Time For Training, Races And A Giveaway!

A couple weeks back I talked about my Word Of The Year and why I chose it. For those of you who missed that post I chose CONQUER. I have been reflecting on my chosen word and using it as a focal point for my runs, workouts and moments through the day when I need that extra push. Those moments when I just want to escape and not follow through. Yes, I do have those moments. It is not everyday that my runs are amazing, that my workouts make me feel strong, or that I feel like I have this parenting thing down. Each one of these things takes commitment, devotion, patience, acceptance and discipline.

With choosing a Word Of The Year I wanted to have it on a something as reminder to me to always push forward, to take control of my life, to overcome my fears and doubts, and to remember that this is my life and I am ultimately in control of it. I started to look at the Endorphin Warrior Bracelets and when I saw that they had my word of the year I knew I had to have that bracelet!

The bracelet itself is beautiful in person, pictures do not do it justice. I chose a black band with the word Conquer. The band is soft and it snaps shut for a nice fit. I like that they have sizes XS to LG. I have a little wrist and I wanted to be sure it fit snugly. I really dig the sleek look of the silver plate. This is jewellery you can wear on your runs, workouts or as everyday jewellery. I plan to wear this bracelet for training and on my race days. Motivation comes in all forms and having my Word of the year on my wrist is a reminder of what I plan to accomplish in the year ahead.

Speaking of training, I have a few races on the books for 2016 and am anxious to add more. This is what it looks like so far: 

Unplugged Half Marathon on Saturday, April 9th  

Vermont City Marathon/ Doing a HALF as a two person relay on Sunday, May 29th 

Worcester Running Festival Half Marathon on Sunday, June 19th

Having races already on my calendar helps to keep me accountable. Last year I did the Unplugged Half Marathon and used it as a training run for the Vermont City Marathon Half that I did. This year I plan to be ready for the Unplugged! This will be Half Marathon #7 for me and this race is an easy, pretty run along Lake Champlain.

January I was happy to get in 126 miles for the month. Last year I only hit 82 miles in January so I am excited that I was able to get in the miles I did. Truth be told, I wanted to hit 130 but I am happy with 126. The goal this year is to hit 1,500 miles, and I will make sure I get there!

Strength training has been going great. I have been doing a Ultimate Sandbag Training twice a week. I really enjoy the workouts and like how it challenges me. On the other days I work with my hand weights or do a video workout. I try to switch it up and be sure I am targeting different parts of my body. Creating a strong core is a focus of mine. A stronger core means a stronger runner. In order to be a stronger runner I have to put in the work and believe that I can be better. I must focus on the fact that there is always work to do, form to perfect, a pace to strive towards and a PR to beat.


Now, let's start the week off with another giveaway! In the beginning of this post I told you about my new Endorphin Warrior Bracelet. The awesome team over at Endorphin will give one of my readers a bracelet of their own where you can choose from one of their five words. Click on the Rafflecopter Giveaway to enter! 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!! If you don't win you can use a special code of: CrystalR15 for 15% off at checkout until February 29th, 2016. Please feel free to share! Have a fabulous week!

Disclaimer: I was provided with an Endorphin Warrior Bracelet for review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are proudly my own.

Crushing Goals And New Races

I love the feeling of setting a goal and not only meeting that goal, but also CRUSHING that goal. Since I am in training mode for my next Half Marathon on September 12th I wanted to hit 130 miles this month. Last month's goal was 120 and I logged 122.

To reach 130 I knew I needed to be consistent with my runs and be sure to get significant mileage on my long runs. I ran most weeks 4 to 5 days a minimum. At the end of July into August I had an eleven day running streak with one day rest followed by a seven day straight running streak. I got up early mornings to avoid the humidity and scorching sun. Not only was I starting my day with some "me" time, I felt great all day and have been sleeping better.  I am ecstatic to report that in August I hit a new PR for miles logged for me as well as exceeding the miles I wanted to hit. Final miles logged: 165.3!

Another goal I had set for myself for 2015 running goals was to run a distance of 15 miles, making that the farthest distance for me. I completed this back in April. When I did this it was unplanned for that specific run. I find that is how I hit most of my PR's, whether it be in a race or on my own runs. It is when I don't plan on it and just fall into a rhythm. It becomes my personal dance with the pavement. My feet carry me on and I am lost in a place I find comfort and solace in. Last weekend I had one of those incredible runs and I hit 16 miles! Take that 15! 16 stomped you out of the PR!

I feel ready for my Half Marathon coming up as well as I am looking forward to it. This particular one will be a first time for me. Ahh yes, I am a virgin to this particular race. I love running new, unfamiliar roads. I enjoy the sense of discovery it brings, seeing new landscapes and losing myself on new terrain. This will be my fifth Half and for some reason this entire year has had good things happening around the number five.

Yesterday morning I decided that I needed to get it one more Half before the end of the year. Why not right?! I registered for the GMAA Half Marathon in October. I did this last year and loved this coarse. It was beautiful, quiet, and the coarse is simply serene. 

Soon the temps will be dropping and my favorite season is upon us. Fall running is my favorite. I love the smells in the air, the sound of crunching leaves under the soles of my shoes, and the crisp of the air on my skin. I welcome a run where I do not return home covered in sweat as I have to pry off my clothes which seem to be glued to my body. 

I am already brain storming for my running goals for 2016. I have a few things in mind but I will save that for another post. The actual goals may take a little more commitment. And no, I will not be running a marathon anytime soon. Someday, maybe. 


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The Things That Motivate Me
Setting New Goals And Keeping A Commitment
5 Things I Do Before A Race