3 Things Thursday: Race Edition!

1. COMPLETELY MENTAL!

Race week is so hard to reign in the excitement.  I want to run everyday just to prove my abilities to myself.  Plus I stress hard getting everything ready for the trip.  This week has been slightly different... On Sunday, my parents took my kids back to Wisconsin for a fun week at Grandma's.  Needless to say, it's been really quiet, relaxing and stress-free this week.  I've done some leisure reading, caught up on the work front, pampered by feet with a pedicure, shopped the local running store, and most important... reread my training notes and inspiration pages in my running journal.  We spend 10+ weeks training our bodies for a race... so the last week is all mental for me.  I think about my mantras and jack myself up that "I've got this!"  Do you have a favorite running mantra that you repeat during a race?  I'd love to hear it!


2.  TWO DAYS!

Not the most ideal race forecast!

The Oshkosh Half-Marathon is upon me, and I've got the race dance going on!  So much to do before we leave this afternoon, and yet I keep pacing around not really getting anything done (and now I'm online wasting time the best way I know how...).  My first race I was nervous, now I just get excited and anxious!  I still haven't figured out my race outfit or playlist... WTH!?  Forecast is not pretty for Wisconsin... rain and very windy.  Original forecast called for snow in the low 30's, so it is getting better!  On the positive side, an old friend (training for his 2nd Ironman!) offered to pace me to a sub-2!  And meet-up plans are in place with family and friends.  So the important stuff is done...

3.  FRIDAY RACE SALUTE!  
Not sure if I'll get back online before the weekend, so here's my Race Salute to those who are toeing the start line this weekend!!  You've trained for this... now go kick some asphalt! 

Liz @ Mommy to Marathon - running her first 5K

TMB @ Racing with Babes - bringing her 'A' game to her Half

Jen @ Adventures of a Badgergirl - running the Oshkosh Half too

Jen @ runner... maybe - her first 10K race

SupermomE12 @ See Mom Run Far - Salt Lake City Marathon
Amanda - La Jolla Half-Marathon in San Diego

My friend Dani & her son Carson - running the Oshkosh 5K together

and my hubby is running his first 5K without the jogging stroller! Love him!

and those "living the dream" running the Boston Marathon on Monday...

Laura @ LunaChickRuns

Jess @ Little Miss Runshine

Mel @ Tall Mom on the Run

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

 If I missed you, please comment here and I'll add you in!

Got a race coming up? Comment and let me know so I don't miss you in future Friday Salutes!

Safety First

As the days start warming up in the Midwest, my run times get earlier and earlier in the day.  I'll do anything to run outside rather than the gym or treadmill.  So I struggle with the early morning alarm, but once I'm up, it's all good.  Many of my early morning runs are in the dark this time of year.  (I have to be back before 6am so hubby can go to work.)   


Is it scary?  Not really, I stick to routes I know well.  
Does it make me nervous?  Yeah, sometimes.  
Do my hubby and mother worry about me?  Absolutely.


So I'm happy to have found a new running partner for my early mornings... Firefly Supernova from Road ID!  While I always wear bright colors or something reflective, but this little guy blinks a red light for cars to see from a greater distance.  The versatility is great.  You can attach it wherever you like... on the wrist or ankle with the velcro strap, or your waistband or clothing with a removable clip. Plus it comes in four different light colors for you to choose.

* TODAY'S TOP TEN *

 As we all migrate outside with the spring weather, 

here's my TOP TEN on SAFETY...

1.  Always run against the flow of traffic.


2.  Leave the headphones at home, or at the minimum, keep the music down low so you can hear what's going on around you.


3.  Be visible if you run at night.  Hello, Firefly Supernova?!  Reflective clothing please.


4.  Run with friends.  I know this is difficult for some, myself included.  Finding friends that have the same time schedule and pace you do is just hard!


5.  Don't challenge vehicles.  Don't try to scoot across to beat a car... Just let the car turn or go first. (They're faster.) Be especially aware of those turning right - they are usually looking the other way.  A high schooler almost got me yesterday in the exact same situation!


6.  Run in populated areas that you are familiar with.  I'm so guilt of heading out to my favorite trails alone.  This is particularly important in winter when there are few others out there. 

7.  Carry defense.  This is especially true if you break rule #6.  Invest in a small pepper spray or some sort of noisemaker.


8.  Trust your intuition.  If you get that unsure feeling around something or someone, avoid it... fast.  Never doubt your inner gut feeling.  Someday it could save your life.


9.  Don't wear jewelry.  Seriously... slip off the ring before you head out on a trail.  It just gives some creep one more reason to attack you.


10.  Wear identification... or at least write your name, phone number and blood type on the inside of your running shoe.  Prepare for the unexpected.

I finally got #10 checked off, thanks to Road ID!  Check out my new running ID, in yellow of course!  On the tag is my full name and birth year, home city and state, emergency contact name/numbers, and any known allergies.  As a kicker, I added a motivational saying for the runner inside me... "Let Your Sole Shine"

At Road ID, you'll find an assortment of ID options - wrist, ankle, and shoe tags, even a necklace option.  Should you ever "need" it, it just could save your life.  It's one of those things you hope you never use.  Check out Road ID's website, like them on Facebook, and go ahead Tweet with them too!

Want a Road ID custom made for you?

Here is your chance!  Road ID is one of the sponsors of The Jelly Bean 5K/10K virtual race next week.  One lucky runner will win a custom-made Road ID.  So sign up for The Jelly Bean today!  For details and registration, click HERE.

Future's so bright, I gotta wear shades

It's a gorgeous day in central Illinois today.  Sunny with temps in the mid-60's.  So as any runner in their right mind (with a race in FOUR days), I laced up the sneakers and headed out for some miles.

Are you checking out my new running skirt?

 ...or how about the new black running socks I won from Tall Mom on the Run?

Well, zoom in a bit closer...

Yeah... see those cool pink sunglasses?!  

Those, my friends, are the BEST pair of running glasses you will ever find.  

Ryders Hex.

Now let me tell you, I'm rather nit-picky selective about my sunglasses.  I picked up a pair of these bad boys at my very first race expo (Illinois half-marathon).  I was clueless as to what I had just found.  Over the years, I've purchased a variety of brands/styles in activewear, shoes, socks, you name it.  It's really a game of luck until you find "the one" that works for you.  Well, I hit it out of the park with my very first pair of glasses... Ryders Eyewear is where it's at.

The glasses are extreme comfort on the run, so much that you forget they're on.  I wear them to shield bright winter snow, blinding summer sun, or sometimes just to protect my eyes on windy days.  The top bar of the frame sits right in front of your eyebrow, while the temple tips rests comfortably behind your ears.  The temple tips also have a rubber grip on the inside, so as you lean over or turn your head quickly, they don't fall off.  If you're a sweaty runner like me, you'll be happy to know that the glasses really only touch your head in two spots... behind your ears and the anti-slip nose piece.  The lenses are the perfect density to shade the sun, yet not darken your whole world.  Best of all, Ryders Eyewear offers a huge selection in styles and colors.  Check out Ryders Eyewear on the web, and give 'em some love on Facebook too!

The top three Ryders Eyewear styles recommended for runners are...

Tweaker SL – An aggressive angular model that gets top scores from runners.

Defcon – A lightweight, aggressive, full rimmed style with thin temple tips for comfort and great temple pads for superior grip.

Hex – a lightweight blade with high airflow designed for female athletes and made for speed.

FEATURES & BENEFITS of RYDERS SUNGLASSES

·         Optically correct lenses reduce distortion and eye fatigue

·         Shatterproof and scratch resistant polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from dirt, sticks, rocks and flying critters (bugs and rodents!)

·         Lenses meet UV400 standards ensuring 100% UVA, UVB & UVC Protection

·         Anti-slip nose pads and temples tips keep your sunglasses in place and stop them from bouncing or sliding down your nose

·         Made from lightweight and flexible TR90 material

·         Available in a multitude of frame colors

You totally want a pair of Ryders now, right?!

Here is your chance!  Ryders Eyewear is one of the sponsors of The Jelly Bean 5K/10K virtual race next week.  They have generously provide three pairs of sunglasses for three lucky runners!  So sign up for The Jelly Bean today!  For details and registration, click HERE.

How cool are those?!  Thanks Ryders Eyewear!

What you don't know...

I'm a total slacker... I've been tagged twice now for the Stylish Blogger Award, and feel horribly guilty in not fulfilling my reigning duties.  Not for lack of appreciation, but just busy like a mother runner.  It's now race/rest week, but more important, my kiddos are at the grandparents for fun week... and suddenly I have so... much... free... time. 


So without further ado... Thank you Jess @ Miss Little Runshine and Adam @ I Am Boring for honoring me with the Stylish Blogger Award.  Go visit them - Jess is truly a ray of sunshine, and Adam is anything but boring!

Stylish Blogger Award rules:

Once awarded, you must share 7 random things about yourself, 

the more bizarre and random, the better from what I read. 

Then of course, immediately give away the award by tagging other Stylish Bloggers.

So here goes...

1.  I spent a semester abroad in college.  Some kids do cool trips to Spain and France... Yeah, I went to Poland... in the winter.  I was a political science major, and eastern Europe was going through pretty important changes in the 1990's.  It was a great educational trip... in which a Pink Floyd concert in Prague was the highlight, but I do still remember how to say beer in Polish (pivo)!  Hey, I was 19 years old...

2.  I have practically a full gym at home in the basement, and yet I still pay a gym membership.  Can you say Child Care Room!?!  A little slice of mommy sanity.  :)

3.  I "baked" my way through college!  Seriously, I paid college tuition by working in bakeries. I first started at the local bakery when I was 14 years old.  During college, I worked full time at the Perkins bakery, as well as the local grocery store.  Today, I still do cake decorating as a hobby and charity fundraiser.  I donate proceeds to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Memorial-Peoria to help fight breast cancer.  Check out my Facebook Cake Photo Album.

4.  I got married twice to the same guy... and never divorced.  After two years of dating, my man got notice of a year-long deployment with the Air Force.  The smart man he was, he swept me down to the courthouse and put a ring on it before he left.  We spent our first year apart as newlyweds.  When he returned home, we had a big old-fashioned Catholic wedding and reception.

5.  I was a band geek in high school.  All the cool people were doing it.  I played the wood clarinet.  I know, you're looking at the big hair and the white hoop earrings... Again, it was cool back then.  :)

6. My favorite color is YELLOW, and yet I never wear clothes in that color. Although, I do have a yellow iPhone cover.  And if I ever get a convertible, it would be bright yellow!

7.  I'm a horrible procrastinator.  I love calendars, live by deadlines, and am pretty darn good at completing tasks in a pinch.  Today... it's TAXES!  With four days to go, it just might be the earliest I ever file!

Last but not least, I pass on the Stylish Blogger Award by recognizing these "IT" bloggers... 

Jen @ Runner...maybe

Jenn @ From Stilettos 2 Sneakers

Lisa @ Early Morning Run
Courtney @ Run Courtney Run

 Pay it forward ladies...

The Home Stretch

There is a swirl of excitement going on in bloggyland, daily mile, or wherever you socialize your running.  Almost everyone is tapering, or in the final phase of their training programs.  I get so jacked up reading everyone's posts, final playlists, outfit considerations and travel plans.  The time is near folks!

For me, it's now less than 7 days until the Oshkosh Half-Marathon... So today was my last "long run," but I prefer to call it a "confidence run."  I set out for 8 miles, but instead did 9.  Today, I also wanted to test out techy-toys for raceday.  I decided to race without my iPhone (just not "comfy" with it yet), and resort back to my tiny ipod shuffle.  I also picked up a cute sport watch to track my splits.

My goal today was to run within ten seconds of my goal race pace (9:09).  The beginning miles were right on cue...  9:09, 9:17, 9:14, 9:13.  Then I hit the turnaround point at 4.5 mile mark.  I was now running into the wind, with the first mile all uphill.  My pace slowed ridiculously.  My legs were struggled up the long ascend.  When I finally hit even surface again, I got side aches.  (What?  I haven't gotten those in a long time?!  Any ideas why now?)  To top things off, the sun poked through and heated things up considerably... and I was under-hydrated.  So I averaged a 10:09 pace on the way back.  Not exactly the confidence run I wanted, but some lessons learned.

The only real spurt I had in the final mile was a fascinating dream/desire for an ice cold soda. Seriously?!  Weird, but straight to the gas station I went and bought a big Diet Coke and water.  I was parched!

I was exhausted from the run today... and yet still felt pretty good about it.  I'm ready, confident and excited to take on the flat Oshkosh course... I'm just gonna leave it all out there and pray for the best!

Me post-run... Do I look exhausted or what?!?

Another lesson learned today... 

Trade the headband for a hat during afternoon runs.  

I got a nice sunburn line across my forehead today!!  

WHEN'S YOUR NEXT RACE?  

Please comment here as I'd like to give you a shout-out for good luck when your race date arrives!

3 Things Thursday

ONE

Run with Jess has an official bumper sticker!  I love pasting stickers all over my running notebook/journal, so I was pretty excited when Megan from Build A Sign offered me the opportunity to design my own bumper sticker.  The process was super easy on their website.  I had it done in literally minutes.  Go take a look at their website and make your own bumper sticker today!

Want one of my "Fast Girls Have Good Times" bumper sticker??  Email me at runwithjess@comcast.net...  with one piece of advice for my upcoming Half-Marathon on 4/16 and your address too!  I'll send a bumper sticker out to the first 10 responses.  Thanks!

TWO

Have you signed up yet for The Jelly Bean virtual race?  It's free to enter and a fun way to celebrate Easter in your running shoes.  I'll be highlighting each of our sponsors next week and the COOL PRIZES that they are throwing our way!  Over 70 runners are in so far.  Sign up HERE.

THREE

Is it coincidence that I signed up for a Half yesterday morning (in 9 days), and by evening, I had a full-fledged head cold?  Seriously... This is my third half, and for all three now, I've come down with a head cold in the week leading up to the race.  Really?!  WTH?!  So I'm OD'ing on Zicam and Emergen-C today... anything to get this under control before race day!

Wake Up!!

No joking around.

I got up at 4:30 am this morning for a quick 5K before my hubby was off to work.

The forecast predicted a nice day and it was my only chance to get in a run (without the stroller).

I forgot how peaceful those early runs are.  Dark and quiet.  Little to none traffic.

Only the passing shadow every time I pass a yard light.

It also means I get an afternoon nap!

The run was just for fun.  A couple hours later, I got a killer workout in Spinning class. I've been slacking on my cross-training lately, so if felt good to get a good burn without pounding pavement.

It's official.

This morning, I registered for the Oshkosh Half-Marathon... in 10 days!!

Woot-Woot!

Do you ever do pre-dawn runs in the dark?

I did a lot last summer while training for my fall half-marathon. I have a tough time running in the hot humidity, so mornings worked the best for me.  But it's hard getting my butt out of bed that early!  Although the incentive to run fast is built-in... I have to be back in time for hubs to work.  I'm always pushing distance (just a little bit further...), making the run back a race against the clock!

Blow Me Away

I didn't write much over the weekend.  Why?  Cause it SUCKED WIND!!  No, seriously, we're having some serious spring wind in central Illinois.  It's been 25-30mph winds for the third straight day and it's really starting to get on my nerves.  Two weeks out from my half-marathon, I need my runs to be confidence boosters... blow me away, but not literally!

Without going into all the depressing details and sob story, Saturday and Sunday were frustrating days for me.  The need for a strong long run burned inside me, but it never happened.  I was crabby, stressed out and busy.  (Have I mentioned I still haven't even done our taxes yet?!?)

I felt trapped all weekend.

I just wanted to scream!!

Now it's Monday.  Never thought I'd say it, but thank goodness that weekend is over!  After preschool dropoff, Little Girl and I hit the gym.  I had a small window of run-time before pickups, so I decided to push my pace a bit.

8 miles in 74 minutes

9:16 avg pace

I held my pace below 9:30 pace for the entire dreadmill run.  It felt pretty good for that distance, and was just the kind of confidence run I needed.  Oshkosh Half-Marathon is in 12 days, and I'm starting to feel the anxious nerves kick in.  The rest of this week, I plan to teach my legs "comfort" at the low-9 paces.  And I still haven't figured out my race outfit or playlist yet... important stuff!

Anyone race this weekend?

Have you signed up for the virtual Jelly Bean race yet?

Bondi Band winner

One thing is for sure, us ladies like fun headbands while we run (and play!). 

 I now have a week's assortment of 7 different Bondi Bands!  

Really, is it ever enough?  

Check out my full review of Bondi Band HERE.  

We had 148 official entries into the giveaway raffle, and using random.org, the winner is.... 

Comment #141 was posted by giraffy at 365 Days of Awesome

She's a jack of all trades, finished the 2011 Disney Princess Half-Marathon, 

starting up a "Suck Less Challenge" and running in The Jelly Bean!  Go check her out!

FOR THE NON-WINNERS...

(but really, you're all winners in my book just for reading my ramblings!)

How about a Bondi Band discount?

Buy 3, Get 1 FREE!

Coupon code: ONE

-or-

FIVE for $25!

Coupon code: FIVE

*Enter code in "enter redeem code" box on the payment page during checkout.

Codes apply to headbands only, not hats.

Head over to Bondi Band now to stock up!

March Rewind

PR for me!  8:54 pace this race

I'm stealing this "rewind" idea from Racing with Babes.  She's amazingly motivating and just rocked a PR at the National Marathon in D.C.

It's important to look backward frequently to clear the road for where you're going.  It can be so easy to get frustrated in training and especially weight loss.  I find looking back always make me feel good about myself and has a motivating effect as well.  March had its ups and downs...

MILES OF TRIALS
March miles: 104.35
Longest run:  16.1  (a new PR!)
Races:  St. Paddy's Day 8K finished in 44:30 (a new PR!)

IT'S NOT FAT, IT'S FUEL
Monthly weight loss:  -7.8 lbs
YTD weight loss: -19.4 lbs
Trimming weight is not easy while training for a half-marathon.  These hard runs make me hungry!!  I have focused on eating the right foods... protein, whole wheat grains and lots of vegetables.  Most importantly, cutting out sweets.  O-dear chocolate, how I miss thee...

MIND OVER MILES
Books I'm reading...
"Running Well" by Sam Murphy & Sarah Conners
I picked this up at the library, and it has been a wonderful surprise.  Highly recommend.  I especially liked the in-depth review of proper running form.
"First Marathons: Personal Encounters with the 26.2 Mile Monster" by Gail Waesche Kislevitz
I've enjoyed reading this one bit by bit... one chapter each night before I go turn out the lights. It's prepping me (good and bad) for what lies ahead this fall.

ROCK IT GIRLS!!
Song downloads this month...
The Irish one was of course for my St. Paddy's race (and the kids hot potato game!)

MONTHLY CONFESSION
I ate an entire bag of Starburst Jelly Beans in one day... all by myself.  Not my proudest moment.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"Life isn't about finding yourself.  Life is about creating yourself." ~George Bernard Shaw

APRIL ASPIRATIONS

• Oshkosh Half Marathon (April 16) finish with my first ever sub-2.

• Illinois Half Marathon (April 30) just run for fun!

• Monthly miles goal: 120

• Weight loss goal: -6 lbs

• Time Management:  I'm getting slammed in my wedding business as it gets closer to summer (check it out HERE), so I need to improve my time management, or else my runs/sleep/nutrition is going to suffer.  This will be a big hurdle to my success this month.

• Little Girl (my baby!!) turns the big 3 this month!

Thanks to all of you who follow my running rambles here.  

Your support and encouragement really mean a lot!  

xoxo