The best and the worst week

I can't believe there's only 1 day left of this year! What a year it has been.
Since I was off work last week, I was able to put in more miles in a week, than I have all year. I was so excited about that.

Sunday- 18
Monday- 3
Tuesday- 10
Thursday-5
Saturday- 13

Total- 49 miles!!

Here's the bad news. During my 10 miler, all of a sudden I felt my left knee pop or twist or something. It ached a little bit, but of course not enough to stop me.
 Thursday when I ran 5, it was a little sore.
Saturday I had 18 miles on the schedule again. From the very first step of that run, my knee was hurting. I know I looked funny running because instead of landing on the bottom of my foot, I would land on my toes, if that makes any sense!
 
 It's always so hard to know if you should just push through the pain and keep going, or stop. I decided to keep running. By mile 13 it was pretty painful. The crazy thing is when I was running, it wouldn't hurt. It's only when I started walking that the pain was intense.
 
 I only had 5 miles left, I wanted to finish SO bad. I texted my wise old running buddy Mark and asked what he thought I should do. He said stop. :(
I know it's a good thing I did.

This is how I spent my day yesterday.

The pain is around my knee cap, I can tell it's a little swollen. I can't put any pressure on it AT ALL. I have to keep it bent, I can't straighten it out. I've been reading symptoms of Runners Knee, thinking that may be it.

This just makes me so mad! Yes, I ran more mileage this week, but I didn't overdo it! If my body freaks out over 49 miles in a week, what will it do when I run 100 miles in 30 hours? I'm going to find out.
 I know I'll come out of this stronger though. My body is just getting used to it!

I'm resting today, and hopefully will be able to run again tomorrow. I will be smart about it though, I don't want to make it worse.

 How was your weekend?

Christmas 2013

Happy day after Christmas!
 Now that it's over, I can get back to eating right! I'm too scared to get on the scale, because I don't even want to know what it says. I don't feel like I overdid it terribly, but I know I didn't do great. But that's ok, today's a new day!

 It started off with a chex mix party at Julie's house on Monday. Ever been to one? Well, you should. It was loads of fun. Thanks to Pinterest for all of the ideas!
I made 3 different kinds. Spicy buffalo, Puppy chow, and cinnamon churro. We had 7 different flavors in all. Yumminess!

Christmas was very small. It was just the 4 of us, and Jeremy's mom and dad. One of his sisters was sick, and the other sister isn't speaking to her dad at the moment, so because of that she keeps her whole family (hubby and 4 kids) away from all of us. :(
 The boys still had a good Christmas though.

Playing a game

I have no daycare kids this week (thank you, Jesus!), so this morning I went for a 10 mile run. My usual park was back open after all the flooding, I was so happy about that!
 I only had 6 miles on the schedule, but everything about this run was so perfect, I just couldn't stop!

It was 37 degrees, and sunny. Can't ask for better than that!

My FIL got me a big case of Estee Lauder makeup, think I'm gonna go play in that for awhile!

What was the best part about your Christmas?
Tell me something you got!

Dirty Girl Winner, Cincy Getaway and a Long Run!

First things first, the winner of my Dirty Girl Mud Run giveaway is Lydia Yoder! Woohoo!!! Congrats girl!

 On Friday my honey took me to Cincinnati, for a romantic getaway and also to do our Christmas shopping. Yes, we wait until the very last minute.
 He surprised me with a room with a river view. It was gorgeous!

 Saturday we did some shopping at the Florence Mall. Now, shopping is SO not my thing. I'm sure I'm strange, but I hate shopping! Especially this time of year. I know a lot of people love the craziness of it all, but this girl does not. Give me a credit card and my computer, and I'll just do it all online!
 We still had a great time though! Ate some yummy food.

Tiramisu. (In other words, soggy bread. Not a fan)

With all that's been going on with me lately, it was really nice for just the two of us to get away. Life gets so busy sometimes with teenagers, youth group, his full time school, full time job, etc. That if you're not careful, YOU can get lost in it all. I felt like I was drowning in the middle of an ocean, with no one in sight. It's a little scary.
 So it was really nice to be alone together again. :)

We got home Sunday, and with the boys being at their mom's, I had all day free. That means I get to run for hours and hours! It was glorious!
 Apparently while we were gone, there were some pretty bad storms and lots of rain. I get to the park where I do almost all of my running, and everything was blocked off, except for a 1 mile section. And part of that section looked like this!

I decided not to go running through that! I did a couple miles, then went to a different park. It's a park I'd never been to, and the trail there was a 1.5 mile loop.
It was still pretty muddy!

 I did 10 miles there until I just couldn't take that same loop anymore. Then I went to a 3rd park! I did 6 more miles there, to make it a total of 18! It was absolutely wonderful. I'd rather run for hours, than go shopping for 30 minutes. Haha!

Muddy

So happy that it was warm enough to wear a skirt!

I'm hosting Christmas at my house this year, so there is tons of stuff to do! I better get to it!

Do you like Tiramisu?
Did you run this weekend?

Dirty Girl Mud Run Giveaway!

Hello friends!

   I have 1 free entry to the Dirty Girl Mud Run to give away!

In August Julie and I volunteered at the run, and it looked like SO much fun!
Unfortunately, they are not coming back to my city next year, so I would like to give one of you my free entry.
Make sure you check here to see if it's in your city before entering!

Ends Monday.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Party's, party's and more party's.

I hope you guys had a fabulous weekend!
Mine was pretty busy. And I know you want to hear all about it, so hear ya go.
Friday night was my cute little brother's 16th birthday party. He's the sweetest thing ever. And very stylish too.

Saturday afternoon was our Youth Group Christmas party. This pic was after the White Elephant game. It was crazy, chaotic and loud. But they loved it.
 I may have had to escape for a few minutes to get some sanity.

l

Saturday night Julie and I went out. We both desperately needed a girls night out!
We ate dinner at Havana Rumba, which is Cuban food. I had the best veggie sandwich ever. The martini was pretty good too!

Then we headed to Howl at the Moon. Julie had been there before, but I never had. It's a dueling piano bar, and the band played the piano's, guitar and drums. They were all so talented. It was great because they played ALL music. From the 70's, to today's music.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't know most of the songs they played. (Well, at least from the older days) I think Julie was a little surprised. Of course she knew them all!

                                                It got a little crazy trying to take selfies!

Sunday I had 16 miles on the schedule to run. But that didn't happen. I was in charge of our church's Christmas dinner, so I was at church allllll day long decorating, preparing, cleaning up, etc. Thankfully I had some excellent help. But it was still a long day and when it was over I had ZERO energy.
 Instead of running, I came home and took a much needed nap.

 So what should've been a 34 mile week, was only a 3 mile week. I feel horrible about it, but it is what it is.
Today is a brand new week and I'm going to do my best to get in all 36!! I will do it!


How many Christmas parties have you been to so far?
Do you feel guilty when you don't get all your runs in?

My Year of Running 2013

Hi friends!

  Today is 5 days post marathon and I'm feeling great! Tuesday I ran 3 miles on my treadmill. Was still a little sore, but it felt great.

 I saw that Miss Zippy is hosting her annual 'year of running' review, so I thought it would be fun to review my year of running! This has been my first full year of running and racing. What an awesome journey it has been!

• What was your best race experience?

That would be my first marathon, the Carmel Marathon. It was absolutely incredible doing something I never thought was possible for me. That gave me the confidence to complete 2 more marathons and to begin training for a 100 mile ultra.

I can see the finish line!

• Best run?

Discovering trail running for the first time. Just being surrounded by beautiful nature, getting muddy, jumping over trees and rocks, dodging tree branches and cobwebs, the feeling of being lost and away from it all...ahhhh, it's amazing! I can't wait to do it again. 

• Best new piece of gear?

My Garmin FR10. It is simple, and has exactly what I need. (Time, pace, distance and calories) I started out with a fancy Garmin, and it had so many features that I never used, so this one was an awesome find!

• Best piece of running advice you ever received?

Not every run will be a good one. When I had a bad race or run, it was hard not to beat myself up over it. But I'm learning not to do that. Just learn from it, figure out why it happened and keep on going! The bad ones will make the good ones that much better. I know this from experience!

• Most inspirational runner? 

 I honestly don't have just one! All runners inspire me. From those just starting out, giving it their all, to those who have been running for years. As long as you keep going out and putting one foot in front of the other, you inspire me!

• If you could sum up your year in running in a couple words sentences, what would they be?

My life has become brighter and fuller since I started running. I have never once regretted the moment I decided I want to be a runner. It makes me feel alive, energized and strong. It is truly my passion. And that's pretty dang good for the price of a pair of shoes and some time.

 

How was your year in running?
What is your answer to one or all of these questions?

Fitmark Bags Review

I was recently given the opportunity to review a Fitmark Bag.
 I had such a hard time choosing one! I knew my Vegas trip and marathon were coming up, so not only was I looking for one I could put my running things in, but also something I could carry on the plane with me.
 The Dashing Tote really called my name. And of course I chose pink!

You would not believe all the space and pockets in this bag! It also has a separate bag for your dirty laundry and shoes. It has pockets for your phone, keys and water bottle. 

My Galaxy Tablet fit perfectly!

 Features:

• Separate Kicks and Laundry bag with anti-microbial protection
• Two Fit-All™ executive-class main compartments for all your needs
• Fit-Color™ custom interior with hand-selected colorway
• Fully adjustable soft leather shoulder strap
• High luster, custom gold metal clips and harnesses
• Custom leather zipper pulls
• Rich, gold-coated enforced rivets
• Soft leather Fitmark™ emblem with detailed stitching
• Secure magnetic pocket for your phone, keys and valuables
• Luxurious leather handles with custom design

So go check out Fitmark bags. They are excellent quality, and have stuff for men and women that cover a wide range of sports and needs. Including totes, messenger bags, duffel bags and food organizers!

Go here to enter their 30 Days Giveaway!

Disclaimer: I received this free of charge. All opinions are my own.

Tri States Marathon Recap!

I'm back home in freezing cold, snowy Kentucky, after an amazing weekend!
Thursday I flew out to Las Vegas to meet Clarinda and run the Tri States Marathon with her. This would be my 3rd marathon and I was determined to make it better than my Chicago experience!
 If you want to hear about my first couple of days in Vegas, read here!

We drove an hour and a half Friday night to our hotel in Mesquite, picked up our packets, had dinner and went to bed early. (Well, at least Clarinda went to bed early!)
I woke up at 4:45 on Saturday morning, and by 6 we were on the bus, headed to the start line. The race started out in Utah, then to Arizona, and ended in Nevada.

It was very cold!

This was a very small race, only 100 runners!

  Clarinda suggested we do the 10:1 method and it worked wonderfully! I had never done intervals before. I usually just run until I feel like I need to walk, and then go back and forth that way. But running 10 minutes, and then walking 1 minute made a big difference! I think it helped me not feel so completely drained at the end. I will definitely be doing this from now on!

  The views along the course were just breathtaking. I have never ran in such a beautiful place. Unfortunately my phone has not been working well, and died before the race even started! So I wasn't able to take any pictures. But I found someone else who did, and got their permission to use them.

The first 16 miles of the race were at a very nice downhill. But after that we sure paid for it. It was almost non stop major hills until the very end. They said it was mostly downhill, but I believe it was mostly uphill!

They had quite a few aid stations, with absolutely amazing volunteers. They were all so cheerful and encouraging- and they were freezing themselves. I'm very thankful for all of them!
 The aid stations had twizzlers (yum), m&m's, and pretzels. Along with water and Heed and gels. It was so nice to have such a variety of snacks, and taking in a little sugar helped too.


About mile 20, after running hills for a couple miles, and only seeing hills ahead, it started getting real hard mentally. I didn't have music because my ipod shuffle was dead from the very beginning. I thought it had been charging overnight, but apparently it hadn't. Although Clarinda and I stayed together the whole time, I really needed music to take my mind off of things. So she turned on her music, and that helped so much. It also helped that she would sing along and personalize the song just for me!

  I have decided from now on every race I run I'm taking her along. She is the most encouraging, cheerful person ever! She never once complained at all. I can't say the same for myself!

 
 And finally...the finish line! We finished in 5:21. A 13 minute PR for me, and her first marathon in 10 years (also her 3rd). I was so happy!

This was a beautiful, fun race, but very difficult too! I'm pretty sure without all those mountains to climb, we would've made it in 5:00. 

After waiting in the cold for about 30 minutes for our bus to pick us up, we headed back to the hotel.
That night we celebrated at Grind Burger Bar & Lounge. I can't remember the last time I had a burger, probably years, but I enjoyed one Saturday night! Can you tell?

Acting a little more civilized.

I had an amazing time in Las Vegas and with Clarinda. She is so sweet and I really feel like I've made a friend for life. I was a little sad to leave. Especially knowing I would be on a plane all day long, on sore legs!
This morning I am extremely sore and having a hard time walking. I blame it on being in a cramped, small space all day long yesterday.  

Flying over the desert was incredible!!

I've heard a lot of times that not every run/race can be good, and I experienced that in Chicago. Even though that was only 2.5 months ago, the journey to this marathon was different. I've been determined to figure out how to fuel correctly (no more Gatorade!), and just determined that this marathon would be GOOD. And it was. 
I loved the journey this marathon took me on!

Read Clarinda's recap here!