New Runners!!! :)

I have been anticipating getting new running shoes for quite some time.  My current runners are Nike LunarGlides--and while they get the job done--I knew that it would be in my best interest to get myself fitted for the correct running shoes!  At the time I started running, money was tighter--and we couldn't afford 100+ dollars on a good pair of running shoes!  So I got what I could and they have served me well! :)  We had set aside money from our tax return for me to get my shoes--however, when our tax return came--we wanted to use that money for a few other things--and I knew that my Nike's were serving me well, so it wasn't a huge deal.  We have had the money several times over--I just hadn't gotten to the store before the money was allocated to other things (although the money should have been in a cash envelope...but that's for another day/blog!).  Finally yesterday Justin and I decided the money was there--so I headed up to Peak Performance!

However, yesterday when I went fitted I must have come at the perfect time! :)  Aside from the person helping me get fitted--his good friend was there to talk to him--who just happened to be a podiatrist.  SOO I got the opinion of someone who I value to be a professional in the sense of fitting people for running shoes--and someone who is a professional with how the foot works!!  Awesome right?!  Ya I thought so as well!

I went in not knowing what to expect--I figured I had a pretty "normal" gait and such--I have "pretty good" arches so I knew that wouldn't be an issue.  However, I walked out of there with a wealth of information!

The lo down--I over-pronate.  And my current runners do nothing to help correct this--and allows my foot/leg to twist all crazy--and in turn locks my big toe from moving smoothly.  The podiatrist said he knew this simply by the wear on the toe of my running shoes. (It is significantly worn)

So what does this mean for shoes?  This means I spent 117.00 on a "transitional" pair of shoes.  Basically--I need a shoe that is going to support my foot completely through my gait.  I need a "structured cushioning" shoe.  However, to go from what I am currently running with (My Nike Lunarglides) to the Asics Kayano shoes would mean a substantial, potentially miserable adjustment period for me.  So instead of making the "leap" they put me in Asics GT-2170's.  I tried on a pair of Saucauny's--but they felt much "stiffer" and they were very very bulky, in my opinion--the Asics were much "softer" and felt much smoother!  Plus, I like the looks of the Asics a LOT LOT LOT better!  The Saucauny's were pretty darn ugly :P  I know that shouldn't sway my decision--but it did! :P 

So here they are:

Cool right?  Yep--I like them too :P  The "next" shoes I will need to get for serious running--and which from what I can gather will be "my" shoe for a long time to come--are the Asics "Kayano" shoe.  The price for those babies are 160.00---ya, my eyes about popped out of my head as well!!  Never in my life have I spent more than 100.00 for a pair of shoes--let alone 150 dollars!!!!!!  The 2 guys helping me suggested I log about 250 miles in these, and then make the final transition to the Kayano's.  I am not so sure we will be able to afford it when I hit the 250 mile mark--but I will purchase them when we can afford them.  I figure even if I can't buy them when I am "supposed" to--by the fall I am thinking we will be able to get them--and I may actually see if the Expo's at any of the major races I will be running in are selling them!  That might be a way to get them slightly cheaper (even if they are the "older" model!)

In all--I am glad I went!  They said that the Asics should prevent my foot from rolling/twisting-allowing my big toe to move freely rather than lock.  Oh, and the podiatrist said I was a "great example" of over-pronation! :P  Made me giggle!

Leprechaun Chase 10K

Last Saturday Justin, my Dad, and I raced in the 3rd annual Leprechaun Chase 10K!  Man was it a blast--and I am looking forward to running it again next year!! :)

 

Things started out about 12:00 for us!  We (Dad, Justin, and I) headed to Omaha!  It was a seamless ride--and despite the fact that we got out a little later than planned!  We arrived in Omaha with PLENTY of time to spare--in fact, we got there with so much time we were able to go to Sports Authority to return/exchange a few things! :)  We couldn't exchange one thing--but we did return the other!  They didn't have what I wanted--so I hung onto the gift card and we headed out to the Space Museum!  

We actually got there VERY early--one of the first people--and we were glad we did!  It made packet pick-up seamless and we were able to relax and have a good time before the race!!  We got ready--I put my tutu on--and we went over to stretch/get ready!

Tutu on--jacket on! :)  It was warm and windy that day--so I didn't actually need my jacket!

Dad with his shirt! :) He got a technical shirt!

All ready to run! :)

Dad and I at the start!

My dear darling husband, Justin, and I at the start! :)

One of the "cons" of this race was that there wasn't really any space to run/warm-up beforehand.  So--we were basically running cold.  Which, in reality isn't the greatest--but it didn't effect my run to terribly!  I made sure to stretch at least a little bit ahead of time.

About 4:15 or so we were allowed in the start corrals!  Now, this was another "con" in my opinion.  Because I decided to stay back about 3/4 of the way through the gated area--when in reality I was no any where close to the back of the pack (where I knew I needed to be).  It just made me feel bad for those faster runners who I knew were behind me!  I know how it feels to have people who are a lot slower in front of you!  I tried my best to stay on the very very right side of the path-but I still had people passing me on the right :(

The 1st mile was interesting--I knew I didn't want to push myself tooo hard--as I wouldn't ever finish.  The wind was a big factor--as well as the crazy hills that were in the course!  I must remind ya'll--I train on flat land--the biggest "hill" in my usual trail is an overpass.  So--needless to say the hills were tiring!  Thankfully--I had ran a HORRIBLE 10K the weekend before in the coldest, strongest wind ever! So, the wind for this race was really nothing in comparisson--the biggest "trouble" I had was that it was extremely dry wind--with some dust mixed in--making my mouth EXTREMELY dry--and me really thirsty!

As we got through Mile 1 I was feeling alright!  There was a drink station somewhere in the 2nd mile (but before the Mile 2 marker!) that I decided to go ahead and walk through to get a drink and catch my breath!  This was a great breather and just what I needed as I was feeling a bit defeated when I reached the Mile 1 marker.

After my drink I was feeling good--ran a good while, and then everyone in front of me started walking!  Like waves of people!  I was amazed by this!  It made it hard for me to push through and run!  I kept running--but then came to a huge hill and decided to walk (as it seemed like EVERYONE in front of me did!)--I am glad I did!  It was perfect for prepping me for the next bit!

Through-out the rest of the course I took a few walk breaks--but really did feel confident in my run! I walked way less than I had anticipated--with the hills and the wind!

Justin caught up to me about 3.5 miles into the race!  I got farther than I expected!! :)  I could tell he was hurting when he reached me--so I walked and talked with him for a few minutes!  It was nice--and I loved that part!  Such a plus! :)

I reached the finish line feeling confident-and even sprinted the last .2 miles! :)  AND--I finished BEFORE the clock hit 1:16!!  My goal was to finish under 1:15!!  So I was pretty pumped with how things went!

The after-party was so-so.  The lads won, so Justin and my Dad got a free beer--and we hung out just for the fun atmosphere! :)

Then I had my time printed out and was SOOO excited!!!  Below is my print out! :)  I was STOCKED to see that I had finished in UNDER 1:15!  In reality I could have/should have pushed myself a little bit harder--although I am proud of finishing the race!!  I ran a lot more than some of the people around me--but I still could have managed to push myself a bit more!  Le sigh! Next race! :)

Overall, it was a fabulous race with a few minor "cons"--will we do it again next year--heck ya!! :)  It was a lot of fun--and I loved the "chase" format!  I will however, start WAY back further than I did this year! Although next year that pace will be closer to 11 minutes than 12!! (Or even lower!)

Dad, myself, and Justin at the after party! :)

 

 

 

 

Coming Soon!!

So I am excited to announce that my American Cancer Society website should be up and running very soon!!  I will be fundraising for the American Cancer Society--a foundation that is near and dear to my heart--for both my 1/2 marathon in July and the full marathon in October!  At this point--I am unsure of the fundraising "goal" but I am going to aim high!  Because Grandma never did anything halfway!  She fought with every ounce until the very last moment and I can only do the same for her! :)  In hopes, that I can give someone "just one more."  Something we won't have with Grandma, but those "Just one more's" we did have will forever live in our memories.

I look forward to sharing with you once I get things rolling with my website!!  I can't wait to support such an amazing cause!! :)

Training...or lack there of.

Sunday I ran another 10K!  It felt really good (although it was on the treadmill) and I managed to shave a few minutes off of my time--but considering I was on a treadmill vs. outside--its a totally different ball game.  I find treadmills a LOT harder to run on--but considering the wind was CRAZY and it was chilly out--I opted for the treadmill!  I enjoy running outside better because I actually have a goal to go to.  I am not just in the same place for over an hour.

This week---there has been no training besides Sunday's 10K.  I have my lower left wisdom tooth pulled on Tuesday evening--and it has had me out for the count.  Thankfully the pull was WAY easier than my 1st--but it still hurts--and I have a pretty massive hole.  Tonight I was going to go biking--but I forgot headphones, took the wrong exit, and ran into an old friend--therefore resulting in me foregoing the biking.  I may go tomorrow and do a few short miles--but I am not sure.  My plan is to do 1 final 10K OUTSIDE before the race next weekend!  I am feeling confident I can finish--even though my time will likely be in the way bottom 1/2--I am just hoping to cross the finish line in under 1:20.  My lofty goal is 1:10.  We shall see.  My Nike+ had my 10K last weekend at 1:10ish--but the treadmill said I still have like 1/2 a mile to go-so I started running again and clocked it in at 1:17.  Slow--but steady.  And it felt good!  So that was what meant the most to me! 

Here's the plan for the next week: Sunday--10K, Tuesday an easy 3 miles, Thursday an easy 2 miles/Group Centergy, Saturday RACE DAY!  I LOVE Group Centergy--and I was AMAZED at how STRONG I felt after just one class!!  So I am hoping that doing that on Thursday (and resting on Friday) will help me feel lean and strong!! :)

But--I gotta survive this tooth pain and silly cold thing I have going on.  Pushing through is what I am doing!

Leprechaun 10K

I am currently training for the Leprechaun Chase 10K on March 10th.  This is no easy task as far as I am concerned.  Up until last July I had never been a distance runner--let alone a runner at all!  I barely could walk a couple of miles let alone run them!!  So--you can imagine what its been like!

The last month has been up and down!  I had a wisdom tooth pulled the end of January--and ended up getting Vertigo a few weeks ago--my training has spotty!  But--I am so happy to say the last 2 weeks I have gotten some GREAT training in! :)

Last Sunday I ran 6.2 miles for the VERY first time!  I wanted to see A) how long it would take me and B) see how long 6.2 miles REALLY is! :P  I had also decided that I was going to take a different approach to my "long runs" (which I have always done on the weekends!).  I wear a heart rate strap/watch to monitor my heart rate while I run.  I got this fabulous watch for Christmas this year!  And I have done some research about heart rates and running.  I have watched my heart rate for a few weeks--and decided that my max heart rate sits at about 200.  Minimum I am not sure--but usually around 88/90.  My "optimal" heartrate--that I feel best when I am running and can keep my breathing and body in control is about 160.  So I decided to keep my heart rate at/around 160.  And I must say--I ran all but less than .1 of the run!  I was battling some crazy headwind and ended up getting a horrible side cramp I needed to walk/stretch it out!  Once that was accomplished I started running again!  I was shocked at how well my body performed and how "easy" (I say that lightly) it was to complete the full 6.2.  My time was super slow--coming in at just under 1:20.  For the 1st time ever running this distance--and the fact that I was basing my pace off of my heartrate I feel pretty good about this!

This week I have actually logged the most miles I think ever!  :)  Which--is awesome-and I really am feeling great!  I was a little worried that I would be dealing with some muscle issues with jumping into the 6.2 on Sunday--but in reality--aside from some major fatigue on Sunday evening afterwards--I have felt really good this week!

Tuesday I did my first ever speedwork!  I did this run on the treadmill and I think I will continue to do so because I am HORRIBLE at running a constant speed outside.  Although I may do some timed sprints vs. distance sprints--we shall see!  It was an interesting experience--and I hope to continue to do a speed workout at least once a week to not only improve speed but also help lengthen my stride!  The distance I was supposed to cover was 3 miles--I did a little over 3.5!

Yesterday I was scheduled a short 2 mile run, however we got a crazy snowstorm and I wasn't about to venture anywhere I didn't HAVE to be last night so I skipped it.  I decided to hit the gym again today and do two FAST miles.  This I believe is called a "tempo" run.  The research I have done about this says it helps to build your muscles lactic acid threshold.  Helping you "run through the pain" basically!  Even so--I ran 2 miles--averaging a 9:58 mile for both!  Which is AWESOME!! :)  And it was hard--but felt pretty good!  I wanted to stop halfway through--but I kept on pushing knowing that the end was in sight!! And 2 miles is pretty easy!

Total this week I logged about 12 miles--which doesn't seem like a lot--but this is likely my highest mileage week so far! :)  I can't wait to see that number continue to increase!!  :)

Oh--and I am sure you are wondering what the heck I am basing my mileage off of??  I am using the Hal Higdon 10K program.  The link is found here: Hal Higdon 10K Program  I intend to use his programs for both my 1/2 marathon training (that will start after this 10K in March) and the full marathon training (that will start at the end of June!)  I have heard great things--plus there are apps to go along with these programs!  Which, for me, is a TOTAL bonus! :)

Overall--I am getting excited for the Leprechaun Chase 10K in March!  I however, am NOT looking forward to getting another wisdom tooth pulled Tuesday.  Wish me luck--because I need to be back to running by Thursday to stay on track.  Eeks!

For the Love of the Kids 5K

My 2nd race of the year was a 5K on Valentine's Day!!  This was another virtual run, but this run was for a charity and had an entry fee along with it!  I though, got some fun goodies!  A technical shirt, an official bib, a finisher's certificate, and official race results posted!! :)  The great thing about virtual races--you can do them where ever!!  I opted to race indoors--because it snowed Monday--and while the temperature wasn't to bad at all on Tuesday--the roads still had some snow on them, and well, I was really hoping to PR for this race!!! :)

I decided to run my 5K on the treadmill at our local YMCA!  It was the best choice for me--and proved to me good! :)

My run started out really well!  I felt really good through mile 1!  I had really found my groove--and my music (Thank You Pandora Endurance Station!) was really keeping me going!  I was hoping to not walk any of my 5K--but at about 1/2 way through my heart rate was climbing really high--and I knew if I wanted to PR that I needed to take a short walk break to get my heart rate down.  I walked 1:30 seconds of my entire 5K.  Which, is good and bad.  After that walk break I made a vow that I was going to run the rest.  About 2.7 miles into my 3.1 race my heartrate was once again--in the 190's--so I decided to take a very short break.  I felt very defeated that I had to take yet ANOTHER walk break--so I made this one super short because well, I was SOOO close to the end.  I pushed hard--and I mean HARD the last 1/2 a mile or so (and my heartrate was showing it!!)--and the push PAID OFF!!  I ended up PR'ing at....

33:28

I haven't said much about my previous runs--but my very first race (a virtual put on by a friend) I logged in my 5K at 35:11 (I believe).  My 1st in person race--I logged in a time of 34:28--I was SHOCKED when I logged that time--I had been running pretty consistent 36:00 5K's the few weeks before--so it was pleasant surprise!!!!  SOO---if you take my 1st official timed race--to this one--From September 2011 to February 2012--I have lowered my 5K time by 1 full minute!!  Which, I thought was pretty darn good!  It is however, just a few seconds less than my November 5K time!

It was a good run--however I was noticing how crazy my heartrate was.  It was sitting for the majority of my run in the 170's.  And at the end (when I was really really really pushing) it was above 190!  Crazy right?!

Official race results were posted--and out of 193 participants I was ranked 102!  I was hoping for the top 1/2, but I think I came pretty darn close!!  And out of 156 women participants I ranked 75th!!!!  Which IS in the top half!! Woot woot!   I am completely happy with those results!!

My dad also ran the race "with" me--logging in a 35:11 5K time!  His 2nd best!!  I can't wait for our next race where we will be running together in person!! :)  My dad started his running journey with me when I was at his house--and he has been such a great running partner!  He and I continue to push each other in a positive direction!!!  We plan to complete the 12 races in 12 months goal TOGETHER! :)

I thank For the Love of the Kids for sponsoring a great race!!!

And finally--some pictures! :)

About Ready to get my Run on! :)

My race "trail"--the good ol' treadmill!

Thank you YMCA for a great run!  2 down--10 to go! :)

At home, with my race shirt and number! 

The Night Before a Race...

I am usually super nervous!  I get these butterfly's and its hard to sleep...I think about how Grandma would be feeling if she was here.  I think about how much I would love for her to be watching us race.  I often shed a tear or two--missing her, but knowing how she really is here with us.  Her spirit lives on through all of us--but especially in my boys.  It's amazing to see them--to watch Noah and Owen growing up--to hear Noah talking about her and the memories she made with him.  And Owen--oh man, Owen.  He will probably never remember her--he was too young--but man does he have her personality.  He is so fiesty--such a fighter--and such a silly goose!  He is just as stubborn as she was too!  Probably even more so!  And last night--he showed his true "Grandma Ginnis" personality by waking up around 10:30 wide awake--wanting to hang out and be a night owl!  Oh she would have just gobbled him up--spending all those hours watching movies with him--snuggling all his toddlerness!  Anyway...enough of that....

Tomorrow I will run my February race!! :)  It is the For the Love of the Children virtual race! :)  I am excited to run---but not so excited to be running it on the treadmill :(  We got snow today--and the roads are quite slick, plus--I have to run in the evening--and my town (which is very very small--and has very very very little crime) has been having some car break-ins and odd happenings going on, which makes me VERY VERY paranoid!  So--treadmill it is!  I am hoping it can help me log in an AWESOME run! 

Sunday my mother-in-law graciously offered to watch the boys to let Justin and I have the afternoon to go out to eat--I had made mention to Justin about wanting/needing to get a run in, but that I would like him to be there (in case I had an issue with my dizziness that is still hanging around)--he also wanted to beat my brother's time/distance from the night before--so off we headed to the local Y (We are YMCA members here--and most Y's have an "away" program) and off we ran!  I put in a good 5.65ish miles in about 1:15--my husband however put in 8.25 miles in 1:15!!!  How crazy is that?!  I was having a crazy time with the treadmill--so I stopped short of the 10K I was trying to run!  It was still a good (ish) run!  Especially for not running all the week before--I think I did pretty good!! 

I am looking forward to logging in a strong 5K time tomorrow!! :)  We shall see where the treadmill takes me! :P

Have a fabulous Valentine's Day everyone!