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!!

River Run 1/2 Marathon Race Report

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

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

Ready for some carb loading

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

Ready to run 13.1

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

Lots of PR's for my running buddies

The metroparks backdrop never gets old

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

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