Hey there!  Happy Tuesday again!

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Taper time, love it or hate?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

What’s not to like about taper time?  I for one do love it and always looked forward to it when I was training for a marathon.  

So what is taper time and what is the big deal with it?  Tapering starts right after completing your last long run (which is usually 20-23 miles but depending on your training plan and/or coach).  During this time you reduce the mileage each week allowing you to rest and recover and be ready for marathon day.  Many runners think that during this time they lose fitness because of the reduced mileage.  That is not true. 

Many other great things happen during taper.  “Tapering allows muscle glycogen stores to return to peak levels.  Metabolic enzymes, antioxidants, and various hormones, depleted during training, return to their optimal ranges.  Muscle and connective tissues repair and strengthen.  And, the body’s immune system improves dramatically too.  In short, tapering allows your body to prepare for peak performance.” (Source: www.runnersworld.com)

During this time people notice a weight gain of 2 to 4 pounds.  Basically it is carbohydrate and water being stored which you will need as you run 26.2 miles.  

What else can you do during this time?
• Drink plenty of fluids and cut down on alcohol and caffeine.
• Protein is your friend.  Have more of it.  
• Eat more food with complex carbohydrates but also include traditional sources of it like rice, fruit and legumes.  

GO RUN 26.2 MILES!!!

So what is your opinion, love or hate taper time?

Whew!  How is it again Tuesday?  How is the weather where you live?  Last week we had some cool Fall weather which I love.  However, it did warm up a bit yesterday and then today and tomorrow it is supposed to be even warmer.  Definitely some crazy weather here.

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  No gym access? How do you stay fit with in-home workouts?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I’ve been trying to be a fit person.  Ever since I started running in 2005, I’ve mainly focused on running.  I know I should be doing more but for some reason or another (more like excuses), I don’t do it.  I do love reading about other bloggers and their workouts whether at home or at the gym.  

Due to plantar fasciitis, I haven’t been able to run.  I have been foam rolling and stretching.  I bought a Strassburg sock to wear at night and also use orthotics in a pair of running shoes.  I don’t run in them but wear them on my way to and after school.  It does feel better but still I want to take it easy so that this injury goes away for good.

A month ago I got a Peloton bike.  So many people raved about it and I can see why.  I love the convenience of waking up in the morning and within 5-10 minutes being able to start a class or workout.  There are so many classes/workouts to choose from depending on the instructor, length, class type, and music.  So far my favorites are the ones with 80s music.  This is the perfect activity to do while I recover.

A few weeks ago my doctor diagnosed me with runner’s knee.  Symptoms include pain in and around the kneecap or rubbing, grinding, or a clicking sound when you bend and strengthen the knee.  The latter is what I have.  It was so weird to hear a clicking sound and I remember it used to freak me out.  Now I am used to it.  My doctor gave me a couple of exercises to do to strengthen the muscles that support the knee.  He also asked me to wear a knee brace while running.  I will confess that sometimes I get bored with the exercises but I know in the long run it is for my own good.  I am not consistent with them and that is why it is taking me longer to get better.  However, my knee does not click as much anymore and that is definitely a good thing.  

Every day I try to do something different whether it is a plank, tricep dips, wall pushups, or kettlebell swings.  I remember last year I did a 30 day challenge but only made it halfway through.  They’re definitely not easy to do.  Maybe I should try again.  No burpees for this girl.  Those I will save for later.  🙂

It isn’t perfect and definitely not consistent.  I am not as fit as I would like to be but I am trying.  What are some of your favorite at home workouts to stay fit?

Hello there!  Welcome to September.  Finally my favorite season will be here.  Although here in Chicago it already feels like Fall and I am LOVING it

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What’s your Fall race schedule?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

My next race is the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Half Marathon on October 20.  My training has not been going like I wanted it to go but I am excited to run a race in a new state.  I am more excited about running to/in Canada (although I’ve read that the tunnel is about a mile long and it is HOT in there).  I have 7 weeks to go so I think I will be ready?  🙂

Another race is the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Half Marathon on December 14.  I have airfare taken care of but still need to find a place to stay.  It is expensive to stay on the island.  I am thinking of maybe staying in Charleston and renting a car.  Hopefully I’ll find someone that already has a hotel room and is willing to share it with me.

I was hoping to finish my 50 states goal next year in Hawaii.  The plan was to run in 3 states in August but I had to cancel due to my plantar fasciitis.  I have races planned out for most of the remaining states but still need WY, SD, and ND.  Any suggestions?  Perhaps one I can in November or January?

What is on your schedule?  Do you enjoy running in the Fall season?

Hey there!  It is Tuesday again and almost the end of August.  The days and weeks are definitely going by too fast.  September is around the corner and that will leave us with 4 months left for 2019.  🙂

This week’s Tuesday Topic is a FREE topic.  Feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

To date I’ve run over 150 races ranging from 5ks and ultra marathons.  I’ve also done two relay races (Ragnar Relay Chicago and Illinois Marathon Relay).  Right now I am focusing on completing my goal of running a half marathon in each state.  I have 10 more to go.  However, there are a few races I would love to run one day.

Boston Marathon
It seems like almost every runner would love to do this race.  However, the qualifying times still make it difficult for me.  Remember, I am a “slow” turtle.  Right now I need a 3:55 to qualify but most likely need a 3:50 to maybe guarantee a spot.  A big maybe.

Marine Corps Marathon
I’ve run this race before but now I would like to run it “officially”.  Enough said, you get my point.  Once I am done with my goal, this is the marathon I plan to run.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Miler
I love running in DC and enjoy 10 mile races.  These two make the perfect race.  I know so many people that have run this race and have enjoyed it.  I want to be a part of it too.  Next year’s race will be on April 5th with the lottery opening up in early December.  A lottery for a 10 miler race?  Yep, it is that popular.

Little Rock Marathon
I ran the half marathon in 2013 but when I saw the medal for the marathon, I knew I had to go back one day and run the marathon.  That thing is as big as your face! 

Yes, only 4 races on my list.  Have you run any of those races?  What’s on your bucket list?

Hey there!  How is everyone doing?  How is it that summer break is almost over.  While I am sad about it, I am also excited for a new school year.  

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What’s your pre-race routine?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I am lucky that my stomach can handle pretty much anything.  One of the things I have to be careful about is eating too much spicy food.  What happens is that the next morning I tend to spend an extra few minutes in the bathroom.  I LOVE spicy food but try not to eat too much of it.

Where it is before a run or a race, I always have coffee.  As a matter of fact, even if I am not running, I always have coffee first thing in the morning.  I love the taste and the smell.  If I am running less than 6 miles then I don’t eat anything.  For longer runs I eat an Orgain Organic Protein Bar (chocolate cookie dough is my favorite).  I drink my coffee and eat my protein bar while getting ready.  If I am staying at a hotel, I find out if the hotel is offering a free breakfast and I usually get a bagel.

I try to have my clothes and gear ready the night before so that I can quickly get dressed.  Oh yeah and so that I don’t forget anything.

Depending on the distance, I may drink UCAN on the way to a run or race.  I’ve tried Cranberry Raspberry, Chocolate, Orange, and Cocoa Delite.  My favorite one is Chocolate.  Sometimes I make a gel with UCAN.   

I’ve run over 100 races and still get nervous before a race.  When will I learn?  Being nervous makes me go a lot to the bathroom.  I have counted and have sometimes used the port-a-potties 3-4 times before a race.  Yikes!

Do you have your gear and clothes ready before a race?  Have you forgotten something and realized it right before a race?