Not running related

Going to bed now because tomorrow, bright and early, I am hiking to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier. 7am meeting time, folks! There's 6 of us going up the mountain: 3 guys, 3 gals. And THAT'S going to be my training for the day. :)

Blog Makeover!

Notice something different with my blog? It's got a brand new skin! My blog has new clothes! Hee hee!

This awesome new layout is by: Olivina [design house]

Thais is an up and coming blog designer that's looking for more blogs to transform into masterpieces! She's offering a special introductory design price of $20 for the month of August. I highly recommend her service, as she worked with me to make my blog unique and, well, more me. ;)
Please check out her design portfolio for examples of her work.

Thanks, Thais!

Why no run today?

...Because I donated blood. The Puget Sound "Vampires"--as I like to call them--and my work both recruited me for my hemoglobin. ;) And I didn't pass out this time! WIN!

BUT, I almost passed out when I was watching my friend Lori's BF's softball game at 8pm. The world became fuzzy and dark and apparently I turned as white as a sheet. Yikes! It was weird though, because I had given blood over 9 hours prior...hmmm. You know, I think the overwhelming heat had something to do with it. That, and maybe the margarita I had at dinner earlier??? Oops!

So anyway, that means no run tonight. Tomorrow morning, we shall see!

Runner Profile: Meet Doug

To others, his name is Doug, but to me he is "Uncle Doug." I find it strange to call him just Doug, as Uncle always preceded his name. But he's more than just my mum's brother, he's an inspiration to me when it comes to running.

1. What is your favorite stretch?
None! I don't stretch.

2. Do you have any pre-race rituals?
No

3. What motivates you to run?
Enjoyment, I just enjoy the physical sensation of running.

4. How long have you been running?
41 years

5. Running shoe of choice?
Saucony Kilkenney

6. Best advice received?
"Miles make the champion." Arthur Lydiard

7. What do you think about when running?
Anything that pops into my head

8. What is something you cannot run without?
My underwear

9. What race distance is your favorite?
5 miles

10. Most outrageous running story you've heard or experienced?
True story: An older runner and a younger runner were duking it out in a 10 mile road race. At about the 8 mile mark a thunderstorm hits with a heavy downpour. Suddenly a bolt of lightening hits a tree about 20 yards away, followed by a tremendous clap of thunder. A couple of hundred yards down the road the younger runner turns to the older runner and says "I'm not sure, but when that lightening hit I think i peed my pants."

Did I just run in Cape Cod??

I started off my day with a 6am run (ok, so it was 6:08, close enough), and the picture is what my iPhone told me about the current conditions. It seriously felt like I was running in Cape Cod. Case in point: it was mug-gy! What a balmy 73 degrees! I don't think I worked up that much of a sweat because I only ran a 2.5 miler, but boy was a dripping when I got back home. I think I was more of a humidity sponge, a condensation collector, really. :) The only things missing were East Bay, Wianno Road and the salt water smell/view.
*Side note*: I miss Cape Cod immensely.

Last night I ran at around 8:45, and it was a sports-bra-only kind of run. Yeah, I blinded people with my uber pale stomach--I'm sure they thought the sun hadn't set yet. It wasn't my fastest pace, but I'm just glad I got a run in. Because that's what counts, right?

"Sugar" Fix

I have a terrible sweet tooth, which is extremely unhelpful when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. Sure, a splurge now and then is ok by me, but if I could, I would eat candy everyday. Skittles, Reese's, 3 Musketeers, Chewy Runts (oooo, my fave!), M&M's...you name it, I like it.

So what do I do to help with my sugar cravings? Fruity gum, and chocolate "substitutes."

I seriously keep all of this fruity gum in my desk at work to keep me away from the 6th Floor "Cravings" mini candy store. This is for when I'm in the mood for those delicious Chewy Runts (even though the name sounds more funny than delicious) and Skittles.

And if I neeeeeed chocolate, these fiber-rich bars are really tasty. So far, Mocha is an awesome flavor. The only downside is that they come in a pack of 5...which is kinda wimpy. I also like chocolate milk, too. It's definitely not as bad as eating a candy bar AND it has calcium! Score!

That's my "Sugar Fix" tip-o-the-day!

How 'bout a day off?

I got my share of exercise over the weekend, and this heat is definitely not helping in the motivation department...soooo...I'm not going to run tonight. Day off! Instead, I'll do some indoor stairs. :)

Tomorrow, despite the muggy heat, it's back to business as usual.

Oh boy!

I definitely need to get my run on before I get caught in whatever nastiness this cloud is harboring! Yikes!

Non-Running Training: Flippin'!

I seriously couldn't sleep this morning and woke up at 4am. After playing around on the computer I realized that it was light out and the birds were chirping, so I attempted to go back to bed. Yeah right. My legs were restless and I pretty much told myself, "well, might as well go for a run." So my 6am 3.3 miler was pretty refreshing. I listened to my mellow Coldplay album and just enjoyed the outdoors. It felt really good compared to last night's race. ;)

After I got back from my run, it was back into bed!

Then, Trav and I went to Lake Tapps with some friends and swam around a whole bunch. Because of my new piercing, I couldn't jump in the water or go under. Bummer. It was still fun and tiring too...I brought my flippers and was a flippin' maniac. Haha! Great leg workout for today!

And now, off to bed. I'm exhausted and sunned out. G'night!

Torchlight Run = COMPLETE

Seriously not very happy with my results, but whatevs. Next year I'm going in for the kill! But, I did go into the race expecting to be under 45 minutes...so I achieved that goal at least. Woot! :)

Final Stats:
Mileage - 5.1
Time - 43:24
Overall - 895 out of 2681
Division Place - 49 out of 270 (F25-29)

Sex Place - 228 out of 1192
Pace - 8:44

Not my finest...

The Torchlight Run was wicked awesome! I'm stoked to do it again next year, as it was a fun race to experience. The last two miles are smack dab in the middle of downtown Seattle, with crowds of people on either side of the road (parade goers) cheering and high-fiving runners.
However...
I would have had a blast if I hadn't drank so much water (damn being hydrated for a race for once!). I seriously had to pee so bad that I couldn't run as fast as I wanted--how embarrassing! :( Before the race, the bad juju was there:

• Trav's car wouldn't start, so luckily took mine instead
  
• Thought I forgot the N.O. Xplode, but it ended up being in the trunk
• All of the porta-potty lines before the race were over a block long (ugh)
• While pinning my bib, I pricked my thumb and was bleeding all over the place
  
• In the beginning of the race, I dropped my inhaler by accident and someone kicked it, thus, I lost it
  
• I couldn't stop thinking about using the restroom
• I super sucked hardcore...

The weather was really muggy and hot, so that didn't help (but, HA!, I was hydrated dammit!). If I wasn't so "hydrated" then I could've ran the last two miles JUST FINE. I had the energy, and I felt good. Crapity crap crap crap.

Oh well, now I'm determined to kick this race's butt next year!! Take that Torchlight!

Torchlight Race Today!

Torchlight at 6:30pm today. I'm definitely not looking forward to the heat, but I'm excited for the race nonetheless. I haven't really been to any Seafair festivities, so this should be fun! The parade is right after, so my Saturday night is set. :)

Goal: To finish under 45 minutes. I ran the Beat the Bridge in 40, so I think this is fairly reasonable considering the heat/humidity.

Bring it!!

New Shoes!

Here's a comparison of new to old. I didn't realize how dirty my shoes were! But they are wider in the toe box as well.

New Shoes! Day Zero

Old Shoes! Day 430

95 Degrees?!

The weather for Saturday is supposed to be in the mid 90's. UGH. I'm awful at running in the heat, especially now more than ever it seems. I used to be alright at it, but now...not so much. I'm planning on drinking a ton of water this week, as well as getting plenty of ZZzzzZZZ's.

My run tonight was mildly reminiscent of previous said Maple Syrup Effect, but not as bad. Slow, but fairly steady. The sun was setting and it was beautiful out. Got chased by a dog that thought it was waaaay bigger than it was. Swallowed a bug and choked/coughed a whole bunch. Yuck.

Yeah, it just wasn't my run. :/

I did buy a purple running top for this Saturday, in honor of my angel niece, Janell's, 5th birthday. I'm running for her. <3

Guilty

No run yesterday, and I felt AWFUL about it. Especially since my Friday night consisted of wine, pizza and some beer for good measure. And then minus the usual run...equals one guilty girl. :( But, I made up for it today with car washing and waxing, and a 4.5-miler. Plus, I plan on lifting weights in a bit. Tomorrow I really want to go at least 6 miles again, perhaps on a trail? Hmmm, now I must convince Trav to come with me. :)

And now, a Reader Question...

Kevin (via Facebook) writes:
Hey Zoë
I was wondering if I would ask you a question about running. Well more so about shin splints and if you know much about how to get rid of ease them down? Im asking you because from what I have noticed and heard your really into running and would happen to come across shin splints. Thanks In advance.
Cheers, Kevin

Hey Kevin,
I've suffered from mild shin irritation before, but I'm not sure if it's been full-blown shin splints. The best thing you can do is to prevent getting them by wearing the proper running shoes and stretching before and after your run. To get rid of the pain, it's best to take it easy from training for a bit and try something that's not difficult on your muscles (like swimming). Ibuprofen also helps, as well as massaging your shin/calf and soaking in warm water with epsom salt (I love epsom salt soaks...I use them at least every other day for my feet/calves). If the area is visibly swollen, then a cold pack helps. Basically, proper shoes and stretching are key. :)
Here's a good video on the stretches that are best for shin splints.
**SparkPeople.com**


Hope this helps! I'm not an expert, but I've had my fair share of sports/running injuries.

-Zoë

Redondo Beach Run

Went for a refreshing run at Redondo Beach again. Travis walks the boardwalk with Jeff and I do my own thing. I ran 4.2 miles in three large loops. There were a couple of fairly "killah" hills that I worked. ;) Only got whistled at once (not my fave), which was good. Definitely needed more water in the car, because Trav's yellow Gatorade was warm and wasn't very quenching.

Tomorrow is Friday already! The race is in 8 days! Woot!

This Part Sucks

Diet.
I seriously hate the word. It sounds so discouraging and limiting. I guess it can mean more than “losing weight” though. I’m not overweight, and I don’t need to lose any extra poundage. The DIET I’m talking about is eating healthy and gaining energy, which is something I need. Ok, I’m going to say it, but you KNOW what I mean:
I need to go on a diet.
Crap, I said it. I hate it already. But here I go…

1. I’m a carb-o-holic, and I love me some bread/bagels/etc, but that’s the first thing I need to cut back on.
GOAL #1: Less useless carbs, more whole grains and “good” carbs

2. Next, I need to be sure to up my daily water intake. I’m doing pretty well with this so far, but I think I could do better. Always room for improvement, of course!
GOAL #2: More H2O

3. I don’t eat a lot of meat usually, and I’m not much of a cook, so my protein intake is next to nothing. I have been drinking shakes in the morning that have 10g of protein though, and they’re yummy, but then again, I’m a runner…and I need my muscles to be in tiptop shape.
GOAL #3: More protein

4. I’ll be the first to admit: I have a SERIOUS sweet tooth, especially for candy (M&M’s, Skittles, Chewy Runts, 3 Muskateers, etc). This is even harder for me to say but…
GOAL #4: Less sugar/candy

5. I already take my vitamins everyday (with a few mishaps every so often), but I would like to maintain this schedule (Multivitamin, Fish Oil, Calcium/Vitamin D).
GOAL #5: Vitamins everyday

6. I’m not that great at eating my veggies. Plus, I'm a horribly picky eater
GOAL #6: More fruits and veggies

Healthy Habits Currently In Progress:

• Stretching/Sit-Up breaks at work 11am and 2pm everyday
• Stairs at work
• Walking from work to Trav’s car (about .9 miles)
• Running as much as possible (woot!)

Yes I can!

oh SNAP

Couldn't get myself out of bed this morning for the AM run. BAHHH. Tonight I'll try another 6 miler.

Running Essentials

Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch
THESE are wicked awesome! If my ankle or knee or whatever is a little stiff or sore, then I use this and it feels so much better by the end of the day. Plus, these patches are super cheap and you get 40 in a pack for roughly $4.50. Compared to other products, like Icy Hot, you only get five or so patches for over $5. Bummah. But anyway, I'm a huge fan of these little lifesavers!

Scunci Knitted Headwraps/Headbands
I seriously sweat a lot. And I don't like getting sweat in my eyes, so these are pretty cool. They're inexpensive and stay put pretty well. Plus, you can just throw them in the wash with all other laundry. I've tried to sport-specific "stay-put" headbands, but they are waaaayyyyy too big and I hated them. I mainly use these as a sweatband, really.

Adidas No-Show Socks
I bought these at Costco in a 6-pack, and they were less than $15. I love them because they have a little bit extra support/compression in the arch, which feels great. Plus, they haven't slid down and fallen off my heel, which is such a drag. They also have a little extra cushion around the heel and the toe/ball. (This picture is a newer version of the socks I have).

More later...

One Helluva Run!

I SOOOOO just had a rockin' run! The pace was steady and strong, the music was fresh, and the air felt exquisite! I'm just so energized and empowered!

Perfect Weather

Last night's run was great--absolutely perfect temperature, wind, light. It felt good! I was a little worried about running because the thunder/lightning storms that were going on all over Puget Sound, but it didn't even rain while I was out. A part of me was thinking "oh crap, what if I got struck by lightning while running??" and "would I actually sizzle???". Morbid, I know. Kinda funny though...it reminded me of the old dude in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button that was struck by lightning seven times and they showed these old-school flashbacks of the encounters with electricity. Ha ha! I guess I saw myself in a black & white flashback.

Did 30 reps of deadlifts with 80 lbs. Got a little distracted afterwards and worked on my sailboat until 10:30pm. Oops.

No-Run Day

I seriously did enough physical activity for the day, and I'm totally spent. Today was "clean out my childhood room at Dad's" day with my bro. We moved boxes and cleared my shelves full of collectible dolls. It was really sad. :( Dad, Ryan and I also moved the sailboat down to my house too...and THAT's what has been so physically demanding! I've been cleaning/scrubbing/scrapping that boat for hours in the sun. Beat. Totally beat. The boat looks pretty good, but I need to sand and reapply new resin over the entire hull. It needs it BAD. But it should be a fun project. I've missed working on the boat! The sail, boom, mast, rudder and daggerboard look fantastic! Like new! :) Yay!

So it's Saturday night. What's up?

Meet Jack

That little camouflaged brown lump is a bunny rabbit. I named him Jack. He is a frequent spectator of my daily runs. Not much of a "cheering" or "clapping" kind of guy, but he still makes an appearance.
Thanks for the support, Jack.

The Maple Syrup Effect

Alas, it is more common than desired... What is it, you ask?
Here's the formula:

1 Big Pasta Dinner +
1 Glass White Wine +
Leftover "Summer Bug" symptoms +
80-plus degree weather +
multiple blisters =
The Maple Syrup Effect
(aka "I'm-trying-to-move-faster-but-my-body-is-holding-me-back!")

Tonight I fell victim to this awful type of running. *ICK* But, tomorrow, it will be better!

Post-Run Beverage of Choice

SPRITE ZERO! Or Diet Dr. Pepper. Whichever is stocked and ready!Gatorade schmaderade, I like something fizzy. Is that weird? I find it more refreshing.

Well, good 'ol fashioned H2O is ok too. I guess...

Upcoming Races

7.25.09
Seafair Torchlight Run @ Qwest Field
6:30pm - 8K course
I'm planning on sticking to roughly an 8-min mile pace.
To train, I'm increasing my strength training routine and doing some hill sprints. I'm actually thinking of getting new running shoes...I've practically blown out the toe of my right shoe! (Just like my Uncle!)

9.19.09
Run Wild @ NW Trek Wildlife Park
8:30am - 8K course
This will be my first "trail" race. Well, besides running Lower Woodland/Lincoln Park in HS X-Country. AND, since it's on my birthday, I'm just going to have fun with it. ;)

Last Night's Twilight Run

No vampires in sight...just an awesome sunset at Redondo Beach.

A Runner's Wishlist: Part 2

Of all the treadmill brands, Smooth Fitness is one that is very highly rated. Since Travis and I want to buy a treadmill that will last (best quality/value for the moolah), we're set on a Smooth Fitness. Especially zeeeees one:

I present to you, the Smooth 6.45 Treadmill.

Features that are necessary for me and the hubby include:

• Sturdy design
• Incline of 15%
• Speed range greater than 10 mph
• Stored user profiles
• Quiet motor
• Costs less than a new car...
  

A Runner's Wishlist

Under Armour Knit Short

Contour Fit Capris by Nike
Nice, eh? And of course, Nordies is where it's at.

In need of these songs

Thanks, Liz!--for the suggestion of Women's Health playlist!
These are the songs I need:

• Firestarter - The Prodigy (Heck yes!)
• Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne (Yeah, this is a good beat)
• Pump It & Boom Boom Pow- Black Eyed Peas (Funky fresh fun, yo)
• B.O.B. - OutKast (Totally awesome & reminds me of HS)
• The Rockafeller Skank - Fatboy Slim (Oooo, yeah!)
• Here It Goes Again - Ok Go (I see)
• Around the World - Daft Punk (A classic)
  

Just when I think I'm coming out ahead...

I fall behind.

Seriously, I was doing so well with running every single day, but then I got a cold, and it all goes *kapooey* just like that. Yup, sound effect and all. I tried running last night and was wheezing so badly after the first hill that I contemplated stopping and turning around. Don't get me wrong, I kept running, at a slightly slower pace, but I only logged one measly mile.

Since my last logged run was Friday July 3rd, I feel like a failure. However, I did paddleboat like a maniac on Friday PM, and all Saturday. I tracked how far I went too: 3.25 miles! Paddleboating! Crazy! But it was so much fun, and I was sweating from pedaling so hard.

I guess I have to remember that any physical activity is good, regardless of logging mileage.