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| My Phat Words of Wisdom |
God Bless.
Monday, July 30, 2012
PHAT Words of Wisdom
Last night I met up with some of my fellow Phat Girlz for a Girls Night Out/Going Away Party. There were three of us there that are moving away soon, myself included. Our fearless leader Cherie' gave the three of us her "Words of Wisdom" written on some rocks that she picked up while camping in North Carolina. The words she gave us were: Trust, Peace, Phat, Believe, Strong, Run, Love, Inspire, Sister, Kind, Patience, Hope, Mom and Friend. I took those 14 inspirational rocks and turned them into a shadow box.
I'm truly thankful for all the ladies of the Phat Girlz nation. And I will never forget them. Even more so now, with this awesome shadow box for my nightstand. I love my Phat Girlz and I will proudly sport my Running Wild Phat Girlz shirts on the newest venture of our lives.
God Bless.
God Bless.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Running and Reading Long Week 11
This week in Running and Reading Long we are focusing on race prep. I don't know about your race prep but when it comes to outfits and such I plan out way far in advance. Back in April I was prepping for my longest race to date, a ten mile trail challenge, and I had my outfit laid out two days ahead of time. See my pics and race recap here.
As for food prep, my newest thing that I have found is that my body needs refueling every 50 mins (5miles) or so. I pack and prep accordingly. How do you prep for mid-run refuel? I have recently discovered I like Accel gel and Stinger Organic Energy Chews. For my half marathon in November I plan to pack three gels and one pack of chews so I will have more than enough. Yes, I'm already thinking about this and it's only July. Hydration mid-run I carry my lovely Amphipod 20oz Handheld. I love it. I has a great pocket to hold gels, chews or my keys. I also wear my Amphipod belt for extra food storage. And I'm super impressed with how much it can hold. But, I do put my phone in a plastic bag just so I don't sweat through the belt onto my phone.
Packet pick-up for a race I try and go as soon as I can. I want to have as much time as I need to prep and that includes looking at the map and wandering the expo. Plus, you are more likely to get free stuff while they still have plenty the earlier you go.
My biggest race strategy is sleep. I try to get extra sleep starting three days before the race. Oh and eating food that you know you can handle the next morning on a run. I'm an empty stomach runner. What are you?
What do you do to help prepare for a race? What is the hardest thing you have learned?
God Bless.
As for food prep, my newest thing that I have found is that my body needs refueling every 50 mins (5miles) or so. I pack and prep accordingly. How do you prep for mid-run refuel? I have recently discovered I like Accel gel and Stinger Organic Energy Chews. For my half marathon in November I plan to pack three gels and one pack of chews so I will have more than enough. Yes, I'm already thinking about this and it's only July. Hydration mid-run I carry my lovely Amphipod 20oz Handheld. I love it. I has a great pocket to hold gels, chews or my keys. I also wear my Amphipod belt for extra food storage. And I'm super impressed with how much it can hold. But, I do put my phone in a plastic bag just so I don't sweat through the belt onto my phone.
Packet pick-up for a race I try and go as soon as I can. I want to have as much time as I need to prep and that includes looking at the map and wandering the expo. Plus, you are more likely to get free stuff while they still have plenty the earlier you go.
My biggest race strategy is sleep. I try to get extra sleep starting three days before the race. Oh and eating food that you know you can handle the next morning on a run. I'm an empty stomach runner. What are you?
What do you do to help prepare for a race? What is the hardest thing you have learned?
God Bless.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Accel Gel Review
As I have talked about in past posts mid-run fuel is something I am still trying to perfect. And today was no exception. Today I tried PacificHealth Labs Vanilla Accel Gel. I chose this gel because the half that I am registered for in November said that Accel Gel would be at the mile 8 waterstation. And as most runners know it's best to test things before it comes to race day.
My run started out a little rough, I should have had a snack pre-run but I didn't think about it since I haven't done a long run in a while. And I was running faster than usual (trying to keep up with some fast friends!) but I was still ok, until about mile four. I was suddenly not doing well at all. It could have had something to do with the giant hill at mile four or that my tank was empty. So when I turned onto a less busy street I pulled out my Accel Gel. My first reaction was that I need to dry my hands to get it open, it didn't open very easy, but after that it was all good. The consistency was thinner than any other gel I have tried and it was easy to get down. The flavor was good for vanilla, especially since I usually lean to the citrus-y flavors. And it was easy to squeeze all of the gel out.
At about mile six I felt a sudden burst of energy. I knew my gel had kicked in, and I felt good. The last time I tested a gel on this route this was the time I was feeling sick to my stomach. Thank goodness this time around I was feeling good. The Accel Gel has passed the test in my book. Now I just need to track down some other flavors. My local running store doesn't sell Accel Gel, just Accelerade. And Vitamin Shoppe only carries it in Vanilla and Strawberry (too bad I'm allergic to strawberry in all forms!!). So I'm on a quest to find at least the Citrus Orange flavor and the Key Lime. I don't want to order a case before I have tasted. Does anyone know where I can find them? Can anyone hook me up with a free sample? ;)
Eight miles complete and my only complaint now has to do with tired legs, not an upset stomach that some gels give me. Thank you PacificHealth Labs and Accel Gel, you have a very pleased new customer.
Did you run today?
God Bless.
**I was not compensated for my review. All opinions are my own.**
My run started out a little rough, I should have had a snack pre-run but I didn't think about it since I haven't done a long run in a while. And I was running faster than usual (trying to keep up with some fast friends!) but I was still ok, until about mile four. I was suddenly not doing well at all. It could have had something to do with the giant hill at mile four or that my tank was empty. So when I turned onto a less busy street I pulled out my Accel Gel. My first reaction was that I need to dry my hands to get it open, it didn't open very easy, but after that it was all good. The consistency was thinner than any other gel I have tried and it was easy to get down. The flavor was good for vanilla, especially since I usually lean to the citrus-y flavors. And it was easy to squeeze all of the gel out.
At about mile six I felt a sudden burst of energy. I knew my gel had kicked in, and I felt good. The last time I tested a gel on this route this was the time I was feeling sick to my stomach. Thank goodness this time around I was feeling good. The Accel Gel has passed the test in my book. Now I just need to track down some other flavors. My local running store doesn't sell Accel Gel, just Accelerade. And Vitamin Shoppe only carries it in Vanilla and Strawberry (too bad I'm allergic to strawberry in all forms!!). So I'm on a quest to find at least the Citrus Orange flavor and the Key Lime. I don't want to order a case before I have tasted. Does anyone know where I can find them? Can anyone hook me up with a free sample? ;)
Eight miles complete and my only complaint now has to do with tired legs, not an upset stomach that some gels give me. Thank you PacificHealth Labs and Accel Gel, you have a very pleased new customer.
Did you run today?
God Bless.
**I was not compensated for my review. All opinions are my own.**
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Running and Reading Long Week 10
So this week of Running and Reading Long we are still discussing Matt Long's The Long Run. I still have nothing but positive comments about this book. I have already recommended it to two friends. It's a great read whether you are a runner or not. I don't know that I have read a more inspirational book than this one. This week we were asked to write a future letter to ourselves that might help us if/when we become an injured runner.
Here is mine:
Dear Anna,
This is not the end of the world. Even if you never run again you can still have a fruitful life. Running is important but it's not everything. You just have to keep your goals in sight, stay focused on the recovery and keep your head up. You are always a positive person, now is not the time to change that. And always remember to rely on God. He never puts more in your life than you can handle.
Sincerely,
ANNA
I'm thankful that's it been quite I while since I was truly sidelined from running. I'm happily adding up the miles and making strides to my yearly mileage goal. I set my goal this year at 750 miles. Did you set a goal this year? And if so, what is it?
Ok, so as you may or may not have picked up from previous posts, I was supposed to be doing the half marathon training track. Well due to the nastyweather humidity that is in FL I have slightly lowered my miles. But I have registered for my very first half marathon and will officially start my training for it the week of 8/19. And somehow it seems as though some of my friends are trying to convince me to run a full marathon in February. It's still up for debate but we will see :)
How do you stay positive when you are injured?
Happy Running.
God Bless.
Here is mine:
Dear Anna,
This is not the end of the world. Even if you never run again you can still have a fruitful life. Running is important but it's not everything. You just have to keep your goals in sight, stay focused on the recovery and keep your head up. You are always a positive person, now is not the time to change that. And always remember to rely on God. He never puts more in your life than you can handle.
Sincerely,
ANNA
I'm thankful that's it been quite I while since I was truly sidelined from running. I'm happily adding up the miles and making strides to my yearly mileage goal. I set my goal this year at 750 miles. Did you set a goal this year? And if so, what is it?
Ok, so as you may or may not have picked up from previous posts, I was supposed to be doing the half marathon training track. Well due to the nasty
How do you stay positive when you are injured?
Happy Running.
God Bless.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Another Goal Met!!
I set out this morning in New Orleans, Louisiana to meet a goal I had set for myself. Run in five states this year. As I was lacing up my shoes I realized that I already had run in five states. I had completely forgotten that I had run in Houston Texas back in January. Ok, it wasn't on the road but in the gym. But I was still IN Texas, so it totally counts in my book.
Here are some pictures from along the way, in the order that I accomplished the states.
And in case you haven't noticed. I'm totally patting myself on the back.
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| Florida (my pre-Sweat Pink days) but my trail shoes came with pink laces. |
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| My view in Houston, Texas the morning of my run. (pre-Sweat Pink) |
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| Emporia, Virginia |
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| Lyons, Kansas |
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| Chattanooga, Tennessee |
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| New Orleans, Louisiana. That's Bourbon Street under my feet! |
Set some life goals. Exercise related or not, and accomplish them. It will make you feel good.
God Bless.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Running and Reading Long Week 9
This week of Running and Reading Long we read Matt Long's The Long Run. We were supposed to begin the book. Well, um I finished it. It was such an interesting read that I just couldn't wait to see what happened. Matt had a way of inspiring me to really set my goals and make them happen whether I have roadblocks or not. I have nothing negative to say about this book. It's Matt's true life story about how he went from a firefighter and athlete to a crash victim and back to athlete. It's an amazing read and I have no doubt that I will read it.
Matt made me look back and think about all the things in my life and the life changing events I have gone through. I have been through so much in the last seven years of my life. I have lost my Dad in a four wheeler accident and my best friend/cousin suddenly to an aneurysm. Those were devastating times in my life. Through my family and the power of prayer I have done my best to overcome them but I still deal with them on a day to day basis. Just last night I had a dream about my Dad and woke up in a cold sweat thinking he was alive. It's crazy.
But I have been through some physical pains too. My freshman year of college, way back ten years ago I walked on to the track team at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park CA. I knew that I wasn't a stand out running but I had enough determination that the coach told me that he would give me a shot. I worked my butt off at every practice. I did the best that my body would let me. Then one day I came down wrong on a hurdler, I ran the 100m hurdles. I told the coach. He told me to walk it off and then get back to practice so I did. The next day I complained to him that I was having knee pain and that it felt like I had a cramp in my knee. He told me there was no muscles in my knee to cramp, suck it up and get back to practice. The next day I came out and couldn't run. When the coach asked me why I told him I had no mobility. I couldn't straighten my knee or bend it all the way. So he sent me to the campus doctor. I was immediately referred to a specialist where they decided to put me in a brace until I could have an MRI. The MRI showed that I had torn my meniscus and that it would require surgery. I told coach that and he said I was to report to practice every day and every meet to help keep stats. Talk about a kick in the pants. I couldn't run but I still had to be out there. So, about three months later I had my knee surgery and when they opened my knee up they found it in better shape than they thought. They just had to do clean up. When I emailed my coach about a month later and asked about what I could do to get in shape for the next year he said "You will never be the runner that you were. Don't bother coming back out." I was devastated. But I wasn't going to let that man or anyone else keep me from running.
Well guess what? I'm still a runner. I'm not a collegiate athlete and I can't truly say that I ever was since I hurt my knee the week before the season started. But I am very much still a runner. And you know what? I can run a mile almost as fast as I could back when I was at SSU. Every day we had to run a mile in under 8 mins. I would kill myself to do it, but I did. Well last month I ran a hard for just one mile. I ran in 7:55 and I truly felt like I could have done better, so next month I will try again. And two weeks ago I stepped back out on the track for the first time since my knee surgery. It was eerie but I ran 1200m with a friend to make our run an even five miles.
I have a goal to run a half marathon this fall and I'm registered for one. This will be my longest race yet but I'm so excited.
I'm the runner I am because of dedication and perseverance. I love running and I am thankful for the friends I have made that run with me and the husband who sports my running addiction.
Sidenote: My husband got me all running gear for our anniversary this week.
I think Matt Long's book really touched my heart because I know on a very small scale what it's like to deal with emotional and physical setbacks. I am truly grateful that I have overcome all the hurdles, on (ok so one tripped me up in a race once) and off the track, and that I press on.
One of my all time favorite Bible verses is "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 grow faint." Isaiah 40:31. I say it in my head when I get down on a run and it's even on my RoadId. So if I ever fall over and get hurt on a run some EMT might get curious and look the verse up after she/he helps me.
This week my training had struggled some. And it's my own fault. I was trying to be a good witness to a friend and help her through some struggles that I will not discuss, but I have gotten some runs in. Today was a nasty hot five mile run but I got it done and felt great afterwards.
So I ask you, what "hurdles" have you overcome in your life and running, and how did you overcome them?
God Bless.
Matt made me look back and think about all the things in my life and the life changing events I have gone through. I have been through so much in the last seven years of my life. I have lost my Dad in a four wheeler accident and my best friend/cousin suddenly to an aneurysm. Those were devastating times in my life. Through my family and the power of prayer I have done my best to overcome them but I still deal with them on a day to day basis. Just last night I had a dream about my Dad and woke up in a cold sweat thinking he was alive. It's crazy.
But I have been through some physical pains too. My freshman year of college, way back ten years ago I walked on to the track team at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park CA. I knew that I wasn't a stand out running but I had enough determination that the coach told me that he would give me a shot. I worked my butt off at every practice. I did the best that my body would let me. Then one day I came down wrong on a hurdler, I ran the 100m hurdles. I told the coach. He told me to walk it off and then get back to practice so I did. The next day I complained to him that I was having knee pain and that it felt like I had a cramp in my knee. He told me there was no muscles in my knee to cramp, suck it up and get back to practice. The next day I came out and couldn't run. When the coach asked me why I told him I had no mobility. I couldn't straighten my knee or bend it all the way. So he sent me to the campus doctor. I was immediately referred to a specialist where they decided to put me in a brace until I could have an MRI. The MRI showed that I had torn my meniscus and that it would require surgery. I told coach that and he said I was to report to practice every day and every meet to help keep stats. Talk about a kick in the pants. I couldn't run but I still had to be out there. So, about three months later I had my knee surgery and when they opened my knee up they found it in better shape than they thought. They just had to do clean up. When I emailed my coach about a month later and asked about what I could do to get in shape for the next year he said "You will never be the runner that you were. Don't bother coming back out." I was devastated. But I wasn't going to let that man or anyone else keep me from running.
Well guess what? I'm still a runner. I'm not a collegiate athlete and I can't truly say that I ever was since I hurt my knee the week before the season started. But I am very much still a runner. And you know what? I can run a mile almost as fast as I could back when I was at SSU. Every day we had to run a mile in under 8 mins. I would kill myself to do it, but I did. Well last month I ran a hard for just one mile. I ran in 7:55 and I truly felt like I could have done better, so next month I will try again. And two weeks ago I stepped back out on the track for the first time since my knee surgery. It was eerie but I ran 1200m with a friend to make our run an even five miles.
I have a goal to run a half marathon this fall and I'm registered for one. This will be my longest race yet but I'm so excited.
I'm the runner I am because of dedication and perseverance. I love running and I am thankful for the friends I have made that run with me and the husband who sports my running addiction.
Sidenote: My husband got me all running gear for our anniversary this week.
I think Matt Long's book really touched my heart because I know on a very small scale what it's like to deal with emotional and physical setbacks. I am truly grateful that I have overcome all the hurdles, on (ok so one tripped me up in a race once) and off the track, and that I press on.
One of my all time favorite Bible verses is "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 grow faint." Isaiah 40:31. I say it in my head when I get down on a run and it's even on my RoadId. So if I ever fall over and get hurt on a run some EMT might get curious and look the verse up after she/he helps me.
This week my training had struggled some. And it's my own fault. I was trying to be a good witness to a friend and help her through some struggles that I will not discuss, but I have gotten some runs in. Today was a nasty hot five mile run but I got it done and felt great afterwards.
So I ask you, what "hurdles" have you overcome in your life and running, and how did you overcome them?
God Bless.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Running and Reading Long Week 8
Almost two weeks ago I was supposed to post for my Running and Reading Long group. Well, I had to go on a trip with my husband (AGAIN!) and I totally forgot to post before I went. Then last week we had a break, I know I should have posted then but I was lazy sheesh. So here it is this week and then later on in the week you will see week 9.
I finished up Dean Karnazes Ultramarathon Man during this post session. I have to say I finished the book way before I was supposed to. I started reading it and I just couldn't put it down. And I've already passed it along to a friend. What a great book!
During my training I was supposed to go Ultra, but with the travel and trying to find a new place to live I did the exact opposite. Well not exact, but I didn't get to run anywhere near what I would have wanted to. I run for the very first time on a track since my knee surgery in 2003 (I will discuss that later this week for this group) and I am happy with that.
For my life, I believe going Ultra is setting a goal and going for it. I think follow through is the best type of Ultra there is. And I do my best to obtain every goal I set. For that very reason I have a Running Bucket List. Do you? Here is mine:
I finished up Dean Karnazes Ultramarathon Man during this post session. I have to say I finished the book way before I was supposed to. I started reading it and I just couldn't put it down. And I've already passed it along to a friend. What a great book!
During my training I was supposed to go Ultra, but with the travel and trying to find a new place to live I did the exact opposite. Well not exact, but I didn't get to run anywhere near what I would have wanted to. I run for the very first time on a track since my knee surgery in 2003 (I will discuss that later this week for this group) and I am happy with that.
For my life, I believe going Ultra is setting a goal and going for it. I think follow through is the best type of Ultra there is. And I do my best to obtain every goal I set. For that very reason I have a Running Bucket List. Do you? Here is mine:
- 10k – Completed 5/2012 Fiesta 10k 59:52
- Double Bridge Run (15k) – Completed 2/4/12 1.34:23 101/179 (my age group)
- McGuire’s 5k Prediction Run – Completed 3/10/12 35:16.09 27/1040 (for time in my age group), 4th place for predicted time in my age group.
- The Color Run REGISTERED
- Tough Mudder
- Half Marathon REGISTERED
- Marathon Relay
- Trail Race (any length) – Blackwater 10mi Trail Challenge 4/21/12 2.07:38 65/75overall
- Seaside Half Marathon
- “Run For Your Lives” 5k
- Run at Pensacola Beach—5/16/12 4.8mi with Dawn
- Specific for 2012
- Run in five or more states
- Run a half marathon
So I challenge you! Get out there, set a goal and accomplish it!
Happy Anniversray to my husband and I! I love you Mr Miller. Happy 7th! xoxox Don't you just love my random side note :)
God Bless.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Races Recap. Halfway through 2012.
So it's July, we are half way through this year. What races have you run? I was planning the rest of my race year and it made me think about what I have run.
January: No race :(
February: Double Bridge 15k 1hr 34min 101/179 in my age group <---my longest road race so far
March: McGuire's Prediction 5k Run 35:16 5th in my age group for closest to prediction time. There were 15,000 other runners! It's the nation's largest prediction run. Meaning, you can't time yourself, you predict your time when you register and try to hit that time.
April: – Blackwater 10mi Trail Challenge 2.07:38 65/75overall <---my longest race ever
May: Darn another no race month.
June: And yet another (too much travel!). Though I did race against myself and have my own mile time trial. I did one mile at 7:55. That's my fastest post baby mile.
July: I know I won't have a race this month. Poop.
Ok, so I was on a streak but it didn't last. Shoot. Oh well. But I know I have a race planned in August. It's the Bushwacker 5k and it will be my last race while living in Pensacola. Then in September I will be running The Color Run in Richmond VA. And I'm soooo excited about this race. I have been wanting to do a Color Run for almost a year. I don't have a race for October yet but in November I will be running my very first half marathon. Yikes. Scary and exciting all at the same time. I will be running the American Family Fitness Half Marathon. That just leaves December.
Now all I need to do is add up my miles and see how far I have gone. Thanks to Map My Run I see that so far this year I am up to 392 miles. My goal this year is 520 so I think I am well on my way to surpassing that goal. Yeah me!
Sorry my blog has been lacking, but if you haven't picked it up from this post or the last couple. We are getting ready to move. We will be moving at the end of August to Virginia. I'm looking forward to a change but I'm not looking forward to leaving my friends, my running buddies and my run routes. But I know that God has something great in store for my family and He will provide all that I need.
And now to tell you that today I am participating in a blog hop hosted by one of my fellow Sweat Pink sisters. You can find her blog here and also see some of my other Sweat Pink sisters. It's a great community and I am proud to be a Sweat Pink Ambassador.
Get out there and sweat.
God Bless.
January: No race :(
February: Double Bridge 15k 1hr 34min 101/179 in my age group <---my longest road race so far
March: McGuire's Prediction 5k Run 35:16 5th in my age group for closest to prediction time. There were 15,000 other runners! It's the nation's largest prediction run. Meaning, you can't time yourself, you predict your time when you register and try to hit that time.
April: – Blackwater 10mi Trail Challenge 2.07:38 65/75overall <---my longest race ever
May: Darn another no race month.
June: And yet another (too much travel!). Though I did race against myself and have my own mile time trial. I did one mile at 7:55. That's my fastest post baby mile.
July: I know I won't have a race this month. Poop.
Ok, so I was on a streak but it didn't last. Shoot. Oh well. But I know I have a race planned in August. It's the Bushwacker 5k and it will be my last race while living in Pensacola. Then in September I will be running The Color Run in Richmond VA. And I'm soooo excited about this race. I have been wanting to do a Color Run for almost a year. I don't have a race for October yet but in November I will be running my very first half marathon. Yikes. Scary and exciting all at the same time. I will be running the American Family Fitness Half Marathon. That just leaves December.
Now all I need to do is add up my miles and see how far I have gone. Thanks to Map My Run I see that so far this year I am up to 392 miles. My goal this year is 520 so I think I am well on my way to surpassing that goal. Yeah me!
Sorry my blog has been lacking, but if you haven't picked it up from this post or the last couple. We are getting ready to move. We will be moving at the end of August to Virginia. I'm looking forward to a change but I'm not looking forward to leaving my friends, my running buddies and my run routes. But I know that God has something great in store for my family and He will provide all that I need.
And now to tell you that today I am participating in a blog hop hosted by one of my fellow Sweat Pink sisters. You can find her blog here and also see some of my other Sweat Pink sisters. It's a great community and I am proud to be a Sweat Pink Ambassador.
Get out there and sweat.
God Bless.
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