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 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...

New Running Route

Hellooooo all! It's been almost a month since my last post. Honestly, I just haven't really felt like writing. I'm here in Córdoba trying to hide from 122+ temperatures and training. So nothing really interesting has happened....really.

However, I had an email chat with my sister the other day that really had me looking at my priorities differently. She is currently working with a CrossFit trainer and her boyfriend is upset because he doesn't want her to be "buff".

That got me thinking...there should be NO ONE in your life that holds you back. You only live once, so why not maximize your potential? 

Oh, I've got so much more to talk about concerning that topic but first I want to introduce everyone to my new running route.

This route is an authentic challenge and has great views. I feel like I'm running in the wilderness for real. Sometimes I'm running up steep hills, running down steep hills, climbing rocks, running past caves and mines, and generally trying to not kill myself. I feel like an adventurer of sorts and I love it! Plus my body feels like it's had a genuine workout. I've been running the same route for the longest time that I really needed a change.

I couldn't take pics of the truly amazing parts because I was concentrating on not getting killed, or rather, falling flat on my face.

There's so much more to catch you all up on including my future running plans and what the heck I've been thinking about this summer. But rest assured that I'm back!

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.

June Goals

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There aren't any strict running goals for June. As I've mentioned previously, my training doesn't start until July 1st. June will pretty much just mark the winding down of my conditioning program and a renewed focus on training.

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Stay Motivated

For this month I hope to stay charged and ready for what lies ahead. The last week of June I feel like I should cut back on my running distance, although I haven't definitively decided yet. Any running program starts off slow and then gradually increases.

So when I start training I'll go from 3 months of pretty adequate intensity to suddenly starting from zero and then climbing back up. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that. Of course I don't want to lose fitness but I don't want to push myself too much either.

What I'll probably do is just incorporate an extra day of weight training into my routine to maintain the intensity. Then juggle things as needed once training starts to increase in mileage.

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Rest Better

Another thing I've been thinking about for June is to switch one of my long runs from the weekend to the week. Once Saturday hits I'm so exhausted from running and working that the thought of waking up early yet again doesn't appeal to me.

Instead of missing a day of running, or being inadequately rested for the following week, I think running on Friday will be perfect. All my days will stay the same except I will do a low-intensity run on Monday (switched from Friday) and my Saturday long run on Friday.

That way I will have one day of the week where I can sleep or simply not have to think about running or work!

What are your goals for the month ahead?

"Tómalo Con Calma"

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 Exactly, so why does every training day have to be the hardest training day? Well, it doesn't, and most importantly, it shouldn't because your body won't be able to fully recuperate.

 

I've written a few articles on this topic (such as Beginner Runners Part 2 -- Start off Slow, and, I am not invincible) and I keep coming back to it because:

1. It is so important and
2. I forget every now and then

The days that I take it slow are just as important, perhaps even more important, than the days I have to kick my own butt. 

In theory, about 70% of the miles (or kilometers) I run each week should be at a comfortable pace. 

This will help me to run faster on the days I need to and I will get more out of my training, according to my beloved Runners World magazine.

Currently, I only have 1 fast run per week, 2 slow runs, and 2 long runs at a steady pace, which I tend to run slower than my race pace. (Check out my conditioning program for more details.)

However, I have it in my mind that every time I run it has to hurt and I have to exert the maximum amount of effort possible. If I don't than I feel like I failed or that I didn't get the most out of my run.

It's crazy because I genuinely appreciate the days that I can take it a bit easier. In fact, I notice the difference in how my feet and legs feel when I do. 

They don't feel as tight, don't ache as much, and I have a lot more energy to do other things like spend time with my husband, go out, and go to work.

To help me slow down I've been running with one of the women I work with who runs at a much slower pace than I do. I run at her pace so we can chat while running and I don't even think about how "slow" I'm running. 

When I can't run with her I have to really focus on my speed. I pretty much know how long it should take me to run my current route when I'm running at a normal pace. So I concentrate on running slower than usual by looking at my watch and seeing how long it takes me.

I'm doing well, I think. It helps when I can read things that tell me that taking it slow will help, not hinder, my training.

So just some further reinforcement once training starts again this summer. My goals this time are to learn from past mistakes and not make them again!

How do you take it slow when your body needs a break?

Hydration Revisited

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I wrote a post way back about hydration and how important it is to hydrate when exercising in general, and especially, during hotter months.

Hydration has come back into my mind because I will be,yet again, training during the brutal summer months here in Córdoba. Where I live, the fall and winter are incredibly mild but the summer months are extremely dry and extremely hot. 

Temperatures can reach up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) during the day and 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) at 12am. So there's not even much of a respite when the sun sets!

The best way I knew how to combat dehydration when I started training was to use a Camelbak. This allowed me to bring hydration (in the form of water) wherever I was.

It worked well but I've recently come across some literature that states that water alone may not be the best way to replenish liquids we lose while exercising. 

I was attracted to these articles because after an intense run I would drink at least 2 quarts of water (or 2 liters) and not feel completely hydrated. I'd still feel thirsty and a bit sluggish.

To combat this feeling I would make sure to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with high water contents like cucumbers, watermelon, melon, lettuce, tomatoes...things like that. Eventually my fluid levels would come back to balance and I would feel OK.

This time around I want to try something different. I sweat a lot. After an intense workout I can lose anywhere from 2-3 pounds (about 0.96 to 1.36 kilos). That's a lot in my opinion. I want to make it easier for my body to hydrate itself during and after workouts. 

This is just another way I'm trying to take better care of my body like my foot stretches or my dynamic stretching routines. I hope this extra pampering will help me be a better and more efficient runner.

Here are some tips that I hope to incorporate into my training:

If you run for less than an hour...

The best way to hydrate is with mineral water because it supplies the body with liquid, calcium, and magnesium. You can make your own mineral waters by adding 200mg of calcium, 100mg of magnesium, and 1 gram of baking soda for each quart (or liter) of water you drink. 

According to this magazine, the baking soda helps enzymes in the muscles work at their optimal level for a longer period of time. Another good way to hydrate is with diluted fruit juices (2 parts water to 1 part juice).

If you run for more than an hour...

The best way to hydrate is with an isotonic drink that has a balanced mix of carbohydrates and sodium. When you run for longer than an hour our cells not only get thirsty, but they also get hungry for carbohydrates, which is their energy.

To make this use mineral water, carbohydrates (maltodextrin), calcium, magnesium and salt. You should only use about 8 grams of maltodextrin for every 3.38 ounces (or 100 milliliters) of water. 

In addition a 1:1 ratio of water and fruit juice is another choice (50% mineral water, 25% apple juice, 25% grape or pineapple juice).

Hydration after training...

Of course you have to continue to hydrate after running because your muscles need to recuperate energy, nutrients, and minerals. 

The best beverage is beer without alcohol because it is an isotonic drink. It contains calcium (which helps carbohydrates reach the muscles), magnesium (which aids against muscle cramps), and phosphorus (which aids in the growth of bone marrow). 

The runner up is chocolate milk, which I used to drink after running before I went vegan, and finally, vegetable broth (a surprise to me).

I am very excited to try these drinks using my Camelbak! You can buy maltodextrin online and at different health food/sports stores so I will check it out this summer. 

Either way I'm sure that I will be more properly hydrated and, as a result, feel better during and after my workouts.

Like the magazine states, water (just water) should never be drunk by athletes because it doesn't contain calcium, sodium or magnesium! It's just not adequate enough. Other "no-nos" are:

lemonade

iced tea

sodas

non-diluted fruit juices

oxygenated water

Many of these drinks contain way too much sugar and lack other nutrients like the ones mentioned above.

What do you drink to stay hydrated during and after workouts?

Week 50 Hair

Well, it's almost Week 50 Hair. It will be this weekend but I actually washed my hair yesterday because I had to.

I'd gone almost 4 WEEKS without shampooing my hair! It was simply because of lack of time (work is no joke) and laziness. So it had to be done.

This time around I think I will just wash my hair with the twists in. So I will shampoo every week but only once every two weeks I'll take the twists down.

I want to see how it goes because I really don't like having a dirty scalp, especially with the weather getting warmer and me about to start training. Even now I sweat A LOT! 

So I know this is a super short post but just wanted to let you know what is up with the hair. Maybe I'll come back with pics next week as I wash with the twists in. 

I'm nervous because I know I'm going to have to battle frizz. We'll see how it goes...

Foot Stretches

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I often forget that recovery after a run or weights session is just as important as the sessions themselves. 

When I first started training I didn't have a normal 9-5, so I had a lot more time to dedicate to my training and working out.

This time around I feel as if I'm constantly rushing and cutting corners. 

As long as I get my runs in or my weights done, I don't care about anything else! 

So I'll stretch super quick and ignore those pesky aches and pains because I don't want to miss a run.

Well no more! I'm starting to get more proactive about taking care of my body so that I don't get injured. In another post I talked about dynamic stretching. Now I'm focusing on the feet.

Normally I don't pay them much attention but they are essential to everything! Not just for exercising but for getting around as well. With the warm weather already here I find myself flocking to sandals and realizing that my feet need a lot more tender love and care!

Last week I gave myself a pedicure. But I also noticed that my feet have been feeling really tired lately. So I want to take better care of them, especially since the training for my next marathon starts next month!

Of course my trusty Runner's World magazine came through for me again! Below are the exercises I've been incorporating into my workout regimen. I realize the explanations are in Spanish...but you get the idea.

If you want some detailed explanations (in English) on what to do then just do a google search. I'm NO expert so I'm not even going to try to act like I am. Do your own research and find out what works for your body and your schedule.

I'm learning as I go along to and I think this is a good first step to taking care of my feet.

New Weights Routine

This time around I'm trying to mix things up so I don't get bored. I was talking to my sister the other day and she told me about these two women on youtube.

Here's the first channel.

 Here's the second channel.

Once you get past the big boobs, short shorts, and porn like camera shots....these workouts BURN! 

I tried them on Tuesday of this week and the bottom half of my body is sore. Actually so are my shoulders and back so I will definitely stick with this routine for awhile. When I get bored I'll switch to something else. 

I'm also enjoying this butt routine and this arm routine. I've been doing them since I started my conditioning program in March. For now I will interchange them and then when my body needs something else I'll add it. 

I will probably change my weight routine again in July during my training.

Hill Training

I definitely don't have any of these closeby. 

Yea, this is more like it.

Today is the day I start my hill training. As I said in my last post about my conditioning program, one run a week I do a faster run. 

Currently I've been doing fartlek (4 minutes at a fast pace with 1 minute recovery is one set) but I'm getting bored. One of my running goals is to incorporate hills into my training. While I'm not training yet, I feel like now is a good time to get a taste of some hill training.

I went over to the handy Runner's World once again because it's so convenient! I took a look at 2 programs, (Program 1 and Program 2), but think I'm going to combine them to create a workout that fits with my goals, my time restraints, and the area where I live.

The terrain where I live is super flat. So I have to search out my hills. Tonight after work I'm going to jog to a park that has some man-made hills to start my training. I am going to start off with 15 minutes and then increase 6 or 7 minutes each week.

My workout is as follows:

1. Run up the hill for 60-90 seconds at a fast pace (5K pace) or until I get to the top
2. Jog down slowly
3. Then repeat until I clock 15 minutes

Pretty simple right? In the summer when I have more time to venture out further to find hills I will try some of the other hill training exercises. For now, I'm content.

Conditioning Program

Here it is finally, my current running schedule:

Initially I set out looking for something that would keep me in shape until I started training again. I, roughly, know when I want to run another race (in the fall...more on that later) so I just needed to coordinate it with training.

This program lasts about three months and has me running five days a week.

I like it because one of my goals this time around was to increase my running frequency. There's an option of cross-training one out of the five days and I use it as I need it. I don't want to do too much and injure myself before I even start training! So I'm very mindful of how my feet and legs feel.

Another reason why I like this program is because it's not focused on distance. It's focused on endurance, which is measured in minutes. I run for a set time period and don't concern myself with miles (or km where I am!) at this point.

Each week I increase my time by roughly six or seven minutes (an increase of about 10%). I do two, shorter, less intense runs during the week along with one day of fast running. The fast run can include tempo runs, fartlek, hill repeats etc. So far I've only done fartlek but I plan to start hill training this week. I also continue to weight train three times a week.

Right now I run: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday but once the school year ends I'll run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday because I prefer to have a rest day before the long runs on the weekend.

I've been on this program since March and I feel good. I plan to start training in July so I'll let you know if this kept me in shape. So far so good.

Week 46 Hair

I haven't done too much with my hair these past months. Like the above pics show I've been sticking to the basics: twists and puffs. During the week I have my twists and I either pull them back into a bun, pin them up or do a combination of both.

Tomorrow, or tonight, I will take out my twists in preparation for my wash. I do this at the end of the week before a wash to aid the detangling process. Currently, I wash my hair every two weeks because of time restraints. This will be week three since last weekend was super hectic.

I did recently purchase some headbands just to spice up my 'dos. I've been doing the same styles and just popping one of these on for some flare. I love headbands and flowers!

If you don't know this youtuber, BlakIzBeautyful, then check her out. She also has a website, kinkycurlycoilyme.com. She hosts tons of natural hair gatherings as well as provides tips, tricks, and inspiration for naturals. 

Jenell also has a shopping service for those naturals (like me) who are abroad and can't find their favorite products. She shipped me the headbands, 2 bottles of coconut oil, jojoba oil and another container of Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. 

I also wanted to try some African black soap so she shipped me two bars. I paid for the products, the shipping costs, as well as her fee, which you can find on her website. I live in Spain and my products came in less than a week with all the recepts included in the box. It was great.

My sister (yay for sisters!) also sent me the Aussie Moist shampoo and its  3-minute miracle. I've used the shampoo once and have yet to try the other product. I think I'll probably use it more in the summer when I need a "quick fix." I start my training over the summer and the heat here is intense. So I will need it to protect my hair so that it doesn't dry out, especially since I sweat a lot.

Here are the products I got from BlakIzBeautyful and my sister.

This weekend I have another Henna treatment. This will be the second time so I hope the process goes faster. I definitely like how my hair looks and feels afterwards even though I don't enjoy the long process.

Post Marathon Thoughts

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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?

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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!

Reflections: The Countdown

There are officially 10 days, 12 hours, and 24 minutes until the marathon! (...and counting...)

I am super excited.... and scared out of my mind. Plus this week (Week 2) I can't do any weight training and I only have 3 super short runs scheduled. I'm getting kind of antsy.

I feel like I have all this free time (and in free time I mean time that I usually would spend exercising) on my hands that I don't know what to do with.

That's coupled with this anxiety I can't seem to shake. So instead of driving myself NUTS I decided to do a little reflection.

There were a couple of runs I didn't get a chance to mention on the blog yet. Plus I want to let you all know about my race day routine.

Here I am at the end of Week 1. right before my run. I had to do my 8 miles on Friday because it rained all this weekend. I ran it in 1 hour 3 minutes.

My last long run

This took place on January 20th after work. I usually run on Sundays. However, it was planning on raining that weekend so I had to rework a few things.

The plan was to make this a true "mock run" for the marathon. I wanted to wake up at the same time, eat the same things, and wear the same clothes.

Since I had to go after work, the whole waking up at the same time thing didn't work out. I wanted to at least still eat the same thing though.

I've written about how I usually don't eat before a run because I get stomach problems tons of times. But I wanted to give it one more chance and see if I could do it.

• So I ate an apple and a slice of whole wheat bread with almond butter 3 hours before running
• 90 minutes before running I drank 16 oz of a sports drink
• 30 minutes before running I ate a pack of Sports Beans with some water
• Throughout the day I made sure to stay hydrated

 

Once I got off work I got dressed and and set out. This time around I ran a bit faster than my first attempt. I wanted to see if I could do it. Even though I knew this would NOT be my pace for the marathon.

Things went really great except that on the way back I did get stomach cramps and almost vomited. I didn't stop though (unlike last time) and finished in 2 hours 55 minutes.

I was really happy with this run. Again, I DO NOT plan on running this fast for the marathon. It was more of a mental challenge for me. Now I do feel like I can actually finish the race. I won't, however, eat anything before the race. 

Honestly, it doesn't seem to matter how much time I wait to run after eating. It still upsets my stomach. I didn't eat breakfast (although I got up at 7am). Instead I waited until 10am to eat my snack and then 1pm for the Sports Beans. I didn't refuel until around 430-5pm! A really big span of time. I don't recommend this. So I just have to do what works for my body and work on fueling better the next time around.

RACE DAY MORNING

As far as fueling goes, I am going to mimic what I've been doing for all of my runs since my training started. I recently incorporated the Sports Beans. But I love how my body feels and my performance level while running.

• Take 1 pack of Sports Beans 30 minutes before running with water
• Take another pack around mile 18 (or as needed)
• If I need to munch on a few more while running I will do so around miles 21-23
• At the end I will take another pack with water to refuel

 

This should work for me. I will bring extra packs with me just in case but I doubt I will need anything else. I am usually very good about refueling after running. So I will be sure to munch on a banana or whatever else is available at the finish line.

Other than that, Week 2 is coming to a close. I ran 20 minutes on Monday and will probably skip my second short run this week. My feet need a break.

I went on a 2 hour walk today, which I feel was good to get my  muscles moving. I'll probably run my last long run of 4 miles on Friday so that I have the entire weekend to relax. Then my final week, Week 3, starts!

Marathoning A-Z

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One of my Christmas presents this year was the Kindle Fire. I'm not really into technology (I don't even have a smartphone) but I have been trying to give it some use. So far my favorite apps are Pandora...and all the other free stuff! 

I've been downloading free books like crazy since I got it. There are actual, real, copies of books in my possesion right now that I don't even have time to read. However, the lure of FREE has hypnotized me. What can I say?

This book I came across in the solo sports section. It's the Kindle Fire edition. It's nice in that you can bookmark pages and highlight passages for later review. 

If you haven't read this book already you might as well get it, especially if you own a Kindle Fire. While it didn't really tell me anything life altering, it was a good read. 

The book definitely reinforced a lot of things. Things I've read about already, for example, and some other things I've been thinking about throughout my training and when race day comes along.

Honestly, it was quite motivating, and nice, to know that there are tons of us out there. We are a unique "type" of person. I haven't even run my marathon yet and I've already made lots of cyber friends.

My favorite quote in the book is this:

"Whenever someone asks you why you are running a marathon, simply reply: Because I can."

Man do I wish I'd read this book months ago! That is the perfect comeback for those sneering people who think that running a marathon is just ridiculous. 

There are those that ask, in awe, and that's harmless. But there are those "haters" who just want to get you down.

There are tons of funny little lines like that in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably re-read it again at some point. Probably when I'm preparing for my second marathon!

What are some books you've read that inspire you?

Long Run Updates/Week in Review

I BOUGHT NEW RUNNING SHOES!

These are the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8. Love them!

This is one of the most exciting parts of being a runner. I love when it's time to change up my running shoes! Some are "experts" and have 3 pairs that they alternate during training. I haven't quite graduated to that (and neither have my pockets!). However, I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

I went to a local store called Fleet Feet. (Thumbs up for local businesses!) They have a staff of trained professionals that actually fit you for a shoe. This was my first experience getting professionally fitted for a shoe. I don't want to give too much away since I'll write a post on that experience later. But it was AMAZING and my shoes are AMAZING! 

It was fun starting to break them in Sunday. I ran 16 miles (in a relaxing 2 hours and 14 minutes). I also ran in them today on the treadmill as I did interval training. My goal is to use them enough before the marathon so that I'm completely comfortable and don't have any unfortunate surprises.

This week is shaping up well. I did 30 minutes on the bike and some arm work on Monday, interval training and legs today. Tomorrow I will do some more weights, and on Thursday probably run in the morning before work for about 20-25 minutes. Then 2 rest days together because I will do 18 miles on Sunday.

But let's backtrack for a minute:

This past Saturday (December 31st) I ran 20 Miles. It was my last run of the year.

It was also my longest run to date. There were some snags along the way but overall I'm happy with my effort.

Unfortunately, I didn't have my Sport Beans. The two packs I ate two weeks ago were my last.

(Luckily, I stocked up when I went to Fleet Feet to get my new running shoes! So I was able to use some for my 16 mile run Sunday.)

It was unseasonably warm that day. I ran in short sleeves. I could've worn shorts but I didn't want to overdo it and then get sick later. But I could have worn them, that's how warm it was. So I had that to deal with, along with it being super windy, and the fact that I didn't have my Sport Beans.

Now, I'm not trying to make any excuses for my run. I bring this up just to set the scene a bit.

This long run was hard for me. 

My hardest run was that long run when I was sick. This long run comes in second. Honestly, I do attribute it to all of the above factors. But facts are facts, this was not one of my best runs...at all.

I had to stop at mile 19. I walked for 7 minutes. I set my goal when to start running again (a stop sign) and ran the rest of the way. If I had kept running I would've done it in 3 hours and 3 minutes. Instead I clocked 3 hours and 10 minutes.

This run was not a highlight for me. But I didn't beat myself up over it. It was my first 20 miles and I will make the next 20 even better!

I run 20 miles again on January 22nd. That'll be my last long run before I start tapering. Hopefully all goes well.

Helloooooo Out There!!!!

Googleimages: (How cute is this??!!)

 
I've missed you all! I know I've only been MIA for 4 days but it seems like so much longer!

Somehow I feel that with these "shorter" days I have less time! Don't ask me how that works out but it's true!

Anyway, last week was pretty much recovery after the marathon. The goal was to not run, but still stay active. I lasted until Thursday. I ran on the treadmill for about 20 minutes. 

I also accomplished one of my November Goals of trying new classes. 

I went to spinning on Tuesday of last week. It kicked my butt.

However, I went again today and it REALLY kicked my butt! 

I couldn't quite figure out the whole resistance thing my first time. So this time I made sure that it was all off before starting. That way, when I had to "add more" or "take some off" I was doing it to my needs. My shirt was soaking with so much sweat that I was able to wring it! 

Gross, right?

The next class I went to was Pilates.

I love Pilates! 

I've been wanting to try it for so long because it is great for flexibility and strength. There is a lot of balancing and core work that is just great for runners. Well, Pilates is great for anyone really.

It a nice low-impact workout (meaning no jumping around) so that even those that have injuries can do it. In fact, a woman who was having knee surgery was in class last week.

That was it. I did nothing else for the week except on Sunday for my long run. Those 6.5 miles felt really good. I ran it in about 51 minutes. 

This week I'd like to try a group weight training class.

My goal for next week is to try a new class everyday, single, day.

I'm trying not to be too hard on my legs this week because I have an important run on Sunday: 14 miles.

Another one of my goals for November is to start adding on miles. I don't want to do too much too soon. But I want to start preparing myself. With my foot injury, and the move, I feel like I'm a little behind on my marathon training. I'm probably not, but I feel like it.

The last bit of news is that I signed up for a holiday race on December 10th. It's a 5K. I wanted to run another race to stay on that high before the BIG ONE next year. Then again, something far enough away so that I can recuperate.

 So that's it. Short and sweet just to say hey and to let you guys know that I'm doing fine and feel fine. I'm injury free and still on that marathon training mission.

How is your week shaping up?

Back on Task

This weekend has been the most active weekend in a long time! That's why I wanted to share it with you all! It is so obvious that I don't have the chance to get out much, isn't it?

But now back to training.

Sunday

I ran my 12 miles and felt great while doing it. I don't know how, but I ran it faster than I wanted. I guess I was just excited to be back out there. I normally run it in 90 minutes, but I ran it in 85 minutes this time. Didn't plan on it but...well, next week I have 10 miles to run and I hope to bring the time up. You know, really focus on my running form, my breathing, and my pace. It's also my last "mock run" before the half-marathon.

Monday

My mom also went away for the weekend so she wanted to make up for the 3 days she missed by going to the gym everyday this week. However, she came home from work with a nasty headache. So I went on a 60 minute walk with my brother and did some light stretching.

Tuesday

I went on a 30-minute early morning run and did some ab exercises. Fall is getting closer and closer because it was FREEZING out! Although, the temperatures rise to the 70s during the day.

After work I went with my mom to the gym to get her 60 minutes in. We went to her favorite class: Sha'bam. For me it was only OK because we went to a different location. I didn't like the steps in the new location so I probably won't go to that class again.

Wednesday

My mom has body combat while I'll be doing weights and some ab exercises.

Thursday

Another early morning run (30 minutes) and then the gym after work.


Friday

We hit the gym again! This week is "Launch Week" so all the classes will be introducing new steps. But I have weight training again so my mom will have to get embarrassed all by herself learning the new steps!

Saturday

This is my rest day but if my mom wants to go to the gym I'm up for it.

Sunday

My last "mock run" before the half-marathon! The goal is 10 miles. I plan to imitate everything I will do the day of the event. 

I plan to: 

• get up at the same time 
• have the same breakfast
• wear the same clothes
• do the same warm up and stretches  
• run at the same time 

I'll provide a detailed summary of everything later.

This is turning out to be another active week. Next week I plan to limit how long, and how much, I run in preparation for the half-marathon.

But, again, details on that coming soon!

New surroundings: pros and cons

PROS:

It is a beautiful place! 

It's like a city placed in nature, instead of the other way around. Whenever I walk around I feel like an animal will jump out. Sadly, there's always some form of roadkill in the street.

The hubby saw some deer last week and there's always rabbits or something hopping about. There's a lake behind my mom's house so we're in constant view of ducks, geese, turtles and fish. 

We're only on the 3rd week so I don't know the "ins and outs" yet. Like where the good trails and paths are to walk around. It'll take some investigating but I'm excited about it! Plus, there are tons of running groups, events, and mini races (5Ks) around for me to get involved in.

CONS:

The negatives are ALL related to running, unfortunately. 

• I have to adjust to running on asphalt

• I have to do interval training next week and have no idea where to go! (More on that later)

• I need a static bike

• I need a mat to do my weight training on (my mother has carpet! EEEEW!)

• I have to find a gym/get my membership to the gym here figured out

• MY FOOT STILL HURTS!

• I need a car but I don't have a license. Hence, no way to get to all the cool running groups and events. It's sad, but before you judge let me just say it's because of circumstances. I never took driver's ed in high school. I then went to college for four years and never needed to drive. I'm from a big city (Boston) where public transportation is fabulous. So I never needed a license. When I graduated from college I went immediately abroad where I lived for 4 years. So, I never needed a license. Now I'm in the wilderness that is North Carolina and I need not only a license, but a car! Go figure.

Anyway, I keep telling myself that it hasn't even been a month yet. I know, I know. But when you're focused on something and then it gets interrupted...it stinks. Things will work themselves out but I'm impatient and hoping it isn't a detriment to my training.