Winter Miles Challenge 2015

Back for its second year, now is the time for the Winter Miles Challenge! This challenge is about holding yourself (and each other) accountable to your weekly mileage goal. Winter is notoriously the most difficult time of year to stay a committed runner. Between cold temperatures, blustery winds, darkness and snow, there are plenty of excuses to cheat or quit. But if you want a strong spring, the work needs to be done over winter. I invite you to join the Winter Miles Challenge to stay the course during the toughest 8 weeks of winter.

JANUARY 12 - MARCH 8, 2015

HOW IT WORKS
1. ) Each week, you select the goal that is right for YOU. (Your goal may change from week to week.)  I highly encourage you to share your weekly goal with others via social media... For example "My goal is to run 25 miles this week in the #WinterMiles Challenge. Check back with me on Sunday to see if I succeed!"

2.)  Do it. Run, walk, bike or elliptical (basically any method that you can track miles). You can use the great outdoors, a gym or at home.  Keep track of your mileage each week. For the purpose of this challenge, a week runs Monday through Sunday. Click here for a weekly planner/ that you can use to track your progress.

3.)  REPORT BACK HERE your completed #WinterMiles every Monday before 12noon CST.  If you hit your weekly goal, you will be entered into the weekly prize drawing...

Week 1 (Jan.12-18) - BondiBand Combo Prize Pack - Winner is Amy Canavan!
Week 2 (Jan.19-25) - Pro Compression Marathon Socks - Winner is Tanya Banks!
Week 3 (Jan.26-Feb.1) - Seirus Face Masque - Winner is Jenn Kleszynski!
Week 4 (Feb.2-8) - Runner Necklace - Winner is Jaime Engstrom!
Week 5 (Feb.9-15) - Soleus GPS Running Watch  - Winner is Leanne McGann!
Week 6 (Feb.16-22) - KnuckleLights (2 winners!)
Week 7 (Feb.23-Mar.1) - 2Toms BlisterShield & StinkFree shoe/gear spray
Week 8 (Mar.1-8) - Finisher's Medal & Shirt for the 2015 Jelly Bean!

*Virtual Race Week: Participate in the Snowball Shuffle 8K virtual race (details below) to earn a bonus entry into the prize drawing.

4.) Repeat for 8 weeks and you'll be ready for that spring race!

The Winter Miles Challenge is FREE to participate!

Follow me on Facebook for support and motivation throughout the challenge. Join the official FB Event to connect with other participants and invite your friends.

eNewsletter #1 Jan. 12
eNewsletter #2  Jan. 18
eNewsletter #3  Jan. 25
eNewsletter #4  Feb. 9


** VIRTUAL RACE **

Shiny Winter Bling!! These finisher's medals for the Snowball Shuffle 8K Virtual Race will disappear quickly, so grab one while you can. Silver glitter ring circles the design, finished with a metallic silver neck ribbon. Virtual Race is the week of February 9-15.  Grab some friends, shuffle through the snow for an 8K (4.97 miles), and then end with a snowball fight (or warm drinks). Report back your finish time and earn an extra entry into the #WinterMiles week 5's prize drawing - a Soleus GPS running watch!   $10.00 plus $2 shipping within U.S.  SORRY, SOLD OUT. 

Print Virtual Race Bib HERE
Report back your finish time at the end of the week, along with your #WinterMiles.
Note: There will be a special section in the report this week for the #SnowballShuffle.

*** WINTER MILES GEAR ***

One of my favorite winter sayings is now on a shirt!  

I hope every time you wear this, it motivates you to keep moving... 

These electric blue performance shirts are moisture-wicking 100% polyester. Available in both long or short sleeve, it's perfect no matter what part of the country you're running. Select your size S-2XL in either Ladies or Mens cut. I think this style/brand is pretty true to size with a relaxed it, but please refer to manufacturer's size chart below. This is a custom order, so please remember I do not have extras for exchanges.  
$25.00 plus $3 shipping within U.S.*  SORRY, SOLD OUT. 

*Note: I will ship to Canada; however, there is an additional $7 international shipping charge. International delivery time is also longer.

Giveaway: Chicago F^3 Lake Half Marathon

One of the best ways to stay motivated as a runner is having a race firmly planted on your calendar. This especially holds true over the winter months. As soon as I finished my last race, I realized my upcoming calendar was oddly empty of running events. For a variety of reasons, I've tried to avoid "filling the weekends", but it quickly became obvious that I needed a new goal to cling to. My running shoes (and waistline) were depending on it.

Thus, the F^3 Lake Half Marathon, presented by REM-Fit appeared on my radar.

The timing was just right, and it came well-recommended by a friend in Chicago. Now you might question my idea of "timing"... January 24 in Chicago? Mid-winter in the Windy City?  13.1 miles of snow and cold?  To me, that sounds like the perfect challenge to keep my booty moving thru the holidays and well into the New Year!  (If you're not up to 13.1 yet, there is also a 5K option.)

If you're not sold on the challenge, how about the perks!? Check out what's included in your entry...

• Beanie Hat with pom
• Tech Gloves (my personal favorite!)
• Finisher's Medal with built-in bottle opener
• Free Photo Downloads
• Pre and Post-Party at the Union Club inside Soldier Field.
• First Pint of Beer courtesy of Goose Island Brewing Co.
• Hot Cocoa and other treats provided by sponsors

But most importantly, the bragging rights that come with running in the dead of winter along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. 

#Boom. 

Instant Bada$$ Runner.

I invite you to come "Run With Jess" on January 24th along the Chicago Lakeshore.  Enter below for a chance to WIN a free race entry + a bonus gift (the new REM-Fit Active, a sleep and activity tracker).  Or register now -HERE- utilizing discount code CAEB15 for $10 off your entry.

ENTER TO WIN A FREE RACE ENTRY

Plus a BONUS GIFT from REM-Fit!
Enter via Rafflecopter app below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The #ElfRun - Virtual Race

Gather up your friends for a holiday-themed virtual race... 

The ELF RUN!

Proceeds benefit the St. Jude Children's Hospital.

We RUN to fight childhood cancer!

What's a virtual race?  A virtual race is running a specified distance (timed) without being present in the actual race location.

DATE:  Saturday, Dec. 6 - Sunday, Dec. 21  (two-week window)
The race begins on the same day as the St. Jude Marathon, which I will be running as a member of the St. Jude Heroes team. Proceeds from this virtual run will be donated to the St. Jude Children's Hospital.

LOCATION:  Pick your favorite local route or hop on a treadmill. 

THREE EVENTS!  Choose the event that works best for your current fitness level. You may participate in more than one event. Earn 1 entry into the prize drawing for each event that you complete (3 max entries). 
- Run/Walk 5K  (3.1 miles)

- Run 10K  (6.2 miles)

- Run Half-Marathon  (13.1 miles)

PRINT YOUR RACE BIB HERE 

This is a great opportunity to organize a holiday fun run amongst your running friends. My local run group enjoys hot cocoa, coffee and Christmas cookies after our run. If you live near Peoria, IL, please join us on Sunday, December 20 at 8:00am for either the 5K or 10K distance. We will start/finish at Running Central and run along the riverfront trail. 

FINISHER'S MEDAL:  $11.00 (pictured above)  Orders will ship out on or before December 1st. U.S. shipping is a flat $3 rate per order. (International orders, I will send you an invoice for $7 extra.) You save when ordering multiple medals in one order. So rally up your friends for a fun holiday run, order together and save!
SORRY, SOLD OUT 12/1.

Follow me for race updates...

Connect with other #ElfRun-ners in the Facebook Event.

RESULTS:  After you've finished your #ElfRun, report your race time(s) HERE before Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 12:00 noon CST.   This is a fun race; no Garmin/treadmill photo required to verify your time. You will earn one entry into the prize drawing for each event (5K, 10K and/or Half) that you finish. Each event may only be completed once. For example, a 5K only counts as one entry, regardless of how many times you run it. Maximum of 3 entries per person.

PRIZES:  When the #ElfRun results window closes, prizes will be randomly drawn from finishers who reported results. Winners will be announced before 12/24/14.  List of prizes...

   (1) Tough Chik "Run Like You're Being Chased" t-shirt

   (1) Tough Chik hat

   (3) BondiBand headbands

   (1) Canister of CLICK protein drink

   (2) Holiday knee-high socks

   (1) Package of GU Energy Gels

   (1) $20 Amazon gift card 

Summer Run Challenge

If you're like me, the thought of running a fall race sounded delightful... cool morning air with colorful scenery as the leaves changes colors. It sucked me in and I registered for the "perfect course" in a flash. Months have ticked away since that fateful registration day and now it's time to train.  Summer has officially started!  I am now reminded that all the training for that dreamy fall marathon will take place in the hot humidity of summer. Oh dear, what was I thinking?

Perhaps you're also training for a big fall race? or just need a little extra motivation to keep up your daily runs? or just like to win prizes?  Whatever your situation, I invite you to join me in the Summer Run Challenge!  My Winter Miles Challenge was such a huge success and motivator for people that I wanted to offer the same encouragement over the trying summer months.  The Summer Run Challenge is FREE to participate, and you receive...

• Accountability: weekly reporting of your mileage
• Helpful tips and advice via a weekly e-newsletter
• Weekly chances to win prizes!
• Encouragement and support from others
• A fun virtual race to test your speed
• Templates for tracking your progress and training tools 

June 30 - August 10, 2014

FREE Participation!

The Summer Run Challenge is about keeping yourself accountable to your weekly goals and overall training. At the end of every week, you will report back your completed mileage. If you hit your weekly goal, you will be entered into the weekly prize drawing. It's that simple! This is about keeping youself motivated - saying "YES, I DID IT!" at the end of every week.

HOW IT WORKS

The Summer Run Challenge is six weeks long. Participants accumulate miles (run or walk) Monday through Sunday, and report back their completed miles each week. Every week you hit your goal, you receive one entry into the weekly prize drawing...

{1}  June 30-July 6   -  2 Toms Prize Pack for blister, chafing & odor prevention

{2}  July 7-13  -  Block Island Organics Prize Pack for skincare in the summer sun

{3}  July 14-20  -  ProCompression marathon socks for ultimate muscle recovery

{4}  July 21-27  -  GU Energy Prize Pack for fueling and hydration on the run

{5}  July 28-Aug. 3  -  Workout DVDs for the cross-training and "it's just too hot" days

{6}  August 4-10 -  NINE different prizes in combination with the WatermelonRun

READY TO START?

• Follow RunWithJess HERE on Facebook for challenge updates, prize winners and daily motivation.

• Join the SRC Facebook Event here to meet and motivate other participants. I encourage you to post pictures and success stories within the event. Invite your friends to join in the fun!

• Set your weekly goal... 10, 20, 35, 50... as far as your legs will take you! The number will no doubt vary each week based on your training plan and racing schedule. You don't have to tell me your individual goal; however, I encourage you to make it public on social media or your blog "My goal this week is to run xx miles in training for the XXX Marathon."  Putting it out there will give you added encouragement to get it done.

• RUN!  Track your mileage Monday through Sunday.  Use a notebook, Daily Mile or my weekly tracking template. I highly encourage you to journal your pre-run meals, what you use for you on-the-run fuel, and how you felt. This is essential for successful training - to ensure a foolproof plan on race day.

• Report back your weekly miles HERE once your final run of the week is done.  In order to earn an entry into the weekly prize drawing, you must report in each Monday before 12:00noon. Weekly prize winners will be announced every Monday evening, starting July 7th.

That's it... SIMPLE. Now repeat for six weeks! 

SPECIAL EDITION 

SUMMER TRAINING TANK

This special edition tank is 100% polyester Xtreme Tek moisture-management fabric that is breathable in the summer heat. UV protection built-in with anti-bacterial treatment.  Racerback Style.

Limited SIZES still available... Please check the size charts before ordering:  Ladies size chart  |  Mens size chart. For whatever reason, the gold seems be a more relaxed fit and the black runs a bit smaller.

The Summer Tank features the popular African saying:  “Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're the lion or a gazelle... when the sun comes up, you better be running.”

Choice of colors: 
GOLD/ORANGE
Fabric is gold; design printed in dark orange.
BLACK/YELLOW
Fabric is black; design printed in yellow. 

See shop for available sizes.

** VIRTUAL RACE **

One of my favorite things about summer is WATERMELON. The fruit itself is so refreshing after a hot summer run... and unlike my other post-run cravings, it's healthy!  National Watermelon Day is August 3 in 2014.  Let's celebrate the final week of the Summer Run Challenge (SRC) with a virtual race!  See what your training has done so far and test your speed. Plus, you will earn bonus entries into the SRC weekly prize drawing. We're ending SRC with a bang - there will be a bunch of ADDITIONAL PRIZES in week six!

How The Watermelon Run works...

Invite your friends for a run/walk. 

Buy a big ripe watermelon. 

Run/walk a 5K (3.1 miles) in your favorite location (Aug. 3-10) 

At the finish line, reward yourself with Watermelon Bling (order below). 

Cut up that watermelon in big chunks and enjoy the juicy fruit of summer! 

Don't forget to take pictures!

Report back your finish time for a chance to WIN PRIZES!

Crown yourself with BLING after your Watermelon Run. This 2 1/4" finisher's medal has a gold finish and red ribbon.  Limited quantities, so order quickly!

SOLD OUT

Please invite your running friends to join the challenge!

It's going to be a great summer, and I'm delighted to have you along 

as a virtual training buddy. Good luck on your summer goals!  

Many happy miles... ~Jess

Product Review: Thermo Heat

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Thermo Heat.

I've never been that lean running machine that is glorified on magazine covers. My entire running journey has been combined with weight loss and management. In fact, weight loss is the sole reason I started running (again) five years ago.  Now I continue to run (bike, yoga, and workout) for a plethora of other reasons, but I feel my weight is still a hindrance.

Yes, I run well and am happy with an 8:49 pace in my last race... but my mind is always telling me, "Ten pounds less and I could have been a minute faster" and so on. Truth is I'm not even close to my goal weight right now. That's nothing new, but lately I've surpassed my happy weight. And that affects me on so many levels - not only in my athletic endeavors, but also my personal relationships and overall well-being.

One thing I have learned is that everyone's weight loss experience is different.  Bodies react differently to workouts and diets. I've kept an open mind (and tried) so many options and variations.  Initially, I may lose weight on fad diets, but it's impossible for me to stay with a routine of no carbs, only juice or protein shakes. So personally, I'm not a gimmick type of gal.  Through the years, I've found the classic balance of exercise and healthy diet works best in my lifestyle. I enjoy physical workouts and have no problem racking up the "activity points". The problem is I also enjoy food (and drink!).  So the only way I make significant weight loss is tracking food and managing the calorie equation... burning more calories than you consume.

For anyone whose been on a significant weight loss journey, the plateau is practically unavoidable. Eventually, the pounds stop melting off even though you're working your butt off. The longer you sustain a calorie deficit, the more likely you are degrading your metabolism (the rate at which you burn fat and calories), which in turn slows down the weight loss numbers.  I have battled the plateau and must admit, it has beat me down pretty much every time. This past year, I watched a good friend find success. She was already in great shape (and in my opinion, had nothing to lose), but she had gained 10 lbs over a separate battle with cancer. One day while we ran, she told me about a supplement that she started taking. She felt it was making the difference in creating downward scale movement.  I've always been leary of pills of any sort.  They seemed gimmicky and somehow in my mind, it felt like cheating to me. But I trust my friend's advice and experience, so it opened up the option in my mind.

When the opportunity to test out Thermo Heat presented itself, I jumped at it.  Thermo Heat was just introduced to the market this past spring. It is revolutionary in nature as it takes a different approach than other fat burning supplements...

"Thermo Heat is formulated to stimulate brown adipose tissue (BAT).  

BAT is made up of fat cells that generate heat, due to its high concentration

 of UCPs – uncoupling proteins.  UCPs uncouple fat oxidation from ATP 

production allowing the body to generate heat without making energy.  

BAT is usually activated in response to cold temperature exposure, which is termed

 non-shivering thermogenesis.  Recent research, however, has discovered that there 

are other ways to stimulate BAT, including a few effective ingredients that you 

can find in Thermo Heat. These include caffeine, capsaicin and tyrosine." Source

Turning Fat into Tissue
Yes please! I'm game to turning my body's fat into just about anything! Thermo Heat promises to help your body turn fat into thermogenic tissue. The list of ingredients are long, but each component serves a purpose in igniting your body's fat burning ability. Thermo Heat switches on the metabolically inactive white adipose tissue so that it acts more similar to the heat-producing brown fat (BAT) of the body.

Stimulate the Pathway for Fat Burning
The Beta-3-Adrenergic System is a key pathway for fat burning that Thermo Heat safely stimulates. This helps to raise one's resting metabolic rate without impacting heart rate or blood pressure.

Supports Thyroid Function
If you've dieted for long periods, your metabolism and thyroid function will typically begin to slow due to a calorie-restricted diet.  Thermo Heat provides several ingredients to help trigger thyroid production, boosting the stimulation of brown fat thermogenesis.

Beyond the clinical research results above, here is what I can attest to with my personal Thermo Heat experience...

Enhance Energy and Alertness (without Over-Stimulating!)
For anyone who knows me personally, they're thinking right now, "Jess needs more energy?" But let me tell you, every afternoon I reach a low point. Typically the kids are napping.  Many times I doze off as well, or I find myself alone in the kitchen. It's not a good situation for me! Mid-afternoon was a key time for me to take a Thermo Heat supplement, which contains noradrenaline and dopamine activators. These neurotransmitters are chemicals that regulate the activity of neurons in the body... controlling thermogenesis, appetite control, mental alertness, food cravings, sense of pleasure, feel good and reward responses.  With safety and efficacy guiding Thermo Heat formulation, the combination of ingredients are designed to enhance your body's energy and focus without the uncomfortable (or unsafe) level of stimulation.

Manage Appetite.
This is a big benefit for Thermo Heat for me personally. It's where I struggle the most in my weight loss journey.  Thermo Heat's special blend of ingredients works together to activate your body's own appetite-suppressing hormones and neurochemicals responsible for bodyweight control.  Net-net, it helped me say NO to that afternoon sweet tooth.

Putting Thermo Heat to Use...
Thermo Heat instructs new users to start with 1 capsule in the morning and 1 in the afternoon for three days. If your body tolerates, double the dose, but remaining at no more than 4 capsules per day.  I had mixed emotions on whether I should take more, so I have stuck with 2 per day.  After taking one Thermo Heat capsule, I felt that energy boost within 15 minutes.  It was not overwhelming, but I certainly felt a warming effect on my body - similar to if I would have started a slow jog. I've heard people mention nervousness or jitters when taking fat-burning supplements. Personally, I didn't experience that with Thermo Heat. The only side effect that concerns me was the shortness of breathe. Again, it felt like I had started exercising - while at rest. It took me by surprise some days, and other times it passed by with ease.  In my experience taking Thermo Heat, I did not see a dramatic drop on the scale, but I honestly can't say I combined it with the best diet.  I will continue to use Thermo Heat until my trial runs out - as I had no adverse effects. I hope to report at a later date movement on the scale as I combine it with a more controlled choice of food.

Thermo Heat is available for purchase here. 120 capsules run $79.95.

Have you ever used a fat-burning supplement before?
I'm interested to hear your experience...

Race Recap: Peoria Marathon Relay

There are some races that you just can't pass up. No matter where you live, your hometown race is probably one of them.  It's like one big family reunion... because running friends are the family you pick for yourself. There is magic in those shared miles and trials.

The Peoria Marathon (also known as Run River City) is quickly becoming that 'can't miss' race in my city of Peoria, IL.  I had so much fun participating in the 2013 inaugural race that I vowed to return.  For the second year, I put together a women's relay team to cover the 26.2 distance. I'm typically not a fan of relay races, but in this particular race, I enjoy moving around the course and seeing my runner friends of all speeds at different mile markers.  It's the best of both worlds - I get to cheer and run!

This year, I created a team with three other ladies from our Sole Sisters running club. The hardest part was coming up with an outfit idea and team name before we could register.  Finally, we agreed on Rainbow Racers - a name built soley around these rainbow-colored checkered flag skirts.

The skirts were ordered from Sparkle Athletic.
I designed the logo and Runner Decals made an iron-on for our shirts.

This past Sunday, May 18th was finally race day!  There was so much excitement and nerves in the air leading up to the Peoria Marathon. When you're part of a team, there's just something inside that makes you want to perform your best - not just for you, but for the whole team. Going in, I knew I was the slowest on the team, but just hoped to give it an honest effort.

Sole Sisters group photo before the race.

The Peoria Marathon, relay and half all started together at 7:00am.  The 5K would start 30 minutes later and the kids mini marathon kicked off at 12noon. A lot of races in one day!  It was ideal race weather - in the 50's and beautiful sunshine.  Crystal lined up at the starting line for our team and set us up nicely from the beginning. She ran leg 1 in 52:39 (8:08 pace), and then handed off to Missy.

Crystal handing off to Missy

At the first exchange zone, we got a peak at our competition by watching the batons run by. Competing in the open women's division, we were counting how many female-to-female exchanges came before us... one... with a second right by our side.  Missy took over to run leg 2. She had the big Main Street hill to climb, but killed it in 53:25 (8:18 pace).

At the second exchange zone, Missy handed it off to me. We were officially halfway done at mile marker 13.  There's something about a baton that makes me sprint - perhaps a little leftover gear from the high school track? By time I was a couple blocks down, it felt like my heart was going to explode. With a quick glance at my Garmin, I realized I was indeed sprinting... a 6:40 pace my Garmin said! Holy smokes, I didn't even know I could do that!  Mile 1 - 8:50

The first half of my 10K leg was flat and very enjoyable. At first, there was a quiet stretch through neighborhoods and then entering into the pretty shaded Bradley University area. I run these streets often and felt right at home. We zigzagged back and forth, making it easy for my hubby and kids to catch me at three different spots.  Little Girl jumped out to run a block with me every time I saw them.

I love that we are perfectly in stride here...

The marathon course reconnected with the half marathoners by Bradley Park. For the next 2 miles, it was real fun passing people and seeing a lot of my friends in the final portion of their 13.1.  By far, this was my favorite part of my leg.
Mile 2 - 9:01 
Mile 3 - 9:12

At mile 17, the full marathon turned off and headed up North Street. I drove this portion of the course the day before, so I knew it would not be heavily spectated nor would it be easy.  There was a gradual climb up North Street that lasted about a half mile. It wore on me and I plugged in my music for some push. My mantra was "just keep working". I just wanted to give my best, knowing my team was waiting for me.
Mile 4 - 9:36

The course was pretty sparse at this point, but every once in a while, someone would pass me. We turned onto Loucks Ave and there was another climb up to reach the Sheridan intersection... again, not an awesome part of town so very sparse on spectators through this section. But halfway up the hill, I heard my hubby's voice. There he was at the top of the hill yelling at me with a bullhorn in one hand and a camera in the other.  Gotta love that guy!
Mile 5 - 9:35

Little Girl out to run with me once again... and again, we are perfectly in stride!

It seemed like I reached the final turn onto Isabell Ave all too sudden. I knew this section well, as it's part of my running route from the gym. I knew I didn't have much mileage left until the exchange zone.  I putzed with my ipod and found my "bring it in" song. Powering up the final stretch of my leg, there were a bunch of cheering spectators through this nice neighborhoods.  Mile 6 - 9:30  I tried to give a finishing sprint before handing the baton off to Karen.
My Leg 3 - 56:56 (9:19 pace)

So relieved to hand that baton off. Go Karen Go!

Karen killed the last (and longest) leg of the marathon in 53:47 (7:36 pace).  We met her downtown for the last 1/4 mile of the route.  The course narrowed and we got caught up behind a shirtless male relay team.

Excuse us fellas... get out of our way!

I guess there are worse problems than being trapped by half naked men... but hubby was trying to get a picture of our whole team running. We slowed down to get the money shot...

 Official Chip Time 3:36:50

8:17 avg pace

2nd place Open Womens Division (out of 25)

12th place Overall Relay (out of 85 teams)

I had so much FUN running with these incredible (fast) ladies!

We hung out cheering in fellow runners for hours after our relay finish. The kids mini marathon didn't start until 12noon and you know I couldn't miss that!  My kids had trained for 8 weeks, compiling their 25 miles before race day. On Sunday, they ran the final 1.2 miles to complete their marathon!!

Big Girl and Little Girl kickin' it down the finishing stretch!

Look - Their medals are BIGGER than mine!

The 2nd annual Peoria Marathon was a blast!  Yes, I will be back again next year. I hope you will join me in MY town for this great race.  I was delighted to see several Marathon Maniacs and 50 Staters on the course. This marathon will easily become a destination race, and continue to grow every year.

Double the Training

This week begins a new phase in my training... preparation for my June Western Double.  The challenge is simple - two half marathons, two days, two different states.  It's efficient in both time and travel finances; but without doubt, also exhausting.  I've done this "Double Half" challenge twice before along my quest to #RaceAll50...

March 2013 Southern Double - Alabama + Georgia

October 2013 New England Double - Connecticut + Rhode Island

Honestly, a Double is a fun adventure. I enjoy planning the logistics and the drive between races. I really get to see a vast area of the country I'm visiting.

This year's Western Double will comprise of the Bear Lake Half in Idaho (Fri, June 13) and the Jackson Hole Half in Wyoming (Sat, June 14).  I'm really looking forward to a western race for a change in scenery. I've completed the majority of my state races in the middle of country. The Idaho course is fairly flat, followed by mixed course in Wyoming.  My biggest challenge will be the change in elevation, as I've never run at high elevation (over 6000 feet). I have no time goal on either race except to finish and arrive home in time for Father's Day on Sunday.

When I ran the Southern and New England Doubles, I trained like I would for a normal half marathon. Let's just say the second half was not nearly as enjoyable as the first one. This time around, I've decided to change up the training in hopes that day two won't feel so shitty tough.  I'm currently trained to finish a single half marathon (just did two weeks ago in Nebraska).  So mileage is not necessarily my concern. What I want to improve is "running on tired legs," so instead of just one long run, I'm running back-to-back long runs each week. Back in January, I planned out my training long runs for the entire year. (No OCD here. Nope!)

In the month leading up to my Western Double, here's how my long runs look...
Week one - 7 + 8 mile runs on consecutive days  (this week)
Week two - 8 + 10 mile runs on consecutive days
Week three - 10 + 12 mile runs on consecutive days
Week four - 10 miler (taper)
Race week - Idaho/Wyoming Western Double 13.1 + 13.1

Since I'm running as part of a relay team this weekend for the Peoria Marathon, I moved my long runs to the early part of this week. I'm delighted to say that I got week one in the bag!

Yesterday, I met up with a local group to start my miles. It was a fun run organized by my buddy Anna, who was celebrating her one year cancer-free anniversary. She is a cervical cancer survivor! Being the awesome person she is, she used this special occasion to raise money for St Jude Children's Hospital... $750 in one day!

I ran four miles as part of Anna's fun run, gave a quick hug and snapped a few pictures. Then I was off to finish my first long(er) run of the week. I ended with 7.4 miles at a 9:51 average pace.

Today I procrastinated all morning. I just didn't feel like running 8 miles after yesterday's run (plus Spinning class in the evening).  It came upon the time of day that I HAD to get out there if I wanted to beat the school bus.  As I started off, I could feel tiredness in my legs (that's what I wanted, right?). As the miles ticked off, I felt better and better though. I finished 8.1 miles at a 10:07 average pace. With that, week one's long runs in prep for the Western Double are complete. Whew! Made it!

Now I can rest up before my race this Sunday. I'm the slowest runner on our relay team, so I want to bring my best!

Have you ever run back-to-back races before? How did you train for it?

Race Recap: Race for the Cure 5K

This past weekend, I spent a lot of time offline - enjoying the summer weather with my family. My hubby and kids spoiled me for Mother's Day, and I couldn't help but relish every moment.
"My cup runneth over" Psalm 23:5

I ran this race as a member of the
 Peoria Air National Guard team.

Saturday was particularly perfect. I started off the day at one of my favorite races ever, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K.  This event has special meaning since it was my very first race (2001).  It's also our community's biggest fundraiser for breast cancer, the disease that took my grandmother when I was just a toddler.  Always the Saturday on Mother's Day weekend, it's heart-warming to see the crowds that gather for this occasion - grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, and each year more men participate too.  By far, the largest hoopla you'll ever see surrounding a 5k run/walk.

I arrived about 45 minutes before the start, for the mere purpose that I wanted a good getaway parking spot.  The race started a 8:00am and I had to teach Spinning at 9:00am. Talk about an incentive to run fast!  My plan was to finish the 5K in under 30 minutes, run through the finish line straight to my car, and then jet off to the gym.

I purposely didn't plan to "meet up" with anyone pre-race. It was a nice change of pace to just show up and run. I relaxed on a curb pre-race, soaking in the beautiful morning sun while listening to the pre-race ceremonies from the stage. I love watching the huge group of survivors and big crane up in the sky that takes their group photo each year.

The Survivors.  Photo from the Susan G. Komen FB page

After a quick jog around the parking lot to warmup, I bumped into some friends near the starting line and waiting there for the official start. I haven't run the Race for the Cure in a couple years, so I was surprised to see all the men lining up in front. The race has evolved through the years. The first year I ran, there were no male runners - only a "mile of men". Then it had a waved start - women first and then the men 10 minutes later. We ran the same course, but it guaranteed a woman winner. I always used it as an incentive... my goal being to reach the 2 mile marker before the lead male came zooming past me. Now it's all merged together as one - probably for the best - but personally, I liked the wave start best.

I haven't run a 5K in a long time, and certainly had not trained for the speed that these shorter races require. My only goal was to finish in time to make my 9am Spinning class!  It was a silent flag start, and just like that, we were off. I knew the course well, but hadn't given it much thought when I registered. I completely forgot how hill-challenging the course is.  In the first mile, we did a gradual climb up University Avenue. There's a clock at the top of the hill to mark the end of the first mile, and I sadly noted that I was a full minute off the last time I ran this one. Sigh...

The latter miles circle through pretty neighborhoods, adding in several more hills. I always like to see residents sitting out in their yards, cheering runners on. What I wouldn't give to live on a race course!

My friend Cassie was out cheering along the course and caught me as I ran by...

I hauled it in for the final mile and finished with an official chip time of 28:44.7. 
That averages out to a 9:15 pace. For now, I'm okay with that!

I hurried off to the gym and continued the Pink Celebration with my For The Cure ride in Spinning class. It's an inspiring but tough ride. I left the gym with a big smile on my face, happy to have squeezed in both a race and a Spin class - all before 10am.  

My hubby and kids had been busy too. They spent the morning cleaning the house from top to bottom and doing laundry. I walked in the door and my kiddos yelled out, "Happy Mother's Day!"  We spent the rest of the day shopping for and planting flowers. It was truly the best day ever.