The Latest

I haven't been posting a lot lately, if you've noticed. Every few days I start formulating something in my head and then I get lazy and feel like its not enough to warrant a full post. So, here is a mixed bag of updates and things going on:

1. I've officially "graduated" from physical therapy

After six weeks of PT, I had my discharge session this morning and passed my final evaluation with flying colors. As I should have assumed, my problem was much bigger than just a simple IT Band issue. My body was literally off balanced and out of whack. I'm surprised I was even walking around okay. I've learned a lot in the past six weeks to help me move forward and stay in check. And, as much as I like my therapist, I really hope I don't find myself back there anytime soon.

2. Nike is sending my sister to Japan

At the beginning of this year my sister applied to join Running for Relief, a program sponsored by Nike and Tomodachi to aid with earthquake and tsunami recovery in Japan. A few weeks ago she was offered one of the 12 spots for Americans! She left today and will be spending the next 5 days helping with recovery, learning about Japanese culture, and running in the Nike Nagoya Women's Marathon (she is running the half). I'm going to make her write a guest post when she comes back.

Picture she sent me of all her swag. If you run with Nike, you have to look the part!

3. I updated my running shoe collection

A few weeks ago I realized that my Kinvara 3's were going to expire soon. As my go-to shoe I planned to replace them, but I usually rotate at least two pairs of shoes at a time so I set my sights on other shoes to fill the void.

I've been wanting to try the Newton Distance for awhile, having heard good things about them. At $155 a pop they are pricey, but I will shell out money for the right pair of shoes. Unfortunately, after visiting four different running stores, I couldn't track down a single pair, and I'm reluctant to order them online without trying them on (even if I can send them back).

For now, I'm giving up on the Newtons. Instead I re-ordered the Kinvaras as planned and also tracked down a first generation pair of Brooks PureFlow. I've gone through 3 pairs of PureFlows before this. They are a great shoe if you are looking for a minimalist profile with some cushion. They did come out with a new version in January, but I'm not entirely convinced by the updates. For one, my usual size 9 felt super big when I tried them on in the store and they did not have an 8.5 for comparison. Secondly, I think they the lacing update makes them look like clown shoes. And lastly, there is not a single appealing color (no, I don't like pink and yes, I'm vain and picky about show color). Overall, not a fan. It worked out okay for me though, because I was able to get the first generation Flows on sale for $30 less.

Who says you have to upgrade?

4. I finally feel like a "real runner" again

Last week I ran 41 miles including a 15 mile long run on Sunday. 40 miles is about my bare minimum for feeling like a real runner. *Please note that this is a personal judgment of my personal running. If you run 5 miles a week and call yourself a real runner then that's fine by me.

During my long run on Sunday I added in two massive hills in my neighborhood that used to be part of my weekly routine, but that I've since avoided in recovery. I fell in love with the hills in my neighborhood last summer. It felt good to be back, but boy did they hurt! The ups and the downs really killed me and I will spend the rest of this week keeping things flat so I don't overdo it.

They just never ever ever look as tough on camera

5. Real running means a real drain on my bank account

I'm thrilled to be running again and feel back to normal. The one good thing about being injured, however, is that it tends to seal up my bank account really tight. I don't buy any running clothes or shoes and I don't really sign up for races when I can't even run a mile. But now that I'm back my paychecks are already being spent in my head weeks before I get them. This race and that race and these shoes and those shoes (see number 3 above). Not to mention that spring is around the corner and so suddenly everything at Lululemon is cute again and I must have it now.

Size 6, ahem, when you get a chance

6. I'm getting stoaked for spring race season

I have my first race of the season next weekend: The Rock 'n' Roll USA Half Marathon. I originally signed up for the full, but there's no point in re-injuring myself. I'm well prepared for the half (for distance, not speed necessarily) and I'll tackle a full after a few more months. Patience is key.

The warmer temperatures are also making my giddy for Ragnar Cape Cod in May. I already started scoping out other recaps and looking for pictures or running along the beach. I cannot wait!

A Running Q&A

Just because I'm not running doesn't mean I can't talk running. A runner's survey has been floating around the blogosphere the past few days. I swiped it from this girl. Surveys are fun, so let's do this thing!

1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?

Other. As in pretzels, Fig Newtons, Swedish Fish, raisins, animal crackers, M&Ms, you get the idea. Once upon a time I actually used gels and all of that crap, but then my stomach decided it wasn't cool with that anymore. It worked out nicely because ultras tend to have "real" food anyway and my stomach is ready to roll with that. My absolute fav? Darrell Lea Liquorice. Mango flavor is the best. Drooling right now thinking about it.



Pre-JFK shopping

2. Race Length: 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?

Marathon. Hands down. I love the extra challenge of ultras, but 26.2 miles is just like heaven to me. A 20 mile long run + a 10k race. Sweet and simple. I used to dabble in shorter distances, but eventually decided that I rather save my money for marathons and ultras.

3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants, or Other?

Shorts. Specifically Lululemon Speed or Turbo Shorts. I do own one sparkle skirt, but rarely have an occasion to wear it.

4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?

Water and salt pills during the run. Electrolytes afterwards. I fell in love with Gatorade this summer for post-run delights. 95 degrees and 100% humidity will make your body beg for it.
 
5. Running temperatures: HOT or COLD?

Cold. 44 degrees to be precise.

6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brooks, Asics, or Other?

I spread the wealth to most of the major brands, but my one true love is the Saucony Kinvara. So many colors, you have to try them all!

7. Pre-Race Meal: Oatmeal. Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?

Banana and Nature Valley peanut butter granola bar.

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or Other?

In a perfect world? Mondays off. That's it.

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?

Both. I dig it on weekend long runs. I will not run with music in the dark, which pretty much counts out any early morning or evening weekday runs (in the fall/winter anyway). For marathons I usually try to get until mile 17/18 when I need the mental boost.

10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or other?

Pure love baby. It makes me feel limitless (and the cupcakes don't hurt either).

Smiling at mile 49.9

 

Friday Favorites

I am really digging these Friday Favorites. It's like I can just take all of my random thoughts and crap and put them into one post. Nice!

Birthday Presents
Some birthday presents come in boxes. Others come on the two o'clock bus from New York City.

My sister has been in Africa for the past four months and I haven't seen her since Christmas. So, so excited to see her tonight!

Lana Del Ray
Has been playing non-stop on my iPhone all week. Love, love, love.

Xtend Barre
Two weeks ago the woman at my Pilates studio mentioned an upcoming deal on Living Social: 10 Xtend Barre classes for $90 (instead of the usual $199!). Since it's pilates-based I figured it would be enjoyable or, at the least, give me a rocking workout even if I hated every minute of it.

One Xtend Barre class knocked me out more than any 20 mile run every has. Who knew one pound weights could make your arms want to fall off! Some parts definitely felt torturous, but I couldn't help but love how sore I was the next day. Definitely worth a try.

Baggu Daypack (or Baggu anything)
I've been buying Baggu since the first came out however many years ago, back when they only had five or six color. Now they have a lot more options including some adorable prints. If you are someone who tried to live green, you will love Baggus. The fold up easy, can be machine washed, and are pretty responibly priced as well.

Baggu Bag

I love them so much I decided to sample one of their newer products, the Daypack, for quick bike commutes to work, or maybe when I go to the beach.

Yummy Trader Joe's Finds
Like these:

Oh sweet brussels sprouts, you are delicious in every form

And these:




And then you can add quinoa, zucchini, tomatoes, and a dash of pepper and get this:

What is one of your favorite things lately? Do you use reusable bags like Baggus?

Friday Favorites

Again I've been a little MIA this week. Apologies. I've had my nose in a Middle Egyptian dictionary all week and had a four hour final on Thursday. It reminded me of the SATs, except instead of English, I was looking at hieroglyphs for 240 minutes. Needless to say my brain and body are still exhausted. Hello graduate school!

Getting to the point though, here are some things that have been knocking my socks off lately:

Darrell Lea Liquorice
I love candy, but I've never been a huge fan of liquorice. Never, that is, until my neighborhood stores started carrying Darrell Lea Liquorice from Australia. It's just about the best damn thing I've ever eaten. I think I like it better than chocolate (sacriledge!).



Oh, what's that? You never heard of mango liquorice? It will change your life.

Physical Therapy
Next week is my last PT session since the doc only gave me a six week script when I went in for my shin splints. Not only do I really, genuinely love my therapist, but everything she's taught me has been so invaluable. I am, after all, running again, and I 90% chalk it up to PT.

Foam Rolling
Call me crazy, but I've really come to love foam rolling. The PT has been having me do it every night and I'm kind of addicted now. Funny thing - when you foam roll every night, things hurt a lot less. Who knew!?

If you're curious, I use this foam roller and it's freaking awesome (not pictures above).

Pilates
I signed up for a four week intro class at my gym two weeks ago. So far I'm really digging it. It's like yoga, except the core focus is greater and it's a lot more fast paced. I think I will keep it up and start taking some Mixed Mat classes after the intro period is over. I do, after all, have a wedding to get ready for. Maybe we can all be Pilates-happy like Miley Cyrus one day.

Looking good Miley...except that unibrow. Get some new glasses girl.
Source

Future Prospects
I'm a long term kind of thinker. So, with my master's program probably ending in the next 1.5-2 years, I'm already thinking about the never step. I would really like to get my Ph.D, but my field is extremely small and extremely competitive. Frankly, it can be downright depressing to think about trying to get into a program.
After getting through year one of my master's, however, and realizing that I'm actually not half bad at deciphering dead languages, I have higher hopes for the future. I've even been thinking more about getting out to do some field work maybe next winter or summer. Who knows, maybe one day I will be Dr. Kristin!


I want to go to there
Source

 What are some of your favorite things lately?

The Magic of Massage and Foam Rolling

If you are a runner, foam rolling is something you should be doing every week, if not every night to soothe and massage your fatigued muscles. Unfortunately I only seem to start doing it once I feel an injury coming on, but in a perfect world it is part of my daily evening routine: eat dinner, do homework, foam roll, bed.

When I first threw down 20-some dollars on a 6-inch wide, 3-foot long cylinder of black foam I had no idea what the heck I was supposed to do with it. But thank god for You Tube, where you can find plenty of video how-to's for foam rolling.

I don't demonstrate nearly as well

The foam roller I have now is sad and crushed in the middle, which means it's not as effective as it once was. Next paycheck I am stepping up my game and investing in something a little sturdier and a lot more vetted. Trigger Point's 'The Grid' foam roller is supposed to be life altering amazing.

Trigger Point 'The Grid'
Source

Two weeks ago I also picked this baby up for easier on-the-go relief:

The Stick Marathon Stick

Source

If foam rolling still isn't doing it for you, I absolutely suggest getting a sports massage. For me the two things are very similar: they're supposed to hurt like hell during, but afterwards you feel great!

Great, but all of a sudden sleepy

I get a sports massage every four months or so. I should really do it more often, but I'm cheap. I had my first of the year yesterday and it was fantastic. I gritted my teeth most of the way through, especially when my shitty left leg was getting worked over, but guess what: my shins hurt a lot less as soon as I was done. Magic? I think so!

Do you foam roll or get sports massages?

Spring: It's Coming

First of all, thank you for all of your kind and encouraging comments about my injury. Obviously I'm not the first person to ever be sidelined from running. It sucks, but I'm done complaining about it for now, at least on this blog. No one wants to read some whiny girl complain about how she can't run and her life is over. I'll keep my sulking relagated to the non-blogging world (sorry Mike).

So, since I can't really talk about my running, I'm exploring other things to talk about, such as the impending spring season!

By now this kind of "winter weather" should seem totally expected

There are so many lovely things about spring like:

Parks in bloom

Source

Farmer's Markets

Source

Froyo

Oh, there will be so much froyo

Outdoor Bike Rides

Who are those crazy people who still do this in the winter? Not me!

New Shoe Debuts



In pretty new colors. Saucony Kinvara 3 hits stores May 1.
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Running Crops

Yes, Lulu I will take one ten please

Awesome Spring Races

Broad Street sold out in 5 hours this year! Luckily Mike, myself, and almost every one of my friends were able to snag one of the 30,000 spots!
Source


What are you looking forward to most this spring?

New Month, New Things

New things like:

AWESOME NEW BROOKS PURE GRIT!!!!!!!

Review coming as soon as I take these babies for a decent trail run. Aren't they pretty?

And what goes perfect with a new pair of trail shoes? Why a trail race of course!

Registration opened yesterday for my 50-miler. You know, the one I've already been training for for over 8 weeks?

It. Is. Happening.

January 2012 in Review

Man these months are just flying by! I suppose it helps that it hasn't actually felt too much like winter around here. Usually we'd be knee deep in snow, ice, and sub 20 degree temperatures.

Before I go on I have to show you the most amazing thing that arrived in my mailbox yesterday afternoon:

My Aspaeris Pivot Shorts!!

I've been wanting a pair of these bad boys for awhile, but didn't make the plunge until last week when they were offering 50% off. My first thought when I got them: "No way these baby sized shorts are gonna fit over my thunder thighs!" But low and behold they fit and I was in love with them as soon as I put them on.

The complete compression after-work outfit - Mike is such a lucky guy getting to come home to this

Their amazing sale is still going on through the end of TODAY only. I already ordered a second pair. If you want to catch this deal visit the Aspaeris website and enter code "cooleronline" at checkout.

Now onto the recap!

Mileage Recap

A year ago - January 2011: 66.62
Last month - December 2011: 192.34
This month - January 2012: 181.21

I knew going into January that it would be a slight cutback month thanks to some race tapering. I'm pretty please with that number. Especially considering the difference from a year ago!

What went well

I ran my first ultra and my first trail race and learned A LOT!

In the wake of that race I made changes to my training plan to make it more hardcore.

I hit a huge milestone when I broke through a sub-7 mile in my speed workout. Never ever thought I could do that.

I surprised myself when I made it through my first 60 mile week relatively unscathed and got some trail running done in the process.

What didn't go well

Mother nature kept me from my half marathon, which I actually felt ready to PR in.

I did not get in any cross training whatsoever this month despite the goals I set to do so at the end of December.

I still have a lot of work to do in terms of training on trails. It's easy for me to get discouraged, but I'm trying to push through and find some positivity in it!

February 2012 goals

February is supposed to be a higher mileage month. I should easily be hitting the 200 mark, which I've never done before.

I have another 50k trail race on February 11th, in which I hope to PR and which I hope will boost my confidence on the trails.

I want to run more with friends! It is so much better to run with someone, especially if you're going long.

In addition to all the crazy mileage I'll be doing this month, Mike and I have a pretty packed calendar of events including our 5 year anniversary trip over President's Day weekend and my Dad's 60th birthday party at the end of the month.

Should be interesting to see if I can juggle it all!

What are your goals for February?

Beating the Winter Blues

It's that special time of year friends. You know what I mean. Yes, I'm talking about that lovely period between January and March aka the dead of winter.

Since January 2nd we've all been thinking the same thing - the next three months are going to suck. There are no big holidays to cause hype and distracting excitement. In many places (ahem, East Coast) it's dreadfully cold and miserable looking outside (that fall foliage is long gone). Not to mention that most of us have been conditioned by college to wait with baited breath for mid-March which would have been spring break. Basically, we're all just hanging around, sunk into our beds or couches, waiting for the clocks to switch and the flowers to bloom.

Wish it were like this

But instead it's like this...ew

All that said, it's not surprising that many of us struggle during this time. Sure, we get through part of January riding high on New Year's resolutions, but that doesn't last long. Something like 75% of people keep their resolutions for a week, but six months later less than half of people are still in the game.

So, how exactly do you get yourself going during the three-month dead zone? Here are a few ideas:

Commit

This is first and foremost a running blog, so I'm obligated to encourage you to sign up for a race. Putting actually money down and clicking that "submit" button can do wonders for your motivation. Don't just think about it, DO IT. Right now. Go!

Invest

Sometimes the desire for sweat is not enough. Sometimes you need to have a cute workout outfit hanging in your closet to motivate you to get out there and show it off. Again, putting money down is a huge motivator. If not a fab, new sweat wicking pullover, then maybe a 3 month yoga pass or a 10 class pass for spin.

Keep It Colorful

If you start noticing that everything on your plate is a brownish tone it's time to add some color popping fruits and veggies to your meal! Not only does it look good, but (surprise!) it's good for you! If eating better is one of your resolutions, try this color trick to help you prepare better meals.

Hug

Instead of "suffering through" these winter months, embrace them! Hug someone, hug the weather and get outside, hug yourself.

Lighten Up

I won't lie, my favorite color is black. Not in a moody, goth way. More like a "I get bored with other colors quickly so let's keep it simple" kind of way. That's why my bridesmaid dresses are black (for a June wedding no less). So it's not hard for me to embrace the darker tones during the winter months. However, if you're looking for something to brighten your day during the dead of winter, avoiding those typical cold weather colors can do wonders. Throw on a colorful scarf or a bright pair of shoes. Chances are they will brighten your mood.

Sun Yourself

Even though the winter solstice is technically behind us (see ya later Dec. 21st), it doesn't seem like we're gaining any more light these days. It can be mind numbingly depressing to arrive at work in the morning in the dark, and leave in the evening when it's dark. This is made all the worse if you are one of those people without a window in your office. The fix? Get out! Even if just for 15 minutes during lunch, go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Trust me - humans are supposed to live in the sun, not a tiny cubicle in the corner.

Get that Vitamin D

Ditch the Drinks

The good ol' holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are now gone. And so are their excuses to drink. My advice? Save the cold beer for the summer and stock up on water over the next few months. It will improve your mood and your health!

Relax
Whether it's yoga or just lighting some incense at night, block out some relaxation time for yourself will help you get through those winter blues.

How do you stay positive during the winter months?

Don't forget to VOTE for me to join Team Refuel! Vote 'Kristin Hoeberlein' once a day now through January 15th!

The Christmas Long Runs: Part II

If you didn't get to read Part I aka The 21-Mile Run: Survivor Edition you can read it here.

Sunday morning we woke up and gathered around the tree. Sophie decided to hog the stockings.

For the last few years my sister has made a new tradition of making vegan cinnamon buns Christmas morning. It's definitely a tradition I look forward to keeping!

So yummy

This curiously shaped present was for me from Mike. He has been keeping me on my toes for weeks about what he got me.

If gift giving were a competition, and it was between Mike and I, he would always win hands down. He's always very creative and thoughtful, whereas I tend to be practical and uninventive. So this oddly shaped present really was no surprise. And it turns out the pyramid was just trickery!

He must know I love Egypt. And pyramids. 

Once I finally pulled the decoy pyramid off and opened it up I was so shocked and surprised I was nearly in tears. He designed my very own racing shirt complete with my name on the front and back!

I know what I'm wearing at the Manhattan Half in 3 weeks!

Number 18 was also on the back, which is our anniversary. He even wrote "RUNDAY" on the sleeve, as in Every Day Is Run Day!! (especially a day when I would wear this shirt).

I'm so, so excited to wear it to races! He also got me a bib keeper. Now I really wish I had hung on to all of mine from 2011. I did for awhile, but eventually I got frustrated that I really didn't have a proper place for them and they were getting wrinkled so I tossed them. Will be sure not to in 2012 and onward!

Other runner-rific gifts included some much needed foot therapy.

After a few hours of Indiana Jones watching and cinnamon bun digesting we finally made it out for a run. Since my goal was 30 miles for the weekend and we ran 21 on Saturday I just had to get in 9 more. I was actually really happy it ended up being split that way instead of my original plan, which called for 24 Saturday and 6 Sunday. Nine miles isn't what I would consider a "long" run per say, but it's definitely longish and it would be a good test after 20+ the day before.

The best part about this run is that though I had expected to do it alone (which I wasn't looking forward to), Mike and Caitlin both decided to join me! As soon as we starting running I knew I wasn't going to even try to push the pace. This was a recovery run, plain and simple. My legs were a bit sore from the day before, but nothing too crazy. We headed through part of Rock Creek Park again down towards the Mall. Caitlin and Mike did some stair repeats at the turn around. I was too chicken to cross the busy street.

After the turn around we headed back over to Georgetown and got on the C&O Canal for about 2.5 miles before turning around again. It was a beautiful day out. I was actually too hot in long sleeves and crops.

Mike and I on the C&O

Instead of going straight back to my Mom's we took a slight detour and ran the Exorcist stairs a few blocks away. They actually are pretty scary steep when you're at the top looking down.

Ahh don't fall!

Final Stats: 9.18 miles, 1:31, 9:54 pace

My calves were a little tight the rest of the evening, but all in all I'd say the weekend was a huge success. Aside from Ragnar, I think 30 miles is the greatest amount of mileage I've done in a two day period.

Don't forget to VOTE for me to join Team Refuel! Vote 'Kristin Hoeberlein' once a day now through January 15th!