Long Run Recap - 13 Miles

Oh. My. Goodness!

Last Sunday I ran the farthest I've ever run! I've completed two half marathons but I've only ever run 10 miles, I did a walk/run the rest of the way. 

We had a pretty little sunrise. Let me tell you! The sun rises QUICK! I had every intention of leaving the house just before the sky started to get light. I looked out our kitchen window and it was pitch black, I rinsed my coffee mug and plate, looked up and it was bright outside. Shit! Lol! I walked halfway to the park before I realized I left my heart rate monitor at home. Back I went and by the time I got to the park it was day-bright outside. I thought I was going to run out of time, I thought it would get too hot before I finished. 

It was still really pretty outside. This is one of my favorite spots. It's where I enter the park right before the track starts. It's right before I start my runs and it is such a spot of promise and excitement. 

I did really well until about mile 5. Between miles 5 and 7 all I did was try to convince myself I didn't need to pee. It didn't work and I ended up having to run home, hurry inside and pee, and then run back outside to the track. I think I'll plan on using the bathroom at the halfway point during the race. Last year during the races I used every Porta Potty available. I had just had the twins so I still wasn't totally in control of alllllll that down there lol. No accidents but I wanted to be safe rather than sorry. Mom-lyfe. 

After that pit stop (see what I did there?) I did awesome until about mile 11. It was at that point that I realized I didn't just have one more mile left, I had two. My last mile is always my fastest with the middle mile almost always being my slowest. During this run, my second to last mile was definitely my slowest. But I ROCKED that last mile! 

I am so proud to say I ran 13 miles. Now. Let's talk serious. My best half marathon race pace was 14:10 per mile. This pace was 12:36/mile. That's nearly a TWO MINUTE difference per mile!!! I ran these 13 miles in 2 hours and 40 minutes. I beat my goal by five minutes and I beat my previous race time by nearly 28 minutes. Holy crap!!! When I set my goal I  didn't realize how much of a time difference it was from my race pace. 

Here I was thinking I wouldn't be able to finish the half in 2 hours 30 minutes. That is only ten minutes faster than today's pace. And it will be cooler!! 

As you can see, I'm just a little excited. 

I followed the run up with an ice bath. I have learned to keep yo pants on during an ice bath and it isn't nearly as bad as doing them naked. 

And then to top it all off my goodies came in after the run. Of course. But now I have oodles of GU and THE BEST PROTEIN COOKIES OF ALL TIME. ALL TIME YA'LL. 

All in all it was a good day. :)

-Ri

A Very Informative Run

I finally had a good long run. We've had a "cold front" move through Houston so the highs are only 95 instead of 99. But this morning was cooler so I decided to run as long as I could. I was really aiming for the 12 miles I had to call on Sunday but right as I reached 8.5 Barry called me saying he had to go to work. Even though I had to cut it short I did learn some very important lessons today. 

1.  Sometimes it really is just the weather. I know this and it still gets to me. I know I should slow it down when it's hot. And I know that even though I'm going slow it's still making me a better and faster runner and I know as soon as it gets cooler I'll get faster. It still kills me. I still beat myself up and worry myself sick about pace, distance, etc. 

2.  Being hydrated is a big deal. If you start your run dehydrated your body is going to shut down on you faster. 

3. I am probably going to lose a toenail training for these races. Even though I knew it was a possibility I really didn't think it was going to happen to me. I have tiny feet! Now I'm thinking the toe next to my big toe (index toe?) on my right foot is just gonna go. It aches after my long runs but it's not a blister and only the nail bed hurts. I'm going to start a betting pool ;)

4. When I wear a running belt to hold my stuff (GUs, taser, phone, and keys) I totally feel like Lara Croft. 

And most importantly...

5.  I think I'm really going to be able to do this. My goal is to be able to run the whole half marathon with pace being a secondary goal. Today after I did 8 miles at race pace I was able to slow down to a really comfortable slow pace that was still jogging. I felt like I could kept that pace up for the remainder of the run. During today's run I didn't even breath hard. It was incredible! 

So, if you're struggling during your runs like I was just stick with it. Eventually you'll have a run that changes everything and reminds you of your abilities. 

Just don't quit. 

-ri

Good Things Come...

It finally happened. I finally had a good run. It wasn't great, but it was good enough to tide me over for the next couple of days. 

It was a simple 4 mile run with some sprint intervals at the end of it. I put my iPad over the treadmill display and told myself I couldn't check it until I had run 45 minutes. I didn't rush myself and just let my speed be what it was. 

I ended up having an awesome run at a great pace with plenty of bounce in my step. I didn't trudge, it was a nice run and I felt strong!! I also hit completed a 3:20 plank before the run so to say I'm happy with today is an understatement. 

I know I keep saying it but I am so ecstatic with today's run. Sometimes something as simple as a good run can really turn everything around. I needed this run. I just took a look at my schedule for the next month and oh god. My long runs are 12,13,13,14, and 14 miles. All with 4,6, and 5 mile runs during the week. I've only ever run 13.1 miles so those 14 milers are going to be awesome. 

It is going to be serious. And I am just the slightest bit intimidated. But today's run felt good and I'm going to focus on that. 

That, and the cuddles I got to have with William after my run. Little man has a fever and I'm going to take all the cuddles I can get!!

I would have totally taken a nap if the other boys hadn't been playing. :)

It was a good day. 

-Ri

Your hardest critic...

There seems to be a recurring character flaw with runners. We're doubters. 

Don't get me wrong, we are some of the most stubborn, type A personalities you'll ever meet. We're kind of like the postal service: we will run regardless of weather, terrain, or mood. But you throw a couple weeks of bad runs at a runner and we go crazy. 

What am I doing? Should I even run this 5K/10K/Half/Marathon? What's wrong with me? Is it my shoes/socks/meals/gu? 

We constantly doubt ourselves. And I haven't figured out why. We are so very capable! 

The past few weeks I have been struggling. Yesterday's long run was no exception. 

I ran 11 miles on the treadmill and I earned every single one of those miles. At mile 5 I wasn't sure I would finish. At mile 8 I sat down and though about crying. At mile 11 I finished and sat down and cried. Just a little cry. Not sure if it was from relief or frustration. I just want one good long run to let me know I'm on the right track, even if it doesn't feel like it. 

I did get some goodies for my run though. I'll be writing a review this week on some of the items. 

Some good news though!! I did a 3 minute plank! YEAH!!! I've been working on planks for over a month. I was only scheduled for a 2 min 50 sec plank but I said screw it and just went for it!! I have found that having music helps. 

Love me some Kenny Chesney. 

I love doing planks. Everyone acknowledges their difficulty so you can brag about it and look like a badass. ;) I always feel so strong after doing them! They're the best. 

I plan on doing a short walk tonight to stretch my legs and focus on how awesome my next run is going to be. The weather is starting to cool down, I think I'll do my tomorrow's run outside. It should make all the difference. 

-Ri

Running with Toddlers

Today was a DAY. 

I walked around like a lost puppy all day. I couldn't figure out what 

to do with myself; I am utterly unmotivated to do anything.

I did go see my mom today! She seems to be doing much better; she's walking 

around now! Only two days after getting her freaking hip replaced!! 

I took little Nathaniel with me and had a great time chasing him around the room. 

Little boy loves to chase and be chased and play "Where's the baby?!" It was a great 

little outing for him. I love taking the boys out one at a time, I really feel like 

I can bond with them. 

I came home expecting to put all the babies to sleep for nap time only to find out 

they had made a secret pact to refuse all things nap time. Seriously. This is a 

catastrophe waiting to happen. Its not just that they wont nap, it is a domino effect. 

If they don't nap at their designated nap time then they are cranky. Then they get sleepy 

around dinner time and they wont eat dinner. Then they fall asleep two hours early 

with no dinner and THEN they wake up in the middle of the night because 

they're hungry AND THEN they're cranky all day the next day because 

they didn't sleep well.

Nap. Time. Is. Crucial. 

Needless to say I didn't get my run in until late late and by that time I was 

just angry. What should have been a great calming run during nap time turned into a 

post-dinner beat down. 

I didn't even finish. Bear Bear was still awake and refused to leave me alone so I had to stop and deal with him. By that time the endorphins had kicked in so at least I wasn't mad anymore. 

I cannot WAIT until it cools down and I can run outside. August is really turning into my most hated month of the calendar. 

-Ri

Today's Workout: 

  Running: 1 Mile Slow

                  (1 Mile Fast + 2 min Slow) Repeat 4x

                  1 Mile Slow

  Total Time: (incomplete workout) 50 min

  Total Distance: 4.21 miles

  Pace: 11:53 (not too shabby!!!)

Ps. I am AMAZED at my timing. I can't believe I started a running blog during the worst time of my training. I promise I actually like running!!

                 

Houston Running Calendar

Today's post is going to be a little hodge podge. Bear with me. :)

I would like to share with you my most favorite way to find Houston
races - quickly. While it isn't the most comprehensive list it does give me a fair idea
of what's going on in the city and surrounding areas. It updates every month
and each update includes the whole year so if you're looking for a race five months
from now you can find it in one post.

Houston Running Calendar - Link Here

Each listing has a link to the race's corresponding website (if available). They list
all kinds of races 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons, Marathons, Mud Runs, Color Runs,
ZOMBIE RUNS!!!

It also includes which races have active groupon and livinsocial offers!
Seriously love this site!

I finally got to see my mom today. She seems to be doing much better than yesterday.
She was able to get up and move around a little bit. I can't tell you what a relief it was
to see her. I can't wait for her to get back up on her feet. I know this fall and and
winter are going to be the best we've had in a while!! 

Today was a strength training day so I did my usual Chris Freytag videos and plank.
It's taking me a little while to get back to strength training. A month ago my arms were
just starting to get toned and then I went through my burn out. I've lost that tone and
I feel like I'm starting over. It's a good lesson for me to learn. If I had kept going I
would be in a really good spot going in to fall. Oh well. Instead of beating myself up
over it I'm going to just do the work!

I also did an hour just walking on the treadmill. I do all of my runs hard-out so my
heart rate always stays well above the fat burning zone which is probably
why I'm not losing weight. And hot cheetos.

 

I'm off to go watch the meteor showers. I'll be wishing for the perseverance to
make it through this training schedule and the bravery to sign up for a distance
race (more on that later).


-Ri

Workout: Strength Training

                Chris Freytag 10lb Slimdown: Upper Body

                Chris Freytag 10lb Slimdown Extreme: Core (Only 20 minutes)

                Plank (2 min 40 secs)

               1 Hour Treadmill Walk

2015 Racing Season

This is a straight up copy and paste from my other blog but it holds
very important information regarding the dates of my upcoming racing
season. I'm still excited about it although I may have to add a 5K
somewhere in September to get me amped up for the remaining couple
of weeks of my half marathon training. 

I'll be adding some posts later about my past races just so
I can have all my running stuffs together.

 ***************

I am so thrilled to share this with you guys! Here it is, my official 

training and racing schedule for 2015 into 2016!!!

I have been playing around with the dates for two or more weeks and it's been driving me crazy. The half marathon training plan is 6 months long but the marathon season ends in late February here in Houston so it took some pretty serious effort to get all the scheduling figured out. I'll have to cut my 10k training short but since the half marathon training plan is so long I'll have plenty of time to adjust. 

Last year the biggest fault in my training was that I tried to do too much too quick.  I'm hoping the long training plan will help me gently increase my mileage and give me lots of prep for the marathon training. 

And then there's THAT! A marathon! I had originally planned to have completed a marathon by now but it just wasn't in the cards. Like I said, too much too quick. I wasn't really prepared for the physical requirements and the time required to truly train for a marathon. This time I'll have two years (!!!!!) of running experience behind me and I think I'll really be able to do it this year. 

I'm so excited to finally have hard dates, you all know how much I love a good plan. I'm also playing around with the idea of getting sponsorship from family members to help cover the cost of running gear, race entries, and babysitting costs. But more on that later. 

Time to get to work!!!

-Ri