Trail Factor Half Marathon

Oh my gosh. 

Hey, hey!

The worst blogger award goes to yours truly…

Me.

What’s up, guys?

I owe you a recap of my half marathon. Let me say that I haven’t done hills like that in so long and my ass hurts badly.

Well, on May 28th I did the Trail Factor Half Marathon. If you haven’t figured it out by the name already, it was a trail race, which are my favorite.

The elevation was crazy amazing. I’m a sucker for hills and climbing up dirt trails. 

Those squiggly lines mean steep incline.

Anyway, the race started at 8 AM and I was there at 7 AM because my mom is a spaz like that. We showed up, I sat around, and listened to Miley Cyrus Rob Zombie.

I am almost positive that I was the youngest person there. It’s no surprise. I don’t know many 19 year old’s who love running fifteen miles on their free time instead of going to the movies. It’s okay. I have accepted the fact that I’m a weirdo.

Example A:

I have a fake tattoo of bullet holes on my leg. So cool.

Moving on. I obviously peed a few times before everyone starts moving to the starting point. (There is a 50k going on at the same time too.)

And boom! The race started with a, “Go!”

The incredible thing about trail races is that you get to be by yourself on the trail for the majority of the time. I made sure I made my way to the front and I stayed there the remainder of the time. That gives me time to think about whatever, sing out loud, and cuss every time I hit another switch back. 

So, for the next 13.1 miles (probably more), I ran and ran and ran…

Is that Bigfoot?

I think my running stance for my hands is just a permanent thumbs up. Seriously.

After the half way point, I passed one dude. He was pissed too. I caught up with him and then his shoe kept coming untied so he stopped to tie. I was like… really? I have ran two cross-country races with untied shoes. I told him, “Just let it be, man. Keep going.” Such a hippie thing to say.

I passed him and then with, like, a half of a mile to go, I passed another guy.

I crossed the finish line in 1:37. I was 8th place, 1st female, and 1st in my age group. 

It’s funny because the so-called master female runner didn’t finish until twenty minutes after me.

All and all, it was a good race. I love racing. I’m a very competitive person so racing for me is almost natural. I guess that’s the word I’m looking for.

I did win a jacket for being the first female at the half way point. Hurray.

Also, I found out I was adopted that day…

Just kidding. I’m just the only photogenic person in my family.

My family loves me.

Well, that’s my race recap.

Race on, fellas, race on.

Reviewin’ the Good Stuff

One week. 

Next Monday I will be on a plane for boot camp for the Marines. 

Oh my gosh. I can’t believe it.

I have these moments where I am deadly afraid and today I actually wanted to go. 

I’m done working. Boo. However, that means I can blog and bug you guys instead. Lucky you. 

And, I didn’t do anything for Halloween. I was invited to a party by a guy at my work, but I was working that night then my mom told me no. Uh, I’m 18. If  I can decide to join the Marines and I can go to a party.

Anyway, hi everyone! I hope everyone is doing great.

I barely remember what I did last week workout wise. I’ll try my best though.

Monday: Ran 8.48 miles @ 7:17 mile pace (the day before I ran ten miles)

Tuesday: Ran on the treadmill for 3+ miles and track workout (3.71 miles) I did a mile in under six minutes!

Wednesday: 11.66 miles @ an extremely slow pace. I was tired from waking up at six. It was awful.

Thursday:  Ran on the treadmill for 2+ miles and a track workout. I only did a 3k and some 800′s for a total of 2.80 miles.

Friday: A lovely trail run! It was a great run. I did 6.86 miles.

Saturday: Spin class + weights

Sunday: Spin class + weights

Total mileage: 39.51+ miles.

I’m sure I did more than that by maybe a few miles. I know it is not a lot of mileage as I would like, but all my workouts were varied. I did speed, tempo, recovery, and a medium long run. 

Anyway, as I said, I left my job since I’m leaving in a week for the Marines.  I loved my job. Granted, this is what I worked with daily…

I probably tasted every thing in that case. Best thing? The mint brownies or revel bar, which was like a mixture of a chocolate bar and an oatmeal cookie.

Everyday I got to eat good food at Laughing Planet Cafe.

They have the best burritos and salads.

My work was located next to Saint Cupcake.

  Vegan German chocolate cupcake
Mint chocolate cupcake
Fat Elvis
They also have cookies. That eaten cookie is an alder-smoked chocolate chip cookie.

There a lot of things I will miss, but I am starting a new chapter in my life.

Change is good.

And change starts with an empty peanut butter jar and Greek yogurt.

Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.
-Confucius

 

 

Lazy Weekend

Your comments were incredible in my last post. I hope you guys know how beautiful and strong you are. It’s true.

What a lazy weekend I had.

I went shopping…

Check out my new watch, yo.

I also got some new V-neck shirts from Victoria’s Secret and Target as well as Pac Sun. Then, I got another pair of tempo shorts to add to my collection.

Read until I fell asleep…

I drunk a lot of ice coffee…

Thank you, Starbucks, for spelling my name correctly. 

Ate a lot…

 I am never  going back to regular ice cream again.
Eggs + mushroom leek tart + potato knish

Moreover, I decided to add more weight lifting days in my schedule.

On days that I lift, I will only run for an hour or less (if it’s an easy run day). I really do love lifting and it’s obvious I have gained muscle.

I believe I gained eight pounds in the past few weeks. Initially, I had no idea why. I mean, I was eating the same and working out the same so why was I gaining? Why all of a sudden would I gain weight like crazy? It had to be muscle because I went to shopping and I still fit in all the same sizes. At Forever 21, I could fit in a double zero or zero. (They are cheaply made clothes though.) Then, at Lucky’s, I could fit in a zero. Sorry if a size zero is shocking to you, but it’s what I am. I use to be a size 9 so… whatever.

Anyway, I love lifting weights. However, I hate the weight lifting routines or whatever you want to call them in Women’s Health Magazine. Fitness and Shape have worse examples. They literally say grab a five-pound dumbbell and do a rep 898484 times. Literally that number, guys.

Men’s Health Magazine, on the other hand, has great workouts. My brother gets the magazine, but I end up ‘borrowing’ it from him. I really do not think he uses it, to be honest (not rude), because he beer belly still exists. That’s beside the point. Men’s Health Magazine is for anyone who is serious about lifting and fitness in general. Also, the meal plans are awesome. They are not 1,500 calories, but hell of a lot more.

Besides, Men’s Health puts rather attractive men on the cover.

I know this week, thanks to Men’s Health, I will be doing this upper body workout. If I’m going to be a Marine, I need some arm strength.

WEEKLY PROGRESS TEST
EXERCISE		SETS	REPS
1	Inverted Row	1	As many reps as you can in 30 seconds. Retest weekly.

WORKOUT 1 (WEEK 1)
EXERCISE		SETS	REPS	REST
1	Deadlift	3	3	60 s
2A	Pullup	3	6-8	0 s
2B	Back Raise	3	6-8	60 s

WORKOUT 2 (WEEK 2)
EXERCISE		SETS	REPS	REST
1	Deadlift	3	3-5	60 s
2A	Inverted Row	3	10	0 s
2B	Lat Pulldown	3	10-12	60 s

WORKOUT 3 (WEEK 3)
EXERCISE		SETS	REPS	REST
1A	Scapula Pulldown	4	10	0 s
1B	Barbell Shrug	4	12	0 s
1C	Back Raise	4	12	90 s

WORKOUT 4 (WEEK 4)
EXERCISE		SETS	REPS	REST
1A	Face Pull	3	6-10	0 s
1B	Lat Pulldown	3	8-15	0 s
1C	Back Raise	3	10-15	90 s

  The Payoff   

• Bigger Muscle This workout trains your rear deltoids, rhomboids, and trapezius—all commonly neglected muscles of your upper body. By shoring up these weak spots, you’ll pack on muscle and build a more symmetrical physique. 
• A Wider Upper Back The pullup and lat pulldown in this workout are slightly different from standard versions. You’ll initiate each move by sliding your shoulder blades down. This allows your lats to contract through a larger range of motion, so they develop fully. 
• Total-Body Strength The deadlift is more than just a muscle builder for your lower back and hamstrings. It strengthens your back from top to bottom and conditions your “posterior chain”—all the muscles on the back of your body—to work in coordination.

Week in Review:

Monday: 9.61 miles @ 7.0 average pace
Tuesday: 10.41 miles @ 7:11 average pace (it was hella hot and I didn’t expect to go that long)
Wednesday: 5.15 miles @ 7:03 average pace
Thursday: 11.53 miles @ 6:53 average pace
Friday: Weights + Elliptical
Saturday: 13.66 mile trail run @ whatever pace. My watch says 7:48, but that would be feel like walking for me so I don’t think that is correct.
Sunday: Weight class + 15 minute spin class (I was bored so I left) + 4-5 mile run (I didn’t have my Garmin) + elliptical to cool down
Total mileage: 50.36 plus 4-5 miles 

Hell yeah! In the 50′s finally even though my first three runs of the week were slow. I didn’t really focus on my pace as much as I didn’t my mileage. So, this week I should really focus on both. 

Have a good second week of August!

“Now bid me run, And I will strive things impossible.”
- William Shakespear, Julius Caesar

Gettin’ Wild

Thank you so much for all your supportive comments on my thoughts about college and the Air Force. All and all, I am really leaning towards the Air Force. As soon as I have a day off from work, I am scheduling an appointment with a recruiter. Just like I think the Air Force isn’t for everyone, I don’t think college is for everyone either.

Let’s get down to business.

Yesterday was my second half marathon, but my first half marathon for a trail race. It was the Wildwood Trail Run. It was actually the same course as the Forest Park 20k I did so I was familiar with the path.

Since I knew it was the same course, I gave myself a goal of beating my previous time. My previous time was 1:36:41. In this case, the seconds matter because I PR by 18 seconds. I was rather disappointed that I didn’t at least do a minute better, but I realized that I started off way too fast. I was so wrapped up in the competition aspect that I didn’t even enjoy my surroundings. I was also so focused on pushing through my soreness from lifting weights the other day that I was afraid to slow down. I just kept pushing it. I felt super fast, but I don’t think I was going that quickly as I felt. It’s funny how that works.

Whatever, whatever.

My final time was 1:36:23.

I came in second place out of 167 people.

I was first in my age group and first woman.

Of course, I’m pleased with my results. Second place isn’t terrible even if it was out of 167 people. It was just one of those races that I wasn’t entirely pumped up for. I listened to some music before hand to get my fired up, but I was just so focused on picking people out from the crowd and telling myself I would beat them.

In actuality, I was a mixed bag of emotions Saturday morning. I was panicky, thrilled, and apprehensive all at once.

               

In the end though, I got my medal and I did set a new record for women on the course for the half marathon. Holla at your girl.

Just adding it to my collection.

That wasn’t a boast or anything.

———————————————————————————————–

 

My appetite is slowly coming back. I somewhat did an experiment that Racing Weight recommended, which I will have a review of soon. In the past two days, I have been starving constantly hence eating sweet onion rings from Burgerville at ten at night. 

Have I stepped on the scale? Yeah…

I’m just telling myself it’s muscle. I mean, it really should be. My pants fit the same.

Who cares? I shouldn’t.

Whatever. Moving on to my new obsession:
So good and it says it helps skin, nails, and hair. I need that. Desperately.

In other news, here’s my week in review first starting with eats:

 Tamales w/ eggplant (good mix I know)
Dinner @ work. Tofu + snap peas + swiss chard + tuna casserole

Dinner @ work again. Tuna + asparagus + rice + potato ball of cheese

Workout review of 25th – 31st:

Monday: 10.01 miles @ 6:42 average pace (hills)
Tuesday: 9.06 miles @ 6:53 average pace
Wednesday: 7.46 miles @ 7:03 average pace (easy run)
Thursday: 10.21 miles @ 6:49 average pace (longer than expected. I got lost.)
Friday: Easy day of upper body weights
Saturday: Race! 13.1 miles @ 6:59 average pace
Sunday: Weights and spin class

Total Mileage: 49.93

I failed at upping my mileage once again. I just want to be in the 50‘s. I’m almost there. I either need to get speedier or go longer. I’ll aim for both.

Enjoy August!

By the way, just out of curiosity, how many of you would enjoy book reviews on normal books? By normal books I mean books not associated with running.

“Second place is not a defeat. It is a stimulation to get better. It makes you even more determined.” - Carlos Lopes

Rethinking

Holla amigos! 

I left you guys with a cliff hanger yesterday, didn’t I? I watch too many soap operas so I must say I am a pro.

Well, let’s begin with Tuesday. I had a bit of breakdown before work and I started yelling anything and everything. What came out was, “I don’t want to go to Portland State. I hate Portland. Blah blah blah. College… yada yada…” You get my point. I came home that night and my mom and I had a talk.

I have always been fascinated by military life. In high school, I seriously considered joining the army. However, I went to college preparatory school where the army seemed to look down upon. College was the focus and women need an education, not the army. I have a great amount of respect for anyone in the military though. I want to be respected like that. Many times people have told me how I am not good enough, not strong enough, and not fast enough. Due to that, I have zero self-confidence.

I am now seriously thinking of joining the Air Force. I want to show others that college isn’t everything. You don’t have to go to college to gain independence. The Air Force will offer me confidence, discipline, and the skills I need to succeed that I feel like college will not give me. After orientation at Portland State the other week, I felt like I was going to loathe it. I didn’t like the people nor did I like the classes that I had to take. I didn’t think I would fit in. With the Air Force, I just might fit in. I just might show others how tough I am. I’m not just a tiny woman who is shy and quiet.

I was thinking of the Marines too, but I like the lifestyle of the Air Force a lot more. I watched the videos online and the Air Force really appealed to me.  Besides, I get run in the Air Force. I can still run cross-country, which is majorly important to me. Whatever I do, wherever I go, I do want to run.

Of course I’m nervous. What if they don’t take me? What if I’m too small? What if I’m not strong enough? Can I still be a vegetarian? Silly questions, I know.

However, I am seriously considering the Air Force. As soon as I have a day off from work (HA, fat chance), I am going to speak to a recruiter.

All I know is that college is not appealing to me currently. Oregon itself is not appealing to me. It never was. I moved to Oregon about six years ago because my brother wanted to. Yes, my brother told me parents he wanted to move so we did.

With all of this, my mom is supporting me… somewhat. She understands how badly I want to run at a professional level. She also would be so proud of me for going into the military. She told me she would be more proud if I went into the military than college because everyone goes to college now. She is just nervous if they don’t take me, then what? Will I end up like my brother who works nonstop because he didn’t go to college? Nonetheless, my mom said she would allow me six months to re-think what I want to do with my life if I decide to not go to college.

Let’s just hope they take me because I think I would actually fit in.

I just have a lot to think about. 

I feel like I still need to talk it over with someone. Someone who too is considering the military or someone who has been in the Air Force. I have watched the videos on the Air Force’s website, but all the videos just have men in them. How can I relate?

In other news, tomorrow is the Wildwood Trail Run. It’s another half marathon. I am thinking of it as another normal run and not a race because I won’t get home until 9:30 tonight due to work then I bet I won’t go to bed until 11 since I’ll just be awake. Ahhh!

Better get my ass in gear now though. I’ll be back to regular posting soon. Until then, have a good weekend!

Wish me luck!

“Anybody can do just about anything with himself that he really wants to and makes his mind to do. We are capable of greater than we realize.”

- Norman Vincent Peale

Q&A:

• What are your views on the military?
• Ever had to really re-think your life? 

Funky Town

Sorry for my absence again. I have been in somewhat of funk that I am slowly getting out of.

This week/weekend, I felt a little down in the dumps. I just wasn’t happy.

I was obviously lacking happiness. 

I felt like I had a negative bubble around me. I was stressed. It’s my first time with a real job. I was working every day last week from 2:30-9 and I didn’t get to go to bed until eleven. I came home starving every night and I was craving salt like cray cray.

I never caught up on sleep. Saturday and Sunday, I was up at 4:30 AM for work. Then, on Monday, I had over an eight-hour shift. I know I shouldn’t complain. People work. It’s life.

To add to that, after every single meal, I was not satisfied. I was full, but I just didn’t feel satisfied with what I just ate so I would wait then eat more and more. Of course that played with my head so what did I do? I got on that scale. Twice. The first time, the number was XXX and I was like, “Sweet. I can eat all that and not gain.” However, since I’m nutso, I got on again two days later after eating like 20 meatless meatballs and saw I gained two pounds. It was probably only water weight and I bet it is gone now, but I’m too nervous to check. I shouldn’t care! The whole gaining weight thing came to another halt, but I have been adding more snacks when I’m hungry instead of just gnawing down on fruit.

I notice I have not been that hungry lately either. I know I should eat, but I just don’t feel hungry. Then when I feel little hungry, I gulp down water and an apple. Wrong. I can have that, but I should eat some nuts with it or something. I just find it puzzling that I have not been hungry nor satisfied with anything I eat.

I have the strangest cravings too. I want salt. No crunchy. No. Crunchy and salty. Chocolate. Pretzels. Potato chips. Dates. Apples.

Why? I don’t know.

Due to that ridiculous fiasco, I was stressed and anxious. I didn’t restrict though. I ate the same. I ate dessert. I bought a bag of Pop Chips. I know I shouldn’t care. After reading some of The New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women, I know eating plenty (even more for me) is alright. 2,000+ calories a day is what I should be doing.

In addition, my mom is going out of town for a few days. I’m use to it and I don’t mind being alone except I just know there is a lot of responsibility that comes with it since we have seven dogs and six cats. No joke. The house has to be cleaned, everyone has to be fed, walked, etc. It’s work. I don’t see myself catching up on sleep yet. At least I don’t have work this week.

Also, apparently I am trying to sabotage my mom. She accused me of making her fat so I could look better. Uhhhh, what? First of all, what? And second of all, who does that? Why would I do that? It doesn’t make sense. When I would just bring home bread pudding for myself, I would get yelled at it for being selfish and only thinking of myself. Now when I bring her home something to eat, I get yelled at for giving my mom a muffin top. What?

I don’t even know.

Let me add to that. In high school, my two best friends were older than me so they graduated first hence why I was a huge loner senior year. Anyway, we still talk from time to time, but since they are back in town, we want to hang out. We haven’t seen each other since Christmas. Well, one friend randomly texts me and says, “Wanna go to a party on Friday? Then ____ and I will crash at your place. You can drive.” We haven’t talked in months and this is my first hello? They always took advantage of me because I was younger and I had a car. Neither one of them even have their driver license. I am just pissed. I want new friends. Actually, I just want some friends in general and not ones that text me out of the blue then put demands on me.

Heidi, let’s be friends.

I just want to be back to my peppy self.

I’m actually not that peppy in real life, or so my family says. I wish I were. I wish I didn’t obsess over everything and I could be an upbeat person 24/7. My personality doesn’t allow it I suppose.

I apologize for the overly rant filled post. I hope to get my spirits up soon. Besides, Harry Potter = Friday.

Week in review:

Monday: Race 13.1 miles
Tuesday: 8.57 miles
Wednesday:  8.44 miles
Thursday: 8.81 miles
Friday: RIPPED class + elliptical
Saturday: 7.76 miles (trail run/hills) + weights
Sunday: 12.57 miles (trail run w/friend)

Total mileage: 59.25 miles.

Woah. Too much of an increase since last week. In my defense, Saturday and Sunday are usually my days of cross training. I take a spin class on both days and lift, but due to work, that was not possible. I miss spinning! I miss my butt sweat.

My goal for this week is to simply add some more cross training and keep the mileage around 50-55. I need to do more trail runs too. My half marathon trail race is on July 30th. 

No honorable eats, but here is my honorable puppy:

No Hatin’

Hiya! Before I even start this post, I want to be a Negative Nancy opposed to my Positive Polly self. Well, I just want to voice my opinion for a moment so call me Voicing Victor. (??) Alrighty. Too many names.

The reason I don’t do WIAW is because I don’t want your comments on what I eat even if it is enough for everything that I do. I don’t want to read “you eat too much of that” or “no wonder why you’re hungry all the time” type of comments.

I should have known by posting my review of workouts this week that I would get shit. “Oh, you do so much. You are wasting your life. Take a rest. You need rest.”  First of all, who said I was working out all hardcore on the elliptical after my runs? It’s how I cool down. Who said I am even pushing myself to oblivion on my runs? Blogs are one dimensional. What I do and what I post can be two very different things.

As for rest, I take rest days when I know I need them. I understand athletes take rest days, but not all of them take them every week. They take them when they feel they need it or they take active rest days. 

If my workouts, what I eat, or how I post celebrity workouts bothers you, then whatever.

Yes, I said it. The end. 

——————————————————————————————–

So, on Monday I successfully did a long run with my friend on the trails. We did approximately 11 miles.  I think my Garmin lost a signal at one point so it may be 12. Let’s just say 11. It was slow though. I’m not saying this to beep my own horn, but I was faster than my friend and she told me to go ahead. So I did then I would wait for her. I felt bad. I hate when you run with someone and you really have to slow down your pace.

But it was nice to run with someone. Besides, I love the trails. I could be on them all day. Holla for 11 miles!

That’s obviously how I run.

I had to refuel somehow and I wasn’t going to pay six dollars at Whole Food’s juice bar for a smoothie.

 Veggie pizza

Baskin Robin’s baseball nut and Reese’s ice cream

Seeing that I did 11 miles on Monday, Tuesday I just stuck to the elliptical and a strength & conditioning class.  My foot was feeling iffy. It doesn’t hurt, but it just doesn’t feel like my left foot. Perhaps it’s still getting used to running. I don’t know. As long as I don’t feel pain, I’m fine. No pain.

———————————————————————————————-

I had work today at 7 AM, which meant I had a 5:30 wake up call. I don’t know how I took a shower and got dressed in under 20 minutes, but I did. Oh wait. I don’t shave my legs nor do I layer on makeup so that explains it.

Work has been going very well lately. I talked to the boss about working in the afternoons and it seems like they are looking into it. Also, I get to work immediately after my half marathon on Monday. Work it, girl. 

It may have not been the best idea to run 11.41 miles today. I didn’t plan it. I just kept going and I wasn’t thinking about anything. You ever have those runs when your mind is clear and you just listen to the sound of your breathing? That’s what happened so I kept going.

I did stop at New Seasons Market to pee and eat their free samples. Duh.

I don’t know why, but my half marathon that’s in like three days keeps slipping my mind. It’s not real to me yet. Not that running a half marathon is the big deal, but racing one… that’s getting to me. I’m such a perfectionist that it is making me nervous. What if I do not do that well? What if my foot gives out finally? Ahhh.

Remember when I said I see a marathon in the future? Well, I filled out form because I am interested in this one:

I love Tosh.0. I even saw Daniel Tosh live.

If you don’t know, I am a huge comedy fan. There was a time when I wanted to be a comedian. I would still like to be a comedian, but… I’m not  funny.

I could be a model though. I mean, look at me. I have so much in common with Jillian Michaels and Audrina Patridge.

Time for honorable eats: 

Questions:
- Do you run the day before a race?
- Who is your favorite comedian? 

Stronger, Faster, Quicker

I made myself wake up before six AM this morning to get in an hour run before work (weight lifting followed after work). Going on the run wasn’t the hard part. It was so beautiful out. The birds were chirping, the sun was out, and it was just generally peaceful. I was really enjoying my surroundings.

I guess I was enjoying them too much.

 I’m not fishing for compliments here or any ‘woe is me’ comments. This might as well be considered a jog.

I want to go back to these days. 

I know, I know. After coming back to running after not running for days, weeks, and months in a row, I shouldn’t be too concerned. I am though. I’m allowed to be.

Perhaps I should lay off the bread pudding. Yeah, it’s like the size of Shaq’s fist.

Whatever, whatever.

If my first Foot Traffic Flat half marathon isn’t amazing, then I always have

…the Wildwood Trail Run race. I signed up for another trail run. This time it is a half marathon. It’s July 30th and I finally signed up because I requested a discount for being ‘youth’. I got seven bucks off! Holla.

I think my double digit run tomorrow after work with my friend will be great practice.

Speaking of work, my boss has me working morning shifts all next week. I am pretty positive that I told him I cannot work mornings before I even got the job. I don’t know how to confront him since it’s my first job and I just started it. Any ideas? 

Recap of this week workout wise:

Monday: Ran 5.46 miles in 38 minutes + a random cardio/weight/Plyometric based class at my gym (~48 minutes) + 20 minute trail run
Tuesday: Ran ?? miles in 45 minutes or so followed by the elliptical.
Wednesday: Ran 7.19 miles in 52 minutes followed by the elliptical and water aerobics
Thursday: Ran 8.81 miles in one hour followed by the elliptical
Friday: Ran 8.61 miles in 1:01 then did some weights and the elliptical
Saturday:  1 hour spin class followed by the elliptical
Sunday: Ran 8.49 miles in 1:02 + 50 minutes of weights

Total mileage:  Approximately 45ish. I just forgot my Garmin on Tuesday. Well, I had it, but I forgot to press start after I stopped.

Thanks, Justin.

————————————————————————————————

I have not done honorable eats in awhile. What’s wrong with me? It’s tradition.

Honorable eats:

Crab cakes + noodles + mushrooms + yellow squash
Indian salad
Tomato + goat cheese galette  w/ Brussels sprouts x 1981651
Strawberry Napoleon  

Questions for you:

- How do you gain running speed?
- What’s your favorite dessert? Bread pudding. Hands down. I learned how to make it at my job today.

You Know You’re a Runner When…

you steal running surveys from other runners.

What is your favorite type of cross training?

I use the elliptical a lot. I also lift weights and bike, but lifting is my favorite. I find it relaxing.

What is your favorite song to run to?

I never run to music honestly. I’ll listen to some beforehand like Pink or something upbeat just to get me pumped up.

What brand of shoes do you wear?

Currently it’s Adidas. I still am thinking about getting New Balance shoes.

I have had my fair share of shoes though. This isn’t even all of them. I have three more that aren’t pictured. Well, four pairs actually.

Do you wear a hat when you run?

Only if it is raining, which happens when you live in Portland.

What temperature is your favorite for running?

In the 50′s or 60′s. Anything that isn’t too hot or too cold so I can just wear shorts and a tee.

Do you have any big races coming up?

I have a half marathon on July 4th! Holla.

What is your favorite distance?

I have done many distances like 400, 800, 1500, 3000, 20k, 15k, 12k, and a 10k. I like anything that is long so a 15k. I have run a half marathon, but not a half marathon race so we’ll see how that goes. I love long distances. Hey, I see a marathon in my future.

Are you a morning, noon, or evening runner?

Morning all the way! I hate noon running. I don’t know why. I do run in the evening if I have to. Besides, all my XC practices are in the evening.

Do you run solo or with a buddy?

Obviously during XC season I am with my team. I like to run solo so I can go at my own pace. For me, sometimes a buddy just slows you down. I know, that sounds really selfish. I do like running with friends though.

This picture may show otherwise. I’m the one obviously running in the opposite direction. What’s wrong with me? 

What is your favorite post run snack?

My yogurt bowl mess of nut butters, Greek yogurt, protein bar, and protein powder. I eat that with fruit.

What is your favorite race?

So far, I haven’t done many races outside of XC season. However, up to this point, my favorite race has been the Forest Park Trail Race 20k. I love me some trails.

As for XC meets, my favorite was at state when my team and I were seconds away from not making the start.

Though, having one of our meets in San Francisco was amazing!

Do you wear a Garmin? If not, how do you track your distance?

I definitely wear a Garmin. Period.

What is my least favorite race?

Regional’s in Idaho. I was just not into it. You know how you have those days were you’re off and you just know, “Oh, this run/race/workout isn’t going to be that great because I’m not into it.”? That’s how I felt.  I was into the warmup before the race. My team and I were listening to Blink 182 and singing while we ran, but other than that, I was not pumped up. I was just, like, super nervous about the start. Besides, it was f-ing cold.

Where is your favorite medal from?

XC season. It was my first year doing XC and I got a medal for being Rookie of the Year and Senior of the Year.

Who is your running idol?

I love Pam Reed. I wouldn’t say she is my running idol per say, but I really adore her. I love her book. She deals with anorexia. She’s like 100 pounds, but knocks out 20+ miles a day. Also, Pam Reed doesn’t let her weight slow her down despite what people think about her. She may look crazy in her pictures, but she’s so inspirational for women runners. Read her book. It’s fantastic.

I also worship Dean Karnazes. He’s just so badass. I think I like him a lot because his books were the first running books I picked up.

How long have you been a runner?

Basically since the middle/end of junior year of high school so maybe a little over a year and a half. I picked up running since I stopped doing boot camps and kickboxing. I didn’t join track until junior year then I loved running so much I joined cross-country senior year. That’s when I became a runner. I stopped focusing on running to be fit, but I focused on running to better myself and to compete. I love competition.

Do you run with your wedding/engagement ring on?
Well, since I am not married…. no.

What is your favorite workout? tempo? long run? fartlek? repeats?
I like long runs and fartleks. Tempos are okay if you’re with someone. Same with repeats. I need to be with someone to enjoy it.

What is your favorite place to run?
I have a favorite running route currently, but I do just love running in the woods.

Do you use Gu?
Nope. I never have. Old school! Actually, not really old school. I just never had the need for Gu.

What do you drink to keep hydrated?
Water. I drink so much that I pee like all the time. You know you’re a runner when you have considered peeing in public just behind a tree because that’s what you do when you’re on a run.

What do you take with you on a run? Does it vary by distance?
Just my Garmin and maybe my car keys. And my legs. I need those.

Question for you:

How did you know when you were a runner? (Funny or serious)
Or, if you don’t run, how did you know you were a cyclist/weight lifter/etc? 

…you learn to blow snot from your nose while running. (I have mastered that.)
…you know where every public bathroom is on your run. (So true for me.)
…a good run has scars to prove it.

…serving sizes don’t matter anymore.
…you enjoy running hills.
…you have some nasty veins in your feet and ankles.
…every road you drive on you think what a great hill workout this would be.
…you take pictures of yourself in the bathroom after a good run.

…a burrito the size of a small infant doesn’t fill you.

Hey, slow poke!

Workout: Ran 5.46 miles in 38 minutes + a random cardio/weight/Plyometric based class at my gym (~48 minutes)

Gosh that is slow! Don’t laugh at me.  I am just getting off a foot injury again. That’s my excuse. I have new shoes. That’s another excuse.

2nd workout: 20 minute trail run. I was a sweaty mess and it was only twenty minutes. Lots of hills though.

I have until July 4th to get my ass in gear for the half marathon.

The good news is my foot is hurting way less and the Adidas shoes seem to be working out. I still may buy the New Balance 1190 since I have a coupon for Road Runners.  Who knows though? I do see some new Nike tempo shorts in my future. Might as well add to my collection. I really want some blue ones for the 4th of July.

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I can’t believe I forgot to do a Father Day’s post yesterday! Shame on me. First I run too slowly and now this? Who am I?

I do love my dad even though I rarely show it.

He’s my biggest fan when it comes to sports. When I play softball and basketball, he practiced with me. I still shoot hoops with him. When I have a race, he times me and waits for me at the finish line.

I can be quite the little jerk to him though. I only see my dad maybe once every three months because of his job and I rarely call him. He irritates me sometimes, but that shouldn’t be an excuse for me to not talk to him. I love him. I do. It’s just his personality that aggravates me. It could be worse, however. I could not even have a dad. True.

I think I owe someone an apology. After all, if I didn’t have him, I wouldn’t have a number one fan.

Questions that need an answer:

Are you and your father close?

Who is your number one fan when it comes to running/swimming/sports/etc?

What was your workout today? 

 By the way, go see Hangover 2. It may be exactly like the first  one, but it is nonetheless hilarious.