Another Runner

Hi friends! Hope you all are having a good week. I've been having a great week, thanks in part to my new addiction: white chocolate (dreams? I think) peanut butter. OMG.. Amazing. Adam was giving me a hard time about the fat and calories.. Well I looked it up: it actually has less fat and calories than most peanut butters, so I'm good to go (not that fat and calories ever stopped me before). The other night I mixed a scoopful with chocolate gelato. A-maz-ing.

I've been trying to keep my milage up this week, and have had a six mile solo run, and five and four milers with J in the jogger. It's supposed to be nice tomorrow so I think J and I might celebrate the weekend by going on a longer run on our favorite path. Today's run, the four mile with J, was tough. I felt like I started strong but was definitely struggling by the end. I guess it was just one of those days. I'm glad I ran though- never regretted a run. Another runner today applauded me for running with the jogger- he said he used to run with his daughter and misses it. Even though it's so much harder running while pushing 60+ pounds, I know when he's bigger I'll miss it. I just get so sentimental thinking about how we can share running- it's time that we spend that's devoted to just us. I hope J will look back fondly on his miles spent with me. Hopefully, though, by the time he's too big to be pushed, he'll be running alongside me instead.

Week Update

Happy Friday everyone! I have no excuse for my lack of posting this week other than I'm still adjusting to my new schedule. So please excuse my randomness of this post!

We went to another fair this week and now I think I'm all set on fairs until next summer. I managed to leave only having eaten a steak and cheese sandwich, hot dog and fried dough. Jack loved the animals and rides, especially the train ride. He didn't want to get off.

.....

August came to a close and I'm feeling good so far with my training for the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon. I closed the month with five, six and four mile runs, closing the month with a 117 mile total. It felt good to have my mileage back up after last month's low.

Melissa and I have another early morning long run planned for tomorrow (leaving a tad earlier this time because my yoga class has moved to 8:45 instead of 9:10). After a long week I'm ready to run long!

Looking forward through September, I'm hoping to get 2 or 3 more good long runs in and then taper before the half. I started the month yesterday with a five mile run with my mom, Tom and Jack along the Ti Path in Shelburne and it was such a nice, relaxing run.

Side note, my Garmin has been seriously acting up. Grrr. Sometimes the buttons and/or bezel are unresponsive and I can't seem to find any sort of solution. One minute the bezel is working, and the next minute it's not- same with the buttons. Ugh! Have any of you Garmin users had any sort of problem like this?

.....

On Wednesday night I tried a new yoga class. It wasn't the instructor I was expecting to have, but it was a nice, realizing class. I was ready for a more vigorous session but the gentle movements were a welcome change. I definitely plan to go back to this studio- they have a beautiful space.

.....

Mind Over Matter

Happy Monday in the Stoner house.. We went downtown today intending on going to Penny Cluse for gingerbread pancakes, but J had other plans. He fell asleep on the way so we put him in the stroller to sleep longer once we got downtown. Penny Cluse's tables are a little too close together to navigate a stroller through so we had lunch outside at Leunig's and could let J-man nap tableside while we ate. It was yummy.. Salade Nicoise - the hard boiled egg was left out, but I managed.

Since J was sleeping we attempted to go to babygap, but he woke up. For some reason, he HATES that store, so it was a no-go. He needs some new fall clothes, since he'll be going to preschool in the fall!

Next up was Breakwaters, perfect spot on the water on a sunny summer day. Grilled cheese for J and Switchbacks for the grown-ups. We closed the outing with maple creemees.

Working backwards, I'll tell you about my morning: I did an eight mile run along the bikepath through the golf course. It was one of the toughest runs I've had in a long time. It was tough physically, but not mentally. In my mind, I wanted to run. I was ready. I sort of love longer runs because of the time they give me- to think, to dream, to sing along to Duffy (haven't fully embraced no iPod runs). Today, my mind wanted to run but my legs didn't. They felt heavy and tight, but I trudged along determined not to take any walk breaks. I'm looking forward to next week's long run and hope my legs feel better- let's just hope my mind cooperates.

4x2

I just looked at the calendar. My next half marathon is on October 2- eight weeks away. I haven't run more than five miles at once since the Mad Half on July 18. It's time to get my butt in gear. I'm in the process of making my own training plan to follow. So many plans show the longest training run a week before the marathon (including Hal Higdon's intermediate half plan) and this just doesn't work for me. I'm working on making my own eight week schedule and I'm going to try my very best to do some speed work and hills, maybe even go the track (please hold me to this, GMR). I'm thinking I might even be able to take Jack to the track with me (I'm probably crazy). 

Yesterday morning and today, I did the same 4.1 mile loop. Yesterday pushing J and today solo. Four minutes faster without the beast. As much as I love love love summer, running in the cooler temps in the morning is awesome.

When running with me, J now likes to yell, "Go! Go! Go!" Although he's still not talking, he understands everything. He says car, crane and boat. He calls Adam, "Da," and me, "Dee."

"No, Jack, I'm Mommy."
"Dee."

I can't believe I have an almost-two-year-old. He's not a baby anymore!

Mad Half Race Recap

My morning started bright and early- set my alarm for 4:30 and was up by 4:45. I had asked GMR to text me if she didn't hear from me by 5:00. but luckily I was able to get up on my own.

I made coffee, got dressed and took some self portraits.

And practiced my form

 We were on the road by 5:45 and arrived by 6:30 which left us with plenty of time to fuel, drink water and use the porta-potties. We met a reader- Hi Prudence!- which was pretty cool, I must say.

Finally it was time to line up and at this point I was ready to get the race over with!

I'm pretty sure we chicked 402

 This race was hilly!

We started off nice and slow and managed to keep an attainable pace throughout. We got passed early on by many people, but we were running smart. I noticed we ended up passing many of them in the later miles. Because we were smart running the hills in the beginning, we were able to take advantage of the last couple miles downhill.

It was a rude reminder in the beginning that every downhill we were on would eventually have to be climbed. One part was an out and back- out was downhill and the climb back was rough. I am proud to say that we powered up every single hill (mountain, haha). We stopped and walked through water stations. I've found that actually walking through water stations is more efficient because I get the necessary fluids successfully.

Around mile 9, I was feeling great. We were coming up to a water stop and I decided to take one final gu. I took it out of my back pocket and when I reached back to make sure Melissa's car key was still there- it wasn't. Shoot (I was thinking other choice words)!!! I stopped and turned around to find the key- I knew it couldn't be far and soon found it. Thank you!! Sorry for scaring you, Melissa! I didn't say anything to her when it happened- I just stopped and started retracing my steps.

Once I had the key back we continued on and cruised the downhills. It felt awesome!

The last mile was uphill, though, and it seemed to drag on. Towards the end, I kept asking Melissa where we were at distance wise (sorry!) because she was wearing her Garmin. I never thought I would see that 13 mile mark. Finally we did and sprinted the .1 to the finish! 2:16:42, a new PR for me.

This was a challenging course, but I have to say, one of my favorite races. I had so much fun running with Melissa the entire time. There were many times I was able to push on because she was right there with me. I think if I had been on my own, I would have stopped to walk. It was a test mentally as well as physically. It was so daunting looking up and seeing a sea of people ascending a 700 foot climb in front of you. I definitely plan on doing this race next year (unless there's a new little Stoner on the way, ha).

WTF Smart Coach?

Runners World Smart Coach stinks. I loosely followed it training for the KBVCM, but it worked because I KNEW better. I've read enough training plans and ran enough half marathons to generally know that building, building, running 12 miles the week before the race and having NO taper will not work out well for the mortal runner.

I had hopes of following a schedule training for the Mad Half, and was planning on using a modified version of Hal Higdon's back-to-back marathon program. I ended up just running my feel and taking it easy in general, but making sure to get my long runs in and have enough of a rest period before the race.

My next scheduled race is a 10K on August 20, so just out of curiosity, I plugged my stats into Smart Coach to see what kind of training plan it gives me. It gave me the exact same plan as training for a half marathon! Huh?!? It even includes long runs starting at nine miles and working up to 11. Um, no. The longest I plan to run in prep for the 10K is seven miles.

Has anyone else used Smart Coach? What do you think?

Self Portrait Trial

I glisten, not sweat

At first I was having a hard time taking self portraits, but now it's kid of fun. I looked around to make sure none of the neighbors were watching. Not that they care though, most of them are much weirder than me.

I wasn't planning on running today, but when I got back from teaching yoga this morning, Jack went down for a nap. Adam was leaving for work in 30 minutes  so I ran out to get a quick three miles in. It was HOT! 87 degrees. 3.2 miles in 31 minutes. I'll take it!

Jack and I ran yesterday, too. A nice easy run of a little over five miles. It's amazing how much better runs can feel by just taking an extra day off.

...

I had a nice, full class at yoga today and I played some Tom Petty and Adele. Random, I know.

...

My cousin is getting married tomorrow! And I do still have something fun up my sleeve for this little ol' blog but didn't get it done yesterday.. but I promise, it's coming!

Happy Saturday!

Bye Bye June

Can you believe the month of June is over? I can't! It flew by. Please slow down, summer, I want you to last.

I finally finished Week 3 of the pushup challenge. Here are the last two sessions:

Day 2:
S1: 14
S2: 19
S3: 14
S4: 14
S5:19

Day 3:
S1: 16
S2: 21
S3: 15
S4: 15
S5: 23

...

I rounded off June with 114 (running) miles. Phew. This is the fourth month in a row with 100+ miles, and needless to say, I'm ready for a little break. As much as I love having a race to train for, I'm looking forward to getting this half marathon over with and racing some shorter distances.

I took an unscheduled rest day today, after running yesterday and resting Tuesday. I'm glad I did, though, because now my legs are itching to run and I can't wait to get out there tomorrow.

...

Want a good laugh? Here's some texting Adam and I shared this morning:

...

I've got something exciting up my sleeve for tomorrow!!!

Finally!

Finally, the numbers I'm looking for!


(I stopped to cross the street between miles 2 and 3)

 For what seems like a while, I've been stuck at a 10:30 pace. My 5K times are improving, but for everything else it's 10:30.

I took a very hilly route from my mom's house today and just went by effort. I brought my iPhone so I could use LogYourRun but kept it in my back pocket and didn't look at it. I also didn't wear a watch, so I was able to focus on breath and feel instead of how long I had been running for. These numbers make me very excited because I went at a medium-hard effort, not all-out.

After my past couple runs, my stomach has been very cranky. I'm trying different things before my runs (no pun intended- ew) and haven't found success yet. I've heard a lot of runners have success with smoothies before a run so I think that's something I'm going to try. Anyone have a go-to smoothie recipe pre-run?

More Rain Play

Jackaroo was up at 5:00 this morning, which meant he was ready for a nap by 9:00- perfect time for a run. It was raining, so we got our rain gear on and headed out with the jogger.

I wasn't conscious about what was under my rain jacket- I obviously should have. It stopped raining about a mile in and I was quickly heating up. I was forced to take my jacket off and run in an ill-fitting, too long tank and not supportive enough for daytime view bra. I was that woman- the one you see running and wonder how she's running with her chest bouncing up and down so much.

The rain came back in a couple miles, so I was luckily able to cover up again. We ran 6.75 miles and I'm not even going to mention my pace- it was SLOW.

When we got back, I was soaking wet but Jack was completely dry. I'm pretty impressed with the rain guard on his jogger.

Happy Friday!

Rain play

A couple of weeks ago I was gung ho about the Hundred Pushup Challenge. Remember? Well, I haven't really mentioned it lately, because I've been working on Week 3... for about 3 weeks now. Tonight I re-started Week 3 and I'm going to make it!

Week 3 / Day 1

S1 13
S2 17
S3 13
S4 13
S5 17

...

Jack has a subtle way of expressing his wants and needs.. without words. It rained most of the day today and when I came home from work he went into the closet and pulled out his boots. Want: rain play.

We compromised, and went for a run. It was pouring, but that's okay. He doesn't mind the rain and neither do I. We ran 5 miles at an easy pace. That easy pace today with the jogger was 10:45.

Jack is the best running partner. Counting fire trucks, motorcycles (or "cools" as J calls them), plans and buses makes the miles fly by. I adore this time  have with him. It's like it's our special time together. We talk, well I talk and he listens. I'm thinking pretty soon he'll be chatting away with me. It reminded how lucky I am to be his mom.

Share the Road

We attempted a family photo yesterday- got the camera all set up at the perfect height, sitting on the footrest of Jack's high chair. And this was the result. Haha.

...

I missed my long run on Sunday. We spent the morning hanging with Adam before he had to go to work and then before I knew it, Jack was ready for a nap. He slept for a couple hours, and we had a family party to go to in the afternoon so a run was a no-go.

I let Adam know ahead of time that I had to get in a long run on Monday. I was out of Gu, so I went to Women's Source for Sports to stock up. Enter my new love:

I ran 11 miles in the hot, noontime sun (never gonna do that again). I LOVED the chomps. The personalized doses are great and I just ended up taking one every mile or so. I also brought along my fuel belt and planned a stop at a water fountain half way into the run. I also love my fuel belt. It makes long runs so much more enjoyable by not having to worry about hydration. And I can also easily carry my phone, which makes me feel safer on long runs.

Side track... SHARE THE ROAD. My entire run was on bikepaths, except for a quarter mile stretch on Spear Street. Spear Street should not be a problem, though, because it has a very wide bike lane and is littered with bikers and runners all spring, summer and fall.

Here I am, running against the traffic, in the bike lane when I hear a vroom behind me. A car passed someone (there's no passing on Spear- double yellow line) in the opposite lane, so he swerved into the opposite lane (next to the bike lane I was in). I swear I felt his side mirror inch by me. I recognized the car, too. It's a young man whose mother lives next door to my mom. He is notorious for driving dangerously. I seriously want to call him and ask him if he realizes he almost made my son an orphan. It really pisses me off.

I'm sorry to rant, and I know I've said it before, but I am sick and tired of dangerous drivers. Please, let's make a conscious effort to be safe and alert drivers. It's really not that hard. Get off the cell phone and pay attention!

...

We spent the afternoon swimming at Grandma's pool. The water was a little chilly but the boys didn't mind it.

Basin Harbor 5K Race Recap

This was my 3rd (or 4th- can't remember) year running this race. It's a decent drive- about 45 minutes- for a 5K, but it's a beautiful course and has a great small, hometown feel. I think there were only about 50 or so runners today (they said it was the smallest turnout in their ten years of having this race).

My BFF, a new running mama who was supposed to run, too, wasn't there. Sad face!

My mom, Tom and Jack came down- my mom was running, too. We lined up at the start (which is a decent half mile walk away) and decided that we would run together. We run races together all the time, but never actually together (she's speedier than me). We also decided that we were going to kick some serious trash.

Horn blew and we just went for it. The first mile flew by and I looked at my watch- 7:45. Um, yeah, there's no way we could keep that pace. We slowed down a little bit, but stayed strong. We both told each other to go ahead if needed, but we stayed together right until the end.

Hit mile two around 16:30 and kept plugging along. The last mile was tough and my legs were feeling really tired. But the great thing about 5Ks is that it's over so soon! With only a mile left, I knew I could hold on.

We finished in 25:49! A new PR! It was amazing to run a race with my mom and I think knowing we were in this together made us push ourselves a little more.

We stuck around after, because with so few participants we thought we'd be guaranteed a raffle prize. Nope.

We didn't take any race photos, but here are some playing around after the race.

I'm excited that I had a great race today, but it makes me a little nervous for the half marathon coming up on July 10. I have two more long runs to get it in and then a week rest and it's here. I'm nervous because of the hills, I'm nervous because I just ran a half a couple weeks ago. I'm also nervous because these past two races have been great, personally, and I'm worried I'm due for a bad a race. I guess the Middlebury Maple Run counts as a "bad race," though. I think once I get two double-digit runs in I'll feel much more confident.

Crybaby

Lately I have been full of waterworks. Anything and everything causes me to tear up. Yesterday on a run, a woman walking two pug puppies brought on the tears. I could barely choke out, "they're so cute." Last week my mom and I were driving through a neighborhood and saw a wedding in one of the backyards and I got teary eyed. I cried at my own wedding, but I don't cry at others'- especially strangers'. Today during my run a woman was walking with her little girl on the bikepath.. started reading "Run Like A Mother" and had to hold back the waterworks right there in Barnes and Noble. Country songs? Don't even go there. Not sure where I'm going with this, just an observation..

4 miles with J yesterday / 9 miles solo today

Today's run was the perfect long run. Settled into a nice pace and relaxed. I love long runs- it gives me time to reflect, think and relax. My last couple miles on a long run are usually faster than an easy pace on a short run. It takes me a little while to get "into" a run and I just find that after a couple miles, I'm into it. What do you prefer, short and fast? Or long and easy?

J man and I spent the afternoon at the bookstore. It is the absolute perfect place to spend a rainy day. He loves playing with the huge train set in the children's section, but I think he thinks it's his. When other children come over to play, he looks at them like they're invading his territory. Good thing he doesn't talk yet because I'm sure he'd have some choice words for the kid who stole Bernie (the bus from Thomas and Friends) from him.

Calling All Crazies

Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone is able to relax and enjoy this day and give thanks to all who have and are serving our country.

I was hoping to bring Jack to the Vergenne's Memorial Day Parade today, but it started at 11:00, and he was up this morning at 5:00 so by 10:00 he was ready for a nap.

Quality Nap > Parade

We are heading over to Adam's parents this afternoon. His sister is visiting with her kids and they have a great big porch with comfy chairs and ice cold beer calling my name.

During my pre-half marathon high, I signed up for another half marathon on July 10.

It's the first running of this sure-to-be hilly race. There is a full marathon, half and relay. Any other crazies out there want to join me?!? I hope it's a good race- entry fee was a little steep and they are cleaning spending a ton of $ on their marketing campaign.

I've heard great things about Hal Higdon's plans and loosely followed his intermediate half training plan (mixed with a Runner's World plan). I've been reading some of his info regarding back-to-back marathons (had a hard time finding info on back-to-back half mary plans). He offers some great advice:

1. Plan your schedule early
2. Don't ignore rest
3. Try shorter events
4. Don't run all marathons hard
5. Take time to prepare

(Full article)

Although a half is much different than a full, I think these same rules will still apply, with the exception of less (hopefully) recovery time and only (hopefully) having one week taper.

Source

I'm using his "Six Weeks Between Marathons" plan, doctored a little bit (great graphic design skills, huh?). Many runners I know do not (and dislike) following training plans / schedules. I, on the other hand, LOVE training plans. I love having the schedule to follow and base my runs around. Of course there is always leeway, as with any plan, because things come up and runs need to be rescheduled, shifted and cancelled sometimes. One of the reasons I like using training plans is because they are based on knowledge. Hal Higdon has much more knowledge about running safely and successfully than I do, and I trust what he has to say.

On the other hand, I probably would not trust a training plan from Kara Goucher. I am a Kara lover, but as I'm currently reading her book, I'm finding some not-so-great advice. I think I'll do a book review when I'm finished it.

Okay, so back to back-to-back half marathons. Does anyone have any advice for running back to back half marathons?

Vermont City Marathon Race Recap

I was so excited and full of adrenaline this morning, and was so eager to get to Battery Park. Picked my mom and Tom up and headed down and met up with the rest of the family (at the usual meeting place- Beansie's Bus). Everyone headed to the start and Aunt Mary and I hung around since we were both running the second leg. We watched the start and then boarded the bus to Oakledge Park and waited for our teammates to come in. We got to see the first marathoners come through, which is always amazing to watch. It was great to spend some time with Aunt Mary and chat and catch up. It's rare to have time like this to hang with her with little ones usually running around!

The hand off point was a little crazy and chaotic but I was so pumped when I saw my mom come in! Her time was around 2:07. I headed off, and started very conservatively because of the heat and humidity. My plan was to run easy for the first six miles and then assess how I'm feeling. I felt great at the halfway point so I decided to just keep plugging at it. I stopped and walked at every water station because I wanted to make sure I was getting the fluids I would need. I alternated Gatorade and water and took Gu at miles five and nine.

Surprisingly, the miles flew by. According to my watch my time is 2:17. I'm feeling really good about this time, especially considering the conditions today. And it's 11 minutes off my half time from November!

Top Rack

Update: My iPhone is okay! It obviously takes me several times making the same mistake before I learn. Maybe that's why I'm always learning? You cannot use an old USB cord to update a new iPhone, it just doesn't work. I've made this mistake probably a dozen times. And today tried to fix the phone three times before I remembered what the problem was. The good news is, the phone updated before the software tried to be installed so I didn't lose anything. Phew.

Jack and I went for a nice "easy" run today.

It was hard! We took the hilly route up by the golf course.

We only had to dodge a couple runaway golf balls.

I actually love running with the jogger, but hills are extra difficult. It's harder pushing an extra fifty pounds up, but it's even harder going downhill. I was holding onto that thing for dear life, praying it doesn't get away from me. I really have to slow down going downhill.

When I used to babysit, I would always unload the dishwasher. And when the mom would come home and see what I had done, she was always so grateful. She couldn't thank me enough and I didn't understand why.

Now I do.

This is almost a daily occurance in our house. And the family I babysat for had three kids! No wonder she loved it. It's a real pain in the arse matching up all those sippy cups with their tops. They all have these weird plastic inserts so each cup has at least five pieces to it.

If I was smart, I would have stuck with one type of sippy cup so the matching up would be a little easier.

P.S. Thanks, Designer Athlete for the glass baby bottles! Yes, he's 18 months and he still uses them.

Yoga-ing in the morning- can't wait!

Did anyone see the changes made to the Vermont City Marathon course this year? What do you think? All I can say is I'm glad I'm not running the first leg- an extra 100 feet on the beltline? No, thank you!

1/2 Cup

I got to run with Melissa today, even if it was only through side-by-side treadmills. I arrived at the gym and saw her on the treadmill and wanted to get on the one next to her, but someone had already signed up for it. After consulting Melissa, I erased the initials on the sign-up sheet and wrote my own name in- in ink. Oops.

5 miles / 48:29 (1.0 incline)

Woohoo! Felt pretty good.

1 mile @ 6.0 mph
1 mile @ 6.1 mph
1 mile @ 6.2 mph
1 mile @ 6.3 mph
.5 mile @ 6.4 mph
.5 mile @ 6.5 mph

Maybe there is hope for these short legs.

Hopefully the rain will be gone tomorrow and I can run outside. I actually don't mind running in the rain, but when it's a monsoon it's just a little too much for me to handle.

Mindful snacking went well today. I had a small piece of chocolate from the Easter bunny but stopped at one piece (let's hope that's it for the evening) and had a bowl of cinnamon toast crunch cereal to satisfy my sweet tooth.

I've been thinking a lot about portion control. One serving of pasta is half a cup. I had linguine tonight and measured it- my serving was a full cup- 400 calories. I know sometimes when I have pasta it's at least three or four servings. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, because even though pasta is carb and calorie laden, I'm not going to stop eating it. Just something to think about I guess.

Ouch

Love just needing one layer of clothing to go for a run. I also love not having to spend twenty minutes bundling Jack up to ride in the jogger.

He doesn't look too happy, but I swear he loves them!

As long as we have our sunglasses, we are all set.

We ran five miles tonight. I took it easy but the run still felt a little tough. I wore an Athleta running skirt. I wore it a lot last summer (when none of my running shorts fit and I refused to buy new ones) and never had any problems with it. But tonight, holy chaffing. The shorts underneath kept riding up and rubbing between my legs.

As far as the snacking today goes, so far so good. I learned my lesson yesterday. Do not boast about accomplishments until after they happen! I was so excited that I only ate five oreos so I rewarded myself by eating four more. Snacks today included a balance bar, banana and yogurt.  I did eat two burritos for dinner, though. One would have been sufficient.

Races

I've been looking over my race results from past races for some inspiration and it's helping. I'm slowly, slowly, slowly getting faster.

So, I'm going to put it all out there and show my 12 followers some of my past race results.

2006
Round Church 5K 36:38
KBVCM, ran the last leg in the relay, 5.5 miles, I don't have my time

2007
Round Church 5K 32:53
KBVCM- ran two legs in the relay, about 9 miles, I don't have my time

2008
Stowe 8 Miler 1:29
Half Marathon 2:34:36
Basin Harbor 5K results unknown
Leaf Peepers Half Marathon 2:35:33
Round Church 10K 66:05

2009
Preggers! No races for this mama

2010
KBVCM Half Marathon 2:47:37
Basin Harbor 5K 33:11
Stowe 8 Miler 1:35:27
Cider House 4 Miler 36:13
Shelburne Farms 5K 31:14
Shelburne Half Marathon 2:28:56

2011
Spring Fling 5K 27:24