tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40765904203871666412024-03-13T23:46:08.992-04:00RunFitMamaMy adventures in running, mamahood, and everything in between.RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.comBlogger373125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-15561893179529382262014-05-14T12:15:00.001-04:002014-05-14T12:15:17.641-04:00Surviving the Taper<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oufxWZL1ITk/U3OWT-pMQlI/AAAAAAAABko/DAjh4jfIazQ/s1600/unplugged+half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oufxWZL1ITk/U3OWT-pMQlI/AAAAAAAABko/DAjh4jfIazQ/s1600/unplugged+half.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></div>
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I've been neglecting this teeny, tiny corner of the internet for quite a
while now. 18 weeks of training, 528 miles, 37 hours of cross-training, and a shiny new half marathon PR (1:56!!!) later, I've reached the taper for my next marathon and all of the typical scenarios are running through my head. Did I run enough? Have I fueled properly? What if I bonk? What if my time is slower than my first? I am trying to remember that from here on out, everything is out of my control. I can't control the weather. Pushing my five miler this morning is not going to make me faster. Don't worry about other runners - I'm not going to win, ha. I'm trying to focus on the fact I have two legs that get to run 26.2 miles through my hometown in less than two weeks. I've covered the full marathon course several times over the years either by doing the half or a five person relay, but this time it's all me. I have an amazing mom who rocked her training and will be running her first 26.2. I am so insanely proud of her. And here I go getting teary eyed. So there it is, I'm doing my best to let go. I of course will still be stalking weather.com and debating what to wear, but I'm ready to enjoy the ride. RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-39550046292524511292014-03-01T22:56:00.002-05:002014-03-01T22:56:26.933-05:00Backed UpI've missed posting weeks 4 and 5 of marathon training. I think I'll avoid the boring details of my weekly runs, but long runs were 11 and 12 miles with weekly mileage totaling 26 and 28, respectively. I'm enjoying getting into the monotony of marathon training and in fact I believe I thrive on it. The past is clearly indicative of the future, as I've found this before: the more I run, the more I want to run.<br />
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I reached exactly 100 miles for the month of February. My last scheduled run for the month was going to leave me at 99, but of course I couldn't let that happen.RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-4920183657038249372014-02-16T22:41:00.001-05:002014-02-16T22:41:37.992-05:00Rest DaysWeek 4 of training included zero actually rest days, but I didn't go all out every day. I won't make this a habit, especially as miles ramp up, but my body is handling it well now. My back has been super tight and knotted in part due to sitting (incorrectly) at a desk all day, so I am exploring seeing a chiropractor for help. Running felt strong this week and I've started searching for a fall marathon! The logical side of me knows I should wait until VCM is over but I just can't help myself.<div><br></div><div>Monday: cardio core attack</div><div>Tuesday: 1 hour of spinning taught by Melissa!</div><div>Wednesday: 5 miles at lunch with my little running group. Average pace 9:43</div><div>Thursday: 4 miles of hill repeats with a friend at lunch. Average page 9:47</div><div>Friday: 6 miles on the treadmill in the evening. Average pace 10:17 - started slow and sped up throughout the course of the run.</div><div>Saturday: bodypump</div><div>Sunday: 11 mile long run! Felt strong, much better than the 9 miles two weeks ago. Average pace 10:07</div>RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-91127217677644049312014-02-10T23:33:00.001-05:002014-02-10T23:33:38.400-05:00Week 3Last week was pretty standard, took an entire rest day because I definitely needed it. Fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping? Yes to all of the above.<div><br></div><div>Monday: REST</div><div>Tuesday: 3 miles at lunch and PM bodypump class</div><div>Wednesday: 5 miles in a snowstorm</div><div>Thursday: kickboxing</div><div>Friday: taught yoga</div><div>Saturday: 5 PM miles</div><div>Sunday: 6 (more PM) miles</div><div><br></div><div>It was a step back week and I swapped out a 3 mile run for kickboxing. After this week I'm going to get into the 5 running days per week schedule as that works for me in terms of training. I'm starting to love the increased mileage but 11 miles due this week is sort of scary!</div>RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-75962424637761212472014-02-05T09:23:00.002-05:002014-02-05T09:23:37.122-05:00Am I really doing this again?During the second week of marathon training, it hit me. I am running another marathon. I don't quite have the same level of high that I did the first time around, likely because I am well aware of the pain and long hours that are to come. Either way, I am looking forward to running a marathon in my home state and seeing what I can do with the momentum of friends and family along the course. Although, the first time around, Melissa and Julia were pretty much the best fans anyone could ask for. And Adam, except he missed me crossing the finish line. Still not over that one.<br /><br />Week 2:<br /><br />Monday: cardio core attack - 50 mins core work and intervals, like jumping jacks, box jumps, and burpees<br />Tuesday: bodypump<br />Wednesday: 5 miles<br />Thursday: 3 miles on the treadmill<br />Friday: taught yoga<br />Saturday: 5 miles<br />Sunday: 9 milesRunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-83785116262799429162014-02-02T07:19:00.001-05:002014-02-02T07:19:34.089-05:00BenchmarkNot all runs are blog worthy, certainly not a boring three miles I struggled through on the treadmill. I'd like to forget that. <div><br></div><div>When I first started running, I had my signature 5 mile loop. It was fairly flat with a small incline at the end. On a good day, it would take me an hour. There were certain spots along the way where I would check my watch to see where I was at. My mind was blown when I got my Garmin and found out it was in fact 4.5 miles. I was running slower than 12 minute miles.</div><div><br></div><div>We moved in August so when heading for a run from the gym yesterday, I knew I could do my old loop. I added extra on to make it a true 5 miles and completed it in 46 minutes. 46 minutes! This isn't fast by some standards, but for this runner who consistently logged 12 minute miles for years, it is. </div>RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-29392374072656738162014-01-30T21:06:00.001-05:002014-01-30T21:06:24.289-05:00Goodbye JanuaryI'm so ready to bid farewell to January. New Years Day, Alice and I came down with a nasty stomach bug and every day since then at least one member in the household has been sick. The latest round included Jack's ear infection, a cold and teething for Alice, flu for Adam, and more stomach bugs for me. What the?? I've managed to not let it cramp my style too much in terms of training so here's what week 1 (eek!) of marathon training looked like.<div><br></div><div>Monday: 3 miles + 90 mins vinyasa yoga</div><div>Tuesday: Fitness Infusion class</div><div>Wednesday: 5 treadmill miles</div><div>Thursday: Kickboxing</div><div>Friday: Rest </div><div>*taught yoga at work, still calling it a rest day.</div><div>Saturday: 5 cold ass windy miles</div><div>Sunday: 8 evening treadmill miles</div><div><br></div><div>21 running miles + 4 cross training</div><div><br></div><div>Fridays will be my rest days even, though I teach yoga. It's pretty low key so I think it works. Plus I have a few Fridays off coming up so there's that. I'm taking advantage if swapping out some easier 3 milers with cardio-based classes at work for now. I know in a few weeks I'll need to focus on purely running - a ton of it - and I'm hoping this strategy will give me a strong base.</div>RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-72179114126698827072014-01-21T19:07:00.001-05:002014-01-21T19:07:35.345-05:00Fitness InfusionI stepped out of my comfort zone today and took a class called Fitness Infusion. It was a combination of intervals, like Tabata, and strengthening moves. It was really fun and I hope to incorporate it into my regular routine.<div><br></div><div>Back at home, we've been struck with the stomach bug twice already and then this weekend came through again for Adam and Jack. I'm hopeful we are over the hump and everyone can get healthy again. And that Alice and I stay clear - we had it the first round a couple weeks ago. Sick nights means cartoons in bed. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zULD080r614/Ut8LxG0rBfI/AAAAAAAABj4/IMX0zx-wfQg/s640/blogger-image--22098313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zULD080r614/Ut8LxG0rBfI/AAAAAAAABj4/IMX0zx-wfQg/s640/blogger-image--22098313.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-95683717643014212014-01-20T23:24:00.001-05:002014-01-20T23:24:20.243-05:00Training Cycle Day OneToday marks the first official day of training for my second marathon! It was pretty uneventful with a chilly and snowy 3 mile run around town at lunch time. I switched today's and tomorrow's plans since tomorrow's high temp is supposed to be 4 and I'm trying to avoid the treadmill as much as possible. <div><br></div><div>I surprised myself and actually did 90 minutes of vinyasa yoga at home with the lights low and my favorite music on. It was incredibly relaxing and nice to spend as much time working on Astra Bakasana as I wanted. Here's to 18 weeks of healthy marathon training!</div>RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-19740371734773772462013-12-08T07:30:00.001-05:002013-12-08T07:30:13.551-05:00Weekends<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4RM_FoFW3l0/UqRmU7QQghI/AAAAAAAABjk/zHIaL6_hfec/s640/blogger-image-1431096299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4RM_FoFW3l0/UqRmU7QQghI/AAAAAAAABjk/zHIaL6_hfec/s640/blogger-image-1431096299.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whenever the weekend rolls around, I have a hard time finding the right balance between being lazy and productive. The "getting stuff done" includes the ambition to actually leave the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With several activities planned this weekend I knew I would need to pace myself so I wouldn't be tempted to skip and stay home in yoga pants. The weekend started off right yesterday with a seven mile run with Jack and Alice. Thanks to a great run the entire day felt so much more calm and manageable. It's amazing the power of a run. But the day still ended with yoga pants.</div>RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-85523174262411858062013-12-04T20:54:00.001-05:002013-12-04T20:54:38.469-05:00First Run Post DaylightLast year for Christmas, my mom gave me a headlamp for early morning and evening runs. It's actually a surprising gift since the thought of me running alone in the dark makes her very nervous. Up until today, I had never used it! I decided to test it out today on a late afternoon run. Because it gets dark so early, it was perfect. I had daylight for the first half and by the time I was finished it was pitch black. I ran 6 miles with an average pace of 9:40. Miles in the 9s have become the norm which makes me very happy! (Did I tell you I PRd in the half a few weeks ago?!? 2:04!) I have actually gained ten pounds, and no it's not muscle, since the marathon. I know once that comes off I will see more progress.<div><br></div><div>The kiddos are doing great! We're on Day 3 of putting them both to bed at the same time, which is amazing (they share a room). I miss the one-on-one time with Jack that we'd have after Alice goes to bed, but we'll save that for the weekends now.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxzsnpyXLWo/Up_c3ApjpuI/AAAAAAAABjU/1b2wZx7ZdZA/s640/blogger-image--2128808112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxzsnpyXLWo/Up_c3ApjpuI/AAAAAAAABjU/1b2wZx7ZdZA/s640/blogger-image--2128808112.jpg"></a></div><br></div>They are so damn cute. And I can't stop buying Alice clothes. The choices at babyGap are unbelievable! Better than the women's selection.</div>RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-91877560007991316992013-11-30T09:48:00.001-05:002013-11-30T09:48:17.103-05:00Staycation Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v920NooDvKw/Upn6r77LIeI/AAAAAAAABjA/TFpVoUatyIU/s640/blogger-image-1401832701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v920NooDvKw/Upn6r77LIeI/AAAAAAAABjA/TFpVoUatyIU/s640/blogger-image-1401832701.jpg"></a></div>RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-35396332784708217482013-11-07T21:40:00.001-05:002013-11-07T21:47:04.032-05:00Core BarreI tried a new-to-me class at work today, Core Barre. I've really been wanting to try this style class since they've become popular but haven't wanted to shell out the dough. They added it to our schedule at work and I finally got in! There's a 6 participant per class so it often has a waitlist. It was a ton of leg and core work with tiny pulses that really burned. The classes at work are 50 minutes instead of an hour so I wished the teacher went a little quicker without so much downtime between exercises to get the most out of the shortened time. It was a really fun class and definitely want to do another one. But maybe not with this same instructor. At the end of class she asked me when I was due. I was like, huh? Me? Then I got teary and stormed out. I was actually really offended especially after just admiring myself in the mirror thinking that things were looking like they were getting back to normal ha. I'm excited to keep experimenting with different classes during this downtime between official race training. Spoiler alert, I have a spring full marathon on my mind!RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-56610311212538531622013-11-07T11:04:00.001-05:002013-11-07T11:06:21.755-05:00Fall Shelburne Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been really hard to try and find the time to sit down and write when I stare at the computer all day for work. But, when I do, it feels really good and I love having this little space for dialogue.<br />
Alice is doing really well and heads to meet with her cardiologist next week which will give us a better picture of what we can expect going forward. Fingers crossed all goes well.<br />
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A few weeks ago, while I was riding high on my 4:34 marathon finish, I registered for the Shelburne Half Marathon. I have run this race twice before and the 2011 one held my half marathon PR of 2:07:15. You might remember that I narrowly missed beating this number <a href="http://www.runfitmama.com/2013/04/peace.html" target="_blank">last spring at Unplugged</a> (don't mind my overly dramatic non-recap) with a time of 2:07:50.<br />
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So, I registered for the race this year with every intention to PR but then life got in the way. I ran a total of about 15 miles between the October 6 marathon and November 3, with one 5 mile run and the rest 3-4. I knew I could cover the distance but didn't know how fast. I made a plan for the race to listen to music the entire time, run as fast as felt comfortable and if I bonked at mile 10, oh well, I could walk. <br />
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The gun went off and I began my plan. The course was hilly and the wind at times was really strong.<br />
Mile 1: 9:31<br />
Mile 2: 9:30<br />
Mile 3: 10:00<br />
Mile 4: 9:28<br />
Mile 5: 9:14<br />
Mile 6: 10:00<br />
Mile 7: 9:19<br />
Mile 8: 9:31<br />
Mile 9: 9:35<br />
Mile 10: 10:00<br />
Mile 11: 9:52<br />
Mile 12: 9:33<br />
Mile 13: 9:37<br />
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Giving me a new PR of 2:04:10!!! My Garmin actually measured the distance short giving me a total of 12.91 miles, but I figure if I had run the same pace for .2 more miles I would still PR, so it counts :) It was such an awesome day with my amazing running friends racing and cheering as well. <span id="goog_657522059"></span><span id="goog_657522060"></span>Now I really want to break 2:00:00!RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-23004457664412247072013-10-25T22:55:00.000-04:002013-10-25T22:55:02.494-04:00Last WeekendThe week after the marathon I was riding high on bliss and still in awe that I actually completed the marathon. The weekend after the marathon was so relaxing and nice, especially not having to head out to run for four hours.<br />
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On Sunday the 13th, we went to a parade and enjoyed the wonderful weather. We went grocery shopping, had dinner, did the normal Sunday night things. When I was putting Alice to bed I noticed she felt a little warm. Took her temperature and sure enough, hovering around 104 so gave her a dose of ibuprofen and put her to bed. She slept awful that night and got up on Monday morning still burning up. The first thing I noticed that was strange about the fever was that it was not brought down by Tylenol or ibuprofen. In the past, a dose of either would bring her temp down and she would promptly resume normal activity. She was acting really off, not wanting to do anything but snuggle froggy-style on mine or Adam's chest.<br />
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On Tuesday, called the pediatrician and she was checked out and diagnosed with a double ear infection. No biggie, she's had this before.<br />
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On Wednesday she developed an awful rash which was determined to be an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. By now, her condition was getting worse and in my heart I knew there was something else going on. She hadn't eaten since Sunday, hadn't walked since then either, and spent all her time moaning and crying, even while she was asleep.<br />
<br />Thursday she started vomiting, which meant the medicine wouldn't be able to help her ear infection. Called the doctor and they weren't concerned, but I couldn't help to notice her appearance. She was looking very pale and her eyes were puffy and bloodshot. I stayed home both Wednesday and Thursday afternoons to be with her.<br />
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Friday I went to work with the feeling this would be the day she got better. Fever was still as high as it was five days ago and hadn't come down at all. Around noon, Adam and his mom called and told me to come home because something wasn't right. Her crying and moaning will still going on and she was completely uncomfortable and noticeably in pain.<br />
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We went back to the doctor, and after waiting for way too long they sent us to the ER. The ped gave me a rundown of what to expect, and that included staying there for a while. After what felt like forever, Alice was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. She fit each and every symptom to a T and it felt good to know what was wrong.<br />
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We spent the weekend on the children's floor at Fletcher Allen while Alice received treatment. So far so good. She had an echo of her heart to be used as a baseline for her cardio monitoring in the next weeks, months, and years to come. Bloodwork showed high white blood cell count and high liver enzymes but the doctors weren't concerned. It was a long weekend but by Sunday she was starting to show signs of herself again. The weekend was eventful, they started treatment at midnight but realized at 6 am (not sure how since they took her vitals every 15 minutes all night) and there was an error with the transfusion so she didn't get the treatment. Started over. Saturday night she fell out of the hospital bed around 1 am and my heart sunk. Poor girl couldn't catch a break. We think she woke up and tried to crawl out of bed, but either way, it sucked.<br />
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They sent us home with her treatment plan for the next 60 days and I hate to wish time to pass fast, but I can't wait for the 60 days to conclude. By then we will know if she has had any of the heart conditions found with the disease and how her blood counts look. We got the results of her urine sample back and it turns out she has a urinary tract infection on top of everything else. Back on a new antibiotic (which happens to be one I am allergic to - ha) which she fights us while taking, her appetite is back, and her feisty little personality has reappeared.<br />
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It's amazing what going through something like this does to your consciousness. I became hyper-focused on Alice getting better and had an amazing support system surround me. My mom and Tom took Jack for the weekend and brought him up to visit. My aunt Peggy came up to see us. My aunt Mary stopped by. My cousin, who was in labor, was texting me all weekend checking in. My grandparents. My amazing friends, sending the positive vibes and asking for updates and how we were doing. It felt amazing to feel so much love. At the same time, it makes me sort of sad that I did not and still have not heard a single word from some of my family. Typing it now sounds utterly selfish and I'm not sure why it bothers me so I guess I'll drop it and focus on the good.<br />
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Alice is getter better.<br />
Her pain is gone. <br />
She's eating again.<br />
She's walking again!<br />
She's back to tormenting her brother.<br />
She easily takes her aspirin therapy.<br />
She's going to kick some Kawasaki butt. <br />
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Let's all say a collective prayer that symptoms don't return. That bloodwork and heart echo tests in the coming weeks come back free and clear. Then let's celebrate!RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-58514642392954207102013-10-11T14:19:00.002-04:002013-10-11T14:19:14.869-04:00I did it!!!I did it!!! After four months of training and 533 miles, I ran my first marathon. It was one of the most exciting and happiest days to date and I am excited to share the details with you. Hopefully this weekend I can put the pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and put into words how the weekend went down. For now, I'll fill you in on my finishing time - 4:34:30!RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-35395495173089012562013-09-30T14:18:00.003-04:002013-09-30T14:18:35.549-04:00Marathon Training Weeks 16 & 17Clearly all this running has left me spent but, yes, I did complete weeks 16 and 17 of marathon training. They looked a little something like this: <br /><br />Week 16<br />Monday: 5 miles with Mom - 50:10<br />Tuesday: 5 miles - 52:30<br />Wednesday: 6 miles - 1:00:28<br />Thursday: Reformer Pilates, 5 miles with Alice in the jogger - 54:50<br />Friday: Rest<br />Saturday: 12 ridiculously windy miles - 2:05<br />Sunday: 1/2 mile Jack for his first race!!! Then 4 miles with Jack and Alice in the jogger - 44:07.<br /><br />This gave me 38 miles for the week, which was slightly more than the schedule called for because of the five miler thrown in on Monday left over from the weekend.<br /><br />Week 17<br />Monday: Rest<br />Tuesday: 4.15 miles - 41:13<br />Wednesday: 5 miles - 52:02<br />Thursday: 4 miles - 38:25<br />Friday: Rest<br />Saturday: 3 miles - 31:15<br />Sunday: 8 miles - 1:24<br /><br />24 miles total! I was so ready for taper time and am pretty impressed with myself that I made it through this training cycle. I guess it's not actually complete until I cross the finish line.<br /><br />Most of my recent runs have been alone in preparation for the five hours I'll be running solo on Sunday. And now, the week of the marathon is here and my nerves are starting to get the best of me. I know I'm well prepared and want to make sure I enjoy all of the journey, but really I just can't wait to have that medal around my neck.<br /><br />This closes out the month with 154 miles! Again, it's all relative, but that's a lot for me.<br />RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-76066220587557417442013-09-18T10:08:00.000-04:002013-09-18T10:08:48.359-04:00Marathon Training Weeks 14 and 15Weeks 14 and 15 are wrapped up the high mileage weeks of marathon training and now I am in taper mode. Here's a look at what the past couple of weeks have looked like:<br /><br />Week 14<br /><b>Monday</b>: Rest<br /><b>Tuesday</b>: 6 miles in 59:09 with Melissa and Sirius. We explored a part of our town that we'd never seen before knowing full well it was private. Well, barely a mile in and we got kicked out by who turned out to be the homeowner. Our guess was that it was a rehab center. <br /><b>Wednesday</b>: 5 miles (solo I think?) in 48:31<br /><b>Thursday</b>: 5 miles (solo again?) in 51:47<br /><b>Friday</b>: Rest<br /><b>Saturday</b>: 8 miles in 1:18. Cool temps helped my quick pace for this one. Finished with a 9:16 mile which made me really happy.<br /><b>Sunday</b>: 11 miles instead of the planned 12 because I ran out of time and Adam needed to get to work. Total running time 1:57 and the pace was super comfortable and the run was nice and easy.<br />
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<br />As a step down week I ran 35 total miles and felt pretty good.<br /><br />
Week 15<br /><b>Monday</b>: Rest, illness approaching, loaded up on Zicam and Airborne<br /><b>Tuesday</b>: 5 mile run after work in 53:31<br /><b>Wednesday</b>: 8 mile run which involved 5 miles from hell on the treadmill and finishing with 3 miles outside. It was thundering and lightning so I brought my run indoors but it cleared up so I headed outside. Never ever again will I run on the treadmill. Awful.<br /><b>Thursday</b>: 5 miles in 51:51<br /><b>Friday</b>: Rest<br /><b>Saturday</b>: 20 miles!!! I was running a half marathon today, so I did 4 miles at an 11:15 pace before, did the race in 2:12 then closed the day with 3 more miles at a 10:10 pace. I ran the race with my amazing running family. There were five of us running the race and Melissa, Kim, and I ended up running the entire thing together. I am so blessed to have these amazing running friends in my life. The race pace felt really good and we even finished with an 8:47 mile!<br /><b>Sunday</b>: Rest instead of scheduled 5. I was feeling my cold coming back on so I decided I'd rather skip a short run than not be 100% healthy on October 6. (I ended up doing the 5 the next day.)<br />
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I was 5 miles short of mileage for the week with 38 miles but with the extra effort put in thanks to the half marathon, I think it's okay it worked out this way. I know I can't "make up" lost runs, but mentally, fitting in the missed 5 miler the next day helped knowing I got it done.<br /><br />
Taper has begun and of course I'm started to doubt myself, but I know I've put in the work. Aside from missing one 9 mile run early on and two or three short runs, I've done the work. Running 20 miles averaging a 10:20 pace after a week of hard running and not feeling great was a huge confidence booster and with proper taper, rest, and nutrition, I think I'll be equipped to cover 26.2 miles - in less than 5 hours :). RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-2499516699593334332013-09-04T12:27:00.004-04:002013-09-04T12:27:43.090-04:00Marathon Training Week 13This week of marathon training was all about balance. I struggled at times to fit all of the runs in, but managed to do it (and not go crazy). I've been keeping track of my times in my training log so I'm going to start posting them here for your enjoyment. I know I should only be worried about one or the other - distance or speed - and obviously with marathon training it's distance. But, honestly I'd like to get just a little faster. I like seeing paces that begin with a 9 and am hoping someday I'll even see some 8's. I don't, however, worry about pace at all with the jogger (unless of course I whip out some super speedy numbers) and go by distance. Perceived effort with that beast is really high, especially with all of the hills where we live. I usually hover around 11:15 with it.<br /><br /><b>Monday</b>: Rest. It actually wasn't that tough going back to work after a week off.<br /><b>Tuesday</b>: 5 mile run (50:06) with two coworkers<br /><b>Wednesday</b>: 3 mile run (28:31) with coworkers, then 3.5 miles with Jack and Alice with the jogger after work.<br /><b>Thursday</b>: 5 miles with Jack and Alice.<br /><b>Friday</b>: 8 miles - 6 with Alice, left her at my mom's and ran two miles home (mile 7: 10:16 and mile 8: 9:30).<br /><b>Saturday</b>: Rest<br /><b>Sunday</b>: 20 miles!!! Eek! It was a long run (duh) but felt totally manageable averaging 11:00 minute miles. One more twenty miler the weekend after next then it's taper time!<br /><br />I feel like what I thought was going to be a washout week actually turned into a solid training week with 44 total miles. It's sort of crazy to me that I ran 44 miles in one week and I can't believe I hit 147 last month. I by no means consider myself an inspiration, but it is proof that anyone can run - and make time to run. People often ask how I train with a full-time job outside of the home, two kids, and a husband who works nights. I always give the same answer - I make it a priority. Whether it's pushing them in the jogger, getting up at 5 am, breaking a run into two parts, squeezing in a couple of miles during lunch, so be it. I make it work. <br />RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-36768153390246752262013-09-02T08:33:00.001-04:002013-09-02T08:33:09.327-04:0020 miles is far. Really far.Sunday morning started off around 6 with a set running time of 7. Melissa met me at home, and humored me while I finished my coffee and ate a piece of toast. Finally we headed out around 7:15 with 20 miles on tap. The first couple of miles were slow and I was a little disappointed when my Garmin said we were running a 12:05 pace.<br />
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Around mile 3 my bean burrito (bad choice) from the night before caught up with me and I had to make a pit stop at a gas station. We did two loops, the first being 12 miles. I started fueling early but I think I might have over-fueled and used too many gels with caffeine. I took a Gu at miles 5, 9, and then 13 before starting the second loop. Our miles hovered between 10:30 and 11:00 on the super-hilly route. We stopped to stretch at mile 10 and continued on. When we hit the planned stopped point to get more water at mile 13, Melissa made the tough decision that her run for the day was ending there. I kept telling her that I knew she could finish but at the same time I didn't want to push her too far if she wasn't feeling it.<br />
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After saying our goodbyes, I took off (with her Garmin since mine died) to finish. I went a different route than planned because there was a race going on where I was going to run and I didn't feel like getting passed for the next few miles by tons of runners haha. I did a mismatch of miles through main roads and neighborhoods, refueling one more time at mile 17.<br />
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The final stretch was tough but I was able to continue running the entire time, which was my goal. Overall pace averaged 11:00 which I am okay with. It was hot and long and I'm really glad I was able to get this under my belt.<br />
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I refueled with a giant egg burrito, chocolate milk, and a strong IPA. I feel pretty good today, other than the 360 degrees of chafing around my rib cage from my bra. Ouch. Long runs from here on out include 12, 20, 12, and 8 miles. I can't believe the marathon is so soon!<br />
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And just because, here's a pic for you :)<br />
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<br />RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-13107821237703656222013-08-31T12:30:00.003-04:002013-08-31T12:30:37.605-04:00Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know, I know, it's a massive photo overload, but here's a little bit of what we've been up to lately.<br />
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<br />RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-21723671044407653892013-08-30T23:15:00.001-04:002013-08-30T23:15:14.571-04:00Back to SchoolWow, running with the <a href="http://www.runfitmama.com/2011/06/rain-play.html" target="_blank">jogger</a> is hard! It's no secret that I've had a long-term love affair with this <a href="http://www.runfitmama.com/2011/06/more-rain-play.html" target="_blank">thing</a>, but as my work situation has become more flexible I'm able to complete so many more runs by myself - without it. Although I used it often last week, we were ocean side and there were zero hills. Makes a big difference.<br />
<br />
This week has been a testament to maintaining my marathon schedule. Between coming back from vacay and therefor being crazy at work, Jack starting school, and Alice starting daycare (eek!), it's been busy to say the least.<br />
<br />
I finally managed to get all my miles needed in for the week (minus long run on Sunday - 20 miles, no big deal haha) with some serious adjustments. It involved running four days in a row (not ideal), a <a href="http://www.runfitmama.com/2011/06/two-days.html" target="_blank">two-a-days</a>, three jogger runs, and eight miles tonight.<br />
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Tomorrow is all about stretching and some core work if I'm feeling ambitious. Bring on the rest day.RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-81059989769347855182013-08-27T16:54:00.002-04:002013-08-27T16:56:57.298-04:00Marathon Training Weeks 11 & 12Weeks 11 and 12 of marathon training have been a complete whirlwind! I pretty much stuck to the plan, aside from a few minor scheduling adjustments, I was able to stay on track. <br />
<br />
Week 11:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Monday</b>: 5 mile run with friends from work. I have an awesome running group at work and even though we all around the same pace, whenever we run together we pick it up. I'm so thankful to have them.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Tuesday</b>: 3 mile run in the morning, solo, then bodypump at lunch time.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Wednesday</b>: 3.6 miles. Our group headed out with the intention of doing 5 miles but a serious storm came through and we cute it short.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Thursday</b>: My best friend flew in unexpectedly on Wednesday night and we had a sleepover, just like old times. Needless to say, I was feeling the after-effects of too much wine today. I wanted to get some miles in because my 8 on Tuesday turning into 3 and a class, and 5 turned into 3.6, but oh well.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Friday</b>: 8 miles solo in the early morning before work.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Saturday</b>: Rest - day of travel to Kennebunkport.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Sunday</b>: Day 1 of vacation included an 8 mile run with Alice in the jogger along the ocean. Yes, please. My schedule called for a step-back week in terms of long run, with 13 on tap, but I'm pleased that I did 8.</li>
</ul>
Total: 27 miles <br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
Week 12:<br />
This week (minus Sunday) was spent on vacation, which can prove difficult to fit in runs. Getting up early (which was easy with Miss Alice as my alarm clock) and bringing the jogger proved a good choice in terms of marathon training.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Monday</b>: 9 mile run (no baby) with my sister-in-law. It was a tough run, and she ended up tacking on a couple extra miles but I just didn't have it in me.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Tuesday</b>: Rest - fried seafood and local beer, all day.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Wednesday</b>: 6 mile run with Alice and Jack</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Thursday</b>: 5 mile run with Alice</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Friday</b>: 5 mile run solo and I managed to average 9:29. I'll take it.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Saturday</b>: Rest - day of travel back to the real world.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Sunday</b>: 18 freakin miles!!! It was an awesome run and averaged 10:29. I felt really strong throughout the 3 hours and 8 minutes I was on my feet. I fueled with water and Gu, which worked out really well. Mentally, I was prepared for the run which made a huge difference. I didn't go into it thinking, ugh, I have to run 18 miles. I went in ready because I knew completion would mean I'm that much more ready for 26.2. Bring it.</li>
</ul>
Total: 43 miles (!!!) <br />
<ul>
</ul>
RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-60237009986461310032013-08-17T01:22:00.003-04:002013-08-17T01:22:27.326-04:00Marathon Training Week 10Here's a quick little update on last week's (almost two weeks ago now, oops) marathon training:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Monday</b>: I had the day off from work but was fighting a cold that came on after Saturday's long run so I took the day off from running. Much needed.</li>
<li><b>Tuesday</b>: Still not feeling so hot at all, took another needed rest day.</li>
<li><b>Wednesday</b>: Went back at it with a 4 mile run at lunch with work friends then did another 4 that night with Alice in the jogger.</li>
<li><b>Thursday</b>: Reformer Pilates</li>
<li><b>Friday</b>: 6.5 miles solo before work. It was POURING and I contemplated using the treadmill but when I got to work they were all in use so I was forced to go outside. I had 8 scheduled but got a late start so I needed to get back to the office. But then I was mad at myself for not at least just making it 7.</li>
<li><b>Saturday</b>: <a href="http://www.runfitmama.com/2013/08/new-distance-record.html" target="_blank">17 miles</a>!!! It was awesome and gave me a major confidence boost.</li>
<li><b>Sunday</b>: Rest</li>
</ul>
<div>
So there's week 10. The Highs: An awesome long run, successful two-a-day. The Lows: Getting sick (but feeling better by the end of the week was a high) and a lower mileage week than I would have liked. Here's to week 11!</div>
RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076590420387166641.post-83231246817147704372013-08-11T08:26:00.001-04:002013-08-11T08:26:54.831-04:00New distance record.17 miles with an average pace of 10:41 and pretty much even splits, except for a 11:30 first mile and 9:30 last mile. Felt really strong during the run and helped mentally after a few days if struggling to get out the door to run. I was able to do 8 of the miles with my mom which was a great way to break up the run. I did 6 solo, 8 with Mama, and the rest on my own. RunFitMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163553832428729144noreply@blogger.com1