This training cycle has been a bit rough for me. I've had an injury that keeps cropping back up (or never fully heals). It's a pain right in the crease of my leg, perhaps a groin strain? It might be my hip flexor though, I'm not sure. It usually acts up when I'm pushing myself hard on a run (typically during speed work). It starts as just a little twinge but then if I continue to run it escalates to the point where I have to stop running.
I've spent the past few days at Disneyland with my family and we did a lot of walking. I realized that I don't have a good pair of walking shoes so I just wore my Saucony Kinvaras which aren't a really supportive shoe. Plus Evan was teething and had a cold and wanted to be carried whenever we were waiting in line. I think the combo of the two aggravated it more as I started feeling the pain all of the time, even when I wasn't running.
I managed to run 3 miles yesterday and I did feel it but the pain didn't get bad enough that I had to stop running. I'm supposed to run 13 miles tomorrow but I don't think that's wise. I've made an appointment to see my doctor on Monday. Hoping just a few days of rest will help. With the half marathon 3 weeks away I really don't want to miss out on too many more training days.
Schoolers Run Busy active mama to two beautiful boys. Learning how to balance working full-time, spending time with my family, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Downside to Running
This is my first purple toenail. Wondering if it will fall off or not. Time will tell.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Berkeley 10 Miler
Berkeley 10 Miler
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!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
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.
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.
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