Five month anniversary

Happy Anniversary to me!

Today it is five months since I quit smoking and started running.  I can't imagine ever smoking again because it would prevent me from running well.

I feel like a new person!

Running with my old friends, the Beatles

Two posts in one day is not my norm but I needed to separate this from my Memorial Day post.

Today I ran week 11, day one on my app which is running three 15-minute intervals.  I skipped two days because they were the same as the previous day and this seemed doable... and it was!

And today I changed up my music, running with my old friends the Beatles.  I put my music on The Beatles 1962-66.  I am used to running with upbeat, current music, but this seemed to be right for the day and it was wonderful!

Thanks old friends!

I'm not a hero but I am pretty proud of myself

"Hero: A person who is admired for courage, strength and noble qualities.  That's you!"

This was the thought of the day on my running app today which is ironic since it is Memorial Day.  I'm certainly not a hero like the men who fight for our freedom.  And today I will dedicate my run to them.

And running through the neighborhoods I loved seeing the flags flying!  Happy Memorial Day!

Intervals

On my way to 10K is now serving me up with interval running!  I was off today so I got up early to run when it was still cool out. (It actually didn't ever get too warm today to run.)

I find that eating a power bar first really helps, either because it really boosts my energy or the commitment after consuming 170 calories first thing in the morning.  Anyway I started with that and plenty of water, and a little coffee. 

The intervals now are 5 minute warm up walk, then run 10, walk 1, run 10, walk 2, run 10, walk 3, run 10, walk 4, run 10, then 5 minute cool down walk.  It's kind of nice to have a change from straight running.  It adds variety. 

I'm also enjoying running in new areas because I'm going further.  My route today, including all walking and running, was over five miles.  And I'm on busier streets so people mention that they see me running. Everyone is so supportive. 

To keep a handle on my weight which has gone up a little, not because I'm 'building muscle' but because I'm eating whatever I want (and my pants are getting tight), I joined Weight Watchers Online again. It's nice to see the calculations of adding activity, I got nine extra points today for running. 

Have I mentioned lately that I really don't miss smoking?  In the past I have always known that I missed it and would start again if (fill in the blank) but this time I can't imagine ever smoking again because it would negatively affect my running which means a lot more to me.

My Bucket List of Races

I've been looking at races I would like to do and have compiled a list.  If I can't do them this year, perhaps next year!  It is my bucket list!


Chicago Crosstown Classic 10K

I hope to do this race this year, being my first 10K!  I love the shirts and it has a medal!
TWO TEAMS REPRESENTING NORTHSIDE AND SOUTHSIDE CHICAGO WILL COMPETE HEAD-TO-HEAD IN A 10K (6.2 MILE) RACE FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS TO SAY: WE RUN CHICAGO!
HOW IT WORKS
1.) Choose which side you are representing: Team Northside or Team Southside.
2.) Of the thousands of participants, the average time from the first 1,000 finishers from each team will be calculated. The team with the fastest overall average time will be declared the winner.
3.) If you don’t plan on finishing in the top 1,000 for your team, don’t think you’re off the hook: Your team needs you to represent!
Please note: From elite athletes to casual walkers, the Crosstown Classic 10K is open to all participant levels.
DATE: Saturday, September 28, 2013
TIME & LOCATION
Start Time: 8:00am
Start Location: Grant Park


Tap 'N' Run

I would have really like to do this one on June 1st, 2013 however we are doing the Red Legs Run that morning.  Maybe next year...
Tap 'N' Run combines a ridiculous running race - a 4k with 3 beer chug stations* along the race course, a full beer at the Finish Line, crazy costumes, great times with friends, and unbelievable athleticism. JAM Active has teamed up with some rad bars in Cincinnati to create this awesome day of racing and community enjoyment! (*chug stations = 5-6 oz. of beer per)

In addition to being a part of an awesome and unique racing experience, all participants will receive a sweet Finisher's medal (that doubles as a bottle opener...no, really), the equivalent of over two beers and a Tap 'N' Run t-shirt to commemorate your amazing accomplishment. You also have the option to have your race professionally timed so you and your friends can laugh about how long it took to finish a mere 4k while sipping some suds!



Christian Moerlein Beer Series

While I missed the first two, I may do the Hudepohl 7K and definitely want to do the series next year!
The Christian Moerlein Beer Series is a series of three road races to be held in 2013 to celebrate Cincinnati’s rich history of brewing and running. It will include the following races: Bockfest 5K (March), Little Kings Mile (May) and Hudepohl 14K & 7K Brewery Run (September) with all races supporting local charities. Those who complete the Beer Series or all three races during the calendar year will receive a special commemorative gift from the Flying Pig Marathon.


Flying Pig Half Marathon (and eventually maybe the full marathon)

Information for 2013 is as follows.  I hope to do this in 2014!
The Flying Pig Half Marathon 6:30 a.m. start, Sunday, May 5, 2013 Minimum age to participate on race day ( Sunday, May 5, 2013 ) is 14 years for the Flying Pig Half Marathon. The half marathon will start at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2013 , at the same time as the full marathon field. The two groups will run together for approximately nine miles, when the half marathon field will turn back toward downtown and end at the Marathon finish line along Yeatman's Cove. Walkers are welcome in the half marathon

And here are a few other races that may be possibilities:

2013 Tina's Angels Dairy Dash
Come out and participate in our 1st Annual 5K Dairy Dash Trail Run and 2K Family Walk! This years event will take place at The Niederman Family Farm in Liberty Twp., Oh on Saturday, June 29th.

Tunnel to Towers 5K
Run, Walk, Honor our Heroes
Cincinnati
September 8, 2013

Electric Run™ Cincinnati!
September 14th!
We’ll be lighting up the Kentucky Speedway on September 14th at 8:10 PM! The speedway has all kinds of cool trees, buildings and other structures that will look amazing with our lights!

On my way to 10K

"How good do you feel compared to only two or three months ago?"

I feel like I'm really on my way!  After running with Jody last Saturday, I know I can run more every time I go out.

So tonight, after taking Matt to the dentist and painting the rest of the door trim, I ventured out on a new route again!  I ran to the middle school and then by the Tri to complete my 20 minute run, 3 minute walk, 20 minute run!  And ran up the big hill on Sandra!

I read in Runner's World about running up hills and got a new trick... sign a song!  Luckily my final hill coincided with the "Lazy Song" which was absolutely perfect!  I leaned forward and looked down as recommended by my friend Jill and I made it!!

So I have now finished the week of requirements for 10K prep (week 9 of 14 weeks)!

And speaking of Runner's World I have read some really great articles and learned several new tricks.  One really great article was about the people who help make the Boston Marathon happen "Boston Marathon Behind the Scenes."  This article was obviously written prior to this year's marathon which made it more special to me.

Running with my girl!

Today was my first ever run for fun with Jody.  We ran my new route in the neighborhood which includes Western Knolls.   Our goal was 50 minutes running with a three minutes break at the halfway point.  We did that and more!

We added some extra distance by going down all the streets in WK and one of the cul de sacs along Chestnut. We actually finished before the hill on Sandra but Jody said "let's do it anyway" so we did!

I felt so good afterward but am sad I can't run with her more often. 

Later in the day we went to the Rec Center where she had me lifting free weights with her.   It was a great day!

I exercised 53min total, 40min running, 20min max run, and got the 10K Beginner badge.

Sunday morning run (and my own little pig)

I ran this morning and did great! I finished a 35 minute run around the neighborhood. It looked like rain but I didn't have any issues.

After a difficult phone call, I got ready to run (feeling cute in my purple and teal). I drank a couple glasses of water and ate a protein bar and was on my way. I was really excited to try my new breathing technique.

I ran around the block first and since the rain didn't seem to be a threat, I extended my route to go up Dana, right on 732, and right on Chestnut. I remember a day when that would have intimidated me. I would have been self conscious to have people I know see me but I feel like most people now know that I am a runner!

The new breathing worked great. I think it is something to continue. I love new ideas and how much I'm learning and can share with others.

I had originally set my timer for a 30 minute run but I felt I had more in me and ran 35. I even made it all the way up the hill on Sandra.

I'm not sure what made today such a success... being stressed from the call? plenty of water and a power bar? excited for new breathing plan? or all the excitement this weekend about the Flying Pig Marathon. I thought a lot about the marathon during my run. All the posts on Facebook and encouragement for people running in the Pig are very motivating. It makes me proud to be part of this great group of people.

I'm just wondering when (not if) I will accomplish the Flying Pig Marathon! Meanwhile I feel like I did my own little Pig!

My new Runner's World

On Monday I received my first issue of Runner's World and I love it! It was a gift from Jody and I have been looking forward to it coming.

I already found some new ideas about breathing and can't wait to try them. Basically they recommend a 3-2 interval to go with strides. Inhale for three strides, exhale for two strides. Not only does it help breathing but also prevents injury. Its definitely worth a try.

I really like all the inspiring stories too! It is loaded with great information!