Running with out tunes....

For months I have been hearing about the benefits of running with no music.  I have even had a few close calls where I heard that a race I signed up for didn't allow for headphones.  The only time I had run without music was a trail run and the warrior dash. 

A few weeks ago my new shoes were giving me problems, so my husband suggested a run without music so I could hear my feet hitting the ground and improve my strides.  That 3 mile run seemed to be horrible!!!  I kept hearing my tunes, and trying to pretend that I was enjoying the sights of my neighborhood. 

I went back to my ipod and did not think too much about trying music free again.  A few weeks after that my ipod wasn't charged or something random like that and I ran again with no music.  Hmmm that wasn't as bad as the first time.  This went on and off for a few more runs.

This week I ran with no music for the full week, except for my 3k on Saturday which was a race.  I think I'm hooked.  I think running with out music was actually enjoyable and I really could hear and feel what my body does when I'm running.

I hope this is a change I will keep put with!  I'm excited with the results so far!

Opening Day was a ton of fun and even got a run in by the lake while I was in Chicago this week for spring break.

We are heading into week 6 of the 10 miler training.  I'm feeling strong and confident.  My running is getting better each week!!!

The Juice Fast...that wasn't and Opening Day is ALMOST HERE!

So the juice fast didn't last all of about a day and a half.  There is no way I am going to lie.  I would not be able to survive on juice alone.  I need protein and I realize that there is a lot of protein in green veggies, but it wasn't enough for me.  I am adding in a juice now and then for the pure goodness that dark green leafy vegetables give, but I did not benefit from hours on just juice. 

I finished up week 4 of the 10 miler at Solider Field training and I feel really good.  I'm heading back to Fleet Feet because my new shoes are still giving me problems.  I love them, but one foot just keeps getting a blister on my longer runs. 

My body is feeling great.  Saturday we ran our 5 miles in record time for our long runs.  It felt good and I could have kept going.  This week we are changing it up a bit because we have Opening Day and a race on Saturday.  So we are adjusting our long run to midweek.  I will be looking forward to using my new, new shoes after going to Fleet Feet tomorrow!

Week 5 on it's way! :)

Week 2

Feeling great.  This weather is amazing.  I love running outside.  Who would have predicted March 13th and I'd be running outside in a tank top and sweating! :)  This week looks like rain is moving in, but I will take the higher temps!

This is the second time around training for a big race.  I'm so proud of my progress just from 6 months ago.  I am keeping a consistent pace, not having walking breaks, and my legs are feeling great.  Granted the first few weeks the mileage isn't picking up too fast, but just at it will I'm hoping I'm more prepared this time.  Only 10 weeks left until the Solider Field 10 miler.  I'm really excited to be finishing on the 50 yard line :)

Time for bed....opening day is so near...I can't wait to head to Wrigley for some baseball!!!