Scoops 5k

Through a series of fortunate events, I placed first in my age group at the Scoops 5k here in Edgartown this past weekend. It was a misty morning and a flat route, I was feeling pretty good so I decided to go for a PR and did! Came in at 25:25, the top 3 women overall were in my age group and thus placed out of the age group specific awards, that and one of our AIRC speedy runners sitting out of the race to do a 10 mile training run that day and voila! 1st place!

Return to the roads

It has been a busy month and  running has taken a back seat to catching up with long lost friends and sitting on the beach with a cold cider, not a bad trade off but it is time to get off my beach chair and get the running sneaks back on.

That being said, the Maine Half Marathon is 12 weeks away, thus begins my first foray into a training plan. After a quick once over of a few plans I settled on this one which allows me to integrate my hockey nights in as cross training. I start tonight with my cross training/ hockey at 8pm and am looking to get the word out about my Tuesday morning speed workouts so Amity Island Running Club members can join me if they'd like. I'm interested to see if I can stick with this, as with any training, it'll be better if I get some folks to join in. This schedule will also give me a chance to update my blog more since I will be experimenting with interval training and tempo runs for the first time since college. To be continued.....

afternoon delight

Had a wonderful run yesterday. I got 3.3 miles in, rescued a frog and got a burst of protein when I swallowed a substantial bug at mile 2. All in all it was a delightful afternoon run.

National Running Day 2014

Have a Great Run Today!

Why I love the Amity Island Running Club

Reason 1: We laugh. A lot.
Reason 2: We make running fun.
Reason 3: We make each other better runners.
Reason 4: We make filthy jokes that my Aunt Clara would have been proud of.
Reason 5: A post-race beer is a given.
Reason 6: Celine Dion and 90s Hip Hop

We're not now and will never be these people:

We will ALWAYS be these people:

                     

This club isn't about fartleks, or interval training, or ultra marathons. We are about pushing ourselves, doing our damndest, starting races together and meeting up again at the end. We're the kind of people that challenge ourselves and may be upset if we fall short of a race goal but are far from devastated by it. 

This is more about friendship and camaraderie than about running a PR every time we lace up the sneakers. The running is a common denominator, but one of many. The most significant being laughter, music and celebratory 8 am Ragnar beers.

A benefit from all this is that we're each improving our running. A big portion of that is being a part of a group that is loosely focused on running. Other factors include knowing our teammates are counting on us but, more importantly, that our teammates are pulling for us. There is nothing but positive energy with this group. Being a part of this has taken this runner-hater to a place I never thought I'd be, loving running.

Ragnar Cape Cod 2014 - Part 1

What an amazing experience! From attaching a giant shark fin to our rental van in the Walmart parking lot to celebratory 8 am beers after our final legs, Ragnar Cape Cod 2014 was a huge success for the Amity Island Running Club. 

We began our run by arriving at what we believed to be the start with time to spare, only to discover we were actually 20 minutes away from the start. We got to Hull and walked briskly down the boardwalk past all the giant rental vans, towards the tents, flags, and inflatable arch, all indicators that we had arrived at our destination. After trying to sneak out of the safety briefing we all sheepishly returned to the holding pen, avoiding the eyes of the volunteer who now felt he had to keep a closer eye on the Amity Island crew. 

Our team got off to a great start, 15 minutes past our assigned start time, but we started! Amanda had the first leg and we stopped a few times along the route to lend support, a bottle of water, an a high five. We did this during each of our first legs, with the second round? "Van Support" became slowing the van down enough as we drove by to shout "You good?!" and keep rolling to the next transition area. 

We made it through the first 6 legs and settled in a Gallo Ice arena for some rest around 3-4 in the afternoon. A few of us grabbed a little (VERY little) shut eye in the field, surrounded by other runners cocooned up in their sleeping bags fending off the slight chill and blocking out the cloudy afternoon sun. 

Once we got word that van 2 was in the vicinity we herded ourselves over to the start line as Beth Ann came strolling in from her beautiful, albeit steep, run over the Bourne Bridge. Amanda took off down the Cape Cod Canal (which turns 100 this year) bike path towards Sandwich. 

To be continued.....

                                             

Ragnar Cape Cod 2014

Here's a look at my legs in the upcoming Ragnar Cape Cod!

Half Marathon #1 in the books!

Whew! One down, more to come. After a long harsh winter, spring made herself known April 6 and in perfect timing. Newmarket NH was a great little town to experience my first half marathon. I got there early and met a few new friends, one woman who had just run a half marathon the day before and was there to run the 5k. The course went through the great brick building lined main street and out into local neighborhoods before winding through the forest on a hard packed dirt road. The last couple miles involve a heartbreaking (for me) out and back to a subdivision on a peninsula. From there you start back into the main street area, which is just in sight when the volunteers direct you to the right for a small detour and another hill! Once up that last hill (last of many, did I mention that?) it's all downhill to the finish line. At this point I turned to the runner next to me who was kicking it up a notch and said "Nice work, finish strong!" to which he replied "Together?". I nodded and tried to keep pace as we sprinted for the finish, unfortunately this sprint began about 300 meters out and I just didn't have it in me to stay with him so I cheered him on as he sprinted down to the line. We shared a high five and a smile at the end, it was a great day.

At mile 11 I wanted to quit. My lower back was killing me and my legs felt like dead weight. If I came around a bend to another incline, regardless the size, I was cursing in my head. I find it nearly impossible to believe my pace at the end was the same at the beginning but it was. I was able to average 9:07/ miles and finished in 2:02:39. I had secretly been hoping against hope that I could pull it off in 2:00. Then, on the bus ride in the woman in the seat ahead of me replied "oh, it's hilly" when I inquired about the course. At that point I adjusted my goal to 2:20 so I was quite thrilled with my finish.

I had a wonderful time at this race, it was well organized and everyone was courteous and friendly.  There were musicians throughout the course, even a banjo player playing a tune and hula-hooping simultaneously. There was a yard full of red-solo-cup bearing folks cheering us on and such great support throughout the whole race. Best signs? "Keep Going! Keep Going! (That's what she said)" sitting next to "Good Job Random Stranger!". Great day. 

At the Finish Line in 2:02:39   

The Route   

First 5k of the year

This race is one that I have a great memory of from years ago. Every few years the island fire/ems/police get all amped up about fitness. About 5 years ago they made an "emergency services relay" part of this 5k. It was the one and only year this was done and Edgartown entered a team. In a department of over 60 people we could only find 2 to run so we recruited my friend Joel whom I ran track with in HS, he is an assistant coach with the MVRHS team today.  

So we had myself, Joel, and Chris Hargy; Firefighter, EMT, Sheriff's Deputy. Chris was the kind of guy that was always up for something fun like this. Now let me remind you, this is a 5k. 3.1 miles. A relay? Really? Yes. It was ridiculous but we did it. The 3 or 4 teams flew through the course, I was lucky, 3rd leg, all downhill. Chris? 2nd mile, all UPHILL. He was a champ. I remember crossing the finish line and seeing him puking in the woods, he gave 110% that day and for what? bragging rights? Not really. An award? None that I know of. He was just that kind of guy, he gave you his best, and even though he was puking his guts out he still managed to give me a big smile and a high five.

He always had a big smile for everyone. He was a quiet guy in large situations but if you were, say, stationed at the school kitchen cooking bacon and sausage for hours during the annual pancake breakfast at the fire station? He was a blast, especially if his wife, Molly, was there too. Together they could keep a bystander in stitches with their humorous bickering.

Chris left us in august of 2012. One of those losses that leaves us all reeling, questioning, hurting, and wondering why. Cancer SUCKS. 

I don't run because of Chris, I run for other reasons. That being said, whenever I run East Chop, or drive by the park where that race ends, or ride in the ladder truck, or check the ambulance, I think of him and miss him.

Side note: I blew my 5k best time out of the water :) came in 5th for women, 15th overall!

2 months till Ragnar, 2 weeks till Great Bay 1/2 Marathon

The Amity Island Running Club is in full swing! No, not training and doing speed work. We're deciding on logos, what shirts we want and if we order koozies or not. I think we go for the koozies.

I got away from 2-3 milers last week and cranked out a couple 4 mile jaunts. It's starting to feel good to get going a little bit further and although I'm nervous, I am feeling good about the Great Bay 1/2 Marathon next month. 

Hockey is winding down, 4 skates left till the rink closes. After that my running will probably be bumped from 2-3x a week to 3-4x a week with strength training worked in. Having the extra daylight is so refreshing and invigorating! 

I managed to get in a 6 mile run Sunday, the weather was beautiful and I am really enjoying adding to my go-to loop. I've been using Running Map to get an idea of miles and really like the fact that they let you do a hybrid map, showing the satellite view with the roads. I've been using the Old Dump loop (3.75 miles) as a base and adding on to each end. I've noticed, thanks to RunKeeper and listening my own body, that I actually tend to speed up towards the end of my run. It just goes to show that the first mile really is the toughest (for me at least). At the distances I'm currently running, the biggest challenge is mental, the body can handle it, it's just a matter of getting the mind on board.

truth.

MV 20 Miler - Post Race

Done and done! What a run! Luckily I didn't have time to get nervous before the race, actually, I was almost late. You can't just leave when it's USA/ Russia OT hockey in the Olympics! Anyway, I made it to the start line with a few minutes to spare and found my "team". I would end up running the entire 10 with Pete from Boston who is a training partner of my college roommate's. It worked out perfectly. I've always read about how a good pace in one in which you are able to carry on a conversation, training solo, I've never been able to accomplish that. During this race, I did. Pete set a great pace and we chatted comfortably throughout the race, finishing in 1:37 & change. 

We really lucked out with the weather, there was actually a blizzard warning in effect for the cape & islands and our leg missed it by minutes. As we "handed off" in the transition zone (Emily had actually jumped in at mile 8 with us and Pete's teammate started early at mile 5 to get her 15 mile run in) the snow began to get a bit heavier and, to us, beautiful. For those at the halfway mark of their run it may not have been so beautiful. 

Our run had started at the crosswalk on Water St in VH, right at the Steamship terminal. We ran, as a pack, through 5 corners and up and over the drawbridge, it was a sight to see. Once everyone started to find their pace the pack got strung out over a distance and it was a little quieter, and easier for auto traffic to get by everyone. We had a beautiful run around West Chop and along Oak Bluffs Harbor where Em and Chad were waiting with cheers of support. After that we headed toward the beach, what could have been a grueling stretch was a beautiful, perfect temperature, run with just the right amount of wind nudging us from behind. As we came across the bridges and made our way to the Bend we were delighted to find my parents and sister and brother-in-law waiting to cheer us on into the final mile. Getting a high five from my nephew on the way by was just what I needed for a strong finish. 

As we got to the triangle (an intersection in Edgartown 100 yds. from the transition zone) I was delighted to find my friend Angie sitting in the first car stopped in traffic, waiting patiently for all us runners to cross. Once we closed out our 10, I was (easily) convinced to go into Sharky's Cantina (which was perfectly located at the transition) and downing a huge water/coconut water combo followed up by a much deserved mudslide, in all honesty, maybe the best mudslide I'd ever had!

All in all it was a great race, the snow, while beautiful, did a number on some of the 20 milers as it was wet and heavy. the relay seemed to be a major success and the director, a classmate of mine, said they would definitely be doing it again next year. I had a great time and can't wait for the next race! 

Next up: St. Patrick's 5k here on island then the Great Bay 1/2 Marathon in April up in NH.

2014 Races and maybe I don't "hate" running anymore

My race schedule this year includes 7 definite's and 3 maybe's (in italics in the left column). T-minus 11 days till Race #1: The Vineyard 20 Miler. They have added a relay option this year and have had 38 teams of two sign up to tackle the visually spectacular and potentially esteem defeating route. If the wind is going the right way the 5 or so miles along the beach could be some of the most beautiful miles I log in a race this year, if we get a SE or East wind, well.....I'm totally screwed. So henceforth I shall be asking the powers that be for fair winds and following seas. 

Just last week I officially committed to 2 half marathons! I'll be heading north for both, the Great Bay Half Marathon in Newmarket, NH in April and later in the year, the Maine Half Marathon up in Portland, ME. Both allow me to visit and enjoy the company of some fantastic friends and enjoy some great towns and local fare.

The blog and the fitness tracking are helping keep me focused and a month into my training I am holding up well. According to my workout spreadsheet (yes, I'm that dorky, actually even more so) I've stuck to my regime and am on target for my 500 miles. I am (dare I say it?)  beginning to like, and look forward to, running. That is something I never saw in my future and I am ecstatic to be looking forward to running. I stumbled upon this website,  iusedtohaterunning.com, and it really helped me get started again. After reading a bit and see what they were all about I started running, slowly. This was in the fall and I wasn't as consistent as I have been since the end of December but it was something, I was getting out there from time to time. The main piece I took away from the site was to not worry about having to walk. If you are running along and hating every second, why bash yourself? Walk until you feel ready again and step it up. Once I took the competitor out of myself for a bit I found myself getting to points where I didn't have to walk and I wasn't hating it. Today, the competitor in me is back and I haven't had to walk in a while, if I'm being honest, it is STILL a struggle to get through the first mile or so on a good number of my runs but I push through, I know that once I get going and get my body in a rhythm, it's going to be great and you know what? 9 times out of ten, it is.

Track this, the Jawbone UP24 & RunKeeper

My mother and father are FitBit users and after speaking with them here and there about the trackers I decided to check some out. After looking into the different options on the market I decided to go with Jawbone's UP24. I really only looked at FitBit Flex and the UP bands. I like the "holistic" approach that Jawbone (or at least Jawbone's marketing department) takes. 

I ordered right from the company, in hindsight, Amazon would have saved me a few bucks and would have shipped faster but I received it and began wearing it immediately as it came charged. I started wearing it around 5pm and hit the treadmill once I got home, I soon found myself at 92% of my recommended steps for the day and thought "I need to calibrate this thing" but alas, I did not. I failed to run the next day and found myself at my desk rather than in the field due to the less then tropical temperatures (wind chill of -2 in New England is rough...) . I tracked only 80% over the entire day.  I love the sleep data and have actually gotten over 7:45 hrs of sleep every night since I got the band, something I wouldn't have guessed. 

Because I use RunKeeper, the UP24 was a better choice for me because the two connect and work together. I have been an Endomondo user for the past few years but RunKeeper's ability to set long term goals won me over. The only thing I dislike about RunKeeper taht Endomondo rocks at is  giving you other activity options, Endomondo offers an extensive activities list which includes everything from tennis to hiking to ice hockey. RunKeeper's "other" activity list is very limited and I find myself having to log my ice hockey games under "Sports". I guess it is called RUNkeeper so I can't hold it against them. On the app I was able to set my goal of 500 miles and each run I track or log builds to that goal. RunKeeper then talks to the UP app and voila! I can access my run data in UP. 

Thus far I am impressed with both and will continue to use it on a daily basis. The sizes are a little tricky as my wrist measurement fell in between the large and the medium, I opted for the medium and find myself giving it an extra squeeze here and there to keep the limbs overlapping like they are in the package but looking at images online it seems that they don't necessarily have to overlap as much as I like them to.

Having something that gives me feedback like these apps and bands do is interesting for me and helps me stay on target. They are welcome additions to my training repertoire and I think they can only add to the assessment of my running and activity. Plus it feels a little Star Trekky, and I LOVE that....

Running in the Rain (Physically and Metaphorically)

We had a beautiful rain day here on the island Tuesday. I managed to get out of work a little early and got in a 3.88 mile jaunt on the "Old Dump Loop".  That route really takes me home, it goes through the area I grew up in and it's off the beaten path and isn't especially scenic so there's not a ton of traffic. It's got a little bit of gradual elevation gain which is nice because it tricks my body into thinking it's just a nice flat run. 

There's something empowering about running in the rain. I returned to the house soaking wet and slightly chilled yet with a smile on my face. It refreshes my spirit. Before this venture into running, drizzly days were some of the only times I was inspired to run. It takes me back to being a kid and getting grubby and sweaty and not caring that my hair is plastered to my head, I've got mud up my leg, or that my socks are soaking wet. It's magic.

One thing I'm reaffirming about running, biking, hockey, really any good, solid, physical activity, is that it is extremely cathartic both physically and emotionally. I am going through a challenging time in my life. I may get a bit more into it at a later date but suffice to say my current rough patch has to do with my failed marriage. It is nothing that others haven't gone through before me and others will go through after me, each journey is different and I'm trying to navigate mine. A piece of solace through this, on top of the incredible support and love of family and friends, is the balance that comes when I lace up my sneakers (or skates) and head out to clear my mind and strengthen my body. 

Setting this goal of 500 miles and sticking to it gives me something I have complete control over whereas in other aspects of my life things may feel like they are coming apart at the seams. The running allows me the space and time I need to clear my head, to sweat out the stress, and to shift my focus to a tangible, trackable goal, if just for a short time each week. It's not an escape per say, but a chance to recharge and center myself. It's my chance to be me.

The Cookie Dough Deceiver

If you try one recipe on here, try this one: Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

I've made it a couple times, it takes a bit of practice to get your consistencies just right but it is worth it. Who would have thought that hummus could taste this delicious ? (and I like hummus!)

Try this, it's a great snacking alternative to the real deal, similar taste, none of the guilt.

Gluten Free Mac & Cheese

Just over a year ago, after a extremely uncomfortable allergy session that completely ruined my Christmas Eve, I decided to try eating Gluten Free, more realistically, Low Gluten. A friend had gone GF for other reasons and had noticed a drop in her seasonal allergies. I read a few articles and figured, "what have I got to lose?" Yes. Pasta, bread, beer, etc. ALL THE GOOD STUFF.

Well, a year in, I've significantly reduced my allergies. The number of days I've had to take an allergy medication has decreased incredibly. I still have pasta from time to time and will have a couple beers when beer club meetings role around but my Guinness days are limited (sadly!). So long story short, it seems to be working for me, between the GF and the Neti pot, I'm a much happier camper. I'm pretty thankful that it's a pretty minor aversion, meaning I can partake in my favorite gluten filled dishes once in a while. 

Here's a favorite recipe, I like to add some veggies and maybe some liguicia...

Mac & Cheese Quinoa

Week 2 Breakdown

This was a harrowing week for my running, temps were coming in the 10's, my schedule was jam packed and I found it difficult to get my 3 runs in. If I can pull myself out of bed earlier in the mornings I could get in the 3-4 that I'm aiming for  but it's just so damn cozy on those cold winter mornings! 

I managed 2 runs despite the cold and craziness and it certainly felt good to get those in even though both were on the treadmill, I hate being a giant hamster in a wheel, guess it's time to put on my big girl tights and get outside! I upped my speed a bit on the treadmill and once I got into a rhythm I was pretty solid.....then my iPad lost the wifi connection and my focus was gone, I do so enjoy running while watching an episode of one show or another, I feel the time pass a bit faster when I'm caught up in the politics of vampire/ human interaction in Louisiana  or catching up on the Stuff You Missed in History Class Podcast. I find myself setting my run times based on the running time of episodes, unless of course I'm kickin' it to my running playlist which jumps from Mary J Blige to the Honkey Tonk Angels and over to P!nk and Neon Trees.

The Vineyard 20 Miler is fast approaching, just over a month to go..... I feel I'll be ready to do my 10, worst case scenario: my legs hate me for a few days. I'm aiming for 1:35. I think 1:40 is more realistic but I'd really like to set a goal that's a touch out of my reach rather than one I know I can hit. We'll see on the 15th......

Chia for breakfast, not a pet

Just a quick share, I've made this recipe several times now and am loving it! Lots of room to experiment (I added frozen blueberries to the initial mix and let sit overnight, delish...). If you can get pomegranates, do. They add a great texture to an already interesting dish.

Recipe: Make Ahead Chia Yogurt Oatmeal    

3 Miles and Sneaker Talk

I managed to get 3 miles on the treadmill prior to my emt shift last night (I'm a volunteer firefighter/emt in my community). I find that I tend to set a slower pace on the treadmill, it does allow me to do long slow distances better then I do outdoors as outdoors I tend to move a bit quicker and not have as much stamina. The pace last night came in at 9:03/ mile which i was pretty happy with. 

I'm alternating between a couple pair of running sneakers I just picked up from zappos (love them! try finding size 12 women's shoes anywhere else...).  I'm running in the Brooks Pure Drift and the New Balance 890v3. I like them both, the Brooks has a 4mm drop and the NB has 8mm. I've been running in minimalist shoes for the past few months and I really like them, I ran my best 5k ever (28 & change!) with little training in my NB W10's which sport a zero drop. 

I used the Brooks on a 6 miler and that was about as far as I would go in these personally, at least until I've built up my minimalist muscles a bit more. The New Balance are comfortable but not too cushy, I feel like these will end up being my go-to distance runners. Please note that for me "distance" is 4+ miles, I was a sprinter in HS and have never considered myself a runner until now. 

While  training for the Tough Mudder last year a friend told me during a run that if you're out running, you're a runner. This propelled me through a few runs and has provided a mantra for me in times when I've struggled to finish a run. Personally, if I can keep up my weekly mileage and improve little by little, I'll be happy. It's not about beating anyone else's distance or time, it's about improving my own and improving myself.

The Year of 500 miles

2014 is the year of 500 miles for me. I've decided to get to that point where I look forward to running and have started the year off with 13 miles in week one. It's been a mix of outdoor, pre-blizzard, running and racking up miles on my wonderful sister's treadmill while catching up on TrueBlood. I'm only in a week but this is the most consistent running I've done in quite a while. I forced myself to take a rest day (I know myself and don't want to burn out in the first bit) and I found that I missed going for a run. I like that development.

I plan on keeping to a schedule of running 3-4x  week on top of playing hockey 2x a week. I am currently training to run a tandem relay of the Vineyard 20 Miler with my college roommate who is a veteran of this and other impressive races. The race is run in 6 weeks or so and my portion (10 miles) will be my longest distance to date, my previous long race is a 15k (9.3 miles) that the same roommate talked me into a couple years ago. This race should be different because I am actually putting in the time and training beforehand. I'd like to think that  if I do the first leg and am feeling good I may stretch it out and do 13.2 just to prove to myself I can. That will be a game time decision though. Following that, in May I'm taking part, as a member of the Amity Island Running Club, in my first Reach the Beach Relay, 200 miles in 24 hrs ( we're  a 6 person team that will be matched with another 6 person team to log the 2oo miles).

I am hoping that this blog will help me document my training and help keep me on task, as I do tend to start strong and then justify excuses to not work out and or write. I hope to keep track of not only my running but my culinary adventures over the next year. My home was damaged a year ago when a pipe burst and flooded it but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The home, which was my grandparents, has been updated and brought up to code. While it has taken almost a year to do all the necessary work, it has been well worth it. The hope is to be moved in the last week of January. From then my cooking will take off, I've got lots of recipes to try and am excited to have more than 7 sq ft of counter space in which to work and counters that are above standard height (I'm amazon tall).

If there end up being readers of this blog, so be it. I'll be happy if it's simply a place for me to post race and training results and recipes for my enjoyment but if others find it interesting, welcome.