Spring Race Plans

Spring has arrived in the south (well on most days) and with that means perfect weather. Even if it's only around for a little while before the summer heat hits, I'll take it! There's just something about spring that I love...the colors, the weather, the fresh and newness of it all...it's seriously one of the best times of year! (Minus Christmas, of course.)

In the spring, races are usually in abundance around here and they taper off as soon as summer hits due to the ridiculous heat, so you gotta catch them while you can. For this spring, I've found several races I plan on running, so here's a rundown of them all!

#1 St. Patrick's Day 3 Miler

Yes, this race already took place but I'm posting it for two reasons - number 1, I need to write my recap like ASAP and number 2, it's the first race in our local "Triple Crown" series and I'm going for it again this year! (The last time I completed this series was in 2015.)

#2 HCS Warriors 5K

Last year, I ran this "first annual race" and as an alumni of the school, I placed as first female. Yes, the race was small and placing in it was totally random, but I was beyond shocked and excited! This is a race I'll continue running in the future because even though I've been gone for a while, I still love to support the school as I attended there most of my life! (It's a K-12th grade school.)

#3 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival 10K

This one is incredibly random and 100% new to me as it's in a town about 3 hours away. It also happens to be the day after the Warrior 5K...whoops. In my fervent search for a "local" 10K to use as proof of time for Wine & Dine, I stumbled across this race. It's the only race in reasonable driving distance that is hosting a 10K before the cutoff time for proof of time submissions. I would have run a 10K last fall, but that's when I came down with the great lung plague, so yea...that went right out the window. I'm really looking forward to this one as it's completely new to me and I can't wait! Jason's also going to do the 5K with Brayden!

#4 Contraband Days 5 Miler

Although this race is taking place the day after Relay for Life again this year, I'm still looking forward to running it as part 2 of the Triple Crown series! Yes, my legs are probably going to feel like lead and I'll definitely be sleep deprived, but I think I'll make it! Although it's always hot (this race is held in May) this race is for sure a local favorite!

#5 4th of July 4 Miler

Yes, this race falls in the summer time, but it's also part 3 and the final race in the Triple Crown series. I love running this race and enjoy seeing the local running crowd that comes out for it!

That should be it for now, unless another random race pops up into there (which is completely possible)!

Do you have any fun spring time races planned? Please share! I want to hear all about them!

Contraband Days 5 Miler 2018

On Saturday morning, I ran our area's annual 5 miler. This race usually falls on a weekend of our big hometown festival but due to scheduling conflicts, it didn't this year. Instead, it fell on the morning after our Relay for Life event. (Face palm) Since I'm on the event committee for our relay, that means that I was out at the event site from noon-midnight, setting up, participating, and tearing down the event.

Needless to say, when my alarm went off on Saturday morning after only 4 hours of sleep, I debated my first DNS race ever. Instead, something got ahold of my brain and I decided to drag myself out of bed and run the race anyway.

Everything about this race was totally unlike me, in a "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of way. My outfit wasn't picked out the night before and I didn't even know if I was truly going to run the race until about 5 minutes before I left my house.

After arriving at the race site, I met up with my friend Mackenzie's husband and we lined up to start the race. It was not long into the first mile that I knew I could NOT keep up with him. My legs felt like concrete and it was all I could do to keep moving one foot in front of the other - my body had zero energy from all of the running around I'd done the day before in 90+ degree heat.

It wasn't long before I told him to go on ahead of me. I could tell I was holding him back and I hate that feeling!
 

His wife and her dad were waiting on us at mile 2 with the best and coldest water ever. It was heaven. I definitely appreciated the stop and took full advantage of it!

In the past, the water stops for this race have seemed few and far between (not this year, though), so it was nice to have them there as extra backup!

For the remaining miles, I ran until I hit the top of each mile, then I walked a couple of minutes, then began running again. It was all I could do to keep my heavy legs going.

When I knew the finish line was approaching, I somehow had a little bit of energy left in me, so I picked up the pace and ran hard in through the finish line. 

It's definitely not a PR for this race, but I don't think my overall time was half bad considering how horrible I felt!

After the race, I found my friends once again and took a few pictures!

Despite feeling like poo, it was great to spend the morning with my friends! 

Here's to the next one, which happens to be the 4th of July 4 miler. I plan to go into that race with a good night's rest and full of energy! 

Have you ever run a race on tired, dead legs?

It's the Tuesdays On The Run Linkup with Erika, Marcia and Patty. 

Fitness Friday - May 11

Currently Training For:

• Dopey Challenge 2018 - Walt Disney World
• Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon 2018 - New Orleans, LA 
• Warrior Nation 5K
• Contraband Days 5 Miler
  

Saturday - Tour LaFitte 10 mile bike ride
Sunday - Rest Day
Monday - Tone It Up Workout of the Day & 2 mile after dinner walk
Tuesday - 3 mile run
Wednesday - Rest Day 
Thursday - Tone It Up Workout of the Day with PT Routine & 2 mile after dinner walk
Friday -3 mile run

This week happened to be an extra fun one, since it was also Nurses week, too! :)

On Monday, we went on a 2 mile after dinner walk and since Brayden didn't have a nap at his Mimi's house that day, he was OUT! After dinner, I did 2 rounds of the Tone It Up routine of the day. It was nice to use muscles I hadn't used in a while!

On Tuesday evening, I made it out the door for a 3 mile run just as the sun was starting to set. It was a beautiful evening!

It was also a solo run which was nice!

For Nurses Week, my coworkers took me out to lunch on Tuesday to Great Harvest Bread Company. I ordered a sesame chicken grain bowl and oh my gosh...this is seriously my new favorite dish! So good!!

My lower body was kind of sore after Monday and Tuesday's workouts, so I was excited to see a lymphedema rep was stopping by to show us their tools and feed us lunch! I also took a rest day on Wednesday.

This compression device was like heaven on my legs!

After the leg compression, I was also talked into trying the head and neck compression device...

Yeah, that happened!

Oh the fun things we get to do at work sometimes!

We took Brayden to the park this week and someone had left behind some sidewalk chalk. He couldn't figure out how to carry all three pieces of sidewalk chalk together, so this is what he came up with! Hey, whatever works, right?!

On Thursday, I arrived at work and was super surprised with flowers for nurses week from my parents! The are gorgeous and smell oh so good! My parent's are so sweet!

Last night after dinner, we set out another 2 mile after dinner walk, this time minus a nap! I also did the Tone It Up workout of the day as well as my physical therapy routine.

Speaking of Physical Therapy, I was discharged this week! My therapist felt as if she's given me all the tools I need and says I'm doing great! Not going to lie, I'm going to miss seeing her as my therapy sessions were actually kind of fun!

Another change this week is the elimination of excess sweets. I feel very fatigued and tired often and decided if I eliminated excess sugar from my diet, I might start feeling better (obviously).  It's basically a process of making better food choices and it's working so far!

This weekend is looking to be another fun one! We are FINALLY going to order a new shed since the tornado took our last one. We are also FINALLY getting rid of all of the pile of debris in our yard from said tornado. (It's pushed in the corner and we haven't had a chance to do anything with it yet due to work schedules.) It will be nice to have it gone!

I also plan to go for a long-ish run as the Lake Area Runners 5 miler is next weekend!

Hope everyone has a great and safe weekend! Happy Mother's Day!

Rating April

Well, April has been an interesting one to say the least! Today's Tuesdays on the Run topic is about rating the month of April and overall, I would give it a B-. We had some really great highs and some pretty rough patches too - but I'd say it all evened out in the end!

On the running front, I managed to log about 15 miles per week with one of those weeks at 12 miles. Most of those weeks were also with my little running buddy by my side (or rather, in front of me). My husband's ever changing work schedule made it difficult to take very many solo runs although I did manage a few!

My total mileage for the month of April is not great but my goal was to keep moving, despite the circumstances. My knee has been giving me trouble and this weekend, I came down with a pretty nasty cold. I'm not pushing the training too hard right now although I do have a 5 miler coming up next month. I would much rather have my knee improve and feel 100% for fall half marathon season.

April's crazy weather also made for some interesting running conditions. I never knew if I needed to wear short or long sleeves! I was excited to pull out the gatorade for the first time this season! Yay Spring warmth!

Speaking of weather, we also had that random tornado pass through our backyard. I am still kind of in shock over that one...

Despite the crazy weather, we even managed a few days in the pool this April and a few days at the park!

One of the big high's for the month was Brayden's 2nd birthday! I loved celebrating with him at his Puppy Dog Pals party! 

Yes, April was an overall good month in my book! :) Have a great Tuesday!

It's the Tuesdays On The Run Linkup with Erika, Marcia and Patty. 

Fitness Friday - April 20

Currently Training For:

• Dopey Challenge 2018 - Walt Disney World
• Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon 2018 - New Orleans, LA 
• Warrior Nation 5K
• Contraband Days 5 Miler
  

Saturday - 6 miles

Sunday - Rest Day
Monday - 3 miles
Tuesday - Physical Therapy Routine - Squats and Core Work
Wednesday - 3 miles 
Thursday - Rest Day
Friday - Physical Therapy Routine - Squats and Core Work

The spring weather finally decided to cooperate this week (somewhat). Although the temps have been cool every morning, it definitely warms up by the afternoon! This kind of weather can stick around as long as it would like!

With that being said, I definitely made sure to take advantage of the weather this week and make my way outside for several runs!

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to run solo (minus the stroller) and it felt great. I've really been working on my running form and I could tell a difference with this run.

My goal was to stay beneath 10 minute miles - mission accomplished!

On Monday, our whole crew joined us for a 3 miler around the neighborhood! The walk went by so fast - it hardly seemed like 3 miles at all!

Our church schedule has also changed up a little bit due to CRAZY construction over here, so I've had the past few Wednesday nights with nothing to do. It's been amazing and definitely helped with getting that extra week day run in!

A 3 mile run is just what I did on Wednesday afternoon and you can see the aftermath of my run in my arms! Those cups were not for me, they were definitely for my little tag along!

A few other non-running happenings took place this week! 

On Saturday, Jason surprised me with a super fun gift! I love it!!

Picture day was also this week and I was super excited to dress my little guy in my favorite outfit in his closet! Hah! Even though I didn't have a girl, I still love to accessorize him (for now, while he lets me)...

Pixie was groomed this week and came home all refreshed and pretty!

Last but not least, we tried out this new place called Louisiana Reaulx. It's basically ice cream that starts out as a liquid, is poured onto a frozen stone, mashed together until it's frozen, then "rolled" up into a cup. There's video on my insta-stories (for now) so head over there to check it out if you're interested in seeing the process - it really is super neat!

That's all for me this week! I plan on running a 6 miler this weekend but it'll probably be with the little dude so we shall see how that goes! Other than that, I hear it's supposed to be another rainy one.

Have a great weekend, y'all! :)

It's FRIDAY!

Link up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!

Spring Running Pros & Cons

Spring!

Fresh blooms, gorgeous weather, new growth, new life, pollen, wildlife, spring storms - there are so many things to love (and not love) about Spring!

When it comes to spring running, I'm all about it. I love the weather (most of the time), fresh blooms along the way, and the whole overall expectation of Spring - new life, new growth, transformation, etc.

Today's Tuesdays on the Run topic is all about sharing your favorites and least favorites of spring, so here we go!

(PRO) I have two top favorites of spring running, the first being fresh blooms! I just love plants and flowers and seeing everything fresh and new for spring.

Aren't these azalea's beautiful? You can find them all over the south in the spring!

(PRO) My second favorite thing about spring running is the weather! Most of the time, it's cool and refreshing with just a hint of warmth, reminding you that summer is on the way...

(CON) With the pro of weather also comes a con - spring weather. It can be beautiful and it can be horrible all at the same time. Having a tornado in your backyard isn't the best way to kick off spring, either. Along with crazy weather comes lots and lots of rain and unless you love running in lots and lots of rain, that leaves running up to the treadmill. Ugh.

(PRO) Wildlife - I just love seeing little babies running around outside, enjoying the fresh weather. Sadly, I missed the little baby chick in this picture but it was so cute!

(CON) Wildlife - I need I say more? I'll occasionally see these guys in my running route and I never get close enough to figure out their "type".

(PRO) With spring running comes more opportunities to run with my little guy because the weather is just that nice (most of the time)!

...and that's about all I can think of! Spring is definitely a favorite time of year for me and I love getting out and breathing in the fresh air and getting in a great run!  

Did I forget anything? What are your spring running likes/dislikes?

It's the Tuesdays On The Run Linkup with Erika, Marcia and Patty. 

Fitness Friday - April 6

Happy Friday! Long time no Fitness Friday!! This week I actually did enough "activity" worth blogging about, so here we go!

Currently Training For:

• Dopey Challenge 2018 - Walt Disney World
• Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon 2018 - New Orleans, LA 
• Warrior Nation 5K
• Contraband Days 5 Miler
  

Sunday - Rest Day
Monday - Squats/Lunges/PT Routine
Tuesday - 3 mile run
Wednesday - Cross Training with the Tone It Up Girls 
Thursday - 3 mile run
Friday - Rest Day/Party Prep

So my recap this week might not look or sound like much but here lately, this is great for me! I've also been birthday party prepping for the last several weeks so needless to say, that's consumed a lot of my time.

The week began with a Monday night dinner with my parents and "Easter Bunny" gifts. Yes, the Easter Bunny still passes for us (even the grown kids) and now there's an overload of chocolate in my house. Yikes.

This basket is about 30 years old!

After dinner, I did my usual PT squats and lunges routine. My right knee has been tweaky lately (not IT Band tweaky) and I realized that the lunges made the pain worse. After backing off of the lunges this week, my knee is feeling a little better. Hopefully it continues to improve. (It honestly feels like runners knee.)

On Tuesday, Brayden and I went out for a 3 mile run and as I mentioned yesterday, we discovered a new route! 

Y'all have no idea how much of a game changer this is for me when running with Brayden. Lately he's started getting "bored" after about 2 miles or so and if we have to loop back in front of our house and pass it again, he's not a happy camper. So, with lots of snacks and no need to loop back in front of our house, we are good to go again!

Another crazy storm also threatened our area on Tuesday night but I think they overshot this time - they predicted all kinds of stuff and nothing happened. I'm sure they just didn't want a repeat of last week. Guess that's how the weather works for you! Better to be safe than sorry, I say! 

We also got a little rained on during our run but it wasn't anything too terrible and passed rather quickly.

On Wednesday, I picked through the Tone It Up Girls YouTube channel and found a workout that I liked and could modify with my tweaky knee.

Thursday was Brayden's birthday and also an opportunity for us to try out our new route. It worked great! Another 3 miler in the books an gorgeous spring (although kind of humid) weather!

After work on Thursday, I also met up with my sister in law for a cup of coffee at PJ's! She was in town for an appointment and it was nice to catch up with her.

This week has also been all about baseball in my house! The Astros revealed their World Series Champions flag as well as their WS rings! I'm loving that baseball is officially back!! 

Tomorrow is our 11 year wedding anniversary and this year we are sharing it with Brayden's Birthday party! I've been so consumed with party planning, I haven't even thought about where to eat or what to do but I know we will end up doing something.

Have a fabulous weekend!!