Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

(Sadly I have zero digital pictures of my mom to post on my blog! I guess that goes to show you how often I see her. )

To my Beautiful Mom,

Thank you for all your love and support over the years! You have given so much—always helping and taking care of others before yourself. I know I can always count on you to be there whenever I call or want to talk. You are a great listener! You have raised three wonderful children, and I’m so glad you are my mom! Love you!

Enjoy your day and take some time for yourself!

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Yesterday morning—as with practically every Saturday morning—I tackled my long run of the week. This week: 18 miles!

When I mentally start preparing myself for a long run, I always have to break it into smaller amounts.

Here’s how I mentally broke up yesterday’s run:

1. Run 5.5 miles to my friend Jen’s place.

2. Run 8.5 miles with Jen.

3. Run 4 miles back home. (I took a shorter route on the way back.)

Distance: 18 miles

Time: 2:40

It was an awesome run overall! I loved how my run was broken up into smaller amounts; it made the time fly by! I will definitely be doing this again—thanks, Jen!

I got so carried away talking to Jen, I almost forgot to take this gel shot. I had brought two along but didn’t feel like I ever needed the second one.

When I returned home, I knew I needed some fuel though, but the only thing that really appealed to me was an energy bar, so I started with this Clif MoJo. I really liked the flavor of this bar—definitely sweet and salty, which was a nice combo after a run.

Next it was time for an ice bath.

This is supposed to be my “freezing” face, but I look more scared than anything.

Step 1: Put as many layers on your top half as humanly possible.

Step 2: Fill up the bathtub with the coldest water that will come out of the faucet.

(Yes, I know my bath tub and shower are in need of a good cleaning. It is probably my least favorite thing to clean.)

Step 3: Have some good reading material near by to keep your mind occupied and a towel handy.

(Some people will even prepare themselves a hot beverage to sip on while in the tub.) Step 4: Don’t think about it too much—just get in as quickly as possible, sit down, and start your lamaze breathing. I know it hurts, but after a minute everything goes numb and you will be fine!!

Step 5: Make sure your toes are sticking up out of the water. They are extra sensitive to the cold water, and they will be a-hurtin’ otherwise.

Step 6: Sit in the ice bath  with your legs submerged in the cold water for 10-12 minutes.

Step 7: Get out and try to warm up. I usually wait 30 minutes before taking a shower because otherwise it seems counterproductive. Plus my legs are icicles, and I just want to sit or lie down because I can hardly move them.

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Mileage for the past week:

Monday: 8 miles (ladder workout on the track)

Tuesday: 5 miles

Wednesday: 0 (I took the day off because I was sick.)

Thursday: 8 miles + 45 minutes of weight lifting at the gym

Friday: 5 miles

Saturday: 18 miles

Total: 44 miles

My goal was to hit 52 miles, but since I took Wednesday off, obviously that didn’t happen. Yet at the same time I’m glad I took the day off, otherwise I may have pushed myself too hard and then not have been able to complete my long run on Saturday. I know I will be able to make up the miles next week.

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We had a little visitor this morning.

Peek-a-boo.

He’s just a little fella.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!