Platte River 1/2 Marathon Race Report

The race started at 9AM, so I was able to sleep in, have a nice breakfast with my family, and then make my way to the race start.  My husband dropped me off because it was a point to point race, and he and my two boys headed to the park to play.

When I got to the start, I was surprised at how nice the weather was.  It was sunny, beautiful, and there was barely any wind.  In case you are wondering, I decided to wear my running skirt, a short sleeved shirt, and a long sleeve shirt.  I was glad I wore my skirt b/c I would have been hot in the capris.  I still had about 20min. to the start, so I hung out for awhile, made my way to the port-a-potty line for one last time, checked in my bag, and headed to the start area.  Because the race was run on a narrow multi-use trail, they had pace signs to help prevent a major back-up at the start.  I stood in the 8:00/mile line, knowing that I was hoping to run at or a little slower than this pace.

The gun sounded and we were off!  The first 2 miles were run around the main street of Littleton, then headed onto the Platte trail.  I felt good and tried to keep my pace above 8:00miles.  For the first 6 miles or so the trail was pretty much flat with a couple inclines here or there.  I was able to maintain my pace and I was still feeling good.  But, after the half way point, the inclines started getting bigger and more frequent.  If I would have known there were so many inclines I would have trained on more hills.  Most of my training runs were done on pretty flat areas, and although the inclines were followed by short down hills, my legs were just not prepared for all the climbing.  My pace started slowing and I started getting worried that I wouldn't meet my goal.

We ran right by the Platte river, so there was always a small, cool breeze while we ran.  My long sleeve shirt worked perfectly, but after mile 9, I was burning up.  I had to stop to take it off, and when I did, I immediately felt how tight my legs were.  I really wanted to stretch them out, but I had already wasted a couple of minutes, so I decided to skip the stretching and start running again.  I got back up to pace, but then around mile 10.5 I started getting side cramps...ughh!  My pace dropped a little more as I tried to run through the pain.   Finally I realized I was breathing pretty shallow, making the cramps worse, so I tried to really focus on my breathing.  Before long, the cramps were gone (thank god!) and I just really wanted to be done.

There was one last aid station just before mile 12 where I grabbed some powerade.  Then, came the big hill.  I knew this was part of the race, but I did not realize how hard it would be.  It started at mile 12.1 and lasted until about mile 12.8.  My legs were burning and my body was screaming for me to stop and walk, but I didn't.  I kept my head up, drove with my legs, and focused on picking people off one by one.  At the top of the hill I knew I had to kick it in gear if I wanted to PR.  I turned the corner, saw the finish, and gave it all I could.  I saw my husband and boys and heard them screaming, "Go, mommy go."  It was awesome!  I crossed the finish line at 1:47:06, a new PR by 2 1/2 minutes!  It wasn't exactly what I was shooting for, but I was happy with it.

Happy and sweaty after my race!

Here are my splits:
Mile 1: 7:47/M
Mile 2: 7:48/M
Mile 3: 7:51/M
Mile 4: 7:47/M
Mile 5: 7:46/M
Mile 6: 7:55/M
Mile 7: 7:56/M
Mile 8: 8:08/M
Mile 9: 8:00/M
Mile 10: 9:01/M (Stopped to take long sleeved shirt off)
Mile 11: 8:14/M
Mile 12: 8:37/M (feeling the inclines)
Mile 13.1: 8:37/M (Massive hill!)
Total: 13.18M(according to my Garmin)    Time: 1:47   Pace: 8:07/M

I definitely think not training on any hills really played a part in my time today.  I wish I could do the same 1/2 marathon I did last year (which is completely flat) and see what my time would be.  It's hard to compare race times when they are completely different races.  That being said, I'm pretty happy that I PR'd on a course with inclines.  I'll definitely be back next year to do this again.  Only next time, I'll spend more time doing hills!

This evening, we celebrated my race and the first 70 degree day of spring.  I made some homemade guacamole, and we had grilled portabello "burgers", grilled pineapple, and cauliflower mashers.  Yum!  It was a great end to a great day! :)  I hope everyone else that raced today had a good race.  I can't wait to read all of your race reports.

 

Expo fun!

I went to my race expo today and look what I got in my goody bag!

Ha ha..not really.  The Brooks tech shirt was part of the race, but the rest is what I couldn't live without.  I know that I'm going to need a new pair of shoes soon, so I took advantage of a 20% off coupon and got the new Brooks ST 4 Racers in yellow!  And, the blue water bottle was a free gift...how cool is that?  I also snagged a pair of Yaktrax for $15!  Woohoo!

Now, here's a quick clothing question for you.  The temp at the start of my race is supposed to be in the low 50s.  Would you run in shorts/skirt or capris?  Guys, I know you don't wear capris, but what would you wear?

A week in review and other things too

I've noticed that a lot of bloggers have "Three Things Thursday," Big Daddy Diesel has "Weekly Ramblings," and others have weekly recaps.  So, I thought I'd try one out myself.  But, instead of just talking about my training, I'd like to talk about things going on in my life too.  Sometimes I just need to vent and put ideas down on "paper" and I thought this would be a good place to do it!
 
Training:
* I managed to get in 2 swims this week instead of 2.  I don't think I can use "being tired" as an excuse anymore.  My official training starts next week for Boulder 70.3 and I need to HTFU and get to the pool! Period!

*  This week was a taper week for me because of my 1/2 marathon on Sunday.  I know some people have a hard time with taper weeks, but it was a nice change of pace for me and my family.  My husband had a meeting yesterday that got done early, so we took our youngest in the jogger and went for a nice, easy ~4.5M run around Wash park.  It was great!

*  The 100 push-up challenge put on by Jeff is getting tough!  Although, I have definitely seen an improvement.  For my initial test I could only do 12 push-ups.  For the exhaustion test at the beginning of this week I could do 26!  Woohoo!

Life:
*  REI dividends rock, especially with the 20% member coupon!  My husband and I have the REI Visa so our dividend was pretty sweet this year.  We divided it up and each got part of it.  I got some new clothes, none of which I really needed, and he got some camping stuff.

Here's a picture of one of the shirts I got.  It's a jersey/running top by ZOIC.  I like how it has a zippered pocket in the back.  And, I thought the color and design pattern was super cute! :)











*  For any of you that have little kids, can I just say that potty training sucks!  It is soooo frustrating and takes every ounce of patience that I have.  My 2 1/2yr. old is making progress, but it seems like it's taking forever!  Some days he'll go all day without an accident, and on other days, he'll have accidents one after the other.  Ugh!  I have to keep reminding myself that he's not even 3 yet, and he'll get there eventually.  I'm just so tired of diapers and pull-ups and want to be done with them!

*  The weather here is getting nicer and is supposed to be in the mid 60's-upper 70's this weekend!  Woohoo!  That means lots of time outside with the boys, and a perfect temp. for my 1/2!

*  I finally got my copy of "Run Like A Mother" from Amazon.  So far, I'm really enjoying it.  I really like their writing styles and how they present the information.  I'm sure you have seen it on all the blogs, but if you haven't and you're a mother, you should check it out!  Yesterday was so nice outside, that while the boys were content playing in the sand box, I pulled up my lounge chair and read....it was soooo nice.

I guess that's it for now.  I hope you all have a great weekend!  My Sunday Sampler may be put off b/c of my race this weekend (I know, I know, big surprise!), but hopefully I'll have a good race report in its place. :)

Humpastry Day - Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

I know this isn't a pastry, but I've had more Easter sweets this week than I can handle, so I thought I'd post something a little different.  Plus, my family and I love this recipe, so I wanted to share it with all of you!  This pizza dough is a cinch to make, is healthy, and is really tasty.  There is no way to mess it up and you can adjust the rise and bake time depending on how you like your crust.  You can also use this recipe to make calzones.

Ingredients:
Makes enough dough for 1 large pizza

*  1 (1/4oz.) package of active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp. if using from a jar)
*  1C warm water
*  2C whole wheat flour
*  1/4C wheat germ or ground flax (I used wheat germ)
*  1tsp. salt
*  1Tbl. honey
* cornmeal for the pizza pan/baking stone

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 480 degrees.
2.  In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water.  Let sit about 10min. until creamy.
3.  In a large bowl combine flour, wheat germ, and salt.
4.  Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add honey and yeast  mixture.
5.  Mix well to combine.
6.  Cover and let sit in a warm place to rise for a few minutes.  *Note:  You can let it rise for a couple of minutes, or rise for longer depending on how thick you want your dough.  For example, if you like a thin crust pizza only let it rise a few minutes.  If you want a thick crust pizza, let it rise longer.
7.  Roll dough out on a floured surface and poke a few holes in it with a fork.  *Note: this dough is pretty sticky, so you will need to make sure you have enough flour on your hands, rolling pin, and surface to prevent sticking.
8.  Transfer dough to a pizza pan/baking stone sprinkled with cornmeal (the cornmeal prevents the dough from sticking to the pan).
9.  Bake in preheated oven for 8-10minutes.
10.  Remove from oven and lower the oven temperature to 425 degrees.
11.  Put your favorite toppings on the crust and bake for 8-10minutes or until desired crispiness/doneness is achieved.
12.  Let cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
13.  Enjoy!

We ended up making two pizzas, one with cheese and one without.  I actually liked the one without better because I could taste all of the different veggie flavors.
Here are some toppings that we like:
* roasted red peppers
* sundried tomatoes
* garlic
* artichoke hearts
* spinach
* olives
* onion
* whatever other veggies we happen to have in the fridge!

LOST:
On another note, how cool was last night's LOST episode?  I love the whole parallel universe thing, but I have no idea how it's going to end!  I can't believe there are only 5 episodes left.  What am I going to do when it's over?  :(

Easter fun for all!

Yesterday was a perfect day!  The weather was beautiful, there was no wind, and we basically spent all day outside.  My husband went on a long 3 hour bike ride after breakfast while I dyed Easter eggs with my boys.

They wanted to wear some latex gloves that we use for cleaning.  As you can see, the gloves don't even fit them..ha ha

When my husband got back from his ride, it was my turn to go for a ride.  I was so excited to get out on my bike again.  I got a new Descente jersey during REI's super clearance sale months ago that has been sitting in my closet waiting to be worn.  I finally got the chance to wear it yesterday.  It's kind of hard to see in the picture, but the sleeves can actually snap off.  I thought the jersey was so cute and clever.  Don't you think?

My ride went really well, but after an hour my shoulders and neck got a little tired from being in the aero position.  Although I've been riding on the trainer, it really isn't anything like riding outside.  The good thing is that the pain will go away the more I get to ride outside...which will be quite often now that the weather is getting nicer. :)

I had an embarrassing moment when I stopped to adjust my shorts (for some reason they have started riding up...ughh!).  When I was ready to go I had my right foot unclipped and clipped in my left.  I brought my left foot up a little bit to give me a little push, and at the last minute I decided that I should get some water since I was already stopped.  I tried to bring my left foot back down, but I started to fall to the left and somehow managed to hop on my right foot until my bike was balanced again.  I honestly do not know how I didn't fall over.  But, my theory is that all the balancing poses I've been doing in my yoga class had something to do with it.  That, or dumb luck!  All I know is that I'm sure other riders that saw me were probably laughing their a**es off!

When I got home, this is what I found: the loves of my life.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  :)

The Sunday Sampler - Parenthood/Fitness

Welcome to another installment of The Sunday Sampler.  This is the day where I share my insights, thoughts, and opinions with you about different things in three categories: fitness (gear/clothing/accessories/etc.), parenthood, and health, rotating each category each week.  I hope that makes sense! :)  

My hope is that I will be able to help you along your adventure just like so many others have helped me. So, let me know what you think!  I'd love to read about your perspectives on these things as well!  :) 

Parenthood/Fitness:

BOB Sport Utility Jogging Stroller

I thought this post would work best as a combination of parenthood and fitness because when you're using this jogger the two go hand in hand.  In my first Parenthood Sunday Sampler (here) I mentioned using this jogger as a way my husband and I try to find balance.  It has definitely served us well and I honestly cannot imagine our lives without it.  

Here is what www.bobgear.com has to say about the BOB Sport Utility Stroller:

  Knobby tires, state of the art suspension, sparkling personality.  The Sport Utility Stroller is a perfect match for moms and dads who love the Great Out-There and want to share it with their kids.  Bumpy trails, curbs, cracked sidewalks, they're all tough to get along with in other strollers, but a breeze with the Sport Utility Stroller.  

Here are some specs for the Sport Utility Stroller:

• 16" knobby tires for maximum traction
• Easy fold-up design for stow-and-go portability
• Adjustable suspension 
• Padded seats that recline up to 70degrees 
• Seats can recline independently from each other
• Large independent canopies that are adjustable and provide shelter from sun and other elements
• 100lb. capacity
• 5 point padded safety harness
• Rear wheel foot-activated parking brake as well as a hand activated front wheel brake
• 2 interior seat pockets perfect for holding kid stuff
• Large seat back pocket to hold anything and everything
• Large low bay cargo basket underneath

Here are my thoughts about the jogger:

*  My husband and I did a lot of research before deciding to buy this jogger.  We wanted something we could run with, take off-road on hiking paths, go to the park with, and use as our everyday stroller.  This jogger as far exceeded our expectations!

*  It is actually easy and comfortable to run with.  Don't get me wrong, it's tough running while pushing two boys, but the jogger is designed so well that I actually don't expend a ton of energy making it go forward.

*  I LOVE that the seats move independently.  For any of you that have more than 1 child, you know how each one likes things his/her OWN way.  Sometimes my oldest wants the shade down and my youngest wants it up...no biggie!  When my youngest was younger, he would sometimes fall asleep in the stroller.  I could recline his seat to let him sleep more comfortably, while my oldest sat up and enjoyed the ride.  

*  It is very rugged and has great traction on off-road terrain.  There have been times when I was racing in a 5K with the jogger and to avoid being a "battling ram" and crashing into people in front of me, I would would have to run on the grass.  Again, no biggie! 

*  I feel like my kids are safe because of the 5 point harness.

*  The seat pockets are perfect for carrying my boys' snacks, toys, or whatever they feel like bringing.

*  The back pocket is very roomy and is great for carrying a water bottle, keys, cell phone, wallet, etc.

*  The basket underneath is awesome!  It can hold a ton and always seems to be filled with something! 

*  I love how easy it is to fold it up!  

*  One downside is the handlebar.  It would be nice if it could be adjustable for different heights.  My husband is pretty tall and it's not the most comfortable hand placement for him when he pushes it. 

*  You can buy some great accessories for it.  We got the weather shield b/c we live in Colorado and the weather can change in an instant.  Plus, we wanted to be able to use the jogger in the winter too.  Here's a shot of the jogger with the weather shield:

This was at a 5K race we did.  You can read about the race (here).  It served us very well at that race!   

Here is a picture of me jogging with my boys in a different 5K.  We have run with this in many running races.  If you are a parent you know how hard it can be to fit in workouts.  The jogger is perfect because I am able to get in a run while being with my kids at the same time.  Usually when I'm done with my run we'll end at the park so the boys can play.  They actually love to ride in the jogger and for the most part don't even fuss.  There are times, however, when I have to stop the jogger multiple times to referee a fight or argument between my boys, pick up a dropped water bottle or snack trap,or pick up a dropped toy or blanket.  But, I can deal with the infrequent stops because I'm just happy to be outside running.    

So, if you're in the market for a jogging stroller, I highly recommend looking at the BOB strollers.  Yes, they can be a little pricey.  But, sometimes you can find them used on Craigslist for a great price, and sometimes they go on sale at REI (until Mid-April you can use your 20% off member coupon) or Amazon.com.  Either way, you'll know that you are buying a great product that will last through the years.  And, once your kiddos have outgrown it, there is always someone else looking for one who will be willing to buy yours.  :)

  

* Please note that these are my own thoughts.  I am not endorsed by BOB nor was I paid to provide this review. 

Saved by the porta-potty!

So, I'm sure you all know where this post is going, but I'll start from the beginning anyways.  My plan called for a 12 mile run, my last long run before my 1/2 marathon next weekend.  I decided to run on the Highline Canal again because I honestly just love that trail.  It's so beautiful, great to run on b/c it's dirt, and there's always fun things to look at.

I started my run with 20mph wind gusts blowing every which way and was immediately grateful I wore capris, my bondiband to keep my wisps at bay, and a long sleeve shirt.  It was a little chilly and running into the wind was not fun.  Have I mentioned before how much I hate the wind?  I mean, you can have a beautiful, sunny day that ends up being cold because of the wind.  Ughhh.  Anyways, once I got more into the trail, the trees blocked some of the wind and I actually started getting hot.  I think I took my long sleeve shirt off around mile 3.  The trail was beautiful and there were quite a few people out running, walking, and biking.  I felt safe the entire time and never got that  heebie-jeebie feeling I sometimes get when I run alone.

My run was going really well and I felt strong and fast until about mile 6.  Something started churning a little bit in my stomach.  I was hoping it would go away b/c the trail isn't the best place to sneak in some business (if you know what I mean).  Although it runs along a canal lined with trees, it has houses on both sides.  There are spots where you could potentially hide behind a tree or a bush, but they're few and far between.  And, because there are so many people that use the trail, there's not much privacy.  Anyways, the feeling kept getting worse and I honestly didn't know what I was going to do.  Then, just as I was starting to panic, out of nowhere I saw a parking lot where people could park to access the trail.  And, the best sight of all, was a porta-potty at the far end of the parking lot!  Que angels singing!  I have never loved the sight of a porta-potty as much as I did just then!  I ran to that thing as fast as I could.  And, it was open...thank god!  I did my business and kept on with the rest of my run.

My legs had a hard time getting back to normal after my stop, but after awhile I was back on track with my pace.  I got to about mile 8 and my right knee started to hurt a little bit.  I thought, "What is this?"  I haven't had knee pain since college!  I don't know if it was the uneven terrain on the trail or what, but I did not like that feeling.  I kept thinking about it and focusing on it, and the more I thought about it, the worse it felt.  Finally, I said, "Enough!"  out loud on the trail.  Thankfully no one was around to hear me!  I tried to forget about it and focus on other things like the massive million dollar houses that surrounded me.  Or the birds singing in the trees.  Or the beautiful trees and blue sky.  Or the couple that was walking a little too tense and looked like they had just had a major fight.  And, what do you know, the pain stopped and it didn't bother me for the rest of the run.  I don't know what it is about the mind, but it is a powerful thing.  I honestly believe that what we are capable of doing is more mental then physical.  Anybody else think that??

The last 1 1/2 miles were up a slight incline and my calves were killing me!  My pace slowed a little bit, but I was still pushing on.  I started thinking about my 1/2 next weekend and how it will be 1.1 miles more than what I was doing today.  I've done 1/2s before, but I really want to try and get a PR this time.  I've never run the course so that will be interesting, and the weather is always a factor here, but I feel ready.  If I don't get a PR I will be o-kay with it, as long as I know that I gave it my all.

Happy to be done with my 12 Miler!  

Here are my stats for my run:
Miles: 12
Time:  1:40:55
Pace:   8:24/mile
Anyways, I hope you are all having a wonderful Easter weekend!  I'm off to die eggs with my boys! :)