Zenaida Arroyo

29
Mar
2018

Random Thoughts Thursday 13

Random Thoughts Thursday

• Pens and more pens! One of my students gives me sweet notes here and there. One day she gave me a very pretty one colored with gel and glitter pens. I made a comment and asked her to bring me a few so I could see the brand. She showed up the next day with the WHOLE SET! Isn’t it pretty? I had fun that day picking different colors to use while grading papers. I might get a small set for me.

Pens-1

•A few students like giving me notes/drawings. They’re so creative and definitely draw better than me. 🙂 They know I like cats and that I have a cat, so they’re always drawing cat pictures. Each one definitely warms my heart because I know they’ve taken the time to do something for me and I love seeing their smile when they give me their drawing. I have so many of them on the wall behind my desk and it brightens my day when I see them.

Student Drawing-1

• Have you seen the Boston Marathon limited edition shoes? I have a pair and cannot wait to run in them. I don’t know when that will be since I am already rotating 4 pairs of shoes.

• How about these Dunkin Donuts Saucony Kinvara 9? I got very excited when I saw these at school on Tuesday (not sure when they were made available for sale). I quickly posted it on Instagram and didn’t think about them again till I got home. I wanted to order them but apparently my size was sold out. I checked again on Wednesday and they’re no longer on the site. Only 2,000 pairs were made and ALL were sold. I wasn’t too upset that I didn’t get a pair. The way I see it is that I saved $110 and I definitely do not need another pair. Right? They’re still very cute.

Saucony Kinvara 9 DD

• Have you tried a Pour Over Coffee Maker? I have a Keurig and a coffee maker. For sure I don’t need this, right? Am I missing on some great coffee?

Pour Over Coffee Maker-1

• The other day I was on Facebook reading about some songs that don’t mean what you think they mean. One of them was “Waterfalls” by TLC. I was in college when that song was out and remember it being a catchy song, but didn’t pay too much attention to the lyrics. Anway, 20+ years later I am finding out that that song is about HIV/AIDS and drugs. What? I had NO idea. I just saw the video and listened to the lyrics. I can’t find the post on Facebook but I was appalled at the comments people left. Some went as far as calling some people “stupid” because they didn’t know the real meaning of the song lyrics. I don’t understand how some people can be so RUDE and going as far as saying things like that. Sometimes I really diske Facebook and don’t check it at all.

27
Mar
2018

Shamrock Shuffle 8K Race Recap

categories: BibRave Pro, Race Recap, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

Disclaimer: I am promoting the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K 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!

On Sunday I ran my first race of the year – The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K. It was my 10th time running that race with the first time being in 2006. This race is always a fun one and is the start of the official running season in Chicago.

Saturday morning I went to the expo to pick up my packet. There were hardly any vendors there. It was a very small place for an expo. In previous years it’s been held in a much bigger room. A friend had mentioned that it was a small expo but I had to see it with my own eyes. I was there for about 20 minutes. I was supposed to be in Wave 2, Corral F or G but went to Participant Services and asked to be moved to Wave 1.

I tried kombucha and did not like it.

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-4

The shirt and socks are cute!

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-7

I bought two Sparkly Soul headbands.

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-6

Sunday morning it was another cold morning. I am over this cold weather. I know I’ve run on so many cold days but mentally I am done with it. I want some warm weather!

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-10

My cat woke me up at 4:30 am. She didn’t care that I wanted to sleep in till 6 because I had a race. She just wanted to eat. I got up, got ready, had a protein bar with coffee, and drove to the train station. I was supposed to meet the Oiselle gals at the Hilton Chicago for a group photo.

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-11

After the photo I left to use the bathroom again Then I walked to the race to drop off my gear and do a 20 minute warm up. I was also supposed to meet Wendy since we were both in the same corral. Unfortunately I didn’t meet up with her. I did my warm up but had to cut it short by 1 minute because I was supposed to be at the corral entrance by 8:20 and I was afraid that I would be too late. I wasn’t. There were so many people still trying to get in after 8:20.

Even though it was sunny, it was still VERY COLD.

I waited in my corral for 15 minutes before I began running. I removed the auto lap function on my watch because the buildings always seem to mess up the satellite signal.

I felt good for 3 miles (10:19, 9:31, 9:44). I ran nonstop. I didn’t stop for any water or Gatorade. I had 3 layers on and was not cold. I remember last year it was windy but this time it wasn’t too bad. Mile 4 (10:23) is when I began to get tired and walked a bit. I told myself to slow down instead of walking but that didn’t happen. I was surprised at how well I did for mile 5 (10:06) because I walked the small hill that is right before the finish line, and once I made it to the top, I ran as fast as I could.

Finish time is 50:03.

My PR is 48:38 from 2014. You bet that over the years I’ve been wanting to better that time. Last year my finish time was 56:26. I am pleased that I bettered my time by more than 6 minutes. To me that is a HUGE accomplishment!

After my run I did a 20 minute cool down. Then I went to get my bag and some pizza because I was hungry. I checked out the beer tent but had no desire to drink beer. Everyone there was having a good time.

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-17

I was about to leave when a friend saw me. I ended up talking to her while she waited for the rest of her family. They were going out for breakfast and I decided to go with them.

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-18

We walked to the train station and I got VERY COLD again. Once on the train I was still cold and decided to just go home. I needed to get out of my wet clothes and take a hot shower.

Thanks to Athlinks I have a summary of all of my finish times for the Shamrock Shuffle 8K. Have you checked out Athlinks? If you haven’t, do so soon and you’ll have access to dates and times for ALL for all of your races.

2018 Shamrock Shuffle-23

I am happy I did this race. It is one of my favorite races. I will admit that I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t PR because I’ve been doing so well in my training for the Illinois Marathon. However, I will not dwell on it anymore but instead be happy with how well I did on Sunday.

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

TuesdaysOnTheRun

25
Mar
2018

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 17

categories: Illinois Marathon, Marathon Training, Running, Weekly Recap

Week #17, March 19-25

M Rest
T 3.71
W 3.39
TH 5.48
F Rest
S Ran 2.04
S Ran 8.25

I had parent/teacher conferences on Tuesday. I didn’t have to be at school till 11 am but I still like to get there early. I did my run in the morning and then met my coworker for breakfast. Conferences went well. I have 24 students and 22 parents showed up so that is definitely a win!

I almost didn’t run on Wednesday. I was tired. I came and stayed in bed for a few minutes. I did feel a little better so I went out for my run. I am glad I did. It felt great being out there!

I had another great quality workout on Thursday (15 minute warm up, 8×2 minute @9:45 with 3 minute recovery, and 10 minute cool down). Runs like these intimidate me but also leave me leaving feeling much more confident about my training. I felt strong and the pace didn’t feel too hard.

Saturday morning I ran for 25 minutes before going to the Shamrock Shuffle 8K Expo. I wasn’t impressed with it. I was there for about 20 minutes and I bought two Sparkly Soul headbands. I almost bought a tiara headband but my friend told me I didn’t need it. 🙂

On Sunday I ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8K – my first race of the year! Total mileage for it was 8.25 miles. I did 19 minutes of warm up (I had to do 20 minutes but had to be at the corral entrance by 8:20 am). Then ran for 5.11 miles and then ran a 20 minute cool down. I was cold when I wasn’t running even with 3 layers. Today wasn’t a PR but I did better my time from last year by more than 6 minutes.

Total mileage for the week: 22.88
Total mileage for this training cycle: 352.81
Total mileage for the year: 273.98

Here’s how training has gone so far:
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5
• Week 6
• Week 7
• Week 8
• Week 9
• Week 10
• Week 11
• Week 12
• Week 13
• Week 14
• Week 15
• Week 16

How was YOUR week?

Link back to the host and let’s support other bloggers linking up as they train for a marathon, half marathon, or any other event.

22
Mar
2018

Random Thoughts Thursday 12

categories: Random Thoughts Thursday

Random Thoughts Thursday

• I get a lot of callous on my right foot. For as long as I can remember, it is always in the same area. It gets very hard and sometimes painful. I’ve been using a callous/corn shaver from Walmart and so far have had no problem with it. It is easy and quickly removes the hardened skin.

• Last weekend was the NYC Half Marathon and I regret not signing up for it. I remember last year I said I was going to sign up for this year. Then when it was time to enter the lottery, I didn’t. For sure next year! I feel like I am missing out.

• I submitted my name in the lottery for the Marine Corps Marathon. I haven’t run a marathon this year (next month) and am already thinking of another one. If I don’t get picked, my backup is The Hartford Marathon. I didn’t know that there were 11,000 guaranteed entries available (Wednesday morning) on a first come, first serve basis. Bummer. If I would have known, I would have signed up.

MCM-1

• One more week till Spring Break! I am very excited. 🙂

Spring Break-1.jpg

• Parent/teacher conferences were on Tuesday. I have 24 students and 22 parents showed up. Not bad. It was a long and exhausting day. However, one parent got on my nerves. I don’t think I’ve ever met him and he didn’t show up at the last conference in November. He had the nerve to let me know of his disagreement with how I handled a situation with his son back in December/January. He also make a comment about how I don’t check every day his reading log. I was very annoyed. But I remained calm. I cannot remember what I said but I just wanted him to leave the room.

18
Mar
2018

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 16

categories: Brooks Running, Illinois Marathon, Marathon Training, Running, Weekly Recap

Week #16, March 12-18

M Rest
T 3.77
W 2.51
TH 5.83
F Rest
S Ran 3.78
S Ran 13.00

I spent all day Tuesday in a meeting. It was a long day and the last thing I wanted to do after school was run. We also got more snow. Not a lot but seriously crazy weather. Oh but at least it isn’t as bad as on the east coast.

I currently have 4 pairs of shoes in rotation. They’re all Brooks Launch 4, except the green shoes on the lower right, those are the Launch 5.

On Wednesday it was warm enough to wear shorts. Spring is so close!

Thursday’s run was fun but also hard! I had to do 15 minute warm up, 5×5 minute @10:02 pace with 400m recovery, and 10 minute cool down. I was nervous but knew I could do it. The first three 5 minute reps felt comfortable. The last two felt hard because of the wind. I tried to keep going but just couldn’t take it anymore. When I saw my splits I realized that I was also running too fast.

I wanted to do these without stopping but with the last two I did stop for a few seconds to catch my breath. I feel like I cheated. 🙂 Overall, I am very pleased with my negative splits!!

I thought Saturday’s run was 45 minutes but instead it was supposed to be 40 minutes. Oh well. It was in the high 30s and I felt great out there. I didn’t realize how tired I was and ended up taking a nap from 3-4pm. Lola was very tired too from running around all day.

Illinois Marathon-157

I have mixed feelings about today’s long run (13 miles-4 warm up, 6 @10:45 pace, 3 cool down). I understand the benefits of tempo runs but I still dislike them. I always have a hard time holding the pace. Today’s run felt hard.

Hanging out with Lola before making myself go out for my run. It was a beautiful and warm afternoon.

Illinois Marathon-158

I took one Huma Gel (affiliate link) before my run. They’re my new favorite gels. The originals are tasty but I also love the plus which have a natural electrolyte. I took 3 extra ones and ended up taking one at mile 4 and then another one at mile 8.

I was smiling at the end of my run because I was done with it. But deep down I was sore and tired. And full of doubt. As you can see, I did hit my target pace but tempo runs are supposed to be run without stopping and I didn’t do that here. There were a few times that the pace felt comfortable, which was surprising, but there were times in which I was barely hanging on and had to stop. A few times I wanted to quit too. The reason I didn’t is because it was a very nice day for a run. I’ve been complaining about how cold it has been and today it was just perfect. So of course I couldn’t stop!

Total mileage for the week: 28.89
Total mileage for this training cycle: 329.93
Total mileage for the year: 251.11

How was YOUR week?

Link back to the host and let’s support other bloggers linking up as they train for a marathon, half marathon, or any other event.