Well, the half is finally in the books and so is my cheat meal of Monical's pizza! :) I gotta say that I'm glad it's over, but that I'm really glad that we signed up for it. I'll get to the more boring details, but first let me get to the part that you really want to know. My unofficial time was 2:19:30. In my opinion that is a better than average time, but nothing fantastic. For my first long race and a lackluster training schedule leading up to it, I'll take it.
So now, the details. I didn't get a chance/feel like another run since my last 12 miler. I would not recommend that as a training schedule at all. The week I ran the long run I was very sore afterwards and took a few days off, then the weekend came, and then the following week I was just unmotivated because I knew I could do the race distance. Friday morning I woke up feeling like a I had a cold. I went to Walgreens to get some airborne and some sinus meds and hoped for the best. The cold never seemed to materialize into anything major, but breathing was a bit more difficult this morning and I had to spit to clear my throat several times.
We got up around 6:00 am today and as I was getting ready I decided to wrap my foot with some bandage for extra support in the arch and around the ankle. I'm not sure if this helped or not. Usually it's not until mile 6 or 8 that I start to get pain, however, today it started in my ankle on mile 2. Mile 2! It's really hard to get into a groove when that starts happening when you're still trying to get comfortable and find your pace. The pain was pretty tolerable until about mile 10 and then it was like a knife stabbing me in the arch whenever I struck the ground. Physically, I felt pretty good...not too winded....not that tired...but it was really hard to get any speed with that happening. I never was able to get the kick I usually get for the last few miles. Post race, I felt good until we got home and I sat down. Since then I have been extremely sore. As in.....I can hardly walk and when I do it's incredibly slowly. This is the most sore I've been post-run ever.
To celebrate the race we went to Monicals, which I have been dying to since I discovered that Springfield had one. I couldn't go all out but I did have a gf pizza...and it was amazing! In case you were wondering what other cheats I've engaged in this weekend, they include: apple cider donut, french fries, gf pumpkin brownies, and tons of cheese. :)
Sunday, November 3, 2013
The Bucket Blog
There are 47 days until my 31st birthday. As I am no stranger to all things cliche, I made a bucket list last year. Thirty is a magical age (aka a slap in the face) where you realize that you're finally an adult, even if you've been at the grown up table at holidays for a while. You need to make sure you've done some of things you wanted to do because there might be other adventures like families and babies on the horizon. Also, you've found a few gray hairs and maybe you have an ache and/or pain here or there.
The Official Bucket list didn't have to all be accomplished this year, but I wanted to get a good jump start. I clearly remember waking up one morning in February with the then-crazy idea that I wanted to run a 5k. Why did I want to do this? I have no idea. I hated...I mean hated running. Who was going to run with me? When would I do this? Would I actually do this? I decided that I would call a friend who would probably be excited to do this with me and who would make me accountable for this decision. I literally dialed Josh's number probably 30 seconds later while lying in bed after finding a groupon deal for the Rave Run at the end of April. He agreed, and I immediately started "training."
Interestingly enough, the 5k didn't make the life-long Bucket list.....a half marathon did. However, I had never considered that this would be a possibility for 2013. But then, after a few 5ks....a 10k....and some longer 8, 9, 10 mile runs it became a real possibility. The summer and my running became a real roller coaster of emotions for me. Even now, with the half completed I can't look back and say it was a smooth path. It absolutely wasn't. Training was f#cking hard....finding time was hard....dealing with an injury was hard.....and my own mental battles with my abilities and performance were hard. Lots of tears were shed, that's for sure.
I'm not sure I ran my best race and I still struggle with that a bit, but I did it. I knocked something off my list - something that seemed completely impossible this year. As much as I look at my time (official chip time: 2:17:50) and wish it was 3 minutes faster.....I look at my time and think that that's really freakin' incredible for a girl who worried that she wouldn't finish her first 5k not 6 months prior.
Oh, and my friend....he's no longer just my friend....he's my boyfriend and that pretty much ices my running cake. I wouldn't be writing this post if it wasn't for him....agreeing to run....constantly running faster than me....and listening to me whine and complain about running 24/7. He's awesome and I'm so proud of him for all of the running accomplishments he had this year, too. :)
It's my plan to switch my focus a little bit back to Crossfit right now, but running isn't over. Running has turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made and I'll continue to do it for the next 47 days and beyond.
The Official Bucket list didn't have to all be accomplished this year, but I wanted to get a good jump start. I clearly remember waking up one morning in February with the then-crazy idea that I wanted to run a 5k. Why did I want to do this? I have no idea. I hated...I mean hated running. Who was going to run with me? When would I do this? Would I actually do this? I decided that I would call a friend who would probably be excited to do this with me and who would make me accountable for this decision. I literally dialed Josh's number probably 30 seconds later while lying in bed after finding a groupon deal for the Rave Run at the end of April. He agreed, and I immediately started "training."
Interestingly enough, the 5k didn't make the life-long Bucket list.....a half marathon did. However, I had never considered that this would be a possibility for 2013. But then, after a few 5ks....a 10k....and some longer 8, 9, 10 mile runs it became a real possibility. The summer and my running became a real roller coaster of emotions for me. Even now, with the half completed I can't look back and say it was a smooth path. It absolutely wasn't. Training was f#cking hard....finding time was hard....dealing with an injury was hard.....and my own mental battles with my abilities and performance were hard. Lots of tears were shed, that's for sure.
I'm not sure I ran my best race and I still struggle with that a bit, but I did it. I knocked something off my list - something that seemed completely impossible this year. As much as I look at my time (official chip time: 2:17:50) and wish it was 3 minutes faster.....I look at my time and think that that's really freakin' incredible for a girl who worried that she wouldn't finish her first 5k not 6 months prior.
Oh, and my friend....he's no longer just my friend....he's my boyfriend and that pretty much ices my running cake. I wouldn't be writing this post if it wasn't for him....agreeing to run....constantly running faster than me....and listening to me whine and complain about running 24/7. He's awesome and I'm so proud of him for all of the running accomplishments he had this year, too. :)
It's my plan to switch my focus a little bit back to Crossfit right now, but running isn't over. Running has turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made and I'll continue to do it for the next 47 days and beyond.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Running Buddies: Your advice is needed!
Hi there. I have just a couple of running updates.
1) I ran last Friday morning - just a short run. I went around 7:30 am and it was really hot and humid. It didn't make for very good running conditions so I cut things short around 2 miles.
2) I didn't run over the weekend even though the plan was to go Saturday afternoon. It started to rain shortly after I got home from work. I was really tired, anyways, so that was fine with me.
3) Today I ran 12 miles. It always amazes me how far into downtown 6 miles is. I went my "usual" route from Montrose and down Clark until I got to the intersection of North and LaSalle. From there, I ran a little more east and down Dearborn until I got to Chicago and then I turned and went east towards the lake. I followed the lake back up on inner Lakeshore Drive up to Montrose, which was exactly 12 miles. My time was 2:05, which was not bad at all considering how shitty my other runs have been lately. Around mile 8 my right foot got its usual pain...which really sucks. Anyone have any suggestions about what I should do for it for the race? Tape it? Another insole? I noticed that my pace slowed, not because I was tired, but because of the pain. Also, I can tell that I'm going to be really sore later today and tomorrow so I'll probably have to have a hot date with my foam roller later on. :/
So, that's probably the last long run I will have before the race in a little less than 2 weeks. The other thing I'm wondering is what to wear that day? I'm guessing the weather at 7 am will be in the 50's, but I tend to overdress and get really hot. I am the queen of stripping while running and not breaking my stride at all. It's a talent, for sure. :P Recommendations? Shorts? I have no idea, but I would like to be a comfortable temperature so I don't have to worry about taking things off.
Gotta run! ...actually no...I'll be limping. :) Ttyl! Thanks in advance for any advice.
1) I ran last Friday morning - just a short run. I went around 7:30 am and it was really hot and humid. It didn't make for very good running conditions so I cut things short around 2 miles.
2) I didn't run over the weekend even though the plan was to go Saturday afternoon. It started to rain shortly after I got home from work. I was really tired, anyways, so that was fine with me.
3) Today I ran 12 miles. It always amazes me how far into downtown 6 miles is. I went my "usual" route from Montrose and down Clark until I got to the intersection of North and LaSalle. From there, I ran a little more east and down Dearborn until I got to Chicago and then I turned and went east towards the lake. I followed the lake back up on inner Lakeshore Drive up to Montrose, which was exactly 12 miles. My time was 2:05, which was not bad at all considering how shitty my other runs have been lately. Around mile 8 my right foot got its usual pain...which really sucks. Anyone have any suggestions about what I should do for it for the race? Tape it? Another insole? I noticed that my pace slowed, not because I was tired, but because of the pain. Also, I can tell that I'm going to be really sore later today and tomorrow so I'll probably have to have a hot date with my foam roller later on. :/
So, that's probably the last long run I will have before the race in a little less than 2 weeks. The other thing I'm wondering is what to wear that day? I'm guessing the weather at 7 am will be in the 50's, but I tend to overdress and get really hot. I am the queen of stripping while running and not breaking my stride at all. It's a talent, for sure. :P Recommendations? Shorts? I have no idea, but I would like to be a comfortable temperature so I don't have to worry about taking things off.
Gotta run! ...actually no...I'll be limping. :) Ttyl! Thanks in advance for any advice.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday Runday
Alright, so my training was derailed last week after I came down with a cold on Wednesday. Thursday was my worst day and then by Saturday I was feeling back to normal. I am going to get on my soap box about eating gluten free at the end of this post so if you don't want to read that you have been warned! :)
So, first run since last week was much better. Not a great run by any means, but I ran about 4.5 miles at about 10:00 min mile pace and then walked 1.5 miles back. I'm not *exactly* sure what I should be running every day to train for this thing. Before I would just run whatever I felt like that day, but now I think I need to be more systematic about it. Things I've read suggest maintenance runs [3, 4, 5 miles] during the week and then a longer run on Fridays. For some reason I think I need to be running longer than that during the week - like 6, 7, 8 miles? My goal in my head is to be comfortably at 6 miles again by next week so that way my last week can be a couple of longer runs and then a few days off before the race on 10/21.
Good news is that I was out for a little over an hour today on my run/walk and no foot pain! Yay! I think these shoes were definitely a good investment ....and also the time off that I had letting it heal.
Tomorrow I think I should try to get in a shorter, quicker run so I can wash last weeks failed attempt at a 5k out of my mind. ;)
Okay....so the GF soapbox:
When I was a kid I was always sick. Things improved when I had my tonsils/adenoids out in 3rd grade, but in spite of that I always spent a majority of the winter months going from cold to cold and then experiencing allergies and sinus issues in the spring and summer. Now, as I've gotten older my allergies and sinus issues have become very manageable and I barely suffer from them at this point. My colds until 2 years ago were awful. Every time I got sick I was miserable for 2+ weeks at a time. Then, I started eating paleo and essentially gluten free (without even realizing it) and I noticed that I hardly ever got sick and when I did it was a normal duration of a few days. This last time was no exception. I was sick on Wednesday, the worst was Thursday, and by Friday I was on the mend. Saturday I went on a bar crawl with my friends and took it pretty easy, but still was out all day and felt great. I know this is a direct connection to my diet and it's just another reason why I will continue this lifestyle indefinitely. So, if you're always sick...can't shake your symptoms....new ones pop up....and you're just usually feeling like crap you might want to investigate eating GF because it's certainly changed my life for the better.
So, first run since last week was much better. Not a great run by any means, but I ran about 4.5 miles at about 10:00 min mile pace and then walked 1.5 miles back. I'm not *exactly* sure what I should be running every day to train for this thing. Before I would just run whatever I felt like that day, but now I think I need to be more systematic about it. Things I've read suggest maintenance runs [3, 4, 5 miles] during the week and then a longer run on Fridays. For some reason I think I need to be running longer than that during the week - like 6, 7, 8 miles? My goal in my head is to be comfortably at 6 miles again by next week so that way my last week can be a couple of longer runs and then a few days off before the race on 10/21.
Good news is that I was out for a little over an hour today on my run/walk and no foot pain! Yay! I think these shoes were definitely a good investment ....and also the time off that I had letting it heal.
Tomorrow I think I should try to get in a shorter, quicker run so I can wash last weeks failed attempt at a 5k out of my mind. ;)
Okay....so the GF soapbox:
When I was a kid I was always sick. Things improved when I had my tonsils/adenoids out in 3rd grade, but in spite of that I always spent a majority of the winter months going from cold to cold and then experiencing allergies and sinus issues in the spring and summer. Now, as I've gotten older my allergies and sinus issues have become very manageable and I barely suffer from them at this point. My colds until 2 years ago were awful. Every time I got sick I was miserable for 2+ weeks at a time. Then, I started eating paleo and essentially gluten free (without even realizing it) and I noticed that I hardly ever got sick and when I did it was a normal duration of a few days. This last time was no exception. I was sick on Wednesday, the worst was Thursday, and by Friday I was on the mend. Saturday I went on a bar crawl with my friends and took it pretty easy, but still was out all day and felt great. I know this is a direct connection to my diet and it's just another reason why I will continue this lifestyle indefinitely. So, if you're always sick...can't shake your symptoms....new ones pop up....and you're just usually feeling like crap you might want to investigate eating GF because it's certainly changed my life for the better.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Blog Return :)
Long time, no blog! I originally took a break from blogging about running b/c 1) it's hard to write interesting things about daily runs and 2) that would be incredibly boring for you guys to read. I can catch you up in a few bullet points about how running, fitness, and health have been since 5/1/13.
- I have a love/hate relationship with running. I think I burned myself out a little expecting too much - as usual. I love it, but I get really disappointed quickly if I'm not doing as well as I think I should be.
- I ran a 10k in June at 56:25, which was not a bad time at all. I was originally shooting for 55 mins so that was pretty close.
- July was a rough month for me running-wise. Work got very busy and I am not a morning person so it was hard to find time to run. I do not do well on afternoon runs so if I got home at a decent time I tried to run, but if not, I just couldn't fit it in.
- At the same time, I got a foot injury that was VERY painful. I took several (aka 10) days off between runs sometimes so that it could heal. It was just a strain, nothing permanent, but I kept antagonizing it.
- Josh and I signed up for a half marathon, which is just about 4 weeks away.
- On my first run back (post July) I pulled a 12 mile (9:45 min) pace run out of no where and just like that I was re-interested in running.
- I also got NEW shoes, which have nearly decreased/eliminated my foot pain.
- We went on vacation to the Dominican Republic and prior to that I cleaned up my eating and drinking habits (no cheats!) because I was afraid of unflattering beach pictures. I gotta say I am pretty happy the way they turned out and with me being so hypercritical of myself that's saying a lot.
- We did a Zombie 5k over the weekend that was pretty fun! I nearly survived and will know that I need to train with sprints if I ever do it again!
- I am actually going to go to the doctor next week to have some blood work. I try to avoid diagnosing myself, but I seem to have a lot of symptom overlap with hypothyroidism. I'm going to have it checked out.
- I did have a few cheat meals last week after vacation, but I think my overall plan going forward is to be GF 100%. My last real vices are cheese and coffee creamer/dairy in terms of non-healthy foods so I'm going to try to give those up, too.
- I'm going to go back to Crossfit and I'm so excited!!! I really miss it. I will not quit running all together, but I just won't train for such long distances anymore.
Okay, so those are the highlights of the last 4 months. :) Like I said the half marathon is about 4 weeks away so I need to be serious now about my runs. Today's run SUCKED. Let's not even call it a run. I have a sore muscle from Saturday and I had to walk a lot. I think my plan is to quickly get myself back to doing about 6 miles by the middle of next week and then to try to keep that up, while doing 9 a couple of times....9 or 10....and then the week before the half doing 12 and then just a few easier maintenance runs. I'm going to blog to keep myself accountable! :)
Here's a few beach pix from our vacation:
Obligatory jumping picture! :)
Josh always catches me making the worst faces! :P
First day on the beach! Notice my running short tan lines! :)
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The Rave Run Results
So if you're friends with me on FB, then you know that my first race was Saturday night. Prior to the race I had had some less than stellar runs, but I figured that my adrenaline would kick in that night and I'd be fine. That was definitely the case. The race didn't offer us chips to track our progress officially, but I used my iPod app and I'm excited to report that we ran 25:30! Since my goal was between 25 and 26 minutes I'm perfectly happy with that!! :) ....and considering Josh and I spent a considerable amount of time and energy passing people I think we probably could have beaten that, too!
That idea aside, I am just really proud of myself for coming such a long way with running in the past couple of months. I actually look forward to doing it, when that had never been the case before. I am excited to go back to the gym, too, but it's nice to have this as an alternative on nice days. There really isn't anything that I like more right now than running by the lake. I've always loved Chicago, but it's things like this that let me know that I belong here. From the time I started running regularly in February of this year I have cut almost 4 minutes off my mile time. :) Goes to show that if I put my mind to something I can make it happen and I love that feeling. #accomplished
I would just like to say thanks to anyone that supported me along the way...liked my fb updates, sent me texts, ran with me, or anything. It's very cool to know that everyone cared so much. I definitely have the running bug so I'll be signing up for some more races, but this one is special. :) I'm so grateful for the people I have around me.
Gotta go for now, but I'll post a cute outfit picture (just for you, Erinn!) and a couple races ones, too:
The white jeans I've wanted for years that I'm finally in shape enough to have! Thanks to the JCrew outlet store. Peplum top from Target.
That idea aside, I am just really proud of myself for coming such a long way with running in the past couple of months. I actually look forward to doing it, when that had never been the case before. I am excited to go back to the gym, too, but it's nice to have this as an alternative on nice days. There really isn't anything that I like more right now than running by the lake. I've always loved Chicago, but it's things like this that let me know that I belong here. From the time I started running regularly in February of this year I have cut almost 4 minutes off my mile time. :) Goes to show that if I put my mind to something I can make it happen and I love that feeling. #accomplished
I would just like to say thanks to anyone that supported me along the way...liked my fb updates, sent me texts, ran with me, or anything. It's very cool to know that everyone cared so much. I definitely have the running bug so I'll be signing up for some more races, but this one is special. :) I'm so grateful for the people I have around me.
Gotta go for now, but I'll post a cute outfit picture (just for you, Erinn!) and a couple races ones, too:
Pre-race. I had to lose the glasses to run.
Post-race. 25:30 looks good! :)
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Blog Pause
Hi guys :) Sorry it's been such a long time since I posted. I've been really busy and just haven't had a chance to make any updates. Typically, if I fall off of blogging it might be because I find myself in a little "funk" and I don't want this to become an arena where I bitch and moan about anything. I want this blog to continue to be a place where I share exciting and important things, mostly health and wellness related. However, this time I haven't been blogging because there are so many amazing things going on with my life that I just haven't had the chance!
Since the weather warmed up I have been running outside. I haven't set foot at the gym and don't get me wrong I do miss lifting 100%, but as I started to prep for the race - which is next weekend - I felt like I wouldn't really make much progress if I was only running a mile here or a mile there for warm up or cool down a few days a week. I've run nearly every day for almost a month and a half now and I actually find myself looking forward to it and looking forward to running longer distances. The most I've done right now is 6 miles at one time, but that was actually pretty easy and went by quickly. On a typical day, I run about 3 miles ....give or take. Admittedly, every run has not been amazing, nor do I improve every time. There are days, like yesterday, where I just feel like crap and end up walking a little bit. However, from the time I started running at 10 minute miles, I've managed to knock off a considerably amount of time. I am able to run 8:20 miles pretty easily and last Sunday I averaged about a 8:00 pace for about 4 miles. One of the miles was even 7:40. If I ran that next weekend I would totally hit my goal of 25 - 26 minutes. ;)
So, the plan after this coming weekend is to continue to run, but not every day. I am going back to lifting and back to yoga to have a balance of things.
I haven't been taking a ton of outfit photos, but here's a more recent work one. I am excited to say that those pants I'm wearing were my "skinny pants" and they're a little big now. I haven't really changed much in weight (about 135) this month but my composition seems different.
Jeans are Paper, Denim, & Cloth, gray tshirt is from The Limited, and so is my blazer I think....Necklace is from Target....and my fav Steve Madden booties! :)
Since the weather warmed up I have been running outside. I haven't set foot at the gym and don't get me wrong I do miss lifting 100%, but as I started to prep for the race - which is next weekend - I felt like I wouldn't really make much progress if I was only running a mile here or a mile there for warm up or cool down a few days a week. I've run nearly every day for almost a month and a half now and I actually find myself looking forward to it and looking forward to running longer distances. The most I've done right now is 6 miles at one time, but that was actually pretty easy and went by quickly. On a typical day, I run about 3 miles ....give or take. Admittedly, every run has not been amazing, nor do I improve every time. There are days, like yesterday, where I just feel like crap and end up walking a little bit. However, from the time I started running at 10 minute miles, I've managed to knock off a considerably amount of time. I am able to run 8:20 miles pretty easily and last Sunday I averaged about a 8:00 pace for about 4 miles. One of the miles was even 7:40. If I ran that next weekend I would totally hit my goal of 25 - 26 minutes. ;)
So, the plan after this coming weekend is to continue to run, but not every day. I am going back to lifting and back to yoga to have a balance of things.
I haven't been taking a ton of outfit photos, but here's a more recent work one. I am excited to say that those pants I'm wearing were my "skinny pants" and they're a little big now. I haven't really changed much in weight (about 135) this month but my composition seems different.
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