Change in plans

Bad news for JB - she can't take advantage of the Hero Rush entry. So we have a new winner ... ROBYN!

Email me at hlthystrides at gmail dot com, and we'll get you going.

***

I made a decision last week. A big decision ... or at least a medium-size decision. I was going to cut out the speed work and focus on miles. I was going to forgo faster for stronger (i.e. endurance).

And, this week, I've stuck to it.

Tuesday, Mark and I ran 3 miles. OK, so that's not really in line with racking up mileage but Mark wasn't into going farther and I was sore from Piloxing.

Stats: 3.00 miles, 29:07 (average pace, 9:42)

Wednesdays are "Mom Needs Alone Time" nights, and I took advantage of my free time by bringing my running clothes to work. I changed in the bathroom and set out for a portion of the trail that I used to run before we moved last year.

I'm not sure whether it was the sweet obituary of the dedicated runner or the perfect crisp, sunny weather but I was in this run. It wasn't perfect, physically, but I truly enjoyed every minute as I ran along the river. The trees were colorful - purple and white flowers - the grass was lush, and I could smell lilacs.

My focus wasn't on pace, and I just let myself do what felt good.

Stats: 6.01 miles, 57:52 (average pace, 9:37)

Today was it, the work morning where I had to stick to the plan of more miles. I told Mark we were doing 5 last night, and he decided that he was going to push me for the 5 miles. So much for no speed work.

Of course, when we woke up at 5:30, I don't think he was all excited about pushing me. Hmph. I think I ended up doing the pushing - stroller and pace. It was a hard run and a bit chillier than I would have liked for this time of year (33 degrees) but it was nice to get out and even nicer to know that Miles and I can hang for 5 miles.

Stats: 5.0 miles, 46:30 (average pace, 9:18)

My higher mileage plan will be on hiatus next week as I taper for the Martian Invasion half marathon but I was happy with my efforts. I hit 14 miles in three runs, which is a couple more than I had been doing. It's so rewarding to set a goal and see myself taking steps to meet it. Feeling pride in myself is so much better than a number on the scale or the MOTOACTV.

What goals have you set? How are you working toward them?

Can't we all be winners?

Drum roll, please ...

The winner of the Hero Rush giveaway is ... JB.

Email me at hlthystrides at gmail dot com and I'll get you hooked up!


For those of you who didn't win, no fear. I have something for you, too: a $10 discount for any 2012 Hero Rush event. Just enter "HealthyStrides10" at checkout.

***

And since I did something for you, I'm hoping you'll do something for me.

When I was in New Orleans at the RnR expo, I got up the guts to record an audition video for Team REFUEL. Team REFUEL is a group of athletes - some elite, some famous bloggers, some just everyday people - and they tout the benefits of chocolate milk as a recovery drink. If you didn't know, "low-fat chocolate milk contains the right mix of carbs and protein scientifically shown to help refuel muscles. Chocolate milk helps restore muscles quickly to their peak potential."

The video I made, no matter how awkward, cheesy and uncomfortable, is all I could - and can - do. Now, it's up to the masses to vote. Masses like you. You can vote for me daily HERE beginning at 8 p.m. today.

It would really mean a lot to me if you took the time to do so. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and racing are expensive. Too expensive for me and my family right now (but that's a topic for another day) and the grant money would help me immensely in working toward my goals.

There goes my hero: A giveaway

Can you feel it?

The heat.

 The heat from you tearing up the Hero Rush course.

Hero Rush is a race through a 5k+ course of heroic (and unique!) obstacles — slide, climb, get wet, get lost, get WETTER, make some saves and a ton more.

  

Or, as I like to think, it's the next thing to come to adventure racing. (Note: I am not sure if the term "adventure racing" is correct as I just made it up. But I like it. Feel free to use it.)

The race, which is in its inaugural year, will be making stops all across the country. Minnesota, Texas, Los Angeles, Oregon, Illinois, Florida. Heck, there's even one in my neck of the woods. With each stop, participants will get the chance to take on:

• Dispatch Descent When the bell rings, the Rush is on .. head up to the top of the pole and take a slide down, it’s time to Respond!
• Mazed and Confused It’s dark, surrounded by cries for help (and more), will you escape?
• Dummy Draggin’ You’ve got the victim, now get ‘em out just like a real hero!
• Stretcher Evac Find a buddy for this one (unless you’re super strong), save the day and get ‘em to the Chopper M*A*S*H style! (* Actual helicopter not included)
• Hose Advancin’ Can you stretch the line quick enough to make an impact?
• Foam Adventure You’re gonna get a little sloppy on this one
• Towerin’ Inferno – Raining Stairs A surprise obstacle that will test your up and over skills to the max
• HazMat Zone Could be slimy, could be smelly, could be a combination!
• Fire Truck Tackle Fire trucks may block your path, how you gonna get through to save the day?
• Smoke Jumper The next best thing to jumping out of an airplane into the inferno
• Entanglement One of the biggest dangers to real firefighters — getting caught and not being able to get out.

There's also a Midway, where you and your crew can be a Hero and practice their firefighter skills on fiery obstacles (14 and older only), live demonstrations and experiences, and kid’s course options. There’s also music, food and drinks and shopping. Oh, and the opportunity of seeing some fine men in uniform. Or at least I hope.

And you get to enjoy it all ... for free. Well, one of you. The folks at Hero Rush are kindly offering one Healthy Strides reader a free entry. To any one of the races.

To enter the giveaway, like Hero Rush on Facebook and leave me a comment that you did so.

Giveaway runs from March 27 to April 3, ending at midnight EST.   Entries after that will be considered null. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced Wednesday April 4. Winner is responsible for contacting me hlthystrides at gmail dot com by Monday, April 9, or a new winner will be chosen.