FireFly 5K Dallas Race Recap

Saturday morning was looking pretty cold and drizzly!

So the rain had come down hard in the last 6 hours; and I awoke slowly to hearing that both my kids baseball and soccer games cancelled for the day due to storms and wet weather. I was a little bummed as this would have been my sons first baseball game of the season; and my daughter has been working hard at her goal keeping skills and I love watching both of them in action... well it will have to wait for another day.

 

Instead I then took advantage of sleeping in and enjoying the non-rushed aspects of the day, and focus on getting ready to run...



 

 

 

Yep rain was a possibility in the future again for the evening, so yes just like their FB post I and several of my friends that were going were keeping our fingers crossed for the rain to stay away!

 



 

I got my outfit all squared away - Newton Running shoes, KT Tape for my knee, Halo Headband, Swiftwick compression socks; B.A. Socks went over the top of those; Firefly goodies --what was missing from this photo was my Nike running long sleeved shirt and bright green Jacket that I decided to wear - it was going to be cold!

 

I arrived with my running possy as they had opened up parking. The show was starting at 8:30pm; and me being a lets just get their and relax kind of person; kindly convinced to car pool and get their by 6:15pm. And besides there was some great folks out there passing out goodies! WE love to hoard as many as we can get of course!

 

Sign Photo ops!

 

 

Yes, Yes we are B.A Momma's

 

Photo op of the running possy.

 

 

So now lets get our WARMTH and glow on baby!

Halo of Glow Sticks - CHECK!

Green thermal jacket-CHECK!

Number of Changes of Clothing - ahh I Lost count!

 

 

As you can now see one of my running friends Catie here has my White Nike Jacket underneath, Sarah is wearing her purple sweater, and yes my green jacket -- waiting to start this race umm yeah we were cold!

<oh and that brightness in the lower middle of the photo - armbands from Firefly>

 

 

 How fun right?!?

 

So after their light show we were off - sorry no photos my phone was locked and loaded in my armband to get a good opportunity. Granted it prob would not have come out right anyway.

 

Over the P.A. system I could hear a gal stating flat course and I got excited; maybe I'll PR with no hills! At 8:30pm and count down started and two lines of thousands of people converged around the bend and to the starting line. So for the first slow first tenth of a mile it just getting out of crowds and attempting to find a 'spot' to get myself in groove.

 

.25 miles - Music was keeping me going in my ears and I could finally get into a groove and not be as crowded.

.50 miles - OK finally in a groove and was keeping a 10'30'' pace feeling great!

1 mile - still going strong; one of my running buddies Sarah was next to me stating she was feel it in her calves - I'm sure from the cold weather; blerg or the slight hill we were upon - YES hill - flat course umm no not exactly.

1.4 miles - we both agreed and started walking to help her calves and I myself was feeling in in my left shin - which was new to me.

1.5 miles - we hit up running again.

1.75 miles - Yes my dreaded right knee - UGH it started to hurt I was devastated everything was feeling right and wham!

2.2 miles - I had to attempt to walk out the pain; I was so frustrated. By this time Sarah was well on her way ahead and another running pal TJ had caught up to me said a few condolences and he kept on :)

2.3 - 3.10 I was forcing myself to keep jogging as much as I could; take a few walking steps then hit it back up - Overall though I think I only ended up walking around .25-.35 miles of the entire course which was a PR for me!

3.17 miles - Finish Line! 37:43 11'52'' mil/pace 

 (shaved off a few seconds per mil from the HotCake Hustle)

 

 

 

Wholly geeze I was glad to be finished - what a crazy 'cheezee' i have going on here!

Post -Race - Catie and I getting our photo taken by other runners - Cross fitters even. Now to go find our posy and get some food!

 

 

 

OMHerd another Race for the year - CHECK! :)

 

Post-Post Race - oh yea next race on tap for this possy (and hopefully more)-

St.Patricks Virtual Race 5K

Waking up yesterday morning was painful! After Crossfit class and an extra Elliptical work out on Saturday I couldn't believe what I was attempting to talk myself into... my next Virtual Race.
Number 5 of my goal of 13 in 2013.



 

So at around 4:30pm I finally got the 'strength' to push forward and Gett'r done! Oh boy I will say this was one of the toughest I've experienced yet.

 

Mile 1: 12'35" pace

   and WHAM!

Mile 2: 14'13" pace

   I was overdressed two layers (thought it was cooler temps when i took off)

   Overheated!

   Wind flow was against me

   My body was screaming from Crossfit soreness

Mile 3.1: 14'09" pace

   Pushing myself was just not in me unfortunately and my body was begging for the finish line - (home)

Ended up finishing in one of my slowest attempts but I completed it in 42:59 with an average pace of 13'51' /mi pace. Look at my face - ugly pain - ha ha.

 

 

Now that I've finished 4 Virtual' s... my thoughts are spinning. 

The good and bad side of Virtual Races for me, these are great when I have such a huge undertaking of 13 races this year. Helps with cost and I can adjust my running dates if something comes up. I've done these alone so the pieces that make it hard for me is there are No competition; No one running beside you or around you semi pushing you (whether I know them or not). I have several Virtual still on my list maybe i'll get some friends to tag along with me on the next one...

 

With my Races its such a different feeling running the Hotcake Hustle or Turkey Trot in Nov '12. I love having friends and even family around me - knowing that they are at the end waiting for me to finish and the pre/post festivities for the event. Its just an unbelievable experience.

 

Next 5K on my radar is actually this coming Saturday! - Firefly Run



I am looking forward to this; with a huge number of friends joining my running bestie and its going to be a blast!

Now if only my muscles will corporate - soon. :)

Traveling again...

This week another travel adventure for business...

It never seems to feel like this ... maybe one day it will? right?

So tonight I am packing my essentials for my week long trip -

Pre-workout drink - BSN NO-Xplode, Blue Raspberry
Protein Powder - Syntrax Nectar Sweets Vanilla Bean Torte

My Favorite Nike apparel; Halo Headband, Pro Compression socks, last but not least my favorite Newton Running Shoes.

I'll be gone for about a week and I am hoping to get in at least 5 work outs in. The last business trip I was able to got to a local gym with out issues. I will be trying to post my daily accomplishments here - Time zones changes sometimes gets the best of me but I've just got to be accountable and shake things up while I'm not in my normal routine.







Now the other fun aspect; I'll be struggling on controlled food options; already I have numerous business breakfast, lunch, and dinner meetings set. I don't usually take photo's of my food but I think on this trip It will be good snap shot what I've ordered to track on Weight Watchers and even isolate if this will help with my food  selections, subconsciously. (never hurts to try something new right?)

What keeps you motivated while traveling on business? Any other suggestions would be fabulous.

Happy Monday!

Busy Busy Bee again...

Busy Busy Bee again - that's me!!










The month of January I finished with
32 runs with an average distance of 2.3 Miles
75.19 Miles Total Distance

Yep - best month so far!!





I am also happy to say that I did beat my 4% weight loss in the month of January; and even ended up winning double my contribution!!

It is soo funny how all of a sudden I was at the wire and going oh NO i am going to lose $10 if i don't kick myself in gear this last week!! Thank you to my hubby for letting my hit the gym - twice in one day!

Hey and if you want to check out the next round; there will be a total of four! Click Here! I am personally taking a break to adjust my routine slightly; and may be hitting this one up on the third round!


So what else happened in my workout world this past week -



















Weight Training Routine consisted of -

Monday  - Arms

Tuesday - Legs (Quads/Hammies)

Wednesday - Core

Thursday - Shoulders

Friday - Tri's/Biceps

Saturday - Cross Fit & Pilates (two new aspects in one day!! Yikes!)


My PlankaDays for the week 

Just Do it- Virtual Race!

 

I just up for the first in a series of 6 races -Tackle the Miles Virtual Race - which is hosted by Marathon Mom & Jill Conyers, and hello you had me at potential PRIZES! Who wants to join in with me!


http://runnershoe.blogspot.com/2013/01/13-in-2013-virtual-race-series.html

 

My Favorite Running Things...

Over the past few months I've been researching what to wear that would be the most comfortable when running and getting the most out of my workouts.

There are soo many ideas and products out there so I wanted to share with you my favorite workout/running wear.

Headgear -

Halo II - Headband
I love this product, a must to keep the sweat out of my eyes! I currently own three of them, need a few more to match newer outfits. :)


LG Tone Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset
I've had these for about eight months now; they are great when I want to be free of excess 'cables' everywhere. I use it while I am working on my weight room training.

Clothing -

 

Nike Pro Core II Fitted V-Neck Women's T-Shirt

The feel of these shirts is amazing, so slick and non restrictive. I have a few of these short and long sleeves in an assortment of colors - lime green, black, blue.

Pro Compression Socks
When I first started running, my legs would get tired of course; so then I gave these a try after seeing numerous happy 'bloggers' out there.  After a few runs these make my legs feel energized and I swear they help in my recovery times.

Now, if you want to give them a try your in luck!! Whether you choose their Endurance Socks, Golf Socks, or new PC Racer Socks, Pro Compression has a great deal going on by using coupon code SOM113 you'll save 40% plus get free shipping!

Shoes -
Newton Running - Gravity
So as I've posted lately I have been trying out a new pair of shoes. and oh yes so far they are amazing! My next 5K this weekend I can't wait to see if I can get a new PR!




Do you have any favorite products you can't live with out??
Feel free to comment below or even though my FB Page.

Workout week in review

Finishing out this week with a showcase of my training routines...

 

 

This morning I was able to try out my new shoes, so far I love them! This may sound weird but these shoes 'make' me want to run (now only if my legs/body will follow suite).  I then completed my first Virtual Race of the Year towards my goal of #13in2013!

My daughter is also signed up to do the princess in training 1 mile fun run; we'll be completing that together hopefully sometime this week prior to our next adventure....

 

Countdown has started for my road 5K of  next Saturday. Its going to be great! Hotcake Hustle 5K, Dallas TX. 

New Pair of Shoes....

I've been noticing over the past few weeks that my shoes may not be supporting me as they used to, and that I was experiencing toes/leg/knee pain after being on the elliptical machine or treadmill for 30 minutes or so. This didn't seem right to me since well I purchased new shoes just 6 months ago or so.

After completing my workout -
Supersets of 8 - 3 times

• Leg Squats
• Leg Extensions
• Standing Calf Raises
• Leg Curls
• Leg Adductor
• Leg Abductor

#plankaday - 45.9 seconds

Cardio

• Walking for 1 mile (started experiencing pain in my toes)
• Elliptical for 2 miles

I visited my favorite runners store - RunOn to see what I could discover on why this was happening.

Some background - I usually would change out my shoes until I've warn them for at least a year, and in the past I was partaking in cardio with the majority of use on elliptical machines. Now being new to focusing on walking/jogging/running these past months, I've added on the miles in a different fashion.

After discussing my new routines and that I had logged at least 225 miles on the new shoes, combination of outside & indoor running walking and some elliptical. On top of that I easily could have logged another 150-200 miles on just general use.  So add that up I was possibly 425 miles with my current shoes.

The rep explained that I should replace running shoes between 300-500 miles depending on your running style, body weight, and the surface.  After looking at the same model shoe and the difference in structure I could clearly see as she explained my shoes where blown and not supporting my foot correctly for distance running. So new shinny shoes were going home with me today...as my next 5K was a little more then a week away. I was able to try a handful of shoes, walk and even jog outside to ensure I was taking home the best fit.

I left the store with these spiffy new completely different running shoes - now mind you not everyone will like the crazy colors but I'm not picky about that.



Newton Running Gravity- Neutral Performance Trainer is for runners wanting a daily training shoe that can also function brilliantly as a faster tempo-pace run or race shoe.

The Gravity is a great everyday trainer for runners who may like to turn up the speed now and again during tempo or fast-paced runs and intervals.




I did a little more digging on the subject of replacing running shoes and this was spot on to the wear of my shoes -

A shoe's midsole cushioning may be worn out long before the tread shows signs of wear. Because the bottom and tread of the shoe may look fine, identifying when the cushioning is shot isn't easy to do. Here are some tips for identifying midsole wear:

• First, pay attention to how you feel. As your shoes begin to give out, you may begin to get some aches or pains in your bones and joints. You may also notice slight muscle fatigue, new tightness, or possible shin splints.
• Look for creasing of the midsole material in areas of high load (under the heel or the ball of the foot). A worn out midsole will have wrinkles and creases there.
• Try to twist the shoe. A worn out midsole will allow the shoe to twist more easily than a new shoe.
• Try on a new pair of the model that you are currently wearing. Compare this to your current
• shoes. If the cushioning in your shoes feels dead in comparison, it probably is.

Down the road I may consider rotating my running shoes based on this recommendation to avoid possible injuries -
If you run frequently it's a good idea to have more than one pair of shoes. Think about buying two pair at a time (or buying a second pair about midway through the life of your first). Add the new pair in to your shoe rotation when your "old" shoes have about 200 miles on them. If you use two pairs of shoes you should still track mileage per shoe, and replace each after it has 350-550 miles on it.

I am hopeful that changing out my shoes will alleviate the slight pain I've been experiencing, slightly adjust my running form, and get me through my next 5K.