February in Review

February turned out to be quite a bit more successful than January.  One of my neighbors went on a nice tropical vacation which left another neighbor in need of a 4:45 AM running buddy so I agreed to join her.  Thankfully it was just the push I needed as I have not been motivated with my running at all lately.

February 2017 Stats
48.38 running miles
2.28 walking miles
50.66 total miles




Current 2017 Stats
57.96 running miles
4.61 walking miles
62.57 total miles


February brought with it some very cold runs and some nice warm runs (for February).  Overall it was an okay month but I really need to work on increasing my mileage!

Up next is March in Review.  I've been majorly slacking in the blog department!!


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

March in Review

My March training came to a close on March 30 when I met up with the neighbor girls for a 5.5 mile pre-dawn run.  My quads were tight at the beginning of the run but did loosen up as the miles ticked by.  





March 2015 Stats
101.54-- running miles
2.72- walking miles
0-- stair workouts
1- monthly fitness challenge workout
104.26-- total miles

Current 2015 Stats
219.92-- running miles
8.27-- walking miles
3-- stair workouts
3-- monthly fitness challenge workout
228.19-- 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 once again a success in March as I completed a 30 day tricep dip challenge




My March Challenge

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 no progress in March.  We need to plan our next race ASAP!

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

Just run

14 run in the rain

10 run in the snow

Mission #3 exceeded 100 miles for the month.  101.54 miles run in March (780.08 miles to go).

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 March either.  However, my daughter's figure skating club hosted a competition in March and I spent three days walking all over the ice rink.  I would definitely count that as cross training.  There just aren't any steps at the rink....

So true

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 okay.  Some weeks are better than others but we are eating at home more often.

I am very pleased with my March training and am happy with the great start to training I have had these first few days of April!

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

September in Review

September came to an end with a solo 5 mile run on the last day of the month.  I really tested my ability to run by feel during that run and managed negative splits and all sub-9 miles.  My mileage definitely increased for the  month of September since I decided to run the River Run 1/2 with some of my neighbors and then decided to start trying to be more consistent with my workouts.  I am getting better so I say that is a success.  I haven't gotten around to typing up my recap for the River Run but I hope to do so sooner rather than later.  For now, here are a few pictures from the day.


Our awesome cheerleaders

Me with my neighbors.  They all finished their first 1/2 marathon that day!! 




September 2014 Stats
89.69-- running miles
6.67- walking miles
2.5- biking miles
0-- elliptical miles
0-- kettlebell workouts
0-- stair workouts
0-- fitness app workout
0-- upper body weight fitness workouts
0-- leg weight fitness workouts
0- monthly fitness challenge workout
0-- Assorted cross training exercises workouts
98.86-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
679.50-- running miles
42.67-- walking miles
37.59-- biking miles
4.1-- elliptical miles
8-- kettlebell workouts
6-- stair workouts
1-- fitness app workout
1-- Assorted cross training exercises workout
3-- upper body weight fitness workouts
1-- leg weight fitness workouts
2 1/3-- monthly fitness challenge workout
763.86-- 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 still successful.  I won't deny that I have days where I still made a bad choice and snack on chips instead of fruits and vegetables.  Baby steps are good!

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 is solid!

Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 isn't looking very promising.  It's okay though, if we don't set "missions" we don't try and succeed.  89.69 miles run in September (720.50 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 golden! Love my running friends!!






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 went, umm, well it didn't really go much at all. I walked 6.67 miles and biked 2.5 miles.  Once again I said I was going to get back at this but you see that didn't happen.  I have no excuse...

I have to say I am quite pleased with September.  I feel as if I got my running "mojo" back and that makes me happy!

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

August in Review

A nice 6 mile run on Friday brought my August training to a close.  I had some challenges this month with some IT band pain as well as a crazy work schedule that resulted in some altered workouts.  In the end, I am still happy with how things went.

Shortened 21 miler

The August Details

August 2013 stats
135.60-- running miles
0-- spin miles
0-- jump rope fitness workouts
0-- core fitness workout
0-- Pure Barre classes
0-- Fitness App workout
0-- walking miles
135.60-- total miles

Current 2013 stats
960.62-- running miles
67-- spin miles (3 classes)
19-- jump rope fitness workouts
1-- core fitness workout
12-- Pure Barre classes
1-- Fitness App workout
9.69-- walking miles
1,037.31-- total miles

2013 "to do list" check-in

2013 Running Goals
1. First and foremost 26.2 under 4 hours--enough said
-We shall see what happens in 13 days!!


2. Achieve a second sub 1:50 so I can remove the asterick from my current sub 1:50 PR
-I didn't run any 1/2 marathons this month so the opportunity to achieve this goal didn't present itself. I did run a 10K as a time trial this month.  I managed to maintain my marathon goal pace and place first in my age group.  I also set a new age group record for the course.


Jenn and I post race after reaching our goals

New age group course record



2013 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-135.60 miles run in August.  Mission accomplished!
2. Run 1300 miles for the year
-339.38 miles to go to complete this challenge.

2013 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Cross-train at least twice a week
-Not one single cross-training workout took place.  I did walk around Cedar Point one day but that's it.
2. Complete a jump rope workout every day
-Not a single jump rope workout completed. And...the trend continues...
3. Drink 50 ounces of water per day (based on my current weight, this is my daily water intake need)
-I did so much better with this one!  No dehyrated runs this month!
4. Take my vitamins daily
-Vitamin taken every single day in August!
5. Continue to choose and cook healthier foods
-11 meals made in July. Success!
6. Learn to swim...better luck this year
-Still looking for that luck and even talked to the lifeguard at our community pool. She said she could help me.  Well, the pool closes today and it's raining so.....
August was a good month overall.  I can't believe I am running the Erie Marathon in 13 days!  How did that happen?

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

July in Review

Yesterday's track workout consisting of a 2 mile warm-up, followed by 3 miles of in and out 100's, and finished up with a 2 mile cool-down brought my July training to a close.  This same run also allowed me to set a shiny new monthly mileage PR of 181.66 miles!  I had to miss a few workouts or I would have been really close to 200 miles which I find crazy! 

The July Details
July 2013 stats
181.66-- running miles
0-- spin miles
0-- jump rope fitness workouts
0-- core fitness workout
0-- Pure Barre classes
0-- Fitness App workout
9.69--  walking miles
191.35-- total miles

Current 2013 stats
825.02-- running miles
67-- spin miles (3 classes)
19-- jump rope fitness workouts
1-- core fitness workout
12-- Pure Barre classes
1-- Fitness App workout
9.69--  walking miles
901.71-- total miles

2013 "to do list" check-in

2013 Running Goals
1. First and foremost 26.2 under 4 hours--enough said
-Toeing the line on Sunday, September 15, 2013 in Erie, PA.  I am still very pleased with my progress in this area.  I am incredibly thankful for my running friends that keep me company during the long runs!



Some company on my 18 miler

 

More of my running buddies that have helped me get through the long runs in July!

2. Achieve a second sub 1:50 so I can remove the asterick from my current sub 1:50 PR
-I didn't run any 1/2 marathons this month so the opportunity to achieve this goal didn't present itself. I did run another 5K this month.  I didn't run my best time but I did run for a great cause and managed to place first in my age group!


Lorain County Blue Foundation Team

1st place 35-39 age group

2013 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-181.66 miles run in July!  I would say I nailed that one for sure!
2. Run 1300 miles for the year
-474.98 miles to go to complete this challenge.

2013 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Cross-train at least twice a week
-I wasn't very successful in this area.  I did walk 9.69 miles in July.  1.69 of them were as a result of estimating my route mileage incorrectly and having to walk home after 9 miles.  The other 8 miles I walked at Cedar Point this past weekend.
2. Complete a jump rope workout every day
-Not a single jump rope workout completed.  And...the trend continues...
3. Drink 50 ounces of water per day (based on my current weight, this is my daily water intake need)
-I did really well with this except for the weekend of my daughter's skating competition which resulted in me cutting my 19 mile run short at 17 miles due to being dehydrated.  Lesson learned.
4. Take my vitamins daily
-Vitamin taken every single day in July!
5. Continue to choose and cook healthier foods
-15 meals made in July.  Success!
6. Learn to swim...better luck this year
-Still looking for that luck and even talked to the lifeguard at our community pool.  She said she could help me.  Now to just do it before the pool closes in September.
I am incredibly happy with how July played out.  I can't believe it is August already.  Now I just have to keep up with my training and stay healthy so that I can be standing at the start line in Erie, PA in 45 days!!

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

June in Review

An awesome 16 mile run yesterday brought my June training to a close.  It was a wonderful run with great friends and a little one mile "race" thrown in the middle.  It was a perfect ending to June!

Just outstanding

Team "Infinity and Beyond" at the one mile race.  The team was created by Morgan (#214)

The June Details

June 2013 stats
173.1-- running miles
0-- spin miles
0-- jump rope fitness workouts
0-- core fitness workout
0-- Pure Barre classes
0-- Fitness App workout
173.1-- total miles

Current 2013 stats
643.36-- running miles
67-- spin miles (3 classes)
19-- jump rope fitness workouts
1-- core fitness workout
12-- Pure Barre classes
1-- Fitness App workout
710.36-- total miles

2013 "to do list" check-in

2013 Running Goals
1. First and foremost 26.2 under 4 hours--enough said
-Toeing the line on Sunday, September 15, 2013 in Erie, PA.  I am happy to report that training is going really well with a lot of help from my coach and friends.


2. Achieve a second sub 1:50 so I can remove the asterick from my current sub 1:50 PR
-I didn't run any 1/2 marathons this month so the opportunity to achieve this goal didn't present itself.  I did run a 5K (one day after a 14 miler) and then the one mile "race" yesterday.  Otherwise no other racing this month.


Girls with Sole Lula 5K

2013 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-173.1 miles run in June.  It is obvious by this mileage that marathon training is in full swing!
2. Run 1300 miles for the year

-656.64 miles to go to complete this challenge.

2013 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Cross-train at least twice a week
-I failed big time at this one yet again.  I didn't do a single ounce of cross-training as I am back into the throws of marathon training.  I know I need to fix this one because I know it makes me a stronger runner.
2. Complete a jump rope workout every day
-Not a single jump rope workout completed.  The trend continues...
3. Drink 50 ounces of water per day (based on my current weight, this is my daily water intake need)
-This one is relatively easy when you have to hydrate for all of those marathon training runs.
4. Take my vitamins daily
-Somehow I missed 2 days in June.  Still pretty happy with this as in the past I would forget for weeks at a time.
5. Continue to choose and cook healthier foods
-7 meals made in June.  Not awful but certainly could be better. 
6. Learn to swim...better luck this year
-Still looking for that luck.  Hopefully I find it sooner rather than later.

I am beyond happy with how June turned out and I am looking forward to what July has in store for me!

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

February in Review

A fantastic hill repeat session on the basement treadmill  brought my February training to an end.  It was a great sweat session and I had the chance to break in my new shoes!

The February Details
February 2013 stats
76.6-- running miles
67-- spin miles
0-- jump rope fitness workouts
0-- core fitness workout
7-- Pure Barre classes
1--  Fitness App workout
143.60-- total miles

Current 2013 stats
176.91-- running miles
67-- spin miles (3 classes)
19-- jump rope fitness workouts
1-- core fitness workout
7-- Pure Barre classes
1--  Fitness App workout
243.91-- total miles

2013 "to do list" check-in

2013 Running Goals
1. First and foremost 26.2 under 4 hours--enough said
-As of February 28, 2013 I have been looking at marathons to determine where I would like to attempt this goal.  I'm leaning towards an October race.
2. Achieve a second sub 1:50 so I can remove the asterick from my current sub 1:50 PR
-I didn't run any half marathons in February.  I am still hoping to achieve this goal while running in DC in March.

2013 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-73.1 miles run in February.  The stomach bug and pure exhaustion hit me hard and put a glitch in my monthly mileage goal.
2. Run 1300 miles for the year
- 1,123.09 miles to go to complete this challenge.

2013 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Cross-train at least twice a week
-I am incredibly happy with February's cross training.  I took 7 Pure Barre classes, 3 spin classes, and completed one fitness app.  In fact, one of my employees told me that she could see a difference in the way my clothes were fitting so the Pure Barre classes must be working.  Always nice to get a compliment. 
2. Complete a jump rope workout every day
-This goal came to a halt last month to prevent injury and I didn't do a single jump rope workout this month. 
3. Drink 50 ounces of water per day (based on my current weight, this is my daily water intake need)
-Success here.
4. Take my vitamins daily
-Vitamin taken every single day in February.
5. Continue to choose and cook healthier foods
-12 meals made in February.  I am pretty happy with this considering every single person in our house was sick for a few days in February.
6. Learn to swim...better luck this year
-Same story as last month.  We all know this one is a thorn in my side. I have done extensive research in regards to swim lessons. I just need to figure out what will fit my schedule and make the commitment.

I am very happy with my February training.  I managed to incorporate a lot more cross training and I have thoroughly enjoyed every class that I have attended.  Both the spin and Pure Barre instructors are great and really know how to motivate you to do your best.  I did fall short of my mileage goal for the month but I can't be upset about that since I was sidelined by that stomach bug.  Also, for those that are keeping track, I did not eat a single sweet or chip the entire month of February--challenge complete!!

I really would like to know when it is going to warm up here and actually start to resemble the fact that spring is just a few short weeks away.  I'm looking forward to running the Rock 'N Roll USA half in March with Deb and Nikki.  Here's hoping for awesome running weather with a killer PR to show for it!

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

Reflections of 2012

With less than a week left in 2012, I figured it would make sense to look back on the past year and see where I stand with the goals I set on January 1, 2012.

2012 Running Goals1. My number one running goal is to run a sub-1:50 half marathon--Check!!  1:49:16 with an asterisk since I'm not positive the course was precisely 13.1.  Not to worry though as I plan on achieving sub 1:50 again!!


Half #12 in 2012

2. Secondary to the goal of a sub-1:50, I would like to attempt to run another marathon PR (sub-4:10:11) with a stretch goal of running a sub-4:00:00-- Miss- I decided not to attempt this goal as to not injure myself while running 12 half marathons in 12 months.
2012 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month--Technically a miss--although I did run 100 miles in January, November, and I am certain I will do so in December with only 9 miles left to get me there.

2. Run a half marathon each month--Check!!

12 shiny 1/2 marathon medals

2012 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Increase the amount of cross-training/strength training I do on a monthly basis--Partial Check--  I did a lot more of this than I have done in the past but I still need to work on this!

Completed in February

Completed in March

2. Focus on choosing and cooking healthier foods--  Partial Check--  I did do a lot more cooking and healthier eating but I can still do better.

3. Drink more water--Check--  I am very pleased that I stayed on task with this one!  Hydration has always been a struggle for me.

4. I promised a certain someone that if they ran a marathon with me I would learn to swim so I intend to make good on that promise this year--  Big Fat Miss--  I don't have an excuse and with less than 5 days left in 2012 I have to let it go and try again. 

Overall I can't complain about 2012.  It truly was a great, funfilled year.

I will return soon with my December review as well as my goals for 2013. 

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

November in Review

Once again I only managed to blog one other time in November.  I swear  I need to get refocused on this.  Perhaps a goal to consider for 2013.

Here's a look at how November stacked up.

November 2012 stats
90-- running miles
13.1-- walking miles
0-- bike miles
0-- pool workouts
1-- core fitness/strength training workouts
0-- P90x plyo workouts
103.1-- total miles
158-- weight as of November 30, 2012

Current 2012 stats
755.02-- running miles
13.1-- walking miles
18.7-- bike miles
3-- pool workouts
57-- core fitness/strength training workouts
1-- P90x plyo workouts
786.82-- total miles
158-- current weight

2012 "to do list" September check-in
2012 Running Goals
1. My number one running goal is to run a sub-1:50 half marathon
-I will not be attempting this goal until 2013 and I have come to terms with it.
2. Secondary to the goal of a sub-1:50, I would like to attempt to run another marathon PR (sub-4:10:11) with a stretch goal of running a sub-4:00:00
-I have come to the decision that I am not going to run a full marathon this year. With a goal of running a 1/2 marathon every month this year, I think it would be a bad idea to train for a full at the risk of getting injured.

2012 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
- 90 miles run in November.  In addition I walked 13.1 miles so that puts me at 103.1 for the month.  I will consider that a success.
2. Run a half marathon each month
-Savannah Rock N' Roll 1/2 Marathon (3:47)--I made the decision to walk the 13.1 with my best friend, Deb.  I wouldn't change this decision for the world!  It was awesome to spend that time catching up with her since she now lives in Chicago.  Completing this half also knocked another state off our list of half marathons in all 50 states.

Deb, Nikki, and I at the start line

 

2012 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Increase the amount of cross-training/strength training I do on a monthly basis
-1 strength training workout-  one is better than none I suppose.
2. Focus on choosing and cooking healthier foods
-6 well-balanced meals prepared in November- not bad, we also had a few meals at my mom's house when we were there for Thanksgiving.
3. Drink more water
-I continue to have success in this area.
4. I promised a certain someone that if they ran a marathon with me I would learn to swim so I intend to make good on that promise this year.
-Umm...yeah....ummm....I only have 31 days left.......

I definitely increased my mileage in November and I am quite happy about that.  Of course the fact that I started training for my next goal race this month helped in this area. 

Up next is the Reindeer Run 5K.  Pretty sure the last time I did a 5K was back in June!!  It should be fun!!

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

January in Review

My very early, peaceful, and enjoyable 3 mile run in spring-like temperatures on January 31, 2012 brought my January training to a close.  Although it might be more accurate to say those 3 miles brought my January running to a close since I am not technically training for a specific event at the moment but at any rate I give you my final numbers!

January 2012 stats
100.1-- running miles
6-- bike miles
1--  pool workout
106.1-- total miles
156.8--  weight as of January 31, 2012

Current 2012 stats
100.1-- running miles
6-- bike miles
1-- pool workout
106.1-- total miles
156.8-- current weight

2012 "to do list" January check-in
2012 Running Goals
1. My number one running goal is to run a sub-1:50 half marathon
-No work has been done on this.  I need to decide when I want to attempt my sub 1:50 and then follow a training plan to help me do so.
2. Secondary to the goal of a sub-1:50, I would like to attempt to run another marathon PR (sub-4:10:11) with a stretch goal of running a sub-4:00:00
-I have had a few thoughts in regards to when I want to run another marathon.  I am thinking October...no other thoughts about this right now.
2012 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-100.1 miles run in January
2. Run a half marathon each month
-Rock N' Roll Arizona 1/2 Marathon on January 15, 2012 (1:57:43)
2012 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Increase the amount of cross-training/strength training I do on a monthly basis
-2 cross-training/strength workouts done in January...baby steps
2. Focus on choosing and cooking healthier foods
-14 well-balanced meals prepared in January
3. Drink more water
-This remains a struggle for me.  I am not happy with my water intake for January so I need to make a conscious effort to step it up.
4. I promised a certain someone that if they ran a marathon with me I would learn to swim so I intend to make good on that promise this year.
-Aside from looking at the swim lesson schedules a few times in January I haven't made any further progress on this challenge but I intend to.

I am very pleased with my January.  Now I am looking ahead to February and I am very excited to start my February challenge tomorrow.  There's still time to join me in my quest--simply click here to find out the details!

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

December in Review

This morning's 4 mile run on the treadmill while watching Miss Congeniality brought my December training, as well as my 2011 training, to a close! 

December 2011 Stats
57.69-- running miles
0-- elliptical miles
0-- bike miles
0-- spinning class miles
57.69-- total miles
0 minutes-- rope skipping
154.4-- weight as of December 31, 2011

Current 2011 Stats
1300-- running miles
17.8-- elliptical miles
15.86-- bike miles
55.8-- spinning class miles
1389.46-- total miles
1 hour and 55 minutes-- rope skipping

Overall, I am quite pleased with my December.  I am very happy with my 2011 and will be back tomorrow with a full review of 2011 and my goals for 2012.

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

Reflections of 2011

With less than a week left in 2011, I figured it would make sense to look back on the past year and see where I stand with the goals I set on January 1, 2011.

2011 Goals

1. Cross the finish line of the 2011 Cleveland Marathon upright and smiling with a little help from my friends-CHECK!!

With A LOT of help from an amazing friend

2. Run a minimum of two half marathons- CHECK- to the tune of 5 half marathons!

1/2 marathon number 1 took us to Austin, Texas in February where I finally had the chance to meet Coach Joe. 

Austin Livestrong 1/2 Marathon
Austin, Texas
February 2011

Post Austin Livestrong 1/2 Marathon
February 2011

1/2 marathon number 2 took me to Dublin, Ohio where I paced Dave to his first sub-2 hour half.

Last Chance For Boston 1/2 Marathon
February 2011

1/2 marathon number 3 took us to Nashville, Tennessee where I ran 13.1 miles in honor of Uncle Joe who was in the fight of his life, taking on esphogeal cancer. 

RNR Nashville Country Music 1/2 Marathon
April 2011



13.1 for Uncle Joe at the RNR Country Music 1/2 Marathon
April 2011

 1/2 marathon number 4 took us to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where we had the pleasure of meeting Jackie and Dan from The Biggest Loser.  We also got a chance to run the "Rocky Steps" while there.

Meeting Jackie and Dan
RNR Philadelphia 1/2 Marathon
September 2011

Rocky steps post RNR Philadelphia 1/2 Marathon
September 2011

 1/2 marathon number 5 took us to Las Vegas, Nevada where we had the opportunity to run The Strip at Night.

RNR Vegas 1/2 Marathon Expo
December 2011

RNR Vegas 1/2 Marathon
December 2011

RNR Vegas 1/2 Marathon
December 2011

3. Cross train once a week-MISS, I did get some cross training done for 2011 but not on a weekly basis.
4. Do a jump rope work out once a week- MISS, I did do jump rope work outs for a month or so in 2011 but I backed off due to marathon training.

5. Run 1,500 miles-MISS.  As of this morning I am sitting at 1281.41.  With only 5 days left in 2011 I don't think I will be hitting this mileage goal.  I pretty certain I won't be running 43+ miles per day over the next five days.  There is a possibility that I can hit 1,300 miles by December 31st so I am going to try for that. 

All in all a good year for running.  One last goal that I had set late in the year was to run a sub-4:15 at The Columbus Marathon on October 16, 2011.  I am thrilled to report that I crushed that goal crossing the line in 4:10:11.

I will be back soon with a December in review as well as my goals for 2012.
 
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

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!!

October in Review...Happy Halloween

Yesterday's ten mile frosty run with Kim and Deb brought my October training to a close.  Apparently the golfers couldn't handle the frost. 

Of course the frost had nothing on us runners!  We were already half way through our run when we encountered this sign!  A little frost wasn't going to stop us from getting our run in!

October 2011 Stats
83.2-- running miles
0-- elliptical miles
0-- bike miles
0-- spinning class miles
83.2-- total miles
0 minutes-- rope skipping
155.6-- weight as of October 31, 2011

Current 2011 Stats
1190.71-- running miles
17.8-- elliptical miles
15.86-- bike miles
55.8-- spinning class miles
1280.17-- total miles
1 hour and 55 minutes-- rope skipping

I am very pleased with my October training and am still experiencing the "runner's high" from Columbus Marathon Experience. 

For the first time in months I am not following a training plan.  I am just running to run and I am enjoying it.  I am looking forward to seeing what November has in store and I can't wait for our girls weekend to run the Rock 'N Roll Vegas 1/2 Marathon in December.  "What Happens in Vegas..."

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL!

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