Parkway Half Marathon

I am officially a half marathoner!!!

I ran the entire thing and only feel a little pain in my knee. I can't wait to sign up for the next half! My Garmin time is 2:17. Official time to come later along with a re-cap. Gotta go out and celebrate with friends!

Last Day: Outfit & Goals

There is a lot to do today. After I get done with this post, I have to go down town and pick up my packet and then Jason is taking me out to a filling dinner, then a shower and off to bed to read until I fall asleep (hopefully early).

Here is my race day outfit. It's nothing special. I've worn these clothes a million times and they're super comfy (the best way to go). I'm still debating if I'll need to wear my sleeves the during the race or just before. I'll find out in the morning.

I'm doing my final icing while I watch some Judge Judy, before we head out.

The kitties are watching all the leaves fall outside. They love it when the windows are open.

My goals for tomorrow are pretty simple. No matter what happens, I will be proud of myself and that's all that matters.

~Finish under 2:30 hours

~Finish under 2 hours

~Finish un-injured

~Just finish while having a good time

I'm getting all the final emails from the race director, and the day sounds like so much fun. I can't wait. I woke up this morning to butterflies in my tummy. I always get those before a major race. I hope I can fall asleep tonight at a decent time. I don't want to be too tired tomorrow (which I know I will). I have an early wake up call of 4:30 am. I'm a morning person, but not that early. I have some Gilmore Girls to watch to try to calm my nerves in the am, so hopefully I'll be able to eat something and drink my coffee.

Wish me luck!

Day 2: Music & Gear

Last night's dinner was left overs from the other night. Subway. I got turkey on whole wheat without onions (I hate uncooked onions).

Here is the gear (that I can pack now) for the race. Starting from left to right: warm up sleeves, compression socks for after the race (or the car ride home), towel to wipe off all the nasty sweat I will be dripping, body glide, GU Chomps, (watermelon flavor), hair ties and bands, 2 water bottles (which will be pre-filled), mp3 player, and my jacket.

I love music. I love listening to it while I run. I need some form of entertainment going in my head while I run. I'm not one of those people that can run without being plugged in. I love being plugged in. Some of my favorite artists will be joining me for my race on Saturday. I am going to keep my MP3 player on random, so these artists are not in any sort of order. I will have many songs from each of these artists (unless I specify a song):

Serj Tankian

System of a Down

Sublime

Offspring

Sum 41

Korn

Metallica

Marylin Manson

Aqua (Barbie Song)

Puddle of Mud

Alice in Chains

Bush

Disturbed

What gets you running? What do you get when you go to a sandwich shop?

Day 1

So, this is the first day of complete relaxing (at least no running). It is very difficult. This is all in the head. The last 2 days, I've wanted to run further and harder than I have in the past. I'm not sure why, but the only thing I can think of is that I know I shouldn't (so I don't).


I'm doing ok, so far. No too stir crazy. I'm filling my days with work and my nights with relaxing and errands to get ready for this weekend. Tomorrow, you will get a preview of what I will be listening to while I'm running (yes, I will have my ear buds in).

How did you handle your first taper?

Last One!!

I got int 4 miles on the nasty tm today. It did treat me well. Tapering is getting more and more difficult. I can't wait until i can run what ever I want! I have to keep this post short. Our washer went out this morning and I have to go to the laundry mat to wash race day clothes.

I loved these left overs. They were so good!!

You can really tell that I liked them!

Scoutie decided to entertain us while I iced. Very cut little kitten (even though she's almost a year old).

Off we go!

Tapering is Hard Work

Since this is my first 1/2, I've never tapered before. I think this is more difficult than the actual training itself. I had 5 miles on the schedule. It seemed so easy (and I was really pushing it too). I wanted to run longer, but, from what I've heard and read, your not suppose to. I'm suppose to let my body heal right now and prepare it for the torture it's about to go through. I have so much built up energy, that I'm use to getting out after work. I guess it's a good thing the entire house needs to be cleaned before this weekend and I have a bunch of errands to run. Wish me luck on my taper.

I'm getting pretty sad, since I only have one more day of working out. I want to be well rested for my race, but I love working out. It's been a hobby since I was a little kid. When I was learning to write and had to fill out questions. One question would ask what my hobby was and I would write "working out". Most other kids wrote playing with friends or cars and swimming or something like that, not me.

On the other hand, I am very excited for this weekend. It's raining right now, I hope it gets it all out during the week and be some sun with a slight breeze for just Saturday. That's how it's suppose to be. But, I also checked the weather at the end of last week. I'm going to keep hoping for some "perfect" weather for my first 1/2.

The Hubs Behind the Runner & Recipes

So, the man in my life that I always refer to as "hubs", well, his name is Jason. We met almost 10 years ago. We've been married for almost 6 years. He is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. He is super supportive through everything I do.

Every race I do, he's there to support me and cheer me to the finish line (as well as be my photographer). If I'm having a bad day (aka had a bad run), he tries to understand why and help cheer me up. He is my rock and my love, I am the luckiest girl to have him in my life!

Ok, enough mushy stuff. I made the best dinner last night (not healthy at all). I made scalloped potatoes from scratch (which I've never done before). Jason said "these are the best scalloped potatoes I've ever had". And, they were. These are a must try!

Here I am in my messy kitchen. Don't worry I clean when I am completely finished.

Another item that I have never made before (from scratch), biscuits. These are mini cheddar biscuits with vanilla honey butter was the best I've ever tasted. Another must try!! I have some leftovers. Give me a call, and I'll fix you dinner!

I paired these things with green beans and tomato, garlic sausage. I was so full last night (my stomach has shrank through this training session).

This was the best dinner I've had in a very long time! If you try these recipes, let me know. I want to see what you guys thought of it. I have to get ready. We're going to my parents house for Easter dinner.

What was the best dinner you've ever fixed?

Good Feeling

This morning, I had a great run to the gym. It was about 40 degrees with a slight breeze and barely anyone on the roads. I did hit a few traffic lights, but nothing that held me up too much. I was so excited to hit the weights (I know, it sounds odd the hear me say that). I spent 20 minutes on my legs, 20 minutes on my core and the final 20 minutes on my arms. I am sore (in the best way possible). The run home was the best part. I hit more traffic lights, was able to get a great groove in my stride and made it home in less time than it took me to get there. I am feeling great today!!

My big toe has been hurting me for about a week. I've had nail polish on it, so I couldn't see anything. I didn't really think anything of it (the pain was so very light). I took my nail polish off and there was a small bruise (I guess it's time to stop taking my iron pills, so it will heal). I'm glad the new polish is dark enough to cover it. I have runners feet, but on the bottom. No one needs to see any nastiness.

I've gotten some much stuff done today: I've iced, stretched, elevated, de-boned a chicken, made more granola bars, showered, made the bed, watched a few shows and now it's almost time to make dinner. WOW!! My day is flying by. I hate it when Saturday go by so fast, it means the work week is almost here (but my race is just that mcuh closer!!).

This smile proves of how good I feel. I am ready to conquer the full 13.1 miles in 7 days.

I have a few more recipes I will share with you guys tomorrow. Also, you will be meeting the hubs behind the runner tomorrow. I know, very exciting stuff going on here.

How did your workout go this weekend?

Rest Day & Chimichangas

Today is one of my many rest days coming up. This is just my usual rest day. I have learned a lot throughout this training time. I've learned to listen to my body and do what it says (most of the time) and this is huge for me. I like learning about myself. I also know that I am capable of more than I ever thought. No matter how "slow" or "fast" I am next weekend, I will be proud of myself and am happy with the huge progress I have made over this time. After the race I will continue to train...for my next 1/2 marathon. I just have the decide which one I want to do (I'm thinking of doing one that has an expo, so I can get that experience).

Last night, I made Oven Fried Chimichangas. They were so good! Here's the mixture that went inside.

I used whole wheat tortillas and buttered them up!

Out of the oven once I got out of the shower. Perfect timing!

They look so professional (jk)!! You should try them. They have the perfect little crisp to them. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

What are you proud of, from your training? I'm also proud that I have dropped a few pounds, I've became more toned, my legs look so much better and I know how to control my breathing.

Opps, I Did It Again!

I had one of the best runs tonight! It really got me super excited for my race next weekend. I ran an easy, painless 6 miles that flew by. When I looked down (on the tm), I couldn't believe 6 miles had gone by so quickly. I love it when this happens. This is exactly what I needed 9 days before my 1st 1/2. This was a real motivating run for me. I'm this far into my training, and I feel this great (I've technically been training for 11 months, because of how slow I started out).

I know I said I wasn't baking until after my race, but I was really craving something, so I had to make it. The recipe came from my own head (which doesn't happen often). I made Apple Cinnamon Roll Ups.

First, I sauteed one diced/peeled apple in about 1 tablespoon of butter with a dash of cinnamon and sugar until softened.

Then, I rolled out my leftover phyllo dough and brushed it with melted butter and sprinkled cinnamon and sugar (as much as you like).

I then placed the cooked apples on one side of the dough, then gently rolled them and lightly pinched sealed. Place in oven at 350 for 10-15 minutes (don't let burn).

And enjoy! I thought I would eat it with s fork, but that was too messy, so this became a finger food. YUM!!

I only made 4 (that's all the dough I had left), so there's no leftovers. I can't have any more. That's why I made this vs. cookies or something sugary bread. This was so good and it hit the spot! Now, I'm just craving an entire pizza.

What is your splurge? Do you try to stay away from a certain type of food while in the end of your training? I'm trying to stay away from wine and beer, and baking anything.

Traditions

Today, I ran 4 miles on the tm (gotta keep my pace) and then did leg weights. I have absolutely no knee pain (or any others). I'm so happy with how I feel. I am such an impatient person though, I wish the race was tomorrow. I HATE WAITING for something so exciting!

Thank you guys for your advice on "tapering" for my race. I'm thinking that I will take wed, thur and fri off (next week) and run and do weights. This way, I will have, fresh and happy legs and will be able to do great.

We are having spaghetti for dinner tonight, as well as last night. Yummy! Hubs loves it when I make this, it's his favorite. I think he could eat all day every day. I made the spaghetti with ground turkey sausage. I guess I'm so lazy, that I don't even want to season my meat. It was so good with this and made it faster (I know, it only takes seconds to do the seasoning part, but what can I say). I'm eating this with one of my favorite drinks, V8 Splash. So good! You should try it if you haven't.

Just an update: My blisters are 100% healed and feeling great! As I sit here writing this post, and I don't have any knee pain. My body is feeling great (no other pains anywhere) and I am ready for this race. Only 10 days!!!!

Do you have any pre-race traditions? I have to wear a certain old race shirt to bed the night before.

How Far?

I had 10 miles on the schedule tonight, which got cut short. I was feeling a little knee pain and didn't want it to get worse. So, I chose the smart route. I ended up running 7 1/2 miles. Not too shabby! I'm icing my leg while I cook dinner...spaghetti. This is my hubs favorite.

I have a question for you guys. Since I've never raced this far (1/2 marathon), how do I taper? Here's what I was planning:

20th: 5k (fast) run / spin
21st: 6 mile run
22nd: rest
23: run to gym / weights/ run home (round trip run 5.15 miles)
24th: rest
25th: 5k fast run / spin
26th: not sure, usually a long run day
27th: 5k fast run / spin or rest day
28th: rest
29th: rest
30th: race day!!!

So, how far should I run on the 26th? Should I take the 27th as a rest day or do my normal workout? Thanks for every one's advice during this training cycle. I'm stronger than I ever though I was and am ready for this race. I just wish I could speed up time. I hate the waiting game.

Feeling Strong

Today has been one of those days. Everything I touch breaks, or gets completely ruined. It's been like this all day long. I'm surprised I didn't get into a car accident on my way home. I've felt sluggish all day (it's been cloudy and rainy here). All I've wanted to do is relax and cuddle with the hubs. So, I made a choice. I chose not to go to the gym today. At first, I just wasn't going to go to spin class. Then, I was afraid that I may break my leg or something running. I think my brain needs this day off and I'm proud of it. I'll have my long run tomorrow (thinking about 10 miles). I've been feeling strong lately (picture taken Saturday afternoon). Especially since my 13 miler on Saturday. I'm still feeling good. That day, my legs were a little stiff, but nothing bad. I can't wait for the race (12 days)!! It's time for my yummy meatballs for dinner. I hope everyone that raced today is doing well!! Congrats to everyone!

Polish Dinner

I relaxed for a while yesterday, after my 13 mile run. I felt pretty good all day. My knee hasn't really hurt. I've been elevating it and icing it like a good runner. Last night's dinner was pretty good. I made Polish meatballs with mashed potatoes and green beans. There wasn't anything special about the potatoes or the beans, they just had the same seasoning as the meatballs. The hubs made it very romantic outside. It was so nice out there. A very cool breeze and we had a mosquito candle with us (aka, no bugs).

Dessert was chocolate babaka. The dough was super soft and difficult to work with. Does everyone remember that episode of Seinfeld where Elaine stopped to get the babka to take with her to a dinner party and found a hair in it. It was also the episode where George was wearing that huge jacket and had to trade it with the wine salesman when Kramer knocked over all the wine. Can you tell that I love watching Seinfeld!?

I was a little disappointed that the chocolate didn't melt inside the bread. Oh well, it was eating a chocolate chip type of bread. It did taste like something I've made before, just not sure which bread.

I've been watching crappy horror movies on Netflix and relaxing while the hubs is hanging out with some friends today. I can't wait for left overs!

13 Mile Trial Run

This morning, I had a 13 mile trial run. I wanted to make sure I was confident in running my 1/2 marathon in 2 weeks. I woke up at 5am, ate some whole grain Cheerios and drank 1 cup of coffee. I was so tired. I couldn't get to sleep last night. The run went great. My knee did start to hurt about 11 miles into the run. I have this trail that is a 6 mile out and back trail. I ran it twice, then back tracked 1/2 mile (to equal a total of 13 miles). I took some of these at about 5 miles.

I finished a total of 13 miles in 2:19. That is great for me! I want to finish the race in under 2:30 hours (first goal). I did have to walk down the hills (because of the knee). But, I will continue to condition it and will be able to hit under the 2 hour mark for the race. I will push myself, so I will be able to hit my goal (which I will mention my goals before race day to you guys).

When I got home, the first thing I did (after I woke up hubs) was ice my knees while I wore my comfy compression socks and ate a bagel (with cream cheese) and drank my final cup of coffee.

I feel good afterwards!

About noon, I snacked on a banana.

Lunch time came and went to fast. I had a full PB&J sandwich (on whole wheat bread) with some baked chips, while I watched The Food Network channel (and prepped my chocolate babka bread for our Polish night).

It's almost snack #2 time (another banana) and the bread is almost out of the oven. I'm making some other stuff, which I will tell you guys about tomorrow, for our Polish dinner. I hope every one's Saturday is going well!! I want to wish everyone racing Boston Monday good luck!!

What do you eat after a long run (to heal your body)?

Errands All Day

I have my plan (I think I mentioned before), that I am not eating any sweets, mainly not baking until after my race. My boss came in this morning and gave a chocolate bar (my favorite). I weighted my the donut and it was 1/2 pound. I can't ever turn down a donut, at least I haven't baked anything, yet (and don't plan on it). I just finished running some errands and I have some more to run when hubs gets home (aka: our cheap date). Just came home to grab a quick bite to eat. We're finishing our last bit of left overs. Tomorrow is our International dish night. I'm making Polish food. This is my last day of rest until my 13 miler (tomorrow). Tomorrow will be an exciting day! How are your Saturday plans?

Silly Me...

Silly me, I had 6 miles on the schedule for today. But, I forgot that I am running 13 on Saturday. I didn't really forget, I just forgot that I want fresh legs to run on. So, I am taking today off. I want completly fresh legs, just like I want for the race (in 16 days). I have an extra 2 hours today. I didn't realize today was going to be a rest day until 2 hours ago. Wow! What am I going to do? Last night, we made a really good dinner (yes, hubs helped me a lot). We made black bean & chicken chilaquiles. It was super easy and quick. Instead of using corn tortillas, I used whole wheat. That was the only diffence. I wasn't sure how good this was going to turn out. It was a lot of tortillas in this recipe. It turned out pretty good. The biggest thing is that it uses pre-cooked chicken (which I always have on hand). I took about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes (aka shoeer time) to cook (aka heat through). It was a good dinner and I can't wait for the leftovers!! I have tomorrow off from my workout so, as well, I'll be running my usualy errands with the hubs. The hubs usually comes with me because it's a free date. I need to spend the money anyways, and if he comes, it something different. Yes, we're very poor.

What do you guys do for cheap dates?

Heavy Legs

I accomplished another 6 mile run this evening. I did not want to go. I wanted to go home and just relax and eat as much as I could. I forced myself to go and I'm glad. The run was just ok, and my legs were really heavy, but it felt good at the end. I have one more 6 miler (tomorrow), then a day off and then my race day rehearsal (which I'm so nervous about) on Saturday. Last night, I made a BBQ chicken quesadilla. It was pretty good. I based my recipe off of a Curtis Stone recipe. How I made mine was any kind of white cheese, as much chicken as you like, a drizzle of bbq sauce (your favorite) and some more cheese. Fold the whole wheat tortilla in half and set on a non-stick frying and cook until cheese is all gooey and melted.

I dipped the yummy finish product in some bbq sauce. It hit the spot! I did munch on some grapes for dessert.

I am trying something new for this race (in 17 days). Since this is my 1st 1/2 marathon, I want to try it. I haven't had any alcohol in about 1 month and since we (I) finished the cookies, I'm not baking any more. I don't buy any sweets, so that means, no sweets or alcohol until after my race. Don't worry, I will walk through my door and start baking (if I have the energy). This is my plan. There's no reason for it, just because.

Do you guys have any plans you restrict yourself from eating/drinking before a big race?

Non-Long Run Day

Usually, I have my long run on Tuesdays. There are a couple of reasons why I chose not to do that today. The biggest reason is because I have 2 blisters, one of each heel (from hiking). The other reason is that I am running 13 miles on the trail on Saturday. I took yesterday off, and I ran 6 miles today. I will continue running 6 miles every day this week, until my long run on Saturday. What type of vitamins do you take? These are mine. I take these every day. At the end of 2010, I had a huge bruise on my foot and it wasn't healing. I ended up calling my dr. and he said that if I'm taking any iron pills, it will take longer for the bruise to heal. I had no idea. I stopped taking them and just a few days later, I could see the huge difference. The bruise was so bad, it hurt to run or anything (it was on the bottom of my foot). I needed the bruise to heal, so I could run again. It did and later, I injured my knee, fun times!

Picture Time!

On Sunday, hubs and I went for a hike. We hiked Deer Flat trail near Mt. Diablo. Already to go.

The purpose of this hike was to test out my hiking boots (I always get blisters on my heels, no matter what I do) to see if they would hold up for Yosemite next month. Several adjustments needed to be made along the way.

It was a perfect day. About 70 degrees with a slight wind and not too many people.

This is the first time I've even seen a banana slug. So gross!! I HATE ANY TYPE OF BUG!!!

We're at the top! You can see the city! So beautiful!

The last mile was pretty tough! We're so happy to be at the top.

Trail marker.

We stopped to have a snack.

I loved listening to the creek that was flowing. It was so beautiful (didn't I already say that?).

We're at the base. I just loved the rolling green hills. In California, the hills don't stay green for very long. So, when you see it, it's so nice.

We're finished. Taking a bathroom break before we head back home (about 1 1/2 hours away).

I wore my Garmin while we hiked. I wanted to see the elevation. This is a view of the round trip. The green line is the elevation (you can see the top of the hill in the middle).

It was a great hike and I can't wait for Yosemite. I've never been there and it's going to be filled with waterfalls (our favorite). We both love hiking, camping and waterfalls, so it will be a great escape for a few days!