Sunday, April 16, 2017
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Thursday Training Update with Maine Coast 26.2
***I received entry into the Maine Coast 26.2 Half Marathon as part of being a Bib Rave Pro (ambassador). Learn more about becoming a Bib Rave Pro, and check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews!****
One month from today I will be at the beautiful Maine Coast running the half marathon with my friend Shannon! I am so excited, for two very good reasons.
#1. I miss Shannon! We haven't run together since last January! Over a year!
#2. Maine is one of my happy places. It's so beautiful, and I just can't get enough of it!
I still have to book our flights but hotel reservations have been made.
Training has been going really well. I've been pushing through and trying not to make any excuses!
Thursday: Even though I was achy from 9 Round, I showed up and ran with the group. Luckily, my running partner that day wasn't feeling it either and we ran a couple and then walked it in. 3.7 miles done!
Friday I took it easy. I had a hilly half marathon planned for Saturday and I wasn't taking any chances. I wanted to have nice strong legs!
Saturday was race day. We trained all winter for this and our running club had a strong presence that morning.
It just about killed me but I finished. This was followed by a shower and then a trail hike with the hubs. Two more miles of hiking and geocaching.
Sunday We took the pups on a trail hike, 4.5 miles worth.
Monday became a rest day. I was so tired! I did walk in place for about 40 minutes to loosen everything up.
Tuesday, I speed walked 3 miles with my club in the morning and ran 3 with them that night, followed by an hour of yoga at Run For Your Life.
Wednesday I was back at 9 Round and it was burpee day. It was quiet and I'd been gone a week, so Matt really pushed me. It was a crazy sweaty workout!
What was your favorite workout this week? I think mine was that nice relaxing yoga workout!
One month from today I will be at the beautiful Maine Coast running the half marathon with my friend Shannon! I am so excited, for two very good reasons.
#1. I miss Shannon! We haven't run together since last January! Over a year!
#2. Maine is one of my happy places. It's so beautiful, and I just can't get enough of it!
I still have to book our flights but hotel reservations have been made.
Training has been going really well. I've been pushing through and trying not to make any excuses!
Thursday: Even though I was achy from 9 Round, I showed up and ran with the group. Luckily, my running partner that day wasn't feeling it either and we ran a couple and then walked it in. 3.7 miles done!
Friday I took it easy. I had a hilly half marathon planned for Saturday and I wasn't taking any chances. I wanted to have nice strong legs!
Saturday was race day. We trained all winter for this and our running club had a strong presence that morning.
It just about killed me but I finished. This was followed by a shower and then a trail hike with the hubs. Two more miles of hiking and geocaching.
Sunday We took the pups on a trail hike, 4.5 miles worth.
Monday became a rest day. I was so tired! I did walk in place for about 40 minutes to loosen everything up.
Tuesday, I speed walked 3 miles with my club in the morning and ran 3 with them that night, followed by an hour of yoga at Run For Your Life.
Wednesday I was back at 9 Round and it was burpee day. It was quiet and I'd been gone a week, so Matt really pushed me. It was a crazy sweaty workout!
What was your favorite workout this week? I think mine was that nice relaxing yoga workout!
posted from Bloggeroid
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Monday, April 10, 2017
Active Weekends
I LOVE being active in the weekends, but the hubs? Not so much!
I have been trying to find fun things to do that will keep us moving and this past weekend I was pretty successful.
After my hilly half marathon, and a nice long bath, we hit the Andrew Jackson State Park for some history and geocaching....
We managed to find 2 of them, and covered at least 2 miles while we were at it!
On Sunday we took the dogs on a hike through the Carolina Thread Trail and managed to cover 4.5 miles...
We thought about doing some geocaching afterwards but decided we had done enough! That's how he ended up on that hammock, it was pure recovery time.
What's your favorite way to stay active on the weekend?
I have been trying to find fun things to do that will keep us moving and this past weekend I was pretty successful.
After my hilly half marathon, and a nice long bath, we hit the Andrew Jackson State Park for some history and geocaching....
We managed to find 2 of them, and covered at least 2 miles while we were at it!
On Sunday we took the dogs on a hike through the Carolina Thread Trail and managed to cover 4.5 miles...
We thought about doing some geocaching afterwards but decided we had done enough! That's how he ended up on that hammock, it was pure recovery time.
What's your favorite way to stay active on the weekend?
posted from Bloggeroid
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Charlotte RaceFest Half Marathon Recap
I cannot believe my first season of coaching with Run For Your Life has ended. It was such an incredible experience, and I look forward to next season! Our season end race was the Charlotte RaceFest 10k and Half Marathon.
The whole group met up before the race, for a group photo. A lot of the PG Speed Demons were running one of the races, and a few showed up for moral support.
We all made a stop at the porta potties and then made our way to the start. The 10k runners started on one side of the road and we started at the other, so we had to separate. I did see this fun crew, and they were kind enough to pose for a pic.
This is a hilly race, so I was trying to prep myself while we waited to start. Some of the runners from the pace group ahead of mine were doing a 4:1 so I decided to try and keep up.
The first mile went by quickly, and so did the second. During mile 3, I ran into my friend Sandra, who was running the 10k, and we chatted a bit. That's when I lost the other runners. I could see them ahead, but I couldn't catch up and I decided not to try.
At mile 3, the 10k runners turned right and we all went straight and that's when I realized that only a few runners were behind me.
I was ahead of the time limit pace, so I didn't care. I noticed my friends Denise and Kevin up ahead, and finally managed to catch up by mile 6.
We all ran together for about 2 miles, until Denise and Kevin stopped to stretch and I kept going.
We turned onto a little path that was paved but a little uneven.
Through a little tunnel...
After the tunnel was a stone parking lot that was rough on my feet, and then onto another somewhat paved trail. It was very uneven and there were holes in the pavement so it was rough going. Shortly after we left that trail road, we hit mile 10. I was pretty much beat at that point and was worried about finishing under 3 hours.
The course ran through some more neighborhoods and then headed back towards the South Park Mall, where we started.
The last couple miles were very hilly and I was worn out. It was getting warm, and my legs were just done. I was
overjoyed to see the mall ahead, but we had to turn right before it, which was cruel.
At the bottom of the hill were some of the other runners who had run the 10k, jumping up and down and yelling my name.
When I turned the corner, my two other friends were waiting. One was from my group and had run the 10k, where she PRd, the other was another coach. They both ran me in, and Joe, who is the head of the program and a crazy marathon and ultra runner, was cheering us on.
I finished just under the 3 hour limit, and that was fine with me! Half #49 was finished. Of course we had to take a finish line photo!
It was a great race. The police presence was impressive, they kept us safe and were all so kind. I think every single one was cheering us on. The water stations were well run and well placed.
They let me have an extra medal for my buddy (I Run 4 Michael, check it out on Facebook!)
There was water at the finish but only oranges left. I hate that they never have food at these Charlotte races for the back of the pack runners.
The parking was ample and flow was perfect. Very well organized!
Next stop: Disney Dark Side Challenge
The whole group met up before the race, for a group photo. A lot of the PG Speed Demons were running one of the races, and a few showed up for moral support.
We all made a stop at the porta potties and then made our way to the start. The 10k runners started on one side of the road and we started at the other, so we had to separate. I did see this fun crew, and they were kind enough to pose for a pic.
This is a hilly race, so I was trying to prep myself while we waited to start. Some of the runners from the pace group ahead of mine were doing a 4:1 so I decided to try and keep up.
The first mile went by quickly, and so did the second. During mile 3, I ran into my friend Sandra, who was running the 10k, and we chatted a bit. That's when I lost the other runners. I could see them ahead, but I couldn't catch up and I decided not to try.
At mile 3, the 10k runners turned right and we all went straight and that's when I realized that only a few runners were behind me.
I was ahead of the time limit pace, so I didn't care. I noticed my friends Denise and Kevin up ahead, and finally managed to catch up by mile 6.
We all ran together for about 2 miles, until Denise and Kevin stopped to stretch and I kept going.
We turned onto a little path that was paved but a little uneven.
Through a little tunnel...
After the tunnel was a stone parking lot that was rough on my feet, and then onto another somewhat paved trail. It was very uneven and there were holes in the pavement so it was rough going. Shortly after we left that trail road, we hit mile 10. I was pretty much beat at that point and was worried about finishing under 3 hours.
The course ran through some more neighborhoods and then headed back towards the South Park Mall, where we started.
The last couple miles were very hilly and I was worn out. It was getting warm, and my legs were just done. I was
overjoyed to see the mall ahead, but we had to turn right before it, which was cruel.
At the bottom of the hill were some of the other runners who had run the 10k, jumping up and down and yelling my name.
When I turned the corner, my two other friends were waiting. One was from my group and had run the 10k, where she PRd, the other was another coach. They both ran me in, and Joe, who is the head of the program and a crazy marathon and ultra runner, was cheering us on.
I finished just under the 3 hour limit, and that was fine with me! Half #49 was finished. Of course we had to take a finish line photo!
It was a great race. The police presence was impressive, they kept us safe and were all so kind. I think every single one was cheering us on. The water stations were well run and well placed.
They let me have an extra medal for my buddy (I Run 4 Michael, check it out on Facebook!)
There was water at the finish but only oranges left. I hate that they never have food at these Charlotte races for the back of the pack runners.
The parking was ample and flow was perfect. Very well organized!
Next stop: Disney Dark Side Challenge
posted from Bloggeroid
Friday, April 7, 2017
Flat Mama Friday RaceFest Edition
Tomorrow is my 49th half marathon, RaceFest, in Charlotte. We start and end at the South Park Mall, so I went and picked up my bib and then shopped for Prom stuff for the Boy. It was a true hardship. Truly.
Are you racing this weekend?
Are you racing this weekend?
posted from Bloggeroid
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Thursday Training Update with Brilliant Reflective
***I received Brilliant Reflective strips as a BibRave Pro (Ambassador) for the purposes of this review. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews!***
I'm going to start this post off with a little story. I'm a running coach, and as part of my duties I am in charge of 3 water stops each season. We meet on Saturday mornings for group runs, and we place water and electrolytes at strategic locations for the group to use.
On one of my days, I was out in my car, in the dark, looking for the perfect spot. A runner ran out, almost in front of my car. She was wearing all black, with nothing reflective to be seen. She scared the crap out of me. Not because she surprised me, but because she could have been killed.
It's easy to forget there are other people out there when you run so early. I've been surprised more than a few times when I was out at zero dark thirty for a run.
Brilliant Reflective sent me 2 packages of their reflective strips, stick ons and iron ons. Being the super lazy human that I am, I tried the stick on strips first.
Check out the before and after shots. The strips look purple in the daylight, but boy do they reflect in the light of my camera flash, or when headlights shine on me! I've washed this shirt 3 times, and they are still firmly attached!
Today I finally sucked it up and got out the iron on strips, and my 4 favorite early morning running shirts. I have one more that's in the wash, so I will take care of that one later. It took me longer to set up than it did for me to make all 4 of those shirts safer!
I couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome! I still have 2 more strips left over, plus a bunch of the stick on strips for future work shirts!
Check out all of the colors and options at Brilliant Reflective. They offer FREE shipping, which is a nice bonus, plus if you use the code BIBRAVEPRO25 before Tuesday 4/11 at 11:59pm CT you will get 25% off!
What color is your favorite?
Ok. Now that we know how I've been blinging out my running shirts, let's talk about my workouts.
Thursday, 3.25 miles with the Speed Demons. We did hills. I hate hills, but this Saturday's half marathon is notorious for hills so I had to suck it up and run them.
Friday was 9 Round plus a bunch of walking in front of the TV to get my steps. As much as I love 9 Round, I barely break 2,000 steps.
Saturday was long run day, 8.1 hilly miles. Did I mention how much I hate hills? Then I was off to Jersey for a long weekend.
Sunday we were in NJ, we walked for about an hour in Asbury Park.
Monday we were still in NJ. We went to Allaire State Park and hiked and searched for geocaches.
Tuesday we were stuck in Jersey because our flight was cancelled. Since I missed our morning run I met up with the a Run Fit group and ran with them that night. After the debacle Monday and Tuesday with the airline, I didn't want to run. So of course I ran. 2.5 mostly flat miles.
Wednesday I was back at 9 Round. Matt made us do about 100 push ups. I hate Matt.
Well, not really. Buy I was too sore to go back today, and I can't go tomorrow. It's too rough on my legs the day before a hilly half marathon. I managed a workout every day, so I'm super proud of myself.
What was your favorite workout this week?
I'm going to start this post off with a little story. I'm a running coach, and as part of my duties I am in charge of 3 water stops each season. We meet on Saturday mornings for group runs, and we place water and electrolytes at strategic locations for the group to use.
On one of my days, I was out in my car, in the dark, looking for the perfect spot. A runner ran out, almost in front of my car. She was wearing all black, with nothing reflective to be seen. She scared the crap out of me. Not because she surprised me, but because she could have been killed.
It's easy to forget there are other people out there when you run so early. I've been surprised more than a few times when I was out at zero dark thirty for a run.
Brilliant Reflective sent me 2 packages of their reflective strips, stick ons and iron ons. Being the super lazy human that I am, I tried the stick on strips first.
Check out the before and after shots. The strips look purple in the daylight, but boy do they reflect in the light of my camera flash, or when headlights shine on me! I've washed this shirt 3 times, and they are still firmly attached!
Today I finally sucked it up and got out the iron on strips, and my 4 favorite early morning running shirts. I have one more that's in the wash, so I will take care of that one later. It took me longer to set up than it did for me to make all 4 of those shirts safer!
I couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome! I still have 2 more strips left over, plus a bunch of the stick on strips for future work shirts!
Check out all of the colors and options at Brilliant Reflective. They offer FREE shipping, which is a nice bonus, plus if you use the code BIBRAVEPRO25 before Tuesday 4/11 at 11:59pm CT you will get 25% off!
What color is your favorite?
Ok. Now that we know how I've been blinging out my running shirts, let's talk about my workouts.
Thursday, 3.25 miles with the Speed Demons. We did hills. I hate hills, but this Saturday's half marathon is notorious for hills so I had to suck it up and run them.
Friday was 9 Round plus a bunch of walking in front of the TV to get my steps. As much as I love 9 Round, I barely break 2,000 steps.
Saturday was long run day, 8.1 hilly miles. Did I mention how much I hate hills? Then I was off to Jersey for a long weekend.
Sunday we were in NJ, we walked for about an hour in Asbury Park.
Monday we were still in NJ. We went to Allaire State Park and hiked and searched for geocaches.
Tuesday we were stuck in Jersey because our flight was cancelled. Since I missed our morning run I met up with the a Run Fit group and ran with them that night. After the debacle Monday and Tuesday with the airline, I didn't want to run. So of course I ran. 2.5 mostly flat miles.
Wednesday I was back at 9 Round. Matt made us do about 100 push ups. I hate Matt.
Well, not really. Buy I was too sore to go back today, and I can't go tomorrow. It's too rough on my legs the day before a hilly half marathon. I managed a workout every day, so I'm super proud of myself.
What was your favorite workout this week?
posted from Bloggeroid
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