It has been two and half weeks since my 2nd half marathon! Yikes!
I had planned on running at least a mile during the week following the race, but that didn't happen. My back ended up being pretty tight from not just running, but the crazy heat. Not that that was my excuse all week seeing how that only last two days.
But last week I got back onto the treadmill and did a mile, and I did pretty well. And that was it for the week. Well, I did do one Hip Hop Abs video last week as well.
Over the weekend I went to the Taylor Swift concert with my cousin, it was a good time! Carly Simon made an appearance to perform a duet, singing her famous "You're So Vein" which was awesome!!
This week was the beginning of a new week, at least that is what I have been telling myself. But I am off to a good start. Monday I ran two miles, slow...then did 30 minutes of hip hop abs. Today I only did 2 miles, and a few ab workouts, but nothing long or repetitive. Tomorrow I have to work both jobs, so there is no time for a work out. Thursday although I have some errands and cleaning to do, I am hoping to fit in a run and a video work out.
What I thought was interesting, was the difference in my runs from yesterday to today. I changed the route up a little, instead of doing two loops (Monday), today I ran part of the loop, down a hill then back up. I still did better today than yesterday.
Friday we leave for Cape Cod for the week (crossing fingers for the whole week). Since we will have to whole week instead of only a few days, I am definitely going to get some running in. My sister will be with us and will hopefully join me on a run, or going biking while I run. I actually have been thinking about trying a morning run, sometime before everyone else wakes up, then doing a couple things in the small gym at the resort we stay at then jumping into the pool! I figure that is a great way to end a workout before breakfast and a shower!
I am tempted to try running on the beach, but that might be a no-go, I might just stick to the leisurely walks on the beach, those seem to be more enjoyable. If I run on the beach, maybe I will go before sundown, it might be more scenic.
Have you run on the beach before? Did you like it, did you not? Barefoot or sneakers?
-Stephanie
Showing posts with label Old Port Half Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Old Port Half Marathon. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon
1/2 Marathon #2 in the books! I have to say it was tougher than my first, but I finished and that is what really counts! As much as I feel bad about how I had to complete it, I know I am not alone and that makes me feel better, and I feel good about doing it and don't regret it! I have some thoughts to share and then some pictures I will share!
So once we arrived at the race, it was kind of a race to get to packet pick up and a bag check sort of thing, then to get in line! My friend Ben, who is a faster runner than I, was telling me that we were going to start together in the 9:30 pace group, I then replied by laughing in his face..but then found myself there anyways. I think that could have be a contributing factor to the way I felt...but whatever. So from the start my knee also was bothering me, both of them. Not in pain, but just a weird annoying feeling. Which when I asked the medical tent at the finish they said it was probably my knees spasming..which I have never experienced...at least not constantly for 6 MILES!
The worst was after mile two we began to ascend a huge hill that I will never be a fan of. Instead of walking, it felt more like a climb...
It is hard to tell a bit, but all up the road is only PART of the hill...the rest continues to climb up through that park up ahead.
But I made it up, got to a water stop and continued to walk myself through the fatigue and then run downhill at a point.
We then met up with mile 5, which thank goodness for a port-a-potty! Having to pee affected me a bit, but I didn't really have time when I first got to the race to go, so that didn't help either. While in line, I started talking to two girls who I had seen for a while. They invited me to run a 3min run/2min walk pace with them. I was all for it, but my knees weren't.
So this is where I feel disappointed. At mile 6, after passing the start/finish line area, I decided to walk to mile 7 in hopes of running again. Well...that didn't really pan out. From then on I was A LOT! I couldn't help it, it was so hot...and not having much shade along the course wasn't helpful. I did get to see some pretty sights, but I was feeling down on myself about walking, and tried to run here and there when I felt good enough too, especially if there was any down hill parts...that made things easier.
As I had said in a previous post, I was hoping to finish in 3 hours maximum, but I finished in 3:21:27. I will take it. I wasn't the only one who slowed down. People who normally finish in 90min, finished in 2 hours. I wasn't the only one who pretty much walked the last 4 miles either, which helped me regain some confidence in my wise choice, and I am glad I did and didn't end up being on of the 5+ people who were sent to the hospital for heat exhaustion! So I have to say that I am not disappointed, but only wished that I could have run more of the course than walked! And I am sure I am not alone in that thought!
I would have to say that if it is cooler, I would do it again! Which is a good feeling!
Enjoy the photos!
Laying out the night before!
So once we arrived at the race, it was kind of a race to get to packet pick up and a bag check sort of thing, then to get in line! My friend Ben, who is a faster runner than I, was telling me that we were going to start together in the 9:30 pace group, I then replied by laughing in his face..but then found myself there anyways. I think that could have be a contributing factor to the way I felt...but whatever. So from the start my knee also was bothering me, both of them. Not in pain, but just a weird annoying feeling. Which when I asked the medical tent at the finish they said it was probably my knees spasming..which I have never experienced...at least not constantly for 6 MILES!
The worst was after mile two we began to ascend a huge hill that I will never be a fan of. Instead of walking, it felt more like a climb...
It is hard to tell a bit, but all up the road is only PART of the hill...the rest continues to climb up through that park up ahead.
But I made it up, got to a water stop and continued to walk myself through the fatigue and then run downhill at a point.
We then met up with mile 5, which thank goodness for a port-a-potty! Having to pee affected me a bit, but I didn't really have time when I first got to the race to go, so that didn't help either. While in line, I started talking to two girls who I had seen for a while. They invited me to run a 3min run/2min walk pace with them. I was all for it, but my knees weren't.
So this is where I feel disappointed. At mile 6, after passing the start/finish line area, I decided to walk to mile 7 in hopes of running again. Well...that didn't really pan out. From then on I was A LOT! I couldn't help it, it was so hot...and not having much shade along the course wasn't helpful. I did get to see some pretty sights, but I was feeling down on myself about walking, and tried to run here and there when I felt good enough too, especially if there was any down hill parts...that made things easier.
As I had said in a previous post, I was hoping to finish in 3 hours maximum, but I finished in 3:21:27. I will take it. I wasn't the only one who slowed down. People who normally finish in 90min, finished in 2 hours. I wasn't the only one who pretty much walked the last 4 miles either, which helped me regain some confidence in my wise choice, and I am glad I did and didn't end up being on of the 5+ people who were sent to the hospital for heat exhaustion! So I have to say that I am not disappointed, but only wished that I could have run more of the course than walked! And I am sure I am not alone in that thought!
I would have to say that if it is cooler, I would do it again! Which is a good feeling!
Enjoy the photos!
Laying out the night before!
-Stephanie
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Happy (belated) 4th of July!
So last week was the 4th of July, a very busy week I might add.
I will keep it as simple as I can. June 29th my parents, cousin and I flew down to Maryland to help my sister move back home. It was fun, tiring and a looong drive back to Mass from Maryland.
Monday, July 1st was Rich's birthday and then Tuesday was my parents 36th wedding anniversary! Yikes, an lot to celebrate! So we went to dinner on Tuesday to celebrate both.
I had my first chiropractic appointment on Wednesday, what a shock to a system that can be, and put a little more financial stress on, but I will make it ok. I had work that evening. Thursday, Rich and I went to his Mothers for a cookout/party for the 4th and to celebrate his bday with family and a few friends! it was nice!
Thursday morning before the cookout I decided to go for a run! I had purchased a running skirt to try out, and plus I needed to break in my new running sneakers! Unfortunately the picture I took of me in my skirt and sneakers wasn't able to be uploaded since I deleted it as I was uploading...woops!
You get my after shot! Boy was it hot, but I did it, and that made me happy. What I wasn't happy about was the running skirt, I thought I had found one that would have been long enough in the shorts area, but those rode up and I ended my run with a burn/chaffing on the inside of my thighs. So I washed the skirt, and even though I know I shouldn't, I am returning it, if I am not going to wear it again, I am not keeping it!
Saturday my sister and cousin came over for a little gathering...one which I cant explain now, but I will later! When they arrived, my sister and I went for a 2mile run, more like a jog I guess. We ended with a 13min pace, but it was just so hot out which made it more difficult to breathe and run easily and steadily.
Now to today. This Monday was back to work, shorter days, 5 days a week. Today I went to the gym for an easier run, and set the treadmill to the maximum time of 60 minutes. I was hoping to finish 5 miles, which would be at most a 12min/miles. And I did it! I was able to complete 5.2 miles in 60 minutes, which made me feel great. I don't think I will have that kind of stamina and endurance for the 1/2 on Sunday, but as long as I have others around me...even people I don't know running around me, I know I can do it, and the goal is to finish in no longer than 3 hours.
Finishing in 3 hours would end me with a pace of approx. 13:45min/mile. Which I think I can handle!
I will keep it as simple as I can. June 29th my parents, cousin and I flew down to Maryland to help my sister move back home. It was fun, tiring and a looong drive back to Mass from Maryland.
Monday, July 1st was Rich's birthday and then Tuesday was my parents 36th wedding anniversary! Yikes, an lot to celebrate! So we went to dinner on Tuesday to celebrate both.
I had my first chiropractic appointment on Wednesday, what a shock to a system that can be, and put a little more financial stress on, but I will make it ok. I had work that evening. Thursday, Rich and I went to his Mothers for a cookout/party for the 4th and to celebrate his bday with family and a few friends! it was nice!
Thursday morning before the cookout I decided to go for a run! I had purchased a running skirt to try out, and plus I needed to break in my new running sneakers! Unfortunately the picture I took of me in my skirt and sneakers wasn't able to be uploaded since I deleted it as I was uploading...woops!
You get my after shot! Boy was it hot, but I did it, and that made me happy. What I wasn't happy about was the running skirt, I thought I had found one that would have been long enough in the shorts area, but those rode up and I ended my run with a burn/chaffing on the inside of my thighs. So I washed the skirt, and even though I know I shouldn't, I am returning it, if I am not going to wear it again, I am not keeping it!
Saturday my sister and cousin came over for a little gathering...one which I cant explain now, but I will later! When they arrived, my sister and I went for a 2mile run, more like a jog I guess. We ended with a 13min pace, but it was just so hot out which made it more difficult to breathe and run easily and steadily.
Now to today. This Monday was back to work, shorter days, 5 days a week. Today I went to the gym for an easier run, and set the treadmill to the maximum time of 60 minutes. I was hoping to finish 5 miles, which would be at most a 12min/miles. And I did it! I was able to complete 5.2 miles in 60 minutes, which made me feel great. I don't think I will have that kind of stamina and endurance for the 1/2 on Sunday, but as long as I have others around me...even people I don't know running around me, I know I can do it, and the goal is to finish in no longer than 3 hours.
Finishing in 3 hours would end me with a pace of approx. 13:45min/mile. Which I think I can handle!
Some running humor.
But you better believe that there is going to be a pretty fantastically awesome FB post if I finish in under 3 hours! And that wont be after 10 miles...but 13.1 hehe.
But you better believe that there is going to be a pretty fantastically awesome FB post if I finish in under 3 hours! And that wont be after 10 miles...but 13.1 hehe.
-Stephanie
Thursday, June 27, 2013
A Body at Rest
So as I stated in my last post, or at least I think I did...I hurt my back about 2-3 weeks ago at work. Well it really hasn't got any better. I thought I did, but it really hasn't. It has been back and forth, the pain coming and going as it pleases, sometime worse than others. I haven't run since last Friday when I ran a 5k.
I have a 1/2 Marathon coming up in 2 weeks from this Sunday. I have the confidence to know that I can do it, but it still makes me nervous that I cant train for it right now. I made an appointment with a chiropractor for next Wednesday, which is going to make me nervous. It will be my first time, plus there are always good and bad things that you hear about people's experiences with a chiropractor. Luckily my mother has been seeing the same one for many years, so I have confidence in the office she goes to. I really hope it relieves some pain and pressure and I can continue on.
The other tough part is that my sister is moving home from Baltimore this weekend. YIPPEE!! So my parents and one of my cousins and I are flying down on Saturday and helping her to pack it all up in a truck and her car, then drive back to Massachusetts. So I have to be careful when picking up different items, etc. I am not excited for the car ride home or even the flight home, my back tends to hurt more when sitting in the car.
What my mom and I keep reminding myself is that I need to nurse my back in order to be able to do the 1/2 marathon, be able to finish strong and happy! I want to be able to feel good at the end, to end with a smile on my face! So I am trying to stay strong, rest and get myself back to good workings and get back to running.
I have a 1/2 Marathon coming up in 2 weeks from this Sunday. I have the confidence to know that I can do it, but it still makes me nervous that I cant train for it right now. I made an appointment with a chiropractor for next Wednesday, which is going to make me nervous. It will be my first time, plus there are always good and bad things that you hear about people's experiences with a chiropractor. Luckily my mother has been seeing the same one for many years, so I have confidence in the office she goes to. I really hope it relieves some pain and pressure and I can continue on.
The other tough part is that my sister is moving home from Baltimore this weekend. YIPPEE!! So my parents and one of my cousins and I are flying down on Saturday and helping her to pack it all up in a truck and her car, then drive back to Massachusetts. So I have to be careful when picking up different items, etc. I am not excited for the car ride home or even the flight home, my back tends to hurt more when sitting in the car.
What my mom and I keep reminding myself is that I need to nurse my back in order to be able to do the 1/2 marathon, be able to finish strong and happy! I want to be able to feel good at the end, to end with a smile on my face! So I am trying to stay strong, rest and get myself back to good workings and get back to running.
Both to me can mean two things. One, that you need to work hard and be the best you can, push yourself to get where you want to be. But for my current state, it helps me know that I CAN do the 1/2 marathon, but in order to get the best out of myself, I need to take care of myself first, listen to my body so that I can run the 1/2 marathon instead of sitting and watch as it passes me by because of an injury!
I will rest.
I will get better.
I will be stronger.
I will finish.
I will finish strong.
I will finish with a smile on my face.
-Stephanie
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Back to Training
With another 1/2 marathon in my sights, approximately 38 days...I knew I needed to kick myself into high gear and prepare myself!
I decided to put together a little training calendar in order to keep on track and as a way to force myself to go, to motivate no matter what!
As you can see I have today's date and mileage highlighted! Day one down! Now I know I will not be able to keep to every day written as is because of my part time job. I don't know until midweek what my following weeks schedule will be, so I will have to adjust from there.
Tomorrow is National Running Day! I do intend to run, but since I am trying to get myself back to the gym, I will probably only do a mile, more if I am feeling up for it!
-Stephanie
I decided to put together a little training calendar in order to keep on track and as a way to force myself to go, to motivate no matter what!
Tomorrow is National Running Day! I do intend to run, but since I am trying to get myself back to the gym, I will probably only do a mile, more if I am feeling up for it!
-Stephanie
Monday, May 6, 2013
Race Calendar.....including 1/2 #2
I have been itching for some races, mostly 5k's but I wouldn't mind a 10k just to keep me going...but I also have been wanting to participate in another 1/2 marathon!
A week ago a couple girls from work and I participated in a 5k for Autism Awareness! One used to run 3 miles a day a few years back, so she was just getting back into it, and the other had been getting to the gym but has been struggling with running. So I figured this is something we are doing together, and it isn't about time it is about raising Awareness for Autism!
So we met up at the site of the road "race" and met up with a couple of friends of one of my friends...are you following that? We all waited around and then lined up together around at the start...well in the back of the start group. Then we started off strong, but tried to keep a comfortable pace for the three of us. My friend S ended up having some trouble with Shin Splints....her shoes didn't help, but we tried our best and she pushed.
Eventually S was slowing down a little, my friend K and I did our best to try to stay with her. K and I eventually pushed on, but still at a slow and steady pace with walk breaks in between. We felt bad leaving S behind, but we knew she could do it. K and I reached the finish line and 2 minutes later S followed!
All in all it was a successful day for all, and a 1st for S and K who completed their first official 5k! It was great being able to do something like this together!
In two weeks, 5/19 I am pulling double duty!
Two 5k's in one day! I know...its really just a 10k...haha, but split into two races! So I guess I get a 10k in, with a break in between!
The very first 5k I did was a year ago, and I figured what a great way to celebrate a year of running by running it again! Then I found out that the youth at my church is participating in a walk/run for Homeless on the same day!
I thought hmm, I wonder what time it is at! The first one, Luk Inc is at 11am and the Homeless 5k (CMHA) is at 2! What perfect timing!
In June there is a 5k walk/run, the Southie5k in Boston for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. The date is undetermined right now. It originally was Sunday, April 28th but it was postponed due to the overwhelming response of sign ups (which then led me to the autism resource 5k with my friends instead). So I just received an email stating that it will be either June 2 or 9th, which is good because I don't have any other conflicts those dates...at least none that I am aware of!
Then comes the biggie....#2...no not that #2.....but my 2nd Half Marathon! I feel a little crazy. Not because it will be my 2nd, but because it is in the middle of July, in Maine with very little shade. And from what I have been reading the weather is pretty warm. I mean I live in Massachusetts so I know how the weather can be. But I need to get in gear and train in the heat! I avoided that as much as I could last summer when training for Princess by joining a gym...but then it was tough training in the cold!
It is the Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon in Portland, ME. I am very excited about it! I have a very busy weekend though. The day before is my mom's bday, and then I am going to have to drive up to Maine with the hubby, and meet a few friends up there as well who are participating in the 1/2 or 5k.
All I know is that I keep studying the course map, reminding myself how close together water stops are, asking questions on their facebook page about different things and just trying to get myself prepared. One way is to actually go running, which I have been failing to do as often as I should.
I think I have mentioned in a post about having a running friend, and I have one at work. One of the other girls I work with is trying to get into running since she has a running Husband and wants to build on that. So it is nice to be able to get a run in with her, even if its a 1 mile or 2 miles.
So let the training begin, again!
-Stephanie
"If your heart is in your dream, no request is no extreme"
A week ago a couple girls from work and I participated in a 5k for Autism Awareness! One used to run 3 miles a day a few years back, so she was just getting back into it, and the other had been getting to the gym but has been struggling with running. So I figured this is something we are doing together, and it isn't about time it is about raising Awareness for Autism!
So we met up at the site of the road "race" and met up with a couple of friends of one of my friends...are you following that? We all waited around and then lined up together around at the start...well in the back of the start group. Then we started off strong, but tried to keep a comfortable pace for the three of us. My friend S ended up having some trouble with Shin Splints....her shoes didn't help, but we tried our best and she pushed.
Eventually S was slowing down a little, my friend K and I did our best to try to stay with her. K and I eventually pushed on, but still at a slow and steady pace with walk breaks in between. We felt bad leaving S behind, but we knew she could do it. K and I reached the finish line and 2 minutes later S followed!
All in all it was a successful day for all, and a 1st for S and K who completed their first official 5k! It was great being able to do something like this together!
In two weeks, 5/19 I am pulling double duty!
Two 5k's in one day! I know...its really just a 10k...haha, but split into two races! So I guess I get a 10k in, with a break in between!
The very first 5k I did was a year ago, and I figured what a great way to celebrate a year of running by running it again! Then I found out that the youth at my church is participating in a walk/run for Homeless on the same day!
I thought hmm, I wonder what time it is at! The first one, Luk Inc is at 11am and the Homeless 5k (CMHA) is at 2! What perfect timing!
In June there is a 5k walk/run, the Southie5k in Boston for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. The date is undetermined right now. It originally was Sunday, April 28th but it was postponed due to the overwhelming response of sign ups (which then led me to the autism resource 5k with my friends instead). So I just received an email stating that it will be either June 2 or 9th, which is good because I don't have any other conflicts those dates...at least none that I am aware of!
Then comes the biggie....#2...no not that #2.....but my 2nd Half Marathon! I feel a little crazy. Not because it will be my 2nd, but because it is in the middle of July, in Maine with very little shade. And from what I have been reading the weather is pretty warm. I mean I live in Massachusetts so I know how the weather can be. But I need to get in gear and train in the heat! I avoided that as much as I could last summer when training for Princess by joining a gym...but then it was tough training in the cold!
It is the Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon in Portland, ME. I am very excited about it! I have a very busy weekend though. The day before is my mom's bday, and then I am going to have to drive up to Maine with the hubby, and meet a few friends up there as well who are participating in the 1/2 or 5k.
All I know is that I keep studying the course map, reminding myself how close together water stops are, asking questions on their facebook page about different things and just trying to get myself prepared. One way is to actually go running, which I have been failing to do as often as I should.
I think I have mentioned in a post about having a running friend, and I have one at work. One of the other girls I work with is trying to get into running since she has a running Husband and wants to build on that. So it is nice to be able to get a run in with her, even if its a 1 mile or 2 miles.
So let the training begin, again!
-Stephanie
"If your heart is in your dream, no request is no extreme"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)