Platte River Training: Week 5

Frustration. This is the word I would use to describe my running as of late. Traveling every week has really taken a hit on my body. My biggest concern is that my arch starts to hurt after a few miles on the treadmill, but I’m being smart this time and stopping once I feel any pain. I’m not too nervous yet, I know that my body isn’t used to this. Fingers crossed that once traveling is done, my body will get back to normal.

Monday: 3 Miles

Tuesday: Rest Day

Wednesday: 2 Miles (Stopped short)

Thursday: 0

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday:  3 Miles

Sunday:  Rest Day

I really struggled with getting anywhere close to the miles I was supposed to run this week. I found this shirt, and decided from here on out, I’m going to have positive training.

No Excuses.

Well, it must have worked. Saturday morning I woke up to snow and decided to “brave the run.” I ran my fastest training run yet. There was something peaceful about running snow covered streets in the countryside of Wooster. I had negative splits, and I may have even had a smile on my face. Here on out there will be good training runs. Goodbye negative attitude.

Canada, Eh?

Last week I spent four wonderful days up north, I broke in my new passport and spent the week in Toronto for the PPPC Show. It was my first time in Toronto, and I absolutely loved it! I’m already hoping to go up for a long weekend at some point. I may have also found a half marathon to run up there one of these years. Words can’t describe how much fun I had, so I’ll let my photos do the talking.

Grange Park

Steam Whistle Brewery

The CN Tower

View of Lake Ontario from the CN Tower

Snow in the city!

I highly recommend taking a trip up to Toronto, if you’ve never been there. I was able to do most of my sightseeing while running, but there is still so much more to check out. I cannot wait to go back!

Platte River Training: Week 4

Here it is, a month into training and I can’t believe how quickly it’s going by. It’s also exactly 3 months until my birthday

This past week was another busy one, I was in Toronto most of the week for work so following my training was difficult, luckily it was supposed to be a light week. I knew going in that the weeks I traveled  would be the hardest. And again, I’m glad they’re in the beginning of training, instead of right at the end. Just like in Vegas I spent four days on my feet from sun up to sun down, so the last thing I wanted to do at the end of the day was run. I was able to get a run in around Toronto, and it was a great way to see the city. The weekend brought two bad workouts, I’m hoping to get out of the funk, but I suppose everybody has bad days once in a while…

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 2.5 Miles

Wednesday: 0

Thursday: 0

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 2 Miles Run, 2.5 Miles Bike

Sunday: 4.5 Miles Bike

This week I’m on the road again, a different city every day. I’m hoping that since I’ll be traveling alone I won’t have any distractions and I’ll be able to get back on my training. Four weeks down, 12 to go!

Taking the plunge….

I’ve realized that I’m at a point in my life that I’m happy with everything I’ve accomplished so far. I feel very grateful for everything that I have and there are no major complaints about my life. But I’ve had a lot of friends that ask if I’m ready to take the plunge. I’m in my mid-twenties, it’s the perfect time; there is nothing to really hold me down from accomplishing so much more that I have on my list. So…..

I registered for my first MARATHON!!

That’s 26.2 Miles!

I am officially registered for the Columbus Marathon in October! I must be crazy….

Just a few things

While I’m in Canada, I wanted to fill you in a few fun things.

This past weekend we hit the slopes to enjoy the most recent snow storm. Last year I tried snowboarding and after remembering my large amount of falls, I wanted to try something easier and safer. So I decided that I’d spend a few hours skiing. I’ve never done downhill, but I grew up doing cross-country skiing, so I felt I kind of had an idea of what I was doing (not really). I took the beginners lesson so I wouldn’t completely embarrass myself. I definitely learned the basics and felt comfortable going down the easy hills. However, an 8-year-old in the group showed me up and was better than me the first time down, he also didn’t believe that I was in my mid-20′s so I had lost all faith from him. I spent a couple of hours on the easy slopes until Darren tricked me to try a harder one. Sorry buddy, it wasn’t easy and I pretty much had a panic attack on the top of the mountain.

Notice the harder hill I was tricked into

Somehow I made it down, secretly proud of myself that I could do it after just a few hours of learning, but didn’t want to try it again that day. I plan on going a few more times this year, and eventually investing in making it my winter sport. Of course nothing compares to running.

Skiing 101= Survival

Next up, I’m running Cleveland Half for a reason. I’ve decided that the Cleveland Half marathon will be dedicated to running for Team JDRF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. My goal is to raise $500 by Cleveland to help support those who are looking to cure this disease. No surprise, the reason I’m doing this is for Darren, who was diagnosed with Diabetes when he was just 3 years old. I appreciate any donations and encourage you to learn more about Diabetes.

The final and maybe most exciting thing is….there are 3 more days until Columbus registration opens up! I haven’t even started training or planning for this, but I’m already getting excited, I can’t help but get goose bumps every time I think about it. 2012 is the year of races!

Platte River Training: Week 3

It felt great to be back in my element and able to follow my training my plan this week. Even though it’s only been three weeks, I’m definitely noticing some changes. I might even be a little fond of the treadmill. I’m also starting to see some definition in my legs, which I know will only make me stronger as my training goes on. I decided that I’ll be lifting three times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. I’m hoping I’ll be able to tone my arms and hopefully gain a little bit of muscle. I’m really happy with using the Runner’s World Smart Coach app, I feel like I have complete control of my training, but I have a plan that will push me a little bit so I can get better each week. Here’s week 3:

Monday: 5 Miles Easy

Tuesday: Rest Day

Wednesday: 5 Mile Tempo Run

Thursday: 4 Miles Easy

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: Skiing

Sunday: 9 Miles Easy

I had to change my weekend run plans for a skiing day, but it was definitely worth it. My Sunday run was a cold one. Halfway through I couldn’t feel my hands and I was starting to get sore, so I shortened my loop and finished the final miles on the treadmill. So far it’s the farthest run since Columbus. I have no doubt in my mind I’ll physically be ready for Colorado. I’m still trying to figure out how I can possibly prepare myself for the altitude change, but I think that’s something I’ll have to learn when I get there.

This next week I’ll be in Toronto Tuesday-Friday. I’m hoping to follow my training plan as best as a I can. I’m also hoping to get an outside run in so I can get a view of the city. It will be my first time in Toronto, should be very exciting!

Platte River Training: Week 2

This week of training was interesting to say the least. I knew going in it would be challenging getting all of my miles in, unfortunately I didn’t get in as many as I had hoped, but my body did get a workout. This past week I spent a majority of my days in Vegas. I was on my feet from 8am-9pm, so by no means was I lazy.

Monday: 1.5 miles and lifting

Tuesday: Rest day

Wednesday: 5.5 miles-bike

Thursday: None

Friday: Rest day

Saturday: 4.5 miles

Sunday: Rest day

Luckily the day I flew in and back home were rest days, so I didn’t miss much there. Wednesday and Thursday were the busiest days, and for my own safety I decided not to run on the strip when it was dark. I was able to get a bike workout in one of the mornings, which felt good, I’ll be looking forward to more of these. I’d say it is safe to say I walked at least 10 miles a day, between walking from the hotel, to the conference center, to walking around our booth from 10am-5:30pm each day. I had to cut down my Saturday run because my body was still sore from being on my feet all week. But I was able to catch a nice view on my run.

Beautiful CLE

I’m really glad this hectic week was so early in training, I didn’t have too much to lose. This next week I’ll be home so I’m planning on really pounding the pavement. I also registered for three of my half marathons this week, Earth Day Challenge Half, Cleveland Half, and Mount Desert Island Half!

What Happens in Vegas…

I quickly learned that Vegas for fun and Vegas for work are very different.  This was my second go at Sin City, so I wasn’t as overwhelmed when I flew in Tuesday. But this trip was for work, so I knew things would be a lot different. The reason for the trip was for the PPAI Expo for promotional products.  It’s our biggest show and most important show of the year.

I flew in on Tuesday, and was exited to say goodbye to the snow for a few days. I ended up flying in with the president and he gave me some great insights on what the next couple months could bring for me. This includes get my CAS (Certified Advertising Specialist) and then MAS (Master Advertising Specialist). What, School? Not to worry, all I’d have to do is attend seminars during shows. Even better, this can be done online if need be and it’s free. So with a short break, I’m back to furthering my education.

Most of the week was spent at our booth, meeting with distributors and showing off our new products. When we weren’t at the show, we were either attending seminars or meeting with our sales reps or others in the industry. It was a great way to see even more of the industry that I hadn’t yet been exposed to. It was a busy four days that left me quite exhausted, so it will be great to be home for a week to rest up before the next show!

View from my room

However, my favorite part of the trip was listening to one of the keystone speakers, astronaut Mark Kelly, husband of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. He spoke of how much has changed in the past year, and the ups and downs they’ve both gone through. He even read the note he left for Gabby in case something happened while he was in space. It was such an emotional moment hearing him, and of course inspirational. It certainly made you reflect on how lucky you are.

Platte River Training: Week 1

The first official week of training for the Platte River Half is done! Two weeks ago I was getting back in to simple base miles. This past week I ran farther and faster than I thought I would this early into training. It’s given me the confidence to know that if I can start this well, there is no doubt in my mind about the 26.2 that will be approaching in 10 months. I also ran my first training run with Gu, and finally got my foam roller. One week down and 15 to go until I’m off to Denver!

Monday: Rest (had to switch with Tuesday after too much holiday cheer)

Tuesday: 4 Miles-Treadmill

Wednesday: 3 Miles (1.5 Mile Tempo)

Thursday: 4.5 Miles

Friday: Rest

Saturday:  8 Miles

Sunday: Rest

This next week month will be interesting and could hamper some of my training. I’ll be traveling 4 of the next 5 weeks, from Vegas to Canada to way down south in Texas. My goal is to follow the schedule as best as I can, but with standing for at least 6 hours a day and a crazy schedule, I can’t promise anything. Sorry feet, but you won’t be happy any time soon.

Happy, freckle feet