Journey to a Half Marathon - Post #8

So it's 121 days to my first half marathon! I will say that May has been a busy but productive month - not only with working out - but in life, in general. So for my workouts, I have been trying to do two things:
1 - Be outside as much as possible
2 - Not just run but try new things and cross train my body

Having said that, I have completed 85.2 miles already for May! This week has been hectic so I haven't ran much but I do have a 5K this Saturday to close out my month. This is the most I have ever run in a month! The only thing that's strange with this Nike app is it calculates things differently so it's a little confusing.

So going into April, we will reach the 100 day to half mark. It's exciting! I plan on getting a more formal training plan in place with designated run and rest days. I am also getting into trail running and planning a 10K for August. And of course, I'm still swimming as much as possible.

As always, thank you for being with me on this journey!

Journey to Half Marathon - Post #7

133 days to my first half marathon! Today I ran the Foam Fest 5k in Whites Creek, TN. This is an obstacles course race. I have never done one of those before and I had heard horror stories from last years race, so I was a little nervous when the gun went off this morning!

My day started by waking up at 3:15am to kiss Eddie bye as he left for his half marathon. This is the first time he raced without me. I fell back asleep for a little bit, but we were staying with friends so I had a restless night. I started getting ready around 5:15am. Over the past week in Nashville temperatures have ranged from 40's to 90's. The weather was predicting 44 degrees and rain at our start time. Yay me! Now remember, I did the color run this year in pouring down rain and 37 degrees. Nevertheless, got up and ready! I decided to wear a bathing suit instead of undies and sports bra. My other clothes were spandex wicking type material to try and keep it fast drying and lightweight. I doned my signature headband and off we went! It was overcast and cool when we left. 

Most of the running group did this run. We were signed up for the first wave at 8am. Once we parked, we rode a bus over to the farm which was a cowboy theme park thingy. Stood in line for registration and lined up for the run. Adrenaline was pumping at the start line. My mind was on Eddie and how he was doing, and whether or not I was going to make it through this adventure!

It started with two obstacles right off the bat. Easy ones but enough to get you wet and slightly muddy! Then it was off to do some running in the woods! Weather update: cloudy, cool, no rain yet! I was feeling great today! My legs felt light, my breathing was steady, and I was bouncing down the trails. Before I knew it, I was at a water station and they said, "you're a little over half way done!" What??!!! I got this! I actually think I'm loving trail running!! So we kept going but it was time for some obstacles again! We made it to the river and it was innertube time! Immediately after that was lily pad which was running across mats laid across the river! I wiped out but it was so fun!!! 

After that lovely series of water obstacles, we got to run through a huge ice-cold mud puddle and low crawl through mud. Then we were on a short run to the wall obstacle. Let me remind you all that I'm 5ft tall. With a little help to make sure I didn't slide down the other side and fall, I made it over the wall! Now the next obstacle started out ok. This was the rope climb. I got 3/4 of the way up and started freaking out! All I could think was I was going to have a foot slip off the rope and to my doom!! My friend Reko talked me to the top and over the other side! Then we were off to get cleaned up (yeah right!) and to the death drop slide!! That would round out or Foam Fest 5k. So happy I accomplished this! Would definitely do it again! It worked muscles I'm not used to in my weekly street runs. By the way, no rain!!! And to top off the day, Eddie had a PR at his half of 1:37:36!

Journey to a Half Marathon - Post #6

So it's 136 days to my first half marathon! Things have gone ok this week. I started out Sunday with an 8.63 mile walk with my daughter. She is doing her first half in October in Myrtle Beach. We did this walking in 2 hours 34 minutes - a 17'54"/mi pace. I was quite impressed since neither one of us had gone past 6 miles before. What a way to spend Mother's Day! 

On Monday night I did 2 miles with my other daughter at a slower walking pace. It was awesome to see her finally get moving. I secretly think she enjoyed it! 

On Tuesday night we had our group run and I got another 5 miles under my belt. By Wednesday I was exhausted and still having some right foot pain/swelling. Since we had stormy weather all day, I decided to spend Wed night doing some circuit weight training in my garage. Haven't done that in a while and it felt great!

So all-in-all, things are progressing nicely. I am doing a fun run Saturday with the running group, the Foam Run. This is a wet, messy obstacle course. We'll see how that turns out!!!

Goodnight for now, and thanks for taking this journey with me!

Running Show Review: Sketchers GoRUN 3 Women's Running Shoe

I have never done a review of running shoes before (never thought I would be a "runner"!)

 Eddie, my lovely husband, bought me the Sketchers GoRun 3 running shoe for Mother's Day. I was super excited! Not only did they look good, they are in the series designed my Meb - you know, the runner who won the Boston marathon!!! Here is the info from the website:

Women's Skechers GOrun 3 Running Shoes

Skechers GOrun 3 is the next generation of transitional running shoes. Designed for speed with innovative performance technologies to promote a midfoot strike, it fosters a barefoot running experience while offering cushioning and impact protection.

Details:

• Improved breathability and flexibility
• Roomy forefoot. 3 layer Power-prene mesh on front panel allows for support while offering ample room for toe splay
• GOimpulse sensors offer flexibility and feedback for a responsive running experience
• M-Strike Technology™ promotes a midfoot strike
• Custom Fit insole is removable for an even more minimal feel
• 4mm Heel Drop to bring you closer to a natural barefoot experience
• Resalyte™ Midsole - Proprietary lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact
• Nearly seamless flexible mesh upper with lace up front

Construction:

• Flatlock stitching detail for seamless feel and lighter weight
• Soft smooth fabric shoe lining for easy barefoot wear
• Weight: Radically lightweight 5.2 oz per shoe based on a women's size 7

So last night was my first night wearing them. Let me back up a little and give you a few days history on my running/feet. So on Sunday (2 days before trying them) I did a fast walk on 8.63 miles - the furthest I have run/walked! I wore my K Swiss running shoes on Sunday and the only issues I had was swelling of feet and hands, and soreness of feet. No other problems. (Eddie blames my diet for swelling. I'm open to input. I'm still researching!) We went later in the day on Sunday to a local outlet mall and probably walked another 2 miles - very causal. On Monday evening, I went for a slow walk with the entire family. This was 2 miles at around an 18m/m pace. Again, wore my K Swiss.

So last night, Tuesday, was my team run. We typically do a 6 mile loop. I wore my Sketchers! So excited! My feet were a little swollen still, particularly my right foot since I injured it two Sundays ago when I wrecked my bike, but I had been walking/running fine, so I didn't think much of it. I laced up my new shoes and took off with the crew! About .50 mile into it, I started getting sore, mainly in my calves and shins. I kept going thinking it would work itself out. By mile 1.5, I was walking and considering turning around and going back to the car! I decided to keep going, but just walk. Around mile 3, both of my feet were burning and the outside joint near my pinkey toe, on both sides, was on fire! Also, on my right foot, mid arch, I was having pain. My shins were also killing me, along with my right calf and butt muscle. I decided to take out the insoles that come with the shoes. I thought maybe they were causing my feet to push too far forward. That seemed to help and I was good for another mile. Around mile 5, I couldn't take it anymore! I ended up taking off the right shoe and walking with one shoe on and my sock! I was in tears! Eddie wanted me to stop and he was going to come get me. I said "NO! I'm finishing this!"

When I got to the car, both shoes came off! I could visibly see red areas on both feet where they were rubbing wrong. I was so sore that I could hardly walk in my flip flops! Still sore today when I woke up. I really feel like the midfoot strike could be my issue, along with the insoles. I was very disappointed because I was prepared for these to be "my running shoes"! Needless to say, they have gone back to the store. I will be purchasing and trying another type of shoe soon.

Currently I have a pair of Nike's that are very basic, not really running shoes, a pair of New Balance running shoes (not sure of #), and my K Swiss running shoes (who knew they made running shoes?!). I probably use my K Swiss the most. I use the Nike's for fun runs like the Color Run and upcoming Foam Run. I'm iffy on the New Balance. They do fine but I haven't tried them on anything over 3 miles yet. I just wanted to give an honest review of these shoes in case any other female runners have considered them. I do know some of my male running friends have their version and love them, but they are just not for me.

Thank you for your time! Always keep moving!

Journey to Half Marathon- Post #5

Its 141 days to my first half! Sorry I have been "gone" for a while. It's been busy between work, family, running group,etc. After my 5k on Sunday morning with the running group, this happened last Sunday evening:

I had a little accident and wrecked my commuter bike! Messed up my foot and left wrist along with other scrapes and bruises.  That's ok...it hasn't stopped me! On Monday, I took it easy. No workouts = a "rest" day. On Tuesday night I was scheduled for a 6 mike run. I didn't think it would turn out well so I rode my bike with the team and ended up doing 6.23 miles. Felt good! On Wednesday I hit the gym. Did 3.11 miles in 38 mins on the crossramp (kind of like an elliptical but no arms). After that, I swam for 30 minutes. I found out that swimming hurt my wrist. Yay me! I've been sore all week but we were scheduled for another 6 miles last night (Thursday). Guess what??!! I completed it! My time was 1:38.  It was with a lot of pain and ice packs afterwards but I shaved a little over 5 mins off my first time doing that course...broken toes and all!!!

I also weighed myself last Sunday morning and (drum roll.....) 

I haven't been under 200lbs since 1996!!! So excited! So my journey continues! A special thanks to all the encouragement and love I'm being shown as I try to get ready for this first half. I now know I'VE GOT THIS!!!