June Recap/Stats

Miles Ran: 82± M

Miles Biked: 74± M

Miles Elliptical'd: 5± M


Miles Walked: 14± M


Rest Days: 8


Races: Solstice Run 10 Miler


Favorite Run: Every run I did at Kensington. 

Paintings Completed:

This month I made my first attempt at adding embellishments:
"Key" here has real button eyes and a red ribbon bow

"Nezzie" has a gem for an eye and the butterfly is 3D

A baby shower gift, but painted nonetheless

Current Reads: (Reading) Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith; "Indiana‚ 1818. Moonlight falls through the dense woods that surround a one-room cabin where a nine-year-old Abraham Lincoln kneels at his dying mother's bedside. Only later will the grieving Abe learn that his mother's fatal affliction was actually the work of a vampire. Gifted with his legendary height‚ strength‚ and skill with an ax‚ Abe sets out on a path of vengeance that will lead him all the way to the White House." - Just started, wanted to read before I go see the movie. 

(Listening To) The Postmistress by Sarah Blake; I picked this up on a whim at the library and so far, I'm actually really enjoying it. It's set in the war-time 1940's and told from the point of view of three very different women; a post mistress, a war correspondent, and a doctor's wife.


(Finished)   Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier; it was just, meh. The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Barlett; I expected/wanted more from this book, it was an interesting enough story but I just didn't love it.



Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:  American Ninja Warrior, still. Have you watched it yet?!?!

Current Obsession: I can't really think of anything I'm obsessing over right now.


Current Song: "Dance Again" - Jennifer Lopez f/ Pitbull


Current Wish-List: An unlimited wedding budget!


Current Need: Nada, life is good!


Current Triumph: I'm still ecstatic about my 12± min PR at Solstice Run as well as getting a lot of wedding stuff taken care of, as promised!


Current Bane of my Existence: That wretched song that gets stuck in my head for days on end! You know the one, maybe...?! GAH!


Current Goal: To enjoy the crap out of summer.


Current Indulgence: Fresh strawberries and asparagus! I love me the Farmer's Market!


Current Blessings: I'd like to single out my amazing fiance here, without whom, I would not be able to have nearly as much fun nor get as much done.


Current Excitement:  July holds family trips and the first (of two) wedding showers, it's also my "off-season" before I start gearing up for my fall half. Bring on the summer!


How'd your June shape up?!?!


Running is what you make of it, make it an Adventure!™

3 Things Thursday

1. Run Brilliant... Please tell me you've all had a chance to sign up for Mizuno's Mezamashii Project?!?! What is it you ask? Mizuno is giving out FREE SHOES! To get in on the action, simply click that link and "Apply for an invite" in the top right corner. I received my invitation a few days ago and my shoes are currently en route. I have never tried Mizuno's before, so I am really excited to do so!!!

   

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2. Wedding Season... Saturday we're attending our first wedding of the year and I'm so excited! It's amazing how much more "in to" wedding related activities I've gotten since becoming a bride-to-be myself. Friends have been getting engaged/married left and right and we've started booking trips for other weddings we're attending this year; with each one I get more and more excited for our own!!! (Sorry for the girly rant there!)
3. Chillaxing Plan... After Saturday's Solstice Run I decided I deserved a well earned break from "training;" beginning this week and through the month of July it's officially my off-season. While I still plan to run (I even have a race next week that I will be running for fun), I will not be working off a set plan and will only do so when I feel like it. I've busted my butt the last seven months rebuilding up from zero and have crushed multiple PR's along the way; now it's time to chillax and enjoy the summer before wedding planning and Capital City half training picks up in August!

When/how long is your off-season?

Tour de Livingston Ride Recap

As you know, I have a tendency to book my weekends pretty full, so it should come as no surprise that not even 24 hours after racing the Solstice Run where I snagged a sizeable PR, I thought it'd be a great idea to go on my longest ride to date...

You see a few weeks ago I learned that on Sunday morning the Rotary Club of Howell was hosting "Tour de Livingston", a free group ride that started from downtown Howell, headed over to catch the balloon launch at Balloonfest, and from there had a 10 or 25 mile route to ride around the Livingston County area. I convinced my biking buddy from work to join me and together with his girlfriend we opted for the 25 mile route, none of us ever having rode further than about 20 miles before. Brilliant!

We rode over to the designated starting point at the court house about 6:45 am and there were already about 50+ riders gathered on the lawn. There were cyclists of all skill levels; the fasties all tricked out in their race kits, the more casual riding families, and even a few tandem cyclers! We signed in, received a water bottle with the "Tour de Livingston" logo on it and waited for the announcements to begin. They were brief and before we knew it, it was time to ride.  I was very nervous about riding in a pack, but it honestly wasn't that bad at all; since it wasn't a race everyone was really cordial and it helped me gain some confidence.

Bummer, the bottle I scored doesn't fit in my cage. 

When we arrived at Balloonfest we were disappointed to learn that the balloons were not going to be taking off as planned because of the weather. Boo! That was really disappointing, but they did however blast "Bicycle Race" by Queen as we rode through the carnival which was actually pretty awesome.

Setting out with the 25 milers, we biked through the part of town I was familiar with and then we made the turn out to no-man's land and from there it was uncharted territory. My legs were already spent from the previous days race so I wasn't sure how they'd hold up on the ride, but surprisingly they did well. The route was challenging, for me anyway, a few of the hills took me up and out of my seat, giving it my all as I crawled up at a snail's pace. 

Riding a hilly course the day after 
running a hilly race was not my best idea.

Somewhere around mile 18ish I somehow dropped my friends and ended up riding the next few miles alone. When they eventually caught up they were like, "Hey there Lance, you really took off on those hills!" That gave me a smile, mostly because I am terribly slow on the bike.

Soon enough the ride was over as we found ourselves back at the town center. We proceeded on to our cars, and all done and said we biked about 30 miles, 10 miles more than I had ever gone before! I had noodle legs getting off Leela and my lady parts were numb, but I was really proud of myself for completing the ride, and then some. I'm so glad I found out about this ride and I think it was a really great opportunity for a newbie cycler like myself to learn the ropes of group riding. They have another event coming up in October but unfortunately I won't be unable to attend because it is the day after our wedding.

Afterwards, because I am a masochist, I headed to my Grandpa's and did four hours of manual labor around the yard, including helping tear down a fence. Needless to say my legs were shot after all that, and I fell in to an exhausted heap at the end of the day.

To those of you that ride, how did you get in to cycling? Did you attend a group ride like this or did you find a team? 

And because I know some of you will start in on me about doing a Tri, let me end by saying I have no plans on doing a Tri, none. Duathlon? Possibly. Century? Maybe. But NO Tri, capisce?

Solstice Run Race Recap

12± min 10 M PR!!!

Pre-Race: Race morning we headed out to Northville's Solstice Run 10 M about 5:30 a.m., arriving with plenty of time to spare and even found rockstar parking for an easy exit. We also found a secret stash of porta-potties with no lines, plenty of TP, and hand sanitizer. (It's the little things.) 

Start Corral: As we walked up to the start I easily spotted Jordan (Race Recap HERE) in his bright green jersey warming up, and even easier to spot was TNT Coach Ken; the jolly giant was making sure everything was ready for go time. The start was staged on Northville Downs Horse Race Track; the 10k-ers were set loose at 7:15 am with us 10 milers behind them at 7:30 am. Just before the race was about to start The Engineer found us and so the three of us (Spike, in his efforts to slow down for ultra training, opted to run with me) set out with a goal; 1:20 or Bust!

The Race: We rounded the track of Northville Downs and then headed out of the complex, hitting "Kona Hill" almost immediately. It was definitely the @ss kicker it claimed to be and after we crested it the rest of the route was just one continuous hill after rolling hill. Our trio ran strong, enjoying the beautiful neighborhoods, and did I mention the hills? We tackled hill after hill after hill after... I was completely gassed by mile 8 and just switched in to auto pilot, trying to stay locked in to our goal pace range (7:50-8 min) until we reached the downtown area again where I kicked it in as hard as I could. We finished on the track at Ford Field and I've never been so happy to be done with a race! That was really hard work, but it totally paid off:

Final Chip Time: 1:19:35 @ 7:57 P - 12± Minute PR!!!

136/692 Overall

28/301 Women Overall

4/53 AG 

At Mile 4 w/ Spike, who I think is about to dump water on his head.
(The Engineer is leading our trio and out of frame)

Post-Race: After we collected our medals we found Nichole (who had PR'd her 10k!!!) and Jordan, and a then found a spot in the shade to collapse on the ground and exchange war stories. We all agreed that it was definitely a tough course, the toughest I had ever run on for sure. After a few minutes we had to get going as Spike had to work, so we said our goodbye's to Jordan and The Engineer, snagged a popsicle, checked out the results board, and headed to the car, cheering the runners in along the way.

Top: Post-race with Nichole and Jordan
Bottom: Damn these traveling Mirage tongues, but at least the shirt fits!

Post-Race Thoughts: This was the 10th running of the Solstice Run and also it's last year named as such, as next year it will return as the "Kona Run." (Personally I think they should rename it Hillville 10 Miler!) Kona Running Company puts on a great event; the course was beautiful, they had live music, the tech-shirts FIT!!! (and are cute), the medals are fun, there was nutrition available on the course, plenty of water, the volunteers were great, the finish area was loaded, and best of all they did a virtual race packet! No unnecessary papers!!! I will definitely be back to race this again.

As for my thoughts on how I ran, I am so unbelievably happy with how things turned out! It was a challenging course, it was hot, and yet with the help of the guys, we were able to lock in and hang on; given the conditions I think I ran the smartest race I could. With my first double-digit race in the books, I now have a good idea of where to set the bar for the half I'm racing in September. Congrats to all those that raced Solstice on Saturday, and if you didn't, next year you should!

3 Things Thursday

1. Dailymile Date... Last Sunday I met up with a longtime Dailymile friend who was in town on vaca; we had long commiserated over injury but are now both happily back to running and were able to log a few miles together over at Kensington. We chatted like old friends and had breakfast afterwards; I am so thankful for DM sometimes (well, not when I'm injured, then it is the devil.), I have met so many great friends because of it.  

   

   I logged 4 miles beforehand and enjoyed the views.

   
   
   
   
   
2. Solstice Run... Saturday we're headed to Northville to take on the Solstice Run; Spike and I will tackle the 10 miler (as will our K-zoo runnerd buddy  Jordan) while our friend Nichole takes on the 10k. Word on the street is that this course is hilly. The website warns of a big one right out of the gate nicknamed the "Kona Hill" (the race is Hawaiian themed) and a friend warned of rolling hills throughout. A quick look on athlinks tells me my 10 M PR (and only other 10 M race I've ever done) is 1:31:40/9:10 P which I ran in early 2009, in Jacksonville, FL, on a beach as training for my first half marathon. I think hope a PR will be a given, so I'm going to focus on running a strong race and not letting the hills and/or heat get the best of me.

   

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   How do you race a 10 miler? 

   
   
3. IRON(WO)MEN... But more important than anything else going on this weekend is that two of my favorite D.C. bloggers, Katie and Beth, are going to be tackling their first Ironman at Coeur d'Alene in Idaho on Sunday!!! They are both such HUGE inspirations to me and have overcome so many obstacles to get to the starting line. If you have a chance, please head over to their blogs and wish them good luck!!! Get it girls!!!

ala MCM 2011

3 Things Thursday

1. Sunburn 101... Thanks to all your tips, the sunburn from hell is feeling much better. I would like to verify that soaking a towel in white vinegar and putting it on the burn, while smelly, really helps with the pain/sting. Another thing that helped was brewing up tea in a pot, enough that the water is very dark, and doing the same thing (after it's cooled down of course). This took the heat out of the burn and also helped with the pain. These remedies are best done at home and before bed, during the day I've stuck to aloe. As for running, let me just say that BodyGlide does NOT glide so well on a sunburn; save yourself some pain and use Chamois Butt'r or a comparable product instead. My run this morning went great because the Chamois Butt'r made it so my sports bra didn't aggravate the burn at all! Now that the worst of it seems to be over, I'm left with the itch instead. SO ITCHY!!!
   
   
2. SYTYCD... Does anyone else find Mary Murphy's teeth as obnoxious as Sun Runner and I do? There is no way that her teeth are naturally that white and why does she always look like she's about to eat your face off?!?! Must be the bath salts...
   
   
   
3. Endurance Addiction... Over the last few weeks my long runs have been, well, certifiably long. I'm loving hitting the double digits again, so much so, that I'm having a really hard time coming to terms with not needing to run as far this weekend. It's a great problem to have and I think it proves that I clearly have an endurance addiction. With only six measly miles on deck over here, I'm wondering, how far are y'all going this weekend? Let me drool over your 10, 18, 20+ milers!!! LOL!

Sidelined by Sunburn

Preface: I am an idiot.

Sunday afternoon I started a project that took me outside for just over an hour on a beautiful cloudless sunny day forgetting one VERY important thing...

FML.
(Please disregard tramp stamp, teenagers make bad decisions.)

If you guessed sunscreen, you'd be correct.

It's been two days and my back continues to be just as angry, painful, and red. I have been using aloe, burn relief spray with Lidocaine, aspirin, etc., and nothing is really helping. As if this weren't bad enough all on it's own, I haven't been able to run because of it either. When it hurts to sit still and not move a muscle, I cringe at the thought of what running would feel like.


Have I mentioned I am an idiot? Yes, I'm aware that I'm a green-eyed, freckle-faced, pasty Irish redhead that should know better. I'm usually so good about slathering on the spf that I can't even remember the last time I got a sunburn like this! It's been years! Ugh!

So in case you needed the reminder, don't forget your sunscreen; sunburns are painful and skin cancer is NOT sexy. :-/

3 Things Thursday

1. Biking... With Leela back in my possession and in working order once more I was finally able to head out for a ride with my coworker this week. We went 15 hilly, bumpy miles and my lady parts were quickly reminded that it's been awhile. Oy.
   
   
2. BARS... Last night we headed over to Elite Feet Brighton for a test shoe/run event hosted by the Brighton Area Road Striders (BARS) and New Balance to celebrate National Running Day.  New Balance had many different shoes to test and we both tried out the 860v2 for a 5 mile run. Afterwards we headed over to Red Robin (YUM!) and mowed down while getting to know some more of the BARS members. All in all it was a great night with excellent company and we'll definitely be joining the group again. Yay for new running friends!
   
   

   

   Look at all those shoes!!! Thanks New Balance!

   
   
3. Blister... After the run I made the unfortunate discovery of a blister on my foot. My first in ages and man I forgot how much these suckers hurt! Anyone have any tips or tricks on how to get one to heal up fast?

For Those That Can't, This Run's For You

As most of you know, today is National Running Day. A day that celebrates being healthy and active and urges everyone to lace up their sneakers and go for a run. I for one can't wait to head out later today and log some miles, especially because this is what I looked like last year at this time:

National Running Day didn't say anything about crutches or Das Boot

To all of you out there dealing with an injury that can't go out for a run today, I'm dedicating my miles to you. Having an injury is never fun, especially on days like this when it seems like all the world is rubbing it in your face that you can't be out there too. BUT, please remember that you will be! Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week, but eventually, so DON'T GIVE UP! Injuries break us down but they can also strengthen our reserve, our determination and by doing so we come back a stronger runner for enduring and overcoming. 

If you can't celebrate National Running Day today, get your cardio on some other way! Hit the elliptical, the bike, the pool, between the sheets, whatever you can to get your heart racing! Stay strong and stay hungry my injured friends, the road is out there awaiting your return.

  

Double Digit Badassery

Once again we had a pretty packed weekend, that once again took me all over the state. Saturday morning I spectated my friends daughter run her first 5k, followed by attending a joint baby shower for twin cousins who are both preggo at the same time (not planned), and then ended the day by taking my niece overnight and after taking her to the local "fun spot," we let her stay up late watching a movie and eating cupcakes. Obviously we are now her favorite aunt and uncle.

Sunday morning I snuck out early and headed over to Kensington again for my long run. It was cool and overcast, perfect conditions for my friends that were racing the Dexter-Ann Arbor races and Hawk Island Tri, of whom I thought of as I made my way around the lake on my first double digit run in 1 year, 2 months, and 22 days (not that I looked that up or anything...).

Because I was going further than the lake is around, I added in a mile out and back on the Huron Valley Trail extension that worked beautifully. 

The run was perfect, I felt strong throughout and without ever looking, kept my splits fairly consistent. Running along I just felt so legit finally going far enough to warrant consuming a gel (a new [to me] flavor called Berry Blast that I really liked it), knowing what to expect around every turn, and even recognizing a few runners from the previous weekend. As I closed in on 10 miles I was all smiles and had a celebratory moment which may or may not have included a fist pump and jump. 

Double digit badassery is mine once again!!!

It has taken discipline and patience these last six months to work up so slowly to this distance, as it would've been so easy to bump up the mileage sooner, but I didn't want to chance re-injury. When plotting out my R2R I carefully planned distance races to work towards as I waited the year I promised my doctor I would before training for another marathon. So far, it has totally paid off (hello multiple PR's!), and I will continue to bide my time, working next towards racing a ten miler and then on to a half marathon this fall. 

Do you remember your first double digit run post injury? How about your first double digit run ever?