Weekly Running Update: Sick and a Trip

October 20, 2019October 20, 2019 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 9 Comments

After last week’s high mileage week, this week was a little less. I started the week off with a cold. Sunday night into Monday I started getting stuffy, which then turned into a head cold. I still was able to get in runs, but was tired and didn’t get in as much mileage as I used to.

Some highlights from the week include:

The main highlight of the week was running in upstate New York. I flew into New York on Thursday to spend some time with my family, because my brother was in town from Berlin. Friday morning I got up and got in a 5 mile run along the streets and park. I even passed some cows on the run! And my brother was out riding his bike and rode by me. It was a PERFECT fall day for a run!

Saturday I did not get in a run. After waking up, we took a car ride to a trail for a hike in the Catskill Mountains. It was a beautiful but chilly day for a hike.

Some questions for you:

Have you gotten to enjoy some fall hiking or running?
Do you have any trips planned?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

Weekly Running Update: Highest Mileage Week

October 13, 2019October 12, 2019 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

This week was my highest mileage week of the whole year! I ran nearly 36 miles for the whole week, which is high for me. We had step challenge at work going on (I didn’t win), so each day my plan was to run at least 6 miles before work. I did it, and even got in 7 on Friday. Here’s how it looked:

Some highlights from the week include:

Sunday, before the step challenge started, we did a race with the whole family. I pushed FW and B pushed LM in the stroller and we did a local 5K.

The rest of the week included 6 + mile runs each day, including a 7 miler on Friday. It’s so dark in the mornings now! But if I wanna get a run in, I gotta still wake up early to get it in.

Despite getting in 19,000+ steps each day, I didn’t win the step challenge. But I still got in more steps than I usually do! Some questions for you:

How many steps do you take in a day?
What time do you wake up?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

Weekly Running Update: Just Some Miles

September 29, 2019September 27, 2019 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

This week was a pretty normal week in terms of running. Got in some miles, did some runs, you know, the usual. Here were the runs:

Some highlights from the week include:

Sunday I didn’t get any miles, because B and I were in Hocking Hills with friends. We did, however, get in a hike before we got in the car for the trip home. It was nice to get in a walk in nature.

The rest of the week included some runs in semi-fall like temps. The weather was in the 70s and 80s during the week, but in the mornings it was nice and cool. I even got in two 10ks! Wednesday’s 10K meant that I met my step goal around 8 a.m., which was great.

Some questions for you:

Has it been fall-like where you are?
Do you run when it’s dark outside?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

A Week of Indoor Runs

February 3, 2019 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Last week was COLD. And by COLD I mean negative degrees as the HIGH. Check out this forecast:

So what did that mean for my training for the Cleveland Half Marathon? It meant that my treadmill was my best friend. Here’s how the week looked:

Sunday I kicked off the week with my longest treadmill run in at least a year. 5.25 miles.

The Sole F80 has become my best friend over the past year or so. As much as I don’t enjoy indoor running, I’m so grateful to have it!

And FW was happy when I was done with my 5 miles.

Later in the week I woke up to THIS as the temps. Feels like -23? Yeah, I wasn’t going to go outside.

So, each day when I could, I got in a treadmill run.

School ended up being closed Wednesday and Thursday due to the cold, so that threw off my running a little bit. Wednesday, I only got in 2 miles while LM took a nap, and Thursday I also had to cut my run short when LM work up early.

But that was it for the week – and we survived! I’m hopeful that it will get and stay warmer for at least a few days. I mean, the groundhog DID see his shadow so that means spring is coming, right?

In the meantime, here’s your weekly reminder that if you are interested in running the Cleveland Marathon, As a race ambassador, I have a 10% discount code for you to use! Use MC2019 for 10% off any race entry.

Stay warm and have a good running week! Some questions for you:

Did you stay inside this week for your workouts?
What’s the coldest temperature you’ve ever run in?

I’m linking up with the weekly wrap.

2018 Running Recap

January 1, 2019 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

Wow, what a year! 2018 was a memorable year. And it was a hard year for running. I’ll be honest – I got in fewer miles than usual. I ran fewer races. I didn’t set any PRs. But, I have a few reasons – being pregnant for half of the year, having a baby and adjusting to the schedule and craziness (and lack of sleep) that is life with a toddler and a baby. So I’m proud of my accomplishments and happy to look back at the year.

Here are some of the highlights from the year:

I ran injury free, throughout my entire pregnancy. Pregnant or not, a year without injuries can’t be beat. In 2017, I had a minor (but painful) piriformis issue that kept me off running for a few weeks. But 2018 granted me health.

Running early on in my pregnancy with some of the Cleveland Marathon crew at a race kickoff run in January

Sometimes staying active meant run/walks

I did a few races while pregnant, including two 5Ks and a 10K a week before my due date. Thanks to B for convincing me to sign up for a 5K race Mother’s Day weekend, as well as for running beside me as I hobbled the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon 5K and 10K four days before LM was born.

I’ve been able to return to running since LM was born, taking her or FW along with me. I enjoy running by myself, but also enjoy stroller running. FW has gotten to the age where we can talk on our runs and point out animals, etc. and LM typically sleeps. And thanks to our new neighborhood having more paved paths, I got in more stroller runs this year than ever before. While my mileage hasn’t been nearly as much as it was before kids (I ended with just under 800 miles – compared to 2013 when I had double that!), I am grateful to still be running and have been able to get out again shortly after giving birth.

first race post-LM this summer

after a 4 mile stroller run with FW (post LM’s birth)

stroller run with my niece and nephew (I pushed FW, B pushed LM)

I’ve been an Ambassador for some great brands and organizations that have helped me with my running. Some of them include Skirt Sports, Nuun and the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. This means I also have discount codes to share with you if you’re interested:

Skirt Sports: They make more than skirts and I wear them running all the time. I’m actually wearing their pants, jacket, tank top and capris in several of the photos above. In the 1st photo I’m wearing the Triple Pocket Tight, 2nd photo I’m wearing the Hangout Hoodie, 5th photo I’m wearing the Free Flow Tank, 6th photo I’m wearing the Jette Skirt, and 7th photo I’m wearing the Redemption Capri. Use 133Carn for 15% off. And check out their

Cleveland Marathon: Use discount code MC2019 for 10% off any race entry. I’ll also have a race entry giveaway in just a few weeks!

All in all, I’m grateful for a happy, healthy 2018, running and otherwise. And I kicked off 2019 today with a 4.33 mi run in my new Skirt Sports leggings that I bought myself as a Christmas gift, so the year is already off to a great start!

Some questions for you:

How would you rate your 2018?
Do you have any 2019 goals?

Goodbye November Running

November 26, 2018November 26, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

Can you believe this is the last running post I’ll share in November? I honestly can’t remember another November that went so fast. I don’t really mind, though- the sooner this month ends, the sooner the holidays will be here!

Speaking of holidays, last week included a Thanksgiving day race, along with several other runs that were mostly stroller runs. I’m on vacation, so if I want to run, most times there’s a stroller involved.

Here’s how the week looked:

And some pics:

After the 5 miler … fun fact: during the race, we had to stop for ambulances to drive by. I didn’t mind stopping to catch my breath, but I did wonder what my time would’ve been otherwise.

Running with the stroller:

Passed out after a run:

Some questions for you:

Did you do a Thanksgiving race?
Have you ever had to unexpectedly stop in the middle of a race for an emergency vehicle or other reason?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps and linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs.

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