Race Week Recap! (part one)

My life has taken a crazy busy turn lately.  Thankfully, I've still been able to make time to run and work out, but the blog keeps getting pushed to the back burner.  So, my apologies that I'm just now getting around to recapping what was probably the best week of running I've ever had.  Each race was a different length and each had a completely different feel, which made things really fun.

Pushing Through

Today I had to do something I haven't had to do in a really long time.  I had to walk for 3 minutes in the middle of my run.  I don't know whether it was the heat, humidity, tired legs, time of day (11 am - definitely a yuck time for a summer run in the Midwest!), or a combination of all of those, but I felt like I just couldn't take one more stride or I was going to die.  I was wearing my RoadID and was running on a busy street, so someone probably would have stopped to help me if I dropped to the ground, but I decided to swallow my pride and not take that chance.  And guess what?  It turned out okay...

Tuesday Tidbits

I can't believe it's been almost 3 weeks since my last post.  I feel like I've been going non-stop.  I thought summer was supposed to be a break from the hectic schedule of the school year?  Not so in our family.  VBS, camps, t-ball, baseball, dance, and gymnastics have been keeping us very busy so far this summer.  In addition, I just started a new job with my old company and have been interviewing potential people to join my team and getting them trained and ready to go.  It's very exciting, but has also been adding to the craziness. :)  Thankfully, there has been one constant and that's running...

A Fantastic End to National Running Day

I thought about running ALL day today.  After all, it was National Running Day, right?  Truth be told, I think about running most of the time anyway, but today was special.  We runners got a day to ourselves, for our sport to be recognized.  We don't necessarily need the recognition, but boy, it sure feels nice. 

Color Run Recap (and Why You Should Give it a Chance)

There are many runners out there who would tell you that The Color Run isn't a real race, and they'd never in a million years participate in one.  It's not timed, there are no winners or medals, and there are most definitely more people walking than running.  I agree - it's not a race, but it doesn't really claim to be, so what's the problem?

Let's Talk About Socks

Shortly after I started running, I was on a run with my brother, and we were talking about our favorite running shoes and clothes.  We moved on to the subject of socks, and he mentioned that he probably had at least $200-300 worth of running socks in a drawer.  At the time, that was amazing to me.  I knew I didn't like running in cotton, but socks were socks, right?  It was unfathomable to me that anyone could need that many pairs.

Disappointment

I've been training for the Hospital Hill Half, a race I've never done but had always wanted to try.  It was scheduled for next Saturday.  I say "was" because while the race is still happening, it will not be happening for me.  My husband now has to go out of town for work, leaving Friday night and returning early Saturday afternoon.  Ironic, huh?  We have no family near us, and I challenge you to find a baby-sitter who is interested in coming over at 4:30 a.m.  Not going to happen, at least not with high school students who prefer to sleep in on Saturday mornings.

Big News!

After months of trying to be patient, I just received word today via e-mail that my brand ambassadorship with Nathan has started!!!  It was so exciting to find out more about the program.  Each ambassador on our team gets to "go shopping" for a few products that we'd like to use and review.  It's going to be hard to narrow down my choices.  I had a nice conversation with one of the other ambassadors on Facebook this afternoon, and I'm really looking forward to getting to know the rest of the team.  I have been a huge Nathan fan for quite some time, and I'm really excited for the opportunity to try some new products and spread the word with all of you.  I'll be sharing some of my reviews for the products I choose in future blog posts.

Running With Heat

I stepped outside this morning to go on a run, and was amazed at how hot and humid it already was at 10 a.m.  It was incredibly windy, sticky, and sunny, which can make for an unpleasant run.  As I was running, I started thinking about what is necessary to enjoy a run safely in this kind of weather.  Here are my top 3:

May StrideBox Winner

Thanks to all who entered my StrideBox giveaway.  The winner is... Shannon Gorneault!!  You have until Sunday at noon EST to e-mail me at getupandrun@kc.rr.com with your address.  Congratulations, and thanks again for entering!  

The Coolest Mother's Day Present EVER.

I love the things my kids make me each year for Mother's Day, and I have a special place where I keep everything they've made for me.  Their gifts are so sweet, innocent, and honest.  I love it that my daughter thinks I'm 11' tall and weigh 7 lbs.

May StrideBox and a Giveaway!!

You know how some days, the mail just rocks?  Monday was one of those days.  My long-awaited StrideBox came!  StrideBox is a monthly subscription box for runners.  You pay $15 a month and receive a box of running goodies like apparel, accessories, nutrition products, and discounts delivered to your door.  Sounds like a great way to give some new things a try, right?  I thought so, too.  Little did I know the anticipation would be similar to Christmas morning when I was a young child...

Top 10 Reasons I Run

It's been awhile (too long) since my last post.  I found out that my incredibly cool job is no longer, which totally bummed me out.  It was a good ride while it lasted, and I'm looking forward to the next thing that comes along.  Mostly though, I'll miss the people.  I had the best team on earth to work with (and the discount didn't hurt, either).

Starbucks Giveaway - Just Because!

A long time ago, there was a commercial on TV where a woman was ordering a latte.  I don't even remember what the commercial was for, but she walked up to the counter and proceeded to order her drink with all sorts of crazy demands.  The other customers watched in amazement with their plain old cups of coffee.  I could not believe that anyone was THAT serious about their coffee.  Well, guess what?  I've become "that person." 

Inspiration

I have an amazing family, which includes two incredibly awesome brothers.  When I started running, my oldest brother was my lifeline.  He was the one I went to with questions and he was the one who helped me train (through text and e-mail) for my first half-marathon.  I had two goals during my first half - first, not to walk and second, to finish.  With his help and encouragement, I accomplished both of those goals.  He was much fast than I was at the time, but ran at my pace so we could run and finish it together.  Since then, I've gone on to shatter that race time as well as complete other races.

A Little Picky

It takes a lot for me to find a breakfast/energy bar that I like.  I eat them a lot, mostly as a post-run breakfast on the go.  So many bars masquerade as being “healthy,” but I find myself struggling to pronounce the majority of the ingredients.  That doesn't seem very healthy to me, so I steer clear of those.  I have found several that I really like: LÄRABAR, Clif Kit’s Organic, and most recently, Picky Bars.  The downside of these healthier versions is that they tend to be more expensive.

Hope

Last night's blog post was very jumbled because at that moment, that's how I felt - one big ball of jumbled thoughts and a mixture of emotions.  In my post, I said that I did not personally know anyone running yesterday.  As I was running this morning, the events of yesterday kept replaying in my head.  All of a sudden something connected and my heart fell into my stomach with a sickening thud.  It had somehow slipped my mind that we did have friends there.  My son's basketball coach was running, and his wife and son (one of my son's best friends) were there to cheer him on. 

United We Stand

I write this post with a heavy heart.  It may be somewhat jumbled and unorganized, but it is what's running through my head and heart right now.  I was not in Boston today, nor did I have any friends or family members who were running.  Here's the reality, though - each and every one of those people are my friends, whether I've met them or not.  Some are fast and some are slower.  Some are young and some are older.  It doesn't matter.  We are all part of a tight-knit community of runners.  We stand up for one another, cheer each other on, and in horrific instances like today, we cry together and send our thoughts and prayers from all over the world.  

Boston Bound and Determined

This was an actual conversation between my husband and me this weekend:

Me: I can't WAIT until Monday!

Husband: Why?

Me: It's the Boston Marathon!!

Husband: Who cares?

Me: [insert frowny face here] I do - it's exciting!  I want to run it someday!  Maybe I should wait until I'm 40 so I get an additional 5 minutes...

Husband (with a sigh): All you ever talk about is running...

Running Essentials

Running "could" be considered one of the cheapest sports in which to participate.  Let's be honest - all you truly need to run is a pair of shoes, a t-shirt, and shorts.  I know there are purists, but how many runners really run that way?  Certainly not me, much to the dismay of my husband.  I can't have just one or two pairs of shoes, and I have to have plenty of running clothes.  After all, variety is the spice of life, right?  Let's set aside the clothing and shoes for a moment, though...

Expo... Crashing?

Kansas City's "Rock the Parkway" race is this weekend.  Originally, I had previous plans so I didn't sign up.  Said plans then got cancelled, and I thought I might add another half to my schedule.  Due to the popularity of the race, the half was already sold out.  I decided to "crash" the expo, because who doesn't love a bunch of booths filled to the brim with the latest running gear and gadgets?

Kinvara Love

I had an amazing run this morning.  No, I wasn't running on a tree-lined trail or on a beautiful beach.  In fact, I wasn't even outside.  I was running on the treadmill in my basement gym, and everything but the mileage on my iFit Live screen was refusing to work.  Should have been frustrating, right?  Ah, yes - it would have been, if not for these little beauties...

Running Safety

I rarely watch the news, but happened to turn it on last night.  Sadly, the top story was a tragic ending to the search for a young man who hadn't been seen since going out for a run Thursday night.  This happened about 5-10 minutes from where I live, which is otherwise a very safe, quiet community.  They haven't released many details, but it got me thinking - what safety precautions do you take when you head out for a run?

Switch it Up!

I tend to be a creature of habit.  As a runner, that means I stretch before my run and once I'm finished, stretch again and drink two full glasses of water.  I don't leave without my iPhone, Garmin, Road ID, and if I'm going for a longer run, my handheld bottle and sport beans.  It also translates to having my favorite running routes.  I know exactly how long they are and how much time it takes to run them.

What's on Your Running Playlist?

There are some runners who choose to run without headphones and instead, listen to the music of nature.  On most runs, I am part of the other camp – the group that prefers to have music pumping through headphones. Since I typically run alone, music is my running companion. On those days when it’s tough to get moving, it can also give me that extra boost of energy to push through to the end of a difficult run. 

My Fitness Closet: A Love Affair with Under Armour

I am a huge Under Armour fan – I have serious love for the brand and the clothing.  There are definitely a lot of brands out there, but in my opinion, Under Armour makes superior products.  Sure, I have some other brands in my closet, but they pretty much have gotten pushed to the back.  I have been a fan for a very long time and it is to me, by far, the best brand out there.    

Race Time!

This has been a great week for running so far.  Since the kids are on Spring Break and my husband is also on vacation, I’ve been able to ditch the treadmill and run outside 3 of the last 4 mornings.  Typically, my daily runs last about 3-4 miles.  When I’m training for a race, I dedicate one day a week to longer mileage and keep the other days at 3-4 miles.  I do weights 3 times a week and sometimes throw in a ride on the stationary bike. 

LÄRABAR Review

I don’t know about you, but with two active kids, I am always on the run – literally!  Although I would love to, I don’t often have time to sit down and enjoy a nice, leisurely breakfast.  Most days, I’m post-run and trying to find a healthy on-the-go breakfast choice as I’m getting the kids off to school and starting my day.  I want something made with natural ingredients that tastes good and is free of artificial colors and flavors.        

Your Body: Temple or Trash Can?

I’ll be the first to admit it.  When I first started running, I thought that gave me the license to eat whatever I wanted and in any amount.  I was burning a lot of calories, right?  I had to replace them somehow.  I looked forward to running so I could spend the rest of the day eating to make up the calories I’d lost.  It wasn’t until May of last year when I discovered a free iPhone app called MyFitnessPal that I learned I was very wrong.

Ode to the Treadmill

I don’t mind the winter.  We don’t normally get much snow in the Midwest, so I even get excited when it snows a bit.  There’s something about going out for a run when the snow is lightly falling and being the first set of footprints on the sidewalk.  Most people tend to stay inside, so it’s quiet and still outside – the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing run. 

Getting Started

In June of 2010, I decided to make a life-changing decision.  Aside from the occasional leisurely walk with my family, I was getting no exercise whatsoever.  I woke up one morning and decided that I was going to start running.  Yes, me, the person who had never run more than a mile in her life.  I was planning to get healthy and I was pumped!