Ready to Run my Second 15k (9.36 miles)

Tomorrow I will be running the Pensacola Double Bridge 15k for the second year in a row. This run has beautiful scenery as we will run from Gulf Breeze, Florida over two bridges to Pensacola Beach. The serenity and calamity you feel as you look out is like no other feeling. The crowd at the finish line is energetic and encouraging. And of course, there's an awesome finisher's medal. 

The post race party is off the charts! 

So if you've never participated in the Double Bridge run, put this one on your list for next year. There is also a 5k, which still has some remaining spots if you're up for a last-minute registration. 

http://www.pensacolasports.com/VirtualBag-Main-Page-Table-Cells-DBR.cfm

I hope to see all of my fellow runners from the Mobile area there. 

Happy running, my friends! 

Zombie Run on the Gulf Coast 3/29/14

One of my favorite races is the Zombie Run. The Gulf Coast Zombie Run is March 29th. You can register as a Zombie or a runner or BOTH! I am registered to be both. A group of is from Mobile will carpool to Gilfport and will participate as Zombies first, then run the last wave. You get a medal for both portions of the race! 

Tons of fun obstacles and a guaranteed Zombie Apocalypse! 

Use code BLOG for $5 off Zombie registrations and $10 off runner registration. 

https://zombierun.webconnex.com/register

Confessions of a Not-So-Ready Runner

Hi everyone! It's been a while since my last post. Life has been super busy with my cleaning business and love life! I took a break from blogging and being a trainer for the latter part of 2013. But, I'm back to blogging now and ready to motivate you and hear about your accomplishments! 

I want to talk about training for long runs. As most of you know, I completed my first full marathon in February 2013.  Well, what most of you don't know, is that I didn't prepare to push my body to the limit of 26.2 miles by doing LSD training. LSD = Long Slow Distance. I took a much different approach by doing Crossfit. Crossfit whipped my behind into much better shape with the combination of metabolic conditioning, weight and endurance training. My longest run going into the full marathon was 10 miles. Most seasoned marathoners would never have fathomed such. As a matter of fact, all that I have spoken to said that I was nuts! Ha! But my point is this....what works for me, may not work for you. And what works for you, may not work for me. And to be totally honest, that's OKAY! Keep on training and pushing towards your goals! By the way, I completed the marathon and didn't sustain any injuries. It wasn't "easy", but it didn't "put me down."

Look for my next few posts to have some really great discount codes to some super fun races! Until then, TRAIN HARD, EAT SMART!!!! 

Marathon Checked off the Bucket List

Well, yesterday was the day! I completed my first full marathon. Unfortunately, I had to walk from time to time, stop at the potty every mile after 13, stop to stretch a few times, BUT I finished! And the sag wagon was no where close to picking me up. Ha!

If someone had told me in September 2010 (when I first started running) that I would do a half marathon in 2012 and a full in 2013, I would have said, "You're crazy!" But, look who the crazy one is now!

I learned A LOT about myself during those 26.2 miles. I also had some deep thoughts on many different things! I'm working on a different post to express those thoughts.

In closing this post, I have many people to thank for encouraging me through all of this. First of all, without being blessed with a healthy and able body, I would not have even been able to start this journey. So, all praise and glory goes to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have many family members, especially my mom, who have been my best cheerleaders. I love you mom! You're the BEST! Larisa (my running and crossfit partner-in-crime), thank you for always being positive and encouraging. You lift me up, make me dig deep and press on. I am so thankful to have you as one of my best friends. Melissa, you were a trooper yesterday! Thank you for fighting the madness and waiting 6 + hours for us at the finish line. You have been a huge blessing to me for 25 years now! To all of my friends, clients, coaches and other supporters along the way, thank you! You all inspire me more than you know! Those who were following my splits/updates yesterday on Facebook and cheering me on, thank you!

This pic is one that I think I will have framed. This is last year's half marathon finish photo and yesterday's finish photo.

Giveaway Coming Soon!

I have a really cool giveaway coming soon! Stayed tuned for more information!

In the mean time, Train Hard, Eat Smart!

What was your week like?

My week entailed 5 hard-core Crossfit workouts! Today has been a rest day and tomorrow is a long run day. The Rock N' Roll New Orleans Marathon is 2 weeks from tomorrow. It's crunch time!!!!

What was your week like? Did you train hard and eat smart?

Crossfit Works!

Hello everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that if you have not tried Crossfit because you are "scared", etc., please don't let this keep you from trying it! The feeling I get after a WOD has me on cloud nine! If you are an adrenaline junkie, you will LOVE it.

All "boxes" have scaled versions of the WODs (workout of the day). The box I go to actually has a beginner/introductory level program called On-Ramp. This is a 6 week course that allows you to become familiar with things as well as builds your strength and stamina. If you are local (Mobile, Alabama), look up Crossfit Coastline On-Ramp on Facebook and give it a chance!

I know it works, because in 3 weeks I lost 5 pounds and 2 percent body fat. I've also worked my way up to doing a set of six 150 pound back squats. I can tell my muscles are getting stronger every day.
* I also watch my food intake and eat clean. ;-)

Ok, so that's all for now!

Train Hard, Eat Smart!