Month Review: April 2010

April 2010:

       Total Miles: 122.4        
       Average Pace: 9:35/mile        
       Running Time: 19:33:09 
       Yearly Total:  409.8 miles

       Yearly Time Total: 68:03:02
       Blog Posts in April: 11

Woo hoo, new monthly mileage PR! This month included 2 half marathons (Whidbey and Bainbridge), increased mileage, went 39 miles over my monthly goal (83.4 miles/month), increased my yearly mileage by 76.2 of where I should be for my Tall Mom 1,000 + goal, and proudly became Half Fanatic #391.

All in all, it was a great month. The two races were great runs (for being sick and a difficult course) but I'm still chasing that sub 2. I'm thrilled (if you cant tell) to be a Half Fanatic, and I'm hoping that I will continue to race consistently in the future. My average pace was decent for the month, but could be improved.  Hopefully my new shoes will do the trick in May :)

Also, here's a little product review:

Hammer Gel ($1.25/single serving):

Hammer Gel comes in the following delicious flavors: Apple Cinnamon, Banana, Chocolate, Espresso, Montana Huckleberry, Orange, Raspberry, Tropical, and Vanilla.
For over a decade, Hammer Gel has been the benchmark of concentrated carbohydrate energy gel, primarily because of what it doesn't contain - Hammer Gel has no added refined, simple sugars, and no artificial colors or sweeteners.

• Rock solid energy
• Made with real fruit and wholesome ingredients
• Versatile and economical
• Espresso and Tropical contain caffeine.
• Gluten-Free and Vegan Friendly
• Contains no MSG
• Kosher Certified 
• Comes in Gel Packs or 26 Serving Jugs

Hammer Gel was being distributed at the Bainbridge Island Half, so I took a few while running by. I tried the Vanilla gel before one of my runs last week (it was in the beginning of the run, since I was dragging). The gel has no refined sugars, yet it seemed to taste very sweet. The packet is larger than GU, and was a little more difficult to take while running. Overall, the flavor was decent and I would try it again. I did seem to have more energy about 10 minutes after taking the gel. I would still prefer GU, but this was a nice alternative.

Just because I like pictures, here is a view from the run when I took the Hammer Gel:

Also congrats to Tall Mom who BQ'd in her marathon last weekend and to Amanda who ran her first marathon (plus a half marathon a few days later) as well. Congrats ladies :)