Marathon completed

First of all, I have taken a break from blogging to focus on a few other things in my life- being a good wife, mother, friend, and teacher. Please tell me how those of you that work, train, spend time with your family/ friends, do housework, and blog do it all! I have decided that blogging will take the backseat; however, I still have great ideas and really want to start a GOOD blog. I don't like to do things only partly. For now, this will be a place for me to pop in when I have time. 

Well marathon weekend was last weekend.  I have so much to write about and so much to say. For now I'll leave you will a few pics and comments. 

Marathon start in corral B. Loved watching the elites warm up while I sat and shivered. 

I saw my sister and hubby 3 times on the course. Such a boost. 

Well I finished in 3:29. 1 minute and 22 seconds off a PR.  I'm not upset with the time. I'm upset with how I ran the race. It was almost 100% positive splits. Terrible. The first half was awesome and fairly consistent at 7:40-7:50 pace but at mile 16 I hit a wall will stomach cramps galore. I allowed myself to slow down but not walk. At mile 19 the 3:25 pace group passed me and I just had to hang on. My Dream of a PR was unrealistic and I knew that because of my training but I had a little bit of hope. I'm glad I worked at staying mentally in it an not giving up when they passed me. My last 3-4 miles went up to 8:15-8:30. I ran the race all wrong. Live and learn. Another marathon in the books. It was a beautiful day and Chicago knows how to put together a fantastic race. I love love this race!!! 

When I have time... More to come.  I took the week off and did an easy 7 today. Hoping to recover well for a 10K next week!! 

Week of Workouts

My blogging is taking a backseat lately. I was working with a friend and we are/were in the process of creating a new blog called " A Running Couple's Life". I honestly just haven't had the time to get it up and running.  Another reason why this blog is so plain.  I'm trying to make time:) I like to do things well or not at all.  I will keep you posted when/if the change happens. 

This little man keeps me busy :)

As my schedule continues to be busy, especially with the marathon in 3 weeks I do still want to blog my workouts to keep me accountable, but with less frequency.  

So here are my workouts from last week:

After my run Sunday my shin/calf issue was killing.  I pray I have the strength and little to no pain to run in 3 weeks. PR goals are out the window.  Just hoping to run and enjoy it! 

Monday- rest

Tuesday-rest ( 2 days in a row is hard for me- trying to be smart) 

Wednesday- 30 minutes elliptical before work- 30 minutes after work. 100 of each- squats, girly push ups, sit ups.  I broke it up into 5 rounds of 20

Thursday- 60 elliptical before work.  Tried a run after work.  Made it 2 miles and stopped.  Shin/ calf pain :(

Friday- 60 elliptical.  Squats, girly push ups, and abs. Didn't make it to a full 100 of each. Maybe 80?

Saturday- Spin class for 50 minutes and a long walk 

Sunday- supposed to be 20 miles. Didn't happen. 

So I'm frustrated but focusing on the positive.  I've been really lucky in much of my training up to this point.  I am icing, wearing compression and trying to do more low impact exercise. I would love to get a sports massage. Maybe I can find a local groupon deal.  As for now I'm trying to stay active and realize that some things are out of my control.  ( I like control, if you couldn't tell). My hope is to show up at the starting line of the marathon and enjoy the experience. 

In other news, I am excited to be starting an after work exercise group with some fellow teachers. We are hoping to run 2-3 days a week, yoga/ workout DVDs the other days.  A few people are a bit intimidated, but I am hopeful that they will love the endorphins and keep coming back for more.  I think this will be a great way to boost the moral of our school! I understand that not everyone loves working out the way I do, but I hope they find this a fun way to unwind, laugh, and have fun while getting a good sweat. 

I have so many ideas running through my mind lately. Fitness/ a health lifestyle are a huge passion of mine, and lots of new things I would like to investigate! 

In other news we celebrated my Babcia's 85th birthday today! She is one strong woman. 

Best cake ever! 

Love these kids! 

I hope you had a great weekend! I am hoping to be back this week! I have some fun workouts to share and a tasty dark chocolate banana muffin recipe to share!   

Question

What's the biggest obstacle that holds you back from getting our workouts in? 

I find that I MUST write them down on my calendar or I just come up with an excuse.  Lately waking up has been hard, but I just keep reminding myself how much better I feel all day if I work out! I'm exhausted at the end of the day so it's easier to do it in the morning for me.  

Staying Afloat

Workouts

I haven't had time to write in what a seems like forever. I am going to back track and go through my workouts from my last post. 

Last week

Last Friday- off

Saturday- easy 5 miles

Sunday- attempt at 20. I slept through my alarm and missed my morning workout time. Didn't get out til 11 (nap time) and it was 80 degrees.  My shin was really hurting so I decided to stop.  

This week 

Monday- Wednesday- elliptical 45-60 min each day.  Trying to give my shin a rest

Thursday- 50 minute run at an easy pace 

Friday-7 miles ( beautiful weather!!) I felt awesome! First mile 8:30 and miles 2-7 were sub 8.  Felt great

Saturday-6 miles. Vertigo was back and shin hurt bad

Sunday- 12 miles.  First 8 were terrible. Last 4 felt great.  Last mile was 7:50. 

I am really at a point where I don't know what to do with the upcoming marathon. I've had 2 - 20 mile runs I haven't completed.  This weekend is another 20. I pray I rest this week and feel good.  

Past week plus some 

Well life's been busy.  We've had cross meets, open houses, dentist appointments, and lots of school work.  I'm struggling to keep up. I'd be lying If I said getting back into the business of life has been easy.  We have many changes at works, and I've been feeling quite overwhelmed.  

In the meantime we have been having some fun too. 

Cross meets!! Pictures by Cole's old sitter and wonderful photographer at Songs of Life Photography. 

Walks

Fairs

Football games 

Apple orchards, petting zoos, raspberry picking 

Shopping 

Life is good.  When things get hard, crazy, overwhelming they never stay that way.  It's hard to make it through the rough patch. I always have to repeat to myself " God only gives me as much as I can handle."  It helps me knowing he is confident that I can handle the situation.  I am beyond thankful for the most supportive husband that always seems to have the right things to say when I start to get a little or a-lot-le crazy.  Not sure where he gets his wisdom but its pretty great.  Also so thankful for awesome family that is always around to help. We are so blessed. 

I have also been frustrated with my running. I know I need to take time off- more time than I have, but it is hard.  It distresses me.  It gets me through the "hard". I probably need to go back to the doc, but hard to fit it in.  

I find when things get tough I need to do the following to help me:

- stay active 

- get enough sleep

- think of all the positives in my life

- know that this is part of God's plan

- believe things will be better 

- take deep breaths 

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend! 

Question

What's your favorite way to distress?

Thursday Thoughts

Workouts

Tuesday- off

Wednesday- 60 min elliptical bright n early

Thursday- 7 miles before work - 3 miles at night 

My shin/ calf is really acting up again.  Taking a day off tomorrow or cross training. Pain pain go away.  

1. This week has been crazy! You would think a short week would be nice, but I have 5 days of work to cram into 4. 

2. I'm tired.  Really really tired.  

3. Yesterday was rough in the tantrum department. Terrible Twos plus some. 

4. I have been extra hungry lately. I swear my body goes nuts once my mileage goes up and I can't get satisfied. 

5. Loving yogurt bowls in the morning. 

6. I love that Cole is getting to be such a helper ( when he's not throwing a fit)

7. Cole is in love with his new shoes. 

8. Cross country is in full swing! It's busy around here. 

9. I had a pumpkin bar today and again forgot a picture. I'm excited for the fall!

10. I can't wait for the apple orchard. 

11. Chris is excited about his apple tree. He is excited to share that their are over 200 apples. 

12. I'm tired. Wait? Did I saw that already? 

I need to get back to my running posts, I have been frustrated lately with my leg.  I need to revamp my training.  Not sure what I can do with the marathon 5 weeks away.  I think my goal to PR is changing to just enjoy the run.  After this marathon I'd like to focus on speed and my half marathon time. We will talk running a other day! Hope your running is going well!

More thoughts

What are you thankful for? End your day jotting down or stating a few things you are thankful for. 

I'm thankful for...

1. God and my wonderful family

2. A healthy happy son. 

3. A super supportive and understanding husband 

4. The friends and acquaintances in my life 

5. My job and students 

6. Being able to run and my health 

7. All of you that read this. I have major changes on a to-do list  but I am trying to find time for the blog related changes. 

8. Sunshine. 

9. Jeans on Friday!  Have a wonderful Friday!!

Labor Day fun

Workout

Sunday- 7 easy miles

Monday- 16 miles 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day!  My sister came over Sunday night and offered to stay the night ( and watch Cole in the morning so I could start my run; she pretty much rocks). Chris has practice every.single.day. Or so it seems. Every other Sunday he has off, so I have to wait until 9 to run or nap time on the weekends. My sister graciously offered to let me start my run earlier. 

Yesterday Cole woke up and played with his cars for a full hour. This is a new favorite toy.Then we headed outside where he gave me some great "cheese" faces. 

We took a walk down to see Mimi and Papa.

And relaxed in the backyard

Then my hubby graciously offered to go grocery shopping with Cole so I could run. 

Later that night we headed to Hometown days but the weather sent us home early. Cole did get to go on his first carnival rides though!

Once we came home he fell asleep right away. 

This morning I ran 10 by myself and came back home to get my sister (once Chris was home) and she finished my run with me! Just another reason why she rocks! She helped the last part of my run fly by! 

My pace was slower than normal. My stomach has been off and my shin has been hating me again so I just focused on getting the miles in.  I need to rest it more this week.  

Then we did all of our favorite things to celebrate Labor Day and I feel sick now. 

1. Five Guys burgers and fries 

2. Baseball games with family 

He loved the ball his uncle caught for him! 

3.Chipotle 

I again forgot to take a picture until it was half eaten. 

4. Frozen yogurt 

It was a great day! I hope you ad a great weekend! 

Question

What was the highlight of your Labor Day? 

My 1st Spin Class

Workouts 

Yesterday- 7 miles. 2 mile warm up, 22 minutes 1 min hard 1 min recovery, cool down. 

Today-my first spin class and 3 mile run 

A good friend of mine and avid triathlete invited me to spin class this morning at 8 am.  Can I just tell you how much I loved it?! Like it ended and I wanted more even though I was soaked and had a puddle under my bike. It was such a great workout and the instructor was awesome. 

I bike with my road bike, but this took it to a whole new level.  I might beg for a gym membership! We used to belong to a gym before Cole was born but the place we went to didn't offer classes. Once Cole was born we decided working out at home would be the best way to save money and time.  ( We have a treadmill, elliptical, some free weights, workout DVDs). This has been working out really well. But today I realized how much I miss working out with other people.  I feel like I push myself more around others and I love the bond.  The daycare is super clean and nice at this place too but it's an extra $25 a month.  Decisions decisions.  And anyone that knows me will tell you I have a problem with making decisions.  

For example, last weekend I had to pick a nail color at the salon and I am still wishing I would have picked a different color.  

I need help. 

Anyway after the spin class Chris was going to his fantasy football draft and I had planned on going to the waterpark. The weather decided it wasn't going to cooperate and it started to storm.  So I went with plan B and Chris' favorite plan - shopping ;-).  

I went into the store with Cole and left with a frog. He loves frogs. 

These shoes came home with us.  He refused to take them off. In fact, he is sleeping with them on right now.  I didn't think I would have this issue with a boy, but he seriously has a shoe fetish. 

Then he decided he wanted to relax. 

After his nap I met my mom at the waterpark for a few hours. I wasn't going to go, but thought I should take Cole for one last time this year!

We came home and headed out to the high school football game. 

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Question

Have you taken a spin class? Did you like it?

What's your favorite fitness class?

Thoughts on the sport of running

Workout

30 min on the elliptical before work ( I had a hard time getting up today!)

5 miles on the treadmill after work - my mother-in-law asked to take Cole for an hour. So I ran. 

3 sets of: 15 kettlebell swings, 15 push ups, 30 sit ups 

Super broken up, but felt great. Except for the shin- back to icing, stretching, and rolling. 

Connecting with a "non-runner" 

Do you ever feel like your non-running friends or family don't understand your sport?  I have heard this topic come up often with my running friends.  On the RunJunkEe Facebook page a runner was frustrated by a non-running friend and it made me think.  

Luckily I have had a lot of positive feedback for what I do. My parents and in- laws both support my running, as do my other family members, friends, and co- workers. Or at least they act like they do.  I have a few situations where friends/ family have questioned my running and tried to attribute other conditions I was suffering from to my running. However I have many positive conversations about running daily. 

I work with a wonderful teacher who has taught 25 plus years and she made my day this morning. She ran into my classroom at 7:20 this morning and said she woke up at 4:30 and just couldn't get back to sleep, and she said " then I thought of you, you wake up and run, so I did".  She said she took her dog and did 3.4 miles. She was so so happy and in an amazing mood. She made me so happy and put a smile on my face. 

Another coworker of mine also said she went for a 2.5 mile run last night, and wants to sign up for a race.  My heart was smiling. ( 2 years ago she did a half marathon with me and had dreamed of running a marathon. With lots going on at home, she stopped for a bit, but is quickly getting back into it!)

So, I love running, but I don't talk about it much with my "non-running" friends because I know that it is probably of no interest to them. However, when they ask for advice or thoughts, my heart smiles and I try to help in any way I can.  I love when people want to give running a try.  

Like I said, I try to keep my running talk minimal and talk with the people that enjoy running ( or write about it!)  However, every once in a while a non-runner will try to convince me that running isn't healthy.  That is what was posted on the RunJunkEe Facebook page.  

It stated that non-runners sometimes...

1. Have an idea that running is unhealthy 

2. It is easy

3. It is bad for joints, knees and back

4. It's an unhealthy obsession that demonstrates selfishness

5. That running is just becoming a business to make people buy things. 

6. How selfish and arrogant it is to compete in races because it is a non team sport and focused on yourself 

Reading these things did frustrate me and started a good conversation with my hubby. 

He brought up some good points:

Some people don't understand...

1. The work it takes to be a runner

2. The science of getting better

3. The mental and physical strength required. The stamina of mental and physical strength is huge. 

4. In running you can't hide behind a teammate. You can't blame a ref for a bad call.  

5.  The success and failure is solely in the runner. 

6. We put blood, sweat and tears into running without an audience applauding. 

7. We don't do it for a million dollar contract. 

8. We go out in all weather conditions. Day after day. 

Now I know that many people don't understand running and don't care to.  I have even been out to dinner or grocery shopping and had someone come up to my saying " aren't you that lady that runs with the stroller" or similar conversations.  They sometimes look annoyed, and sometimes inspired. I guess I'd love for everyone to be able to feel the benefits of a good run. 

It may seem unhealthy or selfish, but what it does for my soul, spirit, and self-esteem is beyond amazing.  It makes me feel so alive, calm, and ready to tackle anything.  I find Chris and I to be a very calm couple, things that ruffle others feathers just aren't a big deal to us.  Part of that is our personality, but I think more than that, it is the calm that running provides for us.  It really helps us " stop sweating the small stuff". It makes us energized and ready to tackle the day and all obstacles we will face. It connects us and centers us. 

 Yes, it may seem selfish to take an hour a day to simply run.  But I whole heartily believe we have a better family life because of it. I am a better wife, mother, teacher and friend because of it. I make time for my run because I find to it is what is right for our family.  

I guess I should end my rant. I could go on and on:) 

I love running<3

Questions

What are your thoughts on running?

Have you had similar conversations? What so you say?

What does running give to you? 

Tangent Tuesday

Workout

6 miles - super slow. It is so hot and humid here. Not enjoyable. 

Yesterday I took off from running to recover from the half. I didn't feel sore at all, which makes me think I need to push myself more.  I took a 1.5 mile walk with Cole and 30 minutes on the elliptical to loosen up. 

Tangents 

1. I am ready for work to slow down. Aligning and creating lessons to fit the common core is challenging and time consuming. 

2. I am so ready for a 3 day weekend!! We plan to go to the waterpark for the last time, a cougars game or two, and relax! 

3. Chris' 1st and only home meet was canceled due to the heat on Monday.  I was bummed. 

4. I stopped at Chris' lifting practice today and his runners are just amazing. I wanted to start lifting with them! I know I need to make it a priority. Help me please with this!!!

5. I have the most painful and disgusting blister on my foot. I am sure wanted to hear this. How do I fix it?!

6. Cole is a great stretching buddy. 

7. I am kinda in a running rut. My pace has been slow, I feel my form is off, and long runs have been hard.  I love long runs. I told my husband this weekend that after Chicago I might just stick to half marathons for a while. They are less time consuming and taxing.  I'd love to get a 1:35. 

8.  My last 3 half marathons have all been 1:37s. Ironic.  I'm in a rut! 

9. Best mom ever. 

10. I am craving another family vacation! 

I hope you had a wonderful Tuesday!