Sleeping In

Let me tell you, sleeping in has never felt so good.  I decided since I won't be running this week and I will be recovering from my race I was going to turn off my 5 AM alarm and just wake up naturally.  Yesterday was around 6-6:15 and today I slept in till almost 7!  It was nice :)

I also want to say THANK YOU for all the comments post race.  I didn't really say it before because I was having post race depression but I really did have a good race!  I enjoyed it and I really liked the beautiful scenery.  Also 4:05 is a great time and I am happy with the outcome!

Moving on, last night I was able to go to a Q&A with Tom Ford.  I am not sure if you know who he is but he is truly an amazing designer!  Very inspiring and extremely eloquent and funny. I really enjoyed what he had to say.  I wanted to come home and just design new collections all night.  There are a few things he said that I really liked. I don't remember them word for word but I will try...

Being a boss or a creative director it is important to make your employees feel good and feel comfortable so they can contribute their best work.

Also he said something about when you are looking to hire someone, think to yourself would you like to have dinner with them?  If yes then they will make a good team player and your ideas will be compatible with each other.

Hmmm what else... He loves to hear what everyone thinks then he absorbers it and comes back with his decision but he is very quick.

I really could go on and on but I will stop myself there.  I will see if I can find the interview online somewhere so you can read the whole thing if you are interested.

Oh and he is a Virgo, so am I :)

My sister Heather found this Awesome race in Vancouver sponsored by Lululemon.  Anyone going??  We are going to try and get ourselves up there.  It just sounds too good to pass up!

Anyone else get the post race blues?

XX
Sarah

I'm Ready!

Did my last tempo run today!!  Woot!  1 mile easy, 2 mile @ 7:48 3 mile @ 7:42!  I am not sure what is more exciting, finishing training or running the marathon?  I guess I will find out when it is all over Sunday.  To celebrate I had a spinach, banana, chia seed protein shake.  It was oh so good!

And I figured out what I am going to wear!  In honor of New York style I am wearing all black.  My black Lulu tank with my black Nike compression shorts, black CEP compression socks and some arm bands that I will rip off as soon as I am hot.  Oh and a black Sparkly Soul headband.  I will have my black spi belt and I am getting my nails done tomorrow.  Not sure if I will go with black but I want to do something fun.  My shoes are not black either but that is ok :)

 

 Ivan is giving my shoes a little good luck chewing!

These are some nail ideas I am thinking about.  Not necessarily the color but what do you think?

I am going to try and meet up with HRG and Skinny Runner either before or after the race. 

Now I just need to go and pick up some throw away sweats and sweatshirt to keep me warm before the race starts.

So what do you think about the nails?  Which is your fav??

XX
Sarah

Run Less Run Faster

After getting back home from MN I was immediately thrown into work mode.  Which means quick dinners.  This is one of my favorites and takes less then 15 mins.  Big bowl of yogurt topped with granola, banana, blackberries and a drizzle of honey.  Scott and I will share the yogurt and then I also made egg in a whole wheat basket.  I love these!  They are so easy and a great mix of your carbs and protein.   Perfect for any night of the week or a quick breakfast.

Moving on, I bought this Breath Wrap from Lululemon while I was home in MN and it is my most favorite purchase ever.  I love, love it.  It is great to throw on over your workout clothes or whatever you are wearing that day.  Seriously the perfect accessory for all occasions. 

Now onto the Run Less Run Faster book.  On July 17th I will begin my training for the NYC marathon.  I am already really excited.  This will really be my first marathon that I will be training for speed.  Unlike Jen, speed and me are not as close.  But I would really like to get into Boston as well as run a 3:30 marathon!  I only need to run 3:40 to get in but something about me is that I really like to aim much higher than realistically predicted :)  I am also really laid back and chill so if I don't reach my goal I am still happy with what I have achieved and take it into my next race.

So currently my PR is 3:54, this was a marathon that I just logged miles for and not really hitting on speed.  Since then I have gotten faster but after my 8 month sabbatical I feel like I am still getting my legs back.  Run Less Run Faster seems like the best plan for me to get my butt back into gear.  If you read the book you will now that you run 3x a week, which will consist of all speed and tempo work.  So I guess speed and me are going to have to learn to get along for the next few months.

After looking at the predicted time for races, I should be able to run a 10k at 45:41.  My last 10k was over a year ago and I came in at 49:11.  So as you can tell I have some major work to do.  45:41 would be to achieve a 3:30 marathon.  So I signed up for the Boomer's Cystic Fibrosis 10k in Central Park on July 9th.  This will give me a good idea of what I need to work on.  Number 1 is that I need to sign up for more races to get my racing game on but also learn more about my body.

I don't expect to run it in 45:41 but I am going to strive for a middle ground between 45-49 mins.  I am also going to go ahead and start a 3x a week speed drills.  I think I may be able to get in around 6 speed workouts before the race.

This is a rough idea of what my next couple of weeks workout schedule will be.  I am hoping to start Saturday(today) but I am writing this Friday night and we might head out to go camping.  If that is the case I may just have to wait till Monday.


Saturday 24th= Long Run @ goal pace ( no more than 6 miles, 1 mile warm up with 4 at GP and 1 cool down mile)

Sunday 26th=REST
Monday 27th = Track repeats
Tuesday-= Tracy Anderson XT
Wednesday= Tempo Run
Thursday=Tracy and Yoga
Friday=Long Run @goal pace (no more than 7 miles)
Saturday=Tracy

Sunday 3rd=REST
Monday 4th= Track Repeats
Tuesday= Tracy Anderson XT
Wednesday= Tempo Run
Thursday=  Tracy and Yoga
Friday=REST
Saturday=Race!!!


I will be blogging about how it is going as well as more details of what each workout is.

Have you ever trained with the Run Less Run Faster book?  They say you can get 19-24 mins faster!

What did you like or not like about it?

Any tips for speed etc?

XX
Sarah

Friday Night Out

Last night we went out for a dinner with our parents before we began our journey up north to Duluth.  If you know anything about our family you would know that we love to eat at the Mall of America.  Right now we are into Crave.  So every time anyone comes up to MN to visit Crave is where we head.  The meal was good but the sushi was better. Afterwards we walked around a little to get any last minute items for the race....Nike, Lululemon

For the race tomorrow there will be a 50% chance of rain, super lame. So we were looking for a good rain jacket so we first headed to Nike town.  Found nada.  The sales persons were slightly confused about their products.  Which resulted in no purchase necessary. Any ideas for rain gear? We are thinking the expo may have some good suggestions.

Hey Hungry Runner Girl check out the "fo-yo" we found!  We thought you might like this place.  Chilly Billy's!  It was de-lish as is all frozen yogurt.

Last but not least packing last night... Yep Jen is trying to figure out how to fit that all into her spi belt, and what you don't see is the water belt she will also be wearing :)
j/k (kinda)

SO any ideas for rain gear??

TA TA for now!
Jen, HEATHER, Sarah

Stillwater Half Marathon

Woke up at 4:30.  The race started at 7 and had to be there around 5:30 to get on the bus to the start line. It was a little cool that morning so I wore a long sleeve until I had to drop my bag.   I also ran the first time in a Lululemon running skirt.  I really liked it.  There are black shorts built in under the skirt.  Way more fun than shorts.

The race was good.  The weather was perfect.  60 and overcast.  I felt good the entire time with only little knee pain.  I started out very slow.  I think I could have started a little quicker and then I could have got under my goal of under 2 hours.  I still remind myself that this run was just for a practice race before the marathon and try not to give myself a hard time.

I ended strong.  And had a great cheer team waiting for me that the finish line.  I love these people.

Here are the results.  

Do you like shorts or running skirts?

If you prefer shorts, which ones do you like the best?  I find that a lot of shorts balloon out and I don't like that.  I think this is why I like my skirt so much.

Now I just need to convince my sisters to wear a skirt for Grandma's marathon.

If you do like running skirts let us know which brand you like the best?

-Heather

My Gym Bag

Have you ever wondered what I carry around in my gym bag?  If so you are in luck... if not well keep reading anyways.  These are all of my staples.  I carry my bag around with me in my car at all times.  I am always reaching in there for a snack to grab while my kid car runs seem to never end.  Plus I just love to always have it with me just incase there is a last minute chance that I might be able to squeeze in a workout.  The one item that is not in the picture but it usually with my gym bag are my shoes.  And well, that is just an entire different post.  

What are you guys lugging around in yours?  Anything good that you can't live without that I need to know about?

Also heading out for a 6 mile run today and it is SNOWING!!!  In APRIL!  I think I might scream.  But I have just decided that it will make me run faster because I will be thinking about how much it sucks that I am still having to run in cold weather!!( that is what I am at least going for anyways.. running is such a mind game...let see if it works!)
-Heather

Shopping

Aside from my everyday job I have, a close friend of mine will ask me to do a little babysitting from time to time.  Well yesterday she dropped off a check to me and you know what I did?!?!  I got in my car and instead of going to the Lululemon in Union Square where everything is sold out, I drove to the Mall!  Yep, the mall that is about a 30 minute drive if there is no traffic but there is always traffic so it took me over an hour to get to.  Did I mention I dropped everything that I was working on just so I could go to the mall.

Back on track, got to the mall and look what I found...  New yoga mat, running socks, two awesome running tanks that fit wonderfully and two sweatband.  It was so great and it totally made my day.  Wearing my new tank today as I head out for my 15 miler.

And it only gets better, I stopped in whole foods later to browse around to see if I needed any groceries and I found this yummy pretzel baguette!  I could not resist and I had to buy it, I mean I am running 15 miles tomorrow and I need to carbo load right?

So for dinner, you know I had the usual, grilled chicken, sauteed cauliflower, acorn squash and BREAD! Don't worry, Scott and I didn't eat the whole thing, we left about 1/4 of it for tomorrow.

What are your favorite workout clothes?  Do you have a food group weakness like bread?

Happy Workout!
xx
Sarah

Hair

Have any of you experienced a rat's nest on the back of your head after a long run... or even a short run? Well I have a solution.  I know this hair style is not new be any means, but it totally works for keeping your pony from turning into one big tangled mess.  Try it out on your next run or even at the gym.  It works great! I also am in love with the Untwisted Headbands from Lululemon.  They fit great, don't slip and don't give you a headache.

Check out my sisters hair after a marathon..... that's all I'm gonna say.

Running in the Cold...

Well you all know that I am training for my first marathon.  Yikes.  So far it has been good.  It is not like I have never ran anything before.  The longest distance I have ever ran is 12 miles and I didn't die when I was done.  That being said I HATE running on the treadmill.  I just won't do it.  Which makes a little bit of a problem for me living in the frozen tundra.  So far I have not had to run on the treadmill once.  Yes it has been cold but ok once you start going.  But this last Saturday is was -2 when I headed out!!!!!  FREEZING.  Good thing we had date night, Friday night and headed to my favorite store Lululemon to see what they had that I could wear to run in.  I bought this coat that I am wearing in the pictures above.  It is called the Hustle Jacket.  I have to admit that once I got about two miles into my run I called Bryan and had him meet me at a gas station with more socks.  My feet were the only thing that was cold!  It was really a great run although it was cold it was very peaceful and beautiful out.  I had the trails all to myself.

Spring Fever

Is it just me or are you guys ready for winter to be OVER! Usually the New York winters are moderately mild. I remember 2 years ago we only had 4" of snow all year. That was a good year. It seems as though this year it is snowing every week and the temps dropped into the single digits. When I lived in MN that was expected but not over here in NYC.

I am ready, for more than reason. I have been out of running commission and I am ready to get back in the game. In fact I was supposed to go for a light jog today but couldn't because it was just too cold. The forecast for the next two days is snow and freezing rain so I guess I won't be running until Thursday. That is ok because I am kind of nervous. Nervous because if I run to soon and run into pain, well then that sets me back again! But I am also nervous because we are supposed to start training for Grandma's marathon in about 3 weeks! Oh boy!

With spring fever and an uneasy stomach I know what will get me in the mood! Look what I found...these few things have been added to my list of things I want.

First off I really want these cool new Nike shorts. I don't really love pink but I think it is the spring fever that is leading me to this color.

Next up is this Lululemon sports bra. Call me crazy but I kind of like the leopard print.

I can totallly picture Jillian Michaels wearing these Nike pants...... Jillian rocks so I would rock them too.

Another item from Lululemon because I love them. This looks like a prefect fitting tank for me.

And just to switch is up and match my pink shorts I would get this pink Lululemon tank as well.

Yes, yes I know Lululemon..

Another new pair of Asics running shoes. (I am smiling as I write this because if my husband Scott saw, he would be like...What! Another pair of running shoes.)

Last but not least I have been coveting these for the past 6 months and I am not ever sure why I have not bought them yet. I absolutely love them and they are prefect for spring time running.
Smartwool ArmWarmers!

That is it. This is on my wish list along with the increase in the temperate outside.

My Workout Outfit

Most of the time I will workout from my apt.  I used to be a member at 24 hour fitness but after I was injured I hardly went, so I stopped paying for it.  I have been working out in my apt for almost 4 years now with an on and off stint of gym memberships.  I don't mind it, and when my body is working correctly I love to run outside.

So today I did my Tracey Anderson Method Sequence II DVD. This is what I wore.  This is probably my favorite workout outfit.  Please forgive me for the unflattering pictures.  I tried to take these on my own after I worked out so I look a little messy.

Anyways Tank Top from Lord and Taylor, Men's Polo.  I stole this from my husband.  I love it because it is baggy and doesn't cling to me.  Sports bra, Nike.  Love these!  Pants you may recognize from my sister Heather's earlier post. Lululemon Wunder Under Crop.  And shoes, Asics Gel Nimbus.  These are the best shoes for me.  Yes, they are my running shoes.  I have tried to switch over to other types of shoes instead of buying the same ones over and over but it is no use.  These are what work for me and I just need to stick with them!  The beauty here is that I don't even have to try them on.  I just go into the store, ask for the Nimbus size 9.5, pay and then I am outta there.  Unless of course I see something cute to try on ;)

To Run with a Club... or Not too

I am a runner, I love to run races and push myself faster and further. I get A LOT of satisfaction out of it. So, up to this point I have bought books and trained myself using the tools from the books, websites, etc. I also am currently a member at lifetime fitness (WHICH I LOVE) where I go to for Strength and plyo-circuit training.

BUT-- there is a new running club forming in my area and I am going to give it a whirl. I can't afford both Lifetime and running group so I am giving up lifetime for a while. Is this a mistake??? Is running in a club all its cracked up to be? I guess I'll find out. My new group meets Tuesdays at 6:00am at the track for speed work. BRING IT. I hope I get faster.

=)

On a side note, I love to talk about my runs.... so today I ran 13 miles. I went nice and slow and felt fine except for the fact that it was soo cold outside my hands turned into bricks. They were so stiff I could not punch the code in on my garage to open the door. What the heck? I just bought these gloves and they sucked.

Hey Heather, do you think your lululemon would help me out in the glove department???? =)

I am OBSESSED...

I love a good workout.  I have to admit it I often try and sneak a double in when Bryan is out of town or my sitter wants more hours.  I am not training for anything but I just find that there is not a better way to be relaxed and calm around my four crazy kids when I have had a great workout.  That being said I also love great workout clothes.  I always keep my eye out for a sale at Nike.  But a new store just opened up at our great Mall of America.  The store has been around for a while and there are one or two stores in the Twin Cities area but not close to anywhere that I go that often.  Lululemon.  If you have never been to a store you must check it out and try some stuff.  AMAZING!!!!  I also have got my husband a few pieces for Christmas and he is hooked as well.  I will show you a few of my most recent favorites..

Wonder Under Crop

Scuba Hoodie

Inner Awareness Tank

These are just a few of the great things that I have bought at the store.  You must find one and go check them out.  You won't be disappointed.