RunCLE- self-timer love and training update

As an ambassador for the 2^nd year in a row, I started to wonder how I could up my game and make it better for anyone reading my blog and following my IG account. Everyone likes a running selfie, or a picture of your shoes with the miles you run, but as I looked back, all of my pictures from last year started to look the same. 

I know that this obviously isn’t the hard hitting journalistic view on running, but I’m guessing that there is a niche of you out there (maybe?) that want to take more interesting pictures of your runs. I know that I did. Then I met my IG friend Heather in real life back in January at a training run and I asked her secret to her awesome running photos. She told me that she just used her self-timer on her phone and propped it up on whatever was nearby or she had her running buddy take pictures. It sounded easy enough.  I got brave one day at the gym and tried it. I felt a little silly taking pictures but for the greater good of my Instagram account and for the sake of more interesting photos, why not. I started just taking push up and stretching photos, some were decent, some will never see the light of day, but I was gaining confidence. I got a few really cool pictures and it’s a great way to remember the journey of this training cycle. It’s kind of my fun moment after a run to figure out a different way to get a shot. Here are a few of my favs so far. Much cooler right? 

 

I also downloaded a cool app called studio that makes editing my pictures cool that let you layer on images, different cool fonts and art. I also use Pic Stich to make collages. Do you guys use any aps that you really love? 

This week was really an awesome running week. I was able to stick to my plan more than usual and got in some great mileage. I also started a plank challenge that I have been doing daily. I’m on day #8 and it’s a great way to kick off the day! 
This past week: 26.8 miles
Monday- I took my cardio core class, this is 30 minutes at lunch and it includes burpees, lunges, pushups, planks, and lots of abs. It’s a great quick workout and it’s kicking my butt in a good way. It’s been a great way to spend a rest day. 
Tuesday- I got in 4 miles (10:17 pace) on the track during lunchtime. I felt good and strong. I love running after a rest day, I feel like I can just keep going forever (or until lunch is over). 
Wednesday- I did a little over 2 miles (10:12 pace) and then I added in a miles of speed-work. I sprinted about 3/4 the track at top speed and then walked to the start again. It felt good and I’m learning it's necessary if I ever want to pick up the pace. 
Thursday- Another lunch spent on the track for 3.5 miles (10:24 pace)
Saturday- Saturday Lynanne and I were excited to participate in the 1^st annual Niles Wellness Center half marathon. We were the only participants, but it made it feel more exciting to us! 13.1 miles on a track really is never that exciting, but we kept up the pace and had a great time. My Nike app said we did 13.1 miles (10:13 pace), but I’m a little skeptical. I’m really looking forward to this beautiful weather that is coming in to get outside and really confirm my pace. My PR an 11:04 mile. Stay tuned for more on that. Another awesome thing that happened on Saturday is that my new shoes arrived!!!!! And holy cats, I ordered my shoes Friday morning at about 5:30am and there they were, on my front porch, Saturday afternoon at 2pm! It’s always a great day when new shoes arrive, but when they arrive at lightning speed, I’m all in! 
Sunday- I had to test those new shoes and I felt like Forrest Gump. They were so cushy and I felt like I could run forever, but I had a tax appointment so I had to cut it short. But I managed to get in 3.2 extra zippy miles in (9:43 pace). This was pretty fast for me and I was stoked. 

Are you guys all signed up for Cleveland? This year they are starting the challenge series that is awesome!  You can sign up for the 5K & 10K, the 8K & half, or the 8k & full. You also get an extra medal for completing this! Just think of it as an extra training run! The cut off is early for this challenge series (March 15^th) Go sign up now and don’t miss out on the extra fun!
Don’t forget to follow the other amazing bloggers for a chance to win a free entry and for extra motivation! And you can find me on facebook , IG, and twitter!