Run Austin Run Half Marathon

I ran the 1st Annual Run Austin Run Half Marathon in Austin, Texas yesterday. It was a great day in ATX for a run, cool and overcast. It was about 56 degrees and dry until about 9:10am and then it started to rain and it was cold for this Texan!! (As I have written in my other blogs, it was a long, hot summer!) But, I love the cold!!

The race also featured a 5K and 10K. The route was a grueling, hilly route around some of the most beautiful and hilliest neighborhood roads in Austin. I am very familiar with most of the roads because I have trained on them for many years, but I was not really prepared for the route!! I decided to run the race a couple days ago. I kept thinking of the Decker Challenge while running this race. I am still trying to determine which is harder. Decker has longer hills and has a lot of wind on the course from the rural location. RAR had a lot of short, steep inclines.

I would recommend the race, it was in an easily accessible area of town and well marked and generally well-staffed.  There were not of lot of race spectators, but I figure it was because of it being a new race. It was also beautiful and a distance we (ATX) need (and like) at this time of the year. I definately saw some kinks that need to be worked out, but that is because I am a race veteran. They needed more water stops between miles 8-11 ( I don't think there was one between these miles, just at 8 and 11). Also, the water stops were not well staffed and the water cups were filled too full. I really don't want to whine or gripe about this though because I think race volunteers are WONDERFUL!! I also saw at least two EMS trucks driving and watching the race participants (very cautious). I can't say a lot about the after party because I got cold and left quickly after the rain started. But, it did look like they spent a lot of time on the after party.

One more thing about the race that needs to be worked out. More time to pick up race packet!! The only time was between 10 and 5 on Saturday before the race. I had to have my mom pick up my packet for me because we were so busy this Saturday. Which I am sure many families are!!

I am sore today and ran the race in 1:41, not my best time, but ok for the course and training. As my daughter said, "you aren't even training Mommy, why are you running a race?" I placed 4th in my age-group. I am happy with my results and will probably run it again next year!!

Garmin 205

Ok, I am not going to say I am a gadget person or extremely "techy", but I love my Garmin and can't live without it!! Now I sound like I am speaking at Garmins anonymous. But, seriously, I charged my Garmin earlier in the week and saw it was charged. I then went to put it on and turn it on. Well.....it was dead...so dead...I kept on pushing the "on" button and nothing would happened. I plugged it back in, still no response. I was feeling doomed. I started feeling sad, and despondent, wondering how would I survive without it.

I went on my bike ride, realizing all the great things my Garmin did other than tracking my miles and just got sadder. But, I also thought about where I bought it...REI!! and decided to call them.

I always have known I loved REI! I guess you can guess what happened? Yes, REI said they would exchange my Garmin for a new one!!! and I would have done that, but they were out of stock at REI. So,  I googled "dead Garmin" and found out there is a "soft reset". All Garmin users need to know this- push lap and mode at the same time. Well, that did the trick!! I went out for a run and was so happy!!

Ha, the little things in life that make you so happy!! If my Garmin dies (really dies), I will try REI again! 

Good Runs

I am striving to always do good, high quality runs!! I am not always successful, but I am trying!!! It is so hard to do. My running has always been an "outlet" or "me-time".  So, I can just go out for a run and veg, but not all workouts can be "veg" workouts. During my high-quality runs, I really push myself to at least 80% of my max and don't veg. I do still get the good endorphins from these workouts, but they are harder to get motivated for, especially on my own.  I trained with an awesome coach, Gilbert Tuhabonye, for a couple years and learned a lot from him. I still run with his group on weekends, but miss the high quality weekly workouts. I would really look forward to these workouts because I had a lot of new friends doing them. Now, I am doing these on my own, because of my "all over the place" work schedule.

Are you wondering why do high quality runs? Well, there are a lot of good reasons, even if you are a beginner or are not training for a race. Even as a new runner, running more high quality workouts, that change your stride and use different muscles will improve your running in comfort, ease, strength, and quickness.

As a seasoned runner, training for races, speed workouts and hill workouts will improve your times and increase your fitness.

So, remember hills, track, farleck and tempo...and long runs!!

Does Kombucha really do a body good??

I don't know about the kombucha, but I am trying it.

I have tried Monavie..I liked the taste and the idea of it. But, it was very expensive and I really couldn't tell it changed anything for me? I tried for 2 weeks first and even for a month.

Now, I am drinking Kombucha. It is still a little expensive. I tried Synergy first, then Buddha's Brew. I really like Buddha's Brew Ginger!

But, now I have tried a friends that is locally made. I can't remember the name, but drank their Pina Coloda Ginger flavor. Good stuff and a better price than the stuff you find in the stores.

There are all kinds of claims of health benefits, including:

Restores hair color



Thickens hair


Dissolves gallstones Increases energy


Lengthens lifespan


Arterioscrosis/softens veins


Speeds healing


Lowers cholesterol


Lowers blood pressure


Increases blood circulation


Eliminates wrinkles/skin humectant


Improves menopausal symptoms


Strengthens leg muscles


Chickenpox /herpes zoster remedy


Colitis/improves digestion/ nervous stomach


Poultice for wounds/ulcers


Cleanses gallbladder


Lessens anxiety


Levels glucose


Protects teeth from cavities


Activates glandular system
 
So, I am going to try it and see. I have been drinking it for a couple weeks now. Not every day, but on the weekends. I do like the taste!

The Importance of Rest!!!

I am taking a rest day today! Enjoying my coffee and not going to workout! I have worked out hard this week and am sore! I have been a runner since my teen years and worked in the fitness industry since my early 20's. One thing I have learned is that your body needs a rest day! Since, I have started this (rest thing) I have not been injured from over-training. I have certainly taken tumbles down the trails, streets and stairs and gotten injured, but not from training. I always rest at least one day a week now!...no working out for one day!

I know it is so hard to take a day of rest when you are a triathlete, marathoner, runner, swimmer, someone trying to lose weight or other daily fitness addict. You feel that it will derail your fitness or weightloss...or just throw you off your fitness regimine. But, that is wrong, especially, if you are pushing yourself 75-90% of your max and feeling tired...even if you aren't particulary tired- you need at least one day of rest from any kind of working out each week. Unless, you are an elite, but most of us aren't!

Rest will help with your mental outlook, help your fitness level (yes!) and help your body recover (to prevent injuries). Cross-training on one of the other days you work out helps, too. Also, getting a good nights sleep helps training, too. Check out this article in Runners World on sleep. There are more, I think you get the idea, but a good night's sleep is important, too!

20 Mile Ride Today!

I finally got on my bike today for a real workout! and what a day. It was 68 degrees when we were getting our the door to get to school this morning. I didn't get to ride until 10:00, but the weather was still awesome! I have been riding my bike to take Cams to school and back home, to work and just whenever I can for an errand or to the pool. But, have not worked out on my bike since early August!

I made a loop from Lake Austin, up Exposition to Balcones over to Shoal Creek and back around Scenic to Lake Austin. It was very hilly, but I kept and avg pace of 14 mph with a max of 29mph...it was a fun and hard workout!

I tried something new last night! I tried Camp Gladiator boot camp. I am very picky about workouts, but would recommend this to anyone and would do it again! We did a lot of running drills, arm work and core work. I am sore today! It was a lot of fun, we even finished with "tug o war" and I happened to be on the team that won. What fun! I think that it is a good workout for runners and triathletes, too. We don't always have time to get to the gym for weights or core workouts.

I just finished an awesome lunch!! It was a grilled sharp cheddar cheese sandwich with avocado and heirloom tomatoes on sourdough! Yum!! Awesome reward for a good workout!

Glucosamine and MSM

I think that Glucosamine and MSM must be miracle supplements!! Seriously! If you follow my blog, you know that I injured my knee back in June (through a fall) and have had a hard time running after the injury because of the pain. Well, I recently kicked up my mileage and have had a "sore" knee after my long runs. It has been more like an over-worked knee than an injured knee though. I started thinking about my supplements and realized I haven't been taking Glucosamine and MSM because I ran out. Just bought some Saturday night and ran on Sunday morning (15 miles!) and didn't have any pain and don't today!! Yippee!! I feel like I could run today. I am going to take off though. When I got back into marathoning at 35, I noticed a little bit of ligament and knee pain and started taking Glucosamine and MSM. It worked the same way at that time, like magic.

Well, off to swim a mile at Barton Springs!...thinking about the Longhorn 70.3 now!!

Fifteen Mile Run Today

Well, I am really loving all this rain. Normally, I love getting out in the rain when it is warm, but I have allergies and am lacking all my normal motivation!!!  Yesterday, my girlfriends and I decided not to do our long run and save it for Sunday. It rained the entire day here in ATX.  Somehow, I was having a hard time getting motivated for our Sunday run. Unconsciously, I  unset my alarm and was woke up by Charlotte texting me that she just left her house. I was so  deep in sleep that it took me about 5 minutes to call her back. She was late, too. So, we met at my house and ran to Exposition and met Maryanne and continued down to the trail. I didn't even think I would run 10 with them, but we got on the trail and got to I35, then decided to run further. I am so glad I did. I feel much better that I ran and ran long.

So, I get home ready to stretch and my little energizer "10 year old" bunny wants me to put on the YogaToday.com. and do yoga with her. Today's yoga was so core-intensive, that I had to quit early. It was still good and I got some good stretching, too.

I hope you got in a good workout this weekend!

Yoga!!!

I have never blogged about how important I think Yoga is to a runner. I have been doing yoga for 4 years now, sometimes I am more consistent than others. When I was most consistent I had the strogest core ever. Having a strong core helps with fatigue and speed! It helps you to tire less quickly and to pump your legs faster for quicker turnover. There are other benefits, too, like stress reduction,toning of your entire body and increasing flexibility. I try to do some at home and some at a studio....and I wanted to pass on a great website I just found and recommend. It's called Yoga Today.

Another help for me has been these nifty laminated cards. You have to know a little about yoga to use this, but it helps aid your memory in your Yoga practice. Yes, practice is the word Yogis use...gotta love that...perfection is not mandatory!!

I have practiced yoga twice this week and feel so much stronger and relaxed. I am going to try and keep it up 2 times every week. Wish me luck!!!

Running Lately

I hope you noticed that I have cleaned up my blog! I have tried to get back into the blog mood for a few weeks, talking about healthy food. It hasn't been the greatest writing (sorry), but it is getting me back in the saddle.

I got injured in June this summer (June 1st to be exact)! It was such a stupid injury and I think I had "runner's depression" after my injury for a couple months. I fell less than 1/2 a mile into my run! Downhill..on rough asphalt. So, I know you are wondering how...well, I just bought new running shoes and stuck my right foot through my left lace...while running! I slammed myself down onto my knees and skid. I could barely walk for a week and had road rash on my hands, knees, and left hip.

After, all the injuries healed, my right knee still hurt. It was the knee that took the brunt of the fall. It swelled up like a balloon on my kneecap. So, all summer, I have rehabilitated it. I have swam at Barton Springs and ridden my bike all summer. Even biking and swimming hurt for the month of June and a little in July. I am finally running...I started by running a couple miles every other day, but have now worked up to 14 miles. I am estatic about it. I am also back to running with my girlfriends. That was another thing I wasn't doing, it took so much thought to put my foot and my leg down, that I couldn't run with anyone.

So, I am getting through my injured runner depression and "running with joy" (thanks for that saying Gilbert!) again!!

I am looking forward to fall running and fall races!!

Justins Nut Butter

I am continuing some of my favorite healthy food secrets, it seems like I am on a roll. I think of food as fuel for running and training, and for feeling good in life! So, I just want to share some of the healthy things I have found.

I have been eating and following Justins Nut Butter for about 3 years. I discovered it through reading my favorite triathlete's Blog (Desiree Ficker). I could only find it at Whole Foods,
but now you can find it at REI or HEB (local, here in Texas), which is awesome. I love to carry the little packets in my car or purse for a quick, healthy snack. I also pack them in my daughter's lunch with crackers or apples for neat and easy squeeze snacks. My daughter especially loves the Honey Peanut Butter. I love the Almond butter and I just saw that they have a new Hazelnut Butter, that sounds delicious!

So, you ask "why have a nut butter or this kind for a snack?" Well, it is all natural, high protein snack without any fillers or preservatives. It tastes wonderful, too!

Beef???????

So much to say about this and don't know where to start!! I had a friend I adore refer me to the Texas Beef Council Team. I checked it out and found out that they sponsor you in races. I thought great and didn't know much else about it until I did the webinar today.

I did learn a lot...I am a nutrition/fitness/health junkie....beef has a lot of health benefits. It is a powerhouse for protein. b vitamins and monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fat is the good stuff!..think olive oil, avocados...and you should not be scared of fats....remember moderation. Being sponsored and powered by beef will be on my shirts that I wear in the races that they will sponsor for me and the team.

Well, I posted my knowledge on Twitter and Face book, unknowing that it is a such HOT topic. I am not going to pretend that I have had my doubts about beef and watch how much I eat (but I do that with everything). But, in the last 10 years I have certainly ate more beef (and felt good about it) than I did in my 20's. I was advised my my doctor to eat more lean beef and meats in my 20's for protein (because I was lacking). I also craved beef when I was pregnant...could not stomach my favorite fish-salmon! It was so hard and so confusing for my health-nut personality.

Fast forward to the 2000's and I have read about how beef has heart healthy fat and grass fed beef has even more heart healthy fat the conventional beef.

My motto is always "moderation"..here is a quote from Mens Fitness that says that and more..

* A three-ounce serving of lean beef contributes less than 10 percent of calories to a 2000-calorie diet, yet it supplies more than 10 percent of the Daily Value for nine essential nutrients.

I hope you will do your own research and see that beef is not the "bad guy" that is is portrayed to be!!

Miso Mayo

As I write this I am enjoying my Miso Mayo with carrots!

This stuff is so yummy and thanks to my daughter being hungry at Whole Foods, we tried it at a sampling! It is so good and better for you than real Mayo. You can use it as a dipping sauce (as I do with carrots), a sandwich spread, with tuna or in potato salad.

So, what is it you ask???? Well, it is made of fermented soybean paste from Hawaii. Funny thing, I fell in love with Miso soup on my honeymoon in Hawaii!!! So, Miso Mayo is high in protein, vitamin B-12, and 8 essential amino acids. It is also a living, cultured food and low in sodium..Did I mention it is yummy!! or in my daughter's words yummerful??

The Miso Mayo website also says that it has UMAMI (a japanese word for the 5th taste sensation. You need to check out the Miso Mayo site to read about it...it also has recipes.

One last important thing, it is vegan. I am not vegan, wish I could be!!

You can purchase it at Whole Foods or order it online.

Happy Healthy eating!!

Love Greek Gods Yogurt!

My favorite foodie find of late has been the Honey flavored Greek Gods yogurt. I can find it at my local HEB or Whole Foods. I buy it by the large container (16 oz). It is great with fresh blueberries, raspberries and cacao nibs or plain. I have to explain that I am not a yogurt lover, but I love this yogurt! I know that I should eat yogurt for health reasons (they say that yogurt helps build stronger bones, enhances immunity, lowers blood pressure, and may even have anticancer and weight-loss effects), but normally couldn't stomach it. Not anymore!!..Greek Gods is thick, creamy and decadent for yogurt!

Just looking at the nutrition side, the sugars are much less in Greek Gods yogurt than traditional yogurt (even light yogurt). I compared it to Yoplait. It looks like the Fig and Honey flavored have the highest of the Greek Gods, but most of their yogurts are lower in sugars.

If you check out their site, they have a lot of recipes, too. Check it out and tell me if you agree or don't. I would love to hear about your favorite yogurt, too!

Sun Harvest Anyone?

We are all looking for ways to save money and eat healthy, right? Well, I feel like I found a secret!

First, I have always loved Whole Foods, Central Market and our local farmers market for fresh, organic produce. However, it is always pricey. The sales are normally okay. But, the sales prices at Whole Foods or Central Market just bring the prices down to level at my local fav-HEB.

The other day, I was leaving a movie with my daughter and saw Sun Harvest...an old grocery that I used to frequent in the mid-90's...Yes, that long the mid-90's. I hadn't stepped foot in one in over 10 years. I stopped going because we moved to the suburbs and just forgot about it because it didn't make much of an impression on me.

Well, it did yesterday!! Wednesday...they have double sale day..meaning they have two overlapping weekly sales going on...just like Whole foods, but better prices. I got blueberries for .99 a carton, red delicious apples for .88, pears for .88, Romaine lettuce .97 and Red leaf lettuce for .77. I am quoting the non-organic fruit and veggie prices, but the organic are good, too. The produce prices are unbelievable. I did check the rest of the store for milk and dry goods. They seem to be in line with most stores. The meat department also has incredible sales, too. But, I didn't try the meat and I don't want to recommend without trying.

I am going to stop in again next week and see how it compares. You also get .05 off if you bring your own bag...just like Whole Foods!

Check it out!!

Summer Mornings at Barton Springs

I have been swimming at Barton Springs in the mornings before 9. It seems that everyone else in the city is doing the same, because it is very busy! There is a whole culture of Barton Springs early morning swimmers. I am amazed at how different it is in the early mornings compared to the afternoons when I take my daughter.

Everyone is so serious and alive with working out in the mornings. Mostly triathletes, runners and older folks swimming with joy. The afternoons are more subdued and relaxed with a little bit of funkiness. In the afternoons, most people are just soaking themselves in the pool trying to cool off.

It is a wonderful jewel that Austin has! no matter what you want to do.

Summer Running

I have not been blogging lately!! I have been injured! and am still recovering! Is it because I turned 40 this year that it takes so long to recover!

I have been injured since the beginning of June! I tripped while running and landed on my knees (but mostly my right knee). I have been running very sporadically and swimming a lot.

I think I am in denial that I am injured! Is this a common thing for runners? Denial of injuries?

Spring running!!

Is it really spring? No, but it sure does feel that way here in Austin!! I am getting the spring bug...that means more training and planning for races. I just ran my favorite annual race- 3M half Marathon in Austin. Normally, (5 years in a row, except this year) I am getting ready to run the Austin Marathon. Not this year! Why...well a few reasons:

1: Ran NY in November
2: Want to do something different, like a 1/2 Iron
3: Just couldn't get motivated!!

So, I am running a few different races this spring and trying to talk myself into training for a 1/2 Iron this summer.

On of the races is the Zooma women's half marathon. I think it looks like a terrific race in Bastrop at the Hyatt Lost Pines. It is beautiful out there! Also, ARC (Austin Runners Club) is doing a sprint running series that starts with the Daisy 5K on February 28th. They are 5K and 10K's that motivate you to keep up your running this spring. One last race to think about, Moe's Better Half this race is getting more popular and has a great reputation. It is by the outlet mall in San Marcos, TX. I have never run it, but have heard good things.

I hope you check out some of these races!!

Decker Challenge

I ran the Decker Challenge 1/2 Marathon today. I ran this race last year (as I have many years before) and had an awful race last year. The race is brutally hilly, always windy and it is either warm and muggy or freezing cold. The weather forecast for 2008 kept looking good - cool 38 degrees and no wind. It really worked out that way, too. I had an awesome fun race and a good running time.

I carpooled with some of my Gazelle friends, Charlotte, Christy and Paula. We had so much fun meeting at 6:45 am to make our trek across Austin to the Expo Center. We all wondered what we were getting ourselves into, but all had fun anyway.

I started my race easy, about a 7:30 pace. I wanted to start at a manageable pace and keep it. I ran an avg of 7:37. So, I was very happy with my pace. The many uphills slowed me down, but the downhills were good to make time on. My total time was 1:40 and I came in 5th in my age group. I was also happy with my placement. There is a very fast,competitive women runners in my 35-39 age group. I rarely place in the top 10!!! My friend Charlotte, got 3rd place in her age group 45-49 and received a cool running shoe medal with wings. A big CONGRATULATIONS to her!

It was a great race!

New York Marathon

Charlotte and I on the Staten Island Ferry!

Well, after going back and forth trying to decide if I was really doing this marathon I did it!!! AND I am SO glad.

I flew up on Saturday morning at 7am with my friend, Charlotte, and flew back at 8pm on Sunday night! Sounds like such a short time, but we had a Blast!!! We met other Austinites running the marathon on the plane to NY and shared a taxi ride to mid-town where we stayed at the Yale Club. It was even fun riding the taxi...there was such an energy in the air. We saw flower and farmer's markets on the streets, pizza shops, china shops, and tons of yellow cabs. We arrived at our hotel after a very short ship from JFK. We then walked over to a little pizza shop and had a couple slices of pizza. We watched the locals hanging out in the pizza joint and enjoyed real NY pizza. We then walked over to the Hyatt to catch a shuttle to the NY Marathon expo. We picked up our race packets and looked around the expo and then headed back to the hotel. We then walked over to meet our friends from the airplane for dinner at Giovanni Ristorante. The meal was tasty but not my favorite from our trip!

We then headed home early (about 7:30) to get ready for the marathon and get to bed. We also watched Texas Tech beat UT. We were so upset!!!

We slept very good and got up at 6:15 for the marathon. Now for the real fun!! We then headed over to Grand Central Station, grabbed coffees and hopped on the subway to the Staten Island Ferry.

Grand Central Station-I couldn't get a good picture of clock!!!

The weather was crisp (37 degrees) and sunny. The ferry ride was beautiful. Here are a few pictures I snapped...

My friend (and neighbor), Amy, who ran a 3:33!!!

The Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry!Charlotte and I waiting in the runner's village for the marathon to start...Charlotte and Amy , right after we got off shuttle bus. There were so many port-o-potties!

We finally started the race with a smile on my face. Charlotte and I started out together on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

This is view from the bridge...I ran over to the edge and snapped this!

This is my attempt to take a picture with my sweaty phone on the course. I was running through Williamsburg.

This is me after the race. I know I look hilarious. I was a little embarassed trying to take a picutre of myself!! AGH!!! But, I had a 3:38 finish time, with no goal in mind. I just ran for fun, so I was so excited!!

After the marathon, Charlotte (who had a great finish of 3:47 with only one long run!!!), Amy and I walked through Central Park in a daze after we finished. We were also freezing. I think the high was about 44 degrees.

Amy went back to her hotel. Charlotte and I tried to get on the subway unsuccessfully along with 30,000 other people!!! Charlotte and I then tried to get a taxi with no luck, so I talked her into riding a rickshaw. I had so much fun on the rickshaw, it was so crazy!!!

This is our view from the rickshaw. Our driver was a college student from Istanbul, Turkey.

This is our view of Times Square from the rickshaw.

We then stopped at Starbucks for a coffee and then went back to the hotel and showered! We then went to a Japanese Restaurant called East and had sushi. It was so cheap!!! and good! This was my favorite dinner and my second was the pizza!

This was my favorite marathon by far and I can see why everyone loves New York City. It was so much fun!!