Buh-Bye Week 2!

Week two is over....here is how it went...

Monday - Stretch and Strength - Spent 20 minutes doing some stretching. My body was tired, so I allowed it rest. It felt good to get specified time JUST for stretching.
Tuesday - 3 Mile Run - It ended up being a 2.45 mile run, due to weather. Some thunder and lightening started, so I headed back. Overall a good run though, no shin pain and not to much fatigue.
Wednesday - 2 Mile Run or Cross - Cross training again, a 2 mile walk. I have no guilt about choosing walking as my cross training. It's a legitimate way to cross train and I think it's ignored by a lot of people.
Thursday - 3 Mile Run - One of the most comfortable runs I've had in a long while, I even had negative splits! Felt good to run and not feel too fatigued.
Friday - Rest Day - which actually turned into peeling wallpaper day, so I consider it another cross-training day
Saturday - 30 Minute Cross - Used this day as a wallpaper peeling day. With the up and down of getting on a step ladder, and the scrapping with a putty knife, I can feel it pretty good in my triceps. Cross training/home updating success!
Sunday - 4 Mile Run - By far one of the best runs I've had so far this training program. Went smoothly, no pain, times weren't bad and I enjoyed it. Listened to a podcast, which is my new jam. If you've never tried running to a podcast before, I'd suggest it just for a try. I never thought I'd like it but come to find out, it's almost better than music sometimes for me!

So, I'm two weeks down. Somehow, even though I've been busy busy, I'm feeling pretty good. I've been sleeping great, eating when I need too, and making sure I take down time for myself. Looking forward to what this week brings!

My Journey to a Half

A half marathon, 13.1 miles, 69217.5 feet. 

My journey started nearly a year ago when I decided I was going to do a triathlon. The thought popped into my head one day and BOOM, I was going to do it. I started running, biking and swimming. I started working on transitions between biking and running, and started to plan out where I could practice open swims.

and than, something happened. I fell in <3 with running. Forget the damn biking and swimming, I wanted to RUN! And just like that, the dream of a triathlon went by the wayside, and a new dream emerged, one that, even to me, was insane. I wanted to run a half marathon. Up until that point (around August/September 2013) my furthest distance was a 5k. But, screw it, I was going to do it! 

I signed up for my very first 10k, which took place in November 2013. I decided when that was over, my half training would begin. I knew what half I wanted to do, and I was ready. 

My 10k went as good as could be expected and now I was ready to train. I picked a Jeff Galloway training program and got to work. My goal was to complete the plan twice, as my half wasn't until October of 2014. And off I went, 3 miles, than 4 miles, than 5 miles, 6,7,8 miles. I was on a role, I ran outdoors in the cold and snow and when it got too icy, I headed indoors to the gym. Than the day came, March 8th to be exact, I ran 10 miles. 10 whole freaking miles. I was a champ! If I could do this, I could do anything.

And than.......I hit a wall. After my 10 mile run, my knee started acting up, so I started to slow it down. Than, before I knew it, I fell off my plan completely. I was still running but by no means keeping up with my program. 

Which brings me to now...since March I have done the Fight for Air Climb, a 10k in May, a 10k in June, and a 5k in July. But, I have been sticking to no sort of plan. I got lazy. Really lazy. But, I haven't given up.

This previous Sunday marked 12 weeks until my half. Only 12 weeks before I cross that finish line and become a half marathoner. *Cue slight freak out*

But not to worry, I have a new training program and LOTS of support from friends and family. This half marathon will be my bitch! I'm two days down and ready to prove that I can do this, if for no one else, myself. I have it in me, I know I do.

Race Recap: Escape to Belle Isle 5k

Race: Escape to Belle Isle 
Size: Around 350
Race Distance: 10k 5k
Time: 45:07

Another race on Belle Isle, it's a perfect place to run. The scenery is great and the course is nice and flat. 

This was my first time doing this race but it's in it's 6th year. When I registered, I registered for the 10k. I hadn't run a 5k since last September (I've been trying to keep my distances up), but earlier in the week I came down with some stomach issues, and instead of cancelling all together, I figured I'd just do the shorter distance. I emailed the race coordinator and they switched it over for me with no problem. 

On-site packet pick up was fine for me personally, as I don't mind a line, especially one that moves quickly, however, there was in fact a line, 1 for the 5kers and 1 for the 10kers. But I got through the line in about 5 minutes, so I didn't consider it an issue. The race started about 5 minutes late, but again, not an issue for me personally. All racers started at the same time and there was an hour and a half limit for both the 5 and 10kers. In a lot of ways, I am happy I changed to the 5k, because my 10k is JUST at the limit and I'd hate to be late. 

On the 5k route there were two water stations, but I brought my hydration belt so I didn't partake. The course was clearly marked and had pace cars going around so everyone knew where to go. The on-site volunteers were supportive and positive, with one even dancing for us. As you crossed the finish line, they were calling out your bib numbers, which was different; whenever I've been at a race where they called out, it's always been my name. 

Post-race food was the usual, bananas, bagels, oranges, water. They also had some apple and orange juice and I THINK I saw some McDonalds sandwiches (the race benefited the Ronald McDonald house). 

All racers received a finisher's medal and they were of really nice quality plus everyone received a Tech T, and although the color was a little bright for me, the quality of the shirt was nice.

For more information on the race - you can visit their website at - http://www.escapetobelleisle.com/ 

Review Time - FlipBelt

preface - This is a product I purchased myself months ago. I haven't been contacted by the company, nor have they asked me to do a review. These thoughts are all completely my own.

Product: FlipBelt - XL in Carbon
Price (what I paid): $28.99 + tax & shipping
Would I recommend it - Yes, with certain disclaimers

When I first started running, it seemed like there was an endless supply of products you could purchase for to enhance running experience; water bottles, shoes, compression sleeves, the list really goes on and on.

One thing I knew I had to have was a vessel to put my phone in, because if I couldn't listen to music, I wasn't running and I didn't want to risk holding my phone and dropping it. I started off with an arm band, but it wasn't really comfortable, so I started to look for other options.

That's when I found the FlipBelt.

What is a FlipBelt? According to their website, it's a "singular tubular waistband" that is "Every bit as flattering and contoured as the rest of today’s athletic wear, FlipBelt is designed to carry your on-the-go essentials without tying up your hands. Made of a moisture-wicking, spandex-lycra blend, FlipBelt slides right on and sits snug on your hip. No bulk. No bounce. FlipBelt is also machine washable and machine dryable." So what makes it different than other belts or arm bands? From their website - "You flip the belt inside out and everything gets locked in place. Because there are no clasps or buttons, you simply pull the belt on like a pair of pants and wear it wherever it feels most comfortable. It doesn't move, jiggle, bounce or chafe and you could easily forget it’s even there."

I figured I'd test it out but wasn't sure about if it would move, if it would fit, and if it would be comfortable. Although I am always on the look out for a bright colored piece of running wear, I went with the XL Carbon, though they come in lots of bright and fun colors. The color is a deep grey and it's a nice neutral color.  I've had my FlipBelt for about 8 months now, I've worn it through several 5ks, 2 10ks and lots of training runs and I have to say, it really does stay put pretty well. Once in awhile, it'll move up, but once I readjust, it stays where it needs to be. I can fit my Samsung Galaxy S3 in it (with a case) plus some GUs, my ID, chapstick, and a key. Additionally, I don't even flip it inwards, as stated above, to lock it in. Even without the flipping, my items stay in and don't jiggle or move around.

Would I recommend it to someone - Yes, but I would let them know that yes, it does move a little and the sizing isn't as generous as I would hope. I am a 16/18 and the XL just fits. If I was much larger, I probably wouldn't have one.

Here are a few photos of me with it on... 

I'm wearing it over my clothes at this race

You can see it slightly under my top

I purchased mine from the FlipBelt website, however, I have now seen them in running stores and on Amazon. I purchased mine for $28.99 and they will send you a free water resistant bag for your phone if you wish. I got one but have never used it. 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask, but I do suggest visit their website for more details.

Have you tried the FlipBelt? What do you think?