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.

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!

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!!!

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.

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! 

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!!!

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.