Tag: mother runner

Marathon training week six and a virtual race!

Week six of marathon training began in August and finished up in the first week of September. Generally, my preference is to run my key run, or the most important training effort of the week at the beginning of the week. However, this week was different for a number of reasons: 1) Back to school, 2) my son’s birthday and 3) a virtual 12 mile race on Saturday. While I didn’t run my key effort until Saturday, I managed to set a good routine and maintain it during the week despite all the other things going on.

Monday- August 31

The start of the week brought a touch of Fall like temperatures. While sunrise isn’t until 6:30 ish I was up and ready to hit the pavement as soon as it was bright enough to be safe. While it was the beginning of the week, but the end of the month I had a particular month goal that I wanted to hit with my morning run. The cooler temps were amazing for my nearly 6.5 mile run. After doing so many runs on the treadmill getting some outside time felt good!

Tuesday- September 1

Today, I was back on the treadmill and super early. It’s my son’s birthday so I wanted to get my run and strength training done before he got up. He of course had a different plan and woke up half a mile into my run. Today was supposed to just be a two mile run- continue the steak day. But I ran the half a mile. Greeted the birthday boy. He got to see all the fun Harry Potter decorations and then he joined me downstairs for the rest of my run and lifting. Rather than do two miles I finished up with 2.5 and then did twenty minutes of core and arm work to finish up the morning.

Wednesday- September 2

First day of school!! This is important because it means I need to run, shower, do all the first day of school picture excitement etc. and leave the house by 7:30. Challenge accepted. I coined today’s run five at 5:00 as I was up at 5:00 to run five miles. Solid, easy paced treadmill run before the back to school fun.

Thursday- September 3

My goal this week has been to get my workout in and get showered before the boys get up. Thursday’s schedule called for a two mile run to continue my run streak and then strength training. I’m working diligently not to let the strength training go by the wayside as the mileage increases and the back to school schedule gets crazy. Mission accomplished. Up at 5:00 again. Two miles check. Twenty minutes of arms with Tracey Steen of Move Daily Fitness and in the shower by 6:15 AM.

Friday- September 4

Run streak day 105!! As I have a twelve mile virtual race tomorrow, the plan was for a nice and easy three miles on the treadmill. I enjoyed some more Bosch on Amazon Prime and got my run done. Slowing down my pace on the treadmill runs has been key. I’ve been more focused on stretching and listening to my body to hopefully remain injury free. Ready to start the day.

Saturday- September 5

Virtual race day!! The Charles Street 12 was my first BIG race in 2019. I hadn’t run more than a 5K in…hmmm… 20 plus years. When the race turned virtual this year, I knew I still had to do it because it kick started my desire to run longer distances. Conveniently the key run this week for my training plan was a 12 mile run so this was a two for one run! When I woke up on Saturday morning the weather was perfection. With temperatures in the mid to high 50s and moderate humidity it was a beautiful day to run! I’ve gotten much better about eating before my longer runs and taking in some water. So I got up with plenty of time to eat and digest before hitting the road. Out the door by 7:30 AM.

Funny story about the Charles Street 12 from last year. I had estimated my finish time to be 1:57. Instead I came in closer to 1:52. So that meant my cheering section wasn’t ready for me and I called out to them as I was approaching the finish line. This year, my goal was 1:42 or approximately 8:35 per mile. That’s been my average mile pace for half marathons so I figured that made sense for a 12 mile run. However, over the last 18 months I’ve learned that I’m a cooler weather runner. Cooler temperatures (honestly the cooler the better) agree with me and make it much easier for me to run. The temperatures in the 50s clearly agreed with me after so much heat and humidity this summer and instead of 8:35 a mile I averaged 8:14 a mile and finished in 1:38:45. While not the same course as last year, I’ll happily take a 14 minute improvement in time.

Overall, I felt great during the run. I did begin to experience some hip pain about half way through. But it wasn’t anything that wasn’t manageable. My right hip has given me problems off and on. I’m acutely aware of it and continue to try to loosen my hamstrings and strengthen my core and glutes to take the pressure off my hip.

My cheering section created a finish line for me to run through and were waiting to cheer me on and give me my medal upon completion. Family support is amazing and means so much to me as I continue to train for the marathon!

Sunday–September 6

Truth be told, I ran the twelve miler like a race and not like a training run. I was feeling it a bit on Sunday morning. My right calf was sore and the week was really catching up with me. Sunday runs are normally my shorter and easier days just to keep the streak going so I laced up and went out for a one mile out and back (two mile total) run. Once I warmed up a bit I felt great and I was glad to get the run in before the birthday party celebration!

Review/Looking ahead

While overall I’m feeling good, I’m not struggling with the mileage I need to begin focusing on marathon pace for runs. Running a half marathon and running a marathon are two completely different things. The additional time of effort and overall mileage does strange things to our bodies. In an effort to make the marathon day go as smoothly as possible I’m going to begin slowing the pace down for tempo runs to more like 9 minutes a mile. For the week of September 7 the key effort is a speed workout. But for the week after, week of September 14 it’s a 14 mile run. However, the Alzheimer’s Team for the NYC Marathon is doing a virtual Half Marathon on Sunday, September 13. Since I would normally do my key run on that Monday the 14th I’m moving it up one day to the 13th. This will be the first run where I intentionally focus on tempo rather than running it like a race. A marathon is more than the 26.2 but rather all the miles leading up!!

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No excuses!! I run for those who can’t! #endalz

Marathon Training Week 2

It’s officially week two of marathon training. Or in my case weeks three and four. Going forward- I’m going to just call it what it is- so let’s call this week four. In the week one post I shared how I modified my training cycle on day one because I moved up the weekend I want to run my solo 26.2. The interesting twist this week is that I’m actually scheduled to run an in person half marathon on Sunday. Translation- I don’t really want to over do it this week, while maintaining the training schedule.

Monday

I really like to get my key effort for the week done at the beginning of the week. There’s a sense of accomplishment knowing that the key effort is complete and I can make up the rest of the miles during the week. Key effort this week 800×4. What that actually became was:

1 mile warm up

800 x 4 (at 8 minute a mile pace)/followed by a 400 at an easy jog

1.25 mile cool down

Speed work used to be my nemesis. Which often meant I skipped it. I learned quickly however, that the schedule calls for speed work for a reason…it helps- it makes you stronger and faster for longer distances. Therefore, I’m not religious about getting in my speed work. Lately I’ve been doing my speed work on the treadmill. If the kids ever go back to school my plan is to actually use the track!

The run felt great. I was working hard on my 800s but I dare say I could have pushed the pace a little bit more. We shall see next week what is the right push pace for that effort.

Tuesday

In a “normal” world I would not run on Tuesday. It would purely be a strength training day. But we aren’t living in a normal time. In pandemic times I started a running streak that I just don’t want to give up!! To keep my running streak going I’ve been running two to three miles on my “off” days. However, I made a conscious choice when I kicked off formal marathon training that I would limit the “off” days to two miles and then do some strength training.

I got outside for today’s run for the first time in a LONG time. I have a great two mile loop- out and back. I love that Stava tracks the similar loops and tells me how my run compares to previous times that I’ve done the same effort. Now, there are two thoughts to these runs. I should just go out nice and easy, do two miles and call it a day. But I also ran the 3000 in High School track. Basically, just short of two miles. So subconsciously I’m working hard on this time to see how fast I can get it.

The run felt great- average pace of 7:54 a mile. So clearly, I didn’t take it easy but instead gave it a solid effort. Came back home and did a full thirty minute of Body Weight only exercise with Move Daily Fitness.

So it was a solid “off” day!

Wednesday

Technically not an off day- but with a race looming I am not looking to add a lot of extra mileage. I’m also enjoying watching Bosch on Amazon Prime. The only time I watch is when I run on the treadmill. So the tradeoff is that I’ll run three easier miles and watch some Bosch on my iPad. So Wednesday brought three miles at an average pace of 8:11 a mile.

Thursday

Another “off” day. Back to my favorite two mile loop!! The goal other than getting in my two miles was to test some new items I got before race day. YOU NEVER USE, EAT, WEAR DO ANYTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!! So I was testing one of my new hats to see how it felt and whether it rubbed, along with my RoadID bracelet. Again, it felt good to get outside and off the treadmill.

Friday

Friday kicks off the virtual Rock n Roll running series. This week there were two races a 6K (3.7 miles) and a 10K. My plan was to do the 6K on Friday and then forgo the 10K this week with the upcoming race on Sunday. Again, I got outside to run. The weather was a bit cooler and I felt great! I determined that I can only really control keeping my runs easy when I run on the treadmill. I had no grand plans for this run, but apparently the run had plans for me! For the first time since I started running again I ran four miles all under 8 minutes, with an average pace of 7:48. What?? Who is this person? Bonus, I felt great!!

Saturday

The day before race day. Two easy shake out miles to keep my running streak going! Plus I got to watch part of Bosch. A win, win!

Sunday

Race day! An hour and fifteen minute drive was well worth it for an IN PERSON RACE. Ironically, I raced six months ago to the day in Orlando. The catch-this was a trail race! Read all about the good, the bad, and the ugly here.

Overall, it was a successful training week. The week called for 26 miles total, which I would have surpassed if I ran the full race on Sunday. But I ended the week with 25.2. I’m not concerned about the additional .8 miles. I’m ready to start week five!! Despite the crazy trail experience I’m feeling pretty good to start the week and I’m ready to “never miss a Monday!”

Stay tuned for next weeks review. As always, I run for those who can’t and to #endalz! Subscribe to never miss an update!

Marathon training when your race is canceled- Week One

The Spring of 2020 saw COVID hit the United States. With it came the closing of schools, work places, and basically the end of travel. Of seemingly far less importance there came widespread cancellation of organized racing. Major marathons such as Boston, NYC, and Chicago were canceled. Some found themselves mid-training cycle and unsure of what to do. Do you finish the training cycle? Stop and just go into maintenance mode? Take some time off?

Truth be told, I’m some people. I found myself mid-training cycle for a ten mile race and a half marathon. I completed the training cycle and ran both races virtually. It provided “closure” for the race and the training cylce.

The harder question wasn’t those mid-cycle races for me. It was what came next. I set my sights on running the NYC Marathon in 2020. I successfully became part of the team for the Alzheimer’s Association and registered for the marathon in the beginning of March 2020. In my mind at that point, there was no way the marathon didn’t happen in November. Come on, it was months away.

I clearly underestimated the impact of COVID on life in general. What I anticipated would be a seemingly brief disruption to life was actually beyond my wildest dreams (nightmares!) We were/are in this for the long haul. Granted keeping our family safe, engaged and happy is priority number one but there were lots of disappoints for canceled life cycle events, birthday parties, and for me races.

The news of the NYC Marathon being canceled did not come as a huge surprise when it was announced in the summer. Quite honestly, I knew it was coming and I know it was 100% the right call. While I was disappointed I began to shift my focus to my WHY and my training. When I put into perspective that my WHY- was to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of my dad. So, really, when I got down to it I could certainly continue to fundraise and share my story as to why the Alzheimer’s Association is important to me and my family.

One such fundraiser was with Momentum Jewelry. I love their motivational wrap bracelets. Not only are they great for wearing when you exercise but all the time. Using the Alzheimer’s Awareness color of purple and meaningful motivational sayings was a huge success. (There’s still time to get one if you are interested. $20 each shipped directly to you. Secure yours today by sending $20 via Venmo to @kelly-blavatt).

Additionally, this was a valuable teaching moment for my children. Why? I was disappointed. There may have been tears. It showed them that they weren’t the only ones who were upset about things being canceled. But why else? When you say you are going to do something you do it- no matter what. So COVID wasn’t going to stop me from fundraising, nor was it going to stop me from sporting my purple and lacing up my running shoes.

In June I organized a virtual 5K for the Longest Day (summer solstice). I also ran a mile ever hour for every hour of day light. 16 hours equals 16 miles run. We sold t-shirts. The boys and my husband ran. We talked about why Mommy was trying to raise money. It was the first real conversation we had with the boys about the fact that my Dad has Alzheimer’s. There were many questions. Many of the same questions I still ask. And there were tears. But there was also a new understanding of WHY doing something is so important.

I had to ability to defer my NYC Marathon registration to a future year. In 2021 I’ll find out if I’m running in 2021, 2022 or 2023. Honestly, I also struggled with this news. It seems silly now, but when you are focused on accomplishing a big goal- a goal that requires a high level of physical fitness three years actually feels like a lifetime. But, with time and perspective, I realize I’ll be fortunate whenever I have the chance to run five bridges and through five boroughs.

In the meantime however, I was left to decide what to do this year. Did my Longest Day 16 miles provide me with the closure I needed? Did I want to run the Virtual NYC Marathon near home? Was I still going to accomplish my goal of running a marathon in 2020? I had some time to decide. As the months went on I saw my weekly and month mileage continue to increase. I was consistently hitting anywhere from 28-32 miles a week, well over 100 miles a month. When I looked at the training schedule from Run Lift Mom I saw that weekly I was already hitting the heaviest weeks of training. Granted my long runs would be getting longer but it wasn’t a lot more miles per week. Additionally, wouldn’t I want to learn now how my body was going to react to a full training cycle, rather than when a “real” race was looming on the horizon? Clearly the answer is yes!! But, as I’ve discussed before running is just as much mental as it is physically- do I really have it in me to run 26.2 miles BY MYSELF?? The answer to that question is- time will tell.

I registered for the NYC Virtual Marathon. Heck, if I’m going to run 26.2 I’m certainly going to get a medal! While I had originally planned to run my at home marathon on the scheduled race day of November 1, I literally called an audible (my favorite football term) and on day one training moved up race day to the weekend of October 17-18. Per the rules for the virtual race it can be done any time from October 17-November 1. I definitely do not want the pressure of leaving it to the last minute!

So what did this change in schedule mean for my training? As I mentioned above I was already running approximately 30 miles a week. I was mixing things up in regards to having longer run, speed work, and easier runs. I had to find a way to eliminate two weeks of training to allow for a proper taper before “race day.” The beautiful thing about a flexible training plan like the one that Run Lift Mom offers is one key run a week! What did I do, combine weeks one/two and three/four. Say what?? Well the key effort for week one is a 10KTT and for week two is 8 miles with a total of 24 miles total for the week. Monday I ran a 10K and Friday I ran 8 miles. In the end I’ll have closer to 28 miles on the week, so I don’t feel as though any value was lost. Again, if I had not already been running 30 or so miles a week I would not have felt comfortable making this scheduling change, but I feel confident with the earlier weeks. In addition to running I made a much more concerted effort regarding my strength training this week. I’ve come to learn that the strength training is just as important as the running. The goal is to get the runs done, strength training done and avoid getting injured. I’m having some hip pain, which I know means I need to also make sure yoga and more structured stretching is in my future.

There is joy in the journey! Each run, each training session is another step in the journey!

What does that mean for the coming week? Technically week two of official training but really weeks three and four. Week three’s key effort calls for speed work (800×4), while week four’s key effort is a ten mile run. Total miles for the week 26 miles. How’s this going to break down? Monday I’ll kick off the week with the speed work. Check that right off the list. Then I’m going to run light the rest (2-3 miles a day with some strength training) of the week because I’m registered for a COVID compliant half marathon on Sunday. Yes, I know that 13.1 is more than 10 miles but I’ll take a little longer rather than shorter. A week from now, I’ll be “caught up” on the training plan and on target to be ready to run 26.2 mid-October.

The next two months will not only be for physical training, but also for fine tuning race day nutrition and the mental strength for running without the adrenaline/fan support of a “real” race. That said knowing that my husband and boys will be waiting for me at the end will certainly keep me going!

Stay tuned for week two! Subscribe to get updates!

Benefits of Virtual Racing

I’ve written before and feel it even more now that running is just as much a mental sport as a physical activity. The weekend of May 3, 2020 was supposed to be my third Half Marathon. I was approximately three weeks into the training cycle when the realities of COVID 19 and racing being cancelled became real. I had two decisions keep training or coast for a bit. With a plethora of virtual racing opportunities popping up all over the place pushing me to keep running, sometimes even more miles than I had been running before the training part wasn’t a problem. And honestly, running has been my release of all the pent up anxiety and stress of being home for the last two months. But the next mental hurdle I would have to circumvent was whether I could really just go out and run a Half Marathon by myself.

In the weeks leading up I didn’t fully commit to running a Half Marathon on May 2nd or 3rd. But then some additional virtual half marathons popped up that weekend. There was the Brooklyn Half Marathon and the Rock n Roll Virtual Half Marathon. It was as though all the running gods were saying “run a damn half marathon this weekend.” So that’s exactly what I did.

I set out the morning of May 2nd ready to run 13.1 miles. Knowing full well that I was physically capable as I had twice before, but wondering if I had the mental fortitude to run that distance with out the distraction of a race. I certainly didn’t set out with the idea of setting a PR (but I did) I was just going to finish and close the chapter on that race. Many runners have had to determine how they would “bless and release” or close the chapter on a particular training cycle or race. Let it go?? Run the distance? The choice is personal. I chose to run the race.

As I was leaving the house that morning. My six year old remarked “are you really going to run 13 miles all by yourself?” Running gives you lots of time to think. As I run I think about things to write here (i.e. a letter to my HS running self), think about how the world has literally changed all around us, think about whether the boys will ever go back to school and what it will look like when they do. All that thinking certainly helps the miles pass by! But guess what, 13 miles all by yourself is still a lot!!

I did something I don’t do that often during this run and I mixed up the route. Taking a road I hadn’t before. In a race, unless you’ve cancelled studied the route or have run the same race before there are some surprises along the way. My surprise was a hill I had forgotten about at about mile 6. Ugh. I chugged up the hill and shortly later I had a ding on my watch with words of encouragement from my husband. I smiled and I kept going. A few more miles and another text. My update just under five miles to go. A few more miles and then videos of the boys “go Mommy go!” All of these words of encouragement kept me smiling and going! But then came the moment of truth I came to the end of a road at mile 10 and I had two options turn left and get 13.1 turn right and go home. Not going to lie, I thought about going home. But I turned left and kept going.

What did I learn on this half marathon run? 1) I’m mentally strong enough to keep pushing when I’m not racing against others in person; 2) the support of my family pushes me along; 3) this “crazy” running adventure isn’t lost on the boys. As one of the reasons my six year old is proud of/loves me is that I can run 13.1 miles; 4) I can’t wait for racing to be back but in the mean time virtual racing keeps me going!

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I’ll never run a marathon or so I said

In February of 2019, I set out a plan to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in 2020. Along the way, I began adding more races along the way. August 2019, a twelve miler the Charles Street 12, October 2019, the Baltimore Half Marathon and some 5Ks and 10Ks along the way. During the Baltimore Half the half marathoners met up with the marathoners along the way. And all I kept thinking was I can’t imagine running a marathon.

Then I was in New York the week before the New York City marathon. The energy was palpable. I carefully studied the race route. Then I saw posts on social media and became obsessed with the marathon. I learned you could run for charity. The wheels started turning. Never say never.

A little bit of history. In 2015 my father was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 58. Yes, 58. Alzheimer’s continues to rob my father of the prime years of his life. Taking away his ability to remember and do “normal” day to day activities that we frequently take for granted. Not only is the process difficult for him it’s painful for the entire family.

The week after the NYC Marathon I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I still can’t stop thinking about it. So I did what I always do when something is on my mind. I research the heck out of it. And I reach out to my friend Suzy, Runlift Mom to get her opinion. I knew that tackling a marathon is a whole other beast than a half marathon. There are certain things you can fudge on so to speak…i.e. nutrition, stretching, etc. for a half marathon but that is not the case for a full marathon.

I continued my research. I learned that the 2020 is the Fiftieth Anniversary of the marathon. How cool to be part of a historic run??? Again my curiosity continued. You run through all five boroughs and over five different bridges. I learned that you can secure a spot in the marathon by time qualifying (not me) or by lottery. I anticipated that with it being a historic race that the lottery entries would be high. Were they ever. Nearly 185,000 entries for 4200 spot. Wow!! But wait, remember what I said above- you can also run for charity! And you guessed it, the Alzheimer’s Association is one of those charities.

The 2019 NYC Marathon was run on November 3rd. On November 6, I emailed inquiring how I could be part of the 2020 team for the Alzheimer’s Association. Eager much?? Just a little bit. They told me that I was on their list and they would circle back around with me closer to registration. Fast forward to the end of February 2020 and it’s go time. I received the online document to complete agreeing to be part of the team and to fundraise $4000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. In doing so I’ll be part of a team, a community committed to raising fund for the Alzheimer’s Association who will run the 2020 NYC marathon. So this is why you should never say never.

The way I see it- this is the PERFECT time to run a marathon and to have it be my FIRST. See I’m already not saying it’s going to be my only. Both my kiddos will be in school full time for the first time. So it looks like I’ve found a way to fill my “free” time…lots of running!! I’m originally from NY so it’s special to run the NYC Marathon. It’s the 50th Anniversary! And I get to do it for my Dad!! How could I not??

Well, it seemed like the perfect time to train and run for a marathon when I registered on March 8, 2020. But in the weeks to follow the country has been overtaken by COVID 19. We have been home for weeks and there is really no end in sight. There is talk about a Fall resurgence. As a planner, the unknown is difficult!! But I’m going to be optimistic and keep the faith that on NOVEMBER 1, 2020 I’ll be running five boroughs and five bridges in honor of my dad!!

I look forward to documenting my journey along the way. Additionally, if you would like to join the fight to #ENDALZ by making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of my father you can do so here: http://act.alz.org/goto/kellyblavatt

Truly no donation is too small.  Each and every contribution will help us to get one step closer to find a cure and provide support to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families.

Thank you in advance for your support!

How Running Changed my life!

Often in life we find that actions/activities have unintended benefits or consequences; sometimes good and sometimes bad.  When I set out to “start running again” in February of 2019 I had absolutely no idea what lessons I would learn.  Here are my top 10!!

Number 10- Running is as much a mental sport as it is physical  Yes, it truly is as much a mental game as it is a physical challenge to move your body.  Think about, sometimes just getting out the door is the hardest part.  You start making excuses of things you have to do, the weather, not feeling well etc.  Then think about when a run isn’t feeling great, because guess what not every run is a good run and you need to dig deep and remember why you are running.  Again, this is the mental component creeping in again.  Or wait for it, what about when you get injured.  While we all strive to avoid injury and work really hard to stay healthy, let’s be real- it happens.  So now again you have to have the mental fortitude to give your body the rest it needs and then get back on the horse so to speak and get back at it when you are physically feeling better.  

Number 9- Strength training is just as important as the miles  I’m going to say it again, strength training is just as important as the miles.  I’m crazy you say.  Nope.  I 100% stand behind this statement.  As soon as I made the shift from just wanting to run a few days a week to I want to run 10Ks, ten milers, half marathons I followed the sage advice of Suzy Goodwin (​If you aren’t connected with her, check her out!!​​​) and found a trainer that I trust to do strength training with a few times a week.  Today as I got the idea for this post I was talking with a friend about shaving some time off her runs.  And we got to talking about the absolute importance of strength training.  I could literally talk about this all day- but I’ll leave you with this short anecdote:

August of 2019 I ran my first “big race” of 12 miles.  Right before the taper (which is also important but doesn’t make this top 10) I was experiencing brutal hip pain.  During the taper period it felt better and then after the race it hurt again.  Same thing before my first half marathon.  Terrible hip pain as my mileage increased.  Better during the taper and HORRIBLE after the Half.  Felt great during the run but was killing me after.  Any idea what was causing this terrible hip pain???  Over tight hamstrings.  Any guesses what my trainer has incorporated into every session??  Exercises to stretch my hamstrings and strengthen the muscles around them.  The result as I completed my third training cycle, I got through the entire cycle injury and pain free.  I ran back to back races on a Saturday and Sunday (10K/Half Marathon) and had no hip pain.  As you can see, I cannot say enough about strength training!!

Number 8- It’s addictive.  Truly.  The more you run the more you want to run.  

Number 7- Never underestimate the importance of good shoes  If you are thinking about running, any distance the first thing you need to do is get good shoes.  And it’s possible that the shoes that were working great when you start don’t remain the best fit so it’s important to revisit them.  While I’ve remained with the same shoes through the annual “modifications” I’ve added arch supports along the way for the perfect fit.  ​Read all about finding the best shoes here!​​​

Number 6- What you eat and drink really matter- While this seems completely obvious it somehow was less obvious to me in the beginning.  i.e. I considered skipping the wine the week of the race being race ready.  Then after my trainer more than once casually mentioned that I should really start tracking what I was eating, I bit the bullet and download the MyFitnessPal app and started tracking.  Quickly I learned that I needed more protein and calcium.  I began to focus more on getting the nutrients I needed in addition to eating what I liked.  I’m not suggesting you need to go on a crazy diet, but I am saying that keeping an eye on your intake will make a difference.  When I did I truly see this in action??  We went on vacation.  So I went on vacation mode in regards to eating and adult beverages by the pool.  Then I would try to run the next day.  Brutal.  It was rough!!  That’s when I fully understood that what I’m eating and drinking totally matters!!

Up next in the what you eat and drink matters came the time to give up soda.  Soda has been my vice for as long as I can remember.  Then it came time to drop that habit like it was hot.  Hello, Arbonne Fizz. I don’t drink coffee so the caffeine from the soda was what got me through the day.  Then I tried the vegan, plant based natural caffeine of Arbonne fizz and I was hooked on something better!!  

Number 5- That it would become a family affair I started running because it was something for “me.” I was committed to finding the time between work, volunteer obligations and kids to run. It was “me time.” But then the boys caught the running bug with me. My husband along with my two boys were my biggest cheerleaders. So then they wanted to run too!! I realized yet again, that our children are always watching and what an important lesson I was teaching them every time I laced up my shoes. So in May the boys will run their first official race the night before my third half marathon. I’ll be there, sign in hand so proud that they want to run too!!

Number 4- The beauty of the world around me This is two fold. First, because often to get my miles in I’m up early. The calm of the morning as the sun is rising, as I run past the deer, rabbits and birds truly settles my soul for the day. While I despise being cold, I love the crispness of the air for the fall and winter runs. It’s an invigorating start to the day. Part two is that running doesn’t take a vacation for me. So when we take a vacation I get to take in the location on foot (again usually before the rest of the world is up). How amazing to run the Tower Bridge in London or to the Eiffel Tower in Paris?? But just as amazing to run along the beach or the dessert of Arizona. We joke with the boys that nature is all around us. When you are out there pounding the pavement you have a whole knew appreciation for the world around you!

Number 3-  How amazing it feels to have a great run Some say they don’t get a runner’s high. I fall into the camp of getting a runner’s high after I finish a good run or race. Like I’m all jazzed up for hours after, especially after a race. When you know that you have given it your all, felt good and finished strong how could you not feel great??

Number 2- The bonds you build are amazing Running communities are special. While I’m still primarily a run on your own kind of person. I know that I can depend on the resources of my local running shop Charm City Run for my running needs and the ability to train with folks in “real life.” But I’m talking about the online running community of women that have been super supportive. Heck, I got back into running because a group of dedicated women in The Elite Suite, an online social marketing and mentoring group were talking about running the Princess Half Marathon in 2019. They inspired me to lace up my shoes and then I got to meet several of them at the completion of the Half Marathon in Orlando in February. But then there are those that are cheering you on along the way. You know and hyping you up all weekend long. I see you Suzy Goodwin. And I know you have a HUGE bucket list run coming up soon!!


Number 1- Set big goals and crush them!! My goal had been to run the Princess Half Marathon. Along the way I ran several other races including a 12 Miler and another Half Marathon. I have races on the calendar for every month for the rest of the year. Each racing experience teaches me something new and I’m enjoying the ride. So now, it’s no longer the goal to finish. But rather the goal to continue to get stronger and bring down my time. Maybe there’s another goal floating around that will be revealed soon!!

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If the shoe fits, wear it!

Truth be told I do 99% of my shopping online. It easy and shipping with most places is so quick that it’s not worth a trip to the store. One thing that MUST BE PURCHASED IN THE STORE…RUNNING SHOES!! My recommendation find a local running store. My go to here in Maryland is Charm City Run. The have locations all over the state, are super helpful and I get to shop a small business!! But, here’s really why going to a reputable store is key for getting running shoes:

  • They are going to watch you walk barefoot. So that they can see your gait and arch. This will allow them to make a recommendation of what type of shoe you should consider that matches your body and mechanics.
  • They are going to size you! I’m normally a 6.5 in shoes. So I had I ordered running shoes online I would have certainly purchased a 6.5. My running shoe size is an 8. Yes, an 8. There is no chance had I not been properly sized and had it explained to me that the additional room in the toe box is necessary to accommodate for swelling and such that I would have EVER purchased a size 8 running shoe.
  • You can ask them questions. I’ve been wearing New Balance shoes for the last year. Same model through the various new releases. I have several pairs and I’ve never had a problem. I could take them out of the box and run ten miles….I know this because I did it this summer. Anyway, my point is that they were my shoes, no problems. Until, recently when I’ve started to have some arch pain. I mildly panicked. So what did I do…I went to see my friends at Charm City Run. I explained my situation and what I thought I was looking for in a shoe. I tried on two other pairs of shoes and ultimately bought something other than my beloved New Balance. I’m not going to lie, they were the ugliest running shoes ever. But if they felt good I would have worn them. Note: you aren’t buying running shoes that look pretty. You are buying running shoes that fit your foot properly.
  • Many retailers (including Zappos- but remember you want to get fitted in a store!) offer a try on period that allows you to return worn shoes if they aren’t the right fit. I just took advantage of this for the first time. I gave those shoes I purchased the run test. Ran in them three times. Ran about 15 miles in them. Ran outside and on the treadmill. Guess what?? They were not the right shoe for me. I was getting pain in a completely different place on my foot. So what did I do? I headed back to Charm City Run.
  • They want to get it right. They want you to be in the right shoes as much as you want to be in the right shoes. So I met with a super helpful woman. I explained that I had been in days before, what I had purchased, how I had run in them, etc. Her response: “sounds like you need an insole, rather than a new shoe.” But she went through all the steps with me. I walked so she could see my gait and arch placement. She sized me. I tried on yet another different pair of shoes. Ultimately, I wound up back in the New Balance 1080. This time the 10th edition. But with an insole. We tried multiple insoles to get the right feel. I could immediately feel the difference. Now I’ll put these new shoes and insoles to the 14 day test. I’m hopeful this new combination is going to be exactly what I need!
Mother and son matching New Balance

Last Minute Entry- Chanukah Hot Chocolate 5K- December 8, 2019

Thursday, December 5th I said to my husband, I think I’ll run that 5K on Sunday. It’s close and convenient. Originally we had talked about all going as a family but our oldest had a commitment in the morning so I decided to just go alone. So Friday at 4:00 PM, I registered. Friday at 6:00 PM my oldest spiked a crazy high fever that he would continue to run throughout the weekend and into the next week. With little sleep and Mom guilt I got up and out on Sunday morning for the race. I really had no plan throughout 2019 as to what races I would run, as I found them I signed up if they worked for our schedule. But I had never decided quite so last minute to run a race.

This was the first time I would run a 5K since June. Much had changed since June. In June I had been running for just about three months. I had not yet started to go to the trainer and it was my first race in nearly twenty years. Fast forward to December of 2019. I had been running consistently for nearly ten months. Going to the trainer for five months. Not to mention I had run several longer races. The temperature was also significantly different. As opposed to hot and humid it was quite chilly!!

Off I went, with the promise of “Mommy Snuggles” when I returned. Oh, and yes, he wanted to know if I was going to win this one too. I knew there was a chance I could be first overall female. But I gave my usual response, of trying my best!

The race was run primarily on the campus of the local Jewish Community Center. It was much hiller than I was expecting it to be but it was a good course. There were approximately 150 other runners. At the start I might of been taking inventory of the other women out there that morning and who I thought was in my age category. Race, running is a personal sport and I simply wanted to beat my time from June. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t competitive. Another woman and I went out basically together. Here’s where running is a mental sport. She was slightly ahead of me for the first mile and a half. But I was staying with her, could see her. However, I convinced myself that she was 1) a more seasoned runner and 2) was clearly faster than me. Do I know either of those things for certain…absolutely not. So I pushed on but I also resigned myself to the fact that I couldn’t catch her. Turns out she finished 31 seconds faster than I did. So what’s that 10 seconds a mile. Seemingly not much, but in reality a pretty good amount when you consider the following:

  • I had hoped to finish in under 25:00.
  • I ran 3 miles the day before in 25:50
  • I finished the race in 24:27.
  • I finished the June 5K race in 26:57

So rather than focusing on what it would have taken to be first overall female, I focused on:

  • The amount of time I took off my time from June…2 minutes and 30 seconds!!
  • The fact that I hadn’t run a 24 minute 5K in A LOT OF YEARS!!
  • Oh, and I won my age category so my kids still think I won.

In all seriousness, I don’t know if I could have run any faster than the 24:27. That was already shaving a considerable amount of time off my other times. But I do know I got into my own head during the race. Whether that changed the outcome or not I don’t know. I’m still super proud of my finish, had a fun time and rounded out my first running year back with a great race!

The race that I should have never run. Race for Our Kids- October 6, 2019 10K

Remember that Half Marathon I’m planning to run in February of 2020. Well, you can submit a proof of time for your corral assignment. No proof of time and you are automatically in the last corral. I was so happy with my Charles Street 12 time and certain that it would qualify for a proof of time submission….wrong!! Granted it’s an odd distance twelve miles, but come on. You can submit a 10K or half marathon time but not an odd twelve mile time. I have a half scheduled for October 19, 2019 but I don’t want to leave everything up to that race.

Leading up to the October 6, 2019- 10K I was sick all week. Like, I should have gone to the doctor I probably could have used an antibiotic kind of sick. Instead I was popping Advil Cold and Sinus and hoping for the best. When Saturday morning rolled around I HAD NO BUSINESS BEING OUT OF BED, FORGET ABOUT RUNNING A 10K!! But I’m guessing you can imagine where this is headed. I needed that proof of time submission and therefore come hell or high water I was running this race. Off we went as a family to the Maryland Zoo, where the race would start and finish. The bonus to this race was that the boys and my husband were going to get to do a family 1 mile run/walk around the zoo while I ran. After the race we could then go and explore the zoo. We had our usually conversation in the car. “So, Mommy are you going to win this one?” “No, sweetie. Mommy isn’t going to win, she’s just going to try her best.” In my head, I’m just going to try not to kill myself out there today so we can go see the penguins and the new giraffe exhibit.

While there were lots of race participants for the 5K and the Family walk/run the field for the 10K was sparse. The course was hilly and through a challenging section of Baltimore City. While I tried to pick a runner or two to stay with after the first two mile or so I found myself running basically alone. There was the front pack (not me) me and then everyone else behind me. I felt lousy the ENTIRE RACE. At the 5K mark I started truly questioning my sanity. The last mile or so of the race the 10K runners began to meet up with those running the 5K. I also spotted a woman that I knew had started the 10K with me. Now I began to access how old I thought she might be. After all, while I wasn’t going to win the race, I could still try to win my age category, couldn’t I?? I ran hard the last mile. Ran past the woman in the purple leggings for a time of 53:50. PS she wasn’t in my age category she was in the one below me but she still gave me the push I needed to finish strong a race that I should have never run!

So how did my time shake out with my expectations. My healthy expectations would have been to finish in 54:30/55:00. Based upon how I was feeling I would have been happy to finish in less than an hour. Given the fact that I felt truly miserable I was super pleased with my time. How’d I place overall?? I was first in age category. Woohoo! So I did kind of win, right? Overall I was 20th out of 65 runner. For a race I wasn’t going to run and shouldn’t have run seems like it all worked out well!

What did I learn?

  • I should have skipped the hat. I was afraid it was going to rain. It didn’t and the hat made me hot.
  • I really can run faster than I though.

The itch for a longer race

My first “real” race and likely the best race photos EVER!

By way of a reminder, my training started in February of 2019 because I wanted to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February of 2020. Yes, a full year later. After doing my first 5K I knew that would certainly not be my first “long” race. A friend and I started chatting about the Charles Street 12 on August 31st. A twelve mile run, the day before my soon to be six year old’s party seemed like a crazy idea. So, of course…sign me up!!!

What did I start to do differently??

A little bit of history. I ran track and cross county in middle and high school. Yes, I took a um twenty year hiatus but I still remembered that strength training was an integral part of practice and success. So, once the kids were settled into camp, I scheduled my first appointment with a trainer. Mind you, we had a membership for nearly a year and I hadn’t stepped foot into the gym and now here I was showing up and meeting with a trainer. Spoiler alert, I’m not coordinated. This is something my trainer would quickly find out and kindly adjust our workouts to meet me where I was at the time. Another fun fact- I can laugh at myself. And did I do a lot of laughing as I realized how my balance was lacking, my overall strength so so. You get the point. I was still very much out of shape and basically starting at the beginning. So I started working with the trainer twice a week for thirty minutes. My plan was to have him teach me some things so I could lift twice a week to strength train and call it a day. Well, it’s been months and I’m still going twice a week and don’t anticipate stopping any time soon.

Back to your regularly scheduled program

I followed a half marathon training program to get ready for the Charles Street 12. It was summer and it was HOT. So that meant getting up and out early if I wanted to run outside versus on the treadmill. I adhered to my training schedule strictly (because that’s how I roll). I experimented with nutrition. I learned what didn’t work…i.e. fastest run home to get to the bathroom and what nutrition gave me the boost I needed on these longer run. (Honey Stingers are my go to!)

Over the course of the training I started to experience some pain below my left knee and in my right hip. The pain in my leg wasn’t my knee, but right below and you know what…it hurt badly! So badly that I found myself sitting with ice really wondering what in the world I was doing to myself. Fortunately, the real pain came as I was preparing to taper (cut down on my miles) before the race. During the taper period I kept my runs at an easy pace and I saw the pain in my hip and leg lessen.

Race Day– August 31, 2019

The weather the end of August/beginning of September in Maryland can be hot. I was fortunate and it wasn’t too hot but it was more than 70 at race start time and definitely humid. Hydration would be key! As expected I was a total ball of nerves. A friend dropped me off at the start and my husband and boys were going to meet me at the finish line. I worried, would they find a place to park? What would my husband do with them for so long while I waited? You know still “Momming” while preparing to run my longest race to date. My goal time was 1:57. It seemed reasonable based upon my training runs and the fact that it was my longest run…EVER!

The joke about the Charles Street 12 is that it’s down hill. Having driven the course the week before I had confirmed that it was in fact not downhill until pretty much the end. It’s still a great course. A course that took me past the Baltimore County Courthouse, where I worked for nearly a decade, through the campus of Towson University, where my brother in law and sister went to school, and as I got closer to the finish past University of Baltimore where I went to law school. So basically, it was like a run down memory lane.

How did I feel during the race?

HOT!! The answer is hot. I was overheated just about the whole time. I used water stations more to douse myself with water than to drink water. Another side note, I generally spill more water on myself than I get in my mouth. My nutrition was working for me. It gave me the boost I needed as I was running. As much as I try to run by feel, I was watching the clock a bit. My pace was faster than anticipated. But I worried whether I would have enough in the tank to get across the finish line.

Ah, I reached the downhill portion of the race. Honestly, at that point there’s less than two miles to go. My longest training run was ten miles so I was entering unchartered territory. But I also knew I was getting closer to the finish and was going to come in well below my anticipated finish time. Did I mention I was really hot?? I continued to feel very overheated throughout the race.

As I made my approach to the finish line I anxiously began looking for my husband and boys. After all, they had been waiting for me all that time I didn’t want them to miss me. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted my son and his friend and her mother (her dad was running too!). My husband was fetching something for our youngest who was in the stroller (you know because he was HOT). I was early and no one was expecting me. I called out to them and it took them a few moments to register that it was me. They cheered me across the finish line to a finish of 1:52:28. Five minutes or so below my anticipated completion time.

Competitive nature

Let’s be real for a moment: I know that I am certainly not the fastest runner. I’m not even the fastest in my age category. But you know what, I’m competitive. I want to know how I shook out against my peers in addition to pushing myself to get the best time possible. So here are the numbers:

9:22 per mile pace

559/1904

221/1080 female runners

80/388 female runners 30-39

What did I learn??

  • I’m faster than I thought.
  • I can run longer distances than I thought.
  • I want to run more longer races!!
  • Get headphones that are connected. I dropped one of EarPods during the race and nearly got trampled when I innocently bent down to pick it up.
  • I had no desire to eat after I finished. I enjoyed my luke warm beer and plenty of water.
  • Having the support of my family along this journey is priceless!