Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

Weekly Rundown – Marathon Prep Week 1 + It’s a Dream

Today was a beautiful day here in Colorado with sunny skies and highs in the mod 50s. It’s something I love so much that we get little breaks in the winter to thaw out a bit.

Emerald had school this morning so Cannon and I hit the pavement for a quick 3 mile run before doing school together.

I have dreamed for a long time of running while my kid(s) ride their bikes and I love it so much. Poor kid has to wait for me a lot but he is patient and makes everything so much fun. Also he must have grown a lot recently, we need to raise that bike seat!

After Emmy got home from school the kiddos went outside to play because there is still snow to play with and you can’t pass up a beautiful afternoon like the one we had.

In the evening Emmy had gymnastics for the first time in a very long time and I am so excited that we are back in sports, so many things were on pause because of Covid and it feels good to be back to more normal activities.

Emmy loved her coach and her favorite part was the “foam pit” that she got to jump into.

I signed up for my 10th marathon that will happen in May so prep started last week. I feel like I am starting out as a beginner again after so many years off and a two and a half year injury. I am going to be spending the next couple weeks getting ready, getting my body used to running more and all the habits in line to start full on training in a few weeks.

Here is what week 1 of prep looked like:

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Monday:  Quick 2 mile run on the treadmill

Tuesday: 3 miles on the treadmill + Strength training

Wednesday: Just 1.5 miles chasing the kids around the lake

Thursday: 2 miles on the treadmill with strides

Friday: 3.5 miles on the treadmill in the late afternoon, I really need to get up early to run because my body hates running later in the day.

Saturday: Quick little run before a ski day.

Sunday: 4 miles outside in the snow, I probably should have made this closer to 6 miles for a long run for the week but I want to be very careful and not injure myself.

Totals: Just 17ish miles and a couple strength training sessions. I really need to add in more strength, PT + Core everyday and spin so that I can get to the starting line strong and healthy. Lots of room for improvement.

Anyone else starting training for a race?

Weekly Rundown – 50 Mile Training Week One

This week officially starts my training for the Mt. Hood 5o Miler. I am still not feeling great and my base is not where I want it to be, but my plan calls for 24 weeks of training and that is where I am at.

For now I am focusing on time on feet not miles so I don’t get caught up in tying to do too much too fast or comparing to past years.

This is how the week went down:

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Monday:  An hour easy jog before dragging my sorry butt to the doctor to try to get better already.

Tuesday: About 45 minutes easy with the kiddos in the stroller.

Wednesday: About 40 minutes on the treadmill, with a little speed work. I have been enjoying the treadmill way more than normal lately.

Thursday: About 90 minutes on the treadmill with some progression miles.

Friday:  Just 20 minutes to get moving, Cannon had a hard night and didn’t go to school. Have you ever woken up to the sound of a child throwing up in your bed? I do now…..

Saturday: I got up with the family and enjoyed breakfast together before 30 minutes on treadmill. These early base training days are so nice when half the weekend isn’t spent running.

Sunday: So glad to be back to Sunday long run days! It’s not really that long but 90 minutes total makes me feel like there is progress and maybe a chance for July.

Kids playing at the park while I ran

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Totals: Just about six hours for the week plus a couple core and strength sessions that I didn’t record. It’s a start.

The goal for this coming week is to follow the plan as written and drink 100 oz of water a day.

What are you up to this week?

Weekly Rundown – 50 Mile Training Weeks 11 and 12

The last two week have been a whirlwind! How is it that we are approaching the end of June!?! For week 11 I was focused on getting all my runs in and made acceptable progress. Last week was a scheduled recovery week. I don’t know that I have ever welcomed a recovery week more than this last week! It was Cannon’s third birthday on Monday and we had lots of activities planned, it was nice to focus on work and family and just let running take a backseat for a week. I feel so refreshed and ready to get back at it after taking the week EASY. I did run everyday to keep the streak alive but somedays it was just a mile or two =)

This is how the last two weeks went down:

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WEEK 11

Monday:  Late night treadmill run of just over a mile. This was one of those runs that was not that fun but just to keep the streak alive.

Tuesday: Up early to run 4 miles around the lake, I love the early sunrise of these summer days. Added some strides into the last mile to get the legs moving.

Wednesday: Four miles again in the morning, this time searching for hills.

Thursday: 6 miles on the treadmill to fit in miles before Cory headed to work. It is possible I will need to start getting up earlier to get longer mid-week runs in.

Friday:  Cory had the day off of work and could spend the morning with the kids so I drove to Boulder to run on the trails. The views are INCREDIBLE!

16 miles on the trails felt great, excited about what lies ahead as the miles increase. Also I am going to have to figure out how to refill my pack mid-run. About 16 miles in the heat is my limit so trips back to the car or something will have to be worked out.

Saturday: Out early for a quick 10 miles around the neighborhood.

Can you see all of the hot air balloons?

Sunday: Since it was Father’s Day I didn’t want to be away from family. We had the best day planned doing some of our favorite things:

Hiking/jogging around turquoise lake in Leadville

We then spent the rest of the day eating pizza, and hanging out with family

Totals: 44 miles running – I was hoping for a few more miles but it was worth it to get some quality family time in for Father’s Day.

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Week 11 

Monday: It was Cannon’s birthday, and I was so happy to get to spend the day with him! I piled the kids into the double for a quick run.

I didn’t get very far before a friend let me know that there was A BEAR IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD! This photo was taken less than a mile from where we were so we cut it short and headed home for a total of 1.7 miles.

We do live in Colorado so it’s not at all surprising to see owls, rabbits, coyotes and prairie dogs but bears are pretty crazy!

Tuesday: I wanted to get some strength training in so I did a quick 1.25 miles on the treadmill as warm up then did some strength work.

Wednesday: 4 miles around the lake.

Thursday: 3 early morning miles with the sunrise. I am enjoying these shorter miles this week but also looking forward to ramping it back up.

Friday:  Quick 1.5 mile warm up on the treadmill before strength training.

Saturday: Late night treadmill run, I am not a great evening runner, once the kids are down I am ready to crash but I didn’t get up early so 9pm was my only time to run – the streak continues.

Sunday:  Last easy day so we went with a hilly 1.72 hike/run

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Totals: 14.3 miles this week plus a couple strength training sessions. I don’t know if it is advisable to cut it back THAT much when training for an ultra but with Cannon’s birthday on Monday and prepping for his party on Saturday it was nice to put running on the back burner and focus on other things. I feel refreshed and ready to go after it for the next big block!

How is your training going? Happy Running!

WEEKLY RUNDOWN – 50 MILE BASE TRAINING WEEKS 8, 9 and 10

It’s been a few weeks since I have posted about my training but I am still here, pushing on trying to get my milage up. I have been frustrated by how I am still fighting a bug I caught back at the begining of on May, turns out a bad cold turned into bronchitis that has now been diagnosed as a sinus infection. Sometimes it feels like I am trying to claw my way up a hill but I will keep showing up, doing my best to complete what I set out to do. Finish a 50 mile race.

In happier news I am LOVING how early it’s getting light out. I can run out the door at 5am without a headlamp and that is an amazing feeling! Also it’s so much warmer so I don’t have to put on 10 layers as to not freeze.

This is how the last three weeks went down:

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WEEK 8

Monday:  After being gone in the mornings over the previous weekend I really wanted to be sure I was home for the kids when they woke up. Just 2 miles on the treadmill to shake out the weekend before mom duty started.

Tuesday: Woke up to a late May snow so I put off my run until after Cory got home from work. We did our best to save our trees but some of them still have a distinct droop. By the afternoon most of the snow was gone and I was able to get just over 3 miles in before dinner time.

Wednesday: Up early for 5.3 miles on the treadmill with some strides in the last mile to keep things interesting.

Thursday: Normally I like to get my run done in the morning but I was feeling particularly bad. Unknowingly I was suffering from the sinus infection and I felt worst in the morning. By the afternoon I felt good enough to go to the gym. Emmy is doing better at being left at the child center so I got in just over 6 miles on the treadmill.

Friday:  Finally back outside for a beautiful hilly 4 mile loop.

Saturday: Out early for 8 miles around the neighborhood.

Sunday: On Sunday drove out to one of my favorite trails for a beautiful morning run.

I forgot to check the trail closures before going out and got stumped a couple times.

The trail closure had me running in a new direction on part of the trail I hadn’t been on before so it wasn’t all bad news. I got in 13.2 miles and some great time on the trails.

Totals: 41.5 miles running – slow and steady progress!

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Week 9 

Monday: Memorial day! So nice to have a long weekend and time to be grateful for all those who sacrificed for us. We met our cousins to take the kids for a hike and have a picnic. 2 miles on the trails with some of my favorite people.

Tuesday: 4.2 progression miles on the treadmill before the kiddos woke up. Even with the longer days and warmer weather, the treadmill is still a great tool to get my miles in.

Wednesday: 6 miles around the ‘hood in the morning, searching for hills.

Thursday: Out for 4 miles in the morning.

I wanted a little bit more for the day so I ran the kids to and from the park to add another 1.5ish miles.

Friday:  I wasn’t feeling great in the morning again so I put off my run until nap time and was able to get 6.5 miles in on the treadmill.

Saturday: Saturday was meant to be my long run day of at least 14 miles but we had a birthday party to get to mid morning so I only made it 10 miles before having to race home. I know as the kids get older the busier we will be and the better I will have to get at fitting the miles in!

Sunday: Second “Longish” run for the week of 10 miles

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Totals: 44.2 miles running. I am excited that I am finally getting some miles out on the trails but after writing this all out I am surprised at how much time I am still spending on the treadmill. Now to figure out when strength training can be fit in (always the case).

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Week 10 

Monday: Progression run on the rec center treadmill, started out very easy and sped up. 3 miles total.

Tuesday: Early morning 4 mile run, feeling grateful for early morning sunrises.

Wednesday: Another 4 mile run, was intended to be longer but I got up too late and fit in what I could.

Thursday: Another afternoon 3 mile treadmill run at the rec.

Friday:  Got up early and enjoyed a beautiful 6 mile easy run.

Saturday: Drove to Boulder to get some more time on the trails. 12.6 miles enjoyed in the sunshine.

Sunday: Second long run of the week of 13.2 miles enjoying all the green around, it likely won’t last so I will enjoy it while I can! I was tired and heavy on this run, not surprising as I have been increasing my milage and adding to my back-to-back long runs. I was tired but pretty proud of myself when I got home.

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Totals: 50.1 miles, WooooHooooo, I have been working towards a total of 50 miles for a while now and I am so happy yo finally crack it. Now to just keep moving forward. =)

Happy Running!

WEEKLY RUNDOWN – 50 MILE BASE TRAINING WEEKS 5 and 6

I missed posting my update last week so this will be the last two weeks. Just three more weeks before I start my specific 50 mile training for 20 weeks. Getting so close to starting is making it feel very real and a little scary.

This is how the last two weeks went down:

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WEEK 5

Monday:  3 easy miles on the treadmill in the morning + 40 minutes of strength training. Always feels good to get it done before the kids get up!

Tuesday: Out the door early for 8 hilly miles. It was cold but I got to witness a beautiful sunrise.

Wednesday: A quick 2.5 mile warm up on the treadmill then 40 minutes of strength training.

Thursday: Six miles (OUTSIDE AGAIN) it really feels like spring is finally here.

Friday:  3.75 miles on the treadmill with some strides in the last mile for fun.

Saturday: Winter showed back up but didn’t stick around too long. I got to wait until it was light out =) 6.3 miles on the bike paths.

Sunday: I needed to get 12 miles in before a birthday brunch for my mom. I didn’t want to go outside with it being so dark for all 12 miles so I ran the first 4 on the treadmill while the sun came up then finished 8.2 miles outside.

Totals: 42 miles running and 2 strength training sessions.

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Week 6 – Recovery Week!

Monday:  Just 1 mile warmup on the treadmill then 30 minutes of Strength

Tuesday: I got to bed really late on Monday night after doing on a bunch of paperwork for work so I wasn’t feeling it for a 4 am wakeup call. I hit the treadmill during nap time. I don’t usually like to leave my running for nap time because you never know what you’re going to get but I was lucky and was able to fit in 5.5 miles before Emmy woke up.

Wednesday: Easy 2 miles in the morning and strength training.

Thursday: 5.6 hills miles outside in the dark.

Friday:  Quick miles around the hood.

Saturday: 4 trail miles with the sunrise.

Sunday: “Longish” run for the week of 8 miles

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Totals: A solid cut back to just 27.2 miles and 2 strength training sessions.

It has been nice getting out more, now if the sunrise could just start at 4:30 that would be great!

Now to kick the miles back up to 45+ for this week!

I am linking up with the new Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly!

I am also linking up with  #RIOTS (Running Is Our Therapy Sisters) This is a great accountability group of bloggers, you should join too! The hosts are: Brandi at Funner Runner, Anna Louise at Gracious Warrior Princess, Briana at Mat.Miles.Medals, Meghan at Meghan on the Move, Jenn at Runs With Pugs and Elizabeth at Train With Bain

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Are you getting out more, is it spring yet where you are?

WEEKLY RUNDOWN – 50 MILE BASE TRAINING WEEK 4

We survived the bomb cyclone this week, which made for a not very interesting week in running. Also I think the kids are sick of winter at this point too, Cannon asks to go outside to the park everyday now. I do have some hope that after the blizzard we have finally turned a corner and spring is on it’s way.

This is how the week went down:

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Monday:  after a bigger weekend I like to take Mondays easy so just 2 easy miles on the treadmill before the kids wake up. I am getting more used to the 4am alarm but it’s still not easy.

Tuesday: With the time change it is just too dark for me to run outside for me but I think I will be breaking out my headlamp soon. 6.11 mile progression run on the treadmill.

Wednesday: Another morning treadmill run (are you bored yet, because I am) 3.1 mile easy run then strength training while watching The Bachelor finale. Then the weather rolled in and I think the kids are sick of playing inside.

Thursday: We survived the storm but it will still be a couple days before roads and sidewalks are clear. Just two easy miles on the treadmill before the kids woke up.

Friday:  I think this is the day my mental strength broke a bit for the treadmill. I was supposed to run a little longer but could only make it 3 miles before giving up and doing some strength training.

Saturday: Finally getting to run outside for the first time for the week! There were still many icy spots to dodge but it felt amazing to run outside. 6.87 miles outside with Cory and the kids flew by!

Sunday: Back on the treadmill for a little over 11 miles. The weather was nice but we had a really busy day planned so the only time I had to run was early in the morning. I didn’t want to try to brave the icy spots in the dark. At least I think I have built my treadmill tolerance back up since 11 miles didn’t feel that long. The rest of the day was beautiful and I enjoyed spending it with my family instead of out running.

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Totals: 34.2 miles running ( Just one run outside) and 2 strength training sessions.

I am linking up with  #RIOTS (Running Is Our Therapy Sisters) This is a great accountability group of bloggers, you should join too! The hosts are: Brandi at Funner Runner, Anna Louise at Gracious Warrior Princess, Briana at Mat.Miles.Medals, Meghan at Meghan on the Move, Jenn at Runs With Pugs and Elizabeth at Train With Bain

I am also linking up with the new Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly!

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How is your training going?

Are you looking forward to spring and summer running weather?

Weekly Rundown – 50 Mile Base Training Week 3

Week Three of base training in the books and really the only thing I can complain about is the weather and I will try not to since we are all locked in this endless winter together. I am happy with how my legs held up with the bump in milage and excited to keep building up my base.

This is how the week went down:

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Monday:  Woke up feeling tired and sore from the previous Sunday’s long run so just hopped on the treadmill for a couple miles and some strength training.

Tuesday: The weather has still been not so fun here in Colorado so I ran eight miles on the treadmill. This was a big accomplishment for me mentally as I am out of mental shape for running on the treadmill. I used to have a lot more tolerance for it but I am slowing bringing it back up.

Wednesday: Another two miles on the treadmill as a warm up for some strength training. Watched the Bachelor for my entertainment. It’s a weird season.

Thursday: I was not feeling spunky so just a mile on the treadmill. I think I all the running inside is getting to me. Also did some stretching and stability work.

Friday:  Cory had the day off so I waiting until nap time and actually got to run outside!! It was cold and windy but so worth it for the fresh air for five miles.

Saturday: It was crazy windy and after freezing on Friday I didn’t feel up to running outside so I jumped on the treadmill for 3 miles. I watched From Fat to Finish Line

Sunday: So glad to be back to Sunday long run days! I slept in (until 5:30 when Emmy wakes up, good thing she is cute!) but wasn’t happy about losing an hour over night. I waited until Emerald went down for her morning nap so I would have more light. It was a pleasant 30 degrees and not TOO windy for a ten mile run. It was a slow run but my legs never felt too bad so I am going to call it a win!

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Totals: 31.1 miles running ( Over half of those miles on the treadmill) and 2 strength training sessions.

The goal for this coming week is to follow the plan as written and drink 100 oz of water a day

I am linking up with  #RIOTS (Running Is Our Therapy Sisters) This is a great accountability group of bloggers, you should join too! The hosts are: Brandi at Funner Runner, Anna Louise at Gracious Warrior Princess, Briana at Mat.Miles.Medals, Meghan at Meghan on the Move, Jenn at Runs With Pugs and Elizabeth at Train With Bain

I am also linking up with the new Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly!

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How is your training going?

watch anything good on the treadmill lately?

Weekly Rundown – 50 Mile Base Training Week 1 + a Strong Finish

Well friends it’s time for another weekly rundown. This week was my first official week of base training for Run Rabbit Run 50 Mile. I have 5 weeks of base training to get my endurance dialed up before 24 weeks of specific training starts on April 1st.

This last week was not a killer week. The kids and I were all still really sick. I always think I am going to bounce out of a cold feeling great after 2-3 days but that never happens. After sevenish days of being really sick, I was feeling over it but it took a while to feel slightly normal again. The begining was short bits just to get myself moving and then ended the week a little stronger.

I am linking up with HoHo Runs and Taking the Long Way Home  for a Weekly Wrap, go check out all the inspiring runners!

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Monday:  Quick 2 mile shake out on the treadmill with pick – ups.

Cute pic of Emmy since running wasn’t very exciting early in the week.

Tuesday: Inside again on the treadmill, jogged a mile and called it a warm up for some strength training.

Wednesday: Took the kids in the stroller for a loop outside, 1.8ish miles.

Thursday: By Thursday I was feeling a little better so I took the kids to the gym and ran 3.3 miles on the treadmill while they were in child sitting. Emmy still isn’t a fan =(

Friday: Quick treadmill mile + some strength training.

Saturday: We got about five inches of fresh snow but I couldn’t handle another day inside. It was cold but very pretty!

Sunday: On Sunday I talked Cory into running with the kids and me. 5.8 chilly miles around the neighborhood. Cory tacked on another couple miles, he is training for a half ironman in May.

All miles this week were easy as I build up my base. This week has me dreaming of warmer (and lighter) days, spring please come!

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Totals: 19 miles running and 2 strength training sessions. I am hoping that I can stay healthy for at least a month!

How is your training?

Are you looking forward to summer?

Weekly Rundown – Disneyland Week

This last week was not my typical training week since we were out of town from Monday to Thursday. I promise I will stop talking about our trip to Disney after this recap!

I have finally decided on my A race for 2019 and I am pretty excited about it. Training starts officially this week.

I am linking up with Wendy and Michelle this week for a Weekly Wrap, go check out all the inspiring runners!

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Monday:  10.55 miles walking around Disneyland. This is not running specific training obviously but I am counting it as great time on my feet ultra training 😉

Tuesday: 10.22 miles waking around Disneyland again.

Wednesday: 10.18 miles walking around Disney California Adventure.

Thursday: Big fat zero, we flew home from California and were all pretty tired.

Friday: Finally home but the weather was crazy so I just did two shake out miles on the treadmill while the kids napped. I think my body forgot how to run a little bit so it was nice to keep it short for re-entry.

Saturday: 3.25 miles with the family. It was still pretty cold but I love running with Cory and the kids, especially since Cory does most of the stroller pushing.

Sunday: Got out midday for about 7.25 miles, it was just 25 degrees out so I was glad I didn’t try to get out too early.

All my miles have been pretty easy recently while I build my base up. It’s not the most exciting training but boring running is better than injured no running!

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Total Running + Walking Miles: 43.4 miles no strength or cross-training. Room for improvement as always, but I am happy with our vacation week.

Happy Running Everyone!

Weekly Rundown – Going on Three Weeks of Sick

It’s been a slog getting through the last few weeks, Cannon and I are both still sick, going on three weeks now. I have talked to my GP doctor and was “diagnosed” over the phone with a cold and secondary sinus infection. I was prescribed a Z-Pack of antibiotics and that did clear up the sinus infection symptoms (thank god!) but I still have terrible chest and head congestion and a rasping cough that is very uncomfortable. I don’t know what the deal is, maybe I got two different viruses or maybe just being pregnant with very little immune system that has made this cold last so long. What I do know is that it’s kinda miserable and I might lose my mind if I don’t start getting better soon. Okay…complaining over.

That being said workouts haven’t been as fun as I would like. I have been resting more and moving when I can. So here is how last week went down.

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Monday: 40 minutes of strength training in the morning (hello 4:30 AM wake up) but didn’t feel well enough to go to the gym in the afternoon.

Tuesday: I skipped my morning workout and hung with Cannon at home

Hanging out and snacking inside

It was nice enough to get a quick walk in outside.

Wednesday: By this point I gave up on my morning workouts in favor of sleep so I turned off my alarm. We did make is to the gym for an hour on the elliptical.

Thursday: Back at the gym for an hour of walk/jogging hills on the treadmill.

At least the view is nice!

Friday: Took a rest day on Friday, hung out with Cory and Cannon. We went to gymnastics and got some errands done.

Saturday: Cory took Cannon out for a run so I decided to take the chance to get some strength training in with the help of my pug

Cory took the babe out for a run this morning, I was kinda jealous but I can’t keep up so the pug and I did some strength training and even ran (a little!!!!) on the treadmill  #motherrunner #fitpregnancy #32weekspregnant #pugbutt

Sunday: Nothing too exciting other than a walk to the park to enjoy the nice weather.

My sunshine ☀ #cmcn it was a beautiful out today we couldn’t not go to the park

I am certainly getting bored with the same few workouts that seem so mundane, I keep reminding myself that this time is short and I can start doing workouts that I enjoy much more soon…..just waiting on June (post delivery and 6 week recovery time).

Happy Running Everyone!

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