Bless Her Little Heart

Famous (or should I say infamous) last words in the South.  That's right folks - a southern half marathon, finally.  And why not?  Kim and I decided a while to go that we were gonna run the Diva Half Marathon in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC.  And here the story goes.

Friday night after getting off a wretched week of work, I drove down (6.5 hours) to Myrtle Beach where Kim and her parents were at.  I made pretty decent time arriving around midnight (mostly because I got lost, had to get some gas, and left Va kind of late...but that's a whole other story).

Got up Saturday morning, went and worked out (because who in their right mind take a vacation from the gym?), and then got the day underway.  Picked up race stuff at the Expo and headed to the beach for a bit.  Of course not too long because who wants to be sunburned in a race??

Come 5:30 Sunday morning we were up and on our way.  Now this is the first race we've done where we've actually stayed at the start/finish of the race meaning no 23,453 miles to walk to the start.  A few blocks down the road and we were off.  The race started at about 7:10 and it was already sweltering.  And the miles were long.

At mile 4, I was already counting down and I knew I was in for a real long haul.  But somehow, my mental game kicked it up a notch and I was able to finish it and with good time.  Some of the miles were really brutal - for instance the strip on the highway where there was no shade and the traffic was loud.  In fact, it was one of those races where many streets weren't really blocked off at all.  Some of the other miles run together.  But miles 10-13, well they were something else.  It was one of those experiences where you definitely enjoy the race (especially when it's over) but at the time all I could think about was making it to the next half mile, taking a sip of water, and then the next half mile.  Finally the end was in sight and it was over.  Except for maybe the marathon, I had never been so happy to see a finish line.

I blame it on the weather, the drive, the lack of sleep, and torturous work week but it definitely was not my favorite run.  At least it's over and I got a bangin' blingin' medal from a HOT firefighter.  Not to mention a little post race bubbly and viola - a happy ending.

How's that for #luckynumber13

What. The. Hill.

Perfect entry way into my world of running today.  Friday night I drove down to Richmond to Kim's house so we could prepare/get ready for the Rock and Roll Raleigh Half Marathon.  Preparation included shopping at 10:00 PM and of course my early Saturday morning 3 hour gym session.  Followed by 3 hours or so of driving to Raleigh, and viola - we're at the expo.

And it was hot.  Wonderful.  And I had no shorts.  Seriously Tristan, what the hell?  You packed for North Carolina in the middle of April and you only packed capris?? What were you thinking?  So after a semi short trip to the running store ($150 later...) I came out with a lot of great things!

Now I'm always a little hesitant about wearing something on race day that I haven't worn before, but honestly this time I had no choice.  So 5AM wake up call rolled around and off we go - in new clothes and barely worn shoes.  And it was hot.  Even before the race started I could feel the humidity in the air.

I decided to count this one as a fun run and not go all out like I have on the last two. So Kim and I ran the first 7 1/2 miles together. And then off I went with my trusty Garmin and ipod shuffle; both worthy investments.  And it was hill after hill after hill.  I mean I haven't run hills like that since I lived in Harrisonburg.  Oh my word. But I did it.  And I ran and finished the whole thing.  Even through an 11 1/2 mile (almost) wall.  And I did it in 2:01:45.  In style.  Lots of hills and now lots of recovery beer.

You might be an addict if...

Just out of fun and curiosity, I decided to look up warning signs of addictions.  Now many people have told me that I have an obsession or that I'm crazy - I tend to look at it as being dedicated and driven, but to each their own.  Anyways, I have a theory that everyone is addicted to something.  We may not be in control of our addictive tendencies, but we can be in control of what we're addicted to.  Anyways here's a little self-help survey to help you determine if you have a problem:

I have missed important social obligations and family events in order to exercise.

I have given up other interests, including time with friends, in order to make more time to work out.

Missing a workout makes me irritable and depressed.

I only feel content when I am exercising or within the hour after exercising.

I like exercise better than sex, good food, or a movie -- in fact there's almost nothing I'd rather do.

I work out even if I'm sick, injured, or exhausted. I'll feel better when I get moving anyway.

In addition to my regular schedule, I'll exercise more if I find extra time.

Family and friends have told me I'm too involved in exercise.

I have a history (or a family history) of anxiety or depression.

Apparently if you say 'yes' to three or more of these, you have a problem.  I won't even tell you where I fell in...but don't worry about me, I can quit anytime I want.

And this one is for the lady at the gym who had something to say about every exercise in Saturday's class...

Time flies when you're...working out??

Seriously.  A lot of people ask me how I manage to spend 3 or 4 hours at the gym.  Easy peasy: addiction.  But secondly, I make sure to switch things up and do new and fun things including classes and machines.  For instance, I like to start my Monday/Wednesday routines with a run - usually a 4-6 miler depending on how much time I have.  Then I go to the weight room for 45-60 minutes (or however long I have left before 5:00PM). Trust me, I could easily spend an hour or two in the weight room alone just by switching things up. At 5, I take a group gym class which keeps me motivated and also disciplined. It makes sure I do all the exercises that I might "accidentally" skip in the fitness center on my own.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I opt for the stairmaster.  A good 45 minute workout on that sucker will have you burning serious calories.  I'll switch and do some free weights or use the machine, making sure not to repeat what I did the day before.  It's really more of a light lifting or stretch kind of day.  Then again at 5, I take a HIIT (high intensive interval training) which combines a lot of cardio and plyometrics as well as strength.  Followed by a 30 minute core class.  Depending on the day there are other classes to shoot for but this is kind of my routine.

What I love about it is that why I do spend a ridiculously large amount of time at the gym, it's always different, never boring because of all the choices and machines to use.  I can always find some new area to target/work on or some new class to get involved in.  And while the first few minutes are always the hardest, once I get going the time just flies by.

I (sham)Rocked this bitch!

Happy Almost St. Patty's Day! In honor of the Irish and of course Kim's birthday, why not celebrate with 13.1 miles of pure blissful running?? And that's exactly what the weekend entailed.  I met up with Kim and her parents Friday afternoon and we trucked it down to Va Beach.  And while I have recently decided that Va Beach is overrated and full of bitter and foul memories, it is wonderful for flat, record breaking races.

I met up with Kim and her parents after work on Friday and headed down to the ghetto.  Her parents signed up for the 8K, which they ran on Saturday.  And of course the work out-a-holic in me volunteered to run with Kim's mom so she had company.  Day 1 = 8K Day 2 = half marathon.

And while Va Beach is rarely good for anything else, it is wonderful for flat road running.  Before I knew it, I hit mile 1, then 4, and then 7.  Typically mile 8 is my hardest mile (she's kind of a tough bitch - more than half way, but a daunting 5 to go) and this race was no exception.  Once I hit 9, I knew the rest was smooth sailing.  And I ended up was a new PR! 1:54:38!!! Almost shaved 3 whole minutes off of my last half marathon time.

And while I hate to brag, I shamROCKED that bitch.

Overall Results			Age Group Results			Gender Results
Time:	1:54:38.0		Group:	Women 25 to 29		Gender:	F
Place:	1715		Place:	103		Place:	630
Finishers:	3891		Finishers:	311		Finishers:	1877

Medal/Bottle opener

PreRace/PreDawn Pic

Post Race

 

Manic Miles & Oh Yea It's Monday

First off, let me start by saying Happy Birthday to my Sole Mate Kim! Today's her birthday and we have been through a lot together.  Talk about walking (or running) in somebody else's shoes, Kim and I have done that.  As camp counselors (where we met), going through grad school, working in rehab, running a marathon together...you get the picture. We've done a lot.  So happy birthday to one of my most favorite people and best friends.

Secondly, I'm gearing up for another race on Sunday, woohoo! So I got in 8 miles yesterday and 4 miles today.  My times are seriously improving.  Today's run was at an 8:36 pace - and though it was only 4 miles, that still faster than a previous 4 miles.

Thirdly, today I ate at Panera for lunch.  Panera is a go-to for me because it always has calorie and nutrition information available.  It also has so many different options so I never get bored.  Anyways, I had a turkey BLT and a salad (again my go-to).  So for dinner, I was inspired.  Since I've been trying to eat healthier and eat more protein, I made a BLT turkey burger for dinner.  Add a little broccoli and some quinoa, and you've got yourself a meal!  It was delicious and totally a quick, easy fix for one person.  I used my little george foreman grill to cook everything. After running, aerobics, and dancing, a quick easy meal is the way to go at 8:00PM.  Anyways, I'm off to finish my dinner but something to consider: Just because you cook for one (or two even) doesn't mean it has to lack taste and can still be reach in protein and nutrients.  Enjoy!

Lastly, it's Monday.  Daylight savings totally sucks.  Bentley and I are having issues. Can you tell by this sweet puppy face?

Switching It Up

This weekend, I had the opportunity to go on my annual Father/Daughter weekend aka "Daddy/Daughter" weekend.  Basically, my dad, sisters and I head somewhere for the weekend and do a bunch of fun stuff, eat a bunch of junk, and just relax - something we don't do nearly enough.  Not to mention that Bailey's in college, I work full time, and Riley has school so our schedules don't always coincide.

This weekend we hit up Massanutten.  And boy did we do it good.  I woke up early to hit the gym (even on vacation I'm always trying to stick to a routine) where I managed 6.5 miles on the elliptical and an hour of weights/core. Some people think my workout routine is obsessive.  And I have to admit, to a point, it is.  I work out 6 days a week because that's important to me.  I'm the only one who can change my body, my lifestyle, so I'm the one that has to put in the work.  I mean, it's okay to watch tv five days a week but not workout?  Really?

Anyways we took the opportunity to go skiing.  And boy was it fun.  After about 3.5/4 hours we called it a day but not before I worked just about every leg muscle in my body.  It felt good to do something different and exciting.  And it reminded me the gym needs to be the same way.  Get out of that rut and try new things at the gym if you're a member.  Take a new class or try a new weight exercise.  After so long, your body gets used to routine and the changes stop.  So on to new and exciting things in addition the old ones too.

Boy am I glad today wasn't leg day.