April Rewind

April, my favorite month has come and gone. But it can only mean that more exciting things are on the way, such as more races, warm weather and tons of functions with friends and family. We’re now in the transition to summer, a season we never thought we’d see. April for the most part was a good month, let’s take a look at the numbers.

Miles run: 55

Races run: 4 (Miles for Madison 5k, Tree Trotter Half Marathon, Yeti Set Go! Trail 10k, Love A Stray 5k)

Miles biked: 14

Books read: 1 (Best of Me)

Places traveled: 1 (Colorado!)

Unnecessary purchases cut down: Ehhh…

New recipes: 0

Check out the mileage. I more than doubled what I ran in March! It may have taken me a while, but I’m finally getting back into the swing of things. I just needed some time away from running so I could fall back in love with it. This shows by the amount of races I did, two 5k’s for great causes, a half marathon, and my first trail/night 10k. I even got on the bike a few times, including a ride downtown, something I plan on doing a lot this summer.

April also brought our vacation to Colorado! We explored new cities and caught up with friends, it was the perfect birthday trip, even if it was a week early. I was even able to finally finish my book that I started on my last trip in February.

I didn’t learn to cook anything new, but I did eat at a lot of new restaurants, so that counts, right? I also did a semi decent job at cutting back on spending, with so many weddings, bridal showers and bachelorette parties filling up my calendar, it’s hard not to cut back. Really, a majority of my spending was on races, you guys, running is expensive.

April went by quick, too quick, but I’m excited that summer is just around the corner. I’m hoping May brings more miles, more races and more patio reading!

Did you do anything exciting in April? What are your plans for May?

Run Rave

It’s been a while since I shared a few of my favorite things, so I think it’s time to bring it back. Lately I’ve been totally crushing on a few new items I’ve added to my running wardrobe. I didn’t really need to add anything, but once I did,  I can’t believe I went so long without them. My first purchase and probably most surprising to me, was a hat. Because I have a tiny head and face, I’ve never been able to find one that fits. I have the same problem with sunglasses, and pants..and well, pretty much everything. But thanks to a gift card at Vertical Runner, I was able to buy one without the full guilt on spending money on something I wouldn’t wear.

asics.com

I love this hat, no only because it’s Asics, but it shield my eyes from the once in a while sunny run. I even had plans of wearing it during rain in Austin when there was a 40-60% chance of precipitation during the 3M Half Marathon. Unfortunately, I left it at home and was on a search to find a new hat. And a great hat was found!

newbalance.com

My first New Balance purchase, I found this gem at a local Austin running shop. For just around $30, I found something that can cover my head, and light my way while running. Underneath the brim of the hat are two set of lights, perfect for those early morning or late night runs. I’ve used it a few times and felt so much safer when dodging potholes. Two great hats that I’ve added to my collection. Maybe I’ll become a hat fanatic now….

Hat models

For the first time in at least 8 years, I wore something other than my Nike Tempo Shorts. After browsing online for a cute pair of shorts I discovered the Asics’s ARD shorts. The first time I tried them in Austin, I fell in love. The material is so light and breathable, I felt like I had nothing on. Luckily, I did. They also weren’t as obnoxiously bright like many of my other shorts. I’m pretty sure they also make me look fast.

Shorts & Hat in action! (Also, great race picture!)

As soon as I returned from Austin, I was on the hunt for more. I came across my February find for clothing and picked out a new pair with just a touch of pink. They also have a nice little zip pocket on the back, perfect for Gu or an iPod. Hands down these are my new favorite shorts and I can’t wait to try them out in 90 degree weather to see how they hold up.

The perfect shorts

One of my absolute favorite additions is my new running shoe. Since I can remember I’ve been running with the Asics Gel 1000 series. They’ve always fit me well and provided enough stability and comfort I had no reason to try another shoe. Until back in October when I ventured into the Asics booth at the Columbus marathon and fell in love with my new running partner.

Hello beautiful GT-2000

Light weight, foot fitting and comfort beyond belief. I had a hard time removing my feet from the shoe and couldn’t wait to try them out. Over the past couple of months I’ve had a chance to try them out and have run almost every single run in these shoes. For a price point of $120, they are worth every single penny. From running through snow, gravel, track and treadmill, they’ve held up under every condition. From 1 mile to 13.1 miles, I never regretted wearing them for any distance. And while I still have a shiny new pair of the Gel 1600 in my closet, I think it may be a while before I lace those up.

And now, something non clothing related, and probably what I’m most excited about….a half  marathon in Medina! I could not be happier that I will get to run a half marathon in my own backyard. I’ve already run about 75% of the course in the past 6 months, so I think I have a great feel for what to expect. I recently found out about this race, and while it is bound to be hilly, hot and possibly humid, there is nothing more exciting than running a race in its first year. But actually, there is. This year, the race is free and will be put on by a bunch of local clubs and businesses. So mark your calendars for May 25th and and get ready to run!

More info: https://www.facebook.com/medinahalf.marathon?sid=0.964994641811798

Course Map

February Rewind

For February being a short month, it sure seemed that I was always on the go, making it feel almost as long as January. I finished up  my work trips in February and spent a good amount of time catching up with friends, work and life. February also meant that I would begin training for my spring half, and hopefully get back into some sort of workout routine. Unfortunately all of the traveling caught up to me and I ended up with a bad cold that had me living on NyQuil/Dayquil for a week.

Miles run: 25

Races run: 1 (Frosty 5k)

Miles biked: 16

Books read: 1.5 (50 Shades of Grey-finished, Best of Me-started)

Places traveled: 1 (Dallas)

Unnecessary purchases cut down: Major yes

New recipes: 1 (Enchiladas)

Looking at this past month compared to January, I definitely stepped up my game in running. I started my new training plan, which includes running, cycling, abs and lifting. I’m feeling good again, and know that my body will thank me for cross training. I also ran my first Medina race, where I placed 2nd in my age group! I even signed up for a Yoga-Lates class that I will be starting in March. Time to stay injury free!

Because I didn’t do much traveling, my reading took a drop. I finished 50 Shades of Grey, and hated it. I’ve started my next book, but I just haven’t had time to sit down and read. I need to make it a habit to read a little bit before bed each night. Something I did do this month was cook a new meal. I’m not the biggest fan of cooking, but I followed the directions created my own recipe and ended up with some great Enchiladas. I’m hoping that I can create one new meal a month to further expand my predictable diet. Does reading a cookbook count for my 10 books this year?

My biggest accomplishment this month was cutting back on unnecessary purchases, specifically clothing. I spend way to much on things I don’t need. Throughout the entire month of February, I only spent $19.99 on clothes, for one pair of shorts. I honestly can’t remember the last time I spent that little on clothes for an entire month. With some big purchases on the way, it will be nice to save up the money now instead of looking for it later.

I’m looking forward to the next couple months, they’ll be busy, but great things are happening!

How was your February? Did you get a lot accomplished in the short month?

January Rewind

January has come and gone, and much quicker than I would have liked. The first two  months of the year are my busiest with work so it’s only normal that my monthly review is a few days late. For 2013 I wanted to try something new, and by doing a monthly recap I can check in on my goals and see just how much work I’ve done or need to do. Let’s check out January…

 

Miles run: 20

Races run: 1 (3M Half Marathon)

Books read: 2.5 (The Next Best Thing, The Last Song, 50 Shades of Grey-partially complete)

Places traveled: 3 (Austin, TX, Las Vegas, NV, and Toronto, Canada)

Sickness: 2 (Flu and sinus/head cold)

Languages learned: 0

Unnecessary purchases cut down: Yes

New recipes: 0

 

A whole bunch of numbers, and what does it really mean? I didn’t run much, but I needed that break. I was able to run another half marathon and had one of the best race experiences yet. I traveled a bunch for work, which meant I was able to get a ton of reading done on the planes. My take so far on 50 Shades is it’s poorly written, and I’m definitely not hooked on it like many other women.

Traveling a lot meant I easily caught the flu bug followed by another week of a head cold. Insert lack of running and excess of more reading. Needless to say that feeling sick didn’t give me the urge to try any new recipes in the kitchen.

Still haven’t picked up any German, but thinking of trying Rosetta Stone to see if it would be beneficial or not. And as for unneccsary purchases, I traveled more than I was able to shop. And the only time I did spend some money was towards my car. Not so unnecessary.

February brings less traveling, and hopefully some more running. I’m also looking into some lifestyle changes with my eating habits and my training. More to come on that.

 

How was your January?

A Look Into 2013

2012 was absolutely fabulous, but that doesn’t mean that 2013 can’t be any better. After the year of races, I’m taking a step back and slowing things down. I ended 2012 with a bit of a burn out, but I’m hoping I can fall back in love with running and enjoy it more than ever. I also want to focus on a few things I’ve been neglecting over the past few years including cooking and eating healthy.

2013 Goals

Running:

• Run a sub 2:00 half marathon
• Run 800 miles
• PR in the 5k
• Run two half marathons in two new states
• Volunteer at races

Personal

• Travel
• Learn German
• Learn to cook and eat healthier
• Stress less
• Read more, at least 10 books
• Cut out unnecessary purchases

I actually really enjoyed 2012, so I’m nervous that 2013 won’t be as good. But each day and year is what you make of it, so here’s to an even better 2013! Happy New Year!

 

 

2012 In Review

It’s the last day of 2012, so it’s time to look back and reflect all that has happened in the last 12 months. Here’s a look at 2012:

• I traveled for work, a lot. I was able to visit Vegas, Toronto x 2, Dallas, Wisconsin, and New Orleans
• I got a promotion!
• I ran my first out of state half marathon even after getting altitude sickness
• I ran a birthday race & received the best gift, a PR!
• I ran some other PR’s…Adult 5k, 5 Mile, Half Marathon, & Marathon!
• I ran for Diabetes
• I moved to the country
• I lost a family pet
• I ran 5 half marathons, 9 total to date!
• I ran a marathon, 26.2!
• I vacationed in Colorado, and confirmed my love for the state
• I became a Sweat Pink Ambassador
• I ran 609 miles
• We joined a gym, time to cross train and lift some weights

It was a wonderful year, so many memories, and so many running accomplishments. I had goals and plans set at the beginning of the year. I was able to accomplish some, but not all. That’s what 2013 is for, right?

2012 Goals

• Run a PR for the half marathon-Done, three times!
• Run a full marathon (I’m taking the plunge!!)-Done, can’t wait for my next!
• Run four half marathons in four new states-Nope, only one
• Run seven half marathons-Nope, only five
• Travel!-Yes! Lots of traveling!
• Volunteer at races-Nope, really need to do this one
• Try a duathlon-Nope
• Raise and donate money for the American Diabetes Association-Yes, Cleveland Half was all about running for Diabetes
• Learn German-Nope, still only a few words
• Learn to cook…no more pasta diet-Work in progress…

What did you do in 2012? Favorite memories?

Kona Kase Review

A little overdue, but I was given the opportunity to try out a Kona Kase. Kona Kase is a monthly delivery of endurance samples packaged up nicely in it’s own little box. Inside are a variety of 8-10 different products to try and they change each month. I received mine right before the marathon, and so following the saying ” don’t try anything new on race day” I waited until after so I could fully enjoy the products. I haven’t quite made it through all of the products, but I needed to share my little box of surprises with everyone.

Fancy packaging at your doorstep

Check out these goodies!

What was inside? A variety of products, most of them I hadn’t tried before.

• Clif Body Builder – Mint
• FRS Drink Stick x3 – Orange
• 2nd Surge Gel – Chocolate
• Gatorade Prime – Berry
• Vega Drink Stick – Lemon Lime
• Powerbar – Banana
• Sharkies – Berry
• Larabar – Blueberry Muffin

Some I liked, some I didn’t like, and some I have yet to try. Kona Kase is the perfect way to try new products without buying a full case of a product and finding out you don’t like it. I’m nervous buying new pre run snacks unless I know I’m going to like them. There’s nothing worse than being on a long run, away from civilization and realizing your pre run treat doesn’t agree with you. I’m also a creature of habit, so this is a great way to break out of my shell and see if there are other pre/post run snacks that fit me better. And it’s only $15 a month and is delivered straight to your door. What could be better?

I know I won’t always like every product in the box, but that’s ok. I’m going to try it out for a while and see if I find some new running staples. I received November’s box last week and I’m looking forward to trying some of the goodies in there, including Sport Beans! (my fav). So if you want to learn more or want to have your own box of goodies delivered each month, check them out!

 

*Disclaimer: I was given a sample of the Kona Kase to review. All opinions are mine and mine alone. 

Post Marathon Daze

It’s been a week and a half since I ran the Columbus Marathon. It feels like it has been so much longer, yet it’s still hard to believe that I actually did it. The race took a lot out of me, a lot more than I had expected and it kept me in a funk through Wednesday night. After a half, I’m usually out of it for a few hours, but three days was something I wasn’t ready for. Hydration and hunger weren’t normal and I was really moody. Sorry to everyone who had to put up with me. Physically I was feeling rough for most of the week. Monday and Tuesday were the worst days, but luckily I’ve been able to bounce back for the most part.

Now that I’ve run one marathon, I get asked, will I do another? Yes! It may have been hard, but it was all worth the feeling of joy crossing that finish line. There really are no words to describe that moment and how amazing it is. I certainly have no plans of doing another one in the spring, but give it a year, and I may be running another 26.2 miles in the fall. I don’t plan on doing a lot, but I wouldn’t mind getting a few under my belt over the next couple of years. It takes a lot of time, hard work, dedication and heart to run a marathon. Timing has to be right, and next time I want to get the full 16 weeks of training under my belt.

So what have I been doing since the marathon? I’ve been enjoying time off from running. I knew I wanted to take a complete week off after the marathon, but it beat me up a little more than expected so I pushed it to two weeks of doing nothing but resting. No running, no biking, and a little bit of stretching. My body needed this, I needed it. After running non stop since last Christmas, I was on the verge of a big burnout. Taking these two weeks to recover has helped. I’m really focused on being a better running and improving my training schedules. We’ll be joining the rec center soon and with out a doubt this will help me with the winter training blues!

Perks of recovery? Taking a trip to see this little guy!

He is just too cute

As well as celebrating Halloween!

And of course, planning our vacation to Colorado!

Denver, I love you.

 

How do you spend time post marathon? Are you done racing for the season?

Country Runs

As much as I’d like to share my marathon experience with everyone, it will have to wait a few days. I’m still taking in every moment from this weekend, including the pain that will most likely be in my legs all week. But I’ve been sitting on this post for a while, and wanted to get it out before the seasons changed and we lose all the beauty of fall. I’ve always loved that I lived so close to Lake Erie, it’s been such a beautiful sight to see the water and the city of Cleveland in the background. When we moved I was totally a little upset that I’d be leaving my beautiful city and my peaceful long runs along the lake.

Luckily I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Once September rolled around the leave started to change and the beauty of the country roads I was running on really came out. I fell in love with every long run, partially because the routes I was running were so beautiful. The hills may have been a torture, but it was worth it for the pictures. I’m even looking forward to country runs in the winter to see the beautiful snow on everything. I’m starting to embrace my life outside of the big city, and loving these moments in the country.

Enjoy these last few days with leaves on the trees, winter will be here soon!

Lake Medina

The perfect path

 

16 Weeks

How do you measure the year? By weeks, months, holidays? I realize I measure it in cycles of 16 weeks. It’s the first week of October, but to me, it’s week 14. This past year I’ve broken down everything by cycles of 16 weeks. I started with Platte River Half, had some time and smaller races  in between and now currently on Columbus Marathon. I’ve crossed cycles with one another and had huge breaks in between. But I always come back to that 16 week plan.

There are so many emotions during these 16 weeks. Excitement, anxiety, frustration, and sadness to name a few. I’m always so excited to start a new cycle, the new hopes of what I can accomplish in such a long and short amount of time. And more often than not there is always anxiety. I’m stressed out of habit, but I worry what if I can hit the miles, or what if at the end, my time isn’t where I want it to be. There is no doubt I get frustrated at least once during a set of 16 weeks, and mostly it’s about being injured and how it will change my training. But right now, I’m feeling a bit sad, sad that training is almost over. Sad that in a single day, a matter of hours, everything about the past 16 weeks will be over.

So how do I overcome the sadness of ending another 16 week cycle? I plan my next one! (or two) Crazy, possibly, but I live on planning, especially planning out my races a year in advance. What have I planned in the  next cycle of 16 you may ask? I’ll be starting off the year with my first out of state half for 2013. With the help of Courtney and Melissa, I was pressured convinced that I’d love running the 3M Half Marathon in Austin, even have the chance of closing in on sub 2:00. After I finally gave in, we brought a few other runners in, and now it will be a party in Austin. Joining us in just 15 weeks will be Courtney’s husband Luke, Paula, and Lorena. If anything, it’s going to be a fun trip of running, a little bit of sightseeing and little bit of seeing old and meeting new friends!