It's RAGNAR EVE!!!!

Hi everyone!  It is Ragnar Eve!  I am so excited I can barely contain myself!!  My team and I are leaving this afternoon (in just a few hours) to head up to Bellingham.  Hopefully we get some sleep tonight because we have an early AM check in at the start line, 6:30.  I have managed to cram all most of my stuff in to 1 bag, with the exception of my blanket and pillow. 

My bag with my blanket (GO DUCKS!) and PillowPet (it's my daughter's)

 

 

The inside of my bag.  Notice the 2 gallon bags to hold each set of clothes

 

 

So, my bags are packed and I am now just waiting.  While I wait I think I'll make a play list (or two).  I will need all of the encouragement and motivation that I can get!  Most likely we will not get too much sleep so to combat the crazies I have packed Red Bull as well (sugar free of course).

 

And for added sustenance I will be providing deli meat and bananas.  My darling husband went to the store to get those for me while I went for a run the other night. 

 

He bought enough to feed a small army, or a van of 6 hungry Ragnarians!!  As a team we decided we would split up the food we needed and each contribute something different.  I also got some Powerbars for myself. 

So here I am, waiting to leave for an awesome adventure!  I have every intention of posting a post-Ragnar update so hopefully I can recall every awesome moment!!  I will be bringing my camera along and will always have my phone on me....so at the very least there will be those!

Until next time!

Red Kisses,

Krissy



 

 

 

 

 



Garmin Forerunner 310XT Unboxing

Hi everyone!

 I was so excited when my new Garmin Forerunner arrived in the mail a few days ago! I already have owned 1 but it just didn't have all of the functionality I was looking for, so it was time to upgrade.  I ordered my 310XT from Amazon and splurged on the 2 day shipping (I really needed wanted it immediately!). I opened the box Amazon shipped it in and it was a decent size box

 

Very nicely packaged but I couldn't wait to rip into it!  It was killing me to open it slowly and take pictures!

Upon opening the Forerunner box, I pulled out each little baggie as well as the instruction manuals.  The box contains the Forerunner 310XT, a charging clip, a USB ANT stick (more about this later), instruction manuals (in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Russian) and several power adapters for countries outside of the U.S.  I chose to buy the version without the heart rate monitor.  I know myself and would never use it so I saved myself about $20. 
 

 

After opening each appropriate baggie (I only needed the power adapter for the US and the English manual) I turned my device on and went through the steps of setting it up.  It took me all of 5 minutes to do this.  It asked me the language I wanted to use, whether I wanted 12 hour format or 24, Standard or Metric measure, my age, gender, height and weight.  There may have been a few more questions but these were the important ones that I remember.  The battery came charged to 41% and it is always recommended to fully charge prior to first use.  After set up, the manual instructs the user to install the ANT stick driver software and pair the stick and the device. 

 

This ANT stick is pretty awesome!  What it does is allow the watch to wirelessly transmit data to your computer!  It is the size of a wireless mouse USB stick but does so much!  I am very excited about this feature!  I use Daily Mile and it has the functionality to sync with Garmin devices.  It is very nice not to need a USB cord to get the data from my watch.  I always had a difficult time with my Forerunner 210 but that is because of the charging clip.  More about that later on in the post.

 



Once I paired my watch with the ANT stick I put the watch on the charger.  I knew that I wanted to use it in the next hour so I wanted to get it as charged as possible.  With that, let's talk about the charging clip.  This is definitely an upgrade from the charging clip on the 210.  The 310 charging clip has 2 connector points and the 210 had 4.  You would think that more is better but not in this case.  I ALWAYS struggled with the 4 connectors.  It was very hard to get the clip lined up with the connectors on the watch.  It would take me 5-10 minutes at times to line it up perfectly.  And it would only charge/transfer data if the connectors touched just so.  Irritating.  So I was very skeptical about the new one.  But the first time I placed the connectors together, it worked!!!  I was so excited and already was happy about my purchase! 

I let the Forerunner charge for about 30-45 minutes and in that time it charged to 84% and I decided it was good enough!  I was out the door!  I was out the door so fast that I hadn't bothered to read the instructions on how the watch worked!  HAHA.  Luckily I am an IT nerd and after fiddling with it for a bit determined how to set my intervals (3/:30) and how to start and stop the timer.  My old watch showed the intervals times, distance and pace but this shows each of those on different screens.  I was stuck on the intervals times for half of my run until I figured out to view the pace and distance!  But I think that helped.  I think I was running faster because I was focusing on time rather than pace. 

I don't have a detailed review at this time, since I have only used it once.  But I can say that it was very easy to start and stop and I really like that there's a backlight.  I will use that during my night run in Ragnar next weekend.  This watch is designed for Triathlon participants and to be honest I will most likely never use the swimming or biking function.  However, most reviews I have read about this watch I have heard good things about it with the bike function.  Please note that the GPS will not work in the water, for obvious reasons.  But during a Tri, you know your distance and just need to record time. 

That's all I have about it at this time.  If you have questions, please comment and I'll do my best to answer!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Less than 2 weeks until Ragnar!!!!

Ho-Ly-Crap!  Did I just type that?  Is it really less than 2 weeks until my first Ragnar?  I have been planning this with my team since November of last year!  Nerves are starting to kick in.  I picked up the rest of my race essentials in the last few days.  Bought a new Garmin Forerunner 310XT (I'll do an unboxing/review later), a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline GT 13 shoes, some Nuun tablets (in Strawberry lemonade flavor) and a tail light.  Running is an expensive hobby/sport!  Oh wait!  I also forgot that I got a new sports bra, a new running top and two pairs of running shorts. Wow. My bank account is probably crying right about now. 

There is just one thing that seems to be missing.....a Ragnar running tutu.  Yes, I will be making my self at least 1 running tutu for Ragnar and it will be orange and white.  It's quite possible that I will make two.  One that's primarily orange and one primarily white.  I love running tutus.  I made my first one prior to my first virtual half marathon back in January.  They're cute and give me the little extra "umph" that I need during long runs.

I did a test mile in my new shoes today, just to see how they felt.  It was nice.  I bought insoles that go in the bottom of the shoes because I overpronate so badly.  I had previously run in Asics but they cause serious blisters during runs longer that 7 miles. Those puppies are painful!  I had tried everything, including duct tape.  Which I can say with conviction, does not work!  I'm looking forward to taking my shoes out for a longer run tomorrow. 

So I'm preparing myself for packing.  I have researched a lot of good advice when it comes to packing for Ragnar.  The first of which is to put all changes of clothes in individual Ziploc bags with a fabric softener sheet.  That way each running outfit is easy to grab and you can put your stinky clothes.  What a great idea!  And my van mates will definitely appreciate it, I just hope that they all do the same!  Our van will have baby wipes for a quick wipe down after each leg but stinky clothes in a bad will fester.  Along with my clothes I will be packing a blanket and neck pillow.  Hopefully I'll be able to sleep sometime during Ragnar.  I have a hard time sleeping in cars and it'll be especially difficult because we are using my vehicle.  Which means that other people on my team will be driving my car.  I'll be honest, it makes me a little nervous.  Don't know why I didn't think of that before I offered it up but it's too late now! 

On top of my clothes and "such" I am responsible for brining sunscreen, bananas, deli meat and bagged ice.  Hope everything fits in my car!!  My husband is one of our team's volunteers but he won't be up there until Saturday.  Can't count on him to carry anything for us. 

Well, nerves are making me ramble on so I am going to sign off for now and say goodbye.  I will be getting my new watch in the mail in the next couple of days and I'll post an unboxing entry.

Red Kisses,

Krissy

First Heat Wave of the Season

Let's talk about running in the hot weather.....we have received our first heat wave of the season and running has been tough!  Actually any activity has been miserable in this heat!  All I want to do is lie around on my couch and watch TV!!  But because Ragnar is less than 3 weeks away, I have a lot of prep to do still.  Yesterday I went on a 3 mile walk with my mom, in the pinnacle of the heat.  Ooh!  I don't think I have ever sweat so much in my life AND I got a sunburn on my shoulders!  I wore my Camelback during my walk so that I get used to the weight and feel of it.  When I got home from the walk I decided that I should run as well.  However, the weather was still much too hot so I had to use the ol' Dreadmill.  Blah.  But a couple miles on the treadmill are better than no miles.  So I completed 2 miles on the treadmill before I felt like I was going to completely melt.  I could not force myself to run any further.  I am just not used to running in inclement weather!!  Sad, right?  Ha!

Typically when I run I need to consume a lot of water!  And during the summer it is amplified.  I am glad that I have a Camelback and will use that instead of a hydration belt from now on.  I would love to get a Geigerrig bag though!  Those are pressurized and will spray water in your mouth, a running friend or on your face.  I would love one but they are pricey.  The smallest one is over $100.  And while we're talking about running gear that I want...I would love a new running watch.  I currently have a Garmin 210 and it works but it doesn't have as many features as I would like.  Such as pace.  I typically run intervals with my watch and the 210 only displays the pace for the interval and not overall. So I'll be going along at my faster than usual pace, thinking I'm doing really well.  Then I get to my walk interval and the pace changes.  I would prefer a watch that keeps track of overall pace so that I know whether or not to increase or decrease my speed.  I would also like a new pair of shoes.  These are not necessary but I want them!  I need to go back to my running store and be re-fit.  I am sick of the Asics and am thinking of switching to Brooks or Nike. 

First world problems right?  I have more running clothes than work clothes at this point.  And I'm ok with that!  I am on the road to a healthier me and I'm happy.  So here I sit, waiting until it cools off a bit so I can get on the treadmill.  Gotta get those miles in before Ragnar!!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Oops....I did it again

I fell into a funk. I cannot seem to find it within me to get back in to the routine of running!  It's incredibly important that I do!  I have a half marathon to prepare for next month as well as Ragnar Relay- Northwest Passage.  I'm nervous about what will happen if I can't force myself back into the swing of it.  I know that my body can run about 10 miles just from muscle memory but then I begin to hit a wall.  I drag and I will end up injured. 

My biggest issue is the lack of a running partner.  The person I ran with all last summer has been training for full marathons and I am not interested in that right now.  And I know if I don't have someone to run with consistently then I won't do it.  I love running but I get bored when I'm alone. 

So.....if anyone has any advice on how to fall back in love with the routine, please share!!  Or if you live in my area and want to run with me a few evenings a week, let me know!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Boston Tragedy

Hi all.  I needed a day to digest the immense tragedy that occurred yesterday at the Boston Marathon.  I am deeply saddened and equally disgusted by what took place.  I am a runner.  My sport is a peaceful one.  When we "compete" we are racing against ourselves, it is an internal race.  We run for many different reasons, be it fitness, spirituality, weight loss and sometimes just for the love of it.  This does not mean that we are a weak community of people.  We are STRONG!  We can run distances most people don't dream of running and still smile when we're done!  I am touched by the number of runners that have come together in unity over Boston.  There is a movement happening on social media to wear a race shirt today (here) whether it be to work or if you go for a run.  I unfortunately was not able to wear one to work but I am wearing blue in honor of those that lost their lives or were injured. 

This is all I am going to say about this.  As many times that we see disgusting tragedy we also catch a glimpse at the humanity that is still out there, alive and well inside many.  This is not a time to lose hope in the world but pick ourselves up and stand up tall and strong again.

#runnersunite

Blue Kisses,

Krissy

Brief Hiatus!

So sorry that I have been gone for so long.  I took a brief hiatus from running.  I'm not sure why I did....I just wasn't feeling it.  But my first run after time off was wonderful!  It made me realize how much I missed it.  In the last two days I have signed up for 5 runs and they are all virtual.  I will give details about them below.

The first race I signed up for is put on by Moms Run This Town.  They are a national running club and I belong to the Kitsap chapter.  This race is their Summer Virtual (the Winter Runnerland was the Winter Virtual they put on) and is called Running Mad.  I registered for the paid version ($11 for early registration!) with which comes a die cast medal that is Alice in Wonderland themed.  It is SUPER cute!  There are three distances that a runner can register for 10/6 (or 5k), 6 2/10 (or 10k) and the final distance is 12 11/10 (or half marathon).  Here is a picture:

Adorable isn't it!  I am looking forward to it.  This race is to be run anytime in the month of July and results are reported on the Moms Run This Town website.  It is important to know that you do not need to be a member of Moms Run This Town (but if you want to be, it's FREE to join and so much fun) to register and run in this virtual race and you don't have to be a mom either!  For more information on this run go to www.momsrunthistown.com and click on the Summer Virtual link.

The second, third and fourth race I signed up for is put on by Nerd Herd Running and it *gasp* lives up to it's nerdy name!  This is a series of virtuals, with the option of running one race, two or all three.  Each race has a medal that corresponds with it and are shaped like a piece of pie.  If you register for all three races you receive a bonus 4th medal to complete the circle.  The cost for all 3 races is $65 or $25 per race individually.

The first race in this series is called May the 4th (Be With You).  This is a 5K race to be run anytime between April 28 and May 4.  It is (obviously) Star Wars themed.

The second in this series is called Happy Birthday Harry Potter.  This is a 10K race to be run anytime between July 28 and August 3.  However, Harry Potter's actual birthday is July 31 so why not run it that day?

The third and final run in this series is called Banned Books Week.  This is a Half Marathon race to be run anytime during September 22 and September 28.  This race celebrates the right to read!  Did you know that several classics have been banned in schools, book stores and libraries?  Classics like Of Mice and Men, The Lord of the Flies, The Color Purple, The Grapes of Wrath and To Kill a Mockingbird.  These are several of my all time favorite books and have often been the target of censorship.

For more information on these races or to register please visit www.thenerdherd.info

There is also a pretty awesome YouTube video that shows the medals that come with each race you register here.

The fifth race that I registered for is also the first in a series of 6 but they can't be registered for in bulk.  Only the 1st in the series is open for registration.  Staying true to my geekdom this race is an homage to the TV show LOST.  I am a huge fan!  I found this race through a Facebook group I am a part of called Virtual Runs.  Each race in this series will be titled after a Dharma station on the LOST island.  The first is called Station 1- Hydra 4K (this is 2.5 miles).  There is no specified date that this needs to take place but the organizer recommends completing within a month of registering.  The organizer also indicated that race #2 in the series would open shortly after registration for #1 closes (however, there is no date listed).  The cost of each race will be $20 each.  I wish there was a discount for those of us that plan to sign up for all but Joe (the organizer) did state there would be a special gift for those that do.

Break down of the races in this series are:

Station 1-Hydra 4K

Station 2- Arrow 8K

Station 3- Swan 15K

Station 4- Flame 16K

Station 5- Pearl 23K

Station 6- Orchid 42K

It is indicated on the website that if you are not able to run a full marathon (or any of the longer distances) at one time, it CAN be broken down in to smaller runs and then combined. 

Here is the medal for Station 1.   

For more info about this race please visit http://joerainon6.wix.com/lostinrunning

So it looks like I will have a few different virtual runs this summer to go along with my organized races!

Anyone interested in running with me or if you need help getting started with running send me a message.  Hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.  You can find the links to follow me at the top of my blog.

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Winter Runnerland Virtual Half Marathon Race Recap

I want to begin this race recap with acknowledging that I have an AMAZING running group!  I am a member of the Kitsap, WA chapter of Moms Run This Town.  Simply put, we are a group of busy moms that share a love of running.  We all understand that the kids come first and if we need to bring them along on a run, our stroller will GREATLY decrease our pace.  That all being said, my race on Saturday was a virtual run sponsored by the national Moms Run This Town chapter.  We paid a very affordable $11 (just for the medal if we chose) and decided what distance we wanted to run; 5k, 10k or half marathon.  I, of course, chose the half marathon.  I wanted to push myself and this was the best way. 

I woke up at 6 am when my alarm went off.  Let me tell you, if it was just a training run I probably would have skipped out.  I was tired.  I always find it difficult to sleep the night before a race, and the virtual race was no exception.  But I dragged my tired butt out of bed anyway.  I quickly got dressed in my long running pants, blue Under Armour, grey running jacket and my lucky running socks (yes I wrote lucky socks).  After I was dressed I came downstairs to have my ritual breakfast, oatmeal and coffee.  I was still trying to shake my nerves as I gathered all of my gear. 

Here is a list of what I brought with me:

• Phone (this is essential to me.  I feel a little bit more safe knowing anyone is a phone call away in an emergency)
• Headphones (just in case I needed some tunes or my running mates no-showed)
• Water Belt (both bottles were filled)
• 4 packets of GU (I used 2 of them on the run)
• Larabar (this was something new I got in my January Birchbox)
• Sugar-free gum (keeps your mouth from getting too dry while running)
• My Winter Runnerland Medal (I refrained from even trying it on before running the race)
• Wallet (need to have my driver's license with me when driving)
• Headlamp (we were starting at 7 am and this time of year it is still dark at that time)
• Reflective arm band (also for safety during the dark hours)
• Head band ear warmer (it was COLD out....and raining)

My one last KICK ASS item was the blue and white tutu that I created just for this occasion.  It is so cute!  I decided not to wear it for the first 10 miles simply because I didn't want it to get soaked and kick mud in to the back of it.  But I did put it on for the final 3!

I pulled in to the Silverdale Waterfront parking lot at 6:45 am.  I had to get a few last minutes things done (apply some chap stick, attach my race bib, warm up, etc).  I didn't see Sara or Syri yet so I waited in my car for a few minutes.  As previously stated, it was COLD!  They finally pulled in and we all got out.  Sara didn't have any safety pins for her bib so I brought a few extras.  We were hoping to get started at 7 am but we started just a bit late.  Our route was nice and flat so we kept a pretty quick pace for me, averaging around 10:45/mile.  Sara is a little faster than that but she was insistent upon staying with us and Syri hadn't run a long distance in a few months so she wanted to take it slow and steady as well.  Sara and I are true believers in the Galloway method of running.  In other terms, we run in intervals.  Typically 3/1 which means we run for 3 minutes and then walk for 1.  You might think that slows down the overall pace but it doesn't.  During the walk breaks, your body is able to rest the muscles it uses for running.  It makes running long distances tolerable and you are less likely to get injured post run. 

I had a blast running with these two women!  They certainly made 10 miles breeze by!  There were a few times during the run that I started getting pain in my right hip and right knee but I ran through the pain.  It wasn't awful and by now I know the difference between pain from discomfort and pain that is more serious.  We were definitely on target for making it back to the waterfront within two hours!  Woohoo!

By the time we made it back, we were about 5 minutes late but only because we started after our goal time of 7 am.  Here is where I made my mistake.....we were meeting up with the 5k runners for the final 3.1 of the run but they weren't quite ready when we got there.  I wanted to shed some clothes and put my tutu on.  This was the wrong choice.  During the few minutes it took to take off my head lamp, headband and to put on my tutu my muscles got cold.  And of course since my muscles were cold and I wasn't stretching, I started getting sore.  This was BAD.  We started back up and I was moving extremely slower than I had been.  Not just a little slower, but a LOT slower.  All those little aches and pains I had been running through earlier all caught up with me in those final 3.  I managed to keep my running pace close to the same as earlier but my walking pace was greatly slower.

But I continued on and ran through it!  I felt bad because I was holding Sara and Syri back, they were great to stick with me.  We got back to the waterfront (finally) and I stretched out while we waited for the rest of the runners to come back.  The best part of the run was meeting 3 new women in the Kitsap chapter of MRTT.  And the Panera we had after as a treat :)

Overall the race was good.  We finished in 2:50:42, which was a new PR for me!  I wish I had been able to power through and run a little faster on the final 3 miles and get it done a little faster but I am still proud that I shaved another 6 minutes off of my record.  I am now one day out from the race and I am only mildly sore.  Nothing like the last half I ran in which I could barely walk for 3 days!!  I think I did so well because I had two amazing moms running along side of me and keeping me motivated.  They were awesome and inspiring and we chatted the entire time.  To me, that is a great day!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Prepping for Winter Runnerland

I know it's been awhile since I updated last!  So sorry!  Tomorrow I will be running my very first virtual half marathon...EEK!  I am nervous to say the least.  The two half marathons I ran were organized and I feel like I barely finished in one piece!  How will I do without aid stations and spectators?  We shall see.  The nice thing about a virtual race is you get to choose the date, time and route that you will run.  BONUS!  The race I am running is called Winter Runnerland.  It is sponsored and put on by the running club I am apart of, Moms Run This Town (MRTT).  There are 3 distance options: 5k, 10k and Half Marathon.  I, of course, chose the half.  Because there are several other moms that are running the other two distances, we as a group decided that we would all meet up at 9 am to run 3.1 together.  That means that those of us not running the 5k distance will need to run our extra miles prior to 9 am.  Those of us running the half will be meeting at 7 am to run our 10 miles and I hope I can make it in time.  I have not yet finished 10 miles in less than 2 hours so hopefully I can safely push myself to do it.  The course that we have chosen for our 10 miles is relatively flat, probably the most flat to date.  I will definitely update in the next few days and let everyone know how it went. 

On another note, I have recently signed up for a few more races as well.  It is my goal for 2013 to run at least 1 race per month.  I will post another entry with the races I am signed up for and the ones I am still contemplating.  Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Yukon Do It Half Marathon

Hello all!  As you know I recently ran in and completed the Yukon Do It Half Marathon on 12/31/12.  It was an interesting experience because I was severely under trained.  Unfortunately life got in the way (along with the short days and cold weather) and I wasn't able to get all of my long runs in.  Here is a recap of that race!

I woke up at 6:30 am on Monday December 31, 2012.  I knew exactly what I was wearing because I had set it out the day before.  I quickly got dressed and went downstairs to pour my coffee.  I like to drink coffee the morning of a race because it gives me a nice little jolt and also aids in pre-race digestion.  I made my breakfast, the usual maple flavored oatmeal and a banana.  Just enough food to give me energy but not too much that I feel bloated or heavy!  This was discovered simply through trial and error.  I once ate cereal and milk before a long run and I will NEVER do that again.  I will just leave it at that! 

After breakfast I was able to put my shoes on and gather my water belt together.  I put the water bottles in the fridge the night before so they would be cold.  Looking back on that now, it seems silly since it was 30 degrees when I started the race!  After I was all ready to go I had a few spare moments to sit on my iPad and play some games to calm my nerves.  I should mention that while I was eating and getting myself ready, my husband was waking up our 4 kids and getting them fed as well.  I love traveling with my own cheerleading squad! 

We all piled in my van and left the house around 8 am and arrived at the start line around 8:30.  It was COLD!!!  I ran in to my friend Marissa and sat in her car for awhile to try and stay warm.  Around 8:50 we decided we should go use the restroom and get ready for the start of the race.  We should have gone sooner!  We barely made it to the start line before the race started.  I think we had 30 seconds to spare and our watches were still locating satellites!  I had decided before the race that I would be running 3/1 intervals and my watch needed to locate before I could start them.  Right before crossing the start line my watch found the satellite and I was off.  I made the rookie mistake of starting out too fast.  My first mile was a 9:46/mile.  I quickly regretted that.  Especially because of my lack of training.  I finally settled into a more "doable" pace of 11:30/mile.  I am by no-means fast.  I will probably never run an 8 minute mile and that's ok.  However, I do feel that if I had trained better I could have at least kept my pace around 11/mile. 

Miles 1-4 were great!  I was cold but I had my Under Armour on and a running jacket.  I had also purchased full length compression pants and a fleece head band to wear for the occasion.  I was in the groove.  Around mile 5 I started wishing that the race was over and wondering where the turn around would be.  I was sad that I wasn't able to appreciate the beautiful course I was on!  It was a breath-taking run around the water.  Yes, it was cold but the sun was shining!  Not too many fans were out supporting us, which was a let down but we made it through either way.  Between miles 5-8 there were rolling hills and one large incline.  I was expecting a relatively flat course and that's pretty much what I got.  That was a nice change from my usual routes. 

Around 6.5 we turned around and started heading back.  I was so glad!  It was not fun anymore for me.  This was all self inflicted because I didn't train well.  And I hate the fact that I wasn't able to enjoy it.  I saw my family along the way at mile 1.5, mile 4.5 and again at mile 9.  It was nice to see their faces and hear them rooting for me to finish.  I had all but given up and each time they urged me to keep moving. 

By the time I reached mile 12 I had slowed down to a very slow 13/mile.  I was tired, my feet hurt, my thighs were numb from the cold and I was ready to be done.  My little brother showed up at the mile 13 to usher me in, taking pictures the whole time.  That last .1 mile was the hardest and also the best!  I was so glad to be done and proud that I finished!  I crossed the finish line and they announced my name!  So proud!  I received my medal from an adorable little boy and had my chip timer cut off my shoe.  Once I was wrapped in my silver blanket I grabbed a bagel and made a beeline for my car.  I was SO ready to go home and take a nap!

I am now 3 days post race and am still a little sore.  I did strain a ligament or something in my left foot because of the grade we had to run on.  It is the part of my body that hurts the most at this point. I have taken many Aleve tablets and slathered myself numerous times with Ben Gay and Biofreeze.  I was pleasantly surprised that I did not get any blisters on my arches this time.  I have suffered from them in the past.  This time around I bought some Body Glide and it worked like a charm!  I also consumed 4 GU packets during the race.  First one at 3.5 at the aid station and then every couple of miles from there.

The morale to this story is two parts.  The first part is to make sure that you properly train for a half marathon.  It is not a short race that one can simply expect to show up and just "do".  I am certain that I would have ran it faster and I would be less sore if I had some longer runs under my belt in the weeks leading up to the race.  The second part is that the human will is so much stronger than muscle.  Though I was under trained, I was DETERMINED to conquer this race and finish.  And finish I did!  I not only finished but I beat my Personal Record by nearly 5 minutes.  I can only imagine how much more it would have been. 

My next race is January 26, 2013.  It is the Winter Runnerland Half Marathon.  It is a virtual run that is put on by my running group Moms Run This Town.  Though it is virtual, there are several of us that are going to run it together.  Solidarity!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Snow Day!!!!!

Hello lovelies!  Today was a snow day here in the Great Northwest and I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to work from home if needed.  My daughter's school and daycare was cancelled due to the mere 3 inches of snow and I had no child care.  Thankfully I was able to stave off the munchies....I tend to eat when I get too bored.  But I did it!  Amidst the craziness of my house (a small child and two dogs that LOVE snow) I was able to keep my food intake to three meals.  Woohoo!  Go me!  My poor kid had to wait until my lunch time to go out and play in the snow.  It hasn't been that long since I was a kid and I know that was simply torture for her!  When I finally took her outside the snow was already turning to slush but she was in heaven.  She went sledding down our short driveway, built a snowman (sorta) and ran around like a wild child!  During her play time, I was able to get in some exercise.  I shoveled snow!  It was a tough workout.  The snow was very wet and it was HEAVY.  I think I shoveled snow for about 20 minutes before I had to go back in after my lunch time was over.  So I didn't get a treadmill work out in today but at least it was something.  Below is what I ate today.

• Double fiber English muffin with pumpkin butter from Trader Joe's
• 2 pancakes with coconut flakes and pumpkin butter (this was lunch!  I did not eat two breakfasts!)
• 3.5 ounces of steak
• Homemade mashed potatoes
• Mixed veggies

Not too bad huh?  For a snow day.  I was very tempted to eat chocolate and chips today.  Ha!  Oh and I forgot to add that I drank 4 cups of coffee with sugar free hazelnut creamer.  YUM! 

So here's to snow days and the ability to work remotely!  I love my job!  Talk soon!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Back in business

I'm baaaack!  Today was a so-so day in terms of diet.  The holiday season has been particularly tough to maintain my self control.  So here is a list of all the food I ate today.

• Apple Cinnamon oatmeal- 1 packet

That was breakfast.  Started off pretty well right?  Well that was before our office holiday party.  So here is what I ate there.

• 3 pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup macaroni and cheese casserole
• 1/3 cup 7 layer dip
• 1.5 oz tortilla chips
• 1/4 seafood salad
• 1/3 cup coleslaw
• baby carrots
• 2 gingersnap cookies
• 1 krumkake (norwegian cookie)

The damage wasn't as bad as it could have been.  There was cheesecake and 2 layer chocolate cake.  I sustained my will power some what. 

For dinner I have been told that we are having chicken (grilled), rice (white) and veggies (steamed).  Sounds yummy!  I need to track my points for the day but am afraid to see the total!!!  UGH!

I did get on the treadmill today.  I did 3/1 intervals and went for 3.1 miles.  My pace was slow but it seems as though my treadmill runs are always slower.  I am hoping to get one last long run in before my half marathon on New Year's Eve morning. 

Tomorrow is another day so I will try and stick as close to my Weight Watchers points for the day.  At my weigh in this week I was UP 0.4 pounds.  No it isn't much....and I ate terribly on Saturday but Christmas and New Year's is an awful time to be watching weight.  Did you know the average person gains 6-8 pounds during the holidays?  I WILL NOT be that average person.  I am ok with a pound or two but not 6-8.  That is unacceptable!  Talk to you all tomorrow!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Tragedy

Today I am deeply saddened.  As a parent I am horrified by the recent school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in NewTown, CT.   Since first hearing about this incident I have not stopped crying.  I am sad for the families that have been affected and want desperately to hug my baby right now.  My daughter is in Kindergarten so it is really hitting home that this shooting took place in a Kindergarten classroom.  I think of how scared those children must have been when a masked man walked in and started shooting.  We teach our children that they are safe at school and that we would do anything to protect them.  They are so trusting and innocent.  They look to adults to protect and shield them.  So what happens when this fails to happen?  How do we begin to apologize and help them heal?  How do the adults heal?  How do those of us that were not directly affected move on and heal?  Do we have the right to be upset?  Because I am deeply upset and feel guilty that my Christmas holiday will go on as planned while other families are planning funerals for children that shouldn't be gone. 

But let's talk about the adults that kept the majority of those kids safe!  Teachers that are SEVERELY underpaid and yet put their lives on the line protecting our future generation.  That is a hero in my opinion.  Reports of a teacher that locked herself and her students in a bathroom and eased their fears, telling them that they will have Christmas.  It is easy to say that you would lay down your life for your own child or children but it's a special person that does it for someone else's.  So here's to them!  A small glimmer of hope in humanity during such a horrific event.  It is so easy to lose hope in humanity when something so disturbing happens but we need to remember the heros. 

I cannot begin to imagine what goes through the mind of a person that thinks of killing children.  What enables them to think that it's a viable option or ok in some way.  Normal people can't rationalize it because the kind of person that does that is irrational.  As a nation we are once again grieving.  A mere three days since the shooting in Portland and a few short months since the shooting in Aurora CO.  How do we move forward?  All of these questions that I can't answer.  I am a mother, how do I explain this kind of evil?  Where are the words to describe this?  I have the instinctual need to hug my daughter right now and take comfort in the fact that she is ignorant to what is happening right now.  She is playing at school happily and blissfully unaware.  And I am glad.  She is merely 5 and thankfully will remain unaware.  For that, I am thankful.

I will not be posting a normal post today regarding the food I ate and my workout.  It seems too trivial in the face of such tremendous grief.

Krissy

Very little energy and a treadmill run

Happy Thursday everyone!  How did you all do today?  I did much better today than yesterday.  I ate better and yes....I got on the treadmill!  Woohoo!  So here is a run down of everything I ate today

• Banana
• Cutie (one of those little oranges)
• Salad with cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, 1/4 cup of crab meat, 1 tablespoon of real bacon bits and raspberry vinaigrette
• Humus with pretzel chips (pre-packaged)
• 5 ounce pork chop
• Baked potato
• Steamed Broccoli

During my day I also drank a few things.  I had 1 cup of chai tea with 2 Splenda, 1 liter of Sparkling Arrowhead water with lemon essence (yes essence), a diet RockStar and a Diet Pepsi.  So the RockStar isn't the greatest choice but I was tired yo!  I have been trying to drink more water everyday and honestly it isn't that hard.  I just get lazy and don't want to get up and pour the water!  Ha!

Back to my workout.....I told you all that I was going to get on the treadmill today and I stuck to my word!  Got home and immediately changed in to my workout clothes before I could get involved in anything else.  So my iPad, iPhone and I (yes I'm codependent) went upstairs and got on the treadmill.  I like to watch Netflix while I run on the treadmill.  It helps me zone out, thus making the time go by faster.  I did 3/1 intervals on the treadmill.  It started out as 5.5 speed on the jogging and 3.5 on the walking but by the end I was doing 6.5 speed on the jogging and 3.7 on the walking.  In all I did 4 miles in 45:30.  So roughly an 11:22 min/mile.  Not too bad I suppose but certainly not as fast as I normally do outside. 

So that is my day! I plan on having a Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich (MINT!!) as a reward. They are only a 4 Weight Watchers Points Plus value so it isn't much of a splurge.  Feel free to subscribe to my blog or follow me on Twitter or Facebook

Happy Thursday and Red Kisses,

Krissy

Binge Day

Soooooo....today was a rough day on the food front.  We celebrated my coworkers big 4-0 today at work.  Typically we go out to lunch but this time we decided that we would have a potluck.  At first I thought that was a great idea!  I could hand pick everything I ate and stay within my Weight Watchers Points Plus budget for the day (which is now 26).  Boy was I wrong!!!  Everything was so yummy and I had a moment (ok a couple of moments) of weakness.  The Lil' Smokies are what did me in...they are 1 point per smoky!  WHAT?!?  Who knew? I certainly didn't.  Here is a list of all I consumed.....

• 1 Chicken drumstick (didn't eat the whole thing.  It had skin on it. ICK)
• About 1/4 cup of Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
• Several pieces of Asparagus (steamed at least!  This was my contribution)
• Around 10 Lil' Smokies
• 2 Lemon Cheesecake Bites

It was all so delicious that I couldn't resist!  I felt sick afterwards though.  That was my punishment.  After work my husband and I decided to go to Fred Meyer and exchange some snow suits we bought for our kids.  We were out late enough that we decided to stop and get dinner.  We had our youngest daughter with us who has a bedtime of 730 sharp (she's 5 and in all day kindergarten).  It was faster just to go out to eat than drive all the way home and cook.  I decided to order the Nachos.  Yes this was loaded with melted cheese, refried beans, salsa, chicken, etc.  In my defense, I ate less than a third of it!  I was proud of myself.  Here's to small victories!  A few months ago I would have cleaned that plate and still wanted more.  After 5 weeks of Weight Watchers I have lost 7 pounds!  Yes!  I did gain 1.8 pound the week of Thanksgiving but weight loss is an up and down battle.

No work out today unfortunately.  The meal was just too heavy to jump on the treadmill after.  I hope to get on the treadmill tomorrow after work, Saturday I will be sledding with my family in the mountains and Sunday I have a 10 mile run planned with some buddies from my running club, Moms RUN This Town (MRTT).  I will check back soon and let you all know!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Winter Blues

I am currently suffering from a bout of the Winter Blues.  When I leave for work in the morning it is dark and when I get home from work in the evening it is almost dark!  How am I supposed to run in the dark?  I understand that I can wear a reflective vest and a head lamp but that doesn't keep you safe from everything.  So I have been resorting to using my treadmill on the weekdays.  Which, to be completely honest, is very hard to force myself to do.  Treadmill running is BORING to me.  I feel like I am exerting so much more engery for less output.  I try to keep myself distracted by reading a book or watching something from Netflix on my iPad.  But it's inevitable....I hit that point around 2 miles and I am sick of the treadmill.  I need something to keep me motivated but I haven't found it yet.  I have tried zoning out on a spot on the wall, reading, watching shows, listening to music, counting, changing the speed and incline....nothing has helped.  To top it all off this last weekend I was sick and didn't feel up to running out in the cold.  Terrible excuse...I know.  I need to find my focus, force myself to stay on and complete my run.  I am going to try setting a time goal rather than a mileage goal.  Maybe that will help????  Wish me luck!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

My journey to becoming a half marathon runner

Two years ago if you had asked me if I wanted to run a half marathon I would have laughed in your face!  I was nearing 30, had a 3 year old that kept me busy, worked full time and I was a smoker.  Most things that took cardiovascular endurance made me short of breath.  There was NO way I could have run 1 mile let alone 13.1!  After I quit smoking a year and a half ago I gained 30 pounds.  I figured that a little weight gain wouldn't matter in the long run since I would be adding years back to my life.  Boy was I wrong.  I lost all of my self worth, self confidence and my figure.  I just let myself go and then I let myself go further.  Those 30 pounds changed me.  And not for the better.

Then I joined Weight Watchers and started losing the weight!  It was an amazing feeling.  I was starting to feel worthy again, to feel like I mattered.  I was planning a wedding during all of this too and the stress was mounting.  I started talking to a friend of mine at work who was a runner and I decided to start the Couch to 5k program.  Her advice was pivotal in my journey.  She told me that even on the days that the program feels easy, don't skip a day.  At first that seemed silly to me!  If I can do it, then why should I do it again?  Right?  WRONG!  Taking your time during a training program is very important for injury prevention.  I should have listened.  I jumped in too fast and ended up with the world's WORST shin splints.  Part of that is because I was wearing improper shoes.  So with that in mind I went shopping.......at a reputable running store near me.  They fit me for my shoes and sent me on my way.  From then on I was ready to go.  I graduated from Couch to 5k with honors!  I knew that I was a slow runner (average around 11:30 min/mile) but I was running 5k without stopping.  I felt great!  That's when I decided that I would run a 10k that fall.  The Poulsbo Marathon offered a 10k option and I was interested. 

So we all know that I did not run the 10k that weekend.  So how did I go from wanting to run a 10k to a half?  Vanity!  Ha!  Upon further research I found out that the 10k finishers receive a ribbon but the half marathon runner.....they receive a MEDAL!  And I wanted one!  So began my training. 

I am a computer nerd.  That being said I did a lot of research before choosing a training plan.  It is important to note that you should not begin a half marathon training plan until you can run at least 3 miles without stopping.  When I finally chose a plan I put it on my calendar so that I wouldn't weasel my way out of it!  The plan indicated that I would run 4 times a week.  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Weekday runs averaged in mileage between 2-5 miles with the long run on the weekend.  I slowly built my long runs, never increasing by more that 1-2 miles with each passing week. 

At this point I should note that I had a great running partner.  She introduced me to the Galloway method of running, intervals.  We started out running 2/1 intervals but I felt guilty holding her back.  So we stuck with 3/1 intervals mostly, occasionally throwing in 3/:30 or 4/1.  This helped shave time off my mile time.  She is faster than me and was always encouraging me to go faster, keep up and not complain.  And she kept me accountable.  We only live about 1.5 miles away from each other so it was easy to meet up.  She stuck with me through all of my aches, pains and blisters.  Oh the BLISTERS!  They were (and still are) the bane of my existence.  I am an overpronator. Which means I run on the inside of my feet.  So of course my blisters were all on my arch.  I had great shoes but at that point I had already put hundreds of miles on them.  So for a few weeks I just powered through the blisters and dealt with them.

About two weeks prior to the race I broke down and bought a new pair of shoes.  This allowed me time to break them in with some short runs.  I was excited when the package arrived (I bought them online this time.  Same shoes, different color).  I was like a kid on Christmas!  I shoved those shoes on my feet and out the door I went!  It was great!  No blisters!  I ran my last long run of 11 miles in those shoes and no new blisters!

Then I entered the taper zone.  Typically this is the saviour of the training.  This is the time your body need to rest and recover before the race.  It is crucial.  Unfortunately I took it a bit too far.  I did not run the 7 miles I should have the weekend prior and I think I only ran 2 times the week leading up to the race.

But race day arrived and I was ready.  I had confidence in my training and I had my husband and kids there to root me on.  By the end of the race I had learned exactly what I was capable.  Both physically and emotionally.  But that is a story for another day!

In closing, I have gone from an overweight smoker to a non-smoking half marathon finisher in less than two years!  I am so proud!  I am currently training for my second half marathon on New Year's Eve and I'll let you know how it goes!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Training (or lack there of)

Instead of crazy Black Friday shopping last week I decided to sign up for my second half marathon.  They were having their own Black Friday sale and were offering $20 off registration!  PERFECT!  Except for one small issue.....since my last half, I have done very little training to speak of.  My longest run was 4 miles on the treadmill.  Ugh!  This race is going to HURT.  I am hoping to run about 9 miles this weekend so that I can begin ramping up my mileage.  So folks, wish me luck!  The race is on New Year's Eve morning and it'll be COLD.  I'll keep you all posted on my training (hopefully there will be some).

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Thanksgiving!!!

As with most Americans, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  Of course I love the togetherness of it and the family time that comes along with the day but mostly I LOVE THE FOOD!!!  In an effort to offset my food intake, I will be running a 5k Turkey Trot.  Anyone else going to be out there running????  A 5k is the perfect distance for the morning of a holiday.  It doesn't take too long, and you can get home, shower, get pretty and head out to family and friends.  So I wish you all well on your Day of Thanks!!  But remember, that 1 day of bad eating will not completely ruin your efforts thus far.  Just eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full.
And remember......

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious,
May your pies take the prize
And May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!
-Unknown

Happy Holidays!

Red Kisses!!

Krissy

Today I don't feel like doing anything.....

Yes, that's right, Bruno Mars was the composer of the soundtrack that is my day today.  I sat around all morning (after sleeping in of course).  Worked on a knit blanket I'm making for my nephew, watched some DVR recordings, ate breakfast, ate lunch, etc.  Pretty lame and immensely boring.  All I wanted today was to sit around in my pj's and eat junk food.  And honestly I almost gave in and ate a candy bar but I reminded myself of my goals and candy certainly wasn't going to get there.  So....after my lunch of Progresso Light New England Clam Chowder (only 100 calories or 2 Weight Watchers points per serving) I forced myself on the treadmill.  I set up my iPad, turned on Netflix and watched a rerun of Gossip Girl.  Yes, I am too old to be watching that but I find it very easy to turn my brain off while I'm watching and it makes the run go by faster.....don't judge me! All in all it was a decent run, for the treadmill.  I wish I had been able to do it outside but Husband is at work and Daughter was here with me. 

So that brings me to my question.  Where do you draw your inspiration from?  What is that one thing that encourages you to lace up those sneakers and get out (up) there?  For me it is the goal of cutting my mile time speed and weight loss will help with that.  I constantly remind myself that I am doing this for ME and to teach my daughter that fitness is fun.  I love that she is interested in running and doing push ups with me and sit ups with me.  Feel free to post your comments so that we all may draw inspiration from one another!

Red kisses,

Krissy 

                                             my inspiration