Running the Gold Jacket 5k

Well everyone, today was the day! I ran my first live road race of the year. One of my hometown races...the Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket 5k. This was the inaugural running of this event and it was an overall great experience! So where to begin? Well, let's start with yesterday.

The race expo for all this weekend's events took place at the McKinley HS field house. It was well organized and set up very easy to navigate. After getting my number and shirt I made my way through the crowd and back home to rest up for the event.

Now, I usually have a pretty laid back attitude about racing (for the most part) but I do have a HUGE fear of not waking up in time for my race. That said I set about 5 different alarm and told my honey to make sure I was up in time. Of course I woke up with the first alarm, but better safe than sorry, right? lol it was a very chilly morning for a run and I made a slight wardrobe adjustment and had an enjoyable time warming up and snapping pictures.

In front of my city's most well known landmark.

What every runner hopes to see before the race, lol.

Some awesome costumes runners.

The race started right on time and had a very friendly atmosphere. True to form I lined up a little farther back than I probably should have, because of that I ended up getting stuck in some major race congestion. It was a little rough to navigate, and I apologize to any runners I may have unknowingly cut off. It was not my intention if I did so. This was actually the only point at which I would say I had a negative experience, and it was just my perception....but I ended up behind a group of little ladies walking four wide and overheard one say, "There's no need to rush. No one here is trying to set a PR." I'll admit I got a little upset at that. Maybe they weren't aiming for PRs but others may be, and their effective blocking of any way around them was frustrating. I eventually did make my way past them and the rest of the run was a very enjoyable experience. We did get to run by the McKinley Monument and meuseum and through the parks which were both lovely this time of year. The course was mostly flat and downhill which could definetly lend itself to a PR. The finish line appeared before I knew it and just that fast I was done.

Official finish time 28:49. Not too bad. It was not an all out effort, I could have gone faster, which in a way is good to know, but a little disappointing at the same time. Crossing the line we were met by a very courteous, smiling Dan Marino who was there to high five all the finishers...pretty awesome, huh? They had a photographer there to capture the moment and I'm hoping my pic comes out well, I'd love to have one!

We also received one of the coolest prices of race bling I think has ever been made. It's a giant ring and cool enough to make me want to run more races in this series!

Overall this was an amazing race. The kind of experience that got me hooked on racing in the first place. Yes, there was room for improvement, but not much. I most definitely will run this one again, and recommend running one if you are able to do so too!

Now that the competitive fires are burning I couldn't resist signing up for my next live race. It won't be until late June, but I'm totally excited! I'll be running the Thirsty Dog 8k.

For now I'm going to bask in the glow of a great race, relax and get ready for my next virtual race, which will also be my first half marathon in 8 years! Until I see you all again run lots and be happy!! :)

What running for 150 days straight has taught me...

Today marks 150 days of running in a row! One hundred fifty!!! If you would have asked me if I could keep going this long a few years ago I honestly don't know if I would have answered yes. Could I run? Yes! But everyday? 100+ miles a month? Could I run uncomfortable? Sick? Days where I work 12+ hours a day? Well, let me just say these past 150 days have taught me a lot about my running and myself!

So, how did all this get started, anyway? Well, I ran my first runstreak last year when Runner's World issued the challenge to run everyday between Memorial Day and July 4th. I was up for the challenge so off I ran. I made it a few days after the "official" finish date before sidelined with an overuse injury (more on that later). Fast forward to November. After almost a month of no running I went for a short run the day before Thanksgiving. Then I found the posts...Runners World Runstreak from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. After some thought I figured what the heck! Worst case scenario is that I have to stop early. So with the start of that holiday runstreak I am now where I am today. 150 days and running, and much wiser and knowledgeable about myself. 

So what have I learned...

1. Listen to your body, know your limits. To keep a runstreak going for any length of time you really do need to learn how to listen to your body. Listen when it tells you to go slower, run a little less, when to run your heart out. And not EVERY run has to be long! Those one mile little jogs are super important in letting your body get some rest. Eventually you get to a point where you know what you can handle and when you need to take it easy and that's an empowering feeling!

2. Shoes shoes shoes!! Good shoes are a must! And DON'T fall into the trap of "this is the model I've always worn, it's the model I'll always wear". Remember that overuse injury I mentioned earlier? I have come to the realization that having just that attitude is something that led to mine. I was loyal to a brand and model...blindly loyal. I had bought my go-to shoe but slowly developed aches in my feet and ankles and couldn't figure out what it was. Then I read an article on how some shoes change things like the amount of stability, the drop, the amount of flexibility and it can make a huge difference, and possibly lead to injury.  When I went to buy my most recent pair I went to the local running store and got fitted. What a difference!!! I've felt such a difference in my feet and legs. Take the time, make the investment. Shoes are the most important piece of gear you'll ever buy as a runner!

3. Some runs will suck, period. I'd love to say that every run is sunshine and rainbows, but they're not. Some are hard. Some are miserable. But if you can learn to push yourself to even get in one mile it shows you that you CAN persevere, and it makes you appreciate those runs that are a sparkly, glittery, sunshiny gift.

4. Find what motivates you and have fun! I have three things that help motivate me. The first is an amazing group of friends on Facebook and Instagram who all found each other during that holiday runstreak. They are an amazing group from different parts of the world with different backgrounds and abilities, but we all share a love of running that brings us together. It's awesome! Second is the virtual race scene. I love having the medals as a visual reminder of the hard work I've been putting in. To look at the wall and say "yeah, I've earned those" is a great feeling. Finally, I love my Nike app. It keeps track of my run, gives me badges and keeps me connected with my running friends for some friendly competition every now and then.

I've learned that I am able to do more than I thought possible. I've lost extra body fat and gained confidence. I've run 100+ miles in a month. I can keep going even when I think it's going to be impossible and when I'm done look back and say, "You know, that wasn't so bad!" I've had people tell me I inspire them. When I was at my lowest I never thought I'd ever hear anyone say that about me. It's been an interesting, educational and emotional journey....and it's not over yet!! So, here's to 150 days running and many many more to come! Happy running my friends :)

Every mile counts!

Ok, let me first preface this with ~I DID write this the day I ran it, but I'm just now getting around to posting. I will get my stuff together someday, lol. But here is my race from last weekend...

That's the virtual run I did today :) Let me say, this one was not easy. I woke up achy after a not-so-great night's sleep after working a shift where a significant number of my co-workers have been/are dealing with being sick. Not ideal. But today was race day and I was GOING to make an honest effort! This was also my long run weekend so this was ran as part of that. 

Let me start by saying this run was through Running on the Wall, and they had some really nice swag for this event. It came before my race day so I was able to wear the t-shirt on my run. It fit great and was super soft and comfy to wear.

I also couldn't resist putting on one of the temporary tattoos for a little extra confidence booster ;) actually, I'm seriously thinking of getting this done as a real tattoo.

Gear on, app ready I headed out the door. The weather was sunny and a bit warmer than I expected, and I felt surprisingly light on my feet. My mind-set was somewhere between fun run and competitive for this one so I kept a comfortably quick pace. The first two miles went pretty quick, then something hit me. I don't know if it was the sun, the heat, my sinuses, but something started to hit me. Mile 3 went by and I was focusing on the springtime beauty to help keep me going. The flowering trees and budding trees and shrubs were a great distraction, not to mention the smell of freshly mowed grass.

I pushed through the last two miles and took a screen shot at the "finish". Not too shabby! Not a PR, but a respectable-for-me pace...I'll take it!

Now the hard part began. The heat and sun really did get to me. By 6 miles I really wish I had brought water. By mile 7 I started bargaining with myself. By mile 8 I just kept reminding myself just one more mile. The number 9 was the most beautiful number I had seen all day! 9 miles done, I enjoyed a nice cool down walk home. I had forgotten what it was like to run under such intense sun!! Once home, I got myself some water and celebrated with my new bling!

Now to get myself ready for the Gold Jacket 5k coming up this weekend! I'm not gonna lie, live races make me incredibly nervous! I'm still looking forward to running and sharing, so until then run happy my friends!!

Why virtual races?

Well, let me start by letting you all know I signed up for my first half marathon in 8 years!! I will be running it in May sometime around Morher's Day depending on my schedule. It's the SuperMOM virtual run through Will Run for Bling and Charity, and I'm super excited!! 

It got me thinking...why virtual races? There are plenty of local races near me. Quite a sizable running community here. Prices (especially for shorter distance races) are quite comparable. So why run a virtual race instead of a live one? Well, I have a few reasons.

1. Convenience 

     My schedule of late has included many Saturdays off, which is nice, but can change at any time. And honestly, I don't like requesting time off unless it's something major. In my line of work, a request is just that, a request. No guarantees. I'm also a mom, so my schedule also includes lots of family obligations. So a virtual race gives me some flexibility to run a race when I truly have time to rest and put out a good effort.

2. Bling

    I'm not gonna lie here. I love race medals. I'll take a medal over a shirt anyday. I can go to the store and buy a t-shirt but I have to put in training and effort and RACE to get a medal. Unfortunately in my neck of the woods very few races give medals. Usually just half and full marathons with a couple exceptions. Honestly, the day some shorter races start giving out medals is the day I'll start doing more local races. Until then, I'm truly enjoying the bling (and fitness) virtual racing is helping me to earn!

3. The running community isn't limited

    Some people do lots of local races because of the friendships they make, that's cool and that is a very valid point. But the running community is truly global and I have a wonderful running family on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We share stories, achievements, milestones, photos, and I LOVE that. I have friends that run that live near me AND friends worldwide who share my love of running...and ALL of us can "race together" through virtual racing, and that's pretty awesome!

4. Personal reasons 

     Again, honesty hour here, I live with a smoker. I'm praying for the day he quits, but until then I'm really hesitant to go to races with him. I hate to say that because he truly is my number one supporter, but I am very aware that many (I'll say most) runners don't want to be exposed to second hand smoke and I am very respectful of that! Virtual racing gives me the opportunity to push myself, earn some cool stuff and share everything with him...which means more to me than standing at a starting line with people I don't know. 

5. I race for ME!

I've had people ask me, "How do you know people don't cheat when they post their results?" And honestly...I don't. But running to compete against others is secondary to me. Do I like to place? Yes. But knowing that I've bettered my own time for a distance is even more rewarding for me. I have no problem with people who run to place at races, we all have our own goals. But being someone who used to be obese by BMI charts, someone who thought they would never be a runner, bettering my own time is enough for me!

6. Helping others while helping myself

     Many virtual races give a portion to charity, which I love. It feels good knowing that I can help others while doing something I love. 

Well, there you go...the big 6 reasons why I'm totally hooked on virtual racing.  I think everyone should give it a try at least once. Who knows, maybe you'll get hooked too! Until next time, happy running my friends!!

It's just one little thing, but...

It's amazing how one little thing can change so much. I recently went to the doctor for an annual exam. I figured everything would be normal, it would be a quick visit with an "all clear, have a great day!" ending. Well, it wasn't quite that. When I had my blood pressure taken it was 128/82....not "high", but now classified as "prehypertensive". Then the flood of questions began. The order to have my cholesterol checked. The questions about smoking, drinking, family history....on and on and on. Not what I expected.

At first I was a little shocked and upset. "I run everyday, I've lost 45 lbs, I eat well most of the time. WHY is this happening?!?" I'll admit I was in denial for  just a little bit. "This can't be happening. The nurse HAD to be wrong!" Then on a whim a few days later I sat myself down at one of the blood pressure checking machines at the local grocery store. My readings? 145/90! Yeah, I'll take that one with a grain of salt since it was a machine, but yup...elevated blood pressure is a definite reality for me.

Now I can't say this comes as a total surprise. My dad has been on high blood pressure medication since his early 30s. Both my mom's parents have had heart attacks. My dad's dad died from a stroke due to high blood pressure. I have leaky heart valves and mitral valve prolapse. Yeah, the deck is not necessarily stacked in my favor, but that doesn't mean I need to just give up!! After I calmed down from my realization I started doing LOTS of reading. Right now I am reading on hbp and distance running, yoga, stress, caffeine, weightlifting, weightloss , medications...anything I can think of that is part of my life. 

At this point I am hoping to be able to  control my blood pressure with lifestyle changes. Now that I've got my thoughts a little more in order, there is a part of me that is kind of looking forward to learning more about this "silent killer" and what can be done to prevent, manage, and thrive with hbp. As I learn more I am hoping to be able to share, and hopefully educate and inspire others living with, recently diagnosed or predisposed to high blood pressure.

Right now my plan is to continue running, but add a more consistant yoga routine and meditation to help manage my stress. I'm also going to be modifying my diet to see if that helps. I'm also considering buying a blood pressure monitor that I can use at home. I think it would be a wise investment to be able to keep an eye on my blood pressure to see if my changes are making a difference or if I need to be more aggressive.

I am a fighter. I plan on doing what I can to make the most of my newly found condition. I want to live an active, healthy lifestyle as long as I can. I'll do it whatever it takes. 

Well, I'm about to enjoy a 3 day weekend! I think I'll kick it off with a run ;) Until next time, run lots and live happy!!

April Awakenings

Hi all!! Hard to believe we are into April already. So much possibility lays before us! I've already had an interesting start to my month. Yesterday I went in for my yearly exam...it was a bit of an eye opener! First off they're scale has me at 165, not too bad. Not much change from last year, but still a long way from where I was 2 1/2 years ago. I'm still a bit surprised, though, that it still puts my BMI at 29 according to their chart. Another surprise was my blood pressure....138/82. That's the highest reading I've ever had as an adult. Part of me wants to think it was a fluke, but part of me knows that there is some history of high blood pressure in my family so it could be right on. At first I thought, "No way!! This can't be right. I'm too young for this!" Then it really sunk in. I guess when it comes down to it, it really brought home the fact than I'm not a youngster anymore. I'll be 41 in just a couple months, and even though my brain wants me to think I'm still in my 20s in reality I KNOW I'm getting older and it's time to start making changes and doing what I need to to live strong and healthy for another 40 years. So, that said, one of my big goals for this month is to look into how fitness and diet after 40 changes. It's crazy how the years sneak up on you, but I'm determined to still live the happiest, healthiest, most active life I can!

Now, for races on the horizon. 

First up this month will be the Every Mile Counts 5 mile virtual race from Running on the Wall. This will be the first race I've done with them. Their swag looks incredible...that's what was one of the deciding factors about running this one. That and I'm always looking for new race organizers with cool new races and medals to try so I can let you all know if they are as good as their word. They've had a few before this I was going to enter but didn't, so I'm excited about this one.

The second one is the Gold Jacket 5k which is run in conjunction with the Hall of Fame Marathon. This will be my first live race of the year so I've got major butterflies about this one. It should be exciting though.  It's really close to my house. I know the course. We get to run by the McKinley Monument, through the city park and by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, AND we get some awesome bling and a high five from Dan Marino at the finish!!! Way cool!! I can't wait to share that race report.

Well, I've got a pretty busy day ahead of me, so I've got to get going, but one of my other goals for the month is to be on here more with more running, fitness, health, food and recipe fun. So I'll be seeing you all again soon!! Until next time run lots and live happy!! <3