Cat & Her Love Affair

For those of you who know me, you know that I can talk it up to any stranger. I love being able to meet people. I met a kinesiologist who randomly stretched my legs out this week.

Today, love wins again! It "pays" to be genuinely friendly and invested in people. I crashed an expo today. Its open to the public and hey, I'm part of the public. Its for the local Rock & Roll Marathon. And guess who was there? GU! My favorite running gel <3 <3 <3 I'm so glad that they are a local company.

Anyway. I'm almost all out of my box of Chocolate Outrage so I decided to go buy a box for $20.  Its cheaper than Amazon and the money goes directly to GU. I was talking to the rep and just being genuinely interested, thats the key it has to be genuine. You can't fake nice, people aren't dumb. Anyway, I was asking him about the Peppermint flavors and I brought up that I know that they are releasing Peanut Butter.

And guess what he busts out:

THATS RIGHT!

I, Catherine, also known as Catherun am confessing my deep love for GU and peanut butter.  And now, I hold in my hands 2 sample packs- the rep wanted me to point out that these packs are in limited not for re-sale packaging, haha- of PEANUT BUTTER GU!!!

And a water bottle.

But seriously. All I did was talk to the guy and be genuinely nice and ask questions about GU. Things I wanted to know anyway.  He told me that some guy at work used the tri-berry and peanut butter GU as filling for sandwich. Haha. He also said that he didn't have a lot of peanut butter samples. That it wasn't just given to the public, it was actually hidden from the public. Its al cuz I was nice and I asked! Thats what he said!!! He actually didn't know I bought a box too. Someone else helped me with that.

Runners are some of the most friendliest people I know. I think we all know, understand, and acknowledge that we all are insane to a measure since we run.  We put ourselves through enough tough physical and mental situations that we are just nice because we've been through a lot worst.  And more insanely, we put ourselves there.

Anyway. I just wanted to say thanks to GU!

I'm a happy little fan girl <3

Strength Training 09/29/11

I was supposed to do chest, shoulders, & triceps, but I just did shoulders & arms and then ab ripper. I didn't want to do push ups. I hate push ups. I would rather do ab ripper. The only thing I don't like about ab ripper is that my spine cracks. I think I don't stretch enough or my posture is wrong, but my spine cracks and it hurts. My ab hurts too, but well, thats the point right?!

Anyway, I'm going to run a 5k tomorrow because I haven't been running and I need to get back on that running thing if not, I'm going to go crazy. Is there a reason that my left leg is giving me problems form my hip to my knee? I haven't been straining it or anything. Its just giving me really bad problems. I know I can push through it, its just scary. I don't want to get my legs stretched out by a kinesiologist again. It hurts like a mother even if it feels good.

Speaking of running, I'm sorry Lunarglide+ 2

I have pretty much resigned you to work out shoes! You're still comfy as heck but your +3 brother is a lot better for long runs. But then again, I haven't done any solid long runs post half. So maybe I'll use you if I don't want to dirty my +3, like in the rain or in the trails!

Anyway, I had my protein shake and as always, I'm never hungry post P90x. Its just weird, I'm going to eat tho since I'm not going to get to eat till after 4.

See y'all later! Have a strong day!

Reminder for cat: stretch. Maybe your spine won't crack so much during ab ripper.

PS! I'm eating greek yogurt, and nasty! Don't get this brand!!! I love greek yogurt but this one is just weird. They put gelatin in it.The taste isn't that fun. If I'm going to eat it, it has to taste good and be good for me. Bleh! I'm finishing it tho. I'm not hungry and I needa eat.

My Go To "Snacks"

Today, I decided to stock up on some "snacks," my usual go to foods when I'm not that hungry or when I know I need to eat. Remember that I'm a lazy eater, while there are times I binge, like when I'm out of town, for the most part, I need to remind myself to eat, that food = fuel. Note I'm not the type of person to take out a measuring spoon and measure everything to the line. I'm not that neurotic and I like to enjoy life, and eating is part of that. I'm going to be bringing up numbers and calories here, but really, I want you guys to enjoy life and a big part of that is being able to eat good food! I'm not the food police.

I say "snacks" because these are sometimes my meals. My usual meal is around 200-300 calories per meal at about 4-6 meals a day.  And note usually.  Yesterday, I had a protein shake at 120 calories, 100 calories worth of Rold Gold pretzels, and a steamed bun- 310 calories. Thats not even 600 calories worth of food and I worked out. I just wasn't hungry. If I know I'm going to eat a big meal, then I skip one or two small meals to compensate. But there really isn't a set "breakfast, lunch, dinner" meals for me, I learned to just count calories. I'll have oatmeal for dinner if I want. Haha. And also, for beverages its either tea or water. I'll have my days where I run on nothing but energy drinks, and those are my "meals" so I don't really count them as "beverages." I rarely drink milk, except chocolate milk post a long run, but if i do, its soy or 2% or less. I don't drink much of anything else. I'll only drink soda if its the only thing there and if its Dr. Pepper. I only drink juice as chasers [honesty is the best policy].

Anyway, so here are my go to "snacks/meals!" You'll notice a trend here.

Do you see it?

Click on the picture to make it bigger.

If you still don't see it, its PEANUT BUTTER!

Its high in calories, but usually 1 tablespoon is 100 calories and that bread is 100 calories = 200 calories = wining! Its high protein, provides energy, and its nom nom nom!

Okay, so I gush about peanut, & almond, butter. Let me explain my choices here.

Orowheat Sandwich Thins are awesome. 100 calories for two slices! They also come in minis that I have stowed in my freezer that are 50 calories for two slices! They are so cute, the size of sand dollars! I'm averse to carbs just cuz I love, love, love, baked goods (Andersen, Panera, & Specialty's are my favorites) and if I love something that much but I know its not that awesome for me, I do or die things. So all or nothing. This is why I have a hard time carb loading for long runs. But anyway, this bread, and also

Ezekiel Bread are my go to bread. Ezekiel is sprouted whole grains, so it might take some getting used to for those really picky people, but to be honest it doesn't taste any different to me than normal bread.  I usually eat the Ezekiel for breakfast, if I have time. I find mine frozen at my local grocery store, so I have to toast it. But if you read up on Ezekiel bread a lot of people swear by them. Low GI- 36,  good balance of protein, carbs & fiber. I believe its 80 calories per slice. I usually eat mine with brie cheese- 70 cals, and greek yogurt. 80 cals. That is some protein packed meal right there!

Laura Scudders All Natural Peanut Butter- Nutty This is by far my favorite peanut butter! Its all natural. Seriously, the ingredient? Peanuts & a smidgen of salt. You can also get unsalted if you want, but only the smooth kind. If you're seriously exercising, you shouldn't worry too much about sodium. You'll need to replace it when you sweat, especially running. Anyway, its 200 calories for 2 tablespoon and I usually only use one.  Peanut butter is a good way to fulfill that craving for something sweet, if you aren't allergic!

Greek Yogurt is now my default yogurt! It has a lot of protein and it taste good and its filling.  I usually get whatever brand is on sale.  Its pricey- if its on sale about $1 per container.  Sometimes, I'll have this as a meal with frozen berries! I like to buy the plain ones and just add my own honey or fruit.  I like control! Just kidding. Usually the ones with the fruit are either too sweet or tart for me.

Blue Diamond Almond Butter is the awesome!!! I love this stuff but its expensive!!! That giant jar of Laura Scudder's peanut butter was $4.xx.  That tiny jar of almond butter is now priced at $7.xx. When I started buying almond butter, it was "only" $5.xx for the same size, which was already expensive. Anyway, I think almond butter has a bit of an edge "health wise" over peanut butter, but seriously, I just like the way it tastes. I don't think its going to make too much of a difference if you pick almond over peanut butter as long as your peanut butter is all natural. Which means no Skippy or Jiff.

Balance Bars are my ultimate go to food. If I can be sponsored by a food company, I would want to be sponsored by Balance Bars. I certainly buy enough of their stuff to warrant one! And of course, I have the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Peanut Butter flavored ones. Its convenient and its perfectly balanced, hence the name, in terms of protein, fat, & carbs

So for the most part, these are my go to "snacks."  If I'm tired of bread and peanut butter or whatever else is on here, I'll pick up an apple or some other fruit. You don't have to starve while trying to get rid of weight or maintain your weight.  You just have to be informed about what to eat and how to fuel your body.

Remember that food is nothing but fuel for your body. Its okay to let loose once in a while, or if you're like me, more than once in a while, and eat a burger or some chili cheese fries or chicken fingers and fries [chicken fingers & fries = winning binge food] but not all the time. Don't deprive yourself, life is fun and beautiful and if you don't let that mantra expand in your food life and not eat "fun" foods once in a while, you're going to be miserable even if you live in Disneyland, the happiest place on earth.

Also, while I always say that if you really want to lose weight, be more careful about what you eat than worry about what latest exercise to try, its easier to understand why you should eat certain foods- and for me why you should eat period- when you combine eating right with a good, solid exercise regimen.  You learn more about your body, how it responds to certain foods, what it needs during certain times (for me its learning the necessity of carbs while training for running and protein for strength training).  Every body is different.  Find what foods work for you and stick with it  until it doesn't work anymore, then change it up! In the end, knowing your body is what I want for you guys to walk= or run- away with.

Strength Training 09/27/11

Good morning world! I'm back!!! I haven't been running, or eating right for that matter, but today was the day to get back into eating right and P90x!!!

Thats my morning face. I've been up since 6 am and didn't start working out till around 9 am. I was debating between running or P90x but decided to do P90x, shoulders & arms!

To say that I'm weak is an understatement. I'm glad that I don't have to go back to bands, and I'm still on my weights.  I'm on 8 & 10 pound weights, but man, it took 2 scoops of jack3d and a whole lotta sweat and effort to get through that and I didn't even do Ab Ripper X! Oh! My left knee was also hurting during warm ups- there are some jumping & "jogging" in place for warm ups, it was bothering me but I pushed through the pain and I'm confident when I run I'll be able to do the same!

In other news, I haven't bought new pants at all since I started working out & running. Only running shorts.  But yesterday, decided to buy some shorts, I'm in love with tights under shorts and wearing boots for this California fall and winter weather! I dropped more sizes than I thought I would! I'm down six sizes! I was browsing random health & fitness reads last night to get motivated and I read that 1 size = 10 lbs lost. Which is more or less, almost true for me. I've dropped more size wise than weight, thanks to weight training!!!  Thats INSANE! To be honest, I don't feel any different. I feel the same old me. Not in a bad way but in a good way.  To me that means I've stayed true to my personality. The only thing I feel different about is that I care more about what I eat, and take more pride in how I dress, which I did before I lost six sizes, but now its like okay, I'll put in more effort! But for the most part, my personality has stayed the same. Haha. I think thats a good thing. I'm not cocky or think I'm better than anyone. If anything, I know where people who want to start this journey feel.

I'm thinking if I keep this up, I'll be where I want to be in less than 6 months then its just maintaining from there on.  The trick is knowing where I want to be.  I'm not going to put a target weight because I know muscle mass is awesome and more important. But I know I want to be more than just "skinny" or a certain size. I want to be strong.  Lean muscle strong. I doubt I'm going to have a runners body because I carry most of my weight on top and ideally runners are rail thin, but I love my boobs and I love my curves so I'm okay with that.  But I do want to have defined arms and abs. Running will take care of my leg muscles, which are already getting there.

Anyway, I need to shower, I stink. I also need to sterilize my work out mats. I sweat like crazy!

Since I've found myself wanting to do it up so much lately, I also have a new life rule I want to live by: only party as hard as you're willing to work out! So heres my protein drink, shaken, not stirred!

BOTTOMS & PINKY UP!!!

Goals?

I'm rethinking my goals right now.

Or priorities.

I stayed in a constant weight the week leading up to my half marathon. It was agonizing not to drop because I know that I need the food to fuel my runs. I'm used to dropping anywhere from 2-5 pounds a week. And I still want to loose weight. I'm getting a little obsessed with numbers, tho I shouldn't be. I know muscles and jean size is a better indicator, but I can't help it. I also hate my height. I don't tell a lot of people this, but I don't like my height. Tall for Filipina, short for everyone else. I would rather be a couple of inches shorter because I like being Filipina. Haha.

Anyway, I want to cut back calories again from 1800-2000 to 1200. Maintain running and step up my strength training. But off the top of my head, I'm going to have to pick two from three and stick with it. The most logical and is just stay within the 1800-2000 calorie range and work hard on running and strength training, but there is no way I can do all three. But who knows. I'm pretty bad ass, or so I like to think.

I think I'm going to die tho with that little calories. I keep on getting lectured on by my Aunt who is a nurse. But it works for me. I still want to keep up running for sure. I already have a lot of half marathons lined up and its such a big part of my life now. Its crazy. So I can't give that up. Blah.

I need to step back tho and just remember to listen to my body.

I'm not going to carry weight the same as other people, so while the number may not be ideal, the size will be and I won't be a walking zombie.

Just trying to think things out. I'm re-organizing life and this is part of it.

Random Mental Running Thoughts

“Most of those in our society who intentionally set out to hurt themselves are locked up for their own protection. The rest, we call runners.” -Scott Radley

I haven't ran a mile yet. I'm still doing the post half marathon shuffle when I walk around. But it isn't as bad as I expected which both saddens and is okay with me.

I know I could have done a whole lot better pace wise. Like I mentioned below, I've been doing this alone for a while now. The thing is, I hated doing it alone, but now that I'm used to it, I don't want to do it with others just because I'm used to being alone. When I ran my last "5k," I paced with someone and i smashed my mile time and surprisingly, I wasn't tired or burnt out and I kept on going. I realize that at this point, when I have someone there pushing me, I do a lot better. I realized that I'm not pushing myself hard enough.

That takes a big hit on my ego. I mean big. For a while now, I've been my own cheerleader.  Its been me & the road or me & the weights. I mean for a while now.  But realized that in terms of running I've lost that drive to push myself or I haven't been pushing myself is a huge disappointment for me. I'm continuously kicking myself mentally. I know i could have kept my 10-11  minute per mile pace during my half. I know I could have sub 3 and even 2:30. I'm angry at myself because the last run I did prior to the half, I paced with someone and kicked ass. Why do I need someone else to help me do my best? Its a big blow to my ego. I always say for me by me! I guess I just need to swallow some of my ego and accept the fact that running is part of who I am and I know who I am.

I know that I love people. I'm a very social creature and I love to share life, hence the blog.  I always say people are my treasures. The morning of the half, I was really mentally sad and alone and seeing people finish with family and friends around them just made me more sad and alone. I'm also the type to do or die things and when I have something that affects me that much on an emotional and mental level, I like put up walls stronger than a bank vault. I'll man up and try to act all hardcore and be all tough and pretend it doesn't matter when it really does. That morning, thats what I did, but by doing that it just affected me that much more. Thats why I left 5 minutes after finishing my run. I didn't want to be surrounded by all that celebration and there I was sitting off to the corner eating the foil that wrapped my burrito.

That's why I share online. That's why I let people know I'm there. Cuz I know it sucks to not have someone there to share your successes or rant your frustrations on. I know how some days were motivated to run or work out and some days its just mentally draining.  I know how agonizing over what new pair of running shoes to buy feels. How dri-fit socks and Body Glide make the difference! And I want you to know that I know. That I'm here to cheer you on.

To those few who cheer me on, thank you. I know this is for me, by me but you have most definitely made this journey so much more fun that it could have been if I was really all by my lonesome.

A look into the future for me now is to rest up. I'm about to P90x, get some jack3d in my system and beast mode on some weights. I'm really excited to get back on that P90x! I want my muscles back! I have a few races lined up already and I also can't wait to get run another half marathon and smash that time. I'm looking to cut like 20-30 minutes off my time because I know I can do it. I just didn't push myself hard enough, and someone reminded me I was sick, for the NorCal run. 

Thats the beauty of running, the road will always be there. Go out there, run, beat your time, run longer distances, just run.

The road will always be there.  The question is, will you?

13.1 NorCal Marathon & Half

After only 4 hours of sleep, my day started with this!

I love those Sandwich thin things! These are the smaller ones at 50 calories per two! Makes perfect snacks! So I had two almond butter and strawberry sandwiches at 5 am in the morning. I was nervous. So freakin' nervous.

I went back to my room and packed my three bags. I'm notorious for over packing >.< I had a back pack, my cinch bag and purse. And I was all excited,and admittedly a little crazy, heres proof:

and, I thought, ready to go.

So at around 6 am, I headed out!

Its dark! It was cold and dark! I was wearing my black Tempo shorts, my pink tech tee, black compression socks, my Lunarglide+3 & a cotton white sleeve long tee which is too big- its for guys, I have no clue where it came from but I wanted something that I wouldn't mind tossing in the middle of the course. Haha.

As I was driving there, I realized that I totally forgot my water bottle! I hate carrying things with me, so I bought a water bottle that I can just toss. I didn't bring or want to bring my Nathan bottle. At least I drank before leaving but I'm a sucker for water. I love water! Anyway, I wasn't about to turn around to grab it so I decided to rely on aid stations. Anyway, I kept on driving then finally I was there!

The Shark Tank! Woot! Woot! So I parked and I was so nervous. Haha. I was actually hyping myself up on the drive. Music on 40, listening to some Nero and Nizzle and just being my own cheerleader. I get there, paid $5 for parking and got my stuff ready.

Found the expo site, went pee and just stretched, a.k.a. pretend like I knew what I was doing, by myself. Going in this, I was really sad to go at it alone. Like really sad. I seriously had a hard time getting over that mentality. Anyway, stretch stretch, then pretty soon it was time to self seed and go! Through out my run tho, I was shivering. It was cold in the morning but since I'm sick, I have no clue. Haha! But it was sunny, I was sweating but shivering. Haha.

Mile 1-4 was okay. Like I said, I'm sick and I have a hard time breathing through my nose. It sucks but it is what it is. I was feeling dehydrated already. You know you loose water in your body with every breathe right? And I had no water! Haha. Not until mile 2.  I took my first GU at mile 4 cuz I know there is an aid station that I could grab water from to wash it down. What I wasn't expecting was for them to have orange Gatorade. My GU is Chocolate Outrage- it tastes like FROSTING!!!- Normally I would be like ewe! But the combo tasted good. Or maybe cuz I was running. Haha.

Mile 5-7 was blah! Guess who almost ate it at mile 5? Me. Oh man. I actually yelled cuz I really thought I was going to fall. The pavement/trail was uneven and my foot got caught and my natural response is to yell so I did and the runners in front of me turned around. But didn't fall. I did however remove my tape on my knee. It was falling off and bothering me more than helping so i took it out. Mile 7 was also when the elite/challenge runner passed me. WAHHH! Hes crazy fast! I think his pace was like 4 minute per mile or something. I could be wrong tho. But he was an elite runner with his own bike escort telling us slow pokes to move to the right. Haha. After him were the fast folks- the "Kenyans" haha. Crazy fast!

Miles 8-10 I can feel my hip flexors starting to complain. They've been problematic as of late and it just sucks but what you gonna do? My glutes were also starting to hurt but I kept on.  Took my 2nd GU at mile 9 and almost ate it again at mile 10! I didn't like this part of the run cuz it was by the airport and the path wasn't paved it was just a dirt path with pebbles. It was just blah! And I stepped on a rock that hurt my right foot! But whatever! It was done!

Miles 11-13.1 by this point, I was questioning my sanity. I was like what the eff was I thinking?! I had to walk mile 12 because my hip flexors were just in pain. I mean pain. It was crazy. My glutes were also hurting but I read somewhere, not sure if its true, but I read that if hammies and glutes hurt its good posture. I'll believe that for now. Haha. But yeah. I was done. I wanted to stop and just fall. It was getting hot and at one point I wiped my face and felt sand like granules. I licked my hand and sure enough its salt! I could have seasoned an entire steak with the salt that was collecting my face alone. I was dehydrated, loosing electrolytes and my form was shot. But c'mon?! Would you quit when you only have a couple of miles left?

Going in, I knew that I cut corners come training. Pretty much do or die! Haha. The night before It old myself that I'm going to approach this as a long training run. A chance to run the streets of downtown, someone giving me water, and geting a medal for it. Not to look at it as something I'll let define me or my running. There will be more events where I can see improvement and this first run, is just a base to see where I am and how far I can go. I finished at 3:08. Not the sub 3 I was hoping for but considering I'm sick and girly issues were going on, 8 minutes isn't that bad! No bad at all. I'm confident that I can sub 3 on my next event, bet it official or just me on my own.

Haha.

Post race, they were giving out LaVics burrito! LaVics is like an institution here so it was welcomed! But I'm never hungry post run. I took a piece anyway and first bite, I bit into the foil and ate it, I think, so I decided that I'm too brain drained to eat so I threw it away and walked to my car and went home. I went home and ate a banana. Then didn't eat till I thought of Wendy's and their french fries and nuggets. But didn't want to drive that far so I got a protein style burger from In N Out which only mad me want That Habit. Oh man. I'm not as hungry but I know it will hit me tomorrow.

So yay! I'm glad that first one is done and over with. Now onto the next! Still with apprehension but with the knowledge that I have now!

Things I Learned:

• Body Glide is your best friend
• Compression Socks are also your best friends
• SPI Belts are also your best friends!
• In ear headphones = beast. They don't fall out!
• Don't forget your water.
• Long sleeve tees are useful but you'll be hot for sure.

Lets do another one!!! I'm so excited! I have a lot of frames and wall space! Haha!

I'll do a review of all my gear later. Haha. Like I said, I broke the cardinal rule of marathon running, don't do anything new. I used/did a lot of new things for this event, so yeah! Tomorrow, when I'm saner!

For now, I shall leave you with this:

Getting chocolate wasted, since I can't do the real thing till later- tonight! I hate drinking my calories but a glass of chocolate milk makes for great recovery!

Tomorrow, I Am

13.1 miles. Seems crazy back when I sat on my ass all day long, and after hours & hours, and miles upon miles of training, it still seems crazy.  I'm scared, I'm nervous, I'm terrified. And oh yeah, I have a cold and girly issues going on. What a memorable way to start out the fall running season and to commemorate my first half marathon.

I listed out my expectations for my first 5k and I'll do the same for my first half.

• Finish.
• Finish sub 2:30, at the most 3:00.
• Enjoy an easy pace, 10:00/mile. I have a problem of starting too strong & going by my GPS watch. I got an advice from Mr. Bart Yasso himself, ignore the watch, listen to your body. So while I want my pace to be at 10:00 mile, it will be the result at the end, not the goal.

I don't have much expectations seeing as this is my first half and also I'm sick. I'm also going to use my  Lunarglide+ 3 which I never broke in and using my compression sleeves, which I haven't done a long run in. I'm breaking the cardinal rule of marathon running, don't do anything new come race day. But I'm treating this as a long run because there is no finish line. Or that is what Nike says anyway. So really, I paid $35 for someone to motivate me to do a long run. A long run I'm doing with 1,999 other people.

So while I'm all nervous, sick, feel like puking, and scared, I'm also at peace and I'm excited.

"Scared & excited makes for a great race." -Bart Yasso

PS. If you guys want to or can come out to support, I would love it. Starts at 7:30 Downtown at Arena Green. I'm hoping to be done running by 10 am =]

Random Running Musings

At this time next Sunday, September 18, I would hope to be alive and breathing.  For next Sunday, at 6 am in the morning, I would be awake anticipating my first ever half-marathon.

13.1 miles. Never has that seem so possible for me. Up to now, it still doesn't seem possible. My longest run has been 10 miles and as of late, I haven't had the motivation or the drive to do long runs.

Am I screwing myself over? Probably. But what is done is done and it is now time to do or die.

I prefer the "do" part, but to die doesn't seem half as bad either.

So yesterday, I ran a 5K. It was just for a local church and it wasn't marked properly so according to my Nike+ GPS Sportswatch, I only ran 1.66 miles. But the best part to me was having someone to pace with. I paced with my friend who has a definition of "easy" as 8 minute per mile. Since it was just a "super easy" day, it was 10 minute per mile pace and I was able to crank out a 10:07 minute mile with surprisingly no problem. I had problems with my hip-flexors after. The knee I've learned to just deal with it, but the hip flexors really hurt. Ice did the trick, I'm interested in seeing how I'm going to fare come the half, but yeah. 

I think I've been running for so long alone that I have settled into this comfortable rhythm. I need to go back to learning to push myself again.  Its for me, by me. I feel like this journey, is really "lonely" but at the same time its not. The event I'm attending is the inaugural event an they are expecting 2,000 runners.  The Pasadena event was a huge event with thousands and thousands of runners. But that 5 hours of community doesn't compared to the hours and hours and hours of alone time that runners put in for training. I never realized how lonely running was. Maybe I'm just sad right now. Its really hot!

Anyway, yeah, I think I'll be signing up for a lot of smaller races so that I can constantly (at least every other month have an event to run) be pushed by a community. I love people, and I always say people are my treasures, just realized how much hours I've spent by myself running the roads. Its crazy!

Anyway, for those who know me, I work in the design/art field. As a matter of fact, I'm supposed to be working on design comps right now. Anyway, I'm always in love with things visual and it doesn't matter if I'm tore up from the floor up running, I still want to appear good, a.k.a. look like I know what I'm doing.

Here is part of my set up for my half-marathon:

Matte hot pink nails to match my hot pink shoes!!! Or if you are Nike, "solar red."  So excited, I'll post up the entire thing before or after my half. All I'm saying is if I pass out and my ID & bib falls off my body, I'll be dressed all coordinated & stuff.  I'm debating what shirt I should wear. I still have to buy it but I'm debating between white, hot pink, or black. I really like the idea of black because I have pink accessories and pink running shorts, but its so hot! I don't want to sweat like crazy or attract unnecessary heat. 

Anyway, yeah. I'm going to go run in about 2/3 hours or whenever the temperature goes down. I think I have pretty much given up on long runs. And after my half, I'm not sure what I'll do, but hopefully my bad ass switch turns back on again.

Training Run 09/07/11

I did 2 miles.

The first mile, I just jogged my heart out. I got 10:31 pace, which is 31 seconds slower than my not Nike+ official mile.  But is 29 seconds faster than my official 11:00 in my Nike+ official mile.

Then my left leg, its always the left leg, decided that its done. So I walked/jogged the rest of the 2 miles, my 2nd mile was an ugly 16 minutes. UGLY! What didn't help is this insane heat! Its already like 80+ & its not even noon. I am sweating buckets and my shirt was soaked.  I feel bad for the fam in SoCal, its going to hit 106! Crazy! Anyway, the pain on my IT band is weird.  Its like a dull pain and I feel it even when I'm stationary. I really need to go see a doctor or something.  I feel it in my sleep. That is why I don't want to push it.  I'm terrified of overuse injury, I'm not sure if I can get at least a 10 miler in before the 18th, 11 days away, but I'm going to try. I was reading if the pain goes away, keep running. If it doesn't go away, run to the doctor. The pain goes away, if I stop running. If I keep running it hurts, a lot.

I don't want to be lame about this, but I want my half over so I can say I did a half and I won't be intimidated as I am now. I feel like I'm wimping out on the half. And part of me wants to just say forget it and just stop running for a while, but thats only robbing myself of the awesomeness known as running. Thats not going to happen anytime soon. I know and recognize a lot of it is mental and its possible part of that mental fear is leaking into my physical body. Sometimes I feel like I "have no place" being out there, wearing a bib, running. Its just lame self-esteem issues. I know what it is, but it still gets the best of me at times. At least I went out there you know, ran 2 miles, just multiply that 6.5 times, and I'll be gold. I just need to get over this and take it as it is, complete the event and tada! I have the first of many half marathons under my belt. 11


And a bit of encouragement for me and everyone:

“You have to wonder at times what you’re doing out there. Over the years, I’ve given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.”
  — Steve Prefontaine

I don't know what to do, but I'm going to definitely KT tape the day of the run. I'm hoping it helps. I'm going to try for 10, and see if I can do 13 miles, tomorrow & Friday. If I can't do it then, I'm going to do or die that half.

One thing I need to work on is fueling properly. My weight has been the same the past week and its pissing me off cuz I still want to drop in terms of weight, but I know that I will drop just not as fast as when I was crazy not eating, plus I'm not running as much cuz of my left leg.

Damn left leg.

I woke up today hungry and took a GU before I ran and a handful of peanuts. It helped. I woke up and I wasn't tired. I wanted to keep going but my leg and that insane heat was too much.

Anyway, I'm going to try to do a night run in a different route tonight. Maybe a change of scenery will help.

And here is my schedule:

• Thursday- attempt to do a 10 miler, 13 if possible, at least 5.
• Friday- rest or repeat above if I failed Thursday
• Saturday- Mission Walk 5k
• Sunday- Nike Run Club! Dress your level day! I'm level orange! I'm excited. I get free orange laces! Haha.

catherun's First Epic Shoe Review!!!

My name is Catherine, also known as Catherun, and I love shoes.

Its a fact. I've always been a shoe person. I am the Imelda of this household. Its also a fact, most of those shoes didn't cost me more than $15.Even my first pair of running shoes were some Asics, that I ended up hating, that I found at Ross. I hated them so much, didn't do anything for them. Plus they weren't pretty.  It wasn't until I started running for serious that I started to see shoes as an investment and I started to drop the money on them. So really, don't be afraid to spend money on shoes or any other gear like tech tees, shorts, dry wick socks, etc. The way I see it, gear is expensive, but so is health care.

Anyway, that aside, lets keep a few things in consideration.

First, each person is different in terms of their gait, I can write a whole other blog in the differences of their gait and stride. You can click on that Wiki link for a simple explanation. I would recommend you find your gait.  If you guys have a local Road Runners store, they will actually do a video analysis of your foot strike, and a balance test, and all that jazz to determine what shoe will work best for you. With that said, I went through the entire proces at Road Runners and I loved it but it didn't seem like the guy knew his running- he was a swimmer- and I didn't agree, or like, my results.  I know I have a high arch and I know I supinate.  They recommended that I get some stability shoes.  However, I wanted a more barefoot feel a.k.a. neutral- and again, I can write another blog entry on the pros and cons of all the different types [neutral, stability, stability plus, etc.] of shoes.  So while I did go through the entire process at Road Runners, I didnt' listen to them. Instead, I learned to correct my form enough to be able to run in neutral shoes without any pain or discomfort. Which, I believe, in the long run (get it?!) will just benefit me.

Second, I'm a loyalist. You can ask all my friends, I'm a pretty loyal person. If I'm you're friend, I'm a friend for life. With that said, you're going to notice that I have pledged my allegiance to a certain brand when it comes to my shoes.  Am I biased? I sure am. But aside from working well with my feet, I want my kicks to look nice. After all, I'm going to be tore up from the floor up after running 13.1 miles, at least my kicks look nice! These are my swag and I want them to be awesome. That means no clunky shoes for me, which eliminates most shoes like Asics & Brooks. That is one of the reasons I corrected my form instead of settling for stability shoes, because I want some awesome looking gear it just so happens that this certain brand, always has fly looking kicks! I say this because you're going to get a lot of people saying that these aren't "real" running shoes. I've been told my shoes suck all the time, but honestly, they work for me and I think your shoes doesn't look fly! And I'm just letting you know that the aesthetic of the shoe plays a part in my decision.

Third, shop around! Like I said, I haven't spent that over $15 on shoes until I started running. With that said, save two of my running shoes, I paid way below retail for my running shoes.  This doesn't compromise their worth, I just saved more! I'll link up where I buy, and where you can get more info, about the shoes after each review.  I personally buy from runningwarehouse.com and if you "Like" them on Facebook, they put up deals all the time! I also buy from Finish Line. Why Finish Line? They carry Nike product and have a loyalty program which I put into getting more shoes below retail price. As much as I'm loyal to that certain brand, I also love to save money.

Fourth, and most importantly, the shoes will not do the work for you.  This goes back to point number two, you make the runner, not the shoe.  What I love about running is that it is for me, by me. How amazing is that?  If you choose to run in minimalist, neutral, support, stability, stability plus, or whatever else have you, the shoes don't run for you. YOU are putting in the work. So while its important to have good shoes to prevent injury, whats more important is that you put in the work in both actually running, correcting your form, and any other thing that is going to benefit you, your health, & your running.  Whatever your goal is, be it to get rid of weight, stay fit, become a better runner, finish a 5k, a 10k, a half or a full marathon, it is for you, by you. Keep at it! I'm cheering for you!!!

With that said...

Grab some water and popcorn! Its time for

catherun's First Epic Shoe Review!!!
(which will be the next 5 posts)

Nike Free Run+ 2

Finish Line, $90

Nike Free Run+ 2 are probably one of the most popular shoes out there right now. And for good reason! There is a whole bunch of technology that goes into the Free Run+ which is why I linked you to Nike's website. They say it better than I ever could. 

What I love about the Free Run is that they are like walking on clouds.  They are very comfy and very supportive for neutral shoes. Like I said, I have high arches and the arch support in these are awesome, but within reason, you'll see later on. The grooves on the bottom really do make them flexible and if you were like me who corrected their landing (from a heel striker to midfoot!) these shoes will help to correc that and strengthen your feet.  It also doesn't hurt that they look awesome!

What I don't love about them is that they aren't very good for long distances.  When I got them, I was running 3 miles a day. I ran a 5k, 3.1 miles, in them and it was good.  Then I started to bump my miles and when I started hitting 5/6 miles in my runs, the Free Run+ 2 felt clunky and the arch suppor that I loved in shorter runs were becoming too "pushy" in longer runs.

I got these pair middle of April 2011 and I've put about 75-100 running miles on them. They are still holding up and the threads on the bottom are still good.Now, I use these shoes for everyday wear and shorter runs. I would reccomend these shoes to anyone who is starting to run, who is looking to strenghten their feet, & correct their landing. Just know that if you choose to run daily or increase your miles, you will need to get a different pair of shoes. Some people can pull off running a full marathon in Frees, but majority of people can't or won't.

As of now, I believe Free Run+ 2 still retail for full price, which I believe is $90.  If you guys find the first generation Free Run, the only difference is the upper and its all cosmetics. The sole, which is actually the heart of the Free Run+ are the same.  I'm sure those will be hard to find but will be a lot cheaper.

Puma FAAS 300

puma.com, $60

Puma FAAS 300 were my 2nd pair of running shoes! And in keeping with my theme, these are also neutral runners.  I linked the website again for those who are interested in technical information [heel to toe drops, etc] about each shoe. I don't want to throw that information out there because I tend to go into information overload when I'm beginning at something.  That overload just fuels my indecisiveness and sometimes I quit before I start.  So, yeah, technical specs are in the link.

The FAAS family of shoes is epic. Like I mentioned, I like things that look nice. I'm a visually driven person, which is why I'm in photography & design, and when things are just filled with swag, I'm drawn to them.  I also assume that if people know about Puma's FAAS line, that they run.  I haven't met anyone who isn't a runner who was rockin a shoe from the FAAS line.  The FAAS are endorsed by Usain Bolt himself and I'm sure hes paid a lot of money to do so, but him being pretty darn fast and all, I'm sure he holds a tad bit of merit.

What I love about the FAAS is obviously their looks. I love the color ways! I love how bright they are, how breathable the shoe is, and the over all design. Its very swag! As far as how it handles the road. its a very minimalist and neutral shoe.  It offers very little, almost none, arch support and you can feel everything through the shoe. Every twig, rock, pebble, or acorn.  I ran a 5k in them and I thought they would be too minimalistic and I would have to return them, but I actually loved them.  Even tho I can feel everything, and this isn't even the most minimalist shoes FAAS offers, and it had little arch support, they were incredibly smooth for the runs. I love how the shoe also hugs the heel of my feet. It just fits snug and awesome.

What I don't love about them? I can feel everything through them. Haha. Its just something that takes getting used to. I seriously thought small pebbles were in my shoes at times during my run. I wish there was a little bit more arch support, but I think the minimalist support is what makes this FAAS 300.  I tried on the 500 and they felt like the Nike Free Run+ 2 . The FAAS 250 is even more minimalistic than the 300s.  So the 300 is the happy medium between the two. When I tried on the 250, I might as well have been running on flip flops. Pointless to the point where I'll pick up my flip flops and run barefoot.

I would recommend these shoes for people who know what they are doing. Which is why I haven't logged more than 25 miles on these shoes. I only use them for short runs, 3-5 miles. I wouldn't recommend them for people starting out because if you don't take the time to correct your landing, gait, and over all running form, you can do more harm than good in these shoes.  They offer very little support. Like I said, I took time to make my feet stronger and correct my form while I was still using my Free Run. I personally love them for my short runs and I might be rocking these or my Frees for a 5k this Saturday!

Nike Lunarglide +2

runingwarehouse.com, $60

Nike Lunarglide+ 2 were the third pair of running shoes I bought.  I stepped out of neutral shoes and into the world of neutral/stability. I got these when I started to amp up my miles and I know neither my Free Run or FAAS 300 could hang. I bought these pretty late in the game, right before the Lunarglide+ 3 were released. Right now, as you can see from the link, they are on clearance for $80. I got mine for $60. 

Lunarglide+ 2 is a good shoe.  I've put a solid 100 miles on these shoes and I love them to pieces.  However, this is one of those instances where I would suggest that you splurge for the latest model.

Lunarglides are beloved among runners.  The first generation was awesome! People were stocking up on them- once you find a shoe that works for you and you know that running is now part of your lifestyle, you're going to want to stock up on the specific type and size of shoe. So when they announced that there was going to be a second generation, people were STOKED. Then it was actually released and then people weren't so stoked.  Lunarglide+ 2, while still good, was a bit of a let down from the first generation.

What I love about this shoe? With all that said, I still love my Lunarglie+ 2. Besides being black and pink. I love how they are still pretty neutral but still provide that stability for longer runs. After a while when I'm tired, my form starts to suffer and this provides just the right amount of support for those times without being clunky! Its also very breathable! I swear I can feel the wind through the fabric of these shoes, but they still are very durable! I also love the Flywire technology that helps tighten/support your arch.

What I don't love about this shoe?  I don't own the first generation Lunarglide but knowing that this were sub-par to the first generation always has me thinking "What if?" when I run with these shoes.  Thats about it. I have issues with this shoe when I run high miles, like tingly foot, but I think thats more issues with my feet.

I wouldn't recommend this because a)they are getting harder to find so its unlikely you will find this shoe in a color and size you like and need. And they have the Lunarglide+ 3 out, which I coincidentally own!

Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2

runningwarehouse.com $50

Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2 were the 4th pair of running shoes I bought. These are back to the neutral & minimalist running category of shoes.  I'll admit, I bought these because they were on sale. These are the latest versions and retail for $90 but I was able to score them for $50, and really for free since someone gifted me with them! Thanks! Like I said, more specs can be found in the link.

Even though these were really an impulse gift/purchase for me, and pardon their dustiness, I thought I cleaned them well after my trail run, I fell in love with these shoes.  First, I like the way they look and I'm in love with the black & grey colorway.  The first run I did in them was a 6 miler and I fell in love with them. IN LOVE.

What I love about these shoes? They are minimalist but they are self supporting. They have enough support for not so short but not too long runs, I would say any where from 4-7 you should be okay.  I love how they aren't bulky and how breathable the upper is. They are so comfortable for minimalist shoes and they don't have that too much arch support issue the Free Runs have when I do longer runs.

What I don't love about these shoes?  I feel like they are going to fall apart. I know Kinvaras are lightweight and have a general rep of not lasting as much miles as other shoes, but I feel like these shoes are delicate flowers. As you can tell, I ran trails in them, and I don't think I'll do that again.  The breathability of the upper is good but not when it comes to trails. My socks were brown-ish and I could feel dust/sand between my toes while I was running. But that really isn't the shoe's fault as it was mine.  They still held up in the trail but I wouldn't use them for trails again to make sure they last longer.

I would recommend these again like the FAAS 300 for people who generally know what they are doing. if you're willing to work to correct your running form, these shoes are GOLD. I seriously fell in love with the Kinvara after mile 1. I would use this for anywhere from 3 miles to maybe 7 miles. I can't run too long in plain minimalist/neutral shoes, which is I why I made my latest purchase...

Nike Lunarglide+ 3

Finish Line, $80

Nike Lunarglide+ 3 is my latest purchase! A lot of you guys has been asking me what shoes I recommend for running and I always throw down the Lunarglide+ 3.  I have tried the Lunarglide+ 3 on a treadmill at the Nike store and I loved them. But for some reason, I put off buying them. I was seriously about to pull the trigger and just buy them but something kept on nagging me to not get them just yet. Maybe it was because this would have been my 5th pair of running shoes. Whatever reason, I didnt' buy them.

Then something magical happened.

Nike released this color way. End of story, end of self control

Black and pink = BEAST MODE. 

The funny thing is, these are actually released for men's! They have a similar color way for women's that you'll see if you clicked the link above. It was blue, black, pink, and I wouldn't have mind getting that. That was the pair I was going to get. But for some crazy reason I held out and bam! Black & pink!

What I love about them? The Lunarglide+ 3 are loaded with swag! In any colorway you choose, the over all design and aesthetic, lets not even get into purpose, just the look of the shoe is awesome.  Nike has some good brains in their design & engineering department. The mid-foot strap in the shoe actually not only wraps the side of your mid-foot but around your midfoot. I love tying my shoes snug and tight for that reason of snug-ness and the extra support it provides, and the strap just adds to that snug. I also love the arch support which is is just enough. Not too much, not to little, but just right. the shoe is also still very breathable while still providing enough support in the arch and heel area.

What I don't love about them? This colorway, in my size, was so freakin' hard to find. I haven't ran the road or any long runs on them, so I'll do another review after I do that, but so far, so freakin good!

I recommend this shoe for anyone.  It helps that the Lunarglide+ 3 adjust to your feet. So if you don't want to get analyze or are uncomfortable about having your running feet videod and then played back in slow motion, I would just go with the very swag filled Lunarglides+ 3. You'll look good and your feet will be happy too!

Training Run 09/05/11

I shall premise with a picture of what I ate post run, one of my favorite things to eat these days: non-fat Greek yogurt with frozen blueberries.  I've been noshing on blueberries for some weird reason. At least they are fruits and they are both sweet & tart, some would say just like me! But I beg to differ that I'm all sweet!

Anyway, I didn't really run as much as walked. I covered around 2 miles, but when I half ass something I don't really bother to turn on my watch at the right time or finish. I sprinted for 1/3 of a mile before my knee said "lets not go there" so we didn't. So I just went for a walk. I wanted to see if I can walk and be okay with my bum knee and still meet the pace time (17:xx/mile) for the half marathon, and I still can! Haha.

On other news, I'm lovin this weather! Its fall in the morning till around 12/1 then its back up to summer. This means I can start late and still get in a decent run. Hopefully tomorrow is the same, and its looking like it is, cuz I'm planning on walking/running/rolling/crawling 13 miles. I figured I don't need to aim for 10, just for 13.  I'll try to be up as early as possible with out freezing. Today while warming up, which means a 5 minute walk, some guy who was tending to his flowers was like "Are you freezing? I'll get you a jacket!" So nice! Haha. I was just wearing my running shorts and a tee. Haha. I was warm tho. You'll be surprised what two sport bras can do for warmth. Plus after that sprint, I was pretty much warm till I got home.

So its 13 days till my half and I'm kinda scared. I wish I had cross trained more, like biking. I know walking is a form of cross training but something not so close to running. I'm thinking if I did that I could have prevented some of the injuries I have, which I believe is from over use. But my spirits are, always, on high and I know that I'll finish this regardless.

I'm going to wait till after my half to see if I'm going to sign up for the 2nd half that is part of the series. Its on October 23 and I do want to do it, but I might be in SoCal for a friends birthday. Plus, I want to see how I actually fare in this half first. Its only a month and 5 days apart, which I know is an okay recovery time, more than okay, I just don't want to finish my half and walk away from the finish line hating running...

Ok, lets be real, like thats going to happen!

I shall leave you with this:

You know you're hooked when you have more running shorts than denim!  Left, top to bottom is my pink Pro-Combat compression shorts- I love these things! Black & blue Tempo shorts. Yellow & purple Tempo shorts! I plan to rock those at the Hollywood Half! Lakers! Right side is all my pacer shorts. The top one is actually more teal, then purple, then pink, then blue! Haha. The beauty of this whole collection?  A pair of Tempo or Pacer shorts retail for $30. I got each of those shorts for $10 and the Pro-Combat for $7. Not bad at all!