Training Evolution & Becoming a CHaD Kid Ambassador

My training strategy has changed a bit from the first races I did over two years ago. Going into my first 5k, I had no idea what I was doing, I only knew that I had to run about 3 miles. It was a a St. Patrick's Day race, so it was pretty chilly when I started training for it (and the coldest race I've done to date!). At the apartment that we lived in at the time, we had the perfect one mile loop around our neighborhood, which was important to me because I wasn't comfortable getting too far away from my house yet. In the beginning of my training (though, it seems silly to even call it training), I did a lot of indoor cardio work and HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts, which did get my heart pumping and somewhat used to the intensity of running, plus built up my leg muscles. The first run that I tracked, (which might have been my 2nd run?), was 3 miles at 12:41 pace. I don't remember this run at all! I can only imagine it must have something to do with the body's ability to forget pain. ;) Most of my training prior to registering for my first half marathon was literally just practicing to run distances. I didn't try to go fast, I just went. I didn't follow a training plan, I just ran a few times per week.

My first tracked run!

Pediatric Orthopedics Update and 4 Years Ago

For the second time in Cameron's four and a half years of life, we made a trip to Dartmouth to visit a specialty other than Pediatric Neurology (the other time being the Pediatric Nephrologist when Cameron had problems with his kidneys after starting new meds). We saw Dr. Timothy Lee and Dr. Michelle Prince on Monday in Pediatric Orthopedics. Any visits not dealing with Cam's brain or other vital organs are always so much less stressful. The visit started in the waiting room when the receptionist asked if Cameron has had a cough recently, to which he promptly coughed...multiple times...in order to get a fun mask. ;)

National Running Day Interview

National Running Day is TOMORROW, June 3, 2015!

I participated, with a bunch of fellow Sweat Pink Ambassadors, who all completed this set of interview questions in preparation for National Running Day! Thank you Kristen at Jonesin' for a run for sharing this with us all!

1. Why do you run?
I know that there are a hundred reasons that I could list as to why I run and why I continue to run. It all started with a push to raise some money and has grown into (recently) part of my everyday life. Running keeps me honest and humble, patient and energized, goal-seeking and motivated. I run to get outside, to feel the endorphins and to get away. I run to be strong and accomplished and to be an active role model for Cameron.

2. How do you plan to celebrate National Running Day?
My marathon training schedule has me doing 3 miles tomorrow, June 3^rd.

3. How many miles have you run so far this year?
Great question – I have no idea! I have never added them up. Now I may have to! ;)

4. What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?
My first marathon is on October 18, 2015. The Baystate Marathon in Lowell, MA! I’ll also be doing the Monadnock Half Marathon in Rindge, NH on August 9^th as a prep-race.

5. Before you leave for a run you must have:
For a short run, I just wear my Garmin and Sparkly Soul Headband (along with the obvious: shirt, sports bra, shorts/capris and Saucony sneaks). For a long run, I’ll wear my fuel belt with some Nuun in it, Garmin, Sparkly Soul Headband, either GU Chomps or Jelly Belly Sport Beans (for runs over an hour), head phones, cell phone and AMR Podcasts downloaded!

6. Do you have one favorite app to track your runs?
I was a Runkeeper user until I got my Garmin. I still occasionally use Runkeeper if my watch needs to be charged. I also love Charity Miles!

7. Who is your favorite running partner?
My BFF Becca and I have a very similar pace and she entertains me on my shorter long runs – I’ll get her to do a 10 miler with me sometime! Right, Bec??

8. What races have you ran so far this year?
Big Lake Half Marathon in Alton, NH on May 9^th!

9. If you had to give someone one piece of advice about running what would it be?
Don’t compare yourself to others. Run your own race, your own pace. Comparison is the thief of joy! You’ll never feel the euphoria of completing a race if you are focused on the runners who came in ahead of you.

10.  Describe your relationship with running in one word:

Restorative

Check out the other awesome women who are sharing their interviews:

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As another week of training has come and gone, here's a little recap:

The run streak officially began on Memorial Day Monday:

Monday: 2.20 miles at 10:54 pace

Tuesday: 1.02 miles at 12:01 pace

Wednesday: 3.20 miles at 11:55 pace

Thursday: 4x200s with half mile warm up and half mile cool down

Friday: 1.01 miles at 11:20 pace 

Saturday (sight seeing in Philly): 2.00 miles at an on and off photo-taking pace ;) Then walked 3 miles with friends for more sight seeing.

Sunday: 1.00 treadmill mile starting at 12:00 pace and ending at 10:30 pace.

The 11-12:00 pace has been my go-to while my quad still heals and I crank up the mileage with the run streak. I started out looking at that 12:00min/mi pace and feeling like a bum, but I realized I was feeling that way solely because I didn't want to share that I was going "that slow", because I know I can go faster, but really...who cares? Everyone has their own pace that works for them at any specific time. A mile is a mile, right?