My First Half Marathon

Race Day was finally around the corner!  All my hard work was about to pay off and the goal that I had set out of the blue just 12 short weeks earlier would be accomplished!  At least I hoped it would!  ;)

No, I was actually feeling great about it!  All my runs had been easy and felt strong leading up to the race and I knew I was ready!  (You can read more about my training HERE!)

So the week leading up to Race Day we knew the weather was going to be cold and rainy!!  YUCK!! When I signed up the one thing I said was, "I just hope it's not cold and rainy on race day!"  haha!!!  I shouldn't have said that!  ;)  They toyed with the idea of canceling it but I am so glad they didn't and we got it done!

My family all drove to San Antonio to cheer me on!  My hubby and 3 kids, mother in law, mom, dad, 2 sisters, brother in law, and nieces were all there to support me!  They're kind of great like that!  We went to an early dinner around 5 and I had gluten free pizza and lots of water, then went back to the hotel to get ready for bed!  My throat was hurting and I wanted to be up early and prayed I wasn't getting sick.

 Arrived and getting my packet and bib!

Our first time on the Riverwalk as a family!  =)

I slept terrible.  Not because I was nervous but so excited!  I couldn't go to sleep and when I did I kept popping up thinking I was missing the race!!  Excited is an understatement!  =)  Finally the time came to actually get up and get dressed!  Click HERE if you'd like to see a few of my favorite things I made sure to have with me.  I don't eat much before a run so I had 1/2 a banana with some peanut butter, drank my Energize, met my friend Lauren in the lobby and we headed to the starting line!

Already raining but we're ready to Rock N' Roll!!

The race started, we got to talking and I never saw 1 mile marker.  I didn't want to look at them and we were in our own little world just running and talking so much that I didn't even know how far we had gone until we were past 5, then to 7, and we were having fun!  I saw my family once at mile 3-4ish and then at the finish line.  It made me cry and really gave me a boost during the run!  I was so glad they were there!

Some of my squad!  #thankful

   Proud Parents!!


















It began pouring and sometimes the roads were so flooded on the right and left that we were all corralled to the middle of the street which made us slow down until there was more room on the road.  Other spots there was just nowhere to go to avoid it so we were in puddles up to our ankles, feet completely submerged!  It's all mind over matter so we just laughed, had fun, and kept moving forward!  We hit mile 10 easily but the rain then stopped and that's when the cold really started to set in!  We were drenched and I couldn't feel my hands...gloves should be something I add to my must have list because I was missing those!!  The last mile seemed the longest because Lauren looked at her watch and we knew it was the last mile so it was like we instantly expected to see the finish line but we kept turning and running, and turning and running...when would we see it?  It seemed to be the longest mile EVER!!  Then we could see it, what a relief!  I saw my family as they cheered for us and I could tell they were so proud!!  I crossed that finished line with so much joy and emotion!  Having my family there was so special and I couldn't wait to get my hands on my hubby and kiddos!    There were some tears and lots of hugs!  It's amazing what your body is capable of and the only thing holding most people back is the negative talk in your head that never allows you to get started!  You can do anything you set your mind to!  Just Decide. Commit. Succeed!

Run Kristin Run!!

 Exercise sets such a great example for your kids!!  Now my 9 year old wants to race! =)

 My biggest supporter and best friend!  He was so proud of me and took amazing care of me, making sure I was comfortable and prepared all weekend!  

My sweet mother in law!

 We did it!!!  Couldn't have asked for a better partner to experience this with!!  So much fun!

I don't think I'll start any trends with my after rainy race hair!  This took a while to comb through afterwards!  =)

Walking back to the hotel and a hot shower had never sounded better! 

After my shower we went and ate a celebratory lunch.  My sweet hubby carried me everywhere as if my legs didn't work anymore!  =)  XOXO

I can honestly say I did not run for a time.  I focused on just having fun and that we did!  We talked and ran a comfortable speed not even realizing what mile we were at in the race.  We did have to slow down sometimes when it got crowded due to flooding but I was pleased with my time for my first race and look forward to doing another one in the future!  If you're not familiar...your chip time is your run time for the race!  There are so many people that it takes you a while to hit the starting line so "clock time" is counting your time before you crossed the starting line, "chip time" is from start line to finish line so it's the one that matters!  =)  The other email they sent me had my overall time at 2:10:05 and I like that time better but whatevs!  =) 

This shirt sums me up to a T!!!  It was a gift from a BFF who knows me all too well!  I earned those cookies and enjoyed every bite!  It was so great to get home and rest up!  This was such a great experience and I am thankful God gave me a healthy body to workout in and supported me along the way!  I saw multiple shirts throughout the race with Philippians 4:13 on them... "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!" It was a great reminder and boosted my spirits each time!     So there we have it...first half in the books!  Until next time...

Half Marathon Training

I was a runner in college...I say that but that translates into I used to NEVER, like EVER run, until college when I slowly started and then loved it and began running 3 miles everyday.  I enjoyed it and also took a running class at A&M but never ran more than 3-4 miles and never even thought about trying to train to run more.  It was just something I enjoyed and wanted to do everyday but I was content with where I was.

Fast forward to getting married, having kids and the running stopped!   I did actually run a 10K but didn't train well and hated every second of it!  haha!  I stayed active and would run here and there but never stuck to a plan or did it consistently!  I eventually found Beachbody and was consistent with my home workouts and I'm so thankful for that because not only did I get great results with them but when I did decide to run, it made the transition very easy!  I wasn't looking to start running but my friend, Lauren, who is also a Beachbody coach asked me to run a Half Marathon with her and I said yes!   I was doing a challenge at the time with the people in my fitness accountability groups and we were all trying things outside our comfort zone, things that scared us but would change us, so of course this fit the bill and I was up for the challenge!

I started running 2 miles every other day for 2 weeks and then I started this schedule below.  I didn't want to immediately jump in because I hadn't been running and didn't want shin splints or knee trouble and really wanted to ease into it.  Believe it or not training was fun and easy!  I found myself looking forward to all my workouts and loved seeing the improvement!   At first 4 miles seemed impossible, then overtime 4-6 was an easy day!  It's amazing how your mindset changes and you progress!  What once is hard becomes normal eventually.  That's what makes your fitness journey so fun!  Enjoy every milestone along the way as you progress!

I started training by myself and then started running with a friend.  That helped a lot because we would just talk the whole time and our runs became fun and so easy they just flew by!

I have 2 little tips for you to keep in mind...

1. Change your mindset because long distance is different.  If you run an 8 minute pace when you run 2-3 miles don't try to keep that pace when you go on your first 7 mile run!  Think more about distance and not speed.  Cover the milage comfortably and THEN you can focus on time if that's important to you!!  
2. Stick to the plan!!  There were definitely days that I felt like I could have run more miles but you have to stick to the schedule because you have a whole week of workouts planned and if you do more one day you might be exhausted by day 3!  The plan works and if you stick to it you will progress, feel strong, and be ready for that race!  Don't rush it!  

This schedule worked GREAT for me and I talked to 4 other girls who have been taking my Insanity class and they too agreed that they used to run and this time it was easier and all the credit was given to Insanity!  My secret weapon!  =)  The HIIT training is just so good for your heart and to do those intervals that get your heart rate up and down repeatedly works the most important muscle in your body so well...your heart...and it makes a constant heart rate during running so much easier!  Cross training is highly recommended during training for a race so I highly recommend you give Insanity/Insanity Max 30 a try to see how it benefits you!

You can read about my race day HERE!

My 10 must haves for running your race are HERE!

I hope this schedule works as good for you as it did me!  Tell me about your race and I'd love to help you get started!  You're going to do AWESOME!

Disclaimer: I am NOT a professional!  I write about my experience and help others make it work for them.  Following this schedule is up to you and I am not responsible for any injuries...you have been warned!  =)

10 Must Haves For Running Your Race

I just finished my first half marathon and it was AMAZING!!  I had the best time and know I'll be planning another one soon!  When I first signed up I wanted to hear the BEST things to gear up with so I had a comfortable race.  I was clueless and had 12 weeks to prepare so I was all ears!  I posted about it and got a LOT of suggestions and advice which lead to me trying a variety of different things during my training.  These were my favorites that I continued to use and had with me on race day.  I  wanted to post them here so if you're planning on running a race you can be prepared too!  =)  Click the name for a link to purchase or see pricing!  Let me know if you have any questions!

1.  Beachbody Energize-  I drank this in the wee hours of the morning before each training run and I put an overflowing scoop in my shaker cup on race day!  It wakes you up, gets your blood pumping and those feet ready to MOVE and perform your best!!!!  Just the energy I needed because some mornings I was TIRED!  The entire Beachbody Performance line has nothing artificial, is NSF certified and the official supplement of all IRONMAN so you know it's going to do it's job!  

2.  Feetures-  They have 2 kinds of socks...one is for comfort and extra cushion, the other is a thin wicking pair.  I knew it was going to be cold and rainy on race day so the wicking pair worked perfect for me!  I would buy both but if it's supposed to be rainy or if you're doing a mud run than use the wicking ones! After you read #3 you'll see my feet had no problems despite the weather conditions and I think the glide and socks had everything to do with that!!  These socks are also super cute and come in tons of colors which is fun!  =)  

3. Body Glide-  Rub this on any part of your body where your clothes or skin rub so you don't get a burn.  Usually under your arms, thighs, booty...you know, the personal places where chafing could occur.  Since I knew it was going to be raining, I rubbed this magic ALL OVER my feet and after running in puddles to my ankles with wrinkly feet I still had not 1 blister!!  Amazing I tell ya!!  

4.  Flipbelt-  I don't know about you but when I run I don't want to hold anything in my hands and I don't want anything bouncing around on me!  I liked this belt because it could hold my nutrition, phone, mace, keys, etc. and it wouldn't move so I didn't even know it was there!  Great way to hold your belongings comfortably!

5.  Wireless Headphones-  These headphones are wireless, waterproof and stay put while you run!   I can't stand continuing to push buds in my ears or having a wire bouncing around my arms so I highly recommend these!  Very reasonable price too which is always a plus!

6.  Gu Energy Gel- Oh how I love this stuff on those long run days and race day!!  Perfect dose of nutrition to give you that boost so you don't feel so drained!  My favorite flavor was Strawberry Kiwi and then Sea Salt Chocolate!  Delicious!!!!

7. Running Headband- Clearly I wouldn't wear this in the Summer but when I run in the wind and cold I HAVE to wear something over my ears or they hurt! I wore this one from the CALAI line during my practice runs and through the rain on race day and loved it!  It doesn't fall forward or backwards so I didn't have to mess with it and it kept my ears cozy without being hot!  

8. Foam Roller- Runners often have knee problems but sometimes it's actually just related to tight muscles and needing to stretch better!  Foam rolling relaxes your muscles and is kind of like getting a deep massage.  I really focused on my IT Band (you can search YouTube for moves) and it helped tremendously with my knee pain!  After I starting doing this the pain was GONE!!!  (Until after my race that is but more about that on #10!)   

9.  Beachbody Recover- After my runs I always drink some Recover!  It's chocolatey and delicious, gives me a huge dose of protein to refuel after a workout plus speeds muscle recovery and combats soreness!  It was a lifesaver!!   I prefer chocolate but it's also available in orange!  

10.  Stretching-  I felt great during my race!  It was fun and I didn't have any pain but the day after... my knees were killing me!  A friend suggested I go get stretched from a place in town and I was skeptical but the pain was bad so I gave it a shot!  He stretched me for an hour (IT Band moves and more!) and I got off the table and immediately could tell a huge difference!  When I got home I iced my knee and the next day I had absolutely NO PAIN!  I went from barely putting weight on it to working out again in 1 day.  It was incredible and I am now a believer!  Hallelujah, Amen!!!  If your local the place is called The Stretch Factor but I'm sure there are similar places around you! =)

My best piece of advice is to find a good training schedule so you don't hurt yourself and have fun!!!  I said yes to this not because it was on my bucket list but because I actually DIDN'T want to do it and knew it would be a challenge!  I kept the attitude of having fun and really didn't put pressure on myself to get a certain time but to just train and finish...ME vs. ME!  =)  God is with me and this will be FUN was my motto!  I ended up loving the entire process and will keep on running!  Good luck at your race and let me know if you end up trying any of my favorites!  I'd love to hear all about your training and race day experience so comment below or send me a message!  You're going to do awesome!

You can read about my race day HERE!

Here is the training schedule I used!