Phoenix Marathon Training Week 1 Recap

Posted by hellyontherun in Marathon, Running and tagged with Goals, Marathon Training, Phoenix Marathon, PR, Running November 18, 2014

Here we go again!

So pretty much my blog is about training recaps. LOL! I hope I don’t bore you!!!

I mentioned in my previous post that I’m on a mission. I really, really want that PR. Typically, I’m not crazy overly goal driven. Like, I have a goal in mind but I’m never super bummed or upset if I don’t get it. But for some reason, this goal of getting a marathon PR is something I’m very serous about….as evident in my Week 1 Training Recap 🙂

Sunday was Bunday. Yes, you read that right. I did a series of videos focusing on hips and glutes and worked my ass off. Literally. I feel like this is an area (ahem) that I need to work on to help improve my running/fitness so I’m making it a priority in my training.

Actually, strength training is something I feel like I’ve lacked and need so I’m def making sure to include it this time around. I’m not much of a free weights/machines person but prefer body weight strength training like pilates-esque stuff.

Monday I met up with some teacher co-workers for a post work workout (<—try saying that ten times). We met at the football field and did some stadium drills, track lunges, and core work. While I had a blast with them, having just had Bunday the day before, I was hurting.

Upness

I met up with my run club Tuesday evening, got in a nice 4 miler, and worked the core after.

Negative splits? Yes, please!

Wednesday was speed work at the track but it was SO cold out (I know, I know, here’s Helly starting her complaining it’s cold when it’s barely 60 degrees out) and I was so sore that I made it a mile (8:30) before I called it quits. I didn’t want to push it so I went home, foam rolled, and stretched instead.

I’ve decided to try running after work on Thursdays before I head home to pick up the kids. I figure I can get in a decent 4-5 miler in the time I have. So as soon as the bell rang, I changed in the faculty bathroom and headed out for an easy, breezy 4

From work to play 🙂

Friday was rest day and it felt oh, so good! Even my kids partook in resting with mama and wore their pajamas to school (I kinda wish I could’ve too!)

Pajama Day @ school! 😀

Normally, I run long with my run club Saturday mornings but it’s been a tough bedtime/morning with my kids lately so I knew it was unlikely I’d be able to make it. I took advantage of grandma and one toddler’s nap and went later in the morning. I had 8 miles on the schedule and was able to check it off–and be happy with the results! I even managed to squeeze in a couple of core vids later that evening 🙂

^^ Along the lines of my thoughts during my run

Overall, I am digging the start of this training and hope it continues this way throughout. I’m going into it very motivated and inspired and with positive thinking that I can accomplish my goal. We shall see! 🙂

Total miles: 17 miles
Soda update: I am doing pretty good with this–averaging one a day!

How was your running week?
Do goals motivate you to train harder/better?
Do you strength train? What do you do?

Back on the Marathon Train-ing!!

Posted by hellyontherun in Marathon and tagged with Goal, Marathon, Phoenix Marathon, PR, Running, Training November 11, 2014

I know, I know. I just ran a marathon.

Lemme ‘splain.

When I put my name in the Marine Corps Marathon Lottery, I really had NO idea I’d get picked the first time I tried. So I signed up for Phoenix Marathon (Feb. 28) thinking I’d at least have that marathon to train for if I didn’t get in. Yeah, you know what happened..lol

I took an entire full week off post Marine Corps. No running, no cross training, no nothing except for indulging in all things food and soda (and surprising, I didn’t drink that much!). Then the following week I started to ease back in.

But this week starts the first week of official Phoenix Marathon Training!
I’ve decided to go back to Hal on this one and do a modified Higdon plan. I still need to recap Run Less, Run Faster and really stress how my experience with it really shouldn’t be taken with much confidence as I was pretty terrible at following it 😦 but more on that later.

For Phoenix, I’m on a mission. I’m going to lay it out there.

I want a sub 4:30.

I really, really do. Last year, I finished at 4:44 and I really think I got it in me to nail a big PR like that. I was 7 months post pregnancy when I did my first marathon, I have a lot more training under my belt, and I simply have ~~more~~ ~~some~~ okay, two marathons of experience. Plus, this race is in my hometown, so no traveling (I think that’s a big point there) and I can’t neglect to mention the elevation course: Which leads me to this: I was talking to a girl about how I wanted to get a sub 4:30 and when I said I was hoping to do it at Phoenix she scoffed and said, “Yeah, that’s all downhill so you’re lucky. Should be easy to get it.”

Ummm, I didn’t get it when I ran the marathon the first time, missy (it sure as hell wasn’t easy either!) And neither did thousands of people who ran it that day. Huumpf!!!

I just don’t get how runners can be so negative to other runners. Runners are known for being such nice people and it’s those handful out there, like the girl I was talking to, who are blemishing our reputation. So if I do get my sub 4:30 do I have to put a little asterisk saying I did it at Phoenix, a course known for being fast?? If someone BQs do they have to add a disclaimer that it was done on a downhill course? I mean, really?

Get off my marathon train-ing. Guh-bye!

–What do you guys think? Does someone need to explain their PR or BQ?

I hope you all have a good week! To those in the U.S., Happy Veteran’s Day!!–make sure to tip your hat to those who served 🙂

A Family 5k Affair {Recap}

Posted by hellyontherun in 5k, Family, Fitness, Race, Running and tagged with 5k, Family, PR, Race, Rain, Running April 1, 2014

I’m back and boy does it feel good to be home.

I don’t get to visit my mom, sister or brother often. Most of the time, they trek out here to Arizona–I mean, who goes to the cold when you can come to the warm beautiful weather here in Arizona?? Ja! Anyway, it was nice to go there for a change and see them in their element.

The morning after we got there, my sister (who we stayed with) took me to her gym for one of her regular group classes she takes. I’m not much of a class taker but more of a solo workout gal. I don’t mind them and like them when I do do them but it’s not something I would choose over going for a run by myself.

Anyway, this class was a strength and stability class which I though was perfect. If you remember a way earlier post where I shared my sister’s story, she doesn’t have full feeling in the left side of her body. She likes this class because it helps her balance and helps build strength using her own body. Let me tell you, this was not an easy class. It was 60 minutes of non-stop work and I was winded a third of they way through. I loved seeing my sister in action though and would often just look at her go through the movements. I don’t think she’ll ever fully know how much I admire her strength and how much I look up to her. She’s so amazing.

We had our 5k on Saturday and one thing my sister told me was that Ohio weather is schizophrenic. Thursday when we went to her gym, it was cloudy and sprinkling. Friday was absolutely beautiful. Cold but sunny. Saturday was a full out pouring rain and cold festival. I felt so bad having coerced my brother and sister (and my husband) to sign up for the race. They were all-in though, and we bundled up in my sister’s car and headed over.

The race was an out and back inside a mall parking lot. We were worried about slipping on the asphalt with all the rain but decided we’d go ahead and just take it easy making sure we were careful.

Everyone waited inside the mall’s food court until go-time as to avoid getting drenched–it was inevitable. With about a two minutes til the start, a volunteer began ushering us outside. My husband and I are got as close to the front as possible to hopefully avoid the crowds that typically gather at the beginning. My brother and sister were in the middle.

We all had mini goals with the 5k but nothing we’d be upset not reaching–my husband and I always hope to PR (but we weren’t expecting to with the inclement weather), my brother hoped to finish in around the 45 minute mark and my sister’s goal is always to finish strong.

The announcer let out the go signal and we were off!

It was raining right from the get-go and I was so glad I had decided last minute to wear a hat. I could feel the water start to seep inside my shoes as I ran. I tried to avoid the puddles that gather in parking lots but it’s pretty unavoidable. My shoes eventually filled with water but I just ran anyway.

My watch never picked up signal; I figured the weather had something to do with it. I was kind of glad in a way. I wouldn’t be concerned with my time and could just run at what felt like a good pace to me naturally.

When I reached the mile mark, I saw my husband already heading back and yelled out a “Great job!” but he was in focused mode. I kept going and finally it was my turn to head back. On my way, I saw my sister and we waved. She was doing awesome. Not too far behind her, I saw my brother! He was running! He saw me and we high-fived–I seriously got teary eyed with pride. I was so happy seeing him do something challenging and rocking at it. And with a smile on his face!! (As if he’d do anything differently–he’s such a good natured guy.)

Focused, I picked up my pace knowing I was getting close to the end. We turned a corner and started up the last up hill towards the finish. I could see the time ticking on the big clock and saw the first two numbers: 24. What?? Yes!!! I was going to get my sub 25!!! I hustled the last bit and saw 24:20 over my head as I crossed (my official time ended up being 24:18). I was so happy and in complete shock because it was definitely an uncomfortable run. Nonetheless, I was ecstatic and felt like having continued to run and train and be committed has helped me prepare for times like this when things aren’t always working in your favor. You can still succeed 🙂

As soon as I crossed, I went inside the mall to dry off. I was 100% soaked. I met my husband and asked how he did–a new PR for him too–21:49!

After doing as much as we could, we went back out and I went to the finish to wait for my sister. I could see her coming up hill and cheered her on to the finish. We immediately turned around and headed back to look for our brother. We were about to jump over a divider when we saw him turn the corner towards the finish! Holy smokes, he was killing it! We ran back and yelled the entire last point one. He had the biggest grin when he saw us and he pushed it to the very end finishing in 35:10. Ten minutes better than what he had expected! He. Did. Awesome.

My brother on the run

As soon as it was over, he gave us a big hug and told us that he’d had fun 🙂 It was hard but that he felt like he pushed himself. Oh my goodness, I was just so, so happy.

A few minutes later, my happiness increased when I realized BOTH my husband and I had placed! He placed third in his age group and I placed second in mine–our first double placement 😀

It was such a fun race despite the horrible weather. On the way home, my brother was even talking to my sister about potential 5Ks in the future! Looks like the bug bit!

Our after pic 🙂

–Have you ran with soaked shoes before?

–Would you rather run in snow or rain? (We were told we were lucky it wasn’t snowing lol!)