Summer is over!

I never thought I'd be so thrilled for summer to be over, but I am. While it's not "officially" over, the temperatures have dropped significantly making it so much easier for me to run.

But let's back up here a bit...

Yes, I am still here, alive and preparing for my second marathon (October 28th 2012). 

This summer has been hectic for me so I have been completely MIA as you well know.

There were some unfortunate deaths of family members at the school where I work so I had to substitute teachers. It was a lot of work because I was just thrown in the proverbial deep end. Actually, the last two weeks of August I didn't do any running because I simply didn't have the time. I started work at 845am and didn't leave until 9pm!

I'm back on track so far even though yesterday was the first day of classes for the fall semester. I did a 20 mile run on Sunday and today I'll do a 6 mile run (RP or race pace) after work.

This time around I'm finding myself a lot more nervous about the marathon. I have a goal in mind (3:30) but I've had a sporadic training schedule what with work and life and such. So I'm nervous. I can't believe that soon I'll be tapering...

A lot has been going on but my most exciting news is my new running shoes! I got some super cute Asics. I'll take some pics and post them on the blog when I have another breather.

What about hair?

Well, as for hair...it's doing what it does. Last week I put in another henna treatment (Henna gloss). I've been doing well with that. I think I might do another length check at the end of the year just to see what my hair is up to.

Life is good though. I recently moved and me and the hubby are happy and healthy. Oh, our 1-year vegan anniversary comes up this month around the 20th. So I will definitely give my thoughts and show some recipes I've wanted to post for awhile but haven't gotten around to.

So happy October to you all and I hope to make my presence on the blog more regular in the future!

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!

December Goals

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I feel like I just made my November goals. Seriously, this year is winding down fast! I don't have any regrets for the month of November though. I did as much as I could. 

Yet, I still haven't gotten to my foot exercises. At work I read an interesting blog post about another runner who has to have a boot on her foot! This scared me a bit because her foot pain started out a lot like mine. 

You remember right? 

My foot hasn't been hurting at all. But reading that article was a wake up call. I can't afford any injuries right now. I'm working my body hard so I need to baby it a bit more.

I'm trying! 

Other than that I stayed on track. Tonight I have a group weight training class that I've been wanting to try since I got this gym membership. 

Well, on track training wise. As you know I've been super lazy where my hair is concerned.

Anyway, here's a few things I'm thinking about for December:

1. READ THE BLOGS I'M SUBSCRIBED TO. Honestly, it's been over a month since I could really sit down and see what everyone has been up to. I'm so focused on work, training, family life etc. like everyone else, that some things are placed on the back burner. This is one of those things. So I'm going to make an effort to start re-connecting with all you lovely people.
2. Find some different running routes. I did 16 miles on Sunday and it hit me: my running route is getting super boring. I did Fartlek this week just to break it up. But I won't be able to on Thursday so it's boring running route again. Chema has scoped out some interesting places while riding his bike. So I'm thinking I might check it out on Saturday in preparation for my long run Sunday. I only have 6 miles to run anyway. So it's a good time to check it out. I want to be prepared for my 18 miles December 11th. Only 2 weeks away.
3. Get my license. I need independence people! I've been driving around a lot lately and I feel completely ready for that part of the test. Now I just need to start studying the DMV book. Everyone keeps telling me it's "common sense." Yes it is to an extent. But they ask a lot of technical stuff too. I took the practice exam online and, yea, if it was the real one I'd still be without my license. My goal is before Christmas, and definitely before the New Year. Wish me luck!
4. Get back on track with weight training. This week I've been catching up. However, it's been about 2-3 weeks since I've dedicated a whole workout session to weights. The proof is how sore my body feels right now after just 1 day.
5. Connect with my Spain (and US) friends and family. I suck at staying in touch. This month, especially with the Christmas holiday, I want to re-connect with people. Maybe I'll be ambitious and send out Christmas cards! Maybe, I said.

That's about it. I'm trying to think of something else that I want to focus on but there's nothing really. Of course I want to try and incorporate my foot exercises and Fartlek a lot more, in general.

I set these mini goals just to keep myself motivated. Honestly, I'm doing well. I didn't slack even a bit last week and even ran Thanksgiving morning. So I'm proud of myself. Hopefully next month will be another productive month.

What are your goals for December?

Next stop....USA!

This is it. Today is our last day in Córdoba. We catch the train to Madrid tomorrow at 12pm and spend the rest of Tuesday and all of Wednesday with some in laws that live up there.

Then we fly to the US at 930am on Thursday.

We are all packed, have said our goodbyes to everyone, and are ready for the next adventure. I've already discussed my feelings in Unforeseen Circumstances and I pretty much feel the same.

As far as training goes I won't be able to start again until September 4th at the latest. Just with getting things together and settled and maping out new routes.

As far as our lives go, I'm excited for this new stage and hope we have lots of success.

This is probably the last blog post until September! 

I will try to write again in Madrid but I'm not sure about the internet access. Plus we're planning on sightseeing (although I've been to Madrid a thousand, million, times) and spending time with Chema's family.

So maybe I'll post some pictures.

If not, then see you all in the US of A September 1st!

Here are some of the faces we're going to miss:

Month #1: Marathon Training Update

So I've hit the four week mark. I'm still considering it my month mark even though I had to take a week off due to personal reasons (see my post Reflections: Hiatus for more details). I feel good. I definitely don't think I'm in the "thick" of it yet. For me, it's just started.  

The good stuff comes in the next few months as I plan to run a few 5Ks, 10Ks and my half marathon November 6th. 

For now I'm staying healthy, motivated, and injury-free!

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WEATHER

Some people are so good on their blogs and record the actual temperature each time they go for a run. That's great. I don't and really don't plan on it. I mention weather here only to say that I'm pretty positive that this summer is a lot cooler than last summer! It's crazy, but I would remember running at like 930-1030pm and the temperature was definitely in the high 90s. Perhaps even surpassing 100 degrees! 

It sucked because I would wait all day to escape the sun's rays to run at night in the same temperature! This month I've noticed that my nightly runs are so much cooler. I prefer to run in the morning but in the summer my body is on vacation mode. I have no problem in the winter when it's cold and dark and miserable outside. Interesting observation huh? Suffice to say, my running has been that more bearable.

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RUNS

I cut back the frequency from last year: I only run 3 times a week and supplement that with interval training on my static bike. My body seems to like this combination. I also make sure to have a day in between running. So run days are usually on Sundays (long run), Tuesdays and Thursdays (short tempo runs or fartlek). I say "usually" because sometimes something unexpected comes up and I have to switch days around a bit. 

Either way I always run the same frequency, weight train twice a week and have two rest days. Once I become a stronger runner, and have more races under my belt, I would like to increase to 4 times a week. But for now I'm content with my training and feel I will be adequately prepared for my first marathon in 2012. Be sure to check out Marathon Training: Running Schedule for details.

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WEIGHTS

As I mentioned above, I weight train twice a week, typically on Mondays (arms, back, abs) and Fridays (legs, abs). I also do ab exercises on my shorter run days. No complaints about my routine at this point (see post Marathon Training: New weights routine for details). 

I will change it up at Month 3 though. I like to do something a bit different every three months or so to avoid plateauing.

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THE FUTURE

I will probably start incorporating weekly updates into my blog on my training. This first month wasn't too eventful. So I figured this all-inclusive post was good enough. Once I start getting into the longer runs and race days I know I will want to be a bit more detailed on my progress. 

So look for those posts coming up soon. Also check out my post Unforeseen Circumstances for more changes that are coming my way!