I know I'm a little late in getting this race report out, but late than never I always say...not to mention that these past several months honestly have been a huge blur...but enough of my crazy schedule...on to the recap.
So this was my second year doing the Indian Mud Run. Last year (and this year as well) I did it with my bestie Leslie. Last year the one thing most people complained about was that there didn't seem to be quite enough mud....well let's just say, Mother Nature made sure that there was no shortage of mud this year!! Our weather here in Ohio has been pretty much wet...wet...wet ever since the New Year...between tons of snow and the longest winter in years, to nothing but rain the last several weeks...yes...there was MUD!! Which honestly made the course this year far more, shall we say interesting?? I went into it not really worrying about a time element since I really had no intention of trying to hurt myself before my next half marathon in August...so Leslie and I just took our time, and we of course found some new friends along the way. We ran with a girl named Amanda, and then a bridesmaid, a bride and a groom...that were getting married later that day (CRAZY!!!) We just all kind of hung close together through the whole race. We were luckily in the first wave...and I say luckily because I can't even imagine what some of those hills and obstacles would have been like after a few hundred runners splattered and dug even more mud into it...yikes!! The thing I absolutely love most about the Indian Mud Run is that it's pretty much a natural course going through the woods...that alone is an obstacle in itself. The first hill is always the toughest which is pretty much straight uphill....and then straight downhill. After climbing over a log obstacle the huge cargo net is next...which is not one of my favorites....I hate climbing over that thing...but I made it and that's all that matters. The rest of the first half of the race is basically running through the woods, avoiding tree limbs and rocks. There was the rope climb that I just couldn't get up this year...not sure if it was the mud already on my shoes or what but I had to go around that one. The ravine was the next tougher obstacle...this year I had to use the rope to go down into the ravine...which was not fun and it was already very muddy and slippery...which again made things very interesting.
The water slide...oh my the water slide...such an unpredictable obstacle. I had a hard time going down it at first...just couldn't get going...then woosh!! I was like a bullet!! My friend Leslie wasn't so lucky as another runner ran into her on the slide shoving her into the wall banging her head. After going through the woods some more we ended up at the canal. I crossed the canal further down where the non-swimmers were to go, but even there with all the rain we have had it was pretty deep. We crossed a net and then headed to the monkey bars crossing back over the canal and our group decided to take the ropes and boards across instead of the bars...which usually isn't a problem until one of the ropes fell off making the gap between the ropes quite large...I ended up having to hold on the edge of the monkey bars shimmying my way to the next rope and luckily for me the board didn't flip me into the canal...THANK GOD! Then another slippery mud slope downhill to the rock climbing wall...which was very hard this year since the "rocks" on the wall had gotten slippery and muddy making traction next to impossible. My foot slipped off one of the rocks and if it wasn't for my friend Leslie I probably would have fallen off for sure. By the grace of God I made it up the rock wall, then into the ice pit (crazy cold!) and into the mud pit...which I got very muddy in and then I avoided the electric fence area after the horrible experience I had with it last year when I had a wire wrap around my neck. I ended up finishing in about 1 hour 43 minutes...which was not fast by any means, but I made it in one piece which was by far the better option.
Needless to say the difficulty of the course this year was huge....but it was a lot of fun. After the race was over I ended up with only a couple bruises and the only thing that truly hurt on me was my hands from all the ropes. Overall it was a good time, scary at times, but good.
Now my mindset is looking towards my next half marathon in August, The Emerald City Half Marathon. Initially I was thinking that this training should be easier since I would have the summer off and have extra time, but I'm so finding the opposite to be true. I'm finding it hard to get out of bed early to do a run before the sun starts baking the day, most of the runs lately have been pretty hot and humid....guess that will help me train for a late August half, but it's honestly not too enjoyable. Right now I'm about half way through my training and with all that is going on in my life at the moment, finding time to fit in my runs has been quite interesting. I have truly hit the "What was I thinking?" stage.
On a lighter note, I just finished listening to an audio book that my sister bought for me for me birthday. The book is "Running Like A Girl" by Alexandra Heminsley. If you are a runner, and a girl, you will totally relate to this book. Lots of laugh out loud moments. There are a few expletives in the book..so fair warning if those things offend you, but overall I couldn't stop laughing at some of the things she talked about. I recommend it!
And as if I haven't done enough half marathons lately...I already signed up for my first 2015 half signing up again for the Capital City Half Marathon. :)
Well that's all for now...I need to get some rest...these long days are really getting to me!! Have a great summer everyone!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
And Another Half Is In The Books
Yes...after all the training...all the dreaded treadmill speedwork runs during our very harsh winter...I finally conquered my third half marathon!! And as they say, third time is a charm!
Again I ran the Capital City Half Marathon and again it was a really good race and is still my favorite half so far. Only negatives I had were that it seemed a lot more congested this year than last year, and I still wish they would have a little more runner tracking than just at mile 5, but overall still a great, awesome race going through some great places in Columbus.
So the morning was a bit chilly...in the high 40s...and I decided I was still going to run in my tank and shorts...ok, maybe not the best idea, but overall it really wasn't too bad. My strategy was to make sure not to start off too fast, which I did pretty well at...of course the little sprinkle of rain during the first 3 miles made it interesting. And as I said, it seemed to be a bit more people this year...not sure if that's true, but it wasn't till about mile 3 when things started to clear out a bit where I didn't feel like I was going to step on someone. There was one point about mile 6-7 where I almost tripped over someone because someone stopped in front of me and the other runner next to me cut in front of me...luckily we all made it through unscathed.
Overall I felt good most of the race. My right knee started bothering me towards the latter part of the race..not sure why...usually my left side is the one that hurts...but oh well. Of course I got to the dreaded mile 11...I have this mental game for some reason with mile 11...struggle getting past it. And God obviously knew that because shortly after I crossed the mile 11 marker, there was a woman standing on the corner holding up a sign, and it said, "Thank you for running for me because I can't...I have cancer." Now Capital City supports the American Cancer Society, and after I saw that sign I just teared up and it gave me the motivation to run those last couple miles. At the end of the race I told my husband about this woman and her sign, and I told him, "And that is why I race." because he always struggles with the cost of race fees....I think he understood a little better after telling him that story.
So I get to High St. and I see that finish line...and though I didn't sprint for it like I did last year, I gave it all I had left and I was able to beat last year's time by over 7 minutes!! My time was 2:14:21!! My goal was to finish between 2:10-2:15 so goal accomplished!!
I think there were several factors that helped me reach my PR this time around. First of all of course God for giving me the strength and determination to do it. Also my new training plan from Run The Edge I believe helped with all the speedwork and goal pace runs. And yes even the dreaded treadmill helped. Also I am a total believer now in strength training. I believe that really helped my running with helping build up my core and glutes and just giving me a stronger body. And Yoga to help stretch things out. It all worked together and I couldn't be more pleased. It was a lot of hard work and I'm not saying there weren't those times I did the workouts begrudgingly. But in the end hard work does pay off...so keep at it!!
So what's next....well I have the Indian Mud Run in June that is a ton of fun so I need to start training on the trail for that. Then I have my sights on my next half marathon in August with the Emerald City Half Marathon and a new friend of mine just asked me about doing the Columbus Half Marathon in October, so I guess I'll kick that one around a bit as well...we shall see. There may be a few 5K's thrown in here or there but for now, this is the plan for the rest of 2014.
I just want to thank all of you that have supported me in my running efforts with your prayers and words of encouragement. I carry them with me when I run a race and it's what helps me get through. You honestly don't know what it means to me. Thank you so much!!
Again I ran the Capital City Half Marathon and again it was a really good race and is still my favorite half so far. Only negatives I had were that it seemed a lot more congested this year than last year, and I still wish they would have a little more runner tracking than just at mile 5, but overall still a great, awesome race going through some great places in Columbus.
So the morning was a bit chilly...in the high 40s...and I decided I was still going to run in my tank and shorts...ok, maybe not the best idea, but overall it really wasn't too bad. My strategy was to make sure not to start off too fast, which I did pretty well at...of course the little sprinkle of rain during the first 3 miles made it interesting. And as I said, it seemed to be a bit more people this year...not sure if that's true, but it wasn't till about mile 3 when things started to clear out a bit where I didn't feel like I was going to step on someone. There was one point about mile 6-7 where I almost tripped over someone because someone stopped in front of me and the other runner next to me cut in front of me...luckily we all made it through unscathed.
Overall I felt good most of the race. My right knee started bothering me towards the latter part of the race..not sure why...usually my left side is the one that hurts...but oh well. Of course I got to the dreaded mile 11...I have this mental game for some reason with mile 11...struggle getting past it. And God obviously knew that because shortly after I crossed the mile 11 marker, there was a woman standing on the corner holding up a sign, and it said, "Thank you for running for me because I can't...I have cancer." Now Capital City supports the American Cancer Society, and after I saw that sign I just teared up and it gave me the motivation to run those last couple miles. At the end of the race I told my husband about this woman and her sign, and I told him, "And that is why I race." because he always struggles with the cost of race fees....I think he understood a little better after telling him that story.
So I get to High St. and I see that finish line...and though I didn't sprint for it like I did last year, I gave it all I had left and I was able to beat last year's time by over 7 minutes!! My time was 2:14:21!! My goal was to finish between 2:10-2:15 so goal accomplished!!
I think there were several factors that helped me reach my PR this time around. First of all of course God for giving me the strength and determination to do it. Also my new training plan from Run The Edge I believe helped with all the speedwork and goal pace runs. And yes even the dreaded treadmill helped. Also I am a total believer now in strength training. I believe that really helped my running with helping build up my core and glutes and just giving me a stronger body. And Yoga to help stretch things out. It all worked together and I couldn't be more pleased. It was a lot of hard work and I'm not saying there weren't those times I did the workouts begrudgingly. But in the end hard work does pay off...so keep at it!!
So what's next....well I have the Indian Mud Run in June that is a ton of fun so I need to start training on the trail for that. Then I have my sights on my next half marathon in August with the Emerald City Half Marathon and a new friend of mine just asked me about doing the Columbus Half Marathon in October, so I guess I'll kick that one around a bit as well...we shall see. There may be a few 5K's thrown in here or there but for now, this is the plan for the rest of 2014.
I just want to thank all of you that have supported me in my running efforts with your prayers and words of encouragement. I carry them with me when I run a race and it's what helps me get through. You honestly don't know what it means to me. Thank you so much!!
Monday, April 14, 2014
18 Days and Counting...and Race Re-Caps :)))
Well race season has finally begun here...not that the weather has totally cooperated in the beginning, but more on that later. Yes folks...it's hard to believe but there is only 18 days until my third half marathon!! Can't believe it's almost here already!! Time has flown by so quickly!!
So I've been able to run 2 races already since my last post. First race was the Lady Tutu 5K in Columbus at the Easton Shopping Center. I had the great privilege of running the race with my wonderful sister and aunt. It was a very cold and chilly late March morning with threats of rain, but luckily the rain held off until after the race...PTL!! Overall it was a fun race, chilly but fun! I was able to finish in 28:11...19th in my age bracket. Considering the elements and fighting a sniffle I felt good about my time. And it was a great weekend spent with some great people I love...even got to enjoy some Mellow Mushroom pizza together afterwards so it was good!! My youngest son spent the weekend with me as well so it was nice just to have that one on one time with him...we don't get one on one time very often so that was good too!!
The following Saturday I did the First Step 5K/10K race here in town....and again mother nature did not want to cooperate because it was another bitter chilly morning. I usually walk down to this race, but I'm so glad I drove because it was just too chilly to walk...not only that, yours truly had signed up for this race a couple months ago and I forgot that I signed up for the 10K race option....I knew I had good logic in signing up for the 10K since it was so close to my half...thought it would make for a great training run....so I go to the race thinking, "Ok, it's chilly, but it's only a 5K...won't be that bad..." God was surely laughing at me because I get there and realize I signed up for the 10K...ugh!! Needless to say I sucked it up and did it and even did my best 10K race time to date and finally getting under an hour with a time of 56:09!! Maybe the combination of the cold and knowing I had to do it motivated me. Whatever it was I was extremely happy with my time. It also helped that someone I usually race against was right in front of me...she beat me by 3 seconds but I loved it because it gave me something to strive for...great motivation there as well.!!
So now my next race is my half marathon. A little nervous as I just did an almost 12 mile run on Saturday and though I kept a pretty decent pace I just felt slow and sluggish and my legs felt heavy. Of course I did this run very late after a very long day...so regardless I'm thinking I'm still on pace to making my goal time for my half...fingers crossed :) Again, I can't believe in less than 3 weeks I'm doing this again. I'm figuring out that long distance running is a lot like childbirth...it's a pain that's easily forgotten because I keep signing up for these things...lol!! Hoping to do the Emerald City Half in Dublin, OH in August, but that is depending on how I feel after this half and how I feel about training for a half in the summertime. We shall see.
Well I probably won't be back until after my half, so wish me luck and I will have a race recap then. Have a super day!!
So I've been able to run 2 races already since my last post. First race was the Lady Tutu 5K in Columbus at the Easton Shopping Center. I had the great privilege of running the race with my wonderful sister and aunt. It was a very cold and chilly late March morning with threats of rain, but luckily the rain held off until after the race...PTL!! Overall it was a fun race, chilly but fun! I was able to finish in 28:11...19th in my age bracket. Considering the elements and fighting a sniffle I felt good about my time. And it was a great weekend spent with some great people I love...even got to enjoy some Mellow Mushroom pizza together afterwards so it was good!! My youngest son spent the weekend with me as well so it was nice just to have that one on one time with him...we don't get one on one time very often so that was good too!!
The following Saturday I did the First Step 5K/10K race here in town....and again mother nature did not want to cooperate because it was another bitter chilly morning. I usually walk down to this race, but I'm so glad I drove because it was just too chilly to walk...not only that, yours truly had signed up for this race a couple months ago and I forgot that I signed up for the 10K race option....I knew I had good logic in signing up for the 10K since it was so close to my half...thought it would make for a great training run....so I go to the race thinking, "Ok, it's chilly, but it's only a 5K...won't be that bad..." God was surely laughing at me because I get there and realize I signed up for the 10K...ugh!! Needless to say I sucked it up and did it and even did my best 10K race time to date and finally getting under an hour with a time of 56:09!! Maybe the combination of the cold and knowing I had to do it motivated me. Whatever it was I was extremely happy with my time. It also helped that someone I usually race against was right in front of me...she beat me by 3 seconds but I loved it because it gave me something to strive for...great motivation there as well.!!
So now my next race is my half marathon. A little nervous as I just did an almost 12 mile run on Saturday and though I kept a pretty decent pace I just felt slow and sluggish and my legs felt heavy. Of course I did this run very late after a very long day...so regardless I'm thinking I'm still on pace to making my goal time for my half...fingers crossed :) Again, I can't believe in less than 3 weeks I'm doing this again. I'm figuring out that long distance running is a lot like childbirth...it's a pain that's easily forgotten because I keep signing up for these things...lol!! Hoping to do the Emerald City Half in Dublin, OH in August, but that is depending on how I feel after this half and how I feel about training for a half in the summertime. We shall see.
Well I probably won't be back until after my half, so wish me luck and I will have a race recap then. Have a super day!!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I am not a chew toy...aka not the best week in running.
I know it's been a month since I posted last...sorry about that. Life is crazy here. But I have to say these past two weeks in running have not been the best to say the least...it's to the point where I was beginning to wonder if God was trying to tell me something. About ten days ago I was running my new route around the high school area when I came upon a young man walking his black lab. The dog was on a leash and I didn't think much about it. I proceeded to run around him at what I thought was a good clear distance, but the dog lunged and ripped the leash out of the boys hand and the dog ended up biting my left arm. Now at the time I really didn't think much of it...I honestly thought he just nipped me...I had never had a dog bite me before...until I was running a little farther and my arm started throbbing and I felt blood running down my arm. Luckily I was only a block away from my in-laws and luckily they were home. They helped me get all patched up, we found the owner...luckily the dog had it's shots and we got things squared away with him. I then proceeded to go pick up my boys from school and then head to the doctor's office. They couldn't give me stitches for fear of infection, but they did proceed to give my a tetanus and antibiotic shot...and I think the shots hurt worse than the dog bite. Geesh!! Though the dog bite really bummed me out (and I'll explain more so why in a minute) I think I was more bummed out that I was only a little over a mile into my run when it happened and it was the nicest day we had had this year...I mean just wearing a t-shirt weather....which is what I had on...no long sleeves, no jacket...just a t-shirt and capris. So yes I am a crazy runner because the loss of a good run bummed me out more than the dog bite....lol. Another reason I was bummed is that I knew the hubby would give me a lecture about the hazards of running. I pretty much got the "I'm going to lock you in the basement with a treadmill" lecture...which bless his heart...I know he says it because he cares and doesn't like to see me get hurt, but like I told him...I am not a caged bird...I must be free. It took him a few days but he got over it...lol. I went back out for a outside run two days later...yes I'm crazy. But I'll tell you I was nervous going back out there, I'm not gonna lie.
Then, as if the dog bite wasn't enough, this past Monday I was on the same route and I noticed this yellow Jeep Wrangler driving by me really slow. I didn't think much of it at first...thought maybe they were lost or looking for an address or something. Then it was on the next street over...not too many houses over there and it seemed to be going the way I usually go. I decided to go a slightly different way and headed down Cambridge Rd. where it ended up passing me and then turned into a driveway to turn around. Needless to say I wasn't waiting around to see if he was looking for me or not...I bolted down a side street, called the hubby to alert him what was going on and just took off. Needless to say I never saw it again. Maybe I was just being paranoid, but my intuition is seldom wrong and that "bad vibe" feeling I usually get was going off big time....I've learned to trust it when it happens. Ironically, I talked to another runner here in town and she told me she also had a yellow Jeep Wrangler follow her recently. So I am being very super cautious now while I run. I am now prepared when I go for my outside runs...I bought pepper spray for my keychain, and my lovely and most amazing sister sent me a lovely care package of a hand held pepper spray, stun gun and a joggy doggy weapon that I can use pretty much to stab someone with if necessary. I pity the animal/person who tries to attack me next time...lol!
I have to admit though, this kind of depressed me. That we live not only in a day and age where we can't feel safe being outdoors, but that even in my small town I can no longer feel safe. One of the beauties of living in a small town is that everyone knows everyone and you could walk down the street anytime and not worry. Not anymore....just makes me sad that there are people out there that want to purposely harm people. But I know God is in control and that He's watching over me. I knew that the day the dog bit me. It could have been so much worse!! And it could have happened somewhere where I couldn't get speedy help. I consider myself extremely lucky and I'm very grateful to God for watching out for me...as well as the Jeep incident. God was definitely watching over me then too. I am now very much more aware of my surroundings.
So I just want to say, if you're a runner out there....be careful. Know your surroundings. Be prepared and carry something with you to protect yourself...better safe than sorry.
On a much more positive note I was able to get an 11 mile run in today and it was a good one. Though I started a bit slow at first and my hamstrings were feeling pretty tight, I had a really good pace. I did my 11.1 mile run in 1:49:57 which is about a 9:54 pace....at that rate if I'm able to keep that up I'm positive I'll beat last year's half marathon time...woot woot. Pretty happy about that!!
So until next time...stay safe, be prepared and be aware.
Then, as if the dog bite wasn't enough, this past Monday I was on the same route and I noticed this yellow Jeep Wrangler driving by me really slow. I didn't think much of it at first...thought maybe they were lost or looking for an address or something. Then it was on the next street over...not too many houses over there and it seemed to be going the way I usually go. I decided to go a slightly different way and headed down Cambridge Rd. where it ended up passing me and then turned into a driveway to turn around. Needless to say I wasn't waiting around to see if he was looking for me or not...I bolted down a side street, called the hubby to alert him what was going on and just took off. Needless to say I never saw it again. Maybe I was just being paranoid, but my intuition is seldom wrong and that "bad vibe" feeling I usually get was going off big time....I've learned to trust it when it happens. Ironically, I talked to another runner here in town and she told me she also had a yellow Jeep Wrangler follow her recently. So I am being very super cautious now while I run. I am now prepared when I go for my outside runs...I bought pepper spray for my keychain, and my lovely and most amazing sister sent me a lovely care package of a hand held pepper spray, stun gun and a joggy doggy weapon that I can use pretty much to stab someone with if necessary. I pity the animal/person who tries to attack me next time...lol!
I have to admit though, this kind of depressed me. That we live not only in a day and age where we can't feel safe being outdoors, but that even in my small town I can no longer feel safe. One of the beauties of living in a small town is that everyone knows everyone and you could walk down the street anytime and not worry. Not anymore....just makes me sad that there are people out there that want to purposely harm people. But I know God is in control and that He's watching over me. I knew that the day the dog bit me. It could have been so much worse!! And it could have happened somewhere where I couldn't get speedy help. I consider myself extremely lucky and I'm very grateful to God for watching out for me...as well as the Jeep incident. God was definitely watching over me then too. I am now very much more aware of my surroundings.
So I just want to say, if you're a runner out there....be careful. Know your surroundings. Be prepared and carry something with you to protect yourself...better safe than sorry.
On a much more positive note I was able to get an 11 mile run in today and it was a good one. Though I started a bit slow at first and my hamstrings were feeling pretty tight, I had a really good pace. I did my 11.1 mile run in 1:49:57 which is about a 9:54 pace....at that rate if I'm able to keep that up I'm positive I'll beat last year's half marathon time...woot woot. Pretty happy about that!!
So until next time...stay safe, be prepared and be aware.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Is it Spring yet???
Wow....has it really been almost 3 months since my last post?!?! We need to change that! Honestly things here have been a little crazy and I did take a sort of internet (mainly Facebook) fast for about a month...let me tell you I sure got a lot more done around my house doing that :)
So as I mentioned in my last post, winter runs were going to be interesting....and boy have they ever! Old man winter has been quite harsh in Ohio and to say that I'm sick of the white fluffy stuff is an understatement indeed! I'd say something about moving south, but by the sounds of things even the south has had a harsh winter, if not harsher, than ours. But I have faith...I heard bird chirping out my window yesterday and have smelled quite a few skunks roaming around so Spring is definitely around the corner....right??
So yes running has been interesting...last month I did several runs at the track at Kids America and even buckled to using my mother in law's treadmill. Now I'm sure I've mentioned before my disdain for the treadmill...in fact I lovingly call it the dreadmill...I dread running on that thing...it's just so boring!! But with our harsh weather conditions the dreadmill and I have moved on to a love/hate relationship. I've learned that I really like the treadmill when I'm doing interval training...so much easier to keep track of how far and how fast I'm going so it does make it a little fun. But trust me, The treadmill know the feeling I have for him and there have been a few times when the treadmill kicked my tush...I think just as a way to get even for my disdain for him...but regardless, we have learned to get along and that is a good thing because this winter has been brutal! And I've only used the KA track a few times...it's just such a short track and its usually as cold in there as it is outside...it just hurts my hip too much to keep going in a circle like that for very long, so yes the treadmill and I are learning to play nice.
Though thankfully this week has been a little better weather wise. All my runs so far have been outdoors and how glorious it has been!! Even stepping in ice cold puddles and dodging ice patches...running outdoors will always be my run of choice. So I'm about 6 weeks into my half marathon training and things are going well so far. I'm using this new training plan by Run The Edge which was created by Adam Goucher (husband of famous runner Kara Goucher) and Tim Catalano. I'm using the Ultimate 13.1 plan and I like it...it's kind of fun and cute for an ADD mind like mine. The only drawback for me is that they base their runs on time, not distance. So for instance if it says to do a 60 minute run...for some that mean a 7-8 mile run while for me it means maybe about 6 miles since I'm (cough cough) older and I'm just not all that fast. And if you are going to run a long distance race it's all about getting those miles in....so I may have to tweek this a little but overall it seems like a good program.
So I'm sure you have been frustrated these last several months wondering what my running plans for 2014 are....ok, maybe not, but honestly you haven't missed anything yet. I have no plans until the end of March and then running season will officially be in full gear. So the first race I have planned is the Lady Tutu 5K on March 29th. This is the same race I ran in August, however different venue and I'll not only be running it with my sister, but my aunt is joining us as well. Praying it's not too cold that day! Then I have plans to run the First Step 5K/10K on April 5th...I'll be signing up for the 10K since that will work great with my half training. I do this one every year as it helps those who are victims to domestic violence and bullying. Then of course I will be running for the 2nd year in a row, the Capital City Half Marathon. I absolutely love this half....I don't know what it is but I love running in Columbus and this race is very well organized. If you are looking for a good half marathon, this one is it. Looking forward to running it again. Then my only obstacle race so far this year is the Indian Mud Run. I love this course! Now I may be biased and honestly I haven't done any other obstacle courses, but I have seen what other obstacle courses have and the thing I love most about this course is that is mostly a natural trail course going through the woods. Yes there are plenty of man made obstacles to add to the fun, but the course itself without the obstacles (which I like to run throughout the summer) is tough enough. It's a great little course. Then the last race I plan to run (though I haven't signed up yet) is The Emerald City Half Marathon. This race is also in the Columbus area and I'll be honest...I'm totally doing this one for the bling. They have really cute Shamrock looking medals and the hubby has already told me that I'm doing this race. The only trepidation I have is that it being in August...August is hot...August is humid...and 13.1 miles is long. So we shall see if I commit to it, but that's the plan so far.
So that's it for my running plans for 2014 so far. I've kind of scaled it back a little this year compared to last year, but we shall see what the year holds. I will probably throw a few other races in the mix once info becomes available like the MDA 5K I do every August and the Feed The Need 5K/10K...and I will probably do the Hot Chocolate Run again...but again we shall see what 2014 holds. Until then, this is it.
So what are your running plans for 2014??
Monday, December 9, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
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!!
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!!
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