2012 Run Survey

I Saw this on another blog and thought it was great idea!

Best Race Experience
I would have to say my best race experience of 2012 was the Rock-n-Roll Chicago 1/2 marathon or the Wineglass 1/2 marathon.  The RnR Chicago was my second slowest 1/2 marathon, 2:02:02 (out of 14) but it was my first "race" back after dealing with plantar fasciitis. It was my longest run since my time off.  It was such a fun experience! I loved every step of that run.  I guess when you are injured and you can run again you appreciate ate it that much more!  Plus, I loved running Chicago! What an amazing city! 

mom and I after 2012 RnR Chicago

Wineglass 1/2 Marathon was a comeback run of sorts.  The two previous 1/2 marathons I didn't break 2 hours.  I went out as an easy training run but felt so great at the miles went by so fast!  It was one of those great races and I finished with a 1:47:02.  I love the Wineglass course and since it is a local race I will definitely be hitting it up in 2013!

Finish of 2012 Wineglass 1/2

I also loved running a 5k with my daughter!  She is 5 and loved that she wanted to run!  We had a lot of fun.  I also ran a mile race with her earlier in the fall and she ran a sub 10!

Best Run
This would have to be a day that I ran while my daughter was at dance.  All my easy runs were hovering around 9:00-9:10 pace and they felt like a struggle.  I had been on the comeback from injury and my body was just not wanting to get with it.  I had been on the comeback for two months and my runs weren't "clicking".  Well, this particular day, I headed out for 7 miles.  I felt awesome!  Miles just started flying by.  I ended with 7 miles at 8:24 pace and felt like I could of run forever.  My easy pace seem to dramatically drop.  Muscle memory?

Best New Piece of Gear
This would have to be Hoka One One running sneakers!  These sneakers have saved my running!  After dealing with Plantar Fasciitis for 1 1/2 years in and out of the boot and trying many different sneakers.  I have been running pain free since I made the switch!  I truly love these sneakers! 

They may look like moon shoes but they are heaven on my feet!

I also have fallen in love with Oiselle Running Clothes.  The Lesley tights are an instant favorite as are the Stripey shirt, Runfinity scarf, t-shirts, Distance Shorts and the Trials Hoodie! Can't wait to add more to my collection in 2013!

Best Piece of Running Advice Received
Enjoy the run!  My mom told me if it I am not having fun and enjoying than I shouldn't be doing it.  I know that some runs are going to be harder than others.  But I run because I love it and have put that back into my daily training!

Most Inspirational Runners
First, I would I have to say my mom.  She may not be the fastest one out there but she gets out there and gives it her all.  This year my mom committed to run for Team Livestrong and raise money for cancer research in memory of a high school friend of mine, Dana Carr.  Dana was an amazing person with an amazing attitude about life.  Dana was dealt some tough cards.  He was hit by a motorcycle while training on his bike and left paralyzed.  Dana was later diagnosed with cancer for a second time.  As hard as Dana fought he passed in December 2009.  My mom was running NYC in his memory.  Unfortunately she didn't get the chance but she will in 2013.

Second, would be my friend "sole sister", Kelli.  Kelli has become such a fast runner through so much hard work and dedication.  Kelli always has an encouraging word for me when I am feeling down about my running.  I am truly lucky to have her as a friend!

Grill pic after a day of shopping in Ithaca instead NYC marathon

How was your 2012?  Did you achieve your goals?  Best of Luck and Happy 2013!

Pie and Glove Recap and Other Thoughts.

   
Thanksgiving morning was the 19th annual Pie and Glove 5k.  I ran the very first Pie and Glove and have only missed it 3 times.  This year was different for me.  My 5 year old daughter decided that she wanted to run it.  I decided I wasn't going to race it and I was going to run with her.  It was a great decision for me!  I had so much fun sharing what I love with her.  She completed it in 41:04. There was so many people there this year and I loved how the course was set-up.  I was able to cheer for all the runners as we were headed out! 

Family Fun

Me, Michele, and My Mom

Daddy made her a sign!

    We headed to my mom and dad's house for Thanksgiving.  My sister and her family were in town so it was a blast!  I ended up having a sleep over at my parents house so I could hang out more.

Happy Thanksgiving

    Friday, we went to a local parade.  I also won a contest on Oiselle and won a shirt!  I can't wait as I am so in love with their clothing!

Parade Viewing

     Saturday was my son's 7th birthday party.  We headed to the arcade at the mall!  I think a good time was had by hall.  I can't believe he will be 7 on Wednesday!  He's growing up way too fast!

Lego Cake

          Sunday we put the Christmas tree up.  The kids really enjoyed it this year! I think it is going to be a great Christmas this year.

My Peanuts!

My Youngest

      Training plan is ready to go! Just need to register for the Rite-Aid Cleveland Marathon.  25 weeks to go first run is today :)

Are you running a spring marathon???  Which one???
How long are your marathon training plans?  Usually 18

New Goodies and A Speed Workout!

 


In My New Oiselle Trials Hoodie and Thanksgiving Bic Band

              I have been eyeing the Oiselle Trials Hoodie.....Perfect reward for completing a marathon???  I thinks so!  I ordered the hoodie on Thursday and received it in the mail yesterday!  I wore it to work today....not normal teacher clothes but oh so comfy!  I am in love with this sweatshirt already and will probably wear it all of the time!  I also ordered a pair of the Lesley tights and tried those out on my morning track workout!  They are great and I will definitely be ordering a pair of the Lesley knickers!


Great Coming Home to This on My Porch!

Goodies Inside!

               I also entered the lottery for the Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon in Washington D.C.  I entered under group with my mom!  Have my fingers crossed that we get in!

 

 

      This morning, I headed to the track for a workout.  It has been awhile since I have been to the track so I wasn't sure what to expect. I am only 9 days out from the marathon so I wasn't sure how my legs would feel. I am 26 weeks out from the Cleveland Marathon. Not definite that it will be my spring marathon but it's heading more and more that way! I have decided to focus on some speed work until 18 weeks out.  I ran 1.1 mile warm-up to the track, 8x400m, and 1.1 mile cool down.  Would of liked to run a little more so may head out for a double. 

              I had hoped that I could hit around 1:40 for each 400m

1. 1:39

2. 1:41

3. 1:40

4. 1:40

5. 1:42

6. 1:40

7. 1:42

   8. 1:38   

 

 

Overall, it was a good first speed work out back.  I definitely still have some lingering aches from the marathon!   On Thursday, I am running the Pie and Glove 5k!  I ran the inaugural race of this and pretty much every year since, except for a couple pregnancies.  This year it is at a new location because it has grown so much over the years! I am so excited to see so many runners from my past!

 

 

Are you running a Turkey Trot?  Which one?  How far?

 

How long before you start training hard again after a marathon?