Aw crap....injury.

In the midst of my training for the runDisney Princess Half Marathon I got injured.  I was honestly at a loss.  I have been an athlete pretty much my entire life and here I was injured and completely unable to train for the first time in my life.  I had injured my calf.  I thought it was just a pull and would resolve itself.  I put on compression socks, KT Tape, Tiger Balmed the ever living crap out of it, and foam rolled whenever I got the chance.  It didn't get better. 

With 2 weeks left until the race I had to do something so I made an appointment with my doctor's office and went in.  Of course they couldn't diagnose it and had me make an appointment with the physical therapist.  After some bitchy assertive words with the scheduling staff I got an appointment for 2 days later (they tried to make it 2 weeks....um no). 

I went to that appointment expecting something scary, something that would take me out of the race, something that would completely destroy my Disney trip.  Fortunately the PT was a runner too so he understood.  He found the knot in my calf and told me it was a stretched/pulled muscle that had balled up to repair itself.  I did not have time for that so he gave me exercises and told me if it didn't resolve itself I could come back for dry needling .  That sounded absolutely terrifying so I did my best to get it better.  I sat in therapy appointments for the 2 tiniest princesses and spent the full hour I was there massaging it (which ended up being 4 hours per week).  I did the exercises and stretches in the shower, kitchen, and random times in between. 

I did get it resolved and I was able to mostly finish my training.  That was scary, the fear of not being able to compete.  The unknown of how to make it better or when it might get better was just awful.  So my advice, really really try hard NOT to get injured.  Great advice huh?

Ugly Sweater Run Race Re-Cap

When we still lived in TN we had made plans to run the Ugly Sweater Run with friends there.  Unfortunately the weather caused a cancellation and we didn't get to run.  So when we saw another opportunity to run, we jumped at it!  This time inviting more friends and even encouraging the fabulous FaVe Mom and her crew to get on board too.  

Me and FaVe Mom

FaVe Mom isn't really a runner so she rocked out the C25K (Couch to 5K) app and get herself all trained up.  She did a great job though, despite some setbacks and was ready to complete that run even if she had to crawl across the finish line,

So race day approached and we got out our ugly sweaters and got outfits ready.  Mine of course needed to have a Sparkle Athletic skirt to go with it so I ordered the red one to match my dancing Rudolph sweater.  Topped off with my Jingle All the Way Hippie Runner headband and a couple of reindeer antlers and I was good to go. Big Daddy of course just put on his ugly sweater and a Santa hat and looked awesome (men have it so easy).  FaVe Mom and her hubby showed up in the best Star Wars Christmas sweaters ever....she even had on matching leggings.

Me and Big Daddy before the run

We loaded up the minivan and headed for the race with the tiniest princess in tow (FaVe Mom wanted us to run test a stroller).  We got there super early (everyone had said parking would be awful but it really wasn't) so we had plenty of time to check out the snowglobe for pics!

So first you get in the half inflated thing.

Then they inflate it and you look all super cute in a snowglobe.

Then they deflate it and you have to crawl out through a tiny hole...it was an interesting experience.

So race time was upon us and we headed to the start line, we all just kind of congregated together.  I hooked FaVe Mom up with some of my MRTT buddies that would be more her pace since Big Daddy and I were using it as a training run.  Obligatory selfie with Santa and we were off.

Santa Selfie!

The stroller did not work as planned so we left the tiniest princess with Auntie FaVe Mom and booked through our 3 miles.  Once we finished we went back to find them and had some fun running with the tiniest princess.  She had a blast running, and we even got a pretty good finish line shot!

The tiniest princess's very first finish line photo!

The tiny princess telling Auntie FaVe how to run.

All in all, I really wouldn't recommend this race.  It wasn't really a race, and honestly fun run doesn't quite cover it too.  They would be better off just having a beer party with ugly sweaters at 8am.

Faster Mommy's Top Christmas Gifts for Runners!

So I may be a month or so late in doing this post but better late than never right??

I have been asked A LOT, what do I get for my wife/husband she's/he's a runner.  I usually suggest things that I love and use so I figured I would share in case you are like me and JUST started shopping.

10.  For a newbie runner a Garmin is a fabulous thing.  The Forerunner 10 is a great entry watch and gets the job done without busting your budget.  For a little more advanced runner, check out the Forerunner 220 (which is totally on my wishlist).

9. Hydration!!!!  I switch between a Nathan handheld for shorter distances and a Camelback for longer distances.  Perfect gift!!

8.  Make your water count!!!  NUUN tablets make FABULOUS stocking stuffers!!!!!  While you are there, pick up a NUUN water bottle too!

7.  A foam roller, yes, your runner needs one.  You can pick the least evil looking one at your local sporting goods store.

6.  Headsweats visors!!  These are fantastic for men and women and they have some super rad looking ones!!

5.  See #5, but go to Sparkle Athletic and pick up SPARKLY ones for your fave sparkly gal.

4.  SOCKS, every runner needs socks.  Put them in their stocking, put them under the tree....and get a variety!  (Smartwool are fantastic for winter/wet running!)

3.  UNDIES!!!  Men and women need them, go pick out some fabulous running undies and stuff them in a stocking. (PS it is a tradition in our house that mommy puts underwear in EVERYONE'S stockings)

2.  Recovery sandals.  Something to wear after those crazy runs! I have PR Soles on my wishlist this year.

1.  You know runners LOVE to wear their medals for as LOOONG as possible....well now she can wear it all the time!!  Grab a Stella & Dot engravable with her distance and boom, wear all the time medal without being obnoxious!!!

Enjoy and happy shopping!!!!

Thanksgiving Day Wild Turkey 5K

Hey look at that, my post title rhymes!! Woo!!!

Ok on to the race re-cap.  Since we were traveling to Grandpa's house for Thanksgiving we decided to find a race nearby to run.  Our fave Outer Banks running company (www.runcations.com) was hosting a 5k, bam, decision made   So I signed us up for the Wild Turkey 5K, with plenty of grandparents and aunts around to help with the tiny princesses it was a fabulous way to kick off the holiday (and get a head start on burning off some of those calories we were going to consume).  And of course I hit up Hippie Runner for a Turkey Trotter headband!

Check out that rad headband!!

On race day we woke up early enough to get to the start with plenty of time and no traffic snags.  Up to Corolla, NC it is a single lane each way so traffic could easily back up.  We made a pit stop at Walmart (I had bought decongestant the day before but somehow misplaced it and thanks to princess #2 I was in the middle of a head cold) on the way, and even scored some Shopkins stuff for the stockings!

We arrived at the start at the Whalehead Club and picked up our race packets (bib and long sleeved tshirt).  We dazzled the volunteers with our race belts, they had never seen anything like it before.  Big Daddy uses one from Zoot (because it has nutrition loops) and mine is from BocoGear.  We hiked to the bathroom (which was pretty far from the start) and then dropped our shirts at the car.  With plenty of time before the start of our race we hung out and watched the Fun Run which included an entire family dressed like turkeys and a lot of adorable little kiddos.  After all of the Fun Runners we lined up at the start.

Ready to run!

Big Daddy thought we could keep our pace at about 8 minute miles, I felt ok with that but prayed the head cold that was heading toward my chest wouldn't hinder our super speedy plan.  And we were off on our first ever Thanksgiving run together (Big Daddy ran a race on Thanksgiving the first year we were married but I stayed home to cook)!  We maintained the pace pretty well.  Then he came.....a runner was going just a bit slower than Big Daddy and he was having a hard time not tripping over his feet so we powered around him.  Then he sped up, and stayed RIGHT behind us....and he was a heavy breather and his steps were heavy.  Ugh.  As we came up to the water station I was pretty sure we could lose him and we did, thank goodness!!!!  Not a quarter of a mile later he flippin' caught up to us again....seriously guy.  He stayed RIGHT behind us, like between us, it was awful and driving me bananapants.  I slowed down and veered off to let him go by, I couldn't take it any more and I was starting to have some issues from my dang chest cold.  My lungs were burning, it was horrible.  I felt like I could only get air in  about a third of my lungs.  I had to stop, which of course made Big Daddy upset (pretty sure he would be half dead bleeding from everywhere and still maintain his pace...I, however, am not a machine) and although he was trying to be encouraging it came out as pissed off.  Not great, I don't deal well with pissed off.  So I got back going just a few seconds later and tried to stay on pace and I did but then I had to stop again about half a mile from the finish.  I just could not handle the lung burning, it was awful...and of course Big Daddy was not happy again.

We crossed the finish line, got our turkey medals and walked over to the Sound to recover.  My Garmin didn't show a full 3.1 miles so I had to wait for the official results to be emailed to get my true finish time.

Inaugural Wild Turkey 5k Finishers!

We didn't stick around for any of the post-race fun, we headed back to Grandpa's house for showers, food prep, and a family football game!

Later in the day I finally got the official race results emailed and I PRed!!!!  My time was 25:22 which made my pace (even stopping twice) 8:10mm!!! YES!!!  Oh and bonus, I finished FIRST in my age group!!!!!  My first EVER first place finish!!!!!!!!!!

FIRST in my age group!!! WOOO!!!!!

Race date was November 26, 2015.

MCM10K and Marathon Race Recap!!

I had this great idea....sign up Big Daddy for the Marine Corps Marathon.  We would have been moved to the area by then (no travel) and he could sign up early, sounded like a good deal to me!! So I sat at the computer on the day he could sign up and got him registered for the 40th Marine Corps Marathon.  It was months away, he had plenty of time to train!

Fast forward to July when I registered for the Disney Princess Half Marathon and needed to submit an official race time, well conveniently there was a 10K the same day/time as the Marine Corps Marathon.  I signed up and we had a race date!

I trained my rear off (not literally, it's still back there) because I wanted to PR (personal record) the race and get a great corral placement for the Princess Half.  I stuck to a plan focused on getting your best time.  It had speed work in it which was great!  I got a little derailed when I filled in for a missing runner on a RAGNAR team but got right back on track after that.  I felt prepared, I decided on my goal pace and mentally prepared to race by myself (Big Daddy is always my racing partner).  

Night before the race I was prepping my gear, clothes, etc. and realized my headphones were NO WHERE to be found.  I can't run without music, seriously, it's in-human.  So off to Target we went to get me a pair of headphones.  Grandpa had come in to town to help with the tiny princesses so we headed off without them, a rare treat!

No kids at Target = shenanigans!

After getting all of our gear ready (including toss away sweatshirts since it would be cool and raining in the morning) we crawled in to bed for much needed sleep.  We had every intention of going to bed early but ended up in bed at our normal time (damn headphone run).  Set the alarms for 3:40am (are you kidding me???) and closed our eyes.

My flat mama for the race!

Good thing Big Daddy had some pre-race anxiety and got up at 3:32am because my phone decided to update it's software over night and my alarms never went off.  Not cool.  But we still managed to get up and get going with plenty of time.  Left the house at 4:45am to head to the Metro station.  I found a friend from my MRTT chapter on the train and we left the station for the Pentagon.  The marathon start was near the Pentagon so I left Big Daddy there and said good luck!!  A few of us from MRTT hooked up and headed for the 10K start which was near the Smithsonian Natural History museum.  

After seeing a DC rat and cursing the rain that was starting we made it through security (no lines!!) and headed for our first port-a-potty visit.  It was dark in there and thank goodness because when I went to use the hand sanitizer something fell into my hand and I am not sure I want to EVER know what it was.  Big Daddy was hitting the port-a-potties too and updating me after every visit, not sure that I needed to know but he was missing his running buddy (aka ME!). 

We gathered the MRTT gals running the 10K and a random guy to take a photo before heading to the corrals.  It was rainy, cold, and we were all getting anxiety (either about making it through the port-a-potty line or the actual race).

MRTT group pic (bonus point if you can find me!)

We all said good luck and headed our separate ways.  Since I was shooting for a time I headed up farther in the corrals than most.  I found my 50:00-59:59 corral and wiggled my way in, tossed my sweatshirt in a donation bin, and got ready.  Of course it chose that moment to start pouring rain....damn cold and wet to start.  My feet were freezing, despite my Smartwool socks.  Time to get this show on the road. 

Finally the cannon, or tank, or Howitzer or whatever went off and we started the shuffle toward the start.  Boom, across the line, Garmin on and I was off on my mission.  MISSION: PR your 10K

My goal pace was 9mm or under, I did a pretty good job of that and got out of the mass of humans pretty quickly.  Ok just a warning, rant coming again.....seriously people that I passed WALKING at 1/2 mile....you were clearly in the WRONG corral.  I get it, you want the extra time but seriously you are mucking it up for those of us RUNNING.  Get to the back and start in the CORRECT corral.  Ok rant over.

It rained through most of the race and my fingers were frozen but I kept going and sticking to my pace.  Big Daddy thought I could maintain an 8:30mm pace so I actually tried to keep close to that without going over 9mm.  Up and down, around, and through a relatively quiet course...the real fun was at the marathon.  A few people seemed to struggle so I yelled at them along the way "come on yellow shirt guy" "keep going orange shorts guy just 2 miles left" because I know what it would mean to me if I was struggling.  About a mile and a half left and I started having some pain in my lower left leg, not sure if it was a cramp or what but it was not good.  I pushed through it and kept on pace (it still hurts now....gotta get that dealt with and gone before I run again),  Coming near the end and of course race directors are some sort of a Satanic cult and put the end of every race UP HILL.  Ouch, I thought about Big Daddy and finishing the marathon up that hill...oy.  

As I came across the finish line I saw that clock was under 59 minutes and I couldn't wait to see my actual time.  I stopped my Garmin (which read 53:39 but the mileage was off) and walked to the medal lines.  I looked to the left and saw Arlington Cemetary, I thought about those that have given their lives in service to our country (being a military spouse this is NEVER far from your mind) and of course it got really dusty just then.  A Marine put a medal around my neck, shook my hand and I walked over for a picture (that I guarantee will look like total crap).  Moving on through the line to snag some food and mostly hunting a Gatorade (I have learned that I need electrolytes immediately after a hard or longer run and I was afraid to pack my NUUN tablets in the rain).  Thank goodness they handed us a bag for all of the stuff (banana, box of food, water, Gatorade)!  Then came the cool part, we got a MISSION ACCOMPLISHED jacket!!!  Sure it's not the best quality but I was excited since I thought they were only for marathon finishers!!!  

Since all of my MRTT buddies were behind me I headed over to grab my checked bag and then back to the finish to figure out where to wait for Big Daddy to cross.  I made it back and it was relatively empty by the gate so I stood there watching 10K runners finish, wheeled athletes finish, and the first marathoners come in.  MCM had a handy app so I could stalk, I mean track, Big Daddy and my other MRTT buddies running the marathon.  I stood there for 3 hours...good thing I did too, I had an AMAZING view of everything and when I left there was a dense crowd of people.  I was watching and watching and finally I saw him coming up that hill, chugging, that hill sucked.  I yelled my head off but he turns his music up so loud I wasn't sure he would hear me or see me but I saw him and got a great pic!  

Big Daddy about 30 yards from the finish line

After I could no longer see him I hightailed it out of there and headed for the port-a-potty (I had held that in for 3 hours, I needed to pee....yeah yeah TMI I know, but someone has to talk about it) and then to find him.  

After a quick (and not entirely pain less) walk toward the finish I saw him through the fence and we met on the other side where there was an opening.  With tears in his eyes he came and hugged me, which of course made me burst in to tears.  He said "I did it, I didn't think I could but I did" and then immediately asked how I did.  He was emotional (which he doesn't get very often).  We started to walk and talk about the races we had run and he and I said the same thing, "you were in my head the whole time".  I had him in my head telling me I could run 8:30mm and apparently I was in his telling him that he could do it.  He had some cramping issues and ended up using too much caffeinated fuel (so he felt weird and jittery).  Apparently there was a stop with Marines and Icy Hot....he yelled at the guy to spray his whole leg with it, pretty sure the guy thought he was nuts.

After some recovery walking, a banana, Gatorade, and more talking we decided we needed our free beer ASAP. We almost always have to rush home to the princesses so having Grandpa at home we sat and drank our beers.  It was lovely.  

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!

We did it, we both set goals and we both achieved them!!!  Add more bling to the medal rack and decide what our next race will be, and we will for sure be racing TOGETHER!!!!

Gear, gear and more gear!!

So all you need is shoes and some athletic clothes right???  In reality the answer is yes, in weirdo runner world the answer is ARE YOU KIDDING ME????

So what do you need? Well, here's what I use and I don't go overboard and don't mix it up too much for a race day.

The Shoes

  Obviously you need shoes, the best way to determine which ones is to get a gait analysis (check your local running store).  If you don't have a running store (or the potential to visit the Brooks Running people at an event) then go try on A LOT of shoes. I am a big fan of what feels good usually is (that being said just because your Louboutins are comfy does NOT mean you should run in them). I personally run in Brooks Glycerins and LOVE them.  Big Daddy runs in the same and has the same sentiment.

The Socks

  For me this depends on the weather, if it's freezing cold I'll stick to my Smartwool socks (thanks Ma!).  If it's any other time I usually like my Under Armour Big Logo No-Show socks.

The Bottoms

  I personally prefer to wear compression (think spandex) capris or full length pants.  I feel like it keeps the junk from jiggling and there is no chaffing with everything squeezed in to that sausage casing-like pair of pants.  I have been known to wear shorts in the extreme heat but I have been careful to only wear those that don't chafe or get that funny butt-crack-eating-your-shorts thing going.  That being said my preferred compression running bottoms (both capri and full length) are from Under Armour women (check out the Heat Gear for winter).  Shorts are a combo for me, I like the Under Armour and North Face running shorts (ONLY buy running shorts with the underwear built in, and thank me later).

Under the Bottoms

 Yes, running underwear exists and it is glorious.  Again, my fave brand is Under Armour and I LOVE the Pure Stretch Cheeky.  And now you all know about my underwear...rethinking this section immediately.

The Top

  Personally, I am a matcher, I like my top to match my bottom.  Just makes me feel complete and like I belong on a running commercial (I don't but it makes me feel like I do).  I mix up the brands and styles here (weather dependent) but stick to a lot of Under Armour.

Under the Top

  If you are a boy/man/giant manchild STOP READING RIGHT NOW....if you are a woman/mother/girl/Wonder Woman READ ON!!!  Boobs, yeah I said it....boobs.  Gotta keep those things strapped in tight (there is a muscle under there friends, keep it healthy and lessen the SAG potential)...I don't have a "big" problem so I stick to my favorite Target brand (Champion maybe?) sports bras.  I have heard a lot of people like Moving Comfort as well!

Technical Stuff

  Now that you're all dressed we can get to the rest...if you are just starting out you don't necessarily need to invest in a GPS watch.  You can use one of the fabulous phone apps that are out there (my fave is MapMyRun from Under Armour) to track your distance, pace, calories, etc.  If you are ready to take that leap then I suggest Garmin Fitness for a GPS watch.  The Forerunner 10 is a great entry watch that won't break the bank but still gives you the info you need.  I actually run my Garmin and MapMyRun at the same time, no idea why, just because I can I guess. I am ready to upgrade to the Garmin Forerunner 220 (and it's my birthday soon....anyone need a gift idea for me????), the automatic uploads to Garmin Connect hooked me.

Hydration

  Everyone needs hydration, when training you usually have to provide it for yourself.  During races if you don't want to carry it with you there are always fabulous water stops, I can't use them because I don't want to stop to drink water and I haven't mastered the running while drinking from a Dixie cup thing yet, I usually end up with water up  my nose.  So I suggest to use the same thing during training that you'll race with.  I do a combo of things depending on distance.  For longer runs when I will need more water I use a Camelbak Mini M.U.L.E. (designed for biking but it works PERFECTLY for me) and Big Daddy uses a Cambelbak Rogue (it is made for a longer torso).  For shorter runs I use a Nathan Speed Draw Plus Insulated and waist pack to carry my phone (the Speed Draw Plus has a pocket for your phone but I use an iPhone 6+ and that huge thing doesn't fit in it).

Fuel

  Longer training runs and races need fuel.  I have a new found love for the ClifBar ClifBlocks.  Each block has the equivalent to half a cup of coffee in caffeine (YESSS).  They taste like the fruit snacks we used to take in our lunches as little kids, delish!!  We have used the Sport Beans made by Jelly Belly and they are ok, but kind of taste like a rhino ran a marathon and squeezed his sweaty shorts in to the package and it leaked in to the beans (nice visual huh?).

Headwear

  I have several things I use and it mostly depends on my mood.  I love the Headsweats visors so I use that pretty often.  I also have a RUN HAPPY Brooks Running visor that I love and I rotate that in as well.  My other fave is headbands, and I recently started wearing the Hippie Funktional Runner headbands, they are rad.  Super cute and they stay put without giving me a headache (BIG deal for me, I have a tiny head and too tight gives me a headache but I have to keep this wild mane contained).  I would love to try a bunch more headband brands, itFit, BondiBand, etc. and see how they work for me!!  Big Daddy likes his Junk Brand one we picked up at the Nashville Country Music Half Marathon.

Race Day

  Not an every day training run accessory but on race day I use a race belt.  I tried Race Dots but was not a fan (they are super strong magnets that take the place of safety pins).  The race belt (mine is from Boco Gear and is super cute a girly and pink) holds your bib and doesn't get in the way, and no worry about those nasty little safety pins (safety my behind, I have stuck myself more times with those...ok getting off track - catch that running joke??).  Big Daddy uses one from Zoot with nurtrition loops.  The handy dandy loops hold his nutrition packs (aka gel/goo, whatever you call that nasty stuff) to make life easier.

Ok so here is my last little piece of advice, NEVER, and I mean NEVER (I used my mom voice there, did you hear it?) wear something in a race that you have not trained in.  It will end badly, and usually in terrible chaffing (eeeewwww).  Use what is comfy, use what makes you happy!!!

How To Know You Run with a Toddler

Ever wonder what it's like to run with a toddler in a stroller??  Let me enlighten you...

1.  Tiny princess yells "I DON'T WANT TO GO FOR A RUN" from the backseat as soon as she recognizes where you are driving.

2.  You arrive at start location and all of a sudden the tiny princess gets excited and yells "YAY LET'S GO FOR A RUN" from the back seat.

3.  It takes a small suitcase to bring all the things with you that you'll need on the run, for the tiny princess that is.  (Usually this includes a snack, drink, back up snack, toys du jour, lovie, and random rocks we find along the way.)

4.  Once you are finally ready to run (phone silenced, music on, Garmin located, water and fuel loaded, bathroom one more time, shoes checked, etc.) if you don't start fast enough the tiny princess starts yelling  GOOO MOMMY, GOOO impatiently (as if to say, get this going so we can be done Mom).

5.  And you're off....now you only have to stop and pick EVERY SINGLE FLOWER you pass on the way by, or face the wrath of the screaming crying tiny princess mourning the flowers she could have had.

6.  Mile three and the tiny princess is now bored and singing some weirdo song about anything that goes by you (or the last cartoon she watched, it's mind melting) that slowly degenerates in to just odd noises.

7.  Coming up to mile 3.81 of your planned 4 mile training run and Grammy calls......you answer and quickly say you'll call back.  Well, the tiny princess knew who you were talking to (how is completely beyond you, you had headphones in) and screams that she wants to show Grammy something so you have to FaceTime Grammy back (while running UP a hill at the END of your run pushing the tiny princess in her stroller filled with stuff) and spend the last 0.19 miles translating tiny princessese for Grammy instead of listening to that rocking song that was motivating you up that hill.

8.  Whew, you did it, 4 mile training run with the tiny princess but the problem now is you aren't back to the car so you have to walk......and the tiny princess has hit her limit on the stroller time and wants to get out but you want to keep her in...and the screaming begins again and the cycle starts all over as you load the tiny princess and her entourage of stuffed things and toys in to the car.

I'm exhausted just writing about it.....