed), and this would also good to make up the miles I didn’t run earlier in the week. Since the start location was on the north side, I did a 1-mile warm-up run to marathon office.

Mini-expo at the Pittsburgh Marathon kick-off event and a beautiful (if chilly) winter day of running!
Mini-expo at the Pittsburgh Marathon kick-off event and a beautiful (if chilly) winter day of running!

Dr. Vonda Wright led a group dynamic warm-up and then we went off with the 10:30 pace group. Our goal was to (slowly) speed up to the 10:00 pacer by the last mile. It was a cold morning, with slippy spots throughout the course. We averaged 10:09 and completed 6.28 miles in 1:03:48.

Splits: 10:57 (1) / 9:59 (2) / 9:39 (3) / 10:18 (4) / 9:49 (5) / 10:06 (6)

SUNDAY: Since I took care of my “long run” on Saturday, I needed a LOT of foam rolling releases and trigger point therapy. I regularly use this Foam Rolling app on my iPhone, which has sport specific exercises, including one for running. I went through this program with my short-and-wide roller, and then did more trigger release work on my feet, hip area (IT-specific), and my piriformis with my RAD Roller.

The boyfriend and I were on the same schedule this week, so I only walked to/from work one day. Probably best for my tired legs.

TOTAL CROSS-TRAINING WORKOUTS: 3-4 (depending on how one would count a three-hour derby practice!)
TOTAL RUNS: 1
TOTAL WEEKLY MILES: 7.28
TOTAL TRAINING MILES: 47.81

Sunday Lately: Week 54

- Mel

Blogger Tribe_Sunday LatelySunday Lately is a weekly linkup hosted by the Blogger Tribe (lead by Angelica, Meghan, Nicole, and Katy). Every Sunday morning, the Tribe shares a small glimpse into the last week. Every week, a new theme is release for all of us to post and share your link through one of the host’s post. I’m so happy that I found this amazing community of bloggers! All are welcome, so click through and join us in the Blogger Tribe Facebook group.

This week’s themes: Updating, Remembering, Needing, Wearing, Being.

30-something therapy sunday lately

Updating: I had to update my derby number for this upcoming season, which means new scrimmage tanks, armbands… but basically a new identity too. Having butt-hurt feelings about it, naturally, but not really much that I can do about it.

Remembering: Speaking of derby, I couldn’t remember how long ago I joined and thankful for Timehop to remind me. Five years ago, I was skating at my first Steel City boot camp, and I tried out for Fresh Meat a short time later, which means that I’ve been skating for almost 6 years (I started in a rec league in Ohio the year prior). CRAZY!

Needing: PROTEIN. Hard-boiling eggs, eating all the chicken (as much as I hate it), stocking up on protein bars. And I just received a great sample pack of protein powder (angel food cake flavor!!!) and flavor packs to try from Devotion Nutrition. I’m making this Fruity Hoops Protein Fluff first.

Wearing: These days, it feels as though I can’t get into all the fleece soon enough. Unfortunately, wanting to be all warm and cozy is making me LAZY AF.

Being: My first 30-day “challenge” was to acknowledge and attempt to redirect my behavior of complaining. Man, do I HATE being labeled as a complainer! My focus is to reduce the complaints and more be actionable about changing the situation. A lot of my complaining stems from a loss of independence, so these small behavioral changes will help me gain back a little of my take-charge attitude.

Have a good week!

Running Goals for 2016

- Mel

My 2016 running intentions are one part goal and another part bucket list. I accomplished quite a bit in 2015 and I want to keep that hot streak going but also remember the FUN in discovering this hobby/sport/whatever-you-call-it (and also remember that I’ll be training in two different sports, with my decision to return to roller derby).

30 something 2016 running goals

1. PR my half marathon: I super, really want to work on getting my half marathon under 2 hours. I won’t be planning for this right out of the gate in 2016 to train properly (and smartly!) for my second full marathon, but I fully intend to make this happen later this year. My current half PR is 2:18:36 so I know this is ambitious (but a two-hour half marathon is not completely impossible).

Which brings me to #2: Complete another full marathon: I already have the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon on my calendar — and registered! — and training kick-off starts this weekend. No time goals this year (yet).

3. Run 700 miles: I barely squeaked out 500 miles in 2015 (actually only did 488.59 miles), what makes me think that I can run 700??? Let’s just say that I have a plan.

4. Do a 50k and/or Ragnar Relay: This is the year that things get CRAZY for this 30-something (and why I think that my mileage will be higher than last year). I want to cross one (or both) of these off my bucket list in 2016. Again, I’ll look to late summer/fall to make this a real thing.

5. Run a race in costume: I get so caught up in race day anxiety and performance that I sometimes forget about the element of fun. After laughing at the costumes in the Movie Madness Half Marathon and seeing everyone have so much fun with it, I want to be “that guy” too.

So my running goals for the year have a little bit of everything. I think it’s a good balance of challenge, adventure and, most importantly, FUN.

Weekly Therapy: Kickoffs and Tryouts and Health and Training

- Mel

the week:
Well, we made it through the first week of 2016 — and there’s a LOT going on! It finally snowed in Pittsburgh for real, which makes me so happy.

snow Pittsburgh 2016 new year
SNOW! This is the park in my neighborhood and it always looks so lovely in every season — but especially in winter.

I am positively excited and exhausted from my first full week back at roller derby — practices for both my home team AND two nights of tryouts for the travel teams. I was also immediately reminded how expensive this sport is when doing a needs assessment of equipment and such (especially considering that I needed to change my number and needed new scrimmage tanks, armbands, etc.). I got a call-back from the first round, so I have another round next week!

Also, THE BACHELOR STARTED THIS WEEK! The boyfriend and I watched it later in the week, and it’s always a fun source of entertainment and dating roles banter between us.

weekend:
It’s Pittsburgh Marathon Training Kick-off time! Can you believe it’s already here?! I feel like I was just training for the half. My “official” full training starts after Gasparilla, which is at an almost-halfway point of my training cycle. I also renewed my annual membership with Steel City Road Runners, which I hope to use a lot more this season. There is a lot of FUN running madness that happens in conjunction with this kick-off, so maybe I’ll see some of you there. 😀

ALSO, if playing roller derby was ever something you considered, Saturday is the LAST pre-tryout boot camp for joining Steel City Roller Derby in 2016. You need to attend a boot camp in order to try out, so this is a great opportunity to come out and see what we’re looking for and talk to some vets about your skill level, training, gameplay, etc. etc. And it’s especially helpful in meeting some of your Fresh Meat teammates who you will be progressing alongside on this new fun adventure. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

For your resolutions/health: Pittsburgh area Sam’s Clubs will be hosting free health screenings, open to the public, from 11-4pm this Saturday, Jan. 9. These health screenings are free, confidential and available to the public at all Sam’s Club locations with a pharmacy. Additional details on each one will be made available at SamsClub.com. Two of the free tests being offered – blood pressure and blood glucose – are two key markers of overall health. Participants will get an idea of where they stand healthwise, and what they can to do for a healthier 2016.

seven things, seven days:
1. Have you heard of/used Sweat Cosmetics? I learned of this brand over the weekend when watching the GRID league championships. And as someone who wears makeup during workouts (don’t judge!), I need to test these products out!
2. In doing additional research on “workout makeup,” I found FITGLOW BEAUTY. BONUS: they’re a natural beauty brand.
3. Somehow, with all of my current beauty choices, I have taken to shopping Ulta over Sephora. I’m definitely not a VIB anymore!
4. Every day at lunch, I’m eating at least two sticks of PLAIN veggie. Gotta start somewhere, right?
5. For a few years (not last year), I would do a dry January; the boyfriend and I are doing this again — though this year, we didn’t start on January 1 (but the 4th). Basically, it’s a sober 30 days reset. This year is already kind of wonky, so like most things… we’re adapting a bit. The importance of doing this, however, remains. {link via Huffington Post}
6. Oh, hey, fellow Browns fan: The psychological reasons why Fans stand behind perennial losers {via NYT}
7. Here’s your weekly dose of science — appropriately, for keeping your resolutions {via Greatist}

52 Books in 52 Weeks: 30s Life List and Reading Challenge

- Mel

I read 52 books in 2015, and it’s something that I can finally cross off my 30s Life List. This was no small feat, as for most of the year I was reading my textbooks alongside reading for pleasure (and writing papers and running marathons). For the purpose of this project, I did include my textbooks because I read that shit at length and in full!

My Top 3 favorite books of the year:
#1 Elite Minds by Stan Beecham
#2 My Year With Eleanor by Noelle Hancock
#3 So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

And the WORST:
#52 Five Weeks in the Amazon by Sean Hayes
#51 The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Furstenberg (so bad that I had to go back to look up the title!)
… and the several books that I started (one, I even got 35% into) and never finished.

Book that surprised me the most (AKA: Fiction that I actually liked):
Judy Blume’s “In the Unlikely Event” — to be honest, I had low expectations of this book upon receiving it in a PopSugar MustHave box, aside from being a total fangirl of Blume’s books from my childhood. But I sincerely loved this story and its characters.

Book that I really, really wanted to like but really, really didn’t (AKA: the MEH Award):
Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck

I likely won’t pursue quite so lofty a reading challenge in 2016, but this goal had a purpose of getting me back to books and loving reading again — and that’s exactly what I accomplished.

Gasparilla Challenge: Training Week #5

- Mel

I expected this holiday week to be more of the same as last week, piling up on the rest days before derby tryouts coexist with Gasparilla training. My (adapted) Higdon Novice II training plan called for three runs this week: a 3-miler, 4-miler, and an 8-miler. Since I fell short of my 7-mile run because of the rain last weekend, I gave myself a flexible “between 7 and 8 miles” commitment for this week’s long run. I skipped my 4-mile run this week because of being super tired. Yay, holidays!

MONDAY: One hour of spin class at the Y; our instructor programmed a lot of inclines in this session! Side note: is it weird that I don’t sweat in spinning? I know it’s low-impact and it’s an old, cold building… but I find it strange.

TUESDAY: REST DAY [walked home from the hair salon, lol]

WEDNESDAY: run//yoga//run//club at UEC — I was so happy when I saw online that there was a run club meet-up because, BOY, did I need it! I knew that I planned to run but I was trying to decide whether I dropped in for another CrossFit WOD or yoga. My body was definitely leaning towards yoga, so 75 hot sweaty minutes of flow helped focus some of my intentions for the new year and my continuing yoga practice.

3.23 miles at average 10:30 pace (total time 33:58).

THURSDAY and FRIDAY: REST DAYS [Happy New Year!] My original plan was to go to CrossFit on Friday, but I didn’t think ahead about the gym being closed for the holiday.

SATURDAY: Went for my monthly 60-minute sports massage.

Winter Training!
Winter Training!

SUNDAY: Winter training has finally arrived! About 30 degrees (and holy moly, the wind!) for this run, so fleece was a necessity. When I first stepped out I thought that I didn’t have enough layers on, but I quickly warmed up. I legit love this lulu half zip with its built-in “cuffins” so that I can alternate between having my hands covered and not. Though my legs did feel SUPER heavy and like sandbags hitting the ground with every step, I started to feel “lighter” by Mile 4. I consciously tried to keep at a 9:45 pace to start and then the mental fun began — halfway through at a pretty consistent pace, I tested my abilities (mental and physical) to maintain this pace for the entire run.

And I did good! 7.60 miles at average 9:23 pace (total time 1:11:21)

Splits: 9:40 (1) / 9:47 (2) / 9:41 (3) / 9:39 (4) / 9:24 (5) / 8:48 (6) / 9:02 (7)

If I can keep this pace for 7+ miles, I can definitely keep this pace for a half marathon. Runs like this make me feel like I am (eventually) capable of a 2-hour half. IT’S ON.

TOTAL CROSS-TRAINING WORKOUTS: 2 (1 yoga, 1 spinning)
TOTAL RUNS: 2
TOTAL WEEKLY MILES: 10.83
TOTAL TRAINING MILES: 40.53

Sunday Lately: Week 53

- Mel

Blogger Tribe_Sunday LatelySunday Lately is a weekly linkup hosted by the Blogger Tribe (lead by Angelica, Meghan, Nicole, and Katy). Every Sunday, the Tribe shares a small glimpse into the last week. Join us and share your link on one of the host’s post!

This week’s themes: Creating, Finding, Switching, Forgetting, Craving.

Creating: Sundays are the day that I sit down and plan my week. I start by writing the date range for the week at the top of the page of a small spiral notebook (I start my week on Mondays, to coordinate with my run training schedule). I then give each day its own header and write down any important meetings, events, etc. under each day of the week. Then, in a second column, I write my workout schedule and fill into each day — planning rest days too — and any important to-do items for the week. I’ve been using this method for years and it works for me really well! Plus, I think it’s important to decompress from the weekend and be aware of what’s in the week ahead.

Finding: When applying for some freelance writing work, I realized how many links were dead on my portfolio page. Come to find out, so many websites change their file paths and I need to stay on top of this (I was able to find a few updated links in search, but many sites are long gone and no longer live). I also realized that I don’t even have copies on my new laptop when my old computer shit the bed. Here’s hoping that I find some of my work!

Switching: After two full days without access to my WordPress blog or log-in, I have begun the process of looking into switching to a new host company for my websites. The customer service at Bluehost is beyond abysmal and after 24 hours of them telling me there was nothing they could do about a supposed DDoS attack on my server, I’m over it (I ended up being unable to access my site for nearly 48 hours!). While I understand there’s not much that can be done in this type of situation, I had one agent telling me that the problem was a DDoS attack and another saying that wasn’t true. They refused to acknowledge the problem publicly too and kept pushing me to DM. I reset, cleared caches, loaded on different networks, attempted using a proxy, called my Internet company, replaced routers, closed off repeaters and was still having so many issues. In any event, I’m back up and finally posting today, no thanks to their support.

Forgetting: Did anyone else keep forgetting what day it was for the last week? SIGH, back to work tomorrow!

Craving: You know how “they” say that when you view pictures online of food, you suddenly crave it too? Well, I’m not even a fan of pizza (and generally can’t eat it, unless there’s a gluten-free option) but I saw a Hawaiian pizza in my Instagram feed and can think of nothing else.

Weekly Therapy: Ringing in 2016

- Mel

the week:
Happy New Year, everyone! I’m still working on my goals sheet and resolutions for 2016, so stay tuned. My 30 days of posts kind of took a dump there after Christmas, given my primary goal of completing 52 books before the end of the year. I did it!!!

a 30-something New Year's Eve: cheese plate, wine, cat kisses, and giant sparklers.
a 30-something New Year’s Eve: cheese plate, wine, cat kisses, and giant sparklers.

That said, I’m really enjoying reading from my fellow runners about their yearly “bucket lists,” and I think my 2016 goals will likewise reflect that approach. As for personal and professional goals, that’s where I’m feeling mighty stagnant and lost — and I need to take some journaling time for reflection. I might not make the January 1 deadline, but I think it will work out better that way. There’s some news that could happen by Month 2 that could definitely change the course of my goal-setting anyway.

weekend:
I’ll be enjoying the last of my days off from work — and also enjoying a facial and massage appointment!

52 books in 52 weeks:
YOU GUYS! I completed 52 books this year!

#51 My Year With Eleanor by Noelle Hancock — I want to read this book immediately again; I sincerely loved it, and it’s probably my favorite book of the whole year! Much of the lessons about fear and anxiety and not really having a purpose really resonated with me. A great book to absorb as I ponder the focus of my goals for 2016.

#52 The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz — an obvious choice/topic for my final book of the year, no? Fascinating research-based book on how more choices can actually have the reverse effect on life satisfaction — and possibly even correlate to an increase in rates of depression! I like that the book is straight-forward and doesn’t get too science heavy for the layman reader. Highly recommend this one!

seven things, seven days:
1. I finally used coconut oil for the first time as a make-up remover. And holy shit, it took off the waterproof mascara that I wear during the rainiest and sweatiest of runs that won’t. come. off. with regular cleanser alone.
2. WHY ARE THERE STILL SO MANY COOKIES IN THIS HOUSE?
3. The boyfriend repainted the kitchen walls and doors back to white, and I feel so much better about this room.
4. I also completely cleared all of the clutter and decor from on top of the cabinets that’s been bothering me for nearly two years. I’m sure it will all sit in a box until we move again.
5. Got to hang with some of my coworkers from my old job (celebrating a going away, resignation party). Many of us have moved on from the organization, and I miss everyone immensely.
6. In addition to my personal, professional, and running resolutions for 2016, I am making a list of blogging goals — this post from The Wonder Forest has a great resource for tips on taking your blog to the next level.
7. The six most interesting Psychology papers in 2015 — the most interesting, personally, is the study about nonpharm solutions to insomnia (mine has been pretty bad the last few months) {via NY Times}

Gasparilla Challenge: Training Week #4

- Mel

This was a difficult week for me to get motivated — run//yoga club was cancelled and I had too much work to do in two days that I couldn’t leave work in time for my Monday night spin class. And I definitely have some regrets about not getting out more to enjoy some good running weather too. I finally feel as though I’ve recovered from the travel and bad food (and its accompanying alcohol) and lack of sleep, but obviously a bit too late to have a successful training week.

MONDAY: [walked to/from work]

TUESDAY: [walked to/from work]

WEDNESDAY: Since I took my last vacation day on Wednesday, I went to a noon CrossFit session. The WOD was for time — I guess what you would call a Chipper — with 10 rounds of both body weight movements and weightlifting. It was tough but I finished the scaled Bronze workout in 13:36.

CrossFit_Chipper Workout

I’ve been using this Trudeau BCRF Pink Mist Hydration Bottle [pictured above] for both hot yoga and CrossFit, and I love its dual purpose. This water bottle has a 2-in-1 top that includes a mister & pop-up straw, and it is BPA Free. The Trudeau Corporation is even donating a portion of its sale to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Thanks to CI Visions for sending me one to test out!

THURSDAY: Travel Day (followed by a lot of fatty foods and alcohol and cookies)

FRIDAY: Merry Christmas! (We all got fat together, right?)

SATURDAY: Finally back home… and too tired for life.

SUNDAY: My training plan called for a 7-mile long run, and I went out for it… and nearly instantly encountered a downpour (my weather app said I had *at least* an hour before getting drenched so hung my rain jacket back up). Well, I ran through that storm for five+ happy miles (because let’s be serious, it was 67 degrees!!!), but I had a growing concern for blisters — my socks and shoes, and well, everything was soaked. I wasn’t hating the run at all but with tryouts a week away on top of a race training schedule, I couldn’t afford waiting for blistered feet to heal.

These kind of runs are important though for: a) preparing mentally for any of the uncontrollable hurdles that may come up on race day and b) testing out gear in heavy rains. I was impressed that my Armpocket kept my phone dry (though it didn’t leak outright, there was growing condensation on the front clear cover). I had my Figgies & Jammies in a plastic bag inside my Nathan belt and those stayed dry too (though I never reached for them, considering IT WAS POURING and I could barely see, let alone eat).

Anyways, I ran a bit faster than on the plan because of the rain and finished 5.40 miles at an average 10:15 pace. Splits: 10:23 / 10:17 / 10:14 / 9:48 / 10:07

TOTAL RUNS: 1
WEEKLY MILES: 5.40
TOTAL TRAINING MILES: 29.70