Halloween Halfathon Race Recap

On Sunday, October 28, 2012 I participated in another half marathon as part of my taper for the NYC Marathon.  Guess what, I PR'd but will get to that later.  I registered for the Halloween Half when it first opened and it was really cheap!  I knew for me, it would guarantee getting the miles in.  So, instead of doing 8 miles, I did 13.1.  Woops!

Saturday evening I was asleep before 10pm, but was up at 11:45 with a stomach ache, a throat that felt like there were shards of glass in it, a headache and my ears were killing me.  On top of that, my sister was in Hawaii with tsunami warnings.  She was texting frantically and freaking out.  It is safe to say this was going on till about 2:30.  The alarm was set for 4:10.  Guess who was not happy when that went off, guess who felt like death and didn't know if I was going to make it to run in the morning.  Luckily, I was meeting Meghan at 5:20!  I figured, if I still felt like crap, I would spectate or run the 5k. We met and headed straight to the race where we had to pickup our packet.  There I met up with Sarah and Brandi, used the restroom 2x (only #1), glided up, and was ready to GO!  It was so organized and we started right on time!  It was such a pleasure!  I loved the size of the race.  There were about 1000 participants!  We corralled by pace on our own.

Kitty Cat minus my ears post race

I went into this race with no expectations except two, to run slow and use this as a taper run, and make sure my first mile is not the fastest.  I definitely succeeded at the second goal.   The course was pancake flat.  The first has I was "flying", and it did not feel like it.  I didn't realize what I had in me.  I figured I had slowed down while training for this marathon as i did NO speed work.  I use the word flying loosely because for me, a 12 minute mile is good :)  By mile 8 I started to feel a little tired but kept on trekking along.  At mile 10, holy headwind.  This was the hardest I had worked all training season.  Because this was a taper, I took it easy, resistance training.  I haven't updated my Garmin yet so I do not have the race splits.  I do know I have as low at 11:04, very unlikely for me.  I do owe some of it to the cool, cloudy weather.  I am NOT complaining what so ever!  I stopped at every water stop for some gatorade and water.  I took a powergel at mile 6ish and probably should have taken one at mile 10.  By mile 12, I was ready to be done and stopped for water just so I can have a nice little walk break.

The coarse was beautiful and the spectators were great.  There were not much because this is a closed course along the beach so they were there cheering on their families.

I managed to pull off a PR during a taper run. WOOHOO.  I couldn't tell you my exact time becasue online it was about 2:36:XX which is the gun time, and being towards the back, I know it took at least a minute to get through.  My watch stopped 2x and at 12.87 is said 2:32:23 so I am going with about 2:35 leaving me a pace at 11:50!  That is a 4 minute PR.

This was a great race which I would do again next year.  There are many races at this park which I would look into as long as they go along with my training schedules.

Photo Credit Meghan

Thank you Sarah and Brandi for running with me for the first three miles!  It was great to have you as company!!  Thank you Tori for cheering me in :)

Weekly Workout Recap

Yes, this post is late, and yes, I am sorry!
My computer and internet are a little moody.  Sometimes it likes to work and other times, not so much.  This is what I have been dealing with lately as my computer is hardly working now.

Let's just say, the weeks leading up to a marathon are crazy, especially if you are missing work and have to have lessons prepared!  Man do I wish I had a job that wasn't harder to not be at work, and by that I mean, I have to work even harder when I am not at work because my students still need something to do.
Please do not take that as a complaint, I love my job, but sometimes, very often, I am very jealous of those who get to leave their work at work at the end of the day.

Let me just get started with this weeks workouts.


Monday I was so excited to get out there are run!  I had all this energy I wanted to release.  Well, this run was less than stellar as it was supposed to be a 4 miler on Tuesday but I moved it to Monday because I was bored.  This turned into 2 painful miles... As, I ran there and ran/walked back.

Tuesday I had a sports massage and I think she did wonders to my leg!  I wasn't taking any chances running my heart out

Wednesday I had a dentist appointment and thought I would go swimming or biking afterwards.  That changed once I got there and had to get work done and couldn't eat or drink after.  There goes my cardio to stay hydrated :(

Thursday I had a busy day and was headed to Meghan's for a jewlery party.  I normally would NOT run on a busy day, and just get ready.  Guess who was a big girl and ran?! Yup, this one here!  I cut it a mile short because of time, but I did 3 hard miles!  By hard I mean, wow, keeping that 12 min mile pace was tough.  My body just didn't want to move, at all.  But I powered through

Friday and Saturday were much needed rest days!

Sunday, I completed in my who knows what number half marathon!  That race was a great race for me.  I didn't have stomach issues till I got home and I PR'd by a few minutes.  I will hopefully do a race recap on that as soon as my computer wants to work.  I met Meghan and we carpizzled there.

This upcoming week! NYC MARATHON :)  Just sayin'


Oh, and link up :)

2 weeks to go + Weekly Workout Linkup

Less than 2 weeks till the New York City Marathon and the Weekly Workout Linkup!

Can you tell I am just a bit excited?!  Well, I am.  I head to NY in a little over a week so life is a bit crazy these days.  On top of that, I have an observation this week, 2 doctor appointments, a Jewelry Party, and it goes on!

Since my miles are getting lower I have a few more minutes of my hands and it is nice.  Knowing I am in taper mode, I am not too concerned about missing run, or the pace (not that I ever cared).  I know that the next few days are to help my body recover and rest for the big 26.2.  It might sound silly, but I am more excited for the race to be over so I can increase the miles again to train for Disney's Marathon and Half Marathon.  

After the 22 mile run on Saturday, I ventured out Sunday for a bike ride with some great people!  It was certainly not what I expected.  I intended to try to do 14 miles, which would have been my longest bike ride to day, but we started late and 22 miles the day before didn't mix well.  I managed to get through 8 before my butt went numb.  Meeting people was amazing, it really helped me mentally because I was terrified to put on those damn shoes.  I managed to make it the whole way without falling and it really boosted my confidence.  I know I can make it out there alone.

Monday was a much needed rest day, I couldn't walk.  Simple as that!  I also worked 11 hours. 

Tuesday I was home early and had 5 miles on the schedule.  I was ready to get out there even though I was so sore.  Once I laid in bed for a few minutes, I was ready to call it quits.  An email popped up from the Leukemia and Lymphoma society with a very generous donation from Rachel (go check out her blog!).  Because of her donation, I powered through those 5 miles.  It hurt, I was going faster than I thought and powered through it.  It was beautiful out, and the first time running without stopping for water.  

Wednesday and Thursday was homecoming festivities.  I was at work for 13 hours Wednesday and 15 hours on Thursday.

Friday is normally a rest day but Team in Training was having a nighttime run for the Wine and Dine peeps, I figured I would join in because I had a wedding to go to on Saturday.  My coach convinced me to go swimming.  It was an awesome swim.  I did a mile in the pool in about 35 minutes.  After swim time, I napped and for ready for my 11 mile run.  That 11 mile run ended rather shortly after I wanted to puke at mile 1.  Yup, and there went that.

How did your workouts go this week?  

I was happy with mine, although lower numbers that it should have been, I was able to get in some swimming.  I was sad my run sucked because I thought taper week is supposed to make you feel more confidant?

LINK UP and THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY:)

I found this on the ING NYC Marathon Facebook page

Friday letters

Happy Friday!  Oh boy am I excited it it Friday!  I am even more excited I am off today! This week has been long, I cannot imagine having to work today! With it being homecoming, I was at work yesterday until 9, and that is past my bedtime!

This weekend I have so much fun awaiting me, run inning, wedding, concert, and I could keep going but I won't bore you, but now it is time for some Friday letters :)

Dear Self, hair, grow faster so you can chop it off and donate it!  Dear Leg, stop hurting so I do not look like a gimp! Dear NYC Marathon email, keep them coming!  I get more and more excited Dan time I check my email.  Dear Halloween candy, you are the devil! But I love you so much! Dear mom and dad, I am so happy you live an hour away and closer to work, it feels so nice to be spoiled again!  Dear room, you will be cleaned this weekend! I will own you!

If you wrote letters, who would you write them to?
What are your exciting weekend plans?
And do not forget to link up on Sunday for your weekly workout recap!

WIWW Sprit Week

This is a crazy (fun) week at school.  It is homecoming and that means it is spirit week.

We have a variety of options to "dress up" at this week and I am taking full advantage of it!

I do not do "fashion" posts because I am no fashionista!

Here is my fun "What I Wore Wednesday"

Monday:

Dress to Impress or Tacky.

Guess what I chose..

Tuesday:

Super Hero vs. Villian

 Super "H" to the rescue

Wednesday
Camo Vs. Neon

I do not own Camo.. I took every bright item I had and made it as tacky as possible.
Thank goodness for running gear!

The scary, tedious, painful, glamorous, amazing..

Yes, you read the title correct.  

I did my last "long" run this weekend.  It consisted of 22 miles!  It consisted of all the above words.

Amazing, long, dreadful, painful, sweaty, etc.  I can keep going! 

This was exactly what I needed.  I still am not sure how prepared I am for NY, but there is no turning back now.  Whether I am prepared or not, I am finishing that damn race.  I am claiming my medal.  I have been running through the heat, new schedule, and injuries.  Ready or not, here I come.

Here is how my run went.

Friday night I can't really even remember what I ate, a half a bagel with peanut butter, and I am sure whatever else I was able to stick in my mouth.  I was sleeping before 9:00, that I know for sure.  My alarm was set for 4 knowing I was meeting my team at 6:30.  4:00 came and I almost said "F" it, I want to sleep.  Instead, I snoozed, got up and got ready.  I vaselined my toes, glided any place that may chafe and was out the door by 4:30.  I had one thing freaking me out.  After talking to Tori and everyone else about my stomach issues, she mentioned trying an immodium.  I could not find it for the life of me, I bought it specifically for this run.   Once I got to my car, I found it!  I was so happy!  It is the little things like that in life.  

At the park, I put all my gear on and ventured out for my run.  I kept gong back and forth on the route I wanted to run because I wanted to make it back for the TEAM.  This totally kept me going because I was thinking about something other than the pounding on my feet. The run started off pretty well, just a bit of quad pain.  It was dark, which I loved.  I love running in the dark because I cannot see my watch, I can't see how far I have gone, or how far I have left to go.  At the 4 mile marker I turned around to head back to the start.  I wanted to get about 8 in before meeting TEAM.  It worked out perfectly.  They had 14 on the schedule.  After meeting up, I was still feeling great!  I would run 2 then walk for a few minutes because I know I will be walking through the water stops in NY.  

8-13 were just fine.  I fueled with Honey stinger chew every 4-5 miles.  I started to want to shoot myself about mile 14.  Not going to lie, mile 15 I tried a powergel.  I have had them in the past, but knew I was 2 miles from a bathroom and had immodium in me so I can be "risky".  I was still walking and running.  The walking started to happen more frequently, but was still maintaining a pace I wanted.  I saw Kat around mile 16 which was a boost I needed.  She is training for Ironman in Panama city.  I saw her, and forgot to turn my watch back on.  It was off for about a mile so you will see that my watch says 21 miles.  Misty and I kept at each other.  Mile 19, Yup, wanted to shoot myself again.  I told myself I can walk it and will rock 20-22.  And that is what I did.  I encouraged myself by setting markers to run to, or minutes to run.  I knew after this, come race day, I would still have 4.2, I would have bridges to climb up.  I wanted to be as best prepared as possible.

I hope I didn't bore you too much with that!

After 22 miles, my coaches were waiting for me!  It was a bitter sweet feeling because I didn't get to celebrate.  I headed straight home to get ready for a bridal shower.  This was my second longest run ever.  The only longer run I had was my Marathon last year.  

It is not Monday night, I still cannot walk like a normal human being.  I say "ouch" every time I walk up or down the stairs, sit down, or attempt to sit on the toilet.

I ran 22 miles, please take a moment to donate your morning coffee to help find a cure for caner

Genna's Fundraising page

Weekly Workout Recap #3 and Taper Time

If you have been following my blog at all, you will know that I am currently training for the New York City Marathon.  With it being 3 weeks out, it is officially taper time!  I am so excited, if my body would let me, I would jump for joy!  I am going to keep this post short because I will get to the 22 mile run I did in another post.  

This weeks workouts were great, when they occurred.  I am battling some running injuries due to high mileage and with NY quickly approaching, I believe it is best to keep the miles low and just really run on the long runs.  I really need to start incorporating cross training (more often) but am truly a little scared to being so close, I do not need to injure myself any more.  I am apparently prone to over use injuries as back in December, I was sidelined for 4 months.  I didn't run and didn't do anything so that is one my my reasons for my pace being slower these days.

Here is what I did last week, not much, but still damn proud!  I hit 33 miles in just two days :)

Last Sunday after my long, dreadful, non existent run on Saturday, I joined Tori for 11 miles.  She pushed me further than I would have pushed myself.  I sort of felt bad she had to walk with me, but she stayed with me even after I told her to leave.  Now that is a good friend :)

With Tori, before my watch died..Can you tell where I needed my walk breaks?

Monday was a much needed rest day after putting 23 miles on my legs that weekend.  I also managed to stay at work for 12 hours.  (Typical)

Tuesday my plan was to run down Hyde park before I met with the beautiful and talented lady bloggers!  That did not happen because our staff meeting lasted an hour and would not have made it. I graded instead.

Wednesday was another late night at work.. I suck!

Thursday consisted of two doctor appointments, one of which my Dr. treated my leg and it does not hurt now after 22 miles, just soreness.

Friday was carbo load day!

Saturday consisted of 22 amazing, terrible, grueling, cool, sweaty and the list can go on..MILES

As it is time to taper, my miles will be decreasing, I can hopefully sleep in past 4am.  

I apologize for being a "slacker" but I truly think this is what my body needs.  After NY, it's back into training mode for the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon, Call me GOOFY!

THis weeks goals..Bike ride, stretching, (Maybe yoga, I hate it), icing, foam rolling....

What are your goals for this week?

How did you hold up with your weekly workout?

Don't forget to link up!!

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Friday Letters 3

It is Friday and I could not be happier!  For some reason I always get this feeling come Friday.  You too?

This was another crazy week with events and dinners to go to.  Another painful week with leg pain so I had to cut out some all running which left me with more time to plan, as well as more time to spend time with family and friends.  Next week, instead of running, I will be hitting up the bike and pool instead.  

Now for Friday letters!  

Dear self,

Sometime you really amazing!  You rock!

Dear leg,

Get better soon! I miss my sneakers and want to break them in before NY.

Dear Timpanos,

Seriously..meat in Minestrone soup?  Not cool!

Dear Tori,

Thank you so much for inviting me to run with you.  I know i held you up, but it means so much that you stuck with me.  The vegan restaurant on Fletcher is on me :)

Dear Trader Joes,

You are amazing in every single way!  I don't have anything else to say about that.

Dear Readers,

Please take a minute to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  I want to be able to run for those who have been affected by cancer.  We are touched all too often and I want to stop it!

Dear Caroline and Steph,

I could not thank you enough for the generous donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society!

Go check out their blogs! They rock

I hope you have a great weekend and link up with Meghan, Kat, and myself on Sunday to talk about our weekly workouts!!!

Weekly Workout Roundup 2

Another training week in the books!  4 more weeks till the New York City Marathon.

I am so excited, eager, nervous.  I am one ball of emotions.

I am scared I didn't train enough but I also know, I will make it across that finish line (eventually).

Yesterday morning I was supposed to have 20-22 miles to complete.  I was ready.  I carbo loaded and hydrated yesterday.  I was excited to start the taper.  Then I woke up with a little gas.  Sorry, this post may be TMI.  With a stomach ache in the possible future, I was a little nervous about our location due to bathroom stops.  

By 5 am, I was on my feet, stretched, and ready to go!  I wanted to go back and meet the team at 6:30 or 7.  I made it back in perfect time.  I made it 4 miles out and back with no issues! Just the thought and tiny feeling I had to use the restroom.  At Ballast point the restroom was open when I got back.  I refilled my water, took some honey stingers, spoke with the Coach and we were off to conquer more miles.  I had 14 more on my schedule.  

I noticed early on that my pace was slower than normal.  I was OK with that.  My goal was to make sure my first mile was not my quickest.  I normally set out too fast, and crash hard.  

Back on the road I was able to talk to Lyle regarding my quad pain, tummy issues, the race not starting until almost noon and the fact I will be running through lunch!, and my pace.  We figured its because I am incredibly busy and I have been slacking at getting in those runs after 12 hour wok days and a 2 hour drive each day.  I know this week, medal to the pedal!  My quad held up for 12.  It was there, but I was able to run through it with out an issue.  

At mile 10, 2 miles back on the route, my stomach started to scream.  I had to stop and walk.  I seared for a bathroom.  I didn't know if I would make it the next 2.5 miles to the Publix on Bayshore or if I should turn around.  Let it be known, there was also a porter potty I stalked this morning.  I was going to attempt it but it was on someone elses property.. Was a little weeriee.  So, that being said, I walked the 2 miles back just in case.  I was able to walk relatively slow and then some speedwalk was thrown into the mix.  It was a tough time back but I luckily made it, just in time.  After that I called it quits.  

I was very sad to have stopped, I didn't know how my stomach would handle the next 10 miles and truthfully, I didn't want to take the chance.  The sun started to come up and new I would finish today.  When the coaches came back in, I asked their opinion regarding running the next day to make up.  Apparently it is not like running a 20 miler, but for me, more miles on my feet.  I will do a 22 miler next week, so I have one more week before Taper!

Now for the Weekly Workout Roundup with Meghan and Kat.

Grab a button and link up!

Sunday: Wow, my body totally felt that 10 miler!  Today consisted of walking around Downtown as a little recovery.

Monday: Spin class!  Totally kicked my butt because still sore!  I was happy to get to the gym.  It was my first time at the gym since..who knows

Tuesday: I thought it was necessary to be at work for 12 hours.. I didn't even notice until it was too late.

Wednesday: 3 miles on the treadmill.  Pouring outside.  I cut this short.  Was supposed to be 4 miles but I felt the quad and didn't want to push it.

Thurday: After knowing my quad was still bothering, I foam rolled and prepped for the 20 miler I was supposed to have

Friday: Rest Day!! Carb and hydrate

Saturday: 12.5 miles (read above)

How did your workouts go this week?  I was excited to get to the gym twice.  Not much for many of you, but I am still downing in work.

How do you say NO to work and YES to the gym?  Any hints or tips for me?  I can't go in the morning because that means running at 3 am, and I am a scardy cat.  

Also, I know you are eagerly waiting for a recap of Tower of Terror 10 mile race.  I haven't started.  But I am still going to do it.  Please be patient with me :)

Genna's Fundraising Website

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Friday letters 2

Happy Friday!

I was not sure Friday was going to arrive, but I am so glad it did.  This has been one crazy week.  Catching up from a weekend out of town, dads birthday, 2 observations, making it to the gym twice..(wow, over achiever here)!

It is time to say goodbye to the workweek, gear up for 20 miles, lesson plan, and relax.

To start us off, here are my Friday letters :)

Dear self, 

Great job not letting people steal you in the wrong direction.  You rock :)

Dear quad,

Please hold up for my last 20 miler this weekend.  You have been pretty good so far, I want to not hate the NYCMARATHON.

Dear other bloggers,

Keep on blogging! I am so motivated by you guys! Anything from fashion, budgeting, to fitness, I love it all!! (What must reads to you recommend?)

Dear 70.3 finishers and 140.6 finishers,

I envy you! I will be you one day!

Dear closet,

I had to rewear a dress today for the first time since school started.  I guess I'll have to wear pants and shirts.

lastly, 

Dear weekend,

I am so excited for you!

What are your plans this weekend? What are you excited for? 

Go for the Goal: October

WoW!!! Is it really October already?  Where has the time gone?

I have been working at my new school for over a month, and I am loving every second of it, well, almost!

September Goals

Survive and Run 75% of my runs.

These are going to go hand and hand in my explanation.  I am here, I am still alive, I have survived.  Not by much though.  

I did NOT get 75% of my runs in.  Being the cross country coach at the school that I work out was great while it lasted.  It taught me many lessons, most importantly, don't bite off more than you can chew.  Living an hour away from the school, teaching 3 new preps, co sponsoring two clubs, and coaching a sport that practices M-F 3-5 was unfortunately, too much.  I had to say goodbye.  Because I said goodbye, I was able to get home before 7:30 a few nights last week! WOohoo.  I may have a life back and be able to "start" training for that marathon I have next month.

October Goals

Run

Get to the gym

Stay away from the "Nasty" food until after the NYC Marathon

I am off to bed as I have a 4:50 wakeup call to go to work.  I am envious of those who can work out in the morning!

What are your goals this month??