Month: May 2014

Speed Intervals and Injinji Socks Giveaway

On Thursday, I had my first “real” speed workout at a track on the north side of the city.  I’ve heard of that track but never been there.  I left work at 3:45 and made my way to meet my coach.  I am usually good with directions but for some reason got lost and could not find the place.  Luckily, I had left extra early and 10 minutes later of driving around finally found it.  Let me say that I had never actually met my coach in person. I was not sure how I was going to find/recognize her.  Luckily, she happened to be running around the track as I walked up and we just stared at each other.  Yes, it was her!!

I was nervous about my workouts.  She told me not to be.  We were doing 1 mile warmup, 4×400, and 1 mile cooldown.  The first mile was under 10 minutes.  Not bad, not bad.  The rest was even better!  I was impressed with myself.  Coach told me I had good running form and was not a heavy breather. Whew.  I was worried about that because I usually am a heavy breather.  The goal was to run each interval under 9 minutes.  Mission accomplished.

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I enjoyed running at the track but there isn’t one close to where I live.  Oh well, I guess I can make the 40 minutes or so drive once a week or every two weeks.  Or I can just run them on the treadmill.

You ready for a giveaway?  For the past few weeks I’ve been running in Injinji toe socks.  Love them! It is a little weird to put them on but once you get the hang of it, it is a piece of cake.  I even wear them on nonrunning days.

I have two pairs of socks for two lucky readers.  One pair is white, size small, crew length and the second pair is black, size large, and mini-crew length.  Please make sure to write in the comments section the size you want (S or L) if selected as a winner.

To enter, go here: a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Three Things Thursday, May 15, 2014

1.  I finally got  a running coach.  Coach Sara will be working with me on my three goals: 1) Run a sub-2 half marathon; 2) PR at the Chicago Marathon; and 3) Qualify for the Boston Marathon.  I have a LONG way to go for #3 but I know I can do it.

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Why a running coach?  Well, I’ve been running for quite a number of years and haven’t made much improvement.  I’ve followed different plans but it looks like they’re not working for me.  Obviously I am doing something wrong.  I know last year I went a “little” crazy and ran many races.  Well, now it is time to get more serious with my running and hopefully achieve goals #1 and #2 this year.

2) I have been selected as an ambassador for the Fort2Base race on August 24.  I ran this race last year and liked it a lot.  There are two distances to choose from: 3 Nautical Mile (3.45 miles) and 10 Nautical Mile (11.5 miles).  Please use discount code 2014F2BARROYO10 for a 10% off either distance.

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3.  How to be an Asshole Blogger in 5 Easy Steps is HILARIOUS!! Love it! There I said it.  I admit it.

New Running Place

As  a runner living in Chicago, I’ve done most of my runs along the lakefront.  There are so many runners out there that you’re bound to see many familiar faces and/or make new running friends.  I love that there are water fountains and bathrooms along the route.  Definitely important.  Oh, and the view is amazing!

 

I also run around Midway Airport.  Lately, I’ve also been running around my house which sometimes includes a stop at Dunkin’ Donuts.

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On Saturday I met up with a few folks from the Western Cook Running Club at Brookfield Woods.  I first heard about this group on Kelly’s blog.  They host several meetups throughout the week such as Hump Day Hustle and Tuesday Night Tune Ups.  On Saturday we met at 7:30am.  There were about 8 runners that morning.  We all started together but then got separated because everyone ran in different paces.  That morning almost everyone ran in pairs.   I thought I had to run 6 miles but then realized I had to do 8.  The path was not crowded and there was plenty of shade. I saw the usual runners, walkers, and bike riders.

This made me smile!

Overall, I thought it was a great place to run and definitely plan on going back .  My only complaint is that there are no water fountains along the way.  I knew this so I took my water belt with two small water bottles.  It was a hot morning and I finished both of my bottles close to mile 6.  I’ve thought about investing in a hydration backpack/vest and now know that if I want to continue running there for long runs then I would need to take more water with me.

Do you have a hydration backpack/vest?  Which one?  How do you like it?

April 2014 in Review

Miles Ran/Last Month: 61.64/140.56.  I took it easy in April while I recovered from my ultramarathon.  However, I did run the Nike Women’s Half Marathon.  The race was so much fun!  I highly recommend you run this race.  I do hope the event comes to Chicago.

Highest Mileage Week: 31.21.  Ultra marathon week.

Half Marathons Planned/Completed: 2/1.  I had planned to run the Salt Lake City Half Marathon but last minute decided not to go.  I was feeling bleh and was not in the mood to travel nor run a race.

Current Ache/Pain: My right hip.  It does not hurt when I run so maybe that is a good thing.  I’ve been slacking on my stretching and need to make it a point to do it more often.

Current Challenge: 30-Day Plank Challenge.  I am up to 90 seconds.  Tomorrow it is 120 seconds!

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Current Book: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.  Yes, I know I am behind so I am slowly catching up. I’ve had the chance to see the movie twice and each time I’ve refused to see it because I want to read the book first.

I also read What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self for my book club.  I will admit it is a good book but I expected it to be better.  There were some good and interesting letters but I guess I was waiting for an aha moment.

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Current Song: Happy by Pharrell Williams.  My kids LOVE that song.  It makes them happy and that makes me happy.

Current Treat: Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel by Godiva.  The Staples by my house is going out of business so all of the food is 50% off.

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You bet I stocked up on my coffee and chocolate.

Current Excitement: I have 6 weeks to go till summer break.  Enough said.

summer break