A Part Of Something New

Posted by hellyontherun in 10k, Fitness, Giveaway, Running and tagged with Ambassador, Athleta, Community, Duathlon, Esprit de She, Giveaway, Lifetime Fitness, Running, Shwings, Women April 3, 2014

While on vacation this past weekend, I got some good news via e-mail.

A few months ago, I applied to become an Athleta Esprit de She ambassador. This women’s community is connected to my gym–Lifetime Fitness and I’d see ads about races and events every time I went. I saw one last year for a 10k and wanted to sign up but I was pregnant (for what felt like eternity lol!)

I was reminded about that same 10k in January during one of my gym visits and immediately signed up when I got home. As I was filling out the entry, I saw on the website they had an ambassadorship program and I jumped at the chance.

And I was chosen!

I have loved being a part of athletic communities, especially ones made for and by women. No offense dudes, I like hanging out with you too but there’s something empowering about a whole bunch of girls working hard towards a goal who like doing the same things you do. Who are working moms, stay at home moms, wives, sisters, who have a busy life yet do whatever they can to make sure they take time out for themselves. It’s just awesome to see.

The Esprit de She event series consists of 5Ks, 10Ks, triathlons, duathlons, and cycle tours. I’ve always wanted to do a tri but am not the best swimmer in the world. The duathlon that Esprit de She puts on is absolutely perfect: a 1.5 mile run followed by a 12.4 mile bike ride followed by a 1.69 mile run.

I won’t be able to do it this year because of the Canyon but it’s on the top of my list for next. (I did sign up for the series 1ok in October though.)

Another one of the reasons I love this community is that its official charity partner is Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is a youth development program geared at girls 3rd through 8th grade. It’s focused on building confidence through physical activity with the goal of preparing girls mentally, emotionally, and physically to finish a 5k put on just for them. It’s something I’ve wanted to become a part of and am much looking forward to.

You don’t have to be an ambassador to participate in Girls on the Run. Check out their website for details on how you can become a part of something awesomely inspiring.

While you’re surfing the web, check out dates for Esprit de She events near you! (U.S. only) If there’s an event you’re interested in, type in the code EDS68. Unfortunately, there’s no discount involved–EdS events are pretty reasonably priced though–but it does help track referrals).

Happy Friday Eve!!

–Are you a part of a running or athletic community?

–Have you ever done a triathlon or duathlon?

Don’t forget that the Shwings giveaway is happening right now! Go here for the chance to score a free pair 🙂

My shiny silver Shwings 🙂

Lost Dutchman 10k Race Recap

Posted by hellyontherun in 10k, Giveaway, Race, Running and tagged with 10K, Arizona, Lost Dutchman, Marathon Training, Mental Game, Race, Running, Third Place February 18, 2014

This race had been on my list for quite some time as I’ve always heard people rave about it. The race has uh-mazing views and an awesome atmosphere. The story behind it is that it’s the rumored site of the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. Pre-race, there’s a campfire and racers get together and chat. I didn’t make it to that but I did get there pretty early. It’s a bit of a hike from where I live, about 30 minutes, but you’re driving to mountain views and that’s what you’re looking at when you run : )

Morning View
Photo by: M. Kerschbaum

Photo by: M. Kerschbaum

I arrived about an hour early than my start time. Quite a few members of my run club were set to run the 1/2 marathon which started before my 10k and I wanted to cheer them on.

After they were off, I was on my own and I just hung out and stretched. As go time neared, I made my wait to the corrals–there were no official set corrals, you kinda just chose your minute pace and hung out in that area. I was in the 8 minute corral when I found a friend–she’s the one that took those awesome pics ^. We talked all the way up to when they shot the gun; I had completely forgotten about the race because I was so caught up in catching up with her! lol!

Once I realized I had to get a move on, I started my Garmin and off I went. I had in my mind an 8:30 pace and wanted to try my hardest to maintain it. As I turned the first corner, I was met by Mr. Hill. Yep, a hill at the very beginning of the race. Of course I had looked at the race map but it’s still different when you see the hill in person. The race description read slight uphill the first half with a slight downhill the second. It was an out and back course which I actually like since that’s what I had trained doing.

Anyway, I battled that hill and then turned the second corner. Ahhh, once you turned that corner you were met with such a beautiful view. This is what you were running towards:

Source

It truly was such a gorgeous thing to look at. It was about a mile and a half of running towards that and then you had one last turn which led you to the turn around.

As I was approaching mile two, I hadn’t yet reached mile two, I already saw the first runner running back!! He was just hauling it! I could hear people around me murmur, “Wow!” “No way!” All I could muster was a shake of my head.

I kept going and was feeling okay. I could feel the uphill and knew this wasn’t going to be my best run. I definitely need to work more hills in my training. I didn’t feel like I was doing horribly; I felt good with my pace. I was getting closer to the turn around spot and could see people already coming from the other direction. I started counting off the women as they passed and then stopped at 15. I knew at my pace I wasn’t getting any overall awards but I was still crossing my fingers for an age group, but, after seeing so many girls pass me, I started to let that go.

I reached the spot and turn the other direction. I started to see a few of my run club friends running towards the turn and we high fived. I love high fives : ) I also saw my starting line buddy and we shared a high five too.

I was hearing my Garmin beep the miles and my splits were all over the place. There was zero consistency in my pace and I was started to feel that in my body as I ran. I was just so tired. I started to think about how nice my bed sounded, how nice it’d be to stop and drink some cold water, how nice just not doing this sounded like. I even started to think about how I was looking forward to being done with training. It’s amazing what fatigue and struggle does to the mind.

Towards the back end of the race, you run through a “brick wall” where there are photogs. It makes for a pretty cool picture.

Source

It was around this time I started to fall apart. Mile 5 was my worst mile at 8:47. I was just so tired. I was getting close to that downhill (where it was uphill at the very beginning) and I just let my body roll with it.

I turned the corner to start running towards the finish line and I told myself to finish strong. The last .2 I wanted to give whatever I had left. I crossed and stopped my Garmin at 53:01. I hoped to finish under that and crossed my fingers my official time would be a high 52 minuter. Either way, I saw my average pace was 8:32 and I was so happy!! For me that was a win since that was my goal. It didn’t feel like my best race but I was pleased nonetheless.

I made my way to my run club’s tent and saw that the screens with the rolling times were close by. I walked towards them and began looking for my name. Then I saw it: 52:57. YES!! I got it under 53 : ) Then I saw something else. THIRD PLACE in my age group!! I was in complete and total shock and disbelief. I seriously thought I had no chance considering how I felt during the race. I immediately called my husband and told him the news..

YAY!!

I’m so happy with how that race turned out. I had such negative thoughts as I was running and to still do well surprised me. I know that I need to work on my mental strength and add that to my training. It’s so easy to make sure you’re doing speed drills, tempo runs, hill work, that you eat right, get enough sleep, etc. etc. but it’s also so important to believe in yourself. That mental tug-of-war can trump any hard training you’ve done if you let it. I don’t want it to. Especially during my next race: My first marathon!!

–How do you deal with mental struggles during a race?

Don’t forget, the runningluv giveaway is still happening!! Click here to enter. The contest ends at midnight and tomorrow, a winner is announced!!

Marathon Training Week 14 Recap

Posted by hellyontherun in 10k, Giveaway, Marathon, Race, Running and tagged with 10K, Marathon Training, Race, Recap, Running, Taper February 16, 2014

Wow. I am TWO weeks away from my FIRST marathon!!! I can’t believe it!!

It’s getting closer and closer and closer!!!

This was a pretty chill week as far as mileage:

Sunday, February 9th: Rest/Recovery day. I was still feeling the 20 miler from the day before for sure!!

Monday, February 10th: Blogilates Abs video, foam rolling, and stretching

Tuesday, February 11th: 10k Tuesday : ) Ran a relaxed 6.2 miles, 8:46/mile

Wednesday, February 12th: This is typically a speed/track day but my husband was out of town and my mother-in-law was able to baby sit while I ran. Relaxed 4 miles, 9:14/mile and a Blogilates abs video

Thursday, February 13th: 30 minutes on the elliptical and some hip and glute exercises. This was a big day because it was the first time I used the gym daycare with my kids. I was such a nervous wreck! You’d think I’d be excited to get some me time but I had no idea how they’d do in a day care setting. Of course they did well and I fretted for nothing but I’m not going to lie, I teared when I dropped them off and walked away…

Friday, February 14th: Rest Day 🙂 My husband came home from his work trip and it was nice to have a couple of Valentine’s Day hours with him

Saturday, February 15th: This would typically be a long run but with my 10k race tomorrow, I took it easy and ran 4 miles, 9:46/mile

And that’s the week in a nutshell! I’m very excited about my race tomorrow. It’s supposed to a gorgeous weather day, in the 80s! (don’t hate me), and the course is really pretty. I’m not sure what my goal is; I’ve been doing quite a few 6.2s in preparation so we’ll see what happens : ) Looking forward to sharing a recap with you!

Don’t forget the runningluv giveaway is still happening!! Click here to enter to win a FREE runningluv towel! Browse their website to see which you’d choose!!