skirt sports

The Week I Did a Nighttime Race

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

I’m not a nighttime runner. I pretty much always start my day with runs. I don’t even like running after work. So, when B told me that there was a 5k race on a Friday night that was a fundraiser for a board he is on, I was hesitant. I had run the race last year for fun after LM was born. But, I was home on maternity leave. This year, I’d be working all day and well – as I said – I’m not a fan of nighttime running.

But who doesn’t love a good 5k fundraiser? So, I signed up on Wednesday and ran it Friday. Here’s how the week looked:

Some highlights:

The race of course! Strollers weren’t allowed (dogs and walkers were…), so B watched the kids while I ran. I admittedly start the race with a cramp but felt like I was flying the first mile.

The second mile included a big uphill, and the last mile had a downhill. I ended the race with an official time of 25:43. The race was along the beach, so we had a great view. And we got some beach time afterwards.

Was it a PR? No. Was it the fastest I’ve run in a while? YES. Was I glad I ran it? Of course!

Questions for you:

  • Do you notice a connection between how much rest you get and the quality of your runs?
  • What are you training for?

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

Running the Miles with Nothing to Train For

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Another week of running, but nothing to train for.

And that’s okay with me. I’m kind of liking running whenever I want, however much I want and not having to worry about getting in a certain number of miles during the week.

Not training doesn’t mean I’m not running – here’s a look at last week:

Some highlights:

Sunday morning I got in my runs around family activities. We decided to go out to brunch, so I jogged the 1 mile there. Then, after brunch I took a long route home and got in an extra 3ish miles. No running photos, but instead a pic of our brunch 🙂

Tuesday, I wore my new Skirt Sports capris and got in 5 miles before work. These capris have SO many pockets – they’re the best.

My runs have been pretty slow lately, but I also haven’t been sleeping enough or taking many days off. I wonder if I got more sleep or took a few rest days if I’d notice an improvement? I did finally take Saturday off (as you can see) after more than a week of no off days so hopefully that will pay off.

Questions for you:

  • Do you notice a connection between how much rest you get and the quality of your runs?
  • What are you training for?

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

2018 Running Recap

/ 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?

Friday Five: Why Do I Run?

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 14 Comments

Now that I’m nearly 30 weeks pregnant, it’s easy to forget why I run. Running has become harder and harder this time around, and I’m having a difficult time staying motivated.

Sometimes, I need to take a step back and remind myself why I run. How I got started. Where I’ve come from.

I hated running pretty much all my early life. I remember doing the presidential mile test in elementary school and walking the whole thing while chatting with the other girls who felt the same way. We drove our PE teacher CRAZY.

photo of me playing softball to prove how unathletic I was. I mean check out my shoes – do I look like I can run in those? (2nd from right on first row)

In high school, I did crew and indoor track, but not competitively. I ran with both of those, but just because I had to.

B and I post-first half marathon

It wasn’t until college that I started running on my own time – for me – and then after college – to stay in shape. I started small, and did my first 5k in college. My first half marathon came after college, and well, I was hooked. I’ve done countless races since, and running has become part of who I am. So even, now, the I’m running for two and having trouble keeping up the pace, and frankly, keep my legs moving with my growing bump, I can’t help but remember WHY I run.

some GREAT ladies I met thanks to running! (they’re all Skirt Sports ambassadors!)

I run because … (5 reasons why)

  1. Running makes me sane. Even on my most stressed out days, running somehow manages to help me out. It’s my therapy.
  2. Running helps me clear my brain. It helps me think and be one with myself.
  3. Running makes me feel strong and powerful. Even on the days I don’t have good runs, I remind myself that at least I’m doing something!
  4. Running has made me friends. I love all of my Cleveland Marathon Ambassadors, whom I never would have meet without running. And all my running buddies, who have kept me motivated throughout the years.
  5. Running is something for ME. Now that I’m a mom, there are fewer and fewer opportunities to do something just for myself. Running is one of those things and it reminds me that despite all the changes that have happened to me the past few years, I’M STILL ME.

post-run hugs with FW
20171007_103252
Mid-run with FW
Questions for you:

  • Why do you run?
  • Any tips to keep on running while pregnant?

It’s FRIDAY!

Linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!

Friday Five Linkup 2.0

Tuesdays on the Run: Happy 4th of July!

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Happy 4th of July!! I’ve taken the last few days off from running, but got in a good amount of mileage last week, with runs nearly every day. I didn’t get in a true long run, but I ended up with nearly 30 miles this week. The runs included:

I only got in one outdoor run this week unfortunately – a 5.5 miler on Saturday. It was misting out but I was still able to get outside and get in 5.5 humid miles in my Jette skirt.

And since it’s July (yikes!) here are two goals for the month:

  • To get in 1-2 outdoor runs a week
  • To do at least one race

Happy Fourth to you!! Some questions for you:

  • Do you do a Fourth of July race?
  • What’s your favorite month for running?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Summer Running Favorites 

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

Summer isn’t officially here, but it sure feels like it in Cleveland. This weekend got into the 80s and whew it was HOT. Luckily, I got in some runs early and indoors.

This week included 6 runs, including 3 outdoor runs! Mileage included:

I’m pumped that I got in 3 outdoor runs! Sunday, Friday and Saturday were all outside runs. Another not traditional week, but since I had Friday off I was able to get in some miles outside.

But now that it’s getting warm, it’s time to dress appropriately AND hydrate.  Here are my summer favorites:

Cool, loose tank tops

I am very picky with running tank tops. I don’t like them tight. I prefer loose ones but I don’t like a lot of fabric. I typically prefer ones without built in bras. That’s why, my favorite running tank top is my Skirt Sports Free Flow Tank Top. Even if I weren’t a Skirt Sports Ambassador, this would still be my favorite shirt.* (see below for a discount code!)

Short, airy shorts

My favorite running shorts are also by Skirt Sports. The Redemption Run Short is short, has a pocket for my keys and is so light that it doesn’t weigh me down when I run.  I wore them at my last half marathon (pictured below) and they were great!

Headbands

For years, I had a hard time finding a headband that would keep my flyaway out of my face and also stay on my head. I don’t know why, but headbands consistently fell off my head! Until I found Sparkly Soul. I love my sparkly headbands – they stay on my head AND  are cute! Here are two of my favorite:

I am so excited to be an ambassador, since they are headbands that I love!

Running hats/visors

When it gets really sunny, I like to wear a visor to keep the sun out of my eyes. And when there are summer storms, I like to wear a hat to keep the rain out of my eyes. I own this Skirt Sports visor and a running hat very similar this one.

me in my hat, because it was raining during the 10k (I was 9 months pregnant)

Post-running hydration

You gotta hydrate this summer! Some my favorite post-run hydration – in addition to water – includes:

Smoothies! I make my own in my Vitamix or grab some from Restore.

Nooma: This local hydration company makes some tasty beverages. My favorite is the mango!

Powerade Zero. I know it tastes semi artificial, but I love the blue flavor. And I love that a bottle is typically 32 ounces, so I’m guaranteed to get a lot of hydration in!

Nuun. I have yet to meet a runner who didn’t like Nuun. I actually don’t have any on hand, and I need to get some!

AND cheers to summer!! Some questions for you:

  • What’s your favorite summer running outfit?
  • What temps are too hot for you – when do you run inside instead of outside?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Disclaimer: I’m a Skirt Sports and Sparkly Soul Ambassador! AND as part of being a Skirt Sports ambassador, I get a discount code to share! If you’re looking to get yourself a pair of shorts, flow tank or a cute running skirt, you can use SPRINGCPT20 and get 20% off your order!

Tuesdays on the Run: Starting off June with a 5K

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

Happy Tuesday!! I’m joining up with Tuesdays on the Run to talk about running today. Even though I’m no longer training for the Cleveland half marathon or any big race right now, I’m still running.

This week included a run every day, including some outdoor runs AND a 5k. The runs included:

Some of the highlights:

I got in 4 outdoor runs! Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday were all outside runs. This is not normal – but since I had Monday and Friday off, I was able to run outside.

after Monday’s run

I did a 5k! I ran it with B who ran with FW in the BOB. I didn’t race it or run as fast as I could, but it was still fun! AND we did it with a few members of B’s family

With all of B’s family who did the 5k too (including the dog)

And since it’s the beginning of  a new month, here are some goals for June:

  • To run outside at least once per week
  • To run at least 3x per week
  • To incorporate speed training
  • To do some runs with other people

Here’s to hoping for a good running month! Some questions for you:

  • How often do you run outside?
  • When was the last time you ran a 5k?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Training Tuesday: One Week Post-Cleveland

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

It’s been one week since the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon events (I did the 8k and half marathon).

I’m feeling some of those post-race blues. That’s right, I’m feeling a little sad. I’m sad that the races are over, the training has ended and that there’s no big race to look forward to for me yet. Don’t get me wrong, I’m loving the feeling of not having any training on my calendar. To just go out for a run and enjoy it and not worry about pace, distance, time, etc.

And I DID enjoy some runs this week! This week (starting with Sunday’s half) included 27.7 miles of running.

Monday/Tuesday: I took Monday of and had planned on taking Tuesday off, but when B went for a run that afternoon I felt runner’s envy and had to go with him and so we took the stroller on a path and ran together. My legs were sore but it felt good to be outside!

Wednesday: And then Wednesday morning I decided to loosen up the legs a little more on the treadmill. I got in a slow 5k but was happy to have gotten it in!

Thursday: Thursday I made it 3.5 on the treadmill and felt a lot stronger.

Friday: Finally, I was feeling good! I made it 4 miles on the treadmill and then got to 5 with a cool down.

I’m ready to kick off June and hopefully get in some runs outside in the nice weather and get used to running in the heat again!

Some questions for you:

  • Do you like running in hot weather? 
  • How soon after a race do you sign up for another one?

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Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Training Tuesday: Fewer Miles

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 9 Comments

Happy Tuesday! For today’s post I have a runfession — I had a low mileage week.

At this point in my training, I probably should be increasing the mileage each week, but this week I was a little bit down in the numbers. I typically start off the week strong with a long run, but I was out of town for a bachelorette party and clocked in zero miles on Sunday.

Sooooo where did that get me? In terms of mileage, this week (Sunday-Saturday) ended at 21.53 miles. The runs included:

Sunday: Nothing! I was in Cincinnati for my sister-in-law’s bachelorette party and the day involved getting brunch and then driving back to Cleveland. And going to bed early after a weekend of little sleep!

Monday: 4  miles on the treadmill.

Tuesday:  40 minute tempo run; 4.6 miles on the treadmill. 

Wednesday: 5.3 miles on the treadmill. I ran 3 miles and then had enough time to walk/run a cooldown to get to 5.3.

Thursday: 3.2 miles on the treadmill. I woke up Thursday TIRED. Beteeen work, FW being sick and being away the previous weekend, I felt as if I was lacking some serious sleep. Nevertheless, I managed to get in a few sluggish miles.

Friday: None – rest day!

Saturday: 4.42 miles on the treadmill. It was sunny but cold outside so I decided to take it easy and watch some Netflix while working out.

Total- 21.53 miles!

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Was it a bad week? No. Did I have any really bad runs? No. So here’s to hoping for a little higher mileage in the weeks moving forward!

Some questions for you:

  • What do you consider a “long” run?
  • What’s your average weekly mileage?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Training Tuesday: Starting off April

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

I have a confession – I JUST signed up for the Cleveland Marathon events. I know, I’m writing about training but for some reason I hadn’t pulled the trigger until this week.

But it’s here-  I FINALLY signed up for the 8k and Half Marathon Challenge Series! So this training is getting REAL.

A reminder- if you are thinking for signing up for the challenge series, you NEED to sign up ASAP. The deadline to register is this week!

Now, onto the runs for this week. In terms of mileage, this week was a little low, mostly because I did my Sunday long run last Saturday so I kicked off the week with only 3ish miles. Also, I was out of town Friday through the weekend for my sister-in-law’s bachelorette party!

This week, my runs included:

Sunday: 3.22 miles outside. I had a little time before heading over to help with my friend Nicole’s bridal brunch, and was happy to be able to get in a short run OUTSIDE. It was nearly 60 degrees and I was so excited to be in shorts!

Monday: 47 minutes elliptical.  I had xtraining on the schedule and was able to get in some time on the elliptical to start off my Monday.

Tuesday: 4.9  miles on the treadmill.  I had 4 miles on the schedule and I ended up running for 45 minutes and got in 4.75 miles – then I finished with a short cool down.

Wednesday: 4.1  miles on the treadmill. I had intervals on the schedule and I did 7×400. When I was done, I did another mile or so.

Thursday: 5 miles on the treadmill. I had 3 on the schedule,  but since I started early, I managed to get in a nice cooldown and finished with 5.

Friday: 4 slow miles. I did a 5k and then walked and ran until I got a 4. It is normally a rest day, but since is was off and knew I wasn’t going to be getting in my normal weekend runs, I decided to get in some treadmill to me before hitting the road.

Saturday: 3.7 hilly miles in Cincinnati! I was in Cincinnati for my sister-in-law’s  bachelorette party, and me and my other sister-in-law got in a run Saturday morning before the festivities started. It wasn’t the 8 on the schedule, but I’m glad I got in some miles!

Total- 25 miles!

Some questions for you:

  • Do you like running hills? Are you used to them? Is where you live hilly?
  • Local CLE people – are you doing the Cleveland Marathon or any of the events this year?

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Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!