Zenaida Arroyo

02
Aug
2013

July 2013 in Review

This month I ran 96.66 compared to 80.43 in June.

I ran two races: 4 on the 4th and Strike Out ALS 5K. My favorite was the 4 on the 4th not only because I set a PR but the weather was just perfect for running. As for the 5K, the race was in the evening and it was BRUTAL HOT. I am waiting for the weather to cool down to run another 5K and set another PR.

This month I have one race: Fort2Base. I am looking forward to this race. It is a new race and a new distance (11.5 miles) for me.

Summer break is coming to an end. I’ve had a good time relaxing and spending time with my nephews. They wear me out! I am excited about new things happening once I am back at school. But I know that once I start, I will be counting down for winter break, spring break, and the last day of school.

I’ve worn my Brooks PureFlow 2 during my runs/races and they’re amazing! I just love them so much. Recently, I received a pair of Pro Compression Trainer Low socks and let me just say that they’re great socks. I am a big fan of their Marathon socks but will soon become a fan of the trainer socks too. Be on the lookout for another giveaway

I applied to be a coach for Girls on the Run-Chicago. I have CPR training on the 15th and then a training workshop on the 24th. I’ve never done anything like this but I will be combining two things that I love: running and working with kids. A few years ago I was a Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Illinois and I decided to do it again. I am really excited about these opportunities! For sure I will have a busy schedule with these two organizations, work, and training for my multiple races. But that is just OK with me.

Just Keep Running!

01
Aug
2013

Three Things Thursday, August 1, 2013

categories: Three Things Thursday

1. The winner of the Lock Laces Giveaway is Jennifer Harling. Thanks to all that participated.

2. I cannot believe it is already August 1st. That means less than a month for school to start. I am sort of ready to go back to school. I like new things so I am excited about the new students, principal and assistant principal, writing materials, and three additional 1st grade teachers. The first day of school is August 26. The students’ first day is August 28th. Hopefully I can go set up my classroom on August 19. It usually takes me 2-3 days depending on how early I go and how late I stay. My goal is 2 days.

3. It looks like I’ve been “miscounting” on my goal to run a half marathon in each state. Yikes! I thought it was 21 states but in reality it’s 19 because I ran a full marathon in CT and LA. The plan is to run the ING Hartford Half Marathon in October of this year and the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans in February 2014.

30
Jul
2013

Swirlgear

categories: Running Gear

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