Jan
2013

Goals

categories: Motivation

I’ve been reading several blogs and have been motivated by runners posting their goals and resolutions.  I gave it some thought and decided to make a list for me (running and non-running related).

1. Finish all of the races I sign up for
I am on a mission to run a race in all 50 states.  To date I’ve done 10 counting 2 full marathons in CT and LA.  In the past I’ve signed up for races (such as 5Ks) and then for whatever reason decided not to run in them.  This year I am determined to run each single one (unless injured).

2. Run a sub 2 half marathon
I’ve ran 28 half marathons with finish times ranging from 2:53:10 (worst time) to 2:20:00 (best time).  This year I will train smarter with three runs each week (speed, tempo, and long run) with two days of cross training so I am positive I will achieve this goal.

3. Run more than 1,000 miles
This year will be the third time aiming for this goal.  Ugh, this has to be the year right?  No more excuses!

4. Do more foam rolling and cross training  
I don’t like the roller because it hurts.  However, I’ve had some IT band issues so I know the benefits of the roller.  Did I mention that it hurts?  Many people write about how bored they get running on the treadmill.  I guess I am used to it because I don’t mind it.  However, I do get bored on the elliptical and bike.  Oh my goodness!!  I would like to cross train at least 2 times a week.

5. Be more patient with my students
I am a first grade teacher with 24 students.  Enough said.

6. Keep traveling
I love traveling!  I’ve been to several states and countries.  My latest adventure took me to Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru!  I am looking forward to this year because I will be traveling to various states to run a half marathon.  Plus, in April I will be in Riviera Maya during Spring Break for a wedding.

7. Eat more vegetables
I don’t like them very much.  I am aware I need to eat them every single day.  Does it count if I drink a Green Monster Smoothie every day?

8. Have breakfast/lunch/dinner with a friend each month
I love going out to eat with friends.  It gives me a chance to talk to adults (see number 5) instead of kids.  I want to meet up with friends that I don’t see on a regular basis.  Thanks to Facebook and Twitter, I know what is going on with them but I like the face to face interaction.  I love seeing the smiles and hearing the laughters!  

Just Keep Running!


Jan
2013

December and Year in Review 2012

categories: Monthly Review

Happy New Year!!

In December I ran 81.62 miles compared to 59.36 in November.  I signed for the Runner’s world Holiday Running Streak and was doing really good until December 12 when I was just so tired (not just from running) that I decided to take some time off.  And I did !  I took 4 days off then ran for 5 more days and then followed by a few more days of running.  I still think I did good.

Total miles ran in 2012 was 848.41 miles compared to 736.54 in 2011.

In 2013 I will be traveling across the country to run various half marathons sponsored by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.  Join me!

This year I ran 21 races:
Ultramarathon-1
Marathon-1
Half Marathon-7
10 Miles-2
10K-3
6K-1
3.14-1
5K-5

My best race experiences were the ultramarathon and the Ragnar Relay Chicago.

I did the ultra because it was on my list of top 40 things to do and because it was four weeks after the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon.  I already had the training and what is 5 more miles?  Ha, it does matter.  Still, great experience!!

The Ragnar Relay was also on my list.  I had the longest “leg” and struggled to finish it.  Overall, it was fun but also exhausting!!  My team members were AWESOME!!!  I wish I could do it again next year but can’t because of work reasons.

This year I ran in several Brooks shoes such as Ravenna, PureCadence, Glycerin, and PureConnect.  My favorite is PureConnect and plan to run in them in all of my races next year.  I also became a big fan of PRO Compression Socks.  I own five different pairs in various colors and plan to buy more.  Hmm, maybe the purple and the orange ones?

My goals for this year are:

1. Finish all of the races I sign up for
2. Run a sub 2 half marathon
3. Run more than 1,000 miles

Just Keep Running!


Nov
2012

Forty and Fabulous

categories: Fun
Happy Birthday to me!!

Yesterday I received a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card so this morning I stopped for my first cup.  Delicious!!

The rest of the day was just another day at school.  At 3:45 pm I got home to find this!!  Exactly what I wanted.

My mother made my favorite dish, caldo de camaron (shrimp soup).  I had two plates.  Yummy!

No room for cake but definitely room for a cup of coffee with my new machine.

Forty and Fabulous

Do I feel older?  Nope.  I probably look older.  🙂  The upside is that I am now in a new running age group. Here I come 40-44 year old groups!!

Run Happy!


Nov
2012

Magic City Half Marathon (part of the Ruben Studdard Celebration Weekend)

categories: Race all 50 states, Race Recap, Running

Done, state #10.

This race had an awful course with a lot of headwind.  I was so happy when I was done with it.  My finish time was about 2:41:06.  Am I happy with it?  No.  However, I have no one else to blame but me.  I did not run smart.  I did not train properly.  Anyway, it is done and I can’t do anything about it.

I did not get into Birmingham on time to pick up my packet so that meant I had to pick it up on race day.  The hotel was nice enough to give those that were running the race a ride to the start line.  I picked up my bib and dropped off my bag and it took less than 5 minutes.

The race was supposed to start at 8 am but due to some complications/problems it did not start till 8:30 am.  Yeah, not happy about it.  I was chatting with another runner whom I met in the hotel lobby as we were waiting for the hotel shuttle.  The announcer mentioned that Ruben Studdard had arrived but I did not see him.

The race started and off we went.  There was zero crowd support.  If it weren’t for the cars that were stopped at intersections by the cops to let the runners through, the city of Birmingham would not have known there was a half marathon going on in their city.

The headwind was awful.  I thought it was never going to end.  It lasted till about mile 10.  Terrible!!  By then I was running with another girl and we were motivating each other.  She told me that we only had a 5K to go.  Hmm, so simple but yet difficult.

Finally I saw the sign for mile 12.  I was so happy to see it.  I was struggling.  My neck was bothering me and I could feel some blisters forming on the bottom of my right foot.  I was annoyed about it.  I rarely get blisters on my feet.  I was wearing compression socks with my Brooks Glycerin.  In the past I’ve worn the same socks with my Brooks Connect.  Hmm, maybe the shoes?

I saw the finish line and picked up the pace.  Not a good idea.  I stopped for about 10 seconds to catch my breath and took off again.  I heard the announcer mention my colorful shoes and my name.  That made me smile!  🙂

I got my medal, picked up some food (pizza and chips with salsa) and walked back to the hotel.   It was a gorgeous day to walk plus I think it helped my legs.

The race was blah.  Next race on my calendar is the Run 3.14 Pie Race on Thanksgiving and the Mississippi Blues Half Marathon in Jackson, MS on January 5th.  That reminds me that I still need to register.

By the way I loved the hotel and my room!!

Run Happy!


Nov
2012

Carrera de los Muertos 5K

categories: Race Recap

Yesterday I ran a fun race.  Fun because it is close to where I live,  I LOVE seeing the participants dress up, and I get to see and run with my favorite running buddies.

It was weird that no one sang/played the National Anthem.  Maybe because it was only a 5K?  Mental note:  Pay more attention to it at the smaller races.  I was tired that morning.  I went out to dinner the day before and got home around midnight.  I woke up at 6am (but did not want to get up) to get ready.  I had some stomach trouble and made sure I was OK before leaving for the race.  I arrived a little before 7 and waited in my car till about 7:30 to meet up with my friends.

The race started and I took off.  I was not aiming for a PR but just to have fun.  I was cold at the beginning but then quickly warmed up.  As usual, I started off too fast.

Mile 1-8:06 – I was shocked when I saw this!!!
Mile 2-10:27 – Stopped to get some water and catch my breath.
Mile 3-10:19 – Walked a little bit.
.25-2:16

Garmin official time for 3.25 is 31:10.  That’s a 9:35 pace!  🙂

Run Happy!