Favorite Things: Sunshine

I am nothing if not predictable. I feel my spirits lift exponentially when we have an unexpectedly warm, sunny day in the middle of February. I am a California girl at heart, and I jumped at the chance to run with my little one this week on the days it approached 50 degrees. Sunshine is good for my
soul.

I’m trying to get back in the rhythm of running regularly, and have been running 5-7 miles (total, ha!) the last few weeks. I recently asked a trainer how to get faster, and he said, “Run your fast runs faster and your slow runs slower.” Darn. I was hoping I could just imagine myself faster and it would work.

This week, I decided to run my fast runs faster, and made a goal to run a few sub 8 minute miles. (Remember, this is Swim, Bike, Quilt instead of Swim, Bike, Run for a reason. I am not a runner).

Taking advantage of the sunshine, I did just that. And then my 3 year old decided that she, too, was a runner. And she got in and out of the jogger more times than I can count, running at my side for 200 yards, and then back in the stroller.

And you know what? I loved it. And not just because it meant I got to run a little slower. I am terrible at slowing down and enjoying moments, like running in the sunshine. Instead, I tend to enjoy things as I check them off my to do list.

My takeaway: Slow down. Be flexible. Enjoy the moment. And the sunshine.

8472612649 2ce25b83c4 o Favorite Things: Sunshine

And spring: you are welcome to make your appearance at any time!

8 Comments

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾

Posted February 15, 2013 at 6:20 pm | Permalink

Looks like spring is here today but will be gone tomorrow. I find my mood much improved with an increase in sun and warmth!

Katie B

Posted February 15, 2013 at 6:52 pm | Permalink

Perfect! I’m running my first half-marathon on Sunday, and I’m getting nervous! Mostly because it’s going to be cold.

And PS–a sub-8 minute mile is pretty impressive!

- Sherry Of B.S. Crafts
  
  Posted February 17, 2013 at 4:04 pm | Permalink
  
  Good luck this morning Katie!
  
Claire Jain

Posted February 15, 2013 at 7:20 pm | Permalink

I love it! Keep on running, lady I’m out there with you, too. I’m not up to half marathons, but I’m almost back to 4 mile runs 3x a week. Moving is winning!

Norine A

Posted February 17, 2013 at 1:26 am | Permalink

I’m with ya, trying the whole ‘run slow runs slow and fast runs fast’ I’m actually training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler so I’ll be running through your neck of the woods in April!

Sherry Of B.S. Crafts

Posted February 17, 2013 at 4:05 pm | Permalink

Great Job! I’m trying to get back into running (again) this week! You may have just provided the motivation that I needed to hit the treadmill today!!

ChristaQuilts

Posted February 20, 2013 at 5:38 pm | Permalink

When my kids were small, a group of us used to run during the week with our kids in jogger strollers. Then, when husbands were home on Saturdays to watch the kids, we all went out without the strollers. We felt super fast then, not having to be pushing while running. Good luck with your under 8min/mi goal – that rocks!

Holly U

Posted March 2, 2013 at 12:21 pm | Permalink

Friends convinced me to train for my longest race ever: a half marathon. Increasing my mileage this much is hard, doing so in the cold and snow is so much harder! Spring can’t come fast enough for me either.

I’m a solid 10 minute miler, so I’m totally impressed by 8 minute miles!