February 2013 Goals

My goals this month are centered on getting back on track. These past few months (November, December and January) I've been plagued by illness that has really halted my fitness goals. 

I haven't suffered from anything serious, just the annoying common cold. But when you're sick you can't get out there and it starts to catch up with you.

This week, for example, I haven't been able to do anything because the antibiotics I'm on won't allow me to sweat. 

I have one of those strep throat infections that I blame on the germy kids I have to teach everyday.

 So Friday I take my final pills and that's when I'm getting back out there. I really miss running and it's only been a week. However, because of these non-planned hiatuses (is that a word?) I won't be running the Seville Marathon this year.

I am simply not ready and if I run it again I want to improve my time from the one I ran in Ciudad Real. I also don't want to get injured by running that much distance when the last time I ran (after the 25K) was only 8 miles. I don't need to prove anything to anyone and I'd rather be injury free.

One thing I have been doing is looking tentatively at ultramarathon training schedules and tips and tricks. For this month I want to mentally, and physically, prepare myself for running longer distances. I don't have a particular race in mind or timeline but I need to get back on a regular running schedule.

My first run on Friday will be 6 miles and then I'll build up from there. I want to start running 5 times a week, which will be adding on a day from my previous running routines. 

Right now I'm sticking with my own manufactured running schedule. Once I feel like I'm back at my marathon fitness level I'll start seriously pursuing my ultramarathon investigations.

In a nutshell: February goals are to stay healthy, stay running and stay injury free. I've put together a new legs routine to strengthen my quads as I don't usually pay much attention to them. I'll share that workout routine soon.

My very first 25K: La Luisiana - Écija (Seville)

First off...HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope it's starting off well for everyone and that you're still sticking to your resolutions (if you made them).

I'm still running and still vegan. In another post, coming soon, I want to talk about some new healthy lifestyle goals that the hubby and I are thinking about incorporating.

However, this post is about the 25K I ran this morning. It had to be the most BORING course but it was fun anyway since running is always fun for me!

I got to Écija and then had to take a coach bus 15 minutes to the next town (La Luisiana) where the race started. It was a race from La Luisiana to Écija, which are both in the province of Seville in Andalucía.

The race was officially called: RUTA CARLOS III CIUDAD DEL SOL

There were tons of people because the prizes were really good. Even the 10th woman to place got a monetary reward and a trophy!

I came in 14th and then 5th in my category, so I didn't get any prizes. But I did run it 8 minutes faster than I expected at 2 hours. So I'm happy with that.

My next race will probably be the Seville Marathon that I ran last year. It's during the second week in February.

Like I said, more posts to come (including my long missed monthly favorites). For now, enjoy a few race pics.

Marathon #2: Ciudad Real -- Final Thoughts

Tomorrow is marathon day. 

It's funny because I don't really feel like I'm running a marathon tomorrow. As I type this post I'm in my pijamas and about to eat lunch. There are no nerves and I'm not over-thinking everything. I'm pretty much going with the flow. 

It's not as if there are guidelines as to how one is supposed to feel the day before running a marathon. However, my mindset and my emotions are completely different from my first marathon in Seville. It kind of worries me, though, that I'm not all nervous.

It will take us about 3 hours to drive to Ciudad Real from Córdoba. So we are leaving at 430am and should get there at 730am. At 8am I will get my race bib. This is the first time I've run a race without getting my bib beforehand.

Here's what I plan to wear for the event.

All tried and true race gear. I'm also bringing clothes to wear after the race as well.  As for food I plan to bring:

• Almond butter sandwiches
• Dates
• Clementines
• Tons of water and sports drinks
• Bananas

There is usually food provided after the race but I find it's hard to find something I can eat being vegan. It's just easier to bring my own food.

The weather will be sunny and around 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celcius) while I'm waiting for the race to start. It will warm up to around 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celcius) once the race begins at 930am.

This is it. By this time tommorrow I will have just finished my race...if all goes well! (I'm counting on it!) Wish me luck!

I will definitely post my marathon recap as soon as possible so check back on Sunday or Monday for details!

October 2012 Marathon: XVII Castilla-La Mancha

This was from last year's race.

Yes, I did it again! I signed up for my 2nd marathon that will take place on October 28th in Ciudad Real, a province of Castilla-La Mancha.

I AM SO EXCITED!

Oh, and yes, I do have a more ambitious goal this time: 

to finish in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

 After running the Seville marathon, my plan was to take a break from training to recover and then set my sights on another marathon in the fall. I didn't want to rush back into training too quickly because I do not want to get injured again.

So I've been on my conditioning program for almost 3 months now. Then I start training July 1st. The conditioning program was a way for me to keep running without the pressure and strain of training. 

I did, however, want something a bit more structured than just running when I feel like it. Especially since I don't want these 3 months to be lost time.

I fully expect to be ready for training in July. Actually, I know I'm still in shape. Plus, my joints and muscles have had ample resting time.

This marathon only cost me 25€ (or $31), which is a ridiculous bargain! The route consists of two laps and that's probably the only thing I'm not that thrilled about. 

Laps tend to get boring because you have to look at the same scenery etc. Although I pretty much do laps in training so maybe it won't be so bad. Either way I'm ready for another race and can't wait to get started!

More updates to come such as my new training schedule and some tips and tricks I've learned about training through the brutal summer months.

Post Marathon Thoughts

Googleimages

So, I had my first marathon-related dream earlier this week. I say "first" like all people who run marathons obsess about it to the point of dreams. Then again, if you have any idea what it takes to prepare yourself for a marathon....you know it IS a lot like obsession!

I was running my second marathon, or rather, a marathon that was definitely not my first. I know this because I was positive that I would have enough time to run a PR (personal record). I was completely relaxed throughout the entire run. So relaxed in fact that I was helping people along the course.

Friends and family members needed my help with this and that so I had to stop at various points along the course. Sometimes I would fix something, and other times, I would aid them in a task. The details on the actual tasks are fuzzy at this point.

Each time I stopped I was relaxed and confident that these little detours would not affect me finishing the race. However, at some point while I was running I got lost! I mean completely lost. I couldn't find the other runners or the route. Actually, the entire time I was running it was like I was running by myself because there were no other runners around me.

I was panicking at this point. I kept running back and forth trying to find my way with no luck. All of the previous confidence I had, had vanished. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to finish the race and the clock was ticking....

Strangely, I have no idea how this dream ended. Either I woke up suddenly or forgot what happened. The latter usually happens to me once the responsibilities of the day come flooding into my head. It was interesting though. 

Usually when I dream about running it's running away from some celebrity who wants to hurt me! Yes, I know, it's strange but true. This dream, though, was specific to marathons. Although it was stressful at the end I think it's sort of cool. Like I'm a new member to some kind of elite club.

In other post marathon news... I got the hubby to run!

Since I'm still in my recovery stage it's really the perfect time to introduce him to running. We've already gone out twice this week and will go out again on Sunday. The first time we did 30 minutes and the second day 40 minutes.

This is quite exciting for me because it's taken me since 2009 to get him running! He loves it, which makes it worth the wait. He is so happy and proud of himself after a run so I'm glad I can be there to encourage him. 

We are having a great time! It's also helping me not get super bored with these lax runs. I run at his pace typically so I can chat and such as we run. Who knew bonding and running went hand in hand?

Googleimages

I've also given some thought on my future running plans. In a later post I'll provide more details. But just to mention it here I think I will run another marathon in September and the Seville marathon again next year. Anything can happen when it comes to training so these plans are tentative of course.

Once my recovery period ends on March 17th I'll start a conditioning program. This will basically keep me in shape until I start marathon training for the September marathon in June. I have no idea what marathon I will run but it will be something close by. After that I should have ample time to recover for the Seville Marathon 2013 in February. 

During the conditioning program I don't think I'll run any races. Once I start training I'd like to run some smaller ones like 5Ks and 10Ks. I initially wanted to run the Córdoba half-marathon again in November but I think I'll wait until 2013. If everything goes as planned.

I'll detail my conditioning and training programs in later posts. Right now I'm just enjoying running with Chema without thinking about distance, time or pace. It's great!

2012 SEVILLE MARATHON RECAP!

In the Estadio Olimpico de la Cartuja de Sevilla where the race started.

I know I promised the FULL marathon recap earlier this week but work was no joke! I am infinitely grateful to be working full time and with full benefits, but it is taking some getting used to. 

As the saying goes "teaching isn't a 9-5 job." It really isn't. I'm used to working for myself and on my own time. So getting used to having a boss, deadlines, and a set schedule....has been challenging. 

I've only had time to eat, work, and sleep this week. Today I finally washed my hair after two weeks (look for my length check!). So....sorry to keep all those interested waiting. Let's jump right in.

As you all know from my last post, circumstances didn't permit me to run the BI-LO Marathon as I had planned. I mean it came so much down to the wire that I even know what my bib number was (1724)! But it didn't really matter to me where I ran as long as I got to run my 26.2 miles!

RUNNER'S FAIR

First off this has to be the cheapest marathon in history! I bought my ticket for the BI-LO Marathon on the first day it was possible and it cost me about $75. 

I bought my ticket for the Seville Marathon 6 days before it started and it only cost me 42€ ($56). If I had bought it before the final days of the event it would have only cost me 21€ ($28). I mean you can't even run a 5K in the States for that price!

The runner's fair was decent but not super spectacular so I didn't take any pictures. However, I bought a 5 month's subscription to Runner's World for 10€ ($13). With the subscription I got a cool t-shirt, a sports bag, and a travel case. 

I also bought one of those cool neck warmers that you can use to cover your face and head for 9€ ($12). It's cool because the material by your nose and mouth is thinner to make it easier for you to breathe. Plus the material is molded to your mouth. I used that on marathon morning because it was freezing. I love it!

RACE PACK

Again, for this race to be so cheap I got some great goodies in the race pack! I know this is my first marathon, so I really have no idea what you get in race packs. But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

As you can see I was given a complete running outfit including socks! I mean those kind of shirts with the sports bra included I LOVE LOVE LOVE and quality ones can be expensive. Plus, I just recently discovered the benefits of quality running socks. So this was a great addition to my summer running gear.


FUELING

I mentioned in my marathon countdown post that I wanted to make sure to fuel properly in the days leading up to the marathon. As these days were quite hectic with packing, travelling to another country, and starting a new job...my plans were kind of thrown out the window.

Even so, I still made sure to eat a balanced diet and good things. I never eat airplane food anyway so we made sure to pack food to eat and to replenish once we got to our destination. 

The day before the marathon I had a nice plate of whole wheat pasta with veggies and some fruit for dessert. For dinner I had a salad with beans, shredded carrots, cucumber, and tomato with fruit for dessert. 

I wanted to eat something light (but satisfying) before going to bed so that I wouldn't have stomach problems in the morning. This really worked for me. Especially since I didn't eat breakfast and I still had energy to run the race.

THE DAY OF THE MARATHON

I kept my plan of not eating before the marathon. I woke up at 430am and drunk 1 liter of water. I wanted to make sure I was hydrated.... and had enough time to pee some of it out before the race started! We left the house at 6am and got to Seville at around 730am. It was a cold morning but we were all in high spirits.

Hubby taking the pic and the 2 friends that came with.

I did end up peeing once before the race but that was it. There were tons of guys peeing all during the race. It was lucky that they could do so in front of any tree. I however, would have been out of luck! 

The race started in the Estadio Olimpico de la Cartuja and ended there as well.

I ate a pack of my Sports Beans half an hour before the race started (9am) with some water. During the race I ate another pack of beans at kilometer 28 (mile 17) with some water. From kilometer 32 (mile 19) on I would eat oranges, drink water and/or sports drinks at each aid station as needed.

During my long runs I wouldn't usually refuel but I felt fine during the marathon. I felt like it gave me that extra bit of energy to finish the race. I even sprinted the last few meters! 

Here's some footage of me crossing the finish line. (Just look out for the girl in pink!)

It was such an incredible event and I had such a great time. It was nothing like the half marathon in NC where no one was there to take pics of me at the finish line. These wonderful people took a TON of photos and videos.

 

I finished my very first marathon in 3 hours and 47 minutes.

I was surprised at how good I felt afterwards! Only my legs hurt. I ran this marathon super conservatively because I was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to finish. 

There were no time goals in my mind. I just wanted to run the entire time without stopping. I accomplished that and then some! I felt like I could have kept running or even increased my pace.

I know it's crazy but I already have my time goal for next year: 3 hours and 30 minutes or better!

THE DAY AFTER THE MARATHON

I was still on my high although my legs were KILLING me! It was super painful to walk and I had to go to a job interview the same day. I was lucky enough to get the job. But that meant that on Tuesday I was on my feet for about 12 hours. Teaching is not a sedentary job! 

My wonderful husband gave me a massage the day after and actually moving around really helped. Right now (Saturday the 25th) my legs feel completely fine. I plan on running again on Tuesday.

THE FUTURE

I did no running for the entire week after the marathon. Since I feel better I want to start running again so I don't get out of the habit. Although I won't start training or planning my next race until March 17th. 

So now I'm just running for pleasure and to stay fit. I'll update the blog more on my post marathon running schedule once I get it finalized.

For now I'm just happy that I did it and had a great time. I can't wait for the next one!

A Complete 360

I realize that I've been COMPLETELY MIA these past couple of weeks. My last post was on the 7th and it's now the 20th of February! However, I have a super legitimate reason...

MY HUSBAND AND I MOVED BACK TO SPAIN!

We got here on Tuesday (the 14th) in the afternoon. So that's why I didn't have the time to update my blog or fill you guys in. It was a kind of spur of the moment decision. I didn't want to "let anyone in on the secret", so to speak, until everything was finalized. Although I sort of mentioned it in my February Goals post.

I can honestly say that we are happy with the change and the move. I'm not going to elaborate on all the details, except to say that we were not happy in North Carolina. This move was like a new beginning and I'm excited to see where it will lead us.

MARATHONING

I didn't get to run the Myrtle Beach BI-LO Marathon as planned....so I ran the Seville Marathon on Sunday! It worked out perfectly! We bought our travel tickets on Monday and that same day I registered for the Seville Marathon.

I still got to run my 26.2 miles!

Don't worry, I will give you all a full recap of the Seville Marathon including:

• Runner's Fair
• Race Pack
• Fueling the days leading up
• The night before
• The day of the marathon!
• The day after the marathon (today)

I went with my husband (of course) and two friends, and they all took tons of pictures.

HAIR UPDATES

There's also some hair updates I want to let you all know about. I've had to adjust my regimen because of the move and get some new products. As well as let some other products go. Thankfully I have an awesome sister who is planning on sending me some care packages with hair products!

I've also been experimenting with some new hairstyles that I saw on youtube. When I got here I wanted to give my hair a "treat" so I wore it out and attempted to do some styling. 

Next weekend I also have my next length check! The plan was to grow 3 1/2 inches of hair by the time I ran my marathon. The marathon goal has been accomplished! On Sunday (February 26th) we'll finally see whether this HHCJ paid off!

LIFE IN CÓRDOBA

So yes, I'm slowly getting back into life in Córdoba. I'm working full time already and love it! Even the supermarkets have prepared for our return! There are TONS of vegan and organic options now available in our local supermarkets! This is a BIG change from when we left.  We've been seeing family and friends and overall enjoying ourselves. It was also great to have our car back!

So for those of you who've been wondering where I've been, I'm still alive and kicking, as they say. I'm also fully prepared to get back into the blog. I've missed it! Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Look for all things marathon-related tomorrow!