Marathon Mom

This coming weekend I am traveling to Chicago t run RnR half and 5K while celebrating Matt's 40th! I know after running Dopey and Looney in 2014 I said no more back to back races but as a Rock n Blog Ambassador I was given free entry to the races so why not?! Plus Nichole wants to continue to torture me and have me race a 5K! We've gone back and forth over the race strategy, I wanted a fast half, she wanted both! Then we thought about the hamstring... The weekend is about the run but also having fun and relaxing. I want a fast half but in the long run (haha...run) I want a fast marathon more! And then we looked ahead to the weather... It is kind of sad that the Saturday weather with high of 82 is the better of the days for racing. Even though the 5K starts later (7:30) it should be cooler. The half will be hot and humid with no clouds, yuck! So I guess the strategy is still up in the air. The latest plan is the race the 5K and see what my legs have left on Sunday,...

6 years ago when O was just over 5 months old we ran this for the first time, it was the first year they held the 4th of July race and we've gone back every year! I think the group is down to about 100 who have run every year. Once again we were up and read for an early start to the 4th! This year it was rough, after a long day of working outside we were exhausted and didn't sleep well. As we headed down I drank my usual UCAN cinnamon and vanilla mixture about 30 min prior then stood in the long line for the bathrooms! It was s quite start since it is residential and so early, but we were off. A new course from previous years. I started out where I wanted to be but quickly realized I had nothing! I wanted to find a comfy spot and go back to sleep. My body was tired, my breathing tough and despite cooler temps I was warm. My initial goal was 7:30 pace but after a few miles I decided to just aim for sub 8s. For some reason this race has always been tough for me, even the year...

June Accomplishments Completed MET course so interesting, now just to complete the exam! No races! I stuck with this, a big change from the Jen of 2-3 years ago racing weekly. Weekly yoga/pilates! Finally!  190.5 miles! Biggest month this year O finished kindergarten! I now have a big 1 st grader minus 2 more teeth O and I got to cheer on Maggie after watching her at the gym! July Goals Back to sub 1:40 at half Walk at lunch 1-2 days per week Focus on Metabolic Efficient eating Pass ME certification exam! Get out on my bike! It hasn’t been off trainer since my cash Finish the house projects! New deck and landscaping in the works. Celebrate Matt’s 40 th in Chicago. 1 dinner reservation made, half marathon and what else do we need to do there? Start figuring out winter vacation  (yes already!).  Any suggestion of good warm weather gluten free friendly resorts? 1st July run in gloves! This is crazy! What did you accomplish in Jun...