Here’s the 1/2 marathon recap & more

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Healthy Running Mom

Well, let me tell you that thank goodness my neck pain is gone! I was nursing it to health & it worked! So, there was absolutely no pain from my neck while running, nor residual pain afterwards-phew!

The race was the smallest I’ve ever run (I think). I’m used to running in Chicago, and I certainly don’t know the number of runners in each race, this seemed quite small. 1,700 people were supposed to run. The race was not well marked, there were a couple spots that told you your pace. A few water stations. They did have GU at 7 miles, and a several people in front of their homes looking/cheering. It was not crowded & neat to run through different neighborhoods. There were a few people dressed up in “Lincoln” garb, etc. When I run solo, I like to listen to audio books. When I run in races, I listen to music. This race was so quiet, that I listened to my book. There were always people around me, but there certainly weren’t any distractions, so I was enjoying my book as I was running. I’ve been teasing that Springfield has mountains! Well, there were a few steep hills that after running up the 1st one & having a hard time breathing, despite my great bracelet, I decide to walk up the other 2 hills. After all, I wanted to enjoy the run & knew this wasn’t going to be a PR race! So, I stopped at the water stations to take a leisurely drink as well. I was pleased with my time in the end.

RATE

RANK

TIME

PACE

811

Debbie

Harris

F4044

460

19/110

154/837

54:35

8:49

1:58:05

9:01

I wanted to finish in 2 hours, and I did just that.

Some snacks I brought along for breakfast!

Laura & I with Abe & Martha (pre-race)

I ran by Uncle Sam & Abe the 2nd half of the race & had to chat with them afer. Look at those running sandles they wore. They love them! I’m not so adventurous!

Happy & sweaty after the race!

The famous coin medal! It’s now hanging on my medal holder!!!!!

This was in the bag with my t-shirt & bib. I just thought it was hysterical. I’d think about running b/c I like the name, but it’s in Springfield & I’m not returning for a 5k.

It was interesting because, Benji ran the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle the next day.

Now, this race was an 8k, but so much different! There were 40,000 people! To say the least, it was mayhem! There were bands, signs, people giving direction, first aid, volunteer, police, street closures, temporary fences, Gatorade galore, etc…

Benji before we left the house. Not so happy about the picture. It also took Truman a while to get excited about being out in this mayhem on a Sunday a.m.

They closed the corral where Benji was supposed to start a little early & he was in Corral B ( I think it went up to J). Nobody was happy, nor in line in time, so they jumped the temporary fence. CRAZY!

The race was crowded, but so exciting. I loved cheering on the finishers. I think I got just as much of a rush cheering on the finishers as I did running the day before!

This is a 40,00 person race! Crowded & very exciting! Benji finished in great time!

Truman was happy at the finish with his dad & his Gatorade he got for cheering!

These green guys were hysterical, had to take a photo to show you!

So, there’s a lot to be said for the smaller, less chaotic race. However, the larger race is quite exciting!!!!!

What type of race do you prefer?

Internet is down, but here’s what I have for now!

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Healthy Running Mom

1st outdoor run & Great giveaway for summer & a burnout tank winner…

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Healthy Running Mom

This is going to be a long one…

As you know, I’ve been swamped with Passover happenings & family stuff. Enjoying & exhausted all at the same time. Friday was really a nice day & I decided to treat myself to a run outside, as I have been staying up late & haven’t been able to get up at 5am as I typically do on weekdays. Friday it was 52, warm enough for me to go outside for my first run! So, my niece/babysitter came over at 1:30 & I was ready to go outside for my 12 mile run. I was equiped with my new Salomon HYDRO S-LAB SET that was sent to me to review here.

It is a cool little hands free bottle holder.

I used it for the first time for my long run on Friday. I filled it up with water, adjusted it accordingly & off I went. Here’s what Solomon says about this: The Hydro Sense glove is Salomon’s lightest weight solution for carrying water during races without water bouncing or sloshing.This unique system designed around the hand with soft vented fabrics perfectly fits your soft flask, bouncing free without effort whatever the volume from 150 to 500ml. Well, the fountains on my path are not on yet, so I was happy to have this hands free option, as I knew I’d need a drink at somepoint & didn’t want to spend time going to Starbucks for water (which I do when I’m thirsty & don’t have water). I decided that as a “treat” to myself I would wait until at least 6 miles & 1/2 way through to have a swig from my nifty hands free water bottle. It was so easy to drink from, I loved that! What I wasn’t so fond of was the fact that my hand did get a bit sweaty. It was a little uncomfortable for me. The fact that it was only 52 does cause me some concern because I don’t know what it’ll feel like when it’s 85. I’m sure my hand will be quite hot with this holder. None the less, it is nice and convenient. I’m not a fan of bottle holder belts, so this is a much better solution for me. And, quite frankly, I’d rather have this device than stopping at Starbucks & interrupting my stride. However, the bottle is small, so on long runs, I’ll need more water than this, so I’ll have to stop no matter what! It’s definitely a fun little tool & worth trying if you’re looking for an alternative to a bottle belt.

Now, back to my 12 miler! Let me tell you that it was magnicifient outside. The sky was blue, was a bit windy, but so what- it was great to be outside! I’ve never transitioned this quickly before from the treadmill to outside. I typically will do a few miles at a time to ease into running indoors/outdoors. Well, this time I had no choice, as I’m preparing for my 1/2 marathon next week & had to get a long run in outside prior to race day! It was Hard. I finally felt pretty good after 4 miles, but at 10 miles had to fight that self talk telling me that I wasn’t going to make it home! Well, this wasn’t a race, it was my first long run outside, so I decided to go easy on myself. I stopped at red lights (without stopping my time), I walked around mile 10 because I wanted a break. I even untied my shoelace & adjusted my sock hoping that it was bunched up, but found out that it wasn’t! It was my darn bunion with a blister atop! (I wish it was a bunched up sock!). When I’m really into my runs, I never stop for these type of things, but this was my first run outside & it wasn’t a race. It was difficult! When I run next week, my goal is to feel good! I know it will not be a PR for me. This is early in the season for me to run a 1/2 marathon, but it’s getting me in gear for running this summer. I have some extra winter weight that I’m hoping will move around or come off the more I run / sweat this spring/summer! I was absolutely exhausted on Friday night. It was so surprising to me how tired I was, as last summer 12 miles was only exhilirating & not exhausting. It’s really hard to be patient & build back up to where I was before. I’m sure I can do it, just needs patience. I also think that the tabata bootcamp which is really making me stronger & is a great cross fit workout for me is making my muscles more fatigued! So, when I woke Sat. a.m. I was sore. Good sore though. You know that good sore when you feel like you get a great workout? Well, I had that good sore. So, that was my 12 mile run outside, the first one of the season!

I wanted to take a pic after I took off my shoe & found my blister to show you how beautiful it was by the lake (I ran by NorthWestern), but it was so sunny, I couldn’t see anything & taking off my phone mid run & re-adjusting isn’t so easy for me either). I did have my runningskirt on, but didn’t get a pic of that either! Ha, this photo taking thing isn’t so simple when concentrating on running!

Do you stop to take photos when running or do you just run?

In the meantime, here’s a fun giveaway for you & it’s the perfect time too….

Check out this outfit below that I got from Girls4Sport. Their stuff is really neat & made especially with women/girls in mind.

Girls4Sport knows sun protection is important. Our fabrics have been professionally tested following the AATCC Test Method 183-200. Tested fabrics receive a UPF (UV Protection Factor) rating and are given an equivalent SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating. To simulate use and wear in real life, our fabrics are tested wet and stretched. Our tested fabrics are rated at the maximum of SPF 65 and block at least 98% of UVA/UVB rays.

Their clothing is made with a woman’s body in mind. Provides coverage & support where it’s needed. I love the outfit above, not only is it so comfortable, but provides sun coverage & is adorable. What’s better than that?

Girls4Sport has a lot offer & always seems to have sales as well. Check out their stuff here: Girls4Sport.

They’ve offered to give away a halter top to the winner of my giveaway! This giveaway will be via Random.org. You can enter by:

1. Leaving me a comment below telling me which halter top you’d like to win after checking out http://www.Girls4Sport.net .

2. Tweet about the giveaway & leave me a comment below telling me you did. I want to win a halter top from Girls4Sport @hlthyrunningmom.

3. Subscribe to my blog & leave me a comment telling me you did (or already are a subscriber).

4. Post on Facebook about the giveaway & leave me a comment below telling me you did.

5. Like Healthy Running Mom on Facebook & leave me a comment below telling me you did.

I will announce the winner on April 8 for the halter!

THE WINNER FOR THE BURNOUT TANK FROM Ilona at Strong Confident YOU is:

Carie A. is the winner!
Please contact me with your address & full name so I can forward on to Ilona.

Winner & New Giveaway

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Healthy Running Mom

Yesterday I had to do a 11 mile run (according to my 1/2 mile training routine by Hal Higdon). There were a few reasons why I didn’t make it outside and ran on my treadmill! It was a long hard run! The good thing about doing a long run at home was that I got to stop to use the restroom in my own, not a public restroom, got a drink when I wanted (didn’t need to wait for a fountain to appear or carry water with me) & got to watch Prison Break. However, I am really done with the treadmill. This body needs to get outside & feel the pavement. I was really pushing the 11 miles today. It was a slow/hard run! Part of it was also that my rear & legs are sore from my tabata bootcamp. The good new muscle building sore, but sore none the less! I have 1 more long run (12) to do before the 1/2 marathon in Springfield in 2 weeks & I need to get outside! Hoping for the weather to break & really turn into spring already!

PROVEN- 11 miles on my treadmill!

I really needed these compression socks after that run. I was told that it’s ok to wear compression sleeves for a run, but the socks are needed for recovery. Here they are!

The winner of the Two Moms in the Raw giveaway is :

43 Laura Fine Leave a Blog Post Comment

Please send me your address so I can send out your samples. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Now, for a new giveaway….

I was so excited when Ilona from strongconfidentYOU on etsy asked me what I would like to have put on a burn out tank. Of course, I knew exactly what I wanted!

Running Through Headtrash

I love it, as I often have headtrash that I just need to run through. She has a lot to choose from or can make a custom tank, as she did for me.

Ilona has so generously offered a tank like this for one of you. Check out her etsy site to see all of her adorable tops. I’m going to do this giveaway using Giveaway Tools!

Click on the link on the right side of this page to see the giveaway. I’ve never used this before, so I’m hoping it works & you all can see it!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE QUEST BAR GIVEAWAY STILL GOING ON! I had one throughout my run to help me get through the 11 miles. They’re really tasty.

Weekend Goodness & the Healthy Surprise Winner!!!

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Healthy Running Mom

I had such a great run! I’m trying to increase my miles because I signed up for a half marathon in Springfield in April with my friend over at fitrunningmama. She’s a great motivator for me & pushes me a bit to get me going. I don’t think she’s aware of it, but I’ve got a little bit of competiteveness in me (just a little), so I usually succumb to her suggestions. Thanks Laura! Anyway, it was supposed to be a virtual 5k for the 13 in 2013 challenge. I’ve signed up for, but got excited & ran a wee bit extra! I love a challenge!

I have to share some great recipes that I made the past couple days. However, I am not so great at the picture taking, so I apologize for any pics that are missing.

Friday night I made these sweet potato zucchini patties. They were seriously delicious. I actually made a lot & didn’t have the room in my oven for 4 sheets of patties, so I decided to bake the last 1/2 of the batter in a 9×12 pan like a casserole. It was much easier & almost as good. However, I do like the crispiness/burnt edges of the patties. I ddin’t, but you could easily put hummos or salsa over them to give them that little “extra”. I’m thrilled we have so much leftover because it’ll be so great for lunch this week.

I added extra chili powder to the top for extra flavor!

Along with those I made this roasted cauliflower.

I was on a new recipe rampage & everything was really great. I also made this chicken coconut curry soup! Well, I did forget to take pictures & made a few swaps, but I’ll be making again very soon because everyone liked it, so I’ll be sure to get it right next time!

This Kalamata olive & herb socca with roasted vegetables is also another new recipe for our house. It’s so good! I’ve got some more ideas on how to make this a little different next time as well.

I seriously couldn’t cook without Pinterest anymore. Sometime I wish I could stay home & just cook everything on my boards. I’m so grateful to have discovered this amazing site!

The winner of the Healthy Surprise starter box is: