A Double Detour in the Journey...

So I have not written on this blog in quite sometime.  I am not even sure that I have any followers left but I thought today would the prefect day to start blogging again.  There is a slightly different focus on my blog and today I thought I would share what that focus is and why it changed.

I chose to write today for a couple of reasons:

Today was the day I was supposed to run my first marathon.  Which is the whole reason I started this blog to document that journey.

Today I ran two miles after a whole month off... it was tough and challenging. 

However, I have a good reason well ...two good reasons that I did  not run that marathon and two mile is kinda tough for me.

We are expecting twins!!  I am 15 weeks along and am due in November.  The twin part of the pregnancy was a complete shock but also a wonderful surprise.

I have had a very rough pregnancy and was getting sick up to ten times a day up till about a week ago.  I am finally feeling better.  I was not able to run much during that time due to being so sick and running made it worse.

Since I could not train for the marathon properly I had to postpone to till next.  It was a tough decision but really the best one.

Now that I am feeling better... I have started running and working out again.  It is not as much as my first pregnancy  but I need to listen to my body and do what is best for the two babies on board. 

I am still on my journey to the a marathon is has just taken a wonderful detour and I cant wait to see how the journey unfolds.

I am happy to be back running and blogging thought!!

A little ABC to get to know me

Though this would be a way to get to know me a little better

 

 

Age: 30
Bed size: Queen ( I long for the day we can get a King)
Chore you dislike: Vacuuming… I would clean my bathroom ten times a day if it meant I never had to vacuum
Dogs:1 dog named Henry he is stray from Puerto Rico… our first baby!
Essential start to your day: A Stretch
Favorite color: Blue Pink
Gold or silver: Silver
Height: 5'5"
Instruments you play: None… unless you count the recorder that I learn in 3^rd grade
Job title: Assistant Program for a Non-profit
Kids: almost two year little boy!
Live: Salem, MA
Mom's name: DEBBIE
Nickname: Kbails, Kails, Smails Mrs Smailey
Overnight hospital stay: post delivery.
Pet peeves: Not following through with something
Quote from a movie: The prize is a surprise… Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and I love smiling…Smiling is my favorite
Righty or lefty: righty
Siblings: two brothers
Time you wake up: 5-6
Underwear: Depends on the day
Vegetables you don't like: Love them all
What makes you run late: Not making my lunch at night…
Xrays you had: too many to count
Yummy food you make: I love oatmeal pb cookies
Zoo animal favorites: Giraffes

 

IF you decide to follow the blog world do your own ABC post the link I would love to read more about you!

Half at the Hamptons Recap

Half At the Hamptons Recap…

There are a couple things I had not considered going into this race.

1.       I have not done a race more than 4 miles since May 2010

2.       I have not ran more 7 at one times since Jan ( I have been having to split up my long runs due to my husband’s schedule)

3.       I have not done a longer race in the winter

4.       I have never done a race as a training run’

5.       I am too competitive to do a race as a training run

These maybe some of the reasons this race sucked for me.  Or the fact is was like 14 degrees with wind gust up to 40 mph ( they did die down a little before the race).  When I got to the  race, it was so cold that I couldn’t feel my face once I walked the tenth of a mile to the hotel where registration was.  I totally freaked myself out waiting for the race to start.  I was seriously considering going home… good thing I am too cheap to forfeit the registration money.  Once the race started at 10am…it was a bit warmer.  The view was great and it was a very well run race.  There was plenty of toilets to use prior to the start and two potty stops along the race.  There was also water stops every 3 miles and they handed out gu/ hammer gels at mile 8. 

Mile 1 9:47

Mile 2 9:30

Mile 3 10:27

Mile 4 11:20 ( took a gu and  some water)

Mile 5 10:48

Mile 6 10:56

Mile 7 10;38

Mile 8 11:04

Mile 9 12:15 ( Took a gu and extend walk break)

Mile 10 11;22

Mile 11 11:58 ( getting discourage I was so off of my goal time

Mile 12  12:22

Mile 13 11:32

The Last .32 10:15 Pace

2;27:01 (chip time)

The course was great with some nice rolling hills that went through some beautiful neighborhoods.  The volunteers were great and there was lots of crowd support.  And my favorite was running the last 4 miles along the beach.  It had the making of a wonderful race but I was not there mentally. 

I decided it instead of getting upset about the race I would use it as a learning experience.  The following things are things that I will look into or change my next half.

1.        Fueling this included prior to the race.  Since the race was later than I normally run I think that I should have eaten more.  I typically have an eggwhite sandwich start running within an hour of the race.  This time I ate at 6:30 and the race did not start till ten

2.       I need to start practice positive talk in general but especially during running

3.       I have always used GUs and they give me some good energy but they cuase me to burp and feel them the whole race .  I need to look into some alternatives.

4.       I need to find some more running partners I hate running alone.

How do you fuel prior and during a race?

What did you learn about in your last race?



The Week ahead…

So I have not being posting my weekly exercise goals because frankly who cares except me!! While I don't think anyone really cares I am going to start doing them again. I like have a record of what I am doing and it keeps me honest. To take the honesty to the next level, I am going to post recaps of the previous week. I sometimes have great intentions but life gets in the way. So here goes the pans for this week

 

Sunday Half at the Hamptons

Monday : Boot Camp

Tuesday: Three Mile Run

Wednesday: Boot Camp 1 mile warm up 5x 400 1 mile cool down

Thrusday: Three Mile Run

Friday: Boot Camp

Saturday: 3mile tempo run

Sunday: 6 miles

 

I am trying out a new plan with a new goal in mind more to come later this week.

Starting a running group

I know many people love to run alone and I do at times but I love running with a buddy.  I have been running with my SIL but she is currently pregnant and has not been running as much.  So I decided to try and find a running group.  I tried a local running club but really did not click with any members plus the times of the runs were not convenient.

 So embracing stepping out of my comfort zone, I have decided to set up my own running group.  I am really lost on how to go about it.  I really dont know too many runners in my area ( I guess the point of starting a group).  I have started researching and reaching out to some people but really I am still at square one.  So I thought I would reach out to the blogging world.  I have a few questions...

Have you started a running group?

Live in the area and want find some running buddies?

Have any tips on how to start a group?

When researching, I stumbled upon Irun Mommies and was wondering if anyone had any experience with them?

Any input would be greatly appericated.

I am very excited to get this group in motion...

Tangent Tuesday: The Half Edition

This weekend I am running the Half at the Hamptons this weekend.  I am very excited for the race this weekend.  I have not run a half sense May 2010 so I am pumped.  This is a a little unique for me sense it is more of a training run for the marathon than a race.

Three Reasons I am excited about this race...

1.  We run along the beach and I find nothing more relaxing or peaceful than running along the water.  I have been missing running along the water due to all the snow so I am pumped to be back along the beach.

Even though it will probably look like this

2. I am wearing my new running skirt.  I just bought two skirt recently and I have fallen in love with them.  I have been running in them when on the treadmill but never outside.  This being New England in Winter I will be wearing tights or capris under it.

3.  The weather is suppose to be great this week well after today.  It is suppose to be in the 40s and 50s which is pretty amazing considering the weather have been having.  Though the  temps wont be that high on Sunday  it is suppose to be 30 and sunny.  I am very happy not to be running in temps in the 10s.

My goal for this race is 2:20.  Again this is more of a training run than  race so I need to stick with that pace.  Though it wont be a PR it would be about 12 minute improvement  from my last race so that is a plus.

Do you love racing?

Do you use them as training runs?

Where is your favorite place to run?

My Hot Valentine's Date

I wish I was cuddling on the couch watching TV with this guy:

or this guy

But the first guy is at class and the second guy is fast asleep in his crib.

So these two are my hot dates

AND

Hope your Valentine's night is a little more exciting then mine!!

Recommiting...

So it has been a while since my last blog post.  I have been struggling this winter with running.  I could go with my various reasons/ excuses that I have not ran as much as should be and thus not much to blog about in the last couple of weeks but I wont.  Instead I will simply say that now everyone in the family is healthy again.  I am here and I am running.  I have some great blog posts and giveways coming.

Two a day...

I did something I have never done before... actually two things.  First, I ran 10 miles on a treadmill. Before that the longest I probably did was 5 or 6 miles.  Second, I ran twice in one day.  I needed to get my long run but J had to work and had class so he was gone for almost 13 hours.  I could not run outside with the jogging stroller due to the snow this week not to mention it was 8 degrees yesterday a little could for L Boogie.  My only option was the treadmill.  I was not sold on the idea but I headed down to the treadmill.  I put in a movie The Holiday ( better late than never) and was getting into a good groove when L boogie who normally sleep 2 to 3 hours woke up 65 minutes into my run ( only 6.25 completed)  I hoped he would fall back asleep but no luck.  So I ended saying I would finish when J came home but wasn't sure I would.

Well 3 hours later I found myself back downstairs doing another 3.75 to complete the whole 10 miles. 

I wish I could have done it all at once but it just wasn't feasible this weekend.  I was worried that this is not as effective doing a long run at all once.  I did some research, read some forums, blogs and articles about this topic.

Here an article
http://www.runningplanet.com/training/splitting-your-long-run.html

And a blog post from
Jess Runs

Conclusion from my research is it ok to split your run when:
That is the only option ( time constraints, heat, cold etc)
You don't do it all the time
You are looking to break any records in your race.

My conclusion is getting the 10 miles is better than not for me and in order for me to be successful in marathon training I need to be flexible.  If some weeks my long run needs to be split so be it although i would aim for less than 3 times in a training cycle.   Training as a whole is more important than one run...


I would love some more expert opinions on this topic....

Do you ever split your long runs?  Why and how often?
What are your thoughs on this topica

Plans for the week... skipping into the new week!!!

I very rarely say this but I am excited to start a new week.  Things have just been going great in many areas of my life... family, health, running, etc.  And those things that are not  going so great I feel invigorated and ready to tackle them head on.  I have been focusing on exercising, clean eating and focusing on the simple things in life.... its working!  Life is good!

Plans for the week

Sunday: Rest
Monday: 60 min Bootcamp
Tuesday: 1 mile warm up 12x 400 (90 sec RI) 1 mile cool down
Wednesday: 60 Min Bootcamp
Thursday: 1 mile warm up 4 mile tempo 1 mile cool down
Friday: 60 Min Bootcamp
Saturday: 11 mile long run



Just cause I really think this has helped my mood I will share 10 simple things that made me happy today ( in no certain order)

1. Watching L Boogie  dance
2.  Walking my door
3. The new flavors of greek yogurt
4.  Staying on budget at the grocery store
5. J coming home after he was at work all day
6.  Bedtime stories with L Boogie
7.  Cooking dinner
8.  Thinking about my upcoming week
9.  Reading so great blogs
10.  Cuddling on the couch with J

What are some simple things that made you happy today?

In need of a little decorating help...

As you know we recently bought a treadmill.  Unfortunately it is stuck in the basement since we live on the 3rd floor and I don't think my neighbors would appreciate hearing me run on my treadmill above them esp before 6am.  Well I am not a fan of running in the basement so far.  We live in old three family home and the basement is kinda gross and scary...

We managed to move stuff around so I am not looking at a bunch of boxes.  This is my view:

My wonderful husband is will to take down his dartboard and let me have the whole space to decorate as I see fit.  Except I am clueless on what to do.

Any ideas?  Care to share your workout space?

I would love any decorating help... Thanks!!

Three Things Thursday--- the VERY random edition...

So L boogie is sick and I got very little sleep last night so my thoughts are random and scattered.

1.  I have been washing my hair less and less and getting more and more compliments on how good it looks.  I have never thought about not washing my hair after workout but after reading many a post from Janae about not washing her hair and seeing how good her hair always looks.  I decided to get it a whirl on day when I was running late for work and just had time to shower but not wash my hair.  I have been running in 10 degree weather and use dry shampoo but I am embracing this more and more and my hair thanks me!!  So thanks to Janae for the inspiration!

2.  I stumbled upon a recipe last night on Leslie's blog and I actually dreamed about it!!  I cant wait to make Shaved brussels sprouts tonight.  This morning I made a special trip to the store to get the ingredients.  I LOVED Brussels sprouts.  I will let you know how it turns out!

3.  The one downside  (if you can really call it a downside) to owning your own treadmill is there is never a good excuse not to work out.  As I said before I slept like crap so I did not make it to the gym this morning and J is working tonight so normally I would scrap it all together but I  can just hop on the treadmill in the basement after L boogie goes to bed so I have no excuses.  No excuses which I guess is good unless you are looking for an excuse which today I am!


What are some random thngs on your mind today??

Snow Day!!

There is nothing better than a snowy day with nothing to do and no where to go.  We have been lucky to have two snow days in the days three weeks!  I have such fond memories of snow days with my mom and brothers going out in the snow, drinking hot chocolate and then some baking.  While J was out shoveling L boogie and I did all of these things.  Except I drank coffee and he had water!! 

We started off with some sledding... someone was not a fan...

Then Mama did a little baking during nap time. In an effort to eat cleaner and buy less processed food I made this Baked oatmeal Squares.  I think they came out great... I did add a little agave sweetener to please J...

When L Boogie woke up he tested one of the squares.... I think he approved.

J wanted something sweet so I  made these Cocoa Cookies from Cara at Cara's Craving... they are wonderful and not too bad for you.  Only 3 pts if you on WW and they are huge cookies....

After we made some cookies... I went to the basement and tried out my new treadmill!  Excuse the nasty basement floor... not the best scenery.  It was a little musty and cool down there.  I hope it gets better. My workouts got a little messed this week due to the weather.  I was running short on time so  I just did some speed work and did a 5k in 27:23!

I am still not a fan of the treadmill but it is better than running in this....

When I got back up stairs I was greeted by a wonderful dinner made by J... BBQ Chicken Pizza ( homemade dough and all) with roasted veggies.

Overall it was a great day!!  I will end this post with a few questions for you...

What is your favorite pizza?  Do you make your own or buy it?

Has the weather put a cramp in your workouts this week?

If you own a treadmill where do you keep it?  Do you wish it was somewhere else?

Have a great night!!

Where have you been all my life???

I have a new man in my life....

The foam roller!

I bought one of these a couple of days ago and wasnt so sure about it.  I have been having some hip tenderness/ pain lately and just been generally sore.  WOW!  I have been "rolling" for abour 20 mintues each day and my legs feel awesome!!

Do you use a foam roller?

The tale of two runs: HBBC Virtual New Year's Day Run and the Wicked Frosty Four Miler

 I had signed up to do the Wicked Frosty Four Miler before I started my training plan for the marathon... it is a sort of New Year's Tradition for me.  I have done it all four years the race has been held even when I was six months pregnant with L Boogie.  So when I realized I needed to do a 8 mile  long training run I  was bummed I wasn't sure how I would fit them both in.  I have never done a race as part of my training run.  Then I sawAmanda's Virtual Resolution Run and decided I would use that as the first half of my run. 

Resolution Run Report


I had decided to do 4 miles at my gym before the race and then walk the tenth of a mile to the Frost Four start line ( Love local races).  I even printed out the bib and wore it on the treadmill at the gym.  (my camera broke so no pics).  I wrote on my bib I will learn to love the treadmill.  (Living in Ma and needing to train in the cold icy months this is a must for me even more so with my husbands schedule. )  I got many compliments and comments on the bib.  I explained the race and the world of blogging to a few folks.  I hopped on the treadmill and started the run.

I started cautiously since the treadmill burns me (or at least my mind) out quickly.

Mile 1 11:00 pace
Mile 210:45 pace
Mile 3 10:30 pace
Mile 4 10:15 pace
Total 4 miles in 42 minutes 10:45 pace

I felt great and probably should have pushed myself more. It actually flew by and I enjoyed my time on the treadmill.  I might reach my goal of enjoying the treadmill!!

Then I hopped off the treadmill and headed over to the start line for the Frosty Four.  This race is great and growing every year.  It also kicks off my first race for the Run for the bling of it challenge ( even though there was no bling)  since I waited too long to sign up and did not get a t shirt... bummer!  The weather was wonderful!  I ran in capris and long sleeve t-shirt ( unheard of in New England in January). The start was delayed about 20 minutes making my legs a little tired and sore. Since there had been a blizzard the week before and the streets are old and narrow it took me almost 2 minutes to cross the start line... just in time for my garmin to die.  The race was very congested and almost dangerous for the first 1.5 mile people would just stop and walk without looking.  There is typically someone calling out the splits but not this year.  There was a great crowd presence but I was tired and struggled a bit... I think it may have been too much champagne the next before.  Overall, I felt pretty good and was happy to be done when I crossed the finish.  I saw my time when I finished and was slightly bummed but then I remembered it took me 2 minutes to cross the starting line. 
Results were 45:18 11:20 pace but if you minus the 2 minutes it is a 10:45 pace not too bad as part of my run.

After the race I grabbed some water and then I decided to run the two miles to my car.  At 11:00 pace, it felt better to run then walk so I went for it. 

The whole run ended up being 10 miles in 1:48 which is 10:45 pace.

I am happy with my first long run of Marathon training and it was a great way to kick of the new year. 


Do ever use races as part of your longer runs for that day??

Goals for the New Year

I have never been one for resolutions but I have been feeling like my life has been lacking  direction and focus lately.  So this is the prefect time to refocus my life. It will certainly be a challenge to complete all this goal but I am excited to try!! I will be doing monthly updates to keep myself honest over this year.  I am excited to see what this year brings!!

Fitness-

• Run 1111 miles in 2011 which is roughly 93 miles a month or 23 miles per week
• Stick to training plan including speed workouts- When not in training run 4times per week with one speed work out, one hill work out, one tempo run and long run and cross train twice
• Run a marathon
• PR in 10K and Half-marathon
• Become a Half -Fanatic
• Lift 2 to 3 times per week
• Find a running group/ partner 

Health-

• Eat 4 sweet things or less a week
• No more than 2 cups of coffee a day
• Drink 2 cups of water to each cup of seltzer
• Provide new and interesting meals for the whole family
• Do weekly meal planning

Blog

• Develop my writing further--- I suck as a writer
• Bring more focus to blog
• Comment and connect with other bloggers more
• Meet other blogger and maybe find some blogging running partners( anyone coming to Boston for the marathon let me know)

Other

• Be a more present wife and mother
• Enjoy the simple things in life
• Find joy in the everyday thing

What you are your goals this year??

Plans for the first week of the New Year

I am so excited to start this week.  I have a renewed commitment to running and my overall health.  I can not wait to try Boot Camp and for my treadmill to come in.  I have big plans for this year and I have a wonderful feeling it is going to be the best one yet!

 Monday- Boot Camp 

HBBC breakdown for the last week

Tuesday: 12/26

6 mile run (6)

1.5 mile walk (1.5)

7 fruits/ vegetables (1)

30 day Shred (1)

20 minutes/stretching yoga (1)

Total 10.5

Wednesday  12/27
 60 minute spin (6) 

90 Power Yoga (4.5)
2 mile walk(2)

7 fruits/ vegetables (1)

30 day Shred (1)

Total 14.5

Thursday 
6 mile run (6)

3 mile walk (3)

7 fruits/ vegetables (1)

30 day Shred (1)

Total 11

Friday

4.5 miles easy run (4.5)

90 min hot yoga (4.5)

1 mile walk (1)

7 fruits/ vegetables (1)

30 day Shred (1)

Total 12

Saturday

1.5 mile walk (1.5)10 Mile run (10)

7 fruits/ vegetables (1)

30 day Shred (1)

Total 13.5

Sunday
60 minute Spin (6)
7 fruits/ vegetables (1)
Hot Power Yoga 90 mins (4.5)
5 mile family walk (5)
16.5

Happy New Year!

Tuesday-13 minute warm-up -6 x (1 minute fast then 2 min. easy) -13 minute cool-down
Wednesday- Boot camp and 4 mile run
Thursday- 2 miles easy-2 miles @ Tempo pace -2 miles easy
Friday- Boot Camp
Saturday -9 miles @10:45 pace

Pajama Jeans... the new running fashion???

First Happy New Year!  I have lots to write about in the next couple of days but L boogie just woke up and no time to blog so I will leave you with something to ponder. 

I saw three people running in these today during my race the Pajama Jean

It struck me as an odd thing to run in.  I am sure they are comfy but why would you want to look like you are running in jeans.  And why were 3 people not grouped together wearing them??  It left me scratching my head the whole race.

How about you will you be adding the pajama jean to your running wardrobe in 2011?