June was pretty uneventful for me. I did not log over 5 miles on any of my daily runs. My total for June was 58.5 miles...pretty low. It was nice to sit back, relax, and slow down a little. I felt like I wore myself down in May.
I finished out the month by running The Dirty Girl Mud Run with a group of girls. I had done the Warrior Dash two years ago and was really looking forward to another mud run. It was a great time and it felt nice only running a 5K...for fun. The Warrior Dash was by far a better race, but take a group of girls, add running, and a whole lot of mud and it makes for a good time either way.
I have no races planned for July, but I do need to get my butt in gear and get back in shape for August. I will be running CRIM number five at the end of the month and I am really hoping to shave a bit of time off of my PR from last year.
Here's to a great July! Happy Running!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
A Fight to Finish
After hearing what the temps were supposed to be, I knew that this race would be one that I would have to fight for. Two days before the race, when the forecast wasn't changing and the temps were only predicted to be higher, my goals were thrown out the window and my only goal became to finish. There were many firsts in this race (from start to finish):
First time racing in a tutu. - A couple of weeks ago, I bought some tulle with my birthday money. I saw a girl racing in a tutu for my half and I really wanted to wear one for Rockford. I made one and then my Princess wanted one so I made one for her too. I was a little nervous to wear it to the race, but sucked it up. I got a lot of attention and compliments and it made it a lot easier for Dan to know where I was. This was my first time, and it definitely won't be my last! I plan on wearing one for The CRIM in August!
First time starting "late". - I was standing in the potty line when I heard the race start. Panic set in among those of us still in line. Some of the 10K people let me cut and I finally made it up to the potty. Walking out, I heard, "Last call for marathoners and half marathoners!" I ran from the potties to the coral to start the race. It took me about a mile to kinda settle in and get myself out of that panic feeling.
First time running with a pace group. - Around mile two I caught the 5:00 pace group. It was a group of really nice people. Ralph, the pacer, was running a bit behind but his goal was just to be safe. The 11:30 pace felt really nice in the heat and I decided to slow down and stick with them. The conversation was fun and it was neat to hear everyones racing stories. They slowed down a little bit more during some of the hills and before I knew it, I was running with two guys I met in the group. We decided we would just keep trucking and stay together, the three of us, as long as we could. We lost Mark around mile 8 and then it was just Carmen and myself until mile 13. It was a good experience and I could see running without music if I were to run with a pace group again sometime.
First time thinking that I was going to die. - Around mile seventeen I started to feel terrible. I wasn't in any of the normal pain that I usually feel from running. My legs felt fine. My feet felt fine. It was my head and my stomach. I felt like I had the flu. I knew I was getting dangerously close to having to call it quits. I backed off from running and decided to give myself some time. If I had to speed walk until the end, I was going to do it.
First time starting my period during a race. - Of all days, it had to be this one. During mile twenty, the course took us in to this park. I spotted a bathroom that I decided to stop at. I filled my fuel bottles with cold water (everything they were handing out was boiling) and went in to the bathroom. I looked down and I think I swore out loud. Guess this explains the cramps...for the most part.
First time laying in the grass during the race. - I saw Dan and my Princess again at mile 21. I layed my head on his shoulder and just cried, wishing he could carry me to the car and take me away. I composed myself, kissed him, and said goodbye. I made it another mile down the course (it was a scenic park trail) and had the urge to lay in the grass, under the trees, in the shade...so I did. I layed there until my back was itchy...until I knew if I layed there any longer that I wouldn't be able to get up. During mile 22, I would stop two more times at benches and just sit there. I was feeling so sick.
First time puking during a race, not once, but two times. - The last three miles were absolute torture. I have never experienced anything like it. I puked during mile 23, but it was nothing like what was ahead. During my races, I usually use all of my "alone time" to pray for people and just talk to God. I prayed for a few people, but the last few miles were just asking Him to give me the strength to keep going. At mile 25, I came up to a water station. I was not looking good or feeling good. I took a cup of water and a cup of Gatorade and tried to drink as much as I could. I got about .1 of a mile away and started throwing up again...and couldn't stop...to the point where I knelt in the street...I thought it was over. There were two cops directing traffic who came over. One of the cops gave me what was left in his water bottle...it was ice cold and tasted so good. The other cop poured water down my back. I heard them talking with eachother about calling medical. While dry heaving in the street, on my knees, I knew I could not quit a mile from the finish. I told them that I was sure I was okay and that I could suck it up and finish the race. They said that they would let me go only if I was sure and that if I made it over the hill and felt like I was going to be sick again that I was to turn around and come back. I agreed, but it my head I was thinking that I just needed to book it over the hill out of their sight...there was no way I was stopping. I had come too far and been through too much to not make it the last mile.
First time running across the finish with my Princess - I rounded the corner, with tears in my eyes, and spotted Dan and Kait waiting there for me. Kait was walking toward me and when we met, I held out my hand and she ran with me to the finish line. It was a terrible race, but in that moment, I was so proud and thought it was my best finish ever.
First time finishing a marathon in over 6 hours. - I really have no idea what my time was. I stopped my Garmin at mile 23 because I was convinced that I wasn't going to make it. Nothing (but the tutu) about this race was pretty and at times I was sure that they would find me hours later laying in the grass beside the course. This was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but my need to persevere proved stronger. I finished. I didn't rock this race, but I did rock my tutu.
First time racing in a tutu. - A couple of weeks ago, I bought some tulle with my birthday money. I saw a girl racing in a tutu for my half and I really wanted to wear one for Rockford. I made one and then my Princess wanted one so I made one for her too. I was a little nervous to wear it to the race, but sucked it up. I got a lot of attention and compliments and it made it a lot easier for Dan to know where I was. This was my first time, and it definitely won't be my last! I plan on wearing one for The CRIM in August!
First time starting "late". - I was standing in the potty line when I heard the race start. Panic set in among those of us still in line. Some of the 10K people let me cut and I finally made it up to the potty. Walking out, I heard, "Last call for marathoners and half marathoners!" I ran from the potties to the coral to start the race. It took me about a mile to kinda settle in and get myself out of that panic feeling.
First time running with a pace group. - Around mile two I caught the 5:00 pace group. It was a group of really nice people. Ralph, the pacer, was running a bit behind but his goal was just to be safe. The 11:30 pace felt really nice in the heat and I decided to slow down and stick with them. The conversation was fun and it was neat to hear everyones racing stories. They slowed down a little bit more during some of the hills and before I knew it, I was running with two guys I met in the group. We decided we would just keep trucking and stay together, the three of us, as long as we could. We lost Mark around mile 8 and then it was just Carmen and myself until mile 13. It was a good experience and I could see running without music if I were to run with a pace group again sometime.
First time thinking that I was going to die. - Around mile seventeen I started to feel terrible. I wasn't in any of the normal pain that I usually feel from running. My legs felt fine. My feet felt fine. It was my head and my stomach. I felt like I had the flu. I knew I was getting dangerously close to having to call it quits. I backed off from running and decided to give myself some time. If I had to speed walk until the end, I was going to do it.
First time starting my period during a race. - Of all days, it had to be this one. During mile twenty, the course took us in to this park. I spotted a bathroom that I decided to stop at. I filled my fuel bottles with cold water (everything they were handing out was boiling) and went in to the bathroom. I looked down and I think I swore out loud. Guess this explains the cramps...for the most part.
First time laying in the grass during the race. - I saw Dan and my Princess again at mile 21. I layed my head on his shoulder and just cried, wishing he could carry me to the car and take me away. I composed myself, kissed him, and said goodbye. I made it another mile down the course (it was a scenic park trail) and had the urge to lay in the grass, under the trees, in the shade...so I did. I layed there until my back was itchy...until I knew if I layed there any longer that I wouldn't be able to get up. During mile 22, I would stop two more times at benches and just sit there. I was feeling so sick.
First time puking during a race, not once, but two times. - The last three miles were absolute torture. I have never experienced anything like it. I puked during mile 23, but it was nothing like what was ahead. During my races, I usually use all of my "alone time" to pray for people and just talk to God. I prayed for a few people, but the last few miles were just asking Him to give me the strength to keep going. At mile 25, I came up to a water station. I was not looking good or feeling good. I took a cup of water and a cup of Gatorade and tried to drink as much as I could. I got about .1 of a mile away and started throwing up again...and couldn't stop...to the point where I knelt in the street...I thought it was over. There were two cops directing traffic who came over. One of the cops gave me what was left in his water bottle...it was ice cold and tasted so good. The other cop poured water down my back. I heard them talking with eachother about calling medical. While dry heaving in the street, on my knees, I knew I could not quit a mile from the finish. I told them that I was sure I was okay and that I could suck it up and finish the race. They said that they would let me go only if I was sure and that if I made it over the hill and felt like I was going to be sick again that I was to turn around and come back. I agreed, but it my head I was thinking that I just needed to book it over the hill out of their sight...there was no way I was stopping. I had come too far and been through too much to not make it the last mile.
First time running across the finish with my Princess - I rounded the corner, with tears in my eyes, and spotted Dan and Kait waiting there for me. Kait was walking toward me and when we met, I held out my hand and she ran with me to the finish line. It was a terrible race, but in that moment, I was so proud and thought it was my best finish ever.
First time finishing a marathon in over 6 hours. - I really have no idea what my time was. I stopped my Garmin at mile 23 because I was convinced that I wasn't going to make it. Nothing (but the tutu) about this race was pretty and at times I was sure that they would find me hours later laying in the grass beside the course. This was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but my need to persevere proved stronger. I finished. I didn't rock this race, but I did rock my tutu.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
April Recap and a Look Ahead to May
Miles Run - 116
Miles Biked - 118
I am pretty happy with my mileage for the month of April. I kept pretty busy and the month really flew by.
While I was having problems with my foot, I gave the bike a try and found I really like it. I rode off most of my baby weight after I had Middle Man...up until I couldn't get the last pesky ten pounds off and then I switched to running. It was nice to switch things up this month, but still keep on top of my running miles. I don't know, I may want to give a triathlon a try.
I did great this month with my diet...well, until the last week. I was crazy hungry and gave in to all the carbs and birthday sweets. It's going to be really hard to get back on track, but the cake is gone and frankly all the junk has left me feeling pretty crappy.
For the month of May :
I have a Marathon on the horizon. My goal is to finish under 5 hours...it would be really nice to come in close to my Des Moines time. Chicago knocked the wind out of my sails and left me with a lot of self doubt...it was such a terrible race. So, hopefully the weather will cooperate and I will enjoy it.
I need to get back on track with my eating. Nuff said about that. Time to get to work.
Miles Biked - 118
I am pretty happy with my mileage for the month of April. I kept pretty busy and the month really flew by.
While I was having problems with my foot, I gave the bike a try and found I really like it. I rode off most of my baby weight after I had Middle Man...up until I couldn't get the last pesky ten pounds off and then I switched to running. It was nice to switch things up this month, but still keep on top of my running miles. I don't know, I may want to give a triathlon a try.
I did great this month with my diet...well, until the last week. I was crazy hungry and gave in to all the carbs and birthday sweets. It's going to be really hard to get back on track, but the cake is gone and frankly all the junk has left me feeling pretty crappy.
For the month of May :
I have a Marathon on the horizon. My goal is to finish under 5 hours...it would be really nice to come in close to my Des Moines time. Chicago knocked the wind out of my sails and left me with a lot of self doubt...it was such a terrible race. So, hopefully the weather will cooperate and I will enjoy it.
I need to get back on track with my eating. Nuff said about that. Time to get to work.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Celebrating 30 at the Illinois Marathon
On April 28th, I celebrated my 30th birthday by running a half...and I wouldn't have wanted to celebrate any other way.
I got up at 4:45 that morning. I was a little nervous about catching a shuttle and making my way to the start line by myself, but I was so pumped about my first race of the year.
My breakfast that morning (poor planning on my part) consisted of a brown sugar cinnamon poptart and a banana. Because I wasn't planning on filling my bottles for my fuel belt, I was drinking water like crazy...which might have been a bit of an overkill.
At around 5:45, I went down and boarded a shuttle to the start line. I hit the porta-potty (I am practically a pro by now and don't give it a second thought anymore) and followed the sea of people to the starting corals to freeze my butt of waiting for the race to begin. It was cold and windy, but at least the rain stopped.
I had every intention of joining a pace group, probably right up until that morning. I guess I decided against it because I felt this race was something I needed to do myself...to prove to myself that I can run by myself and be okay. But, just in case I wasn't going to be okay, I got in right beside the 10:07 pacer and planned on staying on the outskirts of the group for the first couple of miles just to get comfortable.
It was such a rush crossing that start line. It was nice being with the pace group at the beginning to keep me from getting too excited and starting out too fast. I stayed with them until mile two and decided that it was time to run my own race.
At around two and a half miles, I looked and saw my little family standing on the side of the road. I tried not to get too emotional. My three kiddos were holding up signs that they made to cheer me on. It was great to see them and gave me the little boost I needed. I pictured them many times after that.
Shortly after seeing my family, I had to pee so bad. After every mile marker, I would check out the porta-potties to see what waiting was like. I couldn't justify standing in line at mile 3, 4, or 5 to pee. So, I passed each of those up. By mile seven, I was uncomfortable and it's all I could think about. I had to stop. Luckily, there was no waiting so I took a little pit stop. This is where I noticed that the skin was pretty much gone on my left inner thigh, thanks to my stupid choice of shorts, which my husband would later inform me of.
It's the last 5K that usually plays a few mind games with me...this race being no exception. I did a lot of praying and I knew that I had many praying for me. I wrestled a lot with myself in mile 10 and by the time I was on to mile 11 my heart had won and I kept trucking.
Mile 12 I started to get teary...especially during the approach to the stadium. The winding seemed to take forever and there was really no way to gain any speed weaving through the corals they had set up for us but I was happy to be so close to the finish. As soon as I entered the stadium, "Knees to the Earth" came on my ipod and I crossed the finish to the verse couple lines to that song. It was perfect.
I had so hoped to finish in 2:10 on my birthday, but there was no way that I could be disappointed with my time (and new PR!!!) of 2:12:48. I was thrilled. After I got my medal and grabbed a bottle of water, I stood in the stadium, looking around, and taking it all in. While waiting to meet my family (who was in the stadium and saw me come in and cross the finish line) I sat up in the bleachers watching the other runners come in. It was a neat experience.
The course was beautiful, flat, and one that I would like to run again. It was the perfect way to ring in another decade!
Mile By Mile :
Mile 1 - 9:56
Mile 2 - 9:57
Mile 3 - 9:50
Mile 4 - 9:51
Mile 5 - 10:00
Mile 6 - 9:45
Mile 7 - 10:37 (potty break hurt me)
Mile 8 - 9:56
Mile 9 - 9:49
Mile 10 - 10:36 (where I became a headcase :) )
Mile 11 - 10:16
Mile 12 - 10:34 (my thigh was KILLING me!)
Mile 13 - 10:14
Average - 10:06/mile
Highlights of my Race - Seeing my family along the course holding the signs they made, proving to myself that I can keep running when my head is telling me to give up, running in to Memorial Stadium, Looking down and seeing my new PR!
Low points - Wearing tight cotton shorts (I guess it's a big no, no...which my husband failed to tell me before I walked out the door) and scraping off about six inches of the inside of my left thigh...which was pusing and bleeding for two days...now it's just one big scab.
What a way to start the year...couldn't be happier...couldn't be more excited for my upcoming races.
Here's to a great running season...my first season in my 30s!
Happy Running!
I got up at 4:45 that morning. I was a little nervous about catching a shuttle and making my way to the start line by myself, but I was so pumped about my first race of the year.
My breakfast that morning (poor planning on my part) consisted of a brown sugar cinnamon poptart and a banana. Because I wasn't planning on filling my bottles for my fuel belt, I was drinking water like crazy...which might have been a bit of an overkill.
At around 5:45, I went down and boarded a shuttle to the start line. I hit the porta-potty (I am practically a pro by now and don't give it a second thought anymore) and followed the sea of people to the starting corals to freeze my butt of waiting for the race to begin. It was cold and windy, but at least the rain stopped.
I had every intention of joining a pace group, probably right up until that morning. I guess I decided against it because I felt this race was something I needed to do myself...to prove to myself that I can run by myself and be okay. But, just in case I wasn't going to be okay, I got in right beside the 10:07 pacer and planned on staying on the outskirts of the group for the first couple of miles just to get comfortable.
It was such a rush crossing that start line. It was nice being with the pace group at the beginning to keep me from getting too excited and starting out too fast. I stayed with them until mile two and decided that it was time to run my own race.
At around two and a half miles, I looked and saw my little family standing on the side of the road. I tried not to get too emotional. My three kiddos were holding up signs that they made to cheer me on. It was great to see them and gave me the little boost I needed. I pictured them many times after that.
Shortly after seeing my family, I had to pee so bad. After every mile marker, I would check out the porta-potties to see what waiting was like. I couldn't justify standing in line at mile 3, 4, or 5 to pee. So, I passed each of those up. By mile seven, I was uncomfortable and it's all I could think about. I had to stop. Luckily, there was no waiting so I took a little pit stop. This is where I noticed that the skin was pretty much gone on my left inner thigh, thanks to my stupid choice of shorts, which my husband would later inform me of.
It's the last 5K that usually plays a few mind games with me...this race being no exception. I did a lot of praying and I knew that I had many praying for me. I wrestled a lot with myself in mile 10 and by the time I was on to mile 11 my heart had won and I kept trucking.
Mile 12 I started to get teary...especially during the approach to the stadium. The winding seemed to take forever and there was really no way to gain any speed weaving through the corals they had set up for us but I was happy to be so close to the finish. As soon as I entered the stadium, "Knees to the Earth" came on my ipod and I crossed the finish to the verse couple lines to that song. It was perfect.
I had so hoped to finish in 2:10 on my birthday, but there was no way that I could be disappointed with my time (and new PR!!!) of 2:12:48. I was thrilled. After I got my medal and grabbed a bottle of water, I stood in the stadium, looking around, and taking it all in. While waiting to meet my family (who was in the stadium and saw me come in and cross the finish line) I sat up in the bleachers watching the other runners come in. It was a neat experience.
The course was beautiful, flat, and one that I would like to run again. It was the perfect way to ring in another decade!
Mile By Mile :
Mile 1 - 9:56
Mile 2 - 9:57
Mile 3 - 9:50
Mile 4 - 9:51
Mile 5 - 10:00
Mile 6 - 9:45
Mile 7 - 10:37 (potty break hurt me)
Mile 8 - 9:56
Mile 9 - 9:49
Mile 10 - 10:36 (where I became a headcase :) )
Mile 11 - 10:16
Mile 12 - 10:34 (my thigh was KILLING me!)
Mile 13 - 10:14
Average - 10:06/mile
Highlights of my Race - Seeing my family along the course holding the signs they made, proving to myself that I can keep running when my head is telling me to give up, running in to Memorial Stadium, Looking down and seeing my new PR!
Low points - Wearing tight cotton shorts (I guess it's a big no, no...which my husband failed to tell me before I walked out the door) and scraping off about six inches of the inside of my left thigh...which was pusing and bleeding for two days...now it's just one big scab.
What a way to start the year...couldn't be happier...couldn't be more excited for my upcoming races.
Here's to a great running season...my first season in my 30s!
Ready to run!
My K with her running sign.
My Littlest Man with his sign he made.
Middle Man with his sign.
Running in to the Stadium...almost there!
Me with shirt on and my Finisher's Medal!
Happy Running!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Ten
I was up early this morning. I had trouble falling asleep after getting home from work last night...and then my Middle Man woke me at around 3AM. At 3:30, I decided that I would head to the gym and hop on the bike for ten. I finished ten in under 40 minutes and felt like I could go home and go back to sleep...so I did.
After dropping the kids off at school, my husband, my Littlest Man, and I went to the trail. My husband rode the bike with my Littlest Man on the back while I knocked out 10 miles. I was determined to finish as close to 1:40 as I could. Here's a rundown:
Mile #1 - 9:43
Mile #2 - 9:28
Mile #3 - 9:53
Mile #4 - 9:45
Mile #5 - 9:52
Mile #6 - 10:20
Mile #7 - 10:29
Mile #8 - 10:55
Mile #9 - 10:12
Mile #10 - 10:18
Total - 1:40:54 -- average 10:05/mile
My foot started killing me at around 7.5 miles...and I was so thirsty. I didn't even think to wear my fuel belt and I really wished I had. I had some serious dry mouth going on. Other than that, I felt great and was so pleased with my time. My half marathon is two weeks from tomorrow and I actually feel like I am somewhat ready. I probably won't run any more long runs until that day...and then it will be time to cram for my full a month later.
I've been starving these last two weeks! I'm always so hungry when I up my mileage. I worked out for about three hours today so I had a huge salad with two hard boiled eggs and about a 1/4 cup of cheese on it along with a protein bar this afternoon. Yum!
I am looking forward to having this weekend off...and hopefully getting in a few more miles tomorrow to finish off my week.
Happy Running!
After dropping the kids off at school, my husband, my Littlest Man, and I went to the trail. My husband rode the bike with my Littlest Man on the back while I knocked out 10 miles. I was determined to finish as close to 1:40 as I could. Here's a rundown:
Mile #1 - 9:43
Mile #2 - 9:28
Mile #3 - 9:53
Mile #4 - 9:45
Mile #5 - 9:52
Mile #6 - 10:20
Mile #7 - 10:29
Mile #8 - 10:55
Mile #9 - 10:12
Mile #10 - 10:18
Total - 1:40:54 -- average 10:05/mile
My foot started killing me at around 7.5 miles...and I was so thirsty. I didn't even think to wear my fuel belt and I really wished I had. I had some serious dry mouth going on. Other than that, I felt great and was so pleased with my time. My half marathon is two weeks from tomorrow and I actually feel like I am somewhat ready. I probably won't run any more long runs until that day...and then it will be time to cram for my full a month later.
I've been starving these last two weeks! I'm always so hungry when I up my mileage. I worked out for about three hours today so I had a huge salad with two hard boiled eggs and about a 1/4 cup of cheese on it along with a protein bar this afternoon. Yum!
I am looking forward to having this weekend off...and hopefully getting in a few more miles tomorrow to finish off my week.
Happy Running!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Faster
I have always said, I will never be the fastest runner.
I will never run a sub 8 mile.
I will never come in first in any race...
but that doesn't mean that
I can't work at being fast-er.
Yesterday evening, despite my foot, I met my running buddy for a short three miles. I always seem to do better when someone is beside me. We started out and it didn't feel fast at all, until I looked down at my watch at mile 1 and we were at 9:11. I didn't know if I could keep it up, but I told myself just to give it a shot. My watch went off at mile 2 and we had run that in 9:09. With a mile left, I knew I could pull it off. I completed three miles in 27:21...one of my best times yet.
Today, I am giving my foot a break. Tomorrow, my husband is joining me for another long run. I'm planning on doing 10 miles and hoping to keep my time as close to 1:40:00 as I can.
I will never run a sub 8 mile.
I will never come in first in any race...
but that doesn't mean that
I can't work at being fast-er.
Yesterday evening, despite my foot, I met my running buddy for a short three miles. I always seem to do better when someone is beside me. We started out and it didn't feel fast at all, until I looked down at my watch at mile 1 and we were at 9:11. I didn't know if I could keep it up, but I told myself just to give it a shot. My watch went off at mile 2 and we had run that in 9:09. With a mile left, I knew I could pull it off. I completed three miles in 27:21...one of my best times yet.
Today, I am giving my foot a break. Tomorrow, my husband is joining me for another long run. I'm planning on doing 10 miles and hoping to keep my time as close to 1:40:00 as I can.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Whatcha Eating...
I have tried a few different kinds of protein bars and these are by far my favorite. I pair one of these with a salad (iceburg, romaine, cucumbers, broccoli, and carrots topped with a low fat dressing) and it's been my usual lunch lately. These are my three favorite flavors : Chocolate Mint, Fudge Graham, and (most fav) Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan.
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