Hot Chocolate 5K Race Recap...and Cold Weather Running

So I know this is waaayyy overdue, but life has been a bit busy in our little household so, better late than never I always say.

So I ran the Hot Chocolate 5K in Columbus about 3 weeks ago and I have to say it was a pretty well organized race. The weather actually held out for us during the race. It rained quite a bit the day before and the morning of, but at the start of the race there was no rain and the temps weren't overly bad. Quite bearable actually which made the experience very nice. It rained after the race, so God was truly smiling on us while we were out there. I ran the race with my aunt and my sister...though we were all in different corrals we weren't all that far apart from each other. The course was very nice and no complaints there...I always love racing in downtown Columbus...lots of great things to see and that's good for an ADD girl like me...lol. The only complaint I had about the course was it was rather congested. I usually hang to the back of the corral, and this may not have been the best option this time. Had to do a lot of bobbing and weaving, but overall it was a really good race. And the goodies at the end were really really good. Hot cocoa, fondue, pretzels, banana, rice krispy treat, sugar wafer cookies...lots of yummy goodies! Really good after race yumminess! Would I do this race again...yes I probably would. It was a lot of fun and really enjoyed the vibe of the crowd and the goodies at the end. You also got a cool looking hoodie with our race bag, which was very nice...though I did have to exchange it for a larger size because they ran small but a really cool SWAG indeed. So I ended up running the race in 29'40"...not my best but definitely not bad either considering all the bobbing and weaving I did.

So now that winter is officially here in Ohio, it makes for interesting runs. This past Saturday I ran 5.27 miles but it was in the 20s....and when the sun started going down boy did it get cold...and that was before 5 pm!! Needless to say made for a really chilly run, but ran a pretty decent time...nothing like being cold to make you run faster :). So my runs these next few months I'm sure will be sporadic. I'm the type of person that if I can go outside and run, that's ideally what I will do. If the weather is bad I'll end up at the track at Kids America....and if I can't do that and get desperate...I'll end up on my mother-in-laws treadmill at her office. 

Winter running also means bundling up...sort of...runners know you can't bundle up like Ralphie's brother in the Christmas Story....that doesn't work so well. So I have come across some new winter gear that I am liking very much that I'll share with you:

EmFraa thermal base layers :Top & Bottom....I was honestly a little leary in ordering these...they were so cheap compared to other base layer items I was looking at, but I read the reviews at Amazon and decided to give them a try. Though they are thin, they keep me very warm. I've washed each of them several times so far and they wash up well. If you are looking for a good base layer without spending megabucks, try these out...the only negative I had with these was that they actually shipped from overseas, and even though I ordered both of these at the same time...I had to pay the $9.00 shipping for each piece...so yes almost $ 20.00 in shipping alone, but even with the shipping they were cheaper than most of the other base layers. Good base layers are a must with these chilly temps right now.

Velocity Women's Reflective Running Jacket....I LOVE this jacket...and yes I got the bright yellow. I wanted to make sure people could see me :) This jacket is nice and warm without being too warm and it is soooo soft. Love it!! I had just ordered a North Face jacket that I paid 4 times the price for and I sent it back because this jacket was just so much nicer. The only complaint...again came from overseas and took a little longer to get it shipped to me (I initially ordered it for my Hot Chocolate 5K....of course it showed up the day AFTER the race) and it is starting to pill in a couple places, but not sure if that's the jacket's fault or my old washer...but regardless...I really like this jacket and I'm considering getting the hot pink one too. Maybe Santa will be nice to me. ;)

So that's all for now. Not sure I'll get back on here before Christmas, so in case I don't, have a very Merry Christmas and I'll talk to you next year as we gear up for my half marathon training for the 2014 Cap City Half Marathon in May :)

Merry Christmas and many blessings!

Laying low...what happens AFTER a half marathon.

So yes it has been a while since I've posted...haven't posted anything since my Cleveland Rock 'n Roll Half to be exact.....so what have I been up to?? Honestly for one, not too long after the half I got the flu....and anyone who knows me when I get sick, I'm down for the count. I don't get sick often but when I do I do it well. So for about two weeks I didn't do much of anything....at least not much running anyway. I think just the combo of being burned out from my half marathon training and the flu bug I was just done for a little while. And sometimes as a runner you just need to take a break...and it's ok. And when momma's get sick things don't slow down just because you're sick...so needless to say I have been playing catch up the last few weeks along with just getting through the normal day-to-day routine.

So I have started back running again...nothing major and nothing over 3.5 miles. Life has been getting in the way a lot lately and honestly I have a small window of time to catch a run and that is usually right before I pick up my boys from school...if I don't do it then, it most likely won't happen. Especially now with the time change and it getting so cold out. So not used to running in the cold again yet. I don't like cold weather...just don't. Not a fan. But I do it anyway because I love running. If I could have the snow AND it be 60 degrees out I would be just as happy as a clam...unfortunately it doesn't work that way. And I'm just not ready to subject myself to the mindless track at Kids America or heaven forbid...the "dreadmill"!!

So speaking of cold weather running...I have a race this weekend in Columbus. The Hot Chocolate 5K/15K. The nice part about running this race is that I will be running it with my sister AND my aunt....and we are all doing the 5K. Gonna be a great time with them! Just hoping it is not too stinking cold...race starts at 7:30 a.m. (who chose that time of day anyway??...is the sun even up then??) But they are supposed to have hot chocolate and fondue and yummy goodies at the end...I'm hoping they have a bonfire somewhere is what I'm hoping...did I mention I don't like cold weather??

So that's what I've been up to lately in case you were wondering. I will do a race recap once I get back. After that I don't have any other races scheduled this year...though there is one I'm sort of kicking around...but I'll reveal that if I decide to do it.

Hope you have had a great month...and if I don't write before then...have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Race Recap: Rock 'n Roll, Gospel Music and Polka???

I already had this typed out once...but in the process of helping my son with his homework, somehow the page got closed without me saving it....yes I know I should know better....I should always wait till my kiddos are in bed before I start ANY project of my own....but here I am now, fresh from the Inaugural Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in Cleveland, Ohio and I must say what a race!! But let's not get too ahead of myself...first...the Expo.

We got to the Expo at the Cleveland Convention Center and I must say I was quite impressed. The Expo they had for the Cap City was nice, but this one was much bigger, better laid out...not quite as congested as Cap City's.  Getting the race packet was quick and easy too. They had quite a few vendors. Our favorites were Power Bar....lots of yummy goodies there...their vanilla protein bars were a family favorite, SofSole where my hubby and Brennan were able to get insoles for their shoes that seemed to work for both of them...that always makes me happy when my boys are happy. Then CEP Compressionwear where I was able to snag a pretty decent deal on some compression calf sleeves I had been wanting. So momma was happy too :)....here are a few fun pics from the Expo:

 

 So Saturday when we went to the Expo it rained pretty much most of the day. Now I have to admit I kind of went into this race a bit on the discouraged side. I was watching the Weather Channel like a hawk pretty much all week and was sad to hear that they were calling for rain for Sunday's race....watching the weather all week may NOT have been the best idea...needless to say when we got to Cleveland on Saturday and it was raining, that didn't help. But God is good and prayers were answered because even though it rained when we left the hotel at 6:30 a.m. by the time we got into Cleveland there was no rain to be found...PTL!!! So we get into Cleveland and needless to say we had some fun trying to find a parking garage that was open...but after about 10 minutes of trying to get around we finally found one. We had to walk a few blocks to get to the Rock 'n Roll Museum where the race was starting at, but as soon as I got there I did what most normal runners do before a race....head for the porta potties...lol! The lines were long, but moved pretty steady so not too bad there. By the time I got through they had just started playing the National Anthem...not sure who the guy was but he was playing the National Anthem on the guitar Jimi Hendrix style, which I thought was quite appropriate for Cleveland and being at the Rock Hall...I got to stand and salute the flag right in front of the Rock Museum which was nice. After the anthem I got into my corral...corral 7...there were 8 corrals total. They did a wave start and it really didn't take too long for our corral to start...I think we took off between 8:10-8:15, so not bad. 

Now this course was not an easy course....definitely not one you'd want to do as your first half marathon....unless you like hills. The first 3 miles weren't too bad and took you through a nice tour of downtown Cleveland...after mile 3 there was a hill and around mile 4 a downhill...my biggest problem...wardrobe. I had dressed thinking it would rain so I went with a long sleeved dri-fit shirt and racing capris....so glad I at least went with the capris and not the pants I had initially thought. But by mile 4 I had had enough of the long sleeved shirt....so I pulled over to the side, took my shirt off, tied it around my waist so they could still see my bib number, and went in my sports bra...and I'm sorry for anyone who had to see me in that, but there was just no way I was going another 9 miles in a long sleeved shirt....note to self...no matter what...go with short sleeves. So after mile 5 the course started to level out a bit, though I'll have to admit, Cleveland's roads are not the best...lots of potholes and ruts...had to make sure you were paying attention. Then i got to mile 9....I was told around mile 9 there would be a hill....oh yea....there was a hill alright. Most of the people, and yes including myself, walked up that hill. To put it in perspective...for those who live where I live, if you were to take the Cemetery Drive hill and add Bank Street's hill to it...you would pretty much have it. Long steady continuous incline....not fun at all...at that point I was starting to get tired. Oh and I forgot to mention....it was extremely humid that day...I was sweating in the porta potty line if that tells you anything. Not good...especially by mile nine the sun was up and beating on us and the humidity mixed in...it was bleh...but at least no rain. So I walked up the hill at mile 9 and then walked a little across the bridge before mile 12...I was just so done at that point. The spectators at that point were saying, "not far now, right around the corner" and I went around the corner and still no finish line...I was not happy. Though honestly it wasn't too far after that....but when you've crossed mile 12 and you're hot and sticky and tired...you just want it to be over. But I finally did find the finish line and crossed it in 2:25:48. Not my best half marathon time, but considering the hills and humidity I'll take it...I was only 4 minutes off my Cap City time so I think that was pretty darn good. :)

The entertainment on the course was good...my favorites....the all African American Women's Gospel Choir....they were awesome...they were at about mile 3 so one of the first acts and they were really getting into it....loved them!! Then there were the countless cheerleading squads...those were very nice. There was the DJ that played one of my favorite oldies songs, "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison...loved that. But the one thing that stuck out the most and made me laugh out loud was the DJ on the bridge I think it was on Abbey Ave...he played Polka music...absolutely loved it!! And because of where he was we got to hear the polka music twice...double love...and so appropriate for a race in Cleveland. I grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland as a little girl and I remember when they used to play polka music on Sundays on TV and anyone who has been to a wedding in Cleveland (at least all the one's I've ever been to) they always play polka music. Brought back a lot of memories and again...so very appropriate :)

So overall what did I think of the race?? I think it was well organized...especially for being their first Rock 'n Roll series half marathon. Things I liked about this race....the bands were good...the after concert was great...got to see Gavin Degraw....woot woot!! The medal was impressive. Loved the stuff you got at the end of the race...they had plenty of water, Gatorade, even chocolate milk, they had Power Bars and bagels, pretzels...and the best part....ice cold white hand towels to cool off with...very nice touch...I would love to see that done at the Cap City Half. The after the finish line area was so much better than Cap City too...Cap City was cramped and so congested...this was much more spacious and you didn't feel like herded cattle. The things I didn't like about this race...the roads were not the best...and the course was hilly and tough. There also wasn't as many spectators at this race...there were several, especially at the beginning and the end, but in the middle, not so much....I love seeing the spectators and reading their awesome signs...helps to take the mind off the race and running...during that middle part I really needed that. Though I have to say thanks to the older gentleman after mile 9 who kept telling us "It's all a mental game, overcome your mind...you got this!!" He obviously must have been a runner. So would I do this race again?? Not sure I would. If so I would have to make sure I did plenty of hill workouts in my training...and though I did do some on my longer runs...I would really have to do more. Like I said, this course was not an easy one...if you are looking for an easier first time course, definitely try the Cap City Half...I really enjoyed that one a lot.

So there you have it...my 2nd half marathon is in the books. Here are a few highlights from the race....enjoy and remember....dreams don't come for free...it comes to those who work hard for them. Have a great week everyone!!!

One Week And Counting....

Yikes!! Yes you heard that right....only one more week till the Cleveland Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. And I don't know if it's because of the crazy summer, or because I started my training earlier with my first half that it seemed like it was like forever before my first half got here...but this half just seemed to sneak up on me...one minute I was trying to start my training, next minute we are a week away....crazy stuff I tell ya!!

So went for my last long training run Saturday. What a beautiful morning for it too. Temps in the 50s, lovely sunshine...it was wonderful. And this time I wanted to simulate what I would do on race day...I had my Gu Chomps and Jelly Belly Sport Beans for fuel, wore my shoes I plan to wear on Sunday, not sure on the outfit yet, but we'll have to see how the weather is in Cleveland. Anyway, as I started my run, I purposely started running more slowly. I usually run between a 9-9:30 minute mile. And I usually make the mistake of starting out too fast...this time I purposely started at almost a 10 minute mile. Felt kind of weird at first, but I went with it. The run was really good...and to the guy who just happened to be running the same route I was for a good part of my run....trust me I was not stalking you...obviously we have the same idea on a long run route. Anyway, my training log said to do a 7 mile run, I wanted to do 10...I know, again the insanity kicking in. I got to mile 8 and I started feeling tired, but I kept pushing through. By the time I got home I had just a smidge over 10 miles. Those last couple miles were tough. I'm so praying that when I get to Cleveland that I'll be able to pull through those last 3 miles. Ugh...but overall I was happy with my run. When I checked my stats on Nike+ it said I pretty much did negative splits until mile 9, and believe it or not mile 8 was my fastest mile...and also I have run 2000 miles since I started running in August 2010....that's crazy....I figure I'm almost to Cali now right?? LOL! 

And just FYI....I never run without my tunes and if you are looking for some great running mixes check out Rock My Run. They have really great running mixes. The running mix I ran with Saturday was the Faith, Love, Run mix by DJ Lloyd. What a great mix to get going on your run but also praising God in the process...it's great!

So now the taper begins...I plan to do a 5 mile run sometime today then a 2 mile run later this week and then it's race time on Sunday. The Expo is on Saturday so I'll be there picking up my race packet and checking out what they have to offer then the plan is to meet up with some of my Cleveland family (Yes, I am originally from the Cleveland area). So hoping to meet my aunt, uncle and grandma for some dinner and then hopefully turn in early for a good night's sleep for race day.

So wish me luck and my next post will probably be after my half on Sunday with a race report. Have a great week everyone!

There's a fine line between dedication and insanity

So half marathon training continues...hard to believe in just a little under a month I will be running my 2nd half marathon. Training this time around has been very different from the first time. Not sure if it's because I've been through it once before (and no I'm not saying I'm a seasoned pro), or if it's the time of year, or if it's being so busy that I have no time for the mental games from the first time...who knows. So far training has been pretty good....though I have to say not exactly ideal.

So if I had to choose a time of year to do my training, this time of year would NOT be my first choice. First of all, let's face it....I'm a mom...summer means kids are home, summer is busy, summer is HOT...and it's still hot here...there is no routine...it just really makes it difficult to get those miles in when you're a mom. And even now that my boys are back in school, it's still not easy to try and get those runs in for some reason. A lot of juggling has been involved with this half marathon training that's for sure.

For instance, my run yesterday. Yesterday was a crazy busy day. I had an appointment in the morning, had to set up for our community dinner at church, then a meeting at 4 p.m. and then help at the community dinner...I knew that if I wanted to get my run in I would have to do it after setting up the community dinner....which meant at 1:30 in the afternoon....when it was still 90 degrees out and the humidity was insane. Not ideal in the least...but I put on my big girl shorts, tied up my laces and went out and did it before my brain told me what a crazy insane woman I was. (I always tell my friends that there is a fine line between dedication and insanity....and I jump that line often....lol!!) So I was able to get a four mile run in, and actually it was a really good run...one of the best I've had in a while...though at the last half mile I was totally dying...it was WAY too hot and my water bottle had gotten warm by this point...bleh...nothing worse than drinking warm water, but overall I felt really good running and I had no pains at all...my knee was great, even my hip, which usually starts giving me fits when I amp up the mileage...my hip was great! So just goes to show, even when the environment isn't ideal, you still can have a good run. 

Speaking of good runs, I have some recommendations for some things for a good run or at least help you obtain it. I have come across some great running stuff lately that I want to pass along to you:

Runner Girls Podcast....if you have the ability to listen to podcasts this is a great little podcast of three ladies who trained to do a half marathon together and are now training to do a 5K in 30 minutes or less. They talk about their training, they have interesting weekly topics and they keep it real. Go check them out.

OptimalRun.com...if you are looking for new running shoes, this is a great little website that if you go to their tab "Personalized Footwear Recommendation"....from there you answer their survey questions about what you like in running shoes and what not...and within a day they will send you not a link or a cookie cutter email recommending you what shoes to wear...oh no....they will send you a personalized video recommendation of what shoes they recommend for you....I thought this was pretty darn cool...of course I don't get out much either, but seriously it was really, really cool. And they will also give you a discount on the shoes they recommend for you. As soon as I can scrape my $$ together I'm probably going to try their recommendation for me...yes a Mizuno pair of course...lol! Oh, and they have free shipping and a great 40 day money back guarantee...can't beat that!!

Cooling Runner's Towel Now this link may or may not be the exact same towel I have, but if you can get your hands on any type of cooling towel....do it!! I don't know how I ever ran without one of these things. My lovely sister, who just got into running herself, when we did our Tutu race a few weeks ago she introduced me to this amazing thing and let me have one of hers. Now when I run without it, I'm miserable...especially in this heat and humidity we've been having. The great thing about this towel is that when it's dry it's like a piece of cardboard, but once you get it wet it is soft and cooling...I like to get it wet and then leave it by my A/C for a little bit to get even cooler...oh yea....it's awesome. I call it my woobie towel....my boys love it and they don't even run. It's amazing!! Get one now!!

Well that's all I have for now. 24 days until my next half...if you happen to be running the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in Cleveland on Oct. 6th, let me know...would love to know of someone else that is crazy enough to do this race like me...lol! 

Have a great week!!

And the training continues??

Whirlwind (noun) 

1: a small rotating windstorm of limited extent

2

a : a confused rush : whirl <a whirlwind of meetings>

b : a violent or destructive force or agency

Mainly thinking of definition 2a here...yes my summer was quite the whirlwind and it's hard to believe that summer is unofficially over here in Ohio....the kids are back in school...we just celebrated the last BBQ holiday of the year...we celebrated with having a 90th birthday party for my grandma!! But now, it's time to get back to some sort of routine. Though I have to admit, though my kiddos have been back to school for almost 3 weeks now, it's still a little struggle getting back to some sort of routine....because my normal routine has changed. 

Normally I would do my weekday runs right before my kids got out of school. I would park at my youngest's elementary school, go for a run, my two older children would walk to the elementary, and we would all meet there in enough time to pick up the youngest. This year is a little different...youngest is in a new elementary school temporarily while they are finishing the construction of our new elementary school (which should be opening in October) so no need to park at his old elementary school...the two older boys get out a lot sooner than the youngest so now I have to back up my time to go for a decent run...which cuts into the time when hubby is home for lunch...oh the juggling woahs of a stay at home mom. So I have yet to come up with a decent time to run and honestly my juggling so far has not been very good. Last week I had to do my long run on a weekday...9 miles...well, I usually rest the day after a long run...but because of my schedule I knew I would have to do a short run the day after my long run...well...yea...did that...got that run in...unfortunately it was very hilly....I know, not very smart of me....and I was cutting it close on time...another not-so-smart move, and I was trying to run a little faster in order to pick up my boys on time so I wouldn't have to hear them complain how they had to wait on me...yea...strike three...I'm out. Ended up pulling a muscle in my leg I think and have been down from running since...though I went for a walk/light jog last night and seemed ok...definitely nothing great, but no pains. So I'm hoping to do a short run today to see how it goes. Though I like the freedom and spontaneity of summer, it really throws one off when you're training for a big race. I'll be honest...I'm worried about this one. Not sure I'm gonna even get close to the time I did at the Capital City Half. With only a month left to train I think I'm going to have to change my focus to just getting across the finish line...no PRs, no great and amazing finish times...just get across that line. And for me that makes me a little sad...I'm one who like to do their best. I like to improve and do better each time. But sometimes life gets in the way, and let me tell you...if there is one thing that God has truly been showing me lately is to be flexible...especially with my time. Unfortunately runs don't always happen like I want them to, when I want them to, or as long as I want them to go. Sometimes you just have to accept things as they are, brush off your shoulders and move on. 

So that's that. Though I'm really hoping my last month of training goes a lot smoother than the past couple months. I have been working in a few more cross-training workouts which I think will help. At least I hope so.

Here's to hoping that the next 30 days are better!

Never underestimate the power of great athletic supporters!!

So this past Saturday I ran my first 10K race. I know, yes I did do a half marathon before a 10K...I'm a little backwards that way, but honestly this was the first 10K race near me that I was able to run in. It was the Feed the Need 5K/10K and I ran it with some of my church family. This race is a great little race since the proceeds go to support New Life Ministries food pantry. I had run the 5K last year and let me just say that their course is probably one of the toughest courses to run in the Coshocton area. There are several hills to run up and this year was their first try at a 10K and for it you had to run the 5K course twice. It was a great morning for a run, a little humid but it was not super hot like it was last year...so good overall day for a race. I was really hoping to run the race in under an hour. My official time was 1:02:19. Not my goal, but not bad either. I think if I would have had a little more time to dedicate to training I would have done better. Let me tell you....training in the summer, at least for me, is far harder than training in the winter. Not just because of the weather either. It's just hard as a mom and having kids home on summer break, dealing with vacations, scouting and lots of things just going on during the summer, it's just hard to get that run in...it truly is. Mother runners....do you feel me?? 

However, that is about to change....because school officially starts here this week, so I'm hoping to finally be able to focus on my half marathon training for the Cleveland Rock 'n Roll Half. Which, by the way, I just found out that Gavin DeGraw is headlining the concert afterwards...oh yeah!!! I'm so super stoked about that! Gonna be a great time for sure! Besides that good stuff, I am just really ready to get back to some sort of routine, especially with my running. I found out after my first half that afterwards I just kind of felt lost (anyone else feel me there?? Do you know what I mean??). I had no training schedule anymore, no goal to strive for...if I was running it was only because I wanted to and I didn't have to run 'x' number of miles. I ran when I wanted and however long I wanted...which was nice maybe at first but leaves the door wide open to allow yourself to get a little lazy. And I suppose after feeling burned out a bit from training I did get a little lazy. But I am ready to set my eyes on my new goal for Cleveland and I'm just praying that my new training goes well.

So you may have gotten a little chuckle out of today's post title...no I'm not talking about jock straps or any other kind of athletic supporter under gear...but the subject of support is something that I've been wanting to address for a while, and this post is geared towards the runner AND non-runners...you know, those people who are close to you that may watch you at races, or just support your running efforts in some way. I just want to say that if you are lucky enough as a runner to have family and friends who support your athletic efforts, please make sure you thank them for what they do for you! If someone is willing to get out of bed early on a weekend morning to do nothing else but to cheer you on, please don't take that for granted. Please appreciate what a true blessing that is. And if you are the person supporting your fellow runner...please know that just the fact that you are cheering us runners on does not go unnoticed and is more than greatly appreciated. Never underestimate the power of good moral support!! I have run races where I have had family and friends supporting me and I have run races where I was solely on my own....and trust me I would much rather run a race where someone is cheering me on...even if I am at the back of the pack. There is a lot to be said about a good support base. For me, it just gives me that extra spark, that extra um-mph  to cross that finish line. It gives me that mentality that my hard work isn't going unnoticed, that I am doing a good job...again, even if I am at the back of the pack. So if you are the runner....please show your appreciation to those who support you...and if you are the supporter, or maybe never have supported your runner...please know that your support speaks volumes to us runners and we love you for your effort and dedication to us. And to those who may be unable to go see your runner do a race, even just a simple note saying "good job" or "good luck" is all the motivation we runners need. Just showing that you care about something we as runners care about means so very much. True story!

On that note, I leave you with one of my absolute favorite "supporter" commercials....nothing beats the power of a pizza box after all :):

Have a great week everyone!!