Buzz Buzz

Happy National Coffee Day! I love my daily cup of joe.

I didn't start drinking coffee daily until my junior year of college when I lived in Italy (funny story: first week I was there I didn't know the pot of coffee on the table was espresso. I was drinking a huge cup of it every morning and couldn't figure out why I was so jittery). 

During the week, I am out of bed and running within 10 minutes so I save my coffee for after my run. But if I am going to the gym, I usually gulp down some coffee on the way there.

I always have coffee before races and long runs. When I travel to races I even bring my own coffee and mini French press.

I couldn't have coffee before the Antarctica marathon because the desalination system wasn't working correctly. I just couldn't choke down coffee made with salt water!

I drink my hot coffee black, but my iced coffee with skim milk and sugar.

My favorite coffee flavored are Yankee Doodle (cinnamon and hazelnut) and Jamacian Me Crazy (hazelnut butter rum ). But it has to be the flavored beans, I don't like the flavored syrup.

Do drink coffee everyday? When do you have your coffee? How do you drink it?

When I was cleaning out my magazine bin, I found the July issue of Runner's World. It had gotten lost in the pile and I'd never read it. Since it was so old, I decided just to sit down and read it at home. Normally, I save my fitness related magazines for the gym where I read them on the elliptical or stair climber. It helps the time to pass more quickly and all the fitness content keeps me motivated.  Plus, if I get inspired to try a new workout I see in the magazine, I am already at the gym!



But I noticed that when I read Runner's World at home on the couch that I retained more. I even found myself thinking about information I'd read later that day. That practically never happens when I read at the gym.

This surprised me because I thought it would be the opposite. For example, I've found that I do better at Jeopardy when I watch it while I elliptical. Something about the physical motion gets my brain working faster. Apparently though, when it comes to reading, it is better to have no distractions.

I probably won't stop reading at the gym, because really that is the only time I have to read magazines. Plus, it isn't exactly like this is earth shattering information that I need to commit fully to memory. I guess I know now not to try and study anything important at the gym?

Do you read while you are at the gym? What helps you to best retain information? 

Fall

I do the same bike ride nearly every Wednesday morning and over the past month it has been neat to watch the transition from summer to fall. I watched the beaches empty, the beach cottages close up , the number of out of state license plates dwindle, the little markets and ice cream stands close, the school buses return to the road. I felt the temperature slowly drop and the wind increase. This morning I saw the first of the fall foliage.

I love fall in Maine. The air is crisp but the sun is still warm and the colors just seem incredibly vivid. Monday I took Sushi to walk at Fort Williams and I just couldn't get over how beautiful it was, even though I've been there a hundred times. The water was a such a deep, dark blue and you could see for miles and miles. The surf was wild.

Yesterday we hiked up Bradbury Mountain. I just couldn't stop breathing in that clean, cool fall air. Sushi was a fan of the falling leaves and acorns.

summit selfie

Plus, fall means it is time to break out all my favorite fall foods. After a summer of salads and fruit, I am ready to bring on the warm comfort food. Monday I roasted up a big batch of root veggies and winter squash and made a loaf of bread. Last night I finally tried (sweet potato) hash browns. Hot crispy and delicious!

I have already made the most of the first few days of fall, but I still have so many fall activities to look forward to. We have 2 fairs, apple picking, a corn maze, and pumpkin carving on our agenda. 

Does it feel like fall where you live? Are you sad to see summer end or ready for a new season? What is your favorite fall activity?

My Favorite Yoga Places in Portland, Maine

For me getting to a yoga class once or twice a week is critical to my physical and mental well-being. Yoga makes a huge difference in how quickly I recover from running and how I feel out on the roads. I've tried nearly every yoga studio in the greater Portland area, but these two are my favorites.

Breathing Room

This cozy, little spot is hands down my favorite. They offer a variety of vinyasa classes, from gentle flow to vigorous vinyasa, as well as restorative and yang/yin. The studio consists of a welcome area, one yoga studio, and a bathroom. The studio has a beautiful antique tiled ceiling and funky henna mural on the walls. I love looking at both when I am upside down. The only parking is on-street, but because it is SoPo there is plenty to go around. Every single one of their teachers is so welcoming that after just a class or two I felt like I was part of the BR family. I've found that nearly all of their classes have the perfect mix of challenge and ease that I look for in a yoga studio.

Lila East End Yoga

Lila is a beautiful studio in Portland's east end. There is a class for everyone at this studio. They make it easy for beginners to get familiar with yoga with their foundations classes, for intermediate yogis to grow their practice with the expanding class, and for advanced yogis to get a high level class with Asana junkies. It is also a small studio with an atrium, the studio, and a bathroom. The space feels historic, with an original brick wall and a wall of reclaimed brick. The parking is on street and can be a challenge at peak hours. Their teachers are all extremely knowledgeable. I found that their classes are more vigorous than at the Breathing Room.

What do you look for in a yoga studio?

My Favorite Places for a Post Run Brunch in Portland

Earlier this week, I told you about my favorite places to run in Maine. Today is all about what happens after the run- brunch! For me there is no better way to start a weekend day than with a long run followed by brunch.

For when you just want a bagel............. Scratch Bakery

image source

This adorable, little bakery in South Portland has the best bagels I have ever had. They are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. I am not the only one who loves these bagels, they sell out so quickly on weekends! I love a sea salt bagel (gotta have that salt after a run), herb cream cheese, and a latte after a run. 

For when you want a big diner breakfast..............................Becky's Diner

Becky's is a Portland institution and for good reason. They serve up heaping platters of breakfast classics for cheap with a side of sassy waitresses. Their blueberry pancakes are the best I've ever had. They enormous and have tons of Maine blueberries and real Maine maple syrup. I tend to avoid Becky's though during the summer when it is swarmed with tourists. 

When you want something a little funky (or you are a vegan)...................... Silly's

Silly's is a whimsical restaurant with a huge menu. Menus and games to play are held in funky lunchboxes on the tables and the decor is bright and fun. Silly's is great after a long run because their portions are enormous. They have tons of fun of milkshake options (vegan milkshakes too!) and nearly everything on the menu can be make vegetarian or vegan. My favorite brunch is the Eggy Pop- eggs, avocado, tomato, bacon, cheddar and scallions on french fries. 

When you are feeling fancy and don't mind a wait.........................................Bintliff's

Bintliff's is a little classier, so be sure to shower before you go. There is always a line, but it is worth the wait. They have all kinds of fancy pancakes, waffles, and omelettes. I am always torn between the the Lobster Benedict and the cinnamon bun pancakes. 

When you just want a doughnut......................................................The Cookie Jar or The Holy Donut

Sometimes you just need a doughnut. I actually have 2 favorite doughnut places and I just can't choose between them. In the fall I head straight to The Cookie Jar in South Portland for a pumpkin cruller. They have a soft, rich pumpkin inside and crispy, sweet, glazed outside. The rest of the year, I can't say no to a dark chocolate sea salt doughnut at The Holy Donut. That salty, sweet combo is irresistible. 

Are you a brunch person? Do you go sweet or savory? What is your favorite brunch spot?

My Favorite Places to Run in Maine

It is no secret that I am a Maniac. I absolutely love my home state and so I thought I'd do a few posts to highlight some of my favorite things in the state. 

Today is all about my favorite places to run

1. The carriage roads in Acadia There are 45 miles of beautiful, wide carriage roads that run through Acadia National Park. These roads have everything you could want in a run: the even, dirt surface is easy on the legs, the hills provide a good challenge, and the scenery is spectacular. My only complaint is that they aren't close enough to my house!

2. Back Cove Trail, Portland.  This 3.5 mile crushed gravel trail around Back Cove is one of the first places I ever ran. It is mostly flat, is marked every 1/4 mile, and has bathrooms and water fountains. There is pretty much always a nice breeze and there great views of the water and of Portland. Plus, there are always lots of other runners and bikers if you are nervous about running alone.

3. Eastern Trail (Starting at Scarborough). The eastern trail is a 65 mile trail that goes all the way from Kittery (just over the Maine border) to Bug Light in South Portland.  My favorite section starts in Scarborough and runs south. This section passes by the Scarborough marsh which is beautiful in all seasons. I've seen herons, geese, and all kinds of other wildlife. The trail is dirt, flat, and nicely shaded.



4. Peak's Island (or any island really) I do the Peak's Island 5 miler nearly every summer. There is something special about taking a ferry out to run. There is little traffic on the island, countless water views, a sea breeze, and an ocean to jump in immediately after finishing. It turns a run into a mini vacation.

Are you a Mainer or have you visited? Where is your favorite place to run? 

Island Girl

Until Friday at noon my plan for the weekend was to spend Friday night out in Portland then head to Boston on Saturday. But, when I found out that my Mother-in-law, had fallen and hurt her foot, I ditched all my city plans and decided to head up to Islesboro for the weekend.

Really, I didn't mind this change of plans. While I have come to appreciate cities, I am really an island girl at heart.

I love the quiet and the darkness. You don't realize how much ambient noise and light is in your life until it goes away. I love standing in perfect silence looking at the incredibly bright sky.

I love being surrounded by water on all sides. I never get tired of the ocean.

My view from town beach today

I love the sense of community. You wave at every single person you pass on the road and they wave back. Every person in the Island Market says hello.

I love the slower pace of life.

Naturally, there are some things I don't love. Namely, lugging sh**t. You have to carry out every single thing you need to wear, to eat, and to amuse yourself with.

Friday I had about 20 minutes to pack everything Dixie dog and I would need for the weekend in a bag small enough to carry on and off the ferry. Obviously the bike and the guitar had to stay at home, which was a major bummer when I got out here and discovered that the roads had all just been paved. The biking would have been so good!

I also miss the lack of variety when it comes to food. You can't just run out and get Thai if you don't feel like cooking or an exotic spice you need for a recipe. Friday I had to grab whatever I already had at home that I could easily carry and didn't need refrigeration.

I can survive on Kashi, Annie's, a banana and peanut butter right?

I also get tired of the lack of variety of running/biking routes. There are only a few roads and they are all wicked hilly. Sometimes I wish there were more choices than left or right!

Still, I'd pick an island over a city any day. 

Are you a country mouse or a city mouse?

Going to the Dogs?

There is a park with a great 2 mile trail loop around a lake less than 5 minutes from my house. Every so often I wonder why I don't run there more often. I mean, it's a pretty trail and it is so close! So I'll go do a loop and then I remember why I don't go there- the dogs!

It is a popular dog park so there are dogs everywhere.

I have 2 adorable dogs, so I like dogs. Look at this cutie, who could not love her?

What I don't like is rude dog owners. I can't believe how many people bothdon't pick up after their dogs and don't control their dogs. 

Last week I tried going for a run in the park and taking the puppy, Sushi, for a walk there. Both times, big, not so friendly looking, dogs ran right at me. Their owners did nothing to call them back. Even when I asked one woman to please call off her dog because my dog was scared, she just said "oh he is friendly," and kept letting the dog run. Plus, I almost stepped in dog poop that was right in the middle of the trail.

As a runner and a pet owner, this makes me so mad! People like this are ruining these great public places for everyone! 

Have you ever had an issue with dogs while running? Did you call the dog owner out on it? If you have a dog, what do you do to control your dog?

6

I was looking back at my Garmin data from the past couple months and notice a distinct trend. In July and August 27 of my 40 runs were 6 miles in distance.

6 miles has become "my run."


It takes me just under an hour, so I consider that enough to be my only workout of the day. It is long enough to feel like a decent distance, short enough that I can maintain a decent pace, and just the right amount of time to be out if it is really hot or cold. Plus, since I am an early morning runner I can complete it without eating or drinking anything first.

I do try to get in one longer run a week, but I'm not great about that unless I am training for a longer race. I also try to do one shorter workout that is faster, but the only way I can run less than 6 miles is if I am also doing another workout. So usually by the time I get to my speedwork, my legs are already fried from whatever I did first.

I know I should vary my workouts more, but I just love my 6 milers!

Do you have "normal" distance? What is it? Why do you think that is?

If you could be anything, what you you be?

As we were discussing the idea of me possibly going back to school and changing careers, Rory asked me "If you could do anything, what would you do?"

The question stopped me in my tracks and it shocked me to find that I didn't really have an answer. 

I've been asking my friends the same question and most of them don't have an answer either. 

We are at an interesting point in our lives where we have invested 10 or so years in our current careers. We have developed experience, seniority, and financial stability. It is hard to walk away from that despite feeling unsatisfied with our jobs, On the other hand, we still have many years left to work and it is hard to face spending the rest of our lives in jobs we don't enjoy. Plus, given the current economy many of us feel lucky to even have a job and like we can't walk away from that. 

When I was 7, I had no problem answering the question. First I was going to be an Olypmic gymnast and then an ice cream tester for Ben and Jerry's and then a doctor. Now,  I really have no good answer. As an adult, how do you find that balance between practicality and dreams?

If you could be anything, what you you be?

In-Between

Not too much has been happening here on this old blog since the wedding, because not too much has been happening in my life running and otherwise.

I am stuck in an in-between zone.

We decided to wait and go on our honeymoon this spring so the question of whether I can be ready (or want to be ready) for a fall marathon is now a moot point. I am enjoying having no training plan. I've been doing a lot of my favorite runs (easyish 6 milers), but also tossing in some hills, longer runs, and speed-work when I feel like it. Sunday morning I had a fun track session running through the sprinklers. I did 2 x 800, 2 x 400, and 4 x 200. There is something about just being able to make up the work-out as you go that makes it so much more fun.

I am not, however, enjoying the lack of a plan when it comes to the rest of my life. The healthcare information technology consulting market has a hit a slow down, forcing me to consider what I really want do with my life. I knew I'd be confronting this at some point in the next few years when we are ready to start a family and I can't travel all the time, but I wasn't expecting it to happen quite so soon. Do I want to go back to school? Do I want to try and teach yoga full time? Do I want to find a job in my current industry in Portland? I feel like I have too many choices and not enough at the same time.

I am trying to use the knowledge I gained in my yoga teacher training to get myself through this all without going crazy. Honor transitions and recognize that they are just as important as the poses themselves.