50k Training plan and the last Donut!

My 50k training starts in a little over a week. I’ve found that I actually have to set a date to start training or else I’ll fall into the “I’ll start tomorrow” habit and never start. I’m really excited for this training plan; I haven’t really trained for a big race since my last marathon, almost two years ago so I’m happy to get back at it. My plan has me running 5-6 times a week, weekly mileage varies but the longest training run is 26 miles. Yikes!

One day a week is hilly run or hill repeats, I’m really bad with hills so I’m not really looking forward to those days, but I know I’ll feel great afterwards so I’m just going to keep telling myself that. I’ve been scouting out some hills and that’s been fun.

I’m planning on doing some cross training on the weeks I have two days off of running. So one of the days I will, hike, bike, swim, or whatever besides running. I also decided I need to work on my strength training so on my easy run days I will finish up with some strength training; working on my arms, legs and core.

And lastly, the long runs. My plan starts with 10 miles and goes up from there to the 26. I actually really enjoy long runs, although I haven’t done more than 10 in a while so we’ll have to see if I still like then in a couple months. I have one training race planned. The 50k is a trail 50k so I signed up for a trail half marathon about three weeks before the big race.

I’m actually extremely excited for training to begin. I’ve been stuck in a lazy mood lately and haven’t been getting out as much as I should. So I have a feeling this will be the perfect thing to get me going again.

Hershey is excited to start training with me too. He’s my constant training partner and coach. 

Some other random stuff:

Saw a beautiful sunrise Saturday morning.

The other day on my run it was a little windy so I tried using this headband. It did not work. I kept feeling like it was going to pop off my head any second so I just gave up and took it out. People driving by who saw me running with windblown hair were probably scared out of their minds.  Does anyone know of any good running headbands, ones that won’t fall out?

My last donut before the 50k; it looks kind of gross but believe me, it wasn’t. I decided I’m going to try and not eat a lot of sweets during my training so I have to say goodbye to donuts for a while. So far I’ve decided I’m going to allow plain chocolates, chocolate milk for after runs, and hot chocolate because I don’t think I can live without it in the winter. I’m still debating on whether or not I’m going to allow myself to use coffee creamer, because to be honest, that’s the only reason I really drink coffee. So it’s either stop drinking coffee or keep the creamer. Such a hard decision!

Have a great rest of your day.

Is anyone training for a race right now? How’s it going?

Random questions and a 50k

I was thinking about my last post and realized that if I want my readers to know the real me I should come up with some questions to make it easier for them. So here are some questions (mostly dog and running related) I thought you might like to know about me.

1. When did you start running?

I started running when I was around 14. I hated running when I started but I wanted an excuse to eat junk food so in my 14 year old mind that was perfect. After that I was hooked and now run because I actually like it (and maybe a little because I love food).

2. Have you always liked dogs as much as you do now?

Did you notice I love dogs? As early as I can remember I’ve had a passion for dogs. My aunt had a Scottish Terrier when I was growing up and that dog started my obsession. I begged my Dad for a dog for years and he finally gave in when I was 14. Now I see why he was so opposed to the idea, I feel like even at 14 I wasn’t truly ready for the responsibility but I believe the bond I have with Hershey is so strong because I was so young. In a way, we grew up and learned together.

3.  What is the longest race you’ve run?

I did two marathons in 2014, so 26.2. I just signed up for a 50k though (stay tuned to hear more).

4. What is your favorite breed of dog?

This is a tough question for me. I don’t think I have one specific favorite breed. I work at a dog daycare and am always finding new breeds to love. I do have a list of favorites though. Obviously Vizslas, Pitbulls, French Bulldogs, German Shepherds, and Corgis are all on my list. As I was typing I kept coming up with more so I figured I should stop at five or the list would go on forever. There’s a Yorkshire terrier at work that is stinkin’ adorable though. Ok I’m done.

5.  What is your favorite thing about running?

Hmmm… another hard one for me. There is so much I love about it. I guess my favorite thing about it is that it lets me escape for a bit. Sometimes life is so hectic that I am so grateful for a run, even if it’s just for 30 minutes, it lets me escape and just focus on me, the awesome scenery and Hershey. I also love it because I can enjoy it with Hershey and it makes him happy. I also like the challenge of running, when I was younger I was on the heavier side, not obese but a little overweight. My friends were always skinnier, prettier, and better than me in my eyes. Running gives me the feeling that I can be those things too. When a run starts to get hard it takes me back to the feelings I had when I couldn’t keep up with my friends and it makes me push even harder.

6. Any dog breeds you don’t like?

I think all dogs are awesome but I’m not a huge fan of poodles or other curly coated breeds. Sorry to any of you who own or love poodles.

7.  What is your favorite activity besides running?

Probably hiking, pretty closely related to running but I like it because I can take my time and just enjoy the scenery. I’ve done one backpacking trip without Hershey and I’m hoping to do more and be able to include him in them because I know he’ll love it.

8. If you were to get a second dog what breed would you get?

I would definitely get a rescue dog. I’m not sure of the breed yet, nothing too small but whatever stands out to me. I worked at a Humane Society for a year so I don’t think I could go another route now when it comes to getting a dog. It’s just sad to see how many need loving homes.

So that’s me. If you have more questions for me feel free to let me know. 

I did something crazy the other day. I signed up for a 50k. 31 miles! (I read somewhere that the race I signed up for is actually 32 but I don’t know if that’s true) It hasn’t really hit me yet but I’m sure it will once I start training. I didn’t really think it through because the race I wanted to do has a limit to the amount of people they let race and I didn’t want to miss my chance. More on this soon to come…

Have a great rest of your day. A random picture to leave you with. He doesn't really understand the game of fetch. 

Anyone ever do a 50k?

Anyone have a dog? What breed(s)?

If I didn't have him...

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about how different my life would be if I didn’t have Hershey. Put simply, I would be lost without him. I know that’s a very strong statement to make about one dog but I truly believe that. 

Let me explain a little bit. When I was about ten years old I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This was before I had Hershey and while I got through that and now know how to handle and manage it, it often presents itself in other ways. When I was younger I would be terrified that something would happen to me or my family so I would do perform rituals, (that’s what they call them I believe) like turning the light switch on and off over and over. It sounds crazy, but in my mind at that time, that was the only way I could protect myself and my family.

I think I eventually realized how unreasonable that was and although OCD never totally goes away, I have a much better control on it. However, as I got older I developed a lot of anxiety. I have generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. This is where I feel having Hershey has really helped. I worry about so many things but just looking at Hershey seems to calm me down. He also gives me something to talk about with people so instead of focusing on myself when I’m around people, I focus on him.

Sorry for the super long rant that probably made no sense, I just feel like people reading this blog should know who I am, truly. I hate being fake. Hershey gives me a reason to get out of the house on days that I’d really rather stay home and be alone. I love being able to explore new places with him. I think it gives us both more confidence and it makes me feel like I can accomplish anything. Does that sound crazy? Maybe…but I love my life, my dog, and myself. I guess having Hershey just makes me realize that more often which is what I need. I can’t wait for our next adventure!

If you got through all that without leaving, thank you. I hope to continue this blog and post as often as I can and I hope that this has given my readers, if there is any, a little bit more information on who I am. I promise not to do crazy long post like this very often; this was just something I had to get off my chest. Thanks again for sticking around.

Speaking of things that calm me down; another picture of Hershey sleeping,  I’m just a little obsessed. 

Oh, and I almost forgot! One of the highlights of my week! Snowmen marshmallows, my family just shook their heads when they saw how excited I was about these.