Run Girlfriend Run recap

Happy Friday all!  It is Memorial weekend which means a long weekend for most!  I hope that includes you!  I am taking advantage of a longer weekend and looking forward to it!
Last weekend was the Run Girlfriend Run race that I did with Dani and my neighbor Jenni.  Dani and I did the 10K and Jenni did the 5K.  The weather was fairly cool and there was a little sprinkle in the air.  I wasn't too worried about it because I know once I get running I would warm up, and a little sprinkle can feel good sometimes!

Jenni and I before the race!  

So excited to do the run with my BFF!  It's another thing that makes me love running, having another reason to get together with Dani!  So glad she got into running with me!

The 5Kers went first so we cheered them on as they took off, then it was our turn to line up and get ready!  I had planned on getting a new PR for myself of the race and finish in 56 minutes and about a 9 minute mile average.  Once they sent us on our way my adrenaline surged through my body.  My legs felt like Jell-O and I was thinking I wasn't gonna be able to keep up a decent pace feeling like this and I needed to shake it off! Everyone was still jumbled together and I was ready to get up to speed, so I started to pass a few people off to the side and the group started to thin out.  I had no idea where I was as far as place in the race.  It seemed like there were a ton of people still ahead of me, but I didn't worry about catching them.  

I felt like I was going pretty strong and about the pace I wanted to be at.  It felt "comfortably hard" which I hear is where you want to be at during your race pace.  I could speak in short sentences and cheered others on as I caught up to them or even as I got passed.  Of course there was that little voice in my head saying "This is too hard, your legs can't go much further!"  I tried to ignore it and thought I run this area and this distance often, there is no reason I should feel like I won't make it.  So I kept pushing.

Once we got to about mile 4, my headphones quit working (only 1 ear bud was working at the start of the race) The music was cutting in and out and it was an annoying distraction so I took them out and tucked them in my shirt.  When we had about a mile left it took us through some trails and you could hear the announce calling out names as people crossed the finish line.  I thought, "YES!  I'm close!" and I kicked it into high gear and sprinted past a couple more people.  Still hearing the announcer, I kept thinking, it must just be around the next turn, then the next, then I saw a sign that said 1/4 mile left!  UGH!  So close but felt so far away!  

I finally emerged from the wooded trails and saw all the people cheering on the finishers and I saw the time clock...Does it really say 51 minutes?  Is that right?  I was shocked to say the least.  My final time was 51:54 with an average 8:22 pace!  It was a new PR all around!  I hadn't even ran a 5K at that pace and I just completed a 10k!  WOO HOO!  It felt great.  I finished 16th out of 107 total!

After I finished I grabbed some water and some TCBY frozen yogurt and waited to cheer Dani on at the finish line.  Her husband Jesse and daughters Sarah & Katherine also were there to cheer her on.  It was her first 10K race and she had no plans on racing it, but she did awesome for her first!  So proud of her for pushing herself because I know how hard it can be and how much you just wanna give up sometimes and wonder why you put yourself through the pain.  

Overall it was a great run and I can't wait to do it next year!  Hopefully Dani feels the same!  This weekend we have the Rum Run 5k on Sunday!  Really looking forward to that one too.

Ok, you know what to do!  Keep running!

What are your plans for the long weekend?

Have you ever set a PR and then beat your own expectations?  

The best things in life aren't always free!

One of the reasons I started running was because I didn't want to pay for a gym membership and those costly monthly dues.  I figured walking and running was esentially free besides a few maintence costs, maybe a new pair of shoes once a year and some gear to run in.  But I've now discovered, just like any other hobby, running can get expensive!!  Shoes aren't cheap and the more miles you put on them, the more pairs you go through!  So far I think I'm about 2 pairs a year, at an average of $100 a pop!  Then there are all the clothes I need for different weather and styles.  I gotta have my warm weather gear, cold weather gear, and just some cute gear I can't pass up!  I would rather spend my $$ on running accsories than regular clothes now.  Another thing to think about is having the right foods in your house to help fuel you for runs and recover after runs.  Lot's of fruits and veggies, protiens and gu, and everyone knows, eating healthy comes with a cost.  And then there's the races!  Now that I've got the race bug, I want to do everyone I see!  And those can be anywhere from $30-$150!  This month I'm doing a total of 3 races.  So my pocket book is a little tight!  But there are lots of great parts to participating in a race!  Usually a race is held to raise money for a school, or cause, so knowing your money is going to a good thing helps take the sting out.  Another great part is the SWAG!  Usually you get a shirt, race bib and timing chip, if the race is timed and sometimes some samples of products.  For the Run Girlfriend Run race I'm doing tomorrow we got a bag full of goodies!

I have been loving neon colors this season for running gear, so I love the lime green shirt we get for this run!  Super cute!

Lot's of goodies to try!

Although I've realized, running isn't free, it is a lot of fun and the health benefits make it worth the extra cost! If getting a new pair of shoes or running shorts gets me out for a run, I think the splurge is justified!  I love doing races, especially with my bestie Dani and love the SWAG that comes with races!  Signing up for a race is just more motivation to keep up on my running and perusing a healthy life style!

Can't wait for tomorrows race!  Get to run it with my best girlfriend!  I'll let you all know how it goes!!

No matter the cost, whatever keeps you going,  keep running!

M.I.A.

Hello!  So I've been a little MIA the last month or so...still not sure how I feel about this whole blog thing.  But I figured I should touch base so you all know I'm still alive and still running!!  I've been getting a few more views since my profile was published on Oregon Live.  If you haven't read it you can check it out here!  It's kinda cheesy, and I'm not a big fan of being "profiled" but it was fun and my dad was really proud and that made it all worth it!
My dad has always been athletic in some way.  He's always been an active bike rider and runner (I tell people I must have got the bug from him)  But as he's gotten older he has gone more towards bike riding and using his elliptical, a little easier on the joints, due to some aches and pains.  But after reading my profile he has started running 3-4 miles a few times a week and we are planning a run together next month!  Really excited about it, and although he is partly why I started running, I'm glad I could get him back into it as well.
Other than that excitement, I've been busy running, picking up my miles and have another race under my belt!  I did the Doggy Dash with Maverick and Dani.  It wasn't a timed run, and was only 2.5 miles.  But we ran a bit before the run and after to get in a little over 6 miles for the day.  We both missed our group run that day so we could participate in the Doggy Dash.  It was a lot of fun and really glad I got to do it.  Although I learned a couple things; even though I was cold to start, wearing a jacket was WAY to much and too hot as the morning went on.  And instead of going early, I think staying after the race to collect goodies and see all the vendors would be better.  But still a great time!  Mav did really well, we only had a couple mishaps, the first was my bad when I let him off leash to run through the fountain.  No one was around and I thought a quick dip couldn't hurt!  As I was putting him back on his leash, out of nowhere 2 bike police came stolling up to us!  I thought I was gonna get in trouble for letting him in the fountain, but then he said "Your dog needs to be on leash at all times!"  AHHHH!  Leash laws!  I forget about those!  HAHA!  Although Sandy has leash laws inside city limits, the times I've taken him off leash I have never had an incident and I see dogs all over town off leash, so I told the officer 'I got it' hoping he would let us go on our way but insisted on going on and on and on....then took down my name and address before letting us go.  I will NEVER make that mistake again!  LOL

Just a quick dip to cool off!  Sorry officer!

Our next mishap was on our run.  I had been trying ALL morning to get Maverick to go poop.  Before we left for the race and for the hour and a half we were walking around.  Of course no success, until we were running.  About the last mile left, he decided that's when he was ready to go.  Of course not on the grass or even an area we could pull off to the side, but right in the middle of the bridge!  UGH!  Runners and dogs were dodging us left and right, so embarrassing, but he was not the only dog that decided to poo on the run, so we weren't alone!  You know how running gets things moving!  HAHA!
It was a fun run and looking forward to it next year!

My two favorites!

Anyone who knows us know we are HUGH Oregon State Fans, so I was stoked when I found out that OSU was a sponsor of the run and knew I had to do whatever I could to get our picture taken with Benny the Beaver!  And I think I blacked out when I was pulled from the crowed of runners lined up getting ready to run to get our picture taken!  I will cherish this forever!  

Well I could go on and on because there is a lot on my mind with running lately, but I'll save some stuff for later!  I have Run Girlfriend Run this weekend in my home town and am really looking forward to it!  Doing the 10K with Dani and my neighbor Jenni is doing the 5k.  I've secretly set a goal for myself, but have been hesitant to share it in case I don't hit it, but i shouldn't hold back so here it is......I'd like to finish in about 56 minutes, which is about a 9 minute mile average.  If I don't make it, that's ok, but I'm gonna try my hardest! 

Alright, until next time, keep running!

Have you done any dog friendly races?  How did they go?

Have you ever set a goal for yourself on a race that you either made or didn't make?  How did you feel?

Ankle Biters

Good morning!  As I mentioned in my last entry, I have a little ankle pain and it has taken me out for a few days.  I have been cranky, bitchy, grumpy and just unpleasant, my poor husband!  It has been really aggravating to be out of my routine.  I usually don't like to take more than 1 day off in a row of running, and I had taken 3 days by Thursday.   I couldn't help but feel my progress would start to dwindle and worried it would set me back.  I had stumbled across a podcast at work called Marathon Training Academy and it's been awesome to listen too!  So full of advice for training!  And they even touched on my concern with losing progress and my mind was put as ease when they said it takes 2 weeks without running to start to lose progress.  And injury happens to every runner at some point.  All I can do is listen to my body and stay strong.
Yesterday I was chomping at the bit to get out for a run.  My ankle wasn't really bothering me so I thought if I kept it slow and short and just did a little test run, I would be ok.  I rushed home, thinking about how good it was gonna be to run the whole time, I didn't care that it was cold and rainy.  I asked Maverick if he wanted to 'go for a run'? and he bounced off the ground, which got me even more pumped up!  I dashed upstairs to change into my running gear and we headed out.  I kept my pace about 9:45 and was only going 3 miles.  I felt my ankle a little bit, but mainly because I was looking for it.  Other than that I felt great!  As we started our way home and up the incline part of our run, I held my head high and felt tall, the run was going great.

We came to the RV dealership and I saw a couple of the owners dogs out for their morning potty break.  No people in sight and no leashes on the dogs, I knew once they saw us, there would be conflict (we have delt with these dogs before)  I coached Maverick to keep going, and we were cruising along until the other dogs noticed us coming.  They charged after us yapping the whole way...

Of course this caught Maverick's attention and he turned and pulled towards the tiny ankle biters to see what the fuss was all about.  As soon as he confronted the 2 chihuahuas they scrambled under an RV, but continued to yap.  I once again encouraged Mav to 'keep going'!  and we were on our way once again.

So besides that small distraction, the run went well overall.  My ankle wasn't feeling any worse at the end and I think I will be fine for a long run on Saturday.  Most of the running group is doing the Eugene Marathon so it will be a very small group of us.  Still looking forward to getting back into my routine and hoping not to hurt myself anymore because I might go crazy if I have to take even more time off!

What's the longest time you've had to take off of running due to injury?  How did you cope?   

On the Injured List

Well now I've done it, I pushed myself too much and didn't listen to my body and now I have a sore ankle!  BOO!  I started to feel it Friday night, Saturday morning while working.  I had my run with the group after work and really didn't want to miss it, so I thought since it wasn't that noticeable, I would be ok.  The run started off rough, I had side stitches the first mile and I was trying out my new hydration belt and it was uncomfortably bouncing and I thought, 'this isn't gonna work for 9 miles!'  I decided to turn the belt around to have the water bottles in the front to see if that was any better, and it was a TON better!  No more bounce and I no longer noticed I was wearing a belt.  So I was just wearing it wrong, HAHA!  Once I got that all straightened out, and my side cramps went away I started to get in my groove and feeling pretty good, but I couldn't help notice my ankle was getting more aggravated as we went on.  I kept pushing, I was too far in to turn around now.

Here's a nice action shot of part of the group!  I'm in the middle-ish practicing my smiling while running!  I've had too many retarded pictures while running, so when I see someone take a picture now, I'm ready!   

I made it all 9.5 miles, and while my ankle was sore, I thought with rest it would be ok.  

Once I got home, it was so nice out I wasn't quite ready to go to bed, and Maverick was giving me the "let's go play!" look.  So I grabbed his chuck it and ball and took him to the church for a bit.

Always a happy boy when he has his favorite ball!!

And it feels so good to roll around on the grass in the sun!

Sunday is normally a rest day for me, but I had woken up at 5am feeling bloated and heavy from the BBQ and beers I had had the night before with the neighbors.  So once it was daylight I decided I would just go for a quick 3.5 mile run with Mav.  It was such a beautiful morning, I couldn't pass it up!  Sore ankle or not. And that's just what I had, a sore ankle that was more obvious on this run.  I took it easy and kept it short.  Once home I thought it was a perfect time to start some yard work, pulling weeds and moss.  Another mistake.  By the time the afternoon came and Bryan and I had gone out to run some errands I became more vocal about my sore ankle.  I didn't want to admit it was hurting, because that meant I would have to take a break from running and take it easy.  And Bryan said just that.   Crushed, I agreed.  So now I'm on the injured list and on a break until it feels better, hopefully only a few days!  But I won't push it.  Working last night also was rough and my ankle became more and more sore as the night went on.  So I'm certain resting will be best.  I'm bummed and mad at myself at the same time.  I should have listened to my body and not have pushed myself earlier.  But all I can do now is work on getting better so I can get back out ASAP!  

I hope everyone has a good week and gets some good runs in!   Stay injury free and keep running!

Have you ever sustained an injury that required that required you take a break from running?

How long did it take to recover?

I Just Felt Like Running!

Yesterday was a great run!  I had a potluck at work that night, so when I got home I felt after all than indulging in cupcakes, mac and cheese and pulled pork sandwiches among other not-so-healthy foods, I better get some miles in so I could sleep better!  It was a comfortable 45degrees outside and I was in the mood for a little bit longer of a run.  Our first 3 miles took Mav and I to our favorite view point.  We always stop to take in the view and get a drink of water.

You can see the Sandy River from here and on a clear day, you can see Mount Hood.  It's pretty amazing

They even have a water spout for dogs!

After a quick water break we headed off.  It was starting to sprinkle a little and by mile 4-5 it was a steady sprinkle that turned into steady rain.  I was planning on taking us home on the Tickle Creek trail and was trying to get there fast so we could get some protection from the rain from the tree coverage!  We made it to the trail about 6 miles in and although we were already soaked, it didn't stop Mav from jumping in the creek at every opportunity! 

The rain let up and our next obstacle would be the hilly "stairs" that stand between us and home.  I rely on Mav to take the lead when it comes to hills, he helps pull me up them, LOL!  Especially these hills, they are a killer!  

That last quarter of a mile is flat and we push ourselves to pick up the pace, even tho my legs are burning by this point from tackling the hills.  But we made it for a total of 8.2 miles!  It felt good to make it home and hit the shower and I can say I slept great!

I got some new running items I'm pretty excited to try!  I decided to go with a hydration belt for now, I think I will get a camel back a little later.

It's nothing fancy or even cute and pink, but I think it will do the trick!  I wore it around the house jogging a little with it filled with water, and it did bounce more than I thought it would, not sure if that's common or not with most hydration belts...but I'll give it a real test run tomorrow on my longer group run and let you know how it goes! 

I also got a harness for Maverick!  Like I said, I like him to take charge on hills and help pull me up, but I feel bad that he is pulling with his neck.  He has gotten a lot better about pulling when I don't want him to, I had to use a gentle leader with him for a while to try to break the habit.  Now I don't have to use it anymore, and although harnesses are made for pulling, I think Mav and I have a good system down while running and he won't be crazy pulling me everywhere.  Hopefully just when I need a little extra push! (or pull )  :)) 

Doesn't he look so handsome?!  He didn't fight me at all when I put it on either!  I thought for sure he would be rolling around trying to get it off!!  Looking forward to taking our new gear out for a test run!  I'll let ya know how it goes!!  Wish me luck!

What necessities do you take on your runs, like a hydration belt?  Ipod?

Do you have experience with harnesses with dogs?  And what do you like/dislike about them?

Born to Run

Well hello!  I hope you all have been doing well the last couple of days!  I have been busy sleeping, working and running.  Sunday was my rest day after the 8 miles I did Saturday with the group.  Monday I did 5 miles and today I did a 3.1 miler followed by my leg pyramid workout.  So a good start to the week, and I always look forward to Wednesday, which is a rest day so I can get some stuff done around the house!
I just finished the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.

  It highlights ultra runners and tribe runners and what makes them such good runners.  It's insane the runs they do!  100's of miles!  It also talks a lot about how big companies have changed and almost hindered how we run by designing shoes that alter the way we naturally run.  This really resonated with me.  I've been hearing more and more about barefoot running and seeing the crazy, weird shoes out there with the toes and thinking, 'that's just bizarre'.

  But now the more I look into it, I think they are onto something and are actually figuring it out!  Less IS more.  All that cushion and padding they add to prevent your foot from its natural pronation is actually hurting us!  All the great tribe runners that can beat our greatest runner without braking a sweat usually only wear a thin animal skin sandal just to protect from rocks and sticks, ect.  No padding or springs.  Although I'm not ready to go crazy and buy those ugly shoes, I defiantly see where less is more when it comes to shoes.  My newest pair I got are minimalist and have made a huge difference with my runs than my previous running shoes with the shocks.  I feel like I have more of a natural stride and have less aches and pains.  Shoes really do make a big difference!  I suggest the book to any runner or anyone who is thinking about running, it would be a great starting point!  And who knows, maybe my next pair of shoes will be those crazy barefoot ones!  If it improves my runs and prevents injury,it only makes sense, right!?  We'll see!
Hope you all have started off your week with a good run or two!

What do you think of the barefoot shoes and theory?