June in Review

I am happy to say that I didn't wait as long to get to my June in Review post.  I ended the month with 150 squats on June 30 to complete my monthly challenge!



June 2015 Stats
78.68-- running miles
5.94- walking miles
0-- stair workouts
1- monthly fitness challenge workout
84.62-- total miles

Current 2015 Stats
489.70-- running miles
22.03-- walking miles
3-- stair workouts
4 3/4-- monthly fitness challenge workout
511.73-- total miles

2015 Mission check-in

Mission #1: Complete 6 monthly challenges
Action Plan: Find monthly challenges online.
Action Plan: Actually complete the monthly challenge.
Mission #1 was a great success in June!  I spent a lot of time squatting over the course of the month.


 



This was no easy task but I got it done!

Mission #2: Cross off at least 3 more states in Deb, Nikki, and I's quest to run a 1/2 marathon in all 50 states (we have 36 states left....we best get moving...we aren't getting any younger!!)

Action Plan: Research 1/2 marathons in the states we haven't completed yet.
Action Plan: Actually register and participate in said 1/2 marathons.

So far we have completed AL, AZ, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, NV, OH, PA, TN, and TX

Mission #2 had further progress in June.  We made a decision via email that we would cross South Carolina off our list of 50 in October.  Now to plan the trip which is always the fun part!!

Mission #3: Run 1000 miles in 2015
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.


Mission #3 came in at 78.68 miles run for June (510.3 miles to go).  There were lots of great runs in June including a nice run in my hometown when we were there for a wedding recently.  

5 miles run on National Running Day with Karrie

Long Run Thursday with Trisha

5 Solo Miles in PA

Mission #4: Complete 4 stair workouts per month (*Edited in February to read complete an occasional stair workout*)
Action Plan: Do one stair workout per week.
Mission #4 didn't go at all in June either.  I really have no excuse other than I am constantly driving my children to activities.  The girls and I did volunteer at a race and while there were no stairs involved, it was still rewarding to give back!

The girls and I volunteering at the Park 2 Park 1/2

Mission #5: Cook more and eat healthier
Action Plan: Plan ahead with recipes and food prep.
Action Plan: Utilize my crockpot more often.
Mission #5 is going well.  The grill and summer salads have been utilized a great deal lately!

While June was a bit of a lower mileage month, I am still very pleased with what I accomplished!  July is off to a great start with some great runs with friends.  Looking forward to being part of a great team for the Kerstetter 5K on Saturday!  I just need to figure out how to run fast and not feel like I'm going to pass out!  I have earned first in my age group the past two years.  I am really hoping for a three-peat this weekend.  Only time will tell!!

Kerstetter 5K July 11, 2015

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

Cleveland Marathon 2015 Race Report

Let's flash back to May 18, 2014 when I sat at the finish line of the marathon and declared that I was "retiring" from the marathon distance and never running a full marathon again.  I guess there is a lot to be said for the statement "never say never" in my case since I crossed the finish line of my 7th marathon on May 17, 2015.  Oh, did I mention that Sunday was my 41st birthday as well.  So how did I go from "retiring" to the finish line in just one short year?  Two words....peer pressure.  You see a few of my neighbors that did their first half marathon in September wanted to attempt their first 26.2 and asked me if I would be willing to train with them since I was the "marathon pro".  I told them that I would definitely train with them and then just see what happened in regards to my actually signing up to run the Cleveland Marathon.  Fast forward to early March and I made the commitment by signing up for the marathon. 

Saturday
After running a few errands I headed downtown to the expo with the girls.  We spent a long while there looking at things and even getting fake eyelashes.  I can honestly say that's a first for me at a race expo.  Once we made it back home we headed over to Karrie's for our carb loading dinner that her husband so graciously prepared.  I had my usual two beers with dinner and spent some time talking about our plans for Sunday during the race.  We headed home at a reasonable hour and I proceeded to get everything ready for the morning so I wouldn't have to rush around. I turned in relatively early and slept okay.

Race Expo

Carb Loading Dinner

Sunday
The alarm went off at oh-painful-early and I started to get ready for the day.  I made my breakfast to take with me in the car and eat on the way downtown to the start line.  It turned out that I was able to finish my breakfast at each of my neighbor's houses while I was waiting for them to come out to the car so we could be on our way.  We arrived downtown with very little problems and found a good parking spot, took several pictures and walked towards the start line. 

26.2 and 13.1 ready to run

Running for a reason

We did stop and use the porta potties on the way.  As we walked to the corrals it started to pour rain on us.  It stopped relatively quickly but may have made things worse because the humidity was crazy!  The plan was to stay together as long as possible.  Everything was going along great.  We made it to the 6.5 mile water stop where my friends Missi and Dave were cheering us on and giving me new water bottles.  It was at this water stop that we somehow lost Trisha.  Chrindye and I trudged on together while Karrie and Kelly stuck together just a little ways behind us.  It was incredibly hot and humid so we welcomed the rain when it came and then cursed it when it left and made it that much hotter.  As we were running along Chrindye and I took a few minutes to remember the numerous angels we had with us that we were running for.

When I was tired Angel Emily became my legs

Trisha, Chrindye, and myself near the turn around

Just before mile 18 I started having stomach cramps and slowed to a walk for just a minute.  Chrindye went on ahead of me and then we saw her family and porta potties which were both welcomed sights.  I felt better after using the porta potty and the bonus was the Trisha caught back up with us at this point.  As we rounded the turn to head back towards downtown I could feel my body temperature rising rapidly.  I told Chrindye that I was going to have to walk because I didn't want a repeat of my 2010 Cleveland Marathon that ended in Metro's ER.  I wasn't in an physical pain so having to stop to walk was frustrating but I knew it was the right thing to do at that time.  Chrindye tried to walk but it was less painful for her to run so I sent her on her way.  I ran/walked with Trisha for a short period of time and then I lost sight of her.  I did my best to stay hydrated during those last 8 miles that I had to run/walk.  At 20+ miles into the race I saw my co-worker on the sidewalk.  It was like an angel had been sent to me.  She and her husband jumped on the course and ran/walked a good mile with me.  It was incredibly helpful and I thanked them repeatedly.  Eventually I made my way towards the finish line.  I saw my son and gave him a high five and then I saw my daughter and ran over to her at which point both she and my son finished the race with me.  I couldn't have asked for a better ending to what was a tough race day in crazy weather conditions.

Loved that the announcer complimented my daughter on her "You can't squat with us" tank

Best Finish Ever!

After everyone finished the marathon, we headed to the beer tent (minus Trisha as she was feeling very ill and needed to get out of there) to enjoy the rewards of our labor.  Although my time was my second slowest marathon finish ever I couldn't help but smile for the successes of my friends.  They all completed their first marathon and are still considering toeing the line of another 26.2 mission.  I told them I was all in as long as the marathon was in the fall when there is a better chance of cooler weather! 

Sweet Emily saw me through

26.2 Run and Done

18 of the 26.2 miles run together

Happy to be done

Slow and steady but I did it

It was a wonderful day all around and a fantastic birthday that ended with a post-marathon celebration at Chrindye's house in honor of our marathon finish and my birthday!

Proudly wearing our hard earned medals

We did it

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

March in Review

Sunday's pre-dawn 16 mile run brought my March training to a close.  I am truly hoping that Sunday was the end of this crazy snow!

March 2014 Stats
109.74-- running miles
1-- walking miles
0-- elliptical miles
2-- kettlebell workouts
2-- stair workouts
1-- fitness app workout
1-- Assorted cross training exercises workout
110.74-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
231.94-- running miles
7.14-- walking miles
4.1--  elliptical miles
8-- kettlebell workouts
6-- stair workouts
1--  fitness app workout
1--  Assorted cross training exercises workout
243.18-- total miles

2014 Mission check-in

Mission #1: Make an effort to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Action Plan: Always have fruits and vegetables cleaned, cut up, and ready for consumption.
Action Plan: Choose healthier options when snacking.
Mission #1 is picking back up finally.  Planning to cut up those fruits and veggies this evening after a nice easy run.

Mission #2: Accept and embrace that my best is good enough.
Action Plan: Stop comparing myself to others and compare myself to the person I was yesterday.
Action Plan: Define my own success and measure it by what I am able to do.
Mission #2 continues to challenge me but I am really working hard on it and feel I am moving in the right direction during my workouts.  I do what I can do and have been happy with it at the end of the day so I say that is a success.  I also  just finished reading "Raising an Athlete".  It was a great book and incredibly helpful with this mission.  I highly recommend reading it.

Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 was much more successful this month as I ran over 100 miles in a month for the first time in 2014 (1168.06 miles to go).
Mission #4: Run happy.
Action Plan: Run training runs and races with friends as often as I can.
Action Plan: Listen to my heart and not the beeps on my Garmin.
Action Plan: Be thankful that I have been blessed with a healthy body that allows me to run.
Mission #4 is right where I want to be!  I love running with friends and not stressing out about things.
Mission #5: Do other workouts in addition to running.
Action Plan: Find workouts I enjoy and actually do them.
Action Plan: Participate in some monthly fitness challenges.
Mission #5 is going really well. In March I walked outside once, did 2  kettlebell workouts, 2 stair workouts, and one assorted cross training exercises workout.  The plan for April is to keep up with these additional workouts as well as complete this April challenge! 

Overall, I am absolutely thrilled with the way March ended up and am looking forward to seeing what April brings.

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

What's Been Going On In My World Wednesday

It has been awhile since I have done any blog posts.  I always have good intentions to sit down and write a post and then I get distracted by something and the blog falls to the wayside once again.  With that said, here's what has been going on in my world.

Every Tuesday since my marathon I have been making a valid effort to run for a set amount of time and just enjoy the "love of the run".  I have been able to do this every week so far.  I pick a length of time I want to run and then I start my watch and switch the screen so it shows the time of day only.  The best part of these runs is seeing my distance and pace at the end.  It is very therapeutic and I recommend everyone try it at least once!

Time of Day Tuesday!!

I had no intentions of running the Inaugural Cleveland RNR 1/2 Marathon but since I found a discount coupon and most of my Sunday morning running buddies would be there, I decided to go ahead and register for it.  The original plan was to aim for a finish time around 2 hours.  Let's just say the hills took their toll on me and I finished with a 2:05 or so.  I was happy with that for a training run.  I also helped a co-worker I came across at mile 11.  I ended up run/walking with him to the finish because he was in a world of pain.  I was happy to pay it forward.  There have been many races where other runners have done the same for me!

Let's Rock

Let's Roll

I am not a huge fan of hill running but I have to admit I am starting to enjoy running them.  Dare I say it's fun?!?!  On Sunday the plan was to get a long run in and run some hills during the course of the run.  Some hills turned into six hills total.  I was not a happy runner going up the hills but once to the top, it was so worth it.  The views were just amazing!  I can't say enough about the beauty of running in the Metroparks.  It also helps to have amazing people to run with.  We also managed to convert our friend Emily to an outdoor runner from a treadmill runner!  There were times that I wanted to hurt our friend John when he would push the pace.  Truth be told, I made myself keep up with him because I know it makes me a stronger runner.  Patty, Tony, and Dan are great motivators as well with their encouraging words as we power up the hills!  Just an awesome group of friends that enjoy sharing their love of running with each other!  I think Missi described it best when she captioned our photo:  "11 miles of hills and high-fives".

The only thing missing from this picture is Missi, she was behind the camera!

Just gorgeous!

Yesterday was Tuesday so the watch was set to time of day again and I actually embraced the hills that I encountered.  I may have even said they were a nice bonus.  My friend Kim asked me who I was with that comment!  I told her she was bringing me over to the dark side (hill running).

At the top of one of the hills we conquer (this photo was taken a week after my marathon)

 Finally, it appears some of my running friends and I are famous!  We got an email to sign up for the Santa Hustle 1/2 Marathon in December and sure enough we are the featured photo in the ad!  I am not sure I would have noticed it if I just looked at the email but I had 13 text messages waiting for me after my run yesterday with our photo included!  Go us! 

Who wants our autograph?  HA!

So, that's what has been going on in my world!  What has everyone else been up to?

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

River Run 1/2 Marathon Race Report

When I was looking for a 1/2 marathon to run in September, my thoughts immediately went to the River Run 1/2 Marathon.  I ran this 1/2 in 2010 with Jenn and paced her to quite a 1/2 marathon PR.  I knew the course well as we run in these metroparks most weekends and I also knew the scenery would be great.  With all of that information, I put it out there to see if anyone else planned to run it and I was happy to find out that many of my running buddies were planning to do so.  In addition, Amanda and Susan would be coming in from Chicago for the race.  It was going to be a great running weekend.

Saturday night we all met at Peppers for some necesssary carbo loading!  The food was great and the company was even better.  We never ran out of things to talk about.  Of course what's dinner without a picture!!

Ready for some carb loading

After we finished dinner, we all headed home to get some much needed rest.  Once I got home I set out my clothes for the race and called it a night.  I was quite alarmed when I woke up to a torrential downpour.  In fact, I commented about it on Facebook and my running friends assured me it wasn't raining near the race location.  We all made it to the high school to take the shuttle to the start of the race.  Of course the rain decided to make an appearance the minute we stepped off the shuttle.  Fortunately the restroom lines were undercover so we were able to stay dry and take pictures while we waited.

Ready to run 13.1

When the race started my plan was to stay with Missi and Kim.  I lost them on the course for a few minutes but I did run into Amanda and we talked for a few minutes and then I went on my way.  Fortunately I was able to find Missi and Kim on the course again.  Missi was looking really strong so my goal was to stay as close to her as possible.  At some point Missi got out ahead of me and I just kept her in sight and tried to catch up to her, which never actually happened.  I was pretty tired and was continually saying to myself "seriously Jodi, suck it up".  It worked to keep me moving forward so that was a plus.  I was pretty confident that I would achieve sub-2 for most of the race so needless to say I was very happy when I crossed the line in 1:58:45.  Definitely not too shabby with minimal training.  Once at the finish line I found out there were lots of PR's in our group.  I was so happy for each and everyone of them.

Lots of PR's for my running buddies

The metroparks backdrop never gets old

After we took some pictures and found out our results we headed our separate ways.  Amanda and Susan had to check out of their hotel before the race so they headed back to my house to shower.  After the three of us got cleaned up we headed out for a much needed lunch.  It was great getting to know the girls better over a delicious meal.  So what's next you ask?  My October 1/2 marathon of course!!

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

Dinner with the Girls

Last night several of us girls that run together went to dinner.  We went to Market Beer Restaurant (here).

It is a very cute restaurant and the food was very good!  Since we normally are in running clothes we decided to take a group picture.  See we do wear regular clothes and do our hair and makeup from time to time!!

Jenn, Bonnie, Deb, Me, Bick, Missi, Brigette

After we spending a good two plus hours chatting about everything from running to kids to vacations, we headed out to have some gelato.  We went to a very cute new place called The Sweet Spot (here).  We thoroughly enjoyed our flavor choices and of course had to get another photo.

Front Row- Brigette, Bick, Missi
Back Row- Me, Jenn, Deb

After about three hours we called it a night and decided we definitely have to get together more often! 

And even though none of us are in our running clothes:
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Who needs a stairclimber?

I ended up with a cold after last week's 5K. I didn't run at all until Thursday. I ran 4 1/2 miles on my friend Deb's treadmill. Last weekend Deb and I were looking ahead for races we could run in the coming months while we train for the Cleveland Marathon. We came across a tower climb. Upon further review, we learned that the tower climb involves running up 37 flights (646 steps) at the Galleria Mall in Cleveland. I decided to run my steps (15) at home today for my work out. I certainly need training for "Tackle the Tower". I was sweating buckets after 35 minutes on my steps and I can guarantee I was nowhere near running 646 steps.

This workout got me thinking, there are so many ways to workout using things around the house. This workout also made me realize that I seriousoly need to purchase a treadmill and maybe an elliptical too! So, what kind of winter workouts do you do?