Runningrealtor's Blog

Push On (according to the NY Times)

October 19, 2010
Leave a Comment

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/health/nutrition/19best.html?WT.mc_id=HL-SM-E-FB-SM-LIN-TSO-101910-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click 

This is a great article about how elite runners  run through pain with intense focus on winning.   It also advises to train on or at least run a course before racing it, which I personally think is a great idea if you are able.

I have always wondered whether running a full 26.2 miles during training prior to the actual marathon race might help my finishing time.  I am by no means an elite runner but do have a goal of qualifying for The Boston Marathon.  All the training I have done decreases miles prior to the race.   If my body is able I am going to train with a 26.2 miler a few weeks prior to the race and see if it has any bearing on my time or performance.  I am sure that philosophy carries over to all forms of athletics.  I did an hour of yoga before my run today, which just happened to be hills, and I stopped a couple of times when my legs got heavy thinking I had worked them out pretty good before the run so walking was okay.   Hmmmmm………….

I should have pushed on.


Starting Today……..

October 15, 2010
Leave a Comment

Today I start training for my 3rd marathon.  After a summer of running without a hard-core training schedule or a race goal I am ready to get with the program!  It was great not HAVING to run 15 miles on a Sunday morning but now I am looking forward to that.  I still have the goal of running a Boston Marathon qualifying time so my training pace will be 8:40 or better.  I am sticking to the standard marathon training schedule for mileage but will add hills and sprints and 3 days of weight training.

I went to a vegetarian diet this Summer and am curious to see how, if at all, this affects  my training.  I had a hard time with short runs at first but thought I wasn’t getting enough protein.  After making some changes and adding protein shakes I am feeling good and ready and fit. 

I am using my blog and Nike Plus as my accountability and my training log. 

Here is to running and hopes of Boston, 2012.


Are There Obvious Signs of a Recovering Real Estate Market?

March 29, 2010
1 Comment

Do we see signs of an improving real estate market in the Ann Arbor area?  MSN shows 8 signs of a recovering market in this article http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23729984and looking at what AnnArbor.com has to say about local numbers http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/ann-arbor-area-housing-market-shows-continued-improvement-in-february/  it appears we should be heading into recovery mode.  Both articles show positive information which includes, among other factors, reduced foreclosure and short sale inventory

The homebuyer credits expire April 30, 2010.  Once we get to the third quarter and the credits have long expired, we will have a new group of buyers and sellers who, if confident the market is improving, will keep things moving through the end of the year. 

Locally the Ann Arbor market is showing many multiple offer situations, bidding wars and shorter on market times which appears to be a confidence booster for sellers who have been waiting for the market turn to sell their homes.

SOLD!


“Champions aren´t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.” Muhammad Ali

February 12, 2010
1 Comment

This quote really rings a bell with me. 

There are many days that I muster up the motivation to get in a run, whether treadmill or outdoors.  It never fails that once I start I realize how much I love running.  I know that everyone has days they need a little push but  having a desire, dream and/or a vision will keep you focused and motivated.  My goal to qualify for Boston is my motivation on those tough days.  And, I admit, I do envision myself, during my training runs, running The Boston Marathon. 

So, Muhammad Ali hit the nail on the head.  I feel like a champion every time I get out and do what most don’t!  I have a goal and a desire and a vision.   I suppose I could run The Boston Marathon for a charity, which I did in the Vancouver Marathon, but I want it for myself and, as selfish as it may be,  my desire, dream and vision will get me there!


Morning, Afternoon, Evening or does it matter?

January 26, 2010
1 Comment

My run of choice is the Morning Run!  I love to get out of the house and hit the road as a start to my day.  I love the fact that when it is over I have the rest of the day to focus on my work and family obligations.  I also like the fact that I can run on an empty stomach in the morning. 

Yesterday I did an outside run in the afternoon and the run itself was great but I had a turkey sandwich for lunch a couple of hours before the run.  I ran 8.8 miles at a respectable pace but kept feeling like my legs were heavy.  I attributed it to eating lunch for whatever reason.  

Today my run wasn’t until 6:00 pm, on the treadmill to boot.  So, of course I had eaten a few meals already, and I went into the gym with the guilt of not getting my run in earlier. When I hit the treadmill, again, felt heavy legs.  And, on the treadmill was able to set a pretty fast and pushed through.  I don’t feel like I have to push through when I run in the morning.  I burned the same amount of calories and ran the same pace but it felt different. 

I know that just getting the run in is the point and I know that there are good days and bad days as with everything, but, all else being equal, I have a better run in the morning.  Does everyone or is it what you train your body to do?

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1456186/ann-arbor-real-estate-market-back-to-basics


Is your city an Active City?

January 21, 2010
Leave a Comment

What makes a city an “Active City?”  Being conducive to an active lifestyle including year-round indoor and outdoor exercise and activity.   Do you consider your city an Active City?

Anyone reading this blog either knows already or is about to find out that I consider Ann Arbor one of the best places to live.  And here is another reason.

Today was a typical January day in Ann Arbor.  Actually, better than typical, being that it is in the 30s and has been for a couple of days.  The sun was shining and snow starting to melt.  I went out for my daily run and all along the way saw other runners, bikers and walkers.   Main Street had loads of  people shopping and chatting and enjoying the day.  That kind of atmosphere really keeps you motivated.  When I see others outside exercising, expecially the BIKERS (riding in 30 degree temps), I realize there is no “weather related” excuse for not getting out and running!

I’ve lived in cities other than Ann Arbor that I would not consider Active Cities.  I would be the lone runner out on a snowy afternoon wondering if I was  crazy for being out there.  Should I just resort to the treadmill in the basement ? 

I know why people who enjoy an Active lifestyle live in  Ann Arbor.  It is bike friendly with bike lanes on many of the roads.  There are parks, paths and trails for running, walking and rollerblading.  There are rivers and streams for canoeing and kayaking.  All of the paths are cleared as soon as the snow hits and the trails are so well trafficked that there is always a footprint snow path through the woods!

As far as indoor activities Ann Arbor has MANY options.  YMCA, gyms, yoga studios, Pilates studios, rock climbing, indoor golf, you name it.  It is in Ann Arbor.  No excuses for not being active.

So, do you consider your city an Active City?  Where and why?


Win a Romantic Weekend in Ann Arbor, MI!

January 19, 2010
Leave a Comment

Another great stress relief. 

Win a Romantic Weekend in Ann Arbor, MI!.


If I could bottle this……………

January 19, 2010
Leave a Comment

If I could bottle the way I feel right now, after a fantastic run, I could make millions

I decided to head out for my run earlier than originally planned.   I had been in a series of conversations that were causing me stress and anxiety and I couldn’t really focus on the tasks I needed to.  So, I hit the road.  My thoughts began to flow and my head started to clear.  I was enjoying the surroundings – snow-covered trees, Gallup Park, Huron River, the U of M Med Center – and before mile two was complete the stress and anxiety I started the run with was gone.  I was then able to focus on the run itself and what the rest of my day holds for me. 

By the end of the run I felt invigorated, excited and ready to focus!  I wish that I could bottle the feeling you get during and after a long run.  I know that I would be able to convert many non-runners into runners if they knew how exhilarating it is! 

What a way to turn what could have been a not so great day to a great day after all!

So, I dare all you non-runners to relieve some stress by hitting the road! 

Veteran runners – you know what I mean!


Vitamin D – Naturally!

January 14, 2010
Leave a Comment

Yesterday’s outdoor run was fantastic!  I was able to get my Vitamin D injection and burn some calories at the same time.  The temps were low 20s but the sun was blaring!  I ran to Vie: Fitness and Spa (about 3 miles), took a Barre Intensity Class and ran home (another 3 miles).  The run there, great.  The run home, a little sore from the Barre Intensity Class.  Today I feel like a million bucks.  I have not been much of a cross trainer for the past couple of years but it seems that the cross training is really worth the effort.  The Barre Intensity Class combines strength,  stretching and core work, all which add to running strength and endurance.  The next week will be warmer than what we have seen so I plan to increase mileage and keep the running outdoors until further notice!  Even with the cold temps having the sun beat down on your face is a great feeling.  That’s how I like to get my Vitamin D – naturally! 

I am going on a listing appointment this morning.  My past client is ready to make a move and I have gone over the numbers.  It appears, based on recent sales in the same neighborhood, that he can sell for more than he paid two years ago.  He won’t walk away with a boat load of money, but closing costs will probably be covered.   I hope that is a sign of what is to come in 2010!


You spin me right round baby right round

January 10, 2010
1 Comment

So, yep, the track again.  10k on the track.  I got it in first thing in the morning and it was great.

One of the Linkedin Running Groups I am in are discussing music or no music?  I always listen to music but I read all the posts and they all make sense, whether you do or don’t.  But, when I was running around and around and around the track today just listening and running, enjoying it,  ACDC came on unexpectedly and I felt my pace quicken and my mood change.  I was really getting in to the run and the song.  My stride and smile both widened.  So, maybe if the right music is on it helps you pick up those feet and move! 

After my run I did an Open House, first one for the year.  I had a couple show up whose daughter owned a home in the area.  It is freezing cold and snow is about 4 inches deep.   I call that a successful Open House.  Anyone out looking at houses in this weather is seriously looking!  So, I will plan another next Sunday  and so on and so on and so on………….you spin right round baby right round.


Next Page »