But first, If you are here for a discount code then I won’t make you wait until the end! You can save 15% off for first time customers using my referral link or use code SAM15.

Angela and Mercedes are forces to be reckoned with. At the end of last year, during holiday season mind you, their worlds were turned upside down. The company they had been working for had abruptly shut down and their jobs were no longer. Before I even had to the chance to tell them I was sorry, they already had a plan in place. Why would I tell them I was sorry? Although I have never met these ladies in person, I grew to feel like I knew them. Not just those two, but others who worked for the company and I still continue to follow their journeys. I know what it’s like to lose a job, especially one you loved. I also know how hard it is to try and start your own path.

That’s exactly what Angela and Mercedes did. They joined together to create ASMBLY. A brand where they still wanted the feel of community, but take it to a whole new level. The ASMBLY community has been a part of every single step of the way. From sharing our thoughts on specific products, colors, what we want to see, thoughts on what the first products to launch should even be, the transformation of a home garage to a warehouse, to the ins and outs of the day. My favorite was seeing Angela researching different fabric types at a textile show. You don’t quite get that experience with other brands.

The bravery to not only start a company with zero investors, but also when the future is so uncertain (think tariffs,) says so much about their passion for this vision. I want them to succeed so bad and not just because I like them, but also because of the values they are putting into the brand. Where they want to be inclusive and build community. To build collaborative and lasting relationships. To be more sustainable and supportive. While still bringing quality. It’s just impressive.

My first three items of ASMBLY’s line arrived and I got the excitement with the order confirmation that I couldn’t even stand the wait. When my order finally arrived, I was blown away by the cute box sitting on my door step. This gorgeous purple (I’m sure there is a better and exact name for this color, but it’s my favorite purple with the blue mixed in,) box with the cutest message on the side, “hello gorgeous,” just sat there staring at me. Can you even? Complimenting me already?! I wasted no time opening this box.

My order: Velocity Energy Pocket Bra in size Small, Velocity Energy Shorts in size small and the Soft Jersey Graphic Lift Tee in size Small. All black. I had to start with the classics. IYKYK./

You open the box and are met with cute icons and a “You Got This” message. Once you grab your items out of the box, another message appears saying “And We’ve Got You!” They nailed this packaging. Even better, it’s 100% recyclable, but I secretly may keep mine. It’s too cute to toss. Another sustainability effort is no hang tags and no bra pads. Those will be sold separately. I loved this because I am the worst at tearing off tags and leaving them all around my closet because I am in such a rush to try them on. I also waste no time tearing out the bra pads and chucking them. You can learn more about the bra pads and options on the ASMBLY website!

Product Reviews

Let’s get to the try on part. This was a surprise to me, because while we got some sneaks, I didn’t know how many pockets were going to be on each piece and I definitely had no clue where they would be. I grabbed the Velocity Energy Pocket Bra and threw it on. First I investigated where the pockets were. Front pocket on the chest, comfortably placed between the prized jewels. Two pockets on the back, one inside the bra and one on the outside of the bra. Mind blown. Fit super comfortable. I did not feel like I was being suffocated, but definitely felt supported. Some great ideas have come from the community on how to use all the pockets. My favorite was using the front pocket for ice. As a runner in the Midwest, this was a great idea. Or also holding ice cold/frozen handhelds. I guess in the winter, you could probably even throw your hot hands handwarmers in there too!

Next were the Velocity Energy Shorts. Ah, these I was most excited to see the back pocket. I knew there was going to be a large pocket on the back and I needed to see how it actually worked! Large back pocket that extends on your whole lower back to hold any size phone! Or I threw two large gels in the back pocket just to see if they would fit. I probably could have done even more. You of course had the two side pockets, one on each side of your legs that are definitely deep enough but not to where you will lose things. Now I am really thinking that back pocket would be great for a hot hands during the winter. Or even time of the month when your back starts to ache. So many possibilities! Comes in colors Tidal and Black.

What surprised me the most was the SoftJersey Graphic Lift Tee. I chose this item, unsure of how oversized it would be and was it going to be full length or cropped? Sight unseen, I love a good oversized tee. When I tell you this tee is smooth like butter, I can’t explain it any other way. So soft and the perfect oversized by staying true to size. Full length and covers the bum! Could be even more oversized if you went up a size or two. I hope they have more colors and make ones without graphics and just tiny logos too. It’s a staple!

Okay, I have blabbed on and on, but I guess you could say I am passionate about this brand and their success. They will officially launch on August 16, 2025. They will launch with a small collection and plan to launch seasonally to start. Don’t worry, we have already gotten to help pick Fall and Spring colors! They have already asked the community about their dream loose short. There are already plans for 7-8 inch shorts. If you want to become Nancy Drew, like me, then you should join the ASMBLY ACTIVE COMMUNITY on Facebook to get all of the updates and behind the scenes scoop! There is always so much information in the comments sections.

As an ambassador, I do have a referral link and I have a code SAM15 that I would love that you would use to help support me. This money goes right back into ASMBLY because I use it for my own purchases and I already know there will be a lot.

So let’s give ASMBLY a launch of a lifetime and help sell them out together!!!

The post ASMBLY – The Next Activewear Community appeared first on My Feet in Motion.

It has been 5 days since I ran the race and I want to write this recap while details are still a bit fresh in my mind and my first thoughts have settled. While I don’t have the greatest memory because when you are in the zone, you don’t notice a lot of your surroundings. Especially when trying to high five all the little kids and hit all the “power up” signs, IYKYK.

Our hotel experience was not that great. We stayed at the host hotel and were not informed of any of the runner events happening like advertised and also did not get our late check out. We also could not ever get a hold of one of the hotel restaurants and when we went down to order in person, they all bumped into each other and glass drinks flew onto the ground right in front of my feet. Some items in our room were dirty, etc. That is here nor there, I have emailed and left my review and can move on from that. You couldn’t beat the location of the hotel.

The time difference threw me off a little bit the day before and then traveling. We didn’t eat until 2pm KY time and then our reservation was at 5:45pm. I was still stuffed from lunch, so we canceled. That’s why later on we tried to get some food from one of the hotel restaurants. I did end up with some delicious mac n cheese and really good fries of Zach’s.

Race morning I was woken up by someone else’s alarm going off. I didn’t want to be up too early because I hate sitting around in my nerves. It ended up working out. I just laid in bed scrolling. Got myself ready and headed out to the race about 30 minutes before the start.

My corral was “corral A seeded.” When I saw that I was confused, but I went with it. Saw Jenny Simpson warming up and thought that was pretty cool. Just hung out in the corral waiting for the start. Then I hear them say “alright elites, we will start in less than a minute.” I started backing up, like what the heck, I don’t belong here. It was too late at that point, we were all in like sardines ready to roll. I knew no matter how much I tried to control my first mile, that it would be fast due to my surroundings.

I utilized the RaceJoy app so that Zach could have more accurate tracking and send me any encouragement along the way. I liked that the race set up automatic cheers throughout the course. That was such a nice touch.

It was fun to pass the Louisville Slugger Bat and it reminded me of when I visited when I was little with my family. That’s about all the sites I can tell you besides Churchill Downs. The RaceJoy app let me know at each mile what my pace was for the mile, my pace for the full race, and my estimated finish time. As I continued to go away from the 1:45 that I dreamed of (truly a dream that I was not truly thinking was possible, but not out of reach,) I continued with the mindset of “I’m on a long run with a bunch of people.” This helped me.

I thought Churchill Downs was going to be a lot more spectacular than it ended up being. There were a lot of gates and just felt like we were running on a back path for employees. The slopes getting in and coming out were also a buzzkill and really were killing my legs and quads. I think it was around mile 6 or 7 we had a decent incline and then downhill that my quads did not love either. I was still just having a good time and seeing what I could do. I really challenged myself to not stop and broke a HUGE barrier for myself. I fueled with gels without stopping. This was major for my race anxiety and a huge breakthrough for me and my future training and racing. I already knew I had won before even finishing this race because my training was successful, I made it to the start line and I conquered a fear of mine. All I had to do was finish!

I started before the pace groups so I knew when the 1:50 pace group passed me at mile 10 that it was going to be a struggle to hit my goal I went into the race with. “Just a 5k left!” I had gotten really comfortable in my pace and it was going to take a lot of oomph to get out of it and try to hang on to them. I tried…then could not.

When I crossed the finish line seeing 1:50 on the clock, I was so thrilled. I sprinted as fast as I could in hopes to still finish with a 1:50 time and I did with an official 1:50:45. I don’t know if I was panicking or just so happy when I finished but my hands went up to my head and I was wheezing/trying not to cry. It’s like my body wanted to cry but wouldn’t. It was out of pure happiness, don’t get that part wrong. I literally was so happy that I did not even care that I wasn’t sub 1:50. My time was perfect and exactly what I went there to do! I honestly wasn’t even sure I would be faster than my 8:39 pace that I hit for my last 10 miler. That pace was not including stops, so I honestly wasn’t sure if it would happen for me.

All in all, I am so proud of myself and this race is my 3rd fastest half marathon I have ran in my life. Another big win for myself!!! So now the question is….do we think I am close enough to be able to knock down my lifetime PR of 1:45:43 in October? Only time will tell!

The post Race Recap: Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon appeared first on My Feet in Motion.

You can use my referral link here and also use code KDFRAVE25 for 10% off.

Monday – speed training – 6.17 miles @ 9:22 pace

• 1 mile @ mile race effort, 3 min walk (7:37)
• 1 mile @ 10k-1/2 marathon effort, 2 min walk (8:06)
• 1/2 mile @ 1/2 mile pace, 3 min walk (3:49 or 7:39 pace. Definitely not 1/2 mile pace ha!)
• 1 mile @ 10k-1/2 marathon effort (8:26)
• warmup and cool down

I didn’t look at my watch for this because it was freezing cold and I was also focusing on not slipping on ice. Pretty pleased with the effort considering I was aiming for 8:30 pace for the half marathon intervals.

Tuesday – 45 min easy run – 4 miles @ 10:11, realistically 40:49 easy run

Wednesday – off day

Thursday – speed training – 5.48 miles @ 8:55 pace

• 30 min progression run (8:46, 8:23, 8:20)
• warm up and cool down

Another pleased effort. Really excited to see my training and fitness improve.

Friday – unplanned off day

I have been battling some tenderness in my foot. Took a few steps into my run and just knew it needed more time, especially if I wanted to knock out my long run.

Saturday – 70 minute long run – 7.28 miles @ 9:32 pace

Sunday – off

I was going to try to do an easy run, but I just figured another day to help rest my foot, especially after my long run was ideal.

Stick around for another 14 weeks of my GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Mini training!

The post Week 4 of GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Mini Training appeared first on My Feet in Motion.

You can use my referral link here and also use code KDFRAVE25 for 10% off.

This week was quite the struggle because we were hit with an ice storm. I had to run all of my training on the treadmill which was not my favorite thing ever. I adapted my speed workouts because I do not trust myself with sprinting on my treadmill for 200m, nor did I have the mental capacity to try to figure out all of the math.

Week 3 GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Mini Training Recap

Monday – speed workout – 3.8 miles

• 1 mile @ 10k effort, 2 min rest (8:29)
• 5x200m – skipped these
• 1 mile @ 5k effort (8:03)
• warmup and cool down

Tuesday – 32 min treadmill run – 3 miles @ 10:54 pace

Wednesday – off

Thursday – speed training – 5.22 total miles

• 2×800-600-400-200 with 200m walking rest in between
• 3:37-2:38-1:38-40
• 3:43-2:42-1:49-42
• warm up and cool down

This took so much time to plan out because I had to do it on the treadmill because of the snow and ice. I wrote out exactly what mileage I needed to run and walk during. I just made my best guess in terms of pace on the treadmill and adjusted as I was comfortable. When I finished and did the math to figure out my paces, I was actually pleasantly surprised.

Friday – 30 minute treadmill run – 3 miles @ 10:18 pace

Saturday – 70 minute long run (technically 68:13, don’t come for me) – 6.53 miles @ 10:26 pace

I was so tired of the treadmill and couldn’t fathom another 70 minutes on it. So I bundled up and went outdoors to risk the ice and snow. I went pretty slow until I felt confident with my footing.

Sunday – off

Join me for another 15 weeks of training!

The post Week 3 of GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Mini Training appeared first on My Feet in Motion.

You can use my referral link here and also use code KDFRAVE25 for 10% off.

Let’s recap week 2 of training!

Week 2 GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Mini Training Recap

Monday – speed workout – 3.62 miles @ 10:36 pace

• 12x100m, 100m walk rest (paces were from 5:51 to 6:56)
• warmup and cooldown

Tuesday – off

Wednesday – 30 min run – 3.14 miles @ 9:33 pace

Thursday – 30 min run – 3.16 miles @ 9:29 pace

Friday – off

Saturday – 5k race – gun time 24:26 – 1st in age group – 4th female overall

• 0.41 warmup
• 5k splits were 7:59, 8:00, 8:00

Sunday – 60 min treadmill run – 5.5 miles @ 10:55 pace

Stay tuned for the next 16 weeks of my training!

The post Week 2 of GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Mini Training appeared first on My Feet in Motion.

You can use my referral link here and also use code KDFRAVE25 for 10% off.

You’ve guessed it. It’s half marathon training time again. I am currently training for the GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Mini. I have never ran this race before, but we have friends in Louisville and this isn’t too far away from us, I just knew it would be my next half. I also hear it’s pretty flat. As you may or may not know, I trained for 18 weeks for my last half marathon, only to get sick the week of the race. I was not able to run it. I am planning to do the same 18 week training and it kicked off last week! Let’s go ahead and recap, shall we?

Week 1 Recap

Monday – 30 min treadmill run – 2.58 miles @ 11:38 pace

Tuesday – Speed workout – 4.23 miles @ 9:30 pace

• 4×1 min on, 1 min off (paces were 8:07, 8:04, 7:58, 7:53)
• 2×2 min on, 2 min off (paces were 8:14, 8:00)
• 4 x 30 sec on, 30 sec off (paces were 6:54, 7:07, 7:02, 7:38)
• with warm up and cool down

Wednesday – off

Thursday – 30 min treadmill run – 2.51 miles @ 11:57 pace

Friday – off

Saturday – speed workout – 5.05 miles @ 9:51 pace

• 3×5 min with 3 min walk/jog rest (paces were 8:10, 8:05, 8:08)
• warmup and cool down

Sunday – 60 min treadmill run – 5.65 miles @ 10:37 pace

Stay tuned for the next 17 weeks of training!

The post Week 1 of GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Mini Training appeared first on My Feet in Motion.

Since my wardrobe consists of 90% Senita Athletics, I thought I would make the ultimate Senita Athletics gift guide of my personal favorite items. There are three editions: runner, lounge and cozy. If you are a new customer you can use my code SAMNZIMMERMAN to get 15% off of your purchase. Currently the whole Senita website is 20% off until 12/3/2024. If you are already an existing customer and you want to support me, you can always shop through my affiliate link here.

Then there are launches which are new products marked 30% off for 24 hours. The remaining drops of the BFCM are the following:

• 11/22
• 11/26
• 11/29
• 11/30
• 12/2

My code/reward codes can be stacked on top of the already discounted prices. This is the best sale of the year and when I make sure to budget for a lot of purchases (sorry to my mail lady!)

For clickable photos/a downloadable guide, see below!

Let’s get started! Each edition has my favorite item circled! For size reference, I am 5’4″ and approximately 130lbs. I will share sizes that I order in each item in the descriptions. Let’s start with the Senita Gift Guide: runner edition.

1. Baselines – particularly the 5″ are my all time favorite. If I had to pick one Senita item for the rest of my life and only one, it would be baselines. These shorts do not budge and are the perfect length for me. The two side pockets are deep. The material of these is lux and the waistband is seamed. There are also two side pockets underneath the deep pockets that you can hold tennis balls/pickleballs etc. There is also a small pocket in the front waistband. I wear a size small.
   
2. Sarah Sports Bra – made out of the same material as the baselines, the lux sarah sports bras are my second all time favorite product. In the summer my running attire is almost strictly the sarah and baselines. I love the back pocket for my phone to be readily available for those running shots. This is a very supportive bra for me. These come with removable cups. I take those out right away and wear without them. I wear a size small.
   
3. Pace Leggings – also made out of lux fabric (are we sensing a fabric favorite of mine?) The pace leggings are basically baseline leggings but with a seamless waistband and no extra pockets for tennis balls HA! I haven’t introduced rio’s, but pace leggings are like rios and baselines got married (which 5″ rios are basically pace leggings in a shorts form.) These are the perfect lightweight and compressive leggings for cooler temps. I wear a size small.
   
4. Tempo Long Sleeve – speaking of lightweight, the tempo long sleeve is my go to for cooler temps when it comes to running tops. When it’s a bit chilly at the start of a run, but I warm up, I can easily take this off and wrap it around me without feeling like it’s bulky or weighing me down. It is super breathable and seamless. One thing I do differently is I size two sizes up for these. I don’t love fabric clinging to my body when I run because I overheat and get heat rash. I get a size large in the tempo long sleeves and they are the perfect fit for me. I wear a size large.
   
5. Thermal Leggings – If you live somewhere where it gets really cold and you still run outside, the thermal leggings are the go to for pants. These are what I wear when it’s sub 30 degrees. These are fleece lined and a seamed waistband. You still have the two pockets on the sides. These are made out of polyester and spandex and also include a drawstring in the waistband. Super comfortable and warm and I wear a size small.

Next up we have the Senita Gift Guide: lounge edition. These are my favorites when I am not in my running clothes. I saved all of the classic fabric items for the last edition called cozy edition. Don’t get it twisted, I am almost always in something classic fabric for lounging too.

1. Studio Skin Straight Leg Pant – OKAY this was a brand new product recently released. It is so good that I already went back and bought a second pair. I have been needing a nice comfortable pair of black pants as a staple in my wardrobe. These are it. These pants have a hybrid waist band which means the back waistband is seamed but the front is unseamed which lays nice and flat on your belly. I love that, so comfortable!! The fabric is skin fabric which is so nice and buttery and they have two mesh lined pockets, one on each side. These come in two lengths 29.5″ and 32″. Like I said, I am 5’4″ and the 29.5″ were perfect length for me even with shoes on.
   
2. Studio Skin Joggers – also known as skoggers to the Senita Sisters. I felt it was right to jump right into these because these are what the straight leg were adapted from. If you don’t want a straight leg pant but you want the same hybrid waistband and buttery soft fabric (polyester and spandex) in a jogger form, these are it. They also have a small pocket in the back waistband. I wear a size small regular 28″ length.
   
3. 5″ rio – I mentioned these a bit earlier, but I love these for lounging. While I have ran in them, I noticed they do roll up just a little bit on me in the legs versus the baselines. However, I love the seamless waistband for hanging out around the house, strength training or going out and about. These are lux fabric and high waisted, seamless waistband. Large side pockets on each side. I will note when I first found senita, I loved the regular length 3.75″ rios as a running staple. However, after pregnancy I found myself loving the longer length of the baselines. They recently came out with multiple sizes of both baselines and rios, but like I said, the 5″ rios aren’t as perfection to me for running as the baselines because of the legs and thigh rubbing. That is why I placed these in the lounge edition! I wear a size small.
   
4. Infinity Full Length Long Sleeve – this was a product I slept on. It wasn’t until I got a cropped version in a grab bag that I realized what I was missing out on. Then they released full length and I snatched it up right away. It’s so hard to know how good fabrics are when you purchase online, but this fabric is SO GOOD. It is like butter but a heavier duty durable long sleeve. I think Liz described it as resilient and she is so right. Modal fabric is perfection and if you have never owned anything in that fabric, then make it this Senita product. This style is kind of like raglan sleeves and a very cool feeling against your skin. I find I did not need to size up because the sizing is meant to be hanging off your body versus tight on your skin. It is made up of modal, spandex and cotton. Like I said, I have a cropped version that I loved but the full length is where my heart lies. I wear a size small.
   
5. Skin Move Bra – this is the bra to lounge around in but also it’s compressive enough to where you feel supported. If I am hanging out at home but have a strength workout, I don’t need to change. In fact, I love this bra for strength training, especially back days because it is so flattering. There is no padding in this bra and it does have a v neck plunge which is a bit more revealing than I typically wear, but it is so flattering. The fabric is skin which is the polyester and spandex blend. Buttery soft feeling. I would not recommend wearing for a run unless maybe you are flatter chested and don’t need as much support. That is why I have it in the lounge edition! I wear a size small.

Okay, now is time to give the glory where it is deserved and that is the classic fabric! I’ll share my journey with the classic fabric line and how my love started with our first and my favorite item, the classic crew. Introducing the Senita Gift Guide: cozy edition.

1. Classic Crew – this was a product line I slept on, much like the infinity long sleeve. I received a classic crew in a mystery bag offer and then realized the hype. In my defense, I was thinking, “how can you make a sweatshirt better than the cheapo ones you can buy at the store?” Well you can. Senita did it. The classic fabric is chef’s kiss. So good, that they just released a blanket and robe so you can always have this fabric on. My 3 year old daughter always comments how soft the inside of my classic products are. They are lined with silky smooth fleece. Heavy duty sweatshirt that has detailing down the sides of the sleeves and also the waistband. They are oversized to hang off of you and not bunch at your hips. At least with my TTS small. The fabric is a mix of cotton, polyester and spandex. There is a seamed waistband, but like I said it hangs straight instead of bunching. I’m sure you can adjust sizing if you prefer that look, or you can check out the hoodie! I wear a size small.
   
2. Classic Sweatpant – it’s only right to discuss the matching sweatpants. I don’t always buy the matching sweats, but I do have at least 5 pairs and the silky smooth fleece lining is too good. These have a drawstring in the waist. If you want a more fitted look, size down. Getting true to size will still fit good but will be a little looser/baggier. I have both smalls and x-smalls for this reason. X-small in the colors I want to look more fitted and smalls in the cozier looser fit. I have noticed the waistbands have been tighter in the recent colors, so getting TTS may be the best bet moving forward! These do have cinched ankles, but I think the Senita Sisters would DIE if they came out with straight leg classic pants. A girl can hope!!! Once again, I have smalls and x-small but would recommend staying TTS and starting there.
   
3. Classic Cropped Hoodie – I tend to not get cropped products unless they arrive in mystery bags and then I realize how I actually don’t mind cropped products. This was a perfect example. The smooth silky fleece lining on this adorable cropped hoodie. So comfortable and soft and just hangs right off of you. The hood is also lined with a jersey fabric rather than the fleece to protect your hair! There are no pockets, but if you are looking for pockets, stay tuned for the next two products I chat about. I size up and wear a medium.
   
4. Classic Hoodie – Imagine a classic crew but with a hood and pockets. This is your item. The difference is that this will bunch at your hips rather than hang down. If you want a hoodie with pockets in the classic material, stay tuned for the last product I discuss. I love a good hoodie and you cannot beat this classic material. I own all of these items because some days you want a hoodie and sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you want full length, sometimes you want cropped. So versatile! This hood also has the same jersey lining in it to protect your hair. This has the same silky smooth fleece interior and detailing on the sleeves and a seamed waistband. I wear a size small as these are meant to look oversized.
   
5. Classic Half Zip Hoodie – I think this may be my second favorite classic fabric item which is why I will end with it. This is a newer item and I LOVE it. You get the perfection of the classic fabric silky smooth fleece lining, you get pockets, you get the jersey fabric lined hood AND you get a zipper. I am typically not a zipper gal, but because this is a hoodie and not just a funnel type neck, it is my style. I love this because it’s cropped but still is drapey and hangs off my body. Because I get a size up, it doesn’t feel as cropped as it looks in the photos. It also does not bunch and is more flowy. I love that, except on a chilly day when the wind blows into it HA! I size up in this and wear a size medium.

That was a lot and when I tell you that this isn’t even a drop in the bucket of all the amazing products Senita has, they are what make up the majority of my closet. The best part too is that they make great wear to work items too. I am a remote worker, but I do go into the office every now and then and I love how I can wear the various skirts, dresses, pants, cardigans etc that Senita has launched over the many of years. I also wore Senita for my entire pregnancy. They make really great quality maternity items. I cannot say enough great things about this company and sisterhood which is probably why I will continue to support them even if my wallet says nooooooo.

Once again, if you are a new customer you can use my code SAMNZIMMERMAN to get 15% off of your purchase. Currently the whole Senita website is 20% off until 12/3/2024. If you are already an existing customer and you want to support me, you can always shop through my affiliate link here.

The post The Ultimate Senita Athletics Gift Guide for 2024 appeared first on My Feet in Motion.

It’s one month until the Mo’ Cowbell Half Marathon race that I have been training for the last 14 weeks. I’ve been slacking with my training updates. Maybe it’s because I think no on really care. But also probably because I’m just so focused! I was motivated to give an update because I just ran a 5k this past Friday night and it was not where I thought I was fitness wise, but I also don’t believe it. I’ll share more about that. But first, let’s catch up.

The last post I had just finished my first 4 weeks of training. Now I am on my last 4 weeks. That is pretty surreal. Here is what I currently feel about race day.

• I know I will be wearing Senita for my race apparel. That is a given. (discount code = SAMNZIMMERMAN)
• I know I will be drinking Gatorade Endurance Watermelon electrolytes and wearing my Drankful vest for the race.
• I *think* I will be exclusively using Crank E Gels for my fueling throughout the race.
• I will be wearing a hat because I have learned how great of a job it does at keeping sweat out of my eyes.
• I will not PR and break 1:45 (yet.)
• I do think I can run sub 1:55.

I have made peace with the fact that once again, this race won’t be the one that gives me a new shiny PR that I have been chasing after. What this race means to me is starting and finishing healthy. I want to FINALLY have a good base and foundation that carries me to the next race and continuing after that. That is what I am hopeful for. As far as current fitness 4 weeks out, I could see myself breaking 1:55. But overall goal will be to have fun, run my race, finish healthy and be able to keep up a good foundation.

My 5K I ran in 25:39 which was an 8:15 pace. I don’t believe this is my current fitness for a 5k. The race was at night, hotter than I would have liked and I never really do a good job at fueling appropriately for a night race. My first mile was in 7:54 and that actually felt comfortable for me. I just went downhill after and what felt the same pace was actually 8:22 and then another 8:22. I personally believe if I had ran a 5k the following morning instead of that evening, where the temps were a nice crisp 40-50ish degrees, that I *MAY* have seen a sub 24 which was my goal and where I thought I could have easily been.

But that’s the great thing about this training cycle. Every run is a gift and that race was a scheduled tempo run for my training plan and I think I executed that well for the effort I needed in my training week. I then had an amazing 10 miler on Sunday where I felt really good and strong. My quads were a bit tired from the race but with all things considered, I was so excited to feel good. I ran my 10 miler at 9:58 pace in 44 degrees and it was glorious. I will do one more 10 miler if my body holds up and then I will start my decrease of mileage to prepare for race day!

I cannot believe I am saying that. Three long run days left and one of those will probably only be 6 or 7 miles. I’m glad I am sitting here writing this and so happy and proud of how I have been keeping up with my training. However, I also know how important these final weeks are to staying healthy and injury free.

I’m sure I will do another post before race day with my final thoughts and plans. For now, thank you for your continued support!

The post One Month until Mo’ Cowbell Half Marathon appeared first on My Feet in Motion.

We are officially complete with 4 weeks of Mo’ Cowbell Half Marathon training. Mo’ Cowbell has the following distances for 2024: marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K. The plan I am following loosely is an 18 week plan. Let’s do a little recap, shall we?

First the details you may want to know!

• Majority of what I wear is Senita Athletics. You can save 15% off your first time order with code SAMNZIMMERMAN.
• The running shoes I wear are the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
• My training watch is the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Standard Version.
• I’m currently utilizing Huma Gels, but have a few other options coming to try that include Carbs Fuel, SiS, Crank Sports and Bare Performance. I had a Never Second, but I guess it got deleted from my cart and I’m just now realizing that. So that may be one I have to try later. I order from The Feed.
• I’m eating Rise Bars and you can save 15% off with code SAMANTHAZ10. Which they also just came out with 3 flavors of protein powder that I will be trying and will update you on!
• The socks I wear are FEETURES and they are seriously the best, especially right now in the heat of summer. You can save 15% off using code SAMANTHZ15.
• The sunglasses I wear are Tifosi Optics and you can save 15% off using code SAMZ15.

Week 1 of Mo’ Cowbell Training

I eased into training with just 3 days of running for week 1. That wasn’t intentional, it was life.

• Monday – 2.73 miles @ 11:21 pace
• Wednesday – 4.1 miles @ 11:03 pace
  • workout of 4×1:00, 2×2:00,4×30 sec with avg pace of 7:41
• Thursday – 3 miles @ 9:28 pace
  • Total miles = 9.83 miles for week 1

Week 2 of Mo’ Cowbell Training

• Tuesday – 3 miles @ 10:10 pace
  • workout of 12x100m with avg pace of 5:55
• Wednesday – 3 miles @ 10:19 pace
• Thursday – 2.72 miles @ 11:04 pace
• Sunday – 6 miles @ 10:08 pace
  • Total miles = 14.72 miles for week 2

Week 3 of Mo’ Cowbell Training

• Monday – 3 treadmill miles @ 13:37 pace
• Tuesday – 4.57 miles @ 11:12 pace
  • 1 mile @ 10k effort, 5x200m, 1 mile @ 5k effort – avg pace 7:56
• Thursday – 2.5 treadmill miles @ 12:10 pace
• Saturday – 7 miles @ 10:01 pace
  • Total miles = 17.07 miles for week 3

Week 4 of Mo’ Cowbell Training

• Monday – 4 miles @ 10:21 pace
• Tuesday – 3 stroller miles @ 11:35 pace (Kaylea wanted to go running with me!)
• Wednesday – 1.5 treadmill miles (failed workout. Ended up just doing .5 warmup and 2x.5 and calling it quits)
• Thursday – 2.36 miles @ 9:16 pace
• Sunday – 7 miles @ 9:38 pace
  • Total miles = 17.86 miles for week 4

There we have it. A full 4 weeks of training down with 14 more to go. My knee is holding up. I’m continuing to do my strength training and also get treatment on it at least 1x a week. Just crossing my fingers that it can make it through the training!

The post 4 Weeks of Mo’ Cowbell Training Complete appeared first on My Feet in Motion.

On May 4th, I had a local 5k of which I had ran the same course back in 2019, but just a different race. I was hoping to just get as close to that time as I possibly could. I know that I was also injured and sick back in 2019, so I thought it was for sure possible.

I started the race going out at what I felt was conservative and comfortable. The start of races always sucks because people all around you are going out like cheetahs and you have to try to gauge if you stick with them or let them go. My mindset was to let them go. I trailed the 1st place female runner and as the race went on, she got further and further spaced out. This was a race that had a gradual incline up and then you turned around and went right back down. I thought maybe I could catch her on the down.

Nope, I didn’t have it in me. By that point she was long gone and I actually got passed by another female runner, who ended up being in my age group and took first. They only gave out 1st place in AG awards because it was such a small race. So I went home without a medal. I had a good time though and it was for a great cause. My goal was to test out my racing shoes, remind myself what a 5k felt like and just have fun. All of those things were achieved.

My 2019 time was 26:26 and this year I ran 26:23. This year my watch had it at 3.2, which I hope it actually was, so that my pace was quicker. I think the atmosphere at my race this weekend will also help me run a little faster too. We will see. I would love to see sub 25 with my current state.

My final splits were:

• mile 1: 8:17
• mile 2: 8:39
• mile 3: 7:55
• 0.02: 7:33

Otherwise, been keeping my long runs around 6 miles for now and will increase and follow my half marathon plan in June!

The post Another week, another update with a race recap appeared first on My Feet in Motion.