We’re Streaking!! {Link Party}

Posted by hellyontherun in Running and tagged with Mile, Runner's World, Running, Running Friends, Streak December 12, 2013

My buddy Salt and I would like to welcome you to our first Streaking Party!!

I was intrigued by the Runner’s World Streak Challenge because, well, I like challenges. I’ve been training for my full marathon and already running 4 times a week, I figured what’s 3 days of 1 mile? Sign me up!

Two weeks in and I’m going strong. I’ve been having a lot of fun doing this and on the three days I run only 1 mile, they serve as a cool break from the other “purpose” runs. There is no specific goal with these one milers—just do them. Here’s a recap of the past week : )

December 5: Thursdays are my tempo runs and also treadmill runs. My plan had me running 5 miles so that’s what I did. I love having a plan to tell me what to do (and that I can still control if need be). I’ve also never minded running on the treadmill; I know some runners abhor it but it’s never been a big deal to me. However, lately, I’ve been feeling my shins a lot more on the ‘mill than on the road.

December 6: Fridays are typically rest days so I did a pace mile around my neigborhood to continue the streak.

December 7: Saturdays are my long runs but I had my 15k the next day so I left it to a mile to continue the streak.

December 8: Hot Chocolate 15k! You guys read about my recap in a previous post but I could talk about this day over and over. I won’t though and spare you : )

December 9: Recovery mile to continue the streak. This was a slooooow mile!

December 10: Tuesday is cross train day so I did a streak mile followed by 10 miles on the bike.

December 11: Wednesday is speed day so out to the track I went: 3.16 miles with an 8:34 pace. Also, a member of my run club owns a baby store and was doing a raffle for a BOB Sport Utility jogging stroller………..and I won!!!!! I never win anything, really I don’t, but lately I’ve been on a roll. The stroller is so beautiful.

I also had my MRI last night. I’m hoping to meet with my doctor soon to discuss the results.

Overall, it’s been a great streak. One of, if not the best, reason I like streaking is that I’m doing it with my “sole” sister, Salt. Talk about motivation. I always look forward to her check-ins on our accountability board to see how her mile went. And, even though her miles are faster than my miles, I know she runs them with the same enjoyment I run mine.

Click here to enter your link and join our Streaking Party!

Hot Chocolate 15K Re-Cap

Posted by hellyontherun in 15k, Race, Running and tagged with Chocolate, Cold Weather, Hot Chocolate, Pace, Personal Record, Race, Running December 9, 2013

First off, we’re in need of another YAAAY!!!!

I knew it was going to be a cold one (I have to add the “for Arizona” disclaimer) and it certainly was. I expected it and went prepared with the works: long running pants, long sleeved shirt, running jacket, those ear cover thingys, and gloves. You’d think I was running in Antarctica but I didn’t care—I hate being cold.

Pre-Race: Do I look cold?

I had a feeling I’d start stripping during the race and I did; the gloves came off at mile 3 and the jacket at mile 4.

After my watch beeped away the first mile, I saw I had done a good warm up at 9:27. I decided then and there that I was going to shoot for sub 9:30 the entire way. And…..I did it!!

Here are my splits (I love them!):

1-9:27
2-9:02
3-9:11
4-9:16
5-9:16
6-9:17
7-9:05
8-9:18
9-9:07

As I was running and seeing that I actually was completing each mile under 9:30 I couldn’t help but think of how far I’ve come. I felt like I was seeing all of the hard work from the past couple of months right in front of me. Sometimes it’s hard to think that it will pay off but it does, it truly does. I had been a 10 minute miler for such a long time you couldn’t convince me that I’d be running a race with sub 9:30 miles.

When I crossed the finish line and saw that I had finished at 1hr 25 min tears welled up in my eyes I was so ecstatic. My goal had been to finish under 1:30 and to have done it with time to spare made me so happy. You couldn’t erase the smile from my face crossing that finish line. It never went away all day.

To top it off, well, you know what else was waiting for me at the finish line…..chocolate!!! After I collected myself as best I could, I walked over to redeem my mug of hot and melted chocolate. I’m a bit particular when it comes to chocolate but I definitely give this race’s two thumbs up! Perfect Sunday!

Have you seen your training pay off?

Are you a chocolate lover?

P.S. It was another no music race and I must say, I’m digging the silence.

Week Four Marathon Training Recap

Posted by hellyontherun in Race, Running, Uncategorized and tagged with Hot Chocolate, Marathon Training, Running, Training December 8, 2013

Brrrr!!! We had a cold front here in Arizona this week (still happening as I write) and I know that while I may be freezing my buns here, it’s waaaaay colder in other parts of the United States (and world).

Nevertheless, the miles keep piling. Sunday was a cross train day so I hopped on a bike at the gym—hadn’t done that in a while—and went at it for 6 miles. I also continued my Runner’s World Streak by running an easy mile on the treadmill. I missed the bike and definitely plan on incorporating it more in my training.

Monday was hill day. This week called for an extra mile so I did a slow and steady climb instead of a high intensity one like last week. This was smart as I was definitely whooped by the end.

Tuesday I wanted to take it easy as I was starting to feel the effects of the mileage increase but then this happened

My blood was seriously pumping because of the 7 sighting, I threw in an abs video on YouTube at home later for good measure : )

Wednesday was speed day at the track. For some reason, I’m always looking forward to this day of the week. I think it’s something about being around other runners that motivates me. I don’t know what it is but I can def feel myself getting faster 

Thursday was a tempo run back on the treadmill. Boy, oh boy, did I feel my leg on this run. I’ve mentioned in a previous blog but if you missed it, I visited a doctor about shin splints. After discussing it with him, the pain is really more on my left leg which led my doctor to think it’s more of a stress fracture than shin related. I’ve got an MRI scheduled for my left leg on Wednesday and I’m hoping, hoping, hoping it’s not bad news. I could definitely feel the pain at the start of my 5 mile run that day though which makes me really nervous.

Friday was a rest day—except for one streak mile and quick visit to the Hot Chocolate 15k Expo. Yep! My next race I am running for chocolate. You’ll absolutely get a re-cap of it on Monday.

Today, Saturday, is typically my long run day but I’ve got my Hot Chocolate 15K race tomorrow morning. So, one streak mile it was.

16 total running miles, 6 biking miles. Overall, a very good week with some fun surprises and a few red signs. Next week will be a big week with my race tomorrow and that appointment Wednesday. I’ll be keeping you posted.

Before I go, here’s a fun family photo for you from this week : )

My daughter showing me her fridge artwork ❤

How was your workout week? Are you affected by weather conditions in your area?

Have you ran a Hot Chocolate race? How was it?!?