a look back on summer

Hi all! I figured with October's arrival and the end of summer (I know, it was officially fall last week), I would take a look back on how my summer went as far as training, blogging, and just life in general.

By the date of actual summer, I was in the middle of my first ever Running Streak. I was participating in the Runner's World Streaking Challenge, which began on Memorial Day and was lasting until Independence Day – 40 consecutive days of running! I extended it by 20 days, and ended with a 60 day running streak. I really enjoyed it, and it was very motivating to get out and run even when I wasn't feeling it. It was also a great way to push myself and showed me that even when I'm tired, I can accomplish a decent run.

Summer also began my journey of training for not only my first marathon, but the Dopey Challenge. Maybe for some, a 29 week plan (week 28 is the challenge and 29 the week after) is extreme, but I really liked the idea of having a long time to train my body to run the long miles, while also (hopefully) avoiding injury. So far it's been going really well. I've had some aches and pains in my feet and hips, but I've been working on keeping them just aches. I really like how every other weekend is a long run, while in between are shorter ones to help the body rest and recover.

I'm proud of myself, because this is the first time I have been sticking to a plan to the T (granted, some days I have to switch the miles around, but I've gotten in every long run so far), and keeping up with the run/walk method consistently. I'm happy with how training is going, and am anxious/excited/nervous/all the feelings about my 'firsts' coming up – first 15 miler, 17 miler, etc.

This year, thanks to the running streak and being consistent with training, I have my first runner's tan! Now, I don't tan much. I have fair skin and generally just burn. This summer, however, I have actual tan lines, so to me, I am tan haha. I have the lovely watch white line on my wrist, visible shorts lines on my legs, and the racerback tank lines on my shoulders and back. As a reminder, I was very good with putting on my sunscreen, but for those long races, I didn't reapply. 

Another thing I began in the summer (well, late May... but that's really the feel of summer starting) is joining up with the DC Trifecta for Friday Five posts - Cynthia, Mar, and Courtney. Here is my first link up post on Five Places I'd Like To Run. A few other favorites include: Friday Favorites, Fall Preview, and Five Things I Love About Blogging. It was also very exciting to be featured on one of the hosts Friday Five posts: Blogs To Love!

I've run a handful of races in the summer, but I generally just have fun and don't race race because I have issues with the heat (pass out type issues - my Irish body hates the heat and humidity haha). I'm still in the process of recapping, but here's a few: 13.1 Chicago Half Marathon, Burgers & Beer 5k, Rock 'n' Roll expo/5k. For all of my races/recaps, click here.

Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 5k - Shalane Flanagan's autograph!

 

13.1 Chicago Half Marathon

In late August, I became a BibRave Pro Ambassador! It's been such a joy getting to know the co-owners, community manager, and the other pros over the past few months, and even more so now that I'm a Pro myself. I haven't had the chance to run any races officially as a Pro, but I've been rocking my tank and shirt during races I registered myself for and my training runs. I have had the opportunity to try out some amazing products, though, which you can expect reviews on in the next few weeks (Jabra Sport Wireless+ (went for the first test spin yesterday, which went well), Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves (will wear after my 15 miler this weekend), and Hoist (also tried yesterday – very tasty! Will bring on my 15 miler for more testing). 

Don't forget to head on over to BibRave.com and review the races – you can link back to your own blog posts as well! It helps other runners decide which races to register for :) I have a few discount codes for you for some races, so head over here to grab them and register. Also, set a reminder for every Tuesday night at 8PM Central Time for #bibchat! We discuss a different topic every week pertaining to running, nutrition, safety, obstacle races, etc. It's super fun!

Finally, in September, I became an Ambassador for ENERGYbits. I had tried these little green tablets back in June, being skeptical, but found out first hand how wonderful they are. You can read about my experience with it here. They help keep my hunger at bay, give me energy needed when tired, and help me to focus. 

I use them before running, in the morning when I need an extra boost (I'm not a coffee drinker), and before other workout classes. I've found them extra helpful for race mornings, as I have a nervous stomach and can't eat anything before the race – just pop some of these bad boys and I'm off (15 minutes later)! If you'd like to try a sample, send me an email, or if want to buy a bag (of any bits), you can receive a 25% discount using code 'HeatherRuns'. Let me know what you think!

It's been quite the whirlwind of a summer. A few fun personal happenings included a wedding for my college buddy, Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, girls trip to Michigan, dinners/drinks with friends, taking Bar Method classes (I still need to write up my review for that), and a lot of fun races.

Women Rock Chicago 10k - bubbly at the finish :)

Greenbush Brewing Co. with some great friends.

St Joseph, Michigan.

Summer in the city.

Riot Fest necessities.

How did your summer turn out? Did you meet the goals you set for yourself? Anything you missed out on? Hope this post wasn't too long and boring for you!

friday five: five ways to beat the heat

Happy Friday, all! I am linking up with the DC Trifecta again for another 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 "Five Ways to Beat the Heat". A great topic, now that summer is arriving (and with it, the heat and humidity - eek!)

1. Wear moisture wicking and breathable materials. I can't tell you how many people I see wearing cotton t-shirts out when they are running, and I always wonder how they can stand it. I hate being hot and sweaty, so it's important for me to wear a shirt and shorts that pulls the moisture away from the body to the shirt, where it can dry quicker. I wear looser tops in the summer, because I like some airflow, plus, I'm very uncomfortable when the clothes are sticking to me from all the sweat. Loose is better (in my opinion, anyway). I'd also suggest wearing lighter colors that reflect the sun, rather than absorb it.

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2. Wear a visor. I can't do a hat in the summer, even if it's a sporty one, because my head gets too darn hot. I like the visor because it keeps the sun out of my eyes and off my face, absorbs some sweat that's on my forehead (helping to prevent sweat in the eyes), and allows the top of my head to breath. I also cannot stand if hair is on my neck in the summer, so I wear a high bun on the top of my head, and then the visor tames the flyaway hair. Often times, if it's extremely hot out, I dump water on my head to help cool me down. Which brings me to 3...

3. Wet your hair down before heading outdoors. I find my runs to be more bearable if my hair is already wet when I begin, because it (at least seems to) help prevent over heating. 

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4. Hydrate. This one is sort of like a 'duh!', but you know there are plenty of runners that don't drink enough water (myself included, though usually on a run I drink a lot, it's pre- and post-run where I have trouble). Plus, even more so in the summer, it's important to also hydrate with electrolytes. With the heat comes more sweat, which means your sodium and potassium levels drop, two items you can help replenish by drinking some Nuun, Gatorade, or whatever your sport drink of choice is (water on its own doesn't replace the sodium and potassium lost, hence the need for electrolytes). I prefer Nuun, because it's a lighter flavor than other sports drinks. You can read more about why I love Nuun here (from last week's Friday Five). 

P.S. Does anyone know if you can still get a bottle like the one in the photo above anywhere?

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5. Take some frozen grapes with you. During a hot/humid day, it can be a nice treat to eat some frozen grapes while out for a run. Not only is the cold factor refreshing, but you are also getting some sugar and vitamin C.

A few extras might include (but certainly aren't limited to): running early before the sun is up (or even after, either way it's usually cooler in the morning than the evening. I will admit you will never see me waking up to go for a run before the sun has made its appearance), working out indoors on the unbearable days, and go swimming! I sometimes switch up my training schedule (move days around), depending on how the weather is looking. If the day after my scheduled long run is going to be cooler, I'll switch my long run to that day instead.

What do you do to beat the heat/humidity? Any special tips, tricks, or advice? 

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five: How to Beat the Heat" posts (links to the specific posts are at the top of the page) 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 always find some great tips/ideas. I suggest taking a look at a few (or all, if you have the time). 

Have a great weekend, everyone! I hope you have a chance to enjoy the outdoors, and it isn't too hot/humid where you are!