A Couple Fall 5k’s

 

It’s been a while since I posted.  Haven’t been running that much lately, some short runs here and there.  I have gone to a couple spinning classes at Cycledelic at 12 corners Brighton.  Although spinning just really isn’t  my favorite, it’s nice to do something different and I love trying new placess via Groupons, or in this case Amazon local deal.  What really got me there was that one of my favorite yoga instructors was the instructor here.  Talk about being made feel welcome & motivated!

Anyway, I did run the Johnny’s run like hell 5k last weekend.  I wasn’t really feeling into it, in fact I laid down for a sec right when it was time to go.  We had a sitter & plans to go out after, so I almost considered just skipping the run and going right for the beers, but knew I ‘d feel better doing the run.

Checked in & had a Guinness to get me going

Then went out & ran.  29:51. What a fun race, tons of people in costumes.  I was kind of in a grumpy funk but running with lots of people on a beautiful fall day got me right out of that.

We had a great night afterward too

This morning was the Pumpkins in the Park 5k.  Not sure of my time, it was quite the moosh at the start & finish.  But again wasn’t feeling that great, this time a slight cold & it was drizzly out.  But getting out there & doing it made me feel better.  This is the benefit of being signed up for a race.  I knew it was a day I would not be out running if not for the race.

It was a really fun atmosphere. We brought the dog and he was a hit with all the kids! and made other doggie friends

Matty ran the kids race.  It was chaotic at the start, but a fun little jaunt & the kids came through the finish & then got to pick up a pumpkin, candy & a hot wheels.  Very nice prizes for the kids!

Later the kids had a costume party at the school

Have a great Halloween! Here’s to hoping Sandy (Hurricane) doesn’t wreck it for us!!

Foodie PenPals Reveal Day – September

This month I received a great package from Courtney in San Antonio, Texas.

Included was some delicious Blueberry Almond Granola from Whole Foods

Some fruit strips that made great afternoon snacks, some Justin’s Almond Butter that I’ve been wanting to try, & some Tazo Apple Spice Tea that is perfect for the Fall

Along a Texas Chili Spice packet which was perfect because we were already planning on making chili last Sunday.  Joe had to doctor it up a little to balance out some bitterness with some sweetness, but the chili turned out delicious.

It is fun to receive a package of foods in the mail to try things you wouldn’t normally buy yourself. Thank you Courtney!

I also have to share what I sent to my penpal because Claudia because she was really funny in the introductions.  She wrote that she was vegeterian, likes Middle Eastern & Asian cuisines and kind of went on a little okra rant:

“So, if it's possible to avoid meats, and I'm allergic to mango, and I think okra is kind of like alien snot pods... Other than that, I'm open to whatever awesome things you wanna send. I'm even willing to be convinced okra isn't an evil plot to destroy the South, but it may be an uphill battle.”

Ha! Well, if that isn’t a challenge. So of course, I had to include to her some Okra Chips:

Hope you weren’t upset Claudia, but I couldn’t help myself.  Not that I am some sort of Okra ambassedor, but I just couldn’t ignore that one.  I’ve heard these chips are really good – crispy & salty.  Any luck changing your views?

I really did put thought into the other items as well – the tube is some sort of protein shot to help you get your protein, the cashews are asian spiced, the jerky is vegan…I hope you enjoyed your box & weren’t offended by the okra!

MVP Half Marathon Recap

 

13.1 Miles – 2:11

The race was held on Sunday September 23rd and offered a full marathon, half marathon, and relay. The full marathon had 570 total finishers   - 66% male & 33% female.  The half had 1,729 total finishers 43% male & 56% female.

The forecast called for cold & rain.  I heard rain during the night & braced for the worst.  But it actually turned out to be perfect running weather – sunny & brisk.

As usual Joe & the kids brought me to the race.  I get worried about the logistics of finding parking, navigating the road closures, etc so Joe usually ends up taking me.  The kids get bribed with donuts, he doesn’t have to listen to me, and I get a care free ride.  A win-win for all of us.

I didn’t feel that prepared because I hadn’t had many long runs and I had an odd case of shin splits that happened from Thursday’s 2.5 miles & Saturday’s 1.5 miles.  Not sure why I would get shin splits from a couple short runs but by shins & side calf muscles were really hurting me.

When we got there I had to pee but the lines for the porta potties were too long so I figured I’d just go on the course somewhere.  I started off really mentally relaxed.  It was a great feeling, probably my best start.  This was because I just didn’t have any expectations except to just go out for a run and finish. I paid no attention to people around me or pace.  But my shins were hurting & I had to pee, so at mile 3 I ran into the Dunkin Donuts.  For whatever reason, when I came out of there I was recahrged.  I took off & felt great. 

This was at mile 4.5, right at 45 minutes as expected. 

The rest of the race I felt great; I finished my strongest yet.  I had to draw a little bit from my mental stores of motivation I specifically identify before a race.  I tried to leave it all out there knowing it was my last long race of the season, I wanted a time I could be happy with.  I still haven’t beat my first half time, but I’m going to work on that…perhaps if I hadn’t stopped at Dunkin Donuts….

Relieved. Long runs are over. For now.





The best signs I saw were "Chafe now, Beer later" and also "Chuck Norris never ran a marathon". I cannot say enough how much the spectators help with their signs, cheering, ad support. It always gives you that perfect reminder right when you need it.

kayaking

Well thank goodness today’s race went well because I really didn’t listen to any of my own race prep tips. I will post a race recap later.

Yesterday me & Joe went kayaking via a Groupon from Genesse waterways. It was fun and turns out was exact same area I ran by today during the MVP half marathon. I was really just researching the course ;)





we were cruising along & then a giant boat came right up on us


Got out of the way in time!



Then we checked out the new Genesse Brew House





it has a great outdoor deck & rooftop area which would be really nice in the summer



Look at that sky. It was actually raining on our way to go kayaking, but we didn't let it stop us.

Then we went & had lunch at Tap & Mallet. Delicious Cuban & Reuben sandwiches. I couldn't help stopping into Hedonistic Ice cream shop - delicious!

I was avoiding thinking about the race today because I didn't really feel prepared. But I did eat pasta at night, got a new play list ready, and put out my outfit.

Now I am home relaxing, watching football (go bills!) blogging, and enjoying a few beers.

Quitting Smoking

Today is Joe's 6 month anniversary of quitting smoking. Every single day I am impressed and happy that he doesn't smoke anymore, so I figured I would do a post in honor of it.



There's a lot of message boards for support that describe the physical & mental symptoms. I know Joe felt sick, couldn't sleep & had nightmares for the first month. People describe grieving the loss of a loved one/friend. Something that has been a part of their life for so long now gone. It's hard for someone who doesn't smoke to understand. I used to smoke socially when drinking but never wanted it any other time. But after a night of hanging out, I definitely felt it and made running harder. Even I sometimes still want if drinking but am super glad not to. I used to if it were there, so Joe did the quitting for both of us.

The other night I had a dream that he was smoking. We were hanging outside at a party and I walked up and he was lighting a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. It looked so natural, so normal, at first it didn't register. Then when I realized he was smoking my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. It was the worst feeling, because I knew it was over. It woke me right out of my sleep.
Smoking is a serious addiction and I believe a person is always at risk of going back. It's always a battle to fight, but once you reach a certain point, you're probably safe.
Here's what one person said about reaching their year anniversary:

May 21st marked a full year without cigarettes.

How am I doing? I didn't think about it until May 23rd.

The freedom from smoking has changed my life. I could sit here and tell you about being able to hustle up stairs, or that my clothes don't stink or how good food tastes, but in reality the biggest thing about being smoke-free, aside from physical health, is purely psychological - I am free from an addiction. My life no longe revolves around smoking. That speaks louder than anything else.

I plum forgot about my one-year anniversary because I simply don't think about smoking much anymore. Occasionally the topic will cross my mind, usually when talking to another smoker who also wants to quit. I tell them what they've heard is true - you have to want to quit. You have to want it more than anything else. Most people who smoke like smoking, even if they really can't see why anymore. The satisfaction factor for their cravings has earned the title of "something I like to do".

I no longer think about when my next break is, or if I can sneak out between breaks to catch a smoke. I don't have to remember to suck one down before a movie, or a dinner out. No more standing in bad weather, or cracking the car window. Its not that the cessation of these activities is a big deal in and of themselves, its that I don't even think about doing them. It's natural to not do them.

A few days ago, I walked out of a diner where a couple of men were standing outside, and one remarked that he was going to ask me for a light but I didn't look like someone who smoked. Wow!, I thought in my head. Something else I hadn't considered - people who smoke generally look like people who smoke. That comment made my whole day - I was telling friends "hey, I don't look like I smoke" (of course, there's always the wise cracker who says "yeah, but you're still ugly").

So, unless I have a relapse - and I don't see it happening - you likely wont hear from me again. Since I don't smoke, and I don't think about smoking, I've simply run out of things I can say about it. And that's great - not having a thing to say about smoking, because it's so not part of who I am and what I do.

I am an ex-smoker. I hope all of you reach your one-year anniversary and become true ex-smokers, too.

If anyone knows Joe, you know he smoked a lot. For more than 20 years. If he can quit, anyone can do it. He says he just wanted the freedom most of all.
Congrats Joey!!! Taking on that battle was the best thing you could've done for yourself and our family.
And guess what else? He's even joining me in a 5k this fall!

Local Race Calendar

 

Recently I was asked about running trails.  I don’t run trails, but when I hike in Mendon Ponds I always notice lots of people running.  As much as I enjoy being in the park, I always comment how hard it seems me to not twist your ankle on branches or uneven ground when I see these people running.

But anyway, there is the Dirt Cheap Trail Race Series, that’s over now but keep in mind for next summer.

There is a lot of fun 5k’s coming up in the fall.  Here are some links to local race calendar pages

The Greater Rochester Track Club

Yellow Jacket Racing

The Rochester Running Page

A good first 5k would be a fun, themed race such as Johnny’s run like hell on Sat Oct 20th @ 3pm or Pumpkins in the Park on Sat Oct 27th @ 9am. People dress in costume and run like hell starts & ends at Johnny’s Irish Pub, so beer is always fun.  You’d want to sign up beforehand because last year it was sold out on the day of.

A good program to get started is The Couch to 5k Program.  If you wait to be “properly trained” or “ready” you may keep putting it off.  I say just sign up for a race & go for it!  It takes one to get into it & you will probably then want to try another. Just show up on race day and run.  Who cares if you have to walk or your time, give it a try!

A fun winter series is The Freezeroo Series, 6 different races of varying length & locations.  I ran the Valentines 8 mile Race last year in a blizzard and it was fun.

I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I am actually looking forward to some cold weather running.  I guess the grass is always greener.  By the end of spring, all I wanted was warmer weather to just “head out” without putting on all sorts of layers, etc.  Then all summer I damned running in the heat. 

But I do hope for perfect weather for Sunday’s race! No cold rain please!!

Training Tips

I was really disappointed it was raining this morning so I couldn't go for a nice long run. I am working the late shift just so I would be able to and I wanted to get another in before the weekend. But it's really wet, cold & gray out there



Not a warm, summery rain I don't mind running in. So I stayed dry & ended up catching some Kelly & Michael. I was a big fan of Regis & Kelly but did not think Kelly was pulling it off very good on her own. Not that I get to watch it more than 5 times a year, but I liked the show again! Made me smile.

So now, instead of actually running, I am going to write about running:

Here are some training tips I have learned:

1. Run a lot of races. You learn new things from every race. You gain confidence from every race. You realize that you can run under many different circumstances, both externally and internally, so by the time the big day comes, you will have been practiced under a variety of situations. Running races is much different than going out for training runs – you have to conform to race time & place and be ready vs. going when it’s convenient for you. Also avoids any chance of skipping or not going as long because in a race you will finish the designated distance.
This is particularly important for females because you have no control the day of the month the race falls on.

2. Change up your route often. If you're loving it, don't burn it out.

3. Try different fueling & hydration systems. I have never been able to find hydration belt/carrying pack that works for me so I looped around back to my water bottle. I hate power bar gels they hand out in most races around here. I realized I don't really need fuel during a race but like to have it on me just in case. I ran the Buffalo half with nothing but water but learned that I need to refuel after better or I'll feel nauseaus.

3. Remember that what works one day might not always & if something goes wrong one day it doesn't mean it always will. You're going to have bad runs. But remember you will also have great runs.

4. Eat bland & carby for a few days leading up to the race.

5. Prepare the night before. Get your music ready, your clothes ready, etc. Get up early to eat, go to the bathroom, and get there on time.

6. Tell people about your goals. Runners World Magazine had an article suggesting having a running blog keeps you motivated. People will ask you about your goals.

7. Buy yourself a reward for meeting your goal or finishing a race. It's particularly helpful if it's running related & you can only get it if you finish the race.


Got any tips you'd like to share? Leave some in the comments section.