Zenaida Arroyo

26
Dec
2015

Things I’m Loving I

categories: Things I Am Loving

Disclaimer:

None of the links below are affiliate links so feel free to click away!

Welcome to my first post on things that I am loving lately! Here it goes:

Go Contigo Water Bottles – I first came across this brand from Heather and was intrigued by it. I’ve had the usual bottles from Nuun and Hammer Nutrition but they all leak. No matter how tight I close it, water always manages to leak. These bottles are AMAZING! They’re made with ultra-durable, shatter resistant plastic and the lids have AUTOSEAL® technology which is leak and spill proof. I have the AUTOSEAL® Grace in 24 ounces and 32 ounces as well as the Shake & Go® Fit Shaker Bottle. I also purchased the coffee mugs but that is another story.

Late to the party here but I am obsessed with Nuun Kona Cola. I am bummed out the flavor is being discontinued so you bet I am stocking up!

ChicoBag from REI. Mainly I have been using this bag when I go to the gym. I change at home and just take other stuff that I need (water bottle, headphones, towel, etc). I also have an Apera bag but sometimes that is too bulky so the ChicoBag is the perfect size. They’re made of durable and washable fabric, stuffs into a built-in pouch and unstuffs to a full-size shopping bag, and can hold 40 lbs.

So tell me what are YOU loving lately?

17
Dec
2015

Rock ‘n’ Roll Races and Treadmill Incline

categories: Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

I don’t know if you saw it but on Wednesday, December 16, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series had a one day only special pricing (and limited space) for all of their races. I saw it on Facebook on my way to school and once there I quickly signed up for two races in Seattle and Las Vegas. I am already planning to run in New Orleans in February and have already run in both Seattle and Las Vegas. My nephew lives in Seattle so I would like to visit and run the race again hoping for a better experience. As for Las Vegas, well, why not? Plus, I had a great time the last time I was there.

I know, I know. I told myself I wouldn’t run another RnR race because I did so many in 2013. I haven’t even run the once in Chicago since then and I live here. Plus, it is always so hot here at that time but that is another issue. So now I have three next year!

Unlike most people, I do enjoy running on the treadmill. I like it when the weather just doesn’t make it possible for me to run outside or when my runs call for a specific pace. Lately we’ve been having great weather in Chicago so most of my runs have been outside.

I’ve been setting the incline at 1% for all of my runs. I came across this article “The Truth About Setting Your Treadmill Incline” and Matt says “So instead leave it at 0 percent unless you’re looking for the specific challenge of running uphill.” So now I am torn between leaving it at 1% or changing it to 0% like Matt says.

And totally random and to make you laugh. I have yet to put up my tree. No shame here.

Fan of RnR races? Which is your favorite?

13
Dec
2015

RnR NOLA Week 1

categories: Chicago Endurance Sports, Half Marathon Training, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

I’ve mentioned that I’ve run over 50 half marathons but have yet to finish one under 2 hours. My half marathon PR is 2:17:01 at the ING Hartford Half Marathon. My goal for my next half marathon at the end February is to finish under 2 hours. Can I seriously do it? It may sound like a lofty goal but at least I can try right? Of course Plan B is to get a PR.

RnRNOLARecap

*Week #1, December 7-13

Monday:

PLAN – 5 miles all easy effort
ACTUAL – 5.02 miles @10:26 average pace

Overall, the run felt blah. I’ve felt better during my Saturday runs. Splits are:
Mile 1-10:35
Mile 2-11:03<—– Headwind. I stopped a few times to catch my breath.
Mile 3-10:19
Mile 4-10:04
Mile 5-10:09

Tuesday:

PLAN – Cycle Zone and Body Works Plus Abs
ACTUAL –Cycle Zone and Body Works Plus Abs

Yep, two classes in one day. I almost did not make it to my evening class (and I got there late) because I was so sleepy from my morning class.

Wednesday:

PLAN –2 miles warm up (10:00-10:45), 2 minutes around 8:30 with 3 minutes recovery and repeat until you get 2 miles, then 1 mile cool down
ACTUAL – 5 miles @11:45 average pace

RnRNOLARecap1

The sunset was gorgeous and I was bummed I had to do this run at the gym. I actually enjoyed this workout. I did 1.30 mile warmup @11:10 before realizing treadmill was not at 1% so then ran the rest @10:32. 2 minutes run were @8:32, 8:39, 8:39, 8:39, 8:39. 3 minutes recovery were at walking pace. As for cooldown, .50 was @10:55 and .50 @10:32. The 8:39 pace felt hard but not too hard.

Thursday:

PLAN- 3 miles negative splits
ACTUAL- 3.02 miles @10:13 average pace

RnRNOLARecap2

Boom! Done!! Decent weather but very windy. I am taking advantage of this warm weather so I ran in shorts. Splits are:
Mile 1-10:34
Mile 2-10:04
Mile 3-10:02

Friday:

PLAN – OFF
ACTUAL- OFF

Saturday:

PLAN- 7 miles
ACTUAL- 7.12 @10:25 average pace

The weather in Chicago has been warmer than usual. I am not complaining at all. I am a 10:30 pacer for the Chicago Endurance Sports Winter Warriors Program and have been enjoying my runs with the group. This was the 4th Saturday pacing the group and each week has been very different weather wise.

Run was going well till the last mile where I walked twice. Just felt really tired. Splits are:
Mile 1-9:51
Mile 2-10:12
Mile 3-10:30
Mile 4-10:23
Mile 5-10:37
Mile 6-10:47
Mile 7-10:37

RnRNOLARecap3

Sunday:

PLAN- Yoga
ACTUAL- Did not make to class.

*Runs on treadmill are done on 1% incline.

Thoughts:

I am finally seeing numbers that I like. I definitely feel that I am running faster. Even my former coach, Sara, whom I ran with yesterday made a comment about it. That made me happy!
Earlier in the marathon training season I ran in the Brooks Launch 2 but had to send them back because they hurt my feet. Well, I found them on sale on Running Warehouse, decided to give them another chance, and ordered a pair. No pain. Love them. So I ordered another pair and should be getting them tomorrow.
One week before winter break. To say that I am excited is an understatement.

01
Nov
2015

Done with the Chicago Marathon. Now what?

categories: Half Marathon Training, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

Hello November! Cannot believe only two months till the year is over.

It’s been three weeks since the Chicago Marathon. I think I have recovered. I’ve been out for a few runs but nothing more than 4 miles. I really have not had any desire to run. But once I am out there, it is definitely a different feeling. The weather has been pleasant in Chicago so I’ve been able to run in shorts and a short sleeve shirt.

Last Saturday I went for a run and it was gorgeous! A bit deceiving because on my way back it poured like crazy. I saw my cousin and he offered to give me a ride home. I had about 1/2 mile to do and was determined to run 5 miles. And I did!

On Sunday I went to the outlet mall in Aurora to buy a new Coach purse. I came home with two. I checked out the Nike Store and found a Chicago Marathon finisher shirt for about $16. The price was right, the material feels soft and I love the athletic cut which fits perfect. Plus, I had a gift card so it was free right? I ended up buying more stuff than needed there and at Under Armour. I am going back next week to return a few items.

I love the Long Roga Shorts from Oiselle. Yes, even if they did chafe me really bad at the marathon. I bought another pair but somehow they’re big even though they’re both the same size. Not cool.

Thanks to Pinterest something random I did with my kids.

This past Thursday was a Brooks fun run at Fleet Feet Chicago. Some of the runners wore costumes. I ran three miles in 40 degrees weather and it was wonderful. I had so much fun and I did not care that I got all positive splits (10:11, 10:20, and 11:10).

What is my plan now that marathon training is over? Well, I’ve run over 50 half marathons but have never officially trained for one. Also, I’ve never run one under 2 hours. You would think that I would have since I’ve been running for quite a few years. I know it is tough to get out there when it is cold outside so I signed up to be a pacer for the CES Winter Warriors Half Marathon Training Program. Definitely no excuses at all from me. My goal is to run the RnR New Orleans Half Marathon under 2 hours. So I hope you continue to read as I train for my first sub 2 half marathon.

Oh, and not running related but I know I am late to the party here but I am finally watching “Dexter”. All I can say is “Wow”! I watched 8 episodes today and cannot wait to watch more tomorrow.

Dexter fan? What is the best half marathon you’ve run? Any exciting races this month?

21
Oct
2015

MudLOVE Bracelets Giveway

categories: Giveaway

Disclaimer: This giveaway is not sponsored or affiliated with MudLOVE. I am simply sharing some of the extra bracelets I have purchased to support a cause I believe in.

A few weeks ago Carlee wrote a review and did a giveaway for MudLOVE. I had never heard of the company and became very interested in it. MudLOVE is a company based in Indiana that sells bands and mugs. They have partnered up with Water for Good and for every product that is purchased, it provides one week of clean water to someone in need. What’s not to like?

Of course I wanted to win and I made sure to enter numerous times via Twitter and Instagram. I did not win but I took advantage of a discount code provided by Carlee to purchase several items for me, some of my friends, and to do a giveaway.

I love my bands. They’re cute and comfortable. You can adjust the elastic to fit your wrist. They’re made from clay that is 100% non-hazardous and the glazes they use are lead-free and non-toxic. Did I mention that for each one that is purchased, it provides one week of clean water to someone in need?

I am giving four readers the option to win one of the bands pictured below. To enter, click on the image below where you will be directed to Rafflecopter and enter via leaving a blog post comment, following me on Instagram, commenting on any of my Instagram posts, or tweeting about the giveaway. I am loving this fall weather so I’ve included an extra entry for you. Good luck!

In case you aren’t one of the four winners, you are still in luck!! Use code “community” to save 10% off your order!

This giveaway runs through Sunday, November 1st at 11:59pm CT. Four winners will be selected and notified using the email address listed with their Rafflecopter account. Entries ARE verified, so please make sure to complete the task or a new winner will need to be selected. U.S. residents only.