Sexy & I know it!

Look at those gams!

I've mentioned a few times that I have been told many times that my calves are awesome.  Since I am in my own body and don't see them all that much from the outside, a friend snapped a picture of my right calf after our ride last week.

What did I see?  I've got definition I never knew I had.  I've always been lucky and had muscular legs but I've never had "stacked" legs where more than just the calf muscle is built.  I am getting to that age where ugly veins are starting and my mom has terrible varicose veins so I am thankful my legs still look good.  I haven't quite gotten used to all the attention - 3 people in one weekend mentioned how awesome my legs were - but I still didn't really get it until I saw this picture.

I am thankful for my legs.  They keep moving when the brain wants to quit.  They've powered me through thousands of miles in the last year and plan to power me through many more.  I guess the only thing I can say bad about them is I wish my thighs had more definition!  But, that's a work in progress and I'll get there!  They are definitely skinnier than they were last year!

That said, I talked myself in and out of a 50 mile ride with a group on Sunday.  Sundays are going to be my ride days but 50 two weeks before RAC and a day after 14 walking + a BBQ Saturday night = bad idea.  For once, my legs won out over my head.  Score one legs!

Man I have hairy arms!

It was supposed to be a butterfly

I've always thought I wanted a tattoo so over the weekend, when we were at a live show at the Columbus Commons, I got 2 henna tattoos.  One is on my right forearm and the other is on my left foot.  They last for 2 weeks and I am done with them already.  I think having a tattoo is just not for me.  I've already changed my mind about what I wanted on my arm and I'm getting tired already of seeing it.  I totally feel like scrubbing them off!

Two weeks - I can get through it, right??  Now I know for sure a tattoo is not for me!  I've never been able to come up with a location on my body or something I'd want FOREVER imprinted in my skin.  I saw all kinds of tattoos while I was at Miller Lite Carb day but nothing I'd get.

Do you have any tattoos?? 


Has anyone ever complimented a part of your body & you didn't believe them?

Miller Lite Carb Day @ Indy 500

No one was screaming "Freebird" & I don't know why!

After last week's workouts where I only missed one by sleeping through my alarm (Spin/TRX), I had a great rest day on Friday.

One of my business partners at work had invited me to the Miller Lite Carb Day at the Indy 500 on Friday.  Now, let's not kid ourselves - I barely know the difference between a NASCAR and an Indy car but I do now!  In fact, I made a co-worker mad when I said something about Biv not being a "NASCAR guy."  Oops!

Either way, I had to spend a lot of time Thursday night convincing Biv that my job doesn't always put me up in suites!  For one night, we lived large & enjoyed a beautiful view of Indianapolis.  I liked the downtown location for Indy and may chose this hotel from now on as long as it is in policy because it is in close proximity to the Indy bike/run trail! It'd be fun to not have to figure out my own routes!

The weather was crazy on Friday - highs in the 90s and very humid.  It was nice to have the hospitality suite to go back & forth in as we checked things out.  We got to go behind the scenes to the garage area which was really cool to see them getting the cars ready and a few drivers.

Helio

The cars seemed very small too and I totally understood why Biv was telling me the drivers lose an average of 10 pounds during the race between the fire protective layer, their suits and the track being 140 degrees.  I could never do it - although it sounds like a good weight loss plan!

After we watched 30 mind-numbing laps of the warm-up, we headed back to the hospitality suite for lunch and some A/C love!  I was worried about staying hydrated since I had 12 on the schedule Saturday so I kept refilling my water at the bar. I seriously don't understand how people go watch 500 laps.  Booooooring!

We were allowed close to the cars!

We decided to pretend to be fans so we went to the fan village where I got a cheesey picture taken in I think one of Dario's cars?  I can't remember who it was but what I do remember is the photographer instructing everyone to make sure they lift with their arms in and out and when he saw me he said "Oh yeah, look at those arms - I don't have to tell you that!"  I got in and out of it with such ease its like I've been doing it forever!

It was a two-seater but Biv wouldn't join me.

Shortly after, Lynard Skynard took the stage.  We stuck around for 2/3 songs before realizing we didn't recognize any of them with them actually singing them.  I was stumped that no one was screaming "Freebird."  Isn't that the classic song you scream at a band??  Disappointing.  My business partner was wrapping up the day in the suite with a comedy act that was enjoyable & then we made the trek back to Columbus.  Totally worth going but very similar to a race I did this spring:  One & Done. We enjoyed the day but we both agreed that we don't need to go back again!

Have you ever gone to the Indy 500 or Miller Lite Carb Day?


Does a compliment about your strength make your head swell just a little??  I may or may not have brought it up about 10 times to Biv.  I think he is tired of hearing about it.

Weekly Training Plan

I started the week last week by freaking about my current race plan.  Who wouldn't freak out about it?  Monday night, when I recapped it to my TRX instructor I thought "Am I nuts?" when she said "Wow!"  Here it is:

June 16-17:  Relay Around Columbus.  I am runner 4 with 19ish miles over the 24 hour period

July 29th:  Giant Eagle Multisport Event.  Olympic Duathlon: 3K / 40K / 10K

Sept. 2:  Rock 'n' Roll VA Beach Half Marathon

Sept. 16:  New Albany Walking Classic Half

October 21:  Columbus Marathon

So of course, you can imagine my training schedule has been a bit crazy.  To prep for RAC, we're trying to fit in 2 a days.  At the same time, MIT started up for the season yesterday.  I was so excited for the first day because MIT asked me to become the Competitive Walk Coach!!  I'll be blogging about walking competitively and they have asked me to help put together a few technique clinics!  They also changed the walk group this season and we're having them join the pace group that fits them the best.  They also added in a WalkFIT group which is for casual walkers who aren't planning to complete a race.  We had a bunch of these folks last season and I think there will be a lot more this season.  The best part about joining the paces is you can walk or run so now I'll get to train along side my friends!  I joined the 12 minute pace group which seemed about right for me!

I am in the green/black right up front.

Part way through the workout, someone said "Is she really walking as fast as I am running?"  That brought a smile to my face especially when my friend Mandy answered yes and told them about my blog.  After our 6 mile inaugural full marathon workout, Amy, Mandy & I all got back together and went out for 4 miles in 85 degree heat.  Other than some major chafing (welcome summer), it was a great workout too!

I think my workout plan will be week by week but here is what I've got planned this week:

Monday:  4 miles in the AM before work; TRX in the evening
Tuesday:  Yoga at PAI in the morning; a short ride with a friend.
Wednesday:  5 miles in the AM before work
Thursday:  Spin/TRX combo @ PAI before work; 4 miles
Friday:  Rest  (enjoying the Miller Lite Carb Day with a business partner for work @ the Indy 500)
Saturday:  12 miles split into 5 with MIT, 3 with Mandy, & 4 on own
Sunday:  Hot yoga at PAI; small ride

Somewhere in there I need to squeeze in a call to the Sports Nutritionist recommended by Dr. Bright and get that plan under way.  I do know I am not eating enough - yesterday's second workout was a great example of that.  Thankfully, I have a husband who can cook & had this ready for me when I got home from it:

All homemade - stuffed poblano peppers & black beans & rice!

He even used brown rice for the black beans & rice!  Yummy!  I ate every single bite.  We won't talk about how many likely calories are in it!  My mom always said it was rude to not clean your plate!

Do you plan out your training schedule weekly?  


Anyone have good websites to share for training schedules?

Commence the freakout!

Yesterday I signed up for my first duathalon - the Giant Eagle Multisport event on July 29th.  I signed up for the Olympic which is a 3K (1.86 miles), a 40K (25ish miles), and a 10K (6.2 miles).  Then I proceeded to write about here and say it "should be easy."  Famous last words?

I am beginning to think so.  I've never done this type of race before.  While the mileage is something I can do but I've not done a walk, ride, walk before.  Not within minutes of each other.  And the logistics? This looks like the first year they've put the Olympic Duathalon on the schedule and there isn't much detail about how the first run will go.  We ride from the top of the city to downtown and complete the 10K there.  While most everyone else will be swimming for the first leg, I'll be walking.  How does that work?  Why am I thinking about this already?

Mostly because I don't want to have signed up for it and not be able to complete it.  I am training for two fall halves and the Columbus Marathon as well so I already know I'll need to do a lot of mileage and cross training.  But it isn't anything I haven't done before.

I am fairly certain if I keep worrying about it, Biv might just kick me out!  I should be nervous about Relay Around Columbus right now and not an event in July.  Right??

Now to work up my training schedule.  I am really think I need to begin playing the lottery every week so I can just exercise & quit work as soon as we win the first million!  Right?

Have you ever signed up for a race then began freaking out about it??

Any advice as a I plan my duathalon?

Saturday Randomness

During the Cap City Half Marathon last weekend, my Amphipod phone holder malfunctioned and decided that the zipper should break.  I came home, sad it was broken & started to throw it away when Biv said "Did you think about contacting the company for a new one?"  Uh, no.  I did and they responded quickly!  By Friday I had a new one and my old one was in the box back out.  Now that's customer service!

Back when I finished the Columbus Half Marathon 2nd in my age group for the Competitive walk category, I received a gift card for Second Sole Gahanna for $25.  Only today did I finally get there to redeem it.  I had in my head that I'd use it for a foam roller but got there and figured out that it said "shoes & apparel."  Dang it!  So I had to shop the relatively skimpy store to find something that was good for me.  I tried on a running skirt because a lot of people like them and I was not impressed.  I decided to opt for Nike running shorts because I've had a pair before.  I was excited to get them for $9 after my gift card!  Came home & paired them with my t-shirt from Friday night's Nike BBQ Fun Run/Walk held by Fleet Feet and I have a new outfit!

The shorts look small but they fit!

I joined a few friends for a bike tour in Delaware County about 2 weeks ago and I never mentioned it.  Finally got a few pictures to share and thought it'd fit as a random post.  We covered 36 miles, saw one covered bridge and had a great ride!  I can't wait to do something like that again!

In front of the covered bridge

Today was the first day of the outdoor Worthington Farmer's Market.  I found myself ridiculously excited to bring home strawberries from a local farm 2 full weeks before they were supposed to be ready!  YUM!

California ones don't taste the same!

I made some major race decisions today and finally signed up for an Olympic duathalon!  I am so excited and nervous all at once!  It should be "easy" for me - its a 3K run / 40K ride / 10K run.  I know I can walk my portion so that'll work!  Its figuring out all the logistics of it that will be tough but I am looking forward to it!  A few of my friends are doing it too - although they've signed up for the Olympic Triathalon.  I will not be ready for that!  It's July 29th and I am excited!  I've decided that I am going to forgo any other races though - unless I pace - because I've pretty much exhausted my budget for 2012!

Do you enjoy going to Farmer's Markets??


Have you done a multi-sport event?  Any advice for me?

The story of 10

A little over 2 and a half years ago, I caught a bug after watching a co-worker complete a marathon.  I asked her what she would recommend for someone who wanted to get into the sport and she turned me onto MIT.  I am not sure if she thought I'd go couch to half marathon, but I did.

My first training season did not go well.  My father got ill about one month into it and I spent most of that summer back & forth to Rochester to care for him.  It was tough and I can remember being worried when I had to miss an 11 mile workout.  I can't remember if I made it to the 12 miler but either way, I made it to the Columbus Half and finished side by side with some pretty awesome ladies.  I wrote about it in my about me section so read more here if you are interested.  That first race was a 15:03 per mile finish and I was THRILLED!  The bug had bitten me and I began planning for the next season of MIT.

My goal, because I have a competitive little brain, was to get faster & better at this.  Still dealing with some issues with my father & his death that spring, I just stuck to the MIT schedule completing the Cleveland Half Marathon that spring which was about 3 or so weeks after he passed away.  I improved - a 14:34/mile finish but I had missed some training.  After that race, I focused that summer training with a few other walkers for the VA Beach Half Marathon over Labor Day weekend.  My goal for that race was to finish under 3 hours and I did it - 2 hours 59 for a 14:34/mile pace.  Still hooked, I did the Columbus Half 6 weeks or so later and PR'd again - finishing in 2:54 which was a 13:27/mile.

But, I was unhappy.  Yes, I was getting faster but I wasn't losing weight.  Around December of that year, I bought a Groupon to PAI Yoga & Fitness and it changed my life.  I added in strength training (like TRX), spinning and yoga to round out my walking and it showed.  The weight started to come off too!   My next race was the Cap City Half Marathon last year and I was asked to pace it 3 days before it.  I was thrilled that someone thought I was fit enough to pace it and we brought people in at around 3:30 which was a 16:02/mile pace.  I felt good that I could pace that pace without thinking twice.  Two weeks later and I was off to Cleveland for my 2nd half marathon there finishing in 2:46:38 for a 12:42/mile.  I finished 17th of 269 female walkers and was on cloud nine.  I really thought it couldn't get better than that.

I spent the entire summer working hard with cross training, losing weight and hitting PRs in various 4 milers, 5ks, etc. and winning some walker category awards.  It was a great summer & I was getting faster and faster.  I had high hopes going into my next race, the New Albany Walking Classic Half - basically just wanted to be faster than Cleveland.  It was a hot day, a boring course but I did it!  I PR'd again - finishing in 2:41 for a 12:18/mile.  I came in 2nd in my age group & actually got an award!!!  I was so excited that I've already signed up for the 2012 race so I can break my record & come in first in my age category.  See, I am totally competitive.

The wind blew just right!

My 8th half marathon was a return to my first venue for a half - Columbus.  I had a goal again - just wanted to beat the New Albany time and finish in less then 2:41.  Columbus added a competitive walk category last year so we had to be labeled separately & turn in our bibs at the end of the race.  I was so thrilled to come in at just under 12 minute miles (11:59) in 2:36.  I placed either first or second in my age group (on the road & the beautiful plaque is at home) and was thrilled.

I started out training this season knowing I'd be doing 2 spring halves.  It is always hard for them to find someone to pace the highest pace at Cap City so I promised I'd do it right away.  This year, I decided that my goal race would be the Earth Day Half Marathon in Gambier, OH.  It was quite a challenging course and I was so afraid I wouldn't PR when I got there but I wasn't disappointed.  I finished in just over 2:30 for an 11:30/mile.

And my 10th Half Marathon?  The Cap City Half and you can read about the recap here.

Its time I do a full and I've already signed up for the Columbus full in October. Scared as heck but I'll be ready!  I have Relay Around Columbus & 2 halves on my schedule before then and I am sure I will help with the Emerald City pacing too.  I have found my passion and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.   MIT's slogan is "Change your life one mile at a time."  Couldn't be more true for me.

How many half marathons or marathons have you done?


Any half marathons you'd recommend?

Pacing Cap City Half Marathon

What a great week/weekend!  I have so many things to blog about, I decided to start with yesterday's Cap City Half Marathon.  For my 10th half marathon in 2.5 years, I paced many people thru to their first halves.

I will first say that I am glad this was not my goal race.  I traveled 4 of 5 days last week for work and the weather turned really hot & humid.  I admire everyone who raced yesterday - whether it was a PR or not - it was less than ideal conditions and you rocked it!!

Looking fresh! Me & Deb ready for 13.1.

We lined up to pace pretty early as we were expected to be at the start by 7AM.  We loaded up in the very front of Corral E because we were the highest pace for the half - 3:20 for a 15:16/mile pace.  I've been in races where they did the corral system before but I have never seen them actually stop people from moving up as they did this year.  The gun went off shortly after 8 and they started letting people go.  We probably didn't move at all until 8:15.  When we finally got to the start position, the volunteers held us back with a rope until it was our time.  It was neat that they were sounding the gun for each Corral but it was also frustrating at the same time!  We were impatient, warm & ready to go!

Right as we crossed the start line, I watched A who I had trained with on Tuesdays/Thursdays go running past me!  He had underestimated his time & put himself in Corral E.  He had a great race yesterday!  As we passed, the best cheerleader leader ever shouted our names & snapped a quick photo!

Photo courtesy of Sarah!

I am apparently the only one who thought the weather was somewhat perfect at the beginning - 93% humidity but there was a slight breeze.  I did find myself with a a slight chill but that didn't last long!

One thing I liked about this race was the bands at certain miles throughout the course.  One of my friends was singing with her husband around the three mile mark.  It was cool to scream her name then get a shout out!  The band coverage was a little light between miles 9 & 11 and unfortunately, the performer around mile 10 was heckling the walkers.  The majority of us were walking at that point and he decided to announce that he was going to heckle anyone who was walking and not running.  I was close to going back and beating him with my pace sign!  The nice part?  I know the race organizers and I reported it when we got back & I've already had them respond.  This event is very good about supporting runners or walkers but apparently that dude did not get the message!  Throughout this race, we had a group of people with us - who wanted to finish at our pace.  Other times I paced, I didn't have the same experience.  Last year, we were pacing a 16:02 at this race and we didn't have as many interested.  This year, there was one girl named Tasha who was a first timer.  She was all over the course.  We'd lose her when she made pit stops then she'd be back.  She stole our pace sign once to have her friends take her picture.  When we got near the finish line, she actually STOPPED to have Andrea Cambern, a local TV anchor take her picture.  I heckled her to get her butt up to the finish with me because that's what she wanted but......she didn't.  I also stopped her from taking a pain medicine during the race which she finally admitted was percosett.  I told her it was a terrible idea and to wait until the finish to decide if she needed something.  After we crossed, gathered our medals, some food, she came up to us, stole the sign again & begged for a group shot.  I brought them in around 3:20ish which is pretty well near perfect!  I am always amazed at how tough it is to manage a perfect pace during a race!  Especially one that is about 4 minutes slower than my pace!

Tasha is holding the sign.

The weather was very hot for this race.  Until the very end, I didn't see anyone down but we had to go around a woman who they had already given an IV to.  The person I was pacing in didn't even notice her - that was baffling to me!  I have heard from many others that there were too many down and I can't get any of them off my mind!  I hope everyone is recovering well.

After the race, we made our way over to the MIT Recovery tent, picked up my bag, found some friends, enjoyed some Snowville Creamery Chocolate Milk (even got one to take home!).  If you have never had it and live local, I demand that you go to a store and get some.  We stopped buying Kroger or Giant Eagle white milk because we'd end up throwing it away every week but when we buy Snowville, there's none ever thrown out.  Even Biv likes it better.  

Mandy, me & Amy

I was glad to be reunited with my friends and so impressed that they made it through the race and brought home PRs!  They are amazing!  Even with how long it took us to finish the race, they waited for us.  I won't mention that I gave them 2 of them a ride, but they still waited.......and then let me have some time to wait for some of the walkers to come back.

Mandy, me, Amy, Deb, Suzi & Nita

I've never actually registered and walked this race.  Last year, I had registered for the Quarter Marathon when they decided they needed someone to pace the half.  The year before, we were going to be in Costa Rica so I missed it.  I am not sure I will register for it - I do enjoy pacing it quite a bit but I think next year I have to commit to a faster pace!

Have you ever paced a race?

Any experiences with pacers, good or bad, you want to share??

200 Miles in April?? Really?

During the last 3 years since I started getting crazy about fitness, I've never accomplished an April like this one.

Whether it be cycled, walked or ran (yes, I did run once - still hated it), I hit a major accomplishment this month of 200 miles.  How did that break down?

Walking:  105 miles
Running:  3 miles (see, I said I hated it!)
Cycling:  94 miles

I did count a few small dog walks of a 1.5 each but they do count, right?  Its time on my feet!

When I woke up yesterday, I knew I had to get 4 miles in to hit 200.  I was trying to figure out how to do it considering I realized that I was heading to Vegas where the time I was waking up was 3AM there.  Ugh!  I decided to snuggle with Annie a bit more and then get up for my work day.  Of course, with travel like that coming up, I was feeling a bit crazed and knew I had a busy work schedule.  I essentially made myself crazy!  I, in fact, texted defeat over fitting in the last 4 to Mandy who consoled me with "That's ok. Just survive the week and will pick back up next week.  I'm intending a light week this week."  Then I channeled Sarah B.  and headed out for mileage while listening to a work conference call.  I could hear what they were saying but I couldn't see the charts.  That's okay - I got the concept. You see, Sarah & I are trouble when we work out together and one of the reasons I cycled 94 miles in April is because of the day we did this.    In my haste, I put on the one pair of Brooks Launch that I own that do not currently have insoles in them.  Half mile in, I knew something was wrong but I went ahead and did 1.5 miles in them.  Biv was off work yesterday and while he was witness to the crazy, he didn't stop it.  I know he was entertained by it.  Since I had the failure walking, I came home, threw on my cycling shoes, helmet & gloves and headed out for what ended up being 4 more miles.  I knew I could get it done faster that way and not miss too much more work that I needed to do.  Not crazy at all, right??

I'll admit I felt a little crazed yesterday while doing this but this new mindset I am in would have considered me a failure for coming so close and not succeeding.  Of course my competitive brain is already plotting out ways to get over 200 in May.

Have you ever done mileage just to hit a goal?  I didn't even realize 200 miles in April was my goal.

Would you have done what I did??