Time for Change

Happy Happy Friday!  

I am writing this from the kitchen table because I have taken a big plunge, drum roll please...I moved my treadmill into the office, eek!  

It started off in my bedroom earlier this week but I could tell early on it wouldn't be hanging out in there long.    

I don't like a lot of stuff in my room and a folded up treadmill isn't easy to blend.  

It has been living in my garage since I bought it last summer but I am currently relying on it a lot more.  Jess is traveling for work quite a bit so I figured it was time for it to come inside.  I am actually excited to have easier access to it and better climate control than the garage.  I won't be doing all of my runs on a treadmill especially after yesterday's run.  Sometimes we all need a good reminder run of why we love our sport and yesterday I got mine.  The weather was perfect and I felt so good the whole time.  I needed a run like that to get some confidence back in my abilities and I am excited again to get out there!

    

Tomorrow I get the chance to do a group run with Katie and Coach Jim's running group.  I am so excited, I have missed the group dynamic of running so much.  Plus I have missed running with Katie...just a little.  

Have you thought about doing a run for Boston?  If it hasn't capped out yet Uberthons here in Oregon has a Run for Boston on May 11th at Champoeg Park.  It is an evening run and 100% of the proceeds are going towards relief.  You can get more information and register HERE.

Do you like running with a buddy or a group?  

Have you done a Boston Tribute run?  If so share your experience, I would love to hear about it! 

Our Last Day in Michigan!

Good morning!  

It is our last day in Michigan!  I am so excited I cannot even express it in words.  Tomorrow we will be on a plane heading to Montana, eek!  While Montana isn't technically home because our house is in Oregon, Montana has become a 2nd home to me in every definition of the word.  It'll be nice to see the family before we drive home and get settled back in Oregon.  I have so many things I want do and people I want to see I know those first few weeks back are going to be filled!  So fun!  

My 2 favorite runners better have their running gear ready to go!  

I got up this morning and headed to my private gym for one more run on my trustee treadmill.  

I used the same treadmill for the entire time we were here, mainly because it was the closet to the fan.  I think you'll miss my awkward gym bathroom photos the most.  

Since today and tomorrow will be taken up with either running errands or on a plane we made sure to have some play time yesterday at the park.  Finally at 3:30 the temperature hits it high and it was a balmy 40 degrees.  It is suppose to be close to 60 today which only makes sense in Murphy's Law.  When we arrived it was the coldest day in Plymouth they had experienced in years and today is their warmest day of the year thus far.  

  

The girls are watching one last cartoon before I have to start boxing up our cable boxes and modem to ship back to Comcast.  It is probably a good thing my phone is gigantor and I can get my internet fix with it.  

The internet in Montana is spotty at best and I don't get any data coverage there because T Mobile is so cool.  I'll be checking in as much as possible and should hopefully be able to still post everyday.  There are a few people I can sponge internet off of if I ask really nice.  I am also going to try and get some runs in but my leg is still healing.  I took it really easy this morning and stretched a lot before and after.  I can still feel it although it isn't really painful anymore, just a dull annoyance.  Progress right?!  So I will be continuing to stretch, ice, repeat for the next week with a few slow runs tossed in.  It took a lot of will power to slow it down on the treadmill this morning.  I really wanted to do my normal progression run but knew that wouldn't help anything.  The Rock and Roll Half is in 45 days so while I have plenty of time I don't want to push it too quickly and then not be able to run at all.  Plus I also have the Helvetia Half just a month later and I really do not want to miss that one!  OK off to finish up the last of our boxes and tie on bow on this adventure!  

  In case I don't get on here tomorrow, what are your running plans for this weekend?  

Has Spring shown up where you live?  

Happy Pi Day!

Good morning!  

We are in the final weeks of our time here in Michigan and it is going to fly by, it is already Thursday?!  I had to recheck my calendar twice today to confirm this news.  Plus it isn't just a regular Thursday, oh no, today is Pi day, 3.14!  The only reason I know this is because I married Jess and he is all things nerd.  

Case Closed


A friend posted this on FB, couldn't resist! 


My runs lately have been pretty basic, I ran 6 miles Tuesday night and 6.5 last night.  I haven't done any speed work this week because I am trying to just feel better all around.

I thought it would be cool to run 3 different time yesterday!  Kidding, my iPod was being really weird and kept stopping my run.  As you can see I had to restart it 3 times...I love my iPod but it needs to cooperate with me better if it wants to stick around.  

It has been over a week since I got that nasty virus and it just seems to be hanging around.  My stomach is still really sensitive and never really settles down.  I was thinking before I got sick that I might have an allergy to dairy and I am starting to see a correlation.  So starting today I am going to be cutting back on my dairy, luckily I switched to So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer a while ago.

Old pic, not actually home, I miss you home!

I can't have my coffee without cream, it just isn't right.  I usually drink my coffee before I eat anything and lately that has been really upsetting too, so now I'll try eating BEFORE my beloved coffee.  I don't like change especially when it relates to my food, hopefully we'll all make it through this challenging time.

I am prepping myself to run 13 miles on the treadmill tonight.  It'll be another milestone on the treadmill for me and I am excited to conquer it.  I am suppose to run it Friday or Saturday but with my race on Sunday I want to give my legs a couple days to rest up.  I missed my long run last week and I don't feel comfortable totally skipping another one.  I need to make sure I start up with my cross training again next week, no excuses!  I know for certain that doing those exercises 3-4 times a week will keep me from injury and only improve my running, why wouldn't I do it?!  Looking forward to taking Barre or TRX again!  Now I am rambling, but one more thing before I go!

Remember when I use to talk about Project Life and getting caught up and blah blah blah.  I haven't done anything but open up the picture folder on my computer, get overwhelmed and walk away.  Becky Higgins' advice is that you should just start at the present and when you have a free minute work on the stuff you have missed.  So that is what I am going to do, I am going to start with March 2013 and I'll work back whenever I have a little time.  My albums mean a lot to me and I get a lot of joy out of working in them and staying caught up.  I love having these memories to look back on of our day to day life and I don't want to much of it to get away from me.  My goal is to start in the present with my Project Life album and share it with you once a month.  Accountability is key to everything in my life.

Do you do any journaling or scrapbooking?

Any fellow peeps with food allergies out there?!  

Are you racing this weekend?  

The Controversial Vegetarian

Hi! 

Yesterday was a rest day which worked out pretty good because I woke up with an angry cold.  This morning it is still hanging around but no sense it letting it get me down.  I headed to the gym with my MIL this morning and did a slow 3 miles, got off stretched and did some of my favorite Chalean strength training exercises.  I decided to get back on the treadmill and do one last mile increasing my speed at every .20, I went from 6.0 to 7.0.  Nothing too fast, but I just wanted to get my heart rate up before we headed home.  It felt good to get up this morning and start the week off with a good workout and I love that my Mother In Law is getting up and coming with me while she is here visiting.  It is nice to have a partner at 5:30 am, it really makes a difference to get me going!  Sandy looks forward to going and that motivates me to be sure I am up and ready to go too, I don't want to let her down.  It is amazing what a motivator it is for me to have a workout buddy and know someone is counting on me to show up.  She is very encouraging with my running and doesn't give me slack about being a vegetarian, she is also the first in Jesse's family to defend me if anyone brings it up in a negative way.  I appreciate that because I do get slack for being a vegetarian and some feel I run too much which totally makes me laugh!  Me, run too much?  I wish I could be running more!   

Do you get negative reactions and backlash from those close to you for your healthy lifestyle?  I am not saying that I am super healthy because I don't eat meat, I am healthy because I am active and make good food choices more than 80% of the time.  I choose to not eat meat not for only health reasons but more so for ethical reasons.  I do not support the way that our animals are treated in the food industry and I do not trust the way the meat is handled and then sold to the consumer.  I chose to become a vegetarian based on personal choices and I don't push it on anyone, my girls are not vegetarians.  Since I don't eat meat anymore it has created a greater opportunity for me to make healthier choices.  I've started to get more creative in my recipes and I have started eating vegetables I had never even tried over a year ago.  

Sometimes I can easily brush off the comments I get from people when they hear I am a vegetarian or that I run too much (ha)!  Sometimes it can really frustrate me, it depends on who is making the comment and how they go about it.  I get a lot of questions like "what do you eat if you don't eat meat?", "how do you get enough protein?", "isn't it bad for you to cut out a food group like that"?  I also get some pretty off the wall questions but we'll keep it to those top 3.  

What do you eat if you don't eat meat? 

- I eat A LOT.  I probably eat more than necessary, I love food and eat something every 2 hours.  I eat a lot of avocados, Ezekial Bread, chia Seeds, Kashi Go Lean cereal, tons of green vegetables, peppers, beans etc.  I do eat pasta but I try to keep it to once a week or less, it is more of a treat.  I eat way to much sugar which is a sticking point for me, I know if I cut back I would probably clear up my skin and lose a few lbs.  

How do you get enough protein?  

- Adult Women need 46 grams and Adult Men need 56 grams of protein per day.  I eat those requirements and then some on an average day.  Green leafy veggies have lots of great protein, beans, eggs, dairy, etc.  I am not lacking in protein and eating a steak or chicken or small child won't get me any healthier.  I ran my first marathon 100% on a vegetarian diet and I didn't die or faint or fall apart at the seams.        

Isn't it bad for you to cut out an entire food group like that?

- Nope.  I could go on and on about all of the homework I have done on this subject but we as humans just do not need nearly as much meat as we consume on a daily basis.  We chose to eat that much and have at it!  I support you in your choice and do not judge the carnivores in my life, I just ask to not be criticized in return.  

Stepping off of my carton of spinach and will get back to running portion of this blog.  

What Am I Doing This Week?! 

Monday - 3 easy miles + 1 mile speed up 

Tuesday - 6 miles  

Wednesday - Cross Training 

Thursday - 5 miles 

Friday - Long Run 

Saturday/Sunday - Walking all over Niagara Falls!  Cannot wait!

Are you a Vegetarian or Vegan?  

What is your workout/run today?  

Do you have a workout/running buddy?  Does he/she keep you motivated?

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!  

     

You Really Can Run On A Treadmill

Good morning!  

This morning I did 3 miles of hill repeats on the treadmill and pushed it to 10% incline for my final minute.  That made for a long minute!  Last night I went to the gym and I did a tempo run and was finally able to push my pace below the 10 min mark.  Finally seeing a 9 in front of my pace was so gratifying, I am so ready to push myself harder.  

I can count on one hand how many times I've been able to run outside in 2013, so the treadmill has become a good friend of mine this winter.  When I first started out with the treadmill I could barely push through 2 miles and now I've done 10, just like when I started running it takes time to build up.  Tomorrow I am scheduled to run 12 miles so I am already on the lookout for a good documentary to pass the time.  When I did my tempo run last night I listened to music for the first time in forever and it really pumped me up.  I usually save my music for a race, but yesterday I needed some Bruno Mars in my life.  I thought I would share some of my tips I've learned to pass the time on the treadmill.  

My Top 5 Treadmill Tips 

1. Grab the treadmill at the gym that is facing a window, it is nice to watch what is happening outside      

2. Mix it up, every minute increase your pace and hold it for a minute then slow down for a minute.  It will build your stamina and surprisingly make the time go faster

3. Some people can read on the treadmill but I can't so I've downloaded a few audio books and I love being able to catch up on a book while I am running 

4. Podcasts are awesome to listen to while you are running and can really pass the time.  My favorite podcasts are Runner Academy and Marathon Training Academy.  

5.  If you have a phone, laptop or tablet with the ability to watch TV or movies you can catch up on some of your favorite shows or movies 

My TM in Montana, this sucker would shock me every time I went to change my pace

When I first started to do my runs on the treadmill I really thought my training and mileage was going to suffer.  I honestly did not think I was going to be able to get to a place where I could actually increase my pace and get enough miles to be prepared for the Rock and Roll Half in Portland.  It was my 2nd week in Michigan when I realized that I had 2 choices a) Be miserable and not push myself, make a bunch of excuses b) Give it my all and really conquer my treadmill phobias.  I went with option B and haven't looked back, I can actually say I enjoy running a treadmill now.  There are a lot of benefits to running a treadmill that I never noticed before.  

Top 5 Benefits to Running On a Treadmill 

1. There is always a bathroom for an unexpected potty break

2. I don't have to wear my water and nutrition for my long runs

3. Even in the dead of winter I can wear my cute summer running outfits 

4. Safety, I love knowing I can run at anytime and not worry about a car not seeing me or worse 

5. I can watch my chick flicks and food documentaries without moans and groans from Jess 

We'll be back in Oregon sometime in April and I'll be back to doing the majority of my runs outside.  Of course I can't wait to get back to my running group and of course my BRFF (Best Running Friend Forever).  I'll keep using my treadmill for my speed-work because I know I've been able to push it because of the treadmill holding my pace.  I've been able to learn what a 10 minute pace feels like and have realized that yes I can hold that for a extended period of time.  I no longer fear the treadmill but embrace her as an integral part of my running.  If you are weary of running on a treadmill or feel like there is no way you could much on a treadmill I suggest letting go of your preconceived notions and give it a shot!  That is what I had to do and I am really glad I had the chance to learn to love the treadmill.  

If you are here visiting from SkinnyRunner I am so glad you took the time to check out my baby blog!  You can follow me all sorts of ways!  

Instagram - rundaniellarun 

Pinterest - Dani Sticka/Run Daniella Run 

Twitter - Run Daniella Run 

Facebook - Run Daniella Run 

{are you sensing a theme?!}

Seriously, thank you, having you here is wonderful!  

Do you run on a treadmill regularly?    

Would you rather not run at all then have to do it on a treadmill?

What is your favorite thing about running?

- I love the feeling of pushing my body passed its comfort zone and knowing I am increasing my stamina with each run.  Plus I love the feeling of a great run, I do not know many things that match that feeling.   

Hungry for Change

Good morning!  

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, I ran 10 miles on the treadmill yesterday and did 2 miles at my race pace.  This morning I am going to a TRX class because my favorite Barre class filled up before I got to a chance to register.  I've seen a lot of people doing the TRX classes and it looks like something I could like!  As of now I know nothing about it, but I will definitively share what it is like on tomorrow's post! 

I am actually a little sore from yesterday's long run and that is a good feeling.  I haven't ran anything close to 10 miles in a while and it was nice to know I still had it in me.  Once I accomplished my 10 on the treadmill yesterday I realized I could really get use to this treadmill thing.  Dare I say I might actually really like running on a treadmill?!  I have been able to feel what the my different paces actually feel like and can control my speed work at lot better.  Its nice to not have a bunch of gear on and not have to wear my water, there are some perks to running on a treadmill for sure!  

Afterwards I made sure to stretch and foam roll.  I have a foam roller at home but I didn't bring it with me because as you know they are so bulky.  Luckily the gym I am using has a foam roller so I am forcing myself to use it.

While I was doing my run yesterday morning I watched a documentary called Hungry for Change on Netflix.  It completely re-lit my drive to be a vegetarian and do better at cutting out sugar.  There are so many health benefits to eating more fresh vegetables and fruit and I learned some news things I never knew before.  For example did you know that eating foods like chia seeds and parsley actually will help detoxify your system?  I've been putting chia seeds in my salads and making pudding for about a year for the protein but didn't realize they also helped detoxify.  They cling to toxins in your body and help you to flush them out as you are sweating, drinking more water, etc.  The movie also pointed out how much sugar the average person is consuming without even realizing it and really hit some hard points about diet soda.  For some reason the last 3 months I started to drink diet coke knowing it was a dumb idea.  Think about it, most diet sodas have 0 calories but are full of taste and ingredients, unless those ingredients are air how can there be 0 calories?  Because it is a chemical shit storm, excuse my language.  I honestly cannot believe I was allowing myself to put it in my body and I know it did some damage in just that short amount of time.  My scalp has completely dried out and therefore my hair is a hot mess.  With every diet coke I was drinking that was less water I was putting in my body.  Needless to say I am done with diet soda.

Do you watch any documentaries?  
They are some of my favorite movies to watch, running and food documentaries are at the top of my list!  

Is there a food that you know is bad for you but you eat it regardless?  

Sometimes I wonder if I drink to much coffee and if that could be bad for my health.

Did you have a good weekend?!  

Coast to Coast Million Dollar Marathon

Good morning!  

Ran a pretty lame 3 miles on the treadmill this morning, just wasn't into it.  The last mile I decided to act like I was trying so I put the incline to 1% and turned it all the way up to 5.5, slow down girl.  Not every run is going to be awesome, but it is the janky runs you push through so your good runs are that much sweeter.  

I received an email last week from Meredith who is participating in the Coast to Coast Million Dollar Marathon.  Meredith told me "Basically a team of 160 runners will run one marathon each, one right after the other, non-stop from the west coast to the east coast to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support.  Each team member commits to raising at least $7500, with the team goal being to raise $1 million."  I thought this sounded like such a neat idea!  You can learn more about this event by clicking the link above or going to Meredith's Team Page where you can read her personal story.  The event starts June 21st on Mount Rainier in Washington and will cover 4000 miles by the time it finishes.  Take some time to check it out!  So many of us have been affected by cancer, it is a terrible disease and the more I learn about some of it causes the angrier I get.  So many of our illnesses can be traced to our food, we need to take a stand against what the food industry is selling us.  Please do me a favor and just check it out and pass it on to anyone who could be interested.  

Also if you are looking for a new running blog to read that is local to Portland you should check out my friend Patty's new blog, Running in Muck.  Patty is funny and has a great writing style.  I met Patty through a running group I run with most Saturday mornings.  She ran two marathons in two weeks last year!  Yep, she is officially a maniac.  Check her out!  

This Week's Set Up

Monday - 3 Miles, Burn 1 

Tuesday - CLX Burn It Off & Abs 

Wednesday - CLX Burn 2 

Thursday - CLX Burn 3 

Friday - 5 Mile Negative Split Run 

Saturday - LR 10 

Sunday - Barre  

*My running schedule is weird this week because of some scheduling conflicts and I'll probably only get in 3 run days so that is why I am making up for it with so much cross training*

Finally I leave you with this

 {Instagram Pic}

See that scar above her right eye, she got it in a fight with a pit bull over a ball, she is tougher than she looks.

What is your favorite type of dog?  

- I love Pugs (obvi), Chocolate Labs and one yellow lab in particular, Heelers,etc, ya I love dogs.     

Do you write a blog?  If so share it with me!  I am always on the lookout for new blogs to read!

A Bunch Of Excuses

Hi, Happy Weekend!  

I went to bed last night with every intention of waking up at 7 and hitting the pavement at 8 with a simple and easy 8 miles to conquer.  I laid out the route last night on Map My Run and made sure my wool socks were clean.  My alarm went off this morning, check, go to turn it off and I can already tell we have a problem.  My neck is stiff, like I slept weird and now I can't move my head, awesome.  OK so I lay there try to get comfortable and slowly get my head to be able to move a bit, check.  It is already almost 8 at this point so my run will be later than planned, no big deal.  I wrestle with all of the necessary gear needed for a 20 degree run and feel like I have already put in a sweat session.  At this point it is after 10 but I am making this run happen, hugs kisses and out the door I go.  

Taken right before I headed out for my run

It is snowing and it is cold but I can tell my body will warm up and I will be just fine through this run, BAM!  Half a mile into it I fall so hard on my butt people are actually pulling over to the side of the road to help me.  Not awkward or embarrassing AT ALL.  Luckily the only thing injured is my pride, I thank everyone, turn around and head home.  I can take a hint from the universe, go home and quit trying to run outside in Michigan in February it is NOT going to happen.  I walk back in the door and try to figure out how I am going to make this run happen.  I am thinking to myself  can I run 8 miles on the treadmill, well of course I can but do I want to?  It came down to either you do the run or you bag it and I wasn't going to bag it.  

I changed into much cooler clothes, headed to the gym and busted out my 8 miles while watching One For The Money.  This is a good look right?  Probably didn't need my compression sleeves but just kept them on from my previous running outfit.  I am so glad that I sucked it up and got it done, while it wasn't what I had envisioned for my 8 miles today it was a strong 8 miles and I am so happy I got it done.  

I had planned on doing my Barre class tomorrow morning but we are heading to the Ford Museum in Dearborn.  Plus my hamstrings are insanely tight and I am going to give them a rest.  Sarah and I must have worked pretty hard yesterday doing CLX Intervals together yesterday.  

She did almost the entire video with me yesterday (45 minutes) and kept asking me, is this how you do it Mama?  Those little weights are 1 pound each and perfect for her little arms.  I try to do most of cross training and runs in the morning before the girls are up but sometimes we have a little group session.  Chalean is always talking about setting the example for your family and friends and I enjoy having my little workout buddies from time to time.  Usually its just Lucy sleeping under the table and snoring while I do my cross training.  I hope your long run went much better than mine started out, remember no excuses!  

What is/was your workout this weekend?

Do you have a lot of snow where you live?  What do you do during the winter months?  

    

      

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!  

  

     

Playlist Favorites

Good morning!  

I did a tempo run this morning and...wait for it...I think I liked it.  It was a 2 mile warm up and cool down with the 2 mile tempo in the middle, nothing fancy but it did the trick.  All of terms are new to me, when I trained for my half and full marathons last year it was mainly just endurance.  2013 is about working towards some goals and today was the first run towards that.  

I started with music but ended up back with Parenthood, anyone else watch Parenthood?  I found it last year and wondered why I haven't been watching since the beginning, so good!  It got me to thinking about what motivates me during a run and how it is different when I am on a treadmill versus an outside run.

Treadmill Run 

- I prefer to watch something, it takes my mind off of the fact that I am just running in place.  I can't read while I am running but have thought about downloading some audio books.    

Outdoor Run

- It honestly depends on what type of run I am heading out for.  If it is my Saturday group run I just leave my headphones at home, there is so much to take in and so many people to chat with there is no need for anything else.

  

- When I am running around town getting in miles or clearing my head I'll listen to a podcast.  My favorite podcasts are Marathon Training Academy, Runner's Academy & Another Mother Runner.  

- I also do a lot of my runs with nothing, no music, no podcast just me and the neighborhood.  I remember when I first started running I was heading out for a 5 mile run and by the time I was almost out of my neighborhood I remembered I had left my headphones at home.  At first I panicked thinking I couldn't run without music but found that half way through I was actually enjoying this run more than others.  It is nice to just be centered entirely on what you are doing, since then I started doing more than half of my runs with no headphones.  You should try it sometime if you don't practice it already.  I save my music for the last part of a long run if I really need it.  During the marathon I plugged in my music at mile 18 till around 23 and it helped me through those tough miles.  I really like country music, it is hands down my favorite kind of music but I also listen to a lot of other pop music while I am running.

My Current Playlist Favorites 

1. Coldplay - Paradise 

2. Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven (my current power song) 

3. Florida Georgia Line - Cruise           

4. Will. i. am. - Scream & Shout 

5.  Britney Spears - I Wanna Go 

6. Little Big Town - Tornado
7. Little Big Town - Pontoon
8. Nitty Gritty Dirty Band - Fish'n in the Dark
9. Miranda Lambert - Fastest Girl in Town (Always makes me think of Katie!)
10. Carly Rae Jepsen - It's Always A Good Time  

Do you listen to music while you run?  

Treadmill running, most either hate it or love it, where do you stand?  
- I am learning to really appreciate the treadmill, I think it is going to really help me with my tempo runs and speed work.  Plus its nice to have a bathroom and water fountain close!  

Any audio books you would recommend for me?  

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!