The Texas Half Race Report

I am going to admit defeat in line 1 of this post.  I think my body is telling me that racing pretty much every weekend of January (except for the one that I went to RRCA coaching certification class) is beating up my body.  All of a sudden my body is not performing where I know it can.  Now, as I admit that defeat, I'll still tell you that I still fully intend to run a 5k next weekend with my nephew, but then I promise to take a break for a whole 2 weekends before Disney Princess.  This must be why coaches discourage too much racing.  It's like doing double speedwork sessions all at once every week.

Anyhow, on to the race.  I did not have this race officially on my calendar, but my favorite pace partner, Sherry, and my good speedy friend, Robin, were both going and had asked me to please consider coming.  So on Thursday, after a nice workout at the gym, I got in my car and headed to Run-On to do last minute registration.  I didn't know that while I was driving, Sherry was writing on her blog about not wanting to do this half alone.  As soon as I got my bib, I texted a photo of it to Sherry...

She was thrilled!  I love it... she seriously is the perfect pace partner for me, and pretty much anyone who's run within a 100m radius of me knows that I LOVE to talk while I run. 
Robin and her family picked me up at 7am, and we headed to the lake.  Not only did her awesome hubby drop us near the start, he also pulled the car up after so we didn't have to walk to the car.  Super nice guy!  And I love the in-car entertainment provided by Chloe and Ashley - their two little ones.

So in the car, I get a phone call from Sherry... and with all the crud going around, I'm worried she's sick, but no, she's just parked on the wrong side of the lake.  So I work on navigating her to the right parking lot!  Finally Sherry arrives and we get our mandatory pre-race photo.

I love this photo... look at our expressions!!!  But be sure to observe our feet... I have my knee cocked to lean down, and Sherry is on her tippy-toes so we don't look like Mutt and Jeff... ha ha ha.

We here the gun go off, and I see people moving, but realize that no one in front of us is budging... I realize that we're standing in the middle of the 5k people that don't start for another 15 minutes.  I quickly start plowing through the crowd, and Sherry grabs my arm and follows.  There are advantages to being tall!  And we're off.

It turned out to be a beautiful day, but my lungs didn't get the memo.  We started out at a good steady pace.  But I just never found my groove.  I kept plugging along, though.  Sherry and I even practiced some nerdy blogger stuff by taking photos of each other while running (although photos in motion does some weird things to the photos... my husband says I look like a hobbit in these photos)...

It looks like there was some weird concave lens over us... Strange.  Oh well, it was fun... and I've run the lake a billion times, but never taken the cut-off that goes along the edge of the dam... and I loved it... thus we took those photos.

By mile 8, I was really in pain.  My legs were fatigued, but fine.  But my chest was extremely tight, and I just couldn't catch my breath.  I can fight through muscle fatigue, but when it's breathing, it's scary.  We only slowed a little and took very short walk breaks, but I still couldn't shake off the horrible feeling, unfortunately.

When we hit mile 10, we were right on track for Sherry to make a great PR, and I really wanted to see her accomplish that, and I didn't know how much more I could push.  I told her to go on.  She didn't want to because she's awesome like that... more concerned about me than about her time.  But I really did want that PR for her.  So she finally pushed forward (and really picked up the pace... I KNEW she had more in her that day).

I ended up taking a full quarter mile walk break.  I know, that sounds like a really long walk period, but it was apparently the exact right thing to do.  During that break, I was able to get my breathing back and get my chest to feeling at least somewhat normal.  I was able to actually push through most of the rest of the distance ok, although I did slow my pace considerably to make sure I held up.  I crossed the finish line at 2:22:17.  And Sherry killed her PR... you can read about it HERE. 

Half marathon #9 in the books.

**Side note:  For those that I talked to via facebook or daily mile or personally... I wanted to be clear that I did not think my time was disappointing.  A 2:22 is actually a really decent time for me.  My disappointment comes when I can't hold a pace for the whole duration.  I don't like to see my pace plummeting at the end.  It means, in my mind, that I did something wrong.  But then again, some days just aren't your day.

Of course, we needed our finish line photo as well...

And what do you do after you have a really bad day of running where it all just feels so hard???  You top it off by going home and officially registering for a race that's twice as long...

I had already mentally commited to it, but it was time to make the real commitment to Marathon #2.  And want the cherry on top?  Sherry may have done a little peer pressure on me to get me to do the Texas Half, but I think I came out the big winner, because Sherry just agreed to go to San Diego with me, and she officially registered last night, as well!!!  So stinkin' excited!!!!!!!!  (Also excited to get to meet fellow-blogger Jen who will be running RnR San Diego as her first full marathon!)

I'm Not the Only One Training...

For those that are my friend on Facebook, I apologize, but what can I say?  When I see cuteness, I have to spread it around.  Sorry, it's a mother's prerogative.  But I have my mini-people signed up to race at Disney as well, and I can't wait.  SkirtSports put little girl skirts on clearance last week for $5 each (on sale from $32).  I'm guessing it was because they mostly just had toddler sizes left... but that was just fine with me.  Check out this Princess-in-Training!!!

She was so excited to be "like Mommy" that she wore the skirt to naptime.  Who am I to deny a girl a little love for some running gear.  Now I really need to get her some new tennis shoes or else go ahead and read "Born to Run" so I can be inspired to let her go barefoot! 

Fried Chicken!

No not this kind of fried chicken:

No, today Emily and I stayed dedicated to our New Year's goal and went to Body Works class to work on these:

Oh yeah, that's the kind of chicken wing I'm talking about.  We have recently started referring to Body Works class as "Chicken Wing Workouts".  As you might guess from my blog, I would prefer to just run.  I don't cross-train.  And if it isn't my 2-year-old or a bag of groceries, I don't lift things with my arms in any sort of repetitive motion.  I can run for 3 hours straight, but my arm strength rivals only that of a 6-year old girl.  Yeah, I'm a total wimp.  Body works can work my abs and quads all they want (yes, it burns, but I can handle it)... but my poor chicken wings can't take the pressure.  The teacher with her 10 lb. hand weights and me, in the back, barely pumping my 2.5 lb. hand weights.  Really?  I can't even pump the equivalent of a cantelope?  Pitiful.  We're on our third week of class (we missed one week due to sick kids), and inevitably after class and sometimes the next day and sometimes even the day after that, the texts about our "Fried chicken" begin.  Ouch.  Ouch.  Ouch.  This will get easier, right?  Just like running got easier, right?  Please tell me that this will in some way benefit my body other than just being able to lift 3 grocery bags instead of 1.

GoLite Running Tight Winner!!!

Time for winner winner chicken dinner... Who doesn't love a good giveaway.  I had 239 entries!  WOW!!!  I definitely recommend these GoLite Cross Timbers Zonal Tights. 

Random.org generously took the pressure off my shoulders and popped out #82...

Congrats MCM Mama!!!  (I'll be running MCM this year, will you???)

MCM Mama said... 82

I already like GoLite.

Please e-mail me your full address and what size you'd like.  I found that they run pretty true to size, but you can double check the sizing on the website to be sure.

Coach's Corner!

Note:  I am a newly certified RRCA Running Coach.  Everything posted in "Coach's Corner" is my opinion.  I  am not a doctor.  As with anything on the internet, take everything with a grain of salt!

We'll see how this works out, but I wanted to start a weekly Coach's Corner post to document my adventures as I start out as a newbie coach.  I'm not sure what might go in here... advice, failures and successes as a coach, interesting info I find, or just gloating about how awesome my athletes are.

Currently, I have 4 ladies that I am coaching to their first half marathon, and 1 that I'm going to help work back to a half marathon (post-injury).  I love, love, love the half marathon distance, as you all know.  Did I say love?  Anyhow, so these are an ideal set of athletes for me.  I feel it's the distance that I can most draw on my personal knowledge.  Anyhow, I'm totally excited about this.  And hope these ladies have the nerve to tell me to shut my trap when I talk too incessantly about running tidbits. 

So I started week 1 off with a Motivation Monday e-mail... and what has come up the most in the first week has been strengthening exercises to help prevent injury.  My coaching instructor, Janet Hamilton, is brilliant in physiology and biomechanics.  And why re-invent the wheel, right?  She wrote an excellent article HERE that I recommend everyone read.  She also wrote a book entitled "Running Strong".  I have it and plan on giving it a read and review soon.

Tidbit of the week - Stay hydrated!!!  It's something that is so easy to ignore when it's cold outside.  HERE is a great fact sheet from SCAN (Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition).

Motivational quote of the week - If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.  --John Bingham

Don't forget, last day to enter my GoLite Running Tights giveaway!

Too Cold to Hold 15K

Ok, Ok... I promised a race recap today, so here I am!

But briefly off-topic... I started my day off right with a quick 3 mile run.  Which, of course, made me hungry.  So I went to cook some eggs for me and Paige.  I cracked 4 eggs into the pan, then Paige needed to go potty... so off we went.  When I came back to the pan, this is what I found:

Seriously?  Who can't have a good day after a breakfast like that?

Anyhow, back to the race... yesterday was Too Cold to Hold.  They had a 5k and a 15k, and I chose to do the 15k.  I mainly chose the 15k because there aren't a ton of races at that distance, and I wondered what I could handle.  I had a secret goal time in my head of 1:33 (which would be perfect 10 min/mile).  But honestly, I was just ready to erase my only other 15k from the record books.  I ran it in mid-July in the blazing and unforgiving Texas heat, and my time reflected that.  It wasn't the time, in particular, I was disappointed in... they're just numbers... but it was the fact that I knew I was capable of a lot more.

For once, we didn't have to leave at some insane hour, so I slept until 6:30am.  I got princess'd up in my "Glass Slipper" shirt and SkirtSports pink and black skirt (I think I have issues with pink and black).  And I did my best attempt at a self-photo in the style of ShellyRM. 

Yeah, not too successful.  I look thrilled, don't I?  What I *was* thrilled about was this First Ascent (from Eddie Bauer) base layer that I was trying out.  Sure, it's for mountain climbing, but I had some credit at the store, so I figured I'd try it out...  Uber-soft and it came in tall so actually went to my wrists and ankles... and had the cool thumb-holes...

Yet again, I'm straying off topic... the race... yeah... the race.  So at 7:15am, I head out the front door to meet up with Elaine.  And we hop in my car and head to the lake where we get our "usual" parking spot, and then get out and start shivering in the cold.  Brrrrrrrr... The temp was around 39 degrees, but we're wimpy Texans, and we get cold if it's 60.  I was really cold, especially since we weren't moving yet!

(Me and Elaine before the race.)

Now the race... and now that we're at the race, I don't have a lot to say... Here are some photos the promoters took at the start:

I was the token female in this photo... craziness.

I started the race with 2 friends - EW and Big Al.  We kept pace pretty close to my goal 10 min/mile for the first half of the race and then we parted ways.  Big Al sped up ahead and EW decided to take it a little easy.  I tried to keep trucking at the same pace, but it was hard.  Races are hard.  Well, racing them is hard.  Truly pushing yourself to your limit is hard stuff... but I'm glad I can suck it up for long enough to find out what I'm capable of.  But around mile 7, some "girlie" cramps pulled me just off pace... and I knew I would need to finish strong to reach my goal.  It was one of those times when you have the will to push through the pain and finish strong, but the legs just will not go any faster.  Ugh... no fun.  I would've made any coach proud, as my 5k splits were almost exactly even... just over 31 minutes at the 5k point, just over 62 minutes at the 10k, and 1:33:33 at the finish.  Shucks.  Just barely off my goal, but still a 20 minute PR over my summer 15k. 

(Elaine, Me, and EW at the finish.)

As far as placement... I finished about a minute behind the top 3 Athenas... and I finished 22 seconds after the 4th place Athena (who reads this blog, congrats on a great run, Aimee!!!)  Seriously, Aimee... it's time we meet after placing right next to each other in two races.  Please find me at the next one!

I also enjoyed seeing new friend and fellow blogger, Michelle K, who I got to cheer on as she was heading back at about the 5 mile point for her.  Her husband was just ahead of her, and we were telling her to catch him... which she did!  Great job, Michelle. 

 (EW, Elaine, Me, and Michelle sporting her best winter hat!  Love it, girl!)



Oh, and here's the fun shirt and winter beanie we got in our packet:

Don't forget... just two days left to enter my GoLite Running Tights giveaway!!!

Sneak Peek Sunday

Oh, I like this... I may have to do a Sneak Peek post every Sunday... anyhow...

- Monday - Expect a full review of Too Cold to Hold 15K.  I PR'd by 20 minutes, but missed my goal by 33 seconds.  Boo.

- Tuesday - Coaches corner... I'm going to share with you fun little tidbits about my adventures as a very newbie coach.   (Don't worry amazing people that volunteered to help me get my feet wet, I will not reveal your secret identities when I gloat about how great you all are.)

- Wednesday - I'll announce a winner for the GoLite Running Tights.  GO ENTER while there's still time.

- Thursday - Seriously?  You think I really plan my blog week that well?  As if... I usually write based on the mood of the day...  I can't believe I got this far!!!

Four Facts Friday

I know, I'm breaking the mold.  Can the blog world withstand such a departure from Three Things Thursday posts?  I'm living on the edge... 

1.  Wow, what a response I've already had to the GoLite Running Tights Giveaway (don't forget that these are available in men's also, so I expect to see more of you fella's entering...).  If you haven't entered yet, go check it out.

2.  Also, I wanted to remind you that through the end of this month (1/31), Mission Skincare is offering an amazing 25% off to my blog readers.  Their anti-friction cream, lip balm, muscle rub, and refreshing foot cream is awesome!!!  The discount code is racingitoff , so go order now!

3.  When I do something, I dive in head first.  I wanted to get some "experience" with coaching, so I kind of posted it on my facebook status, and uh, now I have a whole slew of athletes to train.  Yes, I'm doing it for free.  It's more important to me, right now, to get my feet wet before I start to charge.  Wish me luck!

4.  This was my first good, full, consistent week of workouts since the marathon way back on December 5th.  So thankful.  I feel back in the grove, but I also feel like I needed that time off (it wasn't completely "off", I just didn't stick to any schedule and only got in 2-3 runs a week).  I'm refreshed and ready to start pounding out the miles.  (But my chest muscles are still screaming from the bodyworks class I took yesterday... my arms are so wimpy... must change that.)

GoLite Running Tight Review and Giveaway

I kept hoping to get this review done in November or early December, but frankly, the Texas weather was not consistently cooperating.  But January has brought some ridiculously chilly weather (by our wimpy Texas standards), so I finally got a couple of chances to try out the GoLite Cross Timbers Zonal Tight (Retail $85).   (And note to the guys:  The Cross Timbers Zonal Tight comes in Mens, as well.)

The first thing I noticed (and loved) when I tried them on was the super-soft fleece lining.  Despite the stretchy fleece lining, these tights were still uber-lightweight.  They fit true-to-size.  I was able to wear my standard Medium.  They feature zippered ankles, a small zippered pocket in the back, and a drawstring waist.  While they fit snug, they weren't a struggle to get on like some of the more compressive tights.  I know, you really want to see what they look like on, right?  Yeah, right.  Sorry folks... while I enjoy the comfort and warmth of tights, I don't want to cause accidents on the trail by blinding people with the view of my rear in super tight spandex... so I slipped a running skirt over top of them...  I'm actually wearing them in this Frigid 10K photo, though it's hard to tell...  if you saw the full length, you'd see that they were a couple inches short for my amazon legs (which means they probably have a standard 32" inseam or so).  But since they were tights with snug ankles, I didn't mind a little flood preparation... it looked fine (or maybe it didn't, and no one let me in on my fashion faux pas).

Anyhow, that day the temperature was just above freezing with some breezy wind, and during the race, I was completely comfortable (temperature-wise).  After the race, I sat outside another 30 minutes and felt plenty warm.  I experienced no chafing at all.  They were ridiculously comfortable, and I just overall love them.  I do not like being cold, so I was thrilled to finally just feel comfortable on a cold-weather run.  You can bet I'll have them on again this weekend for Too Cold To Hold!

 Just a few more details:

Weight - 7 oz.

Materials - Nylon + Polyester + Spandex

Features - Brushed stretch-fleece throughout front of legs, Anti-chafe flatlock construction, and Reflective logos and piping for night safety.

You want to win a pair?  Well, you can enter to win a pair (men's or women's) in the size of your choice.  Here's how to enter:

(1)  Mandatory - Be a follower and leave me a comment.

(+1) Visit GoLite on facebook and *like* them.  Let me know you did.  (And if you want, let them know who sent you!)

(+1)  Share this on your blog.

(+1)  Share this on facebook and/or twitter.

Giveaway ends on 1/25.  I will post the randomly-chosen winner on 1/26.

WWCD?

I completed my RRCA certification test on paper sometime last night, and it has just been sitting on my desk.  I was too nervous to type it in and press submit.  You only get one chance.  If you don't pass, you have to retake the entire course.  I have always tested well, but it was still making me ridiculously nervous.  Around 11am, something in me just clicked, and I ran upstairs, typed in all the answers, and pressed submit before I could question myself... and... I got a score that even made Patrick proud (the kid that cries when he gets an A instead of an A+).  So, as of today, I am officially an RRCA Certified Coach, and I couldn't be more excited about the potential!

So, it was crossing my mind today about runners, and how stubborn we can be about how we want to run - our pace, our distance, on our schedule.  And it occured to me, if *I* can't even make myself follow a plan, how do I expect to get others to follow a plan I set out for them?  What would Coach do?  (WWCD)  So as of today, I am throwing out my marathon plan for San Diego, and I'm starting over.  *I* am going to write the plan, and while I will personalize it to my excessive racing whims, I am going to do my best to follow it.  Maybe I'll even let you into my stubborn runner brain, and report back how well I do what I set out to do. 

Goals for the Week

No, not mine, silly peeps... Anne Marie's awesome Goals for the Week Blog.  (My goal for the week is to survive without anyone else getting sick!!!)  Just letting you all know (since many of you follow her too) that her blog had to be unexpectedly moved.  For some reason I still showed up as a follower for her blog, but her posts weren't showing up in any of my readers... so I'm gonna help spread the word on her behalf... Go re-bookmark her blog at http://www.goals4theweek.com/ !!!

Back to the Land of Those that Run!

Ah, running, how I've missed you.  Patrick was sick all last week, which means I didn't leave the house.  Sure, I have a home treadmill, but for some reason with all the illness and being couped up in the house, my motivation plummeted. 

I ran ONE time last week.  I made it a whole 3 miles before someone was yelling at me that she needed to go potty.  Seriously, I'm certain my treadmill is a baby laxative.  Ridiculous.

Then, of course, I drove to my class this weekend, so I was exhausted Friday night.  Then class all day Saturday.  Again I was exhausted and just wanted to relax.  So I delayed until Sunday morning... knowing I would only get in one run this weekend.  I woke up to use the hotel gym and guess what?  Uh, it doesn't open until 6am.  Considering I needed to be showered, dressed, packed, and checked out by 7am, I figured that would be a waste of time.  Ugh.  I wasn't at a hotel where it was ok to just run out the front door.  I'm thinking jogging along a 6 lane road is probably not wise.  All this long explanation just to show you that I was full of excuses.

Finally today the big kids are back in school, and Paige is over her battle with strep throat as well, so I got to the gym.  And using everything I learned this weekend, I ran slowly.  Not a little slow, but a lot slow... I kept hearing the instructor - "Appropriately slow for your current fitness level."  And yes, someone smart actually defined that in terms of numbers.  OK, lots of smart people have, with only slightly differing conclusions.  And guess what, after a week off and nothing over 6 miles since January 1st, I was able to comfortable push through 7 miles.  I could've gone longer.  Woo-hoo.  Check the box, she's back.  I'm ready to kick-it back into gear.  The post marathon laziness has been upon me for 6 weeks now, it's time to get back in the saddle (which I really wanted a fun google image to represent, but go ahead and google "back in the saddle" and click images and see what kind of hogwash you come across).

This weekend, A RACE... yeah, I know I just shocked you all, right?  Race #3 of the new year... looking forward to it! 

I'll be doing the 15K and hoping to PR since my one and only 15K was in mid-July in Texas.  It was the opposite of this race... it was called "Too Hot to Handle".  Yes, seriously.  So I'm hoping to kill my time from that horrible, embarrassing performance where my body withered in the heat!  If I don't PR, expect me to be reporting back in crutches... 

A New Outlook

As you all know, I just returned from a 2-day weekend in Little Rock for the RRCA Coaching Certification course.  No, I am not a certified coach.  I still have to take and pass a 100 question test in the next 30 days.  I haven't taken a real test in at least 6 years.  And believe me, this is a real test... not some fluffy, check-a-few-boxes, everyone passes test.

The class was not what I expected... it was so much more.  The teacher was Janet Hamilton, an exercise physiologist (among a long list of other abbreviations that go after her name and translate to "really smart").  I was enthralled with the science of it all... the physiology - muscle fibers, energy systems, chemical processes, etc.  The art part is a little more of a struggle for me.

I don't want to go into too much detail, cause I could go on forever... but I ate it up.  I mean, I really really enjoyed it.  In fact, I found myself picking out books today to do more in-depth reading on the physiological side.  The body is an amazing thing, and it's crazy how many factors go into something that is basically an instinctual activity. 

So I said before I went that I wanted the information... maybe I'd coach a little, maybe not.  I came back feeling that I had found my missing link.  The light bulb is flashing... and not only do a see coaching as a part of my future, I see it as a major part.  Wow!  Time to buckle down and take the test, but it sure isn't easy!!! 

Coaching Certification

How I officially know that I am a runner:
1.  I am driving 5 hours to pay to sit in class for 16 hours and then take a test just so I can help other people run.
2.  I packed 2 pairs of shoes - both running shoes - Asics and Brooks.
3.  I packed more running outfits than regular clothes even though I will probably only run once on the treadmill in the hotel Saturday night.

When you read this, I'm probably already in Little Rock, Arkansas taking my RRCA Coaching Certification course.  The course description says:

Day one will be The Basis of Training. The curriculum will include the Fundamentals of Coaching, Rules of Training, Physiology, Psychology, Injury Prevention and Nutrition.


Day two will be devoted to the Techniques of Training. It will cover developing training plans, cycles, and progressions, speed work and other related topics. Group exercises will teach how to apply the topics covered.

Why am I taking this course?  Do I have visions of coaching a mini-Prefontaine into greatness?  Yeah, probably not.  What I do know is that I talk about running a lot.  And I have a lot of people ask me questions.  At this point, I almost feel I have a responsibility to make sure I have a good knowledge base with which to answer them.  I cannot wait to take this course.  I can't wait to have this knowledge to take my own running to new places as well as that of others I encourage/help.  I don't know if coaching is my future, but I do know that this class with be a great benefit to me.  Looking forward to reporting back...

Getting Started...

The question I get most often from friends and family is "I think I wanna try this running thing, where do I start?"  Well, this is the Racing It Off method to getting started...

First, you need to Get Over It!  Yep, IT.   Whatever IT is for you.  Are you self-conscious about how you might look shuffling through the streets?  Are you worried people at the gym or on the trail won't think you are fit or fast enough to share the same air as them?  Do you not have fancy-schmancy running clothes?  Well, get over it.  Seriously.  I think you will be shocked at the shapes and sizes out running.  And besides, who cares?  What is important is that YOU are out there and YOU are running and YOU are making a positive change in your life.

Then you need to Buy Good Shoes.  This is not the place to skimp.  I promise your shins and knees will thank me.  I suggest being fitted at a running specialty store.  They will usually check your gait and get you the proper fit (even if you don't buy them there).  And two things not to forget - 1. you should go up a bit in size to account for feet swelling (I go up a full size, but many just go up half a size) and 2. shoes need to be replaced (usually 3-500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first).  For me, once my shoes tip the 300 mark, I start to become very susceptible to shin splints.

Find buddies.  If possible, it is great to have someone to workout with.  It makes you show up, and usually ups the level of enjoyment.  Buddies can be extremely motivating!  If you can't find someone to workout with, you at least want someone that can hold you accountable for you workouts (blogging is one way to do this).

Don't wait until next week, Get Moving now.  Even if it's just a few minutes and you are doing 10x more walking than running... now is the time to start.  If you prefer to work to a regimented plan, I suggest that you search for couch-to-5k programs online.  But don't forget to Be Safe.  Carry ID and make sure someone knows where you are going and when you should be back.  Pre-plan your route, and where reflective gear and/or lights if you're running in the dark.
Set a Goal by picking what you ultimately hope to accomplish and stick to it.  It could be a distance you want to be able to run without stopping, or it could be just to consistently run 3x a week.  If you pick a race distance, give yourself a reasonable amount of time to accomplish the goal, and sign up for a race now.  It will keep you motivated.

The next important things are to Improve Weekly and Change It Up.  Challenge yourself each week to go just a little faster or a little further and set some smaller goals in the interim that you can achieve quickly.  But you also don't want to get bored.  If you crave variety, it might be time to change you path or change to running outdoors to indoors or vice versa, or perhaps by finding a new friend to run with even if you have to change your pace a little.  Or you can change up your speed from longer, slower runs to shorter, faster spurts with walking in between.  This will also keep you flexible if the weather isn't cooperating!
But most important is Celebrate Your Accomplishments.  There is no doubt in my mind that running is contagious.  So go ahead and talk about your goals and brag about your accomplishments.  I bet it rubs off and others develop an interest.  Don't think that you are too "new" to help them get started.  Maybe you'll find someone new to run with or perhaps you'll just help someone else get healthy.  Besides, you worked hard for those goals, why not celebrate them?

"The Long Run" - Book Review

If you read Runner's World, then you've seen Matt Long's story in print.  His story is heartbreaking, then encouraging, then outright inspiring and awesome!

When the family got a Kindle for Christmas, I decided I needed to test it out, so I went and downloaded "The Long Run".

To give a super brief synopsis (cause I don't want to spoil it if you don't know the story):  Matt Long, a NYC firefighter, a 3:13 marathoner, and an 11:18 ironman, got run over by a bus while riding a bike to work in December of 2005.  This is the story of his struggle, his fight, and ultimately, his triumph.

Let me write a short aside here to tell you that I don't read story books.  What I mean is that on the very rare occassion that I do read, it's usually informational - like "The Runner's Handbook" and "Racing Weight" (neither of which I've finished yet).  This is the first time I sat down to read a story since college when I was forced to read (and even then, not too often since I was an engineering major).  I've never really found it relaxing, and I'm an extremely slow reader, which makes it that much more painful.

I can pretty much sum up my review of this book in just a few words... I read it in two days.  That's right... Me... the non-reader... TWO days.  Yes, it was that good.  Completely captivating.  And the odd part is that I had read the majority of the story in the Runner's World articles, and yet I still hung on every word... itching to hear the details.  He puts it all out there... the demons as well as the triumphs.

The book is written with flashbacks scattered throughout, but I still had no trouble following the line of the story.  Order it, download it, check it out at the library... I consider this a must read!  And when I finished... I got on the treadmill... inspired to R-U-N!

What running books do you recommend? 

I already downloaded "Born to Run", but was sad that "Staying the Course" (Dick Beardsley), "My Life on the Run" (Bart Yasso), and "Pre" were not available for download.

Eat Your Veggies!

(Thank you Blog Designs by Sheila for updating my comments to be numbered... this will make giveaways soooooo much easier.  If anyone needs help with a blog design, Sheila did mine, and she was super easy to work with!)

First (well I guess this is second after the shout-out), totally off topic... but I felt a little like Beth of SUAR when facebook came up with Dean Karnazes as a friend suggestion.  It suggested Ryan Hall a few weeks ago.  I wonder what some of these Endurance Celebs think when they get a friend request?  Do they assume they just forgot your name?

Anyhow, continuing with my topic of the day - VEGGIES.  You love them, right?  Well, if you're like me, you hated them as a child.  I was the world's pickiest eater.  Seriously, just ask my mother.  She said as a baby, I would only eat the dessert baby foods.  Well, duh!  I pretty much hated all veggies except green beans and corn, and maybe the occassional broccoli if it was smothered in cheese.  I hated onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, mushrooms, olives, brussel sprouts, spinach, lima beans, and peas.  I wasn't fond of carrots, especially when cooked.  And I wouldn't dare try anything like kale, zucchini, eggplant, or squash.  Being the sweet daughter that I was, my mom often got out a second pan and made a meal just for me.

Fortunately as part of trying to eat healthier, I realized that I was going to have to find a way to incorporate more vegetables into my diet.  Now, I'm part of a veggie co-op.  So whether I like them or not, every two weeks, I have a laundry basket filled with fresh veggies.  You know what I've discovered... there are four categories:

1.  Things I knew I liked and still do.

• Green Beans, Corn, and Broccoli (though I've dropped the canned green beans and corn and stick with fresh or frozen, and broccoli is preferred fresh and cooked in a skillet just enough to still be crisp).

2.  Things I hadn't really tried and was pleasantly surprised.

• Squash, zucchini, edamame, and kale (although on squash and zucchini, I prefer them cooked al dente - not nearly as appetizing if they are smooshy)

3.  Things I thought I hated, but gave them a second shot and was pleasantly surprised.

• Onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach (just ask mom, she thinks I put spinach in EVERYTHING now...)

4.  Things I knew I hated and still do.

• Brussel sprouts, mushrooms, olives, lima beans, and peas (though I'll tolerate peas if they are in a mixed dish)

Are veggies my favorite?  Um, no, I'd rather eat a giant bar of chocolate, but I'm commited to eating them, and having fresh ones around the house really makes everything more delicious.  So here's some of the ways I add veggies to my diet (besides just as a side dish at dinner)...

- Salads - I know, this is a no-brainer, but my salads in the old days used to consist of a bowl of iceberg lettuce with ham and cheese chunks covered in ranch dressing.  Now, they are likely a huge bed of spinach, probably with a small chicken breast on top and I generally add carrots, bell peppers, sometimes broccoli, and basically anything I can find in my fridge.  Sometimes I'll even give the veggies a quick cook in the pan just to add flavor and change the texture.
- Sandwiches - I love to add spinach and (don't think I'm a weirdo) carrots to my sandwiches.  Seriously... love it.  To get the carrots thin enough not to overpower, I use a peeler so I get nice thin shreds.
- Pizzas - Even if I have a store-bought pizza, I will often see what's in the fridge and add hoards of spinach and occassionally grated zucchini and thin slices of bell pepper.
- Pasta sauce - This is a veggie wonderland... you can add almost anything.  For me, most often - carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
- Eggs - Love to top them with a little spinach and some tomatoes, especially if we're having them for dinner. 
- Soups - Another no brainer, this is an easy place to pretty much chop up anything you have in your fridge - especially onions, celery, and carrots.

And in the kids school lunches - I often put carrot sticks, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper slices.

And as the former veggie hater... look at step one of my dinner tonight:

Yes, a great big bowl of zucchini, carrots, and cauliflower... right before I added in the onion and chicken... and...

Yum, teriyaki chicken on a bed of rice (half white and half brown).  (Don't forget, my kids are 2, 6, and 8 - and yes, they eat every veggie on their plate... Paige, the 2-year-old, has often eaten half the veggies raw off the counter before I'm able to cook them.)

And last night?  We had kale and potatoes with a tiny bit of sausage added... and the kids cleaned their plates.

Want more ways to add veggies to your dishes?  Check out these blogs:
http://foodtorunfor.blogspot.com/ - Just look at the blog title, you know you need to check it!  But Lizzy is an expert at incorporating veggies into dishes in uber-creative ways.  Plus she's a marathoner! 
http://www.baha703ironman.com/ - Jason posts an Athlete's Plate menu around once a week.  He's meatless, but I have no problem substituting chicken for tofu!  Plus he's working on a cookbook!

Frigid 10K Race Report

This blog isn't called "Racing It Off" for nothing.  I love to race, despite not being a super-speedy.  So no surprise, just 8 days into the new year, I would be lined up for my second race of the year.  But unlike my first race, where I vowed to take it easy, this was a 10K... a distance that needed redemption in my record books.  I had only recorded one previous 10K.  It was the American Heroes race on Memorial Day.  It was blazing hot and on the asphalt with no shade and very few water stops, and my body gave up. I finished in 1:12 (or maybe it was 1:13 - I try to wipe it from my memory).  The time isn't that bad, but again, when my memories of the race are of my body giving in, time doesn't matter... I needed 10K redemption.

Dallas Running Club provides several free races during the year, and this was one of them... so I signed up a few days before and asked some friends to come out with me.  My friend Pat said she'd meet me there, Robin wanted to go too and offered to give me a ride (score... love driving to races with friends), and Emily, at the last minute, decided she was going to go for the 10K too (shout out for Emily... from training for her first half marathon to now being able to just sign up for a 10K on the day of the race and not be worried about being able to complete the distance).

Emily and I pre-race!!!

First, for TMB... My bib was 409.  As I've mentioned previously 9 and 4 are my lucky numbers... so hello?  Didn't even have to do the bib math on this one!!!

I saw Pat at the start who I had discussed running with, but she decided she wanted to run easy that day, and I, well, I wanted my redemption.  So we just said our "good lucks".  My goal was to do at least 10 minute miles.  My serious, I-don't-think-I-can-do-it-but-I'm-going-to-try-anyway goal was sub-60, which is a 9:40 pace.  Robin gave me the "you CAN do it speech", but I just don't run that pace.  I'm the 11 min/mile girl. 

And we were off... I pushed out mile one at 9:31.  I felt like there was no way my body could keep up.  Mile 2 was 9:25. Yes, I knew I was on pace, but I really was not confident that my body could hold this.  Mile 2 to 3 has a bit of uphill, and I thought I was going to lose it (quite literally)... 9:48.  I remember thinking that I'd have to slow down on the way back in.  When I hit halfway, I looked at my Garmin and it read just past 30 minutes.  It was here I gave up on my goal and figured if I could just keep it below 10:30, I would be happy.  I was honestly feeling naseous from the level of exertion, and this was no 5K (it really takes a great database of your own running to know how to pace yourself at different distances). 

Mile 4... 9:43.  What?  I'm only a few seconds off my desired pace, and I banked a little time early on.  And then I heard Jason yelling at me (in my head, of course since he was at a different race)... Suck it up, Buttercup!  And the mental demons fled, and I remembered that I can suck anything up for 2 miles.  I can still push this out.  Mile 5... 9:41.  I'm right there, but I don't want to chance it, so I kick it up just a little.

It's here that I start picking people to mentally hold onto for the duration of the race.  Not letting certain people get out of my site was dragging me along.  Mile 6... 9:23.  At this point I am hyperventilating.  (Seriously, people were looking at me like I was going to die... I seriously need to learn to breathe properly.)  I apologized to this younger couple in front of me for my nasty breathing and wheezing, and told them that this was not my pace.  The woman said to me, "well then, you're having a great day... go for it."  I took her up on that offer and pushed hard the last 0.26 (per my Garmin) at a 7:59 pace.  WHAT?

On the official clock, it said 1:00:10 which I didn't like... my Garmin read 59:37... official time 59:35!!!  Seriously, I wanted to do the happy dance.  I was wiped out and had to lie down, but I don't think I've ever been so proud of myself for sucking it up for so long.

And ya know what... for the 2nd time EVER and coicidentally, the 2nd time this year, I went home with extra bling... 3rd Place Athena!!!  (Although I admit I'm a little curious since 1st place wasn't there to accept her award and posted a 6:43 pace that perhaps she actually ran the 5K... not saying it's impossible, but I saw the front runners, and they were definitely sleek and skinny speedies!)  But it doesn't matter... 2nd or 3rd.  Frankly, I was shockingly not nearly as excited about the bling (which you know how much I love bling) as I was about pushing through when I really thought I couldn't.

I'm becoming more and more convinced that my times during my PR races are only half due to training.  They are half due to my pain tolerance.  That goes through my head as I pass people walking the last 0.1...  I sincerely think that if some of the people I passed ran to the point that they felt as naseous as I did, that they would probably blow me out of the water.  I may not be speedy, but on good days, I can be awfully determined!

To top off the day, Robin got second in her age group.  I finally got to meet Michelle K (who is participating in the Run for the Bling of It! Challenge).  And I got to celebrate completing a 10K with Emily!!!  Her running is at a new level, and I like to think that in a small part that I helped her with that... but what I don't think she realizes is how much she's helped me by giving me someone to look forward to seeing at the gym and races!

The Versatile Blogger Award

Yes, I know a ton of these bloggie awards float around, but I've never gotten one asking for sharing random facts, so I figured this was an opportunity for a little get to know you...

Thank you Julie at Hotlegs Runner, for passing on The Versatile Blogger award...

SEVEN random facts about me:

1.  I went through and graduated from USMC Officer Candidate School (i.e. boot camp).  I turned down my commission to accept a job at a large defense contractor.

2.  I worked at this large defense contractor for 8 years prior to quitting to stay home with my kids (I had 2 at the time, but now have 3).  I spent about half those years working on the proposal for the largest defense contract ever and the other half doing "war game" simulations. 

3.  While I held down my full-time engineering job, I was also a professional bellydancer by night.  (See, I knew I could shock at least a few of you.)  I stopped post-kids (mostly due to time constraints), but still have most of my costumes.

4.  I may seem crazy at times, but in reality, I'm pretty conservative (yes, despite my last mentioned profession).

5.  I was never an athlete growing up... I was a clutz and a nerd.  I'm still shocked that I'm even semi-athletic now.

6.  I don't do yardwork.  EVER.  I hate it.  Thankfully, my husband babies the yard as if he carried it in his own womb for 9 months.

7.  I have a business specializing in chainmaille jewelry.  I love it.  It's almost as therapeutic as running to sit and weave hundreds of little rings together.  However, I really hate the "selling it" part.  But silver is uber-expensive, and I have to support the habit.

Is that random enough???

And now I'm supposed to pass on this award... but I think most blogs I read have already done this... but if you haven't and you'd like to share, I'd love to hear YOUR 7 random facts.

Mission Skincare BIG NEWS and Winners!!!

What better way to start the year than with a giveaway sponsored by Mission Skincare!  I had a friend ask me today if I really liked the products.  Um, yes.  In fact, my mint lip balm is sitting right in front of me.  Yes, I use it even when I'm not running.  And you can bet that I'll have the anti-friction cream on in the morning before my race.  I'll also be using the muscle rub tonight on my neck... yeah, not my legs, my neck has been giving me trouble, and I have no clue why.  And post-race... I'll be kicking my feet up with some foot therapy cream.  If you missed my full review, please check it out HERE.

Are you ready for the BIG NEWS!!!  I know you are.  Todd, from Mission Skincare, was thrilled with the good response from my readers and all your great comments about being excited to try the products.  So, Mission Skincare is offering for a very limited time - 25% OFF.  Yes, you read that right.  A full 25% off everything at Mission Skincare.  Use code racingitoff and hurry up, because the code expires on 1/31/11.  Want even better news?  The discount is valid on the bundles which are already discounted over 25%.   So you could save some serious dough with this deal and get to try some amazing products.  And don't forget that Mission Skincare is a uber-charitable company, so you would be helping multiple great causes. 

The winners for the giveaway are...

#65 Staci from She Runs in Sandals

Staci is a barefoot (or in sandals) runner all the way from South Africa.  I'll have to figure out the ins and outs of shipping so far, but we'll find a way to get your prize there!  Please e-mail me your mailing address, and tell me which of the two prizes you want.

and

#23 Leah from Chasing Atalanta

Leah is lightning fast and recently placed in the Detroit Marathon, but is currently trying to come back from injury... maybe this is just the cheering up you need, Leah!  Please e-mail me your mailing address!

Congrats ladies!  And I sincerely hope some of you take Todd up on his excellent discount offer... if you do, let me know what products you are going to try!

New Year's Day Half Race Report

(This is long, bear with me... you know how I get carried away during race reports.)

You know me and my obsession with races.  I love races.  There's no cutting out early.  You are inspired to give it your all by those around you, as well as the fact that your time will be published for all to see.  It forces your training to stay on track!  I love racing.  And the cherry on top... BLING!!!  Who doesn't love bling. 

So on 1/1/11, the first day of the New Year, I was ready to log my first race for the Run for the Bling of It! Challenge (if you haven't signed up yet... go and do it now!).

The awesome, Libby Jones, decided that just one month after giving birth to her second baby girl, she would direct a brand new race so that we could all ring in the new year properly.  She limited participation to 200 participants for this first year, and she sold out the race in just a couple months with no advertising... just Facebook word of mouth!

So before any little people were out of bed on 1/1/11, I was dressed and out the door to a very cold day, headed to the New Year's Day Half Marathon.  I got there around 6:40, and sat in my car for a minute dreading the cold weather (it was around 32 with a windchill in the mid-20s).  Don't forget, we're in Texas.  If its below 60, we're cold!  I was early because I had volunteered to help with the packet pick-up.  Considering this was a smaller event, I could not believe the giant stack of packets.  It was brrrrrrrr... cold.  I helped for about an hour, and then I literally couldn't feel my toes, so I snuck out a tad early to go warm up.  I went to throw my packet with TWO technical tees (one long sleeve and one short sleeve) into the car, and then the awesome Sherry was parked close to the start with the heat on high and the passenger seat already warmed for me. 

Check out my elite single-digit bib!!!

We stayed warm until about 5 minutes before the start and then headed to the porta-potties where there was a small line.  Despite really needing to pee, one of the officials came up and shouted "3 minutes and we're not starting a second late."  Ugh, whatever, so we went to the start line.  We had already conceded that we were going to run this one easy.  We've both been in recovery-mode and have been getting very very few miles on our legs.  And we were off...

The running, well, it was surprisingly uneventful... which was AWESOME!  I think we were both nervous that after so much time off post-marathon that our body wouldn't be ready for the challenge of 13.1, but it was.  It remembered the miles we had pounded.  It was fun running for a few minutes near Corina!  I knew she was shooting for a 2:10, so I knew she'd leave us in the dust soon!  Around mile 3, I really needed that porta-potty that we skipped at the beginning.  Being in the fog I was in, at mile 4, there were these two crazy ladies cheering with giant posters (this was a small race with participants very spread out, so we weren't passing a lot of cheerleaders).  Sherry looked at me and said "hey, they are here for YOU!"  I quickly brushed it off saying that I didn't know those people and figuring there was another "Lesley" on the course (despite the signs with my name spelled correctly).  As we passed them, I realized they WERE there for me.  As we turned the corner, Sherry asked who they were... oh, you know, only two of my best friends... and I didn't even recognize them because I had NO CLUE that they were coming out to cheer me on.

Around mile 5, we finally saw that porta-potty I needed, but it was on the other side of the course, and we weren't willing to walk even over the small grassy area to get to it... we'd have to stop when we looped back around in less than a mile.  When we got back around, there was a short line, and for the first time ever during a half, I stopped and waited in line... I didn't care!  We were taking it easy and enjoying New Year's!  We took our time, used the potties, and Sherry even chased after a girl who had left her iPod. 

At the end of the loop, we got to see my friends again, yippee!!! And then we headed off down a long path...  in fact, most of the trail looked like this.  (Yes, that is Sherry and I, but trust me, you don't want me to zoom in to our little winter caps and goofy looks!)  Sherry's parents were also along the course (especially cause they literally lived right down the street from the path).  We saw them around mile 6, then at the mile 7 turn-around, and then again around mile 8.  Cheerleaders really do make the time go by so much quicker!  About mile 9, we were on the "back" portion of the course and back to the loop where my friends were... yeah!  More cheering.  After the loop... woot woot... my friends for the 4th time!!!  (This course was certainly convenient for spectators!)

About mile 10, I saw another woman who I thought might be an Athena (150+ lbs)... so I told Sherry that I wanted to pass her.  We slowly got past her and settled into a good pace to just finish out the race.  Despite our taking the race easy and taking a long-ish potty break, my competitive nature got the best of me towards the end.  Right around mile 11, I spotted another Athena, and I told Sherry again that I wanted to pass her.  I think she groaned at me a little since we said we'd take it easy, but she went along with my craziness and sped up just a little.  It took us awhile to pass this lady, but we finally did... into the last mile, I just wanted to keep it slow and steady.  I didn't plan to sprint until I could actually see the finish line... and when I saw it, I pushed it in as fast as my legs would carry me for a nice finish!!!  And guess who was there?  My friends, AGAIN!!!  Plus, my awesome race buddy, Elaine, who couldn't do this race, managed to make it to the finish line to volunteer!  It was so awesome to have her at the finish for me and be the one to hand me my BLING!

Finish - 2:22:58 (wow, that was what we pulled off when we were taking it easy and lolly-gagging during a potty break???)

Sherry, Me, and Elaine at the finish line!

Whitney, Me, and Emily (Best sign-makers and friends EVER!)

Me and Sherry with our BLING!

Wait???  What was that last photo?  Oh, it was Elaine handing me my prize for 2nd place Athena!!!  I guess passing those couple of ladies in the last couple miles paid off!  First time I've ever gotten any sort of award.  Sweet... what a great way to start off the New Year!!!  (And the funniest part is that Emily missed the photo, and made me go back up and re-pose with Elaine... I'm sure the other people waiting were stoked about that! )

Don't forget to enter my awesome giveaway with Mission Skincare!  There will be TWO winners!!!

I used both the anti-friction cream and the mint lip balm for the race... and I'm happy to report that I had zero chafing, and never had to re-apply the lip balm!  Thank you Mission Skincare for such awesome products.

Howdy!

Just testing my mobile Blogger app, so that I can blog from Disney next month!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Beginner's Guide to 1000 Miles!

A lot of people put the amazing goal of 1000 miles on their New Year's list.  And although most of us track our miles, not planning for the 1000 can be a recipe for disaster (i.e. you could end up needing 250 miles in December and pushing yourself to injury).  So coming off my first 1000+ mile year, I thought I would share my best pointers for breaking the 1000 mile goal.

First... 1000 miles is roughly 83 miles a month, and just over 19 miles a week.  This is completely attainable for most runners who stay consistenty active.  Keyword:  Consistently.  I think consistence is the major key to reaching this milestone.  If you get too far behind working towards your goal, you can end up with a lot of "junk" miles that aren't quality that you just throw in to up your numbers and end up throwing off your training.

Second... set your goals in small intervals.  You should have, at a minimum, monthly goals to reach (I like to keep these cummulative, so that if I miss a little in June due to vacation, I'm aware that I need to make it up some in July... this allows you to not end up with a lot of extra needed the last months of the year when you are busy with the holidays).  Personally, on January 1, I write out a day-by-day calendar for the entire year.  It has planned miles (with cummulative goals by week) for all 365 days.  Yes, it changes.  Yes, I use it as a guideline, not a must... but it keeps my head consistently focused on what kind of miles I should be running.

Third... don't expect to run the exact same mileage every month.  We all have ups and downs.  In Texas, there are unbearably hot summers... in other areas, unbearable cold winters.  There are periods after big races or surrounding big events or vacations where you will need time off... go ahead and plan for it, so you don't feel guilty when it happens.  For me, my running peaks March-May and September-November.  I put my highest mileage in those months focusing on when my key races are.  I allow myself a much easier schedule during the off-months.  But I plan for it upfront so that I'm not left doing more miles than I can do safely.

Lastly...be careful.  I stayed injury-free this past year.  I honestly think a lot of that was due to being hyper-aware of when I needed a break.  And there were days I let myself only put in 1 or 2 miles, because in the long run, every little bit helped me stay on track for that 1000 mile goal, but I knew at the time, that my body wasn't up for handling the higher mileage.  (Wow, world's longest run-on sentence.) 

Good luck on 1000 in 2011!!!  Or whatever your goal may be.

Don't forget to sign up for the Run for the Bling of It! 12 races in 12 months, 2011 Challenge.

Don't forget to enter my Mission Skincare Giveaway!!!

Ringing in the New Year... 2011!

I started the year off right... with 13.1 miles at the New Year's Day Half Marathon!  Look for a review in the next day or two.  That's race one of at least 12 for the Run for the Bling of It Challenge!!!  Have you signed up yet???


Thank you so much for your challenges to me!  So here they are... my 2011 Goals.

Health:
Cut processed sugar.
Reduce fast food to no more than once per week.
Lose 15 18 lbs. (That's what I get for eating my way through the holidays.)

Knowledge:
Complete RRCA Coaching Certification.

Fitness:
Run at least 12 races.  (Run for the Bling of It!!! Challenge)
*Run at least 2 races of each type (5k, 10k, 15k, Half, and Marathon).
Stay injury-free.
Incorporate weekly speedwork.
Incorporate weekly cross-training and/or strengthening.
2011km (1250 miles) - I liked the sound of 2011, but I'm going for quality over quantity this year!

Time Goals:
5k - sub-26
10k - 1:00
15K - 1:30
Half Marathon - 2:05  (Though, I'd love a sub-2)
Full Marathon -  4:30

*Thanks Tanya! Love this challenge.  E-mail me your address, and I'll send you out a small "thank you" prize!

Don't forget to enter my Mission Skincare Giveaway!