Recovering like a Champ.

 

Thank you all for your sweet comments/tweets/emails on my marathon post yesterday! It means so much to me! I have the best readers! Yesterday, I spent most of the day sitting,napping, and eating.

I’m a bit sore from the marathon and walking down the stairs is quite the accomplishment.

I made a cinnamon roll pumpkin spice muffin for breakfast.

It was delish!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffin

Ingredients:

• 2 tbs Coconut flour
• 1/2 C. Egg whites
• 1 scoop Cinnamon Roll dymnatize protein powder
• 1/4 Pumpkin puree
• 1/3 C. Unsweetened Vanilla almond milk
• 5-6 drops of vanilla stevia
• Extra cinnamon (if desired)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and cook in microwave for 5 minutes.

Top with favorite topping! I used PB2 protein sauce and sugar free maple syrup!

Bee is even getting in on taking pictures of my food.. she is pro.

I spent lots of time just like this.

Even went to church and there was no way I was taking off my compression socks..

Want to know how to wear compression socks to church?

Wear tall boots  

I laughed when I found out I wasn’t the only one who wears compression to church.

Do you ever get sick after a marathon??

Racing lowers your immune system so its common to catch a bug afterward.

I did after my first one and since then I always make sure to take in some Vitamin C after a race.

Airborne is my go-to!

Taste just like smarties.

For dinner I made some butternut squash, green beans and Hake. I always make more then we eat so we have some leftovers for meals to get us through the week. AKA. 2 days.

I looked up the workout last night to see what I get to deal with for my first workout post marathon…

Squatting may not be in the books tomorrow..

I’ll modify a bit! Specter is a rough workout. Actually that is an understatement.

Its terrible. And I love it. 

I may take an extra rest day…Depending on how I feel when I get to it

Huntsville Marathon

 

Yesterday was surreal.

The Huntsville Marathon AKA “The Full Monte” is a beautiful course! I ran the race with my friend Kenzie, Wendy, Kim and her husband Brian.

We loaded on the bus at about 7am. The race has a late start time at 9am. The past two days have been pretty chilly, stormy and my enthusiasm about the race was dropping.. I was worried the race would be cold.. When we got out of the car, I about got back in.. It was pretty chilly and I was glad I was wearing 9372 layers.

The race director came into the bus to welcome us, wish us good luck and tell us a little bit about the course before we headed to the top.

On the bus Kenzie and I both had our breakfast of oatmeal, and made sure to drink plenty of water!

When we got to the top there was nothing but clear skies! Yes, there was snow on the ground and the grass was frozen..but the sun was shining and it looked to be the perfect race day.

They had a tent with a heater in it at the top. It was about 30 ish degrees at the top so we squeezed in with about 600 of my closest friends.

I really had on 4 layers! Inside the tent I was warm and cozy. There was plenty of “honey buckets” up top so I never really had to wait in a long line to go to the bathroom.

Here are all the GPP peeps that ran the full monte!

 

They gave us a 20 minute warning to go time and we headed out of the warm tent, dropped our drop bags, jumped around to warm up a bit.

The race started a little later then planned.

I wore my zip jacket, gloves with hand warmers for the first 7 ish miles! I was glad to ditch my jacket but I regretted taking off my gloves then. My fingers and toes were cold till about mile 18. I didn’t care to much because the view was AMAZING! The changing leaves with the snow cap mountains in the backround was absolutely breathtaking. I felt like I was running in a picture.

THE COURSE

You can find this video on their website of the Huntsville Marathon in seven minutes!

The Huntsville Course is mostly downhill! It is a significant downhill the first 13 miles and to a gradual downhill at the half way point. Expect gradual small hill at mile 17.The last 6 miles are completely flat.

The Canyon is cool, with a slight headwind. It honestly was perfect race weather. When you get to the last 6 miles you are running past pastures, and homes. The race did a great job by adding, cheerleaders, bands and uplifting signs to help keep your head in the game.

 

THE AID STATIONS

The aid stations were fun, some were dressed up, some even ripped the top of the GU pack for you and the majority of the aid stations held the gatorade and water out for you. Some aid stations even had vaseline sticks they were handing out. There was also oranges and bananas at some. Towards the end one of the aid stations had swedish fish, pickle juice, fruit, pretzels and I think I even saw bagel pieces. The last aid station ran out of cups.. and at that point I was so thirsty! I was glad I had my water bottle on me and that a guy gave out strawberries in front of his house. The bands and cheerleaders along the last few miles were awesome.

MY EXPERIENCE

A week before this race I had talked myself into maybe not doing it. I have been battling plantar fasciitis for months and it at times is really painful. I knew I wouldn’t do as well as I wanted because of it.

After talking to friends and telling myself,I have done it before and I knew I could do it again. I went for it. I decided to just enjoy the race atmosphere and run the race because I love to run.

I had a goal of 3:45. I was a little ahead of pace according to my race smart bands. The downhill in the first half was perfect, I was able to run a comfortable pace and still keep ahead of schedule. I finished the first half right on pace. At mile 18, my foot started to tighten up and cramp. I slowed down and tried to focus on what was in front of me. At mile 21 I was 10 minutes behind pace and it felt like my foot snapped. I had a sharp pain and came to a complete stop right before an aid station. I walked through the aid station, stretched my foot on a rock and shook it off and kept running. At mile 23 I had fallen even more behind and at this point, I knew I wouldn’t hit my goal and mentally gave up.

In Mile 25 I saw my friends Tara and Nikki, they were yelling and cheering me on. I got all emotional seriously wanted to cry. My foot was killing me and to see them gave me an extra push. They started running with me and reassuring me I was almost there and could do it! {Seriously.. I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS EVER}

T & B were stretching and ready to run it home with me!

As soon as I saw them, they jumped up and ran out to me.They grabbed onto my hands and run to the finish.

Tanner wanted to run through by himself so he let go of my hand and waited till I got across with Bee. I turned around to cheer him through!

He jumped over the finish line and said “MOM! I’m fast like you!” That little guy melts my heart! He even found an old race bib at our house and asked Brent to put it on him for the race.

I didn’t get a PR. It is still in the chase. But I felt great overall besides my dang foot. I am proud of myself for pushing through when I mentally quit when I knew I wouldn’t hit my goal. It’s not about the PR. A marathon is about SO much more then that.

I have some pretty amazing husband and friends that support me.

Overall, I had a great experience, I loved the course and feel like I could be back next year with a PR.

I wouldn’t do anything different. I made sure to stay on top of my fuel and hydration, I had no stomach issues and felt great the whole time. Besides my foot, my legs didn’t quite give out till mile 23. And without having many long runs I think that was pretty good.

Both Kenzie and I followed a GPP training plan! Kenzie PR’d by 17 minutes! We both agreed that the plan was perfect for us. The longest run on the plan was 20 miles. (Which I never did because I ran a half marathon that day instead..) We both felt prepared and ready for the race.

I finished in 4:10 placing 11th in my age division.

If you are looking for a well organized race- start to finish, a beautiful course with a rockin’ downhill. This would be a great course for you.

It was one of my favorite courses!

The winner of the marathon finished in 2:19!!!! That is insane. Amazing. Inspiring.

Marathoners: What is your favorite marathon?

What gets you through those last miles (any distance)?

Runner Shopping. I’m pro.

 

Today, the twins and I got stuff done today.

I got my 3 mile run done and that was that for the day.

Also, got some work done.

My artistic abilities are amazing…

After the workout, and Bee’s dance we headed to the grocery store and the kids were totally stoked about the pile of pumpkins!

 

I’m excited for fall.

The leaves, the cooler ish weather, trail running, and of course pumpkin everything.

I snagged a new shuffle. Since I ran mine through the washer…

Now I get to upload it with music! AKA: Fight with itunes and put a curse on technology.

I also grabbed some new shoes. I could tell that my last mizunos had their last race last weekend.

New shoes are amazing.

I picked these babies up at Doboers in Bountiful. Locals: GO there! Dennis (the owner) is very knowledgeable and helpful. Not to mention if you pay in cash you get a discount!

Score!

I have been wearing my plantar fasciitis sock for the past two days.. still buggin, but it tends to help a little.

Grabbed the race essential.

Want to know my favorite running song right now..

What is your favorite running shoe?

What songs do I NEED on my playlist?

Marathon Week!

I have the Huntsville Marathon this Saturday!

I am excited about this marathon. I feel ready! Maaaaybe a little injured. (Plantar Fasciitis)

but overall, I trust my training.

Honestly, I didn’t do a 20 mile run. I had one on the schedule but did Big Cottonwood Canyon Half Marathon that weekend instead.. I also split the majority of my long runs into two runs each day just because of that crazy thing we call life.

But then again, I have never done a 20+ mile run in training before..

I’m ready to run though.

It will be beautiful. Downhill. & I’ll probably lose a toenail.

 

Totally worth it.

SIDENOTE: This race isn’t full yet so if you need a race soon.. REGISTER!

There is a Full—> Party with me…. Half Marathon, 10 k and 5k!! 

My friend Kenzie found these awesome race pace bands! This is a Utah based company, they create the pace bands coordinated to the race course you are doing!

www.racesmartpacebands.com

Click on pace bands and from there, select your race and your goal time!

I love this and can’t wait to try it.  No matter the distance of every run I think of it as two runs. For example, if I have a 5 mile run. I tell myself I have two 2.5 mile runs.

When I do a Marathon, I take it ONE mile at a time. If I have a goal pace for each mile it will help to focus on that mile and not the 9,382 more there is left.

Works for me.

I’m hoping for a perfect day.

Today I had a two mile run at 70%. I over shot a little bit.. 2.37 but whateve.

PS. Taper is awesome.

After my run, I ran errands- forgot about teaching a boot camp class.. seriously, completely spaced it! I’m losing it y’all…. Picked up the twinners from pre-school and headed home for lunch.

It was kind of an emotional weekend due to a family accident and I just don’t know where

I haven’t been posting recipes lately..

I have figured out my nutrition and its simple.

Boring.

But it works for me. I have been craving something yummy soon, so I’'ll be coming up with something snazzy for ya!

Sometimes (more like always) for lunch I make my whole meal in the same pan.

Hate dishes? This works just fine!

Mahi Mahi plus yellow squash and asparagus!

Hot and steamy = awesome pictures.

Loving all the squashes coming out the garden lately! (NOT my garden. It would for sure die.. but my friends are awesome.)

And just because I love this little golf man.

Ladies, here is some eye candy.

Do you run with a pace band?

Marathoners how many 20 + runs do you do?

What is your favorite meal?

Fall is coming. Enjoy it.

 

This morning I headed straight to body pump. It was a sweaty grand time.

I haven’t taught on a Saturday for awhile due to races and vacation. It felt great to hang out with the Saturday crew! The class was packed and we all left with major noodle legs and arms.

After pump,I got a text from my friend Tara asking if I wanted to go for a trail run.

Pull. my. finger.

It was such a beautiful hike/run. The leaves are starting to change! I have to go up in a few weeks and that entire view will be yellow, red and orange!

I made it home right in time for a park date with my family! We grabbed some plates and palates and headed to the park!

Brent headed to Provo for a football game and I hung out with the kiddos and watched bee catch potato bugs and store them in her bike.

(We safely freed the potato bugs..)

Now, I have the kids in bed and I’m watching psych and eating pumpkin cake. {Protein Cake}

Good times.

Favorite Pandora Stations

Middle of week dance party!

Something about this video just makes me happy! “Life is meant to be enjoyed”!

I woke up this morning and headed to the GPP. I grabbed a quick pre workout snack to get me through the morning. It was just a slice of Ezekiel bread with Nuttzo butter and Rasberries and a quest bar.

I love this quote at GPP and having it lit up in the morning just made it that much better.

“Without strength you have none to give”!

After coaching a couple classes myself I got to tackle this beast.

Yep, 200 reps. Once you started an exercise you had to finish all 200 reps before moving on to the next exercise. We timed each exercise. Some of these took me a little longer then I thought but I caught myself talking a little bit more.. oops.

After the workout we went and visited Brent at work and ran a couple errands before heading home. I was more then ready for lunch and while my lunch was cooking I ate a sweet potato and quite a few raspberries with nuttzo.---> Pretty much the best snack ever!

When my fish was done I sat down to enjoy a meal, not out of a plastic bag or tupperware.

That is right. I put it on a actual plate!

Miracle.

I love fish lately! I had Mahi Mahi with roasted red pepper hummus and sprinkled with Mrs. Dash (Chicken flavor) and asparagus to finish off lunch.

Then we played dress up.

This little girl LOVES make up. Especially blush. I love her.

I had easy miles on schedule today. I procrastinated it like a pro.

I finally headed out and got it done! I never run with my calf sleeves. Not sure if I could tell a difference while running but felt good. Finished five in 46:32. Texting and running is not recommended for training runs.. or maybe I’m not a great multi-tasker when it comes to that.

My Favorite Pandora Stations

I’m a huge fan of Pandora. I’m not great at downloading music to my iphone and I love variety so I usually just depend on Pandora for all my training runs. I have only a select few that I use during runs.

PS. Pandora one is an amazing thing. It’s $3.99 a month to avoid commercials and it’s worth it. Nothing is worse then getting ready to charge up a hill and a commercial about birth control or health insurance comes up.

I found a new favorite station that I started playing at the gym and during my run today. I love it!

• Pop and Hip Hop Power Workout

I also listen to

• 30h!3 Radio
• Todays Hits Radio
• Eye of the Tiger
• Dubstep Radio

I even listen to “Today’s Comedy Radio” if I’m in need for a good laugh while running.

 

Do you have a favorite Pandora station?