Training Recap week of 10/5 (Route 66 Week 12)

This post should probably be titled "When you realize you are now 4 weeks behind in recaps".  Oops.  My goal really is to at least get my training recaps up weekly, but between work and training, I am exhausted at night.  Both come first, so blogging gets pushed to the back.

I'm going to try and get caught up this week though.  We'll see.

First up is Week 12 - which included Rock n Roll Brooklyn.  If you follow me on Instagram, you already know how it went.  It went AMAZING! My goal was between 1:43 and 1:45 and I ran a 1:43:04 (which is 4:35 off my previous PR).  I will be getting a full race recap up, but let's just say I am still in disbelieve that it happened.  Even waiting to start, I had doubts about whether or not I could do it.  But, as one of my goals for 2015 was to work on mental toughness, I told myself to ignore them and just see how it went.  Take it one mile at a time.  And it worked!  More to come when I (finally) get to the recap!

This week was a bit of a mini taper heading into the race, so not too much intensity.

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Tuesday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy pace
Actual: 4.14 mi, 43:59, 10:37 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 4 miles moderate with 10 x 1 minute pickups, plus warmup and cooldown
Actual: 6.0 mi, 55:06, 9:11 pace

Thursday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Friday
Scheduled: 2 mile shake out run
Actual: 2.18 mi, 22:20, 10:14 pace

Saturday
Scheduled: RnR Brooklyn Half Marathon (plus a warmup)
Actual:
Warmup: 0.5 mi, 4:57, 9:54 pace
Race: 13.22 mi, 1:43:04, 7:48 pace (based on Garmin)

Sunday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Total miles: 26.09

Total October miles: 50.66

Miles until goal (1,250): 281.83
Cross Training: 0/4
 

Race Recap: Tinker Bell 10K 2015

Since I am having some serious FOMO about missing the Disneyland Half weekend this year, what better time to think about the last time I was in Disneyland and finish my Tink weekend recaps! 

Tinker Bell 10K
May 9, 2015

This recap is long overdue and a lot has gone on in my life, so I definitely don't remember all the details.  But either way, let's get to what I do remember!

Going with the theme for the weekend, I was going to be Peter Pan for the race.  It was a pretty simple costume to pull together and I have to tell you, one that a lot of people seemed to like.  I got a lot of 'Go Peter' cheers throughout the course which was nice.  It was also very comfortable to run in, so I think this is one I'll definitely repeat at some point.

#FlatSarah ready to go!

My mom was doing the 10K, as were Abby and Adrienne.  Once we met up in the lobby, we made our way to the start.  The best thing about DL races is how close you are to the start.  The Tink start is not as close as DL (and I've never done Avengers or Star Wars so I can't comment on those), but it's still only a couple minutes away walking.

After arriving at the start area, we made our way to the corrals.  Since we walked there, we didn't have a lot of time to kill and everyone said goodbye as there corrals approached.  I was in corral A and since I knew I wanted to stop for some pictures, I made my way to the front.

The race started on time - I think Tink or another fairy sent us off, but I honestly can't remember at this point.  The race starts going to opposite of the DL 10K (literally we run the other way on the same road) and we headed into Disneyland first.  After running around the outside of the park, we made our way down Main Street.  Chip and Dale were along Main Street and I stopped for a quick photo with them.

Hey Dale, what you looking at?

And as no race in DL is complete without a picture with Walt (in my opinion), I made sure to get one during the 10K.

After a quick pass through Frontierland, we passed by the carousel where Alice and the Mad Hatter were holding court.  Because I started in corral A, the line was short (luckily, they all were for me) and was able to get in and out with a picture.

And since I had just seen Alice, I figured a stop in a teacup was in order!

Teacups make me C-R-A-Z-Y!

After passing by the teacups, we made a quick right and looped around the Matterhorn before heading back towards It's a Small World.  It was during this section I stopped for photo's with some of the fairies.  Iridessa (I think, my niece would probably know better!) and Rosetta.

From there, we made our way into TownTown (briefly), before heading out of the park.  I did snag a pic with the cows in TownTown (Clara Bell and not sure what the other name is).

After some time spend backstage, we made the cross to California Adventure.  The course takes you all over California Adventure - starts in Hollywood Land, into a bugs land, Paradise Pier and finally, Cars Land (my fav!).  There were a couple of Tink's pals out during this section - Silvermist and Vidia.

And because I can't resist cheesy photos, one of my "flying" in front of Mickey's Fun Wheel! Side note, the number of photo's of me "flying" that the race photographers got was a ridiculous amount. 

Because Peter can fly, duh?

After leaving Cars Land, we made our way to the finish!  After finishing, I got my medal and NO SNACK BOX!!! We had gotten then for the 5K, so I was confused why we didn't for the 10K.  Apparently, someone realized the applesauce in them had expired, but still.  No one checked that before race weekend?

Once I got a photo, I headed back to the hotel to grab some coffee (and put on my compression socks) before heading back to cheer on my mom's finish.  She's a walker, so it worked out perfectly time wise!  So proud of her for finishing!

I was really proud of my time for this race.  My legs were feeling good and since there were no lines, I was able to jump in for photo's and get going right away.  I actually PR'd for the 10K during this race!  I will say my 10K was years old and did not reflect my current pace, so it's not that surprising.  I was still pretty please though with all the photo stops!

Overall, I really liked this race.  The course is almost entirely in the parks, which makes me very happy.  There were a lot of characters out, especially compared to the lack of characters at last years Disneyland 10K.  I can't speak to the lines since I was in corral A and lucked out on that front.  My only issue would be the lack of a snack box, but I think that was a unique situation and wouldn't happen again.

Results
Official: 6.2 miles, 51:47, 8:20 pace
Garmin: 6.3 miles, 51:48, 8:13 pace

Those who also ran the Tinker Bell 10K, what were your thoughts?

I seriously love this medal!

Race Recap: Rock n Roll Raleigh Half Marathon

Here it is!  My PR race recap! 

Rock'n'Roll Raleigh Half Marathon
April 12, 2015

State: #20 (North Carolina)
Lifetime: #53

I thought the easiest way to do this recap would be to break it into segments.  I actually wrote a large chunk of this on the plane back from Raleigh so I wouldn't forget the details!

Waiting to start

Start

The race started right outside our hotel, about a block away.  It made for an easy and quick race morning!  The corrals were pretty small and were starting every 1-2 minutes.  I started in Corral 4, and I remember thinking I should probably have moved back since I was taking it easy.  By that point it was too late and we got ready to go.

Miles 1-3

The first couple of miles took us around downtown Raleigh.  I knew I was going faster then I had thought I would in mile 1, but it was slightly downhill so I figured that was why.  My legs felt nice and loose and I decided I would run how I felt for the next couple of miles.

Miles 2-3 passed uneventfully as well, except my pace picked up even more.  This section was still downhill and I was letting gravity do it's thing.

Paces: 8:37, 8:11, 8:12

Miles 4-6

During mile 3, I had realized the 3:45 (marathon) pace group was right near me.  I did some quick math and figured out a half at that pace would put me pretty close to a PR (or at least one of my faster times).  My legs were still feeling good, so I decided I'd try and stick with them as long as possible.  I knew the courses split well before the Half finish, so it wouldn't be the whole time.

The pacers were great, they chatted and kept me distracted during these miles.  After a bit more downhill, there was a long (close to a mile) up hill at mile 5.  Even still, our pace was about 1 minute of so ahead when we hit the mile 6 marker.  They kept saying we'd slow down on the big hill that was coming, but by this time I had started to think a PR might be possible and those extra seconds were going to be needed to do so.

Paces: 8:25, 8:13, 8:26

Miles 7-9

Just past the 10K mark, there was a water stop.  The pace team decided to take it slow through the water stop since they were slightly ahead of the pace.  My legs were still feeling really good and I didn't want to stop.  I could tell the PR was in reach and didn't want to risk doing anything that would cause a delay.

There was another long (almost a mile) climb in mile 7.  This was the big hill the pacers had been talking about, but I didn't realize it until it was over.  Since I didn't know it was "the hill", I just put my head down and push through.  The flat when the hill was over felt so good.  We went made a loop around a neighborhood and then it was time for the Half and Full to split (about mile 8).  At this point (mile 8), I was rapidly trying to do the math on what pace I needed to make to PR.  I thought it was possible, but just to be sure, I tried to pick up the pace a little starting at mile 9 (which was on a slight downhill, so that helped).

Paces: 8:12, 8:29, 7:59

Miles 10-12

These miles were a bit rough.  I had picked up the pace and didn't feel horrible for mile 10.  There was a pretty big section of downhill, which felt amazing then, but on Monday my quads were hurting.   It was during this mile I caught up to the 1:50 pace group, which I knew had started in the corral in front of me.  I knew if I stayed in front of them, I'd be fine.

Mile 11 brought on another hill.  It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't pretty either.  I had some thoughts go through my head that maybe I had picked it up too soon.  What if I died in the last mile?

Mile 12 was by far the worst.  There was another hill.  It wasn't as long as the earlier ones, but it was pretty steep and to be honest, my legs were hurting.  I remember making a left turn and seeing the hill and saying (out loud), "Are you kidding me?".  There was a part of me that just wanted to stop and cry during that hill (but don't worry, I didn't).

I think this section was a big mental game for me.  I said in my 2015 goals, I wanted to work on mental strength and learn to push through the pain and I think this race showed that I am getting stronger on that front.  For these last miles, every time I crossed a mile, I'd start to do the math of "I have to run at least an ___ minute per mile pace to PR".  Every time I'd do this, I'd force myself to stop.  I didn't want to think that way because I felt like I was giving myself an excuse to slow down because it hurt.  I'm not kidding that in mile 12, I wanted to stop and cry on that hill, but I pushed through.  Mile 12 wasn't pretty, but I am pretty proud of myself for that mile.

Paces: 7:44, 7:52, 8:02

Mile 13-Finish

By the time I made it to the last mile, I was an odd combination of emotions.  I was completely spent, but knew I still had a mile to go.  I was so happy that it (the PR) was going to happen.  I was in shock, since I hadn't planned on this at all.  Basically, I spent the entire mile 13 trying not to cry.

Every time we made a turn, I'd look for the finish line.  For the last 0.5 miles, I was counting down the tenth's of a mile.  Okay, only 0.5 to go.  Only 0.4 to go.  And eventually, we were at the State Capitol building, which I knew was right near the finish line.  And when I made that final turn and saw the finish... I honestly can't even think of how to describe it.  I think relief is the best way.

The finish was here and I was going to do it.  I was going to PR.  And not just PR a little, PR by a lot (by 2 minutes and 22 seconds to be exact).  Passing the mile 13 marker, I started sprinting to the finish line.  I wanted to know I had given it my all.  Crossing the finish line was awesome.  I was definitely crying, but they were tears of joy (mostly, there might have been some tears of pain in there as well).

Paces: 8:02, 6:28 (for .19, according to my Garmin)

After crossing the finish line and collecting my medal, I made my way through the finisher's chute.  I made sure to pick up a water and a Gatorade as well as some food for later (I am a weirdo and can't eat right after I race.  I use a recovery shake as that's about all I can get down).  Fortunately, the finish chute ended right in front of the hotel so I made my way inside to get some recovery in before heading to the beer garden (I figured I deserved my free Mich Ultra).

Final Thoughts
Basically, I loved this race.  And it wasn't just the PR (which we'll talk about below), but it was the race itself.  Rock n Roll puts on a good race and this was no exception.  From arriving at the start to the finishers chute, it was well run.  The corrals were organized, the course was challenging but gorgeous (Raleigh sure is a pretty place).  If you are looking for a North Carolina race, I'd recommend this one.

Now about that PR.  Basically, anytime you PR, it's awesome.  But this wasn't just a small PR, this was a pretty big one (2:22 minutes!).  It's been about a year since Nike DC and I've spent some time since the race thinking about the two races (Nike vs Raleigh).  Even though I was dying at end of Raleigh, I actually felt much better then during Nike last year.  I remember crossing mile 13 (at Nike) and thinking I could not move any faster.  I had really want to get sub 1:50 at that race and missed it by 2 seconds.  I just could not get my legs to move faster.  That was not the case this time around.  I still manage to sprint the last 0.1 to the finish.

Nike DC was also much flatter then this race was, which is crazy to me, because I don't usually run hills very well.  So I am extra happy that I PR'd on a hilly course.  Which (of course) makes me think that I might even be able to run faster on a flat course.  But that's a discussion for another time.

Results
Official: 13.1 mi, 1:47:39, 8:13 pace
Garmin: 13.19 mi, 1:47:39, 8:10 pace

Anyone else run Raleigh?  What did you think?

Training recap week of 4/6 (Pixie Dust Challenge Week 14)

Let's just say that this week's training recap is not at all what I thought it was going to be about.  I thought it was going to be about a pretty normal training week with a half marathon thrown in.  Which I used as part of a Pixie Dust Challenge progression training build (Friday, Saturday and Sunday runs).  But, if you follow me on Instagram, you already know that was not quite what happened - I got an unexpected, pretty big, PR!

I'm still a bit in shock - PR'ing was in my goals for the year, but I did not think it would happen yesterday.  I wasn't planning on it and spent several hours on Saturday tasting my way around Raleigh's breweries and eating lots of barbeque.  I didn't get enough sleep Saturday night.  The course was hilly (oh so hilly).  But somehow, it still happened (maybe Tinker Bell visited me while I slept and gave me some Pixie Dust?).

I'll have a full recap of RnR Raleigh soon (and I promise, I want to write it while I still remember everything!), but it was just one of those days were everything comes together.  It was magical.  It made me so appreciate the times I dragged myself out to do runs in snow, sleet, freezing temps, etc.  It definitely would not have been possible if I hadn't put in the work, that much I know.  More to come in my recap this week!

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest
Cross Training: :45 second plank, Sleek Arms Day 6

Tuesday
Scheduled: 5 miles easy
Actual: 4 mi, 38:54, 9:43 pace
Cross Training: Tone It Up Bikini Arms, :50 second plank, Sleek Arms Day 7

Wednesday
Scheduled: 7 miles easy
Total miles: 7.06 mi, 1:07:04, 9;30 pace
Cross Training: Tone It Up Mali Booty, :55 second plank, Sleek Arms Day 8

Thursday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest
Cross Training: New Balance Girls Night Out - The Sports Barre, 1:00 second plank, Sleek Arms Day 9

Tonight was the first Girls Night Out of 2015!  It was another fun time and challenging workout!

Friday
Scheduled: 1 mile easy
Actual: 1.00, 9:30, 9:30 pace
Cross Training: 1:01 second plank, Sleek Arms Day 10

Saturday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.1 mi, 29:27, 9:30 pace 
Cross Training: 1:02 second plank, Sleek Arms Day 11

Sunday
Scheduled: Rock and Roll Raleigh Half Marathon
Actual: 13.19 mi, 1:47:39, 8:10 pace (based on my Garmin)
Cross Training: 1:03 second plank, Sleek Arms Day 12

Total miles: 28.35

Total April miles: 49.93

Miles until goal (1,250): 931.94
Cross Training: 3/4

Race Recap: Chester County Turkey Trot 5K 2014

Last recap of 2014!  Finally!

Chester Country Turkey Trot 5K
November 27, 2014



My 2014 race year ended with an unexpected bang - a new 5K PR!  I have been doing this race for several years now - you can read last years recap here.  It's such a good way to start the morning and burn some calories.

The race takes place at the local high school.  It is supposed to run on the roads around the school, but it had snowed on Wednesday night and the roads weren't in great continue.  They re-routed the course to be 100% on the high school property.  Ends up being a 2 loop course which isn't as great as the 1 loop course, but it works!

It was really cold that morning so I tried to stay in the car as long as possible and only headed to the start 5 minutes prior to the start time.  But then the start got pushed about 5 minutes, so ended up being more like 10 minutes.  By the time the race started, my feet were popsicles.

I wasn't sure what I would do with this race heading into it.  Would I race it?  Take it easy?  Philly had been the weekend before and my legs had felt like lead.  In the end, it literally was decided in the first mile. 

When they hit the start gun, I was cold and tight.  I figured I would take it easy... but as the mile went on, I started to loosen up and feel good.  My pace picked up and I decided in that moment I would race it.  I started to push my legs to see what they could do. 

The first mile was just about an 8 minute mile and it just dropped from there.  By the time I hit the last 0.1, my legs were burning.  But I just pushed through it.  I refused to give up. 

The end was tough, but I was so glad I pushed through the pain.  My finishing time was 22:57 - the first time I've ever gotten under 23 minutes!  Final pace was 7:23 - holy cow!

In the end, this race was a great way to end my 2014.  I closed the year out with new PR's in the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon.  It was a great 2014!

Results
Official: 3.10 mi, 22:57, 7:23 pace
Garmin: 3.09 mi, 22:57,  7:26 pace

Can't wait to continue my Thanksgiving tradition next year!

Even though it was freezing, I was proud to wear my Oiselle singlet!

2015 Goals!

Happy New Year everyone!  2014 turned out to be a pretty good year for me and I'm excited to see what 2015 brings.  Since it's the start of a new year, it's time to set some new goals.

So without further ado, here are my goals for 2015.  Some goals are aggressive (it helps to dream!) and some are realistic.  I think having a mix is a good start!

PR in the Half Marathon
This past year brought me a new half marathon PR (by almost 2 minutes) and I want to PR again.  My current half marathon PR is 1:50:04 and I'd really like to get under 1:50.  It's going to be a lot of work, but nothing worthwhile is easy.

Check 5 more states off my list
I am on track to complete this challenge but can't slack off!  I already have registered for races in two more states - North Carolina (Rock n Roll Raleigh) and Washington (Rock n Roll Seattle).  I signed up for the 3 pack Tour Pass so I have one Rock n Roll race to pick still.  Definitely plan on doing another state there.  I also have a 4th state in mind, so that just leaves 1 state let to plan.  Any suggestions?

Run a marathon
Honestly, I almost put race a marathon, but I have no idea how I am going to feel by the time my marathon comes around (I have an idea for one in the Fall).  2014 was full of lots of races and running and while I'm doing my best to take the off season easy, I can't be 100% sure I won't be burnt out by the fall.  I might decide to race it come fall, but I at least want to plan on running a marathon.

Run 1,250 total miles
Similar to last year, I want to set a mileage goal.  I am choosing the same number as last year as I think it's achievable, but still a challenge.

Cross train more often
Last year, I made some pretty lofty goals for core work and didn't do any of them.  This year, I also want to work on my cross training (including core work) as I know it will help my running in the long term.  Since I know it's not reasonable to say I am going to do it everyday (seriously, what was I thinking? I knew that wouldn't happen), I am going to try and do it 4x a week.  I'm going to be using the toning workouts from Tone It Up.  I've done some of their workouts before and they are really good.  I don't need the cardio as I get that from running, but really want to useful and easy to do at home.

Work on mental strength
This one is much harder to quantify when reviewing, but I this is something I want to work on.  I have trouble pushing through mentally when the run gets tough.  The only way to get faster is to push through the pain (not injury pain, just working hard pain - if that makes sense).  I have gotten a lot stronger in this area in the last 2 years (training for Dopey was a giant mental exercise!) but I know it's something that I can continue to work on.

Those are my fitness goals for 2015.  I also have some personal goals I am working on, but I am keeping those to me as they are quite personal.

What are your goals for 2015?

2014 Goals - End of Year Final Review

I can't believe today is the last day of 2014.  I know I say it every year, but I seriously can't believe how quickly this year has gone by.  They seem to go faster the older I get!

As it is officially the last day of 2014, it's time to check in on my goals.  Overall, I think I did really well in achieving them.  I really only missed the mark with one!  Let's review below:

Complete the Dopey Challenge 
This is a pretty obvious goal as I spent most of 2013 preparing for this.  I can't believe it is only 8 days away!
COMPLETED
It was nice to start the year off completing a goal right at the beginning.  In case you missed them, you can read my recaps here: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Final Thoughts.  I've had close to a year to think about this and I still can't believe how well it went.  I am very glad I am not training for it this year!

PR in the Half Marathon 
My current PR is a 1:51:52 set back in 2010.  I ran a 1:55:03 this past September, so I am hoping to make this happen.
COMPLETED
Was very happy to check this one off the list!  I set a new Half Marathon PR at the Nike DC Women's Half with a 1:50:04.

Check 5 states off my list 
I've already got 3 states on the schedule (Kentucky, DC, Oregon).  I have a couple of ideas for the other 2 states and will let you know once they are finalized.
COMPLETED
5 states completed!  I will do a full recap of Year 2 of my 50 States Challenge but here are the states I completed this year: Kentucky, Washington DC, Minnesota, Oregon and Maryland.

Race a marathon 
I am not running the Disney marathon with a time goal with Dopey going on, so I would like to actually race a marathon in 2014.  I already have an idea for a race and will let you know once it's been decided.
COMPLETED
As you might remember, I raced Grandma's Marathon back in June during which I set a new marathon PR (which wasn't even a goal, so I feel extra good about this one).

Run 1,250 miles total 
I ran a total of 1,145.77 in 2013 according to my Garmin, but I did a lot of my Jan-Mar weekday runs on the treadmill (without my Garmin) and they are not counted in that number.  So I think this doable.
COMPLETED
As of today, I have run a total of 1,261.20 miles.  I would call this goal completed!  So happy to have reach this one.

Commit to core work 
This is one area I have definitely been slacking on.  I really want to get back to this and to get it started, I am taking part of the Athleta 30-Day Plank Challenge.  You should join me!
INCOMPLETE
Yea.... this one was definitely not complete.  I would go in starts and stops with this.  I'd do really well for a while and then fall off the wagon.  I know it's so beneficial to my running but it's so hard to stay committed!

Like I said, overall I did really well!  Putting my goals out there really helped me stay accountable to them.

Hope you are all have a great New Years Eve and check back tomorrow for my 2015 goals!

2014 Goals - Mid Year Check-in

We are officially halfway through 2014 (holy cow is it going by fast!) and similar to last year, I thought I'd do a check-in on how my goals for 2014 are coming along.

Complete the Dopey Challenge 
This is a pretty obvious goal as I spent most of 2013 preparing for this.  I can't believe it is only 8 days away!
COMPLETED
It was nice to start the year off completing a goal right at the beginning.  In case you missed them, you can read my recaps here: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Final Thoughts.  It's been almost 6 months and I still have trouble believing that I did all that and how well the marathon went (second fastest at the time, third fastest post Grandma's).

PR in the Half Marathon 
My current PR is a 1:51:52 set back in 2010.  I ran a 1:55:03 this past September, so I am hoping to make this happen.
COMPLETED
We can check this one off the list!  I set a new Half Marathon PR at the Nike DC Women's Half with a 1:50:04.  Since I reached it, wouldn't it be fun to get under 1:50 sometime in the fall?  Challenges are good for you.

Check 5 states off my list 
I've already got 3 states on the schedule (Kentucky, DC, Oregon).  I have a couple of ideas for the other 2 states and will let you know once they are finalized.
ON TRACK
3 states down and 2 to go.  Eugene is already on the schedule and since we are talking 50 States, I can tell you all that as of Monday, I am officially registered for state #5 for 2014 - Maryland.  I'll be running the Baltimore Half Marathon on October 18th.  

Race a marathon 
I am not running the Disney marathon with a time goal with Dopey going on, so I would like to actually race a marathon in 2014.  I already have an idea for a race and will let you know once it's been decided.
COMPLETED
As you might remember, I just raced Grandma's Marathon during which I set a new marathon PR (which wasn't even a goal, so I feel extra good about this one).

Run 1,250 miles total 
I ran a total of 1,145.77 in 2013 according to my Garmin, but I did a lot of my Jan-Mar weekday runs on the treadmill (without my Garmin) and they are not counted in that number.  So I think this doable.
ON TRACK
As of July 1, I have run 689.90 miles or 55.19% of the way towards having this goal completed.  I'm a little ahead, which is good since I won't be training for a marathon in the fall and won't be putting as many miles in.  I have to do about 93.35 miles a month, which I think is  (probably) doable.  Got lots of halves to train for so it should be fun for the second half of the year!  This was always a stretch goal, so if I come close but don't reach it, I'm okay with it.

Commit to core work 
This is one area I have definitely been slacking on.  I really want to get back to this and to get it started, I am taking part of the Athleta 30-Day Plank Challenge.  You should join me!
SLACKING
There had to be one I wasn't doing well in right?  I started off well, doing the Plank Challenge for the first week (wow, it's sad that I just said 1 week was doing well).  Then Dopey came up and I didn't want to do anything that would interfere with that and then I just didn't go back to it.  I would do some ab work here and there, but nothing major.

This is one I definitely want to work on for the rest of the year (and I'm adding stretching in.  Man, am I inflexible).  So to help me accomplish those goals, I am going to be doing PiYo for the next 60 days (I officially started this Monday).  PiYo is a fast paced yoga-pilates combo from Chalene Johnson and Beachbody (the company that does P90X).  It's low impact (which will be good for my knees and joints) and focuses on core and flexibility, two things I am in desperate need of improving.  Moving foward, you'll see PiYo included in my weekly training recaps.  I'll still be running, so some days it will be doubles, but I think committing to this will help me get faster in the long run.  For most of the 60 days I'm doing PiYo, I won't be doing any speed work so it'll mostly all be easy runs.  I might throw in a couple of tempo runs to change it up, but not at race pace or anything.  Just slightly faster.  {Side bar: in case you are wondering, I bought and paid for PiYo myself.  I'm not being sponsored or anything - although that would be nice, right?}

Not too bad half way through!

Grandma's - COMPLETED!!

I have a new marathon PR - 3:54:08!  I'll have a full recap coming up, but I'll just say this was challenging.  The weather conditions were not ideal, but I pushed through and it felt great to PR.

On another note, I have to say the people of Duluth were awesome.  I met some awesome folks and in the span of 12 hours got invited to come back next year with a place to stay and an entry if I need it.  You all are too nice and made a girl feel super welcomed. 

Race Recap: Nike Women's DC Half Marathon

Don't miss my recap of the Expotique.

Nike Women's DC Half Marathon
April 27, 2014

State: #16 (Washington, DC)
Lifetime: #45

The morning of this race did not go well for me.  I got up my standard 2 hours before the race, but as soon as I woke up, my stomach did not feel great.  I ate my standard breakfast and got ready hoping the stomach would settle.  I had always planned on racing this so I knew I'd be nervous, but had no idea if the stomach was nerves or not.  It felt a little better by the time we had to go.

Our hotel was only 2 blocks from the start line which was amazing.  We meet the girls downstairs about 30 minutes before the start and headed over together.

Photo courtesy of Abby

The walk was short and simple.  Megan and I were in the same corral so once we got to the start, we all separated and headed to our respective corrals.  My stomach was still not feeling great and I was starting to worry.  Megan asked me what my plan was (since I wasn't feeling great) and I said "To start running and hope I feel better".  I figure I have no idea how I'll feel on race day so I should learn how to deal with it.

The race started promptly and off we went.  It was cool to run towards the Capital building as it started.  Once I started running, my stomach immediately felt better.  The stomach pains must have been nerves, but I definitely had never felt that before.  I'm glad it went away though!

The plan was to start at 8:30 and then pick up to 8:20s.  I was so focused on my pace that I unfortunately didn't take in a lot of the sites.  From what I do remember it was really pretty.

It's mostly flat, which worked in my favor.  Once we left downtown there were not as many spectators but those that were out where pretty great.  The lack of spectators didn't actually bother me because when there are no people I can dial into my head and really be in the zone without distractions.

There is a section in the middle that goes around a park and was really great.  It was on the water so it got a good breeze and was wide enough that I was able to run the pace I wanted.  After the island, we headed back into downtown to the finish.

I stayed in the 8:30 range (some slightly higher, some slightly lower) until about mile 8 when I really started to pick it up.

When I was in the park and passed mile 10, I started doing some mental math.  I knew my PR was just under a 1:52 and realized that based on my pace through 10 miles, I would most likely PR.  I picked up the pace a little more because I really wanted that PR.  The last 4 miles were my fastest so that made me happy - I really like negative splitting!

{Sidenote: My splits from the race (on my watch) are kinda screwy because near the beginning/end (it's a circle) you go through a big tunnel and I lost GPS tracking.  I tried to manually split it at the marker, but it still got all screwed up.}

After the tunnel there was only about a mile left and I was giving it all I could.  My legs were burning but I kept pushing.  As I made the final turn to the finish, I realized I was really close being sub-1:50.  I was really pushing it because I wanted to know that I had left it all out there.

Crossing the finish line felt amazing.  I looked at my watch and knew I hadn't broken 1:50 (so close!), but I had still PR'd so I was SUPER happy.  My PR had been back from 2010 so I was so happy to have a new one!

After finishing, I made my way through the finish area.  First we got a cute water bottle (filled - loved that they were being green and using reusable bottles), a bag of food and then the best part: the Tiffany's necklace!

The necklace is a big sell for this race and it did not disappoint.  I really loved the design this year.  I posed with the nice kid (jailbait) for a photo opp and made my way to the finishers merch.  They also had a finishers area with changing stations, charging stations, stretching areas, etc.  I did merch first and then made my way back to that.  It was really nice to sit and stretch for a while (and I ran into Nadia so it was nice to hang with her!).

Originally I hadn't planned on buying any finishers merch, but after PR'ing, I could not resist!  The shirt was really cute.  #ihaveaproblem

Overall, I really loved this race.  The course is pretty and flat.  I never felt over crowded and was able to run the race I wanted.  The finishers necklace was gorgeous and well worth the entry fee.  This is my third Nike Women's Race and I have to say they really do know how to put on a good show.  The merchandise is always pretty, the race is well organized and of course - the Tiffany necklace!

Plus, new PR!!!

Results
Official: 13.1, 1:50:01, 8:23 pace
Garmin: 13.31, 1:50:02, 8:16 pace

Splits

See?  A little screwy...

Cheers to 2014!

via

Happy 2014 everyone!  I hope you all had a great New Year's Eve!  Believe it or not, I actually spent New Year's Eve in Times Square (we were inside at a party and only went outside to watch the ball drop so we didn't freeze to death).  It was definitely an experience and a fun time way to send in the New Year!

For 2014, I've decided instead of resolutions to make some goals.  While I like resolutions and I did well on them last year, I want to continue to challenge myself and I feel that goals will help me do that.  I also feel like some of them are pretty aggressive, so we'll see how they go!  So without further ado... here are my goals for 2014!

Complete the Dopey Challenge
This is a pretty obvious goal as I spent most of 2013 preparing for this.  I can't believe it is only 8 days away!

PR in the Half Marathon
My current PR is a 1:51:52 set back in 2010.  I ran a 1:55:03 this past September, so I am hoping to make this happen.

Check 5 states off my list
I've already got 3 states on the schedule (Kentucky, DC, Oregon).  I have a couple of ideas for the other 2 states and will let you know once they are finalized.

Race a marathon
I am not running the Disney marathon with a time goal with Dopey going on, so I would like to actually race a marathon in 2014.  I already have an idea for a race and will let you know once it's been decided.

Run 1,250 miles total
I ran a total of 1,145.77 in 2013 according to my Garmin, but I did a lot of my Jan-Mar weekday runs on the treadmill (without my Garmin) and they are not counted in that number.  So I think this doable.

Commit to core work
This is one area I have definitely been slacking on.  I really want to get back to this and to get it started, I am taking part of the Athleta 30-Day Plank Challenge.  You should join me!

You'll notice this list is all fitness related.  I do have some personal goals for the year, but they are basically the same ones as my 2013 resolutions (eat healthy, save more, travel more, spend more time with friends).  I also have a couple of other goals that I am tossing around my head and if I do decide to make them official, I'll make sure to share.

What are your resolutions/goals for 2014?

New 5K PR

So this past weekend, I ran the Bunny Hop 5K in my hometown.  I was planning on running it pretty easy.  However, a funny thing happened on Saturday morning.  I did not run it easy.  At the same time I didn't run it very hard either.  It was a pretty flat course and since it was so small (like 76 runners small) the course was not crowded.  It did seem to wind back and forth a bit which was annoying, but doable.  Wasn't trying super hard, so imagine my surprise when I passed the 1 mile mark in about 8 minutes.  Once I saw that, I didn't try to push myself too much, just kept a steady pace.  Felt pretty good for the entire time.  I wouldn't say it was very easy, but I definitely wasn't trying crazy hard.

Finishing time: 24:31, pace: 7:54

New PR by 2 minutes, 19 seconds.  Yay!

Sprint Tri recap

So, my first ever triathlon was this weekend. It was awesome! I was really nervous as we drove up there (like really nervous - I think last week's open water swim freaked me out). But it was awesome!

Luckily, it was pretty close to the city (about 40 mins north), so we were able to drive up there that morning. Once we got there, we double checked our tire pressure and then went to set up our transition areas. Put my bike on the rack, set out all my gear (cycling shoes, glasses, helmet, running shoes, hat). Coach Josh had explained how I should set it up, so luckily that was easy.

Then we went and got "marked". In other words, they take a permanent marker and write your race number on your arm. Which I don't quite understand since it wore off almost entirely from my wetsuit.

About 15 minutes before the race, we put our wetsuits on. It went on much easier then last week (thank god!). Then I did one final check of my transition and went to the beach. Got in the water to get a feel of the tempature and my wetsuit and swam a few yards. Thats when all my nerves went away and I started to get excited.

When my swim wave started, I was super excited. The swim went much better then last week! The water was warmer and not as intimidating (even though there were 400+ other people in the water). I swam most of it, but definitely took a few breathers to do the breathe stroke. Was really exciting when I could get out of the water!

After the swim I ran to the transition while starting to take off my wetsuit (unzip, pull of arms). Got to transition and pulled the rest of the wetsuit off (which for some reason I find super easy!). Then I put on my race number, sunglasses and helmet (a must!). Dried off my feet and slipped into my cycling shoes. And off I went.

The bike course was hilly (like they said it would be), but I had no idea HOW hilly it really would be. And of course, I made it harder. I discovered on the bike course, that I could not switch into first gear (the easiest gear); I don't find CP that hard, so I never switch into that gear. So I ended up doing all the hills in a much harder gear then most people. Despite that, I still managed to pass people (which felt really cool to do). I also rode almost all of the course in my aerobars; something I don't do a lot in CP since its so crowded, but on the course felt natural.

When I pulled into the transition, I have never been so excited! I felt awesome coming off my bike. Ramon (my TNT running coach and one of the people we came with) was already finished, so he was there cheering me on. Made the 2nd transition really quick: just slipped on my shoes (yay speed laces) and threw on my hat and off I went.

The run was 3 miles and it felt great. The first 5 mins my legs were adjusting to being off the bike, but they got back in the groove for running really quickly. By the time I came back into the park for the finish I was so excited! Crossing the finish line was super exciting and made me so pumped for Philly (which is in less then 2 weeks)!

I am pretty happy about my time (esp the bike one since I did it in a hard gear, lol). I don't really know if they are good times or not, but I don't really care. The goal of this race wasn't for time. It was to learn and get ready for my big race in August. My times are below:

Swim: 18:26.2
Transition 1: 2:58.3
Bike: 1:06:50.5 (14.1 MPH)
Transition 2: 49.5 (whoa, thats fast!)
Run: 24:54.6 (8:18 pace)

Total: 1:53:58.58

My new PR for Sprint distance Tri's!