Goal Update - Week 2

Interested to see how I'm doing on my goals?  Thanks for stopping by - I feel good about this week and it just keeps getting better.  I'm in a routine and that's good for me because I thrive on structure!  

Exercise Goals
1) Run 25 miles a week - Much better this week!  I got in three runs and covered 15.5 miles.  They were slow, but I attribute that to the hills and not being used to them.  

2) Swim at least three times a week - Two-thirds of the way there!  I got to the pool once and this weekend I headed to Camp Del Mar on Pendleton and swam in the jetty.  I got in a solid 2.5 miles of swimming this week!

3) Bike to and from work at least once a week - Not there yet, but I got the bike out and cleaned it up, lubed the chain and took her out on Pacific Coast Highway!  It was a quick 10 mile ride, and it was awesome!

4) 10-dead hang pull-ups - Still on track with the Recon Ron pull-up program.  This week I only got four of the five sets in, but that's okay because my right shoulder has been bugging me a bit.  This week the sets were 8-7-5-5-5.

Nutrition Goals
1) One caffeinated drink per day - Barely had any caffeine all week!  I actually feel like I have more energy these days too!

2) One carbonated drink per week - We went to see the new Batman movie on Saturday and I opted for a small diet coke as my carbonated drink of the week - it was delish!

3) Keep a food journal - doing great here thanks to MyFitnessPal, which I wrote about last week.  It's so easy to use!  You can even add your own recipes in there!

Running Mantra

Do you ever get to that point in a run where all you can think about is how heavy your legs are, how ragged your breath is, how the sweat is dripping into your eyes, how you just don't know how you can go on?  If not, please share your secret!  If you're like me though, you get to this point.  Not during every run, not even during all of the hard ones, but occasionally your mind runs through all of the reasons you just CANNOT go on for another step.  And when I get to that point, I need something to get me through and that's when my mantra comes in handy (actually I have two).  My old faithful one is

Let Go and Let God

But very recently I came across another one in a book I'm reading that I absolutely love and it helped me through six miles and a LOT of hills this morning

I am the Lord, God of all mankind.  Is anything too hard for me?

Do you have a mantra to get you through those tough moments when quitting seems like such a great option?

Words to Run By

Back in October of last year, we did a post called Inspiring Words with running quotes that we love.  I enjoyed doing that post, I thought it was time to bring it back!  When other people can say things in such an articulate manner, I think the best way to honor that is to quote them.

"Man imposes his own limitations, don't set any"

-Anthony Bailey

Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.
-- T. Alan Armstrong

The five S's of sports training are: Stamina, Speed, Strength, Skill and Spirit;
but the greatest of these is Spirit.
--Ken Doherty

Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. 
Try to be better than yourself.
--William Faulkner

Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.
-Lowell Thomas

What is your favorite motivational quote?

5 5Ks in 5 Hours Wearing Bib #555 (that's a LOT of 5s!)

Jessica's husband, Sean, recently participated in the Carlsbad 5000 All Day 25k! This is incredible for 2 reasons. Number 1, he's a die-hard CrossFit junkie who doesn't really like to run that much. Number 2, because it's 25k in one day!! I took the opportunity to interview Sean about his recent accomplishment. Here are the details:

Q. Why did you decide to tackle the All Day 25k Challenge?


A. Last year, I ran my first Carlsbad 5000. During the event, I learned about their All Day 25k and thought it would be an interesting challenge. Plus they have a special area for the 25kers to hang out in and a finishing medal that is actually useful - it is a bottle opener shaped like a surfboard. 

Q. What was the most difficult part of this challenge?


A. Races 4 and 5 is where it really started getting difficult. I'm not much of a long distance runner because I get bored with it quickly and thus, don't train to prepare myself for much more than a 10k. During race 4, my legs started to hurt and then we had about a 90 minute wait between races 4 and 5 so it was hard to stay warm and not tighten up for the final race.


Q. What did you eat/drink to fuel yourself during these 5 hours?


A. I just stayed as hydrated as possible throughout the morning, occasionally snacking on fruit or almonds between races. (Sean follows a fairly strict Paleo diet and always eats well.) Of course afterwards I celebrated with some beer and pizza.


Q. How were the logistics of this super popular race? Was it professionally run?


A. The Carlsbad 5000 is one of the best races I have participated in. The course is laid out well, the races begin on time, and you get to see some of the world's fastest 5k runners in the invitational divisions.

Q. (Because I must have an odd number of questions...yes I'm strange) Will you do it again next year?


A. As long as I'm not out of town, I will probably do it again next year. Even though I was pretty sore for a few das, it was a great accomplishment for me. It's a pretty great feeling when you're on your 4th 5k of the day and passing folks who are on their first and only 5k that day.

Congratulations Sean! What an awesome accomplishment! You inspire us to push through the pain and achieve our goals! Oh, and it doesn't hurt that you send me CF workouts whenever I ask:)

Healthy Benefits of Social Media

While I was pregnant with the Weasel, my husband was deployed and I didn't have too many friends in the local area. (This is not a pity party, I promise:) I decided to start a blog to just keep our family and friends throughout the country up-to-date on what was happening. After Weasel was born, I continued that blog, to somewhat chronicle her life, and eventually, I'd like to make it into a book for her. Occasionally I'd write about local 5ks on there, but to be honest, no one in that "audience" really cares much about my running. Don't get me wrong, they are supportive, but they don't really want to read about how I nearly pooped myself on a run, or an impromptu half marathon with my girl friends. 

So in October 2011, I started this blog with my sister. We added a Twitter account (@irunthere4iam) and a Facebook page to launch ourselves into the world of social media. At the beginning, adding those things were Jessica's idea. I wasn't all that keen on it because it just seemed like extra work. I didn't really feel a connection to anything but the blog. But my perspective has completely shifted in the last few months. We've made virtual friends like Heidi at Banana Buzzbomb. We regularly tweet with Betsy at The Everyday Warrior and Robin at Westford Mommy. And most recently, we became FitFluential Ambassadors where we've been "introduced" to a host of amazing individuals who place fitness among their highest priorities. 

Now we don't have the largest following on our blog, twitter account, or FB page, but we do have some loyal readers who constantly provide comments, replies, and motivation whenever we post and for them, we are grateful. While I realize that no one is out there in Twitterland waiting to read what my workout of the day was, or what I've been eating, I feel a need desire to share these things with my "friends" to hold myself accountable. I've gotten workout ideas, inspiration for healthy meals, and just an outlet for my (as my husband would say) cultish addiction to running through social media. 

I know that the dedicated few who do follow us expect a certain level of dedication; therefore, when I am not feeling a run or want to indulge in that extra piece of candy, I can log on to one of these outlets and find the motivation I need to stay the course. 

Thank you Suz and Allan at Cows and Lasers and Everything In Between, Jess and Katie at The Mommy Miles, Carla at MizFit Online, Christine at Oatmeal In My Bowl, and anyone else who has commented, tweeted, or just connected with us in this social media craze. You do make a difference in our fitness level and our approach to healthy living! (In fact, the only sweet thing I've had since posting about my addiction was a "healthy" chocolate chip cookie I made from a recipe I got from Ashley at My Food N' Fitness Diaries, and I've completed my speed workout for the week!) 

P.S. The speed workout was on the dreadmill, but it's the best alternative to laps of the track with a stroller since the gym has a daycare. I did 1 mile warm-up at a 9:04 pace. Then 1/4 mile intervals at above pace (7:30), pace (8:00) and sprint (7:03) for 2 miles. Cooled down with a 1/2 mile at 8:34. 

Semi-Wordless Wednesday: Need a little motivation?

I snagged this from The Happy Runner blog after Googling running motivation...and I fell in love with it immediately! So what are you waiting for? GO RUN!!

Running and Relationships

Many of you probably know about Couple On The Run. They live by the philosophy that by harnessing the principles of exercising with a partner and applying this to other areas of our everyday lives we can achieve more. (the pic to the right is just a Google image, but you get the idea)

My husband recently returned from Afghanistan. Prior to this deployment, we had run together on many occasions. First, while both serving on Active Duty in the Marine Corps, then after, I got out, by going for the random weekend run or completing a local 5k. Before now, these were not exactly fun for me. Jason (my husband) was quite the speed demon in his youth, running the 3-mile physical fitness test in sub-17 sometimes! Ten years in the infantry has caused him to lose his love of running a bit (mainly because it became something he HAD to do, versus something he WANTED to do) and has taken a toll on his joints, but he still keeps a good pace. On the opposite side, after having a baby and struggling to get back in shape, I have FOUND my love of running. In the 7 months he was deployed, I logged nearly 800 running miles. I've signed up for a 1/2 marathon in the spring and am continuing my training program, but now I've added him to some of those runs.

Having worked at a running specialty store in college, Jason is quite knowledgable on the mechanics of proper form. He used to spend the majority of the run analyzing my gait and arm swing while I huffed and puffed in a weak attempt to keep up. Now it's different. On Tuesday morning, we headed out in the chilly weather to knock out 4 miles. We split stroller duty and he took the first 2 miles. And over the New Year's weekend, we did a couple 3.5 mile runs. We challenged each other to sprint up the hills and happily chatted away the miles.

He understands my new found love and is very supportive. I cannot imagine going through this journey without him. Running will make our relationship stronger. Together we are setting a healthy example for our daughter. And while he still gives me advice throughout the run, now he's telling me to slow down...and that feels GREAT! And running together sure beats spending any extra time away from him after not being together for so long!

Do you have a supportive partner in your running endeavors?

Run To Afghanistan

While my husband's battalion (1/9) was deployed, I organized a "Run to Afghanistan" campaign. The idea behind this campaign, was to cover the 7000 mile distance between NC and Afghanistan as many times as possible with participating friends and family. The name of this campaign really should have been "Run/Bike/Swim/Walk/Elliptical to Afghanistan", but it just doesn't have the same ring:) I was fairly lax when it came to counting miles and really allowed any form of activity that could be completed in miles and also let anyone who was interested participate. As you can see, this challenge wasn't about being technical, but rather as a way to redirect the energy that typically goes towards worry into a healthy activity.

The response to this campaign was overwhelming! People submitted their weekly mileage to me via email every Sunday, and I maintained a working spreadsheet to track miles by individual and company (there are 5 companies within 1st Battalion, 9th Marines). We had over 250 participants and logged a total of 49,257.02 miles in 7 months! We're even making t-shirts (because who doesn't LOVE another t-shirt?!) to commemorate the event:

 While My Marine Battled The Taliban, I Battled The Bulge!

So if you know anyone in a similar situation (i.e. deployed spouse/son/etc), try encouraging them to find a positive outlet/goal to focus on while their loved one is away!

Wowzer Wednesday - MILE POST's 10k PR

Last Saturday, I finished a great run - 5 miles in 39:46 (avg pace: 7:57 mph). I was thrilled. So excited that I just had to tweet about it. Right after I tweeted, I read a post from @mileposts that boasted her new 10k PR: 40:23!! Here I was, elated from what was probably my new 5 mile PR, and I see that Dorothy ran another mile in just about the same amount of time:)

This did not take away from my joy, but merely gave me more motivation to keep logging miles and incorporating speed work in hopes of one day catching this super fast lady! Read about her PR here. She absolutely rocked this race and did it with humility. She's a great role model in the world of running moms (and regular runners too). Thanks for the inspiration!

borrowed from Mile Posts

Run Like a Child

On Saturday, 29 October, we finally buried our mom and dad's ashes (they passed away in 2008 and 2006 respectively).  After doing that, we headed to a friend's lake house and ate disgusting amounts of cheese and crackers, tortilla soup, Italian sausage soup, vegetarian chili, and brownies with icing!  We spent no more than 10 minutes digesting this and Jessica, as crazy as she is, suggests we go for a jog.  No Garmin, no watches, no plan.  Just a nice leisurely jog.

It was exactly what we needed.  Our friend's daughters ran the first 100 yards with us and reminded us what it used to be like to run for fun.  Children have no concept of logging miles, they just go for it.  

The kiddos turned back and walked with their grandma as we headed out on a path around a beautiful lake.  We chatted and just enjoyed the beautiful landscape. Oh, and we tested out our jumping abilities:

And what better way to end such a run than to lay down in the freshly fallen leaves?  Challenge yourself to go out and run just for the sake of running.  Take away the gadgets, take away the stress, and remind yourself why you love such a pure sport.

Inspiring Words

As we head into the weekend, what better to leave you with than some motivational quotes about running! If you are tired from a long work week and just feel like sitting on the couch in front of the TV (this happens to me all the time!), then read through these and get ready to lace up your running shoes!

"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."
- Steve Prefontaine

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
- Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
- Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner

"Many people shy away from hills. They make it easy on themselves, but that limits their improvement. The more you repeat something, the stronger you get." - Joe Catalano

I've saved my favorite quote for the end!!! Some days I get down on myself for not being super fast or not having achieved all my running goals, but in the end, this is what it boils down to...

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."

- John Bingham

What's your favorite motivational quote that gets you out the door rain or shine?

Bad Mother Runners

I am lucky enough to have found the most amazing group of military moms to run with twice a week (plus long runs, bike rides, playdates, etc). This group is called Stroller Warriors, and if you've met me since I joined the club, you've probably thought to yourself, "Geez, does this girl EVER talk about anything other than this running club?!".

Running with these women and their children has not only made me a faster, more confident runner; it has made me a better mother and a more sane individual! We share a common bond as military wives and mothers and runners. The group ranges from beginners to blazing fast chicks pushing 100+ pounds in a double stroller. On any given Tuesday or Friday, the people of Camp Lejeune (or Jacksonville, NC) are assaulted by an onslaught of 30-50 strollers running down one of our usual routes. It's truly a sight to behold. During these runs, I've asked about a thousand questions about how to feed/clothe/entertain/fly with Reagan. These ladies have all the answers because they've done it all.

I seriously cannot say enough good things about Stroller Warriors. If you're not part of a running group, I strongly recommend finding one. You'll discover that you are faster and stronger than you ever imagined. Plus, they usually have cool t-shirts.

Some of the SW's after running the Stephen Siller Tunnel 2 Towers 5k

Check them out in this article from the Jacksonville's newspaper, The Globe.

***Congratulations to the winners of the RazzyRoo Giveaway Lisa (Mom to Marathon blog author) and Lynsey (The Moores: Capturing our Adventures One Day at a Time blog author)

Running Idols

Although, technically the dictionary defines idol as an image or other material object representing a diety to which religious worship is addressed, I think it is a fitting word in this manner.  The below runners are people who inspire greatness in others through their actions and words.  

Scott Jurek: More than just a champion, Scott is a true student and ambassador of the sport, known to stay at finish lines cheering until the last runner crosses.  A passionate advocate for vegetarianism, he follows a 100% plant-based diet, which he credits for his superior endurance, recovery and overall health.  He believes that everyone can run an ultra and everyone can access their body’s innate capacity to heal.  Through writing, public speaking, and consulting, Scott takes joy in encouraging people of all fitness levels to take the next step toward vibrant health. (from http://www.scottjurek.com/#/bio/)

Pam Reed: Two time winner of the Badwater Ultra Marathon, set an American record in the 24-hour track run, and named “Runner of the Year” by Competitor Magazine.  Mother to three boys and a dog, author of the book The Extra Mile, and an all-around amazing woman – her personal goal is to motivate people of all speeds and ages to do something for themselves and set a fitness goal that will encourage a healthier lifestyle.   (from http://pamreed.com/pr/index.php/about/)

Beth Risdon: Popular author of Shut Up and Run, this woman is amazing.  44-years old, Beth discovered running late in life and went from zero to 26.2 miles!!!  She’s overcome injuries along the way, and always has hilarious stories for her blog followers.  She loves to write, believes in holding nothing back and telling the truth.  She believes in being real.  Her philosophy on living is, “Don’t let fear hold you down.  That’s a big time waster.  Actually, it’s a big life waster.” (from http://www.shutupandrun.net/p/about-me.html) 

Ok, that was Jessica's half...here's my input: I was supposed to update this post with my 3 running idols, but life got in the way.  I'll spend some time thinking about it tonight, but right now, my daughter has to go to bed and the computer is off limits.  Sorry!