Running on My Time

2012's Schedule is Floundering

2012-01-29T13:46:00.000-05:00

Most of the blogs I read have put up 2012 race schedules or goals or something having to do with 2012 and exercise. I have not for the simple reason that my 2012 schedule and goals are BLAH. The goals aren't solidified. They aren't different. I don't know if they are really goals, just little things I want to do this year. My problem is that I am a goal oriented person so without defined goals I feel like I'm just doing the motions and I don't like it when it comes to running. I need to work on some good goals, both attainable and ones to strive for.

My race schedule is coming together. It looks, to me, a lot different than the past years because I have no long distance races on it yet. I do have a race planned every month but August. I have never done a race every month before so I may go for it this year.

This is what 2012 is looking like (dates are estimates):

1/8 Winter Series #3 (3 miles done!)
2/19 3-Person Marathon Relay (same relay team as the past two years, I have the 5.49 mile leg this year)
3/17 Runnin' of the Green, 4 miles (new race for me)
4/14 Annual Furry Fun Run/Walk, 5K, benefits the rescue we found our Maddie through (new race for me)
4/21 St. Peter's Keys, 5K (I have a time goal for this one, new race for me)
5/13 Mother's Day 5K (a maybe race, seems like lots of friends run this one, new race for me)
6/17 Mud Mania!, ~2.8 miles (I hope to get a group together for this one...Amanda???)
7/9 Pine Bush Triathlon, sprint distance (plan to see how my old mountain bike holds up, I don't know if I'll be around for this race so I'll need to come up with another July race)
August: nothing yet
9/30 Wineglass Half Marathon...I'm debating this as my only long race of the year (would be a new race for me)
10/15 Annual Mohawk Towpath Byway Duathlon, 2.2 mile run-16 mile bike-2.2 mile run (getting the bike out again for this one, new race for me)
11/12? Stockadeathon, 15K (I loved the cool weather for this race in 2011!)
11/25 HMRRC Turkey Raffle Hour Run (I didn't win anything in 2011 so I should in 2012)
12/9 Winter Series Race #1

I did try to toss in some new races this year to help east the monotony, but I just am not feeling "it" for 2012. Maybe it is because I have two races that include a bike. Have I mentioned I'm not a fan of biking? Well, I'm not. I hope once my running mileage increases again I'll feel better about 2012.

Running Limitations

2012-01-23T13:34:00.002-05:00

I have enjoyed every run I've taken these past few days. Since being cleared to run on Thursday I have hit the treadmill on Thursday and Friday and Saturday and again this morning!! Woo Hoo! I am so happy to be "back."

However there are limitations to my running and now that I've gotten in a few short runs, these limitations are hampering my miles. I do not want to come off as whiney...but I haven't had a good, longer run in 22 days! The limitations:

No getting sweat in eyes What??? Where is the sweat supposed to go? These days I am being very careful to wipe the sweat from my face.
No rubbing eyes So while I'm wiping the sweat from my face I have to be extremely careful so nothing touches my eyes. While I consider myself talented...I don't dare close my eyes to wipe my face while still running on the treadmill. So, every time I ~~want~~ need to wipe my face I have to hop off the TM to do it.
No going where there will be excessive tearing Upstate NY + winter = cold weather. Cold weather + running = lots of tears. I'm on my treadmill for a while (thank goodness I love my TM!).
No hard workouts That speed I was trying to get back isn't coming back anytime soon. I think I can start adding in speed-work in another week or two as long as I follow the rest of the 'rules.'
Keep eyes lubricated Treadmill minus fan = sweaty mess. I cannot turn my fan on because it dries my eyes too much. No fan means even more sweating. More sweating, well, go back to the top of this list.

The list is longer than this, but these are the ones that have bugged me the most. Regardless, I have about one month to get back to 6 mile runs so I can run my leg of the Winter Marathon Relay (same team as last year).

Today I ran 3 miles and then did a kettle-bell workout. It's been a couple weeks since picking up my kettle-bells and I can already tell I'm going to be sore tomorrow.

Wonderful and Amazing

2012-01-19T13:07:00.001-05:00

It was nothing less than wonderful and amazing! Last Friday this was me:

I was frozen and doing my best not to itch my eyes in the picture. Friday morning I had LASIK (on both eyes). The first hours are uncomfortable. The first two days are hazy and dark (constant sunglasses). The rest of the week was fine, but there is no running allowed.

This morning I went in for my one week appointment and after my eyes were checked (20/20 in both eyes!!) and the technical questions were answered I asked the one I'd been dying to ask since I stepped into the office, "Can I run again?" YES!!! His answer was longer and more detailed than just "yes," but the it was the word I wanted to hear. I cannot rub my eyes and should probably stay indoors (it's been cold here).

I was home less than 10 minutes and I was on my treadmill for a v.e.r.y. .s.l.o.w. 2 miler. I don't care how slow or short my run was, it was so great to be back running. I plan to take it easy this week and go on a lot of short, slow runs on the treadmill. I have no doubt I'll love every step I take.

Who knew a week would feel so long and make a simple and short run so amazing?

24 Hrs to go

2012-01-12T14:18:00.001-05:00

I know I planned on blogging more, but it just hasn't happened. Oh well...next week I'll try again. Why not this weekend? Well, in less than 24 hrs I'll be having LASIK. This means that I won't be on the computer much over the weekend as my eyes heal.

This week has been an interesting one in relation to my eyes and running. I had my pre-op appointment on Monday. They dilated my eyes during the appointment and 24 hours later they were still partially dilated. Needless to say, I didn't bother trying to run on Monday afternoon as I originally planned. Sitting on the couch was enough exercise for me. I was able to run on Tuesday and Wednesday. Today we have snow so instead of running, I'm spending my little 'me' time shoveling the driveway. I love being out in the snow, so I'm fine shoveling instead of running.

This brings me to tomorrow. I will work first thing in the morning and then head to my LASIK appointment. I'm really excited. When my appointment is done, ADP will drive me home and I plan on taking a good nap! I can say that I am ready to be done putting drops in my eyes. First the dilation on Monday. Now I'm doing two days of drops to make sure I don't have any eye infections. After the LASIK procedure I'll have to put more drops in to aid in healing.

The downfall is that I cannot do any exercise or anything that will get sweat in my eyes or cause lots of tearing for 7 days. So, no running. No walking the dog in the cold weather (my eyes water a lot). No cutting up onions (what, oh what will I eat...I put onions in so many of our recipes). My one week appointment is one I am looking forward to because I hope they say I can exercise again. Until then, I'll be the one twiddling my thumbs waiting for the week to pass.

The First Race

2012-01-08T14:01:00.001-05:00

I just finished my first race of 2012 and I'm pleased with the results. ADP and I decided to run the third race of the Winter Series (here we are last year). It works well because I can run the three miler, hand in my time and make it out to the finish line to watch ADP finish the 10K. Of course, I had to see if my WS running buddy was going and she was!

Me and Amanda before the race

This year we did not have any of the problems of last year...they sent us the right direction at every turn (last year was a fiasco!). It was a nice 35F with ~13 mph winds.

Me and ADP before the race (we were both in black this year...strange)

Amanda and I said hi to all the runners we knew and headed to the start line. The 3 miler and the other distances (10K and 25K) started in a different area and so most of our friends were not starting with us. The race started at 10 a.m. and we were off. Amanda and I decided not to race this one for various reasons. Amanda had an 8 miler yesterday and I don't really like the whole 'race' thing. So, we set off and I felt great. The way the race is set up we (the 3 milers) get lapped by the 10Kers and 25Kers starting less than 1/2 mile into the race. Last year ADP lapped us about .8 miles into our race, this year it was about the .5 mi mark. Boy was I surprised to see him so quickly! I wasn't surprised to get a lil' love tap on my rear as he ran past (just like last year). The older gents who were running near us loved this! I have to admit it, I did too.

Amanda and I were together for the first 1.75 miles and then Amanda pulled back and I went on without her (I hate it when this happens, but we have that understanding...if one is feeling good then by all means GO FER IT!). I went on and decided to push a little more for the last mile. I finished with garmin reading 2.96 miles (as compared to 3.11 last year and 3.05 the year before). I'm happy with my time and extremely pleased with my splits:

2.96 miles

27:38

9:18/mi ave pace

mi 1: 9:34

mi 2: 9:21

mi 3: 8:37 (8:58 ave pace)

gotta love the negative splits!

This is a free race so as you finish you are handed a card in which you need to fill in your information and hand it in at the registration table. It also means there is no question as to what place you finished.

Once I filled in my info and handed my card in I headed back outside to watch ADP finish. He was almost a whole minute faster than last year!!

ADP coming into the finish!

One of the things I fail to comprehend is how one gets 5th place and fails to get an award. I know how it works with first place and then AG awards...but really, 5th place and nothing. I just can't quite wrap my head around it! Although, looking at the ages we did determine that if they did 5 year AG awards he would have had first...but they didn't so that is that. I think ADP is happy with his time.

And so 8 days into the year I have finished a race in January and I'm happy with how the whole thing went. Plus, there is nothing better than a free race were friends and family are around to spend the time with!

Surprised and Awed

2012-01-05T16:51:00.002-05:00

I don't know why it happened. Or how it happened. Or why it happened. It just did.

Imagine happiness for my friend Felice when she posted that her blog was listed in the Top 100 Running Blogs for 2012. She totally deserves it.

Since I can barely keep up with all the blogs I want to read on a daily (or these days, weekly) basis I had to go to the site and see if there are other blogs that I HAVE to add to my reader. Of course, there are probably 80+ that I want to add, but that wouldn't get me anywhere but stuck on my butt for longer periods of time while I read more blogs (I will add some...just not all of them until someone figures out how to add an hour or two to the day).

I started scrolling down the list and then I saw this blog that you are reading. As I said before...I don't know why it happened...but it did. My little blog that goes on and on about running this and running that is on the list. I don't deserve it; there are many other blogs that are much more deserving. But, I'm going to listen to the voice of my grandma and my mom echoing around in my head and do this....

I'm saying Thank You with a smile. Thank you to you, the readers, who come and visit my blog and comment. Thank you to Rick, who as far as I can tell, who put together the list of 100. Thank you to my family who listen to me hem and haw about what I should even blog about. I am humbled.

Are You a Runner?

2012-01-02T12:46:00.000-05:00

I made it to the doctor this morning and my self-diagnosis sinus infection was confirmed. I have a nice little prescription and will be feeling more like myself soon. While I am happy about being on my way to feeling better I was even happier about my conversation with the nurse.

If you have been to a doctor you know the drill: wait...wait....wait, talk to the nurse, get vitals taken, wait some more, finally see someone who can diagnosis and prescribe meds (if needed).

There was plenty of waiting today because the office was closed yesterday. Thankfully, I beat the rush and only had to wait a short while as compared to many others who came in after me. Once in the exam room I was filling the nurse in on my medical woes. Then she put a pulse-ox reader on my finger while taking my temp. I have no idea what my temp was (probably normal). I didn't think to ask because I was watching my pulse. Then the nurse looked at it, looked at me and asked that beautiful question, "Are you a runner?" "Yes. Did my pulse give it away?" She smiled and wrote down 52 BPM.

I really love that question!

Back to Blogging

2012-01-01T14:23:00.000-05:00

It has been a couple months with little blogging. I am back, but I'm not upbeat today. I have a sinus infection, I didn't sleep well, I have a headache, I have a kink in my shoulder, my head may explode because of said sinus infection and headache. Great way to start a new year, eh?

This year I'm going to take it month by month. The main reason is that my big goals for 2012 scare me. I honestly don't know if I'll be able to hit them, or even come close. More on my goals later this year...

It is January 2012 and I'm focused on the now. January is going to be a different kind of month. I may go to a race next weekend. Every winter there is a Winter Series that one of the local running clubs puts on and of the five races I think next week's is the only one I will be able to make. So, depending on the weather I'll probably be running 3 miles or a 10k next Sunday.

Then I'll be taking some time off from running. It is nothing that I want to do, but I am having LASIK in less than two weeks and I've been told that I cannot run for a week and then during the second week I can exercise, but nothing 'long.' I need to clarify all this with my doc when I go in for my appointments as to what I can and cannot do. When I asked the nurse about exercise, she was slightly shocked when we talked about long runs on the weekend (she was thinking 30 minutes...I said no, more like 1 to 2 hours). So, I'll be out of running for a week or two, but it will be worth it to be out of my glasses once and for all.

Happy New Year!

Did I mention January will be a bit different? Yeah, it will! It is a new month and a new year. Happy New Year!

My Memories Giveaway

2011-12-18T15:12:00.000-05:00

Do you scrapbook? Nope? Me neither. Since I do not scrapbook I had to think long and hard before even thinking about this giveaway. I like everything nice and neat, organized, and digital. My photos I take are primarily for the blog, although some do make it to print form. Instead of writing out a list or a story, I will type it up and print it out (only if necessary). I thought and I thought and finally I said sure, I'll look at the My Memories suite and do a giveaway.

For a non-scrapbooker who likes my photos to stay on my computer this is right up my alley: digital scrapbooking software. Wow, what an awesome program! Another bonus: I really believe that people who love to scrapbook the traditional way will love this too!

When I open the My Memories software I have the option to 'Create Album From Designer Template' or 'Design Your Own' or Browse More Content Online.' Since I'm not big into scrap-booking I played around with the 'Create Album From Designer Template' and it was easy-peasy. I could definitely get lost in this digital scrap-booking world.

There are a lot of templates available in the program and even more on-line for a minimal amount of money (most look to be less than $5 per kit).

I have not completed a scrapbook, but I have started a lot of them (my bad, I know!). Here is one that I started. I picked a Christmas theme because of the time of year...and added running photos. You can see there are a variety of lay-outs and plenty of space to add commentary.

Other layouts that are available (no, I didn't add pictures or comments to these...)

Aren't they cute?

Thanks to Liz who contacted me about this giveaway!

Do you want to win a copy of this software? I have one to give away. Here is what you need to do:

Visit My Memories and let me know what your favorite digital paper pack or layout is (required!!)
Like My Memories is on Facebook
Follow My Memories on Twitter
Follow the My Memories blog
Follow my blog
Share this with others (tweet, blog, share on facebook...1 entry for each share)

Giveaway ends Dec 28!

Another option...cannot wait to win and want to buy this right away? You can.

Simply click above and use code STMMMS9039 to get your discount!

I was given a copy of this software free of charge. The opinions here are mine and mine alone.

It's Wednesday?

2011-12-07T17:58:00.001-05:00

I swear it isn't Wednesday. All day I've been going under the assumption that it is Thursday. I think I even taught my students this morning what I have planned for Thursday. It's been one of those days.

Thankfully, I did get my run in and it was awesome!! Tomorrow, I hope to get Maddie out for a walk or a short run.

The List is Getting Longer

2011-12-05T06:01:00.001-05:00

It seems like my list of things to do is getting longer and longer, despite finishing a lot of things on it daily. Even with my lists, I am taking time once again to run almost daily. I am not going far or fast, but I am going.

Yesterday I took Maddie out for a short run in the morning before the family was off to ride The Polar Express. It was a great time and I'm glad we went, but it certainly made 4:46 come early this morning because I was late going to bed! Add being tired to the fact that I haven't been running first thing in the morning and it was a rough 4 miles. I'm glad I ran. In a few short hours I'll be at yoga, a treat when I have Monday's off.

This weeks plan:
Monday: 4 miles + yoga
Tuesday: walk Maddie*
Wednesday: speed work of some kind
Thursday: walk or run Maddie
Friday: 6 miles
Saturday: walk or run Maddie
Sunday: repeat Saturday

*walking Maddie is different than Maddie's normal walks. When it is my exercise for the day we go longer and we go faster; we walk but we do more than her short walk route.

November by the Miles

2011-12-01T18:49:00.001-05:00

November was not a month to write home about when it comes to mileage, but I did do some good this month so I will celebrate those accomplishments!

November Mileage: 50.83
November Days Run: 12 (40%)
2011 Mileage: 1086.26 (I hit my goal of 1050 miles during a 15k)

coming into the Stockade-athon 15K finish line

November races: 2 (Stockade-athon 15K and Raffal Run)
November goals not met: Running 13.1 miles in one shot. I'm fine with this and will miss this goal in December too.

Me & Amanda at the Raffal Run

All in all, it wasn't a great month. I went back and looked at my previous months' mileage. The last time I had this low of a month was in February 2009. No wonder I feel like I haven't been running this month!

I am celebrating what I did in November. I ran my first 15K!!! It was long and the hills hurt my calf, but I did it. I purposely skipped perfect days to run my favorite 5 mile route so I could go to yoga. I am happy I went to yoga and I hope to have time to go again next week.

December will be better. Unless I am hurt, it cannot get much worse.

Pictures and Miles

2011-11-29T20:12:00.001-05:00

I had a busy Thanksgiving and while I did not log a lot of miles, I did run almost every day. Most of the time I kept my runs under 3.5 miles for various reasons. Today I went out and ran 5 miles. It was a cloudy 50F and I needed to take advantage of the weather! It isn't this warm at the end of November very often. I set off on my favorite 5 mile loop and ran it backwards. This meant I hit my hill at the beginning of mile 2 instead of during mile 5. :) Miles 1 & 2 were right on and then I hit mile 3. Oh My!!! I got a side ache and couldn't catch my breath and had to walk. I have no idea what was going on, but it all happened during that one mile. I did run the rest of my loop and finished stronger than I thought was possible with the miserable middle mile.

Over Thanksgiving break we also went and took our Christmas picture. It is November and the leaves have fallen, the sun was out and there was a light breeze. It was nothing less than a perfect day. No, this isn't the picture we picked...but I wanted to share it because I think it is a great picture of my kiddos.

Back in August, I took some pictures from the same spot when I was on a 19 mile training run. It looks a bit different:

Strange Footing

2011-11-23T12:40:00.001-05:00

I just found this photo from my marathon and I have no idea what is going on with my footing. I've seen other pictures of myself running I don't usually look like I'm trying to cross my legs. This was at the best water stop of the course! One of the high school teams was all decked out in Hawaiian gear handing out water, gatorade. Plus, one kid even asked if I wanted any H2O (music to this chemistry teacher's ears)!

ADP on the other hand was uber focused as he turned one of the corners in the cemetery during his 15K. I think this would have been about mile 6.5:

The Scale Lied

2011-11-21T12:14:00.001-05:00

I weigh myself once a week just to keep tabs on my weight. The scale let me know I was up a little so I was expecting it when I went to Weight Watchers on Saturday to weigh in and work. Well, my scale at home LIED! Apparently it is two pounds light. That is not acceptable in my world (both the scale being that far off and my weight being up by more than a little...and those two 'extra' pounds put me over 'a little').

When I finished working at WW I did some thinking and calculating and more thinking. Yes, I've been enjoying a peanut butter and honey sandwich after dinner most nights. But that alone shouldn't do it. So I figured out how much I've been running. In the first 21 days of November I have racked up a grand total of 33.7 miles. And, 23 of those miles have been in the last 9 days.

Just call me a running slacker*!!

I have a plan. It includes getting out and running more (I really miss running daily), walking the dog, and hitting the gym. I'll do something every day. I'm also cutting out those evening sandwiches. It will take time, but these pounds will be gone before the new year.

*In my defense, I have been having a very hard time figuring out when to run with my work schedule. ADP and I talk about it almost weekly. I need to let go of something to fit it all in, I just don't know what is going so I can still do everything I want.

rafFal Run, or race?

2011-11-20T14:28:00.001-05:00

This morning was the local rafFal run. It is called a run, but I'm sure some consider it a race. Here's the gist:

run the one mile loop and get a raffle ticket
repeat
stop when the clock hits 60 minutes, or before if you cannot finish another lap in the time allotted

It was a lot smaller than last year (291 runners & walkers this year compared to 415 last year). Just like last year Amanda and I ran it together. This year Darlene joined us and it was nice to catch up with her. I realize that Amanda and I ran the first hour of the 15K together last week, but we still had plenty to talk about this morning.

thanks to Lisa for taking the picture

We ran the mile loop getting passed again and again by all the various high school cross country kids. And the fast college runners. And the fast runners. The thing is, it just gave us more to talk about. I ran 4 laps with Amanda and Darlene and then opted to walk/run the last lap. Today I wanted to try running without my IT-band strap and I was fine for ~4 miles and then there was an oddly familiar discomfort in my left leg. I knew what it was so I played it safe and started walking.

In the end I ran 5.3 miles and earned 5 rafFal tickets plus the one that I found on the ground. With three of us we had 15 raffle tickets and did not win a single thing. :( Maybe next year!

Grace and Stability

2011-11-15T15:45:00.001-05:00

One of the benefits of my job is that it is part-time so I have time to go to the gym again. When I started this position at the beginning of the school year I did not want to go to the gym and try new things for the sole reason that I had a marathon coming up. Well, my marathon has come and gone so I have been visiting the gym and hitting up some classes.

Lucky for me, I have had a string of Mondays off which is one of two days the gym offers yoga in the morning. Yay! I like yoga and how it stretches the muscles at the same time I have to work hard to hold certain poses. The past few Mondays have not been too bad and I walked out happy, tired, and wanting more. We did some great stretches and lengthening poses.

Yesterday I went to yoga again. I had run a 15K the day before and was more sore than I expected to be considering I did not especially push during the race. Yoga was going along fine (with the few poses I couldn't do properly because of my ankle and calf...but I made due) and then once we were warmed up the instructor says we are going to work on 'grace and stability.'

My first thoughts were 'Huh? What?' Then she explained and my thoughts changed more toward a line of swearing. I am a go with the flow person and I don't swear out loud, but that doesn't mean a word or two slips through in my thoughts on occasion. Here's what she explained using my words:

You are going to get into a pose that is near impossible to hold and your legs will be shaking uncontrollably in a very short amount of time. Once you get into the pose you have to hold it for what will feel like 20 or 30 minutes before moving onto the next pose.

OK, so we didn't really hold poses for 30 minutes, but each one was at least a minute long (some as long as two minutes) with little rest between the poses. It felt great, but not recommended for the day after a race. I'm a bit sore and tired today.

One thing I learned yesterday: the planks that I've been doing at home after running, well apparently I don't hold them for nearly long enough. The 75 year old next to me was smiling and having a great time while I was panting and dripping sweat.

Next up is probably spinning. It's been a long time and I'm sure to have a numb butt and a smile on my face when I'm finished with it.

My First 15K

2011-11-13T14:31:00.001-05:00

I finally ran a 15K. Yes, I've run a few half marathons and even a full marathon, but I've never run a 15K. I didn't just pick any old 15K for my first. I picked the Stockade-athon, which is recognized as the oldest "major" 15K road race in the USA. The best part, it was ADP's first 15K as well.

Yesterday we went and picked up our packets. In years past the shirts have been long sleeve so I was quite surprised when the shirts were short sleeve. It isn't short sleeve weather around here, but it is a nice shirt that will sit in my drawer until next April when it is warm enough to wear it.

ADP's name is before mine in the ABC's so he had number 1229

Yesterday we were busy with life, taking care of the neighbor kids and getting things done around the house. This didn't leave a lot of time to think about the 15K, which is a good thing because I may have changed my mind about running the race (as opposed to pushing myself and racing it).

ADP and Suzy pre-race

This morning dawned bright and early. We got ready, dropped the kids off at the neighbors (we had their kids yesterday, they have ours today!!), and were off to the race.

We were there plenty early, which is good because I only had to wait a few minutes to use the bathroom. Closer to race time the bathroom and port-a-pottie lines were horribly long. There was a record turn out of ~1,800 so they really needed more port-a-potties.

ADP gave me a quick kiss (awwwww!) and was off to line up. I stuck around with a group of local runners. Most are moms and all are amazing women. We had a couple quick pictures taken and then we were off to the start. Of course, getting to the starting line isn't a straight path because I saw some USA Fit runners and had to say hi to them as well. It is great to have a local race with so many familiar faces.

Strong Running Mamas

My plan for the race was to take it easy, walk up the hills (if need be) and finish the race. Even though that was my plan, I had a time in mind as well...what runner wouldn't?? I really wanted to finish under 1:45 because I didn't know how I'd handle it mentally if I went longer. My 'I don't know if I can do it because it'll be hard work and I'll have to push' goal was 1:40. I really didn't think I'd have a chance to break 1:40.

Amanda and I lined up with a lot of the group and we stuck together for the first ~5.5 miles. We needed some time to catch up as it had been way to long. I was surprised when I saw my splits coming up for the first five miles (10:11, 9:56, 9:54, 9:33, 10:28). Happily surprised. Here's the thing: we were running mainly downhill. A race where the start and finish lines are close to one another and is downhill for the first half means only one thing for the second half: UPHILL! And then I saw "the hill" and made it part way and then walked. I'm glad I walked because my calf is a little tender now. I walked when it was uphill and ran when it was flat for the next three miles (11:21, 10:26, 11:26).

Then I turned the corner and saw ADP. My first question was whether he hit his goal (he did!!!). He ran with me for about 1.5 miles. It was great to have ADP running along with me and talking! He ran me almost to the finish line and didn't even say a word when I had to walk for a few seconds here and there. My final splits were 10:49 and 9:24 equiv. What does that add up to? Garmin says 9.39 miles in 1:37:46. WAY faster than I could have hoped for!

ADP did amazing! He finished in 58:30! His prize: he got a sticker for finishing the 15K in under 60 minutes.

My official numbers:

90 of 126 in my AG

#1344 of 1603 finishers

5K: 33:28

10K: 1:04:32

Finish: 1:37:35 net (1:37:59 gun)

10:29/mi average

ADP's official numbers:

7 of 98 in AG

#62 of 1603 finishers

5K: 20:02

10K: 38:36

Finish: 58:30 net (58:37 gun)

6:17/mi average

Five Things Friday, 11/11

2011-11-11T06:34:00.001-05:00

1. Happy Veteran's Day! Today we honor the almost 25 million military veterans in the USA.

source

2. I am working on my race list for 2012. This year was completely different than I thought it would be, so I'm leaving the second half of the year open because you never know what will happen.

3. It was 64F the other day when I went out and ran. It is not supposed to be anywhere close to 64F in November where I live. I was drenched when I was done with my two miles. Thankfully, everything is back to normal and it is a nice 41F this morning.

4. I'm floundering with my running....and with my exercising....and with my eating. Thus, I haven't been blogging much. I'll figure it out; I always do.

5. I have a 15K on Sunday that I'm planning on running. My legs feel good and are finally back after my marathon. My calf doesn't hurt when I run or walk or skip anymore! I still don't think it would be a good idea to push too much in this race because my plan has always been to run this to keep myself moving after my marathon and I'm going to stick to my plan. It is supposed to be dry and ~40F at the start. Perfect weather for a nice Sunday morning run. The best part, ADP is running too...although I think he's got a time goal in mind. As always, he'll beat me to the finish line and I know I'll see him there cheering me on when I finish.

2011-11-04T19:31:00.001-04:00

One of the benefits of finishing at the end of the race is that when you see the finish line video you will have no problem figuring out which one you are crossing the finish line. Why? Because you are the only one finishing!

(I do have to say that holding hands with two kids and running is not the easiest. But it is the best!)

October by the Numbers

2011-11-02T07:14:00.002-04:00

October was quite a month for me! Wow!!!

October miles run: 104.564.39
October races: 1 (Mohawk Hudson River Marathon)
October days run: 10 (32%)
Shortest run: 2.15 miles
Longest run: 26.25 miles (marathon day)
Pain: Yes, there was pain. I trained to run a marathon and then walked the majority of the second half. My left calf is almost back to 100%. I had peroneal tendonitis in my left ankle previously and the marathon inflamed the tendon a little so the pain was back. All better now!

Looking forward: In November I have two "races" planned. The first is a 15K and I am not racing it. Frankly, I am not 100% sure I'm even going to try to run the whole thing (see "pain" above...calf hurts going up hills and this races has some hills). The purpose of signing up for the 15K was to keep me moving after the marathon and it worked! The second is an hour rafFal run. Last year they announced that the course record was an hour. I intend on going for the record this year. I think my winter running buddy Amanda is going to be there too so we'll have plenty of time to catch up.

What's My Pace?

2011-10-21T13:20:00.002-04:00

The 24 weeks leading up to my marathon I worked hard to slow my pace down. I knew it was the only way I'd make it 26.2 miles. Even though I have a race coming up in less than a month my goal is to run it, not race it, so pace is not on the forefront of my mind.

fallen leaves make the creek visible

Now that the marathon is done (12 days to be exact), I am running by feel and not paying attention to my pacing at all. I even changed my garmin so my pace is no longer listed. I am good enough at math that I could easily figure my pace out by looking at the time and distance, but I don't want to...yet. I have not run a lot, but I have run enough to be surprised by the splits on my garmin.

My first outdoor run was just over 3 miles and my splits were surprising.

A few days later I went out for a six mile run and once again didn't bother looking at my splits or pace until I was finished.

Considering I am not 100% yet and only 12 days post marathon, I am really happy. So, what will my pace be when I finally recover fully? Maybe I'll even set a PR or two in 2012.

Aglove Review and a Discount way to buy

2011-10-19T00:30:00.000-04:00

Do you have a phone with a touchscreen? I do and all last winter I had to keep stripping my gloves off to use it. So, when Agloves offered to let me review a pair of their touch screen gloves I accepted!

I had to send them my hand measurement. Please note that their sizing is different depending on the style of glove you want. I measured, e-mailed and then waited.

When the gloves arrived I had to try them on, despite the warm temps. I tried them out with my phone right away as well. Here is what Agloves says about their gloves:

Touch Screen Gloves for cold weather use. You can text with these gloves on! Agloves touch screen gloves are lightweight, soft, warm, stretchy and slightly fuzzy knitted gloves. Made in the USA, these seamless, knitted gloves have high quality workmanship. Agloves are compatible with any and all of your touch screen phones, cameras, multimedia devices, game systems, and eReaders. Two unisex sizes S/M or M/L Color is black with silver flecks to produce a charcoal grey coloring. Hand washable in water.

It has not been cold out so I do not know if they keep my fingers warm, but I definitely agree with everything else they say about the gloves. I can use my phone, but I do have to push a little harder and cannot txt as fast. I am fine with it because I do not have to take my gloves off to keep in touch or take pictures.

Their gloves, available at Agloves, range from $17.99 to $23.99. Shipping charges are only $3.00. The lucky thing for you is that on October 19 Agloves is participating in a groupon-like promotion with Jasmere.com. For three days, the discount is a $24 voucher for $12!! Amazing. If more people buy the price can go even lower.

You can check out their website, Agloves.com, their Twitter and Facebook pages for more information.

Taking it easy

2011-10-17T15:44:00.001-04:00

I am back running a little here and a little there. It has only been a little over a week so I don't want to push or hurt myself so close to my marathon.
I do have plans... In less than a month I'll be running my first 15k. I am running it because I want to and so that I have something to keep me going post marathon. It will be slow and I am good with slow. ADP, who is also running it, will just have to wait a little longer at the finish line for me.
Here is the newest addition to my car (the sticker looks crooked in the photo but is straight even though this type-a person refrained from getting a ruler out to ensure perfect alignment):

Marathon Tidbits and More Pics

2011-10-14T16:03:00.000-04:00

A few tidbits that I found funny or interesting about the marathon this weekend.

Toward the end of the race I managed to find a biker (course marshal or medical person) who had something salty in his pack of goodies. He gave me a little package of trail mix. Knowing my stomach was not agreeing with anything, I very sadly threw all the M&M's to the side of the course and said a sad goodbye to each and every M&M.

the photographer cut Amanda in half...though you can see she is holding my handheld

I ran without music.

the finish from one side. it looks like Bugs is hiding

I had no appetite after the race. My stomach started growling during the middle of the night so loudly I thought I'd wake the whole house. Needless to say I was in the kitchen at 2 am for my first breakfast a mere 12 hours after finishing my marathon.

finish...sign and all

Somewhere during the 24th mile of the marathon I hit 1,000 miles for this year! I only have 48 mile to my goal for the year.

my favorite professional photograph!

AG update: place 66 of 70

I went to a doctor yesterday because my ankle has been bothering me since Sunday when I ran. Apparently I need Bengay (really, am I that old??) and I'll be good to go. Thankfully, I just irritated the tendon that had tendonitis in it. FWIW, I did go to a doc who specializes in tendon and ligament trauma so I am not going to question his opinion on this one at all. I'll run tomorrow and test the ankle out. Tonight, I'm going to help eat an R2D2 cake.

my afternoon project

The Good, Ugly and Ending, Marathon RR

2011-10-11T11:01:00.001-04:00

There is no easy way to write a race report, much less one that covers 26.2 miles but I am going to do my best. It all started out...

marathon 'stuff' ready to go

ready to leave for the starting line

7:30 am: dropped off by ADP and the kids (who were sporting their PJ's). Headed straight to the bathrooms where there were 4 people in front of me. By the time I was finished the line was ~100 deep.
8:00 am: Group picture of the USA Fit training group that I've spent the past ~24 weeks with.

8:30 am: We are off! We started right on time as the half marathoners start at the same time...only ~14 miles ahead of us (yes, 14 miles...it all works out though).

mile 3.5: Get chills through my whole body as I run through the research circle because I know the rest of the course! I have finished the only unknown miles of the whole race.
mile 4: Quickly remember how beautiful but LONELY the rest of the course is!
mile 5: If it was a training day, I would call it quits and head home. Hot. My stomach hurts. Hot. My head is light. Hot.
mile 7: It is getting hotter. Start to add more walking into the running routine.
mile 10: Walk half mile, run half mile. Make sure to run through picture taking:

mile 10...still looking ok

marker 13.1: 2:29:34. No IDEA how I did it, but hit my goal of running the first half in 2:25 to 2:30.
mile 14: Call ADP. 'I don't know how to do another 13 miles.' He gives me some tough loving. I try to run. It is hotter now. Running = light headed. Gel = stomach aches. Water & nuun = stomach aches.
miles 14-17: Go back and forth with myself. Try running...get light headed and have to stop and put head between knees. (Have I ever mentioned that I don't like it when it is warm????)
mile 17: Call ADP again. My side of the conversation goes something like this: 'I feel like hell. BUT, I don't care if I am the very last person out here I am going to finish this g** d*** race.' ADP said something like 'that's what I wanted to hear.'
mile 17 to end: walk - walk - walk - walk - walk (you get the idea). Water over head and down back at most water stops. Try to keep up fluid intake but have long since given up trying to eat solids/gels.
~mile 18: find Ragnar Relay teammate sitting on the side of the road on a barrier. I ask if she's ok. I ask if she can walk. I didn't really pay attention to my watch again for pace or heart rate. We spent the rest of the race walking and talking and catching up. Apparently I walk fast for her because I was walking and most of the time she did a running shuffle/run to keep up.
~mile 21: Amanda shows up to "run" me in. I knew I'd see her...but didn't expect to see her for another mile or two. She was great. Talked when we couldn't. Listened. Carried our waters. Kept us moving along. Amanda is the saving grace in this race!!! She was amazing. During this time we saw people sitting on the side of the course not looking good. We saw one person on a stretcher with oxygen. When the race was done, I found out that they treated a lot more people than years past...most of it because of the 81F high temperature.
mile 26:

best cheering group ever waiting for me

me and Amanda (the other in our group was just in front of us as her BF was there waiting for her)

trying to hold back tears as my kids run out to me

Run with me! I ran the last half mile...and about the last .1 was with my munchkins.

mile 26.25: DONE! 5:42:24

my arms were too tired to hold the banana, so yes this technique works just fine!

The best running friend a person can as for!

Bugs, me, & Punky (kudos to the photographer ADP as well)

The details:
5:42:24 for a 13:06/mi ave
first half 2:29:34 for an 11:25/mi ave
second half 3:13:27 for a 14:46/mi ave (I'll take it for a quick paced long walk)
place: 849 of 884 finishers
AG place: unk at this time...when "they" are done checking all the BQ times then I'll have access to that information. It looks like 3 or 4 finished after me though.
High temperature: 81F with not nearly enough shade to stay cool

It started good.

The whole middle was ugly.

And then it ended!

Thanks to everyone who shared in this journey with me!

Marathon Preview

2011-10-10T13:00:00.000-04:00

I don't have it in me today to write my race report so I'll share my absolute favorite picture from the race with you. My kids met me at the end to run with me over the finish line. :)

I hope the photographers taking the finishing photos got some good ones. I don't like buying photos from my races, but if there is a good one it will be worth it!

The Finish Line

2011-10-09T08:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday (a.k.a. the day I am writing this as it is supposed to publish as I start my first marathon), I went and picked up my bib and stopped by the finish line. Here is a preview of the end...

the bib...all fancy this year with my name!

a decent picture of me near the finish line. note the hair blowing in the breeze...I hope it is breezy tomorrow when it is 80F out.

the shirt. half marathoners get short sleeve shirts and full marathoners get long sleeve shirts. this is my first long sleeve shirt! this is also the third time running this event (2 halves in the past) and this is the third design.

~one tenth mile to the finish line

put the finish line here!

Thank You

2011-10-08T12:49:00.001-04:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I am so thankful for all of you who take time to read and comment on my blog. Tomorrow I know I'll be thinking of all your kind words as I run my first marathon.

Today I am eerily calm. I am ready and I have no time goal so I'll take what comes my way and hopefully enjoy the experience. This is a weekend I'll remember forever.

Marathon Training Goal

2011-10-07T13:11:00.002-04:00

Do you ever go into a training plan with a goal for the training? I did and it did not have anything to do with running. Yes, I wanted to stay healthy. Yes, I wanted to get all my miles in. Yes, there are lots of things I wanted, but I only had one really big goal.

10/6/11

Something I don't talk much about is weight. My big goal was to keep my weight even. I didn't want my weight to go up or down over the last 24 weeks. How did I do? For the most part I did great! I kept going to Weight Watchers over this cycle and I am happy to say that my top and bottom weight (other than a little blip after a fun eating weekend) were only 2 pounds apart. I am finishing my training weighing the same that I started it! I call that successful!!

My Marathon Race Plan & Goal

2011-10-06T08:20:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about these two questions since I signed up for the marathon: What is my plan? What is my goal?

The second question is much easier to answer than the first. I have but one goal: FINISH THE MARATHON! I have entertained other thoughts but there is only one goal. The marathon course technically closes after 5h 30m and I would like to finish before the course closes. If my ITB behaves, I would absolutely love to finish around 5 hours. I am focused on finishing the race.

The finish line (10/2009 half marathon)

My plan is harder to pin down. I was planning on running the course, walking through the water stops, and just plug along. All that was before I rolled my ankle which caused my ITB to act up. Now, I plan on running as much as I can with walking through the water stops and up hills. The course is mainly downhill with a few little uphills and uphills aggravate my ITB so walking them should help me.

The race, the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon, is a great small race. I ran the half marathon last year (set my current PR) and the year before (my first half) so I know the last half of the course. My training over the last two years had me running on most of the first half of the course over and over. The only part of the course I am not familiar with is the first 3.5 miles. It feels good knowing the course.

the last ~5 miles look like this

Now, something I have no control over but must complain about anyway! Fall marathon. Fall usually means cooler weather (last year it was 38F at the start of this race and the year before just over 40F). The average high is 63F. So, what is the weather going to be like on Sunday? HOT!

See Sunday...81F for a high. The record high is 83F. Gah! Now, since this race is going to take me 5+ hours, I won't finish until early afternoon which means it will be about this warm when I'm running. I am so not happy about it. The good thing about the forecast: no rain!

Marathon Training Thoughts

2011-10-03T16:48:00.001-04:00

It all started back in May when I won training with the local chapter of USA Fit from The Happy Runner. Woo hoo! I won and then I had to train for a marathon (I could have chosen a half, but I wanted a full). It all fell into my lap and seemed too good to be true. ADP and the family were on board so I started training.

The beginning of the training plan was spent going back and forth trying to figure out which group (a.k.a. speed) I should run with. It was a small training group and found out that I was the only one running my pace so I ran alone sometimes and for shorter runs would run with others. The other part was that it was not until the end of week 11 that I actually had mileage that I was not accustomed to. It all worked out in the end and I did some long runs and some short runs and a lot in the middle.

The training plan itself started with the week 1 long run being three miles. Perfect for those going from a 5K or little training to a full marathon. However, I had been running a half marathon a month so three was shorter than most of my mid-week runs. It was a little short for me.

The plan is also 24 weeks long. I am sure those going from a 5K to marathon need this time, but I was ready to be done after about 14 weeks. I do not know what other marathon training plans are like, but oh this one has taken FOR.EVER! I have survived though.

The "mechanics" are similar to other plans...long run on the weekend, track workouts, tempo runs, with some easy runs mixed in. I love long runs. I growing to love tempo runs (as long as it isn't hot). Track workouts are still so-so for me. Up until now I had been doing 400s up to 2000s for my speed work. This training plan was time based so 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 1 min and 3 mins for the fast part of the track workout. I get why speed is important in a training plan. But can someone explain to me how a 1 minute fast / 2 mins slow is going to help me over the course of a marathon that will probably take me at least 300 minutes? Just curious.

So...in the future I will stick to shorter training plans so I'm not ready to be done. I'll keep the track workouts to "longer" distances (all the better now that I know how to set it up on my garmin to do repeats!!). I definitely plan to keep the tempo runs as well!

Last Long Run

2011-10-02T10:11:00.003-04:00

Friday morning I had my last long run before "the" marathon. While "the" marathon might be Boston, NYC, Chicago or some other big marathon for many; "the" marathon for me is the race in one week. My last long run was on Friday morning and I took my phone along and took a few short videos. Enjoy!

I'll be back later this week with my thoughts on my marathon, training, and some goals for the big day.

September by the Numbers

2011-09-30T14:24:00.001-04:00

This month brought a lot of changes. I returned to work (part-time), the kids returned to school, ADP got a new job (same company), and I kept on running.

September miles run: 104.5
September races:  0
September days run:  21 (70%)
Shortest run:  2.05 miles
Longest run:  18 miles
Pain: I have an angry left ITB again. It is fine on shorter runs. I'm busy rolling, icing, and doing lots of exercises to keep it from getting worse (and hopefully it is getting better).

October will be one I will always remember because my first marathon is Columbus Day weekend.

The World is Right Side Up

2011-09-27T14:03:00.001-04:00

Ever have one of those days where nothing is wrong, but everything is just off? That has been the last few days for me. This morning when I finished work I headed out for a run. It was supposed to be a nice little 50 minute run at an easy pace. Apparently I needed a little more because I ping-ponged back and forth with my splits with 10 min/mile being the net (10:23, 9:42, 10:02, 9:50, 9:46). No consistency with my pace but I don't care. I was just out for a nice run. The good thing...while I was out running the world righted itself. All is great now (as much so as it can be) and the day has gone wonderfully since.

I tried out my new ITB strap and I had no ITB pain during the run. I have been doing my rolling, icing, stretching, exercises, and more for my ITB. I am cautiously hopeful that my marathon goes well in 1.5 weeks.

YMX Gear Winner

2011-09-23T17:38:00.001-04:00

Random.org helped me figure out who the YMX winner is. I entered in the info and it spit out:

Comment number 19 belongs to:

Congratulations Jen!!

Please e-mail me (runningonmytimemail at gmail ...you know the rest) your mailing address and shirt size.

Monday Morning Mileage

2011-09-20T13:50:00.001-04:00

I was a few days behind and did not get to do my long run over the weekend so I went out on Monday morning. My training plan said to go out for a 21 mile run. I figured I'd do five mile loops until I was done in hopes that my knee would cooperate.

ready to head out

stocked and ready to go

I went out and the first five miles were pretty good. A little faster than they should have been (because of the GI issues the latter half of the week). I stopped home, filled my bottle with nuun, used the bathroom and headed back out. The second five mile loop was great as well. My paces from the first 10 miles were right where I wanted them, 10:34 to 10:57/mile. Once again I stopped at home and filled up my handheld and took off again. I slowed down a little for the next loop and wasn't as consistent (10:18 - 11:50/mi) but I still felt good. When I stopped home at 15.6 miles I took a few pictures.

love the shirt! hate how it shows the sweat.

I took off again and was fine at mile 16.8 and by 16.9 my IT-band not only made itself known but let me know I wasn't going any further. GAH! Talk about an unhappy moment for me. I now know what was bugging my knee. I was about a mile from my house so instead of calling a friend (who was "on-call" in case I needed a ride) I decided to see how my ITB faired walking. I covered the mile in 14:15 and I had no pain in my leg or knee! I finished the day with 18 miles.

run = thumbs down

I am unhappy that my IT-band in angry now with less than three weeks to my first marathon. I did find a positive in this though: if I cannot run the whole marathon, at least I know I can walk the end of it!

post run fuel: peanut butter - honey - butter - banana sandwich with kettle chips!

Taper has officially begun.

A 10K to Remember

2011-09-18T19:58:00.002-04:00

This morning we went to the Dunkin' Donuts 5K and 10K run. I had myself a cup of coffee and was quickly reminded why I don't drink coffee; I just don't like it. ADP on the other hand loves it:

We got to the race early and it worked out really well. We backed the car into a spot so we could see the runners and stay warm while sitting the the back end. :) Perfect for eating some Dunkin' Donut bagels as well.

Soon it was time to line up. Did I mention that I wasn't there to run? I didn't run, it was an ADP race. I don't know if he lined up with a lot of short people or if he is really that tall, but he's the guy in the grey shirt below (middle of the photo).

The race started and ADP was off. Soon the Dunkin' Donuts car was driving by tossing frisbees to the kids. Shortly thereafter the front runners were going by. They were SPEEDY!! The 5K is part of one of the grand prix series around here so some of the really fast guys came out to race. It was not long and ADP was running by! We were excited to see him.

When most of the runners went by I saw this couple and I had to take a picture. I do not know who they are, but it was fun to watch them. He was walking along like it was a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. She was walking along with a determined stride. The best part is that they were walking the same pace!

3 miles done...only 3.2 to go! Looking good!!

We saw ADP at the start, miles 1, 3, ~4 and then we walked to the finish line. I brought along the best spectators any dad could want: his kids. They cheered when they saw ADP, asked lots of great questions about the different race distances, and watched faithfully at the finish line.

yes, those are winter coats they have on. it got cold!

ADP turning the corner to the finish line!

...and done!

ADP told me what his goal was prior to the race and he got it! A cool morning 10K in 39:27! Way to go, dear hubby of mine. You hit your goal of racing a 10K and finishing sub-40.

The family did not stick around for the awards, but did find out ADP finished 6th overall and 3rd AG. It was a 10K to remember!

Three Things Thursday, 9.15

2011-09-15T15:54:00.002-04:00

Dear Mother Nature, We don't need any more rain. If you could turn off the tap we'd appreciate it. Sincerely, the Northeast US
My knee felt pretty good today. It was a little tight when I first woke up, but it only took a little walking around to loosen up. I was supposed to do a 30 minute tempo run but turned it into a 30 minute easy run. Felt good before, during and after running.
I turned the pilot light on for my fire place. It's supposed to be my kind of cold at night and I love having the fireplace going. Now, if the inside of the house would just cool off...

running after the butterflies we released yesterday (before the rain)

Acorns are Evil

2011-09-14T13:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was out running and landed on an acorn wrong. I'm not talking about the little acorns that I grew up with. These acorns are easily an inch in diameter and when you step on one it just rolls and rolls. My ankle turned so the outside of my ankle touched pavement and I felt something in my knee.

I have turned my ankle many times in my life so my first thought was not on my ankle, rather on my marathon that is in less than a month. I still took it easy, iced, rested, elevated, and iced some more.

Today my ankle is fine, just as expected. Unfortunately, my knee is tight. There is nothing torn or pulled or anything bad (according to my self-assessment), but it certainly does not feel like it did yesterday before I turned my ankle. I guess I should have iced my knee. More rest, ice, and elevation are on tap for today. And possibly tomorrow. Maybe Friday as well. Saturday will come and I'll have to decide what to do about my planned 21 miler. I can only hope all the evil acorns disappear from the area and my knee feels better soon!

YMX Review and Giveaway-Closed

2011-09-13T08:17:00.001-04:00

YMX sent me a few items to review and review them I did. When I pulled the clothing out of the box the first thing I noticed was the material, it felt like a soft, tissue weight t-shirt. My thought was how in the world will this wick sweat? I did a little looking and this is what I pulled from the YMX site about the fabric:

Fabric: MadKool ® 92% Polyester 8% Spandex

Properties: "UV protection SPF 50+, permanent moisture wicking by yarn, abrasion resistant, soft hand"

Fit: "slim fit, wear one size up for relaxed fit"

The MadKool fabric amazing! I took the Maori Cycling Jersey out of a few runs and it was wonderful, especially when it was warm and I could unzip the jersey to cool off. Since it is summer, when I run outside I sweat a lot. When I tried the jersey I knew I was sweating, but I didn't realize how much until I got home. My shirt was soaked, but I didn't even realize it. You couldn't see sweat lines on the shirt as well, which is an added bonus to those of us who sweat a lot. I did ask ADP to be my photographer and he got a few pictures of the Maori Dragon Cycling Jersey. The back has an awesome dragon design. I have only one con to share, if I wore a lower cut pair of running shorts then the bottom of the jersey crept up and I finally tucked the front in to keep my belly covered.

3 pockets at the bottom

Maddie didn't want to have her picture taken

I also have this Tribal Sea Running Tee that I love! It fits perfectly.

The other item YMX sent is the Maori Stripe Bolero that I have worn it a few times. When it arrived I had no idea what it was (I'm not fashion forward), but I tried it out. It is made from the same material as the the rest of the items I have. Perfect for running! The weather is getting cooler and the one thing I'd love the bolero to have is thumb holes for when I wear it running. However, I did not want any thumb holes when I wore the bolero to the soccer field. The fields are always breezy and it was cool in the morning when we left the house. I got a lot of compliments on the bolero. Soccer day:

I love the pattern!

Once I was warm from running around on the soccer field with the kids it was easy to take off and store in ADP's bag for the rest of the day. I will definitely add this to my running and outdoor wardrobe.

Do you want to win YMX gear? You are in the right place. This is only available to US residents. Here is what you need to do (please leave a comment for each you do):

Become a follow of my blog
Go to the YMX site and let me know what you love!
Like YMX by YellowMan on Facebook
Follow YMX on twitter (@WearYMX)
Follow me on twitter (@RunningOnMyTime)
Share the great news about this giveaway, just let me know how many entries to give you

This giveaway ends at the end of Sunday, 9/18.

Disclaimer: These items were sent to me free of charge in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine and mine alone.

GAH!

2011-09-09T12:28:00.002-04:00

This is what my ticker says today:

First Day of School

2011-09-07T13:49:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of school for most of the kids, and thus teachers, in the area. So what am I doing today? Running errands, running and trying to stay dry. See, every fourth day I don't have any students so I can prep from home. Today just happens to be the day I am home so I was able to see the kids off to their first day of school. Here they are at their finest:

Well, not necessarily their finest, but definitely their silliest.

I ran on the treadmill this morning. I am not against running in the rain (in fact I did it yesterday). We are just a little waterlogged so I decided to run on the treadmill. We have a stalled front and the remnants of "Lee" over us at the moment so rain, rain go away. Some day I'll either be able to run outside without huge puddles or I'll have to take up boating.

Day 2

2011-09-06T14:22:00.002-04:00

Today was the second day of school for me and I'm ready for the students to head back to school. I found something really important out last week: I am out of practice sitting through a day of meetings. We had one day of meetings and I arrived home and felt fried. I sat down and ADP took care of everything that evening. I didn't even run last Thursday because I was so unaccustomed to sitting in meetings.

Day two is today and I faired much better. We didn't have any meetings today because it was a prep day. I prepped, I copied, I got a desk. And then I left and went to the track. I ran circles and did my little speed workout and now I'm eating lunch. Tomorrow I plan on adding reading blogs to my list so I can catch up on all the great things everyone has been up to.

August 2011 by the Numbers

2011-08-31T06:48:00.002-04:00

How can August be done today? This month has flown by.

August miles run: 132.69 (highest ever by 1.01 miles)
August races:  0
August days run:  31 (100%)
Shortest run:  2.15 miles
Longest run:  19.27 miles
Pain: none, although the outside of my left leg is tight

Coming up in September: a life change (heading back to work), my longest run ever, little kid soccer coaching, going to the gym, and learning how to organize a fun run.

Not Enough Summer Left

2011-08-30T07:04:00.000-04:00

I have not been on my computer because I am trying to savor every last minute of summer vacation. We still have a week before everyone is at school (me included...check this post if you missed it). I had ample time on Sunday when we were inside all day when Hurricane Irene's left-overs went over us but we had no power. No power means no playing on the web and doing important things like reading blogs. Next week...I promise I'll be back next week. Until then, if you need me I'll be outside enjoying the cool mornings, perfect afternoons, and comfortable evenings.

Last, but most important, thank you to everyone who said congrats and wished me well in my last post. I'm beyond excited to get in the classroom. I'm also petrified to go back to work after all these years, but it is a good petrified. When the unknown comes, I remind myself that it will all work out...it always does. Going back to work is no different, it will all work out.

Change is in the Air (great news post)

2011-08-24T14:02:00.002-04:00

This post should start with "Once upon a time..." and end with "They lived happily ever after" but it isn't a fairytale, it is my life, so I'll tell it how it is.

Eight years ago this month I left my job, ADP defended and passed his doctoral dissertation, we moved half-way across the country and moved into our first house. Five weeks later ADP had just completed the first month of his first 'big boy job' and our first born entered our lives. A short 16 months later our youngest arrived. I have not had a full time - out of the house - job in the last eight years. I've played around with a fun job (Pampered Chef Consultant), a job to keep me honest (Weight Watchers Receptionist), and some other things here and there. The past eight years have been nothing less than spectacular with my kids.

This year will be different. Both my kids will be in school full time this year. I officially graduated last December and participated in commencement ceremonies in May. I have been looking for a job but in this economy and with teachers being laid off in almost every district where I live there are not jobs to choose from.

And then there was another job posting to apply to. I was asked for an interview. I wanted to have high hopes, but it would be my fourth interview since graduating the other three did not go anywhere. Less than 24 hours later I was offered a JOB! Change is definitely in the air! I'm headed back to work on September 1.

Let's not get too crazy though. I've been home for eight years so I think that working a part-time (.4 in the education world) job is going to be perfect. I'll be getting my foot in the door in a public school!! I'll be teaching general chemistry!! I'll be home to get my kids off the bus in the afternoon!! Like I said, I could practically end this with ...and they lived happily ever after.

1 thing: I am posting this because I have been getting all the paperwork for starting school and will go to orientation this Friday. BUT, I won't be "official" until the School Board approves me toward the end of Sept when they next meet.

19 Miles and RunLove Compression Socks (review)

2011-08-21T13:56:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I completed my longest training run ever. It all started bright and early (a.k.a. before the sun came up) and finished many hours later. One running rule of thumb is to never wear something new on race day so I have been trying out different running items during my training (including yesterday). So, when I got a letter from Cindy and Christy at RunningSkirts with a pair of RunLove Compression Socks I knew I needed to try them on some of my longer runs.

It all started a few weeks ago when I wore them to a training run and realized the azure color matched my shoes. I never match this well when I run. The socks treated me well, but I didn't notice any major difference after those 11.6 miles. Since I didn't notice any major difference wearing them while running <12 miles, decided to wear them after running for recovery. Nothing makes my calves happy like putting on a pair of RunLove compression socks after a run! They definitely helped when I wore them all day.

They match my shoes

Yesterday I wore them again...and not only did they match my shoes, but they matched my shorts as well. I put on a white RunningSkirt performance tank to finish the outfit and then completely forgot to take a picture of myself. It was before the sun came up so please forgive me.

Midweek everyone who is in the group gets an e-mail from the coaches letting us know when and where to meet on Saturday for our long run. The past few weeks we've done an out and back so I looked at the map and figured out where the turn around would be (I didn't see a map for Sat's run on the link they sent out). I dropped off a bottle of water there and let ADP know that if the family was up to come by the turn around (a.k.a. park) because I'd love to see them. So, imagine my surprise when we were told we weren't going to be going all the way to the park. Instead we were going to do a 1 mile look twice so we wouldn't have to run up 'the hill.' I was looking forward to seeing my family and running up the hill so I did the loop one time with them and then took off.

I ran alone. I ran alone some more. I kept wondering when everyone was going to catch me (because it is no secret that I'm the slowest). Well, they did when I stopped at mile 6.5 to fill up my water and see the smiling coach who man's that station. By this time the rest of the group had done 7.5 miles. Yeah, I'm slow...but it works for me. I ran with the group and then they turned around at the bottom of the hill and I went up! I ran up the whole thing and it was one of my faster miles!! I got to the park only to find out my family wasn't there (they slept in). I turned around and was greeted with this (I had to stop to get a couple pictures before moving on):

view from the top of the hill

the path goes for a bit and then disappears down the hill

RunLove socks after 11 miles

Let's not forget this is a review. I had run 11 miles and I never felt the socks on my calves because they were so comfortable. I remembered to take a picture of the socks on the top of the hill. It was great that they never bothered me. They never felt like they were going to fall down. I had 8 more miles to go and then the real test would begin - how would my calves feel over the next 24 hours?

I kept on chugging along. One foot in front of the other. I loved waving and saying hi to everyone on the course. Pretty soon I was back at the smiling coach which meant there was another 5.5 miles to cover before seeing my car. I chatted with her and she said all the perfect things to me, all things I needed to hear while training for my first marathon. I thanked her for waiting for me, knowing I was the last one to go by. I saw her again 2.5 miles later where the group had more water and fuel.

nice flowers at the top of the hill

Then I was in uncharted territory. I'd never run this far before. My upper legs started getting tight. Thankfully, my IT band was not hurting. I walked between .05 to .1 mile in each mile from mile 15 on; I am fine with this. I turned the last corner and saw the group. The other marathoners-to-be were getting in their cars and leaving while I was finishing the last .25 miles. I finished my run and there were a few people there. Usually when we finish runs there is water, gatorade, food, bananas, oranges, and other goodies. This time there was nothing. I know I am slow, but some water would have been nice. I'm glad that I brought an extra bottle of water for the drive home.

top of the hill flowers

24 hours later my calves feel amazing!! I attribute this to the compression socks from RunningSkirts. I wore them during my run and my calves have felt great since I took them off.

"R" for right

The verdict: They are definitely worth it!
Info: RunLove Compression Socks can be purchased at RunningSkirts.com for 32 dollars.
Pros: You can wear them while running or after or both. Great colors (check out the website for the colors). They stay put. They really work.
Cons: I do wish they were a little tighter through the lower calf (where the soleus is).

Disclaimer: I was sent these socks free of charge. The opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.

Three Things Thursday, 8.18

2011-08-18T12:34:00.000-04:00

1. Yesterday is best described using the title of a children's book because I had a 'terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.' Nothing major went wrong, but if it could go wrong it did. In the opening of Viorst's book Alexander says that he went to sleep chewing gum and he woke up with the gum in his hair. Had I put gum in my mouth yesterday it would have managed to not only get in my hair, but it would have been so imbedded that my hairdresser would have had to seriously cut my hair. It was that kind of day.

source

2. I have only run outside a handful of times this month. Part of it is due to our daily schedule and trying to fit all the last minute summer activities in. The other part is the amount of rain we've had. We needed the rain after a hot and dry July, but 6.5" in the first half of August is a bit much.

source: weather.com

3. I really love running. I wrote this to some friends after my last long run (this is a snip-it of the note):

I'm over half-way through my training and I have 2 months and 2 days until my marathon. Yesterday I ran 16.2 miles. Training is tough and the long weekend miles leave my legs tired and sore. The thing is that I'm LOVING it! I think I may have fallen into the deep end here. my running

Chiropractic Ouch

2011-08-17T07:37:00.002-04:00

I love my chiropractor. He takes my headaches away. He talks running with me (he does tri's). He keeps my lower back pain away. He talks running with me. And then we talk running some more.

Last night I had an appointment and I mentioned my IT band was getting tight again. No pain, at least not like when my IT band reduced me to walking during a half marathon and then sent me to PT. I've been through this before and my chiropractor talked me through it, made sure I was doing the right exercises, and helped me stretch.

I was surprised when he started working the ITB with his hand. And then he started pushing on it. OMG! I was holding my breath. I was closing my eyes tight. I was sweating. I was trying not to scream as he was working on my ITB. Wow, the pain! It hurt when the PT did something similar 18 months ago, but not so localized and OUCH!

I now know what the pain was - I have black and blue marks where he was working my ITB. The pictures did not turn out. When I left he said there might be some bruising. Apparently he doesn't understand how easily I bruise. Or, that I won't be able to touch that area for a week. Or, that it will be a good three weeks before the bruises finally fade to 'only noticeable if you know there was a black and blue mark there.' I just hope it isn't so tender come Saturday morning when I put on my compression shorts for my long run.

I love my chiropractor, but I think I'm going to let him focus on my back and headaches and take the ITB tightness elsewhere.

FWIW, this morning's 2 miler was no different than any other morning in regards to my ITB.

9 are Good & 3 in Pain

2011-08-14T19:42:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning was beautiful! The temp was about 60 when we (the USA Fit group) started off. Some of the group only had to run 8 miles so they turned around at four miles. One of the people who turned around runs about my pace...the first few miles were a great pace (10:15, 10:31, 10:28, 9:58).

When they turned around I kept going with the only other person running 12 for the day. Let me tell you...I wish I could run like him now and I hope I can run like him when I'm his age (~60)! I knew better, but I kept going with him even though he's faster than I am. Our splits came in at 9:59, 9:48, 9:36, 11:39 (water/stretch stop), 9:25. Then I said I needed to stretch and he should go ahead. Wow, it felt great to run faster but I was running out of steam. Then I saw this:

It is almost like there was a bump in my run and although the first 9 went great, BUMP, the last three went down hill. My IT band was giving me big troubles. I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. It felt like my heart rate was too fast (which in fact it was averaged 150 for the 3 miles). I jogged the flats and downhills. I walked the uphills. I got my phone out and called ADP. I tweeted about my run. I decided I would do what I could to run the last little bit of my run. I did what I could and my last splits were much slower (10:37, 10:53, 11:38, 12:01). Can you tell when I started walking? I finished the day with 12.05 miles.

Why is it that today I barely remember the nice 9 miles run while the last three stand out so vividly?

One thing I love doing when I get home is to cross off another week of training. This plan is 24 weeks long and I am done with 15 of them!

This week:

Monday: 30 minutes easy

Tuesday: track session, 6 x 1min/2min

Wednesday: 20 minutes easy
Thursday: 40 minutes tempo
Friday: off
Saturday: 19 miles (GULP!)

Five Things Friday, 8.12

2011-08-12T12:52:00.000-04:00

My running schedule is changing once again. Today was the last day of half-day camp for the kids so I now need to get up early and run or run after ADP gets home. I have a feeling early morning running on the treadmill will win out the majority of weekdays.
I finally added up my mileage for August. Whoa-Nellie! I think it may be another big, big month for me. I knew training for a marathon would up my mileage, but I didn't expect it to increase that much.
Earlier this summer I found a chocolate bar in my house that was beyond the date (expiration or sell-by??) printed on the wrapper. Since then I have been doing my best to make sure to check, and then eat, all chocolate in the house. I must like buying Hershey's bars for s'mores because there are too many 6-packs of chocolate in the house especially since we've made s'mores once this year.
There is no more guessing what NFL team I cheer for because the personalized plates for my car arrived. To my new readers..WELCOME! I love having you here. And so you are clear...I love running but there is something that trumps running: the GREEN BAY PACKERS! I am seriously considering skipping my New Year's Day half marathon because there is no way I'd make it home to watch the whole football game on TV. Yes, I will skip races to watch my beloved Packers.
I will not complain, but my weight doesn't seem to be going down. Perhaps this is a side effect of #3.

e = Easy

2011-08-08T13:33:00.000-04:00

Today was the first day that my legs and head both wanted to follow the "e" on my training plan. In black and white my training plan says 35e meaning 35 easy minutes. For the first time all my easy miles were slower than my long distance miles. Or maybe it was the humidity. Or the fact that my quads still have some lingering 'you ran farther than you ever have before' pain. Or I'm just down-right exhausted. Or I'm learning. It doesn't really matter why it happened; I'm happy I was finally able to do easy.

one of the sunflowers we planted has 8 flowers on it

Part of what helped was the picture taking. Yes, I stopped my garmin when I took pictures (mainly because I was using my phone and I wanted to play with Instagram instead of just clicking and going. Here are the results (some ok, some bad, all fun for me):

bright sunflower, really bright sky before the clouds came in

1 of 8 flowers on the plant

time to turn around and go the other way (trail = paved biking path)

this sign didn't survive the spring...but they keep mowing around it

Instagram is fun, but I think I'll stick to my camera.

More Miles, More Blisters

2011-08-06T15:58:00.001-04:00

This morning I set out for my longest run to date. It was good. It wasn't great because I had garmin troubles again ( I solved them mid-run), my tummy didn't like the Gatorade on the course, and I got a new blister and then I got a blister on (or under) the first blister. The great: I tried out my new belt. I love how much I can fit in it and yet it never moves.

I put some pictures below but since I'm doing this post from my phone I cannot write between the pictures or it gets deleted ( who knows why).

All in all:
16.21 miles
Less than 3 hrs total (breaks included)
10:50/mile ave (breaks included)
I'm happy with the run and really looking forward to "only" 12 miles next weekend.

Injury Prevention - Seminar #2 Overview

2011-08-05T14:12:00.005-04:00

A couple weeks ago I went to a seminar put on by the marathon I'm running in the fall called Nutrition for Runners (see my overview here). Tuesday night I went to the second seminar and it was called "Injury Prevention" but in reality it was an overview of six common injuries in marathon runners. I debated leaving when I saw who was giving the talk and what was being covered because I had seen this same talk given by the same PT a year ago. There may have been some differences, but there were the same errors on the slides as he had last time. I stayed because I was chatting with Darlene and some of my USA Fit Saturday morning 'let's run together and see if we survive marathon training' peeps.

According to Matthew Alheim, PT, the most common injuries are:

plantar fascia
achilles tendonitis
shin splints
hip tendonitis/bursitis
patellar tendonitis
IT Band

He went through some signs & symptoms of each of these injuries. He then outlined some of the treatment they use at the PT office he works for. Then he quickly went through all kinds of stretching and strengthening exercises that would be good for certain &/or all of the injuries.

Right about when he started talking about IT band something was nagging at me. What was it? Why this curiosity about the hip. I flipped back a few pages in my notes and then I remembered: I slept on the couch Saturday night because my hips were killing me. During the Q & A portion I didn't ask my question, mainly because I had no idea how to phrase it. So, I stayed after and chatted with people some more. Finally I had my chance to talk to Matthew one-on-one.

Umm...so I have this pain on both of my hips. The only way I can explain it is, well, it feels exactly like my hips did in the months prior to having my kids when I was really pregnant and my hips were loosening up. (see why I didn't ask in front of 70 other people??) He was great as I fumbled through my thoughts and tried to explain where the pain was. We talked a little and this is what is getting inflamed on those long runs...the bursa:

source

No wonder I couldn't sleep on my side AT.ALL on Saturday night! It also explains why the couch was the most comfortable...that part of my hip was right between two cushions so there was no pressure on the inflamed bursa. Now I patiently ice down my hips once a day. Do you know how cold ice water is as it runs down your legs? Really COLD!

*I didn't go see a doctor because it doesn't hurt except after rare long runs.* *And, it hurt on BOTH sides and injuries that I have usually aren't equal on the left and right.*

ClipE Review

2011-08-03T17:36:00.004-04:00

Remember this little picture? (Here it is if you don't remember)

There is something different about this picture...it is the earphones. I don't run with music often and when I do I'm continually struggling to keep from catching the cord with my hand. It is never fun to yank the earbuds out of my ears on the run. So, when I was asked to review a BRAND SPANKIN' NEW PRODUCT called ClipE that would help, I had to say yes.

A few days later this came in the mail:

It is little and does exactly what I want it to do - keeps the cord out of my way while I'm running. Here are a few key pictures:

I clipped it onto the collar of my shirt even though all the pictures so the clip attached to the front of the shirt.

clip on my shirt...I just wasn't a fan of the wrinkle. I did run with it there for a while and the ClipE didn't move. It didn't pull on the technical shirt. It stayed put.

The back of the ClipE. Basic and yet ingenious. This is where there is minor fault. Every time I tried to put it on my shirt one of the cords would fall out. It could be the earbud cords...I have not tried different earbuds to see if it is the ClipE or the earbud cords causing it to fall out. The falling out ONLY happens when I open the clip. Once I got it on my shirt with both cords tucked in there was no problem!

A little about the ClipE. You can find them on their website, facebook and on twitter (@MyClipE). It looks like they are adding designs all the time. Their website has them priced at $7.95 and you checkout through Amazon (so you know it's safe to buy them on-line). Part of the promo write-up I got says this:

The ClipE was invented by Jessica Bylsma, a professional pilot and avid runner who was dissatisfied with the limited solutions available for restraining her headphone cords while exercising. She searched through the options available on the market, but found them to be either unattractive or ineffective at keeping the cord from bumping around or interfering with movement. "Portable music is a must-have motivator for my workout routine, but I can't have wires getting in the way," says CEO and Founder Jessica Bylsma.

Would I buy these? Yes, if I ran with music more often.

Would I recommend these? Definitely

Will I use it again? I put my iPod away with the ClipE still attached because I plan on using it until it no longer works.

Disclaimer: I was sent this free of charge. The opinions of my review are mine and mine alone.

Nutrition for Runners Seminar Overview

2011-08-02T09:55:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago I went to a nutrition seminar that was put on by the marathon I'm running in October. The seminar was two hours long and had a lot of valuable information. Some was old info to me, some was new, and there is no way I can share it all. My favorite section is toward the bottom...timing of when to take fuel with practical suggestions. Since many asked for an overview...here it is:

Nutrition for the Long Distance Runner by Marci F. Murphy
We need energy and energy come from carbohydrates (CHO), fat and protein.

CHO (she was a huge CHO pusher):

CHO is the master and is needed for the brain, to burn fat for energy, spares protein, the only macronutrient that can be used to make energy without oxygen
We need simple and complex CHO. Focus on simple CHO during and after exercise.
Good CHO choices: whole grains such as wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, buckwheat noodles, barley, bulgar wheat, oatmeal, quinoa, spelt berries, basmati rice.
Good combinations:

cooked oatmeal or bulgar wheat with milk, dried fruit and nuts
whole wheat toast with peanut butter
stir-fry with veggies over brown rice or whole wheat couscous
fruit/veggie smoothies with peanut butter, yogurt, milk or juices
fruits/veggies raw for snacks or add cooked to soups and sauces
milk/alternatives include cow and goat milk, soy, rice, almond milk, cheese and yogurts
bean/alternatives: beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy (add canned beans to salad or pasta, hummus for snack or sandwiches)

Protein

needed to maintain and development of muscle, recovery and healing
athletes need more protein because of the energy cost of activity and for growth and repair
Complete protein:

eggs, dairy products, meat, high quality fish
soy products

Incomplete protein:

grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds

Fat

is an energy source at lower intensities
supports immunity, adds flavor and makes us feel satisfied
Not all fats are equal
Good choices: olive oil, canola oil, fish, nuts and seeds, steak cuts that end in "round" or"loin"

Diet Composition:

50-60% CHO (5-10g CHO/kg bodyweight)
15-20% protein (.5-1.0g protein/lb bodyweight)
20-30% fat
fruits and veggies should compose 1/3 - 1/2 of a meal

It is all in the timing (the section I was really interested in!!):

High energy snacks:

canned, fresh or dried fruit
whole grain cereals, bars, bread
fruit smoothies

Eating before training/competition

24 to 4 hours prior eat high CHO meals (60-70% CHO) with protein (3- oz lean meat) and fat for balance
Less than 4 hrs: mostly CHO (>2g CHO/kg bodyweight), make it low in fat, fiber and protein to reduce GI distress
Nothing new on race day
Training/race lasting longer than an hour:

7-10 oz fluid every 20 mins
30-60 g CHO/hr

Practical suggestions:

sports drinks: 14-19 CHO/1 cup (watch the sugar content)
sports gels: 24-28 g CHO/packet
energy bars: 38-45 g CHO/bar
with gels and bars don't forget to hydrate
Start soon and replenish often

After training have

.5g CHO/lb bodyweight within 15-30 minutes
6-29 g protein
2 cups fluid for every 1 lb bodyweight lost
~300 mg sodium for every 1 lb bodyweight lost
Practical suggestions 15-40g CHO: orange, 2 graham crackers, 2 fig cookies, 1/2 cup apple sauce, cereal bar, 1 cup chocolate milk, banana, 1 cup yogurt
Practical suggestions Protein + CHO snacks: yogurt cup + cottage cheese + fruit, PB+J or deli meant on wheat bread, trail mix, sports bars, hummus + pita or raw veggies, chocolate milk

She also gave a lot of equations, things to take into account, and other information. I really cannot recap it all, but this is the basis of what she said. I really liked the practical suggestions.

Tonight I go to the next seminar: Injury Prevention

I didn't proof this so sorry for any errors. Time is short today.

Gotein Winners

2011-08-01T19:29:00.004-04:00

Thanks to those of you who entered my Gotein giveaway. The winners are:

Ozone3

and

Penny

Congratulations!! Please e-mail me (runningonmytimemail at gmail dot com) your mailing address and I'll get your prizes out to you.

Racquetball vs. Running, Q&A

2011-08-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

...ME!!!

Michael from Slowly Tri-ing asked
What's your favorite race you've ever done and why? Who thought it would be hard to answer with just one race? My favorite fun race was Mud Mania! I also love relays.

2011 Winter Marathon Relay

Darlene from My First 5K and More asked:

What is your favorite distance? I really love running 10 miles. Long enough to clear the mind, short enough to get it done and still have time with the family, and long enough to allow me to indulge in some extra food.
Where is your favorite place to run? I really love running around my neighborhood. I like the fact that I don't have to get in a car to start my run. It isn't the most scenic, but it is home. If I were to choose another place it would be in northern WI at my mom's cabin. There is a great 5 mile route and the majority of it has water on both sides.
Why did you decide to become a teacher (study to become one)? I've known for a long time I should be a teacher. I just finally completed the coursework for it though. I don't always want to do what is expected or easiest, so it usually takes me a bit to get where I'm going.
Will your hubby also run a marathon someday? Ha, you'll have to ask him. I doubt it, but I will not say never. My love of longer distances is bound to rub off on him, right?
Have you and your hubby ever run a race together? Yes we have. We have run a few, but he usually runs the longer distance and I do the shorter (5k/10K or 3 mile/10K). I think the only time we've done the same distance/race at the same time was when we both ran a 5K in 2010.

Winter Series #3 2011

J from Morning Runner asked:
When did you start running? How did you get into running? I wanted a fun course my senior year of college so I took racquetball. Unfortunately, racquetball was only a half-semester (which was a good thing because I sucked at it) so I took track and field the other half-semester. Little did I know we would be running five miles by the end of the semester. The next couple years were up and down with running, but I've kept at it since that course in college.

Marcia from The Studly Runner asked:
What was your first job? Once upon a time I was a babysitter.
Have you ever been fired? Technically, no. One place did try to let me go but it was because I didn't know how much the different steaks on the menu weighed. How in the world am I supposed to know that if you don't tell me first.
What does the ring tone on your cell sound like?  Don't know. Someone would have to call it for me to find out.

AJH from Age Groups Rock asked:
What are you most proud of about your kids? I love how they try to solve things they don't understand. They just keep trying until they figure out what they are looking for. I hope this stays with them through their lives.

Katie from Legally Fit asked:
How do you balance training for distance races with raising a family? How appropriate you should ask this now that you will be a mom in a short couple months. My family really supports me in my training. Without them and their support it wouldn't be nearly as easy. I also take the viewpoints of a lot of moms I know: if you have five minutes take those five, if you have an hour then take the hour, don't marry your training plan, relax because it will all work out. And, it is just running. My kids come first and if they have something going on I try to run earlier or later in the day so I don't miss my kids' activities. I also do not put pressure on myself for PR's or running distances I do not enjoy. If I am going to take time away from the family then I'm going to enjoy every step I take.
Why do you love winter so much? ;) I'm comfortable (believe it or not I do NOT like being sweaty)! Plus, I love going out and playing in the snow. There is little better than relaxing in front of a fire while curled up reading a great book.

Candice from I Have Run asked:
Are there any songs you associate with running and why? (For example, there is a song that got me through the last few miles of my first marathon.) There isn't a song I relate to running. I don't run to music very often and when I do it is definitely background noise. Now if you were to ask about TV shows I associate with running I could list off a few series I've watched while on my treadmill.
What is your dream vacation? I want to go to Tuscany, off the beaten path, eat great food, run, drink amazing wine, and relax. Or cruise the Mediterranean. I've been a lot of places and both of those remain on my list.
Do you run while on all your vacations? Vacation isn't something that happens often for me, but when I do go I always pack my running shoes. Vacation is better if I've run.

Christy from My Dirt Road Anthem asked:
What part of MT is your husband from?  He's from NW MT...near Flathead Lake
If you could live anywhere where would it be. Harder question than it should be. I'd love to live within driving distance of our families, which would put us in Colorado.
Do you think you will ever be a snowbird?  I do not think so only because I love winter so much. Though, the time may come when I want to escape the cold for a month or two (GASP!!) and go south during the winter. Ask me again in 30 or 40 years and I'll have a better answer.

I think that I got them all. If you have more...feel free to ask away and I'll do my best to answer them!

July 2011 by the Numbers

2011-07-31T19:58:00.003-04:00

Another month come and gone and the trend continues...another great running month.

July miles run: 131.68 (highest ever - again!)
July races:  0
July days run:  31 (100%)
Shortest run:  2.03 miles with Maddie
Longest run:  14.06 with Mr. JH (the coach)
Pain: none :)

July mileage really upped my yearly mileage. I set 1050 miles as a goal for the year with a secret goal of 1200 miles for the year. I only thought 1200 would be a dream and it may happen. Today I'm 70% of the way to 1050 miles for the year. Unless I get hurt I'll definitely hit my goal.

Coming up in August: My longest training run ever followed two weeks later by a long run even longer than the first long run of the month.

Long Run in Pictures

2011-07-30T10:26:00.001-04:00

It is long run day! This morning was a 6 mile loop we were to run twice (for most...almost twice for me because my plan called for 11 miles). I decided to carry my camera for the second loop.

6 miles done, 5 or 6 to go

2 essentials for the long run: my garmin and my handheld (filled with Nuun)

I ran by here twice this morning. Good thing they aren't open early otherwise I may start carrying money when I run.

recent storm damage

entering the park again...oh so close to my car

the path through the park

the "other" path through the park. the shade is wonderful in here. the mosquitos attack me when i go in here.

between the "other" path and this main road is all housing developments. nothing interesting. nothing that caught my eye. nothing that screamed "take a picture of me" so i didn't take any pictures.

Miles: 11.66

Time: 2:04:09

Ave pace (including water stops): 10:39/mi

Backtracks because of dropped gel packet: 1

Mosquito bites because I didn't want to litter: too many to count (and yes, I put on bug spray)

Miles run alone: 9.6 (I knew I couldn't keep up so I shooed the others ahead of me)

Five Things Friday

2011-07-29T07:37:00.002-04:00

Don't forget to enter my Gotein giveaway HERE. It is easy to enter, so check it out.
I will answer the Q&A questions you left me this weekend or early next week. Feel free to leave me more questions HERE.
I'm trying to talk ADP into doing a guest post because I found out last night that he apparently did a century ride when he was young (no idea what age...but when he was still living in MT with his parents).
I've been going to the pool everyday because my kids have lessons. When it is nice we stay and play in the water until we want to leave. It has me thinking...tri?? And then I asked Punky's instructor from last year how long the pool was and I did the math. Hmmm, I'd have to be able to swim this thing ~15 times but in open water to do the first part of a sprint tri. Maybe no tri for me...
Yesterday we were at ADP's work picnic and while he was chatting with coworkers ~~about work~~ the kids and I went exploring around the park. I walked along the service road and the kids walked on the rocks. Ah, the joy of being a kid and walking on the rocks because they want to.

Tomorrow I have 11 miles on tap with my running group. I love these runs. I have no idea what time we are meeting, but it is the last of the 'shorter' runs before we start getting into the mileage I've only dreamt of.

Tug-of-War on the LR

2011-07-27T09:14:00.000-04:00

I have struggled with which training group to do my long runs with (read my musings here). The last couple weeks I've almost* settled into the red group for long runs, yellow group for weekday runs. It works for me because I don't think I can keep up with the yellows for the long runs. *Almost = the other red runners haven't been there so I've been running with one of the coaches and the yellows occasionally.

I feel like I've been in a tug-of-war during the long runs. At the beginning of July I ended up running with a couple different groups (I love running loops for this reason). The first four miles were relaxed with my red buddies. The last three miles were at a stronger pace with a yellow runner. The miles in the middle were with Mr. JH (who is one of the coaches) and we were playing pacing tug-of-war. We just couldn't settle into a pace. It was a lot of work.

Two weeks later Mr. JH and I ran 14 miles together and it was much better. We kept the yellow group in sight for a while and then they took off and we just kept plugging along. It is funny, when we weren't meeting up with others our pace was much more consistent and I didn't feel like we were playing tug-of-war. I don't know what it was, but it was a good run.

7 miles out, 7 miles back on 7/16

Last weekend I ran the first five miles with Mr. JH again and our fastest and slowest miles only differed by 11 seconds. I hope it was just the first few weeks that our paces were so far off. It is much easier to run the same pace as opposed to play tug-of-war for mile after mile.

Does anyone use RunKeeper? (I think it's an iPhone app.) Mr. JH uses RunKeeper and I use a garmin 305. Mr. JH's first three miles came in at 10:15 and mine were 10:50/10:37/10:23. Those numbers don't match up at all. Any suggestions on why the discrepancies?

Q & A Time

2011-07-26T06:00:00.014-04:00

Thanks to Darlene at My First 5K and More... for tagging me. It is that time...

Well, it is with ME! I will do my best to answer any and all questions. So, hit me up with your easiest questions and I'll get to them later this week.

Now the hard part...nominating 5 bloggers to do this who haven't already participated:

Christy at Dirt Road Anthem
J at Morning Runner
Candice at I Have Run
Penny at Pink Hat Runner
Velma at Running with Boys

Gotein Review and Giveaway (Closed)

2011-07-24T15:34:00.004-04:00

I'm not a huge fan of drink mixes...they are usually chalky or watery or taste bad, but I am always trying to find something that will taste good to me so when asked if I would review Gotein I said yes. They were kind enough to send me a couple flavors. The first two I had were chocolate and then I had the strawberry today. Let me tell you: NO CHALKINESS!! They actually taste like a smoothie (especially the strawberry flavor). I was surprised, I actually liked these.

I used a clear (or disposable) bottle, so the pictures I tried to take of the mix were not appealing. If you want to see what it looks like mixed, head to the Gotein website and look at their pretty pictures. I used my trusty nalgene bottle for mixing mine:

The directions are so easy!

Drink 1/3 of the bottle (it is formulated for a standard 16.9 oz water bottle).
Open the stick pack, pour contents into the bottle.
Swirl and shake!

That is it. I did have a hard time with #2 a couple of times. I don't have two left hands until I have to open a stick pack like this. I just cannot figure it out so I used a scissors to open two of them after I was unable to open them according to directions. (This happens to me if I try to open any drink mix made this way.)

Things I learned: COLD is better. Strawberry is my favorite. It tastes really good after running to the pool (which means I skipped lunch and needed something to get me through playing with the kids in the pool). It tastes good after a long run, but doesn't have the carbs I need.

Gotein is a protein supplement and looking at the nutritional values proves it. Gotein comes in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. They have (depending on the flavor):

16-17 g protein
5-6 g carbs
24 vitamins and minerals
100-110 calories

Why are you interested? because I have two of these pretty envelopes with Gotein ready to give away:

To win:

When would you use Gotein?(+1)
Like Gotein on facebook (+1)
Follow Gotein on twitter (@Gotein) (+1)
Share on your blog, tweet (tag @runningonmytime), share on FB, send an e-mail (+1 for each)
Simply leave a comment letting me know you want to enter (+1)

You only need to leave one comment...just let me know how many entries to put you in for. For example my comment might be:

3 entries for me...I'm commenting, I would use Gotein before a run, and I follow on FB.

*Giveaway will end at the end of July, 2011*

Disclaimer: I was sent samples of Gotein to try in exchange for a review/testing of this product. All opinions on this review are mine and mine alone.

Tuesday Track

2011-07-19T14:55:00.001-04:00

The temperature is supposed to get higher every day this week so I'm glad I was able to go to the track today. We took off early...well, earlier than normal and took our hydration along.

I knew from previous weeks that the track workouts aren't terribly long, but with the heat and humidity I opted to take along half-strength gatorade for myself. The kids were armed with ice cold water for their runs.

Last week and this week both Bugs and Punky ran my two warm-up laps with me. Then I drop them (well...I drop Punky as she slows down and Bugs flies past me as he picks up speed) and get down to business. Today was a different workout than I'd been doing. For the past four weeks the schedule had 30/30 (30 seconds fast, 30 seconds slow) and I had gotten better at them, or so I tell myself. This week was 60/60. Gulp! Um, 60 seconds is twice as long running fast in case you need help with the math.

I set my garmin and was off for 7 repeats of this craziness. It was hot. The third repeat I had sweat burning my eyes (so I tried to mop some of the sweat off while running faster). I finished the fifth and thought it would be great to call it a day. When the seventh was done I seriously considered dropping my cool-down laps, but knew better. My paces were all over, which I didn't find out until plugging my garmin in (7.8 to 8.9 mph). Hopefully next week will go a little smoother.

And then I was done and trying to take a picture of myself in the car window. It was all of 8:30 and I wanted to get home and have breakfast.

Tonight I head to the chiropractor and then to a seminar put on by the marathon I'm going to run. I think tonight's is on nutrition. I need help with that because I put on a couple pounds in the last couple months that definitely need to come off.

Moving in at the Grocery Store

2011-07-17T15:13:00.001-04:00

Stairs are a little more challenging today than usual. Was it the 14 miles I ran yesterday? Or perhaps the hours of weeding I did this morning? Maybe it was putting the last 10 bags of mulch in the gardens? Either way, my quads aren't quite their peppy selves.

I forgot to mention that I got my 13.1 miles in for the month! I'm taking yesterday's run as my 13.1 for the month. I did lap my watch at the 13.1 mark (which happened to be on the only uphill of the day) and it was at about 2:20. Hmmm, I really need to think about that. My legs were feeling fine. I wasn't as fast as my normal half-marathons but not as slow as I probably should have been for marathon training. I will have to wait and see what the next 83 days bring, but I was thinking of hitting the half way mark more along the lines of 2:25. Maybe I'll do this marathon faster than I think possible (a.k.a. 5 hrs). I have 83 days to figure it out. :)

This afternoon I debated moving in at the grocery store. They have a lot of benefits:

Air Conditioning
Lots of food
Fresh fruits and veggies
More food
And... when I was shopping this afternoon I had to look for a can of beans on the bottom shelf. I got all the way down only to find out that there were none of my favorite Goya black beans on the shelf. Then I tried to stand up. I looked around, there were children nearby so all expletives on the tip of my tongue were swallowed and I considered just sitting down. I really didn't have to go home, the grocery store would make a fine home and then I wouldn't put my tired quads through the act of standing up. Eventually I thought of my loving kids and my husband, who surely would go hungry without me to feed them so I stood up (hoping that I didn't make too many groans in the process), finished my shopping and am now comfortable on my couch.

Lesson learned: do the weeding during the week, not the day after a long run.

This week:

Sunday: 2 easy miles with lots of stretching & rolling in the middle (done!)

Monday: 35 minutes easy

Tuesday: 7 x 60/60

Wednesday: a couple easy miles

Thursday: 30 minute tempo

Friday: a couple easy miles

Saturday: 10-11 miles

Longest Run Ev-ah!

2011-07-16T13:56:00.001-04:00

I had to look...so I looked yesterday. My longest run to date was a 14.04 miler back in March. Today's training plan called for 14 miles, only I made sure it came in just over last March's 14 miler. A review of the run in pictures (sort-of):

it was cool for a change!

my newest running accessory!

we ran a lot of this plus some, turned around and came back

all done & the ice is melted, so how am I still sweating?

And a question...
I do not have the auto-stop turned on (by choice) so my garmin pace graph comes out looking like this:

Can you see where we stopped to fill water bottles? How about the time we stopped to let others catch up and fill water bottles? Yeah, they are pretty obvious to me too.

How do you do it? I want to know the actual time it is taking me to run and I plan to stop for water and water refills during my marathon. Is this a good way? Any other suggestions? Even with the stops, Here are the deets for today:

14.06 miles (.02 miles longer than my previous longest run...longer is longer)
2:29:51 (which included those 4-5 minutes of stopping)
10:40/mi ave pace
Not enough calories burned to completely come out even after tonight's planned dinner out
Ave heart rate: 158 bpm

Track Success

2011-07-14T12:19:00.001-04:00

Thursday is slowly becoming my track day. My training plan says to do it on Tuesday, but this week it was HOT on Tuesday and it is a comfortable 70F with a breeze this morning. I went and the kids did two easy laps with me to warm up. Then, it was on to the fast/slow portion of my visit (while the kids happily played in the middle). Today I did 16 x 30/30 (that would be 30 seconds fast/30 seconds slow). I am geeky enough that I have tracked my fast sets and calculated great things like mean and standard deviation.

When I started this four weeks ago I did 8 repeats and I have worked my way up to 16. Next week it is back down to 7 but I'll be doing 60/60 instead. I finally have 30/30 figured put and the plan changes.

When I got home I mowed the grass and now I'm relaxing in my adirondack chair thinking about nothing much at all. It is a great Thursday!

New Age Group

2011-07-13T10:41:00.001-04:00

a note to ADP:

Happy Birthday ADP! Welcome to a new age group. You have been treated well in the few races you ran in the last year:

Half Marathon, 1st Place AG and 10th overall, 10/10/10

10K, 7th overall, 1/9/11

Father's Day 5K, 2nd Place AG and 16th overall, 6/19/11

I cannot wait to see what you do in your new age group. Although, you are getting old* so it is okay for you to listen to your body and slow down if you must.

*you may think you are old, but since I beat you to this age group by a few months I can say it isn't all bad.

The Way Summer Goes

2011-07-11T19:14:00.003-04:00

We are deep into summer here and I honestly don't think you want to read about all our summer fun in the sun or summer projects. So, I haven't been posting much.

My running is going great! As in unbelievably well! My runs are all great (not every single one of them, but almost all of them.)! I am mixing up road, treadmill, and track this summer for a change of pace.

So, what have I been up to? (Yeah, I know I just said I don't think you want to read it, but I'm listing some things anyway.)

"Old fashioned" cross-training in the form of up and down the ladder for the lower body. Power washing, scrubbing, cleaning, and using the drill for the upper body.
Wearing my kids out at a water park. I think I have two water bugs! This means one thing: they follow after their mom.
Mowing. I love mowing so I decided that I would do it this summer so we have more family time on the weekend (I can mow during the week and ADP cannot).
Gardening, of course. We have another round of mulch to buy and spread, but not today. My arms are still a little sore from taking the gutters down yesterday.
Enjoying my running. I really love it and I am trying really hard to enjoy the heat that goes along with running outdoors during the summer.
Perusing race listings. I would like to get in another half before my marathon, but none of them work out with my training schedule. I keep looking but none are showing up when I want and/or need them to. I want to do a race-pace race for many reasons: to see if I can hit the 13.1 mark about when I'm thinking I should for my marathon in October; to see how I feel after to gauge if the pace is ok; and to see if I can pace myself.

There is so much more, but right now I have to put the tuckered kids down for the night before one of them falls asleep on the couch (again).

Playing Catch Up

2011-07-08T06:55:00.001-04:00

I am behind on blogging and reading blogs and I have no one to blame but myself. I guess I could blame the dog, but who could blame the fuzzy one who is giving me puppy dog eyes waiting for a pet while I write this? Almost nothing is her fault, ever.

My running has been great this week! Yes, I'm still working on getting over the ankle issue, but it is as close to 100% as it is going to get. I never did explain the ankle...

source

A few years back I had some ankle pain that would not go away. I stopped running and pretty much stopped exercising all together. (I believe this is the reason I missed the 2008 Freihofer's Run for Women, the one 5K I actually participate in every year.) It took a long time, but the pain finally went away. By this time I had lost all semblance of fitness so I started back at week 1 of C25K. Fast forward to a couple months ago, the pain suddenly came back. This time, much wiser and not willing to let go of my fitness I did some research (peroneal tendonitis), tried following RICE (found out I'm horrible at the rest part).

Finally, I mentioned it to my chiropractor. The short of it: I LOVE ultrasound on injuries!! My chiro did u/s a couple times and after the last time he was massaging the tendon and then suddenly pulled on my foot. So was not expecting that! For the following week I felt like I was running with a flipper on my left foot. Talk about weird. Apparently, in not getting my ankle looked at the first time round the scar tissue formed in such a way that I had lost some movement in my ankle. This time I laid off any speed work and tempo runs until it felt like I could actually run without my foot going ku-plomp with every step. This week I did my speed work, long and short runs, and tempo run all ankle pain FREE! I didn't notice any ku-plomps either! Such a wonderful feeling.

I'll try to be better at getting around to blogs. I'm still settling into this summer vacation thing. It is going fast, but we are keeping busy so it is a good fast vacation so far.

June 2011 by the Numbers

2011-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

June was another wonderful running month. I was not sure what the month would bring with the end of the school year, but it all worked out.

June miles run: 119.91 (highest ever!)
June races: 2 (Freihofer's 5K with a friend, Mud Mania! with Amanda)
Shoes retired: 0
June days run: 30 (100%)
Shortest run: 2.01 miles with Maddie
Pain: Left ankle (recurring injury) that is at 95%! Right big toe (recurring injury), it'll be better when the humidity goes away.Longest run: 13.11 miles in three parts (see Freihofer's above), longest continuous run10.17 miles on the treadmill

2011 Mileage is coming along! I'm 57% done with my goal.

Coming up in July: 0 races and double-digit training runs all Saturdays but one.

All By My Lonesome

2011-06-30T14:24:00.000-04:00

This morning I went to the track to see how I could do without other runners to help me along. In that sense, I was all by my lonesome, but I wasn't all alone because a few aids and a teacher from my kids' school were there, as were my kids. I had a nice mug of tea before we went in none other than my Packer mug! When we got to the track Bugs and Punky were off and running before I even set my water down. They did not make it far and soon they were walking and I was lapping them. One of their friends showed up with his mom and so the three were busy having fun.

I have changed the days around on my training schedule to accommodate summer vacation. I am still getting all my runs done, but just not on the day they may be scheduled. My amended schedule called for 10 x 30/30. 30 seconds fast, 30 seconds jog and do it ten times over. Last time I was with my USA Fit group and my 30 fast averaged 8.0 mph (8 repeats). Today I had to two more repeats and my average was 8.3 mph. I think my garmin is not working properly: I was determined to have my last fast 30 seconds about the same as my first so I went at what I thought was the same pace only to have it say I ran an ave of 6:12/mi for 30 seconds. I don't think that is possible, even for 30 seconds.

I have to say that this information does not tell me much. When I got home last week from my first track session I asked ADP to explain to me what all the numbers were. We figured it out somewhat, but I'm still not sure what I'm trying to accomplish with this.

Last week this happened, RIP running glasses:

I went and bought new ones (it was windy at the track):

They fit great but I hate them. I guess it is time to go back and find a different pair. I just hope I find a pair soon!

How Do You Pick Races?

2011-06-27T07:09:00.000-04:00

I'm really curious, how do you pick your races?

I came up with a nice long list of potential races at the beginning of the year and then ADP and I talked about it. We are living on one income, so instead of doing what I wanted and signing up for every single one we settled on a race budget. I have a set dollar amount that I can spend on races this year. So, do I do some big races or a lot of little races (big and little are in terms of $$, not distance)?

My race budget is almost gone and there are so many races left this fall I want to do. Plus, there are some races that both ADP and I want to run which will involve hiring a sitter for the kids. Two race entries plus a sitter will blow the budget out of the water (sitters are not cheap and we have no family near by). Thankfully, the races I want to do in the fall usually do not sell out so I can wait until the last minute to register.

How do you figure out what races you are going to run??

G Fit Series Review CONT...

2011-06-27T06:52:00.000-04:00

There were some questions so I'm doing my best to answer them here. This is pulled from the information sent to me (free) from the G Series Fit people.

G Series FIT 01 Prime is a specialized pre-workout fuel in the form of small energy bites designed to give you a smart, delicious way to prepare for your workout by providing nutrients for your bod and carbohydrates to help you get the most out of your workout, without feeling too full.
Carbs: 27 g
Protein: 6 g (per package)
Calories: 50 cal (per piece)
Flavors: Banana Nut, Cranberry Pistachio and Cinnamon Raisin Flax
My opinion: I will buy this!

G Series FIT 02 Perform is a lightly flavored electrolyte drink designed to maintain hydration more efficiently than water. G Series FIT 02 Perform helps to replace the fluid and electrolytes lost in sweat while invigorating your senses to keep you pushing through your workout without weighing you down.
Electrolytes: 110 mg sodium and 30 mg potassium (per serving)
Calories: 10 cal (per serving)
Flavors: Mango Passionfruit, Melon Pear, and Berry Acai
My opinion: I will try the other flavors to see if they taste okay watered down

G Series FIT 03 Recover is a refreshing, fruit-based smoothie designed to help restore your body after a workout through a blend of protein (12 g), carbohydrates (12 g), vitamins and minerals, with 120 calories per 11.16 oz serving.
Flavors: Strawberry Banana, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Mango Pineapple
My Opinion: I've never really been in the situation of needing a recovery drink so I do not know when I would take this. If I ever do need one, I will keep the 03 Recover in mind because it was really good.

G Fit Series Review

2011-06-26T20:48:00.000-04:00

I was contacted by Kara, on behalf of Gatorade, and asked if I wanted to try their G Series FIT. Sure, I'd love to try something new. I expected a small package so imagine my surprise when I found a 2' x 2' x 2' box waiting for me at home one day. The display box was impressive, but I have to say this: we do not produce very much garbage because of recycling and reusing; the display box is equivalent to the volume of half of our weekly garbage (we did rip it apart trying to find parts to be recycled but it all had to go in the garbage).

open display box

Friday night I got everything all set for my early morning run. I did not have time to join the running group on Saturday morning so I would be 'treadmilling' my 10 miles.

water, 02 Perform, 01 Prime (and Gu Chomps for fuel)

ADP was kind enough to get a picture of me demonstrating my superb drinking abilities on the treadmill.

02 perform

Then it was ADP's turn to play Vanna and show off what I would get to drink after my run.

03 Recover

Morning came nice and early Saturday morning. I was secretly happy I would be on the treadmill because it was raining, again. I started with two 01 Prime. This is what Gatorade says about it:

01 Prime is pre-workout fuel in the form of small energy bites made of fruit and nuts designed to give you a smart, delicious way tot prepare for your workout without feeling too full.

I was surprised at how good the 01 Prime was! I had two (there were four in the package), washed them down with a little water and a few minutes later I was running in place.

The first half of my run I tried out the 02 Perform. I took a picture of myself running and despite my attempts to run on the treadmill, drink the 02 Perform and take a picture of myself I couldn't get it done. So, to ensure I didn't hurt myself I just snapped a shot of me running minus the 02 Perform.

02 Perform is a lightly flavored electrolyte drink designed to maintain hydration more efficiently than water.

The bottle was 16 oz of Acia Blueberry so I had 8 oz straight (it was good) and 8 oz mixed with 8 oz water (not recommended). I usually drink my hydration at half strength so I had to try it out but it tasted horrible. Perhaps a different flavor would water down better. The 02 Perform went down well, had a nice mix of nutrients needed and actually tasted like blueberry (when not mixed with water).

I finished my nice run on the treadmill and I was soaked! It is getting warm in my basement and with all the rain our dehumidifier is having a rough time keeping up. I took a little bit to stretch, roll, write in my running journal and then it was off to the kitchen. I put the 03 Recover to bed the night before right between the milk and Brummel and Brown:

03 Recover

03 Recover is a light, refreshing, fruit-based smoothie designed to help restore your body after a workout through a blend of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

It tasted like a strawberry-banana smoothie and it filled me up. Good thing too because I quickly cleaned up and was off to work. My running day had started at 5 a.m. and I did not have any solid food (except the 01 Prime) and I was fine until lunch. I did not have one of my post-workout headaches that I get when I don't fuel correctly. I was hydrated and happy.

**These were sent to me at no charge to try and review. The opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.

Do I have an accent? (Accent Vlog)

2011-06-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

List of Words:

Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon,Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan,Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise,Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

Questions:

* What is it called when you throw toilet paper ona house?

* What is the bug that when you touch it, it curlsinto a ball?

* What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?

* What do you call gym shoes?

* What do you say to address a group ofpeople?

* What do you call the kind of spider that has anoval-shaped body and extremely long legs?

* What do you call your grandparents?

* What do you call the wheeled contraption in whichyou carry groceries at the supermarket?

* What do you call it when rain falls while the sunis shining?

* What is the thing you change the TV channelwith?

4 Races in 1 Weekend

2011-06-21T15:25:00.000-04:00

Saturday I had my first trail race, which happened to be a mud run as well. In case you missed the recap, check it out here. If you don't want to go there, here it is in a nutshell: up hill, up hill, obstacle, up hill, down hill, obstacle, down hill river crossing, up muddy hill, more obstacles, more up and down, adult version of slip and slide with a mud pit finale.

Sunday morning dawned and we had three more races on tap. Thankfully, they were not mine because my quads were feeling the effects of all those uphills from Saturday. I was the photographer for the day and I did a fine job. I'll only share a few of the 200 picture I took (I had lots of fun playing with my camera).

First up was ADP's Father's Day 5K. The kids decked themselves out in their finest (running gear, that is) and we were off to the race.

Punky, ADP, Bugs

matching shirts!

The last two years ADP had exactly the same time (19:19) and he had a big goal for this year: break 19 minutes. We saw him off at the start of the race, ~mile 2 and at the finish. It was great watching him.

and they are off...

the kids had a blast counting how many runners were before ADP

final kick! only .05 mi to go. he practically has jazz hands

ADP hit his goal and came in at 18:44!! Overall: 16/583. AG: 2/34. ADP is really proud of how he did, but the elation was short lived when he saw his ave pace was 6:02. I think he's got a new goal in mind now.

We skipped the awards ceremony and headed to the kids races. First up was Punky who was going to run the half-mile. This was her second year running it and for a six year old she rocked the race. Punky crossed the start/finish line at 5:47 with hair flying out behind her! She was also rocking a pink running skirt.

love the medal!

Next up was Bugs who moved up to the 1 mile race this year. He had his first "real" bib for this race. He took off like a bandit and all I caught of him was his back (see the red arrow pointing to the blue shirt):

He was the youngest kid in this race, although the next youngest only had 6 months on him. Even so, he came in 5th for boys and 8th overall! My 7 year old covered the mile in 8:29! I won't be keeping up with him once he gets taller.

super proud of the medal

And the Father's Day race shirt...

an original

RICE

2011-06-20T08:38:00.000-04:00

Old injury returned with a vengeance. Lots is (R)ICE for my ankle (I'm not good at the rest part). Off to the chiropractor again today for another round of ultrasound on the tendon. Should be like new later today.

Please, Can I Go Again?

2011-06-19T19:27:00.000-04:00

This was a whirlwind weekend. Saturday started with a training run with USA Fit. I ran with one other person and it was a great run. We went slow (as in my heart rate average was 143 instead of the usual 160+) and it felt like I talked the whole time. Apparently we read the map wrong because everyone finished with 8.5 miles and we did 9.3 miles. The training plan called for 9 so I'll call it good!

When I finished with the training run I hurried home, cleaned up, and headed to soccer with the family so I could coach Punky's last game of the season. Then, before the game was done (boo!!) I had to leave and head to the next event: Mud Mania! I met up with Amanda and we captured a few before shots.

We were in the 1:00 wave so we headed to the start about 12:30 and watched some of the runners filter in from the previous waves. Before we knew it we were off and running. I was expecting mud and obstacles. I was not expecting doing my first trail run ever. Inside 15 minutes I was exhausted and wondering if we would ever go downhill again. And then the fun really started. We had a river crossing, a mud river (not a crossing, but walking down the mud river), tires, more trails and hills, a water/soap slide and with a mud pit finale. It was a blast. So, when can I go again??

When we were finished we walked back to the car to get a few after shots.

mud facial!

We headed back to the start/finish of the race after getting some pictures because one of the local fire houses was hosing runners off. The truck had just run out of water when we got there so we had to wait a little before getting hosed off. I did eventually end up "clean."

The problem with the day is that up to this point (~2:30) I'd had a gel, a couple nuun, a bowl of oatmeal and a couple bananas. I was hungry! In my race packet was a coupon for a free Crazy Bread. I stopped at Little Caesars asked what Crazy Bread was and ordered my free bag. I ate the whole thing on the way home. Oops.

I have to say, I did not think I would like the trails so much. I can't wait to head back there and run again, only this time without the obstacles.

FWIW, I finished the 2.8 mile obstacle-trail-mud run in 42:15. Not bad for someone who had never run trails or obstacles and hasn't played in the mud since I was a little kid.

Foto Friday

2011-06-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

Here is one thing I do for cross training:

texture and color (well...green color)

anyone know what the purple flowering plants are? They were here when we moved in and I just keep splitting and moving them around.

Punky's favorite

even the kids get involved. they planted all these annuals!

it doesn't look like much now, but there are a lot of veggies planted here. although, we did reduce the size of the veggie garden by about half this year so we won't be eating tomatoes and zucchini forever this year.

I did not take pictures of all my gardens, that would just be crazy. Instead, I'll just head back out there and try to stay ahead of the weeds.

Ignoring the Training Plan

2011-06-16T06:19:00.000-04:00

In April I did not have a race to get ready for so I started my Operation: Enjoy the Run. I almost always (as in 99.9% of the time) love my runs, but making it the main focus of going out and running has really upped the enjoyment level. This week and next I am ignoring my training plan so I can go back and focus Operation: Enjoy the Run. More specifically I am focusing on number 2:

Run as much as I want while the kids are at school (hence the two-ish month time frame)

It is almost the end of the school year so I only have three more days of running in the middle of the day (that is if I can squeeze a little run in after my chiro appt today). One of the things I have done is run my favorite five mile route twice this week. My training plan does not call for anything remotely close to five mile runs but I'm doing them anyway. On Monday I ran across the guys working over the running path. Yesterday I ran into this one:

It is a different part of the path, but it was blocked by a lil' tree that went down. We haven't had any big storms or winds since I ran on Monday so I don't know what took it down, but there it was blocking my path. The difference, there was no one to watch me run around it yesterday like there was on Monday.

Kindergarten Honesty

2011-06-13T13:08:00.000-04:00

Kindergarteners do not have filters like the rest of us; they are brutally honest at times. This morning Punky told me one of those brutally honest remarks: "Mommy, you look pregnant." I'm not pregnant. I'm in the best shape of my adult life. I was in shape in high school and I only weigh a couple pound more now. The thing is that those couple pounds are all on my tummy. I love my kindergartener!

On a side note, one that is related to running, I went for a nice five mile run today. I only have a few days left before my lovely kindergartener and first grader are home for the summer so I am taking advantage of midday runs while I still can. The adventure of today was right around mile 3. I was running along and then I saw this:

The path was technically open, but there was a truck on one side and a guy taking down a tree on the other side of the path. I was planning on going around the truck, along with the one lane of traffic when I hear a guy yell "Runner!" Um, yes...I am a runner. The chainsaw turned off. Three guys working on the tree and one in the road directing traffic all turned and watched me run by in the middle of the road. Once on the other side I heard the chainsaw turn back on. I continued with my run and finished with no other adventures.

done with the run!

Maddie Wanted Faster

2011-06-12T10:02:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to take Maddie out for a nice leisurely run every Sunday. It is good for me because I've been doing my long runs on Saturday so my legs get stretched out a little and it is good for Maddie because she loves running. We usually go nice and slow. She wasn't having any of it this morning so for the first time, she ran and I followed. We were attached with a leash because she isn't trained to go off leash.

I tried to keep her slower the first mile and then gave up. We both had a blast and that is what counts.

Now I'm sitting on the couch. Maddie is laying on one foot and the other is in a bucket of ice water (more on this another day). Have a wonderful Sunday!

Which Color?

2011-06-11T13:58:00.000-04:00

This morning I woke up to my alarm clock and rain. Actually, I barely heard my alarm because the rain was really coming down. I do not mind running in the rain so I quickly got up and ready. Apparently I got ready too quickly because I wasted about 15 minutes at home before leaving and I was still the first runner there this morning.

wet windshield on the way out of my subdivision

all my wet clothing ceremoniously
dropped on the floor of the car

We had 6 miles on the schedule (which like two weeks ago was only 5.75 miles). I have been debating which group to run with: yellow (mid speed) or red (slower speed). I know I cannot do green (it's more ADP's pace)! The last two weeks I ran with the red group so today I ran with the yellow group. The yellow group is a lot faster than the red group. I tried it and now I know that I will not be running with them again at least for long-long runs. I ran with the slowest runner of the yellow group and it was faster than I can maintain for a half marathon so there is no way to do it for a full marathon. If I were doing a half marathon training program I'd go yellow all the way! But, I am not doing a half and I have to accept what I am trying to do so I'm going with RED.

My issue with the colors: they work well from a training standpoint but there are so few people in the training group that there isn't anyone running my wanted training pace during these runs. Today the slowest yellow runner (who is nursing an injury) and I averaged 9:49/mi. Last week the red group's pace was about 11:30/mi and the week before that it was about 11:40/mi. There is no one running in the 10's. :(

While this makes me sad, I am going to tell myself for the next four months that while I am basically running alone for group runs that I will also be running the marathon alone. No one can carry me through 26.2 miles. I have to do it by myself and I'll do the training with a group but by myself. (If that made sense to you then more power to you.)

I checked the weather on the way home to confirm it: yes, it was raining

Next Saturday's group run is 9 miles. I'm going to try to hit paces somewhere between the red and the yellow groups. Only time will tell if I can do it.

Heel Strike & A Proud Moment

2011-06-09T08:16:00.000-04:00

I need to take a moment to share my proud mom moment from yesterday. Really, I just want to brag for a moment about my oldest, Bugs. Field day was yesterday and one of the events was the 50 meter dash. He did amazing! I know...it was only a heat with four kids...but I can still be proud. He not only won his heat, he won by a good 10 meters!

Bugs (in red) with his closest competition (who slowed at the end)

Shortly after this he ran another heat with eight kids and he spent part of the race talking to his friend and he still came in second! How do you spend part of a 50 meter dash talking? The race is practically over before it begins. I managed to get a picture and take a look at this heel strike (or, heel strike about to happen considering Bugs is completely in the air):

It was a good day overall. Hot, but good. By the time Punky was outside it was in the 90s and the main goal was keeping the kids cool and hydrated, not running one's fastest.

Up The Hill

2011-06-07T14:13:00.000-04:00

I am not a fan of hills, but they are a necessary evil in running. One of my goals this summer is to start running hills more. Of course, I chose one of the hottest days to do them as well. Oh well, so goes it.

I did a nice little warm up and then I charged up the hill. I walked down the hill dropping my nuun off part way down and kept on walking to the bottom. The second time I didn't charge, I ran up the hill at a much better pace. I still felt like this at the end:

source

I walked back down the hill...again. It was warm so I decided walking down was a good idea. I did this hill thing four times and then did a cool down. I did not really like running up the hills, but the hill was not the worst part of the run. The worst part was running past my house halfway up the hill and walking past it halfway down the hill. It was almost torture knowing the a/c was on and I could sit down and relax. I didn't go in until I was finished with my four repeats and a short cool down. Now, I'm all comfortable on my couch. :)

For my info: the hills were .25 miles long, 4% ave grade (acc'd to my calculations), up hill: 1:55, 2:02, 2:01, 2:01 (RI ~4:25)

Matching Butts

2011-06-05T14:28:00.000-04:00

Remember that little half marathon I talked ADP into? The one that he got a 1st place AG award. Well, you may not remember but I do (for a refresher see this post). ADP did not let me know that he wanted a sticker for his car for months after the race. Then, we finally get him one and he doesn't wash his car for months. I took it upon myself to wash his car (and mine!) this morning and now we have matching butts:

Thanks for all the thoughts about Maddie and I. Maddie was very protective of me last night and this morning. We were both a little jumpy on our run this morning and since running she has decided it is okay to leave my side for short periods of time. I think she would protect me from anything given the chance.

This week's plan:
Today: Take Maddie for a run (done)
Mon: 25 easy
Tues: 35 hills (which includes warming up and cooling down according to my plan)
Wed: 20 easy
Thurs: 30 tempo (which includes warming up and cooking down acc'd to my plan)
Friday: who knows
Sat: 6 miles

It is a drop-down week, without a doubt.

1 Run in 4 Parts

2011-06-04T16:37:00.000-04:00

It took me four separate runs to get my 13.1 miles in this morning. I did it though! Now that I'm done I can say my legs feel great but my tummy doesn't. It was a fueling nightmare. How do you fuel when you are going to run four separate times in 6.5 hours? I did not want to live on gels so I did what I could and now my stomach is not happy. Oh well.

Run 1 (6:02 am): 1 solo mile to warm up.

Me and Amanda

Run 2 (6:12 am): 8 mile (a.k.a. 7.55 mile) training run with USA Fit. We did a four mile loop twice and when it was done we were at 7.55 miles so I kept running and stopped at 8 miles. It was good to finish out the miles since we were really short. The first two runs were together on my garmin, 9.01 miles, 1:39:57, 11:06/mi. I'm learning to slow down.

Run 3 (10:01 am): Freihofer's Run for Women 5K. A.k.a. the run I do with elite runners from around the world and 4,000+ other women. A.k.a. the cookie run and maybe the reason my tummy hurts. I ran this with a friend who was doing a 5K for the first time in 13 years. I stayed with her, and much to her surprise, I ran with my camera. She did awesome and we finished in 35:15, 3.17 miles, 11:08/mi.

9 miles done, only 4.1 to go at this point

Neighbor Heather and me pre-race

Lined up and waiting for the 'gun'
Can you see the elites up front? Me neither.

Run 4 (12:29 pm): I needed to finish out my 13.1 miles so when I got home I took Maddie for a run. This was the worst part of today's run. Not because it was at the end, but because .4 miles into the run a pit-bull attacked my dog. Thank all that is good and nice that both Maddie and I are fine. The pit-bull is fine too, but not on my happy list. Neither is the dogs owner. The dog was going after Maddie and I'm yelling at the owner to get their dog off mine and the owner saunters over in no hurry and starts swearing at the dog. Really? Like the dog understands cursing. Thankfully there were some wonderful neighbors who came out to make sure both Maddie and I were fine. Once Maddie relaxed (the fur on her back was up) and I stopped shaking we booked it home. First part of second run ~10/mile, second part ~8:40/mi.

All in all it was a fun and eventful day. Next week is a cutback week so I'll be taking it a little more easy.