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While my seven milers tend to be some of my favorites of my training cycles, my eight milers tend to not be so great (see: Eight Mile Kryptonite). So, Saturday morning when I woke up, I wasn’t very excited about my run. I dragged my feet a bit, but finally got out around 7:30.
The first mile usually feels rough to me. I feel achy and stiff and I don’t feel like I’ve fallen into a good rhythm. The second mile usually feels about the same to me.
On Saturday I decided to go a different route so I could hit a lot more hills than usual, since my half marathon course will have some hills. I don’t typically have hills on the routes I normally run, so this seemed like a good option.
Around mile 3 I started to hit rolling hills, and ended up running on them from miles 3-7.25/7.5 . I used to be really bad at running hills, and now, even though it’s difficult, I definitely feel like I can run them and feel pretty solid (I think Rock’n’Roll St. Louis definitely helped my hill confidence).
I continued to try to run a negative split training run, and felt like I did a pretty solid job of that, even though my second half of the run had far more hills than the first half. Here are my splits:
- Mile 1: 12:09
- Mile 2: 12:30
- Mile 3: 12:32
- Mile 4: 11:52
- Mile 5: 11:29
- Mile 6: 11:45
- Mile 7: 10:45
- Mile 8: 11:26
Not quite a neat and tidy drop each mile, but I definitely picked up the pace as I hit the hills, which felt really good! The temperature was in the low-mid 40’s, but it was pretty humid, so the air felt thick. 8.3 miles complete!
I actually felt really strong throughout the run, and actually had a good time. I’ve been able to push myself a little bit more this training cycle, and I’ve been able to run a solid pace even though my legs are feeling the increase in pace. I’m pretty happy… especially about the hills 🙂
Now it’s your turn to share! What’s the most difficult distance that you run?
Disclaimer: I received the 2Toms Sport Shield to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Picture this: You’ve just finished a long run, and you’re on a runner’s high! You’ve stretched and rehydrated, and you hop into the shower, excited to wash all the sweat away! You turn on the water, step under the stream, and instantly get hit with a wave of pain. What’s happened? Unfortunately, as you were running, you had some chaffing, and nothing helps identifies those areas you’ve chaffed like a shower after your run.
I’m sure most of you, at some point, have experienced this not- so pleasant side-effect of running, and for me, nothing brings me down from my post-run high in quite the same way as uncomfortable chaffing and blistering.
Enter: 2Toms Sport Shield by MediDyne. Luckily, I acutally experience very little blistering and chaffing, so it’s only on my longer training runs that I start to chaff and hurt.
That being said, I was excited to get the chance to review 2Toms Sport Shield, as what I’ve used in the past is a bit greasy.
The first thing I loved is that this is a roller ball application, which I just really loved. The formula is also really light and not-greasy, but didn’t sweat off, even in 60 degree+ runs. I felt like it came off easily with soap after my run, however.
I was also sent a few of the 2Toms Sport Shield towelettes, which are easy for on-the-go applications! I could definitely see myself bringing this on an all day bike ride or a longer race. I love that it provides protection without getting your hands dirty!
This product came into my life just in time, as I was adding miles for half marathon training while also trying to break in a new pair of shoes!
I’m excited to add 2Toms Sport Shield into my long list of products I use while running and biking.
Race day essentials for the Indy Polar Bear 5 Miler
Now it’s your turn to share! Have you tried any new products lately? How would a roll-on applicator be beneficial for you?
Happy Friday! Since winter is wrapping up, I’m trying to get in a last wear for some of my favorite polishes. This week I’m wearing Essie’s Smokin’ Hot, which is one of my favorite nail polishes!
Picture from 2014
It’s so rich and creamy, and I just can’t get enough of it!
Here are some random facts from the week:
Are you a House of Cards fan? This is the first season I’ve watched on an actual TV (until this summer I had a TV that didn’t have netflix on it, so I watched on my computer). It’s most excellent on a bigger screen with higher definition!
I haven’t dyed my hair pink since the end of July, although it holds really well so you could still see it. I decided it needed to be done again, so this past weekend I got it done, and I forgot how bright pink it actually is at first!
I’m so sad that I’m not having as much time to read lately. There are all sorts of reasons for this, and I knew that February and March would be a bit tough on the reading front, but I really am missing it… a lot.
Apparently mosquitos are out in droves already (in March? Seriously?). I have almost 30 mosquito bites on my feet and legs now from Tuesday evening. This bodes well for summer…
Now it’s your turn to share! What’s one random fact from your week?
Disclaimer: I received a Merino Wool Buff to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
If you’ve been around here for very long, you probably know that I absolutely love the company Buff, and wear my Buffs several times a week! I absolutely love that they provide gear for any possible season that I exercise in, and this Merino Wool Buff is no exception to that!
We’ve had a weird winter this year, haven’t we? I didn’t have the deeply cold runs this winter as I have in the past, but was hoping that I’d get some cold mornings in still so I could review this buff! In short- it’s amazing (and so cute, right?).
Sometimes when I hear “wool”, I think of something scratchy and a bit uncomfortable. The buff is ABSOLUTELY not this! It is soft, warm, and really comfortable, and I had no problem having it on my head!
It’s never been cold enough since I’ve had this for me to wear it over my face, but I’ve worn it over my ears on several runs and walks, and it’s kept them nice and warm! The Merino Wool Buff is even longer than the full buff, but in the winter the extra fabric is most fantastic.
The love of buff is strong in my home, and I can’t wait to continue to try out Buff products in the future! For now- let me strongly encourage you to check out the merino wool buff and buy one for yourself!
For more thoughts on buff products (and to see the MANY ways this company has enhanced my life) check out the following posts: Buff Thermal Hoodie, UV Half Buff, UV Full Buff.
If you want to know more about Buff, check out the website:www.buffusa.com or follow the fun on twitter, instagram & facebook.
Now it’s your turn to share! Do you have a company that has changed your exercise game?Â
Each year when I type up my “year in running” posts and think back to my best runs of the year, at least one seven miler is included. For some reason, my body just really loves that distance, and my 7 mile runs consistently leave me smiling. This weekend’s long run was no different!
I ended up doing my weekend long run on Friday early evening, right after work. For lunch I’d eaten a bunch of appetizers at a gathering (artichoke dip, cookie, veggies and dip, etc…), so I was curious as to how I’d feel running just a few short hours later. I usually do my long runs in the morning or very early afternoon, so it felt weird to be gearing up for so many miles after a full day at work.
My body lately has felt particularly rough at the start of my runs, and for the first hour especially my legs felt pretty heavy with a tough turn over. Somewhere around mile 1.2 I started loosening up just a little bit which definitely helped.
The first few miles definitely passed in a blur as I listened to a recent Jillian Michael’s podcast. I ran part of a route that I haven’t been on since I biked outside in the fall, so that was really fun!
Again, around mile 3-3.5 I felt my body loosening up, and I tried to pick up the pace as I’ve tried to negative split my run. Somewhere around mile 5 I remember thinking “why isn’t this feeling any easier” before I realized that I had definitely picked up the speed.
My last few miles were fast (for me!), and I was definitely fully focused on my breathing, while also really enjoying the run. The day wasn’t beautiful- it was in the mid-30’s and gray (better than the wind advisory from last week!), but it felt excellent for a run! I finished the run with a huge smile on my face- and a little bit gasping for air! This run felt really solid, and definitely helped boost my confidence for race day! I’m really happy with my splits!
- Mile 1: 12:00
- Mile 2: 12:06
- Mile 3: 11:58
- Mile 4: 11:03
- Mile 5: 11:32
- Mile 6: 11:07
- Mile 7: 10:58
I ended at 7.35 miles.
(Disclaimer: I received the Merino Wool Buff to review as part of being a BibRavePro Ambassador). I especially loved getting the chance to wear my wool buff on a run (and love how it went with my running shirt- it’s the little things, right?). I’ll be reviewing it tomorrow!
There are runs that, when I finish, I feel overwhelmingly thankful for the ability to run and breathe and move. This was one of those runs. Gosh- I love my 7 mile runs 🙂
Now it’s your turn to share! What’s your favorite running distance? What makes a run “good” for you?
Happy first Friday of March! This week I painted my nails with Violet’s Revenge by Butter.
The extent of my “nail art” is to throw some glitter on top, so when I was at a friend’s house and she was trying a new nail design, I thought I’d try one out as well. I’m not good with painting with my left hand, so I was a little nervous to try something as simple as these dots, but it worked out alright!
Here are some random facts:
I was at a conference last week, and started the morning each day by sitting out in the lobby by the fireplace and reading before the conference started! Seriously, how great does this seem?
At the conference I ordered this delicious Greek Salad… and it was one of the biggest salads I’ve ever seen. I could’ve eaten it for three meals no problem! It made me want to go back to Greece!
So I’ve had this little white pumpkin in my office since September of 2014. It’s been solid and hasn’t rotted at all, so I held onto it mostly because I was curious how long it would last. Well, it finally rotted last week (overnight! How did it happen suddenly like that?), and I tossed it. I guess I got my answer on how long it would last!
There’s this Vietnamese place that sells the most delicious bubble teas! Most recently I’ve been getting the Honeydew Melon Bubble Tea, and it’s so light and refreshing, and pairs well with the bubbles. I think I might buy it every day if I could!
Yesterday I was driving to work and looked at the gently falling snow around me and thought “I’m sort of sad that winter is wrapping up”. I’ve come such a long way from the days when I’d dread winter starting in September! That being said- I’m so excited for spring!
Now it’s your turn to share! What’s one random fact from your week?
In January I read the highest number of books I’ve ever read in a month before, but February’s Book List isn’t long at all! This month has been a mixture of busy at work, I was sick for a few days (I just couldn’t concentrate on reading), and I was gone at a conference for a few days as well, which combined has led to not finishing much (I am part way through a few books though!). Here’s what i read this month:
Scarlet: This is the 2nd book in the Lunar Chronicles Series. The book is a continuation of book #1, except there are a few new characters that were added. This series was about Scarlet, who was based off of Little Red Riding Hood, and it was excellent! I connected to the story much faster than I did with Cinder!
Cress:Â This is the 3rd book in the Lunar Chronicles Series, and continues the story from the previous two books
Happier at Home: How I Learned To Pay Attention, Cram my Day with What I Love, Hold More Tightly, Embrace Here, and Remember Now: This book, by Gretchen Rubin, follows her journey to creating a happier and more mindful experience in her home environment! I really like Rubin and listen to her weekly podcast, so listening to this audiobook was excellent as well! I certainly gained a few things from it as well!
And…. that’s it. I’m serious… it’s significantly different than last month! I’m part way through the following books:
- Winter (book #4 of the Lunar Chronicles)
- Fangirl
- Running the Rift
- To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
I’m excited to share more about these books next month! It feels like most of my time has been spent on the Lunar Chronicles (they are definitely longer than most of the books I read last month), but I’m really enjoying reading them straight through!
Now it’s your turn to share! What books have you read recently? Have you read the Lunar Chronicles?
Happy Leap Day (bonus day!).
Saturday morning I got up excited to head out on my training run for the weekend. I did my 45 minute morning routine (eating, warm up, getting dressed, etc…) before heading to the front door to put on my shoes. My headphones were already in, my garmin was getting the satellite, and I had one running shoe on (I should mention that I was at a friend’s house, so I had packed my running clothes). I stuck my hand in my bag to grab my other shoe and… it wasn’t there! Yeah- I only brought one shoe with me for the weekend (that’s not happened to me before!). I was really bummed since I was mentally ready for the run, but took the opportunity to walk their dog for awhile instead!
So, when I got home I headed out on my run… just in time for the wind advisory to kick in! Seriously- the wind was 30-35 mph and gusting up to 45 mph throughout the entire 6.4 miles! It made the run really difficult because the wind was definitely a tough resistance!
The first three miles my legs were REALLY heavy and I was definitely dragging. I’m not sure why, as I hadn’t done anything except walk the day before (and no work outs on Thursday or Friday). Once I hit the three mile mark, I definitely felt my body loosen up and fall into its groove, and my miles got much faster after that!
I’ve worked hard at negative splitting my runs this cycle, and I think this run was successful. Here are my splits:
- Mile 1: 12:47
- Mile 2: 12:27
- Mile 3: 12:38
- Mile 4: 12:13
- Mile 5: 11:41
- Mile 6: 11:19
- 6-6.4: ?
At one point I was running straight into the wind, and kept moving sideways more than moving forward- talk about wasted effort! (that was miles 2-3!)
Starting around mile 6 of my long runs I start drinking and eating while running (today I just took 2 shot bloks half way through) so that my body gets a couple chances to get used to eating again while running so I’m ready for race day! It feels a little ridiculous to eat on a 6 mile run, but I think that getting my body used to race day is important too!
The weather has been totally ridiculous, and while we had gorgeous weather last weekend, we ended up having an ice storm and some days with biting winds this week, but today it was 65 and sunny out! Minus the wind, it was beautiful, but I definitely felt the “heat” too (it’s been many months since I’ve run in that temperature). Quite honestly, this run felt great in terms of prepping for race day! I also wore a new pair of Brooks, so I’m breaking in my new shoes!
(Disclaimer: I received this 2Toms Sport Shield and the Wool Buff for free to review as part of being a BibRavePro Ambassador).Â
I’m continuing to use the Sport Shield from 2Toms, and love the formula! It’s not greasy at all, which I’m really enjoying! I just got this Wool Buff in the mail less than a week ago, so I loved being able to use it as well!
And just like that, 6.4 miles was complete! Not a bad run for how it first started… 🙂
Now it’s your turn to share! Have you ever forgotten a shoe before?
I’ve posted several times about my journey to decluttering over the past two years (i.e. Freedom From Stuff, Freedom From Stuff part 2, and Freedom From Stuff {moving edition}), but no matter how much I’ve gotten rid of, it’s not felt like remotely enough.
Again, I don’t want to portray that I’m living amongst huge piles of stuff with only small walkways through my house. I’m not in any way living like that, but I AM living with far too much clutter. In fact, there are several boxes from when I moved in July (that I packed in June of 2015) that I still haven’t unpacked. Clearly I don’t need most of those items.
In that vain, one of my brothers and I have started a new challenge for ourselves that fits with my word for 2016: “simplify”. We are each going to be getting rid of 7 items a week. Here are the details:
- I started the first week of January and no end date has been identified.
- These items can’t be junk mail, food containers you’d normally throw away, or other “trash” sorts of items.
- These items can be thrown away or donated, depending on what they are and what their condition is.
The goal of this isn’t to just simplify have less “stuff” around the house, but to make space for the things in my life that are actually valuable (vs. something that “I might need one day”). I waste so much time going through this junk over and over again, and I desire to be free of the space it takes up, the visual energy that it takes, and how it crowds out the things that I really value within my space. I want to keep things that I intentionally WANT to keep, not just things that merely have a good memory attached (this one is especially tough for me!) or just because I was given it (guilt isn’t a good motivator to keep stuff).
A pile of giveaway/throwaway items from January…
January went well and I’ve stayed on top of my things for February as well. I’m struggling a bit to find things to get rid of (but really, my house is packed with stuff so it shouldn’t be that hard!). Every single thing I take out of the house is one less thing, though, so I’m celebrating that!
Now it’s your turn to share! Do you have rules for decluttering?
Indy Polar Bear Race was one of the most funny and interesting race stories that I’ve had… except for the time I accidentally ran a half marathon. I woke up on Saturday morning bright and early to send Melissa off to her first race post-baby. I was going to get my tires rotated and then play with baby until she got back, but when the car place couldn’t get me in until the afternoon, I decided to head downtown with her saying “I’ll just walk around downtown while you run…”. We got into the expo and before I knew it I was sticking my credit card out at the race day registration table, and I was signed up for the 5 miler (I had a 5.5 mile training run on schedule for the weekend).
Because I registered SO late we got outside right as they were starting the race… and that’s when I realized that the 5 miler I signed up for started 45 minutes after the 5k that Melissa signed up for started. OOPS. I figured I could run the first 5k with her and then continue on my last 2 miles without her, but nope- that’s not what was going to happen. We had to decide quick- and I totally froze. It took me a few minutes before deciding to just run the 5k and then do the last miles on my own, so we got our own personalized race start!
All alone at the race start….
Melissa and I started on our own, laughing hysterically, trying to catch up with the police car that was bringing up the rear of the race. I’ve never had that particular race day experience before!
Running with Melissa was SO FUN! Our last race together was December of 2014 (Caribbean Christmas 5k) since she got pregnant shortly after that race, so while our pace was definitely slower with a lot more walking, I had a blast just being out on the race course with her again (We did meet on a race course after all!). While it was a “polar bear” race, it was in the 50s and really sunny and humid by the time we finished- not polar bear-ish at all! We crossed the finish line of the 5k, grabbed our medals, and took this picture quickly!
Then I continued on with the 5 miler which had just started, running 1.25 up the race course again before turning around and running against the crowd back to the finish line, rounding out my race day experience at 5.5 miles! What a most excellent running day it was!
We grabbed water, bananas, and chips, and I stretched a bit before we headed to Chick-fil-A for lunch (does anyone else LOVE their Polynesian sauce?).
This run was made much better (disclaimer: I received the 2Toms Sports Shield for free through being a BibRavePro Ambassador) by my Nuun and the 2Toms Sports Shield that I’m currently testing out! I love how lightweight it is!
And seriously- how cute are these race bibs and race medals? The polar bear is actually a little bit fuzzy which I think is such a fun touch!
I loved the Indy Polar Bear Race, and could definitely see myself running it again in the future… as long as it wasn’t super cold or snowy! It went through a part of downtown that I hadn’t run through before, which made it that much more fun!
Now it’s your turn to share! What makes a great race medal in your opinion? Have you ever gone to a race and then decided at the last minute to sign up? What’s your favorite sauce at Chick-fil-A?
