Going Far in Fargo
So I finished the Fargo Marathon…with a P.R.
Fargo is different than other marathons I’ve run in that the chip was not on my bib but tied to my shoes.
Oh, my poor shoes.
Yes, I lost my shoes on the course.
Or more precisely, I threw them away.
I got a rock in my shoe at mile 17, and it cut my foot so badly that keeping the shoe on was agony.
So I tried to throw away just one, but running on one shoe is even worse. So by mile 18 I had thrown both away (I carried the chip in my hand), and ran the last 8 miles barefoot
And this was the result.
Running barefoot was horribly painful and I ran the entire time with tears in my eyes. I kept looking for smooth parts of the street to run on and grass but there were pits and twigs everywhere.
And to add insult to injury, my (fully charged) Garmin died partway through the race.
I somehow still managed to reach my goal.
I may have cried those entire eight miles, but it didn’t matter when I crossed the finish line and found John.
My time of 4:13:53 at the Fargo Marathon was a 20 minute improvement from my Marine Corps Marathon time of 4:32 and my pace improved from 10:18 to 9:50 minutes/mile.
I also ran the half in 2:06:57, my fastest half on record. :)
John also had a tough race, but he finished in 4:10 - a p.r. for him by 17 minutes!
Fargo’s Marathon was one of our favorites - the course is beautiful and the people were lovely. Practically every quarter mile, people were handing out water and treats at unofficial aid stations.
Everyone called out “Honey Badger” because I had written it on my bib instead of my name.
Even with perfect conditions, the race was a tough one.
But as my favorite sign from the course said, “Ambition never looks back.”
Seven Things Sunday
I am grateful for…
Promises made which surprise me still.
Our Valentine’s day dinner at Takashi, which features contemporary French-American fare with Japanese influences. I am particularly grateful for chefs who will and can make a great six-course meal for a vegetarian.
If you love restaurant reviews as much as I do, here you go!
My first ten miler for marathon training - the amazing part? I can’t believe I can run ten miles at a decent clip, and not be sore the next day. The two stupid knee ouchies however, need some attending to.
Chocolate from Vosges, forged by the angels themselves. I’m also grateful for a will-power which allowed me to save them until my weekend long run. :D
Longer and warmer days…so Nigel is loving his walks again.
{Source}
The Disney Land Half Marathon in September is the final race for Disney’s Coast-to-Coast marathon challenge. It sold out last night. I was heart broken when this happened last year too especially after the Goofy Challenge.
Guess which two crazy kids got into registration in the nick of time? California half marathon in September! ;D
Our post ten miler treat - Big Star Taco! After hearing from EVERYONE that we needed to eat here, we decided our long run day was perfect.
Two and a half page waiting list to get into the restaurant itself. Lines out the door. Is it that good? Oh. My. Goodness. If G-d ate food, he would want tacos from here. Vegetarians can enjoy the portabella mushrooms or potato tacos, and the latter was my fave!
Hope everyone has a great new week ahead of them!
Blue Footed Booby Run
Look at the elusive blue-footed booby! She does a sexy mating dance to attract a mate with her blue feet!
A friend is buying her first pair of Vibrams and it brought up some of my own sizing issues. I wanted the Bikila and when I was measured, I came in at 37, the second smallest size for the Bikila. The other Vibrams come in even smaller sizes.
The 37’s felt like what I imagined Veebs should feel like - snug like a glove, with very little space in the front and back, the arches feeling like they were being massaged when I was running, and the whole contraption feeling like second skin. However, I decided to size up to 38’s because during a long distance race, your feet can swell and it’s good to have that space.
Yet the 38’s never felt like the 37’s. They felt good, but there was always a ton of room, and the more I raced and ran, the the looser they got. I used my blue 37’s in the Newton 20 miler and decided I didn’t like the fit for the Marine Corps Marathon.
I’m changing my mind now and don’t think it’s a good idea to size up in Vibrams because they don’t work in “half-sizes” like a sneaker and your foot will slide back and forth in a larger size.
I read a great tip on the Runner’s World blog if your Veebs feel a bit too snug at your suggested size: wash the Veebs in the washing machine and wear them around for a day or go for a run until they dry. They should dry molded to the foot and stretched to fit better. I’m going to try it soon!
The blue 37’s do feel more like second skin and today’s speed work felt good.
Today’s Run:
1/4 mile warm-up walk @ 12 minute pace; 3/4 mile run @ 10 minute pace; 1/4 mile run @ 9:50 pace; 1/4 mile @ easy walking pace; 3/4 mile @ 9:50 pace; 1/4 mile @ 9:40 pace. Total: 2 miles of running, .5 miles of walking.
Cardio Bunny says Goodbye to July!
{Cardio Bunny had a tough week - but an awesome weekend!}
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I was a bit too ambitious about how my wisdom tooth would impact my workouts. Due to the pain from my removal lasting a lot longer than I had expected, I had a pretty uneven week. I only fit in one day of cardio (2.6 miles) but I decided to use the Blogilates workouts to keep myself moving. Any pounding (running or elliptical) seemed to make my jaw worse and inversions made me dizzy. This isn’t normal for everyone, even for me. My upper extractions were awesome - I was running, eating bread, nothing fazed me.
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I did want to end the week strong and back on track so I took 6 ibu and completed an 8 mile run in two parts. 4 Miles before I saw my friends to “help them move” and 4 Miles after. I’m pretty pleased with myself because I wanted to get back on track and stick to my long run schedule especially with a half-marathon in California coming up!
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Barefoot Running on the Treadmill vs. Barefoot Running Outside
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With a half-marathon coming in three weeks, I’m going to go ahead and run 13.1 miles next weekend to see what the real thing might feel like on my pink Vibrams. My pink veebs changed my running routine and improved my stride. It is noticeable from my posts that I do about 80% of my training indoors and I know that raises a lot of questions. First, I depend on race reviews to learn about the “track” I’ll be running. If I know there will be a ton of hills or debris that might feel strange, I try and focus on training outdoors.
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Unlike a lot of runners, when I started to become serious about races, the treadmill didn’t turn me off. I like the treadmill for its ease - no weather excuses, no “I don’t wanna,” and no waiting to walk over to Chicago’s lake front, the most beautiful running path outside of Central Park. I do crank up the incline: I don’t walk below a 1-2 and I practice running at a 2-4 because I think it’s a good challenge for your legs. Also, I can get through Mad Men or other Netflix shows on the treadmill, which is an extra perk. :) I understand some people get bored on the treadmill and I used to be one of them, but once I started going fast and running more than I was walking, boredom stopped being an issue.
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My Veebs present another challenge though - the longest run I’ve completed outdoors on them was a 5K. I do walk everywhere can in them and that helps seeing how they handle on dirt paths and the road. I am not as worried about how they will feel on the road for the San Diego Half-Marathon, as much as I am worried about how it will feel to complete 13.1 miles on them. For the Marine Corps Marathon (squeeee!), I will be breaking in and possibly carrying another pair during the race and will also focus on some longer runs outdoors! I feel like a running baby in my Veebs because I slowed down significantly but I hope that I can change that this month. I definitely have no clue how fast or slow I will run outside, but to be honest, I’ve never cared as much about that as I probably should. I do the races because they are fun and I get to see new places, and I run to find different things to take pictures of. I get a lot of messages about why I don’t track my runs better, but I don’t think that will change anytime soon. Never say never though, right? :D
Crossing the Finish Line!
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People asked me what the “Bear” books are about and it’s a two fold thing: my nickname for John is Bear and I am obsessed with all things bear-related. For the last few holidays, I gave John a copy of the charming Bear books by Karma Wilson and wish there were more - they are so cute! Since Wilson is done with the Bear series I had to switch things up and found Big Smelly Bear, a story about a bear who finds a bear-girlfriend after he finally takes a shower. :)
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Breakfast was a combination of a baby food pouch and a jar of baby food oatmeal. It was nice eating something with a bit of texture but the oatmeal definitely had a baby-food quality!
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Dinner was this delicious little bowl of mashed potatoes. One of my fellow Tumblrettes, Nicole, mentioned mashed potatoes is what she had during her wisdom tooth recovery and I thought, Why didn’t I think of that!? This warm, creamy little bowl hit. the. spot. It was so nice not eating something sweet like baby food! I also enjoyed a real fun find - Gerber Cereal Puffs! These little stars taste great and light and really hit the spot when you have the munchies. I’m planning on buying these once I am down recovering from this tooth because it is oh-so-tasty and has great stats (150 cals and 6 grams in the whole jar - and there’s no way you can finish the whole thing!)
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I also decided to stop making myself so anxious - I’ve missed a week of training and not running leaves me cranky. Poor John knows this too well and I know he’s looking forward to me putting on my Vibrams again. I’m so excited about our upcoming half-marathon in San Diego so I’m focusing on that - instead of worrying out my tooth which seems to make the pain more acute. I am excited because I have a 7-8 mile long run this weekend, and I’m popping ten pain pills and crossing the finish line. :D
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A dramatic re-enactment of what I will look like after! :)
Cardio Bunny Weekly Report
{Cardio Bunny, running overtime!}
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I’m super pleased with this training week. I took off Monday and Saturday only and completed 15 miles - one less than my goal. I am slightly disappointed I didn’t complete 16 miles but I am proud of what I’ve accomplished this week.
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Week’s Stats:
Monday, July 18: Rest Day
Tuesday, July 19: 3 Mile Run, 1 Mile Walk
Wednesday, July 20: 1 Mile Walk, high incline, Power Yoga, 20 Minutes.
Thursday, July 21: 3 Mile Run
Friday, July 22: 5 Mile Run
Saturday, July 23: Rest Day
Sunday, July 24: 2 Mile Run
Total: 15 Miles
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My goal for next week is to complete 20 Miles and to only take one rest day:
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I would love to be able to follow the schedule above but I’m mostly aiming to hit my miles. I need more mileage to increase my endurance on my Vibrams and I hope to hit it out of the park this week!
Dinner for One, Dessert for Two!
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It was just me for dinner tonight (unless you count Nigel), so I enjoyed a slice of toast with Sabra Pine Nut Hummus and a roasted baby eggplant with spices. For dessert, I enjoyed an Edy’s Lemonade Bar and fresh peach!
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John came home late and we decided to work out together - I only had a mile in my legs and coupled it with an abs circuit. I am just not feeling night time work outs and I don’t know how he does it! We enjoyed a late night dessert, chocolate raspberry shake! In the mix:
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1 Cup Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk
1.5 Cups raspberries and blackberries
1 Cup filtered water
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Hershey Dark Chocolate Powder
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
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Have a great night!
Good Morning Sunshine!
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Our his and hers smoothies were pretty tasty. In the mix:
2 Cups Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries
1/2 Cup Bob’s Red Mill Old Country Muesli
1 tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Flax Seeds
1 cup Fage Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
3/4 Cup Silk unsweetened Almond Milk
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I had an early morning run and enjoyed an apple and a slice of toast with Better N’ Peanut Butter - a perfect snack! This morning’s Vibrams run was interesting - I only ran three mile and walked another mile but the Vibrams were doing their job. If my heel hit the ground, my legs hurt. If I had proper form, my legs didn’t hurt. I really need this instant response correction because as I get fatigued on longer runs with will help me keep my form on point without having to do more mental work.
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I’ve finally updated my workout log and my I Only Wear Dresses Inspiration Tumblr. Hope everyone is having a happy Tuesday!
Early Mornings
Hi lovely people! We’ve only been back one day from Russia and are still suffering from jet lag. One of the best side effects of international travel is waking up at absurdly early hours: yesterday, I was up at 4:30 and had my morning routine complete by 5:15! I had hoped to sleep in Thursday morning but around 5:00am, this, jumped up on me:
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{Move over mom!}
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With about 37 days until my first half-marathon since running the Goofy Challenge in January of this year, I am excited and nervous. I am less concerned about time but more interested in being able to complete the race in my beloved Vibrams, Pinky. (Yes, I would worry that naming my shoes is weird, but really, everyone should name their running shoes).
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{I’m just going to position my butt on your pillow until you get up.}
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Since I was “already up,” I decided to haul my butt to the gym. I skipped running in Russia because we were on our feet starting at 8am and ending around 5 or 6pm - so I was itching to get back to it. 4.25 miles later, my calves were screaming at me. Taking off ten days from barefoot running does not agree with Pinky. The run was super satisfying and I hope that in six weeks I will be able to complete a half-marathon wearing my Vibrams. Wish me luck or just pray for me! :)
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I hope you had a fun early morning workout - and a warm puppy to come home to!
Awesome Afternoon
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I tried having a dainty lunch - but frankly, I was hungry! I had waited way too long since I was lost in my work so a slice of Ezekiel whole wheat toast, with spicy Sabra hummus, and a few slices of roasted zucchini just didn’t do it.
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So I enjoyed a full plate of roasted veggies - zucchini and asparagus with simple salt and pepper.
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After my workout, I snacked on this sunny orange. I ran/walked five miles wearing my new Vibram Five Fingers and I love them! Yesterday’s workout was tough because it felt unfamiliar being on the treadmill and elliptical without my sneakers. Today’s workout was a complete 180 - I felt as light as air during my speed intervals and checking out my reflection in the mirror my posture was super straight. I loved hearing my feet hit the treadmill and felt more in tune with my running, if that makes sense. I haven’t experienced pain or discomfort but it definitely feels like previously unused muscles are working in my feet, calves, and back. I hope this lasts because although I can only do a 12 minute mile on the Vibrams right now, I would like to get stronger on them so I can start racing with them!
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I hope you guys are having a great day!
