goggle face

Last week I found my way over to the beginnertriathlete.com discussion boards, where I quickly realized, I have no idea what these people are talking about. Like, what is a crankset and who are these "Shimano" people who seem to have monopolized the bicycle world? Seriously, it was like someone dropping me off in the middle China without a Chinese-English dictionary. Other than knowing how to say "hi", thanks to Ni Hao Kai Lan and my 3 year old, I've got nothing. I'm lost.

I am very grateful to have an amazing support system of athletes in my life that I can turn to with questions like this. But when it comes to training, well that's a horse of a different color. Thinking about how I was going to throw myself head first into my first triathlon training program, incorporate it with a marathon training program, and fit it all in between school, kids, work, and life in general was enough to make my head spin. So I took what I thought would be the best measure in preventing burnout and/or total resentment for this sport because I have no idea what I'm doing. I hired a coach.

Coach Jeff didn't even blink at my lofty goals (well, I didn't actually see him read my initial email, but I'd like to imagine he didn't laugh at me) and put me right to work on a customized plan. I have finished 4 workouts in 3 days and let me tell you, not only is it motivating to have someone holding you accountable, but it's a huge weight off my shoulders at this point in my life for someone to do the "thinking" part for me. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it. I'm loving it. Especially since, I'll say it again, I have no idea what I'm doing. Better than a gym membership, no doubt about it!!

In just two pool sessions I'm already starting to feel more confident and comfortable in the water. It's amazing how I can run for hours at a time with a smile on my face, but can only swim one 25 yard length of the pool at a time. Principle of specificity, anyone? Wow, it's been humbling. But I've spent the last few days googling and you-tubing everything I can about learning to swim. Let me tell you, those youtube videos are awesome. Some dude named Jimmy taught me how to roll my body and twist my hips all to the tune of Run DMC's "it's tricky". I swear it worked!

I also learned that people wear swim caps not just to be super aerodynamic swimming machines...but it can protect your hair from chlorine damage and keep it dry. So I can swim, and then run to class real fast without dripping a pool of chlorine water on the notebook of the person behind me. (Hey, time is limited, you train whenever and wherever you can fit it in!)

However, one interesting tidbit I learned today, not through the wisdom of the world wide web, but through good old fashioned trial and error, was that swim goggles, when worn too tightly, will try and suck your eyeballs out. What's more, they will leave evidence of this with something comparable to a giant, swim goggle face hickey...leaving you looking something like a raccoon, only substitute the black for bright pink. Here, let me draw you a picture with my awesome paintbrush skills:

And I had to go to class like that. My super sensitive skin assured that this condition lasted a good hour or more post swim. I could feel everyone staring, but no one saying a word. Probably because they had no freaking idea what I had done to myself. I giggled on the inside. My triathlon adventures have begun :)

______________________________________________________

And now for the moment you've been waiting for...(OK maybe not, but I've been pretty stoked for it!) the drawing for the Team Fight Virtual Raffle!

675 virtual raffle tickets were sold. $1125.00 raised for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Wow you guys! I can't even begin to express my gratitude!! You all are amazing, and this raffle was a success above and beyond my wildest dreams! THANK YOU!!

I was just as nervous and giddy to see who won as you all were. To be honest I wish I could send each and every one of you a prize (especially you guys, you'd look great in pink!). But there could only be two...so I let http://www.random.org/ do the choosing.

drum roll please:

the grand prize winner is ...Beth H @ Running with Boys !!!!!!!!

and the runner up, winner of the bib keeper and other various goodies...
Stephanie C @ Running in Hawaii !!!!!!!!

Congratulations ladies! I will be emailing you shortly to confirm your address and will get your goodies off to you this week! (and the promised thank you goody bags for those who donated $50 and above will go out as well!)

If you didn't' win this time, don't worry, there is more where that came from! Another kick booty raffle will begin next month, and everyone who donated this go-round will get bonus entries for the next raffle.

Thanks AGAIN for all of your continued support everyone!

Happy running my friends!

The Sunday Review

Welcome to the Sunday review...where I share awesome products that have exceeded my expectations and pretty much kick some major booty.

A few weeks ago I contacted Lucy Activewear in regards to helping out with the Team FIGHT raffle. Not only did they offer to help (so stay tuned for the next raffle!) but Kristy at Lucy Activewear said she wanted to send me a pair of Lucy Impact Knee pants to try out. She said they were the most comfortable pants she's ever worn.

Well I beg to differ.

Because they deserve a title much more awesome than "most comfortable pants ever". I instead, would like to call these the "most butt flattering while still maintaining performance quality" pants I've ever worn. Yes, they are super comfortable. But did I mention, they make my butt look fantastic?

Regardless of vain gluteal aesthetics, these pants performed incredibly well. I'm often one to err on the side of caution when it comes to my workout wear, and buy from a company that I know will perform well. Sugoi, Nike, Under Armour, Brooks, etc. All companies that you KNOW have done their research and know what athletes need in active wear. So I was skeptical about the performance of the butt pants impact knee pant from a company I had just recently heard of.

The pants have put in 3 hours on the elliptical, a 30 minute run (foot won't allow more) and a couple of days at school/working in the lab. (in other words, they have been washed a lot already, and still look brand new). Sweat wicking performance was great, and the most important thing for me...they stayed put. Maybe it's the crazy childbearing hips, but I tend to have this problem with my pants and shorts riding up or sliding down. But not once did I have to yank the impact pants back up while performing the death grip on the elliptical with my other hand(I'm always afraid I'm going to sling shot myself off of it...which is essentially probably more embarassing as having a saggy workout pants butt).

85% polyester;15% spandex makes these pants thicker than your run of the mill running tights, (which I really appreciate, holds things in place!), but mesh insets at the hip and calf keep you cool. The pants also have really cute reflective detailing, and a zippered pocket at the back waistband. I'm not exactly sure what you are supposed to put in that pocket, but for what it's worth, I managed to fit a GU and a car key in there.

Lucy activewear offers clothing for every active woman, from yoga, running, basic gym wear, even casual "explore/travel" clothing. Their clothes are performance designed, but incredibly feminine and flattering. I for one, have to wear workout clothes almost everyday (the benefits of being an exercise sports science major at school!), so it's nice to be able to find clothes that make me feel more like a hot tamale than a tom boy.

Speaking of which, I'm totally putting the Karma Racerback on my birthday wish list , yeow yeow, that shirt is hot! (next month I turn the big 2-8, in case anyone was wondering what to get me! Juuuust kidding. But it's really a shame Rich doesn't read my blog, haha!)

But I digress. Ladies, check out http://www.lucy.com/

Happy running, you hot tamales :)

Pool Macarena! aye!

I'm pretty sure I'm an all-or-nothing sort of person.

When I find something I truly love, I run with it (no pun intended, haha). When I first discovered my love for running, I couldn't just consider it a hobby. No, instead I became so obsessed with it that I changed my career goals, major in school, and other than my family, I pretty much eat, sleep, and breathe running.

I realize that I am certainly not alone in this behavior. There are countless others out there who are even more involved. I mean, it's obviously more than a hobby when you take the time to train on average 20 + hours a week for an Ironman, or run 80+ miles a week for an ultramarathon. Endurance sports, for most of us, aren't just a hobby. It's a lifestyle, we live it, day in and day out.

Which is why I am a bit concerned for what's in store for my future.

Yesterday was my meeting with the pool/recreation director at school. She offered to take a look at my horrible swimming technique and give me some pointers. I was nervous all day long about it. I have always felt like my stroke was horrendous. And by horrendous, I mean I was convinced the lifeguards thought I looked something like a water buffalo crossing a crocodile filled river- splashing like crazy and fighting for my life.

Under her watchful eye, I hopped in the kiddie end of the pool, and swam the width of the pool (uhh, maybe 12 meters or so?). Got to the other side, stood up, and awaited my sentence. I was very much expecting to hear "you are kicking all wrong, and what is that you are doing with your arms? It looks like an underwater version of the Macarena!"



OK she would have never said that to me, nor tell me I looked like a water buffalo. But I figured, at least, she'd tell me I needed to sign up for a swimming lesson or two (or ten). So imagine my surprise when I was told to just keep doing what I was doing, keep getting in the pool and build up my endurance.

Huh! Who would have thought?

Now I'm not claiming Michael Phelps status, heck I can't even swim 25 m without a quick breather on the other end of the pool. But I'm excited to know that I'm actually at a decent starting point. I feel like I can hop in the pool now with "budding triathlete" confidence, not "awkward water buffalo" shame. I'm stoked to swim, and of course, already, I can't get enough of it. I know, coming from the girl who swam maybe 50 meters yesterday, haha.

But due to more important obligations last night (my crazy baby boys) I had to jet out of the pool as soon as our meeting was over. I didn't get a chance to swim laps on my own. I'm headed to the pool tomorrow afternoon, and I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT! I'm totally geeked out on this swimming thing. So geeked I may have ordered my first splish suit. (Big shout out to Anne Marie at Goals for the Week for pointing this beauty out!)

And so this all brings me back to my original topic. I fear I'm going to fall head over heals madly in love with this sport (assuming, of course, I get over my fear of riding a bike within 100 yards of traffic) . I am thrilled to be adding swimming and biking to my schedule. Where I'll find the time is a wonderful question, haha. But it'll happen, no doubt about it.

85 days to go until my kids are yelling
"SWIM, BIKE, and RUN FASTER, MOMMY!"


Happy running (and swimming!), friends!

And don't forget, the big drawing for the huge raffle full of running goodies, benefiting Team FIGHT and the Ulman Cancer Fund is this WEDNESDAY!! Get your donations in ! Click here for more info

Infectious

Watching "The Biggest Loser" with a toddler goes something like this:

"Hey mom! It's your favowite show, the big one wooser! Mom! Did you see? The big one wooser the big one wooser! Hey! There's the blue team! And the red team! Hey mom, look, there's the green team! Mom, the green team, the green team the gree-YELWOW! I like yelwow, oh and pourple, I mean pink, mom, mom, mommy, pink team! They're doin some pushups! Are they gonna run a race and win some medals? HEY! ORANGE!! Orange is drinkin water, can I have some water? Let's play trains!"

This 3 year old's energy levels are unreal. Frankly, I'm jealous.

In class yesterday, we briefly discussed the ethical debate of allowing children under the age of 18 enter full marathons. I say forget that, if they made toddler proof, toddler safe treadmills, I'd totally get one. Because I'm pretty sure Rowen ran at least 26.2 miles in the playroom last night. He's going to wear a goat path in the carpet.

As frustrating as it can be to try and study while I have a mini Dean Karnazes wanna-be trying to break some sort of toddler indoor distance record, all while screeching "I'm a rocket ship" at each turn, I can't help but smile. Running makes him happy, so happy that he squeals with an infectious giggle.

Remember when we all used to do that?

One of my goals for 2010 is to love running even more. To never feel like it is a chore or a job (lets face it, mama needs to run MUCH faster to have a paycheck involved, haha!), to not get overly caught up in finishing times, and to always appreciate what I did accomplish instead of dwelling on short comings. Now, as I sit here less than 4 weeks away from the Myrtle Beach half marathon, I am being tested more than ever on this goal. I was hoping to set a half marathon distance P.R. And I was more than set to do so. But my foot (you know, the one I won't shut up about) had other plans, and now I haven't done a run longer than 7 miles in over a month. And with my foot not being 100% yet, I doubt I will get in any double digit runs before race day. Basically, I can kiss that P.R. goodbye.

Yet still, I'm excited. I'm excited to get back out there and get some long mileage back in. I'm excited to be surrounded by thousands of other people who are equally as excited as I am to get up in the wee hours of the morning to do nothing more than simply run. So few of us show up because we might have a chance to win. Maybe a few more for other various motivations. But the rest of us? We show up because we simply love to run.

And while I'm pretty sure none of the 5,500 runners at the race will be out there giggling or screaming "I'm a rocket ship" (although I have seen stranger things at races), there is no doubt that their enthusiasm for this sport will be infectious. I simply can not wait.

Happy running, my friends. Find YOUR inner toddler today!

Hey, I finished my homework first, I promise

See how productive I am on my days off? I made a facebook profile for my blog. I believe this is akin to making a facebook page for your pet. Judge if you will,but I gave up Farm Town like 4 months ago.

Regardless, if you care to humor me in my procrastinating efforts....

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Run-Faster-mommy/260589156953


Happy running, and facebooking!

Easy like Sunday morning

It's a horrible tease, let me tell you. Like taking a caffeine addict into Starbucks, but telling them they can only have water. Or a shopping addict to the mall,but telling them they have to stay in the food court. That is how these past 11 days of not running have felt for me here on the internet. Everywhere I turn, the fact that I'm not running was rubbed into my face. On dailymile I watched my name get closer and closer to the bottom of all of the challenges. On facebook I read of people registering for new races, or trying new shoes. Don't even think I read any of your blog posts. I childishly avoided them at all costs out of pure jealousy. Please don't disown me for my selfishness.

But in light of the horrible disaster that struck Haiti this week, I felt like a big a-hole (for lack of better terms) for coming on here and whining and crying over my injury that keeps me from running. Boo hoo to me, at least I have a roof over my head and clean water, among countless other blessings. It made my problems seem so petty and trivial. So instead, I just avoided all of you. That's how I roll, I guess.

I've never had a running injury. Well, I take that back...there was the week after my very first half marathon where I walked backwards down the flight of stairs at my apartment every morning, and painfully eyed them like they were Mt. Everest when I had to climb back up. But that was more of a "hey stupid, signing up for a half marathon when you didn't train, nor run period was a lame idea" sort of injury. Not an actual running injury. I've considered myself very lucky for not having experienced anything, short of a 20 week fetus, that has sidelined me from running for a significant amount of time.

Alas, the foot pain was only getting worse, so I dutifully took eleven full days off from running. Eleven looong days apart from my addiction, and I tried to whine as minimally as possible. Although, truth be told, when Rich brought up the lack of running at our twice yearly happy hour on Friday, I nearly shed a few tears. I blame the $2.99 margaritas. Both of them.

This morning, I woke up and noticed baby Kain's hair had gone back to tight pin curls from it's straight recent state. Kain's hair is our personal barometer, so my first thought was to check out the weather channel. 69 degrees and sunny. BEAUTIFUL! After the recent stretch of freezing weather, there was no way I could pass up this opportunity to go for a run. And then, as if the running gods were sending me a sign, Rich (who hasn't run in years) said out of the blue "I think I want to go for a little jog today" . Let me tell you I ran around this house like a whirlwind throwing on running clothes and tossing toddlers into the jog stroller before he could even contemplate changing his mind.

We were going for a run.

And he did so well. We ran/walked /mostly ran for 2 miles, all while Rowen gave a running commentary of mailbox colors and kept count of squirrel sightings. Rich apologized numerous times that we had to go so slow and keep taking walk breaks. I assured him that I would skip the entire 2 miles, I was so flipping happy to be out there! When we returned home, Rich told me he'd watch the boys if I wanted to get in a few more miles on my own. I wanted to, more than I could ever express, but I didn't . Because I had just run 2 miles, and my foot...it didn't hurt. I don't want to push a good thing.

I hope it's not too soon to say this ...and I promise to take it slow and easy...but...I think I'm back!

Happy running my friends, hoping I will be joining you this week!

__________________________________________________________________

and as I mentioned, my heart and prayers go out to all of the victims of the horrible earthquake in Haiti. Some blog friends are doing their part to help...

Krystyn, at "Really, are you Serious?" is donating $1 for each person who comments to the relief efforts, and her Mom will match contributions

Ross, at Run 26.2 for Kelly is donating $2 per comment to the relief efforts , and his company will match contributions

Lastly, you can donate $10 to the relief efforts through the Amercian Red Cross, to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999" This can be verified on the official White House website (it's not just some random number I'm throwing out there, I promise!) I donated through text and it was very simple.

If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good!

Dr. Seuss, such a wise, wise man!

I'm taking a break from the regular running mommy adventures to remind you of a little something. And up the anti a little bit. Remember that kick booty raffle benefiting the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults? You know, this one?
Well you guys have been AMAZING and incredibly generous with your donations!! So far, this raffle alone has raised over $1,050. That is AWESOME. So thanks to some more sponsors, we are upping the anti. And now, if you don't win the grand prize, you still have a shot at winning second place:



-12 assorted GU gel packs

-A water bottle from Team FIGHT

-A livestrong bracelet to show your support

-A BibKeeper bib storage/display book...because every race has a story, what's yours? (bibs not included, you have to earn those on your own, haha!)

Oh, and EVERYONE who donates $50 or more, is going to get a little thank you gift in the mail (to be sent out after the grand prize drawing!)

Need a few more reasons as to why you should consider donating?

-Because it's for an amazing cause.

-Because there are over 70,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year, and survival rates have NOT increased for young adults in over 35 years.

- Because even if you don't win this amazing prize package, or this second place prize, you will get a bonus entry (or two or three or who knows what I may have in store for you!) into next months raffle...which includes items from many of these same sponsors, as well as some new sponsors, including Lucy Activewear and Running Chics just to name a few!

So, get to it! If you are new around here (in which case, welcome!), you can read this post to learn more about the HUGE raffle. I've you've been around for a bit, you know the drill. Here's the direct link to the donation page http://www.active.com/donate/TeamFight2010/heathergannoe

13 days until the drawing!!! THANK YOU for your continued support!

Happy Running! And once again, run a few miles for me. I'm about 25 miles behind schedule at this point, ugh.

p.s. New bloggy friend Kayte was inspired to join Team Fight in running the Baltimore Marathon this fall. I'm honored to have her as a teammate! So please, check out her page as well! She's got some amazing fundraising fun going on as well!

Wanted: cycling guardian angel

The line between where my old myspace blog finished and this blog began is blurry, so forgive me if told you this before. I have a bike. His name is Schwinnderlei Silva. He is a simple hybrid Schwinn that came home with me sometime in 2007 after an impulse buy in the aisles of Target (aren't most purchases at Target made that way?) Schwinnderlei has been a loyal bike on the handful of neighborhood rides I've actually taken, and one 32 mile organized ride, complete with crazy headwinds and a group full of road bikes that left us in the dust. And that pretty much sums up my cycling resume for my adult life.

Cycling inexperience aside, as I sit here with the goal of diving into the world of multi-sport, I covet a brand new fancy pants road bike. (Ok, secretly, I covet a hot pink triathlon bike, but I figure I should take baby steps. After all, you don't let the teenager take a spin in the Lamborghini on their first day of drivers ed, now do you. ) I've actually been meaning to get into the sport of triathlon for quite some time now. But something always got in the way. Last time, that something was a brand new pregnancy, which I discovered the day after my first triathlon clinic meeting. But now, the time has finally come. I'm registered, no turning back, for Irongirl sprint triathlon. I've set up an appointment for swim instruction. And, most excitedly, I've been given the go ahead from the family budget to buy a bike. A REAL bike.

And I'm terrified.

I've always been a bit scared of riding in traffic. And it seems everywhere I turn lately, my fears are confirmed. You know, new cyclists and pregnant women have a lot in common...people always want to tell them horror stories. I'm positive it's not intentional, but it happens all the same. Someone finds out you are expecting a baby, and the next thing you know they are telling you about their second cousin's best friend's sister in law who almost died in labor from some sort of one in a billion chance complication. Someone finds out you are new to cycling and they want to tell you about that time they were clipped by a car and woke up unconscious on the side of the road, or the time some lame motorist pegged a half empty Slurpee at their head.

Now that I am literally weeks away from bike shopping, it seems that the buzz all over facebook is over the hate group "There's a perfectly good path next to the road you stupid cyclist" and all of the pro-cyclist groups trying to get rid of this group. Really, I should have never, ever, ever opened that page. Because it terrifies me people like that actually exist. Even if it's all a "joke", it terrifies be that people find the idea of running over a cyclist funny.

Then I find my way over to the Cyclists Against Reckless Drivers Foundation page on facebook. And while their organization is meant to promote awareness, it's promoting more fear in my trepid mind. I open the page to find link after link to articles about motorist running over, and sometimes killing cyclists. And then how about this jackass E.R. doctor who decided to "teach the cyclists a lesson" by swerving out in front of them and slamming on his brakes, causing them to smash into the back of his car.

Wow. Just, wow.

As if the cycling and/or road rage gods are mocking me at this time of fear, I get an email the other day from an organization called "Share the Damn Road" asking me to write a little something about their website on my blog. Their site offers cycling jerseys that say things such as "DON'T RUN ME OVER", "DON'T HONK AT ME" and "SHARE THE DAMN ROAD" among others, to send a message to aggressive drivers.

Just to show you how warped my mind is by the thought that I will soon be putting myself on the streets as a moving target, my first thought was "that can't be good karma". I turned to former rebellious, bad a$$ teen (now very mature, wonderful, loving, father) Rich and asked him what, in his former life as an angsty teen, he would have done passing a cyclist wearing one of those jerseys.

He said he would have most certainly honked. Especially since there is no "Please" anywhere in the statement. And then had a really good laugh about it.

Fears confirmed.

Regardless, living your life in fear is no way to live. And while I no time soon will be on the Dr. Phil show holding a giant millipede (my one total phobia), I can assure you that this fear of crazed psychotic bike & spandex hating motorists won't deter me from a future in triathlon.

But I do wonder what size jersey I would need to be able to fill "I'm absolutely terrified out here, please take pity on me and give me a 15 foot radius, thank you and have a great day, by the way you are looking fantastic this morning, is that a new haircut?" all on the back.

Tell me this too shall pass?

Never judge an elliptical by it's cover

School starts Wednesday. Where the heck did those 5 weeks go? I knew it would go fast, but uhh, that was ridiculous. While I didn't accomplish nearly a fraction of what I planned to accomplish (super-mom here thought she was going to re-organize and make over the entire house while on vacation.) I am excited to go back. And my books, for once, didn't cost me a small fortune. Just the equivalent of one car payment, no biggie. (insert sarcastic eyeball roll here)

Many, many, millions of kudos to you stay-at-home moms and dads. I honestly do not know how you do it. I love my kids more than life itself, but I think we all need a break from each other. It doesn't help that the weather has been less than ideal for playing outside, so we've been cooped up in the house.

I promise it's not me complaining about the weather again, it's Kain. He cries whenever I take him outside for more than 2 minutes in anything under 50 degrees. Exhibit A, to your right. This is Kain refusing to walk on the playground. Temperature was about 44 that day. He just stops moving, like those poor frozen iguanas in Florida that can't hang onto the tree branches. I feel for him (and the iguanas!)

Needless to say, we've been cooped up in the house, driving each other crazy. My kids have my genes, and they need to run wild. You can only do so many laps around the kitchen island. Combine that with a mommy who hasn't gotten her exercise fix in 5 days and, well, you can imagine. The tension was so thick, you could cut it with Rowen's safety scissors.

This morning I was eagerly shooed out of the house by all three boys, with the order to not come back until I was covered in sweat and full of those happy endorphins. Was it that obvious? Sorry boys! First stop was back to the exercise lab for the first time since early December. Today's task included assisting and observing my very first bike VO2 max test. While the test went smoothly, it was highly anticlimactic. I don't know what I was expecting. Maybe some grunting and neon blue sweat flying around, like on the Gatorade commercial? But alas, this was your average beginning spin class participant and not Lance Armstong. All went according to plan, and as always, I learned something new. I love this job and I'm so thankful for the experience!

Next stop: the gym. I compromised with my foot and made a date with the elliptical. I have spent maybe a total of 30 minutes on an elliptical in my entire life, spread out over 3 different days, maybe 5 years ago. Seriously, I've never been a fan. Besides, why use one when there are perfectly good treadmills around?

Well, today, running was NOT an option, according to my right foot. I gave the treadmills a lustful glance as I passed them, and hopped on the elliptical instead. And then proceeded to be a total elliptical dummy newbie. First, I didn't know how to get the thing started. I stood up there pushing the buttons for the longest time, and nothing happened. Great, I picked the broken one. Fantastic. Just as I was about to hop off onto another one, it occurred to me that maybe I had to start moving first. Oh, haha. That's right.

I started the akward gazzelle-leaping-stride and the screen lit up. I picked a "cross training" program, and spent the next 5 minutes trying to remind my feet to stay on the darn pedals. This is not the treadmill my footy friends, stay put and do what you are told! After one near fall when my foot tried to jump off (seriously, who falls off of an elliptical?), the machine told me to "pedal backwards". Umm...ok. Pedal backwards I did. And wouldn't' you know? It's EASIER to go backwards? Who knew.

Before I knew it, 20 minutes had gone by and I realized I was actually enjoying myself. Maybe it was the episode of "True Life: I'm a video game nerd" (or something to that affect) that made the time go by, but it really wasn't bad.

Which of course made me think I was doing something wrong, haha. One hour, 8,893 strides, and 5.67 miles later (wow I've got a slow gazelle leap!) I was covered in sweat and full of that happy "I just worked out" feeling. I needed that.

Thank you elliptical. I take back every bad thing I ever said about you.

Happy running (and/or elliptical striding) my friends!

The Sunday Review, or "my sweaty feet"

Hi. My name is Heather. It has been 96 hours since I had my last running fix.

*sigh*

So instead of whining and complain, (and mention how GREEN with ENVY I am over all of the Disney runners this weekend! Awesome Goofy medal! Congrats everyone!) I'm taking this opportunity to catch up on some much overdue reviews I have for you guys. Occasionally I am sent products from running companies to try out (you all know the deal), and the ones I like, I write about to share with the wonderful blog world. I almost always buy my products based on real-people reviews and recommendations, so I hope my reviews might help some of you.

So, anyone in the market for some socks? Here you go!

Thorlo's EXPERIA sock

A combination of a thick sock and a thin sock, now there is a genius idea! Let's face it. NO ONE likes blisters. But all of the thicker socks claiming to help prevent blisters make my feet sweat. A lot. Running in soggy socks is nearly as obnoxious as blisters. The EXPERIA socks feature a nice, soft cushions right on the hot spots, where you need them...and a super thin THIN sock in all of the rest of the spots. All made with CoolMax fabric. The result? Cushioned, non sweaty, non blistered feet. Or, to put it more eloquently, they "eliminate all but the essential, resulting in protection without weight".

Which ever description you prefer, you need to check out these socks. I LOVE them. I'll even go out on a limb and say these are my favorite pair of socks I've ever run in. That's serious talk right there! I've washed and worn them probably 20 times in the last month, and they are still as soft as ever.

What Thorlos says about these socks: Designed for: High performance runners, cyclists, hikers and fitness walkers who prefer a minimal amount of foot protection. NOT Designed for: Active people with any distracting foot issues or long-time wearers of Thorlos thick or moderate cushioned products. Check out the website to learn more about the Experia, and if the socks are right for you.

Look at me, any takers for a size 9.5 foot model? haha!

Next up...

SmartWool PhD Running Lite socks

On my very white winter legs/feet to the right you will see the micro and the mini crew. Seriously, smartwool has every color/pattern/size/sock height/sport you can imagine. And as you can see from all the pilling on the white sock, I have washed and worn these socks A LOT in the past month!

Well these puppies got tested in the best of both worlds, freezing cold snowy trail run in New Hampshire, and sweaty treadmill run in the gym here in South Carolina.

What Smartwool says: The PhD series is Smartwool's "most comfortable and durable sport specific sock." They feature "WOW" technology (short for wool-on-wool), adding additional layers to protect the heel and forefoot against shock and abrasion, as well as the 4 degree fit system, which ensures they have a snug fit. Wool is antimicrobial and odor free, and is a naturally renewable source. And a for your full lesson on SmartWool, check out the WOOLOLOGY page.

So what did I think? 4 miles in the trails, they were AMAZING. My poor, not acclimatized to the cold weather toes would have frozen had it not been for the smartwool socks. And they have been a savior walking around my hardwood floors since the cold weather seemed to have followed me back to SC.

4 miles on the treadmill in SC...well let's just say it wasn't quite a sweaty blister fest, but I felt like it was headed in that direction. Smartwool says that wool is breathable and a natural temperature regulator, but honestly they were starting to irritate my feet.

So, for you northern, cold weather runners, I would absolutely recommend smartwool socks. For those of us battling the treadmill or crazy heat and humidity, I think these socks were a bit too much. (Smartwool does, however, offer an "ultra light" line that might be better suited for these situations).

Last but not least...Santa and his little helpers put this pair in my Christmas stocking (how fun, socks in a sock!) from The Sock Guy. There's no need for a review, nor a need to question who "The Sock Guy" is anyway. All that matters is the message:

Happy Running, my friends. May your feet stay dry and comfy!

the Tri Gods might have planned this...

If the T.V. is on in our house, it is most likely on Nick jr. And if I've learned anything from this station, besides "don't bite your friends" and "never pet a strange dog", it's to always say thank you, and be appreciative of all that you have. So as to not disappoint Moose and Zee, I thought it was necessary to take a minute to say THANK YOU.

300+ followers. Wow. When I started this blog, less than a year ago, I wouldn't have believed it if I was told that thirty people wanted to read and follow my ramblings, never mind three hundred of you. If I could have motivated just one person with all of my "blah blah blah"ing about running, I would have been satisfied. But the comments and emails from all of you, well it's just overwhelming (in a good way!) Just so you know, you all motivate ME. I love reading your comments, posts, and stories as well. I apologize that I can't keep up with ALL of you as frequently (darn homework and such gets in the way of my blogging, haha), but know that I appreciate every single one of you. THANK YOU!

Now, back to my rambling.

I would like to publicly state, for the record, that the marathon training plan is written on crayola PAPER, but not in crayola crayon. Not to say that I wouldn't do it, but fitting all of that speed work in a tiny square is kind of hard with the not so fine point of a crayon.

But I'm glad the non crayon training plan doesn't start for a few more weeks, because my foot still hurts. One of the benefits of having a blog is that I can search the old posts to see just how long I've been whining about my ailments. We are coming up on one full month. It started right around the time I started running in the Newtons, and I can't help but wonder if they are partially to blame. Because the pain is located directly over these "actuator lugs" on the shoes. I have broken them in as I was instructed to, starting with short runs, and alternating with my old shoes. I really love the Newtons. But I think I might just have to put them aside for a few weeks to determine if they are, indeed, the culprit.

According to my self diagnosis, my sesamoid bones are the source of the pain (hey, I'm a poor college student, a elective MRI when I'm having no trouble walking around is probably going to cost me an arm and, well, my good leg.) And according to everything I've googled (I know, incredibly reliable information) sesamoid pain is a common overuse injury in...you guessed it...distance runners.

So, much to my chagrin, I'm taking a week off from running. Maybe two. I'm very excited about this. So thrilled, really, that I spent the entirety of yesterday moping around like I had just lost my favorite pet. Uggh. But I'd hate to start what is planned to be a kick butt running year with a stress fracture, so better safe than sorry, I guess. Can you hear the dissapointment in my voice (or, i guess, fingers?)?

Thankfully, Monday I meet with the pool director to schedule my swimming lessons. No better way to dive into triathlon training than being forced into the pool! It is meant to be I tell ya! But in the meantime, I'd love to hear any suggestions from you seasoned pro's. This is my first ever "almost" running injury, and I'd like to make sure it doesn't get past the "almost" stage.

Happy running my friends. Run a few miles for me, will ya?

112 little boxes.

I've never been one to really follow a schedule. I mean, I go to school when they tell me to, show up to work when I'm supposed to, but other than that, my adult life has always tended to be a free for all. Our first born easily followed suit. From the day he was born, he never followed a schedule. Slept when he felt like it, ate when he was hungry, filled his diaper when he got around to it. The result was a carefree, go-with-the-flow baby. It's very nice knowing we could go out for the day and not worry about having to find a place to stop and eat lunch at exactly 12:15, or worry that the trip to the aquarium might interrupt nap time and result in a miserable, screaming baby. On the flip side, the variability from day to day would often end up in a going-to- bed time range of anywhere between 7 pm and 3 am.

Baby #2 on the other hand, has put HIMSELF on a strict schedule, and if you don't feed this kid or put him down for nap according to HIS schedule, you better watch yourself. I'm not kidding, this adorable little toddler can morph into a vicious gremlin if you feed him 30 seconds past his deemed appropriate mealtime, according to HIS schedule. But on the flip side, knowing that he will go to bed at 8:15 every night without any fuss is fantastic (whether or not he stays asleep is another story, for another post). And nothing beats not having to worry about a diaper explosion mid shopping trip, because little man takes care of his business at 8:00 am every morning, without fail.

Following a schedule results in predictability. Sometimes this is good, sometimes this is bad. Following a training schedule in running results in predictability. You know you can run a set distance at a set pace, because you've followed your training schedule (things such as weather and race day stomach issues do not count in this theory! )

So really, it should be no surprise that my four incredibly unpredictable, not close to what I'd hoped they'd be marathons are the result of not following a training plan.

Sure, I always started out with the best of intentions. And sort of based my long runs (the ones I got around to) around a set plan. But the speed work, tempo runs, and cross training? Free for all. I did what I did when I could, and called it a day. My mileage always ended up being a fraction of what it should have been.

The truth is, I aspire to follow a training plan from start to finish. I want to be able to look proudly at the calendar on the wall full of big black X's through every day. I wonder what a difference it will make to my running, to have followed a plan and put in the mileage I was supposed to? I imagine it will make a significant difference. After all, that's why people follow these things, right?

So this morning, after making my week late 2010 New Year's resolution to follow a freaking schedule for once in my life (while taking everything in stride of course), I sat down with Rowen's Crayola notepad, a pen, and made this bad boy. 16 weeks of F.I.R.S.T marathon training, ending in the Vermont City Marathon on Memorial Day weekend. It is hung on the door of the office/game room/playroom for the world to see. Well, at least for me and the plethora of Fisher Price toys.

I'm using the "4:00:00 Boston plan" from the book "Run Less, Run Faster". Yes, I realize my BQ time is a 3:40, but 4:00 is what my sights are currently set on. Actually a 3:59:00 but they don't have that in the plan, haha. I can run a 22:xx 5k, a sub 2 hour half marathon, so darn it I need to prove to myself that I am NOT a 5 hour marathoner (not that there is anything wrong with 5 hours!). My very first marathon was a 4:37, and the last three in a row were well into the 5 hour range. I know I can do better, I know I have it in me.

I want this.

It's a 3 days a week running program, with 3 days of cross training (or in my case, triathlon training!) and one day off. And with my brand new black magic marker in hand, I am committed to getting it done and crossing off those boxes. Starting February 8th of course :)

Happy running my friends, hoping you all have a big fat "check" on your training calendar today!

I'd take my hat off to you, but my ears are cold

I can hear Bethany telling me to quit whining before I even say it, but it's COLD here!! Apparently years back I hopped off I-95 a little too soon when migrating South from the arctic tundra that is the state of Vermont. Because lately it's been colder here than I bargained for. The poor palm trees are probably freezing their palm fronds off as we have woken up to another morning barely hovering at twenty degrees.

I know, I know, 20 F is a heat wave to you Northern folk, but you know this is not the local norm when the following weather statement was issued for our county:
...If venturing outside... wear several layers of clothing. Keep your
head... hands and feet covered to prevent heat loss. School children
should not be exposed to the cold for a prolonged period of time.

Common sense to most, yes, but in the land of year round rainbow flip flops and Jimmy Buffett, we don't know what to do with ourselves!

Really, I don't know how you Northerners do it. You'd think I would, after the 20 years I spent in the tundra, but apparently I've suppressed those cold weather memories. Because after one week of this nonsense I'm going stir crazy. The kids are going stir crazy. I promise not to complain this summer, when I have to get my long runs in at 5:00 am, when it's already 105 degrees with 99% humidity. Ahhh, my toes are thawing just thinking of it!

On a positive note, I have learned that my Sugoi Race + Recovery socks double as lower leg warmers when just lounging around the house, haha.

So, hat's off to you, cold weather runners. ( Metaphorically speaking, of course, I'm not taking anything off in this weather. ) You are MUCH stronger than I. As for me...I'm off to find another treadmill!

Happy (warm) running to you!

The Dungeon Run

Call me a chicken, but when it's 25 degrees, I don't want to run outside. Yes, I did it a few weeks ago in New Hampshire. Yes, I realize compared to -25 with the windchill and blizzards most of you are experiencing, 25+ and dry seems like a heat wave. But here's the deal, a) 25 is still 7 degrees below freezing, which is, according to science, FREEZING! and b) I'm in SOUTH CAROLINA! This was not part of this "moving to a warmer climate" deal!

All whining aside, I tried to work my way around this situation. Saturday, I busted out the Jari Love ripped 1000 DVD for a little plyometrics, and a LOT of squats and lunges. Man that chick loves the squats and lunges. Two days later, my hamstrings still hate me (or they hate Jari Love, really, but they are taking it out on me. )

Yesterday, I needed to seek out a treadmill. It was Sunday, the school gym was closed, and the city gyms closed early. I remembered this sports complex that had opened just down the road a little less than a year ago. It was in an old warehouse, and advertised having indoor soccer/baseball/basketball fields, gymnastics, and among a bunch of other stuff, a fitness center. I thought I'd give it a shot.

And that, my friends, is how I wound up here:

The camera lighting is not off. That's how dark it was. But after paying my admission fee all the way on the other end of the building (like half a mile away, or so it felt) I figured I'd best suck it up and get on the treadmill. It wasn't nearly as creepy as it looks, but it was a new experience to say the least. Treadmills are bad to begin with...treadmills with nothing to look at but cement and steel? Well you can imagine the excitement I felt. There wasn't even any "people watching" to be had, I was the lone ranger on this end of the building massive warehouse. But afterall, it was atleast 50 degrees in there.

I squeaked out a little over 4 miles, what felt like the longest 4 miles of my life. And I mean squeaked, that treadmill needs a hit of WD-40. Thank goodness for my ipod, on all counts in this situation. I got my endorphin fix for the day, stretched out the angry hamstrings, and went on my merry way, happier and stronger than I was when I walked in. Thank you for that, squeaky old treadmill in the dingy old warehouse. Thank you running, for making me so happy.

And the awesome adventure that is 2010 is off to a fun start!

Happy Running my friends!

p.s. Thanks everyone for your continued support with the running gear raffle to benefit the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Thanks to you guys, the raffle has raised $810 since it was posted!! Amazing! There are 23 days left to enter (if you haven't already) for your chance to win some kick butt gear from Road ID, Bondi Band, Lift Your Sole, Recovery Sock, and so much more! So go, now, enter, and spread the word!

Tales of 8th grade social trauma

I moved to South Carolina seven years ago, and my parents have since moved from the house that I spent the majority of my childhood in. Doing so, they had about 15 years worth of junk to sort through and deem "trash" or "worthy of saving". Now that I'm a mom myself I realize just how much stuff little kids accumulate, never mind teenage girls who find sentiment and therefore a reason for keeping, every shred of paper or newspaper article that has a reference to friends/crushes/inside jokes/etc. You get the idea.

This Christmas, while at mom and dad's new house, mom broke out a small box full of photos and papers for my sisters and I to look through. It was a trip down memory lane to say the least! Among the pictures of me at my first dance recital, Varsity letters, elementary school diplomas, I found this:

I laughed out loud. Remember when your parents used to tell you "some day you will laugh about this?" Well this is the perfect example.

It was the day before Thanksgiving break, 1995, and I was a painfully shy 8th grader. Every year, the middle school put on a one mile "turkey trot" that went around the ball fields, and up and over the little cross country path/hill, then back to the start. The winner got a turkey (ready to cook, not still walking around with feathers, beak and feet ...I know this is Vermont and all so I thought I should clarify) . And the ENTIRE 8th grade, and a good portion of the faculty, came out to watch on the bleachers at the football field (right at the start line).

There was a boys race, and a girls race, and it was completely voluntary. I wasn't a runner, but I did play soccer, softball, and basketball (well, if bench warming counts in basketball). Since most all of the popular girls were some sort of super fast amazing athletes, I figured if I lined up with the likes of them at the race it might give me just give my shy, awkward self a couple of cool points by association. You know how middle school goes. These are the types of things you worried about.

I'd guess about 25-30 girls lined up at the start. On wet grass. Right in front of the cheering crowd (probably only cheering because this got them out of class). . The girl I was standing next to at the start was notorious for being a brute in sports (which I would later learn to LOVE when she was on MY team in soccer a few years later). When the gym teacher yelled "go" , this rough girl's arms and legs started flailing and clawing forward. I don't remember if I was pushed, or tripped, but I know it was her, and I know I hit the ground and slid.

And then in the most embarrassing moment of my middle school years (more so then when I passed out in shop class) my shorts AND underwear slid down, exposing my butt to the entire spectating 8th grade class.

So much for those cool points. I was MORTIFIED.

And I didn't know what to do, other than stand up and run away. Thank goodness this was a race and running away was exactly what I was supposed to do. I was now, obviously, in last place. I ran about 20 yards to make a 90 degree turn at the corner of the football field, still within sight of the bleachers full of kids.

It was there, that I slipped on the wet grass, all by myself, and wiped out once again. My shorts stayed put (I think), but really, did it even matter at this time?

I don't remember much about the rest of the race, other than being mortified and enraged. I picked off the girls one by one and ended up coming in 5th place, winning a pretty little maroon ribbon. And spent the rest of the day receiving comments in the hallway from well wishers thanking me for the show. I managed to survive 8th grade regardless, as I'm sure my little show was forgotten as soon as the next awkward pre-teen did something equally as embarrassing (pretty sure it happened on a daily basis). Middle school is rough!

So there you have it, folks, the story of my very first running award. And mom was right: NOW, I think it's hysterical!

2010 prediction run 5k

Before I get started, I have three prediction run shout outs:

1) To the woman I was talking to about the Newtons & Vibrams who asked if I was the one with the blog: I feel so rude for not ever actually introducing myself! Hi, I'm Heather! It was nice to meet you and I hope you had a good run! I will see you at the next race! (i blame all of the shivering for being so impolite, silly me thinking it was a great day to wear my running skirt, haha)

2) To Christine, who came in second fastest female, while pushing 100 lbs worth of kid and jog stroller, and especially for passing the chick wearing the ipod. Rules said NO IPODS! (for prediction purposes, keep reading and you will see why before anyone hates on me about the ipods, haha).

3) To Dawn: You did it mama! Keep up the good work, you will run Cooper River with NO problem!

And now...on with the blog!

Finishing results:

24:02
8th runner overall
4th woman overall
1st age group
no awards because I was waaaaaay off of my predicted time!

This morning I ran the Grand Strand Running Club's 3rd annual "Prediction Run". A 5k, where upon registration you predict your finish time. NO watches, garmins, cell phones, ipods, or anything else that might give you a heads up to your pace was allowed. Even your finishing time at the finish line was kept secret until awards later on!

Almost a month ago,when I registered, I was feeling fast and frisky. I thought I'd shoot for a P.R. of 22:10 (P.R. is currently 22:25). Well that goal went out the window between finals, then spending the week in NH stuffing my face and not running much, followed by returning home and continuing the trend, haha.

Regardless, I was excited to race.

It was a small race, maybe around 85 ish people? The cost of entry was 5 or more cans of food to be donated to a local church's food bank. The course was almost 3 full loops around the 1.08 mile path around the pond at the old Air Force Base/now Market Commons (I can't keep track of what everyone is calling it these days!) Cement (sidewalk) and FLAT. After the gun went off, there were two women ahead of me. Within the first few hundred yards I passed the first one. Came up upon the second one after maybe a quarter mile. I wasn't trying to pass either, just running at my pace. Half a mile in, I started wondering if I was going WAY too fast. I felt ok...I was pushing a little bit, but this WAS a race after all. I just went with it. It was so weird not having that Garmin on my wrist to let me know if I was starting out too fast or too slow. Wow I rely on that thing way too much.

I spent the rest of the race speeding up, slowing down, trying to find a happy, yet still race pace. Oh, and I didn't freaking walk. That's my "Achilles heel" if you will with 5k's, I tend to go like a bat out of hell at the start and burn myself out by the last loop, which makes me feel like so lame, that I can run 15 miles straight without stopping, yet I couldn't run a 5k race without a walk break, ha! Anyway, glad those days are over. Some ladies passed me, I passed a few back. The very last 100 yards I sprinted to pass two ladies who had passed me earlier, and wondered why they made no effort to try and keep up. They weren't pushing, really, I knew they had more in them. One even yelled to me "good strong finish!!" So heck, if they wanted to give me 4th place female, I'll take it.

Turns out they knew more than I did, and your place nor speed didn't matter, haha.

As I mentioned, it was a prediction run. The overall winners and age group awards were based on how close you came to your PREDICTED time. So, me being just under two whole minutes off my predicted time did NOT leave me in the running for an award. As you can imagine, my inner competitive brat was temporarily a little pissy about this, but she got over it really quickly.

It was amazing how close some people came to their predicted times! Within seconds. And the overall winner predicted her time EXACTLY. How do you do that? I guess it's either some serious consistency with your training runs, luck, or a little bit of both! I am all over the place with my pace, even with the Garmin on, so I really had no chance at this one, haha!

Regardless, it was a good, (cold), fun race, for a GOOD cause, and was an AMAZING way to start off my New Year!

I hope you all have had a fantastic start to 2010! Happy running, my friends!