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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Half-Marathon Training, Week 2

 

Half-Marathon Training, Week 2

So far, so good. Week 2 of half-marathon training for the Chicago Half Marathon was successful in that I trained four days out of the week and increased my running mileage by 10 percent. That percentage is my goal for increasing mileage each week of the 12-week training process. Week 3 will be tricky because my oldest nephew, who just graduated from high school, will be visiting us in Chicago for a long weekend, so I will be busy showing him around the city. My short-term goal is to stay on track while making time for family. I also need to get back on track with strength training.

Here’s how last week went down:

Monday: 2-mile treadmill run. It was muggy and I didn’t want to run outside.

Tuesday: Stretching.

Wednesday: 2-mile run on the treadmill. It was another rainy and busy day, so I had to fit it in somehow. I did incline intervals to challenge myself. I missed group training this week because we needed to run some errands regarding our condo repairs and that was a priority for me.

Thursday: 2-mile run on the treadmill. Again, I fit it in where I could.

Friday: Rest.

Saturday: Rest. I had planned to run my 5-miler this day but I was exhausted from running errands that morning and was recovering from some back pain I felt on Friday. I did 30 minutes of yoga that evening.

Sunday: 5 miles. It was a beautiful day in Chicago and the temperature was ideal for running. I felt great and motivated, though that wind kept slowing me down. I had a delicious meal of breakfast tacos earlier so I had tons of energy to burn.

Week’s mileage: 11

Reflections:

It’s amazing how much more inspired I’ve been feeling simply by knowing that I can do this and I have the tools I need for success. When you invest in yourself, you can have the confidence to know you can accomplish your goals. I have invested in child care, running coaches/a training schedule and time for myself, and I know it will pay off.

I hope that if you’re reading this and you have a goal, whether it’s running a race, hiking a certain trail, or feeling better in your clothes, you just have to put that intention out there, focus on it, act on it and it will happen. Feel grateful that the results are coming and you will be rewarded.

Quote for your day: “The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.” -Rumi

Previous Recap:

Half-marathon training, Week 1

How to Start Running

 

**This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links.

My lack of fitness motivation earlier this year got me thinking about why I started running in the first place. Before 2011 I was not interested in working out or running — at all. I couldn’t finish a mile if my life depended on it. I was not in a good place in my life at all, and I needed to prove to myself that I could set a goal and accomplish it. I was inspired by runner friends and a desire to love myself to start running. It has changed my life!

I’ve recently started to regain my motivation to train for another half-marathon. This inspired me to share my tips on how to start running.

You just have to start. 

When I began, running felt awful, but I kept going. I didn’t invest in fancy new running shoes right away; I just worked with what I had. I searched for a running schedule online and followed it. It was as simple as that.

A key to starting is to establish your why. This is going to push you through the times when you doubt yourself and want to quit.

If I were just starting out now, I’d know about many more resources available than I did back then. I just learned on my own with occasional advice from runner friends. If you want professional advice, I would find training that involves cardio at places such as Orangetheory Fitness, or you can hire a trainer if your budget allows. You can also sign up for group training for races (Mine was only $35 for 12 weeks.). It’s much more affordable than one-on-one coaching and you will find new runner friends. If in-person coaching is not in the budget, you can also find free running groups on Meetup.com. In addition, you’ll free resources online: Blogs, fitness websites and YouTubers can all offer valuable advice. Search for running form class or workshops in your area (usually at local running shoe stores) if you want advice on proper form.


What you need to get started:

  • A good pair of running shoes. I found that I didn’t have any issues when I had the right size and fit of shoe. I consulted a longtime runner who worked at a running store in Phoenix to find the right shoes for me. He’s the one who suggested going up half a size when I was having issues with my toenails, and he was so right. I have since always purchased a half size larger in running shoes. Some runners think losing toenails is a badge of courage, but it really shouldn’t be happening. Look into insoles as well.
  • Good running socks. All socks are not made equally. Cheap socks have resulted in blisters for me in the past. Don’t make this mistake!
  • Moisture-wicking running clothes.
  • Sunglasses or hat, lip balm and sunscreen (or weather-appropriate clothing).
  • A hydration system that works for you. I have tried hand-held water bottles, water bottle belts, hydration packs and using the water fountains along my path.
  • Hair ties.
  • If you intend to listen to music, you’ll need an armband or Flipbelt to hold your phone, as well as headphones. The key is have the volume at a low level or only wear one earbud, because you need to be able to hear someone calling out “On your left” or whatever else.
  • Headlamp/lights or reflective gear if running at dusk/dawn or night. In any race where you have to run at night and around traffic, you typically run on the opposite side of the street, facing traffic so you can see it.
Running Tips

 

Websites for runners:

These sites offer information for runners and fitness lovers.
Running Tips
What websites would you add?

Rules of the road:

The following are little rules, or etiquette tips, that I have learned over the years.

  • Stay to the right. When passing, do so on the left, and say out loud, “On your left” to let the person you are passing know. This is to prevent any accidents or to avoid startling someone. (Also to maintain order in what can be a chaotic world. haha! But really, sometimes running paths can be crowded, and this helps.)
  • Always pay attention to your surroundings, whether it’s cyclists, strollers, walkers, golf carts, whatever. Don’t just suddenly stop or change directions without looking around. Same goes for people who blow their nose (snot rockets) on the road!
  • On crowded paths or trails, run behind your partner instead of crowding the entire walkway.
  • If you ask someone to run with you and he or she is a slower runner than you, don’t leave him or her in the dust unless you discussed previously that you’d each run at your own paces. It’s just rude!
  • Help each other out. Cheer for other runners and help anyone you notice is in trouble. The running community is so wonderful to be a part of.
What tips would you add?

 

Training tips for a half- or full marathon:

(See the running page on my blog for more training posts.)
  • Combine strength training and yoga/stretching into your plan.
  • Hire a coach or go on group runs if possible.
  • Don’t do anything too crazy the week of the race. That means eating irregular foods or trying new workouts.
  • Test out pre-run meals, hydration and energy gels/ chews/products during long runs and do so multiple times.
  • Run in all weather conditions, unless it’s completely dangerous (lighting, severe storms, etc.), because it just might rain on race day. (I don’t always follow this, but it really is for the best.)
  • Seek professional advice on the right shoe for you.
  • Don’t ignore pains/injuries. Get them checked out and do something about them.
  • Do a test run in your race day outfit, preferably more than once.
  • Don’t give up or be too hard on yourself.
  • Add some hill runs/workouts to the mix.

How to find motivation:

Related post: Gaining back motivation to work out

  • Connect with other runners on social media. Follow runners and read running/fitness blogs.
  • Go on group runs or run with a friend.
  • Hire a trainer or coach.
  • Watch YouTube videos on fitness and running.
  • Read running/fitness magazines.
  • Replace your old running shoes.
  • Get some cute new running clothes.
  • Take your kiddo along for a family jog in the running stroller.
  • Schedule time to run. Hire that babysitter and free a block of time.
  • Create a new running playlist. Subscribe to running playlists on Spotify.
  • Create a running vision board or Pinterest board.
  • Participate in workout/fitness challenges.
  • Reward yourself (in moderation/in healthy ways).
  • Set short- and long-term goals.

Hashtags for motivation and connecting with runners:

#fitfluential
#RagnarTraining
#marathontraining
#fitgirl
#halfmarathontraining
#RunChi
#runnerproblems
#running
#MondayMotivation
#SundayRunday

What hashtags do you use?

Best races I have run:

  • Chicago Marathon: This was my second marathon but it’s in a city I have grown to love. The crowd was incredible, and I’m talking about both the spectators and the runners.
  • Kentucky Derby Marathon: It was my first marathon. I felt so touched that Graham’s family came to watch and support me.
  • Chicago Spring and Fall Half Marathons: The medals are the best I’ve seen, and again, they are in a great city.
  • Phoenix Half Marathon:The course is gorgeous and it’s at a nice time of year in Phoenix.
  • Ragnar Relay: I have run a Ragnar race four times: threes time at the Ragnar Del Sol and once at Ragnar McDowell Mountain. It’s an incredibly challenging race, but it’s also unforgettable and fun.

Related running posts:

Running favorites:

Garmin Vivosmart HR

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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 (various colors, I have purple)

 

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Flipbelt (various colors)

 

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What running tips would you add?

Half-Marathon Training Update | Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission for purchases through these links.

Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless Headphones, Garmin vivosmart HR, gray capri leggings (old) and Yogo Athletica top (found at Marshalls)

I had planned to run a half marathon yesterday.

If you’ve read this blog recently, you might remember seeing four half-marathon training updates and reflections. After a late start, I was finally on track and preparing for the Chicago Spring Half Marathon on May 21. I was able to do all my midweek workouts throughout training, but the long runs seemed impossible to complete.

I was trying to do everything: Freelance writing, working full-time, being a full-time work-from-home mom with little help, editing YouTube videos, planning a third birthday party — the list goes on. I found myself worn out and constantly stressed. I would write my running schedule in my planner, schedule a sitter and set aside the time, but then life kept disrupting my plans. One weekend I could not schedule a sitter because it was Easter and they were busy or booked. The gym with daycare was closed and Graham worked late. The next weekend I planned to run in Phoenix before Victoria’s birthday party, but I spent the entire time with the worst sinus infection of my life. (I powered through the party.) The next weekend I planned to complete my long run of 10 miles (I at least wanted to do that before the race.), but then a fire at our apartment building caused a power outage that lasted three days. I didn’t feel right keeping Victoria in the apartment with no electricity, even with a sitter, so I took her to the zoo instead and we spent most of the weekend at my friend’s house. By the next weekend I just knew: Yes, I can complete this race with little training, but I don’t want to half-ass it. It’s not who I am.

This experience reminded of something: You can do anything but not everything. With that in mind, I decided to defer my race entry to 2018. I am already signed up for the Chicago Fall Half Marathon in September, so that will be my next race.

As soon as I gave myself a break, I noticed a difference in my motivation and how I feel about my body. I have run almost every day since, either on the treadmill or outdoors. I actually want to work out and run. I am not stressed about planning my workouts; I just fit them in when I can. I feel excited to start PROPERLY training for my race in the fall.

Here’s what I plan to do differently:

  • Interview more sitters to have more backup options when one cancels or isn’t available.
  • Use the gym with daycare more and cancel other memberships.
  • Sign up for group half-marathon training with the coaches who prepared me for the Chicago Marathon. It starts June 21 and I can’t wait!
  • Go to at least one group run per month.
  • When life gets in the way of running, practice more yoga.
  • Focus on one thing at a time. If I know I have a big running week, I’m not going to make a bunch of social plans or to try to freelance write/blog. 
  • Take Victoria on short jogs in the running stroller.
  • Use my apartment building’s treadmill to run after Victoria goes to bed, if all else fails.
  • Re-evaluate my why. The reason I want to do another half is to meet or improve my race time, show myself I can still be a runner while being a mom, and set a good example for Victoria. It’s also my moving motivation, or at least it was when it didn’t feel like a chore. I want to get back to thinking of running and working out as a joy.

While post centers on my struggles with fitting my running goals in with my busy mom and career life, I hope you can take away some lessons from this.

  • Single tasking is better than multitasking.
  • Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s easy to compare ourselves with social media fitness gurus, but you have to remember fitness is a full-time job for most of them. Yes, they can fit workouts in because that’s what they do for a living. A typical person often has to plan carefully to make sure he or she can work out/do whatever it is he or she loves.
  • You are stronger than you think.
  • Get creative to fit in your fitness. (I plan to share tips I learn along the way.)
  • Plan, but go with the flow when it’s disrupted.
  • Incorporate your child/family/friends into your workouts. (Read about our toddler and mom yoga class.)

Related Fitness posts:

Fitness Clothing Picks**:


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Gaining Back Motivation to Work Out | Half-Marathon Training

** This post contains affiliate links.
Yoga pants by 90 Degrees by Reflex (similar)**; C9 sports bra (similar)**; Fabletics headband**; Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 shoes**

In October I became a work-from-home parent, and the adjustment period has taken a toll on my fitness motivation. Keeping up with a toddler is a workout in itself, am I right?! I’ve skipped workout after workout recently and I find myself in a rut. My half-marathon training was set to begin March 1, yet it’s three weeks later and I have only run 11.35 miles. My excuses to skip runs or fitness classes include but aren’t limited to: Chicago weather, getting sick, back and shoulder pain and prioritizing family time over fitness. The real reason I have been slacking on training, though, is simple: I have lost motivation.

The Chicago Spring Half Marathon is May 21, which is in nine weeks. It’s really now or never: I need to start seriously training. I want to re-prioritize fitness because working out is a key part of my physical and mental well-being. In an effort to burst out of this rut, I’m sharing ways I plan to regain motivation when the gym is the last thing I want to do.

  • Read fitness blogs. I find that I am inspired when I read a fitness blog post or watch a vlog. The passion can be contagious. Surround yourself with motivational influences.
  • Write down a specific workout and time in your planner. When I list something in my planner, I MUST do it. If you’re the same way, scheduling a class in advance may give you the necessary jolt.
  • Find a buddy. My friend and I were discussing our lack of motivation this weekend and we asked ourselves, why haven’t we worked out together yet?! I have no problem canceling workouts I plan myself, but I can’t imagine canceling on a friend.
  • Make it a family affair. Lately there have been days when I don’t want to leave the house for an 8 p.m. workout (the only time I can go sometimes) because I want to be back in time to put Victoria to bed and read her a story. We recently bought a running stroller, and I am counting down the days until I can take her with me on short jogs in nice weather. (Plus I won’t need to save my running for so late in the day and can instead do them during my lunch break.) Graham has also expressed an interest in training for a race together, during which we can motivate each other.
  • Create a new playlist. Every season I put together a running playlist on Spotify. I get excited about uninterrupted time to listen to new music and current favorites. (Stay tuned for a new running playlist!)
  • Compile a vision board on Pinterest or on actual paper. Use motivational quotes, images and workout plans as inspiration. Visualize the results you want to see. Remind yourself why you work out in the first place.
  • Try new workouts, running routes, class times, teachers/trainers. Mixing it up in some way keeps your workouts exciting and interesting. Take the most scenic running path! Sign up for a different group fitness class! Grab a new pair of colorful leggings! Try a different style of yoga! 
  • Wear a fitness tracker daily and track meals. Seeing your progress can give you a boost of confidence. It’s also fun to hit that daily step goal!
  • Keep a workout journal (take photos of yourself or share your workouts on social media). Write down how you feel before, during and after. Share your successes and failures to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. Ask yourself if there’s something to be grateful for about the workout process and find an inspiring community via hashtags (#fitspo, #fitfluential, #MondayMotivation, etc.). Also, photos can help yourself see progress over time that isn’t always obvious to ourselves.
  • Set out your cute new workout clothes. Updating your worn-out athletic gear makes you want to work out! I recently got the pink/purple leggings above and am so excited to wear them more often.
How do you stay motivated? Share your tips in the comments to help each other out!

Phoenix Virtual Half Marathon 2016

Just after Thanksgiving, I signed up for a virtual half-marathon. I was feeling a little lost since the Chicago Marathon. I wondered, what’s next? The Phoenix Half Marathon was offering its virtual race to earn the first of five medals that will form the Copper Star: one large, amazing medal that will take five years to put together. 

I was in. I wasn’t in Phoenix for the first race earlier in 2016, so I signed up for the virtual half-marathon with plans to run it in Chicago by Dec. 31, 2016. 

I don’t know what I was thinking.
I guess I didn’t expect Chicago to be so frigid in December because up until that point the weather had been mild. It may have been wishful thinking. Soon we had days in which the wind chill made the real feel -17 degrees or so, according to my weather app. There was no way I was running outside. I spent the month training at Orangetheory at least twice a week, with an occasional yoga class. I found myself on New Year’s Eve morning debating whether I should attempt to run the 13.1 miles with few outside running miles since November and early December. (I haven’t been running outside regularly since I trained for the Chicago Marathon, actually.) December 31 was the last day to submit my time to the Phoenix Half Marathon. It was a now or never moment. Sure, I could have run the half-marathon on my own in Phoenix when I visit this month, but I would have not met my December goal, and I could not let that happen. I am someone who has to accomplish something once I write it down. I have to cross it off my list.
So I layered up, threw on my running hat and gloves, and ran out the door. The run was sunny at first, which gave the illusion of warmth. That wind, though. The wind took my breath away. I tried to stay calm, keeping my pace as slow as possible. It was about 11:30 minute/mile for the majority of the time. Needless to say, I wasn’t doing this to beat a time PR. Something told me I just had to complete one more half-marathon in 2016. 
Quite a few people were on the Chicago Lakefront Trail that morning. I tried to keep my mind on my music, how grateful I am for this incredible year we’ve had, and the bright, cool running gear I saw other people wearing. I had to focus on anything other than the wind that was slapping my face for two and a half hours. It wasn’t even the windiest Chicago day, but it was enough to make 39 degrees feel much, much colder. (Let me remind you I am an Arizona baby.)
I completed my half-marathon with many thoughts running through my mind. Most of them involved blessings, hopes, plans and memories. I am glad I ran this race, even if I did it alone and in Chiberia, as Chicago is so aptly called. It reminded me that I have a lot to be thankful for, and I can accomplish anything I aim for in 2017. 


Happy new year, readers. I am grateful for each one of you.

2017: Making Moves | 2016 Recap Plus Goal-Setting Tips

** This post contains affiliate links. 

Graham and I set an intention every year, and every year we have been amazed by how it comes true. 2015 was the year of adventure. 2016 was the year of growth. And now 2017 will be about health and success. Our version of success is to be business owners and work for ourselves. We’ve already made headway: Step 1 was paying off nearly all of our debt in 2016. I am grateful and proud that we accomplished that. Step 2 is to make the necessary investments and build up our wealth. It’s scary. It’s exciting. It will probably take some time, but if we go for it, we could be living our dream in early 2018 — or sooner! Of course, to get there we need to make small steps to better ourselves. Breaking down that intention further, here are my 2017 goals:

2017 Goals:

  • Run a marathon. I missed the lottery for the 2017 Chicago Marathon, so I will wait to see which marathon seems like the best option. I would love to cheer for the Chicago runners or volunteer, though. 
  • Build up our savings for both emergency funds and a long-awaited international trip we’d like to take.
  • Make investments into our future business.
  • Go on an international trip as well as several trips out of state (road trips, visiting family and more). I’m thinking Orlando, Minneapolis, New York City and Seattle.
  • Take video editing and photography classes.
  • Volunteer at least once every quarter.

Whenever I set new goals I like to look back at what I have just accomplished. 2016 was the year of growth, and we certainly did that in every aspect of our lives. Graham and I progressed in our skills, we added a little one to our household and we each accomplished personal goals.

2016 highlights:

Top beauty posts of 2016:

I incorporated more beauty posts on Floradise because I became more interested in finding holy grail products that are cruelty-free. My monthly favorites posts became my way of sharing my findings and experiences.

Books to motivate you in 2017**:

Most of the books I like to read are autobiographies and self-improvement works. My favorites of the year:

Tips to set your 2017 goals:

It’s OK and great to be inspired by others, but don’t feel like you need to set 20 goals for the year because you saw someone else do it. It’s perfectly fine to set one goal or to set many. It’s also OK to break down larger goals into smaller ones. More tips from my post on setting goals:
Brainstorm and Analyze.
Create lists of what motivates you, want you desire out of life, etc.
Write down words that describe your priorities. Ideas: Friendship, love, money, music, strength, confidence, generosity, admiration, nature, laughter, comfort, travel, family. Identify the areas that are most important and use them to guide your goals.
Ask yourself: What do you want your life to look like? What are your passions?
Write down what you want to achieve. If it helps, break the goals down into categories for different parts of your life. (Career, health, personal, etc.)
Ask yourself why you want to achieve a certain goal? What’s the underlying desire?
What resources can you list to help you achieve your goal? (Trainer, friends, books, classes, etc.) Write them down.
What investments (of time or money or anything else) do you need to make? Identify them.

Dream big but make more realistic short-term goals to work toward that big goal.
Try to find a middle ground between setting too easy of a goal and too unattainable.
Leave fear out of the goal-setting process. It has no place in it.
Leave judgment out of goal-setting. You might be worried about what people think. Put your own thoughts of why you want to achieve the goal above all other opinions.
Do you have a goal that you think it’s too late for? Repeat this: It’s not too late! Write down reasons and ways it can still be achieved.

“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” -Lemony Snicket


Be specific.
Write down exactly what you want (when, with whom, and how). The more specific you can be the better.
Start with one or two main goals. Once you have your main goal(s), you can break those down into smaller milestone goals.
Remind yourself of your goal(s) and your “why.”
Write them down and display them around your desk, bedside, in your wallet, etc.
Make a vision board or create a Pinterest board.
Set reminders on your phone of your goals.
Share them with friends or on social media.
Surround yourself with people with a similar goal(s).
Meditate or pray about that goal. 
Schedule time for your goals.
Break your goals down to smaller goals and plan out when you can work toward each goal. 
Ask yourself: What small steps can I take today to bring me closer to achieving my goal? What can I do each week? Make working toward your goals a part of your daily to-do list.
What’s a realistic timetable for achieving your goal? Write down due dates. 
Practice single-tasking. For each day or each week, consider focusing on just one goal. Focus all of your energy on it until it’s accomplished, then move on to another goal/milestone.

Observe the changes/Hold yourself accountable.
Measure your success. This is why I check in with myself with my monthly goals. Where did you fall short and can you break that goal down even further into smaller steps?
Celebrate your successes and don’t beat yourself up about the failures. Try again. Adjust in areas where you didn’t hit your shorter-term goals, but keep working toward them.
Don’t compare yourself to others. This is YOUR journey.
When you’re feeling discouraged, think about times in your life that you overcame an obstacle. You can do this!

2016 races:

I ran more than 500 miles in 2016. While I did not run as many miles as I did in 2015, I can forgive myself because the difference was 50 or fewer miles, and I had a hectic October and November that included bringing home a toddler. I managed to cut my half-marathon time and I completed my second marathon. I trained differently for my races and the hard work paid off. 
My recaps:

Favorites for Fitness in 2017**

If, like me, you have fitness goals in 2017, you might be thinking about investing in workout attire. I’ve had my eye on new fitness gear in the hopes Santa would bring me some for Christmas. While he did bring me some amazing gifts, workout clothing was not one of them. I’m instead putting these on my upcoming birthday wish list:

C9 Champion Sweater Fleece Top in Vivid Violet 

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C9 Champion Women’s Freedom Leggings in Plum

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Under Armour Mid Printed Sports Bra

Garmin Vivosmart HR + Fitness Band in Purple

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What are your goals for 2017? Share them with me in the comments, and thank you for supporting Floradise blog!

** This post contains affiliate links. 

Races That Will Challenge You

Runners looking for their next challenge have myriad options. Races are no longer limited to running on a road or trail, nor are they limited to a single day. Trying out a new and different race can add variety to your race calendar and test yourself in new ways. These can include obstacle, relay or mud races.

Are you ready for your next challenge?

Some of the toughest races I’ve heard about:

  • Ragnar Relay. I’ve done Ragnar four times; I’ve finished the Ragnar Del Sol three times and McDowell Mountain Ragnar Trail once. What is Ragnar? It’s a relay race of 12 runners in which you run about 200 miles. It starts on a Friday and takes until Saturday to finish. Some people get crazy with teams of six ultrarunners. My total mileage each time has ranged from 15 to 17.5 miles. It’s the most intense race I’ve participated in because you get no sleep and you run three times over 24 hours. In theory running three times sounds OK, but when you’re sore and stuffed into a van with five other sweaty runners for a night, things get a little tricky. It’s also a ton of fun, and you really bond with your teammates in a short time. Ragnars have popped up around the country, including a new one in Hawaii!
  • Spartan Race. I haven’t tried this obstacle race yet, but it intrigues me. Spartan Races, which have varying distances, even scare me a little, but I think one would be a fun challenge. Races range from Sprint for beginners to Beast, which is the most difficult of the three types. They are held around the country.
  • Tough Mudder. The 5-12 mile races incorporate mud into the fray. There’s also a 24-hour challenge that I can imagine is quite the battle! This race is also held around the U.S. I often see people with Tough Mudder shirts on the Lakefront Trail in Chicago.
  • Your first half or full marathon (or for beginners, any race really). The first half or full marathon is the toughest because you don’t know what to expect. Training consumes your life for months and then anything can happen on race day. But you can’t beat the feeling of crossing that finish line to meet a goal you’ve set for yourself. My first marathon was the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon in Louisville.
  • Goofy Challenge and the Dopey Challenge. One of my good friends completed this challenge over the past few years and I was seriously impressed. What is it? You run a half-marathon one day and a full marathon the next day. Disney races are popular, so you want to sign up as early as possible. Want to test yourself even more? You can do the Dopey Challenge, in which you run a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon over the course of four days. These races are also a fun way to turn your race into a vacation, because you can also explore Disney World. How fun is that?

Have you run any of these intense races? How did it go?

*Affiliate link included.

Seen at the Chicago Marathon 2015

If you need inspiration to run or work out, go to a race like the Chicago Marathon as a spectator. After my first marathon I doubted I would ever run another, but watching and cheering for these runners made me want to sign up for the race next year. 

I watched the race from Mile 8 in Lakeview. I hoped to see my running friend, but my eyes could not move fast enough to keep up with the crowds of runners whizzing past me. Instead, I cheered for random people who had their names on their shirts. I high-fived about 15 sweaty, pumped-up strangers. I yelled “Lookin’ good!” and “Keep going!” and whatever generic encouragement popped into my head. Being a spectator is harder than I thought it would be. 

I saw Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, a pizza, a hot dog, and a man who had painted himself green and wore a green tutu. I saw a man who was partially blind being led by another runner. And I saw countless energetic, dedicated and all-around badass runners. Congratulations to all finishers!

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My Worst Half-Marathon Performance

I wasn’t expecting miracles out of my Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon experience, but I did think I would finish in about two hours and 15 minutes. Just before the race, the announcer said something like, “This is not the race for a PR. It’s a race to have fun.”

We had been hearing about the heat index in Chicago all weekend, so I tempered my expectations a bit. My plan was to stick to the 2:10 pace team for as long as I felt comfortable. That didn’t last long.

I felt sticky from the moment I crossed the start line. We ran over a bridge, immediately dispelling my belief that there are no hills to run in Chicago. We crossed many of them.

I heeded the advice to enjoy the run, stopping to take a photo in front of the Chicago Theater and giving high-fives to children along the route.

I took every cup of water, ran through every hose, grabbed ice at every opportunity and looked for the cooling stations. I stayed in the shade as much as possible. At Mile 5, I was passed by the 2:20 pace team. I was drenched in sweat and battling negative thoughts, so I decided then to just have as much fun as possible, forgetting about time.

Around Mile 9, I seriously considered crossing to the other side of the cones to skip part of the course. I didn’t, of course. We soon turned east, running toward the sun. It was impossible to stay cool. I grabbed my first Gu and walked a bit.

I was extremely relieved to turn north toward Grant Park. The DJ pointed toward the finish as he danced. I enjoyed myself for a bit. I Periscoped for 3 minutes as I took one of many walking breaks. As I moseyed along, I noticed several people in need of medical attention. A woman was passed out on the course. A group of runners surrounded her. Another man looked like his legs were severely cramping. Yet another runner approached the medical team, who gave her a cold bottle of water. The cold, sponges around Mile 10 were a much-needed treat. On one of the final hills, I saw a runner being pulled by her friend.

I finally started jogging again a half-mile from the finish line. As soon as I crossed, I saw a guy who appeared to have blurred vision being helped by a friend. I rushed to get water, a sports drink, Popsicles, a wet towel and a bagel. The Popsicles were exactly what I needed.

My time was 2:37, the longest it has ever taken me to finish a half-marathon. Despite the heat, the views along the course made it a memorable experience. What’s most important is I listened to my body, something yoga has taught me. In that regard the race was a success.

Happy Monday!

Adventure Run Chicago, June 2015 Edition

The odds were in my favor last night. I came away from the Adventure Run Chicago with a month of free yoga from Yoga Six in Lincoln Park, two entrees from Smash Burger and a one-hour massage from Massage Envy. I was one of those people who say they never win anything — until last night.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. I met several members of my running group at the Road Runner Sports store beforehand to try to score some extra tickets. I did five burpees and wore a butterfly mask for more tickets; the theme of the month was “Junebugs,” and a mud-run type race gave tickets for the burpees. I had the option of trying out Newton shoes for the run, but I didn’t. Our group usually runs with the pacer, which also nets us extra tickets. The secret checkpoint was adjacent to the store, and I had prepared by looking up the secret word to get our raffle tickets. (It was the name of one of the organizations Newton helps, Trickle Up.)

The stops were similar to the April run; they included Derby, Massage Envy, Yoga Six, Exercise Coach, My Fit Foods and Smash Burger. The most creative ways to earn more tickets were at Smash Burger (hopscotch); Yoga Six (take a photo of a yoga pose); and My Fit Foods (drink a protein shot and do three pushups, five lunges and seven jumping jacks). iO Chicago asked us to read a page-long poem for more tickets, but there wasn’t enough time.

Our efforts paid off, because almost all of my group members went home with prizes. One of them took home new shoes! I’m looking forward to next month’s run.

Photo credit: Adventure Run Chicago

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