Back to reality

So lately I have been feeling burnt out with training, because apparently training for a 50k takes a lot of time and miles. Who knew! So when my sister suggested we go to Disneyland for my birthday weekend I was so excited! Disneyland had a great deal for passholders, which I am, to bring a friend for $99 for a park hopper! So my sister, 2 nephews, my husband, and son took off to Disneyland to have a magical weekend. Also I was so excited to wear my https://www.skirtsports.com lioness skirt! (the pink one in family picture above) It stayed put and has pockets! So breathable and I felt like a princess.

It was such a magical weekend! It was also very fun to wear a happy birthday button because I was wished happy birthday all day! I also didn't get to far off of training because we logged over 20 hours in Disneyland and 16 miles. So I definitely did some endurance training. So all in all it was such a magical birthday weekend and I am so glad I took a break! But I do have to say, it is very hard to go back to reality after such a magical weekend!! I mean, how do you enter back into the real world after such a magical weekend away?  I did go back to training this morning and had negative splits with my 5 mile run and felt fantastic! So the moral is, be serious with your training but know when to take a break and live in the moment too.

Redwoods Trail marathon race report

Part of my Spartan Ultra training, I decided to throw in some trail races because earning medals and having someone else plot my course is so much more fun! This was my first race with coastaltrailruns.com so I wasn't sure what to expect, but luckily I did a volunteer shift with them the week before so I knew what to expect for aide stations. First of all, trail aide stations are SO MUCH BETTER than road aide stations! So many salty snacks! It was awesome. and the views!!!! Breathtaking!!!

 

I was really impressed with how well the course was marked! You really had to try and get lost! We started in misty fog and it was humid, but nice. The weather was perfect and I never overheated on the trails. There was a last minute change to the course map due to trail closures and that added more elevation!! Also, I think someone (or my Strava) added a couple extra miles for fun because I ended up with over 28 miles! But the real struggle was that I had to do this trail loop 2x to make marathon distance. I made the 1st cutoff on the dot, but was given an out to complete  only the half marathon course or finish another loop for the full marathon. I decided to finish and I am so glad I did!! Wendell, the race director, said as long as I was moving forward I was guaranteed to finish!  It was a beautiful course along the west coast and well put on. I felt fully supported with fluids, fuel, and was encouraged by participants and volunteers! well done Coastal Trails!!! 30 people registered for the marathon and 26 finished. I was #26 and there were only 3 ladies in my age group so I was surprised with a 3rd place medal. Made my decision to finish what I started even sweeter!! Now to take on my 1st 50k in September as I continue on my road to Spartan SoCal Ultra!!

 

Road to Spartan Ultra

Hey blog reading people! So, I kinda fell off from my blog.....but I decided to document my journey on the road to Spartan SoCal Ultra Beast!!! This weekend I am going to do a trail marathon with coastaltrailruns.com and this is my first race with them so stand by for a race report! So anyways, if anyone is still out there....I'm back :)

Hi readers! Are you still out there? I had been sick for a few days! I also picked up my bike with clipless pedals and it's super awesome. I took on some hills yesterday and dominated them with my quad powers! If you're a cyclist and on the fence about switching your pedals, I highly recommend doing so and going to a bike shop that will listen and help you out. Van's Bicycle center did that for me! I went with the Shimano pedals with clips and also normal pedals so I can choose to pedal around town with my son or clip in for some long powerful rides. The guys are Van's put me in some cool Bontrager Vellas as they are double clip and the clip is protected by the shoe so when I step off the bike, I have more traction. I went with Velcro for quicker transitions. The clip tension is perfect and I am adapting pretty quick! So far I have only fallen once! Here's to many more powerful miles as I gear up for Ironman 70.3 in 33 days!!

HI BLOG!! Sorry I have neglected you while I rocked Tahoe and well, have been recovery from rocking that half. Rock Tahoe half marathon is just so beautiful and so fun. There were many aide stations that were fully stocked with honey stinger gels and chews, bananas, oranges, water, Nuun, and energy! There was even an aide station towards the end with Red Bulls and popsicles! The course was well marked and gorgeous views. The finish line festival had beer and vodka infused popsicles which were fantastic! The pool after party was the best. I even convinced my 17yro son to run with me! He did awesome and so did my husband. It was a great weekend! But my shins are still sore from stomping like a rhino down the hills :p Beautiful family weekend trip.

Well hey there readers! It's day 2 for this blogger. Not sure how often one would blog?? Is everyday too much? Once a week? meh, I don't know. We'll figure this out together. So today I brought my foam roller to work and it was magical! I mean I spend more time in my cubbie then I do at home, so why not take some self-care breaks! It was awesome. I have Rock Tahoe half marathon this Saturday so I am working on taper down week and keeping my muscles ready to rock! AND GUESS WHAT! my son, who is 17, decided to join me and my hubby! How freaking exciting. Ok readers, I'll check in tomorrow? or should it be Thursday? I guess we will see. TTFN!

Hello and welcome to my very first post! I think I may still be on a finisher's high since completing my Olympic Triathlon yester, that I think you readers will even be excited to read my blog! I'm training for my first Ironman half and what a journey it's been. I'm also working on studying for my marriage and family license and I run to reduce my depression. I guess I wanted to start a blog more to motivate and inspire to show that you don't have to be a skinny lady with abs to do amazing things! (not that that's bad because I know amazing fit chicks and I love them). I'm also in the middle of my 2x Spartan trifectas too! So! hope you all enjoy my journey and find a bit of inspiration :)