Weekly Recap: Lots of Miles and Chicago!

Total miles this week:  42 miles!!  That is a record for me.

Last year durning my training for my first marathon I only ran up to the mid 30's at most.  Well I think.  I didn't even keep track.  But I know it was probably low to mid 30s during my peak week. 

Monday:  5 easy miles.  Felt good

Tuesday:  8 solid miles.  Wanted to get in a tempo run but didn't quite happen.

Wednesday:  4 easy miles.  Foot pain begins (after wearing high heels all day at work).  Boo! No pain while running but pain when barefoot and especially in my high heel shoes.  

Thursday:  Swam 350 yards

Friday:  5 easy miles.  Foot feeling better and perfect when running.

Saturday:  17 mile long run!  Overall felt pretty good.  It was hard at times though.  My legs were feeling great.  Mild aches and pains but nothing major.  I felt great after the run!  I do wish I could have had negative splits.  This worries me a little that I will hit a wall like I did last year.  I am glad I have a couple  more months to work on this. 

Sunday:  3 mile recovery run in Chicago!!  (pics below) Awesome!  Get's me so excited for the marathon!  Legs felt good.  But my foot was hurting in the morning.  As soon as I put on my running shoes though, the pain disappeared.  I want this foot pain to disappear for good please!!

Ryan and I met up with some amazing friends, Matt and Swati, in Chicago!

Ryan, Me, Swati, Matt

We went to Navy Pier and went on the Spirit Cruise for dinner and fireworks.

Navy Pier

Me and my love

Fireworks at Navy Pier

It was a late night but we were up by 8 to get in a quick run.

Hilton:  Where we stayed and very close to the start of the Chicago Marathon

Beautiful scenery!

Ryan kept taking pics

Love Chicago!

3 mile recovery run done!

Bye Chicago!  See you in October!

Running with Family

My brother, Mike, is visiting this week so I got to do a run with him this morning.  We also met up with my Tuesday morning running buddies, Lisa and Alyssa.

Me and Mike

Mike is training for his first half marathon.  Our hometown, LaPorte, is having its first half marathon in August.  My husband, my sister, my brother and I are planning on running it.  Fun!  Will there be any family rivalry?  I don't think so.  Although my brother said he just wants to beat Katie.  But she is pretty darn fast!  I have never been competitive with Mike.  I think because we never played the same sports.  He loves soccer!  I have never been competitive with Katie either.  She is just the type of person that would walk the last mile of a race with you if you needed too even if she was feeling awesome.  And there is no point with me being competitive with Ryan because I could never be as fast as him.  Ever!

In a perfect world, we would all run the half marathon together and finish at the same time with the clock reading 1:4x:xx.

My dad is planning on running the 5K that day with Kaitlyn, Jackson, and my 2 younger brothers: Andrew(11) and Aaron (8).  It will be a family affair!

Today the goal was to do 8 miles.  Check!  And do some fast miles in there.  We did 1 or 2.

I felt much better than last week when I ran with the speedy girls.  I think what helped was we were going a little slower, I did an easy run yesterday, and the weather was cooler.  Although I didn't quite get the tempo run in today, that is ok.  Maybe on Thursday?

Have you ever ran a race with a family member?
Jaime

Medical Mondays

I decided to try something new on my blog.  On Mondays, I will give a little medical quiz.  Most of the questions will deal with little kids issues since that is my speciality.

Questions:
1.  True or False:  Whenever the temperature is over 90 degrees, newborn babies need extra water.
2.  True or False:  The best shoes for an infant to learn to walk are Nike brand.
3.  True or False:  The best way to prevent getting sick is to wash your hands.
4.  True or False:  A fever over 104 will cause brain damage.
5.  True or False:  The best doctors are pediatricians.

Answers below....

Today I did an easy 5 miles.  The temperature was in the 70s and felt much better than Saturday.  Overall pace was right around 8:30min/mile.  I wanted to keep the pace nice and easy since I have a lot of miles to do this week.  I also swam 125 yards. I can only swim 50 yards at a time and then I must take a little break.  But I actually thought swimming was fun today.  Maybe because I only did a few laps.  Baby steps...

Answers:
1.  False. Babies less than 4-6 months do not need any water.  They will stay hydrated from drinking breastmilk or formula.  It can actually be dangerous for newborns to drink water because their kidneys can't handle the dilute liquid.  This can lead to hyponatremia (low sodium) and could even cause seizures.  Hyponatremia can also happen to long distance runners if they only drink water on long runs.

2.  False.  Babies learn to walk best with no shoes at all.  Maybe adults will run best with no shoes too?? I don't know the answer to that.  But I am excited to see what happens in the next few years with all the barefoot runners and the new research in this area.

3.True.  I don't know if it is the best way.  But it definitely helps!

4.  False.  My main point with this question is the fever in itself is not dangerous.  A fever is your body's way of trying to fight off an infection.  The infection could be viral or bacterial.  You should be more worried if you or your child has a fever of 101 and is lethargic than if you or your child has a fever of 105 but is running around playing.

5.  I guess this is your opinion.  But I think it is true;)

Happy Monday!
Jaime

Sweaty and Sweet Sixteen!

16 mile run done!!

It was hot of course.  In the 80s at the start with a heat index in the 90s.  No signs of letting up around here though, so it had to get done.

I was so impressed how many runners were on the monon trail today. It was one of the most crowded times I have ever seen it.  I thought I was going to be the only crazy one running in this heat.

The first few miles I felt like I could cut the air with a knife.  Then I got used to it????  I actually felt pretty good miles 5-8.  Although my pace was a little slower than it has been for my longs runs so I think that helped.  Average overall pace was 9:10/mile.  The last few miles really brought the overall pace up.  No negative splits today.

Lisa and I ran the first 8 together and then met up with Katie to complete the 16 miler.  I was so happy to see Katie at mile 8.  She had cold gatorade for us and even brought me cold water to pour on my head.

Refreshing!

The water felt so good!  Next time though I will only pour it over my head and not down my back because my clothes were soaked and felt uncomfortable.

The last few miles I was tired!  But good news:  my legs felt strong and no pain.  I think I stayed pretty hydrated during the run.  I also am really liking swedish fish to go along with the clif shot blocks.

My running essentials

I have to say the long run is my favorite run of the week.

I am now in the thick of marathon training.  Next week is another intense week and then I will have a taper week.

What also made the day great was I got to spend one on one time with Kaitlyn and then Jackson.
Kaitlyn and  I went to Orange Leaf.

Kaitlyn and her frozen yogurt

My chocolatey dish

Yummy!

Then Jackson and I went to see Cars 2.  I thought it was cute.  Jackson was really into it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Test Run

2 days off from running seems like eternity...

I want to run, I need to run  but I know I needed some time off.  My IT band is tight and so it makes my left hip hurt.  I did nothing yesterday.  That was hard.

Today I had 0 pain in my hip.  I decided to take a test run around my neighborhood.  My only plan was to stop if my hip hurt at all.  I went around 1.5 miles.  I am guessing, no garmin today.  No pain:)  I did "feel"it the first few minutes.  I think that was only because I was concentrating so much on if I was hurting or not.  Then I just forgot about it.  

I didn't want to stop even though the weather said feels like 98.  But I need to save every last drop of energy I have for my long run tomorrow. 

I really hope I can make it.  HOT and HUMID is the forecast.  Boo!! 

Hot and humid

Normally I take Wednesday as a rest day but decided to get a run in early this morning.  The reason why is that I really want to take Friday off before my long run on Saturday.  I am getting really nervous to do a long run in this heat.  It is going to be in the 80s and probably 90+ humidity while I am running.  Ugh!  I need to be as rested as possible.  

My goal was to run 8 miles today.  I knew it was going to be hard with my recent runs.  My plan was to run only on feel.  I was not going to push myself at all.  Just get the miles in...  

The first few miles felt better than expected.  The last few were harder.  Not sure if it was the heat and humidity or my tired legs.  I ran through every sprinkler that was on.  Kind of fun! 

I was back in my neighborhood at mile 7 and was set to stop and call it a day.  But I ran into another neighbor who was running.  I love that I live in a very active neighborhood!  I did another .75 miles with her.  So I finished the day at 7.75 miles.  I'll take it!

I took a sprinkle shower when I was home (with running clothes on:))  It felt soooo good!  

My plan is do another easy run tomorrow.  But my IT band is hurting some tonight.  If it still hurts in the morning then I won't run:(

Jaime

Lesson Learned

Lesson learned today:  Don't do a speed workout and then less than 24 hours later run with 2 speed demons!

I tried to keep up with my 2 speedy friends, Alyssa and Lisa.  But after 3 miles, my legs were on fire!  I had to take a little walking break and then rejoin them to finish off our 5 mile run.  Thanks for slowing down with me the last couple of miles girls:)

Marathon training is hard!  If you read my blog you can see I have some good runs but a lot of hard runs.  I don't completely regret my run today.  At least I went out there and tried.  Also, if I don't push myself I will never get better.  Right?  Next time I will adjust my schedule and not push myself too hard before running with my speedy friends.  I will be ready next time (I hope).

What is the best lesson you learned training for a race?

Good luck to everyone trying to run or workout or just survive in this heat!
Jaime

PR on the treadmill

Sunday, I had a much needed rest day!  I slept in until 6:30.  Ok maybe not the best start, but it did get better.
I went to see Mr. Poppins Penguins with Kaitlyn.  Then I had mommy time with Jackson and we went to Orange Leaf.  And then I took a looong nap:)  Later that evening we all went to the pool for a little while.

So today my legs were feeling great!  I did a speed workout on the treadmill.  I have not been on the treadmill in months.  I don't really like the treadmill of course.  But I do like it for speed work.  Especially today because...
I ran my fastest mile ever!  (Well, I think it was my fastest.  I remember running a mile for volleyball tryouts and I did run pretty fast but not this fast, I think.)

Mile 1:  Warm up
Mile 2:  8.0 on the treadmill (7:30 min/mile)  This felt easy.  Of course it was only one mile.
1 minute walking cool down
Mile 3:  8.2 (7:19 min/mile)  Still felt easy.
1 minute walking cool down
Mile 4:  Started at 8.4 and ended at 9.3  (Overall pace for this mile:  6:57 min/mile!!!!) My fastest mile ever!  It honestly didn't feel that hard either.
Mile 5:  Cool down mile

I really needed this run.  My paces lately have been so much slower than they were a couple of months ago.  I felt like I was getting slower.  I hope that this is because I am running so many more miles now than I am used to.  Now I know I can run fast (for me) at least for a mile at a time.

After that great run... it was pool time at the gym with the kids.

Indoor pool at gym

Outdoor pool at gym

I am so excited (and nervous) for tomorrow's run!  I am running with 2 FAST girls.  I hope I can keep up.
Happy Monday!
Jaime

Friday and Saturday Recap: 11 mile run and family time

On Friday, I did an easy 4 mile run with my sister and her friend Becca.  It was a nice run and I felt like I was done before I even got started.

Katie and Becca

Later that night, Ryan and I went to see Harry Potter.  We really enjoyed the movie.  We of course had are usual: popcorn, nachos and a Dr. Pepper.

I know this is not that best food before a long run.  But the extra salt will help, right?  And it was a taper week too.

I woke up early Saturday and met my sister for another run together.  We did the first 7 miles together and then I continued on to do 4 more on my own.  Ok, I have been running for a little over a year consistently and she has been running for only a little over a month consistently.  Yet she totally kept up!  If she trained like I did, she would be an amazing runner.  Someday we will run a marathon together.  Don't you think she should do it?

Me and Katie

The run overall went fine.  I actually wanted to run 12 but only had time for 11.  My pace was ok averaging right around 8:40 min/miles.   This is right around the pace that I wanted to run this week but I just wish it would have felt a little easier.

My hydration was great.  I drank my entire gatorade and stopped once at a water fountain.  I drank and drank and drank at the fountain.  I know this may not seem like a big deal but prior to last year I couldn't drink anything during my running.  It would make me nausea.  I would run half-marathons and only drink 1 or 2 sips the entire race.  Obviously I wouldn't make it through a marathon if I did this so I really had to work on this last year.  It was still hard and I definitely still did not drink enough.  I feel like my body not only can tolerate it this year but wants it.  Still need to work on getting the calories in while running.  I only took 1 Clif shot block (equal to 1/3 of a gu).

Once back home it was right to the shower and then off with the family to Culver Academy for the town Lake Festival and a visit to the campus.  (No rest for this mommy!)  It is beautiful there!  Ryan has made a lot of amazing videos for them and we were able to get a special tour of the campus.

Nathan on pony ride

Kaitlyn on pony ride

Jackson going down slide

I didn't take any pictures of the Culver campus but it really was beautiful.

Definitely a fun packed day!  I am tired now.  I am ready for a rest day all around tomorrow.
What exciting things did you do this weekend?

Beautiful Day!

Today was a perfect day for a run!  I got out the door a little later than I wanted to start my run.  But that was ok today.  The air was thin, there was a slight breeze and although it was in the 70's when I ended my run, it felt perfect!

Nathan happy to see me after my run

My goal was to do a 7 mile tempo run today.  2 mile warm-up, 3 miles fast, 2 miles warm down.
When it was time to pick up the pace my legs kept protesting.  So after a half mile of going faster, I dialed the speed back down to my happy pace.  I just enjoyed all the people on the trail today and the cool breeze on my face.  Honestly my legs did not feel great but I still really enjoyed this run!

Overall pace for 7 miles:  8:34min/mile in 1 hour exactly.  Really 1:00:00?  Too funny to hit it 1 hour perfectly.  I had to take a pic...

It was so beautiful on the monon trail that after a quick shower I took the kids back to the trail.  Kaitlyn and Jackson rode their bikes while I got another 2 miles of walking in while pushing Nathan in the stroller. Love these summer days!

K and J on the trail

Then we ate at Bub's on the trail in Carmel.

Where's my food?

I'm hungry too!

Kaityn and Chelsea( our wonderful summer babysitter!)

What a perfect summer day!  How did you enjoy this beautiful weather?
Jaime

Cross training

Today was a rest day on my training schedules (yes I have many and decide what I feel like doing for the day).  I really didn't want to rest but I really really don't want to get an injury from running too much.  But exercise is addicting!  The more you do it, the more you like it.

What to do?  Oh yes, I decided to do some cross training.  My neighborhood pool is literally 30 seconds away.  So I walked on over and did some laps in the pool.

I am a horrible swimmer.  I think the life guard was laughing at me.  Oh well.  I am not sure if I got a good work out.  It is hard for me to tell because you don't sweat.  Now I get to run tomorrow:)
What is your favorite cross training work out?

Garmin woes

It seems like the heat is the topic of conversation lately.  I was lucky enough to get out in the morning again for a 5 mile run before it got really hot.  It was still warm and humid, of course, but didn't bother me as much today.  Is my body finally adjusting?

I wish I knew what my splits were on my run today but my Garmin has not been working perfectly.  It seems like the Garmin can't figure out what pace I am running at in the beginning. Today it told me I was running a 30min/mile pace (umm, no that's walking barely), then a couple of minutes later it said I was at a 20 min pace (still walking slowly), and then 15 etc, etc.  It eventually gets it right and by mile 2 and on it seems to be right on track.  It's not that big of a deal but for my long run this weekend it did it too.  I kept picking up the pace thinking wow my legs aren't moving well.  Then when I hit mile 2 it said I was running an 8:10 pace.  That is too fast for me on my long runs.  Has anyone else ever had this problem?  Most of the time it works perfectly.  

Garmin stats for today:

Mile 1: 9:04 (really faster since the first 5 minutes I know I was faster than 15-30min/mile pace)

Mile 2: 8:22 (That is what I felt like I was running)

Mile 3: 8:05

Mile 4: 8:19

Mile 5: 7:55 

Overall pace:  8:22min/mile???

I will be interested to see what happens during my next run.

Hope everyone is staying cool and hydrated!
Jaime

Recovery Run?

Technically today was not a recovery run because I took yesterday completely off from running.  But it sure felt like it!  I was so tired when my alarm went off this morning.  I almost didn't get out of bed.  I am so glad I did though because the weather was incredibly hot here today and there is no way I could have ran tonight.  I think the high was 95 with the heat index of 117.  Way tooo hot!

I did an easy 7 miles this morning.  I wasn't trying to go fast but I don't think I could have even if I wanted to.  My legs did not feel sore but had no spring in them.  I was hoping I would feel a little better having a day of no running.  What kind of run do you like to do after a long run?

Resting as Nathan threw mulch in my hair

I had little energy all day.  I bribed the 2 older kids and told them if they let me lay down for an hour while Nathan took his nap then I would take them to Orange leaf after he woke up.  It sort of worked... They only came in my room 3 times.  I did feel better after a little rest and off we went to Orange Leaf.

The kids at OrangeLeaf

If you have never been to Orange Leaf, let me tell you it is awesome!  It is a self serve frozen yogurt place.  You pick the flavors you want and also the toppings.

Jackson's dish

I read a lot of runner's blogs and it seems like everyone else is obsessed with these frozen yogurt places too!  Maybe running makes you crave ice cream/frozen yogurt?!
Happy Monday!
Jaime

Weekend Recap: Long run and road trip to LP.

Saturday morning I woke up early and ran my long run of 14 miles.  Yippee!  I felt great!
I ran the first six miles with my sister, Katie.

My goofy sister...love her!

I love running with my sister.  I hope I can convince her to run a marathon with me someday.  We have run 2 half marathons together and had so much fun.

I then continued on to run 8 more miles for 14 total.  I am so happy with how the run went.  I was able to fuel really well.  I drank my entire gatorade that I carried with me and also stopped at 2 water fountains.  I could not get enough water at the stops.  I also had 2 cliff shot blocks.  I don't really like the taste of these but they are the only things I can get down.  Gu's make sick...literally.  I also had 2 swedish fish candies after each shot block.  They really helped take that salty taste away.  I may continue doing this.  When I finished I did not have any salt crystals caked on my face like I usually do.  Success in hydration!
What do you like to fuel with on long runs?  Any suggestions for runners with sensitive stomachs?

My legs felt great too!  I definitely felt like I could have ran a few more miles.  My last mile was also my fastest.

Me and Indy.  He doesn't mind my sweat like the kids.

I immediately came home, took a shower, packed the kid's bags and then drove 3 hours to my hometown, LaPorte, for my Grandpa's 80th birthday party.

Jackson and Nathan ready to go!

My grandparents had 8 kids!!  They were all at the party along with most of the grandkids and great grandkids.  Busy weekend but so much fun!

Grandpa and Grandma

Grandkids and Great-grandkids

Today was a rest day as far as running.  My legs are not sore at all now.  I will see how they feel running tomorrow.
I hope everyone had a great weekend!
Jaime

Cutest Running Partner

Today I ran an easy 3 mile run with the cutest girl, my daughter, Kaitlyn.

I ran a little over a mile with her around the neighborhood while she rode her bike.  Then I continued on to finish out the 3 miles.  She is the best!  I can't wait to run races with her someday!  We have already ran a 3K and a 5K together.  She is so cute and tries so hard!  I have no doubt that in a few years she will be faster than me.
I was going to write more about my fueling for tomorrow's long run but think I will wait until another post.  I am on call tonight for my practice and have been getting calls non-stop.  I think this could be the busiest Friday call I have ever had-not sure why...
Have a great weekend!
Jaime

Eagle Creek Run

Today was a hot one!  Ryan and I drove over to Eagle Creek to finally do a hilly run.  By the time we started our run it was in the 80s.  You know how much I hate running in even 70 degree weather.

You can't stop me 80 degree weather!

We set off to do the 6 mile loop.  Actually the hills aren't horrible but still make you work a little more than normal.

Hill #1

I felt ok during this run.  I can tell that if I run 3 or 4 days in a row my body is tired.  I felt that today.  I hope to tell you at the end of my marathon training that this isn't the case.


Overall pace for 6.05 miles was 8:34min/mile.  I did have to stop once to catch my breath and drink, drink, drink.  I know I stopped for about 45 seconds b/c Ryan will never stop his RunKeeper for anything and that was the difference between our watches.

It is beautiful to run at Eagle Creek!  I wish I had the time to make it over there more.  A deer almost ran right in front of Ryan.  The funny thing was he didn't even see it.  I kept yelling take a picture but he thought I meant take a picture of me running up the hill.  So he sprinted up and captured this pic of me:

Not as cool as the deer:(

Time to start the Training Plan

I have done a couple of half marathons recently and a 4.5 mile race.  They have kept my mind off the Chicago Marathon but now it's time to start concentrating on my training plan for the marathon.
I still don't have a concrete plan but have looked at many.  Still deciding... but will probably do a combination of several.

On Tuesday I did a 5 mile run.  Nice steady pace.  Felt strong.  The temperature was in the mid-60s and that felt good!  Lately I have been running in 70 degrees and it amazes me how much easier it is to run in even 5 degree cooler temps.

The day started off well and it ended great too!  Once a month several of the ladies in my neighborhood go out to eat at a local restaurant and last night was the night.  Yummy!

Today I did a run that I saw off another runner's blog.

1 Mile:  Warm up  (I have a problem with this mile.  I always start way too fast.  Today was no exception.  But I am trying.)

2 Miles:  8:30 pace  (Perfect!)

2 Miles: 8:00 pace (Actual 7:58 and 7:51,  but pretty close)

1 Mile:  Cool down ( I have no problem with the cool down miles.  I don't mind slowing my pace down at the end:))

I really enjoyed this run!  I felt like every mile had a goal and I like goals!
Jaime

Happy 4th of July!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  It was a fun and busy weekend here.

I was able to get my long run done on Sunday.  I did 12 miles at a nice easy pace with my neighbor, Jennifer.  I am so lucky to have so many neighbors that run!

It was in the 70s and humid again but did feel better than Saturday.  The miles flew by and the run was done before I knew it.  However, I don't think I have ever sweat that much.  My shirt was completely soaked by the end.  I drank so much too!  I used Powerade for the first time and really liked it.  It did not upset my stomach at all.  I usually drink Gatorade but may think about switching now.  I am really happy that I was able to run so much the day after a race.  I have been feeling a little down that my paces are much slower than they used to be.  But I don't think I could have ran a long run after a race last year at this time.  So I think my endurance is improving at least.
(I also need to say that I drove by the race route today and the 2 hills I described were actually mild inclines only.  Wow I suck at any run that isn't completely flat.  My goal this week is to get over to Eagle Creek Park and do a run where there are routes with rolling hills.)

The rest of the weekend was spent with the family.  Lots of cookouts, swimming, and fireworks.  Fun!

Here our a few pics of Kaitlyn, Jackson, and Nathan from the weekend.