New 1/2 Marathon Training Program.

Ok, so I forgot to blog about my run on Monday.... woops.  I didn't follow the B210K training program.  I am wanting to run the Gusher 1/2 marathon, so I am switching to a different training program soon that is more focused on endurance and training for longer races.  Monday's run was fabulous, and felt amazing....especially since I took off Friday, Saturday & Sunday after the Turkey Trot and all of the Thanksgiving holiday hoopla!  My run was 3 miles on the treadmill at home since it was sooo feakin' cold! BRRRR  I am also thinking about trying out the Nike + GPS app on my iPhone...  I just don't want it to put me over my 2GB a month data limit...anyone had that problem or is it good??  Thanks for any help!

Happy Running Ya'll!

2011 Turkey Trot 5K

Today was officially my 1st race!  I did the 2011 Turkey Trot 5K race and finished with a decent time.  I'm proud of myself!  My pace was about 10/min mile and I felt so great the whole time.  The energy from the crowd was awesome too.  I loved running with so many people and being around such excitement.  Now I see why runners get hooked on the competitiveness of the races.  It's just too fun.

 A big thanks to my sis and her fiance for coming out and supporting and taking all the pictures! :)

Walking to the Starting line!

I finished!  (Bad pic of me lol)

Now I am going to go have a Turkey Day feast with the family :)  Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Happy Running :)

B210K Week 2 Day 3

First things first... I signed up for my very first race today and am so excited and a little bit nervous because I have no idea what to expect and I am running it alone!!  Yikes!  It's the Sea Rim Striders 21st annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day morning!  Here's my 1st racing bib and technical t-shirt :)

Today I completed B210K week 2 day 3 after a total downpour and cool front came through.  The rain was finally over when I ventured out around 4:00, and it was cool and breezy... a nice day for a run in the park.  I am definitely addicted to the runner's high.  I am getting a little nervous about next week with the time/distance increase, but I'm sure I'll handle it better than I think.

I finally was able to get into the doctor yesterday to have my wrist looked at.  It has been bothering me for a week.  Really sore and achy and then after I weight lifted last Thursday it was sharp pains all through my thumb and wrist.  My dr was closed Friday so I just sucked it up and toughed it out through the weekend with the help of an ace bandage, extra strength bengay and a big bottle of Advil.  Found out it's tendonitis + a torn ligament... OUCH!  But it should start getting better now that I have this beautiful contraption.....  I miss weight lifting already.

Happy running ya'll!!

B210K Week 2 Day 2

Quick update.... apparently I was too lazy to blog yesterday when I actually completed my B210K week 2 day 2 run so here it is now.  My husband and I went to my aunt and uncle's for a day of wedding crafts, and grilling, but my arm is really messed up and I'm in quite a bit of pain.  I am not sure if I tore something, sprained or pulled something or if I have a hairline fracture in my right wrist.  I am going to the dr. tomorrow to get it checked out.  As of now, I'm just wearing and arm brace, using Bengay, and eating advil like candy.  Hopefully they can get me all fixed up tomorrow.

Anyway, needless to say, I wasn't much help on the craft front this weekend so I decided to go for a run in their neighborhood while everybody else glued, spray painted and glittered up everything for my sister's wedding.  I do have to say I felt better afterwards and had less pain.  In total I ran 45 minutes with a warm up and cool down walk and 1 minute walk intervals thrown in every 15 minutes.  So the total workout was 57 minutes.... not bad.

Hopefully my arm isn't hurt too badly, I miss weight training my upper body already.  Gotta finish up day 3 ASAP so I can start on week 3!!  Happy running everybody :)

I want this cute pink running hat...it has a zipper on the side to store your car key or gels when you run!  Plus it's made with a sweat wicking band on the inside!  Genius

B210K Week 2 Day 1

Holy Moly week 2 day 1 was much harder than week 1 workouts.  The workout consisted of 5 minute warm up walk, followed by 15 minute run intervals with 1 minute walks between each one (3 in total) and finished up with a 5 minute cool down.  The jump from 10 minute intervals to 15 minutes consecutive running was definitely challenging but at the end I felt even better than last week.  This week has basically added 15 minutes of running to my preexisting running routine.

I am loving all the new challenges as well as the changes I see in my body and my mind.  I am starting to feel like I can do whatever comes up next in the training and actually feel athletic.  My legs have more muscles than ever and even when I'm relaxed they are very prominent.... that's a huge motivator! lol  The rest of my body is falling into place too, even though it's taking longer, I know it will be worth every single sweat filled moment once I am where I want to be.  Plus the thought of finishing a marathon and crossing that finish line makes me even more ready to push my limits and my boundaries.  I can't wait until the day that I can call myself a marathoner.  Very few people even try to do one, much less accomplish it.  I just want to be in that group of people who know that running really is worth all the pain, sweat, blisters and challenges.

I am ready to get back to the gym for weights soon too... I have only been once this week for strength training and I feel like a total slacker in that department!  But.... my arms are finally starting to have some definition in them and my upper body is getting stronger.  I increased the weights by 10lbs Tuesday and plan to increase them again next week.  Time to step it up and get back in gear....  Hope everybody is having a wonderful week.

This is my new pair of Asics GT2160s (Blue, White and Grey) that are so supportive yet feel like you're running on a cloud!  Lightweight, supportive and so comfy...can't ask for more in a good running shoe.  Check out the reviews!!   My husband definitely knows the things that make me happy lol  Thank you D! :)

voted best in the world! in LOVE with them

Now if I can just get this cute pink and black pair, I'll be set! :) lol

B210K Week 1 Day 3

Today I finished week 1 day 3 of B210K and I feel so energized!!  I did my run inside on the treadmill because we went to pick up my mom in law to stay the night and visit so I didn't want to be outside and miss out on time with the family.  So I ran on the treadmill and visited with my family instead.  Anyway, it was a good run but I missed being outside.  I would much rather workout outside any day of the week.  I am running a little behind on my 10K training because I got sidetracked with my sister's bridal shower this past weekend.  So, tomorrow I will run week 2 day 1 of the program and then do days 2 & 3 sometime through the weekend so I can be back on track Monday for week 3.  I must stick with the schedule!  Well, I hope everyone has a great rest of the week.... Happy Hump Day people.

Happy Running Ya'll!! :)

B210K Week 1 Day 2

I completed week 1 day 2 of B210K yesterday but apparently I was too lazy to write the blog for it until today...  The workout consisted of a 5 minute warm up walk, 10 minute run with a 1 minute walk interval (repeat 4 more times) and finished up with a 5 minute cool down.  So it was another workout with a lot of runs!  I am really enjoying pushing my limit and pushing past the pain.  As soon as it's over, I know it was totally worth it.  I feel energized and happy.  The aches and pains are just part of running but it's never a let down... it's always worth it in the end.

Today, Tuesday, was just a weight training day for me because the weather was so bad.  I went to the gym to train and I just can't bring myself to run for a solid hour on a treadmill now that I am used to running outside in parks.  It's just too boring and I get way too stir crazy.  If it was only a 30 minute run, I could grit and bear the treadmill, but not a whole hour.  The weight training went well.  I have increased my weights for upper body by 10 pounds and my legs are insanely strong as always.  I love how weight training is helping prevent normal running injuries that happen.  I'm hoping to prevent as many as possible for as long as possible.  

This is a new product I have started using and LOVE!  I am not a huge fan of butter to start with, but I do like it on fresh baked rolls every once in awhile.  For the most part, I skip it though.  It's too greasy... it is right up there with fried food for me... just not a fan, never have been.  Always have and will order grilled chicken over fried.  But whenever I want a little butter... this is what I will use now!  It's made with olive oil and has way less saturated fat than the other real stuff lol.  Just wanted to pass it along!

B210K Week 1 Day 1

Today was my very first day of my new running program Bridge to 10K.  Week 1 Day 1 consisted of a 5 minute warm up walk followed by a 10 minute run interval and 1 minute walk interval (repeated 4 times) and finished up with a 5 minute cool down.  This was definitely more challenging than Couch to 5K was...  In total, I ran 50 minutes almost straight because 1 minute walk intervals go by extremely fast! Each week gets progressively longer just like the C25K program did.  The workouts vary from 50-75 minutes per day 3 days a week and you cross train or weight lift on the other other days and have 2 days of rest.  So basically Monday, Wednesday & Friday are my run days with Tuesdays and Thursdays reserved for weight training and I'll take weekends off for now.  Today is Wednesday so I will do day 2 and 3 on Thursday and Friday this week since I started late.  B210K is only 6 weeks long and culminates with running a 10K (6.2 miles).

Once B210K is finished, I will be doing the Hal Higdon 1/2 marathon training program which lasts 12 weeks and will finish the week of The Gusher Marathon with race day on that Saturday!  The timing worked out perfectly!  I can't be more excited about that.  I am really happy that I found a park with a beautiful trail that I really love to run.  It beats the treadmill any day... and helps me adjust to wind resistance and uneven paths.  After finishing 5K training last week, (9 weeks long) I had lost a total of 23 pounds and gains a ton of muscle tone!  I am looking forward to seeing how my body changes over the next 6 weeks of 10K training.

I am posting a picture of the delicious green smoothie that I posted the recipe for a couple blogs ago... so good and so healthy!

Here is another delicious post run healthy smoothie recipe that I tried today!  It's especially good for morning runs and an extra energy boost!  Here's the recipe, enjoy:

Crunchy Coffee Smoothie


4 ounces chilled coffee 
4 ounces fat-free milk 
1 banana (preferably frozen), sliced 
2 tablespoons whole almonds 
2 teaspoons natural cocoa powder


(161 calories, 23 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 3 g protein, and 8 g fat.)


Happy Running ya'll!

My LAST C25K Workout!!! (Week 9 Day 3)

I can NOT believe today is the last day of my Couch to 5K running program, but it is... it is over, I finished it!  I feel a little sad, a lot happy, overjoyed, excited, amazed and so proud of finishing the 9 weeks and bettering my health.  I also feel excited, antsy, nervous and ready to start my Bridge to 10K running program next week!  I can't wait for the new challenge which will last 6 weeks and then 1/2 marathon training will be for 12 weeks followed by The Gusher 1/2 Marathon race this spring!  All I can imagine are new and even better, more fit and healthy changes to my life and lifestyle.

As far as C25K goes, it is the absolute best thing I have ever done for myself.  This gave me a healthy way to get in shape and healthy physically and mentally.  It truly does become a way to meditate, zone out or de-stress.  It also makes you want to eat healthier....  It made me crave fruits, veggies and whole grains and I firmly believe it's because it's what your body need for fuel to run.  I can't imagine not running and hope to be able to do so injury free for many years to come.  Hopefully this will be my healthy example for my future children and something we can eventually do together and bond over.

For anyone considering an exercise program or change, I would definitely say do this.... other than a good pair of shoes, it's free and you can run anywhere, anytime.  What's better than that?  A healthy and affordable exercise program!  Thanks for all the support throughout this journey.  Now, on to the 10K!!  Bring it!

Happy Running everybody!

C25K: Week 9 Day 2

Week 9 Day 2 happened tonight at my new favorite park to run in.  It is really pretty and peaceful with plenty of trails and is very well maintained.  I am pretty sure I will be logging plenty of miles there.  Especially during the summertime when it gets really warm since it's covered with trees and shade.  It is definitely more of a challenge running outside with wind resistance and different temperatures everyday.  I am going to start training more outside for sure to have me more prepared, adjusted and adapted to running outside before my race in the spring.  Plus nature is so much more relaxing...feels like a form of meditation to me.  I love that my mind can wander and all my stress melts away.  I can't believe how far I have come in 9 weeks and I can't wait to keep moving forward and training hard.  My last C25K workout is this week!  Insane... only 1 more to go.

Here's a picture of the new running spot!

Happy Running Ya'll!

C25K: Week 9 Day 1

Day 1 of week 9 (the last week) of C25K was today and it's bittersweet...  I'm excited that I have almost reached my goal of completing this running program, but sad that it's almost over.  After this week, I will be moving on to half marathon training and am pretty nervous!  Today was a 5 minute warm up, 30 minutes consecutive running followed by a 5 minute cool down.  At the end of the run, I felt amazing and like I could keep going.  So, I left the treadmill and headed to the park with my sister (who started C25K today!) to run some more.  Tomorrow is a weight training day for me at the gym...  I am convinced that this is helping to strengthen my body and prevent running injuries.

As far as new food ideas, I finally put my Magic Bullet to good use and made the most delicious green smoothie ever!  I have noticed after longer runs, I am not in the mood to eat big meals, so this helps me get more fruits and veggies in my diet because even if i'm not hungry I can gulp it down real fast lol.  Here's the recipe:

1/2 C. 100% Carrot Juice
1 Kiwi, sliced
1/2 Banana (I like it frozen because the smoothie is colder)
1/2 Granny Smith Apple, Sliced
1 C. Fresh Spinach

Blend until smooth!!  I love how much fruit and veggies are in 1 glass of a "made at home" smoothie... so much better than the ones you buy somewhere that are just full of sugars and fruit juices which are basically just sugars.  You can also add a little vanilla yogurt or a teaspoon of raw honey to sweeten this up a little more if you need it.

The best and most natural Carrot Juice I have found.... tastes really fresh too: