Thanks to everyone who entered my Rudi's Organic Bakery giveaway -- and to those of you who took the time to vote in the Let's Doodle Lunch program. (And if you haven't stopped over to their Facebook page and voted, please do!)
And now for the giveaway winner!
I used random.org to choose a winner from all of the entries and the winner is . . .
FireRunner2379
Congratulations! Send me an email at felicehalf at yahoo dot com with your address so you can get your kit!
Thanks to Rudi's Organic Bakery -- a wonderful company -- for this giveaway!
Have a good day, everyone.
~ Felice
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Rudi's Organic Bakery winner!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Friday fun.
After seeing a bunch of these on Pinterest, I simply couldn't resist making my own:
So there you go. Ryan understands the extra Garmin mileage. Really. He does.
Happy Friday!
~ Felice
The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns (review).
What is it with me and titles? I'm not sure but I'll tell you one thing: There are many titles that simply don't do their books any favors. The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns, which I read as part of the BlogHer Book Club, is one such title. The book -- by Margaret Dilloway -- is good. But the title? Yawn . . .
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Title aside, I enjoyed this book. The narrator, Galilee "Gal" Garner, is a unique character. A biology teacher at a Catholic school, Gal is still single at 36 and pretty much in love with roses. She's an amateur rose breeder, and she'd love to become a professional one. She also has kidney disease and is in need of a kidney transplant (her third). As she waits for a donor, she goes for dialysis every other day.
Gal's life is turned upside-down when her troubled niece, Riley, shows up to live with her. After that, a series of things happen that shake up Gal's ordered life even more. The shake-up causes Gal to reflect on her relationships, her stubbornness, and her perceptions of her life and the lives of those around her.
There were some weak points to the story and I found a good bit of the dialog stilted and not believable -- even after making concessions for Gal's difficult nature. But, I also found the book and many of the characters interesting. I loved reading about the details of rose breeding and, after I warmed up to her, I was rooting hard for Gal to get her new kidney. Overall, I enjoyed the book, read through it quickly, and would recommend it.
You can read more about the book at the BlogHer Book Club.
Have you read The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns, or Margaret Dilloway's first book, How to be an American Housewife? What did you think?
Have a great weekend, everyone!
~ Felice
Review disclaimer: This is a compensated review for the BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Rudi's Organic Bakery giveaway!
I have a very cool contest and giveaway to share with you all today!
Rudi's Organic Bakery has a program called Let's Doodle Lunch, through which they've partnered with Chef Ann Cooper, the Renegade Lunch Lady, in an effort to revolutionize school lunch for kids everywhere. Here's some information about Let's Doodle Lunch:
Earlier this summer, Rudi’s Organic fans were invited to upload artwork on Facebook to receive a reusable sandwich box featuring that design on the lid. Fans submitted 18,500 delightful designs to the Rudi’s Organic sandwich box art contest application, Let’s Doodle Lunch, on Facebook. From July 1st through July 31st when fans submit their first vote for their favorite design, they will receive a $0.75 coupon good for any Rudi’s Organic product, and Rudi’s Organic will donate $1 to Chef Ann’s The Lunch Box, showing their support for healthier options in school lunchrooms nationwide.
“Chef Ann is an inspiration to all of us at Rudi’s Organic Bakery for helping provide the much-needed resources to transform school lunchrooms so all our children can be healthier and happier,” said Doug Radi, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Rudi’s Organic Bakery. “It made perfect sense for us to partner with Chef Ann as we share a belief that there is a better way to live life and that eating healthy is one step to getting you there.”
The design that receives the most votes on Facebook by the end of the July will be named the Rudi’s Organic Official Sandwich Box. The grand prize winner will receive a year supply of Rudi’s Organic bread, a $100 Target gift card for school supplies, a $150 Whole Foods gift card and a year subscription to KIWI magazine.
Pretty cool, huh? Yeah, it is. So, be sure to visit the Facebook page, vote for your favorite design and download your Rudi's coupon!
Because, seriously, they make good bread. I'm a fan. (My all-time favorite Rudi's product? The Honey Sweet Whole Wheat. It is so good!)
This time around, I decided to try a loaf of the Rudi's Gluten Free bread and their Whole Wheat Sandwich Flatz.
Both surprised me. Especially the gluten-free bread. I mean, bread? With no gluten? I expected it to be . . . well . . . yucky, to be honest. It wasn't. Not at all. I ate it toasted and regular and liked it both ways. My son is also a fan -- and you know that kids can be pretty picky!
My only wish would be for it to be easier to find Rudi's bread locally. A few stores carry a limited selection -- I'd love more stores to carry a wider variety of Rudi's products.
Anyway, on to the giveaway!
To celebrate the Let's Doodle Lunch program, one lucky reader will win a Rudi's Organic Bakery prize pack that includes an art kit, a sketch pad, a beret, a reusable bag and two coupons for free loaves of Rudi's delicious bread.
To enter, leave me a comment and let me know that you want to win!
Additional entries:
As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):
As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):
- Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
- Follow me on Pinterest, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
- Pin the image from this post to share the giveaway on Pinterest (leave a comment)
- Link to this giveaway on Twitter using this tweet (leave a comment) :
Win a Rudi's Organic prize pack from @TheHappyRunner http://tinyurl.com/d8d5gbv
- Follow me on Twitter, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
- Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment)
Good luck!
~ Felice
Review/giveaway disclosure: I was sent coupons for two loaves of bread to review. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Where in the world is ZOOMA going?
Am I the only one humming the "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego" theme song now?
Probably.
(Is it really that wrong to hum a theme song from a 1990s PBS kids show?)
(I didn't think so.)
Anyway . . . the where in the world in question has nothing to do with ol' Carmen and everything to do with the very cool ZOOMA Women's Race Series.
I mentioned before that I am running the ZOOMA Cape Cod half marathon this September.
(Are you? Have you registered? If you use my code: CCAMB5 you can save $10 on the half marathon registration or $5 on the 10K registration.)
Right now the series consists of ZOOMA Texas, Atlanta, Annapolis, Cape Cod and Great Lakes. This week, the good people at ZOOMA will announce a new race location! Check out their fun video:
Want to take a guess where ZOOMA will go next? Pop over to the ZOOMA Women's Race Series web site, guess the new location and you will be entered to win a fun bag o' swag from the new race location!
Good luck!
If you are running a ZOOMA race -- especially Cape Cod -- let me know!
Have a great day, everyone!
~ Felice
Monday, July 23, 2012
Good fortune.
Saturday morning, I rolled out of bed at 6:00 so I could meet some friends for a 14 mile run at 6:45. Super early for me, but I did it. And I'm glad I did.
First, we met at the bike path, which is flat, so my legs were ever so grateful for the break. Second, I got to run with Melissa and I'm always happy to do that! And, third, I met a very inspirational runner who proves that a) you're never too old to run fast and b) limitations are only limitations if you let them be.
The runner in question is a 64-year old woman named Sue.
Sue started running when she was 58 -- after she'd had breast cancer and a mastectomy. She ran a 5K and was hooked. She's since run several marathons -- under 4 hours -- and some 31-mile ultras. She's super nice and she shared tips with Melissa and me.
And she's fast. Not just fast for a woman. Not just fast for a 64-year old. Not just fast for someone who's overcome cancer.
Just plain fast.
It was a pleasure running with Sue. The run reminded me that I'm fortunate to have found an activity -- running -- that I love. I'm just as fortunate to have the ability to do it and to have the support system -- family and friends -- to make it possible and more enjoyable. You never know what can happen in life, so why not make the most of it?
Which is what I did on Saturday.
I already told you that I ran 14 miles with friends. But when I originally made the plan, I wanted to run 10. Melissa told me she and another running friend, Jenny, were planning on 14.
Well, why not run 14? I thought. I ran 12.5 last weekend so 14 would be fine. Go for it, Happy Runner.
So I went for it and told the group I was in for 14. And here's what the run looked like:
Mile 1: 9:41
Mile 2: 9:44
Mile 3: 9:28
Mile 4: 9:27
Mile 5: 9:29
Mile 6: 9:31
Mile 7: 9:38
Mile 8: 9:44
Mile 9: 9:47
Mile 10: 9:35
Just before mile 10, Jenny met up with us and then we hit the turnaround. Jenny needed some water, and the others needed a walk break (don't blame them -- Melissa and Jenny had run 9 miles the day before!). I needed to keep going and did. Since I was no longer talking, I picked up the pace and made the most of the last 4 miles:
Mile 11: 8:23
Mile 12: 8:13
Mile 13: 8:24
Mile 14: 8:38
Total negative splits, right there.
What a great run! A perfect start to the weekend that included a super fun 40th birthday party with good friends:
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| Allison, Monique, Stacey, me, Janis at Bridget's house for her husband's 40th birthday party! |
Making the most of it. On the run and off!
Did you make the most of it this weekend?
Hope you all had a great weekend!
~ Felice
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Groundhog Day.
I'm waiting for Bill Murray to show up because, I swear, it is like Groundhog Day here in Happy Runner-ville.
First, I had the wicked blister at the Boilermaker that stopped me from running for 5 days. Then, yesterday, I tripped on an otherwise innocent Thomas the Tank Engine toy. I fell. Skinned my knee. And -- the worst part -- twisted my ankle. It was pretty sore so I skipped yesterday's scheduled run.
(Instead of the run, I did a crazy cross-fit workout: 6 push-ups, 12 sit-ups, 24 weighted, walking lunges (each leg). Five times. Do you know how much your legs will shake after doing all those lunges? A lot. The answer is, a lot.)
So, what does all this have to do with Groundhog Day?
Well, I was looking back at the last time I was set-back by Thomas. It was a week before my Schroon Lake half marathon (you can read all about it HERE). The Groundhog Day part? Five days before Thomas busted my toe, I was beset by a blister.
September 2011: Blister. Busted by Thomas.
July 2012: Blister. Busted by Thomas.
Groundhog Day.
I don't know. That's just weird.
Weirder still is the fact that when I developed the blister this year at the Boilermaker, I was convinced it was the first time I'd ever had such a bad blister. Apparently not. Apparently I block out all past injuries. Or maybe I just have a lousy memory.
Whatever it is, let's hope I break the cycle in 2013. No repeats!
Do you block out your past injuries?
Have you every had any Groundhog Day-esque experiences?
Have a good day, everyone!
~ Felice
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Soften those legs! (review and giveaway)
Summertime equals lots running and lots of shorts wearing. And shorts wearing? Well, that means I'm showing my legs and if I'm showing my legs I sure want them to be smooth. And soft.
This would be where the new Dove VisibleCare Softening Creme Body Wash comes in. Part of the new premium body wash line, the Softening Creme Body Wash is designed to soften dry skin (as the name suggests) in just one week.
The Dove VisibleCare Softening Creme Body Wash has the scent thing going for it. Although it is scented, it isn't overpoweringly perfume-y. It's a soft scent and it doesn't bother me. Which is more or less a win.
The actual body wash, however, was a different story. Not a bad story, certainly. In fact, it works exactly as it claims to: It softens. And since the purpose is to soften, well, the body wash is thick. And creamy.
And, let me tell you, absolutely perfect as a shaving cream substitute. OK, that might be one of those off-label uses but, honestly, it works. I didn't love it to wash my body -- too heavy for me, at least for summertime (would probably be a totally different story during the winter when my skin turns into Flake City by January). But then I used it for shaving my legs and it is great. The best part? I don't need to load up on moisturizing lotion after I shave. Normally, I'm moisturizing my legs after every shave and that can be a drag, especially on hot days. Now, I can skip that step thanks to my Dove VisibleCare Softening Body Wash turned shave cream!
If you're looking for a body wash that really makes your skin softer, check out the Dove VisibleCare Softening Body Wash. Although it wasn't the perfect fit for me, it really does deliver softness. And it is terrific for leg shaving!
Visit Dove® VisibleCare® to get a coupon for $1 off!
Are you a body wash type of person? How do you pamper your legs in the summer? Want to pamper them at a SPA?
Check out this great giveaway!!
Enter to win one of two $500 Spafinder gift certificates!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
COMMENTS TO THIS POST ARE NOT SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES. PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ENTRY METHODS FOR THIS SWEEPSTAKES.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Follow this link, and provide your email address and your response to the Promotion prompt
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. Winners will have 72 hours to claim the prize, or an alternative winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/18/2012 - 8/22/2012
Be sure to visit the Dove® VisibleCare™ Crème Body Wash brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Killer legs.
Holy cow.
My legs are screaming right now. In a good way. I hope.
My workout? It was a killer. Kill. Er.
Wanna try it?
1 mile jog to warm up
6 x 400 repeats in 1:45 (7 min/mile pace) w/400 jog/walk recovery
1 mile cool down
100 squats
15 push ups
75 squats
15 push ups
50 squats
15 push ups
25 squats
15 push ups
Done.
Really. Done.
Remember these ham-hocks?
Yeah, I'm whipping them into shape. Squats and speed.
Do you have a favorite killer leg workout?
Plan to try this one? Let me know how it works out!
Thanks for stopping by.
~ Felice
Monday, July 16, 2012
Un-fueling for the fat-burning long run.
When it comes to running, I read pretty much anything I can lay my eyes on. Books, magazines, web sites. I'm drawn to new research and studies, intrigued by elite training plans. I take it all in and hope to digest it, work it over, and use it to improve my running.
Recently, I've been making an effort to improve my body's ability to burn fat as fuel and to run well in a low-glycogen state. I've read about ways to do this, and the benefits of training your body this way, in several books and articles including this article on the McMillan web site and this article from Running Times. (I've also read about it in Advanced Marathoning and Brain Training for Runners -- two excellent books for runners.)
Here's some interesting information from the Running Times article:
At the Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism in Denmark, Bente Klarlund Pedersen, M.D., DMSc, had subjects exercise one leg once daily, and the other leg twice every other day, but in a glycogen-depleted state. The total amount of training was equal for both legs, but after 10 weeks, the glycogen-denied leg increased its endurance by 90 percent.
I could certainly go for some of that increased endurance!
So, yesterday, I applied what I've learned. Instead of eating an English muffin with peanut butter an hour before my run and then a handful jelly beans right before, I had an English muffin with just a little regular butter. No peanut butter, no jelly beans. And, instead of taking a gel during the run, I carried watered-down Gatorade.
This is me weaning myself off the carbs.
I did, however, carry a gel with me -- just in case I started to feel off or if we made a wrong turn (it happens!) and had to add some unexpected miles to our run. I didn't need it.
I felt absolutely fine and full of (enough) energy. That run was a good test for lower carb consumption because it was a) hot b) super-humid and c) a really hilly course. If I can handle a hot, humid, hilly run with lower carbs, I can continue to reduce my consumption and reap the benefits come race day!
At least, that's the plan.
I'll keep you posted on Operation Un-fueling over the course of my half-marathon training!
Hope everyone had a good weekend!
~ Felice
Friday, July 13, 2012
My 20-minute full-body workout.
As I've rested this week, letting my blister heal, I've turned from running to cross-training. My husband is into CrossFit these days and maybe his enthusiasm has rubbed-off a bit on me because I've decided to create my own CrossFit-inspired workout. (Inspired, I say. Not actual. I'm using 6-lb weights, after all. And you'll notice that there are no burpees to be found anywhere.)
My goal this summer is to better supplement my running with cross-training. But, I need something that is quick and doesn't require a gym, or much equipment at all. So, I've come up with a whole-body workout that I love.
Check it out!
Right now, I'm using 6-lb dumbbells for the arm exercises (the standing upright rows, overhead presses and bicep curls) and I'm also holding them for the squats and the lunges. I'm building up to holding them for the curtsy lunges.
The key to this workout is to move right from one exercise to the next, keeping your heart-rate elevated and making this strength workout also a good cardio one. If you make it through the routine twice, with a minute or two break between the first and second time through, this workout should take right around 20 minutes.
What is your favorite cross-training activity?
Happy Friday, everyone! Have a good weekend.
~ Felice
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Post Boilermaker.
You know how they say that the best athletes have a short memory, so they can move on after a poor performance and all that? Well, I need someone to come over here and shorten my memory. Stat.
I keep revisiting Sunday's race. Over and over. Part of it is that this blister still bugs me. It isn't nearly as bad as it was on Sunday but, even yesterday, when my friend Bridget invited me to run I couldn't. Because I still had pain and I need that blister to heal.
The other reason I'm revisiting the race is -- and I'm a little embarrassed to admit this -- it was my slowest road 15K time and, for some reason, that just really bugs me. My running has been going so well! And my Boilermaker time does not reflect that at all.
I thought I was so tough. Mentally tough. Mentally tough enough to push through little pains.
Apparently not.
Because, really? How much worse would the blister have gotten if I had just run instead of taking all those walk breaks? The answer is: Probably not much.
Seriously. It wouldn't have gotten much worse. As it is, I haven't been able to run for two days. So what if I couldn't run for three days? Not much different.
Water under the bridge.
I need to shorten this memory. I need to channel the feeling I had when I was finally finished with the race:
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| I made it! |
So, I'm changing my focus. Moving on.
To start, I'm kicking up the cross-training. I put together a quickie full-body weights workout that I can do in my living room and I plan to make it (or similar) a thrice-weekly activity. I'm also finalizing my fall half-marathon plan. I'm running the ZOOMA Cape Cod race at the end of September and then the Mohawk-Hudson half at the beginning of October. I just noticed that this will give me Half Fanatic status so that's exciting for me!
Plans, plans, plans.
Now, tell me. What do you do to shake things up after a disappointing race?
Have a great day!
~ Felice
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Mizuno running shoes winner!
Wowzers! So many entries for the running shoes -- thanks to everyone who entered and shared the post. I appreciate it.
I used random.org to pick one winner and it is . . .
Cara! (comment #66)
Congratulations, Cara! Shoot me an email at felicehalf at yahoo dot com so you can pick out your shoes!
Have a great day, everyone.
~ Felice
Monday, July 9, 2012
Boilermaker 15K race report.
Ah, the Boilermaker.
What can I say? I definitely don't want to be a Debbie Downer about this race but, honestly, that's kinda how I feel. It wasn't my day. I ran into some bad luck. But, as always, I learned a thing or two.
The day started out early. Sheila and Bridget met me at my house at 4:45 and then we took off to pick up Amanda at 5. Then we were off to Utica! The ride was fine and soon enough -- around 6:40 -- we were parking the car and getting ready to meet our friend, Karen, who had our race bibs.
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| Bridget, Sheila, Amanda and me -- before the race. |
We lined up in our corral and about two minutes after the starting cannon, we crossed the start line.
It was jam-packed at the start and didn't start to thin out at all for miles. I didn't mind -- that's to be expected at a race of 12,000 people! The crowd makes for slow running in the first few miles, which is actually good for me since I tend to go too fast early on.
For some reason, I couldn't get a good rhythm going with my breathing until almost half-way through the race. I don't know if it was the humidity, my nerves, or what. But, whatever it was, I didn't like it. And it didn't matter because I had bigger problems.
In mile 4, just after the 5K mark, I started to feel burning at the bottom of my foot. Now, for the past 10 months or so I have had weird numbness/tingling/burning in my feet. It is likely nerve damage, possibly from my bout of Lyme disease, possibly from something else. I'm living with it (although, I am seeing an orthopedist today -- yay!). My point is that I thought that what I was feeling might have been just regular crummy feet stuff.
So, I took brief walk break. I started up again, slowly, and felt OK. Quickly, my foot started feeling really weird again so I thought a walk at the next water stop would be a good break. And it was. When I started running, it was with renewed vigor. I had no problem running strong up the infamous golf course hill -- in fact, I felt good running up that hill and I thanked all of hilly runs for that. Then, it was a long downhill and I just let my legs go. I rode the momentum and kept pushing, ignoring my foot as much as I could.
But I paid the price for pushing it. Once I passed the 10K mark, I knew it was a blister on the bottom of my right foot -- I could feel searing pain at the base of my big toe, between it and the next toe. The pain had started to affect my gait because I was running on the outside of my foot. I took a long walk break in that mile and then another.
I came close to walking off the course.
Instead, I told myself that I did not wake up at 4 in the morning just to quit. I told myself that "dead last is better than did-not-finish." I told myself to Just. Keep. Going.
I kept going. I walked. I ran. I pushed on. And then I finished. Net time: 1:20:25.
Here's what my miles looked like:
Mile 1: 8:26
Mile 2: 8:15
Mile 3: 7:58
Mile 4: 9:53 (two walk breaks and the big hill)
Mile 5: 7:12 (yay for downhill!)
Mile 6: 8:21 (still pushing it)
Mile 7: 9:41 (walking)
Mile 8: 8:04 (pushing again)
Mile 9: 9:24 (more walking)
last .3: 7:51 pace
I'm disappointed. Not so much in my time, although, that time is almost 7 minutes slower than I ran last year. I'm disappointed that I had a crummy experience in a race I had been really looking forward to. I was so very excited to run the Boilermaker again! And to have my performance hurt by a blister? Well, that stinks. But, I guess it just means I need to head back next time to redeem myself!
Today, my body feels rotten. My left leg feels incredibly sore, which I imagine is because I was running with such a funky gait. Poor left leg! And my blister is still there, still bothering me a little, although not as much as it did yesterday. I'm pretty sure I got the blister because my foot got wet when running through the wet water stops. Don't know for sure, but that's my theory!
Well, that was my race.
Here are my stats:
Net time: 1:20:25
Overall place: 2762 out of 11360
Gender place (F): 642 out of 5381
Age group place (F 40-44): 64 out of 635
Overall pace: 8:38
Debbie Downer signing out!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Mizuno running shoe giveaway!
Lucky day!
Recently, I was invited to be a founding member of Mizuno's Mezamashii Run Project. I received information about Mizuno, the project, a pair of running shoes and -- this is where you come in -- a free pair to give away!
Before I get to the giveaway, though, let me share some information.
Mizuno designed the project to help runners have a more brilliant run, thus the name, Mezamashii, which means "eye opening" or "brilliant" in Japanese. Instead of spending money on an extensive ad campaign to promote their shoes, they decided to put the shoes on the feet of real runners, with the belief that those runners would achieve a "mezamashii feeling" and spread the word.
Well, here I am spreading the word.
Now, let me share some of my history with Mizuno. It hasn't always been the best. Back when I was wearing heavier shoes, I tried out a pair of Mizunos that just weren't for me. They were great for kicking around, but not for my running gait.
So, I was a little apprehensive when I was invited to be part of the Mezamashii Run Project. Would I hate the shoes? Then what would I do?
I didn't even need to worry.
I ordered up the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 and have worn them for my last five or so runs. They are awesome.
I love how they feel and, I admit, I love how they look! Check them out:
Slick, right?
Right.
Take a look at this video to learn more about the project:
Excited? Want to win some new kicks?
Well, OK!
The Giveaway!
One lucky reader will win a pair of Mizunos of their choice (just not the Wave Prophecy). To enter, just leave me a comment telling me why you want to win a pair of Mizuno running shoes.
As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):
- Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
- Follow me on Pinterest, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
- Pin the image from this post to share the giveaway on Pinterest (leave a comment)
- Link to this giveaway on Twitter using this tweet (leave a comment):
- Follow me on Twitter, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
- Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment)
This giveaway will run through Monday, July 9th at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.
Good luck!
~ Felice
Friday, July 6, 2012
Boilermaker 15K plan.
Sunday is Boilermaker day!
Last year was my first time running the race and I loved it. Positively. It helped that I was there with friends:
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| Elisa, Bridget, me before the race. |
It also helped that the crowd rocked. It was just a fun, fun, fun race.
And it helped that I set a PR (1:13:59).
This year, I'd like to break that. My running has been going very well so I believe I am in a good position to set a new PR.
I mean, after all, last year I was still nursing my baby, still getting up with him at least once -- sometimes twice -- overnight. And yet, I ran a PR.
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| Last year, running strong near the end of the race. |
So, here's what I hope to do on Sunday:
A Goal: break 1:13 (1:12:59 or better)
B Goal: 1:13:08 or better
C Goal: PR -- 1:13:58 or better
If it isn't too hot on race day, I believe I can at least reach my C goal -- I'm confident of that. We'll see what happens!
Are you racing this weekend? Have a big goal?
Have a great weekend, everyone!
~ Felice
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Heatwave.
This has been one hot week of running. To beat the heat, I ran at 8:30pm on Monday and 8pm on Tuesday. Both nights were still pretty warm, but not nearly as hot as my Wednesday run.
Wednesday was hot as can be. Owen had the day off so he went out to play golf early in the morning and I was home with the boys. We had plans with friends at 4, for a BBQ and to watch the 4th of July fireworks, so when he got home at 2, I quickly got it together and went out for a run.
I had some grand plans to run 7.4 miles. You know, in honor of the day. But, yeah. That didn't happen.
Instead, I ran a nice-and-easy 4. And dripped with sweat the entire time.
Now, after all of these hot runs, I hope that we can enjoy some cooler temps on race day (Sunday!). As much as I can handle the heat, racing is just better when it is cooler.
Speaking of the Boilermaker race, I'm finalizing my race day plan and will share it tomorrow. So, until then, enjoy the day -- thanks for stopping by!
~ Felice
Monday, July 2, 2012
June recap.
June was a busy month. We had field trips and school events, my little guy turned 5 and then he graduated from preschool, we went away for a long weekend at the Jersey shore, and there's been all the regular stuff that goes on when you're determined to make the most of the summer season.
(Here are a few pics from our recent NJ trip.)
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| Loving the warm water! |
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| Goofy big brother! |
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| Head in the sand . . . why not? |
There's also been a bit of running. After dipping under 100 miles for the month in May, I finished June with exactly 100. I'm slowly building back up.
I'm also slowly getting back into training mode. I admit that, since the marathon, I've been pretty much in easy running mode. Sure, I've kicked it up with a speed workout here and there and a few strong long runs. But, overall, the running has still been easy. I hope my Boilermaker performance doesn't suffer for that because I've enjoyed this month of running and I'd like to think it is setting me up well for my half marathon this fall.
Here's a look at June.
June stats:
Running (miles): 100
Races: 1 -- the Freihofer's Run for Women 5K where I set a new PR!
Cross training (sessions): lots
I added in a lot of cross training in June -- mostly in the form of box jumps, lunges, squats and a few key arm exercises. Oh yeah, and chasing after my toddler on playgrounds, the beach and at pools. That has to count as cross training!
Now, I'm looking forward to a great July of running. And a good race on Saturday.
How was your June? Did you hit your mileage or other running goals?
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Felice
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