Run for the Dream Williamsburg Half Marathon

Ho-ly crap. How in the hell is it already June? Somebody please slow 2014 down. 

This year, I started off the month of June by doing a half marathon.

Before I begin my recap, I want to thank Flat Out Events for inviting me to come and run. It was much appreciated. 

The half marathon was in Williamsburg, VA. The drive took almost 3 hours and was beautiful.

Our first stop was the expo at the Visitor Center. It was pretty small, but had some cool gear. Plus, we got a shirt AND a pair of Swiftwick ankle socks when we picked up our bib. SCORE.

We stayed in the Governor's Inn. Ehh. I can't really say too much about the hotel. I got it on Priceline for $70 and, well, we got what we paid for. It was a very basic hotel room, not dirty or anything, just not super nice.

The race started at 7 AM. Usually, I'm not too excited for an early start, but since it was over 80 degrees that day, I gladly took it. 

I fueled up with the continental breakfast.

I usually take my oatmeal with goat's or almond milk, but they didn't have any so I just did instant maple brown sugar oatmeal with half a chopped banana and a drizzle of honey. Super sweet and super yummy. 

with a cup of black coffee and a hard boiled egg.

The hotel provided us with a free shuttle to the race start. Logistically, everything seemed to go pretty smoothly. I showed up 20 minutes until the start. Just enough time to use the bathroom and line up.

The race, especially compared to the Marine Corp Half Marathon I did last weekend, was pretty small. It only had 1463 runners. 

The course was really enjoyable! We ran through historic Williamsburg, did a few miles in the woods (Which I didn't know was coming but really enjoyed!) and ended up at the campus of William and Mary.

The course was pretty damn flat until we hit mile 8. Then the hills just kept rolling. Or at least it felt like that. I couldn't find an elevation chart online. 

There were plenty of volunteers and water stops. This is always good! 

The post race bash was a lot of fun, too!

The had bbq sandwiches (I actually found this weird an unappetizing....maybe that's just me though), nature valley granola bars, oranges, and bananas. 

Plus they had Shocktop (and Michelob Ultra) which is a better quality beer than you usually see at races.

We sat out in the sun, listened to music, had a couple of beers, and enjoyed ourselves before heading home.

The only things I wasn't too keen on was:

1) It didn't stop and start at the same location. I can't comment on how the shuttles ran because Joe came to the finish so I didn't ride it back, but typically I don't enjoy being shuttled. 

2) The GUs were handed out at mile 10. Personally, I fueled at mile 4 and 8. I think mile 10 is too little to late. 

3) During the last mile, I rounded a corner and saw the chute with spectators and thought that was it. I started busting out my sprint, just to round another corner and see that I was now in a stadium and still had to do one lap around.....with hundreds of people watching. Boo. I felt wronged. Haha.

All-in-all though, I really enjoyed this race and I'd love to come back and run it!

My time for the race was 1:53:25, which gave me an average pace of 8:39. Although it wasn't a PR, I was really happy with this race. My goal was to run strong and consistent, unlike the Love Rox Half Marathon I did in February where I was ALL over the place, and I accomplished this. Almost every single mile was in the 8:30s, even the hilly ones. I didn't start to feel like I was drained until the very last mile. The only thing I would try to work on was the fact that my last mile was my slowest. That's never how you want to end.

My First HOT Run of the Year

Hey there! How are things going? 

I cannot believe it's the weekend already. Let's hop right into things shall we? First and foremost, the winner of the race entry for the Williamsburg Half Marathon is RunningWithSass! Congratulations!!

Man. As much as everybody was bitching about the cold weather staying here forever, I'm certainly not too happy that summer is here and it's only mid-May. 

Thursday morning was a bit rough for me, so I decided to wait to run during work. 

But first, a volunteer organization was at our work serving steak lunches for free. Even though I'm not a huge fan of steak, this girl doesn't turn down free. 

So I had about 2/3 of a steak and the ice cream. 

and then I realized it was 78 degrees.

Meat and dairy before a HOT run? Suuuuuper idea, right? Determined, I left anyways. Not feeling to confident about my decision.

This beautiful little oasis saved my life though. (One good thing about running in DC is there are quite a few water fountains around)

DC water has never tasted so good!

(Check the new Brooks PureCadence 3 in the picture! I traded in the Transcends.....they just weren't working for me)

To my surprise though, the run totally rocked! I ran 5 strong, hot, sweaty miles and felt great. 

It's about time I switched my fuel from healthy grains to ice cream:-)

What is your best pre-race meal?

I have been doing dates recently. Delicious, quick energy.

Is it getting hot where you are?

It's going to be 91 degrees on Monday!

New Items for Me and a FREE Race Entry for YOU!

Some of my favorite blog posts to read are ones that turn me on to new products, so I thought I'd do one of those today. 

1. Almond Milk Yogurt. I'm really excited to try these tomorrow! I was recently told to go off dairy made from cow's milk (by a nutritionist I am seeing for my Alopecia Areata......that'll be reserved for another post though). While it didn't bother me too much, I really do miss the occasional greek yogurt. I've seen these at the store, but they are a bit pricey for me, so until today I haven't tried them. 

2. Food Life Gluten Free Rice Millet Bread. I LOVE RUNNY EGGS AND TOAST. Let me just say that. If I could only have bread with one thing for the rest of my life, I'd toast that shit up and put a runny egg on it (with jam and hot sauce of course). This better be good. 

3. Applegate Organics Organic Turkey Burgers. Just a spur of the moment buy. I'm always looking for quick and easy ways to get some quality protein. 

4. Meyenberg Low Fat Goat's Milk. Goat's milk was reallllly hard to get used to. I think I was being a kid and the thought of it kind of made me nauseated, but it really grew on me. I don't typically go for "low-fat" foods but I thought it might be a little less rich than Whole Goat's Milk, so I'd give it a try.

5. Salted Caramel GU. I almost made innappropriate sounds when I saw this new GU flavor at the check out of the Sports Authority. Let it be known that I would eat just about anything that has salted caramel on it. I am planning on a double digit run this Sunday and can't wait to bring this with me!

6. Under Armour Women's Training Socks. I have been getting some SERIOUS blisters recently. I've never had particularly attractive feet, but they've recently took a change for the worse when I bought new shoes. The new shoes feel great and cost me a pretty penny, so they aren't going anywhere. Enter new socks. Hopefully I'll finish my next long run without a disgusting, blood filled blister sticking out of the side of my foot.

 

and now I have something for you!

I was recently contacted about participating in the Williamsburg Half Marathon. After looking at the website (http://www.runforachievabledream.com/) I couldn't help but sign up! Historic Williamsburg is sure to deliver a beautiful, scenic race, and the money raised benefits a more than worthy cause. 

and I have a FREE race entry for one of my readers. 

To enter: Simply leave a comment and tell me what new item you're trying these days! I will pick a winner on Friday, May 9.

Love Rox Half Marathon & A Sweet Treat

 Sunday was the day I've been working towards for the past 3 months. 

The Love Rox 1/2 Marathon in Richmond, VA.

As you can see from the lack of people at the start line, it wasn't a very big race. 

I lined up with the other 500 runners at 10 AM.......anxious to PR. 

and while I did PR...

It definitely wasn't what I was looking for. 

My loose goal was to run around 8:00-8:10 miles. My main goal was to race hard, and race strong. 

and I don't really feel like I did either. 

I made the rookie mistake of going out too fast.....and falling apart on the hills toward the ends. 

At least I can take three things from this:

1. I need to do hill work.....like yesterday. When I do get back to a regular running schedule, hill repeats are a must. 

2. I need to learn how to pace my damn myself. (My first 3 miles were off by about a minute. Shitty. )

3. I need to do more strength training. My hips were really starting to feel it the last few miles. 

I've decided to take a couple of weeks off of running (If I can make it.....I'm on Day 3 and I've already found myself thinking about when I'm going to run this weekend) and really focus on strength. 

Today's workout was one I've shared before, but seriously kicks my ass.....along with my quads, hamstrings, etc. 

I warmed up with a brisk walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes, then I did it ONCE. Yes, ONCE. "Repeat 2-3 times"? HA. That wasn't happening. 

(I do really love the tech shirt I got from Sunday's race. Fits really nicely and it's long sleeve, which I always need more of)

Just one more thing to work towards though:-)

I got a little creative with my post-workout snack.

Into the blender went:

3 frozen bananas

1 TBSP unsweetened cocoa powder

1 TBSP honey

1 Scoop Sun Warrior Vanilla Protein Powder

1/2 a cup of milk (Just enough to get it all moving)

Makes 3 servings. 

I think next time I'll get a chocolate protein powder and add a bit more of that, but it'd be delicious as a "healthier" dessert. 

Froyo and Foot Pain.

Yesterday was really an awesome Saturday.

After breakfast I headed out for my run, before I could get distracted with anything. I ran 8 untimed miles on the Indian Head Rail Trail. The trail is really great since there are NO sidewalks in Southern MD but it's terribly boring.

 

I can see the end about 2 miles away from it.

 

 

My run was mediocre. I was feeling a little discomfort in my left foot (again) so I ran the last 3 miles on the grass next to the path.

 

After I got home and showered up my boyfriend, daughter and I all went to run some errands.

 

This being the most important one.

 

I have heard so much about Sweet Frog but I'd never been. It was seriously good frozen yogurt. I got the Cake Batter, Red Velvet (meh..) and Pecan Praline with Heath Bar, white chocolate chips and coconut.

 

My daughter got EVERYTHING. Reminder to self, do not let a 6 year old get her yogurt when it's a self-serving situation. Especially when paying by the pound. Over half of that went to waste....

 

After our sweet treat we went to a few other stores and just took our time and had fun shopping and spending time with each other.

 

Kaitlyn thought this hat was perfect for me.....haha. I don't know why I'm slightly cross-eyed here.

 

 

I did grab myself one of these ball to use on my nagging left foot. While we walking around shopping it was really bothering me.

 

**I also grabbed some KT Tape. Has anybody ever used this?? I'm really interested to see what it does**

 

Unfortunately, the ball didn't fix the problem. In fact, into the night my foot got more and more painful despite icing, rolling and stretching it. I woke up this morning and it's really painful to walk (read limping around the house) and my foot is even a bit swollen....

 

*sigh*

 

I guess it's time to go back to the Orthopedic....

Ice Baths = Torture

 

This weekend I put in some serious mileage.

 

Saturday called for an 8 mile run. I really wanted to go outside and run since the treadmill is driving me crazy but I ended up on that damn thing again, for a couple of reasons:

 

1. I finally got my new Brooks Pure Cadence!!! SO EXCITING!! I wanted to try them out on Saturday but it's not smart to run 8 miles in brand new shoes, so I figured I'd run a few and then change them.

 

 

**I ended up keeping them on the entire 8 miles because they felt really good**

 

2. It had snowed the day before and it was pretty icy in some spots.

 

3. Kaitlyn really wanted to come to the gym with me and workout. Who am I to deny my 6 year old when she asks to me active??

 

The treadmill drove me just as crazy as I thought it would. Even though I covered up the time it still drug on and on. It didn't help that my iPod bit the dust so I was listening to Pandora on my iPhone. I like my playlists and hate commericals, but beggars can't be choosers.

 

**I ended up putting on my play lists on my phone but now I need something to calculate distance when I run. Really aggravating because this is about the 5th iPod I've gone through in a 3 year span**

 

When I got home I made a delicious dinner for my boyfriend, the kids and a friend that was coming over. Pulled BBQ chicken, corn on the cob and salad with these wonderful things as dessert.

 

 

Salted Chocolate Toffee Cookies

 

I love toffee and these were AMAZING.

 

**If you decide to make them just know that one batch made 70 cookies!! Holy cow. My friends, family and coworkers are thankful for it but I'm not so thrilled they are there to tease me**

 

My long run this week, which I do on Sunday, was 18 miles. I was intimidated and anxious.

 

I ate a Power Bar - Performance Energy Vanilla Crisp pre-run.

 

I have found that these bars work pretty well for me. I feel energized, but not weighed down and don't experience and GI issues.

 

Since I still haven't found a gel that I love I grabbed two of Clif Shots - Mocha.

 

I stopped at approximately 5, 9, and 13 miles and took a bit more than 1/2 (with some water) each time. I really enjoyed the flavor of these, and thought the texture was better than Gu. Unfortunately, I got what felt like a caffeine headache towards the end of my run though. It was a short one and could have been a fluke though so I might try them again next time and see how it goes.

 

I ran the entire 18 miles on road and sidewalk and maintained an average pace of 8:21.

 

This run kicked my ass on so many levels. My body hurts!

 

I came home and took and ice bath. You have to understand how hard it is for me to voluntarily sit in freezing water and ice for 10 minutes. During the day I wear layers upon layers and plant myself in front of a heater. It's not hot in my book until it hits 90 degrees outside. Seriously.  It was torture but I think that I really needed it. Since Monday I have ran 56 miles. My body hates me.

 

Tomorrow is a rest day. Thank little baby Jesus.

A Mini-Vacation

This past weekend was just what I needed.

After work on Friday my daughter, twin sister and our good friend all headed up to NJ to visit our recently knocked up best friend. A three day weekend with all my favorite people was just what the doctor ordered.

Here are some pictures to sum up the fun:

 

 

Mani/Pedi Time:-)

**I always feel terrible getting pedicures and tip very well due to my nasty runner's feet. One time (probably a TMI) my toe nail feel off mid-pedicure......HA. How embarrassing**

 

 

Atlantic City for the day.

 

 

The girls gambled, we walked the beach and boardwalk.

 

 

Ate an ENORMOUS piece of pizza

 

 

And ate massive amounts of food. This is the Chocolate Volcano at the Rain Forest Cafe.

 

Despite being out of town I managed to get in all my runs this weekend (score for dedication!). On Saturday I was supposed to do an 8 mile pace run.....while I wasn't as fast as I wanted to go, I was close enough not to be disappointed. I think what really killed me (besides running in a completely straight line! The worst) was the second half of this run. I have really been pour about adequately fueling before and during my runs......The 4 miles back to the house were brutal mentally and physically.

My long run (which was supposed to be Sunday but got switched to Monday) was supposed to be 17 miles. I didn't think that this entire length was going to happen since my last couple of long runs were a bust and I didn't run at all last week due to foot pain. I set out bright and early before anybody in the house had woken up. **Lacing up at 7 AM, when you are on a mini-vacation, went to bed at 12:30 am, and everybody else in the house is still warm it bed is realllllly hard**

I've decided that my fueling before and during my long runs has not been the best recently and really wanted to make sure I had enough calories to sustain me. Since there are NO running stores in Cape May I was forced to go to Walmart, which had NOTHING. My last resort was 7-11 the night before my run. I was able to find a Power Bar - Performance Energy. I used to eat these a lot pre-run and really like the Vanilla ones. The only one available that night was Chocolate, WOOF. I hate chocolate-flavored bars, GUs, etc. It was my only choice though.......Last minute I also remembered I had a Blueberry Pomegranate GU in my gym bag.

Pre-Run I had half of the PowerBar and a cup of coffee. After 6 miles I returned home for the other half of the bar and about 6 oz of water. The next stop was around Mile 12 or 13, where I had the GU and water. I felt amazing the entire time I was running.....before I knew it 17 miles were done (at a 8:11 pace) and I was headed inside to eat anything and everything I could find.

I really needed this run to help boost my confidence for my upcoming marathon. I know that I can do it!! If I did 17 miles without any issues than 26 are not going to kill me. I know this.

Today I cranked out 5 easy miles on the treadmill and tomorrow is cross-training (spin class). I am a bit anxious for this week because my mileage is going to equal 42. That's high for me

I Crashed into a Wall.

This past week, running-wise, has not been the greatest for me. About a week ago, I started to feel a slight pain in my left arch. Nothing to substantial but it definitely didn't feel like it should. The pain has started to intensify. It got really bad last Sunday after my long run, hurting the worst when I first got out of bed Monday morning.

 

Obviously, I've been trying to take it a bit easier this week. Seeing as though I once ran 10 miles on a broken foot , I know that I have a tendency to ignore my pain.

 

Personally, I think it is more than likely my Plantar Fasciitis. It hurts worse in the morning and after a long run, feels better with icing, stretching/rolling (I have been rolling my foot on a baseball! Holy Crap. What a painful pleasure!), Ibuprofen and a soft running surface.

 

 I have had Plantar Fasciitis before and I know it's not fun. If ignored, it can become a serious side liner. I will continue to play it safe.

 

I decided to cancel my 7-miler on Saturday. On Sunday, I decided to go into VA Runner and talk to the employees there. (They are all runners and extremely knowledgeable). It was recommended that I try a good pair of inserts to give me some more support. After a strong recommendation and a short test run I purchased a pair of Spenco Total Support Insoles.

 

Does anything make a run better than new gear??!?! Don't think so.

 

I headed to Prince William Forest Park to try out their trails for the first time. The rangers there were very helpful but as soon as I left the visitor center I couldn't find a damn place they told me to go to! Haha.

 

I just picked the first trail I found.

 

 

The trails were definitely a bit tougher than what I have been doing (this picture really doesn't show that though.) There were some parts where running was not an option. They were too close to the banks, or covered in rocks, or muddy, or all of the above. I didn't mind though. Made things interesting. 

 

 

I really thought that things were going well until suddenly, around mile 9, I ran into a brick wall. I know this is just a figure of speech for runners but I swear to you, this wall was real.

Luckily, I ended up popping out of the woods and running less than a mile back to my car.

 

 

I refueled with a GU Tri-Berry and some water.

 

PS - I have only just gotten running gear with thumb holes. It's popular for a reason. I'm a fan. This is a Fila Pullover that I got for Christmas along with there running tights and a jacket. Great gift!

 

I trudged back into those woods hoping that the gel would kick in soon. It never happened. Ever. The last few miles were excruciatingly long. My step was all out of pep.

 

Then I came across this thing....

 

 

and got the hell out of dodge!

 

ha ha. Just kidding. I would have pooped my pants, without a doubt. We went to The Baltimore Aquarium on Saturday and my daughter asked me to take this picture....

 

I didn't complete my 15 miles. I claim to have completed 12 but I'm not totally sure, it's very hard to measure distance when trail running. At least my foot wasn't worse than when I started (I definitely think the insoles helped) and I only feel 3x!

 

After giving it some thought, I've decided that I probably didn't eat enough that day. I had toast with almond butter around 10:00 am, a Clif Bar around 1:30, then ran at 3:00/ That's only about 500 calories.....and I expected my body to carry me 15 miles?? No way.

 

I've got to start eating a hearty, carb dinner on Saturday nights and a big breakfast early Sunday if I expect to make it out of these long runs feeling good.

 

Lost in the Woods.

Today's run called for 14 miles. I was extremely anxious about this run because it's the longest distance I've done since my marathon last March.

 

I got a great amount of sleep and awoke to crazy, strong winds outside. It was COLD. As much as I wanted to stay inside and hope the wind calmed down, I knew that I had to man up and get it done so I could get home and have a nice day with my family.

 

I made the drive to Cedarville State Forest. I figured that a trail run would be easier, mentally and physically.

 

I had planned to do the 7 mile trail loop, come out for water, gel a quick stretch and do it once more.

 

Until I came across this....

 

 

Apparently my 7 mile loop had been washed out. :-\

 

I decided that I would just run to another trail and do that one. I really should have gone back to the trail head and looked at the map instead of running blindly in the woods, but my adrenaline had taken over. I ran, and ran, and ran....I ended up getting lost in those damn woods for almost 11 miles. By the time I emerged I was REALLY thirsty, but feeling pretty damn good.

 

I slammed half a bottle of water and half a Clif Bar and went back for more, this time taking care to look at the signs:-)

 

 

The trails weren't too technical. There were some seriously muddy spots and a few hills but nothing that made it too difficult. In fact, I only fell 3 times! In a 2 hour span, I take that as a win!

 

I guess the freezing cold wind had scared everybody else because for the entire two hours I ran I only saw one couple hiking. Of course it was when I had decided to pop a squat....haha!

 

I sported my Nike DriFit Hoodie, Brooks Running Tights, Under Armour Gloves and long sleeve shit and a winter running hat from Target.

 

I definitely enjoy running in the woods. The ground is easier on my body and I don't realize the hours passing by. I maintained an 8:22 pace and felt amazing. I even ended up running over half a mile extra.

 

One long run closer to my second marathon and a new PR!

 

 

Running Through Crazy Weather.

First and foremost, I hope that you and your family had as great of a Christmas as mine did.

 

Secondly, I've not been posting much recently because there wasn't much to talk about. The Wednesday before Christmas I finally went to the doctor and had that nagging cough checked it. As it turned out, I did have bronchitis so my running was put on hold for a couple of days.

 

While I have been running since that Friday, none of them have been absolutely fabulous. The treadmill runs went ok but when I hit the streets, my pace was around 8:45 most of the time, even when I felt like I was really going fast, not something that I was proud of.

 

While I can't be sure if it was the sickness still taking it's toll on my body or just having an "off" week, I can be sure that the recent weather has not been helping anything.

 

The past few weeks have brought 60 degree days, 30 degree days, wind gusts so strong I felt like I was not even moving at some points during my run, wet snow chunks that soaked my shoes and clothing, and sleet (which is something I refuse to try and run in). Either way, not resorting to a treadmill every single time has surely made me a more of a seasoned runner.

 

The only thing I can do is dress the best I can to combat the elements and keep those legs moving.

 

 

Some of my favorite cold weather running clothes are the Nike DriFit tights and zip-up that I have. Both are very lightweight but once you get moving, they really hold your body heat in while keeping you dry.

 

You can't really tell but there are snowflakes covering my legs and the ground is wet. Too bad there is nothing I can do to keep my feet dry. Once they got wet they were FREEZING. Nothing like pounding the concrete for an hour and a half with numb feet.

 

I really have a love/hate relationship with my surrounding neighborhoods.

 

There are hills EVERYWHERE. This is just one of the many that I have to climb.

 

 

Sometimes it really sucks because there are no leisurely routes, but I also love it because there are no leisurely routes. If I can get in a comfortable pace running these, when I meet a tough hill during a race it's going to be a piece of cake.

 

One day, when I'm a serious runner, I'll get a Garmin and I can see the elevation changes. For now, I'll just charge them blindly.

 

 

Should You Run If You're Sick?

This weeks training went almost exactly as it was planned. I logged 34 miles, and was shooting for 35, so I'll take that as a win. (I lost one mile on Saturdays 6 miler due to GI issues :-/)

I'll admit though, today's 11 miler almost didn't happen. Friday and Saturday night I got very little rest due to a nasty cough that started on Thursday and has gotten progressively worse. I woke up this morning, and had no intention of running, I could hardly breathe as it was. I was coughing nonstop and coughing up phlegm, although it was clear so I took that as a good sign.

I woke up, drank my coffee, took a hot shower, and chugged water and started to feel like things were getting better. Around 2 PM I asked the boy if I should go and do my run. I really love to put this man in a tough spot. He knew that I would feel like crap if I didn't do it but that if I did and crashed and burned during the run it might be worse. He replied with "how about you just go do 4 or 5 miles and see how you feel?".

I decided that he was right. Any run was better than none. I didn't have a fever, I didn't have aches, or stomach issues. In fact, when I'm feeling like this a run usually helps me feel better. So I head out.

The first 3 miles kicked my ass. I could get my breathing, I couldn't get my stride, mentally, I just wasn't in the game. I ran 4.5 miles and decided to run into a Dairy Queen a grab a cup of water and stretch really quick. At this point, I had two choices. I could turn around and go from where I came and log 9 miles, or I could keep the way I was head and shoot for the full 11. If you're going to do 9 miles, what's 2 more??

At 7.5 miles I decided that a gel would probably be a good idea. I had only had a couple of eggs and toast at 8 AM, not enough fuel for an 11 miler at 2 PM. I brought one of the Hammer Gels a friend had given me (Guess I knew I was going to go for the full run!) so I decided to give it a try.

I never really enjoy a gel. They never taste good and the texture really weirds me out. I can't stomach an entire one either. It's just too much gross. Once I get past the gross factor of them though, they really do the job! I ate about half of it and it was a life saver.

I finished with 10.5 miles. I maintained an 8:22 pace and I felt great when I finished.

I truly think that if I am on the verge of catching a cold, a run really helps me feel better. I researched it before writing this post and the common consensus is "if it's above the neck it's ok to run". While mine is in my chest a little bit, I think the decision about whether or not to run is common sense.....If you feel like you're going to die, don't run. It's not worth it. If you don't feel horrible, give it a try and really listen to your body.

I'm glad I put in the effort this weekend.

While I wasn't running, I was busy getting my family in the holiday spirit.

 

Kaitlyn and I decorated the little Charlie Brown tree for my apartment.

 

The boy got a real tree that we decorated for his house.

 

The kids painted pictures and themselves....

 

beat up my boyfriend.....

 

played in boxes.....

 

and decorated Christmas cookies.

 

Absolutely amazing weekend with awesome people. I am sad today is Sunday.

Thanksgiving Dinner and Flexibilty

This past week has gone by WAY to fast. I got in some great runs, some time with my wonderful boyfriend and daughter, some relaxing, some family time and, of course, lots of eating.

My workouts these week didn't go exactly as planned. I think it is very important to be flexible when you're committing to something as time consuming as 4 months of marathon training. Some days you simply won't be able to run due to the weather, work and family obligations, etc. Some days your body will beg for you to take an unscheduled day off. (This is very important to listen to!! Take it from somebody who has pushed out miles and miles on a fatigued body. You will not gain physical advantages and the chances are you will end up injured. Your body knows what it's talking about)

This past weeks training schedule:
Monday: Cross Training (This didn't actually happen)
Tuesday: 3 mile run (This didn't actually happen)
Wednesday: 5 mile run
Thursday: 3 mile run (This turned into 5.5 miles)
Friday: Rest (This turned into Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred)
Saturday: 5 mile run
Sunday: 9 mile run

Like I said, I made some adjustments.  Monday I had to put in some extra hours at work. Tuesday, my man came home from GA. He had been there for 5 weeks. Obviously, I had more on my mind then getting my 3 mile run in;-)

I decided to make up for that run on Thursday morning. Plus nothing sounds better than a post-run appetite for Thanksgiving Dinner. Speaking of Thanksgiving Dinner. ......

 

Look at the turkey! My first time hosting Thanksgiving, my first time cooking a turkey, and the first time my boyfriend's family and mine both came to the same event. Needless to say, I was pretty damn nervous.....
 

 

But I cooked the hell out of that thing.

 

PS - I know the crispy skin (which I smothered in butter pre-roasting) is the worst part for you but that first piece cut with juicy white meat and crispy skin....well it's my favorite thing to eat at Thanksgiving.

 

As you can see, we had quite the spread. My contributions were the appetizers, Buffalo Chicken Dip and Spinach Dip, the turkey, butternut squash gratin (first time having a savory butternut squash. It was really good), mashed potatoes (I used cream cheese and LOTS of butter in them), green bean casserole, glazed carrots and corn.

 

All the lovely desserts. Contributed by family. That turtle pumpkin cheesecake on the left was the absolute best cheesecake I've ever had. I usually don't even like cheesecake. This stuff was amazing. Kudos to my sister for that one. Same goes with the chocolate pecan pie from my mom. Delicious.

 

To continue the family themed weekend, we decided to go to New Jersey and visit my Nana on Sunday. Leaving at 9 AM, with 9 miles on the plan, made for an early wake up call. My alarm went off at 5:45 that morning. As I drank my coffee I looked up the weather, only to discover it was 27 degrees out. Holy crap. I think I would have been better not knowing. Even though it was cold and dark, I bundled up and headed out.

 

Best life choice.

 

There is a difference in listening to your body when it's needed and coming up with excuses not to run. Sometimes you just need to man up.

I cranked out 9 miles, watching the sun rise, and chasing a runner's high the entire time. I got so caught up I even ran an extra mile:-)

10 miles at a 8:07ish pace before most people get out of bed. Not bad at all. I threw on some CEP compression sleeves, grabbed a bag of dry cereal, coffee and a banana and hit the road.

 

We had a great time:-)

 

Another big thing. I decided to get a wig. I finally decided that it was something I want to do. This Alopecia Areata seems like it's here for the long haul. As much as I'd love to have the "I don't give a shit what you think, I'm bald and I'm beautiful" attitude, I just don't. I've accepted the disease, but sometimes I just want to do my hair, put on my heels and make up, and feel like a woman.

 

 

So I made the plunge. The flexibility in training also applies to life.