Racing at 20 Weeks

I’m 20 weeks along and halfway there!!!

So let’s talk about what it’s like running/racing during your pregnancy.  While I have had a few good runs over the past 5 months, most of my runs have been a struggle and not as easy breezy as I’d expected.  But then there’s a day, like today, where I feel almost like my old self again and back in my running groove!

Today I ran the St. Patty’s Day 5K race in Davis Square along with about 5,000 other runners.  While I did have a small game plan for today’s race, I’m sure pure luck also played a part in it.  For me, the most challenging part of running is the constant urge to pee.  Not kidding, I feel like I have to go the entire run.  I don’t know if the baby is chillin’ on my bladder?  Or if I just drink too much water in general?  Either way, it makes running outside a real pain in the butt.  Besides the bladder problem, I’ve also experienced crazy cramping (like PMS cramping) during some of my runs and shortness of breath so it was a nice break when none of these problems occurred today. :)

So here are a few tips that helped with today’s race:

Eat & drink way before the race starts:  The race started at 11 so I woke up at 7 and quickly prepared a filling breakfast.  I had a bowl of greek yogurt with strawberries, granola and a scoop of almond butter and a small glass of water and small coffee on the side.  I also made sure I didn’t drink any more liquids before the race (this might not be ideal but it helped with my little bladder problem… )

Support the girls!  It’s so worth splurging on a new sports bra in order to keep the girls in place.  I finally purchased a larger, more supportive one yesterday and it made such a difference.  The brand I got wasn’t anything fancy but I’ve heard great reviews about the Moving Comfort sports bra’s so I’m hoping to pick one up this week. 

Run with a long top: Tugging non-stop to keep your shirt down is the worst!  With this growing baby bump, I’ve had to pick up some new tank tops that are longer in length.  So far my favorites have been from Lululemon and Marshalls.  

Leave enough time to use the porter potty before the race: We arrived at the race 30 minutes early which gave us plenty of time to wait in line for the porter potty’s.

Run with a fun playlist: I never race with music since it distracts me and slows me down…  which is exactly why I ran with it today.  Running + the Rihanna station on Pandora is the best!

Take it slow and enjoy the race: Even though I really wanted to run a faster pace, I kept reminding myself that today was a fun run and I was there for the atmosphere and not to break any PR’s.  Right now, my only goal is to keep my heart rate down and do what’s right for the lil’ peanut.  Plus, I’ll have plenty of opportunities to run a faster pace after the baby is born.

And those are my tips.  But if none of these work for you, just power-walk the course and focus on your delicious post-race meal!  That trick always gets the booty going. :)

Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day Eve, everyone!

It Finally Happened! And Pumpkin Pie Granola

After 6 years of running 5K road races, I finally finished in under 23 minutes tonight!  I actually did it in 22:30. :)

I feel like my best races happen on the days when I have zero energy and don’t wanna move at all.  Does that happen to anyone else?  Maybe my brain is too tired and it keeps me from over thinking about my pace?

Anyways, I knew I could either plop on the couch all night and kick myself in the butt for not racing or I could suck it up and run.  So I quickly ate a bag of sports beans (which I’ll be eating before every race!)

and drove down the street for the 6:45ish pm start time.

There was about 50-60 runners there tonight and we took off right as the sun was setting.  

I pushed it as hard as I could and just kept thinking about how the sooner I finish, the sooner I’ll be back in my warm car and on my way home to a warm shower and wine.  Wine is always a great motivator. :)   And it worked; my splits were 7:18, 7:21, and 7:11 with an average pace of 7:15.  Even though I wanted to puke when I finished, it was well worth it.

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Now it’s time for a delicious, healthy pumpkin recipe.  I, like everyone else, looooove pumpkin season aka ‘Fall’.  I’m all about pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin oatmeal, pumpkin beer, etc. so this evening when I was about to prepare a batch of almond butter granola I decided why not just make pumpkin granola?

Healthy Pumpkin Pie Granola

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• couple dashes of cinnamon
• dash of sea salt
• 1 cup craisins
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup raw honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1) Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

2) Combine the oats, flaxseeds, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, sea salt, craisins, and chopped walnuts in a large bowl.

3) Add the pumpkin puree, honey, and vanilla and stir well, until all oats are completely covered (I used my hands).

4) Spread oats on a greased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, stir, and bake for another 10 minutes or until slightly brown.

5) Set the baking sheet on a rack and let it cool completely.  Store in the fridge. 

**You could also switch up the ingredients and add slice almonds, pecans, raisins, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, etc.

Though this granola tastes delicious on its own, I’ll probably add it to my greek yogurt or a bowl of almond milk with fresh fruit.  

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Any one else trying to PR at a race?

Are you lovin’ pumpkin season or you over it?

Do you know what’s fun?

Running a road race in the dark!

Do you know what’s not fun?  Trying so hard to break a 23 minute 5K and finishing in 23:25.  

But let’s rewind…

I wasn’t sure if I was going to run the weekly 5K race last night considering it was in the mid 80’s and hot out (which Rocky and I will  happily take in October)

So instead I headed over to La Fitness to try out the 4:30 cardio kickboxing class.  When I left the gym the weather cooled down a few degrees and I figured I might as well suck it up and run the 5K.  I paid the $2 registration fee (which goes to charity) and got ready to kick some butt!  The gun went off around 6:55 and I took off in the dimly lit streets.  My plan was to keep up with the guys and maintain a 7:30 pace and pick it up towards the end.  

Even though it was only a 3.1 mile race, there were still a bunch of times when I wanted to slow it down and take it easy.  But I held strong and reminded myself of how great it’ll feel to finally break 23 minutes.  I repeated the mantra ‘NO REGRETS!’ and went for it even passing some more guys along the course.   It was too dark out to read my Garmin (and I don’t know where the indigo light button is… ) but I figured I was on track to PR and raced towards the finish line, finishing in….  23:25.  Seriously?  What the hell?! 

Thankfully, Mike was on his way home from work and met me at the bar near the race so we could have a few drinks together.  And although I’m bummed I didn’t break 23 minutes I shouldn’t be surprised considering I never do any speed work. ;)

By the time we got home it was 8:30 and I was too lazy to cook dinner so I snacked on carrots, hummus, and triscuits and then reheated sweet potato wedges, added cottage cheese w/ chives and called it a meal.

Sometimes a simple meal is just what ya need. 

Today

Started with a protein packed smoothie (plain greek yogurt, pineapple, strawberries, frozen banana, protein powder, and almond milk), 

and ended with a 5:30 pm yoga class. :)   Which means I did yoga 4 times this week!  And I’d prob go again in the am if I could only afford to keep up with this pricey new obsession.  

What is it about yoga that leaves you feelin’ so good?  

OK, time to shut down the computer and start packing for DC.  We’re heading there in the morning for a fun filled wedding weekend!  See ya’ll on Sunday!

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Have you ever raced in the dark?  

Do you practice yoga?  If so, how many times a week do you go??

Bring on the hills

Do you know what’s a hard workout?  

Hills.

And more hills.

As soon as I arrived home from work yesterday, I changed into running gear and ran 1.5 miles towards Breakheart Reservation.  I’ve run the 3 mile loop around Breakheart many times but yet those hills always get me.  They don’t look crazy at first but as soon as you reach the top of a hill, you realized, oh there’s another one just waiting for ya.

Thank god it was a gorgeous weather – 60’s and sunny – and the route itself is always so nice and peaceful.

There were multiple times when I wanted to stop and the bad part of me kept thinking ‘hey, it’s a Monday.  I’m tired.  Walking is better than nothing….. ‘   But the better part of me, pulled through and repeated positive mantra’s to keep me going (<– seriously, they work!!)  Besides my usual ‘NO REGRETS’, I also repeated this one:

And I kept thinking about….

How AWESOME I’ll feel after completing a hard workout!

Dinner

After my run, I stretched, showered, and hung-out with this lil’ stud before making dinner. 

 Lately, I just haven’t been in the mood to cook much for dinner, plus Mike was away so I quickly threw together a tasty bowl of pasta.  In the mix: whole wheat penne pasta, frozen green beans, crumbled feta cheese, EVOO, and ground black pepper.  Done and done. :)

And this is how I really eat dinner 85% of the time:

Plopped on the couch in my sweats while watching the nightly news (or celebrity gossip depending on the time).

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Do you run hills?  How often?

What’s your easy, ‘go to’ dinner?

Buzzed Shopping, StrideBox, & Free Yoga

What happens when you consume 3 glasses of wine at happy hour and you’re at a bar right next to EMS?  Well, if you’re like me, you buy about 20 energy gu’s and a ridiculous running belt.  Why why why…. 

Actually, I’m happy about the gu’s {I’m a bit addicted} but not very pleased with the running belt.   I mean, do people really run with these things?

I decided tonight would be a good time to test it out during a nice and slow run.  I threw it on and crossed my fingers hoping it would stay in place and actually be enjoyable.

But within 4 minutes the belt was bouncing all over the place and was SUPER uncomfortable.  I should have just left it in the street for a car to run over it but I took it off and carried it for the rest of my run.   I guess I’ll have to keep planning my runs around routes with water fountains since carrying a bottle just isn’t working for me.

StrideBox

And on another running note, my first StrideBox arrived in the mail the other day!

Have you heard of StrideBox?  Basically, for $15 a month, they send you a little box full of running related items such as gels, gear, protein bars, energy drinks, etc.  Here’s what arrived in the mail this month {and a package of organic energy chews which I already ate}:

Not sure if it was worth the money this month but I’ll wait and see what they deliver next month before deciding if I continue or not.

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And lastly, I tried out a free outdoor yoga class yesterday, woohoooo!  I debated about whether to go or not but how could I turn down a free class?  Plus, it was from 4:30-5:30 which worked out perfectly for me.  So I changed at work, headed over to the Commons in Lynnfield, and set up my yoga mat on the grass with about 10 other people.

Not only was the instructor really cool but it was also fun being outdoors enjoying a crisp fall summer day! 

Btw, the instructor was saying how Lululemon not only hosts this free weekly class, but they also have free outdoor kickboxing and a spinning class at Market Street, Lynnfield this weekend!  Pretty sweet, right?  Do all Lululemon locations offer free classes?? :)

Second Female Finisher!!!

TGIF!

And Thank Goodness It’s Payday Friday too!  Which means I get to treat myself to a tasty grande, non-fat Starbucks latte.  Damn, those drinks make me so happy.

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Yup, I was the SECOND FEMALE FINISHER in a 5K on Wednesday night!!  I don’t think I’ve ever been second place at anything in my life?  There was probably a total of 6 female runners (and some walkers) in the race but I’ll still take it. :)

So the race is part of the weekly 5K that is held every Wednesday @ 6:45pm at the lake in Wakefield.  I knew I loved Wakefield before we bought our house last April but now I def love Wakefield knowing it’s a town full of runners.  I mean, a weekly 5K is pretty sweet! 

Registration was a whopping $2 and the course was a simple, flat route around the lake…. 

I would say it’s a ‘flat & fast’ course like you usually hear but it’s actually not that fast when you’re weaving in and out of all the other runners/walkers/dogs/bikers/ baby strollers/etc.   But it’s fine, it’s still a great opportunity to work on my speed and really push it for 3.1 miles.

I ran at a moderate pace and picked it up the last mile, finishing in 23:34.  Although it’s not my fastest time, I’m still happy considering it was hot outside and I was exhausted from working all day. 

I was also happy since I was able to eat a bunch of free twizzlers within 5 seconds of crossing the finish line.  

Overall, the race was so much fun and I can’t wait to start incorporating it into my weekly workouts.  I figure if I start running this race once a week, do yoga once or twice a week, and continue running outdoors then maybe I can cancel the gym membership that I haven’t used in months?  

Plus, if I continue running this weekly race then maybe I’ll finally break a 23 minute 5K.  I’m so close yet I keep finishing around 23:30{ish}.  I just need to practice picking up my pace earlier in the race and get comfortable with being uncomfortable for a couple of miles.   Here’s my new 5K motto:

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Do you like running 5K’s?

Does your town have a lot of runners?

Any fun plans for the weekend?

 

What I Wear on Long Runs

Happy Labor Day, friends! 

So first off, how does a 16 mile run only amount to 24,419 steps on my pedometer?!?  I feel like it should be closer to 40,000, right?!?

This morning I headed to Castle Island {yet again} for my long run of the week.  The first 4 miles of running in the rain flew by but once the rain abruptly stopped, I was left struggling with 93% humidity levels for the next 12 miles.   But I did it and now I can check my 16 mile run off my training schedule. :)

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Speaking of running long distance, I finally figured out what running attire works best for me.  It’s taken a few years but I think I finally have it down to a T.

What I always wear on long runs (from head-to-toe):

Headband: I wear the super skinny sparkly headband (or occasionally the thicker 1″ black headband) from Sweaty Bands.  The headband is great since the inside is made of velvet which prevents it from slipping off my head.

Sunblock: Aveeno Face SPF 30 lotion on my face and then I use SPF 30 spray sunblock for my arms, chest, and shoulders.

Anti-Chafe stick: Yup, I finally caved and bought this stuff for my armpits and it’s made my long runs so much more enjoyable. 

Sports bra: ‘Run: Stuff Your Bra II’ by Lululemon.  Guys, seriously this sports bra is amazing!  It cost a fortune compared to my usual Champion sports bras at Target but with out a doubt it’s worth the investment.  Not only does it keep your girls from bouncing around but it’s also super comfortable.  And as a bonus it has little built-in pockets in the front to hold your chap stick, keys, cash, ID, etc.

(I have the bra in black)

Tank Top: I wear this running top from Target.  It’s nothing fancy but it works and doesn’t ride up when I’m running.  And since they’re so cheap I was able to stock up and buy 3 of them.

Watch: I’m pretty much obsessed with my splits and look at my Garmin 410 running watch at least once every 5 minutes.  As long as I don’t touch too many buttons, this watch is pretty easy to use. 

Shorts:  I usually run in the Nike Tempo shorts but my other favorite style is the ‘Game Day Shorts’ by Oiselle.  These shorts are super light, comfortable and they stay in place.  They also have a rear zip pocket which is ideal for holding my big car key.  

Socks: I picked up these socks at the running store and can’t say enough good things about them.  So I’ll let the website describe how great they are:

FEETURES!® Ultra Light Cushion No Show :: Eliminate painful blisters and experience pure running comfort with Feetures! patented Coolfeet Ventilation System and seamless PerfectToe™. Enjoy the perfect combination of cutting-edge innovation and superior fit and feel with the Coolfeet Ventiliation System that provides unique 360° mesh ventilation for maximum air flow and breath-ability. Plus, power bands of Lycra® soothingly hug the foot and keep socks in place. Feet stay cooler, drier and fresher – thanks to Feetures! iWick™ moisture managing fibers.

Sneakers: I’ve been wearing Brooks for a few years now and lately I’ve been lovin’ their PureFlow 2.  They’re lighter than most of my running sneakers which makes them feel pretty awesome.  

**And on my WISH LIST….    These lovely, polarized Oakley Womens Overtime Sunglasses:

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What do you LOVE to wear while running?

What’s on your wish list?

 

Longest Run Ever

Helloooo and Happy Sunday!

This morning I tackled my longest run ever….  14 miles!!  Let me tell you, it was hard.  Around mile 9 my knees started throbbing, and I wanted to call it quits but I pushed through the pain (maybe not the smartest idea?) and finished the 14 miles on a strong note.  I averaged 8:50 min/mile with my last mile at 8:32.

Love running around Castle Island!  So much that I ran the loop 4 times today…

As soon as I finished the run I plopped down on the grass to stretch and literally could not get up after.  My body felt so old and was in so much pain.  All I could think about was ‘how the heck will I run 12 more miles and complete a marathon?!?!’.  But I’m going to try to be POSITIVE, work on strengthening my knee muscles, continue stretching and icing, and hope it all works out.

Brunch

Since Mike was also completing a long 12 mile run this morning, we made plans to quickly shower and head down the street to a fun lil’ coffee shop (PS my goal is to try every restaurants/bar/coffee shop in Wakefield.  We have about 7 down and a ton to go).  I went with the ‘Aloha’ wrap and it was so freakin’ good! 

Obviously a wrap with eggs, ham, cheese, and pineapple is gonna taste amazing. :)  I’ll have to remember to make this exact wrap sometime soon!  And I ordered a large iced non-fat late.

Check out the label on the coffee:

I don’t know if I’d call that my ‘Chateau’ but that combination definitely = a pretty fantastic day!  Right?

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Alright, guess it’s time to log off and start packing for my trip to Riga, LATVIA (<– yeah, who goes to Latvia!?).  My flight takes off in a couple of hours and I haven’t even started packing yet…   oh boy! 

Anyone else have a long run or race over the weekend?  How was it?

Do you also put off packing ’til the very last-minute?

 

2 things that make summer running a 100x better/easier/more doable:

1) A great, UPBEAT playlist or station on Pandora.  My go-to is always my girl, Rihanna on Pandora. 

Yesterday, I tried waiting for the weather to cool down but it didn’t so I finally headed out for my run around 6:45 when it was still 88 degrees.  Everytime I got hot and wanted to walk, I turned up my music and tried to zone out to Rihanna, Beyonce, Usher, Pink, etc.  All the upbeat music made me get into a groove and just go with it.  Seriously, it works.

2) Running with a water bottle or along a route with water fountains.

If I run around the lake or Castle Island I know I’ll be A-OK since there’s a bunch of conveniently placed water fountains along the course.  But when I’m running around my neighborhood there’s no water so it makes a HUGE difference if I run with my little water bottle.  This morning it wasn’t too hot but the humidity levels made it hard to breath and that’s when the water comes in handy!  It makes it possible to keep going and get a decent workout without throwing in my towel and calling it a day.  

Also, in case you’re wondering, I barely even notice the water bottle while I’m running.  It’s so lightweight, small, and easy to hold. 

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Dinner

After my super slow run (aka jog) around the lake, I came home to a delicious grilled pizza courtessy of Mike. 

I may be going out on the limb but I think this is our favorite meal of the summer!  (I know it’s not the healthiest but it’s oh sooo good.  Besides, I ate healthy all day (yogurt parfait, mixed nuts, salad for lunch, fruit) so pizza for dinner is fine by me :D)

Ham, Arugula, and Gorgonzola Cheese Grilled Pizza

Ingredients:

• store bought pizza crust or you can make your own
• tomato sauce
• chopped slices of ham
• crumbled gorgonzola cheese (or any cheese you like)
• fresh arugula

Directions:

1) Place a pizza stone on the grill and wait for it to heat up.  While the stone is heating, lay the pizza crust on a baking sheet and add tomato sauce, chopped ham, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. 

2) Transfer the pizza to the hot stone and grill for about 8 minutes.

3) Remove the pizza stone and place the pizza directly on the grill (to make it crispier) for about 2-3 minutes.

4) Remove the pizza from the grill and add the arugula on top.  Enjoy!

(Btw, I just noticed our pizza was slacking with the arugula :(  We usually add a lot more on top.)

There’s something about grilling a pizza that makes it so much tastier!

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What are the 1 or 2 things that make your summer running better/easier?

What’d you eat for dinner?

How to make your trail run better than mine

So I never told you guys about my trail run on Sunday morning.  It was ‘fun’ but also really, really hard.  Like waaaay harder than I remembered.  I finally convinced Mike that running over rocks and roots was a much better idea than running around the boring ‘burbs again.  He was game so we threw on running clothes and drove down the street to The Fells in Medford.

I ran the orange trail 3 times last year so I thought I knew where we were going.  Mistake #1.  We jogged into the woods, followed a couple of wrong paths and had to run back to the parking lot to examine the trails again, more specifically the Reservoir Trail:

“Reservoir Trail: Orange blazes. 5.2 miles. Average hiking time: 3.5 hours. The Reservoir Trail encircles the north, middle and south reservoirs and the open water can be seen from many sites (the reservoirs are for drinking water, so access to them is prohibited). A moderate to difficult hike.”

About 2 hours later we emerged from the woods covered in sweat, dirt, and blood and dying of thirst.  I fell halfway through the run and landed on a bunch of rocks.  I was fine; just scuffed up and bleeding on my arm, thigh, and knee. Mike also whipped out at one point but thankfully was uninjured.  But doesn’t every trail runner fall at some point? ;)

Our first experience trail running together wasn’t as glamorous as I’d imagined but it was a hard-ass workout and something we’ll be doing again (although probably not making it a Sunday tradition…. )

After the run we showered up, iced the scrapes and bruises and then headed out to Grumpy Doyle’s to relax and enjoy the AC.

The battle wounds.  There’s more on my thigh but I’ll spare you the pic’s :)

Turkey, avocado, bacon sandwich w/ sweet potato fries and a beer = the BEST post-run meal.

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Even though we didn’t have the perfect trail run it doesn’t mean you should the same experience…..  Here are my top tips for your next trail run!

Tips For Trail Running:

• Research the trails before you go.  Make sure you know the difficulty of each trail and which one is right for you.  If you’re just starting out, you should start with a shorter, easier trail and slowly work your way to the harder trails.
• Carry a water bottle (and store an extra one in the car for after the run).  I thought I was fine running without a water bottle; such a rookie mistake.  It was 88 degrees and humid during our run and I was dying of thirst the entire time.
• Wear sunblock.  You may think the trails are covered with shade since you’re in the woods but trust me the sun peaks through all over the trails.  Layer up!
• Invest in trail running sneakers.  After falling on my face and almost falling numerous other times, I’m now a firm believer in trail running sneakers.  They have soles that improve your traction which is key on a rocky, slippery route.
• Keep a first-aid kit in your car.  Band-aids and anti-septic wipes would have really come in handy after our run! 
• Leave your expectations at home and slow it down.  Trail running is much harder than running on a flat surface so make sure you take it slow.  Walk too if the trails are dangerous.  It’s not worth it to run fast and hurt yourself.
• Don’t run with music.  I’m sure no one brings an iPod out on the trails but just wanted to remind ya.  Who needs music when you can listen to the birds chirping or the huffin’ & puffin’/bitching from me? ;)
• Buddy up: Personally I’d never trail run alone but if you really can’t find a buddy and just have to trail run than make sure you tell someone which trail you’re running.

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You guys have any other tips? 

Do you enjoy trail running?