Getting Over That Hump: Post MCM "slump"

I AM A MARATHONER!!! Get into it honey!!! I'm still on my runner's high from completing MCM! I am a member of the 1% club or however many crazies in the world take on the challenge of 26.2!!! 

Since finishing MCM, I really would like to maintain my level of fitness and take it to the next level. Who doesn't like a good CHALLENGE?!?!?! Before I even started training for MCM I signed up to do Disney's Goofy Challenge. Yes I am crazy but I thought it would be a good way to stay motivated during these cold Fall and Winter months!!! 

I plan to continue to train by completing hella upcoming races in prep for the big 39.3 (Goofy) and that's the best way for me to stay motivated and moving. Here's the race agenda for the remainder of the year through January 2013: 

Nov. 11: 36th Metric Marathon (26.2k/16.2 miles)

Nov. 18: Zoo Zoom 5 miler 

Nov. 22: Gobble Cobble Turkey Trot 4 miler

Dec. 15: Celtic Solstice 5 miler

January 12-13: Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge 39.3 miler 

Getting Back On The Horse

Last week I did not do anything. I rested my legs. I slept in. No alarms were set for 5am. I did absolutely nothing until Friday and I was guilt free about it! My legs felt great after cycling last Friday and my 6 mile run Saturday. I'm still taking it easy so this week I'm going to focus on cross-training more so than running. 

M: Cycling 

T: Total Body Conditioning 

W: Nice and easy 6 mile run 

Tr: Functional Interval Training 

F: 3 mile run and Vinyasa Flow Yoga

S: Hot Vinyasa Yoga 

Sy: Running a Metric Marathon. 16miles but I'm going to take it easy and just enjoy the run. 

Music Monday #MM

This is one of my favorite songs off the album! #getintoit

Post-Marathon Training *YIKES*

Soooooo, I ran a marathon on Sunday. *faints* I'm recovering but I'm ready to workout. After 5 months of non-stop exercise, these recovery days off are getting to me! Here's the plan to get back out on the pavement and to the gym this week:

M: Rest

T: Rest, leisurely walk around the block 

W: Rest, walk

Tr: 2 mile recovery easy run 

F: Cycle 

S: 3 mile easy run and massage

Sy: 6 mile easy run and maybe yoga

Getting Over That Hump

I survived Hurricane Sandy and Marine Corps Marathon! Sandy knew to keep her ass away until I was finished! I'll write a long run report and race recap soon.  #bgr26.2

MCM Training : Week 19 The Taper

I know I've been ghost lately but the taper has been getting to me. High mileage to no mileage is blah! I was grateful for the 10 miler last Saturday to get me out of my taper rut! I know the taper is essential to having fresh legs on marathon day but LAWD I'm growing restless! I can't believe in 5 days, I will be a marathoner! *faints* Here's the game plan for this week:

M: Rest

T: 3 mile easy run 

W: 2 mile easy run

Tr: Rest

Friday: Yoga 

S: easy shakeout 2-3 mile run 

Sy: GAME TIME!!! OORAH! #BGR26.2 

Music Monday #MM

#classic 

Getting Over That Hump

Soooooooooo, there's only 10 days left until MCM! *faints* LAWDADADadadadadadadamerCY! Can you believe it?!?! A year ago I wasn't even thinking about doing a full and now i'm about to be a member of the marathon club! As the single digit days approach, doubt is beginning to creep into my mind. 

Lately, I've been finding myself lost in thought thinking about my training and how the last 4.2 miles will go since my longest run has only been 22 miles. I need to chill and trust my training. I've been preparing for this one moment over the last 5 months. I gave up wine and almost Starbucks (still working on it, but I've reduced my intake and gave it up completely for the first month of training). 

My life over the last 5 months has revolved around my training schedule. I've sacrificed fun and sleep for hardwork, dedication and loyalty to the 26.2 for FIVE FREAKING MONTHS. Doubt has no business trying to creep in. I need to trust my training and my tenacity to succeed. I will make MCM my bitch and I will have a guaranteed personal best since this is my first marathon. I will kick ass on October 28 and have a damn good time doing it! Cheers to the first timer marathoners!!! #letswork

Music Monday #MM

Everyone has a "power" song that gets them so hype during a run. "Power" by Kanye West is the greatest power song of ALL TIME! My feet just start going to the beat and when my favorite verse starts, I just lose it! My fave lines are:

"At the end of the day, got damnit I'm killing this shit! I know damn well ya'll feeling this shit" and I always pretend to talk to the crowd on race day when the line says "How "ye doing?" I make it my own and say "How's Meg doing?" "I'm surviving" and continue to fist pump up the street. #getintoit

Getting Over That Hump

#18days

MCM Training: Week 17 Let the Taper Begin

Photo courtesy of Baltimore Run Festival

M: Rest

T: Total Body Conditioning (AM), 5m easy run (PM)

W: 4m pace run 

Tr: 6 x hill repeats (am), strength train (pm)

F: yoga

S: 13.1 miles at Baltimore Run Festival 

Sy: Yoga 

Long Run Report: 22 miles & Let the Taper Begin!!!

Woo chiiiiiiiiiiiile, I have finally reached the peak of my training with 3 weeks to go till the big event! I still can't believe I'm on the journey to 26.2. When people ask how my training is going, I usually have to pause before responding. I need a moment to digest that I in fact am running 26.2 and then I have to figure out how to put it into words.

Every Saturday, a new milestone in life is reached. I really think that is the reason it is so hard to express this journey because I'm usually still digesting that I am exceeding my goals at a crazy pace everyday that I get up at an ungodly hour to hit the pavement or the gym. Saturday, I ran 22 miles. The longest I have run my entire life and it felt great! Yes, I'm still digesting that I ran that far and could walk after. Here's what I learned:

1. Ain't nobody fresher than my clique! No, but really!!! We talked about life and ratchet music for damn near the entire run. It didn't even begin to feel like a long run till mile 18. Salute to the clique! 

2. I LOVE a good trail run. Being surrounded by nature is so relaxing and spiritual for me. At least 3 of my races at the beginning of the year were trail runs. I need more in my life. 

3. I feel official when running with my headlamp. I really think it is because it shows your determination and dedication to your training and your training partners to get up at an ungodly hour that you would have to wear one in the first place. HOWEVER, let me tell ya'll, it was so DAMN dark on that trail, a couple times I was looking around for somebody to jump out because the area had a few houses along the route and it looked like a movie scene from Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I definitely had my mace with me and cellphone. 

4. I hate cyclist. They do NOT know how to share the road or a trail apparently! Instead of saying, "passing on your left," these fools started ringing bells or flat out wouldn't say anything and ride up right behind a runner! One guy in particular ran me off the trail completely! I was standing in the mud! I heard and saw him coming so I moved out the way and OFF the trail. This fool slams on his breaks and almost skids into me causing me to jump further off the trail and I landed in a pile of mud. He proceeded to ride by me without even uttering "i'm sorry" or making sure I'm ok. So I proceeded to yell "asshole" and the other runners joined in with yelling proper passing etiquette tips. I'm still lowkey salty but such is life. 

5. CW-X tights are overrated. I think if your muscles are already aligned and you're doing strength training and yoga, they aren't worth the money. However, I will note that they were great for AFTER my run. I no longer had the hurt marathon walk 30minutes after my run which was impressive. I live on the 3rd floor and I had no issues walking up those steps. Also, my legs weren't stiff when I went out Saturday hanging with friends. I doubt I will invest in another pair but these were great for my recovery  not my run. I'm sure I can find a cheaper pair of compression gear that will aid in my recovery. Next time I will save my pennies and splurge in Lulu. 

6. I will have the hurt marathon walk (waddle like a duck) after MCM. I finished my 22 miler a half a mile away from my car and I refused to run that extra .5 so I started walking as a cool down. As I'm walking, I hear a lady ask "are you ok, do you need help?" I turn around wondering who she is talking to and she was talking to me! LMAO I told her that I just ran 22 miles so don't mind my marathon walk back to the car. She laughed and we started chatting. She told me she ran MCM and loved it so we chatted the whole way back to my car. I love the run community! 

7. With two 20+ milers behind me, I now know what to expect. At mile 15-16 my hammies will start talking to me. Around my 17-18 they will start whispering amongst each other but eventually will get tired that I'm paying them no mind and will shut up! Around mile 18-19 is when I start playing mind games with myself. Mile 20-22 is when I start with my mantra's and repeat them constantly until I hit the next mile marker. Mile 22-26.2 will be nothing but me and the good LAWD and I will cherish every minute of joy and pain all the way through the finish! 

8. The race begins at mile 20. This is one of the most important mantra's for me. I know that in a race setting, people have a tendency to come out too fast. For a half marathon or less, that is fine but for a full that is not the bidness! Since I was running with the crew and joking around and laughing we ran at a nice and easy pace so once I hit the 20 mile mark I wanted to see what I had on reserve. I put my head down and picked up the pace. I just wanted to see what I had in me at that moment and I was pleasantly surprised at how effortless it was to pick it up and maintain that pace till the next mile. It was in that moment that I knew I was ready. 

9. *TMI alert* Running is the greatest laxative of ALL time! I always make sure to clear the chute before going on a long run however, after a 18+ miler my stomach is always on a thousand once I finish and stand still. It's the craziest thing to me but I'm so grateful that my bowels wait till AFTER my run to start yelling "hey girl give us free." This is why I will run with my fuel belt and will run through every aid station. 

10. Running with a 1L bottle of Smart Water is not fun but o so necessary! I was rushing to get out of the house by 445am that I left my handheld water bottle. I realized I didn't have it when I put on my fuel belt. Luckily, I was one step ahead of myself and packed an extra bottle of water. There was no way I could run the trail without having water on hand whenever I needed it so I ran 22 freaking miles holding a big ass 1L bottle of Smart Water! My back was not pleased but thank the LAWD I had a sports massage appointment scheduled later in the afternoon.

*bonus lesson* Since my first half, I learned that you never get that same feeling of joy after running your first distance race again. I'm looking forward to feeling that sense of joy and pride of "firsts" again with completing my first full marathon! Regardless of the clock, I will be so excited to run across that finish line injury-free and standing on my two feet! Glorayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayay!!!!! 

Music Monday #MM

Woop Woop! This song has been playing in my head once I saw the countdown! 

Fitspiration Friday: Beat Queen Oprah

Oprah ran Marine Corps Marathon in 4:29:15! That's an average pace around 10:16. I haven't talked much about my goals but this ranks number 2 on the list!!! Goals:

1) Finish MCM standing on my own 2 feet, injury-free, while having a ball!!!

2) Beat Queen Oprah!!! 

3) Wish list* Sub 4hr marathon 

Can you believe Oprah ran MCM in 1994 in commemoration of her 40th bday with abs popping ?!?!? #allhailthequeen

22 days till MCM and 22 miles tomorrow

#letswork 

Get Right Get Tight: Week 16 of MCM Training

I don't know whether to be excited or nervous but MCM e-cards will be emailed out today! LAWDADADADADADADADAmerCY! I still can't believe that I'm running  a marathon at the end of the month. After all this training, you would think I would be jumping out of my seat with excitement instead of sulking over another workout. I'm excited to be done with training like a professional runner in 3 weeks! In the beginning, training was fun and didn't feel mandatory but after four months of training, I'm ready to get this show on the road honey!!! I revised this weeks training program because I was so OVER working out yesterday.

M: Rest 

T: Rest

W: 5 mile easy run (am), Fitness Yoga (pm)

Tr: 6 x 800m repeats (am), Total Body Conditioning (pm)

F: Hot Vinyasa Yoga

S: 22 miles (last long run! Woop Woop!!!!)

Sy: Cycling and maybe Functional Interval Training

Getting Over That Hump

Music Monday #MM

This is my jam! Cee-lo is EVERYTHING! Classic tune right here! This is a must have on the playlist!!! 

"And I'm on stage just as soon as I come out the house, so I might as well give them somethin' to talk about" #getintoit

Long Run Report: 12.03 Ratchet Miles

I was soooooo over this run Friday night, but I laid out my stuff to roll my ass out of bed at 4:20am on Saturday, to meet the crew at 5:15am. When my alarm went off, I swear I had no idea where I was and why my alarm was going off so damn early on a Saturday. It hit me when I was about to hit snooze that in fact it was long run Saturday and that the pile of stuff at the end of my bed is what I needed, to get out of the door. Did I mention how over it I was at this point?

Well on my way to meet the crew, I received a text message from Sister Bernice, to turn on the radio because our jam was on. I instantly got hype when I heard my man Ye say "bow on arrival." After hearing my jam, I was somewhat up and ready to kickstart my run. Here's what I learned:

1) Ain't nobody fresher than my clique! My marathon crew is the BUSINESS honey! They are too live at the crack of dawn and that's what you need to get motivated to hit the pavement when you're not in the mood. Always a good time with these ladies.

2) My marathon crew is crazy! Only Sister Odell would have us run the Dreaded Druid Hill Route at 6:18am before the sun rises. Good thing Sister Bernice had her headlamp. We were so terrified we ran part of the hills with are arms locked together since we were terrified of what was hiding in the woods. Mind you, the zoo animals are gated in part of the area we were running. SMH!!!

3) It was a nice and easy run. We had no expectations going into this run and we had a ball! We chatted and laughed the entire time. With all this training and trying to hit every goal over the last couple of months, it felt really good to be reminded of why I LOVE to run and why I LOVE running with the crew. Good times.

4) Fall weather is fabulous for running. Even though I was still a salty mess, I didn't feel sticky and in dire need of a shower when we finished. Anybody training throughout the summer can appreciate my sentiments.

5) Vegan pancakes with smokey maple tempeh bacon drenched in syrup is the greatest breakfast of all time!

*next week is the last official long run before the taper begins. 22 miles of fun. Stay tuned*

Get Right Get Tight: Week 15 of MCM Training

It is so hard to believe that in 5 weeks I will be running my first marathon! *faints* Time is definitely going at warp speed but hey I'm ready. I survived the 20 miler Saturday so I need to chill and trust my training. Over the next 5 weeks I want to focus on strength training, speed work and stretching. 

M: Rest 

T: Total Body Conditioning (am), 3-5 miles easy run (pm)

W: 8 miles

Tr: mile repeats/tempo run (am)

F: Yoga 

S: 12 miles 

Sy: Spin, Functional Interval Training (F.I.T.) and Yoga

Music Monday #MM

Outfit of the Day: Long Run Worthy

Sun Runner LS

I bought this in lilac. This top is amazing. The design is fabulous and functional! It's light weight and  soaks up all the sweat without you even feeling it, but allows your body to breathe. Perfect for Summer/Fall transition and yoga!!! The top is sold out online but I'm sure you can find it in your local store. 

Run Inspire Crop II

Hands down, these are the best crops I've ever ran in. #getintoit 

Long Run Report: We Ready! #20miles

WOO CHIIIIIIIIIIILE! Banked 20 miles today along the Baltimore Run Festival preview route. When I finished running, this is how I felt despite looking a salty mess literally! 

Here's what I learned from today's run:

1. I'm ready. The theme of today's run is this intro

2. A year makes a difference. I ran part of this route last year and I felt every hill and felt like passing out. This year, not so much. I took on those hills like it was nothing. I found myself knowing I was on the hill but didn't feel the hill. Yeah I'm feeling myself. 

3. I love running Baltimore. The crowd support even on a training run is amazing. Within the first mile construction workers were clapping and cheering from their post. Along the route there were so many cheers from the community ranging from, "Go get 'em," "looking strong and keep it up" to "looking good." Baltimore gets a  lot of negative press but we are more than the Wire. 

4. I am one salty runner. My face was sooooo crusty *sigh* #thedefinitionofstruggle 

5. Waffles are the best thing for a pre-run snack. I ate a plain toasted vegan apple cinnamon waffle on the way to the route. Usually I get hungry by mile 6 but today, not so much. That waffle held me down. #salute 

6. Cliff Shot Bloks are like crack. I LOVE the fruit punch flavor. I force myself to wait till at least mile 13 before I have one. Today I waited till around mile 15 to pop 2 and then when I got to mile 18 I popped one more. These are the best energy gels on the market! #thankmelater

7. Bladder is under control. I was so worried about having to go to the bathroom on this route because it was 20 miles and hydrating is key but I was good. No "spot a pots" for me! 

8. I get spurts of energy to pick up the speed after mile 13. Each spurt lasts for about .25 miles. It is the weirdest thing to me. I think I may zone out and end up picking up the speed and then I realize that I'm going too fast so I chill out. 

9. 13 miles is a breeze now.  At 15 I feel good. After 18 is when i start to feel it and the race begins. I banked 20. The next 6.2 will be a surprise party that I'm ready for. 

10. Training is the hardest part. 5 months of training for 1 day. Racing will be easy. 

Getting Over That Hump

"So you say you want it as bad as you want to breathe, then it's showtime...it's time to test your will, your endurance, test your heart, to test your limits..."

Get Right Get Tight: Week 14 of MCM Training

YES LAWD! I am soooooo ready! I'm amped! #letswork

M: Rest day 

T: 3m easy run and strength train (mankofit quick workout)

W: 5m pace run 

Tr: 7 x hill repeats and strength train 

F: yoga

S: 20m

Sy: Cycling 

Music Monday #MM

This is THE official theme song of my MCM run crew. "Bow on our arrival." Get into it!!! 

Happy Hump Day!

I think Wednesday's get a bad rap. Instead of complaining about hump day, turn on your fave song during your morning workout and just start jigging. Be inspired to let loose like your parents did back in the day!

Get Right Get Tight: Week 12 of MCM Training

Last week was an awful training week! Week 12 of training started off great. I completed my two-a-days on Tuesday but Wednesday is where it all went downhill. I started a new contract on Wednesday and found out about it Tuesday night so I was not prepped at all for the workload. Needless to say, training went out of the window once I started working 11 hour days. 

Although I only ran once during the week, I managed to still muster up enough strength to run the big gusto of the 18 mile long run and I survived. I felt strong once I finished and decided that week 13 will be better! #No excuses Here's the plan:

M: Rest 

T: 4m run 

W: 6 - 8 m pace run 

Tr: 6 x 800m repeats (am), strength training (pm)

F: Yoga

S: 13 m

Sy: Cycle and strength training (F.I.T. Class).  Maybe yoga later. We'll see. 

Fitspiration Friday: Make Yourself...

Outfit of the Day: Rock 'n Roll VA Beach Edition

Today I am running the Rock 'n Roll VA Beach Half Marathon! I wanted to rock something comfy, bright and fun that somewhat matched my shoes. Not only am I racing but I have to tack on 4 miles to get in 17 miles for my long run. Wish me luck! 

This is Lululemon's Optimal Tank. I got this tank in hot pink and the racer back part is metallic silver. This was on sale in the store. It's lightweight and breathable. 

This is Under Armour's Women's Kick It Short. Under Armour is my go to for workout gear even before Lulu. This is my first time running in them but UA is tried and true for me. They always have fun colors and prints. 

Of course I'm rocking my colorful Mizuno Wave Precision 13's. 

Pushing Limits: Rock 'n Roll VA Beach Half Marathon

My BRF wanted to run RnR VA Beach Half, so we signed up for it a few months ago not realizing we had to run 17 miles the week of the race. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue however, I really want to run a sub 2 hour marathon this year. 

I've decided to still go after this goal regardless of the extra miles I will be running prior to start time. I know this will be a huge challenge for me but that is the purpose of training. Train hard so that on game day it will be easy. Sunday I will run around 3 miles as a warm up, chase the 2 hour pacers to the finish line and run a 1 mile cool down. Lately, I've been asking myself, "how far can you go?", "are you really pushing yourself?" and I intend to find out over the next 8 weeks. 

#Letswork

Fitspiration Friday: Sanya Richards-Ross

She is EVERYTHING!!!

Namaste

I went to Yoga after hill repeats today. Today's class was amazing! I feel like I'm getting stronger with my execution of advanced poses. The instructor really took the time to walk around and help position our hips and feet so that we could twist properly into the poses. One of my fave poses from today's class is below. I have no idea what the name of it is but my quads loved it! My quads have been sore since Tuesday's strength training class. Hot Vinyasa Yoga is slowly becoming my favorite workout during training. Definitely need to make time to incorporate yoga twice a week into training. 

Get Right Get Tight: Week 11 of MCM Training

After my last long run fiasco, I've decided to incorporate more yoga in my training. I need to practice being still, more zen-like if you will. Strength training has helped tremendously during marathon training and yoga is another form of it. Yoga will help strengthen my core and my mental endurance. Here's my schedule for this week:

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Strictly Strength (muscle endurance class) and 4 mile easy run

Wednesday: 8 mile pace run 

Thursday: 6 hill repeats (roughly 4 miles), F.I.T. (muscle endurance class) and Hot Vinyasa Yoga 

Friday: Hot Vinyasa Yoga 

Saturday: Cycle 

Sunday: Rock 'n Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon (17 miles. Have to tack on 4 miles for my long run) 

#LETSWORK

Getting Over That Hump!

"Those who want success should think like a planter. They should understand that having the right seed is an essential key to success, but they must also understand that the soil that they entrust to the seed is just as vital...can you honestly say the environment(s) you are in will yield the kind of harvest you are expecting?"  ~ Eric Thomas 

Happy Hump Day!!! 

Music Monday #MM

Long Run Report: 13+ miles of Getting Over that Hump

Hands down, this run was the worse run I have had during training so far. Over the past couple of days I've been in a funk and I have allowed some people to interfere with my feng shui for my life. Needless to say, I could not shake this funk I was in, even with my run. I could not mentally check into this run at all. To make matters worse, I kept forgetting to restart my Nike+ watch so I ended up running over 13 miles. Learned a few things from this run:

1. Fall has arrived. Leaves are already changing colors and falling. Where did Summer go?

2. My mental is strong. I wanted to stop after 2.5 miles but I refused to quit. I wanted to stop after 5 miles but I refused to quit. When I ran out of water around the 10 mile mark, I wanted to use that as an excuse to stop. At each point I told myself to push through the bs and get it done. 

3. 9 weeks to go! Time to reevaluate goals and make sure I am on track with training. I need to note my strengths and weaknesses and finesse my plan to meet my needs. 

4. Music is a great distraction. By mile 5 I was so over this run and I had to turn up the tunes. "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida is my go to pump up song. 

5. I need to listen to my gut. I was not feeling this run. I should've waited to run on another day or even later in the day. Sometimes, even when there is a schedule to be followed, it is best to just go with the flow instead. 

Get Right Get Tight: Week 10 MCM Training

I love the quote "Suffer the pain of discipline or suffer the pain of regret." This is my mantra for marathon training. I'm currently suffering the pain of discipline for the second week in a row. Training is becoming a second job. I may complain while training but I know it is what I need to do in order to succeed. I may skip workouts but I always make sure to make them up by the end of the week. It is all about balancing. Here is week 10 training schedule:

M: Rest Day

T: 4 mile run 

W: 7 mile pace run 

Tr: 6 x 800m repeats (am), Strictly Strength (pm) 

F: Yoga

S: 13 miles + beach after Woohoo (this is where balancing comes into play) 

Sy: Cycling (8am), Functional Interval Training (9:45am making up my strength training from Tuesday), Hot Vinyasa Yoga (11am) 

Long Run Report: 2 Women Wolfpack + 15 miles = HYFR

Friday morning I was soooooooo hype about Saturday's 15 miler. I think I'm so amped about pushing myself to see how far I can go if I set my mind to do it. Alarm went off Saturday at 430am.

I was out of the house with breakfast in hand by 5am and was in the vicinity to meet up with my group by 5:20 however, I was lost. My gps led me to one area of the trail but not at the beginning to meet up with my group. It was dark and damp and I was tired. At this point I called the BRF and realized I was roughly 4 miles away and tweaked her directions to get there. I was soooooooo over the 15miler at this point.

 I arrived at the group location around 5:45 when we were suppose to start at 5:30am. I turned my frown upside down once I met up with the ladies and took in the crisp cool air. Surprisingly it was cooler temps and perfect weather for a 15 miler! Here's what I learned after being on my feet for 2 hours and 32 minutes:

1) I can run without my knee brace. Last summer I was diagnosed with runner's knee after aggravating a prior injury by running a race when it wasn't fully recovered. Even though I have been strength training and have remained injury-free, I ALWAYS where my knee brace. I guess since I was running late and I was focused on getting started, I didn't remember to put on my brace. I realized I did not have it on somewhere between mile 2-3. Surprisingly, I felt confident that I didn't need it and decided to keep running. Strength training is definitely working magic on my knees. All the muscles around my knees are getting stronger and helping my kneecap stay in place. 

2) Mind over matter. I go into each run with purpose and goals. Lately, because I'm running distance I've never attempted, the goal is to just finish strong. When my feet begin to feel heavy at mile 13, I kept pushing and made a point to pick up the pace a little. My last mile split was 9:44. I succeeded. 

3) I no longer need music. I ran 15 miles with only music playing in my head. All I kept hearing was "oooooooooooooo sometimes I get a good feeling yeaaaaaaaah" or "hell yea hell yea hell yea I say fing right alright." 

4) Cliff bars and chews/gummies are not for me. Cliff bars require too much effort to chew and I could only eat half of a bar. I tried the chocolate chip bar and the flavor seemed off to me. The BRF had Honey Stinger cherry flavored gummies and offered me some. Glad I only took one because my stomach started to hurt right after I ate one. They tasted good but for whatever reason it didn't sit well with my stomach while running. Looks like Honey Stinger Waffles will be my snack of choice while running. 

5) Salty. I was very salty after this run. Salt all over my face and arms. I'm use to having salt on my face from sweat but when I was done Saturday I had salt all over my arms too. A veteran runner informed me that at mile 16 is when marathoners need to re-up on salt intake and fast or it all goes downhill from there. She suggested eating salt packets like the ones you find at a fast food restaurant *gag* or try a product called margarita Bloks. Bloks provide 3x the amount of sodium to ward off muscle cramps. We shall see when I run 17 miles in two weeks. 

6) My body will begin to hurt around mile 16. At mile 15 is when the creaks begin. My hamstring and hips were speaking to me saying "hey giiiiiirl. what's going on here?"

7) Eating breakfast is key. In the past I would eat a kashi breakfast bar and I would be starving by mile 6. Saturday I decided to try eating 1/2 of a whole grain english muffing with natural peanut butter. It did me justice. I never got hungry but made sure to eat something around mile 8-10. 

8) Therapy. I zone out while I run. I work through whatever issues I have been pondering all week and then I sync into my run. After my long runs I feel like I can take on the world. #runnershigh 

9) I ran 15.3 miles. I paused my watch while I waited for the BRF to fix her shoe and forgot to start it up until after we took off again. Once the BRF's watch hit 15 I decided to keep running so that my watch would record that I ran 15 so I ended up running over 15. YES it is that serious to me. Sad I know. 

10) So excited that next week is a light week. I never thought that I would say 13 miles would be a breeze till now. 

Long Run Report: 1 Woman Wolfpack + 14 Miles = GREATNESS

Sorry for the sporadic posting. Last week was crazy busy and I have a lot going on but I had to write about my long run! Saturday, August 11th, was my longest run ever! I have run four half marathons but I have never adventured into 14+ mile territory until embarking on the 26.2 journey!!! I woke up at 4:30am to get ready for my 5:30am run and it was storming. After running in the rain two weeks in a row, including once for an 11 mile run, I refused to do 14 in the rain. I decided that I was going to go back to bed and dreadmill it once I woke up again. When I woke up, it was cloudy and looked like the floodgates were going to open again but the sun was trying to say hello. While on the way to the gym I decided to take my chances and go to the lake. I was worried about running on my own for such a long distance but I needed to get it done, so at 8:30am I started my long run. 

Here's what I learned:

1) I'm disciplined even when I do not want to be. I was worried about this solo run but I pushed myself because I have goals. 

2) Solo runs are important. Running solo allowed me to be super in-tune with my body. It was just me and the LAWD out there running. No music throughout the entire 14 miles. I was able to focus on my form, listen to my breathing and listen to my natural beat that I created running up hills. I was able to completely zone out and have church on the pavement. 

3) I was able to come up with my race strategy for MCM in October from being in-tune with my body. Every 6 miles I need to eat something. I devoured that Honey Stinger Waffle like it was a vegan burrito. I know I looked crazy to those who were passing by. I need water every 3 miles and after 10 miles I need to start drinking gatorade. I ran out of water around mile 10 and I was craving Lemon Lime Gatorade at that point too. 

4) At mile 12, I ran to a gas station and got a Lemon Lime Gatorade. It is truly heaven in a cup. I felt like God, Allah, Buddah or Carmelita Jeter handed me that Gatorade. I was so hot since I started so late and it was cold and just so flavorful. *sigh* 

5) Not all pain is bad pain. There's a difference between an injury causing pain versus pain from your muscles getting finessed by the workout.

6) I actually believe I can run a sub 4-hr marathon for my first full marathon! This training run showed me how in shape I am in mentally and physically. 

7) Hills are my friends. I love hills because hills love me use to be my mantra but now I truly believe it. I have been training on hills for roughly 3 months. Hills help strengthen my glutes, hams, quads and my running form. I have been running hill repeats on this dreaded hill called "Harriet." Every hill, including Harriet, is no challenge. I look at hills and get excited. This one hill called "route 108" was a beast when I ran it during a 10k 4 months ago. Saturday that hill was my last mile and I ran it like a champ even at mile 14! 

8) Setting goals for each long run is imperative to my training and a successful marathon. 

9) Ice baths work! Legs were feeling great on Sunday. I didn't have any issues until I had to do squats. My hammies were not pleased with me. 

10) I have a runner's tan. SMH I have a booty shawts tan and a racerback tan. The definition of struggle. 

NEXT SATURDAY I HAVE 15 MILES *faints* 

Music Monday #MM

Get Right Get Tight: Haze Yourself!

So in usual fashion, Tuesday's are tough for me. I decided to sleep in this morning and I missed the morning Total Body Conditioning class. In usual Tuesday fashion, I was over my workouts for the day before I even got off work.  I decided to suffer the pain of discipline instead of regret. I knew I was going to run 4 miles at 7:30pm but I couldn't decide on a strength training routine that would be quick. I stumbled upon this little gem and I was actually excited to try it out. This vid had me putting in work! Whenever you are pressed for time and can't make it to the gym, test this out! 

Get Right Get Tight

Today marks the beginning of week 8 of Marine Corp Marathon (MCM) training. Last week I struggled a bit mentally. I was worn out! I struggled on Tuesday but pushed through and made every workout except 2, yoga and hill repeats on Sunday. Saturday's 9 miler was filled with hills so I decided to give my legs a break.  Sometimes you have to know when to have a seat. This week I'm feeling refreshed and energized after watching the track and field events at the Olympics. Here's my week 8 training schedule:

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Total Body Conditioning (am), 4miler (pm)

Wednesday: 7 mile pace run 

Thursday: 5 x hill repeats (roughly 5 miles) (am), Strictly Strength (pm)

Friday: Yoga 

Saturday: 14 miles + ice bath 

Sunday: Cycling and I may go to F.I.T. class depending on how my legs feel after Saturday's run

Music Monday #MM

Happy Monday folks!

Outfit of the Day

 Lululemon’s Tata Tamer II

My fave sports bra! True to its name, this bra tames the tata's. I love the convertible adjustable straps and the multitude of purple shades this bra comes in! Purple is my fave color and the color of royalty. Get into it ladies!!! 

Under Armour Charm Banded Tank

I love UA! UA is a Baltimore based company so I have to support the home team. They always have the best moisture wicking items and color selection. This top was light and semi-fitted. Kept me cool during the heat and humidity.

Lululemon’s Run Shorty Short

*shakes tambourine and cues the organ* I LOVE THESE SHORTS! They feel like a second skin! They do not rise and help with chaffing. They come in so many colors and prints. Your booty will look amazing in these regardless of your size!!!

Lululemon’s Ultimate Padded Run Socks 

Like running on pillows and your feet stay dry and cool.

Mizuno Wave Precision 13’s

I use to be a Nike Vomero girl until I tried these on. So much lighter and stylish than my Nike's. Perfect for a neutral runner! Only downside is that they rarely go with my running outfits but they are fly on their own! 

Long Run Report: I Got Mileage in the Bank, Shawty What Ya Drank?

1) 3H's Hot, humid and hilly as hell!

2) Surprisingly I can keep a decent pace in the heat even though I despise running in it.

3) When it's hot as hell it's important to pullback and just focus on running consistently. This was key to me completing today's run!!! I could tell that I came out to fast in the first mile. After checking my splits, I came out at a 9minute mile pace which is ridic for a long run.

4) In the word's of the BRF "Today I learned that even if it feels slow, it probably isn't and if it feels fast, its probably a comfortable pace."

It was soooooooo hot and humid and I felt like trash within the first 5mins because I was already drenched in sweat. I had to pull back and just focus on banking mileage. I felt like I was running at a snails pace and after the run, I checked my watch and was pleasantly surprised at the average pace. I thought I was running at a 10:30 pace but after checking my splits I ran 5 of the 9miles under 10mins and 4miles just around the 10minute mile pace. Not bad for dealing with the 3H's! *diddy bops*

5) When all else fails, just bank the miles and keep it moving. At around the 4.5 mile mark, one of the leaders of the pack ran up to me and asked me if I was having fun. I responded, "HELL NO. It's too dayum hot and I don't know how you guys start so late. I am a 5/5:30am girl not 6:30/7am" After he agreed that it was extremely humid he replied, "Just run slower and focus on banking the miles." Greatest advice of all time!!!

6) Partially frozen lemon lime Gatorade is heaven in a cup after a long run! Almost better than a iced grande soy chai. Omnoms!

7) I can't start a run after 5:30am unless I want a booty shawts tan. SMH

8) Lulu's run shorty shorts are THE BEST!

9) Adidas slides are a must after every long run (yes I do a slight wardrobe change)

10) 2 liters of water isn't enough for me to properly hydrate after a run *sigh*

Fitspiration Friday: Carmelita Jeter

They Sleep. We Run.

My wake up call on any given day except Monday’s and Sunday’s is 4:45am. Yes you read that correctly! EVEN ON WEEKENDS! While you are rolling over in your pool of drool, I am lacing up my sneaks and making sure my Nike+ GPS watch has enough battery power to track my mileage and pace. 

The quote “They Sleep. We Run”, is my motto to get me out of the bed. I have set a goal and made a plan to get there but LAWDadadadadadadamerCY training is kicking my ass! I need to learn to balance marathon training with life. Lately, the two have not been coinciding with each other. If it wasn’t for Babe (my boyfriend) and my best running friend (BRF), I would not have started my training for the week.

Tuesday’s are my hardest days because my sleep schedule is off since I like to sleep in on my rest day (Monday). Tuesday I did not wake up and I paid the price for it. I was suppose to run after work but my stomach was doing back flips and of course when I was driving home from work, here comes the BRF saying that it feels great outside and I should be running. Insert *side eye* I WAS SO OVER IT AND HER. Earlier, Babe told me that I should just go to bed when I got home since my stomach was bothering me but when I got home he seemed to turn on me too and said I should go for a run. Insert *side eye* I WAS SO OVER HIM.  

Since they double-teamed me, I got dressed and headed out to run and it started raining. The LAWD got jokes. I guess he wanted to test my discipline. All I could do was laugh and get started.  Tuesday’s workout definitely set the tone for Wednesday and Thursday. *sigh*

The lesson for this week of training is to push through whatever mental barrier that is blocking my success. Easier said than done.