The training for my 1/2 marathon continues!! Here is an update on my recent training adventures. You might notice one thing I either missed a day or couldn’t count to 10 either way I hope you enjoy the training posts! Only a few short days!!!!
Only 4 days till the big race! I had an ok yoga class today, didn’t have the usual instructor so it was so/so. The instructor we had was just starting and we were her first class. Can’t be too sad about that, we all start somewhere and she did great for a 1st class!
My day started with my favorite breakfast, banana but Cheerios a banana and 1/2 cup of milk. Yummmm I always look forward to this during my morning workout!
This race is really happening!! Received my bib number and parking pass today. Wow, is it Sunday yet?! I am so excited.
There are two things I am nervous about for race day 1) how in the heck to start the race with over 15,000 people 2) how can we be sure my family sees me finish? Running friends any advice would be helpful!!
*Also thanks to my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Mike for this Awesome new workout gear!
Only 5 days to go!!! Throughout my training I have ran in snow, ice, rain, misty rain, super hot temps, and below zero temps. Today it was 32 degrees, I couldn’t take another cold run!!! I headed indoors to the recreation center. 7 good miles!!
I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas One week from today and I will be taking on my first 1/2 Marathon. I don’t know what I am most excited for the actual race, seeing my parents, or jumping in my #1 supporters arms (Dana) after I cross the finish line. Let me remind you the guy sat through over 20 outfit try-ons at lululemon
Have a great week all!
Last long run before the race!!!! I can’t believe it!!! Had an amazing long run today, ran in the cheetahs (new running shoes) they felt great for the long run).
Went shopping at Lululemon today for my 1/2 running outfit. I am not going to post a picture as I am sure there will be plenty next weekend. Dana deserves an award, he sat though over 20 outfit try-ons. I even splurged and purchased this hoodie I have been eyeing up for months
After my long run today I thought wow, I am ready for this race!!! I feel very ready…so duces and a duck face, Cleveland 1/2 marathon I am coming for you and I WON’T be holding back!!!
A rainy morning brought me inside to the dreadmill. Pushed through and had a great workout.
Not much to say today besides…TGIF!
Had a great morning run today! Really enjoyed every second of it. I needed a good run like this
It’s also Emma Jo’s 3rd Birthday today! Here she is with her doggy “ice cream”. It’s really rawhide in the shape of ice cream. Emma and her sister both had a scoop.
Have a great evening!
Joined my friends at the recreation center for some fun interval training Hopefully my last interval training before the 1/2. I always enjoy my time with Jess and Kcey as they are great supporters and have been very helpful with my training.
Upon my return home I saw my favorite cherry tree is in full bloom! Overall a wonderful productive day.
Yoga was great tonight. Only two of us in class, I think the instructor took it up a notch. After the session the other lady seemed upset as she couldn’t get her body into one of the poses. Our instructor helped her and then said the quote I posted on this photo
This is very true with everything we try with our bodies, remember this is YOUR journey with YOUR body. Don’t spend your time comparing it to others, push yourself and celebrate what you can do. We might not run the fastest, or very far BUT we are doing it!! Celebrate that…
Monday, Monday, Monday… Always a challenge, but once again a beautiful morning. Was slow and tired this am, my body is once again looking forward to tomorrow’s “off” day and Yoga!
Still loving the new shoes, they do make my feet feel like cheetah wheels
Came in from my run and saw this little cutie! Emma has a big week this week and will be turning 3. So her cute little face will make a couple appearances this week.
Happy Monday!
My run today wasn’t my best, I think my runs after my long runs usually stink. However, it’s still a run I completed.
Not to long ago I realized the waist band of my shorts had a nice little saying, thought I’d share. These are the only shorts I current own haha!
Planted our outside planters today, beautiful pink flowers. I will take a better picture has they full in the planter more.
Dana made his famous burgers tonight on the grill, fantastic!!! I thought I’d take a picture of my dinner as I have heard MANY of times that people on weight watchers can’t eat a lot, or direct comments to me saying well you don’t eat. Think again!!!
I also tried a new recipe today. Mushed ripe bananas with quick oats and a few chocolate chips YUMM!!! Very easy and surprisingly good.
Two weeks from today and I will hopefully be sitting in my living room with my family after COMPLETING my very first 1/2 marathon ekkkkkkkkk only 2 weeks to go!!!!!!!!
Only one more long run before the big event!! 13.5 miles today, felt pretty good!
Up early to get my long run in as this afternoon we have tickets for the Indians Vs. Twins baseball game. Fueled up with a post run breakfast, now time to get ready for the game.
Sorry Indian fans…GO TWINS!!!!!
Felt very tired this morning but still went out and ran. Another beautiful morning, made it work getting my butt out of bed.
Haven’t had a full week of running outside in a LONG time. Usually have to go to the dreadmill but not this week!!! I have a feeling running outside burns more calories than inside as I have been ravenous all week!! Definitely needed my 3:00 apple!!
Hoping for more energy during my run tomorrow happy Friday, TGIF!!
Another beautiful day!! Loved every second of my morning run, it’s so nice not having to wear layers!
Switched out my shoes today!!! Have to break in my new cheetah wheels (thanks to my amazing husband). Had a great first run with them.
It’s been a great day! Started off with a great run, my favorite breakfast of Cheerios and a banana, picked up my usual coffee on my ride in and they have my favorite flavor again (toasted southern pecan), lastly the radio was rocking out some New Kids on the Block (the right stuff).
Hope you all are having an equally awesome day!
Up and out the door early this morning. Had a nice 7.5 mile run, it was a beautiful morning!!!
I have has some issues with my armband fitting right after some issues my husband fixed it! (Thanks Dana)
Lately I have a small addiction to diet orange crush, so very good. Helped me get over the 3:30 mark.
Looking forward to enjoying this evening outside.
Today is my day off from running. My body always thanks me
Had my Tuesday Weight Watchers meeting and enjoyed it like always Great conversations with other members today.
Ended the day with my Tuesday 1hour yoga class. Amazing!!! Helps stretch my muscles and for 1 hour my mind chatter stops…
Happy Tuesday!
Jamie Johnston's Journey 
Most of all, congratulations on reaching many of your health/fitness goals.
As a “retired” distance runner (loss of cartilage in left knee), here is some advice.
1. Before the race, find a porta potty line with more men in it than women….you will proceed much faster.before the race
2. Don’t worry where you start the race. Assuming it’s chip timed, it doesn’t matter. Plus, don’t let your adrenaline override common sense and start too fast – 13 miles is not a walk in the park.
3. Based on what you told the PD reporter, your ONLY goal should be to finish the race, not set a personal record. This race result will be your personal record because you have not run this race distance before. You will take away a lot of knowledge from this race which you can incorporate into your strategy for the next one.
4. Stop at every water stop; I mean, STOP. Grab a Gatorade or H20 and WALK, DON’T RUN, for at least 30-60 seconds. You’ll avoid spilling the drink and allow your legs to rejuvenate. Also, it is OK to take walking breaks – highly recommended for beginners.
Have fun and best of success.
Joel Howson
Middleburg Heights
I happened upon your story through your friend Amy’s blog and I wanted to say congratulations for your hard work up until this point and good luck on your first half marathon. I share a similar experience, although not nearly as remarkable as yours! I started running 3 years ago in a last ditch effort to lose weight and soon found that as the weight came off, my love for running grew into a passion (and obsession!). Never having done any kind of race at all, I completed my first half marathon in beautiful Bryce Canyon Utah in 2010. After getting a few halfs under my belt I needed something bigger to test myself with. I completed my first marathon – Top of Utah Marathon in Logan, Utah – in September 2011. This Saturday I will be running my 4th (!), the Ogden Marathon. My 5th is already on the calendar in September… I have what my running friends and I call “The Sickness”. Sounds like you’re afflicted too! 🙂
I guess my point in telling you all this is never stop pushing yourself and testing your limits. You never know what you can accomplish! Good luck and best wishes on your race.
Jamie! This may be your first Half but you are WAY WAY beyond prepared and are ready to rock this race! Soak up every minute of the experience and looking forward to seeing you cross the finish line! All your hard work will pay off!