Tag Archives: Races

Apr25

Races, Running and Buddhas

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Can you believe it’s Thursday already?  This week has flow by!  Tomorrow morning I leave for Washington D.C. to support my team who is running the Nike Women’s Marathon Half.  I’m a little bit nervous but also kind of excited since I’ve never been there before.  I’m planning to fit in a little bit of sight-seeing in my down time. You all need to recommend some good things to check out!  On my list is the mall, the Smithsonian and possibly the Holocaust Museum. 

It’s a bit strange to be heading to another race so quickly after Boston.  I’m definitely nervous but this will be a good step to take in terms of moving on.  I’m just hoping everything goes smoothly, my team has a ton of fun and it’s an easy weekend.  Fingers crossed.

Speaking of races let’s talk running for a minute shall we?  My running has never felt better! I’ve been pushing my pace and increasing my mileage slowly over the past couple weeks. I’m starting to see my pace drop even on my easy runs and I’m wanting to run farther and push harder. It feels good.  The weather has been helping too, there is just something about running in shorts and short-sleeve shirt that feels so good after a long weekend!  Next week I plan to add in some speed work again and some hill workouts.  Hills seem to be where I can really increase my cardio and build my strength.  I’m looking forward to some more variety in my runs!

I’m starting to think about my fall racing plan.  I was considering doing a marathon but I realized I was looking forward to traveling this summer and not having to fit in my log runs.  Last summer I missed a couple of weekend trips because of teacher training and the summer before that Michael and I were training for Chicago.  I just really want to be able to go away, enjoy sleeping in, savoring my coffee and the cool summer mornings we get here.  I am excited to run a couple of half marathons.  Last year I ran the BAA Half Marathon and I plan to run that one again but I’m looking to add in one more.  I’m considering the Maine Half Marathon.  I’ve heard good things about the race and after our summer vacation there last year I’m pretty much in love with Maine.  It’d be fun to spend a weekend in Portland too.  Michael might even run the half too which would be awesome!  I still have plenty of time to make up my mind.  Any suggestions for other good half marathons to consider for the fall?

This is completely random but it made my day and I wanted to share! The other day Michael told me there was a package waiting for me when I got home.  He said it was a long overdue present.  I was pretty curious as to what it could be but I had a few ideas.  I was so excited to get home and see that he had so carefully picked out a Buddha for me!

My New Buddha!

My New Buddha!

I’ve been wanting a buddha since the fall when I was immersed in yoga teacher training.  I always thought it would be a good reminder of all the yoga means to me.  Think about it, your rushing in the morning to get out the door and head to work on time but you see the Buddha and it’s reminder to breathe and be more peaceful in the situation. It also just makes me feel like a real yoga teacher! It was exciting and I love the one he picked it out, it’s very me.

I’ll be back on Tuesday to share my experiences in Washington, D.C. and at the inaugural Nike Women’s Marathon Half! 

What are your suggestions for sights to see and visit in Washington D.C.? What fall half marathons do you love? Do you have a buddha?

Sep10

BAA Half Training: Long Runs and Pace

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Can you believe the BAA half marathon is less than a month away?!  Seriously, it seems like just yesterday I signed up for the race and was creating my training plan.  Where does time go?  Training for this race has been a completely different experience than before.  When I created the plan I was concerned about how it would all fit in with yoga teacher training but so far this really hasn’t been a problem.

At first I definitely missed a lot of my planned runs.  During my 9 day intensive for yoga teacher training I didn’t run once and I skipped the long run I had scheduled before that started in favor of some extra rest…needless to say training was not off to a great start.  In the weeks since then I’ve kicked it in to gear and have gotten in a few good long runs.  Now, I’m above the long run mileage I actually planned to be at, which is awesome if you ask me.  I managed to get in a 6 miler, two 9 milers and as of yesterday an 11 miler.

On Labor Day my friend Lauren, her husband, sister and I took on 9 miles.  We ran in Gloucester, MA along the ocean with the views of the gorgeous beach homes.  It was such a nice change of scenery.  It was nice to just chat it up and run.

9 Miles in Gloucester

Yesterday I ran 11 miles by myself on what was a gorgeous morning to run.  It was nice and cool with overcast skies.  I found my groove early on and the miles just ticked on by.

11 Mile Long Run

My pace has been kind of slow for me lately.  The other night I was telling Michael about this; he asked me if my runs felt good and I told him they feel great- relaxed, easy and peaceful.  Then he asked me if I’m enjoying them and having fun.  I am, a lot actually.  Then he simply said, who cares.  He’s so right, who does care?  No one but myself and even I don’t care! I’m loving yoga lately, my practice and this journey is like nothing else.  I love just going for a run because I love it.  Training for this half-marathon is just enough to help motivate me to keep my mileage high, get my long runs in and let me enjoy the fall running and racing I love so much.  For so long (like the past year) all I’ve worried about was long runs, pace and training plans but now it feels so good to be thinking about yoga poses, playlists and which arm balance I want to tackle next.

I haven’t done one speed workout the entire training cycle which is likely contributing to my slower than normal pace.  In the next few weeks I plan to add some speed to my runs.  I can’t bring myself to hit the track so I plan to do fartleks within a 4 mile run a few times over the next few weeks.  Maybe, if and only if, I feel motivated will I do a tempo run.  I’m kind of hoping the motivation hits me, so that is a good sign that a tempo run will likely happen.  As for long runs, I have a 12 miler planned in a couple of weeks and hope to sneak in a couple more 8 milers after work before now and the taper.

My goals for this race? I’m thinking I might just run this one for fun.  No time or pace goals.  Just a good, solid, fun 13.1 miles.  Wouldn’t that be a nice change?!  I feel like I’m in a really good place with yoga and running lately.  I’m enjoying each for different reasons and it’s nice for running to be in the backseat for a change.  There’s no pressure from myself to be anything or do anything when it comes to running and that feels awesome.  I’m just running purely because I love it!

How’s your fall race training going? Has your pace been fast or slow? What are your fall race goals?

Aug2

Product Review: Running on the Wall

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A few weeks ago the people at Running on the Wall reached out to me and asked me if I’d be interested in reviewing a product of my choice.  I’ve seen a lot of runners post about the medal and bib hangers they have and all the different ways to display their racing accomplishments but I’ve never really been inspired to purchase one of these things myself.  I have grand plans for my marathon medals once I accomplish my goal of the running all five races in the World Marathon Majors and felt content with them hanging over the mirror in our bedroom.  I like to admire them every time I open my closet.  But, I do give every opportunity presented to me a fair chance and found myself admiring the bib displays.

I accepted the offer and browsed the bib displays including the ones designed more for women and then the ones designed for men and the more unisex ones.  I ultimately decided upon the “Live to Run” bib display in black.  The title of this blog is LiveRunLoveYoga so it seemed fitting.

Live to Run Bib Display

My contact at Running on the Wall was very nice and shipped out the product immediately and even provided the tracking number.  The package arrived in a couple of days and I was excited to check it out.  The only assembly required was to screw in the hooks that came with the wooden display.  In less than 10 minutes I had it all assembled and hanging on the wall.  I think it took my longer to dig through all my marathon stuff to find the bibs!

Running on the Wall Bib Display

I really liked the wall display and am happy that I now have a place to display race bibs.  The product is American made, which is awesome if you ask me, and they have a ton of different mantras, colors and options including displays for triathlon and other sports.  They average about $28.00 with a $2.50 charge to customize.  I feel like the cost is very reasonable for the quality of the product.   I’d recommend this to anyone looking to display their race bibs or medals.  Running on the Wall makes a great gift for the runner in your life!  Visit Running on the Wall to check out all of the displays!

Would you like one of the products from Running on the Wall?  How do you display your race medals and bibs?  Is this something you would like as a gift?

May3

Staying Motivated Without a Training Plan!

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Hey! How’s everyone doing today?  It’s been a rainy, dreary week here so far.  I actually don’t mind it as I’ve been enjoying the quietude of the yoga studio and can’t seem to put down the book I’m reading.  I haven’t felt this relaxed and calm in ages, it’s rather nice.

I’ve been thinking a lot about ways to stay motivated and active now since I’m not training for a marathon or trying to accomplish a crazy goal of mine right now.  It’s been about a year since I’ve haven’t had a goal or race schedule.  Last spring I was training for Boston’s Run to Remember Half Marathon and the New Balance Reach the Beach Relay.  A few weeks after those Michael and I started training for the Chicago Marathon.  I took about a week off after Chicago and then got back to regular running before starting to train for Boston at the end of December.  There was always some race on my mind and I time I was hoping to get.  Now, with this little break until August when yoga teacher training starts there aren’t any races on my calendar and I’m looking for fun ways to stay motivated and active.  So here’s some of my ideas to keep active and I hope you’ll add some of yours in the comments!

Try a new yoga style or studio.

This is a good one for me, when I’m training for a running race I like to stick to my favorite yoga classes at studios I’ve been to.  This way I know exactly what I’m in for and know that it won’t impact my running or training plan.  I do live in Boston though and there are tons of yoga studios with teacher’s whose classes I’d love to try.  Now is a great time to try them out! I won’t have to worry about being extra sore or needing an extra rest day because it won’t impact my running.  On my list, Baptiste Power Yoga and an aerial yoga class!  Come June and July Boston also offers lots of free outdoor yoga classes, I’ll definitely be trying some of those this year!

Outdoor Free Yoga Classes!

Explore a new trail. 

Boston is filled with amazing places to run or walk.  There are lots of trails around local lakes and routes through beautiful seaside towns.  When I’m training for a race I tend to stick to my usual routes that I know like the back of my hand.  This way I can focus on my speed, form and getting in a quality run.  Now that I’m just running for fun I’d like to check out these places I’ve heard so much about! A nice easy 3 mile run near the ocean on an Saturday morning sounds pretty awesome to me!

Running Along the Ocean!

Try something new!

I tend to be someone who sticks with what I like, which happens to be running and yoga.  I’d like to try a couple new classes this spring.  I used to take a Bosu class at my gym and would love to get back into that.  I also used to take step classes and Body Pump so I want to give them a go again.  I’m also thinking about trying an interval class for a change in pace!

Remind yourself that being active doesn’t always mean working out.

I really want to spend some time golfing this spring and summer.  Michael really enjoys golfing and last summer I put to the test those years of summer golf lessons.  I really enjoyed it and thought that it was a great workout! By the 9th hole my shoulders were burning!  We walked all nine holes too which is over 2 miles of walking.  It’s a workout without even knowing it!  Golfing, hiking and other activities are just as good of a workout as hitting the gym!

Golfing is a great workout!

Sign up for FUN races. 

Notice the emphasis on FUN.  Find some local 5K’s or run/walks and get your friends to come out and join you.  Plan a fun brunch after and just go have some fun at the race.  Don’t worry about the time or your pace, enjoy the people your with and being active.  Having something on your calendar will also keep you motivated to run at least a few days a week!

Plan for active dates. 

By nature of my personality I tend to surround myself with active, busy people.  This spring and summer I’d love to meet friends for a walk, easy run, yoga or other class and then grab dinner or coffee after.  When I’m training for a race I don’t plan many of these dates because I usually have a run or workout scheduled according to my training plan.  Without a training plan and the ability to be flexible now is a great time to take advantage of these! And it’s a fun, healthy way to catch up with friends!

Workout Dates!

Go with Flow. 

Taking a break from training plans and racing is wonderful and our bodies and minds need the break from time to time.  If you truly are dreading a workout or would just rather lay in the sun with a good book I say go for it! How many times do you force yourself to get out and run when your training for a race? There are undoubtedly times when relaxing sounds much more fun.  Now’s the time to enjoy it or make a compromise and get in a 30 minute walk and then curl up with that book!

There are a million different ways to stay active and healthy and it doesn’t always mean you have to follow a training plan and run a race.  I’ve been enjoying the freedom to do whatever I like.  Now that I’ve started to think about all the fun, active things I wanted to do but felt like I couldn’t because of my training plan I have a ton of great ideas!  And with the warm weather the options are even more plentiful!

So tell me, what are your favorite ways to stay active when you’re not on a training plan?  What keeps you motivated to keep moving when there is no race in sight?  Whats your favorite summertime activity?

Oct18

The Do’s and Don’ts of Pre-Race Nutrition!

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Marathon training with my running partner and boyfriend Michael has really opened my eyes up to pre-race and pre-run nutrition.  I have been blessed to have a strong stomach and rarely have issues with food and digestion.  Michael on the other hand has a very sensitive stomach.  Some foods can set his stomach off very quickly.  He also struggles with bloating and gas during and after runs.  His first half-marathon experience was over shadowed by this.  Regardless of whether you have a sensitive stomach or not your pre-race nutrition is important. I found this recent Runner’s World article, Pre-Race Nutrition Tips.  Since it is fall race season I thought many of you may find this helpful!

Michael and I before the Chicago Marathon 2011

Carb Loading!

If you’re doing a marathon or an ultra marathon or even a half-marathon this may seem like a great idea.  You burn so many calories during those races and training runs you definitely need something to keep you fuller longer.  The key to this is to not eat a pound of pasta in one sitting the night before the race.  Doing that makes it hard for your body to digest all of that and may cause some bathroom issues.

Instead you should spread out your carbohydrates.  Plan for some oatmeal or a bagel in the morning.  Pack a healthy lunch with potatoes, rice or pasta.  For dinner plan a balanced meal with fiber and protein but include some carbohydrates as well.  If you do this over the week before your race or in the few days before that training run you will see some positive results!  For more detailed information on carb loading and a sample of a day of carb loading check out this post, Successful Carb Loading for a Successful Marathon!

Clif Bars are the perfect carb loading snack!

Drinking lots of Water!

I did this before NYC Marathon, I drank tons of water the day before.  I thought it would be helpful.  In reality, it just made me have to go to the bathroom more frequently.  Here’s what Runner’s World says:

Not only will chugging too much water before a race leave you feeling bloated, but it will also dilute your electrolytes–minerals responsible for optimum muscle contraction. Diluted electrolyte levels can cause muscle weakness or cramping and, in extreme cases, can lead to hyponatremia, a life-threatening condition triggered by abnormally low sodium levels.

They say it far better than I could.

What you should do is drink normal amounts of water and fluids the week before.  Coffee and tea are fine to drink as well.  If your low on sugars drink your juice, Gatorade or sports drink as you normally would. I’ve recently added this to my long run routine and can say it really does help.  Drink a 16oz. glass of water about two to three hours before your race or run.  Then have another glass right before the gun goes off.  I usually have an 8oz. glass of water with my oatmeal 30-40 minutes before my run and then 4oz. of Gatorade before we walk out the door.  I find this works well for me, I need to hydrate less during my runs. My advice, don’t over do it or you’ll be running to the bathroom!

Coffee is Ok!

Eating too much fiber!

I regularly eat my beans, fruits and vegetables.  I’m someone who needs all of that roughage, it just makes things better.  But some people and runner’s in this world get by eating pizza, burgers, take out and skipping those veggies.

Pizza!

Pre-race or the days before a long run are probably not the best time to start eating them.  They may cause gas while running which would be SUPER uncomfortable.  That said if you do suffer from gas while running and think it may be related to fiber you should eliminate bran cereals and beans.  Do keep eating your fruits and veggies just in smaller portions and possibly only once a day.

Skipping Breakfast!

Trust me, this is a REALLY bad idea. I learned this from experience.  More than once.  If your racing or doing a long run first thing in the morning you NEED fuel for your body.  If you don’t fuel yourself correctly you may end up bonking, which is NEVER fun!  Clif Bar Shot Bloks, or GU is not enough for our bodies and your blood pressure will spike and fall.

If you are really nervous (been there) you may not be able to stomach food.  I suggest starting with something simple, a couple of pieces of toast or an English muffin or some plain oatmeal.  Eat it bite by bite, chew slowly, swallow, relax a minute and take a another  bite.  Eating two to three hours before the race will allow everything to settle. If you just REALLY can’t deal with real food opt for a smoothie.  Milk, bananas and juice are just a few light on the stomach things to add!

Trying Something New!

My favorite part of racing is going to new places and getting to be a tourist.  Is there really any better way to see a new city than to run through it?!  One of my favorite things about traveling is checking out new restaurants and new foods.  It’s hard to forgo that new food and stick to something I know the day and night before a race.  But it is a MUST!  I plan my trips so that I have some time AFTER the race to go and experience all the new foods and restaurants I want…celebration dinner anyone?!  Even if it is just a long run, stick to things you know.  Nothing is worse than being miles from home and in need of a bathroom!

All in all, you should not do anything too drastic with your pre-race and pre-run meals.  Stick to a healthy balanced diet and foods you know that sit well.  We train hard and put a lot of sweat and heart into these runs so don’t ruin them with something so avoidable as your diet and food! Eat well, train well!

What are your tips for fueling before a race? What foods affect you on a run? What do you like to eat before a race?