Training Update-1/2 way through!

I can't believe I'm already half way done with marathon training for my upcoming race in November, The Monumental Marathon in Indy. When I purchased and read the Hanson's Marathon Method book, I'm not going to lie, I was a little intimidated. The high mile weeks, intense speed workouts, and the whole idea of cumulative fatigue was so different from how I trained for my previous marathons. I figured that I've been a runner for 14 years now and had a great base going into training. I had already completed 2 full marathons and an ultra marathon, so I was willing to give this training plan a try. I'm so glad I took this leap, because I've never felt so strong physically and mentally as I do now.

It's no secret that my goal with this marathon is to Boston Qualify(BQ) I'm well aware that in order to qualify for my age, I need to run a 3:35 or better marathon...or an 8:12/mile pace for 26.2 miles. I knew that in order to make that happen, I would need my ass kicked into shape. I can honestly say half way through the advanced training plan, I have got my ass kicked...but in a great way.  Even though I'm not a "newbie" marathoner anymore, I have still learned a few new things about myself everyday I'm out there running.


1. I've learned that I can run A LOT longer and faster than I had ever imagined before. So many times in the past when I was training, I'd give into that voice in my head that tells me to stop or slow down. Not this time. That little voice is still there, but all I have to do is ask myself, "Am I going to stop or slow down in the marathon? NO! Push through it and come out stronger in the end!" I've had some amazing tempo runs because of this and will still strive to push through as my tempo distance increases over the upcoming weeks.

2. Speaking of "pushing through"...pain, fatigue and I have grown well acquainted over the last 9 weeks.  The whole idea of Hanson's is to go into my long runs with fatigued, tired legs as to simulate the last miles of the marathon and not the first. I've noticed my tolerance to pain has gotten so much better and I'm feeling stronger physically and mentally because of it.  I did have a moment of weakness during a 12 mile run where I stopped at mile 8 feeling exhausted and defeated from that weeks training. I was pretty much crying by myself in the middle of nowhere, looking up at the sky and asking God why was I doing this every day? Why was I putting myself through all this when I could be at home with my family? What if I'm doing all of this for nothing? Qualifying for Boston is out of my league, I'm not that kind of runner. After a few minutes of feeling sorry for myself, I got my act together quickly and remembered how blessed I was to even have an opportunity to train like this. To breathe and see the world like no one else can. I finished that 12 mile run and haven't questioned myself since.

3. I have learned to LOVE the track. The workouts are hard as hell but seeing my times improve and my overall strength increase have started my love affair with the oval office. Like the saying goes, "Runners know that running in circles doesn't always mean finishing where we started."

As I look forward to the final 9 weeks of training and as my marathon approaches closer and closer, I'm going to continue to give it my all and push myself to levels I never knew existed.  Yes, it sucks getting up at 4-5AM, lacing up my shoes and leaving my husband and daughter as they sleep in their beds, but I know in my heart it will be worth it. No one has to understand it as long as I do. I return home a stronger woman, a better mother and wife for my family.

I want to also add that I am ready to forgive myself if I fall short of my goal. I'm not going to focus on that too much right now because I'm going to remain positive, but the reality is something out of my control could happen in the upcoming weeks or on race day. The desire to be the best runner that I can possibly be will always be there and that alone will be enough for me to never stop trying, no matter how long it takes me to BQ. Like I've said before, running is engrained into every fiber of my being. I was born to do this and I'll never give up.

 

Apera Bag Review!

Totally can not lie, I absolutely LOVE my Apera Bag! They are not just normal gym bags...they are healthier(and way cute too) Here's my review of the Performance Duffel Bag.

Apera launched in June of 2012 wanting to sell a bag that was more geared toward athletes and give them an alternative to just your normal, everyday gym bag. They wanted to give athletes organized, pure bags and protect athletes from odor and bacteria that can grow and linger inside a standard gym bag. Apera bags have ventilated compartments, wipeable linings, and washable inserts to ensure that your bag stays clean, odor free, and healthy. The inside and outside of the bags are treated with anti-microbial protection which works around the clock to help prevent the growth of bacterial odors which is good for the lifetime of the bag. Not only do they have amazing bags for social athletes, they donate one bag to a Special Olympics athlete for every 3 bags they sell. Who doesn't love putting their money towards a fantastic cause?!

Like I said, I absolutely LOVE the Performance Duffel Bag. I can not even begin to talk about all the POCKETS in this bag! There's a pocket for everything. A pocket on both sides of the bag to carry shoes, a pocket on the front and back to carry a tablet or IPad, several ventilated pockets on the inside of the bag to neatly organize anything and everything and keep your items nice and dry. There's also smaller sized pockets on the very top of the bag for quick access to a cell phone. I love the concept of having a water-proof, washable insert inside of the bag, to pack away any wet or sweaty clothing and keep it separate from any clean clothes. The whole idea is allowing the bag to breathe and wash easily while staying super organized. It's a great bag for on the go, especially when you have small kids and need to pack A LOT of stuff. 

washable insert

so many pockets!

If this amazingly healthy, stylish bag is something you're interested in, now is the time to buy! Check out all the Apera Bags on their website, www.aperabags.com 

They are having a great anniversary sale right now just until July 31st. ALL bags are 20% off! They also have a 40% off sale on their entire line of Blue bags. Any style of Blue bags, including this awesome Performance Duffel, and all of the Duffel Packs are 40% off plus FREE SHIPPING! You can't pass that up!

Detour Smart Bar Review

The following post is sponsored by FifFluential LLC on behalf of Detour Bar.

I had an awesome opportunity as part of a FitFluential campaign to try these delicious Detour Smart Bars. A lot of us are on the go and sometimes it's hard to find healthy, wholesome snacks.  Here's a great choice if you're looking for natural ingredients and a boost of energy.

Detour Smart Bars are made with organic whole oats that are certified gluten free and contain whey protein to fuel your body and feed those muscles. 

*All natural and sweetened with Stevia

*130 calories and 10g of whey protein

*gluten free

*only 3-4 grams of sugar

*good source of fiber

*DELICIOUS and kid approved!

My 3 year old daughter loves them!

They come in 4 yummy flavors:  Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Cranberry Flax, and Peanut Butter Chocolate.  I've sampled the Apple Cinnamon and Blueberry flavors and both were great! I'm definitely trying the other 2 flavors too. They're chewy, not too sweet, bursting with tons of flavor, and have Greek style yogurt drizzled on the top of the bars....just plain SMART!

See how they compare 

Nutrition is SO important especially during heavy training cycles and I'll definitely be using these bars to fuel my body and keep me going.  Check out the Detour Bars website and try these bars out!  

www.detourbar.com

Facebook.com/detourbars

Twitter.com/detourbar

Instagram.com/detourbar

Sunburst Marathon Recap

2am wake-up call with the alarm

I didn't mind though as I shot out of bed, excited for what was to come. Marathon #3 and I was so ready.  I was running the Sunburst Marathon in South Bend, IN and the race started at 5am central time(the race was held in Eastern Standard Time)

My sister, Beth, and her boyfriend, Matt spent the night at my house and were both running the 5k race at Sunburst. They were already up when I opened my bedroom door. I brushed my teeth, threw in my contacts, put my hair up in a bun, got my racing clothes on and was out the door. We got there with an hour to kill, so I couldn't help but walk to the very place I did 2 years ago, to see the starting line of the race...when I was a 1/2 marathon runner admiring the marathon runners. Now today, I'm the marathon runner. I felt so humbled. I worked so hard for this.

The final minutes before the race started, I couldn't keep the smile off my face.  I high-fived Beth and Matt and kissed my husband and gave him the biggest hug. Before I knew it, I was off and beginning my journey of 26.2 miles. 

 It was still dark outside and the temps were in the lower 60's. I had my Nathan hand held water bottle all filled with Cocogo and a few GU Roctanes I'd take every 6 miles. I kept my pace in the 8:30-40 range and ran safe.  Right away there were a few hills and I remember thinking, "I hope this isn't the whole race." At mile 11, there was a huge hill and as I approached it, I just put my head down and pushed. Around mile 12, I ran past a street sign that said Madison St.  I smiled as I thought about my daughter, Madison who was at home with my mom at that moment. Apparently at the same time, my husband was along the side of the road trying to get my attention, but I missed him completely. He did manage to get a pic of me gulping down my gel.

At the half way point, I decided to start picking up the pace a bit. I wanted to run a negative split.  The sun had started to make things warm and it was rough running directly into it for several miles. I kept my pace steady but around mile 17, my legs started to feel the hills.  I didn't have any cramps, but it was like they just didn't want to move anymore. So I accepted the fact a negative split wasn't happening and just tried to enjoy the rest of the race. I still had a sub 4 hour on my mind and I was right on track for it.  

The course was absolutely beautiful running along the St. Joseph river.  The volunteers and spectators were just as awesome.  I had such a different mind-set than I did when I ran the Chicago Marathon. I never once thought that I could not finish the race.  I knew I could. I just didn't know what my finish time would be.  At mile 20, my legs were practically dead.  I started walking through the water stations but quickly recovered and pushed through with that sub 4 hour finish stabbing my mind.  At mile 26, I was in front of the Notre Dame stadium and gunned it for the finish line.  As I was running ready to turn the corner to the finish, I spotted my husband, sister, and her boyfriend on the side of the road waving and cheering for me. My heart almost burst as I pushed back the tears...then as I turned the corner, there it was, the finish line. 

 I looked for the clock which read 4 hours and my heart then did sink. I was SECONDS off finishing under 4 hours.  I crossed the finish line, arms extended out and head up. My disappointment did not last long. The medal was placed around my neck and I turned around to see my family walking toward me with big smiles on their faces.  I had just finished marathon number 3, when this time last year, I wasn't sure I could finish even one.  There are other marathons out there with my name on it.  I will run marathons until I can't run anymore.  I will get my sub 4.  I will get my BQ.  It may take many, many tries, many failures, but I won't give up.  I was born for this.

Marathons are not for the faint of heart. They hurt and tear you down. They're unpredictable. I had an amazing 20 mile training run just 2 weeks prior to the race and tapered appropriately, but there are so many things not in your control when you're out there running 26.2 miles.  I learned a lot about myself out there and know what my weaknesses are and what to work on this summer as I train for my upcoming fall marathon in Indianapolis.  Special thanks to everyone for all the support I've received before and after the race. It's been overwhelming and I'm so blessed to have that kind of love.  Thanks to Cocogo for such an amazing product. I had no cramps and no GI issues out there and it really kept me going in the heat.  Now BRING ON THE SUMMER MARATHON TRAINING! :)

A few of my favorite running things

One of the things that make running so much fun is all the awesome and cute gear that comes with it(at least for me anyway) Here are a few things I'm obsessed with and use on my runs often.

Oiselle is my favorite running brand for clothing, period!  Their clothes are so freakin cute and the message the company sends with empowering women and supporting runners everywhere is one that I want to associate with. The Oiselle distance shorts have stolen my heart.  Super comfy, stylish, and way functional for "running the distance".  They do not ride up like a lot of other shorts I've ran in the past and they come with 3 pockets, two of them having zippers, so you can securely carry gels, cell phone, or car keys.  

I'm also in love with the Winona tank and the strappy bra from Oiselle. The tank is amazingly soft and wicks sweat like no other...and the bra, well is just as amazing.  Supportive and gives a colorful burst that goes great with any tank top.  

Of course I love my Cocogo hydration packs.  Check out the review I posted before this post to see what it's all about.  I plan on hydrating all summer long with this stuff.  Tastes amazing and goes down easy to keep me going on my long, sweaty runs.  Don't forget if you're wanting to buy some, use my code BLONDEBUNRUNNER at the Cocogo website and save 40% off your entire order! You won't regret it.

Which leads into my next favorite piece of running gear.  My Nathan hand-held water bottle. I'm a pretty picky person when it comes to carrying things while I'm running, but with this bottle, it makes it easy.  It has a thumb hole, so you can carry it without it sliding around in your hand and a functional zip pocket in the front to store gels, keys, cell phone, or whatever you want!

I'm a huge fan of the Vega line.  After a run lasting longer than 90 minutes, I use the accelerator within 30 minutes of my run.  The nutritional shake I use almost every day, especially when I don't have time for breakfast.  And then the performance protein after every single run.  It's packed with protein and BCAA's which help me recover in between workouts.  All this stuff keeps me going and helps me stay injury free and healthy.

Ah, my Brooks Glycerins.  These shoes have been SO good to me over the years.  They are the perfect neutral running shoe for me.  I've tried so many different brands and styles and these are my "sole mate".  The new Glycerin 12's are coming in July and I will be first in line to buy them.  

What are some of your running faves?  

Cocogo Review

It's no secret that I LOVE to run and compete in races such as 1/2 marathons or marathons, so hydration and nutrition is huge to me, especially when I'm training in the summer heat(I sweat A LOT!!)  So when Cocogo asked me to review their product, I was more than willing and excited to try.  I'm always experimenting with different forms of fuel and energy sources to see what works best with my needs as an endurance athlete that runs 40-50 miles a week. 

First off, I'm sure you're asking, "What in the world is Cocogo?"



*It's a super convenient packet thats power packed with electrolytes and energy.  Perfect for when you're on the go, just slip it in your pocket and pour it into a water bottle when your ready. 

*It's all natural, gluten free, and made from real coconut water and freeze-dried fruit.  It comes in 3 yummy flavors:  Lemon-lime, Raspberry Passion Fruit(my personal fave) and Grape.  It's a light tasting, refreshing drink so it doesn't go down thick and heavy and sit in your stomach...which is so important in the middle of a 20 mile training run.

*It has less sodium and more electrolytes like magnesium, calcium, and potassium which is a huge help in preventing muscle cramps.  With only 34 calories a package and loaded with Vitamin B12, B3, B5, B6, D3, and Vitamin C(which is essential for recovery and immunity) you can't go wrong with this drink.

*It's pre-packaged and pre-measured for easy pouring and control of your hydration needs.  Mix 2, 3, or 4 packets in 14 ounces of water depending on how hard your workout is or how much flavor you want.  It's easy on the stomach, not too sweet like a lot of other artificial sport drinks, and will not give you that queasy feeling. 

So how did it work for me?

I personally LOVE the product and highly recommend it for any kind of runner. Whether you're training for a marathon or 5k, it's a great, natural source of energy and hydration.  I took it out with me on my last 15 mile training run. I had no issues with nausea and no heavy feeling in my stomach.  I felt strong, focused, and full of energy.  I definitely plan on incorporating it into my summer training as I prepare for my fall marathon. 

Bottom line, I truly believe this is an amazing product!  It's great tasting, easy to use, and nourishes the body with just what it needs during training to keep me going.  Thank you, Cocogo for the opportunity to try it! 

Crossroads 1/2 Marathon Re-Cap

Whoa, that was pretty tough!

Woke up at 5:30am that morning and was already prepared for the cold and wind.  It's normally a windy race due to the open fields along the course, so the weather reports of winds blowing from the north 20-30 mph with 40 mph gusts didn't help.  I ran the race last year, so I had an idea of what it was going to be like. 

My whole mindset was to just go out there and have fun.  I had just ran an ultra marathon 3 weeks prior to this race and was in the middle of marathon training for Sunburst in May.  I also ran a 15 mile training run two days before and worked a 12 hour shift the day before, but luckily my legs ended up feeling really good that morning.

I drove to the race and sat in my car for 45 minutes watching the rain trickle on my windshield and the branches on the trees blowing around, then I realized I forgot my GU Roctanes at home, so I had no fuel. I remember thinking to myself, "This is definitely not going to be a pretty finish, lol"

As we all lined up at the start line, that's always my favorite part of this event.  The 1/2 marathoners lined up on the left side of the road and the full marathoners lined up on the right side.  As we took off running in different directions, I was actually happy I was "only" running a half that day with the conditions out there. 

Right away we were hit with the rolling hills the first several miles.  Running through the neighborhoods and through the city around Cedar Lake, the wind was not horrible, but as soon as we hit open fields, the wind was enough to almost blow me off the road.  I kept my pace consistent so I wouldn't wear out early and it definitely seemed to help me especially at the very end. 

 Picture of one of the hills on the course

At mile 6, my IPod stopped working and I was stuck with no music the rest of the race(not very happy about that)  The last few miles were the windiest.  Mile 11 I was running straight into a headwind and at times felt like I was running in slow motion.  I just kept on repeating to myself, "almost there, almost there, I've got this"

I crossed the finish line in 1:49:17 and managed to place 2nd in my age group(originally it was 3rd place, but there was an error with the preliminary results and I still got a 3rd place award which I need to return)

I was actually surprised that I ran so well considering all the hills and wind.  I can't wait to see if I can crush my 1/2 marathon PR of 1:40:37 this summer with the speed work I'll be doing.  It was a fantastic event and I did have a lot of fun seeing a few runners there like Maria and Brenda.  I placed 35th overall out of 375 half marathoners too. Congrats to everyone who finished! I'm sure I'll be back next year to run those hills and battle the wind again.  After all, I always love a challenge :)