This past weekend we did another 5k. It was a list minute thing since I did not know if Andy was going to be out hunting, but he decided that they weren't going to go, so I signed us up on Thursday night and the race was Saturday morning. We got up and got moving and out the door. We arrived and it was a very small race, I think a total of 83 people completed it.
We knew some of the people there since they were from our training group and it was nice to say hi to people we haven't seen in a few weeks since training is over. We lined up and the race began. It was a loop around a local park. You do the loop three times and on the last loop around you come across the finish. This was both good and bad.
It was good because you know what you were in for. You were going over the same area so you knew when hills were coming and so forth. You also knew how much longer you had to the finish.
It was bad because people cheated!!! That's right, people cheated on this race and that makes me upset. I know they cheated because they were already at the finish when I arrived, but never passed me, there were actually a few people that I passed, but somehow they arrived at the finish before me. I know it does me no good to be upset about it, but it really did bother me that people would cheat in a race. What is the point of signing up and attending if you are just going to cheat. You aren't cheating anyone but yourself and it makes other people (me) mad about it.
On the way home I had a minor pity party in the car. I was complaining to Andy about how frustrated I am that I keep trying and don't seem to get any better. I know I will never be the fastest in a race, but I would at least like to get better. I just have to keep trying and working at it, eventually it will pay off, right?!?!
On a high note, Andy came in 8th overall and 3rd in his age group so I was very proud of him! He is awesome and super supportive of me. I am pretty sure I may have given up a long time ago if he didn't keep pushing me to achieve my goals.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Spirit of Survival Recap
This past Sunday was the Spirit of Survival! I was so excited for this race because it raised money for a great cause, and because it was what our training group had been working toward. Saturday morning our training group had our final session which was just a simple 1 mile (I think, I didn't have my trusty Garmin) walk followed by a celebration breakfast. After training we went and picked up our race packets and hit up the expo which was put on by a running store called Fleet Feet that drove down from Tulsa. Andy picked up some 110% compression for his knee, which he is loving, and I stocked up on Nuun (I finally found watermelon!!!) and some new Balega socks, the best!
Sunday morning rolled around and we were out of bed at 5:40 to get to the start around 6:30. We arrived on time and checked our bag. Gear check was a good walk from the start so that was a little bit of a pain, but not the end of the world. We were waiting in the very long line at the port-a-potties when we finally gave up. We walked down to the start to find more lineless port-a-potties! Then it was time to line up at the start!
They had it set up by pace which was nice. Right at 7:30am the gun went off and the race began. I started off feeling great. I had good pace and was moving along. Then the wind picked up, that darn wind. Tell me how the wind can be at your face for the whole race, when it is an out and back course?!?! Anyway, the wind was killer and slowed me down a bit, but I kept on keepin' on.
There were water stations at every mile (which I knew there would be ahead of time), so I left my hydration belt at home. That was a good idea and I stopped at all of the stations. There was also music at each station and people cheering along the whole route, which was awesome! I had a blast and wish we could do the race again next year (we will be leaving Lawton in February, finally got our Request for Orders for our next duty station, but more on that for another day).
My goal was to finish in under two hours, knowing that I would be run/walking, which is how I trained. I completed the quarter marathon, which per my Garmin was actually 6.62 miles instead of 6.55. I ran about a third and walked two thirds and I ended up finishing at 1:45:33, which is no records but it made me happy. I know I am not and will not ever be the fastest out there, but hey, I am still out there! Andy's goal was the finish the half marathon in two hours, and he did just that, coming in at 2:00:43! So proud of my awesome husband and pretty proud of myself for finishing as well!
After the race we got our medals, hit up the finishers tent for water and snacks and got massages! It was such a great race and we had a blast.
You know how they say races are addictive, well they totally are and now I am on the hunt for a half marathon to train for! It is much better when you are signed up for a race because you have something to train for and work toward. I cannot wait to start training for a half marathon and get my pace more where I want it to be!
Friday, October 4, 2013
Only Two Days Left!
Holy cow, I only have two more days until the Spirit of Survival, my first quarter marathon! I know 6.55 miles may not be much for some people, but for me, this is a BIG deal. I have done 5ks and a 4-miler, but I have never done a race over that. I am also so excited because it could not be for a better cause.
The Spirit of Survival is an annual race here in Lawton, Oklahoma. I have been looking forward to this race since before we moved here a few months ago. The Spirit of Survival helps raise money for the Southwest Oklahoma Cancer Centers, which is made up of three hospitals: Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton, Duncan Regional in Duncan and Jackson County Memorial in Altus. This race has a special place in my heart as many people in my family, including both of my parents, have had cancer. Luckily, with the work of wonderful doctors, both of my parents are now cancer free!
The training group that we have been a part of for the last 12 weeks is put on by the Spirit of Survival and tomorrow will be out last group. It has been an awesome 12 weeks and I hope I see some of my training buddies on the road in the future or even at some other upcoming local races.
If you are in the area, you can still sign up! There are tons of different events for everyone! There is the Hulkin' Half Marathon (what Andy is completing), the Quick Silver Quarter Marathon (what I am doing), the Superhero 5k, the Superhero Kids Marathon, and the Leah M Fitch Spirit Walk. You cannot sign up online anymore, but in-person registration goes until tomorrow! Get out there, have a blast and raise some money for a wonderful cause! I will be sure to give you a race recap early next week, wish me luck to make it across that finish line and hope you have a great weekend!
The Spirit of Survival is an annual race here in Lawton, Oklahoma. I have been looking forward to this race since before we moved here a few months ago. The Spirit of Survival helps raise money for the Southwest Oklahoma Cancer Centers, which is made up of three hospitals: Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton, Duncan Regional in Duncan and Jackson County Memorial in Altus. This race has a special place in my heart as many people in my family, including both of my parents, have had cancer. Luckily, with the work of wonderful doctors, both of my parents are now cancer free!
The training group that we have been a part of for the last 12 weeks is put on by the Spirit of Survival and tomorrow will be out last group. It has been an awesome 12 weeks and I hope I see some of my training buddies on the road in the future or even at some other upcoming local races.
If you are in the area, you can still sign up! There are tons of different events for everyone! There is the Hulkin' Half Marathon (what Andy is completing), the Quick Silver Quarter Marathon (what I am doing), the Superhero 5k, the Superhero Kids Marathon, and the Leah M Fitch Spirit Walk. You cannot sign up online anymore, but in-person registration goes until tomorrow! Get out there, have a blast and raise some money for a wonderful cause! I will be sure to give you a race recap early next week, wish me luck to make it across that finish line and hope you have a great weekend!
Friday, September 27, 2013
Fall Style
Fall might be my favorite season. It starts to cool off, I can wear comfy sweaters and enjoy lovely pumpkin flavored things! Today I thought I might share some of my favorite fall fashions today. I love classic and comfortable styles, and I love to save money. So, most of my wardrobe is from Old Navy, J Crew Factory, and Polo Ralph Lauren (outlet). Here are some of my favorites for fall!
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Fox Sweater, Old Navy, $32.95
Plaid button down, Old Navy, $26.94
V-neck Sweater, J Crew Factory, currently on sale for $29.50
Puffer Vest, J Crew Factory, $98.00
I have all of the above, except for the pink puffer. I have the same one in navy blue (currently sold out online) and a very similar one from Old Navy in dark green, but sure would love to add this pink one to my collection!
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Oxfords, Polo Ralph Lauren
I also don't pay full price for anything! I just don't see the point when there are always sales or discounts to be found, from coupon codes to super cash at Old Navy. Plus, if you have an outlet near you, be sure to hit it up because they usually have 30%-40% off sales. Some of the outlets also offer military discounts which I enjoy.
I love simple layering pieces that can go with a lot. All of the above can be worn with jeans, black ankle pants, skirts, the possibilities are endless! What are your favorite fall finds?
Monday, September 23, 2013
Currently on Repeat
Some people love running with music and others hate it. I for one am a big fan. It helps me get in the zone and enjoy the run a little more (but I always keep it on pretty low when running alone so I can hear traffic). Today I thought I would share my current favorites with you!
I Will Wait - Mumford and Sons
Come and Get It - Selena Gomez
Roar - Katy Perry
Radioactive - Imagine Dragons
Treasure - Bruno Mars
Love Somebody - Maroon 5
Summertime Sadness - Lana Del Rey and Cedric Gervais
Wake Me Up - Avicii
Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips
What do you like, music or none? What are your current favorite workout songs?
I Will Wait - Mumford and Sons
Come and Get It - Selena Gomez
Roar - Katy Perry
Radioactive - Imagine Dragons
Treasure - Bruno Mars
Love Somebody - Maroon 5
Summertime Sadness - Lana Del Rey and Cedric Gervais
Wake Me Up - Avicii
Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips
What do you like, music or none? What are your current favorite workout songs?
Monday, September 16, 2013
Devil Dog Run and Two Happys!
On Saturday we actually got to sleep in! That's right, we slept until 6:20am which is sleeping in on a Saturday lately since we get up at 5:30am for our training group on most Saturdays. This Saturday we missed training (and so did half our group) because we participated in the Devil Dog Run.
The Devil Dog Run is a 5k and 10k. This year was the 20th and it is a run put on by the Marine detachment here at Fort Sill. I think there were probably around 600 participants, but I could be wrong. It was a lot of fun and a very well organized event, compared to the last 5k that we did.
I participated in the 5k and Andy did the 10k. It was a lot of fun, but a very hard course. My first and third miles were pretty good, but I could have gone without mile number two. Mile number two was killer because it was pretty much all hills. Clearly I need to do more hill work because that mile was not any fun and it showed in my time. O well, I still had a blast and would do it all over again! And, Andy was an awesome husband and met up with me on my last .2 miles and helped me finish strong. (He finished his race before me since the 10k had an earlier start time, and he is a much faster runner than I.) Plus. Andy won in the raffle and got passes to go to some haunted house tour in town so we will have to check that out!
The rest of our Saturday was spent relaxing. Andy worked on a paper and I relaxed like a boss! Then we watched Gods and Generals (all 4.5 hours of it), with a dinner intermission. Sunday was also full of house cleaning/yard work/relaxing some more. It also included football and a trip to Target for me!
The two things that made me happy this Sunday, my husband and puppy in their Packers jerseys (don't worry, there is a Jets jersey on the way that should be here tomorrow!) Those boys sure do love their football!
And, my new Philip Lim for Target purse. By looking at instagram yesterday morning I was a little worried about what I would be able to get my hands on. There were some Targets with lines hours before the store opened and the Philip Lim stock was out within minutes. And, all of the purses are now sold out online. I guess that's one good thing about living in southern Oklahoma, my store was fully stocked (and probably still is)! I grabbed this lovely and am tempted to go back for another (the large taupe one).
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
The Devil Dog Run is a 5k and 10k. This year was the 20th and it is a run put on by the Marine detachment here at Fort Sill. I think there were probably around 600 participants, but I could be wrong. It was a lot of fun and a very well organized event, compared to the last 5k that we did.
I participated in the 5k and Andy did the 10k. It was a lot of fun, but a very hard course. My first and third miles were pretty good, but I could have gone without mile number two. Mile number two was killer because it was pretty much all hills. Clearly I need to do more hill work because that mile was not any fun and it showed in my time. O well, I still had a blast and would do it all over again! And, Andy was an awesome husband and met up with me on my last .2 miles and helped me finish strong. (He finished his race before me since the 10k had an earlier start time, and he is a much faster runner than I.) Plus. Andy won in the raffle and got passes to go to some haunted house tour in town so we will have to check that out!
The rest of our Saturday was spent relaxing. Andy worked on a paper and I relaxed like a boss! Then we watched Gods and Generals (all 4.5 hours of it), with a dinner intermission. Sunday was also full of house cleaning/yard work/relaxing some more. It also included football and a trip to Target for me!
The two things that made me happy this Sunday, my husband and puppy in their Packers jerseys (don't worry, there is a Jets jersey on the way that should be here tomorrow!) Those boys sure do love their football!
And, my new Philip Lim for Target purse. By looking at instagram yesterday morning I was a little worried about what I would be able to get my hands on. There were some Targets with lines hours before the store opened and the Philip Lim stock was out within minutes. And, all of the purses are now sold out online. I guess that's one good thing about living in southern Oklahoma, my store was fully stocked (and probably still is)! I grabbed this lovely and am tempted to go back for another (the large taupe one).
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Successful Labor Day Weekend
Having yesterday off of work was so great, even if we didn't do much. The long weekend of relaxing, shopping and movie watching was wonderful and I want to do it all over again. This morning Andy even mentioned that we had 3 days off (he had 4 off) and didn't get much accomplished but that is totally okay with us. We didn't fold laundry, go grocery shopping or to our training group which were all things that we should have done, but what are you gonna do.
Friday he was off work so he spent the day cutting the grass and hand washing our cars, until I got off work. Usually Friday is dinner out for us, but we were both in a lazy mood so we ordered pizza in and watched TV. We finished season one of Orange is the New Black which I was so bummed about because I didn't want it to be over. This is one of our new favorite shows and are so ready for season two. So, we started another Netflix original series called House of Cards which is equally as great.If you have Netflix, check out these two shows!
Saturday we woke up at 5:30 to go to our training group as usual, but ended up not going. My hip had started hurting Thursday night and still wasn't 100% and I didn't want to run 4 miles on it. And Andy was beat from work all week, so we went back to sleep. We finally work up around 9am, holy cow that is super late for me but it felt great to sleep in! We had breakfast and while Andy finished up some work on the cars, I played fetch with my favorite little guy!
We also went to see 2 Guns which was entertaining and hit up our favorite Greek restaurant for dinner, followed by a lazy night number two!
Sunday we got up, I made breakfast and we headed to OKC for outlet shopping! We only went to three stores but three was about all my debit card could take as we did some damage. Andy wanted to do fall shopping at Polo Ralph Lauren as that is about all he wears and got some great deals. I added another oxford to my collection (pink stripes) since I wear them all the time. I was looking for the green stripes, but they didn't have my size, guess that means I have to go back, right? Haha
We also went to J Crew which I have missed so much over the past few years as we didn't have one in El Paso. I got some of my favorite sweaters (and am very tempted to order even more because they are the perfect sweater) along with a puffer vest that I have been coveting since last year. Then we went into Coach just to look at wallets and my wonderful husband treated me to the perfect one, did I get lucky or what?!?!
We had a late lunch/early dinner at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse which was one of our favorite places in El Paso. I was so excited to find one close by and it tasted as good as ever!
Yesterday we went to the mall for a few things. I got my eyebrows threaded for the first time and while it did hurt, they do look pretty darn good if I do say so myself, I might be a threading girl instead of waxing now! We also stocked up on fall smellies from Bath and Body and I cannot wait to use them and have that warm, cozy, fall smell all day long! The rest of the day was relaxing, plus a two hour nap which was wonderful!
Don't think I have given up on running though, I did a little run this morning which felt pretty good. My pace kinda sucked today, but at least I am out there getting in some miles!
Hope you all had as great a labor day weekend as we did!
Friday he was off work so he spent the day cutting the grass and hand washing our cars, until I got off work. Usually Friday is dinner out for us, but we were both in a lazy mood so we ordered pizza in and watched TV. We finished season one of Orange is the New Black which I was so bummed about because I didn't want it to be over. This is one of our new favorite shows and are so ready for season two. So, we started another Netflix original series called House of Cards which is equally as great.If you have Netflix, check out these two shows!
Saturday we woke up at 5:30 to go to our training group as usual, but ended up not going. My hip had started hurting Thursday night and still wasn't 100% and I didn't want to run 4 miles on it. And Andy was beat from work all week, so we went back to sleep. We finally work up around 9am, holy cow that is super late for me but it felt great to sleep in! We had breakfast and while Andy finished up some work on the cars, I played fetch with my favorite little guy!
We also went to see 2 Guns which was entertaining and hit up our favorite Greek restaurant for dinner, followed by a lazy night number two!
Sunday we got up, I made breakfast and we headed to OKC for outlet shopping! We only went to three stores but three was about all my debit card could take as we did some damage. Andy wanted to do fall shopping at Polo Ralph Lauren as that is about all he wears and got some great deals. I added another oxford to my collection (pink stripes) since I wear them all the time. I was looking for the green stripes, but they didn't have my size, guess that means I have to go back, right? Haha
We also went to J Crew which I have missed so much over the past few years as we didn't have one in El Paso. I got some of my favorite sweaters (and am very tempted to order even more because they are the perfect sweater) along with a puffer vest that I have been coveting since last year. Then we went into Coach just to look at wallets and my wonderful husband treated me to the perfect one, did I get lucky or what?!?!
Yesterday we went to the mall for a few things. I got my eyebrows threaded for the first time and while it did hurt, they do look pretty darn good if I do say so myself, I might be a threading girl instead of waxing now! We also stocked up on fall smellies from Bath and Body and I cannot wait to use them and have that warm, cozy, fall smell all day long! The rest of the day was relaxing, plus a two hour nap which was wonderful!
Don't think I have given up on running though, I did a little run this morning which felt pretty good. My pace kinda sucked today, but at least I am out there getting in some miles!
Hope you all had as great a labor day weekend as we did!
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