Racing this Weekend + Time to Move Home

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Jen

I’m racing this weekend! I couldn’t let 7 weeks in Seattle go by without squeezing in a race, and since we are leaving on Sunday morning, bright and early, I’m racing on Saturday. I’m not sure about the competition or terrain for this race, but I know we’re supporting a great cause and it’s going to be a fun time! If you are in Seattle and not running Hood to Coast this weekend, please consider running this race, the 2012 Run/Walk for Aidan. Read Aidan’s story here.

In other running news, I got my first flat tire on the BOB stroller this morning.

thorn that pierced hole in jogging stroller

This is the incredibly tiny thorn that pierced the tube inside the tire of my jogging stroller. Argh!

It was a HUGE bummer since I was getting ready to go for a run with the NuunHTC ladies! I was able to chat with a few of them and if you think you are missing out by not being a part of this, let me tell you – you are! Awesome group of ladies, wonderful company, loads of fun. I’m so ~~jealous of~~ happy for all of them!

This is the picture Currie took of the Nuun Hood to Coast team while they were at Oiselle HQ. Blurry and no heads or feet!

In non-running life news, we are heading back east this weekend and I’ve been busy preparing our fall schedule. After dining out for almost every meal this summer, I have to remember how to cook nutritious meals at home. (HA!) We are blessed in Seattle to have numerous healthy restaurant options, including our favorites:

Sunlight Cafe – try the lemon tahini dressing on a side salad and the nutburger. You won’t be disappointed! I also enjoy the yogi tea with soy milk.

Cafe Flora – I always get one of their featured seasonal dishes. You just can’t go wrong with any order at this place!

Revolutions Espresso and Bakery – Ok, I’m not claiming this place is the healthiest, but I can tell you they have the most caffeinated coffee around and Phil and Amanda are the friendliest owner/barista combo ever! Must be all the coffee?

Back to the running. I haven’t done a LONG-ish workout in a LONG time. In the spirit of running with as many friends as possible this week, I decided to join 2 friends for 2×2 miles then 4×400 (fast) plus a long warmup and cooldown. Compared to what I was expecting, the workout flew by thanks to the wonderful company. I’m even a little sore in the abs and quads today. I love to feel the body aches from a successful workout/race – it’s getting me excited for the fall! I don’t have a race schedule planned out right now, but I have a few potential races floating through my mind.

Finally, check out the Oiselle blog today to see me in the Mesh Tank again. Currie made the photo shoot!

Are you racing this weekend? Tell me about it! Have you gotten a flat tire on a bike or jog stroller before an important event? I was quite frustrated that the store didn’t open for 2 more hours and I had to miss the run.

A Whole Lot of Randomness

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Jen

Random fun things about running lately:

Jog stroller stuff:

I was doing an out-and-back course and really struggling on the slight uphill about 1.5 miles from the finish. A cyclist passed me and said “you are AMAZING!” I certainly didn’t feel amazing but my pace instantly quickened, my spirit lifted and I was happy the remainder of the run.

I run this trail almost every day with the jog stroller. Sometimes Currie gets out and runs too!

I was running on that same trail a few days later, feeling like I should have done my run earlier so I didn’t have the stroller, when a group of male college runners passed me. I heard them say “that’s awesome” and “that’s definitely dedication”. I’m 99% sure they were talking about something else going on it their exciting college lives and not my stroller running, but I pretended they were talking about me and it helped me push through.

Like the recent post from my Oiselle teammate Andrea, make sure to give praise to stroller runners (or really any runner you meet on the trail). It can really change someone’s day!

Husband runs too:

Jeff runs! He even pushes the stroller on rare occasions!

Here are a few running conversations I had with my husband on Sunday, mixed in with playground time, random life topics, and talking politics…

Me: So a five-fifty is 87s and 88s, right? Jeff: Yep, 87.5.

Me: Mason dropped it and we did a six forty one to finish up today. Jeff: That’s cool!

Me: How far did you go? Jeff: Hour twenty with some fast ones in there.

If he wasn’t a runner, would he understand my need to randomly bring up workouts of the past, present, and future into our totally unrelated topics of conversation? Would he even know what I was talking about and be able to answer these questions without hesitation? I know most couples have their “things” that keep them in sync and make them feel connected. I’m glad one of ours is running.

Training:

I had a strange day of training today. I ran 2 miles to the zoo, the last mile is a long uphill. I felt good about that effort, and was planning on running longer on the way home. While playing at the zoo, I got a sharp pain behind my shoulder blade that wouldn’t go away. It was bad enough to stop me from running home with the stroller. Later in the day the pain was slightly better and I ran another 3 miles. So, I did 2 runs today, but only got 5 miles total! Funny two-a-day.

Post second run silly girl

This is my last week of Seattle running before we head back to the east coast. Going to make it count by running with friends and running quite a few miles (as long as the shoulder blade cooperates!

What randomness has been sprucing up your runs lately? Any cures for a random behind the shoulder blade pain?

Running to Impress

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Jen

I remember my first run with my now-husband, shortly after we met. I ran much faster than I normally would, both from excitement to be with him and a desire to impress him with my running. Afterward, he said “you kept a great pace”. What a compliment for a girl like me! The fast runs continued through our first few months of dating. He lived in Seattle and I was in Ohio so we only ran together when one of us flew to the other side of the country to see each other. It was fun, and tiring!

Still in the “honeymoon phase”, San Fran, 2005.

Eventually, my real training pace revealed itself – I stopped trying to impress him and started getting real. Since then, when we run together (not so often these days) we follow my normal pace.

A few nights ago, we were able to run together while his mom was visiting and watching Currie. The run was so much like our early dating days! We started off fast, and only got faster. We ran hills at his pace and I didn’t complain! He wanted to go longer and I was right there with him!

Life is a lot different now, but some things will never change. I will always love to run, and always enjoy impressing my husband!

Have you ever tried to impress a partner or friend with running?

A Long Run & My Future is Bright

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Jen

Last weekend I was sick and therefore didn’t do a long run. I’m getting healthier by the day, but still sound a little hoarse and my energy levels aren’t totally back to normal. Still, I feel good enough to get back into the swing of things with running and wanted to get in a long run today, meaning something more than 10 miles.

I needed something bright to get me going. Our rental car is the brightest blue. In fact, the picture below doesn’t do it justice. It’s so blue I feel a little looney driving it. I drove the looney blue car to meet up with a few ladies here in Seattle and I wore the brightest running outfit I had clean.

My running future is bright.

We got 12.5 miles covered. It felt great, but now I need a nap. Must beat this bug!

I’m rolling out a new post tomorrow, recurring every Monday, that will give you a glimpse into another part of my life. Stay tuned…

Vacation and Some Free Running

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Jen

I’m on a mini-vacation this week. My husband has a conference at Suncadia so my daughter and I came along for the ride. This place is AMAZING. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise. There are trails, mountains, pools, a lake, a river, playgrounds, lots of climbing structures, things to rent like bikes with or without kid trailers, jog strollers, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, you get the idea. We are having a wonderful time.

Intense art session

As far as running goes, I’m not doing much. I’m not wearing the Garmin, but I know I’m not doing more than a few (2-3 miles) a day. I am staying very active with ~~swimming~~ floating a toddler around in the water, walking to different activities, climbing up hilly trails, paddle boating and pushing the stroller around. My 10k-a-day has gone out the window and it’s feeling pretty good this week!

Currie asked me "Mommy what is nature?" I decided to show her.

Sometimes I think one of the best things I do for my daughter is show her how much I love running and being active in general. She is becoming quite the outdoors-woman!

Do you maintain your regular running schedule on vacation or do you mix it up with other activities?

They Say It’s My Birthday

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Jen

Today is my 31st birthday! It’s been a good day. I was only able to run 5 miles (with the stroller) because I chose to sleep in (6:45am, woohoo!) and sit down and enjoy breakfast at Starbucks with my family before my husband had to leave for work. I took it easy on the 5 mile run and just enjoyed the scenery. Then I spent some time at the park with my little lady, did some packing, and headed to the resort where we are staying for the rest of the week (husband work conference).

This might be a bit delusional, but I feel like I have another 10 years of elite running and PRs left in me. Some people get a little depressed when they turn 30 and every year feels a little bit worse, but I honestly feel stronger, faster, and YOUNGER than I did when I was 18! Sure, this could change any day, but right now, I have high hopes for my running future.

Took this picture a few minutes ago. I'm either supposed to be waving or saying "stop-if you come any closer I will flash an even bigger smile!"

How do you like to spend your birthday? Isn’t it great that running makes us feel younger (for the most part)?

Friday the 13th, Superstitions!

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Jen

It’s Friday the 13th so I couldn’t let the day pass without posting about superstitions! I mostly have 3 racing superstitions:

Can’t race with a Garmin. Despite my recent Garmin-love posts, I feel like racing with a Garmin will cause me injury or lead me to the worst race of my life. Silly, right?
Can’t wear the race shirt pre-race or during the race. This came about because I wore the race shirt the day before once and had a horrible race. Crazy, I know.
Can’t talk too much about goals pre-race. I don’t like to discuss my race goals too much before they happen. I will talk about them with the important people- coach, race director who gets me comp entry, husband, but no one else. Don’t want to jinx it!

Do you have any racing superstitions? Running superstitions? I would love to hear them!

Running Shoe Ramblings

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Jen

I’m sitting in the airport, waiting to board my plane for my Eugene! Ahhhhhh!!!! I’m so excited I can’t stand it!

Speaking of the Olympic Trials, I was reading someone’s post on Twitter a few days ago (and unfortunately, I don’t remember who!) but they posted the foot strikes of all the women in the 10k. I was happy to see a lot those ladies have the crazy land-on-the-side-of-your-foot strike like me. Mine’s worse on the right side. This could explain why I demolish all my running shoes. After 200 miles, they are looking pretty bad and by 300 I’m in desperate need of a new pair! They are just TORN UP!

Check out the bottom of my Asics!

And my New Balance 890s!

The exciting news is I just got 2 new pairs of running shoes in the mail. I don’t know why after all these years it makes me so happy to get new running shoes! It also makes me sad to get them muddy for the first time! I used to strictly wear Asics Gel Cumulus. Now I’ve branched out and switching between those and my new favorites, the New Balance 890s. I LOVE the 890s because they are so lightweight! I wear them for workouts instead of racing flats.

Do you get excited to get new running shoes? Do you like getting them dirty for the first time or despise it like me? Do you tear the bottoms up like me?

A Big Week Ahead

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Jen

Today is an exciting and somewhat stressful day as I complete my packing and house preparation so I can live across the country for the next 2 months! The trip starts with me flying solo to Eugene to watch the track & field Olympic Trials and walk the RUNway at the Oiselle fashion show. After the Trials, I’m headed to Seattle to meet my daughter and husband at the condo where we will be living for the next few months, thanks to a summer position my husband secured a few weeks ago. I’ve been feeling really blessed lately and thankful for all the opportunities my family has been given. I am so excited for the next few months!

As far as running goes, after the Airport 5k on Saturday my husband and I did a 3.5 mile shakeout pushing our daughter in the stroller and ending at the grocery store. We didn’t get a cooldown in the morning after racing so we figured we should get a little running in that evening. The next morning we decided to attempt another run together – a 10 mile run with the jog stroller. I was excited because I love running with my husband. I was less than excited about how our daughter would react for 10 miles since 6 miles is usually her absolute limit. I thought about a great blog post I read on Salty Running on the rules of jog stroller running, especially tip #3 and I decided we were going to make it 10 miles. We really deserved 80 minutes of run time together! It ended up being my favorite stroller run ever. Our daughter sang to us and entertained us and the other people on the trails for the first 9 miles! She fell asleep the last mile or so and perfectly transferred down for her nap after the run. So glad we did that run together. It was awesome family bonding and gave me confidence for longer stroller runs in Seattle!

On Monday my in-laws came into town to watch our daughter because Jeff was headed to Boston Tuesday morning and I’m headed to Eugene on Thursday and we needed someone to watch our daughter on Thursday while we were both out of town. Since the in-laws are here, Jeff and I ran together both mornings. The weather was perfect – cool and sunny and we got our 10k-a-day done both days, nice and easy.

There’s the week so far! Can’t wait to report on my trip to the Trials! Hoping to get some pics of fast runners to share!

Just found another awkward post-race photo from a few weeks ago

What are you excited about this week?

Pre-Race

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Jen

Ok, I made my decision and I’m going to race the local 5k on Saturday. The deciding factors were:

Comments from you! Thanks for the thoughts/advice!
The race is close to my house and awards are scheduled to happen quickly after the race so I’ll still have time to get stuff done for our move.
This is my last Rochester race of the summer before moving to Seattle.
I haven’t done any speedwork this week, and this will ensure I get it done.
Frank Shorter is giving a talk and handing out awards!
My daughter loves to watch me race and cheer for all the runners and there will be entertainment for her before and after.
I’d like to win some cash for new running shoes.

Sign daughter (with help from daddy) made before a race earlier this year!

Today is my pre-race day where I usually run 4-5 miles. I used to try to relax the day before a race and sat around thinking/worrying about the race all day, but I found that doesn’t help – it makes me run worse! So now I take it easy on the running, short and easy pace, but keep the rest of my day as active as ever. Plus, how can you take it easy the day before a race when you have an extremely active toddler?

As far as eating goes, that will be fairly normal too, but I’ll try to avoid dairy since I’m lactose intolerant. Usually I eat a lot of cheese which I can handle normally, but for racing it doesn’t sit well in my stomach. I’ll have pasta with red sauce or tofu with brown rice for dinner and I will try to go to bed early enough to get 7-8 hours of sleep. (dependent on toddler’s sleep schedule). Before bed, I’ll lay out everything I need to race in the morning so when I wake up I’m not digging around waking up the family.

That’s my pre-race routine! Nothing too fancy!

What’s your pre-race routing like? Are you racing this weekend?

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