Friday, December 18, 2015

Training? Am I training?

Ugh, the wheels have fallen off.  Last Friday, Lillie started not feeling great. Well, at 630 Friday night we had a puker.  Poor girl.  She just wanted her momma.  I got her to bed about 830 and at 1am she puked in her crib, I brought her in bed with us, but she couldn't sleep because of Jeff's snoring.  We went down on the couch and got a little sleep.  Saturday was me holding Lill pretty much all day.  She did sleep through the night Saturday and I woke her up at 9 on Sunday.  She was still not herself but began to perk up as the day went on.  Jeff went out to run Sunday am but it was cut short due to him not feeling well.  So I had 2 sickies.

Therefore Running this week has sucked. 

My plan for this week is to try to run Monday/Wednesday/Saturday.

Monday 45 min
Wednesday 45 min
Saturday 9-11 miles

The following week the plan is Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday

Tuesday 45 min
Thursday 45 min
Saturday 4-5 miles

The following week starts the two weekend runs.  Dear God help me!

SLS3 has another compression sock/sleeve giveaway Check it out here:

Compression Sock GiveAway

Just in case you don't win, here is a code for 45% off:  BLOG45

Do yourself a favor, get compression, your legs will thank you!

Friday, December 4, 2015

Weeks 3&4

Well, these two weeks were fairly easy!  HA!

T/TH 45 minutes on the treadmill.  ugh.  I am learning to appreciate the time on the tready I sincerely believe that the workouts I do have helped with overall speed.  so there is that.  I just wish I didn't have ADD and could just put it on one speed and go. But alas, I have to be in the first row, so I can watch the swim team practices!!

Saturday easy 3 miles

the following week was Thanksgiving and well we just got in one workout on Wednesday.  45 minutes. you know the drill.

Sunday morning, we did our 7 miles.  I was up and out of the house at 7:30 and ended up running alone.  It wasn't bad, temps were mild and off I went.  7 miles - 1:19:14 - 11:19 average pace.  (My goal was 11:30, so I am happy!)

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Weeks 1 & 2 of Training

Week one of training was Tuesday/Thursday 45 minutes run and Saturday a 3 miler.  I did Tuesday 45 minutes and Saturday 45 minutes.

Week Two was Tuesday/Thursday 45 minutes and 5.5 on Saturday.  Tuesday was a speed workout on the treadmill and I felt great.  Thursday was just a nice run, but I was tired and my legs felt heavy.  Saturday though I ran outside.  I felt great...My goals for Saturday was to run an 11:00-11:30 minute miles.  I ended with an average pace of 10:57.  Yea me!

This week is Tuesday/Thursday 45 minutes and 3 miles on Saturday.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

2016 Plan

I was thinking of a new challenge for 2016.  Something that would push my limits...something that scares me.  So, on Saturday, April 30, Jeff and I will be running the CapCity Half marathon.  Then, after we will be getting in a car and driving to Cincinnati to race packet pick up so we can do the Flying Pig Half marathon on Sunday, May 1.  Wheeeeeeee

I can't wait!

We have week one of training complete.  25 to go!

Friday, November 6, 2015

OSU 4 miler Finish on the 50!

Two words...KICKED ASS!

Sit back, this could be long.

Saturday before the race we were up early, ran around all day.  My parents, aunt and cousin were all in town.  I didn't feel like I had eaten well nor had I hydrated well.  I also had a glass of wine!  Say What!

I didn't get to bed early, as a matter of fact, I went to bed very late for me.

I hardly had anything pulled together for this race.  I wasn't sure what I was wearing.

I was just a mess.

The alarm went off Sunday morning, I got up and ate some breakfast and had a coffee.

I went back upstairs to figure out what to wear.  Long sleeves?  short sleeves?  gloves?  I knew I would wear shorts.

I ended up in shorts, long sleeved shirt and gloves.

We got ourselves together and headed down to the race.  We like to get there early to park in a close lot.  We sat in the car for a little bit.  I tried to get my mind in the game. 

We got out and walked around a little bit and then met up with my aunt and Sarah.  I never did see Megan. 

Finally it was time to start my corral was B, but I know darn well, I didn't take off with B. 

One of the few things I dislike about this race as it draws all OSU fans which is great.  But you also then get people who don't know race etiquette and line up where ever they want.  IT makes the start and really the first mile a bit challenging.

We finally went off and I was running and just trying to keep breathing in check and listen to my legs.  I felt really good.  I decided to just run and then take a walk break as needed. 

Mile 1 - 9.35

Mile 2 we headed over to the medical campus.  The roads felt great, I still felt great...no walk break.

Mile 2 - 9.21

Mile 3 took us through the oval. It was so nice to be on campus again.  It is such fun, even though there wasn't a game and it was a Sunday morning it was just nice to be outside and enjoying O-H-I-O.

Mile 3 - 9.39

Mile 3 was over to the engineering science building and over to Lane.  Oh how I love campus.  It has changed so much and yet is still amazingly beautiful.  We began to head to the stadium.  My legs felt good still, I didn't walk one step at this point.  My brain wanted to walk.  I had to talk the negativity out...one step in front of the other...keep moving!

We turned to run into the tunnel where the players come through when they come out on the field.  What a rush!  It is so incredibly cool.  I love the cushioning on the ground.  It does need a tiny bit of ventilation, it smelled like a locker room.  After the tunnel we ended up on the field...run...run..go...go.

Mile 4 - 9.26.

Oh my, I felt so great.  My goal was to beat my time from last year.  I was hoping for low 39s.

I finished in 38:07. I took a full minute off my time a minute and 3 seconds to be exact!!!

Always a great race.  I look forward to next year!


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

SL3S Compression Socks

I was given an opportunity to review SL3S FXC Butterfly Compression Socks.  My opinion is my own.  I was given a pair of sock to try out in compensation for my review. 

Okay, that is out of the way.

Yes, you want me to try a pair of 'pretty' compression socks.  Um, yeah, okay.  There was the option of sleeves or socks.  I have both and I actually prefer the socks, so that was my choice.  I also got to pick a color.  The color options are Teal, Azure Blue, Hibiscus Pink and Violet.  I know, if you know me I am a pink girl...but I chose the violet this time.  Violet with butterflies, very girly, I love it!

I wore my compression socks on the treadmill and out on the road to test the active portion.  I liked the way they felt, they were tight but not horribly so.  I felt that there was enough pressure to keep my calves feeling supported.  (Full disclosure: I ran four (4) miles on the treadmill and five (5) miles outside) 

My calves are huge at 16.5. I received a M/L.  The fit great.

They washed nicely.  I washed in my washer and then hung dry. 

I have also worn them once for recovery.  I thought they did a great job with recovery, too. 

If you have never tried compression sock/sleeves.  I highly recommend that you do so.  I believe that they help with my run and I also believe that help with recovery, especially for long distance.

Some of the benefits of compression are:
  • True Graduated Compression
  • Enhanced energy and stamina thru improved blood circulation
  • Prevention of injury by stabilizing the muscles and joints
  • Faster Regeneration due to lactate reduction

If you haven't tried compression socks...now is your chance.  SL3S is offering readers 40% off if you use the code MRTT40.

and if you want a chance to win a pair of compression sock for yourself, go here.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

helllooooooo!

Anything around these parts but cobwebs?  I am reinventing the blog.  I feel that 2016 is going to be a fabulous year!  I am strongly considering Ironman 70.3.  I mean it is literally in my backyard, how could I not do it?  yeah, well full time job, 2 year old, husband, well, you know, I am weighing some options.

I have the OSU 4 miler on the 25th!  my time in 2013 was 39.29 in 2014 my time was 39.11...not sure what is going to be in me on the 25th. My training hasn't been great, but maybe, just maybe I can push another PR out!


Thursday, August 27, 2015

Emerald City Quarter Marathon 8/23/2015

Hi!  Long time no type!  I ran the Emerald City Quarter Marathon this past Sunday.  It was a perfect day.

I got up at 4:45, went down and ate breakfast (english muffin with crunchy peanut butter and honey drizzle) I also had coffee and water.  After eating, I went upstairs and got dressed.  Capris, sleevless t, balega socks, mizuno shoes, SVTC visor. I grabbed a long sleeved T to wear over to the race.

The weather was perfect.  It was cool, but not cold.  It was a dark morning, with little stars out.

My training for this race wasn't exactly as I had planned, I didn't get enough speed work in, but I did get the long runs in...I wasn't sure what to expect.  My original goal was 1 hour.  I honestly didn't think this was attainable, so I made a well, if the stars are aligned goal...it was 1:10. and to keep an 11 minute mile.  Last year when I did the race, I killed miles 5-12...in the heat and humidity..so I wasn't sure what would happen here.

The race started.  My plan was to do intervals 3 minute run: 1 minute walk.  The first mile was great, I felt good.  I kept telling myself to slow down Mile 1 was 9:51.  Feeling good.  I wasn't taking the walk breaks, I was just trying to slow my pace to catch a breath.  Miles 2-3 were a little harder for some reason.  But still good 10:17 and 10:08. 

I was thinking and realized that I was under my 11 minute mile goal, so I thought I would see what would happen.  Miles 4 and 5 - 9:50 and 9:59...crap under 10...could I finish this race with an overall average of under 10 minute miles???? Mile 6 was a little struggle, I needed to walk a minute and regroup.  Mile 6 was 10:13.  Crap.  so the race was a quarter so 6.55.  My Garmin says I did 6.52...so did I do a good job of working the angles??? 

My final result was 1:05:01...with a 9:54 overall.  I felt great after too.  I did take a couple days off.  I went to spinning last night.

I feel that the FLAT of this race, coupled with the weather and nutrition were all the reasons why.  I ate the english muffin, then at 6:45, I ate a honey stinger chocolate waffle, at the 3 mile point I ate half a waffle and at the 6 mile mark, I ate a couple bites.  I carried water with me so I didn't need to stop at the water stations. 

As always M3SSports rocks a race.  Great job!!  I have 2 more races schedules OSU 4 miler and I am pretty sure the Hot Chocolate 15k.  Can;'t wait!!!


Wednesday, June 3, 2015

National Running Day!

Today is National Running Day!  I have plans to hit the dreadmill later when I do my leg workout.  This July marks 10 years of running for me.  I began running using the C25K website...this was pre-apps!  In the wee hours of the morning I met a then friend at a local high school track.  Boy the excitement when we ran a full mile straight.  I had no plans to run distance.  The idea of running a half marathon or full marathon was so out of my scope.  I just wanted to be able to enjoy a run.  I had no idea the friendships I would make due to running.  My friends at SVTC, my friends from DORC, and my MRTT friends.  AMAZING people.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Cap City Half Marathon aka "the race I shouldn't have done"

So, let's just say that Cap City was awful.  I can't blame anything, it just wasn't my race.

I was coming off my 5k high of Mommy Mile and I have analyzed this race over and over to try to figure out what the heck happened .

Jeff and I got up early that morning and driver down to the race, had no issues with parking or anything.  I regret not getting in line for a port-a-potty.  We made our way down to the corrals.  I kissed Jeff and we separated.  I was in my corral and really needed to pee.  Again, I should have just gotten in line.

It was finally time for us to start.  I began running,  felt comfortable with the exception of needing to pee.  I finally stopped at mile 3 and thought then that I would find my groove.

at the cut off for the quarter, for the first time I wished I was only doing the quarter.  I just never felt relaxed in the run.  I wanted it to be over.

I struggled and just walked a large part of the race.

Still 2 weeks later, I still can't truly say what happened.  I have decided that I am going to concentrate on speed for a 10k and build back up to a half.  I still like that distance...just want to reach some goals.

Jeff has signed up for Cap City again next year.  I think I will just Sherpa! 

Monday, April 27, 2015

Mommy Mile - PR 27:48

Mommy mile is a new race for the area.  There was lots of hype surrounding this race.  The swag bag was supposed to be valued at $300 dollars.  I am not really certain it is, but I got the 31 bag that I really wanted, so who cares.  There was a 31 utility bag, a mommy mile t-shirt (cotton) a bunch of coupons - most of which I threw away.  There is a coupon for an oil change, which is really nice, but  I won't use.  Anyway, at the end of the race, there was a medal, a rose and a glass of champagne. 

So, the course was around the Mall at Polaris.  If anyone ever says that it is flat there I will punch them.  There were slight gradual hills.  When driving, I am certain you don't feel the incline, but when running you feel them. 

The race started.  I never did hear the National Anthem.  Perhaps, I missed it but I always like that at the beginning of a race.  The race started with not much fanfare.  We were off.  The first mile, I spent weaving in and out of people and strollers.  I seriously believe it is wonderful that you can run with a stroller.  I do it...but please run where people are able to pass you. 

Anyway, mile 1 was awfully quick.  Mile 2 seemed even quicker.  We got to the 3 mile mark and we had WAY more than .1 to go.  It do think the course markers were off.  I think I did an okay job of running the angles but, I think the course was short.  That said I did PR this race.  I am not positive if it is an overall PR or just a PR post Lillie.

I finished 88 out of 1003.  Top 10%  I finished 66th female of 882 and I finished 13 out of 147 for my age group.  I am pretty darn proud of myself.

After the race Channel 10 interviewed Megan.  And after that we left.  I have been flying high ever since.  i hope to beat my previous half time next Saturday.  I would LOVE to finish 2:10 - 2:14  We'll see.  I am going to try to keep it easy to mile 10 then push. We shall see!!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Time for a check in

Well, it is about time for my quarterly post.Jeff and I are in the last heavy training week for the Cap City Half.  He has an achy calf that keeps pestering him and I am dealing with Achilles tendonitis.  Good times here, my friends. 

My training during the week is stellar, my long runs have been hit or miss.  I have done a couple 8 milers.  This weekend I want/plan to get the 10 in.  My training program has 17, but no, I am sorry, I will go up to 12 for a half but I am not doing more.  Shame on me, maybe it is why I can't break the 2 hour mark.  Eh, I am getting there. 

I really feel like I would do much better if I fueled myself properly.  I really should follow some sort of plan besides the eat it all plan.


Tuesday, January 27, 2015

NHL All-Star 5k

Unplanned, untrained, unable to breath.  That sums up my race.  haha.

Actually, I picked up our packets on Thursday and we got really cool shirts.  I did order mine up 2 sizes!  (I learned from the OSU race!)

Jeff wasn't feeling well.  He was up the night before and was feeling very poorly.

We got to the race early, like really early.  It was cold.  I waited inside the Tim Horton's doors - Jeff waited outside.  I ran into my cousin Sarah and her friend Keri there where we were all trying to keep warm.

Had I been feeling better I would have gotten pictures with the Mascots that were there.  As it was I was lucky to be standing.

We wondered over to the start.  Sarah and Kerri went to the 10 minute pace group.  I was aiming for 11 min...Jeff went back to 12. 

**NOTE ON MY WAY DOWN I REALIZED THAT I LEFT MY GARMIN AT HOME.  OOPS**

So, I was running naked so to speak, running sick...gee this is a good idea for a shirt and a medal!  Race starts.  I don't care what anyone says hearing the National Anthem is wonderful. 

The race started, I kept it slow and comfortable (so I could breathe).  I missed the mile markers, I just ran...I saw the 35 minute race group, and slowly passed them.  I could see the 32 min group ahead. I just ran a comfortable pace.  I apparently passed my cousin and Kerri.  (I didn't realize that). I saw the 32 minute group ahead.  I didn't think I ever passed them.  I obviously did. 

I finished the race at 31:36...no idea of the splits...no idea of anything.  I had a great race and took a long nap afterwards!

Thursday, January 22, 2015

plans...who needs plans

Well, training was supposed to start this week - finished off with a 5k this weekend.  I have run um, zero times this week, as breathing has been difficult.  I have some sort of allergy/sinus issue.  If I still feel like crap tomorrow I will go get help.  it will have been a week.  I no longer feel like I swallowed glass.  So there is that as a positive. 

I am still planning to run (survive) the 5k on Saturday because well, I paid for it and I want the shirt and medal!