Viva Las Running!

Quick post, but I thought I would post something before going on hiatus again this weekend. Just had a lovely 8 miler (9:08/mile) through stormy Seattle. A pretty strong run for me considering I wasn't really trying to run at any pace.

I'm hoping to go look at apartments, then come back, get another 4 in on the treadmill, pack, and off to Las Vegas for my friends bachelorette party. That should put me at 12 miles today!! *Hopefully* I can put in another 4 miles while there to make up for my weak running week (haha, that rhymes!)

 

Happy running and have a great weekend!

Ahoy Runners! Cruising USA Picspam

First off....welcome new blogging buddies! I'm really excited and can't believe that there are 50 of you that read my random running rambles!! I promise to post more and hopefully keep you entertained :)

So as you might remember (since I posted a WEEK ago!) that I went on an awesome Holland America cruise through Alaska.  Here was our route:

The trip was amazing. I would recommend it to anyone....basically as soon as you are on the boat you don't have to worry about anything. Food and travel is planned for you (with many options!) so all you need to do is plan time to get to that pesky treadmill. I was usually the only one there, and managed to put in 22 miles on the boat (it was after the half, and I was getting sea-sick running on the moving treadmill!) Here are a few running related pictures before I go into the full blown cruise review picspam (You have been warned!):

Amazing and empty gym I had to myself

View from dreadmill

Notice there is nobody else there?!

One run...probably not the best idea since it was extremely rocky that day. I was holding on to the treadmill the entire time to NOT fall off. You know you're a runner when...... :)

Cooling off after a run....

The BF and I in Glacier Bay

Naturally I found the Alaskan Brewery in Juneau :) 

Alaskan White is the best!! Yep, it's a wheat beer.....

Red Dog Tavern in Juneau

Creek Street in Ketchikan

Finding the perfect gift for friends.....kidding. WTH is that? A furkini??

Yep, even finding SUN in Alaska. So what if it was 62 degrees!!

Overall it was a great week! Unfortunately I have been really busy after getting back (finding apartments is very time consuming!!) and I have barely had time to run let alone blog. I will have to find time next week after my weekend trip to Vegas this weekend. And to answer the questions now, yes, I will be bringing my shoes to the bachelorette party, and NO, it's not a party for me :) I have a feeling I might be the only one at the gym in Vegas as well.

Has anyone else been on a cruise or running while on a boat?? Hope everyone is having a great week! More blogging to come next week.....Happy running :)

Some pictures from HAL website

Product Review Time!!

Taking a break from running yesterday....still really sore from the Koko Crater hike. No sense in injuring myself a week out from the Whidbey Half! Over the weekend I took a trip to Sports Authority in Downtown Honolulu and it was awesome. I don't believe I have been to a SA before, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide selection of gear for running and working out. Not only was there a variety of shoes, but they also were WELL stocked in some of my favorite brands (Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, Champion, etc). Even better was that SA had a ton in both Men's, Women's and Kids wear. Here are a few goodies I picked up:

Nike Pro Women's Sports Bras  ($28)

LOVE THEM!!!

No matter what your workout, whenever you're working up a sweat the Nike Pro Women's Training Bra gives you a dynamic essential with a revised body shape for outstanding support along with technical seams and fabric for maximum performance comfort. 

• Dri-FIT fabric to wick sweat away and help keep you dry and comfortable
• Compression fit
• Swoosh design trademark at center chest
• Flat seam construction to help minimize chafing
• Fabric: Dri-FIT 85% polyester/15% spandex
• Machine wash
• Imported

Im not going to lie, I havent bought a new sportsbra in over 2 years. I always buy new tops, shoes, pants, etc, but I HATE buying sports bras. The last new one I bought (and then returned) zipped up the front and left me with a scar from where the zipper rubbed a hole in my skin. Not pretty, and no, Im not showing pics :)

Anyways, these sports bras are awesome. The fabric is easy on your skin, and the elastic around the ribcage didnt seem to irritate me while running (and sweating, ew) in the heat. I will be SURE to pick up more of these in the future. Also, the colors are really cute!


Under Armour Women's Catalyst T ($29.99)

The Cornerstone of the UA Green Collection: Recycled Bottles Become Performance Fabrics.

• Performance Fabrics made from Recycled Plastic Bottles.
• Signature HeatGear® moisture transport system keeps you cool and dry.
• Lightweight, durable high-gauge knit fabric provides maximum comfort against the skin.
• Raglan sleeves elminate shoulder seam abrasion points.
• ArmourBlock™ technology prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes.
• UPF 50+ protects against the sun's harmful rays.
• Semi-Fitted (fits closely, contoured to the body).
• 100% Recycled Polyester (excluding trims).
• Imported.

I saw this shirt on the rack and knew I would love it immediately. Not only does it have a great fit (semi-fitted in medium works for me, and isnt tight) but the fabric is my favorite Heat Gear, which keeps me cool (and I wear through the winter if it isnt too cold).

I also learned that UA Green on the tag means that they are recycled from old plastic bottles. So not only does it fit well but you can feel good about wearing it!

Under Armour Tech Shortsleeved T ($19.99)

Also shown are the Nike Hero Mesh Shorts ($25) and my review here

The Essential Under Armour T.

• Updated style and fit, with a Feminine crossover v-neck, and longer body length.
• UA Tech™ fabric moves moisture away from your body keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable with a soft, cotton-like feel for total comfort.
• Raglan sleeve construction allows for total mobility and a full range of motion, while eliminating shoulder seam abrasion points.
• Moisture Transfer System keeps you Dry and Comfortable.
• 95% Polyester/ 5% Elastane.
• Imported

This UA shirt is awesome too. Unlike the Catalyst T, this shirt feels more like a cotton blend than tech fabric. The fit is awesome (loose, but I still got a medium) and super comfortable. While running it wicked away the sweat and didnt ride up. Not going to lie, I love the grey and v-neck combo! I pretty much love everything UA!!

Off to run tonight. The heat is much more bearable if you run near sunset or early in the morning (I prefer sunset or later). Hopefully the run will have a sunset like this:

Trust me when I say that my iPhone doesn't do it justice :) 

Monday I ran 2 on the dreadmill, then did another 3 in the neighborhood. My time was 5 miles in 53:31 minutes, but I didn't have to stop, which was a relief.  I was HORRIBLY sore from the Koko Crater hike on Sunday, and Im limping around today. Its amazing that I was fine and not sore at all after the half marathon, yet one hour long hike will do my legs in! Ill know to stay away from stair-climbers before any of the next races :)

 Happy running :)

Awesome Thursday!

Okay, lots to say and not much time. I was just given FREE (yes, FREE) Sounders tickets to their preseason game tonight against the Portland Timbers. For all of you who are not from the PNW, the Sounders are our new Major League Soccer team, and they did really, really well in their inaugural season last year. We went into the playoffs! If you are not familiar with Seattle sports, well that was really good for one of our new teams! If I would have had the tickets before right now, I would have done a giveaway for all of you local bloggers.....its amazing to see how long these guys can run for. Its all they do during the game. They literally give their full 90 out there!

I'm also headed to the premier of Remember Me afterward. I'm doubting I will get a chance to run between, but you never know! Its going to be an awesome night :) Yesterday I was able to get a quick 4 miler in on the dreadmill. I have to say, its getting a little easier each time! I was able to look at the screen and not panic while watching the seconds go by. I was even able to bump up my speed faster than 9:00/miles during the run! For a few weeks there I was struggling to even get through 9:00 flat consistently!

 Not bad, Ill take what I can get on the dreadmill!

Also, as promised, here is a new half marathon that I just found out about:

The Bainbridge Island Half Marathon is located on Bainbridge Island, which is a scenic 35 minute ferry boat ride across from Seattle. The half marathon is being held on Sunday, April 25th and will benefit the local Boys & Girls Club. The fee is $50, which includes a t-shirt and chip timer (they are not sure about medals for everyone at this point).

This is looking to be a tough race. This is the inaugural year for the BIHM, and is replacing the 25+ year old Toe Jam Hill Half Marathon (that's a HUGE hill on the island). It is a slightly different course for the BIHM, but still goes up Toe Jam hill, and other hills throughout the Island. I'm thinking about signing up for this race, but because I know the island well, I'm not expecting a sub 2-hour half on this one! Ill be happy just to finish in one piece!

This half and the Whidbey Half would be 14 days apart, which would qualify for Half Fanatic status. Hmm.....Ill keep you posted!

Happy Running!

Dreadmills and dogs

YES! I was finally able to put in a decent treadmill run last night. I might have mentioned this before, but I usually run in my tiny gym within my building. There are exactly one treadmill, elliptical and bike for everyone to use. Its a tight, cramped little room, but it has everything I need. The only thing is that its so small that it feels crowded if there are 2 people in it :( at least its free!!

I was quite annoyed with the fact that I had to wait awhile to actually get on the treadmill, which made the anticipation for the run that much worse. Luckily I had a great 5 mile run at a 9:00/mile pace.

 

 

The guy before me said that I could change the TV channel, which I quickly tuned to the E! channel. Fortunately for me, Keeping Up with the Kardashians show was on repeat. He tried to pretend that he didn't want to watch, but I knew he really enjoyed watching it. I'm looking forward to a 5-6 mile run tonight as well. Dreadmill we might meet again......

Also, be sure to check out Dorothy's awesome Saucony shoe giveaway over at Mile Posts!

Finally, I had to mention that my dachshund puppy dog Chloe just turned 2 years old! Not running related, but I had to share :)

 Chloe my "rat-cow"

Happy running!

Thursday Treat

A little late posting this, but I didn't want to post this in my upcoming race recap :) I had a quick run on Thursday night on the dreadmill, 4 miles in 36:17 minutes, or 9:05/mile pace:

After the quick run I found this waiting in my apartment lobby:

 

A red velvet cupcake from one of our neighbors for our apartment complex! Sometimes they get cupcakes for our building and leave them for us! I happen to LOVE LOVE LOVE the red velvet cupcakes from Yellow Leaf in Belltown. Ill take this as a sign that I have been keeping up my miles this week :) I dont care what anyone says, they have the best cupcakes in Seattle!

Ouchie

So, out of nowhere, my sports bra has decided to rub against my ribcage. I have been using the same shirts and sports bras, yet for some reason it is rubbing on my long runs. Call it chafing or whatever you want, its a pesky little annoyance, but it stings like HECK afterwards. I have NEVER had this happen before, and I have run in all sorts of humidity, heat and different materials, and yes, I have had a more intense training schedule too. This is just plain annoying though!

I will spare you all the pictures, but lets just say that its leaving blood on my shirt. Not pretty. I decided to try and use this foamy Nexcare tape to cover the rubbed area, and it seems to be working:

 

Foamy goodness

Is this something that I should use? Its pretty easy to just tape the problem spots. I haven't used body glide or the body lube that other runners talk about. Should I be buying it instead? If so, where do you buy it? (Geez, I can just see the awkward conversation at the store now: "no, I need it for running....I SWEAR!!" haha)

Other than that, I had a nice little dreadmill run late last night. Apparently was running 9 minute miles, but I swear it felt like 7 minute miles! I don't know why it is so much more difficult for me to run on the Dreadmill, but Ill take this time any day :)

 

Working a bit late, then off to go run. Happy mid-week running everyone!

PS - Everyone check out Shut Up and Run's blog for an awesome giveaway.....seriously, she is giving away a Champion wardrobe!! She is hilarious too.....

Double Thursday!

As I was saying yesterday, I was a little eager to get my mileage in after 3 nights of working late at work. I really enjoyed the lunch run of 5.8 miles yesterday, so I decided to round out my mileage and run another 4.2 later that night. Good news, because I actually motivated myself to do it! 

 

This brings the mileage today to 10.0!

 Eh, not great, but it was on the dreadmill

Yes folks, I rounded out my mileage to 10.0 with a late, late (LATE) night run on the treadmill. Even though it might have technically fallen into Friday, I'm counting it in Thursday because I hadn't fallen asleep for the day yet :) I know its not 10 miles straight, but I haven't put this much in since the Seattle Half in November. I think I still have the endurance to get through the miles, even if the time isn't pretty :) Good to know that I can get a second run in if I need to.

Long run tonight with my Little Bro. He is down for his 21st birthday this weekend! Geez, I feel old :) Hopefully Ill be able to keep up with him!

Happy running!

Weekend runs

Whew, what a weekend! Busy, busy but a lot of fun. Get ready for a photo collage!! 

Friday night I was able to sneak in a quick 4 miles on the dreadmill before heading out:

Today, I decided to finally go on a long run. I have been planning on doing my long run on Sundays, but it hasnt been in the cards for the past few weeks. I finally got my butt in gear and headed out to Alki.

 

Cheese!

The run started off fine, but I soon realized that having even a few drinks the night before just might hinder your running performance. I decided to keep running, but I to go at a slightly slower pace. There were also a TON of walkers out on the boardwalk. It was a little frustrating to try to dodge each person, their stroller and dog leash. Don't they realize that people are training for running on that stretch of road?!?! :)

On the boardwalk along Alki Beach, there are small metal plates and star constellations embedded into the cement. While running along, I happened to find my sign, Pisces. The constellation was above it, but I couldn't fit it into my picture without stopping for awhile.

  

 I'm a Pisces too!

About halfway into the run, I decided to take a quick stretching break, and I really didn't have much energy. I realized that I was at the point of Alki, so I took a *little* detour on a trail and found the beach.

  

 Standing on the bulkhead over the waves

Alki Beach Lighthouse

 

View of Seattle from the lighthouse

I probably wasn't supposed to stand there, but the house was abandoned. Awesome little beach right there, and a perfect spot to see the lighthouse! A lovely surprise on my little break. I ended up running back and even thought it felt like I was running SUPER slowly, it was still under 9:45/mile pace for 7 miles. Not too bad for not really wanting to run today at all!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and looong runs!! I'm off to watch the Grammys! :)

Obviously nuts....

Yesterday I was only planning on running a few miles on the dreadmill, since I had plans for later in the night. I walked down to my apartment gym (and by "gym" I mean 1 treadmill, 2 elliptical machines and 1 bike with a few weight machines...not that great) and noticed that there was another girl on the elliptical that was right next to the treadmill. The gym is so small that it is awkward to workout with someone in the room with you, let alone RIGHT next to you. I wanted to get my run finished, so I started right away.

After about 20 minutes of running and sweating side by side, the girl motioned for my attention. I usually zone out while running, so I eventually noticed when she was flailing her arms at me. I shut off my iPhone (I was listening to the radio, of course) and while looking confused said:

"Hi, did you want to use this elliptical machine? Ive can get off since I have been here for awhile..."

I told her thanks, but that I WANTED to run on the treadmill. She have me another look like I was absolutely nuts, shrugged, then started slowly moving on the elliptical again.

I realized a few things at that point:

1. I had actually said out loud that I WANTED to be running on the dreadmill! (Okay, I guess I should say that I wanted to run in general, and the treadmill was my only option, but Ill take however it came out!!)
2. The girl obviously thought I was crazy for running that long on the treadmill. Since there was other machines available, she was thinking I was just waiting to use her machine. SHE WAS WRONG.

Needless to say I was pleased. I ended up running the next few minutes at a faster pace :) Even though I only went 4 miles, she obviously thought it was a lot of time to be running (when really, this was a short run!) Haha.

Decent time for 4 miles

I went down to Nordstrom and they just received a new stock of Asics Gel-Kinsei 3s! (Kinsei 3s are in the store and not available online YET). I spoke with the salesperson and he said that they DID carry the Kinsei-2s, but stopped carrying them in 2008. This is the first time they have had them since! Ill take this as destiny....how random is it that I start looking for that exact shoe and they start carrying them again?? FATE!

Kinsei 3 version at Nordy's.....love it!

So, if anyone is wondering out there, I would LOVE a pair of 9.5 women's model, with the B width :) Thanks! I kid.....sort of.....Ill add it to my wish list.

Also, be sure to check out Zoe's blog Run, Zoe, Run and check out her handbag giveaway! So exciting!! :) I absolutely LOVE handbags, and these are pretty cute. Be sure to enter!

Happy running!

Dreadmills and Mystery Asics

I was feeling a bit under the weather this weekend with the stomach flu, so no miles logged :( Too bad because I was REALLY looking forward to my long run on Sunday, but it just wasn't in the cards. With Saturday and Sunday out, I only logged 16 miles in 3 days last week.....not so good :(

Feeling better and rearing to go, I couldn't wait to get out to run Monday night. Unfortunately, I had to work EXTREMELY late and I didn't get home until almost 10 pm! Not so good if you were planning on a long run. I also had this face staring at me when I went to put on my running shoes:

Chloe, not wanting to play and not go back in her box

Finally at midnight (yes, midnight, I'm an insomniac) I decided I had to go down and run a few miles on the treadmill. I wanted to run at least 5 on Monday, but that was a LOT for me and the mind-dulling treadmill. I decided I would run at least 4, the see how it went from there. Before I knew it, I had run 4 miles in under a 10 minute pace, and kept upping the speed. Before I knew it I was racing to my 10k pace from last September!

 Longest distance in the past year on a Dreadmill

 

Woo hoo! New Dreadmill 10k PR!

 

I know that isn't that impressive of a time, but that is faster on the Dreadmill than I ran my first 10k back at the Iron Girl 10k last September. I'm so proud and I wasn't even trying until the last 2 miles! I guess this shows that I cant slack off and say that I cant run on the treadmill :)

UPDATE:

I did have time this weekend to unfortunately return my blue Kayanos that did not fit. While returning the shoes at Nordy's, I mentioned the the salesperson that I will buy another pair in the future, and that my old yet reliable pink Kayanos were working for now. She replied "we have never had a pink women's Kayano." Normally, I don't care about being right, but I knew for a fact that I bought my current pink Asics in 2008 and asked specifically for "Gel Kayano." Not wanting to start a fight with the salesperson, I left.

When I got home, all I could think about was proving the salesperson wrong. I looked in my pink Asics for a tag, but all the numbers were work off. I did notice a small gel tab on the back of the shoe that said "Kinsei-2" so I googled it.

THE SALESPERSON SOLD ME THE WRONG SHOE IN 2008!

I cannot believe it! The beloved shoes that I just ran my first half marathon in are not the shoes I was expecting!! How did this happen? I know for a fact I must have bought the shoe on sale for $120-140ish, where the Asics Kinsei-2 retail around $180!!

My mystery shoes: Asics Kinsei-2 for $180 (2007-2008)

They are still a wonderful running shoe, but I still don't understand how this happened. My friend worked in the Shoe division, and mentioned the shoes to me, which is why I asked for the Kayanos in the first place. Regardless, I have enjoyed running in them, but I do not believe that Nordstrom carries the Kinsei line anymore. They do have the new Kayanos though. Here is a link to the new Asics Kinsei-3 from the Asics website.

Asics Kinsei-3s (left) and the Asics Gel Kayano 16s (right)

Have any of you used the Asics Kinsei line? Do you know if they are better or worse than the Kayanos?

I'm off to run and dream about new shoes for after my half in March. I would love suggestions!! :)

Mind over matter....

After running errands after work, it was already 7:30 by the time I thought about running. Since it was so late and I didn't know what I was up to for the weekend, I could either take the night off or head down to the dreadmill. I decided it was time to face the enemy....

During my hour of procrastination before the run, I decided that I had to do 4 miles on the dreadmill and something had to change from my last run. This time I had the tv on in the gym, and I covered the display, so I could not easily calculate my time or distance. I also had my iPod ready to flip through the songs.

This time the run wasn't as bad as before, although I hated almost every minute of it. I was going to take the advice from Jill and change the pace during the run. But I just wanted to make sure that I could finish the full 4 without stopping. At least I did the 4 miles in under 40 minutes!

Scoreboard:

Sarah 2, Dreadmill 0

Also, I added a new run in June on the Upcoming Races link on the right hand side of the blog. The North Olympic Discovery run is on June 6th, and includes a marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k. The course for the marathon is from Sequim to Port Angeles, WA. It looks like a beautiful course, but I plan on running the Rock N Roll Seattle half marathon on June 26th. Maybe Ill make it to the North Olympic for a 10k :)

http://www.nodm.com/

The DREADmill!

I don't know what it is with the dreadmill, but I cannot stand running on it. I swear it sucks the life right out of me. I used to run on treadmills in high school with no problems, but after learning to run outside (even in the cold or rain) I am bored out of my mind running in one place. Even with my iPod or radio AND the TV in my apartment's gym on, I am bored and exhausted in minutes!

Last night I was going to either run 4 miles on the dreadmill OR 6 miles at Alki. I'm not kidding, but it is much easier to run at Alki for 6, and I would have better than a 10 minute mile pace. The treadmill is so repetitive AND I CANNOT STAND IT!

I started running and at first it wasn't a problem. I listened to the first part of my iPod mix, then became bored and started to switch songs. I felt that I had been running awhile and looked down to see that less than 3 minutes had gone by! The entire time after that I couldn't help but look down at the time elapsed, and then proceed to figure out how much more time I had left.

  

The DREADmill itself

Mission accomplished!

Delirious and a little too posed, ha 

Luckily I was able to run the 4 miles in just under 40 minutes, but it wasn't easy. I was thoroughly exhausted but I beat the enemy! I seriously don't know how people can run in gym's, it is mind numbing!

Scoreboard:

Sarah 1, DREADmill 0

Since it is already dark and I don't have time to go to Alki, I might be facing the enemy again tonight. Grrrr.... we shall meet again!