June in Review

I am happy to say that I didn't wait as long to get to my June in Review post.  I ended the month with 150 squats on June 30 to complete my monthly challenge!



June 2015 Stats
78.68-- running miles
5.94- walking miles
0-- stair workouts
1- monthly fitness challenge workout
84.62-- total miles

Current 2015 Stats
489.70-- running miles
22.03-- walking miles
3-- stair workouts
4 3/4-- monthly fitness challenge workout
511.73-- total miles

2015 Mission check-in

Mission #1: Complete 6 monthly challenges
Action Plan: Find monthly challenges online.
Action Plan: Actually complete the monthly challenge.
Mission #1 was a great success in June!  I spent a lot of time squatting over the course of the month.


 



This was no easy task but I got it done!

Mission #2: Cross off at least 3 more states in Deb, Nikki, and I's quest to run a 1/2 marathon in all 50 states (we have 36 states left....we best get moving...we aren't getting any younger!!)

Action Plan: Research 1/2 marathons in the states we haven't completed yet.
Action Plan: Actually register and participate in said 1/2 marathons.

So far we have completed AL, AZ, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, NV, OH, PA, TN, and TX

Mission #2 had further progress in June.  We made a decision via email that we would cross South Carolina off our list of 50 in October.  Now to plan the trip which is always the fun part!!

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


Mission #3 came in at 78.68 miles run for June (510.3 miles to go).  There were lots of great runs in June including a nice run in my hometown when we were there for a wedding recently.  

5 miles run on National Running Day with Karrie

Long Run Thursday with Trisha

5 Solo Miles in PA

Mission #4: Complete 4 stair workouts per month (*Edited in February to read complete an occasional stair workout*)
Action Plan: Do one stair workout per week.
Mission #4 didn't go at all in June either.  I really have no excuse other than I am constantly driving my children to activities.  The girls and I did volunteer at a race and while there were no stairs involved, it was still rewarding to give back!

The girls and I volunteering at the Park 2 Park 1/2

Mission #5: Cook more and eat healthier
Action Plan: Plan ahead with recipes and food prep.
Action Plan: Utilize my crockpot more often.
Mission #5 is going well.  The grill and summer salads have been utilized a great deal lately!

While June was a bit of a lower mileage month, I am still very pleased with what I accomplished!  July is off to a great start with some great runs with friends.  Looking forward to being part of a great team for the Kerstetter 5K on Saturday!  I just need to figure out how to run fast and not feel like I'm going to pass out!  I have earned first in my age group the past two years.  I am really hoping for a three-peat this weekend.  Only time will tell!!

Kerstetter 5K July 11, 2015

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

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!!

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!!

June in Review

Somehow June got away from me as I didn't write one single blog entry the entire month.  I think it was a combination of the end of the school year and the kids' activities.  I didn't do a lot of workouts this month but I did fit them in when I could. 

June 2012 stats
48.51-- running miles
6.2-- bike miles
0-- pool workout
0-- core fitness workouts
54.71-- total miles
154-- weight as June 30, 2012

Current 2012 stats
451.6-- running miles
12.2-- bike miles
1-- pool workout
56-- core fitness workouts
463.8-- total miles
154-- current weight

2012 "to do list" June check-in

2012 Running Goals
1. My number one running goal is to run a sub-1:50 half marathon
-I didn't even attempt this goal in June.  I seriously need to come up with a plan and commit to achieving this goal soon.
2. Secondary to the goal of a sub-1:50, I would like to attempt to run another marathon PR (sub-4:10:11) with a stretch goal of running a sub-4:00:00
-I have come to the decision that I am not going to run a full marathon this year.  With a goal of running a 1/2 marathon every month this year, I think it would be a bad idea to train for a full at the risk of getting injured.
2012 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-48.51 miles run in June- a far cry from 100.  Oddly enough, I have come to terms with not achieving this challenge.  I'm just running to enjoy it right now.
2. Run a half marathon each month
-NCN Park 2 Park 1/2 Marathon (2:06:37)- This was a great half for June.  It was very small and close to home.  Missi and I ran the entire race together and both managed to place first in our age groups.  I was so busy this month that I didn't even get a chance to blog about it so here's a picture from the event.

2012 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Increase the amount of cross-training/strength training I do on a monthly basis
-1 cross training/strength training workouts done in June-  One 6.2 mile bike ride towards the end of the month.  I still need to work on this!!
2. Focus on choosing and cooking healthier foods
-13 well-balanced meals prepared in June- I will take it!
3. Drink more water
-I did an outstanding job with this in June.
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 had a discussion about needing to take lessons while at our development pool.  Still need to make this happen.
Overall, June was a pretty decent month and I can't complain.  Bring on July!

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

One Mile to One Hundred

The after affects of all the hills during the Austin Half Marathon last weekend caught up to me in full force by Tuesday morning. I had a bit of a crazy day at work due to power outages so I didn't get a morning run in which was a blessing in disguise. Fast forward to Tuesday evening when I was scheduled for my 90 minute massage. Within the first 5 minutes my massage therapist determined that the hills did one heck of a number on me! My hips were out of alignment and my left quad was incredibly tight. The weird thing was that when he massaged my quad it wasn't as painful as I expected it to be. Imagine my surprise when he moved on to my left hamstring that wasn't bothering me at all (well at least not to my knowledge) and I was immediately in agony! I had contemplated running after my massage but I listened to my body and took a second rest day! Wednesday morning I managed to turn my alarm off. I guess I was really tired. Since I didn't have time to run before work I packed my running gear and decided to run outside after work. The schedule called for 7.5 miles but my hamstring was nagging at me the entire time so I listened to my body and cashed it in at 5 miles. I figured better safe than sorry. I am training for a marathon afterall! Thursday morning I headed to the Y to run the indoor track. The schedule called for 4 miles. My hamstring was feeling better but I figured it best to not chance it and called it a day at 3 miles! Yesterday morning I had planned to head to the Y before work but we were hit with one heck of a snow storm here in Cleveland and the roads were a mess. Since the kids and I didn't have school I decided to hit the basement treadmill in the afternoon. I decided I was just going to run nice and easy for 30 minutes and whatever the mileage was in the end I would be fine with. In the end I ran 3.28 miles. When I uploaded my workout to dailymile I realized that I was going to be less than a mile short of 100 miles run in February after completing the half marathon on Sunday. I decided to jump on the treadmill this morning to stretch out my legs and get in that one mile to get me to one hundred for the month. How could I not do it? I was seriously going to be .97 miles short! After the easy mile, I hit the elliptical for 15 minutes for a little more stretching. As of this morning my hamstring is feeling great and I am ready to rock "The Last Chance For Boston" Half Marathon tomorrow morning with Dave. Originally, the plan was for me to pace Dave to a sub 2 hour half marathon. Of course Dave has changed this theory and we are now shooting for a 1:49:59 which will give him his first sub 2 half marathon and me a PR as my current PR is 1:51:18. I will tell you that he has done his research and the course is ideal for running a PR as we run 13 one mile loops with .1 added on. There is very little elevation on the course which translates into no "mountains"! I will definitely take that after last week's race.

One mile to one hundred miles before 10:00 AM tomorrow! I'll take it!!

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

2011 Austin 1/2 Marathon Weekend

Wow..what a weekend! Deb and I arrived in Austin Friday afternoon! We were greeted with 73 degrees and sun...hello Austin!!

Friday:
We checked into our hotel and headed to the expo to pick up our packets! Once we grabbed our stuff we met Jeni and Joe! If you remember, Joe is the one who created my PR crushing training plan for the Detroit 1/2! It was so awesome to finally meet him! Deb and I spent some time talking to Jeni and Joe about running and the race on Sunday and then we all decided it was time to shop! I have to say that I have always heard great things about Yurbuds but was concerned about having to order them online so when I saw they had a booth at the expo, I went ahead and got fitted. I walked away from the booth with a pink pair and I will tell you right now that they did not move one single inch the entire 13.1 miles!! I love them! After Deb and I purchased the new earbuds we headed over to the One More Mile booth and checked out some car magnets. In the end, I chose two. The first one is pink and it says "I know I run like a girl, now try and keep up". The second one Deb helped me pick out and I went with "26.2 miles..what could possibly go wrong." Definitely very fitting considering I have some unfinished business with a little thing I like to call the Cleveland Marathon! I also ended up buying an Austin Half Marathon Nike running skirt! It was only 8 bucks how could I pass it up? Once we had finished walking around the expo we headed back to the hotel to get ready to meet up some of Deb's high school friends for dinner! We had a great time just talking to everyone. We finally made it back to the hotel around 2 AM and we crashed and didn't get up until 11:00 AM! I couldn't tell you the last time I slept that late and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

Saturday:
Once we got going Saturday morning we met up with Deb's friends again for lunch! The food and company were both great. After lunch we headed to Whole Foods to pick up some food and water for race morning. We also did a little bit of shopping for our kids! Once we walked back to the hotel I started getting stuff ready for Sunday morning. I put my shoe tag on and then I put Deb's on at which point I realized how comical the difference in our shoe sizes was. I immediately took a picture of our shoes and uploaded it to Facebook complete with the caption of "Jodi's shoe vs. Deb's shoe. I'm pretty sure my feet are the size of a barge!" It definitely made for a good laugh and entertaining Facebook exchange!

Deb and I headed out to the Spaghetti Warehouse to put our name in for a table. We knew there would be a wait and we were perfectly fine with that since we were waiting for Nikki to get into town! Deb and I had a drink at Lance Armstrong's bar while we waited for our table. We finished our drink and headed back down to the restaurant and Nikki had arrived! How awesome to be outside in short sleeves in February?

Following dinner we stopped and had another drink and then headed back to the hotel to get some sleep before our 5:30 AM wake up call!

Sunday:

We were up at 5:30 AM and I was downstairs in the Starbucks buying a cup of coffee to go with my breakfast! Everyone got dressed and ready and we headed out for our walk to the start line. It was already 70+ degrees and quite humid! We certainly look happy in this start line photo!

After the singing of The National Anthem we were off! I held steady at sub 9 minute mile pace for most of the race. There were a lot of hills but I had done hill repeat training so I was actually passing people on the inclines! Sometime around mile 8 or so I noticed a blue singlet up ahead of me and I immediately knew it was Brian C. from dailymile so I caught up to him and yelled his name. It was so cool to run into him. In fact we actually hugged on the course which just proves that you know you're a runner when you think nothing of hugging a fellow competitor when you are completely covered in sweat! Brian was looking awesome! We talked while we ran together until the half marathon split off! Of course I thought I was done with the insane hills at this point until I got to just past mile 11 and there was a mountain in front of me! I pretty much said "son of a bee" (cleaned up for the blog!) when I saw that thing. The girl next to me agreed! As we headed up the hill she looked over at me and said we are NOT walking up this hill and I said okay let's go! Up the hill we went, digging as deep as we possibly could and even slowing to 10:45 mile pace but before we knew it we were at the top catching our breath! So if the random runner on the hill happens to be reading this, thank you for the push it was much needed! Just 1.1 miles left and I felt great! I knew I had locked my sub 2 and I was more than happy with that considering the challenging course and weather conditions! It was so humid that my shorts were completely drenched before mile 1 and at one point during the race I was convinced it was raining until the runner next to me pointed out that it was the sweat from my ponytail! As I rounded the final turn to the finish line I tripped but was able to catch myself before hitting the pavement and crossed the line in 1:56:07 (not quite a PR but I will take it) with a smile on my face! I quickly went through the chute and grabbed my medal and shirt and headed back out onto the course to cheer in Nikki and Deb. I was also watching for Joe to finish the marathon! Not too long after I found a place to stand Nikki came flying down the final stretch! She was looking good! After I cheered for Nikki I realized I needed to be on the other side of the course to see Joe's finish! I managed to make it to the other side with no issues. I was standing there for awhile before I realized I was standing next to Jeni! We exchanged a hug and watched for Joe! In the meantime Nikki called and she found her way to where Jeni and I were standing! When we thought Joe would be rounding home there was nobody in sight so I called his wife Dawn to see if he had finished. She said he hadn't yet. Shortly after the phone call, we saw Joe come flying past us! We cheered like crazy and Joe gave us a wink to let us know he had seen us! He crushed it out there! As we waited for Deb, I started to worry because her usual finish time came and went. Finally we saw her come towards the finish line. She looked at me and said "come here please" so I jumped back out on the course and asked her what was going on. She said she didn't feel well at all and asked me to finish with her. Deb is one tough cookie because we ran the final tenth to the finish line! I was so proud of her! Proudly wearing our finisher's medals we headed back to our hotel to get ready for the post race bbq that Joe had organized! Cold beer and bbq have never tasted so good! It was great to meet some many dailymilers!

After we talked to everyone for hours and consumed pretty much every calorie we had burned during the race we headed back towards our hotel and stopped off for chocolate cake and another drink. We all decided we were exhausted and headed back to the hotel!

Monday:

Nikki was up bright and early for her flight. Deb and I slept a bit longer and got up and packed our things and then headed out for some brunch. Of course we were concerned about our flight getting home since Cleveland was in the middle of an ice/snow storm. Typical Ohio weather! In the end we did make it back home and we were greeted with 16 degrees and tons of snow and ice at which point we wanted to get back on the plane and go right back to Austin!

Tuesday:

This morning my legs were even more sore than they were yesterday and I had power issues at work so I chose not to run this morning. I had a 90 minute massage tonight and my legs were feeling better but I decided it was best to listen to my body and take a second rest day. I will be back at it tomorrow as I prepare to pace Dave in a sub 2 hour half marathon on Sunday! Yes, I am running a second 1/2 marathon in as much as 7 days! Of course I also ran a half marathon training run the week before Austin! I guess it will be a three-peat on Sunday!

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

Goodbye Negative Nancy, Hello Positive Patty 1/2 Marathon

Let's make it a 1/2 marathon!

Today's schedule called for 13 miles but as Jenn and I have said why run 13 miles when you can add .1 and say you ran a 1/2 marathon! Originally Jenn had texted me and told me that she was going to have to do her long run on Saturday this week so we would have to go at it alone. Dave had been planning to run with us this weekend so I sent him a text message to make sure he was still going to come up to Cleveland or if I would be running solo. He confirmed that he would be coming up for the long run. Fast forward to yesterday morning and I texted Jenn to tell her to have a great run and after a few texts back and forth we figured out that if we ran at 6:30 AM today she would be able to join us! Dave is going to be running Cleveland with us so he figured he should head up this way and do a few training runs with us. He is following Hal Higdon's Novice Marathon training program so he refers to Jenn and I's schedule as the big girl training plan. Dave's schedule called for ten miles today so he started out the run with us. We headed out five miles and then dropped Dave back off at his car once we hit ten miles.

Jenn pulled out her phone and took a picture of Dave and I during the first ten miles. Did she get my good side? :)

We exchanged a few great jobs and hugs. Jenn and I both took a final gel and Dave gave me the rest of his water since my handheld was empty and he's a great guy like that. I thanked Dave and Jenn and I headed back out for our final 3.1 miles. The weather was perfect today and there were a lot of other runners out there towards the end of our run! Jenn brought Negative Nancy along with her for last week's "ice" run but promised to bring Positive Patty today! Sure enough Jenn kicked Negative Nancy to the curb and showed up with Positive Patty in tow! Overall it was a fantastic run! We managed to run 10:25 pace this morning which was faster than the last 1/2 marathon Jenn and I ran together and today was just a training run! The previous 1/2 was actually a race!

So, how many people can say they ran a 1/2 marathon before 10 AM today?

Yep, we can!! 13.11 and done!!

Looking forward to this week. Three miles on Tuesday and Thursday and six on Wednesday then flying to Austin on Friday for the Livestrong 1/2 Marathon (state number 4)!!

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

Thumbs Up Thursday......Zaneta

This week's spotlight is on Zaneta at Runner's Luck. Zaneta just recently ran her first half marathon! Head on over to her blog after you read all about her and say hello!



Jodi: How long have you been running?
Zaneta: I've been running pretty much since I remember. I was very active growing up and running was always a part of any sport I participated in.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Zaneta: I started running because it was a part of conditioning for basketball... I kind of hated basketball conditioning lol. Then after my four years of college eligibility of basketball and softball were over i focused on classes only and got really out of shape so I decided to run again and signed up for my first 5k to keep me running!

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Zaneta: I just started racing in April of this year! (2010)

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Zaneta: I love racing 5ks because it's only a short distance and you can push as hard as you can for 30 minutes, then forget about it! BUT! This past September I ran my first half marathon and instantly fell in love! :D It takes dedication and heart to run for 13.1 miles.... I can only imagine what a FULL marathon would be like! In the end you feel so accomplished!

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Zaneta: Definitely my first half marathon in September! My parents and I made a mini vacation of the entire weekend in Nashville, Tennessee and the race was so emotional for me for many reasons! I'm so glad I got to share my first half marathon experience with my parents!

Zaneta's first 1/2 marathon

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Zaneta: Haha! I would say the Run for Independence 5k that I did. It started out terribly because I woke up late and got to the park to pick up my bib about 6 minutes before the gun went off! I felt sick the entire 3.1 miles and the newspaper captured a picture of me that would tell anybody that I was tired and nauseated! Needless to say after running across the finish line I kept running until I found a portapot!

Run for Independence 5K

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Zaneta: I would have to say that my proudest running moment to date is the festival 5k I ran right after I decided I wanted to get faster. I had done some speedwork (if you want to call it that) on my own and was so excited when I beat my PR by almost 2 minutes! I immediately called my boyfriend and told him and he told me he was so proud of me... I was proud of myself! After that race I knew that I could do whatever I wanted to do with my running if I just put my mind to it!

Zaneta's family/support staff

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Zaneta: My ipod!! Seriously, I dont even remember over half the songs that play while I'm running and I'm not sure I really listen but something about having my Ipod with me helps me get through the tough ones!

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Zaneta: I love me some GU! Also I was introduced to eating oranges during a race at my first half marathon... surprisingly i liked it!

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Zaneta: Chocolate milk and a banana!!

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Zaneta: I admire my grandma so much! She was my best friend growing up! She always had a smile on her face and was the kindest person I've ever met! Even though she had both legs amputated and both her hands crippled up by arthritis and eventually a mind that stopped working properly... she always was smiling and praying and she really left a legacy behind! I just wish she was still around to share my big milestones with!

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Zaneta: I know that this may be strange cuz who doesn't have a favorite quote?! But seriously.. I dont really have a favorite! Although, I do love this verse! Isaiah 40:31 -
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel ___________.
Zaneta: Renewed and elated!

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Zaneta: Now that I ran my first half marathon, I have a goal of finishing a FULL marathon!! I have a race picked out for 2011 but haven't shared that yet! :D

Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Zaneta: If you are someone who is scared to try something new and doesn't want to run because you're afraid of what others might think of you... "too slow/fast" "too big/too skinny" "too tall/short" ... Don't do it for other people! Get out and run for yourself and forget about what others might think! Being in shape makes you feel so much better! Not only physically, but mentally too! Since I've started running, a lot of my self doubt has faded away and the negative body image I had of myself... it's almost completely gone! YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!!! No matter what you may think! :D

Zaneta's favorite running picture

Thank you again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Zaneta. Best of luck in achieving your goal of running a full marathon! Please let us know which marathon you have picked out when you decide it is time to reveal your plan!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Zaneta YOU inspire ME!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Jill Ellingson

This week's spotlight is on Jill of Running to Sanity. Stop on over to her blog and say hello!!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Jill: It seems like runnning has always been a part of my life, here and there, but nothing for a consistent period of time. Since having kids it has become part of my life, FULL TIME. The last 2 years running has become a lot more serious than it ever was before. It started mostly in 2005 and has slowly gotten to be a bigger part of my life each year and the last 2 years it has become MAJOR.

Jodi Why did start running?
Jill: I always felt like I was fighting against my own body, so that's when it became a challenge to try and overcome it. I ran track in Jr. high...I was NO good, no really I wasn't! I could barely run around the track once without huffing and puffing. I mostly did it for social reasons because I hated running! If you know me...you know I do things for social reasons and ask questions later. Then came the birth of my first child, Max and with him a TON of extra wegiht. I started walking daily with him in the baby bjorn and then switched to pushing the jogging stroller and slowly started running...it was HARD! But every time I finished I felt AMAZING, like I had just overcome something really BIG! It was great for Max to get out in the fresh air and it was awesome for me to strive to get a run in each day with a new baby and NURSING. Being a new mom and having ONE goal each day was so important and what better goal then running! I was running to be healthy and to lose the baby weight, but also to set an example for him. I lost all the baby weight! I only ran 3 miles a day and a few 5 miles, which seemed like a LONG distance. Boy have things changed. Having kids really changed my reason and my NEED to run and to keep it up. The need was not the same before kids...I am a better mom because I run.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Jill: I ran my first race in June 2006 with my dear friend Megan, Race for the Cure 5K and fell in love with racing! I was on a total high and was hooked from then on! That would be my last race until June 2009 when I ran my first Half Marathon. Getting pregnant with my 2nd baby boy made it hard to keep it up. I realized I had to commit by signing up for an actual race or I would never really do it. Running races make you a better runner...it gets you so excited to keep running.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Jill: I haven't run many races besides half marathons. My marathon training kept me pretty focused, I'm not a good multitasker. I really enjoy HALF marathons because you have to keep up the long runs each week and the 13.1 distance is enough to push you past the easy point. The last 3 miles are always the hardest and never come easy. Plus halfs are so much easier to train for. Maybe if I ran more distances I would have a different answer...but right now...that's how I roll.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Jill: My first HALF was so amazing and felt amazing the whole 13.1 miles, but because that was not my BIG dream like a full marathon I would havge to say my MARATHON. When I finished my first half I told my best riend that I would never run a full...little did I know a year later I would be at the same race doing it. I never dreamed I would ever run a FULL MARATHON...it was always one of those things so far off and unachievable that when I actually trained and did it...it was pretty amazing. I still have the MARATHON high from that. It was not the most fun run because I felt sick to my stomach the entire last half, but having the support of my family and friends throughout the entire race and seeing them as I ran through the chute at the finish will always be a memory I hold forever. The picture of me on my blog banner is of me waving to them...BEST MOMENT, pls the fact that I was done running 26.66 miles...yes I ran futher than a marathon...does that make me an ultra marathoner?

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Jill: Mercer Island Half! That was the first day I met a lot of the local bloggers...that part was a blast, but the run...not so fun. Once you have run a half you think you got it the next time...no, no! Running is humbling...ALWAYS! It was a really hilly course and I ran way to fast in the first 5 miles and by mile 6 I was tired and there were major hills at mile 7 and 11 and I mentally was done and I was only at mile 6. I started run/walking earlier than I would have liked. I realized at mile 12 that if I had not stopped to walk...I would have PR'd. That was really frustrating.

Jodi: What is your proudest runnign moment to date?
Jill: Running a FULL MARATHON...I totally overcame something that I thought was impossible. Marathon training changes you and not in the way that you would think. The actual day is truly a VICTORY LAP! I honestly feel like now I can do a lot more, if I set my mind to it. It really helped me overcome major WALLS that I had put up.

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Jill: The amazing headbands everyone is making now! I am in LOVE with them...more like ADDICTED! Garmin, Glide and my ipod...most of the time.

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Jill: You would think I would have this figured out by now, but I don't. Most everything that is race fuel makes me sick. I recently tried honey sticks and they seem to be working. They are small servings and natural...I think I might have found my fuel. For my long training runs I did eat pretzels and oranges halfway and those really helped!

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Jill: After my long runs...CHOCOLATE MILK with ice from Starbucks but with a few less pumps of chocolate! Wowzer they put a lot of chocolate in there. String cheese is great too. It's always hard for me to eat after long runs but I know it's extremely important to muscle recovery. Oh and Grape G2 is a must.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Jill: Kara Goucher, Ryan Hall, and Meb Keflezighi. I love how Ryan and Meb are very open about their faith. I'm so thankful that God allows me to run and it's exciting to see two Elite runners sharing their faith in their running. God has gifted them with an amazing ability and I love that they honor Him while doing it. Kara is just amazing. I really appreciated her honesty in the Runners World article about all the mind games that get in the way. I don't know of a runner who couldn't relate with the mental aspect of running. She has some great tips in that article that I use a lot.


Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Jill: Yes...for sure. Last year while I was preparing for my half marathon I memorized an amazing verse and used it during my first half and my first full.

Hebrew 12:1-4

…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

And another great one from a NIKE ad…goes something like this…

Running Never took more than it gave, ENJOY the RUN!...

I read the above for the first time before my last, longest training run…it was just what I needed for 25 miles. I kept repeating it to myself during the last few, tough miles.

Another fave…

You will never regret a run, but you will regret not running!

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel ___________.
Jill: AMAZING, Focused, at peace, like a GOOD MOM!

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Jill: To stay “HALF-READY” at all TIMES! I want to keep up my weekly, long runs and stay in shape.
To start strength training so that I can build more muscle.
To lose more weight so I can get FASTER and run a sub-2 hour half.
I hope to run another MARATHON and feel good, the entire way.

And now for the photo part of Thumbs Up Thursday!!!

Max and Cole--the reason Jill started running and the reason she keeps running!!

Jill and Megan at Jill's first race, Race for the Cure June 2006

Jill after her first half, June 2009

Mel (here) congratulating Jill on her first marathon

Jill's support crew at the end of her marathon

Thank you for the opportunity to spotlight you Jill! Congratulations on your recent 1/2 Marathon PR. Best of luck with your goals!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jill YOU inpsire ME!!

August in Review

Today's four mile tempo run brought my August training to a close. Nice warm-up mile of 8:57. Followed by 8:24, 8:15, and 8:15. Not too bad!!

August Stats


93--- running miles
0--- elliptical miles
0--- bike miles
93--- total miles
150.2--- weight as of August 31st, 2010 (down .8 since July 30, 2010)



Current 2010 Stats

744--- running miles
52.9--- elliptical miles
5.1--- bike miles
802--- total miles



Overall, August was a great month! I had a great time in Chicago running the RNR 1/2 with great friends. It wasn't a PR, however I crossed the finish line and in the end that was the ultimate goal! I also got to enjoy a 5k with my brother. He may have beaten me and kept the "family champion title" however, I am proud of how I ran especially since it earned me a 1st place finish in the 35-39 age division!



I am looking forward to September as I will be running alongside Jenn when she toes the line at her first half marathon on September 12th. We have one last long training run scheduled for this Sunday and I am looking forward to that as well. It is always great to run with someone else. The time seems to go by much faster.



Once Jenn and I cross the finish line on September 12th, I will continue on with my new training plan created by Joe (thanks Joe)!! It is my hope that I will have a PR performance at the Detroit Free Press 1/2 Marathon on October 17!!



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

Chicago Rock 'N Roll 1/2 Marathon Weekend Recap

Our Chicago Rock 'N Roll Weekend festivities started on Thursday night with a pool party at Nikki's house. We all had a great time and the kids swam in the pool until it was dark and we told them we had to head home. Everyone left around 9:30 and I came home and started packing for the weekend. Friday morning, the girls picked me up around 10:00 and we headed out for our drive to Chicago (thanks for driving Marilyn). We stopped for lunch on the way and then we headed to the Expo to pick up our race packets and concert tickets on the way to our hotel. We gathered our packets and then stopped by the Garmin booth, see Deb has been doing lots of research on Garmin's lately. Her and I both have the FR60 and while it is okay, it is based on your stride so it wasn't always as accurate as we would like and it also only showed the MPH you were going not your pace. We both were really interested in the 110. Of course Garmin was offering a discount at the Expo so Deb, myself, and Marilyn all purchased one. Nikki had considered it but she had just bought the 201 from a friend for a really good price! We then decided to look at the Bondi Band booth and Deb, Nikki, and I decided to purchase some. Deb, got one that says "slow is the new fast" as well as a very pretty colorful design one. Nikki also got a pretty colorful design one. I was deciding between two different saying ones. I was either going to get "I run like a girl" or "some girls chase boys, I pass 'em". In the end I asked Deb and she said to go with the "chase boys" one! We finally made it to the Uncle Kracker booth to pick up our concert tickets and then we were off to find our hotel and freshen up for dinner at Smith and Wollensky. We sat outside on the patio and it was wonderufl. The food was absolutely amazing and the view was great! Thanks to Deb for suggesting it and making reservations for us. Following our dinner, we headed to Park West for the Uncle Kracker Concert. We met two ladies from North Dakota that were also running in the race on Sunday. They were kind enough to take our picture.

Nikki, me, Deb, and Marilyn

We really enjoyed the concert. In fact, I do believe that we all mentioned that we needed to get some of Uncle Kracker's music. It was a very small and quaint concert which was nice. I did get one picture of the band but my camera wasn't the greatest in the lighting.

Uncle Kracker
We headed back to our hotel after the concert and headed to bed so we could head out for some shopping on Saturday morning. We did sleep in a little bit which was nice since we were all sans kids this weekend. We went into some great shops. I hit up the Lego store for a present for my son and the America Girl store for a present for my daughter. The last stop we made before heading back to our hotel to relax and get ready for dinner was Garrett popcorn. We actually stood in a line to buy some. The line moved pretty fast and the delicious popcorn was definitely worth the wait!

Inside the popcorn shop

We spent Saturday afternoon getting everything ready for the race on Sunday morning, doing some reading, and some napping as well. We headed out to Quartino Saturday night for some carb loading. The food there was great as well! Thanks to Deb again for finding the restaurant and making reservations especially since those who didn't have reservations had a two hour wait!! Our final stop Saturday night was at the 7-eleven. Bananas and smart water were purchased. We talked for a little bit once we got back to the hotel and then lights out by 9:30. We got up around 4:45 Sunday to eat breakfast and such before the race. Once everyone was ready we headed out for the one mile walk to the start line. Once we got there, I asked a nice lady to take our picture.

myself, Nikki, Deb, and Marilyn

After the picture, Nikki and Marilyn decided to make a bathroom stop. Deb and I headed to the Corrals and waited to start the race.

The start line from Corral #8

I was feeling pretty good and I looked up in front of me during mile 3 or so and I saw two girls with pink socks on and I wondered if they were Katye and Tonia (who's blogs I read) and then I realized they had on matching outfits so I ran up along side them and said: "You look familiar, do you blog?" and they said that yes in fact they did! I was right, it was them! At first I wasn't going to say anything because I didn't want to seem weird/stalkerish but I'm glad I did in the end! You girls were looking good out there! I ran with them for a little bit and at some point we all got separated. As the miles went by I was still feeling okay. When I got to mile 7 I heard them announce the winner of the race. We went into a tunnel which I wasn't too fond of. In fact, I had to take my sunglasses off to see where I was going. I noticed Tonia was right there with me and then off she went. Somewhere after this, I saw Tonia walking so I asked her if she was okay and she said she just needed to take a walking break. Once I got to mile ten I was starting to feel the heat and humidity. I slowed my pace a little bit. By mile twelve, I wasn't feeling the greatest and thoughts of what happened in Cleveland immediately entered my mind. At that point, I made the wise decision to slow down even more. I didn't want a repeat of Cleveland, I just wanted to finish. As I was approaching the finish line I noticed a guy next to me really struggling and I looked at him and said "come on, let's finish this". We sprinted in the last tenth of a mile. We exchanged good jobs and then he said "thanks so much, I needed that. We crossed the finish line in 2:06:57 according to my watch (my official time was 2:06:55). Once I grabbed my medal, some water, a popsicle, and an ice cold towel I headed to the family reunion area. Several bloggers that were running had mentioned they were going to meet at letter R for run so I headed over to hopefully get to meet them. Once I got there, I saw two adorable little ones wearing "run mommy run" shirts and I knew right away they had to be Jamie's kids! Right then I looked up and sure enough, it was Jamie! We exchanged hugs! It was great to finally meet her! Her husband was kind enough to take our picture!


Jamie and I

A short while later, Katye and Tonia made their way to the letter R. Once again Jamie's husband was kind enough to take pictures.

Jamie, Katye, Tonia, and myself

We talked for a few minutes after this and I said I need to head to the letter C for Cleveland to meet up with my friends. About two minutes after I walked to the letter C, Marilyn came in. We waited for Deb and Nikki for awhile and then Marilyn needed to move to the shade. We figured we would see them because we sat right by the opening to the family reunion area. After a few minutes I decided to walk back to the letter C to look for them. Sure enough we had somehow missed them. We were all feeling really beat down and we had to repeat the mile walk back to our hotel. That was the longest mile walk ever, I swear!! We all showered and packed up and grabbed some lunch. Even though we were very sore we were already talking about doing another 1/2 in Ohio in September (this 1/2 would give Nikki her Ohio 1/2 and the rest of us our 3rd Ohio 1/2). We also talked about some other races we would like to run. Our next 1/2 marathon in our 1/2 marathon in all 50 states quest is going to be in Detroit, Michigan. The car ride home was very long as we were all very sore! We got back into town and headed to get some dinner! I think we finally got home around 9:30. It was a wonderful weekend! Time spent with great friends, enjoying wonderful food, shopping, dinner, and oh yeah 13.1!

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