Rebound!

No one wakes up in the morning and says, "Gee I think today would be an epic day to Fail", yet unfortunately it happens anyway.  Millions of times a day around the world people fail.  We do not meet others expectations, we do not meet our expectations, maybe we forgot the expectations.  Whatever it is WE deem as failure, if we do that, we fail.  It's pointless to tell someone they succeeded when the result is not what they envisioned as success.  It's nice, sometimes necessary, but deep down will not make them feel better. Why?  Because failure is deep inside, it's motivation, it's intensity, it's dedication, it's focus, its passion all unraveled after weeks, months, maybe years of working towards something.   So whether it is "thee" thing you were working toward or a milestone marker along the journey; when it doesn't meet your expectations - it's failure.  And that is where it gets tough. 
I wrote in my last blog about my "failure" at the Chicago 1/2.   Scores of people have told me how top 10 in a major race is a big deal, 1:24 is really fast, you ran a 5:33 mile!?  And yet I could not find anything deep inside me to be at peace with that.  It is not what I set out to do, I failed.  And that is okay.  Because from that failure I grew; where previously I would have floundered.
I immediately focused on understanding why I failed - I need the data to understand what I would need to do differently to achieve my end goal.  I was lucky!  This was a milestone race, not my end goal; what if I had learned this on game day?  I went out too fast, I was way too amped, and then I panicked, and it was a mental bonk.  I learned a) to pace myself b) if I did hit a fast split to be confident, I can run there I proved it because I came back at the end.
I gained confidence in myself.  I could have broke and said that's it - months of training...for that?  I quit - I am  not cut out for this.  But, instead, I grew hungrier, I realized how bad I wanted this, I realized I was not weak, rather I was in training.  And I was committed.
And so we got back on the horse quickly.  The MDRA 15K was planned, so we didn't decide to just go race, it was part of the plan all along.  But man was I glad it was so soon.  I wanted to use my new data :)
So last Sunday I ran the MDRA 15k which also happened to be the MN USATF 15k Championships - so a good field, a good course, and good timing.  
So what did I change?  I feel like my pre race nutrition is set.  No change.  My pre race warm-up is also set, but I put a little more focus into it-  I think I had been going through  the motions, and I wanted that to be a little more dialed in so I was more in tune with pace.  My first mile.  That was the change.  I didn't go out with the  lead pack - I ran my first mile in 6:12!  Compared to the 5:51 in Chicago I felt like I was walking!  And when I saw the 6:12 I literally said "sweet".  From there I knew I had it, I just held until mile 5 where I was in 6th place.  That's when Adam had said no more looking at the watch,  RACE.  And so I did, one by one picking them off as he says, and then with a 1/2 mile to  go seeing the leader a tad too late.  I was closing the gap but ran out of runway.  I crossed in 2nd, averaging 6:08 pace, never feeling better.   I came back, I learned from my failure versus letting it define me.  I would have  never done this even a year ago.
Failure is so key to the journey; in fact when used correctly it can be the road map to success.

My armswing!!!  Many of you know I have been working on keeping my arm in and it's working!  My dorky e3's are working!  #theyarenotweights

RNR CHI Race Recap!

I'll make this one short and sweet because my last 2 blogs were long  (wayyyyyyyyyy to long).

This morning I ran the RNR Chicago 1/2 marathon; a key race before my main goal race.  And I bombed it.  It happens, I ran nowhere near my goal/nor my ability - but glad it happened now and not on game day I guess.  

The weekend was a blast though, got to spend it with Justin and see my family.  If that was all that happened this weekend it would be sensational in itself.    Several ACAI bowls, and fun at the EXPO.  I had plenty of hometown support too!!  My parents and Mrs. Cyr and Chase - really close family friends - pretty much family -  were able to make it!

used the bikeshare program to get everywhere - - fun, but some kinks that need to be worked out - ask Justin :)

Epic running along the lakefront

acai bowl #2 - not very good, wasn't a fan, tasted like sludge 

EXPO shenanigans - so  much fun

Acai bowl #1 -EPIC, best ever perhaps!!!

I have absolutely no excuses, I ate great, plenty of sleep, weather was terrific, course was flat.  I just was stupid and went out WAY too fast.  Here are my mile splits and my mind dialogue.

• Mile 1:  5:51  - OH NO, crap
• Mile 2:  6:16  - Perfect. stay here, not  too much damage done, you're fine
• Mile 3:  6:04  - Ok, should be able to lock in here...
• Mile 4:  5:33 - WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
• Mile 5:  6:33 - ugh CB, you dug yourself a hole now, hang on, it's your fault
• Mile 6:  6:14 - perfect
• Mile 7:  6:19 - - Im losing it
• Mile 8:  6:36 - -Gone
• Mile 9:  6:39 - - really gone
• Mile 10: 6:42 - - ok, you can give up, or grind back
• Mile 11:  6:32 - -there you go, fight back
• Mile 12:  6:39 - - I feel fine, just no acceleration
• Mile 13:  6:18 - - salvage it

Total Time 1:24:02 - 9th place overall

The key thing I learned and can take away is I started out way too aggressive and completely threw out our game plan.  I was way too amped up.  I have been training my tail off and so dialed in I think I just had way too much pent up energy.  I have got to stick to the game plan and pacing will take care of itself.
The good news is that the body feels great, and sometimes it's just not your day - - you move on.
And so that is what I shall do :)  I have had an amazing year so far and if this is the worst thing that happens to  me, I am living the life, xoxoox.

at  least i looked good :(

Trying to salvage something at mile 9

          

                                      recovering fast so I can get back to work - Normatec boots are amazing - and I had the hook up :)

Peanut Butter Runner

If I could choose another name for this blog I think it would be 'Peanut Butter Runner"....my love for peanut butter (and acai bowls) is well known and ever-growing.  But, I do eat other things believe it or not :)  At least once or twice a week I get a message or question related to food/nutrition.  I have largely stayed away from posting about what I eat/when I eat/how I eat because quite frankly it scares me :(  People can be mean - and I am not an expert and my diet is nowhere near perfect, nor do I intend it to be; it's just what is working for me right now.  But, last week Justin and I were literally talking about this exact subject and someone pinged me asking me a food question - and he said you really should. In the spirit of starting this marriage thing on the right foot, here's to listening to feedback and posting on food!

Most of what I have learned about nutrition and food I attribute to my sister Kate (while she knows nothing about running, I have found almost anytime I have issues I can call her and she has the answer), my friend Lauren Kay who has a great nutritional background, and when I lived out East I actually did see a nutritionist, Bill Nadeau, to figure some things out.  All three have helped me tremendously.

Instead of go into details of what a typical day or week looks like, I think it might be easier to just kind of share the basic principles I follow.  And again, this is what works for me - I think that paleo, vegan, froyon, pizzatarian, or whatever type of diet you are on is 1) great and 2) normal - IF it works for you. Sometimes we worry so much about what other people are doing - and the truth is we were born as US, not THEM - so do what works for you :)

So here we go, these are most of the questions I get....

1.  Do I count calories?

Yes and No.  I do not limit myself, but I do have a number I have to hit or we have "system breakdown" lights that go on.  This is easy for me if I am in my routine - but if I am traveling or have a crazy week (think wedding week) then I have to keep a running tab in my head and it becomes more difficult.  It also does not help that I am VERY plain, and picky about food, I always have been. So while I could just "eat anything", I don't, because I don't like anything  Furthermore, as we progress in our plan and make jumps in mileage and/or intensity I have had to "re-figure" that magic number out again and again.  Having a coach that understands this has been great as we have moved very conservatively - basically in 5-6 week blocks - that has allowed me to find it and my body to adjust accordingly.

2.  How do I think about the Macros?

I am a carb machine.  And I know tons of people will tell you carbs are bad.  I'm sorry it's just how I am, I tried "paleo" for 3 months when I lived out East and I have never been more miserable, I felt terrible.  No energy and my running suffered tremendously.  So I eat a lot of carbs - rice, cereal, pretzels, popcorn - all staples for me.  Never, ever count them.  If I crave them, I think it's my body saying it needs them.  In fact, Saturday night I do the typical pasta before the long run and as I eat it (this is really dorky) sometimes I visualize the tank filling up, and then before I go to bed I eat cereal and the tank is overflowing - - so when I run the next day at like mile 15/16 I think back to that and say - I got plenty o gas in the tank!

Protein.  I don't do protein shakes or try and get a certain amount of grams per bodyweight.  And I never had a steak or bison, or burger I liked.  Even when I was little steak grossed me out.  I just don't like the taste.  Instead I eat either fish or chicken 6 nights a week (pasta Saturday night).  Again sometimes visualizing the protein healing up all the damage from that day's mileage.  I like turkey and turkey burgers too.  And I eat lots of nuts.  I kind of use them as croutons almost on top of my veggies at dinner :)

Fats.  So when I was cool in high school I did the whole low fat thing - looking back on that what was I thinking?  Anyways it led to issues of low body fat% which caused all sorts of problems leading to a string of injuries.  Enter Bill, that nutrition guy I mentioned, who basically saved my running career.  He completely broke it down for me - and I looked at my fat% versus what average was, not even athletic average - and it opened my eyes.  How things have changed - enter my love for peanut butter and nuts in general.  I never look at fat.  In fact, I think fat is what keeps us healthy.  Having said that, this was a journey too, as one of the best sources of fat is avocados right?  So Bill had me start eating those (WHICH WAS A BIG STEP< I EAT LIKE A 1st GRADER).  And who knew - I was SEVERELY allergic to them (hospital allergic) @Kelly and @Elisa  #verydramaticworkmeeting.  And so one step forward, then 5 backwards after that episode.  It shook me up pretty bad.

3.  How do you think about fruits and veggies?

I eat a banana everyday (magnesium is KEY, I could preach all day about this, I think it is the #1 secret weapon for runners) and I have lots of veggies every night  - even on Pasta day because I have an acai bowl that has kale and broccoli hidden in it :)

So this sucker believe it or not has kale and broccoli in it, but you do not taste or see it, BRILLIANT!  #inflammtionfighter

4.  How much water do you drink?  What are your hydration go to's?

Another HUGE growth area for me.  Justin used to call me a camel, I never drank much of anything. And how embarrassing is this, I used to drink about 4 Diet Cokes a day :(  In November of 2014 one day I said, I am trying to do something that the odds are already against me, why would you make it even harder, how bad do you want this?  And I quit cold turkey.  Have not had ONE since, and I have never felt better.  And now, you will RARELY find me without water bottle in hand.  I drink my body weight in water every day + 1-2 Nuun tablets a day.  Now, I am sponsored by Nuun, so full transparency here, but it has been one of the biggest game changers for me.  Once again, a learning process, and I was drinking SO much water it was depleting my system of all minerals.  My coach helped me on this one, and man what a difference I feel.  It's nuts. I highly recommend EVERYONE to try Nuun.  You can't just have water all the time, and Nuun replaces all the minerals you have lost. Incredible.

I also wake up and drink caffeinated tea every morning and no caffeine tea before I go to bed at night. In the morning it has really helped my runs, I have an extra "pop" I did not have before.  And at night, it's my signal to my body to wind down.  In fact, I think my favorite wedding present was a red teapot, it's special because it's from someone very important to me at work, and she knows my whole dream and journey ;)

My favorite wedding gift :)  Little red Tea Pot - I use every morning and night!

That's a lot of Nuun!  This stuff is a gamechanger, literally put a pep back in my step.

5.  Do You Snack?

So, I know this will seem really weird, but not really.  I never have been a big snacker.  I don't really like eating in the car or while walking or while working and I am a busy body and so that is what it would have to be.  I need down time, time to just "be" and so when I eat, I like to sit down and just "eat" - listen to the people I am with, or read, or sometimes just think.  Eating quickly or on the go just is not my thing and my stomach is so sensitive if I do it I end up not feeling so great. I will say before I go to bed I eat a bowl of cereal every night because otherwise I wake up hungry.  To which everyone always tells me, well you're not eating enough at dinner.  I eat about 1500 calories at dinner, so I don't think that's  the case.  I just get up at 3 or 4am REALLY hungry if I don't. And I prefer to run without breakfast in me, so I think that allows me to do that as well.

5) What are your grocery trip staples?

I eat a lot of anti-inflammatory foods - Bill and Lauren have helped me with this a lot.  Basically, any athlete training at a high level has a lot of inflammation and you have to combat that to prevent injury.  So while ice, massage, epsom salts help  - I also believe what we put in our body can be the best ally for us.  Hence my obsession with acai - a superfruit known to fight inflammation!    I also started eating fish about a year ago and I believe it has gotten me to where I am today, feeling great. 

So here's a list of my go to's :

• Fish
• Bananas
• Nuts
• Rice
• Vegetables (except red peppers - I do not like spicy food - so I pick these out and give them to Justin :)
• Cereal/Almond Milk (dairy bugs my stomach, I have had to cut my froyo down b/c of that:(
• Chicken
• Pasta 
• Water/Nuun tablets
• Tea (AM/PM versions @ Teavana - $$$$ habit)
• pretzels
• Peanut butter (Lauren makes me homemade PB, amazing)
• Bread from Sprouts - I am REALLY picky on my sandwich bread
• Cornbread (recent obsession - from Sprouts)

My friend Lauren has helped me a lot with nutrition, and also makes me REAL peanut butter!

6)  Do you use supplements?

Again a HUGE journey, but have a rotation now that is working for me.  I take a fish oil supplement to fight inflammation, Stronium for bone strength, and a multivitamin to get all the minerals I am missing (primarily the B's,)

The 3 supplements I take every day

7)  Do you have any vices?

I have a "bar" addiction.  I love my bars, KIND, Quest, Cliff, Rx Bars.  I share this with my nephew, Connor :)  Perhaps we should go to an addiction class together for it!  I know they are bad for you, but I love em', and so I eat one for desert at lunch every single day.  (I did use to have 2 a day though, so improvement!!)

I realize I left a lot of the pre-run/post run nutrition specifics out, but that really is a whole other blog, and so I thought maybe my next race recap I could include that? 

Lastly, I am the last person to be giving advice, but for what's it's worth my two cents would be that this has been a long journey, with lots of  trial and error.  Never take what one person does and follow it out the window; tinker to make it fit you.  But then at some point you have to STOP tinkering and let your body adjust.  I am at a point right now where I am holding steady through game day and then before the next cycle I will tinker a bit more.  And my biggest piece of advice?  One thing at a time :)  Small changes you can tackle; changing everything was overwhelming for me and never worked.  Once I started to focus on one thing at a time, it stuck, and I could feel a difference. As always, any comments or questions I am all ears as I am still very much learning!

xoxoxo,

CB

Post Race Recap: The Race to the Altar (Best Race of my Life!)

One of the unintended effects for those who have been following this blog is that along with the running journey, comes the life journey.  The intense nature of my dream lends itself to a lifestyle that tends to be all encompassing, as such it is rather difficult to separate the two entities - well three actually - training, personal life, and work - which is often why you tend to hear about all of them.  Today will be one of those blogs!  In a perfect way, it's a marriage of personal life and training - a race review of the best race I've ever run, "The Race to the Altar!"

Race Choice

I thought it might be worth doing a quick trip down memory lane for those who joined my dorky blog later on - post engagement!  It was on my "bucket list" to volunteer at a major marathon, and Justin is nothing short of amazing, so for my Christmas present he flew both of us to NYC!  The day before the marathon we went running in Central Park and a quarter mile from our hotel he said he had to "tie his shoe".  As I was immature at the time (#wouldneverdothatnow) - and getting pretty impatient -   - I hate stopping.  So I'm thisssssssssssss close to blasting him right? - and boom I turn around and he is on one knee.  The rest is history.

After he proposed in NYC!

Training/Preparation

We had plenty of time to plan for the wedding, we were engaged in November of 2014 and married the past weekend (June 2016).  The gap was because I was supposedddddddddd to be running the Olympic Trials in the marathon - but life had different plans for me in 2015 and it was a BRUTAL year (#injurycity).  But, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise - for so many reasons - one of which is Justin and I became very, very close through some incredibly trying times.

Running was the "thing" that brought us together - the travel, the wins, the losses, the injuries, the dreams achieved and crushed.  So we decided that the Save the Date, the invites, the decorations would be around the "Race to the Altar" theme!   From there we just started hammering out the big decisions:

• City:   Easy pick - we both have a deep love for Chicago - for different reasons.
• Venue:   We wanted downtown Chicago - we would have been living in a cardboard box for years to come - so we went with my hometown.
• DJ/Church/rehearsal dinner:  All easy decisions - conquer and divided!
• Colors:  Red (my favorite) and Green (Justin's Favorite)*

*we actually had all females with roles in the wedding wear a touch of red and all males involved a touch of green!

Reception Venue @ Hotel Baker

Race Bib Save the Date! ( I can't figure out how to turn this horizontally?)

Actual invitation

We spent a lot of time on bridal party, as that was important to us.  For my girls I asked 4 amazing women who each have given me a gift in life that I will be forever grateful for - and then gave them a bracelet with that gift on it.  Here's the coolest part; they gave me a necklace at the wedding with all the gifts on it together :)

The bracelets for the girls...

The necklace they gave me!

And then... the invite list.  Honestly, we did not have ANY disagreements on it - it was just a matter of paring it down; at one point we had the population of China attending!!! This was extremely HARD, and we literally talked through every single invite.  Once that was done - - mama bear literally took over - and she nailed it!

The Lead Up

I never thought of myself as a bridezilla, so I really never imagined getting stressed over a material thing like a wedding.  But embarrassingly, the 2 weeks prior I was a hot mess. I not only got a 2 week headache - I got 3 bloody noses - my go to ultimate stress barometer - -  and I got the flu.  Neat.
I have gotten quite a few questions around training and did I take a break this week - well yes and no. After some discussion we decided to keep the mileage the same, but completely take out the intensity, which proved to be a godsend.  I needed the mileage to help me with the nerves, I didn't need the intensity to break me down.  In fact the Sunday before, I went ahead and ran 19 miles with "W" (my training partner) - I figured the more I told myself life was normal,  the more it would be.

We didn't talk much in that run, but really we did :)

Pre-Race Preparation

I flew home Tuesday in time for final dress fitting, DJ meeting, and the arrival of Justin from Cincinnati.  The dress fitting was a tad stressful  - the DJ meeting comical, and the arrival of Justin calming.  My mom's house was BUZZING - my sister and her 3 kids were there, Justin, and me.  YIKES!  It was a Full House - no fights though - and I do have to say this was probably the one week of my entire life where I felt like such a princess.  Everyone was so nice to me, I even remember asking my mom if when dad picked me up if he could come in and grab my bag in the airport  (I would NEVER ask for help, but at the time I had the flu and felt weaker then a pencil).  Mom's response?  "Oh, Absolutely, I will tell him!".  Sometimes it's fun to be a princess :)

Huge relief post final dress fitting - it fit! (despite some mini drama from the dress lady!)

On Wednesday the entire bridal party went to the Cubs Game - this was a total blast because we all got to know each other really well, and had a great time!  The Cubs lost, but you can't win em all and we are saving the wins for the World Series this year :)-

Getting to know everyone was the absolute best part of the game!       

The Race
The night before was rehearsal and the dinner.  If there was any major bloopers or drama this would be it.  Our rehearsal was rather comical; a tad disorganized  - but we got through it and then headed out to celebrate.

we both look incredibly distressed here, we're not - but I wanted to show you his lime green shirt, my red dress - our colors :)

#mygirls  (Minus my maid of honor, not sure where she was!)

I ran before graduations, new jobs, hard goodbyes, scary hellos, moves, deaths, births, illnesses, bad news, good news, and so quite honestly I cannot imagine why I would not run before this major milestone.  So my bridesmaid and I ran 15 miles, which wasn't without epic humor (we may or may not have tried to drink from a hose on a random house #thirsty), and then breakfast with the boys.  It was REALLY humid, especially for a desert girl, and when Kerry and I walked into the restaurant we were, well, the picture illustrates it.  I told Kerry that Justin and Dan were the best for bringing all our stretching accouterments and clean clothes. And her quote set up the day perfectly..."...and he will be doing this 16 years from now, you  know that right?"

Post 15 miles, a tad humid - all the nerves out!

Eating a house @ Buttermilk for breakfast!

From there it was really a whirlwind, showers, hair, makeup (#asgirlyasCBgets), and then home to put on the dress and head over to church.  There was a rare, perhaps the only moment, of quiet peace when time stopped in the 15 minutes while I was dressing and my mom was getting ready.  She knocked on the door to help and I had already got the dress on, and immediately she was in tears, and then I was in tears.  I couldn't help but think of all the sacrifice and love my mom had put into not only this day, but my life.  But - DAB not WIPE - and boom we were back in business.  It was game time.
Next thing I knew we were in the prep room at church and time flew, all I really remember was Connor (my ring bearer) running around saying he wished his pants were tighter.

Connor my ring bearer - aka - "pillow boy"

The mass went perfect.  I remember walking down the aisle with dad and him singing some ridiculous song from when I was four years old, and then seeing Justin when I looked up.  As I sat down next to him my leg was violently shaking - - to which he asked are you really cold or nervous?  I think for the first time in my life I had to say I wasn't cold :(  

Our readers, gift bearers, and ushers were all chosen for a particular reason; a hero, representative of something/someone, a mentor, etc.  We decided to make the program a little more descriptive then normal and explain who everyone was in the  bridal party and involved in the mass - and wow!  That was probably the thing I got the most compliments on!  People loved it :)
I had told myself I was going to hold it together - no crying - but when we started the vows and I looked into his eyes - I lost it.  I mean not all out sobbing but audibly shaking in the voice.  We closed mass by taking 2 roses to the Mary statue in the back of the church.  That was our symbolic way of acknowledging and winking at our angel above, Justin's mom.
And then, Mr. and Mrs. Davis walked down the aisle!!!!

Me & Daddio.

Mr. & Mrs. Davis!

The rehearsal was awesome; with my mom planning all sorts of surprises!  She made cowbells for everyone and a racing start line banner for the entrance. The bridal party speeches were nothing short of amazing and kicked off a night of laughter and love.  The night flew by, wishing time would slow as we could have spent hours with each person who came.  It was quite humbling to know we had people from Australia, to California, to Boston to be with us.  But before we knew it, it was the last dance and this perfect day was coming to a close.

We ran in to Eye of the Tiger!

Post Race Recovery

Afterwards Justin and I went upstairs and he proceeded to take all the Bobbi pins out of my hair; I'll help you visualize that one with his quote half way through. "Bobbi is a __________ (insert another man's name) !
We decided not to go on a honeymoon right away, and get the finances in order - so instead we have spent the week in Phoenix chilling - and I can honestly say this is the first time since I graduated college where I have totally unplugged.  No email, minimal phone, etc.  And it felt awesome!  It also has  been great with the extreme heat to have my ultimate water boy here to bike along.  It's been a great week - lots of food, naps, pool, naps, food, naps, food, and pool.

I love running with this guy by my side!

I think he is starting to share my acai obsession!

Justin asked me while taking out the Bobbi pins that night what was my favorite part of the day.  We had decided that we did not want to see each other beforehand; however I did have this vision in my head of a picture where each of was on a side of the wall and holding each other's hands.  We were supposed to be laughing, smiling, excited.   So here we are, call it 15 minutes before mass started, and Aimee *(amazing photographer) takes me to the spot. She puts my hand in his.....and all of a sudden every emotion, fear, and worry leaves... my shoulders relax, my HR drops, I feel a blanket of comfort.
Justin:  "Are You There?"
Me:  No response, I'm trying not to cry
Justin:  "Are you There?"
Me:  No response, tears are running down my cheeks
Justin:  "Ok."
And at that moment I knew that he would be there for me the rest of my life whether I audibly heard it or  not.  I think in life you can ask once, twice, a thousand times if someone is there - but then if they truly LOVE you, you have to just let go and trust they are.  They might be here or above, present or astray, focused or struggling - but they ARE there and they ALWAYS will be.  Trusting, Believing...is loving.

"Coach CB"

Coaching is something I love to do - I have had the opportunity since college to coach quite a few "older runners" - co-workers, 8th graders, and friends.  I am a rookie coach, not an expert by any means, just have a passion for the sport and love to share it.   Mostly towards very specific goals - usually a race.  Every single time I have LOVED it, probably more then them - seeing them reach their goal is so incredibly gratifying.   And this past Spring - I got to coach youth - and I mean YOUTH for the first time - 3rd -5th grade girls!  The humor is so high, I could write a book :)  Now I think certain things play into your life at certain times for a reason, and I needed this experience....I got way more out of it then all the girls combined.

There is a million ways you could skin this cat, but I am going to go the easy way.... Top 10 things I learned from coaching these amazing girls this Spring!

10.  It's All About the Food!

Sometimes I wondered  if I was a snack coach vs. a running coach.  The pure sight or mention of any edible object would cause complete distraction until it was consumed.  Literally moods would be determined by who had what, what flavor it was, and if they could have more.  One day I brought Firecracker Popsicles (you remember these!?) and I might as well have won the Nobel Prize :)  While at first I was shocked by the importance of food in a running program - I mean come on we are training for a 5K here girls! - I quickly realized, well this is no different from adults.  In deep training now, I get very HANGRY 5x a day, and the world STOPS until I eat.  Justin knows after I run there is no small talk until after the PB sandwich is consumed.  So I guess, when you boil it down.....it's always all about the food.  And heck, what's wrong with that?  

9.  Cartwheels, Handstands, and Climbing Fences - Oh to be Young Again.

So we had a inside joke on our team, no climbing fences because that made Coach CB very nervous, and handstands and cartwheels must be done sparingly because when I watched them do these acrobatics I could feel my leg popping off just at the sight of it.  It's unreal - they would be running laps for 30 minutes, me thinking they will be pooped and next thing I know I turn around and they are 1/2 way up a 12 ft fence!  OMG - get down - what if their parents see this, holy cow, please GET DOWN, do NOT jump, slide down.  Oh veyyyyyyyyy.   And the cartwheels, I mean literally my leg would pop off if I did that stuff - they are SO flexible and bendy.  When does that change?   It made me think to when I first graduated college I would wake up, be on the road hammering out 6-7 miles, and then jump right in a car to work.  Now?  I wake up 2 hours before I run, have a whole pre-run activation routine so my butt, hamstrings, and feet decide to come to work.  Then after I run, I spend 20 minutes stretching, massaging, etc.  I mean....I'm old?

8.  Fashion  (non)Sense.

I love this one, the outfits.  I literally had to hold back laughter sometimes as they came to practice.  The stripes with the polka dots, the COLORS, the sparkles - - all just so authentic.  I mean I am not a mom, but I think it's because it's that awkward phase where mom and dad don't dress you and you choose your outfit?  And you probably have to pick your battles in the morning as a parent?  But I LOVE it, the greatest part?  No one cares or notices, so when does that change?  When does it matter that you wear J. Crew, your colors are in "season", and heck that you match?  I started to wish I could wear polka dot shorts and a hot pink shirt to work - - it's refreshing :)

7.  Pace Yourself.....or Not.

I will never forget the 1st practice.  EVER.  After talking about starting out slow, easing into it, pacing yourself because we will be running for 15 minutes....an all out SPRINT ensued after saying GO.  And then we walked for 14 minutes,  No matter how much we harped on this, it never failed - - why pace yourself - it's all or nothing baby!  And once again I realized who am I to talk?  I think those of you who have followed me know my issues with starting out a race in debt :)  So, I mean, I guess I started to come of the philosophy - - if you gotta go, GO -and embrace the suck that will be soon following :) #nowhiningallowed  But you know what?  It matches their outlook on life - why hold back?  You never know if you will get a 2nd mile right?  Live every moment to the most.

6.  You Better Be All In.

This was one of many reasons why I needed these girls more then they needed me.  I have a lot swirling in my head right now with training, life changes, wedding, work, etc.  And if I ever tried to "half" be mentally there....C.H.A.O.S.  I had to just drop whatever was on my mind and give them my all.  And for me, what a release. I would leave practice and forget everything that was bothering me when I had arrived.  It was like free therapy :)

5.  Trust.

They tell you things.  And when they do, it means they TRUST you.  And you cannot break that.  Whether it's their friend is mad at them, their parents yelled, or they failed a test - it is important to them if they tell you.  So LISTEN.  I remember the first time one girl came up to me and said her best friend didn't like her anymore.  My first reaction - "tell her to take a hike, her loss, move on sister".  But then I talked to my sister and she quickly advised me that was not the right response :(  Her telling me was a BIG deal, and I needed to listen, to ask questions, and offer solutions.  Joy.  Can't we just run?  But then I realized if this stuff didn't come out - then they couldn't run.  And OH MY GOD - how does that NEVER change.   Again those who have followed this crazy blog know, whenever my head is not at peace, my running TANKS.  Stress=injuries.  Talk it out.  Find someone you TRUST and unload.  Insert Justin - boy I hope he is ready for this marriage thing :)

4.  Pure Innocence.

So they basically say what they think.  There is no filter.  EVER.  Are you married?  No, but I am getting married in June.  Do you have kids.  No, I do not.  Why?  Well let me get married first.  Who are you voting for?  My Mom.  No you're not, pleaseeeeeeeeeeee tell me.  My mom.

Now, having no children, and not being around them a lot, the first week was a little rough - I mean, I am a) shy b) introverted c) super private.  So telling 10 5th graders my plans for kids on day one was a little - um - unnerving?  But I soon realized - there is no agenda - they just - legitimately want to know.  The thought pops on the brain, and boom! it pops out the mouth!  When does that change?  When do we start to "craft" what we say, when do we decide to be politically correct about everything - why can't we just call it like it is :)  It's refreshing!

3.  Bribery.

It works at this age.  And you pretty much can get anything achieved with it.  So another inside joke we had was I always brought special pens to practice.  Now, let me first clarify these pens were freebies, one was a "Fractured Prune Doughnut" Pen Justin got from some doughnut shop, another was Dent Wizard Pen from when my windshield cracked, etc.  But,  they LOVED my pens.  One practice we ran for my pen, Never saw them run farther, faster, more focused :)  Bribery....great tool.  Keeping that in the parental memory bank.

2.  Love.

Ever been hugged by 5th graders?  They leave marks in your skin they squeeze so hard.  Marks I never want to leave my body.  EVER.  These little bodies are filled with 90% love, 10% food.  And they give it out freely.  And it's awesome.  I have people scream CB at me a lot - for work it's they need something, for running it's to go faster, for life it's to do something.  All good - I love hearing CB - but hearing "Coach CB" - melts your heart.  At the final 5K I was trying to catch as many of the girls I could at the last 1/2 mile to run them in.  Most looked dead at that point - I know the feeling - just get it over.  I was doing the eye scan looking for our girls and I heard 'COACH CB"  - I caught her eyes and she LIT UP - I ran over to her and all of sudden she had the will to sprint,  the will to finish, the will to WIN.    In that very moment I felt more loved then I had in my entire life. That's all I have to say on that.  #chills  Give somebody BUG EYES when you see them.  It will make them feel loved.  Real love.

1.  From the Heart.

Whatever they say, whatever they do.  It's not fake.  It's from the heart.  I will leave you with this story.  The last practice we tried to run alone with each girl.  I told them what they brought to the team, and how special they were.  Upon telling one beautiful girl how amazing she was, she said...and coach CB I have something to tell you now!  oh ok...I thought.  "My dad googled you, he said you were like an Olympic athlete (me thinking no not really, I wish :) and I just wanted to say I know you will achieve your dreams because good people like you achieve their dreams."  I don't know about me being good, but I do know that I must have done at least one thing right in life to deserve that, because that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.

Long OverDue Update!

Opps!  It's been awhile.  I won't say that I forgot, it just kept moving down the cue on the "to do" list  :)

Coming back has been really fun.  If I am honest I was completely burnt out at the end of 2015 - 4 years of working my tail off, all to crescendo (#bigword) in injury, and then there was this race against the clock to try and get healthy and make it happen, and it was exhausting - mentally and physically.  So I was not sure how 2016 would pan out, would I even feel like doing this again, the commitment, the early mornings, the focus, the attention to detail, etc?  So I decided to just let it happen.  I read this poem every morning and it helps me stay right in the moment and not constantly freak out that I should or shouldn't be here or there.

So we wanted the 1st race back to be a) super low key b) local and c) one where Justin could come. I ran the IrishAZ 17K  - it was a weekend Justin could come, I had never raced a 17K - instant PR!, and it was right here in Phoenix.  It was pretty much a perfect weekend.  Justin calms me down completely; in fact I was so calm he was fixing my shoe lace when the gun went off (NOT my normal mojo).  I didn't even freak out, just had to have a little giddy up in my step to start off :)  After talking to coach we didn't taper for this or anything, it was more like a training run.  I don't think either of us knew what I would do as we had not done any speedwork yet.  So I guessed with a "A" goal of 6:45 pace throughout?  I ended up getting 6:28 pace for the 10.5 miles, good for 3rd overall female, 1st in my age group for what that's worth - which really I didn't care about - I cared about how I felt -  - AMAZING.  I have never felt like that in a race, it felt like a tempo run?  Granted the pace was nothing to write home about, but it was very encouraging and a huge confidence boost.  The rest of the weekend was even better, we went to some swanky Arts Festival and acted like we knew a lot about Art, ate a ton, did some wedding stuff, hung out with a lot of my buddies, and slept in.  Pretty Perfect :)

I love this picture, it was right after and just a spur of the moment kodak moment :)  Although Kodak not in business anymore, so maybe iphone moment?

Classic Awards ceremony picture, he was weird not going to lie.

I like this one too- One of Justin's classics - he's actually really legit at photography, it's pretty cool :)

So then, that gave us data to work off of and we started to work against that.  Wednesdays are still track/tempo work and Sundays the long effort.  We do strides on Tuesday to prepare for Wednesday, I like those, kind of fun - he makes them a game sort of, keeps me occupied :)  Things I am doing differently?

• Religious about my hip routine - 3x a week
• Working with Becky on strengthening my Back so my arm doesn't swing out to Utah, which we think jacks up my hips  -- this has been a slow burn but I think we are getting somewhere (Lord knows what would I do without Becky)
• Preventative massage/chiro work
• Nutrition Tinkering
• Pre and Post Run routine I NEVER skip (Becky created them, and they are working really well)

So then, for fun I was asked to do this elite relay for the Tri for the Cure here in Phoenix.  I was paired with a pro swimmer and cyclist - which was just plain sweet to see them in action.  And they were hard core - - I am sure when they saw I was their "runner"  they were like "you're kidding".  Ha.  I dont blame em,  I was nervous as hell, not to goof that up.  But what a cool experience.  Swimmer comes out of the water a tad behind, cyclist gets it and I couldn't see her but she made up some SERIOUS ground on the bike, and handed off to me, and said "Don't lose it sister"  GULP.  So I ran like I stole something - - first time I have seen 5's on my watch in years for mile splits.  We ended up eeking out the win, and it was FUN.  I think the best part of that day though was hanging with my  teammates  - I don't get to spend a lot of time with Amy, and we got to talk a ton while we warmed up and cooled down.  I got some great wedding advice that's not your standard "OMG, you will love it, what does your dress look like, etc".   Solid heart to heart that I needed.  She's a good egg :)  And then I got to run 14 miles with Camper - - which was nothing short of BRUTAL b/c we were both spent after racing.  I hope no one saw us!!!! But we too had a great conversation about how you always feel like you are never doing enough in life.  Anyways, sometimes I think the beauty of this awesome sport is the journey to where you are headed via the conversation & friendships along the way.

Camper, Me, & Amy

And then back to work, started really building mileage and hitting some key workouts.  I started coaching, which will definitely be a blog in itself!  And then real work, which has been nutty busy, but good - always some drama to keep it interesting :)-

This picture deserves a WHOLE blog post, which it will get!  (Soon I promise!)

Which all led to, Hawaii!  Huge Bucket List item - - I would need a whole 'nother blog post to explain how this came to be, but just trust me - it was meant to be ;)  It all just kind of fell into my lap.  Anyways, if you are looking for a bucket list race to do - The Hapalua (which means the half in Hawaiian) is AMAZING.  I have never been treated so well, from start to finish, a great experience!  The course itself is not a PR course, it's rather hilly, with one HUGEEEE hill - Diamond Head.  But despite that I ran a 1:22:43 (3 seconds off my PR), so we were pretty excited!!!  I got 2nd overall female, 1st in age group - and again I didn't even feel like I raced?  It was like a tempo run.  It's very odd.  But I had a blast, and at the top of Diamond Head I literally had to take my hand and close my mouth b/c  the view was astonishing!  It is also rather humid there (75% compared to my 5% here!!!) so that took some getting used to; but nothing that bothered me really.  Overall just an amazing weekend!  I slacked a little on my recovery routine - and I paid for it - but back on track now, and learned my lesson.

standard race picture - looks like I'm struggling, but I swear I wasn't :)

Awards Ceremony with this 94 year old Hawaiian Lady who was asst. race director and ridiculously nice!

And to now....spending a lot of time training with "W"- we are a good match in personality (extreme introverts, our runs can be done in silence :), pace, and goals.  I am just happy - - love where I am right now, and at peace.  And that is a feeling that you can never take for granted, because you never know what tomorrow holds.   xooxox

W and me on our Sunday 17 miler....maybe we said 20 words the whole run, yet I think we still had an entire conversation in the silence.  

Skechers!?

Before I hit "publish" on every post I always double, triple check and make sure it doesn't sound braggish, arrogant, or all about me, me, me.  I struggle a lot with social media/blogs - - they all seem very self serving, and make me feel a tad uncomfortable :( It's difficult to strike a balance between providing updates to friends/family, and what seems like complete and utter bravado? But if I write about my mom's life  - well...I am just not sure that goes with the theme of the whole blog :)
So I really worry about this one, I do not want to come across as look at me, I am sponsored, yadda, yadda...but I get quite a few messages on why Skechers, and so I thought I would tell you why I chose Skechers and why I love the brand/company like I do.


1.  The blatant obvious one that everyone sees - they sponsor arguably 2 of the best runners in behind Meb and Kara.  So their stuff must be good, right? :)  It's the classic if X wears/uses it, it must be good.  Jordan with Nike, Speith with UA, Messi with Adidas, Manning with Gatorade/Papa John's, and the list goes on.  And in all honesty - there is some truth to this.  Typically these athletes provide a lot of input into the products, and change the design/features based on their experience.  I can tell you for a fact both Kara and Meb have inputted and most of their newest releases are all a result of this feedback/input.  Also, I know when I need something in a 'new" arena that I am not comfortable in - I buy what the "experts" use - example, yoga mat type - I saw what the best teachers at my studio used and boom - bought that.  BUT, more importantly it's the type of athletes Skechers went after that made me love the brand. Meb and Kara are SALT OF THE EARTH, I have personally met both of them, and they are what you see on TV/social media - real people, down to earth, passionate about the sport, human, genuine, hardworking, awesome.  I have so much respect for both of them as runners, but more importantly as people.  So the fact that Skechers chose to support them, I think, says volumes about the brand's values.

Most recently Meb and Kara showcasing the LA Marathon...

2.  Their statement in the running community - - wow!  They are committed and you can see it.  Just in the past few years they have become the title sponsor for major running events - Houston, LA, Bolder Boulder to name a few.  These are not your neighborhood 5k's - this is a HUGE investment and they probably aren't making money on these - it's more a statement that they are here for the long run (no pun intended), legit, and supportive of the biggest, and best running has to offer in terms of events.  I love that! (I secretly am hoping they sponsor the Chicago Marathon- my favorite marathon!!)

3.  Athlete community - - This is one of those ones, where I think like attracts like.  We have a FB group and I follow a majority of their sponsored athletes and I can tell you it is the most humble, down to earth, hardworking group of athletes I have ever seen.  Their is no bravado in the posts, it's just stories - and I am so proud to be a part of it.  We all support each other and it's so fun to cheer each other on every weekend.  Skechers hand picked a bunch of athletes who not only can compete - but have the same values /attitude  - it's pretty cool.

3 of us at one of the three races I ran last year - we all won our respective races - a good showing for Skechers for sure!

4.  Support of athletes - - Very personal for me, sponsorship is a journey.  In year one it is difficult to find your groove, you are testing all the products, seeing what works for you, feeling out the brand, etc.  And then add to that the fact I was injured 10 months of the 12 last year.  I thought for sure they would bag me this year - - but they didn't-  they believe in me and my dream, and signed me again for this year.  (Now, I assume it helps the 3 races I ran I won 2, and top 5'd the third, but none the less I was on the bench most of the year).  Being an athlete on a competitive level, chasing a dream puts you in a vulnerable position, and they get that - and they had my back.  For that reason alone, I have never been prouder to represent them.  It's probably why I work for the company that I do, P&G, they are the same way, and have similarly had my back.  For those reasons my loyalty runs deep.  Furthermore, they just get it  - I run for the Sonoran Distance Project (my other love) and they allow me to put the SDP logo on the racing kit - we all work together!

This is the 2016 racing kit!  I love it, I might have already tried on the shorts and singlet - maybe :)

5.  Products - - And the number one reason (ignore that I numbered these backwards, :).....they have GOOD stuff.  I spent a year tinkering, and now I know exactly what I like, and they have good shoes and training gear.  They  have a lot of different models pending your fancy (trails, track, road, short, long), foot type, preference - just like Brooks, Asics, Saucony would.  My coach believes in rotating between a few models to keep the feet alive and working in different ways.  So my rotation is as follows:
The GOrun Ride 4/5:  This is my main staple, I currently am wearing the 4 (but the 5 is out and I am saving that until I burn through my 4's).  It's lightweight which I love in 8.4 oz (size 10 womens), and a 4 MM heel drop.  I can feel my foot on the ground, which I prefer, yet it has enough stability for my goofy ankles.  I really despise a heavy shoe, my legs feel like they are lifting weights if I wear them.  So these allow me to run long and still be lightweight.  Net I would say I do about 80% of my miles in these.

GRR4 - -BCA version, which also I think is wicked cool that they did that

The GOrun Forza:  These are my 'feeling a bit beat up' "just did a harder effort the day before', or 'just want comfort shoe'.  They are a heavier, at 10.8 oz, but they are Skechers best (IMO) stability shoe, you just  feel good in them, no matter what you did the day before, that morning (if it's a shakeout jog), etc.  It's an 8MM drop , which is as FAR as I would go anymore - as more then that and I think it alters my form.  I wear these typically after a harder effort day, so for example I did a fartlek effort last Wednesday  - as I break myself back into speed work - and the day after I ran in these, felt amazing.

The Forza, a newer shoe to the line-up, been wearing it since I came back (6 weeks now) - and love it, this is the exact model I wear too.

The GOrun Meb 3's:  These are my special sauce - reserved for only racing and speedwork.  Rather minimal, and my feet know when I put these on, we mean business :)  These are extremely lightweight - 5.3 oz!  Still a 4 MM drop though so enough stability to run a marathon in.   The newest version of these have a knit upper and I am wicked excited to test these out (and that day is coming  rather soon!!!)

CB Special Sauce shoe, only for "fast" occasions!

BONUS SECTION*(I am too lazy to re-number everything & I just thought of a few extra things)...
So Skechers is also just a cool, fun brand.  Every pair of shoes comes with an alternate color laces, personalize it baby! Our hashtags are so fun too, #GOlikeneverbefore #Haveafastday (which you can make into HAD, which is fun!) #Getyourmilesin....they spur conversations, and fun journeys vs. blatant product promotion.

Anyways, I hope this answers all the questions. If not as usual send me a message :) I am proud to be a Skechers athlete and humbled they stuck with me, and support my dream, commitment to my team, and me....I am determined to make them proud!