the weekly chase #10

Per usual, I am linking up my Weekly Chase goals with Mindy from Road Runner Girl. Below is a recap from how the goals from last week went over, and my new goals for this week.

Weekly goals for June 2–8; recap

Goal #1 - Continue to log all of my calories in My Fitness Pal.

Done.

Goal #2 - Continue to clean the office (I have some filing and shredding to do this week).

Done, but there's still more to be done, of course. Isn't there always?

Goal #3 – Catch up on blog reading and commenting.

Done, but never really done. Haha.

Goal #4 – Keep collecting healthy recipes and begin weekly meal planning and grocery shopping.

I've been pinning recipes that look interesting, but could always use some suggestions! I ate more salads, chicken, and veggies than usual, so I'm happy with my progress so far.

Goal #5 – Continue to run every day for the Runner's World Summer Run Streak.

Yay! I've done this for 15 days so far (need to get my run in later today).

Weekly goals for June 9–15

Goal #1 - Continue to log all of my calories in My Fitness Pal.

Goal #2 - Continue to run every day for the Runner's World Summer Run Streak.

Goal #3 - Finish reading my library book (This Is Where I Leave You).

Goal #4 - Get the house cleaned up for Father's Day.

I've got a busy week ahead, which unfortunately includes a lot of eating out (monthly date night with the husband, dinner with a friend after work, dinner with the in-laws, etc.). I'm planning on making the healthier meal choices when I can, but mostly plan on having fun! I don't think I'll have a week so jam-packed in a while, so I just want to enjoy it (and then spend a lot of time at home next week!).

Thanks for hosting the weekly chase link up, Mindy! 

What are your goals for this week?

week in review; june 2–8

Monday, June 2: 1.07 miles run/walk

Tuesday, June 3: 2.72 miles run/walk

Wednesday, June 4: 1.10 miles run/walk

Thursday, June 5: 3.33 miles run/walk

Friday, June 6: 1.07 miles run/walk

Saturday, June 7: 13.35 miles run/walk (Michelob Ultra 13.1 Chicago, I always have a bit extra mileage for races...)

Sunday, June 8: 1.13 miles run/walk

Week total: 23.77

#RWRunStreak Challenge total: 39.72 miles

I have to admit, I'm pretty pleased with myself for maintaining this running streak for 2 weeks. It's my first experience streaking, and I wasn't sure how it would go over. I had a few reservations. Would my knees, feet, and shins be able to withstand 40 straight days? How would I manage to get in the runs on busy days? Do I have the willpower to wake up early most days to check it off the list for the day? So far, things have been going pretty well, and squeezing in one mile on my usual rest days hasn't been too much of an issue (I know it's quick, but it sometimes takes me a while to get moving and out of the house haha. Seems dumb for one mile, but it is what it is.). 

Monday night I got my hair cut—just took 1.5" off, but it'll be nice to have a bit less for summer. Thursday I headed over to Fleet Feet in Old Town to pick up my packet (and my mom's) for the race on Saturday. Saturday ended up being a hot day for a run, and the sun was beating down on us almost the whole time. Since it was so warm, I decided to take it easy and just hang with my mom for the whole race. Not a great finish time (unofficially 3:15:40), but decent enough for us, and honestly, it was a better time than any of my half marathons last year (beating my best from 2013 by about 3 minutes). I've mentioned before how slooooow I am, now you see what I mean haha. I'm finally starting to feel better about races, and my nerves aren't as bad as they used to be. I don't know why I would get so nervous, but I did, and it would usually have a negative effect on my races. So I'm obviously happy that it's getting better. After the race I had lunch with my mom, showered, and spent the rest of the day relaxing and reading. 

Saturday night after the race I met up with some friends, and Sunday was spent doing laundry, reading (I'm about half way through my library book), cleaning, and hanging out with the dogs and the husband. It was such a beautiful day, I loved getting to open up the sunroom and sit in there reading and relaxing. Ahhhh. There's only a handful of days we can enjoy that, since it isn't air conditioned and we basically have two seasons here: winter and summer. I'm a wimp, so once temps are in the 80s and the humidity hits, if there isn't a good breeze, I don't sit out there. With weather like that, I find the only appropriate outdoor activity to be swimming haha. I actually laid out there Saturday after the race with my compression socks and just listened to the breeze. It was lovely.

How was your week/end? Any races or long runs? Do you lessen your training in the summer months? 

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!

happy national running day!

This is a bit late in the game, but I had planned on writing a short post about National Running Day and a few reasons why I run. Unfortunately, life got a bit in the way (not in a bad way, just kept me busy), so it's coming to you late in the evening. I had to get out for a run in order to keep up my streak before I could sit down and type this guy. Anyway, Happy National Running Day to all you running guys and gals out there! I hope you were able to squeeze in a run–short or long. As long as you enjoyed it, it doesn't matter how many miles!

In honor of the day, here are the top 10 reasons (or, the 10 reasons that came to mind first) why I run, in no particular order:

1. To stay fit/so my pants button. I originally started running as a new activity to keep stay fit (aka to stop my pants from getting too tight, and so I wouldn't get out of breath climbing a flight of stairs). I didn't think I would like it enough to keep going for years. Registering for races has given me the motivation and push I need to get out there week after week, even if I'm tired or feeling lazy.

2. For health reasons. This plays off of number one, but goes a bit deeper. Being active and getting cardio into your daily routine is important. They say everyone should be active for 30 minutes a day—it's good for your heart. If it's a running rest day, I try to at least get in a half hour of walking. 

3. To become a better me. Running has helped me with my patience. It has helped keep me motivated. I'm able to show myself that I CAN do something, even when my mind thinks I can't. It's shown me perseverance. Every day I run, I feel like I learn more about myself and the things I can accomplish.

4. Racecations! I don't think this even needs explanation. I love planning vacations around races! I've only done it with runDisney races so far, but I am looking into the Nike Women's series, Diva races, Rock 'n' Roll series, and basically every race that would take me to another state haha. 50 races in 50 states sounds like a great bucket list item.

5. Mood and confidence booster/sanity. It really does help with my mood. I find that if I run in the morning, I'm a happier person all day. I'm not rushing to get to work, because I woke up in time to run, shower, get ready, and even have time to spare. I feel healthier for the rest of the day, which leads to drinking more water and making better choices with food. Accomplishing a run, whether it be a mile or 10, gives me confidence and makes me feel proud of myself for getting out there.

6. Bling. My husband doesn't care much for medals, but I sure do! I think it has something to do with the withdrawal I'm having since retiring from Irish Dancing. No more crystal, china, trophies, or medals. It was a sad few years until I decided to run half marathons ;)

7. runDisney. The Wine and Dine half marathon in 2012 was my first runDisney race, and I've been hooked ever since! It was my first racecation with my mom. She did the 5k and I did the half that night. After deciding that waiting for me at the finish was too stressful for her (and let's face it, too long of a night waaaaiting for me haha), she decided she wanted to try half marathons as well. Now she is also hooked. I had only been to Walt Disney World once when I was younger, and only for one day, so it was so great to come as an adult and feel a bit like a kid. I had so much fun at the parks and on the run! The run!—the volunteers were SO amazing, as were all of the other runners and walkers. Going through the parks at night time was so wonderful, and what made it better was that I prefer to run at night. No sunglasses, no sun, no hats or visors... just the moon and stars. Ahhh. Love.

8. Friends. Since starting this blog a short time ago and becoming more active on twitter, I have found and become a part of the running community, and let me tell you, it is fantastic. I love the support, kindness, tips, and general attitude of everyone I've interacted with. I look forward to meeting them in person some time soon, I hope :)

9. Competitive side. I was a competitive Irish Dancer for 20+ years, so having something else to work on, improve, and 'compete' in has helped me in my adult life. I'm not competing against other runners, just myself. (I found it's best not to compare yourself to other runners. Everyone's journey is different, everyone started at a different time, some people might have more natural talent at it than others, and some work REALLY hard at improving themselves. Any way the cookie crumbles, what matters is you do the best you can do.) I really enjoy working on bettering myself, pushing myself to get new personal bests, etc.

10. Relieve stress. Exercise relieves stress. If I have a rough day, running makes me feel better. I don't feel like this needs much explanation, but I will leave you with this quote, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands... they just don't."

Thanks to any one that takes the time to read this or any other post, and for those that always comment. You guys/gals are wonderful! I hope you know that I appreciate your time and kind words :)

What are some of your reasons for running? How long have you been running? Why did you start? Did you run today? I only had time for a quick 1.1 miles, but I've kept up my streak. Yay. 

the weekly chase #9

As always, I am linking up my Weekly Chase goals with Mindy from Road Runner Girl. Below is a recap from how the goals from last week went over, and my new goals for this week.

Weekly goals for May 26–June 1; recap

Goal #1 - Continue to log all of my calories in My Fitness Pal.

Check! I'm finally starting to get back in the habit.

Goal #2 - Continue to clean the office.

Check!

Goal #3 – Go through my clothes, donate items I no longer wear, and pack away most of my winter gear (jackets, sweaters, etc.).

Sort of check... I need to wash my winter jackets before packing away.

Goal #4 – Catch up blog reading and commenting. Sorry for always getting so far behind, you guys, but time is so limited.

Check! But I still keep falling behind.

Goal #5 – Start collecting healthy recipes I want to try out over the summer in order to start weekly meal planning and grocery shopping.

Check! I'm excited to try some new recipes and try and be a bit healthier over the summer.

Goal #6 – Run every day. Runner's World Summer Run Streak started yesterday. The goal: run at least one mile per day, every day, starting on Memorial Day (Monday, 5/26) and ending on Independence Day (Friday, 7/4). That's 40 consecutive days of running. I've never done a run streak challenge before, so this shall be interesting. I literally have to set a reminder for every day, otherwise, I am likely to forget about the challenge! Forgetful much? Hey... whatever works!

Check! I have a 9-day streak going! It really is a great motivator to get on out there, even when I'm having a 'I'm tired and want to be lazy' day. Yay!

Weekly goals for June 2–8

Goal #1 - Continue to log all of my calories in My Fitness Pal.

Goal #2 - Continue to clean the office (I have some filing and shredding to do this week).

Goal #3 – Catch up on blog reading and commenting.

Goal #4 – Keep collecting healthy recipes and begin weekly meal planning and grocery shopping.

Goal #5 – Continue to run every day for the Runner's World Summer Run Streak.

Thanks for hosting the weekly chase link up, Mindy! 

What are your goals for this week?

Runner's World Streaking Challenge

Last Monday, Runner's World began their #RWRunStreak Challenge. The challenge is to run at least one mile a day for 40 consecutive days—Memorial Day through Independence Day. I was a bit unclear as to how the challenge worked from the standpoint of getting the miles logged, so unfortunately, I didn't get my Monday run logged in on time to count towards the streakerboard. However, I'm attempting the streak for fun and to motivate myself, so I still count it :) The problem was I have never used Map My Fitness (or Map My Run) before—I had downloaded it on my phone and created an account, but didn't really see a use for it, since I have always used a Nike watch or app—and manual entries aren't allowed, since some people have misused that option in the past. I didn't link my Nike+ account with Map My Fitness and import my run until Tuesday, so it didn't count. Oh well.

On their page describing the challenge, they note that: The streakerboard is sorted by mileage, but that doesn't mean that you should go out and try to run as many miles as you can each day. The main point of this challenge is to support healthy, sustainable running habits. 

They also mention on their Facebook Page: If you've been having difficulty logging miles with MapMyRun, feel free to use this forum thread as a way to "check in" each day with your mileage. However, please keep in mind that recording your runs there (or on MapMyRun) is not required to be considered part of the #RWRunStreak. All you need to do is run at least a mile day. This challenge is intended to be a fun way to promote healthy running habits. It's not a competition. 

Head on over to the Runner's World #RWRunStreak page for more details. You can also 'like' them on Facebook to get updates and find out what other runners participating have to say, or follow the hashtag (#RWRunStreak) on Twitter and/or Instagram—don't forget to share your own progress and help motivate other streakers!

Did you read or hear about the Californian man that set the U.S. run streak record of 45 years and 2 days? That's bananas! I have trouble believing that I'll make the 40 days of this challenge haha. What dedication. Anyway, we'll see if I can maintain my streak, but so far so good. It really is a great kick in the butt (that I oftentimes need) when I'm feeling tired or have that feeling of not wanting to go out and run... all I have to do is remember the challenge and I'm out the door :)

 Have you joined the challenge? Ever gone 'streaking' before? Thoughts on such challenges?

week in review; may 26–june 1

Monday, May 26: ran/walked the Ridge Run 5k (actual: 3.18 miles)

Tuesday, May 27: ran/walked 1.01 miles

Wednesday, May 28: ran/walked 1.14 miles

Thursday, May 29: ran/walked 3.25 miles

Friday, May 30: ran/walked 2.55 miles

Saturday, May 31: ran/walked 3.67 miles

Sunday, June 1: ran/walked 1.15 miles

#RWRunStreak Challenge mile total: 15.95

Monday I ran the Ridge Run 5k for the, I believe, fourth year in a row. It's a great race with a lot of neighborhood support, but always so dang hot and humid! It never fails. It was a busy Memorial Day – after the race I showered and met a friend for lunch, then went for a leisurely swim, then went to dinner at my in-laws. I needed another day off of work to rest up after the 3-day weekend! I decided to join the Runner's World Streaking Challenge, so have been running at least a mile every day since Monday. 

The weekend was quite a whirlwind. Friday after work I headed to my new favorite brewery to watch the Hawks game. Saturday was the same brewery's Grand Opening Party, so we headed up there in the early afternoon and stayed until 11 (it was so dang hot out! I actually brought a Nalgene bottle and some Nuun to make sure I was hydrating all day). It was a great crowd, so was really happy for the owners that it was a successful day. They even had a BBQ food truck that ran out of food (except fries and burgers) less than 2 hours into their 'shift'. Crazy! I guess they smoke the meat for 14-hours, and usually have left overs, so the fact that they sold out quickly was amazing (says a lot for the large crowd and the food truck, I think). 

Sunday was laundry day, along with lay on the couch and play Wii with my husband day. In the early evening we met with my family for dinner at an Italian restaurant (YUM!). I loved getting to hang out with my family—especially my nephews, who are goofs and make me laugh constantly. We stayed home to watch the game because we were so exhausted from the late nights on Friday and Saturday. Unfortunately, the Hawks lost in overtime, but they had a great season (and good for them for pushing it to a 7 game series).

Something super exciting for me that happened over the weekend? My Garmin Forerunner 220 was delivered! I'm sad to be leaving my first serious watch, the Nike+GPS Sportwatch behind, but the time has come. The battery life isn't what it used to be, and with more running and longer training runs in my (sort of near) future, I figured I needed something new and dependable. Plus, having new toys or clothes inspire and motivate me to go running :) 

I think I might still use the Nike phone app for shorter runs where I'm not worried about my phone dying so I can still 'compete' against my friends and family for top of the leaderboard, as well as continue to earn badges and set new records, but for real training, it's the Garmin. I decided to start using it June 1, and for the short time it was used, the verdict was in: LOVED it! It is so light weight and the screen was easy to read. I look forward to playing around with it some more to learn all the cool new features available to me.

How was your weekend? Any races or eventful long runs? Any tips for participating in a running streak challenge? What sort of tracking device do you use – an app on your phone, watch, or something else? I would love to hear what you use and what your experiences have been with it. Do you feel sentimental towards any of your running gear?