Week Nine

Day 1 : Monday 9-17-18

Day 2 : Tuesday 9-18-18

7 treadmill miles done today! The boys were going crazy the entire time so there were quite a few breaks taking to stop the boys from fighting one another. There was even once when Oliver had Charlie in what resembled a complex wresting hold... I swear, boys are insane. One minute they're fighting and the next they can't stop hugging and kissing each other. I also was dealing with a bit of a sinus infection so my head was a little fuzzy and my breathing a bit difficult. All in all I was glad I got the run in, there wasn't any way that I was going to make an excuse and push this workout.

Day 3 : Wednesday 9-19-18

I haven't ran a timed run since my Double Chubb training. So I started out with a 20 minute warm up, followed by 20x 1 minute hard then 1 minute easy, then a 10 minute cool down. I got in a total of 6.81 miles and it felt really good. I enjoyed not having a mileage hanging over my head but rather a time. I knew I was going to be running for a certain amount of time and that was really comforting and helped me get in a mindset for this run. I was happy with my mileage on top of it all as well!

Day 4 : Thursday 9-20-18

Holy heat. This run was intense. We ran faster than expected and dealt with the heat and humidity! I couldn't wait to get home and rinse off, I could ring out my clothes as if they had just come out of the washer! Cool, right?! Got in 4.2 miles and was happy to have gotten that run out of the way in the early AM before the heat kicked up a bit in the afternoon. Also, shout out to this lady for being on SO many of my runs this training cycle. She's been a kick butt running partner and have enjoyed every minute of our time together!

Day 5 : Friday 9-21-18

I didn't stop this entire day! I swear I was go-go-go from sun up until sun down! Got in my yoga cross training thankfully! I knew I was going to need it since I had a HUGE long run in store the next day!

Day 6 : Saturday 9-22-18

This run scared me. I saw 20 miles on my plan and I knew that I was going to have to mentally prepare for it. During my entire Double Chubb training my highest mileage I ran was on a treadmill. Other than my 50k, this training run was the farthest run I have ran outdoors and it was terrifying but after it was over I felt great! The first 14 miles I ran with my running partner! We talked, we saw tons of dead birds on the trail (still unsure what that was all about but there were at least a dozen of the same breed bird dead all along the same small stretch of trail), and we dealt with all of the crazy bikers! 14 miles in and I decided to get in the last 6 on my own on the trail instead of heading home and using the treadmill. I wanted this run all outdoors!

Nutrition is going great, I'm eating roughly every 40 minutes and every time I hit my aid station/car! PBJ's, peaches, plums and banana nut muffins have been my favorite go-to foods so far! I've also been paying attention to my hydration and electrolyte intake as well. I can honestly say that by paying attention to these things I feel like I could run forever! I don't ever let myself fall behind or tell myself to just hold on a few more minutes, if I feel hungry or thirsty or deficient in any sense, I slow down and take in what I need! I've never done this before so it has taken a bit of practice for me, nutrition and me have never meshed well!

Day 7 : Sunday 9-23-18

Recovery miles today! Took it easy, got in 4 miles and was just happy that I wasn't really sore from the day before! Again, a first for me, hitting such a long distance on Saturday and not feel sore the next morning! I can feel my body getting stronger each week and it always seems to surprise me!

Week Ten

Day 1 : Monday 9-24-18

REST DAY!

Again, another day of rest and attempted relaxation! 

Day 2 : Tuesday 9-25-18

I really didn't want to do this run. Same timed workout as last week and I was dreading it. I was tired and just run down from chasing the boys around all day. They take it out of me on a daily basis and I am constantly feeling like I have to fight the urge to just pass out at every given chance!

So again, 20 minute warm up, 20x 1 minute fast then 1 minute slow, and a 10 minute cool down. The awesome part about this run is that I hit the 7 mile mark! Upped my mileage from last weeks timed run and it felt great! After the warm up I just got into a groove and kept going!

Day 3 : Wednesday 9-26-18

5 treadmill miles. The boys cooperated more on this run but the motivation just isn't there lately. I can't explain it but it's been taking much more self motivation to get my butt on that treadmill or out on the roads! I'm always much happier after my runs so for my sanity and my families sanity I just have to make myself get these workouts in!

Day 4 : Thursday 9-27-18

I needed to get this run in before work. I knew that the day was going to be packed so planning strategically was a big deal. Thankfully I was able to do it and didn't have to get on that treadmill post work! Another speed workout for the week. First 5 were steady and the last 3 I increased a bit each mile! Felt good, felt right, got into a groove and let this run just flow!

Day 5 : Friday 9-28-18

Oh my gosh, the DooGood 5k was such a fun run that I got in on Friday! I was so lucky to have my dogs, Charlie, my sister-in-law and her pup along for the ride! Being part of BibRave I've had the pleasure of testing out some incredible products and ran one other FUN race, but this whole Scooby Doo Run series has been such a blast! I'm able to train and race whenever is convenient for me being as the race is virtual and basically all on our own honesty! I was so happy that my sister-in-law was willing and able to join us today, we had a blast with the dogs getting it done and us being able to chat and just hang out. Let's be real, we could just drop the "in-law" at the end of that because it's definitely a much closer relationship than that title tends to convey!

Coming up in October we have the Scoobtober 5k as well so I'm hoping we can plan it out to have this group back together again to tackle that 5k as well!

Day 6 : Saturday 9-29-18

First I just have to say that I feel so incredibly lucky to live in a city where the running community is beyond inviting. I am part of a few amazing running clubs through Facebook and have never once felt judged or anything of the sort. Not only do these run clubs feel super inclusive they also host group runs very regularly. One of my FAVORITES is Arch City Run Club's LADIES TO THE TRAILS events. Basically it's a ladies run that meets once a month at a different trail in the area. I've met some awesome ladies through these runs and love showing up on my own and just seeing where the run takes us. I always feel like I walk away on cloud 9 having just run through the woods, no matter the temperature or weather, with ladies who completely understand my love for this sport.

On Saturday I was able to meet up with the ACRC LADIES TO TRAIL run group and I got in 8 miles. On top of just having an awesome group of ladies, the leader of this group and the coordinator of the event is none other than my COACH, Jaime! So not only did I get to hang out with some kick butt ladies, I was also able to get some one-on-one run time with my coach and mentor! I can honestly say I think of her as a friend and mentor who just happens to be my wonderful and knowledgeable coach! She just has that personality you want to be around, she is positive and welcoming and it's impossible to NOT want to be around that energy!

The rest of the day we were crazy busy so I got in the last 7 miles of my long run that evening on the treadmill before the boys went to sleep. Those miles went really well! I was hitting times I didn't even plan on and afterwards felt like I could take on the world! All in all I can say my motivation came back like crazy today!

Day 7 : Sunday 9-30-18

*CHEERS*

Disclaimer: I received the Gatorade Endurance Formula and Gel 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!

The last time I reviewed this product (HERE) I absolutely loved it. I knew that this was exactly what I needed to train for my 50 miler coming up this Fall. I had already decided I was going to order some more product and continue to promote it because it is just THAT good, I swear!

The opportunity came up to test out another round of this Gatorade Endurance POWER duo and I jumped at the chance!

The endurance formula is delicious, light and everything I need on its own. I never feel the need to take huge gulps of water afterwards. For me, sports drinks have always dried my mouth out, left me with a thick taste in my mouth. So, imagine my surprise after tasting the Endurance Formula! I was hooked and haven't used anything else during my Tunnel Hill training!

Some stats about the Endurance Formula (SOURCE):

ELECTROLYTES : 300mg Sodium & 140 mg Potassium

"Farther takes more. More determination. More early mornings. And more nutrients. Gatorade Endurance Formula has nearly twice the sodium and three times the potassium of traditional Gatorade. Endurance Formula can help you stay fueled and hydrated from Mile 1 to Mile 40 and beyond."

CARBS : 22g

"Get a quick kick of carbs with Endurance Formula's specialized carbohydrate solution. It’s scientifically formulated to be absorbed into the bloodstream as quickly as water, so both the fluid and carbs are delivered fast while minimizing the risk for gastrointestinal distress during a long (2.5 hr+) training session or race compared to a single carb solution."

CALORIES : 90

"Calories are crucial to going the distance. Not only are they the foundation of an endurance athlete’s nutritional needs, they help provide muscles with the energy needed to go farther."

Now let's move on to the gels. As I've stated before, I don't do gels. Gels have always upset my stomach and been so incredibly thick that I can't get through a whole one in one sitting, making it difficult to rely on them during long outdoor runs. On the treadmill I could take a tiny bit at a time and set it to the side and pick it up later, not so much an option outdoors on the run!

These Gatorade Energy Gels break all of the molds in my opinion. They are light, they are airy, it's almost like taking a drink out of the gel pouch! The first time I opened one it went everywhere because I wasn't prepared for it to be more of a liquid as much of a sticky substance. I took it and didn't feel the need to drink a gallon of water, I took the WHOLE thing! Again, since testing this product out the first time, these are the ONLY gels I have used since then!

Some stats on the Gels (SOURCE):

CARBS: 20g

"It’s a simple fact of training. The longer and harder you go, the more carbs your body needs. Endurance Energy Gel has 20g of carbs per serving to help endurance athletes continue to perform at a high level."

CALORIES : 80

"You can’t go farther unless you feed the machine. Simply put, you need a steady supply of calories. Endurance Energy Gel has 80 calories per packet to help keep your muscles churning mile after mile after mile."

With all of that said, I stand by my statement last time around and again this time. I won't use anything other than Gatorade Endurance Formula & Gels. I do understand that everyone is different, so even though it's perfect for me, it may not be for you. I just ask that you give it a try, especially if you're anti-gels or sports drinks. These may just be what you've been looking for!

Also, a little fun note, if you're running in any of THESE RACES in the upcoming months, you'll have some of the Gatorade Endurance Formula on course!!!

*CHEERS*

As we approach the date we have set to run this 5k I felt it was necessary to introduce you all to the furbabies of mine that will be running alongside of me!

They're not necessarily runners by choice but they humor me and are always good sports about it... Without further ado, let's meet the pups!

Well, looks like I have some pretty, okay somewhat, excited dogs ready to go this week for our virtual Doo Good 5k Run!! We'll be heading out on September 28th to get in these miles so be on the lookout via social media to follow along!

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP YOURSELF!

Use code BIBRAVE for 10% off your own registration and join us on this virtual run!!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

However you cover the miles, share your photos and stories using #ScoobyDooRun and #DooGood

*CHEERS*

When the opportunity to sign up for this virtual race became available I immediately knew that I wanted to do it! I love running with my pups and what better way to incorporate them into my fitness routine than to sign them up for two races!

The first virtual run, the Doo Good 5k takes place anytime in September! The girls and I are planning on running this 5k on September 28th.

The second virtual run, the Scoobtober 5k/10k takes place anytime in October! The girls and I are planning on running this race on October 24th.

Sign up for the series and run these races with us too... Grab your four legged pal and get running.

You may be wondering, "What is a virtual run?!" A virtual run is similar to any other run except it can be completed at any location, time, or place of your choosing.  All you need to do is sign up for one or both of the races, complete the distance during the allotted time frame, and log your miles.

You can use code BIBRAVE for 10% off your registration, so hurry on up and do it today!

I can't wait to run these races and look forward to seeing all of you out there with your dogs as well. There's nothing more fun than running with our furbabies. In support of the Scooby-Doo "Doo Good" campaign, a portion of your registration will be donated to the Best Friends Animal Society. Their ultimate goal is to be No Kill Nationwide by 2025 which is something that I feel is extremely important and a cause that just about anyone can get behind! Join us and help be a part of this incredible initiative

However you cover the miles, share your photos and stories using #ScoobyDooRun and #DooGood

Let me know via social media if you'll be joining us on this awesome journey!

*CHEERS*

Week 8 was definitely a success in my book! This week was a down week so the workouts weren't as intense and the long run wasn't as long as last weeks but it was definitely needed. I was able to really appreciate the work that I've been putting in. I have felt the results of the past 7 weeks speed workouts and just felt stronger all around! Here's how it went...

Day 1 : Monday 9-10-18

Rest Day

Day 2 : Tuesday 9-11-18

Day 3 : Wednesday 9-12-18

Day 4 : Thursday 9-13-18

Day 5 : Friday 9-14-18

Day 6 : Saturday 9-15-18

Day 7 : Sunday 9-16-18

*CHEERS*