Half Marathon Taper Love

Hi! 

It is taper week around here and normally I am not a fan but this time I sort of love the taper.  I ran 5 miles on Wednesday and today I did an easy 3 while the girls were in preschool.  I completely over dressed and couldn't figure out why the run felt so ridiculously difficult until I finished.  I rarely see a pace under 10 for my training runs so that explains it!

I considered not running at all today but my plan was to run 10 miles this week plus the Rock and Roll Half.  They (whoever they are) recommend running 60% less than your usual mileage on a taper week, I am not good at math so I just decided I would get in 10 miles at some point before Sunday.  I should seriously become a running coach I am so disciplined.

Advice from people who actually know something: 

http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/tapering-wrap-it-burst

http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/not-so-easy

  I have 2 miles planned for Saturday that I'll run in the morning and fingers crossed I'll be ready to go Sunday.  I also decided instead of my usual cross training with Chalean I'll do one cross training session with Jillian which I did yesterday.  Do you like how I talk about them like I actually take classes from them personally.  Next week I start the next 30 day phase with Chalean and I am really looking forward to the Push Phase.  Heavier weights, quicker results, boom!  I do miss my Barre classes but I can't justify paying money for strength training when I already shell out enough on running gear and race fees.      

A few other things to remember a few days before a race is to hydrate.  Your pee doesn't have to be clear or anything but drink up and stay hydrated, your body will thank you later.  

Cut back on a lot of high fiber foods a couple days before so you can avoid...you know...do I have to say it, lets just say avoid the porta potty during the race.  Start getting your stuff together a couple days before your race that way if you are missing or need to change something you have time.  Relax and don't stress, this won't be your only race there will be plenty of others so have a good time!  

Do you have any other tips you want to share with the class?  

Do you like taper week or is it a challenge for you? 

- I normally don't like it but this time it has been really stress free 

Can you believe next weekend is Memorial Day?!

Runners Helping Runners - Run For Boston 5K

Good morning! 

Yesterday I hopped on my treadmill to do a ladder run from my TLAM training plan. I love ladder runs mostly because you are pushing really hard for 1-3 minutes which is something mentally I can handle.  It was an epic fail to put it nicely, what did I learn?  Two glasses of wine in the middle of the week will not help me get faster, just fall asleep faster, ha!  I woke up this morning did my cross training and headed out to redeem myself after yesterday's sad attempt.  I ran to the middle school track to warm up and did 4 fast (relative term) 100 meters.  Then I wanted to push myself up some hills, I apparently really wanted to punish myself, I kid.  I actually really like hills because not only do they push your body in a different way they are secretly speed work too, double score!  I will be putting at least one hill workout into my weekly plan from now on.  Sometimes I find myself feeling sluggish and unexcited about the gains I am making with running but I think taking a step back and just being grateful for the health to run puts everything into perspective.  So enough about my lame running abilities and onto much more pressing matters! 

Have you done a Run for Boston yet?  Katie and I ran in tribute of Boston and used a virtual run bib during our 10 mile last weekend.  

Katie and I both wanted to do something else and jumped at the chance to register for the Uberthon's Run For Boston on May 11th in Champoeg Park.  What I love about this race, besides it benefiting Boston, is that it is in the evening!  I am already registered for the Doggie Dash earlier that day and I can still come and support Run for Boston in the evening.  Score!    

100% of the proceeds of this race are going to the Boston One Fund to help those who were affected by this tragedy.  As we all know those hurt and killed by this senseless act are the very people who we know and love, our spectators.  They are the people out along the course cheering us on, calling out our names/bib numbers, they are our families, our children.  As a runner I did not hesitate for a second to register for this race, it is time for me to give back to my supporters.  

The event cost $25 and also has a kids race that is FREE, Sarah is all signed up and ready to go!  There is also an option to purchase a meal afterwards for $8, which I would spend easily anywhere else, this girl likes to eat.  This event is for both runners and walkers, the whole family!  I hope I will see you there running or walking in support of our cheering section that was so tragically hurt during the bombings.  

If you are looking for more information about the race you can go HERE.  

The Specs: 

Race Runners start @ 6:00 PM 

Race Walkers start @ 6:05 PM 

Fitness Walkers start @ 6:06

My favorite part the FOOD starts @ 6:25, dang I better run fast! 

If you don't think you can run or walk the event please consider donating your time to volunteer.  For more information on volunteering go HERE.  Your help is more valuable than you know!

       

Leaping for Liebster!

Good morning and Happy Friday!

I had the best of intentions to get my long run done yesterday but life happened.  Luckily I put my big girl running pants on and got it done this morning.  I set my alarm for 4:30 and gave myself plenty of time, I also brought goldfish for my fuel, just felt like you should know how elite I am.

In random news I was passed The Liebster Award yesterday from Elizabeth at My Neon Running Shoes.
Thank you!!!  Made my week :) 

  

What is a Liebster award you ask?  Basically The Liebster Awards if for any upcoming blogs that you enjoy reading and a great way to promote them!  

1. This award is given to new or up and coming blogs who have less than 200 followers  

2. The award is then passed along to other bloggers in the same category to help spread the word and       support one another 

3. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.

4. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you.

5. Choose 11 new bloggers (with less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link them in your post.

11 Random Facts About Me 

1.  I've known Jess (my husband) since I was 13 years old and we got married in front of our high school

2.  I can't do math.  Even with a calculator I cannot do math and I get so much grief from my BFF!  

3.  One of my biggest phobia's is breaking my nose, it terrifies me!  I could never get a nose job because of this, it is at the top of my phobia list with heights a very close second. 

4.  I am an Instagram addict and I need an intervention.  

5.  I met my best friend Katie by taking a chance and ever since then I don't let fear of rejection stand in my way, she showed me how rewarding it can be to put yourself out there.

6.  I wear my heart on my sleeve and I am a really sensitive person. 

7.  I would rather scrub a toilet then mop the floor, which I imagine is pretty random 

8.  I've been known to wash the same load of laundry 4 times because I keep forgetting to put it in the dryer.  I'll also re-wash Jesse's shirts if they sit to long in the dryer and get wrinkled because I hate to iron

9.  I cry at weddings, Hallmark commercials, and almost every time I get a random "I love you" from my girls 

10.  I love to be on the ski mountain but I don't really like to ski or snowboard 

11.  I would eat ice cream at every meal if it didn't make me fat and breakout.  I can put away an entire pint of ice cream before Katie has even broke the seal on hers...then I help her with it! 

Elizabeth's Questions

1.  What's your favorite movie of all time? I love Terms of Endearment and The Evening Star

2.  What do you do as soon as you walk in the door after work?  I don't work outside the house, but as soon as we walk in after an outing usually let out Lucy our pug so she can do her thing.  

3.  Do you put your toothbrush in a drawer or holder?  They go in a holder, handle down.

  

4.  What vegetable do you love?  Hate?  Love Brussel Sprouts!  I haven't had a vegetable I don't like.  

5.  What is your favorite go to outfit for a Saturday?  If we are out and about I'll wear skinny jeans and my boots, at home I just kick it in my running gear.  

6.  What's your favorite workout?  Running!  A close second is Barre, love it. 

7.  What does your Tupperware cupboard look like?  Um...like Monica's secret closet on Friends.  

8.  If you had to choose one thing you could not live without what would it be?  Can't be technology related!  Jess, Sarah and Katherine.  Yes that is 3, but they are my heart so really just one.

9.  What is your favorite thing to order while eating out?  I love a good chopped salad, I order without meat and I inhale it! 

10.  What is the temperature outside when you are the happiest?  65 degrees and sunny!

11.  If you could pick anywhere in the world to be right now, where would that be and what would you be doing?  My backyard in Sherwood Oregon, girls playing in the bounce house, me sitting with an iced tea soaking up the Oregon summer!  

Now I pick! 

Stephanie @ NowIRun.com

Alicia @ Aliciaruns.com

Lora @ CrazyRunningGirl.com

Katie @ IceCreamtoMarathon.com

Kaolee @ Goingbacktokaolee.blogspot.com

Krys @ Fiercefabulousfit.com
Patty @ Runninginmuck.com

Answer the same questions I did!  

Friday vs. Saturday Long Runs

Happy Saturday!  

I love Saturdays, Saturdays and Thursdays are my favorite days of the week.  I had every intention of getting up Friday morning and getting in my 12 miles before we headed to the Children's Museum but life happened.  I  ended up heading to the gym around 6:00 and had an awesome run.  Just another perk to treadmill running, I can run any time of the day, childcare willing.  I did 12 miles and I actually had negative splits from miles 7-12.  My plan called for 12 miles with 4 at my race pace but at the end of those 4 miles I only had 2 more to go so I figured I would push it all the way to the finish.  I ran my final mile at a 9:10 and it felt amazing to push myself pass previous limits.  

Afterwards I came home, showered and immediately put on my PRO Compression knee highs, that is how I like to spend a Friday night!  I am throwing around the idea of doing most of my long runs on Fridays instead of Saturdays.  The Hungry Runner Girl has been doing a lot of her long runs on Fridays and since I think she has really great ideas I am following that for a while.  All you mom's out there can probably relate to the craziness our weekends can be so having the long training run completed on Friday is just a jump start.  One of my biggest hurdles with training for the Portland Marathon last year was the trouble with being gone most of the day on Saturdays.  It was important that I was in bed early on Friday and come Saturday night after an 18-20 miler I was bushed.  After reading Janae's idea it was like a light bulb!  While I won't toss Saturday runs totally out the window I will be doing the majority of them on Fridays going forward.  

This morning I ran an easy and slow 2 miles just to work out my legs and did a little strength training and foam rolling.  I am definitely finding my running mojo again and getting excited to put in some hard work.  Last year I focused mainly on just getting through each run but this year I am kicking it up a notch.  I am ready to improve on my previous race times and really see how far I can push myself in my upcoming races.  It is important to me to come back from snowy Michigan and treadmill running stronger than when I left and I am on target to hit that goal.  I told myself no excuses in 2013 and I meant it.  If I let myself back track and lose all of my running fitness I would be so disappointed in myself and my choices.  I actually love the treadmill and look forward to my runs on it now, something I never would have said 3 months ago!  

What is your favorite day of the week?  Why do you love that day?  

- I love Thursdays because its like Friday Eve and we only have more day, anticipation is everything!  Saturdays are awesome because Jess is home and its family day for us <3      

What was your best run/long run/training run this week?      

Race Time!

Hi!  

Even though February is a short month I am still surprised how quickly it passed by this time around.  I started my half marathon training 3 weeks ago and aside from missing some cross training this week I have stayed on track.  I am learning to really enjoy the speed work sessions on the treadmill and am surprised at how quickly they make the miles pass.  I set a goal of hitting 10 miles on the treadmill by the time we were back home and I hit that goal last weekend.  It wasn't nearly as awful as I had in my head, it actually went by rather quickly and I was able to catch up on a documentary I really wanted to watch.  I talked about it in this post, it is called Hungry for Change and I really recommend it, I found it on Netflix in their instant section.  I also realized this week that it was almost March and I needed to get registered for some races before all the prices go up.

I signed up for a 10k in Plymouth on Sunday March 17th.  I am excited to do this race, it'll be my first time heading to a race solo.  I always have Katie with me, so this will be a good experience for me!  

  


Jess, as a Christmas gift, registered me for the Portland Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon.  It'll be my first big race of 2013 and I am following Another Mother Runner Training Plan.  I wasn't sure if I would share or not but I decided to just put it out there, I am going for a PR in this race.  My goal is to hit 2:15 or less and I am really liking the AMR Training Plan, I recommend it for mom and non-mom runners.   

Katie created a team with the Electric Run so I am running the 5k in July in Portland.  This race will be an easy fun run in the evening which will be different!  

In honor of the reason Katie and I started to run, Maverick, we are signed up for the OHS Doggie Dash in May.  We did this dash last year and it helps to raise funds for the Oregon Humane Society.  I haven't decided if I'll bring my Lucy but it was a lot of fun last year, 2 words: Complimentary Mimosas.  

Last but definitely NOT the least I swallowed a huge "I told you so" pill and registered for Marathon #2!  The Sunriver Marathon For A Cause takes place over Labor Day weekend  and I am pumped to have another marathon under my belt.  

I also have some half marathons and possibly marathon #3 on my list that I am going to be registering for soon.  Once I complete those shorter races in the first part of this year I want to concentrate on longer distances.  I really enjoy long runs and going the distance over shorter, run as fast you can gonna puke at the finish.  Is that totally weird?!

What is your favorite distance to race?  

Do you have a race for 2013 that you are totally stoked about?  

Tell me about your favorite PR if you have one!  

     

Running Watches

Hi!

I went to Wednesday night with everything laid out for my morning run...and I guess never set my alarm, fail!  So my Valentines gift to myself was a run rest day which will just had me in better shape for today's early wake up call.  I was at the gym by 5:45 , no excuses right?!  It needed to get done to stay on track for my training and also my sanity.  I was a little apprehensive that I wouldn't be able to commit and wouldn't get the 5 miles that was required but I did it!  It was the furthest I've ran on a treadmill and I really enjoyed the ladder speed work.  I ran out of time to get my cross training done so I am going to do CLX Intervals after the girls have breakfast.  I spared you a face shot, not much sleep add in bad lighting and sweaty red face, I mean really, who needs to see that?

We had lunch with Daddy yesterday and we both have decided to stick with places we know.  We aren't picky but if we are going to spend money to eat out we want it to be good, simple.  Can you tell by the look on their faces how much they love the food?  

Probably stick with ice cream, you really can't go wrong!

Actually that is a lie...Sonic has awful ice cream.  Sorry Sonic lovers, their other food is good!

I really tried to think of something delicious and special for dinner last night but after circling the store 3 times all I could come up with was dessert.  Chocolate fondue sounded amazing and thanks to the modern age I was able to look up an easy recipe and be on our way.  

{Instagram RunDaniellaRun} 

So I feel sort of like a tool and not a very useful tool.  Jess is so sweet and bought me the Garmin 610 from Costco for Valentines Day, I know right?!  I returned it before lunch yesterday morning, boo.  I was so excited when I opened it yesterday morning, he knows I have been thinking about watches and saw the 610 at Costco.  Honestly it is just way to much watch for this 11 min average girl right now.  Unless the watch can chisel my abs while I sleep I can't justify the $400 price tag, ouch!  But now it has me thinking about watches again and what I want/need in a watch and what am I willing to spend.  If you are looking into running/biking/swimming gear of any sort I highly recommend this guy's blog, he has SO MUCH information.  It helped me come to the conclusion that I don't need the 610 and also that I may be ready to upgrade from the Nike+ app. I love the Nike+ app and the website where I can keep track of my runs and see where I am at in relation to my friends.  I know that Nike has some watches they've come out with recently that I am going to research along with the Garmin Forerunner 10.  

Some of the features I would like in a watch if I do decide to buy one are: 

- Ability to be used indoors and outdoors.  I like to do my speed work on the treadmill since I am still learning how to keep a steady pace.  I know some of the Garmin's are solely GPS and won't work inside on a treadmill.

- It shouldn't matter but I want it to be cute.  If I am going to spend money on something I want to LOVE it and in order for me to love it I want it to be a color that I love.  Yes sometimes I buy shoes based on their color, probably why I love Mizuno.  

- I need it to help keep me on pace during a race.  This is the problem I run into with my Nike+ app on my iPod, I will check my pace during a run and its rarely accurate.  This didn't bother me when I first started running because I used it mainly to track my mileage.  Now that I am moving into a new stage of running my pacing is becoming important to me.     

Luckily these are all first world problems :)  I will share any information I find on the different options out there.  For now my iPod will work just fine and I'll just keep re-calibrating the darn thing every other run.  

What do you use to keep track of your runs?

Do you have a long run planned for this weekend? 

- I don't have a very long run but I am working on mapping out my 8 miles for tomorrow morning.  I don't want to do it on the treadmill so I am going to bundle up and just head out when the sun comes up. 

If you have any opinions you want to share on running watches don't be shy!  

  

     

Personal Pep Talk

Good morning! 

Finished my 3 miles and CLX Burn 1 this morning.  While I was on the treadmill I heard that the Pope is going to resign at the end of the month, crazy!  I should know this, but has a Pope ever resigned before, just seems odd to me I guess.  Anyway back to what you came here for, running!  I couldn't fall asleep for anything last night, I know I was up till 11:30 since that was the last time I looked at the time.  I kept telling my brain that you can keep going all you want but when my alarm goes off in the morning I am getting up and getting it done.  I was not going to bail the first day in because I was self sabotaging, so it'll be a lot of coffee this morning.  

Do you ever syke (sp?) yourself out when you are starting a new challenge or goal?  I do all the time, I have this negative voice in my head telling me why bother, its not a big deal.  But it is a big deal to me and I am learning to ignore that voice and its becoming quieter and quieter.  I do it with food too I will completely throw away a hard workout for a bowl of ice cream.  Life is all about the choices we make and I am working on choosing to put myself as a priority.  I can get where I want to be in my running as long as I put in the work, I don't want to sit on the sidelines anymore and just wish I was faster and stronger.  If you want something you have to go for it and when things get in your way you knock them over.  We all deserve to go after what we want and right now I want to become a better runner.  A better runner doesn't mean a fast runner, but a runner who commits to the work needed to improve and doesn't make excuses.  

I think I am so sick of excuses right now because I have been making them for so long.  I sit back and watch other people work towards their goals and achieve some great things and I make excuses as to why that isn't me. It isn't me because I am not putting the work into it to make it happen for me that is why!  I am the only one in my way and it is time I move over so I can start getting where I want to be both as a runner and also as a writer.  The moment I realized it was MY fault I wasn't where I wanted to be it was like I had all the power back.  So today I am working towards no more excuses and my first step was pulling myself out of bed this morning to get to the gym before 6.  I saw yesterday that MsFitRunner had run her 17 mile long run in her living room on the treadmill while her kids were running around.  That showed me something and made me ask myself why I make so many excuses?  So thank you MsFitRunner, you lit a fire under me and I am done making those lame excuses.  You really should check out MsFitRunner's Blog, this girl has the drive!   

You want it?  Go get it!  

Tall Drink of Water

Happy Sunday to you!  

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend, we got dumped on with snow Friday morning and have stayed cleared through the weekend.  Looks like most of the East Coast caught the storm, I was even able to run outside yesterday!  It felt so good to get out in the fresh air, I didn't worry about pace and just ran what felt comfortable.  This morning I went to Barre Boot Camp, which by the way all feel like boot camp to me...is there really a difference?  Is there an "easier" class I keep missing because that sucker is no joke.      

Yesterday was also the Virtual Run for Sherry and I thought about her most of my run.  It is so important in your life to be grateful because the more blessings you count the harder it is to give much attention to negativity.  I ran by myself but I felt connected to the community of runners out there all supporting Sherry.  It will stay in my memory as a favorite run for sure!

After my run and the marathon of getting 3 women ready to go out in the world I was ready for a drink!

Of water.  We went to the Box Bar in Old Town Plymouth and they brought everyone's drinks out in these pitchers.  At first when I sat down I thought the lady in the booth next to our was just really thirsty and a regular...nope.  Although I am not complaining because its nice to not have to have your water cup refilled 4 times, saves everyone a little embarrassment.  What?  I get thirsty.  Speaking of being thirsty, tomorrow I start "officially" training for a PR in the RnR Half.  That transition was suppose to be funny, like I am so thirsty to PR!  OK I'll drop it.  

This Week's Set Up 

Monday - Run easy 3, CLX Burn 1 

Tuesday - Tempo Run 

Wednesday - Burn 2 

Thursday - 5 mile Ladder Run (sounds scary!)

Friday - Run 3, Burn 3 

Saturday - Long Run

Sunday - Barre Bootcamp  

This first week isn't so bad, actually I don't think any of it will be terrible.  I am looking forward to having an actual plan with my running.  I am usually much more of a free spirit but that won't get me to a PR and I would be so happy with a PR at this half.  

I should probably do Jess a favor and get out of my workout clothes from this morning, but before I bid you farewell one more thing!  Tonight was our Sunday family movie night so I have to leave you with a dose of cuteness.  

Sleeping kids are so sweet.  Even though this short little 20 minute nap during the movie is going to keep her up till 10 I am sure of it :) 

Do you have any races on the calendar?  Race season is gearing up!  

Do you set up a workout schedule for the upcoming week?

Do you order soda when you go to a restaurant?  

Sometimes I'll get a diet, but paying almost $3 for a fountain drink is tough to swallow! 

Half Marathon Training

Good morning! 

Woke up a little late this morning, didn't get to the gym till 6 and ran an easy 3 miles.  I had every intention of running longer till an amazing idea flew into my brain.  I could keep running like a good runner or I could cut off early and grab breakfast at Starbucks before heading home.  

 

Bad runner, bad bad runner!

Their spinach feta wraps are so good, I need to recreate them, it just sounded better than my protein shake at home. 

I bought this tank at a store called Meijer, anyone ever heard of it?  My description would be a step above Wal-Mart (anything is really) and a step below Target.  I bought it way to small to start with so I had to exchange them yesterday, still a little tight for me but I am not going back.  

I saved you a face shot., Lucy is doing her morning downward dog yoga pose.  

So I am about 15 weeks out from the Portland RNR Half in May and I decided to follow Another Mother Runner's Training Plan for this half.  I would really like to improve my time from last year's half marathon which was 2:29:49.  I don't know what the goal time will be but somewhere in the 2:10's would be an improvement!  The AMR Half Marathon plan is 13 weeks and calls for 4-5 days of running per week.  I am going to follow the plan as closely as possible but because of my schedule and history I'll probably be closer to 4 days a week of running.  You never know though, I may surprise myself and you and bust out 5 days a week.  I realize I am 15 weeks out and the plan calls for 13 weeks of training but I am going to start early and start the plan on Monday.  With traveling right in the middle of my training I am going to give myself a few weeks of wiggle room so I am not stressing about getting behind during our transition back home.  

Somehow its Thursday, it seemed like this week was dragging until Thursday just smacked me in the face.  We are making our Valentines today, so excited to see how they turn out.  I think the girls are excited to get to open the bag of suckers because I might be nice and let them have one...we'll see, kind of grumpy this morning.  Maybe I should have one, might sweeten me up a little bit. 

Don't forget about Sherry's run this Saturday!  Check it out here if you need more info! 

Anyone else in Portland doing the Rock and Roll Half in May? 

Have you followed a training plan before?  

-Besides making sure I get in the necessary long runs for the marathon last year I didn't really follow anything specific.  

Do you get an obscene amount of junk mail in your email?  

-I have like 12,500 messages and I swear to you at least 95% of them are junk...its obnoxious