Another hiatus

So I took a longer break than intended. That always seems to happen to me. But I'm back and it feels good. The early sunsets always make it hard for me to run until after Christmas do I shouldn't be surprised.

Next up: training for the hot chocolate 15k and then the Publix half! Very exciting!

Hola!

It's been a while since I've posted (which is definitely becoming the norm), and it's because my schedule is super busy - as always. Right now I'm blogging from Barcelona, where I'm spending a little time for work. Running lately has happened sporadically, but at least I'm trying to keep some sort of training schedule. Having a couple races in the near future keeps me motivated.

While I'm blogging from a different locale, I thought I'd highlight some tricks I've picked up on my various travels both in the US and overseas. If you're anything like me, taking a vacation or traveling doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop running. Here's what I do to get a minimal workout in.

• Check out the local weather and pack appropriately. It's more humid and warmer in Barcelona than it is in Atlanta right now. Consequently running in shorts and a tshirt make me look like a freak since most locals are bundled in coats and scarves, even the runners. 
• If you're participating in any long runs or races, don't assume your usual supply of goodies (gels, recovery drinks, etc) are readily available and bring your own. 
• Most hotels have a gym. If you don't care to run outdoors in unfamiliar territory, use the gym.
• If you do decide to venture out, many hotels can provide a pre-mapped course for runners around the hotel. For this trip I studied a local map around the immediate area. 
• Be flexible. If you absolutely can't run, there are lots of good exercises you can do inside your hotel room that won't disturb your neighbors. Think squats, lunges, push ups, etc. 
• Drink plenty of water. I have found that no matter where you travel, it's hard to stay hydrated. 

Well, that's it for me! Wherever you run, be safe and have fun.

All-State 13.1 Atlanta

So after the most half-assed training possible, I finally ran the big race last weekend. It was a grueling course (you could not make a course hillier), and I was pretty tired. Overall though I could not have asked for a better performance. I ran the whole distance, even through the water stops. AND I finished the race very close to my goal time - 2:33:45!! I had hoped to finish under 2:30, but considering all the hills I'm okay with my time.

Overall the organization of the race was nicely done. Water where we needed it, plenty of volunteers, and the start and finish areas were clearly marked and easy to find. Even parking was decent. I'd suggest running it if you're looking for a challenging course.

For future races, I've signed up for the Publix half marathon in March and the Hot Chocolate 15k in January. I'm still undecided about the Thanksgiving half marathon. It's a great way to burn calories before stuffing myself stupid, but I don't know that I feel like getting up early. Lazy, I know. We'll see.

Until next time - have a great run!

11 Miles and Counting!

Before I talk about today's long run, let's back up a bit.

After the awesome time I had at the race last week, I knew my runs immediately following would fall into one of two categories: awesome or horrible. Guess which one I experienced?

I completed my cross training on Tuesday, pushing my run to Wednesday. Not a big deal. Unfortunately I didn't manage my meals well that day. Who knew trying to run 5 miles on less than 500 calories might be a bad idea? I felt so bad I only walked (yes walked) about half of my scheduled 5 miles. Horrible. I felt so put off by it all I didn't bother running Thursday. That meant I wouldn't really run until my long run over the weekend.

Which was great! Sometimes not following a training plan to the letter is okay. Not that I've really been following one this go around anyway but still. The weather was cool this morning for the first time in ages, and I tried out Rex's hydration belt. I've come to realize something about my long runs: I like water. 16 ounces of water gets me pretty far, but I really max out around 8-9 miles before I really feel the pinch. When I ran the 15k I not only took my hand-held water bottle and polished it off but I also drank at nearly all the water stops. How do people who run marathons do this?

So the hydration belt is simultaneously liberating and annoying. It takes a bit to get used to the sloshing sounds it makes, and for some reason the whole belt kept moving. The bottles, pouch, and belt were nowhere near where they started out on my hips. It was really nice, however, to have my hands free. I felt like I could focus better on the arm swing when before I could be too easily distracted by the bottle. I might have to get one for myself to use in the future.

So now it's just under two weeks until the big day. I'm excited!!

Ironhorse 15k!

So part of the training plan I've been loosely following involves races, and it called for me to run a 15k this weekend. Lucky for me there was actually a 15k to be run! Part of the Locomotive series, the 15k today was a great practice race leading up to the half. The course was just challenging enough with some hills that I handled better than I anticipated, and the water stops all had cold water which was really nice!

Let's start at the beginning.

Picking up my race packet was pretty good - no confusion with t-shirts, names, or whatnot. Port-o-potties were available (good since I had to go!). The only hiccup was they delayed the start of the race due to the crowds needing to use the restroom, but that's okay. I was anxious to get started but it all worked out.

The 5k started at the same time as the 15k, and we ran together on the same course until about mile 2.5 where we split off. There were more people running the longer portion than I anticipated. Usually the 5k is the super popular race. That was still true today but it was nice to see a decent turn out for the longer portion.

Hills! I knew there would be some hills, but I didn't think about them too much until it came time to actually run them. My tactic: keep running no matter what but take the ascent slower while reasonably making up time coming down. I checked my heart rate on my watch to make sure I wasn't pushing myself too hard going up. I feel pretty confident about running the course in October now.

Finishing was great! I got my finisher's medal right away and was able to get some water (again nice and cold!). The walk to the car was short since everything was being held in the mall parking lot on a Sunday, so no one else was there.

The race was well organized, well planned, and (in my opinion) well ran! 9.3 miles in 1:46:30.

After the race, I grabbed brunch so no icing my foot right away. I traded my running shoes for my casual sneakers with the orthotics in them and used my compression leg sleeves. Both seemed to help quite a bit. My left heel is still pretty tender but nothing like the hobble I had to engage in last week after my long run. I think I'm on the path to a healed foot soon but it will take some time. At least I'm seeing some improvements, and I'm still able to run.

Phew! Now that the race is done, it's time to focus on a couple more weeks of training and then the big 13.1!