Hannah: Marathon Training at Night

Hello cyber land. I am feeling motivated to blog it up. I feel rather ashamed that I have placed rock climbing on the back burner. I am only climbing 2-3 times a week (if that), and I am climbing to maintain my fitness level without pushing myself too hard because I'm afraid I'll injure myself.

Marathon training is in full swing. I'm in my fifth week and I feel fantastic. Granted, the first four weeks only required me to run an average of 3 miles, four times a week with my long runs being 4 miles. 3 miles is a very very comfortable distance for me. It's almost too comfortable. Well as of this week, I will be adding 2 miles each week to my long run. This past weekend was 6 miles. Next week is 8 miles. The week after that is 10 miles. And the following week was supposed to be 12 miles but I figured, heck, why not add 1.1 miles? So I'll be running the Tucson Half Marathon (eeeep!) one month from today.

I don't think I'll ever allow myself to go through Thanksgiving again without signing up for a marathon first. This is totally awesome.

Anyhow, I'm learning a lot about myself and how I run through training for a marathon. It might sound silly or even a little redundant but I feel like training for a marathon is completely unlike anything I have ever trained for before. When I trained for my half marathon last year, the though of 13.1 miles was completely stressful. I poured everything I had into running exactly that distance and when that race was over, I didn't run for a while. I was so beat! Now, I am running a half marathon in four weeks and one week later, I have to run 14 miles. Like it's no big deal. (Not to mention the 5-7 miles I'll be running throughout the week.) There isn't any room for my mentality to interfere with my performance. I can't psych myself out. I can't have a mental breakdown and say, "I don't know if I can do it! I've never ran 14 miles before!" I just have to get up and suck it up! What's .9 more miles?? (I'm going to kick myself for saying that later...)

So. I am a night runner through and through. Nothing makes me happier than running and then being able to pass out and go to sleep right after. I don't like running mornings unless I am racing. I am very aware of the "risks" of running at night and I think I am pretty safe. I'd like to share what I like to carry with me.

I don't know about men, but I get nervous when I run at night sometimes. I'm scared someone will hop out of the bushes and attack me. I think it helps me run faster. There are actually times where I'll fake a phone conversation and talk really loud to "myself" and tell "the person on the other line" exactly where I am, when I think someone is near me. Most of the time I'm completely alone and just super paranoid..........

I carry two items of self defense.

First is some good ol' pepper spray. I am so happy to say I have never used it but it comforts me knowing it's at my side. I bought it at the checkout at Fry's Electronics.

Second is my beloved Buck Knife. I own a few small knifes but this one is my favorite. The clip is so tight and sturdy I know it'll never bounce off when I'm running. The blade flicks open very easily and quickly for fast defense. And there is a bottle opener because I love beer.

I am one ghostly white blonde girl but I know at night it still is very impossible to see me. I have a sexy vest I wear every night that I got from Target here. It is adjustable on the sides and hasn't caused any chafing so far. Oh yeah, that's my arm band I wear on my shorter runs under 6 miles. Anything above 6 miles requires me carrying my own water and GU.

I also add to my visibility with my newest additions: my New Balance blinky light things! I also got them from Target. They clip to anything and can either stay on a solid red light or a blinky red light. I like the blinky red light because I feel it helps me stand out from the break lights. I like these because they are super lightweight.

In my opinion, this last one is the most important. I recently purchased my Road ID bracelet after hearing about it through my friends at Further Faster Forever. I know too many runners and cyclists who have had unexpected accidents, as they all are, and if it weren't for their Road ID, who knows how things would have ended up. I always tell Kalen when I am going on a run and he knows my regular routes. When I'm running late at night or for a long period of time, he even tracks me through our iPhones because he worries about me. :) This bracelet is completely comfortable. I don't feel it when I run. I have sensitive skin and the metal doesn't irritate it one bit.

So whether you run at the crack of dawn, in the middle of the day (what's wrong with you), or after the sun sets like me.... be safe and even though you may feel silly at first, I seriously recommend investing in some sort of protection or safety wear.

Run on!

Hannah: Marathon Training is Official!

Oh, what a relief! October is here, it actually feels like Autumn, and I have started training for my marathon! To kick it off, I ran the Grasshopper Bridge 5K. I just wanted to breeze through it and get in my "zen mode". My stupid ankle started bothering me so I had to run faster just to make the pain go away. Whatever, it works.

I had a lot of fun which is just what I needed to start my training. This is going to be the most intense thing I've ever done but I'm having a really calm mentality right now. Granted, all I have had to do so far is run three miles four times a week so I haven't had to push myself beyond my limits yet, haha. My training plan is 20 weeks and I just finished my first week so I have a long way to go. Literally.

One year ago in October 2012 I started training for my first half marathon in gorgeous Sedona. It was also about a 20 week training and my training program was probably a little too advanced for me. I was burnt out towards the end of my training and even started to dread running. I remember one night I was going on an 8 mile run and I stopped around mile 3, called my boyfriend, and started crying. I physically could not run anymore. I hated what running had become. I am almost ashamed to say it, but I even played with the thought of quitting. Not running the race at all. I think the only reason I picked myself up and did it anyway was because I had so many people supporting me. I was OK with letting myself down, but I couldn't let everyone else down. I'm so glad I ran it because while I was on the course I thought to myself, "What was I getting so worked up over? It's just running! It's exactly what I've been doing for over a year!"

This time around, I am keeping that thought in the front of my head at all times. There's no reason for me to get worked up over anything and freak out. All I need to do is run and I'll be ok. And since it's my first race, being a tad slow won't be too bad because it'll be that much easier to get a wicked awesome PR at my next marathon!

Julie: "Go Big Or Go Home"

A lot of people know about my previous work with the Special Olympics. I coached bowling for five years, but subbed in for track, soccer, basketball, swim and softball. SO athletes are incredibly inspiring and it's ridiculously humbling when I can't run the sprints they can or hit the home runs they can. They rock and are my fitspiration!

I wanted to share two things I ran across today.

These pictures from SO weight lifting practice (originating from this reddit thread, his stats are posted)

And this video.

No matter how big your obstacle - don't let it get in the way of your goals.

Hiker's Log: Month 3

Multiple days over 100 degrees, many over 110 and even a few over 115. I have sought comfort inside the confines of my apartment, but even my air conditioner is no match for the sweltering heat.

Bare feet are no match for the patio baking in the sun. The heat rises from the asphalt, making tiny glimmering waves across the desert. The mountain I climbed every day, twice a day, glimmers in the distance across the horizon. Beckoning me from the memories of winter.

Morale is low.

Approximately two more months until refuge is in sight. Until then, the heat holds me captive. The itch to hike grows with each passing day. I'm parched.

- Julie

Well, I guess I can go to the gym instead.
 

Crystal: Officially in Marathon Training Mode!

Soooo, it's official. Yesterday marked the first day of marathon training. I have chosen to do an 18 week training program,  I was debating between a 16 week and 24 week program but I think this will be perfect for me. As I go into my first week of training I can't help but feel a little scared, kinda like this guy...

Buuut, I have to pull up my big girl panties and just bust it out. What's the worst that can happen? Well an injury, that's what, but I've always been really good about running within my limitations so hopefully that should not happen. Pooping myself. That has always been a legit concern. Throwing up, etc. Mostly, I am genuinely concerned about finishing. This is a huge mental battle right now. I know I can and I know that I will, even if that means walking to the finish line, I'M GOING TO FINISH IT! There are SO many things that can go wrong when running a marathon but there is one great thing that can go right, and that's crossing the finish line.

My new motto

Okay, fears aside, I am also very excited to start my training. I put on quite a few pounds from my recent vacation to Maine (I literally lived off of pizza, fish & chips and ice cream) so I can't wait to be back on a healthy diet and workout plan. Kyle is also training for his first sprint triathlon in September, so I don't have to worry about neglecting him and we will probably do a lot of our workouts together. You laugh, but training takes up SO much of your life that sometimes it can negatively affect a relationship. Here's a good article on that: A Workout Ate My Marriage. Running a marathon is something I have dreamed of doing my entire life and in December that dream will come true; it's hard to put that excitement into words. 

On a side note, my manager was asking about my training this morning (she herself is a marathon runner) and another co-worker chimed in with "When are you doing your race? Maybe I'll sign up too. I hate running and I always thought those races looked awful but I'm sure I can do it too (shrugs shoulders)." Um, what? I'm sorry, but don't sign up for a race just because other people are when you have zero interest in running. It's great if it's something that you enjoy but why would you spend all the time and money (race fees, shoes, clothing, gear, fuel, etc) if you think they look "awful"?! I always hated the physical act if running growing up but I always admired runners and what they did. I would drive by races and wish I could do something like that because I thought it looked amazing, not "awful." I just found that weird. Haha

That's it for today's ramblings. 

-Crystal

Hannah: My Climbing Essentials

I just loved Crystal's post on her summer running essentials a few posts back and have been wanting to make a post of my own regarding my essentials for rock climbing and bouldering.

First, and foremost, the shoes.
I have spent over two years searing for the perfect shoe for me. I have a very awkward foot to fit in a climbing shoe. My feet are long but my toe box is wide. In case you haven't worn climbing shoes before, I must warn you: it can be quite uncomfortable. I remember when I first started climbing, my friend told me, "If you can wiggle your toes, the shoes are too big." Climbing shoes actually force your toes to curl down instead of lay flat which sounds (and feels) awful, but trust me, when you're gripping on the rock for dear life and have the tiniest of tiny foot jibs to step on, you'll be thankful for your super-compressed shoes. I am thrilled at the fact that my boyfriend got me a pair of my dream shoes a couple days ago. I haven't even broken them in but I'm in love. They are a little uncomfortable right now, and actually I know I can go at least 1/2 a size small but I just want to get used to the change. These shoes are the most aggressive shoes I've climbed in so I'm easing my way into it. I bring to you La Sportiva's Miura VS for women



 Before my Miuras I had one pair of shoe that consistently stuck with me. They are my 5.10 Rogue's. They are an excellent beginner shoe and I won't be getting rid of my pair for any reason. They are a little too big for me though so I have to wear socks with them but I tell you- these shoes have been everywhere with me. I climbed my first outdoor routes in these shoes, lead my first routes, and sent my first 5.12 in my Rogues. They are a great shoe.


You can tell my Rogues are super old because they are dirty and disgusting.

Next, the second most important, chalk!
There are two things you need in order to climb. Shoes and chalk. That's all you need to boulder, at least. My chalk bag was my very first purchase- before I even got shoes. I sweat like a pig when I'm climbing and there is no way you are getting up that rock with slippery hands.

This is my favorite chalk. I buy it at REI. It's very
soft and sticky. I do prefer the pre-ground
chalk.... I hate doing it myself.



I love my little chalk bag. It is made by Mammut and
has a side pocket with a zipper so I can keep nail clippers
in there! It also has a spot to hold my boulder brush.



And you can't be a sport climber without a harness...

I have only ever used Mammut Ophira harnesses but there is a good reason: I have never had a bad experience with that harness. A harness is something you can't skimp on. Don't ever get a used harness because you don't know its history. Anytime I take a really really big fall on my harness, I get a new one (but always the same one because it's so cute and it matches my chalk bag!) I never want to run the risk of my harness failing on me, or any of my gear for that matter.



Harnesses are SSOOOOO flattering...

These next items are purely for outdoor sport climbing:
Rope <3<3<3
I use Maxim's New-England rope (dynamic of course) 9.9mm Bi-color Milky Way oh my gosh I love my rope. It's probably one of my favorite things ever.
I have only taken one big fall on it so far but that baby is in excellent shape. I have even named him Grond, after the battering ram at Pelennor Fields. Because both are indestructible!


Have I mentioned that I LOVE my rope?

  Quick Draws
I don't do trad climbing for two reasons. 1. I don't know how, and 2. I don't know where to find trad routes. I stick to my sport routes because I feel safest on them. To each his own. My quick draws are wire gates and I like my set I bought made by Black Diamond. They are very very light and I treat them well. I designate one draw to always be against the metal bolt, and one draw to always be clipped to my rope. I almost rhymed there.



It's a small set but I rarely do routes longer than five bolts and if I do, I am always with climbers who have a set of their own so we give and take where it's needed. My blue gear tape tells me which draws are mine so nobody can sneak them from me.... I'm watching you....

My top rope anchors and personal anchors are basically made the same way. I bought my slings and caribeaners from REI. My top rope anchors have screw gate caribeaners for the bolts and then I have one screw gate and one wire gate (non-locking) for the rope. My personal anchors have the same sling (different color) and screw gate caribeaners for the bolts but I don't clip them into my harness, I loop them and tie them in manually.



These are my personals. They keep me alive.



These are my anchors. As you can see the top of them
are made the same way as my personals. What is different
about them are the two caribeaners on the bottom. That's what I feed the rope through to set up top rope on outdoor routes. I love the convenience of having one non locking caribeaner that way if you're really struggling with the finish, you don't have to fumble with anything.





This is a closeup of the bottom of my anchors. The screw gate caribeaner is made by Black Diamond and the wire gate caribeaner on the right is made by Mad Rock.

Rope bag/day pack:
You gotta have something to pack all of your gear in for easy transportation. I love my Beal day pack. It has lots of pockets, gear loops, a tarp for my rope, and plenty of space for my camelback bladder, food, essentials for my dog, you name it. I got mine in lime green.

Miscellaneous toys:

(From left to right) 1. Gri-gri for easy belaying. 2. My Black Diamond ATC for lead belay and my ideal tool for rappelling. 3. Boars hair brush to keep my holds from getting too greasy. Boars hair is just.... better. ;) 4. I keep my figure eight purely as a backup if I'm cleaning a route and I'm getting ready to rappel but for some reason I drop my ATC, I need a backup so I don't die. :) 5. Climbing tape to keep my finger tendons from getting injured and protecting my pads from getting flappers.



Ok so that's essentially what my collection has come down to. I also have a crash pad for when I go bouldering but I don't feel like getting my camera out again. It's your run of the mill inexpensive crash pad. I got it as a prize two years ago. My local climbing gym was having a bouldering competition around Halloween and due to the holiday, there was a costume contest. I did not compete in the bouldering comp but I did compete in the costume contest.... and I won first prize which was a crash pad! Woo!!



I definitely deserved first prize.... hahaha

Well now I just want to go outside and climb....... sorry not sorry for the super long post!!

Hannah: Running Playlist

I'm a wanabe runner. I only run when I have registered for a race because then I'm financially obligated to run. I love running, don't get me wrong, but I'm sure real die hard runners would not like me.
Like many runners, I can easily determine how good my run is going to be based off of what music I have on my playlist. I don't think I would have gotten through mile 10 of my half marathon if it wasn't for my exceptional song selections. These are my top five songs for running at this moment.


Drenched in sweat. Gotta love running mid morning in Phoenix during the summer. 102 degrees feels like 130 when you're running!

The Format- The First Single (Cause A Scene): When I started my first 13.1, this was the very first song to come on when I pressed shuffle. It just so happened to be the best song I could have ever imagined starting a race to. The beat is a little slow but steady which was exactly what I needed. The way the song picks up just really keeps my mood light. Heck the song puts me in such a good mood anyway. Very refreshing. I do believe I must start every race to this song for the rest of my life.
Lou Bega- Mambo No. 5: This song was on my iPod as an inside joke from high school but since I purchased it, I can't remove it from my iTunes. I put my pod on shuffle and as I was running a couple years back, this song popped on. I laughed to myself and reached to skip it but then I noticed I was running to the beat. And it's a good beat. It sets an excellent pace! Anytime I feel like I'm hitting a slump in my run, that's my song I go to. It has saved me many many times.
Electric Light Orchestra- Mr. Blue Sky: The lyrics say it all, "Sun is shinin' in the sky, There ain't a cloud in sight..... Runnin' down the avenue..... A celebration, mister blue sky's up there waitin', And today is the day we've waited for..." It really is a great race day song. Good beat too! And who doesn't love ELO, come on now!
Fun.- One Foot: Put one foot in front of the otherrr.... I hated this song until I started running.
Coolio- Gangsta's Paradise: Gotta love a good beat. This is also on my top five songs to karaoke.

While they are great songs, I'm training for a marathon now and I need lots lots more! What songs do you love to run/workout to?