Here we go again!

Another race, another round of training diaries!

This time I'm training for my longest and most grueling race yet.

In November I'll be running my first 50 miler at the Tunnel Hill race in Vienna, IL!!!

They also have a 100 miler as well!

If you don't know, this is the race that Camille Herron KICKED BUTT last year crushing the record for the fastest 100 mile race for a female, by clocking a 7:37 mile for 100 MILES, finished in 12:42:40. Taking the record by over an hour and 3 minutes. This was the fastest 100 mile run in North America by male or female for 2017, and also the Fastest Known Time for 100 miles on a trail by anyone, ever, in North America!! (Source)

As stated above I'll only be tackling the 50 miler this go around, but you bet I'll have my eye on the 100 mile distance!!! This race is a Western States qualifier after all, long term goals people!!!

This is the first time I have EVER worked with a coach and I thought it would be a great idea because this distance is going above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined I'd attempt. Completing the 50K earlier this year was a huge accomplishment due to the terrain and the elements, however it was 30 miles and I had trained for a full marathon before (never having actually raced one, however due to injury)... I just know that 50 miles is such a leap that I desperately need the advice and coaching of someone I completely and totally admire and trust!

My coaches name is Jaime and I can't say enough great things about her, she's an incredible athlete and such a warm and inviting person all around! I had been wanting to work with her since I found out she was a running coach and I KNEW this was the perfect opportunity! She ran this specific race last year herself and crushed it, further proving why she's just the perfect coach for me in this situation!!!

Now that we have that all taken care of let's get down to business.

Training, Week One:

Day 1: Monday 7-23-18

REST DAY

Monday's are going to be rest days, which is perfect because that's the one weekday Andrew is off work so we can do family stuff and just lounge around together (especially once school starts and both boys are gone all morning!)

Day 2 : Tuesday 7-24-18

4 Miles

I did this run on the treadmill because the day was hectic and I didn't make it outside. The treadmill is always easier for me, I'm not sure if that's the case for anyone else but I can just run faster. I can only conclude that this is because the ground is moving underneath me instead of my hitting stationary pavement and the fact that I'm in a controlled environment in a nice cool and zero humidity basement. However, I did average an 8:07 treadmill pace and I'm not complaining!

Day 3 : Wednesday 7-25-18

3 Miles : Fartlek

Got out on the track for this one!! I love fartlek runs so much, speed work in general is my jam! Not going to lie I kept my pace pretty darn even too which NEVER happens on the track!

Day 4 : Thursday 7-26-18

3 Miles : Tempo

Did this one on the treadmill! This run was actually scheduled for Friday, however I switched Thursday and Friday up because Charlie's birthday was on Friday and I was meeting a friend to run the track. We meet at 5 am and I wasn't sure I'd be able to get the full 3 miles in before having to leave to get home (my kids wake up SUPER early and since it was one of their birthday's, I knew I had to get home SUPER early to make it before they woke up wanting presents!)

Again, super happy with the splits given the fact that I worked that night and had to come home and get it done after 9pm!

Day 5 : Friday 7-27-18

2 Miles

Got these done on the track with my track running buddy! Hit a 9:28 pace and I'll take it happily out there on the track! Also, I did get home before either kid woke up and spent the ENTIRE day running around doing everything Charlie wanted to do!

Day 6 : Saturday 7-28-18

2 Miles

Another treadmill day for me! We had Charlie's birthday party on this day so I squeezed in the run post party but pre bed time! There wasn't much time to get this done and I seriously considered just skipping it but I knew I couldn't do that, I would totally be down on myself the entire night and next few days about it if I didn't power through! 8:50 pace, I was tired and hungry so I just wanted to get it done so I could eat something, get the boys to bed and rest the rest of the night!

Day 7 : Sunday 7-29-18

6 Miles : Long Run!
First long run of this cycle!! I was ready for this run, I mean extremely ready! I hadn't run past 4 miles in quite a few weeks, my legs were loving the distance and even though I forgot my headphones and didn't have my trusty BibRave Podcast to listen to, it was so nice to just take in my surroundings! My mom got in a run at the same time so meeting up with her at the end and doing our warm up and cool down together was just so much fun!

"Disclaimer: I received Karma's Duo Silicone Ring to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!"

I know I've shared my issue with my actual wedding ring all over social media here lately.

If you haven't tuned in, I'm allergic to my wedding ring :(

While I still have to figure out what's going on with it and if I can do anything to fix it, I've been wearing silicone wedding bands.

When the opportunity to test out Karma's Duo Silicone Ring came about through BibRave I jumped at the chance, after all I was definitely in need and this fit the bill!

They came in such a cute package and to be honest I wasn't 100% sure what I was going to get and I was even a little confused at first. Then it all clicked and I realized the colors on the outside are interchangeable accent colors to go on top of the main band.

I love having options to go with my mood or what I'm wearing so this was a total win! Then I did some more research about these particular bands and the message that the company is trying to convey with them.

Personal style is about more than just fashion.  It’s an opportunity to say something about who you are and what you stand for.  We encourage you to wear your Karma Ring as a symbol of your physical and spiritual goals and ambitions. (Source)

I loved that idea! The idea that instead of JUST using the colors for a different mood or outfit you can actually assign goals to the colors of the band, then when you meet the goal you switch out your band! I know I'm a huge mental runner and person in general so setting goals and having a physical representation of that to look at on a daily basis is extremely appealing!

Their website also gives some other really interesting facts about rings and what they represent by wearing them on different fingers and hands as well! I had never known any of that information and was really intrigued by every bit of it! My favorite may have to be...

[Wearing a ring on your] Thumb (Will Power) – The thumb is independent, while working in tandem with our other fingers to accomplish various tasks.  The thumb represents logic and will power, a symbol of controlling ones thoughts and actions. (Source)

I just love that there can be so much meaning into something so simple. Running and athletic gear can mean so much more if you just take the time to look a little deeper which is just so awesome!

If you're interested, I would highly recommend you check out their website HERE and use code BibRave30 for 30% off your order (retail, this set is $24.99 - so you'll get 30% off of that!)

Happy Sunday!!

"Disclaimer: I received UA HOVR Sonic 's to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!"

I swear it's like running on air.

My main thing about a good road shoe is that it has to be light and airy.

These shoes not only do that but they do it so well I would have a hard time running in anything else.

Soft knit upper dries fast & provides a breathable, compression-like fit that delivers lightweight directional strength & unmatched comfort to help you go the distance. (Source)

I've been testing these shoes out for a little over a month and I just am in love with every aspect of them.

I've ran plenty of my training runs and goal 5k's in them as well and I can definitely say that they live up to my expectations.

UA HOVR™ technology provides ‘zero gravity feel’ to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact on every run. (Source)

I don't take shoe choices lightly, I know a LOT goes into choosing the perfect pair for each runner and these just happen to fulfill every single one of my needs.

The stability is perfect, light but not too light, I need a shoe that breathes like crazy, I hate the feeling of my feet being encased fully, and I also need a shoe that has a little bit of give to it.

Ventilated midfoot panel increases breathability. (Source)

My feet are wider than normal but not wide enough to fit actual WIDE width shoes, it's a dilemma I have been dealing with for a while when it comes to picking out running shoes!

I can't recommend these shoes enough and feel totally and 100% confident that everyone should at least give them a try!

I just love Under Armour products so much, if you recall I ran my 50K in a pair of UA trail shoes... I've never considered myself a one shoe brand type lady but here I am just loving me all the Under Armour shoes... I may be changing my ways!

Check them out HERE

 Another plus?! They're only $100... I personally feel like that's a steal for a great pair of running shoes!! As if you needed another reason.

*CHEERS*

"Disclaimer: I received NuGo Egg White Protein Bars to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!"

I've had the pleasure of testing these bars for well over a month and I can say without doubt they have become a staple in my pantry for many reasons.

First and foremost, the taste. These protein bars come in above all others because of their texture and consistency. They aren't too stiff or gooey in my personal opinion, which says a lot because most protein bars are just inedible due to their texture. I can say without a doubt these bars are extremely superior in the texture department!

Second, flavor, they are FULL of flavor and not just muted forms of what the package says. This is also a big deal for me because if I'm going to be snacking on something I don't want it to be bland or blah. I take my calories seriously so it's a no-go for me to have a snack or mid run fuel to be bland.

Third, the nutrition factors. I love that they strip everything down to the basics. I love to eat real and raw foods, I'm happier knowing where my food is coming from, start to finish. NuGo Egg White Protein Bars deliver in this aspect, I feel good about what they represent and the product they are putting out. "The love our consumers have for NuGo bars comes from the perfect balance of quality, taste, and nutrition they find in every bar. Our bars are light, bakery-style snacks packed with nutrients and protein, and free of unnecessary, dense-tasting calories. " (Source)

Now through August 3rd you can go to NuGo's website and use code BIBRAVE at checkout and enjoy 15% off!! You really won't regret it!!

*CHEERS*

Disclaimer: I received an Ultima to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

It's hot.

Let's not even pretend.

It's humid and it's miserable.

Running outdoors is difficult during this time of the year, at least for those of us in areas where heat and humidity are at their absolute worst.

As a runner, it's even more difficult to make sure my body stays hydrated, well really because I stink at it most other times as well. Add in the heat and you would think I would be better about it, unfortunately it's always an afterthought.

My main reason for this?

I HATE adding in the extra calories and sugars.

I always think that just water will do it for me.

While water is an EXCELLENT way to hydrate on a run it's not the only thing our bodies need.

We are sweating out all sorts of fun stuff on a run and we need certain types of drinks/foods to refuel properly in order to not keel over in extreme exhaustion and pain.

Bottom line, electrolyte drinks are a must.

We all know the go-to's that are out there, and while they are great they just didn't meet my needs all around.

I run a lot, yes, but I don't run 60+ minutes every single day.

There are days I only get out there for 20-30 minutes and in that period of time, sure I need a supplement to rehydrate with, but I DON'T need those extra calories or all that sugar that is necessary for longer or more intense runs.

When I got the opportunity to test out Ultima's Electrolyte Replenishing formula I jumped at the chance.

I love the idea of just how much thought has gone into their product.

"Never, ever will we add unnecessary calories especially from high fructose corn syrup. The American diet is loaded with sugar already. Ultima is sweetened with Stevia leaf and is labeled as Rebaudioside A." SOURCE.

I love that I know I am refueling during and after my runs with a product that takes what I want and need and makes it a reality.

I love feeling good about the supplements that I am taking, and I love knowing that I'm not adding in unnecessary calories or additives that other products are so quick to put into their products, specifically for those shorter yet intense summer time runs!

If you're interested in checking them out follow this link:

Amazon.com/shops/ultimareplenisher

And use code ULTIMABR

for 15% off your order!!!

*CHEERS*