Week 26: Fastest half marathon so far...

This past week was, in a word, AMAZING. I was able to get a relaxing run in during the middle of the work day with a good friend along the canal in Indianapolis. It was gorgeous out and the company was pretty terrific, too! It was great to run with a friend, catch up and not worry about how long I had been running, what my pace was or how far I had gone by the end of it.

My knees started to bother after my mid-day run on Wednesday, so I iced them and took it easy for the rest of the week. I didn't want my I-T band syndrome to come back so I took a daily dose of Aleve and iced every evening, 20 minutes on the outside of each knee. By Friday I was feeling pretty good but didn't want to risk making things worse, so I opted not to get a quick jog in and instead, loaded up on protein and carbs.

My new favorite breakfast on the go item is the Power Sandwich at Panera. It has egg, Vermont white cheddar cheese and a slice of smoked, lean ham on whole grain bread. Trust me, after eating one of these you will not be hungry for lunch until much later than usual.

Breakfast Power Sandwich at Panera

Of course, I had one Friday morning. For dinner, the kiddo and I made homemade pizza with Pillsbury's whole wheat pizza crust (it tastes amazing), bruschetta instead of pizza sauce, skim milk mozzarella cheese and turkey sausage. I added black olives and white mushrooms to half of it. It was perfect! The kiddo had three pieces and I, may or may not, have had five... or six.

Since I started the Advocare 24-Day Challenge, I've been drinking more water than normal. Even though I finished the Challenge, I've been keeping up with filling up my water bottle throughout the day, drinking Spark and eating healthy. This past week, I drank one container of Coconut Water a day in addition to my usual drinking habits. I like the pineapple and mango flavors best. It takes some getting used to, but with the added benefit of potassium, it's well worth consuming before a long race like a mini marathon.

Race day morning I had half of a whole wheat bagel with peanut butter, a Spark and a banana. I felt great all morning! I was nervous at the beginning, but I knew I was going to really put my best effort into the race. Halfway through, my time was 1:00:16. I was on my way to a two hour mini! Considering my best time was previously 2:09 at the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini, I was pumped. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to keep the momentum going the last half of the course, and I finished at 2:08:32 (but my pace was a 9:49 mile). Regardless, I'm excited to have a new PR and look forward to working on my endurance so I can maybe get to a 2:05 in May at the first-ever Noblesville Mini!

So here is the update...

I ran 19.6 miles this week!

330.61 miles to go. It's going to be a long April and May... 

Week 25: Going the distance

Well, spring has finally (really and truly) arrived in central Indiana. This past week I was able to get a long run in without rain, sleet or snow!

Overall, I ran 17 miles last week but on Saturday, I was able to complete just over 10 miles without stopping. It was a little windy but really, I couldn't have asked for better weather. I even got a little sun and now have a slightly tanned nose. Yep, that's it... just my nose.

I ran a few more miles on Sunday just to loosen up and then used the foam roller and runner's stick on my calves, I-T band, hamstrings and quads. I'm a little sore today but in a good way -- like I accomplished something.

I ran without music and surprisingly, didn't go crazy. I did, however, keep the Map My Run app running on my phone (which was in my jacket pocket) as I want to track my distance and time. I know I could use a watch but then I'm always looking down at it. If I keep the app running in my pocket it's kind of "out of sight, out of mind." I also really like the app while I'm jamming to Pandora on shorter runs because it will interrupt my music to let me know I just finished a mile and my split time. I've been able to step it up in terms of my pace once I know how fast (or slow) I'm truly going. This helped prepare me for my longer run on Saturday tremendously.

My first race is this Saturday, the Carmel Marathon (I'm doing 13.1). My husband did the full marathon last year and liked the course. So far, the weather forecast says it's going to be sunny and 70 degrees for the race. I'll take it! I have two other friends running and I think we're all going to brunch afterwards. I can't wait to see if I'm any faster than my last mini!

Running over 10 miles after not completing a "long" run in weeks wasn't as hard as I thought it would be; however, the recovery has been difficult. I'm having a little bit of knee pain, although it feels much better since I used the rolling stick over the area yesterday afternoon. My shoes shouldn't be the issue so I'm hopeful that a couple of runs mid-week will help make Saturday as smooth as possible.

Spring, for a moment

Like many folks in my neighborhood this week, I took full advantage of the 55-65 degree "heat wave" central Indiana experienced and ran outside with the kiddo and dog. It's been about six months since the three of us set out together. I forgot how much slower I run when pushing a 32 lbs. toddler and hanging on to a 60 lbs. dog! Regardless, we knocked out two fantastic runs, took a walk after dinner and even had the opportunity to play in the sand box.

Today... it's a different story...

It's snowing.

Again.

I'm not kidding.

The view from my office this morning.

Yeah, that white stuff? It's snow.

So, it looks like we won't be able to get out for a run today. Not surprisingly, it's going to be 58 degrees on Friday. Seriously, if you don't like the weather in Indiana - just wait, it will change!

Were you able to enjoy our taste of spring earlier this week?

Lent: Here we go again...

I've always enjoyed Lent but I've not always given up something I enjoy or find pleasurable. So this year I decided to go ahead and give it a shot again. Another challenge. So last week I stopped drinking soda.

Soda. Coke. Pop. Soda Pop... Whatever you call it! 

I'm happy to report I'm doing well so far. I've been actually drinking more water and recovery drinks after runs. I've also found that I love AdvoCare Spark in Watermelon and MiO Energy (Tropical Fusion, to be exact). These drinks have replaced my coffee and tea intake tremendously just in the past week. 

I'm fully prepared to be completely done with soda - not just during Lent. And let me tell you, ladies... I feel good and my clothes fit me better. I'm not missing that additional sodium and the bloating that goes with it! 

As for my running, I feel like I'm "back to normal" now that the weather is warming up. I was able to get a run in while my parents were visiting this weekend and plan on taking the jogging stroller out today with the kiddo to enjoy this 55 degree weather! 

The Carmel Mini is less than a month away and my longest run this year is coming up... 9 miles this weekend. I'm excited to potentially earn myself a new PR.

I love Lucy

Last night we did something as a family that we rarely do... we went to a crowded mall... at night... and didn't have dinner until 8:00pm. When your child normally starts his bedtime routine at 7:30, this is the ultimate rebellion against parenthood and child rearing. While at the mall, we went into two of my favorite stores, C. Wonder and Athleta. I didn't find anything I "had to have" so we wandered around and stopped into a new store, Lucy.

I love Lucy. 

I wasn't able to leave this store empty handed. I ended up with a pair of running/compression capri leggings and two tank tops - and here's why:

They have cute, feminine work out apparel that offers the same benefits my husband's gear does at a lower price than lululemon. They have clothes for every type of workout and woman. Whether you do yoga, spin classes, marathons or hiking. There's something for activity in a variety of colors.

I purchased the Perfect Core Capri Legging in black and two very lightweight tank tops in hot pink and neon. The tanks are light and loose. They don't look sloppy but they're not skin tight, either. While it was cheaper than lululemon, Lucy isn't cheap. I am looking forward to their sale of winter items soon as those can pricey!

I ran today with my new leggings and one of the tank tops and I have to say that I felt really good. The pants lived up to the hype, no chafing. The tank top, although sopping wet, didn't look wet and I don't think the other people in the gym saw how truly sweaty I was (or at least I hope they didn't).

If you haven't been to Lucy, you need to pop in. They have fitbits, socks, water bottles and apparel. The salesperson said the socks are her favorite item so I may be heading back soon for a couple of pairs.

Week 15: Just my luck

So while I haven't been posting weekly blog updates, I have been keeping track of my of my mileage on my Running Log. I definitely need to crank out some more runs of four miles or more to get anywhere close to where I need to be, but overall, I'm pretty satisfied with my progress.

Last week I ran at work for the first time since starting my 'new' role downtown in April 2013. Our building has a gym in the basement, so I went down last week with a colleague and ran a 5k with him. I started a few minutes after he did (girls take longer to get ready, you know) and made it my goal to beat him to 3.1 miles. He won, but not by much. I ended up with my fastest 5k to date, 28:31! I'm still pumped about it! I vowed to run with him at least one day a week. Competition does a body good.

Unfortunately, I didn't keep my progress up the rest of the week. With this polar vortex, I am unable to take the dog out for a quick stroll let alone a two mile run. Plus, I have this little thing called a toddler and there's no way I'm putting him in the running stroller until it's at least 45 degrees out! I know, I know... excuses. But seriously, this month has been a nightmare (in more ways than one).

Saturday I really screwed myself up. For those of you who know me well, you know I have a tendency to hurt myself in strange ways. Saturday, I lived up to my reputation when I took a dive down our basement steps and landed on my back (several times) before curling up in a ball at the bottom -- hot chai everywhere, including my legs, the wall and the carpet. I have to hand it to myself, I really did a number on my back. I went from pain so intense that I nearly to passed out on Saturday night to an overall feeling of stiffness on Sunday (imagine the hunchback of Notre Dame). Today, thanks to Aleve and a heating pad, I'm more mobile and only feel discomfort when I turn or twist my back.

I'm hoping to feel better this week so I can try to get some long runs in and try to make up for the past few weeks.

Solution for cabin fever

I ran across this workout on Pinterest over the weekend and I'm glad I saved it! After not leaving the house for over 48 hours because of this "Polar Vortex," I'm thankful I had a workout plan that was fun to do and involved my toddler son (he mainly danced). Here it is...

Cred: Back on Pointe

My son loved the jumping jacks (jumping), high knees (marching), burpees (hopping like a frog) and squats (bending knees). I did the workout three times over without stopping and feel confident I could have done at least another round. Bonus? The kiddo is passed out right now after two days of not taking a nap! 

What workouts have you found that are perfect for snow days?

Week 12: Happy New Year

I ran 7.5 miles this week!

437.67 miles to go.

So I finally bit the bullet and ran on a treadmill this week. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would (based upon past experiences). I went into the gym with a completely different mindset this time. Here's what I did:

• 5 minute warm up at jogging pace
• Every 5 minutes go 0.5 mph faster until you reach your "sprint" mode
• Sprint for as long as you can, aiming for 10-20 minutes
• Every 5 minutes go 0.5 mph slower until you are back at your jogging pace
• 5 minutes jogging cool down 

My goal is to spend a longer and longer amount of time at the sprint stage of my run. Also, I recommend at least a 1.5 or 2.0 incline. I'd hate to spend time running flat inside only to get outside for my races this spring and die because there actually are hills in Indiana.

Today, it's -10 degrees outside. Yeah, I won't be running outside or at the gym for a day or two! In the meantime, however, I've found a good work out to supplement (but not totally replace running) called the Home Boot Camp. 

Stay warm!!!

Running for something

Even though I've set this lofty goal of running 500 miles, I still need something to motivate me to actually get out and get moving. Last week, I registered for the Carmel Marathon (mini) in April and the first-ever Noblesville Mini Marathon in May.

I'm excited to run two new races, two completely new courses, this year. I had thought about doing the 500 Festival Mini or Geist Mini again but after hearing about the new Noblesville race, I knew it was time to do something different.

If you don't think you could ever run a 5K, 10K or further the best thing you can do is register for one. Pay for your bib and mark the calendar. Trust me, you'll surprise yourself. You can do it, you just need to make it official and sign up for a race. It gives you better motivation than any weight loss goal or New Year's resolution.

Here's a goal for you: Don't be a statistic. Don't be one of the hundred of thousands (if not millions) of people who join a gym this month and then give up before April. Register for an early spring race and get outside and run. Don't let the cold weather stop you... just be smart. Wear reflective clothing, dress warmly, use a runner's light when needed, and don't run in a blizzard on a country road. Be smart.

Here's a great article from Runner's World on what to wear when it's cold out whether you live in Indiana or California.