I Heart New Workout Clothes

Is it just me or are new workout clothes the best!? I was at Ross the other night with my husband and the kiddos and found these

for ONLY $9.99!

I didn't have a chance to try them on, so I didn't buy them :( BUT, I went back today and bought them. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them. They are actually very flattering...even on me (and I have a big butt and bigger than average legs). I tried them out on my recovery 2 mile run today and I really liked them. For $9.99, you can't beat it! I may just go back and buy 1 more :) The only thing is that they are 92% cotton. So, I am not sure how they will be for long runs, but for the gym they are great!

I also splurged on this running jacket at Target because it was on clearance for $20.98

• Water Resistant
• Slim fitting
• Light weight
• Reflective strip above elbows
• Small zippered pocket on upper arm
• Side zip pockets
• THUMB HOLES :)

Even though the weather here in So Cal isn't very changing, I DO need a water resistant jacket in case it rains. Last year it rained the whole week before the race and I had NO running gear that was rain ready! What do you wear for your rainy runs?

New Kicks!

I finally broke down and bought some new running kicks! I decided to stick loyal to my Asics...they have never done me wrong ;) So off me and both kids went to Sports Authority! I tried on all (except the $140) shoes and had them narrowed down to 3.

These are the Kanbarra 5 for $59.99

Or these are the Pulse for $84.99

Lastly, the Cumulus for $99.99

I really couldn't decide, but was leaning towards the Cumulus. They were VERY comfy, and were not the cheapest and not the most expensive.

I just so happen to where my running shoes to the store, so the shoe man took a look at them and said that I was a "very" neutral runner and wouldn't really benefit from the IGS (impact guidance system) that the more expensive shoes come with. He said that mainly benefits runners who  pronate...which according to my old shoes, I don't. So he said that I  should either go with the Kanbarra or Pulse. I opted for the Pulse since they were on sale from $84.99 to $59.99! SCORE!!!!! (He said they hardly ever go on sale, I think they did because on the Asics website they only have the Pulse 2...so the Pulse are probably going out of stock) but SCORE for me! ;)

So I got me some new kicks peeps! :)

I decided to splurge on some good insole though. ($20). So the guy fitted me with some sweet SOFSOLE Women's Athlete Performance Insoles. They have maximum cushioning for high impact activities. It has a neutral foot position perfect for most foot types and adds additional gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot. It also provides the extra shock absorption without adding extra bulk.
    Anyways, I can't wait to test them out on the treadmill and see if my feets feel awesome again! As I am typing I hear little man talking to himself in his room...he won't go down for his nap! BOOO! I think he is getting to that stage where somedays they will not nap. Great job to all those who raced this weekend! Off for my treadmill run! ;)

I can't believe it!

Well.............I did it! I ran more than a half marathon last night, and in a training run of all things :) I am thrilled!!! However, I have mixed feelings. Let me explain:


PRO's of my run

• Finished :)
• Overall pace (9:55) was pretty good, a little slower than I would have liked to run, but in the range of what the McMillian Calculator says my long run should be ran at.
• Felt like I could have run a tiny bit more.
• Gave me the confidence for the La Jolla Half on the 25th. Hey if I could do 14 miles when it was pretty dang hot out, I can do 13.1 in the morning "chill"!

CON's of my run

• For the FIRST time since I started training, I walked during a training run. I know that this is completely ok, and for the most part good for me, but I have some wierd issue with walking, like it means I am giving up. But my body needed it during this run! It was warmer than I was used to, and I was just plain tired! I walked about 5 times through out the whole 14 miles for about 30 seconds to a minute each. I also stopped twice to stretch for a good 3 minutes ( I stopped the Garmin at these times).
• My right foot and knee were giving me issues, which never happens, so this kind of scares me! Plus, it is sore this morning.
• I have been excited to eventually in the next year do a full marathon. This run really really makes me second guess myself. At the end of the run I was telling myself there is NO way that I could ever continue for another 12 miles! ( maybe 1) INSANE!

Here are my splits:
Mile 1~ 9:27
2~ 9:26
3~ 9:35
4~ 9:50
5~ 9:50
6~ 9:57
7~ 10:15
8~ 9:35
9~ 9:45
10~ 10:39
11~ 10:01
12~ 10:17
13~ 10:42
14~ 10:29

Anywho, those were my feelings on my run last night. I was thrilled and proud that I accomplished it, yet at the same time, I felt doubtful. Does that even make sense? I was excited to use my new handheld water bottle that I got.

I ended up getting the Amphipod handheld!

I really really liked it! It holds 12 ounces of water, and the pouch held my car key and packet of Gu Chomps. I could have totally put some other stuff in it too! I can't believe that I ran before with no water! I would have died on this run without it! Definetly a keeper! :)

Also, another new part of my run was the Gu Chomps that I tried. For the last 2 long runs, I have been experimenting with Gu. I tried the Chocolate and the Orange...both were nasty! I hated the texture of them and it took me about 3 miles to consume 1. Here are the chomps:  

I had the Strawberry, which were so yummy! They also have blueberry pomegranate, orange, and cranberry apple. The strawberry and cranberry apple are the only ones with caffeine in them...which is what I need! I would HIGHLY recommend these!

I hope everyone has an awesome weekend! And good luck to all those who have their long runs this weekend! This weekend is the Carlsbad 5000 and I will be working all weekend in the village. It is a great race, I did the 5k last year! It is really popular and there are tons of people in town for it. My work happens to be on the course, so we get to watch all the runners...very cool!

Carlsbad 5000

i hate being sick :(

Being sick, has truely put a damper on both my overall energy AND my training for this stupid  half marathon in 3 weeks! I was supposed to put in 22 miles last week, and only got in 7.  This week I am supposed to put in 23, but my energy level is so low from being sick that I don't see it happening. I did 4.5 today, and am planning on doing a 14 mile run on Thursday...hopefully that run won't knock me out!

I REALLY REALLY need new shoes, but being so close to race day, I might wait until after. Anyone wear Asics and been happy switching brands? Just a thought! I am planning on going to the Running Center Store tomorrow to pick up a handheld h2o bottle and some recovery socks :)

Not sure which water bottle to get...any suggestions?

The one on the left is the FuelBelt Sprint. It holds 10 ounces, but has no pouch to hold any gu or beans or anything. Cost $12.99.This one is the Amphipod Handheld Lite. It holds 12 oz. and has a little zipper pouch to hold my gu and keys. It costs $18.00.

Anywho, we all had a great Easter...had a potluck at the In-Laws and the kids had an Easter egg hunt. I think I am going to explode from eating so many jelly beans...goodness gracious! I will update with photos as soon as I am motivated to put them on the computer! HEHE!

~Kelly