Training Rundown- Week 1 MS Run The US

Week 1 of training for MS Run The US is complete and I finished out the week with 31 miles. I took 2 days off (breaking my Run Streak..bummer!) from a bit of numbness/tingling in my right foot and did a lot of stretching/strength training/ epsom salt bath soaking/ icing and it is finally feeling better. I've learned over the years that it's better to take a few days off to come back feeling 100% rather than push yourself through an injury and cause the injury to become much worse. I didn't gain as much elevation this week and I had originally planned, but also with the Holidays and all the snow we received (35+ inches), I'm pretty happy that I just got my miles in. I didn't stray from my training schedule and fit in the runs (besides my two days off) that were on tap.

My easy paces for this training cycle will run from 9:39 min/mi to 10:21 min mi. My marathon pace will be at 8:36 min/mi and speed sessions will be around a 7:13 min/mi pace. This week had only easy runs and next will include my first speed session again. 

Monday: 6 miles easy @ 9:59 on the treadmill & 30 minutes of strength training

Tuesday: 5 miles easy @ 9:45 outside

Wednesday: off/rest day

Thursday: 45 minutes of strength & stretching/ 20 minutes on the bike/ 10 minutes soaking in the hot springs

Friday: 8 miles easy @ 9:59 with 800' elevation gain

Saturday: 6 miles easy @ 9:43 on the treadmill

Sunday: 5 miles easy @ 9:59 on the treadmill

Friday Feature- The Running Items That Are On My List & Managing MS

Happy Friday! I got to sleep in this morning and have the full day off! I always love to go for a run in the mid-morning when I have the day off, but it's a bit chilly here so thinking I'll wait until this afternoon. My foot had been feeling a bit of numbness/tingling, but I've been icing/ epsom salt bath soaking/ stretching/ massaging it and it feels way better. So I'm not really sure how far I'll run today, but if I could get anywhere between 8-10 (my long run today since it will snow tomorrow) I'll be happy. If I start to get pain anywhere then I'll just call it and take it day-by-day. 

Does anyone else have the day off? Are you traveling anywhere? They said that many parts of the US are under winter weather advisories this weekend, so hoping you have safe travels if you do have somewhere to go! We will hopefully be taking advantage of the first (finally) snowstorm of the year and going skiing! yay! We are also planning on doing some chinese food either on Christmas Eve or Day and who knows what else the weekend has in store. 

There are definitely a few items that I have on my running wish-list this year/ what I would love to have for future training runs (note: no posts are sponsored- just my own opinions here!):

• Tracer360- Nox Gear  - This is definitely one that I know is so important and necessary for early morning/ evening runners to have. It's gotten amazing reviews and many runners say how well it works for oncoming traffic to see you. 
• Rabbit Runner Girl Emoji Tank  - I think this tank is SO cute and have been dying to try the Rabbit running gear, plus the runner girl emoji is so amazing. 

• Sarah Marie Design Studio Feed Me And Tell Me I'm Pretty Fast- Because I kinda think this is my everyday motto and it's just so cute. 

• Erica Sara Designs Running Necklace- I've loved all her pieces for years and love how she is still a small business (love supporting small entrepreneurs). 
• IPod Shuffle- I know this is definitely an 'old school' item, but it's so small and perfect for when you're out on your really long runs and not wanting to carry your phone (or it dies). Would be great for ultra runners or relay runners! I know it's been discontinued, but looks like there still may be a few out there either on Ebay or Wal mart/ Target !
• Oiselle Spandos Capris- These are super pricy (although they are on sale right now...), but they are just so cute and unique! 

• Brooks Ghost 10s- Because you can never really go wrong with running shoes. Also I'd love 5 more pairs of Ghost 10s (I seem to go through sneakers every few months and this would get me through a year or so...)
• Stabilgear STABILicers- Running on snow/ ice is definitely a must if you live in the mountains and want to run outside in the winter, so these are a necessity (plus they look like they have great spikes/ traction)

• Race Entries Fees- This one is pretty general, but I don't think you would meet a runner who wouldn't have at least one race for 2018 that they want to sign up for (but it may be pretty pricey). I've got three on my list....

Also just wanted to continue my series on Multiple Sclerosis and share with you a few tips that the National MS Society lists for those living with MS/ how they can manage it with diet/nutrition:

• Diets low in Saturated Fats & high in omega-3s & omega-6s are recommended
• Vitamin D is important
• Biotin can help
• Additional supplements can help

What's on your running wish-list?

Know someone who has used diet/ nutrition to help manage their MS?

Happy Holidays friends!

Feature Friday- Why I'm So Passionate About Running for MS Run The US

Happy happy Friday! I hope everyone has some fantastic weekend plans coming up. I'm not exactly sure what we'll be doing yet, but we have talked about going skiing so maybe that will happen! I also have a 10 mile run and 1 mile run to get done, hoping to also do my 10-miler on the trails, but they're starting to get pretty snow packed so we will see. 

I was writing a short write-up of my story and why I'm so passionate about being able to run for MS Run The US and really wanted to share it with all of you! I've definitely touched on a few of these topics before, but never really expanded upon it. SO, here it goes. 

About my grandfather:

My grandfather worked at Saw Mills his entire life and retired from Bailey Manufacturing in 2001. I always remember visiting him at work and the smell of fresh-cut wood (still reminds me of him to this day)! I can hardly remember a time where he was sitting down (unless there was a tool in his hand), as he loved to work on his ample collection of Chevy trucks and Model "A" Fords. He was an extremely hard-worker and loved to spend time with our family. His hard work ethic is something that I have tried to mirror and can definitely attribute some of my stubbornness to him!

He would give anything to help others, which I hope to carry on his caring nature. I was still very young (~10 yrs old) when he was being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but I remember that he began to move slower and would have to spend more time sitting (very unusual for him). Our entire family looked up to him for advice and as a role model so it was difficult to see someone you love not being able to do everything they wanted to do. As the disease progressed, he transitioned into a wheelchair and eventually to the Fryeburg Health Care because we could no longer care for him, but his fight, love, and positive spirit never waned. I was always amazed to see how strong and resilient he was (even in the darkest moments of his MS).

Why I decided to run:

Because the route of the relay, I had known about MS Run The US for a few years (it passes through where I currently reside-Steamboat Springs) and looked into the application process a few times, but had always missed it (the application process starts in August, but the relay does not begin until April).

I remember marking on the calendar this year when the applications opened and it just so happened to open a week after my grandfather's passing. There was a bit of hesitation from me questioning whether I could tackle the 175 mile run over 6 days and fundraise the $10,000, but the timing and being able to honor my grandfather really pushed me to apply and ultimately accept.

How will I be able to push myself during tough times (either in training or during the race)?

I know that I will encounter many challenges throughout my training cycle and during my race, but when you see someone that you love suffer through a horribly debilitating disease like MS, it really makes your suffering seem insignificant. If he could approach each day with a smile, then that is my goal for this entire journey. He is, after all, the reason why I began running and continue to remain active today in memory of those who cannot. 

More of this story will be posted up on the Bridgton News and I'll be sure to link to that once it has been posted!

Have a wonderful weekend friends! I hope you get in some miles, hot cocoa, and time spent doing something you love with someone you love. 

xo,

Stacy

Weekend plans- what are you up to?!?

How do you push yourself when training or racing becomes tough? 

Nuun Ambassador & In The News!

I am so excited to become a Nuun Ambassador for 2018! I have been using their products for several years and they have played such an integral role in my running accomplishments this past year. They have not only been able to help me keep my electrolyte levels stable, but also my vitamin levels too. I love their various flavors and how portable it is (I can always pack a tube away in my gym bag, suitcase, or handbag (yes...I do that!)). Ever tried Nuun? What's your favorite flavor?

I'm also super pumped that a quick write-up of my MS Run The US Fundraiser AND Rock 'n Roll Marathon results were posted in the Conway Daily Sun (located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where I grew up). It's always so great to be able to connect with those that you grew up with and a part of me is always going to reside in the Whites no matter where I am : )

I am planning on posting my yearly wrap-up TOMORROW, so make sure you check back! I've accomplished some pretty major goals for 2017 and can't wait to start writing down some concrete ones for 2018. 

What goals did you crush this past year?

What's on your 2018 calendar?

Nuun- favorite flavor?

Feature Friday-Caring for Those Who Have MS

Happy FRIYAY! I haven't done a feature on MS in a bit and wanted to get back into it. Once diagnosed with MS, there are many facets of gaining comprehensive care (source via National MS Society). 

There are several medications approved by the FDA that are able to provide treatment for relapsing forms of MS. They can help reduce and minimize the frequency of the relapses caused by those who have MS, reduce the accumulation of lesions that may pop up on the brain & spinal cord, and may also slow the onset of disability caused by MS. 

Rehabilitation is another form of comprehensive care and includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Speech-Language Pathology. 

Gosh, as I'm typing this out I'm realizing more and more that having MS IS REALLY EXPENSIVE. Not only is it expensive, but you need to have really great insurance and a lot of resources close to you. 

When my grandfather had to retire early due to MS, it certainly was not easy on anyone and living in a rural area in Maine- finding great physicians is really difficult (especially ones familiar with MS). There were MANY trips to doctors offices over an hour away and this was after years of trips to doctors offices to be ruled out for other various diseases and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. 

It is very challenging when most (the general population) are unaware or unfamiliar with what Multiple Sclerosis actually is, especially when you live in a less populated area. 

Every time I put together these posts, I become more and more passionate about MS Run The US and my 175 mile journey in May 2018. I cannot wait! 

What are you doing this weekend?

Anyone racing?!?