A look back on half marathon training
This past Sunday marked one year from my first and only half marathon. As much as I would have liked to run it again this year, it just wasn’t in my deck of cards. When I first started running I was chomping at the bit to try racing every distance. Now it’s a different story. I don’t want to just race a distance to say I ran a half marathon I want to race it and know that I was fully capable of pushing myself to the limit. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret racing the half marathon it was a great experience, but it taught me a lot too.
Such a great idea for a race.
I really don’t think I was ready. Yes I could run the distance physically but mentally I wasn’t. Running was still SO new to me. I wasn’t used to racing, I had only done one 5K prior, and I just wasn’t used to the mental blocks the come with running either. Running a 13 mile run around the comfort of my own neighborhood vs. a race in a new locations is completely different! I was not expecting the huge adrenaline rush, how to pace myself, how to deal with mental insecurities, and having people sprint past me. It was intense, but nonetheless a learning experience.
I wanted to come back in 2012 and kill it, but hey maybe next year.
Diva Brianna.
For now, I’m focusing on shorter distances and trying to get over my race anxiety! I gotta start small and work my way up so that they next time I race a half, I’ll be ready!
Congratulations to everyone who raced “Run like a Diva Long Island” this year! It’s a great and super fun race.
SO tell me… have you ever looked back on your races and felt unprepared?
Read MoreRunners Brain
I always come up with my best blog posts when I’m running. Sometimes I wish I had a little notepad to write down my thoughts, I guess this would by kind of hard though since you know I’d be running. Or better yet, I could pull an Albus Dumbledore and pull my thoughts out with my wand into a basin. Yes, I said with my wand. I bought one this past October in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I was the oldest one by 10 years on the line, but whatever 143 Harry.
I'm Harry Potter!
Seriously though, how cool is this?
So anyways, I’ve been thinking lately about how runners are a different breed. Running is like another boyfriend or girlfriend. Runners speak in different terms and get each other. For instance, I would never snot rocket in front of my friends BUT in front of runners, totally acceptable. Right? Yesterday, while at work, I blurted out randomly, “OMG Two more weeks until daylight savings time”. Normal employees would not of understood me but fortunately enough, my friend Patty who is a cyclist, was right by me. I started to apologize and explain why I was so damn exciting about it being lighter sooner, I’m a nighttime runner, and she stops me ” Bri I totally get it, no need to explain”. Athletes of all types, get each other. We understand the true meaning of “the runs”, the need for an ice bath and/or ice cream after a speed workout, G.I issues, and why we don’t drink the night before a long run or race. I LOVE my running friends. They get me and the insane way I think. Carbo loading Friday nights anyone?
So far, training has been going well. The plan the I’m using doesn’t have any tempo runs, so I’m using the lighter run days( 3-5 mi) as them. So far so good. My goal pace of 9:10 seems a little out of reach. BUT I just need to WORK harder. I keep telling myself “it’s supposed to be hard” “work hard now and the race will be easy”. It seems to be working. I’ve gotten my longer runs to stay under 10 YAY and my shorter runs are hovering around 9:20. I still have 2.5 months more to go. I’m trying to keep all positive thoughts.
In other news, I’m trying to find tickets for The Black Keys. I LOVE them. They have such a different sound. When I listen to them, I just picture myself bopping along with a beer in my hand, don’t you? Too bad I decided to look for tickets after they went on sale. MSG sold out, I guess I’ll have to buy some obscene price from StubHub.
So tell me, what do you tell yourself to get through tough/speedy runs?
Until next time,
Run Hard. Run Long. Run Strong.
P.S I had such a runners high yesterday that I almost hopped in the shower with my socks on. Totally NOT kidding.
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My Running Anniversary
February 18th, 2011 was a huge turning point in my life. I decided to start running. The night before, I asked my brother if he’d help me. With a shocked face, he agreed. Every night we were at the track. It was freezing, not only was it February, but the track at our high school is located on a hill which means it’s windy as hell. I remember the second time I went running, we literally had to stop so I could catch my breath b/c the wind was so bad. As promised, the first two weeks were terrible. I wanted to quit but my brother wouldn’t let me. We’d drive back, him talking away and me pretending I was listening but inside I wanted to puke. 800M seemed like so much. Once I was able to run more than that, I became obsessed. I wanted to run longer and farther.
Oh Hey Shalane. How'd this get in here again..
Every workout I had planned for me, I tried to exceed. Sometimes I wish I was still like that. Don’t get me wrong, I love hitting milestones with running but nothing beats running my first mile. I was SO happy. I ran a mile without stopping, something I never thought I could do especially in high school. Every now and then I feel like I’m at a standstill with running, like I’m not doing enough or achieving as many goals as I should. But then I look back.
- I went from running 800m to running 13.1
- A mile in 11 and change to 7:06 (something I’m still working on– I want a 6 in there damnit!).
- Ran a 5K sub 30.
How could I write about running milestones & not include Pre?
This past week, I finally did that last one. No it wasn’t a real race, but I knew I had to do it before my “one year”. The funny thing is, I ran without looking at my Garmin and listened to my body. I ran at what was comfortable, I didn’t feel like I was racing. Next thing I knew, a 5K flew by and I look at my watch… 28:27. Yeah baby! That’s 3 minutes FASTER than my previous 5K time. Goes to me that I need to RELAX at races and that I can run fast. Normally when I glance down at my watch and see a low number I tend to slow down because I think ” I can’t run that fast”. This was a GREAT start for week 1 of Half Marathon training. Every run after that has been sub 10 min mile, except for this past Saturday. Saturday on schedule was a 8mi LR. One of my co-workers agreed to run with me and we decided to hit the trails. She was going to run 5 & I made up the extra mileage by running there & back from my house. This was probably one of the worst runs of my entire running career. I felt like crap when I woke up but how could I bail? I had finally talked her into running with me and now I’m going to cancel? I don’t think so. I told myself after the mile there I’d feel better. Unfortunately I didn’t. My stomach hurt and my legs felt like cement, I needed sleep. We headed into the trails & it felt good to be back, atleast for the 1st mile. I had to keep stopping. I NEVER do that & we were running so slow– a 12 minute mile. Don’t get me wrong the trails are pretty tough all rolling hills with a few steep ones BUT I used to be able to run them when I first started running at a 9:45 pace. Shit. I felt like I was going to puke and on top of it, embarrassed. I hate asking to stop but I knew if I didn’t I was going to throw up. We took about 4 breaks and we only ran 4.35 miles together. Horrible. I ran home after and felt sick all day. At first I thought it was b/c I didn’t eat breakfast or drink anything before the run but I didn’t feel good the whole weekend and my body hurt. Yesterday I got a massage and sacrificed my run. I figured 3 horrible slow miles or a massage? After much internal debate, I went with massage.
Today I feel a hell of a lot better, my neck is still bothering me, but I’m pretty excited for my 5 miler tonight. I’m hoping for some more sub 10min miles especially closer to my HMP of 9:10. Wishful thinking. At least my two favorite shows are on tonight, Switched at Birth & Jane By Design. They’re both on ABC Family. No judging please.
It's Nicole's birthday today! Say Haaaapppppy Birthhhhday!
Until next time,
Run Hard. Run Long. Run Strong.
Read MoreDay 1 of Half Marathon Training
Today is the day that I’ve been anxiously awaiting. Training for me is a love/hate relationship. I hate when I have no direction in my runs when I don’t have a race to train for , but I also hate training because what if I don’t do as well as I planned. I hate having bad runs, they always get me down. In Brianna like fashion, I still haven’t decided which half I will be doing. I’m sure sooner or later I will be creating pro’s & con’s list of the two half’s. I hate making decisions. I always want the best and am always afraid I’ll make the wrong choice. Crazy, right?
I’ve spent the last month mulling over training plans. Which one would be “right” for me. Originally I had planned to use Hal Higdon’s Intermediate Plan but then I changed my mind. I didn’t like that his LR’s start at 5miles. Don’t get me wrong, I know there must be a purpose for this, but for me mentally I don’t think I would be mentally prepared if I trained that way. I’m a total mental runner, as I know most of us are. I need to get out of my head and stop analyzing things. I knew for sure if I started with 5 mile long runs, I’d be going insane and not think I was prepared (fyi I normally do 8-12 mi LR’s). I’ve been getting into reading a lot of running blogs, but saying getting into I really mean obsessed. I love reading how running has changed peoples lives or the obstacles they’ve over came, it can be so inspiring. So, I decided to look at some of my running inspirations training plans. A lot seemed to hard or to many miles. Don’t get me wrong, I love running long but it can be hard with my job & me not being a morning person (fun fact: I have work at 9 & sometimes I get up at 8:15…oops.). Ironically, I found a training plan on Pinterest. My new obsession, I can spend hours on that site. I’m still deciding between the “beginner” and “intermediate” program.
the "Beginner" Plan
The "Intermediate" Plan
I like that the intermediate program has you going up to 15mi’s before the half (mentally I think this would be great for me) BUT I dislike that mileage during the week. Not that 7mi’s is a lot to pull out during the week physically, but after getting home and it’s dark out and oh UM I’m really freaking slow, the last think I want to do is be running for over an hour in the pitch black. Maybe I’ll do a mix between the beginner & intermediate and see how I feel. I strongly believe that not every training plan is meant for everyone and that you should tailor it to you needs/wants and ability.
In other news, recently I’ve been becoming obsessed with knee high socks. It could be my obsession with Shalane OR my inner FIT-er coming out and wanting to be more stylish when I run, who knows. Does anyone know where I could get a pair that’s not 40 bucks!?! Also, I’ve decided I want to design some t-shirts, look out for em’. I’m just trying to decide what printing company to use, any suggestions? 
Is anyone else training for a half? Let me know!
Until next time,
Run Hard. Run Long. Run Strong.
Read MoreGood Luck OR Positive Thinking?
Hello Everyone!
It’s been awhile, I know, but I’ve had so many positive things happening in my life. It’s been a crazy whirlwind and everything is starting to fall into place. Lately I’ve been trying to think positively, rather than harp on the negative. You can really get caught up in the stress which will ultimately make your problems a lot worse for you. Recently, I did an Angel Card reading. I know what your thinking, but I had my doubts too, but where I work there is a holistic healer who is all for this and told me I just had to try it. So I did. Completely full of disbelief, I had to clear my head and think of a question I wanted to ask “the angels”. Of course I stood there awkwardly, pretending I had some question. Then it hit me, ” I want to be happy”. Don’t get me wrong, I am always so happy & energetic (it’s my profession–PR), but recently I felt so weighed down. Then, I had to pick from a deck of angel cards, whichever one “called out to me” even though they are all faced down and look exactly the same. So I pick one, and what do you know I get Angel Indriel. Basically, it says that people dump all of their problems on me, even strangers (true & true) and I need to learn to not let them get me down and take their problems with me & shake it off. Spot on? I think so. I’ve been trying really hard lately to just stay positive and not let my own feelings be affected by others and I honestly feel so good. I’ve been on a lucky streak for almost a week now. Guess I should play lotto.
A quick synopsis of my good luck (in list form because I’ a crazy type-a personality):
- Everything is going SUPER good at my job, we are booming in all of our facilities and literally are beginning to not have any openings. Although it’s a problem, it’s a GOOD problem to have. (if you didn’t know I’m also a marketer)
- I found the car of my dreams. After having my wonderful little Chevy Malibu for 6 years (the one my parents got me when I passed my road test) It was finally time to move on. After test driving 10 cars, yes 10 I’m neurotic, I finally came to a decision, a 2012 Volkswagen CC. I always wanted it but never thought I’d be able to purchase it at 23, by myself.
- I won a necklace from the amazingly talented, Erica Sara. I literally never win anything and totally just entered on a whim. It is gorgeous. I highly recommend purchasing one!
My gorgeous Erica Sara Necklace! On the back it says Strength & Run Long.
- My plantar fasciitis is almost ALL gone. Since my acupunturist was having a tough time curing me, she brought me to one of her friends & previous Professor’s who does trigger point acupuncture as well as had a multitude of experience with athletes. I’m not going to lie, it hurt & I had to take 5 days off from running but in the end I think it was worth it. I also changed my shoes. My acupuncturist asked my body, I know crazy right, what was causing my foot pain and apparently my body answered that it was my sneakers. I switched from my beloved Brooks Adrenaline’s to Asics Kayano’s and so far, I couldn’t be happier.
- I’ve been on a kick ass run streak this week. Normally I get so harped up on time and how fast I’m going that I end up freaking myself out. All I want to be is fast god damnit. BUT I realize I need to just chill out and let my body run & trust in my training. I’ve been stuck on the dreaded 10-min mile. IDK why. It’s all in my head and now I know that. For the past few nights I’ve been running at what I felt was a comfortable pace, not too easy but not where I’m gasping for breath, and guess what my Garmin was reading at a 9:07. See I’m crazy. Last night, I did my first ever mile repeats. Mile 1- 10:04 (warm up), Mile 2- 9:17, Mile 3- 8:57, Mile 4- 8:34(woo-woo), Mile 5- (cool down) 9:30. I was on such a high, but today I’m feeling wiped out. Mind you I did this at 6:00pm in 30 degree windy weather, in shorts. I’m a genius, I know. I just hate wearing pants but I learned my lesson last night since I had a chill I couldn’t get rid off. Last nights run made me push myself a lot more than I normally do. I kept repeating to myself, someone my brother told me, “You need to push yourself 100% in workouts, they should be harder than the actual race”. I rarely ever do that b/c I’m always afraid that I’m going to push myself to far, but then do I ever actually know my limits? Nope. Lesson learned.
With all that being said, I’m still deciding on what Half I want to do in May. The LI Half, horrible course but close to home, & the Jersey Half are the same weekend. I know people doing both, but I just can’t decide. Stay home for a horrible course or travel for a beautiful/new course. What to do what to do. Training officially starts Monday!!! I’m so excited and nervous at the same time. My goal is a 2-hr Half. Scary to say that, but also embarrassing at the same time. Only a 2 hr half. I feel like I should be so much faster than that.Hmph. I will be back up on posting a lot throughout it. I want to document everything so if I do well, I can look back and see how I improved/felt during training. Also, coming up is my one-year anniversary of running!! February 18th. Yay-yah.
Is anyone else running a spring half? Have you been having a good luck streak?
Until next time,
Run Hard. Run Long. Run Strong.
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