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 :))