An update in pictures

I promise for full race recaps and a huge trip report later. Happy Monday!

2:40:46

And I ran the entire first ten miles in 1:59:08, no walk breaks. Off to eat dinner with Cinderella!

Quick update from the 'World

Husband PR'd at the Royal family 5K this morning in 30:32! The race was very much fun - the World showcase is hillier than I realized! We then had the worst restaurant meal I've had in a long time (Via Napoli), so we're trying to decide where to go for dinner to make up for it. Then an early evening to get ready for a 2am wakeup. Good luck to everyone running tomorrow, and hope is all is well for each and every one of you.

I couldn't have made it through this journey feeling this good about everything without your support. Love and hugs!

We're off

I'm sitting at the airport with my perfect oatmeal and a cafe Americano. We had a major snowstorm on the hour drive to the airport, but we safely made it and have checked in through security. Good vibes and prayers to everyone else traveling today! I'm a little nervous about flying - wish us luck!

Randokm question: we saw a tiny dog being carried through security today.Neither the dog or the personn seemed concerned. Do all dogs get scanned?

Reflection and Prediction

Race day is almost here! I wanted to do a recap of my training, and what I think I did differently compared to my first two halfs.

The "Good":

• I did speedwork, at least weekly, for the first time ever. My 1 mile best is down almost a minute from October
• I avoided injury, minus itchy-foot thing, which isn't really an injury
• I found long run fueling that I feel confident about

The "Bad":

• I missed a long run due to last week's stomach flu
• I didn't get as many long-long runs as I wanted. My longest has been around 2:20 in time

The "I don't know":

• I cross trained alot. Strength training, Zumba, ellipitical, core work, and yoga. I know I am in better shape overall than I ever have been: my aerobic ability and my core strength are way better than they were in December. What I don't know: if running only (like I did last time) or this mix will make me a better half marathon. I do know it keeps me from being achy (and getting hurt) and that in itself makes it worthwhile

I hate to share a time goal with you. Because then whatever time I finish I will have to publicly compare to the goal. But 2011 for me is about being brave. So here it is.

My first half I completed in 2:56:54. My second, on trails, took 3:15. This goal: 2:50. Six minutes faster, which I know is a *ton* of time in the running world.

We fly out at 7 in the morning - wish me luck!

48 Hours and counting!

Our flight for Disney leaves at 7:10 Friday morning! We'll be landing at MCO, then taking the Magical Express to our hotel. I'm nervous about that whole process (anyone done it before and want to provide advice), but excited to be going!

Last night, I ran a speedy mile (10:13) and did some ab work between work and school. My packing for Disney is close to being done, but I still have some last minute running around and house cleaning to get in tonight.

My foot is . . .better. Sometimes. Or worse. Just generally uncomfortable.

Husband is trying doing his own pre-race prep this week: he's running the royal family 5k at Disney with me the day before the half. It will be his 3rd 5k, and I think he's getting fairly excited, too.

What are your last minute race tips?

Updates and an Overshare

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I still feel a little funny, but overall think I'm through with this stomach flu issue. Friday night, husband and I went to the Y, and I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 20 on the stationary bike. Saturday, husband worked and I was off, so I had the whole day to clean out my closet, run errands, and start to pack for Disney. I was able to get rid of three large garbage bags full of clothes and shoes, donated to a charity that my brother in law runs through his church.

I also got in my last long run before Princess - an easy-paced 2 hour run. I ended up on a course that was super hilly, and probably walked more than I would have liked, but the weather was gorgeous and overall the run wasn't bad.

Yesterday I went to church with my mom, made some muffins, and went to work at 2:00.

Okay, time for the overshare.WARNING: foot-related. May want to skip if grossed out by feet.
 On Thursday night I noticed a little itchy place in between my two middle toes on my left foot. Didn't really think anything about it. By Friday afternoon, there was a big red place and an itch that was horrible. I covered it in cortizone cream, and it went away. But Saturday night, I woke in the middle of the night with an itchy burning sensation that kept me away for 4 hours. Now, its less itchy, more buring, and has several raised white "blisters" in the red spot between the toes. I bought some "Zeabsorb" foot powder from a reccommendation by the husband, who has all sorts of foot issues. This is making me crazy - and only 6 days before the race! My best guess is that it's athlete's foot or some related issue. Any treatment suggestions? I've really stepped up the wash-and-dry-and-put-on-clean-socks routine in the past two days. What would you do?

Back in the land of the living (almost)

It's been three days since the stomach hit both me and the husband, and I almost feel okay today. I was able to do a 1 mile run and bike three last night, and getting a good sweat in definately helped me keep my sanity. My diet? The only thing that has sounded good is fountain Coke (really 1/2 diet, 1/2 reg), so I've about four of those in the past three days, and last night was able to eat a plain chicken breast subway on wheat.

I have Saturday off this weekend, and am going to tackle three major things:
 - Clean out my closet, donate anything that doesn't fit/I don't like/ is really too worn out to wear
 - Bathe the dogs
 - Go shopping - get everything I need for Princess and fill in the holes in my wardrode

What are your weekend plans?

Posting is on hold for today

Due to the worst stomach flu of my life. Will have recaps of Vday dinner and of a tempo run later. Hope all is good in your lives!

I'm guest blogging!

Check out my post at Run Court Run!

Running low

Last night the weather the gorgeous: 47 and sunny. I got home fairly early, changed clothes, and headed out for what should have been a fabulous run. And my legs simple said "No." They were tired from walking around at work for 11 hours, from speed work on Friday night (2 miles in 22:14), and from being two weeks away from a half. And my Ipod was dead. So I scrapped the plan for a long run, and did something different: I picked a trail that is 1.5 miles start to finish, and ran it as an out-and-back. The first time, I did it walking 30 seconds and running one minute. On the way back, I ran five minutes, walked one. I finished in 34:17, not bad. I still need two longish runs to feel comfortable at princess, so hopefully I can fit them in later this week and next weekend.

What do you do when your body says "No" to running?

Yesterday's Eats and Valentine shopping

Yesterday I worked 9 hours and still got home by 2:30pm. My mom and I then did some shopping I got the husband's Valentine present: his very own navy blue yoga mat, as well as a yellow and hot pink tank to complete my outfit for the half at Princess. I also replenshied my running fuel stocking of TriBerry Gu and sports beans, and picked up a Berry Clif Shot to try. We then hit up Vicky's for some new underroos (does the word underwear embarass anyone else? Or am I 12?) and went to the grocery. I had one grocery mission in mind: get food to eat at work. That isn'y candy.

My eats yesterday:
Randomly grazed while at work: Large diet coke, 2 pretzel rods, 1 mini tootsie roll, 3 hershey kisses
1:00 Smoothie with a banana, frozen strawberries, milk, and ice
2:45 8oz chocolate milk
7:30 The best dinner I have ever cooked

I did an early VDay dinner for the husband last night, and made Shrimp Scampi and garlic bread. Seriously, the best scampi I have ever had, and I order scampi whenever it's on the menu. I recently found the blog How Sweet It Is (here) and am in love with her writing and her recipes. I used her scampi recipe, but cut the amount of butter in half, used frozen shrimp, and use white onion instead of scallions. AMAZING. Make it now - even for breakfast.

What are your Valentine's Day Plans?

Last Night

I was at work four full hours later than planned, and had to run an errand for my boss after I left. I ended up making it unplanned rest day (and I have to say I feel a little guilty about that).

For the next day or two, I'm still going to post whatever I eat, without trying to make major changes. Then next week I'll try to address the issues (like lack of actual food) this is making evident.

3:00 Pretzel rod
6:00 8oz chocolate milk
7:30 Five guys hot dog loaded, 1/3 of a small french fry, 1/2 diet coke mixed with 1/2 Mello Yello

Can I simply express my love for Five Guys? I know it's not the healthiest option, but for a "cheat" meal, it's probably my top choice! The one in my area only opened in August and is already super busy.

What's your favorite burger joint?

Three Things Thursday

Right now, I'm loving:

• the High Fidelity musical soundtrack
• Worst Cooks in America on Food Network
• Nars lipgloss in Orgasm - best color and texture

What are you loving this week?

The rest of my eats

I can't thank you enough for all the kind and supporting comments! Food is something that makes me feel super vunerable, but I really sharing everything you all will be a huge tool.

Yesterday:
1:00pm Smoothie with spinach, strawberries, banana, chocolate designer whey, water, and ice
 The husband decided to brave the 21 degree weather (it's 3 today, so that was heat wave!) and run 3 miles of serious hills with me yesterday. We finished in 33:54.
6:30 Mexican restuarant: chips, salsa, cheese sauce. Three shredded beef tacos with onion and lettuce

This morning:
5:00 Diet coke, Cliff Protein Bar
9:00 1 Tagalong  - anyone super excited that it's Girl Scout Cookie season?
 I knew today would be crazy - I have an auditor in at work all day, so nothing since 5! Getting ready to have my smoothie now.

I have zumba tonight - I didn't go last week and really missed it.
What;s your favorite Girl Scout Cookie? I like to freeze the Thins Mints and eat then cold, esp. crumbled up into things, like ice cream or oat meal.

Let's be honest about something

I really struggle with my relationship with food. I haven't posted February progress pictures because, well, frankly, there' s not been a whole lot of progess. I am in probably the best physical fitness level of my life, and yet still not losing significant amounts of weight. And I know why - I just can seem to make myself fix it. I am stress/emotion eater. Bad day? Ice cream! Yup, that's me. And there has been some not so good life stuff for me lately, and I have self medicated with food.

Here's to trying to do the right things. I know banning foods doesn't work me, and counting calories just makes me really crazy, but I'm going to try share(in list or maybe photo) everything I eat for a few days and see how that goes. I apologize in advance for the crazy morning menu. I'd really like to be 160ish by my 25th birthday in May. Here we go - don't judge.

2:30 am 8 oz low fat chocolate milk
4:00 am Large diet coke, Cadburry egg, mini Reese cup (at work)
8:00 Cherry Pie Luna bar
11:00 Diet coke

Maybe part of the issue is that there's no "real food" in this?
Do you count calories or track your food intake?

Down Dogs

Hope everyone had a good Monday!
The husband went with me to yoga again last night  - I may have convinced him it's a worthwhile workout! We did a 60 minute hot fusion class and while it was fun, it was super-focused on balancing poses, and my ankles are feeling it today!

I've been trying to rework my racing schedule for the year to account for marathon training, and even though it's early, have started looking at marathon plans. The other big thing I need to do: figure out what I'm wearing for Princess, which is only 3 weeks away!!

How do you choose race outfits?

A change of plans . . .

I know I said the goal for the year was 11 halfs for 2011. But I've changed my plan. After Princess, I'm planning on a few spring 5ks, a May half, and . . .
                       Training for the 2011 Chicago Marathon!

I just registered. Thank you so much to all you strong and beautiful ladies who have led by example and given me the courage to do this.

You know it's snowy when . .

You plan your long run to include two chance to change your socks. We got about three inches snow, but then it warmed up to 37, and left all the sidewalks covered in slush. At one point I stepped ina puddle up to my shin. I begged and pleaded with a co worker to work tonight for me, so I got an entire day off today. I was able to spend four hours doing homework, run, and do quite a bit of laundry.
I ate lunch in the library food court, something I have done a million times as a undergrad and then while in grad school for my first master's. It was different this time though: instead of immediately getting a sausage pizza or chicken strips, I found myself reading labels, drinking diet Coke, and choosing a chicken wrap with no dressing. And no sour patch kids or iced cookies either.
    My run went really well. I think I'm finally found a GU flavor I can tolerate - Tri Berry - though I can't figure out how to eat while running - advice, ladies? I did 9.68 miles in slush in 2:09:58, a speed I am very proud of and that makes me really good about Princess.My ankles felt a little weak around about 1:45, but don't hurt to bad now. My evening plans include watching Heavy and Toddler and Tiaras, drinking G2 Gatorade, and fighting serious postrun queasies (I tried the pepto trick, and it still didn't help). Hope you're warm and snow-free where you are!

3 Things Thursday

A new blog series is starting here today! I'd like to take Thursdays and share three things I'm currently loving with you guys.

1. Chocolate chip cookie dough lara bars

2. Hot yoga, especially since the Y has been closed for the past two days, and the ice outside has made running impossible. The husband was stir crazy enough to try his first class last night!

3. Heavy on A&E. Great, realistic weight loss show.

What are your current obsessions?

Ice Ice Baby

Hope everyone is staying warm during this wintery mess! We only got about 1 inch of ice, and though it's snowing a little, we missed the brunt of the storm. The Y was closed last night, though, so I ended up with an unplanned (but much appreciated) rest day. Even my class was cancelled due to bad forecasts. How much snow did you get?

I have to say I am very seriously contemplating Chicago. It would change up my running goals (eliminating some of the fall halfs), but I feel like this race is so special . . . I don't know. I would like to run with a charity - have any of you done a race with a charity group? The only thing that scare me is the 6:30 cut off time (a 14:54 mile pace), but I feel like I have plenty of time to train to be able to come in around 5:30 or 5:45. How do you decide what races to do?

Off to work for the afternoon, then hopefully to get a good run in at the Y. Stay warm!

Chicago 2011

Registration opened today . . . and is calling my name. Maybe 2011 should be the year of the marathon . .
Have you run Chicago? Help me decide what to do - the entrance fee is crazy(!) but it seems so awesome!

Good morning!

The weather had forecasted a "catastrophic ice storm" for my area, but luckily all we got was a about a 1/2 inch of ice and lots of rain.
Here's a quick recap of my past few days:
Sunday - work, 3 mile run in 32:14 with hubby, pizza for dinner
Monday: work, school, 45 minutes on the Arc Trainer, 20 minutes on the seated ellipitical, abs

The Arc Trainer is a new piece of equipment for me.

The biggest difference between this and a standard ellipitcal is that your knees stay slightly bent the entire rotation, like in a mini-squat position. I'm always looking for ways to work my legs muscles differently than running - but this is way different. I'm basically walking like I just off a horse today!

Princess is less than a month away! I have half my outfit for the half figured out, and a good idea of what I'm going to wear for the 5K. I'm getting a little panicked, but hopefully making a packing list later today will help!

Are you an overpacker or an underpacker?

I tend to take everything I could ever possibly need. The husband would only take one pair of socks for a week if I let him.