26.2 Marathon Necessities

Running is simplicity.

Tie on a pair of shoes and go, right? Nuh, uh. Not even close. The longer I run, the more I need. It's crazy how much gear I have. When really, all you do need is shoes.

But the other stuff, it's so much fun! So here are 26.2 of my faves.

1. Nike Tempo shorts. Duh. I love these things. I have more pairs than I care to admit and continue to buy more. Every time they go on sale at Academy I pick up a pair or two. In Summer they are my uniform even when NOT running. The pinker the better.

2. Of course I wouldn't get very far without my trusty Mizuno Waver Riders.

3. And IN my Waver Riders, my beloved Feetures socks. Now I've tried so many socks brands. Balega, Thorlo Experia, but these are still my very favorite.

4. I do often run in the dark, so I don't go without my dorky, yet sensible, headlamp. Hey, a Pink Girl's gotta see where she's headed.

5. Speaking of safety, I always have my Road ID secured to my shoe. No fun to think about, but it is def a must have.

6. I do run during daylight hours sometimes and in Texas our daylight gets HOT. Trying to prevent sun damage I faithfully apply sunscreen. My fave is Neutrogena Sport SPF 70.

7. I love a good hat to shade my eyes. I love to get free hats for a race!

8. Of course, hydrating being to important, I keep my Nathan water bottle filled and chilled.

9. I don't currently own a Garmin but I do rely on my trusty pink Timex Ironman watch. This one keeps time for my track workouts AND controls my iPod. Nice at the gym because I need all the help I can get on the dreadmill.

10. Believe it or not, sometimes it gets chilly here! This past Winter was brutal by Texas standards. The next few items kept me toasty warm! I love my Nike tights. They hugs my legs and keep my muscles comfortable even in 15 (-9.44) degree temps!

11. Gotta keep those paws safe so I pull on my stripey pink gloves. Yes, you can buy dry wicking gloves. But I got a two pack at Target for $1.99. And they kept my hands just right. (plus they are supa cute)

12. My ears like to be warm as well, so I pull on a pink thermal headband and cover those suckers right up.

13. Staying fueled on those loooong runs makes me happy Pink Girl. Y'all know I swear by Clif Shot Bloks. Strawberry is my fave!

14. I carry a lot of junk with me when I run. I'm never without Chapstick!

15. I keep my Shot Bloks and Chapstick in my trusty pink Spibelt! (an Austin, TX company!)

16. Y'all know how much I love my pink Zensah calf sleeves, otherwise known as my Leg Hugs. Go out today and buy a pair. They are worth it. No achyness, even after my longest runs!

17. Another thing that keeps my running strong is Kinesio Tape. My chiropractor got me hooked on this when I became injured training for NYC. Strength training is getting me healthier, but this precious pink tape got me through the last few months pain free. Swear by it. Talk to your doctor.

18. Another "how did I manage without it?" item is my foam roller. I read your blogs. A lot of y'all are foam rolling. Wow, what a difference this has made in my recovery. I just roll out all those knots and the muscle soreness. Hurts so good.

19. Of course, we girls know that a great jog bra is of the utmost importance. I'd put it right under shoes and socks. I get a little jealous of y'all who post about the cute color you buy at Target. Some of us require, um, more structural support. Enter the Moving Comfort, Dori bra.

20. Speaking of tops...in the warmer hours I really love this Asics tank. It's cottony, but quick dry. Best of both worlds! (and it's long, I like that it doesn't ride up over my tummy)

21. And when it's warmer, or humid, or rainy...you sure don't want chafing. Body Glide will prevent that. You can put it anywhere. It works wonders. Believe me, you haven't lived until you've discovered bra burn once you are in the shower. Ow ow ow!

22. Chocolate milk. I inhale this stuff post run

23. Y'all know I'm in love with Hal Higdon, right? He's my brotha from anotha motha. He's my not so fairy god-father. My running mentor. He got me to my first half and he's getting me through my 2nd full. I simply adore Hal, all his books and hang on to every word he's ever written. Hal is running.


24. Y'all! I read your blogs and I'm inspired. I'm educated. You make me laugh, you make me think and you are an encouragement to me at all times. It amazes me sometimes how many people I've never met IRL, yet talk to each day! Can't tell you how many times I've told a story starting with, "This friend of mine, well, I read her blog, follow her on Twitter, e-mail her, text her..." I love y'all!


25. My friends. I have the BEST running cru EVAH! They run with me when it's Texas hot, when it's super cold, when it's wet, when it's EARLY...who else in your life would get up at 4:30 am to run around in the dark and share things we'd never reveal to others in the day light? Ha! My girls are so supportive and a blessing to me in so many ways.


26. Almost last, but certainly not least, my sweet Hubs. He is so understanding that I need to be in bed by 9 pm each night. He gives me the sofa so I can ice my knee. He rubs my feet when my piggies are sore. He drives to Whataburger to buy me breakfast while I soak in an ice bath. He never says a word about my Nike Tempo obsession. He shows up at my races to cheer me on. He's my cheerleader at home when I'm feeling doubtful. He believes in me when I tell him things like "I'm going to run a marathon" or "I think I'd like to train for an Ironman." He tells me how proud he is of me and he means it. He's amazing. I don't deserve him and I strive each day to be the wife HE deserves. God overdid it when He blessed me with my Hubs!

.2 It's just a nubbin, but it is so important to me! Y'all know I love Jesus and my faith keeps me going. Scripture is where I head when I need guidance. The verse I've been reciting during my training this time is from Isaiah 40:31

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."

And those, my bloggies, are the 26.2 things that got me through marathon training!

I have the BEST friends

Beyond blessed is what I am.

First off, Bahama Mama got up waaay too early to meet me to run 2 miles. Just 2 measly miles. And yet, she's such a good friend that she rolled out of bed to run with me. Love her!

When I arrived at work, I found this amazingness.So how cute is that? Pig post its, Hello Kitty bandaids and cupcakes! Plus the sweetest, encouraging card from my girl Tia.

Do you SEE these yummy cupcakes from Sprinkles? And yeah, I ate the vanilla one right away. It would be downright rude to not, right?

I'm nestled down in the sofa, watching 19 Kids and Counting, thinking about supper. Planning on a relaxing evening of grading papers and catching up on blogs!

Worry Wort

Worrying is a waste of energy.

I've been worrying a lot. I'm not normally a worrier. I'm usually a pretty laid back Pink Girl. It all just came out of nowhere the past couple of days.

My throat is sore. I'm worried I'll be sick for the race.

Even though it hasn't bothered me on a long run yet, 26.2 miles is still unknown. I'm worried that my knee will hurt like it did last marathon. That pain was awful. I'm worried about how much it might hurt.

My hip has hurt all week. I'm worried it will give out like it did last summer and I won't be able to keep my balance.

The forecast calls for rain. I'm worried it's going to rain really hard and I'll be miserable the whole race.

Actually, the forecast calls for thunderstorms. I'm worried that they'll have to cancel the race because of storms and lightening.

I've never run that far by myself. I'm worried self doubt will get the best of me.

But I know this.

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

So I'm going to pray for a calm mind and a calm heart. And I'm gonna meet Bahama Mama for 2 very early miles tomorrow. And continue to carb load like the semi-pro that I am.

(I shared this baked ziti with Hubs tonight. Mmm)

Weekend Recap

Saturday was my last long run.

My new shoes arrived earlier in the week so I took 'em out for a ride. I didn't really NEED new shoes, but wanted to have some newer kicks for the race. So I'll wear these for a week and then put them away until my current pair retires for good. These are the Mizuno Wave Rider 13s. I can no longer find 12s. So sad. But they ride so comfy, these news ones. Love that they are gray. You hear that shoe makers? I like gray. It doesn't show duhrt. (said in Stewie Griffin voice) Plus, the heels are glittery. Glitter. Glitter makes my world go 'round. The schedy calls for 8 miles, but I ended up with 9. I totes could have kept going for another 10. Jen says that is the sign of a good taper. It was so good to end my training with my cru. I seriously have the BEST FRIENDS EVER!
Came home much earlier than usual since my run was so short. Saw that overnight the roses had bloomed. Summer is on it's way!

Scooped up my Hanky cat for a post run cuddle. He doesn't mind that I'm stinky! Sorry so blurry. Do you know how hard it is to hold a 16 pound cat and take a picture of y'all in a mirror with your phone?

Spent the rest of the weekend resting. I'm a very skilled rester. Yes, I did a bit of yardwork, but nothing taxing. Just trimming up the front hedges. I took not one, but TWO naps on Saturday. One nap today, this one outside on the new lawn furniture. (Meg, I wore sunscreen!)

I've already started packing. I'm trying to eliminate as much stress as I can as race day approaches. Packing stresses me out. So I figure if I can get as much down now, Friday won't be so bad. I thought I had my race outfit picked out.

I was wrong. (do you think Meb worries about what to wear???)

Option 1 is my original option. These are the shorts I bought on sale last weekend. Ally, are these the same ones you got? Note: the hat is on the outfit, NOT on the bed. Hubs has this thing about hats on the bed. Good thing about this one is that I also have a short sleeve hot pink top that will work in case it is a little cooler. (unfortch, it's supposed to be warm, rainy and humid)

Then I came across this in my drawer. The dresser is, apparently, full of a nearly endless supply of Nike Tempo shorts. Nike, I love you, do you hear me, L-O-V-E. I'm available for sponsor! Now this is my most favorite shade of pink. And frankly, more, um, Piggy. So what's a girl to do? My Twitter poll returned a resounding unanimous vote for outfit #1. My tweeps have great taste, but I'm still undecided. Urg.

I bought chocolate Cheerios. Lauren said they were pretty yummy, and she has great taste, so OC I was a big ole copy kat and tried them too. You know what? They were pretty good! For a sugary sweet cereal, my heart still belongs to Honey Nut Cheerios though.

Congrats to everyone who raced this weekend! Aron and Tina ran like girls at Big Sur, Lauren ran her first half in Nashville, Ally completed yet another marathon in OKC and Laura tackled her first 5K in OKC! Way to go ladies!!!

Okay, so now I just gotta get through this work week. I'm committing to getting to bed early, drinking plenty of water and carb loading like the cereal lover that I am. Off to bed!

Three Things Thursday

Not much happenin' with This Pink Girl.

1. I'm trying to reduce my soda addiction/habit. It's a full blown, out of control, HFCS fest. I know the stuff is awful for you. I am keenly aware that it has zero nutritional value. And the thing is, other than that garbage, I eat really well most of the time. (cupcakes ARE a food group) I'm not out on caffeine so I've been trying to like tea. I don't like tea. But I'm trying. My Care Bear mug from childhood does make it "bearable." Yuk yuk. This week as Tazo Awake. No sugar, nothing added. I don't think I'm as hungry during the day without soda. Hmm.
2. Our oven is broken. Again. This thing breaks a few times a year. So, the brussel sprouts and green beans I was excited about roasting are just chillin' in the fridge. Literally. I've been subsiding on Cheerios. And Mr. Goodcents apparently...I'm all out of my pre-frozen homemade soup. I have stuff to make brown rice casserole, but with no oven...well, looks like LAG of CFA or some other yummy initials tomorrow for lunch!

3. My sweet friend Laura will be running her very first 5K this weekend in Oklahoma. She's just about the most precious thing ever and I'm SO proud of her progress! She's been training to run with her sister who has been sick and she's worried she might have to run on her own. But I know she can do it! She's going to totes ROCK this race! Head on over to her blog and leave her some comment love!

One week from tomorrow I leave for Cincy and the Flying Pig. (and NOODLES!!!)

Weekend Recap

What a great weekend this was.

Saturday it did in fact rain. A lot. Like, a lot, a lot. We're talking bust out the ark kind of rain. So at 3:30 (that's am) I e-mailed my posse and said let's cancel the planned 12 miles outdoors and I would, sigh, head to the gym.

And being the genius that I am, I realized that I did not need to get up so stinkin' early. So I got to sleep in.

Brilliant.

And when I woke, much, much, later, the rain had let up. So I headed out for 12 humid miles on my own. Wow, there is certainly more traffic at 9 am than there is at 5 am! But I got to enjoy the neighborhoods in the daylight, so that was nice, if lonely. I may have spoken to every squirrel and cat I came across. Maybe. And well, I may have miscalculated and only run 11.5 miles. Oops! That's what you get for not planning ahead or wearing a Garmin. 11.5, 12, at this point, same same. Done and done.

Later in the day we spent some time at the home improvement store looking for plants and planters for our porch. I have a decidedly brown thumb. So it's a hunt each year for the plants that will live the longest with my, uh, inattentiveness. But look what I did find!

Today I got something I've been wanting for a while. I'm so intrigued by your Green Monsters and your Fruit Smoothies. I don't have a blender, or really anything I can blend with. So I set out to buy a Magic Bullet. Do you know how much Magic Bullets cost? Well, I didn't. I managed to walk out of Target with a $15 teeny blender. So, now I'll be scouring your blogs for Monster recipes! I can't wait to join the Cool Kids Klub!

I also managed to pick up a new pair of Nike Tempo shorts at Academy. I know, I know, it's an addiction. But they were on sale and, hey, a girls gotta look cute during her race, right? These are teal and, natch, pink. Perfect for a pink tank or short sleeve top. Depending on the weather. Please let it be cooler, not warmer! I've been running in the afternoons trying to acclimate to the heat so that I'm prepared for anything, but I'm hopeful it isn't too hot!

Two weeks from today I'll be in Cincinnati and done with the Flying Pig. I'm gonna focus on hydrating, staying healthy, stretching and sleeping. Oooh, sleeping, my favorite part of tapering!!!

20 Miles, then a Marathon

Saturday was my last long run.

I headed out at 5 am for 5 miles with Bahama Mama (she's back, yeah!!!) and then met Bogart and Adriana for another 15. Someone (might have been me) planned an insanely hilly route for the 15. Someone (probably me) was sucking wind the entire time. I swear we never went downhill, only up. Oooh, but it felt great! (well mostly) I had so many unsuccessful long runs before NYC. But not this time! Strength training, cross training, kinesio tape and a whole different kind of training program left me stronger and uninjured. I managed 20 miles in just under 4 hours. I'm proud and pleased!

Look at this face! Is she ready for 26.2 or what???

I foam rolled myselft into jello, slipped on my Zensah leg hugs and headed out for some shopping. I had decided to reward myself with some Sperrys. OMG why didn't I get these before? They are soooo comfy!

As I set my alarm for Sunday morning I came to a realization. I get up way to early each and every day. No wonder I'm always tired! I'm really going to work on getting in extra sleep over the next 3 weeks.

My alarm was set for soooo early today because Lucy, Melanie and I volunteered at the Big D Marathon. We worked the hot chocolate/coffee table and were we a hoot! We had almost no instruction and even fewer supplies. Napkins? Nope. More water to make coffee? You're on your own kid. The coffee maker held 100 cups of water and the instructions read that it takes 1 min per cup to heat. Uh, 100 minutes! Each time we had to make more we had to turn frosty runners away until the pot turned from lukewarm water to coffee. Yikes! It was great to be out there and to give back just a little of what we've been so fortunate to enjoy at many races before. I'm def doing this again! Here's Lucy preparing to rinse out the giant metal coffee fitler in the bathroom. Oh yeah, she had to take off her shirt to hold on to the hot metal. Ha!

One of the best parts was getting to watch the award ceremonies. This is a pretty small race, with a 5k, a half and a full marathon. One woman was so excited to win her age group (with a time of 42 minutes) she ran up clapping and jumping. So cute! She accepted her trophy, turned around and said, "I'm 61!" Love it! What a blessing to get to witness that joy in her life!

I'm ready for this week. Taper officially begins! My medium run is only 8 miles and my long run only 12. Woo to the hoo! I looove me some taper. Bring it on Pig!

Gifts

God gives us all unique gifts.

I thought I'd share my take on it. Since, you know, it's my blog and that's what I get to do. No worries, this isn't a preachy post!

A co-worker shared with me that she sometimes feels inferior to others around her. She sees the advanced degrees they are working towards and professional certifications they are obtaining. She mentioned that they are all so smart and she could never be that smart.

My heart broke for her. How awful to ever feel less than others! And then of course, as I do, I gave her my 2 cents. First off, she is plenty smart. Secondly, she has the highest emotional intelligence of anyone I know. She's so intuitive, so empathetic, so compassionate, so full of mercy .

I told her, God gives us all different gifts. He knows where to give them too.
My girl Sarah's huzzy Matt is fundraising for 2 charities before his upcoming marathon this weekend. Not only that, he's challenging himself to match a portion of donations. Check out his blog here.

God knows who to give what and He reveals them to us when we are ready. And He gives us a heart and a passion for it! I think Matt may have had one of his gifts revealed to him; he's doing an amazing thing!

Romans 12 tell us "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is in showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

No one is good at everything. You shouldn't expect that of yourself, because God doesn't expect it of you. He gave you strengths in certain areas and wants you to use those gifts. We as humans are designed to compliment each other with our varied gifts!

What gifts are YOU using?

Okay, so this is a physical gift, not divine. But here is the diaper cake I was working on. Made it for my Da. She's going to put a stuffed monkey on top so the effect is not quite complete!


Ran 10 miles tonight and busted out 53 pushups as part of my Hundred Pushup Challenge, part deux! I can smell the taper coming...

Buttermilk Biscuits

We had a blessed Easter weekend.



Well, Hubs got bit by a dog named Ross, but other than that, the weekend was pretty good. He's okay. (Hubs, not Ross, well I'm sure Ross is fine too)



I got in an awesome 14 miles on Saturday with my cru. Some days are just made for running. Saturday morning was one of them! It was cool and breezy. We ran in Kat's hood which has amazing wide sidewalks. The are seriously sick sidewalks. I'll have to take a pic next time - they are that good. I felt strong the entire time even though it was a very hilly route. I'm optimistic for next weekend's 20 miler! (and then taperville...)

Clearly, any great weekend involves home made biscuits. Someone said to me today, "Home made? Like with Bisquick?" Uh, no, as in with flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter and buttermilk! I probably ate my weight in bicsuits. White flour is just so intoxicating! I do love me some spelt. Whole grains made me happy. But white cake flour? Heaven sent.

Tonight I had an easy 5 miles, 2 of which I ran with my group with Run On. I'm so proud of their progress! Sad I'll miss their goal 5k race this weekend. There is just no way I'll be done with 20 by the time it starts. Unless, of course, I start at like 3 am.



That ain't happenin'!

Hubs and I are attempting the Hundred Pushup Challenge again. Last time I got to 76 pushups at the end of the six weeks. Of course I started with 32. This time I started with only 29. Not only did I not maintain my strength, I lost more!



So sad.

I'm on the training program Day 1; I did a total of 56 tonight. Y'all, this program really works and is so easy to follow! I'm totes going to bust out 100 this time!


I'm off to construct a diaper cake. So much less exciting than real cake.

Preparing for a Long Run

Thanks for your suggestions

on my last post. You know, the one 'bout the glasses? I ended up with the white ones. I seriously wanted the pink ones because, clearly, pink is always the best choice. Sadly, the pink ones were a little too grippy on my head. Yes, I, for once, sacrificed fashion for comfort. It's not like I'm going to be slipping into SAS shoes anytime soon, but if the glasses are tight in Target...well I can only imagine how annoying that would be after 20 miles! Here I am on my 9 miler from Wednesday afternoon. Good golly Pete is was warm! Just a little taste of what I'm in for this summer. And you know, since it's Texas, Summer starts soon! It was about 82 (27.77 C) when I set out and nice and sunny. Good thing I had my specs to shade my eyes! Meg, I wore a hat and sunscreen. SPF 70!

So I'm getting ready for my stepback "long run" of 14 miles tomorrow. (have I mentioned lately how much I'm looooving Hal's marathon program???) Far be it from me to claim myself a running expert like Hal, but I do know a thing or two about preparing for a long run. For this Pink Girl anyway, it's like preparing to leave for a road trip. Seriously, you'd think I was going to be gone for much longer than a quick run and was going much further than just the other side of town.


Let's begin, shall we?

First I gotta have my fuel. I prepare a water bottle. In the summer, I freeze about half of it so that my water stays cool longer. (tip, wrap a paper towel around the bottle of frozen water to protect your hand from the cold and you can use it as a sweat rag throughout the run) Believe me though, it always melts and warms up long before my long run is over!

Before I head out, I eat a handful of almonds for some protein and usually have a cereal bar or some toast. I've tried peanut butter but it sits too heavy in my tummy before a run. OC I would never head out for a long run without my Clif Shot Bloks! My fave flavor is strawberry. Mmm. I like the consistency better than Gu. I'll usually have at least 6 bloks for a half. Last week for 18 I had 8.

I also pack a cooler for my chocolate milk for after my run. (Thx Hubs for loaning me your Stars mug each Saturday!) Chocolate milk is supposed to be the perfect after run refuel. Perfect combo of carbs, protein and fat. I'm no dietitian, but I do know it's super yummy and I feel good drinking it!
I always pack my pink bag for the car. Fill it with more water, a dry cap, shirt and socks, should I be lucky enought to go to breakfast after. (is summer I switch the socks for flip flops so my toes can enjoy the scenery) If it's hot I'll also pack a large towel to protect my cart seats from my gah-ross tempo shorts. You are also looking at my trusty Spibelt that I pack with a few dollars, Chapstick and some tissue. You never know what kind of bathroom situation you might be dealing with. Also, a plastic baggy for my phone to ride in. I sweated my phone to death on several occasions last summer. Lesson learned! Some peeps keep a laminated photo copy of a driver's license and insurance card with them. Good idea. I'm gonna rely on my Road Id. Do you have Road Id? You should!


When it's really good and toasty out, I'll also freeze a couple of wet washcloths. I throw those in a plastic container in my cooler of milk and water. Any hot long run is best followed up by a birdbath with an icy cold washcloth. Oooh, feels so good to be able to wipe somma that grime offa your face and neck. Try it this summer, you won't regret it!


What I haven't mentioned are the natural necessities. You know, clothes, shoes, socks, watch, hat, glasses, sunscreen (I like Neutrogena Sport SPF 70,) Body Glide and of course my Kinesio tape.
Whew!

Preparing for a long run wears me out! So natch I always take an Epsom salt bath the night before so I'm all relaxed as I head to bed. I got this idea from Morgan last summer. She's pretty much a running genius!
Hey, a girls gotta be prepared!
What do YOU do to get ready for your long run?