Next “Race”: Sinister Night Trail Run

Posted by hellyontherun in Running and tagged with Arizona, Night Run, Trail Running, Trails April 26, 2016

I don’t think I’ve mentioned it, or not a lot, that I have a race coming up. I use the term race loosely though, as I don’t really “race” trail races. The trail game is strong here in Arizona; I think the trail game is strong everywhere, lol! Those runners are a different breed! So I don’t go in with any expectations other than to have fun running where I love to the most, out in the middle of nowhere.

I love road running, too. But I think it’s easier to get bogged down by the numbers. Out on the trails, I always absentmindedly turn on my watch, mostly out of habit than anything else. Because out there, time doesn’t matter.

The cacti, the dirt, the purple mountains, the breeze, the wild—all of that matters. They don’t care about how fast you’re going.

On the road, everyone seems preoccupied by numbers. The cars zooming to their destination over the speed limit, the stoplight and its countdown blinking how long I have before I can cross, the people on their phones distracting themselves , tapping their steering wheel impatiently. And me, looking down at my watch, how long have I been running, how far have I gone…

****

Anyway, I’m looking forward to my race on Saturday. It’s a 27k out in the mountains closest to where I live, so it’s not too far, and it’s trails I’m familiar with. It’s at night with a start time of 7:30.

Here’s the course elevation (I learned from my first one to look at those things, lol):

It’s a 3 loop course of the 9k–I kinda like that because that means I’ll pass through the start, and the crowds, a few times. I have a ton of friends doing this race and I know that it’s just going to be a blast 🙂

More after the race!!

–Do you like trail running/racing?

–Have you done a night race before? How’d you like it? (I’ve done 3– two trail and one road one in Canada!)

Another Boston Blog Post–Happy Patriot’s Day!!

Posted by hellyontherun in Marathon, Running and tagged with Boston Marathon, Dreams, Fundraising, Marathon, NYC Marathon, Running April 17, 2016

I’m sure Boston will be the theme in many blogs today ❤

Like many, I too, dream of Boston. I need over an hour marathon PR to qualify but a girl can dream, lol!

I’ve actually come across quite a few Instagrammers who’ve posted their transformation/journeys to Boston and there have been a few who said that for them, getting a 1:45 half marathon time allowed for thoughts of trying to qualify become more of a reality. I’m at 1:48:04 which is not horribly off 1:45 and I still think Boston is still in the dream category for me. I know everyone says to “Dream Big!!” and “If your dreams don’t care you, they’re not big enough!!” but maybe I’m too much of a realist. Or a pessimist. Or something. Lol! Either way, right now, all I want is to run a marathon feeling like I ran it they way I know I can. I know I have a marathon in me better than a 4:44 (my current PR). I think that’s why I’m so antsy to start New York City Marathon training. Let’s get this show on the road!! Lol!!

Speaking of New York, this weekend I had my second fundraiser–the burrito sale I mentioned last week–and it was a huge success!!

It was a burrito party in the parking lot!

So lucky to have an amazing running family

With the money made from burritos, and with additional donations after posting pictures reminding people 😀 , I’m happy to report that I’M HALFWAY THERE!! This is so exciting for me because the charity amount is so daunting and to be halfway, it’s definitely making me feel less anxious about fundraising. (I super stress out about it, ja!)

In running news, last week I was tired. Just flat out tired. I didn’t get in a whole lot–

Tuesday : I got in a double run, first in the early morning with my MRTT co-leader brf. It was a great negative split 4 mile run and the miles flew

My second run was another 4 miler in the evening with my husband and it was our run club’s run for Boston.

I ran this one with a little more consistent pacing–8:35, 8:43, 8:38, 8:47.

Friday : I didn’t run again til two days later and it was a slower trail run with my Moms Run This Town family. It was 4.5 miles of awesomeness.

Saturday : This was burrito day and it was an early wake-up to get them cookin’. I left the running to my daughter and son.

❤

Sunday : I was supposed to hit the trails again for more Grand Canyon R2R2R training but after Friday’s early morning run and Saturday’s early morning burrito sale (and kids’ race immediately after), I couldn’t do another 4 a.m. wake up call. My body just flat out said no.

So instead, I met up with my MRTT crew at 6:30 for a flat 10 miler. I ran the first 2 miles with friends doing shorter runs and then I did the last 8 on my own. This was an amazing run for me as I’ve never run a training run in these paces. I’ve only seen a double digit run at this pace during a race!

I felt good the entire way and it really added to my excitement for marathon training. I only hope I can continue this momentum and stay injury free.

And that was my week!! 22.5 miles of running fun 🙂

–How was your running week? Do you like burritos? What’s your favorite kind? (I sold chorizo burritos) 😀

–Do you have Boston Marathon dreams?

If you’d like to contribute to my NYC Marathon Fundraising (and help me sleep at night), you can do so here. ❤

Not A Whole Lot…

Posted by hellyontherun in Family, Running and tagged with Birthdays, Running April 11, 2016

was planned last week after Sunday’s trail run/hike because my quads were massively paying the price. Yet, in true Helly fashion, I still managed to get in quite a few workouts.

Monday –I got on the stationary bike for an easy 30 minutes recovery (5 miles) and even did core work, but even planking hurt.

Tuesday –It was my very good friend and fellow Moms Run This Town chapter co-leader’s birthday so we did 4.3 very early miles. You can guess her age but I’m not telling.

Then I somehow thought it would be a good idea to run again later that evening and got in 4 miles with Runner Jenny. We kept a good steady pace, thank goodness, because I couldn’t muster any speed.

Wednesday –I went to my run club’s track to spectate only. I’m holding my first fundraiser for Team V–Run NYC (yay!!) and went to give out details–it’ll be another burrito sale 😀

I was coerced into running because that’s what running friends do, but I only did a lap around the track before I said no more. My legs were super tired.

Thursday –I took my kids to the gym daycare and got in another easy 4 miles on the stationary bike. More core work after.

I had all the intentions of resting the rest of the day but the opportunity to run with my husband came up (which is rare) and I couldn’t pass it. We got in a good 3.1 miler at a great pace (for me).

Friday –Rest Day

Saturday –Rest Day

Sunday –This was a big day, my daughter’s birthday party!! It was in the morning but I managed to crawl out of bed at the crack of dawn for a quick 5 miler. Afterward though, party time.

my little family ❤

Despite feeling super sore early in the week, I was surprised I was able to get in as much as I did. By Sunday though, I was super tired and after all the birthday party fun, I crashed like whoa. Ja!!

Bike: 9 miles; Run: 18.3 miles

How was your week??

Do you remember birthdays from your younger years?? I do. My brother and I are were born in the same year (Him, January; Me, December) and our birthdays are three weeks apart, so naturally (arg) we’d share birthday parties. Our cake was literally split in half, one side princess, one side batman. I know I have a picture somewhere, lol!!