Category: Monthly Review


Sep
2013

September 2013 in Review

categories: Monthly Review

September was such a busy month for me!  Work was hectic (still is) and I am freaking out because I have progress reports due on Wednesday morning. Paperwork and more paperwork is definitely NOT fun for me.  I caught  a cold this weekend and am not feeling good.

I am a coach for Girls on the Run-Chicago and I volunteer with them on Monday and Friday.  I’ve been having fun with the girls and they’re so cute and adorable!!  I was a bit nervous in the beginning but now am feeling more confident.  There is a 5K in November to benefit the organization but I’m not sure if I will be running it because I am also traveling to Las Vegas that day for a half marathon.

This past week I began my training for the Goofy Challenge.  I missed my workouts on Wednesday (met a friend for dinner and to grade papers) and on Friday (too tired from the week).  I’ve just been so tired.  Excuses, excuses.  I know.   No more slacking off.

This month I ran 63.62 miles compared to 66.05 in August.  I also ran four races:  Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach, Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia, Omaha Half Marathon, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Providence.  Interesting but I ran one race in August and four in September but the difference between the two months is 2.43 miles.  I did so much better in August.

I have four races in October.  All except one are RnR races.  I am running in CT again because two years ago I ran the full marathon but this time I am going for the half.  I get to see my friend, JB, again.  Yay!!

On Sunday I ran in Providence and had a good time.  The course took us through some shaded areas and there were many supporters.  It was hilly but I did not mind them too much.  And the weather was just great.  I will have a race review this week.

As of Sunday I’ve ran 178.72 miles in my Brooks PureFlow 2.  They’re great shoes but now am thinking of trying a different pair (maybe Nike?).  Any suggestions?  During the race on Sunday, my knees were not happy.  I am not sure if it’s because of the shoes or because the course was hilly.  I’ll see how they feel during my runs this week.

Last weekend I finally reached A-List status from Southwest by completing 25 qualifying one-way flights.  Ha, I knew all of those flights for my races would come in handy.  I get benefits such as priority boarding, more points per flight, and priority check-in and security lane access.  What I really, really want is free Wi-Fi on the plane.  I am not cheap but I don’t want to pay $8 for each flight for the Internet.

September was a busy month but I am definitely looking forward to October!


Sep
2013

August 2013 in Review

categories: Monthly Review

Whew I cannot believe September is here!  I feel like my summer break just flew by.  My first day of school was last Monday and my first day with my kiddos was on Wednesday.  As of now I have 25 students.  They’re all really cute and I like them a lot.  It took me about 2 days to organize my classroom but I still have to organize it a bit more.

August in Review

This month I ran 66.05 miles compared to 96.66 in July.  I ran one race: Fort2Base on the 25th.

I have four races in September.  All except one are RnR races.  However, with the cancellations going on right now I hope none of my upcoming races get cancelled.  And if they are then I’ll just find another one.  I purchased a TourPass for my races this year and so far I’ve gotten my money’s worth because I’ve ran 8 races.

I ran on Sunday in Virginia Beach and it was a hot one.  Despite the weather I still had a good time.  The course took us through some shaded areas and there were many supporters.  What’s not to like about that?

Lately I have not been to yoga.  I do miss it.  My plan is to go on Thursdays because I don’t plan to run that day since I have a race on Sunday for the next couple of weeks.  I promise to take it easy and enjoy myself at each race.  If for some reason my body tells me not to run a race then I won’t.  I know I will need to stretch and form roll a lot more.

I am a big fan of ZICO Coconut Water and signed up for the Subscribe and Save program through Amazon.  I opted to receive two boxes (12 bottles in each box) every month.  Delicious!

August in Review

Last week I received two samples of Jimmy Bar!  They were delicious and my favorite was the Super Hip Chocolate Chip.  I need to get more but when I tried to order them online I was shocked with the shipping and handling charge.  I found a store that supposedly sells them so I am going to check it out tomorrow and buy all of them.

August was a good month and here’ to hoping that September is even better!


Aug
2013

July 2013 in Review

categories: Monthly Review, Volunteer

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!


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.


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.