Pace Yourself Woman!

Hello!  Long time no see!  I know, I'm sorry, I've been consumed lately.  I won't get into any boring details, but needed a little break.  But that doesn't mean I've been taking a break on my workouts or runs.  Dani and I did 16miles together two Saturdays ago, and for the most part it was a great run.  I would say the last 3 miles were the hardest, mainly because we didn't have it mapped out so we were just running in circles trying to get those last 3 miles in, and it seemed like it took forever!  It was Dani's first 16miler, and I think she did just fine!

Still looking fresh after 16 miles!  

The next weekend we were also scheduled for 16.  This time the group would be back together (we didn't have a scheduled run the weekend before due to Hood to Coast) and Dani has decided to make the leap over to my group!  And I am super excited to have her join me!!  But there was a problem.  On my 3 mile run I did the Friday before with a coworker, towards the end I felt my knee pinching again.  Extremely frustrated I decided I would wait it out to see how it felt in the morning.  But all night at work I felt like I could feel my knee, if that makes any sense at all...lol.  Panicked and not wanting to miss my run I messaged my running coach for some advice.  After asking me some questions he told me to slow down my runs to 12min/miles, shorten my stride and stop if it hurts.  12 minute miles is pretty slow for me.  I like to be under 10 minutes average on my shorter, solo runs.

I decided I should skip the 16 miles with the group for fear of having to stop during the run and walk back to my car.  I remember how miserable and defeated I was last time I had to do that and feeling like my knee would flair up, I didn't want to take a chance.   I told Dani to go ahead without me, even tho it would be her first time with the group, I knew she would be comfortable with them.  They are all very welcoming!

I was super sad, and mad I was missing ANOTHER long run!  On my drive home I decided I would try to run a bit and try the advice coach had given me to see how far I could make it.  Keeping it slow and steady I did a 7 miles loop around town, with Mav, with no pain.  So I dropped of Maverick and decided I would go out for another 9 miles so I could still get in 16 total.  I was so relieved I was able to get the miles in I needed to, but kicking myself for skipping the group!  But better safe than sorry.  At least being close to home, if I needed to walk, it wouldn't be as bad.

So 16 solo miles, well besides Mav being there for the first 7, and as much as I LOVE running with him, he isn't much in the conversation department.  I kept it slow, shortened my stride and came out on top!  So that is my plan for the next month.  If it will get me to the marathon injury free, then sign me up!  

This field of sunflowers really cheered my up at about mile 10 on my solo run.  I love sunflowers, they are probably one of my favorites!

Next weekend we are scheduled for 20 miles!  AHHHH!  It will be my second, and Dani's first.  I am excited about it because it will be part of the Portland Marathon route, including the St Johns bridge, but also nervous because I remember how hard my first 20 was!  But I will try to get into the right mindset to power through this run!  And I will have Dani with me so we can push each other along.

We also have Pints to Pasta on Sunday!  I am super excited for this run. So far it will be Dani, Jenni and me and maybe a few others that decide to join last minute.  It is a point to point run and from what I read, downhill. It would be a great run to PR on, but I need to remember my knee and not push myself, as much as I'd like to!  I doubt I will run it at a 12minute pace, but maybe a 10minute pace.  It all depends on how I feel from the day before too.  

Other than that, I am also in the Push month in ChaLEAN and am loving it!  It is heavier lifting and I've really been pushing myself.  I love the workout and would recommend it to any runner.  It's great for building core strength.  

How are your runs and workouts going?

Any upcoming runs planned?

Pineapple 5K & on the mend!

Happy Monday!!  Well, Monday's usually aren't considered "happy" but at least it's over for most of you!  For me on the other hand, I'm about to get ready for work!  BOOOOO!!

So I mentioned I was running the Classic Pineapple 5K with my girlfriends over the weekend and I'm happy to report it was a TON O' FUN!!

We had a lot of fun dressing up and are hoping to win the costume contest!!  I think we have a good chance!!  

The course and obstacles were a lot of fun.  Some were really intimidating, like walls we had to climb over, and rope ladders to climb up!!  But I'm happy to report we made it through all of them!  

We stuck together throughout the run, and I noticed my knee wasn't bothering me at all, but chalked it up to walk breaks and stopping to complete the obstacles.  So since I wasn't running the whole time, my knee didn't have a chance to start hurting.   I felt pretty good about that and decided I would try to run the next day.

So Sunday morning approached and I laced up my shoes and got Mav ready and we headed out the door.  I decided I would just run until I felt pain, which usually happens within the first mile.  So as I approached mile 1, I was waiting to feel something, then came mile 2, still no pain...so I kept going!!  

I also noticed on my run a ton of people riding bikes through Sandy and they were all wearing bibs so knew they were riding for something.  When Mav and I stopped at our favorite view point for a water break one of the riders also stopped to take some pictures.  So I asked what they were riding for and she said it was the Portland Century 100.  So they were riding 100 miles, starting in Portland, and came through Sandy!  We chatted for a bit, she was from St. Louis so wasn't even sure where she was, or what river we were looking at!  It was pretty cool to see all the riders.

After that we continued on to see how much further I could make it before the pain set in.  mile 4, 5, and 6 came and went, and I felt just fine!  I could have ran alllll day, but figured I'd better take it slow while getting back into the game.  So I called it quits at 7 miles.  But was beyond happy I was able to make it with no knee pain!

I also thought I would get out for a quick run this morning before I started the next phase in ChaLEAN, the Push Phase.  I wasn't sure how long the workout would be, so I didn't want to do an hour long run, and then another hour long workout.  So Mav and I just did a short 3 miles.

The Push Phase of ChaLEAN requires more resistance and heavier weights, so I picked up these bad boys that have 4 different selections, 3lbs, 6lbs, 9.5lbs and 12.5lbs.  So far they seem to be good.  But I could probably use some 15's and 20's too.  But weights are SpEnDy $$$!!  So it'll have to wait!

And lastly I got my massage today, even though the pain has subsided, I decided it couldn't hurt.  And it felt pretty good.  He focused mainly on my legs, and I think they needed some TLC.  

So I'm back on track with running for now.  My plan is to just run until I feel pain! 

Back From Vacation and IT Band Troubles!

Happy Friday!  I have been MIA for a couple of weeks since I've been taking time off from running to try to heal my knee pain and this week I was gone camping at Detroit Lake, which was fabulous!  I use to be excited to come home from vacations, but now I want to stay on them forever!  Sometimes reality just blows and it would be nice to not have to deal with life's stresses for more than a just a week!

But that's not the way life goes, so I enjoyed my time off and spent as much time in the sun as possible!

Maverick spent as much time in the water as he could!

I stayed in the sun as much as I could!! 

We spent an afternoon on a pontoon boat!!  TONS O' FUN!

Maverick also got to come out on the pontoon boat :))

The water was really cold in the cove where we floated, but felt so good!  Could have stayed out there all day!

Our little family enjoying the view <3

And what camping trip wouldn't be complete without a few drinking games?!

Ok ok, enough of the vacation photos!!  Onto the what is REALLY on my mind, my knee and marathon training!!  I've attempted to run a hand full of times since the pain has come on, and only make it about a mile before my knee is screaming at me to STOP!!  I talked to my running coach and he gave me some good advice to walk for the time I would normally run, and also look into getting an IT band massage.  I've been reading a little online about recovery for IT band issues and it sounds like rest, stretching, icing and intensive massages 3-4 times a week are recommended.  Well all that sounds great, except I don't really have the money for 3-4 massages a week!!  So for now I have 1 set up for Monday and am hoping the therapist can give me some suggestions for at home massages I can do, maybe with a foam roller.  Also resting is going to be hard, mentally.  I'm only 2 months away from the marathon and am falling behind on my training.  I am scheduled for 16 miles next Saturday and really don't want to miss it because it's part of the marathon course!!  I'm hoping with taking the 2 weeks of that I have and the massage will be enough to get me back into training.  

So in the mean time I'm still doing ChaLEAN and am happy to report I've lost 4inches in the first 30 days!!  I'm actually a week behind since my camping trip, but will start the next phase on Monday.  I can do ChaLEAN with no aggravation to my knee.  So that's helping keep me sane, but it's still not running!

Tomorrow is the Classic Pineapple 5K that I'm doing with friends.  It involves obstacles and should be a ton of fun!!  I won't let my knee get in the way of this one!  Since it's not running the whole time I think I will do just fine, hopefully...

Alright, off to start some more laundry and unpack more camping crap I mean gear!!  Hope you are enjoying the heat!

Have you ever had IT band issues? And what was the best treatment you found?

Pain Pain Go Away!

It's early, early Sunday morning!  I've been awake since about 4:30, Bryan has a really bad toothache that is keeping us both awake.  Hoping to get him into an emergency dental place ASAP today.

So since I was awake so early I realized the women's Olympic marathon was on!  I turned it on to see where our USA ladies were, and sadly, nowhere near the lead pack.  Tiki Gelana from Ethiopia took it with a finish time of 2:23:07 setting a new women's Olympic record!  That's AMAZING!  Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher from the US came in 10th and 11th with a finish time of 2:25:51 and 2:26:07.

So that brings me to my run yesterday, 13.3 miles with a finish time of 2:30:05!! LOL!  Of course it was a training run, and with the temps rising to become the hottest day this year, slow and steady was just fine!!  I actually arrived too early.  Now that it's summer time some of our runs start at 7 and some at 8.  I showed up at 6:30 thinking it was a 7:00 start, it was about 6:42 and no lights were on in LuLuLemon and no one else was waiting around...so I checked the event time and it was an 8:00 start!  UGH!  Luckily I knew the route we were running and knew that after our first 12 miles we finish with a 4 mile loop around the waterfront downtown.  So since I was so early I decided to do the 4 mile loop on my own first, then would only have to do the 12 with the group.  I was actually excited about it because the last loop always seems takes the longest, so it was nice to get it out of the way!

Solo 4 miles on a beautiful morning and location!!

Another view from my run of Downtown Portland!

So for you math nerds out there, you probably are thinking 4miles+12miles=16miles, but I said I only ran 13.3...Well I had an unfortunate mishap about 9 miles into my run that prevented me from completing all 16. I started to feel a pinching sensation on the outside of my right knee.  It wasn't severe at first, so I kept going.    We stopped for a water break and bathroom break about mile 11 and I did my best to walk around and shake it out.  Once we picked our running back up, the pain was instantly back and getting more intense.  I mentioned it to my pace leader, at this point everyone else in our group had turned back not wanting to run as many miles today, so it was just the two of us now.  She told me to listen to my body and offered to walk with me.  I declined and kept going, once we were going downhill the pain wasn't as bad.  We made it to our turn around point and started heading back.  We stopped once again to fill up our water bottles and when we started to run again the pain was sharp and getting more severe.  I told her to continue on without me, she had 20 miles to get in and was only about 8 in and I didn't want to hold her back.  I swallowed my pride and decided I couldn't continue on anymore.  With that being said, I still had about 2.5miles to make it back to my car!!  Choking back tears I called Bryan for some emotional support, but before I could tell him, he went into how bad he was suffering from his toothache, so I had to become his emotional support!  When he finally asked me "how my run went?" I broke down and told him what happened.  He offered to come get me, but he was easily over an hour away and it would be quicker for me to just walk back.  

I think I was most frustrated because mentally I was having a great run.  I felt like I could have easily done 20 miles where as last week it was tough.  So to be taken out physically was draining.  I wasn't sure the severity of the injury, I was worried it would take me out of training for a while, worried I pushed myself too far and should have stopped at the first sign of pain.  But aches and pains come with running, so I think I was just hoping it was nothing serious.  

Finally back to my car, now walking was even painful.  I made the long drive home and went to get out of my car and could hardly bend my knee.  Now I was really concerned.  Limping into the house, Bryan came to my side to help brace me to the couch.  I immediately put an ice pack on it and tried to stay off of it as much as possible the remainder of the day.  

When I woke up this morning my first thoughts were 'how's me knee?'  When I got up to go downstairs I was surprised at how much better it actually felt!  It's still stiff and a little achy, but nothing compared to yesterday.  So I'm hoping with a few days rest I will be good as new for next weeks long run!  

So lesson learned, when they say "listen to your body"  take it seriously!  I could have prevented the injury from being as severe if I would have stopped right away, but then again, maybe not.  I'll never know.  Running comes with it's advantages and disadvantages.  Injury is, unfortunately, a part of it.  Most runners will get hurt at some point, especially as your miles increase.  I felt like I was doing everything right yesterday.  I wasn't running fast, or over-extending myself, but still managed to get hurt.  I'll never know why it happened because there wasn't a specific incident.  All I can do now is take care of myself and really listen to my body!  It will be hard to take a few days off, but it's necessary. 

So far not a good weekend for Bryan or myself!  We make a great pair right now!  Just put us on the injured list!  But we'll be back soon, so don't count us out!!

Hope you had a better, injury-free weekend!  Stay safe and hydrated out there!

Have you ever had an injury stop you during a run?

Shalane Flanagan

A Grimm Run!

Good afternoon!!!  So does anyone watch the show Grimm?  It's a TV series filmed here, locally in the Portland area, and for the last 2 days they were filming at Paola's Pizza & Pasta right here in Sandy!!

I decided to run by to see if I could see any of the filming, but they seemed to have been filming at night, I saw some action when I was driving to work.  Bryan and I watch the show and are really looking forward to seeing our small town pizza place on the show!

So that brings me to my runs so far this week, I did a 4.35 recovery run Monday with Mav, it felt good and I thought a lot about my 20 miles I just did and how I need to start picking up some longer runs during the week to help my body adapt to those long runs on Saturdays.  Tuesday is a rest day from CLX (ChaLEAN Extreme) so I figured that would be a prefect day to get in a long run.  My goal was 9 miles.  I got home and got Mav and I ready to go.

Since it was a going to be a long run, I decided perfect time to practice my fueling!  I took 3 Shot Bloks and Mav took 2 Beggin' Strips!  We did a loop through town and I ended up back at home at 6.7miles.  I decided to drop Mav off since he hasn't had breakfast and asking him to do all 9 miles on just a couple of Beggin' Strips didn't seem like enough fuel.  I know he would have been a trooper and gone the distance no problem, but my intuition thought it would be best to get him some food.  So after a quick stop at home to drop him off and feed him breakfast I headed out to finish my 2.3miles left on my own.  

It's always weird to run without Mav, especially around home. Definitely feels like something is missing.  I did a small loop to get my 2.3 miles.  Afterwards I came home, did some stretches and had a protein shake, banana, and a couple Oreos.  I hit the shower and headed to bed.

About 3 hours into my sleep I woke up WIDE awake and hungry!!  I guess my after run meal wasn't enough to satisfy me.  I tried to ignore the pangs and get back to sleep, but after about an hour of tossing and turning, I finally gave in and got up and made some scrambled eggs and half a skinny bagel.  

I am hoping to get back to sleep soon so I can get enough rest for work tonight!

Another exciting run coming up I wanted to mention is the Classic Pineapple 5K August 18th!  It's a fun 3.1 mile run with obstacles!  They also have a costume contest.  Our team consists of Dani, Jenni, my friend Kim and (of course) ME!  We thought it would be fun to dress up for the contest, so I started getting accessories for us.

So far we have some funny Pineapple glasses and Hawaiian flowers for our hair!  We'll have to get some hula skirts and coconut bras too to go with!  Really looking forward to this race with some good friends!!  

Hope you all are getting some runs in!!  I'm off to try and get some more sleep!

Have you ever done an obstacle race?  

What do you eat after a long run?

I thought a protein shake, banana and a couple oreos would be enough, but maybe I should have had something more?

Putting my first 20 miles behind me!

Well it's official!  I have ran my first 20miler!!  And it was no cakewalk!  We met at a new location, Fit Right NW in Tanasbourn.  Which is about a little over an hour from where I live.  Not a fan of the new location so much, and the group will start meeting there once a month.  But I cannot afford to miss many more runs, so I gotta go when I can make it!!  So far there are only 2 runs I won't be able to make until the marathon as of now... but things can always change.

Our run consisted of 2 out and backs.  The first was just under 10 miles and took us to the Nike Campus.

 We ran around that, which was a really nice trail, and then traced our steps back to Fit Right NW.  Keeping a slow, 11:45 pace made the first out and back fairly comfortable and easy.  We headed off on our second stretch and I was still feeling good until about mile 12, then I realized I still had 8 miles to go and I was starting to feel it.  Wasn't sure how I would get through the next 8 with a positive mind set.

Each mile started to drag on and I just wanted to sprint to get it over with!   But I know that defeats the purpose of training runs, and I wouldn't have made it very far at that speed!  We stopped at about mile 15 for a bathroom break and I took the time to stretch out my sore and tired muscles.

We continued on and at mile 17 I realized, only 3 miles left!!  I got this!!  My spirits lifted and I tried to let go of the negativity running through my head.  Then we got to mile 18 and i swear it took 20 minutes to run that last mile!  2 more to go, I can do this right?  Our pace leader only did the 18, so she left us and another runner took over the task of pace leader.  We were cruising along and I was thinking we should be turning around any minute to run a mile back, but when I asked where we were, we had only gone 1/2 mile!  Oh the torture!  We even ran by a beautiful pond with multiple fountains and I couldn't even enjoy it I was so bitter!  Please just let this be over with!!!

Finally heading back to our destination I contemplated walking the last 1/2 mile.  But then thought, 'Why?  I've made it this far and I'm so close I can taste it!'  So I stuck it out, and I'm glad I did!  Once we hit our 20 we celebrated with high fives and sighs of relief!

I stretched for a while and it felt so good!!  My knees and arches were aching, I knew I needed to keep moving before I sat down for an hour or more on my drive home.  I went back into the store to look at some running shoes, I had about 400miles on my current pair so figured it was time for a new pair!  My Nike's were minimalist with little support and I love the lightweight feel f them, but with the arch pain, figured I need a little more support.  So I tried on 1/2 dozen pairs, tried on some insoles, which I hated, and finally settled on some New Balances.

I also had a $15.00 gift card to the store so I stocked up on some Shot Bloks.  YUMMY!  Gotta really start practicing my fueling during these long runs. I took 2 GUs on the 20 miles, one before the run, and another half way through.  Couldn't really tell you if it helped or not, but they seem to in the past.  I really like the Shot Bloks so I am gonna start using them more.

After I got home I was tired, worked all night, ran 20 miles then a long drive home.  So a quick shower to clean off the dried salt that was dried to me and then I hit the sack for a 4 hour nap or so.  Bryan wanted to go out to dinner, and I wanted to celebrate my new mileage PR with a drink!

My favorite!  An Italian Margarita from the Olive Garden!

Cheers to my first of many 20 milers!!  I know as I do more, they will get easier.  I remember when running 3 was hard and now that's a piece of cake!  So it can only get better!

Another exciting news this week was Maverick's birthday!!  He turned 3 and we spoiled him with treats, toys, and an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen!  He was a happy boy and I am so happy and blessed to have him in my life!  Couldn't ask for a better dog and running partner!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAV!!!

How do you mentally get through a long, hard run?

I kept telling myself, 'Run the mile you're in' It helped a little.  They always say, "the mind is the first to give up" and that was totally proven, because as many times as I told myself to just stop, my body kept going, and I made it!

What do you use to fuel on long runs?

An evening run

I am fresh in from a 4 mile run in the evening heat.  I normally get my runs in in the morning, but stayed after work so I was a little tired when I got home so decided to postpone my run until the evening.  I knew it was going to be hot, so I waited the latest I could and set out at about 7:00.  I planned on running 4 miles and took it very slow, just under a 10 minute pace.  It was such a comfortable pace and it's amazing how much I can enjoy a slow, casual run.  My breathing was relaxed and I never felt like I was having a hard time.  Plus I had Maverick with me and wanted to keep it slow for him, being close to the hot ground and having a fur coat can only mean it's a lot hotter for him.  I would stand in the shade at crosswalks and if it was possible, we'd stand in the cooler grass while we waited for the signal.  I also took a detour home through the park that had a water fountain and we both got a quick drink and I wet Mav's head and neck down.

Not my best picture!  Even though I felt really good and comfortable on my run, I was still dripping with sweat when I got home!! Mav was anxiously awaiting his dinner.  

I am scheduled to run 20 miles with my group this weekend, and am excited and nervous for it!  I have missed my last 2 long group runs that were 16 and 18 miles, and I haven't been able to get anymore that a little over 10 miles in on my own.  I still am keeping up with getting a run in 4 times a week at least and have been consistent with ChaLEAN so I think I am physically ready to tackle 20 miles!!  

Another thing I keep forgetting to mention is I am on track to run 1,000+ miles this year!!  With all the training for the marathon I should hit that no problem!  I am keeping track of my year-to-date miles on my blog so you can all see it too and see how close I am getting to that milestone!  Very excited to get there!!  

Hope you are beating the heat or adjusting to the heat as you run as the summer is warming up!!

How many miles do you think you'll run this year?

Do you prefer to run in the evening or mornings?

A Rookie Mistake?

So a race protocol question was asked by a running store on Facebook yesterday asking if "is it ok to wear a race shirt on the day of the race?". Majority of the answers say "NO WAY" and most say it's "bad mojo". I was perplexed by this question and the answers that came along with it! I was always under the impression you were suppose to wear the shirt for the race! Every race I've been to most people wear the shirts... But I always wondered about those who didn't and thought they either didn't like the shirt, didn't register in time to get a shirt, or thought they were "too good" to wear the shirt.

So I did a little research on the etiquette and found that, sadly, it is considered a "rookie mistake" to wear the race shirt the day of the race. It's suppose to be considered an "award" for finishing the race and not to be worn until after you finish. If you've done the race multiple years then you can wear the event shirt, but it's suppose to be the shirt from the first year you did the race.

I'm a little disappointed by these findings. It's one thing I love about the big races is everyone, well mostly everyone, wearing the same shirt and seeing a sea of the shirts during the run.
So the question now is, what do I do for upcoming races? Continue to wear the shirts and possibly be seen as a "rookie" (which doesn't sit well with me) or not wear the shirt and maybe have "better luck"? Thinking about not wearing the shirt seems weird to me. I guess it's because it's what I have always done... Maybe it's time to try something new and see how it feels!

Well on another note, I finished day 3 of ChaLEAN Extreme. Day 1 and 2 were more lifting and day 3 was Burn Intervals and AB Burner. And by far, day 3 was the most killer!! It was high energy cardio/light lifting followed by 10 minutes of AB work. It was tough and I had a hard time finishing all the reps on a lot of the moves. I'm looking forward to seeing what day 4 will bring!!

I have also ran so far everyday this week. I did 4miles on Monday, 5miles Tuesday and 10.6miles on Wednesday! I really enjoyed the 10.6 because I tried out a new route that I had been wanting to do for a while that starts at my work and goes about 5.3 miles down until the sidewalk ends and then back. I will defiantly do that one more often since I can get in some good miles and it convenient to do right after work!  Thursday will be a no run day, and I'm looking forward to a little rest!

Let me know your opinions on race T-shirt etiquette!  And are there any other "protocols" I should know about?

What do yo think of the race T-shirt etiquette?  Do you wear the shirts for the run, or believe it is bad luck?

Mountain Madness Run & the start of ChaLEAN

WOW!  Is the weekend already over and it's already Tuesday?  Where did time go??  This weekend was a really fun and it started Saturday with the Mountain Madness Run that took place in Sandy.  Like I mentioned before, Dani was meeting me early at my house and we were going to do a warm up run down the where the race started.  It was 2.3 miles and we took it nice and easy and had a really nice conversation.   It was so nice to have her on my run with me and made me wish more than ever we could run together more!  Having someone to run with really makes the run a lot more enjoyable and the time flies by!
We met Jenni at the race and hung out for a bit and got some pre-race photos!

I was really excited about this route because it was a route I commonly run, at least once a week!!  I wasn't planning on setting a PR or anything, I just really wanted to enjoy the run.  

One downfall of the run was being stopped at crosswalks and having to wait for signals, although I usually don't mind being forced to take a break and catch my breath!  But it does count against your time, which can be a bummer.  At the last crosswalk a group of us came to while we were waiting one runner said to me he had been trying to pass me for the first 5 miles and I kept getting away from him, and now he finally passed me just for me to catch him at the light!  That made me laugh, and felt pretty good too :))

After the light turned we had about 3 blocks to the finish and we all took off sprinting!  I'm not much of a sprinter, but with the rest I had just gotten and knowing how close I was to the finish I gave it my all and it was fun and felt awesome!

My finishing time was 56:22.  I was really happy with the race and my time overall.  I am looking forward to running it again next year!

On another note, ChaLEAN arrived Saturday and I started it Monday!!  I've taken all my before pics and measurements and did the first Burn Circuit.  I need to get some weights, probably 5lb, 8lb and 10lbs to start.  Right now I am just using the resistant tube it came with and it some of the moves don't feel as hard as I think it should.  So I plan on getting some weights this weekend.  But I like the work out and my plan is to do it Monday-Friday and keeping up with my marathon training running 25-30 miles a week!  I am really looking forward to making some real progress in my journey of getting fit!

I hope you all had a good weekend and this week is starting out with some good runs and workouts!!

What are your summer plans for getting/staying fit?

I will be doing ChaLEAN 5 days a week and running 4-5 days a week 25-30miles!!  Makes me tired just thinking about it!

Itching to Run

Happy Friday!  It's the weekend!  And my weekend has officially started!!!  I usually work tonight, but took it off so I could be 100% for the Mountain Madness Run tomorrow morning to kick off the Sandy Mointain Festival.  I'm really looking forward to this run.  Dani is running the 10K with me and Jenni is running the 5K.  Dani and I were originally signed up for the 5K because she wanted to set a PR, but has been off her running schedule and group runs for a couple weeks, and since I'll be missing my long group run, we decided it would be better to run longer rather than faster.  The run is in Sandy, so Dani is going to meet me at my house early in the morning and we are planning on running to the race start, a little over 2 miles, then run the 10K and then run back to my house after, depending on how we feel, we may take a longer way home just to get as many miles in as possible!

I started my week off strong, and now I feel it had kind of fizzled out.  A work friend asked if I wanted to run with her Wednesday after work.  She's not a runner, but wants to pick it up, so I agreed.  I hadn't planned on running that day so figured a short/slow walk/run would be perfect.  We pushed through 3.1 miles and I hope she wasn't scared away!  New runners usually say they "can't run" due to some ache and pains; it hurts their shins, knees, feet, what they don't realize is that's totally common for a new runner!  And after time those aches will go away as your muscles and body adapt to the new routine.  But sometimes you can't tell people that because they are convinced it's a real issue for them.  I just hope most will keep it up and notice the changes.

So besides that 3.1miles on Wednesday I haven't gotten a run in since!  And It's been nagging at me!  Thursday I had to get up early to run some errands so I didn't run after work and that evening was the Sandy parade in town so I was planning on going to that with Mav and the neighbors.

Mav and I at the parade!  He loved the alpacas and horses!

So although I didn't run, we did walk quite a bit that day, well maybe only 2 miles or so, but it was some activity!  And Friday I skipped my morning run to get some breakfast with coworkers.  But managed to get in another evening walk with Mav, so although I haven't been running as much as I'd like, I feel good that I'm not just sitting dormant.  

And I'm excited to report ChaLEAN Extreme should arrive tomorrow and I plan on starting it Monday!!  Dani has also decided to do ChaLEAN and was able to squeeze into Amanda's group so she can be apart of the support team!!  I'm really looking forward to where this will take me.  I've already come so far, but still have some work to do.  Looking at my before pictures I took today was a little disappointing, and not because I thought I looked "fat"  I am looking to tone up, not loose weight.  I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and although it's not noticeable unless I point it out usually, when the clothes are off it becomes a lot more noticeable.  My right shoulder drops down and my body basically looks like an S, and I've never really been bothered by it, but I'm really uncomfortable with it when looking at the pictures.  So I'm not sure when or if I'll share my progress pictures.  I feel good and comfortable in clothes, but it's a different story when they are off and I just focus on the negative.  I know everyone has flaws, and most won't judge me or maybe even notice.  But, as with most, I'm my own worst critic!

Ok, off to carbo-load for my race in the am!!!  Have a great weekend and keep running!

How do you overcome your own "flaws"?

I need to learn to just not care and embrace what I can't change!

Another Boring Run

Good morning!  It's been a great start to the week so far and I've already gotten two 6 mile runs in! Monday I met up with Lisa for our Monday run and we decided to meet at the Cazadero State Trail in Boring that I had ran the week before with Maverick.  This time we ran the whole trail and it gave us 6 miles.  I try to match Lisa's pace, but I think she tries to match my pace, so we ran it pretty quick with 9'23" average miles.  She always surprises me that she has that speed being fairly new to running.  And she'll only get faster, and probably be faster than me before I know it and I'll be trying to keep up with her!

This morning after work I had my mind set that I was going to run when I got home.  My drive is about 30 minutes and by the time I get home the tiredness usually kicks in and all I could think about was going to bed.  But with the forecast predicted to be in the mid 80's all week, I knew I needed to go to beat the heat.  It was really cloudy and there was a light mist in the air, I dressed a little warmer than I probably should have.  By mile 4 I was ready to rip off my jacket!  But I made it 6 miles and had negative splits, so overall a good run!

In my last post I had mentioned that I was debating on starting a Beachbody work out and am excited to report I decided to go for it!  Amanda's results are so amazing I know I would kick myself in 60 days if I didn't start it now!  So I will be doing ChaLEAN Extreme and am also part of Amanda's Beachbody summer challenge group (She is a Beachbody coach) It's a group of 6 and we keep each other motivated and share our progress ETC.

I am really looking forward to getting started and seeing the changes!  I am also excited to keep you all updated on my progress and maybe even encourage a few to take the plunge yourself!  What have you got to lose?  Besides some stubborn fat?!  

So wish me luck on my next challenge! It should arrive any day and I'll be starting it as soon as it gets here!!

Running in Boring Oregon

I hope everyone had a fun fourth and still have all your fingers attached!  But most importantly your legs!  You can run without fingers, but not so much without legs!  We had a pretty low key 4th, my mom came over and we grilled with the neighbors and had a few cocktail and cake and cookies, basically I'm not weighing myself for a WEEK!  But I am back on track today and the first thing I thought when I woke up was, "GET OUT AND RUN"!  It was a beautiful, warm day!  Summer arrived as expected, July 5th!  Actually the weather was really nice for the 4th, but it's just gonna get warmer throughout the week!

I had been wanting to try out a trail I drive by on may way to and from work in Boring Oregon, nope that's not a joke, the town is called Boring!  It's a small little town, not much to it, maybe that's why its called Boring?!

It's about a 10 minute drive from my house to Boring.  So I loaded up Maverick and we headed off!  

The trail was the Cazedero State Trail, it was 3 miles and it was all gravel.  Running on the gravel wasn't bad, it was pretty compacted.  It also ran along a creek and was very wooded.  

It was straight and flat, which was nice.  About a mile into the run it became less shade and more sun, and it was hot!  It was about 72 degrees when we started.  I felt fine, but worried about Mav a little.  I let him off leash and usually he likes to run a bit ahead to check out smells and explore a little, and he did that, but for the most part stayed right next to my side. So I knew he was hot.  I decided to turn around at 2.5 miles, so we didn't quite make it to the end, but I was ok with just getting 5 miles in.

About 4 miles in I saw a trail that went off the main path and figured it lead to the creek, so I thought it would be nice to take a break and let Mav cool off in the water and get a drink.

He was a happy boy so I felt better!  We finished the last mile and then headed to my mom's for a little visit, she's only about 10 minuets away from Boring as well.  

I felt good on the run, but feel like 5 miles is no where near burning off all the crap I ate last night!  I also have been thinking about changing up my routine a little bit.  I have lost all the weight I wanted to lose, and while running helps me maintain along with many other health benefits, I still have some areas I'l like to improve on.  I know I'm "skinny" and I feel good in clothes, but I'm not "swim suit" ready, and although summer is already here, it's never too late to make some changes and improve!  I've been inspired by a friend, who has been on her Journey from skinny fat to fit!  I always thought she was skinny, but like myself, under the clothes told a different story.  She has become a Beachbody Coach and he results over the last 60 days have been AMAZING!  Watching her transformation makes me wish I had started 60 days ago!  I have been talking with her a bit and am trying to decide if the program will work for me.  I know it will, just figuring out the cost really.  So I've taken some before pictures and measurements, and although I'm not ready to share them yet, I'm hoping in 60 days I'll be rocking a hot bod and will be glad to share my results!  

I'll keep you posted on what I decide to do!  Running will always be my #1, but I am looking forward to incorporating some new workouts into my routine! 

Have you ever tried Beachbody or know someone who has?

A little vaca and back to routine

Happy July!! Hope the summer is starting off well for you. It's still been on the below average side here in the northwest. But honestly, I prefer it while running. It can be hot after my run, but as long as its cool during my run I'm a happy runner! Can we make that happen? I didn't think so, I guess I'll have to adjust. The weather is actually going to start climbing this week, which means I will have to get my runs in in the morning if I wanna beat the heat.
So as I mentioned last post, I went to Seattle/Kirkland to visit with my dear, old granny!

 I had a really nice time and it's always good to get to see her. We did what we do best and shopped and she spoiled me! My birthday is in September, so she wanted to get me a "birthday pretty" as she likes to call it. So I got a new dress for my 10 year HS reunion coming up and some fabulous heels to go with, but I'm most excited about the running jacket I scored! I had been looking for one for a while and either hadn't found one that was water resistant or it was way out of my price range. But now that rain gear is out of season there were a few left on the clearance rack! I'm hoping for no rain of course, but am really excited to try out my new jacket and stay dry on those soggy runs!

We also got some yummy happy hour food and drinks at Anthony's!

Also while I was visiting for the weekend, I wanted to get at least 1 run in. I always enjoy running in new places and whenever I travel I'm scoping out the area and looking at it with my runners eye trying to judge whether or not it's a good area to run in. Are there a lot of hills? Are there sidewalks and what's the scenery like, etc. My grandma lives within a mile of Lake Washington so I was really looking forward to running along the lake. So I set my alarm for 6am Saturday morning and headed out the door.

 It was grey and gloomy and sprinkling, but warm. Even tho I didn't have my fabulous new jacket yet, I was just fine in shorts and a T-shirt. It was pretty sticky and muggy and the occasional sprinkle felt pretty good!
I was scheduled to run 16 miles with my group that day, but knew I wouldn't get that done on my own since I was in unfamiliar area and didn't want to be wiped out the whole day. So I thought to myself I'd be happy if I got 5 miles in. I set off and headed down towards the lake and went down a dead end street with houses that lined the lake (they were amazing) it was less than 2 miles down and back and it felt like 4! It was the first time in a long time I had ran by myself! I always have Mav with me or my running group or a friend. I decided to go sans music so I could hear and be aware of my surroundings, but was soon wishing I had some music to keep me company and help pass the time! My pace was slow and the miles dragged on. The scenery was nice with pretty views of the lake and boats and the run was mostly flat. I kept saying to myself, just make it to the next crosswalk, then the next, then the next until I came to an end of the sidewalk and the freeway entrance and figured that was a good place to turn around. So the route was basically an out and back with a challenging hill at the end leading back up to my grandma's house. It was a H I double hockey-stick hill!! I was cursing it the whole way up! But I made it, and my legs were still attached but they were burning!

So all together I was able to push thru a long, lonely 8 miles. But on the up side, I ran more than I had planned and it was a beautiful run overall.

I left for home in the late morning Sunday and although it was sad to say goodbye, I was really missing my family at home! So it was really nice to get home and get unpacked and laundry done and then I passed out for the rest of the night.

I woke up Monday grumpy and knowing I needed to get back in schedule and get a run in. I really wasn't feeling it and after an hour of back and fourth I finally gave in and laced up my shoes and Mav and I headed out for an easy 4 miles. It actually felt really good and within the first 1/2 mile I had a skip in my stride once again! I was back in my comfort zone with my best running buddy by my side and all just felt right. My pace was good, about a 9:07 average (much better than the 10:00+ I had on my previous run). So needless to say the runners high set in and I was loving the day!

I'm looking forward to my next run and my long run this weekend back with my group! I'm also looking forward to the 4th of July and lighting off some fireworks and eating some BBQ and drinking a cocktail or two (or three) ;))
Hope everyone else has a happy, and safe 4th and, of course, you are getting some good runs in!!

What's your favorite vacation run you've done?
So far my favorite still remains along the coat in Lincoln City, OR :))

Twilight Run followed by a 9 miles recovery run

Happy rainy Tuesday!!  Normal Oregon start to Summer, rain! Of course they say summer doesn't start until July 5th, that's convenient!  This past weekend was predicted to be rainy with chance of thunder storms, which was really gonna rain on my parade!!  I had plans with my dad to do our first run together, and it was also our Father's Day date.  My dad has always been athletic and a runner, I've said I got my runners legs from him!  I signed us up for the 5K Twilight Run, which was in Tigard at the Festival of Balloons in Cook Park.

My dad and I!

There was a carnival with rides and yummy food and in the evening they blew up the hot air balloons, so besides the run, there was a lot to see and do!  My dad and I got there a couple hours early to check in and walk around for a bit.  I also had a couple other friends participating in the run.  My neighbor, Jenni, and my friend Lisa who has started running with me on Mondays.  We all met up about a half hour before the race started.  This was Lisa's first race and Jenni's 4th, and 3rd with me!

 

Jenni and I, our 3rd race together! 

         Lisa and I, her first race!!

We all started together and as we were waiting for the run to start I asked my dad what his plan was for finishing the race, I wasn't sure of his pace or anything, but figured we'd be pretty close, then he said "well I'd like to be around 8 minute miles..."  My eyes popped out of my head and I said "OH! I'll try to keep up!"  I know I have finished a 5K around that time, but it's still intimidating!  He has been running, but hasn't ran a race in about 10 years, so he admitted he wasn't really sure what he would be able to do, but that's what he use to run back in the day. 

Once we were off I stuck with my dad for about the first mile, I knew we weren't running 8 minute miles, and I soon saw Lisa passing us.  I stuck with him until we got separated by other runners so I sped up and caught up with Lisa asking her "Where the hell did this speed come from?!"  She laughed and ran with me for about 1/4mile.  Then I continued on as she slowed down a bit.  I always hate to leave people behind, but it's hard to look behind me to see where they are once we get separated, so it's just easier to keep going and maybe they'll catch up.  But no one did.  I saw my dad at one point and we gave each other a high five as we passed.

My pace felt good and a bit hard, I wasn't trying to PR, but wanted to push myself a little harder than I do on my short runs at home.  The low point of the run was when a guy pushing a stroller passed me, really?!  But overall I felt great!  My official chip time was 26:34 with average 8:33 minute miles.  My dad wasn't far behind me finishing at 28:01 with 9:01 average miles, and the shocker of the day was Lisa coming in at 28:15 with a 9:05 pace!!  She was just as shocked!  Once she caught her breath she gasped, "that's the fastest I've ever ran!!!"  I was super happy and excited for her!!!  For being fairly new to running that is an awesome time!  Poor Jenni was sick and knew going into the race she was gonna be slow, she finished in 42:30.  Not her best time, but I know she can do better!  Being sick will really weigh and slow you down, but she finished, and I am always proud of her for sticking with it and trying :))

The Twilight Group!

I loved the course, it was flat and through a beautiful park, and I had a blast!  I hope to do it with my dad every year we can!  Can't wait to do another run with him!

So since I did this run, I sacrificed my long run with the group in the morning.  So I thought I would get a long run in on Sunday with Maverick.  We did a 9 mile loop around town.  I was scheduled to do 16 with the group, but I felt pretty good about getting 9 in on my own, and really wouldn't want to take Mav much further than that.  

I will also be missing my long run this weekend because I am going to visit my Grandma in Seattle.  I'm not sure if I will be able to make up a long run or not, but I'll get some runs in either way.  Then it's back to business and back to marathon training!!  

What's your PR for a 5K?

Do you remember your time for your first race?

Mine was a 10K and I was average about 10:30/mile.  Amazing to see how far I've come!

The commitment of a marathon

Busy busy busy!  Things are starting to get busy as the summer approaches and weekends become full with activities!  Of course this is also the time my miles for my marathon training are really starting to pick up.  It makes hard to plan anything else on the weekends knowing how important it is to keep up on my training, going from 13.1miles to 16, 18 and 20 miles every weekend is pretty time consuming!  Last weekend was the Helvetia Half marathon and this weekend I thought we were running 14.5 miles for our long run Saturday but it ended up being 15.5 when we got done...what's an extra mile anyways??  Well it took about 3 hours to run the whole amount. We train at a slower pace to get our bodies use to the miles and prevent injury.  It's nice to pace myself and although I couldn't wait to get the run over with, it was nice to still feel good after the run, besides just being tired from working all night as usual!  I also had a small mishap, I forgot my sports bra at home!!  This was probably one of the only times I was happy to be smaller busted!

Now that summer is almost here I have something going on almost every weekend and some of those things will keep me from the group runs on Saturdays, so I'll have to try and squeeze in the long runs on my own.  It really hit me how much commitment it takes to train for a marathon.  It's not something you can decide to do and then do it the next weekend.  It's good to start with a good base, I had been running for about a year before I started running with the group and training for a half and full marathon.  Having a year base behind me has really helped get me through the longer runs.  On top of that, it takes about 16 weeks or more to train properly.  So I stated training in March for the half, and June for the full, and the marathon is in October, so about 7 months total.  I feel really good about that, but just know how busy I will be!  It's almost discouraging and I have already been telling myself this will be my 1 and only marathon because I don't want to have to continue to sacrifice so much time to get in the training!  Who knew you had to run 1,000 miles before you could run 26.2??  Maybe I'll stick with the smaller races that don't require as much training, like 5K's, 10K's and some halfs.  I like the smaller races because they are quick and fun and don't require much training, and they still commit you to running regularly.

This weekend I was thinking to myself about why I started running and why I enjoy it, and almost felt all this crazy training was taking some of the fun out of it. I like that it keeps me running and keeps me committed, but now that I HAVE to run versus getting to run.

Training takes sacrificing time with friends and family, sleep, tv, a lot of free time and requires a whole lifestyle change.  It's important to have a good support system behind you that will understand and support your training and sacrifices.  Of course I know it will all be worth it when I'm crossing that finish line!!  Even if it's the only marathon I ever do, I will always know I have what it takes to do it!  And that in itself is an awesome feeling!  

How to you get through the discourages of training for a long run?


What sacrifices have you had to make for training?  How have they effected your life and the lives around you?

Helvetia Half Marathon!

WOW!  What a weekend!!  I have officially ran my FIRST half marathon!  And it was an awesome experience.  I had some nerves the night before and had to work all night, but was glad I did because I don't think I would have slept anyways and it helped keep my mind distracted.

Dani and I getting ready to leave for the run bright and early!

I finished with a decent time: 2:05:05, with an average of 9:33/mile.  Overall it was a comfortable pace until about mile 11, then I really had to become mind over matter!  I'm not gonna sugar coat it, it was tough!  The first few miles were easy and flat, at about mile 4 there were some challenging hills until about mile 7, and then it was flat again.
At mile 5 I started getting hunger pangs and was worried I didn't eat enough before the run.  For my lunch/dinner, whatever you wanna call it at 2am, I had some grilled chicken and lots of steamed veggies, broccoli, zucchini, carrots and cabbage, some good complex carbs.  I don't eat much in the bread and pasta department so I didn't want to carb-load on anything my body doesn't normally get.  Then on my way to Dani's I had some low sugar oatmeal since that seems to fuel me well for my runs.  So I felt really good about what I had eaten and felt it was enough to keep me going.  I knew at mile 6 they would be handing out gels and I couldn't wait to get one!  I worked on that for about a mile and it seemed to help.  Then I just kept my eye on the prize, the Helvetia hamburger, finishing the race!!
So like I mentioned, mile 11 is when things felt tough.  I contemplation walking for a bit, but quickly talked myself out of it.  My legs and body were tired, but I was too close to stop now!
Once I finished I waited at the finish line for Dani with a couple other runner friends.

Patty, in the pink, is part of my group I run with on Saturdays.  We run in the same pace group and usually pair up and chat.  Suzanne, in the middle, is a friend of Patty's and was a great supporter/cheerleader!  

Dani crossed the finish at 2:29:49.  I was super excited to great her and hug her!  We both have come so far and it's an amazing accomplishment and so glad I get to do it with her!

FINISHERS!!!!

After a few pics we were off to get our burgers and recap how the race went! 

I look extremely tired, and I was.  But I was more happy to eat!!  

Overall I think we both had a really good experience.  It was tough, but that's part of why I do it, to continue to push and challenge myself.  I'm amazed at how far I've come and look forward to whats next!!  

My first 13.1 was awesome, but, it seems short-lived and now it's onto the next, starting with 14 miles this weekend!!  Full speed ahead for marathon training!  I'm still not over the high of the half!  

13.1 in the bag!!

Today I did an easy 4 miles with a friend who asked to start running with me.  We are gonna try to get together every Monday.  She has been running a little on the treadmill, but running outside is a lot different, and takes some getting use to adjusting to a different stride and the different elements.  She did good tho, only had to walk 1 time for about 1/4 mile.  Next time we are planning on taking the dogs, interested to see how that goes!!  

How did your first half marathon go?