Thanksgiving and the Thoroughbred Classic

Happy Thanksgiving friends!

This will be quick since I've just gorged myself on turkey and pie and it's time for a nap!

I started the day with the Thoroughbred Classic 5k at Keeneland to burn off some pre-meal calories. (I'll do a race recap at a later date.)

After getting home from the race, I finished getting the meal ready. I love making a big meal! It's so much fun :)

I got done cooking just in time to watch the Packer game! Too bad Rodgers is  out, but I still cheer them on win or lose! Go Pack Go!

Now it's time for a nap!

Southern Lights Stroll 5k Run/Walk

Last night I walked the Southern Lights Stroll through the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP). For the last 20 years the KHP has set up a 4 mile driving tour of Holiday lights. The 5k run/walk kicks off the season with a great family event and is a fundraiser for KYHP.

I know I'm all about running these days, but this one was a walk for me. My son, Liam, loves Christmas lights so I pushed him in his stroller while he smiled and waved at Santa! "Hi Santa! Mom! I waved at Santa!" Fun night! 

Some of the light displays:

Churchill Downs

Wizard of Oz:

Star Wars:

Snow Men:

Dragon in the water:

Cinderella:

A partridge in a pear tree:

The lights are so neat! Liam and I had a great night!

I've actually participated in the Stroll several times. Technically, it's my first 5k, although I've never run it. Walking at the back of the pack was a good reminder of how far I've come. I heard some people talking about how far this 5k was. One person thought it was 3.1 miles, but her friend was adamant that it was only 2.2 miles. I guess she was in for a surprise. Another group of girls got to the halfway point and I heard them talking about being tired and out of breath, and when is it going to be over. While we were passing the runners as they headed back to the finish, I heard lots of the walkers say, "I wish I could run!" It was like déjà vu! When I first did this walk in 2004, I had no idea what a 5k was or how far it was or that people would actually run that far for fun. I walked it every year from 2004 to 2008 with a group of my closest friends and our dogs. I remember thinking that it was such a long walk and at the halfway point I was ready to be done! Last night, it went by so fast and didn't seem tough at all. What a difference! 

Maybe next year I'll get to run this 5k. Either way it's a great event for everyone!

 

Have a great weekend!

Running in the Cold

Winter is coming (yes, I've been reading "Game of Thrones"). It's mid November, but the last two mornings have been bitter cold! Clearly, winter and colder temps are coming to stay.

Yesterday morning there was snow! 

This morning it was freezing, but the skies were clear and I saw a shooting star as soon as I stepped outside.

Even though the temperatures have dropped, I still have gone running outside. I could get a gym membership and hit the treadmill, but honestly I'd rather run outside in the cold. Maybe that's crazy, but treadmills just aren't for me. 

I did realize this morning, that I may need to find some lined running pants or tights because my legs were freezing and bright red once I got done.  Or maybe I'm just a wuss, either way, I'd rather be comfortable.

The best part about running in the cold, is the hot coffee and warm breakfast that I get afterwards.

I've been really enjoying my oatmeal, banana, and peanut butter combo. Yum

I came across an article from 110% today that gives tips about Running in the Cold. The timing of this article comes at the perfect time considering how the temperatures have dipped below freezing!

Happy Hump Day!
 

Thankful on Veteran's Day

As today is Veteran's Day, I would like to start with a thank you to all active and retired military! 

I planned on starting my day with a run, but I have been feeling sick and I woke up with an awful sore throat. I decided that running out in the cold would not make my throat feel any better and I figured today would be a good rest day.

Hopefully I'll be back at it tomorrow!

Night all!

Running Up Hill Into the Wind

Happy Saturday! What a beautiful fall day! My parents are in town visiting this weekend and getting in a little deer hunting. Yay for venison sausage!

I slept in a little bit this morning, then headed out for my run. I was planning on 4-6 miles today, depending on how I felt. Well, once I got going, I felt pretty good, but it was really windy! The first half of the run was ok since the wind was at my back and I was running downhill most of the way. But then I had to turn around and come back. I was lucky enough to run uphill into the wind...I was ready to quit at 3 miles and walk the rest of the way home. I toughed it out to 4 miles and called it a day. I'm glad I got a run in, but it was challenging today.

Running in the morning always makes me more productive throughout the day.

I spent the morning cleaning and even shampooed the carpets! Smells so fresh and clean! Yay

I love anything pumpkin and I've been dying to make some pumpkin bread. Since I had some time, I got to make some! Yum yum yum yum yum

What a great day, I got in a run, spent some time cleaning, baked my pumpkin bread, and Wisconsin beat BYU! Go Badgers!

Have a great weekend!

Sunday Runday and Daylight Savings

It's been three weeks since the Chicago Marathon. It's hard to believe so much time has passed and it's already November 3rd! Today also happens to be the New York City Marathon. Following the coverage kind of has me wanting to run another full. But don't worry, if I do, it won't be anytime soon!

Anyway, I finally feel like I'm fully recovered from the 18 weeks of training and running 26.2. Since I've been feeling so good, I've had the bug to run just about every day. Extra bonus for Daylight Savings and getting an extra hour of sleep this morning!

I set out to run 4, but I drank way too much coffee this morning and had to head back to the house sooner than I planned.

I made it to 3 miles on this beautiful Sunday morning! I love this weather and the changing colors of the leaves!

Post run breakfast. I guess I really like pumpkin. Yum yum yum!

I figured today was a good day to add in some yoga today too.

Now to catch up on some Breaking Bad.

Enjoy your Sunday!

New Month New Goals

With the marathon behind me, I'm starting a new training plan. It's the get faster plan...I know that's not really a specific plan, but it's all I've got at the moment. For the time being, I'm scaling things down a bit and I'm focusing on shorter distance races, mostly 5ks and maybe 10ks. My goal at this point is to complete a 5k in under 30 minutes.

My weekly plan includes 4 days of running; two of those days will include speed work (intervals and tempo runs). I am also going to work some yoga and strength training into the mix.

So, this morning my plan called for 4 easy miles. 

It felt great to get out there and run this morning. I've been thinking about running all week and how much I love fall weather. 

On a side note, I made it through the whole day yesterday without eating any candy. Go me! Here's to day number 2!

No touching!

October Highlights and November Goals

October was an amazing month! Once again, I am reminded why it's my favorite! Besides celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and having fun on Halloween, I ran a marathon! It still hasn't really sunk in yet. It's almost like it wasn't real. But it was real, I've

 got the photos and the medal to prove it. October was a somewhat stressful month, but in the end it was completely worth it.

Yesterday was Halloween. Kids dressed up, candy, decorations, and scary movies! I love it!

Arrg! My favorite lil' pirate!

Trick or treat was supposed to be on the 31st, but there were weather concerns so they moved it to tonight. I can't wait!

Boo!

Now that it's November, I've been thinking about what my running plan will be. So far, I've decided to focus my attention on shorter distances for awhile and work on my speed. A week ago, I ran the Black Cat Chase 5k in 31:16, so I figure that is my new starting point. In a few weeks I'll be running another 5k, and attempt to beat that time.

So here they are, my November goals.

1. Run the Thoroughbred Classic and finish under 31:16

2. Train consistently, running 3-4 days per week

3. Add in yoga and cross training 1-2 days per week

4. Strength training 1-2 days per week

5. Clean up my diet. Yikes! It's been atrocious! No. More. Candy

The whole no more candy thing is going to be rough, considering the fact that my house is full of Halloween candy, plus Thanksgiving and Christmas are quickly approaching. It may be a lost cause, but I can try right!? Since I have zero willpower, please don't offer me any candy, donuts, cake, and any other sweets, ok? Great, I'm glad we understand each other.

Happy November!