Category: Running

Half Marathon Training Recap (9/1-9/7)

September 7, 2014November 17, 2014 · 10 Comments ·

Half marathon training is going okay, I guess. I’m in the Tapering and Race Day Phase according to the Asics App schedule that I’m following. I’ve been doing all my training runs and adding PiYo into the mix. I’m just a bit nervous because the Oregon Half marathon is only six days away.

On Monday, I did PiYo Sweat. I think this is one of my favorite PiYo workouts because it always makes me sweat. I know it’s a good workout when I sweat.

I even made a video that shows some of the moves:

On Tuesday, I ran three miles and then did PiYo Sculpt.

On Wednesday, I ran five miles fast and then did PiYo Hardcore on the Floor.

PiYo Hardcore on the Floor is a tough one that I need to work on more. It’s an awesome core workout! I made a video of this one too:

On Thursday, I did PiYo Drench. I don’t like how this one’s a long one, but I got through it.

Then on Saturday I ran 3 miles on the dreadmill, I mean treadmill. Lol. Afterwards, I did PiYo Buns. I like this one, it really works your lower body.

Then today, I ran a total of eight miles. The Asics app I’m following had me doing just five miles at race pace, but I decided to do three more easy miles. The bad thing about this run was that I got two side aches. I guess it was because I ate beforehand and didn’t wait long enough for the food to settle, and also was going too fast. I dunno, but it’s got me worried since my half marathon is just six days away. I hate getting side aches during runs. I hope it doesn’t happen next Saturday during the race.

How did your week go?

I’m linking up with Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

This one is brought to you by Diatta Harris at Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons at The Frugal Exerciser and Co-hostesses Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Jenn | Comeback Momma

Simple Hydration Water Bottle Review

September 2, 2014October 26, 2014 · 46 Comments ·

I don’t think many runners have heard of this nifty water bottle from Simple Hydration. I first saw this at my local Mom’s Run This Town Spring Social and thought it was an interesting looking water bottle but didn’t think much of it. Then maybe a month later or so, I believe there was a post about the bottle being on sale, a buy one get one free sale. I’m all about sales. 🙂 It was getting hotter out and my runs were getting longer. I wasn’t happy about my current hydration system and thought it would be cool to try, so I decided to purchase one bottle since I would get one free due to the sale.

My previous hydration system was a running belt with two small bottles by Profile Design. It’s a more bulky system and I remember one of the bottles came out once while running. I probably didn’t put it in right but I don’t like the feeling when running with a water belt. There’s the jiggle and you have to make sure you put the bottle back in correctly or it might fall out. So I was excited to try the Simple Hydration Water Bottle.

I received the bottles in the beginning of June. Here’s the pamphlet it came with:

I love how simple and easy it is to use! All you do is stick it on the back of your shorts or belt. I have a FlipBelt and it works really well with it. I can easily place it on my back with the FlipBelt because it has a hook design. It holds 13 oz of liquid and is so easy to grip. Here’s a pic of the packaging it came with:

The packaging says, “Designed for runners or anyone on the go. Slides into your waistband, race belt, pocket, life!”

It’s also BPA free and made in the USA.

I really like running with it on my long runs. I think the longest run I’ve ran with it is 12 miles so far. Getting fluids is important on long runs especially when it’s hot out and this bottle delivers. I love the grip and it’s so easy to hold and drink with while running! It just fits so comfortably in my hand. It’s really well designed. I just flip the top up, drink, and then place it behind me where I can slip it or hook it on to my FlipBelt. It takes a little time to get used to the process, but I like it. It’s not that noticeable to me, unlike wearing a belt with the bottles. It fits nice and snug because I use it with the FlipBelt. The bottle stays put, doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall out, and it hasn’t dropped on me. I’ve had it for about three months now. It’s remarkably simple and I love it! I’ve used it a lot since it’s been so hot out and I’m running longer runs.

Here’s a picture of me wearing the Simple Hydration Bottle:

The Simple Hydration Bottle is so easy to use and works great! I just thought I’d throw it out there as an option for those who may not have heard about it. It retails for $19.99 at http://www.simplehydration.com/. It is also available on Amazon.com – Simple Hydration Water Bottle – 13 oz.

What do you use to hydrate when running long?

I’m linking up with Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

This one is brought to you by Diatta Harris at Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons at The Frugal Exerciser and Co-hostesses Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Jenn | Comeback Momma

Half Marathon Training Recap (8/25-8/31)

August 31, 2014November 17, 2014 · 4 Comments ·

Half marathon training is going fine. I’m getting my runs done, so that’s good. According to the Asics app I’m following, this week was the end of the Race Simulation Phase and the next phase is Tapering & Race Day. The Oregon Half Marathon is almost here, just two weeks away.

Monday was a rest day. On Tuesday, I did both PiYo Buns and Core. PiYo Buns really works your lower body and PiYo Core is a great ab workout!

On Wednesday, I jogged three miles and then did PiYo Drench. I don’t like how Drench is a long workout but I got through it. I was dripping sweat at the end.

On Thursday, I got up around 5 am to get my 7.5 mile run done. It was still dark out when I started my run, and I was a little nervous but I did have a reflective running vest so I could be seen better by cars. Had a good run.

On Friday, I did PiYo Sculpt. It’s a good total body workout.

On Saturday, I jogged three miles on the treadmill. I’d rather run outside but my hubby was working and I didn’t get up early before he went to work. But I got my three miles done.Sunday was my long run at race pace. I ran eleven miles. I tried some ENERGYbits, which I’ll give my full review later, and used my Simple Hydration bottle to hydrate. I also used a HoneyStinger gel at the halfway point. I was having a good run until I started getting a side ache a little after mile 8. My right side started to hurt quite a bit that I had to slow down and stop. I drank some water and started back up and pushed through. Other than that, it was a good run.

How did your week go? Hope you have a great week!

First time I ran 100 miles in a month

August 31, 2014September 28, 2014 · 6 Comments ·

Wow! I thought I’d make a post on this new achievement I’ve reached. This is the first time I have ever ran 100 miles in a month…woohoo! That is a lot of miles. I’ve joined the 100 miles in a month club, (not sure if there really is a club lol)! 🙂 It just so happened that my half marathon training schedule allowed it as well as there being five Sundays, which are my long run days, in the month :P. I’m hoping to get more months where I’ll run 100 miles.

Here’s a screenshot showing my the number of miles I’ve ran this month from SmashRun. I love this site and seeing all my stats!

Have you ran 100 miles in a month? What’s the highest number of total miles you’ve ran in a month?

I’m a Girls Run Fast Ambassador

August 30, 2014 · 2 Comments ·

I found out I’m a Girls Run Fast Ambassador. They have really cute jewelry on their site! I like their mission: To inspire women’s inner strength and celebrate our achievements by accepting and taking on any challenge. I’m happy to be a part of the team. 🙂

Check them out!

Have you heard of IRun4?

August 27, 2014August 27, 2014 · 11 Comments ·

IRun4 is an organization that matches runners with those with disabilities that can’t run. You dedicate your miles, races, or workouts to the buddy with whom you get matched with. I know getting matched with a buddy will inspire and motivate me even more since I will be dedicating my runs and workouts to him or her. I just checked the IRun4 waiting list, which I’ve been on since the beginning of July, and I’m number 1805. When I signed up, I was 3k+. I can’t wait to get matched. I hear it takes about three months to get a buddy. I’m following their Facebook Page – I Run For Michael and every day there are inspiring posts. It seems to be an amazing community!

IRun4 was founded by Tim Boyle who you can read more about here: http://www.whoirun4.com/. It started with a Facebook post and a guy named Michael, who has Down Syndrome, commenting on Tim’s post saying that he could run for him anytime. So Tim did and he has spread this experience to others. It’s a great story and his organization has grown so much. There are 22,000 members in all 50 states and 28 countries. Tim Boyle is also in the recent Runners World cover contest. You can check it out here: http://covercontest.runnersworld.com/entry/330/.

Who do you run for? Do you want to run for someone?

You can go here to get matched: http://www.whoirun4.com/match-me/.

I’m linking up with Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

This one is brought to you by Diatta Harris at Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons at The Frugal Exerciser and Co-hostesses Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Natalie | Mean, Green, Clean Eating Teen.

My ENERGYbits sample has arrived

August 26, 2014September 18, 2014 · 1 Comment ·

I’m excited! My ENERGYbits sample has arrived in the mail. For those that don’t know, ENERGYbits are a natural fuel that have been used by Olympic athletes in Asia for over 50 years. They are 100% organically grown spirulina algae. I can’t wait to try this on Sunday when I go on my long run. I love how it came with lots of information.

I like the cute little tin the bits are put in.

My full review will come after I try it on Sunday, and probably on another long run.

Have you tried ENERGYbits? What do you use to fuel for long runs or workouts?

Half Marathon Training Recap (8/18-8/24)

August 24, 2014November 17, 2014 · 4 Comments ·

It was an okay week. It was a running rest day on Monday, so I decided to do PiYo Sculpt and one of the workouts I missed on the schedule, PiYo Sweat. I finished with a great sweat!

I also made a short video which shows some of the moves in PiYo Sculpt.

On Tuesday, I jogged three miles. It was nice because I tried a new route and decided to go to a local park. I liked the trail I went on but the only bad thing was that it’s not a very long trail. It’s only about a mile long. I got a good three miles though.

I even saw some bunnies on the side of the trail.

Also, I did PiYo Core, which I made a video of some of the moves too. This one’s a great Core workout!

On Wednesday, I ran 7.5 miles. I had a good run! It wasn’t as hot out and loved the cool breeze that day!

I took a rest day on Thursday since I traveled out of town and didn’t feel like working out after driving almost 3.5 hours. I did PiYo Drench on Friday. It wasn’t as bad as the first time I did it but it’s still a hard one!

Saturday’s workout was a three mile jog.

Then Sunday, the plan was to run eleven miles, but I was dying on this one for some reason. I’m not sure if it was the heat, or if I did not eat enough before I ran, but I was spent. I managed to get ten miles only.

I might rethink my half training schedule. How’d things go for you this past week?

My Workouts Recap (8/11-8/17) with PiYo Workout Preview Videos

August 17, 2014November 17, 2014 · 10 Comments ·

Another week of half marathon training is done! I modified my schedule a bit to so I could get in the long run easier in the middle of the week. That way I didn’t have to wake up early on Thursday to run 7.5 miles. It worked out since I did not really get a long run in last Sunday due to the 5k trail race I ran.

So instead of resting on Monday and Tuesday, I moved the runs in on the schedule which I was supposed to do on Wednesday and Thursday. I jogged 3 miles on Monday and also did PiYo Sweat. I was truly sweaty afterwards.Then on Tuesday I ran 7.5 miles and then tried PiYo Hardcore on the floor for the first time. Oh boy! Hardcore on the floor is a toughie! The description on the DVD sleeve says, “This unique workout uses your own body weight to scorch fat and develop long, lean muscles while you sculpt abs, glutes, legs, and arms without ever having to leave the floor.” I gotta admit I was just watching some of it :P. It didn’t help that I had just run 7.5 miles.

On Wednesday, I did PiYo Buns. This one really works your lower body especially glutes and hamstrings. Who loves squats?

I also made a video of it to show you some of the moves:

Then on Thursday I did PiYo Drench for the first time. OMG this one’s no joke! I thought this one was hard. It’s about fifty minutes long, a lot longer than the other workouts and Chalene Johnson keeps you moving. The name does not disappoint…I was drenched and dripping sweat! I need to work on this one. Here’s a video with a few of the moves:

Friday was a rest day.

Then on Saturday, I jogged three miles on the treadmill and did PiYo Strength Intervals. This one’s a cardio strength workout and is about 22 minutes long.

Here’s a video preview of PiYo Strength Intervals:

Then Sunday’s workout was running 7.5 miles fast. I was in the guideline pace of 8:29-8:37, according to the Asics app, so I’m happy! My next half marathon is twenty-six days away. It’s getting closer.

I’m linking up with Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up! This one is brought to you by Diatta Harris at Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons at The Frugal Exerciser.

How’d last week go for you?

XTERRA Hagg Lake 5k Trail Run

August 11, 2014October 26, 2014 · 12 Comments ·

I signed up for the XTERRA Hagg Lake Trail Run 5k because there was a Living Social deal and I thought why not give it a shot. I had never done a trail race before and with the bargain price, I thought the 5k would be a great way to try it out. It was a beautiful morning for my very first trail race, but just a bit too warm for my liking. I think it was already 70 deg F out when we left early Sunday morning.

I forgot how beautiful it was out there. I have visited Hagg Lake before but it’s been a while since I’ve been back.

There was a half marathon race and a 10K race scheduled before the 5k. I could only imagine running the half marathon and wish the brave souls good luck. They are amazing and awesome to do the half! The pic below is the start of the half marathon race.

Here’s a pre race shot of me.

There was a lot more 10k racers! The pic below is of the start of the 10k.

The 5k race started at 8:30 am. There wasn’t as many racers as the 10k which had the most competitors out of all the races that day.

The next two pics show me running right after the start of the race, courtesy of my hubby.

I actually managed to take two pics while running on the trail where I thought it was safe lol.

From the start we went across boat ramp C and connected to the trail on the North side. On the trail there was lots of grooves and uneven spots. I was definitely not used to running on the trail. Trail running shoes would have been nice. I almost rolled my ankle a couple of times. There were steep climbs and then down hill spots. It was fun in a way since it was different and exciting. There was some markers but some were on the ground, I just followed the people ahead of me and was thankful that there was someone always in my sight. There was a part where we ran on the road for a little bit and then headed back in to the trail. I remember thinking, I was glad it was only 3.1 miles lol. It was so hot out.

I ended up getting second place in my division, fourth overall female and eighth overall, which is awesome! It was a small race, but I’ll take what I can get :). All finishers got a stainless steel pint glass which could be refilled at the Beer garden.