Race Recap-Sorta?

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Andrea

Been trying to decide what to write. It’s been an emotional time. I was planning on writing a race recap, but I just couldn’t find the significance of this particular race. Boston was heavy on my mind.

The Lansing Half Marathon was just 6 days after the tragedy in Boston. I struggled a lot with my feelings. I wasn’t in Boston but my heart ached for the runners, for the victims, for the families. I really do feel like someone attacked my family. I debated if I was going to even do it. I told my husband I didn’t want him and my son to go. We all know running is a somewhat selfish sport, and I kept thinking of the guilt that father who’s son passed, wife and daughter injured, must feel, it was his race, and his family was hurt, just to cheer him on? I just couldn’t handle that. As I continued watching news coverage, they showed the clips over and over. The finish line, such a familiar place, something I had encountered many times before and never thought anything of it but now? I just couldn’t get it together. I finally decided to run the race on Thursday, and decided hubby and son would attend as well on Saturday, as they wouldn’t be attending Great Lakes Bay Half Marathon in May.

But this race was different:

I ran with music. I never run a race with music. I love the sound of all the feet hitting the pavement, I need to hear the crowd, I want to hear my breath. But this time I needed the distraction and I ran with music, I blared it, other runners looked at me because they could hear it.
I don’t remember any of the course. You know, all those awesome photos that Jeff posted on his review? When I looked at all the pictures, it definitely did not feel like something I had participated in. And the State Capital? I didn’t even see it.
The train, it happened at mile 3.5, just when your in the groove, the crowd thins out, and runners are not “jockeying” for position. And then we stopped, dead stop, for 3 minutes. But as I was standing still starting to get angry watching my Garmin tick away. I realized that just 6 days ago, over 5000 runners were stopped at the 25.5 mile mark and told the race was over for a very horrific reason. This was just a train, everyone was safe and we would get to finish our race. So in the scheme of life it just wasn’t a big deal.
At the end, I didn’t even pick up the pace. I just wasn’t feeling it.

I was on Auto-Pilot but I did it and somehow still managed a 7 minute PR. I am proud to be a part of this awesome community. No matter how fast or how slow all runners have a bond and right now it’s stronger then ever.

Little man did get to check out the capital.

How are you feeling after Boston? Has it been hard for you too?

ShamRock & Roll Run!

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Andrea

Yesterday, was the 2013 ShamRock & Roll Run in Plymouth, MI. My first race of the season! This race is was put on by Kona Race Company. I am a fan of this company because the races are well organized, they always have fun Leslie Jordan tech shirts, yummy food, and of course AWESOME bling!

Woke up around 5:45a, got dressed in all my gear (First time ever dressing in theme!), debated on how many layers to wear. Finally decided on a long sleeve tech shirt, with a winter pullover, Under Armour Cold Gear Compression pants. Also, planned on wearing the race shirt which my running buddy had picked up the day before. I know its sort-of “taboo” to wear the race shirt during the race, but I wanted to stay in theme and did not own any green running tops

Headed to my buddies house, hubby and little man were sitting this race out, pinned my bib on, realized just how cold it was…

Holy Brrrrr!!!!

It was a 20 minute drive to downtown Plymouth. Another great thing about this race is that there seems to always be easily accessible parking which alway help negate some of the stress of race morning. They also had a large warming tent for all the runners to huddle in together, which is where we snapped this picture, of course, it hardly came out…

Check out the photo bomber! Do you think he’s a treadmill creeper too?

At 7:40a we headed over to the fountain, where a bunch of twitter friends, or Twitterati as my hubby calls them, were meeting up for a picture. Still freezing we all said “Hi” took the pic, and retreated back to the warming tent. I really hope I get to meet all these awesome peeps again, when its warmer and we all would like to talk for more then 17 seconds.

Left to right: @runsforcookies @protometal1 @ajbgillespie @kmjones234 @ty_runs @warrenri @DetroitRunner1

We started the race right on time, prefaced with the fact that my running buddy admitted to me that she had not run in a month and might die out there. But I had decided, much to the digress of my coach, that I wanted to run with my friend and have fun. So time wasn’t a huge factor, but we all know that you think about it anyway. Its not the most exciting course, but the neighborhoods are cute and the volunteers are great. We kept a pretty good pace, even with super numb toes, did anyone else feel like they were running on tennis balls?

Mile 1- 9:32
Mile 2- 9:34
Mile 3- 9:58
Mile 4- 9:14
Mile 5- 9:19
Mile 6- 9:26
Mile .35- 8:32
Total: 1:00:01 6.35 Miles Average Pace: 9:27

My running buddy was hoping for her first sub-1 hour 10k. We crossed the finished line at exactly 1:00:1(according to my garmin). My first thought was “SH*T, so close!” My second was maybe the official time was a second or two less? And it was! Official time was 59:57! I was so pumped that this was a PR for her! Her first Sub-1 Hour 10k! Woohoo!

Cool Tech shirt and Awesome bling!

All in all, it was a good race. Did I leave a lot out there? Yes. Could I have got a better time? Yes. Did I have fun with a friend and maybe push her to a PR? Yes. So it’s a good race in my book!

Did you do any “Shamrock” Runs?

Food Logging & Baby Birds

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Andrea

When I say “baby bird” this is what I mean:

Looks so unassuming, right?

This is my 19 month old son who wants to be part of everything mommy does. Which is great, I love teaching him things, I love to see his smile when he learns something new, or looks surprised and says “Oh, wow!” I love my little guys to pieces. But as I reach for my goals, I keep a food log that is graded by my trainer weekly. In the off season, I don’t get a lot of calories, so the ones I do get are carefully selected. One of the most frustrating things about food logging is “baby birds.” For example, we’ll say in this instance a 1/2 cup of edamame is logged, I eat exactly 4 beans and here comes the baby bird…

Hey mom, whatcha got there? Can I have some?

And if you say no to baby bird, here is what you get:

What? WHHHYYY, can’t I have what you have?!?!

Then, he finally gets what he wants. It’s very hard to say no, not only to his cute little face, but because I am usually eating something pretty healthy that he wouldn’t eat otherwise.

But then what does he do?

Oh, I don’t really want it. Emma, do you?

But I really wanted to eat that! So now what do I do? I don’t want to cook another round, and even if I did he would probably eat that serving too. How do I log this now? Do I start over? Do I pick a new snack? Will he eat that one too? And now I am really hungry. Aaugh.

Ooo…can I have them all?

Do you have a “baby bird” or someone else that messes with your healthy eating?

RunGuard Review and Giveaway!

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Andrea

Let me introduce you to RunGuard, if you haven’t already met. RunGuard is used to prevent chafing and abrasion during long runs, extended workouts or any activity where chafing is likely to occur. You apply it liberally wherever chafing will occur underarms, inner thighs, groin, nipples,(they also have another product for that) heals and toes.

I know what your thinking, but isn’t there something for that already? Yes, but RunGuard was designed to compete with existing products by offering an updated formulation with high quality, natural ingredients at a lower price. Why compete? Because we all get better with a little competition, right? Plus, we win, the products get better and the costs go down.

I was introduced to the company at the Crim Festival of Races this year. They explained all the benefits of their product, showed me a comparison of ingredients, pricing, and I found out they were based in my home town. Lower Price? Natural Ingredients? No “Clamshell Packaging”? A company that stands behind its product with 100% guarantee? Made in Michigan? Yes, I will give them a try!

Some of the basics; RunGuard comes in two varieties original and sensitive, they have the same formulation but the sensitive has added moisturizers. It also comes in two sizes: Regular 2.7 oz size and a smaller Travel Size 0.5 oz. the travel size is convenient for throwing in your gym bag, or purse.

Regular 2.7 oz size in Original and Travel Size 0.5 oz. in Sensitive

I chose the sensitive because what girl can’t benefit from a little extra shea butter and jojoba oil? Upon first opening, it is unscented, smooth stick. It glides on easily. And I use it liberally on my feet, toes, all around my rib cage where my sports bras sometimes rub, and the outer of my upper thighs because I attach my gels to the inside of my pants with safety pins. (I know, I know, why don’t I use a fuel belt?, I just don’t, okay?) Good chafe guard is very important to me because those foil packets will leave you bloody. Ouch.

After using RunGuard on a 10 mile race in 85 degree weather, I was convinced. The product worked great! No chafing in any of the areas where I applied it. No skin irritation. It did exactly what is was supposed to. Loved it, the natural ingredients left my skin feeling smooth. I would definitely recommend this product. And shout out to my fellow Michiganders, it’s headquarters are right here in Ann Arbor!

And guess what? The folks at RunGuard were awesome enough to provide me with some swag for one lucky reader! Up for grabs is one RunGuard Prize Pack! The winner decides if they would like a blue or pink prize upon winning, included in the pack is;

RunGuard T-shirt (Blue or Pink)
RunGuard Hat
Regular 2.7 oz size in (Original or sensitive)
Travel Size 0.5 oz. in (Original or Sensitive)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Run Guard provided me with the prize pack and items to review. But the views and opinions expressed on this review are purely my own. Please visit their website at http://www.runguards.com for more information on the products, ordering, and finding at your local running store.

Kyle’s Krusade Virtual 5k

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Andrea

I participated in my first virtual race today! I found out about it from Lisa over at runwiki.org. I had never heard of a “virtual race” before. But as I read Kyle’s story and felt the love through Lisa’s words, and saw that beautiful smile, I knew I had to be a part of it. I learned that signing up for a virtual race was easy! I had a window of time to do it in, I could pick my distance, and there was a chance I could win a prize (hello, Oiselle Shorts and a shirt combo pack!) I already had a 3 mile run on my training plan, all I had to do was print a bib and donate a little money to a very worthy cause. As a mother, and a big believer in Karma, I always want to do what I would want done to me. So I was extremely honored to have this opportunity to help this family.

I live in Michigan, I am a little bit of a pansy, and my neighbors don’t shovel. So I decided to do the run on the treadmill.

Is there a sidewalk there?

I hopped on the treadmill, pumped the tunes, and took off. I had my race bib sitting on the console. And I am sure there were some fellow gym goers that were curious. But I didn’t care. My final time was 25:54, 8:21 pace, fastest 5k to date!

As I was listening to my tunes, Swedish House Mafia, Don’t you worry Child came on. The words really resonated with me;

“Don’t you worry, don’t you worry, child.

See heaven’s got a plan for you.

Don’t you worry, don’t you worry now.”

I want to thank Lisa for the opportunity to participate in this. I also want to send all my happy thoughts and well wishes to Kyle, Baily and Nicole. I know this little man is here to inspire us, bring us together and the heaven’s have a big plans for him. And he will battle and win. Don’t you worry. I know easier said then done.

For information on how to get involved, The Kyle’s Krusade Virtual Race can be done any time between February 1st and February 16th 2013, please go here

“Typical” Training and Babies

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Andrea

I get asked a lot how I fit it all in, working, being a mom, keeping a house, and training for half marathons. Here’s the thing, there is no “Typical” Training that goes along babies. The most important word I have learned since becoming a mother is; FLEXIBILITY.

There is no time for a work out unless I squeeze it in somewhere. And it doesn’t always work. Gone are the days of “I run on M/W/F, spin on T, Yoga on Thursday, every week” Now I might get two workouts in on Monday, one on Tuesday, then I can’t make it until Friday then Sunday even though the plan was Saturday. And the next week is completely different. My training plan is an outline but extremely, flexible.

When LO was first born, I had this awesome idea that I would sign up for a gym membership and utilize the gym daycare while I ran on the treadmill. Of course, I want to run outside, but you gotta do what you gotta do, I could train on the treadmill. Yeah, that worked well. LO screamed his head off every time, less then a mile into my workouts, out would come the front desk girl to tell me I had to come get him. Gym daycare=Fail. New plan…(Here’s where I first started learning to be flexible)

So I started going to the gym at night, hence where the name “Beat it, Treadmill Creeper” came from. There are some interesting characters that hang out in the gym on Friday and Saturday nights! But this doesn’t always work out either, my husband works in sales so he is not always home on time, and works past 9p two nights a week. Or another example recently, he had to shovel the driveway so there went my gym time. But it was fine I worked in a run the next day. I am currently researching treadmills and think this may alleviate some of this due to that fact I can run anytime and not be restricted to gym hours.

Another great way to squeeze in workouts, is to do it before everyone gets up! I do a lot of workouts at 6a, so I can be back home by 7:15a to do breakfast, get ready for work/daycare, and out the door to start our day. Its hard sometimes but it works. I had a girlfriend say “Oh, I could never get up that early just to work out” I told her “I don’t love getting up at 5a, I do it as necessity!”

So my advice, is always be FLEXIBLE! Outline your workouts in the beginning of the week, think about what days you want to do what, but don’t worry if it doesn’t work out perfect. It will get done, if you are committed. Being flexible can carry over into other parts of your life too. Who cares about the dishes in the sink, I gotta run!

What’s your advice for making it all work?

Long Runs-Pre vs Post Baby

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Andrea

Like a lot of runners when training for an event, I usually do my long run on the weekends, Saturday to be exact. I have a great running buddy and a local running club that hosts supported runs. I have noticed though as with a lot of things in life, are very different Post-Baby then they were pre-baby…

Pre-Baby

Get up at 5 am, go run for 2-4 hours
Hang out with friends after run is completed, stretching & discussing every detail
Stop at a breakfast place to pick up some yummy post-run goodness
Get home, casually sit down, eat newly acquired yummy post-run goodness
Draw an ice bath
Soak in said ice bath for 15-30 minutes with hot beverage
Follow ice bath with long, hot shower
After shower, take long nap
Use rest of the day to ice, stretch, foam roll, relax

Post-Baby

Get up at 5am, go run for 2-4 hours
Drive home, immediately after run
Get home, pay babysitter
Play with toddler, Feed toddler, change toddler(all while still sweating from running, awesome, right? I stink.)
Put toddler down for nap, finally get to take a shower! Oh, and I should probably eat something, right? Oh, wait…he’s up already…

How has training changed for you after a major life event?

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Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013…

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Andrea

So as 2012 comes to close, I reflect on what a tough year it was for me fitness wise. My first post baby 5k was June 3. And it, for lack of better words, sucked. It was horrible. I was miserable. My time was not good. I just didn’t know if I could run anymore, or if I even wanted too. I continued on through the summer with a Mud Run and a Color Run. Then, my favorite race came up, The Crim 10 Mile, and again it was horrible. I walked a lot. I thought I might die. I was angry with my time. And as I thought about it I was not happy with any of my race performances all year. I felt like I was just floating out in space doing whatever with no plan. I was lost.

I was already registered for the Detroit Half Marathon(which also sucked) when I found a new gym. Upon discussing my goals, I was told I would have a running coach and a weightlifting coach. I would be held accountable by food logging daily. I would have a plan e-mailed to me every week. It was perfect! As a busy, working mom of a toddler, I LOVE not having to think about or research “the plan”. It’s just there, in my e-mail, every week. I started training much more and harder then I ever have before and followed all the recommendations from the trainers, even upping my calories! And the results were great. I cut 7 minutes of my 10k PR time! And 11 minutes of my half marathon PR! And myfinal half marathon of the season was awesome. I ran the whole thing and never felt like I was going to die. I was back, running was me again. So bring on 2013!!!!

2013 Fitness Goals:

Sub-2 hour Half Marathon
PR in all my race distances, 5k, 10k, 10 Mile, Half Marathon
Continue to weight lift, get past 75 on abs, and bench press over 100
Achieve less than 18% body fat
Get in the top 5 of my age group in at least one race
Purchase my own treadmill

What are your goals for 2013?

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The First Post Race Run

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Andrea

Why is the first post race run so awkward? I have been resting for a time, 7 days. I was ready to get out there. Laced up the runners and shot out the door ready for the best run of my life. But the first post race run is always so awkward. Was I going this slowly before? Did my feet always hit the pavement in the odd manner? Was I always this out of breath? Auagh. Luckily, they are usually low milage and over before you know it. Thank Goodness!

Kiawah Island Race Recap

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Andrea

Kiawah Island Marathon Recap

December 8, 2012

South Carolina

So it all began when I went to Jamaica and my unattended running buddy registered for her first full marathon while I was gone. After learning this (and freaking out just a little) I decided I could not miss supporting her in this goal, so a registered for the half. Fast Forward to December when myself, my hubby, my bestest running pal, and her hubby boarded a plane. One layover, one rented Jeep Liberty, and one crazy stop at the Piggly Wiggly later we arrived on the island of Kiawah. My first thought was “Omg, this place is amazing!” Second, was “Omg, did I bring the right pants for the race?” We checked into our Beachfront villa. It was absolutely gorgeous. This place had nicer appliances then my house! The view was unbelievable. We decided that leaving the windows open and cranking the heat was the best way to soak in the ocean waves.

The View from our Villa

I found everyone at the resort to be extremely nice and helpful. The expo was little but had some great gear, purchased a pink half zip pullover with thumbholes-Score! The pasta dinner was extremely yummy and provided plenty of carbs pre-race.

Obsessed with this hallway.

Race morning! We were up early, fuel was prepared, locations on maps were circled our supporters were given their instructions. Down to the start line, we went. Weather was in the 50’s, sunny, and perfect. I line up in front of the 4:30 pacer. I hadn’t fully admitted but I was seeking a Sub 2:15 time. The gun goes off and it’s on.

And we’re off! Look for the neon yellow shoes…

It felt great, better then any other race had ever felt.

10:33 1.02 10:33

10:16 1.01 20:50

10:03 1.00 30:53

9:47 0.97 40:41

10:26 1.01 51:08

10:29 1.05 1:01:37

9:30 0.94 1:11:44

10:36 1.04 1:21:44

10:45 1.06 1:32:40

10:10 1.03 1:42:40

20:44 2.04 2:03:25

8:56 0.90 2:12:22

Final Time: 2:14:33

*Using a borrowed Garmin 205, doesn’t automatically track splits, please excuse the randomness

One of my favorite things about this race is that bike rentals were available. And supporters and spectators could ride around and see you at different spots. My husband was able to ride with me at Mile 5ish, then again at 9-11ish. It was so awesome to have someone to chat with. As he was riding alongside me he informed me that the “Lady with the sign” aka the 4:30 pacer was gaining on me. So I took off, it was time to start picking people off. I passed 114 runners in the final 3 miles. I finished strong. And was so pumped to PR because I had been working so hard.

There are definitely some “secret” goals that I am starting to think are possible…

As for my running pal, I was able to finish my half and get on the spectator shuttle and see her at mile 20, then again at mile 24. As soon as she saw me at 24, she started sobbing. I have been there, I know. And it was so hard not to say “Okay, let’s just sit down” but it was tough love time. “Nope, we are going, forward progression! I was able to run the last 2.2 miles in with her. Sometimes it’s not as pretty as you want, or fast, or easy, or wonderful as you think. But it’s awesome! We celebrated by a dip in the ocean.