My whole body hurts...in a good way

 So yesterday was Day 2 of getting back to weight training and it was such a good workout. Right now every muscle in my legs are sore along with my arms and shoulders.

A friend of mine gave me a link to a blog that had a pretty good workout featured on it. I also subscribe to Active Insider and they had a "leaner legs" workout that I also tried. It took me about 40 minutes to complete both workouts.

I was sweating up a storm but I felt great afterwards. I will probably do some weights on Saturday as well. I'd like to do weights 3 times a week.

Hopefully it's not raining cats and dogs next week so that I can run. I signed up for the Córdoba half marathon today and I'd like to get some running in before the big day. (I ran this race back in 2010).

The only goals I have this time around is to enjoy myself...ok, and to run it faster than I did last time! Hey, I like to improve each time I run!

The weather should be more accomodating next week. At least I hope so! The plan is to run a little everyday during the week as I want my weekends free. That is one of the joys of not training. After a long and hectic week I can really chill on the weekend without worrying about waking up early to run.

I'd better be careful though...I might get used to this...

Marathon #2: Ciudad Real -- Recap in Pictures

We left Córdoba at 4:30am and arrived at 7:00am...no GPS or nothing! We did it old-school! Actually, we got there even before the organizers started setting up so we were able to get the best parking space ever.

It was also nice to use the restrooms before they started getting dirty. Not sure why but my stomach was all bubbly that morning so I had to use the restroom a couple of times!

All in all it was a fantastic day. The race was small but organized really well. I had a blast. I would definitely run this marathon again.

The only bad news is that I didn't make my time. I came in at 3:39. I was devastated. I actually saw Chema at the finish line and almost broke down! Seriously. Oh well, next time I know I'll make my target.

The good thing is that I won 2 awards! 

I came in 7th for total women and 3rd in my category! I was on the podium people! It was amazing! So look below at the photos. I hope you enjoy them!

This is where the race ended.

Here's what part of the track looked like.

My goal!

This is the guy that won first place for men.

He won second place for men.

Almost time now...

These are those that were in front at the start.

This was at 21km (13miles).

This guy (Ramón) stayed with me for 18km (11 miles).

Some food energy after the race!

The guy in first place and his time.

There's the second place guy who was only 10 seconds slower.

She won first place for women.

You can see her time. It was amazing.

She won second place for women.

There I am finishing the race!

After the race...my legs and feet were burning!

Here I am on the podium with the top 10 women. I was 7th.

Here I'm receiving my trophy for coming in 3rd for my category.

I was given some cheese that region is known for as well.

My buddy Ramón!

Me and my awards!

She is so cute! She's from Ethiopia. She won 2nd place.

These are some in-laws. We gave them the cheese I won since Chema and I can't eat it!

Well thats's it! I hope you enjoyed my recap. Right now I feel great but my legs are still super sore. Last night I stretched and went to bed at 10:30pm. I was that tired. I got up at 8:30am because I simply couldn't sleep anymore. I stretched again and had breakfast.

I figure I'll be in pain for a few more days but I should be fine by next week. My next race will be the Córdoba half-marathon on the 25th of November!

Next week marathon #2: Ciudad Real

I just realized this morning that my 2nd marathon is next weekend!

Clearly, I have a lot on my mind....

The goal is still to finish in 3:30 and although I'm nervous, I am NOT going to psych myself out! Last week I ran 20 miles (trail running) in 3:03 and I felt great afterwards. So I hope I do myself proud.

Either way I've decided that I need a break from training. My initial goal was to (after my marathon recovery) start training for an ultramarathon. However, my mind needs a rest from restrictions on my running for awhile.

Honestly, I miss running and racing simply for the joy of doing it. Actually, I haven't really run just for the joy of running...ever!

Of course I like running but once I was able to run 8 miles easily I immediately set out to train for a marathon. All of the races I have run (including 5Ks) have been during training.

To date I have run 2 half-marathons, 2 5Ks and after next week, 2 marathons.

What I plan to do is to run when and how long I feel like it. I might or might not record my runs. I also plan to sign up for more races because the thrill of being part of a race is something else! It just motivates you to keep running and improving and that's what I need right now.

I might even run the Córdoba half-marathon in November if I so choose! The possibilities (as they say) are endless!

Before the race on Sunday the 28th I will come back with a quick post on what I'm wearing race day and how I'm feeling. This race is also different because I have to pick up my bib number the day of the race. I can't wait until training is over!

Oh, and quick hair update:

I plan to do a henna gloss treatment tomorrow. For the past 3 months or so I've been doing my henna like clockwork. This week I just wore it in a ponytail because I needed a break from the twists.

Since I wore it all week I didn't want to put too much stress on my edges. To combat that I didn't wrap the ponytail holder around twice. I just made sure it went over my hair and then left it loose.

With the headbands I was also able to avoid using gel. I just spritzed my hair in the morning and added some moisturizer and the headbands. It was super quick and easy.

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!

Weekly Check In

Saturday Long Run

I went running on Saturday so that I wouldn't have to on Christmas Day. My task was 18 miles. The experience was NOTHING like last week. I ran it in 2 hours and 30 minutes, so that's about 8 1/2 minutes per mile. That's really good considering it was my longest run to date.

As I've mentioned before I don't like to eat or drink a lot while running because it upsets my stomach. This time I took some of those Extreme Sport Beans for energy that I bought at the half marathon race expo. 

I took one pack 30 minutes before heading out and then another pack when I got back. It says on the package to take it with water. About halfway through my route (mile 9) I took half of a GU. 

I felt great, especially after the run. Sometimes I feel really weak but this time I felt fine and I didn't eat until about an hour (or more) after runnng. 

This will be my marathon strategy for energy. The marathon is so early (it starts at 630am) that I doubt I will want to wake up 3 hours ahead of time just to eat. That's how long it takes me to digest enough to get ready to run. 

So I will take a pack before and then take the beans as I need during the race. To carry the beans I'll probably buy one of those shirts for cyclists that has pockets in the back. I think that'll be more comfortable than running with a belt.

Sunday

This was a rest day. I planned to do some light exercises and stretch but there was a lot going on. So I just ate and chilled out.

Monday

Today I will do the static bike for about 30 minutes, do some stretching and ab work.

Tuesday

After work I will do some weight training (arms) and interval training on the treadmill for 25 minutes.

Wednesday

Weight training (legs)

Thursday

I won't have time to hit the gym today so I will run my 20 minutes in the morning before I head to work and do some abs.

Friday

Rest day

Saturday

Rest day

Sunday

I will attempt to run 20 miles. I know you shouldn't keep increasing, but this week will be a pretty relaxed week and I will rest (and stretch) two days before. Plus, to recover, the following week I'll just clock 6 miles or so. 

I want to get another long run in before I have to start tapering. With getting sick, races, life... I haven't been able to stick as closely to my marathon training schedule as I would've liked. So before I start tapering (January 29th) I have this 20 miles and another 18 miles.

The marathon is coming so soon! I'm excited and SUPER NERVOUS! Before I know it, it will be February!

How are you staying active during the holiday season?

Jolly Elf Trail Run: Recap

• I finished 57th out of 599 participants
• 8th out of total females
• AND FIRST IN MY CATEGORY!!!! 

Here I am near the finish line.

 It was such an amazing feeling looking at the website the next day and seeing my name FIRST!

This was a smaller race so only the male and female winners got medals. But, heck, I don't care! 

Winning my category was MY medal!

RACE RECAP

 It was a trail run. I didn't even realize I had signed up for a trail run until I went to pick up my race pack on Friday. I was mildly curious about it. But since it was only a 5K I was not too concerned.

I woke up on Saturday excited and ready to see what the course looked like. The only bad news is that it was so cold. 

I feel like it was colder than the half-marathon. That makes sense because we are now in the second half of December.

We got there an hour early to find parking and pick up my chip. It was old-school this time.

Here I am picking up my chip.

The typical shoe chip that you have to give back.

No high-tech technology like the half-marathon. But hey, it was a 5K and it only cost me $20! I wasn't complaining!

Before my race there was 1 mile "fun run" for little kids and their families.

It was cute. There were tons of little munchkins, and a few tears, but everyone finished the race.

My race started a half hour later at 9am. There were about 599 participants in the timed 5K.

I placed myself at the front this time. I had no plans to run a PR or anything. It was all in good fun. The trail was not as scary as I expected. I had to run through quite a bit of mud and leaves but it was OK.

I had fun and even got a yummy candy cane at the end!

I gave it to my niece because I don't eat candy canes.

The food after the event was good too. They had bananas, oranges, whole wheat bread and tons of yummy types of bagels. It was great. After the half-marathon I could only eat a banana because the other options were pizza and beer!

All in all it was great. (I said that already didn't I?)

I saw tons of elves like promised.

Ok, clearly not elves but festive!

 DJs and cheerleaders. If you look to the left you can see some pre-teens with pom poms.

 An old man with no shirt on in 30 degree Fahrenheit weather.

 Beautiful views

 And most importantly: camaraderie

The woman in blue was super fast! The tall elf to the right finished second.

I'm definitely a fan of community races.

This was my last race before my marathon next year. I definitely ended the year on a high note!