Come back warmth, come back

It's been difficult to stay as active with the colder weather and work travel months (I just came back inside from an icy outdoor run and was inspired to write). It takes a different kind of motivation to get outside when it's warm out and the sun is shining vs. not being able to feel your fingers or face. I'm trying to get better at being an all-year runner because I don't want to lose ability in-between the seasons. Better gear definitely helped today's run (1/4 zip thermal pull-over with thumb holes), but I need to invest in some running gloves ASAP.

The peak of my fitness journey (both ability, weight, and overall well-being) was this past August. This was right after my half marathon and Tough Mudder events. I was at my lowest weight (even lower than pre-pregnancy), and feeling generally great. I was exercising consistently about 5x-6x weekly (combination of running and CrossFit).

In October, I broke my 10k record from the previous year from 1:00:04 to 00:53:02. It was refreshing to be able to make a specific speed goal and run the streets of Boston (actually ran side by side with a friend). 

Then things got busy (and cold). My exercise frequency has been closer to 3x weekly and usually lighter runs. I've also been eating for a small village which caused my weight to go up. Really, just getting ready for the hibernation months. Like a bear.

Despite the setback, I was able to collect two more bibs before the end of the year (though I suppose there's time to run one more race if I can find a Christmas one!)

On November 3rd, I was privileged enough to do the pre-race to the NYC marathon (5k) with a time of 29:37. Not a record for me, but not bad considering how much eating and drinking we had done the night before! Rob and I crossed the finish line together. On November 4th, we "ran" many miles chasing cousins Fred and Kara while they ran the actual marathon (no big deal) through Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Of course, I was super inspired and started scheming to run my own marathon (but now I'm not so sure...that's a lot of time running). 

The day after Thanksgiving, I did a post turkey 5k called "Conquer the Hills" where both Rob and another friend joined in absolutely frigid weather (13°F).  As the name implies, it was super hilly (completely in the woods) giving me a time of 00:35:40.

So now what? Not stress about it. Keep moving, keep active through the winter. The spring will bring more opportunities. Though I would like to have a big goal in mind to set for 2019. Maybe another half marathon!

Mud Part 3 + Summer Ends

As the summer comes to an end (long live the sunshine!), I find myself reflecting on all the activities, goals, and moments I've had during my favorite season of the year.

My summer kicked off with finishing up my Half Marathon training leading right into the race itself in early June. Then I took a break from the heavy running (my toenails are still bruised and cracked by the way...), and shifting my focus slightly more back to CrossFit and having a healthier balance of activities. The longest run I did all summer was 5-6 miles (that makes me smile now...with the added perspective of 13). 

At the end of July, I completed my third Tough Mudder with my team Ridin' Dirty. Earning those different color headbands each year has become addicting, and I can't imagine ever stopping! The course was 10 miles and 20 obstacles. At the same location as previous years, with some different adjustments to the course. Nonetheless a good benchmark to compare back year over year. What a difference! I ran most of the 10 miles (love the trail running parts) and only skipped a few obstacles. I attempted a few difficult obstacles and while I still failed (monkey bars!), I got further along this year. In the past I was broken and sore for days after. This time wasn't as bad besides the normal cuts and bruises. The teamwork within my team and those we encountered along the course reminded me of all those along the journey. Those who run ahead of me, those who run next to me, and those who run behind me. And how I'll continue to be at different stages throughout my life as well. It's not a straight line, but lots of twists and turns, some intentional and some unexpected. 

With fall around the corner, I began to pickup my running again with some new goals in September. I'll be running a 10k in early October. I'm currently doing a training plan to get me in better shape to run 6.2 miles again.

• 2x weekly short runs (3 miles)
• 1x weekly non-running, cross-training (CrossFit)
• 1x weekly "long run" (4, 5, progressing to 6 miles)
  

My last 10k (and my first) was last October with a time of 1:00:04. Originally my goal for this upcoming one was to beat the old time, but the more I thought about it, the courses are not comparable enough. Last year was a night run with headlamps, different terrains and elevations (pavement, grass, dirt), and plenty of space. The upcoming 10k is city streets, very crowded, and I have no idea about elevation levels. I may or may not beat my time. 

Lastly, before winter truly sets in. Rob and I are running the official 5k "practice" run the weekend of the NYC Marathon in early November. Actually on our 5th wedding anniversary day (5k + 5 years!) We'll be attending the full marathon the next day to cheer cousins Fred and Kara on! Likely while consuming obscene amounts of alcohol and food (definitely not running 26.2 anytime soon).

So What's Next?

I successfully ran the Half Marathon! It was an awesome experience and I'm shocked on how well I did. The weather was perfect, the company loving, and the scenery beautiful. 

A lot of numbers.
My bib was #387, I raised $1400 + my $300 contribution, and I ran 13.1 miles in 2:12:37. Under my goal of 2:20. 

I maintained close to a 10 minute pace throughout. The weather was around 60 degrees, it was neither too hot or too cold (strange for June), and sunny!

Mile 1-3: felt really hard (I was like oh crap!)
Mile 4-9: I was king of the world, in a groove
Mile 10: I hit a wall
Mile 11-12: was survival mode
Mile 13: don't die, don't get hit by cars, just finish 

I'm afraid to give you my total out of pocket cost for the whole Half and training experience, but it's probably close to $1,000.

So what's next? 

• Trying to get my weight down a little.
  Towards the end of my training, I was eating like crazy and put on some extra pounds. Even though I was highly active, my caloric intake was probably too high. It wasn't worth worrying about before, but I'd like to get back on track now. 

• New Training Plan. 
  I can be less strict now with what I'm doing and how often, but I have a general schedule outlined for the next two months.
  
  WEEKLY:
• 2 days rest / active recovery
• 2 days short runs (2-3 miles)
• 1 day long run (4-6 miles)
• 2 days CrossFit 

• Tough Mudder
  Will be doing my 3rd Annual Tough Mudder on Long Island on July 21 (want to join my team?) This is part of the reason why I put that specific activity mix together above (to be more well balanced and make sure I'm engaging all different parts of my body and mind). 

• Enjoy the Summer.
  While I have some goals, nothing compares to how strict and time consuming my running schedule was. Especially around family and work responsibilities, travel, and a screaming toddler. I'm going to enjoy being active this summer and spend as much time outdoors as possible!
  
• More Halfs?
  I thought for sure when I crossed the finish line, my first thought would be...I want to run a full marathon! Luckily, that wasn't the case. I think the Half is a good place to live for awhile. I would love to run more in the future, but likely not this year.
  

The best part of the Half Marathon was the awareness level that Little P had about running. When I would come home from runs in my gear, she would exclaim "Mamma ran!". When she saw me running, she would say "No running! Slow down!"  She now runs outside (with T-Rex jogger arms) and says "I'm running!"

And to see her at mile 5 and 7 during the Half to give me a high five and kiss was worth every second of pain. 

Almost at the Figurative Finish Line

I can't believe my first Half Marathon is only two weeks away!

Over the past 10 weeks, I have run 146 cumulative miles and have done CrossFit about once a week. By the end of week 12, I will have run approximately 187 miles total as part of my training. 

Plus the 13.1 miles of the actual race!  Bringing it to 200 miles from March 12 to June 3. That's a disgusting amount of running (Imagine full marathon training! No thanks!)

The most difficult part over the last few months has been making the time for these runs. The normal schedule is 3x short-runs (conditioning) ranging between 3-5 miles, 1x cross-training (non running activity, for me it was CrossFit), 2x rest days (when possible I tried to do "active recovery" like walking), and of course....1x long-run (this is the number that goes up every week). 

This week's long run will be 11 miles over the weekend. 

Last week I experienced "runner's toe" after my 10 mile long-run. Basically your toes feel bruised and broken from trauma. Likely my foot was swelling and crowding the toe box of the shoe. That particular course was also very hilly which meant my toes were jamming into the front even more. Hoping to remedy the problem by switching to some softer, lighter shoes for my short-runs this week and investing in some better socks. 

Leading to my next point. Running is NOT free. It actually gets quite expensive once you get into long distance or competitive running. 

• Running shoes 
• Two pairs: lighter (short-runs) and more "heavy duty" (long runs)
• Apparel 
• Through trial and error...for me it was all about finding a highly supportive sports bra that actually fits and high-waisted athletic tights
• Gummies 
• To replenish as you burn on longer runs and for race day
• Flip-belt 
• To hold all your shit and be hands-free
• Blue-tooth headphones 
• To be distraction free, wire-free, especially when you're running for hours...and to jam to my sick playlists
• Foam roller 
• For working out sore muscles, to help with recovery
• Therapy Sessions 
• For maintenance and unexpected injuries
• Special cushioned socks 
• TBD if these will help me or not
• Sunglasses 
• Still need to find a sporty pair that wrap around slightly!
• Race day fee / Lodging / Travel / Food

The best part about the training journey has been the running buddies I've picked up along the way. Sometimes human, sometimes not (dogs!). My husband joined me for a few runs (yay Rob!), coworkers, and friends Angela and Cuan in London. Running in Italy for two weeks was also cool because sometimes I was running past memories of my life, as well as discovering new allies, historical sites, and beautiful nature I wasn't expecting. 

LASTLY - shameless plug. I really really really want to make my fundraising goal. People have been extremely generous so far, but unfortunately I hit a block a few weeks ago. And haven't had any new donations since.  I'm going to match 20% of whatever I raise. If I reach my goal of $2,000...that means I add another $400 to that amount. 

Please take a look! And thanks for reading. 
https://www.gofundme.com/JackieBosco

Winning is addicting

The end of the year added two great running accomplishments under my belt, and sparked an even greater one yet to be had. After an abnormally prolonged summer into a lightly crisp fall (the perfect running temperature), my training for the 10k led to successful race in both finish line time, and more importantly, overall experience. I ran side by side with my running mentor who wouldn't let me stop or slow down my pace. I finished all 6.2 miles with a headlamp, in the dark, in exactly 60 minutes. Seconds after crossing the finish line, my thought immediately was "I need to do a half marathon". Winning is addicting.

Before my running career came to a pause in 2017, I managed to get one more "trot" under my belt (post turkey trot to be precise). A strange distance (4k) which seemed like an easy way to break a "really fast" record with no need to reserve energy. However the fall had rapidly and cruelly turned into winter that day with below freezing temperatures along the Long Island coast. My lungs were not operating at 100%, but I still managed to finish in under 20 minutes (with a PR first mile of 8:40). 

What I have been up to since these adventures? Eating cookies, enjoying the holidays with family and friends, gaining some weight.

I am SO excited for 2018...the year of events!

• 5k in March
• 10k in April
• Spartan Sprint in May
• Half Marathon (13.1) in June
• Tough Mudder in July

What am I doing to train? Good question.  I'm still figuring that out. For January and February (right now), I'm trying to hit CrossFit 3x a week to build strength (...and well build everything), and rotating those off days with short runs indoor on a treadmill (anywhere between 2-4 miles). The idea behind the running is to maintain a baseline so that when I start proper Half training, I'm not starting from zero.

Official Half marathon training will begin in March lasting 12-16 weeks (still figuring out my exact programming). Those weeks will be intense and disciplined, containing a mix of a few short runs, cross training, rest days, and one long run per week.  I'm hoping to incorporate better nutrition (my weakness) into this part to help fuel and optimize my chance of success. 

I could use some help with meal planning and ideas!

Also let me know if you're interested in participating in any of these events with me!