Race Report and BQ Thoughts

I had a fantastic race last week! I am really proud of myself for hanging in there even when it was tough. I will admit that I was hoping the pace would feel easier. I still have a ways to go. The short story is that I made my #2 goal. :-) I ran a 1:52:41. That is an 8:37 pace overall. I started a little faster than I planned, running an 8:34, but I had tried really really hard to slow down and just couldn't go any slower. So, I just went with it. :-) My heart rate got into the 190's a little earlier than I would have liked but I just gutted it out. I didn't have any mile slower than a 9, and my last kick was at 7:55 pace. I was 4th in my age group out of 15. I only had to run a little slower for a couple of miles because of the wind.  Overall, I am very pleased.

So, how does this make me feel going into marathon training? Not quite as confident as I would like. BUT, I know I have time still. I am considering another marathon- the Wenatchee Marathon. I am going to stick with Yakima after studying the 2 different marathons. I just want a strong marathon. :-)

Eugene Half Marathon Plan

I am on my way down to Eugene so I thought I would process my thoughts here.
Recent Runs: I had a great 12 miler. I averaged 8:53 overall, but if I kept going at the 8:30 pace I was currently running, I would finish a half in 1:53.
I ran 4x800 at around 3:32 overall. It felt good to run that fast. Ibwas tired for my Tuesday and Wed runs, so I rested Thurs and Fri. I did play a little soccer last night. Not sore today.

My goal:
1. Finish under 1:50
2. Finish under 1:55
3. Finish under 2 hours
4. Finish strong. :-)

Heart rate plan:
I haven't had my strap for a few runs, so this will be interesting.
First 2 miles- run in the low 9's, heart rate under 175
Miles 3-10 - average 8:20's to 8:30's, stay under 190. Aim for low 180's
Last 3,1- bust out the 8's! Finish strong! Can run in the 190's.

It will be interesting to report how it goes! Wish me luck!

Week 2 of Yakima Marathon Training

It is crazy that I have really started. :-)
Monday, Dec 9th- Did not run, awful night of sleep
Tues, Dec 10th- Ran with Heather, On a time schedule- 4.87 miles 8:59 pace, ave hr-164, max-182
Wed, Dec 11th- Tempo run-
Warmup (no hr monitor)- 9:30
Mile 2- 7:55 (couldn't get my shuffle to work, had to stop)
Mile 3- 7:32
Mile 4- 7:43
Mile 5- 9:39
Pretty good tempo. It was cold, so my lungs were burning pretty good. Tougher to do a workout without a hr strap.
Thursday- 4.7 miles, 11:02 pace, pushed a stroller
Friday- watch died, normal 5 miles
Saturday- Long run, still no hr strap 11.91 miles, 8:54 pace
Mile 1- 9:28
Mile 2- 9:22
Mile 3- 9:15
Mile 4- 8:51
Mile 5- 9:00
Mile 6- 8:34
Mile 7- 8:36
Mile 8- 8:40
Mile 9-8:47
Mile 10-8:37
Mile 11- 8:42
Mile 12- 8:52 pace

I felt great this workout.

18 weeks to go

Well, here we go. Let's see what happens. I am going to just see where my body takes me. I will work hard and do my best. I have a half marathon in a couple of weeks so that will give me a better idea of my fitness level.

December 2- Low hr- avg 143, max 157  5.19 miles at 11:10 pace
Thursday, December 4- 4.27 miles 9:36 pace
Dec. 5- low hr, 4.96, 10:55 pace, ave 147, max- 189
Dec 6- 5 mile pace run- 8:48 ave 7.0 miles, hr ave- 179, max- 196
mile 1-8:27  hr ave-168
mile 2- 8:26, hr ave- 175
mile 3- 8:17, hr ave-183
mile 4- 8:26, hr ave- 189
mile 5- 8:12, hr ave-190

Dec 7th- long run, 10.55 miles, 1:38:55- 9:23 pace
hr ave- 161, max-181

Total miles- 32 ish (I missed Monday's run)

Last Week before Marathon Training starts- woo hoo!

This is my last week before the 18 week schedule starts. I am not sure how closely I will follow it, but I definitely want to be ready when the 12 week schedule starts so I need to do some speedwork.

Monday- not low hr, but pretty conversational. 5 miles in 48:18, 9:40 pace, ave hr- 156, max hr- 181
Tuesday- at the gym, wanted to get a tempo run in
warmup- 5 minutes- ave hr- 146, .50 miles
speedup-  37 seconds, 166 ave hr .06 miles
Mile 1 of tempo- 7:55, ave hr- 172
Mile 2 of tempo- 7:35, ave hr- 177
Mile 3 of tempo- 7:06, ave hr- 188
Mile.1 of tempo- :41 sec, ave hr- 197

Total 5k- 23:16, so still faster than last week. My legs are getting tired, but my heart rate seems to be doing well. My max hr was 198. I really need to work on strength training and core training!

Wed- Traveled to Utah
Thurs- Thanksgiving! Did my own Turkey Trot
I did a warmup and then did the first mile at exactly 7:00. I still have yet to see a mile in the 6's. I will have to do that one of these days. :-) The next mile was 7:47 and the last mile was 9:37. I definitely started too fast!

Fri-met up with Annie Ballard from Sherwood and ran 10 miles at 8:38 pace! I was so surprised by this. My last mile I even ran at 7:50. This gave me such hope.

This was a good week!

Catch up Time! November

It is amazing how time seems to fly. :-) I really want to document this training cycle so I will do my best to catch up. My usual running schedule is:

Monday morning- slow heart rate run with Kirsten
Monday night- Couch to 5k class
Tuesday- rest
Wed- slow hr run with Kirsten
Thurs-Tempo run
Fri- rest or run with Sarah
Saturday- run 6-8 miles with running group (not low hr!) and then couch to 5k for 3.1 miles.

My memorable runs have been my tempo runs.

On Thursday, November 14
Mile 1- warmup 9:42 hr-147
Mile 2- 8:16- hr- 177
Mile 3- 8:04 hr-190
 I was just feeling like junk, so I decided to slow down and call it good.
Mile 4- 10:52
Mile 5- 10:26

I had done the Dr. Oz 48 hour cleanse and I just think my body didn't have enough carbs to fuel me.

On Friday, November 15- I wanted to try a pace run.

Mile .5- warmup- 9:45
Mile 1.5-8:23- hr- 171
Mile 2.5- 8:18- hr- 185
Mile 3.5- 8:20- hr- 188
Mile4.0-10:33 pace

Still didn't have the energy I wanted. But a good start. I want to see these pace runs get better.

On Thursday, November 21- Tried a tempo run again. I was a little nervous after the last one. I drank gatorade and had a banana and toast. :-)

Mile 1- warmup- 9:49, hr- 142
Mile 2- 8:03- hr- 173
Mile 3- 7:30- hr- 187- what?!! 7:30!! :-)
Mile 4- 7:32- hr- 191- awesome!!
Mile .1- 45 seconds
Mile 5- 10:26

So, my 5k time was- 23:51- that is an amazing 5k time for me right now. This gave me such confidence! It was tough, but so rewarding and shocking!

Long run November 23

I decided I wanted to try the hilly run Kruger. I asked my friend Annie to join me. I was a little nervous because she is an amazing runner and I didn't want to slow her down too much. I thought it went very well and it was gorgeous! The view was amazing and I felt like a million bucks!!

It is a 7 mile run and we averaged 9:24 pace. The slowest mile uphill was 10:37 and the fastest mile downhill was 8:10. I would like to run this once a week and see how I get stronger.

I am feeling really good about my running right now.

I got in almost 30 miles this week. I have 4 more weeks until the half marathon. That will tell me a lot about where my fitness level is. I am excited!

Week Nov 4th-Nov 10th

New week, here we go!

Mon- did not run with the morning group, just my 5k class at night

3.07 miles in 45:22

Tues- met with Marnie, didn't get much sleep

Really going to try to get to bed earlier!

4.96 in 48:14 9:43 pace
Avg hr- 160
Max hr- 179
9:55- ave hr 134
9:30- ave hr 157
9:47 ave hr 166
9:30 ave hr 169
9:56 ave hr 175

I dd not feel great, so I really think I need to focus on food and sleep. I can do this! If I want to get to Boston, I need to do what I can!!

Wed Run
Did not get to bed early enough because of book club, but I will try again tonight. :-) Decided to do a tempo run. For a tempo run, I want my hr to get up pretty high. It is a tough run.

Mile 1- 9:28 hr 150
Mile 2- 7:51 hr 176
Mile 3- 7:47 hr 188
Mile 4- 7:52- hr 193
Mile.1- 7:49 hr 197
Mile 6- 9:51 hr 179

Max- 200

5k- 24:16  Pretty good, since I wasn't planning on racing. :-) Tempo pace should be 10k pace, but I went a little faster. It felt good to go fast, but it was tough.

Week of Oct 28th- November 2nd

I am trying to get more miles in. Most of these will be at low heart rate.

Mon- morning- 4.91 miles 52:20 min- 10:40 pace

ave hr- 149, max hr-169 (Stella Olsen)

Mile 1- 10:58 hr ave-137

Mile 2- 10:51 hr ave-146

Mile 3- 10:30, hr ave- 151

Mile 4- 10:28 hr ave- 155

Mile 5- 10:28- 161

Mon evening- Couch to 5k

2.49 miles- 14:51 pace hr ave- 135, hr max-151

Wed- Tempo Run

Mile 1-8:55, hr ave 150(warmup)

Mile 2- 8:27, hr ave 172

Mile 3- 8:21, hr ave 177

Mile 4- 8:14, hr ave 183

Mile 5-9:16, hr ave  178 (cooldown) 

I felt pretty good during the tempo. I could have gone faster, but this was a good pace to push it. :-)

Thurs- low hr 5 miles 53 min 10:38 no hr

mile 1- 10:15
10:31
10:37
10:42
11:02

Fri-
5.2 miles in 48:10- 9:16 pace

1-9:11
2-9:39
3-8:40
4- 9:05
5-9:42

Sat-
Jeff had surgery and I ran with my group
2.97 miles 36:43


Total miles 25.32

Low Heart Rate 10/23

Here we go again. I am still debating what my plan is for the marathon. Am I ready for a marathon? I am tired already because Caden is not sleeping through the night. I think I am going to sign up anyway and just not start a ton of speedwork until 6 weeks in.

Here is today's workout stats

Mile 1- 9:58 hr ave- 138
Mile 2- 10:24 hr ave- 149
Mile 3-10:38 hr ave- 149
Mile .16- 10:03 hr ave- 155
Mile 4- 10:49- 145
Mile 5- 11:16- 153

Total- 5.17 miles, time 54:45, hr ave- 147, max- 168

Pretty good workout.

I will keep doing this.

I did my Couch to 5k group on Monday and Tuesday night. I think it will really help me also.

Low Heart Rate Run 10/21

I am still trying to run low heart rate whenever I can. Here is my run today:

Mile 1- 9:49 hr ave-144
Mile 2- 10:44- hr ave- 148
Mile 3- 10:12- hr ave- 148
Mile 4- 10:20- hr ave- 149
Mile 5- 10:43- hr ave- 162

Total 4.95 miles 51:15, 10:21 pace hr ave- 152, hr max 169 (up Stella Olsen hill)

This isn't too bad. :-) We will keep doing this. Tonight I will update with my couch to 5k class times. I can't wait.

First Tempo Run of the Training

I am trying not to be discouraged, so writing it down will help so I can see the change over the weeks.

Mile 1- Warmup- 9:24- hr ave- 150
Mile 2- getting faster- 9:12, hr ave- 174
Mile 3- 8:26- hr ave- 186
Mile 4- 8:18- hr ave- 196
Mile 5- cooldown 9:59- 189
Mile . 27 9:43- 190

I plan on doing a tempo run every Thursday and we will see how this changes. I am starting a couch to 5k group and I know going slow will help my heart even more. I am excited for this and to see people reach their goals.

First low heartrate run

I would really like to see how my training improves. I am doing low heart rate training with Kirsten to get a really strong base before I add in speed work. My max

Mile 1- 10:37 , average heart rate- 143
Mile 2- 10:51, average heart rate- 145
Mile 3- 11:23, average heart rate -147
Mile 4- 11:22, average heart rate- 142
Mile 5- 11:42, average heart rate- 134

So, overall, Overall we ran 5 miles in 55 minutes, my average heart rate was 148 and my max was 170. (that heart rate is off because it is also including my treadmill workout from the day before.)

When I ran my 5k on August 10th, I ran a 25:28 which is an 8:10 pace. My average heart rate was 190 and my max was 208.

I would like to see how my fitness goes up after building my base! I am excited for this process!

Starting Over- again!

Well, here we are. I never updated my training. After my last post, I kept training for a while, but then realized it just wasn't going to happen for me. Caden does not take a bottle, so being gone for long runs just wasn't going to work this time around. Luckily the weight has been coming off and I feel fit, just not marathon fit!

I have a group of friends who will be running Boston 2014 and I am so happy for them, and yes a little bit jealous. :-) To help me feel better I want to be able to train with them and I will plan on running Newport Marathon on May 31, 2014. My goal will be to qualify for Boston 2015, which would be the 10 year anniversary of my first marathon. :-)

This is much more realistic. So, my focus for now is getting as strong as I can so I can go into the training in January in top condition. I am very excited about this.

I feel pretty good right now. My weight this morning was 139.8! I have lost 42 lbs in 6 months after having the baby. I think that is pretty good. I am still nursing so it is hard to know how much more I can lose, but I would love to get to 135 by January. I am also involved in a wellness challenge, so that has been helping. I am focusing on running slow and building my base and doing weight training to get stronger. I will do core exercises every day.

It's my turn!! I feel it!!

Day 1 of low heart rate training- 2 miles on the treadmill at 5.0 miles per hour. My heart rate stayed between 140 and 153. Not too shabby. Can't wait to run outside.

Is this really possible?

I am struggling getting my runs in. It is easier for me to call the YMCA and take Caden and then I do a workout. I have a hard time getting motivated to run on the treadmill. This week it was a mish mash of workouts and runs. I did a 2 mile interval run on the treadmill that felt tough, but good. This morning, I weighed in at 151.8 and felt better running than I have so far. I ran 3 miles in 31 minutes. This is a long way from a 3:40 marathon. There is a part of me that wants to give up now and just ease my way into the marathon in September.
BUT- 99% wants to work my butt off and see where it gets me. I know I can do this training. As long as I keep the other areas of my life in balance, then this training will serve me positively.

I have 18 weeks. Let's do this!!!

Boston 2014 - Reaching for the Moon

I want to be in Boston next year. After the bombings, I was questioning my desire to qualify. Dallin said to me, " aren't you glad you weren't there this year?" After thinking it over, it has made me even more determined to get there this year. I want to be there to experience the solidarity. I want to show that we are brave and strong. I have many friends who have already qualified and i want to be there with them! Is it a huge goal? Yes! Can I do it? Absolutely! What do I have to do?

1. Eat healthy.
2. Get sleep. (As much as I can with a baby!)
3. Exercise consistently.
4. Cut out the unnecessary time wasters!
5. Spiritually prepared
6. Priorities in line- family first!

It will be tough, but I am committing to the hard work and dedication it will take. Here are my plans:

1. Follow Jillian michaels 30 day Making the Cut plan. This is cardio and weight lifting that will help me get in shape.

Started May 3rd- weight 159.

2. Add in the running starting with Run for Boston 5k this Saturday with Crystal.

3. No added sugar!! I can do this one and I feel better when I do. I don't need it!

4. Lots of fruits and veggies!

5. Don't beat myself up. Not about perfection.

So, lets see what happens!

First run back

I want to start with these pictures of this perfect baby. This will remind me on the days that I am frustrated with how my body looks. This body gave me 4 beautiful babies. I am so grateful for it. I want to treat it well and keep it healthy. I am excited to see what else it can do. Of course I mean- I know it will get me to Boston!

It is a long road back. I went on my first run yesterday. I did a little walk and then I started running slow. I averaged between 13 and 14 minute miles and I had to stop a few times on the hills. My goal is to go again tomorrow and hopefully I will feel even better.

My weight is 160.2   My goal is 135 by the marathon. I will keep track of how that goes. I went to Costco today and picked up lots of veggies. I am ready to do this!

2013 Marathon Dreams- The Oregon Marathon

Hi everyone! In a little over 3 days I will be having a baby. That means it's time to plan my races for the year. :-) That is what keeps me sane after I have a baby. Plus, I am antsy to get back out and exercise after taking a few months off.

So, it is perfect timing to find out about the new Oregon Marathon. This is a race that is put on by Uberthons. I have participated in many of their races and their timing system is unbelievable!! It will take place September 28th- 6 months away- perfect!

http://www.uberthons.com/theoregonmarathon

Tomorrow is a one day price of $75 to register. After that, it will be $90. Who is in? Oregon is a beautiful place to run and the weather should be perfect. If you are coming from a higher altitude, then you will have quite the advantage.

Let me know if you sign up. Sarah, you better sign up! :-)

I would love to hear what other races you are all training for and excited about. Let's get this blog going again. I need motivation!

Can't wait to run with these guys again! (Well, at least start with them. It will be a while before I run WITH them!)

Catching up- a new start!

A lot has happened since I last wrote. I found out about a month after that post that I was pregnant!! Definitely wasn't expecting it. I was in the best shape I had been in in a long time. I was excited to be pregnant, but honestly a little bummed to stop training with Jeff. He had a great training cycle with our group and I just kept running slowly. I will give more details about the training and race later, but I wanted to jot some things down right now. First of all, I am so, so proud of Jeff! Even though I pictured running my first marathon with him, it was enjoyable to cheer him on. I hope he will do another one with me. :-) I was lucky enough to run the first 8 miles with my favorite running partner, Sarah. Oh, how I have missed her!

I am going to have a baby in 11 days. I am so excited! I have always joked that I get faster after each baby, but so far it has been true. So, Boston here I come. I am committing to do what I need to do to be healthy and reach my goal.

1. Eat healthy- as little sugar as possible. Whole foods if possible. Lots of fruits and veggies.
2. Get more sleep. No more getting sucked into the internet at night.
3. Don't spread myself too thin. Focus is my baby and family and my goals. :-)

Boston 2014!! Is it a possibility? We will see... My goal marathon will be 6 months after I have the baby so we will see what happens. I know what my body needs to be healthy. I am aiming for April 8th as my first run. I will report back how it goes.