Tick Tock.....

Well, it's the week of the 1/2 marathon. I've been training, thinking, and talking about it FOREVER! It's finally here. I'm ready, I think. :) I'm going to do a short run and some biking this week. I really want to be rested for it. I'm going for a PR (2 hours flat!) We are going to go down Saturday am - 4am! - and staying until late Sunday night or Monday morning. No kids, no husbands....just the girls!


This is our 1st training run together. Wow, a long time ago! We've really been getting our act together for this one! Jess is missing from the pic, but she has been working her butt off - often on her own! I'm not a huge fan of how I look in the pic, but what can you do? :)

So, what do we eat the night before the race? Any advice?

What is your "must have" for a big race?

The countdown is on! Here we come Rock n Roll!

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Back to the real world

Got back from the beach at 1am today.....I miss it! We went with my best friend and her family (the boys are mine, the girls are hers). 4 days of fun, sun, drinks, friends......all kids were awesome! They LOVED the beach.

We went on one run - 4.6 miles - very nice and relaxing. We went out at 8am, the same time the rock n roll 1/2 marathon will be. We decided we are crossing our fingers for an overcast day. :)

Now I'm back in the real world - no beach. I'm so glad we went, I wish we could move there though.
My injuries are coming and going. My hip is stiff, I stretch and it's better. My shins are tired - feel slightly bruised. I'm feeling good. I'm ready. A big part of me is also looking forward to being done with training for a little while. My next race is a sprint tri - so I can focus on swim and bike. I don't need to stress about time, distances - and I can heal. Is that weird? I love training and running.....but this time around I'm really looking forward to a break.

I put a picture of the husbands....hopefully no one is too modest. :) These are the guys that make it possible for us to do our thing (mom and run). Thanks dads! and of course the cute kids make it even more worth it.

I broke up with my scale

What a couple of days I've had! We had someone come over to the house yesterday at 7am to do a physical (urine and blood work) for life insurance. No big deal. Until he had me step on the scale. I practically begged to jump on it. I walked up really proud and stepped on the scale. See, I'm at an all time low - 147.8! That's the lowest weight I've been in years. My confidence has been at an all time high - I even walk a little taller.

Then he said "163 pounds". I instantly dry heaved. I said "what?" and he said it AGAIN.........Here's what happened. For some reason my scale is broken. It has been steadily telling me I weigh less and less and less - all while laughing at me. I even went to the Dr's office. Their scale screamed "163.8"

My confidence walls have never crumbled so fast. I somehow waited until that man left and I melted. I haven't cried that hard, for that long, in a LONG time (promise). My husband did not know what to do. He felt horrible. I thought I had broken through the 150 plateau, I thought I was in the 140s.....but I'm really 15 pounds heavier and at an all time high for this year!

My run yesterday was awful, I had a horrible headache from crying.

Plus side: I did not binge eat, I did not give up, I signed up for a free weight loss class at the gym, my husband bought me a Garmin Forerunner so I can "continue to tackle my goals", and my 3 year old said "I will never call you fat cause your my mommy". I love them!

My strategy? Get over feeling embarrassed, tricked, and disgusting. I am going to do weight watchers again. I am committing to health, weight loss, and building my confidence back up.

I think I can I think I can I think I can I think I can

Since I started running in 2009 I've earned race bibs for 5K's to 1/2 Marathon's and everything in between......what am I missing? THE FULL MARATHON! I want it so bad. It scares the crap out of me......but I well up with tears just at the thought of crossing that finish line. I even discovered the perfect accessory thanks to Thirty Schmirty's blog giveaway! The 26.2 sweaty band....too cute!

Ok, but realistically what I'm training for right now is the Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon. I have 2 1/2 weeks left. I'm ready. Mentally I'm ready, physically I'm ready. I've been on plan. I feel healthy and I'm going to spend a weekend at the beach with 4 girlfriends that I LOVE for this race. I am a tiny bit sad because it's my first race without hubby, but it would be crazy for him and the boys to sit around the beach with that many people and just wait.

So, I've decided that my next huge race needs to be local. Luck has it that my first 1/2 marathon also has a FULL. Washington DC Suntrust marathon. I'll be there. I might even register (then throw up) as soon as that direct deposit hits at the end of the month. I know I can do it because I want it. It will be hard work, I will need to be smart and careful.

I can do this! Right? :)

long run sunday

Sunday morning - 6:30 am run with Megan (fellow sole sister). Plan was to run 10 miles and beat the rain. Notice the darkness outside and also how shiny my Road ID is! I had no idea the reflective power was so bright! Good to know. So we set out after stretching and beat the rain. It started raining as we set foot on my driveway.....after running 10.1 miles! Whew!


We talked the entire run. Not once did we come up for air. We talked about the past, our families, husbands, kids (she has a new crawler) and our vacation we are taking together next week. Can not WAIT for the beach! We did not break any land speed records - pace was slower than what I was supposed to do (sorry plan), but we felt great and WE DID IT! This was Megan's first 10 mile run and she was nervous.....but she rocked it!

So, 3 weeks from today is the 1/2 marathon and I feel much more ready now that we've done the 10 miles (technically 10.1 :) ) I am still battling some blisters. They didn't bother me on the run, but I feel them now. My hip did not bother me once!!!!!! Yeah! I came home from the run and my husband was making eggs and oven roasted potatoes (yum!) and the boys were watching cartoons. I love the feeling of being so accomplished by 9am. I am tired now, but that's ok. I will take being tired for also being able to check off my long run.

I wanted to take an ice bath - but I'm too scared to try it. I will do it after the next long one....I made that promise to my quads today.

UPDATE: I FOLLOWED MY PLAN THIS WEEK MINUS .7 MILES! 25.3 MILES THIS WEEK!

Slightly sweaty after the run. My shirt was totally drenched! I drank all my Performance and ate my Espresso Love GU. It started to POUR rain right when I got inside.....so the kids and I went out and danced in the rain for a bit. Gotta love feeling so good!

I do not run, I am a Runner

Day 4 of my week of "follow the 1/2 marathon plan" exactly! I left the gym feeling like a total rock star! On the plan for today?

6 miles with 4 miles at a 8:58 pace

I did it! I really went in not sure if I could pull it off. I did my workout on the treadmill so I knew I was getting the pace right. I felt great! Like I could fly. That is my favorite part about running. Feeling strong, unstoppable.....fast (sometimes). I did have to chant a little to myself: I do not run, I am a runner! It really helps me. I even have it written on a piece of paper in my wallet. Nerdy, I know....but it really helps me.

Now, the woman on the treadmill next to me was slightly irritating. I think she fueled some of my fire. She got on the treadmill, fixed her hair, sent a few text messages, and then set her Iced Starbucks Coffee/Tea in the treadmill cup holder. I had to hold back the chuckle. She walked next to me - i know, i know...better than nothing - and fueled my run. I loved to punch in 6.7 and look at her 3.2 walk. Slightly evil, but I needed to get this workout done!

Now I'm home and ready for lunch. I did get some blisters on both feet today. That never happens. Boo! Not sure why that happened or what I'm going to do about it. Anyone a blister pro? I did pop them - I know, you aren't supposed to. I just couldn't help it.

Hope everyone is getting their plan done today!!!!

3 days down.....4 to go

Three days in still on track! Wahoo! I had my track workout tonight with Reston Runners and it was a hot one. I was crossing my fingers for some thunderstorms to roll in and cancel the workout, not because I don't want to run but for clear safety issues. :)

The workout:

4-8 X800 - lead one, draft one, rest one (groups of three)

So I got my warm up started and was instantly pissed! What! Running shorts!? NOOOOOO! I can't run in this humidity without spandex! The chub rub was instantly gross and awful. I thought I was going to have to quit....until I remembered......my Chamois Butt'r. Thank God! I went to my bag, slathered it on, and got back to work. I completed my warm up and the workout without any more issues. Whew!

On another note – I ran right up to a super fit Team Fexy (tri club) member as she was doing her cool down. I asked her all kinds of questions about tri tops, what she’s training for, what she wears…you know – the important stuff. This is so out of my comfort zone. I NEVER just go up to strangers. I have found that the running community is just so nice and helpful! She was so nice, I’m resisting the urge to facebook stalk her now!

I drank my Performance toweled off and headed home to relieve the babysitter. I stopped at the grocery store (really crossing things off my list!) and came home to boys that thought bedtime was optional. Got them to bed, inhaled an avocado –yum!

I am feeling so accomplished following my plan so well! I know I’m only 3 days in, but I’m getting it done this week! I don’t have much of a choice. I cannot fall on my face during the Rock n Roll ½.

Tri note – anyone have a favorite sports bra that comes in dark colors? I’m thinking this will be my tri top for my first sprint in oct.

27 days till I Rock N Roll!

I still haven't decided if 27 days until the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon is exciting or terrifying.......

My mileage is getting closer to being back on track. I've been off - kinda since the start :) - but really the last 2 weeks with my hip injury. Then, I wiped out on my bike and badly bruised my right shin, so that hurts too.

Friday: Ran 6 miles on the dreadmill at a 10:20 pace. Felt great. Stopped to stretch out my hip one time, but really left feeling like I had a great run. That night I fell off my bike - stupid clip in pedals!

Saturday: Took the day off to make sure 6 miles didn't kill my hip and also recover from the ever embarrassing bike fall.

Sunday: Went to the dreadmill again determined to do 7-8 miles, no big deal.....Well, mentally I was all for it. Physically I was just tired and sore. My physical beat up my mental and I struggled to get in just 4.5 miles! Ugh! I hate days like that. I know they happen. I know I need them to remind myself how hard I've worked, how far I've come....blah, blah, blah. I left the gym feeling slightly embarrased of my 4.5, like anyone else knew or cared!

So my weekly total was only 16.9 miles and I needed to be at 25. The Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon is 27 days away!!!!!!!!!! I'm slightly panicked. I want to get 2:00:00, my PR is 2:11:15. I know 27 days can be a long time, but my hip is making me nervous too. It feels great, much better every day, but still not 100%.

Here's what my plan is for this week:
mon: off/cross train - i'm coming for you clip in pedals!
tues: 3 miles (10:24 pace)
wed: interval training with Reston Runners at South Lakes Track
thur: 6 miles (4 at a 8:54 pace)
fri: 3 miles (10:24 pace)
sat: cross train
sun: 11 miles (10:24 pace)

I know that I may need to take the long run down a few miles, but everything is totally do-able. Here's to getting my physical and mental back on track!

Falling Flat on my Face - Friday

The day started out great. It's Friday! Yeah! One meeting at work, not too stressful. Lunch with Sam, almost talked him into getting me the Garmin forerunner 110, but I will have to wait until I save up some more money. Then I picked up the boys from daycare. We got home and Mason went right down for a nap. What a great day! Sam got home and I was able to go to the gym. I went with the mindset of "I'll run whatever my hip will let me". I haven't run on the dreadmill in a long time, but I know that it will be easier on my hip than pounding the pavement. There was a good movie on - Obsessed - gotta love the chickflick with action, so I figured I could go for a while. I really wanted to do 8 miles, but I took 10 days off from the hip and need to play it safe. I stopped at 6 miles, feeling really good. Stretched, went to the grocery store, was feeling great!

My husband got his new bike today. He's been waiting for it for 2 weeks, so he was pretty excited! It's all he has talked about lately.














He got it all ready to go and took a ton of pics! That's Sammy posing in front of the new ride. After a dinner of chicken and mashed potatoes and both kids ate (still a great night) Sam put the clipless pedals on my bike too. Now, this is my 1st experience with clipless pedals. I got new bike shoes for my birthday (thanks dad!) and this is my 1st time to try them. Wow. It's. Hard. I finally figured out how to "clip in" and took a spin around the cul-de-sac. Not too bad. Really hard to get out of them though. I did a few practice clip in-clip out. Slight panic that I can't clip out too well. I tried to go for a spin again. This time everything happend in slow motion. I clipped in my left shoe. Tried to clip in the right shoe. Then it happened. All forward motion stopped. And I went down. Hard.















I banged up my knee. Nothing too bad, but it's that awful scrap that hurts when the air hits it. I landed on my left hand pretty hard too.













My leg got pinned and I think I will get a pretty good bruise from it. I will actually be mad if I don't. For how badly that hurt, I better get a good battle wound. I laid like an idiot in the road (thank god no cars came by) and just tried not to cry. But, I did cry. Not hard, but man! That hurt SO bad!

I really hope that I can figure these pedals out. I will say, my hand and leg hurt so much that I don't feel the pain in my hip at all (insert silver lining). Anyone else use bike shoes and clipless pedals? Did it take long to figure it all out?

Thankful Thursday..........

Saw this post title on The Happy Runner and LOVED it! So, I stole it for today's entry. Let's see, what am I thankful for in the running world? Tons!

1. I got a babysitter last night for my track workout (wahoo!) and the boys LOVE her!

2. I got to go to the track workout and participated without too much pain in my hip. I asked our interval coach (Cindy, the best!) about my hip. She diagnosed me with a "weak hip" and gave me some stretches and strengthening exercise. That made me feel a lot better.







3. The storm held off last night until after the workout - once I got the whistle drill started I did not want to quit. AND we got popcicles (maybe that should have been it's own "thankful"?)













4. It's beautiful out today and I will try for my longest bike ride yet, ice my hip, do some strengthening

5. My new Runner's magazine came in the mail!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE magazine day!

I'm sore today after the track workout, but I'm not panicking anymore after Coach Cindy told me that it's a weak muscle and strained. Having a pro tell me I will heal and I'll be ok (my career is not over!) has taken a huge weight off of me.

My family is all doing great! Sammy is on a hunger strike (no dinner last night), being 3 must be so tough! :) When offered his dinner he informed my husband "I did not order this". Hard to not crack a smile and stay irritated when he's pretty funny.

What are you thankful for today?

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Long Road

I caught the running bug in my first 5K in April 2009. It was amazing! Everything I read about......goosebumps, teary eyes, totally hooked! I finished the race and instantly talked about the next one I was going to do. It helped that I won one of the raffle prizes (a pair of cool socks!) my family was there and the weather was perfect.

It was a long road to get that point though. I played sports all my life, but loathed running. I ran so that I could pass the timed mile/2 mile to get on the team and that was it. I played field hockey and lacrosse. Lots of running in lacrosse, but if there wasn't a lacrosse stick in my hand - fat chance I was going to run. I played lacrosse in college. Loved it. Made lots of friends. Still hated to run. My roommate was on the soccer team. We were both captains our senior year - had lots of responsibilities......still hated to run.

After I graduated I spent 2 years in graduate school, got a job, got married. Gained alot of weight. A LOT. It was not pretty. I went to weight watchers, which worked great, and just kept on going. After I had my first son (went up to 200 pounds) I used Shaklee Cinch and walking to loose the weight. 6 months gone, back to pre-baby weight and BAM! Pregnant again! UGH! So, had son #2 and weighed in at 210 pounds. I got back onto the Shaklee shakes and went to the gym. I ended up loosing a ton of weight and started to get attention for it. I entered a contest with Shaklee and won! $500!!!!!! The write up and story is in this link: http://www.cinchclub.com/success_story.html?storyName=ann.xml

So that gave me the confidence to sign up for a 5K and I got to work. I caught the bug during that race and I've been going ever since. I like the longer runs, 10K and 1/2 marathons are my favorite. I just can't get going fast enough in a 5K to post the times I want. One day, they say it takes 7 years to get to peak running condition.....I have a LONG way to go!

How did you get started? Was there an exact moment? A bunch of things that led up to it?