Monday Running Update

20140222-161624 Last Week:

  • Monday – rest, tennis
  • Tuesday – 1 mile walk, 4 mile run 
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inside at work

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outside after work – still COLD but sunny & less wind

  • Wednesday – 4 3.5 miles on the TM
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too WINDY to run outside – The Good Wife OMG!!!

  • Thursday – 3 miles on TM, 1 mile walk at work, rest, hair appt.
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walking with a co-worker

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a good substitute for the treadmill?

  • Friday –  1 mile walk at work, rest, fly to Philly
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RAIN!!!!!!!!!!! Indoors again!

  • Saturday –  rest, LoveRun expo, touring around Philly in the rain
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the group minus Heidi & Kevin

 

  • Sunday –  Half Marathon!!!, fly home
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in the cold windy rain but a 4 sec PR!!

    This Week:

  • Monday – rest, mall walk with BFF
  • Tuesday – rest, tennis
  • Wednesday – 4 miles
  • Thursday – 3 miles
  • Friday –  4 miles, mah jongg
  • Saturday –  rest
  • Sunday –  5 m race

**Don’t forget to enter my PocketFuel giveaway!

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races ?

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Instagram Challenges

Do you take lots of photos?

Do you use Instagram?

If you answered yes, then here are 2 challenges for April that you may be interested in joining:

hiu

This looks like fun but unfortunately it doesn’t look like it will be heating up soon enough around where I live to do this challenge in April… maybe June?

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This one looks more doable for me and quite motivating.

**Don’t forget to enter my PocketFuel giveaway!

Happy Running! Anyone going to join either of these challenges?

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Pray for JA

This is John Anthony, my running buddy.

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JA was back in the hospital twice last week. (He is wearing my race shirt in this photo.)

Please pray for his health and that a they find a cure for his illness.

Other ways you can help:

ja posater

**Don’t forget to enter my PocketFuel giveaway!

Happy Running! Thanks for  your support.

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The Important Stuff…The Outfit

philly weather

Philly Forecast

Of course, I have been obsessively checking the weather and hoping for a warm up. It has been a COLD week!!

I have run 6 out of 7 of my previous half marathons in warm weather (at least 60-70 degrees except for the Lake George Half weather debacle.)

Naples, FL

Lake George, NY

Schroon Lake, NY

(black short sleeve top, pink skirt)
Rhinebeck, NY

Santa Clarita, CA

Sarasota Half Marathon

Sarasota, FL

Albany, NY

So what to wear for this half marathon in Philly?

I bought a new pink skirt:

skirt

I have another  pair of black compression socks:

socks

I would love to wear my Lululemon tank:

tank

with a pink baseball cap:

cap

and my Brooks shoes:

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If only it were 60-70 degrees. It looks like it will be in the 40’s with WIND and RAIN!!. (The forecast gets worse every time  I check…it started out as being sunny and in the 60s.)

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Do I need to add a jacket, gloves & tights to my outfit??  Probably YES. UGH!!!

Fingers crossed. Praying that there is NO RAIN!!!!!

**Don’t forget to enter my PocketFuel giveaway!

Happy Running! Is your running outfit important?

The Countdown is on…

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My 8th Half Marathon is in THREE DAYS…gulp!

I shouldn’t be nervous, right?

Well, I never feel confident about my running.

Yes, I know I can and will finish. I knew after the first one that I could run 13.1 miles.

Though I started running in 2008, 2011 was the first year that I ever even considered running a Half Marathon and I did 5 that year! Yes, I got hooked.

My first was the Naples Half Marathon and my time was 2:28:27 (gun time) and I was thrilled finishing under the 2:45 cut off.

1st

My second was the Lake George Half Marathon. It was pouring freezing rain the whole race and my time was 2:22:39. I didn’t wear my Garmin and there were no clocks so I was shocked at this PR.

2nd

A strained Achilles delayed my training for #3 which was the Adirondack Half Marathon. With my longest training run being 6 miles, I finished this race by walking the second half. My time of 2:44:59 was much faster than I expected.

3rd

My 4th, the Fall Foliage Half Marathon, was just a spur of the moment long training run.  It was VERY hilly and I was happy with my time of 2:32:50

My supposedly PR race was the Santa Clarita Half Marathon, my 5th.  It was in California & pouring for the first 6 miles.  I was very disappointed with my time of 2:30:12. I felt that I trained well but I fell apart the second half of the race 😦

5th

Unfortunately, after the 5th, I broke my ankle, then had a stress fracture so when Half Marathon #6 came 16 months later, I was just glad to finish. My time for the Sarasota Half Marathon was 2:33:59. My ankle & foot held up and I was elated.

Sarasota Half Marathon

6th

Half Marathon #7 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and get a PR. Then I broke my foot.  With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would like, again this half marathon was just “I’ll be happy to finish.” My time for the Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon was 2:24:14, actually my second fastest time.

7th

So for Half Marathon #8, I am trying not to put pressure on myself.

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My main goal for this half is to ENJOY it (It is the largest half marathon so far in 2014… my first BIG one.)

And though I would be satisfied with D, happy with C, I would be ecstatic with A.

GOAL A: under 2:22:39
GOAL B: under 2:24:14
GOAL C: under 2:30:12
GOAL D: finish smiling and uninjured

keep-calm-it-s-only-a-half-marathon-2

 

**Don’t forget to enter my PocketFuel giveaway!

Happy Running! Do you run Half Marathons? Do you train for them or just enjoy them?

PocketFuel Review and a Giveaway

I read about PocketFuel on a blog.  They are GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE, VEGAN, SOY-FREE, CORN-FREE and made from 100% natural, WHOLE FOOD ingredients.

I checked and they don’t sell them in my area. I hate to order things online if I am not sure if I will like them.  So I emailed PocketFuel and asked them when PocketFuel would be in my area.

Guess what?  They sent me a whole bunch to try.

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What is PocketFuel?

PocketFuel Nut Butter blends are made from 100% naturalwhole food ingredients found in nuts, seeds and fruits. Each blend is a slow burning, easy to digest fuel providing a natural & sustained energy boost to help your body to thrive and reach its maximum potential…

These blends are packed with many important B-complex group of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. These vitamins functions as co-factors for enzymes during cellular substrate metabolism.

They are also a rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and sodium. These electrolytes are absorbed efficiently into the bloodstream, speeding fluid to your cells to refuel, rehydrate and replenish your body. Quick absorption is essential for warding off fatigue, cooling the body and achieving peak performance

The nut butter blends come in these flavors:

Crunchy Banana Blueberry
Chunky Coconut Cherry
Chocolate Espresso
Chia Goji & Honey
Pineapple Coconut
Chocolate Smackaroon
Chocolate Haze
Vanilla Haze

PocketFuel has also released another product – the Cold Brew Coffee Energy Shots. They are available in three flavors – Vanilla, Mocha and Java.

So during my 8 mile run on Sunday, I decided to try one of the Pocket Fuel nut butter blends.  I chose Vanilla Haze.

Before using the fuel, you’re told to “Squish and Squeeze”, which really is a great advice – it loosens up the consistency a bit and makes it really easy to “eat” even on the go with no water around.

It tasted great. And it went down really easy.  I had no problems digesting it. (This is very important with fueling during a long run or race.)

PocketFuel comes in 4 different sizes – 1.15 oz, 1.8oz, 3oz and 20oz. I brought the 1.15oz packet along for a my run – fit perfectly in the pocket of my jacket. (It would also fit in my race belt or skirt and shorts pocket.)

The 1.8, 3 and 20 oz pouches are flexible, durable and comes with a screw lid which makes it possible to reseal the pouches and save some for later. The pouches are also reusable – just wash the pouch and fill it up with more Pocket Fuel from a 20oz pouch of your favorite flavor. Pocket Fuel is obviously thinking about reducing waste with their slogan being:  “Reduce – Reuse – Refuel.”

I have only used PocketFuel while out running, but I could see it used before playing tennis, going for a hike or walk and any activity where you need energy. They taste so good!! I would eat them as a snack and/or fuel for all my runs except that I don’t actually need fuel for short runs. You could combine with a banana or a bagel or add them to a protein shake.

I can’t wait to try the other flavors.

If you are interested in knowing more about PocketFuel Naturals, check them out on their website, on FacebookInstagram or connect with them on Twitter.

If you would like to try PocketFuel, I am willing to share these two:

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Enter below using Rafflecopter. Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Running! Have you tried PocketFuel? What is your favorite fuel for running?

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Disclaimer: I was sent samples of PocketFuel for free, I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions in this post are mine and mine alone and they have not been controlled or influenced by PocketFuel or anyone else. 

My 6th Blogoversary

March 25, 2014

I’ve been blogging for SIX YEARS!! That means I’ve been running for SIX Years!

  • Year 1 – starting to run for the first time and completing many 5ks
  • Year 2 – after taking the winter off, running again and completing even more 5ks (Anniversary post)
  • Year 3 – running through the winter, completing 5ks (and a 5k PR), 4 milers and my first Half Marathon (Anniversary post)
  • Year 4 – completing some 5ks, a 5 miler, my first 15k and FOUR more half marathons (plus an achilles injury and a broken ankle 😦 ) (Anniversary post)
  • Year 5 – recovering from a broken ankle, running my first 10k and some 5Ks, suffering a foot stress fracture, running my 6th Half Marathon
  • Year 6 – a few 5ks, then a broken 5th metatarsal, then more 5ks, several 10Ks, my 7th Half Marathon and a 15K
mhrhm1

Mohawk Hudson Half Marathon

Monster Scramble 10K

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Malta 5K

me, Courtney and her aunt MaryPat my friend)

Freihofer 5K

Mother's Day 5K in Schenectady

Mother’s Day 5K

Stockadeathon

Stockadeathon 15K

Mayor's 10 Mile Race with Mary

Mayor’s 10 Mile Race

before the race

Lighthouse 5K

  • Year 7: ???

I am again hoping that this next year (lucky 7?) brings NO INJURIES and lots of running and racing

Happy Running! Thanks for stopping by!!! How many years have you been blogging?

 

 

 

 

 

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Monday Running Update

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Last Week:

  • Monday – 12 miles (morning off from work)

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  • Tuesday – 1 mile walk at workrest, tennis
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our new course record

  • Wednesday -1 mile walk at work, 4 mile run on tm during lunch, dinner out with tennis buddies
dreadmill

this time is was Revenge on my iPad

  • Thursday – 1 mile walk inside and then a 2 mile walk outside,  3 mile run
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oops…the walk involved a Shamrock shake

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spring? lake is still frozen but it was 40 degrees!

  • Friday –  1 mile walk at work, 4 3.5 mile run, mah jongg

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  • Saturday –  rest, lunch, movie & ice cream with Amanda
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they did a good job adapting the book

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  • Sunday –  8.5 miles
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cold and VERY WINDY

10K plus virtual run (spring fling seemed more like a winter fling)

This Week:

  • Monday – rest, tennis
  • Tuesday – 4 miles 
  • Wednesday – 4 miles
  • Thursday – 3 miles on TM, hair appt.
  • Friday –  rest, fly to Philly
  • Saturday –  rest, LoveRun expo
  • Sunday –  Half Marathon!!!, fly home
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March 30, 2014

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

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Taper Time

taper-time

For me, it doesn’t really feel like a taper because I don’t feel that I trained hard.  I didn’t really increase my mileage.  It stayed around 3 miles with  some 4 milers thrown in. Some outdoors and some on the treadmill. (It’s been a tough winter to train.)

On the weekends, my long runs started early. After my half marathon in October, I started preparing for a 15k in November, then a 10 miler and a 15K in January.  That means I had many runs of  9-10 miles.  None were without excessive walk breaks. I also skipped a long run when I was in Florida. But I did 2 -11 milers and  a 12 miler.

My running schedule looked something like this:

Week Date Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Total Miles
1 6-Jan 0 0 0 3 0 10 3 16
2 13-Jan 0 0 4 3 0 8 0 15
3 20-Jan 4 0 3 4 3 0 9.3 23.3
4 27-Jan 0 3 3 4 0 4 + 4 4.3 22.3
5 3-Feb 0 4 4 0 4 0 10 22
6 10-Feb 0 4 0 4 4 0 10 22
7 17-Feb 3 0 4 0 0 11 0 18
8 24-Feb 0 0 0 4 3 3.1 4 14.1
9 3-Mar 0 0 3 3 5 0 11 22
10 10-Mar 0 4 3 4 0 4 12 27
11 17-Mar 0 0 4 3 4 0 8 19
12 24-Mar 0 4 3 0 0 0 13.1 20
races
are
blue
3/16
run
was
3/17
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So I don’t feel ready but then again, I don’t feel tired or over-trained.  We’ll see how it goes. I am pretty confident that I will finish.  How fast?? Haven’t a clue.

Today, I ran only 8.5 miles (yeah only 8!). It was another SLOOOOW cold WINDY one (what else is new?)

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almost track season

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will the snow ever melt?

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last long run in Delmar…bike trails should be almost clear

This week, I am just taking slow …getting some runs between the rain and wind and the sun (and  tennis &  hair appt), making sure that I stay healthy.

Happy Running!  Do you enjoy tapering?  Any advice?

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Currently

Reading….The Zahir by my favorite author 

WatchingThe Good Wife (the season is almost over.)

Drinking Water.

Eating… ice cream too often (but I love it.)

Anticipating the LoveRun half marathon and my weekend in Philly.

Wishing for Warm weather that’s here to stay. I am so over winter.

Seeing this weekendDivergent. I have read the trilogy and enjoyed it but mostly looking forward to spending time with my mentee.

Loving... that it is light after work and I don’t have to run in the dark.

Feeling… Nervous. I am always anxious about running races.

Happy Running?  What are you currently….?

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