Go For a Run

I got it from the same place I got my road bike, because I wanted to try it on. I got a really slick one from theclymb.com and it was too short, so I wanted to try the next one on. The Clymb had a great return policy. I think my 2XU V1 cost around $160.

It’s amazing for swimming, my form was automatically better and easier to maintain. Buoyancy really helps with your confidence as well. Definitely necessary for longer swims.

I’m not your coach (or a professional, I just run a lot) so I would ask your coach first—they will know what your strengths are from your past seasons on spring t&f and what specifically you need to work on, things I don’t know about you. :)

In the end, getting better at running further requires running more. Try adding a day onto your schedule, increasing in mileage by 5-10% for 3 weeks with a 4th as a “deload” week (the general rule of thumb for increasing mileage). Even if you only run an extra 10 minutes on your added day, that is an increase and will help you get better. As far as how long to train, the mileage you put in over the summer will build a strong base for running in the fall.

“Taken” is such a harsh word. I am willingly smitten.

I realized that link went down around November, the forums suggest that they might be bringing back a new version. There are a couple iphone apps that will figure it out for you, but I use this set up from Runners’ World:

30 degrees: 2 tops, 1 bottom. Long-sleeve base layer and a vest keep your core warm. Tights (or shorts, for polar bears).
10 to 20 degrees: 2 tops, 2 bottoms. A jacket over your base layer, and wind pants over the tights.
0 to 10 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms. Two tops (fleece for the cold-prone) and a jacket. Windbrief for the fellas.
Minus 10 to 0 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, extra pair of mittens, 1 scarf wrapped around mouth or a balaclava.
Minus 20 degrees: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 extra pairs of mittens, 1 balaclava, sunglasses. Or, says Arribas, “Stay inside”

Today was 13 degrees, with windchill it was 0. I went with the 0-10 degree range and wore a beanie (should have doubled up or worn ear warmers), tech gloves, shoes and knee-high thick socks on my extremities; a sports bra, tank top, “hyperwarm” fleece and my wind-resistant cycling jacket on top; nike pro shorties and thick athletic tights on my legs.

I wish I had worn a scarf or bandana around my neck for my cheeks/chin, my face is raw after 7 miles in ~1:05. I found those guidelines worked well for me though.

Looks don’t matter, it’s entirely personality. They must like animals. Being independent, respectful, and relaxed is clutch. An interest in science and technology is helpful. I don’t care much if they’re into fitness or sports, but they must be into going on adventures.

Not much criteria there, but it comes with a caveat. You don’t have to do the things I do, or want to do them with me, but you must respect and appreciate my interests. 

Thanks! The pictures are from the Pioneer Valley in Western MA. I only live here during the academic year for college.

I identify as “femme” regarding my gender presentation. I am a female who likes to present myself very femininely, as opposed to dressing more “masculine of center” which is generally called butch. Butch/femme identities are most traditionally seen in lesbian couplings where one member takes a more masculine role/style of dress and the other a more hyper-feminized style. Everyone’s identity is personal and special to them, so this won’t be true of everyone who identifies a certain way. Here’s a wikipedia article that might be more helpful.

Bisexual to me means I am attracted to both (or all) genders, although I am generally swayed more towards women. The difference in attraction to certain genders can be quantified by the Kinsey scale which applies numbers to how hetero- or homosexual you identify. Identities and terminology are fluid and ever-changing so I may not be totally up to date, but this is how I identify, so I hope I explained it well enough.

Yes, my parents are very supportive of most things I do. My uncle is gay, so my mother has been pro-gay rights for a very long time. My father just wants me to be happy, I’m such a daddy’s girl so it’s not that surprising that he’s okay with it. They, like most of my friends, knew I wasn’t straight before I did and simply told me that they loved me, and always would, when I eventually told them.

My grandparents don’t know and I am not interested in telling them. They’re very elderly and it never really comes up in conversation. My uncle’s partner is not invited to any family events, so it’s implied that they’re not very accepting of that kind of behavior. However, I’m 100% sure that my sexuality does not play into their opinion of me, so it’s not something I’m ever going to bring up. It’s my choice to not disclose this information to them, and since it isn’t harming my identity or the way they view me, I’m totally okay with “being in the closet” in that situation. I’m out about my identity nearly everywhere else :)

(*I identify as a 4 or 5 on the Kinsey scale. I’ve had a pretty equal run of male and female partners.)

You know, if you asked me in person, I would tell you. But for some reason I am reluctant to post my score on the internet in this setting. I just received it, and it still feels like a very personal part of me that I don’t feel like sharing on a public blog. :) I did ridiculously well on the writing section, and evenly on the other three parts, if that satisfies you.

Is it TMI Tuesday?