Reflecting on 2013

It seems like time goes by so quickly now.  I'm sitting here reflecting on 2013 and can hardly believe how much I've changed in what seems to be such a short amount of time.  This time last year I was just beginning to train for my first half marathon.  Now I sit here with 7 races under my belt.  After having never run a race before, it's pretty amazing to think of what I've accomplished.

My first race of the year (and ever) was the Oakland Running Festival's Half Marathon in March.  That was a challenging race for me because I was in a car accident a few days prior but it was amazing to cross that finish line. 

I took some time off from running to allow myself to heal (persistent back pain) but then ran my first 5K in June at the See Jane Run event in Alameda.  It was a hot day and it was a physically challenging race because I hadn't really been running but it was fun to experience a much shorter race than a half marathon. 

In August I ran Brazen Racing's Summer Breeze 10K in San Leandro.  Loved running along the bay and experienced the success of setting a goal for myself and meeting it. 

September I ran my second half marathon at the Half Moon Bay International event.  I PRd on this race which felt good but was overall disappointed that my time on the clock wasn't my goal I set for myself, mainly because the course measured long (13.56 was what my Garmin told me after the race).  The race director did email the participants after to state that the course did measure long (so it wasn't just the way I was running it).  It was awesome having Mike and the boys support me on the course since they didn't do that during Oakland's half. 

In November Mike and I ran Berkeley's Inaugural 10 miler.  My groin strain was bothering me so I didn't run it as fast as I was hoping but I loved running a race with Mike and look forward to doing that again sometime. 

Four days after that I ran a 5K turkey trot also put on by Brazen Racing.  The boys ran the little turkey trot.  This was my first trail race with rolling hills and it was challenging but I loved it.  I look forward to doing it again next year.

I was hoping for a sub 30 5K but that didn't happen at the turkey trot (those darn hills!) so I signed up for Walnut Creek's 5K in December and finally hit my sub 30 5K. 

While a year seems to have gone by quickly I was busy running!  I look forward to what 2014 has in store for me. 

Walnut Creek 5K

Since I didn't make my sub 30 5K time goal at the turkey trot I've been searching around for another 5K where I could give it a try.  I realized that the Walnut Creek Half Marathon and 5K was coming up and signed up for it.  This was the perfect race in many ways.  It was only a few minutes away from home and the route was on a trail that I run regularly on my long runs so I knew it very well.  I knew if I was going to do a sub 30 5K that this would be it.  I was a bit hesitant to sign up because it was $55 (two weeks out from the race) but I did it anyway. 

I convinced my BFF Marisa to run it with me even though she hasn't run in a few months.  But I told her that her out of shape equals my in shape so we'd be a perfect pair!  I was really pleased with the long-sleeve tech tee - I was not expecting something that nice for a 5K.

This morning it was really cold (in the 30s) and the race started early at 7:30 so I told Mike to stay home with the boys.  Marisa and I had a plan to try to run all 3 miles at 9:30 but that ideally once I hit the two mile mark I'd go as fast as I can in order to guarantee a sub 30 finish.  The first mile went well.  We were right on target at 9:30.  My legs were cold and felt numb so it took awhile for them to warm up.  Mile 2 was hard.  I just wasn't feeling it and not sure I'd be able to sustain the 9:30 pace for 2 more miles.  Mile 2 came in around 9:52.  I began to get worried.  I got stuck up in my head at this point.  My side hurt.  I didn't think I could do it.  Marisa was awesome.  She kept telling me I was doing great, we were on target.  I really think without her doubt would have taken over.  The last bit was up a small hill but then when we hit the downhill I just gave it all I had.  I clocked in the last 1/4 mile below 9 minutes which is VERY fast for me. At one point I looked at my watch and it showed I was at 28 minutes.  I just didn't think I'd make it.  But then I told myself I'd be really pissed if I crossed in 30:XX so I knew I had to dig deep and finish strong. 

I crossed the finish line in 29:44 which was 93rd out of 410 runners and 6th of 31 in my age group (26th female out of 260).  I can't believe it.  I've only been working with my running coach for 2 months and I've already hit one of my goals.  Now it's time to drop my time down even more.  Maybe I really am a runner. 

Turkey Trot

I ran a Turkey Trot 5K today.  I decided to go with another Brazen Race again as I love the low key relaxed vibe they have.  Plus they are really family friendly and the medals are awesome (I do like a little race bling).  I registered the boys for the little turkey fun run.  Lucas was very excited to race Nitro Turkey. 


Evan wasn't too sure.  He didn't want to go up and meet the turkey or get anywhere near him. 

When the race started Evan was crying.  I think he was a bit afraid and unsure what was going on. 
 

Lucas loved it though and raced across the finish line. Each boy got a medal and a goodie bag for participating. 


Then it was time for my race.  Since I've been working with my running coach I've been doing speed work for the first time.  I initially decided I wanted to PR on this race and finally run a sub 30 5K.  Then I learned that it was a trail race with rolling hills plus it was measuring long at 3.3 miles.  I knew I wasn't going to be able to do sub 30.  Instead I set out to have a fun race and do my best. 

I really enjoyed participating in a trail race and even though I usually avoid hills it was fun to run on them.  I finished in 34:40 which was a 2 second PR.  I guess I made one of my goals.  :-)  I was 7th in my age group so I was proud of that.  But most of all I was happy with my race.  I ran the entire time even up the hills and felt good after.  I still want to chase a sub 30 5K though. 

Brazen puts on the best spread of food after a race.  Because it was Thanksgiving there was  pumpkin and apple pies, fresh fruit, cookies, pretzels, and even ice cream sandwiches.  The boys were quite happy. 

As we walked back to the car we passed over some train tracks.  The boys were thrilled to see a freight train pass underneath us.

 

We'll be back next year.  I'll sub 30 (on this course) then. 

Downside to Running

This is my first purple toenail.  Wondering if it will fall off or not.  Time will tell.

Berkeley 10 Miler

Berkeley 10 Miler

Mike and I ran our first race together today.  We ran the Berkeley 10 miler.  It started in downtown Berkeley then for the first 3.5 miles ran around downtown before heading towards the water.  The rest of the race followed the water before ending up at Golden Gate Fields.  I had so much fun running a race with Mike.  We talked throughout the race and just enjoyed being together.  I hope we can make a point to run a few races together each year.

I ran with my new racing flats.  I loved them.  I might have to buy a new pair.  I think I'm obsessed with running shoes.

One of the sponsors of the race was Pyramid Brewing Company and at the end of the race was a beer garden.  Attached to each race bib was a ticket for a free beer.  I don't really like beer but figured I just ran 10 miles maybe I'd get one.  I ordered one with the intention of having a few sips before giving it to Mike but I actually drank the entire thing.  This might have been the first beer I've drank since Mike and I have been together.  I still prefer my wine.

I'm happy to add a new medal to my collection.  I still find it so crazy that prior to 2013 I had never run a race before and now I've run 5!

4 Days Away

My half marathon is 4 days away.  I've been excited about it for awhile.  I trust my training.  I feel prepared for it.  I know I will do well....

Except I'm having some foot issues.  For the past 7-8 weeks I've had issues with my right big toe.  Somethings not quite right with it.  It hurts when I run.  It has started hurting even when I'm not running.  I've gotten a blood blister on the toe as well as other blisters.  I think it's because I'm altering my stride when I'm running because it hurts.  But it never hurt enough to make me stop running or take a break.  This whole time I've been saying I just want to make it through the half marathon. 

Yesterday the top of my right foot is swollen.  I haven't run since my 12.2 miles on Saturday so I don't know what's up with it.  I iced it last night and didn't run my planned 3 miles.  I'm going to try running today. 

I'm not sure how many of these injuries this week are truly real (or potentially serious) and how many are just my noticing every ache and pain as I mentally prepare for the race.  Time will tell I suppose.

Less than 1 week

It's now less than 1 week until my half marathon.  This training cycle is SO different compared to the last one.  Even though I hit all of my long runs before I still doubted whether or not I'd be able to do it on the actual day.  This time though I'm confident.  I know I will not only compete it but I should get a PR as well.  On Saturday I ran 12.2 miles and I felt great.  I even contemplated running 13.1 but decided to save that for the 29th.  All of my long runs have been great and I finally understand what Mike meant when he always told me to trust in my training.  I get it now. 

I'm even contemplating signing up for a full marathon. What??!!??  I know, right?  I am not slapping my credit card down yet but I'm letting the idea sit for awhile.  We'll see how this race goes first before I go too crazy. 

Sunday Mike and I volunteered at the bib pick up for the Half Moon Bay International Marathon.  It felt good to give back to a race I'm going to run but it was also exciting seeing all of the first time marathoners picking up their bibs.  It definitely inspired me hearing some of their stories. 

Raffle Prize

I absolutely love Running 4 the Reason's raffles.  It seems like every time I donate to one of her fundraisers that involves a raffle I win!  What's not to love about that? 

This time I won an awesome tech shirt Run Pretty Far. 

They also included a sticker which I can really relate to:

I can't wait for Laura to have another raffle.  Wonder what I'll win next time?

Homemade Granola

One of my favorite breakfasts is nonfat Greek yogurt, cut up fruit or berries, and granola.  But I've realized that store bought granola has a lot of sugar, aside from being pricey too.  I decided that I should try making my own.  At first I wasn't sure how it would compare to my favorite granola from Trader Joe's.  I was so surprised.  It's delicious!  First of all the smell of it cooking makes the whole house smell amazing.  I will never go back to store bought granola again! 

Here's the recipe I used (adapted from Alton Brown's granola recipe):

 

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup cashews, roughly chopped
1/2 cup shredded sweet coconut
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins

Directions 

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, combine honey, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.

Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed.

Summer Breeze 10K

I ran my third race today (first was a half marathon, then a 5K).  I signed up for Brazen Racing's Summer Breeze 10K in San Leandro.  This race fit in perfectly with my next half marathon training plan and it was close by to home so I figured it would be a great race for me.  Mike and the boys came along for support. 

The boys were happy to see there was a playground near the start/finish line so that kept them entertained while we waited for the race to begin. 


It was a cool, overcast day which I think is perfect for running.  I was a little chilly in a tank top prior to beginning the run but once I started running I was perfect. Mike caught a picture of me as the race began. 

The course was an out and back.  The first part I felt really good.  I was hoping to run negative splits and to keep my first 3 miles around 11:30 but I ended up running the first mile a minute faster.  I struggled a bit around miles 3-4 but kicked it into gear when I realized I might make my first goal of completing it in 1:07. 

As I came upon the last quarter mile I spotted the boys.  I loved seeing them running out to me to give me a high five. 
 

It totally boosted my spirits and helped me finish in 1:07 which was my premium goal time.  It's definitely a time I'd like to beat in the future (sub hour is a hope of mine) but it felt good to set a goal and to meet it.  I look forward to signing up for another one and seeing what I can do after I start incorporating some speed work.

Loved the hugs from Lucas and Evan after I finished.

They loved the spread of food Brazen puts out for their runners!  I was amazed at all of the yummy treats!  We didn't stay long.  I double booked us this morning and we had to head off to Fairyland to see The Cat in the Hat so I grabbed food and headed straight to the car.
 
I'll definitely do another Brazen Race in the future.  Great course, easy packet pick up, awesome food for the runners, and a great medal too!

It's Mike!

I was perusing the Half Moon Bay International Marathon's website.  I was curious about the route (the fact that I'm looking that up with about 60 days to go until my half marathon just goes to show how detail oriented I am!).  When I was on the main page they have a montage of pictures that filters through from last year's event.  Imagine my surprise when I saw this picture pop up:

It's Mike!  He's easy to spot in that yellow shirt.  :-)

See Jane Run San Francisco's Post

Imagine my surprise when I was scrolling down my Facebook news feed only to see my picture!  They had posted the picture taken of Lucas and I from when Mike ran the Half Moon Bay International Marathon back in September.  Their comment was, "champions of encouragement."  I love how this picture is still circulating out there!

5:30am

Lately I've been running at 5:30am.  It's light enough outside so I'm not running in the dark.  The boys are still sleeping so I can usually sneak out for my 3-4 mile run and be back before they get up.  It's also nice and cool outside still.  I'm really enjoying it.  I'm going to miss running in the mornings when I go back to work next week.

Back in the Saddle

I'm in week 3 of my next half marathon training program.  So far this training program has started off much different than my last one.  First of all I'm feeling much more confident. I've done this once already, I know I can do it again.  Last time I was solely focused on running 3-4 days a week, that was all I did.  I was happy to be running, moving forward that I didn't want to rock the boat.  This time I'm stepping it up a bit.

I've decided that I'm going to run 4 days a week.  One day is a tempo run (which throughout my training program will be 3 miles).  My goal is to run these 3 miles fast and to keep track of my times.  I really want to gradually become a faster runner and I think this will help me.  One run is 4-5 miles mid-week.  The third run is an easy 3 miles.  I won't time it, I'm going to run by how I feel.  Lastly I'll have my weekly long run.

I'm also going to add in Yoga Meltdown (you all know I'm a huge Jillian Michaels fan) on Mondays.  I'm also going to incorporate either Ripped in 30 or 30 Day Shred 3 days a week which means some days I'll be doing the video in the morning and running in the afternoon.  I'll have one rest day a week (right now it's looking like that will be Fridays).

I'm hoping this will help better prepare me for my next half marathon:  Half Moon Bay on September 29!

Could I be an Ultra-Runner?

I’m about ninety percent committed.  I just need a little wiggle room to let the idea truly settle in, but I’m on the verge of signing up for my first 50 mile race.  The race is in December, the North Face Endurance Challenge, on the trails north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the main thing that I’m wary of is the ten thousand foot total elevation gain.  The timing works out for me – I don’t have any races planned until next spring, and now that I’ve got a few marathons under my belt, I think it’s time to go for it.  But ten thousand feet . . . .

Last week we were in Lake Tahoe, and Lesley and I made a plan to hike up Mount Tallac and leave the kids with the grandparents.  I’ve been running regularly this summer, but have not been training, and decided that I needed to have at least one somewhat epic day this summer.  I decided would run to the trailhead and meet Lesley there.  It was about a seven-mile run, and I liked the idea of going from the cabin on foot all the way to the peak of Tallac.  When I told Lesley about my plan the day before, she told me (half-jokingly) that it sounded good, but it would really be impressive if I ran back to the cabin after the hike too, so I could say I did the whole thing on foot.  She claims she didn’t mean for me to take it seriously, but she must know me well enough by now to that once a suggestion like that starts bouncing around my head, I can’t let its go. 

Arriving at the trailhead

On the run to the trailhead I had some views from of Mount Tallac from Camp Richardson, and the over three-thousand foot climb we would be doing that day.  I’ve hiked it a few times before and that didn’t worry me, but what did worry me was the thought of stacking three of these mountains on top of each other, and knowing that that was how much climbing I would be doing if I signed up for the North Face race.  This imaginary mountain seemed to reach up into the stratosphere, and it seemed impossible.  But then I remembered that somehow people find a way to do these races, and that maybe somewhere inside me there exists the will, or craziness to do one of my own.  It was then I decided that I had to run back after the nine-mile hike, to prove something to myself.

At the Summit

Hero Shot -- The flag was already there

The run there was pleasant and quiet, and the hike gave us some much-needed time together, alone, outside.  I jumped in Cathedral Lake on the way down, or a more accurate description would be I waded out through the rocks trying to make sure I didn't twist an ankle, then quickly dunked myself when I was about waist deep.  It woke me up enough to get a little pumped about the run home, which turned out to be hot in the mountain sun.  I did see a hawk flying through the trees though.  When I made it back to the cabin, I thought that maybe I do have it in me to do a 50 miler.

Dunking

I’m now two days into my twenty-week training program, and it’s just a matter of registering for the run now (that and staying injury free over the next few months).  I guess once I put it up on our blog that makes it kind of official though.

Week One, Day One

Today marks week one, day one of my next half marathon training program.  I'm doing it again.  Part of me thinks I'm crazy because the memories of the oh so painful last half marathon are still fresh in my mind.  But then I rationalize that I was in a car accident a few days before.  Before that I was feeling strong and capable.  I'm hoping I can get back to that feeling. 

Today is a rest day in my training program.  I decided to do 30 minutes of yoga and a few weights for my arms.  Ideally I want to do something 6 days a week whether it be running, yoga, or cross training.  My training plan requires 4 runs a week.  I might double up some days and do 30 Day Shred (or Ripped in 30 - my new favorite) and a run.  We shall see.

Here we go again.  Let the fun begin.

Trail Run

This morning M and I headed up into the hills for a trail run.  I normally avoid hills when I run.  I'm normally just excited to be moving forward, why make it harder and throw a hill in the mix?  But I do get bored with just my normal routes around the neighborhood so I thought I'd give it a try.  We decided we'd run/hike.  Run the downhills, flats, and parts of the uphills and hike the rest.  It was a lot of fun.  It was fun stepping outside of my comfort zone and it gives me a new goal to work toward (running up all of Big Mama!).

I was exhausted when we got home and we just did 4 miles!

Eating healthier

M and I are really trying to make a point to eat healthier now that we are on summer break.  Too often when we are off work in the summer we end up eating out a lot (more free time = more being away from home = more eating out).  The past few days we've shared this for lunch:

Carrots, sweet peppers, cucumbers (from our garden) and pita bread to dip into hummus.  There's also avocado and sliced nectarines and white peaches.  It's delicious and filling.  I don't know why I don't bring this for lunch when I work!

See Jane Run 5K

Seven months ago I signed up for the See Jane Run Half Marathon which took place today.  But due to my back problems as a result of the car accident 3 days before the Oakland Half Marathon I knew I wouldn't be able to run 13.1 miles.  I debated about whether or not I'd run the 5K or not.  In fact I didn't downgrade my registration until yesterday.  I haven't run the past few weeks and I didn't look forward to running a race in which I might be struggling in.

Today was my first day of summer though and thought it would set the right tone for the summer by running a race.  I figured it was only a 5K, it couldn't be that bad, right?  It was a beautiful warm day.  The 5K started at 8:30 and the sun was already shining.  I knew it was going to be a hot one. 

I was nervous standing waiting for my wave to start.  I didn't see anyone I knew who was running the race.  I was on my own.  This is only the second race I've run (my first was a half marathon - that still cracks me up) and the pre-race jitters were starting to get to me. 

M and the boys were going to meet me at the finish line.  They were hanging out at the beach.
 
When the race started I felt better.  I was running.  It felt good to run again after having taken a break.  It felt good to be able to go out and run a 5K without having run much lately (something a year ago I wouldn't have been able to do).  I kept my pace slow and easy because I knew I hadn't run much lately.  The course was an out and back.  The out part was headed right into the sun and hot.  I'm not a fan of out and back courses, especially when I see people faster than me heading back already. 

After about two miles I was done.  I was hot (wish I had worn a tank top).  There were also a lot of people who would run for a bit, tire out and then just stop to walk.  It was annoying because they wouldn't look behind them to see if anyone was running behind them.  I was constantly bobbing and weaving to avoid running into people.  That was not fun at all and made me just want to finish the race.

As I approached the finish line I saw M and my boys cheering for me.  I loved seeing them and being able to give L a high-five.
 
I loved getting a hug from my boy after I finished.

At the finish there was champagne and chocolate.  My boys took the chocolate and quickly ate it.  I drank some of the champagne before it got knocked over.  But the boys enjoyed trying to drink from the empty glass. 
 
I ran into my friend Laura from Running 4 The Reason.  It's always great to see her and she rocked that race.

All in all, I'm glad I ran it although I'm not sure I'd run it again.  Maybe if they changed the course to a loop instead.