Treadmill Long Run

Confession: Im TIRED!
Working on your feet all day and running 30 miles a week will do that to ya, I guess.
So this morning when the alarm went off for my long run at 6AM, can you really blame a girl for wanting to sleep in a little bit on her only day off?!
Add on to the fact that this is what I share my bed with:

pretty darn cute huh?
So yes, I kept sleeping and by the time I was up and ready to go at 830 this morning it was already 78 degrees. Oh yeah, and my garmin was dead. Guess you kinda have to charge those things if you plan on using them often. who knew?
So I did what any good/totally insane runner would do, and turned to the treadmill.
Yes. 12 miles. ON.THE.TREADMILL. I got to watch Good Morning America, Regis and Kelly, AND two episodes of say yes to the dress. Lets just say everyone in the gym today was thrilled that I got there first and had control over the remote!
So I got it done. Even though it wasnt the most enjoyable thing in the world. Now its time to relax by the pool. If you ask me, it was well earned :)
I also want to thank everyone for your race suggestions! Sarah suggested a muddy buddy race which I think would be perfect. The boy even said he may just do that one with me.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Any training set backs that you have conquered?

Drop Your Drawers and Run Wild 5k Race Recap

First of all, let me just tell you that yes, I had a goal in mind for this race.

Yes, it was a steep goal. Basically I wanted to PR for this race with a hopeful time of sub-22 minutes. This would not only be a PR for racing at this elevation, but a PR in general.

I was ready to tackle to challenge and get that time that I wanted. However, it just didn't happen :(

I think that there were a lot of things that made this goal a bit difficult. Let's start with the fact that I worked a 9 hour shift at work before jetting out of the store in my running clothes at 530 to be at the race by 6.

I got there just in the nick of time and lined up at the start line. A second thing that made my goal a little difficult was that it was HOT! I'm pretty sure it was still in the upper 80s or lower 90s even at 630.

I was hot and tired from the start! My race photographer (the boy) didn't make it until after I had already finished, so I didn't get any of those lovely finishing photos that we all know and love.

I ended up finishing with a time of 24:11 and placed 4th in my age group, 12th female overall. Not quite what I was hoping for, but I guess it just takes more time to work up speed when you are racing at a different elevation then you are used to.

After the race we got to walk around the zoo and check out the animals at night. Oh yeah, and we also got FREE BEER! I'm sensing a theme here...

Of course I had to grab my beer and head over to see my little friends from the last visit to the zoo

There was also a band playing in the zoo while everyone walked around

Not sure whats up with the outfits...but I guess dressing weird is just part of being a musician...

case in point. From fashionbombdaily.

The band also had a captive audience with one of the zoo animals...

Overall, I would say that this was an awesome race. It was fun to get to run at the zoo and it was an awesome turnout. Even though I didn't make my goal time, I still had fun and it just gives me more motivation to try try again!

What should my next race be? Anyone have any races planned that are coming up?

Race Night!

Tonight I will be running the "Drop Your Drawers and Run Wild 5K" through the Denver Zoo!

Wish me luck!

Race Recap to follow.

Favorite Running Gear

Yesterday I  got a request from Miss Erosion to do a post on my favorite running gear. I LOVE requests and I love talking about running gear, so I thought it would be the perfect post!
Here we go!
Shoes:
Currently I have two pairs that are on rotation, or used for different purposes.

• For everyday runs and training I wear the Brooks Trance 10.

• For races and longer runs (because they are lighter) I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Mizuno Wave Elixir 5:

These shoes have been loved so much that they are about to retire. I have been looking into buying the newest version of them which is the Mizuno Wave Elixir 6:

Clothing:
Here is where I am the weirdo of the bunch. I like the Nike Tempo shorts, but they are not my favorite. I feel like they fit me weird and I have found ones that I like better. These include:

• Asics Favorite Short: For some reason these just fit me the best. They are very similar to the Nike Tempos, but I like that the pocket is on the back, they fit a little better, and they are super comfortable.

• Nike Dri-Fit Tanks: I will give Nike some props for their Dri-Fit tanks, because they are my all time favorite. I like the tanks better than the t-shirts and I usually buy mine one size up so they fit a little looser. My favorite one that I own is this one, mainly because its awesome:

Other:

• Garmin Forerunner 205: Yes, I have the old old version of the forerunner. I got it a couple of years ago and newer versions have come out since, but this one has been my little running buddy for so long I just can't bear to part with her!

 

• Ipod Nano: The boy got me this for Christmas last year and I love it. Its perfect for running because it has a built in clip that you can just clip to your shorts and you don't have to buy anything extra to hold it on runs. I may do a post on my favorite running songs too, if anyone is interested!

 

• GU gels: These things are like MAGIC! I take them on all of my long runs and they really do make all the difference. So far my favorite flavor is expresso love (I prefer the chocolate or vanilla flavors over the fruit flavors)

 
These are some of the favorites that I am loving right now. I could probably make a whole other post with more, but these are the essentials right now. If anyone else has suggestions, requests, or questions about anything involving my training leave me a comment or email me. I love hearing from you guys! :)
Speaking of training, yesterday was my day off for the week, so I decided to get my long run in. I did 15 miles at an easy pace. Here are the splits:

Mile 1: 9:48
Mile 2: 9:44
Mile 3: 9:56
Mile 4: 9:39
Mile 5: 9:30
Mile 6: 9:33
Mile 7: 9:26
Mile 8: 9:23 (half way point, kicked it up just a little after this)
Mile 9: 9:19
Mile 10: 9:11
Mile 11: 9:10
Mile 12: 9:02
Mile 13: 8:43
Mile 14: 8:45
Mile 15: 8:39

Yay for negative splits! I have really been trying to make it a goal to run the second half of all of my runs faster than the first. And this run was great, I am happy with my times, for sure! I think I am getting more used to the longer distances too, because today I was barely sore at all. This is VERY encouraging for running that first marathon in a few months.
What is your favorite running gear at the moment?

Walk on the Wild Side

Being the very serious runner that I am, I decided yesterday that a trip to the zoo was a must, you know so I could pre-screen the course and such.

Ok, maybe it was just because I REALLY wanted to go the zoo...and the boy's family had free passes! Plus, remember how cute the boy is with his nieces?! I couldn't pass it up.

We were scheduled to meet the family for breakfast at 9AM, so I set the alarm for 7 the night before and got my run in before all the festivities began. I did a semi-speed run (mostly just ran fast because I knew I would catch crap if we ran late for breakfast because I had to run). Here are the splits:

Mile One: 8:45

Mile Two: 8:30

Mile Three: 8:28

Mile Four: 8:20

Mile Five: 8:08

I have been working on booking it at the end and pushing myself to finish hard. I think this will help me out in races, because usually I struggle to finish hard by the end.

After the run it was speed-ready time! This was made way easier by my awesome new haircut, that doesn't take 30 minutes just to blow dry!

We met up with the fam, had some breakfast, and then headed for some wild and crazy fun at the zoo.

We saw miniature deer (this one was full grown):

Some crazy birds:

Tigers:

And my favorite...the giraffes!

So of course I had to get a picture "beside" of them:

Way to get one out of the 5 giraffes in the picture, hun...I guess he was concentrating on more important things ;)

We saw polar bears:

Peacocks:

and penguins:

And the boys' favorite the apes!

Seriously, this was the situation for about 30 minutes at the ape cages:

Move over boys! Let the children have a turn! 

Oh yeah, we even took cheesy "couples photos" that Mike just LOVES to take.

I tired to take a picture of Tice, but he was a bit camera shy:

After walking around the entire zoo in about 100 degree heat it was about time for a little something to cool off with...thats right, you guessed it...

ICECREAM!! Chocolate, of course. I don't waste my time with vanilla! ;)

The boy eats his cone a little bit more gracefully than me.

Oh yeah, and slushies help out with the whole hydration in the heat thing too...

After a long day at the zoo, we were all ready to come home and crash. Except I kinda wanted to shop, so I forced the boy to take me to the nearest sporting goods store to scope out some running gear. (its sad how obsessed I am).

I guess it just wasn't my day, because I didn't find anything that I just HAD to have. However, the boy did pick up a massive amount of fishing gear!

And what happens when you give a boy fishing gear?

He'll want to take you fishing.

Which is just fine when you are ending an already perfect day with a beautiful sunset and a view like this:

And a few more cheesy couple pictures. (Hey, it comes with the territory, right?)

 

 

What is your favorite way to spend an entire off?

What is your favorite zoo animal?

Surprise!

Yesterday was my day off and I was DESPERATELY needing some attention in the hair area. I always put this off for as long as possible because it takes FOR-EV-ER to do my hair. And I am just too ADD to sit in a chair for that long.

But I was to the point that I could not put it off for another minute. So I booked an appointment with my friend Kirsten to get it colored.

I had initially told her that all I needed was a highlight. But one thing lead to the other and I ended up going from this:

TO THIS:

She told me that she cut 7 or 8 inches of my hair! And I absolutely LOVE it. Plus it will save me time getting ready in the morning, and I can put it in cute little pigtails for races :)

Speaking of races...I just signed up for one next Friday that I am pretty excited about.

Its for an organization called Underawareness, and its for a great cause. The organization provides children that are less fortunate with basic needs (such as underwear, clothing, and food). Its awesome when you can run a race AND contribute to a good cause.

And did I mention that its AT THE ZOO?!! It starts at 630 PM, after hours for the zoo, and takes a loop around the zoo. Afterwards you get to stick around and party it up at the zoo with private access to all the attractions! I can't wait!

Also back home in good ol' Tennessee, they are gearing up to run one of the most popular races in the area (Kenyans come run this thing) the Crazy 8s. One of my good friends and running buddy from home has been training like crazy for it and is really hoping to make a PR tonight!

Everyone wish Caitlin luck tonight! I REALLY hope she gets that PR that she has been working for!

TRAINING:

Today is a rest day. Because of the fact that my entire day is filled with work. Yesterday, however, I did manage to get a pretty good 6 mile run in. Here are the splits:

Mile One: 8:32

Mile Two: 8:12

Mile Three: 8:03

Mile Four: 7:51

Mile Five: 7:54

Mile Six: 7:48

I think I may be getting used to this whole altitude thing. I'm still a bit slower than I was at sea level, but I'm getting there!

Oh hey! Its Friday! Anyone got any fun weekend plans? races?

BINGO...The World's Most Dangerous Sport

Last night the boyfriend and I decided to head down to a local bar and participate in their weekly game of BINGO.

He won the first game and the crown...so I punched him in the face, because I wanted the crown! (notice the black eye).

OK OK just kidding! I didn't really punch him (even though I really was jealous of the win). He got the black eye from an injury at work, and we have been joking all week that I have been roughing him up.

Bingo was fun, even though I didn't win a damn thing! The boyfriend won the first game, the crown, a Spiderman yo-yo, and a free drink. Let me tell you, no one should ever allow this guy to have a yo-yo. I was worried all night that I was going to be coming home with a matching black eye!

A BIG THANKS to everyone who crossed their fingers for me and my ankle. Because it worked! All it needed was a little TLC yesterday and I was ready to go again this morning, with zero pain! The boy and I goggled searched ankle pain and we came to the conclusion that it was probably inflamed from running on it for so long. Since that was the first time that I had ever ran that far. A little rest, icing, and ibuprofen and I was good to go!

This morning I wanted to do my run at a little faster pace, since it was a shorter run. I decided that I wanted to aim for a little bit better than an 8 minute mile pace...and I beasted it!

Here are the splits:

Mile One: 8:08

Mile Two: 7:53

Mile Three: 7:51

Mile Four: 7:54

Mile Five: 7:34 <----I totally BOOKED it for the last quarter mile

By the time I was done I was a smelly, sweaty, muddy mess But isn't that just the best way to be after a run?! Maybe its just me...

Now its time to shower up, eat up, and get ready for another long work day. I just have to get through tonight and then tomorrow I have the whole day off. What am I going to do with myself?!

Crossing My Fingers

Crossing my fingers....that I don't have an injury. But after that 15 mile run yesterday, this is how I spent last night AND this morning:

It wasn't hurting AT ALL during my run, but then when I stopped to walk the rest of the way home my ankle hurt BAD! I iced it all last night, wrapped it, and put some icy hot on it before bed. Oh yeah, and popped a few ibuprofen (just to cover all my bases).
It felt fine this morning, so I went for my scheduled 4 mile run. It started hurting again while I was running and then even worse when I stopped. When I got home I iced it all morning and its feeling better now.
Im hoping that I maybe just pulled a muscle there or something and that its nothing serious! Tomorrow is a rest day, so I think with a little more TLC it should be good to go!
CROSS YOUR FINGERS FOR ME!!!

Anyone ever experienced this before? I have had knee pain, shin splints, etc. But never anything with my ankle!

Giving Yourself a Pat on the Back

Have you ever caught yourself saying "oh, I JUST ran 4 miles today" to a nonrunner and gotten a reaction like "JUST 4 miles?! I couldn't even walk one!"
Or how about beating yourself up because you ran at an 8 minute pace instead of 7:45?
OR how about becoming so used to running longer distances that you no longer take pride in running 7 or 8 or 9 miles?
I was thinking about that today when I was running, and thought you know what? No one should down play their accomplishments like that. There are people out there that never will walk a mile, or run 7, or run a mile at an 8 minute pace.
Sure, running is something that anyone can get good at with practice and dedication, but a lot of people just aren't that dedicated to running. It takes a special kind of person to be a runner, or biker, or walker, or whatever your sport is.
I came to the conclusion that everyone should be PROUD of what they accomplish. Stop being hubble, and admit it...YOU KICK ASS! You are doing something that most people will never do.
So next time you catch yourself saying "oh no big deal I just did a small 3 mile run" or "10 miles is nothing compared to the 26.2 Im training for", stop yourself and say I ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING GREAT TODAY, SOMETHING I AM PROUD OF!
So follow the lead of these peeps, and pat yourself on the back for something that you accomplished today!

Image from Sax Angle

Image from Experiance life fully

Speaking of something to be proud of...I officially achieved a PERSONAL DISTANCE record on my long run today with a total of 15 MILES!
I followed what I have learned so far through training and fueled myself well before the run, brought along water and GU for during the run, and stretched and recovered after the run. I also started out at a slow comfortable pace for the first half and then kicked it up into gear for the last half. And it felt great!!!
I ended up running the 15 miles in an average pace of 8:36 with a time of 2:08. Here are the splits:

Mile 1: 8:41
Mile 2:  8:33
Mile 3: 8:30
Mile 4: 8:41
Mile 5: 8:10
Mile 6: 8:40
Mile 7: 8:45
Mile 8: 8:15
Mile 9: 8:00
Mile 10: 8:05
Mile 11: 8:12
Mile 12: 8:01
Mile 13: 8:05
Mile 14: 8:30
Mile 15: 8:42

Now its time to ice up and shower...I have the whole day off so I'm thinking SHOPPING! :)
So now I want to hear from you...WHAT ARE YOU PATTING YOURSELF ON THE BACK FOR TODAY? Go on, brag a little!

Fourth of July Weekend: The Race

On the morning of the fourth I was lucky enough to get to race one of the best races that I have ever done! Heres just a little preview of the start line:

And here is a brief description of the course:

"The 43rd Annual Gothic to Crested Butte Run, Walk, or Crawl 1/3rd Marathon. Enjoy a Crested Butte Independence Day tradition! This fun run benefits the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and begins at 8 a.m. in Gothic, winds through the aspen woods and meadows to Mt. Crested Butte, and ends in downtown Crested Butte. Shuttle buses from Crested Butte will transport all participants to the starting line in Gothic."

The course looks like it is downhill, but it actually starts at 8900 feet, climbs to 9600 feet and then ends in the town of crested butte at about 8600 feet. SO this was a HIGH ELEVATION race!
The race was approximately 8.6 miles (but my garmin told me 9) :) The first 4 miles were completely UP HILL. And by up "hill" I mean up mountains. I have never seen so many people stop to walk by the first mile. But I was determined to conquer those hills, just I speed right up them. OK OK maybe not speed, maybe more of a "crawl", but I made  it up those hills!
The second half was almost completely downhill. Which in my opionion is just as bad because you use so much energy trying not to just face plant down the mountain that you tire out quickly. You also use different muscles going downhill, which makes for that "ALL OVER SORE" feeling in the morning... gotta love it!
Along the way is some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery I have ever seen.

Picture from the Daily Mile

Yes, there was snow on top of the mountain!

The whole time I was running I couldn't believe how beautiful it was up there. By far the best running trail that I have ever seen!
Of course my sports photographer (the BF) was waiting at the finish line to get those awesome finish line photos that everyone always looks so stunning in:

This is the town of Crested Butte, where the finish line was. Everyone is just setting up waiting on the finishers.

As I'm coming up to the finish line the guy right behind SNEAKS UP on me and passes me!! A couple of times I have been embarrassed and backed down when this has happened. I don't like thinking that all the attention at the finish line is on me and my "fight to beat someone to the finish". Plus I would be embarrassed if I tried and then didn't pass that person. However, confidence in my races is something that I know is a weakness and that I have been working on. So this time, when this fella tried to sneak attack me and pass me at the finish, I kicked it into over drive and SMOKED HIM!

See? There he is BEHIND me at the finish. I had to give a little fist pump to the boyfriend, because I knew he would be proud!
At the end of the race the guy came up and shook my hand and said "good job! I knew you were gonna pass me, but I just thought I would give it one last shot"
Talk about a great finish! I am so glad that I didn't let my insecurities get the best of me. I didn't back down, I gave it my all, and I felt so good about my accomplishment at the end of the race. Too often I beat myself up for things that I should of done. But this time I was proud of my effort.
The boyfriend's sister and her husband also ran the race. She's pretty badass...she has ran several marathons and other hardcore races, hasn't ran regularly in a while and just picks up and runs 9 miles up a mountain...did I mention she also takes care of four children?!

Here they are crossing the finish line!

They gave the fist pump coming across the finish line too!

Jodi and I after the race.

After the race the town had a pancake breakfast, specially made by all of the firefighters. I was pretty hungry:

YUM!

The rest of the day was spent with family and friends. Shopping around, watcing the parade, and eating more!
What a great weekend!
What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of?
What is something that you consider a weakness for yourself? How do you work on improving it?