It’s Go Time!!

Hello, July!!!

Today marked the first day of training!!

The last week of June had me doing some workouts to prepare for what is ahead, lol! I always seem to have to do some pre-training for training, ha!!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I took a nice long break after Phoenix Marathon, so I’m coming into this cycle at a weird fitness spot–not having completely lost what I gained from BQ training but definitely not hitting paces I once did.

I honestly wanted to enjoy my break. So often I see people run hard ALL THE TIME, even when they’re not training for anything. I get not wanting to “lose fitness” –and that type of training might work for some– but really, the body needs a break. Mine certainly did.

I have zero concerns about getting my fitness back. I have zero concerns about hitting my paces. I know that it won’t happen right away, but I know it will happen. So I don’t worry about it. And I don’t shy away from easing it on the gas. Ain’t no shame in my easy running game.

And my easy runs are easy..none of this, easy for the Instagram pics type of easy. I’m talking 90sec-2 minutes slower than whatever a goal pace might be. In fact, I don’t even look at my watch when I run easy. I just run what my body feels. And it’s interesting because the first miles will be slow but because I eased it in, my body revs up naturally and wouldn’t you know it, I end up with a nice progressive run.

10 minute first mile, 7:35 last mile

Anyway, last week was a few of those types of runs coupled with some strength training at a local gym. I received a free month with a race registration and I’ve decided July is perfect to start making gains (ha!). I’ll be going twice a week and after the month is over, hopefully continue the exercises I learn at home.

I’ve never trained for a half marathon. I can already tell it’s going to be intense. Kinda excited!!!

–Do you prefer training for half marathons or full marathons? Or what other distance is your preference?

–Is it difficult for you to run easy? (I don’t struggle with this at all, lol!)

FroYo Race Pics and More

Posted by hellyontherun in 10k, 5k, Race, Running and tagged with FroYo, Half Marathon Training, Nick's Run, Phoenix Marathon, Race Pictures, Running February 19, 2016

Happy Friday!!

Short post today but wanted to share with you pics from FroYo. There were a couple I liked, but it wouldn’t be Helly’s blog if I didn’t share the ones that weren’t so great, lol!

If you recall from my recap, I wrote that I fist pumped my way through the finish line. I wasn’t lying 😀

And while they didn’t get me with full pumps in the air, you get the idea. I was so ridiculously happy to snag a PR.

I also mentioned in my recap how I struggled with my earphones. It was right at the start actually when they started to fall out and here’s proof:

LOL @ my face!!!

Of course, I got it together and just went with it.

These pictures were free so that was another cool feature of the race. I finally did get a response from the race director and while it’ll be a while for them to fix/add my time, it will get done. I’m a little bummed they’ll be using my time and not their chip time (you know, sometimes you gain a few seconds 😉 ) but it’s okay, I’m just glad it’ll be taken care of. As far as my age group placement, I had to be there to accept the award anyway…

I have Nick’s Run this Sunday and I’m super excited. Their medals look super cool and I’ll be getting the Double Challenge one since I’m doing the 5k and 10k back to back. I don’t plan on “racing” as I figured this would be my long run leading up to Phoenix 1/2 next weekend. The 5k is tempting to race but I don’t want to do anything foolish.

I had originally not planned to “race” Phoenix 1/2 as I didn’t think I’d be ready with less than 6 weeks to train, but now I’m toying with just going for it and seeing what I can do, given I had a good 10k last week and have been doing well with the training I have done so far. What are your guys’ thoughts?

My only qualm is that I haven’t done any double digit long runs. I did a 9 miler 2 weeks ago, (my 10k last weekend), and I’ll be doing 9.3 this weekend (BUT, I plan on adding a warm mile and cool down mile to make it 11.3–it just won’t be done consecutively).

Anyway, those are my random Friday thoughts (not as short as I had said, lol!). I hope everyone has a great weekend!! Who else is racing??

Local peeps, there’s still time to register for Nick’s Run!! Check out the bling!

www.nicksrun.com

Week in Review: 2/1-2/7

Posted by hellyontherun in Running and tagged with Half Marathon Training, Running February 8, 2016

Hellooo February ❤ ! Did you know that this month we will have 4 Sundays, 4 Mondays, 4 Tuesdays, 4 Wednesdays, 4 Thursdays, 4 Fridays, and 4 Saturdays in a month since, like forever??(Go ahead, look at a calendar) There’s your random factoid for the day! 😀

Last week was a good one.

Monday I got on the bike for 30 minutes and pedaled away to 7.75 miles. Did my planks: 1 minute standard plank and 45 sec side planks times 3. Was very proud because I totally feel myself getting stronger.

Tuesday was an unexpected rest day as I had family visit but I managed to squeeze in some quick planks before bed. Not as long as Monday but something.

Wednesday I got on the treadmill for a steady 5 miler. I’m getting used to the treadmill as I haven’t gotten on that thing in a long time. This was my second time in over a year.

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Thursday my husband was home so I was able to get in a run outside. It was glorious. As it was in the evening, I dressed in bright clothing and something about the neon oranges helped lit a fire because HELLS YEAH, I killed this run.

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Remember last week’s post about how I thought I’d never see an 8 minute miler again?? I don’t know what happened!! I started running and felt good. I don’t look at my watch when I run, only when the mile beeps, and when the first mile beeped away at 8:18, I was shocked! I didn’t want it to be a one time fluke so I decided to keep running, by feel at what I felt was a hard, but maintainable pace. Mile 2– 8:07! Mile 3–8:08! Mile 4–7:59! SEVEN!!!!

I couldn’t believe it. I did a cool down walk home and was so giddy when I saw my husband. We did a little happy dance together in the kitchen. 🙂

I think what made me so ridiculously happy about that run was that I was able to stay consistent. I didn’t positive split. That lets me know I can maintain that pace (at least for 4 miles) and that is so insane to me.

Fridays are typical rest days but I took my kids to the zoo and did some crazy hill climbs pushing the stroller throughout the park. Def counts as a workout.

Saturday was a legit rest day. I got to shower and do my hair and make-up like a normal person (I went to a friend’s bridal shower that afternoon) and I posted my first Instagram car selfie, lol!

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I ran long on Sunday and planned for a 9 miler around the 9:30ish/mile range. One of my good running buddies joined me (with her baby belly!) and we chatted the entire way. That had to be the smoothest 9 miles I think I’ve ever ran.

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I planked and nailed a 1:15er (45 sec side planks) and beat my husband and wall sits. Overall, great Sunday 🙂

This was a great week with 18 miles. I feel myself getting stronger and with my first race post injury on Saturday, I’m a super, super excited!

–How was your running week?

–When is the last time you surprised yourself with a run or nailed a run? Did you do a happy dance after?