The Haps

Man, I am more than halfway through a CRAZY week at work.

Why? I am on vacation all next week.

So? I cannot say "No" to people and I have a stack chin high to finish by Friday. I have this irrational fear that the second I'm out of the office, everyone suddenly becomes dissatisfied with either the quality or the volume of work I produce. Do I have any reason to think that? Umm no. Am I just a paranoid people pleaser? Umm yes.

Anyway... I am not going anywhere for my vacation... but The Scheers will be entertaining a guest...

Blog Friends... Meet the Coolest Non-Runner, Non-Blogger, Sarcastic, wine-drinking, knitter ever...

Okay, this may be my favorite picture of her... ever.

Emily & Falon

MY BFF is invading Iowa as of Midnight on Friday! I haven't seen her in almost two years and that is just wayyyy too long. So there will be lots of chatting, drinking, a little exercising and I'm going to finally start Downtown Abbey. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Okay aside from vacation I've been pretty BAMF this week. We got a grill this weekend so I've been using it nightly to make lean proteins and veggies. Yep, three days of eating clean under my belt. Thoughts? It is kind of bitch, but that just makes me realize how crappy a lot of the food I was eating was. I'm not going nutso and restricting fruit sugar or carbs or anything. If I want some banana soft serve, I eat that shit and I am grateful to not be stuffing my face with DQ. 

Today's Breakdown. Yes, I am a protein ho, clearly.

Throw a 4 mile run and 30 minutes of yoga on that and I still eeeped away with a deficit. Gah, I wish it was as easy to lose the winter lbs as it was to pack them on. MF

When was the last time you saw your BFF?

Have you tried the frozen banana soft serve thing yet? Love it? Hate it? 

xo,

falon

Illinois Half Marathon Recap

Well to say that I was a little nervous about this race would be putting it mildly. As you know I spent all of winter being pretty lazy and mopey and generally lame. I signed up for this race months earlier and I really thought I'd be primed for a PR.

Fast forward to April. Goals adjusted. I really just wanted to finish under 2:30- for some reason that time says "good enough" to me.

When the alarm dinged at 5am, I was tired and cold and the rain was-a-pouring down.

Great.

I got dressed and wandered to the hotel lobby to see what I could scare up coffee wise. I had scarfed my banana and granola bar they handed out post 5k last night. Perfecto. I got two tiny cups of coffee, a bagel that I didn't eat and a glass of oj.

Lisa and I headed toward the stadium around 6:00ish. Traffic was light and parking was easy. It was cold, but I knew layering anything heavier would be a mistake so I settled for being chilled pre-race.

Enthusiastic? Abso-freakin-lutely!
6am Beauty Queen? You bet your ass.

As the race got closer, I started to get some of that old time excitement. My mood lightened and hell, I knew I'd live so why fret. They opted for a wave start this year and while it took me a whole 15 minutes to cross the start... I was grateful that a lot of congestion seemed to be eliminated. I had to weave a tad in the first 3 miles or so, but beyond that the course opened up nicely.

The first 3-5 miles of any race are the worst for me because I'm a slow to start gal. It takes me time to wake up, hit my stride and get with the program. I kept checking my watch and boy that didn't help. I finally surrendered to my bladder and hit the bathrooms at the half way point. 4 minutes lost seems like a small price to pay for the comfort of an empty bladder. In the past, I would have done just about anything to avoid a non-emergency bano stop, but it just seemed dumb to be miserable for the rest of the race.

Post bano break I was feeling all kinds of AWESOME!

Hammer don't hurt 'em!

The rest of the race literally flew by. Highlights?

Favorite sign: You've trained longer than Kim Kardashian's marriage.

Aches: Not the foot or the knees, but the inside of my left elbow. Weird... I know. I must have been extra clenchy or something. Also. I got a nice bra band burn on my back that I didn't notice until my shower. 

Horror of horrors: I saw the worst chafing I have ever seen in my life on a gal's inner thighs. She was in front of me climbing a hill and she was bleeding. There were still 5 miles to go, so if she finished... red badge of courage forever.

Favorite road side treat: BACON

Yep, you read that right. I happened upon a road side oasis touting Mimosas, Beer and Bacon. I thought to myself... that is awesome... you could use the salt. I totally took bacon off a stranger's grill and it tasted fabulous. I do almost ANYTHING to avoid eating whatever fuel I'm carrying. It just NEVER sounds good when I need it. So yes- I drink the Gatorade, eat the bacon and snag jelly beans from Girl Scouts.

All in all, I am happy with that. I wish I was in the same shape I was last year, but that is on me to work on and I will. I was happy to run strong and feel pretty decent the next day.

Kudos to the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon folks for hosting a great race. Very well organized and executed! Great shirts, medals and yeah they had Papa Johns and Biaggis at the finish. Woot!

I also loved the whole I-Challenge idea. 5k + Half Marathon was just the right amount of running and made the out of town trip so worth it. I will definitely be adding this one to my 2013 roster and I would definitely recommend this race. 

xoxo,
falon

Illinois I-Challenge 5K Recap

So, Lisa and I headed to Champaign-Urbana on Friday morning to partake in the Illinois Marathon hoopla.

Not before I could do this...

The pixie is back and better than ever!! You know I was really getting some hair depression. I think I may just be destined for short hair so why try to fight it. Only downside...

I can't pull off cute Bondi Bands any more. 

Anyway, we got to Champaign-Urbana around 4pm and it was pretty clear that based on the traffic and parking situation... we'd be changing for the 5k in the bathroom instead of our hotel room. No biggie. I've changed in the back of a friend's minivan before so a stadium bathroom is more than sufficient for this girl.

Packet pick up ran really smoothly, there were tons of volunteers and our timing devices were attached securely to the back of our bibs. We picked up our two shirt bags and wandered around the expo briefly. Since I am responsible now, I only bought some BodyGlide and race day toss away gloves. They did have a ton of cute gear and if I was rocking the full marathon, I probably would have gotten a singlet or something. Brooks did all their gear and I just love Brooks clothing. I also noticed how much cheaper it was compared to the Chicago marathon specific gear. Interesting Nike, interesting. 

Lisa and I were ready to run by 6:30pm so we headed to the 5k start. It was windy and a tad chilly. We both rocked long sleeves for this one and I really didn't get hot until the very end of the race. We both planned to run SUPER EASY and by super easy I mean a 33 minute 5k or something. Lisa was/is nursing a hip injury and I was scared of burning too much juice the night before a half. Since I was pretty under-trained, it seemed logical.

As the race started, I felt good and since it was a fairly large 5k, the energy of the crowd was fun. 

Did we keep a slow, restful pace? Not really. 

Was I relieved to feel pretty comfortable running 9ish min miles? Yeah. 

As we began our final turn into the stadium, I realized that I did do my kick a tad early, but I still managed to finish reasonably strong. 

All in all I'd call it a success. I didn't go as slow as I had planned, but I felt good enough that I didn't really worry about it. I also don't think it detracted from my half marathon experience either and anything under 30:00 minutes is definitely good enough for me.

xo,
falon

Twas the Night Before Race Weekend

*Before I get back to real life or you know my boring, undramatic blog, I must say "THANK YOU" for everyone's comments on my last post. You made me laugh and feel proud to stand up. Finding such an awesome network of bad ass ladies (dudes too) is exactly why I blog. Those comments were a great reminder.

Alright, this weekend marks the start of my 2012 racing season. Yep, I am about 6 weeks behind of where I was last year and while I have been unmotivated in the training category, I must admit that I am pretty excited to see how this all shakes out.

I am considering my Friday night 5k and Saturday morning Half Marathon to be a sort of science experiment if you will. Will my carefree-hardly-training attitude really kill my performance that much? Will the lack of miles and discipline humble me? Since when did I stop respecting the distance of a half marathon?

Not sure, but I'll be sure to let you know how that baby pans out.

As for the weather...

Isolated T-storms just aren't my favorite. 30 minutes in the rain is one thing... 2:30 hours is another thing entirely. I haven't run into a real rain situation before so I've packed one of everything and I'll be wearing a hat just in case.

Any raining running tips? The chafe factor definitely has me trippin' boo.

Good news? Three day weekend and I'll be rolling with the best running buddd ever...

FLAHERTY!!!

xo,
falon

Alright, let's talk about it.

I know a lot of us were waiting and pacing yesterday to find out if we were picked by Nuun for their 2012 Hood to Coast team.

I'm sure most of you reading this are aware that I was not picked.

Initial Response: Seriously? Lame. Wow they sure picked an ass load of people who ran last year. Oh, yay! Vanessa! Oh good, Running Starfish had a good video too! Hmm maybe I should have made a Nuun ad instead?

Today's Response: "Fuck you, Nuun." Yep. I said it. Now if you didn't get picked... go ahead and say it to yourself. Say it quietly if co-workers are nearby.

Why would I be sad about not getting on a team that didn't want me?

The truth is I went out on a limb and had an awesome time assembling a video that showed my personality and if that is not good enough to earn a spot on Team Nuun... that is not a team I want to be on.

Will I be applying next year as the form email I received encouraged? Negatory. I don't need a second chance to convince anyone that I'm Nuun-worthy.

Also, I think it is important to say that EVERYONE who applied is team worthy and awesome. I am definitely not posting this to detract from anyone's victory. I didn't deserve a spot on the team more than anyone else did. I am posting (or venting) this blog for the losers, like me. Don't let any company or friend or passerby make you feel less than badass. I'd be honored to run with any one of you. You don't need a billion followers, 6 minute miles or an ad campaign to be on team Falon.

for my homies.

xo,
falon

Randumb Monday Post

So, I set my alarm for 4:45am this morning and looked forward to getting on the bike at the gym. Yep, I am currently 1/3 of the way through a free 14 day trial at Anytime Fitness, which is less than a mile from my house. I have already worked out there 3 times, so I was looking forward to another quiet morning with the regulars.

Man, I could carry groceries in that eye bag. Yikes. Need. More. Sleep. 

Now the gym is small, but as you can see... it is also DEAD in the early mornings. Like maybe 2 other people there tops. So, they have one standard exercise bike and one recumbent bike.

The regular bike was clearly out of commission this morning and I am kicking myself for not taking a picture. I walk in, the thing is wrapped in toilet paper and the pedal is just sitting on the display screen. SONOFA! I didn't even want to get out of bed, but I did for a machine that is broken. Crap. So, what did I do? Hopped my ass on the elliptical and then did another awkward weight routine. Yep, in an effort to be more balanced and strong overall, I am lifting weights now.

1. I keep reading all about putting together good weight routines and I still have no clue what the hell I am doing. * Tips and tricks totally welcome.
2. I look and feel like a goob whilst doing it.
3. I'll keep trying in the hopes that I look and feel less lame... eventually.

After my workout I headed back home to quickly scarf some breakfast, shower and be to my carpool in 45 minutes.

Dear scrambled eggs with spinach and salsa,
YOU COMPLETE ME

Does anyone else eat the majority of their meals either standing up? Sheesh, I don't even have kids and yet the time is rarely there to sit and savor. I do have three cats and some days I swear that is kind of the same damn thing. 


How did you find a badass strength routine? Has it helped your running?


xoxo,
falon


PS: For laughs... the people who used to live in our house were old and we have now inherited their old people catalogs. Wow, there is some crazy shit in there...

Seriously? Yep, seriously.
I think the graphic is probably helpful though.

STOP EXERCISING AND EATING RIGHT IMMEDIATELY!
This ring will make you skinny. Guaranteed!
The metal senses your fatty areas. Amazing!

Taping and Running

Earlier in the week, I put a feeler out on my blog Facebook page to see if anyone has used KT Tape. Upon browsing YouTube, I stumbled on the KT Tape instructional video channel. HOLY CRAP... there is a taping method for every ache out there. Also, I was pretty impressed by the breadth of their online resources. When I happened upon a video for hamstring tendon pain... I decided to give this tape a shot. I picked up a roll of the Orange KT Tape Pro from We Run. $19.99 for 20 pre-cut sheets.

Of course, since I purchased the tape, my hamstring tightness seemed to dissipate, but I had been having some intermittent issues with the top of my foot. The hinge joint there just seemed kind of stiff and while it always loosens up after I've logged a few miles... the tenderness does come back occasionally during the run.

Is there a KT Tape method for that? You bet your ass.

So, I did my own taping job and I think it came out swell.

Still taped strong after 8 miles. 8 miles in a sock and shoe, not my Target flip flops.

Verdict? Badass. I kept rambling about how good my foot felt taped up that Lisa, my running bud, went to Dick's and bought herself a roll for her aching hip.

The tape doesn't feel tight like an ace bandage and since it is stretchy there was no restriction of movement. I hardly noticed it was there and it didn't make my foot feel fat in my shoe.

VICTORY!

Now I wouldn't just use the tape for any little workout or twinge of pain because it is pricey (it took 3 strips to properly tape the top of my foot), but if you've got an ache or a race or a daunting long run ahead.... SO WORTH IT!

Now, for the true test... the shower...

Yep, I wear old man slippers and yep that it my kitchen linoleum... my house was built in 1955 after all.

Stayed on. The edge where I began my application is curling a tad, but if I am honest... I touched that part of the tape when I was trying to apply it. DOH!

Did you notice... is it also REFLECTIVE. Baam

Okay, the moral of this post... buy some KT Tape if you have aching parts.

On to the run... Flaherty and I had to take it easy because her hip was killing her. Oh and I don't mind a nice slow, easy run on a Sunday... or ever for that matter.

This was at the end of the 1st of 2, 4 mile loops on the Nature Trail.

I have just recently become a fan of doing a couple laps instead of a straight out and back. Why? It affords me a minute to stretch, hit the bano and NOT CARRY water or fuel. Only downside... you have to muster the gusto to get your ass back out there when you could easily get in your car and speed off.

It really was a great run and I found myself with quite a bit of fuel in the tank, so I opened it up a bit the last mile and finished quicker than originally intended. NO ipod, so I just focused on my breathing and turn over as I ended the run on a MAJOR HIGH NOTE.

Illinois Half Marathon Saturday and I-Challenge Friday night 5k... here we come and I am really excited to finally have a race coming up!

BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad... you complete me.

Post 8 miles we dined at Panera and picked up some "essentials" at Dick's. By essentials, I mean that Lisa needed a cute, new racing outfit and I needed a clearance shirt and more tech socks... of course.

What was the highlight of your weekend?
What's your next race?

xoxo,
falon

p.s: KT Tape didn't send me any products or ask me to review squat... why? No clue- don't they read my blog?? ha ha I reviewed their product because I had a GREAT experience and I love to share the good stuff with ya'll.

Instawednesday

I have hopped on the Instagram wagon. If you have a Droid or an Iphone and don't have the app, that shit is free so get on it. Let's follow each other and ogle random photos.

Here's a smattering of my life through the loveliness of Instagram.

I live for tights and a fun pattern is a major bonus. I also love to put my feet on my desk and pretend like I'm not stressed out or overwhelmed.

Caribou Coffee makes the most delicious Half White, Half Dark Mocha. Heaven. I get it with whip and they even sprinkle teeny chocolate chips on it. When my day has gone to shit... the mocha is there.

2lbs of strawberries are running $2.69 right about now. I am eating them in 1/2 lbs increments.

In an attempt to be a more balanced runner, I am biking. Stationary and the fun ass sight seeing kind. Yes, I still wear my reflective vest is mildly overcast conditions. #NERD

Don't get much cuter than that shit. I love waking up to my two seepy boys.

I AM PUTTING ALMOND BUTTER on everything this week. Well, one serving a day and yes I do try to suck the very last bit from the packet. It would be unethical to waste such perfection.

We got a third cat (left). She's a dilute calico and a hell of an oddball. Persephone. I call her Perrr or asshole when she puts her foot in my dinner. Three cats. Yep, total cat lady.

I decided that if I wanted to lose my winter fat. I have to work out more and eat less. Total genius, right!? Don't I know it. I almost look purdy at 5am.

Thank you baby jesus in a manger... less than a week to find out which bloggers landed on the Nuun Hood to Coast Teams. DYYYYYYYING in anticipation. Yep, still think carrying the bottle everywhere is releasing the good juju.

xoxo,
falon

The Long Run that Wasn't

Yep, I had 10 miles on the calendar in a desperate attempt to be as prepared as possible for my Illinois Half in 13 days. Gulp.

The forecast sucked all weekend so I was just hoping that there wasn't a torrential down pour or a tornado. Lucky for me, there wasn't.

As we all know too well, running is a mind game and today I just didn't play a strong game.

What zzzzzapped me?

• Wind Advisory. Yep, 35 mph gusts.
• Ipod dead before I left the parking lot. #WINNING
• I slept wayyy late. I originally got up at 7am, ate a bowl of Frosted Flakes, fed my whiny cats and went back to bed when my running bud decided to opt out of the gale force wind-a-thon. So, I got up again at 11am and had a major sleep hangover.
• By the time I hit mile 3 around 1pm, I WAS STARVING. I had already eaten one shot blok and only had two left. Dumb. Should've ate a piece of toast when I got up for the SECOND time.

The trail was deserted and it was hard not to share a brief pained, "You can do this shit," gaze with another runner. Usually I don't mind going it alone, actually I prefer it on my long runs, but today I wanted my mommmmmmmy.

So, instead of whining and crying, I just cut the misery short. I was reminded of my brutal 18 miler when I was training for the marathon and then the redemption I found in my 20 miler the following week.

10 miles became 4 and I was already on the phone planning my redemption run with Aaron. Can I still pull of this Half Marathon without a 10 miler under my belt? Yes, I know I can, but I just need the shot of convince a redemption run can give me.

TUESDAY MORNING

BOOM

Go over to the super sweet doll, Amylee's blog and read all about MIND OVER MATTER. She inspired me to get out of bed at the crack of dawn Tuesday and pound 10 out on the dreadmill. If she can do 20, I better damn sure burn up 10!

xo,
falon

Speed

Okay, after reading all that Run Less Run Faster hoopla, I am starting to believe that training harder is the way to go. I'll never be the 40 mile week gal. I don't have the time, the energy or the cartilage for such endeavors.

Now, if I don't want to run all day everyday to get faster, I think I'm going to need to try faster running. FINE! In my almost three years of running, I have done ONE track workout and maybe half a dozen interval runs. Yep, seriously. Speed is just not my thing. Running fassssssst is uncomfortable. Some times I feel clumsy and other times I feel more in step than ever.

Today I got it in my mind that I would at least do 30 minutes of intervals on the treaddie after work. I thought I should be able to do an hour or so, but everything I read said start conservative.

I put together a play list alternating between fast and slow songs. I thought it'd be an easy way to keep track and have fun. I often count songs instead of miles when times are tough... one mile left turns into "Come on, just three more songs!" Obviously not exact, but it is a mind game that works for me.

 

I have to admit that I enjoyed the sense of satisfaction I felt completing something I don't particularly enjoy. Once it was over, it didn't seem all that bad. So, I think I'll pepper in a bit of speed once a week for now and see where it takes me. 

Do you love or loathe speed work?

Do you do speed work regularly?

xo,

falon