A month in bullet form

Since I disappeared from the blogging world for a month, I'll catch you up on my life in bullet form (it's better that way, trust me):

• I spent a weekend in Savannah. I went on a ghost tour (appropriate since it’s the most haunted city in the US), and for the first time on a ghost tour, I actually got a little scared. I still don't believe in ghosts (I’m waiting for them to prove it to me), but I still like hunting them. I blame those cheesy boys from "Ghost Adventures."

• I spent a long weekend in Biloxi. The area is so pretty, and everyone is so nice. And, I did something amazing: I ran my longest distance ever on a treadmill. The hotel gym had adequate air conditioning, a fan on the treadmill, a TV on the treadmill, and a great view of the pool and gulf (a nice change from my craptastic condo gym).

• My dad visited over the Fourth of July, and we went to five baseball games in five days. We also saw the Rays win five games, including a sweep of the Chicago White Sox. If that wasn’t sweet enough, I also got a batting practice ball and photos with Raymond and DJ Kitty.

• I participated in a two-week boot camp that I adored. I’d still be doing it if it was still happening.
• I did another spin class, and I really, really liked it this time. I think my bike was adjusted just right this time. That, in combination with a fabulous teacher (my sweet and talented friend, Danielle, from running group), made it pretty awesome.
• I tried a hot yoga class for the first time, and I sweat a ridiculous amount. And I wanted to laugh almost the entire time. How in the heck are you supposed to grab your arm if you can’t get a grip due to profuse sweating? I mean, this is a really humorous situation. Apparently, laughing is frowned upon in these establishments, though. But, I went back a second time. And, I’m going to a class tonight. Mainly because I have a Living Social deal for a month of unlimited classes. Well, and I kind of like it. And, I get to see this girl, which makes it awesome.
• After the group fitness adventures, I decided that it’s definitely for me. I love the camaraderie, motivation and encouragement from working out in a group setting. It just makes it more fun.
• I fell in love with this song. Please do not judge my musical taste on this (although you’ve probably lost any hope in me having decent musical taste since I like Justin Bieber). The good news is I know it’s terrible. The bad news is I sing along and car dance the crap out of it. (Note: It could be offensive to some.)

 

• I’ve officially entered into the “eat-all-watermelon” season. Peaches are my favorite fruit, but I crave watermelon, and I want to eat it every day while it's in season. 

Have you been to Savannah? Biloxi? What is your farthest distance on a treadmill? Do you adore mascots as much as me? Tried a boot camp, spin or yoga class? Do you have the urge to giggle at yoga?

I rock at randomness

Too bad randomness doesn't have any usefulness that I know of; I could rock it (whatever "it" may be). 

• Note to self: even though you are attracted to a good deal, do not buy any more 99-cent Kindle books. It is super frustrating to have the main character’s name change from “Sidney” to “Sydney” repeatedly. 
• I recently started a boot camp, and I was so nervous before I started. Of course, as soon as I got there and started doing it, I fell in love. Although I do fear sneezes now … holy pain in the abs! 
• I also recently became addicted to grapefruit sparkling water (or pamplesmousse as La Croix calls it). I absolutely adore bubbles, and I usually drink it in the form of Diet Dr. Pepper. I realize drinking large quantities of Diet Dr. Pepper probably isn’t the best thing, so I’m so happy to find an acceptable substitute. Not that I’ll ever give up Diet Dr. Pepper for good. I’ll love you always and forever, Diet Dr. Pepper. 

I like your bubbles, La Croix. (source)

 

• Another thing I love: Kansas State University. I've loved it as long as I can remember because I’ve loved purple as long as I can remember. I also have a long-term love affair with Charlie Sheen. He doesn’t know it, but I have loved him for 18 years. So, imagine my happiness when I saw this on Anger Management.
  
  

In Kansas State purple, complete with the mascot name on the jersey.

• Although it’s a fairly new love affair, my heart is full for running. Yesterday was National Running Day, and it always makes me think about how running has improved my life. Thanks to running, I’m healthier, fueling my competitive drive, seeing new places and meeting wonderful new faces. Running peeps are some pretty awesome peeps, and I’m so happy to call many my friends.
  
  

 

• I’m heading to Savannah, Georgia, this weekend for the first time. What do I need to see and do?

Ever get suckered into buying a cheap Kindle book? If no, don’t. Do you like sparkling water? What’s your favorite flavor? Do you have a love affair with a drink, color, university, actor or running?

Season 2: recap

No half marathons on the schedule until October. It makes me kind of sad until I attempt to run in temperatures that rival the surface of the sun.

Since I’m not able to run nearly as far now (thanks, Florida heat), I’m just going to reminisce about this season of half marathons.

This was my second training cycle for half marathons. I was completely new to running the first season (2011-2012) and was happy just to finish. My first season only consisted of two races:

• Women’s Half Marathon: 2:48:26
• Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Petersburg Half Marathon: 2:33:39

I was completely disappointed in my first attempt, and I’m pretty surprised I kept running after it. It was pretty miserable (mainly because of the heat that isn’t supposed to be around in November), but I felt like I redeemed myself at the Rock ‘n’ Roll race. That was the race I knew I had in me. That’s the way it was supposed to happen. 

So, looking to this season, I knew I couldn’t have a 15-minute personal record (PR) each time, but I wondered if I could hit 2:25. I never publicly proclaimed this goal, but I thought I could do it.

• Halloween Halfathon:2:42:48
• Women’s Half Marathon: 2:45:33
• Holiday Halfathon: 2:41:10

(At this point, I really wondered if 2:33 was a fluke. I wondered if I’d ever see the 2:30s again.)

• Clearwater Halfathon: 2:38:29

(I started feeling more confident after this difficult course, and I felt like a PR was in my future.)

• Carnival Classic Half Marathon: 2:30:54

(I decided to do this race while on a high from the previous race. As in, sitting down right after the race and registering on my phone. Hello, PR!)

• Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon: 2:33:54
• Florida Beach Halfathon: 2:31:44
• Iron Girl Half Marathon: 2:48:35

So, 2:25 didn’t happen. Even 2:2X didn’t happen. While I’m a little disappointed, I still see lots of things to be happy about:

• I ran eight half marathons!
• I’m confident in my running abilities. I don’t worry about finishing anymore. I know I can.
• I even got pretty confident about being able to finish in the 2:30s by the end of the season (aside from the hot, nasty Iron Girl incident).
• I came up with some pretty rockin’ costumes for races.
  
  

• I fell even more in love with the half marathon distance. It’s my favorite, always and forever.
• Oh, and even though these aren’t half marathons, I did run and PR these distances during this training cycle: 5K (by 3:11) and 10K (by 1:21)).

So, now what?

Well, I have a break until August when half marathon training begins again. But, it’s not a break from running – just a break from running the longer distances. I’m sticking with my training group (last year I took a break from it, and while I continued running on my own, I just don’t push myself enough; I felt like I had to start over again when I picked back up in August). And, I’m adding in some new things to shake things up: boot camp (eek!) and yoga (eek!). 

Do you set race goals? Do you publicly proclaim your goals? How did you do this season? What do you do in the off season to prepare for races? Have you done a boot camp? Yoga?