runDisney

Good morning friends!! Today is my day to finish packing and get my butt in gear because I leave TOMORROW for Florida and my first half marathon!!!! AHHH! That's how how I feel. Like I might spontaneously com-bust at any given moment. I'm beyond nervous and so excited I might pee my pants. I've trained. I'm ready. And I'm breathing into a paper bag.
Today's pins for Oh! How Pinteresting Wednesday are all themed for my runDisney weekend. AHHH!!!

Source: piccsy.com via Natalie on Pinterest

This is crazy gorgeous. I haven't been in that castle in 10 years and I cannot wait to run through it. Just thinking about it gets me a little teary.

Source: weheartit.com via Laddie on Pinterest

All of these make me want to get out there and run. Especially Nemo - Just keep swimming. Or running as it may be. No worries <3

Source: ginafilipelli.tumblr.com via Gina on Pinterest

I can and WILL do it. Sunday.

Source: Uploaded by user via Hannah on Pinterest

I dream it every single night. Finishing this is beyond anything I every imagined I'd be able to do, and I can't wait to have that medal around my neck.

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Julie on Pinterest

I love sparkly running shoes. I will be glittering mine for the race. Spray sparkle EVERYWHERE.

Source: images.google.com via Kelsey on Pinterest

Can't wait to stop for this photo op!!!

Source: dwtickets.com via Marissa on Pinterest

I feel this way already and I haven't even gotten there yet.

Source: Uploaded by user via Nathalie on Pinterest

It will be better than any fairy tale ever told.

I have some posts set up for while I'm gone, but I'm bringing the computer so I'll be able to check in! Definitely Monday with a recap!

run girl run

I did 12 miles yesterday. TWELVE miles. I'm sometimes surprised at myself. I've officially been running for a year now. I started c25k the last week in January last year. To say that I'm shocked that I've gone from struggling through that first week (only 2.1 miles!) to finishing my very first 12 mile run is a huge understatement.  I do take walk breaks, but I'm ok with that.

My socks love to run too. I'm kind of a doofus.

My run was kind of rough yesterday. At around 6.5 miles my left ankle started to scream at me. I was freaking out about it, how am I going to finish a half marathon in 4 weeks if I can't do 12 today?! *insert hyperventilating here* But then I gave myself permission to walk. It was magical. I had been maintaining 12 minute miles and I was doing fantastically, but I couldn't handle the pain. Once I took about a .25 mile walk break I was ready to go again. I was feeling ok and I finished all 12. Take that left ankle! Now today I'm pretty darn sore. My ankle is still freaking out at me a little, but I'm icing it and taking it easy today. I'm going to head to the gym just for some core strength training and leave off the cardio. I'll do a short speedy run tomorrow followed by some intense elliptical work if my foot/ankle let me.

I did lots of cuddling with the puppies when I got home. They were worn out after having lots of visitors this week, so they are loving cuddling with me on the couch. I ate my face off. A chicken salad sandwich, a pickle, tortellini, a few sweet potato fries and a bit of ice cream. Yup I'm pretty sure I ate most of the 2100 calories I burned off. But that's ok, long run days are "free" days.

it's almost here!

The final countdown is here! I'm sitting here waiting for Mike to get here so we can go for our 12 mile run together. Four weeks from now I will be done with my first half marathon! I feel ready. I know I can tackle this goal and I'm ready to enjoy the time leading up to and following the race.

Mike and I are planning on 12 miles today, 6 next weekend, then our final long run will be 13 miles. Then we're planning a short and easy shake out run for the Sunday before we head to Florida. These are all in addition to the normal mid week runs that we've been doing since the summer. We leave on Wednesday the 23 and I get giddy just thinking about it!!
I've been overwhelmed with planning thoughts. What do I pack? The weather is a lot warmer than I anticipated, can I still wear the outfit I planned? Am I going to die in the humidity? Will the warmer weather really bring down my speed enough to worry about? Do I bring gels as a carry on? Can you bring empty water bottles in your carry on? How many different outfit choices should I pack? Is planning a beach day for Saturday really a good idea? What do you wear to the expo? I'm just freaking out a tiny bit.
Then I remember to take deep breaths and realize how much fun it is going to be!
I seriously can't wait!

a deep sigh of relief

I feel like I have a holiday weekend hang over and I didn't do one bit of drinking. Those three days flew by. Late Friday night Mike and I got to snuggle on the couch and watch a movie, that was awesome. We chose to watch Ides of March, I was really pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it. I didn't really know what it was about, but I knew it was nominated for best picture at the golden globes, so we decided to give it a try. I'm not sure it was Mike's cup of tea, he is far from a political person,  but I liked it enough.
We had a very wintery weekend here, even if we still haven't had snow since October. (Last night's 1/2 inch so doesn't count...) It was quite chilly, I don't think getting above freezing the whole weekend. I knew I had a long run to get in at some point in those three days and I decided to push it to Monday just based on the temperature. So when Monday came and I had 10 miles to do and it was still only 12 degrees outside, I was petrified. TEN miles?! What have I gotten myself into?!?

The hat is too sexy for words!

That is a LONG distance to run, I was freaking out. Luckily I have the world's greatest boyfriend and he was running with me (ok, ahead of me but at the same time). So I bundled up and I conquered my 10 miles and it only took just over 2 hours to do it. While I was running the cold was no big deal, I was actually sweating and ditched my gloves about 3 miles in. The cold was only a factor when I got home and I was stretching and trying to eat something. I was freezing and shivering. I took a nice warm shower which was great while it lasted. I think it took me a solid 2 hours to warm up after I ran. That was the hardest part. Yesterday I also managed to forget to charge my phone, so I lost music 5 miles in and I ran without music for the first time ever - and I did it for 5 miles. Yikes. That was a change! Since my phone was dying I turned off the music to try to keep the battery a little longer. I use RunKeeper during my runs and I really like the occasional time/pace updates in my ears. Luckily I still had my garmin on so I could track my distance and speed.
I always forget to take after pictures after my runs. But, you're not missing out - It isn't pretty!

Hope you're having a wonderful Tuesday today!

run baby run

So far this winter we have been subjected to crazy unseasonably warm weather. Don't get me wrong, I am so not complaining! I have a half marathon in just under 7 weeks and if the weather was like last year, we would be having snow every Tuesday that cripples us until Thursday and there would be slush EVERYWHERE. Last week, I did my first run ever in below freezing weather. It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. I did 7 miles in 22 degrees (12 degree wind chill). It was also my longest run to date. After the run I had a tiny bit of soreness but really I felt great. I could have kept going, but I try to remember that you should always finish with a little bit of gas in the tank.

Ready to run in the cold...SO not sexy!

This week for my long run, I tackled 8 miles. But this time it was 57 degrees outside. On January 7! I was running and a biker was riding in the other direction, we paused for a moment to relish in the gorgeous weather! We were both out there in SHORTS! I am so thankful for the warmth. While running in 22 degrees wasn't terrible, I am thankful I haven't had to figure out how to run in slush yet. I know it is only January 10 and since I'm posting this, we will certainly wake up to 3 feet of snow sometime in the next couple weeks, but I'm ok with it. I've gotten this far with gorgeous weather, and I'm loving it.

Look at that! High 30's!

After both runs the minute I finished my cool down and sat, my feet cramped so badly! For about a solid minute I thought my feet were going to fall off my body. It was so painful. After the 7 mile run, I thought maybe I hadn't gotten enough electrolytes during my run. I read that in the cold your body loses electrolytes faster and I only drank water during that run, so for the 8 miles, I drank NUUN throughout the run and ate 2 servings worth of chomps. I was really disappointed when I cramped up again after the 8 miles. Any ideas?? Tips?

lucky ducky!!

After I won the SUAR giveaway I entered and then won another one!!! This time it was from Amy at Pumpkin to Princess. She gave away a GU sampler pack. I was just as excited about this as I was about the shirt.
After hearing all of the fueling options out there I was more than a little over whelmed. I started tasting a few things and using them for my longer runs/workouts, but I still hadn't found anything I loved. I tried nuun tablets and I really liked their tri-berry flavor, but not the lemon-lime one so much. I felt like they helped me during workouts, but since they are low calorie, they weren't a good fueling solution. I was thrilled to get this big pack of GU products to try! These are the goodies I got:

I am so excited to try each and every one of these things out. I'll post about how much I love them as I try 'em!!

grateful

So way back in October Beth of SUAR held a giveaway with Family Fan Club and I was super lucky and I won! The giveaway was for a shut up and run shirt, one of the family fan club designs, or a custom shirt. Immediately entered in every way possible. Earlier that week I was showing Mike the Family Fan Club website and telling him how I needed a custom shirt for the Princess Half. I wanted a shirt that said "no day but today." I'm kind of a huge RENT fan and I try to live with that thought always in the back of my mind. Then I found out that I won and I think I did a happy dance right in my kitchen! I was home alone and I was shaking my booty and hopping and dancing around. I was super stoked!
After talking to Beth and Paul of Family Fan Club a bit I made up a design for the shirt. It says no day but today on the front and then it has my blog url on the back. When it came in the mail, I was blown away. It came out even better than I could have imagined.

I love it! I'm wearing a real bra and pajama pants, but I still LOVE the
shirt.

So in love with this shirt.

I really just posted a picture of my tush on my blog.

The shirt is awesome. It's thin and the printing is fantastic. I completely love it! I cannot wait to wear it. I'll be giving it a test ride at the gym today!

I seriously recommend working with Paul and the crew at Family Fan Club. They were incredibly helpful and wonderful!!

full of thanks

First and foremost I want to tell you how thankful I am for you, my readers. Every single comment I get, every time someone new follows me, every response on twitter just fills me with joy and excitement and I am SO happy that I have gotten the opportunity to get to know some of you ladies through this little blog of mine.
This beautiful Thanksgiving morning I have tons of warm and fuzzies. I am filled with gratefulness for all of the wonderful things in my life.
Once I pop my turkey in the oven I'm off to spread some merry and run a 5k in New Paltz. This race benefits Family of New Paltz which provides the community with not only a food pantry, but a 24 hour help hotline, support groups and a shelter. I love racing, but it is so much better when I feel like I'm donating to a worthwhile cause. I can't imagine a more worthy cause, especially during the holiday season and the colder months than this one.
These are a couple pictures from last year's race: (Not my pictures! All credit goes to Martin Weiner)

I'm off to enjoy the race and then to finish cooking and celebrate with my family. I'll be heading out tonight around 9pm to go shopping! Watch out black friday, we're coming to share the merry!

race recap monday

This weekend was really busy, but also a really good time. We were out and about all weekend long and when we were home, we had my sister's black lab at the house along with our pups so there was never a dull moment!
Mike, Mom and I ran another 5k yesterday. It was Mom's first one, so it was kind of a big deal. Since she plans on running Disney with me in February I keep telling her she has to get on it!!! Boy did she! There were two options at the race. You could run the 7.5 mile scenic challenge or you could run the 5k. They claimed the 5k was relatively flat, but it was definitely not flat. There were two pretty decent climbs, about 1/2 a mile each. I was so glad that I decided to run with mom and not the challenge if this is what they called "flat"! I didn't get a pr yesterday, but my pr was from a VERY flat and straight course, so I wasn't too disappointed. Mom did great though. She was right behind me for most of the race. She finished really strong! I was impressed!

Mike and I before the race. It was freezing outside. Sign next to us said 34 degrees. Yikes!

Mom getting pumped! In real life, that hoodie she has on is
NEON yellow!

My handsome Michael ready to run!

yikes. Super sweaty julie. How does one dress for these races...I need a better plan than I had yesterday!! 

My pouch is FULL. Gloves, phone, headphones...Not a good look. lol

After the race we stopped to get mom coffee then headed to the diner for some food!

I changed into that tshirt in the parking lot at the race. Sports bras
are enough coverage for getting naked in public, right??

Always that same goofy smile. Unless I do a funny dance and get a
real one with teeth! lol.

It was such a great day. I had so much fun running with mom and it just got me so much more excited for Disney!!!!

new kicks

New shiny shoes getting ready for their inaugural run.

So I've posted a bunch lately about my running shoe dilemma. The ones I love have been discontinued and I can't seem to find them anywhere. I bought a pair of Asics 2160s and I've worn them to the gym a couple times and they seem ok, except it takes a lot of effort to tie them juuuust right. I'm not sure why but they feel too loose and then I tighten them and then they hurt my feet because they're so tight. Frustrating. Yesterday I took them on my their first outdoor test run. I did about 4.5 miles and aside from when I stopped to tie them tighter at the half way point and then had to stop to loosen them a quarter mile later, I think they worked pretty well. I'm so excited to get back to outdoor training. For my race this weekend, I'm sure I'll spend a very long time trying to tie my shoes correctly...But aside from that let the training resume!!!

Probably the worst picture of myself that I've shared but I was so
excited about finishing my run!

running shoes

We are less than four months out from my race! I'm starting to get really nervous about it. I know that I'm on my training plan, and I'm right about where I want to be, but I'm still getting a little bit freaked out. Right now I'm in desperate need of new sneakers. The last time I ran, I got some pretty bad knee and butt pain so I'm on the hunt for some new sneakers. I had been wearing Asics Gel-Galaxys that I got from Kohl's for such a great deal, but unfortunately they don't have them anymore and I can't seem to find them online. So now I'm looking into new ones. Aside from the bad sneakers, I haven't had any leg or foot problems (*KNOCK ON WOOD!!!*) in my training so I'm trying to find another pair of shoes that will support my feet in a similar way. I'm deciding between two pairs and I was hoping I could get some opinions!

These are the Asics GEL Cumulus 12.  They're apparently a neutral shoe. This is what it says on Road Runner Sports:

Women's ASICS® GEL-CUMULUS® 12 :: Your favorite cushioned trainer is now even better. The newly-updated women's ASICS® GEL-Cumulus 12 features a more segmented outsole and softer heel and forefoot cushioning to make every run incredibly smooth. Plus the improved heel fit secures your feet in place for added comfort. 9.8 ounces

These are the Asics GT-2150. They're listed as a stability shoe. From Road Runner Sport's site:

Women's ASICS® GT-2150 :: Lighten up! You'll appreciate the reliable stability you get from the women's ASICS® GT-2150 but you'll really love the fast, smooth runs you'll get from this high performance package. Join the ranks of millions of dedicated runners who consistently turn to the GT-2150 for comfort they can count on. This fan favorite is lighter than its predecessor yet delivers the familiar support and comfort loyalists love. Get a personalized heel fit from the memory foam lined collar that molds to your foot. Feel great through every step thanks to the GT-2150's lively, durable cushioning. A reliable runner that's sure to deliver miles of fun! 9.5 ounces

plans come and go...

That's me, right under that 10-15" that says Poughkeepsie

We're expecting our first snow storm of the 2011-12 season today. Luckily it hasn't started yet and I have some time to make it to the gym and then hit up the grocery store for some bottled water. The electric company is warning of "catastrophic" power outages as a result of the leaves still being on the trees and then tons of heavy snow piling up on those leaves and pulling down branches and power lines. We're on a well here so if we lose power, we lose water and that means no toilet flushing! So we fill up the bathtub with water just in case, but we definitely hope for the best. We were lucky enough during Irene to keep power, so we're feeling that vibe for this storm too!

Source: losinggweight.tumblr.com via Hima on Pinterest

Today I'm linking up with the bloggers for health series. The theme for this week is "personal workout plan"s. I'm not sure how I feel about workout plans in general. I'm all for training plans for a specific event, but as an over all workout plan, I'm not sure how they work for me.

Source: losinggweight.tumblr.com via Lauren on Pinterest

For me, the change has to be more than a temporary diet, or a workout plan that I'll fall off the wagon with. I need specific goals to work toward. Right now I'm right in the middle of my training plan for my upcoming half marathon. Even with this 6 month plan, it is really hard to stick to it. I've heard tons of runners refer to being "slaves to the plan." They are rigorous, intense, and really demanding. I run Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with cross training on Tuesdays and Fridays. The only real off day I have is on Sundays. I try to keep Tuesdays and Fridays light, sometimes just stretching or a slow yoga class. Although there are weeks when I'm really feeling it and I push hard on the bike or the elliptical. In addition to that I try to do some sort of strength training 5 times a week. Sometimes it is as easy as simple calisthenics, lunges/squats/sit-ups/etc, but other times I'm at the gym pumping serious iron. (ok maybe not - for my arms I don't use weights more than 12.5 lbs) Really what I'm getting at is that it is freaking hard! It is exhausting!!! I feel great though, I feel like I'm making progress. But really there is no way I could keep this up for more than the 6 months. I would get insanely burned out. I would learn to hate running and working out in general.

Source: losinggweight.tumblr.com via Danielle on Pinterest

I think more than a "workout plan" you should have workout goals. The goal of 6 hours per week, or every other day, or even 4 times a week is more realistic than doing my current plan for any long period of time. After my half I am going to try to do 6 hours a week. That is way down from what I'm currently doing and that scares me a little bit, just based on calorie burn, but I'm looking forward to only 6 hours. The other thing I think is key to keeping up with working out as a lifestyle is to seriously vary the workouts you're doing. I like to use the arc trainer when I'm not running. I set it to hill intervals and climb until my tush is so sore I feel like I can't walk. Sometimes I like to hop on a spin bike and relax and just ride for an hour. It may not be the biggest calorie burn, but it definitely works different muscles and is a lot easier on my knees than running is.

They suggested that I share a workout plan that I think would work for you, but if you've gotten this far you know I don't really love the concept of a workout plan. So I'll share with you what I think good workout goals should be:

• Workout 6 hours a week
• Do at least 2 different types of cardio each week
• Incorporate strength training 4 times a week alternating between arms/legs/core exercises
• Challenge yourself, if you feel like you can keep going, keep going
• Don't forget to take rest days, your muscles need time to rebuild
• STRETCH! I like to do a few simple yoga poses after every strength session

Source: losinggweight.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

I hope you like my tips for "workout plans" that are easy to stick to. If you're interested I'll also share my half training plan. It is a google doc, just click here to see it!

dutchess county classic

Sunday was a fantastic day for a race, really we couldn't have asked for anything better!

In the weeks leading up to the race the Hudson Valley got an overwhelming amount of rain. Because of the rain and the subsequent flooding parking was minimal at the park where the start/finish line was located. They suggested getting to the park by 6-630 in order to get parking and start picking up your packets. They were closing the road that the race would start out on at 8am sharp. I live about 40  minutes from where the race was being held, so that meant that Mike and I set the alarm for 430 to try to be out of my house by 530 and to the park by 615. Let me tell you, 430 comes VERY early!! It was good though because the 3am wake up for Disney will be even earlier, so this was a good practice! We got up, got dressed, tried to consume a decent amount of caffeine, got everything together and we were out the door by 540, only a couple minutes behind schedule, but we planned for that. It was definitely still very dark outside when we left, it was E-A-R-L-Y and Mike and I aren't really morning people. With his nerves mounting and our anxiousness to get there, we had a pretty calm and quiet ride. We got there, got signed in and picked up our loot. Bags donated by Golds Gym, some running gloves and tech tee shirts. By 7 we were done getting our stuff and we stopped by the bathrooms and headed to hang out in the car for an hour because it was also COLD outside! It was only like 43 degrees out. Luckily I had also planned for that and wore sweat pants and a hoodie over my race gear.

So 8 am rolls around and Mike and I head to the bathrooms one more time and then to find my mom and Jess who were meeting us there to cheer us on. There was a 1 mile kids fun run that started at 815 and Mike and I wanted to watch them go. It was really awesome. It was a 12 and under run and the winner ran it in 6 minutes even. She was 11 and completely adorable.

So then it was time for Mike to head to the starting line. A few deep breaths and he was off for his 13 mile journey.





They told us 5k runners that we had to let them get 15 minutes ahead of us before we started our run, so I hung out with mom and Jess for 15 minutes and then I made my way to the back of the crowd at the start line. I was expecting to just use this as my long weekend run, even though 3 miles isn't long - it was a light/rest week. I started out and I was feeling great. I ran the first 1.5 miles at a 10 minute mile pace, which of course made me completely run out of steam! By the 1.5 mile mark/turn around to start heading back spot I was tired, that pace was way too fast for me. I walked a little and I was trying my hardest to get my heart rate down to the 150's, but it took forever. I ended up finishing really strong, maxing out at 9mph, way faster than I have ever sustained for any distance. I finished with a 2:32 minute PR.



After I finished it was about 20 minutes until the first half marathoner finished. The winner finished in 1:13 and change. After we watched him finish, we went and got me some food and water. They had a great assortment of deliciousness. I grabbed an apple and a water and headed back up to wait for Mike to finish. Mike finished at 2:26 and change (they still haven't posted official results yet)! I was so proud of him. He said his legs were killing him and he was a little slow moving, but we grabbed him some food and a water before heading out.



I loved this race. There were a ton of people and it was super well organized. We were stoked when we finished and really happy with the whole day.