First Day of School

Today was Kaitlyn and Jackson's first day of school.  Kaitlyn was such a good big sister and really helped calm Jackson's fears.  I was really impressed how brave Jackson was too.  I think I was the only one with tears in my eyes.

The protective big sister

Big 2nd grader

So brave

Nathan thought he was getting on the bus too.  He actually ran after the bus when it left.  So cute!

My Babies

They both had a great day!  And that made my day.

Even if today marks 1 week of no running:(  Man I miss running.  But my foot is not ready yet.  Hopefully one or two more days of rest????  Well that will be the test day.

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!

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

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