It's a piece of cake!!

Was talking to my awesome father in law...(yes by the way I DO have the most awesome father in law ever) and we were talking about races and how I have a 5K race this coming Monday...he says, "After doing a half marathon a few weeks ago this should be a piece of cake for you." Funny how just not quite two years ago I did my first 5K race and I remember when I crossed that finish line how I felt like I was going to die! Now after training and doing a half marathon, he's right.... a 5K isn't so bad anymore. Just goes to show that if you stick with something sometimes those little feats don't seem so bad anymore and how you just want to do just a little bit more and get better.

So this past Saturday I did the Coshocton Relay for Life 5K with my friend Jess Gress. Hubby thought that the 5K was going to take place on the fairgrounds race track...not sure where he had gotten his information, but it was NOT on the race track...which was fine with me...until I found out that the route was going to take us up AND down a major hill in our area. Luckily it was going up towards the beginning and down towards the end of the race. This of course was not a major or chip timed sort of race...I think if we were lucky there were maybe 35-40 runners and walkers for this race. Not a big one at all...in fact probably the smallest I'd been to. So surprisingly the route was not bad, despite the hill...I think a lot of my hill training for the half helped me in that area. Luckily  part of the route was part of the school route that I run all the time so it was familiar and I knew the area...not to mention the downhill helped push me the final bit. Overall, again despite the hill, according to whoever was keeping the time, this was my best 5K yet with a time of 27:08!! So I am super happy about that.

My running has been a bit sporadic since the half. May is always a super busy month for me and this year is no exception. I haven't been as consistent as the past, but I'm ok with that. Was glad to get in few runs this week even if they weren't as long as I would have liked. I'm hoping now that school is finally over and summer break is upon us that maybe I can get back to some sort of routine with my running.

This weekend I am traveling to Tallmadge, Ohio to run the Tallmadge Memorial 5K with my aunt. We have been wanting to do a race together for a while so this is finally it! I'm excited to get to run with family and another plus is there's a pancake breakfast at the end :) Hoping the weather is nice. Ohio is a fickle sort and it seems that summer and winter have been here this week. Last night and tonight we have a frost warning...really?? Had to cover my plants last night...hoping they make it...my poor basil got nipped a little bit last night...sad face :(

Now that school is out I have been trying to get caught up on my podcasts. One of the many running ones I listen to is the Runner Girls Podcast. I was listening to their April 9th episode called Jumping In the Ditch and they always pick a Runner Girl of the Week...on this particular episode imagine my surprise when they picked me as their Runner Girl of the Week!! How exciting!! They picked me because of my training for my first half. So cool!! So if you are looking for a running podcast to listen to with some down to earth, keeping it real girls...check them out!

Well that's all for this week...will give you a race recap...and hopefully pictures from my Tallmadge 5K next week.

So what are your running plans for this weekend??

Have a great Memorial Day....and thank you to all those veterans and those that still serve our country...YOU ROCK!!

So what happens now???

So it's pretty much almost 2 weeks after my incredible experience with my first half marathon. Though I'm still basking in the thought of the fact that I actually accomplished it and marked that off my happy bucket list, it's time to move forward and people have been asking me..."What's next??"

To be honest I've been asking the same of myself...what now?? After all that training and build up of getting to the half and now that it's over, what is in store now?? Well first of all, and many have asked...I am NOT doing a full marathon anytime soon. I admire those who can pull off that distance and kudos to each one of them..seriously! Honestly I see no marathon in my immediate future..definitely not this year. I'll be honest, training for the half took a lot of time and commitment and the fact that I have three boys that are going to be leaving my nest sooner than I'd like I'm not sure I want to nor have the time to dedicate to training for a full marathon. Maybe someday...and I know I'm not getting any younger, but I've come to a peace that if I do decide to someday, I'll do it, if not...I'm perfectly ok with that too. The marathon is a huge feat, not to be taken lightly...as I learned to respect the distance of the half marathon. I'm not totally ruling out a marathon someday, just not in my immediate future at the moment...and anyway I am perfectly happy with the distance of the half right now and I want to have a few more of those under my belt before I attempt twice the distance. So there...dispelling that rumor.

Right now I have been enjoying just running to just run...no training schedule, no commitment where I HAVE to run 10 miles today...I can run as long as I want, as fast as I want...no worries...and I have loved it immensely! I noticed my runs have gotten progressively better since my half...and I haven't been running as long or as often. It's so much nicer since the pressure is off. And it's nice to say I just don't want to run today. I decided I would give myself 2 weeks of "luxury and rest" and that is about up. After this I plan on just gearing up for a few 5K's and then the Indian Mud Run in June. I'm thinking of gearing up my workouts for the next month and doing a little less running since the mud run incorporates a little muscle for some of the obstacles. We shall see how that goes...cause I love being outdoors and working out usually means being inside. Again we shall see.

So I have a 5K to run tomorrow at the Coshocton Relay for Life and then on Memorial Day I am running the Tallmadge Memorial 5K with my Aunt....we've been wanting to do a race together for a while so this is finally our chance! Can't wait! Then I am still kicking around the Kingwood Center 5K since the hubby has family up there we thought it would be a great time to visit. Then again at the end of June is the Indian Mud Run. Then in July a bunch of us girls are heading to Columbus for The Color Run....should be a blast. Can't wait for that one!! Then in August I'll probably do the MDA Firefighters 5K and then August 17th I'll be doing the Feed the Need 5k/10k...I'll probably do the 10K since I'll be gearing up and be in the thick of my half marathon training for the Rock and Roll Half in Cleveland.

So there you have it...pretty much my next few months in a nutshell. Looks like it's gonna be a busy summer :)

Have a great weekend everyone :)!!

Capital City Half Marathon Recap

How many people can say that they had an epic day...I mean a day that goes down as one of those that you'll never ever forget. Saturday was definitely that day because...

I completed my first half marathon!!!

Yes it was a truly amazing experience...one that honestly I plan to do again, despite all the hard work and pain I went through to get there...crossing that finish line was all worth it! 

So here is the recap: Luckily we were able to get a room (thanks to my awesome brother in law) pretty much right at the starting line. I mean I literally walked out the door and not even a half block and I was there. Coming down the elevator on race day and seeing all those people lining the streets...at that point it all hit me...oh my goodness...I'm running a half marathon!! This is it!! The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the Capital City Half Marathon...the weather was amazing!! And before the race started they played Sweet Caroline in honor of Boston...a very nice touch. My friend, Jess Gress and I waited in anticipation for the start of the race...we were in the next to the last corral...needless to say I knew that once they started us off I wouldn't see Jess until the end...she's much faster than I and much younger...lol. 

So one of the most inspirational things that I saw in the race were the military guys in their fatigues and huge backpacks walking/jogging the course...amazing!! I tried to high five and encourage all the ones that I saw. It truly was inspiring. Then there were those who were obviously on teams and running for a cause or a person. The one team was pushing a young man in a jogging stroller...he was having fun and made me thankful that I was even able to run...bless his heart and his team. 

I was having a good time myself. The music along the route was fun. I was playing my Christian running mix during the first part of the race and I remember the song Heart of Worship came on and I just had my hands in the air and praising God...it was an amazing moment...though I'm sure the people behind me must of thought I was whacked...lol...oh well.

So for the most part the course was great!! Relatively no hills, a few inclines but nothing major at all....and it seemed to go by quickly. The bands were fun and so amazing hearing people on the side cheering you on and just being there for support. Sure kept the adrenaline going. By mile 5 I was starting to fade a little so I took some of my energy blocks and that helped a bunch...kept me going. The water stations were placed perfectly....and done well. About mile 11 I was getting pretty tired. Even my sports beans weren't helping much...I was just ready for it to be over. I pretty much had to pray through the last 2 miles. I never did see the mile 12 marker, but when we turned the corner onto High St. and I saw the finish line about a half mile or so away I knew that I just really wanted this to be over...I was tired. So when I finally got to about 400 yards or so away from the line I just sprinted for it...gave it all that I had left. I crossed the line in 2:21:42!! I was hoping to finish between 2:20 - 2:30 so I was very pleased with my results...especially being my first half. 

So after I crossed the line I just busted into tears...I couldn't believe that I just did that...that I accomplished my goal. My hubby and boys met me shortly there after and hubby had to help me stay upright because the emotions and just being exhausted was making me a bit wobbly, but after I got some of my sports drink and a bagel in me I started to feel better. My sister and nephew got to see me at the end of the race...so glad they were there supporting me!! Thanks Jackie and Treyce! The only thing I didn't like about the race was after crossing the line they kind of corralled you and herded you into the party area....it was very congested and very hard for people to meet up with their loved ones...but other than that the whole race experience was incredible!! I will definitely be doing this again!

Overall it was an amazing EPIC day!! Thank you to all those who supported me, cheered me on and sent me well wishes....it meant the world to me!!

So enjoy these pics from the race...until then, onto the next :)

5K's, Half Marathon, and a bundle of nerves.

So this past Saturday I ran my second 5K of the season...the Ridgewood School Rabbit Run 5K. I like running in this particular area because the area is relatively pretty flat. Though I didn't do as well as my last 5K I wasn't far off from my time...only 2 seconds slower...28:24. I'll take it considering I was kind of tired and my lungs felt like they were going to explode...it was starting to get pretty warm. My youngest ran the 1 mile fun run...it's so awesome seeing my boys run :)

So this week I've been doing my first taper...and I must say it was very welcomed...though I understand now what they mean that you're mind will tell you that you need to run....though like I said I was welcoming a little down time. Though my last 2-3 weeks of training have been a little flaky, I think I'm as ready as I'm going to get. Right now I'm just dealing with the nerves...today I have just been on edge and just very nervous. This is probably one of the biggest things I have ever done...it's huge!! I'm kind of glad that the day is finally almost here though. I kind of am looking forward to a little down time and not having to worry about how long I run. My hope after my half though is to maintain some sort of base...keep running my two 3-6 mile runs and then one longer run between 6-10 miles maybe...we shall see how it goes. Though I am seriously thinking of taking it easy these next couple weeks since May is usually so busy for me anyway and just taking that little well deserved breather....then it's on to training for the Indian Mud Run in June.

I have signed up for another 5K for this month. It's the Tallmadge Memorial Day 5K...gonna run it with my Aunt. We've been wanting to do a race together for at least a year...this is the year!! Excited and so nice to spend some time with family.

So I know this is short, but I'm going to try and get that last 3 mile run in tonight...then tomorrow it off to get ready for my first half marathon....eekkk!!

Wish me luck!!

Race season begins today!!

Yes...you heard it right...running race season officially begins for me today. My first 5K race of the year happens tonight at 6 pm...my first evening race. Not sure how that will affect anything, but we shall see. Not really in it to win anything...I'm so geared toward running my half that I'm not really sure how going back to a 5K will be. Those of you who have run long distance races...you know what I mean. You can't go at your 5K pace for a half marathon....unless you're from Kenya, then it's no problem...lol. For a 40 something like me...that ain't happening. So I'm just going to go at a normal pace I have been so I don't throw off my half marathon pacing...and I will be much happy with that :)....now if this bipolar Ohio weather would just cooperate!! Of course, those who know me and my family we are big into Boy Scouts...2 of my sons are Scouts and my hubby is the Committee Chairman. It's an inside joke with us that it doesn't matter when they schedule a campout, that when they do you can almost surely bet that there will be bad weather. This weekend is no exception...it was in the 60's - 80's earlier this week...this morning...36 degrees. Yep...that's Ohio for ya. Just glad to know that they aren't camping out during my half marathon weekend...lol!

So tonight's race is for an organization in our community called First Step. They help with those dealing with violent family situations. I don't feel so bad plunking down my race fee when I know it's going to an organization that is trying to help people, especially in our community. 

So 2 weeks....that's 14 days people....14 days until the Capital City Half Marathon. The closer it gets the more nervous I get....this is crazy!! What was I thinking?!?! Does anyone ever feel like they are truly ready for a race?? Especially a long distance race?? I know I've been training for what seems like forever but I still don't feel prepared....ahhhh!! 

On another note...a relief to see that the culprits responsible for the Boston bombings were caught. What a crazy and heart wrenching week for Boston. In honor of Boston, I think for my 5K tonight I'm gonna wear my yellow Bondi Band and a blue race shirt or my blue with white stars Bondi Band and a yellow race shirt...we shall see...but I have been so touched and affected by what happened in Boston....they deserve to be honored for their bravery and for the trauma they have gone through. God bless Boston!

So I better get off here and get something done today...got laundry to do and clean some house before my run tonight. Not to mention getting things ready for Junior Church and teaching hubby's Sunday School class tomorrow. No rest for the weary...or is that no rest for the wicked....hmmm...oh well. 

Have a super weekend!!

And thoughts turn to Boston...

As with many of you, I am still in shock over the events that took place in Boston yesterday. When I first heard the news I was in shock and disbelief and very sad. But I'll be honest....my sadness quickly turned to anger as I was upset that someone would take an event that people have worked months and even years to get to, let alone race in and they took it and trampled on it. This attack, as with many runners I'm sure, was personal to me. It sickens me that someone would take an event that many spent huge amounts of time preparing for...an event that was to be a celebration of all that hard work, and turn it to evil.  Then when I woke up this morning and found out that one of the victims of this senseless attack was an 8 year old boy, my heart broke all over again. This young boy was waiting to cheer his dad across that finish line when the explosion went off. I've heard his wife and daughter were also severely injured. I can't even imagine what this man is going through. And again my heart breaks. I'm so sad and angry that someone felt the need to not only hurt innocent people...many of them children...and the fact that they have taken the "Olympics of Running" and marred it. It saddens and sickens me. Runners are some of the neatest and most giving people you will meet. The sense of camaraderie among runners is honestly magical and contagious. This crime is as senseless as 9/11....can't help but shed tears over it. Last night I did a 7 mile run....in honor of those in Boston. Today I wore this race t-shirt to honor those in Boston. My heart and certainly my prayers go out to all those involved. 

I quickly turn my thoughts to my half marathon coming up here in a little over 2 weeks and I have to be honest...I'm a little scared. Not so much for myself...more so for my family and friends that will be there cheering me on. The thought of something happening to them because of me would be devastating to me. And yes the thought of telling them to stay home has crossed my mind. Then I thought....this is the exact thing this terrorist wants to do...instill fear. And I can't control what a psycho killer wants to do...the only thing I do know is that God is in control and He has me, and my loved ones, in the palm of His hand. So am I going to not run my half marathon?? No...I still plan on running. Am I going to be more aware of what's going on around me? Yes. Am I going to give into the fear?? No, but I am going to be as cautious as I can and pray about the rest. So here I go as I complete my last weeks of training...trying not to overthink and dwell on what happened at Boston....but yet it's hard, because my heart so goes out to those people. My prayer is that we as runners don't allow this senseless act to deter us from our passion....running.

On a training note....I did my longest run to date this past Saturday...13 miles. It was crazy...and hard. I went with my half marathon partner Jess Gress and we were all over the Lake Park area. The bad part...part of the route was flooded and under quite a bit of water so we had to take some detours and backtrack some....which meant going up more hills than I was used to....so by the end of that run I was shot. Not to mention I didn't eat much for breakfast...my bad. So I was highly under fueled. But I'm glad I did it....and surprisingly my hip didn't hurt which was a huge YAY!!!

Well I know this wasn't the most uplifting post, but in light of the circumstances it's the best I can do. May God be with those in Boston. Those who suffered loss, those who suffered injury...those who were not able to finish the race and were robbed of their glory. God be with you Boston....our hearts go out to you!

Respect the distance

Hard to believe that a month from today I will be running my first half marathon....YIKES!! It's coming up so quickly now...I'm excited, yet very scared at the same time. With only a month to go if there is one thing I've learned with all my training is...respect the distance.

What I mean is this....I have been running for almost 3 years now...just for fun and exercise at first. Then I began entering 5Ks...and at that point I was hooked. I got the bug so to speak. After running several 5K races the next step was to go a longer distance...so when a friend of mine approached me about doing a half marathon this Spring I was all over it. Couldn't wait to knock a new race distance off my bucket list....and then I began training. At first of course it was no problem...other than dealing with weather issues which I kind of took care of getting a walking pass at Kids America....but then the mileage started ramping up...the short runs started getting longer...the long runs started getting longer. And as many of you know I've been dealing with a little hip issue ever since I got to the 10 mile run. Right now I'm taking some supplements and doing Yoga stretches to help that...but I'll admit, I was a bit like, "Yea, I conquered the 10 mile...I got this." And then the hip issue started. I think it was the running angel politely telling me...not so fast sister....respect the distance. 

Since then I have taken some days off. Done stretching and cross training instead. Finally got out today for a longer run...not quite 8 miles. And it definitely wasn't fast miles to say the least. I felt pretty good, though not 100% yet. So all I can say now, just like my boys and scouts when they are near the campfire....respect the fire, a runner must respect the distance. Gone are the thoughts in my head of conquering all these races. Gone are the thoughts of...ok then after I do the half I'm gonna do a marathon and then maybe an ultra and then....yea...those thoughts are gone. At this point I'm not sure if I will ever do a marathon. My main goal at this point is just crossing that finish line for my half. I just want to cross that line and that is all. No crossing in an amazing time...I just want to cross. I am learning to respect the distance. 

If there is one thing I would do differently is to find a good plan and STICK TO IT! Who cares if you are only scheduled to do a 6 miler and you feel like doing 8...no overachieving. Just stick to the plan! Also I would find a plan geared for someone my age and maybe try to find others to run with that are in my similar race ability. If there is one thing I have truly learned during this half marathon training is that I definitely am no Spring chicken anymore. Something that may be easy for a 20 something definitely is not as easy for a 40 something. Again...respect the distance...respect the training...it's all about respect....and leaving your pride behind.

On a positive note I got a massage at the wonderful Kreuter's Massotherapy this afternoon...and that was AMAZING! Wendy worked on my hip and legs and even did an IT band stretch on me...it was heaven, not to mention my shoulders are no longer touching my ears anymore...OK I'm exaggerating, but it sure felt that way. I may have to get one of these done again before my half...or at least definitely after :)

So if you are gearing up to do some races this Spring or Summer, all I'm asking you to do is take a deep breath and learn to respect the training and the distance. If your body starts talking to you...listen to it! If you miss a training day or two...who cares. It's not going to make or break you....totally injuring yourself so you can't run at all will. 

So now get out there and respect the distance!!

Best wishes on your next run!