Happily Training- Endurance Athlete?

I just wanted to let you know lately I have had a few revelations related to my training. The biggest one was last weekend- after slugging through 2 hours and 10 min on the bike on Saturday and a 2 hour run on Sunday. On Sunday after my 2 hours out on the road I walked up the stairs to my condo and I realized I was unphased by the 2 workouts. I mean don't get me wrong I was tired but I wasn't beaten and feeling like a wet noodle. Made me realize I've come a long way... The fact that these kind of miles and hours of training don't kick my @$$ really makes me realize I have taken huge strides at becoming a ENDURANCE ATHLETE!

After running a half marathon on 5 June and setting a PR by about 10 Min. (more to come on this in another post) I had a hard training week. I logged 87miles! I was on the road all week for work and somehow pulled off the most miles I have done yet!

This week started a new week of training- with a new coach. I did a running speed workout on Tuesday. Wednesday had a nice long swim and a speed bike workout. And yesterday was a long run- mid week! The fact that a 45 min speed workout on the bike wasn't a big deal and the run on Thursday night tho HOT and HUMID was 7 mi. really solidified my thoughts from last weekend... I am becoming an ENDURANCE ATHLETE!

**All of you out there: please remind me of this when I am hating my training and I am FREAKING out pre 70.3- btw- 65 days but who's counting!**

iPod Security Blanket

I was always an iPod runner when I started a few years ago. I needed the iPod to get through every run. I had a zillion different play lists changing them almost monthly or maybe even weekly to get me through. But at some point in training for my half marathon I just stopped using music to get me through. Maybe it was because I was training with friends but at some point I didn't need the security blanket anymore.

So when it came time to hit the start line for the Hyannis Half Marathon I had this idea- hey why run with my iPod? I was going to be running with friends and the biggest weighing factor- for my trithlons iPods are out of the question. Might as well get used to running without it.

I have to say the half wasn't bad without it. And it makes me think I can race my tri's this season without it. I have to say I get geared up for my runs now and I look at the iPod and wonder if today I really want or need it. I mean don't get me wrong I am far from a technology free runner- I've got my Garmin and my heart rate monitor. But now I think about whether my brain could use the quiet time on the run to just enjoy the run. I know it isn't for everyone and I know some of my runs I welcome the distraction but I have to say it is nice to know I don't need the security blanket anymore!

Girls Just Wanna Run

Through twitter I have made many great running triathlon and overall athlete friendships. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the friends I have from HS and college and realizing that with training being such a big part of my life we don't have as much in common as we once did. Don't get me wrong I love them but I can't talk about my long runs and the torture of sitting on a bike for an hour or 2 with them. It is nice to have friends (esp. female friends) that can relate and are doing the same.

That being said- one of my best friends from college just decided to take up running. She asked me how one would go about training for a 5k. I sent her to the couch to 5k plan. She was so excited to start. After just having twins she was ready to start a new challenge. I got so many excited phone calls after a run. It is great to help others find the fun in this sport. D and I are headed to go visit her soon and we are all planning to race- her first 5k! So exciting!

My twitter friendships with kissing frogs and getting stronger, burning fat have now brought me into a group of women that run for the Luna Chix running team. I did a hill repeat workout with them in Boston on Saturday followed by brunch with a great group of women! Not only did we all have running and training in common but they were all intelligent and fun to be around! I had a great time!

Since kissing frogs, getting stronger, burning fat and I are all running the Hyannis half marathon at the end of Feb. We decided to get together and do another long run on Sunday. My legs were sore from the hills and the slushy mess that we had to go through made it a bit more of a workout. But we trudged through and got a nice long 9.5 miles in. Let me tell you the whole theory group suffering makes it better was true. I wanted to stop so many times but kissing frogs and getting stronger, burning fat wouldn't let me give it up! They were great pushing me through the run! Thanks ladies. It is great to have running/training support. Looking forward to our next long one!!!

Top Sports Bras for Long Runs

So I started thinking. I wanted to write a review of some of my favorite sports bras, for my double D's. Lemme tell you when running with such a "load" on the front of you and the load across your shoulders, its painful. The right bra choice can make or break a workout. I have certain sports bras that are okay for riding stationary bike at the gym, yoga, then the tie down mechanisms I use for my running. Long runs are even more of a deliberate choice.

I like the underarmor bra I reviewed. But to be honest I am not happy with the life of the bra. It seems to be deteriorating quickly and I have bought a couple since and the sizing doesn't seem to be consistent.

I have a champion bra that seems to work pretty well- but I end up with chaffing when I finish my runs. Either at the shoulders or even worse along the rib cage. I thought maybe I bought the wrong size but- I think its just the bra.

My new favorite is Moving Comfort. Their high impact fiona bra seems to be best. I don't end up with chaffing. The straps sit on your shoulders where a normal bra sits. It has a heavy 3 clasp closure- allowing for a little deterioration over time. I like how it holds them in place- read: NO bounce!! I get them at Dick's sporting goods but- I have seen them at my local running store too. They seem to be the best sports bra for running with a big chest. The only negative is the price- $44- but good quality comes at a price.