Wednesday, December 31, 2014

December in Review

How is it possible that today is the last day of 2014.  This year really seemed to fly by.  My December activity came to a close today when I completed the final day of my December Challenge.  I did 31 push ups, 31 sit ups, 31 dips, 31 squats, and jumped rope for 31 minutes this morning to close out the month of December.






Decenber 2014 Stats
38.53-- running miles
4.56- walking miles
0- 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
43.09-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
845.04-- running miles
56.4-- 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
943.13-- 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 wasn't all that great this month.  Too many parties and holidays and not enough fruits and veggies!!







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 didn't waver at all this month.  Me against me as it should be!!


Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 didn't happen in 2014 but I am 100% okay with this.  38.53 miles run in December (This mission was not accomplished.  I fell short by 554.96 miles.

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 happened the entire year and I am very thankful for that!!






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 very well in December!  I actually completed a December Fitness Challenge and cross-trained every single day in December.  In the end I completed 496 push ups, 496 sit ups, 496 dips, 496 squats, and 496 minutes (which converts to just over 8 hours) of jump rope. 

December went pretty well even though I didn't do a significant amount of running but I am proud that I completed my challenge.  Here's to seeing what 2015 has to bring!!

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

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

November in Review

Clearly life has been crazy busy and I am just now finding the time to record my November stats.  With that being said, November ended with a short four mile run in 53 degree weather with Heather.






November 2014 Stats
53.1-- running miles
4.06- walking miles
0- 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
57.16-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
806.51-- running miles
51.84-- 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
900.04-- 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 was hit or miss in November.  The problem was that we were in PA for Thanksgiving and my mother's house has lots of candy laying around and we made sugar cookies!!




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 be as it should be!


 
Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 is just not going to happen this year.  It's okay though, if we don't set "missions" we don't try and succeed.  53.1 miles run in November (593.49 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 spot on and I love every minute of it!




Before the Inland trail 1/2 marathon in early November


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 well....sigh.....um.....I walked 4.06 miles....pathetic!!  The good news is that I am doing a December Challenge that involves cross training so next month's review shouldn't look so bad in this area!!


November was definitely a very light month for me.  I am okay with that.  We shall see what December brings.
 
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

October in Review

October came to an end with a 3.5 mile run with two of my neighbors before the sun came up on Halloween morning. 





October 2014 Stats
73.91-- running miles
5.11- walking miles
0- 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
79.02-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
753.41-- running miles
47.78-- 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
842.88-- 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 have good days and bad days with this one.  Halloween didn't help me here!!


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 dead on!!



Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 is most likely not going to happen since we have less than two months left in 2014.  It's okay though, if we don't set "missions" we don't try and succeed.  73.91 miles run in October (646.59 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!!




With running friends at the Inland Trail 1/2 on Sunday

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 well....sigh.....um.....I walked 5.11 miles....pathetic!!

Overall October was a decent month.  Looking forward to some more running!
 
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

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!!

Monday, September 1, 2014

August in Review

 
August came to an end with a ten mile run in the Metroparks yesterday with Patty, Dan and John.  August turned out to be very light on the workout side of things due to vacation and an unfortunate encounter between my knee, shoulder, and face with an uneven sidewalk.
Water Ski show in Wisconsin

The uneven sidewalk-OUCH

 
August 2014 Stats
35.84-- running miles
6.81- walking miles
7.58- 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
50.23-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
589.81-- running miles
36.00-- walking miles
35.09-- 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
665.00-- 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 went better in August.  Believe it or not we ate lots of fruits and vegetables while we were on vacation.  Plus I went back to work this month and I always eat fruits and vegetables with my lunch.



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 still where I want it to be.  I remind myself daily that I am my only competition.





Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 is moving very slowly.  My tumble didn't help with this mission as I took a solid week off because I really banged myself up.  35.84 miles run in August (810.19 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! I am still loving the run and enjoying time spent with 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 6.81 miles and biked 7.58 miles.  Now that I have healed from my fall, I need to get back to this.  I was really doing good at the beginning of the year.  Not quite sure what happened since then...

I really can't be disappointed in August.  There were a few challenges thrown my way.  I just had to embrace them and keep my "things happen" attitude.

Monday, August 11, 2014

July in Review

My July review is a bit late as we left for vacation on the second day of August and I just didn't have time to post.  The training for the month came to an end on July 30 with a 5 mile run and 1/2 mile cool down walk.


July 2014 Stats
66.39-- running miles
6.39- walking miles
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
77.78-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
553.97-- running miles
29.19-- walking miles
27.51-- 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
614.77-- 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 wasn't too bad for July.  I definitely ate lots of fruits and veggies but I still made poor snack choices from time to time.  What can I say, I'm human!


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 right where I want it.  I don't get frustrated when I have to slow down when running with a group anymore.  I just do what's best for me.  My best is good enough!






Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 is moving very slowly.  I'm okay with that though.  66.39 miles run in June (846.03 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! I am still loving the run and enjoying time spent with friends.





Kerstetter 5K with Lorain County Blue.  1st place in the 40-44 age group!



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 6.39 miles and biked 5 miles.  I think I need to get serious about this again!!



July was an okay month.  Working out seems to have gotten harder ever since I turned 40.  It's crazy!  I went back to work today so I need to create some kind of schedule to get my rear back in gear that will work with my kids' schedules and my work schedule.  Looks like it's back to early morning workouts!

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

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Kerstetter 5K Race Report

In March of 2010 Elyria Police Officer James Kerstetter was shot and killed in the line of duty.  Each year since 2010, there has been a 5k run in his memory.  The race takes place in downtown Elyria near the police station and you finish on Kerstetter Way (the road was renamed to honor James' memory).  I have run the race three of the four years it has taken place.  We were on a family vacation in 2011 so I was not able to participate.  For the last two years I have participated with the Lorain County Blue Foundation Team.  This past Saturday I met up with my fellow team members to honor Officer Kerstetter and all other fallen officers. 
Source

We had some pictures taken before the race and talked about our goals.  I mentioned that I seem to be struggling to run fast ever since I turned 40.  I decided that I would be happy if I finished in 25 minutes or so.
Lorain County Blue Foundation

Stonebridge Girls

I started in the back with my team which was a nice change of pace from starting closer to the front.  I went out too fast as I always seem to do in shorter races.  I was definitely working for the miles.  Right around mile 2, my neighbor Chris passed me and told me to come with him.  I may have told him that I was too old for this sh*t.  He quickly reminded me that he was just slightly younger than me.  In the end I couldn't catch him to save my life.  I did manage to have a kick at the end in spite of the fact that I slowed down each mile and finished in 25:57.  I definitely cut it close with my goal of being in the 25's.  Of course I was not happy that Chris beat me as this was the first time he had done so in a race.  My running friends reminded me that I had said I would be happy to run in the 25's and I had done that so I should be smiling.  I was actually surprised to learn that I had finished 1st in the 40-44 age group.  This was my first win in my new age group as I turned 40 in May.

Receiving my award


1st place 40-44

Couldn't catch Chris but I still won my age group!

I really enjoy this race and I'm looking forward to running it again next year!

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

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

A Hidden Gem

So I have lived relatively close to a local park for almost 9 years and until recently I had no clue there was a 1/2 mile paved path there.  One of my neigbhors mentioned to me that he runs there while he has his kids ride their bikes to playground days.  As another one of my neighbor's said when I mentioned that I had run there this morning, it's a hidden gem.
The entrance to the park
 When I woke up this morning (without setting an alarm...hey it's summer break for me), I scrolled through dailymile to see what everyone's workouts had looked like from last night and early this morning.  I happened to notice that Amanda from Get to Goal had done speedwork in the form of 400's and it motivated me to do the same.  With the knowledge that I am about 1 mile from the park, I headed out with the plan to run the mile warm-up to the park and then do 4 x 400's with a 400 recovery after each one.  The path worked perfectly since the first half was my speed interval and the second half was my recovery interval.
The beginning of the path.
I haven't done much running in general lately so logically I haven't been doing much any speedwork so I was pleasantly surprised that all of my speed intervals were between 7:37 and 7:51.  Not bad for a "spur of the moment" decision thanks to the motivation from Amanda.  After I completed my speed session I ran another lap, took some photos and then headed back towards home to get in a mile cool down.  I am trying to walk at least a 1/2 mile after each run since I read on the internet that it is good for you so it must be a fact.  HA!! 
Just gorgeous to run past while on the path
I am so glad that my neighbor mentioned the beauty that is a workout in this park!  I will definitely be returning to do workouts in the future.  The added bonus is that there are a few exercise stations (step ups, sit ups, etc) along the path.  I didn't utilize them today but I do plan to utilize them in the future and will be sure to snap a picture to share with all of you!

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

Monday, June 30, 2014

June in Review

An easy five mile run on Sunday with Missi and Cindy in the Metroparks and the final day of my 30 day ab challenge this afternoon brought my June training to an end.

Gorgeous scenery on the run in the Metroparks


June 2014 Stats
62.04-- running miles
.64- walking miles
9.51-- 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
1-- monthly fitness challenge workout
0-- Assorted cross training exercises workouts
72.19-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
487.58-- running miles
22.80-- walking miles
22.51-- 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
536.99-- 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 went much better in June.  I still had my days but I managed to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and also cooked several well balanced meals for the family.


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 definitely where it should be.  I am in competition with no one!!

My 2014 Motto

Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 seems to have slowed down but that is okay.  62.04 miles run in June (912.42 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!  I am still loving the run and enjoying helping others meet their goals.  I helped some of the young athletes make it to the finish during the Girls with Sole run this month and I also volunteered at a 1/2 marathon a few weeks ago and it was so great to be able to give back.


Enjoying the after party at Girls with Sole

Getting ready to run at Girls with Sole


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 a bit better in June but not too much better.   I did get in 2 bike rides and I also walked .64 miles.  I did manage to complete my 30 day challenge for the month though so I am calling that a success.  I did A LOT of leg raises, crunches, sit ups, and planks.  I need to work on this mission more seriously for the month of July!!
 
This one was tough but I am pleased that I was successful!

Aside from the fact that I ran a lot less this month and didn't get too razy with the other workouts, I am still happy with June.  Afterall, I am still recovering from a marathon.

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

Monday, June 2, 2014

May in Review

A nice easy run with the neighborhood girls on Saturday morning brought May to a close for me.
Bright shoes on a Saturday morning!

May 2014 Stats
97.5-- running miles
2- walking miles
13-- 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
1/3--  monthly fitness challenge workout
0-- Assorted cross training exercises workouts
112.15-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
425.54-- running miles
22.16-- walking miles
13-- 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
1  1/3--  monthly fitness challenge workout
464.80-- 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 was not the best in the month of May.  I was full of poor eating habits while marathon training and sadly have the 15 extra pounds to prove it.  I am making a very serious effort to get this back on the right track.  So far so good for June (yes I realize it is only the second day of June...baby steps)


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 still where it needs to be!  I'm only competeting against myself!

Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 is slow and steady.  97.5 miles run in May (974.46 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 spot on.  I am thoroughly enjoying running with friends and helping them achieve their goals at races and on training runs.  I also loved that  my kiddos crushed it in a 1 mile fun run at the end of May.
Successfully helped two ladies set 5 mile PR's (one sub 45 and one sub 50)!

Love that my kids wanted to run.  Not sure why Grant isn't smiling!

Grant and his friend Tyler before they ran.  These two 8 year olds busted out a 7:25 mile! 

Kaelynn was in need of a massage after running an 8:40 mile!

 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 did not go very well at all in May.  I kind of fell off the additional workout train.  I did get in 2 bike rides and I also walked 2 miles.  The only other thing I did was make it through 1/3 of the Kettlebell Swing Challenge for May.  I have no excuse other than I was too tired from marathon training.  Now that the  marathon is behind me, I will be working to get this mission back on track for June!

 
 
Monthly challenge- FAIL


I can honestly say that I am happy with May even though I lost sight of a few of my missions.  I am working very hard to get my eating and workouts back on track.  It should get easier in two weeks when I'm off work for the summer and the kids have less activities!

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

Friday, May 23, 2014

2014 Cleveland Marathon Race Report

The last time I posted, I shared my plan for the 2014 Cleveland Marathon.  The goal this year was all about helping someone else achieve a goal that they could no longer achieve on their own.  Going into race weekend, I knew that I would be traveling to Michigan for Kaelynn's figure skating competition so I made arrangements with the girls I run with to take care of packet pickup for me.  Friday afternoon, Kaelynn and I headed out for Michigan.  Once we had arrived and checked into our hotel, we met up with another skating family and Kaelynn's coach and son for dinner.  We enjoyed some outstanding Korean food.  In hindsight, I think this was a bad choice for me two days before a marathon.  Friday evening I also found out that Barry (our ALS participant for the race) had been hospitalized and had some setbacks during the week.  "Short" Emily was interviewed by the news station and we found out shortly before the news cast that Barry would not be able to participate (doctor's orders).  The plan was then to have his 12 year old son sit in for him.  While at the rink on Saturday I made sure to take in fluids regularly.  I also tried my best to make good food choices.  We had a late lunch and I had a small burger and some macaroni and cheese.  The competition ended up being a success for Kaelynn.  She placed 3rd in her compulsory event and finally got over her recent struggles with the axel during practice ice while thinking about her cousin Kyle's advice:  suck it up, focus, and just do it.  She did fall on the axel in her program but everyone was happy because she went for it and that was the goal of the day. 
3rd Place Compulsory Moves

Kaelynn and Kyle

We waited on Kaelynn's results and she ended up 5th out of 7.  Not bad for taking a fall during her program.  After we finished with results, we quickly said our goodbyes to our cousins Tiffany and Kyle and thanked them for coming.  Now I would need to drive the 2+ hours home to Ohio.  Did I mention it was already after 8:00 PM when we got out of the ice rink?  The drive wasn't too bad as Kaelynn's coach and her son were in the car with us.  It made time go by faster because I had an adult to talk to.  Of course the kids were asleep within minutes of getting on the highway.  I finally arrived home just after 11:00 PM and didn't get to bed until about 11:30.  I tossed and turned for a long time and eventually fell asleep only to be jolted awake by my 3:30 AM alarm.  I proceeded to get up and get everything that I needed together.  I grabbed some food and coffee to eat on the way to the race.  Missi was kind enough to drive us all so I just had to drive to "tall" Emily's.  Once we were on our way to the race I found out that the specialized wheelchair had accidentally gotten sent back to Columbus so we would not have a chair to push Barry's son in.  The alternate plan was to push Barry in his chair over the last 1/4 mile.  I knew nothing of this plan until that very moment!  Prior to all of this happening, another runner, Rachel was added to our push team.  It turns out I work with her mom and will be working with her next year.Talk about having an entirely different perspective for the marathon at that point.  There would not be a chair involved any longer.  Right after this discussion we received a text message from Rachel letting us know that with a heavy heart she made the decision not to run the marathon.  When she had signed up for this it was only to help someone else run a marathon.  We sent her back a text and let her know we respected her for making the best decision for herself and we hoped to see her on the running trails soon!  As we made our way downtown there were a ton of road closures.  Fortunately, Missi used her stealth driving skills to get us where we needed to be.  The best thing about this was that our parking garage was basically across the street form the starting line and porta potties!  Definitely a win/win situation prior to running 26.2 miles.  We hade a few visits to the potties and sat in the car for a bit before heading to the start line to have some pictures taken.

Team Barry sporting the matching tanks!

After we had been standing outside for awhile we moved to a bus stop to get out of the wind.  The bonus being that the stop was heated!  While waiting in the bus stop, we met up with lots of our friends for more photos.  Patty was running her comeback marathon and Kim was running her first marathon.  Bick was representing in the 1/2 marathon.


The whole gang before the race

Eventually we had no choice but to go line up in the corrals.  As I was standing there a lady walked up to me and asked me if I was from the Hermitage area (my throw away shirt was from a race I did in Hermitage over Thanksgiving).  I said yes I am and as she introduced herself I realized that I knew her!  She was my cross country coach the first year I ran with a neighboring school as an independent.  It was too funny when she said she thought she recognized my voice.  She would be running the 10K.  We shared a hug and we were eventually on our way.  The plan was pretty simple, the four of us (me, Missi, "short" Emily, and "tall" Emily) would stay together as long as we could in the hopes that we would all get to the finish around the same time to run Barry in for the last 1/4 mile.  Early on in the race I saw my Athletic Director from work.  I ripped off my arm sleeves and tossed them his way asking if he would bring them to work.  The first 12+ miles of the race were great!  Tons of spectators and both Emily's family's were out on the course.  I started to fade back from the group around mile 12.5 and then had no choice but to let them go at mile 14 when I had to find a bathroom quickly.  My stomach had decided it was going to revolt.  The gas station attendant was kind enough to let me use his restroom.  I tried to be quick and then headed back out on the course.  I was not feeling so good and my ankle bone was getting rubbed raw by either my shoe or sock or both.  Around this point Kim passed me and she was looking good.  I tried to take in an orange and it didn't really help much.  Kim asked me if she should wait and I told her I would be okay and to run her race.  At this point I texted the my group and let them know I was having issues and to go ahead and take Barry across the finish line without me.  I knew how sick he was and I didn't want him to have to be out there any longer than necessary.


The girls with Barry at the finish.  I joked that we needed to photoshop me in!

Shortly after this Dan and John appeared out of nowhere like my guardian angels.  I tried to stay with them but I was having a rough time and my stomach was deciding to revolt again.  It became a sprint between porta potties for almost the final 12 miles of the race.  Eventually Patty and Tony caught up with me and I tried going with them again and it just wasn't happening.....porta potty, wash, rinse, repeat.  Sometime later in the race I saw one of Kaelynn's skating friends with her dad.  It was definitely the motivation I needed.  It made me think about Kaelynn's success the day before and how she went all in and never quit.  While quitting on Sunday was never a consideration I made, the hug I received from the skater's dad really helped pull me along and know I had people out there cheering for me.  I ran when I could and visited the porta potties when needed.  Finally around mile 24 my stomach started to calm down allowing me to run more and get closer to the finish faster.  During the last 1/2 mile I came across a really big group of runners.  Come to find out it was a family that was running with their daughter, Kelsey.  It was her first marathon and she was doing great.  Once her family left the course I stayed with her.  When we got to the 26 mile marker, she wanted to walk and told me to go ahead.  I of course was having none of that.  I encouraged her to run the final .2 with me and she did.  I always says everything happens for a reason.  I'm pretty sure I was meant to be right where I was on Sunday morning to get Kelsey across the finish line of her first marathon.  Kelsey and I shared a hug, had a picture taken by the race photographers and headed our separate ways.  I immediately took off my shoe to assess the damage to my ankle bone.  My fear was confirmed when I saw that I had zero skin left in that area.  I was in need of a Band-Aid in order to get my sock and shoe back on.  My friend Dan offered me the Band-Aid that he had used on his chest to prevent raw, chafed nipples.  I wasn't too proud to take it.  It would do the job and Dan was kind enough to share with me that he washes his nipples daily.  That made me laugh!  At this point I announced once again (I had told John the same thing during the race) that I was retiring from marathons.  Of course I got the typical, you've said that before looks.  We took a few pictures and then I met back up with my group and Dave (who was kind enough to drive up from Columbus to watch the marathon) to discuss how the day had unfolded. 

The first 1/2 was much better than the second 1/2

Finished!

As I was talking with them, Kelsey's family stopped to thank me for getting her to the finish line.  I graciously accepted the thank you and told them how well Kesley had done.  Right before we were getting ready to head back to the cars I felt very sick.  I thought for sure I was going to "toss my cookies" right there but I was able to breathe through it and not throw up on Dave's shoes.  I am happy to report that Patty got her redemption on the marathon, Kim finished her first marathon with a very impressive time,  Dan finished another marathon, "tall" Emily had a great time running 26.2 miles, and "short" Emily and Missi both set new marathon PR's!!  While it wasn't a great day for me, I was still very happy for my friends.  Once I made it home and got cleaned up I realized I had gotten a major sunburn.  I didn't even think about sunscreen when it was so cold at the start line (another lesson learned).  I continued to feel rough the rest of the day and into Monday.  I decided to head into work on Monday and see how I felt.  My Athletic Director came through for me and my arm sleeves were hanging on my office door when I walked in.  I did okay most of the morning but just before noon I started feeling awful and asked my staff if they would be okay if I went home.  They sent me on my way of course (I must have looked bad).  I went home and applied crazy amounts of aloe to my sunburn and proceeded to take a 3 hour nap followed by drinking as many fluids as humanly possible.  When I woke up I was feeling so much better.  I am pretty sure I had mild sun poisoning.  By Tuesday afternoon I was feeling well enough to get in a short bike ride to break up the lactic acid from Sunday.  Of course, in true Jodi form, I was questioning my "marathon retirement" by Wednesday morning.  I won't be making any decisions anytime soon as Sunday is still too fresh in my mind.  I don't know if I am ready to say good-bye to the marathon just yet.....only time will tell.  For now, I will just keep running.....


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