Utah Valley Marathon, June 2015

Saturday, I ran my second full marathon, the Utah Valley Marathon.  Pain you enjoy they say..... I picked this race for a few reasons.  Some friends were training for it, and it was highly rated online, and even in Runners World.

Running with your dog- Must Haves!

So maybe your New Years Resolution is to get in shape. 

Or maybe it is to better train your dog or start running with fido.  

If you are considering running with your dog in 2015, I have some awesome products to share that will make your life (and your pooches!) a lot easier on the run! 

These are products I use and love every time I take Olive for a run.   Running with Olive turns any run into a much more enjoyable experience.  Having the company, a good pacer, and a tired dog after is hard to beat ;) 

Gentle Leader Harness

 Purchase on Amazon ($14.19)

This harness has a nice simple non intrusive design, that controls your dog from the chest instead of a clip on the back.  This works really well for dogs that pull and drag on the leash and is a great aid for running with your dog.

Remington Reflective Safety Vest

 Purchase on Amazon ($14.32)

If you are running on the roads, running at night, or running in the woods during hunting season, then this vest is a must.  Neon orange and reflective striping makes sure your pooch (and you) are seen! 

Adjustable Leash for Hands-Free Running 

Purchase on Amazon ($29.95)

There is nothing worst than having your dog yank your arm out during your entire run.  And let's face is, holding on to a leash for ten miles is no fun.  This hand strap has an adjustable strap that turns the wrist sized loop into a waist belt/hands free running device.  The clip is also great if you ever need to tie your dog outside for a second while you run into a store or somewhere fido cannot go.  The clip on the other end is also durable and high quality so no one gets lose on the run ;) 

Mushers Secret "Invisible Dog Boots"

 Purchase on Amazon  ($11.25)

This is really important to protect paws from hot pavement in the summer or de-icer on the winter roads.  Booties are a nice option but many dogs hate wearing booties.  Mushers secret is an easy cheap alternative.


Come back and tell me how much you loved these products- I promise you will. 

45 Minute Stems, Arms and Abs Workout

Good morning  (bloggy) world.   

Hope your Tuesday is off to a fantastic start. 

 I was up at 5:45 to meet Liz for our planned 6:15 workout. 

I can't stress how important it is to have a workout buddy for motivation.  Knowing this lady was waiting for me, kept me from hitting my snooze button another hundred times. 

45 minute routine, worked the legs, arms, and abs, gossip included.  We ran 1.5 miles to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and with a gorgeous view of the water, did a little arms and abs circuit before running back.   Here it is-  if you only have 45 minutes and want a great workout without the gym, TRY THIS! 

3 mile out and back, and you need a bench and a grassy or semi comfortable spot for ab and arm work.  Do the workout in this order- I did my run nice and slow for a total workout with the ab and arm work of about 45 minutes.  If you can't run 1.5 miles straight do a run walk or even walk!

My Marathon Recap - Part 2

Welcome to Marathon Recap Part II

More of a running recap than a race recap.  

Let me start by saying something shocking.

This wasn't as hard or as glamorous as I thought.

Yeah yeah, it was a small race, It wasn't Boston or NY, it didn't have the huge crowds, nostalgia or hype.  But it just didn't feel like I thought it would.  I mean, don't get me wrong, it was 26 miles and I was tired by the end, but at no point did I feel like I couldn't go on, or something hurt really bad, or that I never wanted to run again.  Your normal aches and pains, normal wanting to be done running, but I think I kicked this marathon's butt. 

I drove to Providence on my own for the 7:15 lineup of the race.  At the start line I turned on my GoPro and I was off.   We left downtown Providence and headed out towards Barrington, Rhode Island.  Instead of going into exhausting detail mile by mile, I will just share some funny excerpts, aka conversations I had with myself throughout the run.  I also had my go pro on my head the entire race and I took some clips/pictures of my race-  SO easy to take picture when your camera is on your head.  Will put together a little video at a later date. 

Lace up your sneaks.. here we go!

Mile 1:  Yay look at all these people running a marathon.  Oh my god I just passed two visually impaired people running this marathon with guides.  The only thing worst than running a marathon has to be running a marathon with your eyes closed.  I officially have no right to complain.

Miles 2-3:  Wow this is depressing.  23 miles left! That is a sad thought.  Shut up, Katie, you just saw the visually impaired runners and said you would stop complaining... that didn't last long.

Miles 3-5:  Hey legs are starting to warm up... this isn't so bad..... I just want to get past 6 and out of the 20 miles left category because that is just so depressing.

Miles 5-8:  I AM SO HUNGRY- I don't want GU or Shot Blocks, I want real food.  This marathon is really interrupting my normal breakfast time.  No Me Gusta-  Hey, pretty water. 

Miles 8-10:  IT'S A DUNKIN DONUTS!!!!! RIGHT THERE ON THE COURSE.  I could go in and just get half a bagel, you know, some running fuel I am really hungry.  Oh wait I didn't bring any money with me- stupid stupid.  Wait, maybe if I go in and tell them I am running a marathon and I am hungry they will feel bad for me and give me a bagel.

Miles 10-12:  Bagel was a no go- realized not the best idea. I heard there are bananas on course,  I need to find some real food.  Fine I will settle for a Shot Blok.   Oh more water views. 

Miles 13-15:  YES! Half way there.  this is usually when I cross the half marathon finish line and say "wow I could never do that again- I will never run a marathon".  But here I am.  Oh my friends should be here any minute.  I hope to see them soon.  Oh this bike path is so pretty la de dah.  Wish I had a bike....

Miles 15-17:  I can't find my friends.   Where are they?   Note to self: call them.  I am running slow enough.... This is a nice neighborhood.  I am really jealous of everyone sitting in chairs.

Mile 18:  Oh hey look it's my parents aunt and uncle!  And cousins!  With a cow bell!   Nice little boost of energy at mile 18 just when I need it

Mile 19:  While the water is gorgeous, I am running down a path with water on both sides, with (what feels like) tornado winds.  I think I am running in a vacuum.  Am I moving forward?  Call friends, Liz says they are at mile 20.  Yay one more mile till I find them!

Mile 20.5:  Where are they... they said 20....

Mile 21:  LIZ WHERE ARE YOU GUYS -  Oh at mile 23... oh okay... that's really off but that's fine.  Oh hey... it's marathon Larry!  This guy has run over 1300 marathons.  Wow that's like... a lot a year.  I get dumb when I run. No math for me.  See ya Larry. 

Mile 22:  This hill really sucks.  I mean look... everyone is walking... in fact I have barely seen anyone running after mile 20.  I am walking up this hill too.  Lazy runners unite.

Mile 23.5  WHERE ARE MY FRIENDS-  They hate me.   They must be at the wrong marathon.  Why are they doing this to me.  I HAVE NO FRIENDS  they lied to me.  This is the meanest trick ever.

Mile 24:  Yeah they aren't coming.  They hate me.  I just want to finish this stupid race and go home.   Oh look at that boxer in the car... Hey its Courtney's dog Leni...  but who is that guy.  OH MY GOD SOMEONE STOLE LENI.  

Mile 25:  No one stole Leni- you have just lost your shit.  One more mile and change and then you can get some grub.  Maybe a cheeseburger... or a Turkey club.. options are endless.  GIVE ME ALL THE FOOD.

Photo Cred:  Gameface Photography.  

Mile 25.5:  THERE THEY ARE!! ITS MY FRIENDS!!! THEY LOVE ME!! THEY CAME!! THEY MADE SIGNS!!! They were off my five miles but I DON'T CARE LIFE IS WONDERFUL.  OH here take my sweaty arm bands and my sweaty camel bak.  See ya at the finish. 

Mile 26:  Okay.. I am at 26... and the finish line is no where in sight.  That was a long half mile and  wow I didn't know .2 was so far.

26.3:    I SEE IT! The finish line!  Hey dude-  PASSED YA BITCH -  cruising cruising... OH MY FRIENDS!!! Cheesy wave and smile... Courtney Kristen and the boxers, oh there is Ashley and Jon and Lilly, oh and my parents.  Aunt uncle and cousin- wow I am loved.  If you want to see how many amazing friends and family you have, run a marathon.  Wait I minute...26.3? I have been cheated....Now I can eat.

I had visions of me tearing up as I crossed the finish line,  an item off the bucket list, overwhelming pride an joy.  Yes I was happy, and excited, and all my friends and family were at the end, and the crowd was fantastic, but I just felt... normal.  My father is impressed by my post marathon status... and tells me how big of an accomplishment it was.  I sort of over think it and think its kind of silly... I ran 26 miles and ended up in the same place.  I remind myself its not the race but all the miles leading to this race that counted.  That made me a marathoner.  Those miles were the real struggle. 

I grabbed my foil cape, a water, 1/4 of a wrap, and hung out while I found my family.  I saw people hobbling and stretching, crawling and stumbling.... but I felt okay. 

I think my "success" was in my run walk program.  I ran 2 miles, walked 1 minute throughout the entire race.  This gave me legs a quick break, not pounding on the same muscles for 4.5 hours, and allowed me to break the race into 2 mile intervals.  Below are my splits (this time includes the walking). 

It doesn't feel like it really happened.  I mean my watch said 26.3... I had a medal... I ran all of the miles.. But I don't feel any different.  Hah oh well.  Now I never have to run again if I don't want to.  Best. Feeling. Ever

If I ever run again I think its going to be 5k 10k stuff.  I mean the marathon didn't feel so bad but the 4+ months of training and long run weekends is something I rather never do again. 

Well, thanks for following me on my marathon journey.  And thanks for all your support along the way.  Now that the race is over, I am going to focus on shorter distances, some speed work, and get back into Body Pump and weight training.  

Onto bigger and better different things!

Cox Providence Rhode Races- Marathon Recap (Part 1)

I ran a marathon and then disappeared from the blog world for a week. 

 Surprise! I am still alive.  Although my phone did die at mile 26.1 and someone tracking me from home thought I died .1 miles from the finish.

It was just a hectic week with moving out of my apartment and an overnight horse show up in New York for a few days.  BUT Sunday I found some time to recap my race.  Being my first marathon, I have SO much to say-- so I decided to break it into two parts, the first part more of a review of the race and how it was held, an the second more of a running recap.

  It is long, so sit back grab a coffee and enjoy.  

Saturday night I laid out my clothes and gadgets to make sure I had everything I needed for race day.   The forecast was warm and sunny so I planned accordingly:  Sports bra, blue tank top, Lululemon shorts, compression socks, a nike running hat, ipod arm band, camelbak with 2 nuun tabs, Shok Blocks, energy beans, headphones, sunglasses, advil, gopro, gopro head strap.   Everything charged, packed, ready to go for an early morning start.  

I woke up Sunday morning at 4:30 to be out of my house for 5:00.  I had to drop Olive off at my parents house, and make the hour and a half drive to Providence, Rhode Island.  The race started at 7:30 but I wanted to be there for 6:30 to have time to park, pickup my bib and goody bag, get my locker, stretch, and head to the start for 7:15.   I had a bagel with peanut butter and banana (ate half) and a coffee for breakfast.  

I pre-purchased a locker online and was glad I did. (Company is called Blue Trailer- what an awesome idea).   For $7 I had a key to a locker, where I could stash some goodies I did not want to run with.  This meant I could avoid gear check all together and know my belongings were safely locked away, and I could access them whenever I wanted without a line.  

Before the race, I  read some reviews of the race and how it was organized, to know a little better what I was getting in to.  Some people complained of mile markers, port o potty issues, non descriptive shirts, running out of supplies, and boring medals.  But I will say they seemed to have fixed every complaint.   Packet pick up was smooth-  I had no issues getting my number in a timely fashion.  There were bathrooms with short lines in the convention center (at pickup)  and a ton of port o potties lined up near the start of the race.  

The shirts are cute, navy blue tech shirt with white and aqua lettering, with the marathon and 26.2 screaming across the top.  They were out of smalls and mediums when I got to packet pick up but I was planning to put it in a frame with my medal anyway (so many race shirts I don't wear and this one is special). 

As I lined up at the start, I was truly in awe at how beautiful the weather was.  It was 70s, sunny, and a gorgeous day.  It was almost a little too warm for running, but much better than rain.  The sun was bearable thanks to the 15-20 mph winds that were whipping off the water.   The race started about 10 minutes late, which isn't bad compared to many races.   The announcer was upbeat and fun and a little toy helicopter filmed the start of the race.  The national anthem played, everyone got organized, and it was race time!

The gun started and we were off.  We left from the convention center in downtown Providence and headed out.  The course was absolutely BEAUTIFUL.  Right along the water, through quaint little neighborhoods, and on this adorable bike trail. 

The parts that were on the main roads were coned off and there were policemen and volunteers at all intersections and turns.  The volunteers were so helpful and so encouraging, and all of the aid stations had plenty of GUs, gatorade, water, and bananas.  I was really impresed by the organization of this marathon, before and during the race. 

There were photographers all over the course, and oh, did I mention the pictures were available online for free?    This was awesome.  There were spectators throughout the entire course.  Being a "smaller" marathon, some parts were sparse in the cheering department but for the most part, they were all over the course and very encouraging.  

The last few miles of the course were hilly, but at that point, I was just happy to be nearing the end.  As I came around the corner to the coral, I basically had the finish line to myself.  I heard and saw all my friends and family and the energy of the crowd was amazing.  I crossed that finish line with a huge smile on my face and lots of pictures to prove it.   

After crossing the finish line I got my medal, foil sheet, water and gatorade.  There were also wraps and snacks for the runners in the corral.  Attached to my bib was a ticket for a free Narraganset which I declined until my stomach was a little more settled post race.  I was easily reunited with my family and we soaked in the rest of the sunshine and glory of running 26.2.

The medals were nice, they had the name of the race and "Marathon" right on the ribbon, and the medallion itself had the Cox Logo and Providence (capitol?) on it.  

Again, I was really impressed with this race, especially after reading the reviews on previous years.  They had addressed/fixed every issue I had read in the reviews, and put together a well organized race on a beautiful course.   The timing of the marathon was also perfect, there are not many spring marathon options in New England besides Boston (which you have to qualify or fund-raise).  This race was only $100, two weeks after Boston, and perfect for my training schedule.   I highly recommend this marathon to anyone looking for a spring marathon.  If you are one of the "50 staters", then make this your Rhode Island race.  

Stay tuned for my running recap of the race!

Friday- 13 mile run around Salt Lake City and Liberty Park

Friday was another gorgeous day in Salt Lake City.  Again the weather was sunny, high 60's to low 70's.    And again, Thatcher had to work most of the day.  A full day to myself... what to do.  

Well I am really bad at relaxing and really good at keeping busy.

I am starting to taper for my Marathon on May 4^th.  I had just run my 20 miler the weekend before, and was going to attempt a 12-15 mile run this weekend. 

The problems with running in Salt Lake City, or Utah in general is:
A:  I am not used to the altitude-  Harder to catch your breath out here

B:  I am not used to the mountains.  We have hills at home, rolling hills, but I am not used to running straight up and then straight down.

C:  It was really warm this weekend- I had been training throughout the winter in very cold temperatures.  My body was not used to the sunny 70 degrees that was forecasted for Friday.

 

Because I had A, B, and C against me, I decided to stick with a flat route.  The only way to do that is to run the city blocks or find a park.  I did both.  I did some research and found a park called Liberty Park about two miles from the apartment.  My plan was to run 2 miles to the park (stopping to buy a Gatorade somewhere) run 9 miles at the park, and then run 2 miles back to the apartment. 

I wore a pair of biking shorts, a tank top, my compression socks, my newtons, and some sun screen.  I headed out and bought a Gatorade at a local convenience store.  I don’t like to drink super sweet gartorade while running, but my NUUN tabs were at home and I knew with the heat that Gatorade was the better option over water.

When I got to the park, I was stunned.  It was runner's paradise.  There were several “tracks” that went around the park, a mulch path for runners, grass, and two cement sidewalks for runners, walkers, rollerbladers, or bikers.  I switched from the mulch track to the cement track to the grass track.  It was really nice to have the different terrains (oh, and all flat!) -- The track around the park was roughly 1.5 miles.  This worked PERFECTLY for my 1.5 mile running and 1.5 minute walking.  Ran a lap, walked a minute with my Gatorade, set it down, and repeat.  There was also some shady parts around the track, water fountains everywhere (even doggy ones!) and several bathrooms around the park.  Runner's paradise indeed.

I finished my nine miles, all while taking in this gorgeous park.  A big pond with boats, tennis courts, pavilions, benches everywhere, fields, an aviary, bocce, horseshoes, volleyball, you name it.  There were people everywhere, dogs everywhere, and everyone out enjoying the day.  It was one of those runs that just makes you happy to be outside, and reminds you why you run.   This will be a spot I absolutely come back to run, visit, and enjoy the park with Olive.  

At mile 11 (9 on the track) I left the park and headed back towards the apartment.  I was feeling pretty tired and ready to be done, but I think this was mostly due to the heat I was not used to.  I finished my 13.01 at a 9:53 pace, which included my walk breaks.  I was pretty happy with the time that has been consistent with my other long runs.  Consistent pace even with the altitude change and heat? Not bad Katie. 

At this point, I had successfully trained in all types of conditions.  Sun and heat, bitter cold, wind, rain, and even altitude.  I had gotten to the important 20 miler, and I finally feel really ready for this marathon.

The one thing I realized, was that I was going to need some better warm weather gear.  I was going to need some quality shorts for my marathon, that would wick and wouldn’t ride up, and I was going to need a running hat that would wick away the sweat while keeping the sun off my face.   And while I am at it, maybe a fun new tank top to celebrate the occasion ;) 

Once back at the apartment, I hopped in the shower, got dressed, and met Thatcher for a late lunch.  Even though it was quite warm out, he had Ramen on the brain, and who am I to say no to a bowl of noodles?  We went to Naked Fish, a few blocks from Thatcher’s apartment and I ordered a bowl of classic Ramen and a glass of refreshing white wine.  After lunch, we headed to Lululemon to pick out a pair of marathon shorts.

This was not as easy as I thought.  Most of their shorts are  INSANELY short, and made for girls with twigs for legs.  I wanted something a little longer with a little more room for the thighs.  After about 30 minutes and 5 shorts, I finally settled on this pair.   The length of the shorts was perfectly, the legs were roomy, and the band was seamless and really comfortable.  They even have a pocket that’s just big enough for my phone, or some keys and a card.  And don’t worry friends, I will be doing my next long(ish) run in these to see if they will work for my 26.2. 

After Lululemon and lots of walking around town, we were hungry again, and stopped at the Desert Storm Brewery for beer, wine, and an app.  We sat outside on the deck and settled on some veggie spring rolls and I had a glass of white wine which was a refreshing snack on a beautiful day. 

After all the eating out, we deiced to make dinner at the apartment.   I made porkchops with a mushroom and red wine reduction, with quinoa and green beans.  A relaxing and healthy meal enjoyed at home to end the day.

A 13 mile run, a walk around the city, a trip to Lululemon, a pit stop at a brewery, and a delicious homemade dinner.  The day’s just keep getting better and better.

<3 Katie 

20 mile run- Marathon Training

Well, this week wasn't the greatest week for midweek mileage.  

Monday:  Body Pump

Tuesday:  Riding and off

Wednesday:  3 mile run

Thursday:  Riding and off

Friday:  3 mile run

Saturday:  riding and home sesh- weights, arms, squats, pushups 

Sunday:  20 miler

Well not great but hey I squeezed in two bitty runs mid week.. 

Better than nothing!

I should write a book "Marathon training for complete slackers"

On a sadder note, my groupons also expired and there aren't any more so I need to say buh bye to body pump or suck it up and buy a membership.

First world problems...

So, back to that 20 miler I ran this weekend

(feels weird to even type that)

Breakfast was:

2 eggs scrambled with a little bit of ham and chives

With an onion bagel, cream cheese, and chives.

With the cat leering at me. 

And a large glass of water.

No more pre long run coffee....

it results in me having to pee every 2 miles ---not fun. 

I did some planning at home and decided to do a 10 mile loop and then finish the last 10 miles at the track.  

Well the dog wasn't tired after ten, so instead I did a 10 mile loop, three miles at the track while Olive hung out and drank water, four mile out and back by the water with Olive, and then 3 more miles at the track while Olive napped in the sun.

Olive ran 14 miles with me while I ran the full 20.  

It was nice to keep changing up the scenery and terrain. 

Makes the mental challenge of running a little easier.

I also finished the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt on Audio Book (highly recommend) and decided to start a new audio book to entertain me during the 20 miler.  I decided on Brain On Fire (my month of madness) by Susannah Cahalan.  Loving audiobooks while running lately, makes me think about the book and less about running. 

I snapped a few pictures along the way.  Does anyone else snap photos or send out an occasional text during their long run?  Running gets boring... need to change it up somehow.  

I ran down to the CT Department of Environmental Protection and ran down the boardwalk.  It was a gorgeous day.  Figured some fresh salty air at mile 15 would help.  Certainly couldn't hurt. 

Just a guy who owns a lovely piece of waterfront property, two fake Clydesdale horses in his yard, and his own helicopter. NBD.

Beautiful house on Ferry Road.  Former Nut Museum of Old Lyme. 

Such a goofy little shore town. 

I ran 6 of my 20 miles on the track.  It sort of served as my "home base"  I started and ended here and had food and water for Olive and I here.  She hung out in the sun with water while I ran my 6 miles on the track. She could have easily ran the whole 20 but I didn't want her too.  I also wanted her to have long water and rest breaks. 

Have you ever met a more spoiled dog?

I stuck with my 1.5 miles of running 1.5 minute walk- keeping my watch going the entire time.  This schedule seems to be working pretty well for me still and still has a faster time than my straight running efforts.

As you can see from my splits, miles 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 felt TOUGH.  I was tired and I wanted to quit but knew there was no way in hell I was giving up.

 I had to go ride in the morning, and didn't get out until 11:30, so I was out running on tired legs from riding, and without lunch.  I think starting earlier in the morning would have helped the fatigue and lunch time hunger.

I carried my camelbak with water and 2 nuun tabs.

I ate 1 banana at mile 10 and 1 mint chocolate GU at mile 15.

Not a huge fan of a lot of fueling mid run.

BUT, I was so hungry I was chewing on the GU pretending it was food-
Sad fact.....

SO then I started day dreaming of food-  I was thinking about the delicious lunch I would eat after.  All the sudden I had a craving for my favorite salad right down the road.  This asian chicken salad.  

Then I yelled at myself.

WTF Katie you are running 20 miles. 

You are not eating a salad after.. DO BETTER.

So then I decided I wanted a turkey club sandwich, which then morphed into a chicken club sandwich with fries. 

 Lots of time to debate the endless possibilities. 

About 2 minutes after my garmin said 20 miles I was calling in a to go order.

It was unbelievably tasty (and huge) I ate it so fast I can barely remember it.

I ate it so fast that I felt a little sick after it. 

That just meant more time to relax with Olive on the couch and celebrate our run with full stomachs. 

She was surprisingly tired after that run.  

Tiring out the dog is mostly the reason why I run.

Mission Accomplished. 

The rest of the day was spent with gatorade, 

compression socks, ice packs, and a couch. 

20 miles DONE!  My longest long run done until the race!
Feels so good to be (mostly) done with training.

AND NO INJURIES (knocked on my desk..)

Now to start a taper :)