Island to Island 1/2 Marathon & 5K

This is going to be a long one! It was a jammed packed weekend.

I have been looking forward to this race since I ran it for the first time last year. I have been going down to Ocean City on the last weekend in April for years now. We went to go support the local humane society who holds a fundraiser each year on the last Saturday in April called Board Walk'n for Pets. Last year we became aware that there was a half marathon and 5k that takes place that same weekend. Since we were already going to be down there I decided to sign up. I would have been tempted to run the half marathon, but a bunch of my family members wanted to run so a 5k was more practical. My mom, dad, my boyfriends girlfriend and few of her friends all ran this race in 2012. We had such an awesome time that as soon as I crossed the finish line in 2012, I knew that I would be back in 2013.

I set goals for 2013's 5k that same day. I wanted to run it in under 25 minutes. I don't run 5k's that often and if I do they are usually just spur of the moment races. Since this has become a family weekend I knew it would be a good goal race since I knew that I would be back to run and I could train accordingly. No one else in my family signed up to run except for me this year, but my parents were still going to come down to support me!

We drove down to the beach Friday night so that we could swing by packet pickup and not have to worry about getting to the race early the next morning. Thank you to my lovely fiance for driving 4 hours to the coast after a long day at work!

Packet pickup was pretty easy. It was held in this beautiful and quaint hotel. It was beautiful at night with all the lights lit up! We were in and out in 10 minutes and on our way to the condo. Which is a good thing because it was almost 9pm and I am always exhausted on Friday nights!

Right when we got to the condo I laid out my stuff so that I didn't have to think that much in morning! How awesome are the race shirts? 5k early bird registration is $20 and you get this awesome shirt, fabulous race location, and free food and drinks at the after party located at Seacrets. Seacrets is one of the most popular bars in Ocean City.

If you have read my previous post then you know that I was not feeling well last week. I thought I would start to feel so much better now that I was on medications, however unfortunately, the medications have made me pretty sick. Since taking the medications I have felt dizzy, nauseous, extremely thirsty and weak. There was nothing I could do about it at this point so I tried not to think about it too much. I just wanted to get a nights rest and enjoy the race and the weekend.

When I woke up Saturday the thought of skipping the race crossed my mind for a brief moment. However, as soon as I stepped out onto the balcony that morning I quickly dismissed that thought. How beautiful is this view? The weather was absolutely perfect. I knew I had to make the most of this amazing day.

 The half marathon starts 45 minutes before the 5k so you can't drive right up to the start line unless you get to the race early. My fiance dropped me off as close as he could and then I walked the remainder of the way down the boardwalk to the start line.

 I had originally planned to do a warm up mile, but I just didn't feel up for it. I used the restroom and did some dynamic stretching.

Before I knew it we were lining up at the start line. I lined up towards the front right behind what looked liked the more "elite" runners. I made the mistake of starting to far back last year and it was too hard to find an open spot once the race started and I think I lost valuable time. I snapped this picture from the start line. My parents made it to the race and I saw them standing at the start line with my fiance a few minutes before the start. It was a great way to start off the race.

As soon as the gun went off I worked my way to an open spot near the curbs that would allow me to get the best tangents. Most of the race was run right on the boardwalk. I knew that in order to reach my sub 25 goal I needed to run 8 minute miles. I could start off a little slower and finish faster. I know that's the best way to run a race - with negative splits - but it's hard to do.

My first mile was 7:49. Which I was actually pretty happy with. It might have been a little too fast, but yet it left me a little room for error. My second mile was 8:16 and I new that I would have to kick it up a little. A part of me wanted to quit and just race a comfortable pace and not worry about my goals. However, I knew my family was waiting at the finish line waiting for me and I didn't want to disappoint them or myself. My mind was consumed with thoughts during the last 1.1 mile. I usually check my watch to see how much I have left to run. For the last mile I mainly just looked to check my pace to make sure I wasn't going to finish a few seconds after 25 minutes! I would beat myself up mentally for weeks to come if I missed my goal by a few seconds.

My dad snapped this picture of me and I remember looking at my gps when I saw him. 2.88 so just about .2 miles left. As soon as I turned a corner right after this picture I saw the finish line and I looked down at my watch again and saw that I had 40 seconds to cross the finish line or I would be over 25 minutes. I didn't think I had anything left, but I picked up my speed big time and was able to cross the finish line under my goal time!!

As I said before, these medications were making me nauseous so I almost threw up immediately after crossing the finish line. I grabbed some water and snacks from a finish line volunteer and ran to find a trash can! As sick as I was feeling I was still going to bask in the glory of achieving this goal! My official time was 24:54. My fiance asked me if I planned to attend the award ceremony, but I told him no because I didn't think I placed and the ceremony didn't start until 10:30am and I had finished my run just after 8am. We had so much planned that day and I just didn't think there was a point to hanging around for 2+ hours.

So, we walked down to the end of of the boardwalk where the humane society fundraiser was happening to donate some money and snap some photos.

My parents have been trying to get me on a bike for awhile. So, after the race I agreed to join them on a bike ride. I haven't ridden a bike since I was a child and I have been nervous about getting back on the bike seat! Ridding a bike a on the road is a little different than running on the road, so I had a little bit to learn about the biking etiquette but my parents were there to make sure I didn't get run over or wipe out :)

We rode an out and back of 15 miles. I think we would have done even more, but we had massage appointments for that afternoon that we weren't going to miss!

My fiance Larry, my dad and brother all went golfing later that afternoon while my mom and I got massages, pedicures and did a little shopping. Then we all met up at Outback for dinner. It was late and we were all exhausted from the long active day that we all went home right after dinner. It was after 10pm -- and that is my bedtime anyways. I had been checking the race result page all day because I wanted something official. They were finally posted at 10:30pm. I was laying in bed about to go to sleep when I found out I placed 55 out of 700 runners. AND get this -- I won my age division!! I placed 1 out of 69!! This is a HUGE accomplishment for me. I never thought I would win ANYTHING. Now I know this isn't a super competitive race, but it doesn't matter to me. I won't let that dampen my accomplishment.  I was bummed that I had decided to miss the award ceremony. But do I really need a medal to validate my win? It would have been nice, but it doesn't matter if I was there or not. I still won my division.

I was over the moon. It is performances like this one that keep you going out day after day to train. It almost erases all the bad training days from your memory. Next weekend is the Frederick Running Festival Half Marathon and I hoping to set a PR there as well.

The next morning we met up with my family and my grandpa who lives in OC for brunch at the Ocean Pines Yacht club. Again it was an absolute gorgeous morning. Look at our views from the table!

And here is my dad treating me like #1 for my win on Saturday. Brought me my waffles and poured my syrup.

It was really a special weekend and the weather made it even that much better. What is your most memorable race?

Weekly Wokout Recap 4/29

Monday 4/22/13
4 Mile Recovery Run

Started off this week with a 4 mile run. Still recovering from the marathon and technically in taper week for the 5k this coming weekend and my half marathon the following weekend. It's a weird period and leaves me struggling with a lot thoughts. Am I going to be well rested? Am I keeping up with enough miles to make it through to my next endurance race? I wish it were that easy to just tell myself to do my best in every aspect and let it be!

Also got it Monday's #AbApril workout! I held a plank for 3 minutes!! It was killer and I am still in utter amazement at those who can hold for 4+ minutes. That's just crazy!

Tuesday 4/23/13
45 Minute Circuit Class & 1 Mile Walk

It's a 1/2 mile walk from my office to the fitness center here on campus, so I typically add that walk onto my workout! Today our instructor Ana set up 15 different stations around the room and we did each one for 50 seconds and then once we heard the time beep we had 10 seconds to rotate to the next station. To give an example of the stations we had a burpees station, push-up station, triceps dip station, jump rope, squat jumps, lunges etc. There was no breaking for 20 minutes! Then once we finished we did a few group cardio moves to finish up before our cool down. It's a really great workout. I am feeling a little guilty now because I missed a going away party for an intern here at work to go to the class. It's my favorite class of the week. Sometime I just need to be selfish. Is that bad?

Wednesday 4/24/13
4 Mile Run

I struggled through my run again. I am still hoping I am still recovering from my marathon. I am left feeling defeated after my runs more often than not. So frustrating! My knee is also bothering me a little. It has been since Monday. I just keep hoping it will go away. I have been icing a little too. 

I ran past the "Loft" today and snapped a picture so that you all can see where I take my classes at work during the week.

Thursday 4/25/13
1 Hour Body Sculpting Class

Today I woke up in so much pain. I knew I had a urinary tract infection and that hat to have been what has been wrong with me all week. My body has been fighting an infection and therefore taking its toll. In the past I have always put off going to the doctors. I hate the inconvenience of going. Taking off of work early, sitting in a waiting room forever, maybe not getting the answers you need on the first visit. Since I have become an athlete I demand a lot from my body and when it doesn't perform the way I want it to I feel discouraged and frustration. When I get sick now I can see how much it affects my athletic performance. I have two races within the next two weeks and I knew that I had to go to the doctors to get some medication so my body could start healing. I made an appointment and I had to leave a few hours early, but it's not the end of the world! I even still took my lunch break and when to my body sculpting class. That is my "me" time and I need it every day!

Even though I wasn't feeling well and I struggled through, I thought the class was great today. One of the other instructors from the fitness center came and took the class and I think that is the reason why the instructor pushed us so hard.

I took this photo after the class had just ended so everyone was already cleaning up there stuff. Our instructor Katja loves to use the BOSU ball and so do I because I don't have one at home so it's nice to use stuff that I don't have at home. The trailer we work out in -- which we call "The Loft" is nothing fancy, but we only pay $25 a month for unlimited classes! AND I get my workout done during the work day. AND the instructors are great. AND I love everyone else who takes the classes. It's a win-win in my book!

Friday 4/26/13
1 Hour Zumba Class

I started taking Zumba on Friday's to change things up. If you're like me then you get bored doing the same thing on the same day every week. Part of me likes having a set schedule, but when it comes to workouts I do like to try new things. I think its good for the soul and body! I will sometimes run on Friday's but sometimes I just want to do something different or a little less taxing on my body. This week since I have been sick I just wasn't up for a run. When we got there the teacher told us we were going to do Zumba circuit. What is Zumba Circuit? I am always up for trying new things. Just tell me what to do and I will do it. I just want to get my workout on. So Zumba circuit is apparently just like circuit training. You have a bunch of different stations set up in an oval shape around the room. You get 55 seconds at each station and then 5 seconds to move to the next. For Zumba circuit every other station you follow the instructors dance moves who is dancing in the center of all of our stations. It was kind of fun. However, a lot of them ladies that go to the Zumba classes only want to do Zumba. They don't know what a burpee is - nor do they care to do one. We made it around the oval once, but Ana said she could see some people faces and that they weren't digging it. So finished the class off with straight Zumba.

Tomorrow is the OC 5k. Yippeee. Family time with some fitness thrown in!

Saturday 4/27/2013
Ocean City 5k

Excited to recap this race in a blog post of its very own!

Sunday 4/28/2013
Rest Day

I planned on doing some ab work today, but my medications made me so sick I didn't get out of bed once we got home from the beach. I was so dizzy that when I did stand up I felt really nauseous.  Waste of day, but my body couldn't do much more!

Marathoner x2 - HIS Marathon Race Recap

I swore that my one and only full marathon would be the Marine Corps Marathon of 2012. However, I ran my second marathon on Sunday 4/14/2013.

I never really dropped my mileage after the MCM. I continued running with my group and they really pushed me to keep up the mileage. Many of the other runners were training for the Rock N Roll DC Marathon that took place in March. I was essentially training for a marathon, but hadn't signed up for one. So one day after an 18 mile run, I asked my fellow running buddy Brenda if she'd be interested in signing up for a full marathon. We were training for one so I figured why not! Finding one to run in a few months notice wasn't that easy. I had already signed up for the Rock N Roll DC Half and was looking forward to running that distance.And my race schedule for April and May were pretty busy. Brenda was able to find HIS Marathon and the date worked for both of us so we registered and continued our marathon training through the rest of the cold winter and into spring.

I met Brenda at her house and we drove down to the race together with her two daughters and husband. The race was about an hour and a half away so I am forever grateful to her husband for driving us to the race!

This marathon was different from my first marathon in so many ways. In fact, I think the only similarity was that they were both 26.2 miles! Unlike my first marathon, I didn't stress about this one at all. I didn't over think my training. I hardly even thought about the race until the day before when I figured I should start getting my stuff together. This marathon ran through a beautiful state park. I had heard that it was extremely hilly. Huge hills. I figured I would do my best and be elated if I PR'd. I wanted to PR and I assumed I would because I feel like I have become a much stronger runner since running my first marathon.

Brenda dropped a bomb on me the morning of the marathon. I had no idea how big (or small) this race was going to be (again my fault for not doing my research beforehand). Turns out only 35 marathoners signed up for this race! I'm sure my mouth fell open when Brenda told me this. I assumed there would at least be a few 100. I had visions of finishing last flashing through my head. My first marathon had 23,519 finishers. This race would have 35. I tried not to panic too much. There was nothing I could do at that point. Clearly I was not going to back out after months of training!

(Photo obtained from HIS Marathon Website)

Once we arrived at the park we decided to drive the course because we arrived a little early. The marathon was two 13.1 loops through the hilly park. The hills on the first 3 miles were insane. They hurt the first time out so we knew they were going to hurt through miles 23-26.

After we drove the course we parked and head to the restrooms. It was nice that parking, restrooms and the start line were all within a few minute walk of each other. After we all used the restroom we headed back up to the car to get all geared. The race was set to start at 8am and we started down to the start line around 7:45am. At the start line, it started to become obvious that this was the first race that this group had ever put on. It seemed a little unorganized, but we ended up only starting a few minutes late. There were about 35 marathoners and 50 1/2 marathoners.

Even though the course was basically two loops around the park, it was still a little confusing at some points as to what direction we were supposed to run. There were a few side streets that we had to run down to the end and turn around and come back. Around mile 3 we ended up passing runners that we assumed were coming around the other side of the loop. However, once we made the turn around at the end of the side street, the volunteer directing traffic pointed us in the opposite direction that we had just passed the runners that were ahead of us. That left us wondering for the next few miles if we were heading in the wrong direction or if the other runners were headed in the wrong direction. Someone was off course - that much as clear! A few miles later I had several fast runners fly passed me. I thought it was odd because I knew Brenda and I had started in the back of the pack. Brenda decided to ask one of the ladies where she was coming from and she told us that they had sent some runners in the wrong direction and they had gone several miles off course. UGH! How awful is that?! We were so thankful that we had started at the back of the back and had not gone several miles off course.

 (Photo obtained from HIS Marathon Website)

The weather was actually gorgeous. It was in the 70's and the course was mostly shaded. While the park was beautiful, there wasn't much else to look at other than trees! I think the mental aspect of the race was tougher than the actual physical part of the race. Brenda and I stuck together for a majority of the course. There were a few points where we were separated (I had to tie my shoe once), but I was always able to catch back up. Thank goodness to because those last 10 miles were tough. It was hard to go all the way back to the start just to turn around and do another 13.1 miles.

I knew early on that I was going to PR. We had a really great pace going and I knew that we were making up for the time that we would lose over the last 3 miles of serious hills. It was just a question of how much time I would shave off from my first marathon. We started counting down the miles when we had 9 miles left. We were in single digits we said at one point. Then we only had a 10k left. Then a 5k. Then we were down to the last two miles and the biggest hills on the course were looming ahead. We jogged up hill and let ourselves literally fly down the other side. When we came to the top of the last hill we could see the finish line at the bottom of the hill. I always get a little emotional when I see a finish line. Especially after a race like that. Brenda yelled to me to give her my hand and we crossed the finish line with our hands together raised in the air. We had a few pictures taken at the finish and we were handed a water and our medal.

The medal was glass which makes me nervous that I will break it, but I like it because it's different than any of the other medals that I have. I ended up with just over an 11 minute PR on a much tougher course. I will always be happy with a PR even if it might not end up being as big of a PR as I would have wanted. You have to learn to be proud of your accomplishments and understand that not everything is going to go exactly the way you dream it will.

MCM time was 4:43:54

This is the elevation chart that I found on the HIS Marathon Website.

The marathon website said that there would be a hot meal served after the run. I was curious to see what would be served. We dropped our stuff of at the car, used the rest room and headed to the lunch pavilion.

By the time we arrived to the lunch, we were told that the food was cold. You could tell that there were no runners involved in planning this race or ordering the food because they had lasagna, fish, meatballs, salad and bread. Where were the bananas? Chocolate milk? Bagels? I don't know. Just didn't seem like fish is something that a runner would want to eat after a marathon. I knew my stomach couldn't handle it so I had two pieces of bread and decided that would due until I made it home. We had lunch on a picnic table right outside the pavilion. It was such a gorgeous day to be outside.

I have yet to have a negative experience at a race. There are always things that I think can be done differently or things that I think the race company completely failed on. It's just hard for something to ruin my race day and that feeling you get from crossing the finish line. The food doesn't matter, the lack of spectators, the late start, the poorly run water stations. It may bother me and I might wish that these things had been gone differently, but I am not going to let that ruin my day. This was the inaugural HIS Marathon so I will cut them some slack. The race director encouraged feedback from all runners so that they can make adjustments next year.

Although, had it been me that they had sent off course, that might have been a different story. After all, the course marshals SHOULD know the course. Right? Running more than 26.2 miles or running less than 26.2 MIGHT be enough to ruin race day!

It was getting late and we knew we had a long ride ahead of us so we didn't hang around that long. I knew I wanted to get home and relax for a little bit before I had to get ready for work the next day.

This is pretty much all I did for several hours after I got home. My fiance had cleaned the house while I was gone and he made me lunch while he listened to all the details about my race. He's not a runner so I know my stories bore him -- but he always listens anyways!

Overall, I know this wasn't the most well organized race. But I will never regret running a race. This was an experience and  one that I will remember forever. It was a really tough course and I am a better runner because of it.

Do any of you have interesting marathon stories to tell?

Weekly Workout Recap

Weekly Workout Recap

Monday 4/15
Rest/Catch up on #AbApril

Mostly rested today and then caught up on the three days of the #abapril challenge that I had missed last week. Held my plank for 2 minutes and 20 seconds (whoo hoo)! Did 100 reverse crunches, 30 second side plank on both sides. Finished up with 30 second planks with 15 knee bends x4.

Tuesday 4/16
1 Hour Boot Camp

My heart was heavy today for everyone in Boston along with the running community in general. We started today's class with 1 burpee, 4 pushups and 7 squats. 147 represented the 147 victims of the Boston Bombing yesterday (144 wounded and 3 killed). We took the class outside and ran 2 laps around the building then headed straight over to a steep grassy hill and ran 12 sprints up and down.

 Everything we did today revolved around this hill! It was a really great workout. Especially 2 days post marathon! It was fun and a breezing 65 degree day. And when you are cooped up in your office for more than 9 hours a day it is a great break.

Wednesday 4/17

4 Mile Run 1 Hour Zumba Class

I just wasn't feeling a run today. I usually stick to a strict schedule, but after Sunday's marathon I just wasn't up for a run. My calves still feel super sore.  There is a 5k at work tomorrow and I really want to run in that. So eventhough I usually run on Wednesdays and take a class on Thursday, I figured I could switch it up this week. Ana teaches zumba during lunch right here at work. It's not your typical zumba class though and this is why I like going. She incorporates a lot of strength conditioning. Like lunges, squats and even burpees! I was a sweaty mess after today's class!

Also got my #AbApril workout in today too.100 bicycle crunches, 50 butterfly crunches and 30 second planks with 15 knee bends x4!

Thursday 4/18/2013

Halo Chase 5k

Twice a year the National Institutes of Health host a 5k. The race proceeds go to an NIH charity. They are really small. Usually less than 50 people, but I run at lunch anyways so it's nice to have other people to run with. Plus, with it being a "race" its actually a good little speed workout because I push myself harder than I normally would on a training run. It's a low key race - we wear a bib, but no chip timing.

It's really convenient. I just leave my building and walk about 5 minutes down the street to building 1 which is where all the runners where told to meet.

We all did a quick 5 minute warm up and then headed over to the start line.

They had someone sing the national anthem in front of the flag pole, which was flying half mast for the victims of the Boston Bombing.

Then we were off for our quick 3.1 mile run. The course is really hilly. My legs are still tired from the marathon and I kept thinking to myself that I would take a walk break if I made it to the top of the next hill. However, I had a girl right on my heels the entire time and the competetive side of me didn't want her to pass me :)

NIH fitness instructor Katja showed up to run today and we snapped a photo after the race.

My watch showed that we ran 3.22 miles. The course is pretty much a big loop and I know it by heart so I ran perfect tangents. I think the course is just a little off because everytime I run it its over 3.1 miles. Anyways I ran it in 28:56 according to my garmin. That's just under 9 minute miles and I'm pretty happy with it. I wanted to get in a little extra mileage, but work is crazy today and I needed to get back to my desk asap! So I grabbed my NIH water bottle (race swag) and headed back to my building.





Friday 4/19

2 Mile Jog and 45 Minute Zumba Class

My run felt so sluggish and was utlimately a jog. It was muggy and humid out and I was dressed to warm because I forgot work out bottoms and had to purchase a pair of pants from the gift shop here at work. They only had one pair to choose from and they were $50! Ugh. It bothered me to spend that much, but I really wanted to workout on my lunch hour. That'll teach me to be more careful when I pack my gym bag.

Saturday 4/20

16.2 Mile Long Run

I know it's only a week post marathon and that is the reason I felt a little more tired than usual. However, I got out there and did one of the hillier routes our Saturday group takes. I took a photo of one of the medium sized hills and I don't think it does the hill justice!

Again this was just once hill on the last part of the loop. The first few miles of the loop were compeletly uphill so we were actually happy when we made it to this point and had some downhills to coast down! Anyways, I knew I just had to make it through today's run. We are just about a month away from our 50k Northface Challenge and next week I am running a 5k in Ocean City, MD with my family so a long run is probably not going to happen. I'll get in a few extra miles on top of the race, but for the most part I am just going to enjoy the mini vacation and time with my family.

What does everyone else's workouts look like from week to week? I think my weeks are pretty much the same week after week :)

Weekly Workout Recap

Workout Wrap Up 

 April 8th - April 14th 2013

Monday 4/8

SLOW 4 mile run

I am always sooo slow during my Monday runs. I'm assuming it's because I'm tired from the weekend long run and just the hustle and bustle of the weekend itself. I also run on my lunch break after I have already been up for 8 hours!

It is finally warm enough to ditch the ear warmers and run with my fun headbands. This one is a BAMR Band and I love it!

Plank Hold

I am taking part in the #AbApril challenge by Fit2Flex. Monday's workout was to hold your plank for as long as you can. I was able to hold this one for 2 minutes and 1 second which is a twenty second improvement from last week.

I am seeing that some people are holding for 4+ minutes! So impressive!

Tuesday 4/9

Body Sculpting Class - 1hour

Every Tuesday and Thursday I take a class during my lunch break. The classes are offered right on the campus that I work on and are about 45 minutes long. It's a half a mile walk to and from the workout room so it's an hour long workout all together.

Today we did bursts of cardio alternated with strength. We would do sprints and mountain climbers without a break for 2 minutes and then go right to push-ups. I did 25 in class today! A month or so ago I couldn't even do 1! I love these classes and am so lucky to be able to get my workout in during lunch so I can spend time after work with my family.

Also got in my #abapril workout of 100 bicycle crunches and 50 butterfly crunches

Wednesday 4/10 

4 Mile Run

I got in a 4 mile run in today during my lunch break. Last week it was in the 40's here in Maryland and today it was 90 something! My pace was so slow and I felt like death by the end. Spring runs are so beautiful. It's just that today felt more like summer running! I know that it takes your body several weeks to adjust to heat like this so I am just going to be happy I got my 4 miles in and move on.

When I got home I did my #abapril workout which was 30 second plank with 15 knee bends x4. 

Thursday 4/11

1 Hour Body Sculpting Class 

It was another 90 degree day here in the DC area. We consider this beautiful after all the cold winter weather we had up until last week. We were in need of some warm sunshine! Our instructor decided to take the class outside for the first half of the class. There is a bunch of shade right outside the building so I didn't think it was a big deal, but we had one lady that threw a little fit and stormed off!

Anyways, we did a little mini boot camp. Ran around the outside of the building for a few laps and then did some exercises with a partner. After that we split into groups of 5 and the instructor set up 3 different stations. We did mountain climbers, sprints, and jump squats for 30 seconds each and then we rotated. After that we moved back inside and did some weights and ab work. Since I have a marathon on Sunday, I decided to take it easy and not go all out. I always see to do better on race day if I have a little extra rest. After class I had to head back to work and finish out the work day!

Friday 4/12

1 Hour Zumba Class
Didn't want to do to much today since my marathon is on Sunday. Just wanted to get away from my desk and get something active in!

Saturday 4/13

Rest day/ Yard Work

Sunday 4/14

HIS Marathon

I will dedicate an entire blog post to this marathon later in the week!


What did your workout week look like? Did you get to try anything new?

A Few of My Favorite things!

I love discovering new things that add a little pep to my runs or just make life more enjoyable. Since I have entered the blogging community I have learned about so many new and exciting products, so  I wanted to share a few a my current favorite things with you!

After my run last Saturday I headed out to do some yard work. My fiance was out of town so it was just me out there. I wanted to listen to some music while out there so I grabbed my ipod and headed outside. I was bummed when I discovered it was dead. Then I remembered awhile back that I had downloaded the Fit Radio app on my phone. They have different mixes from different genres to help keep you going through out your run. It's a really awesome app and so glad that I finally used it! I have actually used it again on my last run. The version that I downloaded was free so you should check it out too!

I have also become obsessed with CLICK Espresso Protein drinks. They are protein drinks that taste like coffee. This might be surprising to those who know me because I am NOT a coffee drinker. However, I was hooked after the first sip. The are so delicious and the caffeine gave me a little extra something to power me through my day! They have three different flavors; Mocha, Mocha Decaf, and Vanilla Latte. My favorite is the Vanilla Latte. I make one every morning before work and it really gives me something to look forward to on my long commute into work.

You can make yours hot or cold. I have tried both but I prefer making mine like an ice coffee.


I discovered Natural Calm from reading another blog. I recently have an trouble sleeping. I was becoming really restless during the night and waking up numerous times and would not be able to fall back asleep. It was frustrating because I have to be up at 5:30am to get ready for work. I hate going through the day exhausted. Natural Calm has really helped give me a good nights sleep. I have been taking it just about every night before bed. I mix a table spoon in a glass of water. I think it's actually pretty yummy. The powder sometimes settles at the bottom of the glass, so if you don't drink it quickly then you might want to stir it occasionally.

I hope that if you decide to try any of these products that you will love them as much as I do!

Do you have a product that you are currently obsessed with??

Intro to my Running & Fitness Journey

I have been playing with the idea of starting a blog for months now. Everytime I start, I don't go through with it. I have wanted to start a blog so that I could have a place to document my highs and lows of my running and fitness journey.

I figure that even if no one else reads what I have to say, I will at least be able to look back at my accomplishments (and failures) and hopefully learn from them.

Here is a little about me. I am 27 years old and am engaged to an amazing man. We have one dog together - an American Bulldog named Brewser.

We live in Frederick, MD and have a pretty awesome life together. 

I started running in September 2011 as a way to get back in shape. I had never struggled with my weight until I turned 23 and I noticed that I could no longer eat anything and everything that I wanted. I was partying way to much and not paying any attention to the foods that I was eating or how little physical activity I was getting.

I had gone down to spectate at the Marine Corps Marathon two years in a row. Once to volunteer with theWounded Warrior Project and once to watch my soon to be brother in law. Each time I went I would tell myself that I really wanted to run a marathon.

Here I am with some coworkers at the 2009 MCM supporting the Wounded Warriors Project

Before I started running I had no idea the commitment that was involved in running a marathon. I quickly learned how much time and dedication traning for a marathon would take. I was actually discouraged from running one at first. That was until I joined a training group to run a half marathon and by the end of it a group of us decided to sign up for the MCM 2012 together.

I did end up running that marathon in 4:43:54 which was under the five hour goal I had originally set for myself.

Marine Corps Marathon 2012

 I swore that would be my one and only. Getting up at 5am on Saturday was painful at first, but crossing the finish line makes it all worth it. Early morning Saturday long runs have become a habit for me. It's just what I do. I have grown so much as a runner in a year and half and I can't wait to see what goals I accomplish over the next year.