Life Update!

My current life:

• I started work exchanging at a wonderful hot yoga studio in Glenside, PA that opened up right by my house. I'm there about three times a week, and I practice Monday nights, Wednesday mornings, and Saturday mornings. I must say, a more regular and intense practice has really helped. I'm calmer, more accepting, and just more in-tune with myself and body. 

Just hanging out in pincha mayurasana. I can't stay up very long, though!

• I am training for four runs:
• The Frostbite Five Miler -- Saturday, February 22.
• Only five miles, but I'm doing it to stay on track for the half marathon.
• The Philly Love Run Half Marathon -- Sunday, March 30. 
• I'm actually shitting my pants over this. I don't even want to think about it. It's not actually happening. I think I had an aneurism and signed up. 
•  The Hot Chocolate 15k -- Saturday, April 6
• I will probably be dead for this race because it's less than a week after the half. I will probably not do anything between the two except rest, rest, and rest.
• Broad Street Run (hopefully!) -- Sunday, May 4.
• A lot calmer about this since I've done it. BRING IT!

My thoughts on all this!

I'm lying if I said I was totally calm like, yo just running some races, bro...but I'm not. It's a bigger deal than that. I'm extremely worried about the half marathon, and even more worried about the Hot Chocolate run. However, I know these pre-pre-pre-race jitters will only make me faster and more prepared in the long run. It means I care, right?

I'm just going to keep running, foam rolling, cross training, and practicing yoga to keep myself and my body in balance. It will all be fine in the end!

Gobble Wobble Race Results!

Place: 1006/2087

Top 50%

Chip time: 31:34 

(which is what I count because I was at a 2 minute standstill at the start)

I have been up since 6:30am working race registration and then I did the run! I always get anxious before a race and I peed twice within 30 minutes before the race started...

Anyways, I was fine with the race! The last hill was grueling, but I had so much adrenaline. Plus, ACDC's "Shook Me All Night Long" was blaring in my ears. I never, ever run with earphones but it helped me focus especially once I separated from my friend. It kept distractions away from my mind and it gave me my moment to just run the race, for me, like I originally planned.

5ks are getting to be easier, which is exciting. Maybe I will be ready for the Rock'n'Roll Half come September!

My running attire for the race (this was taken post-race, no way was I taking a picture at 6:30am). 

Top: Avia (blue long sleeve),  Nike (short sleeve purple, underneath), Aerie (sports bra). 

Bottom: Under Armour Coldgear Compression Tights. 

Shoes: ASICS

Honestly, I was dressed PERFECTLY for the weather. I debated whether or not to take my vest and I'm so glad I left it behind. Less is more when running a race, everyone!

I'm very thankful for my body and it allowing me to run this race with zero complications! I'm also thankful for my friend who I ran beside for about half of the run. Today was a great day!

I came home and stretched my achy muscles to "thank" them.

Now, I must go catch some ZZzzzs because I am opening tonight at the mall for Midnight Black Friday MADNESS!

Stay fit, healthy and full of food and happy Thanksgiving!

Katie

Motivational Moments

I just want to give to one of my favorite fitness bloggers, Allie, a sincere congratulations on completing her first marathon (and first race). Check out her recap here.

Allie is a perfect model of setting a goal for yourself and reaching it. She documented the bumps along the way, but she crossed the finish line!

I'm setting a tentative goal for myself...

I want to run the Philadelphia Rock and Roll Half Marathon in September 2013!

13.1, babies!

I told myself, once I run a half marathon I can buy this beautiful piece of running gear/technology as my reward.

It'll happen one day and I hope in September 2013!

My advice would be to set a goal for yourself and don't cheat! If your goal is to lose 20 pounds, your present to yourself isn't a night out for ice cream and pizza. Try a spa day or a shopping spree! Your body goes through a lot, so you're better off treating your body right rather than sabotaging your fitness feats.

Happy goal setting!

Katie