Not only can they make excellent costume accessories, but my love for my PRO Compression marathon socks goes much deeper than that. I swear!

When I first started running, I had all kinds of issues with my lower extremities, from frequent blisters to tendonitis to pretty severe calf pain and tightness. My first course of action was getting properly fitted at a running store (of course), but my second step was to re-evaluate my sock situation. As runners, we have an ENDLESS array of options, and I ended up trying lots (and lots…and lots…) of different socks.

But I have to tell you that the first time I ran in PRO Compression socks, I knew I had found my one true love(s)!

And these are just the ones that happen to be clean right now, lol

I’m not gonna lie — I invested in my first pair just because I thought they’d look sort of like the black boots that Mrs. Incredible wears as I assembled my costume for a local superhero-themed half marathon, haha. That day, the weather was rainy and miserable, the course was BY FAR the hilliest and most challenging I had encountered in my young running career, my legs and feet were shot…and I struggled BIG TIME.

So you can imagine my complete and utter shock when I woke up the next morning and felt as though I had done nothing the previous day but lounge around on the couch watching Gilmore Girls reruns (among my favorite rest day activities, BTW). My feet felt completely fine, my calves were hardly sore at all…and I even felt fresh enough to run that day. (Not that I did…I’m just saying I COULD have run that day…)

Since then, I very rarely run without compression socks,  and I NEVER race without them!

I wouldn’t dream of tackling a long run in anything but my PRO Compression socks, and I even got Todd hooked on them, too. Fortunately for him, our feet are practically the same size, lol.

Some runners prefer to just use them for recovery, which is clearly a major benefit. I often change into a clean pair of compression socks after long races to help keep the blood flowing (and, you know, ensure that I can walk the next day), and I never, ever get on an airplane without them. I get some strange looks at security sometimes, though, haha.

But for me, running in them has helped make all of my early issues with pain, discomfort, and tightness in my legs and feet virtually disappear…and that’s why I pretty much consider them to be magic socks.

Since I just love taking on all of these back-to-back race runDisney challenges (the Dopey, the Goofy, the Glass Slipper, the Dumbo), I’ve even been known to sleep in them to help my legs feel as refreshed as possible for the next morning’s race. I am CONVINCED that they are what save my legs during a 48.6-mile challenge like the Dopey, especially since I always go ahead and spend the entire rest of the day walking around the Disney parks after each race!

So, how do they work? First, allow me to to directly quote from their website:

The science is complex, but the results are simple: recover faster and feel better sooner.

Compression socks help improve your circulation, which can reduce inflammation and help your body to recover more quickly. Which, of course, is of the UTMOST importance when you’re making your way through a half or full marathon training plan. It’s kind of hard to log 3, 4, or 5 runs per week when your legs and feet are still practically dead from the previous day’s miles.

I’ve only tried the marathon socks so far, but PRO Compression has all sorts of other options — calf sleeves, ankle socks, etc. I’ve already collected almost all of the solid colors, and now I’m making my way through their various patterned socks.

They have designs for pretty much any holiday-themed race you may want to run, from shamrocks to these patriotic socks they sent me. Guess I’ve got the finishing touch for my 4th of July race costume!

Can they be pricey? Sure. But, to me, they are SO worth it. Besides, there are almost always special coupon codes — use BLG15 for 40% off socks and sleeves! — and they also offer a “Sock of the Month” e-mail list with new product announcements and other special coupons and deals. You can sign-up via their website here, or check out their wide array of socks and other goodies here.

To learn more about PRO Compression, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter!

Okay, here it is! If you’ve ever wanted to try these awesome socks (or add to your collection!) please enter the giveaway below. The contest will run through the end of the day on St. Patrick’s Day (do YOU feel lucky?!) and the winner will be randomly chosen via Rafflecopter and announced right here on the blog on Wednesday, the 18th. I will contact the winning reader to get your sock size and address, and the folks at PRO Compression will send you a complimentary pair of their marathon socks! GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: PRO Compression kindly sent me a pair of socks to add to my enormous collection, but I received no other compensation for this post. All opinions are very much my own!

First, a little background. I ran this race last year in the POURING RAIN, and it was pretty miserable. But this year, race organizers promised a brand-new course, and the weather forecast just so happened to be damn near perfect (albeit, slightly too warm for my liking), so I thought it would be a good time.

Plus, we had some fabulous costumes — I’m obsessed with the minions from Despicable Me, and since everyone runs this race dressed as Batman or Super Woman, I thought we’d go with something a little different!

Or, I should say, Todd’s mom tried something a little different. She’s the mastermind behind many of my recent race costumes, and I gotta give her props! Although, I DID cut out the circles for the eyes…

Another piece of information you should probably know?

I didn’t train for this race. Like, at all.

Since running marathon #2 back in March, I’m not going to lie to you guys…I’ve taken a bit of an extended running hiatus. Does that mean I’m sitting on my rear in front of the television every day? No. I’m still staying active — I’m being consistent with my martial arts classes at least 2-3 times per week, I’m cycling at least once or twice a week, and I am lacing up my sneakers and logging a few miles here and there — but, as many of you know, when it comes to running I have been BURNT OUT.

With no major races in my sights until Disneyland at the end of August, and the official start of my New York City Marathon training not set to begin until July, I’ve given myself permission to scale back and let my body (and, even more importantly, my mind) fully and completely recover after an endless string of half marathons with Todd last fall and then months of insane Dopey Challenge training and then running yet another marathon less than eight weeks after my first.

So, long story short, if I’m going to be perfectly honest, the longest I had run in the month prior to this particular half marathon? Five miles. No long runs, no tempo runs, no speedwork, no nothing. Since running a fairly disastrous April Fools Half Marathon and my slowest half to date, the Rutgers Half Marathon, in April, I got in a few short 3-4 mile runs here and there, one or two 5-milers, and that was about it.

Am I proud of it? No. Am I recommending it? No. But since this was a PURELY “for fun” race, and both Todd and I have just about had it when it comes to training plans, I’m the first to admit that I let myself slack off. I knew the race wouldn’t be pretty, and I was prepared to take full responsibility for that and just hope for the best.

We picked up our packets at the Morristown Running Company the day before, so we were all set to head straight to the starting line on race morning. Parking was easy, but as per usual, we were running a few minutes behind schedule (biggest issue in our relationship: I’m a slob and he’s chronically late, haha) so we only had a few minutes to hit the port-a-potties and rush to the starting line.

Fortunately, Kim from Barking Mad About Running spotted us, so we got to meet up with her again and chat for a few minutes. (And then I stole her picture…hope she doesn’t mind!)

The race began at the park a few minutes late, so it all worked out. When they let us go, the swarms of some 3,000 runners made it damn near impossible to go out too fast, which is my usual M.O. Not that I was gunning for a PR or anything, as you know. We settled into a comfortable 10:30 pace, which is where we remained for the majority of the race, and I focused on just taking it easy and getting through the 13.1 miles ahead of me.

I have to say, I was initially excited about the new course. Last year’s had a KILLER hill (not even remotely exaggerating…paramedics were stationed at the top, haha), and it was a pretty boring double loop, so I figured it couldn’t be any worse than that.

Well…this year’s course was flatter overall (still plenty of “rolling” hills), but the last half of the race pretty much took us through the woods. No joke. It was a long trail through another park, and there were no spectators whatsoever. Water stations were decent (other than the fact that they couldn’t quite fill the cups quickly enough), and I did appreciate the shade because the sun was out and temperatures were rising fast, but it was almost a little creepy (and boring) to be running with all of my fellow costumed runners through a shady trail for 7+ miles. The early miles were pretty much all residential, and Chatham/Morristown/Madison is a really nice area, but I still wouldn’t call it the most exciting course in the world.

As far as how I held up…I honestly felt completely fine up until about mile 8 or 9. My overall pace has slowed significantly, and I have to fight to break a 10-minute mile these days, but other than that I was surprised by how well I was holding up giving my lack of consistent running and any recent long training runs. I won’t lie and say we didn’t stop for a few walk breaks towards the end, which is very much unlike me in a race, but I didn’t feel a whole lot of difference in terms of my stamina.

The way my body felt physically, though, was a bit of a different story. By the last 5K my legs decided to pretty much shut down. No surprises there. Everything started to tighten up, my legs felt heavy and dead, and putting one foot in front of the other become a struggle.

But I did the best I could, and finally the finish line was in sight. It was another 2:30ish finish for us, which I know isn’t bad at all and I’m definitely not complaining, but it is still a pretty far cry from how I used to perform in half marathons.

We collected our medals and wandered around looking for post-race food, which was across the field under a gazebo. We enjoyed the usual fare — bagels, bananas, granola bars, etc. — and hung around for the costume contest. Figured it was worth a shot.

Had to do it…minions love BANANAS!!!

As it turns out, the costume contest consisted of race organizers calling up anyone who was still around after the awards ceremony — not a whole lot of people, I might add — and then they judged our costumes right then and there. There were 5 prizes, and we won 4th and 5th place, behind an Iron Man-themed couple and what was by far the most elaborate costume of the race — a She-Ra, complete with a horse and everything! Here are some pictures of the contest winners and other costumes on nj.com, including one or two of yours truly.

Our prize? A coupon for a free 30-minute massage. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

At the end of the day, I wasn’t happy that I went into this race so poorly trained, but I was satisfied with how I performed given the circumstances. I took it as yet another reminder that I AM strong, and it gave me hope that even though I’ve had to let myself take a bit of a break from training, that I haven’t completely lost everything I’ve worked for.

A half marathon is NO JOKE, and since I seem to no longer have the mental capacity to participate in so many races back-to-back, I am considering this the final race in our running streak. I think Todd and I both got a little overzealous and signed up for WAY too many races in the past year, and I feel I’m paying the price with how much I’ve struggled over the past couple of months.

We’ve decided to be a lot more selective with our races moving forward, and I’m slowly but surely trying get back into a running groove again. When it comes time to train for NYCM, I want to pour everything I have into what I know is going to be an AMAZING experience (and, you know, break a 5-hour marathon), so I want to be sure I’m fully ready to take on the challenge.

Have you ever run a race when you weren’t properly trained?

Mon., April 28: 5-mile run

Tue., April 29: 3-mile bike ride, 2-mile run

Wed., April 30:  Rest

Thur., May 1: 3-mile run

Fri., May 2: 4-mile run and Taekwondo class

Sat., May 3: Thai kickboxing class and gym workout/strength training

Sun., May 4: Thai kickboxing class

This week, I tried to slowly start getting back on a consistent running routine. And I have to say, even though they were all shorter runs, I’m still having a hard time. Physically, I can definitely feel the lack of consistent training catching up to me (good thing I have one more spring half marathon to run in 2 weeks…*gulp*…) but mentally, I can feel my urge to run coming back. I am starting to “miss” it a little bit, and I am legitimately starting to enjoy my runs again.

I was willing to do whatever I had to do to break out of the running rut I’ve been dealing with for the past few months, and I do think that some time off has done me a lot of good — even though my legs (and, let’s face it, waistline) would probably disagree.

My plan is to run the Superhero Half Marathon for fun and then continue to run “by feel” until I start New York City Marathon training in July. That way, I’m hoping my body/mind will be fully recovered from the countless races I ran in the fall, and the two full marathons in January and March, so I can hit the ground running (no pun intended) when it comes time to train for New York!

In the meantime, I’m focusing on staying active and getting in plenty of cross-training. When I want to run, I run. When I want to cycle, I cycle. And I’ve been making it to as many martial arts classes as my schedule will allow — last week I was FINALLY granted my purple belt in Taekwondo! In addition to memorizing combinations and new kicking techniques for each belt level, you also have to demonstrate a form to music (it’s always patriotic, like Stars and Stripes Forever or God Bless America), and let me tell you…it took me forever to learn it!

Have you ever taken time off from running?

What are some of your other favorite cross-training activities?

So now that I’ve survived marathon #2, I thought I’d drop in and share some post-marathon recovery updates with you and fill you in on my upcoming races for 2014 — and ask for opinions on some other half/full marathons I’m considering for this year!

I know it’s already the end of March, but I feel like I’m just now getting a chance to breathe and think about my future running-related plans…thus far, my life in 2014 has been completely absorbed in running my first marathon as part of the Dopey Challenge, and then taking on the Glass Slipper Challenge, and then my drama-filled training for the Rock N’ Roll USA Marathon, and now I feel like I can finally relax a little bit and start running FOR FUN again. And, of course, that means starting to finalize my race calendar for the rest of this year.

In two weeks, Todd and I will be running the April Fools Half Marathon in Atlantic City. I love the beach, and I know it won’t be quite warm enough to lounge around on the sand in swimsuits just yet (and with the way temperatures have been here, it could be 20 degrees that day for all I know), but I’m definitely looking forward to a weekend trip down the shore and running (and playing) in AC!

We’ll then be running the Unite Half Marathon at Rutgers University. Todd actually went to Rutgers, so I know he’s especially excited for this race and to show me around the campus afterwards.

Then we’ll be taking on the Superhero Half Marathon in Morristown in May. I ran the race last year, but it was a disgusting, miserable rainy day and the course was a KILLER — a double loop with an insane hill. But this year they’ve apparently changed the course completely, so I’m hoping for a better experience this time around. Especially since I’ll have my partner-in-crime to run it with this year, and you know I just want any excuse to wear matching costumes…

I know that’s a lot of races to run in such a short period of time, so I’m not going into any of these with big hopes for a PR. Bottom line: these are “for fun” races, and I’m going to enjoy the experience and have a good time and, hopefully, reignite my passion for running again. Truth be told, I’m still TIRED, and I’m definitely still feeling a little burnt out. It seems to be getting better now that the weight of running my second marathon is no longer on my shoulders, and I’m now 99.9% sure that was the cause of all my anxiety and the drama and the reason I was struggling so much to get back into the swing of things after Dopey.

There is a part of me that is disappointed that my half marathon PR is STILL from a race that happened a year ago, and that I didn’t end up running “for time” at either of the marathons I ran this year, but I know it’s probably to be expected that I can’t always perform the way I want to when I’m running half marathons every five minutes and completing back-to-back race “challenges” constantly and not giving my legs and my body any time to recover.

I’m definitely not back to a point where I’m looking forward to going for a run, and I know I need a bit more recovery time. Todd and I attempted 3 miles this weekend — our first run since the marathon last weekend — and let’s just say that it turned into more of a leisurely afternoon stroll than anything else. I’m giving myself a training plan break and just taking it one day at a time, and if I want to run, then I will…and if I don’t, then I’ll do something else. I’m making a concentrated effort to make it to either Thai Kickboxing or Taekwondo at least 3-4 times a week, and I’m going to start sparring — it took me forever, but I finally bought all my gear. And if the weather ever warms up, I look forward to doing some cycling again.

Over the summer, I’m going to scale my running quite a bit. I know I’ll need to train for my next big destination race — our trip to California for Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (I’m doing the Dumbo Double Dare, and Todd is running the half) — but since I always run Disney races for fun, and I’ve already conquered this particular challenge, I’m not looking to put in any hardcore training for this one. I HATE running in the summer, so I’ll get my long runs in and a shorter weekly run or two, and just focus on having fun and taking another trip to Disneyland.

I’ll also do some other local 5Ks and shorter races in the late spring and summer, like the Westfield Pizza 5K and Firecracker 4-Miler that I do every year, but no other major races are on the schedule!

As far as fall races, I’m happy to announce that I officially signed up for the runDisney Tower of Terror 10-Miler (shortly before it sold out) which I will be running with…my sister!

Photo credit: runDisney

Mind you, I know that a large part of the reason that she agreed to run this race with me is because I promised her that we could take a detour to see the new goings-on at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, but I’m still excited that she has officially agreed to take on yet another big race. I’m still hoping she ends up being bitten by the running bug.

Also in October, Todd and I plan to run the Hershey Half Marathon. I wanted to run it last year but waited too long and it ended up selling out. I love Hersheypark (‘cuz, um, I really like chocolate…) so I know this will be a blast!

As far as committing to any fall marathons, the jury is still out. I entered my name into the lottery for the New York City Marathon on the first day it opened back in December, and we’re supposed to hear back with the drawing results this Wednesday. I know the chances of me getting in are slim to nil, but I’d do ANYTHING to run this race and would be over-the-moon excited if by some chance I’m selected.

Honestly, I can’t seem to set my heart on running any other fall marathon at the moment. Now that I know just what a physical and mental toll the marathon training process took on me, when I DO train for another marathon, I feel strongly that it should be a race that I really want to do.

Todd is considering running the Philadelphia Marathon in November — although I know he is also not quite ready mentally to sign on for another 26.2, haha — but I’m not 100 percent sure I’d want to run that particular race. I’d really like to sign up for a marathon and train my butt off and run it for time, so it’s just a matter of finding the right race for me.

But, most importantly, the last and biggest piece of news is that we are also both strongly considering returning to The World to run the WDW Marathon — TOGETHER — in 2015! That is, of course, also a “for fun” race, so while I hesitate to make the mistake of signing up for two marathons so close together again, the fact that it would be a Disney race would mean that I could, theoretically, take on another 26.2 in the fall and then look forward to running Disney again without the pressure of any time goals in January. There are no words to describe how much I would love running this race together, so, if all goes well then I’ll be back for Marathon Weekend next year!

So, do any of you guys have suggestions for other fall half or full marathons for me?!

What races are you most looking forward to running in 2014?

We also went to see a Jim Gaffigan comedy show in Atlantic City, and spent some time at the beach — my favorite!

On Sunday morning, we ran the 5K Challenge for CHHANGE at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. It’s the second year of this race, and a pretty small one — there were about 150 runners overall, and only 10 total runners in my age category of 19-29. (Spoiler alert: I once again came in right in the middle of the pack, finishing 5th in my age group).

To give you a quick recap…it was a well-organized race with an ample supply of goodies (bagels, drinks, bananas, etc.), and the campus is really nice. I wasn’t thrilled that, yet again, they were somehow “sold out” of the size small t-shirt I requested when I picked up my bib — a bit of a pet peeve of mine, thanks to the tech shirt fiasco at the Superhero Half Marathon — but fortunately the t-shirts run a bit on the smaller side, so a medium works just fine.

It was a fairly flat course and had I gotten more than 4-5 hours of sleep (as previously mentioned, it was a BUSY weekend!) and NOT stuffed my face at Cuba Libre in Atlantic City the night before (whatever, it was worth it), there’s a decent chance I could have PRed.

I also think I went out just a bit too fast, because my per-mile pace for the first two miles was pretty impressive (for me, anyway), but then I struggled quite a bit in the last mile — it was a real effort just to keep my pace under 9 minutes. My finish time was 26:47.

Todd, however, earned himself a new 5K PR with a time of 23:17, and came in second for his age group…AND it was his very first medal! SO proud of him!

Because the next two days are going to be chock full of last-minute preparations for my Disneyland trip  — yes, yes, I am a wait until the LAST POSSIBLE SECOND kind of person — I thought I’d go ahead and post photos of my Dumbo Double Dare costumes! I decided to go as Mike Wazowski and Sulley, since I’m a rather large Monsters, Inc. fan…to say the least.

So without further ado, a little sneak preview of what I came up with! I definitely have to give a shout out to Todd’s mom, Nancy, for the Mike Wazowski costume…she was the mastermind behind that one, and I’m absolutely in love with it (if you’re reading this…THANKS AGAIN)! I was planning on wearing Sulley for the half marathon, but now I REALLY want to rock Mike Wazowski for the race…and thanks to the helmet (which may or may not be a chips/dip bowl, haha), it should make for an interesting 13.1 miles!

If any of you happen to spot me, PLEASE do say hi! Would love to meet you!

For any fellow running costume aficionados who might be curious…

The Sully costume consists of a Fila tank and running capris, purple Sparkle Athletic skirt (gotta show some love…check out their new company name and website here!), and I used Duck Tape for Sulley’s belly and his purple spots. The tail is basically a bunch of yarn from Michael’s that I braided together. I won the visor on eBay months and months ago, since, you know, I may or may not plan costumes the SECOND I sign up for a race…

Mike Wazowski is a Nike shirt, Fila capris, and his eye and mouth are made of felt and secured with fabric glue. And, of course, I’ll likely be the only person running around with a bowl on my head — ha! — but it looks just like Mike’s helmet from the first movie, so…it just has to happen. We had to drill holes in it and use some sparkly shoelaces to keep the helmet fastened to my head…I guess we’ll see what happens.

I’ll also be wearing the appropriately-colored Pro Compression socks for both costumes — which you can’t see in the photos because I am a huge dork who is attempting to take pictures of myself.

I’ll be packing some extra running duds (and, of course, another Sparkle Athletic skirt!) for my 2-mile run through the parks as part of the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Meet-Up. So excited!

I still can’t believe it’s almost here! I’ve been gearing up for this race weekend for more than six months now, and I am SO ready.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter or Facebook for lots and lots of weekend updates! You can also “like” The Final Forty on Facebook here!

Dumbo runners: I want to see/hear about your race day costumes! If you have links/pics, please do share!

Have you ever run a race in costume?

If any of you guys happen to spot me, please do say hi! Would love to meet you!

Mon., Aug 12: 6 miles

Tue., Aug. 13: Taekwondo class

Wed., Aug. 14: 5 miles

Thur., Aug. 15: Rest

Fri., Aug. 16: Taekwondo class and 6 miles

Sat., Aug. 17: Thai Kickboxing class

Sun., Aug. 18: Strength training

Mon., Aug 19: 10 miles

Total weekly mileage: 27 miles

As many of you know, the Dumbo Double Dare is just around the corner…I’m leaving for Disneyland on the 29th! That means that this week’s workouts included my last long run before the race. Now I get to kick back (just a little bit) and make sure my legs are “fresh” and rested for Dumbo!

I was hoping to get in one final 11- or 12-miler yesterday, but since my genius self started my run just a bit too late in the afternoon, I ran out of daylight around mile 9. And I am definitely very, very afraid of running in the dark by myself. So I aimed for a double-digit run, instead, and called it a night at 10 miles.

It’s probably super corny, but I tend to get a little nostalgic at the end of a training period for a particular race. I can’t help but think of everything I’ve been through as I’ve trained for this race, or the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve poured into the process of preparing both my body and my mind to take on this 19.3 mile challenge.

I impulsively registered for Dumbo back in January, so even though I did run a few half marathons after the Princess Half in February — Runapalooza, the Long Branch Half Marathon, and the Superhero Half Marathon — this has been the BIG RACE on my mind for the last several months.

Dreaming of Disneyland and that 10K/half marathon combo is what got me through those scary long runs in the scorching summer temperatures, runs in the rain, runs when I was too tired, runs when I didn’t feel like running, runs when I was in pain, runs when I was too busy, and the list goes on and on.

It got me through both an 11- and a 12-mile training run, a 10-mile race at the Jersey Shore (ON SAND!), and several back-to-back longer runs on tired, achy legs.

It got me through various personal issues, including the end of an almost 12-year relationship, and the beginning of something totally amazing with someone who, fortunately, genuinely seems to understand what running — and training for these crazy runDisney challenges — means to me.

I can’t help but think about how scared I was back then about even being able to finish a half marathon, let alone run a 10K and a half marathon back-to-back in the same weekend. I was convinced that I had simply lost my marbles, and I was so scared of having to back out of the race weekend when I ultimately discovered that running half marathons just wasn’t for me.

And now? I am READY. I know I can do this, and truth be told, I’m a little sad that my training is coming to an end.

I won’t have too long of a break, though…training for the Dopey Challenge begins as soon as I return home from California!

Anyone else feel kind of sad when your training cycle comes to an end for particular race?

Who else is PUMPED for Dumbo?

Over the weekend, I went to a Somerset Patriots game for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s annual “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.”

As I’ve posted about previously here, I lost my grandfather to the disease back in 2004, and so I participate in any awareness events and make donations for the cause whenever possible.

PurpleStride 2011

I’m really upset that this year’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon conflicts with the organization’s annual PurpleStride 5K, especially since last year’s race was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy — so I won’t be able to run again this year, unfortunately.

I’ll go ahead and get to posting my workouts for this week:

Tue., July 16 : Cycling (10 miles) and Taekwondo class

Wed., July 17: Rest

Thur., July 18: 3 miles

Fri., July 19: 5 miles

Sat., July 20: Thai kickboxing

Sun., July 21: Thai kickboxing

Mon., July 22: 10 miles

Total weekly mileage: 18 miles

Needless to say, my weekly mileage for this week is pretty pathetic. After last week’s death-defying long run in the near-100 degree temperatures, I have to admit, I was a little freaked out. I’ve never felt that way before, and even though I learned a very important lesson and am being much smarter when it comes to hydration and timing my runs, I was terrified of a repeat performance. Last week’s heat wave in New Jersey was absolutely brutal, and no matter what I did, I just could NOT force myself to lace up those sneakers. Instead, I opted to keep my runs short and stay indoors for martial arts classes.

I felt guilty all week for keeping my mileage so low and for skipping my planned runs all together over the weekend, but I just could not muster the motivation to go outside. The temperatures approached the upper-90s all week, and the humidity was horrendous, even early in the morning and after the sun went down. Of course, I definitely didn’t want to spend upwards of an hour on a dreadmill, so while that’s always an option, it’s definitely not the lesser of the two evils! I know working out 6 times a week probably doesn’t qualify as giving myself a “break,” but in a way, I do feel like I gave myself a little mini-vacation from running last week — especially when now is the time to be ramping things up for Dumbo! — and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a little bit enjoyable.

However, last night, I experienced a personal triumph — I did get out there for my long run, and I did make it up to 10 miles, which is my longest distance since the Superhero Half Marathon in May! And let me just say that, for the first time this summer, it was a FANTASTIC run. I decided to try running a little bit later in the evening, even though there was a chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. I lucked out: it was drizzling on and off the entire time, there was absolutely no sun, and there’s was a nice breeze to keep me cool. I won’t say it was effortless — because there’s nothing about running 10 miles that’s effortless — but it did almost feel that way! The miles flew by, I felt strong, and I really did enjoy it.

I know I’ve whined and complained endlessly here about how much I loathe summer temperatures, so last night was a reminder of just how much I can actually enjoy running. It also served as evidence that even though I have been struggling to push my pace this summer, that logging those miles — even when I don’t want to! — is absolutely paying off. I am SO looking forward to cooler temperatures, and I’m definitely getting excited about collecting some more half marathon bling this fall!

So…if someone could just tell me how I can control the weather to be overcast and rainy every time I plan for a run that’s longer than, say, 5 miles, that’d be great.

Have you ever given yourself a “break” from running?

Jersey runners: Anyone have any recommendations for half marathons this fall?!

I’d be lying if I said that my running has been a bit off schedule, at best. After taking on the Superhero Half Marathon last month as my third half over the course of six weeks, I decided I deserved a bit of a break. I was EXHAUSTED, and each race seemed to become a whole lot harder than the last. I’ve been keeping up maintenance runs — 3 miles here, 4 miles there — but my training plan has sort of fallen by the wayside.

However, my crazy half marathon streak did earn me acceptance as a Half Marathon Fanatic! Meet Half Fanatic #4358!

Now I’m getting back to business, and have jumped right back on the training bandwagon to get my butt in shape for Dumbo Double Dare! I’m pretty much going to follow the same beginner plan as I did for the Princess Half Marathon (since we all know I don’t participate in runDisney races to set PRs), but I’m incorporating some back-to-back longer runs on Fridays and/or weekends to help gear up for running the 10k followed by a half.

As for cross training, I’m continuing with martial arts (Thai Kickboxing and Taekwondo) and cycling. I’m supposed to test for my gold belt (FINALLY) in Taekwondo this month!

Meanwhile, the thought of my impulsive decision to sign up for the Dopey Challenge is still looming over me. As thrilled as I am by the prospect of taking on my first full marathon — and, let’s be honest, scooping up so much runDisney bling in one weekend! — as the weeks pass, the thought of ramping up my training FOR REAL becomes more and more terrifying.

Deep down, I know this is something I can do. I know this is something I WANT to do. All I can do now is make a plan, get psyched, and hope my body cooperates when I begin my official training!

I also have to admit that I’m definitely toying with the idea of registering for the new Glass Slipper Challenge. Held on Princess Half Marathon weekend, the new challenge means I’d get to run the new Disney Enchanted 10K and the Princess Half Marathon (i.e. same idea as Dumbo Double Dare) in the same weekend. And, since the Princess Half was my first half marathon ever, I thought it would be pretty cool to make my triumphant return one year later to celebrate an anniversary, of sorts. It’s especially significant to me seeing as how I was CONVINCED that I’d never be able to finish my first 13.1!

But, of course, I realize it’s slightly INSANE to head to Disney World for for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November, the Dopey Challenge in January, and the Glass Slipper Challenge in February. Or…is it?

What’s everyone training for? For all of you Dumbo runners (that sounds rude, but, you know what I mean!), how are you training?

When it came to choosing my costume, it was no contest…I had to go with a Disney superhero, and race as an Incredible! I figured I need all the practice I can get for the zillions of runDisney races I plan to participate in, anyway. I scoured the Internet for weeks trying to track down red running capris, ordered a black Team Sparkle skirt (because, surprisingly, it’s one of the few colors I DON’T already own!) and I tried my hand at iron-on transfers for the first time (let’s just say…it did not go well) to make myself a sweat-wicking Incredibles shirt. I reluctantly cut two holes in an old, stretched out Bondiband to serve as my eye mask (AND keep the sweat out of my eyes), and then I decided to try racing in my new black Pro Compression socks for the first time, since they just so happened to go with the outfit anyway.

First things first. I woke up on Sunday morning to find that it was raining. I’ve never raced in the rain before, so I knew it would be…interesting. Based on some friends’ reviews of this race, I also knew going into it that it was going to be a somewhat hilly course, even though the race website described it as “mostly flat” — which I’m not quite sure is accurate. One of the course’s steepest hills had the paramedics stationed right at the top, for crying out loud! Trying to run to the top made me feel like I was actually IN a cartoon — you know, like when the character starts running and their legs are flailing around and dust is flying but they’re not actually going anywhere.

It was also a double loop course, which I’ve now officially decided I loathe…there’s something mentally unnerving about running past the mile 8 or 11 mile marker when you’ve only just started the race, and after I discovered everything the first loop had in store for me, I really wasn’t all that anxious to do it all over again!

I had planned for this to be my “just for fun” race, and I’m glad, because I definitely did NOT perform to my full potential (my chip time was 2:11). The fact that I’m still not fully recovered from the Long Branch Half Marathon combined with the rain and the hills and the fact that I once again (very STUPIDLY!) decided to attend my usual Taekwondo and Thai kickboxing classes in the days before the race did not exactly make for an easy 13.1.

However, it was still a lot of fun! I tried to relax into whatever pace I could manage (by the halfway point, I was completely ignoring my Garmin and just kind of going with the flow). I forced myself to chill out and enjoy the festive superhero costumes (I was secretly pacing myself with a Wonder Woman for the entire race!) and the not-so-festive rain and sticky humidity that was certainly keeping this race interesting, if nothing else!

And it was great…now that I’m learning to give up the ridiculous notion that I can somehow magically PR in every single race, I’ve decided to practice learning how to loosen up and stop beating myself up and just enjoy the moment. After all, running IS supposed to be fun (sometimes)…right?

It was definitely exciting to see spectators’ reactions to all the costumes…they’re superheroes just for coming out to stand in the pouring rain to cheer us on, so I was sure to say thank you to everyone and give lots of high-fives! The kids especially seemed to enjoy seeing me as “Mrs. Incredible.” ;-D

My only complaint? (Other than the weather, I mean…which is nobody’s fault except Mother Nature’s). I registered for this race several months ago, and requested my t-shirt size on the registration form, as is pretty much the protocol. As it turns out, however, because I didn’t make the drive to Morristown (which isn’t horrendous or anything, but it’s still about 40 minutes away for me and really just didn’t seem necessary) the day before the race JUST to pick up my bib and t-shirt, I ended up with whatever was leftover on race day. I find that to be a tad unfair — I understand that those who register the day of a race end up with whatever shirts are leftover, but what in the WORLD is the point of asking us to request our shirt size when we register months in advance if you’re just going to hand shirts out to whomever happens to pick up their bib first? And they obviously didn’t order enough shirts in general because I heard the volunteers telling a bunch of other runners that their shirt size was completely “sold out”…but “here, how about a nice men’s size XL?” Absolutely ridiculous. I really liked the women’s cut, tech race shirts — for once, I knew I’d actually get some use out of my “free” shirt — but alas, the shirt size I requested was no longer available when I picked up my bib over an hour prior to the race…so I ended up with yet another too-big shirt that I’m never going to actually wear. Not cool!

The good news? Since this wasn’t a “push myself until I want to puke just to PR” kind of race for me, I had the opportunity to experiment with some new race day strategies. For starters, I’ve been trying to figure out what’s been causing my stomach cramping in the latter half of a race, and I’m happy to report that my stomach issues were pretty much nonexistent during this race. I know it could just be that I slowed my pace down a little bit, but I also tried a few other strategies: I tried taking in more Gatorade during the race, but I diluted it with water at every station (which I allowed myself to walk through, for once). I also ate fewer Clif Shot Bloks (and later in the race) in case they’re actually causing me some GI distress and I just don’t know it! Based on the advice of some of you far smarter runners, I also tried to focus on any sodium imbalances I may have been causing, and snacked on pretzels and tried not to OVER-hydrate in the day or two before the half marathon.

Also…I have fallen madly and deeply and HOPELESSLY in love with my new Pro Compression socks! After reading nothing but rave reviews on some of my favorite running blogs — and given the fact that I’ve been having nothing but foot issues lately — I decided to give ‘em a shot. And I am SO glad I did. I’ve worn them for a few shorter training runs, but this was my first time racing in them. I was having some leg issues during the race because I went in with them already feeling a little sore from Taekwondo/Thai kickboxing — like the GENIUS that I am — and my sopping wet sneakers didn’t exactly help with my usual blister issues, and yet at the end of the race, my legs were feeling pretty good! Since I’ve heard they can help with recovery — and it took me several days just to be able to WALK after my last half — I decided to wear the socks for the rest of the day (after washing them…since, you know, the several other colors I ordered haven’t arrived yet!), and also sleep in them. I’m proud to report that while I do have a little bit of soreness today, given the fact that I practically ran up Mount Everest yesterday and my legs and feet are feeling this great means that Pro Compression socks are pretty much MAGIC socks…and I will never race without them again!

Does anyone else find racing in costumes as fun as I do? ;-D

Photo credit: njmarathon.org

Yesterday I took the plunge and registered for the Long Branch Half Marathon, which is part of the New Jersey Marathon. I said I wasn’t going to do it. I really didn’t think I was going to do it. I thought that taking on Runapalooza so late in April, followed by the Superhero Half Marathon in mid-May, would be too much…not to mention the fact that my spring races are already costing me a pretty penny, and I’m trying to save for Disneyland!

But then I took a good hard look at my Dopey Challenge-running self — I mean, really, I should probably get used to running A WHOLE LOT OF MILES in a short period of time — and I decided to just go for it. It’s a pretty big deal for us New Jerseyans (well, the full marathon that’s held on the same day is, anyway), so I’m excited to be part of it!

In other news, I am feeling pretty damn stupid right about now. I’ve been whining about pain running along the top of my left foot  for weeks now, and lost I don’t know how many hours of sleep worrying that it was a stress fracture or some other kind of serious injury and I could kiss running good-bye for weeks, if not months (hence my hesitation to put on my big girl panties and see a doctor). Well, after following the advice of countless runners and health care professionals on-line who have written about the all-too-common foot tendonitis (in runners, often caused by too-tight sneakers), the pain is now disappearing…and all because I’m tying my shoelaces more loosely, doing some simple foot and calf stretches, and massaging the tendons in my calf and foot. If that’s really all it was, I am SO INCREDIBLY THANKFUL…but I’m still feeling kind of foolish right now!

Pretty sure my Disney Princess Half Marathon gear helps me run faster!

And now, on to last week’s workouts. As you know, I ran my second half marathon last weekend, but I neglected to mention that I followed that up with a local 5K the following morning that was a fundraiser for a few of the elementary schools in my town…and despite running on legs that pretty much felt like lead, I actually PRed! My old 5K PR (from a Halloween race last October) was 27:59, and now it’s 27:18 — and, best of all, I took third place in my age group (gotta love small races)!

Sat., April 20: Runapalooza Half Marathon (recap HERE)

Sun., April 21: Bloomingdale/Orange Ave. School 5K (rescheduled from November thanks to Hurricane Sandy)

Mon., April 22: Rest

Tue., April 23: A second day of rest…I thought it would be prudent given all the running I did over the weekend!

Wed., April 24: An easy 3-mile run

Thur., April 25: Went out for a 4-miler, came home after 3…I wasn’t feeling sore, but my legs felt so heavy and I just wasn’t into it.

Fri., April 26: 6.5 mile run — felt pretty good!

Sat., April 27: Thai kickboxing class and 10-mile bike ride. It was such a beautiful day, so I forced asked my sister to accompany me for a few miles.

Sun., April 28: Thai kickboxing class

I was hoping to get in a long run this weekend, especially after deciding to run the New Jersey Half Marathon, but I’ve decided that it might be best to take this this week’s runs pretty easy to help me gear up for the half marathon. I’m still trying to figure out what works best for me in terms of those final training runs before a big race.

How do you train in the last week before a race?