TrainingTruths: High Fives

Holiday weeks can make it challenging to maintain a normal running schedule. In the past, I have participated in a Thanksgiving Day Race which means no interruption, but this year we traveled to the in-laws in Massachusetts. I was able to score a couple of five mile runs and we enjoyed a fun lunch stop on the way back to NH on Friday.

#TrainingTruth: Running is a good way to de-stress before the holiday.

I look forward to holiday breaks, but the days leading up to them can be stressful. Tuesday's run was extremely helpful in allowing me to dump some of the negativity both physically and emotionally. High Five to Daisy for always being a great listener!

#TrainingTruth: Sometimes a missed opportunity to run is an opportunity for a family adventure.

After spending Thanksgiving in MA, my sister-in-law told us about a great place to eat that happened to be on our way back to NH, so we stopped for lunch. The girls, my husband, and I had a wonderful meal sitting by an open fire before taking a few laps through the candle, holiday, and chocolate stores. The Farm Table is very popular (reservations are usually required, but we lucked out by arriving just after a cancellation was made) and offers gluten-free options on the menu. High Five to my step-daughter for her panoramic photo-taking ability.

#TrainingTruth: Best way to forget being cold...get lost on a trail run.

Bitter cold winds greeted us on this second attempt at running the trails inside a local state park. About 2 miles in and we were already trying to figure out where we missed a turn. Since I was carrying my phone in my Big Banjees wrist wallet, we were able to almost figure out the trail. High Five to Daisy for picking herself up and dusting herself off after taking a dive on the trail. 

Don't forget my Big Banjees coupon code is good through Nov. 30th at sprigs.com. Just enter RUNNINGESCAPADES20

What were your High Fives?

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Manchester City Half Marathon

On Sunday I ran the Manchester City Half Marathon. According to the local news, this year's race started with a record 2500 runners including some 600 displaced NYC Marathon runners! It was a beautiful day for a race with temperatures in the low 40s, bright sunny skies, and cool breezes.

After getting an extra hour of sleep, my favorite cheerleader (aka husband) drove me downtown to meet up with the girls. I found Daisy easily (thanks to her "prime parking spot" in a no parking area next to Veteran's Park, but Katherine was off getting a replacement bib for the one she left at home. We did manage to all meet up at the starting line.

You may remember from my previous blog posts or my comments on Daily Mile how this course had some serious hills. The first hill starts around mile 1 and continues until mile 2.5. There's a brief breather before the next climb at mile 3.5 which lasts through mile 5. Here runners are rewarded with a long downhill into Livingston Park before hitting the next group of climbs. At mile 6 the rolling begins (and seems to never end) and goes on and on through mile 10. Just when you think you might be able to cruise to the finish thanks to gravity and Hanover Street, runners hit a final tough climb between mile 11 and 12. For those runners with feeling left in their legs (not me) the final mile is a fast downhill that flattens out to the finish line.

13.1 - 2:08:24  

Clearly, I was dead tired. I didn't hear them announce me as Amy from Jamaica Plain and then correct it. I barely cracked a smile when Katherine and Ami cheered for me as I passed by. I didn't even have the energy to grab one of those awesome mylar heat sheets they were offering.

I did have enough spark to hang out with the girls and our families while savoring the moment. I took on a challenge running this half marathon with its monster hills that scare some runners away and I completed it. #7 done.

What I wore:

Let's Go Clown Around Sweaty Bands

Grey Nike Legend Training Tank

Red Nike Thermal Pullover

Black Nike Running Capris

Nike Dri-Fit No Show Compression Socks

Mizuno Wave Rider 8s

Red Aspaeris Compression Shorts (after)

Pink Zensah Compression Socks (after)

What's the toughest race you've ever done?

Have you entered my Sprigs Big Banjees giveaway yet? It ends Friday at 11:59 PM! Or start shopping now and use my discount code RunningEscapades20 for 10% off of orders up to $29.99 or 20% off orders over $30. It expires 11/30/12 at 11:59 PM EST.

TrainingTruths: Hurricane Week + Giveaway

Yesterday I ran the Manchester City Half Marathon (recap coming soon). Last week as Hurricane Sandy was blasting up the east coast, my training was winding down. School cancellations and power outages didn't prevent me from getting in my last couple of runs. 

#TrainingTruths: I'll never pass up the opportunity to go for a morning run.

With school cancelled on Monday, I took advantage of the opportunity to get in a run before the bad weather arrived. The winds were just starting to pick up in small bursts that tossed the leaves around making the road look more like a trail. Probably should have run more and taken fewer pictures, oh well.  

I wore the Nike Phenom Vapor Jacket on this run because there was a slight drizzle that eventually turned into a light rain. In the 50 degree weather with just a sports bra underneath, this jacket kept me warm and dry from the inclement weather.    

#TrainingTruths: Don't think about the hills when you're not running them.

My run after school started with a dead running watch (a casualty of #Sandy). After stressing a little over having to run naked, I started worrying about the hills in Sunday's half marathon. After trotting up a small incline, I reminded myself that focusing on my form and speed will get me to the top.

#TrainingTruth: I love going to race expos and getting free stuff!

Luckily, there was little damage from the hurricane in New Hampshire, unlike New York and New Jersey. Manchester City race officials announced on Wednesday that the event would go on. Saturday I headed downtown to the expo to meet up with running friends. It's fun to spend some time together picking up packets, sampling new products, and checking out new gear.

Katherine, me, & Daisy

Speaking of gear: maybe you read my review of Big Banjees Wrist Wallet on Friday. Check out Running Escapades on Facebook for your chance to win your very own!

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!