I don’t bound out of bed in the morning, ready to hit the gym and start my day.  Normally I blindly fumble for my glasses followed by my cell phone.  I check my e-mail and relocate to the couch where I spend another 15+ minutes trying to wake up.

But in the evenings, I’m always hit with a burst of energy.  I want to get my blood flowing.  I want to feel my muscles working hard.  I want to exercise!  Sometimes I’ll hit the gym, and other days, I’ll grab my sneakers and head outside for a run.

Running at night can be challenging now that it’s winter and the sun sets so early.  Here are some tips for running at night from Charityteams.org:

• Wear reflective gear. (Bright orange and yellow are the most visible colors.)
• Wear something lighted in addition to your reflective gear.
• Run in well lit areas. (You want to be seen and you also want your footing to be more certain.)
• Turn off your i-pod or remove one ear bud. (You need to stay alert!)
• Run with a friend. (Safety in numbers.)
• Carry an ID whenever you run, day or night.  (Carrying your phone is an additional option.)
• Tell someone else where you’re going and what your planned route is.
• Vary your route. (Don’t run the same route all the time.)
• Run against traffic.
• Follow all of the traffic laws. (Obey lights and stay in cross walks.)
• It’s generally colder at night. (Dress for the weather and wear layers.)

Running at night can be safe and enjoyable as long as you take the right steps to protect yourself while you’re out and about.

*Are you an evening exerciser or runner?*

Merry Christmas!

Did I look fun and festive for today’s Jingle Bell Run?  I thought so, and gave my outfit 2 thumbs up.  A clip and 5 bobby pins meant that giant bow wasn’t going anywhere while I was running around.

A group of my friends and I ventured to Somerville this morning for the Jingle Bell Run, a 5K race with an overwhelming amount of holiday spirit.

Is that Santa and his reindeer?!?!

Yup!  The inflatable reindeer costumes were hysterical!  This group had handlers to help them run in sync and in a straight line through the course.  I couldn’t stop laughing when Rudolph led the team to the lines for the Porta-Potties.

Our group split up when we first arrived: Jared and I had to pick up our bibs and the rest went to our buddy’s office nearby to drop off our coats and bags.  (I was really grateful to have somewhere safe to keep our stuff…and a cozy jacket to wear when I finished running.)

Even though I was cranky because my Garmin had a meltdown, I was excited to start the race.  It was chilly and I needed to run to warm up.

There was lots of holiday spirit at the starting line!

I couldn’t get enough of those inflatable reindeer.

I saw lots of Santas, striped socks, a Christmas dog…even a Holiday Hotdog, but he’s not in this photo.

The Jingle Bell Run sold out a few weeks ago.

Look at the crowds of people lined up for the race!

Ready-set-GO!

I didn’t snap any photos during the race.  I was too busy chasing Jared.  He thought he could run this 5K in 24 minutes.  Um, nope.  Maybe next race Jared!  Two of my run club friends finished in 20 minutes.  They’re the fastest girls I know!  I was asking them for tips and motivation to increase my speed.

I was so busy smiling at a corgi dog near the finish line that I forgot to look up to see my finish time.  Jared finished after me, coming in around 27 minutes, so I know I was a little faster than that.  I’m still waiting for the official results.

All of the bars in Davis Square were packed.  There were lines at the doors and people were being let in one at a time.  We managed to get into Johnny D’s and I enjoyed a post-race Blue Moon beer.

Running in costume is fun, but drinking in costume is even better. 

I ordered a quick lunch from b.good.  I had a cup of Butternut Squash soup and a chicken sandwich topped with tomatoes, avocado, and salsa.

After a weekend that had been filled with parties and holiday prep work, I really needed an afternoon nap.  I crashed for a few hours and woke up starving.

What do you do for dinner when you’re half-asleep and insanely hungry?  Order pizza!

Gotta stick with my usual order from the Upper Crust: mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. 

The Route:

Baby Brother and I were going to run around the Charles River, but my attempt at napping meant that we didn’t leave for our run until after it was dark out.  Just to be safe, I planned a route that kept us closer to my apartment.  We ran down to the Gardens, circled the Common, and then ran down Marlborough Street until we hit Dartmouth Street.  We walked to cool down and to rest Matt’s aching knee and my throbbing butt pain.

The Finish Line:

Due to Garmin issues, I have NO clue when we hit the 5K mark.  But we were running faster than I normally run and we were having fun.  So the Monday 5K officially ended when we made it back to my apartment.

My Thoughts:

It was fun to run with someone who challenged my pace.  I normally run with Jared; his pace is slower than what I’m capable of.  But Matt has always been faster than me, and even though he took it easy on me today, I was working my butt off to stay with him.

Matt clearly chose the title for this post!  Did Matt really win 5K Monday?!?!  Well technically no because we ran together.  But if I had proposed a sprint to the finish line, I know who would’ve finished first.

I was VERY frustrated with my Garmin during the first half of this run.  I’m guessing Matt and I covered 4 miles total.  But it took forever for my Garmin to locate satellite signal and begin tracking my distance.  So from the photo, it looks like we only ran 2.35 miles.  Grrr.

I was only slightly frustrated when my brother made fun of my pit stains.  Why do I always looks like a sweaty mess when I work out?!?!  I was wearing a grey t-shirt and I was working really hard.  I overheated and there was nothing I could do to prevent the damp spots under my arms.

While I was running this afternoon, I thought of a fun idea.

5K Monday!

Every Monday I’m going to run a 5K.  I’ll document each 5K “finish line” as well as my running stats and my thoughts on that week’s run.

I always do a little bit of stretching before I run.  I’ve been dealing with major soreness in my right glute for some time.  I’m still hoping that if I stretch enough, it will mysteriously vanish.

The Route:

For my first 5K Monday, I left my house after tossing my fleece back inside.  It was a really nice day for running!  I ran to Boston’s Public Gardens and did a lap around the outskirts.  Then I ran down and back along Comm Ave.

The Finish Line:

I ran through the gates of the Public Gardens just as my Garmin passed the 3 mile mark.  I really felt like I was crossing a finish line.  George Washington’s statue, GW atop his mighty steed, was the only spectator there to cheer me on.

My Thoughts:

Compared to running during the Disney Wine and Dine Half, I felt like I was running like the wind.  9 minute miles, even with a few stops at red lights and dodging pesky pedestrians.  Some people just wanna stroll through Boston and look around. Get outta my way!

I ran one Half Marathon in 2009 and two in 2010.  My running goal is to run three Half Marathons in 2011.  But in the meantime, I want to sign up for a few late fall races.  My cousin Becky has been on the hunt for November races so I’m going to let her find our best option.  Boston has some fun December races.  Take the Santa Speedo Run for example!  Ok, so maybe I don’t want to run down Newbury Street in a red bikini in December.  But it is a fun run possibility! 

After I hit 3 miles, I found a bench to chill out and stretch.  I wasn’t running my fastest so I didn’t feel like I needed to walk and cool down.  But that pesky right glute was super tight and I wanted to streeeeeetch it out as much as I could.  I twisted, turned, and stretched without success.  At least I have 2 foam rollers at home so I can keep doing everything I can to help my literal pain in the butt.

It was such a great day for running.  Even the squirrels were out sprinting laps around the Gardens.

I’m hoping to continue my 5K Monday series, rain and shine.  But I doubt I would’ve been so inspired to run if I had been slugging along in crappy weather.  If you want to share your own “5K Monday” story, let me know.  I’d love to post about your 3 mile run: your stats, photos, and of course, where your finish line was located.

Shoe laces tight and tied.  I’m ready to keep on running!

I’m NOT a morning runner.  I’m not a morning anything.  I despise waking up early.  I could curl up under my covers for hours after the sun begins to shine.  Maybe I’m lazy.  Maybe I just need lots of beauty sleep?!?

But when Leslie set her alarm so she could go running at 6:30 am and Becky planned to run at 7:15 am, I knew there was no way I could stay in bed.  Becky and I joined Angela, Caitlin,  Freya, Megan, and Jess for a 4 mile walk/run.

We followed the bike path along the water.

Nice, easy pace with lots of chatter and laughter.  Definitely my favorite way to work out!

Action shot!  Wearing my “will run for cupcakes” bondi band and sweating like a beast!

Gorgeous scenery made the run go by even faster.

I love spending time with my cousin.  It’s great that Becky and I have bonded over blogging.  As if we weren’t practically sisters before, now we have one more thing to share !

Plus running with friends always renews my passion for running.  It’s such an enjoyable activity and helps me clear my head.

I would’ve loved jog through Chicago for more miles, but we had to head back to the hotel.  Too bad cuz my legs were feeling great!  (Okkk, but when I stopped running I felt a little bit nauseous.  It was HOT out.)

Friday was a super busy day!  I went on a tour of the FritoLay Factory!  I can’t wait to write a post about everything I learned.  But right now I’m having some trouble taking the tour photos off of flickr.  If anyone has any suggestions on how to copy them, let me know.  Otherwise I’ll just wait for my computer savvy boyfriend to help me out. 

18 weeks of training

Race day is October 17th in Newport, RI

Gulp…

Along with marathon training, I also have to worry about…

• working
• attending a blues festival
• 3 weddings
• attending 2 blog conferences
• running the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon

I’m sure I’ll have to change this plan a few times.  Depending on what life throws at me! 

But I’m going to try to follow it as best as I can so I’ll be prepared to run my 1st marathon later this fall.

I don’t know what was more exciting: Running in Harpoon Brewery‘s 9th annual 5 mile race or wearing our team t-shirts for the world to see!

I ate a Blueberry Raspberry Bran muffin before leaving for Harpoon Brewery.

We arrived at 9 for the 10 am race so there was plenty of time for pictures.

What?!?!  Jared and I are never on time for anything so this was amazing.

“If you brew it, we will run”

Great beer decorations!

Knee socks were an optional part of the team uniform.

Our 2nd year running the Harpoon 5 Miler together.

The starting area was really small.  We were pushed forward to the 7 minute mile pace and ended up being passed by quite a few people.  I wasn’t upset: More people passing by meant more people saw my awesome t-shirt!

A warning for the residents of South Boston?

The race was out to Castle Island and back.  Even though it wasn’t overly sunny while we ran, it was still hot and muggy.  Good preparation for our night race in Disney this fall.

At least there weren’t thunder storms!  I was nervous, but by race time, the rain had passed.  (And by the time we crossed the finish line, the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day!)

I didn’t wear my Garmin because I wasn’t running this race for time.  I didn’t run with Jared during the Shape Up RI Half Marathon so I promised to stay with him during this race.

He had been having various leg pains over the past few weeks so he really needed encouragement to get through this race.

Jared did great!  We took 1 short walking break during a water stop and then jogged our way back to the Brewery.  We held hands when we crossed the finish line!  Awww.

After chugging water and changing into flip flops , I was ready for some lunch.  Bertucci’s provided salad and pasta.

Oh yeah, I had some beers too!    I enjoyed a refreshing UFO White and a UFO Raspberry.

Promise my friends and me some beers and we’ll run just about anywhere.

Yesterday I completed my paperwork.  I have a job!

I’m so excited to be working as Membership Sales Advisor at HealthWorks in Chestnut Hill.

I had a tasty breakfast.  An English muffin with Barney Butter and a banana.  I needed something filling to get me through Day #1 of job training.  I also packed a Luna bar so I could snack late morning.

I spent the morning training at the Back Bay HealthWorks.  I learned more than I can remember.  So I’m really glad that I have 13 days left to learn everything before I get let loose to do my job.

When I got home, I made a turkey sandwich on wheat bread with turkey, Laughing Cow cheese, and spinach.  I also had a few pita chips and some baby carrots on the side.

I snacked on one of my homemade granola bars, topped with a little bit of Maple peanut butter.

I had a Luna protein bar before meeting the group for the SEAC Fun Run.

We jogged from the SEAC on Tremont Street to the track at the Fens.  We ran 200s/400s while jogging and sprinting, did some drills, and then jogged 2 laps around the track.  It was a great track workout, and of course the beers after were also a lot of fun.

I was so hungry by the time we wandered home from the SEAC.  Pasta is always my go-to meal.

I made whole wheat fusili pasta with orange peppers and grape tomatoes, topped with olive oil and Parmesan cheese.  I inhaled my bowlful and now I’m planning to bake some cookies.

I can’t stay up too late baking cookies.  It’s important to go to bed early and be well rested.  I have more job training tomorrow, including a Body Pump class.

I’m so excited to take all of the HealthWorks classes in order to be a better employee.  I was a HW member for 8 months before joining the team.  I’m glad to be part of a company I really believe in!  I think I’ve finally found a career path that will really make me happy.

My alarm went off bright and early at 5:30 am.  I got up after only one snooze.  Today was an important day.

Race day!

I fueled for the half marathon with an English Muffin with peanut butter and a banana.

Stretching out and waiting to head to the starting line.

Becky’s group and our group agreed to meet at the 9 minute pace sign.  Jared, Becky, Adam, Danny, Auntie Carol, Uncle Jon, my aunt and uncle’s friend Dan, and I counted down the final minutes til the starting gun fired.

Crowded at the starting line!

Mile 1:  Becky and I planned to run the race together.  Several training runs had proved that we run at a similar pace and would be able to keep each other company.  We wove our way through the crowd.  She wore plaid lululemon shorts so she was easy to keep track of.

Mile 2:  Still crowded, still going strong.  Becky and I were in front of our little pack of runners.

Mile 3:  Becky and I ran by my parents.  Smiles!  Photos!

Mile 4:  Danny and Adam moved ahead and passed Becky and me.  It was ok.  We let the boys run at their pace and stayed around an 8:30 pace that was comfortable for us.

Mile 5:  Becky and I ran by her cheering section: my Auntie Pam, Uncle Gregg, cousin Jonathan, Becky’s friend Lolly, and Becky’s Grammy.

Mile 6:  Halfway through the sixth mile, there was a water stop.  Once I got a sip of water, I broke into my pack of sports beans.  I wanted to make sure I had energy to keep my pace up and finish strong.

Mile 7:  Running, running, running   And some occasional conversation cuz Team Cousins likes to talk.

Mile 8:  The course featured a weird double back so Becky and I, still staying strong together as Team Cousins, ran back by her cheering section.

Mile 9:  My parents waved and took pictures as we passed them for the 2nd time.  I asked my mom to keep an eye out for Jared.  He was running alone so I wanted to make sure he was having a good race.

Mile 10:  Becky and I were feeling brave and decided to break out our cameras for an action shot.

Look at my splashes from the last water stop.  It’s tough to drink on the run.

Up until this point, I had been carrying a scrap of paper with the splits necessary to complete a 2 hour marathon.  I knew were on track to finish so I put the paper away.

Mile 11:  Becky and I caught up with Adam and he told Beck to just “go!”

Mile 12:  With less than a 5K race to go, we still maintained that a steady under 9-minute-mile pace.

Mile 13:  The final push!  We passed my cousin Jenna sitting on the curb.  I had to yell to her because she didn’t even notice we were going by.

Mile 13.1:  As the Finish Line came into view, I told Becky to push hard and go go go!  People were yelling and cheering!  We both sprinted across the finish line!

Team Cousins!  (Proof that racing with family is great)

I was SO happy that I met my goal.  I finished my 2nd Half Marathon in less than 2 hours.  I thought my time was around 1:53ish, but after checking the official race results, I clocked in at 1:54:31

Danny has crossed the finish line 1 minute before Becky and I did.  Adam finished a few minutes after.  My Auntie Carol and Uncle Jon crossed at 2:02 and Jared made it in at 2:04.

Struggles!  Poor Jared needed a drink and a meal.

Pizza to help the runners refuel.  Yup, I had a slice in the name of Race Recovery.

Family love:  Becky, me, Adam, Auntie Carol and Uncle Jon.  We were just a little bit sweaty.

And of course Jared was happy to head over to the Harpoon area to get our free beer.

Jared passed out while icing his knees.  And proudly sporting his Half Marathon medal.

Running and sweating buckets made me so hungry.  I had a turkey sandwich for Lunch #1.

I ate leftover lasagna for Lunch #2.

*Thank you to everyone for wishing me good luck as this race approached.  Thank you to all of the friends and family members who came out to cheer.  And of course, a HUGE thank you to Becky.  She set the pace the entire 13.1 and I couldn’t have done it without her*

But the highlight of my morning was a drink I made for pre-race hydration.  I mixed a small container of G2 Gatorade, a splash of pom juice, and water.  Hydrating!

I was running late and after finally getting to my parents’ house, I rushed through lunch without snapping a photo of my chicken sandwich.

Becky, Jared, and I headed to Providence, RI to pick up our Half Marathon race packets.

Apparently the race name changed.  When I registered, the event was called the Willow Tree Half Marathon.  Now it’s the Cox Providence Rhode Races and my race is called the shapeupRI Half Marathon.

#2006

Ready to run!

Becky took us to Thayer Street to get frozen yogurt at Juniper.

Such a cute little place.  They offered original or blueberry froyo along with the usual assortment of toppings.

I ordered the original with strawberries and bananas.  Mmm, loved it!

I’ve been waiting all day for dinner time to roll around.  I ate a salad.

And a hunk of my mom’s lasagna!  Yum!  She makes hers with ground turkey and cottage cheese so it’s lighter and easier on the stomach.  The best meal I could think of so I could eat some carbs and protein before tomorrow’s race. 

I decided on some pre-race relaxation and took an Epsom Salt bath.

Epsom salt is rich in magnesium and sulfate.  Both magnesium and sulfate are easily absorbed through the skin during baths.  Epsom salt baths are good for so many things.  They help reduce stress.  They also improve circulation, reduce inflammation, help flush toxins from the cells, regulate electrolytes which improves nerve functions, etc. etc.

I’m excited to run 13.1 miles tomorrow, but I might be looking forward to another Epsom salt bath a little bit more.  I can’t take baths at my apartment so it’s a luxury while I’m at my parents’ house.

I’m also REALLY glad to be at home because Boston’s water is contaminated.  All Boston residents have been warned to boil water for 1 minute before drinking.  Yikes!  A water main break in Weston caused the problem.  I hope it’s fixed by the time this thirsty runner heads home tomorrow night.  Otherwise I’ll have to bring in bottled water from Southern MA because all of the stores in and around Boston are sold out.