Runners looking for their next challenge have tons of 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: ... Read more
How I Know I’m a Runner
For the past few months — year even — I've been questioning whether I can actually call myself a runner. Are you a runner when you complete your first race? When you start running regularly? When you do a half or full marathon?The doubt about what to label myself stemmed from my pace. I would often ask myself, am I a runner or a jogger? Is there a difference?I've been told this week that now that ... Read more
Ragnar Del Sol 2015 Recap
My third Ragnar Del Sol, like the Ragnars I've done before it, tested me, rewarded me and taught me more about running and myself. But let's start from the beginning ... Last Friday, Van 2 of the Crazy Cervezas team set off for our exchange. After two years of being in Van 1, I experienced what it's like to be the finishing van. It felt odd to not be waking up at 3 a.m. to leave for ... Read more
Marathon Training, Week 9
Last week was a recovery week in my training program. This worked out perfectly because I needed to taper before Ragnar Del Sol.Monday: This should have been my rest day, but I skipped training over the weekend to celebrate my birthday in Rocky Point. I ran/walked 7.75 miles during the warmest part of the day. I could think of nothing but an iced lemonade, so I satisfied my craving with one from ... Read more
Packing List for Ragnar Del Sol 2015
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. This will be my third year running Ragnar Del Sol and my fourth Ragnar race overall, so I'd like to think I know what I'm doing now when it comes to packing. If you're a newbie looking for guidance on what to pack, here's what's I've thrown in my duffel bag the past ... Read more
Marathon Training, Week 7
The theme of marathon training last week was Test Your Limits. If the soreness in my right calf was any indication, I think I did just that.Monday: Rest day. I went to happy hour with a former co-worker and indulged in even more cheese and chips to follow up my Super Bowl Sunday. At least I began the day with some light yoga and foam rolling.Tuesday: I started my morning with some sun salutations ... Read more
Marathon and Ragnar Training, Week 4
I've had a lot of excuses for not running lately. That ends now. The week's theme is Building a Base.Monday: 4-mile run. I ran the first 3 miles slowly and the last one at a faster pace. My average pace was 9:17/mile. My heart monitor says my average heart rate was 172 bpm and my maximum was 191. I'm surprised I could even go this hard after carrying a 60-pound backpack this weekend during the ... Read more
Ragnar Trail McDowell Mountain Recap: How the West Was Run
Howdy, y'all! I survived my first Ragnar Trail. I had my eye set on that Phoenix double medal for completing both Ragnar Del Sol and McDowell Mountain in one year when I signed up in June, but between then and now I have been consumed with wedding planning and post-wedding laziness. Thus, I wasn't adequately prepared. But that didn't stop me from having a fabulous time! Our team, How the West ... Read more
Ragnar Del Sol 2014 Recap
February 21 came out of nowhere. I had been training for Ragnar Del Sol for a few months, but it still seemed so far away. Suddenly it was a week before Ragnar and I had a list of things to do and buy. The night before Ragnar we decorated our vans with window paint and packed some our belongings. One of my teammates was sweet enough to bake carrot cupcakes for the birthday girls on our team. I ... Read more
Ragnar Del Sol 2013
My first Ragnar relay, Feb. 22-23, was an unforgettable experience that pushed me to my limits and gave me an unrivaled sense of accomplishment. Ragnar is a 12-person, 200 mile relay race, with courses around the country. My nerves didn't let me get a wink of sleep the night before Ragnar Del Sol. Our team had met to decorate our vans and pack some of our stuff. I came home and finished ... Read more