Stress Fracture

My very first running injury! Anterior tibial stress fracture. TOO MUCH....TOO FAST....TOO SOON! I pushed myself through all of my races including my first half marathon in October, and wound up with an injury. Newbie mistake that hopefully will not happen again.

In a strange way though, it felt worth it! I have never felt so accomplished as I did crossing that finish line of my half. More on the blog soon about my first half marathon. 

I've taken 6 weeks off of running and I am slowly easing my way back in. I completed 3.1 this morning on the "dreadmill" and loved every minute of it!

During my off period I have taken full opportunity of the extra morning sleep but also to read up on how to prevent further injury. I'll be posting about that soon too! Just getting back into the swing of the blog posts!!

Happy running!

Medtronic 10 MILE and MUCH needed rest

 

On Sunday, I finished my first Medtronic Twin Cities 10 mile.  41 degrees and ultimately pretty darn perfect for a 10 mile run.  Here is my finisher photo!  I'm not going to lie, I felt like a marathon finisher with my super cool finisher blanket draped around my shoulders.  But, I was actually trying to smile through the picture because it was soo COLD at the finish. :)

 

FINISH TIME :  1:27:38     8:36/mile average

Earlier that week, my post talked about taking a rest.  I did not run Thursday - Saturday of this week.  It was absolutely FANTASTIC.  My body needed the rest desperately. I had come off of 6 months of 5-6 days per week of early morning (4:50AM) runs and it really was screaming at me. 

Ultimately, I am very happy with my finisher time. It's the fastest I've ever run a 10 mile.  My goal was to run 8:30/mile and finish in 1:25:00.  I was disappointed, but when I took a moment to step back and "really" look at my accomplishment, I realized that 1:27:38 is a pretty amazing finish time.  I'm happy with that.  My VERY FIRST half marathon is coming up in 2 weeks..... Here's to hoping for a sub 2:00:00 finish time!!!!

Below is my reward for finishing my race!  I know that it is extremely glutonous ( my husband did help me eat it! )

Sucktastic! My body needs a rest!

 

This has been a rough start to the week. I'm not going to lie.  I was sick for about 10 days and I am struggling to get back on track!  Which leads me to this face below! :(

 

I run with great friends who have increased my pace from a 10:00/mile to around 8:30 consistently. For awhile I was even doing 8:20/mile and had a 5K PR at 24:15.  This week I've absolutely dreaded, I MEAN DREADED the thought of running at 5AM.  My alarm rings at 4:50 and I cringe.  I can't catch my breath, my legs feel like they have cinder blocks hooked to them and I'm exhausted.  ( my husband thinks at 6 days per week, I'm running too much )  Maybe he's right?!?  I'm telling myself that it's not true and I will bounce back.  However........

I guess I should listen to my body and rest.  So, a MUCH NEEDED rest day....or two.... are in order for me.  I race on Sunday and I cannot wait to set a PR!!  10 miles. I need to be motivated and not my grumpy self!  It is supposed to be a beautiful 50 degrees in Minnesota with partly cloudy skies and I want those 300,000 spectators cheering to help motivate me. I will not back down for a fantastic race! 

Medtronic 10 mile

It's been a little while since I've written. Crazy couple of weeks. I was side-lined fit nearly a week due to a crazy virus. Tired, sore throat, headache.... The whole nine.  

Now I'm back and ready for the race next weekend. I have hopes to finish in about 1:25:00. We shall see. Today my run was 10.30 miles at 8:57/mile. Race days I always run faster. Here's to hoping. 

This was going to be a 100 mile goal month..... I'm 16 miles short. Four more days. Might not make it but I'm sure going to try.

WAKE UP EARLY...... GET IT DONE....FEEL GREAT ALL DAY! 

Run of the Mill 5K

Saturday I ran in our towns small 5K race called Run of the Mill 5K.  The weekend run kicks off the day of celebration and fundraising for our town.  It was beautiful outside.  Perfect running weather at 51 degrees and not a cloud in the sky! 

I am happy to say that I PR'ed at 24:20 - my goal was to finish in under 26:00 so I CRUSHED my goal.  There is no greater feeling than crossing the finish line at races with a PR.  The guy behind me in the blue hat actually came up to me after the race and said "Great Race - and Great Pace!"  He said he was following me the whole way and was using me as his pacer.  My pace was in the 7:50 range.  My first mile was 7:35 ( fastest mile I've ever run). Followed by an 8:05 / mile

The right pictures were taken by my husband and the right picture was me getting a glimpse of my two cutie pies watching mama run past them!  On the way back they came out and gave me high fives!

This race is one I will remember for while and is going on my PR chalkboard.  ( I don't have a PR chalk board yet )  But Pinterest gives me great ideas and I have a crafty husband who will hopefully make me one! :)  Maybe I'll get a picture of that up soon.

Next up:  10K Saturday, Sept. 20th.  at the Walker North Country Marathon!!

BUT YOU CAN!!!! Don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't!!!

Hello Friends!

Today I dropped my son off at preschool in my workout clothes.  No shower, didn't brush my teeth, no makeup, "sweat-band" still slopped to my head, hair still wet from my run. ( that's what I call my awesome headband I wear while running to catch sweat.)

I realized two things today. The first one is that truly, REALLY no one but you really cares what you look like and if anyone would have given me a dirty look I would have said " did you bust your ass in 91% humidity and run 5 miles at 5 AM this morning? Nope, I didn't think so. :)  That's the look I'm going with today " :)  I might not have sounded so rude.   But, I felt really good about myself, dropping my kiddo at school and rockin' my sweaty self - even two hours later. 

Secondly, I was having a very nice talk with his teacher and she said, "Oh you're so lucky that you get to work out now before you go to work. "  To which I replied very nicely.... " Oh I was up at 4:50 AM and it's already done"  ( smile and laugh )  I'm up before the son and done before my kids even roll out of bed!  And, I have the out the door by 7 AM.  Her look of disbelief was priceless.  She said " Wow, that's amazing... I WISH I could do that "

BUT YOU CAN!!!  Don't let anyone tell you that you can't!  I used to say that there is NO way I can possibly get up that early to fit in a workout.  But there IS a way. I made the time and I couldn't be happier.  So, It's OFFICAL...... I'm no longer the woman who says what she said to me to other woman who bust their ass early mornings.  I can see the look on others' faces when they say it to me.  It was AWESOME!!!  And, may I note that in no way was his teacher being rude and I wasn't either we were just talking today.

I started my day off on the right foot with my fantastic running partner, had a great mid-morning chat with my son's teacher and the rest of the day stayed on the right foot!  Happy Thursday! 

NEVER GIVE UP and MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF.  Never feel guilty about making yourself better!

FAST FOOD IS THE DEVIL!

Happy Thursday Morning Everyone!




I want to make something clear.  I RUN FOR FOOD!  Seriously.... most days I run so that I know I have just a "few" more calories to eat junk.  I have a problem... it's no secret.  However, I'm looking for help.  I crave convenience and therefore because of that, I eat fast food.  A LOT!!! 




I KNOW that if I wasn't exercising and running consistently, I would gain weight steadily.  Over the last 4 months, ( the last one doesn't count ) but from April - July I lost 12 pounds. I gave up soda completely, and did not eat fast food except for the occasional Subway.  I was feeling great! Absolutely fantastic. 


But, now this last month, back on soda heavily again. Anything diet is my soda of choice. And, EVERY DAY for lunch I eat fast food. Yesterday was DQ chicken fingers and a SUNDAE!  My weight has stayed at 139, which is a good thing, however I can feel everything sliding.  My belly is bloated, my skin is dry, I hardly drink water.  Among other things. 






So you're asking.... if you were "healthy " once, why not just jump on the train?  I DON'T KNOW!  I love running - thank goodness!  I still get up 6 days a week at 4:50AM to run. Saturday, I'm planning a 10 mile long run. 






My "mothering" skills I feel are suffering too because I'm not teaching my children how to eat healthy.  Many times their dinners include at least a piece of fruit ( THANK GOD ) but otherwise it's chicken nuggets, PB & J or the sort.  Of course they don't mind and they are extremely active and very healthy, skinny little boys.  But, I MIND.... and I can't seem to get on track. 






So my question is: For anyone that may reads my blog:  How do I start?  I work full time - get home at 5:45 at night - dinner is a struggle to get going so convenience takes over.  We haven't had a family sit down meal at the the table in months.  Most meals the kids eat at the counter on stools and I stand.


Have a very happy and hopefully healthy Labor Day Weekend! :)

Runing With Friends

Let's talk about the importance of a support group. Without a support group to cheer you on many exercise goals fail.  I know that mine did.
I'm not sure "how" I FINALLY decided to take the leap into "regular" exercise, but 4 months ago, I took the leap and I am never looking back.

I owe much of my new-found love for running in the hands of my two running besties.  I consider these women the best in the biz.  One has some serious street-cred too - she's completed 36 marathons with one in a few months to make 37!!  I cannot believe they were willing to slum with me for a few months while I struggled to maintain pace.

A huge plus is that they are both my neighbors so we are able to run daily and we don't have to drive to meet.  5:00 AM every morning - rain or shine.  Snow, sleet, wind, HUMIDITY, total pitch-black darkness, 30 below windchill......they are there.....waiting....... and waiting...... so if I want to sleep in I can't.  My alarm rings and I see their disappointed faces if I even THINK about not meeting up.  And for real, they modified their training schedules so that I could tag along and now that I can FINALLY pace with them... I can't possibly bail.  Right?!?!

My running has greatly improved these last 4 months and largely because of my two besties who push me daily into running faster, longer and harder.  And, they are sure to point out when my pace is lagging or when my sports bra is just too big.  " well.... I'm sure the guys like looking at you when you run. " I'll never forget that day, and let's just say I went right out and bought a new sports bra that fit tighter where my "girls" didn't bounce so much.  And, I'm barely a "B" cup so I had to stretch to make them bounce in the first place.

Anyway.... my point is.... having a support group can really push you to become better.  I rely on these girls to keep me on my toes and push me to new limits and to them I am truly grateful.  So this blog is a support group and I want to help anyone I can.  I draw support from my amazing husband.  I also draw support from Instagram.  I follow some amazing people on Instagram and you can follow me too!

Run Hydration! I'm a total GEEK!

I'm not new to running... BUT I am relatively new to the "running daily" club. Therefore, only the cool kids have them! Hydration belts people.... Yup! That's what this working mom of two is excited about! 

I tried it on my first longer run today as yesterday I snuck drinks from my besties on our run. 

I have to say it fits great and I Iove it. It's the Nathan Trail Hydration Belt. I have to say at $44.99 kinda pricey. ( I love to coupon) but I got a 15% off coupon making it a little more bareable. 

IT'S A GOOD DAY WHEN YOU RUN!!

Colorado

My husband and I recently got back from vacation throughout Colorado. We left the kiddos with our parents and left for 9 glorious days! 

This hike up to the summit of Mt. Yale was the most exhausting hike I have ever completed. We didn't quite make summit-about 100 vertical feet shy. Weather was coming in and my husband(he has climbed 19) said no way we need to go back down!! I CRIED! ALL I WANTED WAS THAT SUMMIT! 

But, he was right and we made a smart decision because we did get hailed and rained on and the descent for me was brutal!!! BRUTAL!! Like no other running experience I've ever had! I am proud to say I am addicted! We will be back! This picture was taken at the saddle of this beautiful beast!