2015 Michelob 13.1 Atlanta Recap

In July at the Peachtree Road Race Expo, I decided I was going to run the Michelob 13.1 on Oct 4th. I did the Publix Half in March, so I would be getting the Atl Challenge medal as well as the half medal.

A few days leading up to the race, we had some crazy rain that caused them to change the race course. Since I had never actually ran in that area, I  didn't know what to expect even with the last minute changes. I just knew it would be hilly.

Race start promptly at 7 AM. We had a threat of rain, but luckily, it only sprinkled on us, which was refreshing.

The first few miles weren't too bad. We had a few rolling hills. But, those didn't last long. It seemed like the hills were getting longer each time we had a new one to go up. Or maybe it was just how I felt. Either way, I was about ready to be done around mile 8. Because of the course change, we had to loop back to parts of the course that we ran in the first half of the race. That was okay, and all, but the hill around mile 11 took all I had left.

I was trying to stay ahead of the 2:10 pacer, but as soon as she passed me, I knew I wasn't even going to try to catch up.

We had a little uphill finish. I will admit, I walked some of it. Once I could see the finish line, I started running. By the look on my face in my finisher photo, I was glad to be done.

I have said I won't be running this race again next year. I see no point. I hated that course with a passion. I may consider volunteering for it, but I won't be running it.

One of my main complaints was the lack of water. I later found out because of the rain that was being brought in from the hurricane a lot of stuff wasn't able to get here in time. I normally run with a water bottle but decided not to this race. Next time I ever have any doubt, I will just bring it.

2015 AJC Peachtree Road Race Recap

It's hard to believe this race came and went. It was only a few months ago that I was registering for this race.

A few days leading up to the race they were predicting rain. Running in the rain isn't my favorite, but after doing a half marathon in the rain I knew that this wasn't going to be a problem.

Race morning arrives. I parked about a mile from the start. I used that little walk as a warm up. Last year I ran a slow mile but since the sidewalk was missing in some areas I didn't want to risk rolling my ankle before the race,

The rain was holding for the most part. It was sprinkling here and there but nothing too crazy. I was set to start at 7:41 AM.

We started right on time. Since the roads were very wet, I decided just to take it easy. I have PR'd before on this course but knew that this wasn't going to happen. I didn't want to risk getting hurt.

Mile 1-3 had gone by quickly and before I knew it was climbing the crazy hill by Shepherd's Center. Even with the rain the patients were still out there cheering us on.

Around mile 4 is when I saw a streak of lightning in front of me followed by some thunder. Not what I wanted.

After that, the flags went from yellow to red.

Sometime after the first streak is when I saw lightning again. I am pretty sure this is the one that probably delayed the start of the waves behind me. I knew I was almost finished and that Mother Nature wasn't going to stop me from finishing.

I decided to speed up. Mile 5 came and went, and now I was turning on to 10th street. Past the marathon foto guys at the fake finish line.

Just a bit more to go.

And finished. Peachtree Road Race #11 in the books.

I grabbed my water and shirt. Got a cold rag and a dry one (to dry off my hands so I could use my phone). I had a few friends from the Suwanee Big Peach Running group running, so I went over to the meeting place to see them.

Some of the Suwanee BP Runners

My weekend running family.

Paula and I showing off our INKnBURN

Kimmie, myself, Paula, and Michael

After getting photos, we decided to head over to the ATC tent at Park Tavern to see what was going on. Ended up with some awesome coffee mugs.

As much as I wanted to hang out and see my Mom finish her 10th Peachtree, I couldn't. I was cold. I had no dry clothes with me. I sent her a text telling her to head to Marta and that I would pick her up at the station.

Paula, Kimmie, and Michael all went back to their hotel to freshen up before heading to lunch at Uncle Julio's for some much-needed food.

This  Peachtree was a fun one. One I won't forget. I will be back next year to run my 12th. I am determined to make it to 20 without missing a year.

2015 GA Publix Half Recap

Second half marathon of 2015. I've been excited about this since registration in 2014.

Flat Ramona ready for the Publix Half.

They started predicting rain a few days before the race. I was hoping it wouldn't do anything until after, but, unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.

I got to the race 45 minutes before the start. Spent that time getting my headphones, phone, and gels ready to put in my FlipBelt.

A friend found me about 15 minutes before the started and handed me a trash bag to use while waiting in my corral. Thank goodness for that. Kept me dry until it was time to start.

Even though I am not a fan of running in the rain, it felt fantastic out there. The first half of the race went by pretty quick. It wasn't  raining so that helped. I did have to keep my eye on the puddles in Atlanta since I didn't want to get my feet drenched before I was even half-way through.

The crowd support was incredible despite the weather. So thankful for that.

Before I knew it, I was more than half way. The rain started to pick up a little bit around Piedmont Park but wasn't enough to slow me down. I kept gone going.

Between GT and Centennial Park, I was getting tired. I knew I wasn't going to PR. So I told my myself to push for a course PR. I did just that. I finished with a time of 2:05. Course PR. Last year's time was 2:09.

June

Where did this month go? It just seems like yesterday it was June 1st. Holy cow.

In 4 days, I will be running down Peachtree with 59,999 over runners. I can't wait. But am I ready? I sure hope so. I haven't trained like I normally do for this race. I have been doing little to no miles during the week and long runs on the weekend. I don't even need to do the long runs, but I want to keep my fitness up there so I can sign up and run a half marathon at any time. Makes sense, right?

Whether I am ready or not, I know I will have a blast running the Peachtree Road Race. I am also excited to see my Mom finish her 10th one. Crazy to think she started this a year after I did. She loves it though, and I am happy to see her doing it. Walking or running, she is out there getting exercise and having fun.

Tomorrow, my GA Publix recap goes live. I will be working on finishing up the Princess recap as soon as I can. I know, I know, a few months late. I promise I will get it up. It may be a bunch of pictures, but it's better than nothing, right?

Training

I have officially started training for the Glass Slipper Challenge that will take place in February. I was suppose to start training last month, but because I was injured/trying to heal I had to wait until this week to get started,

On Sunday, I was finally after to get past 4 miles without any discomfort in my IT band. :) I have been worried since I got injured about the GSC. I know I can walk it if I need to, but I didn't want to do that.

My plan is gradually get back in the high mileage. Oh, and foam rolling like crazy even if I don't like it. I won't be running as many races next year (at least that's the plan as of right now) so hopefully, I will have a injury free year. :)

Just wanted to give a quick update. Sorry it isn't much. Hope to update more often once the new year rolls around.

Tails on the Trails 5K Recap

The race took place at a local park near me, Tribble Mill Park on May 31st. This was my first time running at this park. I knew from talking to a few people that it wasn't going to be an easy race. Of course, not every race is easy, right?

I love doing races that helps raise money for a good cause, so when I found out about this race I really wanted to run it.

It's put on by the You Lucky Dog Rescue. Here's a little information on them taken from their website: "You lucky dog rescue is a IRC 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of homeless and abandoned dogs from the high-kill shelters of North Georgia. We believe it is our moral responsibility to save, protect, and improve the lives of these dogs through the help of committed volunteers, foster homes, donors, local veterinarians, and trainers. We strive to re-introduce these dogs to society, assess their individual needs, and provide them with a loving temporary home while matching them with only the best, carefully screened forever homes."

I arrived at the park about an hour before the race to get my race number and shirt. 

I met up my friends Carolyn, her husband, Dwight, and Jen before the race. We all talked before it was time to make our way over to the start line.

Race started a few minutes after 8. 

I loved the course minus the hills. If you know me, you know I am not a hill person. Yes, I am aware I have done a few hilly half marathons in GA. :)

I kept telling myself to take it easy and whatever I do -- DO NOT STOP ON A HILL. It worked. I pushed through them. Before I knew it was making my way to the finish line. 

Right before I crossed the finish line

Since we didn't have timing chips on our bibs, they called out our times as we crossed the finish line and handed us a card to fill out. When I put my card in my age group bin, I noticed that I was the second one. I was pretty sure that I had placed but I was trying not to get my hopes up. Sure enough....I placed!

27:34 was my official time. Second in my age group.

My friends, Jen, Carolyn and her husband, Dwight placed in their age groups as well. :)

And as always the finisher's shirt....

The next recap to come out will be the Peachtree Road Race. :)

2014 Possum Trot 10K Recap

Ever since February I have been excited about running this race again. I have been wanting to hit the 47 minute mark of a 10K ever since I hit 51 minutes. I know, I know there is a BIG time difference there, but it was my goal and I was determined to do it.

Like every night before a race I made some sort of pasta dinner. So I decided I would just go with the basic spaghetti with this 6 cheese sauce. Yum!

I laid out my clothes and got everything else ready to go so I wouldn't be rushing around the house at 4 AM trying to get things together.

After double checking and making sure I had everything, it was time for bed. I had my alarm clock set for 4:40. Since I am almost an hour away from this race I needed to leave in plenty of time to make sure I could park in the main parking lot.

Of course morning came too soon. I got up and got dressed and was out the door by 4:50. Yep, it doesn't take me long at all to get ready.

I got to the Chattahoochee Nature Center at 5:45. Plenty of time. So I relaxed for a bit in the car until Brandi and her parents arrived. I walked with them to get their bibs (already had mine) then back to the car to get things lined up before making that .5 mile walk to the start.

For once in my running career I started more in the back. I had my reasons. I didn't want to start off too fast for this race. I knew by being closer to the back I would have no choice but to be a bit slower than normal. Plus, it was REALLY humid out. I needed to take it easy.

At 7:33, we're off!!

I was feeling pretty good until about mile 2. I noticed that my left calf muscle was acting weird. I stretched before the race but maybe I had over-stretched it? I tried to make myself forget about it because it seemed to only get worse the more it was on my mind.

After the turn around, I knew something just wasn't right and that I wasn't even going to try to PR. I was going to be lucky if I even finished. My left knee start giving me some problems. It may have been because I was already dealing with a messed up calf muscle. Who knows.

Between mile 4 and 5, it was all I could do to make myself keep going. For the first time in my life I wanted to quit the race. I was done BUT I kept going. I had 2 miles left. I pushed through it barely and finished. My time was not where I wanted it to be but I did finish under an hour.

Official time was 57:19. Ouch! I haven't done that bad since the 2012 Peachtree Road Race.

Finishers shirt

I decided though that I will be back in February. I am determined to get to that 47 minutes. Maybe the cold weather will be on my side unlike the hot, humid weather from that Saturday.


Sorry for the lack of photos.My normal, personal photographer wasn't able to attend this race. :(

2014 Dirty Spokes: Georgia Peach Jam Half Marathon Recap

This half took place over on the Big Creek Greenway over in Cumming, GA on April 19th.

Back in February I was going back and forth with myself if I was going to do this half or not. It would be almost a month after doing the Georgia Publix Half so I knew I wouldn't have to worry about training too much. So during the last of the snow storm I decided I was going to bite the bullet and sign up.

The course is flat with a few little inclines but nothing too crazy. Very manageable.

Race week rolls around and I immediately start checking out the weather. We had been having some warmer days but since Georgia does have bi-polar weather I just wanted to be prepared for anything. Of course, the forecast was calling for rain. That wasn't the big issue. The issue was the greenway. Most of the time when it rains A LOT the greenways here in Georgia tend to flood since they are usually near creeks.

Friday rolled around and the race was still on even though the rain was coming down. I knew no matter what I was going to get soaked and have some mud on me.

So I laid out my outfit for the next day really hoping that it would stop raining so we could get this half marathon over with.

Woke up bright and early race day to make sure I got there in time to get my number, shirt, and to get ready mentally for the half.

It was still raining some but not crazy. Only thing we were going to have to worry about were the slippery boardwalks (which I didn't find to be very slippery) and the mud/puddles.

After getting my number and shirt, I found Brandi. She and I walked around for a bit until Jen got there then it was time for us to line up and get ready for the half.

We kind of all started around the same area. I am normally more up in the front of the pack, but seeing how this was going to be a slippery/muddy race I had planned on just taking it easy and having fun.

I started off a bit slow but that was the plan. I took it easy until most of the crowd thinned out.

The course wasn't bad at all as far as water goes except for one area that had a few puddles. I somehow managed not to get muddy on the first time through but on my way back I had no choice but to go through some of the mud. 

I was feeling pretty good about myself all the way through the race. I only started getting tired around mile 10 so that's when I decided I would go ahead and eat some jelly beans.

Before I knew it I was making my way up a small hill before turning onto the track to do my last little bit of the half.

When I saw the race clock I knew I was going to PR. I was really hoping I could have finished under an two hours, but I will take what I can.

Official time: 2:03. I took 4 minutes off my first half marathon time. :)

Once I got my medal I was able to see the damage of what I went through on the course. 

After we had all finished the half marathon we got a group photo before taking off to Dutch Monkey to get some yummy doughnuts.

Finisher's shirt. :) We decided the logo kind of looked like the Crush Orange Soda logo. What do you think?

Cute little 13.1 sticker they gave us. I added the "finisher" part.

Yummy doughnuts after running 13.1. :)

Back to Running

Quick update:


Decided on Thursday that I was going to go for a 3 mile run with my local running group. It was a slow run for me, but my foot/toe felt great. I am so happy I have finally healed.  Hoping this never happens again. :)

Back to training for the Peachtree Road Race!

Georgia Peach Jam Half

I have been going back and forth about this race for a few weeks now. I wasn't sure if I was wanting to do another half not even a month after running the GA Publix Half.

Early this week I found out that the race was 80% full. So after going back and forth with myself (again), I decided I would sign up. This course is suppose to be flat so that is a big plus since most of GA is hilly. 

This will be my third half. Crazy! I don't plan on running anymore half marathons after this one until at September or October. :)

Jingle Jog 5K Recap

This race took place December 7th, 2013 in Cumming, GA. After having a very warm week, I was hoping race day would be the same but it wasn't. We woke up to some cold temps which made me really rethink my outfit, but I decided to just go with what I had originally planned even if it meant freezing my butt off before, during, and after the run.

Seeing how it was a Christmas themed race, I decided to do something a bit different. I got a "I Believe" Santa shirt, red and white striped socks, and a Santa hat (which I ended up carrying the whole time since it didn't want to stay on).

Since Jen was also running,  I met up with her before the race to chat and to get a picture.

I knew going into this run that I was going to have at least one hill to tackle but I was wrong. After tackling one hill, which really wasn't all that bad, we had to go up another hill shortly after.

I pushed through the hills even though I really wanted to stop and walk for a little bit.

And before I knew it we were making the last turn and luckily it was a down hill finish. When I got halfway down the hill, I took off....

Here's a picture of me right before the finish line.

I crossed with a time of 27:30.

Once Jen crossed the finished we only hung out for a little bit before heading to IHop with Mike. If it hadn't been so cold, I would have stuck around to found out I placed 3rd in my age group. Luckily, I was able to get them to mail my medal. :)

Oh, and here is the finisher's shirt....

                                           

Sorry for a very late recap. Since this one was around the holiday season, I didn't have time to sit down and write up something quick about it. And since this was back in December, I really don't remember much of the race. :(

Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 12

My half marathon training has come to an end. Its crazy how these 12 weeks have flown by.

Monday:

I was suppose to start my week of T25 Beta but decided I would just focus on my core only. Sit ups, leg lifts, and planks to start the week off.

Tuesday:

Not going to lie it felt weird getting up and not going for a run. I did do my core work out and in the evening I went to my group run over at Big Peach in Suwanee. I did an easy 3 miles.

Wednesday:

Since I wasn't feeling well after my run on Tuesday, I decided I would use this day to sleep in and hopefully get myself to feeling better. Luckily, I woke up feeling much better. Maybe getting more sleep is all I needed.

Thursday:

Group run was amazing. It was definitely a lot better than Tuesdays run. I was able to keep the pace I want for the half on Sunday. Can't believe its almost here. :)

Friday:

Rest day!

Saturday:

Rest day!

Sunday: 

Race Day!! I will have a recap of my first half marathon sometime later on in the week.

Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 11

I can't believe week 11 is over with. I am going into my final week. So crazy.

Monday:

Dynamic Core.....I killed it. What a great way to start week 2 of T25 off.  :)

Tuesday:

Decided to split my 5 miles up again so I would be able to run with the group later on in the evening. 

Had a somewhat fast 2 mile run in the AM. I believe the cooler weather had a major part in that.  As soon as I was finished my run, I got started on my Core Cardio work out from T25.  For whatever reason I was struggling with that. I did the best I could. 

The evening run took place in Town Park for the second anniversary of SBPRC (Suwanee Big Peach Running Co). They had about 7 vendors there who demos. I went to to the Mizuno tent and tried on the Sayonaras. I took those shoes on a 3 mile run. I have say I liked them but would have to see how they feel to me on a longer run. Hopefully they will be back for another demo sometime in the future.  The run went well. Cooler temps definitely help me.

Wednesday:

I didn't allow myself to make up any excuses about getting up and getting my work out over with. T25 Rip't Circuit was a lot better than last week. I felt more comfortable using the resistance bands.

Thursday:

I am not really a fan on skipping work outs but since I sore from Wednesdays work out, I decided I would just run today and do nothing else.

My 2 mile run in the AM was another fast one. Faster than Tuesdays. I wasn't even trying to run fast it just happened. :\

I love joining the group run. Had another 3 mile run followed by some yummy pizza afterwards.

Friday:

I had a hard time getting up to go for a run. I really wanted to sleep in but I knew the run wasn't going to get completed without me. I was able to run my 10 miles in one hour and thirty-five minutes. I believe I am ready for my half. I just hope the weather is gorgeous next Sunday as it was on my run. :)

Saturday:

Rest Day.

Sunday:

Rest Day,

Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 10

It's hard to believe that I am on week 10 of my training. It seems like yesterday I was just starting it. In 3 weeks, I will have my first half marathon under my belt.

Monday:

Started month 2 of T25. So far Beta means some serious business. Core Cardio kicked my butt. Maybe next time I will be able to say I nailed it.

Tuesday:

This morning felt amazing outside and since I was going to be running with the running group in the evening I decided I would split up my 5 miles. I did a slow 2 mile run in the morning before doing my T25 Speed 2.0.

Speaking of Speed 2.0....wow! That work out was crazy. I walked away feeling great. :)

The evening run went better than expected. Even though I hate the hill at the end, I can tell I am getting better and faster (trying not to get too fast though). :)

Wednesday:

It was a little weird working with the resistance bands today. I normally just use weights, but since I don't have any at home the bands will have to do.  I nailed my T25 Rip't Circuit. Hopefully next time won't be so awkward using the bands.

Thursday:

Since I am doing another run later with the running group, I decided I would get up and just run 2 miles in my neighborhood.

As much as I would love to say I nailed my work out afterwards...I didn't. :( T25 Dynamic Core means some serious business.

It was a little warm on my second run of the day. Decided to run a little slower than I did on Tuesdays run.

Friday:

Another busy weekend means getting my long run in early. Since the half marathon course is hilly, I have been taking my long runs to the park to run the hilly loop around the lake. Granted the hills there aren't like what I will see on the course, it is still better than training on a flat course. I felt slower than normal, but in the end my avg pace was  9:13" which is where I want to be anyways for my race.

Saturday:

Decided to take advantage of the wonderful weather, so we headed up to the mountains for the day/night.

Sunday:

Got on the boat for possibly one last time before the cooler weather sets in. It was so nice to be able to get out on the lake to relax.  Great way to end week 10 of training :)

Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 9

Hard to believe week 9 is complete. Tomorrow beginning week 10. :)

Monday:

Started week 5 of T25. Crazy how fast these 5 weeks have gone. Anyways, today was Total Body Circuit. I have to say I really gave it my all today and nailed it. :)

Tuesday:

I had a hard time getting into my run today. Probably for the fact I was on the treadmill and the shows that were on TV were not interesting. I got my 5 miles done though. I am hoping to get up sooner on Thursday to get my run done outside instead of running indoors.

T25 Ab Intervals was challenging today but I got it done. :)

Wednesday:

I wasn't really wanting to do anything today, so instead of being lazy I went to the gym for some core work. I rewarded myself with the hot tub afterwards. I needed that.

Thursday:

Decided I would do my 10K run today instead of this weekend since I may not have time for it. It was the worst 10K time for me. I just wasn't into my run.

After my run I came home and took it easy for a few before getting starting with T25 Cardio. Not going to lie I was pretty tired after my 6 mile run. I pushed through it though and finished.

Friday:

Since I switched up my running days, I decided I would run my 5 mile that I was suppose to do on Thursday. First I had to get T25 Lower Focus done. I nailed it! :)

I did my 5 mile in the evening. My legs felt a little sluggish at first but quickly warmed up. 

Saturday:

Rest day.

Sunday:

Rest day.

Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 8

Oh my, week 8?! Only 4 weeks to go....I CAN DO THIS!

Monday:

Started week 4 of T25. Hard to believe I only have one more week left in the Alpha stage before moving on to Beta.

I really nailed the Cardio portion today. It was only towards the end that I was starting to get tired. I am also happy to say I did all the moves without going to the modifier :)

Tuesday:

Since I normally don't like to drive too far to run and since I just so happened to be in the area, I decided I would go run where it all started for me. It was nice being back where I started running. I really like this greenway because for the most part its pretty shady and since I was running at 10 AM I needed all the shade I could get it. I completed my 4.5 mile run in 40 min. :) Maybe just maybe going back to where it started at will give me a boost. :)

I moved my T25 Total Body Circuit work out to the evening. It was a good and bad thing. Good because I was tired and didn't get back home until 2. Bad because I like getting my work outs over with in the AM even though I am not the morning person by all means. LOL. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to nail the work out. I just wasn't into it.

Wednesday:

Tuesday night I felt a little pain in my lower back (not sure how I even strained my lower back muscle either), so I decided I would take the day off and rest.

Thursday:

Back felt better so I decided I would go for a 2 mile run. Painless run. I would have done the other 2.5 but didn't want to push it.

Got my T25 Lower Focus in that I was suppose to do on Wednesday. Nailed that work out. My legs are looking and feeling amazing! :)

Friday:

I didn't want to do anything. I went to bed with a migraine and woke up with what was left of it. I normally can't do anything when my head is throbbing. So I decided I would just chill for a bit. I took some medicine to help kick that lingering headache before attempting to do my double day of T25.

After about 45 minutes of relaxing, I was able to get started on my work outs. First up Ab Intervals. I have to say I have a love/hate relationship with this particular work out. Instead of complaining to myself about doing it, I sucked it up and nailed all the moves. Talk about ouch. My abs were on FIRE! :)

Next comes Speed 1.0. I have to say this one has totally grown on me. And its exactly what I needed this morning. Just like the ab intervals, I nailed this work out as well. :)

Completed week 4 of T25. Next week is my final week of T25 Alpha. I am excited to see how Beta is going to treat me. :)

Oh, and it's one month until my half marathon.

Saturday:

I got up early (even though I didn't want to on my day off) to beat the heat for my 8 mile run. I still wasn't sure where I wanted to run, but decided I would go to Little Mulberry Park to get in a hilly run. Took my EnergyBits before heading out of the house (I was going to need them today, lol). I knew when I started running that I didn't want to take off too fast. I am trying to keep my pace down so I don't over do it. Before I knew it the run was over. I completed my longest run yet. My avg pace (according to my Nike+ GPS) was 8:59. Close to 9 which is where I wanted to be. I felt great when I finished. I am extremely happy I was able to run the whole time without stopping to walk. :)


Sunday:

After an amazing run Saturday, I definitely can say I earned my rest day! :)

Week 8 was amazing. Now on to week 9....

Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 7

For whatever reason I just wasn't feeling it on week 6. I am hoping that week 7 is a lot better.

Monday:

After having a crappy week last week I wasn't sure how I was going to do starting off the new week of training. Luckily I kicked some major butt during my work out. I felt amazing afterwards. Three weeks in to this program and I can definitely tell a difference in some of the things you have to do.

Tuesday:

I decided that I would go to the park and run some hills. One loop around the lake is 2.2 miles. Perfect place to get my 4.5 miles in. I was feeling pretty good the first loop around. Second loop I wasn't feeling it. Normally I like to switch it up and go back the way I came when I get to the start area but today I kept going the way I had started. I pushed through it though. Glad I did. :)

Came home and relaxed for a little bit before starting T25 Speed 1.0. I am not sure where my energy came from but I nailed it. I was able to do all the moves with no stopping. It wasn't easy but I did it!! :)

Later in the evening my friend, Kat, and I decided to go for a run together. It was nice to run somewhere different. Ended up doing another 4 miles.

Wednesday:

Today was tough. T25 Lower Focus was strictly working on the lower part of my body. I really pushed myself to do everything that Shaun T and the crew did. Definitely an amazing cross training work out.

Thursday:

I decided I wouldn't run in the AM so I got started on T25 Cardio. Love walking away knowing I completely nailed the work out. :)

Friday:

Double day! Decided I would start off with T25's Total Body Circuit today. This is my least favorite. As much as I wanted to skip it I kept pushing myself through it.

Ab Intervals was up next. I felt like I gave it my all. I think the next time I had to do Ab Intervals on a double day I am going to get it over with first.

Saturday:

Since its a holiday weekend, I decided I would get my run in a day early. I waited a few hours after I got off work to get in my 7 miles. Surprisingly, I was faster than I had planned. I ended up getting a new PR in my training 10K. I also finished 7 miles in under an hour. A lot better than I did 2 years ago. :)


Sunday:

Rest day.


Week 7 was definitely a lot better than week 6. Here is to week 8 being even better.

No Motivation

Lately I have been feeling like I shouldn't have signed up for this half marathon in October. I have been running since Jan until now. I feel like I am honestly burnt out of running which is odd because I love running, but I guess I don't love it as much as I thought?

I went from one 12 week program to another 12 week program. I am only week 7 and I can tell you right now I am so close to throwing in the towel, but I can't and won't. Why? Because I have so many people pulling for me. I really don't want to disappoint.

It's really bad that I am actually looking forward to taking a "break" from running afterwards. I'll continue to run but it won't be more than 4 miles if that. I need time to relax and not worry about having to run.

I really wish I knew what was going through my head. I just know something needs to spark or its going to be a long 13.1 miles..

Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 5

I knew from the beginning that this week would be a challenge and here is why...

Monday:

Instead of going to the gym I started day 1 of T25 Cardio. I was expecting this work out to kick my butt but it didn't. Since I have been doing lunges and squats since June the leg work outs in this weren't too bad. I can't even imagine what I would have felt like afterwards if I hadn't been working on my legs for a few months.

Tuesday:

I woke up tired. I wasn't sore in the legs which is always a good thing. It took all I had to drag my butt out the door to get to running. I had 4 miles planned but as soon as I got to 3 miles I cut my run short. My legs felt really tired. I guess I will be running the mile I didn't do later this week.

As soon as I got in the house I put my ProCompression socks on and my cross trainers. I was ready to get day 2 of T25 over with. I am not going to lie I wanted to puke in Speed 1.0. I haven't felt like that since Pure Cardio in Insanity. I can't say I "nailed it" today. I wanted to quit but since it was only 25 minutes long I kept on going.

Wednesday:

I decided I would just do XTing today. I did day 3 of T25 - Total Body Circuit. It kicked my butt. I definitely walked away sweating after just working out for 25 minutes.

Thursday:

I was going back and forth with myself about where to run. I get bored with the same thing every week, but I also wasn't in the mood to take on some hills. Decisions decisions. I finally decided I would just take on the hills. I am glad I did! It was a perfect morning for it. Low 60s. I couldn't have asked for better weather. I can tell my legs are getting stronger and stronger.

After running I came home to do my T25 - AB intervals. Loved working on my core. I was honestly dreading 25 minutes of just core stuff, but it ended up going by fast.

In the evening, I decided I would go for a quick 2 mile run in the neighborhood since it felt amazing.

Friday:

Normally this would be my off day, but since I am doing T25 5 days a week I decided I would just move my off day to Saturday.

Friday was a 2 part work out for a total of 50 minutes. If you aren't able to do it all right away you can break it up. I decided I would just knock both of them out of the way. I didn't want to have to do them over the weekend.

I decided I would start off with the Cardio first. I knew I was going to be able to do that without a problem since I basically nailed it on Monday. After I finished it, I took a 5 minute break before putting Lower Focus in. OMG! That had to be the longest 25 minutes of my life. I definitely worked my lower half. My legs were screaming at me. My favorite part was the 3 minute cool down/stretch. I needed it after all that.

Saturday:

I switched things up AGAIN. Since my birthday is Sunday, I decided I would just go ahead and get my 6 mile run in at the gym (it was raining and I just didn't want to run outside). I ended up doing a 10K to finish my Happy 10K virtual race. Legs felt great during and after. I was able to do my 10K in at 54 minutes. I am hoping to eventually beat my current PR


Sunday:

Finally my off day. Since it is my birthday I am going to take the time to relax and enjoy it. Oh and I will cheat a little. I can't pass up a cupcake or two on my birthday. :)

Light Up the Corner's Recap

This event was suppose to take place May 4th, 2013 but due to really bad rain that day they had to postpone it until August 10th.

I have been excited about running in this event since I signed up for it back in July. Maybe it was because it was at night? Or maybe it was because I knew this route really well? Or maybe it was both. :)

The event took place at The Forum in Peachtree Corner's. The proceeds from the event go to benefit the less unfortunate children and families in the Peachtree Corner's community.

Two events took place the 1K Twilight Run and the 4 Mile Run. I participated in the 4 mile run. And since it was a night event, they had the race route lite up with blinking lights. They also handed out glow sticks for us to wear or hold while running on the course. For the crafty ones, they had a contest at the end for the "glowiest" person and team.

I got to the Forum at around 6:30 just to make sure I was able to park somewhat close to the start/finish. I immediately went to get my shirt and number.Good I went right away because when Brandi got there they didn't have anymore small or medium shirts. Most races I have done pre-registered participates get their shirts before race day registration participates.

Not too long after I got there Brandi arrived so I went to meet up with her before heading on over to the start. Brandi decided she was going to do a costume for this race and was determined she was going to win this contest..

Any guesses on what she is suppose to be??? Oh, and check out those socks!!

Brandi was a very popular person once she got into her costume. She had so many people coming up asking for a picture with her. 

Jen and her brother arrived sometime after 8 to see us off. :) Thanks again Jen for coming.

Race got started at 9. It was a little crowded at first, but once we were on the main road I was able to move around people and get into a comfortable pace. I remembered after I was on the main road that I have the RoadID app so I quickly sent Mike a text with a link so he could see where I was and when to expect me to come running to the finish. 

It started to rain on us for a little bit. Thankfully it didn't last long. It was just enough to cool you off.

Before I knew it was I was back at the Forum. I made the final turn and started to pick up some speed. Since I normally sprint at the end I waited until I was down the hill before giving it all I had.

My official time 35:02. :)

I made my way around the crowd to where Jen and Mike were standing. Brandi told us when to expect her since she was planning on walking the entire thing due to her costume.

Brandi crossed a little after an hour. We met up with her and made our way to the glowiest contest because after all we wanted to see Brandi win.

And of course...Brandi won!  :) Congrats girl!

We stayed around to listen for the winners of each age group. I had already decided that I didn't place, but I was wrong. I placed second in my age group!!!

I got a coffee mug, a small trophy, and 2 coupons. Not what I was expecting but hey, I will take it.

Oh and of course we had to get a picture of the winners...

If they do this run again next year (and I am sure they will), I will for sure sign up for it. I had an absolute blast running it.