Training Truths: ZOOMA Week 5

I have really been liking my summer running schedule of 4 days per week. In preparation for my September half marathon, I have been running 5 mile routes 3x per week and then following my long run plan on either Saturday or Sunday. The bad news is that my left hamstring has started bothering me, so I did a couple of walking workouts using the new laptop board my husband made for me and took some extra rest days.

Wanting and needing a change of scenery, on Monday I drove into town and ran 5 miles along the river. The weather was cool and the route was semi-peaceful - just a little morning traffic and one barking black lab protecting his domain.

Spoiled by my bike trail run in Ohio, on Wednesday I recruited mr. C for an adventure. We drove 25 minutes to Peterborough to check out the bike path I heard about from my Daily Mile friend Colleen. It was a mix of paved path-sidewalk-neighborhood road. We loved it. We parked on the south side and ran north through Depot Square where we found a quaint collection of shops and cafes.

I developed a pain in my left hip- turned out to be a tight inner hamstring muscle - that went from nagging to almost making me limp, so on Thursday I went for an easy walk of 4.15 miles on the treadmill and used my brand new laptop board. I told mr. C that I wished I could multitask during my walking workouts and voila! He's the greatest.

My 5 mile run on Friday became a another rest day to give my tender hamstring more rest time before Sunday's long run. I still completed my daily exercises for the #AugustCoreFocus and #SweatADay challenges I am doing this month. I also iced, rolled, and compressed in my Aspaeris pivot shorts.

Feeling in good shape, Sunday we went back to the Peterborough Trail to do my scheduled 9 miles. This trail is a gold mine for runners who like paved paths, peace from traffic, and shade. I made a point to stop to stretch my crabby hamstring a few times during the run, but overall it was a good run.

Heading into next week, I know I need to take it easy or this hamstring issue could get worse. I'm thinking I might return to a three day running week again and cross my fingers.

How do you deal with injury?

#GoalGetter2013 July Update

Wow! Summer seems to be flying by, but not without fun, adventure, and new stuff! Of course I have also been working toward my goals for for the year and today I'm taking a look back at my adventures and how I did in July.

Say Hello to Fast!

The best way to start a new month is with some new gear and thanks to Mizuno and the Mezamashii Run Project, I received a pair of Wave Sayonaras. These shoe are so different from any other shoe I've worn, and I love having them in my training rotation.









Time to Start Training

I spent the first week of summer blissfully enjoying the lack of a training schedule (especially because it was so hot), but then quickly realized that it was time to start getting ready for the ZOOMA Cape Cod half marathon. So I wrote up a 12 week plan and crossed my fingers for a break in the heat wave.




Snacking on Stonyfield

I attended another #Blog&Tweet event organized by Janine and Allie of New Hampshire Blogger and Tweeters. We had a great time learning about Stonyfield organic yogurts made right here in New Hampshire. After LOTS of taste testing, I discovered a new favorite yogurt product that I can't have enough of.









Hula Hustle 10K

My only summer race was one big LUAU party! I had given up running races in the summer because of the heat and humidity, but this one made promises I couldn't resist. The Millennium Running Hula Hustle 5K/10K was definitely worth the warm weather run and will stay on my race schedule.








2013 Goal Highlights:

Still chasing 1000 miles for the year with a monthly goal of 80+, I'm happy to report that in July I ran 80.41 miles (thanks to a two-a-day one mile run to put me over the top!). I am hoping to carry this success into my August running.

I started a 30 day ab challenge that fell by the wayside when I went to Cincinnati, but I did complete 21 days. In August I hope to be more consistent and follow through with the challenges I'm doing.

How did you do in July?

Training Truths: ZOOMA Week 4

Coming back from vacation a couple of weeks ago, I felt relaxed, refreshed, and reenergized. This made it easier to unpacked my suitcase and get back on track with my half marathon training last week.

On Tuesday I went out for my regular 5 mile out and back. Normally I turn around at what looks like a Floating House, but instead I took a left and turned the route into a loop. It shorted me about a half mile, but it was fun to check out a new part of the neighborhood. The first half of the run was on the road while the second half was more dirt road or trail like.

Since Wednesday was the last day of July, I couldn't resist adding some more miles to my monthly total. Even though it was a really nice day, I didn't want to deal with cars, bugs, or heat so I jumped on the treadmill and ran an easy 6 miles. This was my longest run in the Wave Sayonaras and my legs seemed ok with that distance. Then I went out later to run another mile just to bring my monthly total to 80. I blame the Sweaty Challenge!

Thursday morning was one of those kind that runners love in the summer: cool with low humidity. So even though I was planning a rest day, I laced up my "other" pink Mizunos, the Wave Rider 15 Limited Editions, and ran a 5K to the beach and back.

Thursday was also the first day of the August challenges I signed up to do. The August Core Focus is hosted by Kat from Sneakers and Fingerpaints and will help participants build core stability. The #SWEATADAY Instagram Challenge by Under Armour encourages women to kick it into high gear every day.

Saturday morning's weather continued to be cool and perfect for the long run. After contemplating driving somewhere to run my scheduled 8.5 miles, I faced the truth that I was really trying to get out of running HILLS and let's face it, there are hills everywhere in NH. So, I ran local starting at my driveway.

At the end of my fourth week of ZOOMA training I'm feeling good with the way things are going. I've had a few minor aches and pains, but I have been treating myself to some good old fashion foam rolling, stretching, and strength training.

How are you doing?

Where I Run: Loveland Bike Trail

First let's get some giveaway business out of the way...

The winner of the Reebok Spartan Race entry is Karen Zehner! Congratulations!

If you didn't win, you can still grab a discount code here. 

I'm linking up with some of my running blogger friends to showcase some of the places we spend time in our running shoes. As runners, we run all over the place. Sometimes we return to the same routes out of convenience or because we fall in love with them. Some places we never go back to or only get to experience once.

I thought it would be fun to highlight one of the places I have run recently. Last week I was back home in Cincinnati trying to squeeze in my training runs while visiting my family and friends. While looking for a place to run near my Gpa's, my stepdad asked if I'd ever run the Loveland Bike Trail.

The Loveland Bike Trail is part of the Little Miami Scenic Trail which makes up 78 miles of the southern leg of the Ohio to Erie Trail. Like many of the trails near where I live in New Hampshire, the Little Miami Scenic Trail follows an old railroad bed.

There are many trailheads, but we decided to access the trail from Miami Riverview Park because there would be easy parking and restrooms available. We were not disappointed. The park was empty because it was a rainy morning, but the restrooms were open and clean.

A path led us right out of the park and across the road connecting directly to the trail. Most of the trail was a paved flat path through lush green vegetation. Every so often we caught glimpses of the Little Miami River,  or passed by smaller play areas, and picnic areas.

The trail passed through downtown historic Loveland where we found restaurants offering outdoor seating along the trail, bike rentals, and shopping. There was also access to public restrooms and smaller parks.

We ran an easy paced out and back 8 miles on the trail. After changing into dry clothes in those incredibly clean park restrooms, we made our way back to downtown Loveland to have brunch at Paxton's Grille right of the trail. You know you're in a good place when they go ahead and serve you breakfast even though it's technically now lunch. I'd love to go back and sit outside on a sunny day.

After lunch we walked across the street to my favorite running store in Cincinnati, The Running Spot, set up in the old train station. We made some small purchases at their sale and grabbed a copy of the trail map.

Most of us have seen nicely paved bike trails as a great place to run. What makes the Loveland Bike Trail so brilliant is the way the local businesses and community embrace it and make it part of the everyday culture. Who wouldn't want to stop for an ice cream cone or read up on an infamous train robbery?

This is the kind of trail where you will find something new and fascinating each time you go.

#WhereIRun Link Up!!

Join the link up by adding a link to your own post below:

Sweaty Challenge 2013

Back in June, Anne - a member of the Chilly Challenge - asked if anyone wanted to do a Sweaty Challenge. Instead of doing teams, it was to be a fun individual challenge. Twenty-nine participants signed up and for the month of July we have been logging our miles running and walking, outside and on the elliptical or treadmill too.

When everyone signed up it was simply for PRIDE, not PRIZES. People just wanted to be active, stay active, and find encouragement. None of these people knew that they would in fact be rewarded.

As the month started winding down, Anne offered the winner a crocheted beanie to the person with the most miles! On Monday, I was thrilled to let the Sweaty Challenge group know that someone would be winning a pair of Mizuno's brand new running shoe, the Wave Sayonara.

Today I am announcing that winner.

Using the random.org widget to select a Sweaty Challenge winner, congratulations to: #21 Elle!! Please email me your running shoe size and mailing address so that I can get your prize to you asap!

Thank you to Anne for getting this summer challenge started and Mizuno for sponsoring a prize.

Hula Hustle 10K

Over the years I have learned that running races in the summer heat is not that much fun. This summer Millennium Running changed all that with promises of a post race luau poolside at the Executive Health and Sports Club. There's something very appealing about grass skirts, leis, and a dip in the pool.

So, to celebrate turning another year older, I treated my birthday-boy husband to a 10K at the Hula Hustle 5K/10K. The Hawaiian themed event benefitted New Horizons for New Hampshire.

We arrived at the event about 30 minutes before start time and found that parking was much further away from the festivities than we thought, but we still had plenty of time to pick up our bibs, race shirts, and grass skirts and head back to the car to get ready and drop off the shirts.

As usual I did not look at the course earlier and learned on race day that the 10K was two laps of the 5K. I'm not a big fan of this kind of course, but it allowed me to see my amazing friend Ellen, who was volunteering at the water stop, multiple times!

After weeks of sizzling hot weather, we had a break in the temps, but with the sun shining it was still a hot day for running. The race started at 10AM, which is nice because you can sleep in, but earlier starts in the summer are better. So, even though it was an super fun race, we were ready to cross the finish line and receive our leis.

Photo by Keith Tharp

After the race, we grabbed our swim suits and headed to the pool for the post-race luau at Sizzle's poolside tiki bar. We were able to rinse off and change in the locker rooms of the club even though we aren't members (but boy do I wish we were!). We found some lounge chairs and then grabbed some food: burgers, chips, and watermelon.

This was the best summer race I have ever done. If you are going to try to run in the heat, it's nice to know that you can jump in the swimming pool to cool off afterwards.

Do you like to run races in the summer?

There's still time to enter my Reebok Spartan Race entry giveaway! 

Training Truths: ZOOMA Week 3

Even with the best intentions, it is hard to keep to a half marathon training schedule while you're on vacation.

As I packed my bag for the trip to Cincinnati, I included three running outfits and my Wave Creation 14s. I was hoping to squeeze in three workouts and stay as close as I could to my weekly goal of 20+ miles.

I scheduled the first run for Tuesday morning at East Fork State Park so we could run 5 miles and then hang out at the beach. It was a gorgeous sunny day and there were beautiful views of the lake.

Run #2 on Thursday did not happen. Blame the travel or the comfy bed, but not the weather. It was a perfectly beautiful, no humidity, mild temperature kind of day. Instead we spent the day driving to Columbus, stopping for a light lunch and some shopping, and hanging out with good friends.

On Saturday we took the long run to Loveland and jumped on the Little Miami Scenic Trail from Miami Riverview Park. Every trail should look like this one: paved, maintained, and beautiful (look for my review later this week). Despite the first mile in pouring rain, we ran 8 solid miles and enjoyed every minute of it.

So my week of vacation and training didn't exactly turn out the way I'd hoped, but I'm ok with that. I had a great time visiting family and friends, and I didn't miss my long run.

If you are in the Boston area and training like me for ZOOMA Cape Cod in September, Social Boston Sports and Muscle Milk are teaming up with ZOOMA to host a training event tonight at 7PM at the Washington Square Stop in Brookline. There will be a 5 mile run with a 3 mile option.

Fitness Friday: Are You SPARTAN Strong?

Happy Friday everyone! It's time for another race entry giveaway. Aroo! (not something I would normally say, but completely appropriate today!)

I've been in Ohio visiting family, but I couldn't resist signing on and letting you know about another great race taking the country by storm. You have probably heard about the Reebok Spartan Race Series. 

From the website:

Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal.

Our events challenge the familiar, today’s perception of normal living and getting you out of your comfort zone! At Spartan Race, we do this everyday and it shapes everything we do.

Having experienced many different racing events, we wanted to make adventure racing more accessible to everyone, but do not be fooled by the word ‘accessible’, as our events have a challenge for everyone’s needs.

Spartan Race now introduces a level for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint, intermediate level Super Spartan, the advanced Spartan Beast, and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race. 

Whatever your level, Spartan Race will test your strength, stamina, and sense of humor.

There are Spartan events taking place all over the US in 2013, which means that there is probably one near you!

Use this url http://bit.ly/spartanwarrior to access a discount code that will give you 15% off any Spartan Race.

Ready to find out if you are Spartan STRONG? Founder of Spartan, Joe De Sena, is traveling around the country giving free Spartan workouts in local gyms and facilities.

Reebok Spartan wants me to give YOU a free race entry to any open heat event in the continental US during the 2013-2014 event calendar. Use the rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was asked to help promote the Spartan Race Series. I have not been compensated for this post.

TrainingTruths: ZOOMA Week 2

Holy hot weather people!

Last week we were melting here in the northeast and trying to run when there were multiple heat advisories was not easy. I spent more time on the treadmill than I like, but at least I was able to get my miles for the week above 20 again.

Monday - I've been reading about how it should only take about two weeks to acclimate to the weather changes, but I cannot deal with deer flies this summer. Instead I ran 5 miles on the treadmill.

Wednesday - My morning was spent at a dental appointment, so I convinced mr. C to do a 5 mile evening run with me. He came home with a surprise pack of deer fly tape to make my run easier. Even though there were hundreds of those little suckers flying all around, I only caught ONE! I didn't get bit though.

Friday - Between playing chauffeur and running errands, my chance to do a morning run to beat the heat disappeared. Once again I found myself running 5 miles on the treadmill. I'm thankful that we have the treadmill, but I'm still struggling with my speed (why do I run faster outside?) and how to make these runs more fun.

Sunday - It was mr. C's birthday and I thought the perfect gift would be a race entry! We ran the Hula Hustle 10K and then cooled off in the pool at the post race luau.

Do you like to run races in the summer?

Fitness Friday: Summer Favorites

Happy Friday! 

Everyone looks forward to summer and I'm no different. It's been very hot and humid here in New England and the bugs (deer flies) have been making me a little crabby. So today, I thought I would think about some of my summer favorites and bring back the happy!

Swimming - it doesn't matter if it's a pool, a lake, or the ocean. I love to swim when it's super hot and jumping in the water makes you feel so refreshed.

Exploring - in the summer there is more time to go exploring. Whether we are walking around town or going for a walk in the woods, I love seeing new things in old places or checking out new spaces.

Traveling - Summertime means weekend trips to Newport, maybe a race-cation, and going home. I always try to spend at least one week in Cincinnati visiting with family and friends.

Reading - I have always been a reader. It's hard to read for pleasure during the school year when you're an English teacher, so I love diving into books of all kinds in the summer. Between the bookshelves at the library and the local transfer station, I can stock up.

Racerbacks - It wouldn't be right if I didn't mention some of my favorite summertime running attire. With the high temperatures and a decent tan, racer back tanks are most comfortable to wear in the summer. One of my current favorites is the Go Long Tank from Oiselle.

What brings a smile to your face during the hot sticky months of summer?

Now, some giveaway business. Congratulations to Emma Cross Moyer! You are the winner of the Allstate 13.1 giveaway. You should receive an email from my pal Dom with details on how to claim your race entry.

Snacking on Stonyfield

I've been a fan of Stonyfield Organic Yogurt since running the Half at the Hamptons in 2011 where I was given some greek yogurt at the finish line. Last week the New Hampshire Blogger and Tweeters got together for another Blog&Tweet event at Stonyfield Farm to find out more about the amazing organic yogurt being made right here in New Hampshire.

Here's the scoop on Stonyfield in a nutshell:

It all started with a man and a mission. Samuel Kayman, an organic farmer, teamed up with Gary Hirschberg, an environmental activist, to make great yogurt and help the Earth. A school fundraiser in the 1980s turned into Yogurt Works in Londonderry which has made Stonyfield the biggest producer of organic yogurt in the world!

Our Blog&Tweet group was met by our hosts Kristina and Chandra who explained that although tours of the plant no longer took place, we would be taken on a virtual film tour (similar to this one) which gave us the history of Stonyfield Organic Yogurt and a peek into the process.


Now, I went to this event already knowing what my favorite Stonyfield organic yogurt product was, but that didn't stop me from trying some new things that Kristina and Chandra pointed out to us. Ok, they really just told us to grab and try whatever we wanted from the chillers.

I first tried some Blends. This is the new yogurt for people (like me) who don't like big chunks of fruit. Instead of being on the bottom of the cup, the fruit is blended. It was good, but I still like the thicker Greek (formerly Oikos) yogurt best. Thanks to the taste-testing, I discovered two new greek flavors: raspberry and honey. 

Although I'm not a huge ice cream person, I tried some frozen yogurt. Stonyfield is the only maker of organic greek froyo at this time. I really liked the honey flavor, and lucky for me, Kristina and Chandra encouraged us to take home the leftovers.

   The last product I tried will probably become one of my favorite Stonyfield products: frozen yogurt bars. These bars are nonfat frozen yogurt dipped in organic dark chocolate. I thought the Gotta Have Vanilla tasted just like the ice cream bars I used to get with my elementary school lunches. 

So after an evening spent learning all about Stonyfield and eating a whole lot of yogurt, Kristina and Chandra sent us all home with a reusable ChicoBag filled with Stonyfield goodies including a Yogurt Cookbook and coupons along with a case of Brown Cow (sister company in California) Cream Top Greek Desserts.

Yogurt is a runner's best friend. For one thing, it is a great source of protein, carbs, vitamins, probiotics and calcium. Walk into any grocery and you will find a lavish amount of yogurt choices, but what sets Stonyfield apart is that it is organic. 

from Stonyfield website

Ever wonder how organic yogurt is made? Here's what I learned from my visit: 1. Organic milk is delivered to Stonyfield Yogurt Works from organic farms 2. The milk is heated to kill the bad bacteria 3. Good bacteria is added and the mixture is put into cups with fruit or other ingredients 4. Filled cups are put into the incubator (hot room) to form into yogurt 5. The yogurt is then stored in a refrigerated warehouse
Besides being good for you, Stonyfield Organic Yogurt is also good for the Earth. Here are some of the ways they try to decrease their carbon footprint: 1. Solar panels are used to generate power to the plant 2. They use foil tops instead of plastic lids 3. The waste from random testing along the process is fed to farm animals 4. They built a wastewater treatment plant to reduce energy use  5. They select the most direct routes for delivery trucks
In addition to making great yogurt and helping the planet, each year Stonyfield celebrates Earth Day with a festival and a 5K. The 5K has been on my bucket list for a couple of years, but I hope to run it in 2014. Maybe some of these ladies will join me?