Race Recap: Scottish Rite Freemason's 5K

Scottish Rite Freemason's 5K to Benefit Children With Dyslexia
Registration: $15, includes bib, t-shirt, snacks, and drinks
Race Location: 207 Deming St., Newington, CT
Packet Pickup: Only offered the morning of, starting at 7:30 AM
Parking: Free parking in lot adjacent to race location (2 minute walk)
# of Participants: Less than 100

Quick and easy check in

Past years' winning times!

Educational information about the Freemasons

Overview: I arrived around 8 AM to pick up my t-shirt and bib (I was #28).  There were not many people in this race, less than 100, so check in was a breeze.  I wandered around a bit and checked out the inside of the Freemason's facilities, read some history and what they are all about.  I did some warming up and stretching and also just some people watching… there were some serious looking runners here!  I was eavesdropping (oops) and heard some of the guys talking about their previous years times of 17:00 ish.  Which is crazy to me. 

Around 8:52 AM they gathered all the runners to the starting line, had a young gentleman sing our National Anthem (he was incredible!), said a prayer (I didn't know that the Freemason's were religious but, now I do), and gave general race directions.  Then… Rocky the Rock Cat (from New Britain's minor league baseball team) proposed to me.  Everyone stood around and clapped and it was super awkward, but I said yes.  So that's that…  Then the race started!

Uphill. Both ways.  I'm not even kidding.  I knew the neighborhood was hilly but MY GOODNESS!  There were A LOT of people walking within the first ten minutes, simply because I think the incline caught a lot of people off guard.  I powered through it though, and at the top of the hill I felt great.  It was a residential area, so there were some people out watching and clapping which was nice.  Mile 1 came with a water station and I was 8:49, which was great! After a couple in's and out's of col-de-sac's mile 2 arrived, with another water station.  Some more hills and more turns and we were in the homestretch.  I didn't look at my watch as I crossed the finish line so I truly had no clue what my time was.  I figured I'd just check the results when I got home.  After I grabbed a snack and said goodbye to my future husband, I started back to my car.  I passed a "results" wall and stopped and checked, figuring mine hadn't been posted yet- but it was! I came in 35th place, with a time of 27:42.  I also got 4th in my age group (out of 11… but still!).  I was pumped! I was running at a pace of 8:55, which I know I can do better, but I was still pleased with.

Post race floor sitting session

The course

Awesome t-shirt!!

Overall, I really liked this race.  The course was very challenging, the group running while small, was awesome.  Everyone was in great spirits, having a great time.  I will definitely run this race again. 

What I've Learned: Half Way Through Training

Monday marks the halfway point of my 20-week training plan for the Hartford Half Marathon in October.  I've learned so many things thus far, about running, myself, my neighborhood... and I'm excited for what's to come.  Thus far, the most valuable lessons I've learned are:

• I can do anything I put my mind to.  The biggest challenge for me was getting over the mental hurdle of "I won't make it past mile 3", simply because I had never run more than 3 miles.  Now, I can and have run 8 miles, without stopping.  Soon, that will be 13.1. 

Source

• SHOES. ARE. SO. IMPORTANT.  Honestly.  I knew it was essential to have a decent pair of running shoes, but I have learned SO MUCH about all the different styles, weights, and brands of shoes there are.  I have learned that I excel in a lightweight, wider toe area shoe.  I have always preferred Brooks, but am now open to try other brands, and have found Saucony works well for me.  I recommend going to Fleet Feet and having one of their awesome employees asses your running form and making suggestions based on that.

• Setting goals is FUN.  Throughout my training, I've set so many goals, and accomplished so many already.  Getting a mile in under 8:30, running five days per week, completing a 5K.  I have a list, and it gives me a rush of adrenaline crossing things off.

• Running is a time for me to decompress and take a break from real life.  I don't carry my phone with me... therefore I can't text, talk on the phone, go on Facebook, check the news, check my e-mail... nothing.  I'm disconnected from the world and I LOVE THAT.  I've really started to look forward to my daily runs, as a time to clear my head, not stress about anything, jam to music, and reflect on how far I've come.

  

  Peaceful, happy place!

• Icing and stretching are key.  I was so weary to even begin training for the half marathon, because of the surgeries I've had.  My feet still swell up on a regular basis, so icing, elevating, and stretching my feet is a crucial aspect of training for me.  I learned the hard way by not icing after my first "longer" run, that my feet will ache and burn and hurt if I don't take time after running to elevate and ice.

• Lastly, and probably most importantly (and most corny), I've learned that I am who I am and that is okay.  Before this half marathon journey, I always felt compelled to try and have the same interests as my friends.  Now, I have learned that it's okay to do things on your own, and that new friends will trickle in while doing what you love.

What is the most important thing you've learned about yourself through running?

A Week In Review… And What's Coming Up

Monday.  We meet again. 

Summary of the last weeks' workouts:

Sunday: 3 miles @ 9:12 pace

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: m.e.l.t.abolic class and 2 miles @ 9:10 pace

Wednesday: m.e.l.t.ed upper body and 3 miles on track: 400m @ 8:10 pace, 400m @ 9:10 pace, alternate for 3 miles (did this with my friend +Alyssa Barone ... it was nice to have a running buddy!)

Thursday: 3.8 miles @ 8:59 pace and kickball game

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 7.6 miles @ 9:10 pace

Week 9 brings light mileage increase: up to 24 miles for the week.  I really, really enjoyed last Wednesday's workout at the track, I felt like it was super beneficial and I plan to incorporate something relatively similar into each week.  I've got a 5K this weekend, on a particularly hilly course.  Hopefully it goes a little better than last time!  

Here is my last five days in photos:

My new running path discovery- Hartford's Charter Oak Landing! 3 mile loop right on the water!
I really enjoyed running this trail... I don't normally drive places to get my runs in, but I was in need of some calm, quiet scenery this past week.  It was a really nice "change of pace".... ha!

Wethersfield Cove- in my town.  Photo courtesy of +Molly Daly :)

Delicious veggie burger on toast!

Salad and avocado toast

My new 'do... I let my boyfriend's niece spray me with color hair paint... good thing it washed out ASAP

Coming up this week: I have my runs scheduled, a few classes to take at m.e.l.t., a kickball game Thursday, and some other interesting things happening...

Stay tuned! 

What does your week of workouts look like? Any races this week?

The best part of your weekend was ___________.

2 Year Surg-iversary and goals

Today marks TWO years since I had my first surgery on my feet.  

It's interesting to see how my outlook on fitness and exercise has changed post surgery.  Before I had surgery, sports, running, and physical activity really came naturally and easily to me.  Granted, my feet hurt constantly, but I had full range of motion and I could balance.  Now, two years after surgery, I struggle daily with balance, I can't bend my toes on my left foot hardly at all (making planks, push ups, lunges, etc. very difficult for me), and have a hard time with landing on impact on my feet.  My trainer at the gym consoled me a lot (thank you for that) with these woes by saying "Linley, they shaved off part of your BONES, they put in 3 screws in each foot, it's like you're walking on two new feet, you need to learn about them and get reacquainted with them".  I try and remind myself of this all the time, because I do get frustrated that now I have to work really hard for things that used to come so naturally to me.

In trying to remain positive and not focus on my frustrations, on my one year surg-iversary, I made a simple list of goals that I wanted to accomplish- get back into shape, lose the weight that I had gained, be able to do 10 pushups, run a mile, and focus on eating better.  I have done everything on that list- and more.  My two year surg-iversary goals (for the next year) are these:

• finish half marathon
• run a 5k in 25 minutes or under
• stop worrying about the way my scar looks
• pending the half marathon completion, contemplate full 
• be able to hold a plank for 5 minutes

I plan to accomplish my goals by continuing to work out 6 days per week- increasing and extending the length of runs and strength work, properly fueling my body, staying hydrated, and channeling positivity.

Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful that I am even able to run after theses surgeries, it has just been a longer adjustment period than I anticipated.  I feel better every single day, and am having a great time pushing myself to see what I can accomplish.

Have you had a surgery that altered your life and goals completely? How did you handle it?

How do you deal with accepting that your body may not be able to function the way it once was?

What are your fitness goals for the next year? How do you plan to accomplish them?

Thumbs up to race photos

I got an e-mail on Monday morning from the Red Dress Run/HMF with a link to photos of the race.  You could type in your bib number and photos of you taken during the race would come up.  So, I followed the links, and burst out into really, really loud laughter when I saw the 14 photos of me.  Apparently, I subconsciously run with my thumbs up.   Almost every single photo from that race, I've got not one, but both thumbs in the upright position.  I seriously have NEVER noticed this.  Also in one photo, my tongue is sticking out.  [side note: when I auditioned for the competition dance team in high school just before my freshman year, the coach said "you've made the team, but you have got to keep your tongue in your mouth while doing your leaps!".  It doesn't hang out, but gently rests on my lower lip, ha! It's like a focus/concentration thing for me... always has been, and I guess always will be!]

I kind of look like I'm operating a video game controller while bawking like a chicken... no?

It's weird how seeing photos of myself running has affected my running since then.  I looked through all 14 photos, noticing different things about my form, arms, posture, face, hands, feet... everything.  I made a short list of things to try and focus on during this weeks runs, so I can be constantly improving.  Here are some examples of what I noticed:

• Feet: I've always been pigeon toed, but since I had surgeries, it has gotten worse from trying to compensate due to pain.  Try to focus on keeping feet more turned out
• Tongue: keep that sucker in
• Posture: keep shoulder blades back, no hunching over, no matter how tired!
  

I am not one to care at all what I look like, or what people think of me, but it was interesting to see myself from another point of view.   I'll be curious to see if I feel differently or improve my time with my focus shifting more to my form.  

What tips and techniques do you have to someone trying to improve their form?

Do you like to see photos of yourself from races? Do you ever purchase them?

Race Recap: HMF's Red Dress Run For Women

Well everyone, I can finally say I have completed my first 5K RUN! As I've mentioned, I have walked in several, and I have done the distance on my own, but never in a race!  I've got mixed feelings about how I did…. Read on!

Red Dress Run For Women 5K
Registration: $30, includes bib, t-shirt, and bangle bracelet
Race Location: Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, West Hartford, CT
Packet Pickup: I opted for the day before, at Fleet Feet Sports in West Hartford.  Was in and out in 5 minutes. Alternative was to pick up the morning of.
Parking: I ended up scoring a sweet street spot, but there was a lot about 5 minutes away with shuttle transportation.
# of Participants: 1200 women (no men allowed!) there was also a kids race, which had about ~60 kids

Reppin' Rebel IPA! 

Overview: I arrived around 7:45 to ensure parking and plenty of time to get a grasp on my surroundings.  I have been to Elizabeth Park numerous times, so I was familiar with the park.  In the rose gardens, there were vendors and tents set up: baggage check, registration, HMF "store", various gyms, physical therapists, food vendors, etc.  I checked a bag with ease, and there were four volunteers watching bags throughout the race.  

The kids' run was first.  There was a 100M, 1/2 mile, and 1 mile.  I thought this was an awesome event, and a great way to get children involved.  Parents (male and female) were allowed to run with their kids.  There were definitely some cute kids, wearing capes like superheros!  The kids race started at 8 am and was over in about 15 minutes.

I made my way after the kids' race over to the starting line.  There were DJ's and a host, who got everyone pumped up.  The founder of the Hartford Marathon Foundation, Beth Shluger, was there to offer words of wisdom, as was the record holder for this course (whose time was in the 17 minute range!).  It was nice to hear their words, and honestly, it calmed me down a bit.  

The race started right on time, and I honestly kind of blanked out for the first mile or so.  There were just a lot of people in a little area, and I found that I kept getting stuck behind people who were walking the 5k.  That irritated me but I let it go! The course wound through residential neighborhoods, and there were residents out front with their children cheering us on, giving high fives, and one even had their sprinkler on for us!  It was really nice, and made me feel really connected with everyone.  As I passed mile 1, my time was 9:14.  There were a few slight hills throughout, and by mile 2 I was at 18:32.  I finished with a time of 28:50.  I was really displeased with my time, but still tried to remain proud that I had even finished!  Overall, I placed 198th, out of 1200.  Not too shabby- but I know I could have done better!

Post race, I ventured to some of the booths, and was APPALLED to find a booth about "anti-running".  They had t-shirts for sale that said "Running Sucks" and "Run Later" and had boxes of donuts on the table.  Supposedly, they were aiming to "save your joints" and don't run, but what's the point of having a booth at a RUNNING RACE? I did NOT care for this, and I don't understand this.  HMF, WTF?  The other booths were great.  There were free strawberry parfaits, and protein bars, both of which were delicious.  Bakery on Main had a booth with complimentary bars as well, I'll be trying that one tomorrow!  I purchased a t-shirt, and got a free HMF pint glass! Woohoo!   

Then, I met up with my friend Tracy.  Tracy ran this course in 20:35- her new personal record! She placed 1st in her age group, and 8th overall… OUT OF 1200!  I was so proud of her and am so inspired by her.

All my sweet swag!

Post race breakfast! SO good!

Fruit

Much needed after waking up at 6:50 on a SATURDAY.

Overall, the energy at this race was great.  I liked that it was women only, and everyone seemed really supportive of one another.  Even the police officers and volunteers throughout the course were cheering us on!  I will definitely run this race again.

What's your favorite 5k race?  How did you do in your very first one?

What's your pre race and post race routine?

Stretching is KEY!

Warming up and stretching is very important and key to having successful runs.  It took me a long time to get a grasp on this.  For a long while, I would skip stretching after a run because "I didn't have time" or "I didn't feel like it".  Now that I've increased my distances a bit, I see how pertinent stretching is, and if I skimp on stretching after a run I certainly feel it the following day.  Stretching and warming up are crucial to preventing injury.  Here is a glimpse into my pre and post run stretching/warming up routine:

Pre-Run
-20 jumping jacks
-40 leg swings per leg- 20 front to back, 20 side to side
-20 walking lunges per leg
-2 minute warm up- jog at a slow pace, usually around ~10 min mile pace, from my front door to intersection (where I begin my routes)

Post-Run
-5 minute cool down- I usually walk to the end of my block and back after I get home from a run
-The following stretches for 25-30 seconds each (on each side):
-Hip flexor: kneeling on the ground, place one leg out in front at a 90 degree angle (knee/ankle aligned).  Gently press weight forward onto that leg, to feel a stretch in the opposite hip area.
-Standing calf: facing a wall, place toes of one foot upright against the wall, with your heel on the ground.  Lean gently into the wall until you feel your calf muscle stretching.
-Quad: standing on one foot, bend the other leg at the knee, bring behind you, and hold with your hand. 
-Sit and reach: probably the first stretch anyone learned how to do! Your basic sitting on the ground, bend one leg at the knee, and reach for the other foot.
-Foam Rolling:  I know I am not the only person who despises my foam roller.  It works wonders, however. I try to incorporate it daily, but that's nearly impossible, because I really hate it that much.

I really like this article about post run stretching.  It's simple, and easy to understand.

I have my first 5K tomorrow.  Surprisingly, I've never actually RUN a 5K race.  I've walked in several, and I run the 5K distance often, but never in a race!  It's the Red Dress Run for Women, in West Hartford, CT.  Stay tuned for a full recap on Monday!

Other things happening:
-My new summer league kickball team had our first game last night, and we won!  We've scheduled a team "practice" on Sunday afternoon, more like a fun kicking session!
-I have orientation at a new fitness studio called m.e.l.t. on Sunday morning.  I purchased a Groupon for a three week trial.  The workouts are only 30 minutes long, so I'll be curious as to how effective they are.

What is your pre run and post run routine like?  What are your thoughts about stretching?

What is your favorite distance to run?  Why?

The most exciting thing planned for your weekend is ______________.
Happy Friday!!

Week 7, Monday, and meal prepping failure

Today is the start of week 7 of my 20 week half marathon training plan.  This week begins 5 runs a week vs. the 4 that I've gotten used to doing.  It's wild to think that two months ago, I was averaging 6 miles a week, and now my weekly mileage will now be 20+ miles per week.  I think often of places that are 20 miles away from my house, and how I could run there over the course of a week.  Examples:

• From my front door to my favorite winery in CT is 15.74 miles.  I could run there, and get started on my way home, in one week's runs.
• From my front door to Bradley International Airport is 20.17 miles.  I could run and get on a plane with no belongings in a week.
• From my front door to my friend Nicole's apartment in Santa Monica CA, is 2912 miles.  It would only take me 146 weeks to run there!

Right, you get it, I'm excited about running a lot more. I have my first 5k race coming up this Saturday.  My friend Tracy (who is an incredible inspiration!) will also be running, but she is at like a 6:30 minute mile, while I'm at 8:47... so we plan to meet up after!  I'm aiming for a 26:30 minute time, but I'll honestly be happy with whatever.  My parents are out of town this weekend, so I'll be going by myself, unless I can drag the boyfriend with me (it's at 8 am...).

Today is not only the start of week 7 but it is also Monday.  I loathe Mondays.  I've concluded that there is nothing worse than setting your alarm for Monday morning on Sunday night.  It makes me sad and grumpy, especially after a long weekend.  I spent the weekend down in Old Lyme at boyfriend's beach house.  It was fun, but we didn't really get any alone time.  It was also his birthday on Saturday, and as a gift I got him.... a... SKYDIVING package! It's been on my bucket list for a long while, so when he mentioned a few weeks ago that he'd like to go, I jumped all over it (ha! Jumped! See what I did there?).
 

Course map for the 5K this weekend, it's through a rose garden!

View from my bedroom at the beach this weekend :)

Also this week I am trying to get a grasp on "meal prepping".  Not something I do often, but with how busy my schedule has been lately, I feel like I'm eating out way too often and probably not making the smartest choices.  I need to really start taking some time once a week and plan out meals rather than think last minute about what to make.  I always end up unsatisfied!

Shout out to my loyal reader Kristin Kendall on her 26th birthday tomorrow!!!! Love ya!

What does your week look like in terms of runs? How many? How many miles? Any races?

Have you ever been skydiving? What was it like?

Any suggestions for quick, easy, vegetarian meals that are delicious?

Strawberry Rhubarb and new shoes!!

I got a new pair of shoes.  They are Saucony and blue and lime green! I took them out last night for an intended easy 3 miles, but of course it started raining and lightning and I got nervous so after two miles I called it quits. Then I hopped on the stationary bike and did a few miles.  I truly just do not enjoy riding the bicycle.  After one run, I've assessed the shoes as "good".  I'll have to wear them a few more times to give you a full run down (ha! see what I did there?).

 

Tonight, I'm doing this mixed interval workout at the track, which is conveniently located 2 blocks away:

-Warm up: 15 min

-3 x 400m @ 15 seconds faster than 5k pace

      -2 min rest in between

-1000m @ 10 seconds faster than 5k pace

      -2 min rest

-4 x 200m sprints

      -1 min rest in between

-Cool down: 10 min

Unrelated to running:
I made strawberry rhubarb bars!  A coworker had given me a bunch of rhubarb from his garden, so I made these bars as well as some strawberry rhubarb iced tea!

Strawberry Rhubarb Iced Tea
-2 tea bags (I used regular Lipton black caffeinated)
-4 large strawberries, halved
-2 stalks rhubarb (I cut into 2 inch pieces)
-Filtered water
-Mason Jar

I placed the strawberries and rhubarb in the mason jar, and filled with about 5-5 1/2 cups filtered water.  I put the black tea bags in (so the tags hung out the side), screwed the top on, and placed in the sun for 6 hours.  I then drained out the fruit & tea bags, and poured over ice!  Delish and refreshing on a hot, humid, summer night.

I got a manicure and pedicure the other day... and went super patriotic! I NEVER get colors on my fingernails, so you know I was feeling wild and crazy.  Note my peace sign tattoo, that I got when I was super young, and that I hid from my parents for 6 months by wearing sneakers 24/7.  

I made roasted cauliflower and put it atop a delicious salad the other night for dinner.  Perfect summer meal!

Tomorrow is the 4th of July.  I normally never do anything terribly exciting, but tomorrow I'll be going to the beach to my boyfriend's beach house.  It's his family tradition to have ~120 people for a huge beach shindig.  Apparently, people wear nametags.  Then, Saturday is his birthday, so we will stay down there and celebrate some more!  I'm excited.

What is your favorite summer dinner and drink? Have you ever cooked with rhubarb? Favorite recipe?

Your runs this week total ___ miles.  Plans for running this weekend?
-Sunday --> Sunday = 20 miles, plans to run Friday AM and Saturday AM with a rest day Sunday!


What are you doing for the 4th?

Wish List Wednesday?

I'm generally a content person.  I don't need lavish things to make me happy.  However... I've been drooling over these things for days now.  So today is what's on my Wish List Wednesday where I can show you all the products I'm hankering for:
(Click any of the photos for photo source/page link)

These are SO COOL! Love the colors.

If only it wasn't $399.99....

And this entire red velvet cake.

Wishing a SUPER HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister, Kelsey, who might be my only dedicated blog reader!  She lives in Lousiana so... we won't be celebrating like I would like to be

Tuesday was my rest day... and boy was it awesome.  I relaxed after work, got a manicure and pedicure, baked some fruit bars, and hung out with my boyfriend.  It was SO hot and humid and nasty that I was really glad it was my rest day.  On the other hand, today is just as hot and humid and I have to get a 5 mile run in after work, and before 7:15... I'm going to see the film "Fed Up" with my friend Alyssa and my mommy.  It's about the sugar and food industry controlling our lives (totally true).  You can watch the trailer ----> here.  I'll totally be recapping it for you after I see it.

What are some items on your Wish List of running gear/unrelated cake?

Have you seen "Fed Up" or any other food related movie?  How did it change your views and what you eat?

The best part of your Wednesday so far is _______________.