Zenaida Arroyo

How is everyone doing?  I have been home since yesterday planning for 8 days of instruction for my students.  Definitely a lot more work than I anticipated but it needs to be done.  We were supposed to have an Institute Day yesterday and Parent/Teacher Conferences today.  That changed and conferences were changed to take place via Google Hangout.  Instructions and letters with the information were sent home on Friday.  Now, schools are closed as of today so no Institute Day nor conferences.  

Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Topics.  This week we’re talking about what you think about when running.  Anyone have any interesting stories?  Let’s discuss!

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What do you think about when you’re running?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Lately I haven’t done too much running.  It’s been two weeks since my half marathon in Atlanta and I’ve done one run.  That is it.  I haven’t been motivated.  Now that I am not training for a specific race (my three races have been cancelled), I want to run just for fun.  

Social media sucks.  I understand it is a difficult time for many people.  I get it.  I had to unfollow a few people from Twitter because of stupid comments.  Some people are just plain selfish.  

Anyway, back to the topic.  Sometimes I listen to music while running.  I have a playlist that I like so music isn’t really a problem.  Other times I have too much going on and want to think things through. 

Below are some things I think about in no specific order or importance.  

√ My pace.   Lately I’ve been running slower than usual and I wonder why but at the same time know the reason.  Just running is not going to make me faster.  I need to do other things besides running.

√ My students.  Many times they do annoy me but they make me smile and laugh a whole lot more.  They’re kids.  They’re innocent.

√ A house.  I have mentioned a few times that I am looking for a house to buy.  In my head I have the perfect one.  Now I need to find it.  I have been looking for a few years and don’t understand why I haven’t found it.  

√ My mom.  Luckily she is doing better after her stroke.  Her doctor has mentioned that her glucose and cholesterol levels are under control.  What she struggles with is high blood pressure.  We cannot get that under control.

√ My cats.  They’re my babies.  I love them.  They’re so cute!  Right?  🙂

√ My job.  I don’t love it but don’t hate it either.  I like it.  Lately I’ve been struggling because I want to do so much for my students but then get frustrated because I don’t have enough time.  There’s been days that I stay at work till 5 or 6 pm a few nights a week.  It is frustrating because no matter how many hours I put in, I will never finish everything I want to do.

√ My family.  A few of us like to get together to eat, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.  It’s been a few week since we’ve gotten together and who knows when the next time will be.

Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Topics.  This week we’re talking about trail running.  I’ve done a few runs here and there but nothing compared to what other runners do.  Trail running isn’t for everyone and that is OK.  Let’s discuss!

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Trail running – yes or no?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

For years I’ve been a road runner.  Sometimes I drive to the lakefront and run there.  Sometimes I run by myself and other times with a group.  The past couple of years I’ve been running by my house.  To me it is much more convenient and easier.  

A few years ago I started going to Waterfall Glen.  It is perfect for hill training because as you know Chicago is FLAT.  I go there too to get a break from running on the pavement.  My favorite time to go is in the Fall.  Not only do I love Fall running but going there is beautiful.  The trees and the leaves give me a peaceful feeling.  Oh, and I also love going after it rains.  The smell of the dirt!!  There is something about it that I love.  I know, it sounds weird.

I realize it isn’t a difficult terrain.  It is still smooth.  The hills is what makes it challenging hence providing a great workout.  

Besides the softer terrain, other benefits of trail running include: strengthens the legs; it is quieter; reduces the risk of injury; high quality air; and improves your mood.

I am planning to run at Waterfall Glen more often.  These past few months haven’t been going well (running wise) and I hope things are better the rest of the year. 

If you need trail running shoes, Wendy wrote a great review of the Brooks Cascadia 14 XT.  Check it out!

Trail running might not be for everyone.  That is OK.  Now trail racing is something I don’t think I will ever do.  You?