week in review: november 3–9

Dopey Challenge Training: Week 19

Monday, November 3: rest day

Tuesday, November 4: rest day

Wednesday, November 5: rest day

Thursday, November 6: travel day

Friday, November 7: rest day (lots of walking!)

Saturday, November 8: Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5k and Wine and Dine Half Marathon

Sunday, November 9: rest day (lots of walking)

Weekly mileage:  16.2
Total mileage for Dopey Challenge Training: 314.58 miles

I did a lot of rest days this week. After my 8.5 and 20 miles on Saturday/Sunday of the last weekend, my shins and feet were pretty sore. Since I knew travel to Florida was in my near future, along with packing, getting myself ready, plus a race on Saturday morning AND night, I decided to give myself a bit of a 'break' during the week. 

Traveling always wipes me out, plus I didn't know how running in the AM with a very early wake up call and then again at night, which would lead to a very late bed time, would affect me. I know that if my body feels too tired and worn down, I'm going to get sick, so I'd rather rest it up a little extra when needed, so I can keep up the long miles when the training plan requires it.

The weekend was fantastic, and I loved getting to meet so many new people, as well as those I've interacted with on blogs/twitter/instagram. I'll talk more about all of it in a Wine and Dine weekend recap (which will be sooner than some of my extremely late race recaps... ugh! I can't seem to catch up). It was a wonderful experience overall (minus the pouring rain for pretty much the ENTIRE race...).

How was your week/end? Did training go well? 

P.S. Make sure to review your race(s) on BibRave.com, and join us for #BibChat tomorrow night at 8pm CT.

friday five: reasons to run

Happy Friday, my friends! Per usual, I am linking up with the lovely ladies of DC: Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed up for What?, and Mar at Mar on the Run, as I do every Friday. This week's theme is "Five Reasons to Run". 

In January, I will be tackling my first marathon... after also running a 5k, 10k, and half marathon in the three days prior. Yes, I am taking on the Dopey Challenge – if you didn't know already haha... I talk about it often enough ;) Training is already in full swing, and I've gotten up to 17 miles. Here are some of the reasons why I decided to register for the Dopey Challenge.

1. To challenge myself. I honestly never planned on running a marathon. That wasn't in my agenda when I started running and racing. However, as I've gotten more involved with the running community, I felt so inspired by everyone else that has completed one, that I wanted to challenge myself and run across that finish line. I never thought I'd be able to run 13 miles, let alone 26.2. I've been happy with training so far. It'll be quite the challenge for me, waking up early for four consecutive days, and running those four races. I cannot wait to put myself to the test. Crazy? Maybe, but I love it.

2. All the medals. For the Dopey Challenge you not only get a medal for the four races, you also get one for the Goofy Challenge (the half and full), as well as the Dopey Challenge medal. Whooo! As a competitive Irish Dancer for many, many, many years, I grew accustomed to working really hard, and in the end, getting an awesome prize for placing. I love getting something for my hard work at the finish line. I'm competing against myself, rather than others. Always trying to better my best, and I feel that's all I can do. All runners have different back stories, and I am impressed by everyone, but I don't judge my running versus others, because it just makes me sad haha.

3. It's at Disney World. I mean, if you're going to run a marathon, I feel like Disney World is one of the best options (especially for a first one!). I'm hoping all of the excitement, sights, and sounds will help keep my mind off of the miles and pain.

4. A new sense of accomplishment. Finishing 5k, 10k, and half marathons have given me such a feeling of accomplishment. No matter my finish time, I worked hard and carried myself across the finish lines. I can't wait to (hopefully) cross that finish line in January and have an amazing feeling of completing 26.2 miles. I'll probably cry.

5. Learn new things about myself. Running in general has taught me a lot about myself. I realize how resilient, tough, and strong I actually am... things I wouldn't really notice otherwise. I am grateful my body is allowing me to run and to train for a marathon, and I love the quiet long runs by myself – it gives me time to think, reflect on life in general, and push my limits.

Have you run a marathon? Any tips for me? I could use all the help I can get. 

What are some of your reasons to run?

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (direct links above in first paragraph) and link up if you are joining in on the fun (and if you aren't – how come?!). Don't forget to read/comment on some of the other link ups :) 

Also, in case you missed it, here are my posts from the week:

Week in Review
Weekly Chase #29
Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves Review

Have a great weekend, everyone!

week in review; july 7–13

Monday, July 7: 1.12 miles and Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred (Level 1 Day 2)

Tuesday, July 8: 1.14 miles and Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred (Level 1 Day 3)

Wednesday, July 9: 3.53 miles

Thursday, July 10: 3.04 miles

Friday, July 11: 1.06 miles

Saturday, July 12: 1.12 miles

Sunday, July 13: 3.64 miles and strength training (arms, core, back, legs)

This past week had been a bit rough for me, as I have been battling a bit of a cold/sinus congestion and sleepiness. However, I have kept my running streak alive, regardless. Sunday was day 49! Tuesday I wasn't feeling great, so I switched my original 45 minutes from Tuesday to Wednesday.

I was also trying to add in the 30 Day Shred everyday, to help up my strength and work on my core, but I was feeling too worn out come Wednesday to continue. My original plan was to do the 30 Day Shred on my scheduled rest days (which was basically any day that included the 1 mile runs), but again, I was too tired to keep it up.

Saturday was scheduled to be 4 miles, but I was too busy and pushed it to Sunday. Unfortunately for me, I thought it was a good idea to go for that run at 3pm, and let's just say, it turned out horribly. It was so hot, and there was no shade to help protect me from the sun, so I was so sweaty and by mile 2.5 I thought I might pass out. The whole no reprieve from the sun was brutal. I also wasn't happy that my ice had melted about 5 minutes in, and my water was warm by mile 2. A bit bummed out, I cut it short. I know less than .5 mile under my scheduled length won't make too much of a difference in the scheme of my training, especially since I've been doing more than that on my weekends, but I was still mad I couldn't just finish those darn .36 miles. I know it was the right decision—listening to my body is more important than finishing a run (or attempting to finish it and actually passing out... no thanks!). Anyway, last time I attempt to run on such a hot day at 3pm. I mean, I should have known better, but I wanted to get the run completed for the day while I had the chance. Oh well. Onward and upward!

I was happy to get in some strength training this week, at the very least. Tonight I have a 5k, along with the Rock 'n' Roll 5k and half marathon this weekend, so plenty of miles will be logged this week (plus a little trial to see how I do with back-to-back race days).

How was your week of training? If you are training for Dopey or Goofy – what training plan are you using? (I am using Jeff Galloway's from the runDisney site, though I may make adjustments here and there, if need be.)

friday five: fitness snapshots

Happy Friday, all! I am so happy that it's the end of the work week. Though we have some plans for this weekend, I will relish any down time and I'm really hoping to get at least one good night of sleep to try and kick this cold. 

I am linking up with the lovely DC Trifecta for Friday Five: Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed up for What?, and Mar at Mar on the Run. This week's theme is "Fitness Snapshots", so here's some snapshots of my week...

Chicago River.

1. I did a bit of walking around the city this week, while taking short breaks from work. It's tough to sit at a desk all day when such lovely weather is out there – I wanted to enjoy it, as well as help get me to my step goal for the day. Not to mention my legs get tight if I am sitting for too long without getting up and walking a bit.

T-shirt and bib for the race on Monday night.

2. I picked up my bib and t-shirt for Monday's Burgers and Beer 5k. I love the shirt, though I think I'll need to exchange it for a larger size on Monday night (hopefully they'll have the next size up available – they weren't doing exchanges until everyone picked theirs up, which I understand).

runDisney training plan.

Snapshot of my schedule this week.

3. and 4. This week was week 2 of Dopey Challenge training. I switched it up a bit, since I didn't get in 45 minutes Tuesday, I did them on Wednesday. Also, it's funny how now, a 'long run' of 4 miles seems so short. There was a day when I thought that was such a long run. It's not nothing, but I've gotten used to running 8–13 on a regular basis, so a 4 mile run goes by so quickly now. The days of 15+ are really going to be the challenge, along with the back-to-back days. I've also done a bit more than what is on the schedule, including keeping my running streak alive with at least 1 mile every day that was a scheduled rest day, and I did Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred Level 1 on Monday and Tuesday—Day 2 and 3 of it—but stopped after that because I wasn't feeling great... going for a run was all I could muster.

Thursday morning run.

5. Having sinus issues was quite obnoxious while out running. I slowed down a bit, but there was a time when even on a good day I wasn't running an average pace of 13:37, so I'm still really happy with my progress so far this year. Even though it was a mere 63 degrees (which back in April/May I was complaining was too hot for running haha), the 88% humidity was a beast, and thus, I was a sweaty beast for those 3.46 miles.

How was your week in fitness? 

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (links to the specific posts are at the top of the page) and link up if you are joining in!

friday five: this summer i will...

It's Friday Five time! I'm linking up this (very lovely) Friday with the DC gals: Courtney of: Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia of: You Signed up for What?, and Mar of: Mar on the Run. The theme for this week is: 'This summer I will... 

1. Eat healthier. I'd like to eat more salads, fruits, veggies, and chicken over the summer. I'll be (attempting to) limit my fast food and fattier meals in exchange for healthier ones. Wish me luck, because I'm going to need it! I'm hoping with some willpower and routine, it will become easier. It's not like I eat our every day, but I do love me some Cheetoh Puffs, Doritos, pizza, and cheeseburgers, and when the craving calls, I usually answer :-/ I am writing this post as I eat a salad for lunch, which I packed up this morning before leaving for work. It took some time to gather it all together, so I'm quite proud of myself for getting it done haha. Not to say that I'm giving up everything that's unhealthy, just trying to limit the amount I eat.

2. Start Doepy training. Ahh! Can't believe July 1 will be the beginning of training for the Dopey Challenge. Scary, though the heavy mileage doesn't come until September, where it starts hitting 13+ miles, and the inclusion of a week with 4 days of running instead of 3 (there are 6 of them total, I believe). I'm following the Jeff Galloway plan up on the runDisney training page, as I also use his run/walk method. I figure it'll give me my best shot in finishing all of the races. Note that I am not concerned with my time for any of the races, just that it's within the time limits.

3. Start cross training on a regular basis. I'd love to get into swimming, but I have yet to find a gym or location that's close enough to home or work and is a reasonable price. Other than swimming, I'd like to start riding a bike, and try some other forms of cross training to see what I enjoy most. 

4. Strength train. I suppose this can fit in with cross training a bit, especially if I start swimming (that builds arm strength, right?), but I'd like to build and tone up my muscles. I don't have much strength in my core or arms, and would love to fix that. I really think it will help my running, and maybe even increase my speed and help prevent injuries. I'm pretty concerned with getting burnt out from running or injured once the heavy miles hit in the late summer/early fall. I want to be prepared, and I think cross/strength training will help. Along with pre/post run nutrition, figuring out how to foam roll, and just overall taking care of my feet and body post runs. All of these things are key to keeping me in tip top shape for training :)

5. Spend time outdoors (with plenty of sunscreen and hats, of course). Whether it be reading (I want to do a lot of reading!), walking the dogs (as long as it isn't too hot for them), picnics in the park, hanging out with friends at their pools – I want to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air, instead of being cooped up inside being lazy and unproductive on the couch. I'm really hoping for a fairly mild summer, so that I can stand being outside long enough to enjoy it! I'm not a fan of 90+ degrees (or 80s, if I'm being honest with you, don't hate me).

EXTRAS: A few other things on my list include: 

• finish getting the office organized, cleaned, and have it stay that way.

• go through clothes and donate things no longer worn.

• organize my closet and dresser drawers.

• spend time with my family.

What's on your summer to-do list? Any fun vacation plans? Do you foam roll? Can you come over and teach me how to do it? What form(s) of cross training do you do, if any? Looking for tips or recommendations, please :) 

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts and link up if you are joining in! There are always a lot of blogs linked up, and it's interesting to see everyone's takes on the theme. I suggest taking a look at a few (or all, if you have the time). Have a great weekend, everyone!

week in review; april 21–27

This was a bit of a lazy week... I'm a bit embarrassed!

Monday, April 21
rest day
I spent the day at work and then lounged on the couch, our busy weekend and 9.5 mile run on Sunday had worn me out.

Tuesday, April 22
rest day
I woke up with a migraine, so decided to sleep in instead of go for a run. I knew it was going to be a bit of a stressful day, with Walt Disney World Marathon weekend going on sale at 12 EST. I had decided to register for the Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon in four consecutive days). I was a bit nervous to take the plunge, but I did! It was pricey, but I'm hoping worth it. I know that with the proper training, I can accomplish this goal, and cross the challenge off of my bucket list. It's going to be a lot of hard work, and very time consuming, but I'm ready for it. I also know it's going to take a lot of time away from my family and friends, but they are supportive and understanding. I am nervous about going for my first full marathon (though I am in the process of looking for a fall to compete in as a warm-up/trial), but I just have to believe that if I put in the work, I can do it. And as has been the recent trend, most of the events sold out within hours. What's left currently is Goofy and a Half Challenge and the full marathon. Anyway, after work, I headed up to trivia, as usual.

Wednesday, April 23
strength training - arms and abs

Thursday, April 24
2.1 miles on the treadmill

Friday, April 25
rest day
I woke up feeling pretty crappy. I could feel a new sinus infection was working its way in, so I tried to get as much rest, water, and vitamins as possible for the day.

Saturday, April 26
rest day (though it wasn't very restful at all!)
Saturday was spent outside standing for about 12 hours straight. My husband and I (along with some friends) had scored tickets to Dark Lord Day. A little bit about DLD: Dark Lord Day is the only day of the year to buy Three Floyds Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout. It is a festival where participants can meet other beer enthusiasts, sample beers from all over the world, buy Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout, enjoy good food, listen to live music and generally have a great time. It was a really fun day, where we made new friends and got to taste a lot of different beers that we would never have the opportunity to try otherwise, including one from Belgium. Unfortunately, it was freezing! Before I left the house, it seemed warm out, and I was worried I had over-dressed. On the contrary. It was SO windy, that even with the sun out, I was practically shivering. It would warm up for a minute, when the wind had died down, but then it would start back up again. Because we were so cold, we never stopped to think about the fact that the sun was out and we were getting burnt. The next day, I woke up with a pretty bad burn on my entire face (minus where my sunglasses were), and poor DH had it all on his neck and face. My neck was protected by my jacket collar being pulled up all day, thankfully. Anyway, there's our lesson. We didn't get home till late, even though I thought for sure I'd have time to get in a long run either when we got home, or have the energy to run before all of my events for the day Sunday.

Sunday, April 27
rest day
No long run, like I had hoped. I was very tired and sore from standing/walking around all day, and slept in, thinking I'd squeeze one in at night. I should have known better. I met a friend from college for lunch and then headed out to a four year olds birthday party for most of the day. When I got home around 6, I did some laundry, watched tv and went to bed at 9. The sinus infection felt a bit better today, but I am still trying to stay hydrated and get lots of rest. I have a half marathon in a week, and would like to do well and feel good while running it.

Overall, not a great week for me (running wise), but glad I was able to register for Dopey without much hassle (though lots of stress. If you've registered for runDisney events recently, you know what I'm taking about). I'll definitely have to be MUCH better at getting in my runs once that training plan begins in July. I'm not really following anything at the moment, which I think is my downfall. 

How was your week? Did you race or have a long run? Are you a beer enthusiast?