Charles Street 12 Miler 2015 Recap

Be sure to enter my Momentum Jewelry shoe Footnotes giveaway going on until 9/21!

It's been a while since I've written a race recap, and I'm still a little behind on a few.

This past Saturday was the Charles Street 12 Miler or as it's affectionately dubbed now, Chuck 12.  I have run it the past two years since it was created (2014 and 2013 recaps) and it's always a fun race to kick off the fall race season. 

Yes, I rocked this awesome shirt from Charm City Run during the race!

Despite it being advertised as downhill (the keyword is net), it has a bunch of rolling hills through the course which mostly follows historic Charles Street from Baltimore County to downtown in Baltimore City. It's a really nice route that is unique for races in the city.  

I picked up my race packet the Thursday before and grabbed my super nice Under Armour pullover premium which is a blueish green lightweight sweatshirt.  The B3 Challenge premium for women ended up being a maroon Under Armour bag. It's not as nice as the backpack from last year but it's better than another race shirt.  

Due to being a crazy runner lady who is training for a marathon, I had to get in 3 miles before the race. I took a slow jog down Charles Street to the Inner Harbor which is actually part of the race route. When I got back I quickly ate some peanut butter and banana toast and drank some Nuun Energy.  Sarah's boyfriend drove us up to Kenilworth in Towson for the start with about 30 minutes to spare until go time which meant port-a-potty and chatting time. My goal was to use this race as a race-pace training run like I did last year and attempt to keep my pace around 8:00 minutes/mile. 

The start seemed less crazy crowded than last year but maybe I had just found a good spot near the 1:35 pacer. My legs were feeling a little tight & stiff, but I didn't really stretch out before the race which is bad. I also was taking a self-timer selfie and experienced an attempted photobomb by my fellow Gundalow ambassador lady Jami (who had an awesome race!). This photo is all that was left. 

The weather on race morning was cooler than it had been, around 70 degrees but with ~80% humidity. Ugh the humidity is my running nemesis.  As the race went on I was really grateful for all the cloud cover and intermittent breezes of course. 

The first 5 miles in Towson were a bit of a blur. My legs were feeling a little heavy and the rolling hills didn't help that.  After running it the past two years I am well aware that it is a (keyword) net downhill race. There were plenty of manned water stops in the first half of the race which is always nice. 

That elevation profile though. (source)

I also was having a really hard time with my Nathan waistpack. It was so freaking annoying especially because I know I didn't really need to carry water but wanted to simulate the marathon in this pace race. After trying a few different hydrations options other than the fuelbelt this trianing cycle, I settled on the waistpack. Today however, I could not get it into a comfortable position and had to keep fidgeting with it and pushing it down to a tight spot above my hips. It was really distracting and frustrating.  

I also was getting really antsy because lots of my friends and November Project people were running a fast race. I ran a few miles a bit faster than I wanted but was proud of myself for reigning it in and sticking to my marathon training race pace. Holding yourself back and allowing yourself to be passed is a humble quality to have as a runner! 

Once we got into the city I was a lot more comfortable, mostly because I run in the city all the time.  Once you hit Mt. Vernon around miles 9-10, my stomping grounds ,there is a few more hills and a big downhill which I saw some people struggling. After the fast downhill you head into Federal Hill for a little roundabout before coming along the Inner Harbor towards PowerPlant for the last couple of miles.   

At this point I smiled for the camera a bunch and was happy to be almost done the race. I had a lot harder of a time keeping a steady pace, unlike last year, so I was feeling discouraged about the possibility of trying to run around 8:00 minute miles for a whole marathon.  I picked up the pace a bunch that last mile and felt great finishing. I even managed to say hi to Lauren at the finish, who had a great race as well.  

At the finish line I grabbed my boxed lunch and said hi to lots of people. I got a surprisngly cold can of beer as well of course! At first I only ate the chocolate chip cookie (#sweettoothforlife) from the boxed lunch, but I ended up hanging out with friends for a while and finishing off the turkey wrap and apple as well. Not bad, but I wish they would maybe do bagels & bananas instead of sandwiches since I was really in the mood for breakfast #2 after the race. Breakfast always > lunch. 

As always Charm City Run keeps trying to make this race better and better.  I do wish they would move the race back to late August because Labor Day weekend was too late and too busy for many people in my opinion. 

The only race hiccup I had this year was my results didn't track with my bib. I couldn't find my results posted after the race and then didn't see them on the website when I got home. At first I thought maybe my bib just got really messed up from my waistpack rubbing against it and causing it to look crappy, but apparently some others had problems as well. My Garmin said I finished around 1:33, but apparently they had a backup system and gave me my official time, even though I still didn't see it online. 

My official time was 1:32:55, around a 7:45 pace which is about a minute faster than last year.

You can check out the course preview here and should definitely be on the look out to run this great Baltimore race.  

Have you ever had a timing chip malfunction? Do you like breakfast or lunch foods after a race?

This post was linked up with Wild Workout Wednesdays, The Fit Dish, and Tuesdays on the Run. 

2nd Annual Fall into Fitness Giveaway Hop-Momentum Footnotes

I love giveaways and enter a ton of them, especially blog-hosted ones. I mean, who doesn't love winning awesome prizes? That's why I was really excited to participate in Runaway Bridal Planner's health & fitness giveaway hop-the 2nd Annual Fall into Fitness Giveaway Hop! 

A blog hop is pretty much just a set of blog posts by different bloggers which are all linked up together.  For the giveaway hop, each blogger is hosting a different health & fitness giveaway , which is all linked up with all the other bloggers' health & fitness giveaways. You'll be able to see the links for all the other giveaways on the bottom of my blog post and hop over to other blogs to enter them all! 

It's also a really great way to find some new blogs, including Runaway Bridal Planner and this hop's co-host, Hoho Runs.  

The very first two weeks of my training cycle I hosted a Momentum wrap bracelet giveaway so now that the Fall races are quickly approaching, I'll be giving away two Momentum Footnotes. You can keep both and use them on different pairs of shoes, use one on each shoe, or give one to a friend! 



These lightweight aluminum pendants will not tarnish and are offered in over 30 inspirational mantras to choose from. I love adding these motivational charms to my shoelaces so that at the starting line or during tough miles in the race or training run, I can glance down and get an extra boost of motivation.  

Check Momentum Jewelry out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

As always you can use my ambassador affiliate link to save 10% off any order! 

Please enter using the Rafflecopter below.  There will be one winner, US only (sorry!), and the giveaway is void where prohibited. Entries to the giveaway end 12:01 AM EST on Monday 9/21/2015.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to hop over and check out all of these other great giveaways! 

WIAW #269 {Recent Eats in Photos}

Obviously full-time graduate school has made my blogging more sporadic, but there isn't much I can do about when I've got lots of reading and writing papers to do plus little sleep oh and that marathon training thing. Don't worry, I'm still eating lots and having plenty of treats #snacklife. There's been a lot of eggs, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, and ice cream in my life. I have a bunch of random food photos on my phone so here's a little photo dump of some of my recent more interesting & delicious eats for What I Ate Wednesdays.  

I've really been digging egg sandwiches again. Definitely need to whip some up next week for on-the-go breakfasts. This extra delicious bacon & egg sandwich is from my favorite neighborhood spot-Doobys. 

I finally found a few places to trek to that carry Elli Quark. I was skeptical since it's technically a creamy German-style cheese which sounds weird. However it tastes like a less-sour greek yogurt with just a slightly different texture. It's loaded with protein, and this vanilla flavor was absolutely delicious with the last of my homemade Jersey peach jam on top. 

All of my classes are in one building on campus which happens to be dangerously close to the campus Jamba Juice. I've never had it before (which is shocking), but don't worry, now I've had it three times so far. This kale smoothie was a good option for a veggie-packed snack. Since it's pricey I foresee these being a rare treat!

I made this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry a few weeks back with a few of my own tweaks and have since made it again. It's an easy, delicious  dinner and makes great leftovers (if there are any!).

Labor Day weekend was full of good eats and treats, as it should be. My boyfriend went to one of the best Italian food spots in Baltimore to grab some homemade ricotta cheese and lunch.  DiPasquale's is an Italian market that has a deli counter and serves awesome food-it was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. I usually go for their lasagna, meatballs, or a sandwich. My boyfriend and I ended up splitting a pizza and Italian coldcut sandwich. I thought the pizza was just okay so I ended up eating half of the sandwich and only one slice of pizza. This was post-long run so I could definitely pack away some food! 

After some heavier meals on Sunday I felt like something lighter for dinner. I ended up grabbing this Mediterranean salad with shrimp from Poets. It was exactly what I wanted with shrimp, feta, kalamata olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. I totally plan on recreating this soon.  

On Labor Day a bunch of us crazy November Project-Baltimore tribe members left Baltimore at 5 AM to trek down to November Project-DC's Monday workout at Meridian Hill Park. After #hillsforbreakfast we got some serious breakfast at Commissary which was delicious. I had to go for the short stack of blueberry pancakes with a side of eggs. You bet I cleaned my plate.  Breakfast food is my favorite!

Yesterday was the monthly Shack Track & Field run, which is always one of my favorite days of the month. I ended up going with the weekly special milkshake-Peanut Butter & Jelly. It mostly tasted like peanut butter but was still super delicious. I'm a PB&J addict-I actually had one right after I got home from school before the run! 

This post was linked up with Tasty Tuesdays, Wild Workout Wednesdays, and The Fit Dish. 

What was something delicious you've eaten recently? Did you have a yummy meal over the holiday weekend? 

Empowered by Gundalow Event {featuring Baltimore-area fitness classes and post-sweat fun}

Summer may be coming to an end but there is plenty of fun just around the corner. Come out  September 20th from 11am - 3pm for a special fun and fitness event put on by Gundalow Juice, Baltimore’s first cold-pressed juice company that I love (and love being one of their ambassadors!)

Empowered by Gundalow is an event that you won't want to miss.

What? 

Purchase tickets online separately for the workout and the post-sweat celebration.

The workout ticket is $35 and includes one fitness class (specified when purchasing) as well as an Under Armour top.

The post-sweat celebration ticket is $15 for a mini-party at Ryleigh’s Oyster in Federal Hill and Timonium includes 2 drink vouchers, snacks, fun with Pixilated Photobooth and more.

When? 

Sunday September 20^th starting at 11 AM in Baltimore City and Baltimore County

Who? 

A variety of fitness studios are holding classes you can sign up for as part of the event including:

Beachfit (Baltimore)-Soul Body Barre with Emily Lobaugh

REV Cycle Studio (Baltimore)-Spin with Nick Rodricks (starts at 11:30 AM)

Pop Physique (Baltimore)- Barre with Jackie and Keely Knopp

Bare Hills (Baltimore)-Spin with Allison Woodward

Wellbridge Harbor East (formerly MAC, Baltimore)-Pilates with Jason Williams

Under Armour CTC (Baltimore)-Yoga with LA Finfinger

Charm City Run (McHenry Row, Baltimore)-Fun Run with Lauren Seserko (aka me!)

Baltimore Yoga Village (Hampden, Baltimore)- Hatha Yoga with Mina

Meadowbrook (Baltimore)-Yoga with Hilary Phelps

Why? 

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Yoga-Based Psychotherapy Initiative.  It’s a really awesome cause that you can read more about it and some other great things KKI does here.

I’d love to see tons of people for the fun run at Charm CityRun, I’m thinking it’ll be a beautiful run out and back along the Inner Harbor (maybe around 3-4 miles).

If you have any questions or trouble ordering, feel free to reach out to Gundalow on social media or via email. Also give me a shout-out on social media to let me know you’re going. 

Make it date with friends as a Sunday Funday and get your sweat and drink on with Gundalow Juice, all before the Ravens game!

Chicago Marathon 2015 Training Recap {Weeks 9 & 10}

{Read about Weeks 1&2, 3&4, 5&6 ,7&8, of my training} Weeks 9 and 10 of training are here already. It freaks me out the race is only 6 weeks away now! Luckily I have another two solid weeks of training behind me. 

Be sure to check out the hashtag #breathedeeplyandrunchi on Twitter and Instagram for more snippets of my training! 

#breathedeeplyandrunchi

Chicago Marathon 2015 Training Recap

Week 9

Week 9 was a solid week of training despite the fact that I was trying not to push it hard due to my freak toe injury . I wore my more stable Mizuno Wave Enigma 5 shoes for running and took an extra rest day on Monday.  I got in my favorite run, Shack Track & Field, this week. I switched it up and got a root beer float after the run which hit the spot! 

Thursday I went to a bootcamp class at Beachfit which was a nice change of pace. I also found a ride over to the workout so I went to my first ever Friday NP workout. I had been using Fridays as a cross-training day but decided to have some #hillsforbreakfast since my schedule for work/school has changed. I loved the workout and the different vibe of Fridays!

NP #hillsforbreakfast at Patterson Park

Druid Hill Park as the sun came up was worth the early wake-up call. 

I also did a group long run again with some NP people and got in a really solid 17 mile run at an average of 9:04 min/mi with some fabulous views. My fueling and water intake felt solid and there were no issues during the run besides a little humidity. I treated myself to this gluten-free caramel pastry & coffee which was as if a biscuit and a muffin had a baby-YUM. Of course I had some serious breakfast eating when I got home and showered as well. 

Week 10
This week really rocked. The weather was a bit warmer and humid again so there were many sweaty runs. I got in a quick treadmill run and a speedwork treadmill intervals two nights after work. Tuesday I finally went to another yoga class at the Under Armour Headquarters gym. With views like this in the morning, it's hard not to be feeling zen, body & mind. 

I also made it to November Project on Wednesday and again on Friday for hills! 
  


Saturday was a big long run of 18 miles, the longest of my training cycle so far.  I met up with a group of NP people at 5:30 AM with my new Energy Boosts and new Lululemon running skirt on and was ready to tackle some miles despite barely being awake!

We ran a path that took us around parts of the Baltimore Half Marathon route, going north of the city. I stuck to my own pace so at some points I fell behind the group. I do really like meeting up with people and trying different running routes I normally wouldn't these past few weeks.   Despite just-before-5 AM wake-up call, I felt super great and accomplished after getting my miles in and made sure to stop at Starbucks on my way home for some water and a frappucino with a big smile on my face. That post-run high is amazing sometimes. 

Remember you can always  use my code BREATHEBLOG to save 10% off sweet Bondiband headbands like the ones I always sport! 

The bad: Incorporating more yoga in my life, for my physical and mental health.  I also need to make sure I'm getting in enough water because I've been starting to feel really dehydrated and thirsty again after a few good weeks of water intake.  

The good:  I'm happy with where my mileage is at.  I know some people suggest running more but hanging out around 40 miles a week seems to be working for me right now.  I've been mixing up easy miles, workouts, and long runs without feeling run down.   

Things to Focus on: Since I'm starting grad school, I need to make sure I keep a good balance of sleep, work, training, and run so I can keep my sanity and continue training strong. 

This post was linked up with Weekend Snapshots, Weekly Wrap, and MIMM.  

How was your week of workouts?  Do you switch up your longer run routes often?

What's Up Charm City?: Beginner's Guide to Baltimore City Running

I've been asked all the time about where are the best and safest places to run in Baltimore or what running groups are in the city. I figured since this blog often covers Baltimore running events and groups, I should make an unofficial mini guide with some resources for new runners in the city.  

First of all you know I'm going to mention November Project Baltimore. It's not a running group or club but rather a free fitness movement. We do a lot of running, eat hills for breakfast, and chase PRs. It's some running, stairs, and body weight circuit exercises mixed in with sweaty hugs, high-fives, and laughter. If you don't know anything at all, November Project is an international free fitness workout group currently in 21 cities (and counting!).   

NP-Baltimore meets at 6:30 AM on Wednesdays at Rash Field (there's a 5:30 AM group too!) and 6:30 AM on Fridays at Patterson Park for a hill running workout. It is weatherproof and goes on sun, rain, or snow! 

Check NP-Baltimore out on Facebook for updates and fun news. 

Running Clubs

Baltimore Road Runner's Club (BRRC) is an running club for both competitive and recreational runners that includes a paid annual membership and is sanctioned by the Road Runners Club of America.  Membership includes dirt cheap races, training programs, social outings, and volunteer opportunities. They have many events on road, track, or trails so there is something for everyone.

Me running the 2015 Prettyboy Trail Race held by BRRC

Baltimore City Pacemakers are a group that rotates Saturday long runs through the Baltimore area as well as Wednesday morning workouts at the Gilman Track. 

List of Running Clubs (some I mentioned and some others) from Falls Road Running

Running Group Meetups

Federal Hill Runners is a free group that meets Monday nights at 6:30 PM in front of Federal Hill Fitness. 

Charm City Run-Baltimore holds a free fun run every Thursday night at 6:30 PM. It's a great run for the 8-11 minute crowd and sometimes features special events and wear test opportunities from shoe companies. You can also head right across the street to World of Beer right across the street for a free beer!

Shack Track and Field is a free run hosted the second Tuesday of every month at 7 PM starting at Charm City Run-Baltimore ending at the Shake Shack on Pratt St. The runs are posted as events on the Facebook page for each city. After the run you get a free beverage of your choice-I usually go for a milkshake!  

Hopkins Marathon Team offers free group training runs targeting both Fall half and full marathons. 

Running Routes

This list of places to run in Baltimore from Charm City Run is a great guide to places to run in Baltimore and Maryland and includes some of my favorites. There are so many places to run so I've included my personal most common routes and favorites.  

My main running route is running along the Inner Harbor. If you hug the water you can run all the way from Canton through Fells Point to Locust Point and even make it to Fort McHenry and run that loop. There are usually lots of people walking or running so it's a pretty safe route.  

I feel so lucky to run with this view almost everyday. 

Another great route is around Patterson Park, which is where November Project does its weekly hill workout.  It's a a nice loop which allows you to run a variety of distances.

Loch Raven Reservoir is a nice weekend route I ran a few times with the Charm City Run marathon training group. Part of it between Morgan Mill Road and Providence Road is closed to cars (but open to pedestrians) on the weekends so it's a great place to get a long training run in on paved and off-road trails.  

The NCR Trail is a popular route for runners and cyclists alike which extends up to the MD-PA line.  

You can run all the way up Charles Street from the downtown to the county. A nice route is to take either Charles Street or Saint Paul Street up to Johns Hopkins University-Homewood area. You can run further and link up with the Robert E. Lee Park, around Roland Park, head towards Druid Hill Lake, or take 33rd street up to Lake Montebello.  

These are just some of my favorite and most common running routes but of course there are a ton of places to run! Another fun thing you can do is go on Strava or Map My Run and see what routes people have created and where most people run!

I also helped out with this article from Baltimore Magazine about the Best Running Routes around Baltimore which includes some of the routes I mentioned above along with some other options. 

Running Resources

Charm City Run-Baltimore is my personal go-to running store, but they have locations all throughout the state.  They are the sponsor of many races, can help you get fitted for shoes, and run great training groups for anything from a 5K to an ultra-marathon. 

Falls Road Running is another local running store in the northern part of the city that holds fun annual races such as the Celtic Solstice 5 Miler and Dreaded Druid Hills race as well as other events and running teams.   

Team That's What She Said is a great local running blog that also is a training group. Their blog offers great race recaps and Baltimore running community updates.   

Upcoming Races in Maryland from RunningintheUSA.com

Resources from Federal Hill Runners group

*Always run at your own risk. While most areas of Baltimore are safe for running, be smart and run with a group or friends, especially in an area you are unfamiliar with. If running alone I wear my Road ID, sometimes carry my cellphone, let someone know where I'm going, and even have a mini pepper spray wristband to wear.Baltimore is a wonderful city-just remember to be aware of your surroundings and be smart!

Rock 'n' Blog #TrainingRockBox Reveal

Disclosure: I received a complimentary box of products from Comeptitor Group as part of my ambassadorship with the Rock 'n' Roll Race series. I was not required to blog about it-I just really loved the training box. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

As you know I'm a Rock 'n' Blogger for the Rock 'n' Roll Race Series so I got hooked up with a complimentary tourpass to run 3 races this year and promote the race series.  As you can imagine I was extra surprised when this big box was sitting by my door one day.  

It was heavy, so that always means it's a really good present like Christmas when I was little, right? 

Inside the box was a sweet, handwritten note from Ashley who is the main #rocknblog contact from the race series to the all of us ambassadors.

  

Vanilla Cookie Protein Bites {Designer Protein Aria Powder Review}

Disclosure: I received a complimentary tub of Designer Protein Aria protein powder through my ambassadorship as a 2015 Women's Health Action Hero. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Don't forget you have until Monday 8/24 at 12 AM to enter my SPIbelt giveaway!

There are a lot of protein powders out there. Most of them are just okay. I've found some I like but also have tried many I don't. When I received my Designer Protein in the mail I honestly wasn't expecting much after trying so many different protein products over the past few years. I had picked up an older version of Designer Whey protein from Trader Joe's years ago and don't remember it being a stand-out. 

I was however, excited when I started to read about Designer Protein (yup, name change) and all their new & improved offerings.  They have lots of different protein powders based on what you want and need, all for 100 calories or less per serving. I was sent the Designer Protein Aria (100% plant-based) in vanilla. I think the taste is good, and it blends easily in smoothies. I like that it only retails for $14.99 for a 12 oz tub so if you are flavor crazy like me, you can buy a bunch of different kinds to keep on hand that aren't huge, expensive protein tubs. 

What I love the most is that it's a plant-based, all-natural formula with 15 g of soy-free protein plus  like all the other Aria protein powders, it has wellness helpers like biotin, vitamin C, folate, calcium and vitamin D. It hits all the bullet points with being  non-GMO, certified vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.  

I tried the protein in a few smoothies and drinks. Next I was inspired by a Designer Protein recipe packet that was sent along with my powder that included a big fruit smoothie bowl. I made my own twist on an acai bowl using a frozen acai packet, banana, cashew milk, maca powder, and my vanilla Aria protein powder. I topped it with shredded coconut, half a banana, raisins, and some oats.   

 

This week I was looking to make some protein bites to grab as a quick pre-workout bite or snack. I ended up whipping up these awesome little vanilla no-bake bites that I made with what I had on hand, including my Designer Protein Aria. 

I know, another balls/bites recipe-what a basic blogger move, haha. I really do love having a container of little bites in the fridge to quickly grab or pack as a snack for work. I've been eating 1 or 2 before a run or workout in the morning this week since I'm the type of person that wakes up hungry and needs something in my stomach. They are nutty and slightly sweet and delicious. It's really hard to not eat half the batch in one sitting!