First, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!! I hope everyone has had a very nice holiday and got some downtime with family and friends. I know I did! Maybe a little too much food, too many drinks, and late nights.
Now, it's back to training! We have races starting in January (visit the schedule of races down at the bottom of this blog). Yesterday, the day after Christmas, we decided it'd be great to get back into it but as we walked out the door to for a tempo run, it started raining! Instead, we decided to go to the gym and do a leg work out. Needless to say my legs and butt are sore! But it feels great. Today I'll be doing the tempo run (2 miles easy @ 10:53 a mile; 3 miles short tempo (9:18 a mile; 1 mile easy @ 10:53).
I'm excited to get back into training especially now with my orthotics. After the last half I ran, I wasn't sore at all, and I attribute that to the orthotics 100%. My problem from that race was the blister I got from my orthotics, so I'm hoping I've become accustom to them by now.
So this week, the planned training looks like:
Yesterday 12/26--Leg Workout
Today 12/27-- Tempo Run (6 miles; 2 miles easy; 3 miles short tempo pace; 1 mile easy)
Friday 12/28-- Yoga Class & Cycling Class
Saturday 12/29-- Long Run (8 miles)
Sunday 12/30-- Arm and Ab Workout & Cycling Class
Next Week:
Monday 12/31--Sprint Intervals (400, 600, 800, 1200, 800, 600, 400 with 400RI)
Tuesday 1/1--OFF for obvious reasons :)
Wednesday 1/2--Tempo Run (5 miles @ Mid-Tempo Pace 9:42)
Thursday 1/3-- Leg Workout
Friday 1/4-- Yoga Class & Cycling Class
Saturday 1/5--Long Run (9 Miles)
Sunday 1/6 --Arm and Ab Workout
Schedule of Races 2013
January--Highland YMCA Run (10K and Half Marathon) in Highland, CA--January 29
February--Brea 8K Run in Brea, CA--February 24
March-- Long Beach Half Marathon in Long Beach, CA--March 10
April--Run Through Redlands Half Marathon in Redlands, CA--April 21
May-- OC Half Marathon--May 5
June--Fontana Days Half Marathon in Fontana, CA--June 1
My Family Getting Ready to Run Fontana Days Half Marathon 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Second Half Marathon...In The Books!
So as the title suggests, I ran my second half marathon this weekend. I ran the Holiday Half Marathon in Pomona, CA. I wanted to run this one because of the medal that you get. It's a snowflake and very unique. Also, if you run this race 3 or more years in a row, you get the snowflake medal along with a penguin medal and every year after it's a different penguin!
Unfotunately I didn't get to train as much as I wanted to for this race for a variety of reasons: I had to get my orthotics (then get used to them), I was sick for an entire week (even had to go to Urgent Care from dehydration), and I've been traveling more (so getting in training runs is difficult and something I have to get used to). I was still commited to this race though, and come hell or high water, I was going to complete it!
A couple things about this course.
1. This is a hard course (at least in my opinion). It is hilly...see the elevation chart below.
2. The course is BEAUTIFUL. I highly recommend this race especially if you love to look at scenery.
So...how did I feel?
Well I felt great for the first 4 miles. I've been dealing with a blister on the bottom of my right foot since I got my orthotics so I wrapped and taped my foot to help but by 4.5 miles the tape had slipped, causing an even worse blister. Thankfully there was an aid station at mile 5 and I got re-wrapped with some Neosporin. This held up until mile 12. By mile 12, my blister tore and it was excruciating pain, but since I only had a mile left, I was bound and determined to finish!
Because of my blister (and having to stop at the aid station for 5 minutes), my time was pretty much shot out of the water, but I did finish and I felt very much accomplished. Although this is the slowest time on record for me (12 mins a mile; 2:37 finish time), I felt more accomplished and proud than I ever have. I ran this one by myself (usually my family runs with me) and I had the blister. But as I crossed the finish line I still felt proud. It's not about the time, all the time. Sometimes it's just about finishing!
Unfotunately I didn't get to train as much as I wanted to for this race for a variety of reasons: I had to get my orthotics (then get used to them), I was sick for an entire week (even had to go to Urgent Care from dehydration), and I've been traveling more (so getting in training runs is difficult and something I have to get used to). I was still commited to this race though, and come hell or high water, I was going to complete it!
A couple things about this course.
1. This is a hard course (at least in my opinion). It is hilly...see the elevation chart below.
2. The course is BEAUTIFUL. I highly recommend this race especially if you love to look at scenery.
So...how did I feel?
 |
| My Blister! |
Because of my blister (and having to stop at the aid station for 5 minutes), my time was pretty much shot out of the water, but I did finish and I felt very much accomplished. Although this is the slowest time on record for me (12 mins a mile; 2:37 finish time), I felt more accomplished and proud than I ever have. I ran this one by myself (usually my family runs with me) and I had the blister. But as I crossed the finish line I still felt proud. It's not about the time, all the time. Sometimes it's just about finishing!
 |
| The Medal! |
 |
| After Finishing 13.1! |
Friday, November 30, 2012
Running With Orthotics
I know it's been awhile since I've blogged (again). Last time I wrote, I told of my pronated feet and arthritis.
All my life, I've had pronation of the ankles. This is when your ankles roll inward like this. To the right is an example of what your foot should look versus a pronated foot.
What this does essentially is creates more pressure and stresses on your feet, knees, hips, and back. Since I've had this issue my whole life I have never really noticed how much it has affected me.
So, how did I get this and why? I walked at nine months and I was a particularly heavy baby. The extra weight coupled with walking early, my ankles developed that way.
I went to the chiropractor for problems I was having with my hips running longer distances and he traced the problems in my hips and knees to my foot and prescribed me orthotics. I got my orthotics custom made and received them about two weeks later. Let me first say that orthotics take a lot of getting used to. Because I was so used to walking, standing, and running pronated; walking, standing, and running with orthotics was terrible to say the least the first few times. Just wearing them at work was painful to my back and running with them--well I couldn't even run 2 miles without stopping due to pain. I tried again and got blisters on my arch. The key is wear them in every shoe possible for as long as possible to get used to them and also to help the pronation. It is uncomfortable at first because your body is changing the way it's used to doing things. It's crazy that just a slight change in how your foot sits can affect your entire body! My chiropractor (who has worn the same orthotics I have for the past 20 years) said I will be faster in my runs and I won't be as sore after long runs. I ran for a third time with orthotics and was able to run 8 miles with little discomfort. My blister on my right foot got a little worse so I need to figure out what that's about but it wasn't unmanageable.
Did I mention I had to change shoes? In a previous post I raved about my Nike+ Free Run 2 model I was using. I think this was the part of this ordeal I was most bummed about. There was no way around needing new shoes. I had to go from a minimalist shoe to a "neutral" shoe with more support. I started running with the Nike+ Structure 16 model. It's a little heavier but definitely a great shoe so far!
So now that I know these orthotics will help out after I get used to them, I offer the same advice to everyone...if you need orthotics, GET THEM, and DON'T GIVE UP. They are uncomfortable in the beginning but they will help!
What else did the chiropractor find out that helped me?
1. I was getting chronic headaches and none of my doctors could tell me why. I even had to go to the Urgent Care for having a headache for 9 days... I had shots in my neck to numb my nerve endings to hopefully help but it just masked the pain. Once I visited the chiropractor, he pinpointed the problem: my posture! Once he adjusted me and I started working on my posture, I haven't had a headache since I started visiting him!
2. I learned I have arthritis in my feet from the pronation. (arthritis?... I'm 26!)
3. I have bad posture and I learned how someone is really supposed to stand (think like a waiter standing at an event--hands clasped in front, shoulders back, neck in).
4. Getting adjusted feels amazing!
5. A lot of people think that you'll never stop going once you start. At least with mine, that is not the case. He is there to help me fix myself. He adjusts me to where I need to be and follows up on things that I need to work on (like my posture, my orthotics, etc). If you do feel the need to go, research before you choose one. Mine is also into holistic healing and never does x-rays (so maybe find one into holistic healing).
Anyway, I'm looking forward to improving my body along with my run times. I have a half marathon on the 9th and that will be the first race I run with my orthotics! Can't say I'm particularly excited about running 13.1 with these today but hopefully by then they are causing me even less discomfort.
:)maggie
Sunday, October 21, 2012
HOLY COW! It's been a month since I blogged!
I can't believe the time has flown by! It's been over a month since I blogged.
I promise it hasn't been a month since I've ran. I actually have been running quite a bit. I have switched my focus for now from half marathons to 10K's as the race season just began and my hubby, his dad, and I run 10K's together frequently. I plan on running my first half of the season in December so I will be continuing my half training this week.
We just ran our first race of the season. We ran the Race For The Rescues in Pasadena. It's a REALLY cool race. All benefits animal rescues. You can bring your dog and run/walk with them. They have adoption events all day as well as silent auctions and Jane Lynch from Glee was there this year. Last year it was Coach Beast from Glee. The course is around the Rose Bowl. The 5K is one lap and the 10K is two laps. My husband, his dad, and I all ran our fastest 10K times we've ever ran. My hubby and his dad both got FIRST PLACE in their age groups!!! It was a lot of fun, and definitely recommend this race for everyone, especially if you love animals.
We discontinued our half marathon training a couple weeks before our 10K run to focus on faster, shorter runs to make sure we weren't just focusing on our long distance. It clearly worked.
When we go back to half training, we will continue in the week we left off.
Some highlights since my last post:
1. I ran for the first time in Portland. That was awesome. I ran downtown down to the river and a long the river.
2. I ran my fastest 10K (Race for the Rescues).
3. I am working more than ever!
4. I went to the chiropractor and found out that I have arthritis of the feet and I have to get orthopedics for my shoes (I'll be doing a review on those once I get them).
5. I have committed to the Holiday Half (Snowflake Half Marathon) in December.
More to come this week from continued training!
:)Maggie
I promise it hasn't been a month since I've ran. I actually have been running quite a bit. I have switched my focus for now from half marathons to 10K's as the race season just began and my hubby, his dad, and I run 10K's together frequently. I plan on running my first half of the season in December so I will be continuing my half training this week.
We just ran our first race of the season. We ran the Race For The Rescues in Pasadena. It's a REALLY cool race. All benefits animal rescues. You can bring your dog and run/walk with them. They have adoption events all day as well as silent auctions and Jane Lynch from Glee was there this year. Last year it was Coach Beast from Glee. The course is around the Rose Bowl. The 5K is one lap and the 10K is two laps. My husband, his dad, and I all ran our fastest 10K times we've ever ran. My hubby and his dad both got FIRST PLACE in their age groups!!! It was a lot of fun, and definitely recommend this race for everyone, especially if you love animals.
We discontinued our half marathon training a couple weeks before our 10K run to focus on faster, shorter runs to make sure we weren't just focusing on our long distance. It clearly worked.
When we go back to half training, we will continue in the week we left off.
Some highlights since my last post:
1. I ran for the first time in Portland. That was awesome. I ran downtown down to the river and a long the river.
2. I ran my fastest 10K (Race for the Rescues).
3. I am working more than ever!
4. I went to the chiropractor and found out that I have arthritis of the feet and I have to get orthopedics for my shoes (I'll be doing a review on those once I get them).
5. I have committed to the Holiday Half (Snowflake Half Marathon) in December.
More to come this week from continued training!
:)Maggie
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Accessories I Use: Nike
I've been saying for a while now I want to write a blog on the accessories and 'equipment' I use while I run. This blog will be specifically about the Nike products I use!
I first want to say to all those that are looking for an activity that will help with weight loss, getting back into shape, etc. but don't want to spend all the money on a gym membership, a bike, etc. RUNNING IS VIRTUALLY FREE. Yes, accessories cost money but if you just want to run, you literally can run without shoes. These things I use help me keep my times, paces, and help track what I'm doing but they are not needed. /disclaimer.
First, I must admit I use a plethora of Nike items.
Nike+ Sportband
2 years ago I bought a Nike+ Sportband as a (relatively) inexpensive way to track my times, pace, and calories burned during runs. I started getting more competitive and cared about my paces and wanted a way to track my progress but I didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a GPS driven watch. For $60 I was able to get a cool color and comfortable way to track these things. One of the coolest aspects of this watch is the Nike+ community website that you get free access to when you sign up with Nike+. It keeps your profile and it's like a little social community of runners and walkers. It also stores all your runs for you and notifies when you complete an accomplishment (fastest 5K, when you hit a certain number of miles, blah blah blah). You can also join challenges with people around the world (Guys V Girls first to X# of miles, City challenges, etc.). You can also create maps and map your runs here too. The way it works is pretty cool too. There is a chip that comes with the watch that either goes in Nike+ shoes (a little portion in the shoe bottom is cut out specifically for the Nike+ chip) or you can buy a sleeve if you don't have Nike+ shoes. I really like the fact that if you don't fit well in Nike+ shoes or you don't like them or what-have-you, you can still use this watch! It's pretty accurate for the price and what it is. You can calibrate it as well if you see it's becoming off. It's based off of your stride so if you change your stride you should recalibrate. There are two ways to sync your runs with the Nike+ community: Apple Products (iPhone, iPodTouch) or by plugging it into your computer. I don't use Apple Products, so I use the computer and it works just fine and charges the watch at the same time! It's very easy to use and it's usually to the 1/10 of a mile accurate.
Cons: it doesn't allow for extra calories burned because it doesn't have a GPS so it doesn't know when you're going uphill or downhill. It's not waterproof. It's not user-friendly for a normal everyday watch.
Nike+ Fuel Band
After the explanation of the Nike+ Sportband I will try to keep this one a little shorter. This is the BEES-KNEES. I am obsessed with it. This is very similar to the sportband but it is for everything else besides running. I wear it during my run because it measures movement and it seems to account more accurately for running uphill than the SportBand does. The Fuel Band gives you points for your activity level and you can set a Fuel goal per day. It tracks your progress through the day and when you reach your goal, it celebrates for you by lighting up like a slot machine! It tracks Fuel Points, calories, and steps taken...not mention it is actually pretty stylish for everyday wearing and it's a cool watch! You plug it into the computer to charge it just like the SportBand and you can either sync it that way or with Apple products.
Cons: Price ($150). It only comes in black. If you are just running it doesn't give your paces or distances.
Nike+ Free Run 2 Shoes
Everyone has a different take on shoes, but I LOVE these shoes. They are lightweight, they breathe really well, and they keep tight right below the ankle across the mid-foot where it feels the best for me. I can wear lightweight socks without blistering and bunching. Not to mention, they come in a variety of colors or you can even design your own!
Cons: If I run on gravel the gravel tends to stick in the sole because they are so pliable.
Nike Apparel
I wear all kinds of shorts and pants and shirts, but I do love the compression pants I just bought. I was looking for something that would help from chaffing during the hotter weather without getting overheated. I actually used these pants today for the first time on a 6 mile tempo run and absolutely loved them. I didn't get too hot because they were dry-fit, they didn't scoot down, and of course I didn't chaff. I don't think this is because they are Nike but how do I pass up a $40 pair of pants on sale for $6!?
Just a quick rundown of all the Nike products I use. All in all I love them and I think they are actually made with decent quality through and through. There is great variety in the styles and colors which is always nice. I have only seen one other person with my exact color of shoes but I see my shoes all the time. A lot of my friends own the Sportband and seem to like it and I know a couple people who use the FuelBand and all like it.
:)Maggie
I first want to say to all those that are looking for an activity that will help with weight loss, getting back into shape, etc. but don't want to spend all the money on a gym membership, a bike, etc. RUNNING IS VIRTUALLY FREE. Yes, accessories cost money but if you just want to run, you literally can run without shoes. These things I use help me keep my times, paces, and help track what I'm doing but they are not needed. /disclaimer.
First, I must admit I use a plethora of Nike items.
- Nike+ Sportband (get it here)
- Nike+ Fuel Band (get it here)
- Nike+ Free Run Shoes (get them here)
- Nike compression pants
- Nike Running Shorts
Nike+ Sportband
Cons: it doesn't allow for extra calories burned because it doesn't have a GPS so it doesn't know when you're going uphill or downhill. It's not waterproof. It's not user-friendly for a normal everyday watch.
Nike+ Fuel Band
Cons: Price ($150). It only comes in black. If you are just running it doesn't give your paces or distances.
Nike+ Free Run 2 Shoes
Cons: If I run on gravel the gravel tends to stick in the sole because they are so pliable.
Nike Apparel
I wear all kinds of shorts and pants and shirts, but I do love the compression pants I just bought. I was looking for something that would help from chaffing during the hotter weather without getting overheated. I actually used these pants today for the first time on a 6 mile tempo run and absolutely loved them. I didn't get too hot because they were dry-fit, they didn't scoot down, and of course I didn't chaff. I don't think this is because they are Nike but how do I pass up a $40 pair of pants on sale for $6!?
Just a quick rundown of all the Nike products I use. All in all I love them and I think they are actually made with decent quality through and through. There is great variety in the styles and colors which is always nice. I have only seen one other person with my exact color of shoes but I see my shoes all the time. A lot of my friends own the Sportband and seem to like it and I know a couple people who use the FuelBand and all like it.
:)Maggie
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
A Week Without Training... :-(
So for the last week and a half I wasn't able to train a complete week. I did Kettlebells twice and I ran twice. I am bummed because I feel like I haven't made progress but I know it's a part of life. I am extremely busy with an 80% travel schedule. It's not an excuse; I can always go to the gym while on the road, but it's hard.
Since I wasn't able to really complete a full week of training I am just repeating week my 3rd week of training. This week is 800M repeat sprints, a 6 mile tempo run, and a 10 mile long run, with Kettlebells in between. I will report back at the end of the week on how this week went when I'm done.
For this blog I just wanted to do a little research on how busy people keep with training programs and how they train intensely with holidays, travel, etc.
What I've come up with is that every runner has a different philosophy on missing runs. Some keep progressing, some repeat, some even go back to the previous week. As I said before, I am choosing to just repeat week 3.
Some of the things I do to keep myself on track (or at least try to do) is I like to set my week up at the beginning of the week so I know what my plan is for the entire week and then if I'm traveling or there is something going on I can plan around it. I also like to always plan to go in the morning and if something comes up I can plan to make time in the evening.
So with that I did Kettlebells yesterday, my hubby and I are running tomorrow, and I will be doing Kettlebells again on Friday, and doing our 10 miler on Sunday.
Sorry for the boring blog today... it's been pretty uneventful over here on the running front lately!
Since I wasn't able to really complete a full week of training I am just repeating week my 3rd week of training. This week is 800M repeat sprints, a 6 mile tempo run, and a 10 mile long run, with Kettlebells in between. I will report back at the end of the week on how this week went when I'm done.
For this blog I just wanted to do a little research on how busy people keep with training programs and how they train intensely with holidays, travel, etc.
What I've come up with is that every runner has a different philosophy on missing runs. Some keep progressing, some repeat, some even go back to the previous week. As I said before, I am choosing to just repeat week 3.
Some of the things I do to keep myself on track (or at least try to do) is I like to set my week up at the beginning of the week so I know what my plan is for the entire week and then if I'm traveling or there is something going on I can plan around it. I also like to always plan to go in the morning and if something comes up I can plan to make time in the evening.
So with that I did Kettlebells yesterday, my hubby and I are running tomorrow, and I will be doing Kettlebells again on Friday, and doing our 10 miler on Sunday.
Sorry for the boring blog today... it's been pretty uneventful over here on the running front lately!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Day 9: Long Run...9 Miles!
Day 9: (8/19/2012)
Sorry for not updating this recently! I've been traveling for work.
On the 19th I did week 2's long run: 9 miles!
This was supposed to be a long, slower run at Half Marathon Pace + 20 seconds (9:39/mile) I ran with my husband so we ran a little slower than that (9:58/mile) and the course we use is EXTREMELY hilly. I love incorporating hills because it makes me a stronger runner. There is one hill in particular that is pure hell. It's only .3 miles but it is intense. All of last year we couldn't make it up the climb without stopping and during our 9 miler we were able to make it to the top without stopping (we were both very excited about this!). The rest of the course is filled with other hills as well as some great declines.
Workout:
Run 9 miles at a steady, controlled pace. We chose a challenging course so we had to walk at the top of some of the hills to catch our breath. Remember, Galloway always says that walking is okay; it's not anything to feel ashamed of and it's perfectly fine. The goal is the distance and if you walk, remember to keep it controlled as well. We kept our walking to a minimum; only at the tops of 2 of the hills and when we had to stop to refill our water jugs.
Method:
We ran outside on a premapped course. I use Nike+ (Blog to come very soon on this), but there is also MapMyRun. I write down the course and stuff it in my running belt (Blog to come on accessories soon as well), so that if I forget where we planned to run I can reference it. I think premapping runs is crucial so you aren't running aimlessly or running in circles. I also recommend running outside for this so your body can acclimate itself with terrain to simulate races.
How I Felt:
We felt great afterward. We weren't extremely tired. We were able to continue our day as normal.
What I'd Recommend:
Run outside and premap your run. Don't feel bad if you walk; just keep it controlled. Stay hydrated!!
How I Felt Afterward:
The next day I had to leave for work so I thought my back was sore because of travel but I talked with my hubby and he said his back was sore too along with his legs. My legs felt fine, but I stretched extensively afterward, and he didn't.
Sorry for not updating this recently! I've been traveling for work.
On the 19th I did week 2's long run: 9 miles!
This was supposed to be a long, slower run at Half Marathon Pace + 20 seconds (9:39/mile) I ran with my husband so we ran a little slower than that (9:58/mile) and the course we use is EXTREMELY hilly. I love incorporating hills because it makes me a stronger runner. There is one hill in particular that is pure hell. It's only .3 miles but it is intense. All of last year we couldn't make it up the climb without stopping and during our 9 miler we were able to make it to the top without stopping (we were both very excited about this!). The rest of the course is filled with other hills as well as some great declines.
Workout:
Run 9 miles at a steady, controlled pace. We chose a challenging course so we had to walk at the top of some of the hills to catch our breath. Remember, Galloway always says that walking is okay; it's not anything to feel ashamed of and it's perfectly fine. The goal is the distance and if you walk, remember to keep it controlled as well. We kept our walking to a minimum; only at the tops of 2 of the hills and when we had to stop to refill our water jugs.
Method:
We ran outside on a premapped course. I use Nike+ (Blog to come very soon on this), but there is also MapMyRun. I write down the course and stuff it in my running belt (Blog to come on accessories soon as well), so that if I forget where we planned to run I can reference it. I think premapping runs is crucial so you aren't running aimlessly or running in circles. I also recommend running outside for this so your body can acclimate itself with terrain to simulate races.
How I Felt:
We felt great afterward. We weren't extremely tired. We were able to continue our day as normal.
What I'd Recommend:
Run outside and premap your run. Don't feel bad if you walk; just keep it controlled. Stay hydrated!!
How I Felt Afterward:
The next day I had to leave for work so I thought my back was sore because of travel but I talked with my hubby and he said his back was sore too along with his legs. My legs felt fine, but I stretched extensively afterward, and he didn't.
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