Spring Training and Racing Schedule

So I know I've been somewhat of a stranger lately. You know that whole grad school, full time job, full time kid..err..boyfriend. Those things take up A LOT of time. Who knew?!
I'm definitely getting the itch to start training again. Too bad the weather here is pretty much going to be below freezing until who knows when, and I FREAKIN hate the treadmill! I did throw on my bad-ass-ness yesterday though and plunge into the freezing weather for a nice little run.
I was worried that my speed may have declined a little, since I'm not officially training right now. But I was pretty surprised with my splits!

• Mile 1: 8:02
• Mile 2: 8:06
• Mile 3: 7:54
• Mile 4: 7:50
• Mile 5: 7:52
• Mile 6: 8:16

Total Miles: 6 in 48:05
Not too bad em, not too bad.


I will say that the one thing that I like about running is cold weather is the gear. Here are some of my favorite things to where when the temperature drops.

Nike Element Jacket. I got mine last year at TJ Maxx for a steal! And it is always my go to jacket when I run in colder weather.

Mizuno Running Tights. These things are the best! They feel like you are hardly wearing anything at all because they move so well, yet they keep me warm and toasting in the CO weather. PLUS they are my favorite color (purple) and the boy says I look like a pro when I wear them!

Fleece earwarmers. They have a variety of colors at Wal-mart for $3, not kidding.

I also really like this app from Runner's World. You just give a little info, like the temperature, wind, etc. and they will suggest what to wear for your run. I also read once that you should always dress for 20 degrees warmer when you are running, because that is how much your body temperature goes up. I generally find this to be a good rule of thumb.

As far as training and more races, I have a few cooked up for the spring. So far for sure I'm doing the Colorado Marathon and attempting to get a BQ from this one. Its in May, so come January I'll be training my ass off for that time!

I have a few other races on the agenda, such as a Turkey Trot (of course), a few halfs, and maybe a relay. so stay tuned!


P.S. If any of your girls reading this are from Colorado, or think you may want to join a team for the Wild West Relay, go to the website: www.wildwestrelay.com, check it out, and leave me a comment or send me an email telling me you are interested. I really think it would be awesome to get some bloggers together to do this! Plus you need 12 people on a team, and I just don't know that many people around here that are THAT into running.

What's Next?!

Well, it hasn't even been a week and I am already itching to start running again!


I took a good solid 3 days off and just rested and relaxed. Yesterday I was about to chew my arm off because I wanted to go for a run so bad! SO today I threw on my running clothes and grabbed my playlist from the marathon and did an easy 3 mile run on the treadmill...and ALOT of stretching.

After that I came home and sat on the computer for hours trying to plot my next running move! Another marathon? A half marathon? Maybe a few smaller races over the next few weekends? Ahhh, the possibilities are endless!

And the boy thought that he would get to stop hearing all the running banter every night after I ran the marathon ;) It didn't burn me out at all, only encouraged me to do more! And hey, if I put up with him looking like this when he takes me out to dinner...

Then he can put up with my "running-obsessive-ness".
AND he isn't the only one that can dress up with balloon accessories either!

Anyone have any suggestions for future races?! Tell me about your races coming up!

Denver Rock N' Roll Marathon Race Recap

SO here it is, finally getting to my marathon review. It has been a CRAZY and amazing weekend and I am sooo happy to report that on Sunday I successfully completed my very first marathon! And here is how it went:

The race was scheduled to begin at 6:55AM. The start line was only about 1.5 miles from my apartment and the boy had decided he would drop me off and then head for the first park that we were going to run through and wait there for me. This meant I didn't have to wake up TOO early, so that was great!

I woke up around 530 (except I think I was waking up every hour the night of, because I was afraid my alarm wouldn't work and I would miss the whole race.) I threw on the clothes I had strategically picked out the night before, loaded up my spi belt, and strapped on my garmin and my ipod..and I was ready to go!

What I wore: Mizuno Wave Elixir shoes, Mizuno compression capris, Nike DriFit Tank, and Nike Jacket.
I was so nervous that I didn't think I could eat a damn thing, but I knew that I was about to be running 26.2 miles, and I should probably eat something. So I brought a banana and a CLIF bar in the car with me. I ended up only choking down the CLIF bar.

The boy got me pretty close to the start line, so I jumped out of the car and walked a few blocks to my Corral, just as they were telling people to start lining up.

The sun had not come up yet, so it was still pretty cold. (about 35 degrees). But as we were standing there waiting for the start the sun started coming up and you could tell it was going to be a PERFECT day for a run!
They made a few announcements, sang the national anthem, and then we were off!

My plan for the marathon was to run the first 10 miles at a conservative pace and then pick it up for the last 16. And it turned out to work pretty well that way.

I knew that the boy was going to be waiting in City Park, which was at about miles 6-9. So I kept counting down the miles until I got to see him.

First 6 mile splits were 9:26, 9:01, 9:02, 8:54, 9:08, and 8:41


We made our way into the park and I saw him! It was pretty quick though, because I just got a chance to chuck my gloves at him and keep going. But then a little ways into the park I see a boy racing through the field on a bike with a little dog trailing behind. It was the best/funniest site I have ever seen. He made it to the next turning point in the park before I ran by, so of course I had to run and jump into his arms and give him a big kiss.


We ran through the park until about mile 9. I knew that we were going to split with the half marathoners at about 11.5 miles, so I used that as my next thing to count down to.

Mile 6-11 splits were 8:52. 8:49, 9:05, 8:50, 9:05, (took a GU at mile 10), 8:31. Notice mile 11...told you I was going to try and pick it up after mile 10 :)


We finally made it to the point where the half marathoners went one way and the full marathoners went to other way. I remember running by this when I did my first half, and being so glad I was almost done and not regretting just running the half AT ALL. But this time, I felt SO PROUD to be splitting with the full marathon runners, and everyone waved and cheered when we split and it was the best feeling in the world.


From here I decided that the next check point would be the half marathon mark. Up until this point the 4 hour marathon pacer had been slightly in front of me. I didn't want to push it to catch up with them, but I knew if I kept up my pace I would eventually catch up. And right before the half marathon mark I found myself right in the middle of the 4 hour pace group!


Miles 12 and 13 splits were 8:59 amd 8:35.

I realized that the average pace of the 4 hour pacers was about 8:30 and this pace felt pretty comfortable for me, so I decided to just stay with the pace group and not try to run ahead until the last 10K.
Well, I did that for about ohhh a mile, and then I thought, "what the hell, I'm feeling good, I'm going for it!!"


I knew that we were going to be running through another park at about mile 19 and I secretly hoped that the boy would have taken it upon himself to be there too. So I made this my next check point.

Miles 14-19 splits were 8:41, 8:35, 8:39, 8:47, 8:45, and 8:40. (took another GU at mile 19).

We made it to the park and there was the boy, the puppy, AND his sister and her whole family!! This really gave me that extra little boost that I needed at this point. I passed them and high fived them all as I ran by.
Then I see the same awesome sight that I saw in the park before. Except this time it was even more awesome. It was the boy, with his niece on his shoulders, his other niece running with the puppy, and his sister pulling the twins in a red wagon...all sprinting across the field so they could meet me again!


When I ran past the boy the second time, I took off my headphone and yelled "I passed the 4 hour pacers!!!" He gave me the thumbs up, said I was doing great, and I kept on running.
From here I didn't have much of a checkpoint, except for the end! I knew I just had a 10K left to go, so I settled in and kept running.

Everything was going great...until it hit at about mile 22....I HAD to use the bathroom!! There was no more water going into my body until I could let some out, and I knew trying to run 4 more miles without drinking anymore water would have been stupid.

I kept looking for the next port-a-potty. I wanted to keep going SO BAD and I even considered just letting it go while I was running. But it was so damn cold, I knew that probably wouldn't be a good idea ;) Finally I see one up ahead, so i book it for the closest one and speed-pee as fast as I possibly can.
I was so disappointed that I was doing so well and had to stop, I just knew that the 4 hour pace group had passed me, but as I kept running I never saw them, and I was starting to see some of the same people that I was running with before I stopped.

Miles 20-24 splits were 8:46, 8:43, 8:41, 9:19, 8:49.


And then it happened. The wall. A big, huge, ugly wall. Right at mile 24. I decided I might need to take in more calories, so I got out my last GU. I squeezed a plop into my mouth....
and almost barfed. Then the guy in front of me stopped and barfed, and I REALLY thought it was going to happen then. Then I started thinking about the huge spaghetti dinner I had the night before....

I knew it was all mental from here. Yeah, my body wanted to stop. I had been running for over 3 hours!! I pushed bad thoughts from my head and told myself "just 2 more miles and you will be a marathoner". So I put my head up and kept running for the finish.


Miles 24-26 splits were 9:19, 8:45 and 8:17. Yeah I think I picked it up the last mile because I was so ready to be done.

We turned a corner and there was the finish line. I started tearing up because I couldn't believe I had accomplished something this big. I knew I was going to beat my goal and I was going to be a SUB4 marathoner! Then I saw the boy and his family all cheering me on at the end and I REALLY lost it!
I crossed the finish line at 3:55:28. (The clock time shows the time from the very start and my coral started about 5 minutes later)

Official Stats:

• Finish Time: 3:55:28
• Average Pace: 8:59
• Overall: 618 out of 2381
• Division: 39 out of 210
• Female: 136 out of 1020

Im so proud that I can now say "I am a SUB4 marathoner"

NEXT UP...BOSTON QUALIFIER!! :)

Official Marathoner!

I made it through alive!! I am now an official marathon runner! :)
Race report and weekend update coming tomorrow....but I'll give you a little teaser now....SUB4!
Thats all I'm sayin' :)
Hope everyone else had a great weekend
Anyone else run any races this weekend? How did it go?

Are You A Waver?

OK friends, its time to discuss a hot topic in running....waving.

Its been something that has been on my mind every time I come back from running and I want opinions!
Being from the south (and we ALL have heard of southern hospitality) EVERYONE waves. If you are a runner and you run past another runner you are more than likely going to be greeted in some way. Nothing big, a nod, a wave, a "good morning". You know.

So then I move to Colorado and its a gamble every time. Are they going to wave at me? Should I wave at them or will I look cheesy? What about bikers, they can't really take their hands off the wheel, so I guess they have an excuse.


I am most definitely a waver. I'll say it proudly. I like to acknowledge a fellow runner with a little smile and a wave. And I like it when they do the same back.

According to an article that I found in Runners World Magazine, age matters when it comes to waving. According to the article, older people are more likely to wave than younger people. Which I find to be mostly true, but then again, I am an avid waver. hmmm...

What if I told you Kara Goucher was a waver? Yep. In her book Running for Women, she clearly states that you should "wave to runners as you pass, this is an old custom among us. Let's keep it going". Read it and weep.

So I now I ask your opinion. Are you a waver or a nonwaver? And what are your reasons for either one?


P.S. 10 MORE FREAKIN DAYS UNTIL MY FIRST MARATHON!!

Earndit

Earndit...have you guys heard of this website? If you haven't you should totally click on that link and check it out. My friend from work, who is also a runner and training for a half marathon, told me about it and its awesome! Basically you just go to this site, sign up, and then you can upload all of your runs from your garmin or any other device you use. Certain mileage gives you a certain amount of points, and once you save up some points you can cash them in for things like gift cards, etc. If you are a runner you should totally check it out NOW!
In other news....I GOT SIGNED UP FOR THE HALF MARATHON NEXT WEEKEND!! I had mentioned in my previous post that I wanted to run the Denver Half Marathon next weekend, but it was limited to only 1000 runners and they were full by the time I found out about it. Well, I did a little begging (no shame here) to the race director and he let me in!!
It looks like a pretty cool race. Here are some of the details:

• 13.1 miles
• Only 1000 runners
• 90% dirt tails, bike paths, and roads
• Paths mostly take you along the Cherry Creek Reservoir
• Elevation: around 5,500 feet

Here are some awesome picture from their website of some of the trail.






All images are from Denverhalf.com
I am kind of nervous about it being such a small race because of issues like getting lost, not enough water stations or course support, etc. I also have never done a trail race, which worries me a little as well.
BUT! I am just going to use this as a fun training run and do my best :) I am aiming for under 2 hours for my main goal and a stretch goal of 1:50 or better. Stay tuned for the race review after next Sunday!
Anyone else have any races or events coming up?
Any advice for trail runs?

18 Miles...CHECK!

Today I completed the longest run of my marathon training so far. 18 miles! Oh yeah!
Last night I got everything ready...my camelback, my ipod, my garmin, my running clothes, my GUs...man it takes a lot to be a runner huh?!
I set the alarm for 6AM and went to bed ready to tackle my long run this week! I'm not gonna lie, I was DREAMING about being finished with this run. I know pretty nerdy. I kept waking up thinking it was time to get up. Man I really need to get more of a life outside of running! ;)
Before I knew it the alarm was going off and I was rolling out of bed to start my 18 miles.
I'm pretty sure that I was still half asleep for the first 3 miles, but after that I snapped out of it and really started feeling good. It is such a confidence booster when you can run like that and still feel good afterwards. Maybe I actually will complete this marathon! :)
I ate one GU at 7 miles and then the other at 14. And I stopped at 13 miles to refill my camelback. Here are the splits:

• Mile 1: 10:08
• Mile 2: 9:50
• Mile 3: 9:32
• Mile 4: 9:30
• Mile 5: 9:08
• Mile 6: 9:04
• Mile 7: 9:03
• Mile 8: 9:27
• Mile 9: 9:06
• Mile 10: 9:06
• Mile 11: 9:22
• Mile 12: 9:06
• Mile 13: 9:25
• Mile 14: 9:12
• Mile 15: 9:02
• Mile 16: 8:46
• Mile 17: 8:20
• Mile 18: 8:24

Total Time: 2:47:12 
Those are some weird splits! The first mile was slow because after about half a mile I got a nose bleed! I had to stop and walk for a bit and I almost turned around and came back home. But I kept walking and after a few minutes it stopped. I took it easier for the first few miles after that just in case, but it never came back. Weird huh?! I also worked on picking it up and paying more attention to my pace on the way home. The first half of my long runs I usually don't even look at my Garmin and just try to stay at a comfortable pace. I am pretty proud of my time thought, because I was really planning for about 3 hours.
Good thing I have the rest of the day off because I am taking it easy! I have a Target date with the boy tonight when he gets off work. Gotta replenish that toothpaste and paper towels. Oh we live exciting lives :)
I leave you with one of my favorite pictures from the Double Birthday Weekend:

Anyone else have any good runs this week? Any long runs planned?!

Running With Music: Good or Bad?

Listening to music while running, exercising, biking, or whatever physical activity you do has been something that has been debated for years. Does it just come down to personal preference, or is there actual science behind this debate?
A recent study done at the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise had 12 subjects ride a stationary bicycle at a pace that they could sustain for 30 minutes while listening to a song of the subject's choice. In successive trials, they rode the bikes again, with the tempo of the music variously increased or decreased by 10%, without the subject's knowledge. The researchers found that the riders heart rate and mileage decreased when the tempo was slowed, while they rode a greater distance, increased their heart rate and enjoyed the music more at the faster tempo. (Hudson, 2010).
However, A 2004 found that runners performing at a pace where they were at 90% of their peak oxygen uptake enjoyed listening to music, but that the music had no effect on their heart rate or running pace, regardless of the music's tempo. (Tennebaum, 2010).
Here is a video that I found on the effects of music on athletes from BBC News

Dr. Karageorghis is a professor at Brunel Univeristy who organized a series of tests to study the effects of different kinds of music on athletes and runners. According to Dr. Karageorghis there are 4 different factors of music that effects athletic performance. These four things are:

1. Rythmic Response: Your bodies response to the beat of a song
2. Musicality: combinations of cords and instruments that effect our moods while listening to a certain song.
3. Cultural Impact: Your personal response to a certain song based on social upbringing.
4. Association Factor: How we relate to a certain song based on past experiences and life associations.

According to this, the science is behind choosing the right song for you that meets all of the 4 criteria for the perfect song to get you pumped up. So a song that you may love to run to, another person may not get anything at all from it.
Some runners find that listening to music motivates them to get up and go, while others value quiet while running so that they are more in tune with their bodies.
Really when it comes down to it, staying "plugged in" while running is a personal choice. I personally think that it is best to experiment with both "natural" running, and running with devices such as watches, ipods, etc.
There is definitely something to be said for just getting out there and having nothing else between you and the road. But something a little upbeat music can get you out the door and going, and there is nothing wrong with that!
Now that you have heard all the boring scincetific facts, I am going to bless you with some of my favorite songs to run to. Please don't judge :) And remember, according to good ol Dr. Karageorghis every song has different effects on different people!
Some of my ALL TIME FAVORITE SONGS include:

• The Blackeyed Peas - Just Can't Get Enough
• Pussycat Dolls - Don't Cha
• Nicki Minaj - Super Bass
• Jennifer Lopez - I'm Into You
• Shakira - Did it Again
• Wiz Khalifa - Mezmorized
• Kayne West - Im Your Pusha
• Destiny's Child - Solider
• Glee Soundtrack - Open Your Heart/Boderline
• Paramore - Feeling Sorry
• Eminem and Lil Wayne - No Love
• The whole Girl Talk Album
• Maria Carey - Side Effects and Cruise Control
• Outkast - The Way You Move

All pretty random huh?! I change it up depending on my mood so my music changes alot. This is just a small sample of what gets my butt in gear during runs!
So what do you think, music or no music?
What are some of your go-to "pump up" songs?

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?

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?

Running Through the Funk

Have you ever set out for a long run and about 2 or 3 miles in you think "there is NO WAY I'm going to get through this"? or how about just waking up to the alarm at 7AM to start your run and thinking "I'm too tired to run, I think I'm going to sleep for another hour instead"?
That is the way that most of my long runs for my training have been so far. Either its the altitude change or just something purely mental. Today I set out for my long determined to change the way that I have felt about them so far.
I researched some tips online and figured out that I may be starting out too fast and burning myself out before I could finish the run. I was being really hard on myself and pushing myself too much, because my comfortable pace is a bit slower here than it was at sea level. Because of this I was pushing myself too hard and beating myself up for not being able to run at the same speed. But today was different.
Like I said, I was determined to have a good run today. Afterall, I run because I love it and it makes me feel good. I needed to get back to the roots of why I started running in the first place.
I started out this morning at 8AM ready for a 10 mile run. I kept track of my pace and decided to keep it at a moderate pace for the first half of the run so that I didn't burn myself out too quickly. And it worked! I kept at a slow and steady pace of about 9 minute miles for the first 5 mile stretch of the run. By the time it was time to turn around and come back for the last stretch, I felt great!! I decided for the last few miles I would just let myself go at whatever pace I felt comfortable with, and at one point I looked down at my watch and was running a 6:58 pace! What the heck?! I guess starting out slow really does work!
I even felt good enough to go one more extra mile and  was able to finish with a strong sprint for the last quarter mile. Todays run really gave that confidence boost that I needed. It felt great to get that long run in this week and not feel like I had just gotten hit by a bus! That being said, I was reading an article in Runner's magazine today that talked about mental tricks to use to get you through those mental blocks when running, and some of them really helped me. Here are some highlights:

1. While your running pick a spot in the distance and pick up your pace until you get there - I did this ALOT during this run and it really helped. The last quarter mile that I sprinted, I focused on an underpass the whole time and it really got me through it.
2. Pick a new route - this really helped me a lot today too. I found a new way to go on the trail that I had been running on that was a lot nicer and shaded. Plus taking in the new scenery really made me want to go further to see what was next!
3. Focus on positive things, not negative - this is something that I really struggle with. I will look down at my watch and think "what? 10 minute pace? you slow poke!" and then I will push myself too hard and burn out. Today I focused on comfortably running and not looking at my watch so much and I finished the run feeling proud, not down on myself.

Another tip that I thought worked great was timing my music with my pace. I usually listen to really upbeat music, and that makes me run faster. A lot of times I have trouble starting out slow because I just run. Today, I tried starting out with slower music and then getting up to faster beat music. This really helped me start slow and taper up to a faster pace, which ultimately helped me finish my run strong and with negative splits.
What do you do to get through the "running funk?"
Do you believe that running is more mental than it is physical?

My Legs Hate Me

Wearing these for a 9 hour work day...

Then doing this for 12 miles...

Then wearing these for an 8 hour work day....

Shoes from ninewest

Then coming straight home and doing this...

Image from Brix Articles

Equals this...

Image from satisfying the muse

My legs are cursing the day I decided to take a job that requires me to be on my feet in heels all day AND start marathon training all at the same time.
They need some love. I tried to get the boyfriend to give me a leg massage last night, but that wasn't happening. That being said, I need some tips on foam rollers and compression socks. Im in the market, so give me your suggestions, likes, dislikes, etc. It would be MUCH appreciated :)
For now I think an ice bath and some stretching will have to do. I have another 9 hour work day to get through today! I'm thinking smaller heels this time.

How do you prevent soreness from running?
What is everyone doing this weekend?

Not gonna stop me!

Yesterday I was scheduled for a 5 mile run. I had decided that since I worked at 8 until around 4 that I would just go for my run after work. I wanted to start my run by at least 5 so that I could be back in time to cook dinner for the boyfriend (yes, I like to play house wife). Well, obviously SOMEONE didn't want me to go for a run because one thing after the other popped up to try and stop me.

• FIRST: On my way home from work there was a MAJOR traffic jam...that I imagine looked something like this:

oh hello, downtown Denver at 5 oclock.

• Because of said traffic jam, I did not make it home until 515. Thats right people 45 minutes for a 15 minute drive. But thats OK, I wasn't gonna let a little 30 minute draw back stop me!
• SECOND: I quickly change into my running clothes, grab my keys, my ipod, and....wait....where are my headphones?! I searched and searched, but they were nowhere to be found. I decide, "hey, I can run without them, no. big. deal." and I'm out!
• THIRD: Half way to the gym I realize I had forgotten something very important....water. I turn around and go back.
• 2nd time going to the gym, half way there, I remember where my headphones are. I decide to just keep going and run without them. typical.
• FINALLY get to the gym! Pumped out a miserable 5 mile run on the treadmill with no music and two obnoxious breathers right beside me.
• Made it back to the apartment at 7:00, one hour later then I had planned.

Yes, today's run was a challenge. But thats OK. Sometimes things are going to pop up that present themselves as challenges and you just have to work through them. I could have let any number of those things stop me from my run and just put it off until tomorrow (believe me, I thought about it multiple times). But in the end, when I have finished that run even with all those things trying to stop me, it just feels that much better that I actually did it! So, in a way I think I like challenges, because it reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to, know matter what comes up to try and stop me!
I hope you guys tackle some of your challenges today and let them make you stronger! Today I have a 3 mile run scheduled, shouldn't be too difficult...but ya never know ;)

Blue Plum 5K

Every year the city that I live in has a HUGE festival for the first weekend of June, called the Blue Plum. Don't ask me why...I have no idea! Anyway, its always TONS of people, TONS of drinking, and TONS of fun. And on top of all that fun they throw in a 5K on Saturday morning!
Now, I am going to start out by telling you that I had NO intentions of running this race. And here were my reasons why:

• I usually don't like short distance races, because they are too fast for me. I would much rather run long distances and keep a nice pace, then flat out sprinting for 3 miles! VERY intimidating!
• The race was scheduled for 9 AM...I was scheduled to be into work at 10AM
• I had already planned on taking advantage of the before mentioned "TONS of drinking" the night before

All those reasons had made me pretty much decide against it, even though a small part of me really wanted to do it. Hey, it was a race, it was close, and it was cheap...and you got a free t-shirt!
I guess that little part of me decided to jump on out when I accidentally asked my cousin Matt (who runs races with me usually) if he wanted to run with me on Saturday. I was kind of hoping that he would say NO, but he was SUPER enthusiastic about it. So, I got myself stuck.
You would think that knowing I had to wake up at 8AM for the race, I would have taken it easy last night. Yeah, you would think. I managed to only have a few beers, but my cousin and my roommate had a few more than that...which meant we didn't get home until after 2AM in the morning.
A brief 6 hours later, I was up, lacing up my running shoes, and pinning on my race tag.

My cousin Matt and I ready to run!
30 minutes after that I was standing at the starting line wondering if I could make it without falling asleep mid-stride.
The announcer came up to the start, mumbled something about the race...the which the guy beside me mumbled to me "so basically just start running when everyone else does, right?" Yep, he had it figured out.
Annndddd we were OFF! And let me just tell you it was HORRIBLE!! And here is why in a nice bulleted outline:

• wayyyy tooo fasssttt!!! haha. maybe I am just a weakling, but I am just not good at short, fast distances (like I mentioned) I am much more comfortable with long, steady distances. When we started out I ran the first mile in 7:32. Again, WAYYYY TOOOO FAAASSSTT! And the thing was I kept telling myself it was too fast, but for some reason I didn't slow down! haha
• It got HOTT and HUMID quick.
• those beers I drank the night before were NOT helping me in the least
• headphones were not allowed. this was the first time that I had ever ran without headphones. AWFUL! I had to listen to the people beside me breathing all heavy and worrying if they were gonna pass out right beside me! This makes me nervous. And nervous running = no good.

We finished, grabbed a water and a banana, and took off back home so I could shower and be ready for work in 45 minutes!

I didn't get to stay for the official results since I had to be at work so I was anxious all day to find out my time and placing.
As soon as I got home I jumped on the computer to check the results...I was rrrreeealllyyy hoping for a time of under 25 minutes and was SUPER bummed when I saw that my official time was 25:04.
However, the "bummy-ness" quickly turned around when I clicked on the link for age group placings. And saw this:

Female 20-24
Place O'All Name Bib# Age City St Time ===== ===== ========================= ==== === ===============  
1 120 Emily Harvey 486 24 25:04                              
2   151 Ashlee Jenks               197  24                                                                
3   196 Jessica Jones              550  20

Yep thats me! FIRST PLACE IN MY AGE GROUP!!! :)
I have never placed in a race before AND this was a PR time for me. So I guess all in all it wasn't so bad after all! And I am sooo glad that I decided to do it and not back out because of stupid reasons! In the end I bit the bullet, took the challenge, and came out on top. And even though I barely missed my goal of under 25 minutes, I still couldn't be happier with the race!
No its nap time and then another night out for Kelli's 21st! Hope everyone has a great weekend!
<3 Em

It's Officially Official

Good morning everyone! Its hump day which mean we are officially half way through the week...which mean I am half way through the last week of my single life. Come Monday I will FINALLY have my long distance boyfriend of 2 years LIVING WITH ME!! In case you are new to the blog and don't know, the boy lives in California...I live in TENNEESSEE! Yes, that right on the complete opposite side of the country! Not for long though :)
I have also been informed that it is officially National Running Day as well!

Click on the link to learn more about how you can participate, even if you are a non runner. You best believe I will be throwing on my running kicks for a nice little run today. Update on that later!
Continuing with the "official-ness" of today, last night it was officially my best friend Kelli's 21st Birthday!  This is exciting news, because I am 24...so it has been verrry difficult having a bestie that is not 21 yet! No longer will she have to worry about getting caught sneaking a sip of my drink or not being able to get into a place where we are all hanging out! It was a HAPPY day FO SHO!
And little Miss BIRTHDAY DIVA went all out! We had a fancy dinner at our favorite sushi restaurant. Her boyfriend and myself went early to decorate the entire restaurant for her 21 guests yes, she made sure to have 21 guests! haha. It turned out so cute and she had a great night!
 
This was my substitute date, since my boyfriend still lives on the opposite coast line for now. Cory is one of my very best guy friends! he came early to help set up too!

The birthday girl and I. Her hat has a huge "21" on the top and says "Where's the Bar?" haha.

The table all set up! We had 3 DOZEN BALLOONS!

My date and I

This is Tanya, my boss, and one of my very best friends

Kelli made everyone party favors...they were plastic martini glasses filled with margarita flavored jelly beans and dots gummies for the olives, pretty clever huh?!

me, the birthday girl, and tanya

Kelli and her boyfriend Jimbo. He did such a great job with everything! What a sweetie!

A shot of the whole table

Her first "legal" drink! hehe

Cheers to the Birthday girl
 
the birthday cake

blowing out the candles!
What a fun night! Everthing turned out just as planned and it was great! Happy Birthday KELLI!
<3