Over-achiever!

Today on the training schedule was 9 miles...again, my longest yet.  I had used RunKeeper to map out a route that totaled 9.43, a little longer than scheduled, but nice scenery through the Metropark in Harrison Twp.

Little did I realize when I mapped the route through the Metropark, I was considering the road...not the trail.  It added almost 3 miles more - HAHA! All said and done, I logged 11.5 miles today in 2:24!! It was pretty amazing.  I had to stop 3 times for the restroom (perfectly placed along the trail!), and had to stop to walk at mile 8.6 for about 3 minutes.  My average pace was 12:15.  Normally I'd be bugged about this, feeling it was too slow.  But it helped me complete this long distance, all in one piece, and in way better spirits than last week's long run - I'll take it!

I had two Hammer Gels (Mountain Berry and Espresso) during my run.  Since I ended up going longer, I think I could have benefitted from another one (suggested consumption is one-two packets every hour).  I had strategically stashed water along the trail, and feel I was sufficiently hydrated this time (probably accounted for the 3 restroom breaks - atypical for me!).  Again, I have to say, so far I am a fan of the Hammer Gels.  The taste was pleasant, not overly sweet, and even the necessary gooey consistency of the gel didn't seem too intense.  Goes down easy, and feels easy on the system.  I even enjoyed the Espresso flavor, which included 50mg of caffeine!

5 weeks from today is my Half Marathon.  Today afforded me some confidence that I might actually get through that! :)

Run for the Hills!

Run for the Hills was a fun, extremely well organized (5K, 10K, and 1K Fun Run) race, with over 100 volunteers, perfect weather, and awesome energy in Farmington Hills this morning.

A list minute decision with some girl friends to run this race through some "rolling hills," a good training opportunity for me since I basically refuse hills and inclines on the 'mill.  Our race strategy was to stay together and get through it the 5K.  I have been running more consistently than my two friends.  We all made it in less than 38 minutes, which was GREAT!  It was one of my friend's first 5K, and to be under 38 is strong IMHO!

I felt really strong this morning, too...WAY better than last week's long run (8-miles).  I'm certain I could've gone faster, but it turns out it's a good thing I had a slow, steady pace, since I have my 9-10 mile long-run tomorrow.  (35 more days til my Half Marathon!)  As I said before, I've paid much attention to my diet this week, adding an increase of carbs 48-72 hours prior to my long-run, while hydrating appropriately.  The longer I stay "doing this running thing," the more I am exposed to our community and just how big it is.  Resources and 'lore around every Google-search corner...and thank goodness!  I think my adjustment in nutrition is was definitely helped me feel good this morning.

This morning's race was a welcomed attitude adjustment, and just in time.  Doubt was breeding in every thought this week after that horrible run last week.  Today gave me the confidence, psychologically, I'm going to need to get this longest-ever run on the books tomorrow.  Dare I say it; I'm looking forward to it??

Also, in the name of research today, I tried a Hammer Gel, as that is what will be served at the Half.  I tried the "Orange" flavor today...it was good! And while I still struggle some with the consistency, some how this one went down easier.  It was easy on the digestive system, too.  So far, so good, and I'm looking forward to trying more flavors and potentially more of their products.  They really have so many, to address all the different aspects of training.

Have any favorite energy products?

Training = TIRED!

I'm embarrassed at the time that's gone by without checking in here! ...or maybe more embarrassed that it's just because I'm so tired!

So, you'll be happy to know it's because I actually did commit myself to training for the Half Marathon that I'm so tired.  On top of it being summer and having family camping weekends planned...  The cool thing about being away, is that I've learned I love getting up early and running through our campground! "Out and back" is a good way to get in some running and see some amazing views!

This was along Lake Michigan in Ludington, MI.  Again, I came to see views like these as my reward for getting up and out!

Ok, so I'm learning a lot about training AND nutrition lately.  Last week, on my scheduled 8-mile run, I probably came close to dangerously dehydrated...and I'm not sure I was properly fueled to begin with.  I started later in the morning, so it was hotter.  This Michigan weather has not been too consistently hot this summer, so perhaps I wasn't appropriately conditioned to it that morning.  Anyway, before mile 3, I had to stop and walk.  I haven't had to stop and walk in months.  I had done the previous weeks 7-mile run without walking, so I was shocked at my need to do this.  I'll also admit that that moment seriously got into my head...my attitude started plummeting.  That may have been what made the rest of the run so hard, too.  I only had 20 oz of water with me, and it took me 01:44. That = not enough fluid! I had hydrated prior, but....apparently not enough.  I also used one serving of GU and 45 mins later a serving of Honey Stinger gels...and apparently not enough water with each.  Let me tell you: I learned my lesson.  I will not be caught in that situation again.

My plan:

• Long runs will be done first thing in the morning, as early as it takes to be cooler.
• Much more attention paid to my hydrating and fuel.
• Start appropriately carb-loading or long runs!

I swear lack of sufficient stored glycogen was my problem (from what I've researched).  For my diet, I had been really focused on lean proteins and fiber...less carbs.  

My friend over at Pounds to Miles posted a great article about nutrition that really helped me understand my body's needs as a runner.  I absolutely recommend this for your training and racing needs!

I very often "blog" in my head on my runs.  I will be making more of an effort to make sure I actually get those thoughts, ideas, and experiences to my actual blog! 

Happy running!

Time flies...I will too someday!

My absence of posting does not indicate my absence in training! I've actually been sticking to it!  Since recovering from nasty head congestion, I've maintained my same training program, with minimal adjustments.  I'm excited to share a few exciting things today!

1) I SIGNED UP FOR THE DETROIT WOMEN'S HALF MARATHON!!

Detroit Women's Half Marathon

It's Sunday, 9/22/13. 61 days away from today!!  As you recall, the longest official race I've done is a handful of 5Ks.  This is huge to me!  I'm encouraging you to sign up! Seems like it will be a wonderful event and a supportive environment to promote your own health and well-being.

2) Per my training schedule, on 07/13/13 I ran 5.15 miles in 01:01:50.  Average pace: 12:01!  While I appreciate it's not the fastest pace, it is the farthest distance I've ever run to date, and was able to run the whole distance without stopping to walk!  I am beyond thrilled with that.  My workout buddy and I decided to run the local high school track for this one.  At first I enjoyed it.  I was able to leave my keys, water bottle, chews, right on the sidelines and swing by and pick it up when I needed it, freeing myself from the cumbersome weight.  However, after several laps, began to feel like a hamster on a wheel.  To be honest, I was concerned about GI issues and wanted to make sure bathrooms were nearby for "just in case"!  This was a safe way to practice building my distance.  

3) One-upping myself, per my training schedule, on 07/21/13, I ran 6.14 miles in 01:11:44.  Average pace 11:41!  Wait: whaaaaat?!  I went one my further and cut down on my pace?!  It was a real confidence builder yesterday...for the first time I started thinking, "Hey...I might really be able to do this Half Marathon!"  I was planning to do a run/walk combination for the Half.  After running the whole 5 miles last week, this week I did not allow myself to slow down to walking until after 5 miles, since I already had evidence I could do at least that much.  At mile 5, I wasn't sore or in pain, so decided to continue on.  Alas, I made it...and then some!  For this long run, I decided to run the perimeter of my neighborhood, which is 1.27 miles.  This way, I could simply count down from 5 laps...mentally it seemed reasonable!  I enjoyed this approach much more than the track last week.  The track certainly has its uses, but I don't think it's distance running... Also, I've been researching energy supplements.  For this run, 30 minutes beforehand I ate a Honey Stinger Vanilla Waffle.  The reviews I read were right: it has a good taste and texture, without it being too sweet or heavy on the stomach.  At mile three I tried the Honey Stinger Cherry Energy Chews.  Again, they were good tasting and not heavy on the stomach.  My issue was trying to eat while on the run.  It's the first time I've really attempted anything like that and was a little awkward with the package...as well as learning to chew and swallow while maintaining my breathing! HA! I can just imagine what a sight I was...  The point is, I think they worked!  I mean, it shaved 20 seconds of my pace/mile, on a longer distance, I didn't feel "the wall," and I didn't have digestive issues.  To me, this is success!  :)

My workout buddy ran the 5-miler slower than I...and the 6-miler faster than I! My runner's high wasn't enough to dismiss the fury in my belly over being beaten! To be clear, I am not proud of my reaction.  I was feeling so good having covered that 6 miles, to come home and read the posts that my friend had done more miles than I...and faster!  UGH!  Since we are at about the same level of ability right now, I considered this to be my deficit.  This is a mental challenge for myself, and always has been; not feeling good enough, lack of confidence in ability, comparing myself against others...  Of course, I immediately got myself in check, and recognized how awesome my friend's efforts were as well.  I also refocused my attention to recognizing I still ran 6.1 miles yesterday, and can still be very proud of that.  :)

So, that's a lot for the couple of weeks I haven't touched base! It's been a welcome distraction...to not getting pregnant.  I mentioned before some of the reasons I felt I needed to embrace my running and training for this Half Marathon.  Since I'm not pregnant, and not in fertility treatments to get pregnant...this is something I have in my control.  It's so validating to get some positive feedback from my efforts, I can't even describe it to you.  To go through so much effort during fertility treatments, to have it essentially fail every time...this was a much needed reminder that good things do still come from hard work.  It's probably because it's about time for a visit from Aunt Flo that I'm feeling more emotional about it this week, but I've committed to running through it this month, instead of crying in bed with cookies.  *blush* 

Have you used running to cope with anything?

What milestones have you reached lately?

A mini-goal, accomplished!

So, this nasty cold/sinus/whatever is hanging on with the force of my former self holding a peanut butter cookie! Bad cough, sore throat, and some weird sinus stuff.  So, guess how many times I worked out over the holiday weekend? Riiiight...not able to follow my own modified version of my training program.

Here's what I did do tho:

Friday, July 5, 2013
     Activity: Run
     Distance: 2.40 miles
     Time: 30:03
     Avg. Pace: 12:30/mile

Saturday, July 6, 2013
     Activity: Trail Hiking
     Distance: 3.47 miles
     Time: 1:03
     Avg. Pace: 22:30/mile
           (not bad with my 3-year-old in tow!)

Not at all what I had planned, but I'm happy I got some activity in, especially with this illness & heat! Whew!

I was so worried about getting behind on my training program, that I committed myself to doing last Saturday's scheduled 4-mile long run, today.  I've never run over 3.1... I DID IT!!

4.0 miles in 47:44! Average pace 11:56!

My longest ever with one of my faster paces; I'll take it!  Once again I feel invincible.  Again, I'll try to carry this feeling through this week of training because as excited as I am today, I know I have another mini-goal this Saturday of 5 MILES...WHEW!

Hope everyone had a safe, happy, and got some miles in this holiday weekend!

I made it over the hill, yet now I'm sliding back.

OH NO!  After such a successful race on Saturday, I really did harness that feeling and emotion to put into my training program this week...and was looking forward to it!

Alas...illness set in.  I believe it to be some kind of sinus issue with chest congestion.  I haven't been to the doctor yet, feeling I should be able to combat it myself, introducing increased Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, fluids, and eucalyptus salve on my sinuses and chest.   I don't smell very sexy, but my raspy voice has appeal, I suppose.  ;)

I've had to take two days in a row off now.  I have this whirlwind of feelings and emotions ranging from anxiety about "losing" what I've recently accomplished, guilt because my training program will know I've had to skip out, sad because I'm honestly sick, and...a familiar ol' feeling of, "See?  I told you so."  That's a tough one to stand up against; this idea that I'm not really athletic, that just because I got through a couple 5Ks doesn't make me a real runner, and there was really no way I would sustain a 16-week training program to do something as monumental as a Half Marathon.

As the universe would have it, I came across very timely articles and blogs regarding the mental aspect of running being so much more demanding than the physical aspect.  With that in mind, I'm marching on.  I have figured out how to adjust my training schedule this week to accommodate my 4-mile run this weekend, even around camping.  I am re-training my 38-year-old brain to believe positively, and come to terms with we are training because I am a runner, in sickness and in health.  And we are running the Detroit Women's Half Marathon...in 81 more days! :)"THE

 KEY IS THAT I CONTROL MY LIFE: MY LIFE DOESN'T CONTROL ME" - GABRIEL

Small pleasures = big success!

I DID IT!!!

I finished the 5K race in 34:57, a huge accomplishment for me! AND, 12 whole minutes faster than last year! HAHA!  I felt invincible after.  I am trying to harness this feeling and carry it through the next several weeks of training.  It was just such validation to me that my hard work is making a positive impact!

In addition, my 3-year-old daughter (with the support of her daddy, of course), also finished her first 5K in 1:03!  He didn't carry her for any of it! Her face running across the finish line was glowing, happy, and unmatched by any other experience.  She can't wait to race again, she says. :)

As for me...I'm elated.  I'm actually bummed my training program scheduled a rest day tomorrow! But, I remained focused and am enjoying planning my training around weekends away, events, and other things that could get in the way.  Helps me feel I'm "doing" something to prepare! Soon... I'm officially going to register for the Detroit Women's Half Marathon.  I visit their site almost daily, reading the same information, but getting increasingly more excited nonetheless.  

Is it weird that in some way...I still cannot believe I'm going to do this?? HA!