Fitting In a Run and Running With Others

Voting day! Not only did I have to get my vote in, but I also had to wake up early to study for an econ quiz at 8am, and then study for a midterm for my night class (didn't quite have the time to study for it this weekend.)

Now to fit in a 7 miler.  It helped to plan my day the night before.  I wrote down everything I had to get done, then highlighted what would realistically get done (realistically I will not do my laundry today, let's be real ((or lazy.))  I google mapped a run to the polls.  It turned out to be around 2 miles.  I decided to take the long way and make it a four mile run there-[this is when I walked in and voted, all sweaty and delicious looking]-and three miles home.

There were no excuses to not get the run in!  I'm sure I could have easily made up some, but when you look in advance, there is always a chunk of time (even if it's only 20 minutes) to get your legs moving.  

Here is a sweaty, and somewhat creepy, picture of me at the polls.  I'm sure someone questioned why I was taking a picture of myself in my running attire after I had voted.  Oh well, I MADE THEM THINK.

A few weeks ago, I joined AREC, A Running Experience Club.  I LOVE IT! It is so nice to go on long run with others.  Last week I ran with a few others for 14 miles at an 8:24 pace.  It seemed fairly easy (key word- fairly), and went by rather quickly when comparing it to a run I'd go on alone.  Talking + running = my two favorite things- not including sushi, friends, chocolate, and cats.  Not in that order.

Everyone go vote! Have a great Tuesday ;)

Time to make some lunch.  I will stick to what I know:

Blah Blah Blah <--- Those Kind of Runs

I've learned that not all runs can be AMAZING.  Amazing shouldn't even be a word to choose from when it comes to these kind of runs.  Better diction would include: painful, annoying, long, boring, achy, whyamIdoingthis, and horrible.  At the end of these runs though, there is a sense of accomplishment.  If you can get through the suffering of a bad run, just imagine what else you can do (cheesy, much?).  Long story short, it makes pleasurable runs even more satisfying.

I'd rather struggle with a four miler than anything over 12 miles.  Even though a struggle with a short distance makes me feel like I must have lost what ever running ability I once had, it is much better than running for a long period with an on-going mental battle.  

Eh, bad days come, but they also don't stay around forever!

On a more interesting note, I was able to see one of my best friends from high school this past weekend and we did what we do best. Eat sushi.  In high school we used to go out for "girls night sushi" to nice Japanese restaurants in basketball shorts and Birkenstock sandals.  Attire we apparently considered appropriate?

Kristy (my sushi partner) is an (outstanding!) intern at Free People.  You could probably guess that just by looking at her and her adorable outfit.  Either that or she models for the company.

Long Beach Half and Finally Home!

Last week (actually exactly a week from today) I ran the Long Beach half marathon.  It was such a fast course and I was ecstatic to PR with a 1:36:15.  I did not think I could shave off 5 minutes of my RNR San Diego time of 1:41:35, but it happened!  I've decided that I'll be training for the Surf City full marathon on February 3rd, and hopefully start doing trail runs with A Running Experience Club (based in Long Beach.)  http://www.arec-lb.com/

(in the white, not blue)

I FINAAALLLLY made a trip back to my home town; Chico.  When I arrived, it was the first day that the weather started to cool off.  Looks like the temperature should be heating up again in Chico when I head back to Southern California, but at least I got a little feel of a TRUE fall.

Got to love running in the home town.  The smells, the sights, and the neighborhoods just bring back to many comforting memories.

(excuse my finger...)

A friend had a bet going that he couldn't run 10 miles without walking (under an hour and a half), so I told him that I would help to pace him and keep him going!  Pacing in the mid-high 8's, he completed the task!  Talking at the same time.  Totally worth the 40 bucks.  You rocked Daniel!

October Goals

Quick post to list:

Goals for October

1- believe hard work will pay off for a PR on the 7th (completed!)

2- decide next race/ training plan to go by (already have some ideas... ;)

Surf City Marathon- Feb. 3rd-? (decided on!)

Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon- Jan. 20th-?

3- plan a greattt 18th birthday for my sister (done!)

4- talk with advisors for next semesters classes (scheduled for Halloween... why then Michelle??)

5- come up with the BEST/ORIGINAL Halloween costume to make up for past years of SLACKING (currently still slacking)

6- learn more about myself

7- find a way to use my strengths to benefit others

A Tapered Long Run

I figured I should jot down a few things about my (tapered) long run this past week.  Since the Long Beach half marathon is on October 7th, I was able to fit in time to a 10 miler the Thursday the week before.  A "good feeling" run is the best! It is definitely the kind of run that gives you the push to continue training.

I averaged a 8:34 pace through out the 10 miles, mile 1 was the only one a little over 9 minutes (for a warm-up!)  I knew I could keep a mid-8s pace fairly easily, but always find myself jogging along in the 9's during a LR.  This run gave me confidence during the end of training, which is what I needed!

Now I just can't get sick/injured... Last time I will mention that, do not want to jinx it!

Problem: I find myself singing outloud quite frequently during runs... the trouble is that I have headphones on and know that people probably can hear me. There is no reason I should ever be allowed to sing in public unless I'm surrounded by others singing and can appropriately blend in. Therefore, this needs to stop.

This post is a reminder for me that LRs don't always have to be dreaded!

It's strange how your mentality changes when increasing milage. While training for a 10K, a 12 mile run sounded HORRIBLE. At this stage of training for a half, a 10 miler sounds like it will go by quickly. Anything less than an hour and a half sounds amazing to me. As long as some good fuel will be included post-run. Maybe some chocolate to wash it all down? ;)

AND YES I RECOMMEND THIS!
Fudge Brownie? yes.
Froyo? yes.
3.5 (or something like that) servings? no.

Awkward First Post

Helllllo all. I am Michelle with a last name that a select few know how to pronounce (on the first try).  A first post is so awkward- so I'm just going to jump to the point.  I am here to talk all things running, food, fun, life, chocolate (on a whole other level from food), school, and probably sushi (another craving that comes way to often.)  I'd love to get to know others from blogging!
I strive to live a healthy and happy life and have a passion for nutrition and exercise. Everything in moderation! But sometimes a little too much chocolate isn't a bad thing?...?

Hopefully as time goes on you will get to see who I am, but in the meantime, here are some pictures for your enjoyment.

I will be running the Long Beach half marathon coming up October 7th, has anyone else been training for it?