Week 36

I'm late, it is already Tuesday of the next week!    I am finding worklife stressful (what is new?)  BUT am really trying to commit to 'me time'.  Last week I ran home from work with one of my co-workers and spent many hours at yoga.  :)
Just a couple more weeks until my next half marathon!

Week 35

Full disclosure: the zoo pic was from weeks ago!  But I snagged it from work this week. :)
We found out that our noisy neighbors are moving, so this week definitely had some highlights!  I am refocusing my fitness goals and worked out 5 days this week with a run, hot yoga, and weights on Saturday.... maybe I should say 8 workouts in 7 days! 

Week 33

What a crappy week.  There, I said it. 
But maybe that is how I would feel about any week in which I have a headache every day of the week.  It was never ending, so I took myself to the spa.  The body scrub, seaweed wrap, cooling facial, and head rub was just what the doctor ordered, got rid of the headache but gained a full body rash (I am guessing from the seaweed?).  Oh well, at least I didn't have a headache today!

Simple Goals for May

I set a few small goals for March, some I was sucessful with, some not. 
But I love the idea of goal setting, so here it goes for May:

Plan my Australia vacation
Continue sticking to the training plan for my marathon on June 22nd!
I have been told that I may be holding on to my weight for unhealthy reasons... think about that and focus on what I want long term when making food choices.
Drink a lemonade on the balcony.

Camelbak Dart 50oz.

 

 

After yesterday's 16 mile run, I can honestly give the Camelbak Dart 50oz two thumbs up - it covers everything on my ‘must do’ list, so I thought I would share!  :)

My favorite features:
Left side front pocket - let’s be honest, the twin front pocket styles of hydration packs are not designed for or flatering on girls with my shape. This pack has just one pocket, which is spacious (yesterday I kept a GU, my cell phone and a tissue in there) secure (nothing fell out, even while I was stretching), and placed to the side.
Easy access pocket at the bottom of the pack - I stored my back up gels here and was able to reach them while running/walking without taking off the pack.
Separate pocket and clip for my keys - there is a key clip and two mesh pockets on the top pocket. Perfect for my ID, credit card, a little cash, my bus pass and keys.
Adjustable while running - I have found it easy to tighten or adjust straps while running, and really have found this pack to fit well. It stays in place and doesn’t swish back and forth on my back while running. I also haven’t had any problems with it causing my shirt to move around.

The cons - the only bad thing I could say about this pack is that the guy at the running store said that anytime you carry water on your back or hips you are changing your gate.  I have noticed this a little bit, and to me it just feels a little like using new muscles which is something that I will get used to, but I would not recommend adding a hydration pack just before race day for this reason.

And I have to say that it is still cool here, I haven’t tested the chaffing issue with a tank top yet. :)

Week 16

Let's see....
This week I bought my airline tickets to Australia,  finally found a hydration pack that I like (love!), ran some miles in my favorite race shirt for Boston, and  hung out with a very good friend and her family for some R&R.
This week I tried to work on refueling/rehydrating - after last weeks long run I felt nauseous, and as the guy at the running store said 'after 10 miles you start to FEEL things'.  Some good, some bad, but I will get through them all.

Week 15

Week 7 of marathon training,  was all about running, weight lifting, and getting fit!
Bring it on week 8, I am ready!

Seattle's Saint Patrick's Day Dash

My plan for surviving marathon training has been to book a zillion (yes, that is right, a zillion!) races so I keep up the motivation needed to complete my long runs.  So far it is working!  Though my watch was a liar today, I got the miles in, and I think at a pretty good pace!  I started the morning off with some fruit puree (trying a runner's magazine suggestion for miles 6-10) and a strawberry fruit bar.  Not bad!  Waiting to start this morning was chilly, but once we got going the sun peeked out and the red wave was off running!  I haven't ever run this race before, and was I in for a surprise - it was crowded!  4 miles weaving around people was a new experiance, but it kept me busy, and I love a race involving costumes!  At the end there was kind of race expo, I grabed a bottle of water and a few snacks (which I tucked into my waist belt for future runs).  Next year I need to allow time to enjoy the expo!  I had stopped my watch as I crossed the finish line, but somehow in the crowd it got bumped and the time was running while I was working my way out of the Seattle Center - Bummer!  Here are my race stats for proof: Age: 34 Location: Seattle, WA Division place: 537 out of 766 Gender place: 2734 out of 3978 Time: 42:36 Pace: 11:42 I stopped for a vanilla GU, and then I was headed home, saddly my watch and I had another difference of opinnion.  I spent about 1.5 miles at 6.36 miles.  *sigh* Oh well, the miles got done and I am feeling pretty happy with week three of marathon training!

Week 11

Week 11 was out to kick my butt.  

I ran the Hot Chocolate 15k, made it to 4 gym workouts, 1 session of hot yoga, and studied until I couldn't possibly jam any more information into my brain.  :)

Tomorrow I am running a 6k Saint Patrick's Day Dash - and then home - for 9 miles, to be followed by.... you guessed it, more studying!  lol....  Test on Monday, fingers crossed that I pass!  :) 

 

Hot Chocolate 15k

March 3rd I ran the Hot Chocolate 15k.... didn't train for it, just went out and ran 9 miles.  Yes, it was awesome!  lol....  I was nervous, I always am at the start of a race, and was really feeling the butterflies knowing that I hadn't done any training to work up to that 9 miles. 
The day started out cold.  I was early so I ran in to the drug store for some tissues and gloves - both were needed!  I sipped a short latte trying to stay warm and then we were off!  The sun came out and it was a beautiful run.  I could have skipped the hot chocolate at the end, it was too sweet and the bananas so green I couldn't open it, but I love the sweater (instead of t-shirt you would typically get with a race), and the weather just made for the perfect day. 

Week 5

I cleaned and reorganized this weekend, put away some of my sweaters in eager anticipation of spring.  Fit into pants I haven't been able to before, squat 145 pounds, and sprinting in cold weather - that will make you feel alive.  :)
Also - the best meal I have made in a long time - 10 minute farro (from Trader Joe's), tossed with a little butter and a lot of parsley.  Salt and pepper, topped with an egg, sunny side up.
Wow, so good!

Week 4

How is it that we are already four weeks into 2013?  I know it is crazy, but I have really begun to notice time speeding up.  It was something my parents used to tell me when I was a child, enjoy this time while you have it.

Work and home were a challenge this week, but I snuck in a yoga class, some sprinting, and some heavy lifting to battle work stresses. I got myself organized and registered for my next test (eek!).

Here's hoping that next week is smoother and sweeter.  :)
I am going to eat better (and well, make time for eating): eggs and fruit for breakfast, sandwiches and cucumber slices for lunch, stir fry fixings for dinner.
I am going to take time for me/my health/stress relief: hot yoga, run, boxing.... hmm and maybe a new book to read while on the bus?

Week 2

Two gym days, a massage and hot yoga.  Trying to find a way to take a week off for a trip to Ireland, and an om to remind me to be kind to myself.

It seems the only things I remembered to take pictures of this week were meals.  :)

Mongolia 12k, Run the Bluff

Yeah.... they really aren't kidding when they say 'run the bluff', it is an intense (up, down, and back up the bluff) course that I can't say I was really prepared for!  And though I finished at the tail end of the pack, I was really happy with my time and pace.  :)
location:Seattle, WA
gender place:129 out of 136
time:1:30:30
pace:12:09

A race behind in my postings!

Lake Union 10k!  This was easily my favorite distance, I didn't train, I didn't worry, and I rocked the whole thing! 
Is there such a thing as a cake run?  :)

Today I ran my first half marathon.

Wow!  I started the day taking the bus down to the Seattle Center.  The bus was full of runners and I kept thinking 'these are my people!'  Silly I know, but so fun to share something so positive with such a huge group.
People were friendly and chatty while we waited our turn to start.  I talked with a woman, Gail, who in her 70s has done 15 half marathons with several more planned for this year!  And the ever so sweet Melinda and Melissa in their purple tutus!  They really helped calm my nerves and before too long coral 30 was off and running through downtown Seattle.  One of my co-workers came to cheer me on (which was so amazing!) and before I knew it we were out of the city headed south.  I had a pretty crazy side cramp from miles 2.5 to 3.5 - in all of my training I haven't had any cramps!  It kind of made for a rough start but the side stitch finally went away after a bit of water and gatoraide.
Miles 4 through 11 I loved!  The weather was beautiful, the scenery amazing, I didn't have any blisters, and couldn't have asked for a better run.  I took in almost a full pack of strawberry cliff shot blocks and drank water at every station.  I took pictures, a little movie, I just had a great time!  That is until we hit the viaduct.  That is were things went downhill oh so very quickly.
Now don't get me wrong, running along the viaduct was beautiful, but it was like the concrete had been worn away and the remaining rocks in the road KILLED my feet.  I was in so much pain I felt like I was going to be sick.  Everyone was walking around me, miles 12 and 13 were brutal!  I jogged as much as I could, but it wasn't as much as I would have liked, especially coming from miles 10 and 11 which were amazing!
Anyway, I talked myself through finishing, got my metal (!!!) and had my picture taken.  At this point I was really wishing David had been able to be there, because finding my way out of the Seattle Center was just overwhelming, I was so very tired.  But thankfully once out a bus came right away and I could sit down.  I don't know that I have ever been so happy to sit down in my whole life.  :)
All and all running the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon was an amazing experience!  Thank you Seattle for not raining on us, I am forever grateful!  (Lol... and yes, it started *pouring* as soon as I walked in the door!)

Healthy goal setting

I follow ... well a lot of blogs on facebook, and recently added Nerd Fitness (what can I say, I really like the lego action figures!).  Todays post on building healthy habits hit home so I am checking in on my goals for the year.
My goals this year mainly revolve around getting healthy and FINALLY reaching a healthy weight.  But as the year has progressed I have found myself refocusing a bit -
I have mentioned my desire to lose another 40 pounds.  I have been making time for exercise and finding things I really WANT to do.  Not just talking about, doing!  Running (races are fun!), and hiking (Zion at the end of September!) top my list and I have been making time for one or both each weekend.  I have also been taking about 15 minutes or so each evening to do some sit-ups, push-ups, a few minutes to work on balance and flexability.
I want to be able to take a fancy hiking picture in wheel pose and in tree pose!  I want to work on my balance and flexability.
Something I am proud of, is that these goals really relate to what I want, what I think would be a cool accomplishment, these are not goals imposed by outside influences.  Well, the yoga poses while hiking started in Machu Picchu, so maybe Heather has a bit to do with those.  :)
I have also changed the name of my savings account to 'Christy's Travel the World Fund' and am seeing the the balance grow.  :)

Race for the cure 5k

Yesterday we hiked up a mountain, David's first hike with me and .... well,  we got to the top just in time for a downpour!!!  Lol.... I could only laugh, I so wanted him to fall in love with hiking just like I have, but Rattlesnake Ledge let me down!  Lol....

Anyway, this was another weekend of hiking and racing, today I ran
the Race for the Cure 5k - and was pretty happy with my time!
Location: Seattle, WA
Overall place: 263 out of 353

Time: 36:44

Pace: 11:50

All and all I loved this race, and felt like it was really well supported.  They had the streets closed off for us, and there were tons of people cheering along the sidelines!

I ran this one for my Mom (who is an amazing survivor!!!), and for myself, every mile makes me healthier!  But I have to tell you, running along and seeing all of the girls 'running for Mommy' was really moving. 

This race challenged me, but I made it without crying!  :)

Seattle's Best 15k!

My longest distance to date! 
While my time was very slow compared to the rest of the runners today I was pretty happy. 
Seattle's Best 15k!
9.3 miles finished in: 1:55:54 with an average pace of 12:26.
I did learn a couple things today though,  so it really was good practice for the half marathon... 
My watch was dead, I must have left it on after my last run, here on out I will be charging it before long runs, I spent the whole run wondering if I was going too fast or too slow, it really messed with my head!
My shoes were too new and tied too tightly, my feet kept going numb.  I'm not too worried about this for the half marathon though, I feel pretty confident that my shoes will be well broken in by then.
David met me at the finish line and took pictures but they didn't work!  I was too tired to suggest using my phone, but for the half I need to make the effort!  I was really disappointed to find I didn't have any pictures from such a big day.  I would also like to try to take some video while running the half.  :)
Fuel! I had my fuel belt today, both bottles filled with juice and water which is what I train with and I like, but I had some sharkies and didn't eat them!  This was a bad move on my part, because I was nautious by 8 miles and then had a pretty hard time forcing myself to eat and drink once home.  I am going to need to take in fuel at 6.5 miles, and maybe again at around 9.5 miles.
So a few problems today, but at the end of the day I finished, I did it!  Oh, and I certainly can't say that it was totally awful because tomorrow I am going hiking! Lol.....

Adding miles

With the half marathon looming I have been really good about getting in all of my long runs.  The short ones?  Not so much.  ...and that is a bit scary.  My distance pace isn't where I thought it was going to be, I was really hoping to be running 10 minute miles by now, but for anything over five miles I am doing closer to twelve or thirteen minutes per mile (well, I do a bit better when I am not getting lost in a very scenic neighborhood filled with dead end streets lol....). 
Next weekend is the Seattle's Best 15k.  Goal #1:  have fun, enjoy the scenery, be thankful when you finish.  Goal #2: finish in under two hours.  Goal #3: try to finish in under 1:45 (this is a stretch, but I really want to push myself and be proud of my time in the end).