Thanksgiving was great - Ashley and I ran a turkey trot and then we all went to a neighbor's house for Thanksgiving. And for the record, Ashley did a mile in 11:00 minutes. I have my little future runner and I am very happy about that.
And then I went shopping - as in all night long. I left the house around 9:15pm and headed to an outlet mall about 45 minutes away. It wasn't scheduled to open until midnight, but knowing from last year's experience some stores decided to open at 10:00pm. From there I headed to Walmart and then I went back home for about 30 minutes while I waited to hear from a neighbor to see if she was accompanying me to Kohl's and Target. Thankfully she was and we headed to Kohl's opening at 3:00am. The line wasn't ridiculously long and we were out of there by 3:45am to head next door to Target. That line was long. We got in line behind the store only to have people cut as we got close to the entrance. Two words - people suck. And hopefully karma bites those people in the ass big time. We finished up at Target in time to hit Lowes next door at 5:00am (I was looking for a Christmas tree and refused to pay more than $130 for a decent prelit one and got one at Lowes).
Finally at home by 5:30am and I crashed until the kids woke me up at 10:00am. And now I have a head cold which I think is completely from lack of sleep. So last week I took my step back week in running very seriously - I only ran 6.2 miles (I was supposed to do 20). Go me. Back on track already this week though - I did 6 miles at the gym last night, snotty dripping nose and all and will do a few more runs this week before my 16 miler on Saturday.
And no, I am not even remotely close to being even half way done with Christmas shopping. So don't ask.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A few more mentions of running...
I have been really lucky (knocking on a lot of wood right now) to avoid injury this training cycle. The one thing that I have not been lucky on is chafing. Yes, ouch.
Normally I chafe in spots due to my sports bra (don't ask), but I have also chafed on my arms from my shirt and from my fuel belt on long runs. Luckily Band-Aid sent me some Friction Block to try just in time for the OBX half marathon. And I know what you are thinking, they have stuff called Body Glide for runners, but I just never felt like paying the $8 - $10 for a stick of it. You can get the Band-Aid Friction Block for approximately $4.99 and you don't have to get it from a sports store. They carry it at Walmart and Target.
And it worked like a charm, no chafing from my sports bra at all during the half marathon. The packaging says "invisibly prevents friction from shoes", but the label on the back says you can use it anywhere. So go buy some even if you don't run. I am going to use it with any new shoes I buy.
And also go buy these - they are freaking adorable (especially for a Disney family like we are...)
Normally I chafe in spots due to my sports bra (don't ask), but I have also chafed on my arms from my shirt and from my fuel belt on long runs. Luckily Band-Aid sent me some Friction Block to try just in time for the OBX half marathon. And I know what you are thinking, they have stuff called Body Glide for runners, but I just never felt like paying the $8 - $10 for a stick of it. You can get the Band-Aid Friction Block for approximately $4.99 and you don't have to get it from a sports store. They carry it at Walmart and Target.
And it worked like a charm, no chafing from my sports bra at all during the half marathon. The packaging says "invisibly prevents friction from shoes", but the label on the back says you can use it anywhere. So go buy some even if you don't run. I am going to use it with any new shoes I buy.
And also go buy these - they are freaking adorable (especially for a Disney family like we are...)
Monday, November 22, 2010
14 Miles
There was no break last week from running even though I was slightly burned out. When I make it to the marathon on February 20th, I would have trained for 28 weeks. I think for a first time marathoner, I need this long training period but at this point, I am a little tired. Thankfully this week is a step back week of only 22 miles, with a long run of only 6 miles. Yipee!
But first was Saturday and my first distance beyond 13.1. I had 14 miles on the schedule, so I headed out to the American Tobacco Trail. I love and hate this trail. For starters, its not all paved. Most of the trail is crushed gravel and it starts to wear on my knees. Secondly, I swear the damn trail is uphill both ways. Not significantly uphill, more like a gradual incline, but still. I remember thinking running out my 7 miles that it wouldn't be that bad coming back since it felt like I was running uphill, but it was.
I ended up averaging 9:55 minutes per mile. If I could run 10:00 minute miles for the marathon, I would be ESTATIC. I realize that 14 miles is hell and gone from 26.2, but I was still happy with my performance.
This week is a 5K on Thanksgiving Day and Ashley is doing a mile run as well. Looking forward to running and eating on Thursday....
But first was Saturday and my first distance beyond 13.1. I had 14 miles on the schedule, so I headed out to the American Tobacco Trail. I love and hate this trail. For starters, its not all paved. Most of the trail is crushed gravel and it starts to wear on my knees. Secondly, I swear the damn trail is uphill both ways. Not significantly uphill, more like a gradual incline, but still. I remember thinking running out my 7 miles that it wouldn't be that bad coming back since it felt like I was running uphill, but it was.
I ended up averaging 9:55 minutes per mile. If I could run 10:00 minute miles for the marathon, I would be ESTATIC. I realize that 14 miles is hell and gone from 26.2, but I was still happy with my performance.
This week is a 5K on Thanksgiving Day and Ashley is doing a mile run as well. Looking forward to running and eating on Thursday....
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Race Recap - OBX Half Marathon
Saturday morning I was up bright and early to get Ashley up and ready for her cheerleading competition. We had to be in Knightdale by 8:00am (I am going to reserve my comments about the competition for another post...especially how poorly it was run for the second year in a row), so that meant leaving the house by 7:15am. I wanted Ashley to have a good breakfast, so I made scrambled eggs and cereal for her.
I stayed at the competition until after Ashley's squad performed. I headed out a little before noon and got Chick-fil-a on the road. After a 15 minute stop at a drawbridge, I was at the expo around 3:45pm. I met up with my roommates for the night, got my gear and shopped for about 2 seconds (got a fitness belt and a new hat) and we headed to the hotel to check in. After that was dinner at the Tomato Patch in Corolla, then back to the hotel for bed. I think we were in bed by 9:00pm, which was good considering we had the alarm set for 5:00am.
I did not sleep well which was expected. We were up and at the start by 6:30am for the 7:00am start. It was about 50 degrees, perfect weather. I was in shorts, short sleeved shirt, and my arm warmers. I tossed a sweatshirt at the start.
I really, really wanted 2:05. But I also decided I would see how I felt the first few miles. I am a wuss, this was my first race I was running by myself. My last two half marathons I did with friends and ran with them the entire time.
Mile 1 - 9:11
Mile 2 - 9:28
Mile 3 - 9:18
I felt pretty good through these miles, although by the end of mile 3, I was getting unexpectedly tired early. I decided to take my Gu. I also fought through some side stitches and I really need to figure those out.
Mile 6 - 9:29
Mile 7 - 9:34
Mile 8 - 9:45
I took another Gu here. One other note, I carried my little sprint handheld full of Gatorade. I was hoping it would help with side stitches as well.
Mile 9 - 9:48
I stopped at the water stop at mile 9 and had them fill up my handheld. Mile 9 was the bridge, the top of the bridge was mile 10. My stomach also growled at this point.
Mile 10 - 9:49
Bridge...enough said. At least I ran up the entire thing. I did look at my Garmin at the top of the bridge and saw where I was. I knew it was going to be close.
Mile 11 - 10:05
I actually have no idea why this mile was slower than all the rest. It was mainly downhill. I was struggling, but I should have run it faster.
Mile 12 - 9:35
That is more like it...
Mile 13 - 9:38
I knew the end was near....
Mile .2 - 2:01
And finally done, 2:06:38. I was thirsty and tired, but I had no pain anywhere. Well, except for my arm that was chafed from my shirt (I had other chafing but it didn't hurt at that point). I didn't want any of the food they offered (bananas, peanut butter sandwiches). I started to get cold, so we hopped on the shuttle back to our cars at the start.
And then I had the BEST BURGER ever at Five Guys. It was probably really good because I was starving at that point. And then I got in my van and drove 3.5 hours home. Not ideal, but I had to get home.
Next up...full marathon...I have 14 miles on deck for Saturday for my long run. From here on out are new distances...
I stayed at the competition until after Ashley's squad performed. I headed out a little before noon and got Chick-fil-a on the road. After a 15 minute stop at a drawbridge, I was at the expo around 3:45pm. I met up with my roommates for the night, got my gear and shopped for about 2 seconds (got a fitness belt and a new hat) and we headed to the hotel to check in. After that was dinner at the Tomato Patch in Corolla, then back to the hotel for bed. I think we were in bed by 9:00pm, which was good considering we had the alarm set for 5:00am.
I did not sleep well which was expected. We were up and at the start by 6:30am for the 7:00am start. It was about 50 degrees, perfect weather. I was in shorts, short sleeved shirt, and my arm warmers. I tossed a sweatshirt at the start.
I really, really wanted 2:05. But I also decided I would see how I felt the first few miles. I am a wuss, this was my first race I was running by myself. My last two half marathons I did with friends and ran with them the entire time.
Mile 1 - 9:11
Mile 2 - 9:28
Mile 3 - 9:18
I felt pretty good through these miles, although by the end of mile 3, I was getting unexpectedly tired early. I decided to take my Gu. I also fought through some side stitches and I really need to figure those out.
Mile 4 - 9:30
Mile 5 - 9:23
Mile 6 - 9:29
Mile 7 - 9:34
Mile 8 - 9:45
I took another Gu here. One other note, I carried my little sprint handheld full of Gatorade. I was hoping it would help with side stitches as well.
Mile 9 - 9:48
I stopped at the water stop at mile 9 and had them fill up my handheld. Mile 9 was the bridge, the top of the bridge was mile 10. My stomach also growled at this point.
Mile 10 - 9:49
Bridge...enough said. At least I ran up the entire thing. I did look at my Garmin at the top of the bridge and saw where I was. I knew it was going to be close.
Mile 11 - 10:05
I actually have no idea why this mile was slower than all the rest. It was mainly downhill. I was struggling, but I should have run it faster.
Mile 12 - 9:35
That is more like it...
Mile 13 - 9:38
I knew the end was near....
Mile .2 - 2:01
And finally done, 2:06:38. I was thirsty and tired, but I had no pain anywhere. Well, except for my arm that was chafed from my shirt (I had other chafing but it didn't hurt at that point). I didn't want any of the food they offered (bananas, peanut butter sandwiches). I started to get cold, so we hopped on the shuttle back to our cars at the start.
And then I had the BEST BURGER ever at Five Guys. It was probably really good because I was starving at that point. And then I got in my van and drove 3.5 hours home. Not ideal, but I had to get home.
Next up...full marathon...I have 14 miles on deck for Saturday for my long run. From here on out are new distances...
Monday, November 15, 2010
OBX Half Marathon update (full recap later this week)
2:06:38 Official time
107/430 per division (35-39)
653/2386 for females
I was trying for 2:05, but I just couldn't pull it out. Running by yourself (at least for me and the fact that my last 2 half marathons were with friends) sucks. Still a 4 minute PR. Next up - Austin Marathon.
107/430 per division (35-39)
653/2386 for females
I was trying for 2:05, but I just couldn't pull it out. Running by yourself (at least for me and the fact that my last 2 half marathons were with friends) sucks. Still a 4 minute PR. Next up - Austin Marathon.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Garmin
I own the old Garmin 305...how I would love to win this contest!
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/11/november-forerunner-210-giveaway.html
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/11/november-forerunner-210-giveaway.html
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A Change
Warning - this post is a lot of randomness....
Next week, I will be working for Ray and his business DreamLiving Realty. Without divulging too much information about my current job, I am beyond happy about this.
5 days until my half and I am a huge stress ball. I don't even want to talk about it. I just don't know what I am capable of. I guess I will know on Sunday.
I am completely impressed with the effort that Ashley has been putting in for her cheerleading competition (heck, all the girls on her squad are putting in a huge effort). She hasn't complained once about the practices (the past two weeks they have practiced Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday). She is excited when she comes home to tell me how well she did in practice or what they worked on. I am keeping my fingers crossed they get first place on Saturday. They are only competing against 2 other squads, so their chances are good.
Next week, I will be working for Ray and his business DreamLiving Realty. Without divulging too much information about my current job, I am beyond happy about this.
5 days until my half and I am a huge stress ball. I don't even want to talk about it. I just don't know what I am capable of. I guess I will know on Sunday.
I am completely impressed with the effort that Ashley has been putting in for her cheerleading competition (heck, all the girls on her squad are putting in a huge effort). She hasn't complained once about the practices (the past two weeks they have practiced Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday). She is excited when she comes home to tell me how well she did in practice or what they worked on. I am keeping my fingers crossed they get first place on Saturday. They are only competing against 2 other squads, so their chances are good.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Less than a week
The OBX Half marathon is next Sunday. I did 12 miles on Saturday in my very freaking hilly town, so I am thinking I am pretty ready for a nice flat course (except for the bridge at mile 10...).
I am definitely more prepared than I was for last year's race and the half marathon I did in March. I didn't run over 10 miles as a long run for either of those, and I did zero speedwork.
But the crappy thing? I received an email update this weekend and they won't be providing pace groups, a very last minute decision. Which really sucks because I was banking on running with the 2 hour pacer. I guess I will still try for 2 hours, but that really bums me out. I don't think I can alone push myself to run a sub-2 hour half. Maybe I can and I am underestimating myself, but I just don't know.
I am trying to also stay away from diet soda this week. This should be interesting.
So my goals for the race? The pie in the sky would be to finish in 1:59:59. Really, I think that is a HUGE stretch. It will be interesting, this is the first race I am running without a friend. A more realistic goal is to beat my previous time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Or I could just treat it as a training run for my full marathon in February like my training plan for the full marathon says, but I don't know. I guess on Sunday morning I will be able to say how I feel and how I will run. Kind of cheating to wait until Sunday morning to set my goals, but no one said life was fair.
I am definitely more prepared than I was for last year's race and the half marathon I did in March. I didn't run over 10 miles as a long run for either of those, and I did zero speedwork.
But the crappy thing? I received an email update this weekend and they won't be providing pace groups, a very last minute decision. Which really sucks because I was banking on running with the 2 hour pacer. I guess I will still try for 2 hours, but that really bums me out. I don't think I can alone push myself to run a sub-2 hour half. Maybe I can and I am underestimating myself, but I just don't know.
I am trying to also stay away from diet soda this week. This should be interesting.
So my goals for the race? The pie in the sky would be to finish in 1:59:59. Really, I think that is a HUGE stretch. It will be interesting, this is the first race I am running without a friend. A more realistic goal is to beat my previous time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Or I could just treat it as a training run for my full marathon in February like my training plan for the full marathon says, but I don't know. I guess on Sunday morning I will be able to say how I feel and how I will run. Kind of cheating to wait until Sunday morning to set my goals, but no one said life was fair.
Friday, November 05, 2010
A little bit of cheer...
Ashley's cheerleading competition is one week from tomorrow. I got to her practice a few minutes early last night and got to finally see the routine. Last year her squad came in 4th place - out of 4 teams. Everyone was disappointed. This year they have a new coach (the coach whose squad won overall at the competition last year) and they look so much better already and they still have 4 more practices to go. I am keeping my fingers crossed they will do much better this year.
And even more cheer? Virginia Tech won their football game last night.
And not so much cheer? I couldn't find Audrey's coat this morning, and I think I lost a check reimbursement from work for about $260. Grrr. I really need to organize at home and at work. It's driving me nuts.
I am running at lunch today, and of course I forgot my Garmin. Luckily I can go over to a path that has the miles marked, but still. I hate being that forgetful.
And even more cheer? Virginia Tech won their football game last night.
And not so much cheer? I couldn't find Audrey's coat this morning, and I think I lost a check reimbursement from work for about $260. Grrr. I really need to organize at home and at work. It's driving me nuts.
I am running at lunch today, and of course I forgot my Garmin. Luckily I can go over to a path that has the miles marked, but still. I hate being that forgetful.
Listerine Challenge
We got to participate in a 3 week challenge with Listerine - brush, floss and rinse twice a day for three weeks...check out here to see how we did.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Pictures
I gave up a few years ago on getting the girls photos done at one of those places like Sears or Portrait Innovations. I was spending a ton of money of some good, most not so great photos as we were cattle-herded into one room while screaming children waited for their turn where we could see. Not the best situations to take pictures in. Luckily I have a good friend who takes photos and takes them well. We get an outside setting (or inside like for Audrey's birthday party last year) and the girls are at ease. And I get pictures like the ones above - they really capture the girls. I love, love, LOVE that first photo.
If you live in the Raleigh area, her website is here...
Weekend
Last weekend, Ray spent 5 days in Vegas for a friend's 40th birthday (which I have now been informed of is an annual trip considering it's 5 years before Ray's turns 40...). So this weekend it was the wives' turn for their trip. So 4 of us headed to Boston on Thursday morning - 3 of us from Raleigh and one of us from Texas.
I was the only one that had been to Boston before, and I had actually been twice - once with my Dad and once with Ray and another couple when Ashley was little. We saw the sights, ate amazing Italian food twice, and there were no kids to fight over who got to push the button to the elevator first. The only slightly bad thing about the weekend was the weather was cold on Friday and Saturday. I don't do well with cold. I admit it, I am a wimp.
I also had 12 miles on the schedule for my long run and Boston is an amazing place to run. My friend and I headed about 4 blocks from our hotel Friday morning to the Charles River trail, a wide paved path that goes for miles around the river along the city. The main thing? It was FLAT. I never get to run on flat here. It was my fastest 12 miles ever thanks to the flat and my speedy friend.
We made it back in time for Halloween festivities and then I promptly fell asleep at 8:30pm. 14 days until my half marathon, 110 days until the full marathon....let the countdown begin.
I was the only one that had been to Boston before, and I had actually been twice - once with my Dad and once with Ray and another couple when Ashley was little. We saw the sights, ate amazing Italian food twice, and there were no kids to fight over who got to push the button to the elevator first. The only slightly bad thing about the weekend was the weather was cold on Friday and Saturday. I don't do well with cold. I admit it, I am a wimp.
I also had 12 miles on the schedule for my long run and Boston is an amazing place to run. My friend and I headed about 4 blocks from our hotel Friday morning to the Charles River trail, a wide paved path that goes for miles around the river along the city. The main thing? It was FLAT. I never get to run on flat here. It was my fastest 12 miles ever thanks to the flat and my speedy friend.
We made it back in time for Halloween festivities and then I promptly fell asleep at 8:30pm. 14 days until my half marathon, 110 days until the full marathon....let the countdown begin.
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