On Broken Dreams

Ok, "On Broken Dreams" is a tad dramatic for what this post is really all about.  Don't get too worked up about that title yet, until I explain :)

This weekend, I was supposed to run the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville, TN.  I paid the race entry fee and EVERYTHING.  And I didn't go.  For several reasons, but mainly because I didn't train for the run.  Several weeks ago when it was time to start upping my mileage and all that good stuff, I made the conscious decision not to do it.  The part that makes me the most sick about this is that I also forfeited my chance to see Charles Esten, Clare Bowen and Chase Rice in concert.  This decision also meant altogether failure on my 30 Before 30 list.  Next year when this race rolls around, I'll be the big 3-0.

You are probably wondering what made me skip this race, especially after having paid for it.  Wouldn't shelling out the money beforehand be a good motivation to get the training in?  Well, you would think so.  I have several excuses and I'm not going to get into them all here-- I simply didn't do the work necessary to run the race.

Which leads me to the whole 30 Before 30 list, or Bucket Lists, in general.  As I look back over my list, that I created almost 2 years ago, I see lots of issues.

• I have now seen the color run and have no desire to run it.  It's fun to watch, but I'm not interested in having all that colored chalk sucked up my nostrils.  No thanks.
• Doing the Avon 2-day Breast Cancer walk is a HUGE commitment.  One that I still want to do, but will take several years of planning and saving, none of which I have done yet.  Add to that the fact that my partner-in-crime is expecting a little one in a few months, and we are going to put this off for a while.
• I remember vividly making this list, wanting to push myself to run a longer distance, and thinking the Country Music Half looked like so much fun.  And that is the entire thought process that went into adding this item to the list.  So really, if I break it WAY down, my bottom line was running a half and I've done that.  Twice.  And while I still want to do more long races, I feel like I could cross this off my list.....   
• Other big ticket (i.e.: priced) items like "Visit New Orleans" and "See Ground Zero" are still definitely things I want to do, I just don't see them happening in the next 8 months (that's when I turn 30.. shhhh).

So all this rambling about broken dreams and 30 Before 30 lists has led me to this:  I'm renaming my list.  (I know, that was a lot of build up for nothing.)  30 Before 30 is soon going to become my Bucket List.  And I'm allowing myself the freedom to change or edit this list however I want to, because it's my list and I can do that.  So there.

And now I'm curious-- 30 Before 30, 40 Before 40, 100 Before 100, Bucket List (whatever list you have)---what things are on YOUR list?

Callaway Gardens Half Marathon, Race Recap

I have to start this post with a photo of my favorite spectators.  After dropping me off at the start line, they were able to grab breakfast and then wait in the warm car before coming out to cheer me in for the finish.  I was so happy to hear their voices.  (It did hurt a little when Libby said, "Mommy, I didn't think you were ever going to finish!"  Thanks, Lib.)

The race began at 8am eastern time, which was 7am for me.  I had woken up feeling pretty crummy (hello, UTI symptoms), so I took Tylenol before the race began.  The event coordinators were REALLY good with organization--we started at 8 am on the dot.  The half runners and full runners both began at the same time--the race course was a loop around the gardens, so the half runners completed the loop once and the full runners did it twice.

The race reviewers weren't kidding when they said the course was hilly.  I don't know that any part of the course was flat....at all.  I felt like I was either running up a hill or down a hill.  Even with all those hills, I felt strong.  I paced myself really well (as opposed to previous races) and was hitting a steady 8:30 per mile going into the 7th mile.

Around the end of mile 6, I started to feel a nagging pain in my right hip.  Nothing severe, just unexpected.  I've never actually hurt during a run at all, and I've especially never had hip pain, so I didn't quite know what was going on.

The course was beautiful--winding through trees and flowers and around a lake.  The weather was great--39 degrees with zero wind.  Chugging through mile 7 listening to my tunes and taking in my surroundings.  All was great in my world.

Mile 8 I made a friend.  He strikes up conversation.  (Thankfully, he did most of the talking and I did most of the listening.) He was a trainer for the Biggest Loser contestants once they returned home from the show.  He had actually just completed the Disney World Marathon two weeks prior, expenses paid (flight, room, and race fee) by a client who wanted him to pace her.  Now that's a job I could handle, right there :)  Conversation with this friend lasted a little while, and I made it to mile 10 without thinking about my hip.

I'm not sure what happened between mile 10 and 11 (I'm thinking the Tylenol wore off), but my hip started screaming.  Every step I took was excruciatingly painful.  At mile 11, my mental toughness (or stubbornness, maybe) kicked in.  I was determined to finish.  I had made it that far with a pretty steady pace and with zero walking, so I wasn't quitting.

Miles 11-13.1 were miserable.  My hip pain radiated down my leg to my knee and into my foot.  I was fighting back tears, and my pace had slowed to somewhere just over 10 minutes per mile.  Still not walking, but not good pacing either.  (I actually attempted walking, but the hip still hurt just as much, so I figured I might as well run.)  I was SO glad to see the sign for the finish.  I heard my girls cheering me on and mustered up this smile for a photo.  Totally faked and completely for my girls.

I crossed the finish in 1:56:42, with an average pace of 8:55 per mile.  My first half was 1:55:16 and almost completely flat.  Even though I didn't PR, I feel like I ran a better race this time when you consider the hills.  And the pain.

I made Justin take this picture of me with the girls before literally falling into him and having him drag me to the truck.  I don't know if it was the hills, or if I stepped off the trail and pulled a muscle during the run, or what, but as I'm writing this (on Wednesday) I'm still having hip pain.  It has gotten slightly better, but not much.  I can walk without falling now.  After the race on Sunday, I would literally stumble with each step.  When I put weight on my right foot, something in my hip area hurt so much that the muscle would give and not support me.  Crazy, right?

I'm completely baffled by this race.  It was superbly organized, and utterly beautiful.  Definitely a race course I would recommend.  They have several options--5k, half, and full marathons.  The hills were killer, but who doesn't like a good challenge every now and then?  What confuses me is my hip.  I'm not sure what the problem was (is?!?), so I don't know how to prevent it from happening again in a future race.  My plan is to give it a few days of complete rest, and then work on stretching it out really well.  Hopefully, I'll be able to walk normal and start running again next week.  Until then, I'll just be limping around over here. :)

Any suggestions for hip pain?  I need a diagnosis :)

Callaway Gardens Weekend Getaway

This weekend, we traveled to Pine Mountain, Georgia.  It was about a 4 hour trip and we didn't leave until after school.  With the time change, we arrived at the Mountain Creek Inn around 10pm, Eastern Time.  We checked in, went to our rooms, and fell straight into bed.

The room was pretty standard, with a king size bed and a small bathroom.  The Mountain Creek Inn does have a nice lounge area with two restaurants.  The girls and Justin tried out one of them--The Plants--the morning of the race.  They gave it 4 stars.

Saturday morning we woke up pretty early and went to the Country Kitchen for breakfast.  We enjoyed pancakes, omelets, and biscuits and gravy with this view:

The southerner in me loved that they served my milk in a mason jar:

Following breakfast, we drove about 15 minutes to the Pine Mountain Animal Safari.  We have been to a drive-through safari before, but this was by far the best.  So much so that it deserves it's own post, which I'll try to get to tomorrow.  But I'll leave you with this teaser:

Yes, that's a zebra trying to eat my hair!

When we FINALLY left the safari, it was time to go the race expo and pick up my packet.  I'm going to save all race information for another post as well, so you'll get the race recap soon!

Before leaving the gardens, the girls wanted to go to the Butterfly Center at Callaway.  This was an epic fail--because it's been so cold, we ended up seeing more dead butterflies than we did live ones.  We did get a picture of one, very pretty blue monarch:

We left the gardens with no clue what to do.  I had picked up a 'Pine Mountain Experience Guide' from the safari, so we leafed through it.  When I saw the ad for Warm Springs Winery, I knew that was it.  Visiting a winery is on my 30 Before 30 list and it's something I've wanted to do for a long time.  I called ahead to make sure it was ok to bring the girls.  When we arrived, the vitner gave the girls grape juice (from their own vines), pretzels, and wine crackers.  (Wine crackers are now K's favorite snack..oops!)

We were all educated on the wine-making process and the nerd in me loved it!  Justin and the girls enjoyed it too and even asked questions.  I was very pleased with the way the staff included the girls.  Justin and I sampled a few of the wines and the girls sampled grape juice, chips and muscadine salsa, and pretzels.  (Libby even picked apart the tortilla chips.  She said "I taste a little sugar... and a lot of salt."  So funny!)

After the tastings, the girls made wreaths from the dried out grape vines.  They had so much fun!

We left the winery with a bottle of grape juice, a jar of Muscadine salsa, a box of wine crackers, and an un-named and thus, un-labeled bottle of white wine.

Dinner was at Aspen's Mountain Grill.  It was a very quaint, homey restaurant with a mountain vibe.  There are animals on the walls--a bear skin, a hog's head, an elk head--and it's nicknamed "the Hunter's Hangout."

After eating, we stopped in at Lulubelle's Ice Cream parlor and enjoyed some Baskin Robbins ice cream.  With our belly's stuffed, we headed back to the Inn and were asleep by 8.  It was a very fun, very BUSY day, and we were all exhausted!

Sunday morning, the race began at 7am (our time), which meant we were up and getting ready at 5:30. That's early!  The race happened (more on that later) and while I ran, Justin and the girls had breakfast. After the race, we stopped in at Cracker Barrel for breakfast (where I properly refueled) and then a potty break at the Bass Pro Shop.  While there, the girls posed in front of the fish tank:

They are getting much better at actually wanting to take pictures for me.  They requested I take this one "for the blog".  Isn't that funny?

Our getaway was SO much fun and I would recommend that anyone within driving distance make the trip.  It was such an enjoyable, beautiful, laid-back place.  Perfect for a weekend trip!

Eight Confessions and a Promise

Confession:  This is what the planter on my front porch looks like.  Apparently you have to water pansy's to keep them alive.  Who knew?

Confession:  I have a cleaning lady.  She comes to my house every other Friday, and it makes my heart so happy when I walk in and smell Pine-sol and see the clean.  And knowing that I didn't have to lift a finger to make it happen.  I'm a little bit spoiled like that.

Confession:  At the beginning of 2013, I did Project Life.  If you don't know much about it, the idea is that you create one 2-page layout each week for the year.  I did really well from January until about April.  The problem with scrapbooking each week of your life is the ordinary day.  The day where nothing new happens.  And yes, there is definitely something to be said about documenting that ordinary day--your routines, your schedule, your outfits--it can also become boring.  You can only take so many pictures of your children eating waffles in their pajamas before school, and the coffee maker that keeps you going on those early mornings.  So, to make a long story short, I quit PL 2013 because of those ordinary days.  Blogging is a little bit like Project Life.  (No, I'm NOT going to quit blogging.) What I mean is, it's so much easier on the days when I have a story to tell.  When something happens other than the everyday.  I made a commitment several months ago to attempt to post everyday, or at least every other day.  That hasn't happened, and I'm not ok with that.  Because, unlike Project Life, I CAN find a story in our everyday.  A great run, a funny happening, a brag about one (or both) of the girls.  You get the picture.  And this is my public commitment to work on that.

Confession:  My girls are super smart.  Kyndall took a REALLY hard statewide assessment today.  There were 40 questions and she didn't miss any.  She is SO smart and I am so glad that learning comes easy to her.  It is something that she loves to do and I hope that never changes.

Confession:  This is what my bedroom looks like when I pack for a weekend.  Four people + 2 days = 4 bags, 4 pillows, 4 jackets, 2 seatbelt pets (because they're awesome!) and 2 activity packs for the girls (complete with books, coloring books, pens, crayons, and I-pads).

Confession:  I am so looking forward to the race this weekend, but I'm really nervous.  I trained really hard until about 2 weeks ago, then I just dropped the ball.  This is a bad habit that I have that I really need to work on.  That being said, I am anxious to see how this goes.  Fingers crossed all that previous training didn't go to waste!

Confession:  I use the word 'really' way to much.  Seriously, I think I see it about 10 times in this post alone.  What's an adjective for 'really', besides 'very'?

Confession:  I sent the above picture to my sister today.  And, let's just be honest, the answer to that question varies from day to day.

Promise:  I will have an actual story, and much better pictures, when we get back from this 'race-cation'. (That's a new word I learned on Twitter!)  See you then!

Mornings on break are the best mornings.

I love my job, I do.  I mean, I REALLY love my job.  But on mornings like this, when we don't set an alarm and the girls snuggle with me in the recliner.  When we get ready if we want to and when we want to.  When I have my coffee sitting at home instead of rushing out the door.  Mornings where the recliner is full, and my heart is overflowing.

Morning like this make me wish I home-schooled my girls.  I can really see the appeal.

Since Wednesday, my running is going strong.  I feel like my training for the Callaway Gardens half marathon is right on track :)  On Wednesday, I ran 3 miles on the treadmill.  <--This was sort of my warm-up after not running for an entire week.  On Thursday, I cranked out 7 miles, again on the treadmill.  Today, I totaled 4 miles.  My plan is to run 3 on Saturday and 12 on Sunday to complete my training according the plan.  I'm also participating in Run This Year 2014, with a goal of 2,014 miles this year.  Check it out and sign yourself up!

I've also officially signed up for the Rock 'N' Roll Nashville half marathon on April 26.  Gearing up to cross that off my 30 Before 30 list.  And speaking of my 30 Before 30 list, that whole "Visit New Orleans" thing just got easier.  One of my BEST friends is moving there later this week.  (I'm super sad about her leaving, but I'm trying to see the positive!)

In other news, I went grocery shopping yesterday.  I planned out the required 3 meals that I'm to cook for the week and made my list accordingly.  Wouldn't you know that I left my list sitting on the counter?  So typical!  I somehow managed to pick up ALMOST everything we needed.  Our three meals will include Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Baked Potato and Veggies, Potato Soup, and Taco Salad.  I'm banking on eating leftovers a few nights and possible Bacon, Egg, and Cheese sandwiches another.  (FYI:  I consider BEC sandwiches cooking, so that would be overachieving on my part!)  Shout-out to Courtney for suggesting emeals as an option for new recipes.

Are you running RNR Nashville?  Let me know--we'll meet up!

Any super easy, super delish recipes to share?

Workout Rewind and A Christmas Partying Weekend

I'm noticing a trend with my workouts lately.  I do REALLY well at the beginning of the week, and then not so well at the end.  The end of our week just seems to get busier somehow?!?  This week went  a little like this:

Monday:  4.5 miles on the treadmill with my new friend Lipstick Jungle.

Tuesday: 4.5 miles on the treadmill.

Friday:  4 miles on the treadmill.  Making my way through Season 2 of Lipstick Jungle.

And that's it.  Total miles this week = 13.

No long run that is very much needed for this training.  No outdoor runs at all.  My plan for this coming week is to switch it up a little--I'm going to attempt a long run early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) and then the shorter runs towards the end.  We'll see how that goes. :)

Yesterday, we had Christmas with my Dad's Dad's side of the family (That's not confusing at all.) for brunch and then Justin's Dad's side for lupper.  (<--Yes, that's my word.  If there is a brunch, why can there not be a lupper?)

Via Instagram.  Our Papaw ALWAYS makes deer jerky and gives it to us for Christmas.  We look forward to it every year!

And then, today, we had Christmas with my Dad's Mom's side of the family.

We rounded out the weekend celebrating my cousin's 13th birthday.  She is officially a teenager, and I can't believe it!

How was your weekend?

Any winter training tips to get me ready for this half at the end of January?

Weekly Workouts

If you'll remember, I completely let go of all running-related stress last week.  Then, this week, I had to keep reminding myself not to stress :)  The week started out great, but then fizzled toward the end with all the sickness we had going on.  The Callaway Gardens half is just a little over 6 weeks away, so I've got to get the miles in!

Monday:  4 miles on the treadmill.  I watched Melissa and Joey on Netflix, which is HILARIOUS if you've never seen it!

Tuesday:  Session 1 (30 minutes) of Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown DVD.  This KICKS my tail every time I do it.  Probably because I only do it once every few months, but I'm going to work on that :)

Wednesday: 5 miles on the treadmill. <--I'm REALLY wanting some outdoor runs!!  It's just too cold!  I do change up my incline to mimic outdoor running, but it's just not the same!

Thursday:  7-minute workout (I'll explain more about this later!)

Sunday:  8 miles on the treadmill.

Total miles this week: 17
Total miles that I was 'supposed' to run, according to the training plan: 25

SHOUT OUT to my friend Anna, who ran the Rocket City marathon yesterday morning.  It was her first marathon, and she finished in 4:25:00!! GO Anna!!! <--After saying that I NEVER wanted to run the marathon distance, this made me change my mind a little.  We are discussing the idea of a fall 2014 marathon.  (ONLY discussing, so don't hold me to anything just yet!)

What is your favorite race distance?
Mine is still the 5k, because I like the shorter, fast race.  I'm really digging the half though, too.

If you had to pick only ONE race to run each year, what would it be?
Toray Rebuilding Together 5k.  It is the first race (post-high school) that I ran and it holds special memories for me.

Training Plan for the Callaway Gardens Half

I'm mixing things up a little for the Callaway Gardens half.  I've tried different plans for several weeks, and none work just right for me.  So I took my five favorites and combined them to make my own.  That's professional, right?  I took into consideration the number of miles I wanted to run each week leading up to the marathon, as well as the number of days that I could run.

I also have been running consistently for several months now, so I would only recommend borrowing my plan if you are a semi-advanced runner yourself.  My weekly mileage leading up to this has been between 25-30 miles each week.  If you are a beginning runner, you will need MUCH more than 6 weeks to train for a half.

So after all that, and after LOTS of brain-work, here is MY personal, half marathon plan:

The note at the bottom, in case you can't see it, reminds you that I am NOT a certified running coach.  This plan was developed BY me, FOR me--If you choose to "borrow" it, I am in no way responsible for an injuries you may (but hopefully won't) incur.  <---And that's just the disclaimer that I feel needed to be added so that I am being responsible.

I think it will help my training that my plan is so pretty.  Don't you?  And I will definitely be using my bright, colorful pens to check off each workout as I do it.  That's half the fun, right?

I'm interested, what running plan do you use?

Happy Running! :)

The Struggle

After all those warm-weather-in-December comments that I made, our temperature dropped from 70 degrees to upper 20's overnight.  Mother Nature thinks she's funny.  

My running this week has been almost non-existent.  I have the motivation to run, I just don't have the time.  (I say that loosely.  If I had MORE motivation, I guess I would get up at 4am to run each morning, but that's not happening!)  

I took Monday off after Sunday's long run.  I did 3.5 miles on the treadmill on Tuesday and 3 miles on Wednesday.  When I missed Thursday's run, I shrugged it off.  NBD.  Then I missed Friday's. 

I was signed up for a 5K on Saturday morning--one that I had actually payed for--and skipped it.  The run was at 8 am and K was in a Christmas parade that started at 9:30.  Techinically, I probably could have squeezed in both but it was too much rushing for me, so I ditched the race.  Then, this morning's long run didn't happen.  There really is no excuse, other than the weather predicted a 70% chance of rain at 5am and I believed the forecast.  Just so you know, it wasn't raining at 5am, but I didn't get out of bed.

When I finally rolled out of bed this morning, I started to get a little stressed.  I am in the middle of half marathon training again, and really want to do well in this race at the end of January.  I NEED those runs to get me ready.  But after a few minutes of a pity party, I reminded myself that I LOVE running.  I do it because it is FUN for me.  If I let myself stress over missed workouts, its not going to keep being fun.  Yes, the training is important.  But this is also December, the most busy month of the year.

So this morning, I made an important decision.  There will be ZERO stressing over running this month.  If I'm able to get the workout in, GREAT!  If not, that's ok too.  I'm sure I'll be able to run enough that I don't lose any fitness, and then I'll have the whole month of January to work at getting faster.  

The point of all this rambling is this----> Working out should be FUN!  If you don't like what you are doing, find something else that you do enjoy.  Don't stress over missed workouts (unless your days turn into weeks, that turn into months...then you might need to reconsider!).  

And if you need more encouragement, you can read Presley's post here or this post about falling in love with running.

Pile On The Miles, Week 4

Monday:  3.5 miles while getting lost in Sycamore Row by John Grisham.  SO good!

Tuesday:  2 miles of hill repeats on the treadmill.

Wednesday:  REST

Thursday:  4.5 miles outside with Anna, in the dark.  (Flashlights and pepper spray were in attendance.)

Friday:  3 mile early morning run.  (I like these the best, once I actually get myself out of bed!)

Saturday: REST

Sunday: 10.5 miles in 23 degrees.  I don't know about you, but for this Alabama girl, that is C-O-L-D!  PS:  I ran this with a new app called Charity Miles on Team #Wounded Warrior.  Stay tuned for a post on this awesome app!


Total miles this week: 23.5
Total miles this month: 63.6

Don't forget to head over to Run, Eat, Repeat and see all the other #POTM2013 challenge reports!

New Training Plan

I have a few 5k's on the schedule before the new year, but the race I'm really training for is the Callaway Gardens Half Marathon on January 26, 2014.  Fun fact:  I'll be running this race at a discounted rate.  I shot an email to the race director (what could it hurt), and while he couldn't comp my race entry he did offer me a nice little discount.  Every little bit helps, right?

For this race, I'll be using Hal Higdon's Advanced Half Marathon training plan.  We all know I stink at following plans, so we'll see how this goes :)

I'm just going to put in out there--I would love to run this at sub-1:50.  Of course, I would really LOVE to run it even faster than that, but this is actually realistic.  My current (I.E. first) half marathon PR is 1:55:16.  I think sub-1:50 is achievable for me.  Maybe even sub-1:45, but let's not push it :)  Everything I have read about this course says it's super HILLY.  I am really going to have to push it on the hills during this training.

I am really excited about this race.  It is a smaller race, which I like.  I'm guaranteed gorgeous scenery, which I like.  It's 13.1 miles, which I actually like.  And it's a mini-vacation, which I really like!

What races are on your schedule for the rest of 2013 and the beginning of 2014?

Anyone running this half?  If not, sign up now! You have 10 weeks to train for it!

How to Run on a Treadmill Without Dying of Boredom

First, an update on the girls.  They were up sick most of the night last night.  Libby was crying with a headache and running a low grade fever.  Kyndall was crying with her throat, and actually started throwing up (again) around 2am.  What is it about kids that make them be deathly sick during the night, and then fine as can be in the mornings?  I mean, not that I want my kids to be sick, but some consistency would be nice.  Sick, not sick.  Help me out here.  There is nothing worse than going to the doctors office, waiting 2 hours (at least), paying the outrageous copay, only to be told its "just a virus."  Am I right?

I was fairly certain K had strep, again.  I'm not sure what is going on with Libby, but I might as well get her checked out, too.  This is what happens when you have 2 sick girls, who do not know they are sick, and the doctor can't see you until 11.

The West girls are pretty awesome at some Jenga :)

After a somewhat short wait, and the outrageous copay, it was just a virus.   Money in the trash, right there.  I guess I should just be grateful that it wasn't anything serious.  Always look for the positive :)

And now on to more important things......

How to Run On A Treadmill Without Dying of Boredom

Being a southern runner, who is also a mom, I do a large part of my training on the treadmill.  (I'm not sure if you are familiar with the humidity in Alabama, but it's killer.)  I struggled with major boredom for a long time while running on the treadmill, but now I actually enjoy it.  It's definitely not the same as running outdoors, but it is convenient when it's your only way to run.

1. Read a magazine.  This is actually my least favorite, but it works.  Not only does it sidetrack your mind from being bored, but it covers up the data screen.  I don't let myself look until I've finished the whole magazine, and I'm usually presently surprised.  The reason this is my least favorite is because I have to turn the pages more.  It's more difficult to keep my stride when I'm turning the pages every few seconds.

2.  Read a book.  Also covers the screen and I don't let myself look until I've finished a chapter.  Turning pages isn't really an issue because all I have to do is tap the screen for the page to turn.  Gotta love the Kindle :)  I've heard a lot of people say that it's hard to read while they run, and I've decided these people must be really bouncy runners.  I have no issue with it, even when I increase my speed to a near sprint.

3.  Watch Netflix.  Or Youtube.  Or Hulu.  Or whatever digital streaming device you have.  This is one of my favorites, but I have a hard time stopping.  Oh, I might stop running after an episode, but I can't stop watching after one episode.  Hello, Gossip Girl and your 7 seasons.  The great thing about this is that 30-min, or 45-min depending on what you are watching, seems to fly by when you are zoned into a good show.

4.  Switch it up.  I have two go-to workouts on the treadmill that I use when I'm not doing one of the above.  The constant clock watching and pace/incline changing make the time go by quickly.  Here are two routines I use often:

Do you run on a treadmill?  

What are your tips?

Pile on the Miles, Week One

A few days ago, I told you all that I would be participating in Monica's Pile on the Miles challenge.  Here's how this week looked:

November 1:  1.5 miles with Max through the neighborhood.  This actually should count as triple miles, because Max hasn't learned how to run on a leash well--lots of bobbin' and weavin' when I run with him.  Finished up with 2.5 on the treadmill for a total of 4 miles.

November 3:  10 miles with Anna. This is why I am not a real runner--I don't have a steady pace.  I don't even know what my pace is, it's just spastic.  I mean, look at my splits from this morning:

Thank goodness I have Anna--she's like the little engine that could.  I seriously think she could run all day long at a 9:00 minute pace!

Total miles ran this week:  14

PS:  I've mentioned this before, but I am a super salty sweater.  When I finish a run, you can SEE the salt on my face, and I have to literally brush it off so that I don't look like a ghost.  I don't think this is normal.  Is it?  Suggestions?  HELP ME :)

Pile on the Miles

I'll be back later today with a Halloween post.  But before I get to that, HELLO NOVEMBER! This day begins my most favorite time of year--from now until the end of January.  I just LOVE the holidays (and my birthday is at the end of January, so that is included!) 

This year, I am joining in on Run, Eat, Repeat's Pile on the Mile's November challenge.  You can read more about it on her blog, but basically, you set a goal of miles that you want to run....or walk..... or bike, and try to achieve that.  The goal is to pile on the miles, not the pounds :)

My goal is 100 miles in November.  I am helping my friend Anna train for the Rocket City Marathon, so I don't think 100 miles will be unattainable.  (Note:  I am not running the marathon with her, just doing some training runs.  I haven't talked myself into that distance yet!)

If you're interested, go over to her blog and sign up.  She's has some awesome sponsors and is doing some GREAT giveaways!  If you decide to sign up, come back here and let me know!

UCP Half Marathon Recap

The great thing about running a race distance for the first time?  No matter how bad, or good, you do--it's a personal best!

I headed to Florence Friday afternoon with several girls from church to carb-load and stay at the hotel where the race starts.  We dined at Ricatoni's--I stuffed myself with their starter bread and the fettucini alfredo.  Like, literally, stuffed myself.  I think I had two whole loaves of bread, all by myself.

After eating, we did a quick run to Target for warmer race gear.  High's for Saturday morning were supposed to be in the low 30's--much lower than what I had planned for and trained in.  I came very close to purchasing this hat:

Anna talked me out of it though.  Said she had one, and it slipped off while running.  Do you have one?  I love it, so if it doesn't slip, I need to know!

We were back in the room and asleep by around 10:00 Friday night.  All set and ready for an 8 am race time Saturday morning.

(FYI I really wish I hadn't run in that long sleeve pull-over.. I am super hot-natured and I shed it before the first mile marker, even though it was a cool 34 degrees.  I attempted tying it around my waist but that didn't work either, so I tossed it around mile 2.  Luckily, it was an after Thanksgiving sale find, so it was less than a $5 loss.  Note to self:  Just run in short sleeves, regardless of the temps!)

Being my first half marathon, I had no idea what to expect.  And honestly, I was so focused on the run that I can't give much of a recap.  They had clocks set up at 5k and 10k distances, and by that (& my Garmin) I knew I was going faster than I should be.  I hit the 5k marker in 24:15 (a PR, if I was running just a 5k!) and the 10k marker in 50:05 (also a PR!).

At the first few aid stations, I missed gatorade and was only able to grab water.  Somewhere around mile 7, I got my first gatorade and it was way overdue.  My pace slowed a little, but I still kept it around an 8:30 per mile pace.  Somewhere around mile 12, I hit the wall.  And BIG time.  I had started out much quicker than I had trained and I felt like I could not take another step, much less run another step.

Earlier in the race I had struck up a conversation with another female runner named Lisa who seemed to be an expert.  While running, she told me she had run her 30th full marathon the weekend before.  She gave me a few pointers and told me that training with an "older woman" is best, because they are much more experienced! (Just so you know, I think I snort-laughed when she said this!) Well, it just so happened that right at mile 12, as I was hitting that wall, she came up beside me and I literally could not have finished this half without her.  Thank you, Lisa, wherever you are!

As far as the course goes, all I can really tell you is that we started out going across one bridge and ended the race coming back across another.  The run was absolutely beautiful, and one I would definitely like to do again.  It was very flat, with what seemed like more downhills than uphills, but I'm not sure that's possible.

I crossed the finish line with an official time of 1:55:16, averaging an 8:48 pace and landing a 3rd place finish in my age group.  That's also a PR! (Haha!  You know, because it was my first?!?!)

The race is sponsored by the United Cerebral Palsy foundation, and this year, they honored a 4-year old little boy who was diagnosed with the disease.  When he was born, the doctors told his parents that he would never be able to function as a normal human being--never eat on his own, never talk, most certainly never walk.  His mother pushed him in a stroller for the ENTIRE half marathon.  As she neared the end of the race, she took this precious little boy from his stroller and he, who doctors said would never walk, WALKED across the finish line of the UCP half marathon.  Miracles happen everyday.

I am so thankful that I was able to be part of the wonderful event.  I'm not completely sold on the whole half-marathon distance.  Training was great, but I really think I'm a short-distance racer.  5k's and 10k's are just perfect for me.  Who knows, though... I'm sure I'll have another half in my future.  I'll have to set a new PR sometime :)

Jog.fm + My Updated Half Playlist

If you are a runner, you have probably heard of jog.fm.  It is a website that allows you to choose running songs based on beats per minute.  They have corresponded the beats per minute with mile times, so if you run in tune with the music (or at least close to in tune), you can estimate your time.  I've never payed really close attention to this, but I thought I would edit my playlist before my first official half and base it on the beats per minute in the songs.  Couldn't hurt, right?

My theory was to start out with slower songs and build up to faster ones.  I usually start races out super fast, so I need some jams to slow me down.  And then towards the end of the race, when I'm dying, I'll need faster tunes to pick me up.

In order, here is my list:

1. Over You, by Daughtry (9:24)
2. Gangsta Paradise, by Coolio (9:00)
3. Trying Not To Love You, by Nickelback (9:00)
4. The Way I Loved You, by Taylor Swift (8:54)
5. If You See Him, by Reba (8:36)
6. The Other Side of the Door, by Taylor Swift (8:36)
7. Try, by Pink (8:24)
8. Love the Way You Lie, Pt II, by Rihanna (8:24)
9. Not Ready to Make Nice, by Dixie Chicks (8:24)
10. Used To, by Daughtry (8:06)
11. Lose Yourself, by Eminem (7:48)
12. Love The Way You Lie, by Eminem (7:36)
13. The Lazy Song, by Bruno Mars (7:24)
14. No Diggity, by Blackstreet (7:12)
15. Roar, by Katy Perry (7:00)
16. Just A Dream, by Nelly (7:00)
17. One More Night, Maroon 5 (6:24)
18. Put It On Me, Ja Rule (6:24)
19. Airplanes Pt II, by BOB (6:24)
20. Girl On Fire, by Alicia Keys (6:24)
21. Wasted, by Carrie Underwood (6:00)
22. Fighter, by Christina Aguilera (6:00)
23. No Surprise, by Daughtry (5:48)
24. Can't Let You Go, by Fabulous (5:48)
25. Party In The USA, by Miley Cyrus (5:48)
26. Never Say Never, by Justin Bieber (5:36)
27. Always On Time, by Ashanti (5:12)

I'm not sure how this will effect my running, but I DO know that I run faster with music.  I'm anxious to try this out.  Any super fast songs you like to run too? Suggestions for me?

UCP Half Marathon: ONE week to go!

I will be running my first half marathon is less than 7 days.  It's almost unimaginable.  I have LOVED training for this half and hope to remain in half marathon 'shape'.  I've already checked the halfmarathon.com calendar and there are several races coming up in the next few months in my area (i.e. in around a 2 hour driving range).  This may be superstitious to say, seeing as how I haven't yet run the official race, but I think I'm addicted to this racing distance!

Monday:  Sick little one at home = rest day for Mommy

Tuesday:  see above

Wednesday:  3 miles on the treadmill with Gossip Girl + Netflix (don't worry--there are like, 7 seasons of Gossip Girl.  It's going to last me a w-h-i-l-e!)

Saturday: Liz Hurley 5K

Sunday: Slept through my alarm, so I missed my long run this morning.  Replaced the long run with a 3 mile obstacle run through the farm--complete with gate climbs and cattle gap jumps.  PS:  I tested out my running hair-do for the actual half next weekend.  I don't like running in hats, but I feel like that keeps my hair out of my eyes the best.  Usually, hair bands slip and make me frustrated.  I tried out a new hairband, and it was ok.  I'm still a little undecided, but I guess it'll do.  PS:  I almost bought a Sweaty Band at my local Fleet Feet this week, but I wasn't sure it would do any better than the regular bands.

Personally, this is my favorite:

I have an unruly mop of hair, and the front sections are a little too short to stay back in just a ponytail.   And I'm just not a fan of running in hats.  I really need a hair band, or clip, or something, that will stay put for 13.1 miles.  So if you have any suggestions or ideas, feel free to weigh in!

UCP Half Marathon Training: 2 weeks to go and Life Happens

Sometimes, life just gets in the way of training.  I had great expectations for training this week, but they all just fell short.  I'm not ok with that, but I'm trying to be.

Sunday night was a late one, which made it impossible for me to get up for an early morning run on Monday.  Justin and I had several must-do errands to run after school/work, which led to dinner out and a late arrival back home.  All this equals a rest day on Monday.

Monday night, everything in the world happened to keep me from getting a good night's sleep--both girls woke up not once, but TWICE;  the dogs went crazy over some unknown-to-us-something and wouldn't quiet down for a while.  To top it all off, my allergies were going bonkers, so I woke up a few times in between all the other mess just to try and breathe.  When the alarm went off at 5 am Tuesday morning, I hit snooze without a second thought.  Tuesday night, we went to my little cousins' homecoming game and ran more important errands, leading to yet another rest day.

Wednesday morning I didn't even bother setting an early alarm.  I have no excuse other than just wanting decent sleep.  I did get a quick 2 mile run in on the treadmill around 8:30 Wednesday night.

Thursday was another quick run--2.5 miles on the treadmill (while watching Gossip Girl.  I am very much addicted!).  I followed that up with 5, 1-minute planks.

Sunday's long run began at 6 am.  I'm so lucky that Anna is doing this half with me and comes along for all the long runs.  As much as I hate to admit it, I don't think this run would ever have happened without her!  We got in 13 miles (my longest run yet...ever!), in 1:56:40.

After such a crappy training week, I was feeling really down about this upcoming half.  Yes, it's my first one, but I really wanted to start off with a bang.  I always set lofty goals for myself, but I think a sub-2 hour half is not unreachable for me.  I don't think it's too lofty of a goal, considering all the training I've put in.  To have such an off week this close to race-day has been upsetting.  The long run on Sunday DID help my heart a little.  I can't believe my first half is less than 15 days away!

Workout Recap--Half Marathon Training

This shirt.  I need it.

If you are family and you care nothing about my running, and are just here to check up on my girls, see my previous Week in the Life posts.

If you are here for my awesome organization skills (ha!), check out this blog, especially her printable calendar that I will definitely be purchasing in 2014.

If you are here for your daily inspiration, I'm so sorry read this post about Mom Guilt, and how to get over it.

And if, by chance, you actually are here about running (or are like me and are just super nosy about other peoples lives), here is my workout rewind for the week:

Monday:  Easy recovery run after Sunday's 6 miler.  I logged 3.1 miles in 27:54.

Wednesday: 3.1 miles in 27:57.  (Really should've been faster but whatev's.  I wasn't feeling it.  Who are you to judge me?) 1 mile at faster than 5K pace in 6:24.  Total miles:  4.1

Friday:  *Picture this:  5 a.m., pitch black darkness.  An old lady pulls up, gets out wearing SUNGLASSES, takes an UMBRELLA and a box out of her car, and walks to the playground at the park.  The complete weirdness of this totally threw off my run this morning.  Not to mention the fact that I didn't want to run anywhere near her, so I was stuck running tiny circles which kicked my ADD into overdrive.
             Morning run--->2 miles, 17:57.
             Evening run (to make up for wacky morning run)-->3 miles, 22:39
Total miles for Friday:  5

Sunday: 6 miles in 49:01.  Boo-yah! (In all honesty, I did stop twice to deal with dog issues.  And I stopped my timer when I stopped, so I got 2 unintentional breaks.)

Total miles this week:  18 (18.2 if you want to get technical, and I don't.)

In other news, (and maybe some TMI), I have always been a huge sweater.  I can stand outside in the heat and my shirt will be soaked.  Lately, after my runs, when my sweat has dried, I have discovered that I am covered in SALT.  Like, I can dust the salt off my chin from where the sweat has dried.  What's up with that?  I'm going to refer this question to the running doctors (aka:  Facebook), but if you have any suggestions or medical opinions, feel free to let me know =)

*After some investigation, I found out that the crazy lady from Friday is, in fact, crazy.  But harmless.  Apparently, she comes to the park at all hours of the night to talk to the aliens.  She always wears sunglasses, brings her umbrella, and a box.  Presumably, the box contains the ASHES of her husband.  OMG.


Exercise releases endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy.  Happy people don't shoot their husbands.  -Elle Woods, aka: Alicia Silverstone, Legally Blonde