Showing posts with label ZOOMAnation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ZOOMAnation. Show all posts

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Dubai Desert Road Run 3K Race Recap

I'm super excited to write a race recap about my first race in a new country!


As a runner, running races in different states has always been appealing. When I discovered that the Dubai Desert Road Run 3K and 10K event was being held during my visit, I couldn't wait to sign up and add another country to my list. Since running in the heat hasn't been my friend, I signed up for the 3K. I figured running a 2 mile race in another country was better than not running at all! It was really about the bragging rights anyway :)

The race was held at The Sevens Stadium about 30 minutes from our hotel. The Sevens is a multi-purpose sports complex with fields used for rugby, soccer, football, tennis, track & field and concerts. As you can see in the picture below, the venue is literally surrounded by desert. Appropriately, there is even a camel racing club next to it.

source

We took a taxi to the race and had plenty of time to pick up my bib, look around, and get ready for the race. Even though the venue was kind of fancy pants with changing rooms and showers available, the race itself was pretty simple. I like simple.


The 10K runners started promptly at 7AM followed immediately by the 3K at 7:05AM. The course for both races began behind the grandstand and led runners out of the stadium complex onto traffic free back roads.


The race was quiet. Most of the spectators stayed near the grandstand where they had music at the start/finish area, so the only people out on the course were runners, photographers, and aid station volunteers. Running toward the 3K turn-around, all I saw was flat brown sand and groups of camels.

The camels were on the other side of the fence to my right.

Even at 7 o'clock in the morning it was warm. As I ran toward the finish, I was glad that I chose the 3K.


My results were much better than I expected. The 3K race was not chipped timed, but instead numbers were manually recorded at the finish line.


It was a blessing that mrC's class schedule opened up and he could go to the race with me. He is still on the no-running list following his gallbladder surgery, but we're both anxious for him to get back in his running shoes.


After cooling down, we skipped the awards and made our way out to find a taxi back to the hotel.

Have you ever run a race in another country?



Monday, March 23, 2015

Training Truths: Big News!!

Today I can tell you more about why I have been so stressed out lately. mrC has a new job and we are moving…to China. Yes, China!!

My head and heart have been on a roller coaster over this. It is very exciting and a little terrifying. Obviously I want to be with mrC, but I also hate to leave. Ironically, I have been begging to move closer to the city, but I never expected a move this big!

Needless to say things have been CRAZY. This week I start transitioning my classes over to my substitute at school and try to find a way to say "see you later" to the friends I have made. Although we are leaving New Hampshire at the end of the month, we will be back in August for our scheduled vacation ---> and I'll be planning some ZOOMA fun while I'm back, so stay tuned!

Weekly Workouts:

Monday: MAD Abs day 16 + arms + legs
Tuesday: Run + MAD Abs day 17 + Pop Sugar triceps workout
Wednesday: REST day + MAD Abs day 18 (also rest)
Thursday: MAD Abs day 19 + arms + legs workout
Friday: run + MAD Abs day 20
Saturday: SurfnTurf + MAD Abs day 21
Sunday: run MRTT 10K + MAD Abs day 22

Tuesday - 3.34 miles
The plan: run 30 minutes and wear green!

GHS Run Club St. Patrick's Day run. It was sunny, windy, cloudy, rainy, and I'm pretty sure I saw a snowflake too! :)


Friday - 4.12 miles
The plan: run 40 minutes

I didn't find my motivation until almost 7 PM, but once I got started this treadmill run was pretty good. And I had some company!


Sunday - 6.21 miles
The plan: run MRTT Frozen Booty 10K

I was looking forward to this event ever since it was postponed in February after one of our big snow storms. Originally I was only going to run the 5K (it would have been my first post-op), but with the delay, I was able to run my first post-op 10K! After the run, we all hung out at Portland Pie for lunch, door prizes, and girl talk.

photo credit MRTT


Have you ever made a big move?



Monday, January 12, 2015

Knee Rehab Week 4 - #NoExcuses

Prior to having my meniscectomy, I was told that rehab would be approximately 4-6weeks. 4-6 weeks until I should be back to my previous athletic state. Week 4 of my knee rehab has come and gone...and I'm still not running.

Not that I think I should be. I just want to be.

And, not that I haven't made progress. I have.

My PTs have been increasing the difficulty of my exercises.  I'm up to 50 pounds on the single leg press and now holding 10 pound weights when I do my step ups. I've also been given the go-ahead to use the fitness center at school on days that I don't have physical therapy sessions scheduled. This lets me use the leg press every day during the week. Since I don't have a bike at home, I'm now walking backwards for my warmup with the incline at the highest setting.



And everyday I've been walking my mile and enjoying the views. Even on the bitter cold days, I've bundled up my #winterwarrior self and gone for it.


Honestly, it's getting harder to not be running. The progress feels awesome, but it also makes me feel like I can do more.

Deep down I know that I need to be patient and focus on building my strength. So I've been looking for motivation to help me appreciate what I CAN do right now.

I can't run, but I can be strong. I can still sweat.

Challenge info below!

When I'm strong enough, I will start running again. I will be training for the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon in September. Every month ZOOMA releases a ZOOMAlife podcast hosted by Brae and Brooke, founders of ZOOMA, and discuss all things running. It's a great place to find inspiration.

ZOOMA registration discount code on my sidebar!


For $5, you can join the No Excuses Sweat Pink Challenge (here).
On Sundays, you’ll receive an email with weekly prompts including workouts and healthy snack ideas. All you have to do is share what you’re doing across social media with the hashtags, #NoExcuses and #SweatPink, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win all sorts of weekly prizes! 



Monday, October 27, 2014

Training Truths: Packages of Happiness

I wanted so badly for the 13 days I took off from running to fix my hip/sartorius muscle problem. I had a sports massage, active release therapy, and a chiropractic adjustment. I tried to not think about the message waiting for me on my running watch.


As I waited for the non-running days to pass, I focused on what I could do: basic sit-ups/crunches. Nothing fancy or intense. After the first 7 days, I finally felt safe to take a walk.

Then the rain descend upon New Hampshire and didn't let up for days. As much as I dislike rainy weather, it made it easier to resist pushing my body too soon. Instead of lacing up my running shoes with the Run Club, I enjoyed littleCs damp soccer game and an indoor strength workout.

The frustration of not running was mitigated slightly during the week when I received little packages of happiness:

First, ZOOMA notified me that I had been chosen to be a 2015 Cape Cod Ambassador again!


Then, Mizuno satisfied my running shoe obsession by sending me another new pair of shoes!



Thursday's strength workout with Run Club left me feeling stronger. Strong enough to approach the weekend like I used to.

Friday - another strength workout, but at home. I did a couple of rounds of my favorite Tabata workouts in the basement.

Saturday - After a month away from SurfSet, mrC and I struggled through the morning session. There were brief moments when I felt a little tug in my hip, but really I just felt the loss of every single one of the 520 calories I burned during class. Afterward I happily pushed "OK" on my watch and then we took our new Mizunos on a 2 mile trail run. During the run, my hip felt a little tight, but better than I expected. 

That's right, mrC is now wearing Wave Rider 18s too!

Sunday - I woke up and immediately felt the workouts from Saturday. My calves, quads, and abs were sore from SurfSet, but my hip was sore from the run. I spent the day in compression pants, icing off and on.

The week ahead will be day-to-day with hopes that my second sports massage on Tuesday will be another package of happiness for my hip!


What was your last package of happiness?




Monday, September 29, 2014

Training Truths: ZOOMA Week 11 - RACE WEEK!

I made it to race week!!!

Using bike miles to get me through my injury was the best decision I made during these 11 weeks of ZOOMA Cape Cod training. Somehow I survived the untimely knot in my calf, squeaked in a final long run, and maintained my fitness enough to toe the starting line on Saturday morning.

There were a lot of highs and lows getting to race day, but it was all worth it. ZOOMA Cape Cod is such a fun experience and I love being a part of such a big running celebration.


Monday: #FFWallSit challenge day 21 + planks

Tuesday: 3.5 mile run on the trail with the high school run club. My calf was not happy on the first part of this run. I took a quick stretch at the turn around and felt a little relief, but I was bummed. #FFWallSit challenge day 22 + planks

Wednesday: Another visit with Dr. Bri and he was stumped by what happened on Tuesday's run. More ART and 20 minutes of heat to loosen things up. Crossing my fingers! #FFWallSit challenge day 23 + planks

Thursday: Hair appointment = rest day. #FFWallSit challenge day 24 + planks

Friday: Off to the Cape! I wanted to do a short run once we arrived, but decided to just let the leg rest one more day. #FFWallSit challenge day 25 + planks

Saturday: ZOOMA Half Marathon! Although I had a ton of fun with the other ambassadors, this race was ugly. My legs cooperated for the most part (until the final 5K of hills), but I felt like crap: nauseous and light headed for most of the race. Luckily, mrC was out for a long run and joined me. We took  walk on the beach later in the day. #FFWallSit challenge day 26 + planks

Sunday: Started with a little #activenationday yoga on the beach to stretch my sore muscles. On the drive home, mrC and I stopped for a walk along the Cape Cod Canal where I ran my first leg of Ragnar. I want to run there again. #FFWallSit challenge day 27 + planks


How do you feel after all your training is complete and you make it to race day?


Sunday, August 17, 2014

Training Truths: ZOOMA Week 5 - Speed Sharpening

When I read the description from the coach program on my Nike app for week 5 of my half marathon training, I chuckled. Speed? Me? Right! Then I thought, what the heck? It's worth paying at least a little attention to the suggested workouts.

During my long run at the end of the week, I realized that I am feeling stronger. Although I wouldn't say I'm speedy, I am happy with the way I feel on my the longer runs.


Sunday - 4 mile run along the Burlington waterfront with mrC. First 3 miles at an easy pace and faster last mile - I did mile 4 at 8:55 (yay).

Monday - 7 mile run with MRTT group (of two!). It was supposed to be a 5 mile fartlek run, but I forgot! I did do the last 3 miles faster than the first 4 and that's where the hills were!

Tuesday - Since I messed up the fartlek on Monday, I figured 3 miles at Track Party Tuesday would make up a little of it.  The party turned out to be just me, but I did my "speed work" anyway. 1 mile WU, 4x200s, and 1 mile CD.

Wednesday - Rest - AlterG Demo (review coming soon!)

Thursday - 4 miles from home. I did the first three miles at a comfortable pace and the last one fastest.

FridayI was nervous about doing my long run alone and on a trail, but this run turned out much better than I thought it would. I kept my pace mostly in the 930-945 range, and saved my speediest mile for last at 920!

Saturday - Rest - Did a little cross training at SurfSet with mrC. Because of busy schedules and being out of town, I hadn't been to class in over a week, and it felt really hard! I still love the total body workout though.

I'm feeling good about starting week 6, especially since I'll be doing it in Newport!

What are you training for? How is it going? 






Sunday, July 20, 2014

Training Truths: ZOOMA Cape Cod Training Kick-Off

A few weeks later than I probably should have,  I officially started training for the ZOOMA half marathon in September. I'm using my Nike running app Coach option for my training plan. Since I haven't been racking up the miles lately I chose the beginner plan. Week 1 was manageable and I used the 13 miles as my Summer Run Challenge goal.



Monday
5 mile run in very soupy conditions. This run was tough and it felt pretty awful the whole time, but then the numbers weren't that bad. (559 calories)

A sweaty mid-morning session of SurfSet. Ladders on the floor are a red-flag for intense exercises ahead. (446 calories)

Tuesday
Good thing I did my cross-training on Monday, because I followed that with an afternoon trip to the doctor where I received another cortisone shot for the torn meniscus and it came with two days rest.  I walked 30 minutes on the treadmill and did the 30-day challenge daily exercises.

Wednesday
I bumped up my runs because we had to head out of town for a funeral on Thursday. Instead of resting another day, I did my 3 miles. It was pouring rain and a day early following my cortisone shot, so I stayed inside on the treadmill. I warmed up with 2 rounds of the day 3 exercises and was excited to see how many fat calories I burned with that quick little workout. (33 + 268 = 301 calories)

Thursday
5 mile training run before 630 AM! It was a comfortably cool run and I focused on taking it slow and easy to try to get in the habit of LSD (long slow distance) runs. (523 calories)

Finally made it back to Booty Barre. I wish I could take this class more often because I think it would be really good for my hips. (394 calories)

Friday
Rest day

Saturday
A fun morning workout at SurfSet with mrC! Back home I caught up on the daily exercises for the 30 day challenge - but did not wear my HRM this time. (444 calories)

Total calories burned this week: 2223


My ZOOMA Cape Cod half marathon training kick-off week was a success. Week 2 starts today and I am really hoping to stay on track with my mileage.

Use my ZOOMA Discount Code for 10% off registration:
CCAMB2







Thursday, June 5, 2014

National Running Day at GHS!

Yesterday the school community came together as a running community to celebrate National Running Day.


It started about a week ago with displays in the Information Center that showcased running photos, medals, and all the reasons Why [We] Run!


We wore our running shirts like we did last year.


We donated our old shoes to the local running store recycling program.


After school teachers and students gathered together for a 5K run on the local trail.


At the finish line everyone enjoyed the ZOOMA Ambassador goodies from Cytomax and Muscle Milk and a few prizes from Sweaty Bands, Ultimate Direction, and Mizuno.



How did you celebrate National Running Day?




Thursday, May 1, 2014

5 aMAYzing 30 Day Challenges

There are so many good, I mean really good, challenges out there this month. I have been known to take on more than one at a time, but May is looking like a record setting month.

Most of the challenges I follow require Instagram, Twitter, or Challenge Loop participation in some way to be entered to win the prizes. That part is appealing to me because I like the feeling of teamwork and the motivation I get from seeing others. However, you can also do the challenges without posting a thing!

Here's what I'm doing:

#ZOOMAphotoaday by ZOOMA Race Series - This challenge is for fun, but every week you have the chance to win a Fastdraw 20 Handheld water bottle from ZOOMA race sponsor Ultimate Hydration.


#MakeFitHappen by Fitness Magazine - Another fun photo-a-day challenge with a definite fitness focus and the chance to win a daily prize. Fitness Magazine is also hosting a Pinterest version of this challenge and the grand prize is a Willow 3 Beach Cruiser from Brooklyn Bicycle Co!


#SweatADay by Under Armour - Shauna Harrison leads you through the daily moves via Instagram. I've participated in this monthly challenge in the past and loved it. I learned new exercises and felt stronger every day. A couple of things make this challenge fun: the weekly shout outs and a chance to win an awesome UA swag bag.


#FFYoga by FitFluential & MPG - As a runner who has faced many injuries lately, this challenge is just what I need to limber up. Two winners will be outfitted in MPG Mondetta Performance Gear.


#SweatPinkYoga - by Fit Approach - Another fit and fun challenge (without a monthly calendar) and a chance to win a Sweat Pink yoga mat. Daily challenges are posted to Instagram.


May is shaping up to be an a-MAY-zing month of challenges. I apologize now for the flood of photos I will be posting! Hopefully I can keep up, especially since I will be running the Ragnar Cape Cod relay next week. I wonder how many van-mates I can get involved?

Do you like 30 day challenges? Which one(s) are you doing?




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, March 10, 2014

Training Truths: Marching toward 100

For the first week of March, I kept my focus on taking care of my knee and enjoyed racking up some miles for the #FFMarchMiles challenge with short 30 minute runs and working walks. I am motivated by challenges and data, but I am hoping to NOT over-do it just to hit 100 miles in March. I know I can't do it with running only, so I'm hoping the walking will keep me level-headed. I'm the type of runner that will keep going to hit the full mile mark and not end up with a .95 run!



On Wednesday, +Mizuno Running  launched their new #IfEverybodyRan campaign asking the question, What would happen if everybody ran?  Since I run because it makes me happy (see photo evidence in this post), it's no surprise that this is my favorite stat:


Monday - ran 3.1 miles on TM

Tuesday - walked 2 miles on TM

Wednesday - After having issues with my Nike Sportwatch on Monday and again on Wednesday, I ran 3.4 miles on the TM. I might have taken out my Nike Sportwatch frustrations on my pace.

FitSnap app!

Thursday - REST

Friday - REST

Saturday - ran 3.1 miles with mrC outside because IT. WAS. GORGEOUS! (And, after phone calls and Tweets with +Nike my Sportwatch is back in action. Great customer service!)

Sunday - walked 3.1 miles on the TM and blogged thanks to my handy-dandy treadmill desk (19.83 #FFMarchMiles total)

I also had fun with the first week of the ZOOMA #ZOOMAphotoaday challenge. My favorite day was #8, shadow. I love my retired running buddy always following me around when I put on my running shoes, but I absolutely LOVED the sunny weather more!




What kind of runner are you? What do you think would happen if everybody ran?




Monday, March 3, 2014

Training Truths: Closing the door on February

February did not turn out the way I expected. Instead of finishing my half marathon training strong, I found myself dealing with a tight ITB and a crooked knee cap!

At the beginning of the month I started the #FFburpee challenge sponsored by FitFluential, but my cranky knee prevented me from being able to finish. I was hoping to develop a love for burpees, instead I settled for having made it to the halfway mark of the 1000 burpees goal.

During the month I kept myself busy with the three week #MNBchallenge sponsored by Lorna Jane and Fit Approach that focused on how to move, nourish, and believe everyday. I loved this challenge!

I did cross a goal off my 2014 list though. I ran my first new race of the year in Newport and followed up with my 11th half marathon (recap coming soon).

While on vacation in Florida at the end of the month, I learned that I will be returning to the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon in the fall as an Ambassador!



After much TLC on my cranky knee, I did get in two nice 5Ks last week. On Thursday morning mrC and I enjoyed a leisurely trail run wearing shorts! My knee felt pretty good and the new patellar band that my chiropractor recommended felt better than the KT tape and less bulky than mrC's brace.


After running errands back at home in NH on Saturday afternoon, we enjoyed another easy 5K to the beach and back. It was the best my knee has felt, so I'm hopeful that I am fully on the mend.


mrC had to go on a three day trip, so it was just me to take the dog for a walk on Sunday. We took a two mile round trip to the waterfall and back.


I am happy to be closing the door on the month of February. Looking ahead to March, I am once again involved in a couple of challenges. Angela is hosting the #HappyFitMarch challenge on Instagram and Twitter. FitFluential is sponsoring the #FFMarchMiles challenging participants to run, walk, or hike 100 miles. ZOOMA is hosting the #ZOOMAphotoaday challenge.

What are you looking forward to in March?


Friday, January 24, 2014

Friday Favorites & {a GIVEAWAY}

Happy Friday running friends!

It's time to share another round of Friday Favorites.

I've had my Nike GPS Sportwatch for about 5 years now, but just recently purchased the Polar Wearlink Heart Rate Monitor to link with it. The data nerd in me loves seeing how much effort I'm putting into my running.


Sometimes it is just REALLY cold. I hate wearing toboggans because I have thick hair and my ponytail is too short to hang out on my neck. I found Athleta's Polartec Beanie Visor that has a hole in the back for ponytails. I know there are toboggans that have ponytail holes too, but I liked the added visor on this one.


I recently tried some audio Treadmill Express workouts from Motion Traxx through an offer for FitFluential Ambassadors. For someone like me who doesn't like to run on the treadmill, these workouts make all the difference. I like knowing that I'm getting a good workout instead of just aimlessly running.


Speaking of FitFluential, have you joined yet? I joined in 2011 (before applying to become an ambassador) because they offered a network of fitness enthusiasts who were dedicated to motivating and inspiring others. Pretty soon, I was also enjoying perks like discounts on fitness gear, invites to Twitter chats, and opportunities to win free stuff in giveaways.

This year, FitFluential wants to hit the road and bring the events to US! The more people you get to sign up from your area, the more likely you are to be visited by FitFluential. Spread the word!


One of my all time favorite races is the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon. The ladies behind ZOOMA really know how to put on a great event in a fantastic locations. Runner's World Magazine has called it one of the best half marathon's in the US and recently Competitor Magazine ranked the Texas Half Marathon as "Best Women's Half" in the South.

Right now ZOOMA is looking to send a blogger and one lucky reader to run the ZOOMA Napa Half Marathon in June. I would love to add California to my list of places I have run a race, wouldn't you? All you need to do is VOTE! Everyday!


As usual I'm spending most of my non-running hours wearing these awesome recovery shoes around the house. I'm bringing them back today because Oofos wants YOU to have a pair to enjoy and has asked me to do another giveaway! Enter using the rafflecopter below.



a Rafflecopter giveaway



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