Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Been a While...
Since my last post. I'm still on my "Runner's High" from my first Half-Marathon! I'm also still trying to get over this sinus crud...don't think it'll be going about anytime soon with this crazy, up & down weather.
I'm still shocked at how well I did in my half-marathon with being sick & sleep deprived. 2:02:59...unbelievable for my first tone! It took me over a week to catch up on rest...all last week I was exhausted. It also took me a few days to get over my soreness.
I ran 10 miles Saturday morning before having to work Pancake Day at school at 9am. My friend, Beth, and I ran 5 miles together before she had to go work Pancake Day, then I ran 5 miles by myself...it was lonely. I ran the majority of it on the golf course...haven't run it in a while...it was so peaceful to run it while the sun was coming up...saw many deer.
I got very stiff after running 10 miles & pretty much standing in one spot for 2 1/2 hours working Take-Out at Pancake Day. I'm sure people thought I was crazy for moving from side to side a lot...probably thought it was some weird dance.
I've decided that I'm a glutton for punishment...I guess I'm going to run the Germantown Half-Marathon on March 17 in Memphis. I figured since my trip to Jamaica is coming up at the end of March, that I need to stay in shape, so I might as well just remain in training mode. I guess we'll see if I can beat my 1st time!
Dreading my long run this Saturday...chances of snow Friday night into Saturday morning, low 30s around 7am, but feel like 14, and winds around 14mph...GOOD TIMES!
I'm still shocked at how well I did in my half-marathon with being sick & sleep deprived. 2:02:59...unbelievable for my first tone! It took me over a week to catch up on rest...all last week I was exhausted. It also took me a few days to get over my soreness.
I ran 10 miles Saturday morning before having to work Pancake Day at school at 9am. My friend, Beth, and I ran 5 miles together before she had to go work Pancake Day, then I ran 5 miles by myself...it was lonely. I ran the majority of it on the golf course...haven't run it in a while...it was so peaceful to run it while the sun was coming up...saw many deer.
I got very stiff after running 10 miles & pretty much standing in one spot for 2 1/2 hours working Take-Out at Pancake Day. I'm sure people thought I was crazy for moving from side to side a lot...probably thought it was some weird dance.
I've decided that I'm a glutton for punishment...I guess I'm going to run the Germantown Half-Marathon on March 17 in Memphis. I figured since my trip to Jamaica is coming up at the end of March, that I need to stay in shape, so I might as well just remain in training mode. I guess we'll see if I can beat my 1st time!
Dreading my long run this Saturday...chances of snow Friday night into Saturday morning, low 30s around 7am, but feel like 14, and winds around 14mph...GOOD TIMES!
Makeshift Clothesline
I was looking at my "makeshift" clothesline tonight & was wondering how many people do the same thing. My poor curtain rod can't take much more! And most of it is my running clothes!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Half-Marathon Weekend
I did it...survived...and got the t-shirt & medal to prove it! I'm still on my "Runner's High"!
Let me recap the weekend:
Friday afternoon I could tell I was starting to get a tickle in my throat & a little stuffiness, by that evening it was on...full force...which caused me to worry & stress out. I was leaving the next morning for a 4 hour road trip to my half-marathon destination! I sent my husband out to Wal-Mart for items not in my cabinet (Benadryl, Claritin, Emergen-C, Vitamin C drops, etc). My hopes were to load myself up on stuff to hopefully knock it out before it got worse. I slathered on Vick's VapoRub, did the Neti pot, used a Breathe Right strip, and ran the vaporizer. I was hoping to get a half-way decent night's sleep, since I knew I wouldn't on Saturday night (just from nerves & excitement), but that didn't happen. I was up before 5am and wasn't planning to be on the road until 10am! I couldn't sleep, so I decided to unload & load the dishwasher and reduced the mountain of clothes on the dining table, that needed to be folded, to a molehill...all before the sun came up...and I am so NOT a domestic goddess! I'm sure my husband really did think I had fever!
So, we finally get on the road 30 minutes later than expected...no biggie. Had to stop along the way a few times...lots of hydrating! I think I may have only slept for about 30 minutes in the car...was hoping for more rest. We stopped for lunch at Logan's...much better grilled salmon there than the ones around us! I also carbo-loaded & ate 3 of their rolls (that's the excuse I'm using)! We arrived at the Sheraton Birmingham right around check-in time (3pm).
Let me just say...we had no idea what we were walking into! At this very nice Sheraton, Kami-Con was taking place. This must've been Birmingham's version of Comic-Con. It looked more like an Anime/Furry Convention...interesting to say the least! After checking in, we met up with "Coach" Ruthie & her son, Brad, to hit up the expo & pick up our race packets. My husband bought me a bragging rights/Yay you did it t-shirt from a company called RUSeen? which makes reflective gear...pretty cool. Then we had dinner in the hotel with Ruthie & Brad...loaded up on more carbs. After dinner, we decided to "people" watch all these interesting characters and the reactions of hotel staff. Comical! We even walked all up in their convention! As my husband always says..."Act like you're supposed to be there!"
Went back to the room around 8pm to soak with Dr. Teal...in the hopes that it'd help me sleep. Also loaded up on more meds. I think the meds had an adverse reaction...I think I saw every hour (sometimes every 30 min.) on the clock! I finally crawled out of bed at 4:30 to start getting ready...had to meet Ruthie & Brad at 6:15 to head to the race venue. Boy was I cranky toward my husband...just stressing & panicking...my first half-marathon that I was all excited about & here I was sick and sleep deprived...just felt like I wasn't going to have a good run...
So we all head down to the venue...can you say BRRRR! It was quite chilly. I felt sorry for my husband to have to stand out in the cold for 3 hours altogether. The race got under way at 7:03am. I tried to stay with Ruthie in the beginning...we stayed pretty close for the first 3 miles or so, then I got ahead of her. My pace was looking faster than expected...when I got to the 10k checkpoint, I was about 2-3 minutes faster than my fastest 10k time. I really wasn't trying to run a fast pace...my original goal I set for myself to complete a half-marathon in was 2:15. I finished the race in 2:02:59!!! Yay ME! I think that's not too shabby for being sickly & sleep deprived. I ran the entire thing without stopping!
The only regret I have is that during my training I should've been doing more hill workouts! There were quite a few inclines/hills on the course, but there were also many recovery spots & declines. I would do this race again!
Now for the recovery...I feel like I've been steamrolled, but it was SO worth it!
Let me recap the weekend:
Friday afternoon I could tell I was starting to get a tickle in my throat & a little stuffiness, by that evening it was on...full force...which caused me to worry & stress out. I was leaving the next morning for a 4 hour road trip to my half-marathon destination! I sent my husband out to Wal-Mart for items not in my cabinet (Benadryl, Claritin, Emergen-C, Vitamin C drops, etc). My hopes were to load myself up on stuff to hopefully knock it out before it got worse. I slathered on Vick's VapoRub, did the Neti pot, used a Breathe Right strip, and ran the vaporizer. I was hoping to get a half-way decent night's sleep, since I knew I wouldn't on Saturday night (just from nerves & excitement), but that didn't happen. I was up before 5am and wasn't planning to be on the road until 10am! I couldn't sleep, so I decided to unload & load the dishwasher and reduced the mountain of clothes on the dining table, that needed to be folded, to a molehill...all before the sun came up...and I am so NOT a domestic goddess! I'm sure my husband really did think I had fever!
So, we finally get on the road 30 minutes later than expected...no biggie. Had to stop along the way a few times...lots of hydrating! I think I may have only slept for about 30 minutes in the car...was hoping for more rest. We stopped for lunch at Logan's...much better grilled salmon there than the ones around us! I also carbo-loaded & ate 3 of their rolls (that's the excuse I'm using)! We arrived at the Sheraton Birmingham right around check-in time (3pm).
Let me just say...we had no idea what we were walking into! At this very nice Sheraton, Kami-Con was taking place. This must've been Birmingham's version of Comic-Con. It looked more like an Anime/Furry Convention...interesting to say the least! After checking in, we met up with "Coach" Ruthie & her son, Brad, to hit up the expo & pick up our race packets. My husband bought me a bragging rights/Yay you did it t-shirt from a company called RUSeen? which makes reflective gear...pretty cool. Then we had dinner in the hotel with Ruthie & Brad...loaded up on more carbs. After dinner, we decided to "people" watch all these interesting characters and the reactions of hotel staff. Comical! We even walked all up in their convention! As my husband always says..."Act like you're supposed to be there!"
Went back to the room around 8pm to soak with Dr. Teal...in the hopes that it'd help me sleep. Also loaded up on more meds. I think the meds had an adverse reaction...I think I saw every hour (sometimes every 30 min.) on the clock! I finally crawled out of bed at 4:30 to start getting ready...had to meet Ruthie & Brad at 6:15 to head to the race venue. Boy was I cranky toward my husband...just stressing & panicking...my first half-marathon that I was all excited about & here I was sick and sleep deprived...just felt like I wasn't going to have a good run...
So we all head down to the venue...can you say BRRRR! It was quite chilly. I felt sorry for my husband to have to stand out in the cold for 3 hours altogether. The race got under way at 7:03am. I tried to stay with Ruthie in the beginning...we stayed pretty close for the first 3 miles or so, then I got ahead of her. My pace was looking faster than expected...when I got to the 10k checkpoint, I was about 2-3 minutes faster than my fastest 10k time. I really wasn't trying to run a fast pace...my original goal I set for myself to complete a half-marathon in was 2:15. I finished the race in 2:02:59!!! Yay ME! I think that's not too shabby for being sickly & sleep deprived. I ran the entire thing without stopping!
The only regret I have is that during my training I should've been doing more hill workouts! There were quite a few inclines/hills on the course, but there were also many recovery spots & declines. I would do this race again!
Now for the recovery...I feel like I've been steamrolled, but it was SO worth it!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Bite me, Mother Nature!
I can NOT be getting sick 2 days before my half-marathon! I refuse to! I've loaded up on Vitamin C pills, gargled salt water, drank green tea with honey & even hot pink lemonade, and started to take Mucinex to try to nip it. My throat started feeling a little scratchy & my nose a little stuffy after taking my students outside during Recess. I knew I shouldn't have taken them out! It was still a little muddy out, but they needed to release some energy. It was a little chilly & windy out. After 15 minutes, I decided to take them back in...I guess it was already too late. I'm sick of this up & down roller coaster weather! Bring on Spring! More Neti pot usage to come & a hot toddy before bed...keeping fingers crossed that this helps.
Other than feeling a little cruddy, I'm feeling like a kid at Christmas...anxious & excited! Today I received two packages via FedEx...one from www.runningwarehouse.com & the other from www.runoutlet.com. I received an email from Running Warehouse the other day, offering a Valentine's special...an extra 25% off liquidation items. I've been wanting a running vest, so I decided to order the Brooks Nightlife vest in bright pink...LOVE it! I had it over-nighted so I could wear it in the Half. I also ordered some Mizuno running capris from Run Outlet for $34.95...didn't think that was a bad price.
Still need to finish packing tonight. Hoping I don't forget any major necessities for the race...I'll be 4 hours from home.
Other than feeling a little cruddy, I'm feeling like a kid at Christmas...anxious & excited! Today I received two packages via FedEx...one from www.runningwarehouse.com & the other from www.runoutlet.com. I received an email from Running Warehouse the other day, offering a Valentine's special...an extra 25% off liquidation items. I've been wanting a running vest, so I decided to order the Brooks Nightlife vest in bright pink...LOVE it! I had it over-nighted so I could wear it in the Half. I also ordered some Mizuno running capris from Run Outlet for $34.95...didn't think that was a bad price.
Still need to finish packing tonight. Hoping I don't forget any major necessities for the race...I'll be 4 hours from home.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
I Can See Clearly Now...
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! One more run tomorrow (4 miler) before the half-marathon on Sunday!!! I'm getting excited...it may all change to nervousness by Friday!
I'm trying to take it easy this week. Instead of going to the gym, I'm trying to do more yoga & Pilates. I had time for Pilates yesterday...I felt great afterwards...a different kind of energy than doing yoga. Boy can I feel my abs today! I tried to squeeze in some yoga today...did about 15 minutes...just couldn't focus or relax (my heart wanted to do it, but my head kept telling me I needed to grade those gazillion papers in my bag so I wouldn't have to worry about them over the weekend), and my toes felt really cold & numb (felt odd doing certain moves/positions). So I just gave up...oh well, there's always tomorrow afternoon!
I've started getting things together for the race/trip. Not really sure what all to take & scared I'll forget things. I guess I may as well pack the entire closet & bathroom! It's supposed to be cooler than originally predicted...don't know whether to take my long tights, capris, or shorts & compression sleeves. Waiting to view the hourly forecast, then maybe I can decide. I know they say to dress like it's 20 degrees warmer.
If you're in the U.S. and you'd like to track my run on Sunday, go to www.mercedesmarathon.com (I believe there's a tab at the top of the page that will take you there). My bib # is 2336.
I'm trying to take it easy this week. Instead of going to the gym, I'm trying to do more yoga & Pilates. I had time for Pilates yesterday...I felt great afterwards...a different kind of energy than doing yoga. Boy can I feel my abs today! I tried to squeeze in some yoga today...did about 15 minutes...just couldn't focus or relax (my heart wanted to do it, but my head kept telling me I needed to grade those gazillion papers in my bag so I wouldn't have to worry about them over the weekend), and my toes felt really cold & numb (felt odd doing certain moves/positions). So I just gave up...oh well, there's always tomorrow afternoon!
I've started getting things together for the race/trip. Not really sure what all to take & scared I'll forget things. I guess I may as well pack the entire closet & bathroom! It's supposed to be cooler than originally predicted...don't know whether to take my long tights, capris, or shorts & compression sleeves. Waiting to view the hourly forecast, then maybe I can decide. I know they say to dress like it's 20 degrees warmer.
If you're in the U.S. and you'd like to track my run on Sunday, go to www.mercedesmarathon.com (I believe there's a tab at the top of the page that will take you there). My bib # is 2336.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Track My Race
If you're in the US and you'd like to track me on Race Day (Sunday, Feb. 17)...go register at https://register.athletetracking.net/mbm/. My bib number is 2336. I think that's all the information you'll need. The race begins at 7:03am CST. You can get updates on your phone, Facebook, and Twitter.
My goal is to finish in 2:15. My running buddies think I can finish within 2 hours...we shall see. I'd love to finish in 2 hours, but don't want to set the bar too high for my first half-marathon. Follow me to see what happens...
My goal is to finish in 2:15. My running buddies think I can finish within 2 hours...we shall see. I'd love to finish in 2 hours, but don't want to set the bar too high for my first half-marathon. Follow me to see what happens...
I Can See the Light...
at the end of the tunnel. Today was my last long run before the half-marathon next Sunday. We've been tapering, so we only did an 8 mile run. I must admit that I've actually enjoyed my training! I've definitely come a LONG way!
I'm starting to get excited about the half. I'm sure over this next week, the nerves will also start kicking in.
I'm considering the idea of continuing my training & running the Germantown Half in Memphis on March 17. It's an incentive to keep the workouts/fitness up with an upcoming trip to Jamaica at the end of March. The only problem with running the Germantown Half is that I'd be running it by myself...my training buddy/"coach" is running one in Georgia. I don't know how well my motivation/energy would be by myself...I tend to psyche myself out when I'm running alone. Then again, I would recognize some familiar faces since I run a good bit of races around Memphis...maybe I could hook up with someone to help get me through it.
I'm starting to get excited about the half. I'm sure over this next week, the nerves will also start kicking in.
I'm considering the idea of continuing my training & running the Germantown Half in Memphis on March 17. It's an incentive to keep the workouts/fitness up with an upcoming trip to Jamaica at the end of March. The only problem with running the Germantown Half is that I'd be running it by myself...my training buddy/"coach" is running one in Georgia. I don't know how well my motivation/energy would be by myself...I tend to psyche myself out when I'm running alone. Then again, I would recognize some familiar faces since I run a good bit of races around Memphis...maybe I could hook up with someone to help get me through it.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Monday, February 4, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
One More Mile...
I recently ordered & received t-shirts from www.onemoremile.net for myself and my husband for my first half-marathon. I must admit, the shirts are pretty comical. My husband just had to have this t-shirt to wear while cheering me on...definitely fitting for his sense of humor.
I really loved the packaging & the attention to detail the company provided. Special little touches...from the shipping label to how the shirts were packaged to the brief hand-written note thanking me for the order (with a smiley face drawn).
Well done...One More Mile...well done! Can't wait to show off our shirts at the Mercedes Half in Birmingham in 2 weeks!
I really loved the packaging & the attention to detail the company provided. Special little touches...from the shipping label to how the shirts were packaged to the brief hand-written note thanking me for the order (with a smiley face drawn).
Well done...One More Mile...well done! Can't wait to show off our shirts at the Mercedes Half in Birmingham in 2 weeks!
Adventures in Running
Tapering begins. Only had to run 11 miles today. So I was thinking it would feel easier compared to the 13 miles last weekend...WRONG!
Early morning thunder, lightning, & sleet before our run. Mother Nature is on one!
About a mile or so into our run, some dog we've never seen in the neighborhood starts running with us & darting between us. Really messed up our stride & pace. The dog did this for about a mile or so. We finally lost her when we got to the next neighborhood...only to be chased by another dog! PEOPLE, put your dogs up! I don't let my dog run freely. It's called a leash law!
We tried some different areas I'd never run before...more HILLS! UGH! I wish I'd been doing these more...instead of 2 weeks before the race. The early morning sleet caused the bridges to be very slick.
I was getting towards the end of my run, with what I thought was around half a mile left...apparently I bumped my watch at mile 10, so I wound up running a little extra.
Note to self: Do NOT put Planter's Nutrition on bagel before a run...save it for the post-run. Between that & the peanut butter Gu, it felt very heavy on my stomach & I kept belching it up. I couldn't even do my 2nd packet of Gu...maybe I would've had more energy in the end if I had, but I just couldn't stomach it.
Early morning thunder, lightning, & sleet before our run. Mother Nature is on one!
About a mile or so into our run, some dog we've never seen in the neighborhood starts running with us & darting between us. Really messed up our stride & pace. The dog did this for about a mile or so. We finally lost her when we got to the next neighborhood...only to be chased by another dog! PEOPLE, put your dogs up! I don't let my dog run freely. It's called a leash law!
We tried some different areas I'd never run before...more HILLS! UGH! I wish I'd been doing these more...instead of 2 weeks before the race. The early morning sleet caused the bridges to be very slick.
I was getting towards the end of my run, with what I thought was around half a mile left...apparently I bumped my watch at mile 10, so I wound up running a little extra.
Note to self: Do NOT put Planter's Nutrition on bagel before a run...save it for the post-run. Between that & the peanut butter Gu, it felt very heavy on my stomach & I kept belching it up. I couldn't even do my 2nd packet of Gu...maybe I would've had more energy in the end if I had, but I just couldn't stomach it.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Crazy Weather Week
What a crazy weather week! Mother Nature has lost her mind!
We started out the week in the 70s...and windy. By the middle of the week, we had high winds, thunderstorms and straight-line wind/tornadic activity. After the storms, we had a cold front move through. Last night we had a light dusting of snow of much colder temps. The temps for today were in the mid 30s.
After all this crazy weather, I'm hoping & praying that I don't get sick or get a sinus infection before the half-marathon. Lots & lots of Neti pot usage and Vitamin C!
We started out the week in the 70s...and windy. By the middle of the week, we had high winds, thunderstorms and straight-line wind/tornadic activity. After the storms, we had a cold front move through. Last night we had a light dusting of snow of much colder temps. The temps for today were in the mid 30s.
After all this crazy weather, I'm hoping & praying that I don't get sick or get a sinus infection before the half-marathon. Lots & lots of Neti pot usage and Vitamin C!
I'll take an order of Yoga with a side of Pilates, please!
Much needed. Much deserved. Much enjoyed. Yes, it's that time of the week...Friday...the day before my long run. Love my 10 Minute Solution DVDs!
I've got to do this more than just the day before a long run! Love the way it makes me feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. I feel a little less stressed and a little more grounded and centered. Just hoping I got a good enough stretch...been feeling quite tight & stiff lately. I don't know if all the training is starting to catch up to me. TIME IS WINDING DOWN! 2 weeks from Sunday & I'll be running my first half-marathon! And the tapering begins...11 miles tomorrow, 8 next Saturday.
I've got to do this more than just the day before a long run! Love the way it makes me feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. I feel a little less stressed and a little more grounded and centered. Just hoping I got a good enough stretch...been feeling quite tight & stiff lately. I don't know if all the training is starting to catch up to me. TIME IS WINDING DOWN! 2 weeks from Sunday & I'll be running my first half-marathon! And the tapering begins...11 miles tomorrow, 8 next Saturday.
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