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!!

Three Years and Still Going

So this past week, August 8th to be exact was my anniversary....no not my wedding anniversary...it was my running anniversary. Three years since I began this love of running....and how did I celebrate?? With a run of course!! I ran a 7 mile run. I tried going over the 10K course for the Feed the Need 5K/10K next Saturday. I sure can tell I haven't run as much as I had been, but it was a great morning for a run regardless. 

When I began this running journey three years ago, little did I know where it would take me....and that I would stick with it for this long!! In the last 3 years I have run 16 5K races, one half marathon and soon to be my first 10K. In the last 3 years I have logged around 563 runs with almost 1,900 miles...I'm almost across the US by now right?? Lol! I've gone through countless pairs of shoes, my wardrobe has shifted to mainly running t-shirts and shorts and I have now quite the collection of headbands. This "obsession" I have with running is one of those things in my life that I'm so glad that I not only took up, but also glad that I haven't given up on. I have felt so much better...not only physically, but I feel better about myself period. The fact that I've persevered this long is a big one. I can have a tendency to flit from one thing to another...but God willing, I think with three years under the belt it's safe to say that this habit is here to stay. I've met some great people, ran with some great friends and family and have traveled not too far, but far enough to consider it an adventure. Some of my most memorable moments?? My first 5K in August 2011...I thought I was going to die after that race, but felt so accomplished afterwards. In October 2012 when I ran the CCMH 5K in my first rainstorm and got 1st place in my age bracket. I recently ran another race in the rain...and I've realized that I'm just really not a fan...lol. Of course my greatest accomplishment was running my first half marathon in May. Training was hard and long, but the reward was definitely sweet...crossing that finish line was definitely one of the highlights of my life. I then ran my first mud race in June which was a blast, my first Color Run in July which again was a huge blast and like I said before I will be running my first 10K on Saturday. Lots of miles, sweat and shoes...but I wouldn't change it for anything!!

So what's ahead you may ask?? Well after the 10K this Saturday I will be doing another first the following Saturday...I will be doing my first "dress up" race per se....hey I'll be wearing a Tutu!! And anyone who knows me knows I'm not a huge girly girl so this is something...lol. Not only that, but I'll be running the race with my awesome sissy!! It will be her first race and I'm so stinking excited for her!!! Can't wait!! Then I'll be taking a bit of a break...with races anyway...and start really kicking my next half marathon training into gear. In October I will be running my second half marathon in Cleveland for the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. My training so far hasn't been quite as consistent so I'm hoping once the boys start back to school things will get back to more of a routine. After that I'm kicking around possibly doing a 10 mile trail run in November and if my sissy isn't too scared off after her first 5K, maybe doing the Hot Chocolate 5K in November in Columbus with not only my sissy but maybe also my aunt. That would be fun...what could be better than running, family AND chocolate?!?! I know right!

So that's pretty much it for now. The last three years have truly been a wild ride...not easy, but definitely rewarding. Here's hoping that the next years ahead are as great as the last three!!

Have a great week all and just like Forrest Gump....keep running!!

What a whirlwind summer!!

Hard to believe it is already almost mid July already...this summer is going by way too fast!! Hard to believe that in about 6 weeks my boys will be back to school!! Where is this summer going?!?! 

So this week I sent off my hubby and youngest to Scout Camp...and the poor things have pretty much been rained on almost every day except today. Yesterday they had a tornado warning which cancelled our usual family night...bummer! But I was able to go out and check on them...what a muddy mess scout camp is! I swear every time our boys go camping they get the worst weather imaginable!! There should be an "Extreme Weather" merit badge, because name an extreme weather event and my boys have been through it...below zero weather...done it...flooding conditions and torrential downpours ..been there...windstorms...yep that too...tornado warnings...mark that one down...extreme heat...uh huh...been there done that...did I miss anything??? And I am not joking! It's kind of the inside joke with us...when we plan a camping outing people know NOT to plan anything because they know the weather is going to be bad. I was scared when I went to West Virginia with these boys because I didn't know what kind of weather I'd run into...luckily all we got while I was there was a little rain. 

So this month is and will be a total blur...between scout camp, and then my middle son leaves for National Scout Jamboree on Monday for 10 days of high adventure...so excited for him! Then me and a few of my girlies are doing this next Saturday:  The Color Run 

This is going to be such a blast...I can already tell...girls weekend here we come!

Then as soon as I get back from the Color Run I am leaving to go do this:

I'm honored and humbled to be going on this trip...I know God is going to do great things on this mission trip and I can't wait to see what God does while I'm there!

Then when I get back from Oklahoma our family is going to be taking a much needed vacation together....not sure what yet and not sure where....but we are getting away to just unplug and relax together for a while....it is so much needed after all the whirlwind of July.

Then the first full week of August my middle son goes for Boy Scout leadership training for a week. Boy has that boy had an adventurous year as well!! Phew...quite the jet setter indeed!!

Then I'm hoping to do a few 5K/10Ks in August. The first one, depending what we do for vacation, will be this one on August 3rd: Coshocton Firefighters IAFF Local 216 MDA 5K.  I am kind of partial to this particular 5K as this was the first 5K race I ever did 2 years ago...hard to believe that it's been that long already. Then on August 17th I will be doing my first 10K race for Feed The Need with New Life Ministries. Our church did the 5K race together as a team last year which was fun...looking forward to that one. Then possibly if my sister wants to...hint hint sissy...we may do this 5K together on the 24th: Lady Tutu 5K...we shall see....would so love to do a race...even if we walk most of it...with my sissy...and who knows, maybe there will be a Mellow Mushroom pizza waiting at the end :)

So busy busy busy....oh, and I forgot to mention....I have to fit a birthday in there somewhere...my youngest will be turning 11...wahhh!! Why do they have to grow up?!?!? So wish they would stay little longer!

Well I hope you are enjoying your summer!

What a year so far!!

I've been wanting to do this post for the last few weeks, and I'm finally finding a few minutes in my busy schedule to do so. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my year so far...and I must say I think I have had a great and adventurous year so far...and my word for 2013 has definitely served me well (see post here for more on my Word for 2013). I began the year of course with my half marathon training for the Capital City Half Marathon in Columbus...I ran that in May and what a huge accomplishment that was!! In fact, I went ahead and signed up last week for the 2014 Capital City Half...so excited! Then on Memorial Day I was able to run a 5K race with my aunt which is something we had talked about for over a year...another accomplishment off the bucket list. Then a couple weeks ago I did my first obstacle race with the Indian Mud Run...what a blast that was!! Here are a few pictures from that day..

I was then able to go on a weekend excursion with our Boy Scout Troop to West Virginia and hike the Rail Trail...23 miles over 2 days. What a blast that was...I so love camping and the boys treated me like a queen...it was truly an awesome weekend!





So right now I'm getting ready to send my youngest and the hubby to Scout Summer Camp for the week and then the following week my middle son has the amazing opportunity to go to the Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia...50,000 scouts from all over the country and beyond in one place...10 days of adventure...I feel so happy for him that he's able to go....and I'll be honest, I kind of wish I was going with him. :)

I will then be doing The Color Run 5K on the 20th with some great friends and then I have the wonderful opportunity to go with some of my church family to Oklahoma for a mission trip to help those devastated by the tornadoes...I've never been on a mission trip and thanks to my amazing father in law who is keeping an eye on my boys while I'm away I am able to go on this trip. I'm kind of excited, not only because I'll be helping people but I've never been to that part of the country before. It's an amazing rare opportunity for me and I'm excited to be going.

Also starting the end of this month I will begin training for my next half marathon in Cleveland in October for the Rock n Roll Half. Hard to believe that that's coming up so soon. I have a few 5Ks and a 10K coming up in August too..phew makes me tired typing about it!

So so far this year has been quite the adventure and I feel very blessed and incredibly happy. God has opened so many doors and so many great opportunities for me and I am grateful. I am enjoying just taking it all in...it's by far the most exciting year of my 46 years on this planet...and I am so excited to see what else God has in store for me for the rest of 2013.

So how is your year going so far??

Bring on the Mud!!

Gearing up for my next race...though this one is quite different from any other I have done. So in just a couple more days the mud will be flying....yes it's time for the Indian Mud Run!! Now I missed out on doing this last year because of a prior commitment but I made sure to sign up for it this year. This race is not for the faint at heart, but if you're a lover of trail running and love those obstacle races this is the perfect combo for you. Now this week, our Boy Scout Troop 406 and I had the privilege to take on doing the kid's course this year. I must say that I'm pretty impressed with what the boys have done. Here is just a few of the obstacles the boys have made for the kids course this Saturday:

So if you're up for adventure...come out to the Indian Mud Run in Coshocton this Saturday...and if you have kids, bring them to the kids course...the boys worked hard and they really made some great obstacles for the children...for  $ 10.00 they can go through the course as much as they would like. Warning...you will get dirty, because if you come out clean, you did it wrong...lol!

The Essentials

So I was recently asked what are the absolute essentials that you must have for your runs... So here are a few of the essentials that I must have on my runs:

EOS Lip Balm
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this lip balm!! I mean I'm a fanatic about it. By far the best lip balm ever made! I always wear this before going out on a run, especially if I'm running outside in this cold weather. I have one of these beauties in each one of my purses, on my desk and by my bed....yes I LOVE it that much!! They are amazing! And not to mention they are 95% organic and 100% natural. My faves are summer fruit and lemon drop, but I'm really enjoying my new raspberry pomegranate...it's delish! Try them if you haven't yet...you won't be disappointed.

Gum
I must have gum on a run....keeps my mouth moist while I run. It's a must! My favorite....Stride Spark Orange. I love the fact that it has B vitamins in it....a nice plus! But regardless of what kind of gum it is, I just have to have gum....it's not a good run without it.

Tunes
I can't do a run without my auditory motivation. I love my music!! I always have my iPod Touch with me and playing my tunes...and with an ADD girl like me it's nice having that musical distraction while I run. One of my favorite spots to get great running tuneage right now is from Rock My Run. They have great DJ mixes of great workout songs. My favorite right now is 80 Reasons to Run and Mash Up My Run. They also have great Christian running mixes by a DJ named Lloyd which I like as well. So if you are looking for great motivating music...check out Rock My Run....they have lots of different genres and great mixes.

Fuel Belt Handheld Water Bottle
I just recently found this water bottle and I'm glad I did! I was looking for a water bottle to conveniently take with me on my long runs. It's not too big and fits nicely in the hand. I was debating between handheld or a fuel belt that wraps around the waist. I think for me this will be better for me and less distracting. I really like it. It also has a zipper pocket to fit an ID, some money and energy gels so it's great. And I found it on a recent trip to TJ Maxx and got it for $ 7.00!! Works great AND a great deal?? Yeah I'll take that!

Mizuno Shoes

I heart my Mizunos!!! Anyone who knows me knows I love these shoes soooo much! My favorites...My Wave Precision 13. The color on the link is not the ones I have are these beautiful pink pair.  I can't say enough about these shoes. When I first got them I swear I heard angels singing...it was that monumental. They are amazing! I also have a pair of the Wave Rider 16 and I like them too now that I finally broke them in....I think I like my Precisions a bit better though. But honestly you can't go wrong with Mizuno. They have this amazing precision fit program you can do on their website that tells you which running shoe is best for you...absolutely amazing! Check them out!

Well that pretty much sums it up. As long as I have these essentials I know it's gonna be a pretty decent run. What do YOU need for a good run?? Have a great day!