Gear

Dear Nike+ iPod Sport Sensor Kit,
You are my very best friend.
Love,
Tracy

So the equipment arrived: iPod nano (yellow; inscription LaurynxAddiction), arm band, headphones, Nike+ chip, play list. I couldn't very well not run.


7 miles. Outside. Along Lake Michigan. In the snow.


When I began running, I felt as though I was running in place. I reminded myself that distance, rather than speed, was my goal for the day and that if it took hours to run 7 miles, so be it. It didn't. It took 51 minutes, at a speed of 7.17. My iPod told me. Can I say that upon hearing my iPod congratulate me on my goal I literally threw my arms in the air, Rocky style? I can.

Vinyasa

Went to a morning vinyasa yoga class and stretched hard; a more no-nonsense instructor than at the hatha class from earlier in the week. She rubbed a Tiger Balm-esque potion on my shoulders that I can still smell, three hours after the fact. I did a handstand against a wall and held the crow pose momentarily.

(I look like a cliche when I am walking down the street with an Envirosax bag with my yoga mat in it, holding a latte from Starbucks, whilst talking on my iPhone. If I had cute yoga clothes and/or nice hair, I'd be one of those women I hate.)

Mr. Jablonski reports, via facebook, that his training is beginning today!

Keeping up with Big Sister

Lisa sent me a text last night that she ran 5.2 miles in 70 minutes! Amazing! I was going to, ahem, take the day off today, but I considered her message a challenge and went to the gym this morning. I ran 5 miles, walked 0.5, and watched the 1995-ish movie "Higher Learning"--all about the trials and tribulations of college in 1995. I saw this on a date with someone. Nic Watson? (Anna and Jess: you'll appreciate that.) I may go back to the shoe store to see if my knee pain is caused by my form or my shoes because, meeeowza, is it hurting. I have paper cups of water freezing right now.

xoxoxo,
t.

The Message

Hi Team!

I am taking the day off and resting my knee. I ended up going to yoga last night and it was lovely--I'm hoping to make it a weekly practice. The snow was blowing outside and it was so nice and so very peaceful. All my thoughts turned to Lauryn and my love for her.

Also, we can welcome a new team member--Ryan from Madison! He is a co-worker and friend of Mercy's who will be running the full marathon on May 30. Lauryn's best friend, T.J., is also going to register to participate in the half with us, if I can twist his arm hard enough.


The women's shirts were delivered and reports are they are lovely. The design for silk screening is in process, but will be completed soon.

I sent out an email today requesting donations via a PayPal account so that we can advance the scholarship. I'll include the text of the message here as well, lest you would like to copy/paste it somewhere:

Dear Friends and Family,

As you are probably aware, my beautiful sister, Lauryn Kay Mustain, was in a traffic accident on December 3, 2009 which tragically took her life. At 17, she was funny and bright; beautiful and bold. Her loss grips those who loved her daily--she was pure joy.

In honor of her spirit and the life she led, I am organizing a team to run in the Madison, Wisconsin Half Marathon on May 30, 2010. Team LaurynxAddiction is currently looking for support to raise money for a scholarship to be presented to one of Lauryn's peers in the East Troy High School class of 2010. We aren't a group of runners though--we are just a team of people who love Lauryn and miss her wit, her laughter, and her sloppy kisses. Please consider donating via our secure PayPal account and, if you are able, come cheer us on in Madison! Please feel free to pass this message along to those who may find it of interest.

Best to you and yours,
Tracy VanDeBoom

...but I just ate half a donut so...

Today I ran 4.5 miles in 48 minutes at 6.1 and then walked 0.3 miles (5 minutes) as a cool down. My legs started hurting immediately during the run and now I am feeling pain in my left knee (usually the source of any running related pain). I may try a Hatha yoga class--per Mary's recommendation--tonight if Kid will sleep early enough. Also, I just ate half a sprinkle donut. So that's that.

3.5 miles on elliptical in 43 minutes, followed by weight machines (torso twist, seated leg press, arm press), and 10 minutes on stationary bike to finish. It wasn't a particularly hard workout, so I don't know if I will do more later or call it a day.

4 miles in 44 minutes at pace of 6.1. That's all I got.

Mary completed her first 30 minute run WITHOUT STOPPING today! Great job, Mary. She's been training outside in the cold Minnesota weather, despite the ice and snow on the trails. Wow.