As March comes to a close, I am once again grateful for the very mild winter we have had in Ohio this year. It makes for pleasant running conditions!
March 2012 stats
73.1-- running miles
0-- bike miles
0-- pool workout
27-- core fitness workouts
73.1-- total miles
151.8-- weight as of March 31, 2012 (an increase of .4 but I certainly can't complain about that since I added sweets and chips back into my diet)
Current 2012 stats
258.3-- running miles
6-- bike miles
1-- pool workout
56-- core fitness workouts
264.3-- total miles
151.4-- current weight
2012 "to do list" March check-in
2012 Running Goals
1. My number one running goal is to run a sub-1:50 half marathon
-I am considering attempting my sub-1:50 at my April or May half marathon
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 haven't really thought too much about this one lately
2012 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-73.1 miles run in March- I fell short again this month but a nagging hamstring and foot influenced my decision to take additional rest days and I'm happy to report that both the hamstring and foot are feeling better.
2. Run a half marathon each month
-Rock CF Rivers 1/2 Marathon (1:53:15)
2012 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Increase the amount of cross-training/strength training I do on a monthly basis
-27 core workouts done in March
2. Focus on choosing and cooking healthier foods
-15 well-balanced meals prepared in March
3. Drink more water
-I further increased my water intake for March so I am moving in the right direction here
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.
-I looked at the swim lesson information again and am trying to figure out when I can take lessons.
March was a decent month with lots of amazing running weather! I am excited to see how April goes since I have finally created a plan to work towards that sub 1:50 1/2 marathon goal! Next stop for the 1/2 marathon in all 50 states is Louisville, Kentucky at the end of the month! I'm definitely looking forward to another trip with Deb and Nikki! Should we take our Derby hats? LOL!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Rock CF Rivers 1/2 Marathon Race Report
In keeping with my 2012 mini running challenge of running a half marathon each month, I headed to Gross Ile, Michigan last weekend with some of my Sunday morning running partners so we could participate in the Rock CF rivers 1/2 Marathon. Once we arrived in Michigan on Saturday we checked into our hotel, freshened up and then headed to packet pick up. After we had everything we needed from there we made our way to the restaurant where we would be eating dinner. We ended up arriving early so we spent some time walking around and taking some fun pictures by the water.
After Missi, Kim, Jenn and I finished taking pictures and checking things out we headed back to the restaurant to meet up with the rest of our party. Kim grew up in Michigan so we planned to meet up with some of her friends for dinner. The food and the company were absolutely fantastic which made for a great evening! I have to say the hot fudge ice cream puff I had for dessert was divine and definitely worth every last calorie!
Once dinner was over, we said our goodbyes and headed back to the hotel to get some rest before our 4:45 AM alarms.
The alarm went off all to early on Sunday and I pressed snooze I few times but eventually got up and made coffee, had my usual breakfast, and got dressed for the race. The plan was to meet in the lobby of the hotel at 6:00 AM. We made it on time and headed out to the car when I realized I had forgotten my gels in the room so I had to quickly run back in and grab them. At least it wasn't my Garmin that I forgot this time. I tend to have a habit of doing that more often than I would like to admit. I finally made it back to the car and we headed to the airport so we could take the shuttle to the race start. The shuttle ran very quickly and efficiently and we were to the start before we knew it. We spent some time using the restroom and taking pictures before we headed to the start line of the race. We met numerous others during this time and every single one of them was just wonderful. There's just something about the bond between runners that never gets old! It often seems like you have been friends for years with the people you meet!
The race started right on time and my goal was to run a sub-2 again so I could make it 3 for 3 sub-2 for 2012. We all started out together and after a few miles we were all running our own races. It was a beautiful course with wonderful course support and great cheerleaders. Everyone on the course was very kind and willing to chat for a few minutes during the run. Around mile 11 or so I asked a guy that was running next to me if we were almost done. He assured me that I was looking great and then we chatted about marathons and such and then it came up that I was in town from Cleveland and he mentioned that his friends Dave and Nell had some friends in from Cleveland. It was a bit comical when we realized that I was one of the people that had come in to town and had dinner with Dave and Nell. At this point we introduced ourselves to one another and I learned that his name was Jeff. He was pretty much my running angel at that point as he basically ran the rest of the race with me! Thanks again Jeff for pushing me to that finish line in a very respectable time of 1:53:15!! Once I received my medal and caught my breath, Dave and I headed back out on the course to find our friends. Before I knew it Missi was approaching and she was on pace for one heck of a PR. I don't think she was real happy to see my at first but when she saw that she ran a 2:00:59 (over a 6 minute PR) she was very happy!! Shortly after Missi finished Kim came flying by on the track and ran a 2:05:10 and earned herself a PR as well!! I asked Missi if she wanted to head back out and get Jenn and she said no thanks. I completely understood and set out to find Jenn. It wasn't too long before I found her and I ran her the rest of the way in. She ran a very respectable race and was quite happy to finish right in the middle of her goal time. We took the obligatory post-race pictures of course and then headed back to the hotel to clean up and head home.
Overall, it was a great quick weekend with the Sunday morning long run girls. We were all very impressed with the organization of the event and we will return!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
The alarm went off all to early on Sunday and I pressed snooze I few times but eventually got up and made coffee, had my usual breakfast, and got dressed for the race. The plan was to meet in the lobby of the hotel at 6:00 AM. We made it on time and headed out to the car when I realized I had forgotten my gels in the room so I had to quickly run back in and grab them. At least it wasn't my Garmin that I forgot this time. I tend to have a habit of doing that more often than I would like to admit. I finally made it back to the car and we headed to the airport so we could take the shuttle to the race start. The shuttle ran very quickly and efficiently and we were to the start before we knew it. We spent some time using the restroom and taking pictures before we headed to the start line of the race. We met numerous others during this time and every single one of them was just wonderful. There's just something about the bond between runners that never gets old! It often seems like you have been friends for years with the people you meet!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Final February Challenge Check In and A March Challenge
Today marked the 30th day of my February challenge. So how did it go?
I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.
I did not eat ONE SINGLE sweet for 30 days
I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.
I did not eat ONE SINGLE chip for 30 days
I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.
I did a core fitness workout EVERY SINGLE DAY for 30 days
In the end I am very pleased with my successful challenge. An added bonus to sticking to my February challenge was losing 5.4 pounds. I definitely can't argue that!
So what does March have in store for me? Well, I'm going to take a shot at this challenge!
Who wants to join me this month?
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you isnpire me!!
I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.
I did not eat ONE SINGLE sweet for 30 days
I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.
I did not eat ONE SINGLE chip for 30 days
I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.
I did a core fitness workout EVERY SINGLE DAY for 30 days
In the end I am very pleased with my successful challenge. An added bonus to sticking to my February challenge was losing 5.4 pounds. I definitely can't argue that!
So what does March have in store for me? Well, I'm going to take a shot at this challenge!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you isnpire me!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
February in Review
My very enjoyable 3 mile run in amazing spring-like weather on February 29, 2012 brought my February running to a close. I am very grateful that it has been a very mild winter so far and it has been a dream for runners, myself included.
February 2012 stats
85.1-- running miles
0-- bike miles
0-- pool workout
29-- core fitness workouts
85.1-- total miles
151.4-- weight as of February 29, 2012 (I attribute this 5.4 pound loss to completing a core workout every single day in February and eliminating sweets/chips for the month of February and choosing healthier foods.)
Current 2012 stats
185.2-- running miles
6-- bike miles
1-- pool workout
29-- core fitness workouts
191.2-- total miles
151.4-- current weight
2012 "to do list" February check-in
2012 Running Goals
1. My number one running goal is to run a sub-1:50 half marathon
-I am considering attempting my sub-1:50 at my April or May half marathon
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 more thoughts in regards to this and I received a phone call from Mellisa yesterday and I am likely going to commit to training and running a fall marathon with her
2012 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-85.1 miles run in February- I fell a bit short but life happened and I'm okay with it. There's always next month
2. Run a half marathon each month
-Last Chance For Bosotn on February 26, 2012 (1:58)
2012 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Increase the amount of cross-training/strength training I do on a monthly basis
-29 core workouts done in February--I'm very proud of this one
2. Focus on choosing and cooking healthier foods
-14 well-balanced meals prepared in February
3. Drink more water
-I did increase my water intake for February so I am moving in the right direction here
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.
-I didn't really do anything in regards to this challenge during February but I will get there
I have to say I am very pleased with my February overall. I am very proud of myself for sticking to my challenge every single day (of course since I decided to do it for 30 days, I will finish the challenge tomorrow).
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
February 2012 stats
85.1-- running miles
0-- bike miles
0-- pool workout
29-- core fitness workouts
85.1-- total miles
151.4-- weight as of February 29, 2012 (I attribute this 5.4 pound loss to completing a core workout every single day in February and eliminating sweets/chips for the month of February and choosing healthier foods.)
Current 2012 stats
185.2-- running miles
6-- bike miles
1-- pool workout
29-- core fitness workouts
191.2-- total miles
151.4-- current weight
2012 "to do list" February check-in
2012 Running Goals
1. My number one running goal is to run a sub-1:50 half marathon
-I am considering attempting my sub-1:50 at my April or May half marathon
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 more thoughts in regards to this and I received a phone call from Mellisa yesterday and I am likely going to commit to training and running a fall marathon with her
2012 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-85.1 miles run in February- I fell a bit short but life happened and I'm okay with it. There's always next month
2. Run a half marathon each month
-Last Chance For Bosotn on February 26, 2012 (1:58)
2012 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Increase the amount of cross-training/strength training I do on a monthly basis
-29 core workouts done in February--I'm very proud of this one
2. Focus on choosing and cooking healthier foods
-14 well-balanced meals prepared in February
3. Drink more water
-I did increase my water intake for February so I am moving in the right direction here
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.
-I didn't really do anything in regards to this challenge during February but I will get there
I have to say I am very pleased with my February overall. I am very proud of myself for sticking to my challenge every single day (of course since I decided to do it for 30 days, I will finish the challenge tomorrow).
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
21 Days To Form A Habit...
They say it takes 21 days to form a habit and since today marks day 21 of my 30 day challenge I figured it would be a good time to do a check-in.
I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.
As of February 21, 2012 I have eaten 0 sweets. I was really craving chocolate one day but I chose an apple with peanut butter instead and was quite content with that decision.
I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.
As of February 21, 2012 I have eaten 0 potato chips. This one has gotten much easier as the month has gone on. I have been eating almonds instead of potato chips which is working perfectly.
I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.
As of February 21, 2012 I have completed my core fitness workout every single day. I have also continued with my running so I am quite pleased with my success in fitting in the additional workout. I have increased both the number of sets and number of reps I am doing over the course of the month.
With 9 days left in the challenge I am feeling confident that I will be 100% successful in my quest!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.
As of February 21, 2012 I have eaten 0 sweets. I was really craving chocolate one day but I chose an apple with peanut butter instead and was quite content with that decision.
I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.
As of February 21, 2012 I have eaten 0 potato chips. This one has gotten much easier as the month has gone on. I have been eating almonds instead of potato chips which is working perfectly.
I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.
As of February 21, 2012 I have completed my core fitness workout every single day. I have also continued with my running so I am quite pleased with my success in fitting in the additional workout. I have increased both the number of sets and number of reps I am doing over the course of the month.
With 9 days left in the challenge I am feeling confident that I will be 100% successful in my quest!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Why Do We Do It?
Ever wonder why we do what we do?
Why we spend hours training for races?
Why we run/swim/bike to raise money?
Why we run/swim/bike to honor someone's memory?
Why we run/swim/bike to honor someone's survival?
12am and I'm just leaving the office after a tough meet and a long trip. Why do we do it? We do it for the PR's. We do it for the team records (Charlotte Parent). We do it for the National cuts, and We do it for that .01 of second that means so much in our sport. I will never get rich doing what I do.... But I don't think I'd every have the chance to have worked with so many outstanding people in my life... That's why I do it- Eric Skelly,
I think Eric hit the nail on the head here!
Why do YOU do what you do?
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Why we spend hours training for races?
Why we run/swim/bike to raise money?
Why we run/swim/bike to honor someone's memory?
Why we run/swim/bike to honor someone's survival?
12am and I'm just leaving the office after a tough meet and a long trip. Why do we do it? We do it for the PR's. We do it for the team records (Charlotte Parent). We do it for the National cuts, and We do it for that .01 of second that means so much in our sport. I will never get rich doing what I do.... But I don't think I'd every have the chance to have worked with so many outstanding people in my life... That's why I do it- Eric Skelly,
I think Eric hit the nail on the head here!
Why do YOU do what you do?
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
30 Day Challenge Check-In
If you have been following along you know that back in January I decided to leap into a challenge starting February 1 and ending on March 1 (because there are only 29 days in February this year and I wanted it to be a full 30 days). Today is the one week mark so I thought I would check-in with my success so far.
I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.
As of February 8, 2012 I have eaten 0 sweets. When I was making my daughter orange rolls on Sunday morning I almost ate the icing that ended up on my fingers but I caught myself and immediately washed my hands so the tempation was gone.
I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.
As of February 8, 2012 I have eaten 0 potato chips. Monday at dinner I was a bit challenged because I always eat chips when I have a sandwich for dinner. I am happy to say that I chose a banana and almonds instead.
I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.
As of February 8, 2012 I have completed my core fitness workout every single day. I have also continued with my running so I am quite pleased with my success in fitting in the additional workout. I am looking forward to increasing the number of set and/or repetitions very soon.
I have really enjoyed the challenges so far. I also like following along with others who have decided to join me in this challenge. Take some time to visit their blogs, see how they are doing with the challenges, and show them some love.
Deb- my best friend who seriously needs to start a blog!!
Dave
Jenn
Amanda
Anna
If there are others that are participating in the challenge and I have left you out, please let me know so I can add your name and link to your blog.
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.
As of February 8, 2012 I have eaten 0 sweets. When I was making my daughter orange rolls on Sunday morning I almost ate the icing that ended up on my fingers but I caught myself and immediately washed my hands so the tempation was gone.
I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.
As of February 8, 2012 I have eaten 0 potato chips. Monday at dinner I was a bit challenged because I always eat chips when I have a sandwich for dinner. I am happy to say that I chose a banana and almonds instead.
I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.
As of February 8, 2012 I have completed my core fitness workout every single day. I have also continued with my running so I am quite pleased with my success in fitting in the additional workout. I am looking forward to increasing the number of set and/or repetitions very soon.
I have really enjoyed the challenges so far. I also like following along with others who have decided to join me in this challenge. Take some time to visit their blogs, see how they are doing with the challenges, and show them some love.
Deb- my best friend who seriously needs to start a blog!!
Dave
Jenn
Amanda
Anna
If there are others that are participating in the challenge and I have left you out, please let me know so I can add your name and link to your blog.
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)