Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Month Review: February 2010

Wow, such a busy past few days! I planned on taking 2 days off from running after my 11 miler, but work has been busy and it turned into 3 days. I did have extra time to create a new layout for my blog! I know it doesn't look like much, but I actually changed the CODE and made my own! I am self-taught and basically figured it out line by line and slowly changing each background, font, sidebar, banner, footer, etc. I have to say, I'm pretty proud of my work, and its completely original :) You wont find this template on blogger anywhere else!! Okay, Ill stop now because its that time again.....month review!

February 2010:
       Total Miles: 95.4
       Running Time: 15:01:03
       Average Pace: 9:44/mile
       Yearly Total: 180.7 miles
       Yearly Time Total: 28:44:05
    
   Blog Posts in Feb: 17

Seriously, where did February go? February has been a great running month for me, I surpassed my monthly running goal (83.4 miles/month to reach over 1000 miles in 2010) and I am ahead for the year! I am really pleased with this and that I was able to add additional miles without getting injured (knock on wood!!). I also was able to slowly decrease my time per mile on the dreadmill. Now that I am running around 9:00 miles I am closer to my goal for the half marathon! Ill take anything I can get on the dreaded dreadmill...

Sarah 2, Dreadmill 0

The only negative part of February was my awful 11 miler last Saturday. Being completely drained and not having your body respond the way you want is really frusterating. I am glad that I have a 12 miler this weekened and a few more weeks before the Mercer Half to change my pre-long run nutrition and plan. The mileage was accomplished in a decent time, but I want to run and achieve my time goal for the long runs!

First goal in achieving success on long runs is to have some form of fuel on the long runs. I have heard of Shot Bloks and other chewable bites that you take mid-run, but honestly, I would probably choke if I tried to eat while running! Not a good thing. I have had GU in the past (not while running) so I think that can work on my stomach and not make me sick. Luckily, I noticed while at QFC that they carry energy gel products!!



QFC not only carries an excellent selection of protein bars and powder, but they also have energy gels and chewables. I decided to buy the following flavors and brands for my 11 miler this weekend:

 

 
Powerbar Gel in Vanilla

Like the colorful background? Yeah, I was getting creative on my coffee break today at work :) Im really excited to run this weekend and have a successful long run. Hopefully having more of a base and being well hydrated before the run AND energy gels during the run will do the trick.

What is your favorite mid-run energy booster??

Im off to put a few in on the treadmill. Have a great night!

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6 comments:

  1. Looks great! I'm a fan of Clif Shot Bloks, but I have to cut them in half because they are big. Love the strawberry and black cherry bloks. Tried the margarita flavor (yeah, strange right?) because it has more salt to prevent cramps...and I'd recommend it after a run not before...it's weird eating a margarita before a long run. Crazy burps. :)

    Great job with the mileage too!!

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  2. I really like the new look! Good job!

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  3. Clif Shot Blocks are my GO TO! I found that my stomach can tolerate these the best. I have tried the GU too, but prefer the shot blocks! I have tried the Luna Moon's also. Chances are if it is gummy, then I'll eat it :)

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  4. Great Feb.... love it.

    I haven't started taking the NRG boosts yet... with my 10 miler coming up Saturday, I am going to try GU.

    BTW: Check out my blog for a sport's bra giveaway.

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  5. Hi Sarah,
    Great job for February!! I need to start using the fuel! I have run two half marathons and did not take any fuel:( My body physically and mentally thinks it is done at mile ten. I have no energy left at the end of the race...which is when I want to kick it into high gear:) Let me know how the gels work for you and good luck!! You are going to do great!!

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  6. The new layout looks great!

    Congrats on some nice totals for January.

    Good luck with the gels... it took me a long time to get used to them. I love Gu, and mix it up sometimes with Shto Bloks or Gu Chomps (have to walk while chewing so I don't use them in races).

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