Recap!

The Hampton's Half was killer! I'm so glad I signed up for this. I originally though I would be running with some friends, but ended up going solo which was ok. I knew some people from Team in Training that were there, so I at least had some people to cheer me on (thanks Vinny and Robin). All in all it was a good time. I was a little shocked by the hills/inclines, I had read on the FB discussion board that there were some gentle rollers, no biggie, right? But there were more than a few rollers, my quads are still screaming! I'm OK with elevation, I kind of like it. Plus I had ran the Kings Park 15k course the week before, which is hella hilly, so I was prepared. (and to be honest the rollers were long gradual inclines, which I think for me are worse than hills).

The course itself was pretty sweet. Beautiful scenery, some trails, lots of woods, a brief run by the water (I think the full participants had better water views). Some may find this boring, and there weren't tons of spectators (but just enough to feel some love out there), but for me it was perfect as I tend to get into my own zone on long runs.

The beginning of the race was good, although I probably went out a little too fast, I think I was sub 10 for most of the first 6 miles. I ran with a pack and felt confident and strong.

I was feeling a little lethargic around mile 8, right when we came out of the woods, but then I was back to my good ol' self. Miles 11 to the end were a little hard, but I kept a steady pace. Coming through the finish shoot I completely forgot to give the bullhorns and a smile, I was done, pooped, cooked....no more energy.

The swag bags were really nice, aside form the finishers medals we got a pair of too big flops, a beach towel, t-shirt and a nice drawstring bag. Nice schtuff if I do say so myself! Actually, this might be the nicest medal I have ever earned!!

Overall, it was a great day and I am happy with my PR. I was hoping for tight 10 minute miles, but the "rollers" got to me. Next weekend is the Entenmann's Half which is totally flat, I'm hoping to PR yet again (crossing fingers!!)...

**image from the HHM Facebook page

Holy Shit That Was Hilly! Hampton's Half Recap and a PR!

Ok, so I though the half was going to be flat, or relatively flat. Wow I was so wrong! Great race though! And I PR'd!! Race report to come, I'm pooped!!

Race stats:
Hampton Half Marathon
Finish: 2:17:45
Pace: 10:33
Weather: Sunny, crisp, 59ish degrees

Hampton's Half Marathon

This time tomorrow I will be halfway done with the half!! I'm really looking forward to this run!!! I am having some weird foot pain, but I've been "rolling" and resting - haven't ran since Monday, although standing on my feet at a trade show probably didn't help!

I'm crossing my fingers that my times are ok. I am hoping for straight 10 minute miles, and if the New Haven 20k was any indication, it could happen!! I'm ok if it doesn't though, either way I am prepared for a great, strong finish!!

Monday Funday

I am not a Monday Hater. Seriously, I really don't mind getting up and heading back to work. It's the only structured routine I follow, and I kinda like it!! Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love the weekend, but Mondays are not as killer as they could be.

This weekend was pretty low key. I took Thurs and Fri off workout wise which felt good, considering I had been super active all week. Sat I went up to Kings Park to run the 15k course. Sweet Jesus this was literally 9.5 miles of hills, serious hills. I was a little nervous heading up there for the run, but I like hills and my running has been solid, so I knew I would be ok. Plus, I was running with a teammate who was running 20 at a slower pace so I knew I would have someone to run with. I have to say, although long, this might be my favorite new run. It was definitely a challenge, but I managed all of the hills and kept up a decent pace. I might try to run this on the regular if I can find people to run it with - I had no idea where I was!

I have a busy work week ahead of me but my goal is to not let it effect my workout schedule (yes, I said schedule, trying to actually follow one). Tonight I have dance, tomorrow track workout, Weds a 3 or 4 mile run and weights, then off Thurs and Fri (biz trip) and then the Hampton's Half on Sat. Woo-hoo!!!

Coach Envy

I am a fly by the seat of my pants type of exerciser. I download training plan, after training plan, but never follow. I make up as I go along, or I slack. It's like I get super defiant around structured working out (hello....what am I, 5). I also read a certain blogger, that to be honest, I can't stand (ok, I shouldn't have said that, I think I'm just jealous, hey, I'm honest!)....but she has a coach and now I think I want one too (actually running bloggers galore have coaches come to think of it).

So do I have coach envy? Or am I coming to the realization that defiance is my enemy and I'm not getting any fitter doing it my own way? Not sure.

I've been participating in a blogger weight loss challenge - I have gained, not a-lot, only 4oz, but still! It's terrible when that happens, but I decided this week to be on point, and of course wasn't. Maybe a coach would keep me in line?

So for now, I am going to ponder the coach thing and maybe download another training plan. I have a du coming up in Oct. I did my first (sort of) brick last night at the gym - intense spin class right into a fast run. I somehow manage to pull off my events, the 3 half's I ran this spring/summer were fairly successful (crossing my fingers for the Hampton's Half next weekend), but I can't help but wonder what my times/stamina/life would have been like if I really followed everything the smart coach guy told me to do?

Stratton Faxon 20k - A Blister Free Good Time!

Monday was the Stratton Faxon 20k up in New Haven - honestly, my best distance run of the season! Temps were perfect, not too hot, no humidity, no rain! I couldn't have asked for a better day!

I had been looking into this race and I have to say it's my new favorite. I got a chance to spend some time with my BF and her kids which was great and got to run in a totally new environment. I now fully understand people who dream of running marathons/races in all 50 states. I met some great people, learned about other people's struggles - a guy who was running with a team was in the throes of cancer...totally tear jerker as they were calling his name as he crossed the finish. I met a woman who thought she broke her ankle but was walking on it anyway...I have to say, running the 2 half marathons in NYC have been more of a solo experience, this was so different.

The spectators were also really awesome. We were running through some poorer areas, where I'm guessing many people don't run through...the people that lived there were by far the most enthusiastic...having their own cheer sections and water stops. It was great! I felt a real sense of community, which is one of the main things I love about running. One of the best water stations was on Elm street, the whole block was out, almost forming a little tunnel - people on both sides of the street with water and some of the funniest signs I have seen in a while.

The run itself was a little hilly, I think they bill it as "flat and fast" - not so sure about that. There were about 3 or 4 hills, nothing to write home about, but certainly not flat (2 of them were actually legit hills). A bunch of bands on course as well as bagpipers around mile 10 or 11. And a Gu station, with plenty of Gu...they really stocked up!!

For me, this was by far my best run in awhile. I maintained a consistent pace and did not walk at all, I did slow down at the water stops, but I was consistent and I felt great. I also managed a blister free (for the most part) run!! Thank you Wright Socks!!! I ALWAYS get gnarly blisters on the tips of my second toes and the ball of my foot. I glide, have proper fitting sneaks and socks....it's terrible! Not so with the Wright Socks. My second toes were a little tender, but not nearly as bad as usual....yay for double layer blister protection!!

So for the official stats:
Date: Sept 7, 2009
Distance: 20k
Time: 2:06:25
Pace: 10:17 (I'll take it)

All This Food Blog Reading Is Making Me Hungry!

I've been seriously following a bunch of food blogs (what?!? work has been slow). I love reading about how people fuel their bodies, it has given me lots of new ideas (chia seeds for ex). BUT and this is a big but, some of the blogs are eerily similar, it's like these girls all meet, discuss their food, take the same "food porn" shots and then hang out after and binge on ice cream....ok, maybe not the last part, but I still think it's a little weird. Although, I guess the same thing could be said about running blogs...so who am I to judge?

The weight loss challenge is moving along, although this week I probably stayed the same, which is totally ok. I'm taking it slow and steady....

I'm heading up to CT to spend time with the BFF then run a 20k in New Haven on Monday. I'm super excited as this will be the first distance race that I have done that will not be freakishly hot and humid. Yippie!!

Have a happy and safe Labor day!! Do something fun, will ya!!

Chia Seeds...Anyone?

Some days I think no one reads my boring little blog, then BAM I get a few comments....someone, anyone, please comment on this - chia seeds, how do you incorporate them into your diet? Do you make that weird gel or just sprinkle them in your food?

Running tonight up in Northport (Cow Harbor training).

I've also decided to run the Stratton Faxon New Haven Road Race. It's a 20k which fits right into my training schedule (if you could even call it a schedule...). I'll head up Sun night to spend time with my BFF and her kids, should be a fun one!