Turning the page...

Yesterday I did a Plyometric workout session with a group led by a running coach and an ex-Royal Military solider from London. My entire body hurts...even muscles that I didn't know existed are sore. During part of the workout session we had to crawl through grass and dirt focusing on using mainly our legs to propel us forward. My take home gifts from that fun activity were bruises and abrasions on my knees and elbows, and a ridiculous amount of dirt on my Brooks running shoes...

(I'm more distressed about my sneakers)

Finding that moment when life begins...

Today's run was a 10K route through the hills. It's actually a 5K route that we ran twice ("we" being my adopted running group in Jamaica). We are quite the diverse bunch in terms of our running abilities, which allows for a lot of motivation for me to get better and grow as a runner...

All you need is sun, sand and sea..

Vacation Day #4.5 was spent relaxing on the beach with family...

And eating great food...

A different kind of Training Day

I love starting the day with a run (no matter how long or short it is) and enjoying the tranquility of nature in the morning. When I arrived at the running route even the hills seemed to be asleep...

This morning I did another short run without intervals. It was approximately 1.5 miles with three hills. I know my body must be in shock after doing hill work for the past 2 days (in addition to cutting out my intervals), but change is good. I'm definitely working different muscles and targeting different areas. Hopefully this will help to improve my running form...

A whirlwind of activity...

The past two days have passed by quickly in a whirlwind of activity. It's been one fun filled event after another with family and friends. I'll do a photo recap of Christmas Day and Boxing Day in a bit, but first the good news....I ran today without using any intervals! I don't have the ability to track my route or pace on my own Runtastic app right now so I had to borrow this pic from a friend of mine that was running with me...

The route had an incline for the first half or more and then the rest was pretty much downhill after that.

Bearing gifts we travel afar...

Just in case you need a reminder...

I ran 2.5 miles this morning for my mid-week running session. At this point in my training these sessions are really supposed to be longer than 30 minutes, but with all the stuff I had to get done before I left the house this morning I decided to keep it short. A 30 minute run will be my new minimum as of 2015, with a goal duration of 60 minutes for each of my mid-week runs...

Making a list, checking it twice...& other Random Monday Ramblings

You know that feeling you get when you're packing up for a trip and you're sure you are forgetting something? Yup, I have that. I've been working with my Christmas to-do list so that my bad memory doesn't result in anyone's gifts being left behind, which is great (when I remember to check the list)...

A #Silent Night Sunday...

As you can see I'm still on my Christmas song/carol blogpost title kick. But today's post is going to have a bit of a twist since silent night implies that I shouldn't be "talking" in this post (which kinda defeats the purpose of posting doesn't it?) So instead I'm going to post my pics for today with a simple #hashtag intro :)

#MilepostMotivationforthismorning

Do you hear what I hear?

In keeping with my ever increasing Christmas spirit I think my blog post titles should reference some of my favorite Christmas songs & carols. It's gonna be my new thing (well until I run out of applicable references or until the holiday season is over).

I woke up this morning way too early thanks to my neighbors and their early morning airport run (I only know that because they were that loud at 5 am). It's hard to find energy to smile when you're sleep deprived so this is my "I really shouldn't be up this early" look...

Friday Favorites & Day Four of the 10 "Day" Challenge...

My schedule seems to be "off" this week. Today is my usual running day, but a few things have altered my "usual" activities so I didn't run this morning.
It's the week before Christmas (& the week before the start of my vacation) so things have been busy at work, but in the midst of the flurry of activities I finally found my Christmas spirit!

Wednesday's running recap and a few words of wisdom...

I ran today!!!! TWICE!!!!!!! I know, I know...you're proud of me :) Thank you

My morning running session...

Those three little words...

I woke up this morning at 5am, dusted off my air climber (it's been a while since I've used it) and did a short cardio workout. I had a longer cardio workout in mind when I decided that Tuesday would be a "semi-rest" day, but I was feeling lazy this morning (to be completely honest) and I decided to spend the rest of my "cardio time" paying bills and looking at the budget for Christmas. I still haven't finished shopping. The whole Christmas shopping thing is just a disaster. Everyone (except me) is in full "holiday spirit" mode, even at work...

Pictures of my bones & the reason someone smiles :)

I woke up this morning and my feet were still hurting from yesterday's run. My left foot hurts more than my right but lingering pain anywhere is not how I wanted to start my week. The pain in my feet is something new ever since I ran the Palm Beach half marathon. My normal "aches & pains" locations are my left knee and left hip, so I'm not exactly happy that there are new areas to apply ice packs to.

I've been trying to figure out why I'm getting pain in my feet. The only new thing I've done recently is use compression sleeves...but that's supposed to help right? Plus, I didn't use my compression sleeves yesterday when I ran :( sigh.

My friend's husband was recently diagnosed with stress fractures in his feet a week or so before his full marathon. So, of course, I start to worry about things like that when I have a new onset of symptoms that I can't otherwise explain. I didn't want to wait to get it checked out so I spent a portion of my morning getting x-rays done (bilateral ankle and feet x-rays).

The long run back...

My running group was back on the Boardwalk this morning. For most of us this morning's run was a recovery long run (6 miles); but for the few brave souls that are going to be running the Ft Lauderdale A1A Marathon in February the goal was 10 miles. The weather was absolutely AMAZING (perfect for a long run of any distance)...

plus we didn't have to deal with it being windy which made it even better.

10 "Day" YOU Challenge: 5 Movies

It's been 3 weeks since my last 10 "Day" Challenge post. Between training, tapering, and recovering it's been a busy couple of weeks. But, better late than never so here goes...my 5 Movies!

It's a daily choice...

I braved the blistering winter temperatures this morning and went for a slow short 30 minute running session....

Running through shades of gray...

Marathon training is not black & white. There is no right or wrong way to train, and there is no "one size fits all" approach to running. Rather, there are a variety of approaches. A variety of degrees of intensity. A variety of "shades of gray"...and fortunately you get to pick the right shade for you.

Finding the right shade of gray (and yes, there are more than 50) is a process. Training plans and schedules will need to be adjusted; the number of running days revised; the frequency and type of cross training reviewed...all in an effort to find THE training plan...YOUR training plan. 

It has to be a plan that you love. One that aligns with your goals and motivation for running. It also has to be a plan that you continue to love... Once you fall out of love with running (or your training plan) it's time for a change. That change might mean running less, or taking a break from running altogether. Or maybe you need to run differently, change the time of day you run or the day of the week you would normally lace up your running shoes and hit the road (or trails).

Official Race Pictures are here!!!!!! (...and other Monday Madness)

The official race pictures from the EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon are here along with my updated finish time...***Spoiler Alert*** I shaved off 3 seconds!!!! (every second counts)

Pictures of random strangers my fellow runners at the start...

The photographers got the memo that I didn't take any pictures along the course so they graciously assigned a few random scenic shots to my bib number...

Welcome to "Sandi Land"...

The ever so glamorous "medal selfie"...

And last, but not least, a few on-the-course and at-the-finish pictures of me...

(see how focused I am?...really trying hard not to trip over my feet)

(I didn't see the photographer...)

(Still didn't see him... {Running with my eyes closed....that's what you call "talent"})

(Finally saw the photographer and managed to muster up enough energy to smile!)

(Trying to pause my Runtastic app)

(Still trying...)

(Making sure Runtastic is paused...it wasn't)

(The "I'm-so-glad-it's-over-but-I-still-can't-feel-my-toes" Finisher Pic!)

Official time: 02:37:51

and other Monday Madness...

I spent the entire day applying ice to various aching body parts. Currently being featured on the "Aches & Pains" list are: both feet; left knee; left hip; & right shoulder. Sigh...it never ends. At some point this week I need to start buying shares in whatever company manufactures ICYHOT since I single-handedly increased their profit margin this year. 

I'm on the hunt for 1-2 (more) half marathons to do next year. I'm registered for 3 already (January 25th; March 1st; & June 20th). My goal for 2015 is to do 4-5 half marathons plus my full marathon (which is in October). I'm trying to decide if I should do the Disney Wine & Dine 1/2 (in November), or try and make it to the Reggae 1/2 Marathon (in December)...or both??? A lot will depend on if I finally win the FL Power Ball lottery (which will depend on me buying a ticket).

I don't run again until Thursday (with a potential "30 minute walk session" on Wednesday depending on how my legs are feeling). Tomorrow I need to rejuvenate my core workout in preparation for January (I really need to have better form before I do my next half marathon). 

What's on your 2015 Race Calendar?

13 pictures & 1 video from my half marathon (and other festivities @ Shenanigans)...

If a picture is worth a thousand words then a blog post filled with pictures should pretty much tell the complete story of the amazing half marathon I ran today. In spite of all my illogical self-doubt, I did really well. Better than I was hoping for (which is remarkable considering my knee and hip pain...and the pain in my left foot that started at mile 6). But I'll try and let the pictures do most of the talking...

Before the start...

There was an amazing turnout at the event...

I ran with my 4:1 Memorial Milers group for the beginning of the race (about the first 3 miles or so) and then my "pace sister" Senovia and I started to pick up our speed a bit (we both were really hoping to PR today). 

The route changed a bit between the time Diane and I drove it yesterday and the start of the event this morning, so by the time I got to where Diane was waiting for me along the course I had already done about 9 miles...

The rest of the event was a bit of a blur to be honest. My left foot pain was getting worse so I spent most of the time focusing on landing on the outside of my foot (but being extra careful so I didn't twist my ankle). When I got to the turnaround point for the half marathoners all I could think was "Thank God I'm not running a full marathon today!"

I made it across the finish line in one piece...

My time and mileage according to Runtastic...

Pace per mile breakdown...

The official course time and tracking...

A NEW PR!!!!!!!!

A close up of the medal...

In other great news...Senovia got her PR as well!

I hung out with the Milers for a bit and then we saw Santa Claus...

{I told Santa I wanted the purple & white Garmin Forerunner 220 for Christmas...he didn't answer} 

[I'm not sure what to do with that response]

Diane and I left to head back to the hotel before check out (and to get something to eat). I'm so grateful that she came with me (Thanks Diane!). And once I regained sensation in my lower extremities I drove to pick up Kai from Giselle's house (Thanks Giselle!).

My evening was spent with Kai at the Memorial Milers Holiday party...

A great start and end to my day! 

Congrats to all the finishers at the EAU Palm Beach half and full marathon today!!!!