tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40576713535624153092024-03-19T03:23:11.999-07:00Chowder on the RunKim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-8200166569377937642017-06-12T20:59:00.002-07:002017-06-12T20:59:51.379-07:00Oh hey, remember me?Whoa it's been a while...<br />
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In the past year and a while I've done a LOT! First, I ran the Revel Rockies marathon in June of 2016, earning my first BQ. Meaning of course I had to run Boston in 2017. It was the most amazing experience of my life! I'll have to do a post about that soon, for now it's just a quick hello and re-starting point. 3 weeks after Boston, I ran the Colorado Marathon and earned another BQ, but I've decided not to run Boston in 2018, instead deciding to try to qualify for 2019 so I have time to save up (that was one expensive trip!!) so I can take the hubs and kids next time. I'll be running in St. George in October to shoot for the next qualifier, and this time I'll be working with a coach to help me work toward a PR as well...more on that later as well. So, as you can see, I've been busy and will continue to be. Another goal I'm working on this year is running 2,017 miles. I'm slightly behind my goal due to tapering and recovering - twice - during April and May...but I'm almost back on track and will be working hard to hit this fun goal. Ummmmmm....I think that's mostly it. I'll be excited to blog about these individual goals and recaps when I get a chance...until then, I'll just be over here running!!<br />
<br />Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-89566438585363202682015-11-12T16:37:00.001-08:002015-11-12T16:40:32.272-08:00Slow down to run faster?I Have you heard of the 80/20 Principle in running? I'm currently reading 80/20 Running by Matt Fitzgerald, and in intrigued by the idea of running slower in order to race faster. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEgp9VJJfG5mRvY77zVaGA2xsq6sijbeZMQsj3RrYwt3tlv-MTpOV7r8kYD8Tv_PbMRtIrceWgPlaZprK_WlFpFGArKXgyrXgdQFdRCWjHJ4aYV3j9Mm2n1IXpnaxqdzpCNI7UjT3QdOD/s640/blogger-image--2143844332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEgp9VJJfG5mRvY77zVaGA2xsq6sijbeZMQsj3RrYwt3tlv-MTpOV7r8kYD8Tv_PbMRtIrceWgPlaZprK_WlFpFGArKXgyrXgdQFdRCWjHJ4aYV3j9Mm2n1IXpnaxqdzpCNI7UjT3QdOD/s640/blogger-image--2143844332.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>It's not all easy running, the idea is to run 80% of your runs super slow (like reallllllly slow - I figured out my pace based on this idea and it's well over a minute per mile slower than in used to running) and make the other 20% of your runs high intensity. He claims, and my training in the past has mimicked this, that most people run a high percentage of their runs at a moderate intensity, this sabotaging their training. There is a ton of research behind this, but you'll have to read the book yourself, because it's too sciencey for me to try to explain. </div><div><br></div><div>Fitzgerald suggests beginning with a "week of slow" to pull back and let your body adapt to what running slow should feel like. I figured the run streak was a perfect time for this - my hope is that, as Fitzgerald claims, it will help me avoid burnout. I used his fancy math to determine that I should be around a 143 heart rate for these slow runs, and after experimenting this week, I've discovered that it puts me right around a 9:30 pace. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSltd8fHcCnonq5G9ngKW09LEIvSRk6AsDsExgsiqGSSSHmtt3sWbisf2nbLhyphenhyphenDCdvVu7V0fiyGd5ZaGzTGHY3oy2WrREjGGWfprlDfArBHFtzBZ5to9bueJMqH64OzhErgWNqMGLNdNB/s640/blogger-image-344649165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSltd8fHcCnonq5G9ngKW09LEIvSRk6AsDsExgsiqGSSSHmtt3sWbisf2nbLhyphenhyphenDCdvVu7V0fiyGd5ZaGzTGHY3oy2WrREjGGWfprlDfArBHFtzBZ5to9bueJMqH64OzhErgWNqMGLNdNB/s640/blogger-image-344649165.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>It feels so slow and awkward, but I feel amazing after my run and going into the next. I'm excited to try this out for a while, especially to see where the high intensity runs take me. </div><div><br></div><div>While the slow running seems easier, I do feel like I'm running forever and that if I just sped up, I'd be done already. It takes discipline to continue at snail's pace, but I'm determined to at least give this a whirl. The research supports it, and it sure sounds nice! For now at least, I'll be keeping my runs slow with the exception of my weekly tempo run, which I will continue to do at the same intensity as before. Wish me luck!</div></div>Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-63494586170053270882015-11-09T06:26:00.001-08:002015-11-09T17:32:53.450-08:00November challengesLast November I had just completed a half marathon (with a PR!) and had nothing up on my race calendar. I didn't really lose motivation, but after training for two consecutive races, I felt a bit misdirected as to where I wanted my running to go next. November and December were slow months for my running.<br />
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This year, I'm fresh off of two consecutive marathons, and while I do have another one planned, it's not until next summer, so I am finding myself again feeling a bit lost. I decided I needed a good challenge or two to get me through the end of the year, so I'm linking up with Monica at <a href="http://www.www.runeatrepeat.com/" target="_blank">Run, Eat, Repeat </a>for a Pile on the Miles challenge and Amanda at <a href="http://www.runtothefinish.com/" target="_blank">Run to the Finish </a>for the Holiday Sweat. My hope was to have some fresh new challenges to keep me going. </div>
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My goal for Pile on the Miles is to pile some on each day. I want to run every day in November. Certainly some of these will be slow, short runs, but the goal is to keep moving.</div>
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For the Holiday Sweat, we have daily prompts to think about to challenge our fitness and way of thinking. Today's prompt is <em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What’s your baseline # of minutes, and how are you going to accomplish it? </em><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is a funny one for me, because I don't think in terms of minutes, I think in terms of mileage. But for the purpose of this challenge, I'll change my thinking for a bit and go with minutes. To keep my run streak going, I need to run at least a mile a day (the one mile days will replace my usual 2 rest days a week). But on those days, as well as every other day, I will do 30 minutes of something active. I'm hoping to incorporate some yoga on those days and possibly some other type of strength training. It's all about challenging myself, and stepping outside of my running comfort zone is a good place to start. </span></div>
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Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-70658021068522249902015-11-07T09:50:00.001-08:002015-11-07T09:58:48.536-08:00Let's talk about running in the coldIt got stinkin' cold this week! It was 10 degrees this morning when Axe and I headed out for our morning run. Although we have run in colder weather - and likely will again this winter - I froze. I am like a little Popsicle. When it hasn't been this cold in months, you kind of forget how bone chillingly cold it is. So how do I manage?<div><br></div><div>1. Wear alllllllll the clothes. When it's this cold, that means two pairs of pants (today I only wore one pair and a long pair of socks - I regretted it because my thighs were really cold), a long sleeve shirt under a jacket, a neck warmer thing (what are those called?), gloves, and a hat. No love this hat because it keeps my face warm too. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt4QdVeRxchBT1ETZ3CVBWXTlCI5-hVxquUjDQXNnWe4DeZHXt8ZaGSj-M2y_vLdzvi_JRmAjwVHHQX9pEQxK8XdqqKlE4uMFAgetvhnQ59kAglVIn7yDu2b7Xoi68BkXpbTGXOlBflQm/s640/blogger-image--517065649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt4QdVeRxchBT1ETZ3CVBWXTlCI5-hVxquUjDQXNnWe4DeZHXt8ZaGSj-M2y_vLdzvi_JRmAjwVHHQX9pEQxK8XdqqKlE4uMFAgetvhnQ59kAglVIn7yDu2b7Xoi68BkXpbTGXOlBflQm/s640/blogger-image--517065649.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2. Warm up slowly - if at all. On these cold days I definitely don't push the pace. It takes me a long time to get warmed up, and sometimes I don't really get warmed up at all. I don't want to risk injury by running too hard on cold muscles, so I take it nice and easy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3. Get out of your running clothes as soon as you finish your run...for me this meant putting on a pair of leggings under some fleece pajama pants, a hoodie, and crawling under a blanket with a cup of coffee. It took me a good half hour to thaw out. Putting on warm fresh clothes helps me warm up a bit more quickly before I head into my scalding hot shower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx83asF1dHmUs04ifpGuFARsg99pJQ5RiNpeVEvknseo1B9bFsX-HIHgP3hJSerloFih2n_HMIDMsrcEUV_d_Wi1eam-Sl8V32QEOZdhUG-Mxs4xMJ4E0lMkdUDGHkZ8sMIcZgWvnERTC/s640/blogger-image-1422089828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx83asF1dHmUs04ifpGuFARsg99pJQ5RiNpeVEvknseo1B9bFsX-HIHgP3hJSerloFih2n_HMIDMsrcEUV_d_Wi1eam-Sl8V32QEOZdhUG-Mxs4xMJ4E0lMkdUDGHkZ8sMIcZgWvnERTC/s640/blogger-image-1422089828.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Colorado winters can be pretty cold, but I definitely don't want my running to suffer because of the weather. Most mornings I get my runs done on the treadmill, but I still love to do my longer weekend runs outside, no matter how cold it is. Plus it's a fun challenge.</div>Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-18953801555855886952015-10-08T17:33:00.003-07:002015-10-08T17:33:38.230-07:00Portland Marathon RecapAnd then there was that. Just like that, the Portland Marathon is over. Four months of diligent training built up to this event. And it's done. I'll be honest, I feel a little naked with no marathon to train for. On one hand, it was nice this afternoon, when I did my first post-marathon run, to choose what I wanted to run rather than running what the plan told me to. On the other hand, I feel naked. I've been leading up to this one event for so long, that I feel a little lost now that it's done. But more on that later. Let's chat about the race.<br />
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My friend Melanie and I flew out to Portland on Friday and met up with our third runner friend, Kara. The three of us hit the expo and picked up our goodies before an early bedtime on Saturday. On Sunday we had an early wake up call and made it to the start of the race just in time to hit the porta potties before the race started at 7:00. Once we found our corral, it was already time for the National Anthem - and I love the way they did it! The announcer started it, and then the crowd sang the song without the help of a singer over the loudspeaker. And then, it was race time!<br />
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The most amazing part of the first few miles was the drummers downtown. They sound of their drums reverberated throughout downtown and gave the beginning of the race such a great vibe. As always, the first 15 miles or so flew by. There was a long out and back through an industrial area that I was worried would bore me, but it was fun to see the runners before and after us, so those miles went by quickly. And the course support was amazing! <br />
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I was feeling great at this point, even though there were quite a few gradual uphills (by the way, for such a 'flat' course, there sure was a lot of gradual uphill!). I knew there was a large hill at mile 16 as we would climb the St. John's bridge. That hill really wasn't nearly as bad as I was worried that it would be, and the view from the top was amazing! Melanie, Kara, and I ran together on and off up to this point, but it was really special that we all found each other for the bridge - I enjoyed experiencing that with them.<br />
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After the bridge was a 'flat' (read: uphill) stretch along the top of the bluff. I continued to feel well until mile 22 when some feminine issues reared their ugly head and I had terrible cramps for about two miles. These two miles were slow and awful, but then just as quickly as the problems started, they ended, and I was able to finish the last two miles strong. I'm bummed that those two miles took so much out of me, because when all was said and done, I missed a BQ by less than a minute. I was definitely disappointed to miss my goal, but at the end of the day, I know I left it all out there on the course. I know I ran the best race I could that day, and I'm happy with it. Plus, I have a new PR which is exciting. I ended up finishing in 3:40:55. <br />
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A few notes about the race. I train at 7800 feet in elevation and this race was at sea level. I definitely felt the difference - my breathing was easier and I felt much better after the race than the last time. I had some soreness, which was to be expected, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. Also, I was worried about it being hot, but the temperatures, which were warmer than I'm used to, were a non-issue. <br />
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Overall, this was a great race experience. The course support was fantastic and the entertainment was just as good. My favorite race sign? "Up ahead: Mortuary. Look alive." Also, I chose to personalize my bib with the word "FASTER." I loved hearing people yell "Faster" at me as I approached - it was a fun little motivator.<br />
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So now it's all said and done and I'm not sure what's next. With so much going on this year, I think I will take a (short) marathon break and try to stay half marathon ready for a while. I'd like to run some halves next spring and summer and possibly look at another full next fall or the following spring. <br />
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<br />Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-65921781723475099872015-09-27T13:24:00.001-07:002015-09-27T13:24:43.759-07:00One week happy dance!The Portland Marathon is one week from today and I can't wait!! During my last marathon taper I had some major marathon obsessing...I was so nervous and definitely over thinking things. This time I've definitely taken that down a notch (maybe I'd call it a huge interest in all things marathon instead of an obsession). The difference, so far, is that I'm not nervous. I'm excited. Sure I remember how hard miles 20-26 are, but I know what to expect and I'm ready. I've trained well - I feel like other than one or two missed runs for sickness and one for vacation, I stuck to the plan. When I didn't want to run 8 mile tempo runs, I did. And I ended loving speed work days (still not sure how that happened).<div><br></div><div>I've been going through all the taper crazies though - caught a cold, my body hurts in realllllly weird places, I can't stop eating all the things, bed time is early, heck, I even cut back on wine! (Just a little though). My last couple of runs have been pretty miserable, but looking back at my last training cycle, this was also the case then, so I'm not worried about it a bit. I'm just excited to get going.</div><div><br></div><div>I have a nice 3 mile run, a 4 mile race pace run, and a 2 mile run on tap this week...then it's off to Portland! I'm excited to get outside and enjoy the beauty of fall this week while I finish out this training cycle. Fingers crossed for a great week and an even better race!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmQ5L4J6qppMA8iXuI3LGlo2OcILiOx0cZLm0YG7l5DfnMjiTLmjFK_q1H7n8-Io8ew8Q-Z1MTTUC1kOC4DAdy5MmtSEDCjFCYthLbNejdxafOgOvSFo0f7mGOQk2H1mMl4UEQYTZ3yxf/s640/blogger-image-1863624568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmQ5L4J6qppMA8iXuI3LGlo2OcILiOx0cZLm0YG7l5DfnMjiTLmjFK_q1H7n8-Io8ew8Q-Z1MTTUC1kOC4DAdy5MmtSEDCjFCYthLbNejdxafOgOvSFo0f7mGOQk2H1mMl4UEQYTZ3yxf/s640/blogger-image-1863624568.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-70776642421269903182015-09-19T19:21:00.003-07:002015-09-19T19:21:45.776-07:00T-15 days and the taper craziesThe Portland Marathon is in 15 days. Well, to be more exact, 14 and a half days. But who's counting? I haven't updated in a while because I have been BUSY!! Busy running, busy working (school started back up), busy studing (yay for Graduate School), busy being a mom...the list goes on and on. With everything going on in my life, running has become my peace. It's my 'me' time. Running has been the time where I can clear my mind, enjoy nature, and be alone. <br />
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Melanie and I finished up the meat of our training last week. We worked our way up to two 20 mile runs...and we rocked them! We were both pleased with how well those long long runs went, and now we are one week into the three week taper. I don't really count the first week though, because the mileage is similar to stepback weeks and not enough to where I really feel like it's a break. Although mentally, the taper crazies have begun!<br />
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I trained hard. I did all of the runs that were scheduled (minus one while we were on vacation and one while I had strep throat). I hit the intensity on all of the tempo runs and speed workouts. I hit the mileage...and then some. I know I did everything I could. But naturally, I'm still doubting myself. I had an 'easy' 12 mile run this morning. These are the runs that are the hardest for me. I think when I have an 18 or 20 miler on tap, mentally I know I'll be outside running for what feels like forever, and I'm mentally prepared for it. When my schedule says 12 miles, it seems so short in comparison, but I fail to realize how far that really is. Those are the runs that feel like they drag on and on because, shouldn't I be done by now? <br />
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Today's 12 miler was good. I felt strong and comfortable and even managed the mileage well mentally. Then I got home and realized how slowly I ran. I wasn't trying to push it or run fast (Heaven forbid I mess up the taper), but surely that comfort level should be faster than that, right? Ahhhh, one of the classic taper crazies. How the heck am I supposed to maintain an 8:11 pace for 26.1 miles when I can't maintain an 8:30 pace for 12 miles? <br />
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I know that I did everything I needed to do during training, and now it's time to trust in the training. This same training plan (minus the speed work) helped me run a phenomenal race last spring in Denver. I know it's effective. I've been reflecting back on my training log a lot this week - comparing this training cycle with the last one. I'm right where I was with the last one in terms of how I was running and how I was feeling about it. That gives me a lot of reassurance.<br />
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Other taper crazies have been milder. Like today, all I did was run, nap, and eat. Really. I'm SO hungry and tired. I was supposed to get up and start my run by 6:00 am so I could get home and bake muffins with Cupcake. But for the life of me I couldn't drag myself out of bed until 8:00...we made muffins then and I managed to make it out the door at 9. I don't think I've ever left for a run that late in the morning, I usually prefer to be home before the kids are awake. But today, I enjoyed it. And I love that I still went at all - that means I can sleep in tomorrow before sitting around, watching football, and eating all the food. <br />
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I'm anxious to see how the next two weeks play out in terms of taper crazies as the mileage starts going down next week. I actually get to run a 3 mile run. I don't remember what that feels like. And two four milers? CAKE!! Woohoo!!!...for now. <br />
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15 days til the marathon. 15 days to obsess over my fueling plan (I think I've decided on it), my outfit (that's important stuff!), my pacing strategy, and other important things like convincing myself to stick to my resolve to run this marathon without the help of my garmin telling me my pace. Scary stuff! <br />
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One last note, I'm SO EXCITED for this race!! I love that I get to share it with such an amazing friend and running partner. I'm the luckiest person in the world.<br />
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<br />Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-18268392162858273442015-08-29T19:51:00.001-07:002015-08-29T19:51:22.433-07:00In it for the long runToday Melanie and I had our first of two 20 milers for this training cycle. I love long run day - it really is my favorite. I love that I can get lost in the run so easily - I'm not worried about pace or route - it's nothing more than just keep running. <div><br></div><div>Today's run was great. We came in quite a bit under 3 hours and had a great pace of 8:34. We tried something new that was fun - usually for a super long run I do an out and back - or some variation of one (last cycle I went out 5 miles in one direction before coming back and going out 5 miles in another direction). We have a great dirt path in our town that makes a little over a 3 mile loop - and there's an extra little loop at the end that you can add on and it gives another 3/4 mile or so. So we ran over to this trail and did 5 laps on it. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWF9jtYyyPMo30jsnc1J0ku8Ta9Nqgp2aUiFtfuwVtih9EhNR9ITFF2F6w8ETjhti9CZfJ7zeM0Lhy0vbnjNm6eLOvmm7ZEuYXAYIyFAyMslowRT4z_hNcUBJ9R56iB9e4UQr8rKWOmIx/s640/blogger-image-1001358105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWF9jtYyyPMo30jsnc1J0ku8Ta9Nqgp2aUiFtfuwVtih9EhNR9ITFF2F6w8ETjhti9CZfJ7zeM0Lhy0vbnjNm6eLOvmm7ZEuYXAYIyFAyMslowRT4z_hNcUBJ9R56iB9e4UQr8rKWOmIx/s640/blogger-image-1001358105.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I thought running the same course over and over would bore the heck out of me - although we ran it backward twice. But truly, this was easily the most manageable long run I've done as far as the mental aspect goes. It was easy to focus on the particular lap we were in instead of looking at the mileage as a whole. We (I) chatted the whole way and felt great at the end.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OuaIWJD6sXF7XTO9UV79L5rqNnZcaGygng8i7qrgHQUiR6a4vmJzpYyHg_7id7NthhdC3bxBVxcB9LvcYyPhqYl-P9BIOo-7nFRqNMXSjhhWMGa9aL3W3ZABvA9a_48HP1KAY5woo7rE/s640/blogger-image--1318238199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OuaIWJD6sXF7XTO9UV79L5rqNnZcaGygng8i7qrgHQUiR6a4vmJzpYyHg_7id7NthhdC3bxBVxcB9LvcYyPhqYl-P9BIOo-7nFRqNMXSjhhWMGa9aL3W3ZABvA9a_48HP1KAY5woo7rE/s640/blogger-image--1318238199.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I had a good stretch and a lot of food after and although my legs are tired, I feel great and love the accomplishment of completing a 20 mile run. We have 12 miles next week and then another 20 miler before heading into our taper. We've made it this far and I couldn't be more excited. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXBQQ-M-oTMzMtH4aXxEaBfmdpeiXuMwDFVSKl2WchsZqAEgkCb5WnIfloWr9onGRsePqOmAjM7PAh_dwUPnzoyuy5UvIE8VYIkwPXbqtb4z4kLR99WeUE0nE3mJR883d2i1e9J_GD42M/s640/blogger-image-513140474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXBQQ-M-oTMzMtH4aXxEaBfmdpeiXuMwDFVSKl2WchsZqAEgkCb5WnIfloWr9onGRsePqOmAjM7PAh_dwUPnzoyuy5UvIE8VYIkwPXbqtb4z4kLR99WeUE0nE3mJR883d2i1e9J_GD42M/s640/blogger-image-513140474.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-4333438600701118992015-08-15T19:51:00.000-07:002015-08-29T19:54:16.758-07:00I'm just tiredI hit this point in training last time and got tired too. The miles are piling up - I hit my first 50 mile week EVER last week. We are into the 17-18 mile long runs with 8 mile tempo run days. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it. I don't dread my runs at all (well, maybe tempo day a little), in fact I feel like something is missing if I don't get in a good run. I don't feel like the quality of my runs has suffered at all. But I'm tired. <br />
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I wrote earlier about how marathon training isn't just about the running, and that seems so evident now. On the plus side, I am sleeping amazingly and waking up feeling refreshed. And I'm enjoying the runger - eating is my favorite! But I'm tired. I know it comes with the territory of these high mileage weeks. And it's ok. I'm just a little tired.</div>
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*side note: today's tired isn't because of running. It's brought to you by a late night at the Foo Fighters concert last night and a day at an amusement park today. It's a totally different tired. But still a good one. And look - Asher actually smiled on a ride!</div>
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Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-89365261221517426952015-07-31T20:07:00.001-07:002015-08-01T10:03:00.669-07:00July recap<div>July was a busy month of running (again). I logged 160.42 miles as I continued my training for the Portland Marathon in October. I had my first 40 mile week since April and logged my longest run since Colfax in May.</div><div><br></div><div>Here are my monthly highlights:</div><div><br></div><div>I hit the trails some for my runs. Axe and I enjoyed exploring new areas and seeing new places. We enjoyed the challenges of the hills and rocky terrain and are looking forward to more trail runs next month.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUGNVS-6J7HULwb_5djQfOvDOmQiqOtuMzYEihF7f4iyiAFM_j-sLLVwni8vTZKOIT7ErAjE8OqW__DBp-83V4yrZbSZmd7_jzFDn3uUydGCWcMTAXOoMrHzseqCyewXdjo3a7MlFKJTj/s640/blogger-image--709195007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUGNVS-6J7HULwb_5djQfOvDOmQiqOtuMzYEihF7f4iyiAFM_j-sLLVwni8vTZKOIT7ErAjE8OqW__DBp-83V4yrZbSZmd7_jzFDn3uUydGCWcMTAXOoMrHzseqCyewXdjo3a7MlFKJTj/s640/blogger-image--709195007.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>On July 4, Melanie and I ran the Gothic to Crested Butte 1/3 Marathon. It was a fun run and I was excited to earn 2nd in my age group with a time of 1:08:33. </div><div><br></div><div>Speed work, for the second month in a row, didn't kill me.i didn't even hate it by the end of the month. In fact, I enjoyed the last speed workout which was mile repeats.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kJSp3KwUaD3P_z39uJNWd3CzjMsXMmRV3H9LfXT5oye6TBKsVHOMjxGMNqp4qZCijdAE2xXQbCaDaeKFx4MOxk1Tcgypw45-YFTFP80Xir-wzeLgqMNnb8b3Z0yJZ2-jJFuzae5BUYeG/s640/blogger-image-56290403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kJSp3KwUaD3P_z39uJNWd3CzjMsXMmRV3H9LfXT5oye6TBKsVHOMjxGMNqp4qZCijdAE2xXQbCaDaeKFx4MOxk1Tcgypw45-YFTFP80Xir-wzeLgqMNnb8b3Z0yJZ2-jJFuzae5BUYeG/s640/blogger-image-56290403.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Melanie and I had a tough 12 mile run. It was one of those runs that we both struggled with and didn't enjoy much - but we powered through it and conquored it!</div><div><br></div><div>Last weekend we did what I consider the first of the really long runs - 15 miles (plus a cool down mile I added to let Axe run a little too). I love the way I feel after a good long run, especially a successful one.</div><div><br></div><div>My tempo runs were pretty good this month - I'm sustaining a faster pace this marathon training cycle than I did for the last one, so I'm excited about that progress. I ran 8 miles at a 7:30 pace yesterday including warm up and cool down. That's stinkin' fast for me and my little legs!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGKdXMsBrITQ9WdaFWshISkNBmHFTJ2Spgh-DeqENjui3jr_hONZ2K3JX6gP5v0PLqR5jhrCRwP1XRpct79Kp4FmtDXbdtTs3IN_88KN-ht2z5mdGMOG2G9A014taqncfOIPcjxxw8xhe/s640/blogger-image-317563620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGKdXMsBrITQ9WdaFWshISkNBmHFTJ2Spgh-DeqENjui3jr_hONZ2K3JX6gP5v0PLqR5jhrCRwP1XRpct79Kp4FmtDXbdtTs3IN_88KN-ht2z5mdGMOG2G9A014taqncfOIPcjxxw8xhe/s640/blogger-image-317563620.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><br></div><div>The Portland Marathon emailed me my bib number yesterday. I guess it's really going to happen!</div><div><br></div><div>The best part of my running month wasn't a run, but I'm thinking it may help my running a little bit (or at least help those little niggles and aches and pains). I got a massage this week and it was magic. I've had more soreness this training cycle. I think it's due to adding in speed work. So I got a massage. I had no soreness after at all and my next run felt amazing. I think it will become a regular thing.</div><div><br></div><div>I also had a great month outside of running. We did a lot of hiking and exploring. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F1BYxgifahEiHSQhUt5Q_54BqTgoKN7YEEJvBRlTLn0nTBhTKVJqhiJvjj8G67xWUsMhpHA0rjVsX4btpxmyaSugqDFJxDso2y12xIcCSxBt_Qg_RtfjXykDQkV7qylevdldRJujlRBU/s640/blogger-image-155379583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F1BYxgifahEiHSQhUt5Q_54BqTgoKN7YEEJvBRlTLn0nTBhTKVJqhiJvjj8G67xWUsMhpHA0rjVsX4btpxmyaSugqDFJxDso2y12xIcCSxBt_Qg_RtfjXykDQkV7qylevdldRJujlRBU/s640/blogger-image-155379583.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0FA6v134hLWHrPOPH9bWKjutGgI4jX23Bvkf7ZFHDzMukMlKlhv6tvjq_N8GKaKi6-K4ViKOBlRzltTLGZ4-yD_fdRu1nvZa0l4_RaZbvp2sU88tEriNJEHUOJ84di2TSdaWs2tlSICj/s640/blogger-image-762141841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0FA6v134hLWHrPOPH9bWKjutGgI4jX23Bvkf7ZFHDzMukMlKlhv6tvjq_N8GKaKi6-K4ViKOBlRzltTLGZ4-yD_fdRu1nvZa0l4_RaZbvp2sU88tEriNJEHUOJ84di2TSdaWs2tlSICj/s640/blogger-image-762141841.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9Po4O-GduJfKyN1j3GKJ5gIwObLcGk6wLN8jdo7f2GOPZlopGp6fM5oKiNb8x7n7OBWy5bdPgOp-Hi89ys_8_cAY2w9ZfMEQL8kS2eC1b2-0WWjsWz-Em5bpM0IrUEGpBcVhkyQQnEGe/s640/blogger-image-186757039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9Po4O-GduJfKyN1j3GKJ5gIwObLcGk6wLN8jdo7f2GOPZlopGp6fM5oKiNb8x7n7OBWy5bdPgOp-Hi89ys_8_cAY2w9ZfMEQL8kS2eC1b2-0WWjsWz-Em5bpM0IrUEGpBcVhkyQQnEGe/s640/blogger-image-186757039.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct7T-kG4tLpV6WNfeoH40PDlMuysoUPpEwCUq0BaiWetmceK5apCyytD-80xN5Wgc5D6wxCAQcjEg795n6sGrOYHKNc3bKShrxTZTYIgIRe6g6KfogSauD9jUzvQy9Gk8y2ZwC4oADAzd/s640/blogger-image--234882301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct7T-kG4tLpV6WNfeoH40PDlMuysoUPpEwCUq0BaiWetmceK5apCyytD-80xN5Wgc5D6wxCAQcjEg795n6sGrOYHKNc3bKShrxTZTYIgIRe6g6KfogSauD9jUzvQy9Gk8y2ZwC4oADAzd/s640/blogger-image--234882301.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecuzpk1o0oC7sd5DclXp54r1VAWVWpN_-VYPoVK8LnFj_RAvtTxt0kWz3p1P1i4icxwHkka7yPACggmJYNZne9nG72BZr7FbGeo3oY8XgiEIDMIn3xTIwrN1hz21rlL5_j8eLHPGLs1Z2/s640/blogger-image-2103882945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecuzpk1o0oC7sd5DclXp54r1VAWVWpN_-VYPoVK8LnFj_RAvtTxt0kWz3p1P1i4icxwHkka7yPACggmJYNZne9nG72BZr7FbGeo3oY8XgiEIDMIn3xTIwrN1hz21rlL5_j8eLHPGLs1Z2/s640/blogger-image-2103882945.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I'm hoping August treats us as well as July did - it's the last month of summer here!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-88965461574448440252015-07-29T13:12:00.001-07:002015-07-29T20:20:40.653-07:00It's not just about the runningMarathon training takes a lot of time. Right now I'm averaging about 38 miles a week and I'm not even into the meat of training yet. That's about 5 and a half hours a week of running. I know it doesn't sound like a ton of time, but it's definitely enough to make an impact on my life. <div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Aside from the actual running, though, marathon training affects my daily life a lot. For example, eating. If I'm not running and I'm not sleeping (more on that in a bit), chances are I'm eating. Kelsy even told me that she thought my favorite thing to do is to stand in the kitchen and eat. She's right. It takes a lot of fuel to sustain long weekend runs or 8 mile tempo runs.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhSXpOjvwv_v5d1wBbl7d0AyIrrwY9uUGJDHAAn6yd6fbBfTK9ayPNHDyIGNLcVNwe-FSR3aw2ISRqk_ZjxO-kB7WQtJ9oFpbuOr-MM-MX2qWb1PZQ85Hp2v16S0FV4Adp5m4gDzdkV2p/s640/blogger-image--1864213769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhSXpOjvwv_v5d1wBbl7d0AyIrrwY9uUGJDHAAn6yd6fbBfTK9ayPNHDyIGNLcVNwe-FSR3aw2ISRqk_ZjxO-kB7WQtJ9oFpbuOr-MM-MX2qWb1PZQ85Hp2v16S0FV4Adp5m4gDzdkV2p/s640/blogger-image--1864213769.jpg"></a></div><br></font><div><br></div><div>There's also laundry. I read somewhere that it's good for the material in sports bras to not wash them too frequently. It was even recommended to wear them a couple of times between washing a to preserve the elasticity. Whoever wrote that has obviously never smelled me after a good run. They get washed after one run. I think more than half of my laundry is running clothes - that's a lot of extra laundry!</div><div><br></div><div>Then there's sleep. Because Melanie and I like to get our runs done early, it means I also like to go to bed at a decent time the night before (read: early). And aside from regular sleep, during a good marathon training cycle, I find myself napping, which is something I honestly hate to do. But I can tell my body needs it, so I do. I definitely sleep a lot better during training. I also tend to feel much more refreshed when I wake up. </div><div><br></div><div>Oh and planning. Derek and I are taking a trip next week and my biggest concern was how I was going to get my long run in while we are gone. I googled it and have a plan (I'm very excited about that run too - I love running in new places!). I have no idea what else we will do on our little trip, but my runs are planned! Last weekend we went for a hike and I put a lot of effort into planning what I thought would be a good, fun hike, but one that would leave me with enough left in the tank for the next day's long run. I feel like so much that I do revolves around how I will fit in that day's run or how I will schedule other things around my runs to make sure I'm creating a balance that works for my family, my runs, and for me.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDImMEnsk05MvPjXrnK9-VpyjOOQOmoZBASik8OkJjyxzLHMc5sdsDhb7V1L1nbzKCwh09oexy6DpDUPR_C7A47JgF4dIr7Hw21QlGNLl9Z3E9pi4zvtWe7f4wgCLnhMRvjsWjJgaPyhF/s640/blogger-image-1193913142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDImMEnsk05MvPjXrnK9-VpyjOOQOmoZBASik8OkJjyxzLHMc5sdsDhb7V1L1nbzKCwh09oexy6DpDUPR_C7A47JgF4dIr7Hw21QlGNLl9Z3E9pi4zvtWe7f4wgCLnhMRvjsWjJgaPyhF/s640/blogger-image-1193913142.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I think that had I known how much running would affect the non-running aspects of my life, I would have been very hesitant to train for a marathon. I already worry about making sure that my family and work lives don't suffer from my training schedule, but I would have worried that this was just too much. But now that I'm experiencing it first-hand, I love it. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I enjoy training even though it's so much more than just running. I love how much more soundly I sleep at night. I love eating all day long. I don't love the extra laundry, but it's worth it. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I think people tend to think of marathon training as a decent amount of running during the week plus a lot of running on the weekend. And it is. But it's so much more than that. And it's awesome.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today was rest day. So I ate, caught up on laundry, and even had a little nap with my little cutie. I had to prepare my body (and clothes) for tempo day tomorrow!</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR5Ut86bzKI6FMRcbQXSSU_fQKgYX8DA0rA6QOJx3gOSnCqsh4McWMWITXcy7LC5WrFnxUv8hTo-XL8iPfAzLtGR49IR5Cw1uGJq_YEIuP_k4kwFCgruj8g2vP-jC64I9ygl5YluUL3nR/s640/blogger-image--1383755194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR5Ut86bzKI6FMRcbQXSSU_fQKgYX8DA0rA6QOJx3gOSnCqsh4McWMWITXcy7LC5WrFnxUv8hTo-XL8iPfAzLtGR49IR5Cw1uGJq_YEIuP_k4kwFCgruj8g2vP-jC64I9ygl5YluUL3nR/s640/blogger-image--1383755194.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-60867073120078457062015-07-23T10:55:00.001-07:002015-07-23T11:27:34.677-07:00Not all routes are created equal - trail running<div><br></div>After yesterday's beautiful hike, I decided I really wanted to run that trail. Today was tempo day, but I decided that with the added elevation (this trail is a little over 9,000 feet) and hills, that I would go for it, knowing I wouldn't be able to maintain my usual tempo run pace. <div><br></div><div>The end of the first mile had a huge hill - about a 180 foot rise. It was a tough hill but I made it! I was definitely slower than I like, but it gave me some confidence for mile 16 of Portland. Plus it was only mile one, too early to wimp out.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qlWh33ng9Edp4fK-qU2w1Px1uGzl7qxjYVhM99BtDPsK5E8blLdzZModQ84OWeZYACxxvFKmXIQeYGCUsandM4571w_Tjz4qPudXEW3Sp-wTXHUk_lch_4aD-rkMLQZEhJ8lnpn8Kbe-/s640/blogger-image-591094007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qlWh33ng9Edp4fK-qU2w1Px1uGzl7qxjYVhM99BtDPsK5E8blLdzZModQ84OWeZYACxxvFKmXIQeYGCUsandM4571w_Tjz4qPudXEW3Sp-wTXHUk_lch_4aD-rkMLQZEhJ8lnpn8Kbe-/s640/blogger-image-591094007.jpg"></a></div>This was after the huge hill...I didn't get a picture going up, I was too busy trying to stay alive. Also I'm cheating and using pictures from yesterday.</div><div><br></div><div>The rest of the trail had lots of little hills, both up and down. It also had views for days! Since our hike was only 4 miles and I needed 7, I also hopped onto a dirt road for a bit. It was much easier to run, but not nearly as fun.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWkzK9XtUMEROcfoQBPUI_rmLcGMU_davNc4v_0laeeDdGpd1FErliDXehq9o1QmA2v4c3d6lgZDA8k57AaLHE07kuYBxZwN7qJGUY9nmzxUMcBL8wiOJP_vEZ8pYe8o85Xt_wLItUEnL/s640/blogger-image--201605705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWkzK9XtUMEROcfoQBPUI_rmLcGMU_davNc4v_0laeeDdGpd1FErliDXehq9o1QmA2v4c3d6lgZDA8k57AaLHE07kuYBxZwN7qJGUY9nmzxUMcBL8wiOJP_vEZ8pYe8o85Xt_wLItUEnL/s640/blogger-image--201605705.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIwyXm3ry2BjFgdJ_-pfKcYU7dF1cZevpGCkJxMrsHVRrtkMBqS458a5YAxM1LUpsUA5TkhNm7uP1mf8FPkbIREQ4DNBcf7Sp3bUAvOFm4to1_PIqNyyj6vGjwBbGCtDtBmJKngBziLnq/s640/blogger-image-1886144079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIwyXm3ry2BjFgdJ_-pfKcYU7dF1cZevpGCkJxMrsHVRrtkMBqS458a5YAxM1LUpsUA5TkhNm7uP1mf8FPkbIREQ4DNBcf7Sp3bUAvOFm4to1_PIqNyyj6vGjwBbGCtDtBmJKngBziLnq/s640/blogger-image-1886144079.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGRNzLZKJEi3OE5NYaoxiNOkXRZ36ziYwuSotHp1YieZ8DGyxAfny3biGKrxs2W1xnkKpZ7IoeY-GU3O4v1QCTBCUwdR5zffb3zgDbtHqZoSPn5eogB1BI7IvoFc8pfowsY4fKk5rm8sk/s640/blogger-image--504932087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGRNzLZKJEi3OE5NYaoxiNOkXRZ36ziYwuSotHp1YieZ8DGyxAfny3biGKrxs2W1xnkKpZ7IoeY-GU3O4v1QCTBCUwdR5zffb3zgDbtHqZoSPn5eogB1BI7IvoFc8pfowsY4fKk5rm8sk/s640/blogger-image--504932087.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>At the end of our run, Axe and I played in the river. It was kind of like a mini ice bath and felt SO good! In case you don't know, Colorado rivers are cold!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGlyd7aHKNVyEQP5LN5jItSwOZMjwAOsHBCKfwgbHts5Hc7sajxiW9YW0u3thjpNE42i5lyKRcDfCvQ3rET0Hiy5MlvTaHuf6f4PP0aaa70nKvaQ4HsWfZmmzMINmv0my5AcZMjGStcbX/s640/blogger-image-948351359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGlyd7aHKNVyEQP5LN5jItSwOZMjwAOsHBCKfwgbHts5Hc7sajxiW9YW0u3thjpNE42i5lyKRcDfCvQ3rET0Hiy5MlvTaHuf6f4PP0aaa70nKvaQ4HsWfZmmzMINmv0my5AcZMjGStcbX/s640/blogger-image-948351359.jpg"></a></div>You know it was a good run when you look like this at the end!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rV-YkFhmkkb0-Ll27hbIsTCK-Fx1hEGzfJstQmeCY2jjHR1nIP7vr61KbHyvuoW491AISC2_icBKlSR4l6rXHnqTF2Gb0fDywjZ2brSwD7AvBiqiDOaFDLkZo056fl3u3NJlMbrLgcON/s640/blogger-image-1436116631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rV-YkFhmkkb0-Ll27hbIsTCK-Fx1hEGzfJstQmeCY2jjHR1nIP7vr61KbHyvuoW491AISC2_icBKlSR4l6rXHnqTF2Gb0fDywjZ2brSwD7AvBiqiDOaFDLkZo056fl3u3NJlMbrLgcON/s640/blogger-image-1436116631.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HsyajRjxB41gHxxrCDsfOYlaRj8M0fMaIIWkkryeATLxamR7VzugU6iFJvIkTX9n4Q5iaRYaQZcmE7F7tdc-iNEb8YZRhT67OzvyHKGD24uyUpAeWEXcDlebMhMB9EoOe8jOlCMYG-4L/s640/blogger-image-1046498370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HsyajRjxB41gHxxrCDsfOYlaRj8M0fMaIIWkkryeATLxamR7VzugU6iFJvIkTX9n4Q5iaRYaQZcmE7F7tdc-iNEb8YZRhT67OzvyHKGD24uyUpAeWEXcDlebMhMB9EoOe8jOlCMYG-4L/s640/blogger-image-1046498370.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DhLAinmr3cYMXw_h0WWdDeZON5HLZMtPDon6gaStBW2v9MpGh8ABzOPtwJvLdS955MFsGMh9iYzmwZ6TAtumexbpy-Hr6a6LSY16ObWVgnmiKFrOPoxjdGLTqMZEegslJXw0B_cfl83n/s640/blogger-image-2132161588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DhLAinmr3cYMXw_h0WWdDeZON5HLZMtPDon6gaStBW2v9MpGh8ABzOPtwJvLdS955MFsGMh9iYzmwZ6TAtumexbpy-Hr6a6LSY16ObWVgnmiKFrOPoxjdGLTqMZEegslJXw0B_cfl83n/s640/blogger-image-2132161588.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What I learned today:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1. Be super careful on mountain terrain. Rocks will jump out and try to trip you or they will shift at the last second in an attempt to make you twist your ankle. Rocks are not friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2. Running through puddles (and streams) is fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3. Trails by rivers are great for dogs - Axe was happy to have plenty of water to drink along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4. Trail maps are your friend. Be sure you're aware of the area to avoid getting lost (I would be one to do this).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">5. Check the weather! Colorado is known for its afternoon thunderstorms. I made sure that the weather was supposed to stay nice so I wouldn't get caught in one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">6. Watch for bikers. There are a lot of them and they're fast! I kept my music off most of the way so that I could enjoy the sounds of nature, but also so a biker wouldn't scare the bejesus out of me if he came up behind me. Share the trails!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">7. Take extra water and a snack or two. Just in case you get lost (see #4)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">8. Enjoy! We have a beautiful planet. Don't take it for granted - get out there and explore!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimj65FkzR8r9aAGTXVxuqui3-34ogZioJc1EXdJ5UH99njTerSiB51om5kGxcHuLB1q1O8GuQVqfh46aKx2zk2OIRD4y1xXwarrXWf2lCGci6DaHdpVAkej6kQ7gJ12YTGn1n6cgtIYwi/s640/blogger-image-1020613558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimj65FkzR8r9aAGTXVxuqui3-34ogZioJc1EXdJ5UH99njTerSiB51om5kGxcHuLB1q1O8GuQVqfh46aKx2zk2OIRD4y1xXwarrXWf2lCGci6DaHdpVAkej6kQ7gJ12YTGn1n6cgtIYwi/s640/blogger-image-1020613558.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was a great run. Slow and difficult, but amazing. I am looking forward to exploring more of these trails that we are so lucky to have here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy4F_oclbhdrCRbDynzcdJ203Jb6kM7k-R6fTQfEUDoyNumh5qtiZj7ccpWsZFXO2n6hDwg1Q3Vl2bmzn0NVitQN_h9xnWSMhG_T0-n4p4XUgF9vol7szUZ4wt-4XAfCTFHR2Ikz4Iech/s640/blogger-image--2064783398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy4F_oclbhdrCRbDynzcdJ203Jb6kM7k-R6fTQfEUDoyNumh5qtiZj7ccpWsZFXO2n6hDwg1Q3Vl2bmzn0NVitQN_h9xnWSMhG_T0-n4p4XUgF9vol7szUZ4wt-4XAfCTFHR2Ikz4Iech/s640/blogger-image--2064783398.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-65642695311904339212015-07-22T20:45:00.001-07:002015-07-22T20:48:20.349-07:00Taking the restlessness out of rest days<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I used to love rest days. Now I feel restless and lazy. I have been trying to use rest days to get active in other ways - kind of like cross training but less intense. Today the boys and I popped up to Crested Butte with Axe and went for a 4 mile hike before hitting the park for a picnic lunch. I love getting the boys outside and moving and enjoy sharing the experience with them. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The wildflowers are on the tail end of their bloom so we chose a spot with plenty of wildflowers, mountain views, and a river.</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"></div></div>
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Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-49960609791562968792015-07-21T06:41:00.001-07:002015-07-22T14:24:52.361-07:00The early bird gets the runMy alarm goes off at 5:30am. By 6:00 I'm out the door. 7 miles later, at 7:00, I'm back home. The kids are still asleep my husband is just getting up. I fix my coffee and now it's time to start the day.<br />
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Do I love getting up at 5:30? Not one bit. Some nights I wish I could stay up a little later. Jimmy Fallon is hilarious and I would like to watch...but I have to be up early. </div>
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As a mom of four, husband of one, worker of a full time job as well as a part time job, and marathoner, these early mornings come with the territory. I definitely don't have the time to train for another marathon. I make the time. </div>
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It's all about finding the right balance. I love my family. I love my job. I love running. I'll not sacrifice one for another. Running is my 'me' time. It's where I can think uninterrupted...or tune out completely. It's where I feel my best physically and mentally. I'm sure you've heard all the cliches about how you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of your kids, but it's true. I'm a much happier person after my morning run. </div>
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It's a priority of mine to get my daily run in without it negatively impacting the family. During the week, my runs rarely go longer than an hour. I go early so that I'm not missing my family time. I like coming back when everyone is still asleep and knowing that I've already accomplished something great for the day. I love that they know I've already run - what a great example it sets for them - but that they don't feel like I'm taking up their time to run. Weekends are a little different - it means the kids get breakfast time with daddy. I think that's a good thing too. It's all about balance. </div>
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I've already run my 7 miles (including speed work!) this morning. I've already showered and now I have my coffee and a few minutes to myself before the kids get up and our busy day begins. And I wouldn't have it any other way.</div>
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This morning I met Melanie at the track for a tough speed workout. We did the pyramid - a 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 1200, and 800 with 400m recovery laps in between.</div>
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Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-73002562660067948132015-07-16T17:17:00.001-07:002015-07-18T06:59:53.762-07:00Running by feelDuring training for my last marathon, I became a little obsessed. It's easy to do. I had a time goal and reeeeeeaaaaally wanted to achieve it. As I trained, I watched my trusty Garmin very closely, over analyzing every run. And I realized that running an 8:15 pace required a very different effort every day. I became so wrapped up in the numbers that I lost sight of how each run was feeling. I didn't know how to trust my body. <br />
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I was looking at different pace bands to try out for the marathon and then it dawned on me. Worrying so much about pace was making me crazy. I was so worried about numbers that I forgot to just enjoy the run. </div>
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About a month before the marathon, I made a bold decision. I was not going to watch my Garmin during the race. I didn't want to be comparing my time with my pace band every mile and then find myself getting discouraged if I fell behind where I wanted to be. My fear was that if I figured out halfway through that I wouldn't hit my time goal, that the rest of the race would be torturous, so I simply took that option out of the equation. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I even changed the Garmin display to show me only distance - no time, no pace. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This was scary for me, I am very much a numbers girl. But running the last month of training by feel only was very freeing. I still wore my Garmin so that after the run I would have an idea of where I was, but it was so refreshing to not look down every mile to see my pace. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On marathon day I started questioning this logic, but I had read enough marathon training advice that said not to change any part of your plan on the day of the marathon, so I held firm. Based on data from my last long run I wasn't sure I would hit my goal, but I was going to enjoy the day and not obsess. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">And guess what. Running by feel brought me in to the finish NINETEEN minutes UNDER my goal time! I was thrilled, and more importantly, I felt great. I used up every ounce of energy I had in my tank, but I didn't hit the wall. Running by feel helped me to keep at a reasonable pace that I could maintain for 26 miles, and I surprised myself with what that pace is.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I haven't worried about pace once since then. I always wear my Garmin and check it after my run, but with the exception of speed work on the track, I don't check it. I've noticed that my recovery run pace has stayed about the same, as has my long run pace, but my tempo runs are getting faster. I'm not sure what that has to do with anything, but it's interesting to note. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I am still getting the feel of how different paces feel (whoa, that's a lot of the word feel) - I'm not very good at guessing how fast I went after I finish each run, but it's a fun game trying to guess what my pace was before I check. I'm starting to get a little better at it. There are days I am disappointed because I ran slower than I thought I should have, and days like today where it's exciting to have run faster. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I'm enjoying tuning into my body though. I'm enjoying listening to my breathing and feeling my legs and running accordingly. I'm still afraid that this may bring me in over my goal time and keep me from qualifying from Boston, but I think I'll enjoy the journey so much more.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Today I did my tempo run - after speed work on Tuesday and a faster-than-usual run yesterday, I wasn't sure how it would go. I ended up with a pace I was excited about. Here is my run after a one mile warm up. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Then I spent the rest of the day snuggling this little guy because he wasn't feeling too hot.</span></div>
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Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-1092359092488934952015-07-14T08:26:00.001-07:002015-07-14T08:50:04.641-07:00Speedwork - thoughts on running fastWhen Melanie and I started putting together a training plan for the Portland Marathon, we decided to incorporate speed work. I've never added it in before, so I was extremely hesitant. But I am also wanting to take a few minutes off of my current marathon time, so I figured I probably should take my training up a notch.<div><br></div><div>The first week was hard. My body didn't quite know what had hit it. The workout that week was 400m repeats with 400m recovery in between. I'm most definitely not a sprinter, but to come in at our target time, I felt like I was all out sprinting and I hated every second of it. I wasn't sure how I would keep it up for the entire marathon training plan.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUAKzR9LXePGvDdVwZwZhwZTrPNhyphenhyphen1jsNXS2m68C4B5pThHB9NRLsgCL2DjRmksz1rqg5LaGR-JcwNbPVZ5JN0Ia_UNbAE6aDLTwrVOC6lAsBNK2NB3EOlb2NQurKD6B-dHWG6cVkJwGI/s640/blogger-image-1884599147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUAKzR9LXePGvDdVwZwZhwZTrPNhyphenhyphen1jsNXS2m68C4B5pThHB9NRLsgCL2DjRmksz1rqg5LaGR-JcwNbPVZ5JN0Ia_UNbAE6aDLTwrVOC6lAsBNK2NB3EOlb2NQurKD6B-dHWG6cVkJwGI/s640/blogger-image-1884599147.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Fast forward several weeks and I'm actually starting to enjoy speed work - which is good because the reason I run is that I love to run, and even though I have a new marathon goal I'm aiming for, I don't want it to suck all of the fun out of running. </div><div><br></div><div>Today was 4x1200m with 400m recovery in between. I think I prefer the longer intervals because even though I have to sustain a harder pace for longer it's a much more manageable pace than it was for 400m or 800m. Plus only having to do 4 intervals instead of 8 or 12 makes it feel more manageable, even though I end up covering the same distance.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr5ihBgLTLClf-2Oy786fA1iGHsiOyXtLLKcKj9NkMrFWN8rlO8PXrzCqU2JlI6McSU4jt0dTVpSLkE5rZPH-Qab1m8BOv1feWrKZY11idrbywkR1cuy9g5b-RiLT_wIpRL7RTthcqg1T/s640/blogger-image-639147791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr5ihBgLTLClf-2Oy786fA1iGHsiOyXtLLKcKj9NkMrFWN8rlO8PXrzCqU2JlI6McSU4jt0dTVpSLkE5rZPH-Qab1m8BOv1feWrKZY11idrbywkR1cuy9g5b-RiLT_wIpRL7RTthcqg1T/s640/blogger-image-639147791.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I have also come up with a few mental tricks that are working for me to not see speed work as such a torturous piece of marathon training.</div><div><br></div><div>1. Take it one lap at a time. Today when I was doing 1200m intervals (3 laps on the track), focusing on each lap at a time was much easier to wrap my head around the how many laps I had to do total and what was still left to do.</div><div><br></div><div>2. Take the recovery laps nice and easy. It's easy for me to want to run my normal happy pace - which is somewhere in the 8:20-8:30 range - for recovery laps, but then I find I'm not quite recovered enough. I want to take advantage of the training benefits of cumulative fatigue, but not so much that I can't complete the workouts. Slowing it down a bit for recovery laps helps.</div><div><br></div><div>3. Bring a friend. I can't quit when Melanie is right beside me. Plus she's fast! Trying to keep up with her keeps me on pace and accountable.</div><div><br></div><div>4. Keep in mind that the harder the workout, the greater the benefit. Those few minutes aren't just going to fall off of my marathon time. I have to make it happen. I will only get out of this training session and training plan as a whole what I put into it.</div><div><br></div><div>5. Envision something great. When I'm running the fast intervals I like to pretend that I'm in the last .2 miles of the marathon and am barreling toward the finish. I pretend all of the excitement of race day is surrounding me. </div><div><br></div><div>6. Smile. Smiling makes everything better. </div><div><br></div><div>Each week the speed work is getting better and better for me. It's not necessarily getting easier, but I'm adapting to it better and feeling stronger. It's getting to where instead of being something I dread, it's a challenge I'm starting to embrace. Plus there's a huge satisfaction that comes from completing the workout each week.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisstt8XSncapwh6Xcf85RB_c5x9SU58uN1w8kx0VOFVzElIWcAkq_PKUwc93VdxtuCHz9-Q8DWTaCRl-E1gbZ3_mUdYKB9e_Fi7qcXEvll9a0PaNlvJ2GrN-h7LAOGkb-GcybBGSB4o4ri/s640/blogger-image--1387859662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisstt8XSncapwh6Xcf85RB_c5x9SU58uN1w8kx0VOFVzElIWcAkq_PKUwc93VdxtuCHz9-Q8DWTaCRl-E1gbZ3_mUdYKB9e_Fi7qcXEvll9a0PaNlvJ2GrN-h7LAOGkb-GcybBGSB4o4ri/s640/blogger-image--1387859662.jpg"></a></div>Also, who could hate a track workout with this view?</div>Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-71432244885193453232015-07-11T07:47:00.001-07:002015-07-11T08:17:49.368-07:00Celebrating the bad runsI've had a great week of running: a good race last weekend, speed work that went smoothly, and a tempo run that was faster than I had anticipated. 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This morning's 12 mile run threatened to ruin all of that.</div>
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It really wasn't terrible - nothing horrible, like an injury, happened. But it was just not a good run. It was one of those runs that had me questioning my decision to tackle another marathon. It was just hard. My legs were tired. My body was tired. My mind wasn't into it. It seemed like the whole thing was uphill. First I was cold, then I was hot. I felt like I was moving at turtle speed but my pace was a good 20 seconds slower than an average run of that distance. I got frustrated.</div>
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We've all had these runs. </div>
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It's so easy to let the doubt creep in after a hard run. Will I be able to maintain my goal pace if I can barely maintain a pace that's this much slower? Will I be able to complete 26.2 miles if 12 is this hard?</div>
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But instead of doubting, when I got home, I celebrated. Not that it was over, but that I did it. I finished the run. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This is a run I can build off of and learn from. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When I taper in the weeks before a marathon, one thing I like to do is look back at my training log and celebrate my successes. Of course this means the days where 18 miles felt great, the tempo runs that were good and fast and easy, and the relaxing runs that I simply enjoyed. But this also means celebrating the bad runs. The runs that I didn't think I would make it through. The runs I didn't want to make it through because throwing in the towel would have been easier. These are the runs that remind me how strong I really am. These are the runs where I didn't give up. Those are the runs where my body and mind proved to me that they can keep going even when they don't want to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When I hit mile 23 of that marathon and my legs are tired, my mind is frustrated, and everything starts to hurt, these are the runs that I can reflect on. I draw strength from knowing I powered through it in training and I can power through it again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">These are the runs where I prove to myself that I am a good runner. These are the days I'm proud of my accomplishments. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's not always supposed to be easy. It's supposed to hurt sometimes. If every run was easy, it wouldn't be a challenge, and without a challenge, it wouldn't be an accomplishment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Celebrating my tough run. Don't worry, I'll celebrate properly with some wine later on.</span></div>
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Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-76440503389850606152015-07-09T16:02:00.001-07:002015-07-11T21:06:40.101-07:00How I spend my days offUsually I get up early to go for my runs so I can get back before all of the kids are awake. Today I got up early, but not to run. And today I dragged the kids out of bed early with me. We rented a Jeep and took the two big boys (the babies had preschool) up to explore the Alpine Loop.<br />
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It was incredibly beautiful. And cold. Very cold. Our jeep had no windows and it was 41 degrees when we left the house. But we had SO much fun!!! We drove around, hiked a bit, had a picnic lunch, explored an old ghost town, and threw a few snowballs.</div>
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It was bumpy!!</div>
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This was right around where we saw a moose. It was too far away to get any good pictures though 😑</div>
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(Don't believe him, I think he actually had fun). The sign driving down from this point said the elevation was 12,800 feet.<br />
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This place reminded us of a hike we did on our honeymoon in Argentina. So naturally we took a selfie.<br />
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Seriously, how lucky are we to get to live so close to all this?</div>
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Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-68822644520957332412015-07-08T19:28:00.001-07:002015-07-08T19:28:34.482-07:00The art of running in the rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I love to run in the rain. It's my favorite. Even if I already ran in the morning, if it starts to rain, I will lace up and head out. Running in the rain is my one weakness when it comes to my rest day - I can't resist! It's even better than running in the snow (my other favorite).<div><br></div><div>Running in the rain also comes with challenges. Here are my tips to help you enjoy it as much as I do:</div><div><br></div><div>1. The rain can make it slick! I have a little trail I like to run and it gets muddy and particularly slick...so be careful! Slow down if you need to in order to avoid slipping and falling.</div><div><br></div><div>2. Be extra cautious of traffic. A good hard rain (the best kind!) can limit visibility. Cars may have a hard time seeing you as clearly so be extra aware. Bright colored clothing can also be helpful.</div><div><br></div><div>3. This one seems obvious, but if you're experiencing a huge thunderstorm with lots of lightning, just stay in. Lucky for me we don't have many of those here :)</div><div><br></div><div>4. Here in Colorado we don't have the warm rains that we had when we lived in Georgia. Take care not to let yourself get too cold. If the rain is cold, wear something that will help you stay warm and maybe a little drier. Layers are good here. It looks completely ridiculous, but a garbage bag works well. Also get out of those wet clothes as soon as you can after your run.</div><div><br></div><div>5. Be extra careful of blisters and chafing. Wet shoes = wet feet and wet feet that rub against wet socks can mean monster blisters. Wearing good moisture wicking socks (no cotton!) can help. I also prefer to wear pants (or compression shorts back in GA) to help prevent chafing. Cotton t-shirts can weigh you down so good moisture wicking clothing is great for running in the rain.</div><div><br></div><div>This morning Axe and I headed out into the rain for my tempo run. I usually do these on the treadmill just to help me with packing and consistency, but I couldn't resist the rain!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk2pw4OxN5gfnq66YR2qx3xt-OZJGVCgxX4oRnZmNG1XDi1OJk6KU3b3x_auUwSdzym8-Q7qO3PLAN1d6rUEH2aj0JrK5408CrPBAblQDifX1MdEJqFSgUfhSVQ4gJ8N44ZlYadckK73_/s640/blogger-image-1457852076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvoYgx1SBCcj5vcBLJwSJ1R7UR4nKlb33Gh42FpFEHBIkkHdA82eGBoA2v5TbwuuPAxlxnoCAdrjmcwfRp3dLctSv_nh3gqXkKHgaT4uzBfyLxyZB1OyKT9eAywHLZccpS09sqEW41TQN/s640/blogger-image--1029695004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvoYgx1SBCcj5vcBLJwSJ1R7UR4nKlb33Gh42FpFEHBIkkHdA82eGBoA2v5TbwuuPAxlxnoCAdrjmcwfRp3dLctSv_nh3gqXkKHgaT4uzBfyLxyZB1OyKT9eAywHLZccpS09sqEW41TQN/s640/blogger-image--1029695004.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div>Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-20613432849981543872015-07-07T13:16:00.000-07:002015-07-07T13:19:53.893-07:00Letting go of the what-ifs and trusting in the planWhen I trained for my first marathon in 2010, I was largely unprepared. I loosely did the training plan...and by loosely I mean I relied solely on the long runs to get me through the marathon. I didn't keep up with the mid week runs very well and figured as long as I could get through the long runs, I would be fine. And I was, really, I did complete the marathon. It took me 4:43:andsomechange and I was happy with that. I was ecstatic to be a marathoner. I most definitely hit the wall at around mile 20 and it was a very difficult run. I know that marathons are not supposed to be easy, but that one was HARD. I think my experience would have been very different had I followed the plan even a little bit better.<br />
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Fast forward to this year. I hadn't really considered running another full marathon at this time in my life. I ran a few halves last year and had chosen my next half marathon. I was going to run the Colfax half marathon in May. When I went to their website to register back in January, I saw that the full marathon was only $10 more. I love a bargain. I can get twice as much running for only $10 more? It sounded like a good deal to me. If a good bargain isn't a good reason to run a marathon, I don't know what is. After some thinking, consulting with my husband, friends, and even my doctor, I decided to go ahead and go for it. I was very excited when I realized I had exactly enough time to complete one of the marathon training plans I had my eyes on.<br />
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I chose a 18 week plan and had decided that since I was already running more miles than the first few weeks of the plan, I would jump in a few weeks later when my current mileage met up with the plan's mileage. And then, it was on. I stuck to that plan religiously. The only modification I did to 'the plan' was to make one of the midweek runs a tempo run. I became a creature of habit and relied on this plan maybe a little too heavily. I did miss one run once when I was sick and I had to switch one week with another when we were going on vacation and it made sense to make the vacation week the stepback week instead of the week before. But otherwise, I didn't miss a mile on that plan (training in the winter in CO is insane!). And it paid off.<br />
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My marathon was a huge success. I was worried during certain points during training (why are my long runs getting slower? Why is my tempo pace slowing down? and the taper had me going crazy with what-ifs), but as a whole I had to just trust in it...and it paid off. I didn't hit the wall this time. In fact, it was a great race! I came in 19 minutes under my goal time and ended up taking over an hour total off of my previous marathon. The training plan worked!<br />
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When Melanie and I decided to sign up for Portland, we did a lot of discussion about how we wanted to train. Melanie had had HUGE success in the past with the Hanson method (she used it to qualify for and run Boston) but the plan looked a bit overwhelming to me. I was happy with the plan I had just used (Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 in case you were wondering) and figured if it worked well once, it would work well again. We compared several plans and ended up deciding on a hybrid of the two. We would stick to the basic Hal Higdon schedule, but replace midweek long run with Hanson's speed work and the other with tempo runs. Except sometimes we would replace speed work with hills. And which runs we did which days would be all over the place (it took us a few weeks to get this rhythm down). <br />
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This has been hard for me. Melanie and I discussed this on our morning run today. She is used to Hanson and is struggling a bit with how little mileage we are covering in comparison to what she's used to. I, on the other hand, had used a fairly easy plan and am feeling like maybe adding in both speed and tempo runs may be a bit too much for me. We are both stuck in the what-ifs. For me it's what if I'm overtraining myself and end up burning out. Or what if I'm overtraining and don't have anything left come race day. Then there's the way we moved the days. We replaced a midweek long run with speed. That meant yesterday our mileage total was 7 but it was only supposed to be 5. Today was supposed to be 4 miles but we only did 3.5. We ran a hard 1/3 marathon last weekend which put us at a little over 8.5 miles but our run was supposed to be 12 miles. I know in the scope of things these little adjustments won't make or break our marathon performance, but I feel a little off kilter with it all. That said, I think on paper at least, our plan looks great. I think (hope!) the speed work is enough to take that minute and four seconds off my time to get me a BQ. I feel like upping the intensity a little but not the mileage should help me achieve that. But it's different and change is always hard.<br />
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Therefore today, I have declared to (in the words of Elsa) let it go. <br />
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I'm going to trust in the plan. I tend to be a very structured person and deviating from 'the plan' is hard for me. I start doubting myself. But I know this. I'm a good runner. I know how to listen to my body. I can recognize if I'm getting burned out. I know what marathon training is supposed to feel like. I know what to expect for the most part. I'm going to trust Melanie's experience as well as my own. I'm trusting the plan. <br />
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Today I got in 3.73 miles instead of 4. My pace was 8:48 which is slower than I would have liked. But I'm ok with it. I ran. On the other hand, if I don't qualify for Boston, I'm going to blame it on being .27 miles short today.<br />
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Question: How do you decide what plan to use or how you will train for your upcoming marathon or half marathon? How strictly do you stick to it?</div>
<br />Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-88021638961799533092015-07-06T17:23:00.002-07:002015-07-06T18:15:33.197-07:00Some random ramblings...and a fun little surveyI haven't always been a runner. I ran cross country in high school and to be honest, I didn't love running back then. I ran a handful of times after that, very sporadically, but I still didn't develop a love for it.<br />
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Then I became a mom. After having kids, I started running again. This time I was hooked. Now it was something in my life that I craved. It was something that I needed. I think I put so much into being a mom and a wife that I needed something for myself also. Running became my outlet. I didn't feel like myself unless I got my daily run in. <br />
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I'll be the first to tell you I'm a busy person. I work full time (except in the summers - yay for teachers!) and part time, I am a graduate student, I have four kids and a husband, plus a handful of pets (they don't really keep me that busy, but I love them and wanted to give them a shoutout), and I'm training for another marathon. People ask me quite often how I have time to train for marathons. My answer is simple. I have four kids. The longer I run, the longer I have peace and quiet!<br />
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(See? Walter is cute...she totally deserved that shoutout)<br />
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The truth is, my run is my 'me' time. It's my time to be alone and think. Or not think. Or to turn up the music and get lost in it. Or to listen to a great podcast and learn something. Or to run with a great friend and catch up and chat. It's my time to make me feel good about myself. It's my time to make my body strong. It's my time that boosts my confidence. It's my time to work toward a goal. It's my time to prove to myself what I'm made of. I know that all sounds so cheesy and cliche, but it's so true. With such a busy life, running is what keeps me grounded. Even on rest days, although I know my body needs some days off, I feel like something is missing. I feel like I'm missing an important part of my day. <br />
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Running is also something that connects me to people. About a year ago, I was running on a local trail when I was approached by another person running the same trail. She asked me a simple question - "does this trail make a loop?" We got to chatting, and after finding out she was an avid runner (she had just run Boston the previous spring), she became my running buddy. We are now training for the Portland Marathon together and I am so grateful to have found such a great friend through running. <br />
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My dad is also an avid runner (I'll have to do a whole post on him soon, he's pretty amazing). He ran my first half marathon with me. We have run a handful of races together since then and I always look forward to the chance to run with him. No weekend is complete without us calling each other to chat about our latest running endeavors and compare mileage. I love that we have something like this that we can share. It brings us together (plus I don't have to run alone when I go 'home' for a visit!).<br />
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(no judgment please - nobody looks good after getting up at 4:30 am)</div>
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There are so many great reasons to run...this is just the tip of the iceberg for me. What are some of the reasons you love to get out and run?<br />
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And now it's survey time!<br />
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And also...this has been in the works for a few days but I finally just now got around to finishing it. I found this very important survey over at <a href="http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/" target="_blank">Hungry Runner Girl</a> (although <a href="http://www.natrunsfar.com/" target="_blank">Nat Runs Far</a> and <a href="http://www.fitwanderlustrunner.com/" target="_blank">Fit Wanderlust Runner</a> also posted it so check them out too, they are all awesome running blogs).<br />
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1. Would you rather run along a beach path or on a mountain trail? Mountain trail any day. I miss my days of running along the beaches in Georgia, but the mountains will always be home.</div>
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2. If you could choose the flavor of gatorade at your next race’s aid stations, what would it be? I would choose something other than Gatorade. I use acclimate here at home training in high altitude and I love their grape flavor. Buuuuuut if I had to choose, it would probably be green. Yes I realize that's a color, not a flavor.</div>
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3. If I gave you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it? Things I want but can never justify spending money on. Like another running jacket. I love my running jackets.</div>
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4. Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and how fast you want to run? A plan for sure. After my last marathon I had a few weeks before starting my next training plan and I felt so lost without that little piece of paper telling me how far to run.</div>
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5. Would you rather start your run with the uphill and end on the downhill or start your run with the downhill and end with the uphill? Start uphill and end downhill. </div>
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6. When you can’t run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do? Hiking. I think that counts. Maybe if it's hiking up a mountain with a kid on my back.</div>
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7. What is your preference—> Out and back, point to point or loop runs? Probably loops. They are more scenic but I don't have to worry about getting dropped off at the beginning or picked up at the end.</div>
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8. If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, it would be a—> good pair of shoes!</div>
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9. Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs? Yep! One day last spring on the trail I saw NINE (!) foxes! I've also seen bald eagles, marmots, elk, deer (tons), and dolphins (obviously not while I was living in CO). I have yet to see a bear or mountain lion and I'm grateful for that.</div>
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10. Ever gotten lost while out on a run? Last November my dad and I ran a 5 mile long 5K during the Turkey Trot because we lost the trail. We earned that extra slice of pie. Or two.</div>
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11. If you could have one meal waiting and ready for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days… what would that meal be? A big fat breakfast burrito.</div>
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12. Capris or shorts… what do you run in most often? Pants! I love running in shorts but our shorts season is so short here. I used the word short a lot in that sentence. But from September-May it's pants almost daily!</div>
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13. At what mile (or how many minutes) into your run does your body start to feel like it is warming up and ready to go? A little over a mile in.</div>
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14. What do you do with your key when you run? I leave it at home in my purse where it belongs.</div>
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15. If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one what it be? Either the Colfax Marathon last May or my very first half marathon (The New Mexico Half Marathon) which I ran with my dad. It was awesome sharing that experience with him.</div>
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16. What type of run is your least favorite type of run? Tempo runs for sure. Long run days are my favorite!</div>
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17. What has been your biggest motivation lately to get out the door to get your run on? Knowing I need to take one minute and four seconds off my last marathon time (preferably more) to qualify for Boston.</div>
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18. When you go for a run, do you leave right from your front door or do you drive somewhere to start? From my front door. My town is 3 square miles so if I drove anywhere I would be in the middle of nowhere!</div>
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19. When running in daylight—> are sunglasses a must or an annoyance? A must.</div>
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20. When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting? It's quicker to run home than to walk home...so running home will get it over with quicker!</div>
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I'd love to see your answers to this!! </div>
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<br />Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-92227759766186847612015-07-05T07:28:00.001-07:002015-07-06T12:57:02.253-07:00Running mom...through the eyes of a child<div>
I found this survey over at <a href="http://www.shutupandrun.net/" target="_blank">Shut Up and Run </a>and thought it might be fun to snag and try out. I asked Jude, my 9 year old, these questions. I put my input in parentheses after. I spend so much time thinking about running and other than worrying about it taking time away from the kids, I haven't given much thought to their perspective on it. This was fun!</div>
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(This is Jude. And his personality)</div>
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1. What does your mom eat before a run? Eggs? (Nope, never. I eat them after but can't stand burping up eggs when I run!)<br />
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2. How far does your mom run every day? 8 miles (good guess! Not quite every day, but close)</div>
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3. What was your mom's favorite race? Colfax (Bingo)</div>
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4. Why do you think your mom runs? Because it's active and she likes it.</div>
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5. What injuries has your mom had from running? Blood blisters.</div>
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6. Do you like going to your mom's races? Yes.</div>
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7. Does having a mom who runs make you want to run? Yes because it seems fun.</div>
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8. What have you learned from having a mom who runs? That you can do lots of stuff that you're good at. And that girls can run marathons. (This one cracked me up)</div>
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9. What is your least favorite thing about having a mom who runs? She smells bad. (I'm going to pretend he means this as after I run and not in general)</div>
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10. Do you think you'll run when you're mom's age? Yep.</div>
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This was fun. I hope that through running I can set some good examples for my kids - that a healthy active lifestyle is a good one to have, that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, and that it's good to have a hobby you enjoy. Aw, sappy moment.</div>
Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-18615734116194592632015-07-04T09:59:00.001-07:002015-07-06T12:56:13.787-07:00Gothic to Crested Butte 1/3 MarathonOne of the Independence Day traditions here is the Gothic to Crested Butte 1/3 Marathon (a little over 8 and a half miles). As the name implies, it begins in the town of Gothic, home of the <a href="http://wwe.rmbl.org/" target="_blank">Rocky Mountian Biological Lab</a>, and ends in downtown Crested Butte. This was my first time running it (yay, automatic PR!) and I was thrilled to share the experience wit Melanie. <br />
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Gothic is stunning right now with the wildflowers. The photographer in me wanted to stop and take pictures all along the way, but I didn't want to be <i>that </i>runner so I just settled for this picture near the start (and away from the wildflowers) instead.</div>
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The race begins at around 9,400 feet elevation before climbing to about 9,650 feet. These hills in the first few miles were definitely hard. Add in the fact that I have a cold, and it was downright brutal. This part of the race was on a dirt road lined with aspens and had the most spectacular mountain views, which helped a lot. I still managed to keep a good pace that I was happy with. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Fortunately, the course then winds down through Mt. Crested Butte into town and ends just below 9,000 feet. It was a nice downhill course, but definitely a steep (read: not easy) downhill. It was strange running downhill for so long, but it made the flat last mile and a half or so seem much harder than they would have ordinarily. I loved the view of town as we came in, and of course the mountain backdrop. With scenery like this, the race passed by very quickly and it was very enjoyable.</span></div>
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I ended up finishing in 1:08:36, which was a 7:52 pace (yay!!). Melanie and I ended up getting separated at one point, and she finished only about a minute behind me, which was awesome. Also my time was good enough to be the 16th female overall (I'm not sure how many there were, but usually around 500 people do this race) and the 2nd in my age group. I was thrilled with that!</div>
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This is most definitely a race I would like to do in the future...although next time I'll be better prepared for all the hills - both up and down!</div>
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Happy 4th of July!!</div>
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Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-91626776222651111632015-07-03T07:52:00.001-07:002015-07-06T12:56:51.820-07:00Colfax Marathon recapBack in May I ran my first marathon since before Kelsy and Asher were born, the <a href="http://www.runcolfax.org/" target="_blank">Colfax Marathon</a> in Denver. It had been five years and I was definitely nervous about the whole thing, but very excited.<br />
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The expo was held at the Wings over the Rockies museum so on Friday, I headed over to pick up my bib and goodies. </div>
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The race was held on Sunday and had a super early 6 am start, so after getting up at 4:00 to eat, I caught my cab at 4:45 and headed to the start.</div>
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The race started just as the sun was coming up. The start was very well organized with the race announcer counting down the start for each individual corral. My corral was definitely crowded, but not horribly so. Once we crossed the start like (yay!) it thinned out rather quickly. The race starts in City Park and the first mile winds around the path within the park before heading out toward downtown. </div>
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My favorite part of the race was right at the beginning after passing through the fire station (which I was a little disappointed with - I was promised firemen cheering the runners on but there were about two firemen calmly waving instead). We headed down to the path that runs along Cherry Creek. I loved this part of the run - the energy was great as other runners whooped and hollered to make their voices echo off the retaining walls, and of course the river is pretty. </div>
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Next up was running past Elitch Gardens toward the stadium. We got to run around the dirt perimeter of Sports Authority Field which was a really fun experience. There is a short hill coming out of the stadium<br />
which leads you to the first relay exchange point. This was very well marked and the race organizers did a great job of keeping the relay zone to a spot where it wouldn't interfere with those not stopping.</div>
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We headed into Colfax for a bit which was a slight uphill, but not so much that I really felt it. We headed around Sloan's lake when the sun really came out and it started getting a bit hot. </div>
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After we went around the lake, we headed up Colfax a little further and then through some neighborhoods in Lakewood. The Lakewood area was a pretty part of the course and there were a lot of residents who came out to support the runners. </div>
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After that, we headed back on Colfax for the four mile trek back to the stadium. I thought this part would bore the heck out of me, but remember that uphill on Colfax that I didn't really feel? Well, I definitely felt the downhill in the way back and it was magnificent! We went back through the stadium, along Cherry Creek, and into downtown. </div>
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I had race reviews that had mentioned the big hill at mile 23. I knew to expect a hill after turning a left corner so I was mentally prepared. I thought. I turned up the corner, saw the hill, decided to kick its ass, and headed up it. It really wasn't that bad at all. It was a decent hill, but I suppose after 23 miles, any hill feels pretty significant. I was feeling pretty good about myself when I turned another corner and saw it. Ohhhhhh...thaaaat hill. Crap. That's the one they meant. Ya, that's a big, steep hill. It probably wasn't really that bad, but after I thought I had conquered the hill, and considering I was at mile 23, it felt like the hill of death. It got a bit tougher after the hill, and that was my slowest mile at 8:51, but I got past it, picked my pace back a little, and still finished strong with my cute little family watching.</div>
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I finished in 3:41:04 (an 8:26 pace) which put me one minute and four seconds away from qualifying for Boston. I wasn't even the slightest bit disappointed, though, because my goal was to finish in under four hours. </div>
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The finish area was PACKED! The half marathon, marathon, relay, and ten miler all finished together so it got crowded. I got my medal, a banana which I was too tired to chew, and hobbled to find my family. </div>
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Overall it was a great race. They offered gu at miles 6 and 20 which seemed like strange intervals to me, so I carried my own which I took at miles 5, 13, and 18. The aid atations were every two miles (and these went smoothly, contrary to some reviews I had read) so I alternated water and Gatorade Endurance. I had trained with regular Gatorade (yuk!) but the Endurance turned out to be just fine. There were plenty of portapotties at the start and even free coffee so I started the race happy. I hear there was free beer after by I'm not one of those people who thinks beer sounds good immediately after running that far. </div>
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The only thing I found to be a little odd was the variety of runners in the race. There would be relay runners flying by me and then ten milers who started at our mile 16 and then ran the way in to the finish with us. They didn't start much after we did, so I was flying by the ten mile runners who were still on the course. It made it a bit difficult to maintain my pace because I felt discombobulated by all the different speeds around me. It kept it interesting though!</div>
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As a little bonus for this year being the tenth anniversary of the race, we were told we would get one of our race photos for free. After the race though, were surprised by being given all of our photos for free. Way to go, Colfax Marathon. That was an awesome surprise. It was a great race, a great experience, and best of all, it was fabulous having my family there to support me.</div>
Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057671353562415309.post-38637162313636767882015-07-02T08:18:00.000-07:002015-07-02T08:18:53.895-07:00My sun protection lecture<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor nor am I an expert on the subject. I'm just sharing my own personal thoughts here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Runners spend a lot of time outdoors. That's a good thing - I like to think we get plenty of Vitamin D. Plus, whose mood doesn't improve after some time in the sunshine? Unfortunately, according to <a href="http://www.skincancer.org/healthy-lifestyle/outdoor-activities/running-into-the-sun" target="_blank">skincancer.org</a>, marathoners also have a higher risk of developing melanoma. </span></div>
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Melanoma - and cancer in general - is something that scares the bejesus out of me. </div>
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Here in Colorado, the UV rays are very intense due to our high altitude and sunny skies. I'm pretty sure that warrants us being even more particular about sun safety. I spend several hours a week outside running, and even though I try to go early in the morning when the sun is low in the sky, I'm still exposing myself to those UV rays. Don't get me wrong, some of that exposure is good and I want to get my daily dose of vitamin D, but I also want to be sure I'm taking care of myself and my skin.</div>
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When I run, I am sure to wear sunscreen wherever my skin is exposed, especially if my runs are close to midday.</div>
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I have been very happy with the Alba Botanicals sunscreens. Their ingredient list is pretty good as far as sunscreens go, and they work well. </div>
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I also wear a hat (or visor if it's really hot) most of the time when I run, even with sunscreen already on my face. I figure the more protection, the better. Plus it's an awesome hat. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9ylLhW8dBkEo5w_Ut1WaBFBqhyphenhyphen0f7O4MbrohP6fj8H4oJFtsWxaq8I2rOBrGXFjKY0pmaPkw6jHKuCm1QIA0iUZ66BJdpLLuGjTJ_A26LxS1qi7LyAY-fpJXeNJJZzjRu5mUb4795Bmq/s640/blogger-image--1842234601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9ylLhW8dBkEo5w_Ut1WaBFBqhyphenhyphen0f7O4MbrohP6fj8H4oJFtsWxaq8I2rOBrGXFjKY0pmaPkw6jHKuCm1QIA0iUZ66BJdpLLuGjTJ_A26LxS1qi7LyAY-fpJXeNJJZzjRu5mUb4795Bmq/s640/blogger-image--1842234601.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">(This obviously isn't a running picture, but it shows off my rad swinging friar hat and my cute kids).</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Many lines of athletic clothing also produce clothing that has built in SPF, like this shirt from asics that I love. Plus it's yellow and yellow makes me happy.</span></div>
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Here are my tips for sun safety for runners:</div>
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- wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing with UV protection</div>
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- avoid running at midday</div>
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- wear sunglasses (this isn't a melanoma thing as much as a squinting gives you more wrinkles thing)</div>
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- find places to run that offer shade</div>
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- run indoors (bleh - but the sun probably won't get you if you're on the treadmill!)</div>
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- if it's cool enough, consider wearing long sleeves or pants</div>
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- keep an eye on your skin - have it looked over annually by a dermatologist and check your own moles regularly. Particularly be on the lookout for any moles that change over time.</div>
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- keep in mind that good sun protection also prevents your body from producing as much Vitamin D so you'll either want to find a good balance or consider supplementing </div>
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- if all else fails, enjoy getting a little Vitamin D and smile because it's a beautiful day out!</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">This morning Melanie and I beat the sun by heading out at 5:30. We had a beautiful sky to watch as the sun slowly crept up over the mountain.</span></div>
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Kim Chodorowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282964720858664022noreply@blogger.com0