Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Ragnar Practice Runs

In just over a week, I will be heading to Hull, Massachusetts with my Ragnar Cape Cod Relay teammates to begin our 200 mile journey to Provincetown. This will be my second team relay, but it will be very different than my Reach the Beach NH experience.


Team Vicious and Delicious is one BIG team of 22 ladies in four vans. For communication purposes, two vans go by Vicious & Delicious and the other two vans go by Too Vicious & Delicious.

I am runner #10 for TooV&D (which is really runner #11 on the Ragnar runner distance chart). I have the least amount of miles, but I'm still making sure that I am ready to run! Since I am on Spring Break, it seemed like a good time to simulate my legs by doing multiple workouts.

Practice Run #1: Ragnar Leg 11 - 4.5 miles - moderate - elevation gain 198'
I set out around 9AM in the hopes that I could avoid most of the morning traffic (mission accomplished). The route I chose was pretty close in elevation with a gain of 177' and it was chilly enough to test run our team long sleeve shirt (loved it). Even though my stomach grumbled the whole time (I didn't eat before), I ran near my goal pace and felt really good (even after Sunday's 10 miler).


Practice Run #2: Ragnar Leg #23 - 2.4 miles - easy - elevation gain 45'
Nearly 12 hours after the first one, I decided to do this run on the treadmill. To create the feeling of running outside (and for fun) I dimmed the lights and sported my night gear. I didn't have any problems during the run besides my legs being a little grouchy, and it was over quickly enough. However, I did learn a few lessons that will save me from tummy issues next week: skip the full dinner and drink more water.


Practice Run #3: Ragnar Leg #35 - 4.5 miles - moderate - elevation gain 235'
Almost 13 hours after my last practice run, I suited up for a rainy, hilly, out and back.  About a mile into the run, I had to turn around because I started getting sharp pains on the inside of my knee. By the time I got back to the house the pain had stopped, so I decided to keep going and try to finish the run. Another half mile and I turned around again cutting the run short. I'm optimistic that all I need is a little rest and extra foam roller time.


Now that my practice runs are complete, it is time to start obsessing about the weather, what to pack, and what I need to purchase. Good thing I ran in the dark because I learned that one of my blinking lights has died. (update: the light works. mrC found it flashing in the garbage can!)

Are you running Ragnar Cape Cod? Tell me your team name so I can look for you!
Are you running a different Ragnar Relay? Let me know which one!



Monday, April 28, 2014

I Wasn't Supposed to Run

Yesterday I ran the Newport 10 Miler. Ironically, this was a race I didn't think I was going to run. Back in February I found out I had to have surgery to remove some skin cancer and was told I would not be cleared to run in time. I tried to transfer my registration fee toward the Newport Night Run 5K instead. When that didn't work, I told oldestC that she could run with my bib (shhh, don't tell anyone!), but then she had to back out because of an injury. While getting my stitches out a few days ago, I heard the magic words, "no restrictions" and knew that everything happened for a reason!


As planned we met up with the girls prior to the race start. It was pretty easy to find everyone in their colorful tutus! It's always fun to run with friends, but even more to meet new ones. Nancy and I got to meet new ZOOMA Cape Cod Ambassador Jessica.

Bottom L Pic: Kathi, me, Janine, Jessica, and Nancy

My goal for this race was to run a 10 minute pace and take it easy. With more than 1200 runners doing the 10 miler, it was easy to take our time in the beginning because it was crowded. Some runners dart in and out and around like cars on the highway, but we just wait for things to open up. By the time we got to Ocean Drive, about mile 2, we had more breathing room to take in the awesome views.


I like to divide routes in my mind, so when we got to Bellevue Ave, in my head we had moved into phase 2 of the race. Instead of looking at the water, we were now surrounded by the mansions.


Phase 3 is the tough part of the Newport 10 Miler...the hills. They come late in the game, around mile 7.5 and last right up to mile 9. They roll right past the high school and my quads got very cranky running them this time.


Phase 4 is what I have named the longest last mile. Once you crest the last hill, you feel like you should be nearing the finish line because the start line area is in sight. Then you realize that the race ends inside Fort Adams and the entrance to the finish line is in the BACK. There are some awesome views to keep you company on that final stretch though.


Despite the traffic jam in the parking lot after the race, we plan to be back next year because this is a great race. It's a fundraiser, so there aren't a lot of frills, like medals and a big pre-race expo. There is a small goodie bag of treats from sponsors, (like a $20 coupon to Sports Authority) post race beer and snacks, and a simple yet awesome race tee.


What keeps you coming back to the same race?




Friday, April 25, 2014

Cleared to Run

I did not go to work today, even though I probably could've put in a half day. Instead, after getting my stitches out and being given the thumbs up to exercise (including run), I immediately headed home to lace up my Mizunos. My last run was an 8 miler with mrC over ten days ago, so when I saw this April Virtual 5K hosted by Sara, I knew it was the right distance for my first post op run.

STAY STRONG Foot Notes™ shoe charms from Momentum - 15% off code GGS158

I was nervous about the run. Even though I got the all clear from my doctor, I'm still sporting butterfly bandages that are supposed to be on for another week. For some reason, I kept imagining that my incision would bust open. It did not.

Neither did my run. It wasn't horrible, but I couldn't find my groove. My breathing was excessively labored and I started to get a side stitch just after the turn-around. I wanted it to be easier. I wanted to feel like I was just floating along. My mind told me it was a perfect day for running, 50 degrees and partly sunny, but my body was struggling to bounce back from the time off.

Tomorrow I will be heading to Newport with mrC for the Newport 10 Miler. I am so excited that I do not have to sit this one out like I thought I would.

with mrC after our 2013 finish!

Based on my run today, it won't be a stellar race (I plan to take it nice and easy), but it will be AWESOME to meet up with some of my favorite blends and fellow ZOOMA Cape Cod Ambassadors who are also running again.

2013 pre-race meet-up with Nancy, Jill, and Michelle

Still thinking of registering for a ZOOMA event? Use my discount code for 10% off CCAMB2

What are YOUR running plans this weekend?


Monday, April 21, 2014

We Run As One

It's a big day in the running world.

Today I am looking forward to cheering on ALL the runners. The one's I know. The Hometown Hero. The survivors. Those running for the victims.

Stay Strong runners.


Today the world is cheering for you.



I'll be cheering from New Hampshire.

Where will YOU be?



Sunday, April 20, 2014

Yoplait Greek 100 Taste-Off



When Yoplait invited me to participate in the Yoplait Greek 100 Strawberry yogurt versus Chobani Simply 100 Strawberry yogurt, I couldn't resist. All across the nation, consumers have been taking part in this taste-off.

I saw the opportunity as a win-win for me. I love Greek yogurt and both brands are gluten free. Plus, I'm a sucker for good tasting snacks that come in 100 calorie packaging. GUILT FREE!! 


After recruiting youngestC to join me, we decided to set up a blind taste test for each other. The loyal hound volunteered to remain in the room to ensure 100% authenticity of the taste-off!


After careful consideration and multiple tastes, we both agreed that the Yoplait versus Chobani yogurt had a clear winner.


We both thought that Yoplait was definitely sweeter and clearly tasted like strawberry. Going into the Yoplait Taste-Off, I thought that I would prefer the Chobani. It just goes to show that I should grab a spoon and try new products more often!

This yummy 5.3 ounce cup of 100 calorie yogurt comes in 12 flavors and is available nationwide. Good thing because in a national taste test, Yoplait Greek 100 Strawberry beat Chobani Simply 100 Strawberry. To find Yoplait Greek 100 near you check out the Yoplait website.

So I've taken the Yoplait Greek 100 Yogurt #TasteOff, now it's your turn! Let me know what you think!



I want to thank Yoplait for sponsoring this taste test and allowing me to express my honest opinion.



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