Today's Run Was Awesome!

Despite my blog title, I woke up feeling the monthly miserable, lethargic, and unmotivated. I didn't feel like moving out of my nice comfy bed, dressing my child to drop him off, OR driving the 45 minutes to the safest place to run solo. On top of that I got to that side of town and I could now tell it had been raining. I was praying I wouldn't get caught in the rain or maybe I wanted it to rain so I could use that as an excuse not to run? Hmmm? All #firstworldproblems, yes.

Anyhow, I got to the park and was preparing to run when I realized not only had I lost my armband, but my second set of earbuds weren't working. So a run with no music it was. This is where people watching and listening to my breathing really came in handy...because fast forward to the end of my run, 5 miles later. It. was. awesome!

Without all of my gadgets readily available to look at, I wasn't distracted by how fast or slow I was running. I just ran and listened to my breathing. I was very surprised at my splits.

The last two miles were super hilly as you can see.

What I was most surprised at was that I worried for nothing. If you read my last post (I'm getting the vibe that I don't give myself enough credit), but I mentioned I was worried that my slower pace while running with the jogger would slow me down on my next solo run. It didn't. 

Despite this route being super hilly, this was my fastest time around it in a looooong time. So yeah, I'm pleased with only 6 more days until race day. :-)

Race Recap: 2014 AJC Peachtree Road Race

Well the day has finally come and it has gone. I ran the largest 10k in the world, the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Peachtree Road Race with over 59,999 other people. This race has been an Atlanta Tradition for 45 year now. It's become so much more than a race. If you don't know about any other race in Atlanta, whether you are from the city or not, you know about "the Peachtree".

For years, I'd see past participants on the 4th of July wearing their race tees not really caring too much about it, but in high school, only because I needed volunteer hours, I started volunteering for this race. I think my first year volunteering was in 2000 or 2001? I enjoyed it so much I volunteered every year after that until 2006, I think.

All the while, not even knowing what a 10k was, lol. I just liked doing my job, cheering the runners/walkers on, and most of all the PERKS of volunteering for THIS race! We used to get all type of freebies and the runners would thank us as they ran by.

It was not until I became a runner in 2011 that I wanted to do this race...well I take that back, the last time I volunteered I said I would walk the race, but for some reason I never did. In 2011 I wanted to run it, but it was too late to register. I mustn't forget to mention that for summer running in Atlanta...there's a saying, "heat, hills, and humidity" for describing the Peachtree. And the route is uphill the entire freakin' way. There's actually a hill nicknamed, Cardiac Hill.

 

On to my personal experience...

So, the two weeks leading up to race day, my training had been kind of shaky. I'd missed 1 or 2 runs and didn't give it my all on 1 or 2 either. I'd also missed some cross-training days. 'tis life, I guess. So race morning, I was kind of nervous. For safety reasons and knowing how the weather could potentially be, I can say I hydrated well. I've been on a personal gallon of water a day challenge.

Race morning I was kind of nervous. So nervous I didn't know what to eat and couldn't remember what I usually ate the morning of my long runs...crazy. But my schedule had been off for the past couple weeks, so I'd actually been doing my long runs in the evenings versus the morning.

Glad my hubs was running the race with me. This took my mind off of all the technicalities, a little. This was his very first 10k race, so I wanted to be there for him as well. We drove to the first MARTA station to ride the train, but the parking was full by 6 am. At first I started to panic lol. See when I start typing this stuff out I notice how ridiculous I CAN be, lol. But anyhoo, I went to another station on the line that was 5 minutes away which had plenty of parking. I just hate being late. And I have been late for a race before. It was smooth sailing once we bought our passes and arrived at the starting line.

We took a few moments to use the restroom, warm up, and takes selfies. And then we were off!

Miles 1-2 were spent dodging the crowd until it thinned out. I'm glad I brought my music to play just in case because I couldn't tune out other people's heavy breathing, yelling, talking etc...it was just too much of a distraction.

Miles 2-3 were spent mentally preparing myself for "Cardiac Hill". Although I had practiced the route many times, I was still nervous. Cardiac hill is almost about a 1/2 mile of steady incline. It actually isn't bad. The "bad" part is completing Cardiac hill, getting a small break and then here comes the start of another ANOTHER hill.

Cardiac Hill - Source

Police escorts driving up Cardiac Hill - Source

Now I knew in order to get through I would have to pick up water at the water station. Something I normally don't like to do. The water helped. I was beginning to get cotton mouth and it helped my breathing...I guess that makes sense.

I walked to drink my water, caught my breath and then set back out. I kept chanting to myself "make it to 10th street, make it to 10th street". I knew at 10th street the finish line would be near. I had a couple of "WTF" moments after I finally did reach 10th street. Where's The Finish Line!?! But the crowds were going wild for everyone and that gave me the boost I needed. I always get this burst of energy in the last moments before I cross.

Before I knew it I was crossing. I finally made it! I checked my watch (& unofficial time on the site later in the day) and I had made it! After 12 weeks of commitment with a now 8 month old! I met my goal, which was to finish at a 10:30 or below average pace.

Now, this was not a PR for me, but being 8 months post partum, I am extremely proud of myself! This race was a test to see if I could rebuild my base in order to reach my next goal...so stay tuned. :-)

the Peachtree Finish Line After Party!

One more thing... As far as race organization goes if you ever thought about this race in the future; it's extremely fun with bands at every mile, businesses passing out beer and other alcoholic beverages if you're into that, crazy costumes, the fellowship, and support is all great. Plus, the Atlanta Track Club always puts on a well organized race. We racked up on finisher snacks, too. ;-)

sn: I kinda hate this pic, bc I LOOK fat!

Piedmont Park

Later that day we relaxed with family, ate good bbq, and watched fireworks! The day was perfect.

What did you do for the holiday?

-Tiffany

Refreshed!

Good news! I got 7.5 hours of sleep the other night when the baby was away. Yippee! I woke feeling refreshed and ready for the day. I started off with a light snack and then attempted to leave. I was headed for the door until I realized I left my car keys in the hubs car from date night. Soon after he returned home to give me my keys, I was out.

My blunder meant I couldn't run outdoors as planned due the distance away of the park and the time my class started. But no worries, I just ran on the "dreadmill" on the hill setting, alternating between levels 3 and 6 to try to get that outdoor feel as much as possible. I had originally planned for 4 miles, but only had time for 3. Hope it works.

You know you had a good workout when you have to lift your thigh and put it in the car

I was amped to go to my Body Works Plus abs class because my favorite instructor taught. She doesn't just do normal, "okay, class let's warm up, now let's work our arms, now let's work our legs" routine. She sets you up for what the rest of the workout will be like with her warm-ups. Her warm-ups are just like an entire exercise routine.

Anyway, I like her because she does high intensity interval training. That reminds me I'm supposed to be ordering the Polar transmitter link to go with my GPS watch so I can start back tracking my calories burned. I'm sure I burn an easy 500 in her class...easy!

After class I took more advantage of the baby not returning until the afternoon and I did a little grocery shopping. I am planning to post another grocery haul post as an update to my old one, but I keep forgetting. I may just start doing, "what I ate for the week" or something like that.

Ever since the hubs and I have been training for this race we have been eating, I guess you can say kind of like how a body builder eats or just someone in general who is trying to gain muscle, give or take a few cheats here and there. Pretty much high protein, lot of vegetables, and our carbs come from the vegetables mostly. Eating this way really makes it easier on me because most weeks I'll just cook all of our meats on one day and then that's less time I have to spend in the kitchen during the week. I love to find ways to save on time. It's a must for me.

We were doing this as we trained for the 10k, but I think I may continue even afterwards. I'm trying to see muscle definition and I've been going 10 weeks strong, so why not. That

reminds me, I'm proud of my husband who has lost almost 20 lbs since starting his running journey back up. Now he's all like, "my body is a temple", lol. Okay, sir! Whatever works for you. ;-)'

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Today was my last long run until my race on the fourth.

Cheers to the last week of training!

The Tortoise Catches Up With the Hare

Don't you hate it when you show someone how to do something and then they do better than you? :-)

By no means is this post meant to throw anyone under the bus. I guess I should be thankful, but I nagged  reminded the Hubs of how important it is for him to become physically active again for several obvious reasons. He was growing out of his clothes, he was extremely lethargic, etc. etc. Well, fast forward to 8 weeks later, yes EIGHT consistent weeks later, my husband is back to running consistently. Matter of fact he is up to a 10k and will be running the Peachtree Road Race on the 4th with me. 

Why am I salty you ask?

Well due to circumstances that are too lengthy to mention, I was unable to run with my group this morning to practice the route or run period this morning. My plan was to finish all of my errands and run this evening when it cooled down, solo. Uh, yeah... after the morning I had with other folks kids, and several volunteer tasks, once I sat down on my couch around 5 this evening I knew my running shoes would not be moving from it's current spot. 

I feel like such a slacker for skipping my long run today. I can do it tomorrow, but I know how I am. How likely am I going to willingly go run 6 miles solo, after church, after cooking dinner, after that Sunday afternoon nap, after meal planning for the week. Hmph. :-( 

This would happen to be the only part of racing that I don't like. I don't like the feeling of being required to run a particular day. I like running just to run, not so much because I'm scheduled to. This feeling is what made me take a break from racing besides my last half marathon before I became pregnant. I just need to get it done. BUT, I know that in order to perform as well as I want, I need to stick to a training plan.

What do you do when you feel like a slave to your training plan when you just want to take a quick break? Have you ever trained someone to do something and they became better at it than you?

-Tiffany

10k Training Woes: Will I be ready for the heat, hills, and humidity?

3 Things:

1. Sticking to my training plan to the "t"
2. Comparing post baby performance to pre- baby performance
3. This HEAT!

Okay, reality is, I have a baby now. Some weeks I actually CAN stick to my training plan, but sometimes I just can't. If you know any Type A folks or you are one yourself, then you may understand where I'm coming from. I like things to be done in order, on schedule, and complete... and if I'm off by a millisecond of my goal, I like to be able to "trace my footsteps" to the culprit. Sounds a tad bit anal when I read that aloud, lol.

Last week was an off week, not because of lack of effort, but because of the weather and schedules. It rained a few times here last week. I only like my son to go to the Kids's Club in the mornings. The teacher is an older lady and the mornings are when other younger kids near his age are there. The afternoons: younger teacher, bigger kids...um, I ain't sending my baby to get neglected and trampled over. (sn: no judgement towards young teachers, because I was once was one. But one evening, I "observed" her browsing the net while the kids were running a muck) So, anyway!

I had a pretty decent long run at the end of that week, considering I didn't have "great" training runs and a couple were on the treadmill. Below is a comparison picture from 6 weeks ago when I ran the same route in similar weather. The top run I was just starting back to running consistently (besides before my last 5k in January) and as you can see I ran an average 11'02 pace. The bottom picture was a significant difference in average pace and almost the same distance. I'm pretty proud of myself that I was able to shave off that much time. I've been doing something right. :)

Now, as for this Atlanta heat. I usually don't race in the summer because of the humidity and heat. It has nothing to do with not wanting to try it, but I don't feel my best running in the heat all of the time and it can be dangerous. With a baby, I can rarely make it to the early morning group runs like I used to or run in the evenings (trying to keep him on his bedtime schedule). BUUTTT, in true "I love to run", "I am a runner" fashion, I don't want all my hard work to go to waste, so I'm starting to think about what race I can do after the Peachtree so my mileage won't go to waste AND to keep my miles up for the fall half marathons I'm eye-ing.

I wish myself luck on the rest of this journey. The race is in almost 2 weeks, I think, and I ran for the first time this week today (Wednesday) lol. Uh, yeah.... I'll be putting in twice the effort for the remainder of the week. I've just been SO BUSY lately.

In other news, I'm planning an updated grocery haul and I've tried a few new food items I want to share. Until next time.

Tiffany

Upper Body Home Workout

Things I am currently working on: my form while lifting weights.

I realize after the fact and counsel that I should of been in a 45 degree angle instead of tooting my booty up in a 90 degree. I hope I worked some part of my back while doing it incorrectly, otherwise... Big waste of time.

I gave my legs a break today and worked my upper body. I started with a simple jump rope warm-up and then worked my arms, shoulders, back, chest, and whatever muscle you work while dead lifing. :) I did 2 sets of 20 per exercise and two rounds. Finished by jump roping and stretching.

Tomorrow I'm due for a 3.5 mile run. Hopefully I can get out the house before the weather gets too hot, mainly for my son's sake. Or I'll have to go in the evening. I'd rather get it over with in the morning. It's 1 am now... I think I already know what time of day I'll be running. 

Did you workout today?

Peachtree Road Race Training Update

I haven't blogged my workouts in a while, but I've definitely been 'going hard in the paint' (lol). Seriously, I think I'm going on 4 weeks strong of running and cross training workouts. I haven't missed a long run and I've actually added 2 more cross training days than I have to. 

My DVDs got boring so I signed my baby up for the Kid's Club and have fallen back in love with the Body Works Plus Abs classes. I have been going so consistently that I have my favorite instructors now. I love that I am getting my strength training in and I can tell a huge difference.

This particular day, my husband and I warmed up by running around the track, did hill repeats for about 20 minutes, and then ran a mile around the trail. Afterwards we played around with the basketball. Well, I did more playing, he did more actual shooting the ball in the actual hoop. That's his domain, running is mine. "Coach" said I need to work on my range... uh, yea, that means what? :)

My Body Works instructors are no joke. I have one that is kind of old school. She starts the class up with a lot of cardio for the uncoordinated, smh. I don't really enjoy that part...because if you haven't guessed, I'm amongst the uncoordinated. The other 2-3 instructors I've taken are new school and the entire class is basically HIIT (high intensity interval training). With HIIT, you burn a lot more calories. In all of them you are lifting weights at the same time and doing core work. It's very important to have a strong core when you run long distances.

Besides the weekend of my family reunion, in which I went ALL IN. I've been doing pretty good with eating and eating 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. I recently started back up shopping at the farmer's market. PAUSE: I apologize if this blog post has a lot of info in it, but I haven't blogged in a while :)) I'm slowly transitioning my family into eating grassfed meats and purchasing local/organic produce. I'm trying to figure out how to do this while sticking to the same budget. 

My last long run, 5.5 miles was supposed to be 6 miles. I could of walked or ran slower on the treadmill to get to the 6, but I got a headache (need to practice my breathing), and towards the end I kept looking at my Nike+ app, so that broke the "zone" I was in. I already have a hard time running on the treadmill sometimes, and to get all the way to 5.5 (my longest run on a treadmill since 2012, I think) and to just stop half a mile short of my original goal...sucks. I ran on the hill setting on level 2 or 3. I hope this really simulated an outdoor run. PLEASE! I'll be back outdoors later today for a 30-40 minute recovery run to test my legs and endurance. I always get nervous about my next outdoor run after I've run on the treadmill. Another reason I don't prefer the dreadmill. But hey! Check out those negative splits!

Speaking of legs (see, blog post about EVERYTHING TODAY), I can actually barely walk. I took a Body Work Class Friday evening, walked 1.5 mile Saturday morning, ran those 5.5 miles, and then walked another hour around the zoo in hard flip flops. Despite, I do still need to run today, but Monday I will be giving my lower half a break. This probably means I need to skip out on Body Works and go lift Monday. We'll see how I feel because I really still am uncomfortable lifting alone with all of those dudes. lol. It's true and I know I'm not the only female who thinks this way. :-P

Well, I think that takes care of my "catch up". Less than a month until race day.

-Tiffany