Not All Runs Can Be PRs

Today, I did the Baltimore 10-miler and it won. Even though I did run the whole thing, it kicked my butt and there is no PR to celebrate. I knew before I even hit the first mile marker that today just wasn't my day. I felt sluggish and heavy, it was hot and my bff - hills - came early and often. I had to keep making myself slow down just so I wouldn't burn out before the finish line and my time was on the far end of my goal range that I talked about a couple weeks ago, but that's okay because I really was practically limping from the pain in my calf as I crossed the finish line.

Got a pretty awesome running jacket instead of a shirt

But, I figure 10 miles is still 10 miles, whether you do it fast or slow, so I'm logging that race as training miles.

"It was being a runner that mattered, not how fast or how far I could run. The joy was in the act of running and in the journey, not in the destination. We have a better chance of seeing where we are when we stop trying to get somewhere else," - John Bingham.

Afterward, I made us some nom noms with these Gardein beefless tips that are so delish and the most realistic meatless product I've ever had. I just threw some into a jalapeño-cheddar wrap with tomato-basil hummus, tomatoes and onions. Yummo! I figured I didn't need to feel more like crap after that race by going out to eat.


Nap time!

Throwback Thursday

For this Throwback Thursday I am going to show you why I have to watch what I eat and workout.

Oh dear. Look at that face! Excuse me, I need to go for a run right now.

The Great Equalizer

Today I did the Fountainhead Off Road Half Marathon and I am already feeling it. Tomorrow I am going to be stiifffff.

It was an absolutely beautiful race through the woods and along the water, but oh my. The hills. Oh, the hills. I thought last week's Run For the Dream Half Marathon was rough with it's 'rolling hills,' but those were baby hills compared to this trail race. Seriously, trail running is the great equalizer. No one is immune to wet feet from crossing creeks, hills so steep you almost have to use your hands to help you climb up or just to save yourself from slipping in the shoe-sucking mud. Then the blisters happen because of those factors and when a blister pops open while running, it is the worst feeling. I've considered having my pinky toes removed during my states of delirium after a blister pops during a race. It's that bad. Obviously, no PR was made, but free pizza and diet coke at the finish line put this race pretty high on my favorites list.

I had also checked out a running trail yesterday close to where I'm staying that I think I'll be using quite a bit for my long runs this summer. It, too, ran along the water and gave me lots to look at, which is good because I know there's a 25-miler hiding somewhere in my training plan.

I also have to brag a bit on my hair yesterday. I did a French braid crown that was added to my French braid. Mind blown.

Now, I'll leave you with my running plans for the week:

Monday - 5 miles

Tuesday - 4

Wednesday - 6

Thursday - 4

Friday - rest

Saturday - Baltimore 10-miler!

Sunday - 4

Nostalgia Way

You know when you taste or smell something and it instantly takes you back to a certain memory? That happened last night when I had some Moose Tracks ice cream for the first time in years. If you've never had Moose Tracks, you are missing out and need to correct yourself because it is the best ice cream. It has peanut butter and fudge swirled throughout. Perfection. As soon as i ate it, I instantly thought of my childhood home and my mom buying it and us having a bowl at night while sitting in her bedroom watching TV - me, her and my sister. Good memories.

Another gem I just discovered yesterday is Pace Garlic and Lime salsa. Uh, talk about all my favorite things! It even has a bit of a kick. With my luck, I'll never see it at the grocery store ever again, but I put a scoop (or three) into my butternut squash soup last night and it was awesome. I see dipping veggies, crackers, pouring it on eggs... The options are limitless! 

Me and the hubs also hit up the gym together last night and logged some miles on the treadmill. I love when he works out with me because it keeps me motivated. Too bad he's heading down to Charleston next week while I hang out in Maryland for a couple more months to wrap some things up. Gotta stay motivated!

a little about myself

I typically don't talk about my work a lot here, but I had a little bragging moment that I wanted to share. I'm a journalist in the Army, which is partly why I do this blog to keep my writing up in between articles. I recently did a story on a commander who saved someone's life during a routine training mission and I'm pretty proud of the story (as well as his service) here's the story.

Now that I got that bragging out of the way, let me admit that I did not get my 6 mile run in last night. I went to the gym and all the treadmills were taken, and while I'm happy that so many people were dedicated to their fitness, I was a bit peeved. I ended up doing 11 miles on the bike, which was probably for the best because afterward I ran one mile and it hurt. I think I was still recovering from Sunday's race. Here's to getting a run in tonight!

So close!

I did the Run for the Dream half marathon yesterday in Williamsburg, Va. and the 6 miles of 'rolling hills' won. While I still got a new PR of 2:01:40, I didn't manage my goal of a sub 2 hour. So close! Maybe in the fall.

Besides that, it was a beautiful run. We ran through colonial Williamsburg, ran up and down the parkway and did a lap around William & Mary's stadium track. It was hot, hot, hot outside, but there was a pretty constant breeze that saved my life and they did a good job with the water stations.

We also had some great food while we were there. The night before the race we had she-crab soup, and I think it's my new favorite thing - well I guess just crab in general because I had it with a crab quesadilla and this was after the crabmeat cheese steak from Friday night.

After the race, we had a massive brunch in Williamsburg, that I refuse to be ashamed of devouring every last bite because I had just run a half marathon, of smoked salmon eggs benedict (another favorite), shrimp and grits and hash browns.

After that, we headed to Yorktown solely for this amazing wine shop called River Fruit Tropical Wines, where they have every flavor of fruit wine that you could possibly imagine, plus... Wait for it... Chocolate covered, frozen, key lime pie on a stick. I'll wait while you reread that description and let it sink in... And yes, it is everything that it sounds like it would be.

And yes, that is chocolate on my face

Now for the running schedule this week:

Monday - 6 miles
Tuesday - 4
Wednesday - 6
Thursday - 6
Friday - rest
Saturday - 5
Sunday - 13.1. I signed up for another half marathon - Fountainhead Off road half marathon. So, I won't be able to get that sub2, since it's a trail, but I am expecting a beautiful run.

Busy, busy, busy

It's been a couple days since my last post because I've been swamped with work, but I'm currently on my way to Williamsburg for the Run for the Dream half marathon! And even though I've been exhausted all week, I still fit in a couple 4 milers and I even hopped on a bike for 11 miles for some cross training (and paid dearly for it the next day with a sore bum!)

I haven't made any exciting recipes lately, but I did have some amazing crab last night for dinner from Casey's Crab Co. Me and the hubs shared some hot crab dip with Ritz crackers and then we had a crabmeat cheesesteak (the one and only, according to the menu). Man, oh, man was it tasty! It had a load of crabmeat, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese. Everything that makes a great sandwich. I may be checking them out again before I leave.

Now wish me luck on tomorrow's race!