The Gusher Half Marathon - Week 6 Training

Well, obviously I am still not the best at remembering to update my blog!  Oh well....

I just completed week 5 of my half marathon training schedule and I feel amazing.  I am in the middle of the high mileage part of the plan and so far haven't had any issues.  I am pretty sure it's because of having the right shoes for my feet and having a few pairs to rotate between.  Thank goodness there are specialty running stores & thank God we finally have one here in Beaumont!!  As far as training this past week, this is what my schedule looked like:

Monday - 3 mi
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - 5 mi
Thursday - 3 mi
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 10 mi (long run)

Week 6 will be a little more challenging with this mileage:

Monday - 4 mi
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - 5 mi
Thursday - 4 mi
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 11 mi (long run)

Once I get through week 6, week 7 is the highest mileage training week for me and then it starts to taper off the last 2 weeks before the race.  Which sort of makes me nervous.  I'm hoping my body doesn't get used to not going long before the race.... But they say a good and solid plan does taper and gives your legs a chance to rest and conserve more energy.  So, here's hoping it's true! :)

I never in a million years thought that I would be at the point of running 10 miles or more in a row, no stopping.  Especially coming from last year being overweight and miserable and barely able to run a 1 minute interval without feeling like I was going to die!  Now I can run long distances and yea I am tired and sometimes want to quit, but I never feel like I just can't do it like I used to.  The human body is an amazing thing!  You can push it and push it and it just adapts and says "What you got next?!?!?"  I am definitely loving pushing my limits and reaching new goals.  I see a marathon in my future eventually :)

I also believe the friends I have that support me, make this journey even more fun and memorable and real.  I have a really wonderful support system.  It's amazing how in the running world, people don't judge you on how fast or slow you are, how much you weigh, what you wear, how you run.... they just wave or smile or nod their head and keep running.  I see a fellow runner and all I think is "Good for them!!"  I love the fact that my friends my live out of state and I hardly ever get to see them, but we can still connect over this and use Nike as a way to compete and challenge each other...challenge to be better people, better runners.

It also really helps to have a husband that is totally supportive of my running habits & will tell me... hey you haven't ran in like 2 days... go do it.  haha  Sometimes you just need that extra push and I am thankful I have it!

All runners are a little crazy.  We know this.  We love this.  Come be a little crazy too.  It's hard, challenging, fun, and totally worth it to take that journey and go from couch potato to runner. :)

Happy Running Ya'll!

Gusher 1/2 Marathon Training Schedule

So, I am having such a hard time remembering to get on here and blog and keep everybody updated on my 1/2 marathon training schedule!!!!!  But, first things first, my fabulously amazing husband, just signed up yesterday to run the Gusher 5K while I will complete the 1/2 marathon!  I am so very excited :)  I can't wait to share my running experiences with him and hopefully he will get hooked on it too.  It's just such a healthy habit to get involved in long term.  Running, for me, is a lifestyle.  It's what I do, I run.  It is what I will always do and hopefully my future family...children...will want to do it too.  I feel like my husband being involved a little will help make it a family lifestyle.

Now as far as training goes, here is a link to my actual 1/2 marathon training schedule:

Marathon Rookie 1/2 Marathon Training Schedule

I am on week 4 now and so far so good.  I have completed two 6 mile runs and feel great.  One of my good friends is training with this schedule and I cant wait to race with her that day!  She is rocking out her training too and helping to keep me motivated.  Thank you Sarah Wells :)

As far as training goes, I am feeling great and getting prepared.  I am also trying my best to eat more cleanly and eliminate bad foods from my diet.  I am starting to feel more energized, and better everyday.  Nutritious eating truly does make a difference.  Hope all of this makes sense.  If anyone has any questions about running, feel free to ask!  Happy Running Everybody!!

1st Long Run (1/2 Marathon Training)

Today was my first long run on my 1/2 marathon training schedule.  It was a four mile run, and it was a slow and hot four miles!  Whew.  But, I made it through it and felt amazing afterwards.  I am pretty excited about this training program too.  Other than my 5K training I really don't have any other running experience other than when I was in my early 20s running through college.  Kind of hoping it all comes back to me and I can up my mileage over the next few months without any injury.  Looking forward to next week's long run of 5 miles, but until then...regular training resumes! :)

Happy Running Ya'll!

3.5 miles down!

Felt a little better today....  running while sick is no walk in the park lol...  The weather was perfect today... around 70 and not too windy.  Did a quick 3.5 miles and called it a day.  Trying to not over do it and get sicker. Hope everyone else had great runs...oh and look, I remembered to blog 2 days in a row! Even if they are short, it still counts :)

Everybody check this out when you get a minute.  It's for my friends!  Thanks & Happy Running ya'll!

Aaron's Run for Autism!

Running Sick....

....is so freakin' hard!  I am so ready for this head cold and sore throat to go away so I can actually breathe again!!  Did a quick 3.5 mile run today and was miserable the whole time, but now I feel better and am glad I suffered through it.  That's really all I have to say about this one lol...  Hopefully I will get well soon and my runs will be fun again and less like torture.  I must also get back in the habit of blogging... I forget about it now!  Ok, enough complaining from me, hope everybody had great runs today!

Happy Running Everbody! :)

Bring it 2012!

New Year = New Goals

Took time to re-evaluate what I want out of my running and realized while losing 23lbs last year was amazing, I really just want to keep going and not focus strictly on the weight loss.  People who do an activity just to lose weight typically don't stick with it long term and usually quit and gain the weight back... pretty much the same as people who are "dieters" always on a diet and restricting their foods tend to go off of it and go overboard.  So, basically I want this to be a lifetime change... better eating and more exercise.

So there is my resolution:
1. Eat Cleanly
2. Exercise regularly...RUN RUN RUN & the weights :)
3. Allow myself to enjoy a splurge here and there.

This new year-week started my training for my first 1/2 marathon ever!!!  I am stoked and can't wait for it.  I am officially registered and everything and March 10th will get here before I know it.  I am completely excited and totally nervous all at once.  I am going to have to start increasing my weekly long run mileage from about 6-7 miles to around 9-10.  I also need to work on having stronger tempo runs, fartleks & add more speedwork.  So, here we go, getting off to a fast, fit & fabulous 2012.

The biggest thank you to the most supporting, encouraging and understanding man ever.... Damien Sykes, you keep me inspired to go farther and dream bigger.  :)

Also want to give a big thank you to my running friends that totally inspire me to reach farther, push my limits and believe in my own strength...  Thank you Sarah Wells, Jamie Sandefer, Aaron Goldin, Mandy Knight-Goldin, Teri Bayless-Hawthorne, Amber Kay Landry, Rachael Daniels, Becca Butler & Jeremy Hunt!  Hope you all have a very strong running year.

For any non-runner or beginner who hasn't worked out in awhile or ever, it is never too late and running is a natural thing you were born to do. You can do it and the running community is so supportive.  If you need any info or help getting started, don't hesitate to contact me!

Happy New Year & Happy Running everybody!!  Lets all reach our goals together.

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!

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 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:

C25K Week 8 Day 2

Today was day 2 of week 8 and I can NOT believe that I only have 4 workouts left in the C25K training program!  The past couple of months have flown by and I can see so many changes in my body now.  I definitely want to keep going and improving on my running skills.  I love this sport.  All you need is a good pair of running shoes and you're set.  What other sport can say that?  My endurance level is also so much better.  I can run 28 minutes as of now and not feel winded!  I felt miserable after 1 minute running intervals in the beginning, so yes, this program totally works.  My legs are amazing now too and i love that.  The only issue I am having is my legs start to feel tight in the last 5 minutes of my run interval even with stretching.... so I have to figure out a way to prevent this.  Other than that, i feel awesome and so energized!  The runner's high is definitely worth any pain or discomfort during the run.  Besides, pain is weakness leaving the body, right? :)  As soon as I finish up this program, I will be moving on to 1/2 marathon training and all of the new challenges that come along with that... excitement and nervousness.

One last thing.... my friend introduced me to this product.  I told my husband about it last night and of course he went out and bought me some.  <3 him!  Any girl with boobs knows, that your arms can get chaffed from rubbing against the seams of your sports bra.  This stuff is a lifesaver.  Just a tip for any fellow runners... good on arms, legs, feet (to prevent blisters), anywhere that has friction!

HAPPY RUNNING EVERYBODY!

C25K: Week 1 Day 3

Quick update...  Today was Week 1 Day 3 of my C25K program and I am starting to feel a little more comfortable with it...  which I am sure means next week will be even harder and make me push myself a little further.  Ask me Monday if I regret saying it's starting to feel easier and I'm not as sore lol.  Anyway, today I tried the treadmill again because I was waiting on someone to come by the house and I didn't want to be out of pocket.  I still like being outdoors more.  It's more natural to me to be surrounded by nature instead of being stuck in a room on a treadmill.  But hey...  the treadmill has it's perks... I didn't have to skip my workout completely!  Anyway, I can tell my legs are stronger already and I can't wait to see how this program changes my mindset as well as my body and makes me a stronger person overall.  I'm sure by the time I am ready to run a 5K, I will be completely addicted again and will just want to shoot for a 10K the next go around, then a 1/2 marathon and of course eventually a marathon.  I'm starting to enjoy the comfort of a daily running routine.  I may hurt the entire time right now, but afterwards, I feel like a million bucks.  The only thing that I am not fond of about this program is the fact it's only a 3 day a week training program.  I am just filling in the other days with some strength training and a mile or two of intervals.  I think I will end up doing the program more than the 3 days a week it calls for.  So, to all of my fellow runners out there... what can I expect out of a real 5K.... I am nervous and excited to sign up for my first one in the next several months....