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!!

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!!

April in Review

3 sets of 12 tricep dips, 3 sets of 12 push ups, and 3 sets of 25 mountain climbrers brought my April training to a close.

April 2014 Stats
96.1-- running miles
13.02- walking miles
0-- elliptical miles
0-- kettlebell workouts
0-- stair workouts
0-- fitness app workout
3-- upper body weight fitness workouts
1--  leg weight fitness workouts
1--  monthly fitness challenge workout
0-- Assorted cross training exercises workouts
109.12-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
328.04-- running miles
20.16-- walking 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--  monthly fitness challenge workout
352.3-- total miles

2014 Mission check-in

Mission #1: Make an effort to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Action Plan: Always have fruits and vegetables cleaned, cut up, and ready for consumption.
Action Plan: Choose healthier options when snacking.
Mission #1 is picking back up finally.  I am definitely eating more fruits and veggies, especially as the weather is getting warmer and I enjoy raw veggies and cold fruit this time of year.

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 has really come a long way this month.  It's me against myself and no one else.  I strive to be a better me every single day and I feel that I have been doing a much better job of this as of late.  After all, life is what you make it so why not make the best of it.

Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 is still going well.  I fell just shy of 100 miles this month as I happily walked a good portion of my 1/2 marathon last weekend.  96.1 miles run in March (1071.96 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 enjoying my workouts with my friends.  I loved walk/running my most recent 1/2 marathon with my best friend, Deb.  It was so enjoyable to have a nice chunk of time to catch up since we live in different states now.
Mission #5: Do other workouts in addition to running.
Action Plan: Find workouts I enjoy and actually do them.
Action Plan: Participate in some monthly fitness challenges.
Mission #5 is going fantastic!   In April I walked 13.02 miles, (outside and treadmill), did 3 upper body weight fitness workouts, 1 leg weight fitness workout, and one kettlebell workout.  I also completed the 30 day fitness challenge below.  I did 3 sets of each exercise each day so in the end I did 708 tricep dips, 657 push ups, and 1,203 mountain climbers.  I am looking forward to a kettlebell swing challenge in May!

 

 

Overall I am very pleased with April!  I can't believe I will be joining the Emilys and Mellisa in just 3 short weeks at the start line of the Cleveland Marathon to push a participant that suffers from ALS.  More to come about this amazing opportunity in a future post.

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

February in Review

A treadmill hill workout on Thursday was supposed to bring my February training to an end however I just ran out of time to get the workout in so my February training ended with a kettlebell workout on Wednesday evening.

February 2014 Stats
77.7-- running miles
3.06-- walking miles
4.1-- elliptical miles
3-- kettlebell workouts
2-- stair workouts
1-- fitness app workout
84.86-- total miles

Current 2014 Stats
122.20-- running miles
6.14-- walking miles
4.1--  elliptical miles
6-- kettlebell workouts
4-- stair workouts
1--  fitness app workout
132.44-- 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 going pretty well for the most part.  I didn't do so well with eating fruits and vegetables when we were in Fort Lauderdale for a girls weekend.

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 a daily challenge for me but I am really working hard on this.  In fact, I'm reading a book called "Raising an Athlete".  It not only is helping me with the what and what nots to say to my kids in regards to their chosen sports but it is also helping me understand myself more as an athlete.

Mission #3: Run 1400 miles in 2014.
Action Plan: Run.
Action Plan: Run some more.
Mission #3 is slowly creeping up there.  I got in a lot more miles than I did last month.  There's still plenty of time to achieve this mission. (1277.80 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 staying on track!  I don't stress about missed workouts anymore.  I am just enjoying the journey.
Mission #5: Do other workouts in addition to running.
Action Plan: Find workouts I enjoy and actually do them.
Action Plan: Participate in some monthly fitness challenges.
Mission #5 is going great. In February I walked on the treadmill 2 times, did 3 kettlebell workouts, 2 stair workouts, completed 2 elliptical workouts and one fitness app workout. 

I continue to be happy with the way things are going right now.  If this weather would just give us a break I would be much happier!  Nothing like having frozen eyelashes on our run this morning!!

Our "diamond" eyelashes and eyebrows!

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

April in Review

A nice, easy four mile run yesterday brought my April training to a close.

The April Details

April 2013 stats
89.55-- running miles
0-- spin miles
0-- jump rope fitness workouts
0-- core fitness workout
4-- Pure Barre classes
0-- Fitness App workout
89.55-- total miles

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

2013 "to do list" check-in

2013 Running Goals
1. First and foremost 26.2 under 4 hours--enough said
-As of April 30, I have determined that this will occur in the fall.

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 break 1:50 didn't present itself.  There are more 1/2 marathons to come though so I will have my game face on.

2013 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-89.55 miles run in April.  I came much closer this month.  I spent a mommy and me weekend with my daughter for her first out of state figure skating competition which resulted in me not running a single step this past weekend.  I would sacrifice 100 miles again just to see her doing what she loves.  I would also sacrifice 100 miles to watch my son in Kung Fu as that is his passion.

Kaelynn placed 4th out of a group of 8 strong competitors

Grant setting up for a round house kick

2. Run 1300 miles for the year

-963.44 miles to go to complete this challenge.

2013 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Cross-train at least twice a week
-I can't say I did great in this area this month.  However, I did do 4 Pure Barre classes which is more than I did last month.
2. Complete a jump rope workout every day
-Not a single jump rope workout completed.  This seems to be a trend...
3. Drink 50 ounces of water per day (based on my current weight, this is my daily water intake need)
-I'm good with this one for the most part.  I may have missed my mark a little this past weekend when I was out of town.  I am back on track though.
4. Take my vitamins daily
-Somehow I managed to forget to take my vitamin twice in April.  I am still pleased with my consistency in this area because in the past I would have forgotten ever other day!
5. Continue to choose and cook healthier foods
-14 meals made in April.  I am happy with this.
6. Learn to swim...better luck this year
-Once again, second verse same as the first. 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.

Overall I am happy with my April.  I also can't believe tomorrow is May 1.  Where does the time go?

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

Strength Training, Cross Training, and Snow Running Oh My

One of the goals I have for 2013 is to add strength training as well as cross training in addition to my running.

Strength Training
I know myself well enough to know that if I don't do this in a group setting, where I am held accountable by others, I likely won't do it at all.  This is where my neighbor Brenda and Pure Barre come into play.  Brenda had posted about a studio coming to our area on her Facebook page.  I was very intriqued so I asked her for more information.  I made the commitment to join Brenda to see what is was all about.  This past Friday I stepped way out of my comfort zone and took my first Pure Barre class with Brenda by my side.  At first I was incredibly intimated and questioned my ability to complete the class but five minutes into the class I was loving it.  According to the website, Pure Barre lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms and burns fat in record breaking time. Clients see results in just 10 classes, lose inches in weeks and have fun doing it!  I have to tell you that description is 100% accurate.  I can't wait to go back and do the workout again!  I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to move come Saturday morning when I had a hard time walking up my steps just 90 minutes after class had ended!

Getting our "tuck" on at Pure Barre Westlake

Cross Training
I was pleasantly surprised Saturday morning when I realized I could in fact move!  I headed to the YMCA for my planned 5 mile pace run on the indoor track.  I had noticed on the Saturday schedule that there was a spinning class as well.  I decided if I felt good after my run that I would check out the class.  I figured it would be perfect cross training!  I am so glad I decided to give it a try.  The instructor was great and he played fantastic music.  I am definitely doing this Saturday  morning workout combination more often!!

Feel the burn

Snow Running
Imagine my surprise when I woke up Sunday morning to major arm and ab muscle soreness.  I suppose that saying about "if you think it hurts today, just wait until tomorrow" is accurate.  I headed out into the cold and met up with Missi for a long run.  Missi had an hour on her plan and I was hoping for 9 miles so I figured I would run the first hour with her and then head out for the final 3 solo.  As we were getting ready to finish the first hour Missi asked me if I was going to run all 9.  I told her I really wanted to and she said she completely understood achieving your anticipated goal.  She even encouraged me to get back out there and do it.  We parted ways after 6 miles and I headed back out on my own with a promise to text her when I had finished.  Safety first!!

The gorgeous trail we ran on Sunday

In the end it was a fantastic weekend of workouts.  I had to shake my head this morning when I sneezed and my abs were screaming at me.  I guess the Pure Barre class paired with holding my abs in yesterday to stay upright on the trail really caught up with me.  I am loving it though!  Here's to more fun workouts this week!!

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!!

I Gotta Feeling...

So, I am currently loving I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas. In fact every single time it comes on my Ipod during a training run I actually catch myself smiling. I wonder if anyone else at the Y notices it when I bust out the cheesy grin?!? It is amazing how one simple song can put a little extra "pep" in your step and really help you crush a workout!

Today is my rest/cross training day. So far I have opted for my elliptical on cross training day. It seems to be working well for me. I usually put in a movie but I got to thinking and maybe I should throw on the Ipod to change it up. Perhaps I could use the music to my advantage and do an interval type workout. I also throw in a jump rope workout on cross training day. Obviously it would be a bit challenging to wear an Ipod while jumping rope!

What do you do on your cross training days?

TV or Ipod?

What's your favorite workout song right now? I need some more ideas for my playlist!

I Gotta Feeling that my cross training session is going to rock tonight!!

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

Week One of Marathon Training Complete!

Well week one of marathon training is in the books! Overall, it was a pretty successful week.

Monday- First day of marathon training which also happened to be a rest day! You have to love starting your training by doing absolutely nothing! Of course I do put stock away at work so I suppose I could count that as a weight workout--most of the cases are close to 30lbs!

Tuesday- 3 mile tempo run on the indoor track at the Y! Think I got into the groove a little too much after my 9:30 warm-up mile. My plan was to run aroun 8:25 pace for my tempo miles however I ran them in 7:58 and 7:59 respectively. Go figure my overall pace of 8:28 for the three miles was quite close to my intended tempo pace.

Wednesday- Easy 5 miler on the treadmill while watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding...maybe if I put some windex on my legs they won't be sore!

Thursday- 3 miles with two .25 mile "hill repeats" on the treadmill. This was a tough one for me. I felt like I was going to fly off the back of the treadmill during the "hills". I followed the "hill workout" with 20 minutes of jump roping. My calves were definitely feeling the burn! I may want to reconsider which day I get my jump rope workout in!

Friday- Cross training day. 2.5 miles (30 minutes) on the elliptical while watching The Bucket List. Found this movie choice very appropriate since completing a marathon is on my bucket list.

Saturday- 5 miles on the indoor track at the Y. I was trying to run at a nice easy pace but I was in the groove and ended up running just under 9 minute mile pace. Oops!

Sunday- Today Jenn and I ran 9 miles. My legs (as well as Jenn's) felt like lead out there today. I don't know if it was a result of the increased intensity of the workouts this week or the snow on the trail or a combination of both but Jenn and I powered through those 9 miles. We didn't quit! It's these types of runs that are going to make us stronger in the end. There are no guarantees one of us won't have lead legs on marathon day so we knew we had to be strong and power through it. You have to be prepared for ANYTHING on race day!

Looking forward to week two of training and doing it all over again...well maybe minus the lead legs from today!!

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

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2010 was very successful. It has been a great few days for us! The festivities started at our house on Christmas Eve. We had 23 friends and family over for dinner! Over a dozen of the people in attendance were children. Nothing like experiencing the Christmas Magic through the eyes of a child!

Looks like Santa came back after the kids were fast asleep and worked his magic!

Kaelynn and Grant were very excited and were up at 5:30 letting us know that Santa had in fact made it to our house!

Kaelynn was so excited to find a digital camera in her stocking. She loves taking pictures so she asked Santa for a camera of her own!

Grant was very excited about his Mario pajamas that he had asked Santa for!

After all the presents were opened and breakfast was served it was time to pack for PA! The original plan was to be on the road by 10:00 AM. We were out the door just before 10:30 AM. Not too bad in my book! Yesterday was the first time in over 8 years that we have been home on Christmas Day. I am pretty sure it was the best Christmas present my mom has ever received. Although she was very excited about the Zumba for the Wii we purchased for her as well!

The grandkids were spoiled as usual. Here they are with the stockings their Pop Pop made for them! Doesn't he do amazing work?

The afternoon was spent visiting with aunts and uncles and eating way too much food. I am pretty sure my mom and stepdad thought they were cooking for an army but the food was fantastic as usual! Later in the evening one of my best friends and her family came over and the kids continued to eat more. Oh the fun you can have with a mint chocolate chip drumstick. Grant was not real happy with the camera by last night which is quite evident in this picture!

We finally headed to bed sometime after 10:30 last night. The good news is the kids slept in which enabled the parents/grandparents to get a little extra shut eye as well. So what does one do the day after Christmas? Well a little bit of this:

and if you have committed to a Daily Challenge...a little bit of this!

Yes, I am in fact jumping rope with no shoes on. My hubby decided it would be funny to take my picture during my 26 minute rope skipping session. I would have looked at the camera but my mom insisted on talking to me the entire time. The good news is talking with mom made the time go pretty fast!

Aside from my workout, I have spent the entire day in my pajamas as have the kids and we have loved every minute of it!

On a completely different note, marathon training starts in 15 days and I am seriously looking forward to it. It will be nice to have a structured workout schedule again. It has been nice winging it these past two months but I have to admit I love routine! It's just my style!

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

Cleveland Fall Classic 1/2 Marathon Race Report

After my PR race at the Detroit Free Press 1/2 marathon back in October, I scaled back my training. I wasn't feeling up to par for several days after the race and I just couldn't get myself overly motivated to get back into the swing of things. I threw it out on Facebook that I needed a new goal. My friend Jenn's husband replied and said that I should run the Fall Classic 1/2 marathon with Jenn on November 21st. I figured that was the perfect solution. You would think that would motivate me to get out there more but I still continued to scale back my training and take more days off than I did while training for Detroit. At this point Jenn and I decided we would just treat the 1/2 as a training run. We both got in limited mileage the two weeks prior to the race. Jenn was sidelined by the flu last week and then she woke up with a cold Saturday morning. By the time we got to the start line yesterday, Jenn had full blown laryngitis. We decided we would shoot for sub 2:30 and treat it as a training run. We started out great and faster than we had anticipated. The course was unique as you ran two loops around the course. It was nice because you got to see other runners the entire time. It was great to see people we knew heading in the opposite direction and being able to cheer them on. In fact we got to see Connie (here) several times! During the first loop we happened upon fellow dailymiler Angie and we all ran together for quite a while. After we headed back out for the second loop, Jenn and I both decided we needed visit the port-o-potty which was right by a water stop. Angie was kind enough to wait for us to finish and then we all kept running. I am so glad we stopped because I felt so much better and it was much easier to run without a full bladder!

Since we treated this as a training run, I was able to work on my nutrition/hydration. Morgan(here) had suggested I try Power Bar Gels and I have to say I loved them. I had a strawberry banana one before the race and it went down very easily and tasted great. The best part...no stomach issues! I also decided I was going to try the Power Bar Gel Blasts. I was glad I looked at the packaging on Sunday morning and realized that it was going to be too bulky to fit in my amphipod waist belt (that I purchased on Friday at packet pickup) that I love by the way! I took the blasts out of the original packaging and put them in a ziploc sandwich bag. It worked well. Although, I think a snack size bag would have been the perfect size so I will be purchasing some snack bags! The plan was to eat the blasts at mile 5. The blasts were also strawberry banana and they were great. They were nice and soft and very easy to chew and again....no stomach issues! I had originally planned to take another gel at mile 10 but I was feeling good so I opted to just finish my smart water in my handheld during the final 3.1. I think I have found my new fuel! Thanks again for the recommendation Morgan!!

Around mile 10 or so, Jenn was having a hard time breathing. The cold was definitely catching up to her so we just took it nice and slow until we hit the 13 mile marker and then we booked it to the finish in a time of 2:21. Not bad, not bad at all!

Since a race report just isn't a race report without pictures, I give you the finish line in photos!

Jenn, Angie, and I

Connie and I

Jenn and I

Jenn with her hubby (who ran his first 5K yesterday and crushed it) and kiddos.

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

June in Review

My 3.5 mile run this morning brought my June training to a close. Headed out today and decided to sandwich 3 x 800 meter repeats in my run. My goal was to run negative splits for the repeats. In the end, I was successful with splits of 3:50, 3:49, and 3:47.

June Stats

78--- running miles
0---- elliptical miles
0--- bike miles
78--- total miles
149--- weight as of June 30, 2010 (+1 pound since May 31, 2010)

Current 2010 Stats

581.12--- running miles

50.9--- elliptical miles

5.1--- bike miles

637.12--- total miles

I am very pleased with my June training. It was great to get back out there and "run" a race and actually place in my age group! I'm looking forward to my two 5k's in July, merely six days apart. I continue to follow a modified version of Hal Higdon's Intermediate Half Marathon Training Program in preparation for the Chicago Rock and Roll Half Marathon on August 1st!

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

Sunday's Sixteen Miler and Wellness Week

I ran my 16 miler yesterday morning and everything went well. My first mile was around 10:02 and I was concerned that I was going to have another bad experience like I did when I ran my terrible ten a few weeks ago. Fortunately my legs joined me by mile two. I have been doing loops for my longer runs so that I have access to my own bathroom facilities as well as water/gatorade/sports beans. Yesterday I did an eight mile loop, followed by a five mile loop, and finished out the run with a three mile loop. I was able to finish without any pain in my feet this week. I ran a 2:32 (9:30/mile).

I work for a school and today was the first day of wellness week. The sports nutrition class passed out pedometers for us to wear to see how much we actually walk in a day. I asked them if I was allowed to wear my pedometer while doing my training runs this week or if they considered that cheating. One of the teachers (who happens to be a runner and is actually the 5:30 pacer for the Cleveland Marathon in May) said it is certainly not cheating and I plan to wear mine while I train this week as well. I think it will be interesting to see how much walking I actually do at work. I should probably mention that I am the supervisor of the kitchen staff so I am on my feet more than I am at my desk.

I will be altering my training schedule for the next two weeks to accomodate my spring break. As a result I will be doing my long runs on Friday instead of Sunday. I had to do the same thing last year during spring break and it seemed to work out really well. I am sure it will work out just fine this year as well. I am scheduled to travel to Pittsburgh the weekend of April 16th to run my 20 miler with "cuz" Michele. It will be nice having someone to run with for that length of time. The plan is to run a 5 mile loop 4 times so that we will have access to clean restrooms and water/gatorade/gu for her/sports beans for me.

I will be running 4 miles tomorrow after work and then heading to my monthly massage tomorrow night. I am in a lot less pain than I was last week but I always feel so much better after my massage therapist works out the lactic acid. This weeks long run is a scaled back 12 miler so I most likely will not get a massage next week. Next weeks long run is supposed to be 18 miles so I will be scheduling a massage for after that workout for sure!!

Happy running and training! Our weather looks promising for the rest of the week and here's hoping all of you find sunshine and warm weather in your training this week.

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

Recovery Run

Well, the aftermath of the hills greeted me when I woke up yesterday. I made it about thirty minutes into my day before I made a call to see if my massage therapist had any openings for today as they always say if you think the day after a 1/2 hurts, just wait until day 2. Yep, that's definitely accurate considering I woke up in more pain today than yesterday. Thankfully, I was able to get in for a massage today after work. It was a bit comical when he saw me because I had just been in for my monthly massage last Tuesday. He just looked at me, smiled, and said "I knew I was going to see you this week". The hour massage went very well. It was of course painful and pleasant at the same time. I definitely had a lot of tension and lactic acid built up because my body kept cracking. My therapist determined that both my ankle and my hip were out of place and worked them back in and I experienced sweet relief. He did tell me that I did a great job on my body and he thanked me because it was job security for him! He also told me that I need to schedule a 90 minute massage from now on after long runs or races. I can honestly say that when I walked out of there my legs didn't hurt at all. I came home and headed out for a 4 mile recovery run tonight which was actually pain free. I am feeling some tightness in my legs as the night progresses but I feel at least 85% better than I did this morning. My scheduled run for tomorrow is a 7 miler. Once I finish it and see how I am feeling I will then decide if I'm going to run the St. Malachi 5 Miler on Saturday. If my legs aren't quite up to par I will likely just run the race as a training run.


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

14 miles on the 14th day of the month

I woke up this morning to no snow and clear roads. Perfect for my long run today! Eating breakfast before heading out last weekend seemed to work well for me. With that in mind, I chose to have a few cups of coffee and some peanut butter toast and a banana before heading out around 10:00 AM. I knew today's run would be challenging because 14 miles would be my longest training run since college (and I will admit I stopped running my sophomore year of college at the age of 20 and I turn 36 this year). I went out at a nice easy pace knowing I had many miles to put in today. I don't know all of my mile splits because my Garmin was beeping at me and flashing "low memory" every few miles.

Mile 1-- 9:46

Fastest mile-- 9:12

Slowest mile-- 10:10

Mile 13.1-- 2:07.30

Finish Time-- 2:16.34

Avg mile-- 9:45

I had to stop at mile 12 and balance on one foot to get a rock out of my shoe. There was no way I could run the last 2 miles with that rock in my shoe. I must have looked crazy standing on one foot with my shoe off, shaking it like crazy to get the rock out. I wasn't the most graceful either, which I am sure was a direct reflection of the fact that I had just run 12 miles.

Here are some pictures I took today during my run. I did a 7 miles out and 7 miles back course today. The course started in Avon took me into Avon Lake and back to Avon.

Entering Avon Lake (mile 3)

Frozen Lake Erie (mile 7)

My finish time and distance on the Garmin

My post run fuels of choice (chocolate milk and a Monavie Active gel pack)

My weight after my run today (44 pounds lost since December of 2008)

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

Tower Tackled and the Runner's Cough won't quit!!

This morning was the "Tackle the Tower" Stairclimb. I woke up to a text message from my sister-in-law saying that the snow was so bad at her apartment that she got her car stuck in her parking lot and couldn't make it to my house to watch the kids. I called Deb and we discussed the weather and what we planned to do. Thankfully her husband was kind enough to agree to watch my kids while Deb and I went and did the climb. We got there, got our bib numbers and were lined up in numerical order and started at 10 second intervals. Deb and I talked to the runner behind us and she gave us the advice to walk at first and pick up the pace since this was our first time doing the climb. I ended up starting out running. I did have to walk at different times throughout the 37 flights of stairs. When I got to the end of the climb I realized my watch hadn't started. I was convinced I did it in 9:00 or 10:00 minutes. I just checked the results and my official time was 7:35. I have to say I am very impressed by that. It was a great experience but let me tell you, my lungs have been burning since I finished and the "runner's cough" won't quit. Given the choice I would prefer to just run but the climb was a great cross training workout for today. Tomorrow's long run calls for a scale back of 10 miles. Here's hoping I can run outside and not on the treadmill in the morning.

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