Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Upcoming Races

Livestrong ½ Marathon- October 13th, 2012
Marine Corps Marathon- October 28th, 2012
Palm Beach Marathon- December 2nd, 2012
Disney Marathon- January 13th, 2013
ING Miami Marathon- January 27th, 2013

Does this seem like too much?  I have some pretty aggressive race goals for the fall/winter. Maybe I am just going through racing withdrawal. Training is just not as fun as participating in races. I am definitely running the Livestrong half marathon in October because it is local and fits into my training schedule and I am already registered for the Marine Corps Marathon. I am hesitant to register for the other races because who knows what will happen between now and December/January…but I need to make a decision soon because I know the Disney Marathon is filling up quickly.  

I was (and maybe a little part of me still is) hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon…but I don’t think I am being very realistic. I have been doing a lot of speed work and my pace is definitely improving…but I think it is a long shot. I guess will have a better idea once I start my longer training runs.  I loved the Marine Corps Marathon last year, but the course was super crowded…I was constantly weaving around people. I guess if I line up in a faster corral I will not have as much of an issue with that this year and it should not affect my time. I am still planning to continue to work on my speed and see what happens…running 4 marathons in 4 months would be pretty awesome even if I don’t qualify for Boston.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

More Lululemon

It is official...I am obsessed with Lululemon. This is not a good thing because I have a very obsessive personality. I wore another one of my new tanks tonight on my Hollywood Beach run.


The front is pretty basic,but the back is super cute. Please pardon my sweaty face and messy hair.

I want to quit my job and go work at the Aventura Lululemon store so I can wear their clothes everyday...and get a discount. Ryan will probably not like that idea too much, but when he finds out how much these clothes cost he will probably tell me I need to get a part time job there to support my habit. I only plan on making two more purchases in the near future, a pair of crops and one more tank. I need to look cute while hiking on our upcoming trip to Montana..right?

On another note...my sister registered for the Marine Corps Marathon 10K today! It is the same day as the marathon, so we can ride the metro into town together and have beers together in the beer tent after the races. I could not be more excited!

And....Chrissy and Brayden just booked a trip to Fort Lauderdale the end of August. I can't wait to do a Coral Gables and South Beach run with her while Ryan entertains the little guy.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Back on the Wagon...in a Skirt

Today I got back on the running wagon!  I have been off of it since last Sunday…yes 7 entire days. The guilt is killing me. Work was nuts last week, I was putting in 12 + hour days all week, plus my parents were in town for the week, plus it was Ryan’s birthday on Wednesday. There were just not enough hours in the day to fit everything in. As a treat for myself after my dreadful week at work we made a trip to Lululemon on Saturday night. For me there is nothing more motivating then overpaying for new running clothes.



I have not really had an opinion about running skirts…and am still not sure if I love them or hate them. I typically don’t consider myself very girly, but this skirt was just too cute to pass up. Along with the skirt I got two adorable running tops. I can’t wait to debut them all this week!

Lastly….I sparked some interest with the family on a Disney trip in January…conveniently the same week as the Disney Marathon of course. Only one issue, the ½ marathon is on Saturday and the full is on Sunday. I would really love to do the full, I can’t think of a better place to run 26.2 miles, plus I can wear my new skirt and get a pair of Minnie Mouse ears! Chrissy (my sister) is not sure she can commit to train for a full, but she did ask me to email her a training program…so there is a chance. Brayden (my nephew) will be 4 then and I think it is a requirement by law that he gets to go to Disney World before the age of 5, plus how cute would the pictures be of me and Chrissy running in mouse ears with the Magic Kingdom in the background.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

13 Mile Jungle Trail Run - Vero Beach

We went to Vero Beach last weekend to visit Erin and Doug...It was my first time up there and it was awesome! What a quiet beach town. I still had to get a long run in and since Erin and Doug are both runners they were very excited to help me map it out. They even called the local convenience store to make sure they would be open early enough for me to get water. Since no one answered....we drove up the road just to double check their hours of operation. They open at 6am 7 days a week, which was great because there are a very limited places to stop to get water on the island.

Doug's neighborhood backs up the the Jungle Trail. Which is a 7.5 mile sand trail along the Indian River. I googled it after my run for more info and it was created to speed the delivery of citrus products to the main land.


I was a little worried about the run, being in a place I was unfamiliar with...but I survived. I was mostly concerned about the trail itself. Running in sand is brutal...but the sand was packed down for most of the trail although there were s few soft spots. About 50% of the trail was shaded, which was awesome. The trail goes by some really cool communities and has great views of the river. The few snakes I saw on the trail freaked me out, but I enjoyed seeing a lot of bunny rabbits.


I got started at 6:30am in an effort to beat the heat. After this run I have officially come to the realization that my days of sleeping in are over. My long runs need to start much much earlier. Last summer I started my really long runs as early as 4:30am and those days are on the horizon. I don't mind getting up early, well yes I do...but the main reason I don't want to run that early is because all of the critters are still out. I have nightmares about encountering a raccoon, cat or opossum.


The first 7 miles were pretty smooth..but then the sun started beating down and I began to struggle. I made my second stop at the convenience store on my way home and I am sure left a trail of sweat behind me in the aisle as I grabbed a bottle of water. The cashier said "back again?" as I handed him my sweaty dollars, which were so wet he could not even put them in the register. A little embarrassing.  When I returned to Doug's house all I could say was "help"...."get me my PowerAde."


If you are ever in Vero Beach...I highly recommend running this trail. I bet it is wonderful in the winter months in the cool air. Thanks to Erin and Doug for introducing me to the Jungle Trail and being my Vero Beach running tour guides!


Monday, July 2, 2012

Marathon Training Day #1

Since I had to work all weekend, I am off today! I would have liked to spend the day relaxing, but I am pretty much incapable... I started off the day trying...

 

Didn't last long although I enjoyed some fresh cherries on the couch while watching some TV. Delicious!  Then it was off to run a million errands. I think every store should be open 24/7...I simply can't wait until 8am...especially places like Target. Anyway I decided to get my hair trimmed rather than doing anything too drastic. To my friends and family...you are welcome. Last time I got my hair cut short I made everyone miserable for weeks, including my neighbors at my apartment at the time that I am sure could hear me crying for days.

Then it was off to Runners Depot for the highlight of my day. New kicks!!! I went with the Asics Cumulus'. I have never worn anything but Nikes...but these seem super comfy and were recommended for me based on the way I run. They will see their first 6 miles tonight.


Today is the first day of my 17 week marathon training program. I combined a few popular programs and customized one that will work best with my schedule and skill level.

Monday - Recovery Run (long runs on Sunday)
Tuesday- Temp Run
Wednesday- Speed work
Thursday- 5 Mile Run or Cross train/Swim
Sunday- Long Slow Distance Run

I took yesterday off from running...so today will not necessarily be a recovery run...but I am planning on taking it easy and testing out my new shoes. Fingers crossed I will get to run outside.

I was super excited to put up our new American flag yesterday. Now the search is on for a Florida State flag for football season.


Happy Independence Day!