"I Run Long" on facebook!

My blog, 'I i run long' is also on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/irunlongalways

How I fuel

I enjoy getting back from a long run.  I love refueling with a tall glass of my chocolate protein shake!  I add milk, crushed ice and a scoop of the protein powder and blend.  I also will drink a gatorade and water along with some snacks.   It is really important to refuel!

Here is some info on refueling. 

http://www.acefitness.org/blog/1812/what-s-the-best-way-to-refuel-after-a-prolonged

Check out Shubeez!

Check out this new company called Shubeez!  Love the 13.1 and 26.2  shoe tags! They're asking to help spread the word about them!

http://www.facebook.com/shubeez

About

Lace up, get active, show support, raise awareness and make a difference!

Mission

It is shubeez mission to start a grass roots movement of giving and build awareness for every fundraising partner we work with.

Description

Shubeez are unique collectable shoe tags that attach securely to the laces of any athletic shoe. We promote awareness for a variety of non-profit organizations and personal causes with proceeds benefiting these different charities.

Our goal is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle by getting you to lace up for a specific cause. Shubeez can create a custom design for any fundraising event. Please see our "how it works" page on our website for more details. You can also purchase the shoe tag of your choice through our "campaign" page.

Please contact us to discuss any questions you may have about shubeez and tell us why you lace up!

Today's to do list

Good morning! Today's to do list; Run an easy 3.25 mile run in our 20 degree weather, fix a late breakfast, remove the plate and glass of milk Santa left by the fireplace, pick up the house and prepare for my daughter's basketball party, pick up some party food at the store and attend my youngest daughter piano recital this afternoon :) WHAT'S ON YOUR TO DO LIST?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Well, in about 30 minutes it will be Jesus' birthday!  HE is the reason for the season!  

Thankful that I will get to spend the day with my husband and children.  We are expected to get a snowstorm, but we'll see!

Tonight my husband made an awesome dinner, steak, green beans and rice and for dessert....cheese cake...lot's of it!  I'm sure I ate about 10 individual portions.  Oh well, LOL!

 Non-alcoholic egg nog is another holiday favorite of mine.  Braums has the best egg nog!  I pour about a 1/4 to a half a glass of egg nog and the other half with milk-YUM!  I'm sure I'll have another glass before bed!  No, this is not my fridge, LOL!

Hoping you and your family and friends will have a very Merry Christmas and safe travels to you if you are traveling.  For those wishing for a white Christmas, I hope you get it!  Take lots of photos of your Christmas day! 

                                                         MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

 

18 Mile Run Today

Hey! How did you spend your day today? We went to church, had some lunch at Billy Sims. I came home and took a nap for a little bit and then got up to get my long run in today. Can't believe I'm up to 18 miles.  It hurt by the last four miles and it was not fun having to run the last few miles in the dark.   It is my marathon training.What kind of training will you be doing over Christmas, if any?

What Holiday Race Are You Signed Up For?

Good morning to you!  I'm sitting here eating some breakfast and getting excited about an upcoming race! 

By now many of you have probably already ran some Christmas/Holiday races or signed up to some some.  I wanted to run the Jingle Bell 5K in Grove, OK that was last weekend, but I didn't get a chance to go.  I am signed up to do our local Chilly 5K Challenge that will be on New Year's Day!  I'm so excited because it's the first one of these that I will be doing.  I heard about it last year and new I wanted to do it this year.  It will start at out north YMCA and finish at the South YMCA.  I'm hoping to PR by breaking 24:01.  I was not feeling very well when I ran the 24:01 at our Turkey Trot this year and since then have put in a lot of training getting ready for my full marathon in March.  Good luck to you whatever race you're doing!

My One Year Running Anniversary 12-21-12!

Hey guys!  It's my one year anniversary!!!  I'm so excited!  One year ago today I decided to start back running again after about 22 years. I was a sprinter and cross-country runner in high school.  The whole New Year's Resolution was in full swing with so many people and I guess I may have been the same way.  I was wanting to run a 5K so it was time to start training.  I had no training plan, so I searched online for an easy 5K training plan and I found one at SHAPE online.  


So, I found some running clothes to put on and stepped out onto my street after stretching a little bit.  I had decided I'd start with running a half mile.  I didn't know about the free GPS on my cell phone and didn't have a garmin, but had my stop watch from track.  I started the stop watch and off I went, not very fast.  I didn't even get a quarter of a block down the road before I started feeling tired.  REALLY?!!  Anyways, I finished.  I think I ran almost everyday that first week.  I kept a journal, writing down all of my mileage and the times, hoping to improve with each run.  Each time I got out there I would run a few seconds faster and that was really cool to see!

Since getting back into running, I am happy to say that I have ran 6-5K's, 1-5 Miler run and 3-Half Marathons and currently training for my first full marathon which will be the Little Rock, Arkansas Marathon, March 2nd.

So happy that I stayed with running.  I truly enjoy it and so glad to blog about it with so many people out there interested in running stories and it helps me remember what I've done.  Had I not kept a journal, I would not have remembered the date I started running and it's nice to look back on far far I've come with my conditioning.  So far I've put in 482.1+ miles of running since 12-21-11.  The summer was slow for me being a busy mom attending my children's ball games and traveling for my oldest daughters softball all-stars.  Looking forward to another great year of running and hope you will to!

 

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START RUNNING???

Home › Fitness › Cardio › 5 Reasons Running in the Cold is Good for You Print 5 Reasons Running in the Cold is Good for You

What is your favorite weather of choice to run in?  For me, I would say fall and winter, but sometimes fall still feels like summer where I live.  I love winter and yesterday I got a chance to run in some pretty cold weather. For you new runners, have you got your winter accessories ready....gloves, hats, running tights, sport bras for the ladies, etc.  Make sure to get the sweat wicking materials.  You don't want to feel wet and cold while running.  I've had to buy a few things after running in regular cotton clothing and regular bras and feeling drenched.  No more of that!  Not pleasant when feeling that running.  So checkout your sporting goods store for the running gear.  If you're on a budget, BCG brand is good at Academy.  So check out the article by clicking on the link.

http://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/5-reasons-running-cold-weather-good-you

Snow Made Me Happy Today!

Hey, everybody!  Living out here in the mid west you never know what the weather might be each day.  Last night we had a tornado watch and this morning woke up to some snow!  Don't like the tornado watches or warnings, but being from Northern Ohio, I LOVE the snow!

I hopped out of bed, anxious to get out and run in the little bit of snow we did get, LOL!  It was SOOO cold which is what makes it more fun!  I bundled up, ran a few quick errands, picking up a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks to down before my long 10 + mile run.

Before heading out I thought I'd take a few crazy self portraits.  I'm a photographer and really enjoy days like today where there is snow, fun hats, gloves and all, but I decided to pull out the 3D glasses from the movies.  I had been recycling them, but lately decided to keep them and use for  our upcoming family Christmas pictures.  I decided to have a little fun with them today though.

The run was nice.  I ran 6 miles before my Garmin went dead...REALLY?  It's a good thing I had my cell phone GPS going.  I hit 7 miles before I came upon a porta potty that had blown over in the street...OH BOY!  Had to take a shot of that, LOL!  So, I'm running, waiting to eventually hear my gps lady tell me I had hit 8 miles.  Well, I kept running and running and knew it was time to hear 8 miles, but nothing so I decided to pull my phone off my arm and look.  Sure enough I accidentally must have hit PAUSE!  UGH!  I hit the RESUME and continued on.  I'm sure I had probably ran about 9.5 miles by that point, but decided I'd go ahead and stop when the phone read 9 miles.

Overall it was a great day!  AND, I finally got a winter hat today.  It finally felt and looked like winter!

Inspirational Race Bling

Good morning!  I was going to chat about something else this morning until I was browsing the internet and found a new facebook page with inspirational jewelry.  Wow, love the pieces by Erica Sara Designs on facebook.  They have some neat stuff and I love the font options, too!  I love to wear inspirational jewelry that I can wear every day.  In fact, I have a necklace that reads, I (picture of a heart) running.  I wear it all the time.  People find out that I am a runner that way, but I love looking into the mirror and reading that because I truly love running and why not share it with others!

 Since purchasing that necklace I have surprised myself with running a half marathon, well, three half marathons within a six week period so now I want a charm that reads "13.1" or "Half Marathoner."  Now my FIRST full marathon is coming up so I know I'll want to wear something that says "My first 26.2" and the time I will run it in.  I'll just have to get some ideas from Erica Sara Designs!  I think I even saw shirt cuffs on their page.  It's a very unique page so check it out!  I shared it on my facebook page at "I run long."

                         http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erica-Sara-Designs/158952890806038

Fuel Belt

Yesterday I finally purchased a fuel belt.  My training is now up to 17 miles for the longest I've ever run.  I'm training for a marathon and so I need to get used to having a few sips of water on my run.  I had been running near my home and stopping home to get a drink which I found inconvenient having to stop.  I don't like to run with a bottle in my hand so the fuel belt was something I needed to get.  I love it.  It's ultra lightweight.  Has four 7 0z. bottles and a ouch for keeping your gels, etc.  I do honey so I will be filling my pouch with honey.  This belt does not have an adjustable strap and I feel runs small.  I normally buy small for me, but I could barely get this belt to fit around my waist so I went and exchanged it for a medium.  It has a nice fit and will not twist around.  It has a velcro closure.  I recommend a fuel belt/hydration belt for the super long runs :)

                        WHAT TYPE OF HYDRATION SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

VIRTUAL RUN IN MEMORY OF SANDY HOOK

                   THE INFO BELOW IS TAKEN FROM THIS EVENTS FACEBOOK PAGE (Sandy Hook Elementary Memorial Half Marathon and 5K)http://www.active.com/half-marathon/tampa-fl/sandy-hook-elementary-memorial-half-marathon-and-5k-2013 

So glad I first saw this info on 'The Happy Runner' facebook page this morning.  Thanks, Felice!

Sandy Hook Elementary Memorial Half Marathon and 5K

My heart just like yours is broken from the tragedy. So I believe as runners we can make a difference in the lives of those affected even from afar. So this virtual race came about! Let run together to help the families affected by this horrific act!

Place
Anywhere
Any City

Description
Thank you for your interest in the Sandy Hook Elementary Memorial Half Marathon and 5K.

This is a virtual half marathon and virtual 5K. Since it is virtual, you can complete it anywhere in the world. You can run, walk, swim, bike, anything you like, and you can complete the 13.1 miles or 5K all at once, over the course of a week, or whenever you can. Please complete all miles between now and Jan 31st. This is on the honor system - you do not have to report your miles.

Registration fee for the Half Marathon is $30. The $30 covers -
• - bib (that will be mailed to you)
• - Finisher's medal (that will be mailed to you)
• - And some extra goodies (that will be mailed to you)

Registration fee for the 5K is $20. The $20 covers -
• - bib (that will be mailed to you)
• - Finisher's medal (that will be mailed to you)
• - And some extra goodies (that will be mailed to you)

Medals!
Every participant will receive a custom finisher's medal! We are working with a designer to put that together and will have pictures posted as soon as we get some. The idea we are working with is going to have a teddy bear on the medal. (we can only get a medal if at least 50 people register for each race)


Which medal will you get?
• -If less than 50 people are registered by Jan 15th, we will order something small to be given to the runners. (each race needs that many)
• -If between 75 and 100 people are registered by Jan 15th, we will order the 2" custom die cut medals. (each race needs that many)
• -If 101 or more people are registered by Jan 15th, we will order the BIG 3" custom die cut medals. (each race needs that many)

Race Benefits United Way of Western Connecticut – Sandy Hook Victims
To help those families affected by the devastating events in Newtown/Sandy Hook, Connecticut, the United Way pledges to stand with the community and everyone affected directly and indirectly by this tragic event.

United Way of Western Connecticut is committed to providing support and resources where and when they become identified and needed. As people from the area and beyond respond to this heartbreaking tragedy, they are turning to United Way looking for ways to help. In response, United Way of Western Connecticut in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank has created the 'Sandy Hook School Support Fund' that will be able to provide support services to the families and community that has been affected.

Our goal is to try to raise over $1000 for the victims!!!!


Raffles!
As soon as we have 25 registrants, we will have a raffle for a
• - Starbucks gift card
As soon as we have 50 registrants, we will have a raffle for an
• - Starbucks gift card
As soon as we have 100 registrants, we will have a raffle for another
• - Target gift card
As soon as we have 150 registrants, we will have a raffle for a
• - Amazon gift card
Prizes will be mailed with your medal

http://www.active.com/half-marathon/tampa-fl/sandy-hook-elementary-memorial-half-marathon-and-5k-2013

Prayers go out to Newtown, Connecticut

16 Mile Run Week

Last week was my week to go up a mile on my long run which was 16 miles for last week.  I wanted to get up early and get out before our day got going.  It still wasn't early enough, but I'll get there.  I consumed two teaspoons full of honey and drank a sip of water.  It was a chilly and cloudy morning.  I ran my usual route around in my neighborhood.  I love running and seeing the friendly faces of drivers that pass me when I'm running.  Some will give a thumbs up or a way or occasionally, a honk!  I sometimes see friends and give them a wave.  It makes my morning :)

Well, I wondered how I was going to finish since the week before was tough for me at the end.  I can tell my hips were weaker then and it felt like I was hardly moving at the last two miles.  

Since the week I did my 15 mile run I have been doing  more stretching (single leg bridge), planks and some weight lifting.  My biggest thing is that I have been drinking lots of water!  I have drank 50 oz. or more in a day.  That is wayyyy more than what I would drink in a week!  I stopped buying a certain cold coffee drink which has been really awesome that I haven't craved one.  I'm competing with myself on how much water I can consume in a day and that is fun and I'm getting hydrated for my runs.

When I ran my 15 mile run I noticed as I was running my hips were feeling like they were giving out on me.  My heels were catching on to the ground and it would feel like I was going to trip.  That is how I can tell my body is getting really tired!  My average pace on my 15 mile run was about 9:25 or so and weak finishing up.  My 16 mile run was 9:34, but I ran just as slow (for me), but felt a little stronger.  I made sure to stop home and get some water and a quick bite of an oatmeal granola bar and use the restroom and getting back to my run.  Those are things I know I will have to do on marathon day so I'm planning now.  I stop my watch when I stop, but not sure I will during the marathon. 


                                           

Running Theme Lamp Idea

I saw a post on the Runner's World facebook page requesting Running Holiday themed Ideas.  Most everyone had trees with their awards on them.  I wanted to do something different and so I thought for a couple of days what could I come up with.  While in bed one night I thought of using my race bibs to cover a lamp shade!  I knew that was different from what I was seeing from fans on Runner's World facebook page.  So, last night I got my bibs out and a roll of tape and began overlapping my race bibs onto our lamp.  It was looking cute!  Then I had medals and wondered how I could sue those too so I gathered them around the neck of the lamp post just under the turn on/off switch and taped it with clear packing tape.  My daughter added her personal touch as well and we had a complete runner theme idea!  It's not for bragging purposes, but just something creative I wanted to share.  Just as a reminder, Jesus is the reason for the season!  I am very thankful to God for the gift of running.  I love it and it's because of HIM!  After I took a few photos, I removed the bibs and medals off the lamp and sent to Runner's World.  They shared it in their feeds and so many people loved it.  

The photo has currently has over 1500 likes, 167 Shares, 43 comments which is something I never would have guessed would happen over anything I was involved with doing.  It was just nice for once to come up with an idea that I haven't seen out there.  I double checked on Pinterest and didn't see anything like this.  Usually when I have an idea, I research it and find out it's already out.  The last time I dreamed of an idea, it was about famous people's voices on a game show.  A clip of the famous person's distinctive voice would be played, for example, Morgan Freeman, and the contestant would have to guess who's voice it is.  I thought the name of the show could be called, "Who Said That" or "Who's Voice Is That."  I got up in the middle of the night and googled the titles and they existed, BUMMER, LOL!

Runner's World had chosen their favorites for their slideshow I think maybe a day or two before I shared my photo.  With the response it received, I'm sure I would have made the cut, lol!

JUST A FEW IDEAS FOR MY RUNNING THEME LAMP
Do not put bibs or any objects under the shade

* Display at a runner's party

*Runner's office

*Gift for a friend who is a runner (maybe there are sample running bibs online that are free to download.          
*Gift for a Track/Cross-Country Coach

*Center-Piece for a running or any race theme


 RUNNER'S WORLD LINK BELOW;

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151154471476987&set=a.10151152840196987.431997.9815486986&type=1&theater 

                   WHAT OTHER IDEAS CAN YOU THINK OF TO USE THE LAMP FOR?

CHRISTMAS COMPRESSION SOCKS

                                       FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK AT i run long

Thanks to Fit and Awesome blog for telling me about the candy cane socks.  Limited Edition!$13.99
I love these!
http://www.sockguy.com/ProductInfo/LECANEX.aspx

Check these awesome compression socks out!  Thanks to SportyMomme on facebook for sharing this link!
Want to save 40% off on these & receive FREE S/H?  Use the code SOM12
http://www.procompression.com/marathon-holiday/

Weekly Mileage Record

Last week I recorded the most amount of miles run in a week from Sunday to Saturday.  I ran a total hours of 39.09 miles!  That long run last Sunday really helped with a 15 mile run.  If you don't know, yet, I am training for a full marathon scheduled for March, 2013 so I am really trying to get my mileage increased, but only at the speed I'm supposed to go.  This week my long run should be 16 miles.  I might have enough time to run that this coming Saturday morning.  I'm not going to run it super fast, just an easy run.


Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012- 14.92 miles (before my phone died but kept running until a good 15 miles was accomplished)

Nov. 28th-8.49 miles, 10:06 average pace

Nov.29th-8.44 miles, 9:28 pace

Nov. 30th-1.02 miles, 10:47 minutes (super light run)

Saturday, Dec. 1st-6.14, 54:23 minutes to run

                                  How many miles of running in a week are you       currently getting in including races?

THE COLOR RUN 2013!!

Have you heard of this?  Have you participated in it!?  I have never done it but 2013 will be the year.  Check out this video.  I'm so excited to share it with you!!!  You will be inspired! Click on the link to watch the video.

http://youtu.be/4EERSfHiqT8

The Runner's Christmas List

                                   FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK AT i run long

So, Christmas is around the corner!  What is on a runner's Christmas list?  I can think of a few of my favorite things!  I'm going to be sharing  a few of my favs with you starting today.  Check back soon for more of gifts for runners!  What is your favorite running gadget, accessory, etc.?  Please share!


Next on the list...Oh, this looks really awesome and bet it will feel great working those sore muscles out.  Roll Recovery!

http://www.rollrecovery.com/R8/




Looking for Christmas theme socks?  Check these out by Sock Guy.  Only around $13!!! Thanks Fit an Awesome blog for commenting about these here.  I love these!http://www.sockguy.com/ProductInfo/LECANEX.aspx

MORE COMPRESSION SOCKS OFFERS!  THIS ONE EXPIRES DEC. 18TH, 2012!  FOLLOW LINK TO GET THE CODE.
http://www.active.com/images/newsletters/Pro_compression_socks/start.html

Here's an idea!  Try making one of these running themed lamps for the runner lover!  This one was made by my daughter and I and it was featured on Runner's World facebook page on December 6, 2012 :)  If you have a lamp shade, your race bibs and some tape, you're all set!  hanging the medals is optional.  I taped them below the on/off switch away from the hot light bulb.

Well, the cooler air is upon us which means it's probably time to put away the tanks, depending on where you live.  This is an awesome women's cold gear fitted long sleeve mock top by Under Armour.  It keeps you warm and wicks away sweat to keep you warm!I don't have one of these, but sure would like to get one and I love this green! 

Women's ColdGear®
Fitted Longsleeve
Mock

$49.99 style # 1215968

I love this little gadget that works in a huge way!  It's called the Muscle Stick.  Relief for muscle pain and soreness under $30.  This gadget works wonders and so glad mu husband got it for me months ago.

 Love these!  Saw that a bunch of ladies were raving about them on another blog so I thought I'd go and get a pair, LOL!  They really do stay in!  Picked mine up at Best Buy.  The only colors they had left were the black and red, so I went with the black.  Tried them in my ears before leaving the store parking lot and left them the whole ride home :)  Check out their site.

 http://www.yurbuds.com/

 I like to wear a piece of hand stamped jewelry that displays my love for running.  I had this pendant custom made by my friend, Tisha.  My friend makes these wonderful sterling silver pendants and can hand stamp anything for you.  I wear it all the time.  I absolutely love running and love sharing it with everyone!  Her business is called Goodie Two Shoes and she's on facebook.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Goodie-Two-Shoes-Designs/138449382847831?ref=ts&fref=ts

Love the Road ID!  It's a very smart thing to wear while out biking, running, etc.  It displays emergency contact info and any medical history you might have.  I've had mine for over a year now and I feel very good knowing that if something was to happen to me my family can be contacted right away, etc.  They are around $19 and come in different colors and the metal plate can be put on any other color Road ID band.  I bought a yellow band for an additional $3.  Makes for a nice gift!

I just recently got a Garmin that I am going to enjoy.  I love being able to see my pace and the time, etc.  I bought the Garmin Forerunner 410 because on Black Friday Amazon offered $150 off the 410 so I bought it and have been playing around with it.  Then, I would see this awesome orange Garmin Forerunner 310.  I love orange so maybe down the road I will get the 310.  I love the shape of it a lot too.  Check out the Garmin's at Garmin.com

Headbands are a nice accessory to have.  I love this headband by Sweaty bands @ sweatybands.com.  I actually own the 13.1 and soon will be able to get the 26.2, can't wait!  They have a velour type fabric underneath which I feel keeps the headband from sliding.  Great quality, not cheap looking.  They have also been featured on the TODAY SHOW.  You can also CUSTOMIZE your sweaty bands!

First of all, I recently found this awesome site called Lunatik Athletiks http://www.lunatikathletiks.com I love anything funky and so when I came across this site and saw the products, I was like, "Yes!"  This site was definitely for me.  Check out the socks, compressions calf sleeves and running skirts...so cute!  If you know a runner who might like something like this or maybe you don't know if they'll like it, get it anyway.  You just might have introduced them to a new thing! Actually, the socks have prevented a lot of soreness in my legs after running a half marathon.  THEY REALLY WORKED FOR ME!


  


I am a sucker for running tights!  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!  I especially love the bright colored, funky looking ones, but here are a few of the tights/leggings for today.  They are great for any cool to super cold day.  I have more pictures of my favorite leggings coming soon! The ones shown in the collage are from Nikewomen.com and the black with green are from Under Armour....underarmour.com

My new favorite headset I just got on Black Friday from my husband are by Motorola. No cords to fight with, great sound, etc.  Check them out at motorola.com

S10-HD Bluetooth® stereo headphones

• High definition audio provides amazingly rich sound
• Advanced design makes headphones lightweight, comfortable and sweat proof
• Take calls while listening to music