In case you don't follow me on social media (which reminds me... maybe you should take a couple seconds to do so ;)), you may not know that the hubby, pup and I are currently taking our new #AdventureMobile on its maiden voyage. We aren't venturing too far from home (just in case anything goes wrong), but we still wanted to give it a go. With that said, even though I'm not home doesn't mean you should miss out on things I am LOVING lately... So, without further ado...
Margarita Flight
I am not a big drinker... I don't like beer or wine, and honestly, I hate the idea of drinking my calories, but every once in a while you can find me with a drink or two. The hubby and I went out to dinner with some friends earlier in the week and on the menu there was a MARGARITA FLIGHT! Seeing as the hubby is a beer (specifically IPA) 'enjoyer', I am familiar with flights and how they work... but had never seen an option for margaritas - so SIGN ME UP! The margaritas were yummy, but it's the idea that I was really loving! Why not try each of the House, Cadillac, Chile N Piña, and Strawberry margaritas rather than having to pick just one?!
#ProjectReadathon
If you've been around these parts for a while you know that I've picked up a bit of reading {you can check out the books I read in JANUARY, FEBRUARY and MARCH in case you are interested}. So when a friend of mine saw this AWESOME project, she thought of me and now I have to share it with you (even though we are now at the tail end of it).
From April 17 – 23, the week leading up to UNESCO’s World Book Day, we have an opportunity to #ReadWell and to help young readers in local communities throughout North America. All we have to do is read. Browse and read the free, timed excerpts from the books and authors on this site – from Biography and Memoir, to Health and Wellness, and from Sci-fi & Fantasy, to Young Adult and the Classics – triggering book donations from Penguin Random House to Save the Children, up to 300,000 books. Some take as little as 5-10 minutes of your time!
Now that I am working with a coach (which you can read about HERE), I have some "non-standard" workouts on my training calendar (and by non-standard I mean more than just running said amount of miles). I love how easy it is to add different workouts on Garmin Connect and sync them to my device. Let's just say I am very non-tech savvy and I was able to figure it out, so it has to be super simple ;) The most recent workout I added had a 10 minute warm-up, 6 repeats of 800 meters with 2:00 of rest between, 2 repeats of 400 meters with 1:00 of rest between and then finally a 10 minute cool-down. Being able to have the workout in my watch helps to take the thinking out of running (as well as the counting, which can be tough after your fourth or fifth hard interval). You even have the option to put in different variables (such as a range of paces or a specific heart rate you want for said portions of the workout) - #MindBlown!
Hello Apparel's New Tees
The sweet folks over at Hello Apparel have noticed how much I love their gear (prior to them reaching out to me a couple weeks back I already had ten tees and two pairs of pants in my closet) so they kindly offered to send me a couple of their new items - uh.... HECK TO THE YES! And they just arrived yesterday! I am INLOVE! The popsicle is PERFECT for summer and I can't wait to rock the "There's No Place Like Home" tee on Saturday for Earth Day!
Although I still consider myself a fairly new runner (or at least a "late onset runner"), I have a decent number of races under my belt. (I guess I'm not that new to the running scene, but I swear 2012 was just yesterday, wasn't it?!) Thus far I've tackled 35 half marathons, 11 full marathons, 3 ultra relays and handfuls of shorter races during my running career.
For the majority of those races I've followed a standard training plan (normally an online one or one a friend has put together). Seeing as I'm not planning on winning races anytime soon (or EVER), that strategy has worked perfectly fine.
A few weeks back I started pondering the type of training plan I'd want to use for my next BQ attempt (for those of you unaware of what a "BQ attempt" means, I'm trying to run a marathon in a time fast enough to qualify me for the Boston Marathon... my age and gender dictates I need to run a 3:35 to qualify {although that does NOT guarantee you a spot, but we won't get into that now}). My thought was to make my next BQ attempt at the Chicago Marathon in October.
What else do you do when you have a question?! You go to the InterWebs - DUH! I polled runners, asking them what training plan(s) they've found to work best for them. As luck would have it, friends of mine who own a pacing company in Utah have been working with runners (both elites and amateurs) and offered to help with my training. HECK YES!
To start, I had to answer a fairly extensive questionnaire (including things like what your goals are and how you would assess your current fitness level to mile splits from recent runs and heart rate averages from races).
After that I had to do two "test runs". The first one required me to run a 10 minute warm up (with a goal heart rate at 140), followed by a 5K with a goal heart rate between 155 and 165, and capped off by a 10 minute cool down (with a goal heart rate at 140). The second one required me to run a 10 minute warm up (with a goal heart rate at 140), followed by a 5K with a goal heart rate over 185, and capped off by a 10 minute cool down (with a goal heart rate at 140). I did them last week; the first test on Tuesday and the second on Thursday.
With the data I was able to supply, they were able to create the first few weeks of my training plan. Now I know I mentioned my main goal was a BQ at Chicago in October, but I'm also shooting for a half marathon PR in June. I'll be completely honest and confess that I have done like ZERO speed work since before my St. George Marathon last October. With that said, there is a BIG chance my body will not be ready to push the pace as fast as I need to in Fontana in a few weeks, but we are at least going to put in the work to see if I can give it a go.
Obviously it's only been a couple days since working with the team, so I can't give a ton of feedback yet (although I plan to do so throughout the process, as well as after my goal races), but thus far I'm stoked. They not only have tailor a plan specifically for me, but there are also tests throughout the training to make sure I am moving towards my goals.
And in case you were wondering what a "standard" training week will look like -
Monday: Strength Training + Recovery Run (30 minute run with a goal HR ~140)
Tuesday: Easy Run (4-6 miles @ 9:45/mile pace)
Wednesday: AT Interval Work (6-8 x 800 @ 4:20 pace + 2-4 x 400 @ 2:10 pace)
Thursday: Cross Training + Recovery Run (30 minute run with a goal HR ~140)
Friday: Vo2 Max Interval Work (6-8 x 800 @ 3:25 pace + 2-4 x 400 @ 1:40 pace)
Saturday: Rest Day
Sunday: Long Run (8-12 miles with paces ranging from 8:30/mile to 7:15/mile)
We're hoping that a few weeks of these workouts will help me chase down a sub 1:38:38 half marathon, but only time will tell (we will be reassessing the goal once the race gets closer)! PS Like I said, this plan is specific to me, my goals and my current fitness level so please do not take this as running advice... I'm not a coach and don't even play one on TV (if you're interested in a personalized plan, let me know and I can get you in touch with the crew).
Some people do a "Wordless Wednesday" post, where they simply share a photo or image, but I thought I'd make a little series out of my Wednesdays. And since I love alliteration so much, why not go with Walt Wednesdays (obviously everyone can use a little break from the seriousness, scariness and sassiness of life - and what better way to help put a smile on your face than with a cute wiener dog picture, am I right?!)... So, without further ado...
WALT WEDNESDAY!
When life gets overwhelming, how do you de-stress?
Yesterday we wrapped up the first three legs of my 2017 #Ragnar4Rett journey. If you missed that recap, check it out HERE so we're all on the same page. Don't worry, we'll wait for you... Done? Okay, good, now we can move along!
Let's pick up where I left off... My fourth run. This leg was slated to be flat-ish (the second half was uphill, but it was pretty gradual so it wasn't super noticeable). I knew this run would be slower than the rest up to this point, mostly because night legs can get difficult (it's dark, which makes it harder to see, and the energy is waining, because you have been running for a while already as well as you need to be respectful of the locals and keep the noise down while folks are sleeping). I was glad that it wasn't raining yet, since the weather man was predicting precipitation (but don't you worry your pretty little head, I was definitely prepared and had rain and even snow gear packed), but the temps still hadn't cooled too much. I was able to run these 4.51 miles in 36:34 (an average pace of 8:07) and with 19 road kills. By the end of the run I knew I was a passenger along the STRUGGLE BUS headed straight to the PAIN CAVE!
It looks hilly, but thankfully the difference wasn't huge
My "coldest" run of the race... Still pretty warm!
Stoked to run for these girls! They give me strength to push on!
These miles were for Samantha, Shravonie, Laura, Bailey and Teagan!
Now I briefly mentioned in yesterday's post that I think one of the hardest parts of a multi-leg relay race is the fueling and hydrating aspect. Sure, the running takes a toll (in my mind I feel it isn't the most difficult part though because it's expected), but I think the roughest thing for your body is the fact that you're running frequently and not really able to eat complete meals and don't really have time to properly digest whatever you are able to get down.
So, with that said, I'm sure you can imagine where this post is going... TUMMY TROUBLES! Don't worry, I will spare you the details - just realize that running every three to four hours over the course of 24 hours (combined with sitting in a cramped van between legs) can cause a major strain on your body... and not just your running muscles.
With my runs getting longer and harder, I started to freak out abit. I put a call on my social media for prayers and positive thoughts to keep my stomach issues at bay and tried to pull strength from the Rett fighters I'd be running for.
Thanks for all my social media friends and followers!
I knew from the jump that my fifth leg was going to be tough... not only was my tummy funky and were my legs feeling the two full marathons I had run during the previous six weeks, but I was going to be doing quite a bit of hills AND the rain that they were predicting was coming down (okay, so it isn't so much "rain" as it is thick mist, but we still had to use the windshield wipers). I told myself that my game plan was to take advantage of the flats and downhills and do my best with whatever I could going up. Let's just say I felt majorly defeated staring up at the huge hills that stood between me and Torrey Pines High... This leg contained a lot of tears (frustrations that I was letting my team down, that my body wasn't cooperating, that I wasn't feeling as strong as I would have liked, that I was mentally and physically beat, etc) and prayers (thanking God for the ability to be out on the course, asking for strength to get me through the miles, etc). When you're #Running4ThoseWhoCant, things quickly get put into perspective. What we're doing pales in comparison to what these girls and their families go through while battling Rett Syndrome, the least I can do is give it my all. I was able to run these 6.32 miles in 1:01:26 (an average pace of 9:43) and with 11 road kills. [PS Although the pace I submitted to Ragnar was 8:00/mile, they adjust it when taking elevation, distance, difficulty, etc into account and I was actually still able to beat the time they estimated me taking for this leg, which made me feel a bit better... but not much.]
And in case you didn't notice... the elevation is in meters...
In case you wanted to know how they mark the course... You are supposed
to do the "tap and go" method... So you if you see this across the street you
have to go to the sign, tap it, and then do what it says (that way you are on
the proper side of the street to see the next signs).
I guess you can say this emotion is a little fear mixed with some frustration and topped with exhaustion...
Heading in to the transition
High fiving Allison for our hand-off
My final night miles were for Lauren, Rachel, Kaelyn, Megan, Ava and River!
I was very excited that the sun was starting to rise on my fifth leg. Not only does that mean we could ditch our safety gear (you are required to wear a reflective vest any time you are out of the van between dusk and dawn and you must wear a headlamp and back blinker while running), but the energy normally starts to increase once the sun comes up.
Like I mentioned yesterday, the six of us are only all together at the start, the finish and while driving the virtual transition...
otherwise someone is always out running.
It would be a TRAGEDY if I didn't give a HUGE THANKS to these two... Skyler and Dave are the real superheroes! They navigate us around Southern California with very little sleep and in a van with six stinky women, not to mention they do it with a smile on their faces and are always willing to help! THEY ROCK OUR {smelly} SOCKS! Couldn't have a better crew along for the journey, that's FOSHO! Source: @elisewallace's Instagram Feed
My sixth leg was the one I was most nervous for... It was my last leg so that meant it was after a day of less than stellar fueling (thankfully the bad belly settled down a bit and wasn't raging against me), on legs that were super tired and with a body that had ZERO sleep (I didn't get a single wink during the course of the relay race). Not only was it my longest leg, but it would be run at mid-day, which meant toasty temps. So even though I had some elements stacked against me, I went out planning to listen to my body and give it my all. Unfortunately the first half was along the waterfront in Downtown San Diego - and although that means pretty views, it also means a traffic light what seemed like every block or two so it was hard to get into a rhythm. Once we got out of downtown we were running through some sketchy areas. There were spots where it seemed like industrial streets with semis lining each side. There were a couple girls in front of me, so I decided to hang back a bit so I could keep my eye on them and make sure no one tried to scoop them into a truck cab. Oh yeah, and who could forget the lovely set of stairs we had to run up and down to get over a main street?! Let's just say the run was rough and not one I was particularly proud of (the second half felt like I was doing just as much walking as I was running), but once I got close enough to the transition area I knew I was DONE! Kristen met me a little ways away and ran with me for a bit, then I saw Allison for my final hand off and gave her a big, sweaty hug. I was able to run these 10.64 miles in 1:40:39 (an average pace of 9:28) and with 11 road kills.
Thankfully the elevation wasn't much to worry about
It started off cloudy and around 4 miles in it was sunny and
at least 75*
Heading towards San Diego
Honored to be able to run for these littles!
My last leg of the race was done on behalf of Grace, Madison, Amber, Aubrey and Claire (PS Ragnar switched some of the final legs
about a week before the race so that's why the number of girls on my button differs from the miles I ran, but don't worry, everyone was run for!)
Once I finished there were two last legs before the team would meet Elise near the finish so we could cross together.
We were able to finish with an official time of 26:50 - WHOOOOO HOOOOOO!
We started at 10am on Friday and finished before 2pm on Saturday (and had to
have our travel time subtracted from the virtual exchange)
That time was good enough to give us FIRST PLACE in the Women's Ultra Division, SECOND PLACE in Women's Teams (including teams with 12 runners), FIFTH PLACE in All Ultra Teams (including male teams), and NINETEENTH PLACE overall (including teams with 12 runners) out of the 606 teams who officially finished the race.
Although those numbers sound impressive, what we really care about is helping to raise funds (and awareness) for Rett Syndrome. And what matters is that over the last three years we have been able to help raise <<drum roll>> over $160,000! Our goal is to continue running for these girls and their families until one day they are able to run WITH us!
This is what the race is ALL ABOUT! Each and every one of these faces!
Looking back over this experience it's hard to put everything into words. These ladies, they're not only a team, they're a family. Running for something more than yourself, for others who can't, will always make the experience more worthwhile, more heartfelt, more meaningful and worth every tear, painful step and moment of self-doubt. I pray that I never take for granted the ability that I have been blessed with, the ability to lace up my shoes and go outside for a run. It has been an absolute honor to have been a part of the #Ragnar4Rett adventure for the last three years.
Left: 2015 / Center: 2016 / Right: 2017
And just because the official fundraising efforts for #Ragnar4Rett have closed, I'd be remised if I didn't at least mention ways to give to Girl Power 2 Cure, which can be found here. Obviously there is NO PRESSURE, but in case it has been on your heart I wanted to make it as easy as possible. And for all of you who have already donated (whether it be your time, talents or resources) - THANK YOU! I know the funds will be used to help find a cure for this devastating disorder!
I can't believe it has already been over a week since I ran my THIRD Ultra #TeamSparkle #Ragnar4Rett Relay Race. 2017 was my third year taking part in this beautifully difficult challenge and every run is just as meaningful as the one before. But let's not get ahead of ourselves too much. If you haven't read out my PRE-RACE RECAP, do it NOW!
We left off on our PRE-RACE RECAP with laying out our #FlatSparkle for the following morning and hitting the hay.
Elise was able to talk the Ragnar officials into moving our start time (originally it was slated for 8am, but finally she was able to get them to adjust it to 10am once she reminded them multiple times of our paces and ETA). A 10am Huntington Beach start time required an 8am Orange meet-up time to snap some pictures and get the van packed for the journey.
Our home for a little over 24 hours
Jumping for joy to start our #Ragnar4Rett journey!
After getting some award winning shots (thanks to our official photographer, Skyler) we were off to the races... literally! Thankfully this isn't our first rodeo (it was actually Elise's sixth time running it), so we had everything planned to the T.
Elise was kind enough to braid my hair... I MUST learn how to do this myself!
We knew we'd need to check in, grab our slap bracelet (the 'baton' used between runners), watch the safety video {which reminds runners that "only a toilet is a toilet" and that "breaking and entering is illegal" (um.... WHAT THE CRAP?! These both seemed to be new, so I have no idea what happened between last year and this year but sounds like there have been some sketchy folks on the course...), and pin on our bibs before taking more beach team shots.
Even though we are wearing capes, the real super heroes are the girls and their families that we are running for!
These ladies... I have no words... They are AMAZING!
Last year I was the one having issues with jumping... This year it was Emily ;)
And this one can either be titled "Cell Phone Coverage" or "Progression Jump" since it looks like it might be
the same person in different stages of the jump ;)
At the starting line, ready to ROCK this race!
This year I was runner 4 and 10. (We run as an Ultra team, meaning we only have six runners whereas "normal" teams have 12. As an Ultra team you have the option to either run back-to-back legs {i.e. be runner 1 & 2} or run the same position in both "vans" {i.e. be runner 1 and 7}. Although you have shorter break times, we have found running 6 shorter legs works best for us (not to mention the legs seem to be broken up a little more evenly that way.)
I always get super nervous before ANY race (even fun runs), and Ragnars are no exception. Thankfully after I get my first leg done I seem to be more in the swing of things and the nerves tend to go out the window.
My first leg was one of my shorter runs (for some reason they seemed to get harder and longer throughout the race... NOT the way I'd normally pick my progression through the event to go, but that's where the team needed me ;)). The run ended up being 3.14 miles. There were a few LONG traffic lights (yup, this is an "urban race", meaning none of the streets are closed for automobiles, bikers, other runners, etc...), but the adrenaline of the race along with the emotions of running for my three girls battling Rett Syndrome helped push me to finish in 22:38 (an average pace of 7:13 and within a few seconds of my current 5K PR time) and with 3 road kills (how many Ragnar Runners we passed).
I like me some downhill... even if it is barely noticeable!
It was pretty toasty out there, but it could have been worse
Heading in towards the transition area!
I thought I NAILED this hand-off... I didn't realize I muffed it till I turned around and saw Allison searching
for the slap bracelet that was rolling around on the ground!
I ran my first leg for Ashanti, Giana and Brooklyn!
Between my first and second leg we grabbed Subway for lunch. (I will chat more about it in tomorrow's recap, but let's just say I think one of the hardest parts of a relay race is staying properly fueled and hydrated throughout the 24+ hours... especially when you are running every 3-4 hours and don't have time to really digest food.)
Get in my belly!
My second leg was my shortest of the race. The majority of this run was on a bike trail, which was nice because there weren't traffic lights or intersections to have to contend with. Also, this one started around 5:45pm, so the temps were starting to cool a bit. I was able to run these 2.48 miles in 18:22 (an average pace of 7:24) and with 14 road kills. Although the pace was slightly slower on this one (maybe the quick breaks at the traffic lights in my first run gave me a few seconds to recover and push harder), I still felt strong.
A little down, a little up, and NO TRAFFIC!
Starting to cool off for the day
I ran my second leg for Kaylie, Kenzie and Genesis Nahomi!
Between my second and third legs, we stopped for dinner at Chipotle. I decided to pass on that (Mexican didn't sound like it would sit well in my tummy), but opted to have THE MOST DELICIOUS Uncrustables EVER (if you have never had the peanut butter and honey version you are truly missing out... I suggest heading out and finding them STAT!).
I don't even think this was the hunger talking... they are just THAT good!
Because of Camp Pendleton, the military base in Oceanside, Ragnar had to get creative with how to get around it. Their solution is a "virtual" transition. That means Van 2 will finish at Doheny Beach and Van 1 will then start at the Oceanside Pier. What they do is have the officials call to let them know when their teammate finishes so they can start.
Well, that is all well and fine if you have two vans, but for the Ultra teams that isn't an option. We are required to grab a sheet of paper with the finish time, drive down to Oceanside (the travel time is normally about an hour), and then turn the paper in when we get there - that way Ragnar can remove our travel time so we are not penalized for the non-run time. Thankfully, since the drive time is removed, we had a few extra minutes to snap a sunset photo at the beach.
The six of us are only together for a short amount of time (normally one of us is always running), so to get a shot with everyone is pretty
special... Especially with this background!
Since we run about a quarter of the 189 miles in North County, the hubby and pup decided to come cheer me on. I knew they'd be at the end of my third leg so I was pumped - not only because it's great to have a cheer squad, but also because I knew that would start my tough runs. I am very familiar with where I'd be running (it's right around the corner from our house and goes pretty close to our church) and has quite a bit of uphill. I was stoked to have friends cheering me on from their backyard as I ran by and loved being able to help fellow runners by telling them where the crest of the next hill was and what to expect around the corner. I was able to run these 3.87 miles in 30:37 (an average pace of 7:55) and with 24 road kills. Even though my pace seems slower, I felt super strong, especially with the climbing.
Like I said.... UPHILL!
Once you started running it warmed up quick
MY GUYS! They are THE BEST!
I ran my third leg for Alexandria, Henslee, Brook and Sophie!
And, with that, we are half way through my legs so I should probably call it a day (or else I risk some of you falling asleep on your keyboard). Thanks for making it this far (if you're still with me) and remember to stop back tomorrow for the next installment in my #Ragnar4Rett journey (I'm hoping to finish my remaining three legs)!
