#NotEatingAllTheThings (Week 12)

Read about previous weeks HERE.

This was the first week since the #NotEatingAllTheThings game started where I did not log my food one single time. I am still being fairly conscious of what I put in my mouth (I guess), but I wasn't tracking anything. I was still enjoying my beer and for REAL, the Lightning Strike by Rockyard Brewing is DELICIOUS. I had been doing my own "dark beer tour," but since I enjoy this one so much it is all I have bought in the last three weeks.

Tuesday - NKOTB concert!!! Opening band was Boyz II Men and they were GREAT. I kept thinking one of them might break a hip or something, but they sang all their "old stuff" and were enjoyable to watch. I was NOT impressed with 98*. Lots of awkward dance moves and they didn't sound great. Also, I was a bit disappointed with NKOTB's performance. They did sing some stuff off their new album, but this was probably my least favorite out of all the shows I have been to. Still a good time though!

Wednesday - 4ish mile run with run club. One of the better "road" runs I have had in a while. My last half mile was at a sub 9 pace!
Thursday - 5.5ish mile run on the treadmill AT THE GYM.
Friday - Tank top arms and abs/obliques
Saturday - 14 mile run with Hope. She was having some calf tightness/cramping so the pace was slow and there was a decent amount of walking. HOT.

Sunday - 8ish mile hike/run with Hope. Tried out some "new" trails just south of Boulder. I had mapped out a pretty cool route, but the trails signs were a bit confusing so we had to modify a bit. Fairly flat and not very technical. SUPER exposed.

Monday - Barre. And it still feels like The Hardest Ever. (Which probably is a good thing?)

Another good week! I managed to squeeze in a total of four runs, which as you know, is a pretty big deal lately. Also, did you notice? I DID NOT EVEN RACE THIS WEEK AND I STILL RAN ALMOST 33 MILES!! I've been taking it really slow and easy, so I didn't have any of my typical aches and pains. Do I possibly see the light at the end of the tunnel???

Weekly Loss - 1.4 pounds
Loss Since April 30 - 16 pounds

Interesting. I still cannot tell the difference when I look in the mirror. But then, one day, last week it was forecasted to be a bit chilly, so I wore pants:

Ignore my stretch marks. Huh. This is an interesting development.

Thoughts:

• Appetite is definitely down. I don't know why. It could either be because my stomach has actually gotten smaller. Maybe I have just trained myself to eat less? Or, I just have been a bit sad lately and that kind of makes me less hungry too. So, could be any number of things.
• I have hit my "goal" weight. I guess this means I am in maintain mode? But I am not even sure at this point HOW to do that. I don't feel like I am dieting right now. I guess maybe one less salad and one more burger??
• Related: So happy I can enjoy my beer.
• I am still not really sleeping very well and I am still tired a lot, but I hesitatingly say that my energy seems to be going up just a teeny tiny bit?
• I am NOT HATING running right now. I think part of it is that I have found someone to run my longer runs with and try out new trails with me. So happy Hope moved here!!
• I hit my fundraising goal!!!!!!! (Actually, I even exceeded it - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!)
• ARIEL GETS BACK ON SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!

Raffle Winners!!

Thank you SO much to everyone that donated during my raffle! I am a bit more than halfway to my fundraising goal, and of course, if you can, donations will be accepted HERE.

Random.org picked the winners:

Pro Compression socks -Suzanne Westenhofer
Pro Compression socks - Heather Gonzalez
Nuun (2 tubes) - Suzanne Westenhofer
$25 INKnBURN Gift Card - Renee Taylor
Black Newton Visor - Alex Dietrich
Yellow Newton Visor - Sarah Jordan
$25 INKnBURN Gift Card - Lisa Jameson


Email me ASAP with your name, mailing address and phone number to squirrelgirl44 (at) hotmail (dot) com and I will get your prizes sent out.

Again, thank you so much to everyone, especially Pro Compression and Newton that donated the goods for my raffle.

(Speaking of Pro Compression, the "sock of the month" is YELLOW - which is AWESOME, and you can pick them up for 40% off using the code SOM5).

Flash Giveaway #3!!! (Again?!!)

You do NOT want to miss this one!!

From now until... 5:00 pm MST on FRIDAY, April 12 (just over 48 hours)

Anyone that donates is automatically entered to win. There is NO minimum donation requirement, and you get ONE entry into the FLASH giveaway for every dollar donated. (Remember, to also be entered in my RAFFLE, a minimum $10 donation is required).

The giveaway this time???

I'm not giving away my sweet medals, but I am giving away a medal rack from ALLIED MEDAL!!

If somehow you have never heard of them or seen their awesome product line, PLEASE go to their website and see what they have to offer.

GIVEAWAY IS FOR ONE MEDAL RACK

(anything that is not "custom" can be chosen!)

Information on the raffle is HERE

You can donate HERE

Musings

Normally I would have saved this for a Thursday post, but I have the time today and I likely won't tomorrow.

• Mother Nature obviously hates me. Last year it was 82 for a high in Moab. This year (and the number keeps dropping) the HIGH is projected at 46 degrees. Which means I am going to freeze to death at night.
• Poor L is actually racing in Denver this weekend. Forecast here is even worse. HIGHS in the mid 20's (which obviously it will NOT be at the time she is racing) - and Saturday is predicting 4-8" of snow. I think I'll pick a cold 24 hour jaunt over that. Blech.
• Really curious to see how Moab goes. Last year I put in about 1000 miles of training for it. My brain broke and I dropped after 64ish miles. I have... less than half those miles in training this time around, and even the miles that I have been running have not felt easy or strong. Sooooo. Should be, um, yeah. Interesting.
• After Moab, I guess I need to maintain my mileage a bit since Eugene is just over 5 weeks away! Other than the Big Horn 50k in June, it is my only "distance" race on my schedule... um for the foreseeable future. There are, however, TONS of half marathons coming up. I guess that means I should work on speed a little bit. I'd love to "shatter" my current Colorado half marathon PR - 2:10ish range.
• Thanks to my "flash giveaway" the other day, WE raised $205!!! Thank so much to everyone that donated, I've notified the winner - Alex Detrick (he was in my tour group when I ran the Athens marathon in Greece in 2010) and I will be sure to post what he picks!
• I'm a little over a third of the way to my goal (YAHOO!!) - but of course, please donate if/when you can. You can donate HERE ($10 will still get you in my raffle - and the GUARANTEED prizes right now are Pro Compression marathon socks, Nuun AND a gift card for INKnBURN!) I am still working on getting more prizes, so keep checking back!
• Lately, A has really been into taking silly candid pictures. So, if you missed this on social media, here ya go!

I posted this on Facebook. My dad asked, "who is in the pictures with A?"

Lucky Louisville "5k" (Race Recap)

Saturday, March 16
Louisville, CO
A's 9th 5k
Weather - chilly and overcast

You might be wondering why the Lucky Louisville 5k is in " " - well, it was NOT a 5k... I've run one other race put on by this group, and that one also measured extremely short. No biggie to me, but for people who at least want to run their best, a short course can be extremely frustrating. I mean, how hard is it, really, in this day and age with GPS to measure a 5k? Anyway. That's my ONLY complaint (no, really!)

I thought I knew where the start area was, but then they just gave an intersection and warned an iPhone might tell me to go to Kansas. So.... we left early. We stopped on the way up and got pre-race fuel:

A had the one with the sprinkles - I'm NOT a huge sprinkle fan

We got there about 50 minutes before the race started. Out of all the races this weekend, I picked this one because it was close and it was inexpensive. $25 for me, and all kids under 8 were FREE. FREE!!! I picked up my bib (and really NICE shirt). Even though A's entry was free, she got a shirt (but no bib).

Since it was so chilly, we sat in the car until about 9:30, then we headed to use the bathroom. There was no wait so we were back in the car a few minutes later. We were literally only about 200 feet from the start line, so we didn't head over until 9:57 (with a 10 am start).

There was also a one mile option, and dogs AND strollers were allowed. It was a pretty small race though, and people were overall pretty considerate where they staged themselves. Those doing the 5k were asked to go to the "front" and we placed ourselves toward the back of the front (does that even make sense?)

A started off fast - always a concern for me since she tends to burn out fairly easily and then isn't too happy towards the end. She kept sprinting ahead and then stopping to wait. I told her she could just keep going, as it was a smallish race and I could see her ahead of me. We got to the turnaround point and that's pretty much when she started to get tired. Originally she told me she "wanted to catch the girl with the piggy tails" - but then she didn't really want to run.

Colorado isn't all that pretty in the dead of winter (yeah, I know "spring" is supposedly here this week but you wouldn't know it):

She jogged a large portion of what was left, and when we could start hearing the bagpipes, she knew we were close. She had been chasing a little boy (apparently HIS goal was to beat A - his mom kept saying - she's going to beat you!) and TOOK OFF with about a quarter mile to go. We did end up beating the little boy and his mom, and I barely was able to keep up with her to the finish.

Time - 28:07
Mile 1 - 11:34
Mile 2 - 13:10
Mile 2.35 - 9:14 (seriously, she is so fast!!)
 

A is wearing the race shirt - nice, right??

I (for the first time in my LIFE) had a cup of green beer. Overall, a fun day, but not something you want to run if you are super serious about the little things like accurate distance and such :D

PS - SEPARATE from my regular raffle, I'm doing a"flash giveaway" for anyone that donates to my fundraiser HERE. ANY donation I get today or tomorrow will be entered in to win a FREE INKnBURN tech tee of the winner's choice. ($10 minimum for the regular raffle). So get your entry in before 11:59 pm MST tomorrow!

The Worst Blogger Ever

That would be me...

• In a crazy turn of events, I have actually been... running. Like, not a 3-4 miles here and there. Still sticking to my promise of rebuilding my base and hoping I get some of my strength and speed back. To recap:
• Weds 3/6 - 7.5 miles ( 7 sets of 800's and other stuff)
• Thurs 3/7 - 7.0 miles
• Sat 3/9 - 6.01 miles
• Sun 3/10 - 9.1 miles
• Weds 3/13 - 8.12 miles (4 miles "easy", 4.12 @ "MP")
• That's almost 38 miles... of straight training. What.
• I've been awfully quiet about it, but in just over a week I am headed back to Moab. I didn't sign up for the 100 this time (THAT would be crazy). Optimistically I am signed up for the 24 hour division, and I plan on taking it easy and enjoying myself. I haven't even started checking the weather yet (although I'm totally going to the SECOND I am done with this blog post).
• Random yoga again:

•  Still miserably failing at fundraising. I think I'm tapped out... RAFFLE is still open until May 1... donate if you can.

Three Things Thursday

1. While I have not had that many GOOD runs lately, I have been sticking to my plan of rebuilding my base. I think it is helping, as I have run longer (and a bit faster) than I have in months. Not to mention, I was NOT that sore after running (WITH ZERO WALK BREAKS) the hilly Little Rock marathon on Sunday. I'd say that is some great progress!! I did speed work (AGAIN!!) for a total of 7.5 miles on Wednesday morning... before work!! I plan on another 7 or so tonight (or tomorrow morning). And a long run of some kind on Sunday. Hopefully outside if we don't end up having a blizzard on Saturday.

2. I finally went to yoga at my gym last night. For the past 18 months or so, I only have been going to yoga at Lululemon. And I LOVE going to yoga there. Different instructors every time means I have yet to be bored at a class. Anyway, going to yoga at my gym reminds me that I do not especially LIKE yoga there. The flow of the class is awkward and the first half always seems crazy easy with the second half filled with random and complicated balance moves that most people are afraid to even try. However, my body felt GREAT after taking the time to do some stretching. I really need to be better about it, I know it makes a huge difference.

3. Planning our race schedule this summer. WOW are there a lot of races in Colorado! I actually had to make a spreadsheet so I could track registration fees and when the price increases are. Average entry fee for a half right now is $54, with five costing less than $40! We have a lot of interesting races coming up that I can't wait to share with you all!

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT MY RAFFLE!! 
(I have added a NEW prize - which will hopefully sweeten the deal!)

February Rewind

All in all, I'd say I had a pretty "decent" month. Ever since I had that epiphany about rebuilding my base, I've really been working at doing a better job of logging more substantial training runs. Shorter runs a bit faster, and adding in runs over 6 miles again. I know, this is not rocket science, and yet... sometimes it seems like I make it just.that.complicated.

Miles - 105.31

Races - 2 half marathons (Super half and Ralston Creek), 1 marathon (IMS AZ)

Current aches - wah. The calves have gotten a lot worse, and I was having (right) hip issues during the last 10k or so of IMS AZ. I've been getting some deep tissue massage and trying to be a lot better about stretching. We'll see if this gets anything better in the long run.

Current goals:

• So hey, I'm apparently going back to Moab in three short weeks. If I didn't already mention it, I signed up for the 24 hour division. Certainly will be slower and probably more painful than last year since I'm WAY less train for it. Goal is to complete at least 50 miles. Last year I did about 100K (64.5ish) and of course I would like to do more than that, but probably not feasible. I *did* purchase a better headlamp, so hopefully I can move a bit faster in the dark. I'm REALLY excited for it this year - especially since I know a bit better what to expect. 
• Have a good race on Sunday at Little Rock. My last few marathons have been pretty blah - I'm hoping to get done with this one and be ok. Plus, I'd really love to be in "sub 5" shape for Eugene.
• I have ZERO half marathons in March (what??).
• Be more diligent with my training - really do some speed work (I did do 1.5 speed sessions - but I'd like to get that up to once a week.
• At LEAST one 7-8 mile run (non-racing) a week. After Eugene (end of April) and Big Horn (mid June), I am marathon/ultra-less until probably the end of September. I need to accept the fact that since I am not fast, my strong "base" is what makes me a better and more consistent runner. So yeah.

Current Obsession - You mean, BESIDES INKnBURN (use code BeckaToldMe for 15% off)??? These socks that I just ordered from Pro Compression - use code SOM3 - but if you are on the fence, order NOW, rumor has it they will sell out ASAP.

Don't forget about my raffle!!
(^^ new prizes added!)
ps - I have the Instagram now (squirrelgirl44)

It's a Raffle!!

I am doing something different this time!

As you know, I am fundraising for Lazarex, for entry into the Disneyland Dumbo Double Dare Challenge in September.

To kick-start donations, I am going to toss in some of my own money as incentive!

Rules:

1. Obviously any donation, no matter the size, is appreciated! However, for the raffle, a minimum $10 donation is required.

2. 1 entry per $5 donated. So if you donate the minimum $10 - you get two entries! Donate $25? Get 5 entries. Easy peazy!

3.  What do you GET?? I'm doing tiered giveaways based on OVERALL donations! The prizes are cumulative, so at every new level, just add it to the list of stuff I'm giving away. NEW PRIZES TO BE ADDED, THE LIST WILL JUST GET BETTER AND BETTER!

$10+ (This tier is guaranteed!)

• ONE pair of Pro Compression marathon socks

$100+(This tier is guaranteed!)

• ONE pair of Pro Compression marathon socks
• TWO tubes of Nuun (to one winner)

$200+ (This tier is guaranteed!)

• $25 INKnBURN gift card
• 1 black Newton visor
• 1 yellow Newton visor

$300+ (This tier is guaranteed!)

• $25 INKnBURN gift card

 $400+

• $25 INKnBURN gift card

$500+

• $25 INKnBURN gift card

$750+

• $25 Lululemon gift card

FUNDRAISING GOAL MET+

• $100 Runningwarehouse.com gift card

4. Since I'm an INKnBURN ambassador, I would love for my readers to get a shot at trying out the brand. If my 15% off code BeckaToldMe isn't enough, stack $25 free money on top of that and you'll be on your way to getting a great deal on the most stylish and unique gear out there! (To be clear, I am buying these out of pocket, these are not being provided by INKnBURN for this raffle - I love the brand THAT much that I want others to love it too!)

Also up for grabs - marathon socks from Pro Compression!! Two pairs are available for two winners!! (Even if you don't win - you should check them out! They consistently have GREAT deals!)

If I raise enough, I added in a gift card to Lululemon. Everyone should have ruffles on their skirt (or, if you are a guy, it looks like their non-ruffly men's stuff is also pretty sweet.)

Source

I also thought about just giving away a pair of shoes, but people are so picky about their shoe choices. INSTEAD... I am going to throw in a $100 gift card to runingwarehouse.com - That's enough either for a pair of shoes or a large chunk of a pair. If you have never bought from them, they ship SECOND DAY AIR FOR NO SHIPPING COST. I've bought from them for years and they are top notch.

5. From now until May 1, donate for a chance to win! NEW donations from today, February 22 through May 1 are eligible for entry in the raffle. (Raffle extended - March 1)

6. This is a great opportunity for BOTH males and females!!

7. I will post weekly occasional updates with donations received for reference.

• As of February 28 - $25 in total donations
• As of March 6 - $25 in total donations 
• As of March 20 - $230 in total donations
• As of April 18 - $355 in total donations

8. Please be sure to leave me a comment on this post that you have donated so I can track. Thank you!

9. Winners must notify me via email - squirrelgirl44 (at) hotmail (dot) com by MONDAY, MAY 6 to claim their prizes! I will then get your gift card emailed to you within 48 hours OR your prize mailed to you (if applicable).

Why wait... start now! Donate HERE. 

•  Remember, your donation is tax deductible.
• The service budget for Lazarex is 83% (or $0.83 of every dollar) and annual operating expenses are 17%. Since Lazarex founders cover the cost of annual operating expenses, 100% of each dollar you raise or donate goes directly to our patient program services.
•  Lazarex Cancer Foundation builds a bridge to hope, dignity and life for cancer patients and their families. 
• They provide financial assistance to defray the costs associated with patient participation in FDA clinical trials.
• They help patients navigate their clinical trial options and provide community education and outreach services.
• They provide resources for cancer patients who’ve been told they have no other options, but who are not yet done with their journey in life and refuse to give up now.

(Sort Of) Wordless Wednesday

Who am I kidding? Of course I have things to say.

So Monday, A didn't have school because of President's Day. Actually, she didn't have school last Friday either. Lucky. Since I had been gone most of the weekend racing in Arizona, I took a half day off from work so we could hang out a bit. I left work at noon and we had lunch, then drove up to Chautauqua Park in Boulder.

One of my duties as an Ambassador for INKnBURN, obviously, is to get some "real life" shots of me wearing the gear - what better way to spread the word, than through... pictures? A was pretty excited about going for a hike (I figured even dead and brown foothills are more scenic than the city) even though it was in the upper 30's and CRAZY WINDY.

These were my two favorite pictures she got of me:

Lotus Camisole and Performance Denim

Red Sakura Pullover and Performance Denim

A says, "I LOVE HIKING!"

It was a super fun afternoon and we can't wait to go back when the weather is a bit warmer.

And if you still haven't taken the plunge and tested out some INB for yourself, set up an account and use the discount code BeckaToldMe and save 15% off your order. This is HUGE!

Unrelated: I participated in a plank challenge. Goal was one hour of planks in one week. I missed the first 2 days because I didn't know about it and only did a few minutes on marathon day. To help catch up, I did A BILLION minutes yesterday (over 20, in sections of 1.5-3 minutes), ending the challenge with just over 53 minutes. My abs are angry.

Also unrelated: Since there were zero donations in the last week, I will hold on to my tube of Nuun. I'm at a loss for a better way to raise money. I had luck before when I was giving away a ton of stuff, but I'm not able to do that this time around. Any other suggestions? I still have about $800 to raise (I have until mid August, but the more time that passes, the more nervous I get about reaching my goal).

Anyway, donation link is in my sidebar or HERE.

Wordy Wordy Wednesday...

Maybe I'll just start doing ALL my posts as bullet lists (other than race recaps?)

• So hey, I'm running a marathon on Sunday. I sure hope I survive. My calf pain has gotten pretty bad. Not to mention I went to Chaos for the first time in ages and I am so sore I can barely move.
• Related - I have that doctor's appointment tomorrow. Cross your fingers that I just have some dumb vitamin deficiency or something.
• Fundraising, fundraising... Click HERE to donate!
• Team Lazarex provides financial assistance to defray the costs associated with patient participation in FDA clinical trials. Additionally, they help patients navigate their clinical trial options and provide community education and outreach services. Their mission is to provide resources for cancer patients who've been told they have no other options, but who are not yet done with their journey in life and refuse to give up now. 
• Anyone who donates $10 between now and February 20 (one week from today) will be eligible to win a tube of Nuun (my choice of flavor, sorry!). Comment on this post that you want to be included, I'll post a winner on the 21st.
•  I created a "bio" for INKnBURN when I was chosen as an Ambassador (it's actually a Power Point, but I converted to pictures for my lovely followers):

•  Speaking of INKnBURN - did you notice I have a code on my blog where you can save 15% on EVERYTHING they sell??? Use code BeckaToldMe at checkout.
• Did you notice on the last slide of my "bio" that I stated I wanted to do the Transrockies Run??? Well, you can join me! Use code rebeccatrr and save $100 off your entry! This is good on both the RUN3 and RUN6 options. Mid August, say YES!!
• I swiped a few pictures from my race on Sunday: 

Mile 3.75

Mile 12

FINISH!