Cub's first 5k

Just like mommy!

I am so proud today! My most memorable race to date.  I finally got to run a 5k with my son, Cub.

  We'd plan on running one last fall after the Columbus Half marathon but since I was injured that was out.  It was hard to be a cheerleader when I wanted to be running it with him.  But finally I got my chance, it was a fundraiser that my running partner had organized.  It was pretty low key and I'd planned on running 9 on Saturday so I ran 6 before the race and then the 3.1 with Cub.

We showed up an hour early-which in a way was good since I got to show Cub how to do a sprint start on the track for one of his Cub Scout arrow points.  Then he got his soccer ball out and practiced running down the field and kicking goals for about 30 mins. 

When the race started, I had to hold Cub back a bit, since he wanted to sprint after the other kids who'd gone out too fast.  We managed to pass all of them in the first mile or so as they slowed down or stopped.  He was so cute since he kept wanting to look back and see where his competition was.  I told him to always look ahead and focus on the next runner.  He was such a trooper.  I think he was getting almost annoyed with me since I kept asking him how he was feeling or if he wanted to slow down.  I'm glad I had an extra water bottle so he kept hydrating since it was a hot one! 

Here were his/my splits:
1 mile:  8:06
2 mile: 8:38
3 mile : 8:56 (hill)
overall time: 26:30 for Cub
Overall:  9th overall/ 61 finishers
Age Group: 1st!

I'm so happy/proud of him.  It was so much fun running with him.  I can't wait for many more races in the future.  He wants to do a 10k next, but I think were going to wait  awhile for that.  The only training he did was soccer practice/games.

Here are some pictures from the race.  Enjoy!

  Hydrate!

Love how in sync we are in this one

Leaving mommy in the dust

Victory!

Crazy busy

Quick post since this week has been crazy and so will this weekend!

Air Force Marathon training- Week 2

Monday- Ran 3 easy- felt great after running 8 on Sunday

Tuesday- XT Spinning-  20 miles in 55 mins/ 600 calories- intense

Wednesday- quick 5- dashed out after my youngest decided to tag along to Cub's soccer practice leaving me a free hour.  Managed to keep almost the same splits as last week.  Pretty cool.

Thursday- planned 3 miler after work, then remembered Cub's self-guided conference at school at 3:30, then dh had cub scout planning meeting until um, now- and it's now 9pm, so I'm thinking the run is not going to happen-especially since I'm having a beer while I write this. :-)

Friday-?? 3 miler? I'm not an early morning runner, but if I'm going to do it, it will have to be around 5am... since after work my mom will be visiting, and we have a soccer game at 7 pm

Saturday-6 early, then 5k with my Cub!  Run with the big dogs 5k9 
I can't wait actually to do this. It will be our first race together. Get ready for pictures!

The rest of the weekend I'm going to be painting! Living room, dining room? and hallway.  Probably should be picking my colors...

Other stuff:

1.  Signed up for the Inaugural Canton Marathon well, the half marathon.  It's in a few weeks, on the same weekend I have to run 12 so I figured might as well run 13.1 and visit my mom.  I'm a bit worried about the weather being too warm but I'm not going to race it. Just a training run, just a training run.  Must keep saying that!


2. Compared 2 of my runs for the hell of it.  I was surprised to see how consistent my times were from week to week. It was the same course, I started my Garmin a bit late on my most recent run.

3. Is it bad that I've lived with a ring from a wallpaper boarder that I took down probably 4 years ago, and I'm finally painting this weekend?  It's so hard to paint when we're so busy and the kiddos were younger and its the main room of our house, hard to be elsewhere. 

Murphy's Law for runners

Thanks to pinterest and theRUNiverse.com for this gem. Enjoy

What have I done?

I've been toying around with running a marathon again for sometime.  My running partner, Carrie, has been not been sold on the idea. I was waiting to see how I felt after the Flying Pig Half marathon (which was last Sunday).  I had a great run, it was hot, and hilly and even with those conditions I ran 1:51.  It's 2 mins slower than my PR but considering the tough course, I am completely satisfied.

Add caption

Imagine my surprise when Carrie tells me a few days ago that she's up for doing a full marathon but wants the summer to train for it.  The only one that is at the end of summer around here is the Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson AFB.  I'd already signed up for the half.  She went and signed up for the full, so of course, now I had to as well!  So, I'm 18 weeks out from my first full marathon in 11 years!  I must be crazy!

I'm actually curious to see how this goes.  The last time I trained for a marathon, I was doing a charity training group in Washington DC.  I had to fund raise and I had Sunday morning runs with the 12min/mile pace group from beginning of May until end of October.  I completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 5hrs 56 mins.  It was slow, but I finished. 

Now, If I finish this, is I'm going to have to the Army 10 miler and is there a Navy road race that's big?  I might as well try for all the branches.

But now.... what could I do a marathon in?  According to  the McMillan Calculator I could finish in 3:50 with a 8:47 pace.  That pace seems kind of slow, but then better to go out too slow than too fast and fading.  This is definitely going to be a challenge. I've tended to go on feel during races, and my natural pace seems to be around 8:20 for longer distances.  I have a feeling that I'm going to be learning a lot during my training this summer. 


Any marathoners out there who can give advice on marathon pacing to a newbie? 


So here is what my Hal Higdon's Novice 2 Marathon training plan for week 1 looks like:

Monday- Rest Spinning 20 miles√
Tuesday- Run 3√
Wednesday- Run 5 at marathon pace (ummm- I did it in 8:30 pace- a bit quick but we'll see)√
Thursday- Run 3
Friday- Rest
Saturday- XTrain (Spinning)
Sunday- Run 8

Race Recap: Cincinnati Flying Pig Half Marathon

Saturday:  The Expo 

 Last year when I did the Pig 10k I didn't go to the expo.  A friend of mine when down and got our packets.  I'd heard it was pretty good expo, plus lots of swag in the race packet...so saddled up the boys and dh and headed off on Saturday afternoon.  I wish I'd had more time, and frankly, the boys hadn't come.  They were being typical 5 & 8 year olds (not the ideal shoppers- or good in crowds in general).  I did manage to swing by the Proctor & Gamble swag table and pick up some nice toothbrushes, loads of Dawn dishsoap, and Olay lotions.  

Sweaty Bands- RunCincinnati

Stopped by the Sweaty Bands booth as well.  I've eyed them for a while, but since I have a small head, I needed to try them on. They are awesome, definitely see why people like them.  Picked up 3 cute ones and hinted to dh (my birthday was coming up) on some other ones. 

So after wondering through the expo and talking to the Air Force Marathon people (more about that later) and Canton Marathon people (just maybe...) finally got to the shirts, bags and posters.  The PIG is known for giving out good swag.  The Asics athletic bag is awesome, definitely worth having around.

Sunday:  Race Day 

Race time: 6:30 am

Temp at start:  not too bad, but the humidity looked bad

Time to get up: 3:00 am

Time to leave the house: 3:45

Time to pick up Running partner:  4:15

Time to get to Cincinnati: 45 mins

That left us 1.5 hrs to park, potty and stretch/warm up (get nervous)

Our drive down was one I don't think I'll ever forget.  We came across a police car on I-75 that was in the left lane and a car that had run into the median and was blocking the road.  Between the car and the police cruiser was 20ish looking man, laying on the road.  No one was helping him, and it looked like he was dead (RIP). I think the policeman had just gotten there, since he wasn't covered up.  The ambulance was coming down the other side of the highway after we passed. Needless to say, it was a somber moment.

So, on a happier note...the race.

Carrie and I were in different corrals.  I was in B she was in D so we decided to place ourselves in C.  It was a pedestrian cut through as well, so no one was checking bibs there, so that was pretty easy!  

Miles 1-6 were uneventful.  I went out at the pace I'd thought I could do, little slow the first mile but I was weaving around everyone, trying to find my spot/pace.  I did run into the 1:50 pace group but there were so many people surrounding the pacers it was a traffic jam.  Generally I don't get claustrophobic in races but I had to get around them or to the side.Too many people and too close for my liking.  7th street was a long stretch looking into the sun.  There were tons of people cheering us on.  Refilled my water bottle along the way.

Miles 7-10  Holy Hills!  This was worse than I expected.  I had seen the elevation chart but I never really grasped how many and how big those suckers were!  First hill, I was thinking " this is like a standing hill  w/ resistance about 16" on my spin bike, but then you'd turn a corner and there was another hill, etc. The crowd support was great thank goodness.  When we got near the top, there was a spectacular view of the Ohio River and Kentucky.  

Mile 11- all downhill- just let the legs go! Note the time difference for mile 10 and 11.

Mile 12-13.1- sunny, hot, and I'm tired.  The finish line could not get there soon enough. I thought for sure I was shuffling along.  I realize I really should have had another Cliff Blok on at mile 9.  

Love the instant gratification of race results right after you finish!

Overall, it was a great race.  I didn't PR but I'm pretty darn proud of my time. It was a tough course. Even better, no foot problems what so ever!   Will I do it again?  We'll see. Now, time to tackle 26.2 in the fall. 

Pre race goals and worries

Flying Pig 1/2 marathon is tomorrow!  I'm so excited yet anxious at the same time.  I signed up for this a week after my plantar fasciitis seemed to be gone.  So far, it has been tamed... My foot still hurts but it's different closer to my toes and arch not in my heel. It's not all the time So...I'll take that as a go and that I'm healthy! 
So this is what my last week of training for the PIG  has looked like:
Sunday- 12 miles
Monday- 18 miles in Spinning class
Tuesday- 3 miles in the heat- yuck!
Rest of the week- resting.

I'm feeling good.  My only major stresses are what to wear and dealing with parking on race day!

 I had planned a tank I bought a while ago, but I've only wore it once in April since it's been so cold.  It's a pretty sweet looking Adidas lime green tank.  I got it at the Adidas outlet and they only had small and extra large.  I tried the small and I thought it fit.  I've run it but when I did, it was freezing and I had a top over it.  Now, I'm wondering if it is too snug. It's not super soft. I don't know how forgiving it will be.  We'll what ever I where it will be a running skirt and some form of a tank.  Starting time temp is supposed to be 63 degrees.  Should be good- perfect would be in the 50s. 

As for my goals for time:

Goal A:  1:45
Goal B:  1:49.07 (current PR)
Goal C:  Break 2 hours

It is a hilly course (another worry of mine) I won't be surprised if I don't PR-I'll be ok with that - really.
BUT...at the same time...I've PR'd in the 5k, 8 seconds off my PR 10k  time  both this spring...so maybe?

Product review: YMX running Tee

I'd see the YMX brand on occasion in my Athleta catalogs that I always thought their designs were so unique.  The price tag stopped me in my tracks since they were always priced on the high end for me.  I tend to outfit myself in the Target C9 collection, with exception to my runningskirts.com obsession.

So,when a blogger I read dawnieslife.com had a contest, I joined in on the chance of winning.  Well, I didn't win. :-( but I had "friended" YMX on Facebook.  Later, they had a chance of buying their products for $25 for 3 days, then they'd have another product for $25 for 3 days.  Anyways, I jumped on the chance to try out these shirts for $25 over the normal $69.

If you don't know about YMX here is a little about what they say on their website.

"ABOUT YMX

YMX (acronym for YellowMan Expression) was launched in 2009 as an extension of the original, high-end tattoo clothing brand, YellowMan (founded in 2004). Built on an extensive library of original tattoo artwork collected around the globe, YellowMan offers collectible, limited wearable art prints. YMX was created to offer an alternative to YellowMan in a broader, commercial market, while still preserving the authenticity of its origins.

Back, love the pocket!

YMX offers multifunctional garments that bridge the gap between athletic and fashion garments. Featuring high-comfort, lightweight MadKool fabrics and detailed, original prints, YMX garments can be worn for athletic use, or for casual wear. As a matter of fact, because of the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric, many people wear YMX in both active and leisure activities without having to change!"

Front

Tribal Sea Running Tee
 Product description according to their website:
"Not just for running, this sport tee offers beautiful tribal art, moisture wicking fabric, UPF 50+ sun protection, and silky-soft comfort. 

Fabric: MadKool ® 88% Polyester 12% Spandex

Properties: "UV protection SPF 30+, moisture-wicking, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant"

Fit: "slim fit, wear one size up for relaxed fit"

Uses: "running, casual, workout, cycling, travel"

 PRICE:  $69.00"

I've been using this shirt and the pink/orange version for about 2 months now.  They are always the first shirt I grab now for spinning and for running.  

Pros:

• It is so light weight and feels like a stretchy silk. I used to always wear tanks for spinning since tees just tended to be too hot, but this is so light weight that you hardly notice it.

• Unique design- I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who has "fat days".  It's nice to have a shirt that is busy (a very cool busy) that tends to cover up the slight muffin top when you put on your shorts/capris.  Nothing I hate more than a solid color shirt that shows your rolls!
• Nice length.  Long enough that it isn't going pull up and show tummy if you are stretching.  
• Slim design- feminine cut 
• Extra pocket on the back-I've never tried it out so don't know if it would bug me to have something there- maybe kleenex or tp or something light?  
• UPF 50+ sun protection- wow! didn't realize that til now!
• Washes up beautifully.  No smelly shirts!
• smooth seams, no chafing!

Cons:

• Price- $69 is a bit pricey 

• no v-neck
  

Last week before the PIG! gulp.

So, I haven't been blogging lately since our family schedule has been crazy.  I think we ate at home once last week.  Between soccer practices, games, and being gone a weekend, then guests the next weekend...you get the idea.  Ok, so here's what I've been doing for the Flying Pig (which is next weekend!!!!)

 

Pig training:

Last Sunday-ll miler which sucked.  I had been dreading it, since it was the distance I got hurt on in the fall.  I procrastinated on Saturday and finally ended up doing it on Sunday.  It was not a good run.  My hips hurt, my knees hurt, my heel (gulp) started hurting the last mile or so.  I was just happy to get it out of the way!  **Good thing** heel didn't bother me at all the rest of the day, so it wasn't plantar fasciitis- thank God!

Monday- Spinning class 20 miles with lots of hills.

Tuesday-  Multitasking day- Tempo run during soccer practice.  Did 5.8 miles at 7:50 pace. I'd started out for just an easy run, but I wore my Kinvaras, which always make me feel speedy. Plus, all the soccer moms watching me, made me push myself a bit more.  It was super windy as well, so good resistance training.

Wednesday- Spinning class, 22 miles, hills- a PR of sorts- burned 700 calories!  I say that- but I doubt it's true, since you can't put in your age or weight.  I like to use the calories to see how hard of a workout it was, since if you have low resistance but high mileage you won't get many calories burned.  you have to have high resistance and miles.  Normally, I try for 20 miles and 600 calories.

Thursday- Rest day- soccer practice and soccer game = rest day for mommy

Friday- quick 3 miler after work before getting the boys

Saturday- 2 rained out soccer games = extra time in the am for spinning class, 18.5 miles (586 calories).
Today- 12 miles on the trails with my running bud, Carrie.  Hips, knees felt fine, heel bothered me a bit the last 3 mile loop.  I've been using my spikey golf ball and icing today. Hoping tomorrow it will be fine, like last Monday.



Now, time for "Taper Tantrums".  This week should be pretty easy on the training.  Planning on Spinning on Monday, 3 easy miles Tuesday, off Wednesday, 2 on Thursday, off on Friday & Saturday.

Now, I get to worry about the weather on Sunday morning, the perfect racing outfit, and dealing with the insane time of getting up for a 6:30 am race time, which I have to drive an hour, etc.  I'm thinking a 3:30 am wake up.  Yuck.  Next year, hotel in Cinci.  

Visiting OU

Last weekend my dh and I had an opportunity to go visit our alma mater, Ohio University.  We'd been back one other time since graduation but it was nice to see that some things had stayed the same and others had been changed. 
My dh was busy the whole weekend doing his stuff (why were there in the first place) so I got to just kinda hang out and enjoy reminiscing without having to really do anything at all.

 Ok, well, I had to get my long run in but other than that, I was free.  I took a lovely 10.5 mile run on the bikepath and around campus on Saturday morning.  It was cold and raining when I started but it was perfect for running.  Just me, my music and my memories.  Loved every mile of it. 

for my fellow Bobcats- here's were I went!

I started off running the bikepath starting by the Kroger's on E. State street then ran the path past the hospital to W. Union, then I turned back and headed towards Richland Ave.  I wish I'd taken pictures but my phone was in my arm band it was going to be a pain to get it back in after it was already sweaty. 

From Richland, I ran past Peden stadium, past Ping Rec Center, past Klipinger lab, up the hill past Gordy Hall (my old haunts) then down Morton Hill, through East Green and up Jeff Hill, then around College green, down Richland- then I did it again! The second time through I hopped back on the bikepath and back to the Kroger's on E. State. 

If you didn't go to Ohio University-this means nothing to you, but it was so great!  Here are some pictures from the day before.

McGuffey Hall

Galbreath Chapel (where dh and I were married)

back of Cutler Hall

Good Old Ellis Hall- I spent most of my undergrad in that building

Morton Hill- looking down the hill (ran down this)

Tiffin Hall on East Green- my freshman dorm

East Green- ran down this

Bryan Hall- always loved the staircase

Jeff Hill- hated walking up this in school- ran up it x2 this time!

College Green and Mem Aud

Cutler Hall from the front (and College Green)

College Gate (I have wedding pictures here too!)

Me! tried out my new running skirt w/ my fav running tee

Feeling pretty good with my splits- what could I do with adrenaline and people?

 Of course, as soon as I got back to the hotel, I break my toe getting into the bathtub! I had to laugh at myself. What  a dork!  I've taped it and it hardly hurts now a week later! yay!

compression socks under the boots that night! :-)

Attempt at blogger app post

I ran 10.5 miles this morning at OU. I did most of it on the bike path past the campus. Weather was great cool upper 40s so it was a refreshing run.
I'm feeling good about the pig half at this point. I ran 10.5 in 1 hour 31 mins with a pace of 8:43. After I went back to the hotel I slammed my toe on the edge of the tub while getting in, crack! Nice sound to hear with pain! So it's definitely broken I'm hoping a few days rest will cure it. It's taped and I'm hoping it won't interfere wih training. Nothing planned til Tuesday .here's some pix from my run more later !