Interview Apolo Ohno! (and free food too)

Have you guys seen those Subway commercials lately with Apolo Ohno? If not, then you may not know that he’s been training for the ING New York City Marathon, and using Subway as a part of his refueling process. Last year Subway showed Jared training for the marathon which I thought was pretty cool. I can’t believe how far that guy has come. This year, Jared challenged Apolo.

As a professional athlete, Apolo obviously has a good foundation for training for an endurance event. He completed the Chicago Half marathon and his time was 1:40:59! I still think it’s interesting though- because running races has its own set of challenges and running is different from many other sports. I think it goes without saying that just being athletic doesn’t mean you can just run a marathon (and it also doesn’t mean that you’d WANT to!)

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 Just recently I read an article on ESPN where Michael Phelps explained why he would not want to take on the Subway NYCM challenge:

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I’m not a runner,” said Phelps, who has won 16 Olympic medals — 14 of them gold. “My sisters have done marathons, and I see how much pain they are in. I’m just not too good on land. I’m just clumsy out of the water.”

Interesting, right?

So here’s why I’m talking about this….

As a part of this Subway promotion, I was invited to interview Apolo before the ING NYC Marathon to get the scoop on his training routine, his inspiration, and how he feels about the big day (and whatever else I wanted to know!). However, I’m not able to make the call due to work obligations.

So I asked my contact if it would be possible to still submit questions for the call even though I would not be on it. Not only am I able to submit my questions, but I’m also able to submit yours! And the extra bonus? I’m going to giveaway a $25 Subway gift card to a reader whose question I think is really great!

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To enter, just leave me a question that you would like to ask Apolo in the comments section. I’ll choose a winner tomorrow evening. Your question will be submitted for the call, and you’ll also get a gift card!

Disclosure: For my participation in this promotion I too am receiving a Subway giftcard. And I plan to use it up rather quickly on veggie and cheese subs that I will eat to my pregnant heart’s delight.

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Trust

As I woke up this morning with only one nostril functioning and a head full of crazy hair, I tried to just become aware of my surroundings and settle into the day.

 

Embracing pre-race jitters is a part of the fun, isn’t it? The more I realize how nervous I am, the more I remember that this is a part of the experience.

 

I’m not happy about being sick, but this hurdle is just a little bump in the road. I can push through. I WILL PUSH THROUGH.

 

One of the main reasons I love races is because it gives me a sense of accomplishment, excitement, and the ability to be proud of myself in a true and honest sense.

It seems to me that as an adult, there aren’t as many opportunities to cheer yourself on- and to compete with yourself in this way. For me, it was something that was left behind when I stopped playing team sports.

 

Sure, I can compete against the lady next to me on the elliptical to see who lasts longer…but it’s certainly not the same rush as crossing that finish line.

 

So now I’m just getting myself all set to go to DC this afternoon.

Coconut water for today (supposed to be great for hydration)

Regular gatorade and a gatorade primer shot, some bagels, pb, and bananas for my friends and I tomorrow.

Fuel during the race will be some shot blox and gu (not pictured, but its the chocolate one).

 

And my camera isn’t good enough to get a picture up close, but that gatorade primer thing had a message on the back that really stuck with me.

 

"Prime your body to start out strong and then trust your training."

Ok. I will.

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Sick Day

I’m writing to you today from the couch- where I’ve been since this morning.

Nothing too bad going on, but for the past few days I’ve felt myself getting run down. I barely had a voice last night after teaching all day and by 10 I knew I wasn’t going to make it in today.

Another big reason why I needed to rest up today..

Yep, that Half Marathon thing….it’s Saturday!

 

I am starting to really get my pre-race jitters and nervousness. I’m not in the best position since I’m under the weather, but I’m hoping that I am pleasantly surprised by my performance in the race.

 

I’m not expecting to beat my PR from my first half, but I’m just hoping to finish strong.

 

I’ll be sure to post a recap after the race- but in the meantime I’m just trying to get better!

Ever get sick before a race?

How do you deal with pre-race jitters?

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Kelly with Katie

Today’s long run was one that I was really looking forward to. Not only would I be running with my good friend Katie, but I would also be running somewhere new.

(Katie and I before the Philly half marathon)

 

Kelly Drive is a popular running route in the city and it is about 8.5 miles around.

It starts near Boathouse Row, which is a famous site in Philly. Boathouses for regattas line the Schuykill River and it really is beautiful. They light it up at night as well.

Katie is training for the Suntrust Marathon in March (I’m running the half) so she was out for a 16 mile training run.

 

I was aiming for about 9 or 10 today so I ran 1 mile solo and then joined Katie for her second loop.

 

The sun was shining when we got started and we chatted and caught up. Before I knew it, we had already completed 4 miles.

At around mile 6 though, we both noticed that it got progressively colder and more windy. The last stretch towards the Art Museum was a little brutal for both of us. We both decided it was time to turn on our i-pods.

I was greeted by the lovely "Low Battery" warning on my shuffle and got about 2 songs worth out of it. Not cool. Soon enough though, I could see the Art Museum in the distance which told me we were almost done.

Garmin Report:

9 miles/1:30:58 min/Avg. Pace 10:04/mi

 

Overall Training Status:

At this point I feel good about where I am as far as training for this race. I’m not following my plan exactly, but I’ve been adding in more weights and cross training. I feel strong, and my pacing is consistent. My body is recovering quickly after long runs and I’m injury free. Can’t ask for much more.

I honestly don’t know if I will PR in this race, but either way my main goal this time is to finish strong. The end of my last half marathon was kind of brutal since I hit a major wall at mile 11. I’m hoping this time that I can make some small changes to hopefully avoid that issue again.

 

After our run, Katie and I hit up a cute cafe called Ants Pants. We each slugged 3 cups of coffee (and water) and housed our food. I got a spinach, goat cheese, and caramelized onion omelette, fruit, and a side of honey wheat toast.

 

Katie got crème brulee battered French toast with bananas. YUM!

Sorry for the lack of pictures of the food, I forgot my camera in the car and was way too lazy to get it.

 

Now it’s time to take a little snooze I think.

 

Training for anything? How’s it coming?

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Exciting News!

Half marathon #2 here I come!

 

I’ve been thinking about this race a lot. There were some personal reasons why I wasn’t sure if I wanted to sign up, but the runner inside would not be ignored!

 

I am in good shape for training since I started a long run schedule last week when I was strong for over 6. I also am not going to put too much pressure on myself to break my PR, I just want to do the best I can.

 

Another cool thing is that the race is just a few weeks before my 30th bday. What a great way to celebrate!

My friend Katie who ran the Philly half with me is running the Suntrust full marathon. It’s her first marathon! I’m excited to be running with her on that day!

Hope you guys are excited as I am for another half marathon training journey!

 

In other news, I’m off for Day #2 of student teaching.  I’ve got my buffalo tofu salad wrap, a berry yogurt, carrot sticks, string cheese and clementines.

I loooove my built lunch bag!

See ya after school!

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Faking it

Sometimes things aren’t always as they seem.

Study zone on the other side of the “clean” table

With this idea of faking it in mind…. I’ve decided on a new goal.

For various reasons I can’t sign up for race right now. But I really miss training for one. Ever since my half marathon in November, I’ve been craving that focus and dedication to running that I previously had.

I need some new goals, and therefore, I’ve decided to start training for a fictional race, called the 15 by 30 Race.

I’m planning on working up to a 15 mile distance by the end of March, which is right before my 30th birthday.

Here is the training plan I am going to follow as best as I can starting next week.  I am using an outline done by Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point. Her plan includes tempo and speed runs, which I’ve never done before. But I think that incorporating them will help me to become a better runner.

I’m hoping that with a new plan, I will be able to find my running mojo again! With my new student teaching schedule as well as the yucky winter weather, I know this might be a tough goal, but I really think I can tackle it.

Do you believe in faking it until you make it? In what ways do you do it?

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An unconventional race- RECAP

This morning started out like most race mornings.

 

Alarm goes off ridiculously early, but it doesn’t matter because I couldn’t sleep anyway.

 

Make coffee

Pour it into the most awesome mug

Eat the usual breakfast (plus cream cheese, and a banana that went unpictured)

Bandage up a few wounded soldiers

Pump myself up, and head out!

Things were a little different for this race though- here’s why.

1. I didn’t know anyone else running, and I went by myself

2. I wasn’t sure if I would be running the 5 or 8 mile distance

3. I’m not a member of this running group, so I was hoping I would meet people, but a little nervous about it.

4. I don’t know the course.

5. This was a prediction race. No watches, ipods, garmins allowed. The winner is the person that most accurately predicts their finishing time.

 

When I arrived at the running store, I decided to opt for the 8 mile course.

Hey, why not, right?

Soon after I met another woman running that course,and then introduced myself to another girl who was running the 5 mile course.

She said she would up to the 8 mile, and we could run together. SCORE!

Then I found out that:

Friend #1 finished the Philly 1/2 marathon 3rd in her age group in 1 hour 38 minutes.

Friend #2 was a track runner in college and averages 7 min miles

CRAP.

 

We started out and the entire running group was FAST! Friend #2 said she didn’t care how fast she ran, so she would slow down so we could stick together. Her slow was still my fast though, and I was winded pretty quickly.

 

The course ended up just getting hillier and hillier! And at the fork where the 5 mile and 8 mile course met, I had to peace out on my new friend, and go for the 5 mile distance.

 

I finished strong and felt great. I had no watch on and there was no timer at the end so I have no idea how long it took me to finish, and I honestly don’t care.

 

I met a few other people on the 5 mile course, and then back at the store after the run. It was so nice to make new friends!! I exchanged numbers with two girls and we plan to run together and meet up with the group again.

 

I forgot how exciting it is to meet new people and make new connections. I also think that running in this group will help me to become a faster and better runner.

 

Running is a sport that has given me so much. And now, it is helping me to branch out and make new friends.

 

Off to meet another friend for lunch. What a great day!!

 

Do you get nervous about meeting new people/friends?

Have you ever run with a group that was a lot faster than you? How did it go?

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Out and About

Hi everyone!

Sorry for my strange blogging schedule today, it’s just been a weird day!

I headed out around 1:30pm for a much needed run.

 

It was really cold, but it always amazes me how quickly I warm up.

I completed 4 miles in 38 minutes.

Mile 1- 9:32/mi

Mile 2-9:38/mi

Mile 3- 9:39/mi

Mile 4- 9:10/mi

 

After my run I headed over to a running store in a nearby town (SO I THOUGHT).. where I had purchased a Groupon yesterday.

 

My Nike Pegasus 27′s are BEAT and my heels are starting to hurt, so I’ve been meaning to get new sneaks.

When this Groupon arrived, it was great timing! I wanted to purchase my next pair of shoes at a good store where someone could fit me.

Too bad it took A MILLION YEARS to get to this store!

 

I’m not having good luck in the traffic department lately, am I?

 

After working with Carl @ the North Wales Running Company, I ended up falling in love with a new show.

The Brooks Ravenna!

They felt really good, and although I loved my Nike’s I think these will wear better and be better for my feet.

 

So all done, right? NO. The only size they had was a 10.5 which was too small. Although I could tell I liked the fit, I need more toe room. Carl had to order me an 11 and 11.5 to try on. So I will be traveling far and wide again to use this Groupon.

 

FYI- I wear a 9/9.5 in regular shoes and will be running in an 11 or 11.5. So if you’re buying running shoes without help, make sure you get them BIG enough or you will be sorry!

So I finally got on my way and was SO hungry that I knew I couldn’t make it home without food.

 

I had to pick up a toy for my race entry fee tomorrow, so I stopped at CVS for double duty.

 

Treat for me ( I guess?)

Treat for a little tyke

When I walked in the door I whipped up something more substantial.

Quesadilla Pizza

2 tortillas, meatless meatballs, string cheese and Joe’s homemade tomato sauce + a few min in the microwave= SANITY RESTORED.

 

Now I’m off to clean up and get read to meet a few friends for dinner. I won’t be out too late since I think I might attempt the 8 mile course in the race tomorrow!

 

(Side note: It feels weird to join a race last minute and not really care about a PR or timing or anything too serious. I’m mostly nervous about not knowing anyone else that is running!I just hope I’m not the slowest since I don’t know this course at all)

 

What running shoes do you wear? How much bigger are they?
Do you eat protein bars? -I used to and haven’t in forever. This one was pretty gross.

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That felt GOOD!

I woke up early this morning and got a boatload of schoolwork done

That felt good.

I ran a few errands including returning the library books I had that are due today.

That felt good.

 

I completed my first run since the race.

That felt good.

 

I finished 5 miles in 49 minutes.

That felt good.

 

I wore my marathon shirt on my run.

That felt really good.

 

I ate a weird lunch that helped use up leftovers in the fridge. (Bulgur, spinach, fried egg)

I wasn’t so sure at first, but yes, that felt good too.

I’m going to see my family and enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

That will feel GREAT.

What are you feeling GOOD about today?

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Philly Half Marathon Recap!

Good morning everyone!

Thanks again for all of your support for my half! I can’t believe it has already come and gone.  I’m excited to share this recap with you. Here’s what went on this weekend.

 

Saturday:

Family arrives in town. Sisters and I head to the expo again.

I bought this thing

It’s called a Tiger Tail, and you roll it on your muscles to get a good massage. Kind of like a foam roller without all of the challenging maneuvering.

While we were at the expo, my mom cooked up some homemade sauce and meatballs for dinner. Oh yeahhh!

Soon after this I had some ice cream while hanging out on the couch with my sister, and then ran up and down the stairs 4 million times grabbing things I needed, making lists, etc.

Set the alarm for 4:30am and hit the sack…. (but was really up the entire night having pre-race jitters).

 

Sunday:

4:30am- alarm goes off.

4:30am – I sleep through my alarm.

4:31 am- Joe wakes me up after listening to the Verizon default tone play over and over. Thank goodness he woke up.

4:45- Coffee, bagel, Gatorade.

5:20- Leave for Philly. Pray for no random traffic incidents.

 

At 6am we were parked and met up with my friend Katie and her husband Matt. They live downtown and Katie was running the race too.

 

6:30am- headed towards the start line. It’s freezing! And dark. And I’ve had to pee 900 times already.

Getting pumped, there are people all over the place walking towards the race! (this is a horrible and scary photo)

Sunrise over the art museum steps. Getting in our corral.

How many times can you listen to the song from Rocky before getting sick of it?

The thermal has been discarded. I’m cold, but ready!

I was hoping to see my family around mile 1 but we missed each other. But I saw them all at mile 6.5 and was feeling GREAT!

This runner’s high lasted until around mile 9 when a few hills and a quiet course was getting me a little worn out.

I took a Gu around mile 9.8 and had a burst of energy from 9.8 to 10.8.

Then I really hit the wall.

At mile 11 I was dead. I kept looking at my Garmin and my pace was slowing, and it felt like I was running in place.

My ipod was now repeating songs, and it was like all the energy was sucked out of me.

My feet hurt.

My legs were tired.

But I knew I couldn’t stop. I just kept going.
And before I knew it, I heard, “Half-Marathoners veer right towards the finish line!”

 

(side note: how cruel is it that they make the full marathoners watch us head to the finish, knowing they are only 1/2 way done?)

 

As I approached the finish I saw my family! And a bunch of other strangers were calling out my name since it was on my bib.

I got a burst of energy!

 

I took off for about 30 seconds and got back to a normal pace until the end. But that burst helped my time!

 

Unofficial Time: 2:12:58

Avg. Pace 9:57/mile

Total Distance: 13.35 miles (wait a minute..)

 

Enjoyed hanging out after the race for a little before I got tired and headed home.

Took a glorious shower.

Enjoyed a long nap and a Steelers blowout game.

Ate lots of ice cream and various other things.

Woke up this morning with some tightness and a bit of pain in my left hip.
But overall, I feel amazing. And I can’t wait to do it again.

 

Lastly, I just want to share some of my favorite signs and funnies from the race.

 

Sign: “They say running is all mental, and I think you’re completely insane”

Sign: “This is really what you do for fun?”

Sign (in the shape of a foot): Toenails are overrated!

Shirt: “I thought this race was 2.62 miles!?”

 

Have a great day everyone, and thanks again for your encouragement along the way!

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