Highlights from 2015!

2015 has thus far been the best year! Here is my year in review in life and running 🙂

I started 2015 nursing an injury, boo shin splints. I felt discouraged and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to run my second marathon (April-Country Music Marathon).

I did a lot of cross training in January and the beginning of February. With this and training through Fleet Feet Nashville, I was able to set a new marathon PR of 4:21!!     The weekend before the wedding my husband, sister, her bf, and bff ran the Color Run to relieve some wedding planning stress.
   May 30, 2015 I married my best friend! ❤  After the wedding, we moved to Knoxville! We waited 2 weeks after the wedding to go on our honeymoon (Cabo, Mexico) because of the move.   We spent the summer/fall exploring the Smoky Mountains.        

     I joined the Oiselle Volee team! 

September (Labor Day), we had the opportunity to witness the last Booms Day in Knoxville.

October, I cut 11+ inches of my hair for donation and just in time for my third marathon!
  Sunday, October 11, 2015, I ran THE Chicago Marathon and set a new PR of 4:07!

November, I started my new job in downtown Knoxville! 

I ran a free 5k and set a new PR..because I’ve never raced a 5k before 🙂

 I Celebrated my 27th year on this earth! 🙂 December 5, new Half Marathon PR of 1:53:06! (No real training for this, never again if I’m trying to PR)
   I’m excited to be a Nuun Ambassador for another year!

We’re spending Christmas/ New Year in Memphis. My first NBA game, Go Grizzlies!   Last race of the year! Starry Nights 4K at Shelby Farms.

I received a new Garmin for Christmas!! I can’t wait to set new PR’s in 2016! I did not bring my running log with me to Memphis sooo I’m not sure what my yearly/monthly mileage is, oops. I know I had my highest mileage month in 2015 AND I also had one of my lowest mileage months.  I set out to run 1,500 miles in 2015. I don’t know exact numbers, but I know I didn’t reach my goal. 2016, I’m setting 1,500+ miles as my mileage goal!

Races in 2016:

The only race I’m signed up for right now is the St. Jude Rock n Roll Half Marathon in April. This year is going to be my 5th consecutive year running the race 🙂

Once the registration for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon (December race) opens, I’m registering for it. I’ve decided to run only races in Tennessee this year, Chicago was fun buuut also pricey..hotel, food, etc.

I hope 2015 was good to y’all and 2016 is even better!!

 

Hiking Brushy Mountain

I’m going to start this post with a confession. I didn’t follow the directions given on the website and ended up taking us on a wild goose chase..  

Where we needed to go was Cherokee Orchard Rd, we went to Cherokee/Newfound Gap Rd. I’m not sure how that happened BUT there is a silver lining! 

We stopped at an opening and saw the prettiest colors and then took a selfie (not sure what’s wrong with my hair).  
  Going to our actual destination we came across turkeys! I told them they were safe since I don’t eat them anymore. I’m pretty sure they thanked me because they were making a lot of noise.  
  Driving down Cherokee Orchard Rd, speechless!  We made it! The initial sign doesn’t state Brushy Mountain but it’s located between Grotto Falls and Mt. Le Conte.
    
  The squirrels were very active, so cute 🙂 do you see him?  
  Grotto Falls. You actually have to walk behind the falls to continue on the trail to the top.   
  A sneak peek on the way up.    
  Made some new friends! The lady leading the alpaca said they take supplies to the top of Mt. Le Conte 3 times a week (MWF). There are cabins you can rent and also a campground on top of the mountain. 

Let me remind you that the hike to the top of Mt. Le Conte is 6.7 miles, then 6.7 miles back down!   
    Only 0.2 more to go! 
  We found out very quickly why it’s called Brushy Mountain..

You literally have to walk through a lot of brush and it stinks. I’m not sure how to describe the smell, it just really stinks..dirty feet mixed with garbage?..lol
  These views..!

A small disappointment is that there really isn’t an open area to sit for a snack/lunch. It’s VERY brushy. There were 2 or 3 small dirt openings though.   

  Going back down, the colors were still beautiful even if the sun wasn’t as high.Grotto Falls again. There were less people when we came back down, photo op! 
This picture is when we were leaving. There were several places you could park and look at old cabins (you can see one through the trees).     Total elevation gain was 1,745 feet?! The hike was rated strenuous and that sentiment is very accurate!  Because of the drive to Gatlinburg and getting lost, we started our hike around 3pm. It took us 1:40 minutes-ish to get to the top. On the way back down we ran a little so that helped us make it to the bottom in 1:10 minutes-ish. Most people were hiking to see the falls which made the parking limited. The views were amazing but like I said it was a little disappointing at the summit. 

Overall it was still a gorgeous day and hike!   

  

Chicago Marathon Part 2: Race Recap

Saturday night, my nerves really started to stir. We walked around for about 12 hours on Friday and 6 hours on Saturday. I was a little worried I would have leg and foot pain/soreness during the race. I laid everything out, stretched and put my compression socks on. Austin also rubbed my feet and legs, that definitely helped me to relax.

For Chicago, I used the training plan that was posted on the official website, I’ve attached it here. It definitely helped prepare me physically and mentally. I trusted the training and I was ready to run the Chicago Marathon! 🙂
I set my alarm for 5am. I took my time getting ready and waking up. For breakfast I had a bagel with peanut butter and some coffee. Also, I think I drank about 3 bottles of water before I even made it to start line.

About to cross through security and the sun coming up.At the starting line! I definitely had enough time to eat, walk through security and use the bathroom before they closed the corral at 7:45am. On Friday when we were walking around, I figured out the path I needed to take so I wouldn’t be completely lost come race day. I highly recommend this because if I had followed people I would’ve been lost! There were groups of people going every which way.

I had a honey stinger waffle 10 minutes before they released our corral. 
Follow the blue line!

First mile in, we ran by our hotel. Austin got this video as I was speeding by 😉

These are a few pictures he snapped. 
This is the only picture I took during the race. 

 I look super focused in these proofs!   

 
I completed my 3rd marathon and my first Chicago! I was and still am on cloud 9! I PR’ed by 14 minutes. Nashville Country Music Marathon April 2015 4:21/Chicago Marathon October 2015 4:07.

I really wanted a 4 hour time but all things considered, I’m pumped about my time!The race was very well organized and just incredible!

Here’s the recap of my Chicago Marathon experience..

I had to pee as soon as the race started, I held it until about mile 6. I knew all of the porta potties would be taken early on in the race. Once I made my quick pit stop (there were plenty of open porta potties so I didn’t have to wait at all), I took my first GU. I kept the 4 hour pacers within my sight (I had set my Garmin for a 9:20 pace since my Garmin was going to be off due to tunnels and buildings). Mile 12ish I see Austin! I took my second GU and felt pretty good. I had not stopped at any water stations at this point in the race.

The crowd support was insane. I didn’t listen to music at all the first 14 to 15 miles. I started to feel kind of bleh on the pace, my legs were starting to feel kind of tired. If I wanted to finish strong, I needed to run my own race. I decided to back off the pace a little and lost the 4 hour pacers. I do run with my phone and handheld. It bothers some people to run with items in their hands, it doesn’t bother me though. I put my headphones in and let the beat of the music carry me.

I stopped at the next water stop to take water and gatorade. This was my first time walking. I had nunn in my handheld. I had drank most of it since I didn’t stop for water in the first half of the race. There was about 1/4 of the bottle left, and I wanted to keep itjust in case I felt I needed a drink between hydration stations. Oh, some neighborhoods had hoses and fire hydrants going. I definitely took advantage of those to cool me off since it was getting toasty.

From there on, I stopped at every water station to take a small walk break while I drank water (I alternated Gatorade at every other station). I’m not sure on the mile markers, but I did take a longer walk break at two stations and my pace dropped into the 10’s.

I never really hit a wall (in Nashville I hit the wall hard around mile 17-18 from starting way too fast). I saw the 18 mile marker and thought I can do this! I was starting to feel a little hungry, bananas we up at mile 20! Around mile marker 22 I took my third GU and Gatorade. This was also about the time we passed through Chinatown. Wow, the crowd support was so moving I choked back tears. I was emotional because I was so close to the finish, I could taste it. I kept thinking about all of the tough workouts I pushed through during training. If I could push through those, then I can push through the last few miles of the race.

Austin saw me at mile marker 26 but I was so in the zone that I wasn’t focusing on anything except putting one foot in front of the other! There it was, “Mt. Roosevelt.” I don’t think I’ve ever ran up a hill so fast before. I sprinted to the finish line and couldn’t believe how awesome I felt! I was even more proud that I finished strong 🙂

Before the race, I read all kinds of blog/reviews on the race and what to expect. Some people mentioned that crowd support wasn’t as strong at some places during the race.

My very first marathon was in Winchester, Tennessee. For those of you who don’t know where that is..you’re not missing out. The only crowd support you got was at the start, water stations volunteers, and at the finish. It was basically you and the back country roads for 26.2 miles. To go from that as my first marathon, to the support of Chicago?! I thought that the support was amazing throughout the ENTIRE course, so inspiring! I applaud all of you spectators for coming out and supporting all of the runners. Thank you to all of the volunteers as well! Without you all, the race probably wouldn’t have ran so smoothly! I definitely want to come back next year and run Chicago again!

Here are my results. I think I stayed pretty consistent in my paces. Next marathon, I’m coming for you sub-4 😉

Chicago Marathon Part 1: Exploring the City

I knew if I tried to write about this weekend in one post, I’d basically be writing a novel! Part 1 will be about where we ate and what we saw while on our trip 🙂

Thursday night we dropped Rudy off at the kennel, finished packing, and set our alarms for 3:30am (too early to function).

Goodbye Knoxville. 

Hello Chicago!Once we got to the hotel, we planned on dropping off our bags and exploring Chicago. Lucky for us, they already had the room ready, yay! We were on the top floor and the view was just amazing.

Of course, the first thing we go see was “The Bean.”   
  
We didn’t really have a plan of where we were going. Since both of us have never explored Chicago, we just went where our curiosity took us.

Came across the set up of the starting line. Follow the blue line! If you ran along the line, it was supposed to be the shortest distance. If you take a turn too wide, you can really add onto your total distance. I don’t know about you, BUT I don’t want to run anymore than the 26.2!
We walked around Grant Park and came across this pretty garden area. 
That’s my kind of moose.
Harmony in a pretty font. We planned on having pizza Friday night but decided it was probably better for lunch (less crowded). Several people recommended LouMalnati’s and it did not disappoint! Probably the best pizza I’ve ever had!
After lunch we went to Willis Tower. 
  
  
I am deathly afraid of heights. My heart was pounding before stepping out on the ledge. Some people were laying down and taking pictures?! At least I can say I did it. 
Is it just me or is this cabbage and chili peppers? I swear I saw kale too?!
I thought this was a pretty view. Chicago really is a beautiful city and the architecture is amazing. The smart thing would have been to do a boat tour of the city but that’s not how we roll lol. We like to do things that don’t make sense..like walk around for 12 hours the Friday before the marathon.
Dessert was doughnuts from Glazed. The sprinkles doughnut was like a birthday party in my mouth! I got an extra for the next morning 🙂We dropped off the doughnuts at our room and headed to the expo. They had school buses at four different locations that took people for free. 
I’m still not sure why he wrote Mr. Graeter?..my husband..lolThe expo was huge! I’m glad we went Friday night because I had a feeling that it was going to be a mad house on Saturday. I’m not huge into expos and walking around. I like getting what I need and maybe looking at a few vendors. I hit up the Nike store fo sho!
On the way back to our hotel, I loved seeing all of the pink for breast cancer awareness month.I think I’ll remember that I ran the Chicago Marathon lol.
For dinner we really wanted sushi. The concierge recommended a place right down the street called Niu. It was a nice date night kind of atmosphere. Our waitress was running the marathon also on Sunday. Saturday morning we slept in a little since we were up at 3:30am Friday morning. I ate my other doughnut and some grapes for breakfast.

We got ready for the day and headed to Timothy O’Toole’s to watch the Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky game. Yeah..that was U-G-L-Y so we won’t talk about it!

To brighten our spirits we walked to the Navy Pier. 
  
After the pier, we walked to the “Magnificent Mile.” I can’t resist a candy store!  
How ironic that Reese’s favorite are reese’s pieces.
Walking back towards the hotel we saw that they were starting to set up signs of road closures for the race.I snapped this pretty view from our room. For dinner Austin went out and picked up some spaghetti and bread while I stayed in the room and got race ready.
Post marathon, we went back out and just walked around. I saw this church on Friday but we didn’t stop. When we passed it on Sunday, I wanted to stop. So beautiful.  
  
We didn’t know what we were really craving for a late lunch. I knew I did not want pizza or pasta! After walking around for what felt like forever, we finally decided on Jake Melnick’s. I got the fish and chips, hit the spot! Of course, after dinner you need dessert. Our waiter congratulated me on the race (I wore my medal out and about after the race) and gave us a free sundae!
The walk back to the hotel was beautiful. Our last day was definitely a success. I think in total I covered 50+ miles around the city of Chicago this weekend! 

We had an early flight on Monday so off to bed, 3:30am comes early..
The sunrise was perfect against the skyline (you can see it if you look really close).Flying above the Smokey Mountains. It was nice waking up to skyscrapers and Lake Michigan for our view but you can’t beat being home! We loved Chicago and can not wait to go back again and eat all the yummy food 🙂

Moving to Knoxville

6am came quick on Sunday! I made a Starbucks run for us in my new Volunteer Traditions hat (Tennessee, best state flag ever).

We used Little Guys Movers and they were amazing!! So quick and super friendly! 2 1/2 hours later, we’re home! We were busy unpacking all day/night. You don’t realize how much crap you have until you move! 

First sunset. If you look closely, you can see the Smoky Mountains. Pictures don’t do the view justice!Dinner was at Brixx since we didn’t really have groceries. I asked Austin if we shared a pizza, then could we get a smores dessert pizza..he said yes?! 

I have no regrets. After moving and unpacking all day, this was so delicious!  Monday was spent exploring our area and remembering Memorial Day. A lot of men in our family have served in the military, and I only have respect for those who have and are serving! Thank you soldiers! 

Today was solo, Austin had to leave for a trip 😦

I enjoyed sitting on our porch with a cup of coffee and my to do list.  

There is a park about 10 minutes from us , Rudy was especially excited! 

The greenway extends 5 miles but there are several miles of trails also! I’m excited to explore them very soon!        I decided to hit the treadmill instead. Our fitness area is so awesome compared to our last! I’ve never used the row machine before. I set it for 2000m..yeah, crazy idea after a 7 mile run!     I always rehydrate with Nuun!! Yssterday I bought popsicle molds. For super easy healthy popsicles, freeze a bottle of Suja! Yumminess and watching my favorite movie since don’t have tv yet.   Tomorrow I’ll venture out on my own to run errands. I spotted a Juice Bar yesterday when we were driving around. I might have to make a pit stop 😉 

Recap: The Color Run

Saturday’s are better when you start it with the happiest 5k in the world!    

Here is our before picture   Then some after pictures     

  

Wee, we’re so happy!!      Post run, Austin and I endulged at The Perch 🙂   I wanted to pray so we could eat!   
Overall we had a lot of fun BUT it wasn’t the best Color Run we’ve done.
It was a mile before we came to the first color station. Then there were two stations back to back. You ran a little more without color then hit two stations back to back. I think they should have spaced out the stations every 1/2 mile..that’s just me. 

If you have kids, the race is a must! The after party was the best part 🙂 

Throwback: Marathon 1 vs. Marathon 2

It’s been almost a week since Country Music. My legs feel a little heavy but other than that, I’m recovering better this time around! 

My first marathon was 6 months ago. Here are a few pictures from that awful day! Or at least I thought it was awful. I promised myself I would not run another marathon! 

             

Looking back, I appreciate the experience. I learned a lot within the last 6 months! 

What I did differently:

• Training group: The first round of training I ran alone. Running with a training group was the best thing I could have done! You have accountability and people who know what you need to do to fulfill your goals. 
• Weekday runs & switching it up: I only ran maybe twice a week during the first training. Each of those days were 3 or 4 miles max. No type of plan, just getting out there and running what I felt. I got discouraged fast when I began training. So, I told myself well as long as you get the long runs in on the weekend you should be fine?! WRONG! It is crucial that you also run during the week and alternate your runs (speed, tempo, progression, etc.) 
• Cross training: I did lift some weights from time to time during the first training. I tried to incorporate more cross training in general into this round. Switching it up can help break up the running. I also did more ab focused workouts. A strong core is essential for every runner! 
• Fuel: During my first training, I rarely took any fuel with me..maybe a granola bar. I didn’t know enough about GU’s or chews. When race day came, that’s what I had 1 granola bar?! During this race I took 4 GU’s. One mistake that I did make though, I took too many GU’s in a short amount of time and it did not sit well. Next race, I’m going to space it out better and have a small snack with me. 
• Accessories: I ran with a water belt the first time around. Never doing that again! It adds a lot of weight around your waist. I’ve been using a hand held bottle and things went much smoother. 
• Food: You can’t eat everything in sight! When your training, you get rungry. I didn’t eat whatever I wanted but, I did over eat to compensate for the calories burned. This time around I’ve been smart about giving my body what it needs with a few treats thrown in. I’ve found a balance and ended up losing almost 10 pounds this training cycle. 

If you did not see on my Instagram account, I’ve been accepted into the Chicago marathon through the lottery!! My goal this race is to run stronger and focus on changing the things I did wrong last race. Maybe a sub 4 race time?! Even if it’s 3:59:58, I’ll be ecstatic!

Training will start June 22nd!! 🙂

 

It’s the end of the month..

 
Good luck to everyone racing this weekend! 

  

St. Jude Country Music Marathon Recap

Good morning downtown Nashville! I had a 4am alarm set..way too early to function!

Here’s the skyline as I crossed the pedestrian bridge to go to the starting line.  

Waiting in my corral to start!!   

The reason I included this photo is because of its randomness. The picture on the right was last year. I thought it was so cheerful to see a grown man wear a tutu during a marathon?! 

I was probably at mile marker 12 when I see the same guy! No tutu this year, awe dang!   

This guy around mile marker 23 was running with a flag?! I was struggling to run without a flag. I commend that young man! (And yes he passed me).  

The last few miles were so tough. I was exhausted and the temperature was getting warmer. I stopped to walk multiple times!

Around mile 25, Austin texted me to see where I was because he stopped getting notifications on my crossing points. 

When I was about to text back, he’s standing on the corner around 25.8 with flowers and a big smile!!  I love you. I’m so proud of you. Left at the light and your to the finish. These words can make a girl so happy!! I guess he’s a keeper 😉 

As soon as I crossed the finish line I see Steve and Shyla! We trained together with Fleet Feet and I couldn’t be more proud of these two!!   

About that time I see another familiar face, Stephanie from work! She PR’ed the 1/2 marathon by almost 25 minutes!!  

Here’s me with my finisher medal and the beautiful flowers from Austin!   

And one in front of the giant Garmin guitar. Right before the picture, I was laying in the grass trying to pull up the compression sleeves.  

Official race time! I finished 10 seconds faster than my watch. 

As you can see by my times, I was way ahead of schedule the first half of the race, oops!   

Per my Garmin, here are my splits:

8:36,8:30,8:43,9:09,8:42,8:38,9,8:46,8:51,9:08,8:48,9:23,9:08,9:17,9:40,9:24,10:12,11:11,11,10:11,10:29,11:08,12:53,12:18,11:05,13:03,5:32

Next time, I’ll remember to start slower and finish strong! I’ll be doing a post on the things I did differently from my first marathon and what I need to improve on for the next!

Post race I always want Mexican food. Rosepepper is what my heart desired!! I’ve never been but heard lots of good things about the restaurant. 

In honor of the race, their sign was so fitting! Cabo tacos (fried fish tacos)!! Shut the front door these were ah-mazing! Maybe even the best fish tacos I’ve ever had?! 

I received many congrats from complete strangers and fellow runners. You know you’ve accomplished so much but when people congratulate you, it makes the heart smile even more! 

This was a tough course, it’s not for the faint of heart. I may do the full again one day..definitely sticking with the half next year! 2016 will be 5 years of running Country Music 🙂

AND, I can’t wait to run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon in December and as a St. Jude Hero! Registration opens May 1st, sign up fast though if you’re doing the 1/2!

Thank you again Nashville and Rock-n-Roll for a great race! 

    

The Day Before

We started the morning slow. I got to sleep in until 7am, haha yeah that’s sleeping in for me!

Got ready for our breakfast date at The Perch. I can’t remember the last time we went somewhere for a breakfast date?! 

I got an egg white omelette with veggies. Austin got some type of crepe (I wasn’t paying attention when he ordered) and we shared a banana Nutella crepe 🙂 

Checked my e-mail on the way to the race expo and had this in my inbox!   And a weather update on the Facebook page, yay!  Once we got into the expo, my heart was racing (pun intended lol). I was overwhelmed with joy and nerves! 

  
Countdown!!!

  

I left a short but sweet note for the kids of St. Jude 🙂 there wasn’t a whole lot of room left on the wall! I loved reading the positive messages for the kids!!A lady handed this doll to one of the St. Jude reps and said, “I made this for the kids.” I about cried! 

Signing up as a St. Jude hero has been SO rewarding! If you have the opportunity, do it! I’m supporting the kids by fundraising but they are supporting me as well. I’ve received constant thank you e-mails and hand written cards encouraging me throughout my training.

You can’t go to an expo and not buy some merchandise.

Brooks tee with all things Nashville, LOVE!  Since it will be raining, I purchased a race day hat..LOVE this too 🙂   Bright and fun Sparkly Soul headbands. I got the hot pink and green headbands!    Tomorrow will be a challenge. I’ve trained my body and my mind the last 16 weeks for this race! 

Thank you to everyone who have followed me during the training of my second marathon! 

My race day attire is ready and so am I! (Not pictured my throwaway long sleeve and a rain jacket) 

  

Last Long Run: Taper Time

 

When training first started, the sun was not out when I was leaving the apartment. I seriously thought I was running late! 

It’s hard to believe that this was our last long run and last training group run 😦 

10 miles were on the schedule but some of us added on 2 miles. 

At the end of last year/beginning this year I had shin splints, bad! I was worried about the marathon training and was planning on the half as a back up. 

For this race I was recommended Hoka’s for the pain. I bought the Bondi and it has helped tremendously with my shin splints. So much that I don’t have them anymore!

I’ve put almost 500 miles on my Hoka’s. After the race, I’ll be putting some miles in these bad boys 🙂

I’ve done a lot of research and I’ve tried a lot of brands (I like options). I think these will be a good fit for me. I have NOT tried Saucony at all so I’m excited for these!! 

I had to stop at Daily Juice! Post run treat to hold me over until I got home to make breakfast!   

As an extra boost of happiness, I wore my first ever race shirt, 2012 Country Music Half Marathon! 

 Peanut butter and jelly spinach protein pancakes (say that 10 times fast)! I’ll be posting the recipe on tomorrow’s blog post.

Now it’s taper time!! Btdubs, this is our training group after our run this morning 🙂 happy taper madness to everyone tapering this week!