New Goals–What’s Beautiful?

13 May 2013 3 Comments

by hysterrunner in Monthly Goals Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Thanks to Mother Nature, I barely ran this past week.  Tuesday evening was stormy – thunder, lightning…so Twilight Tuesday was cancelled.  However, I found a TV exercise game online.  I did the exercises during Dancing with the Stars The Results show. 

I did get to Bikram Yoga on my lunch time on Wednesday.  I followed that up with a 2 mile run on Thursday morning before work.  All in all, not bad for someone who completed 2 half marathons in 8 days.  I probably needed the rest more than I realized.

Next week, I will be building back up my miles and beginning speedwork in preparation for my next challenge. Thanks to the encouragement of the wonderful Dr Shauna Harrison, I have signed up for the Under Armour What’s Beautiful competition.  If you don’t know, Under Armour Women “are redefining the female athlete by setting epic goals and pushing past where we’ve ever been and where we thought we could go.”  As a part of the challenge, you set goals for yourself with the hopes of crushing them.

I had already set a challenge for myself for 2013.  I planned to run 13 races in 2013, including my first half marathon.  Well, in the past few months, I have blown through more than half of my goals.  At this point,month 5, I have already run 6 races including 2 half marathons!!!  So for my challenge, I have upped the ante so to speak.  I am aiming for a sub-three hour half marathon! Yes, that means I will be running at least one more this year!  My specific goal is:

I Will run 13 races in 2013 including a sub-3 hour half marathon and rebuild my core.

I’m still working on my Summer/Fall race schedule.  However, I’m thinking Rock N Roll Philly and/or the Baltimore Running Festival will probably be on it.  One of those two will be my goal race.  This will mean running and training strong this summer to be ready to blow through this next goal. 

Classes are done for this school year so I get my Thursday evenings back.  That means 3-4 runs and 2-3 crosstraining sessions are back in the schedule.  Woohoo!  This week’s schedule looks like this:

Monday – Bikram Yoga

Tuesday – Twilight Tuesday Tempo Run 3-4 miles

Wednesday – ?

Thursday – Speedwork

Friday – Bikram Yoga

Saturday – Long Run 6-8 miles

Let’s see how I do this week!

What are your goals for this week?  Are any of you doing the Under Armour What’s Beautiful challenge?  Is anyone else sick of this crazy weather?

Wordless Wednesday – 4 medals in 30 days!

08 May 2013 Leave a Comment

by hysterrunner in No uterus...no problem! Tags: , , , , , , ,

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Can you tell I’m proud of my progress? Tell me about something you’re proud of.

From Iron to Titanium in 1 Week!

07 May 2013 Leave a Comment

by hysterrunner in Race Recaps Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

This week I ran the Half Marathon at the Frederick Running Festival, one week after running in my first Half Marathon, the Athleta Iron Girl. I made it through the challenge and am now a Titanium Girl!

To recap, I travelled with my family to Frederick on Saturday afternoon. We drove straight to the Fairgrounds for the Expo to pick up my race packet. This was a relatively smooth process. I bought a Titanium Girl t-shirt and….

A special edition ViewSport tank just for the FRF! I can’t wait to wear it on a run when it warms up! When activated, the hidden image says “Run Frederick!” I love my purple long sleeve. Now I have a tank to rock.

We checked out the Kids Fun Run for a few then headed to the hotel. I set out my outfit for the morning. Then, we headed to Applebee’s for dinner. Nothing too fancy; just shrimp and pasta. When we got back to the hotel, I showered, checked twitter and hit the hay by 10. Sleep was a bit rough, though. Next time, I’m bringing my own pillow and sleep mask.

I woke up, got dressed and hubs dropped me at the start. I met up with some of my Black Girls Run ladies and took this pic.

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It was right after this that I realized I forgot my GymBoss timer back in Baltimore! Ugh! I rely on my timer to keep me at a 13 minute pace. Cue minor freakout! A few deep breaths later, I got on line for the bathroom which was ridiculously long. I barely made it to the start on time. As a result, I started at the very back as opposed to in the 13/14 minute pace group. That was ok, though because I got to see my Soror Cecily in the caboose section!

After the start, I couldn’t find my rhythm for the first mile. Then, just as I did, I realized I was a bit too hydrated. I had to make another pit stop at the Mile 3 water stop. When I came out, I literally ran into one of my professional mentors, a fellow PhDiva who happens to be an ultrarunner. She was pacing another Titanium Challenge girl. I decided to run/walk with them for a bit.

At about Mile 8, we got a police escort. Although we were on pace to finish within the course time limit, the cops starting moving people off the course and on to the sidewalk. I stayed with them until Mile 11. Then, I took off. I ran past the police and caught up with the turtle pack. As I came onto the track, my family was there waiting with signs which was just the push I needed to finish strong. I came in slower than last week but I still finished.

My time wasn’t impressive but for a hysterrunner going from 0 miles to back to back Half Marathons, finishing is a blessing!

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The turtle with the gecko.

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The turtle and the caboose - Finishers!

Have you ever feared the sweeper? How were your runs/races this weekend? Tell me about it in the comments.

Faith & Fitness Friday–Strength in God

03 May 2013 Leave a Comment

by hysterrunner in Faith and Fitness Fridays Tags: , , , , ,

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He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:29-31

My Medical Progress & Monthly Goals

01 May 2013 2 Comments

by hysterrunner in Monthly Goals Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

I haven’t written official monthly goals in a few months.  But, it’s May, the month for mothers, especially mother runners Smile! So I ‘m writing them down.

I still have some twinges of pain in my incision from time to time, especially with extra exertion, like in a race.  In fact, after I was finished with the Iron Girl, it throbbed for a while to a beat which felt like my run pace.  I spoke to my Gynecologist at my follow-up appointment last week about this.  He said that I should expect to feel throbbing for up to a year.  He said it would be ok if I worked on abdominal work, though.  I had been trying it intermittently, with the exception of Bikram Yoga, because it hurts.  The night before my surgery I did 175 different types of crunches because I could.  Now I can barely do 10.  However, I have no adhesions and have healed well so I can focus on building back up my abs. Woohoo!

I had my follow-up general practitioner doctor appointment on Monday, the day after the Iron Girl.  I wore my medal to the appointment, of course.  My BP is down to 120/80!!! We were both very excited to see those numbers.  I still need to stay on the single medication for now but we will be reassessing in 4 months.  My task until then is to take my pressure before and after a few runs as well as to do a few test days without medication and take my pressure on each of them.  The research scientist in me is looking forward to collecting this data. LOL!!!

Now that I have a clean bill of health, here are my goals for this month.

Running – Frederick Half Marathon on May 5th ~ Race 6 of #13in2013 then to maintain my distance and do some speedwork to be prepared for the Baltimore Ten Miler in June.

Abdominal Work – I’ll be adding 15-30 minutes of ab exercises to our post-Twilight Tuesday runs starting in May.  Looking forward to working with my sole sisters of BGR on a common goal.

Bikram Yoga – Get in at least 3 sessions this month.  I love Bikram.  It helps me to be more flexible and I always feel centered after these sweat pink sessions Winking smile!

Strength Training – Help! I need to figure something out that is consistent.  This is my weakest link!  My goal this month is to figure out how to be strong.

Do you set fitness goals?  Have you dealt with coming back from illness?  Share your experiences in the comments.

I am an IRON GIRL!!!

30 Apr 2013 Leave a Comment

by hysterrunner in No uterus...no problem!, Race Recaps Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

I am truly humbled by my journey over the past 8 months.  When I got the idea for this blog.  I was still on bed rest post-surgery.  In fact, when I decided to run a half marathon, I was in the middle of a hormonally charged crying jag and in extreme pain.  During the ugly cry, I was babbling about never being able to run again. My husband convinced me to take my pain meds which I was afraid of taking by assuring me that not only could I run but I would be able to run longer distances than before. (Long story short – I’m allergic to a lot of meds and am leery of them as a result.) Being that I had been hemorrhaging for the better part of the previous 5 months, I had been limited to 3-4 mile runs.

When my hormones started to return to normal and the pain subsided a few weeks later, I decided to run one 5K a month for 2013.  Then, I heard about the Iron Girl and the #13in2013 challenge and decided to go a bit farther.  I would run 13 races, including my first half marathon.  I planned my earlier races for the year to gradually build up to this distance.  The Cherry Blossom Ten Miler was actually my second peak long run for the training period.

So to recap a wonderful weekend…

Saturday morning, I was up at the crack of dawn not to head out for a long run but to take the mini to a Boy Scout STEM event which was actually held 20 minutes away from the start of the race.  I made sure to bring my water with me to stay hydrated.  When they broke for lunch, I left to pick up my race packet and hit the Expo.  I learned my lesson from the Cherry Blossom Expo and limited my time there to only about 45 minutes.  I picked up a magnet for my car and some cool arm sleeves. On my way back to base to pick up the mini, I ran 2 quick errands, including picking up some coconut water to aid in my continued hydrating, as well as to be prepared for post-race hydrating.  We headed home where I put my feet up for a few before heading to my girlfriend Betsey’s house.  She lives in Columbia so I stayed at her place to make race morning a bit smoother.  After pasta at Bertucci’s, we headed home and I prepared for a good night’s sleep.  Before going to bed, I posted the following tweet.

night before ig

Race morning, April 28, 2013 – I woke up, got dressed, and had oatmeal for breakfast. I hit the bathroom before leaving.  After a slight detour, I got to the start and needed to use the bathroom again.  I spent the next 20 minutes on line to use the Port-A-Janes and missed all BGR pre-race pics in the process.  I lined up with some friends in the 12-minute pace group just to chat but fell back to my 13-minute mile pace right as we exited the parking lot. My long slow distance runs were at a 14-minute pace with the intention of running at 13-minutes for race pace.  I was confident that this was pretty doable.  With the rolling hills of Columbia to slow me down at some points, I figured I could be done in about 3 hours.  I finished the first 5K and developed a slight stitch in my side, something that happened in longer runs during training so I was expecting it.  I lifted my arms and took deep breaths to get past it while I kept going.  At the 10K split, I was at 1:35 on point with pace and feeling pretty good.  Then came the serious hill.  Even though I trained on hills all winter, it was still hard.  The downhill had me staying in control but picking up the pace to make up for slowing down a bit earlier.  However, I run/walk on a 1:1 ratio and it was 3 intervals before I could stop running and walk.  You get to the bottom of the hill, turn the corner and have to go up a steep hill.  Most of us walked up that sucker!  The rest of the course was pretty much average rolling hills but my effort on those two steep ones definitely had me feeling the burn.  That being said, I finished strong with a final time of 3:06.12 just over my estimate but still a PR!!! LOL!!!

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Thirteen point freaking one baby! & yes, that’s a #RunChat tattoo on my shoulder!

Have you ever challenged yourself to do something new?  Have you ever run a half marathon?  Tell me about your experiences in the comments.

Wordless Wednesday – My Weight Loss Journey

24 Apr 2013 Leave a Comment

by hysterrunner in Monthly Goals

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June 2012

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April 2013

Wordless Wednesday – Boston Edition

17 Apr 2013 Leave a Comment

by hysterrunner in Uncategorized Tags:

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#BGR4Boston

Endurance Athletes and the Boston Marathon Tragedy

16 Apr 2013 Leave a Comment

by hysterrunner in Uncategorized Tags:

I wrote on twitter yesterday that the tragedy at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013 effected me in many ways.

I’m a mother. – one of those killed was just 8 years old.

I’m a violence prevention research scientist. – it’s more than just gun control that’s a problem in this country.

I’m a runner. – we’re a nurturing community.

This morning, I read this.

My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your face produces patience. – James 1:2-3

Patience means having staying power or the ability to endure. Runners, especially those who run marathons, are endurance athletes. Boston is a town that has endured in the past. We will not be held back because of this senseless tragedy. However, we need to now focus on what we all can do to make our country safer for all.

2013 Cherry Blossom Ten Miler Recap

13 Apr 2013 3 Comments

by hysterrunner in Race Recaps Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

This week has been very interesting for me – personally and professionally.  I am quite happy that it is the weekend!  I can catch up on lots of stuff and get this post done.

Race weekend started with a special BGR Event at Port Discovery Museum in Baltimore.  BGR has partnered with United Healthcare and REI to do a series of clinics across the country.  I was glad to be able to participate. Besides getting great information on running hydration and nutrition, the event culminated with Bellydancing for Runners! This was an awesome event! I even got to meet one of the founders of BGR – Toni Carey.

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Following the running clinic, my BRF Rhandi and I headed to the Metro to DC for the Cherry Blossom Race Expo.  We were supposed to be helping each other to not spend too much money.  But somehow, we managed to register for the Baltimore Ten Miler in June and buy matching skirts to wear in addition to a ton more running gear! LOL!  The only downfall of the Expo was that I didn’t get a chance to meet up with my virtual running buddy Amanda. Amanda was one of the social runners for the Cherry Blossom.  Read her race recap here.   Somehow with all of the excitement about the running clinic and the Expo, Rhandi and I managed to go the whole day with nothing since breakfast.  I think we were on a shopper’s high.  At least, we had water most of the day.  When we finally got back to Baltimore, I made a beeline for french fries – something that I had been denying myself for months.  I figured they were carbs so for once I was ok.  Although, I know they would have been better if I had made them in the oven instead of bought them from the local sub shop.

The next morning I was up at 4:00am.  Rhandi came by to pick me up at 5:00am to carpool to the Metro back to DC.  We got on the Metro and was surrounded by a sea of runners.  It was AWESOME!  Here is the view as we emerged from the Metro at the Mall to start the race.

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We made it to the bag drop to leave our warm sweats right before the first wave was scheduled to begin.  I had never been in a race this large before.  There were so many runners everywhere.  We were in the Purple Wave – last but not least.  It’s in this wave where the magic happens! Literally, there were jugglers and a dude jumping rope the whole way! Amazing! 

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I can’t wait until my prints from MarathonPhoto come in the mail.  They turned out great.

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We had so much fun running this race.  At the beginning, we were way ahead of our goal pace.  We used a 1:1 run/walk ratio and maintained about a 13:00 mile which was good for us.  We got to the 5K mark in a little over 30 minutes – fastest ever! About mile 4.5, we took in our nutrition – Gu for me – so that it would kick in by mile 5.  At about mile 6, I worked out a stitch in my side on one of our walk breaks.  Throughout the race, we got tons of encouragement from our BGR Sole Sistas – not only those who were there with signs to cheer but also those who volunteered as race guides and at water stops.  They were really supportive especially when we thought our energy was waning.  At mile 7, we gained a new pace partner, Amanda.  We ran with her until she caught up with her cheer section after mile 9.  I’m glad we were able to help her push through the rough patch she was having.  That loop around Hains Point gets lonely and is always better with running buddies.  We still had enough energy left to sprint the last 1/2 mile and I shaved more than 5 minutes off my last 10 mile race time.

cherry blossom results

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I am glad that I was able to run the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Race this year.  This marks my fourth race for 2013 – on track for 13 in 2013.  I definitely feel ready to run my first and second half marathons on April 28th and May 5th.  Titanium Girl, here I come!

How about you?  Have you ever run a really large race before?  Did you run the Cherry Blossom?

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