Chileda Classic

I do not recommend signing up for a race two days prior.  Last week that is exactly what I did.  I wanted to get a race in before my next marathon in October and I knew another one through Lacrosse, WI would be beautiful. I finally bit the bullet and paid to $40 for a 10k.  This was my first race where I went alone and knew no one else running! I realized when I was setting out my race outfit the night before that I completely forgot my garmin. I have never done a race without my watch. I was nervous that I would be lost without knowing my pace.  My watch didn't work during the last leg of my Ragnar Chicago race and I ended up running at a 7:45 pace!

I of course was way too early for the start of the 10k and walked around for a while.  I met a girl who was also running alone and we decided to run together.  I also noticed she had the new Garmin Forerunner 410 and I wanted to ask for a product review. Surprisingly we stuck together for most of the race.  After we saw our time after the first mile she exclaimed "that is the fastest mile I have ever run!" I had so much fun running with her.  I finished in 49 minutes and I was really happy with it. It was my first 10k and would definitely do it again.

1 week off

After my half marathon I decided to take a week off from running.  I had no idea it would be so hard to get back into it. My short three mile runs this week have been awful. I am nervous for my 10 miler on Saturday. In other news I AM ENGAGED! I will post photos soon. :)

Heat

While at work last week I stumbled into our campus's fitness center at 4:45am.  I then heard on the news that there is a significant chance that the Madison Marathon will be cancelled. I knew the forecast predicted temperatures to be over 95 degrees but I never thought it would actually be cancelled.  I was devastated because I knew that since the Green Bay marathon the week before was cancelled that mine would be too. Friday it was confirmed.  We were permitted to still run the half. I started scrambling to find other marathons that weren't full.  With the Ragnar Relay 2 weeks away I didn't want to risk it by running three races in a row.   So with that I signed up for a different marathon in October.  Yes, that means 18 more weeks of training!

As for the half it was so much fun. I thought I would be bitter the entire time but I loved every minute. I finished in 1:48 a huge PR for me by at least 5 minutes.  The heat really got to me in the end at 80-85 degrees. I held my small Gatorade bottle for the first 5 miles then pitched it.  I relied on the provider water and sports drink after that which was a mistake. I didn't think I needed my fuel belt for a half.  I learned my lesson!

I am excited for the next race and I even have two friends doing it with me!

Birthdays

Happy Friday!
I am off to Prarie Du Chien, WI this weekend. I have never been there but I am hoping it is a good time.

As far as running goes I did 4.25 miles outside last night and did the last 2 on the treadmill. I am following the training schedule for the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN. It is going pretty well so far and I am getting used to morning workouts. Nothing like waking up at the crack of dawn and going to bed at 8:30am.  I love acting like I am 80 years old. I love clif energy bars but am sick of how expensive they are! I made this homemade version of them last night from peasandthankyou.com. They turned out pretty good! I like to wake up and eat one of these a few hours before a run to let it digest and then go back to sleep.

Home-made pretzels eaten by one

After eating the leftover pad thai and adding whole wheat linguini I was determined to copy Hungryrunnergirl's home-made pretzel idea.  I bought a huge jar of yeast at target and needed to break it out. The recipe can be found here and I couldn't believe how good they were.  Ryan said they were boring but he forgot to alternate dipping them in peanut butter, butter, and caramel.  Yes, that is a letter R and K..Aunt Annie's in the mall is now featuring them I heard.

Gone Wrong

@nikerun is asked followers to comment on their embarrassing running stories so I thought I would share mine on here. Running with your iPhone in hand may be the safe route but if you become fixated on a certain song or text message it can turn ugly.  I took off my gloves to change the song and next thing I know I am face down on the concrete.  I almost called 911 just for a ride home.  I am pretty sure multiple cars saw me and just kept on driving by. Worst part was I tore my brand new Nike running tights!  I have been known for roller-blading wipe outs but never just running on the road. 

Aruba

Despite the farmers tan I really like this photo. Aruba was so amazing and I hope to go back someday.  Snorkeling, great food, and family time!