Run Streak: Two Years

Two years, 104 weeks, 730 days.  That’s how long I’ve been running at least a mile everyday.  They say time flies when you’re having fun and that's definitely true!  How has it been two years already?!  When I finished my first year, I didn’t have a plan.  I knew I would keep running, but figured I would stop eventually.  But I haven’t stopped.  I keep running and without a doubt, I wouldn’t have made it through the last year without these things: 

ProCompression Socks

If you follow me on social media, you’ve seen me #KeepItTight with ProCompression on a regular basis.  It’s safe to say we’re exclusive—I wear them when I run, when I travel, when I work and when I’m not running (there are times I even sleep with them!).  Not only do they make all the fun designs, the graduated compression helps me with muscle fatigue and muscle recovery.  I won’t lie and say my legs are never tired—let’s be real, I run every day.  But I know without a doubt, my streak wouldn’t have lasted this long if I didn’t wear my Pros. And it’s a lot more fun to run with all the colors- you know my favorite is #TwoPairDontCare. 

Purpose

As an athlete for Team Run Far, I am reminded every time I run that I am running for something much bigger than me.  There are days I struggle, when I don’t want to run, when I wonder if the streak will end and I try to find every excuse not to run.  Then I am reminded why I run—each day 22 US Military Veterans take their own life and leave behind loved ones, many times children.  Those children are why I run. By raising awareness for Run Far, I am helping provide scholarships to the children of US Veterans who have taken their own life through the Sergeant Sean Northcutt Scholarship.  So on those days I don’t want to run?  I run for them.  

The Trails

If you follow me on social media, over the past year you have seen me transition from road running to trail running.  When I first started trail running—I was petrified.  What if I fall down a mountain?  What if I get bitten by a snake?  What if I get lost?  But now I embrace all those things I was petrified of. I’ve fallen.  I’ve seen snakes (but by no means want to get bitten by one!) And getting lost? It’s my favorite thing to do!  Being out on the trails gives me a sense of peace I don’t find with road running.  It makes me feel like me, a self that doesn’t need explanation.  The trails are where I find balance when it doesn’t seem possible. I still enjoy a good road run and know they have a place in my training.  But life is definitely better with some dirt beneath my feet. 

The Running Community

I am blessed to know some amazing runners through social media and in real life.  But beyond being amazing runners, they are also amazing people.  They inspire me everyday and their continued encouragement and support is everything.  Not a day goes by that I don’t get a message from one of these people, whether it’s with a silly joke or with a “you’ve got this!” Life came at me pretty hard this past year and I am beyond grateful for the love and support that has surrounded me—words truly can not express how much it has meant to me. 

A run streak isn’t for everyone—I started in 2016 with the plan of running one month and just kept going.  It isn’t always fun, but the fun days out number the un-fun ones.  I still don’t like the amount of laundry it creates but love coming up with new running outfits.  Some days I run the one mile, most days I run more. It’s a balance and now the question is what’s next?  My new goal is 1,000 days- only 270 days to go!

If you’ve ever thought about doing a run streak, go check out Pinkcupcakegirl on Instagram and see how you can be a part of this year’s #StreakingWithTheCoolKids—it starts tomorrow! 

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn 13.1 

Del Dios Trail Half Marathon Recap

In October, I volunteered at a race put on by the Endurance Race Series.  Not only did I have a blast seeing what happens on the other side of the start line, I also received an entry into one of their future races.  I quickly signed up for the Del Dios Trail Half Marathon—I had heard great things about the race and thought it would a great way to end my race year.

The week before this race, I ran the Ray Miller 50K and I can’t lie—the elevation of that race impacted my running more than I anticipated.  Though I am still streaking, I was also actively resting and had a low mileage week.  The Del Dios event offers a half marathon, a 10K and the 5K distance.  The week leading up to the race, I kept telling myself I would make a race day decision about what distance I would run.

I woke up the morning of the race and felt pretty good.  I had run ten miles the day prior and it didn’t feel awful.  I quickly got ready but made a rookie mistake—I didn’t eat breakfast.  I don’t usually eat a lot before a race but I always have some type of protein drink and a banana.  I definitely know better and I definitely paid for it during the race.

 

#TwoPairDontCare Ugly Sweater Socks

I knew within the first mile of the race that I really had no business running it.  My body is still in recovery mode and I could never find my groove.  I struggled from the beginning and that struggle lasted most of the race.  At one point, I even texted a friend and said I was going to DNF.  I contemplated turning at the 10K turnoff and finishing that race (the first part of the half and 10K were run on the same course)  After a pep talk and a reminder not to be so hard on myself, I decided that I would finish the half.  I knew it would not be my best race.  I was even prepared to be the last finisher.  But I kept pushing along, running when I could, walking when I needed to and taking it one step at a time. Shortly after mile ten, I caught up with two runners in front of me. We chatted a bit and I asked if they had done the race before.  One told me it was her first half marathon—how awesome is that! What she doesn’t know is that was just the little push of encouragement I needed—her accomplishment was a great reminder of how far I’ve come in my own journey and why I love the running community so much.  So thank you random runner! 

The views!

Aside from my performance, there are some awesome things about this race.  There were wild fires in Southern California the days leading up the race and the pre-race communication was on point, with updates letting us know what was going on with the race.  The course, though a bit rocky, is scenic and was well marked.  The volunteers at the aide stations were great, cheering for every runner as they came through.  ERS also does finish line areas right—not only do they have the standard fruits and waters, there were chips, pastries, grilled goodies and beer.   The swag is also pretty sweet—I love that they offer a fitted tee.  

As my race year came to an end with this race, I’m looking forward to what 2018 brings.  And I’m excited to announce that I will be joining the Endurance Race Series Ambassador team.   With five races in the Sunshine Series, I look forward to seeing you there.   The next one is the San Pasqual Valley Half Marathon/10K on February 17, 2018. 

How did your 2017 race year go?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1

Adventure Awaits--Jenn13.1 to 50K

I love to run.  If someone asks, "Do you want to go for a run,?" I don't hesitate to reply with a giant "Yes!"  I love what it has done for my health, I love the amazing people I've met through running and I love the way it challenges me.  Yet, even with all this love, I was beginning to miss the level of excitement I used to have with running.  I was increasing my pace and increasing my distance, but something was missing.  

Too early for holiday themed memes?!

When I started my Run Streak this summer, some of my runs included "new to me" places, many of which were trails.  I loved the trails and had a blast every time I ran them.  I was also watching the journeys of my friends who were training for ultra races and it intrigued me.  I did some research and thought about it-- I decided I wanted to run an Ultra.  I finally found something that got me excited about running. 

Running the trails of Mount Laguna.

After looking at Ultra races next year and talking to some people about various races, I have decide to run the Leona Divide 50K in April 2017.  One of my biggest downfalls when I ran my first marathon (and only) was that I did not properly train.  I am changing that for this new adventure and will be working with Jenn from Sole Health and Wellness.  I've worked with her in the past and she is great at what she does-- she's tough enough to get me to do the work but not so tough that I dread doing it.  That is exactly what I need.  She's also run ultras so she will not only have the knowledge of all her credentials but also from her experience.  She just ran her first 100K-- how awesome is that?!

With Jenn and Smitha before the LA Marathon. 

I don't expect this experience to be easy but I'm excited about it.  If I'm being completely honest, I have some "fears" about it, primarily seeing critters on the trails or falling. But I've decided that my dreams are bigger than my fears and I can't wait for April.  

My training officially starts on Sunday, October 23rd.  I'm looking forward to sharing my journey with you as I go from Jenn13.1 to 50K.

Have you ever run an ultra?  Any advice for a newbie?

Until next time, happy running.
Jenn13.1

Friday Favorites

Another week and it's already September.  As fun as my summer was, I'm definitely looking forward to Fall-- it's my favorite season full of boots, scarves and everything pumpkin spice.  I ended August with 144.5 miles and I'm looking forward to seeing what this month brings.  Here's a few of the things I've been loving this week.

Pro-Compression Lows and PC Runners

If you’ve seen my running pictures, you know that I love my ProCompression socks.  Not only do they make a difference when I run and for recovery, they come in so many awesome colors and designs.  

Photo Credit: ProCompression

With the warmer temperatures in the past few weeks, I’ve been wearing the lows and PC runners on more of my runs. I love them just as much. And I can still be #RunMatchy with the colors.  They also make the transition from run to errands a little easier.  And let's be honest-- even though I am excited about fall, I live somewhere where the weather will continue to be warm and our cold spell means it's 60 degrees.

The Public Library 

I grew up in a household of readers—if you were to hear my mom tell the story, I started reading at the age of four.  The truth is I probably just memorized the Tweety Bird book since I had her read to me every night before bed, but there isn’t a time in my life that I don’t remember loving to read..  Our weekly trip to the Public Library was something I always looked forward too—I don’t remember when life got so busy that I stopped going, but I realized this past week it had been a long time.  I wasn’t even sure if I would still have a library card on file—turns out I didn't.  But I changed that this week.  I need to do a little research on something and found myself at the library to make that happen.  While I was there, I got a new library card and checked out a few books.  So many awesome services are offered at the library that are often taken for granted.  I remembered why I loved coming to the library so much as a kid—I’ve already read the four books I checked out and can’t wait to go back to get a few more.  

Trader Joe’s Pickle Popcorn

Last week, someone strongly encouraged me to try Trader Joe’s "Pickle Popcorn."  I love popcorn and I love pickles, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about the idea of the two tastes together.  I took a piece, held my breath and tried it.  It is delicious!!  Since that day, I’ve gone to Trader Joe’s and picked up my own bags (yes—multiple). It’s a strange taste and may be an acquired taste, but I love it!  

Running Naked

I love my Garmin Forerunner 235 and there are days that I feel naked when I forget to put it on in the morning.  (It’s not just my running watch, but also my activity tracker).  I like having access to the information during my run—my distance, my pace and my heart rate.  But sometimes the saying is true—ignorance is bliss.  As much as I like having this information during my run, there are times that it’s too much.  I start focusing on the details rather than my run.  So in the past few weeks, I’ve made an effort to do at least one of my runs naked—naked as in without my Garmin.  I run by feel, push myself when I feel like I can, slow down when I need to and simply enjoy what’s around me.  These naked runs have me feeling refreshed and more in tune with my runs.  

Noah Galloway’s Living With No Excuses

Earlier this week Noah Galloway had a book signing in Los Angeles—I had hoped to make it up there but life took over and that didn’t happen.  I still picked up his new book, Living With No Excuses,  because I was intrigued by  his story (And wishfully thinking that if he’s ever in San Diego, I’ll be able to get my book signed). 

I think like many people, I often assume celebrities live the life that we see portrayed in the media.  It’s easy to forget that they are people who have lives beyond what is shown and lives that have led up to the persona we “know” now.  That is the story that Noah Galloway tells in his book—he’s more than the Veteran who lost two limbs and appeared on Dancing With The Stars.  I won’t recap the book because I think you should read it- I will tell you that I laughed & cried and his dad is my favorite person he talks about in the book.  What I enjoyed most about the book is that he’s real—he tells some truths about his life that most people would rather keep to themselves.  He’s honest and he’s open in his dialogue—as I was reading the book, it felt like a conversation you’d be having with a friend.  By sharing his  truths, I think Galloway will make a difference in someone’s life, even if that’s not what he intended when he wrote the book.          

What things are you looking forward to most for Fall?

Until next time, happy running.
Jenn13.1

Let's Go Streaking!

In the middle of May, I saw a post on Instagram that talked about #StreakingWithTheCOOLKIDS.  A  fun challenge for the month of June, hosted by @PinkCupcakeGirl, the idea was to run or walk at least one mile for every day during the month of June.  I had other friends who were going to participate, so I thought "why not?"  I honestly didn't anticipate making it the whole month-- I thought I'd get through about a week and then life would take over.

Guess what-- life didn't take over.  I ran at least one mile every day in June (I actually started my streak on May 31st).  Before this streak, I had never reached the 100 mile total for a month-- in June I ran 126.2 miles.  And when June ended, I continued.  I ran ever day during the month of July and ended the month running a total of 140 miles.  

I'm lucky to have amazing views when I run.

It is now August and I am now on day 71 of my run streak.  I not only made it through June, but I haven't stopped.  For the past 71 days, I have run at least one mile every day.  Some of the miles have been run solo.  Some have been run with friends.  Some have been run in races (three half marathons, a 12K and an 8 miler).  Some have been run in groups.  Not every mile has been easy, not every mile has been fast, but every mile has been run-- one step at a time.

I love my Friday #RUN619 run group!

My run streak has taught me lessons I never anticipated from running.  I realized that "having no time" was an excuse I used to frequently-- I can find 10 minutes a day to run a mile.  I am strong- even on the days I was tired, my legs still carried me and when my legs struggled, my heart took over. I also learned that the running community rocks-- I've encountered more runners in the past 71 days and it's awesome to see other people out there doing what they love and I never grow tired of the "runners wave" and smile.

The biggest lesson that I've learned is that I love to run. I had become stagnant in my running and I had forgotten that love.  For people that don't run, I will never to be able to fully explain it.  For people who run, you get it.  When people talk about a "runner's high," it definitely is a real thing.             

Truth be told, most of the people in my life don't understand why I'm streaking, but I also have a great support group of runners who do.   I have such great admiration for other streakers-- for the runners who have run for days, week, months and even years.  I don't know when my streak will end-- my plan right now is to get to 100 days and see how I feel.  I suspect the first day I don't run will be a challenge, more mentally than physically.  Until then, I'm going to keep on running.  

Have you ever streaked?  

Until next time, happy running!

Jenn13.1