Evening Run 3/16/15

I am loving this time change... kinda. I get to run in the evenings before it gets dark!! WOOO!

Who else is enjoying those evening runs?

Monday night me and my son who is 8 walked to our local elementary school and got a run in. I was planning on going alone, but he came out dressed and ready to go. (minus a t-shirt). He thinks he is pretty cool running without one. 

How awesome does he look while running?! That HAIR!!!  I told him to just run and not wait up for me. Since my knee injury I have been taking it pretty slow. I do run 1 song, walk half or run 2 songs walk half. Depends on my mood at this point. Plus I think I am mentally worried the pain will creep up at any moment. I hope I am not the only runner who has dealt with an injury and worrying that it will come back any minute. It consumes my brain sometimes while running and it's pretty annoying. I turn up the music to drown out the voices that make me worry. 

I ran 3.5 miles!! I made it to 3 miles with no pain. After that, it was just a dull ache. Being a runner, I can't stop at 3.33 miles. I have to make it to the halfway point. I'm sure you all agree. My pace was pretty awesome too! I didn't expect to run 10-11 minute miles. Not at all. I'll surely take it!

It felt so good to make it that far pain free! I needed that release! It was my best run so far this year. 

Kaden ran about 4 miles so I was pretty proud of him. I love that my children enjoy running.

We walked home and I iced my knees right away. The pain (or ache I should say), was barely there. Icing never hurts. So I got to relax while my fireman finished up dinner. Yes, I am a lucky gal to have a husband who does the cooking while I run! 

On another note, I love my Brooks. They look so pretty!! 

Recovery Run

I went to the Orthopedics 2 weeks ago. X-rays came back good and based on my symptoms I have Patellofemoral pain syndrome AKA: runners knee. I was relieved! The Dr. told me I could still run, but to take it easy, ice, rest, Not to much. He put me on anti-inflammatory medicine for a month. He also gave me a list of exercises and stretches to do. He would like me to visit a Physical Therapist for some exercises as well.
I have started doing the stretches at home. While we were at the race expo at Disney I picked up KT tape. I ran with it for the Frozen 5k and made it through with a some pain.
I decided I would meet Erin for a slow run last Tuesday and had Fireman tape me up the night before. I had him do my knee and ankle.

My run started off slow, I was pushing the jogger with a 26 pound toddler. Ha! But it wasn't bad at all. I did a run 2 songs, walk half a song interval. I didn't want to start off by running to much. The pace seemed slow to me, but I reminded myself I'm pushing a jogger with extra weight and I'm slowly running again. (not to mention, it's been around 6 months since I've ran with the jogger).
It also happened to be a very hot March morning! Florida weather is all sorts of messed up. Freezing 30 degree weather one week, high 80's the next.
Anyways, my run was going pretty smooth. I was very nervous about the pain coming back, but at half a mile I didn't have pain. Then when I hit 1 mile there was still no pain. I kept waiting for it to come. (it has to be a mental thing). Mile 2 came and I was still good. I started to get a little excited! 2 miles with no pain! A little after the 2.5 mile mark I started to feel a dull pain. I walked longer, ran less. The pain was still just dull. Not bad like in the past. I am hoping, fingers crossed that this is a sign of improvement.
I did 3 miles. They felt very slow, but my time was 39 minutes. That is AWESOME time!! I'm thinking positive!!

Disney's Frozen 5k

The title speaks for itself. Literally. It was beyond cold for this Florida girl. Record breaking temperatures the morning of our 5k. Not fun.

The expo wasn't to crazy, we went on Thursday due to us racing Friday morning. As always, there is never anything for 5k runners. Which stinks. Run Disney really slacks in this area. I loved seeing all the vendors and fun racing attire! 

I had to make some adjustments to our running costumes due to weather. Sadly all our race photos we were covered by jackets. Boo! It'll be another Disney race we won't forget! Wine & Dine had pouring rain and cold temps. Now a Frozen 5k. I'm starting to see a pattern... 

I was Queen Elsa, my daughter was Anna, and my son was Olaf.  We had to stick with the theme! I had a friend make our skirts and paint Lenee's shirt. They came out amazing! I think the gals should go into business!! What do you think?

We were in corral B. WOO!! However, it was a slow start for us. Buggy didn't like the cold weather at all, she was having trouble breathing in such dry air. She did a very fast walk until her body warmed up a little. I think by 1.5 miles she started to run a little. She was still freezing and miserable. Didn't want to stop for characters. I had to talk her into posing for a few photos. 

 

Her mood changed once she saw Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff. I wonder if they were as cold as us? 

(I hope so)!  Although I'm sure Elsa was loving this weather! 

I had a little knee pain, I used KT tape in hopes to be able to run pain free. Having the tape on helped some. Even though I still had pain, it was tolerable and I didn't feel that locking up feeling that always forces me to walk. 

By mile 3 Lenee was in a much better mood, only because the finish line was coming! She didn't want to take after photos. She grabbed her goodies and headed straight for the van. We had about an hour to keep warm before heading back out for Kaden's one mile race. Food and warmth. At the point I don't think anything was better than those 2. 

Trying to stay warm in the van!

As we walked over to the kids one mile starting point, my son informed us, that he didn't want us to run with him. He wanted to do it on his own. What?!? I was a little nervous about this. There were a lot of kids actually signed up for this race. I did love Run Disney's security point though. The parent's had to keep a tag that matched their child's bib number in order for them to come out of the finishing area. Fireman said let him do it, he's got this. I know, I know.. he's 8 and very smart for his age. But still! 

I finally caved and let him go to the starting line alone. My son is a perfectionist and is very competitive. ( I have no clue where he gets it from). The look in his eyes told me he wanted to win this, even though I told him that children up to the age of 13 were running and that everyone is a winner. 

Kaden certainly proved his determination. 7:44 for his mile run. He was in the top 10! Proud mom moment for sure! He finished and told me right away he wanted to run a 5k and then a 10k. I love that running has had such a positive effect on my children! 

My super cute Olaf with his prize! 

Both children have  running goals and I am going to make sure they achieve them! As soon as my knee issue is corrected we will began training! 

Speaking of knees, I went to the orthopedist yesterday. He believes I have Patellofemoral syndrome. So I will be trying some exercises and stretches to see if that helps correct the problem. My x-rays came back looking good. So that was good news. If I don't see an improvement in a month with exercises we will look into an MRI. Fingers crossed I don't have to do that. 

What a way to end a Run Disney race weekend. With Starbucks and a Dole whip! 

MRTT Winter Virtual 5k 2015

This was my second year of doing the MRTT Winter Virtual race. I love my local running chapter!
This was also my first run since seeing a chiropractor and having him adjust my ankles in hopes to be pain free while running.
I was looking forward to this run. WAS. I was going to do the 5k and planned for a 10k if my knee allowed it. However, my knee had other plans.

It was a very cold morning for Florida! We bundled up.

Do you like my beanie?! I scored it for a dollar! Hey... whatever keeps me warm! Plus I am wearing Mary Kay makeup. More on that later!

My run started out good with Fabulous.  I was excited and feeling great. The cool air is was refreshing. Then at about 1.5 miles in the pain hit. I walked, stretched. Pain seemed to go away so I started a slow run. The pain came back. I started walking again. I was getting mad. I took 4 weeks off to prepare for this run. I rested. I started the run walk stretch method over and over. The pain eased a little around 2 miles and I did some slow pace run / fast walk to try to keep my pace time somewhat decent. 

Fabulous called my cell. She knew when I didn't arrive a few minutes after her that something was up. She told me she would run back to meet me. It was after I hung up with her that I allowed myself to shed a few tears. Frustration. Anger. Sadness. But only for a minute. 

Fabulous came up and gave me a big hug! I needed it. It's a reminder that all runners love each other. We're in it for the same reasons. 

I finished my 5k in 43 minutes. Not my best time, I finished. That's all that matters. I could have given up at mile 1.5 but I didn't. I kept on. 

The end result was worth it. I got this medal and it sparkles! What is better?! 

I do have an appointment with an Orthopedist in 2 weeks. I'm counting down. I will find answers and a solution. 

And yes I was wearing makeup for my race! I'm a Mary Kay beauty consultant. Mary Kay CC Cream is a great option for those wanting to wear makeup and workout / run! I love it!! 

My next 5k is Friday. I see a lot of walking... Disney's PHM weekend I'll see you soon! 

Year In Review 2014

2015 is just around the corner and as I leave 2014 behind I wanted to look back on all that I have accomplished this past year. I have logged over 250 miles for the year! It could be a little more, I switched running apps a few times thanks to the Nike app making me angry at times!  Regardless of how many I logged, I ran. I accomplished my running goals for the year. I think a little bit of bubbly is in order to celebrate!
When 2014 started I had no desire to lose weight or run much. It was a battle I was choosing to ignore, but 12 days into the new year I got my motivation. I watched my best friend and another friend, along with countless strangers run a full marathon! I thank you for showing me the way!

February 2014, I ran our local MRTT winter virtual 5k race without walking at all. First time ever! I cried. 

I also ran WDW Royal Family 5k with my  10 year old daughter and Fabulous. No walking this one. It was also my fastest 5k time (at this point in my running career).

By the end of February, Fireman and I were signed up for our first half marathon! WDW Wine & Dine 2014. I was shocked that I pushed the submit button. 

I also gave up soda this month. Big accomplishment! 

March 2014, I ran my first 10K. It was a little rough with it being beach side and windy but I finished with great time and was 4th place in my age group! Sisnlaw was 3rd! Proud moment for me! 

April 2014, I did a color run 5k with my sisnlaw's bridal party and Fabulous. I am not a fan of color runs. But still had fun! 

May 2014, Tried Zumba for the first time... and only time to date! 

I had lost 15-20 pounds by this month. All due to cutting out the junk and continuing to run and exercise! 

June- August 2014, Half marathon training had started. Woo! 

MRTT Summer Virtual 10k completed.  

I also became a Girl's Gone Sporty Ambassador! 

September 2014, Sisnlaw's girl's weekend and wedding! Busy month and training was a little hectic. 

October 2014, More half marathon training. 

November 2014, The first I ran the Annual Cowboy 5k with my daughter. 

She ran it in 29:07 and I finished in 31:39. Best time to date!!!

WDW Wine & Dine half marathon / worst running conditions ever complete! 

I still can't believe I ran 13.1 miles with sisnlaw.... in the freezing cold rain. In windy crappy conditions after dark.(being a Florida gal, I don't do cold well).  How we didn't end up with a cold, I don't know! 

December 2014, Ran my first cross country 5k with my 7 year old. He beat me! I was shocked because he is a lazy runner! I came in 3rd in my age group! Woo!

As I look back, I am beyond happy with all of my accomplishments! I still can't believe I have achieved so much in one year! 

 When you put your mind to it, anything is possible! I am thankful for all my friends, family, and local MRTT group for all their support and advice!!! It is heart warming to know I have such a wonderful support team!!! I love you all!! 

With that.. my favorite picture of 2014 is:

No it's not a picture of any of my medals. None of my medals can come close to what I felt the morning this photo was taken. None. It's a picture that's worth a thousand words and I will leave you with that. 

December Dash 5K Recap

The first annual December Dash 5K was held yesterday.   (also the cupcake's 2nd bday). Proceeds go to support my son's school so I am all for it!!

Being the first race the school put on it, I was impressed with the turn out. There is always a flaw or two with races that are put on for the first time. Being our town is small, many do not like to do the first year because of it being unorganized, or chaotic.  I went pretty smooth though. I can't complain and had a blast! 

It was held on the local high school's cross country track. I was excited for a new course, not so much all the mud and puddles. It rained the night before pretty good. The ground was pretty gross. My first thoughts were puddles, and wet feet all over again from Wine & Dine. I was not looking forward to it as we walked to the starting line. 

I ran with my 7 year old. He was anxious and ready to go! Already full of mud before the start of the race. Now let me give you a little background on him. He ran his first 5K in 2012 and walked most of it. He was not a good sport over it. I was in the hospital ( I had just given birth to cupcake). Yes, we are a committed running family! Since that 5K his running has been lazy. Bubba is very fast, but always starts to fast and to hard and by the time he hits a mile he is done. There is no telling him anything different. He's very bright and it has to be his way. With that, I was telling everyone that Bubba can find a friend and run the course, I wasn't walking or waiting on him. HA! I know mean mom.. but it was a race and I really wanted to run it and work on my time. Turns out that bit me in the rear. Read on..

We get to the starting line and he is right up to the line. Very front. I stayed back a little bit because I didn't know the course at all and didn't want to get lost. My luck, I would. I kept telling him, to not run hard at first, to pace himself. He had found some friends and could have cared less what I was saying to him. The race started and he took off! I said to myself he'll be walking within minutes.  

I started off a little faster than I wanted too. I had to slow down and get my breathing under control; all while worrying about holes and trying not to sprain anything.  I kept waiting to run past my son. I hit mile one and didn't see him. I had lost sight of him on the course. My amazing daughter, opted out of this race in order to volunteer at the water station. She is wonderful! 

Somewhere after mile 2 my outer left knee started to hurt or lock up I don't really know. (Knee issues are new to me). I walked a very fast walk because I am awesome like that and then started to run again. I was able to keep my 11 minute per mile pace still so I was happy. The pain would go away for a few minutes then come back. It was pretty annoying. I didn't know if it was because I was running on a grassy, mud course with a few hills or what. But I kept on going. Never once did I see Bubba. Where was he? 

I saw Fireman taking pictures as I was coming up to mile 3 and asked where Bubba was. He told me he finished. What?! My son, the one who gets tired to quickly and likes to walk had ran the whole thing and finished?! No way! Way! He did it in under 31 minutes!! What?! Sticking my tongue out was all I could do! 

 This is one proud mommy here!

My little man  ran hard!! I am a very happy mom to know that he gave it his all! 

So much for all that smack I talked about him walking. HA! 

My offical time was 34:38. I really think this is my average. I seem to be stuck between 32-35 minutes. I don't aim to be fast, Just to be better. My knee stopped bothering me and I enjoyed the refreshments and chatting with others. 

This was a fun race even though our shoes are now junk. That just means new shoes! 

I did have a lot of pain in my knees at night. I had to ice them. I am going to go to my local running store and have them look at my running technique. I am in zero pain today, aside from sore muscles. I am hoping it is my run and that I just need to get an insert or different style shoe. Fingers crossed.