Runner Girl gets her groove back...

I was in a major slump the last couple of weeks. Every time I tried to go out to run, I felt so sluggish, cold, and downright SLOW. Wasn't fun. So, I decided to just go with it and take a break. I had even finally got my new Garmin, aka 'Gustavo', and I still couldn't find my 'ganas' to run fast OR long. I decided that I needed to change my route and try some new scenery.

I live in Santa Barbara!!!! I need to be running by the beach! I usually just head out my door and run the neighborhood (for time and convenience factors) but on Thursday, I drove the five minutes to the waterfront and took off. It was a beautiful, clear day and I was feeling amazing. Just what I needed. The first mile went by so fast because I was just enjoying the new course. I planned to run four but pushed it to a 10K because it was such a perfect morning.

I'm always wanting to go for really long runs but with our schedule and the kids, it's hard to fit it in. I just need to appreciate the miles I am able to log and just enjoy the beautiful area we live in.
Glad I got my groove back! Heading out again this weekend :)

Lazy...

Ok, I have so much to write about but all I have to say today is:

Downton Abbey

Boom!


Can't hardly wait...

Running withdrawals and the Holidaze

So, the holiday season can be pretty brutal for a mom and teacher...trust me, I was so ready for the vacation but the 'marathon' leading up to the break is hard. Christmas was amazing and our annual holiday party the Saturday before was a blast. We have the best friends and family and we really celebrated the season well!

These are my girls...we had so much fun! I love nights when the adults can get together and laugh...best party of the year!

My kids had a great Christmas. Santa and Nona and Papa all really spoiled them and made all of their wishes come true! I get to go shopping with my mommy for some necessities and I can't wait for that! I got $ to go towards a Garmin watch and I'm still researching to make sure I choose the best one!

Santa also brought me a nasty head cold for the holidays...ughhhhhh. I've been in bed for the last two days catching up on bad reality TV and running blogs. Watched a "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" marathon on TLC today...whoa, that was like a train wreck! People are just crazy!
Silver lining: while browsing runner blogs I realized that I WON a giveaway! I was so stoked, I screamed at my husband in my croaky voice and almost passed out from excitement, lol.

Thanks Steph, from "Run Lil Mama, Run!" I can't wait to receive it!

And now to the running withdrawals. With everything going on, I haven't been able to run for over a week...boooooo! I'm really hoping to get better by New Years since a bunch of us are planning to run a Resolution 5K Race with a Bloody Mary and Mimosa celebration afterwards. Can't wait!

Last thing, I never posted about my last race. I ran a fun Santa Claus 5K in early December in the drizzly rain. I had my awesome cheering section out in full force and snagged an awesome PR! 22:07 and third for my age division! Merry Christmas to me :)

Rainy run

So I decided to go running in the rain today. I have been hesitant to run this week because my feet have been achy and sore. :(
I think it's the shoes. I have always run in Nikes and I made the switch to Asics (yes, I went to a running store to get analyzed and they felt SO good!). They were okay for a few weeks and then my feet started bugging me after the Half. I ran in my old Nikes today and my feet felt great! I think I need to stick with what has always worked...
I loved running in the rain, it wasn't pouring, just a light drizzle. It was like getting a facial! It makes me happy to have something that energizes my spirit. I even giggled when I stepped in a huge puddle and soaked my left foot! Only bummer was that my stupid a** Nike+ app kept pausing my workout so I don't know my final mileage/pace :( I NEED a Garmin! ;)

I am tempted to run the State Street 5K on Sunday...it would be so fun and it's so hard to pass up a medal and a race for a GREAT cause!

www.kidzforacure.org

What makes YOU feel good???

Goals

To Do:

1. Stretch every single day. Before and after runs/workouts.
2. Log workouts and miles.
3. REST.
4. Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
5. Eat clean.

Sunday Run

I ran today. I was NEEDING it. I promised myself I would rest my sore foot but I was going crazy. So I spent my time researching Garmin watches and running gear. Oh, and a ton of time reading other 'runner girl' blogs. Loving my new obsession. I was meeting my good friend for coffee ( Hi, January!) and I thought I would run there and back. It worked out well, it was only a 4-mile run total but it was a good workout for a relaxing morning. I want to sign up for the State Street Santa 5K but thinking I might need to rest. Hmmmmm....we"ll see ;) Hoping to get my hubby out there too! Hard to pass up a medal race....Want this!

Thanksgiving 4-Miler

Ready to Roll!

I signed up to run a race on Thanksgiving. A perfect way to start the day and to burn enough calories to enjoy the huge meal I would be consuming later and I'm always happy to add another bib to my collection! I really had no expectations for my time but hoped to see some improvement. I've been feeling some pain in my left foot/ankle so I wasn't sure how it would hold up.

I was more calm before this race and we piled the kids into the van and stopped for donuts on the way. I'm glad we didn't rush because the line for PRE-registered runners was waaaaaay too long. I knew the organization would be more relaxed than at other races but this was ridiculous. Four outhouses for the entire race (close to 1000 people) and no one even knew where the start line was! It was a mob but I ended up running into a few girls I played softball and basketball with growing up...after talking over the finer points of their Garmin watches (I WANT one!) they started the race 20 minutes late. I felt good from the beginning and tried to find a spot and set my pace among the masses. I hit the one mile mark and heard my Nike App voice say a time with a 7 at the start of it...whaaaaaaa? I almost choked! I was running super fast even with a sore ankle! I kept going and saw my hubby and kiddos a little on down the path. High fives all around! Seeing my peeps always gives me a surge of energy.

The bike path was pretty congested and the turn around spot was a joke...AND the two-mile water station promised never materialized....whaaaaaat? Not cool! But I made the best of it and kept truckin....saw my babies one more time on my way back and was feeling speedy (for me)! I came around to the finish stretch and was stoked to see the time clock. I finished at 30:25...a great time for me. I love this thing I have rediscovered and can't get enough!!!
Ready for the next race :)