Happy Halloween!!

Hope you're all having a fun day filled with lots of sugar.

Here is the final result of my Halloween costume. I hope you all "get it" even if you aren't science nerds like me. :) GO GENOMES!

Here I am! 

All the genomes!

Genomes with Wednesday Addams creepin'

The best part about today is we won $500 for getting 3rd at our company costume contest! $125 a person woohoo! I can get some new running shoes with that dough!!

I was reminiscing about my past Halloween costumes, and I think this year was my first "non-pretty" outfit I have worn. It's fun to dress as a male gnome sometimes and forget about trying to be attractive.
Here's my past costumes in reverse chronological order...

2013

Mini Mouse 

Alice in Wonderland themed Ragnar that was only a few weeks after Halloween

2010

Not sure what I was this Halloween.. secretary, nerd, school girl? Something like that.

2009

Biker Chicks with my bestie, Katie 

2008

I was an angel and Katie was a devil :)

2007

The cast of Peter Pan! 

2006

Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz

Finishing up today with a Halloween spin class at The Rush.

Talk to you soon! xoxo Kate

Weekly Update

The 50k has come and gone and I'm finally walking like a normal human. I'm still sore in some places but it feels good to not want to fall over the second I attempt to get out of my chair.

I've taken this week off from running (obvi) and besides a few yoga stretches here and there I haven't exercised. I think I may actually hate the recovery more than the taper. Although, I have found some ways to keep myself occupied....

 I've been super tired post race and have spent a good amount of time catching up some of my favorite shows. Peanut has been loving my new routine. One of my co-workers introduced me to Orphan Black and it's become our new favorite series.

Snuggle time with Peanut

We've also watched a lot of Scandal as well. She's really into it.

I have found the world's best fall drink- Pumpkin Chai Blended from Coffee Bean Tea Latte. If you'e a fan of pumpkins, you have to try it! 

I'm really excited for Halloween this year! Bae and I have been super crafty. We made costumes for ourselves and two other co-workers. I'll post the final product tomorrow.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVE! :)

I am an Ultra-Marathoner!

I did it! I did it! I survived my first 50k and hardest race I have ever run. I woke up this morning in disbelief that I had actually run the race,  but as soon as I got out of bed and felt soreness all over my body, I quickly snapped back to reality. Yes, it happened. Yes, I’m in pain but the good kind of pain that makes you proud of your accomplishment.

Post race happiness

I ran the beginning of the race with my coworker, Jon-Marc. He was the one that persuaded me to do a 50k. Unfortunately, we got separated around mile 13 when one of his old ankle injuries starting acting up.

My work bestie, Bae, came out to cheer us on a take sweet race photos, It was so nice having her support while I was freaking out before the race. I actually stole these two photos from her. :)

I’ll try and give a quick race recap; although I’m afraid I blacked most of it out. I mentally broke the race up from aid station to aid station so the 50k would become a series of 4-6 mile runs.

 Let's take a look at the course map again or reference.

From the start to about mile 8 the trail was pretty technical. The surfaces were rocky and hilly and I constantly felt another runner close on my heels. Most the trail was single track and I was sandwiched in between the person in front and behind me. My pace was a little under 11 minute miles... not fast but speedier than I would have liked considering I had such a long way to go.  I was very mindful of the surfaces and constantly trying not to fall. We even went over a stream and I had to hop rocks to avoid the water…such a different experience than road races. 

By mile 10 my body was definitely feeling it. When I run marathons I don’t even like to feel that I have started running until the halfway mark. I knew I was in for a rough race. Luckily from 8 to 13, we ran on dirt paths that were somewhat flat without too many technical surfaces.

When I reached aid station 3, everyone was cheering for me and a super nice volunteer grabbed my fuel belt bottles to refill them. I couldn't get over how sweet all the volunteers were and how happy they were to be out there supporting the course. The aid stations were stocked with water, GU, bananas, soda, PB&J sandwiches and candy. At that point in the race I was nervous to deviate from my fueling strategy and just took my GU with plain old water.

Right after the aid station we started the climb up Raptor Ridge. I gave it a good effort and start running but quickly told myself to power walk and conserve. It started to get so steep that I really don’t think I could have run quicker than a walk pace anyway. By the time we reach the summit (760 ft.) I was feeling tired but the downhill gave me a rush and I was happy to start running again. Miles 15-19 were easy from what I remember. At this point I could see all the fast elite runners pass me on their way back. Everyone was really friendly shouting “Good Job!” or “Keep it up!”. It was definitely a nice boost along the way.

Aid station 4 was at the turn around. It started to get a little warm. We were out in a rural part of San Diego that I had never seen before. It almost seemed like we were in a different state. Somewhere around mile 22 the exhaustion settled in. I could hardly believe how tired I was. I think I underestimated how trail running can zap all your energy. I knew I would be heading up Raptor Ridge again and told myself to continue running until I started the climb. This time up the Ridge I was not power walking. I was definitely just walking. The climb felt like it would never end. A few mountain bikers passed me and cheered me on. I smiled politely but secretly wanted to push them off their bikes. I was definitely in the "bite me stage". I was so happy when I reached the submit but the run down hurt a bit. My legs were shot but I knew the aid station would be at the bottom. 

At the aid station I ate a PB&J and drank some coke (slowly). I've never tasted anything so amazing. It was exactly what I needed to finish the run. The rest of the run was a struggle... I wont sugar coat it. My strategy was run to the next runner. Most the them were walking. I'd run up to them, walk, chat for a bit and then journey on to the next runner. When I finally saw the finish line, I started to cry. I've never been that exhausted or happy to finish. The medal felt amazing around my neck. I felt so accomplished. I had finally concurred something I thought was impossible. I cried again when I saw my boyfriend and hugged him so hard.

Post race, all I wanted to do was eat In-N-Out. I craved a cheeseburger and a chocolate shake. We drove straight there and I thought I went to heaven.

All in all, it was a great race, a great day, and I'm so happy its over!

I think I'll stick with marathons for a while. No offense, ultras. :)

Here goes nothing!

It's the night before the 50k....

I've done all my usual marathon prep. I've laid out my running outfit with all my fuel. I've drank copious amounts of water and Nunn and constantly checked my pee. I've eaten so many carbs I don't know if I could even look at another bagel the same way again... just kidding bagels are like my favorite food ever and that will never happen.

I took it easy today and hardly moved from the couch. I only left the condo twice... so different from my usual busy weekend days.

I know I'm physically and hopefully mentally ready.

While looking the Lake Hodges 50k page, I decide to look up the results from last year's run. So many people ran AMAZING races. Times that were faster than my marathon PR by HOURS! I started to freak out.
Can I really do this?? Am I crazy? Why wasn't it good enough for me to stop at the marathon distance?

Then I remember- THIS IS MY RACE. I run my own race. If I feel great- awesome. If I don't- oh well. It's my first 50k and I'm going to go out there and have fun walking some monster hills (well, only 2 really).

Here goes nothing! Hopefully the next time I post I will be an ULTRA-MARATHONER .

10 Signs That Made Me Realize I Was a Runner

I'm not sure when it happen but sometime over the past 3.5 years I've become a full-blown runner. Has it happened to you? Here's some tell-tale signs...

10. I wake up earlier on weekends for long runs/races than before work on weekdays.

Sleepy Runner

 9. I know all the dates of upcoming local and not-so-local races.

8. Driving around my neighbor I'm always looking for new fun running routes and know the exact mark of a mile in any direction from my door.

7. When asked "What are you doing this weekend?" I reply with the amount of miles I plan to run.

6. I go on more "runcations" than I do vacations.

One of my favorite runcations this year.. Big Sur

The most beautiful race

5. I have a budget for "Race Fees".

4. My favorite way to hang out with friends is to go on a run together.

3. My adorable boyfriend buys me "marathon" presents.

2. My favorite athletes are Kara Goucher and Shalane Flanagan.

Seriously LOVE these two

1. I've start this amazing running blog!

What are some of the funny things you do that defines you as a runner?

How Not To Have a Bad Day

On Tuesday, October 21st I had a bad day. From the moment I woke up, I had a little dark cloud following me. Have you ever had one of those days where everything is going wrong? Of course I'm being a tad bit dramatic, but lets learn from some of my mistakes to enjoy most days from now on...

Rough day in Progress

1. Don't skip your workout the night before. Yup, I skipped mine. My boyfriend wanted to run with me after work so I promised him I'd wait to hit the trails until he got home. While I was waiting, I fell into a deep sleep dressed in my running clothes. To my dismay, he let me sleep and I finally woke up at 8:00pm!! I just assumed he would wake me up when he got in the door. Needless to say, it was dark and we still needed to eat dinner. The run never happened. Boooo.

The run we missed.

2. Don't wake up late because you hit "snooze" one too many times. Don't, just don't do it. You never feel any better staying in bed an extra 10-20 minutes. I ended running around the condo like a crazy person, tripping over one of the cats and forgetting my coffee on the counter. The fear of being late brings out of a whole lunatic side of me. I get serious road rage.  It such a crappy way to start your day. 

Don't do it!

3. Don't skip breakfast, it only sets you up for failure. I am not a happy camper when I have low blood sugar. My brain is in a flog and it makes working in a lab really difficult. I'm much more prone to make mistakes that could potential harm my experiments. Luckily, I have my work bestie to double check my work or I'd be in t.r.o.u.b.l.e. 

Bagel with peanut butter, banana, and a touch of honey,,. my favorite.

Two things that turned my day around... 

 1. Starbucks vent session at lunch with my work bestie. If you guys don't have a best friend at work, I highly recommend you start finding one. Work friends are the greatest. They are always there for you if you're super stressed or really bored. They make coming to work a lot better and you always have a friend at lunch time. 

This is my work bestie, Bae- not Bei. Silly, Starbucks

2. Seriously decorating the office for Halloween. If you haven't noticed by now, I REALLY like decorating!

No more bad days!

Taper Can Make You a Little Crazy....

Tapering is difficult. Most people would think that the hardest part of training would be long runs or intense speed work sessions, but for me the taper seems to be the most challenging.  

I guess I'm just a really proactive person and I constantly want to be working towards my goals. Tapering feels like sitting back and letting my fitness slip away. I tell myself this isn't true. Taper will allow my body the rest it needs to kill it on race day... I just have to believe it. 

Taper can also make you do really crazy things....

Like dress up your cats for Halloween! 

Peanut the Unicorn!

Chloe-Shark and Peanut-Unicorn :)

With all this free time on my hands, I finally had a chance to add some fall touches to the condo.

I also felt inspired to bake pumpkin muffins for my co-workers to help us ease into Monday morning.

I added some pumpkin cream cheese from Trader Joe's and adorable leaf sprinkles.

Taper workouts for the week...

Monday- 5 miles

Tuesday- OFF, sports massage :)

Wednesday- 3 miles

Thursday- OFF

Friday- OFF

Saturday- 20 minute shake out run

Sunday- Lake Hodges 50k! 

Have a great week! 

Beyond the Marathon...

Gearing up to run 31 point whatever miles next weekend!

Race course maps always freak me out a bit. This will be the longest distance I have ever ran straight and my first real trail race. I am nervous! Pretty big difference from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon I ran last weekend. Just look at that monster hill a little after mile 13....

At first I wasn't even sure if running an ultra marathon was a great idea for my body so close to finishing a marathon. After speaking with my coach, I told myself I would listen to my legs and if I didn't feel 100% healthy I would pull out. Fortunately, I feel great! I've had a few easy post marathon runs and think next weekend's run really will happen.

Let's compare some major differences between the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the Lake Hodges 50k....

1. Hills!... DUH, Kate! Well yes, there will be hills, but ultra marathoners have a different take on hills than most marathoners. Most ultra runners will quickly walk/hike most hills in order to conserve energy. I already have it in my race plan to be walking/hiking those monsters.

2. Trails vs. Roads... ok, another no brainer. I'm actually excited to be back out on trails. My body doesn't hurt the same way on trails as it does on road after long runs. I don't get as stiff and sore. I'm really hoping this 50k won't hurt.. at least not as bad as marathons. :)

3. Aid Stations. Ultra trail marathons have really spaced out aid stations when compared to road races. Most of these aid stations are about 4-8 miles apart. I felt like every mile there was an aid station at Chicago. Lake Hodges will have pretzels, potato chips, and bananas, in addition to the usual water and sports drink. I think mentally this will help me break up the race. I'm going to tell myself to take it one aid station at a time.

4. Nutrition.  I met with my nutritionist before each race. I will be introducing protein into this run. I have always just taken Gus during marathons. My new plan includes pieces of protein bars at the top of each hour.

5. I'm running just to finish. Yup, I have no time goal other than to finish within the cut off of 8.5 hours. It feels freeing to only concentrate on finishing and not PRing! :)


This is one of the many views I will be enjoying next weekend...

Till next time :)

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

This past weekend I ran the amazing Chicago Marathon.

My boyfriend and me at the Expo. Course Map behind us :)

I have been very sporadic with posting. Mostly because I feel sort of embarrassed sharing my thoughts but I'm trying put that behind me. I know I'm not a fast runner but for some reason I've fallen head over Asics with this sport. I love racing against myself. It's about making me a faster and stronger person.

The Chicago Marathon was a PR for me... finally!

Race outfit ready to go!

Ashley and me getting into our corrals 

Post race- Medal in hand

The last two marathons, Nike Women's Marathon- 2013 and San Diego Rock n Roll-2014, I hadn't PRed. Looking back, I wasn't putting in enough effort to achieve a PR. Sure, I was making all my long runs but I wasn't actively working on speed work or practicing great nutrition. That all changed this season. 

My coach instructed me to ease into the first mile and then run a consistent 10:45 pace, picking it up at the last two miles. My race goal was 4:40 and I ended up with 4:52. 

As you can see, I tried! Keep in mind there was a potty break (number 2) around mile 18. My Garmin died around mile 20 (not that it was being very reliable under bridges and with the tall buildings). I knew my last 10k was rough. Mentally I checked out. I felt like I was swimming up stream. So many runners were stopping and in my way. I just didn't have it in me to fight anymore to pass them. Although I am happy for a PR, those last split times are eating me up inside.

But as usual, I'm moving onto the next exciting challenge- a trail 50k!

See you in a few years (or maybe next year), Chicago!