Category Archives: Cox Rhode Race half marathon

Love to run – winter and summer edition

Posted by JessSutera in barre n9ne, Chicago Marathon, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, rundate, running, speed, sweat

So, after seeing tons and tons of “why I love to run” style blog posts yesterday in honor or Valentine’s Day thanks to #runchat’s call for posts on the topic on Sunday, I got to thinking about my own lovefest with running.

But rather than talk about why I (love to) run – which I’ve covered a couple of times already here and there (though I feel like I could answer that question differently any day of the week!), I thought I’d take a slightly different slant.

Why I love to run – the winter and summer edition.
(mainly because, up until this winter, I used to despise winter running. And now I don’t (so much). But I digress. Let’s carry on, shall we?)

Winter:

It’s freezing.
…which makes you run faster. As in holy-hell-there-must-be-crazy-angry-polar-bears-chasing-me fast. <—this was how Sunday's run went, thanks to 15 degree temps and mad wind.

…being freezing means two things.
1 – you’re alive and ought to be pretty darn excited about that fact.
2 – you get to pick out wicked cute (and warm) running tights, running hoodies, headbands, etc. And lust after a few items over at Lululemon, wistfully hoping for them to magically appear on the “we made too much” section. Like this:

(I WANT.)

And, winter running means be-friending the dreadmill which for me translates into interval training and hill work. Both equally puketastic. Both equally needed if I want to kill my half marathon in May…and to set me up nicely for Chicago Marathon training which begins in June (um, puke…that’s coming up pretty quick…)

Summer:

You sweat. A LOT. I dig that.
(recycled post-rundate pic from this summer)

You get to run much, much earlier in the AM and outside, not on the treadmill. Which means – birds chirping, bunny sightings, warm summer air and ridiculous runner’s highs. I have such fond memories of summertime rundates with my running buddies Steph and Jo, and many long rundates with Scott. Come to think of it, summertime is actually where most of my half marathon training has taken place, to date. So I guess you can say I’m a big-time summer runner, high heat and muggies, be damned.

…which from what I hear is a good thing given the weather for the Chicago Marathon can be fairly unpredictable (but usually pretty warm). <–so choosing this as my first full marathon was a wicked smaht move, who knew?!

And – it takes far less time to “gear up” for a summertime run than a wintertime run. Don’t get me wrong, I dig all the cute winter running gear I’ve accumulated (or lusted after) this season, but nothing compares to running in nothing but Lululemon run shorts and a tank top.

(after the YuKanRun half marathon with Isabel – she’s so little here!)

…which reminds me of a little goal or “bet” that Jo, Steph and I have. That this summer will be the summer we will throw caution to the wind and run in just shorts and a sports bra. Something none of us has ever been brave enough to do (in public) before. Eek. We promised we’d make it happen this year, that we’d let go of insecurity and own that run. Call it a running bucket list item if you want, but dammit – we’re making it happen this year. Right, ladies??

So, this post turned into a bit of a rambly mess, I hope you don’t mind. Sometimes my mind wanders all over the place when I’m blogging, especially when it comes to running. It’s on my mind a LOT lately. That and barre n9ne, barre n9ne, barre n9ne. Not much room in my brain these days for much else.

…which I don’t consider a bad thing. Not. At. All. ;-)

So, what’s the (February) plan?

Posted by JessSutera in #stretchnow, barre n9ne, Chicago Marathon, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, marathon, running

Now that the urge to vomit has subsided dust has settled a bit on the whole marathon thing, I’m ready to think about how I want to tackle my running plans for the next month or so.

Why am I thinking about *just* the next month?

Well, I’ll tell you. ;-) In a month, I’ll start training for the Providence half marathon, and once I kick the crap out of that race complete that race, I’ll have about a month before Chicago Marathon training begins (early-June).<—and yes, I already have the training plan for that worked out, I’ll share it soon! 

So this month, I want to focus on just one thing: staying strong and healthy.

I really want to go into training mode feeling my best – both physically and mentally (especially mentally). This is particularly important to me as I’m realizing just how long I’ll be in training once March rolls around:
…7 months long, give or take.

That’s going to take a lot of energy and focus and drive. Sure, I’ll give myself a break between Providence and the start of marathon training, but really – even 6 months of training is a long time. And I want to do this right. I also want to do this my way – by my own rules, plans and goals. And yes, that does involve having fun along the way, like I’ve said before.

But back to my point – my plans for February. It’s going to be a VERY busy month. For many reasons (and one BIG reason that I can’t wait to tell you guys about!!).

I’ll be visiting Heather in February. Hopefully it’ll involve some super-fun rundates (complete with post-run mimosas?). I say “hopefully” because Heather is dealing with an injury – I’m sending her good vibes like CRAZY and I’d urge you all to do the same. Let’s get her back on her running feet again, mmk?

I’ll also be really busy essentially every weekend with that BIG NEWS I can’t wait to tell you about. (yes, I’m a tease). Which will limit my ability to cram much running time in on the weekends.

And I have another work trip at the end of February to contend with. Which means craptastic early-AM runs on the hotel dreadmill. Dislike. But I’ll embrace the un-routine once again while I’m there, right, right?

So anyway, my plan for February is fairly simple:
Run when I can – aiming for four runs of mixed intensity and distance, as I have been since kicking off my winter running schedule a few months ago. I say “when I can” because I know I’ll have to pull back certain weeks (particularly that week I’m traveling for work) and I need to be ok with that. And honestly – I already am. I know I’ll get MORE than enough running in after this month is over. May as well enjoy a pull-back month of sorts, right??
Hit up as many barre n9ne classes as my body will allow – it’s making a GIANT difference in how I’m running. My glutes and hammies are the strongest they’ve ever been. Which equates to very happy knees (which is huge for me given two previous knee injuries and all…).
Stretch, stretch, stretch. #stretchnow has been a success so far this week. I’m determined to keep it up. Good for the body *and* mind. I like.
And breathe. Spend time really focusing on my breath and that mind-body connection. I need to be mentally fierce once marathon training kicks in.

Wow. I was anticipating this to be a short post but it’s turned into quite the novel — apparently my mind is already spinning, turning and running away on me and I’m not even close to the start of marathon training. Oy. ;-)

Running randoms

Posted by JessSutera in Chicago Marathon, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, half marathon, rundate, runner's high, running

My brain is all over the place today so I thought I’d jot down just a few of the things I’m thinking about. Since they all basically revolve around running, let’s call this:

Running randoms

…I really like when I’m right (trust me, this doesn’t happen all too often, hehe). Avoiding miles for miles sake on Saturday has resulted in three (yes THREE) really awesome runs this week. 7 miles on Sunday; 6 miles on Monday and 5 miles (hilly intervals) today. Sweatastic. Runner’s high-worthy. And all done on the treadmill. Who am I? Let’s hope I can keep this running streak going with another goodie on Saturday – but outside this time and with my favorite running partner with me. He and I haven’t run together in weeks, sad face!

…I just looked at my calendar on my iPhone last night. Noticed a reminder for 1pm ET next Wednesday. It was a reminder to register for the Chicago Marathon.  In just one week. Am I really signing on to run 26.2 miles?? Yes. I. Am. <—wheee!

…which reminds me: I’m wicked excited about my training plans. Both for the Providence half in May and, just a few weeks later: marathon training begins. Essentially, starting in March, I’ll be in training for ohhhh 6 months or so, give or take. Whoa. (note to self: share these self-made training plans with ya’ll sooner rather than later…)

…have I mentioned lately how much I love my bloggy friends? Last night’s tweet exchange was just another example of that:

@runcupcake Hey…if plans go right…I’ll be up in MA with @jessfit654 and @jobo_determined by my side. Could happen! #fitblog
@LiveLoveNRun WAIT WHAT? SHUT UP! I’ll so be there if that’s the case! #fitblog @jessfit654 @jobo_determined
@runcupcake @jessfit654 @jobo_determined Yep! I told them I wanted to share it with them. I have fam up there now. ;) #fitblog
@LiveLoveNRun I am totally JUMPING out of my skin excited about this! @jessfit654 @jobo_determined #fitblog
@runcupcake @jessfit654 @jobo_determined Yay!!! The four of us will rock a half together…best way to spend my first! #fitblog
hriacobacci

 Totally jealous! RT @jessfit654: @runcupcake @LiveLoveNRun @jobo_determined I LOVE THIS!! Can we pick a race date soon?? Must discus via…
This little exchange lasted another round of tweets until we agreed it was time to discuss dates and other fun logistics via email. What I love about this (besides how awesome these ladies are *and* that they so readily jumped on board) is that this will be Melissa’s first half marathon. And she wants to share it with us. Love, love, LOVE. Can’t wait to cross that finish line together, my dear! <3

…sooo, I guess it’s time to figure out which race we’ll all be running together, huh ladies? Wheels. Are. Spinning. on that one. Race details to follow. ;-)

Minor tweaks

Posted by JessSutera in balance, breathe, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, half marathon, running

Minor tweaks.

That’s the name of the game lately, especially for this week and next. This is me learning to roll with the punches just a little bit more in 2012 – Type A and all.

A few examples…

Big plans to nail the remainder of my workouts this week, including a killer double session at barre n9ne I had on the schedule for last night. That is, until about halfway through the day on Thursday when my neck started to ache. Hello late-breaking pains from the car accident on Monday night, where did you come from? Please kindly go away.
Minor tweak: skip the latter half of my planned double at barre n9ne – the fusion class which includes a fair amount of upper body work – in favor of just taking the legs class followed by an impromptu (and much-needed) date night-in with the hubs.

“Scheduling” into my calendar for next week – while in Cali – my workouts, to make sure I fit them in despite a very hectic week planned. They include:

- a final barre n9ne method class on Sunday;
- an early-AM run on the ‘mill on Monday before my flight; and a possible PM workout with co-workers (Details TBD, but lemme just say, it’ll take me WAY WAY WAY out of my comfort zone!)
- an early-AM date with the treadmill on Tuesday at my hotel followed by stretching
- an early-AM date with the treadmill on Wednesday at my hotel, hopefully a Core Fusion DVD in my room that night (or after I run if I’m up early given the time difference!)
- either a quick run on the treadmill at my hotel OR a Core Fusion DVD in my room before spending a few hours in the office on Thursday prior to heading to the airport

Once I’m home? It’ll be back to barre n9ne I go, and VERY happily so. I’m going to miss it a TON while I’m gone.

Minor tweaks: Since this is my first trip to Cali for work, I will not be venturing far from my hotel/office quite yet. I want to immerse myself into the company, get to know my coworkers, etc. so I won’t be heading off to try out a new barre studio or anything until the next trip. I want to keep my nights free for socializing with co-workers, a must-do item on my list, even if it may take me out of my comfort zone now and then (like the aforementioned “workout with coworkers” above).

And finally, another minor tweak worth mentioning: my race calendar. I laid it out all nice and perty for you here. And then I revised it again and laid it out for real this time, here.
Minor tweaks: Racing with friends is much more fun. And this time around will include racing with super crazy, super awesome running friends like Sam and “Coachy” (who I am pretty sure I’m gonna love when I meet him, crazy guy and all). So rather than run the Race to Remember in May, Scott and I have opted to run the Cox Rhode Race Half Marathon on May 6 in Providence. It’s supposed to be a super fast course. And there *may* be a PR goal lurking in my mind…but I’m not giving that one up quite  yet. For now I’m just excited to race with friends…and to officially kick off half marathon (#4!) training in March (is it time yet)??