The 100 mile month!

Earlier this month in one of my online running groups, the challenge was set to run 100 miles in July. I hadn’t run 100 miles since last December and set mileages for a month isn’t something I really focus on. But, seeing as this was my last month of freedom (I go back to work on Monday) and that I was at the beginning of marathon training, I thought….maybe I could pull it off.

I wasn’t running everyday or doing any crazy extra mileage just to reach the goal. That’s just an injury waiting to happen. It actually worked itself out on its own. My run club had two extra runs this month, one for 4th of July and another Fun in the Sun 5k (where a friend wanted to run a little extra for her training so I joined her). My other running group, Run Eat Tweet AZ, also met up this month for a trail run/hike.

So with those extra runs, marathon training, taking advantage of the few days both kids were actually at daycare, I was able to squeeze 100 miles in July.

Total for the month:
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I wasn’t going to overachieve and do any more than I had to lol!–Today is the last day of July and I’m not running. 🙂

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–Have you run a 100 mile month?

–Do you set mileage goals? (I don’t have set mileages I work towards, I just try my best to follow whatever plan I’m on)

Marathon training week 5 in the books

Another week of training done. It’s been a hectic past couple of weeks as my kids both started daycare and the transition has been tough. Funny because the tough part isn’t them not liking it; they actually love it! The school director told me how surprised she was at how well they’ve adapted–In my head I’m thinking, “Yeah, they were probably bored hanging out with me all day.”

The tough part has really been more trying to get them ready in the morning. And the other tough part are the sicknesses. I’ve had to re-schedule or miss a few runs to stay home with them but luckily it’s still early in the training and because I haven’t really had an off season, I’m comfortable in my abilities so far to miss a run here and there.

I was able to get out there a few times last week though:

Monday I took my new shoes for a ride on the treadmill–

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Tuesday I did a 4 mile furnace run with my run club; excessive heat warning be damned..

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Wednesday was track day but I was home with my sick little one 😦 This was his actual birthday too, poor guy. We decided to celebrate anyway though with a ONE pizza 🙂

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Thursday
was a cross training day but I was still home with my son. When my husband came home from work, I was so exhausted I couldn’t muster up the energy to go to the gym. I made myself feel better about it by doing an abs video at home.

Fridays are typically rest days but I was desperate need of a run. It had been a pretty stressful week with my sick kids, party planning, and just life–I knew a run would be a great pick me upper. And it totally was.

I tried out a new treadmill (not by choice. My treadmill was taken lol) and it had a cool techy screen that I couldn’t really figure out. Sometimes I like the older models of things because I feel they’re simpler to use. I’m also just not tech savvy at all :/ Anyway, I decided to mix things up and do some treadhills. Before I knew it, I had 5 miles in the bag. I was a sweaty mess and it. felt. great. 🙂

My son’s birthday party was on Saturday but it was also long run day so I woke up at crazy o’clock and headed out for my scheduled 10 miler. I wasn’t sure how it would go since my husband and I had been up til midnight party preparing. I didn’t feel like a complete zombie so I was hopeful things would go well.

It went amazing.

My buddy The Running Schlub was there again and he was kind enough to keep me company the first 4 miles. We were running at a really good pace for me, slow and steady, and the whole time we chatted–mostly about basketball, so I was pretty much having a blast.

He was going 8 so at mile four, he turned around. I kept going and convinced myself to pick up the pace a little and try and negative split the second half of my run.

success!

success!

I still can’t believe how well that run went! I felt so good at the end and even my cool down mile was faster than my start. I totally felt like I could have kept on going.

I definitely think the slow start helped me not burn out. While I don’t want to always have a 4 mile warm up, I do hope to continue to stay disciplined and start my runs with a legit warm-up. Sometimes Often, I get overzealous and start out too fast. With shorter runs I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, but with long runs, I need all the conserving of energy as possible.

After my run, we got the house party ready! My little guy was feeling much better and did so great with all the people. He really is a chill dude so I wasn’t surprised that he handled everything with ease.

Big sister helping blow out the candle

Big sister helping blow out the candle

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Birthday cake!!! I thought he’d dig in and go at it but he was very well mannered 🙂

Overall, a good running week with a great long run. Monday-Sunday total mileage: 25.02 miles

This is my last week of freedom before I return to work. The calm before the storm………

How was your weekend?

Are you a chocolate cake fan?

 

Time to party!!

This was the week we’ve all been waiting for. Okay, well not everyone…lol! My family and I are all set to celebrate this little big guy’s FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!

12 months=1 year in case you didn't know :D

12 months=1 year in case you didn’t know 😀

The official day was this past Wednesday and unfortunately, our new 1 year old was home sick 😦 He wasn’t able to face plant himself in chocolate cake then but he’s definitely well enough to give it a go at his party tomorrow 🙂

I wasn’t able to run after Wednesday and Thursday as I was home with my son. Today will be spent taking care of last minute party planning but I’ll be heading out for my long run tomorrow morning before the festivities begin. His birthday theme is Summer Fun, I’m Turning ONE and we’ll have plenty of water activities because, well…

Yesterday's temps...

Yesterday’s temps…

At least it’ll be a cool 108 tomorrow…

giphy I hope you all have a great weekend!! Who’s running, who’s racing??

What’s your favorite way to celebrate your birthday?