Embracing Winter

I'm in the middle of week 7, and yikes this week is tough so far! For the past few weeks, weekday mileage has consisted of 2 3 milers and a 6 miler. This week was bumped up to 4,7,4. Only 3 extra miles? No problem...

Tuesday's run felt great. It was nice to have a different route, at least for part of the run. Wednesday's run downright sucked. I usually don't have terrible runs, but this one was pretty bad. The path I planned to run on wasn't plowed at all, so I had to resort to pseudo-plowed sidewalks along a busy street until I could get to a part of the path that was also pseudo-plowed. It was quite the workout running through fluffy, uneven, icy, chunky snow and hurdling over the piles at the end of driveways! Today's run was pretty good. I ran with a friend at the Shaker Lakes. It was bitter cold out, but we made it!

Eugenia and I post run!

Training in the winter is always challenging, but I still love it. Plus, I get to run with this crazy crew on long runs.

Say CHEEEESE!

And see pretty views like this.. 

ooooOOOOoooo

And most importantly, hang out by the space heater post run.. ahhh.. warmth!

Being a cat is tough

Finally!

Well, I actually did it. I signed up for a full marathon. After years (5? 6? 7?) of thinking about it and talking about it, I bit the bullet and signed up for the 2015 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon! I've run the Cleveland Half Marathon 4 times already. I love the race, so I thought it would be nice for it to be my first full. PLUS I can convince everyone to come cheer for me. Win!

I am thrilled! Excited! Scared! Nervous! Exhilarated!

I don't think it's fully sunk in yet. More emotions to come!

Training starts on Tuesday. Well, technically Monday, but Monday is REST DAY! My favorite day of the week.

I still haven't decided on a training plan. You know, I still have about 6 more days to decide. That's practically forever.

I'm going to be running with this girl.. and it's going to be pretty crazy.

Whoops..

Wow, it's been a busy 2 weeks! Over the past 2 weeks I traveled to Canada and back, ran 23 miles, went to a couple yoga classes, tried a spinning (!!!) class, and planted a garden! Phew! I'm tired just thinking about all of that! Even Jez is tired. She's quite the fluffy beast.



Monday was the start of my 5th week of training! I can't believe it's been a whole month already! Although, I can't say that I've been sticking to the schedule 100% of the time. I have been running 3-4 days a week instead of a solid 4 and cross training about 1 time a week. I'm going to step it up this week though and get in all 6 of my workouts!

Ugh, my left calf has been sore for the past couple of days. Sore isn't really accurate.. it feels like there's a huge knot in my leg. I need to get one of those magic massage sticks! And no, I still haven't gotten new shoes yet .. shame shame.

I'm getting extremely bored with my running routes lately. I have the same basic route for each of my runs. I'll just run out a little farther if the distance calls for it. Same terrain, same houses to gawk at.

Speaking of houses.. B and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary in our house! YAY!! WAHOOOO!!! We cracked open a bottle of bubbly for the event and consumed some not so oven fresh Georgio's pizza. Perfection. I can't believe it's already been a year. It feels like just yesterday that we took the plunge and bought our house and moved in together, awwwwwww.



While in Canada on Memorial Day weekend, we went on a wine tour and visited about 20 wineries. Here's a view from one of the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake.. gorgeous! More on this later!



I suppose it's time to get to work!

Smile!

I ran another 3 miles yesterday. I waited practically all day for the weather to cool down. I finally went running when it hit 81 (I think the high was 86??). Surprisingly it didn't feel all that hot. There was even a nice breeze!

Whenever I pass someone up when I'm running, I always try to say hi or smile. I absolutely love it when people smile back! It lifts my spirits, especially if I'm having a hard time on that particular run, and puts me in a better mood for the rest of my run.

I think today I'm going to attend a yoga class and run my 4 miles tomorrow. I've decided that my legs don't like it when I run 3 days in a row, like the schedule calls for. I felt good on my run yesterday, but afterwards I had to stretch stretch STRETCH my legs. They are a little stiff today. I think I COULD run, but it might not be a good idea. (Until I at least get new shoes... which I should have done weeks ago! Sorry, I'm lazy...)

Speaking of stretching, I think the Half Pigeon Pose is my new favorite. It really stretches out your IT band and hammies. Check it out if you don't know it.

Time to do some work! Enjoy the awesome weather outside!

Hot Hot Hot

Phew.. yesterday I ran 4 miles in the blistering heat. Ok, ok.. it was only 81, but that is blistering to me! I live in Cleveland, mind you. I'm used to rain and clouds spoiling my gorgeous days. It was also REALLY humid, so I was probably sweating like a pig, haha. Oink. It was a good run though! Today: 3 miles!

Since I've been running more during the day when there is a lot of traffic, I've been getting more and more nervous when approaching intersections. Seriously, if you're out driving around, please PLEASE watch out for pedestrians! Runners, cyclists, walkers, ANYONE who's not in a car! I fear for my life sometimes. I used to not wait for the walk signal to cross and rely on the presence of cars (no cars go), but lately I've felt unsafe doing that. So I'll stand there and wait my turn, and people will STILL try to drive when I get the walk signal. I've flipped a few people the bird on my runs. I think I'm a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Sideways Jezebel says have a good day (I tried multiple times to rotate it, but this is what you get!)

2 down, 20 left to go!

Yesterday was the end of week 2!! I completed yet another week of training! Although I skipped one day of running and only ran 13 miles instead of 16, I'm still proud of myself. The 4 and 5 mile runs are getting easier, the leg pain is lessening, and all in all, I feel great!

I'll recap my training from last week since my blogging left something to be desired..

Last Monday I went to a kick-ass yoga class. I love going to yoga more and more each time I go, if that's even possible. I always feel energized after class and I can definitely see an improvement from the first class that I went to.

This is the yoga mat that I use, btw. It's purdy. And green. And cushy. And kinda slippery. And purdy..



Tuesday I skipped running. I just wasn't feeling up to it. Wednesday I ran 4 miles and encountered some leg pain so I rested again on Thursday. Friday I ran another 4 miles.

Maybe I wouldn't have so much leg pain if I retired these puppies (disregard the cat..)



Even Jezebel disapproves of these shoes..



Saturday was YOGA again! It was a great class that focused on a lot of hip openers. The instructor heard that there were some runners in the class so he wanted help us out with poses that would stretch out our hips, hammies and legs. It felt awesome. Though, some of the poses HURT and I could barely get into position. I guess that means my muscles are tight and I need to do a lot more stretching on my own.

I was sad to hear that my favorite yoga instructor quit his job and is moving to San Diego to start a yoga studio! NOOOooooooooooo. I'm not sure if I'm more upset because he won't be around or because I'm jealous, haha. Hmmmm... Hey B, wanna quit our jobs and move to CA?

I can't even imagine doing something like that. I'm not spontaneous enough. Plus, Cleveland's got it all! Why move?? I <3 Cleveland.

Oh, almost forgot. I ran 5 miles on Sunday and I felt GREAT during the run! This week I will be running 16 miles, the same schedule as last week.

I'm jealous of her.. I wish I could nap in the window sill. Instead, I'm going to do some work! Have a great day!

End of Week 1!

Phew, I made it! I completed one week of training! After coming to a grinding halt after my 4 mile run on Wednesday, I recuperated with a lot of stretching and a yoga class on Saturday morning. I was able to run 3 miles on Friday and 5 on Sunday. WOOOO! Wow, 15 miles this week!

My legs are still somewhat sore, but I went to yoga tonight and it seems to have helped out. I can definitely tell that I am becoming more flexible and comfortable in the poses. AND I was able to do the wheel pose in class on Saturday! I tried to a few weeks ago and wasn't able to lift myself up off the ground, but now I can bwahaha. Ok, maybe it's not that exciting to you, but it is to me!

I used my new mat again today and still wasn't too pleased with it. I didn't slide around nearly as much as the first time when I did hot yoga, but it was still slippery. I'm thinking it will become stickier the more I use it. If not, it's going to be very frustrating! I'd rather not drop another $30 on a new mat.

SOOOOO B and I FINALLY built our raised garden bed that will house our veggie garden! I'm so excited! It's 12ft long, 4ft wide and 1ft high which is a pretty good sized garden. We're going to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, and I'm not sure what else. So many options! Lettuce? Carrots? Radishes? What kinds of veggies do you like to plant in your garden?

Last year we had 4 cherry tomato plants and 4 basil plants which were HUGE. We had so much basil we made salads out of it instead of using lettuce. Tasty! I can't wait to expand the garden this year.

In addition to the garden, I also planted a bunch of different herbs in small pots. They've been growing since Easter weekend and are finally showing some height! Let's see.. I planted tarragon, basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, chives, parsley and cilantro. YUM. I can't wait until I can cook with them! MMM I've been dreaming of fresh pesto, tomato-basil salads, and roasted chicken with freshly picked herbs. Delicious.

More pictures to come, but here's a sneak peak at what the herbs looked like 2 weeks ago. Sorry that they look washed out!

MMMM get in my belleh'! The oregano is taking over the pot!

Please don't run me over. I have furry, 4-legged children that need me

[rant]

Hey you! Yeah, you who just rolled through that stop sign and didn't see me running across the street. Thanks! Why don't you get off your phone and pay attention. Don't pedestrians have the right of way? UGH I hate it when I'm running through intersections and drivers are barely cognizant of the fact that pedestrians are crossing the street. From running around the neighborhood, I've learned to be more aware of people who are out and about when I'm driving. It's really scary when you think it's safe to cross and then you realize someone is coming straight towards you! I like to glare at them when I'm crossing in front of them. Yes, you had to stop a little longer at the stop sign, I don't feel sorry for you. I don't want to make it sound like I just dart out in front of cars. Normally it's at an intersection with stop signs all around, I arrive at the intersection before any cars have stopped, start to cross and some asswipe barely pauses and tries to continue through. UGH.

[/rant]

This has been a public service announcement brought to you by Julie. Now here's a list of randomness. Enjoy!

1. Who can resist cute baby bunnies hiding in the tall grass with just their ears visible??
2. I love chocolate.
3. I'm really bad at putting nail polish on my right hand. And my left hand.
4. I take Flintstones Complete vitamins every day. MMM Fred, you are delicious. That sounds wrong..
5. Sometimes I see how many trees I can spit on while running. That also sounds wrong. Hmm.. is there something wrong with me? HEY! It's a fun game! My best record so far is 6/10. It's also hard to compete with the wind. Just sayin'.. you should try it.. But no loogies. I'm a lady, after all!
6. I cook artichokes just as an excuse to eat a lot of butter.
7. I flew over the handlebars on my bike once. Don't worry, I didn't sustain any injuries.
8. I love peanut butter. Creamy. Jif (thanks Krista!)
9. I'm really sad that Sunshine was sent home last night on the Biggest Loser.
10. After my 4 mile run today, I was barely able to walk up the steps to get the mail. Ruh-roh. But I was able to run it in 34 minutes (approximately.. I don't own a stopwatch)!!
11. Frozen peas and mixed veggies are really awesome ice packs.

And now..... bedtime!

And We Begin!

Yesterday marked 22 weeks before the Towpath Marathon. What does that mean? I officially start training! Yay! The training schedule called for some cross training on Monday, so I went to yoga. I finally bought my own mat! It's a Gaiam 5mm Premium yoga mat and to be honest, I wasn't that happy with it. The yoga class I went to was in the Hot studio, which is about 90 degrees. Needless to say, I was sweating a lot which made the mat very slippery. I had to continually adjust my poses as my hands and feet slid out of position. Maybe I can return it and no one will notice that it was used, haha. Despite the slipperiness, the mat was pretty comfy. It's really thick, but not thick enough to cause you to lose balance. I think it's a good mat if you're not working in a 90 degree room!

Today I ran 3 miles and the schedule for the rest of the week calls for 4 miles on Wednesday, 3 miles on Thursday with a break on Friday, cross training on Saturday, and 5 miles on Sunday. Phew! I'm tired already! My shins have been bothering me again. But not that bad. I'm still convinced that if I get my butt to the store and buy a new pair of shoes, I'll be ok. I think my shoes have around 300 miles on them.

I came up with a few new running routes as my old ones were getting pretty boring. I've had the same 3 mile route since last fall so I don't get too excited to run it these days. I did try to run it in reverse on Saturday which made it more interesting. I ran a longer route in reverse in the winter time, and I actually got lost! Whoops! I like to use gmap-pedometer.com to come up with my running routes. It's pretty cool, check it out!

I think switching routes makes the runs much more exciting, not only because of the view, but because of the terrain. If you keep running the same route, your body is going to eventually get used to it and you might not benefit as much. Maaaaaaaaybe. Don't take my word for that. When I run a new route, I feel like I got more of a workout. Placebo effect?

I'm still nervous to train for a marathon. I'm not convinced that I can stick with it, but I'm going to prove myself wrong! Let's see.. things in my life that I have tried and ultimately quit: basketball in 5th grade (quit before our first game), softball in 7th or 8th grade (quit after a couple practices because the coach, my best friend's dad "criticized" my swing. I guess I'll use whatever excuse I can come up with!), track in 11th grade (I actually completed a season but didn't sign up the following year), ice skating, swimming, etc. Ugh, I'm pathetic! Haha.

In other news, my mom said that my butt and legs look more toned from running and yoga. I guess that's another benefit from all of this exercise. Yeahhhhh, that's right. I'm bringing the sexy back! Wait, did I just say that? I apologize for that. No, I don't.

Hi There

So I had every intention of writing an entry yesterday.. and the day before.. the day before that.. etc. Buuuuuut I was busy, OK?? Haha.

At any rate, I looked up marathons and decided to train for the Towpath Marathon in October! I'm excited but also kind of nervous. I didn't sign up yet because I haven't even started to train officially. I've barely been running 10 miles per week!

On the website for the Towpath Marathon there was a training schedule that I will most likely follow. It said to allow 22 weeks for training, which would mean I need to start next Monday! The mileage for the first week is 15 miles, so I plan on running 12 this week. I hope that's not pushing too hard. It also devoted 2 days to cross training, which is perfect since I just started taking Yoga classes!

Yoga. Is. Amazing. I've only been to 2 classes so far, but I already love it. The class I went to was called Power Yoga Basics. I don't really know that much about yoga, but from what I DO know, I think power yoga is supposed to be more intense? Maybe I'm wrong. It was intense, though! Especially for a beginner. I struggled with some of the poses, and a few came easily to me. During the first class, I had to take a short break because my feet cramped up. A lot of the poses focused on the legs and lower half of your body, which was why it was a little difficult. When I run, I still feel a tightness in my calves. The second class was much easier though, so I think it may have actually be helping with my flexibility already! Yay! It's great because I've been going with David.

The weather has been GORGEOUS lately and perfect for running! It's so motivating when it's beautiful outside. I can't use the weather as an excuse not to run! (I hate running in the rain, ugh) The sunshine and breeze gets me excited and I just want to lace up my shoes and run!

Speaking of shoes.. I need new ones. Did I mention that already? Probably. I think mine are at the end of their lifespan. It's sad, really. Poor shoes. They've been through a lot! I'm excited to look for a new pair, though. Any suggestions on running shoes?? I've had my eye on the Nike Lunarglides+, but they have mixed reviews. I went to the store and took a look at them (ooooo, so pretty.. haha). They were REALLY light weight! Much lighter than my current Asics. I'm not sure if that's good or bad, though. I'm still a running newbie when it comes to running gear!

I recently started purchasing technical gear for my runs, specifically shirts. I have 2 UA fitted heat gear shirts that I am absolutely in love with. If you haven't run in technical gear, you must buy some! It's amazing! No more sweaty, sticky cotton shirts that you have to adjust throughout your run (or is that just an issue I have..??) I'm skepical to buy the compression shirts, though. I tried one on in the store and I felt like a sausage, haha.

According to my makeshift training schedule, I need to run 2 miles today. It looks like it's another beautiful day so I'm excited to get out there and go running!

Have a great day everyone!

Julie

PS: I love almond butter. The end.

Here we go!

So for the past few months.. maybe 6 months or so.. I've been contemplating training for a marathon. Not really contemplating, but planning on training. Something a bit more concrete than just thinking about it. I should say upfront that I'm NOT a hardcore runner. I'm more of a casual, run-for-fun-when-I-feel-like-it kind of runner. You know, throw on my shoes when the mood strikes and go out for a 3 mile run. I've never run more than 6 miles in one stretch, so a marathon (!!!!) seems like such a distant goal. I do plan on training with a couple friends.. actually, I'm tagging along on their training program!.. which will provide more motivation to actually train hard and reach my goal.

This past fall/winter was the first time I tried to run consistently. I was running about 12 or so miles a week outside in the snow/ice/rain/whatever weather Cleveland threw at me. I started to get shin splints (possibly from running in the snow/ice/rain/whatever..?) and had to stop for a long while and build back up. So I'm currently only running under 10 miles a week, soon to be starting the actual training. It makes me kind of nervous to bump up the miles because I'm afraid I'm going to get shin splints again. I should possibly get new shoes before starting. I've had my eye on those purple Nike Lunarglides .. *drool*..

At any rate, I plan on blogging my experiences as I train and go from a 5k runner to (hopefully!!) a MARATHON runner, with a lot of randomness in between.