Running – Page 78 – Zenaida Arroyo

05
Jun
2014

Three Things Thursday, June 5, 2014

categories: Running, Three Things Thursday

1. Got new shoes. I’ve been a Brooks fan for years but now have a new pair of Mizuno Sayonara. I am not a big fan of the color but can’t get too picky about that. I did not run yesterday for National Running Day but I did walk up and down the stairs numerous times moving my stuff to my new classroom so that has to count right? The shoes are very comfortable and so far I like them a lot.

2. Got new Injinji socks! Thanks to Injinji for a 40 percent off coupon I got from a previous order. Some are for me and others are for another giveaway. Stay tuned!

3. Flat Stanley is a big hit in my classroom. My kids and I colored our own Flat Stanley and are looking forward to taking him with us on our travel adventures. Oh, one week left of school. I am about 90 percent done with packing up my classroom. In a way it makes me sad because I’ve been there 5 years and have great memories of being in that room. Moving to a new classroom is giving me the chance to get rid of so much stuff and who knew you could accumulate so much stuff!

31
May
2014

May 2014 in Review

categories: Monthly Review, Running

Miles Ran/Last Month: 65.18/61.64. May was my first month working with Coach Sara. Every Sunday she enters my workouts for that week. I do various types of runs such as easy, tempo, and long. I did my first ever speed workout on a track and loved it! I’ve always done them on the treadmill so this was something new to me.

Highest Mileage Week: 19.

Races Planned/Completed: 3/0. Sigh. I had planned to run 2 half marathons and 1 5K this month. And I backed out of all of them. Boo me. Luckily, I had registered for only one race (and paid $19.72) so it wasn’t that much of a loss. The reason I did not run it is because I went to the ZOOMA Training Kickoff. It was another gorgeous day for a run!

Current Ache/Pain: My knees. Just a slight pain when I walk. Might be the shoes?

Current Challenge: None. Last month was the 30-Day Plank Challenge and did not complete it. Need to think again how badly I want to do these challenges.

Current Book: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I finished Catching Fire and loved it. I finished the book on Monday and went to Redbox to get the movie.

I also read Me Before You by Jojo Moyes for my book club. It is a great book and can’t wait to meet with the girls to talk about it. And drink too. 🙂

Current Song: Feel this Moment by Pitbull and Christina Aguilera. I love the beat and makes me want to run faster. Sometimes I find myself listening to it towards the end of a run to keep on going.

Current Treat: All-in-Almond by Picky Bars.

Next Race: Michelob ULTRA 13.1 Chicago on Saturday, June 7. I am looking forward to this race. So far weather is looking good.

Current Excitement: Less than two weeks to go.

18
May
2014

Speed Intervals and Injinji Socks Giveaway

categories: Giveaway, Marathon Training, Running

On Thursday, I had my first “real” speed workout at a track on the north side of the city. I’ve heard of that track but never been there. I left work at 3:45 and made my way to meet my coach. I am usually good with directions but for some reason got lost and could not find the place. Luckily, I had left extra early and 10 minutes later of driving around finally found it. Let me say that I had never actually met my coach in person. I was not sure how I was going to find/recognize her. Luckily, she happened to be running around the track as I walked up and we just stared at each other. Yes, it was her!!

I was nervous about my workouts. She told me not to be. We were doing 1 mile warmup, 4×400, and 1 mile cooldown. The first mile was under 10 minutes. Not bad, not bad. The rest was even better! I was impressed with myself. Coach told me I had good running form and was not a heavy breather. Whew. I was worried about that because I usually am a heavy breather. The goal was to run each interval under 9 minutes. Mission accomplished.

I enjoyed running at the track but there isn’t one close to where I live. Oh well, I guess I can make the 40 minutes or so drive once a week or every two weeks. Or I can just run them on the treadmill.

You ready for a giveaway? For the past few weeks I’ve been running in Injinji toe socks. Love them! It is a little weird to put them on but once you get the hang of it, it is a piece of cake. I even wear them on nonrunning days.

I have two pairs of socks for two lucky readers. One pair is white, size small, crew length and the second pair is black, size large, and mini-crew length. Please make sure to write in the comments section the size you want (S or L) if selected as a winner.

To enter, go here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

15
May
2014

Three Things Thursday, May 15, 2014

categories: Running, Three Things Thursday

1. I finally got a running coach. Coach Sara will be working with me on my three goals: 1) Run a sub-2 half marathon; 2) PR at the Chicago Marathon; and 3) Qualify for the Boston Marathon. I have a LONG way to go for #3 but I know I can do it.

Why a running coach? Well, I’ve been running for quite a number of years and haven’t made much improvement. I’ve followed different plans but it looks like they’re not working for me. Obviously I am doing something wrong. I know last year I went a “little” crazy and ran many races. Well, now it is time to get more serious with my running and hopefully achieve goals #1 and #2 this year.

2) I have been selected as an ambassador for the Fort2Base race on August 24. I ran this race last year and liked it a lot. There are two distances to choose from: 3 Nautical Mile (3.45 miles) and 10 Nautical Mile (11.5 miles). Please use discount code 2014F2BARROYO10 for a 10% off either distance.

3. How to be an Asshole Blogger in 5 Easy Steps is HILARIOUS!! Love it! There I said it. I admit it.

11
May
2014

New Running Place

categories: Chicago Marathon, Marathon Training, Running

As a runner living in Chicago, I’ve done most of my runs along the lakefront. There are so many runners out there that you’re bound to see many familiar faces and/or make new running friends. I love that there are water fountains and bathrooms along the route. Definitely important. Oh, and the view is amazing!

I also run around Midway Airport. Lately, I’ve also been running around my house which sometimes includes a stop at Dunkin’ Donuts.

On Saturday I met up with a few folks from the Western Cook Running Club at Brookfield Woods. I first heard about this group on Kelly’s blog. They host several meetups throughout the week such as Hump Day Hustle and Tuesday Night Tune Ups. On Saturday we met at 7:30am. There were about 8 runners that morning. We all started together but then got separated because everyone ran in different paces. That morning almost everyone ran in pairs. I thought I had to run 6 miles but then realized I had to do 8. The path was not crowded and there was plenty of shade. I saw the usual runners, walkers, and bike riders.

This made me smile!

Overall, I thought it was a great place to run and definitely plan on going back . My only complaint is that there are no water fountains along the way. I knew this so I took my water belt with two small water bottles. It was a hot morning and I finished both of my bottles close to mile 6. I’ve thought about investing in a hydration backpack/vest and now know that if I want to continue running there for long runs then I would need to take more water with me.

Do you have a hydration backpack/vest? Which one? How do you like it?

Category: Running