Off Track but Keeping It Together

Okay runners, it's week 2 of my training and that means I have another training week under my belt  {even if it wasn't the greatest}.  My whole house came down with my stomach bug {not a fun time at all}. So, my training had to take a back seat to taking care of my family such I wouldn't have it another way.. Once I got everyone well I have really struggled with motivation. It was been so hard to get out the door {I could think of a hundred reasons not to go}. The one thing that has really helped me is listening to music especially since I have been running solo lately. I'm usually an unplugged to music runner. I broke myself from listening to music about 2 years ago and it has really helped me be more aware of my body/surrounding. In case you don't know what unplugged means it's when you run with no music/ headphone or it can mean you run without electronics tracking your run. As the week has come to an end I am looking forward to a more productive week 3. I'm also looking forward to the Volleyball season starting at work{I think it will be great cross training for me}.

Look at these pitiful kiddos.

Training Week 2

Monday: 

Rest

Tuesday:

3 mile run { No Butt Challenge! I'm a slacker, lol)

Wednesday:

Rest

Thursday:

Rest

Friday:

2 mile tempo run and Butt Challenge {35 squats/20 bridges/25 lunges}

Saturday:

 Butt Challenge {40 squats/20 bridges/30 lunges}

Sunday:

6.2 (10 K) mile run, ab workout (15 min),
 and Butt Challenge {40 squats/25 bridges/30 lunges}

{Here's a look at my training plan.}

How is your running going?
What do you do for cross training?

Happy crafty running,
Amanda :)

Another Half and Many Miles To Go

Hey running friend, hope your having a happy Runday. Well, I have signed up for my first Half of the year and I'm into the second week of my training.The race I'm running is a women only Half and it's called the Go Girl Half Marathon. I ran this race last year and it was an amazing event. The  medal I received is the biggest medal I have received so far. Plus, you get a great wine glass full of a super yummy green smoothly when you cross the finish. Just click HERE to check this race out. 

So, here is how my training has gone so far.

Training Week 1:

Monday:
1 mile run, ab workout (15 min.), Butt Challenge {25 squats/10 bridges/15 lunges}

Tuesday:
3 mile run and Butt Challenge {30 squats/10 bridges/20 lunges}

Wednesday:
1 mile run and Butt Challenge {30 squats/15 bridges/20 lunges}

Thursday:
2 mile run and Butt Challenge {35 squats/15 bridges/20 lunges}

Friday:
rest

Saturday:
rest

Sunday:
5 mile run and Butt Challenge {35 squats/20 bridges/25 lunges}

Weekly Total:
12 miles

Summery of my week:

This training week had it up and downs. I started the new year with a move 1 mile for 40 day challenge and a 30 day butt challenge. All was good until the 8th day of my challenges I came down with a terrible 24hr stomach bug (so I was down for 2 days, blah). So, I tried to kick things back off again on Sunday and got in a much needed long run{5 miles}, ab workout, and day 8 of my butt challenge. Now, week one is in the books and ready to start week 2.

Have you signed up for any races?
Are you trying a new challenge?

Running Wishes
Amanda :)

Good Bye 2015 and Hello to Running 2016

Hello everyone in blog land!! I hope your 2016 is off to a great start. So, let me start with a quick recap of my 2015. I really struggled in 2015 trying to fine a good balance between family, working full time, and running. Here are a few of my accomplishments of the year.

5K (1) Brookhaven

Relay(1) OKC Marathon {very first relay}

Half Marathons(3) Go Girl Half, Showdown Half, and Tinker Air force Half

Oh, best of all I qualified and became a Half Fanatic, YIPPEEE!!!! {because I am defiantly a half crazy kind of girl, lol}

So, lets move on to 2016 shall we! I have a the following goals I would like to obtain this year.

1. Find some balance between working, family, and running

 {Oh, I can't forget not to the long breaks from running between training season} . 

2. Cross Train, Cross Train, Cross Train!! 

{maybe if I say it 3 times I will stick to it. I girl can hope,lol.}

3. Stay injury free {fingers crossed}

4. Cut back on some social media 

{reconnect with my family and myself}

5.Be better at documenting my running journey 

{ I won't lie this one will be one of the hardest for me}.

Alright , those are my goals and know it's time to get to work!!

How was your 2015??

Do you have any running/other goals for 2016?

Running wishes

Amanda :)

4 Weeks In

Well, time has slipped away (or should I say 4 weeks have,lol)from me once again. So, let get you caught up real quick. I am current training for a Half Marathon (The Showdown Half). The race will be in Fairview, TX on October 10th. This is will be my 7th half and I still have no desire to do a full at this time,lol.

So, WEEK 1 

 I am just trying to fall back into a groove especially after my whole running shoe ordeal (You can read all about that Here). I have struggled a bit this first week and I feel like I'm starting out like a newbie runner again. I guess that's what happens when you don't keep up my maintenance runs for 3 months. So, since I feel like I am starting over again I thought it would be best to get back to basics with a beginner runner training plan ( with a goal to incorporate some cross training which is my weakness.). So, all and all it was a a pretty good week.

WEEK 2

 I have a bad habit of  talking negatively to myself and it gets the best of me on some of my runs.  For most  my runs this week "Mile 2" has been a road block for me and I just can't get myself to push past it. On the plus side I did get a group run in with some of my sole sisters having that added motivation always helps. Then,I finished up my week with a 6 mile run date with my hubby and I was so lucky to have him with me to give me that extra push I needed to hit 3 miles without stopping. Well, this week was real challenging at times but defiantly had some great moments too .

WEEK 3

My motivation was defiantly in short supply this week and the negative talk monster is still lurking in my shadows. I really had to tell myself that as long as I was getting out there and putting one foot in front of the other i'm making progress. I have really been getting down on myself when I struggle on  routes that I have ran effortlessly(or I just seen to remember them being so much easier) several times in the 3+ years I've been running. As a runner you are your greatest competition and you always strive to to be better then you have been and when you fall short of your personal best it can be very disheartening. This was a real tough week, ended with a few tears, and some much needed yoga.

WEEK 4(Finally!!!)

So, I started back to work this week which throws some extra weight on my already wobbly schedule, but I will find my balance. I went out this week determined to find my running groove. So, in order to do that I decided to unplug a bit. Running technology is awesome but I have become a addicted to it. So, I link up my GPS watch but turn the screen to the normal clock so I'm not stressing over what my numbers are. I'm listening to what my body is telling me and this has really helped me keep running.  Well, week 4 has been my best week so far and I'm looking forward to week 5.
(This is a pic of the gorgeous scenery from my long run)

Do you have a road block you're trying to conquer?
How is your running going? 


Thanks for stopping by and Happy Running!
Amanda :) 

The Best Shoe Forward

Wow, it has been almost a year since my last post {where does the time go?}. Well, a few things have changed since I last posted. I have started back to work and I just got the great news that I got a permanent position this year!! Although, I am thrilled to be working again I am still struggling with finding that perfect balance between family time, Running (me time), and working. If anyone has so suggestions I am all ears. Another thing new is I have ran 3 races since my last post (2 halves and a relay). I can officially mark a women only half (which was an awesome race by the way) and a relay (it was fun but I won't be doing one again any time soon.  I'm definitely a half marathon kind of girl) off my running bucket list.

So, now that I have caught you up a bit lets talk about what's going on now. I have just started a new  10 week training season for my 7th half marathon (The Showdown).  I have really slacked off  of running since May and it's been so tough for me to find my groove again. I started this new season putting my best foot forward by getting a new pair of shoes. Now the last few pairs I have ran in have been Mizuno's wave riders(which I have loved!). So, I went to the running store, asked for a pair of  Wave Riders, and out the door I went (with a super cute purple pair). Excited to take them for a run I  laced them up and hit the street with some of my sole sisters. Two miles into my run it felt like fabric was balled up under my forefoot (only one side) and by my third mile I was hurting (and a tad bet upset). So, I took them for another run just to make sure but no luck same happened again.

Well, back to the running shoe store I went with the super cute purple shoes in tow (sniff,sniff). I told the employee my issue and he assessed the shoe. He then told me the shoe I had was to big (WHAT, I always wear a 8 1/2! Are my feet shrinking?! He reassured me that sometimes shoes will run big. Phew, I was beginning to panic a bit.) and so he sent me off with a smaller pair of Wave Riders (an adorable teal pair). Now, I was optimistic and ready to pound some pavement with my new kicks. Well, my first mile was good and them the second mile hit and my worst fear happened that same balled up fabric feeling under both feet this time(grrrrr! REALLY!). Can this really be happening!! All I want to do is run and not have my feet hurt. So, I gave my shoes one last try but no luck.

 I really didn't want to go back to the running store. I have never had shoe issues before and reluctantly I took myself back to the store (with the help of my hubby reminding me that I can't start a training season with shoes that hurt my feet). So,I explained the situation to the girl helping me and she pulled out a few different brands of shoes out for me. I ended up skipping over my Mizunos (I will miss you so.) and decided to go with the Brook's Ravennas (one of the shoes I ran in before I fell in love with my Mizunos). Well, after a few runs in my Brooks with no major issues I am so happy to report that I think I found the right shoes for me. Now, it's time to get my run on :)

What's on your running bucket list?
Do you ever had a go to brand of shoe?
What shoe issues have you had?

When in doubt RUN it out!

Amanda :)

Low Miles, a Little Cross Training, and Everything in Between

Well, another training week has came and gone (it has been by far my worst week of training). Thing just didn't fall were I wanted them to this week and partly do to  my lack of motivations( the other part medical). I did start the week out optimistic and then it just quickly unraveled (short story I just let things get in my way). I know these types of weeks are going to happen from time to time but I must confess my inner Negative Nancy has surely gotten the best of me this week. "This next will be a better one and I'm going to get the miles in ," I have to keep telling myself this when I get down on myself. Now, I just have to stop wishing for it to happen and start working for it.

Here,  a little look at how my week went.

Monday:

I got a great 4 miler in with one my best sole sisters. It's always an awesome time when we get to run together.

Tuesday:

Doctors appointment and Story/Library time with my kiddos

Wednesday:

I tried out this awesome medicine ball interval workout and

 it had me working up a sweat super quick. Here's the link if you would like to

check it out { Medicine Ball Workout }

 Thursday: 

I had planned on running with a friend but it got cancelled..

 So, I just couldn't motivate myself to get out there and run (epic fail on my part!).

Friday:

I had another Doctors appointment were they did an Echo done and got  hooked up to

this bad boy for 48hrs (So, there went my weekend long run!). It was also back to school 

night for my kiddos and I got to meet their teachers

Saturday:

Since my long run was out of the equation I just hung out with my kiddos and then that evening we all went ice skating for the first time. I think we will be spending a lot of time at the rink from know on. It was a great workout and the kid had a blast (aren't those little walkers the cutest). 

Sunday:
No Run or Cross Training 
(just couldn't make myself get out the door) 
I did work on this blog post and watched my kiddos play n the pool :0)

Well, in the words of Porky Pig "That's all Folks!" for this last week anyways, lol.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my post.

So, what kind of cross training have you been doing?
Have you ever had a really bad training week? 

Happy Running,

Amanda :0)

A Tough and Busy 2 Weeks

Okay, I know it's been 2 weeks since the last time I posted and  I'm already falling behind on keeping my blog updated. Please be patient with me it's been a crazy busy and tough 2 weeks but hopefully things will settle down now some at least. 

So, let me start with the tough stuff first. Last week I went to the cardiologist to just get checked out since I have been having some heart flutters since about February. So, now I am waiting on further testing and result to see what is going on with me.. They are thinking I have a dual electric system in my heart (a normal heart only has one electric system and they think mine may have an extra one) and that's what is causing my flutters. The doc did say I have been cleared to run (for now :0/ ) since the flutters only happen when I'm resting. Well, I have been taking it easy on my runs but my long run have me struggling because I'm over thinking everything I'm feeling (I hate not knowing exactly whats going on with me.). It has me really down that my training season is already off to a bad start but I know my health is an important part of me even being able to run so I need to take care of myself..   

Well, here's a few pics of some of the thing I've been up to the past to weeks...

Got to run the streets in downtown OKC with my love.  My pace wasn't where I wanted it to be but it was a lot of fun to explore the downtown on foot. Plus,I found I really cool library I want to take the kiddos to now..

 My hubby spotted this awesome saying on our downtown run

 and I had to get my picture taken with it

(I couldn't help my self I just had to photo shop it) .

 Now, this is my idea of a post long run meal (yum!).

 "Breakfast of Champions!"

 I got to take my little man on a little rundate. 

It's so much fun to run with him.

So, who said runners have to have ugly toe nails?

I thought mine turned out cute for an at home pedicure, lol. 

Oh ya, I didn't take a picture of my long run this past week. I had a really bad run and was not happy with  myself at all.. I feel like I have been in a slump these past 2 weeks and I can't get out of it. I know I should be proud that I got out there and put the miles in the bank (it's just hard for me to get down on myself. Honestly, I'm  a" Negative Nancy" because I'm really bad about negatively talking to myself.). Oh, I've been slacking on my cross training too. I have a hard time making cross training a priority but I need too.

So, how is your training or running going?

So, are you a "Negative Nancy" when you are having a tough run or are you someone that looks on the bright side?

Happy Running,

Amanda :0)

I'm Back and It's Training Season Again!!

Hello, Hello my running friends!!! I'm back (well, technically I was never gone from running just blogging) and I am kicking off a new training  season, EEK and I'm going to try really hard to keep this blog current (fingers crossed)..

 Well, let me catch you up on what I've been up too.. I left you hanging 3 weeks out from my 2 second half marathon (OKC Memorial Marathon). This was been my best Half so far I set a new PR at 2:06!!! The OKC Memorial Marathon is such a meaningful race and very well organized.. Since then I have ran several super fun 5Ks (a few were vengeance runs), I placed 1st (age division) in my very first 10K(Woo Hoo!!, and I have ran both Tulsa/OKC again..

So, now that I have you all caught up on what I've been up to over the last year.. Let me tell you about what I'm up to currently. I've just started  a 12 week training for the Showdown Half Marathon this will be my first out of state race and my 5th half. The Showdown Half Marathon is during the OU vs Texas game on Oct. 11th and that's the theme of the race (so,you get to pick your team and sport their team colors. Your race medal will be our teams color too.). Although, I am so excited to run an out of state race I will totally miss running the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa this year. Route 66 Marathon is such a fun race the atmosphere is amazing and is so well organized.. Well, here's a peek at my training plan (the first 8 weeks of it)..

I took several plans and created my own plan. I'm really going to try to incorporate more cross training this time around too (cross training is my totally down fall.. I can never stick with it).
Here's how my first week went:

{Had a long rundate with my hubby}

{Had to celebrate the first day of the training season

by sporting my 13.1 in training head band }

{actually ran a hole in my sock on my long run.
I guess I need to go sock shopping}

Miles Logged: 12 miles
Workouts: Yoga, Paddle Boarding, and Arm Challenge  

Who's training for an upcoming race?
Do you use a pre-made training plan or do you create your own?

Happy Running,

Amanda :0)

3 Weeks to Half and March Wrap Up

Wow, I can't believe we are in the 2nd week of April already (I guess time flies when your training hard, lol).. So, March was a crazy month for me.. I got a knee injury (inflammation on the inside of my knee where my hamstring attaches at the bone. It caused this annoying pulling sensation when a ran and it was tender/sore after my runs, no fun) which halted my runs for a week (BLAH!), but after seeing a doctor after a week of no progress I was cleared to run (YIPPEE!).. Well, kind of I really had to push my self and my runs where tough with a bum leg..  Thankfully, know that injury is on the mend for the most part, but starting a week ago I started getting pain in my left heel (I just can't win this training season).

So, here are my totals for the month of March:

 

Miles{75}

Workouts {3}

Races { 2 }

Here are a few pics of the Month

 This is at the Run Lucky 5K. ( I was just I little excited, he he he)

 My race bling!

My new favorite snack!

 (oops, I just drooled on the keyboard looking at this pic)

 This is a shot of my 10 mile training run at Draper Lake. 

It was beautiful out there.

Well, I'm in the 3 week slow down of my training and I am full of all kinds of emotions. Since I am coming back from an injury my body is wanting to run more and then I am also nervous about how I'm going to do in my 1/2 marathon (you know did I train hard enough, are my breaks from my injuries going to hurt my time, will I be able to beat my PR, and so on....)  Well, last weeks was my last high mile week of my training (will it was suppose to be anyways).. Here's how it went:

Monday: No Run (severe back pain blew my chances to run out of the water , blah)

Tuesday:No Run ( back pain still)

Wednesday: No Run (back feeling better but crazy weather. Thanks mother nature!)

Thursday: Bob Harpers Extreme Cardio Workout & 6 miler ( Felt great to get out but running 6 miles after my workout my  legs/ butt were feeling the burn for sure..)

Friday: No Run

Saturday: 11 miles (This is my last long run before the half. My legs were really sore/tired but it was such a beautiful morning for a run.. I had some tough miles for sure but it was a great run..
 Here's a few pics of the day:

 This is a shot of mt campus run.

This is one of my favorite running spots.

Then, I finished my run will a yummy

 post run parfait and coffee of coarse..

Sunday: Rest Day (my heel was pretty sore after this run..)

 Good bye week 13 and I will tell you all about week 14 soon..

  So, until then I would love to here from you ;0)

 

Have you suffered a training set back or injury?

Do you have any favorite running spots?

Happy Running,

Amanda :0)

 

 

Wrapping Up 2 Weeks!!

Well, I know it's been 2 weeks (oh my, where did the time go!!) since I last posted on here.. So, I can't express in woulds how I feel about Week 9 of training but since pictures are worth a thousand word here's sneak peek of how Week 9 is going so far..

( This is Miss Tootsie Roll and I snagged this pic of her this morning, lol.. 

I am totally feeling this way this week do to my knee injury :0/ )

Well, I will share with you how the week shapes up or down later.. So, I know I just want to share a quick highlight  of how Week 7 and 8 went for me..

Week 7

Miles ran this week- 16.54

Photo ops of this week

 ( Yippee, post run stuffed frittat!!! I love my Norman runs because 

my motivation to run is the yummy post run meal after, lol.. What ever works right? ) 

(I have really been crazy over the color purple lately.. I got the new BROOKS Ravenna 4 

and I love them {my sweet hubby spoils me and I'm okay with that, lol}!!! I say this fun painting 

on the sidewalk outside Syrup. and I totally had to show off my new shoes/socks next to it.. )

(My kiddos had a kid training run this week and I love that I was able to capture them in running action..

It is so stink'in cute that they want to be runners like mom and dad..)

Week 8

Miles ran this week- 19.12

Photo ops of the week

(A gorgeous Saturday morning sunrise!! It was cold this day butthe view was
breath taking {or maybe it was the Oklahoma wind taking my breath away, lol.}.
Either way, it was a beautiful morning.)

(Check out those shades,lol.. This is my hubby and I at the Glow Run 5K..
 This was such a fun race..)

(Here's a pic of the start.. This race has been on my bucket list and
I am so glade they finally came to OKC..)

(How cool is this medal!! It Glows In The Dark!!!!)


Viewer question answered:

Carri~Abusybee -So I have to ask about your Garmin! My Husband wanted to get me one and I told him no because I just track with my phone, what are the pros to this watch? Do you not carry your phone anymore? I am so on the fence about it! 

Well, I was just like you and told my hubby I didn't want to spend the extra money on the Garmin, because I just track my runs on my phone.. Yet, since I started running unplugged I found myself fumbling a lot with my phone to see how far I've gone (because I carry my phone in my spi belt) and it started to be a pain.. I love having my Garmin!! It's very user friendly and makes it so much easier to keep track of my miles.. I still carry my phone in my spi belt just in case I need it..


Well, i the words of Porky Pig Th, Th, That's All Folks! For now any is
and until I return I would love to hear from you..

What is your motivation to run?
Have you or do you plan to run an races?

Happy Running,

Amanda :0)

Ooops, I'm runing behind again!!!

Well, where in the world did last week go?!? I know I'm a week behind, but I got super busy with Valentine's stuff and training runs{I know, I know excuses excuses}.. Well, I'm going to do a quick wrap up of Week 5 training and then get right to Week 6 training..

Week 5:

Monday-4.04 miles in 37:04

Wednesday- 4.04 miles in 38:06

Saturday- 5.02 miles in 45:47 {I ran in the Frigid 5 race on this day.. I did a 1 mile warm up before the race which was a first for me.. This was a tough 5 miler ( not my favorite racing courses) but my pace was pretty good. Plus, I had my hubby take me to my favorite breakfast spot after the race..} 

Here's a few pics:

 I didn't get a pic with the adorable penguin mascot like I wanted..

 I did get a cool pull over shirt with a cute penguin image on it..

I love Kamps 1910 Cafe'.. They have the best oatmeal & toasted coconut cream latte'..

Well, week 5 wasn't my best training week.. I actually missed a training run and skipped my cross training.. I'm not go to be to hard on myself, because life gets in the way sometimes.. All you can do is try harder the next week..  So with that being said, now lets get right into week 6..

Week 6:

Monday: 4:14 miles in 40:28min. (This was a nice and easy run..It was a little chilly out but not to bad once my heaters got warmed up.)

Tuesday: Rest day ( no cross training.. I know I'm a bum, lol)

Wednesday: 4.59 miles in 44:36 min ( This run felt so great I was feeling sluggish on this day.. Plus, it was a Wednesday RunHers group run day and I always enjoy running with great running friends.)

Thursday: Rest Day & Valentine's Day (I have the greatest hubby and I just love him so much.. He got me the best gifts and here they are..

 Yippee, I don't have to mess with checking my distance on my phone anymore!!!

Plus, I have been trying is out on my last 2 runs of this week and I love it!!!

 Oh yes, mama has been wanting one of these!!! I will have happy feet from now on..

 Alright, I have been drooling over these for Sparky Soul headbands for a while now, 

but they are a little on the pricey side for me (I'm a thrifty shopper and don't like to send a lot of money especially on myself) .. Luckily, I have amazing hubby that spoils me..

Here's a pic of me sporting my new headband.. 

I love that is sparkly all the way around the headband 

and it doesn't slip off your head like some headbands do..

Friday: Cardio & Core Countdown workout & 7.14 miles in 1:15 hr {I tried out a new Cardio & Core Countdown workout from Coach Sara this morning.. My run was a easy but hilly one.. I had a great friend join me on the run which made it so much more fun to test out a new route for my RunHers group.. Here's the awesome workout I did...}

 Cardio & Core Countdown
10 Burpees
10 Russian Twists each side
9 Burpees
10 Push Ups
8 Burpees
10 Leg Lifts
7 Burpees
10 Spiderman Back Extensions
6 Burpees
10 Vups
5 Burpees
10 second One Leg Plank Hold
4 Burpees
10 Second Side Plank Hold with knee Crunch- Right
3 Burpees
10 Second Side Plank Hold with knee Crunch- Left
2 Burpees
10 Slow Crunches
1 Burpee
10 Bicycle Crunches

Saturday:  7.15 miles in 1:14 hr {Well, my legs are a bit tired from yesterday's 7 miler but it felt good to get another 7 miles under my belt.. Plus, I got to run with the all the fabulous RunHers ladies and that always makes for a great run..

Sunday: Rest day 

Phewww, sorry for the lengthy post, but I'm so glad to be caught up on my training.. Plus, I'm looking forward to a great Week 7 (hope it's a great one), and I can't wait to share it with all of you later.. Until I return I would love to hear from you..

Did you get any running related gifts on Valentines day?

What do you do when you have a bad training week?

Happy Running,

Amanda :0)

A Late Week 4 Wrap Up

Okay, I know I'm a running a little late on posting my week 4 wrap up... This was a really good training week for me.. I didn't log in as many miles as I did last week but I did do some cross training ( don't faint, I know it's hard to believe I did cross training,lol).. Oh, I also wanted to clarify what I mean when I say I ran with out my runmeter.. I turn my runmeter on but I don't listen to it.. I keep it in my spi belt while I run and I just check it to see my distance. I really thought running with out it would slow my pace but it hasn't at all.. I listen to my body more and on some of my runs my pace is even fast then my average.. I hope that made sense.. So, here's the wrap up.....

Monday- 3.05mile at 28:11 min.  (This was a tough 3 after running 8 the day before, but I wanted to get back on track with my training plan this week.. It was super windy this day but I didn't have to dress in layers which was awesome!!)

Tuesday-CROSS TRAINING, Yipppee!!!( I got up early this morning and did a 20 min. Ab workout.. Then, later that evening I got eager to hit up the gym.. So, I did 20 min. on the stationary bike and 20 min. upper/lower back workout..Plus, I was so excited to have a reason to wear my new Old Navy bubble tank, lol..)

{Don't look at my crazy post gym hair, lol}

Wednesday- 3.02 at 27:43 min. (1 mile of Fartleks/ Speedwork.. My legs were a little tired from my cross training, but this was a pretty awesome run.. Plus, I had my RunHers friends to keep me motivated..)

Thursday- Rest Day

Friday- 6:03 at 1:00:29 min.(I'm so pumped about this run I ran my farthest distance alone and completely unplugged {no music or runmeter}, woo hoo!! This was a hilly run but it felt good to rock those hills..) Here's a fun sock photo op for you, lol..

{How cute are these pirate cuties!!! I bought them from Amazon..}

 

Saturday- 6.07 miles at 1:00:36 min. (I ran the same hilly run as Friday but this time I got to meet up with my RunHers group which always makes for a fun run. My legs were pretty tired but this was a good run..) 

Here's a few pics for the day...

 {Here's one of the killer hills I ran.}

 {Another fun sock photo op!! I love my fun socks(in case you didn't know, lol).. }

Sunday- Rest Day (Much Needed)

Now that week 4 is behind me now week 5 is shaping up pretty good so far..

I can't wait to tell you about it later and until then I would love to here from you ;0)

Have you done any hill or speed work lately?

What would you rather buy running clothes or regular clothes?

 

Happy Running,

Amanda :0)

Good Bye January!!

Woo hoo, it's Feb. 1st and I am so glad that I have put a month of training behind me!!! January was a great month and I hope for the same for February with a few extra miles added to my monthly total of course..  So, here are my totals for the month..

Totals:

Miles {65}

Workouts {6}

I don't think I did to bad, but looking forward to a new month with new goals.. I also wanted to share a great article of stretches beneficial for runners from RunHers Coach Sara.. Just click on the link below..

http://runhers.com/2012/08/7-great-static-stretches/

I hope you all are having a great week and I will be back to share my week 4 wrap up .. 

Happy Running,

Amanda :0)

OKC Memorial 1/2 Marathon Training Week 3

Well, I tried to get this posted yesterday, but it didn't happen.. My 5 yr old has taken over my computer and it's hard to get on it when his home.. Well, my training week started off a little rocky but ended up being pretty great.. So, here's how it went.........

Monday- Skipped my scheduled 4 mile run  (Yes, I skipped it :0/ .. I wasn't feeling well and decided not to push it .. Sometimes, you need to just listen to your body and not push it.. I did make some yummy No-Bake Energy Bites, and they are so yummy if you have a sweet tooth..) Here's a pic....

{The recipe is at the bottom of this post}

Tuesday- 4.06 miles in 37:26 (This was a great run for me but had to plug in (ran w/ music & runmeter).. The weather was perfect and it felt great getting the pavement under my feet after feeling blah for 2 days)

Wednesday- Rest Day (Now, I'm kicking myself in the butt for not doing cross training this day, but I did have a great date night with my hubby)

Thursday- 5:08 mile in 51:20 (I have some great running friends that I ran w/ on this day (thank goodness).. I really didn't want to run this day, but having my friends there to motivate me to get it done helped a lot.. It was a nice and easy run..)

Friday- Rest Day ( Boy, I was really lazy this week and didn't do any cross training.. I better step it up week 4..)

Saturday- 5.03 miles in 55:25 (Ran with my RunHers group.. I always look forward to running with this group every week.. We got to meet at Syrup. again, YIPPEEE!! It's so awesome to have a warm place to meet at before and have some yummy food (and coffee) after..) Here's a few pics..

 My fun Saturday running socks!!

Don't you just love polka dots?!? (snagged these at Target for $2.50)

 

Okay, my post run meal was Crunchy French Toast and Coffee(of course)!! 

This was so yummy (wiping the drool off my chin,lol)..

Sunday- 8.05 miles in 1:23 ( I had originally planed on running 3 miles this day.. So, I met up with my running friends again, Tried out a new route, and ended up doing 8 miles (Yes, 8!!).. The first 4 were a little tough (It was pretty windy.. I just kept telling myself it was good resistance training), but after I got past 4 miles I found my groove..)

No-Bake Energy Bites

* 1cup (dry) Oatmeal (old-fashioned oats)

*2/3 cup Coconut Flakes (toasted optional)

*1/2 cup Peanut Butter

*1/2 cup ground Flaxseed / Wheat Germ (I used 1 tbls whole Flaxseed)

*1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

*1/3 cup Honey

*1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Stir all ingredients in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.. Once Chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you prefer.. (Mine are about 1") Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week..

{Optional mix ins: dried fruit, nuts, ect)

Do you run with friends or a running group?

Have you tried a new recipe this last week?

Happy Running,

Amanda :0)