And just like that it's the end of March

Wow, this month has flown by! I thought that a training update was in order. I have been enjoying some warmer temperatures and have had some really great runs outside. I actually had one run two weeks ago where it was 50 degrees. I was so excited to go out and run that day wear just Capri tights and a long sleeve running top that my first mile of a 4 mile easy run was 6:58. Oops, not really easy running. I must say though that I feel that the winter running I have done has paid off. When I am outside I am able to hit paces in the sub 8 minute mile and they feel easy.

I had my first 16 mile run outside and it felt great! It was a very hilly course and my legs felt trashed after, but I know that the run helped build strength. I really feel like I am truly in marathon training.

March definitely has been great with the warmer temperatures. I was finally able to get outside to do a marathon pace workout and I was able to hit my paces. Because most of my running is done in the early morning, it is usually dark when I run outside. I have found a route that is near the gym I belong to that is sidewalks and is lit with street lamps. The first one I did was great I was able to hit the paces I needed to. I average between a 7:30 min/mile pace and a 7:40. To run a 3:20 marathon my mile pace needs to be 7:38. I felt really confident after the first workout. The second time I did this workout did not goes as well. The temperatures had cooled overnight and there were patches of ice (I bet you know where this is going). One minute I was running an feeling great and the next thing I knew I was on the ground. I ended up with a large bruise and hematoma on my left hip and some scraps on my face. Lovely.

I will say that the fall has made me more cautious. I decided not to run outside in the early morning if there is ice. I also am being more diligent about proper recovery. I have started taking ice baths after long runs. I also have been icing things like a pro, stretching, taking my vitamins, and making sure to take it easy if I need to on the easy run days. I have to remind myself that the important thing is making it to the start line healthy, fit and ready to run a PR.
Miles this week:
 Monday: 3.75 miles on treadmill (had pain so cut this 5 miler short)
Tuesday: 1 mile on track at the gym and 7 miles of hills on the treadmill. I varied the incline from 1.0 to 6.0
Wednesday: 5.06 miles easy on the treadmill
Thursday: Yoga (I need to do this weekly)
Friday : 8.39 miles in 65 minutes (marathon pace workout) My legs were heavy in the beginning, but felt strong mid way through.
Plans for this weekend:
Saturday : 18 miles (so excited! I love long runs)
 Sunday: 5 easy miles or cross training.
Have a great week everyone!

Marathon training is on!

Hi! I realize now that it has been a while since I have posted anything. Many times I thought, "I am going to write a post tomorrow," which turned into a week, and then another week. Then, all of a sudden almost a month has gone by without a post. My apologies for keeping you in such suspense!

So, here is an update: marathon training is in full swing! I started training the second week of February for the Minneapolis Marathon on June 1st. It feels really good to have a structured plan to follow. I like having a plan to follow rather than making it up as I go along. It takes away some of the mental energy trying to decide what I should do for that day of running. My mind enjoys the break. My plan consists of 3 days of easy running, one day of hill work (to build strength), on day of marathon pace running, one long run, and a rest day. Yes, I said rest day and I am actually taking a day of rest on the day. I broke my running streak, which I promise to tell you about in a future post.

Training so far has been great. The negative temps have made getting outdoors for a run a challenge at times.

It was -6 degrees out this day!

The blizzards have been challenging as well.

A car that was stuck when I was out running (don't worry I did flag down a plow truck to help them out)

What it looks like to run after you get 10+ inches of snow

I have to say I am very thankful for a home treadmill and a gym membership. I have worried that running on the treadmill isn't as effective as running outside. I mean, I don't race on a treadmill after all. However, I have come to the conclusion that I am in the beginning of my training and slipping on the ice an injuring myself is not worth it. Warmer weather is coming!

How is this winter treating you?

Best winter running tip?

Motivation Moday

"Life can pull you down, but running always lifts you up" Jenny Hadfield "Passing the Torch"

I read this quote today and it really sums up my relationship with running some days. There are days that are challenging. Life can be very real sometimes. It is easy to get stress out, anxious, worried, etc. For me running can be the thing that helps me get peace during those hectic days. Just this Friday, I could feel the anxiety and stress creeping in on me as I was getting ready to head out of town. It was a morning of running errands with the girls, packing, and making sure things were set for the weekend. Stella (our youngest) went down for her nap and Addi was entertained by a movie, so I took the opportunity to get on the treadmill. As I took those first few steps I could feel my mind relax and mood elevate. Through these steps I was able to clear my head. That is the thing about running, it is my time to clear my head and get a hold of my thoughts. It's like a reset to my attitude and emotions. I can have time with myself and a lot of times my Heavenly Father. Sometimes it takes just a mile and my mind is refreshed. Sometimes it takes 10 miles, sometimes 16. Friday, it took 5 easy miles and I found my peace that day.

I am thankful everyday for this.


I wish you all a great week.

How do find your peace in life?

Training update

Hi everyone! I am sitting here on another frigid day thinking about how I am super excited that there will be some warmer days this week. This means I will do my best to get some miles outside. I am so thankful to have a treadmill to use, but I do definitely need to get some fresh air.

My running is going well and I am excited. I have felt like I have been in a rut for a bit. I think the reason for the rut was that I was struggling in my workouts. Paces that should have felt easy were feeling hard. I think part of it was just getting my health back. Part of it could be boredom on the treadmill. Part of if could be just not having a running plan to follow. Which ever it was, I am going to focus on the fact that this week I feel great. I realize I am going to have ups and downs along the way. The downs will make me stronger and will make me appreciate the ups that much more.

Wow, that was deep.

Since it has been frigid here, I have chosen to make the most of the treadmill. I tried a half marathon pace workout that I got from Runner's World that was awesome. I am going to start incorporating it into my routine. I have also been focusing more on how much time I am running on the treadmill, rather than miles on the treadmill. I am getting my body used to running for longer periods of time. My plan is to do speed work twice a week, a long run or two, and easy running in between. I am going to do this until my marathon training starts which will be early to mid February.

Here is what one of my runs looked like this week.

My half marathon pace workout

Visitors to keep my company for a while during my run.

 Have a great week!

My first race recap!

So last Saturday I ran a 5k. It is part of a 5k series at one of the health clubs near us. You paid one entry fee and it allows you to run about all the series they have through the year. My oldest Jakob and I were both going to be running. Here's how it went down.....

We got to the gym and got our race bibs. Took a brief look at the map of the course and got my Yak Traks on and we were ready to go. There were between 40-50 people in the race (small race), but pretty good turnout considering the weather. It was in the lower teens for a temp, with some wind.

The race started and I held back a bit for the first part and then worked my way into the first place spot. It was here that I had wished I had looked a little closer at the map. It would have been a better way to gage how much distance was left. The course was a loop course on the streets, some areas were plowed and others there was some deeper snow and icy spots. Footing was definitely something to be careful with, was definitely happy to have my Yak Traks. Was cruising along and a guy ended up out kicking me in the end. I finished 2nd overall. My time was 24:17, not my fastest but considering the conditions it was pretty good.

Overall this race was very nicely organize and very low key. I felt it was a great way to get some more 5k races under my belt. Hopefully, the next one will have some better conditions. 

Five things Friday

Here it is, it is Friday again. It has been super cold here this week. The kids school was cancelled a day because of the cold this week. I would really love a week of warmer days to get outside and run. I am truly thankful I have the opportunity to run on a treadmill during the winter, but I am missing the outside and fresh air. So I am going to be positive about this cold weather and tell you about the 5 good things about the cold weather.
1. Cross Country Skiing. Not only is this great cross training, it is also something that we are able to do as a family. My super crafty hubby created a sled so that we could pull the younger two kiddos behind us while we ski. Our oldest is able to ski really well on his own and our 6 year old is learning.

2. Running in the snow builds strength. It is a much harder run when you have snow to deal with. It is similar to running in sand, in which you have to adjust your footing and balance while running. Thus, running in the snow = improved strength. Improved strength = faster running.

3. Snow really is beautiful in the morning, especially when the trees are covered.

4. Sledding. It really is fun to get out with the kids sled. Running up the hill and going fast down them is exhilarating. Plus, pulling a 3 year old up the hill in a sled is a super great strength workout for your quads

5. Working out inside does have some benefits. I am taking advantage of being inside to focus on building my strength. Plus, I feel that running on the treadmill does build some mental toughness with learning to stick to finishing a workout even when it get mentally tough (due to boredom).

There is my five things, i feel they may be a stretch but I am choosing to be positive about the weather, It just makes me appreciate the warm weather when it comes.

What do you love about winter?

Five things Friday #2

Happy Friday friends! I thought I would do a another 5 things post. This week I have been getting over a cold so I couldn't do the mileage I had wanted to do. However, I feel that I did do 5 things this week that helped to improve my health and running. I hope you are ready!

1. Knowing when to take it easy. I had wanted to run a lot of miles last weekend, but I started having symptoms on Saturday. I knew I couldn't do the ten miles I wanted to, so I did one mile. I actually feel like that endorphins from that mile helped to give my immune system a boost without over doing it.

2. Sleep. I feel that rest really helps my body get over things faster. There was one night this week I went to bed at 8:30pm and I was absolutely happy about it.

3. Water. I drank water, water, and more water. I feel that drinking more water and fluids helps allow your body to flush your system out.

4. Taking my vitamins and especially Vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for your immune system as well as muscle recovery. I ate a lot of mandarin oranges! I also made sure to take my vitamins this week. I feel the more nutrients my body has the better it can fight off viruses.

5. Not speaking that I was sick. I never during this past week sad "I am so sick" or "I don't feel good." I either said "I am overcoming" or "I am catching a healing." Words are powerful. If I were to say I feel terrible then I would feel terrible and it would probably take longer to feel better. So, I say I am getting better and I focus on the things that will help my body fight the illness rather than how my body feels.

I am definitely glad I did these things to help get over this cold. I had a great 7+ mile run on the treadmill today followed by some strength training. I am excited to start to slowly put the miles back on, my body definitely feels stronger during longer workouts.

What do you do to help get over illness?

What's your favorite vitamin C food source?