ZOOMA Half Marathon Training Recap, Week 1 and 2

ZOOMA Half Marathon-1

I am excited to be training for the ZOOMA Half Marathon on September 15.  I am also excited to share that I will train using the Hansons Half Marathon Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue.  You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. 

Week #1, May 28-June 3

M Ran 4.01 miles
T OFF
W Ran 4 miles
TH OFF
Ran 2.00 miles
Ran 3.00 miles
S Ran 6.01 miles

I ran in new shoes (Brooks PureFlow 7) and somewhat enjoyed the HOT weather.  I was off on Monday and the week went by fast!

ZOOMA Half Marathon-2

My left leg had been bothering me so I made sure to stretch and foam roll more than ever before.  I used a tennis ball for the glutes and that felt so good.  Weird but true.

I was supposed to run 3 miles on Friday but only managed 2.  It was a beautiful morning for a run!   

ZOOMA Half Marathon-3

The next day my leg felt much better.  The stretching, foam rolling, and wearing compression socks definitely helped.  

ZOOMA Half Marathon-4

ZOOMA Half Marathon-5.jpg

First week of training went well.  This week was mostly easy runs which I like.

Total mileage for the week: 19.02 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  19.02 miles
Total mileage for the year: 470.43 miles

Week #2, June 4-10

M Ran 4.00 miles
T OFF
W Ran 5.01 miles
TH OFF
Ran 3.00 miles
Ran 4.00 miles
S Ran 6.01 miles

My last day of school began with 4 miles!  I wore a long sleeve top and was definitely overdressed.

ZOOMA Half Marathon-6

I went to a professional development on Wednesday and then on Thursday and Friday went to school to set up my classroom.  I will be teaching summer school for 4 weeks from 8:30am-12:00pm.  I am actually excited about it!

Saw this during my PD and actually made me think about my running goals (sub 2 half marathon, sub 5 marathon, and eventually BQ).  For now I am going to focus on a sub 2 half marathon.  I am thinking of aiming for it at the RnR New Orleans Half Marathon in February.

ZOOMA Half Marathon-7

The rest of the week also consisted of easy runs.  For the most part I’ve managed to run them at an “easy” pace.  Sometimes it isn’t that easy because I want to pick up the pace and just run faster.

Today’s run was supposed to be 8 miles.  I was halfway into it when these two dogs somehow showed up in front of me and scared me.  A lot.  I stopped and waited for them to leave.  They stayed for about 5 seconds and then they took off.  A car stopped and one of the passengers asked me if I was OK.  The driver even offered to give me a ride.  I thought that was nice of them but I told them I was OK and took off in the opposite direction.  I was still kind of shocked and thinking of what would have happened if the dogs had jumped at me or bitten me.  I was angry that they were loose out there instead of in a leash.  I still wanted to finish 8 miles but my mind took control and I was done at 6 miles.  

Next week on Wednesday I will have my first speed workout for this training cycle.  It is 1.5 miles warm up and cool down, and then 6x800s with 400ms recovery.  I am not sure if I should do this run in the morning before or after class.  We’ll see what happens!  🙂

Total mileage for the week: 22.02 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  41.04 miles
Total mileage for the year: 492.45 miles

Random Thoughts Thursday 23

Random Thoughts Thursday

• Anyone cooks with farro?  New to me.  Have heard good things about it.  

Farro-1

• I rarely eat salads.  I know I should be eating more fruits and vegetables and every year I say that I will do it.  Recently I made a delicious salad with shrimp, sweet potato, chickpeas, and Bolthouse Farms Dressing.  It was yummy!  Now this is what I eat a few times a week for lunch.

• Monday was the last day of school.  It was a LONG day.  Most of my stuff was packed up so we spent the day watching movies and coloring.  Not very exciting but I am sure fun for the students.  I remember when on the last day of school we would be done at 10am.  Now it is still 3pm.  I received a few cards and flowers from my students.

• There were a lot of great deals on Wednesday for Global Running Day.  I signed up for two Rock ‘n’ Roll races in Savannah (November 2018) and New Orleans (February 2019).  I’ve run in New Orleans before but am happy to run there again.  I’ve never been to Savannah but am excited to cross off another state from my list.

 

Random Thoughts Thursday 22

Random Thoughts Thursday

• Monday is my last day of school.  It would have been tomorrow but we had one snow day.  So Monday it is.  I can’t complain too much about it.  One year we had 3 snow days.  Below is the picture from our snow day in February.

Illinois Marathon-96

• Snow sounds good right about now.  It has been very hot here in Chicago.  We went from winter to summer.  I live on the 2nd floor so it gets even hotter here.  The temperature inside has reached mid 80s.  Yes, we’ve turned on the AC.  Even Lola gets uncomfortable.

• I am a big fan of Ticonderoga pencils.  I went to Target the other day and saw those pencils in metallic and pastel colors.  Love, love, love them.  If you have kids in grade school, please buy these for them to take to school.  Their teacher will appreciate it.

Ticonderoga Pencils-1

• Speaking of Target, their customer service is phenomenal.  I accidentally left a bag with 4 items and didn’t realize it till I got home.  I called the store but no one had turned it in.  The next day I stopped by to check.  Still no one turned it in.  However, they let me get those four items again and take them home FOR FREE.  How amazing is that?

• Have you heard of Imperfect Produce?  It is a subscription service that fights food waste by finding a home for ‘ugly’ produce.  They source it directly from farms and deliver it to customers’ doors for 30-50% less than grocery store prices.  The subscription produce box is affordable, convenient, customizable, healthy, and delicious.  (Source: https://www.imperfectproduce.com/p-3-about-us.html)  I ordered a box today and am expecting it next Friday.  If you live in the Chicago area, save 50% off your first box by using code FIFTY%.  I used that code for my order today.  Also, if you do decide to order, use this link: https://www.imperfectproduce.com/register.php?referral=401966.  Each of us will get $10 in Imperfect credit when you sign up using my personalized referral link.

https://youtu.be/1zxpbOoWoY4

Soldier Field 10 Mile Recap

Disclaimer:  I received a free entry to the Soldier Field 10 Mile as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

This past Saturday I ran the Soldier Field 10 Mile.  This race is one of my favorites.  The first time I did this race was in 2009 and this year was my 7th time running it.

I had to stay late at work on Friday so I couldn’t go to Fleet Feet to get my bib.  Thankfully my friend, Claudia, got it for me.  I like the color of the shirt.

It was supposed to be a HOT one.  Man, we complained for so long about the winter and Mother Nature came back with a vengeance.

2018SoldierField10Mile-1

Saturday morning I woke up, got ready, and drove to Soldier Field.  I love that they offered FREE parking to race participants.  I met Claudia to get my bib and then we used the bathroom.  There were plenty of port-a-potties outside but we went inside the stadium (the start line was inside).  No line…ever better!

My left leg had been bothering me so I wasn’t sure how do running 10 miles.

2018SoldierField10Mile-5

The race began at 7am.  I was in corral K but moved to L to start with Claudia.  We had to wait about 15 minutes before we could start running.  It felt good inside because it was shaded and there was a slight breeze.

As soon as I got outside, I could feel the heat. I knew it wasn’t going to be a good race.  I don’t remember it ever being this hot on race day.  I was feeling OK for about 3 miles and then it went downhill.  The sun felt so hot and I took my time by walking and running.

2018SoldierField10Mile-10

At the runaround point the announcement teased us by saying that we looked like we could use some ice (while the song “Ice Ice Baby” was playing).  I thought for sure we would get some ice at the next water station.  Nope.  It was Nuun and water.  I did get an extra cup of water to pour over my head and that helped a little. 

At this point my goal was not to pass out and just to finish.  I didn’t care about my time.  My left was hurting even more but I kept running and walking.

Did I tell you how hot it was?  I was happy to cross the finish line and to get my medal.  It was cool to finish inside Soldier Field. 

2018SoldierField10Mile-15

I stayed for a little bit to see Heather and Claudia by the finish line.  Then I went home.  I was hungry and tired.  In the past I’ve stayed a bit longer to hang out with friends and enjoy my free beer.

Love that Athlinks provides FREE race photos.  However, I will admit that I cringed when I saw the photos and almost did not post the one below.  All I see is my big, bloated and round stomach.  🙁2018SoldierField10Mile-18

My finish time is 2:17:21.  That is definitely my worst Soldier Field 10 Mile race.  According to Athlinks, my worst time was 1:55:45 in 2017 and my PR is 1:41:56 in 2015.  

Facebook reminded me of the first time I did that race.  I was thinner back then.  Sigh.  

2018SoldierField10Mile-19

Another race done and another medal.  I have now completed 160 races.

Linking up with MarciaPatti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun

Friday Five 2.0-Yes to Athlinks!

Disclaimer:  I am promoting Athlinks as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

I’ve been running for over 10 years.  Thanks to Athlinks, I have a record of every race (159 races) that I’ve done.  

Athlinks-1.jpg

I also have a record of my PRs in all race distances.

Athlinks-2.jpgWhat is Athlinks?  It is a database that houses results for all athletes.  These include pretty much all timed endurance sports (running, swimming, and triathlon).

I don’t know how long I’ve had my account.  It is a FREE account so if you haven’t set one up yet, do so right now.  You can sign up with an email address, Facebook, or Google Account.

Athlinks-5.jpg

With Athlinks:
1. See your most recent race results and your upcoming races.  This is in the Overview tab.
2. You can check your race results.  All of these races are listed in chronological order so the latest one is on top.  This is in the Results tab.
3. Search and be friends with other runners.  This is in the Following tab. 
4. See how you did compared to your friends that also ran the same race.  This will be shown by either a “Win” or a “Loss”.  This is in the Rivals tab.

Athlinks-3.jpg
5. Find all of your personal records.  This is in the Statistics tab.

I use Athlinks mostly to keep track of my races and my PRs.  Maybe once in a while I’ll also check out how many wins or losses I have compared to my friends.  In my case, I have more losses than wins.  🙂  I also like filtering by race distance or a specific race and compare how I did.

Here are my results from the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle beginning in 2006.

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-22

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-23

There is also an Athlinks App you can download to your phone.  

Athlinks-4.jpg

I am pleased with my experience with Athlinks.  It has been a positive one since the beginning.  It is FREE and EASY.  <<Nothing to lose.  If you don’t have an account, set one up right now.  Don’t forget to follow me on Athlinks.

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

fridayfive