July 2013 – Zenaida Arroyo

30
Jul
2013

Swirlgear

I am happy to say that I am an ambassador for Swirlgear, a designer women’s running apparel designed by women. The items have moisture-wicking fabric, flattering cuts and spray-dyed colors that inspired its name. So far I’ve worn the shirts and let me just say that they’re comfortable and cute. I wore the shirt below during the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon. It was a HOT day but my shirt wicked away the sweat. I also got a few compliments. Oh, and because they’re so unique looking, I was able to spot other fellow ambassadors along the course.

Check out the website for other cool running clothes such as hoodies, shorts, long sleeve and short sleeve shirts. In the fall there will be more running gear such as capris and tanks. Cannot wait! All of my readers get FREE shipping by using code 986. This code never expires so you can use it over and over again and share it with your friends. Don’t you just love that?

Don’t forget about the Lock Laces Giveaway. The last day to enter is tomorrow.

Just Keep Running!

29
Jul
2013

Weekly Workouts, July 22-28, 2013

categories: Half Marathon Training

Workouts this week:

Tuesday – 6 x 400 @ 6.9 (90 sec RI), 2 min 30 sec RI, 6 x 400 @ 6.9 (90 sec RI)
Done. I felt really good throughout these speed workouts. Not once did I have to stop to take a break.

Thursday – 1 mile easy, 2 miles @ 6.0, 1 mile easy, 2 miles @ 6.0, 1 mile easy
Done. Now here I had to take a few breaks. OK with me. I was not going to stressed out about it.

Saturday – 8 miles @ 10:35
I met my friend, CN, who is also training for the Chicago Marathon to run on Saturday morning. It was perfect weather, low 60s and overcast. She had to run 14 miles. I told her that I only had to do 8 but depending on how I felt I might run more. Well, it turned out that I felt really good up until about mile 11. We took several walking breaks because both of our quads were very sore.

I was out late last night and did not make it to yoga this morning.

Total miles ran this week is 27.80.

Overall it was a good week. I am very proud of myself for doing all of my runs this week.

Don’t forget to enter the Lock Laces Giveaway. I guarantee that you will love the laces!

Just Keep Running!

26
Jul
2013

Lock Laces Giveaway

categories: Giveaway

I received a pair of Lock Laces in my Stridebox. And because I like them so much I purchased three additional pairs. I don’t have enough shoes (yet) and want to give a pair away so that you can see how great they are!

I have two pairs (purple and royal blue) and a pair can be yours. Rafflecopter will choose a winner after midnight, July 31st, and I’ll announce the winner here. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

25
Jul
2013

Three Things Thursday, July 25, 2013

categories: Three Things Thursday

1. On Monday I went to the doctor for a physical exam. All went well. I mentioned a little bump in my face (close to the cheek) and some minor pain in my knees. She recommended a sports medicine doctor for the knee pain. She mentioned that I am down 11 lbs. from last year. What? I remember last year my mom asked if I was pregnant so I guess I was on the heavy side. Still no word on my blood results to check for diabetes and cholesterol results.

2. Last week at the RnR Chicago Half Marathon expo I purchased the Fitbit Zip. It is a small gadgets that tracks steps, distance and calories and syncs them to my phone. The goal is to walk 10,000 steps each day and yesterday I walked 4,410 steps or 1.92 miles. I am not sure if I should wear it while I run because I also track those miles and I feel like I am double counting. Right? I can’t wait to use it when I am back at school. For sure it will be more than 10,000 steps.

3. I love chocolate and enjoy a protein shake after my workout. After reading Katie’s blog at Live Half Full and mentioning About Time, I just had to try it. I ordered the trial pack (chocolate and chocolate mint) and loved it. I then purchased a container from Amazon. What I love even more are the ingredients. Try it.

Just Keep Running!

24
Jul
2013

Training for the Fort2Base 10 NM

categories: Half Marathon Training

I cannot believe the Fort2Base race is a month away! This will be not only my first time running this race but also racing 10 nautical miles (11.5 miles). I didn’t exactly follow a training plan for this race but instead used one that I created based on the book “Run Less Run Faster” to train for my half marathons this year. Each week of training consists of a speed workout, a tempo run, and long run. In addition, there are three days of cross-training and one rest day. Simple right? I have a hate/love relationship with speed workouts and really love my long runs. Lately, I’ve been running along the lake which has been amazing.

I did my best to follow my plan but just like everyone else, I had some good days and bad days. Hydrating was not easy for me. I am a 1st grade teacher and there was no way to hydrate throughout the day. I took small sips here and there and drank more water after school in the comfort of my apartment with a bathroom close to me. Of course it is different now that I am on summer break. Eating healthy was not a priority for me. Well, maybe it wasn’t that bad but it could have been better. I had no control over portion size and ate whatever I wanted. I finally had a wake-up call and am working on ways to eat healthier. Not easy but at least I am trying.

There are many reasons to sign up for this race and I hope you join me on August 25th. Sign up today!

Just Keep Running!

Month: July 2013