Hot Chocolate 15K - Minneapolis, MN April 18, 2015

I Finished!  15K  1:23:27

For my first race of the 2015 season, it couldn't have been a better day in Minneapolis!  The sun was shining; 57 degrees at the start.  It was a tad bit windy, but actually after I was running, I welcomed the wind to cool me off!  A good friend of mine and my partner-in-crime for my early morning 5 AM runs was my race partner for the day.  We usually run the same pace and races are much more fun when you have a friend by your side. 

Overall, I think the race was very well organized.  It operated smoothly and everyone was able to indulge in the chocolate goodies at the end.  I've heard of many races where the finisher perks were unavailable at the end of the race.  At first, I found it odd that the 5K races started at 8:00 and the 15K started at 8:50.  However...the only downside to that was that we needed to park a tad bit farther away from the race.  The 5K pool of runners was much larger than the 15K runners.  The advantage that we had as racers starting later was: no lines at the port potties, optimum picture opportunities, easy gear check and all together less people.  This filtered through at the end of the race too.  I'm not one for huge crowds and it was very nice to have many of the 5K finishes already on their way home when we crossed the finish line.  

Here's a pick of my friend and partner-in-crime Heather and I at the finish!  Did I mention the medals are AWESOME!!!  These medals were a new addition this year for the 15K finishers.  Being that I'm a "bling-whore" I absolutely LOVE IT!!  In case you can't see all it's beauty on the above picture, here it is!!!

Another great addition to my race day was this amazing sign that my Instagram friend Amanda and her daughter made for me!  I saw her at mile 8 - just when I needed that little extra boost of energy to get me to the end.  I've never had a sign made for me so this was extra special! It is going to hang on the wall next to my treadmill. It makes a nice memory for me!

Below is Amanda and I after the finish. Believe it or not... we had never met until yesterday.  We became friends and motivators for each other on Instagram.  She came down to the race just to see me and to meet me.  I felt like a million bucks!  Here's to hoping I can support her in a few short weeks at her marathon debut!  This just shows you how amazing the running community is.  Support can come from anyone and I am so thankful for the support I receive from my Instagram and Facebook Community.

This race is a MUST-DO for anyone in the Minneapolis area. It will for sure be added to the list of my favorites.

My only disappointment on the day was that I ran 9.48 miles.  I need lessons on how to cut the course so that I am as close to the mileage as possible.  My Garmin clocked me at the same finish time, but with my mileage it was 8:48 / mile.  Hot Chocolate Ram Racing has me at 8:58/mile.  I realize that to most people this is peanuts of a difference.  I attribute some of the extra mileage to dodging runners at the start of the race - it was crowded the first 1 1/2 miles.  I feel like I could have been placed one corral up as well and that would have made a slight difference.

This race inspired the start of my season. I cannot WAIT for the next one.  In two weeks I will be completing my 2nd half-marathon in La Crosse Wisconsin.

Embracing the Beauty of Spring

 

 

There IS something to say about the "quiet" of an early Spring morning. 

 

My alarm rang as usual this Monday morning at 4:45 AM - my Garmin Vivosmart ( which I love) actually startled me awake.  I was excited about my run.  It would be the first one in months where I didn't have to dress from head to toe to keep out the frigid Minnesota winter temperatures.   My outfit was perfect for the weather... and I think that is why I had such a fantastic run this morning. 

 

 

At 5 AM in Spring, birds are just starting about their morning, the air is crisp and traffic is minimal. The streets were still damp from the rain the night before which made my Mizunos crunch with every step on the fresh sand of the road.   I say the "quiet" of the morning because even though there were outside sounds - in the darkness your senses are alert to the beauty that is an early Spring morning.  I had no distractions of city noises; no dogs barking, cars rumbling, kids playing.... just my breath, my footsteps and the beautiful natural sounds of Spring.

 

My run felt natural, pure and effortless. I embraced this feeling and loved every moment of this run.  That doesn't always happen.  Some runs are struggles.  Today started out absolutely beautiful.  It felt so great, I even pushed pace this morning and had the fastest run I've had in a very long time.  Even at 5AM! 

 

If you haven't experienced the calm and quiet of a morning run in darkness it is a MUST try. 

 

Have a fantastic Monday!







Morning Runs! I call them "Ass-Early"

I have been running for about 4 years now.  

But, I didn't get serious about my running until I got serious about my training.   I have a very busy life.  No, I don't think that it's any busier than any other mom that's for sure.  However, through a lot of trial and error - I embrace the term "Ass-Early."

At first, I undoubtedly rolled my eyes and laughed at my running friends who got up every morning before the sun, before most were out of bed, even before the birds were chirping!  They were crazy.  Out of their mind.  They had to have a problem.... who would WANT to get up that early, and especially to run??  WHAT WERE THEY THINKING??

As a mom, I wasn't doing much for myself. We all know how demanding motherhood is and then when you factor in work, food, house and all the other incidentals there's barely time to breath. Then  you fall over from exhaustion and start it all over the next day.   Don't even talk about that husband.  What husband? 

I have always had aspirations of doing a marathon, but thought well... lets just see if I can complete a half marathon first.  So, in April 2014, I called those crazy girls who got up in total darkness and asked if I could tag along for a morning sweat session.  And... the rest is history!

I love the picture above because at 4:45 AM when my alarm goes off, I often question what expression I will shout out first!  This truly is a great start to my day.  I meet the best running partners a girl could ask for at 5 AM - in ALL weather conditions.  Ok.... maybe not ALL - fresh heavy snow makes me nervous so my bed wins on snowy days.  And super frigid temps too.  Here in Minnesota we get MANY below zero days and when the wind chill approaches -10 degrees - we usually run indoors.  Although we have been known to run with wind and -8 degrees.   

My point is:  "Ass-Early" is amazing.  

I get my run in before the sun is up, before my family is up, before the birds are even up on most days and I start my day feeling GREAT!  Even after I have a terrible run, or a run where I'm feeling like it will never end.... it always gets me on the right foot moving forward for the rest of my day! 

Yes, my friends will tell you I DO complain.  Some of it for real. Some of it for "show."  There are days where I need to force myself out of bed and down the stairs out the door.  Not every run is a great run, but you'll never know if you don't try!   I encourage you to try an "ass-early" run.  I know you wont regret it!!

Since my training began... I'm still dreaming of my marathon goal.  

I am hoping I'll finish my first in October of this year.  I completed my first half marathon on October 30, 2014.  My next is one month away and I can't wait!

UrbanHalo Review

For my FIRST EVER official review..... I decided to review a product that I know a lot about.  If you are searching for that one perfect headband that will not slip while working out..... look no further!  Urban Halo is the best running headband I have ever owned.  I own a lot of them and they still look as new as the day that I bought them!   One of my favorite Halos accompanied me on my first ever half marathon in October. 

You can check out the website here www.urbanhalo.com.  These headbands are truly NO JOKE.  They are made in a variety of different colors and patterns.  They are super soft, and stretchy.  Each halo can be worn as large or as small as you like - I usually wear mine just a tad on my forehead as pictured above because I like the way it stays put and also catches some of the sweat.  

If you're a runner - these headbands are for you!  I have NEVER found a headband that does not slip while I'm running... except for these babies!  I can run for miles and actually don't even realize it's on my head as they are very comfortable.... no headaches here!

They are even cute to wear as an accessory too! You don't have to always be sweating in them. :)

Each individual halo sells for $15. But many times throughout the year, they can be found at a discounted rate depending on sales.  I think that this is a great price because truly you cannot go wrong.  You absolutely HAVE to try one out for yourself.  

Now you're going to ask?  Do they get smelly from all that working out in them?  I have never noticed any smell with my halos... BUT I do wash them often.  I throw them in with my workout clothes and let them air dry.  Usually, they go in a small garment bag just because they are so small and I want them to stay put. 

So, if you're looking for that perfect headband or even a gift for that special workout buddy... these are for you! Super fast shipping and great service!

Happy Shopping!

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!