Sunday, January 31, 2010

It is official...this time for real

Back when I made the decision to switch races, I made the decision but never signed up. Maybe this is why my motivation is kinda eh lately. But I had a coupon code for $20 off if I signed up by 1/31. So I signed up today. Paid half of what the Disney race cost (if I didn't love Disney so much I would be angry at how much they rip you off) I know I posted a code for $10 off , but if you sign up today you can get $20 off if you put in LEAP at checkout. Just Sayin. I am all about getting a bunch of people to do this with me :-D. 

I bought some Under Armor Coldgear Tights I also got a cute pair of black and pink Under Armor (gotta rep the terps) running shorts with the breast cancer ribbon on them ( I am sucker for that pink ribbon for sure :-D ) It matches my pink light hooded shirt. I figure that is what I will wear on Valentines day for the race. Pink is festive for the holiday! I sure hope all the snow we got yesterday is gone, I don't want to run in the slush.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

1/26

A quick update:

I ran 3.5 miles tonight, it was an alright run. Not great but not horrible. Boring really.

I have been better about my eating and soda drinking. I am trying. I am annoyed because I have sort of hit a plateau in my weight loss. My jeans are super saggy in the butt, but my other jeans are super tight and create a super muffin top. EW! I refuse to go buy jeans since I am trying to wear smaller sizes. So I keep tightening my belt and will work harder to get to that next size. I am close, they button, just a little too tight.

I have been taking walks with the girls during the day too.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

1/23

Another great run. I love that I am just running 4 miles and not stopping between miles like before. I play with the speed. I start slower, then get faster. Then I get tired so I slow it up and then I get bored and so I speed it up a lot to get it over with. I have a set speed I don't want to go under as I am still trying to get faster, but I finished 4 miles in 40 mins 50 seconds, almost a min faster than Thursday.

Tomorrow's run may not happen, and I am ok with that, I will move it to Monday. I have to babysit until 1130, then I am getting a new cell phone (thank GOD) then we desperately need to get groceries, we are seriously down to 1 box of pasta, tuna(which I don't eat) bread not meat or PB and some cheese. Sad.  Then either I will get my hair cut and highlighted and I will run, or I will take a nap and we will go see Avatar. (seeing as it is almost 1am, and the twins will be up 7ish) I will probably go with the napping thing. Just sayin.

Ok Night!

Friday, January 22, 2010

gotta love a sale

I found a coupon code for the rock and roll race. I have to sign up by the end of jan (which is like a couple days away, but for $10 bucks off I can do that. )

If by chance you are thinking about signing up for this one, or any other Rock and Roll races use coupon code AZSURVEY09  and get $10 off. I think you have to answer a couple questions, but that's ok with me.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Finally!

So the last time I really ran, was 10 days ago. I ran 3.75 miles at a 10:31 pace. I tired to run Tues and that sucked, but today I feel better. So I was doing 4 miles today no matter what. I started at a 10:54 pace, then upped it a little, I kept it between 5.5 and 6 mph for 3.5 miles, but I wanted to finish so the last .5 mile was at 6.2 and 6.5. I just wanted it over. I was tired, and hungry. I finished 4 miles in 41:40 miles an average 10:24 pace.

I was so happy. I called my mom 20 seconds into my cool down walk. :-D

I still feel a little stuffy, and I am not 100% but I am definitely better. The fact that I am basically back on track according to my training plan makes me very happy. I was super worried that I would suck and have to back track a little.

Now off to shower, then read some ( and eat a brownie that Matt made...eh, I deserve it!)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

I want to cry

I went to the gym tonight. I haven't seen that place in a week. I attempted to run tonight, I wanted to do 3 miles (I should be at 4) but would take 2. I ran 1 at 10:54 pace and was coughing and struggling to breathe so much I had to stop, since the only other person there left and I decided it wouldn't be smart to keep going and then die with no one there to notice. I walked 5 mins and did deep breathing. I ran another mile at a faster pace, 10:31. It hurt I coughed so much. Then I walked until the end of Jeopardy. I decided to take it easy since I was obviously pushing too much for being sick.

I am going to put myself in a Nyquil coma again tonight, I woke up feeling better today. Maybe tomorrow will be even better. If I could just get this out of my chest I would be money. Tomorrow I am going down and running 3 miles. (I hope) then I will be back to normal Thurs or Fri ( I may switch rest day because of my knee and running 3 days in a row)

I hate being sick, and I hate feeling like I can't do this. I was in such a good groove. I want it back. I don't have patience for illness. GRRR.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Death

I can't exactly put into words how bad I feel, but death is close. Sunday I was so weak, walking down 3 flights of stairs left me shaking and I thought I was going to pass out. My lungs hurt and I can't breathe so save my life.

Today it was BEAUTIFUL out, and I really wanted to get me and the girls out of the house, but I knew I couldn't handle a walk on my own. I sweet talked my love into meeting me at the shopping center for lunch. Even though he isn't a fan of babies he still came, and then we walked slowly around the shopping center. I was exhausted when I got home. Luckily I pulled into the driveway at the same time as the girls mom and dad so they helped me unload them.

I just took a big dose of Nyquil, got a humidifier in the room and hopefully will sleep well tonight. I can't go another day without running. It is making me crazy.

Oh and I have been drinking soda again. Like a glassfull, Sat, Sun and Monday. WTF. NO MORE. I forgot how much I love Mt Dew. Now I remember, sigh. Only water tomorrow.

Night!

Rules of Running

I found a link to The Rules of Running somewhere out in blogland

I liked them, thought I'd share them with you.

The 53 Runner’s Commandments
by Joe Kelly
1. Don’t be a whiner. Nobody likes a whiner, not even other whiners.
2. Walking out the door is often the toughest part of a run.
3. Don’t make running your life. Make it part of your life.
4. During group training runs, don’t let anyone run alone.
5. Keep promises, especially ones made to yourself.
6. When doing group runs, start on time no matter who’s missing.
7. The faster you are the less you should talk about your times.
8. Keep a quarter in your pocket. One day you’ll need to call for a ride.
9. Don’t compare yourself to other runners.
10. All runners are equal, some are just faster than others.
11. Keep in mind that the later in the day it gets, the more likely it is that you won’t run.
12. For a change of pace, get driven out and then run back.
13. If it was easy, everybody would be a runner.
14. When standing in starting lines, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be  there.
15. Getting out of shape is much easier than getting into shape.
16. A bad day of running still beats a good day at work.
17. Talk like a runner. “Singlets” are worn on warm days. “Tank tops” are worn to the beach.
18. Don’t talk about your running injuries. People don’t want to hear about your sore knee or black toe.
19. Don’t always run alone.
20. Don’t always run with people.
21. Approach running as if the quality of your life depended on it.
22. No matter how slow you run it is still faster than someone sitting on a couch.
23. Keep in mind that the harder you run during training, the luckier you’ll get during racing.
24. Races aren’t just for those who can run fast.
25. There are no shortcuts to running excellence.
26. The best runs sometimes come on days when you didn’t feel like running.
27. Be modest after a race, especially if you have reason to brag.
28. If you say, “Let’s run this race together,” then you must stay with that person no matter how slow.
29. Think twice before agreeing to run with someone during a race.
30. There is nothing boring about running. There are, however, boring people who run.
31. Look at hills as opportunities to pass people.
32. Distance running is like cod liver oil. At first it makes you feel awful, then it makes you feel better.
33. Never throw away the instructions to your running watch.
34. Don’t try to outrun dogs.
35. Don’t trust runners who show up at races claiming to be tired, out of share, or not feeling well.
36. Don’t wait for perfect weather. If you do, you won’t run very often.
37. When tempted to stop being a runner, make a list of the reasons you started.
38. Never run alongside very old or very young racers. They get all of the applause.
39. Without goals, training has no purpose.
40. During training runs, let the slowest runner in the group set the pace.
41. The first year in a new age group offers the best opportunity for trophies.
42. Go for broke, but be prepared to be broken.
43. Spend more time running on the roads than sitting on the couch.
44. Make progress in your training, but progress at your own rate.
45. “Winning” means different things to different people.
46. Unless you make your living as a runner, don’t take running too seriously.
47. Runners who never fail are runners who never try anything great.
48. Never tell a runner that he or she doesn’t look good in tights.
49. Never confuse the Ben-Gay tube with the toothpaste tube.
50. Never apologize for doing the best you can.
51. Preventing running injuries is easier than curing them.
52. Running is simple. Don’t make it complicated.
53. Running is always enjoyable. Sometimes, though, the joy doesn’t come until the end of the run.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

uhg

And now I am sick. I felt it coming all week, and I am not surprised as the twins have been sick all week. But it hurts to breathe. I am just calling this week a bust and focusing on getting well. Starting fresh on Monday. I will do some wii fit though, I just don't think my lungs can do a 4 mile run today. NOPE.  Oy. I have 0 energy too. Sigh.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Not the best week

This week has been rough, I have had things going on every night this week and just haven't had time to run. Typically I make the time, but I honestly just haven't had the time. Hopefully tomorrow I can get my run in before my parents come down.

I haven't eaten too bad this week, we tried the new dominoes pizza the other night and I ate half a burger and fries at Outback (and some blooming onion)

I am hoping I can get Sunday's run in, but we have Turducken on Sunday so it just may not happen either. :( My life slows down a good bit next week, I won't suck so much. I really wanted to get my runs in, I felt bad the days I couldn't run. But I didn't gain weight :-D I only have a couple weeks before true training comes.

I just got the P90X from my dad so in his words it is going to "kick my ass" WOO.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Say a prayer for Haiti today

We all know what happened in Haiti is so tragic, yet we all may be at a loss for what we can do. I know I am. I can pray and pray for them, but I still feel like that isn't enough. I wish I could help more, but I can't go there, and besides the$10 I added to my next cell phone bill, I really can't afford a grand donation. So I will pray. I will pray everyday. Tonight while I run, I will pray. Tomorrow while I wash baby bottles, I will pray.

Someone is doing something amazing, Ree, the Pioneer Woman is offering a different type of give away. She is donating 2 - $500 donations in the winners name to the charity of their choice to help in Haiti. How absolutely generous. Not only that, but for every comment entry that she receives, she is donating $0.10 (there are over 3000 comments right now.)

What a wonderful woman she is for doing this! Go leave a comment, read some of the prayers and uplifting comments that are being left there, and help give to Haiti. HERE is the link.

Say a prayer for Haiti today.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Training

I have decided that training needs to be not only running here, and doing workouts everyday but I also need to train how to run races.

So I am already signed up for a 5k in February

I am also thinking about some other ones.

Crystal City 5ks in April. - Every Friday night there is a 5k through Crystal City.
Maybe the GW Parkway 5k
Pacers Running Festival - quarter marathon- which is a little more than a 10k
and maybe the Crystal City twilight 5k.

Maybe if I get some races under my belt then my nerves won't be a huge issue come Sept.

Now off to get my wii fit on!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

1/10

Today I ran 3.75 miles at a 10:31 pace  and then .25 mile at a 9:14 pace! I can't believe how much I have gotten better at this running thing!

I don't really have a lot to say about today's run, it was good. pretty easy I had to jump off on the side once for about 30 seconds just to catch my breath. My dad is hopefully bringing the p90x dvds on Sat. I will somehow work them in.

I am really close to getting into my next size smaller jeans. I just want to get there! I can put them on and button them, but then I can't move or breathe! HA!

OK shower and bed now!

a good investment

I really like this quote. I 100% agree. When people ask why I am doing this, I think it is my new answer to them. To invest in me. To do something to, stretch me, to challenge me, to inspire me and change me.  I hope you get inspired too!


"Running is a kind of investment in yourself."

The Runner's Book of Daily Inspiration, Kevin Nelson

Saturday, January 9, 2010

1/9

Today's run was very good. I upped the speed today! Which means I have to run at that pace all week. BOOO.

I talked to my friends tonight who ran the VA beach half and now I am super excited! :-D

I slept until 10:30 today- so that is good. Tomorrow I am getting up early again and then getting stuff done around here and running too. Tomorrow I up my miles to 3.75. I am almost at 4 miles straight. Shew. Never thought I'd see that! WOO

Thursday, January 7, 2010

1/6 and 1/7

I did want to be better about blogging in 2010, but I won't resolve to do so.

Yesterday I did yoga and strength on the wii fit and then a couple silly cardio games. I didn't do the ea active. I really enjoy the yoga  but I am SO SHAKY!

Tonight I ran my 3.5 miles and it was harder than last time. But I didn't have to stop because of serious cramping - so that is probably why it sucked!

No offense to anyone who has decided to use January as a starting point in your journey to being healthy, but MAN the gym is so crowded now. I have had to come back to my apartment a couple times because people are on every machine. I used to be the only one in the gym most time. I hope that these people stick with it, because if I am all alone in Feb I will be really annoyed that they made me rearrange my life! HAHA I am a Scrooge!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Shes back!

Today's run was great mentally! Physically - I had side cramps for miles. I really need to get to the gym before I have dinner. I waited as late as I could,but I needed to get it done. However, it was the best run since last week. The mins and miles flew by. I watched the first hour and a half of The Biggest Loser and did ab work or arm exercises during the show, and rested during the commercials. Then watched the rest downstairs. It amazes me how some of these people have lost more weight in 1 week than I have in 12 weeks. I have officially lost 20 lbs. The week of New Years sucked in terms of my eating and working out. This week I am back on the wagon and making good eating choices. 

I haven't played my wii fit in a couple days, I heard it can get pretty nasty with you. I am scared to turn it on tomorrow. :-D

Today I ran 3.5 miles, walked 5 min and ran .5 miles.

I am working on getting the rest of my training on the computer and then I will post it.

Monday, January 4, 2010

New and Improved

Well last week was a tough week. While I made the decision to still run the race, it just didn't feel 100% right. It was 100% what I wanted. But I would be missing out on good friend's special day, and I wouldn't have Matt there which I still couldn't get past. So Matt and I had a talk last night and I did some research and decided to not run the Disney half marathon this year so that I could go to my friend's wedding. Instead I am going to run the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll half marathon. It is over Labor day weekend so it is a month earlier. Hopefully Matt and I can go and spend a weekend at the beach and I can run the race with some friends and maybe a few cheerleaders.

Now I can run my race and accomplish a dream, and still go to the wedding without having negative feelings that I am missing my race. It is the best of both worlds and I am really glad that things are working out this way. There was no way I was going to make it through 9 more months of training with a little black rain cloud over my head about this race. Now I am 100% at peace with the situation and we can move on from it! No more tears about this race!

I have edited my training so that I can start it in March instead of April. No big deal.

I was doing really well with not missing any running days until the holidays and then things just went nuts. We were so busy sometimes there just wasn't enough time for me to get it in with everything that was going on. But starting now there will be no more skipping. I will make the time and plan around it or **GASP** get up early to run.

Speaking of which, starting next weekend I will not be staying up super late just because I can. I end up sleeping half my day away the next day and get NOTHING accomplished because I am a slug. I will get up by 10 on weekends and be dressed either in running clothes or everyday clothes by 11. ( Hey maybe one day I will have earlier hours, but I don't have kids - why should I get up earlier if I don't have to- which makes you ask what time I have been getting up - lets just put it this way - the cut off for football picks is 5 mins before the game - and I missed it this Sunday)

Also, I will stop munching on the chocolate we have laying around. I have had a bag full of full size snickers since my birthday and I have hardly touched them, but mini candies laying around are just way to easy to have one or 2. UGH. NO MAS!

I have a 5k   planned 6 weeks from now and hopefully another 5 or 10 k in a couple months. I may run a 6k for clean water in April. I am finally able to get excited about this year! 8 Months to go! Now that I am staying local, can I talk anyone else into joining me? HMMMM? Aubrey - why don't you plan to spend Labor Day weekend in VA with me - even if you have a job it is a long weekend. DOOOO ITTTTT. <3

Jill - thanks for being flexible and sticking with me!  I can't wait to train with you!