Greeting A New Home, A New Day And Worcester Half Marathon

It feels so awesome to be sitting here at my computer with a few minutes to start writing. I can't say I will get through writing this post in one sitting yet I am OK with that. This has been the longest that I have gone without writing and blogging. In part it was my choice though I will admit I missed it something fierce. I enjoy writing and this blog has been such a great outlet for me. Not to mention the connections I have made and other blogs I love to read. All of that was pushed aside as we got ready to move into our new house. Between work and trying to sort through boxes I feel like I haven't had any down time. No worries, I have managed to get in my running. Priorities my friends! 
 

Run, Rest, Repeat!!!

Here I am actually sitting at my desk writing this. I finally have an office which I can work from and write. I work part time and most of that is from home. For the past couple of years my desk has been the kitchen table. Though sitting down as a family for dinner is something very important to me I will admit there were nights my trusty laptop accompanied the meal as it was pushed aside due to not wanting to unplug and relocate when I would need it later. Now I have my own little cozy spot where I don't have to worry about the kids screaming or me having to apologize to clients for the ruckus in the background. There is still plenty of noise and ruckus, it just is a muffled now.

Finally, a place to work!

The other exciting thing is that the other side of my office is now where mama can exercise. Plenty of space and no need to move the sandbag, hand weights or yoga mat to and from another room. My hubby even scored me a used treadmill. As for the "dreadmill" I am not sure if my relationship with her will ever flourish. For the five years I have been running I run outside. Yes, even with living in Vermont all my runs are outside throughout the year. I have run through sun, rain, sleet, hail and snow. I have jumped snowbanks and fallen flat on my ass after slipping on ice. I hate the cold. Not sure why I even live in Vermont (oh yeah, family, that's it!) Despite that I actually enjoy running outside even when it is cold out. It has become a normal to me and running outside will never be replaced by a treadmill for me. I decided to give her a try the other day, just 3.1 miles. It was awful! Thank God it was a bonus run for me because there was nothing enjoyable about it! My time and speed was slow, I sweat like a pig and I couldn't wait to get the hell off it. I suppose she will come in handy when the hubby goes away or I want to get in an extra workout. As for her name, I am still working on that. Yes, she deserves a name! Even my Camelbak has a name! 

Sharon & I Pre-Race

The last post I wrote here on this blog was my preparation for the Worcester Running Festival Half Marathon on June 19th. This was Half Marathon #9 for me as well as my first out of state race. More importantly my dear friend Sharon ran her second race in the 5K portion of it. It was so fun spending the weekend with friends and sharing a memory like this.

This is Joshua, He will never know it but he kept me going!

As for the race itself, it was not what I expected. It was pretty poorly organized starting off with the Port O Potty's not being delivered on time. This left runners with two bathrooms in the town building to share. The race was suppose to start at 7am and was then pushed back to be sure everyone got their potty break in. The course itself was challenging in the beginning with some promised hills during the first five miles. Honestly I thought they were going to be worse than they really were. I did love running the streets of Worcester since I use to live in Massachusetts. The streets were familiar and comforting. I was able to reminisce in my head of years ago, even those crazy Becker College days where WPI Frat boys threw some damn good parties. There were a couple parts of the coarse which were not marked very well and even one part where you were actually running down the middle of two way traffic. Not exactly safe for runners. Crowd support was minimal which surprised me. I did pace with a nice guy the last half of the race which kept me moving at a decent pace. I finished in 1:39:22. I was 55 overall out of 556 runners and the 10th woman to finish the Half Marathon Portion. 

The best part of any race: seeing these faces when I am done.

June's mileage was 130 miles which was lower than I had wanted. Even the past couple weeks my longer runs have not been as long as I have planned. Time seems to be an issue these days and I am hoping to find a better balance now that I am getting settled. Lots of running in the early morning to beat the heat. Some mornings are a struggle to get out of bed yet I never regret it once I am out the door. I really enjoy starting my day with my feet hitting the pavement as the sun rises.

Sunrise run

This month there are no big goals. I am tossing around the idea of another Half at the end of the month yet that is to be determined. It's a busy work month for me and I will admit it has been nice to just enjoy my runs the past few weeks without feeling the pressure of another race. Sometimes we need to be reminded why we run in the first place. It's nice to reflect and just be one with myself. I have needed those runs in the chaos of life these days. Stepping into a new home has been a blessing. It has also been one of the most stressful things that I have done. I am ready for life to level out so I can enjoy the walls that surround me. It's time for new memories and laughter to fill these walls. It's also time to figure out new running routes even though I am not that far from the old place. Some mornings I get thrown off. #Runnerproblems! It adds to the adjustment period for sure!


Ahhh, I feel better! I actually wrote this post in one sitting. Granted the kids did interrupt once but hey, that's not bad! I hope to be posting more and visiting my favorite blogs more too! Until then, Happy Running! xo


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Half Marathon Unplugged Recap

Saturday was my first Half Marathon of the year. I have spent the winter preparing for it and was ready to take it on. I didn't exactly have a "plan" of how I wanted this race to go. I was not going for a PR yet I did want to beat last years time of 1:44:53. This is the second time I have done this course. It is different in the sense that where you start is literally 13.1 miles from where you finish. The start begins at Airport Park in Colchester, Vermont and takes you on the bike path along Lake Champlain where you finish in Burlington near Switchback Brewing Company. The course is pretty and serene, offering views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain.

Pre Race 

The week prior I began my carb loading, resting, and mental preparation for this race. I took two days off of running before race day to give my legs the much needed break before pounding the pavement. I was sure to do some stretching and got in a yoga practice as well with my foam roller. The night before I made myself a dinner with fettuccine with olive oil and pesto topped with spinach, kale and jumbo shrimp. It was delicious and exactly what I wanted.

Runner's World Yoga

I always need to feel prepared and ready for my race. This always includes getting my outfit and running gear together the night before. Everything gets laid out on my kitchen table. This way I can check to be sure I have all the things I need: fuel and clothing.

Have to be prepared!

Race Day

My father was running in this race as well and we had decided that he would park at the end of the race course and bus over while I met him with my car at the beginning. Last year we both bused over then had to wait over an hour in the wind and cold, with no cover, until the race began. Since the forecast was to be over ten degrees colder at the start than the year before we wanted to keep warm until go time. It was a smart decision for sure! On my way over to the park I suddenly realized that my prepared self had forgotten my wallet. I had no money or ID. I called my husband and pretty much demanded he bring it to me (nicely of course). Hubby came to the rescue which also allowed me to see my kids one more time before the race started. I needed that! My children and husband are typically waiting for me at the end but due to the temps I felt it was best they get to stay warm.

Dad & I Pre-Race

I was feeling pretty good! I had showered and had breakfast before I took off (something I do before every race) and was keeping hydrated and started fueling as we waited. It was around 30 degrees out but Mother Nature had given us a little break by bringing the sun out. I was feeling ready and excited. 

I have to admit I was pretty happy to see these when I parked

As I waited at the start with my fellow runners my Garmin decided to lose satellite and go back to the time. It was a clear, sunny morning and I am not even sure why this happened. I frantically started my Garmin again while watching the words: searching satellite and that black bar slowly and painfully loading. The start was declared and off running I had to go while fidgeting with my Garmin. It was around three fourths of the way   on my first mile when it finally started to work. I realized that it was past the point of being helpful for me as far as miles went. This became strike two (strike one was forgetting my wallet) and I wondered what strike three was going to be. I stayed positive and decided I was not going to let that ruin this run. I was still able to use my Garmin to focus on pace and keep myself in a rhythm. 

I started the first couple miles at a 7:30 pace and wondered if that was going to burn me out. I typically run a 8:00 minute mile once I get into my runs. 7:30 pace is something I hit on my speed runs. I knew that I could consistently do this pace for six to seven miles but was not sure I could maintain for all 13.1! I was feeling great though and decided I would stick with it. I kept an eye on my pace, allowing myself some slack here and there. It wasn't until mile eight where I questioned my endurance for another five miles. I knew it was all in my head and I could do it! I had done this before so why should this run be any different. I had trained hard for this race and I was going to finish this race strong. I pushed myself the last four miles to stick to a 7:20 min mile and was pretty thrilled to finish at 1:37:28!

Post Race

The one downer about this particular race is there is no medal. On the plus side there is beer! It is sponsored by Switchback Brewing Company and they graciously had their facility open to runner's post race to eat our food and have a beer. I am a fan of their beer yet had never been inside the facility so it was pretty cool to check out how the magic happens. 

Check out the Foosball table in the right hand corner. They need to take breaks while brewing right?!  

Not only did we get to check out the brewery but I got to run into one of my favorite people! This chick also broke her own personal PR this day! So exciting to hear of other runner's/friends victories. This sport is truly rewarding! 

 

Maureen and I post race

Race Overview 

I had an amazing race. I felt good, I had trained hard, and I performed better than I had anticipated. I beat the previous years time by 7 minutes and I was only 45 seconds off from my PR (1:36:43). An entire year has come and gone and I am able to now look at what a better runner I have become. It didn't happen overnight and I continue to work at it. It has taken dedication and discipline. It has not always been easy, some days I even struggle to train. Getting to where I am now has taken time and patience. It was not an overnight phenomenon that occurred, it was a result of a commitment to myself. My runs are not about who I can beat, they are about becoming stronger and more fierce. The only person I compete against is myself, and I will continue to challenge the woman within with each run or race. Not every race has to be a PR, but every race is about growth and strength.
 

Post Race Recovery

If I can inspire even one person to reach for their goals, whatever that may be, than that makes me happy. Running has taught me to believe in myself, to push myself to limits I never imagined, and to never give up on a goal or dream. Next stop...VCM on May 29th where I will do my next half splitting the marathon with my father for our third year in a row. This is my favorite event! Time to continue training!

P.S. My hubby did come to the rescue one more time; he made me an awesome dinner with swordfish kabobs on the grill. He's a keeper! 

Happy Running!!! 

Recent Posts:
The Final Countdown: Half Marathon #7
Taking Vitamins And Supplements
Mexican Chicken Nachos
My Fourteen Mile Adventure


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5 Things I Do Before A Race

It is Race day! You sign up months prior to this day...Or maybe you just decided on a whim that you wanted to do this race. The time has come and now you are crossing the days off the calender and counting down to your race. There are ways to be sure that your body and mind are ready. This may be different for every runner. Toady I share with you how I prepare for my races.

1- Stay Hydrated: I typically drink a lot of water without needing any push to do so. The week of a race it is important to be sure you have a sufficient water intake. Water helps to maintain fluid balance, keep you hydrated and aid in muscle recovery. Water acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints; as a runner this is vital. Here's another fun fact for you: Since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you focus, think and concentrate better and be more alert. Because of this your energy levels are also boosted!

2- Food For Fuel: The week before a race I am more careful than usual in what I choose to put in my body. I also try to increase my carbohydrates. It is not just the night before pasta dinner that fuels your run but the carbs you load your body with in the week to days prior to your long run. You need to build your carb supply to store for energy.  As noted by RunnersConnect : "The greater the amount of stored muscle glycogen, the greater the endurance potential of the body."

3- Staying Sober: You might think this one is obvious but I have known other runners who like to have a few beers on the weekend. Okay, so truth be told is that I like to have a few drinks on the weekend. I tend to stay clear of alcohol all week and when the weekend comes around I enjoy a drink or five two. The night before a big race I stay sober. I may allow myself one drink yet I limit what goes in my body. Let's go back to hydration shall we. Alcohol, as we all know, does the opposite of hydrate us. When I run in a race I want to have a clear head, feel strong, and be able to focus on what my goal is for that day. As much as I like a good buzz, I also love a new PR.

4- Shower: Some may think this is silly since you are going to be sweating and need to shower afterwards. Showering after a race is also good for your body and muscles to aid in recovery. Some even like an ice bath. (Me, I would rather have the hot water on me!) When I get up on a race morning it is typically early. I take this time to wake up and have some quiet time. First things first, I need to wake up. I want to feel revitalized and ready for my run. I start the coffee, jump in the shower and then I can have breakfast.

5- Breakfast: Now we are at the most important part: Fueling your body before a race. Breakfast is important to give me the necessary energy I need to start my race. I never go on a run before having breakfast or a snack. I might have granola and fruit, oatmeal, or eggs and wheat toast. Along with it I drink my protein mixed with coconut milk. Remember, you want to give your body nutrients that will fuel you. You want your body to be primed and ready for the challenge ahead of you. Eat one to three hours before your race and be sure to fuel during your long run.

There you have it my friends, this is how  I prepare for my races. Don't forget to stretch before and after you run!!

Just two more things I want to add:

"Always Believe You Can"
              And
     Happy Running


Do you have a routine before you races? Is there something that you always eat? 


Related Posts:

Stronger With Every Mile

How I Learned To Love My Body 

Pounding Pavement

It's official! I can now say that I have run a Half Marathon. This past Sunday, May 25th, I ran 13.1 miles!

My goal had been to be under 2 hours. I had done 13.0 the weekend before in 1:46:31. I was pretty happy with that yet was aiming to at least hit 1:50:00 for time. I finished my half in 1:44:28 (by my watch)!

It was an amazing day. Everything from the weather, to the people, how I was feeling, it all aligned and I had an awesome race!

I was inspired continuously on my run. It was the runner next to me who was 70 trucking along. It was the runner who was running in memory of their loved one. The runner who was part of a team that raised money to bring awareness of an illness. It was every runner out there, everyone who was running for whatever their race meant to them.

I was inspired by the volunteers. The workers, security, and entertainment for this event. Without them none of it could happen. It takes an army of people to make an event like this be as electrifying as it always is!

I was inspired by the community. Those people in the neighborhoods we ran in, that stood there cheering us on. The ones that had hoses spraying to help keep us cool. The ones that handed out food and water because they wanted to and chose to be a part of this day. The sense of togetherness and support was over whelming at times. It was in these moments I found myself running with tears in my eyes and feeling over joyed by what I was a part of.

I loved my run. It was exhilarating. Empowering! I vowed to have fun and I did just that. I trained well and was ready, but of coarse there were hard moments too. It was a warm day, the rays of the long awaited sun (You know, that yellow ball of fire in the sky) pounding down on me. I am not use to running in the sun just yet. You have to remember winter didn't end that long ago and though I hate winter I grew accustomed to it's temps when running. The moments when it was hard, and a mile felt like 3, I just remembered my prize at the end of the race: my children. Really! That is what helped to fuel me. Running is my time, my therapy, my sacred place. But those two boys of mine, they are my life. At the end of any day, any race, it is their faces that I want to see. (Funny fact: BOTH boys were dead asleep when I was done! Go figure!)

So now that it is over what's next? No marathon for this chick! That's a big fat NO! Another Half? Most likely. I am already wanting to find another to do by the end of the summer. I will continue to run my 3-4 days a week as I did before training. I may have met my goal, yet I am a work in progress. Physically and mentally, there is always work to be done. Pounding pavement is a big part of me now.

There is a reason my moto is : Always believe you can. Completing my first Half Marathon proves this. Who would have thought?! Remember, if there is something you are passionate about, go for it! Don't ever wait for things to happen, make it happen! It's amazing what can be around the corner when you choose to go just a little further than you thought you could.