Dear P90X ...

Dear P90X,

I know we've been seeing each other for a whole two weeks now, but I have to tell you, you're coming on kind of strong. I mean, really. You just expect me to drop everything six nights a week to be with you. What about my other loves? Like reality TV? And ice cream? And my husband? Am I just supposed to end things with them? Are we exclusive? Because I didn't get that memo.

And can we just talk for a second about how you are fatiguing me for all of my runs? It's not easy to squeeze in 30 miles a week when you keep coming at me with all of that "this is the X" crap. And don't even get me started on Ab Ripper.

OK, maybe I am overreacting. Maybe you are going to make me a stronger runner. Maybe I'll get abs of steel and biceps to kill for. I mean, isn't that what you promise? Don't worry, I'm not leaving you. At least not for the next 10 weeks, but I swear if you don't deliver, I'm going to write nasty stuff about you on the Internet for all of the free world to read. Consider yourself warned.

Your follower,
Tonia

why running slow makes sense ...

So, pretty much everyone has been asking me why we would run slower to run faster. And here's why it works. (By running slower, I mean 80% effort. For most people, this is 1-2 mins slower than race pace for the distance you are running.)

Let's just begin by stating that you do not need to run slower ALL THE TIME. Unless you are working on building your base mileage, you can and should be adding faster runs (i.e. speedwork) into your training routine. Basically, neither slow long runs or fast short runs stand alone.

OK, back to why it works. The ultra simplified reason is that slow long runs increase your endurance and increased endurance is the key to running faster. Basically, slow running allows you to run MORE (often with less chance of injury than fast running) and running more now and having a stronger base helps you to run faster later.

But, there are more benefits than that:

• The thought is that running too hard every day will cause over training. The body needs time to get stronger and adapt to the stresses you place upon it. By slowing down, we aid the body in adapting and recovering.
• Slow running improves your aerobic system, which also improves your ability to run harder paces.
• Running at a slower pace will help improve your capillary system which improves the rate at which blood gets to your muscles when you do run fast.
• Slow running trains your body to use fat as a fuel helping to spare your glycogen stores.
• Slow running simulates race duration, building your mental strength.
• You recover quicker from an "easier" effort, allowing you to have a better quality workout when you do speed up.

Did I convince you to try it? I know, probably not. Slowing down is a hard pill to swallow. But really, what's the worst that can happen?

knowledge overload ...

So, this weekend was my long awaited coaching certification course hosted by RRCA. (The lovely MissZippy was also in attendance. Small world, right?) The certification process included taking the two-day course, passing an online exam (which I did last night! 94%!) and holding CPR and First Aid certifications.

It was a jam-packed 16 hours of learning about all aspects of training from energy systems to pace runs. Talk about information overload. I was in heaven. As someone who is constantly striving to be a stronger runner, putting me in this class was like a putting a fat kid in a candy store (and I should know, I was the fat kid.)

It re cemented some things that I already knew and opened my eyes to things that I had never considered. My biggest takeaway is that I am running too fast for my easy and long runs. I've always heard that you must run slower to run faster, but never understood why. Seeing the science behind this theory has inspired me to try it out. Hopefully, it works. (Note: I tried to slow down to my newly prescribed pace on this morning's five miler. And let's just say it's HARD.)

When I got home, I was hit with more awesomeness. J had taken the girls shopping while I was gone and they found a little present for me.

Super cute, right? And I think the best part is that they purchased some for Dizzle and Doodle too.

I'm pretty sure that if it is up to us, skirts and socks are going to take over the running world!

And don't forget to check out my Tarma Designs Giveaway!

Tarma Designs Giveaway

A while back, I contacted the the lovely people at Tarma Designs to see if they would be interested in sponsoring a giveaway. They quickly responded that they would and gave me the choice of any piece from their line.

For those of you who don't know, Tarma Designs manufactures a variety of unique, hand-crafted, earth-friendly and fair trade jewelry that celebrates the spirit of life and a love of the outdoors. Their product line includes a variety of styles including pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, wristbands, and bottle openers to choose from. I love their stuff and would go broke if I purchased everything I wanted from their site. You can check out the full product line HERE. And you should, especially since Mother's Day is coming up and we all know those hubbies could use some help (so send them the link). And you probably have a mom. Or a grandma. Or you know an awesome mom. And she'd probably like a nice gift too.

OK. Back to my point. I was given the choice of a piece to giveaway and after much debate I went with the Cast Lotus Necklace.



I was taken by the description, "Delicate and lightweight, this cast Lotus pendant represents life and new beginnings." It spoke to me as a woman, a mother and a runner. I knew it was the perfect choice.

So, how do you win it? (One entry per comment, please!)

1. Become a follower of this blog and comment to let me know you did (required).

2. Visit Tarma Designs HERE. Then come back and leave me a comment letting me know what other piece you would like to own.

3. Become a Facebook Fan of Tarma Designs HERE and leave me a comment to let me know.

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Racing With Babes HERE and leave me a comment to let me know you did.

5. Repost this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter. Heck, write about it on the wall of a bathroom stall, just spread the word. And leave me a comment to let me know.

Entries will be accepted until Monday, May 3. Winner will be selected randomly and announced on Tuesday, May 4.

Sugoi Verve Short Review ...

If you've ever read this blog before, you are completely aware of the fact that I am a skirt-a-holic. I almost never run in anything else. In fact, I could probably count the number of times I have run in shorts on one hand.


With that being said, when the lovely people at Outside PR sent me a pair of Sugoi Verve Shorts to try out, I was skeptical. Afraid even. The thought of running with thigh bunching made me want to cry. So, I eased myself into testing them.


On day one, I just wore them around the house. And I was impressed. They were super comfortable and cute. Two qualities I look for in workout gear. Since they performed well during the initial wear, I decided to test them while cross training (running in them was still too scary). I had P90X Plyometrics on the schedule. A good test for the shorts due to the amount of jumping and moving I would be doing. And again, the shorts exceeded my expectations. They did not ride up at all and allowed me to move easily in every direction. After that workout, I was convinced that these shorts were awesome (I even went out an bought another pair.) But I was still hesitant to run in them. What if they bunched? What if I had a constant wedgie? What if I loved them more than my skirts?


Finally, after much internal debate I sucked it up and got dressed to run. And when G saw me sans skirt, she nearly had a heart attack in my driveway. Once she regained her composure, she snapped this shot of me.


See, the shorts are super cute.


We had eight miles on the schedule. I figured it was far enough to get a feel for the shorts but short enough that if I couldn't stand them I could make it home relatively quickly.


So, how did it go? Well, can I just say that a quarter mile into the run, I forgot I was wearing shorts all together? Initially, I was overly aware of the difference from my usual running gear, but once we settled into our run, the shorts were great. They didn't ride up or bunch at all. I was seriously impressed. Shocker, right? Now, I won't be abandoning my skirts by any means, but I will definitely be wearing these shorts to cross train and who knows, they might even get pulled out for a run here and there.

If you are in the market for a great pair of running shorts, definitely check these out. You can learn more about them HERE.

* I was not paid for this review, although I was sent the product for free. The opinions stated here are completely my own.

Rock Your Socks Marathon/10K Virtual Race

My buddy KT was looking to run a half marathon every month this year, but when planning her schedule, she couldn't find a race in May that would work for her. So, she decided to put on her own race. Now, KT, me and the rest of our teammates are hosting the 1st Annual Rock Your Socks Half Marathon and 10K.

And I thought I would invite you all to participate in the race as well - Virtually. (That is unless you really want to come to here and run with us.) I know you're interested. Here are the details ...

1st Annual Rock Your Socks Virtual Half Marathon and 10K

WHEN: Friday, May 21, Saturday May 22, or Sunday, May 23

DISTANCE: 10K or Half Marathon

COST: FREE - But I will take donations to the sock collection ...

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: Comment on this post to let me know you are in! Then send me an email with your name, distance and blog address (if applicable). And don't forget to invite all your friends to join in.

Then on the weekend of May 21-23, pick your course and run your race! When you are done email me the pictures, a link to your race report and your finish time.

WHAT WILL YOU GET?: Every participant will be linked on the Run Like A Mother Half Marathon and 10K Recap. And all racers will be entered to WIN a prize (or two or three, I haven't made up my mind yet).

Sounds like fun, doesn't it? So, are you in?

what's that word?

We all know that kids are constantly paying attention to what adults do. They mimic their behavior, language, etc. So, I shouldn't have been shocked when Dizzle said the following to me. But, somehow, I was ...

Dizzle: "Mom. What's that word that adults say sometimes when they get hurt?"

Me: "Ouch?"

Dizzle: "No. That OTHER word."

Me: (mind spinning) "Um. I don't know Dizzle. Can you give me a hint?"

Dizzle: "Mom. You know."

Me: "No. I don't"

Dizzle: "OK, Mom. The word is frickin. I hear you say that when you get hurt. What does frickin mean?"

Me: (stalling) "Um. Yeah. That's a word that adults use. It means, 'Oh, man. That hurt a lot.' But, it's really not a nice word and if you EVER say that at school they are NEVER going to let you come back. Do you understand me?"

Dizzle: "I know Mommy. But can you make my brain forget to say that word?"

I'm pretty sure I'm going to be getting a note home. Fan-Frickin-Tastic!