Half Marathoning for Two!

Virginia Beach Rock N Roll Half Marathon is in the books! This was my fourth half, but my first one pregnant and it went really great! The weather was cloudy with an occasional drizzle so it was pretty perfect. There had been 15-25mph winds all weekend but luckily they died down for most of the race. 

I made it a priority to fuel really, really well since the other times that I haven't have led to miserable races. Being 15 weeks pregnant made it even more crucial that I ate well. 

Getting drizzled on at the start! 

Mile 12! 

One medal for me and one for baby! 

I stopped my GPS timer while in long lines to pee (twice!! #pregnancybladder....) so this is more accurate than my chip time. Well off my previous half marathon times (more than 30 min!!) for good reason. I took it nice and slow and felt great the whole way. My knees have been cranky the last two days but not as bad as previously. My back is a bit sore which I haven't had happen before but nothing some foam rolling can't help. 

So What's next? 

I have a 5k this coming Saturday to support my college roommate who lost her daughter in July to Dravet's Syndrome. I'm taking it easy this week just teaching Kettlebells today and then probably a pool run on Thursday.  

Next up on the race schedule is the Marine Corps 10k in late October in DC. Other than that my plan is to just keep moving as much as possible and staying healthy and safe. :) 

My sister in law gave me a prenatal Pilates DVD that I am eager to start doing and I'd love to be more deliberate about incorporating yoga. 

I'm so thankful that I was able to do this race and have been able to continue running this far. 

12 Miler

12 mile long run this past Sunday and I finally got my fueling better!! I had breakfast (cereal with almond milk, Im obsessed) about 2 hours before my run then a PB&J about 1/2 hour before my run. I ran the first 4.5 on my own with negative splits (accidentally), had some water and an energy gel packet while meeting up with my running buddy, and then ran 4.5 more with her.  I then did 3 on my own after that and some more water! I took my water with me on the last three miles and ran more slowly since it was a lot more humid by then.

My new shoes from Ragged Mountain Running Shop were great.  Im so happy with them!!

3 weeks til the Half Marathon!! Woohoo!!

Monday Monday...

Monday came quickly and I taught my Beginner Kettlebell class. I took it fairly easy since it was the day after my long run, which is important for recovery. 

Stretching it out with legs up the wall feels so good! I also did a lot of hamstring and glute stretches during Stretch class. 

One of my favorite summer snacks- peaches!!

Happy Trails

The new trails around the Ragged Mountain Dam are great. A bit overgrown from summer but really pretty. I saw a few deer and lots of small critters. 

One of my other favorite places to go for walks and runs is Ivy Creek natural area. Beautiful, serene and uncrowded trails! 

Why I run outside

Beautiful long run views:

Quality time with my best little running buddy 

Fauna big and small

Which do you prefer? Running inside or out?

Running through Wednesday

I was off this morning so I took Georgia for a walk/run to the lake. She is doing really well and these walks have really helped her arthritis. We've been trying to take her on a 2-3 mile walk almost every day. 

She loves her morning swims

I read a post from Pinterest about propagating basil so I decided to try it out.  I'm sure my husband will be sooo happy about that. He tends to make fun of me and my basil obsession. :)

Finished up my seven miles this evening through UVA. It was hot and humid but was so nice to get some miles in on an old path I haven't run on in a few years. 

Dinner was something new. Since I arrived home late I microwaved one of my new Steamfresh Protein Combos,  Southwest Blend. It was pretty good! 

One serving has 14 grams of protein and it's definitely quick to prepare! There are a few different blends. Check it out next time you're in the freezer section! 

Triple Crown Workout and Thoughts

In case you missed it yesterday, history was made.  For the first time in my lifetime, a horse won the Triple Crown!  Many had been doubting (maybe including me?) whether it would happen ever again since the fields have been getting so tough. I am thrilled that it happened.  I have liked American Pharoah since the beginning.    

As you may know, I have a huge passion for ex racehorses.  While American Pharoah and some of the other horses who raced yesterday may have a life of ease, but for the thousands and thousands of others around the country (and world) its a much different story.  Many of the horses will break down (injuries that may be life threatening or career ending), many will be retired for being too slow.  Unfortunately, many of those horses were sent to slaughter houses throughout the US (and now in Mexico and Canada).  These horses are amazing athletes who give their all to their humans every day.  They work so hard and have so much to give its beyond heartbreaking that they are treated so horribly.  The treatment is terrible on the trailers and holding pens before they are sold to slaughter, the conditions are even worse on the long long road across the border.   The abuse and neglect is common and absolutely horrific.  My three horses, Chick, Connor and Lego were all racehorses and I was so happy to have gotten a chance to rescue and love them.  I cant describe the bond I shared with them.  You become teammates with them and they definitely know and show love.  

I have a love/hate relationship with racing. Its beautiful to watch these horses give their all, but knowing what happens to thousands of others is very hard. So check out some great organizations who are doing their best to change the future for these amazing animals.

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
CANTER Mid-Atlantic
Re-run Thoroughbred Adoption
New Vocations Racehorse Adoption

In honor of American Pharoah's win I created a Triple Crown running workout.    

I tried out this workout this morning at the bunker playground trail.

I'll warn you, its pretty challenging. Take the walking options whenever you need to, or feel free to rest during the "timed" sections.  

It was pretty busy there this morning, lots of older folks were out for morning strolls.  I probably confused them by switching directions every three laps (which is better to reduce the torque on my knee from repeating the same turns over and over). Also make sure your heart rate has come down before you peform the abdominal workout. 

I'll leave you with some pictures of my beloveds: