Jul
2014

June 2014 in Review

categories: Monthly Review, Running

Miles Ran/Last Month:  75.34/65.18.  Another great month of training with Coach Sara.  Yeah, I still don’t like tempo runs but I am enjoying 400s.  On Monday I ran 200s and I like those even more.

Highest Mileage Week:  21.  I did all of my workouts that week (speed, easy, tempo, and long).  

Races Planned/Completed:  1/0.  I won an entry to the Michelob Chicago 13.1 but ended up not finishing the race.  I did not even write anything about it because I was sad and disappointed about it. I know I made the right decision but I can’t help but feel that way.  Anyway, I did not finish the race because I got too hot as I was running.  I took a lot of walking breaks to cool down and would feel better but then would warm up once I began running again.

Current Ache/Pain:  My knees are better.  Last month I ran in my new shoes, the Mizuno Sayonara. They’re OK but I like the Brooks PureFlow 2 more than these.  On Tuesday I went to Fleet Feet and got a pair of Newton Kismet.  Wow, I did 5 miles today and they felt really good.

I’ve been foam rolling as much as possible.  I’ve set up my little gym area in the living room by the TV so I can stretch and foam roll.

photo (3)

newtonkismet

Current Challenge:  None.  Thought about doing the planks challenge but I need to be realistic.  🙂

Current Book:  Where’s You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple.  So far it is a really good book.  I finished Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins and Bossypants by Tina Fey.  I did like Mockingjay but am disappointed with the ending.  Yesterday I saw a preview for Part 1 of the movie and can’t wait till November to see it.

Current Song:  Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order.  This song takes me back to my high school days.

Current Treat:  Going back to the chocolates.   They’re delicious.

photo-13

Next Race:  Elmhurst 4 on the 4th tomorrow.

racetomorrow

Current Excitement:  Love summer break.  I’ve done a lot of reading and finished 2 seasons of House of Cards.  Holy frijoles!  Great show and I love Kevin Spacey.  Also, I’ve been able to watch many of the games of the World Cup.  Mexico’s loss on Sunday was disappointing but the game between Costa Rica and Greece was INTENSE.  Oh, and let’s not forget the game between USA and Belgium.  Tim Howard is HOT and I think he looks better without the beard.

summer break


Jul
2014

Injinji Socks Giveaway

categories: Giveaway, Running, Running Gear

Disclaimer:  I am not an Injinji ambassador nor was I compensated for this post.  I simply like these socks and want to share them with you.

Happy Hump Day!  It is finally July but where did the past six months go?  I’m on summer break and have been taking it easy.  I finally watched “House of Cards”.  Wow, what a show.  Can’t wait for the next season.  I’ve also read a few books and have been watching most of the World Cup games.  The game yesterday between USA and Belgium was intense.

To start off the new month (even if I am a day late) I have a giveaway for you.  As you know I am a big fan of Injinji socks and I am giving away three pairs of socks (S, M, and L).  Pretty cool huh?

Enter this giveaway to win a pair of S, M, or L pair of Injinji Toesocks.  Giveaway ends on Tuesday, July 8th at midnight.  Good luck!

injinji giveaway
Click on image to enter giveaway.

Jun
2014

Chicago Marathon Training Week 3

categories: Chicago Marathon, Marathon Training

Hard to believe another week of marathon training just went by.  I know that during the school year the days just fly by but it seems like they go even faster during the summer.  Oh, and another month went by and we are halfway through the year.  Here is my update for my training.

Week #3, June 23-29
Monday: 6 mile run: 2 miles easy, 2 miles @9:42 pace, 2 miles easy
I did not feel good on Monday so ran instead on Tuesday.  Did 2 miles @10:32, 2 miles @9:43, then 2 miles @10:32.

Tuesday: Rest/Stretch

Wednesday:  Run 45 mins @ 10:45 pace
Did not run.  Now I cannot remember why and I did not even write it in Google calendar for Coach Sara.

Thursday:  1 mile WU, 3 x 1600m @10:03 (1 min RI), 1 mile CD
Tough workout.  Ran 1 mile WU @10:42, 2 miles (nonstop) alternating every .5 miles between 9:52 and 10:12, 2 mins RI after 2 miles, 1 mile (nonstop) @ 9:52, 1 mile CD @10:42.  I know it wasn’t exactly what Coach asked me to do but I think I did good.

Friday: 45 minutes cross-train
Just took a break today.

Saturday:  7 miles @ 11:00 pace
7 miles @11:04.  Good overall but for some reason struggled the last mile.  I must have stopped like 4 times in that mile.  

Sunday: Rest/Stretch
Slept in and that felt good.

Thoughts:

  • Not running related but can’t believe Mexico lost in yesterday’s game.  Oh well, USA still has a chance so I look forward to the game tomorrow.

Jun
2014

Chicago Marathon Training Week 2

categories: Chicago Marathon, Marathon Training

Another exciting week of marathon training.  And no I am not  being sarcastic.

Week #2, June 16-22
Monday: 1 mile WU, 40 minutes @ 10:00, 1 mile CD
Done.  WU and CD miles at 10:32 pace and 4 miles at 9:52 pace.

Tuesday: Rest/Stretch

Wednesday:  Run 45 mins @ 10:45 pace
Went outside at 6am and it was already hot and humid.  Took it slow and ran for 45:14 minutes for total miles of 4.20 @10:46 pace.

Thursday:  1 mile WU, 3 x 400m @ 9:10 (1 min RI), 1 mile CD
Great workout! WU and CD @ 10:32 pace, 400m @9:09 pace.  After first interval, I made mental note to let Coach Sara know that it was easy and to give me more.  However, after second one, I was getting tired and decided they weren’t that easy after all.  Ha, after third one, I was tired and for sure knew I couldn’t do more.  Well, now that I have had time to reflect on it, they were challenging but yet I was able to do them.  Regardless, I still like them.

Friday: 45 minutes cross-train
I got a massage that morning.  My quads and calves were tight and the masseuse mentioned it one than once.  I did feel much better afterwards.  After my massage I went to the gym for 20 minutes on the elliptical and 10 on the bike.  Oh goodness, I need to find something else to do to cross-train because I get so bored on the elliptical and the bike.

Saturday: 8 miles @ 11:03 min pace
Great run! Ran 8 miles @ 11:05 pace.  Felt great the last two miles.  Oh, and almost perfect negative splits. 

1-11:29
2-11:19
3-11:16
4-11:19
5:11:13
6-11:04
7-10:40
8-10:20

Sunday: Rest/Stretch
This time I did make it to bikram yoga.  It felt so good being there.  There are a few poses I struggle with but I made every effort to do all of them.  

Thoughts:

  • I ran with my water belt for my runs on Wednesday and Saturday.  I know it was only 45 minutes on Wednesday but it was a humid morning and I drank both water bottles before I was done with my run.  For Saturday’s run I had HEED Sports Drink.  It wasn’t a hot morning but it was definitely humid.
  • I’ve been going to Bikram Yoga River North and my only complaint is the parking.  Ugh, I hate paying for street parking every time I go there.  Last year I purchased a pass for 10 classes and I have 3 more to go before it expires next month.  I’ve looked into Corepower Yoga which is about 20 minutes from my house (with free parking).  I think it is pricy but as a full-time teacher, I can get a discount.  Another thing I like about this place is that if offers a variety of yoga classes (Hot Power Fusion, CorePower Yoga Sculpt, etc) and not just hot yoga.
  • Next Saturday’s long run is 7 miles.  Let’s see if I can run again negative splits.
  • I am (my legs too) itching for a race.

Jun
2014

Three Things Thursday, June 19, 2014

categories: Running, Three Things Thursday

1.  Have you signed up for the ZOOMA Chicago half marathon or 10K taking place on Saturday, August 2nd?  Please use discount code CAMB8 for a 10% off either distance.  It will be an exciting weekend!

ZoomaMML-CHI-logo

  • A mocktail party, recovery yoga, and running with friends
  • A cool swag bag which includes a technical tee, a pair of Feetures! Performance Socks, a ZOOMA running hat, and a reusable bag
  • Water and Cytomax Sports Performance drink stationed along the course and at the finish line
  • Muscle Milk Light and food at the finish line
  • A race-specific ZOOMA Chicago medal with detachable necklace for half marathon finishers and a 10K medal for 10K finisher
  • Access to special room rates and free start/finish line transportation at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

2.  Don’t forget to also register for the  Fort2Base race taking place on Sunday, August 24th.  What are you waiting for?  Register today.  Make sure to use discount code 2014F2BARROYO10 for a 10% off either distance.  I ran this race last year and loved it.

Fort2Base

  • FREE downloadable photos
  • Great course
  • One of a kind finisher’s medals
  • Medal engraving at the post-race party
  • Men’s and women’s tech shirts
  • Four days of packet pickup in Chicago, the suburbs and on race day
  • Great family friendly post-race party with music and kids entertainment

 3.  Marathon training is here and I need to be ready with gels, sports drinks, and recovery drinks.  I’ve been using Hammer Nutrition for a couple of months and like their products a lot.  They’re free of artificial ingredients, refined sugar, and excess salt/citric acid.  Plus, they taste good, don’t leave a nasty aftertaste, and don’t give me a stomach ache.  So what’s not to like?  So far my favorites are:

Can you tell I like chocolate?  Now they need to make a chocolate flavor sports drink.

photo (1)

There are many other great products offered by Hammer Nutrition so make sure to check out their page.  Use code 228361 when ordering and take 15% off your first order.

hammer nutrition

Disclaimer:  I am not an ambassador nor sponsored by Hammer Nutrition.  However, I just like their products and am part of their VIP Program.