Great run today

Got a good run outside today. It's always better than being at the gym. Just being outside in the fresh air and changing surroundings, beats a treadmill any day. I felt really good running and it shows by my pace. I think the perfect weather helped too.

Training for the week 5/26-6/1

Normally, I would try and get this out on Monday but due to the long weekend and camping, things have been busy. 

Here is my training schedule for the week according to Hal Higdon's intermediate program:

Monday - Stretch & Strengthen

Tuesday -5 mile run

Wednesday - 9 X 400 5K pace

Thursday - 3 mile run & strength

Friday - rest or easy run 3 mile run + strength

Saturday - rest 10 mile long run?

Sunday - 15K race

Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail at Elk Neck State Park

From our campsite at Elk Neck State Park, we drove to the trail head for the Lighthouse Trail at Turkey Point. It took less than 10 minutes to the trail head so it wasn't far. Parking at the trail head was pretty bad as it was a small parking lot with not many spaces. Luckily someone was leaving right when we got there, so we got a parking spot pretty quickly. 

Memorial Day Weekend Camping at Elk Neck State Park

We went camping this weekend at Elk Neck State Park in North East, Maryland. It was about a 2 hour drive from Princeton, NJ. We left Friday late in the afternoon and didn't get to the campsite until about 7 (stopped on the way for dinner). We went with two other families. I think it's fun going with other families as the kids have an even funner time when they have other kids to play with, and the adults can enjoy time at the campfire while the kids are sleeping. :)

The campgrounds are decent. They are pretty close together so there isn't a whole lot of privacy, but it is perfect if you are with other families. There are bathrooms and showers so it is nice that they are nearby, however if you like spiders, beetles, and other bugs in them then this is not the place for you. I was not a fan of the bathrooms. Hubby even saw a snake in the men's room one night! I would have had a heart attack if I saw a snake in the women's room. I guess I should be happy that there even are bathrooms and showers, just wish they were kept up a little better. I can wish right? 

I'm Fit Possible Ambassador and today's workout

I found out last night that I'm in as a I'm Fit Possible Ambassador. I'm excited to be a part of this community!

Algae Really? ENERGYBits Review

On Saturday I mentioned that I tried something new before I ran my long run. I tried something that would give me more energy for the run. That something new that I tried was something called ENERGYbits. With starting this blog, I had been reading other running blogs and even on twitter, I kept seeing the word ENERGYbits on someone's tweet, blog post, or giveaway. Hearing so many positive things I figured it would be something worth trying. Interestingly enough, by chance, I was contacted by their brand manager as I left a comment on someone's blog about hoping to try it someday. All I've been using for long runs is GU which I'm perfectly fine with, but I figure trying new things is always good. 

When I got the package in the mail, I really liked this sticker on the envelope:

Training for the week 5/19-5/25

Today was a great day for a stroll in the park. Had a nice picnic lunch at the park with my boys. Came across a Mom that I had not seen in a while with her son. My boys had a good time playing together with her son and when they were to leave, the Mom told her son to say bye to my boys and also to me. When he turned to me I was expecting a "bye" but what came out was "love you". I smiled and couldn't help but laugh. I thought it was cute. It's so funny to hear what comes out of kids mouths. I'm sure he said it as it's what he tells his parents when he says bye to them. Still very cute and funny in my book. :)

Family Hike to Pyramid Mountain

Today's hike took us to Pyramid Mountain in Boonton Township in New Jersey. It's about an hour and 13 minute drive from Princeton. The weather was perfect for hiking, not too hot nor not too cold. We had our backpacks packed with lots of snacks, water, and some sandwiches for lunch. The trailhead is not difficult to find as you park at the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area parking lot where there is a visitors center and trail access. Here's a map of trails. I highlighted the route we took in yellow. 

Today's long run

After a fun-filled morning watching my 4.5 year old play in his last soccer game of the season

Girls Run Fast Ambassador & Another Gym day

Woohoo! I'm a Girls Run Fast Ambassador! 

I'm a Girls Run Fast Ambassador because I"m a:
-A runner
-Passionate about living healthy
-A believer that strong and fit is the new skinny

This week's training schedule

Late on posting my schedule for the week as the past couple of days have been pretty busy.

Here is my training schedule for the week according to Hal Higdon's intermediate program:

Monday - Stretch & Strengthen  4.5 miles

Tuesday - 4.5 miles 

Wednesday - 8x400 5k pace 3.51 miles

Thursday - 3 mile run + strength

Friday - rest

Saturday - 4 mile pace

Sunday - 9 miles

Mother's Day Hike: Ricketts Glen Falls Trail

Today is Mother's Day! The boys surprised me with cards and hugs and kisses. We had breakfast, and then walked to the Falls Trail trailhead from our cabin. A perk of staying in the cabin is that we are so close to the trail and can walk to the start. 

Long Run and Day One in Ricketts Glen

Did my long run this morning since we’re heading to Ricketts Glen after Payton’s soccer practice. Boy was my run tough. I had a feeling it might be bad when I walked out the door and it was humid out. I thought to myself it’ll be alright. It’s not too bad. I was fine for the first two miles but it just went downhill from there. My legs turned to lead, not quite sure why as I’m sure it wasn’t just about the humidity. Maybe it was the 4 miles I ran yesterday, I’m not sure, but I was pooped. I made myself keep going. I figure just run, it doesn’t matter how fast but get your long run in, and I did. I went a lot slower and kept at it. I made myself run for 45 minutes then turn around. I pushed myself for a total of 8.6 miles. It was a tough and slow 8.6 miles, but I did it. :)

Today's workout & My Favorite Smoothie Recipe

Did a good 4 miles today on the treadmill. I felt pretty good so I added a mile in since I did not get a chance to run yesterday. Tomorrow will be my long run. Planning on doing 8 or 9 miles depending on how I feel. Gotta do the long run tomorrow as we'll be away camping in a cabin at Rickett's Glen in PA for the weekend! Should be fun, I'm getting excited!

Play date & T25 Speed 2.0

Today was supposed to be a 3 mile run plus strength training according to the training schedule, but I know I can't and I usually don't always follow the schedule. Having kids that like to play or just having lots of errands/cleaning to do can mess up a training schedule pretty easily. Collin, my 3 year old had not seen his friends in a while, so I figured it was a good time for a play date. Plus, it's always nice to get in some good adult conversation whenever the chance arises. :)

Sweat Pink Ambassador & This Week's Training

Found out today I've been accepted as a Sweat Pink Ambassador. Woohoo! 

I love their mission statement! Here it is from their website:

We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick.

We sweat pink.

Big Red Race 5K and Kid's Run Recap

Today was the 11th Annual Big Red Race 5K and Kid's run held at the Lawrenceville School. What I like about this event are the Children's races. Children of all ages can take part in the event and by age, determines how far they will run.

3 years and under:	25 Meters
4-5 years old:	50 Meters
6-7 years old:	100 Meters
8-9 years old:	1/4 mile
10-11 years old:	1/2 mile

The race is free for kids, but they do want you to bring canned goods in place of the entry fee which is pretty neat as they donate them to local community agencies that fight hunger. The race has got great swag for the kids, all kids get a t-shirt (must pre-register by mail) and a medal. 

Family hike - Haycock Mountain

Today's destination was Haycock Mountain. It's about an hour's drive from Princeton, maybe a bit more as we came from Lawrenceville instead as our almost 5 year old had soccer practice. The trail is located near Quakertown, Pennsylvania. The trailhead isn't clearly marked, we actually passed it the first time around. There is a small parking area and today it was actually full. At the start you see signs for hunting as the trail is on State Game land. There is nothing that says it is for Haycock mountain, but you do see a trail and a gravel road. We took the trail up and today it was pretty muddy at the start. It actually seemed like we were following a stream up.

Friday Rest day

Today's a rest day. On rest days, it always seems like something is missing. I feel that I need to be running or at least exerting myself in some way, but I know I shouldn't because my body does need rest. It is good for me and my muscles to repair themselves. Here's a great article with tips on tapering from Greatist, Tips for the Perfect Taper. I'm really hoping this taper will help me get a PR for Sunday's 5K. I'm getting pretty excited and a little nervous just thinking about it. :) 

Rewards of a Fitbit One Activity tracker

Thought I'd try something new today and talk about my Fitbit One.

What's a Fitbit One Activity tracker?

For those that don't know, it is a device that tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and stairs climbed. It can also monitor your sleep and can wake you with a silent alarm (a perk as I don't have to wake my husband up in the morning). They do have a wristband called the Flex but I opted out of that, as I already had a watch at the time and didn't need another accessory. I also like to keep it hidden, either in my pocket or strapped to my waist.