PRs or Personal Records

I have been SO busy lately and it feels like forever since I've last updated. Life's been pretty crazy lately full of running, working, sleeping, cooking, and eating and that's about all I've been up to! I feel like I've totally fallen off the blogging bandwagon since my vacation, but I promise I will get back to regular posts once life settles into a groove again!

I'm currently trying to enter to win a Sparkle Athletic Skirt through Instagram, so I've been posting photos everyday based off of their prompts. Today's prompt, PR, really got me thinking (well and also my track workout that wasn't exactly at the paces I had on my training plan). Why are we, society, so driven by numbers? Numbers drive PRs, scales, age, work experience, diet, etc. 

What if instead of focusing on the particular number we do (or do not) want to see, we focus on how we feel.

How did that race make you feel? Were you excited/ectastic/devastated/ nauseaous etc.? Rather than focusing on the number of crunches you did or years you've had the same job or how many fruits/veggies you ate, how did that particular number make you feel? We are SO focused on the amount of income we make (numbers again, ha), but why are we not more focused on HOW our job makes us feel and what does it give us? 

My track run this morning had 4 x 1200 meter (.75 miles) repeats (with 400 meter, .25 mile, recoveries between sets) in 5:27 minutes. This was the FIRST time that the track was not busy when I've had speedwork to do, so I was really excited/ kinda nervous! It's somehow much easier when you're on the treadmill and just have to 'hang on' for the certain amount of time, rather than produce that speed for a certain time period. Each of my splits were done in 5:33 (6 seconds slower than my goal time)- I was consistent, however, and hit 5:33 on the button each time (silver lining?). Rather than feel really disappointed in myself, I chose to feel pretty proud! Doing 3/4 mile repeats on the track, by yourself, is pretty dang tough! I kept secretly wishing that someone else would come out and join me just so I wouldn't have to go it alone (it would have been even better if that person was a running coach and had a stopwatch..ha), but no one ever appeared!

Sure, I was off my goal time, but that just leaves room for improvement next week and also I think it's a starting point when you go from doing speedwork on the treadmill to outdoors (even more so on the track). It's difficult and challenging, but that's also why it's so effective. You (probably) won't have your coach run beside you during your goal race pushing you and timing you (and if you do, can I please join?!?) or be chained to a treadmill moving along at the same speed, so it's really good mental practice. 

What are your thoughts on PRs? Love them or meh, not so much into them?

Numbers- use them to your advantage or not so much?

The Half Marathon I'm doing in 3 WEEKS & Unplugging

Alright, so I FINALLY pulled the plug on a half marathon that I'm racing during this training cycle and it's in 3 WEEKS! I'm so excited (especially after seeing the awesome race swag (you have to check out their facebook page) that they've done in past years and because it's in another state that I can check off) and will be running the Jackson Hole Half Marathon during Labor Day weekend! 

The race looks like it gains little elevation overall and honestly looks like an amazingly organized event. I'm so excited to go there with Alex and Stella and since it's early Saturday morning, we'll have the rest of the weekend to explore Yellowstone some more (we went there about 2 years ago) and just relax. It always makes it easier when a race is at the beginning of a vacation/ weekend away. 

We are camping for the weekend (one night in Grand Tetons Nat'l Park & the other two nights in Yellowstone) and the course is run mainly on their bike paths (which are seriously so amazing). I CAN'T WAIT! I'd like to try to get in under 1:55 (and utilize some miles as my marathon pace). I'm still thinking about my race strategy, but thinking my first 3 miles will be a warm-up (around 9:00 pace), then 7 miles at marathon goal pace (8:46ish), and if I'm feeling good bump it up to around 8:30ish pace for the last 3 miles (finishing under 1:55)! That's obviously a 'goal race time/paces', so I'm open to whatever and would just really like to enjoy the race. 

This morning, I had my Track Tuesday workout (5 x 1 km repeats @ 7:12 min/mi with 400m repeats) and did it on the treadmill since I really didn't feel like going to the Track again and having it being used. I think next week the track schedule should change (getting ready for school to start) and I'll be able to use it again!

8 miles total (1.65 mi warm-up & 2 mile cool-down). I felt pretty strong and while the last 1 k repeat was hard, I could definitely still do another one or two before really struggling (which I'm taking as a good sign).

I'm really focusing on fueling properly after my runs, so I had some of the Superhero Muffins I made from Run Fast Eat Slow cookbook and their Can't Beet Me Smoothie. YUM! Also, definitely needed some Iced Coffee to wash it down. I'm also a bit disappointed because our temperatures are already starting to feel cooler and Fall-ish which means I will need to switch back to hot coffee here shortly. 

I slept better last night (normally I don't sleep as well before my speedworkouts) and I really think it was because I didn't overthink my workout that I had on the schedule the next morning! I actually totally forgot what my paces were supposed to be when I was getting ready to leave the house this morning and had to go back and double check it!

I'm going to try to NOT overthink my workouts for the rest of this training cycle because really, what's the point? We overthink things, stress about them, lose sleep, adjust our eating habits (maybe), and all for what? We typically don't gain much from overstressing situations, expect negative habits. Having confidence in yourself and these situations can be difficult to gain (especially in the beginning of a new endeavor), but it helps you tackle situations SO much easier (even IF they don't go exactly as planned). While it's definitely still a work-in-progress for me to have confidence going into each training run or difficult personal/work situation, I notice a large difference when I am able to really 'own' it and believe in myself. 

I saw this quote on my Facebook Timehop the other day and was really moved by it again. Maybe if we are able to 'unplug' ourselves from our destructive habits and thoughts, we'll be able to see the other side of each situation and believe in ourselves? Before tearing yourself apart, unplug. think. reset. and plug yourself back in. 

Remaining Positive During the Tough Times

This morning as I was entering mile 3 of my 6 mile tempo run, I had a really difficult time staying positive. My stomach was feeling funky and I was tired and the miles weren't flying by as fast as they normally do. I really just wanted to be done, but I knew I would be super bummed at myself if I just gave into these 'silly' feelings! So, I figured others could also be feeling this way either in their runs/ life/ work-outs/ your job/ personal life etc. and wanted to put out a few tricks that I do to help me get out of my 'rut'. 

1. Remember how far you've come. This doesn't have to necessarily relate to running (although it definitely can). Thinking back to other obstacles that you've overcome, goals you've accomplished that once were seen as impossible or difficult, places you've been able to experience that you never thought you would set foot on, or miles you've ran that you once thought seemed impossible-for-you can really help put things into perspective. I know this morning when I started to get really down and thinking there's no way I can go on like this for 2 or 3 more miles, I think back to when I've really ROCKED training runs or races and how at some points, they were hard too (and I once even thought those runs/races were impossible for me to accomplish). Know where you've started and be PROUD of that. You may not be where you want to be right now, but think of how far you've come during your journey- you are more badass than you give yourself credit for!

2. Take yourself out of the moment. This really really helps me when things get really tough. I start to day-dream. I might think about my day ahead or something I'm looking forward to. Sometimes when I'm having a really tough time, I think to something I've excited for MONTHS from now (i.e. Las Vegas or Dopey Challenge!). Knowing that you've got something to look forward to and plan for can help switch your mind from those negative self-talk to positive self-talk and happy thoughts. Maybe while thinking about these fun things that you have planned, you'll realize that where you are right now is a stepping stone towards reaching those trips/experiences etc. This is also a good time to daydream about those trips that aren't yet scheduled! I love to daydream about the places I want to visit someday or experiences that I want to partake in. 

3. Know that the pain is temporary. I'm really not a big fan of this saying, but it is really true and helps me push through the hurt (especially during races). I also like thinking that the faster I go (unless I'm in serious 'injuring myself territory'), the quicker I'll be done. That normally always does the trick because when you're in pain you really just want it to be over with! This also helps me get out of funks sometimes- know that the storm may be intense now, but there will be sunny skies up ahead and to just keep pushing through. Try to find the silver lining in your situation and just focus on that. It could be something as simple as being done with your day and going home to snuggle with your cat/dog/significant other (if they aren't a furnace like Alex is- too hot for snuggling!). 

What tips do you use to get you through tough times or hard runs?

Are you a fan of mantras? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Also, head over to the fitness tab- I've added 2 new arm exercises with the Bosu Ball that I'm loving lately!

EASY run days & thoughts on your 20's??

Happy weekend! This week sure flew-by for me!

It feels like forever since I've done a life update! I have been very busy with work, running, trying to fit in strength/stretching/foam rolling, sleep, and outdoor summer activities! I'm hoping to do a "what I eat in a day" post here in within the next few days, so don't forget to check back!

I went on an easy run yesterday morning (my first run outside since Sunday!) and really struggled with keeping my pace super easy. Now that I'm starting to gain more fitness and feel stronger than ever, I really want to play with my paces more, but I have to keep reminding myself that now is NOT the time to play with paces! I can play with my paces on my long/tempo/speed runs, but definitely not on the easy runs. The easier my runs are, the more I notice that I can recover faster and I'm gaining more fitness. 

The good thing with the slowing-down that I'm doing is that I can really take-in the scenery! It was so beautiful out and had that "early morning summer dew" smell going on- I kinda really wish there was a candle that had this smell because it always makes me think of summer mornings, waking-up early, drinking coffee on the porch, fog lifting from the valley floor, and cooler-temperature runs. 

Another thing that I'm thinking about is how there is so much PRESSURE on young people these days. I honestly feel like I've had more trouble with putting pressure on myself (and from others) in my 20's rather than in my middle and high-school years. Does anyone else feel this way? I'm sure some personalities can really thrive on this type of "flailing lifestyle" where everything is kinda unsure and up-in-the-air, but definitely not my type-A, OCD, obsessive planner self. It is nice to be a big day-dreamer and have so many goals, but if you look at them in the bigger picture it really is daunting and intimidating! I guess that's why we should really just focus on the smaller tasks (like my post yesterday?) and chip-away towards those bigger goals. 

I also feel like cherishing these times in our life are super important because we always want what we don't have or no longer have, right? So, I'm trying to embrace this stage in my life more and know that it will just make me a stronger person in the end. 

I have a ten mile run at my long-run pace (9:31 min/mi) on tap this weekend and I think I'll just see how I feel whether I do it today or tomorrow. The other day will be a rest day! We will also be resting this weekend (I think the past two weekends of camping really took a lot out of us) and hopefully a date night and maybe some paddle boarding! 

What are your weekend plans? Is anyone racing this weekend?

Thoughts on easy runs? Love them? Hate them?

What were your impressions of your 20's versus teen's? Which one was better or were they both just different?

You'll Never Be The Best

It sounds really negative to say it out-loud or to someone else- "You'll never be the best". Is there such a thing as being the "best" at something? We can strive to be the best and we may even get really close, but being the greatest at something is really just an opinion. Sure, a lot of people may agree with you, but not every one- you'll always have a few that may agree that they were really good at something, but definitely not the BEST. For example, I could say that Michelle Kwan is the best figure skater of all time, many would agree with me, but a few could think that Peggy Fleming was the best or maybe Sarah Hughes- it's all just an opinion; you can't actually crown someone the "best" at a particular activity for the rest of eternity because there will always be someone better. 

So, you may be asking what brought-about this ray-full-of-sunshine viewpoint? I got a little down on myself yesterday because while I LOVE where I live it's kinda freakishly populated with really really good athletes. Like Olympiads, ultra runners, iron men & women, sub-3 hour marathoners, etc. Even when these athletes say they're not "really" athletes, they're still able to pull-out sub 3:30 marathons and mountain bike up the ski mountain and back down with little-to-none training. It is really inspiring, but it can also be a little disappointing. 

I've always been one to really work SO hard at something and for it to turn out only mediocre. Sure I've never had a DNF and been relatively injury-free (some may say these are pretty lucky endeavors in itself), but I've also worked my ass off to shave 30 minutes off my half-marathon PR and 45 minutes off my marathon PR. It could seem pretty judgy (doesn't it always seem this way when you're on the other side of the window pane looking in?) to say that most of these 'athletes' don't work as hard as I do and get leaps and bounds ahead of me, but it really feels this way. 

I know they always say like things will taste better the longer they've marinated or the hard you work, but don't you just sometimes wish things would come to you with a twist of a wand like in Cinderella (seriously what was Disney teaching me when I was younger?!)? I was stuck in a negative-Nancy viewpoint and just felt like giving up was easier than working hard;

I was looking at the entire mountain I had to move rather than just looking at the hill directly in front of me. 

And maybe sometimes we just need to settle. No, no, no. I don't mean this like "OK go ahead and settle on the fact that you're never going anywhere in life, those 5 last pounds are never coming off, you're never going to make any money might as well start selling your sole etc.- type of viewpoint". I mean it as maybe we need to be OK with where the chapter of our life is currently- I really struggle with this A LOT because I'm such a go-go-go chaser of dreams and big things, but sometimes I miss smelling the flowers and how I truly felt in each chapter of my life because I was SO focused on the NEXT BIG THING.

I've had to realize that there will always be someone better/faster/stronger/fitter/prettier etc. than me and be OK with that- I'll never be the best though. These are the things that make us improve ourselves and strive for improvement everyday. Without goals or others pushing us to be 'better', we would always just settle and never chase anything down- our running would stagnant, our lives would stay stuck on repeat, and your work would never lead you anywhere in life besides where you currently are. 

I think this will continue to be a work-in-progress type of thing for me because I am such a competitive person and really always want to be "the best" at something or just give up entirely. I'm working on just continuing to improve and not look at the big-picture all the time, but rather just focus on what my job needs to be today, this week, month, training cycle, hour, etc. 

That's enough of my thoughts and rants today- any thoughts?