2014 Running Recap

December 30, 2014December 23, 2014 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

I can’t believe it’s already the time of year to look back and reflect on where we’ve been. It really feels like it was just a few weeks ago I was planning out my 2014 running plans, making goals, cheering on an injury-free 2013, and so on.

2014 was a pretty good year running wise. I really don’t have many complaints – while I didn’t run as many miles as I did last year (2013 had 1500+ miles, I slacked off somewhat this year and had about 1,350 miles) I did meet all my running goals:

Goal #1: to run 2014 km in 2014. This comes out to 1,251 miles. My total? 1,350+ miles in 2014.

Goal #2: to run at least three half marathons. I ran four half marathons this year! In March I ran a race in Chicago (COLD BUT a PR), in May I ran the Cleveland Half Marathon, in August I ran the Adirondack Half Marathon in Schroon Lake (hot, hilly and humid – definitely not a PR) and in November I ran the Savannah Rock N Roll Half Marathon. (photo below is in order of races – starting at the top left and going clockwise)

2014 running recap

Goal #3: to PR in at least one half marathon and get under 2 hours as my time. I did this! I somehow ended up getting under 2 hours in my first half marathon of the year – Chicago – and proceeded to get under 2 hours in every other race except the Adirondack Half (which I was just happy to survive the humidity and hills).

In the Chicago half I ran behind/in front of the 2 hr pace team (with the yellow balloons) on and off the entire race. I grew to hate that yellow balloon by the end! But it worked – I got my sub-2 hour race.

Some other highlights from the year?

I came in first female! Despite minimal speed training and 5Ks, I did manage to place in one race – I came in first female in a Columbus, Ohio 5k to support autism. In all fairness, it was a SUPER small race, but I’ll still brag where I can! I wish I had gotten a chance to pick up my prize.

I have running buddies! I’m sure B is more excited about this than I am (he doesn’t like running nearly as much as I do and he’s much faster than me), but I’m proud to say that I now have official running buddies. There are two girls that I meet for runs in the morning on occasion and we’ve pretty much figured out our running groove. I look forward to running with them and we motivate each other on races (even ones we don’t do together).

Me and my running buddies after the Cleveland Half, celebrating with brunch (thus why I’m already changed)

I found out I was chosen to be a Cleveland Marathon Ambassador for 2015! Just last month, I learned that I was selected as an ambassador for the 2015 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. I’ll be running the half marathon and hoping for a PR – and of course I’ll be sharing all my experiences with you!

I ended the year INJURY FREE. This is a big deal for me. Yes, I’ve had some shin pain on and off and my heel bothers me if I don’t massage it with a golf ball nearly every day, but NO STRESS FRACTURES this year. I will be thankful each and every year that this is the case. I’m boot free for 2 years in a row now 🙂

To read more about my running this year, check out ALL my running-related posts.

Some questions for you:

What’s something you’re proud of that you accomplished this year? (doesn’t have to be running focused)
Did anyone else meet a running goal, or 2, this year?
What should be goal(s) be next year?

Friday Five: Running Update

May 16, 2014 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

TGIF! Another week has come and gone and I am SO ready for the weekend. Aren’t you?

In honor of this weekend’s big event – the Cleveland marathon – and the fact that I haven’t posted a running update in a while, here are some running-related randomness for this Friday Five.

Annual Mileage Total: Approx. 512 miles

I know, I know, I’m at waay less mileage than I was at this time last year. But I’m okay with it for a few reason. One, when B and I went to Costa Rica last month, I only ran twice – we kept active with walks, hikes, swims, etc. So that’s two full weeks of at least 20 fewer miles to add to my log. Two, I feel like I’ve been running smarter. When my shin started seriously hurting a few weeks ago (yes, again), I took a few days off. I’ve been trying to take at least one day off from running a week (sometimes 2! like this week) to make sure my body recovers from pounding the pavement. I will acknowledge that it may not seem like a big deal to say “Oh, I’m running only 5 days a week,” but I can assure you (just ask B) that for me, it is. And I know a few other runners out there are nodding their heads reading this and get it.

2014 runs

2014 Races Completed: 4 thus far (plus 1 this weekend!)

I can’t believe it’s May already and we’re right in the middle of running season and our total races completed is 4. B and I started the year with the Chili Bowl 5K in February (we used the 3.1 race as the end to an 11 mile training run). Then in March (exactly one month later), we completed the Chicago Get Lucky Half Marathon. In April, B and I did two races in one weekend – the Hermes 10 miler and a 5K for autism awareness in Columbus. At the 5K, I somehow took home first overall female … guess I should do small community races more often!

post autism awareness 5k

action shot for the 10 miler

2014 Goals: A Work In Progress

This year some of my running goals have included to get to a sub-2 hour half marathon, as well as run 3 half marathons in the year. I’m getting there! I’ve done 1 half marathon (and have 1 this weekend) and met my sub-2 hour goal at the Chicago Get Lucky Half Marathon this year. Hmm, maybe it’s time to set another goal. Sub-25 min 5k? Do I see some interval/speed training in my future (blech)?

My not-quite-accurate finish time. My "chip start" didn't work so take this tiem and subtrack at least a minute to account for how long it took me to get to the starting line (B's chip stated at 1:51 and we ran together)

My not-quite-accurate finish time. My “chip start” didn’t work so take this time and subtract at least a minute to account for how long it took me to get to the starting line (B’s chip stated at 1:51 and we ran together)

Getting More Social in my Running

I’ve definitely been being a more social runner, something that I really like. Flash back to a year ago, doing a long run and asking B to come with me and he admitting he wished I had more “runner friends.” Because about a year ago, I had only really run with B and Mary. Later in the year I started doing some runs with my coworker Cari … and this year I’ve been running somewhat regularly (at least a few times a month) with Nicole and Erica. Running with people used to intimidate me. What if I ran too slow? I get really sweaty .. what if they were grossed out? Yes, I thought about this things. But for some reason, I just stopped caring. I run with people who run my pace and if I’m sweaty, coughing, etc. well, does it really matter?

Best example – got over myself and did the Running of the Bridges with a group of at least 50 other runners last week. It was warm, sunny, and yes, I was super sweaty – but it was fun!

see! I sweat ..

What’s Next?

The Cleveland Half Marathon Race is this weekend! I’m pretty ready and excited to be taking it easy, running it for fun and not competitively, and just enjoy the sights of this city, the new route, the cheering crowds (hopefully) and the cool weather that just came in today. After that – where should I plan half marathon #3?

Good luck to all those running this weekend! Some questions for you:

What’s the next race you have planned? Are you training for something?
What are your running goals?
Are there any half marathons coming up you like? Which should be my next one?
Are you a solo runner/biker/worker-outer or do you prefer in a group?

February Running Update – Another Month of Inside Miles

March 11, 2014March 9, 2014 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

Another month of 2014 is done and another pretty good month in terms of mileage. I finished February with 116.6 miles – not quite the 145.7 of January, but still somehow more than last February’s 111 miles.

february 2014 miles

Some of the highlights from the month:

I ran another super long (for me) treadmill run and a record for me – 9.4 miles. That’s my new treadmill record. While I’m proud of somehow sticking through that workout – I’m also regretting not getting outdoors enough (see below).
I ran my first race of the season – the Chili Bowl 5k! B and I ran it with our friend Dave, but we didn’t run it for time. We actually ran it as part of a 12 mile long run – we did 9 miles and finished with the 5k. The long run itself was somewhat painful (it was my first outdoor run in forever and the roads were snowy/icy) but finishing with the race definitely helped. And I’m surprised that our times for the race weren’t worse!
I got in 2 long runs outdoors – the above 12 miler and a 9 miler.
I tried out my new Yaktrax- and enjoyed them! I was in Toledo for work one day a few weeks ago and really wanted to get in a run outside, but the path near where I was had not been cleared and had a fresh path of snow over some patches of ice. I tried the Yaktrax and only nearly slipped like once in a four mile run. I definitely was slower on my feet with them on, but it was SO great to be outside!

Some of the not-so-good:

So much indoor running. I think I ran outdoors like 4 times this month, if that. It was cold, then super snowy, then cold, then icy, etc. You get the idea. AND while I’m excited for reaching a new treadmill record, I think it’s hurting my ability to actually run. My last few outdoor runs have been harder than they should be, which makes me nervous for this weekend’s half marathon. I only did 2 long runs outside in all of February.
I some how forgot that I need new shoes! I’ve been running on my Nike Air Pegasus for probably 650 mi or so (maybe more, yipes!), and I’m overdue for a new pair. I want to get something fun and a new color though -what should I get? I like a cushion shoe to go with my supporting orthotics.
I skimped out on some of my training. Last week I was away for 4 days, including the weekend, which meant traveling, cold weather, and many more excuses. Yes, I got in a run each day (so I won’t beat myself up over it too much) but not the 7 miler or 14 miler I had planned.

Photo from Toledo! Looks pretty, but you can see (I think) the snow/ice on the ground.

Some questions for you:

What shoes do you wear running? Any recommendations for a good cushiony shoe? I used to be a Brooks girl but have switched to Nike Air Pegasus or Saucony Rides. I can’t determine how I feel about any of the new Pegasus or Ride colors (see the picture below_ and I want something new and fun!
How do you keep track of your runs? I use a combination of dailymile, nike+ and a spreadsheet on my desktop. I can never seem to keep dailymile and nike+ updated, so I just make sure my spreadsheet is accurate.
What races do you have coming up? Are you training for anything? The Chicago Get Lucky Half is next weekend! After that, I hope to continue long runs and find my next race.

sneakers