TrainingTruths: Half Marathon #9 Week 5

Another week of half marathon training is in the books. 

We've been progressively adding miles to my husband's weekly long runs and gearing up for the Newport Ten Miler that will be a little test of his fitness level. Two years ago I ran my first ten mile run ever in Newport while training with hubs for my first half marathon, so it seemed perfect for us to run this race together.

#TrainingTruth: Good running means getting comfortable with the uncomfortable

Solo Tuesday - It was a good, yet solo out and back run after school while waiting to pick up my step daughter from tennis practice. (Hubs had the morning off, so he got in his miles earlier.) It was windy on the way out, but I think it helped me keep my pace in check. Felt heavy at the end, but got a negative split! (846, 912, 912, 845, 853) Did I mention it was a gorgeous Spring day?

Core Workout Wednesday: I did my standard three pose plank routine (front forearm and both sides) before school for 45 seconds each. After school I strapped on my Polar heart rate monitor and spent 30 minutes doing basic hula-hooping. I didn't burn as many calories as I expected, but I like the high percentage being fat!

Thursday: Finally teamed up with my running partner for the first time since the New York City Half Marathon. We did an out and back at a pretty good pace (845, 855, 1008, 833, 840) and even stopped for a brief stretch break at the turn around. The chilly weather returned so I was back in capris and a long sleeve, but I enjoyed matching up with my Cincinnati themed SweatyBands.

Saturday: It was long slow distance day for my husband, so I led him on a 9 mile out and back. This was the same route from last weekend, just extended. Not only is the route long, but it also has a challenging hill (166' climb in .50 mile) that is helping get our legs ready for the Flying Pig. 

*On a side note, it was still a little chilly, so I wore my MPG capris for the first time on a run (because they are really yoga capris that I lounge around in) and they were awesome. They were so warm and snug. I don't know why I haven't tried them on runs before.

Strength Training: I am proving to myself that if you want something bad enough, you will work for it. This week I completed my plank workout 5/7 days. Considering that the workout takes about 3 minutes to complete, I should be able to do it every day. Nevertheless, I'll take it because it is a huge improvement.  

What improvements are you making?

#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! 

Fitness Friday: April Races

I'm so happy that Spring weather seems to have arrived. Even though I like running in cold weather, I was getting tired of bundling up for each run. I'm also looking forward to my Spring races, including two this month. 

I signed up for the BAA Distance Medley Series and the first race is the 5K on Sunday during Boston Marathon weekend. Last year I attended the Boston Marathon expo just as a spectator, so I'm looking forward to picking up my bib this year.

I'm also running the Newport 10 Miler at the end of month. I've only run one other race in Newport, back in 2011 with my husband. We ran across the Newport Pell Bridge and it is one of my best memories. I'm excited for this race because Newport has become one of my favorite places and I am hoping to better my ten mile time. 

Are you racing this weekend?

My #Bestrun: NYC Half Marathon

I'm a little late to the party, but I couldn't resist the chance to join in with Miss Zippy and share my #bestrun!

Every time I lace up my running shoes, I am hoping to produce that #magicmilefairy type of run that leaves you wondering, how did that happen? what did I do? wasn't that awesome? 

Like most runners, I have had more than one of these (thank goodness), but the one that stands out the most to me is my recent half marathon in NYC.

Here's why:

1) The scenery: I've always wanted to run in New York City, so getting into the half marathon in March was a dream come true. Running with thousands of other runners while cheering and screaming spectators lined the city streets and Times Square flashed all around me was A - MAZ - ING! Central Park, Times Square, the South Street Seaport, to Battery Park, I ran all over New York City.

2) The weather: Although it was freezing before and after the race, during was perfect. I love when the temperature is cold, but the sun is shining and that is exactly what Mother Nature served up on race day.

3) The company: My running partner and I have been training together for over a year now, so I was thrilled when we both got into this race. Even better, she was up for making a weekend trip out of it. Lucky for me, she likes to drive and is an expert at getting around NYC. 

4) The PR!: When I found out that I beat my previous best half marathon time in NYC, I was dumbstruck! I went into this race with the intention of just running for fun and taking pictures along the way. The first 9 miles did feel amazing and flew by, but the last 4 were a little tougher so I wasn't thinking PR at all. I love having my PR in NYC!

What was your recent #bestrun?

#TrainingTruths: Flying Pig Week 4

We made it through Flying Pig Training week 4. 

I say made it through because the weather tossed some challenges our way and teased us a little in the process. So despite some crazy windy and cold days, we were able to get in all of our scheduled runs and miles.

#TrainingTruth: You either find a way or you find an excuse

Treadmill Tuesday: I underestimated the windchill factor when I packed my running bag on Tuesday morning, so when I saw flurries flying out my classroom window, I knew I would be heading home. I missed my husband by 15 minutes, so I hit the treadmill until he got back from his run. It wasn't as fun as running together, but it was nice & easy. 

Solo Thursday: This was my first run without a partner in a long time. When I found out that I would be running solo, I'll admit, I got a little nervous. I thought I would be uncomfortable running alone through town and I might struggle with my pace. I don't know if it was because the weather was gorgeous or that I got to wear shorts, but it was a great run and I was speedier than I expected.

Fun Friday Hula-Hooping! After reviewing my goals for the year and seeing how poorly I have been doing at adding strength training to my workouts, I remembered that I have a sports hoop. This thing gets your heart pumping and gives your core a good workout while burning calories. You can read about the benefits here. My goal is to hula at least 4x/week on my non-running days.

Long Run Saturday: We normally do our long runs in the morning, but we woke up to cold temps and 20+ mph winds, so instead we postponed our 8 miles to the afternoon (which is not my preference, but what can you do?). I was worried that we would feel sluggish after running errands all day and hitting up our favorite smoothie spot, but it turned out to be an awesome run. My husband is really working hard to improve his miles and overall fitness. 

How was your week?

#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!

Fitness Friday: #GoalGetter2013 March Update

It seemed like good time to stop and look at how I'm doing on my goals for the year. With the help of the #GoalGetter2013 challenge I can find extra motivation to stay on track.

Goal #1- PR Half marathon - done

Goal #2 - Run in NYC - done

Goal #3 - Host a fun run - I had hoped to pull my running friends together for a nice 5K in honor of the Sandy Hook families, but it just didn't happen. 

Goal #4 - Run 1000 miles - 257.36 through March! Only 742.64 to go. That's about 82 miles a month, eek!

Goal #5 - Do strength exercises consistently - total fail. Not even a picture to share. April will be my turn around month. Pinky promise!


Tell me about your goal successes/failures.