My First Tempo and 14 Miler Post Baby #3

I ran three times last week. This isn't enough. It isn't enough mentally and it's certainly not enough if I plan to successfully run Boston. I could dwell on this or I can choose to move on and focus on the success's I had.

I've often talked about how running is not just about the physical but also the mental. Dwelling on things that don't go according to plan or perceived failures in your training, only bring you down. In order to be successful and meet your goals you must use things like this as motivation, but never dwell on them and allow them to discourage you.

The positives about my week, in regards to running, were that I ran my first tempo and first 14 miler post baby #3.

Mile 1 - 9:06
Mile 2 - 8:46
Mile 3 - 8:56
Mile 4 - 8:27
Mile 5 (tempo) - 7:07
Mile 6 (tempo) - 7:07
Mile 7 (cool down) - 9:26

This was a perfectly executed tempo. I almost did negative splits in the warm up part, I was dead on for both tempo miles and my slowest mile of the whole run was the cool down.

TIP:

Tempos are an excellent way to include speed work in your training. They are perfect if you don't have access to a track or simply don't want to do track workouts. Include these in your training if you are at a point where you no longer walk during your runs. It's important that you run the entire workout and push yourself hard during the tempo portion, but not to the point that you are unable to run a cool down mile or two after. As my training goes on, the tempo portion of the run will increase, but I will keep the mileage between 6 to 8 miles.

On Saturday I ran my first 14 miler post baby. I had company for 8 of the miles, but had to run 6 of them alone.

I don't typically run with music, preferring to test my mental strength and also be aware of my surroundings. I'm sure this has helped me during the marathon. I don't need any outside help to get through the race. I DO NOT RACE WITH MUSIC. I know I will catch some slack for this but I just don't believe it in. You don't see athletes in other sports wearing music during their games, races, competitions, etc. I think it should be no different for running.

My goal for the run was to complete all the miles and to keep them between 9:00 and 10:00 minute pace. I consider the run a success.

Mile 1 - 9:46
Mile 2 - 9:17
Mile 3 - 9:30
Mile 4 - 9:36
Mile 5 - 9:21
Mile 6 - 9:27
Miles 7 - 9:10
Mile 8 - 9:22
Mile 9 - 9:10
Mile 10 - 9:32
Mile 11 - 9:50
Mile 12 - 9:46
Mile 13 - 9:44
Mile 14 - 9:55

I've already moved on from my lack of running last week and am looking forward to a new week, a fresh beginning.

5 COLD miles tonight alone. Thankful that I was able to literally start the week off on a good foot.

You can find me running around on my personal blog at http://www.mile-posts.blogspot.com/ or on twitter as mileposts

Meet TR

So this is my treadmill, affectionately names "TR," and the bane of my existence lately. TR and I have been through years of ups and downs, and this winter just has not been a good one for us.

Last night, I tried to put in my miles. I really did. But mentally, I was totally defeated. How is it that one can run 8+ miles in freezing temps, wind, hail, snow and ice, yet fails to run a measly mile on the mill.

Last night, I turned to my peeps at DM and here are some thoughts / suggestions they came up with:

The Una Runner: "drop it off the roof."

Shawna L: "intervals"

Esther J W: "I am much faster and less bored outside"

The Una Runner: "glad I live down south" (warmer)

Scott S: "check out these DVDs - http://www.vafitness.com "<--- I did, and an awesome idea!!

Killer: "dreadmill. enough said."

Michael S: "if you get a good answer to that one, let me know."

Ihopeagain: "these last 7 weeks of jogging outside have made me a convert."

Jeni: "I make sure to have Pandora radio turned on"

Mark H: "Im real close to going with Una Runners suggestion"

Jocelyn: "I put a towel over the timer and guess how much time is left"

The comments go on, but Im sure you get the idea: I am not the only one who has a mental barrier with treadmill running!

So..

If you have any other ideas, please, throw them my way!

Tuesdays Tips

Re: Running Shoes

Buy Running shoes during your lunch break. Afternoons are the best time because your feet are at their largest midday.

Heat Destroys. The trunk of your car is not the best place to throw your shoes. Heat damages the form & shape of the shoe.

Untie the Laces. Believe it or not, kicking off your shoes with the laces tied can not only ruin the fit, but the heel counter as well. (fyi- the “heal counter” is on the inside of the shoe between the lining and the outsole. Dont worry, I had to look this one up too.)

Softer Surfaces Preserve. Obviously, pavement and hard surfaces wear the shoe out faster. Grass and track are more friendly. So. Happy Trails ;)

* I’d love to know of any other shoe tips you’d like to add??

It's final: My blog has moved

I am no longer Marathon Mommy. I'm now Watch Mom Run. Sorry for the Confusion!!

Follow me at www.WatchMomRun.com

Thanks so much!!

Merry Christmas -Happy Running in the New Year

Howdy Running Mommies! Hope all your dishes are dried and put away and you all got a run in over the holidays. I am thinking about a 1/2 marathon. Last time I ran 15 miles was 3.5 years ago and now that I'm creeping up to age 50 I might just try and qualify for Boston my hometown. Sad that the marathons I've run have all been other places, but I'm not fast enough to run in my own town. This is my oldest girl-- about to start a track season!! Gave up soccer for running. How can I keep a smile off my face?

Boston Bound

When registration opened the morning of the 18th for the Boston Marathon, I fed into the hype. I sat there coffee in hand and waited for those precious minutes to tick away before registration opened. I started the process the moment the clock turned. All in all it took me about 10 minutes and about 5 failed tries before my registration went through.


At the time it seemed like a great idea and here's why:

I qualified this past March. With an 18 month window for your qualifying time, this meant that I had to run Boston in 2011 or try to re-qualify again if I wanted to run in 2012.

I love marathons. I hope that I am able to run a marathon a year for most years of my life. That being said I don't know how I will continue to fit in the training while the kids are this little. It's a huge sacrifice. The sacrifice is not just my own. My friends and family have been instrumental in helping me train for marathons now that I have kids. Without help from others I would never have been able to train. That being said I wanted to be able to run Boston one more time just in case I never make it back there [fingers crossed I will]

My mom recently moved to Boston[and qualified to run the race as well]. Two of my best.best.best friends live in Boston. They both happen to be twins, though not twins to each other. Between the three of them, I will have a place to stay, someone to run with and people to cheer me on. What more can I ask for?

I really, really, really wanted to run B & A Marathon again this spring. Being that Colton was born on the 9th I didn't and don't have enough time to train for that race. Boston gives me over a month more to train and hopefully get in some sort of shape. Though I am being realistic and am in no way shape or form trying to PR at this race.

Two of my other best friends qualified and will be running Boston as well. They are twins, to each other. This means I won't be running all my long runs alone, in the cold. I am very thankful for this one. I have no problem running 20 miles by.my.self, but would always rather run it with company. I know this will help motivate me, which is something I definately feel that I will need as a mom of a newborn.

It's Boston. I don't think this needs any explanation.

What I didn't think about. Sleepless nights, the cold temperatures and just generally how I was going to train in the winter with a newborn......


This Saturday will mark the 4 month mark till Boston. This weekend will be spent coming up with my training plan.

Dean's Secret

I've talked about my idol before - Dean Karnazes. Okay. He's not really my idol per se. I don't aspire to run 135 miles in 120 degree heat (badwater), nor do I plan on tackling 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, nor does the idea of a 48-hour (nonstop) treadmill run in the middle of Times Square remotely appeal to me. BUT I do admire his endurance. And that is something I'd like to have more of. Wouldn't everyone?

So what's his secret? I'll tell you what it's not. STRETCHING. Yep. Karno does not stretch. Straight from the horse's mouth. Well, Im scribbling that one off my list.

source:http://tinyurl.com/25d8vjd

http://mommeruns.blogspot.com/

Bike Stroller

So, you might say that the mourning period has passed for the loss of my double stroller. Moving on to greener pastures, I have bought my first bike trailer! A fairly consistent road biker for many years, I am learning to mountain bike. Child #3 is coming along for the ride! At just 2 years old, she is a veteran of the jogging stroller and we will, of course, continue with that as well, but we are adding more variety. I have ridden with my other kids in a bike seat that mounts between the handlebars and the rider, but none of my current bikes can accommodate the seat.

Many of the considerations are the same for choosing a bike trailer as a jogging stroller. The wheel diameter choices are 16" or 20". You can choose a double or a single. There is, of course, a range of prices from over $900 (Chariot) to under $100 (inStep). All come with a wind screen which is important for protecting against flying debris from your back tire. Burleys are a great choice, especially for bumpier trails, but I went with the cheapest one: InStep. For occasional use and a small child (under 40 lbs), it seems like a great starter trailer. I could even buy a second one and still spend less than the next brand up.

The 16" tires won't roll quite as smoothly as the 20" ones, but they will be compatible with the tires and inner tubes I already have for my jogging stroller. Once this train is rolling forward, not much is going to stop if anyhow.

The bike trailers also fold up much smaller than strollers so my garage likes this too.

Your Life Story

We all have trails and tribulations. Some of us keep them to ourselves while other shout them from the rooftops. Some of us use what has happened to us to empower and push us farther while others use it as an excuse for mediocrity.


If you don't consider yourself a runner, if you don't work out, if you are overweight and out of shape. TODAY is the day to make a change.

If you run but have decided that for one reason or another you will always be slow, you will never be able to run more than a 5K, you will always finish in the last half at a race. TODAY is the day to make a change.

I am an avid reader. I love books. I love getting books. I love giving books. I love libraries and Barnes and Nobles. I am in the middle of way too many books right now. One of them is the Power.

Here are some excerpts from that book. I hope they motivate you to make the changes you want to make in your life. To stop making excuses and to get going, literally. Anyone can be a runner. The difference between a runner and a non runner is that a runner makes it happen. I was an overweight, unhappy, nonathletic girl. I made a change I made the life I wanted happen. You can too.

Your beliefs, true or untrue, form your world. What you imagine and feel to be true creates your life.

Imagine and feel whatever you want and those will be the pictures you receive back in life. Give love as much as you can and feel as good as you can, and the force of love will surround you with people, circumstances, and events that you love. You can be whatever you want. You can do whatever you want. You can have whatever you want.

Let go of the things you don't love about your childhood, and keep the things you love. Let go of the things you don't love about your adolescent and adult years, and keep the good things. Just keep the things you love about your whole life. All the negative things of the past are done, finished; you are not the same person as you were then, so why keep putting them in your story if they make you feel bad? you don't have to dig negative things out of you from the past. Just don't put them in your story anymore.

Follow me at http://www.mile-posts.blogspot.com/

Saran Wrap Your Feet

What? This was the strangest thing I had ever heard. But let me tell you, it works. Saran Wrap really does prevent moisture (and in turn, cold) from getting to your feet. I read this on a blog sometime last year, and I had forgotten about it until now.

How to do it? Put your socks on, wrap feet up in saran wrap, fold over and slip on your shoes. Now go trot through some puddles or wet slush. Doesn't matter. You're feet will stay DRY.

What runners will do to get in a (comfortable) run ;)

MomMeRuns

A Gift

I'm not getting any sleep. I'd like to say it's Colton, but it's not. Ok. Occasionally it's Colton, but for the most part it's Miles.


Colton turned 4 weeks on Tuesday. I know this is very soon to a. expect sleep, b. be running. BUT I want both.

This past Saturday I met up with my local running club for the first time since Colton was born. I was greeted with lots of smiling faces, congrats, and you-look-greats. I felt like it was my birthday or I had won the lottery or something. I just felt happy.

It was cold and windy, but I didn't care. I was running. I was running with friends. 6.6 miles later I was even more happy than I was before. MR PIC and I ran together the whole time and I couldn't help get excited for Boston training. Am I looking forward to the 20 mile runs in the cold? No. I am however looking forward to spending 3 uninterrupted-by-children hours with friends, doing something I love, something that will help my pre-baby body return, and something that makes me a better person, mom and wife. I'm looking forward to all the conversations that are to come. To the ups and downs on the road - figuratively and literally.

Mile 1 - 9:14
Mile 2 - 8:56
Mile 3 - 8:49
Mile 4 - 8:45
Mile 5 - 8:23
Mile 6 - 8:24

Monday my husband and I discussed a training/running schedule.

He goes to work VERY early. This means I would literally have to be running at 4 am - not getting up then - running then. This will not work. Partially because I am afraid to run alone in the cold and dark at that hour, but also because as mentioned above, our kids do not sleep. This means hubby would be getting up at 4am and it's ridiculous to think that he should have to wake up that early for me to get in a run.

I'm going to run when he gets home from work. Yes there will be days when he will be late, and I will not get to go. Knowing however that it's a standing date with me and the roads every afternoon/early evening, makes it easier to stay motivated throughout the day.

Last winter the treadmill was my saviour. I know it will again come in handy this winter too, however there is a new person to add to the training/running equation. Colton. With Miles not napping and Colton napping sporadically - I just can't count on my treadmill runs like I did last winter. I will need my husband this year for running, more than my treadmill.

I know this time is fleeting. I know this is the last time I will have a newborn.

I'm being realistic.

Monday I ran 5 lovely, cold and windy miles outside. Lovely because I got to run. Lovely because I maintained a very even pace inspite of the sub-freezing temperature and wind.

Mile 1 - 9:03
Mile 2 - 9:08
Mile 3 - 9:04
Mile 4 - 9:00
Mile 5 - 9:00

Tuesday I went for my first 2nd day in a row run. Three miles that were again windy, cold and hard. I'm not complaining. I got to run.

Mile 1 - 9:10
Mile 2 - 9:10
Mile 3 - 8:37

When you find yourself lacking motivation this winter. Tell yourself that you get to run.

You are lucky enough to be presented with the opportunity to run.

We all have different reasons for running. We have different reasons for why we may not be able to run as often or as far as we like. We should be appreciative however of the times we can or do go. Running is a gift.

http://www.mile-posts.blogspot.com/

Coupon for breakfast yummies!

Check out this offer from ATTUNE complete with a printable coupon for their delicious and nutritious Uncle Sam breakfast cereal: http://www.seemommyrun.com/newsletter/attune.htm.

Get Your Group or Team Sponsored

Don't forget to check out this SMR e-offer from Salonpas - pain relief patches: http://www.seemommyrun.com/newsletter/salonpas.htm

GIFT GUIDE for fitness peeps

Just wanted to share this GIFT GUIDE with those of you who don't receive the seeMOMMYrun e-newsletter. Some really cool stuff! http://www.seemommyrun.com/newsletter/giftguide_nov10.htm.

Marathon Mommy Changes Name

Just a quick update - Marathon Mommy has changed it's name to MomMeRuns.

New name, new address, same old blog. Continue to follow me at http://mommeruns.blogspot.com/

Arm Warmers: Yay or Nay?

I prefer outdoor running over treadmill, but with temperatures getting into the 30s now, I'm wondering more about arm warmers. I know the experts advice: Dress in layers!! But until it gets into the teens, it's just not gonna happen for me. I get too warm, too quickly and it's a big distraction.

So back to the question about the arm warmers. I see a lot of the elite athletes wearing them, and always wondered if they keep you comfortable without the bulky distraction and extra warmth of the layers. Has anyone ever used them and are they worth it??

marathon mommy

Water Not Best For Hydration (huh?)

When you're working out, isn't it best to drink water to hydrate? Not so, according to sports and fitness expert Matt Fitzgerald. He says sports drinks are better due to the sodium and electrolyte. In fact, he has replaced some of the old beliefs about hydration and replaced them with his "New Rules." For more of an explanation, check out his article: New Rules of Hydration

Old: Drink ahead of your thirst.

New: Drink according to your thirst.

Old: Aim to completely prevent dehydration.

New: Aim to slow dehydration.

Old: Use either a sports drink or water for hydration.

New: Use a sports drink instead of water.

Old: Protein exacerbates dehydration.

New: Protein enhances hydration.

Old: Caffeine exacerbates dehydration.

New: Caffeine does not affect dehydration.

source: www.Active.com

marathon mommy

Calluses Are a GOOD Thing!

I've heard people complain about calluses, and how hard it is to get rid of the stubborn things. But don't be so quick to rub it away! Your body is forming a protective barrier from outside elements, desensitizing it to constant pressure and friction. So maybe you should be grateful those calluses are there, making your feet less sensitive to something that may cause you irritation while you run.

Bottom Line: Thank you callus, for helping me tolerate more pain in order to keep doing what I love to do ;)

Marathon Mommy

Is Your Dog a Born Runner?

So this chart is taken directly from an article on www.RunnersWorld.com

My dog is a small 9 pounder, so it doesn't surprise me that she didn't make the cut! Although she's more than okay with that.

In fact, it doesn't look like any small dogs were chosen as great runners. I guess even their fast, little strides just cant keep up with the easy long stride of a big dog.

Anyhow, see if your dog made the list!

BEST FOR		BREED		KEY TRAITS
Long, Steady Runs (More Than 10 Miles)	• Weimaraners • Goldendoodles • German shorthaired pointers • Vizslas • Jack Russell terriers	A medium build, well-muscled hind quarters, not too heavy
Brisk Shorter Runs (Less Than 10-K)	• Greyhounds • Pit bulls • English setters • Beagles • Golden and Labrador retrievers	A muscular and lean build, and a mind for sprinting rather than slogging
Going Fast (7-Minute Miles or Faster)	• Vizslas • German shorthaired pointers • Weimaraners • Greyhounds • Whippets	A medium-size, lean build, and a mental aptitude for running
Long, Slow Runs	• Catahoulas • Labrador retrievers • Standard poodles • Dalmatians	A bigger body that can handle the distance—if you go slow
Running in the Heat	• Rhodesian ridgebacks • Vizslas • Airedale terriers • Fox terriers	A long nose, a short, sleek coat, and a svelte body
Running in the Cold	• Malamutes • German shepherds • Swiss mountain dogs • Siberian huskies	A thick coat and a stockier body type
Running on Trails with Obstacles	• German shorthaired pointers • Vizslas • Weimaraners • Border collies • Belgian sheepdogs	Sure-footed and quick to react (such as herding and hunting dogs)
Most Obedient on Heavily Used Trails	• Golden and Labrador retrievers • Standard poodles • Labradoodles • Border collies	Nonaggressive, people-oriented, and obedient; has a calm personality

Marathon Mommy

What to Eat Before A Run??

After a huge thanksgiving feast, it's hard to think about fueling up before a run! But it's interesting to note the different foods for different goals.

Goal: Build Muscle

Food Type: Carb + Protein to build lean muscle mass

Best Foods:

**Hummus with cucumber and tomatoe slices on whole wheat

**Oatmeal with fruit and low-fat chicken sausage

**Baked sweet potato topped with low fat cottage cheese

Goal: Burn Fat

Food Type: Low Calorie High Carb (to give extra energy to blast fat)

Best Foods:

**Unsweetened cereal with skim milk and fruit

**Toast with light spread of almond butter and preserves

**Low fat yogurt fruit parfait

Goal: Easy on Tummy (sensitive stomach)

Food Type: Low Fiber, Low Fat

Best Foods:

**Banana

**Low Fat Yogurt

**Whole Wheat English muffin

Remember to give yourself an hour after you eat, prior to running ;)

source: http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/To-Eat-or-Not-to-Eat-Pre-Workout.htm