Totally forgot to put this up on Sunday night! This last week and a half flew by! I can't believe it's been almost a week since my 5K! As I headed into the final stretch, I took it easy, but still had a solid week!
Monday: REST
Tuesday: Weights/Spin/Core
900 calorie burn in just over 90 minutes on the bike. Awesome.
Wednesday: 20 minutes elliptical/Core
Recovery run on the elliptical, plus a core class. Nothing fancy.
Thursday: 2.47 mile run
My final training run, and this one ended up being a shakeout. At first I was disappointed with the pace (12:13/mile), but I think I needed a slower run. It also didn't help that I wasn't fully focused either.
Friday: REST
Saturday: Spring Into Summer 5K!
Sunday: REST
I could not have asked for the final week to go any better than it did. Even though I didn't get the PR I was chasing (read the race recap), it still turned out to be an awesome race! I can't wait to see what's next!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Saturday, May 4, 2013
2013 Spring Into Summer 5K (Middletown, NJ)
This was a race I wasn't sure would happen.
After I injured my knee back in August, I did a lot of soul searching, and seriously questioned whether or not I would run in 2013.
When the e-mail for this race popped up back in December, I knew right away that it screamed "comeback." After about two months of indecisiveness, I took the plunge and signed up. I spent those two months training and wondering if I made the right decision.
This morning, I knew I did.
The day started like most race days do. 6:30 wake up, breakfast, and checking my social media platforms. About an hour later, I was off to the race site!
Once I got there, it was a lot of walking around staying loose until lineup. Like last year, they ran the one mile race before the 5K. Watching the little kids run had to be the cutest thing ever. If only I started running when I was that little...
Not too long after that, it was time to lineup for the 5K. Two months and around 40 miles of training came down to one 3.1 mile run. If nerves didn't kick in before, they sure did just before the gun went off!
Next thing I knew, it was go time! My fourth 5K was underway.
I ran with my phone, as I did while I was training. I had my playlist uploaded on there and I was using RunKeeper to track my distance as best as possible. However, unlike training, I shut off the audio cues. They drove me crazy during training runs, and I didn't need or want any more stress.
I hit the first mile in just under 11:00. Like last year, I started a little too fast and this ended up being my fastest mile. Oh well. Something to work on for future races, I guess!
The second mile was the toughest, mentally and physically. I hit this one about 30 seconds slower than my first. Still, I was pushing for the PR.
Somehow, I went even slower on the third mile. I guess the fast first mile kicked me in the ass. That one was slightly slower until the last tenth.
I BOLTED that last tenth of a mile. I wanted to finish strong, and I felt that way crossing the finish line! My first three races I felt more relief than strength, but this year, I felt so strong and amazing!
When I stopped RunKeeper just after crossing, I ended that at 35:02, but it had a distance of 3.19 miles. I then realized that it was A LOT of zig-zagging, especially for the first half mile or so. Still, considering just six weeks ago I ran that exact distance 4:38 slower than today, I was VERY happy with that. I knew that no matter what the official time said, I had beat my Red Bank time from almost a year ago. In short, REDEMPTION AT LAST!!
I got my official time about four hours later. Clock time had me at 35:45, chip time at 34:57. Two seconds short of a PR, but I was still very happy with that time. I ran with my heart, gave it my all, and believed in myself at last!
About six weeks ago, I said I was done with running. Now, I am thinking otherwise. Granted, I won't make like last year and sign up for two more races in a seven week span, but I will leave the door open. If I see an opportunity and feel up to it, I might take advantage of it. Who knows? The road is long, and I'm not done yet!
Thank you everyone for supporting me throughout these last two months! Even this morning, as I was seeing tweets/Facebook posts on my phone this morning, it meant the world to me!
After I injured my knee back in August, I did a lot of soul searching, and seriously questioned whether or not I would run in 2013.
When the e-mail for this race popped up back in December, I knew right away that it screamed "comeback." After about two months of indecisiveness, I took the plunge and signed up. I spent those two months training and wondering if I made the right decision.
This morning, I knew I did.
The day started like most race days do. 6:30 wake up, breakfast, and checking my social media platforms. About an hour later, I was off to the race site!
Once I got there, it was a lot of walking around staying loose until lineup. Like last year, they ran the one mile race before the 5K. Watching the little kids run had to be the cutest thing ever. If only I started running when I was that little...
Not too long after that, it was time to lineup for the 5K. Two months and around 40 miles of training came down to one 3.1 mile run. If nerves didn't kick in before, they sure did just before the gun went off!
Next thing I knew, it was go time! My fourth 5K was underway.
I ran with my phone, as I did while I was training. I had my playlist uploaded on there and I was using RunKeeper to track my distance as best as possible. However, unlike training, I shut off the audio cues. They drove me crazy during training runs, and I didn't need or want any more stress.
I hit the first mile in just under 11:00. Like last year, I started a little too fast and this ended up being my fastest mile. Oh well. Something to work on for future races, I guess!
The second mile was the toughest, mentally and physically. I hit this one about 30 seconds slower than my first. Still, I was pushing for the PR.
Somehow, I went even slower on the third mile. I guess the fast first mile kicked me in the ass. That one was slightly slower until the last tenth.
I BOLTED that last tenth of a mile. I wanted to finish strong, and I felt that way crossing the finish line! My first three races I felt more relief than strength, but this year, I felt so strong and amazing!
When I stopped RunKeeper just after crossing, I ended that at 35:02, but it had a distance of 3.19 miles. I then realized that it was A LOT of zig-zagging, especially for the first half mile or so. Still, considering just six weeks ago I ran that exact distance 4:38 slower than today, I was VERY happy with that. I knew that no matter what the official time said, I had beat my Red Bank time from almost a year ago. In short, REDEMPTION AT LAST!!
I got my official time about four hours later. Clock time had me at 35:45, chip time at 34:57. Two seconds short of a PR, but I was still very happy with that time. I ran with my heart, gave it my all, and believed in myself at last!
About six weeks ago, I said I was done with running. Now, I am thinking otherwise. Granted, I won't make like last year and sign up for two more races in a seven week span, but I will leave the door open. If I see an opportunity and feel up to it, I might take advantage of it. Who knows? The road is long, and I'm not done yet!
Thank you everyone for supporting me throughout these last two months! Even this morning, as I was seeing tweets/Facebook posts on my phone this morning, it meant the world to me!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Spring Into Summer 5K Goals
In just less than 10 hours, I will be running my fourth 5K, and first in almost a year and my first post-injury race. While my training has had its ups and downs, I'm feeling strong going into tomorrow. Yet, there's still a little part of me that will be wondering if all that training was enough.
I have one main goal in mind tomorrow: Redemption.
I am running my first race since the heartbreak in Red Bank last June, and my first since I got hurt in August. While the whole "As long as you finish" thing is something that I KNOW I can do, I not only want to finish, I want to beat the time from last June (35:51).
Still, I do have some other hopes for this race:
1) Finish. Yes, I know I've done longer in training, but anything can happen, and I want to be able to complete the race.
2) Finish between 34:56-35:50. This would not put me in PR range, but would beat my Red Bank time.
3) PR-34:30-34:55. Based on most training runs, this looks realistic. I would need to maintain a 11:06-11:15 mile. I would totally take that!
4) PR-34:00-34:29. I would need to run below 11:00/mile. I can do it, but it's been inconsistent. Still, if I feel it tomorrow, I'm going for it!
5) PR-below 34:00. Hey, a girl can dream, right? ;-)
I just want to thank everyone for all the love and support going into tomorrow. You guys are the best! Just for that, I'm leaving you with a special treat: Flat Tracy, who is ready to ROCK tomorrow! =D
I have one main goal in mind tomorrow: Redemption.
I am running my first race since the heartbreak in Red Bank last June, and my first since I got hurt in August. While the whole "As long as you finish" thing is something that I KNOW I can do, I not only want to finish, I want to beat the time from last June (35:51).
Still, I do have some other hopes for this race:
1) Finish. Yes, I know I've done longer in training, but anything can happen, and I want to be able to complete the race.
2) Finish between 34:56-35:50. This would not put me in PR range, but would beat my Red Bank time.
3) PR-34:30-34:55. Based on most training runs, this looks realistic. I would need to maintain a 11:06-11:15 mile. I would totally take that!
4) PR-34:00-34:29. I would need to run below 11:00/mile. I can do it, but it's been inconsistent. Still, if I feel it tomorrow, I'm going for it!
5) PR-below 34:00. Hey, a girl can dream, right? ;-)
I just want to thank everyone for all the love and support going into tomorrow. You guys are the best! Just for that, I'm leaving you with a special treat: Flat Tracy, who is ready to ROCK tomorrow! =D
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Foodie Pen Pals: April 2013
Hi, everybody! It's the end of the month, which means Foodie Pen Pals reveal day!
My box this month comes from Kathy, who, believe it or not, was my first Foodie Pen Pal recipient! Small world, huh? ;-)
Anyway, I got my box and it was full of nuts (literally). All of it was Trader Joe's stuff, which was awesome since I really can't get to the one in my area.
My box this month comes from Kathy, who, believe it or not, was my first Foodie Pen Pal recipient! Small world, huh? ;-)
Anyway, I got my box and it was full of nuts (literally). All of it was Trader Joe's stuff, which was awesome since I really can't get to the one in my area.
- Cashew Pieces. Yummy!
- Mixed Nuts with Peanuts. The bag had (besides peanuts) almonds, pecans, and Brazil nuts. Can't go wrong here!
- Candied Pecans. One word: Amazing!
- Sunflower Seeds. I was never really a fan of them, but these were good.
For more information about Foodie Pen Pals (and about how you can sign up for May), check out Lindsay's page over at The Lean Green Bean! =D
Monday, April 29, 2013
2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training: Week 7
My focus on this week was recovery, which worked well in the beginning, but not so much toward the end. I just listened to my body and ran when it felt good.
Monday: Core + 20 minutes elliptical
Definitely an active recovery day. I did a quick 20 minutes on the elliptical, focusing on maintaining a lower heart rate while staying in motion. After that, I did a core class.
Tuesday: Spin (90 minutes) + Core
Usual Tuesday night routine. I wasn't feeling it at first, but I stuck with it!
Wednesday: REST
Thursday: REST
Friday: 2.67 mile run.
This run had "shakeout" written all over it. Pace was slow (11:54/mile), but at least I ran negative splits, which is something I want to accomplish on race day!
Saturday: Weights + Spin + Core
Only a 60 minute spin on Saturday morning, but I still made every second count! I lifted before, and did a core class after.
Sunday: 2 mile run
This run was unplanned, but it was so nice out yesterday, that I couldn't say no to a run! So I went out for a quick two miles. Pace was about what I want on race day (11:22/mile), but without negative splits. I guess consistency will be the name of the game this week.
Officially in race week! Five days to go, and I couldn't be more excited! I have been waiting for this moment for almost a year, partially for redemption from June, and partially to get back to a race!
Monday: Core + 20 minutes elliptical
Definitely an active recovery day. I did a quick 20 minutes on the elliptical, focusing on maintaining a lower heart rate while staying in motion. After that, I did a core class.
Tuesday: Spin (90 minutes) + Core
Usual Tuesday night routine. I wasn't feeling it at first, but I stuck with it!
Wednesday: REST
Thursday: REST
Friday: 2.67 mile run.
This run had "shakeout" written all over it. Pace was slow (11:54/mile), but at least I ran negative splits, which is something I want to accomplish on race day!
Saturday: Weights + Spin + Core
Only a 60 minute spin on Saturday morning, but I still made every second count! I lifted before, and did a core class after.
Sunday: 2 mile run
This run was unplanned, but it was so nice out yesterday, that I couldn't say no to a run! So I went out for a quick two miles. Pace was about what I want on race day (11:22/mile), but without negative splits. I guess consistency will be the name of the game this week.
Officially in race week! Five days to go, and I couldn't be more excited! I have been waiting for this moment for almost a year, partially for redemption from June, and partially to get back to a race!
Monday, April 22, 2013
2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training Week 6
Six weeks down, two to go, and I'm feeling stronger than ever! =D
Monday: Core + Kick
Monday's core was not one for beginners! My instructor was testing the October release, and it is definitely an advanced one! As often as I've done core classes, I still felt lost with this one! Kick was tough as well, but I din't feel as lost. Still a solid hour and change of training though.
Tuesday: Spin + Core
My shoulder was sore from kick on Monday, so I didn't get any lifting in like I usually do on Tuesdays. I just did my usual spin and core.
Wednesday: REST
Thursday: 3.51 mile run
This run was planned, but the distance was not. It was one of those where I started, and sort of underestimated the distance. So I ran about a mile more than I planned. Oops. Let's just say I was feeling this one for awhile...
Friday: REST
Saturday: REST
Sunday: 2 mile run
Well, this one was a little over two miles. My pace overall was 11:14/mile! I just wanted to let out some adrenaline, and that I did! If I can maintain this, I see myself PR'ing my 5K!
Overall, I'm happy with this week! Yes, I slacked in the strength training area, but I didn't want to aggravate my shoulder. With less than two weeks to go, I don't want to risk injury of any kind! It's crunch time now, and I'm taking this coming week as active recovery before I hit the final stretch. We'll see how well it goes.
Monday: Core + Kick
Monday's core was not one for beginners! My instructor was testing the October release, and it is definitely an advanced one! As often as I've done core classes, I still felt lost with this one! Kick was tough as well, but I din't feel as lost. Still a solid hour and change of training though.
Tuesday: Spin + Core
My shoulder was sore from kick on Monday, so I didn't get any lifting in like I usually do on Tuesdays. I just did my usual spin and core.
Wednesday: REST
Thursday: 3.51 mile run
This run was planned, but the distance was not. It was one of those where I started, and sort of underestimated the distance. So I ran about a mile more than I planned. Oops. Let's just say I was feeling this one for awhile...
Friday: REST
Saturday: REST
Sunday: 2 mile run
Well, this one was a little over two miles. My pace overall was 11:14/mile! I just wanted to let out some adrenaline, and that I did! If I can maintain this, I see myself PR'ing my 5K!
Overall, I'm happy with this week! Yes, I slacked in the strength training area, but I didn't want to aggravate my shoulder. With less than two weeks to go, I don't want to risk injury of any kind! It's crunch time now, and I'm taking this coming week as active recovery before I hit the final stretch. We'll see how well it goes.
Monday, April 15, 2013
2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training Week 5
Solid week of training with almost no pain! With just less than three weeks to race day, this is AWESOME!!
Monday: REST
Monday: REST
Tuesday: Core + 2.15 mile run
I had a Tuesday off for the first time in ages. I went to the gym in the morning for that core class. I followed that with a 2.15 mile run on the treadmill. I completed that in 30 minutes, and felt strong, but slow. Proof that I hate treadmills. =P
Wednesday: 2.71 mile run
I try not to run on consecutive days, but since I was unsure when I would get another chance to, I decided to go for it. Right choice indeed. I completed this one in 32:05 (11:50/mile). Consistently maintaining a sub 12:00/mile now! Huge for my confidence.
I try not to run on consecutive days, but since I was unsure when I would get another chance to, I decided to go for it. Right choice indeed. I completed this one in 32:05 (11:50/mile). Consistently maintaining a sub 12:00/mile now! Huge for my confidence.
Thursday: Weights + Spin + Core
I skipped Tuesday spin since I had to get the cleats on my spin shoes replaced (but that's another post), plus I knew I was going on Saturday. So, I went to the Thursday class instead. Class was the same as the Saturday before (test release), but with my new shoes. It felt weird, but awesome at the same time. I did weights before and core after.
I skipped Tuesday spin since I had to get the cleats on my spin shoes replaced (but that's another post), plus I knew I was going on Saturday. So, I went to the Thursday class instead. Class was the same as the Saturday before (test release), but with my new shoes. It felt weird, but awesome at the same time. I did weights before and core after.
Friday: REST
Saturday: Weights + Spin + Core
Different spin class than Thursday, but it was still awesome! The format got changed (ten tracks as opposed to just nine), but honestly, I feel like that made the class go faster! I also did my usual weights and core.
Different spin class than Thursday, but it was still awesome! The format got changed (ten tracks as opposed to just nine), but honestly, I feel like that made the class go faster! I also did my usual weights and core.
Sunday: 2.63 mile run
I broke an 11:00 mile! Okay, barely (10:58), but I still did it! I felt incredibly strong during this outing, and feel myself coming back to where I was last year! I completed this one in 30:09 (11:29/mile pace), putting me within seconds of the pace when I PR'd my 5K last year (11:26/mile).
As the race gets closer, the weather finally broke, my adrenaline is surging, and my confidence is stronger than ever! I'm right where I want to be, and with 19 days to go, this is a beautiful thing!
I broke an 11:00 mile! Okay, barely (10:58), but I still did it! I felt incredibly strong during this outing, and feel myself coming back to where I was last year! I completed this one in 30:09 (11:29/mile pace), putting me within seconds of the pace when I PR'd my 5K last year (11:26/mile).
As the race gets closer, the weather finally broke, my adrenaline is surging, and my confidence is stronger than ever! I'm right where I want to be, and with 19 days to go, this is a beautiful thing!
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