2 on Tuesday

If you live anywhere on the east coast, you know there has been a heat wave going on.  Today was slightly cooler, but the last week has been rough.  Even the Weather app was scary with the heatwave!  Here's hoping it gets cooler.  My AC cannot handles this much longer.

This past Friday I went to the Jay-Z / Justin Timberlake concert.  Despite the fact that it was insanely hot out, the concert was amazing.  They played for over 2.5 hours and it was mix of all the best songs.  I like Jay-Z, but I love me some Justin and he did not disappoint.  Definitely one of the best concerts I have ever seen (tied with U2).

Training recap week of 7/15 (DDD / DLH Week 12)

This was the 12th week of training for Dumbo - 2/3 of the way done!

As I've said, I made this into a down week.  The Hansons plan doesn't have down weeks (I am sure there is a reason), but I was really feeling it last week and decided to give myself one.  I think it was a good idea as I am definitely feeling better then last week.

Per my post yesterday, I am going to be making some changes moving forward through the end of Dumbo.  Really need to think long-term with my training.  It's a marathon, not a sprint.  (Wow, so cheesy, so early.  Think I need more coffee).

Monday

Scheduled: Rest

Actual: Rest

Tuesday

Scheduled: 2 x 1.5M @ 8:36 pace, 400m recovery (plus warm up and cooldown)

Actual: 1 x 2M, 4.43 miles total

Paces: 8:57, 8:55

The heat apparently got to me and I was made up my own workout.  Oops!  Since it is a down week and the heat was pretty brutal, I pulled the paces back a little.  

Wednesday

Scheduled: Off

Actual: Off

Thursday

Scheduled: 4 mile tempo run at race pace (8:46 pace) with warm up and cool down

Actual: 5.02 miles - 3.25 mile tempo, plus warm up and cool down

Paces: 9:13, 9:05, 8:46, 8:56 (.25 mi)

Given the insane heat on Thursday, I slowed down a bit as to not overdo it.  

Friday

Scheduled: 3 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: Off

I went to the Jay-Z / Justin Timberlake concert Friday night and decided to sleep in in the AM, so this run got skipped.

Saturday

Scheduled: 6 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: 4.05 miles, 40:07, 9:54 pace

This was supposed to be a 10K (NYRR Boomer's 10k, recap to follow), but given the heat wave, NYRR cut it to 4M.  It was brutal out there so probably a good idea.

Sunday

Scheduled: Queens 10K, long run pace (9:29)

Actual: 6.32, 57:56, 9:10 pace

So this was faster then I planned, but I was feeling pretty good, so I went with it!

Total miles: 19.18

Total July miles: 83.81

Training Schedule Update

A peak at my training calendar...

Today marked the end of Week 12 of my training for the Dumbo Double Dare.  At officially 2/3 of the way through, I am starting to make my first official changes to the schedule. 

I said when I started this, it was an experiment for me.  I used to be a 3 day a week runner, but this schedule was significantly more.  I did run this much when I was training for Dublin, but I was working with a coach at the time who could make adjustments when needed to my schedule.

It's not that the Hanson's plan doesn't work.  In the 12 weeks I've been running on it, I have definitely gotten stronger and faster.  In all honesty, if Dumbo Double Dare was the only race I was running, I don't know if I would be making as many changes to the schedule.  But it's not and I need to think long term.  I've got Dopey in January and I don't want to be injured.  I am starting to feel some of the signs of overtraining (fatigue, easy runs feeling hard, aches I don't normally get) and I need to adjust accordingly.

To start, I am going to be switching my Monday runs to either cross training or rest days.  I am also going to go to back to back weekend runs every other weekend (an idea I got from Hal Higdon's Dopey plan, more on that to come).  This will give me some time to recover and not over due it.

I have 6 weeks until Dumbo (cannot wait!) and I think this plan is the way to get to the finish line.  I'll keep you posted as I recap my training each week.

Hope you all had good weekends and runs! 

Influenster Sunkissed Vox Box

Sunkissed Vox Box!

A few weeks ago, I got my first ever InfluensterVoxBox.  I was so excited to be chosen!  For more information about Influenster go here or click the icon on the right.  I was chosen for the Sunkissed VoxBox.  It arrived full of products to try.  I was excited to get try them all out.

 Dr. Scholl's For Her
Dr. Scholl's For Her for High Heel Insoles are clinically proven to help prevent foot pain caused by wearing high heels 2' or higher.  They offer immediate, long-lasting comfort and an ultra-soft gel arch to shift pressure off the ball of your foot.  They're proven to improve the way you feel in heels!

I don't wear heels all the time basically because they kill my feet.  With all the running, I just can't stand heels.  These are a joy to wear!  They have squishy texture which really feels great on your feet.  I've worn them a couple times and they have been a huge help.  These will definitely continue to be used (because who doesn't look great in heels?).

 

 Olay Fresh Effects (BB Cream) Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15

24-hour hydration and a splash of sheer color.  This all-in-one skin perfecter, sunscreen, and tinted moisturizer evens tone and refreshes dullness, for flawless looking skin (available in two shades: fair/light and light/medium).

I have been wanting to try a BB cream for a while now.  I am so glad I got this in my Voxbox!  It doubles as a moisturizer while providing sheer coverage.  This is perfect for summer.  I've been using it on the weekends when I don't want to wear foundation.  It's light and gives me enough coverage.  And most importantly, it has SPF in it!  Sun protection is important and I love that it has SPF 15 in it already.  One step and I know I am covered for the day.  Quick and easy. 

Sinful Shine with Gel Tech

Sinful Shine with Gel Tech technology provides rich color and superb shine.  The 32 trend right shades are available for a limited time exclusively at Walgreens.

I was excited to try this one out.  At home nail polish with gel?  Awesome!  I like the color and thought it was perfect for summer.  I painted my nails with it this weekend and so far so good.  It does go on a little thick, so I had to be pretty careful when painting my nails so it didn't clump or get gloopy.  The color is pretty shiny and provides good coverage.  I painted them on Sunday and do not have any chips yet, so I am impressed with that fact.  I am usually an OPI or Essie girl, but I liked this one.  And for only $2.99 at Walgreens, it's a steal.  I don't know if it will replace my Essie or OPI love totally, but it will continue to be in my nail color rotation for the rest of summer.

 Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics
The embodiment of fashion and comfort from America's #1 elastics brand, the new Ouchless Ribbon Elastics are the pretty solution to hot summer hair days.

Believe it or not, I was most excited about these.  I've had other ribbon elastics before and I love them.  But the Goody ones are better then any I've used before.  They are strong and hold my hair back.  I can't use them for running (they are strong but not that strong), but they are great for all other times.  They add a nice finish to a basic ponytail.


Which product do you want to try out?

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  

Everything in italics is from the descriptions included in the Sunkissed Vox Box.  Everything else is 100% my own opinions.

New Year's Resolutions: Mid Year Checkin

Source

Since we are a little more then half way through the year, I thought it would be a good time to do a quick checkin on my New Year's resolutions.  It's easy to make resolutions, but it takes effort to actually stay accountable to them, which was part of the reason why I blogged about them.  By forcing myself to take stock mid-way through the year, I can refocus for the rest of 2013 on those that I slacking on.  My original post can be found here.

So, without further ado...

1.  Eat better - B

I think I've done pretty good on this one.  I've kind of bounced all over the place with this one (I tried Paleo, I went Gluten Free), but I think I've gotten to a good place.  I have discovered that I feel best when I eat as little processed food as possible.  Anything overly processed seems to upset my stomach.  To that end, I've been following the Tone It Up nutrition plan for the last couple of months.  It focuses on 5 small meals throughout the day and lots of clean food.  Hydration is key as is eating lots of fruits and vegatables.  They have their own protein (Perfect Fit) which they use in a lot of recipes.  At first I wasn't sure if it was worth the money, but I did buy 1 box to check it out and I am hooked.  I've been making their protein pancakes with it for breakfast and I am full all morning!  It has definitely been helping and my eating has gotten better, but I am still not great all the time.

2. Follow my workout schedule better - A-

I am probably doing too good with this one.  It took me a while to get into the groove, but now that I have, I have been really diligent about following it.  Per my post yesterday, I feel like guilty when I skip workouts even if I know that it is the right thing for me to do.  Need to make sure to listen to my body.

3. Work life balance - B-

This one is getting better.  Not quite were I want to be, but much better then last year.

4. Running goals - B+

I am giving myself a B+ on this one.  I finished my number 1 goal, which was my 30 by 30 Challenge.  I also announced a new challenge, running a half in all 50 states.  I think I've got a good balance of races for the remainder of the year, so I am racing but not getting burnt out.  There will not be a marathon in 2013, but I am doing one (Dopey) 12 days after the year ends, so I will still be doing marathon training in 2013.  Therefore, I am giving myself partial credit for not doing a marathon in 2013.

5. Travel more - B

I have done some solid traveling so far this year - 2 trips to Disney (my happy place), Chicago twice (once for a weekend, then for a week), San Fran, Cincinnati.  I also have some trips schedule for the balance of the year, but not too many (Disneyland and Disney World, Providence).  It's not as much travel as I would ideally like, but my budget only goes so far.

6. Be a better blogger - B

I can definitely getting better at this.  I settled on a name (keeping 'sarah runs a lot') and for the most part, I am more consistent about blogging.  My race recaps are going up closer to the actual race occuring (woohoo!).  I have also added in some pages and am remembering to update them.

I'm still not the best at replying to comments (I always try to I promise!), so if I didn't respond, I apologize now :)  It's still a work in progress.

7. Save more - C+

This by far is the hardest for me.  I have a budget and when push comes to shove, I would rather spend the money traveling then putting it in savings.  I am saving, but should be doing more.  This is the one I hope to improve for the rest of the year.

8. More time with friends - A

I have done really good with this one.  I have made my friends a priority and it's been great.  We've had dinners, we gone away (weekend in the Hudson Valley in a log cabin?  Check!), I've travelling cross country to spend time with them (weekend with Vanessa and Meghan in SF? Check!), I've celebrated engagements and weddings and birthdays.  I've been better about responding to emails from friends.  Life is short and my friends are important to me.  Want to continue to be at an A with this one.

I've definitely done well with my resolutions, but there are still areas I can improve in.

How are you doing with your resolutions?

2 on Tuesday

I don't think it's a secret by now that I love beauty products.  I am such a product junkie.  When I was in SF visiting Vanessa, she had some Trader Joe's shampoo/conditioner in her shower.  Of course, I had to try it.  I wasn't expecting it to be anything great (I admit I can be a brand snob sometimes), but I have to admit, I really like it.  It makes my hair feel soft and doesn't weigh it down (I have really fine hair).  It does just as good as a job as any other shampoo and since they are only $2.99 a bottle, my wallet likes it too.

While I was in Marshall's a couple of weeks ago, I find these great popsicle molds.  This weekend, I decided to make my first batch.  Nothing too crazy, I just pureed some watermelon cubes with about 1 tablespoon of honey.  After filling the molds, I popped them into the freezer overnight to solidify.  They turned out quite delicious!  I think if I make watermelon ones again, I will add a pinch of sea salt to the mixture.  I know it's weird, but I always add salt to watermelon.  I don't know how to describe it, it just makes it taste better.

Does anyone else had salt to watermelon?  I also do it to cantaloupe and honeydew (basically any melon).  If not, you should try it sometime, it's Sarah approved.  

Training recap week of 7/8 (DLH / DDD Week 11)

Happy Monday everyone!  We've got another heat wave going on here.  Brutal.  I am trying not to complain since that won't change anything.  I'm just trying to move as little as possible.

This past week of training went pretty well.  This past week moved us from the speedwork portion to the strength workout portion.  Glad to be moving to strength workouts.  That means the end is coming!

Week of 7/8 (Week 11)

Monday

Scheduled: 5 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: 5 miles, 50:40, 10:08 pace

Tuesday

Scheduled: 4 x 1M @ 8:36 pace, 400m recovery

Actual: 4 x 1M, 7.03 miles total

Paces: 8:35, 8:37, 8:35, 8:32

First strength workout and felt pretty good.  Challenging, but not throw up inducing challenging.

Wednesday

Scheduled: Off

Actual: Off

Thursday

Scheduled: 6 mile tempo run at race pace (8:46 pace) with warm up and cool down

Actual: 7.73 miles - 6 mile tempo, plus warm up and cool down

Paces: 9:01, 8:38, 8:38, 8:47, 8:48, 8:47

Even with a warm up the first mile of the tempo portion was tough.  Seemed to take me longer then usual to warm up (even though it was hot)

Friday

Scheduled: 5 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: Off

Late night at work and was home late.  Had to skip this one.

Saturday

Scheduled: 6 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: 6.23 miles, 1:01:55, 9:56 pace

Sunday

Scheduled: 12 miles long run pace (9:29)

Actual: 12 miles, 1:56:40, 9:43 pace

Not quite the right pace, but it was hot out so I am pretty glad with how the pace turned out!

Total miles: 38.00

Total July miles: 64

While I only missed 1 run and the paces didn't go too poorly, let me tell you I was exhausted by Sunday.  I am giving myself today off (Monday) as my legs are killing me.  I feel slightly guilty skipping a workout that is on the schedule, but I keep telling myself that I need to listen to my body and that rest is important to my training.

I was also thinking about my schedule this week.  The one thing I do find strange about this training plan is that there are no down weeks.  Through every coach I've ever worked with, tri teams or training plans I've used, they always have down weeks.  This one doesn't.  It just keeps growing.  So I have decided to give myself a down week this week.  I am doing back to back 10k's this weekend and I'll be cutting back my weekday mileage too.  Still doing a strength workout and a tempo, just shorter. 

While I am sure the schedule has a method to it's madness and as much as it makes me feel guilty to change the schedule, I feel like I need to do what is best for me.  And what is best for me is taking some time off this week.

Does anyone else feel guilty when they skip/change their schedule?

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday everyone!  Sorry for the lack of posts this week, coming back to work from vacation has been rough.  Very busy!

While I don't have time for a full post (right now at least), I did come across this video on a friend's Facebook page.  I have a (not so) secret love of Canada, so I find this pretty entertaining.

I am a total nerd and want to go check out the Google Earth file on this.

Have a good rest of the day and I'll be back with more soon!

Race Recap: SF First Half Marathon

So this post is way over due!  Oops.  I was going to do it on vacay last week and then clearly did not. But wait no more, here it is!

PS - my suitcase arrived yesterday afternoon only 48 hours after my flight landed!  Yay.  I know you were all holding your breathe :)

SF First Half Marathon

June 16, 2013

State: repeat

Half: #35

The purpose of this half was to really visit my friend Vanessa and Meghan, so there was not a ton of hanging at the expo like normal.  We got in and picked up our numbers and got out (okay, picked up my number.  Vanessa was 13 weeks pregnant at the time and didn't end up running).  

The race started bright and early at 5:30am.  Our hotel was only about a 10 minute walk from the start.  It was pretty easy to get to (we stayed the Hilton which had a discount with the race).  It was quite beautiful at the start, still dark out with the Bay Bridge in the background.

I was in Wave 4, which started like 20 minutes after the start.  The start was well organized and went smoothly.  The first 2.5 miles were pretty flat... and then it got hilly.  Parts of the course were the same as the Nike Women's Half.  

At the top of the first big hill

I won't lie to you, the hills were pretty brutal.  Some were short, but some (most) were long (I hear the 2nd Half is not as hilly).  But I have to admit, running of the Golden Gate Bridge was pretty amazing.  The views were not that great (it was foggy), but how often do you get to run over such an amazing bridge?  

Starting my run over the Golden Gate

Heading back to SF

Another view on the bridge

Selfie on the bridge!

After the bridge, there was a big uphill followed by a nice downhill and then a slight uphill.  The race finished in Golden Gate park.  It was nice to be done!  They had a good selection of finishers food and Irish Coffees.  Gotta love a race with booze at 8am!  The medal is pretty sweet too.

After showering and getting ready for the day, we ended out for some yummy brunch in the Mission.  I had a delicious bloody mary and some chicken and waffles.  We went to Mission Bowling Club and I would highly recommend it if you are ever in SF.  

Yummy post run brunch!

Results

Official results: 13.1 miles, 2:07:48, 9:45 pace

Garmin: 13.29 miles, 2:07:50, 9:37 pace

Splits

Elevation

Isn't it lovely?

Anyone ever do the SF Second Half?  Should I go back and do that one next?

Training recap week of 6/24 and 7/1 (DLH / DDD Week 9 & 10)

Hello again.  I'm back.  Me who said I would post during my vacation and then did not.  Oops.  I thought about it every day, but then I would put my computer away (if I even got it out) and go back to hanging with the family.

The time off was nice.  It was nice to disconnect, spend time with family and do some thinking.  It was just so enjoyable.  The weddings were fun and I came back so relaxed - until I landed at LGA and discovered my baggage did not make the journey back with me.  So there goes my relaxed mood.  It's been 36 hours and I still have not received my bag.  I am so annoyed.  That bag contains both pairs of my running shoes (is it sad that I am most annoyed about that fact?).  Keep your fingers crossed that it shows up.  Just a word of advice - don't fly American.  Ugh.

So anyways, I clearly missed last weeks training recap, so I am going to do both Week 9 and 10 today (sorry in advance for the long post).  Week 9 marked the half way point of my training program.  Holy cow.  I can't believe it is already halfway done (over halfway now).  It feels like it was just starting.

Week of 6/24 (Week 9)

Monday

Scheduled: 5 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: 5 miles, 52:26, 10:29 pace

Tuesday

Scheduled: 5 x 1K @ 8:12 pace, 400m recovery

Actual: 4 x 1K, 5.14 miles total

Paces: 8:15, 8:16, 8:19, 8:09

Was late coming from work and was only able to get 4 of my repeats in.  Some is better then none.

Wednesday

Scheduled: Off

Actual: Off

Thursday

Scheduled: 6 mile tempo run at race pace (8:46 pace) with warm up and cool down

Actual: 7.69 miles - 6 mile tempo, plus warm up and cool down

Paces: 8:40, 8:44, 8:35, 8:33, 8:42, 8:45

Friday

Scheduled: 6 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: 4 miles, 54:37, 13:50 pace

This one was rough.  Like real rough. 

Saturday

Scheduled: 5 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: Off

Sunday

Scheduled: 10 miles long run pace (9:29)

Actual: Off

So missed 2 runs in a row.  I was flying on Saturday and then hungover from the wedding.  Trying not to beat myself up.  It happens. 

Total miles: 21.78

Total June miles: 136.03

Week of 7/1 (Week 10)

Monday

Scheduled: 7 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: 6 miles, 59:37, 9:56 pace

Tuesday

Scheduled: 4 x 1200m @ 8:12 pace, 400m recovery

Actual: 2 x 100m, 4 miles total

Paces: 8:10, 8:08

Was running late and we had some errands to run with the kids!  But, some is better then none.

Wednesday

Scheduled: Off

Actual: Off

Thursday

Scheduled: 6 mile tempo run at race pace (8:46 pace) with warm up and cool down

Actual: 8 miles - 6 mile tempo, plus warm up and cool down

Paces: 8:43, 8:41, 8:41, 8:34, 8:41, 8:40

Friday

Scheduled: 5 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: 5 miles, 52:54, 10:35 pace

Saturday

Scheduled: 6 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: 3 miles, 30:48, 10:16 pace

Sunday

Scheduled: 12 miles long run pace (9:29)

Actual: Off

Missed Sundays run due to the wedding and flying.  Oh well.

Total miles: 26

Total July miles: 26