Recovery

I've been really out of it and taking it easy the past two weeks. I donated blood two tuesdays ago and still have been recovering from that. I took last week really easy (only 7 miles total) but I'm back on my game this week. Today I decided to switch things up, as I'm getting bored running the same loops, and did my first ever trail run. It was fun, but slow. My splits were 12:15, 12:48, 13:41, 13:04 (13:02). I thought that was pretty good considering it was my first trail run and it was a trail run. On my campus. It was not very well groomed but it was just after sunrise so it was really pretty. I also decided that if I follow my schedule to a T the next two weeks I will splurge on a shirt to wear for my memorial day 10k. I can't believe tht race is only a month and 2 days away!

Sunny Days and Rainy Days

So this past weekend was Greek Week and so I wasn't able to do my long run on Saturday morning. I did it around 4pm, which I tend to forget, its when the sun is at its peak. I did pretty well though, my hat and sunscreen were God-sent. I did get a little color on my forearms though. My splits were 11:15, 10:56, 11:55, 10:57, 11:10, 10:30 (ave. 11:09). Not quite negatives, but still pretty good. Also, Friday I did my first hills work out. I ran 1 mile east to a hill we have on campus and did 4x1 minute of hard running. It was about .14 miles with my last one (the only one I timed) being at a 7:43 min/mile pace, then an easy mile back. It was hard but fun to change it up...and I hate the tempo runs that I attempt to do on Fridays!

Today 4 miles was on the schedule, but it was pouring. I went to the gym and did 2.1 miles worth of laps (they were pretty slow) and then decided the rain wouldn't be that bad. I did 2 miles outside and was SOAKED, but it was pretty fun. The splits for those two were 11:07 and 11:04. Not bad for rain and mud.

Also, I'm going to (try) donate blood again tomorrow! Which means this week will be pretty light. I have an 8 mile long run on Saturday so I may just take Wednesday off. We shall see. I hope my iron level is still acceptable since becoming a full vegan. I think it should be. I did stop taking my multivitamin in favor of plain B-12 supplements though.

Not relevant to running, but the coolest thing has been happening lately! When I listen to Spanish, I don't find myself translating every word, I just hear it and then understand. It's so exciting!

Also sorry about the lack of pictures, it'll be easier after Lent when I have them all on social media and can easily put them on the blog.

~Holly

Not so rainy 8 miler

I'd apologize about not writing but I'm pretty sure that no one reads this. If you do, I love you and I'm sorry. So the forecast for today was rain, rain, rain. I actually had fun last night reading tips for running in the rain and putting together an outfit. I got up pretty early hoping to beat the rain, and I did. I ran in a nice, hot (considering the past winter), humid misty fog. The run overall was good. I was really proud of my negative splits: 11:59, 11:55, 11:15, 11:10, 11:21, 11:16, 10:20, 10:06 (11:13). it would have been nice to hit that 10 mark but I'm happy with it nonetheless.
Also GRAZE (graze.com) is awesome! I had the super berry detox right before my run, and it was amazing. If you don't know what graze is: http://www.graze.com/us/about and check out my friend code to get a FREE (no strings attached ) box! (https://www.graze.com/us/p/HOLLYR45U)

First Post Race Run/ASB

So I had my first post-race-run yesterday after the 8k on Sunday. My shins were still kind of sore but my friend and I did 2 miles around the Boy's and Girl's Club that we are staying at. We had about an 11:30/mile pace with a couple of stops/street crossings. Volunteering has been amazing, but knowing that I have a funeral to go to this weekend is looming over my head. I'm also cold and tired of eating heavy food. Breakfast and lunch are fine but dinner is all carbs and impossible to eat vegan. I also don't like eating so late...I always end up eating too much. I want to run more and eat fruit! I guess it just goes to show for difficult it is for families in poverty to buy healthy food. Speaking of, we went to Baltimore last night for a dinner, but seeing the city was so sad. We also did a program called "walk a mile" and it was surprisingly emotional. I really want to work with these poverty stricken people. Probably more on this later....I have homework to do!

My First Race!

Today was my first race, the Saint Patrick's Day 8k in Washington, DC. My friend and I got up at 5 am (yes it was Spring Ahead) and packed everything up. We managed to leave Richmond by 6 am after a quick stop at Dunkin' Doughnuts. I got a plain bagel with butter. The drive took a little over two hours by the time we parked. We headed over to the packet pick up, got our bibs and t-shirts. I was kind of nervous but super excited. We decided to line up in the 11:00-11:59 pace zone, figuring that it was a little slow, but we wouldn't be overwhelmed.

Before the Race

The race course was nice, and pretty flat. The only hard part was all of the hairpin turns. The atmosphere was great, though most of the people cheering were the volunteers. I ended up doing fantastic! According to MapMyRun, my splits were 9:36, 9:13, 9:15, 9:52, and 9:28 (my final sprint to the finish was an 8:57 pace). According to my app my distance was 5.15 miles and I had a 9:31 pace. Officially I had a 9:45 pace and did the 4.97 miles in 48:27. I was happy and very surprised with my times. My friend, who doesn't train like I do, did about 3 minutes better than me. My super competitive self let it get to me and for a while after the race I was upset. Once I remembered how awesome it felt to sprint across the finish line, I felt much better.

I got a granola bar and water after the race and then we got our results. I finished 2,092nd out of 3,668 runners and 1,004 out of 2,165 females. I was also 28/47 in my division (females, 15-19). I'm proud and I think I now have a nice base to work off of and I think that I'm well on my way to a sub-60 6k. I also want to run more races and train right now! My legs are super sore though (we did a lot of sight seeing after) and I'm doing an alternative spring break program this week so it's going to be hard to fit running in. I think tomorrow is going to be a rest day for sure.

After the Race

Tempo Run! But not really...

SO after seeing the new snow on the ground, I went back and forth on what I was actually going to do this morning. I ended up running a mile out and a mile back (on snow) and I'm so glad I did! My mile times surprised me so much I stopped after my first mile, 8:04 and 9:31 (8:51)! I had no idea I could run like that...I'll have to make sure I start pushing myself harder. I'm super pumped for this 8k on Sunday, I am running it with a friend who never runs more than three miles so that should be interesting. I'm headed out to Richmond this afternoon and then tomorrow will be rest day so I'll be fresh for the race! It will be interesting to see what kind of workouts I'll get in next week, I'm on Spring break and volunteering with United Way in DC so I don't know what I'll have as far as free time and such. We shall see!!

Track Workout #2

My track workout was much better today than last week! I did 4x800m and my times were 4:03, 4:10, 4:11, 4:09 (4:08 average). I also did abs, arms and legs. Also, I think I'm going to do the Shamrock 8k in DDC on Sunday...my first race! I'm super excited, but tempo run tomorrow...ickkkk.

Back Outside

I was back running outside this morning, though there were some icy spots. I was slower today but I also left earlier in the morning. My splits were 12:12, 11:12, 10:59 (average 11:32). Nice negative splits though!

More Snow. Yay.

It was 65 degrees here yesterday and today we got a snowstorm! Classes were cancelled so I had plenty of time to spend at the gym (I did so much homework this weekend!). I ended up only staying long enough to run my scheduled three miles, there's been some pretty terrible things going on recently and I've sort of been on an emotional roller coaster. Anyways, I hate treadmills and they really make the crease between the top of my foot and my leg hurt. My set times were 10:20, 10:00, and 12:00 but I walked a little and I finished with a 1/3 of a mile 9:40 pace. I was kind of all over the place, but I guess it happens. Hopefully the snow melts enough by Wednesday that I'll be able to get back outside.

Long Run, March and Other Things

So yesterday was my long run (5 miles) and it was terrible. I did ten last weekend and thought that this would be a piece of cake but I was just tired and sore and uninspired from a long week, especially running four miles on Friday. My splits were 10:23, 12:11, 11:53, 12:00, and 11:39 (average 11:37). It just didn't feel good.

I also can't believe that it's March, like what? I feel like this semester is flying by...it's basically halfway over! I also found out last night that Hart of Dixie doesn't come back on until March. SO annoying. The three shows I keep up with are Hart of Dixie, Reign, and Dance Moms (I haven't missed an episode in four seasons!) What about you, what shows do you watch? Do you have any guilty pleasure reality shows?

Finally, I'm working on a video project for my dance composition class and I'm pretty excited, maybe I'll post it up her!

Eating Healthier

Ok so I've been a vegetarian for about five years and a weekday vegan since I got back to school this semester. I'm still figuring things out, but my body hasn't totally been agreeing with me (I've mostly been bloated, stomach aches, and even a pretty bad cold a week ago). I'm going to put a twist on my habits that will also hopefully benefit my running. Here goes nothing:
1. Three meals a day - no exceptions (aka brunch is not a real thing)
2. Three vegetarian meals per weekend (as opposed to the whole weekend being vegetarian)
3. No Repeats!!! (No having the same thing twice in one day)
4. Drink water at all meals
5. Drink four full water bottles per day (not including meals, 20oz each)
6. One dessert with one meal/day, this includes chips
7. One snack per day - make it clean (fruit, etc.)
8. No cell phone during meals
9. No cell phone after 11pm (for my own sanity)

So we shall see how it goes. Also, Africa. My school has this program where you can apply for a grant for your sophomore year to basically do anything. I'm in the process of applying and using it to do mission work in Africa over winter break (there's a back story) but I'm really really really hoping I get it. I'm also pumped about the astronomy class they're offering next year. Oh, and that math test, I know I messed one thing up but I have to wait all the way till Monday to find out what I got :(

The picture that apparently killed my phone this morning 

First Tempo Run....

So today I had a 2 mile tempo run on the schedule with an easy mile before and an easy mile after. I managed to actually hit my easy pace (11:24, out of 11:30) and my first tempo mile was close to perfect (9:47, out of 9:49). Then I slowed down to take a sunrise picture, my phone decided it was too cold, and then it died. I was legitimately so sad. I tried to push myself to keep pace for what I thought was a mile and then tried to change back to my easy pace, but who knows how my times were. It was every frustrating but I guess it happens. I have more to write today about eating but I also have a math test so I shall be back to talk to you about that later. Also, Africa.

Math time!

First Day of Speedwork

Today was my first time doing any sort of speed work, so I didn't really know what to expect. I got up about a half hour early to do abs in my dorm hallway (I used to do abs arms legs on Tuesday/Thursday) and then headed over to the gym. I normally like the indoor track but today it was SO HOT, I've been running in sub 40 degree weather for months so this was rough. My work out was a a lap warm up jog (oh, and our track is 1/10 a mile) and then 3x800m at "race pace". I'm really bad at this whole pacing thing so I decided to just go for it and as long as it ended under race pace I would just try and go faster each week. My times were ~4:09, 4:12, 4:15 (average 4:12) and that's a little over an 8 minute/mile pace. I was surprised it was that fast...I guess I have a pretty solid base to build some endurance off of. I did a 2 lap recovery in between each and then finished off with arms and legs.

I was pretty proud, but I'm kind of nervous for my first tempo run tomorrow...that should be interesting.

Running and Maxi Dresses

So today (day 3) I ran a much faster 3 miles...even though I'm supposed to be going "easy" on these runs it's just so hard! My splits were 10:11, 9:48, and 10:17. I was really dying at the end though, but my average pace still ended up being 10:09 so that's good. Also, my second mile felt the easiest...maybe it's just the way the road is? I didn't have the nice negative splits that I did on Monday but it felt pretty good anyways.

Random, but I love maxi dresses. I only have one but I'm obsessed and am wearing it for the first time all winter, even though it's only 30 here. I matched it with a cardigan and some boots. I was going to upload a picture but so. much. work.

Also, for those of you who don't know (even though I'm pretty sure no one is reading this) I've been a vegetarian for like 5 years and since the beginning of this semester I've also been a weekday vegan. It's awesome! I have soooo much energy. If anyone is interested in hearing more about that let me know!

Hasta luego!

Holly

Pilobolus and other beautiful things

Ok so first off, I am a dancer by definition. Dance is my first and truest love. Yesterday Pilobolus came and gave a master class at my college, did a performance and then a Q&A for us dancers. I have no words. They are all so perfect. I don't exactly understand why I haven't seen them yet. I've never taken a better master class and I think this was my all time favorite dance performance. Jacob's Pillow...you need these people. I wish I could do their summer workshops but I'll be at camp all summer.

My with Ben and Shawn after the Q&A (They  taught the master class)

Next order of business, day two of my training was my usual strength day: arms abs and legs. Also, I think I convinced one of my friends from home to start running! Her goal is going to be the 5k the same day that I do the 10k. I sent her the same training plan that I sent my family. I'm super excited.

Finally, #smashthehalf was revealed by RunDisney today. This November there is going to be an Avengers themed half marathon at Disneyland in California...check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=869854523040511

http://www.rundisney.com/blog/articles/avengers-half-marathon-runners-assemble-02-25-2014/?src=rdfb

Officially Started Training

Today I officially started my training plan for my 10k in May. Today was as easy (11:30/mile) 3 miles, but I'm still getting used to pacing and so my average pace ended up being 10:52/mile. I have to learn to take the easy runs easy so I can do the hard runs!

Also, apparently RunDisney will be announcing a race...tomorrow! Stay tuned, I'll have all the latest information for you! #smashthehalf

10 MILES!!

So, I was super pumped about finding a new trail for my long run today. It was only going to be three miles but in honor of the Enchanted 10k this weekend in Disney I decided to go for 6.2 and ended up with 10! My previous longest run was 8 miles so I was pretty proud.

I did end up stopping around mile 3.5 to look around this adorable antique shop (I'm obsessed) but was only there for a couple minutes and I stopped for a 2 minute pit stop around mile 7 (small bladder probs). Other wise my average pace was 11:41/mile. Much slower than normal, but hey it was a big distance for me! I was also proud of my phone for staying alive, it was at 30% at mile 7 but didn't die until right after I finished. I really should invest in something with a better battery life.

Anyways my splits were (I'm not sure why they did them every two miles)
2 mi: 10:50
4 mi: 11:52
6 mi: 12:10
8 mi: 11:55
10 mi : 11:17

Also: anyone with mapmyrun, why does it always make your last partial mile so long? I ran 10.02 and it factored a 13:12/mile into my average for it...I'm confused.

So. many. hills. Virginia is known for rolling hills and this course was no exception, the entire thing was hills, either up or down, no flats. Also it was just such a beautiful day. If my phone wasn't going to die I would have taken more photos.

Anyways, that's all...I'm exhausted

Goals and Warmer Weather

Goal wise, I'm training to run a sub 60 minute 10k in May. I found a training plan that officially starts on Monday. I started running this past fall/summer with almost a 14 minute mile. I hovered around 12 minutes in later fall with a run-walk-run strategy. Once I switched to just running I hit a solid 11-11:30/mile. Currently I'm hovering between 11/10:30 on my long runs though I've been adding some speed work. I ran a mile on the treadmill last night at my goal pace (9:39) and my the first mile of my short run was 9:51 this morning, the second .7 was 10:18. Tomorrow is my long run (that I'm so pumped for) so I won't be focusing on time, but I'm super happy to be seeing progress!

Anyways it's supposed to be 65 tomorrow for my long run and I'm ecstatic. I've been running in 0-40 degree (F) weather all winter and while last week was low 50s, 60s means just a t-shirt. I also decided that I'm going to take my run off campus. That should be interesting because I'll have to take a stretch of highway.

SO today is Friday, which means I can eat vegetarian (instead of vegan) after I finish classes for the day, but I might just wait until dinner. I'm feeling pretty good right now.

Finally, good luck to all the RunDisney Princesses this weekend! I know the Royal Family 5k is done...so congrats to everyone who completed that!

Also, Olympics. Not fun in college. I don't have a TV so I have to watch the NBC replays which you can't pause or fast forward when you're 2 hours in to women's figure skating and the website crashes and makes you start over. I got really frustrated and after avoiding the news all day I just gave up and looked at the results.

~Holly

Run Run Run!

So I've been running as an outlet since I got to college in September. I've always wanted to be a "runner" but couldn't do more than a mile. Now I do 6 miles every other week. I get up in the mornings and run before class. It's hard when it's cold but the sunrise is so pretty and the campus is beautiful AND I have so much more energy during the day. Next week I start my training plan for a memorial day 10K, my goal is to run a sub 60 minute race. I've never raced before and my current pace is around 11:00/mile, so I've got some work to do. I'm hoping to run a couple 5Ks down here at school before that race, but transportation is kind of an issue so we shall see.

My long term goal is the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon. It's almost exactly a year out, but if I'm going to do it I want to do it right. I also convinced my family to start training for the Enchanted 10K so we can all run it together. Running my first half would be so much more fun with my family around!

Hold on for the ride!!!