Attempting to outrun Sandy

First of all, sooo thankful that Hurricane Sandy didn't rear her ugly wetness until later yesterday evening!  

I was praying that we wouldn't be running in a torrential downpour.  I am pretty sure that the other 2 people running "with" me would have dropped out.  They would have however been forced to be a spectator and would have gotten soaked anyway.  

I figured if it was raining, maybe, just maybe it would make me run faster.  You know because I was so miserable from the rain and or coldness.  Thankfully we didn't have to find out if it would have made me run faster.  

Meg and I picked up our packets kinda late on Saturday.  Usually I like to get to the Expos earlier, a few more freebies and what not.  But she couldn't make it down until Saturday and I was pretty busy the last few days.

I actually didn't buy much.  I know right, shocking!! I did however purchase a new running skirt.  It's super cute, has all the different runs that a person can do, 10K, 13.1, 70.3....most of them I will never do, but one can dream right?!

No one wanted to wake up yesterday morning and Gary is super grumpy pants early in the morning, especially when he doesn't get his coffee.  Thankfully the race was here in DC so we didn't have to get up so early I couldn't function.  

Last year Gary and I signed up for the MCM 10K, this was our first "long" race and from there we've done the 10 miler and half marathon.  I think that the 10K is one of my favorites. I always get teary eyed during this race.  People's shirts are just so touching and the people running the race are quite inspiring.  If veterans can accomplish amazing feats, than I can do a measly 6.2 miles. I also admire marathoners. I often think "I could do it."  and sure, I "could" do it, but I'm not sure I want to do it.  Not to mention that both after and during a 1/2 marathon I do not feel that I could do a full. LOL!

Since we've moved to our new place (which, so far is water proof) the metro is much closer and thankfully the metro line by us ran us straight to the starting line.  This year was not as cold as it was last year, thankfully.  Last year Gary and I had to buy extra clothing as it snowed the day before and we were not "experienced" runners. And yes people, it is true, bridges do freeze before the roads.  We slipped and slid around last year.  I ran in leggings, gloves, head ear warmer thing.  This time, I wore a new skirt, from running skirts.  They were at the Expo and my green Northface long sleeve shirt.  I also wore my my Fit Approach pink shoe laces!

Does anyone else always have to go to the bathroom when you get to a race?! I do!  It's annoying and despite going multiple times at home when I see those green rectangle boxes my bladder goes, "take me there!"  However, yesterday, when I saw the lines....I told myself I could suck it up, that there would be other potties along the way.  HA! That's one complaint.  There were not enough port-o-potties.  At mile 5 there were tons, but I think only because that was around where the marathon began.  So I took a little detour which included opening the door on some poor unsuspecting victim,  though I do say it was his own fault since he didn't even lock it! Positive: Love having the Marines out supporting all the runners "Ooorah!"

So proud of my girl Meg! In May she and my other bestie T did their first run with me the Race for Hope 5K supporting brain tumor research. This was her first longish run and I am not trying to convince her to do that 1/2 in March.  If you are reading this, DO it! Sign up, here's the link for a little extra help:-) 

I enjoyed this run.  Tons of people, lots of energy.  I also enjoy running on the highway lol.  I did PR too. Pretty excited about that! And victory Sandy stayed away so that all marathoners an 10Kers could finish safely!

A few pictures from the day.
On your mark, get set, GO!  

Inspiration!

 Finished, there's my boo waiting for me!

 So proud of my girl!  You do it! Now get ready for our half marathon!

This is how I felt afterwards....too bad I couldn't do too much of that and instead had to prepare for Hurricane Sandy!
Looks like he just ran 6 miles haha, if only. The day will come my little friend when you will be my running buddy. Get ready!

A Break in the Weather

Well, for the last few days we've had a "break" in the temperatures here.  

Of course this week the temperatures aren't supposed to be too pleasant.  It's quite deceiving really it looks sunny and nice out. I see the breeze blowing and then bang! As soon as the pup and I walk out the door, humidity.  Heat=good. Humidity=bad.  Belle doesn't like it at all. Seems like she might die every time we come home. Poor baby. 

Logged a measly 3 miles yesterday. The morning started off well, it had rained during the night, the shade felt good, but the sun wasn't too friendly.  It's always hard, there are just some good days and some bad days and yesterday was a bad day.  Hopefully today will be better.


We've been watching the Tour de France a lot.  And by a lot I mean EVERY day! We tape it and then fast forward through commercials and "slow" parts.  Thank goodness for DVR, otherwise 3+ hours of our life would be used up.  Like any professional athlete, I am always amazed! The fact that they ride 100+ miles every day, my body would just shut down I'm sure.  But, it's what they do, they have trained for it and know what to expect.  It's not the first race they've ridden that's for sure.  They typically ride about 40 mph on flat road and downhill CRAZY! But even professionals have bad days.  The commentators talk about how so-and-so has been yo-yoing with their performances from day to day. What runs through my head is, "if that's them doing "bad," than what's good?!

 

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Do you ever forget to breath? It's kind of a weird question. I've talked about it with my students when we talk about natural habits.  I ask them if they have to remind themselves to breath. Obviously you know the response.  However, when I'm doing physically draining activities I often think about pushing through. I want to finish and sometimes, just sometimes I forget to breath. Jillian Michaels is always reminding me on the videos. But if I'm doing a lot of burpees, or sit ups or planks sometimes I am concentrating so hard that I do forget to breath and then when I finish I'm left winded and slightly lightheaded.  

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Flipped through the TV this afternoon and so the Ironman Triathlon (2011) was on, unfortunately it was just the last 10 minutes. It was at like hour 16 or something crazy and the oldest woman(76) made it before midnight. For those of you unfamiliar a triathlon is three events, swimming, biking and running.  An Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike  ride and 26.2 run (marathon).  This is not on my bucket list. Maybe a 26.2 someday and maybe a tri, but not the Ironman, not to mention I am AWFUL at swimming....if I could doggy paddle the majority of it I might survive.  However, 100's of people flailing around in the water is a little scary to me.  Since I'm not a strong swimmer I tend to panic if I get too tired.  But.....maybe someday.......

Back in the Saddle

 

Well, I just signed up for my third 1/2 marathon and my second Rock N' Roll.  It's in Philly(home sweet home) on Sept 16.  Hopefully it won't be this awful heatwave, or the "dog days" of summer. I don't know if I'll survive.

I've started training again. I really haven't run since June 2, well nothing long. I've had a few short runs, but I've been sick for over a week which put a whole damper in the exercise thing.  Prior to that I hurt my knee at step class. Grrrr...so frustrating.  My goal this summer was to hit the gym a lot, but it's hard to do with all this obstacles to overcome. Then the gym lost AC due to our wicked storm we had this past weekend.  I'm so thankful we didn't lose power like so many who did.  Our wires are all underground and because we live on Capitol Hill we rarely lose power.  I couldn't imagine not having AC this last few days of pure evil humidity.  

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 I know how you feel bud!

Today I returned to the gym to begin training.  I've got a lot of work to do in a short time. I have a little over 2 months to get ready and who knows what will happen between now and then.  I've started out slow, can't start pounding away at the ol' body even though I desperately want to.  I would rather run outside, but these temperatures are certainly not optimal conditions in my mind.  

I did some weights at the gym, triceps, biceps, back....then I ran on the treadmill - I ran an easy 2 miles then hopped on the elliptical and did another 30 minutes.  My knee hurts a little I really hope this isn't going to be a continual nuisance. Time to ice.... Tomorrow I'll probably repeat and then up the miles on Sunday.

Afterwards I ran a bunch of errands, Target, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Home Depot.  You'll see what I'm up to, when I'm finished:-)  Don't let the suspense kill you! 

For dinner, because I got home so late I had steamed broccoli with cheddar cheese (steamed in my wonderful tupperware).  I also had these weird little chicken croquettes they remind me of the ones I used to get in Spain, or at a Tapas restaurant.  Someone brought them over for international night and ended up leaving them, WIN for me!  They are yummy and three fill me up plenty though I'm sure I could scarf down more.

Tour de France 2012

Guess what started Today?!

I got into it about 3 years ago and hooked my husband. I think I started watching it at the gym. As I watched those cyclists I pushed myself harder on whatever I was doing because they were so inspiring.  I told myself, "look at what they are doing. If they can do THAT, I can at least go a little harder and sweat a little more and hurt a little more too."

I have some favorite teams, Team Radioshack, with riders, Frank Schleck (no brother Andy this year), Fabian Cancellara, Andreas Kloden and Yaroslav Popovych are some of the famous names that I recognize. 

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Team Garmin, another favorite, which used to be Garmin-Cervelo, which is now Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda. Their "better" known riders are, Ryder Hesjadal, Tyler Farrar(I believe he's a good sprinter), Christian Vande Velde, David Zabriskie, David Miller, Tom Danielson. 

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I like a lot of them. I like Team Lampre's "outfits," but that's just a girl perspective. I like Team BMC, with it's leaders like Cadel Evans(winner of the 2011 Tour and winner of the Yellow Jersey), George Hincapie, Tejay Van Garderen and Phillippe Gilbert- everyone on the the team is important and each play a vital role in the success of the team.  

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Here are some other big names you might recognize Tomas Voeckler, the vivacious little Frenchman(Team Europcar), Samuel Sanchez(Team Euskaltel-Euskadi), Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, Edvlad Boasson Hagen(Team Sky Procycling), Jurgen Van Den Broeck, Andre Greipel(Team Lotto-Belisol), Mark Renshaw(Team Rabobank), Levi Leipheimer, Jerome Pineau(Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step). There are of course a lot of other riders out there, I am just not as familiar with them. I don't follow cycling as religiously as some do.  I am also not familiar with some of the teams either, or rather am unfamiliar with any of their riders. 

There are 20 stages in the Tour with two days of rest the first after stage 9 and the second after stage 15, two time trials, 9 flat stages, 4 medium mountain stages(um...to me a mountain is a mountain), 5 mountain stages and 1 prologue. 

Check out the elevation map!

 Someone added those "le_____", not me.

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The longest ride is 140 miles stage 12 from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne > Annonay Davézieux on Friday July 13th.  

The shortest are the time trials and the prologue. 

I always get super nervous when they are going downhill because they go SO fast. Me, going down hill it's squeaky breaks all the way. I have no desire to eat road.  I'm pretty sure I would die both going up and down the hills. Wait, correction, I wouldn't make it up the hill.

The peloton is the main big group of riders usually behind those that have decided to sprint ahead.  

Jerseys are as follows:

Yellow: Leader of general individual time classification.

Green Jersey: It is worn by the leader of the points classification. The points can be won on intermediate sprints and at stage finishes. Polka-dot Jersey: Best Climber

White Jersey: Best young rider under 25 in general individual time classification.

These athletes are incredible, their stamina and energy. Some even get back on their bikes after falls. It's incredible. Last year a television car clipped two riders, as it was swerved to avoid a tree, Juan Antonio Flecha was hit and knocked into Johnny Hoogerland who went flying off into a barbed wire fence. They both got up and ended up finish that stage. INSPIRING!

Will you be watching the Tour?

Zooma Women's Half Marathon

Hobby of the Day: Running

Race: Zooma Women's Half Marathon in Annapolis, MD

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Goal: Sub 2:19 (which was my last time, for my first ever 1/2)

Problem: Haven't trained as much as I should have...whomp whomp, might come back and bite me

Hoping: That my husband would be at the 10/11 mile marker to finish the race with me, if allowed....

Official Time 2:34 


Feelings: Sad and Disappointed, but pleased that I finished

Smiling before the Race

I am overly disappointed with my time.  I added 15 minutes to my time, instead of subtracting. No PR there.  I would have been happy if I had even taken off a minute.  Like I said, I did not train as regularly as I had before.  Gary wasn't running this race with me so I didn't have a training partner.  It really helped last time when we both trained together.  

Last time we drove the route we were running, but not this time so I didn't really know what to expect.  And.....Holy Hills Batman! I mean I thought that DC had some, and there was one long one, but Annapolis was like hill and then hill and then more hills. Ugh and of course they are right in the middle.  I know what I HAVE to work on now, hills.  


 



I had Gatorade on my refuel belt, but it ended up being too sweet for me and left me just wanting water. Funny thing is that I usually run with Gatorade.  I didn't have any sports beans or gels on me. I thought I would try swedish fish this time. I only was able to get down one, that was an epic fail, the vanilla GU that they handed out worked MUCH better! 




My friend Jenna and I had signed up to do this race and we had matching outfits, even though we both did poorly, at least we looked cute, HA. I would have rather looked gross and run better though.  We started off together, but we each gave the word that if one of us was faster to just go.  I just kept plodding along at my turtle like pace.  It was nice because our husbands weren't watching, so they ended up being at 5 places that we ran by.  Good sports waiting that long in the sun.  Truthfully we couldn't have had better weather.  
In the end I didn't ask Gary to run with me.  Having him cheer me on and support me was Wonderful!!

We ran over several bridges, past the Naval Academy, and then through a park, which was nice and shady, then looped back.  They had plenty of water stations and plenty of port-a-potties. Most of them never even had lines at them.  This race was no where near as big as some of the races I've run.  This one was mostly female. The last like .1 was over grass.  I was not a fan of that.  They really could have made it go over sidewalks/road, but instead I plodded over grass and then up a little hill to the end. I swear that all races end on an uphill, why is that?!

Still smiling after=survived.  

I thought we were going to be getting a medal, but we got a necklace instead. At first I was a little disappointed because I like having that medal, but then I realize, I don't wear it and we don't have room to display them, so the necklace was nice and different touch.  

Snow-balls, great idea! 

Girl Power!

 Barefoot Wine- cheers

So, even though I didn't get my PR, I am proud that I finished to the best of my ability.  My next half probably won't be until Sept. It seems that big races tapper off during the hot summer months and I'm not complaining. I'll look up some shorter ones maybe I can find something good and not too expensive. 
* If you know of anything, let me know!*

Working out.....

Hobby of the day: Working out

Cybex Total Body Arc trainer, Abs and treadmill

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 This is how I feel at the end of the school year.

Don't get me wrong, I really liked my class this year!

Ok, maybe it's just me, but as I get closer and closer to the end of school I get less and less motivated. I feel like I am literally burning the candle at both ends.  It's kinda like a race. I prepare and then I go out hard(beginning of school) and then as it's closing in on the finish(end of year) I feel like I'm just not gonna make it.  Do you like my metaphor? Clearly I have running on the brain lately.  That's probably because I have a half marathon looming just around the corner.  Like I said before, I am NOT prepared and it's shame on me. 

 Don't be fooled, that's not me.

So, since yesterday was uber wet I didn't work out, I also didn't work out on Sunday. I'm pretty terrible.  So I stepped it up today.  Did some resistance cardio on the Arc trainer=30 minutes, as seen on The Biggest Loser. Then I went down to a much needed Abs class. I haven't done one of those in awhile since I've been doing Jillian Michaels. I feel like the Abs guy has to have amazing Abs, he does it like 10 times a day.  I'll tell you I was busting a sweat and breathing hard. He does a lot of incorporating medicine balls, free weights and bar weights, plus the bosu ball. He is intense. I am hoping I hurt a little tomorrow.  Guess we'll see.  Then I trucked it over to the running room to knock out a measly two miles. I know lame! But I did get to watch a partial of Law and Order SVU. Gary and I used to watch that ALL the time, but sometimes all the gruesomeness of the horrible things that happened to the characters is a little too much, but  maybe that's just me.

On a super positive note, it's the weekend!

Stepping it up!

 Hobby of the day: Working it

I haven't done step class in ages.  I was taking pole on Monday nights and didn't have the time to double up, plus the classes were a few hours apart.  There are tons of regulars at step...I wish I had someone to go with.  Nevertheless, back I went. Ran 1 mile and did weights before class. I almost can do what she's doing.....almost

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Then I went to class. The guy who leads the class has tons of energy.  I always wonder how instructors plan their "lessons." Do they rehearse at home? Do they have a notebook? If you are a trainer, how do you plan?  I've gone to a few spin classes where instructors have had "cheat" sheets.  I also wonder where the instructors channel their energy, not only to do the workout, but to inspire and motivate us lazy bums.

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It's three days later and apparently I haven't been using my calf muscles enough, which is weird because with running I thought I was..... I always enjoy having a little pain(that's the masochist in me talking- JK) because then I feel that I am working "new" muscles and toning them.  Those steppers are intense so many of them add extra flair in there, more spins, steps over, etc....me?! I'm just trying to hang in there with the best of them.  I am a "perfectionist," sometimes and I like to be able to get it immediately and feel dumb when I can't. I don't like to stand out, well at least not in a fitness class when there are mirrors all around.  

Yesterday, G and I went to the gym. We did weights first and then headed to the treadmill.  For some reason it was warmer in there than usual. We started going and man, have you just had one of those days? It was a bad day.....my throat was sore and I was super stuffed up- thank you allergies.  My calves were also not very forgiving after putting them through step. This is why I need a roller. 

Enter the present:  It was a beautiful day, sunny and cool.  Since it's Thursday we have our walking club at work.  We walked about 2 miles complete with great conversation and a few laughs and a lot of sarcasm.  It's nice to bond with co-workers, especially when work sometimes drains your life. Can I get a "What, What!"   I knew I needed to run today because I haven't run outside since we went to Jamaica, but instead I came home and took a lil nap first.  Besides, I had to wait anyway until Gary came home first before he left for second work. Some days we only see each other for 2 hours, I'm sure some people have it a lot worse.  I draaaged my butt of that couch and headed out for my run.  My mapmyrun app just recently was updated and now it tells me how many miles I've gone, my average minutes per mile, as well as how long I have been running.  That's an upgrade in my mind! I ended up running my best mile pace. I was also sporting my new PRO Compression Socks. I can't say that they are "the" reason I ran my best, but they did certainly help my sore calves from step.  Plus I know that everyone I ran past was secretly jealous and coveting a pair....(I have a great imagination!) I also think that the treadmill is helping me to improve my pace.

** Apparently PRO Compression is doing the sock of the month right now: Marathon Compression Sock in Baby Blue. The price is $30 plus free shipping. SCORE! Use coupon code: SOM412 at checkout