Haters gonna hate

Yes. The weather has been less than optimal. Which has resulted in running in sub 10 degrees windchill, ice, and snow. These runs have been described as "crazy" by some. They are half right, because I instead feel we are "dedicated," so haters are welcomed to say "crazy dedicated."

This is an ongoing word thrown around at dedicated runners and triathletes, (well all athletes). I have been told it was "crazy" that I work out at 4:45 am or run right after work. In fact, once I was leaving on a run from work (on a 40 degree day), and someone told me it was crazy that I was going on a run. At that point, I was so put off by this comment, I simply replied, "it would be crazy not to."

It's frustrating and annoying to hear this, because most these people have never tried. Why not run? You can do it anywhere, anytime  Why not workout at 4:45? Less traffic, my kids are sleeping, start my day out right. Why run in the cold? Or even heat? As long as you are smart about it, why not. You never know race day conditions, as "a smooth sea never made a smooth sailor." And as an added bonus, it's the cheapest way to prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cerebralvascar accidents. #nobrainer 

So I will continue with my crazy 4:45 workouts, because that's the only time nobody needs me. Because God gave me a gift, (actually to many of us), two good legs to run. As a result, I will run till I can run no more. 

New Year, New Endeveours

 I have never liked New Year's. Something about new year gives me anxiety. It's the pressure of finding new things to conquer when you're still feeling guilty about the things you didn't do. But I'm proud to say 2015 was a success. My husband and I wrote our 2015 goals over a fancy bottle of wine, and he said the times were lofty. Looking back at them, taped in the mirror up every day of 2015, I can say we successfully got them. Even the crazy fast times we set for ourselves.

This year we did not set goals or "resolutions." I'm instead trying to live by three simple rules. Strengthen my marriage, strengthen my relationship my children, (FYI LOVING the Pope's Top ten resolution revs on his blog Word on Fire, Catholic or not, worth reading,) and help others.  I did not set PR goals. If they happen, they happen. And it was a TOTAL honor to be one of the 33 Festival 500 Mini Marathon ambassadors, a sign to help others PR this year. So that's the plan.

1) I'm running with Mini with my husband. I DO NOT run well with others. But the hubby is not a fan of distance, but he runs a mad 5K. So with the right training, he can conquer this. We already have three FAST runs together under are belt this year, and loving it. He's faster and stronger the he thinks and not does it give himself credit 😊

2) I hope to have a training run, if possible, with every referral I got for the mini. So far, I have 18 referrals, and 18 friends to get a training run in with prior to the race. And for those who haven't signed up, go to Indy Mini to sign up, and use me as your referral! I can't wait to run with all of you and have fun along the way.

3) Leading a pace go up for Connection Pointe Mini Matathon Program. With 10 Indy Mini's and a few other half marathons under my belt, I'm excited to share my experience. I'm never seen a better program that focuses on the physical and emotional aspect of training. This program is a MUST if you are struggling with any aspect of training. 

And to help some of my newbies (or oldies) get on track, here are a few of my favorite app's to help:

• Nike running. Before I got my Garmin, my personal favorite. Tracks your runs, pace, training PR's, and time/pace. I've done a lot of apps before and this seems most accurate. Cost: free. 
• Map my Run: I've only used the free version. I don't find the miles/pace as accurate. However, I use it to map longer runs out before directly on the Internet, not the app, which has been pretty accuracy. The paid version app lets you map within the app. Cost: free, 2.99. Several other version I have not trialed also available. 
• Walk, Jog, Run: suggested by a friend who used it to track her 1000+ miles in 2015, (BTW-way to go Jen). Tracks workouts and does stars for weeks, months, years, per workout. (I may have to get this one). Cost: 4.99. Apple only 😔
• My Fitness Pal: Best. Food. Tracking. App. Ever. Have everything. Including the Starbucks Cake pops you have no business eating. I finally lost all my baby Jude weight when I used this religiously. And if you have a Garmin with Garmin Connect, (another great app), your calories burned automatically upload.

As for my race plans in 2016...with a family and kids, nothing can really be set in stone. Kids sports and my husband still taking classes, family is always first and foremost. But the Festival 500 Mini Marathon and Monumental Marathon are registered for as my big Spring and Fall training. I am really hoping to do my first half Ironman in July, and will make that decision by April. Aside from that, I will fit in a few spring or Olympic Triathalon and shorter races, depending on my familily's schedule. I typically have do Tri-Insanity, Eagle Creek, and Tri-Indy, but we shall see! I am proud to say I have qualified for Age Group triathlon nationals again, I'm not sure if it will be in the cards.

Looking forward to great things in 2016-Happy New Year and Training to all!