Monday, December 20, 2010

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged by Jeff! I recently started following his blog and really enjoy seeing the dedication this guy has. While I am being a chicken about the cold, this guy is out there pounding the pavement in 10 degree weather!

http://detroitrunner.blogspot.com

Here are the five questions that I was tagged with:

1) What are you most fond of accomplishing in 2010?
Wow, I am not so sure I can pick one! I have quite a few personal records this year that made my overall year a success. My May 5K with a 6:59 pace is pretty memorable. I also ran my 2nd marathon in hot weather, felt awful once I hit mile 14 and still managed to squeeze out a PR.

2) What are your running goals for 2011?
Run 2 marathons and hope to BQ. That was my goal when running the Chicago marathon, but it didn't happen. So I am giving it another shot! I want to continue trail running and hope to break my 'instant' trail half PR and finish the race in 2 hours or less. I want to be as fast and as strong of a runner as possible. This will require lots of dedication and I am ready to take it on!

3) What is your favorite race?
I'd have to say my favorite race this year was my first trail half marathon. Its such a different experience then road racing.

4) What is your favorite holiday guilty pleasure?
All the sweets! I have really gone overboard these parts couple weeks. Come the January first,

5) What was your most embarrassing running moment?
I do not believe I have had any embarrassing moments.

I take that back.

While running the Chicago marathon this past October, I had a period where I was basically delirious. I saw Chris at the mile 16 marker, started to run off course and into an empty parking lot because I had to use the bathroom really bad. Chris managed to get me back on course and told me to just "go". So I did...I ended up peeing my pants. Thank god it was a hot day and people were spraying hoses at the runners. I was able to "rinse" off. After I finished the marathon and was dry, I saw Chris and my brother in-law and they both said I smelled really bad. The "pee" smell was so strong even I was grossed out! Guess that is what happens when you pee your pants on a hot & sunny day.

I am tagging
http://lifeintheatl.blogspot.coM
http://cateontherun.blogspot.com
http://flyrunner.wordpress.com
http://eatdrinkrun.wordpress.com

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

2010 Race Recap in Photos

February 14, 2010: 4 Mile Race; 30:04 7:31 pace 6th/18 age group place


March 20, 2010: 5 Mile Trail Race; 38:47 7:45 pace 1st/18 age group place
*I am in black behind the girl in blue. It's the only picture I have from this race.


April 25th, 2010: Trail Half Marathon; 2:03:40 9:26 pace 7th/39 age group place
*of course, this picture is where we are on a bridge and not the trail.


May 21, 2010: 5K Race; 21:38 6:59 pace 1st/22 age group place
*no photos from this race

June 6, 2010: Half Marathon; 1:40:47 7:42 pace 12th/183 age group place
*I am almost emarrassed to even share this photo!


August 7, 2010: 12K Race; 56:05 7:31 pace 3rd/15 age group place


August 28, 2010: Half Marathon 1:40:02 7:38 pace 2/12 age group place


October 10, 2010: Chicago Marathon; 3:44:00 8:32 pace 220/3,097 age group place
*At mile 14


October 31, 2010: 10K Race; 46:52 7:33 pace 6th/88 age group place
*another embarrassing photo! and believe it or not, we were running up hill! it's a weird angle shot.


November 20, 2010: 5K Race; 22:51 7:22 pace 2/48 age group place


Noveber 25, 2010: 10K Race; 46:59 7:34 pace 8th/445 age group place

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Weekly Running & Exercise

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: 5.5 mile run w/ speed work on the treadmill, core, push ups 6 x 15

Wednesday: 5 mile run on the track

Thursday: 4 mile run w/ hills on the treadmill

Friday: unplanned rest day

Saturday: 6 mile run on track, strength training for shoulders, biceps, triceps

Sunday: 6 mile run on track, strength training for back, core, lots of snow shoveling!

Total Mileage: 26.5 miles

Friday, December 10, 2010

A not too shabby race photo

Only because it's posed! 1st, 2nd and 3rd place 30-34 age group winners at Blitzen the Dotte 5K

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Weekly Exercise and Running

Last weeks stats. I am really looking forward to marathon training in January. I am enjoying the break, but I like the strict routine I have when it comes to marathon training. I've also been doing majority of my running at the gym so it will be nice to know that I "have" to run outside!

Monday: rest day

Tuesday: 6 miles "hills" on treadmill, push ups 5 x 15, abs

Wednesday: 4.54 miles on treadmill & track

Thursday: strength training; legs, upper body, P90X Ab Ripper, push ups 3 x 15

Friday: unplanned rest day - sore hamstrings and lower back

Saturday: 7 mile run on the track (5 miles, lifting, 2 miles), strength training; biceps, shoulders, chest

Sunday: 6 mile run on track, strength training: back, triceps, core

Total Mileage: 23.54 miles - definitely not where I am trying to be. I want a minimum of 25-30 miles per week.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Bayshore Marathon!

Dad and I are officially registered for our 3rd marathon. We have chosen a spring marathon that falls on memorial weekend; Bayshore Marathon. The marathon runs along the coast of Lake Michigan in Traverse City. It's a flat, fast, out and back course. Now it's time to research and chose the best training program. This will be my 3rd marathon and my 2nd try at a BQ. I am so happy that I will have my dad running along my side. He will push me when I need it so I can reach my goal!

http://www.bayshoremarathon.org/

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Weekly Running & Exercise

Last weeks running and exercise.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: 5.5 mile run w/ 8 x 400's

Wednesday: 3 mile run, strength training: biceps, triceps, shoulders & core

Thursday: Detroit Turkey Trot 10K 46:59, 7:34 pace

Friday: 10 hours of being on my feet while shopping! I wish I had my garmin with me or a pedometer to see how far we walked!

Saturday: 7 mile run on treadmill (in 2 segments; 4 miles, lifted weights, 3 miles), strength training: back, shoulders, chest

Sunday: 6 miles easy run on treadmill (in 2 segments; 3 miles 25:50, strength training, 3 miles 25:36), strength training: legs & core

Total Mileage: 27.70 (my goal is to run a minimum 25-30 miles a week until marathon traning begins)

Friday, November 26, 2010

Detroit Turkey Trot 10K Results

First, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Mine started off the way it has for the past few years by running the Detroit Turkey Trot. This year they implemented a new wave start due to the crowd of 17,000+ 5K and 10K runners and walkers! I was in the first wave and super excited at the fact that I would start out running without bottle necking and coming to a complete stop. Too bad that was just wishful thinking! Oh well, this is supposed to be a fun run, right? I only missed a 10K PR by 8 seconds! I wasn't expecting a PR due to the crowd. I went in just wanting to run and have fun. Which I did, but it was a nice surprise to see how close I came to a PR. My garmin measured the course at 6.3 mile. If that is the case, my pace would have been 7:28. But official results say otherwise.

Official Results:
Finish Time: 46:59
Pace: 7:34
Age Group Place: 9th out of 446
Gender Place: 91 out of 2,941
Overall: 582 out of 6,294

Here are a couple pictures from the race. Not as bad as they usually turn out. I was totally talking to the girl in front of me though!

It's like photo hunt, take a close look and find what is wrong?



Can't find it? Look at my headband!

Must be a new way Nike is is manufacturing the 'swoosh'. or, maybe I just put my headband on upside down.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Weekly Exercise

I am not sure if I am enjoying my "free style" training or not. At times I like that I am not committed to a program and at other times, I can't wait for January because then I start training for my spring marathon.

Here is how last weeks running and exercise went. Not too pleased with my mileage at all! I need to make sure to stick to my goal of 25-30 miles per week minimum!

Monday: 90 minutes P90X Yoga X - first time doing this DVD and really enjoyed it. I look forward to doing this again in the near future.
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 6.09 mile run, 48:26 7:57 pace, push ups 5 x 15
Thursday: 5.24 mile run, 41:23 7:54 pace, 3 core exercises
Friday: unexpected rest day, core work
Saturday: 5K race (3.19 miles) 22:51 7:09 pace, 1 mile warm up on treadmill at the gym, biceps & triceps, 4.19 total miles
Sunday: 3 mile run on treadmill, back and core work

Total Mileage: 18.52 miles

Blitzen the Dotte 5K Results

Saturday I was signed up to run a local 5K that takes place prior to the Wyandotte Christmas parade (yes, the parade is before Thanksgiving). This is the 3rd running of the race and grows larger each year. I ran this course last year that takes you down part of the parade route, on to the local golf course and finishes behind the boat club. My mom and Joshuah decided to walk the 5K. My goal was to beat last years time of 23:08 and, if possible, PR by finishing in under 21 minutes. I reached one goal and finished in 22:51. Every one's Garmin were measuring the course at 3.19. My Garmin actually read my pace being 7:09, not 7:22 as posted on the results page. I placed 2nd (same place as last year!) out of 48 in my age group. After I headed back on to the course to find my mom and son. Josh was talking her ear off. LOL!! I walked with them and when we reached the 3 mile marker, Josh sprinted to the finish. Now he wants to run a 5K on his own. Yay! I am super excited and hope that running can be something I share with my son like my father shares with me.

Next up, Thanksgiving day 10K!

Official Results:
Time: 22.51
Pace: 7:22 (although, my Garmin is reading 7:09 due to the extra distance)
Age Group Place: 2/48
Gender Place: 64/647

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Looking ahead and last week's exercise

2010 is quickly coming to an end. I start looking ahead and I already have quite the race schedule for 2011! I've chosen my half marathons and marathons for the year and will add shorter distance races where I can. As of now, the 2011 race year looks like this;

February 13th: Riverview Winter Fest 4 mile race
March: 5 mile trail race
April 2nd: Martian half marathon
April 17th: Running Fit Trail half marathon
May 28th: Bayshore marathon
June: ?
July: ?
August 20th: Somerset Stampede half marathon
September: ? - maybe Chicago half marathon
October: Grand Rapids marathon
November: Blitzen the Dotte 5K, Detroit Turkey trot 10K

I am trying to keep my mileage at 30 miles minimum each week. Last week I was just shy of 30. After the turkey trot last year, I focused more on strength training and cross training rather then running. This year I'd like to make sure I maintain at least 30 miles a week through winter, while putting more time into strength training. Then I begin marathon training at the end of January.

Anyway, here is how last weeks running and exercise went.

Monday: 4 mile run; 1.4 treadmill 2.6 track
Tuesday: rest day
Wednesday: 4.5 mile run w/ speed work on treadmill
Thursday: 5 mile run; 3 miles on treadmill w/ incline work, 1.5 on tracks, .5 on treadmill, push ups 4 x 15
Friday: 3 mile run, core work
Saturday: 7 mile run; 4 miles treadmill, biceps/triceps/chest, 3 miles on treadmill
Sunday: 5 miles; 3 miles on treadmill, shoulders/back/abs, 2 miles on treadmill
Total Mileage: 28.5

Friday, November 12, 2010

Compression socks?

I really want to try running in compression socks, but not sure which brand to try first. Any advice for a compression sock first timer would be appreciated!!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Weekly Exercise for 10/25 - 10/31 and 11/1 - 11/7

10/15 - 10/31

Monday: Rest Day
Tuesday: 5 miles; 3 miles on the treadmill & 2 miles on the track, push ups 3 x 15, core work
Wednesday: 5 miles w/ "hill" work
Thursday: 5 miles w/ speed work, push ups 3 x 15
Friday: 3 miles; 2 miles treadmill & 1 mile track, strength training for back
Saturday: 1 mile run (to test out new shoes, new shoe fail! too small), strength training for biceps, shoulders, triceps and chest, core work
Sunday: Run thru Hell 10K 46:52. 7:33 pace, 6th/88 in age group, 171st out of 1186 overall

Total Mileage: 25.2 miles

11/1 - 11/7

Monday: Rest Day - sore shins from a hilly course!
Tuesday: Rest Day but push ups 4 x 15 - shins still slighly sore and just feeling run down. listened to my body for once! :0)
Wednesday: 5.5 miles; 3 miles on treadmill, 2.5 miles on the track
Friday: 40 minutes of AMT intervals at 20%, 12%, 10% and 4%
Saturday: 5 miles; 3 miles on treadmill 25:05, strength training for biceps, triceps & shoulders, 2 miles on track
Sunday: 6.1 miles; 3.1 miles on treamdill 25:11, strength training for back & legs, core work, 3 miles on treadmill

Total Mileage: 20.6

Overall a coulple low mileage weeks. I need to step it up.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Run Thru Hell 10K Race Results

What a HUGE success this event was. Thanks to all that were involved in volunteering, donating and participating my aunt and uncle will now be the proud new owners of a brand new Ford cargo van fully equipped with a hydraulic lift for a wheel chair! and 2 years of insurance will be fully paid for up front. Amazing!!

It was such a cold morning! I appreciated the weather about 1 mile into the race. I ran with my dad and like always, he was pushing me hard. I completely forgot about how hilly the course is. My goal was to finish around 45:00-45:45, which did not happen. The first mile killed us! It was so bottle necked and we were dodging people left and right. Our pace when we hit the 1 mile marker was 8:45!! Once the 10K course split off from the 5K runners, it thinned out and gave us more room to make up some ground. We ended up crossing the finish line at 46:52. This gave me a new 10K PR, beating my previous best by 1:53.

Official Results:

Finish Time 46:52
Pace 7:33
Age Group Place 6/88
Gender Place 39/619
Overall 171/1186

The only picture of me on the course and it has to look like this!



My Dad (in white), Chuck Block (the person who organized this event) and the lady of honor Dolores Hensley.



Group shots before the race


Monday, October 25, 2010

Weekly Exercise/Running

I had great work outs this week. My mileage is on the low end, but I am right where I should be per my marathon recovery program I am loosely following. I have not been keeping track of my times/pace. I am just running based on how I feel. it's nice not being obsessed with the numbers!

Here is how my week went.

Monday: cross training; 45 minutes of intervals on the AMT at 20% and 4%, 5 minutes at 16%, core work and push ups 3 x 10

Tuesday: 4 mile run (3 miles on treadmill, 1 mile on track) upper body weights, push ups 3 x 15

Wednesday: 5 mile run on treadmill

Thursday: 4 mile run on treadmill, core work

Friday: Upper & Lower body straight training

Saturday: 28 minutes fat burn intervals on AMT at 20% and 4%, 5 minutes at 16%, 30 minute walk on treadmill at 5.5-6.5% incline & speed at 3.7-3.6, core work

Sunday: 3 mile run on treadmill at 1% incline & 8:20 pace, upper body lifting, leg work, 3 mile run on track for a total of 6 miles

Total Miles: 19
Weight: 121lbs

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Completed; Week 18 - Chicago Marathon!

Since I feel that it's only right to make sure I post about my final steps in preparation for the marathon, here is how the week went.

Monday: 45 minutes AMT
Tuesday: 3.09 miles 23:08 7:30 pace
Wednesday: 4.07 miles 30:46 7:34 pace
Thursday: Upper body weights, abs
Friday: rest
Saturday: rest
Sunday: 26.2 Miles! 3:44:00 8:32 pace

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Chicago Marathon Review and Results

Chicago did not go as well as I had expected. I had these visions of me crossing the finish line in under 3:40, being able to call home and tell my dad about what I accomplished, meeting up with friends after the race for grub, drinks and to celebrate the goal I had reached; to qualify for Boston.

None of this happened. Let take that back, I did phone my dad to tell him how I finished but none of the other things took place.

Guess I should back up and start from the beginning.

Sunday morning I woke up at 4:30am, still sick. In fact, I felt worst. I washed my face, brushed my teeth, got dressed and headed downstairs to make my pre-race meal; wheat bagel with creamy peanut butter and a bottle of water. We were in the car and on our way by 5:15am. Traffic was not bad at all. My brother in-law, Tommy, quickly found a parking lot about 6 blocks from Grant Park. I grabbed what I needed while my brother in-law and Chris took the bikes off the bike rack. They had brought along bikes so they could ride from each mile marker through out the race to watch me. We headed up the street where I was able to go in to the corral area and they headed off to meet up with Tommy's old boss. He had 2 access passes along with volunteer hats, shirts and jackets. They were to work the start line but didn't know what they would be doing.

I made my way to the port-a-potty's and over to a tree to sit under near my start corral. I did some stretching, people watched and went over my race strategy in my head. I decided I better try using the bathroom on last time and waited in a LONG line. I went and got into my corral. As I was walking I heard "Steph" and looked up to see Chris and Tommy. Tommy took a quick shot of me and Chris.

(Chris and I pre-race)

They wished me luck and were off to work the start line. They had to stand in front and make sure none of the elite runners crossed the line prior to the start. Chris was able to take a couple quick photos before having to move out of the way.

(The Elites!!)



Anyway....back to my story. :0)

I hung by the 3:40 pace group with plans of staying with them for the entire marathon. That didn't last too long. I was trying so hard just to stay with them during the first 2 miles. Not because I couldn't keep up but because of all the runners that kept pushing me out of their way or running into me! It was so frustrating. So since I thought I was feeling good, I just took off on my own. I knew the race was going to be tough from the start. My throat hurt, my nose burned and my legs were heavy. But I was ahead of the 3:40 group so I figured I was good! I tried to take in the crowd support. Wow, that crowd support is like nothing I've ever seen at a race. I kept telling myself to look around, half fun, enjoy the scenery, anything to take my mind off my time and what I was there to do.

Well, by mile 11, I knew it wasn't going to happen. The heat and sunshine were really starting to get to me. I had my fuel belt with hammer heed & hammer gel, but stopped at every water stop. I felt dehydrated and couldn't get enough water. I saw Chris & Tommy at mile 14 and changed one of my empty heed bottles for a full one.

(at mile 14)

Chris asked how I was feeling and as much I would have loved to say "great", I told him "awful" and kept on running. Between 14 and 16, I lost it. I am not sure if I was mentally letting the heat get to me or what happened. Chris and Tommy we are the 16 mile marker. And thank god they were.

(at mile 16)


I had to pee so bad and was some what delirious. I went off course straight into an empty parking lot. Chris grabbed me, got me back on course and ran with me for about a block as I whined about having to pee really bad. He told me to just go, that I could do it. So now, not only am I hot, but I now stink like urine because when he said go, I went. in my pants. At this point I am not understanding what is going on. I mentally was breaking down far sooner then I did last year when I ran Detroit. And it seemed to last much longer. I continued to count down the miles. I made sure to keep hydrating and ran through every mister/hose on the course. I saw so many runners getting medical attention and was lucky that I was not one of them. I was able to keep running so I used that as a motivator.

The last 10 or so miles were a blur. People around me yelling "you're almost there", "only 6 more miles to go", etc... I had been passed by the 3:40 group. I can't tell you where. It happened somewhere in those last 10 miles since I was still ahead of them at mile 16. even after the 'parking lot' incident.

I gave it that final push and seeing the signs "800m to go" "400m to go" "200m to go" were such an awesome site. I was so ready to be done with this marathon! I tried to push hard up the bridge, made the left hand turn and was heading for the finish line. I heard my name, looked up and there in the bleachers were Chris and Tommy. I tried to smile but could only shake my head and kept on going.





I crossed the finish line at 3:44:00. 4 minutes off my goal. I was happy though. Not only did I finish with a PR, but I ran this as hard as I could. I was sick from the start, so hoping for a BQ was a little ambitious. I couldn't help think of the 'what ifs'. what if it was cooler? what if I had stayed with the pace group? What if I wasn't sick that day? what if I had chosen to take medicine that morning versus not taking anything at all? Those what ifs do not bother me. If anything, it has made me even more excited to tackle my next marathon.

I am looking forward to the Bayshore Marathon on May 28, 2011! Hoping that will be my BQ course!

Chicago Marathon Expo

Three words can describe the expo; A Runner's Dream!







This expo was so much better then any of the other ones I have been too! I left there with tons of samples, 2 Nike tops and a full tummy from the Clif/Luna display.








We ended up going Saturday late morning and made our way to the packet pick up and back to the shirt/participant bag pick up. Then it was off to scope out all the vendors. I spent a lot of time at the Nike display trying to decide what to purchase. I think I tried on every style top they had to offer! I finally settled on a long sleeve dry fit white t-shirt and a base layer blue top. There were so many people along the Nike mural. Luckily, it only too me about 2 minutes to locate my name.






We made our way through the expo when I spotted the line for the commemorative photos. I waited in line for about 15 minutes to have mine taken and then made a pit stop at the 10-10-10 block numbers for a quick snap shot too.





After 4 hours of walking around the expo in flip flops, my legs were sore so it was time to go! It was time to head home and get some rest for the big day...

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

To fuel belt or not to fuel belt

I've narrowed down my outfit for Sunday but now I am stumped on my fuel belt. I've trained with it on all of my long runs and even wore it when I ran the Detroit Marathon last October. I originally planned to wear it for Chicago, but now I am started to question that decision.

I am not a fan of Gatorade, so I would carry Hammer HEED in my fuel belt bottles. I would also have a Hammer flask filled with gel. If I do not use my belt, I am stuck drinking gatorade and pinning gel packs to my shorts. But I also lose the additional weight around my waist.

I used my 4 bottle belt while training, but wore my 2 bottle belt when I ran Detroit. Maybe I should down size from the 4 bottle to the 2 bottle for chicago. It would lighten the load around my waist.

Eek!! I don't know what to do!!!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Completed; Week 17 of Chicago Marathon training

Monday Scheduled: cross train
Monday Actual: cross train; 45 minutes AMT intervals, upper body weights

Tuesday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 4 mile run w/ speed work, core work, push ups 2 x 20

Wednesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 5 miles 40:40 8:08 pace

Thursday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Thursday Actual: rest

Friday Scheduled: rest
Friday Actual: 4 mile run 31:41 7:55 pace

Saturday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Saturday Actual: 8.28 miles (3 miles treadmill 25:00 8:20 pace/5.28 miles outside 41:30 7:51 pace) upper body lifting (biceps/shoulders/triceps)

Sunday Scheduled: 8 mile run
Sunday Actual: 3 miles on treadmill w/ .5% incline 24:54 8:18 pace, lifting for back muscles, core work

Scheduled Miles: 24 miles
Actual Mileage: 24.28 miles
Weight: 121lbs

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Complete; Week 16 of Chicago Marathon training!

2 weeks to go!! I have made a few adjustments to my training for the next two weeks. I will be following the final two weeks exactly how Hal Higdon's intermediate training program is written day for day. I followed his plan as written through out my training however, I moved around the runs & cross training to the days I prefered.

Monday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Monday Actual: rest day

Tuesday Scheduled: 6 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 6 mile run w/ 4 x 800's 49:20, P90X ab ripper, push ups 3 x 15

Wednesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 5 miles w/ incline work on the TM - didn't record my time, upper body weights

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 5 miles easy - didn't record my time

Friday Scheduled: 4 mile pace
Friday Actual: 4 mile run 33:23 8:20 pace

Saturday Scheduled: 12 mile run
Saturday Actual: P90X ab ripper, push ups 2 x 20, walking around the woods and helping Chris with his tree stands

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 12.11 mile run 1:39:47 8:15 pace - with wind & hills

Scheduled Miles: 32 miles
Actual Mileage: 32.11 miles
Weight: 123lbs (gained 3 lbs, not going to worry about it though

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

#6499

That is who I will be known as on 10-10-10! Got my confirmation ticket/packet in the mail yesterday. Super excited but nervous at the same time.

Here's to hoping I trained hard enough to meet my goals.

Completed; Week 15 of Chicago Marathon Training

Monday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Monday Actual: 8.28 easy miles 1:10:29 8:30 pace

Tuesday Scheduled: 8 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 5 mile run w/ 8 x 400 pace, core work, push ups 2 x 15

Wednesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 5 miles 40:55 8:11 pace

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 4 miles easy - didn't record my time

Friday Scheduled: 5 mile pace
Friday Actual: 20.06 2:51:43 8:34 pace, what a great morning for a run. It was nice and cool. I had some stomach issues but once I took care of them, I felt great!

Saturday Scheduled: 20 mile run
Saturday Actual: none since I was standing up in a wedding, ran my 20 on Friday.

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: none, attended the Detroit Lions game

Scheduled Miles: 43 miles
Actual Mileage: 42.34 miles
Weight: ?

Monday, September 20, 2010

Let the tapering begin! 3 weeks to go.

I can't believe that I have already trained for 15 weeks! It's time to taper and as much as I welcome it, I can't help but question if I am ready for the marathon. Some days I feel ready to get this over with, other days I wish I had more time to train. I got my miles in, but did I do enough to meet my goal? I am going to do try my hardest to stay focused and positive.

3 weeks from today, I will be recovering from the Chicago Marathon.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Completed; Week 13 & Week 14 of Chicago Marathon Training

Wow, am I behind. I have just been so busy with life! We had a large group of friends out to the lake for a long Labor Day weekend and were in Chicago this past week for another long weekend. I made sure not to lose sight of my training during these fun times though! In fact, I had a very successful 20 mile run the weekend we had friends to the lake. While they enjoyed socializing and cocktail-ing the first night there, I made sure to get to bed and rest up for my run. I am staying positive and focused. One more 20 mile run and then its taper time!

Here is how week 13 and week 14 went!

WEEK 13
Monday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Monday Actual: 5.14 mile run 43:03 8:22 pace

Tuesday Scheduled: 8 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 5.42 mile run 42:39 7:51 pace, upper body lifting

Wednesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 5.1 mile run (didn't record my time), P90X ab ripper X, core exercises, push ups 5 x 15

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 8 mile run 66:03 8:15 pace

Friday Scheduled: 8 mile pace run
Friday Actual: Rest

Saturday Scheduled: 20 mile run
Saturday Actual: 20.05 mile run 2:51:30 8:33 - done on lots of hills in 20mph winds!

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 2.3 mile run 8:41 pace - very slow and easy, would have gone long but my friend was not feeling to well

Scheduled Miles: 43 miles
Actual Mileage: 46.01 miles
Weight: ?

WEEK 14
Monday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Monday Actual: rest

Tuesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 6 mile run (didn't record my time), push ups 2 x 15

Wednesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 5.24 mile run 42:50 8:10 pace (stomach issues)

Thursday Scheduled: rest
Thursday Actual: 6 mile run 48:40 8:06 pace, push ups 3 x 15

Friday Scheduled: 8 mile run
Friday Actual: 5 mile run (didn't record my time)

Saturday Scheduled: 12 mile run
Saturday Actual: 13.05 mile run 1:49:55 8:25 pace - ran on the Illinois Prairie Path while my sister in-law biked next to me

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: rest - Attended the Bears/Lions game

Scheduled Miles: 35 miles
Actual Mileage: 35.29 miles
Weight: ?

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Somerset Stampede Half Marathon Results

This was my second time running this race. I completely forgot how difficult this course truly is! Picture 13.1 miles of never ending rolling hills and you've got the Somerset Stampede half. Although, it is difficult, it's one of my favorites! It is a smaller race as I think most run the 5K.

I earned a new half marathon PR. It's nothing to write home about, but a PR nonetheless. I was 3 seconds away from breaking 1:40 too. oh well, I am not beating myself up over it. My time last year on this course was 1:46 and some change!! So to run this over 6 minute faster, I'll take it.

Finish Time: 1:40:02
Pace: 7:38
2nd out of 12 in my age group
3rd female overall
21st out of 134 overall

They actually had people out on the course taking pictures this year. I look forward to their web site being updated with them so I can score a couple and add them to this post.

Completed; Week 12 of Chicago Marathon Training

Another great week! I really owe a huge thank you to my blog friends and my dad. You have all had a hand in helping me get my head and my training where it needs to be. Thank you!

This was cut back week, so after running over 44 miles last week, I was only scheduled to do 36.

Here is how the weeks training went....

Monday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Monday Actual: 5 mile run, 40:05 8:01 pace

Tuesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 5.41 mile run 41:36 7:42 pace, P90X legs, P90X ab ripper X

Wednesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 5 mile run, 41:44 8:20 pace, core work, push ups 2 x 15

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 8.11 mile run, 1:04:21 7:56 pace, upper body weights

Friday Scheduled: 8 mile pace run
Friday Actual: Rest

Saturday Scheduled: 13 mile run
Saturday Actual: Somerset Stampede Half Marathon, 1:40:02 7:38 pace

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 30 minute stationary bike, weights for back, core work

Scheduled Miles: 36 miles
Actual Mileage: 36.64 miles
Weight: 122lbs

Monday, August 23, 2010

Completed; Week 11 of Chicago Marathon Training

Well, after having a small pity party I ended up having an awesome 18 mile run! It was not the pace, but how I felt mentally that made it go great. What an awesome way to finish off the week. 11 weeks down, 7 more to go. Bring it on!!

Monday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Monday Actual: 8 mile run 1:09:59 8:36 pace

Tuesday Scheduled: 8 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 5 mile run 40:48 8:11 pace, upper body lifting

Wednesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 8.12 mile run 1:05:51 8:07 pace, push ups 1 x 20

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 5 mile run 41:08 8:13 pace, push ups 3 x 15

Friday Scheduled: 8 mile pace run
Friday Actual: Rest

Saturday Scheduled: 18 mile run
Saturday Actual: 18.12 mile run 2:34:01 8:30 pace - the strongest I felt (mentally) in a long time! I ignored my pace and paid attention to how I felt. I truly enjoyed this long run! and it rained which was an added bonus!

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: upper body lifting, push ups 3 x 15, core work

Scheduled Mileage: 44 miles
Actual Mileage: 44.24 miles
Weight: ?

Thank you blog friends!

After having a small pity party last week, I just want to thank you all for your words of encouragement and advice. After reading your responses and having a long conversation with my dad, I am ready to put everything to use and tackle these next 7 weeks of training! I had a wonderful 18 mile run on Saturday. I made sure to pay attention to slowing down my pace and focusing on how I feel rather then how fast I was running.

I am going to use the McMillian running calculator to base some of my speed work times and going to hit the track! Hopefully these changes will help me meet my goal and stay positive for the rest of my marathon training.

Thanks again everyone!!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Completed; Week 10 of Chicago Marathon training

I am obviously behind on updating my weekly work outs. Unfortunately, I am almost embarrassed to document my times. I am not sure what is going on with me, but I feel like I am stuck in a rut that I can't seem to get out of. My pace has been so slow and it's really taking a toll on my mentally. I am not sure what I can do differently to A. make my long runs faster and B. stop the pity party and start telling myself I can do this. Any advice would be appreciated.

Here is how last weeks training went.

Monday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Monday Actual: 4.5 mile run 35:48 7:57 pace, P90X Core Synergesistics & Ab Ripper

Tuesday Scheduled: 8 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 8.06 mile run 1:05:34 8:06 pace

Wednesday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 4 mile run 32:45 8:11 pace, P90X shoulders/chest/triceps

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 8.07 mile run 1:07:42 8:23 pace - an awful run; heavy legs and stomach issues

Friday Scheduled: 8 mile pace run
Friday Actual: Rest

Saturday Scheduled: 17 mile run
Saturday Actual: 17 mile run 2:28:06 8:43 pace - again, another awful run. it was slow and painful and I lost my fuel belt gel flask :-( It's paces like this that I really getting me down.

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: lots of walking and stair climbing at the Nascar race

Scheduled Mileage: 41 miles
Actual Mileage: 41.67 miles
Weight: 121lbs

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A Touching Event

I know it's months away, but I am really looking forward to running this race. All proceeds will be donated to Dolores & Harrison Hensley to purchase a wheel chair assessable minivan for Dolores.

Dolores is my aunt. My great aunt to be exact. My dad's aunt and uncle.

Unc (that is what we call him) used to run races almost every weekend, sometimes 2! Not only that, he put on the famous Run Thru Hell in Pinckney, MI which lasted many, many years. That is, until my aunt Dolores had a stroke. Now it's been 2 years since the last Run Thru Hell and it's been over a year since my Unc has ran. This is a man in his late 70's, ran numerous marathons including Boston, etc...

After 2 years of not having this famous race, someone decided to take this on and make it a one time event to help out two of some of the most dedicated people involved in the Michigan running community.

I really, really look forward to this. And I am hoping they have a turn out better then any of the Run Thru Hell races Unc put on!

http://www.runningfoundation.com/Run_Thru_Hell_Halloween.html
If you have been a runner in Michigan for the last several years then you
undoubtedly know or have seen Dolores and Harrison Hensley. They put on
the Run Thru Hell Race for many years which was a quality event that
thousand of runners competed in. They would also travel to races every
weekend and even go to mid week races. Dolores would help with
registration and work the finish chute and Harrison would take with him entry
forms from hundreds of races so runners could look through them and take
the forms home. They were very active and important people in the Michigan
running community. This all came to end in November of 2008 when Dolores
suffered a stroke. Now these once active and vibrant people are confined to
their house. They miss seeing all the runners every weekend and we miss
seeing their smiles and all the help they brought to the race.
This race is for them. This is a one time race that will not be held again. The
entire entry fee will go to the purchase of a wheelchair assessable minivan
so Dolores and Harrison can once again go to the races.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Run Clark Lake 12K Results

Saturday I ran my first 12K race. I've ran this distance many times but I have never raced it. We had perfect weather! Sunny, yet some what cool and no humidity! The course was a loop around beautiful Clark Lake. It took you on to roads, down dirt roads and through the neighborhood surrounding the lake. It had some large hills, which I was not expecting at all, but was a bonus as I like tackling them for a good work out.

I ended up finishing in 3rd place in my age group! I really think I could have finished quicker as I still had some gas left in the tank. I was good about not pushing myself too hard at this race. I wanted to run this race hard but make sure to keep focus on form & breathing. Now I wish I would have pushed a little but harder. Oh well, I am still satisfied with my time.

DH ran the 5K race at this event. This was his first race he has ever run. He finished the 5K in 24:08 with a 7:47 pace!! He placed 4th out of 12 in his age group! He's now thinking of another 5K he can run. He won't make it a habit though. He said he will run two 5K's each summer but refuses to take his focus off weight training/ body building.

There were some really fast runners at this event! Several course records were broke, the MSU track & field team were there, there was a girl who will be at the Olympic trials for the marathon event and there was a guy who set a course record & won his age group who had a small piece on him in the newest addition of RW!!

Here are a couple pictures of me with my award!





Official Results-

Finish Time: 56:05
Pace: 7:31
Age Group Place: 3/15
Overall Place: ?

Completed; Week 9 of Chicago Marathon Training

This week, I learned that I enjoy getting my training runs in before work. So I started waking up at 5am to run. It's nice having my evenings free or using that extra time for strength training and core work!

Monday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Monday Actual: cross train; 40 minutes elliptical intervals, weights for back

Tuesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 4.78 mile run 37:07 7:46 pace, P90X Ab Ripper

Wednesday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 6 mile run 49:05 8:10 pace, P90X Shoulders & Arms

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 7 mile run 58:15 8:19 pace, push ups 3 x 20

Friday Scheduled: 7 mile pace run
Friday Actual: Rest

Saturday Scheduled: 11 mile run
Saturday Actual: 12K (7.46 miles) race 56:05 7:31 pace, 3rd out of 15 in age group

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 6.10 mile run 50:35 8:17 pace

Scheduled Mileage: 31 miles
Actual Mileage: 31.34 miles
Weight: ?

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Giving Back!

After 3 years of running races, I have yet to volunteer at one. That is about to change.

Exactly 1 week to the day after I run the Chicago Marathon, I will be volunteering at the Detroit Marathon. Not only that, but my job is the coolest. I get to stand at the finish line handing out finishers medals! I am really excited to do this. Not only will I be seeing the winner cross the finish line, but I get to congratulate all those that put in the hard work, dedication and training it takes to run 26.2 miles. I have a feeling it will be a very emotional experience.

http://www.freepmarathon.com/

Completed: Week 8 of Chicago Marathon Training

Last week was pretty hectic. I was traveling for work 4 days and had to squeeze in my running when not at our work convention or dinners. Thankfully, I was able to meet my required mileage for the week!

Monday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Monday Actual: 6 mile run on the treadmill, 49:00 8:10 pace

Tuesday Scheduled: 7 mile run
Tuesday Actual: P90X Ab Ripper, push ups 2 x 15

Wednesday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 5.34 mile run in downtown Charlotte, 44:00 8:14 pace - WOW is it humid and hot in Charlotte, NC!!

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 6.16 mile run in downtown Charlotte, 53:12 8:38 pace

Friday Scheduled: 7 mile pace run
Friday Actual: None-rest day, traveled home from NC

Saturday Scheduled: 15 mile run
Saturday Actual: 5 mile run on treadmill, push ups 3 x 15, upper body lifting

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 15.26 mile run 2:09:46 8:30 pace - not happy with my pace at all! I was shooting for 8:20 or better.

Scheduled Mileage: 37 miles
Actual Mileage: 37.76 miles
Weight: 121lbs

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Completed; Week 7 of Chicago Marathon trainings

Monday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Monday Actual: None- Sick w/ food poisoning

Tuesday Scheduled: 7 mile run
Tuesday Actual: none- Sick w/ food poisoning

Wednesday Scheduled: 4 mile run
Wednesday Actual: My First Two-A-Day! morning run: 4.3 miles 34:43, 8:05 pace, evening run: 5 miles 45:00, 9:00 pace, push ups 1 x 20

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 5 miles on treadmill 44:00, 8:48 pace, push ups 4 x 10

Friday Scheduled: 7 mile pace run
Friday Actual: P90X ab ripper, P90X Core Synergesistics

Saturday Scheduled: 14 mile run
Saturday Actual: 7 miles on treadmill 60:00, 8:34 pace, Uppper body lifting

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 10.02 miles 1:25:31, 8:32 pace

Scheduled Mileage: 36 miles
Actual Mileage: 31.32 miles
Weight: 120lbs

long run fail and bladder issues

Today's long run of 14 miles was a big fat fail! I really do not understand what is going on with me. I let the heat, sun and my head get to me. I bailed and only ran 10.02 miles. I can't be doing this with only 11 weeks left in my training. At this rate, not only will I not meet my goal, I doubt I will even finish faster then my previous time. Somethings got to give.

I already knew this week was going to be rough getting in all mileage due to being sick, but I had really hoped I could do it. I guess there is still time to do so. Its only 3:45pm. I could head back out for a few more later this evening.

And on to my bladder issues. Let me warn you, this is a total TMI!

I peed my pants on my run today. Not once, but twice. WTF?? Seriously, I couldn't stop it either. I was running along and had to stop at a light to cross the street and it was there that it happened. I began to pee. I tried to stop but it just kept coming out. We are talking full on wet shorts and trickling down my legs! This is totally gross and not right. I need to figure out why this happened and how to make sure it doesn't happen again!! Its not comfortable running with the crotch of your shorts wet and passing buy people hoping that you do not smell of urine!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Getting to know me!

This was passed on to me from Brit

1) What was on your To-Do list today:

•Go to work.

◦Go shopping at Target! I am a freak for Target. I shop there at least once a week. This weeks list consists of q-tips, new shoes (flats, to be specific), shampoo and travel items for a business trip.

◦Go for a run. I plan to do my dads ladder work out on the treadmill as well as a 1 mile warm up and 2 mile cool down.

•Figure out what I want for dinner! Chris offered to take me out, but I am not so sure I will want to after my run tonight.

◦do laundry. I have to wash my running clothes.

2) 5 Snacks you enjoy:

◦Apples with peanut butter
◦pretzels
◦fresh fruit
◦yogurt
◦ice cream :0)

3) 5 Places you have lived:

◦I've only lived in Michigan...and no where fun and well known either. Unless you consider the metro Detroit area "fun" and "well known".





4) What were you doing 5 years ago:

◦remodeling our first house/current home! we purchased the home in May of 2005, but did not officially move in until early August. We did all the work on it first.

◦5 years go, this coming weekend would be my wedding shower!

◦I would not only be remodeling a home, but also be tying up the last bit of plans for our wedding.

◦Move somewhere where Chris could surf every day, probably the Central Coast of California.

5) 5 things you would do if you were a Billionaire:

◦Pay off my parents & Chris's parents homes/cars/bills and make sure they had everything they neeeded to live comfortably and give them a vacation home to the destination of their choice.

◦Pay off our siblings bills and make sure they had what they needed to live comfortably.

◦I'd donate to charities for children less fortunate as well as children that come from abusive homes.

◦I would travel to various tropical or warm weather destinations. I'd also like to travel to Poland (Chris is 100% Polish so I'd love for him to see his native country), Italy, England, Germany.

◦I would send my husband on a hunting trip to Africa. He is an avid hunter (deer & turkey) and he's said that is one thing he'd love to be able to do. I'd go with him. :0) Just to see Africa, not to hunt.

I am passing this along to;




Two-A-Day!

I experienced my first two-a-day.

Yesterday I woke up bright and early before work to head out for a 4.3 mile run. I had a decent pace of 8:05 per mile and felt pretty darn good, especially after being very sick for 2 days. After work it was hot and humid so I went to the gym to run the treadmill. I had planned to run a minimum of 4 miles, max of 6 miles. I made it 5 miles and it was tough! I averaged a 9:00 per mile pace, which is definitely on the slow end for me. I wasn't feeling all that well when I left the gym. I was hot, dripping with sweat and sick to my stomach. I made sure to grab a bottle of G2 as soon as I walked in the door. I thought about the run and what might have gone wrong and I determined it was a combination of errors on my part.

Error 1. I didn't eat enough through out the day. Salad and fruit doesn't cut it! I should know better.
Error 2. I believe I should have waited a couple more days to do this since I had just gotten over being very sick. I was so sick on Monday & Tuesday that I lost 6lbs, so doing my first two-a-day on Wednesday wasn't the smartest move.

Overall, I have to consider it a success regardless of how I felt during and after. It's a success since I have never done a two-a-day and no matter how hard it was, I made it through!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

How to handle set backs?

How do I handle a couple set backs?

This week I am already missing 2 (and may be more if I do not get better soon) of my runs due to being sick. Next week I travel for work and will spend 4 days in North Carolina. I plan to bring my running gear and will contact the local YMCA to see if I can use their facility.

At least I know I will not miss my long runs. I have 14 miles scheduled for this weekend and 15 miles for the following weekend. I also need to get in an additional 24 miles each week (4,7,4,7). Should I consolidate the daily runs so I can meet my required mileage? Or if I miss one, do I just pick up where I left off?

I wasn't worried about my business trip next week, I knew it would mess with my training. It's this food poisoning that I have that is really making me stress. 2 weeks back to back with things that will interfere with training.

Completed; Week 6 of Chicago Marathon Training

What a great week. I really felt this week was the push I needed to mentally get back on track. Too bad I spent the last two days sick as a dog, so that is really going to mess up week 7! :-(

Monday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Monday Actual: 3.57 miles 27:53, 7:43 pace

Tuesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday Actual: rest

Wednesday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 5 mile run on the treadmill; 1 @ 8:34, 1 @ 8:13 1 @ 7:57, 1 @ 8:13, 1 @ 8:34, core work, push ups 2 x 15

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 4 mile run on the treadmill @ 8:13 pace, upper body lifting

Friday Scheduled: 6 mile pace run
Friday Actual: 2.59 mile run before work; 20:22, 7:52 pace

Saturday Scheduled: 9 mile run
Saturday Actual: 4.39 mile run at the lake, 35:00, 7:58 pace - hilly terrain

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 13.34 mile run, 1:48:52, 8:10 pace - hilly terrain

Scheduled Mileage: 26 miles
Actual Mileage: 32.89 miles
Weight: ?

Friday, July 16, 2010

Morning run before work

I've always wanted to get up extra early and run before having to get ready for work. There is just one problem; Monday-Friday I am NOT a morning person. On Saturday and Sunday I can be up early and out running with no issues, but when it comes to getting up earlier then I already have to for work, I just can't bring myself to do it. That is, until today!

For some unknown reason, both Chris and I woke up at 4:30am and were wide awake. I tried to fall back to sleep but it wasn't happening. I got up and started my day. I made coffee, did a load of laundry, watched TV and decided to run. By the time it was light out, I was only able to get a short 2.6 mile run (20:22, 7:52 pace) in. It felt GREAT! I felt GREAT! I left the MP3 player at home and just enjoyed listening to the birds. I wish I could have kept going. Boy, have I been missing out on a great thing! I am going to try to be up earlier at least 1 day per week to run before having to get ready for work. I'll have to head out with it still some-what dark to ensure I can get longer distances in, but I am fine with that. I may soon know what it's like to have my evenings free versus them consuming my training runs and trips to the gym.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

New Kicks!

After my whining in the previous update, I am hoping these will help turn things around.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10's



I love new running shoes. I love the new shoe smell, I love how my feet feel on that first run, it's heaven.

In my opinion, these are the best GTS Brooks have put out since the 7's. The toe box is slightly narrower, better cushion & arch support, lower profile design and lighter then all others. I can't wait to hit the pavement tomorrow!

Completed: Week 5 of Chicago Marathon Training

I can't believe the Chicago Marathon is only 13 weeks away! As some many may think that is a long time, I do not. I've had a rough couple weeks with slower paces then I was expecting and the heat really getting to me. These rough times make me question myself whether or not I will actually be able to reach my goal. I've never missed a goal I've set for myself when it comes to running and I'd really like to not start now! My head has been messing with me a lot lately. When I feel tired or have dead legs, I start to tell myself that I'll never run this marathon in 3:40 or less - that I just don't have the strength. I must get a handle on the mental aspect of my training or this could ruin what I have set out to do.

I think I may need to add track work to my short scheduled runs too. I HAVE to get my pace up on my longer distance training runs, even in this heat & humidity.

I need to get out of this funk I am in.

Here is how this weeks training went.

Monday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Monday Actual: 3.36 mile run w/ my brother in-law; 27:56 8:22 pace

Tuesday Scheduled: 6 mile run
Tuesday Actual: Rest Day

Wednesday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 7 mile run on the treadmill; 1 @ 8:41 pace, 1 @ 8:20 pace, 1 @ 8:13 pace, 1 @ 8:00 pace, 1 @ 7:47 pace, 1 @ 8:13 pace, 1 @ 8:41 pace, push ups 1 x 20

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 6.09 mile run on treadmill; 1 @ 8:41 pace, 1 @ 8:34 pace, 1 @ 8:27 pace, 1.09 @ 8:20 pace, 1 @ 8:27 pace, 1 @ 8:34 pace, leg lifts 4 x 15, push ups 2 x 15

Friday Scheduled: 6 mile pace run
Friday Actual: 2 mile run on treadmill @ 8:34 pace (sore legs), upper body lifting; biceps, triceps, shoulders

Saturday Scheduled: 12 mile run
Saturday Actual: 11.92 mile run; 1:38:49 8:17 pace

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 30 minutes stationary bike, upper body lifting; chest & back, core work, legs (squats, lunges, wall sits)

Scheduled Mileage: 30 miles
Actual Mileage: 30.35 miles
Weight: 123lbs

Friday, July 9, 2010

Completed: Week 4 of Chicago Marathon Training

After being on vacation, I am finally getting around to updating my blog. I was able to stick with my training through out my time at the lake. I ran in some very hot & humid weather and experienced my first "duck into the woods" on a long run. Overall, I am pleased how the week went. My pace wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but I am not going to dwell on it.

Here is how my training went.

Monday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Monday Actual: 20 minutes stationary bike, 25 minutes elliptical intervals, upper body lifting

Tuesday Scheduled: 6 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 6.18 mile run; 48:36 7:52 pace, push ups 3 x 10

Wednesday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 6.09 mile run; 47:48 7:51 pace

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 5.42 mile run w/ speed intervals with dad; 41:48 7:43 pace

Friday Scheduled: 6 mile pace run
Friday Actual: upper body work w/ resistance bands, push ups, core work

Saturday Scheduled: 11 mile run
Saturday Actual: 11.30 mile run; 1:36:34 8:33 pace (stomach issues!!)

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 5.49 mile run w/ my brother in-law; 44:39 8:08 pace

Scheduled Mileage: 29 miles
Actual Mileage: 34.48 miles
Weight: did not weigh in

Thursday, July 1, 2010

On Vacation!

Beginning this afternoon I am on vacation. 6 glorious days at my mother in-law & father in-law's lake house on Lake Leann! I can't wait. The weather will be perfect, family will be in town from Chicago, its a great place to put in mileage, lots of boating, jet skiing, sun bathing, kayaking, indulging in good food & drink, I could go on!

I have various runs schedule starting with 5-6 miles tonight with my dad before heading to the lake and 11 miles tomorrow morning. I also plan to use the resistance bands, do push ups and core work.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th of July weekend!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Completed: Week 3 of Chicago Marathon Training

Once again, I am behind on updating this. I must get better at keeping up with my blog. It's pointless to even have one if I don't utilize it!

Anyway, here is how the weeks training went.

Monday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Monday Actual: 4.18 miles @ 8:20 pace, core work, push ups 3 x 10

Tuesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 6 mile run on treadmill (didn't record the paces I ran)

Wednesday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 3 miles @ 8:41 pace, upper body lifting

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: Rest

Friday Scheduled: 5 mile pace run
Friday Actual: 7.01 mile run; 57:08 8:09 pace (at the lake on hilly terrain)

Saturday Scheduled: 6 mile run
Saturday Actual: 5.14 mile run; 41:35 8:06 pace (at the lake on hilly terrain)

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 3.36 mile run; 26:43 7:57 pace, core work

Scheduled Mileage: 22 miles
Actual Mileage: 24.51 miles
Weight: did not weigh in

Monday, June 21, 2010

Completed: Week 2 of Chicago Marathon Training

Week 2 is complete. Only 16 weeks to go. We have had some hot & humid days that have really affected me when I am running. I am hoping I can adjust to this heat or this will be a long summer of training!

Here is how the week went.

Monday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Monday Actual: core work, push ups 4 x 15

Tuesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 5 mile run; 1 mile @ 8:20 pace, 1 mile @ 8:13 pace, 1 mile @ 8:06 pace, 1 mile @ 8:20 pace, 1 mile @ 8:34 pace

Wednesday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 5 mile run; 1 mile @ 8:13 pace, 1 mile @ 8:00 pace, 1.33 miles @ 7:53 pace, .67 miles @ 8:20 pace, captains chair 3 x 15

Thursday Scheduled: Rest
Thursday Actual: 30 day shred level 1 + additional upper body lifting, core work

Friday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Friday Actual: 6 mile run; 1 mile @ 8:27 pace, 4 miles @ 8:00 pace, 1 mile @ 8:34 pace

Saturday Scheduled: 9 mile run
Saturday Actual: 30 minutes AMT intervals 4% / 20%, 5 minutes 16%, upper body lifting (2-bicep, 2-triceps, 3-back, 2-shoulders)

Sunday Scheduled: cross train
Sunday Actual: 10.06 mile run 1:22:36 8:13 pace (hot & humid, disappointed in my pace)

Total Mileage: 26.06 miles
Weight: 121lbs

Friday, June 18, 2010

In Honor of Father's Day: My Running Inspiration

The person who inspired me to start running and pushes me to my limits! Thanks to him, I've become a stronger, faster runner and along the way developed a bound with him that no one can break.

My Dad.












Completed: Week 1 of Chicago Marathon training

1 week down, 17 to go!

Actually, closer to 16 since I seem to be so "on top" of updating my blog. I am starting to wonder if I am even meant to blog. I rarely post any fun pictures, I forget to update and it's just not as pretty looking as most of the others I follow.

Anyway, here is what I was scheduled to run and what my actual work outs were.

Monday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Monday Actual: 30 minute stationary bike, core work (rested my legs since I ran a half marathon the day before)

Tuesday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday Actual: 5 mile run (3 miles @ 8:13 pace, 2 miles @ 8:06 pace) + upper body lifting; biceps, triceps, shoulders & back

Wednesday Scheduled: 3 mile run
Wednesday Actual: 6.34 mile run 51:00 8:03 pace (hot, humid & miserable), core work

Thursday Scheduled: rest
Thursday Actual: rest day, push ups 4 x 15

Friday Scheduled: 5 mile run
Friday Actual: 6.42 mile run (up at my in-law's lake house. very hilly location) 53:25 8:20 (hot, humid, windy)

Saturday Scheduled: 8 mile run
Saturday Actual: 8 mile run in 2 segments; 4.36 miles w/ Chris 40:32 9:18 pace, 3.64 miles after dropping Chris off at home 29:23 8:06 pace = 8 miles

Sunday Scheduled: Cross Training
Sunday Actual: None, attended the Nascar Race. Unless I can count the walking from the tailgate lot, to the track, climbing up and down a steep flight of stairs multiple times, etc... :0)

Total Mileage: 25.76 miles
Weight: ??

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Week 1 Day 2 & 3 Chicago marathon training

Quick update on how my training has gone over the past couple days.

I am/was scheduled to run the following days/distances; Tuesday 3 miles, Wednesday 5 miles, Thursday 3 miles, Friday rest, Saturday 5 miles and Sunday 8 miles. We are going to the lake and to the Nascar race this weekend so I had to modify the weeks required runs.

I decided to consolidate 3 of the runs to have one 5 mile run (Tuesday) and one 6 mile run (Wednesday). I am moving the remaining 5 mile run to Friday and my 8 mile run to Saturday.

Anyway, Tuesday I ended up splitting the 5 mile run into two runs. I ran 3 miles @ 8:13 pace on the treamdill, followed by upper body lifting and then finished the work out with 2 miles @ 8:06 pace on the treadmill. I felt strong through the entire work out. I lifted for biceps, triceps, shoulders and back doing various free weight & pulley machine exercises. All and all, a great work out.

Then Wednesday came along. I planned on running 6 miles, mapped a route that ended up being 6.34 miles. I decided that I would be fine without taking my fuel belt even though it was warm out. I had hydrated all through-out the day so I figured I would be fine. Wrong! I made it about 2 miles and realized that I needed my water. I was parched! Not only that, but my legs felt so dead. It took all I had to keep moving. and the sun, oh how I love thee but my body was HOT! I ended up having to stop and walk a few seconds about 4-5 times. I pushed on and ran the entire 6.34 miles and was happy to grab that water bottle off my porch when I finished. What was my outcome? Well, I have proven to myself that I am faster then I give myself credit for. For having such a difficult run, having to stop and walk a few times, having to stop and cross 3 major roads, I still had an 8:03 pace!! So what I thought was a horrible run, showed to be a good one. It helped me realize that I am getting faster. My "easy" runs are at a pace that were once my "hard" runs.

I am taking today as a rest day to pack for our trip. I will run 5 miles tomorrow and 8 miles saturday at the lake. I am looking forward to my first loops around the area. It has quite a few challenging hills and will be nice to run on traffic free roads out of the city!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Weekly Exercise

I never did add my weekly exercise from May 24-30. So here is my results from May 24-30 and May 31-June 6.

May 31-June 6
Monday: none, drove home from being out of town
Tuesday: 5.6 mile run 44:26, 7:57 pace, push ups 3 x 15, core work
Wednesday: 7 mile run on treadmill; 1 @ 8:20 pace, 4 @ 8:00 pace, 1 @ 8:20 miles, 1 @ 8:57 pace
Thursday: push ups 2 x 15, cleaned house :0)
Friday: 3 mile run on treamdill; 1 @ 8:13 pace, 1 @ 8:00 pace, 1 @ 7:47 pace, weights for back, core work
Saturday: Upper Body Weights; chest, biceps, triceps, shoulders
Sunday: Half Marathon 1:40:47, 7:42 pace

Total Mileage: 28.70
Weight: ?

May 24-30
Monday: 5 mile run, 40:15 8:03 pace (sunburned w/ hot, humid weather)
Tuesday: 7 mile run on treadmill; 8:20 pace w/ sprints 57:50
Wednesday: 3 mile run on treadmill 8:13 pace, biceps, shoulders, triceps
Thursday: none
Friday: none
saturday: 11.74 mile run up north; 1:44:22 8:54 pace (one of the hottest, hardest runs I have had in a LONG time)
Sunday: none

Total Mileage: 26.74
Weight: ?

Week 1 Day 1 of Chicago Marathon Training

Today is week one/day one of Chicago marathon training. I have decided to follow Hal Higdon's Intermediate I Marathon training program. It's an 18 week program that will have me running 5 times a week (1 being a long run), cross training once a week and having one rest day.

Lucky for me, today is a cross training day. My legs are sore and tight due to yesterdays half marathon, so I will be using the stationary bike and doing some core work at the gym.

Dexter Ann Arbor Half Marathon Results & Review

Yesterday, my dad and I ran the Dexter - Ann Arbor half marathon. I was unsure how the weather was going to hold up for us. The night before mother nature released some wicked weather on us. I was woken twice by high winds, pouring rain and tornado sirens. My dad had it even worse. His town was hit by a tornado...twice! So needless to say, we were both pretty darn tired Sunday morning. My friend Kristy was running the 10K so she was at my house at 6am. We made the drive to Ann Arbor, parked and waited for my dad. He met us at the parking structure around 7am. I wished Kristy good luck and dad and I headed to the bus lines. We were to be bussed out to Dexter and the course takes you back to downtown Ann Arbor near the U of M campus. The start time was moved up from 8:30am to 8:15am and then back to 9am. There was a tree across one of the roads that needed to be removed before we started. At 9am we were finally off. I fell into a comfortable pace with my dad and enjoyed most of the course. There were a few decent climbs and some nice down hills where I could pick up speed. I felt good through out the entire race except for the last 2 miles. Mile 12 I was really pushing myself along, telling myself "you've made it this far, its only 2 miles". Mile 13 was the death of me. I was leaving all I had out on the road adn it still wasn't enough. A couple times my dad turned and said "come on" and I snapped back "I am. I am trying my hardest". LOL! My dads goal for me was to come in around 1:40. My previous half marathon PR was 1:46:25. We crossed the finish line at 1:40:47, which is a 7:42 pace!! I beat my previous PR by 5:48! My Garmin states that we finished in 1:40:47 but that the distance was 13.27, not 13.1 which would put my pace at 7:37. Of course, I am going with the official race results as my time.

I remember my dad saying to me while we waited at the start line "you'll be surprised at how good of shape you are in with all the winter training you put in". I told him "if I can finish in 1:40, this will be a big confidence booster". It is. But I am still disappointed in how the last couple miles beat me. I let the mental aspect of the pain/race get to me and it won. I really need to work on that!



Official Results-

Finish Time: 1:40:47
Pace: 7:42
Age Group Place: 12/181
Overall Place: 379/2397

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Blog Neglect and random thoughts

I am so behind on updating my blog. So much so that I have not even added my weekly exercise from last week! I can't do it right now since I am at work and my log is at home. Booo.

I know I have said it before, but I really need to give my blog an overhaul. It's so boring and just plain blah. I can't seem to find the time or patience to do so. I do promise to update more. I start marathon training on Monday so ideally I'd like to post daily, if not daily then every other day. I am taking on a tougher training program and with a BQ goal, I'd like to document as much of my training as possible.

I have a half marathon on Sunday. My dad wants me to run with him since he is also registered for the same race. I am not so sure I will be able to hang. I, for one, do not want him to run at a slower pace just to stay with me. That is what he would have to do because I highly doubt I can maintain his pace for all 13.1 miles. I will see him at the race expo on Saturday and will discuss our "game plan" then.

I am totally in love with my Garmin except for one small issue. I have the strap on the 2nd to smallest notch and once I start running it slides around on my sweat covered wrist. Which then causes it to bounce off that small bone on the side of my wrist. If I put it on the tightest notch, then it's too tight and hurts. Anyone have an idea on how I can make it fit more comfortably on my wrist? Should I purchase the loop strap versus using the watch style strap it came with?

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Weekly Exercise

I had a rough week. I took 2 rest days and had to cut a run short.

Monday & Tuesday: Rest Days, I was exhausted. 2 rest days in one week is out of the norm for me, but they were needed.

Wednesday: 10.74 mile trail run 1:46, 9:56 pace, push ups 3 x 15, core work

Thursday: biceps, shoulders, triceps, chest, 1 mile run. I intended to run 3 miles, but I barely made it 1 mile. That trail run really did my legs in.

Friday: 5K race 21:38 6:59 pace, 1st place in age group

Saturday: 11.07 mile run 1:31:31 8:16 pace

Sunday: 40 minutes/9.67 miles stationary bike, back & core work

Total Mileage: 25.91 miles
Weight: 121lbs

Saturday, May 22, 2010

5K PR!! YMCA River Run




I ran a local 5K Friday evening. Normally I am not a fan of evening races but I wanted to get another short and fast race in prior to my half marathon and start of marathon training. Plus it was put on by my gym, the YMCA. I had the woman who organizes the event stop me twice at the gym to ask me if I planned to run it. So I did. and boy am I glad! I had two goals set; to beat my previous PR of 23:02 and to come in around 22:50 or faster.

I finished in 21:38. That is a 6:59 pace! Who knew I had it in me to break a 7 minute per mile pace?! I also placed first in my age group.

Official Results:
time- 21:38
pace- 6:59
age place- 1st out of 22
overall place- 16 out of 239

and a quick shout out to my dad who competed in a duathlon today. 5K run, 25K bike, 5K run. He finished in 1:32 and placed 1st in his age group.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Resting and my Garmin

I took yesterday off from running. I was utterly and completely exhausted and was asleep by 9:30pm. I had full intentions of going to the gym tonight to bust out 10 x 400's on the treadmill w/ 60 second breaks in between. But instead, here I sit, taking another rest day. I, again, am tired. It's definitely caused by sitting out out the ballpark all day long in the cold and rain with a bunch of 6th graders. But it was worth it!

Two rest days in a row is very out of the ordinary for me. Especially with two races in the very near future; a 5K Friday and a half marathon on June 6th. I'll make up for it tomorrow though. My dad and I are heading out to the Poto trail (where I ran the trail half) to bust out 10.5 miles.

My Garmin arrived yesterday. I should have charged it but didn't. I have it charging now and hope to learn a few basics so I can take it with me tomorrow. I only need to know my pace and distance and can worry about all the other "bells & whistles" later in the week.

Pointless blog post, but I needed to reassure myself resting is good for me. I start to feel guilty when I take rest days.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Weekly Exercise

Monday: back & core, 45 minutes AMT intervals 20% & 4%, 5 minute cool down 16%

Tuesday: Rest Day

Wednesday: 7.75 miles; 1 mile @ 8:41 pace, 20 minuts @ 8:06 pace, 25 minutes @ 8:00 pace, 6 minutes @ 8:41 pace, 5 minutes @ 10:54 pace, push ups 2 x 15

Thursday: 5 miles; 2 miles @ 8:20 pace, shoulders & chest, 3 miles @ 8:20 pace

Friday: 3 miles @ 8:34 pace, biceps & back

Saturday: 10.15 miles time and pace unknown - accidentally reset my watch

Sunday: 6 miles; 3 miles @ 8:13 pace, tricpes & core, 3 miles @ 8:13 pace

Total Mileage: 31.85 miles
Weight: 123lbs (can't seem to shed these 3 pounds that I do badly want to get rid of!)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Pro pics from Trail Half

The professional pictures are finally up! Sadly, there is not one of me crossing the finish line.

http://www.backprint.com/view_user_event.asp?PID=bp%19%7EN%7B&EVENTID=66859&PWD=&BIB=322

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

3.5 weeks to run as fast as my dad!

Is it possible?

Should I pray for a miracle?

I am registered to run my first road half marathon of the 2010 season on June 6th and have been pestering my dad almost daily about registering as well. He called me last night to tell me that he finally registered but since I pressured him to register, I now have to run the race with him. Yes, that sounds fabulous since the last time we actually ran side by side was the marathon in October. One problem...he's faster then me!

We both ran the trail half in April; he finished in 1:56 and I finished in 2:03. We also ran the same road half in August of 2009; he finished in 1:38 and I finished in 1:46. I would have to PR by at least 8 minutes to be able to run along side him. I would love to be able to run with him but I also do not want him to have to slow up at all because of me.

At the same time, I am trying to convince myself that I can hang with dad. I can maintain a 7:28 pace for 13.1 miles. I want my dad to be proud to see that I can run at his speed. I want him to see how strong I am and far I have come since he ran with me at my first 5K in 2007.

I will be buckling down for the next 3.5 weeks! Speed work, tempo runs and long runs every week! I've already been doing this for the past few months now, but I'll definitely be pushing as hard as I can and then pushing some more!

Monday, May 10, 2010

I got a Garmin!!

Chris bought me a Garmin Forerunner 305 for mother's day! I am beyond excited. I do not have it in my hands yet, but it's been ordered and on it's way. I will be stalking my mail box everyday until it arrives.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Weekly Exercise

Monday: 6 miles; 1m @8:20, 8 x 400 @ 7:24 pace

Tuesday: 6.01 miles; 49 minutes 8:09 pace, push ups 2 x 15, squats 2 x25

Wednesday: rest day

Thursday: lower body weights, core, 3 miles

Friday: 1 mile warm up @ 8:20 pace, weights for back & triceps (planned to run 2 additional miles after lifting, but a storm as rolling through and did not want to be stuck at the gym so I left)

Saturday: 2 miles @ 8:20 pace, weights for shoulders & biceps, 4 miles (1m @ 8:13, 1m @ 8:06, 1m @ 8:00, 1m @ 7:53)

Sunday: 10:23 miles; 1:21:38 7:58 pace

Total Mileage: 32.24 miles
Weight: forgot to weigh in

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Weekly Exercise x 2

I never got around to posting last weeks exercise and running so here is this week adn last weeks results.

April 26 - May 2
Monday: biceps, tricpes, shoulders, stretching (sore legs from trail half)
Tuesday: back, 30 min intervals on AMT @ 20% and 5%, 5 min cool down at 16%
Wednesday: 5.35 mile run, core, push ups
Thursday: rest
Friday: 8.10 mile run
Saturday: 4 miles on treadmill (1m @ 8:20 pace, 2m @ 8:13 pace, 1m @ 8:06 pace), biceps, tricpes & shoulders
Sunday: back, core, 40 min intervals on AMT @ 20% and 4%, 5 min cool down at 3%

Total Mileage: 17.45 miles
Weight: 123lbs (WTF!!)

April 19 - 25
Monday: 5 mile run 37:49, 7:33 pace
Tuesday: 6 mile run w/ Chris, 54:14 9:02 pace
Wednesday: 3 mile run on treadmill (1m @ 8:20 pace, 2m @ 8:13 pace), shoulders, tricpes, abs
Thursday: biceps, chest, 3 miles treadmill
Friday: back, core, 25 min AMT @ 20%
Saturday: rest
Sunday: 13.1 mile-trail half marathon 2:03:04 9:26 pace 7th out of 39 in age group

Total Mileage: 27.1 miles
Weight: 121lbs

Thursday, April 29, 2010

A great email from the Trail Marathon/Half Marathon cooridnators

Trail Marathon Weekend
www.trailmarathon.com

Yo Dirt Runners,

'Twas a fine day in the woods, nary a wimp in sight! By now the wounds should be healing and the soreness subsiding, savor the pain, you worked hard to feel this bad! As we heard from many a runner, that course is relentless, hill after hill till the end. Would you want it any other way? Unlike a road race with P.R.s on the line, the trail offers a challenge that gets down to basics, where ego plays no roll, freeing our souls to run as one with the earth. The runners who hit the trail are a special breed, seeing you out there restores our faith in humanity.

The faithful crew here at Running Fit thanks you for your support of our stores and events. Because of your passion, we are living out our dreams.

We offer thanks to our awesome volunteers that gave up their time to make this run possible. We also thank Brooks shoes for their financial support ... and for giving us the Brooks Cascadia, the number one selling trail shoe in the world ... Because it rocks!

You all are officially qualified for the Serious Series, and a chance to earn the Series Finisher Pint Glass! Enter Flirt With Dirt quickly though, it will sell out, perhaps this week. Enter at www.runflirt.comand www.runlegend.comto complete the series.

Brag about your weekend by finding your photo at www.sadlershots.com(searchable by name or bib #) and download a finisher's certificate at www.trailmarathon.com.

Thanks for laying down some of your hard earned money and scarce free time on our little run in the woods!

Enjoy every step,
Your Faithful Race Crew at Running Fit