November In Review

Saturday's 7.1 mile afternoon run while visiting family in Pennsylvania brought my November training to a close.  During the course of those 7.1 miles I got to experience the beautiful sights and sounds of the country in my hometown, including this beautiful sunset.

This month I wasn't following a training plan and I was just running to run and I rather enjoyed it.  While I didn't run a ton of miles in November I did enjoy the run each and every single time I laced up my Brooks Addictions.  I also believe this month was my lowest mileage month in 2011 but you know what?  I am totally okay with it!  I still got some quality workouts in and I got to spend time with family.  I consider that a win-win in my book.

November 2011 Stats
51.6-- running miles
0-- elliptical miles
0-- bike miles
0-- spinning class miles
51.6-- total miles
0 minutes-- rope skipping
158-- weight as of November 30, 2011*
*reduced mileage and workouts combined with not so healthy eating habits resulted in a 2.4 lb gain this month.

Current 2011 Stats
1242.31-- running miles
17.8-- elliptical miles
15.86-- bike miles
55.8-- spinning class miles
1331.77-- total miles

1 hour and 55 minutes-- rope skipping

Looking ahead to December, Deb (my best friend) and I will be heading to Sin City on Friday evening for a girl's weekend which includes:



This



This



And This



It is going to be a fun-filled weekend packed full of great food, fun, and friendship!  I'm sure you will all want to hear a complete report of the weekend but you must remember one thing:

"What Happens In Vegas......"

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

7.1 Miles In Photos

This week we are in Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving and I have had the opportunity to run on the roads I grew up running on the past three days.  I headed out for a run this afternoon and decided to document the run with photos!

Oh hill prior to mile 3, I certainly remember you

I'm coming after you hill

Take that hill prior to mile 3

Mile 4

Mile 5.5



Mile 5.5 take 2



Just prior to mile 6.  I have seen this mailbox on every run this week!

Mile 6.5 as the sun is setting

Mile 7.1 and Done!



Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Kim

This week's spotlight is on Kim from Life in the Twin Lane (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and introduce yourself!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Kim:  I have been running off and on most of my life, but really starting getting into the crazy running world about four years ago.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Kim:  At first it was a way to help me manage the anxiety that came along with quitting smoking, and then I immediately liked the challenge of going faster and farther.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Kim:  My first race was May of 2007 - the Soleburner 5k in Appleton, WI. I now have a few 5ks and half marathons that I try to do every year, and love trying new races.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kim:  I can't decide! For the past few years, I've said that I like half marathons, but I also love the thrill of the speed and the twenty something minutes of hell that comes with a 5k.

Kim receving a tropy at a Veteran's Day 5K in 2008

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Kim:  Ahh, this a tough one - there are so many great memories. In 2008, I ran the Oshkosh half marathon - my first. It was cold and sleeting, and there weren't many runners or spectators. I remember being about 11 miles on a beautiful trail through the park, grinning ear to ear and being so proud of myself for running that far. I felt on top of the world.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Kim:  Hands down - being at mile nine or ten of the Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon this summer. Every muscle in my legs burned and my stomach just started heaving. I broke out in a cold sweat and goosebumps, and it was the first time I ever thought about quitting a race. I later found out I was running on a femoral stress fracture, and I think that breakdown was my body's way of telling me to stop and go sit on the couch.

Kim and Rachel (Running in Real Life) after the 2011 Rock 'N Roll Chicago Half Marathon

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kim:  Another tough question! This one's hard because while I have definitely had moments where I feel proud of myself, it's been so long since I've set a PR that I feel good about or run longer than I ever have that it's difficult to remember. I guess I'll say when I crossed the finish line at the Team Hailey 5k in April of 2010 - it was four weeks after I had my twins, and I was proud that I ran the whole thing - even though my newly giant boobs were absolutely killing me the entire time. :)

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kim:  Water. I never run without water, and it's got to be in my Camelbak handheld. When you squeeze it, this things shoots water at about a million miles per hour. It's awesome.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kim:  Black Cherry Shot Bloks! I've been known to snack on them if I'm hungry and I find a half-eaten package in my car. Delightful.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Kim:  Vanilla almond milk with chocolate whey protein. I've Pavloved myself into craving it towards the end of every run.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Kim:  I do. "Face piles of trials with smiles, it riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave. Keep on thinking free." It's from my favorite Moody Blues album, and it's been my favorite since I was a little girl.

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run I feel _________.
Kim:  Strong and accomplished. Driven.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Kim:  My mom. Aside from being super smart and fun to be around, she started the Couch to 5k program at 58 years old, and just completed her second half marathon. She inspires so many people, but she'd never admit it.

Kim with her beautiful mother!!

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Kim:  Ugh. Can you hear my giant sigh through the computer screen? My goal is to be smart and safe as I continue this rehab process so my femur heals stronger than ever. Then I'd like to remain injury free and just be able to run again. And... maybe set some new PRs. And run Ragnar. And maybe a marathon. :)

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Kim:  If you've been injured, you know how difficult it is emotionally and mentally to be taken out of running. Remember that fire that burns when all you want is to run, and get out there and enjoy feeling your heart pumping and the wind on your face. Be thankful for the gift your body is giving you.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Kim!  Bewst of luck achieving your mainly goals and healing well!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kim YOU inspire ME!!

The Battle Between The Snooze Alarm And My Running Shoes

Every weeknight I set my alarm for 4:30 AM with every intention of getting out of bed to head out for a run. Truth be told I have chosen to hit snooze and stay in bed more often than not lately. I think I have lost a bit of my running mojo ever since my PR performance at the Columbus Marathon back in October. I have run in the afternoon and evening a few times since Columbus but I really prefer to run in the morning.

Last night, as I always do, I set my alarm for 4:30 AM and when it went off this morning I had a battle between that snooze button and my running shoes once again!
4:30 AM-Alarm goes off and I hit snooze.
4:37 AM-Alarm goes off again- snooze once again
4:44 AM-Alarm again-snooze again
4:51 AM-Alarm once more-snooze once more
4:58 AM-Alarm and snooze yet again
5:05 AM- Alarm and I decide to check the weather on my phone
5:12 AM- Alarm again and snooze once more
5:19 AM- Alarm and I turn it off and think to myself seriously Jodi it is 53 degrees on November 15th. Get your butt out of bed and go for a run. You don't have to run far and you will be done in 30 minutes or less.
5:21 AM- Out of bed! Thow on capris and a long sleeve shirt in November and head outside.
5:30 AM- Game on, run started
26 minutes and 44 seconds later I return home and am glad I let my running shoes win the battle today. The question is: what will happen tomorrow at 4:30 AM?

Do you battle your snooze alarm? How do you defeat it?

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Falon

This week's spotlight is on Falon of Falon Does Marathon (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello.

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Falon:  Since May 2010. I still remember my very first effort, I think it took a week to run a mile without stopping to walk. I started with a group of friends also hoping to get into running and I was the only one that fell in love and stuck with it.


Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Falon:  Well as a non-runner, it seemed RIDICULOUSLY hard. Then, as I started it was easy to measure progress and improve. Also, running is really a solo effort. Yes, crowds and friends help, but I love that I am the only one responsible for my successes and failures.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Falon:  My first race ever, a 5k, was July 4, 2010. It is addicting for sure.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Falon:  I love the half marathon, but truth be told I'm probably best in the 8-10k range. I can usually catch a pretty fierce 2nd wind around mile 4 and run my guts out to the finish.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Falon:  Wow I have so many amazing memories from various races and few of them have to do with crossing the finish line. When I saw my mom and my husband at mile 16 in Chicago. Hi-fiving a cute baby in Chinatown. Feeling strong enough to encourage other runners on the course. The first racing milestone of breaking a 30 minute 5k.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Falon:  Anytime I have done a race where I expected to place and didn't. I hate competing in that way- it really sours the experience and it is a dumb way to run.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Falon:  Finishing the Chicago freakin' Marathon. Not in the time or the temperature that I wanted, but I did it. I ran strong and took it all in and I didn't let myself down in any way.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Falon:  Just one? I have several essential items. Sunglasses (if there is a 1% chance of the sun appearing- I have to have them), Contact Lenses (who can run in eye glasses?), Moving Comfort "Fiona" Bra, Garmin Forerunner 305. I will not walk out the door without those items. I feel like running is hard enough... I have to have the things I love.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Falon:  I love Shot Blocks. Black Cherry and Strawberry have been my favorites so far. I also like the Double Espresso Cliff Shot when I can stomach the sweet. The caffeine always adds a nice zinnnngggg! Truth be told I wish race eating was not necessary because it is always SO unappealing at the time.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Falon:  Summer races- WATERMELON! Also, PIZZA and if that is wrong... I don't wanna be right.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Falon:  I don't really have a favorite running quote. I do have a mantra though. It was spray painted under a bridge along a trail I regularly ran. "More Action, More Passion" I try to repeat that to myself when times get tough.

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run a feel ________.
Falon:  untouchable and I believe that the world is still a place for dreams and possibilities.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Falon:  Wowza. I don't really have one person I supremely admire. I admire all runners as they strive for faster times, stronger runs and bigger dreams. I also admire all the runner bloggers posting to help and motivate the entire running community! I admire my mother, she is such a kind hearted person that genuinely likes most people and she doesn't get bogged down in whiny crap very often.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Falon:  Great question, I am still trying to define my goals for 2012 as I look beyond the marathon. Do I want to improve speed or strive for distance? Yes, they usually come as a set, but where should my focus be? Hmmm right now all I know is that I'm going to dedicate the winter to improving overall strength, muscle tone and flexibility. I am hoping to become a more balanced athlete which will hopefully improve my running. I'd also like to become more regular with my mileage so I'm flirting with the 1,000 miles in 2012 goal. It scares and excites me, all at the same time.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Falon!  Best of luck achieving all of your awesome goals!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Falon YOU inspire ME!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Rachel

This week's spotlight is on Rachel from Running In Real Life (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!


Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Rachel:  5 years

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Rachel:  My friend Kim was getting into running and convinced me to sign up for a 5k. I'm not really sure why I agreed to do it, I thought running was awful! I started running with her and could barely make it a few blocks. I kept at it though and by the end of that first 5k I was hooked! I have always been drawn to things that are a challenge for me, and running is definitely a challenge! When I started I was so slow, but I loved competing with myself to improve at each race.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Rachel:  5 Years - that first 5k got me started and I haven't stopped yet!

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Rachel:  The Half Marathon. I love the challenge of that distance, yet I don't have to spend all my free time training. I am also much better at being slow and steady than running all out like a 5k requires.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Rachel:  Finishing under 2 hours at the Chicago Rock n Roll Half marathon this summer. I wasn't even trying to do that! I was in the middle of marathon training and not really aiming for any particular time. My previous PR was 2:09 and I blew it away. I still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about it.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Rachel:  My very first half marathon. I had been very stressed out from both my husband and I changing jobs suddenly and moving to a new city. I was severely undertrained and didn't know how to fuel or pace myself. To top it off, it was cold, windy and sleeting the whole race. I was miserable by mile 3 and walked quite a bit. I still finished, but I hated every minute of it. Luckily, I am too stubborn to give up after a bad experience and have run many half marathons since then!

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Rachel:  Besides the sub-2 I talked about above it would be finishing my first marathon this fall. I trained through a hot and busy summer and made it to race day uninjured and excited to go. It wasn't as pretty as I had hoped it would be, but I did it! I also get an immense feeling of pride seeing my friends and other runners achieve a goal they had been working towards.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Rachel:  I don't have a Garmin and I go back and forth with listening to my iPod, so I would say a good pair of Saucony shoes. I like to keep it simple.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Rachel:  Strawberry Banana flavored GU.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Rachel:  Beer! Luckily I live in Wisconsin where many of the races have beer at the post-race celebrations. :) Bananas are good too.

Rachel with a celebratory beer

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Rachel:  "If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham

I like to remind myself of this quote whenever I am feeling not good enough. It doesn't matter if I am not as fast as I would like to be - I am still out there running and that is all that matters.

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run I feel _________.
Rachel:  alone - but a good alone. I can zone out and forget about the stress of everyday life. I like to take in all the scenery around me and not think about anything. If I ever get crabby my husband tells me to go for a run - he knows I will be in a much better mood once I get back.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Rachel:  My dad. He has battled diabetes and epilepsy his entire life. While it affects his quality of life on a daily basis he doesn't let it bring him down. I get a lot of my stubbornness from him. I think being stubborn is good when you are a runner.

Rachel with her mom and dad post marathon

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Rachel:  To keep up my fitness throughout the winter and try to improve my half marathon time once the spring comes. I would like to do another marathon next year as well.

Mile 10 stretch during the marathon

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Rachel!  Best of luck achieving your current goals!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Rachel YOU inspire ME!!