May in Review

I have let time get away from me and am just now getting around to posting my May in Review.  Slow and steady I suppose!  My May training came to an end on the last Saturday in May when Chrindye, Karrie, and I headed to Bur Oak for a nice easy 8 mile run.




Bur Oak Trail

May 2015 Stats
90.2-- running miles
2.42- walking miles
0-- stair workouts
0- monthly fitness challenge workout
92.62-- total miles

Current 2015 Stats
411.02-- running miles
16.09-- walking miles
3-- stair workouts
3 3/4-- monthly fitness challenge workout
427.11-- 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 did not go at all in May as I was focused on the marathon and didn't want to add anything else into my training.  I am current 23 days into my monthly challenge for June so I have that going for me!!


 



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 progress in May as there were several email exchanges in regards to where our journey will take us next.  We still haven't confirmed our next state but hopefully soon!!

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


Mission #3 was just shy of 100 miles at 90.2 miles run for May (588.98 miles to go).

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 May either.  What can I say, I ran a marathon and the 5 mile Eagle Run which I managed to place 3rd in my age group at!  Not too shabby six days post marathon!

Marathon girls carb loading dinner

3rd place 40-44

Sporting our marathon shirts at the Eagle Run 5 Miler

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.  There was a lot of grilling in May so that was helpful.  We don't use the crockpot much during the spring/summer months anyway.

Overall May was a wonderful month!  I enjoyed seeing my friends cross the finish line of their first marathon while I ran my 7th on my birthday no less!!

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

Cleveland Marathon 2015 Race Report

Let's flash back to May 18, 2014 when I sat at the finish line of the marathon and declared that I was "retiring" from the marathon distance and never running a full marathon again.  I guess there is a lot to be said for the statement "never say never" in my case since I crossed the finish line of my 7th marathon on May 17, 2015.  Oh, did I mention that Sunday was my 41st birthday as well.  So how did I go from "retiring" to the finish line in just one short year?  Two words....peer pressure.  You see a few of my neighbors that did their first half marathon in September wanted to attempt their first 26.2 and asked me if I would be willing to train with them since I was the "marathon pro".  I told them that I would definitely train with them and then just see what happened in regards to my actually signing up to run the Cleveland Marathon.  Fast forward to early March and I made the commitment by signing up for the marathon. 

Saturday
After running a few errands I headed downtown to the expo with the girls.  We spent a long while there looking at things and even getting fake eyelashes.  I can honestly say that's a first for me at a race expo.  Once we made it back home we headed over to Karrie's for our carb loading dinner that her husband so graciously prepared.  I had my usual two beers with dinner and spent some time talking about our plans for Sunday during the race.  We headed home at a reasonable hour and I proceeded to get everything ready for the morning so I wouldn't have to rush around. I turned in relatively early and slept okay.

Race Expo

Carb Loading Dinner

Sunday
The alarm went off at oh-painful-early and I started to get ready for the day.  I made my breakfast to take with me in the car and eat on the way downtown to the start line.  It turned out that I was able to finish my breakfast at each of my neighbor's houses while I was waiting for them to come out to the car so we could be on our way.  We arrived downtown with very little problems and found a good parking spot, took several pictures and walked towards the start line. 

26.2 and 13.1 ready to run

Running for a reason

We did stop and use the porta potties on the way.  As we walked to the corrals it started to pour rain on us.  It stopped relatively quickly but may have made things worse because the humidity was crazy!  The plan was to stay together as long as possible.  Everything was going along great.  We made it to the 6.5 mile water stop where my friends Missi and Dave were cheering us on and giving me new water bottles.  It was at this water stop that we somehow lost Trisha.  Chrindye and I trudged on together while Karrie and Kelly stuck together just a little ways behind us.  It was incredibly hot and humid so we welcomed the rain when it came and then cursed it when it left and made it that much hotter.  As we were running along Chrindye and I took a few minutes to remember the numerous angels we had with us that we were running for.

When I was tired Angel Emily became my legs

Trisha, Chrindye, and myself near the turn around

Just before mile 18 I started having stomach cramps and slowed to a walk for just a minute.  Chrindye went on ahead of me and then we saw her family and porta potties which were both welcomed sights.  I felt better after using the porta potty and the bonus was the Trisha caught back up with us at this point.  As we rounded the turn to head back towards downtown I could feel my body temperature rising rapidly.  I told Chrindye that I was going to have to walk because I didn't want a repeat of my 2010 Cleveland Marathon that ended in Metro's ER.  I wasn't in an physical pain so having to stop to walk was frustrating but I knew it was the right thing to do at that time.  Chrindye tried to walk but it was less painful for her to run so I sent her on her way.  I ran/walked with Trisha for a short period of time and then I lost sight of her.  I did my best to stay hydrated during those last 8 miles that I had to run/walk.  At 20+ miles into the race I saw my co-worker on the sidewalk.  It was like an angel had been sent to me.  She and her husband jumped on the course and ran/walked a good mile with me.  It was incredibly helpful and I thanked them repeatedly.  Eventually I made my way towards the finish line.  I saw my son and gave him a high five and then I saw my daughter and ran over to her at which point both she and my son finished the race with me.  I couldn't have asked for a better ending to what was a tough race day in crazy weather conditions.

Loved that the announcer complimented my daughter on her "You can't squat with us" tank

Best Finish Ever!

After everyone finished the marathon, we headed to the beer tent (minus Trisha as she was feeling very ill and needed to get out of there) to enjoy the rewards of our labor.  Although my time was my second slowest marathon finish ever I couldn't help but smile for the successes of my friends.  They all completed their first marathon and are still considering toeing the line of another 26.2 mission.  I told them I was all in as long as the marathon was in the fall when there is a better chance of cooler weather! 

Sweet Emily saw me through

26.2 Run and Done

18 of the 26.2 miles run together

Happy to be done

Slow and steady but I did it

It was a wonderful day all around and a fantastic birthday that ended with a post-marathon celebration at Chrindye's house in honor of our marathon finish and my birthday!

Proudly wearing our hard earned medals

We did it

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

April in Review

My April training came to an end with a pre-dawn 6 mile run with Heather and Chrindye.  It was a great way to end the month as it was a great run with negative spilts for me.




April 2015 Stats
100.9-- running miles
5.4- walking miles
0-- stair workouts
3/4- monthly fitness challenge workout
106.3-- total miles

Current 2015 Stats
320.82-- running miles
13.67-- walking miles
3-- stair workouts
3 3/4-- monthly fitness challenge workout
334.49-- 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 going well in April until the last week when I just didn't get the planks in.  I still have time to complete this mission.  I haven't started a May challenge simply because I'm running a marathon next Sunday and have been focused on that.  3 months complete, 3 months to go.






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 no progress in April. We need to plan our next race ASAP!  I guess I better get to researching 1/2 marathons!!

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


Just Run

20 Miles Done

12 Miles Done

Mission #3 was just over 100 miles for the month. 100.9 miles run in March (679.18 miles to go).

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 April either.  The mileage for the marathon rapidly increased in April so I didn't do much in the lines of other workouts.  There's always tomorrow.

So true

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 okay. Some weeks continue to be better than others but we are eating at home more often.  With the weather warming up we have been utilizing the grill as well.

April was a decent month overall.  I got the long runs in the best I could.  I did miss 8 miles of my 18 mile run because my daughter had a figure skating competition but I figure the 10 fast-paced miles would cover the 8 miles I missed. 

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

March in Review

My March training came to a close on March 30 when I met up with the neighbor girls for a 5.5 mile pre-dawn run.  My quads were tight at the beginning of the run but did loosen up as the miles ticked by.  





March 2015 Stats
101.54-- running miles
2.72- walking miles
0-- stair workouts
1- monthly fitness challenge workout
104.26-- total miles

Current 2015 Stats
219.92-- running miles
8.27-- walking miles
3-- stair workouts
3-- monthly fitness challenge workout
228.19-- 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 once again a success in March as I completed a 30 day tricep dip challenge




My March Challenge

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 no progress in March.  We need to plan our next race ASAP!

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

Just run

14 run in the rain

10 run in the snow

Mission #3 exceeded 100 miles for the month.  101.54 miles run in March (780.08 miles to go).

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 March either.  However, my daughter's figure skating club hosted a competition in March and I spent three days walking all over the ice rink.  I would definitely count that as cross training.  There just aren't any steps at the rink....

So true

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 okay.  Some weeks are better than others but we are eating at home more often.

I am very pleased with my March training and am happy with the great start to training I have had these first few days of April!

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

February in Review

My February training came to a close yesterday when I headed to the Metroparks for a 12 mile run with Chrindye, Heather, Karrie, and Trisha.  I do believe it was the coldest run I have ever experienced.  The actual temperature was -1 when we started.  There were lots of frozen eyelashes and cold fingers and toes but we got it done.
 



Clearly!!

February 2015 Stats
85.1-- running miles
2.39- walking miles
0-- stair workouts
1- monthly fitness challenge workout
87.49-- total miles

Current 2015 Stats
118.38-- running miles
5.55-- walking miles
3-- stair workouts
2-- monthly fitness challenge workout
123.93-- 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 continues to be successful.  Since February only has 28 days, I will finish out my February challenge tomorrow but I went ahead and started my March challenge today as well. 



My February Challenge

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 was successful when we completed the Mercedes Half Marathon in Birmingham, Alabama.  The only glitch was that Deb was not able to join us so she will have to make up Alabama at a later date.  We definitely missed her!!  It was a great race with awesome bling!

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

Mission #3 had a nice jump in February even though I did take one day off from training after my 1/2 marathon.  In the end I only missed 3 of my scheduled miles for Feburary.  85.1 miles run in February (881.62 miles to go).

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 February.  With marathon training in full swing I think I need to edit this mission.  It will now be to get in an occasional stair workout when I am feeling good and craving a nice cross-training workout

So true

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 continuing to come along with the help of my family and my crockpot!

February was a successful month overall.  I would appreciate it if Mother Nature would give us a break so we could run outside more!  Running in circles at the Y gets old!!

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

Mercedes 1/2 Marathon Race Report

Friday
As I was getting ready to pack for Alabama, I received a call from Deb and she sadly informed me that she would not be joining Nikki and I for the weekend as she had been incredibly sick in January and the first half of February.  While we were very disappointed that Deb wouldn't be joining us, we completely agreed that her health needed to come first.  So, it looks like we will have to join Deb in Alabama another time so she can cross it off the list.

Saturday
Nikki and I headed to the airport at 5:30AM to make our 7:15AM flight.  We had a short layover in Chicago and then made it into Birmingham by 11:00AM.  Once we landed we headed out to find the shuttles to the hotel.  We were quite happy to walk out of the airport into nicer weather!

The only thing missing was Deb

After we got checked into our hotel, we headed to the expo to pick up our race packets.  The expo was relatively small but nice.  I was able to pick up Deb's packet for her so she will at least have the shirt and gloves that we were given by the race.  We did come across a medal hanger booth and really liked a 50 states medal hanger.  I took pictures of it and grabbed the information so we could order it online at a later date.  The nice thing is that the seller was willing to custom make the hanger.

We decided to head to see the 16th Street Baptist Church as both our 7th graders had read a book in school about the bombing that happened there.

Once we left the church we went and had a bite to eat and a beer and then headed back to our hotel to rest for a bit before heading out for dinner since we were both tired from the early flight.  We eventually headed out to find some dinner but what we didn't realize was that "The Book of Mormon" was in Birmingham so all of the restaurants we wanted to try had a minimum wait time of 2 hours.  Definitely wishing we had thought to make reservations ahead of time.  We ended up back at the same restaurant we  had eaten lunch at but in the end it was food so it worked!  After we ate dinner we headed back to our hotel to get things ready for the morning and tried to get to bed early to get some rest.

Sunday
The alarm went off and I managed to only press snooze one time.  After I got up, I made some coffee and ate my peanut butter and cheese crackers (not the best pre-race breakfast but it was what I had to work with so I just went with it).  Nikki and I headed to the race start and when we were almost at our destination I realized I had forgotten my Garmin.  I couldn't decide if I wanted to go back and get it but we ended up going back since it was raining and I didn't want to have to use my phone for timing purposes, especially because it was raining.  We stopped in the hotel lobby for a quick picture and we were on our way.

I didn't really have a plan for the race other than to get myself across the finish line.  I was thrilled with the weather even though it was raining.  50 degrees and rain is so much better than the negative temperatures and snow we were having at home.  As I was running along, I realized that Birmingham had a lot of rolling hills!  Who knew?!?!?!  Once I was within a mile of the finish I realized I was going to barely miss running a sub 2.  At that point, I pushed it as best I could but came up slightly short with 2:00:45.  Honestly I was more than happy with those results considering the course.  I collected my medal and finisher's beach towel and waited for Nikki to finish.

Pretty sweet medal

Bling, Finisher's Beach Towel, and Race Results

Once Nikki finished we headed inside to the post-race party where we were treated to a Pork BBQ.  It was definitely one of the best races for post- race food so far.  After we finished eating, we walked back to our hotel and got cleaned up.  We then decided to take a nap before heading to the airport later in the afternoon.  We headed to the airport around 2:00 and grabbed a bite to eat there while waiting for our flight to depart.  While it was a very quick trip and we missed Deb terribly, the race itself was very well organized and I would definitely run it again!

What state will we be running next?  Your guess is as good as mine.  Deb is supposed to be researching that for us!! 


Complete a half in all 50 states status: 15 states and D.C. completed

Completed states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

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