What's Beautiful Update

 

 This post is sponsored by Under Armour through FitFluential and all opinions are my own!

 

I wanted to do a post updating my progress on the Under Armour What's Beautiful challenge. My goals are as follows: 

I am taking my training to the next level. I will beat last year's time at the MC half. I will complete my first marathon this October. I will train smart but also push myself to get faster. I will continue to weight train and work towards setting new PRs at squats, deadlifts and bench press. I will strive to inspire other women!!

I WILL.

On Sunday, I ran the Marine Corps Historic Half. My goal was to beat my previous time which was 2:03:40.

 

I'm happy to say that I did it!!

 

My official time was 1:55:48!

 

 I am so proud of myself for completing one of my goals. This was not an easy course. It was very hilly and I really had to dig deep towards the end.

 

You want to know #WhatsBeautiful?

 

Setting a goal and then reaching it!!

Have you joined the What's Beautiful challenge? There's still time to join and declare a goal!! Click HERE to sign up today!!!

Marine Corps Historic Half Race Recap

Today was the day! My last (for real this time) half marathon before marathon training begins. The best part of today was that the hubs was running with me. My parents were kind enough to watch the kids for us.

3:15 came very quickly for me. I didn't sleep very well but woke up with ease. I let the hubby sleep while I went downstairs to prepare my bagel and coffee.

 

After that I woke up the hubs and finished getting dressed. Around 4:30, I woke the kids up. They woke really easy since they knew they were going to Nana and Papa's house. Thankfully, my parents are early risers so they were already awake.

 

Dropped the kids off at 5 and we were off. There wasn't any traffic on 95 (yay!) so we got to the commuter lot pretty quickly and jumped on the first bus.

Aww aren't we just the cutest - ha ha.

We arrived at the race around 6am which was perfect and gave us a hour to relax. The start/finish is right next to Wegmans so I was able to use an actual bathroom - Woot!!

 

We dropped our bags off at gear check and I tortured hubby with pics. At this point it was drizzling and very humid.

 

We got into our corral and just hung out and talked. I kept looking for Sean Astin. I loved him in Goonies and really wanted a picture with him. Sadly, that did not happen.

At this point, hubs was a bit nervous. I don't blame him. He didn't really train for this race and only ran it because I challenged him to it.

At 7am we were off. My plan was to run my own race and try to beat last year's time which was 2:03:40. I lost sight of hubs pretty quickly but I knew he'd be cheering for me at the finish.

I wasn't going to post my splits because I am not happy with my times on the second half of the race. However, I figured every race is a learning opportunity so I shouldn't be too hard on myself..

Miles 1-4 (8:03, 8:04, 8:09, 8:09)

I felt pretty good when we started. I fell into a nice rhythm early on and really thought I could hold onto it. I was cruising along even with stopping for water at 2 water stops. The hills started around mile 3 but they didn't seem to really bother me. I'm used to running hills but I guess I forgot just how hilly this course really was. I took my first Huma energy gel around mile 4.

Miles 5-8 (8:23, 8:25, 8:34, 8:25)

Yeah....those damn hills started to slow me down. Add in the rain and a cramp and I was just a mess. At this point, I just decided to go with it and not put any pressure on myself. I already knew I wasn't going to set a new half-marathon PR so I just focused on setting a new course PR.

Mile 9-13.1 (9:16, 8:54, 10:27, 10:18, 8:43)

Around this time, my IT band started to bother me. It seemed like every time I came downhill there was yet another hill ahead of me. I knew hospital hill was coming up so I figured I would just take it easy. I hit the water stop before hospital hill and even walked a bit.

I started running up the hill and at about halfway I stopped and walked. My hip was screaming at me and I knew I would still set a new course PR even if I ran 10:00 min/miles the rest of the way.

At the top of the hill there was another water stop. I broke my "no Gatorade" rule and had a few sips along with some water. I prayed that it wouldn't upset my stomach and luckily I was fine.

After finding the perfect song, I ran the rest of the way. I knew I was so close to finishing so I put it all out there.

 

My finishing time was 1:55:48

Average pace - 8:50 min/mile

 

The race bling is pretty sweet and HUGE!

 I felt honored having a Marine place it around my neck.

 

Hubs set a new half-marathon PR. He finished in 1:38:41. I am so proud of him. He still doesn't consider himself a runner but I think he's in denial. ha ha.

 

Here's some post-race pics.

 

Yeah you have to love my forced smile and crazy hair. Hubs told me I looked like Monica from Friends. Ha ha.

 

Source

 

Once we picked up the kids and came home, I took a ridiculously long shower and put on a clean pair of compression socks.

 

I rolled and did a little yoga to stretch out/open my hips.

 

The rest of the day was spent doing absolutely nothing.

How was your weekend?

 

Pre-race rituals & the MC half expo

Yesterday as I switched into pre-race mode, I started to think of all my quirky pre-race rituals.

First it starts with the hair. For whatever reason I always straighten my hair a day or two before a race. This is completely counter-productive due to the fact that by the end of the race my hair is a sweaty mess. I'll go home, wash it and it will be curly again.

 

The before and after. I have A LOT of hair.

 

I think the reason why I spend the time to straighten my hair is because it's easier to handle. I can't wear my hair in a bun when I run because it'll take 6 hair ties to keep it in place. In the end, I usually end up with a headache because my hair is pulled too tight. So I usually just sweep it up in a high ponytail and voilà perfect race day hair.

 

My second pre-race ritual is laying out my outfit to see how it looks.

I'm rockin' the all pink outfit for the Marine Corps half.

I like to stand out.

 

My last ritual is painting my nails.

Sparkly pink was my choice and of course they have to match the outfit.

It's fun being girly.

 

Today, we headed south to Fredericksburg for the race expo. It was raining and 95 was a hot mess (as always), so we opted for the scenic route via Route 1.

This is my traffic sucks face. Thankfully, we were able to jam to some pretty good music. Even with all the stop lights, it didn't take us that long to get there.

 

It wasn't too crowded so we were able to pick up our stuff with ease.

 

It's not a huge expo and I didn't need anything so we just walked around. Hubs did pick up some heavy sweat wicking Bondi Bands. Hopefully they will work at keeping the sweat out of his eyes.

 

We took some pics for fun. As you can see, Miguel is not having it. Ha! That's what happens when you wake up at 5:30 and refuse to nap.

 

 

 

Hubs doing his best DLB pose, ha ha.

 

Tomorrow after I cross the finish line, half-marathon #6 will be completed.

 

I'm not looking forward to running in the rain but it is what it is. I'm off to pack up my gear check bag.

 

It'll be early to bed tonight and hopefully my insomnia stays away.

 

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

 

Don't forget to enter my NeoCell GIVEAWAY!!

NeoCell Review & GIVEAWAY!

Disclosure - NeoCell sent me this product to review. All opinions are my own.

 

I am always on the hunt for the perfect protein powder. I have a lactose/dairy intolerance so it can be tricky to find one that works with my body.

 

 

When NeoCell contacted me about trying out their Collagen Sport Ultimate Recovery, I was all for it. I chose the Belgian chocolate flavor and waited for it to arrive.

 

Why did I decide to give NeoCell a try? This is why:

"NeoCell’s Collagen Sport product is much more than a simple protein powder, it is a complete exercise recovery formula. Most protein shakes only contain a general protein source that aids in muscle recovery. However, Collagen Sport supports total body recovery by including 15 grams of collagen for joint strength in addition to a 15 grams of a high quality whey isolate for muscular development. We don’t stop there, we add in additional glutamine and BCAAs, plus a complete multivitamin/multimineral complex (including electrolytes). Finally, we are a natural health company so there are no artificial ingredients, no sugars because we sweeten with xylitol, and no lactose or gluten. There simply isn’t a more complete, premium recovery formula on the market.

A common issue in the fitness world is joint injuries or pain. That is because most people only supporting muscular strength gains without simultaneously building their connective tissue to handle the increased force applied to joints by larger muscles. Strong muscles with weak joint and connective tissues result in injuries. By taking NeoCell's Collagen Sport a person will support both connective tissues and muscular development and guard against injury and pain."
 

I started making a NeoCell protein shake after my runs and weight lifting sessions. I am usually sore after my long runs and really sore after weight lifting. After using NeoCell, I haven't had any lingering soreness. Plus it mixes really well and tastes great. I mixed it with my dark chocolate Silk almondmilk and it was really good. The best part is that it is lactose free so it doesn't upset my stomach!!

NeoCell has agreed to giveaway this product to one of my readers!!
WooHoo!!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Zola Coconut Water Review

Disclosure - As a SweatPink Ambassador, Zola sent me this product for review. All opinions are my own.

 

A few weeks ago the delivery man dropped off yet another package. Ha ha.

 

This particular package was from Zola. It contained two cans of their coconut water (one with pulp and one without) and also a bottle of Açai juice.

 

I tried the Açai juice first. This was a first for me so I didn't really know what to expect. It wasn't too bad, in fact, I liked it a lot. It has a nice smooth berry flavor without being too strong.

 

 

I decided to use the coconut water in my green smoothies. It definitely gave them a little kick. I used about half of the can and then drank the rest. I did not really enjoy the pulpy one by itself. The chunky pulp kind of threw me off.

 

The Zola Coconut Water is great because the cans are pretty big at 520ml. I've  also used it for rehydrating after a long run. It definitely does the job since it is full of potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.

 

Have you tried coconut water before? Thoughts?

 

 

 

My run and a rant.

Before I start my post, I've got some fun news. I talked the hubs into running the MC half with me. The kids will go to Nana & Papa's house bright and early and we will run our first race together. Well not together together, I don't expect the hubs to run my pace. I'm pretty excited though!!

 

I got up this morning to do my last long run before the MC half. I decided on 6 miles. I've been tapering ever sine Nike ended so I didn't want to push it too much today. I need my legs fresh for all of the hills next Sunday.

 

I was excited to wear my new Lululemon running skirt and tank.

Lookin' lean and mean, ha ha

 

My goal for today was to keep my pace around 8:30...yeah that didn't really happen. My body felt great so I just went with it. My legs felt fine afterwards and I am really loving my Mizuno Elixirs, they might be my new racing shoe.

Once again, I was almost hit on my run (more on that in a bit). I am getting really frustrated with motorists these days.

 

I would list my splits but for whatever reason my Garmin didn't save my run even though I saved it. When I went to upload it, it was gone. I'm not sure what that is about, maybe it has something to do with the upgrade I did yesterday.

 

I decided to go with Huma for my fuel.

It doesn't upset my stomach and tastes pretty good. That's a win in my book.

 

So onto my rant...

 

As you probably guessed, it's about motorists.

 

There's this thing called a crosswalk and also a stop sign line. I went ahead and took a picture for reference:

See how the stop sign line isn't in the crosswalk!?

Apparently most motorists do not see this and stop (or not at all) in the crosswalk.

 

Let me set the scene...

This morning, I was getting ready to pass the exit to a shopping center on Spriggs.

 

There is a stop sign and also a crosswalk. As I approached the crosswalk, a small SUV approached the stop sign. I guess the lady thought the stop was a suggestion because she rolled right through it as I stepped into the crosswalk. Then she decided to fly through the crosswalk hitting a huge puddle and getting me all wet. Cue a not-too-happy Natalie. I, of course, jump out of the way while she honks her horn and yells at me through her rolled-up window. I flipped her the bird and kept going. I don't usually react but I was just so mad. I really wanted to go up to her and give her a piece of my mind but my run was more important.

 

In 2 weeks, I've almost been hit 3 times.

 

Too all drivers, please stop at the stop sign line and not in the crosswalk.

 

That is all.

 

 

 



Calling All Mother/Daughter Pretty Muddy Teams!

Disclosure - In exchange for blog posts and promotions, Pretty Muddy provided me with a free race registration. All opinions are my own.

 

Do you still need to get your Mom a gift for Mother's Day?

Tired of getting her the same old stuff?

How about doing something fun and muddy together?!

 

Pretty Muddy is offering an awesome discount code for all Mother/Daughter teams for their 2013 races!!

Just use the coupon code MUDDYMOMMA to receive the discount.

Coupon code expires on May 12th.

 

Pretty Muddy is also running a Facebook contest.

They are giving away 2 free entries into each one of their 8 events for 1 mother-daughter duo. You can check out the contest here: https://www.facebook.com/PrettyMuddy . All we ask is that you share with us how your Mom has inspired your fitness goals. Pretty simple!