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