Men's Dress Shirt to Shorts

September = National Sewing Month and I'm sharing my recent projects.
Even though I usually run in the dark, I wanted some cute running shorts. I looked through my used clothes fabric selection and found a men's dress shirt that I liked. Since I wanted them to be cute, I added some lace trim and a button on the sides. I even had enough shirt left over to make Mayer some shorts too- without the lace and buttons! :)

Retro 80's Running Shorts

It's National Sewing Month, so I'm sharing my recent sewing projects.
I wanted a new pair of running shorts. I pinned a tutorial for a pair of boy's 80's running shorts, but I totally wanted to make a pair for myself too! (No, I haven't made the boys any yet, just myself.) I followed the tutorial, but ran into a snag... literally. 

I used some old pillowcases as my fabric. Everything went fine, until I tried them on before adding an elastic casing. The fabric started unraveling where I had sewed on the bias tape. Obviously these pillowcases have a low thread count! :)

I was still determined to make a pair, so I switched to my favorite refashion stand-by, t-shirts. I had plenty of grey t-shirts and to make them more retro- 80's, I added neon orange "bias" tape from another t-shirt. I must have wanted to add as much neon orange as possible because I didn't line up the curved edge very well. The picture on the far right is how they should have looked. I ended up adding a neon yellow piece so not as much of my upper thigh showed.

They are a little baggier than I would like. (Michael doesn't like them because they are too big.) About a week after I made mine, Melly Sews, a blog I follow, posted a pattern and tutorial for the same shorts I made. It was only when reading that I realized another reason my shorts were so baggy- I also forgot to count in the stretch factor of the knit fabric. The shorts I used as my pattern were bigger because they are made of woven material. I should have known that, but lesson learned and we'll just call it a blond moment!
These make me miss running! I haven't been able to run in about a month because on my shinjury. I am going to the doctor later this week to find out why they are still causing me so much pain. I've been doing some cross-training, but almost every leg exercise seems to put stress on my shins. I will definitely be asking the doctor for some options.

Wordless Wednesday: Salty Dog Triathlon 2013

Last Saturday I participated in my first triathlon. I loved it! This year my main goal was just to use it as a learning experience, especially since I was still nursing shin splints. I rested them and iced them most of the week instead of doing any training.

My sister and I pre-race. 

Both of us were so nervous, anxious and excited that neither of us slept well the night before. It was a beautiful morning! The mosquitoes only bothered us before and after the race when we were standing around. Of course we forgot bug spray. Lucky for us, someone dropped some in the parking lot. We used it and left it in the transition area for the next person.
I was disappointed with my swim time, but it's my own fault. I hadn't been in the pool for a workout since May. I remembered how much I dislike long course- 500 yds is so much easier for me than 400 m. I also had a little issue with my pants. I used the yoga pants from this post. I should have used new elastic and made the waist smaller. 

The next lesson I learned is that I need a road bike. My eleven year old mountain bike made me wish I still had the ten-speed bike with skinny tires I bought when I was 13! I also need to be faster transitioning between the swim and bike.
My run went much better than I had anticipated. Even though my legs felt like lead weights and I didn't get my fastest 5k time, my pace was faster than my average. I ran the 3.1 miles without walking. And since my legs were numb, I couldn't feel the shin splits. lol
I was a little disappointed because at the end of the race I didn't have enough to finish hard. A woman I had been playing leap frog* with throughout the run passed me at the end and I couldn't catch her. Michael mentioned that I need to work on my posture when I run. I hunch forward, which probably doesn't help my breathing any.
* (Leap frog is a term from my high school swimming days- she would pass me, then I'd pass her.)

My sister and I post-race. 

Taylor did AMAZING! I'm so proud of her!! I am so glad we did our first triathlon together. This was the first time we have "raced" since I was a senior and she was a freshman. On the course, a family friend tried to motivate me by telling me my little sister was beating me. My response was, "of course! She's awesome!" (Not to mention she trained much harder than I did.) She finished 6th (out of 22) in her age group and 73rd (out of 183) overall.
I finished 11th (out of 19) in my age group and 140th overall. Tay would have won my age group, so I have 2 years to step up my game! :) That should be easier now that the first one is over; I know what to expect and what I need to work on next year!

Wordless Wednesday: Glow Run, Shin Splints and Munchkins

Last Saturday I ran in the Glow Run 5k (except it wasn't technically a 5k/ 3.1 miles... or even 3 miles) with my sister-in-law, Amy and several other friends. I finally got to officially meet a Twitter friend too. We started tweeting almost 3 years ago about cloth diapers and baby wearing!

 

It was my first run with my best friend, Jen. We have a long running history, even though both of us just started running last year. We were the slowest runners on our 8th grade basketball team. Sometimes the team had to run extra laps because Jen and I were too slow. As a result, we became really good friends and even nicknamed ourselves "the slowpokes." 

She started running to train for a half marathon. So when I was bored with my workouts, Michael suggested that I start running. I sort of laughed him off until he said, "If Jenny can do it, so can you!" Challenge accepted! I still wouldn't call myself a runner, but I try.

At the finish... I think my face looks funny because I was trying to figure out how to get 3 miles. There was a big crowd stopped in front of me, so I didn't make it.

This week I have been prepping for my triathlon. I waited too long to get new running shoes and as a result, I gave myself shin splints. It's really hard to break in new shoes when I can't run in them!  I am icing my shins every chance I get. The baggies are filled with 1 part rubbing alcohol to 2 parts water so they don't completely freeze.

 

I have also been wearing long socks and baby legs (instead of buying compression leg sleeves) in the evenings and when I workout. Mayer tells me I look like the Lollipop Guild when I wear socks with stripes. Oh, the honesty of a 2 1/2 year old! I suppose he's right...

He loves the Lollipop Guild!

He also does another version where he tries to sound like a munchkin and do their dance. It is hilarious!

Upcycled Running Skirts

A friend gave me a huge sack of clothes to upcycle/ refashion. I found an activewear t-shirt and I knew I wanted to try to make it into a running skirt. It was a woman's size small, so I knew I wouldn't have a lot of fabric to spare after I made the skirt portion.

The bottom was a little tight, so I added some pleats made from regualr t-shirt scraps to make it wider. I used 2" elastic to give it a little more length because it is shorter than I am usually comfortable with. It's still pretty short, but they work.

Inside, I decided on a boxer brief style rather than briefs. I didn't have enough yellow, so I made the center panel orange. I know you can see it through the white of the skirt, but I don't care. I wanted something bright and fun paired with the white. In case you can't tell by the pictures, the orange and yellow are neon. :)

I had just enough white activewear fabric left to line the orange section, although I did have to do it in pieces.
Michael was going to get rid of several Under Amour heat gear t-shirts and asked me if I wanted them. Of course! Activewear fabric is expensive, so if I can reuse the fabric I already have, I am saving money. I also found a shirt at a garage sale for $.50 and I also used a pair of yoga pants that were too big.

Here's what I came up with:

There are lavender stripes on both sides. You can almost see one on the left side. (I lost the attention of my photographer after 2 pictures.) The only reason I added the stripes was because I felt all black was just too plain. I added lavender trim at the bottom too.

I cut the legs off the yoga pants to make the shorts. I ended up using the top of the yoga pants to make my triathlon shorts.

Personal Milestones in May

I've been a negligent blogger, but May was a tough/ busy month. At the beginning of the year, I posted about my workout goals. May turned out to be a great month for me as far as workout accomplishments went. First, I completed my longest run ever- 5 miles. My time was 56:52. I was proud of myself for not walking at all and really surprised I received a second place medal at the finish line!

Michael and my friend, Tina, ran with me for a while, but my pace was much too slow for them. I appreciated them running with me as long as they did! Overall, Michael ended up placing 4th, Tina placed 6th and I placed 9th. I was surprised by the final results... especially since there were only 12 of us that completed the 5 mile race. :)
I hadn't been doing a lot of running prior to the race. Luckily, Michael had challenged me to 30 days of squats. I was almost at the end of the challenge, plus I had been doing some cross-training too.

Initially, I didn't think it was doing me any good. I was frustrated because my clothes were fitting tighter and I was gaining weight, which I hoped was muscle. Michael said he could see a difference, but of course, I didn't believe him! He kept assuring me that it was making a difference. It took completing the 5 mile run to actually feel the benefits from this challenge.
A week after the 5 mile run and 4 days after completing the squat challenge, Michael and I went on a 3 mile run together. I was disappointed, yet encouraged that I missed my fastest 5k time by only 4 seconds! So I decided on my next run, I decided to try beat my fastest mile time. Goal= achieved! 
Michael and I also completed a 30 day ab challenge together. It turned out to be a bigger pain in the ass (literally) than the squats. I learned two things- I hate planks and too many sit-ups, crunches and leg raises can cause a blister on your tailbone!

I decided to try a run while on vacation in Colorado. I made it less than 3/4 mile and the time it took me is seriously dragging my averages down. The problem was I let Michael choose the route- straight up hill. (I should note he's become a cross-fit junkie.) At least the scenery was beautiful! 

We also went on a fairly strenuous hike on vacation. I carried Mayer in the Ergo Sport for 2.5 miles up (800 ft in elevation) the West Peak Trail to the timberline.The next mile up to the summit (top of the peak) is steep and rocky.

Physically, I was fine hiking up the West Spanish Peak. I almost made it (the mound in the top right corner is the top). Mentally, I got discouraged. I had a hard time staying on the "trail" and I had finally lost track of my hiking partners (my husband and brother-in-law). I figured by the time I finally reached the top, I figured they would be rested and ready to head back down, so I turned back.
I finished the month with an 11 mile bike ride, pulling at least 75 pounds. Needless to say by the end of the ride I was lucky to make it in the house! As an athlete, I'm thankful our trail isn't flat. The hills provide a good challenge, but man that extra 75+ pounds makes them even more difficult! Several times I thought it would probably be faster to get off the bike and walk it up to the top. Yet as I struggle up, I just keep thinking two things- #1- I am able to do some of my training in the company of my family. (The boys like to "help" by leaning forward when we are going uphill and often remind me to go faster.)  And #2- how much easier it will seem come race day without all the extra weight behind me!! :)

My 2013 Exercise/ Workout Goal

Better late than never, but I am going to share my workout goals for 2013 because if I put them in writing, I am more likely to achieve them. It's as close as I get to a New Year's Resolution. It is long-term, something new, yet something I know I will be able to achieve, but not without working at it.
I started running for the first time in July 2012. It was memorable for several reasons: there was a full moon, people were shooting off fireworks and I had never gone for a run before. In fact, in 33 years, I don't think I had run a mile without walking part of it. Ironically, I swam my first mile when I was 14 or 15 and it was one of my favorite events.
Growing up, I always hated running. In eighth grade, I found out I have asthma, which explained some of my troubles with running. During basketball that year, I was called a "slowpoke" numerous times. The team often had to run extra laps because of another girl and me. The other slowpoke and I became best friends. She was the main reason I started running in July. Michael challenged me, "If Jenny can do it, so can you!"
Since July, I have tried to run at least three times a week. My only goal last year was to run a 5k. By the end of October, I had competed in my first two 5ks. So I needed a new goal for 2013. Several friends and family members have been trying to get me to run a half marathon, but I am not convinced. I am still on the fence whether or not I will try to train for our local half in September. I do know I would like to better my 5k time, but I also want to try something a little more challenging too. I decided I am going to try our local triathlon, the Salty Dog, in August.The 10.5 mile bike worries me the most.
My training goal is to run 730 miles in 2013. It averages out to two miles per day. So far, as of January 6th, I have only logged 4 miles. After eight years without having any real problems or even an inhaler, trying to run in the cold has me struggling with my asthma. I prefer to run in the morning, but had to switch back to evenings when it is warmer outside. I breathe through my mouth and I found wearing a mask to help filter the air helps, but I still struggle. I'm not making excuses, I just know that when it warms up, I will be playing catch up. When I don't run, I usually try to do a tabata workout.

Wordless Wednesday: Trail and Treat 5K

 Catwoman, Robin and Batman in the Batmobile, Riddler and Sound effects (her shirt says "BAM!" "POW!" "ZAP!" etc... It looked awesome!)

We missed the costume competition. :(

Batman and Robin got up before 5AM. They were both bundled up so well in the Batmobile that they went to sleep! It was only 26 degrees!

The Riddler pushed the Batmobile.

I secretly wished I was riding in the Batmobile taking a nap instead of running! It was so cold!! Michael ran with me to push me since it was my first official 5K. When he runs with me he runs at LEAST 2 minutes per mile slower than his pace. I really appreciate it and I do tend to run faster. My first 2 miles were about 30 seconds per mile faster than my average pace... and then I died. I probably would have stopped running and started walking if Michael hadn't been with me. I finished the race in 30:26, which was 17 seconds per mile faster than my average pace.

 Batman and Robin in (almost) full costume.

Happy Halloween!

The Color Run

On Saturday, I "ran" my first "5K". I use the term "ran" because there were some points when it was impossible to run with so many people. The 5K is also in quotes because while The Color Run is advertised as "The Happiest 5K on the Planet," according to my running app, it was only 2.5 miles. Michael's also showed the same, so it wasn't just me.

 The boys wearing their "Color Runner" sweatbands at check-in. It was only about 46 degrees. The coldest part was standing in line waiting for the race to start and for our wave/ heat (not to be confused with a heat wave- ha ha) to move to the starting line. We went to line up about 1 hour before the official race start time. I would say we were probably in the middle of the pack.

 This is the view behind us and there were equally as many people in front of us too.

 

Our family pre-race

 Our Team, named 3G because 3 generations of our family were participating! (Left to right standing: my mom, my brother, my aunt and my sister-in-law)

We spent pre-race taking pictures, trying to keep warm and doing our best to entertain the boys. It was a long wait because they were excited, but tired, cold and bored. Both boys wore swimming goggles to protect their eyes from the color dust.

I'm not sure if we were in the third or fourth wave/ heat. They were starting us every 5 minutes in groups of about 1,000. Michael, Amy (my SIL) and I were running; my mom, Austin, and Aunt Diana were walking. Tate was riding in the stroller/ running and Mayer was in the Ergo Sport.

We covered the Ergo with a white t-shirt to help protect it from color. (BTW, Happy International Babywearing week!) Originally, he was going to ride on my brother's back, but he was so fussy before the start we moved him to the front so Uncle Swan could talk to him. It worked out much better because he didn't want to keep the goggles on the whole time. Since he was riding in the front, Austin was able to put the goggles on before the color stations and take them off after. He was also able to cover Mayer's mouth so he breathed in less color dust. Tate covered his mouth with a bandana during the color stations.

 At one point, the race course circled around and there were participants on both sides of the street going different directions. After the race start, we didn't think we would see the walkers again until the finish. We were so surprised to see them on the cross street! Tate got so excited when I yelled his name. Michael, Amy and I all ran past and gave him a high five.

When we finished our run, we turned around and walked back about 1/2 mile to wait for the walkers so we could finish the race as a team/ family. Tate ran with Michael and I carried Mayer.

 I'm so glad we went back to finish the race together because the end of the race was the most fun!

 Mayer did NOT like the color on his hands and when we gave him his color packet to throw, he started to eat it! Tate LOVED the color. My mom told me Tate was so excited when they got to the blue color station that he asked if he could roll in the color! (He saw some others doing it and blue is his favorite color.)

 I have been training for a 5K and even though the route wasn't really 3.1 miles and it was impossible to run the entire course, I'm so glad I chose a family run for my first race!! We are doing another family run in 2 weeks. This one will be in our Halloween costumes. 

Now, I need to find a timed race for me. I think it will help me keep focused if I have a time to beat. For me, running is no different than swimming when it comes to training. I need a goal to keep me going. I have had several other runners make some suggestions, but they are both in 2013 and both look overwhelming for someone that has only been running since July! I mean, seriously, I just ran 1 mile without stopping for the first time 3 months ago! Here are the suggestions I've gotten: Warrior Dash and Run For the Rocks half marathon. The Warrior Dash requires leaping over flames. I have zero "ups" and would roast for sure!

And speaking of overwhelming, I don't know if he's serious, but Michael keeps talking about Pike's Peak! Is there any way to train for that in Central Kansas?! I mean, I have enough trouble breathing when the course is flat. 

 As a beginner, I think I should stick to what I am comfortable with and right now that is 3.1 miles... maybe a little more (but I sure don't complain when it's a little less).

#freefromtrash T-shirt sleeve

Day 26: T-shirt sleeve
I have been running lately... I will give those of you that know me a minute to recover... OK, I have been running and none of my recycled t-shirt yoga pants have pockets. I need some way to carry my phone other than sticking it under my sports bra strap. The only reason I take my phone is because I have an app, Map My Run, that keeps track of the amount I run and my pace.
I have seen people running with armbands for their iPods, etc. I have lots of leftover t-shirt sleeves from making my yoga pants. What better way to make an armband than by using the arm of a t-shirt?!

 Materials: t-shirt sleeve, t-shirt pocket, fold over elastic (FOE) and a piece of regular elastic

 I sewed the pocket on the sleeve. Then I added the FOE around the top and thought I was finished. It couldn't be that simple... it wasn't. The armband was gigantic; Michael said it would have fit Arnold schwarzenegger. My bulging bicep at 10 inches was too small, so I had to go back to the drawing... or cutting board.

 I cut 3" off the length. I could have done more, but I was afraid of cutting off too much. (Update after testing: I should have cut more off. The top slides down while I'm running.)

 This is it looked like this before I started sewing. I did level off the top a little too so it was more of a rectangle.

 I sewed the FOE around the top and bottom. I also sewed some elastic on the inside of the pocket to make the phone more secure.

 Not a very good shot, but that's what it looks like on.

My new phone armband.
 I don't like it as well as I thought I would. :( It isn't easy to pull the phone out and put it back.