tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37029887417620172332024-03-18T04:48:13.750-05:00Marathon MomUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger903125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-11946616195384768502018-06-18T08:08:00.000-05:002018-08-21T08:08:44.601-05:00A few Races...Stillwater half was my final pre-marathon race. The weather was a mess, hot humid and gross! I ran with the 1:40 pacer to keep a nice pace and actually held myself back the first haf but yikes then we turned to the road and no shade and it all faded! I struggled to keep the "easy" pace as did everyone around me. I was happy to finish just 45 secs behind the pacer 1:40:45 and not too far off my goal of 1:38. That heat was brutal...<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Stillwater Gazette<br />
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<b>Grandmas Marathon </b>For those who don't follow me on IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marathonmom28/">@marathonmom28</a> here is the short version... I started great, on pace to PR then I became hypothermic (yes in June) and once the rain started it was painful (thank you Raynaud's). I finally walked off the course between mile 19-20 where Matt met me with dry clothes and a warm car. Grandmas this is strike 3, I think I am done! </div>
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I spent the car ride home thinking of next races and wondering if I could jump back in, (dumb I know). As we drove the 2ish hours home the temperature increased 40 degrees, crazy weather! It isn't like me to stop so I struggled with this but as I grow as a runner, what good would it do to finish a race in a time I wasn't happy with? Feeling horrible? Having an unneeded longer recovery? All things that went through my head...</div>
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My 2nd ever DNF and both were due to cold, rainy weather. Think about the typical post race emotions now magnify that! My week after was a hot mess of ups and downs. Combine that with accepting an offer on our house and all the stress of that and well you get it!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-33391018491291540552018-05-04T10:40:00.001-05:002018-05-05T05:22:06.231-05:00Good Bye April, Starting Fresh!It would be an understatement to say that April was a crazy month and not fun at times...<br />
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The month started with my <a href="https://runnershoe.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-struggle-and-answers.html">diagnosis of anemia</a> but at least I now know the reason for the lack of great running! A little update now that I am 1 month into iron supplement. The good news it is working but the bad news is not as fast as it could if I was on a higher dose. Ferritin is now up to 19 from 5, yay! Still a ways to go but hoping to feel more normal before Grandmas in 6 weeks<br />
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Other not so fun running news was missing my half marathon 2 weeks ago. I'm sure you have all seen the massive veggie recall going around, well guess who's salad lunches weren't a great idea 😠. The only good news of this was finally realizing the cause since we were thinking it was related to the high doses of iron supplement.<br />
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And now the non-running craziness...<br />
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<b>We are building a new house!</b> It all happened super fast, within 4 days of deciding to not remodel our current home and build instead we had a lot and were already making decisions on the new home design. Get it done, right?! So we have spent the last month getting our current house ready to sell which is not an easy undertaking when you've lived somewhere for 12 years and had put off small projects planning to do it all in one big remodeling. <b>Have you build before? Share you tips for surviving the craziness. </b><br />
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Add in normal work, Matt finishing his final grad school class, dance competition season, softball starting and a massive April snowstorm complete with a snow day on April 16th and you get a lot of excitement, busy days, planning and living amidst projects. We are tripping over boxes, preparing for a garage sale, marathon training and running every direction at once! Luckily with softball and dance for O Matt and I can get in runs while she is at practices. It's all about making time amidst the chaos!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure why but seeing this lone tree on my run stood out to me...</td></tr>
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<b>Happy Friday! Any fun weekend plans? </b>We will be back at dance competition and then I am speaking about UCAN to a group of run coaches 😀<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-63997726677563353902018-04-26T09:31:00.001-05:002018-04-26T09:31:33.056-05:00The Struggle and AnswersThis winter I have been struggling to hit paces that I easily hit months ago, my body hasn't been recovering great (which I related to getting older), my breathing is off (which I related to asthma) and energy isn't there. I kept thinking this was all the long winter getting to me and long work days, dark mornings, more training, etc, etc. Excuses and frustration! I was due for thyroid labs so I thought maybe this, but I decided to request additional labs to look at anemia. I got some push back since 1 year ago my hemoglobin was fine so she insisted it couldn't be anemia...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrEwShl4uFazEAAsdOjzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBtdXBkbHJyBHNlYwNmcC1hdHRyaWIEc2xrA3J1cmw-/RV=2/RE=1524781797/RO=11/RU=https%3a%2f%2fonsizzle.com%2ft%2f%25F0%259F%25A4%2596%3fsince%3d1476880201%252C3015904/RK=2/RS=ja5l_K2YMIttjZWUHLdCPkBR.CM-">Source</a></td></tr>
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Fast forward a few days to lab results...<br />
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<li><b>TSH</b> is great it is amazing how my thyroid has regulated itself after my celiac diagnosis (still on meds but no more constant increase).</li>
<li><b>Hemoglobin</b> at the low end of normal but no red flag here again</li>
<li><b>Ferritin of 5!</b> While normal is 12-150 most endurance athletes need 100-120 at least to feel good and perform well!</li>
<li><b>Iron of 30!</b> Again normal 35-180 but higher levels work better for endurance athletes.</li>
<li>Iron Binding and saturation also indicate iron deficiency anemia. </li>
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So there we are, finally I know why my running and recovery is tough! Now that I know this it all makes sense. The trouble with breathing well, fatigue, ear ringing, low energy, poor recovery. It all fits. Now with 8 weeks to go can I recover well enough to race at Grandmas?</div>
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Yes I am vegetarian and I try to consume plant based high iron foods and look at things like absorption. I was previously on a iron supplement but got out of the habit. Almost a month ago I got these labs and start twice daily iron (can't do 3 a day due to thyroid medications).</div>
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<b>How to increase iron as a vegetarian/vegan</b></div>
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<li>Caffeine (coffee and tea) block absorption so separate supplement and iron rich foods from these </li>
<li>drinks</li>
<li>Dairy blocks absorption, again separate or avoid all together</li>
<li>Take Vit C with iron, this aids in absorption</li>
<li>Eat plant based high iron foods</li>
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<li>Lentils</li>
<li>Beans - Kidney, black beans and chickpeas are great</li>
<li>Leafy Greens - Spinach, Kale, Parsley </li>
<li>Quinoa</li>
<li>Blackstrap Molases</li>
<li>Tofu and edamame</li>
<li>Oats</li>
<li>Seeds - Chia, Pumpkin, Sesame and Sunflower are great</li>
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<b>Do you take an iron supplement as an endurance athlete? </b></div>
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1 month check in a few days, crossing my fingers things are moving in the right direction.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-75207904567147353852018-03-27T08:19:00.002-05:002018-03-27T08:19:56.028-05:00Catching Up...Part 2Now that I have gotten you up dated on 2017 races here is one more running related post....<br />
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After a tough start to racing in 2017 with races being derailed due to weather, both too hot and too cold, and illness I think (hope) I am not starting 2018 off the same. I hate to even put it out in writing but I am injury free for the longest time in years. There has been a few short weird aches and pains but nothing that has caused me to miss any training (except 2 days with a pulled back muscle).<br />
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2018 has started to be a great year for running (most of the time)...<br />
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<b>The Good</b><br />
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<li>Speed is coming back strong</li>
<li>Hit 60+ miles in a week (highest in years)</li>
<li>Increasing days running and remaining injury free</li>
<li>Yoga once a week at minimum</li>
<li>Strength training 3-4 days per week (was 5-6 initially but with work and increased mileage dialing back a little) </li>
<li>PR'd my 1st race of 2018! 8K in 35:44 and 1:27 PR! </li>
<li>I just signed up for marathon #35! Marine Corps Marathon here we come!!</li>
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<b>The Bad</b></div>
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<li>Winter has been rough, cold, snowy and just not great for running. Meaning too many treadmill runs and making adapting o outside tough to start.</li>
<li>The cold air is making my asthma flare, worse than in previous years (doesn't help that my allergies are extra crabby this year too).</li>
<li>Mentally I'm struggling again with racing. My head isn't in the right place to race right now. A combination of the weather and racing mid marathon training without tapering!</li>
<li>I'm almost out of hand warmers meaning winter needs to be done!</li>
<li>Adidas stopped making my shoe and I have bought every pair I can find online and now struggling to find a new shoe I like.</li>
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Come back for my catching up with life post and all the non running related stuff...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-10635886562127442712018-03-08T08:45:00.001-06:002018-03-08T08:45:29.728-06:00Catching Up...Part 1Where to begin? Sorry about the silence over the past months but so much has been happening both in running and life so I will make this multi-part and start with the run part (since this is a running blog!).<br />
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I guess I should start with a quick wrap up of my last races that I never talked about...<br />
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<b><u>The Halfs of August</u></b><br />
I think I left off with my 5K in August but then I went back to higher distance...<br />
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<b>Mora </b>I raced this hilly course a few years ago, missing a top 3 finish by a couple minutes and it has been my goal to get a clock. The top 3 overall finishers get handmade replicas of the big city clock, how cool is that?<br />
The weather was good, not too hot but still a little humid. We lined up and I took off behind a couple women and managed to hang in 2nd for about 10 miles but then I was passed by a smart runner who kept her speed. I ran with the goal of overtaking her but never got the chance and ended up in 3rd OA 2nd AG and got my clock! 1:38:30 (not my best but I'll take it!). Matt and O ran 5K and he finished 3rd in his AG!<br />
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<b>Women Rock </b>without a free entry from a friend I wouldn't have been out there. It was raining, the course was slippery and they didn't even have it marked well. I was misdirected by a volunteer and added an extra 1/2 mile (fine since I was running as a 16 miler). I ran and chatted with the 1:40 pacer for much of the race and just tried to enjoy the run. Honestly no idea on time.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>Sept Winning</u></b><br />
Why not another 5K?!<br />
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<b>Lions </b>Matt, O and I all decided to run this local race. I headed out for a 2 mile w/u first then lined up. I got caught up behind this group of boys and made it my fastest 800m to get away (oops)! I then fell in behind a couple guys and stuck there. The course was pretty flat but a partial two loop course meaning passing/dodging lots of walkers after mile 2. I finished 1st OA with a PR! 21:11, and even better came away with a GC to a local running store and Punch Pizza! O finished first in her AG with a PR and a GC to a sporting goods store!<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>October Goal Race</u></b><br />
I think I left you hanging with my Chicago Race prep and then silence! I will be brief...<br />
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<b>Chicago </b>The good: I BQ'd with a good cushion (3:37), it was a great weekend with friends and an amazing race. The bad: I was on goal pace for the first half plus but missed my goal, it was hot and I could tell my body wouldn't move better after about mile 18. Even running Tangents my Garmin had me running 28.2 miles! What?! Which would have put me at a marathon PR. The ugly: I finished with a massive blister under my big toe and minus 2 toenails. What? Must have been the heat. Anyways Chicago is amazing, I will run it again for sure. Crowded yet organized and great spectators.<br />
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<b><u>A New Kind of November Racing</u></b><br />
<b>WBL 5K </b>We all decided to run this 5K, a repeat of my August 5K, same course but different weather. Plus I was in the early stages of a nasty cold and suffering! I had no idea what I would do and almost decided to just run with O and Matt. Stupid (or stubborn) me decided to attempt a race. I failed and couldn't hold my pace as I was just tired and congested. I finished 22:xx but good enough for 2nd AG (4th OA) and O also finished 2nd AG but was cold and crabby about the whole thing. Lesson learned no winter racing until she is older!<br />
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Why not run an indoor 5K? How bad can 25 laps around a track be?!<br />
<b>Indoor 5K </b>O and I both decided to run and such a great place to be able to have a kid run and not have to worry. The course was a 200m track with water stops at each corner, they had music playing. Runners were doing 5K, 10K, half and marathon. They smartly had the 5K, 10K line up ahead. My goal was a PR bt I had no idea what indoor racing was like. Since I wasn't sure how Garmin would be be I had a goal of a per lap time to go sub 21. We each had a person counting laps for us and cheering as we passed. It was kind of fun to run past the marathons who high fived as I passed. I got caught up a few times behind groups, hit one water stop as it was dry inside but managed a PR! 21:03! 1st 5K finisher, yay! O was 2nd woman behind me and 3rd 5K finisher!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing my last lap!</td></tr>
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So there is is a quick 2nd half of 2017 racing in a nutshell! Happy to say the year in running ended better than it started. Stay turned for the next parts of catching up....<br />
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<b>Have you run any different races? Indoor races? </b><br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-24037924163300994162018-01-05T08:27:00.002-06:002018-01-05T08:27:51.173-06:00Healthy Snacking- GFB ReviewOne of my goals for 2018 is to eat healthier with focus on less processed junk plus no more mindless eating. This is one thing that I wasn't as good on last year and a final piece that I think will add to my run training. As someone with celiac I am always excited when an opportunity comes to try new (to me) GF products, especially one's that are also dairy free and healthy. the GFB offers gluten free, dairy free, non GMO products that taste good and are actually good for you. Check out <a href="https://theglutenfreebar.com/">their site</a> for more info, plus you can order sample packs to try them out!<br /><br /><br /><div>
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The other day I needed a quick mid afternoon snack while I worked, perfect timing for the Cranberry Toasted Almond GFB. While I am typically not a big fan of cranberry this wasn't too bad. The cranberries were real dried fruit and not overpowering. The bar was filling and got me through the afternoon slump! I can't wait to try the other flavors. </div>
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The Power Breakfast was a great quick pre workout boost. I am typically an oatmeal person in the morning and this was a good quick change. Super easy to make and all in one package. I am stocking up on these for an upcoming trip. Unlike regular oatmeal this was super filling and had lots of flavor without having to add. Especially with out current below 0 weather a nice hot breakfast is perfect!</div>
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Okay, so these are amazing but I had to remind myself not to eat the entire bag! I found it nice to grab one as a quick little dessert after lunch or dinner. They reminded me of the date power bars that I like to make but without all the work! I know I will sound odd saying this but not a chocolate fan but these weren't overly chocolate, just the right mix f coconut and chocolate. Yum!</div>
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<b>What are your healthy snacks? Have you tried GFB before? </b></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
*I was given the products for free to review, all opinions are my own.</blockquote>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-71053766587426787732017-12-24T07:19:00.001-06:002017-12-24T07:19:06.680-06:00Workouts and Meal PlansAfter a few weeks of poor meal planning resulting in last minute frozen pizzas, dinners out and less than healthy foods we are back! The past week coach Nichole has also upped me to running 6 days per week. which I haven't done in years. I need to focus on recovery after the tough days and having the right fuel will be key along with gentle yoga on day 7.<br />
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<b><u>Meals</u></b><br />
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<b>Sunday </b>Lentil Tamales with black beans and fajita veggies (Hosting Christmas Eve) and of course plenty of cookies: Almond crescents, molasses and I healthified (is that a word?) my grandma's toffee bar recipe!<br />
<b>Monday </b>Vegan GF Lasagna with garlic green beans<br />
<b>Tuesday </b>Turning Sunday leftovers into fajitas<br />
<b>Wednesday </b>Christmas with Matt's family<br />
<b>Thursday </b>Tofu curry or Jambalaya (can't decide yet!)<br />
<b>Friday </b>"Fried" cauliflower rice<br />
<b>Saturday </b>Dinner out?<br />
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<b><u>Workouts</u></b><br />
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This past week started my 6 days of running, plus got to kick off the holiday weekend with a family Crossftit workout and last weekend I finally got my butt off the treadmill since paths got cleared of ice! I'm looking at hitting my highest mileage week in a long time!<br />
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<b>Sunday </b>15 mile easy run (working on slowing down my long runs)<br />
<b>Monday </b>Rest Day! Yoga and getting the dogs out for a walk after work (yep I work)<br />
<b>Tuesday </b>6 miles with a 5K pace surge and leg strength<br />
<b>Wednesday </b>8 miles Marathon Pace run and upper strength/core<br />
<b>Thursday </b>6 miles easy and yoga<br />
<b>Friday </b>9 miles with 800m repeats and legs<br />
<b>Saturday </b>5 miles easy and upper strength/core<br />
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<b>Any great meals you have planned next week? Fun workouts?</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas!</span></b></blockquote>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-76696129092435954892017-12-14T09:22:00.000-06:002017-12-14T09:22:23.210-06:00Identity CrisisDoes anyone else feel like they are stuck between their younger self and current adult self?! 40 is chasing me down the last few miles and gaining on me. In only 13 months I turn the big 4-0! Yikes, I was fine with 30, actually liked that birthday, 35 a little tougher but 40 I'm already struggling. Another friend was posting about this on Facebook yesterday so I know I'm not alone.<br />
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<tr><td><img height="222" src="http://theyoungummah.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/identitycrisis-800x445.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrB8qGykzJa1EEAXuejzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBtdXBkbHJyBHNlYwNmcC1hdHRyaWIEc2xrA3J1cmw-/RV=2/RE=1513292850/RO=11/RU=http%3a%2f%2ftheyoungummah.org%2fidentity-crisis%2fidentity-crisis-redefining-ourselves%2f/RK=2/RS=0essS.0m8PzGYksSVnz08.TrXTI-">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I drove to work this morning I felt like so much contradicting!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm driving to work in my mom car listening to old school hip hop. Blasting Beastie Boys, Warren G and more thanks to the great local station. Bringing back memories or driving around with friends in high school and college. </li>
<li>I'm headed to my part time job (yes I quit a full time career) for 2 part time jobs, makes me feel like a teenager again although these jobs are still big! I headed in today to meet with a big stakeolders about clinical development and funding, yikes!</li>
<li>I have a great career but I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I wish we as adults didn't have to decide our career direction until we were out in the real world. I mean seriously who doesn't change from when they were an 18 year old college freshman?!</li>
<li>I love watching my girl grow up and spending morning being lazy with her watching meaningless TV or playing games but the other part of me wants to be alone drinking coffee or hitting the trails.</li>
<li>I watch my girl dance and her excitement with it all and miss my dance days, I think briefly that I can still do it, how quickly I am reminded that I can't!</li>
<li>I hate calm, don't like to sit and read (or write, probably why my blog is bare!), TV is boring, I can only watch a movie if I'm also doing something else. Give me activity! Aren't adults supposed to enjoy things like reading, movies, sewing?</li>
<li>In running I want to get faster and PR at 5K and 10K but I also want to run a 50 mile and 100K, the runner in me says why not but the coach in me says no way, not at the same time!</li>
</ul>
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<b>What ways do you feel torn? Do you have a big birthday coming up? Share big changes you've made in life.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
I've made some big changes over the past year, trying to focus on me, my family and what I enjoy versus what is expected of me as a mom, career woman, runner, etc. More changes ahead and don't worry I will share more about the past year in my 2017 review. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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ETA: This post was actually started in July but much of it continues to be the case. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-46484171789625542662017-11-03T09:28:00.001-05:002017-11-03T09:28:32.056-05:00Day 1As as sat last night with a glass of wine in hand and eating the Peanut Butter Salted Nut Rolls I took from O's Halloween candy I realized I was past my post marathon indulgence period! The past weeks have been filled with sleeping in, pizza, lack of workouts, wine and lack of great choices. We all deserve time to not focus of strenuous training and goals but I think I have reached the end of that. Especially considering that next week I double my work hours meaning less time to push off the workouts and need for better meal planning, not to mention the lovely winter weather that has already hit us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo33FDm6PQgSintS2os-NUxkaen6GwihcJFlrFjBDQRU_vqk9kMeJRP1fT6wxFu7db_JvBsPyo72l9jLRxsQ1_Yw2O18Pu39IM7jwNKy3Qdy-UsJvkFGIsstgwm7aQi6pSQi2KZjHVKg/s1600/Ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo33FDm6PQgSintS2os-NUxkaen6GwihcJFlrFjBDQRU_vqk9kMeJRP1fT6wxFu7db_JvBsPyo72l9jLRxsQ1_Yw2O18Pu39IM7jwNKy3Qdy-UsJvkFGIsstgwm7aQi6pSQi2KZjHVKg/s320/Ducks.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
So here I am putting it out there for all to see, with 2 months left of 2017 I am setting new goals. As we all know the holidays are coming meaning busy days, parties, desserts, wine, colder weather plus with my job busier days and more work.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Daily food tracking, mainly because it makes me think twice about the extra junk and mindless eating</li>
<li>Morning workouts progressively increasing (1 this week, 2 next week, 3-4 per week after that)</li>
<li>Yoga weekly</li>
<li>PT exercises 5x per week</li>
<li>Meal plan and prep on weekend</li>
<li>Find a gym for winter (or do I just buy an elliptical for home? I have weights and treadmill already)</li>
<li>Get back to regular bedtime and wake up, no more binge watching Netflix until late!</li>
</ul>
<br />
Besides the physical side of being healthier I started reading <i>Present Over Perfect </i>as many friends had read and recommended it and so far only a few chapters in it is hitting so many truths about my life. Why does it take a book to show us that we as working moms are some over focused and crazy busy?! I need to take the time to step back and look at the big picture. Honestly the biggest thing I did was walking away from my stressful full time position in June and instead working only 2 short days per week, leaving me time to actually take care of things at home, enjoy the time outside of work, be home and not frustrated with all the little things we as moms do. <b>What big changes have you made in life? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Edit: Obviously this didn't get published on Day 1! In true fashion I got focused on something else mid sentence and never hit publish! So I guess I can update by saying I managed a morning strength/yoga session yesterday but then went out to eat (although had fresh spring rolls and papaya salad and wine). It is a start :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-87655856889300269912017-10-05T13:05:00.003-05:002017-10-05T13:05:49.006-05:00Chicago Marathon Prep<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Chicago Marathon" src="https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/mVmN80vPOfaS0xkMK0e3Aw--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2ZpPWZpbGw7aD0yODA7cHhvZmY9MDtweW9mZj0wO3E9ODA7dz01MDI-/http://d1.yimg.com/sr/imgv1/2/5a9db82f-42e8-37a0-b110-630a023f2959" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chicagomarathon.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;">"Feet don't fail me now, take me to the finish line..."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;">Wise words from Lana Del Ray and I sit here obsessing about Chicago Marathon and full of taper energy. It's almost like the pregnant mom nesting (which I can't say I ever experienced!). Good thing I run marathons more than I'm pregnant, maybe my house will actually get organized.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;">As a marathon veteran I will be the first to say that the nerves, excitement, mixed emotions and craziness of taper don't get any better with experience. So what can one do to relax (a little) pre race. Here are a few suggestions...</span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; list-style-image: initial !important; list-style-position: outside !important; margin: 5px 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<li style="list-style: disc outside !important; margin: 3px 0px 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Focus your energy on something else: read, bake (but don't carb load too much), have a family outing.</li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside !important; margin: 3px 0px 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Focus on healthy eating, increasing healthy carbs and hydration.</li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside !important; margin: 3px 0px 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Look back over your training and look at the highlights and runs that will help push you through the tough spots.</li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside !important; margin: 3px 0px 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Visualize the race and the finish you want.</li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside !important; margin: 3px 0px 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Plan for race day: nutrition, clothes, post race fun, etc.</li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside !important; margin: 3px 0px 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Look at logistics of expo, race morning and post race. </li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside !important; margin: 3px 0px 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sleep!</li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;">I am trying to follow my own advice but the nervous energy is taking over my brain and body. Resist the urge to go for the extra miles and focus that elsewhere. </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;">What can I add to the list of pre race advice?<br /> </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;">Good luck to everyone running Chicago Marathon. Safe travels if you are an out of towner like I am. Continue to pray for cooler weather and a great race!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #626262; font-family: Quattrocento; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;">In other news I am in the process of transitioning to another blog and am undecided whether I will continue this one for more personal stories or not, in the mean time continue to follow me here and check out my new site <a href="http://endurancecoachjen.weebly.com/">Endurance Coach Jen</a> for all my coaching and blog write ups.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-41391168374682298632017-09-08T10:01:00.002-05:002017-09-08T10:01:50.606-05:001 month<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Well let's see if I can do this again...my blog ate my entire post!! I'm back for a little update and looking ahead. 1 month until my 33rd marathon. I am returning to the site of my 3rd marathon and first sub 4 (I managed a 75 minute PR!). I am not expecting anything as spectacular as that but hoping for a great race and maybe even a small PR. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPiOG6R08W_Iv_ctBcFBwHE_vuAAefd4iWI3LeekFUHuYi9j0XW1g5rEjZp0iYI1AP2uM0LhnTI2QVSFbJff_Cw3qnrc6WiHQVZuxdf1t_ZlwrcjF8c8vbKt9u_s1DKBtWHNlpvh2els/s640/blogger-image-1352965030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPiOG6R08W_Iv_ctBcFBwHE_vuAAefd4iWI3LeekFUHuYi9j0XW1g5rEjZp0iYI1AP2uM0LhnTI2QVSFbJff_Cw3qnrc6WiHQVZuxdf1t_ZlwrcjF8c8vbKt9u_s1DKBtWHNlpvh2els/s640/blogger-image-1352965030.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />
Training has been going well (almost hate to say it aloud!). I have been focusing on slowing down my easy and long runs allowing me to focus on harder speed and hill workouts. I've even raced a couple shorter races in this cycle and managed a couple PRs there! I haven't been forced to take time off (knock on wood!) and am up to 5-6 days of running a week.<br />
I went into this training with a better strength base but have decreased that intensity over the past month. Rest days are being taken advantage of, no hard cross training but using these as yoga or pilates days and getting in a long walk with the dogs or an easy bike.<br />
<br />
Nutrition has been better. UCAN is fueling my longer runs and helping me recover. I am overall focusing on metabolic efficiency and eating to fuel. I won't lie, I am still enjoying some treats: cupcakes, wine, french fries, etc. but overall the focus has been on whole foods and good eating. Except the occasional post long run egg or meal out where I allow hidden dairy or eggs my diet is vegan and going great.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: food" height="400" src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21192988_10155015110966608_5606367209902538276_n.jpg?oh=bf009bc1118bf616b7a9c6f25ff48905&oe=5A194D03" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State Fair food recovery after 20 miles!</td></tr>
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As always my weakness is mental defeat! I have been reading again and working on my mental game in hopes of overcoming this on race day. So far this book is good, but we will see how good in 1 month!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBhyTDFUvbHSMYmlHnST_ttU8mNtV5ukFaqwBI8soFFKSL_10_OzWVbIb6vIYs839Cw_r6CZW-bWegdI1zsvzZP8zv2vCoQNKc4_zQ30L0uKm6dZmWJBAfhOMuEdoggZI-SbS2BydQzo/s640/blogger-image--1194654851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBhyTDFUvbHSMYmlHnST_ttU8mNtV5ukFaqwBI8soFFKSL_10_OzWVbIb6vIYs839Cw_r6CZW-bWegdI1zsvzZP8zv2vCoQNKc4_zQ30L0uKm6dZmWJBAfhOMuEdoggZI-SbS2BydQzo/s640/blogger-image--1194654851.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Are you nearing a big race? How are you feeling? </b>I am ready for the break I get in 1 month, my body will be very happy!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-66675342661643949742017-08-05T07:55:00.000-05:002017-09-08T07:55:24.474-05:00Strive 5KSorry, playing catch up on the blog this week. Some big things ahead as I turn 39 tomorrow, yikes! Struggling with this one and not motivated to write other than the many posts that happened in my head...Back to the point of why I'm here.<br />
<br />
A couple weeks ago I signed up for a 5K, yikes! You all know how much I hate those. Nichole encouraged me to shake things up a bit and try racing something short. After the other race in July I figured why not. O also wanted to run so with plenty of warning she knew not to try to run with me!<br />
<br />
I headed out for a 2 mile warm up then met up with her to start, she wanted to line up with me, I had her on the outer edge not to block faster runners but seeing others who had lined up in front I knew we'd be fine. My goals were to 1) don't go out too fast 2) keep pace around 7:00 3) negative split 4) win!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXZBJiVzE1KQ9XPbCoQZIAgf19h7eUNfb5bZpATwNd-r3kNpxqzM6G_Z7N2j_yl13dtNBgdwuLZX9Z2cGl9zYCpwhS2UbuB1gnemzOyxtlSrTFFCiXPt9t5ZryneiR0dA21LflggX8pg/s640/blogger-image--3054330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXZBJiVzE1KQ9XPbCoQZIAgf19h7eUNfb5bZpATwNd-r3kNpxqzM6G_Z7N2j_yl13dtNBgdwuLZX9Z2cGl9zYCpwhS2UbuB1gnemzOyxtlSrTFFCiXPt9t5ZryneiR0dA21LflggX8pg/s640/blogger-image--3054330.jpg" /></a></div>
So what did I accomplish...A sub 7:00 pace, not entirely a negative split as I went out too fast! but I did finish 2nd behind one guy and 1st woman! 21:37 Super excited for this PR! and O ran a sub 10 pace on her first real 5K.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgru-i2LP2qlXu37-7jghnfAa3TH50-KEVNo-sCXzQT6t0Zf82eCPQf8DTSBQWQ3pB7k2cCTqhs-SbJzznHyh0CLBMJrSaoVaMFq-CsrGEodPWPeY3B-If4kkRv2IsEjNNgKlqxyEU7p4s/s640/blogger-image-2099338200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgru-i2LP2qlXu37-7jghnfAa3TH50-KEVNo-sCXzQT6t0Zf82eCPQf8DTSBQWQ3pB7k2cCTqhs-SbJzznHyh0CLBMJrSaoVaMFq-CsrGEodPWPeY3B-If4kkRv2IsEjNNgKlqxyEU7p4s/s640/blogger-image-2099338200.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-1168207537752555852017-08-04T10:11:00.001-05:002017-08-04T10:11:34.744-05:00Friday Five: Marathon Training ThoughtsJust about 10 weeks out from Chicago Marathon that is still undecided whether it will be an A race or not and filled with the typical training ups and downs. I have handed over control of my training to Nichole and am focusing my energy or writing plans for others while she controls mine! Even trying something new with some 5K races, eek!<br />
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<b>1- Struggle: </b>Last Saturday was a struggle. Friday morning the long run fell apart. Had planned to run that day but overslept (so did my training buddy!). Got in my hills that day then sat at the beach, didn't eat great and had a few glasses of wine plus stayed up later than I should. Saturday I struggled from the first few miles but I did it. I am often asked if after all these years I have bad runs and yes I do! I'm not afraid so say I struggled, thought about quitting and had many doubts!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soak in the beauty of the run and just let it push you along!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZZws6b5fjgRzQgEVQrVaFhHe9CTX-_Y3OAB8m3QGvLWjpBGW7n5Ck8sGnOA2pd-jKBlE32Smy8T34QhbolBXoc3GCyefW2KFl43PIeZXf7_MKakMwsOfntWhqqY3an6etBSz0R-Uf8w/s640/blogger-image--1299788637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZZws6b5fjgRzQgEVQrVaFhHe9CTX-_Y3OAB8m3QGvLWjpBGW7n5Ck8sGnOA2pd-jKBlE32Smy8T34QhbolBXoc3GCyefW2KFl43PIeZXf7_MKakMwsOfntWhqqY3an6etBSz0R-Uf8w/s400/blogger-image--1299788637.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Garmin could tell I was struggling! <b>Anyone know how this Recovery time is determined?</b></td></tr>
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<b>2- Nutrition </b>As I am increasing mileage it s time to focus on better nutrition. My post marathon indulging lasted longer than it should have, oops! Too many summer nights of sitting by the bonfire snacking and drinking wine are catching up with me. My goals: No more mindless snacking, limit wine, plan meals and snacks, always carry healthy snacks when out, continue to drink plenty of water.</div>
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<b>3- Hills </b>I may be weird but I kind of like hills! The speedwork I struggle with but hills I can convince myself to push through. Maybe the reward of the downhill after, who knows! 12 hill repeats last week, yikes! But remember hills make us stronger runners :) <b>Do you prefer hills or speed?</b></div>
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<b>4- Weather </b>Yesterday we had a crazy cool day, highs in the 50s! This continued to this morning when I got up to run with Cooper at it was only 52 degrees! After so many hot, humid days this felt amazing! I even had to run with gloves!<b> </b>I love summer (and hate winter) but struggle with hot running. Too bad today was just an easy run! Hoping this morning coolness continues over the weekend.<br />
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<b>5- </b>I am racing a 5K tomorrow and think I am more nervous about it than I am before a marathon! Part of me is a little excited to see what I can do on a course that says it is flat and fast, but the other side hates the feeling of pushing beyond my comfort zone to achieve this! O is running to, excited to watch her finish. <b>Are you a 5K runner or longer distance? How do you mentally push past your comfort zone?</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-36136970047325260672017-07-30T08:58:00.001-05:002017-07-30T08:58:09.753-05:00Weekly Menu Planning with BFree<div class="MsoNormal">
We are in a week of minimal activities as dance intensives
are auditions are over for now and due to the results O has chosen to give up
team gymnastics due to scheduling conflicts so no gymnastics either this week.
Perfect time to get focused on meal planning and better eating again. O also
informed us a week ago that she was becoming a vegetarian for a week, this has
changed to her being vegetarian forever. I am thrilled, Matt indifferent. We have
been have her give input on meals as well and she seems very excited to not eat
meat. Much different than when I became vegetarian (the first time) and my mom
took me to the doctor who told her how unhealthy it was and I was forced to eat
meat or not be in sports! What?! I’m glad things are changing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My training mileage and intensity is increasing so I find
myself hungry! I had to explain hangry to O on Friday after staying at the
beach through lunch Friday! The UCAN Coffee Bar I ate at 10am and the almonds I
snacked on the 4 hours we were there were no longer holding me! Oops, better
planning next time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsfANFDofMBxLqP5XwAytK4gcI6aPfcrkekTEjMQDvrkuY9TbvUkfrGDCCQvPHvzvP2LYSveqEfLQtuBdNxHkiqWDTrGKb_tOmr9PQaqLZcODBfYrriRHRm5El_4G_rt5-iQDQLbZ3So/s1600/blogger-image-1804713789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsfANFDofMBxLqP5XwAytK4gcI6aPfcrkekTEjMQDvrkuY9TbvUkfrGDCCQvPHvzvP2LYSveqEfLQtuBdNxHkiqWDTrGKb_tOmr9PQaqLZcODBfYrriRHRm5El_4G_rt5-iQDQLbZ3So/s1600/blogger-image-1804713789.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Sunday </b>Enchiladas (BFree Chia Wraps) with Jackfruit, Black Beans and Veggies (recipe to follow)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Monday </b>Grill-
<a href="http://runnershoe.blogspot.com/2012/07/what-was-i-thinking-all-about-food.html">Black Bean Burgers</a> and Sweet Potatoes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tuesday </b>National
Night Out BBQ so Quinoa Salad for sure and ?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Wednesday </b><a href="http://runnershoe.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-running-stir-fry-hill-workout.html">TofuVeggies Lettuce Wraps</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Thursday </b>Breakfast
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Friday </b>Veggie
Wraps with BFree Wraps and Sweet Potatoes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Saturday </b>Grill
something!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sunday </b>Dinner out
with ILs<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAUuzCWa6N2G_e9MPwEGR_UEOvkQMww8ezECXFpE6bQ12_XjfRY7VlcRVdqVROe6ME4BwZkbwoMdbHMiDgWcO5l3wzKA0jXIiHjKHuwuXKUsqpKQ7RGFL_DM958T2Qn4iJjYeuzJ2e5w/s1600/photo%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAUuzCWa6N2G_e9MPwEGR_UEOvkQMww8ezECXFpE6bQ12_XjfRY7VlcRVdqVROe6ME4BwZkbwoMdbHMiDgWcO5l3wzKA0jXIiHjKHuwuXKUsqpKQ7RGFL_DM958T2Qn4iJjYeuzJ2e5w/s320/photo%252811%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was given the opportunity to try a new gluten free, wheat
free, soy free, egg free, dairy free product this summer called <a href="https://us.bfreefoods.com/">BFree</a>. These
products are unlike many of the other GF products and they do not crumble!
Amazing! Unlike other GF products they don’t taste weird. These products are
healthy and made with whole grains.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<img align="right" class="CToWUd" height="312" hspace="12" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ui=2&ik=872ff421b4&view=fimg&th=15c365e8852d932c&attid=0.2&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ8IDDseAtt56PbP1MbWNVOTelHkNDLWaz9mek8NRQcd5jkBlSXfC8hnYHXxgAi-QQdUUvuvi5l4X7aUbQpYTsfXC0SUny_ML4vZDeler2pASJFOaI3fh141JuI&sz=w466-h624&ats=1501420734707&rm=15c365e8852d932c&zw&atsh=1" width="233" /></div>
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I’ve been eating the seeded breadsticks with my lunch
salads, making garlic bread from the dinner rolls and sandwiches or toast out
of the breads. The wraps are great for wraps, quesadillas, and enchiladas, I
mean what is more exciting than a GF enchilada! I was so excited that I could
actually roll them and get in the pan without the wrap breaking and having all
the contents fall out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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BFree also makes bagels and pita bread. I am most excited
about the sweet potato wraps and plan to search some out soon! <b>Have you tried BFree? Gluten free readers
what products do you miss?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>What is on your menu
this week? </b>Have a great week, I know we will enjoy the less busy nights
while they are here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I’m linking up with Fitness and Food with<a href="http://www.ilkasblog.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="border: 0px; color: #dc3cb6; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"> Ilka </a>and<a href="http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="border: 0px; color: #dc3cb6; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"> Angela,</a> and <a href="http://www.misssippipiddlin.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #dc3cb6; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tricia </a>and <a href="https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #dc3cb6; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">HoHo</a> from The Weekly Wrap!</em></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-80291960985617564062017-07-27T08:51:00.000-05:002017-07-27T08:51:05.704-05:00Mental Training as a RunnerNo matter how hard I physically train I have managed to mentally defeat myself at the worst times. Any runner knows that running is not all physical and the mental side of running is huge, for me at least 50% of a run is mental.<br />
In the beginning running was only fun (okay not always fun). I had no real goals other than get out and run, finish a race, go a little further. In these days I'm sure I still had a mental side but it was easier to accept that it didn't go well and I could back off. Then I overtrained, ran daily, became injured and kept missing my goals, I focused soley on physical training and I kept falling short. Next phase I became a mom, running was again something I did. I enjoyed the time for me, getting out and training when others said I never would. I also benefited from the postpartum speed with a year and half of amazing running that came pretty easy, knocking of PRs at every distance. A hamstring injury, full time job, lack of good training and I was not where I wanted to be. Anyone who's followed me knows I have struggled the past few years, some out of my control but other things well within my control.<br />
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Last year I decided to focus on mental training and in all my free time read sports psychology books. My latest read is Mind Gym which has been a quick easy read thanks to short chapters and interesting stories of other athletes. It also provides short exercises during each chapter.<br />
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<b>What have I learned...</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Visualize the successful race, what makes it successful, how did I feel, Watch it happen. Feel the race.</li>
<li>Visualize things that can go wrong, focus on pushing through these blocks and seeing success</li>
<li>Visualize a poor race and push it away. What went wrong, why did it go wrong, Learn and move on.</li>
<li>Embrace the discomfort on tough runs and rely on this when a race gets tough.</li>
<li>Control the emotions and keep your composure both negative and positive, don't let these take over</li>
<li>Don't fear failure but focus on success</li>
<li>Focus on your goal, keep that in mind as the struggle begins</li>
<li>Work on the factors you can control and push out those out of your control like weather, illness, etc.</li>
<li>Remove doubt by focusing on the strengths and goals.</li>
</ul>
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I have also read <i>How Bad Do You Want It </i>and <i>Unbreakable Runner. </i><b>What books have you found helpful? What are your mental strategies?</b></div>
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The last race has helped me put this to some use, I visualized myself running well, ahead of my goal and even winning the race. I am hoping that this can continue to help me as I train for tougher races.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-76398393100626875602017-07-20T07:05:00.000-05:002017-07-20T07:05:08.634-05:00Starting To Race AgainThis past Saturday was a local 3.7 mile race, it runs 1 loop around a lake giving it the weird distance. I have run this 2 or 3 times in the past, most recently 4 years ago when I finished 2nd in my AG with a time of 28:00. I rarely race anything under a half marathon. Let's be honest, I hate the feeling of pushing so hard you hurt! I'd rather suffer to a little less extent for a longer time!<br />
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Earlier in the week the weather was perfect for running, 60s and cloudy, but come Saturday the heat wave returned, hot humid ad heat index reaching 100+, yuck! Friday evening Cooper startled when someone came to the door and used my foot/ankle as a launching pad resulting in multiple scratches and a deeper cut right on the top of my foot where my laces hit! I had no idea if this would cause me pain to run.<br />
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We got there with a little time to spare, I took an easy warm up run to adjust the laces to not rub then met up with some MRTT friends. We complained about the heat and got ready to run.<br />
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I lined up just behind the high school boys, not wanting to lose time being further back. The race is a gun start but chip timed at finish. My goal start slower and speed up through the middle miles to allow a slower last 1/2 mile on this nasty uphill! I also wanted to beat my previous time and place in my AG.<br />
I started behind a few other women knowing I couldn't get caught up in the start. After about 1/2 mile I knew I could pick up from the 7:25 pace I was running but may have taken it a little too far as I hit 1 mile 6:58, oops! I had just passed 3 women and had no idea who was ahead of me. I told myself to slow a light to not crash and burn after 2 miles.<br />
About 1.75 there was a water stop, normally on this distance I would skip but the heat was coming and there was no more shade on the course so I drank a little and dumped. With the plastic cups I had to walk to do this. Mile 2 7:17 Over half way I realize I can easily beat my 28:00 and probably even 27:00!<br />
Mile 3 7:09 but the mile 3 marker was no where to be seen! All the previous had been early. The guy I was running near said he was seeing the same, we were guessing it was marked from the finish. Okay good, I wasn't going to be happy if I had extra to run! About 3.25 I passed a group of spectators (some of the few on the course) and was informed that I was the 1st woman! 3.5 here is the nasty hill, steep and short, just get up this hill and the end is downhill. I reach the top of the hill and pick up the pace through the finish line as I pass my friend Sara who is the RD. 26:40!! 1st woman. Official time 26:43 thanks to gun start. The best (or worst) part is I feel like I could have pushed more, had more to leave on the course. But I am thrilled that my body cooperated and ran that well.<br />
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<br />Mentally this was the race I needed, I had moments where I doubted myself and wanted to slow but I convinced myself to keep pushing. I picked out runners as my targets. I felt strong. It was great to come up the hill and see O cheering for me and knowing her mom had just won. The foot was a little sore and had broke open in a small spot, not a smart idea to wear white socks!<br />
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MRTT had a strong presence Jess, Amy and I placed 1st, 3rd, 4th overall women! I have already set my goal for next year to run under 26:30! O also wants to run it next year.<br />
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After the awards I finished my 6 mile run and ran 2 miles to where the kids run was. Arriving just in time to see them start. O ran with a friend and they met their goal of beating her friend's older brother! Way to go girls!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-6236372519771706812017-06-30T11:22:00.002-05:002017-06-30T11:22:48.020-05:00Taking Time to RegroupThese past 2 weeks after Grandma's Marathon have been exactly what I needed. 2 weeks of low running without expectations, the ability to skip a run if I wasn't feeling it, a complete transition away from my overly stressful job that was taking over my life and working to make myself and family a priority.<br />
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We spend much of last weekend at the softball fields coaching O's team to a consolation bracket win! In true MN weather we were cold, bundled up in jackets and pants and even pulled out hand warmers for the Sunday morning games! All weekend I was wishing that this weather had been there the previous weekend for the marathon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to the game! Is it really June?!</td></tr>
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This week I struggled with running, legs were heavy, I was tired, I just didn't have that push. I kept low miles, walked if needed and didn't look at pace, my body was asking for recovery. I even skipped my 4 miles midweek when O asked to join me, we did 2.25 miles run/walk averaging around 10:30 pace! Way to go! It brought a smile to my face to share this with her and see her enjoy running. She got warm and requested to run in just her sports bra.<br />
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<br />This morning I drove to meet coach Nichole for a run, I wasn't sure what I was going to do and luckily she was running 20 miles so I figured I could handle the pace! She texted last night asking if we should run some speed, after the other 2 sluggish runs this week I was scared! Secretly (okay now not so secret) I was hoping the predicted storms made us cancel. Yep, I am known to doubt myself and defeat myself a little too much. No such luck on the storms...</div>
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I met Nichole and she tells me this would be a great time to run 8x 90sec repeats! Can you really say no to your coach? A couple easy miles then the speed! I was great to have someone encouraging and giving mental cues and pointers as we ran. The 90 seconds seem to go quickly, yay! I was happy to look at Strava after and see this...</div>
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<br />Now I have only used Starva for about 2 months but my fastest 400m and just over 6:00 pace less than 2 weeks post marathon! I'll take it! </div>
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Now a little time to relax and enjoy the long holiday weekend. I am running the annual 4th of July half on Tuesday and excited to have a friend running with me this year. After that I'm looking to focus on half marathon training for a while while still getting some miles towards Chicago training.</div>
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<b>What are your holiday weekend plans? </b></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-39519782267820817442017-06-23T07:56:00.003-05:002017-06-23T07:56:55.971-05:00Grandma's Marathon RecapWell, Grandma's was to be my replacement marathon for being sick right before Flying Pig and not being able to race. Coach Nichole and I decided to give it another shot since I was recovered quick after Pig and ready to race. I was lucky enough to find a last minute hotel and a friend wanting to share Friday night. After a week + pf tracking weather that looked perfect, tailwind, highs of 60, cloudy, it all changed!<br />
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We got up early to ride to the start. Since Grandma's is a point to point course they bus to the start. I waited in a nice long porta-potty line as I drank my UCAN and shed my top layer of clothes. It was lightly sprinkling and a little cool, perfect! After dropping my bag I weaved my way through the crowds to get between the 3:35 and 3:25 pacers (no 3:30 pacer). The DJ played "Let's Go Crazy" and I had a great feeling, I was ready. That is my song, not only am I a huge Prince fan but on the bus to Boston the year I PR'd that song was playing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZuV9FM2_J0tBfLNs3X6fJY65KWOJFHnCYck1N9nfj1FGtudX9ga6YhHKtZT0-yVMiEyHokkiT1bKX3kJKcLXhU9QlQ7W2d5-RRp_JkiVxYOMn_QGjpaMmrEhWPJFuy6n2Yi8ey8pQUc/s640/blogger-image--644926973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZuV9FM2_J0tBfLNs3X6fJY65KWOJFHnCYck1N9nfj1FGtudX9ga6YhHKtZT0-yVMiEyHokkiT1bKX3kJKcLXhU9QlQ7W2d5-RRp_JkiVxYOMn_QGjpaMmrEhWPJFuy6n2Yi8ey8pQUc/s400/blogger-image--644926973.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can almost see the start from here!</td></tr>
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<b><u>Miles 1-5</u></b><br />
Clouds are around, everything feels great! I am focusing on being smart. Try not to get caught up in the start excitement. My goal is to stick right around 8:00 pace. I was fluctuating 7:56-8:03. Feeling great, nice and easy! Then Mile 5 every cloud disappeared! and here is the sun, No!<br />
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<b><u>Miles 6-12</u></b><br />
Luckily there is still a slight breeze off of the lake. These are weird miles. Hot, then a nice breeze and the temp drops. Slow down, speed up, keep moving. This isn't too bad, yes it is hot but I've run in worse. Keep drinking and run through sprinklers and any infrequent patch of shade I can find. Paces 7:50-8:10s.<br />
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<b><u>Miles 13-15</u></b><br />
Lots of thoughts at this point! "If I'd run the half I'd be done!" Why does the half start so much earlier, I'd be done with a log run by this time of day. I even had a moment where I told Matt I had enough and didn't feel like running anymore. Again slowing the pace 8:19-8:37. I took my 2nd serving of UCAN knowing that this to me means I can't quit, I have committed to "running" the rest of this race, even though the runner drop zones were looking inviting! Mile 15 I looked around and almost all of the people I had been running with were slowing and now it was like a mass walking break!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZNhWEKIs8POQV8Cs7WeSsORWu01iaKOcwphVOzXcyNcWtG5kCKIlP-OC8gz88T0WLTxzvzF1SOHPIdC9Y53nvvKZqcBpXId6fXKA8fvMJZrumOdiRoKfB1dDnUTZcu4yE-39pwoZVfQ/s640/blogger-image--788314175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZNhWEKIs8POQV8Cs7WeSsORWu01iaKOcwphVOzXcyNcWtG5kCKIlP-OC8gz88T0WLTxzvzF1SOHPIdC9Y53nvvKZqcBpXId6fXKA8fvMJZrumOdiRoKfB1dDnUTZcu4yE-39pwoZVfQ/s400/blogger-image--788314175.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy the view and have fun!</td></tr>
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<b><u>Miles 16-20</u></b><br />
Survival mode, stop worrying about that PR which was long gone, stop focusing on a BQ, just finish and try to enjoy the day. I almost quit but then realized I would be teaching O to take the easy way out, we have been working on encouraging her to keep trying and pushing through when things can tough or aren't as fun as she hoped. Mom moment here but I realized quitting would only show her it is okay to give up. Paces again slowing 8:24-8:40, I actually stopped my Garmin to stop the frustration of watching the paces slow. Mentally I needed this gone. There was walking here, heck I even stop for pickles on the course!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Og0Y32h2tHstz3kC-J5SGn8vNHY2DzQAiGoRHgJ0Ydr4zkU6pNGDhAaGhB6SqACh_zlEHAJLYO8HyZ6Ch1dfJe_zJ49-PAXQThu7XWLYGqfrOZzGYPbqzuIGV5IRC2FIfA0-V3zDfc/s640/blogger-image-1617059454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Og0Y32h2tHstz3kC-J5SGn8vNHY2DzQAiGoRHgJ0Ydr4zkU6pNGDhAaGhB6SqACh_zlEHAJLYO8HyZ6Ch1dfJe_zJ49-PAXQThu7XWLYGqfrOZzGYPbqzuIGV5IRC2FIfA0-V3zDfc/s400/blogger-image-1617059454.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Team Pickles! Love the sponge stuck in my sportsbra!</td></tr>
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<b><u>Miles 21-26.2</u></b><br />
I have mentally accepted that this isn't my race, it is heating up even more. I am so hot, yuck! 90% humidity, this is thick! With all this I have somehow gotten my second wind. I am running again. I've got this! Thanks to my wonderful running friends are texting such encouragement through these miles and Apple watch for making it easy to read these. I've got my music, my friends great words, the fact that I am almost done and knowing Matt and O will be out watching. I am planning my future as a runner, what do I want? Maybe not the best time to think about all this!<br />
Mile 25 I passed Matt and O on the course and O wanted to run with me, they cut ahead and planned to meet me just before Mile 26. The long loop around the ship and I was almost there. Mile 26 she grabbed my hand and we ran hand in hand through the finish line! I have no clue on my time, I have not looking and don't care. #32 is done and now I can focus on what is ahead.<br />
The volunteers gave O my medal to put on my neck, then a 2nd volunteer put one on her neck saying they had plenty of extra, her smile made it all worth the struggle. She informed me she will keep it until we can run the whole race together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq5bbIqfKiUAXfMhSiIrh8hJdJHM7OYJEV6QscAMSj8XRi_JTMrkEd4rwa4uJyKFcAMOAvny0kqhH2p30nt-LGtGazw4v-Gz5dPH6Q1oNXhEsth1lW96SfUv11XlPdoaaiurD0q-knLA/s640/blogger-image-2072486199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq5bbIqfKiUAXfMhSiIrh8hJdJHM7OYJEV6QscAMSj8XRi_JTMrkEd4rwa4uJyKFcAMOAvny0kqhH2p30nt-LGtGazw4v-Gz5dPH6Q1oNXhEsth1lW96SfUv11XlPdoaaiurD0q-knLA/s400/blogger-image-2072486199.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><u>Lessons</u></b></div>
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This only reinforced that I am not a hot weather runner.</div>
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Find a marathon with an earlier start time.</div>
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Never again will I register for Grandma's! Maybe the half which starts 90 minutes earlier and gets the cooler weather, plus is more on my running schedule. The weather can so unpredictable and hot plus the huge hotel rates are crazy! </div>
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My fueling was great, UCAN during and UCAN hydrate before was perfect. </div>
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I need to continue to work on my mental game with running.</div>
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<b>Who else raced last weekend? What are your weekend plans?</b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-21371696184527553732017-06-16T08:53:00.003-05:002017-06-16T08:53:39.905-05:00Five for Friday! So much has been happening in my life over the past month or so, some big changes in store for me and the family. I have finally made some decisions on what I need to be focusing on at this time in my life and how to be better. I'm learning what I want from myself and life (yes, it has taken me many years!). Today is the first day of many new things...<br />
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<b>1. I worked the final day at my job yesterday! </b>The job that has caused me so much stress and anxiety is now removed from my life. I am no longer required to push family commitments aside to be at work in evenings or weekends or working from home to finish countless hours of charting. I woke this morning with such a sense of relief and calm, I slept great and feel refreshed not dread and anxiety. I am excited for my new opportunity that is much different and very much employee friendly. I am scared leaving a very stable full time job for something with some uncertainty but sometimes you just need to take the leap!<br />
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<b>2. Summer Bucket List </b>O and I have started writing our summer list of fun things to do. With me being home more we can spend time making memories and I can mom instead of being that crazy woman who gets home with little left to give. We have been getting out already walking or running with the dogs to explore nature. Earlier this week we found this guy (or girl) hanging by the playground. W<b>hat is on your summer bucket list?</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ5L_BCPQ_pH-FJK_CKSmy7qUH6ChyphenhyphenmAx5hKyhSw18hrl1-VsTDsiaPwhHlQdB4ONxIxD7tcK3kKtcrujRweWha-H4rXyMrudu5lUv5IlxZk8DG5GuUgeYDIjc98DwW9dpW8lmTzHQrE/s640/blogger-image-1877578538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ5L_BCPQ_pH-FJK_CKSmy7qUH6ChyphenhyphenmAx5hKyhSw18hrl1-VsTDsiaPwhHlQdB4ONxIxD7tcK3kKtcrujRweWha-H4rXyMrudu5lUv5IlxZk8DG5GuUgeYDIjc98DwW9dpW8lmTzHQrE/s400/blogger-image-1877578538.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>3. Storms! </b>Sunday morning started with a bang, literally! We woke and I thought I could get my run but the skies quickly turned dark then the winds and rain started followed by snow! Okay not really, it was hail but it got so bad in some areas near us that snowplows were out! This picture at our house doesn't even show the worst!<br />
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<b>4. Changing my focus (a little). </b>Over the past month I've continued to train for a marathon and at the same time added in more crossfit days which I love. In the next few weeks I am changing my focus to more crossfit but still running. I was so excited to do 4 pullups unassisted last week! Evan better, I was called a crossfitter (is that a word?). In a room full of mnonrunners, it was pointed out how many marathon runners can do pullups and how many crossfitters can run marathons?! But I still hate burpees!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for burpees quotes" height="400" src="https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/3pK8xtDEc-2NhvRFkjMiTfI3RTE/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2015/06/29/754/n/1922729/a56a0215bc148039_11333753_1613584938889597_1953087088_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjzv6SMwcLUAhUo4oMKHTH1AHUQjhwIBQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2Ffitness%2FBurpee-Quotes-37801081&psig=AFQjCNFgxo4uoP7giL52cnWpIHbbEmpK0A&ust=1497707318463912">Source</a></td></tr>
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<b>5. </b>I might be running a marathon tomorrow... (just leaving it at that). No pressure, have fun, kick some marathon @$$ and be tougher than my mind!</div>
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<b>What are your weekend plans?</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-15724553962681116842017-06-07T07:49:00.002-05:002017-06-07T07:49:49.498-05:00Happy Global Running Day: Giveaway & DiscountsHappy Running Day Everyone! Although I don't really need a special day to run, but way not. It seems like a lot of races are getting in on the fun now and offering discounts too so even better.<br />
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I have partnered with <a href="https://www.nathansports.com/">Nathan Sports</a> to share some great runner essentials and also give away a prize pack to one reader!<br />
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<b>Hipster Belt: </b>I have struggled finding a good belt to carry my phone, more important one that doesn't move or slide around on runs. This belt is great! I have used it on a few long runs and it stays put. My phone is securely in the pocket so no fear that it will crash onto the pavement!<br />
<br />
<b>SpeedShot Plus: </b>Holds 12 oz of fluid. Which for me is perfect since I don't drink a lot when I run, For me it was small enough to carry without being annoying or too heavy. My hand fit great in the handle without even needing to really hold the bottle. I rarely carry water (or my UCAN Hydrate) on runs under 2 hours unless it is hot and humid so this came at a perfect time with the brutal heat! The holder also has a small pocket with room for a key, UCAN Bar, etc but too small for my big iPhone!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>uCool Ultra Cooling Towel: </b>We survived Ragnar last year with these cooling towels! Amazing after or even during a hot run.<br />
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<b>Power Wash: </b>We all know that lovely post run smell that sticks in our clothes, right?! Well I used this once and my clothes came out nice and clean. Even worked on those clothes that have been sitting in the bottom of the basket for a week! Yep, I'm a little behind on laundry!<br />
<br />
<b>Who wants to win this prize pack from Nathan Sports? </b>To enter share what you are doing to celebrate Global Running Day. For an extra entry share the giveaway (and comment with link). Winner announced June 12th. (I was given products for review, all opinions are my own).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Discounts</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, text" height="400" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18740023_10154817578789403_4031645542646197152_n.jpg?oh=d726d6372f056c62d2bdd692f5e827e9&oe=59E3DB03" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/RagnarGlobalRunningDay17">Pledge Here for $80 off Ragnar</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.runrocknroll.com/global-running-day/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-ads&utm_content=remarketing-page-fans&utm_term=sale">Rock n Roll Events at Discounted Price!</a> Most events includes and discounts vary. Fun races to check out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goneforarun.com/sale-2/">Gone For A Run</a> is offering up to 75% of select products today.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.active.com/running/articles/how-to-celebrate-global-running-day?cmp=17N-DP10-BND10-SD20-DM20-T9-06012017-6094-paidmediatest2017Q2">Active is sharing discounts for Diva Series, Color Run and Run Disney!</a> Seriously? Even a Run Disney discount, that is huge!<br /><br />Lastly I am offering a Global Running Day coaching discount! Contact me to take advantage of my coaching services for runner of all levels.<br /><a href="http://runnershoe.blogspot.com/p/coaching.html">Free coaching consult with 2 months run coaching or get 5 months for the price of 4 plus free consult!</a> </td></tr>
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<b>What discounts have you seen for Global Running Day? Are you taking advantage of any?</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-77285614469378483232017-05-22T10:45:00.001-05:002017-05-22T10:45:22.976-05:00Post Marathon RecoveryI am now 15 days post marathon and have gone through all the emotions of happiness, disappointment, anxiety of what if I can't get faster, excitement of what is next, and more. Marathon training is all consuming and to lack the end results you hoped for comes with all the emotions of any big event.<br />
<br />
Things are even tougher when it is completely out of your control. I feel that I had great training, yes there were days I struggled but overall it went well. My best training in years, I was hitting paces I hadn't hit in years, I wasn't in pan during and after every run, I was recovering great, I even kept up with the strength training. Yet, the factors out of control make or break the day, for me this was a lovely GI illness 3 days before the big race, meaning I was dehydrated and consumed less than I needed to be fully fueled and ready to run. It took me time to accept that this wasn't my failure at the race but instead I couldn't have changed it (accept maybe keeping myself in a bubble!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: dog and outdoor" height="300" src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18556936_10154701025716608_7720442113398742076_n.jpg?oh=70d3cf99a9c99d4a907106d1902d0a42&oe=59A19D31" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st run with 2 dogs, not too bad!</td></tr>
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<br />
<b><u>How to move on after a marathon...</u></b><br />
<b>Take time for yourself</b><br />
I spent 1 week post marathon letting myself eat what I wanted, skip workouts go for walks, relax a little. During this time look back at the race, the training and learn from it all.<br />
<br />
<b>Find a new goal</b><br />
Although I am keeping it pretty quiet, let me just say that there may be a new marathon soon ;) Also thinking ahead to next year and what I want to accomplish. Do I want to continue with marathons? Increase distance to 50 Mile? Or focus on improving half marathon time?<br />
<br />
<b>Enjoy the things missing during training</b><br />
#1 sleeping in! No long run last weekend so I slept, watch Matt and friends run a half, took O to her gymnastics show, walked around with a coffee in hand and enjoyed the nice weather. No plans to get out and run. This past week was filled with dance recitals and it was great watching my girl dance and spending time doing what she loves.<br />
<br />
<b>Enjoy the run</b><br />
Last week O asked to run with me, we headed out for an easy couple miles letting her dictate the pace. I've also gotten out with both dogs and am starting Jessie on her running journey, she's slowly learning the signs of me heading out to run and is getting excited to join. Although she is slower and can only do a short distance we are progressing.<br />
<br />
<b>How do you mentally recover after a big race?</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
Some good news to share...I had one of my runners race this weekend and she ran a 6 minute PR at her marathon! Way to go Shannon!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-8774443382203778412017-05-09T09:43:00.001-05:002017-05-09T09:43:24.192-05:00Flying Pig Marathon RecapThe short and not so sweet...After being sick Thursday and Friday and not eating well at all I questioned what I'd be able to accomplish. Finally Saturday I was eating better but could tell I had calories and hydration to make up. Terrible timing before a race! I was hoping for the best but knew plans might not go as we hoped.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 12 people, people smiling, people sitting, table, drink and indoor" height="300" src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18268226_10208976986606017_6281245376610711499_n.jpg?oh=991556ceae90cf335dc4d2e8dd6fe122&oe=597D1CCC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday dinner: Vegan and GF burgers!</td></tr>
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My brief picture filled recap...<br />
<br />
We had a fun weekend, dinner with friends, a little exploring Cincinnati, good food, relaxing! Saturday I hit the expo and quickly grabbed my gear and bought some <a href="https://bondiband.com/?rfsn=508585.e01041">Bondi Bands</a> (10% off through that link!) for O and I. We then headed for some lunch and time to relax before making dinner.<br />
<br />
Sunday was an early start, 6:30am! We headed over to the start bundled up and trying to stay warm. I got in my corral with minimal time to spare and the goal of not going out too fast. Success! First miles 8-8:10s, yay! I knew the hills would slow me but wasn't sure what I could manage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: sky, tree, outdoor, nature and water" height="225" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18301939_10211990828062635_294222132056101803_n.jpg?oh=c750f74a1dfd67128910981125d50ded&oe=597D8061" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
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I soon dropped to 7:50s and felt great. My goal was keep this pace and see what I had left the last few miles. My body had other plans, ugh! I had fueled like normal, UCAN again at Mile 14 but by Mile 18 my stomach was not happy, flashback to Thursday, yuck! I walked a minute, took a deep breath and decided to start my music. I felt better so I ran again making ti maybe 2-3 more miles but then I was done, it wasn't the legs; they felt great. My body had enough. The GI illness of a few days earlier had decided I hit my limit. I'd try to run and it just felt awful so I walked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: sky, tree, mountain, outdoor, nature and water" height="225" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18424986_10211990828182638_4682403312534630939_n.jpg?oh=8749a94d1aa739b6fe70fceb730b11ec&oe=59BCD210" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
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New goal finish feeling good and not sick! I had fun with things now, talked to other runners, grabbed a basketball and missed the shot! I wanted to feel good enough to run the finish. I finally saw it ahead and ran...Done! Marathon 31 in the books, Yikes, those hills! huge elevation gain overall that I somehow didn't realize there was!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people standing and outdoor" height="400" src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18275192_10154661601376608_6576045778362943775_n.jpg?oh=d6f9402fe1ac8a6b880c5ed0c19863af&oe=59AEA49D" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 1 person, standing" height="400" src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18275261_10154661601386608_3835078366883919174_n.jpg?oh=6bf6904e81efd505c98bd1951152dc91&oe=59AEE40F" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee!</td></tr>
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<br />This was my reminder that life doesn't always go as planned, I had no control over the illness 3 days before the race. We life and learn from the run. I have learned that I now feel great, legs not tired or sore but in recovery mode for now (at least a few days!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people sitting, drink and indoor" height="400" src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18341643_10154661719226608_7630543478293488519_n.jpg?oh=681b833bd33c6357714238c320c1cc03&oe=597AF193" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers! My Flying Pig Bondi Band</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Last Day to enter <a href="http://runnershoe.blogspot.com/2017/05/staying-hydrated-ion8-bottle-review.html">Ion8 Giveaway</a>!<br />
<br />
<b>How do you deal with important races that don't go as planned?</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-30048666631963123542017-05-05T08:08:00.002-05:002017-05-05T08:08:55.883-05:00Five on Friday: Marathon Prep2 days, yes 2 days until Flying Pig! Despite a little set back yesterday, O was so nice to share her germs with me and I had a little bought of GI illness, but think I am recovering. Ugh!<br />
<br />
How do I get ready for a marathon in the last couple days. <b>I'd love to hear your pre-race prep </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Relax</b><br />
For a busy mom, this is kind of funny! Fortunately I am flying to Cincinnati today, alone! I plan to spend the flight reading and listening to some music. Fingers crossed for a smooth, stress free flight and arrival.<br />
Along with relaxing try not to obsess about the race, the weather, the what ifs and factors beyond my control. Yes I am following the weather but I can't change what Sunday morning brings, to help me relax I am preparing for anything!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Hydrate</b><br />
Currently race morning is looking cool! So dehydration won't be a huge concern. Flying tends to make me feel dehydrated so I will be traveling with my water and UCAN Hydrate. With the past days of GI illness this is even more important! Of course bringing my Ion8 bottle <b><a href="http://runnershoe.blogspot.com/2017/05/staying-hydrated-ion8-bottle-review.html">Remember you can win your own</a>! </b><br />
I also carry water with me most of the 2 days prior, Depending on predicted temps I also add UCAN Hydrate electrolytes into 1 or 2 of those bottles. Hydrating prior allows me to drink a little less on race day meaning less tummy issues.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Visualize the Race</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQU2V-wrnjIwOxxWq0k2DmldXvQIoQABaBfSn0Nm-qJFXsNYDJ2h5wKoZ3niD1DL1AwFXtVJLA30iFpgsDE7VJAmvXoijrsd4y_HouGqNklQ49D5TTMAvdMUlJE71I55oeO2D1FLiep0/s1600/936715_590268047660123_1791080642_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQU2V-wrnjIwOxxWq0k2DmldXvQIoQABaBfSn0Nm-qJFXsNYDJ2h5wKoZ3niD1DL1AwFXtVJLA30iFpgsDE7VJAmvXoijrsd4y_HouGqNklQ49D5TTMAvdMUlJE71I55oeO2D1FLiep0/s320/936715_590268047660123_1791080642_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Think about the course, the start, getting through the tougher miles and crossing the finish line strong. Have a plan, Nichole and I discussed my plan a few days ago and I'm feeling good about it. No, I'm not sharing ;) It makes me too nervous to say it out loud!<br />
I have a plan of how to focus through the tough miles, my mantra and ways to push through. I'm thinking positive on this one. I have music ready if I need it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Massage, Roll</b><br />
No pre-race massage for me but foam roller is packed and my lacrosse ball is in carry on. I will be easily working through the sore areas. I debated acupuncture like I have done before but ran out of time! Oops! Compression sleeves are ready for the walking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1q9VNzv1QmVIpCH4JCVFn6RTKf210iJMOk5Nupe47Lfijl_YIzDHJRrUw5Jxh-sGfq1rvYek_NwJLYWizRFoouyY6dwoQjrbl-P-b-T8vGkMkXo_KSElju71EbTeIm1SGSEijo7B0Io/s1600/blogger-image-116134777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1q9VNzv1QmVIpCH4JCVFn6RTKf210iJMOk5Nupe47Lfijl_YIzDHJRrUw5Jxh-sGfq1rvYek_NwJLYWizRFoouyY6dwoQjrbl-P-b-T8vGkMkXo_KSElju71EbTeIm1SGSEijo7B0Io/s1600/blogger-image-116134777.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Race Day Gear/Clothes</b><br />
This is the big one! With traveling you need to prepare for any weather since I won't have the luxury of home. O has so nicely picked out a few running outfits, nice and bright and colorful of course! Also I have 2 pairs of shoes, one in carry-on.<br />
My Race Day list<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1mcC2Of4uxodED3K_oVDIqrUfR-8o2ZMz9GZvDLEnMT6iuZKJuMFbigTzna7q7jo5QO_xRgtEiG1E1QsvXF7sHUvVxItP74O6s4qWHp0XABQ8XAu08uuDTk3oLETj3yMvwbskAP2uPQ/s1600/blogger-image--1148690596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1mcC2Of4uxodED3K_oVDIqrUfR-8o2ZMz9GZvDLEnMT6iuZKJuMFbigTzna7q7jo5QO_xRgtEiG1E1QsvXF7sHUvVxItP74O6s4qWHp0XABQ8XAu08uuDTk3oLETj3yMvwbskAP2uPQ/s400/blogger-image--1148690596.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>UCAN and shaker bottle</li>
<li>Breakfast (yep I travel with food)</li>
<li>Multiple clothing options</li>
<li>Garmin and charger</li>
<li>iPod and earbuds (yep, I've forgotten the earbuds before)</li>
<li>Flipbelt</li>
<li>Post-race flip flops</li>
<li>Throw away clothes</li>
<li>BodyGlide</li>
<li>Pro Compression socks</li>
<li>Hats</li>
</ul>
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<b>Anything I am missing from your pre-race prep? Who else is racing this weekend?</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-34637327536952002152017-05-03T08:44:00.001-05:002017-05-03T08:55:01.546-05:00Staying hydrated Ion8 Bottle Review & GiveawayAs a busy mom and runner who works and feels like things are always moving in every direction it can be difficult to remember to drink enough water. I try to carry a bottle with me wherever I go but it can be tough finding a bottle that holds enough water but isn't too big. I was thrilled to see the Ion8 Bottle...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ns6DPhuqvp9uPDs77rhGfx92lGwsi7a1JHMvoDyL-IEpGbHl9l9SOsBPeONA09_jcih2UyZ8lFBM_iQhby1fKrzBW28Q__oVHgiAzbqnrpSkM6bVZ04Jv9FS8S2YBZNHVQk_VItdZq0/s640/blogger-image-686050227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ns6DPhuqvp9uPDs77rhGfx92lGwsi7a1JHMvoDyL-IEpGbHl9l9SOsBPeONA09_jcih2UyZ8lFBM_iQhby1fKrzBW28Q__oVHgiAzbqnrpSkM6bVZ04Jv9FS8S2YBZNHVQk_VItdZq0/s640/blogger-image-686050227.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<strong>What makes ion8 different?</strong><br />
<span id="m_3115216140027276807" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Ion8 Ultimate was awarded the reddot award for design </strong>with curved sides and a comfort band for easy grip, in fashionable colors.</li>
<li><strong>Comfort: </strong>Concave sides and a soft band for a
relaxed, slip free grip which also protects hands when carrying a hot
beverage. Suitable for hot & cold drinks from 14°F to 204°F.</li>
<li><strong>Convenience: </strong>Large enough neck for ice cubes!</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6CocgEI8P8V_2mnowEwIvhSQWGzgW_fVyqaDfgGGdj19raP00fYmT0ACIUgy6XDCn-bcTzzsLymtrTGVIK3p332ZTII4MmoIspLHVNAoMN3vjonCCw4bhLmo1Hz0vlQe3c-wqn6HPus/s640/blogger-image--1757217657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6CocgEI8P8V_2mnowEwIvhSQWGzgW_fVyqaDfgGGdj19raP00fYmT0ACIUgy6XDCn-bcTzzsLymtrTGVIK3p332ZTII4MmoIspLHVNAoMN3vjonCCw4bhLmo1Hz0vlQe3c-wqn6HPus/s640/blogger-image--1757217657.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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I love that the top locks into place preventing spills and has an easy spout for drinking. I brought in on my work trip last month including multiple flights and conference days and no leaking! Perfect size to throw in my bag and not be too heavy. My daughter has tried to steal this as her own! In true Jen fashion it has been dropped more than once but no cracks, no leaking! It holds up to real life and mishaps!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGaNIUnRd9arqKn05q6MfA-seEOLxaQmYJOyz9RVsJOEP1XHuWzA1h2p16t8Tx_fnt_K1euVyVA31yBp2IgTZwVxNb4SlkrUrd4hyphenhyphenjtC5rGsO44GeceK8-rkecjb0FaKpLK3gamCrqM4/s640/blogger-image--1699817485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGaNIUnRd9arqKn05q6MfA-seEOLxaQmYJOyz9RVsJOEP1XHuWzA1h2p16t8Tx_fnt_K1euVyVA31yBp2IgTZwVxNb4SlkrUrd4hyphenhyphenjtC5rGsO44GeceK8-rkecjb0FaKpLK3gamCrqM4/s640/blogger-image--1699817485.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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I even used it last week during a treadmill run and the top was so easy to flip open and drink while running.<br />
<br />
<strong>Ion8 Ultimate Product Specs:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>All are BPA free</li>
<li>100% Leak Proof</li>
<li>Dishwasher Safe</li>
<li>Soft Touch Surface for Effortless Grip</li>
<li>Suitable for Hot and Cold Liquids!</li>
<li>Fast Flow with Flip Top</li>
<li>Holds 18 oz</li>
</ul>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702988741762017233.post-17290805142629405542017-05-02T09:15:00.002-05:002017-05-02T09:25:47.027-05:00Marathon Week1 year ago I signed up for Flying Pig Marathon, something I have had on my bucket list for years. Not sure why exactly, maybe the name is fun, I like pigs, I want to cross off another state, who knows?!<br>
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So here I sit 5 days out from marathon 31! Honestly I never thought I'd be here, when I started I was a 1 and done marathoner, oops! I am thrilled that I have continued to run but somehow 31 training cycles doesn't make taper any less annoying and crazy!<br>
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<b>Marathon Week Prep</b><br>
<b><br></b>
Since I am traveling and the weather forecast is ever changing this means packing run clothes for everything from perfect weather to rain to heat! Today is laundry day to make sure I have all of these ready.<br>
Food prep and research. Being a vegetarian with celiac makes race travel more difficult. I have researched the area and will be bringing race morning breakfast with along with my UCAN and plenty of snacks for the flight and throughout weekend.<br>
Easy runs this week and accepting that I can slow down and not do crazy workouts! I had planned a Cross Fit day but a sick kiddo home from school has changed that, probably a good idea.<br>
Relax!<br>
Read, this marathon prep read is <i>Runner's Brain! </i>I recommend this and my previous read, <i>How Bad Do You Want It. </i><b>What books do you recommend pre-marathon?</b><br>
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<b>Taper Craziness</b><br>
<br>
Seriously, I've done this before (just a few times)! But everything has me anxious...yesterday's run brought weird foot pain, knee pain, glute pain! Am I overthinking it all?<br>
Then the worry of getting sick, ugh! I woke last Thursday with what I thought was allergies but a low grade fever made me realize it wasn't. Luckily that passed after 2 days.<br>
Today brought the dreaded 1am wake up with a sick kiddo, standing over our bed after vomiting. Matt and I quickly cleaned things up. O crawled into bed with me since I don't work Tuesdays and he headed to the guest bedroom to try and get some sleep. As I laid there all I kept thinking was "don't get sick, you have a marathon in 5 days!" Of course now I sit here thinking my stomach is feeling weird.<br>
<b>What are your tricks for surviving taper?</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0