Why I Hired A Coach

I get asked the question a lot, "Did you run in high school?" And the answer is NO! In High School I was a competitive {year round} swimmer and played volleyball.  In college, while I no longer competed in swimming, I still spent quite a bit of time in the pool. I also took up a new sport, Snowboarding! Whether it was swimming, volleyball, snowboarding, OR golf {which I didn't have much success at} I had a coach {or instructor} to help me improve and reach my goals.  When it comes to running, I have received very little instruction, and don't spend much time researching did running techniques, plans, theories etc., so I finally decided it was time to hire a coach! The ironic part, is that my coach is basically "virtual."  She lives on the East Coast, so all "coaching" comes in the form of texts and emails! 

Jessica, of PaceOfMe, isn't running along side me working on my gait, stride, cadence etc...but what she IS doing is so much more important and valuable {for me!}.  She is encouraging me to push myself to the next level, to take my running from a casual runner to a competitive runner.  For those of you who know me, I am competitive :) but not necessarily in the training aspect of running! I get in the miles, but am was not incorporating the things that {I know} will truly make me a better, stronger, faster runner! Jessica is challenging me to reach my true capacity as a runner, which I know I am not even close to! Whether she realizes it or not, Jessica is keeping me accountable to my training schedule {I don't want to text her and let her know I was a big slacker & didn't do the prescribed run for the day; and I will always be honest}, motivating me to continue to pursue my goals, encouraging me to reach my true potential, and forcing me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I always get a little nervous when I  see what lies ahead for the week, but I always end up texting Jess, "I DID IT!!!" And she always has the most positive, encouraging response! 

So with the help of Jessica, I am on my way to accomplishing goals and finding my true running potential!  Do you have a running coach? If not, have you thought about hiring one?

Polar FT40 Heart Rate Monitor Review

Do you know how many calories you burn a day? How many calories you burn during a 6 mile run or a Crossfit workout? Do you know when you are working out in the fat burning zone? I didn't either, until I tested the Polar FT40 heart rate monitor.  

The Polar FT40 has so many great features, but these are a few of my favorite:

The EnergyPointer tells you if the main effort of your training is fitness improvement or fat burning.  The PolarFitness Test measures your aerobic fitness at rest and tells you your progress.  The Smart Calorie feature calculates the number of calories expended during a training session based on your weight, height, age, your individual maximum heart rate {HRmax} and how hard you're training. The HRM also displays calories burned and comes with a comfortable fabric transmitter and coded heart rate transmission to avoid crosstalk {the strap is comfortable and basically unnoticeable while working out}

My exercise regimen the last couple of weeks has consisted of a run with friends, followed by coffee...so I took my Polar HRM for a spin.  {Sidenote: is it appropriate to reach up and remove your HRM strap in public, or should you go to the restroom for that!?} I always assumed that I burned 100 calories/mile of running, but I actually burn more when I am pushing the pace or doing hillwork. I also took my HRM with me to ZUMBA, and was surprised that while I burned less calories, a larger portion of my workout was in the fat burning zone than when I run.  And do you know an afternoon of snowboarding burns 900 calories!?

My two favorite features:

-Ease of operation: The Polar FT40 is extremely user friendly, and is very simple to switch between different screens in order to view different data

-Compatibility with spin bike: I am able to constantly monitor my HR, and adjust my workout accordingly, while in spin class {which is essential as I begin to train for a 70.3 triathlon}

 I have LOVED using my Polar FT40 HRM, and am excited to continue to use it and learn more about all of its features in order to maximize my training.  I highly recommend this easy to use fitness gadget to track and monitor your workouts in order to maximize your efforts.

Dsiclaimer: I received this product to review from FitFluential LLC and POLAR USA; all opinions are my own 

What #lucky13 Has In Store For Me

It seems like only yesterday I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I received an email from Mason, the Chief Hydration Officer at NUUN, asking me join the NUUN team for Ragnar Northwest Passage!  Well my excitement surpassed that when the people at NUUN selected ME to be an AMBASSADOR for their product; which means they believe I am a user of their product, who will be able to provide a significant impact, positive influence, and an increased awareness of NUUN products, within their social and professional communities.  What is NUUN?  NUUN is hydration, without the sugar – a refreshing alternative to many of the options in the beverage market today.  Packed with electrolytes, light flavor, no sugars or carbs, and portable, Nuun Active Hydration is the perfect sports drink for ME and YOU! I have been using NUUN for almost 2 years, and for anyone who knows me, they know I love it. I love the light refreshing flavors of NUUN, I love the convenient tubes that NUUN tabs come in, but perhaps most important I love the people of NUUN.  NUUN is my drink of choice, whether I am going on a Saturday run with friends, am starting my third leg of a relay, or am running a marathon....and I can't wait to continue to spread the NUUN love one tab at a time!

Photo courtesy of fellow NUUN ambassador, Meghan Manaois

Thanks to NUUN giving me the opportunity to run Ragnar Northwest Passage I discovered a new running passion of mine...RELAYS!!! There is something unique, one of a kind, words-can't-explain amazing about being in a van with 12 friends {or random people who quickly become close friends}, running through headlight-and-flashing-light lit streets at 3am, forming spirit tunnels for runners, and being beyond grateful for a hot shower and a bar of soap! After finishing Ragnar NWP, I knew I had to do another relay, and joined a team for Ragnar Napa.  When I received an email from Ragnar regarding their ambassador program, I knew I had to apply! It's a no-brainer to be an ambassador for something you truly love! And whether or not I was actually selected, I would still be an ambassador, because I just get giddy when I think of joining 12 people for such an amazing overnight adventure.  Well giddy I was when I received this:

I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to rock my ambassador gear and spread the Ragnar excitement.   So what is my next relay you ask?? I am for sure doing Ragnar Tennessee.  But I want to do them all, and call me crazy, but want to run one as part of an ultra team {6 runners, instead of 12}, so if you're looking for an additional runner, hit me up!  

So just when I thought things couldn't get any better, I heard this amazing news:

And of course, NUUN is my hydration of choice when I run a Ragnar Relay:

As if #lucky13 isn't already off to a great start, I have one more thing to add: After not being able to complete the half ironman I was signed up for in June of 2011 due to a bike accident that resulted in a broken collar bone requiring surgery, I have decided to give it another shot and will be celebration my 30th birthday by doing:

I want to hear from YOU: What's your favorite flavor of NUUN? What is your favorite Ragnar Relay, or what one would you like to do? And if you have done a half ironman, any words of advice?

Saucony Women's Guide 6 Review

loy·al {loi-uhl} adjective:

1. faithful to any leader, party, or cause, or to any person or thing conceived as deserving fidelity: a loyal shoe buyer.

4. characterized by or showing faithfulness to commitments, vows, allegiance, obligations, etc.: loyal runner

 

 I consider myself a loyal person...a loyal friend, a loyal employee, a loyal brand ambassador to the brands I truly believe in, etc.  Since the day I became a runner, I was loyal to a brand of shoes, and everytime I needed a new pair, I would always go back to the same shoe, buying the latest addition.  For a while, this shoe was perfect, but over time it evolved into a shoe that no longer met my needs, but I kept going back to it.  I would tell myself, "You just need to break them in; its the socks you're wearing; your feet should hurt after running that many miles," and the excuses continued.  But finally, after blisters, aches and pains, etc I decided make the switch to Saucony! I knew after my first run {13 miles}that Saucony was the perfect fit for me, and my feet have never been happier.  I started off with Saucony Kinvara 3s {I think I NEED to buy this color!}, and was excited to try another pair of Sauconys: the Guide 6. 

 



 

RUN - Guidance

The latest edition of our flagship shoe arrives with a fit and ride even more attuned to the needs of runners seeking stability in an everyday training shoe. A new sole unit features triangular IBR+ pads integrated with deeper grooves in the forefoot for better flexibility and responsiveness. Three independently responsive pods in the SRC crashpad provide a smooth, efficient transition onto the midfoot, while a midfoot saddle promotes a snug, secure fit in the upper. Weight: 8.9oz.

Offset: 8mm
Heel: 26mm
Forefoot: 18mm

UPDATES:

Overlays in the upper have been redesigned to secure forefoot fit. Triangular lug design on outsole and an additional flex groove in the forefoot increase flexibility. Increased ground contact through the midfoot for support benefits. Added 1mm of thickness to the midsole for improved feel under foot. New ComfortLite sockliner is contoured to cradle the foot, support the arch and reduce peak pressures in the forefoot

Upon receiving my shoes, I put 33 miles on them {speedwork, hills, and a long slow run}  in the first week and was once again pleasantly surprised with Saucony! The fit is perfect...comfortable and light, with the just the right amount of support for my longer runs. Having wider feet, many shoes are too snug through the laces, but the Guide 6s have plenty of room. I also have high arches, and started wearing arch supports in my other shoes, but with the added arch support of the Guide 6, I don't feel the need to use them! After the first 33 miles {which I have since ran more} I had no blisters, calluses {which I used to develop below my big toe}, aches/pains, and most importantly NO FOOT pain following my long run!

Now let's talk about what is REALLY important...the color choices! I WILL be ordering the pink/citron ones and the black/purple/citron ones are on my list!

 The Saucony Guide 6 will continue to be my shoe of choice for my long runs!

I was not compensated for this review, but I was given a pair of Saucony Guide 6s at no cost. All opinions are my own and 100% honest.

BOOing...My Favorite Halloween Traditon

I love everything about fall...the color of the leaves, cool crisp morning runs, Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, Dairy Queen Pumpkin Pie Blizzards, & pretty much everything pumpkin {beer, cookies, soup, etc}; curling up by a fire and watching football on Sunday, wearing puffer vests, corn mazes, and of course HALLOWEEN!!! I love to dress up and start planning my costume weeks, sometimes months in advance {but not this year, I still don't have anything planned, and I am going to a Halloween party on Saturday night}. In addition to dressing up, one of my favorite Halloween traditions is BOOing, have you heard of it? Its sort of a fall/Halloween take on "Secret Santas" or May baskets, and is a fun way to spread the spooky spells of Halloween!

How to BOO:

First decide who you want to BOO and then create BOO baskets filled with fun Halloween items for each house {I usually make sure there are even amounts of everything for each child in the house}

This is a bonus, but I like to dress up when I go BOOing! 

Then, once it is dark, head out to BOO people...place the basket {along with a poem} on the doorstep, ring the doorbell and run as fast as you can so that you don't get caught!

As the driver, I love to sit in the car {with the lights off} and watch the kids anxiously walk up to the door, hesitantly ring the door bell, then run like crazy {screaming and laughing} to the car, jump in and start fearfully and excitedly tell their interpretation of what just happened {They saw us, I was running SO fast I almost feel, I've never been so scared, they'll never know it was us!} 

The house that was BOO-ed then places a picture in their window saying they've been BOO-ed, and continues the fun by BOOing others!

It's a night filled with racing hearts, laughter, fear, excitement and creating memories that will truly last a lifetime! 

Have you ever been BOO-ed OR BOO-ed someone?

The Rogue Run-Half Marathon

Last year the first annual Rogue Run was one of my favorite races of the year: perfect weather, great course {one-way, flat, on the bike path}, fabulous course support,  local event, and I had a one of my best runs {which always helps}.  So needless to say, I was excited for it again this year.  I knew the race was going to fall right in the middle of marathon training {on a day that I was supposed to run 20miles} and a week after Ragnar Napa...my plan was to stick with the training plan the week before {aka NOT taper}, and race the half marathon the best I could {I wasn't exactly sure what to expect...would I be recovered from Napa OR still tired, would 13 seem easy, or would I struggle to push the pace}..with a goal to break 2 hours! {a 7 min PR from last year}

I was so fortunate to have the best running buddies join me!

A new friend who I have enjoyed running with and getting to know! 

And my parents!! My dad and I have ran several races together, but this was the first time my mom went from #1 cowbeller to runner!! {and yes, she chose to run a half marathon for her first run in over 20 years!}

We had a group of people from work who signed up to walk it: Go Team Rogue!!! {Photobomb courtesy of Big Earl}

We started off the race with the goal of going sub-2...and about 2 miles in to the race there was a group of 6 of us girls who were all running together.  We were having a great time chatting and laughing...making the miles go by quickly.  My NIKE app kept saying "average pace 8:50, 9:05, etc}...we were on track to reach our goal.  I was feeling really strong and continued to encourage Mandy, who was a little nervous about keeping up the pace for all 13.1 miles.  Around mile 8 we started to separate...Steffanie ran ahead and Mandy dropped back a little.  I was definitely getting tired but kept pushing the pace, and focusing on people in front of me that I wanted to pass.  I came up on an older gentlemen who was "tuting" non-stop.  And ironically enough, he was still "tuting" when Mandy passed him near the finish...maybe he was gas powered!? I hit mile 10 and was ready to be done...but I knew I was so close! I knew the course extremely well {I've ran on the path several times}, and continued to focus on the next landmark, turn, etc.  Before I knew it I was coming up on the last mile and there was a guy there running the other way on the path encouraging the runners {come to find out, he was heading back to meet his wife to run in with her} and saying, "keep pushing, you can make it under 2 hrs!" I was so happy to turn the corner and see the finish line...I had a smile from ear-to-ear {I am always overwhelmed with a feeling of accomplishment and joy when I cross the finish line} and loved running through the finish line and hearing people cheering for me.  Official time: 2:01.46!!  So close!! Was I disappointed!? Not at all! I ran the best race I was could &  was so excited to drop another 6 minutes off of my time; I know my half marathon time will start with a 1 in San Antonio. 

We did it!! 

My dad ran with my mom and helped pace & push her...she finished in 2:18!!! {Impressive!!!}

Our buddies James and Makenna came out to cheer us on! A family that runs together stays together! 

In 2 1/2 years, I have shaved 22 minutes off of my half marathon time, and I am looking forward to shaving another 22 minutes off! 

September Foodie Penpals

It amazes me how every single month my Foodie Penpal never ceases to impress!!! This month my package came from Joanna, who blogs over at Midwestern Bite!  I knew based on our email conversations she was going to put together a great package, and that she did:

Pop Chips {Sour Cream and Onion}

The Pine Club Salad Dressing

Tomato Preserve {from the Amish Country}

Honey Sticks

Bee Pollen

Esther Price Chocolate {a local favorite and popular gift} 

Joann mentioned in her card that Bee Pollen has a lot of health benefits, so I quickly started doing some research. One website said A supply of bee pollen is like holding a whole health food store in the palm of your hand. This one convenient source is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and oils, carbohydrates, amino acids, over 5,000 enzymes and coenzymes, hormones, peptones, polypeptides and globulins, high concentrations of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, and a variety of antibiotic substances. Another site referred to it as a superfood.  I've started out by putting a small amount of bee pollen on my PB toast, and am looking forward to incorporating it into more recipes.

I wasn't sure what to think about the Tomato Preserve, but it is delicious....especially as part of an almond butter & jelly sandwich!

This just might be new favorite dressing...good thing I can order it online! 

I love the opportunity  to meet new people every week from all over the country and to try local flavors from all over.  You too can join in on the Foodie Pen Pal fun: