50k training: weeks 4 & 5

It's hard to believe that I'm only 5 weeks into this new adventure.

Week 4 was tough. On Friday, I ran the trail by my house twice and oh boy was it hard. My legs were dead going into Saturday's 16 miler. The first few miles went something like this : "this sucks", "why am I doing this?", "a 50k? really Lauren?", "I'm never going to finish this freaking race", "This is never going to happen".

The thing is, I had these SAME exact thoughts the first time I trained for a half and then again a year later when I trained for my first full marathon. The SAME doubts, fears, and worries. Every time I did a long run, I would count the amount of miles left to reach the race distance and I would totally panic.

So I went into week 5 feeling pretty defeated. On Tuesday, I shut my alarm off and went back to sleep. Of course, I now have a treadmill in my basement so after I dropped people off at school and put people down for naps, I put on Fuller House and cried and laughed through 6 miles.

My knee has been barking a little lately so I skipped trails on Friday and has a MUCH better run on Saturday. Getting up at 3:50 a.m. to run 18 miles sucks any way you look at it but I got it done and didn't feel like garbage afterwards.

My husband left today to visit his parents, so this week will be a "Let's Celebrate the Treadmill" week. All I'm going to say is thank goodness for Netflix.

Week 6

4, 4, 4, trails, 20

previous post: Product Review: Flip Belt

Product Review: Flip Belt

 I didn't know I needed this until I got one. 

photo courtesy of Flip Belt 

Say hello to your new best friend: the Flip Belt.

Seriously, if you run with stuff, you need this belt.

It holds giant smart phones, keys, money - anything you might need to take with you while on a run.

And in comes in so many colors! So many pretty colors. 

So, not only is it pretty but it's practical. 

Per their website: 

How is FlipBelt Different?

WEAR IT HOW YOU WANT IT.

You can turn it so that the pockets are facing outwards for easy access or turn it inwards to safeguard your items. There’s no right or wrong way to wear a FlipBelt (well, we wouldn’t recommend it for headgear), so you can customize it to your liking.

IT WON'T BUDGE.

Many of our customers have agreed with us when we say that the FlipBelt stays where you want it. That’s important when you’re moving fast. So go ahead—do some jumping jacks. Climb a mountain. Bike down a mountain trail. Your stuff will stay put no matter what you’re doing with a FlipBelt.

BE LIGHT ON YOUR FEET.

Other belts and pouches have their own heft. Some people complain that armbands, which are fairly heavy, makes activities a little bit lopsided. The FlipBelt, made of micro-poly and lycra, is a featherweight in comparison.

STRETCH IT TO FIT.

The material used for our belt is super stretchy, so you can comfortably fit a gigantic iPhone 6+ inside, along with all your other necessities!

All of it is true. every. single. word.

I have used it twice so far and am quite satisfied with this nifty little thing. The first time I used it, I had to adjust it a few times to find a comfortable spot but once I did - it was golden. Being able to run with my phone, something I never do, made me feel safer while running on a somewhat secluded trail. Being able to carry money with me to make a pit stop at the supermarket while out on a run was great. I love knowing that my car key was safe and sound and not at the mercy of a flimsy pocket.  

It's not just for running. It would be perfect for the gym or for running errands. 

It really is kind of perfect.

So, what are you waiting for? Go get one! 

You won't regret it.

previous post: 50k training: weeks 2 & 3

50k training: weeks 2 & 3

Week 2 was cold. Below freezing on the morning I was supposed to run with the boys in the stroller. I determined that no one had time for toddler popsicles so I ran later that night at the gym on the treadmill. The rest of the week was uneventful.

I spent week 3 in Ohio visiting my in-laws. After being diagnosed with breast cancer 18 months ago, my mother in law has been referred to hospice care. I was hoping our visit would uplift their spirits and give me something to do other then clench my teeth and be sad. I knew that it would be difficult to get my miles in so I went into the week with a loose schedule and a relaxed frame of mind. Thankfully, my father in law understands my need to run and was super helpful and willing to watch the kids so I could go for a quick run.

I ended up with 8 miles - 1 run done during a snowstorm and the other on beautifully plowed streets. The kids kindly shared, what I affectionately call the CRUD (nighttime vomiting and diarrhea), with the rest of the household so I lost a day to laying around trying to staying alive. After a 13 1/2 hr trip home, I made the wise decision to skip my long run on Saturday and sleep.

So, we're starting Week 4 with fresh legs AND a new treadmill! Yes, I have become one of THOSE people. My amazing husband bought me a treadmill, a NordicTrack 1650c, to be exact.

I'm looking forward to using it on those days when I need to split my miles into two runs and when it's in everyone's best interest for the boys to have their morning nap. I will post a review after I've put a few miles on it. Fingers crossed it does all the fabulous things that its supposed to do.

Week 4

6, 4, 4, trails, 16


previous post: 50k training: week 1

50k training: week 1

It was an interesting week.

On Tuesday, when my alarm went off at 4:50 am, I seriously considered skipping my run. I got over myself and ran 6 miles. 

On Wednesday morning, it was pouring and 60 degrees. Humidity in January. Why hello global warming, how are you? Wednesday is my stroller run day and even though I have a weather shield, I thought it would be cruel to drag the boys out in the monsoon. Then it started thundering and the decision was made for me. 

Thankfully, the weather cleared up and I was able to squeeze in 4 miles before dinner. As I was crossing the street I ran into a pack of college runners and like a total dork I attempted to keep up with them. They ran a sub 7:30 min pace like it was nothing. It probably was an easy day for them. Not so much for me. I had to practice my yoga breathing: In 1, 2, 3 Out 1, 2, 3. It made for the fastest 4 miles I have run in quite a while.

Thursday was a nice, wonderful early morning run with my running partner. Running with her guarantees that I get out of bed even though I'm on my 3rd day of running in a row. Plus, she makes me happy so it's a win/win.

I was able to squeeze in a trail run on Friday despite a crazy schedule, thanks to my obliging husband. When I create these training schedules or plan these races, I tend to forget that my family "runs" these miles with me. I never cross those finish lines by myself. If they weren't so supportive, I wouldn't be able to do this - it's that simple.

Saturday's long run was 10 miles. My running partner was down for the count with a stomach flu, so I was all by my lonesome. They were slow, uneventful miles but I got them done. 

Overall, it was a good week. It was a nice start to this crazy, chock full of miles schedule I have going on over here. My left knee is a tad bit unhappy but thankfully only after a run, not during. I'm icing it and blowing it kisses so it feels loved and appreciated. 

This week is the same weekly mileage, with 12 miles for my long run. The weather should be cooperative and I'm giving myself permission to hit the snooze button once.

Have a great week!

Week 2

6, 4, 4, Trails (2 and a little extra), 12

previous post: I signed up for ultramarathon

I signed up for an ultramarathon.

Yesterday, I paid money to run in the woods for hours on a Saturday morning in June.

I signed up for a 50k.

31 miles.

Training starts tomorrow. LOL.

This whole thing is a bit surreal. This is not my first attempt at an ultra distance. I got into about 3 weeks of training in 2013 before I was sidelined with bursitis and then the news of baby #3.

A part of me is afraid that I'm jinxed. That something will happen and I won't get to the starting line. As I was brainstorming my training plan, I started to get overwhelmed. I took a deep breath and made myself a promise: I will take this 1 run at a time, 1 day at a time. I will only worry about the run I need to complete that day. Obsessing and worrying about monster miles in future will only cause me grief.

I'm going to be honest here: I am venturing into unknown territory. I'm going to be running A LOT. I'm not sure how my body or mind is going to handle this new challenge. I am hoping to post weekly about my training but I'm not making any promises. I'm probably going to be really tired. like all the time.

This week's mileage is pretty low key and a good entry into the training plan I've MacGyvered for myself. One of my biggest challenges is that I'm a domestic engineering goddess of 3 kids. I can either run early, run late, or drag a double stroller along. Generally, I will be running 5 days a week; T/Th/Sat will be early morning runs. Wednesdays with be stroller runs as I'm only willing to sacrifice morning toddler naps once a week. I'm not a masochist. Fridays will be afternoon trail runs. There will also be mommy naps. and coffee drinks. and a lot of running related laundry.

I'm nervous. and excited. and scared. and curious. and happy. and so many other feelings. This is going to be epic.

Week 1
6, 4, 4, Trails (distance varies), 10

previous post: a hard decision that wasn't really hard 

It doesn't escape me that my previous post was all about how tired I was and how I needed a break and now I'm going to run a 50k. Pretty much the definition of irony huh?

a hard decision that wasn't really hard

I've decided to not run the marathon this weekend.

and I am completely, totally, and utterly ok with it.

Really, I am.

Even before I found out my poor running partner and fellow road tripper had bronchitis, I was dreading the whole thing. 

The 7.5 hr car trip.

Running another 26.2 miles after months and months of training and racing. 

I could drag my husband and children to Mississippi, 4 days after traveling 13 hours and attempt to sleep in a hotel room with said children but I'm not insane. or cruel.

I want to sleep in on Saturday, run a reasonable, enjoyable amount of miles, and then spend the day with my family.

This is the first time I have ever felt this way about a race. I've been anxious and nervous but never this apathetic. 

That was sign #1 that I should probably throw in the towel and call it a day. 

Sign #2 was my feeling of contentment at the thought of not running the marathon.

Sign #3 was my wonky, achy knee and tight calves.

I'm proud of myself for recognizing the signs and making the right decision. Runners, particularly long distance runners, refuse to give up. We grit our teeth, put our heads down, and power through. But not this runner, not this time. 

Besides, I need time to rest up for the 50k that I'm crazily thinking about signing up for.

previous post: Product Review: Garmin Vivofit 2

Product Review: Garmin Vivofit 2

So Jawbone and I have a little bit of bad blood.

I'm on my 4th tracker. I'm such a sucker. I call customer service all indignant and ready to make a scene and then the phone call ends with me agreeing to give them another try. It's embarrassing.

You can read about our history here and here.

Currently, I have the MOVE. I love the little clip action. It's discreet, easy to use, and in the beginning worked perfectly fine. It uses a watch battery which is easy to replace and lasts a reasonably decent amount of time. Well, it says its supposed to last a reasonable amount of time but it lies. Then about 4 weeks ago, the device itself, stopped showing me data. It is supposed to tell time, my steps etc... now it shares NOTHING. It still connects to my phone but now I need to manually put it in sleep mode, which is just aggravating.

bad blood.

I was in the car with my Mom, driving to get some curtains, when she told me she bought some activity thingamajigger. Um. ok. Which one? She had no idea but told me to check QVC on my phone because it was the deal of the day. Turns out it was the Garmin Vivofit 2. They were selling it at a great price, with a bunch of extra bands and she kindly offered to get me one.

picture courtesy of Garmin.com

I have this crippling inability to let go of things. It's not a hoarder situation, I just hate giving up on something. I really, really, really like Jawbone's app. It's so pretty and easy to use. It gives me all the information I need and nothing that I don't. Garmin's app is like Jawbone's uptight, older, over achieving brother. It's dark, and filled with graphs, and tables. It's boring. Efficient but boring. It's the opposite of fun. I wish there was an option for a sparkly, unicorn, glitter Garmin app because I would totally go for that one.

The Vivofit itself is a neat little device. Comfortable to wear and not too difficult to get on with one hand. It gives me all the information I need and even beeps at me when I'm being lazy. Because I am an uber weirdo, I am NOT using it as my running watch because I can't convince myself that my activity tracker can also function as my running watch even though I have no valid reason to back that up. So I'm still wearing a separate watch and carrying my handy dandy little Vivofit (it pops out of the bracelet and easily fits in those tiny little pockets they put in running clothes that I can't find any other use for) in my pocket. 

I tweeted Garmin that they should hire someone to make their app more pretty and then I was horrified when they responded. They asked me to make a formal appeal to their design team and all I'm thinking is how am I going to explain to a bunch of serious athletes that they should make their app as if UniKitty from the LEGO movie was in charge? Not sure how well that would go over.

this is me.

this is the Garmin design team when I tell them their app makes me sad

 
*photos of  happy & angry UniKitty courtesy of Lego

previous post: Year in Review: 2015