Monthly Review – Page 10

Category: Monthly Review

02
Aug
2013

July 2013 in Review

This month I ran 96.66 compared to 80.43 in June.

I ran two races: 4 on the 4th and Strike Out ALS 5K. My favorite was the 4 on the 4th not only because I set a PR but the weather was just perfect for running. As for the 5K, the race was in the evening and it was BRUTAL HOT. I am waiting for the weather to cool down to run another 5K and set another PR.

This month I have one race: Fort2Base. I am looking forward to this race. It is a new race and a new distance (11.5 miles) for me.

Summer break is coming to an end. I’ve had a good time relaxing and spending time with my nephews. They wear me out! I am excited about new things happening once I am back at school. But I know that once I start, I will be counting down for winter break, spring break, and the last day of school.

I’ve worn my Brooks PureFlow 2 during my runs/races and they’re amazing! I just love them so much. Recently, I received a pair of Pro Compression Trainer Low socks and let me just say that they’re great socks. I am a big fan of their Marathon socks but will soon become a fan of the trainer socks too. Be on the lookout for another giveaway

I applied to be a coach for Girls on the Run-Chicago. I have CPR training on the 15th and then a training workshop on the 24th. I’ve never done anything like this but I will be combining two things that I love: running and working with kids. A few years ago I was a Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Illinois and I decided to do it again. I am really excited about these opportunities! For sure I will have a busy schedule with these two organizations, work, and training for my multiple races. But that is just OK with me.

Just Keep Running!

30
Jun
2013

Weekly Workouts, June 24-30, 2013 and June in Review

categories: Half Marathon Training, Monthly Review

Workouts this week:

Monday – Cardio
Rode my bike along the lakefront. I forgot my Garmin but I think it was about 9 miles.

Tuesday – 4 x 1200 (2 min RI)
Done. It was tough and I struggled to get them done.

Wednesday – Cardio
Skipped the bike and instead went for a massage. My legs were sore. 🙁

Thursday – 2 miles easy, 3 miles @ short tempo, 1 mile easy
It was rough but I only did 2.41 miles. I was very tired. I did not want to get up in the morning and told myself that I would feel better once I started running. Nope, did not happen.

Saturday – 8 miles at HMP, 10 minutes walking
I ran with my college friend, PA, who is running the Chicago Marathon in October. I have not seen him since last year in October. We had a great time! For the most part I was able to keep up with him but struggled towards the end. With a half mile to go, I told me to “go” and he did. That was OK with me because I did not want to hold him back and I told him that various times. He was cool with staying with me for most of the run.

I cannot believe that we’re already halfway through the year. This month I ran 80.43 miles compared to 73.89 last month. This year I’ve ran 467.83 miles and I’m a bit behind if I want to meet my goal of running 1,000 miles this year.

I ran two half marathons: Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego and Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle. My best time was in San Diego (2:22:06) but then did not so good in Seattle (2:30:39). Oh well. I should not be so hard on myself and expect a good race every single time. Actually, it can be a good race if I just change my attitude. Is it all about the finish time or the experience? If it’s the former than I’m in trouble because I have many more races this year and I don’t expect a PR at each one. It can be a fun race if I don’t focus so much on the finish time but instead pay more attention to the course, the volunteers, the runners, and anything else associated with the race. So my plan for the rest of the year is to enjoy my races.

I’m thinking of doing the 4 on the 4th race on Thursday. My 4 mile PR is 44:28 from November 2008. Yes, it’s been that long. I think it’s time to find out if I can set one this year.

01
Jun
2013

May 2013 in Review

categories: Monthly Review

This month I ran 73.89 miles compared to 71.64 last month.

I ran two half marathons: Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland and Boston’s Run to Remember. I LOVED both races!! I encourage you to run both of them.

My upcoming races in June are Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego on June 2nd and Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle on June 22nd. Definitely taking advantage of the TourPass.

I’ve been to bikram yoga twice and do like it. I wish I could go more often. I guess I can do that once I am done with school which is next Friday. Yay!!

My Mizuno Wave Elixir have not given me any problem. Well, the only problem is I get blisters from the orthotics. I read that Brooks is coming out with their new Ghost 6 and they’re supposed to be amazing. I love the ad featuring that they’re made of real float dust. I’ve ran in the Ghost 5 but they hurt my feet. I am hoping the new version are pain free.

May in Review — Source: http://www.brooksrunning.com

I love buying new running gear and have purchased two pairs of socks, a skort/skirt, and a couple of T-shirts. I am addicted.

30
Apr
2013

April 2013 in Review

categories: Monthly Review

This month I ran 71.64 miles compared to 85.68 last month.

I ran two half marathons: Run Raleigh and Rock ‘n’ Roll Country Music Half Marathon. Raleigh was warm and sunny and Nashville was cold and it rained all throughout the race. Very different!

My races in May are the Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland Half Marathon on May 19th and Boston’s Run to Remember on May 26th. Both races should be fun and I am looking forward to both of them!

Today was my last run with my Brooks PureConnect. I bought these in the beginning of January but began running in them either mid January or beginning of February. Regardless, I think I’ve put in about 200 or so miles. On Sunday I went to Fleet Feet Chicago and bought the Mizuno Wave Elixir. Love the colors!

I have not taken a bikram yoga class yet. I am very disappointed in myself but plan to start soon. To date I’ve ran four Rock ‘n’ Roll races so these medals should be in my possession soon.

Source: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/heavy-medals

April in Review — Source: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/heavy-medals

03
Apr
2013

March 2013 in Review

categories: Monthly Review

This month I ran 85.68 miles compared to 66.18 last month. Last year in March I ran 106.20 miles but that’s because I ran a half marathon AND an ultra marathon. 🙂

I ran two half marathons in March: Little Rock Half Marathon and Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Nation’s Capital Marathon and Half Marathon. Both were fun but challenging. I am trying really hard to enjoy a little bit my races. I know I won’t always have a great race but they can’t all be horrible right?

In April I have two races: Run Raleigh and Rock ‘n’ Roll Country Music Half Marathon. At the latter race I’ll be meeting Laura from Absolut(ly) Fit. I am excited and looking forward to it. I’ve changed my airline reservations to Nashville (again) so that I get in at a reasonable time to pick up my bib and leave on the last flight so that I am not rushing out of the race and hotel to get to airport.

On Saturday and Sunday I spent a couple of hours booking hotels for my upcoming trips/races. Ugh, it took so long but at least I am set except for Savannah, GA. The logistics of getting to the expo and the start line make my head hurt. I am not sure if I want to go there anymore. Anyone wants to go with me?

I am looking into yoga classes, specifically bikram. Right now Bikram Yoga River North has two specials: $29 for one month of unlimited yoga and $100 for 10 classes. I’ve purchased the 10 classes and will start going when I get back from vacation. Tomorrow morning I am off for 5 days in Riviera Maya.

Look what I go in the mail the other day? Yes, I am a Rock Encore. I got this medal for completing two RNR races this year (Arizona and Washington DC).