5 Steps to Run Your First Half Marathon

Now that I have one (very slow) half marathon under my belt I am pretty much an expert. Being the nice person that I am I would love to impart my wisdom on you all. If you have ever though about running a half, or even a 10k, my biggest advice is do it. Seriously. Just put on your big girl panties and do it. You won't be disappointed.
You will be disappointed if you never do it and look back and wonder why.
If you are really, really not sure, make a list of your reasons NOT  to do it.
If any where on that list is "I will die" then you probably shouldn't but every other reason you can work around!
No time? Make the time. Wake up at 5 am. It's nicer running that early anyway.
Can't run that long/far? Well that's what training is for.
No money? Running is free. Don't get all caught up in the gimmicks of running products. I was just as happy with my $10 ear buds from Wal-Mart, and a friend of mine uses oranges for fuel. You DO NOT need to spend a million dollars on running equipment (my favorite compression capri's were 12 bucks).

Okay so do I have you convinced yet? If I do keep reading, if not start reading from the top again until I do.
Now where do go from here?

Step one: Find a race.

There are a lot of different things to consider when picking your first race. I suggest you take a look at these factors.
Traveling distance from you- you may need to find a place to stay the night before, or if you are planning on driving down remember parking, and traffic. You are going to be nervous and the last thing you need to worry about is getting stuck in traffic.
Starting time- some races are held in downtown districts so the start times are a little early to get everything cleaned up before major traffic times. This also plays into whether or not you will want to drive down the day of or stay somewhere the night before.
Course- Where I live this is very important because of that dreaded thing we call HILLS. Hills are hard no matter what. I do my best to train for them but they can be mentally defeating. I choose a fairly flat course for my first half because I didn't want to get beat up mentally and not be able to beast it!
Cut off times- some races have this and some don't. It's another mental battle knowing that if for some reason you need to walk a little more than normal, or your poop cramp holds you up in the middle that you may be asked to step aside.
Support- In this case I mean support through bystanders. This one is big for me. I like people cheering me on. I like feeling like I am a celebrity and everyone wants a high five from me. For me PERSONALLY running long distance is 80% mental. Some races have trail portions that don't have room on the sides for spectators. If I am running by myself and there is no one around me cheering me on or my mental game kicks in and I don't push myself as much.

Okay so now you have a race, next comes the fun part.. running.

Step Two: Find a Training Program

There are a million and one different ways to train for races out there. The biggest thing is to find one that works for you and STICK WITH IT. If you change it up in the middle you run the risk of injury or just getting burnt out. Don't think that just because the training program you printed out has the long runs on Sunday you HAVE to do them on Sunday. This is YOUR world remember. Run on your time, just don't skip long runs!!

creepy.

Step Three: Go Shopping. 

Okay so this part does require spending a little money but it's well worth it. Believe me. Go get yourself fitted for some running shoes. You do NOT need to spend $200 bucks on shoes, just go get fitted. You don't have to buy the ones you they tell you to buy (or the special running socks they give you to "get a better feel"), just go get fitted. Don't be afraid to try on a million pairs and do weird running skipping hops around the store. Find the ones you like, and by like I mean the ones that FEEL GOOD running shoes aren't always about looks and then shop around. Look on Amazon, look in other stores, look on Ebay shop for a deal my friend.

Step Four: Trial and Error

Your first few runs are smaller ones so these are the best runs to try out some fuel and hydration options. For your long runs plain water doesn't always cut it, but hey it might for you. This is where things get gimmicky. I preach Nuun and Shot blocks but that is ME. Like I said before a friend of mine does oranges. You have to try a few things out until you find what works for you. Once you get into your longer runs, try to stick with the same thing so you get used to it.
You can also check out what fuel and hydration will be offered at your race and choose to train with those knowing you can get them the day of! Warning... some taste like straight up vomit.

Step Five: Enjoy it. 

If you hate every second of your run, or you find yourself skipping long runs. Step back and re-evaluate. Take a day off. Switch up the time of day or grab a friend and go for a short run. TALK TO PEOPLE. Find someone else who runs long distances and vent vent vent. I can't tell you how many texts I have sent saying "I can't do this". There are good runs and there are bad runs, but all you do is keep going. Put one foot in front of the other.
I'm here. I will snap your ass back into it, because I've been there. Many a time. The only person you are doing this for is you, and the only person that can do it for you , is YOU.

Now go run. Run like the wind.

Coccyx

I already told you all about my run this past Saturday.

I was supposed to do 8 but I ended up doing 7.42 and felt good about it. My pace is getting quicker and my longer runs are getting... dare I say, easier. 

Sunday night I felt like shit because I have been eating shit and not hydrating. 

I laid on the couch for a good portion of the night only to get up to move to the bed. 

Monday I woke up and I had this little pain in my butt. 

Literally. 

Like where my tailbone is, kinda at the top of my ass crack. 

Yup.

It wasn't too bad, but since then it's been getting progressively worse. It's not unbearable but it's super annoying. Anytime I laugh (or fart) or adjust how I'm sitting it feel like someone is kicking me in the butt. 

I honestly didn't think anything about it, and I just casually mentioned it to my trainer. We both looked it up and turns out it's an actual running injury caused by running on uneven ground.. aka New England roads. 

It's called a strained coccyx. 

Turns out the cure is Yoga... go figure. 

My trainer found this awesome yoga video on Youtube for runners and it's a nice long one without the whole

 "You're walking through a forest, look for the golden glowing light, breath in the light"

I personally can not stand that kind of yoga. I'll post the video here so you can give it a go. 

Have you ever had an embarrassing injury?? Tell me about it while I sit here icing my bum. 

Dancing, Running and Crying

This past weekend flew by. I'm not ready for it to be over.
Saturday was my baby girls first dance recital. I cried and cried and cried.

 My husband and I got her flowers and the florist cut them down to make them "kid size", I cried.

The morning of I made her snuggle on the couch with me before we started getting ready. Chip was snuggling with us too and she wanted to switch sides but didn't tell me what she was doing... long story short. I accidentally gave her a fat lip.
Thankfully she has the memory of a goldfish and got over it quickly and it didn't swell too bad.
She did ask me to take a picture of it in the dressing room though...

Then Sunday was Runday.
This training course I moved my long runs to Sundays because my trainer thinks it's better to have your long runs on the same day as the race.... which makes sense.

The run was nice. It was hilly but I felt good. I even cut my over all pace down by 1:09 from my last run of this distance.

I didn't feel horrible after, until about 30 min after and then my body was all "Nope I'm done"

I seem to always forget how much my food choices and hydration during the week effect my long runs.
I have been kicking ass in workouts these past few weeks but my diet has only been so so. I've been switching gears in the whole working out and "dieting" mentality, instead of striving for perfection I'm just trying to take it little by little.
Apparently I need more structure. I'm going to cut way back on dairy and gluten again because I seemed to feel the best when I did that, and see how it effects my runs.
I also want to get back into the habit of shakes for breakfast.
Those seemed to really help my sweet tooth and help me throughout the day!

So those are my goals for the week. Eat clean train mean.
Two weeks until my photo shoot... ugh.

Round Up.

It's time for another FITNESS ROUND UPPPPPP.
I'm also stuck in clinicals again. So shoot me. Seriously.
At least it's the last day and I get to torture my mom and my favorite minion. That makes it worth it.
My daughter also has her very first dance recital tomorrow, and we are taking JUST HER out to dinner after to celebrate. I hope she isn't reading this or the surprise will be ruined.

Her learning to read in the last 24 hours however will be a total surprise because she's 4 and still doesn't know how to wipe her butt.

ANYWAY.
If I never have to run sprints or do another burpee again before I die it will be too soon.
I hate those bitches.
I used to be like oh I love running, It's my meditation, Long runs are my breaks, I'm so cool with my running shoessssss.
Then I started doing sprints, I threw up in the middle of the road, and still had to do more sprints.

Yeah I no longer want to be part of the in crowd.
I want to plant my ass next to the buffet table.
Seriously if life was some big party and runners were all the people living it up on the dance floor (which would probably make sprinters the people taking dancing one step further and BREAK DANCING) I would LITERALLY pull a chair over to the buffet table and sit there.... facing the food.
Just kidding, I would dance, but probably take breaks.
as for you...

I hope you danceeeeeee.

Please tell me you just sung that in your head.

In other news. I have stopped weighing myself obsessively. I don't really know why. I just kinda did. I know I'm not gaining a ton. I'm not sure if I'm losing, but I'm powering through my workouts and making healthy choices.

The whole bathing suit fiasco made me rethink a lot of things. I am not trying to compete in a fitness comp, nor am I trying to break pencils with my buns of steel (can people do that?!?!?), I am just trying to live, and enjoy my abilities.

Right now I'm working on finding out what that is. Maybe I'll start weighing and logging again, maybe not, but for now if you drive by me puking on the side of the road looking "real sweaty" like my daughter says, honk and wave sista!

Training, This Time Around

My next half is in about 7 weeks.
I feel really different about this training. I think because each long run isn't my "longest run ever" anymore.
I'm not scared of the 8 miles I run this week. I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm looking forward to it, but I guess I feel ambivalent.
I think it takes some of the sunshine out of my step when I tell people which races I'm running, and the common response is

"Oh that one's tough...and hilly"

Yay...

I'm trying to stay in the mindset that this race is in the town I train in EVERY DAY. It's really just going to be another long run on Jaffrey roads. They are all frickin hilly.

I've also had a few people ask me how to get started with training for a half, or getting back into running.
I love the couch 2 5k program to get started. It also has add on programs to move you up to a 10k and then a half.

There are so many different training programs for all distances and remember, just because the chart you printed out from Pintrest has the long runs on Sundays, you can adjust and do them whenever works for you!

This go around I am also doing a fair amount of cross training. I am doing a lot of speed work and like ten million burpees.
Seriously.

My workout today for example is a series of Tabata moves (20 seconds on 10 seconds off), separated by Tabata runs

So it looks like this

Tabata run/walk
Tabata  burpees
Tabata run/walk
Tabata sit ups
Tabata run/walk
Tabata squat jump
Tabata run/walk
Lie in puddle of sweat and cry.

My trainer is convinced it's going to shave a lot of time off my insanely slow first half (2:52:49)
but I have my doubts haha.

I have been posting some workouts and quick circuits on Instagram so make sure you go follow me (@camonlipstick)

How do you feel about burpees? Are you training for a race? What are your tips?

The Black Squirrel

If you have been watching Orange is the New Black, then you know all about the chicken. If you haven't. Take the day off from work... and probably tomorrow too, plant yourself in a chair and watch it.

Anyway, the chicken is a myth that some people believe strongly and some people think is just crazy.
Jaffrey (the town I live in) has it's own chicken, except it's in the form of a black squirrel.
We have tons of grey squirrels as well as red squirrels, but only one black one.

When you get a group of guys together in between all of their hunting stories, you will probably hear one of them say

"You know I saw that damn squirrel on my way to work"
and the others will say, knowing exactly which squirrel he's talking about,
"Oh reaaaalllllyyyyy"

Then they all get this look on their face and you can tell they are wondering if all the stories are true.

They say it's been around for generations, and no one has been able to trap it or shoot it (yes we shoot squirrels around here). I've even heard stories of people who have trapped it and then when they go to let it out, it's already gone and a grey squirrel is in it's place.

It's black because of some genetic mutation that is so rare it's not even documented. There are guys around here who spend hours in the woods just trying to get a glimpse. Everyone swears if they finally catch it they will get it mounted to prove it's real.

Legend has it if the squirrel crosses your path, whatever situation you have been stressing about will turn in your favor.

He's like a good luck charm of sorts.

Well this morning.... I saw it.

Clear as day.

After I dropped the kids off I was driving to work and it ran out in front of my car. I was far enough away that when it stopped in the middle of the road I had plenty of time to slow down.
I stopped right in front of it and it just looked up at me. Then it nodded and ran away. Now I know that whatever happens this week will turn out in my favor.

Just kidding I made all this up, but I did see a black squirrel this morning, and I'm going to pretend that all of the above is true, cause I really want shit to go my way this week.

It's All in Your Head.

Yesterday my alarm didn't go off... for like the 5th morning in a row.
I think it was subconscious but oh well.

Because I didn't wake up at the ass crack of dawn that meant I needed to get my workouts in at night after the kids went to bed.
Usually this isn't a problem but yesterday I was legit terrified of my workout.
Here it is

1/2 mile run
25 burpees
1/2 mile run
20 burpees
1/2 mile run
15 burpees
1/2 mile run
10 burpees
1/2 mile run
5 burpees
1/2 mile run


uh yeah. No. I hate burpees, and the thought of running a half mile as an "active rest" made me want to vomit.
Even worse I had ALL DAY to talk myself out of it.
I sent my husband a text half way through the day telling him I had to workout tonight because I knew if I did that he would ask me about it, which would hopefully push me to do it.
I kept thinking...

 "It will be okay if I only get through half"
"It will be fine if I skip today and just do it tomorrow"
"I'll just do the running and maybe do modified burpees"
"I can't sacrifice that time with my husband just to work out"
"I have way more important things I need to deal with than some stupid workout"

I seriously gave myself every excuse in the book.
Then I got home, ate dinner, and sat on the couch.
Almost on cue my husband said "I thought you were going to work out tonight"
I hemmed and hawed and got my stuff together and went downstairs.
I got right into it and after the first set of burpees I ran outside and laid down in the grass.
I thought I was going to die and I still had so much to go.
I told myself you did the most burpees already now just keep going.
and I did.

I didn't run the whole time. I speed walked quite a bit.
but I did EVERY SINGLE BURPEE, and all THREE MILES.
To top it off.
I sprinted that last quarter mile.
I wanted to throat punch that workout.
I wanted to make sure that workout knew it didn't beat me. I BEAT IT.

It felt awesome, and it just solidified the hardest part of working out and getting healthy.
It's all mental.
You know what to do.
You have all the tools.
You have everything you need.
You just have to do it, and believe you CAN DO IT.

Even when everything else in your life is out of control, the one thing you can control is your self. You can choose what you eat, and how you eat. Don't think you have to do a crazy workout like that one just to be active. You can go for a walk for 30 min. You can play with your dog, you can chase your kids. Just get up.

You can do this. (yes I'm talking to you!)

Coming up Next.

Lately I have had major bloggers block. That's like the blogger version of writers block right?
Or is it still considered writers block.
Whatever, don't know don't care.
I hate not knowing what am I going to write about and I want to make sure that I am writing things that are helpful and inspiring... blah blah you know the usual.

So I am determined to switch things up in July.

It's only June 11th

Yes I'm aware but I like to plan ahead.


I've done this in the past and had a great response, and really enjoyed doing it so for every Monday in July I am going to have a guest post featuring a women in my life whom I admire and who inspires me. 3 out of 4 have said yes, so I'm just going to have to guilt trip the last one!

I will also be keeping up with Fitness Fridays since I will still be training for my never ending half marathons, but I would love to do at least one other "themed" day of the week. Here are some ideas

Two for Tuesdays - Recipe and workout post
Little Moments Wednesdays- Remembering to live in the moment and turning a bad moment into a good one.
This is for You Thursday- Writing a post dedicated to someone else. Show off their skills or why they are so awesome.
Tabata Tuesday/Thursday- Post a Tabata themed workout on these days with a how to video.
Wacky Workout Wednesday- Did you know in China they do eye workouts during the school day? I'm sure I could find more!


Any other ideas are very welcome.
Should I turn these into link ups?
Should I not do any of these and do something else?
Do you just wish I would stop all together?
Anyone want to join in the fun with me and maybe co-host some?

Let me know people. I need help!!

Hidden Message.

This past week my husband bought me a swimsuit.
I never buy swimsuits, and as embarrassing as it is I usually go to the lake in a sports bra and black underwear.
It's cheap and it's the same thing.
It also fits me and I feel comfortable.
Since I've been active about my health and getting in shape my husband said it would be nice to have a nice bathing suit this year.
I agreed and he picked one out for me.
I tried it on to show him, and also to take pictures to send to the blogwives.
Those bishes are my support group.
I took the pictures and then I cried.
I hated the way I looked.
I hated how my hips were spilling over the suit, and how the cut immediately drew your eyes to my hips.
I hated how my boobs weren't were they should be and how my hips looked like they were connected.
The girls assured me I looked fine and said how they loved the "photo-bombers"
A few days later I also sent them to my cousin to show her why I would not be attending the beach any time soon.
Her immediate response...

"Mabel is adorbs"

Then it hit me, and I started crying for a whole new reason.

Here I am looking at myself in these pictures, focusing on all of my problem areas, and not even noticing the important things.
My kids.
Why am I even doing this whole journey to get active and healthy?
To be with my kids
Why am I preaching healthy choices and getting outside?
For my kids.
Why am I EVEN BUYING A SWIMSUIT??
To BE WITH MY KIDS!
Yet here I am crying in my bedroom over two pictures which just so happen to be some damn cute pictures of my kids.
My son loves my love handles. What else is he going to grab on to when he's screaming for milk and trying to climb up my body.
My daughter loves working out with me, because she loves the time with me, not how my body looks.
So here they are, not pictures of my ill-fitting swimsuit.
Not the pictures that brought me to tears.
Not the pictures of my problem areas that I still have to work on, but a picture of
my daughter with her best pose, and my son wondering what the hell I'm looking at.

Another Week in the Books.

I'm writing this post ahead of time because I have that wonderful thing called clinicals all day tomorrow... and hour away... ugh seriously. Someone just put me out of my misery.
Anyway tomorrow is Friday which means it's time for another weekly round up of how I did this week.

If the pain in my quads and calves are any indication. I did pretty damn well.

Last Sunday was the first meet up of the women's running group that I started.
We are doing the Couch 2 5k program and it was really fun getting back into short runs. I was so nervous that no one was going to show up. Like in middle school when you have your first boy girl party and your mom puts out sooo many chips and you are like shit... where are my friends.

But some awesome ladies came and we all had a good time. Hopefully they all come back!

I have also been doing daily workout with my trainer, because she is crazy. She makes me do things like Box jumps, and jump rope. Her workouts are short and sweet but sweet baby Ray.

My eating has been pretty good too. She keeps telling me to get in the Zone or zone in my diet or something. I'm not sure. I've just been focusing on clean eating. I am 5 days strong with no Dunkins, and I'm still crying about it.

Speaking of donuts... Friday is National Donut Day and Dunkins is giving away free donuts.

Seriously. WHAT. THE. FUCK.

My delicate mind can't handle this right now. Do you think Dunkins will right me a rain check?

Speaking of delicate mind. I realized my photo shoot is like 5 frickin weeks away. I really hope I can pull this off. I need some advice. I want to be tan so I'm wondering if I should fake n bake a little or just do a spray tan. I don't want those nice little white lines where my fat rolls stop the spray tan... Help!! What should I do.
Also... brazillian? or no? Gah I'm nervous.

I should probably not write about these two things in the same post, BUTTT I'm awkward and I don't care. My nephew is taking his driving test tomorrow. I don't know when they starting letting kids drive at 6 but man oh man.

Just kidding he's 16 but he will forever be 6 in my mind. I hope he passes, I have some errands for him to run. Hopefully he's NOT reading this, but if he is... nevermind I'm just going to pretend like he's not.

15 Things.... You're Next.

I love reading random facts posts.
They remind me of Myspace surveys... and I miss those.
Anyway I liked these questions so I am going to answer them and then call out some bishes that I think should also answer the questions. If they don't I will virtually shun them.

1. Whats a nickname only your family calls you? 

Some of my nieces and nephews call me Canka.... yeah I don't know. My mom and dad used to call me boobala... again I don't know. 

2. What's a weird habit of yours?

When I'm falling asleep I like to put my husbands Achilles's tendon between my toes.... he hates it. Like it makes his skin crawl and I don't even realize I'm doing it haha. 

3. Do you have any weird phobias?

I've mentioned it before but I am always afraid balloons are going to pop in my face and burn my face off. Like some sort of freak acid accident. 

4. What's a song you secretly love to blast and jam out to when you are alone?

Well I have to say I love rapping in my car, and I could totally give Lil Kim a run for her money. I also like to pretend I'm Jay Z...

5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?

I hate when I make my bed and someone comes and lays on top of the covers. I also can't stand when people think it's okay to use completely different shampoo and conditioner...they make them in pairs for a reason! Get your shit together. 

6. What's one of your nervous habits?

I rub my nose when I'm nervous so I look like a drug addict. I also cry when I'm really nervous which makes no sense...and is pretty annoying.

7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?

If you are looking at the bed I sleep on the right side, but if we ever sleep in a bed that isn't ours we switch sides.

8. What was your first stuffed animal and what was it's name?

I have this huge bear that I named P.J. I still have him and I even sleep with him sometimes because it makes a perfect pillow

9. What's the drink you always order at Starbucks (or Dunkins)?

Starbucks is to high class for me and I just broke up with Dunkin Donuts for the month but I usually get a large iced coffee with blueberry and toasted almond, regular. It's been two days and I miss it.

10. Which way do you face in the shower?

I face away from the shower. I am short if I faced the other way I would drown! 

11. Do you have any weird body skills?

I do but it is not blog appropriate!!!

12. What is your favorite comfort food, that you know is bad but you eat it anyway?

Those stupid personal pies at the grocery store... I haven't had one in awhile but I seriously drool over them every damn time I go to the store. 

13.What is a phrase or exclamation you always say?

RELAX! but I pronouce it like RA-LAX and it drive my hubs nuttttttts

14. What do you wear when you go to sleep?

I like to wear nighties. Like the silky dresses...those are called nighties right? My husband calls them old lady pajamas, but I don't wear the like hospital gown ones I wear the cute ones!

15.What did you used to wear that you thought was cool, and now you realize it wasn't?

Berets. Also two pairs of crew socks so they were extra scrunchy with my knock off keds!!

This isn't me but it's DEAD ON!

Now the fun part! Calling out my fav blog bishes!! I'm going to try to do some new contenders because I love their blogs and I think they would actually answer these!!

Marla from Luck Fupus... she's amazing and I love her. She drinks her coffee from a coffee bowl and tells me about donuts with fruity pebbles on top.... 

Amy from Getz Girl on Fire... she posted a GIF about her hatred of crocs the other day that made me laugh way to hard. Seriously it wasn't even that funny and I was dying. I hope she laughed just as hard. 

Lindsay from Bourbon Lipstick and Stilettos because her blog name is amazing. End of story. 

Ang from Mean Ang. She just did a re-cap of her Disney adventure in which she blacks out everyone's faces. While I totally understand her reasoning I also secretly love that it makes her look like she was a serial killer planning her next victims... just me?... either way she's awesome!

My Running Essentials Giveaway!

To celebrate my first half marathon I wanted to put together a little giveaway of all my running essentials.
Since I'm also raising money for CHaD, I thought I would combine the two!

I still consider myself a newbie runner (I probably always will) but there are a few things I found during my training that I LOVE.
One of these things is the Nuun products.

I was actually introduced to these by a friend who also uses their hydration products during her runs. You can check out her blog here.
She gave me a watermelon one and it was love at first sight... or taste. They also have a new energy line that I haven't had the chance to try yet but I'm pretty excited about it.
The people at Nuun have graciously donated a four pack of your choice and a waterbottle!

Another product I love are Fleurtybands. Not because I love Jasmine but because they actually stay on. I wore one for my half and I didn't have to adjust it the entire time! Thats almost three hours of activity and it didn't slip. I love being able to brag about a product that actually works. Jasmine has donated two Fleurtybands which happen to be my favorite the Cheetah, and the Candra (which hasn't even been released yet!).

I am also including lots of my other essentials like shot blocks, an itunes gift card, coffee, body spray, and my new obsession Epsom bath salts that are infused with menthol.... seriously amazing.
To enter all you have to do is donate $5 on my fundraising site here.
Each entry is $5 so if you donate $25 you get 5 chances to win!
I want this to be fair so I will be checking to verify the winners donation.
The winner will be announced next Monday so spread the word lets see how much we can raise!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway