Tag: run

Wrap Up – A Look Back at 2014

December 30, 2014January 4, 2015 · 8 Comments ·

I’m linking up with Tuesdays on the Run – MCM Mama Runs, My No-Guilt Life, and Run the Great Wide Somewhere. This week’s topic is a “Wrap Up – A Look Back at 2014”. 2014 has been a great year for me fitness wise. I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. I’m running faster, long distance wise, than ever before. Along with running training plans, I believe Beachbody programs played a big role in getting me to where I am today. 2014

In January, I started P90X3 and finished in April. I couldn’t do pull-ups at all and when I finished I could do six of them. I was in tip top shape.

My first race in 2014 was in March, the Hot Chocolate 5k in Seattle. I didn’t run much beforehand and I think I did well for not training for it. I haven’t ran many 5k’s but I got my best 5k time so far.

Towards the end of doing P90X3, I was also training for the Portland Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon. This is my yearly half marathon race. I’ve been running it since the inaugural one in 2012. I focused more on running after finishing P90X3 and trained using Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon training plan with Beachbody programs snuck in if I couldn’t go for a run due to the kids. I had a great race and I was so happy to PR.My next race was the Seattle Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon. This was a fun one because my sister who lives in New Jersey came and ran it too. It was a good run and I loved the scenic route. There was a nice part where you could really see Mt. Rainier. We ran by Lake Washington and on the Alaskan Viaduct passing the Great Wheel.In July, I decided to do PiYo and it was a nice change for me. The pilates and yoga inspired moves went well with running.My next race in August, was my first ever trail race, the XTERRA Trail Run Hagg Lake 5k. It was tough and I remember it being hot out. I was happy that I got 2nd place in my division and fourth overall female. It was a nice small race and my time was 26:29.In September, I had my final half marathon race of the year, the Oregon Half Marathon. This was a good course. We ran through farmland as well as through the Gallon House Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Oregon. I was so happy to PR on my half time again!
My last race was in October, the Halloweenathon 10k. This was my first actual 10k race, so it was an automatic PR. The race took place at a golf course and I managed to get third out of all the females for the 10k. It was as fun one, despite the muddy course.With no races for the rest of the year, I decided to try out Insanity the Asylum in November. This was a tough one month program, but I’m happy to have completed it.

I also started my first ever run streak on Thanksgiving, the #RWRunStreak. It’s been fun and there’s just three days left.

This year has been awesome! I finished three Beachbody programs and ran six actual races, the most races I’ve ever ran in a year. I would say I’m in the best shape ever with my last two races being PR’s, especially my half marathon time. I’m hoping 2015 will be another awesome year. Well, that’s my wrap up of the year.

How did your year go?

#Earthathon – a Virtual Relay Around the Earth

December 20, 2014 · 2 Comments ·

Who wants to join a fun event on Twitter that involves running, walking, jogging or hiking? Join Earthathon, a virtual relay around the earth. It is currently on its inaugural lap around the approximate circumference of the earth, 25,000 miles. As of this post Earthathoners from around the world have traveled 20,294.4 of 25,000 miles, getting close to finishing the first lap.

Earthathon was created by @GoRunHappy as a way to motivate others to exercise regularly. It’s picked up and for 2015, he’s set up ten teams to run a relay around the earth. The teams will combine and complete a total of 250,000 miles, which is the approximate distance to the moon. There will be ten teams but they are just a part of the bigger picture of “One Team, One Planet.” Once a team finishes their leg of the relay, they will help the other teams. When all teams have finished, they will have accomplished finishing a 250,000 mile relay. How cool is that?

Here is the list of the ten teams:

I was honored to be chosen to be a team captain of one of the ten teams :). My team is #RunderfulRunners which consists of my awesome Co-Leaders: @shanks324 and @runninrocker.

Do you want to be a part of Earthathon? It’s really easy to join. All you need is a Twitter account and just tweet your miles and add #earthathon and the hashtag of the team you pick. Then fill out a quick form HERE so that your miles are logged (password is run).

You can pick the team you want to run for HERE.

Do you want be a part of a virtual relay around the earth? Join earthathon today! 🙂

For more info, go to the Official page http://earthathonrelay.com/.

Mommathon 5k 10k Fitness Festival

December 4, 2014December 8, 2014 · 4 Comments ·

My local running group, Mom’s Run This Town Hillsboro/Tigard Chapter and Uberthons are hosting the inaugural 5k 10k Fitness Festival. This event is not just about running but includes optional fitness challenges that … Continue reading Mommathon 5k 10k Fitness Festival

Halloweenathon 10k Race Recap 10/25/2014

October 28, 2014March 8, 2015 · 18 Comments ·

The Halloweenathon, put on by Uberthons was a fun one that offered 5k, 10k, and 15k race options. I decided to do the 10k a while back since I felt 6.2 miles … Continue reading Halloweenathon 10k Race Recap 10/25/2014

Last Week’s Workouts Recap (10/20-10/26) Leading Up to Halloweenathon 10k

October 26, 2014November 17, 2014 · 4 Comments ·

This was the last week of Hal Higdon’s Intermediate 10k training plan since my 10k race was on Saturday. I’d say my week of workouts went fine. I slacked on the strength training but I got my runs in.

On Monday, I ran three miles. I didn’t do any strength training really, just some push-ups.

Tuesday was another three mile run.

Wednesday’s workout was 5 x 400 at 5k pace. I walked in between intervals. I had to do them on the treadmill since my husband was working.
On Thursday, the training plan showed to run 1-3 miles so I decided to run three since I felt good.

Friday was Rest day.

Saturday was Race day. I ran the Halloweenathon 10k which was fun! I’ll have the recap up soon.Sunday was Rest day.

How’d your week go?

Be sure to enter my Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts Giveaway if you haven’t already, which ends in one day. It ends on Wednesday, the 28th at midnight!

Hope you have a great week!

Last Week’s Workout Recap (9/29-10/5)

October 6, 2014November 17, 2014 · 6 Comments ·

Another week of workouts done! It was a decent week. I’m still following Hal Higdon’s 10K intermediate training plan with some tweaks here and there. My race is in 3 weeks.

On Monday, I ran three miles. It was a nice, cool day and enjoyed it! I did not do much strength training like the plan says, but did a few pull-ups and push-ups.

On Tuesday, I ran five miles.

On Wednesday, I had a great 45 minute tempo run.

On Thurday, I did not get a run in but did PiYo Sculpt. It’s a great total body workout.

Friday was Rest Day! Here’s 5 tips for your perfect rest day:

Saturday was another PiYo day. I did PiYo Drench. I got a great sweat on! This is still my least favorite PiYo Workout. It’s a tough but good workout. But I don’t like how it’s longer than all the other workouts.

Then Sunday was a beautiful day for a run. Got my six miles done!How did your week go?

My Beat the Blerch Virtual 10k

September 21, 2014September 24, 2014 · 5 Comments ·

This weekend was the inaugural Beat the Blerch Race weekend in Carnation, WA. Carnation is a small town, about 35 minutes outside Seattle. According to the Beat the Blerch website, the course began … Continue reading My Beat the Blerch Virtual 10k

Last week’s recap.

June 16, 2014November 17, 2014 · Leave a comment ·

Here’s a recap of last week’s half marathon training workouts. It started with a five mile run on Wednesday. My schedule was off because of running my long run on Monday instead of Sunday due to traveling and then Tuesday was a rest day. I got Wednesday’s run done early and had a good five mile run. I had to get it done earlier than normal since I knew the day was going to be busy. After my kiddo’s Kindergarten celebration, we were traveling again so I knew I had to get my run done early since it would be hard to get it done later.

Then on Thursday, I did 10 x 400s. I worked out with my sister, which was nice! It’s been a long time since I last ran with her and she’s going to be running the Seattle Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon too!

I ended up taking a rest day on Friday and then ran three miles on Saturday with my sister. I took a picture while running in the trail and here’s the result:I think it looks kinda cool.

Here’s me in my sis after the three mile run:

Then yesterday, Sunday long run day, we ran twelve miles! This was my first time running twelve miles being out of town so we were running a new route which was kind of fun. I took my camera out while running lol and took a selfie with my sis below:

Here’s a pic from on our route:

Here are some pics of my sister running:

Here we are, finished with the twelve mile run:

Only five more days until the Seattle Rock’n’Roll Half marathon! What’s your next race or event? Leave a comment below. 🙂

Flipbelt – An Awesome Belt for Running

June 5, 2014October 26, 2014 · 7 Comments ·

I was first introduced to the FlipBelt when I was at the Portland Rock’n’Roll Expo. I was going to run the Portland Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon the next day. I thought, that looks like a nice idea for a belt but at the time I was thinking I don’t need this, I already have a belt. Little did I know, it would’ve been nice to have the FlipBelt for that race. For some reason, during the race, the belt I already had, my Spibelt, kept bothering me. It was loose and I had to keep moving it down. I’m not sure if it was the extra Gu I put or what, but it bothered me during my race. I didn’t check if it was tightened enough I guess and I didn’t want to stop during the race to figure out what was up. I probably should have since it annoyed me but I didn’t. I just kept pushing it down while running. Because of that race, I decided to look at different possibilities to hold my phone and Gu.

There was a lot of new stuff like the FlipBelt that intrigued me besides the Spibelt. Someone on one of my Facebook groups mentioned the HipsSister. I looked at it but didn’t really like the way it looked. I thought the band looked to high. The height of the band on the body is higher than the FlipBelt. It’s like five inches whereas the FlipBelt is three inches. Here’s a picture of the HipSsister and then one of me wearing my FlipBelt:

I like how the FlipBelt is a lot smaller but still can fit what I need to carry.

The packaging of the FlipBelt was simple. It gives you some key points of the belt. There’s also some small pictures showing how you can flip the belt to lock the items. I felt while running with it that there’s no need to flip the belt to lock items. My phone and Gu fit snug enough and did not fall out at all while running.

The FlipBelt is made of 92% Polyester and 8% Spandex. It feels very durable to me and of great quality. On the packaging, you also see the sizing chart. Sizing is very important!!

I did not get the right size at first and I could tell because it was riding up my waist while I was running. Not a good thing. But they have an awesome return and exchange policy. Below is what it says on their website:

Returns Policy:

We have a 100% customer satisfaction gaurantee policy! We are that flipping confident you will love the FlipBelt. If you are in any way unhappy with our product, please return it to us within 30 days of purchase. Simply request a return on your account page or request a return on our site. Once we receive your return request, we will email you a return label.

We will email you as soon as we receive your return. Expect to receive a credit within a week or two after.

Easy Exchanges:

We understand that online shopping and sizes do not mix. If you are having issues with size or color, simply order a new one online and return the old one within 30 days. See above for returns.

I ordered the smaller size, an extra small, and was able to get it pretty quick. I took it on a ten mile run and it was awesome! I could hardly feel it on me. I carried my iphone 5 in it and it felt snug against my belly. The belt did not ride up on me this time. I did not have to adjust it during my run. It was great! It was just like part of my clothes, my waistband. I also liked how I was able to just slip my phone in and out through the slit. I did not have to worry about any zippers, just had to open the slit a little and slide my phone right in. It’s nice!

The next run I ran with the FlipBelt, I put a packet of Gu in the back slit to test if it would stay. I ran five miles that day and the Gu stayed there the whole way and did not bother me at all. I thought pretty cool! This works great! I didn’t have to flip the belt at all to lock the items. This belt totally solved my problem of not having to adjust it during my runs, which I did with the Spibelt.

Here’s a comparison of the Spibelt. As you can see in the picture below, the Spibelt does stretch a lot more, so may be able to fit more. I use an iphone 5 and it fits fine but the FlipBelt does claim to fit all phones comfortably with the exception of the Note 2. While running with the Spibelt I did feel a little jiggle in the second pocket with the two Gu I put in during the race. With the FlipBelt, it was snug enough I couldn’t even feel the Gu. I had to check and feel if it was still there on my run. The Spibelt is nice but if you don’t have it adjusted right like on my race, which I didn’t think to check it can be an annoyance. With the Flipbelt, it’s snug just how it is. You don’t have to tighten the belt at all, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting. It’s awesome!

Below is a photo of what it looks like with my phone. I have easy access to slip my phone in and out to take pictures. When I would put my phone in my Spibelt I had to mess with zipping and unzipping, not anymore. 🙂

I also like how it’s inconspicuous. You can’t even see it since my shirt usually covers it. For the pictures above, I had to lift up my shirt.

So I gotta say I love the FlipBelt! It has now replaced my Spibelt. If you’re looking for something to store items easily while running, walking, or whatever, try the FlipBelt!

I’m part of the Moms Run This Town group and they have a discount code. Use code MRNTHSTWN for 10% off!

What do you think? What do you use to store items while running?

My Sunday run, possible Morton’s Neuroma, and Flipbelt

June 1, 2014June 1, 2014 · Leave a comment ·

According to Hal Higdon’s Intermediate Half Marathon training plan, today was supposed to be a 15k race. I decided to do 10 miles. It went pretty well considering my pace, but my right foot’s toes have been having issues. It’s been ongoing for a little while now. I’ve been doing some research on the internet and I think I might have a Morton’s neuroma. My third and fourth toes on my right foot seem to go numb after around 7 miles. Then after my run, my foot is fine.

According to Web MD, Morton’s neuroma is a swollen or thickened nerve in the ball of your foot. When your toes are squeezed together too often and for too long, the nerve that runs between your toes can swell and get thicker. This swelling can make it painful when you walk on that foot. High-heeled, tight, or narrow shoes can make pain worse. Sometimes, changing to shoes that give your toes more room can help.

So I’m on the search for new shoes to see if it can help with the numbing. I’ve ordered Altra Torin’s, which I’ve read have a wide toe box. I got them on sale with a coupon code for $39 but had to return them since they were a little small. My first impressions were good. They seemed to have a lot of cushion and the toe box seemed wide, but it didn’t have the extra 1/2″ of room that it says for the toes. But I ordered the bigger size and should be getting them tomorrow. I can’t wait to try them.

Here are the stats on my run today:

Also, I was able to try the Flipbelt today. I actually tried it once earlier but realized it was big, since it was riding up my waist while running. I’m not doing good in getting the right size for things lol. But today, with the smaller size was awesome!! I could hardly feel it was there and I love how it’s easy to take my phone out, instead having to unzip a zipper, which is what I used before. I will do a full review soon. Here’s a picture of me in the Flipbelt:

On another note, I couldn’t pass up this awesome deal on this shirt! I love getting new running shirts and workout clothes! I got it for $6.37. Not bad for regular price being $24.99.

Have you got any good deals lately on running/workout gear? Do you have any recommendation on shoes with a wide toe box?