Saturday, December 31, 2011

Last run of the year

Today was my last run of the year. Crazily, The weather was in the upper 70's...and beautiful!
It was not an easy run, and I had to resort to walking .15 every mile and half-mile after 4 miles. However, I enjoyed the run. It didn't bring me much clarity when it comes to my New Year's resolutions like I'd hoped, but here's what I came up with:
1. Eat healthy 5 days a week (no sugar or white carbs)
2. Run or cross-train 4 times a week
3. Read my Bible 3 times a week
4. Strength train 2 times a week

Mileage Report
Weekly: 11.7 miles
YTD: 809.95 miles

More than 800 miles for the year! I'm thrilled with that! My goal was 1100k, or 683 miles...and I totally got that! I'm working on a specific number for next year...stay tuned :)

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

So off schedule

Between Christmas festivities, getting sick and no work for my husband and me, I am so off schedule. I thrive on routine, so this is hard for me. I know I should just chill out and enjoy the laziness, but that is just not my nature. We are getting things done...just not on a scheduled plan. And knowing our break is three quarters of the way over is sad. I never feel like I got as much done as I wanted or enjoyed the time as much as I could have.

So, here's a plan for today. If I have a plan, I will at least feel better.
1. Run, even if it is a short one
2. Shower
3. Nap
4. Catch up on some magazine reading. I think I have about 6 magazines on my Nook that I haven't even seen yet.
5. Make dinner (it has been so easy to just eat out!)
6. Play with the kids

Ok, so nothing on there is earth-shattering, but it's a list. I will feel like I have accomplished something if I can check them off the list.

***Update: I managed to run, shower, and play with the kids. That's half the list. We're heading out of town tomorrow for the day, so I'll take care of the nap and magazines then :)

Monday, December 26, 2011

Disappointed

I have had a sore throat since Friday evening. I didn't run Saturday even though I wanted a nice long run. Not sleeping well and getting up early didn't sound like a good mix with the sore throat and cold weather (especially since I felt better Saturday morning than I did Friday night when we were out in the cold looking at lights). Of course, Saturday and Sunday were crazy, busy Christmas fun, so there wasn't any room for a run...not that I would have felt like it.

And here it is Monday and my throat still hurts and I don't feel like running. I know that supposedly you can still run if it's above the neck, but I can't imagine sucking in air through this throat of mine.

Then there is that never-easy question of when do I actually give in and go to the doctor. I seem to be ok...just the sore throat. I am off this week, so at least I have time to go if I decide I should. Of course, it looks like we may be taking my little buddy in too. He either has a cold or sinus infection. I just never know when to take him to the doc.

My husband has now completed Week 2 of C25K. I am so proud of him! With the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k in about 6 weeks, I don't want my training and endurance to get derailed.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Three Thing Thursday

1. I am still so very behind with all things Christmas. I did manage to wrap a lot of presents today with the help of SB. It was just us since little brother was at the grandparents' house. We still have several gifts to buy tomorrow, but Chad is off. I'm hoping we can divide and conquer.

2. Because it was just SB and me for most of the day, she declared it a girls' day, which meant doing basically whatever she wanted to do. I painted her nails with a candy cane stripe, had a tea party and played princess games on the Wii. Yes, that meant I didn't get as much done as I'd hoped, but we had a good day.

3. Tonight we had a friend's birthday party to go to. It was 80's themed. Without much notice or time, I was able to pull together a decent outfit. It was nice to get out of the house tonight for some adult time.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Reasons to Run

Ok, I have lots of reasons I run...but here are two that I think are especially worthwhile this holiday season (and before you start thinking in the highly sentimental vein, they are both high-calorie, yummy goodness).

#1 S'Mores Dip
A friend brought this to a Christmas party a couple of weeks ago, and when I found out last-minute that I had to bring a sweet treat for our luncheon on the last day of school, I called her for the recipe. It was so easy and good that I took it to my sister's ornament exchange last night too.




And here's how:
Mix 12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate morsels with 1 can sweetened condensed milk. Melt this in the microwave for about one minute. Stir. Add 13 oz of marshmallow creme (or 2-7 oz jars will work). Mix. You can mix well for a even smooth dip or leave swirly. The chocolate will sink to the bottom as it cools. Stir it again or reheat if needed. Serve with graham crackers.

You can also find this recipe over at Tasty Kitchen (this is their picture, not mine).

#2 Happy Holidays Hot Vanilla
This is a take on my hot vanilla that I drink every ice bath. I started drinking this last year after we were snowed/iced in for several days using this recipe from Family Fun.



I made a big batch for the ornament exchange last night. I heated 8 cups of milk in the microwave and added it to the crockpot on warm (bumped to low if it seemed cool). Add 1/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. The "happy" part comes next. Add an ounce of Kahlua to a mug, add the hot vanilla, and top with whipped cream and mini-chocolate chips. Cinnamon would be a nice addition as well. If you want to make an individual serving, mix 1 cup of milk with 2 teaspoons sugar. Heat in the microwave. Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and any extras you want. Yum!

And those two treats are why I ran at 4 this morning even though I'd been awake since 2.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Surprise!

I was thrilled today to receive a package...my Secret Santa gift from the blogger exchange over at Run With Jill. Here's what I got...4 sparkly Active Bands...aren't they cute?!


I tried to get my daughter to take a picture of me wearing the pink one, but those didn't turn out so well :)

I wore one to workout at the Y with my husband (week 2, workout 1 of C25K). I loved it. It held back all those little flyaways and didn't budge.

The only thing is my Secret Santa didn't tell me who she is...just signed it Secret Santa...so if you are her, please let me know who you are! And thanks so much! These are awesome!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Feeling a little lost

No training plan...a race two months away. I'm feeling a liitle lost. In all the Christmas craziness, I haven't had time to sit down and make any kind of plan. I keep thinking that with a couple of weeks off, I'll be able to catch up, but I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen. With two kids at home every day, it's a lot more likely that I'll be breaking up arguments, cleaning messes slightly slower than they're made, making breakfast, lunch, and snacks, doing laundry and dishes, and trying to entertain two "bored" kids.

So, what would I like to do with the time off instead?
1. Make a training plan
2. Read
3. Wrap gifts (because there isn't a single gift under the tree)
4. Nap
5. Restock my breakfast cookies by baking with the kids

But I know I will be able to enjoy these things so much more if I get caught up first. First thing in the morning.

Friday, December 16, 2011

And the winner is...

Me!

I found out yesterday as I left school that I won one of the five individual Refuel with Chocolate Milk grants for this round. I am so excited!

All of my students, family, coworkers and friends got involved in the voting, and I am so thankful! I wish I knew how many votes they all logged. It was pretty cool to see my students getting excited about it.

My plans are to use the grant to offset the cost of the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k in Dallas this February. Fitting that I use a chocolate milk grant to fund a hot chocolate event, huh? And how awesome that is it that it's my hubby's first 5k?!

I've been craving chocolate milk, even when it's not post-run...like last night, this morning, now. There just isn't anything as satisfying as a cold glass of milk. The fact that it's an incredible recovery drink after a workout, providing protein, carbs, electrolytes, and vitamins, makes it even better!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Three Thing Thursday

1. I've found a way to make myself do my strength training. Chad started C25K this week. We did his workout together at the Y Monday night during SB's gymnastics. Last night, he hopped on the treadmill in the garage for workout #2, so I joined him out there and did a short strength training plan. If I do it during the two workouts he does at home, I'll get in my strength training twice a week...finally. See, it's never too late :) That's been a goal all year. Now that it's December, I'm finally doing it.

2. Christmas has completely snuck up on me this year. I guess I kept putting things off until "after Vegas." Well, now it's after Vegas, and I've got tons to do. I'm hoping to make a big dent in things tonight. Chad and I are Christmas shopping for Date Night this week.

3. School is almost out! I have today and a half day tomorrow. I've got lots to finish before then since grades are due...late work to grade, finals to grade, a project to grade. Yikes. I may be here a while tonight!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Goals, or at least one

It just dawned on me that I'm doing pretty good on my goals for 2011...but it's now almost the end of the year. I haven't even started to think about new ones. However, I now have at least one.
My husband and I signed up for this race today. He'll be running his first 5k! I'll be doing the 10k. Lots of our family and friends will be running it too. I am so excited that Chad has decided to do this! He say he hates to run, but I'm thrilled that he is giving it a try. If he really doesn't like it, I'm ok with that too.

And what can be bad about a race that gives you a running jacket and chocolate goodies at the finish line?!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

It's Never Too Late

It's December, so I had just about given up on my two time goals for the year. I only had four goals: run 1100km in 2011, run a half with Chandra (check), run a sub-26 5k, and run a sub-60 10k. I had come so close to that 10k goal this spring, and then things fell apart. I just figured I'd concentrate on the half and worry about the speed later. After last weekend's chaotic, crowded race (and a frustrating morning with the kids), I was ready for a good run this afternoon.

I took off and it immediately felt fabulous...no one in front of me or near me, just the road and me. It was chilly and a little hazy, but beautiful. It felt good physically, and was good for the soul. I had no real distance planned, thinking I'd run 3 or 4 miles today.

The first mile was in 9:38. I thought that was pretty darn good since it usually takes me a mile or two to warm up. The second mile followed suit with a 9:34. I figured I'd see how I'd do for a 5k, so the third mile was in 9:35. I still felt great, so I just kept on going. At the end of mile 4 (in 9:30), I could feel my muscles tiring, but nothing hurt. That made me realize that I could potentially get that elusive sub-60 10k I've been chasing all year.

The run did get a little harder, but it never hurt, never felt bad. I am sure I had a huge grin when I made 5 miles in under 50 minutes because I knew then that I was going to do it! With my last mile in 9:06 and the last .2 in less than 2 minutes, I so did!


I can not tell you how good it feels to finally reach that goal! Even better is that I just really needed that run today. After being so frustrated with my performance at the half last weekend, a long week of catching up, and a rough morning with the kids, that run left me feeling positive, energized, and strong.

Mileage Report
Weekly- 9.73 miles
YTD- 773.5 miles

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Three thing Thursday

1. I was able to run this morning. After this weekend's race, I wasn't so sure I'd be able to run this week at all. I really just wanted to shake my legs out and check out the damage. Luckily, there wasn't much :) The two miles felt really good. I actually am ready for a good, long run since Vegas didn't give me that freeing, long-run feeling I crave.

2. I think we've almost recovered from this weekend. The to do list for the weekend is getting longer, but I feel almost caught up. Going out of town always sounds so relaxing, but it really just creates more work.

3. Tomorrow is Friday! Just one more week until Christmas break! Yes, that makes me excited...but man, do I have a lot to get done between now and then! Anyone else feel like Christmas sneaks up on them every year?!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Race Recovery Should Have's

So...Sunday's race taught me a lot...like everything I did wrong. Here is what I should have done instead:

1. I was starving as we crossed the finish line (and freezing) and slurped down two Go-Gurts because I figured yogurt is kind of like milk. Wrong. I should have waitied for my chocolate milk packed in my husband's backpack.

2. Our hotel didn't have a bathtub, and I was freezing by the time we got to the room. Instead of an ice bath to help my sore muscles, I took a nice hot shower to warm up. I should have iced my legs instead.

3. Two short flights, a layover and a car ride home means a whole lot of sitting still. I should have worn my compression sleeves.

4. I was so ready to see my kids, and I slipped right into mommy-mode when we got home. I should have taken a few minutes to foam roll and use The Stick.

5. I just let laziness get the best of me and didn't really think about it. I should have taken ibuprofen regularly the day after the race.

Maybe it's not the best way to learn my lessons, but they are still lessons learned.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Quick Mileage Update

Mileage Report (for last week)
Weekly: 19.72 miles
YTD: 763.77 miles

I'm not sure when I'll be able to really run again. I am definitely going to take a few days off. I'm very sore after the race Sunday. After my first half, I was able to run again fairly quickly, doing a 10K on the Saturday after the race faster than I'd done before. That's not going to happen this time.

Monday, December 5, 2011

RnR Las Vegas Recap

I'm exhausted, but I want to get this out there. I'll add pictures later.

The weekend started Friday with Jessica, Jeff and us driving to Dallas, flying to Albuquerque and then on to Vegas. It was really late when we got there, but somehow we managed to stay up even longer to visit with Chandra and Mike who flew in from Montana and play a little.

Saturday morning we woke bright and early and explored the Strip a liitle...ok, a lot. We went to the Expo and got our race packets and bibs. I got to meet Dimity and SBs of Run Like a Mother and got them to autograph my book. We didn't get back to our hotel for lunch until 4. then we visited with some friends of ours that live in Vegas until we ate a late dinner...hey, we weren't going to let our all-day buffet pass go to waste!

Then Sunday morning, we all got up and headed to the infamous Las Vegas sign. Almost 10 years ago, Chad and I couldn't find that sign on our honeymoon, so it was a fitting place to renew our vows. Our friend Bill "officiated" the ceremony. It was fun and special to have our friends there and to look back on 10 years together...and look forward to many more!

After lunch with everyone, the girls decided to rest before the race. We thought we'd get down there for part of the concert, but by the time we actually made our way to the start line, we didn't see much. It got crowded quickly, and the wait was cold. We met up with Dana and Shad, who ran my first half with me in Dallas, in our corral. The wave start moved pretty quickly, and we all took off together. That didn't last long as the course was crazy crowded. There were tons of walkers all over the course making it very difficult to navigate. Chandra and I lost each other by mile 3 but found each other a couple miles later (only because she pulled off to the side and waited for me). Our first half was pretty good, but it went downhill quickly...or I should say, I did. Chandra ran a solid, strong race and easily could have finished ahead of me. But she stuck with me and kept me going. I basically fell apart.

I hurt pretty much all over from all the bobbing, weaving, dodging, and hopping on and off curbs we had to do. Chandra and I couldn't really even chat because we couldn't stay close enough tomeach other. It was a giant game of Marco Polo..."you there?"..."behind you"..."I'm here" etc. My neck hurt from being so tense from both cold and the maneuvering. We realized at about the halfway point that we had the potential to run a 2:10. But, mentally and physically, I couldn't find my stride. I was very disappointed that I never got that strong feeling I usually get at mile 8. I've run negative splits on every long run this round of training...but it wasn't there. So very frustrating. It was all I could do to finish last night. We still averaged under 11:00 miles and finished in the top third of women and about 1500 out of 4000 inour division. Our time was 2:23:31, which was slower than my first half and not the PR I was hoping for. Still, Chandra and I finished together!

It was crazy at the finish line. Luckily, we were able to walk through the indoor walkways to our nearby hotel. Others weren't nearly that lucky. The girls all showered and planned to eat. Jessica decided to stay in and rest, and I attempted to pull it together so I could eat with Chandra and Mike. We had an early morning flight scheduled, so I knew I wouldn't see them this morning. However, my body had other plans. I felt extremely nauseous and had to sit several times to avoid throwing up. I made it upstairs to the food court and realized there we was no way I could make it. Chad and I headed back up the room...where I proceeded to puke. I have never had that after a race. I'm still not quite up to par...the flights and car ride today left my stomach somewhat questionable, but I'm feeling better this evening.

Friday, December 2, 2011

So close...again!

Last Wednesday, Another Mother Runner hosted a giveaway contest. The goal? Write the best ode to the treadmill in haiku form to win a NordicTrack C900 treadmill. Yes, I have a treadmill, but it's nothing like this thing! And I truly do love having a treadmill...it's my sanity-saver during the week. The only way I can get my runs done as early as I do is to hit the treadmill in the garage. My haiku:

I'm running in place,
Pounding out my frustrations,
For a better me.

And the cool thing? I made the "finalists." Yes, it would have been cooler if I'd actually won the treadmill, but making the top 6 out of 565 entries isn't bad.

And this isn't the first time I've come close either! More than a year ago, Another Mother Runner had a t-shirt slogan contest. I had several ideas, but my favorite was Run, Rest, Repeat. It was even mentioned in their post on which slogan won. While it didn't win, later, they started selling a shirt that said, Rise, Run, Repeat. So close...again!