How To Make The Most Of Blog Link Ups

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Coco

I love participating in blog link-ups. They can be a great way to expand your horizons on a topic or cuisine, discover new blogs, and get to know other bloggers. I have badges for my favorite link-ups in my side bar, but I am still discovering new ones (like Deb’s Wednesday Word). Now that I’ve been hosting and participating in blog link-ups for a while, I thought I’d share my tips on how to make the most of blog link ups. 

Blog Link Ups

These practical tips will help you get the most out of blog link-ups and expand your blog readership. Continue reading →

Posted in Life | Tagged | 36 Comments

The 31st GW Parkway Classic Race Recap

Posted on April 26, 2015 by Coco

After my PR at the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, I set my sights on another course PR at the GW Parkway Classic. I don’t usually set a specific pace goal so far in advance, but after running a 7:52 pace at Cherry Blossom, I thought I could run an 8:ish pace on the GW Parkway course. It wasn’t easy, but PR’s never are!  

31st GW Parkway Classic

To tell the full story of my GW Parkway Classic race recap, I have start with the week before. I followed my plan for running back-to-back races, and took it easy the week after Cherry Blossom. During my long run last Saturday, I felt a fire in my left shin that I’d never felt before. (I’ve had various running injuries, but not shin splints.) Since the point of pain is rarely the source of the problem, I used my foam roller and found a knot in my calf that was the likely culprit. The pain was bad, but most of the tears were emotional, as I feared that I would not be able to run the rolling hills of the GW Parkway classic. 

Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness, Race Recaps | Tagged , , | 26 Comments

How To Run Back To Back Races

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Coco

Two of my favorite races are in April–the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and the GW Parkway Classic. I used to choose to run one or the other, but I love both so much I’ve figured out how to run back to back races. Since I’m joining the Friday Five link up hosted by Eat Pray Run DC, Mar on the Run and You Signed Up for What?! I’ll share my five main strategies.

Recovery For Back To Back Races

Last year the Cherry Blossom and Parkway Classic were on back-to-back weekends. This year they are two weeks apart (the Parkway Classic is on Sunday!) but I still put these same tips to work.  Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness | Tagged , , | 24 Comments

Challenge Is Rewarding

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Coco

I’m joining Deb’s Wednesday Word link up and reflecting on rewarding.

Deb Runs
 

“Rewarding” is a word we all know, but I still looked up the definition. I browsed several on-line dictionaries but liked the Google definition best. Continue reading →

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My Harshest Critic

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Coco

If you saw my guest post on Carla’s blog on Friday (squee!), you know that I have spent some time thinking about judgment. I started off thinking about how I judge others (and trying not to) but ended up realizing how much I judge myself. I really am my own harshest critic. 

Our Harshest Critic (1)
I know I’m not alone, but recent campaigns by Dove have made me realize how pervasive this issue is. Continue reading →

Posted in Life | Tagged , , | 9 Comments