Run 2 Fit

3 is too much

2011-08-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

This blog is going on the back burner for a while.

I actually signed up for a race today - but I don't think I can keep up with everything and 3 blogs. So my race training will be at my other blog .

Maybe when life slows down I will bring this back.

In other news. I have lost 19 lbs since June. :-D

Paleo Eating Week 1

2011-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a lot about the Paleo diet, or caveman's diet. Everything I have read has had positive things today. Matt and I have been in a food rut, and we just end up eating crap because we don't know what else to do. So I figured worst case, we get some new recipes in our diet.

So last Sunday we went grocery shopping. We didn't put cheese-its in the cart or rice. Insteaad we spent a lot of time in the produce section. This is very different from a normal shopping trip. With food bought and menu made I went to bed ready to start this.

I had some concerns. 1 - I am picky. I don't like a lot of different veggies or meats. I was/am worried that I will get bored of it. 2- This diet requires work. You have to plan ahead, you can't just grab a sandwich on the way out the door to work.
But you never know til you try.

So Monday am I weighed myself (I am not doing this to lose weight- just to feel better about myself- if weight loss ensues then sweet :-D )

I am going to put this out there, while my goal was to follow paleo strictly, I was not going to beat myself up if I cheated a little. I know that weekends are always going to be hard.

So how did it go?
Well from Monday breakfast to Friday Lunch, I was perfect, I only ate according to the paleo plan. Friday we went out with friends to a Mexican place. I ate chips and salsa, I don't regret it. :-D I ordered fajitas and I only ate one tortilla shell and a little rice. The rest of the meal I just ate the steak and onions. Saturday I made burgers with my brother, I didn't eat a bun, but I did eat chips. Fail Whale. But they were good :-D

How did I feel? Well, this week I only worked Monday and Tuesday so I was able to sleep in a bit more than normal, but I felt like I had more energy. Many times I feel like I need a nap at nap time or even fall asleep reading at nap time, but this week I didn't feel that way at all. Friday Matt and I walked around for a good 4 hours apartment hunting and normally I would have been spent and ready for a nap, but I was good to go and actually didn't get to bed until like 1:30am. I will have a better idea of how this affects me this week when I am back to my normal work schedule.

I will say that after dinner Friday, I felt full and heavy, boarder line gross. But Other meals last week I feel like I ate more than I did Friday and I never felt gross.

Hopefully next week I will have similar experiences.

I did lose 5lbs this week... It probably would have been more if I didn't cheat Friday and Saturday

Edit** I forgot to add - I spent the week doing work and school work, so I logged a big goose egg for workouts this week. Hopefully adding workouts back in will not change my energy level.

so about that roll...

2011-06-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

It stopped rolling. I have been doing a lot of school work lately and have been exhausted this week. I got a whopping 2 workouts in.

This whole finding balance thing SUCKS. it is hard and near impossible.

I am determined to get back on track this week.

I am also going to try to change my eating habits. I am tired of eating crap and feeling like crap. So starting next week, I am going to be trying to eat more along the guidelines of the Paleo diet. Getting back to the basics of foods. It will take a lot of planning, but everything I have read about it seems to point to it being a good way to eat.

My hardest thing will be giving up the carbs. We eat rice, potatoes and bread all the time. The other hard thing will be that I am so picky, so finding new and yummy foods I like might be a challenge, but I am going to try and force myself to try new things.

I am going to give it a good two weeks and hopefully not fall off the bandwagon. My hope is to share my experience here.

If grad school will let me :-D

On a roll

2011-06-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

and loving it.

I have worked out everyday (except last Friday because I was doing this)

I have been doing couch to 5k at an 8:30-8:50 min mile 3 days a week and p90x workouts the other days.

I finally made a schedule out. I am LOVING the p90x - even if Tony is annoying as H-E-double hockey sticks...

Here is what I am doing

You can see a better view of it here.

So far this month I am doing very well - hoping to keep my streak alive! That will take some planning ahead these next few weekends. And possibly some getting up early on weekends too... its worth it. I almost didn't workout tonight - and guilted myself into it. Now I am sitting here all sweaty and tired but glad I did it! YAY!!

Lately...

2011-05-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

My days are all off because of my busy weekend.

Day 1 was actually on Friday. I did p90x chest and back and Jillian's 6 pack abs. Holy cow!

Sat and Sun were super busy did nothing.

Monday I ran. I decided I was going to do couch to 5k. Wait what? You can run 10 miles! True, but 10 slow miles. I want to run a faster 5k. So I am starting couch to 5k at the beginning, running FAST! Hopefully I can keep it up when it gets to be for longer periods of time!

Tuesday: Did p90x shoulders and arms. Didn't have time for JM because we were going on a date :-D I technically didn't have time to workout, but I decided I would try to fit in a workout, shower and cooking dinner before the movie... dinner at home isn't happening. (at least my workout did) Please don't ask me to use my arms tomorrow!

Wednesday: Long, tiring day. Came home and was in a mood. Laid in bed and watched America's Next Top Model from the DVR and decided I wasn't running today. Then I watched the biggest loser. I watched these 400 lb people kicking their own butts to get to a better place, and then seeing them during the final week at over 100lbs lost for all of them, I couldn't let myself lay in bed and not run tonight. I felt like a jerk! So I went and did it! It felt good and I feel better now too. Even better when I posted my status on FB - I got a message from Matt (who is in Miami - lucky duck) that said "Proud of you." Me too Matt, Me too!

Thursday I did JM workout

Friday and Saturday were super busy and I didn't workout

Sunday I did JM

I can't remember if it was Monday or Tuesday I ran C25K week 1 day 3

Wed we drove to NC

Friday am (thats right AM like 8:30- so early) we all got up and went to the gym. I did Week 2, day 1 C25K

So that is that.

Saturday we are going hiking and Sunday I hope to get a run in, and then some tennis in the afternoon.

Matt and I drive home on Monday and I will get back to regularly scheduled workouts Tuesday.

I should probably change the name of this blog

2011-05-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

I do love running. I have run a handful (a small handful) of times since my race (sorry coach.)

Tonight I started my version of p90x.

I am going to be doing the strength workouts, but running on other days. Also, I am not doing ab ripper x. I HATE that workout. I can't really do much of it it is so hard. So I gave the DVD to my brother. (then did the chest and back workout tonight to see it at the end of the DVD and taunt me)

I did do Jillian Michael's 6 week 6 pack (fyi - no one gets a 6 pack in 6 weeks, i don't care what you say, but I like the workout)

I am sitting here, SORE (its only been 40 mins) and stinky and hungry.

So, my new plan will go like this.
For 4 weeks I will follow this plan (typically it is only 3 weeks, but I am traveling during week 2 and 3 (wed-mon) and know I won't get a workout in some of those days)

Sat - Chest and Back then Jillian Michaels 6 pack abs
Sun - run
Mon- shoulders and arms then JM Abs
Tues- run
Wed- legs and back then JM Abs
Thurs- Kenpo x
Fri- rest

Then the 5th week I will do recovery
Sat - rest
Sun - core synergistic
Mon- Kenpo
Tues- Stretch x
Wed- Core Syn
Thurs-Rest
Fri- Rest

I haven't looked at and worked out my plan for phase 2, but I will soon.

Hoping I can find the balance for when school starts.

So yea Tony Horton and Jillian Michaels are going to torture me for a little while.

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler

2011-04-10T10:58:00.001-07:00

This recap is a bit overdue.

I trained for this raced since January and followed the plan pretty well until the last 2 weeks. I just was super busy and couldn’t get those last long runs in.

My I finished this race 9 mins slower than my original goal. But my race day goal was to come in under 2 hours. I did just that!

I went to bed with a horrible migraine, so I was a little worried about how this race was going to go. I woke up feeling better, but with a mini hangover (sometimes I feel hungoverish the next day after a bad migraine)

It was FREEZING at the start line. I had a bit of an issue when picking out my outfit. I don't run outside in the cold, ever. So all I have in terms of cold weather gear is a pair of running tights that I knew would be too hot for the race. The temps were to be in the high 40s low 50s by finish time.

However at the start it was high 30s low 40s. YIKES.

I wore a short sleeve black shirt (that was matt’s) to try and soak in warmth from the sun. I wore shorts and then my compression calf sleeves. Not because I wanted the compression, but the warmth!

Waiting for the start was cold, my toes(and the rest of my body) went numb.

As we started running I could feel my body warming up from the toes up. By mile 2 I was good to go. I settled in at a slow comfortable pace and just went.

Miles 1-5 were easy and fun. Mile six I got a little tired.

I have to say that around mile 3 I saw the sweep bus, I knew I wasn’t running a 14min mile pace, but it really messed with my head. I was sure that thing was coming for me.

I needed to pee, but I refused to stop at one of the portapotties because my head told me the bus would be waiting when I got outside. The bus also helped me to keep my 2 walk breaks to water stops and keep them short(I really wanted to make sure I was getting the Gatorade in my system, the first couple I think I wore more than I drank.) So while it tortured me mentally, it really kept me going.

Anyway, I kept pushing and tried to enjoy the trees and the water around Haynes Point. Mile 9 I texted Matt and told him I was almost there, and then put my head down and pushed. If I kept it up I would make it under 2 hours.

Of course they had the last 1/2 mile up a hill. Nice, thanks! I saw Matt and his mom and kicked it to the finish. My mom was there too, but I didn’t see her and she couldn’t find Matt.

No wonder look at all those people

Crossing the finish – looking yuck.

I finished feeling really good. Could I have run 3.1 more miles? Probably not, but I didn’t feel like I was going to die. Success!

I bought a medal (if I am going to run 10 miles I want something to show for it dang it!)

The medal has the course as the branches of the Cherry Blossoms.

The shirt – looks like the medal.

This was a really fun race, and I will run it again one day. This was a good way to end my racing start my hiatus from running.

There are a couple races that have been trying to talk them selves into my life, but I am standing firm and getting a year of school under my belt (or at least summer and fall semesters) before I add training back in. Honestly, I REALLY want to run the Disney Princess Half. Maybe 2012.

I know I can do it

2011-03-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

The run on the plan for today was a 10 miler. (it was also on the plan last week, but it didn't happen)

I did it, and survived. I felt pretty good through most of it too. After 8 miles I got bored and was ready to go home and see Matt, who was gone the night before and came home mid run.

So the beginning of the year I made all these goals for 2011.

I wanted to run another half, a 10k , PR in a 5k, run 1000 miles for the year and possibly do a full.

Then I went and applied to grad school and got accepted.

So, after the Cherry Blossom 10 miler, running is getting back burnered. (is that a word?)

Until I know how much work I am going to be doing on the weekends, I just can't justify spending money on a race when I don't know that I will be able to give my all in training.

My first class starts the Monday after my race. I still plan to run, just not for 2 hours on a Sunday (like today)

Maybe after a few classes I can figure out how to work it all back in, if not , I hope that running is a nice break from the books for me.

After I get my 2 degrees, I plan to train for and run the Disney Princess half marathon. So look for that in a few years. :-D

I will keep this blog and when I run or find something worth posting I will post it up. I will keep reading everyone else's blogs too.

Love the Run You're With 5k

2011-02-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

I had a great run today.

Matt and I got to Pentagon city at about 8:15. We went to Champps restaurant to stay warm - it was chilly this am.

I decided to go ahead and get in line to go pee, since it was about 20 girls deep and took about 15 mins (of course there was no line for the mens room)

Good thing I did, because when I left the restaurant to go take a warmup run, the line was three times as long.

I wanted to get a mile warm up in, but time was a little close for me, so I ran to the start line, and ended up running .75 mile.

While I wanted a PR in this race, I wasn't going to push it to get it. My last (and first 5k) I started the first mile or so at insane speed (7:30 min miles) and hit the wall hard. While I finished with a good time - I walked a lot, and had a horrible race.

I didn't PR, but that was fine with me. I ran a good, strong race and enjoyed myself start to finish.

I was a little worried, because when we go to the mall parking lot, I realized I didn't have my headphones, so my ipod was useless. I always run with music, so I was worried that I would struggle without it.

I didn't. I enjoyed myself even without music. I listened to people's conversations as I ran near them, and then when they bored me I passed them :-D.

The course was basically run 1.5 miles away, turn around and come back. I liked getting to see the people as they were running back. Even if the first person got to me before I had even gotten to 1 mile! The winner finished in under 15 mins! Insane!

As I was running, a guy running the other way wearing a University of Miami hat pointed at my shirt and said something (but I didn't catch it) I don't run outside in the cold, so I don't have cold weather running gear except running tights I bought last year for this race. (I didn't get to run it) Anyway, I wore the only long sleeve t-shirt I have, which is my A.C.'s Icees shirt.

A.C. is this old dude that sells the best frozen lemonade I have ever had, EVER - out of his truck in this little park in Miami. That guy knows what's up! (Now I need to go to FL and get me some AC)

I finished in 33:18:72 according to my watch
Mile 1- 11:10:73
Mile 2- 10:37:24
Mile 3- 10:19:94
.15- 1:10:81

The official results said I finished in 33:19:00.

Sounds good to me!

Fun race! Not too cold (thank god no rain/snow) I was actually hot running the last mile or so. Will certainly run this fun run again next year. Maybe with some friends (hint hint)

Zumba

2011-02-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

I finally pretended that I didn't care and went to a Zumba class.

It was quite fun. I was HILARIOUSLY BAD!

Seriously. I have 2 left feet, limited rhythm and not great coordination. (OK - why the heck did I want to try this in the first place?!)

I positioned myself in front of the section of wall without a mirror. If I had to see how ridiculous I looked I think I would have been self conscious about it and given up.

I did alright. I think if I kept with it I could learn the routines. The girls in the class have been taking it for months, so they start to learn the routines.

So I was trying, I could get my feet to do MOST of the things I wanted. I had to forget about using my hands for most of the routines. But towards the ends of the songs I would get some arm motions in there too. Then towards the end, this song came on.

Everyone started giggling... (that should have been a sign!)

The instructor was right in front of me (yay I could see her feet and figure it out!) Then she started moving her hips/butt in ways my hips/butt don't move. Seriously. I have tried again in the bathroom alone, I don't jiggle like that. I tried to keep up and just go with it, I was dying laughing!

Here is a video of the choreography that they did for the last song. Seriously, how do people move their butts like that? I am slightly jealous.

So I did it, I took a Zumba class. I think after my race I am going to sign up for more classes and keep at it. But right now I want to focus on my running. Cross that off the 2011 Goals list!!!

January Review and February Goals

2011-02-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

Today is February 1. Time to check in on some of my goals for the month and the year.

January Goals:

Run 40 miles ( I ran 40.5! WOO!)

Strength 1x a week (yea this didn't really happen - but it will in Feb!)

yoga 1x a week ( not actual yoga, but I spent 15ish mins 4 or 5 days a week stretching- thats something)

2011 Goals

Exercise/Running

Run a 5k and PR in it (running one on 2/13!! EEK)
Run my first 10k
Run my first 10 miler ( signed up and currently training)
Run another half marathon and PR
Run outside more
Do yoga 1x a week
Get over my fear and try a Zumba class (Going with a friend this Thursday!!! EEEEK)
Do some form of strength work 1x a week ( see above)
Run 1000 miles this year (957.5 to go!!)

Nutrition

Take vitamins daily (I have been doing better with this, probably take it 75% of the time)
Drink water at restaurants (Probably 90% of the time! I ordered a diet rootbeer once that was exciting!)
1 vegetable and 1 fruit with dinner daily (doing a good job adding fruits and veggies into my meals)
Healthier snacking (meh - but a lot of the Christmas candy is gone so that is good!)
Only drinking diet soda ( which means I won't order soda out at restaurants because I only like diet sunkist , diet mt dew and diet A&W rootbeer) (we only buy diet so i only drink it!)

Home

Fold the clothes the day I wash them (or if I put them in the dryer before I go to bed - right away the next day) and put them away (started strong - then I let 2 loads sit for 3 days)
Clean up dinner dishes before bed (been trying to do this, unfortunately things have been working out so that I run the DW as I make dinner, so I have to wait to load it the next day after work.
Eat dinner at dinner table (which means keeping it free of clutter!!) (EH - it has its days)
Keep the clutter under control! No more piles! ( I think it is better than it used to be - still a little cluttered. Luckily I went through and got rid of a ton of stuff on Jan 1.)

Personal

Read every night before bed (doing ok but not every night - see below)
Go to sleep earlier (yea, no.Fail.)
Read at least 15 books from my list (still working on 1984 - switched to audio book and listen to it home from work everyday. Starting a new one soon)
February Goals
PR my 5k
Run 60 miles
Run with music more days than with tv.
Strength training at least 1 x a week.
Pack a healthy lunch everyday ( I typically take a lunch, but sometimes I scramble and take crap)

Runner's High

2011-01-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

I had one of the best runs I have had in a LONG LONG time.

Lets set the stage. I ate like crap last night, I stayed out late and went to bed after 2. I slept super late :-D and then did a WHOLE LOT of NOTHING.

I knew I had to put in 5 miles down on the TM. After I finally talked myself into going down, I just figured that my day of slothness would mean my run would be brutal.

The first mile was good, but at about a quarter of a mile I had to pee (sorry for the TMI) so I ran pee after 1 mile and then jumped back on. The last 4 miles were a breeze. I ran them nonstop and felt amazing the whole time.

Love it.

In other news, I am trying to talk Matt into running a little community 5K. It isn't until April 16 and I think that is plenty of time for him to do the couch to 5k program!

I really think it would be fun to run it with him. I hope he agrees. I am off to create a plan for him and see if he will do it. :-D

Do you know what this means?

2011-01-18T19:52:00.001-08:00

It means I have been running a lot. (and not running the dishwasher very often!)

YAY! That makes me happy. I have been feeling good. My knee started hurting a little on Thursday and I iced it on Friday and Saturday. I also made sure I remembered to take my glucosamine and chondroitin vitamin all weekend and I like to think that helped too (it probably didn’t make a difference and it was all the icing)

p.s. I have been doing a decent job remembering to take my vitamins everyday. I am a big believer in Vitamin D during the winter. I totally notice a difference. I suggest you take Vitamin D, it will give you some pep in your step.

The old me

2011-01-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

Today I had the best run in a long time. It was only 2 miles but it was a great run!

I started working with a running coach. I am so excited. She is going to train me through my 10 miler.

So I have officially started her plan. The thing that I have noticed tonight is that while I was running, at a point when I might have wanted to stop or slow or wimp out. I didn't, partly because the run was going really well, but also because I knew I didn't want to tell her I sucked :-D.

Obviously if I was hurting I would have chilled out, but I felt good.

So following her plan I won't get 50 miles this month, but that is perfectly fine with me. I want to race this race strong.

So yay!!

Oh Hey Lazy Lady

2011-01-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

That is me.

I can't find motivation to do ANYTHING anymore!!!

Seriously. What the heck is my problem.

Anyway. I made some overall goals on my other blog.

Here are my running/diet related ones.

Exercise/Running

Run a 5k and PR in it
Run my first 10k
Run my first 10 miler and at a pace no slower than 10min miles
Run another half marathon and PR
Run outside more
Do yoga 1x a week
Get over my fear and try a Zumba class
Do some form of strength work 1x a week

Nutrition

Take vitamins daily
Drink water at restaurants
1 vegetable and 1 fruit with dinner daily
Healthier snacking
Only drinking diet soda ( which means I won't order soda out at restaurants because I only like diet sunkist , diet mt dew and diet A&W rootbeer)

I also want to set goals for each month. This month I want to run 50 miles.

Better lace up - its day 3 and I have logged 0 miles!!!

Runnersworld.com has a new training plan maker. I just made a new updated plan for the 10 miler, and I think I am going to make one for the half marathon in May. I need to dig deep and get to running. I want to run this race and run it strong.

Emotional Roller Coaster

2010-12-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

So Sunday I find out I got a spot in the Cherry Blossom 10 miler! YAY! I was super excited.

Monday Matt comes home and informs me that his grandma's 90th birthday party was that weekend in NYC.

He told me to go ahead and run my race. But once again, I felt pretty selfish choosing a race over family. Matt and I have been dating for 4 years 8 months and I love his family like my own. So after I had a good cry about my horrible luck and allowed myself a few mins to wallow in my disappointment, I decided that I would sell my bib and run the back up race the following weekend.

I also put off training for much of the week. I have to get out of this lazy slump!!!

Thursday Matt comes home and asks "did you sign up for that other race yet?"

Thank goodness I hadn't. The party has been moved from that weekend to another one!

YAY!!

Except I am behind on my training schedule! Doh!

Oh well.

SO I think next week I might sign up for the Marine Corp Half marathon in May. Now I have to decide if I want to pay for a cheap hotel in the area or make the hour drive that am.

I also noticed that in Dec there is a new rock and roll half marathon in Miami. Maybe I can talk Matt into a Dec trip to FL :-D That would be fun I think.

So now I am happy I get to run the race I wanted .

Must get my training routine down. Working longer days really makes my motivation hard to find. Must deal with that! I want no more than 10 min miles this race.

Waiting

2010-12-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

Waiting to find out if I got a spot in the Cherry Blossom 10 miler. Will know by next Tuesday.

Pacers just came out with their 2011 Race Series

I want to run the Love the run your with race valentines day weekend

also considering:
Four Courts 4 miler
Crystal City 5ks on Friday evenings

Also if I don't get a spot in the Cherry Blossom race I will run the GW Parkway 10 miler

I have really been lazy lately. But the fire is slowly growing under my booty.

Local Peeps - what other races should I be considering?

Time to lace up the shoes again

2010-11-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

After taking a much longer than intended break from running I have decided to lace up my running shoes again and hit the pavement(or belt.)

Last weekend I started looking for races to run. But a lot of the 2011 races haven't been announced. I did decide that the main racing goal would be a 10 miler. I hope to run the Cherry Blossom 10 miler, but I have to win a lottery to get a spot, so we will see. I might have to wait a few weeks and run the GW Classic 10 miler.

I am considering and half marathon late summer, but it needs to be local. No spending money on hotels this year. Disney will probably have to wait another year. :-/

Hopefully come January we can start p90x back up, but on a less intense level since I will be running a lot too.

I did yoga this afternoon when I got home from work. I really need a good video that I like to do for yoga. I always feel good after doing it, but sometimes yoga on the wii pisses me off. I checked out a couple from the library. Maybe I will like one and then I can order it from Amazon.com.

Also, going back to no soda. I have been drinking way too much. I have 0 self control, so I always fail at only having one glass when out (plus half the time the waiter just brings a refill instead of asking, which most people would like, I however, would rather ask for water)

So my training plan is written - and I am ready to go!

GPS watch

2010-11-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

I might have mentioned a while ago about how I wanted a GPS watch. I just haven't broken down and bought one (or been given one for a gift- hint hint family hint hint.)

Ray of DC Rainmaker is giving away a Garmin 210 - I have been eying this watch for a while now as it is seems to be around the level of what I need. I don't need anything super fancy since I am just a beginner runner.

I am hoping I can win this watch - but I probably won't and maybe one day I will buy myself one. Maybe when uncle sam returns some of the money he takes from my paycheck every 2 weeks.

Next week I hope to start a new training plan. p90x is on hold probably until the end of the year. The reason? Well we stopped because of traveling and what not - and next week I bring home the christmas tree (which is stored at my grandparents from Jan - thanksgiving) With the christmas tree up I can't rearrange the furniture. January 2011 I will make us do it. Hear that Matt, we are getting back at it and not giving it up until we are ripped. (HA!)

Thanks

2010-10-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

I read an article today from Mark Remy at Runners World, he talked about how difficult it must be to be married to him, a runner.

I am not married, but I am in a long term (4.5 years on Sunday :-D ) relationship.

I know there have been many times during my 1/2 marathon training where I would spend 1-1.5 hours down at the gym before coming up and putting together something for dinner. We ate late sometimes because I would run first.
Weekends were fun towards the end. I would disappear for 2 plus hours every before we could go and do something.

And then there was the race. Getting up at 6, standing around alone for almost 3 hours.

It must suck to date a runner!

But without his support I wouldn't have crossed that finish line. He pushed me on days I didn't feel like training. Helped me get back on track when I was slacking off. He was my biggest fan.

I hope he doesn't get upset when he finds out I am thinking about running a 10 miler in the spring :-D (at least it will be local!)

Thanks Matt for supporting me through the last race and for always supporting me. I love you!

p.s. this is my last post ever as a 25 year old. eek! 26....in 16 mins!

Back at it

2010-10-13T05:32:00.001-07:00

I took about 3.5 weeks off of running after the race. I did a week of p90x and then the month of travel started so it got put on hold. I was feeling blah and i needed to be active again. So I went for an easy 2 mile run. Ran slow but felt good. However I feel tight in my hips today. I dont know what that means but hope its just because I've been lazy lately.

This weekend I am going to NYC for a bachelorette party then I am home again and time to get serious about my working out again. I have about 20 lbs I would like to get rid of and I need to step it up to get it off.

Congrats to those who ran the Chicago marathon last weekend. I am really excited about cheering people on at the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of the month!

So I am back...for sure.

Race Bling

2010-09-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

So I have this great medal - and I have no idea what to do with it. I am too proud of it to just let it sit on my night stand forever. (yes I do sleep with it beside my bed- that is totally normal right?)

I saw this post for a cute way to display medals, and she is giving one away! Now if I don't win, I may in the future end up getting myself one. I really like the Race Bling one :-D

Keep on Keeping on is giving away a RUNNER medal holder from allied steel fabricators

Oh but I also love the I crossed the finish line one.... I gotta get one of these...

What's next?

2010-09-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Well, for now I am giving running a little break. Letting my knee have some time off. Instead I am killing myself with the most intense workout ever.

I really wanted Matt to work out with me, and Jillian Michaels was just a little too girly for him. So we are doing p90x.

OH MY GOD.

Day 1 was a chest and back workout and then KILLER abs.
Day 2 was plyometrics - basically a TON of jumping and cardio
Day 3 was shoulders and arms and the KILLER abs again.

I am not going to lie, I phoned in the abs the first day, but tonight I didn't I really pushed it. I might not be able to move tomorrow.

Tomorrow is yoga - my dad said it is a killer. Yoga is hard for me, but not horrible (at least wii yoga) so maybe I will do ok - maybe.

I didn't take before pics like the thing said, and I didn't take any measurements. Maybe I will after 30 days and compare it to 60 days.

This workout may kill me. But at least I might get some muscle tone while dying :-D

Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half Marathon

2010-09-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have made you wait long enough to hear about my race.

Matt and I left for VA Beach at almost 8pm on Friday. We had to work, and figured we would just wait out traffic to get there. So I napped Friday, and then packed my stuff up and we took our time. Honestly I was pretty calm most of the trip.

We got in late Friday and pretty much just went to bed.

Saturday I woke up around 9 and started to get antsy to go get my race bib. I managed to take a shower and have breakfast and hold off going until noon when the rest of the crew was getting there.

We wandered around the expo for a while. I picked up a couple things I needed and got a bunch of free stuff (isn't that why we go to these things anyway?)

Later that night we had all you can eat pasta at our hotel's restaurant. A few of us also got the all you can eat ice cream bar too, somehow we all managed to only eat one bowl each (probably because someone took all of the Oreos ;) ) Then we headed down to the boardwalk to watch the Saturday night concert, Chicago. I like Chicago's music and I was excited. It didn't start til 9:15, but I knew there was no way I would be asleep before 10:30 so I didn't mind going. Parking was a nightmare, but we made it to the concert.

I went home and was in bed by 10:45 and probably asleep 5 mins later. I was sure I wouldn't sleep well, but I was shocked when my alarm went off at 6am. I sleep like a baby and I wasn't even tired.

I went down and met all my friends at 6:40 in the lobby of my hotel. We walked outside and right to our corral. Best decision ever to stay at the doubletree. I didn't have any worries about getting to the start line on time, I just walked out the door and there I was.

I realized I didn't have my watch, so that was a bummer, but I had everything else. I debated for a long time if I should wear my camelbak, but I decided that I would feel more comfortable having my water with me so I wore it. Glad I did. I had the worst case of cotton mouth right at the start.

Our corral 18 didn't start for probably 25-30 mins after the start of the race, we just slowly moved up. I was getting nervous during this time. Next thing I know we are under the start and the horn sounds and we were off.

I ran with Meg and Jill for a little and then fell off for a second to stretch out my calf muscle that was cramping. I never caught back up to them. The course has you run a little over in the touristy area, then you go over the overpass and run the majority of the race over there. As I was going up the overpass, I saw on the other side the first runner heading towards the finish. She was BOOKING IT. Holy Cow! Good for her though.

The people on the side of the road made me laugh a lot. Some were dressed as Michael Jackson, some in PJs, all of them had different themes. I ran with my iPod in, but I did hear some of the bands playing as I ran past them. This area was nice and shaded.

We ran through the base, and OMG was it ever boring. Boring and hot. There was no shade on the base. This would be where my sweet sunglasses tan is from. Around mile 5-6 my knee was really hurting (it started at like mile 3) I kept trying to push through it, I walked the water stops and could feel a little limp.

Mile 10 things got fun. I was tired, I was over it, my knee hurt, and then I got cut off and stepped on the divot that the road reflectors are in and twisted my ankle. It hurt! What was worse was that it just KILLED my mental game. I was doing a good job of pushing myself and making myself go further than my body wanted to. Now my knee and my ankle are hurting and I am really feeling that there is no way I am going to do this. I walked up the hill on the overpass, and then ran back down it.

Overpass - doesn't look like much of a hill, but it was more than I wanted.

At the bottom was Matt, thank God. I needed to see that face. I needed to hear him say he was proud of me, and that I was almost done. I walked some of mile 11 but then I made myself give what tiny bit I had left and go for it. I could barely see the finish line, but I could see it enough to know that it was there. I didn't take my eyes off it. I started it down so much that I missed Matt yelling at me as I crossed. I crossed it and just started sobbing. I got my banana and water bottle and then Matt ran up to me and I just hugged him crying I did it! I did it! (I may have just teared up writing that)

I did it! I got my medal and I did it! I couldn't be happier (and I might even be talked into another one one day)

As I was running I did a lot of thinking, I wrote a lot of this post while I ran (I don't really remember it though)

Somethings I was thinking:

That is an interesting outfit
Oh! I really like that skirt ( I have always wanted to try a running skirt)
OMG, that woman is like 9 months preggo, if she can do this so can I
Is that guy really juggling? Ass! Showoff (this was around mile 9.5)
Holy CRAP that guy has one leg and just BLEW past me! (this guy was incredible - he had one leg, and 2 arm crutches and was smoking past people! He totally inspired me to push through the pain)
Why did I pay money to do this?
Why are all these buildings looking the same? (this was on base)
Oh a tank, cool, must be on a base
Why the hell am I doing this?
Are we there yet?
Cytomax is really gross - why don't they give Gatorade?
My hands are numb (still don't know why this was)
Omg my necklace!?! (I reached up to grab it at one point - I did this a lot in training when I as tired and wanting to quit- it wasn't there, I forgot I took it off that am)
I bet Scott is already done, jerk. Ben too, Jerk.
I hope Meg and Jill are still running together (turns out they were - they finished together, holding hands - someone forgot about the high five- but holding hands is much better I think!! totally cool thing for sisters to do! YAY!)
I wish Aubrey was here
Matt should have run this with me (HA)
Maybe my dad will
Oh I forgot about this song!
Why am I doing this?
I really need to find a purse for Jordan and Amanda's wedding
Totally doing a Disney race (this was after I passed some people in silly costumes - totally not as cool as Mickey, but they did the trick)
Why is this song on my running playlist

Haha - I am not kidding , I thought about the most random things. But it kept me going.

I put my time in on my Dailymile record on Tuesday. I was for the first time disappointed because the pace was so slow. I knew I was slow but the pace sucked. I think I kept about an 11 min mile pace for the first 9 though. Just from the times I saw on the clocks at the mile markers. I REALLY slowed miles 10-12.

Oh well, no where to go but up from here!

**Some pics are mine - some I stole (with permission from Carla, at I run, You run) others from the official RnR photo website- I am ordering actual prints, but I didn't want to wait til they came to scan them in so I get the sweet watermark until then!***

I did it!

2010-09-05T10:26:00.001-07:00

I finished the race.

I feel good.

Super happy.

Recap later.

Off to enjoy VA Beach

Almost Race Time

2010-09-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that? When I signed up for this race it felt so far away, and yet we pack up tomorrow to head to Virginia Beach so I can run my 13.1 miles.

Have I been blogging the last bit of my training? Nope.
Have I been running the last bit of my training? Yes and no.

Why?

Well I haven't really been blogging much in general. Matt got a new job, and I have been working some insane hours and when we get home I just want to hang out. I have been making an effort to put down the laptop and actually talk to him in the evenings.

Running? Well, honestly, the last month I am just a little tired of it. I still want to run my race, and I still want to run after my race, but I am ready for running to be on my terms, not some plan I made up. I also just didn't realize how much of my time would be taken up by training. Some days at work just drain me and I just can't muster the energy to run that night.

So I am not going into this race feeling 100% ready, but I know I can do this.

I have run 11 miles. I only have two expectations for the race on Sunday.

1- To cross the finish line
2- to have fun!

That is all. If I walk a water stop or 2, I am ok with that. If I take longer than I originally thought I am ok with that too. I am doing something I have wanted to do for a long time. I am only doing this for myself, so I get to set the rules for it!

If you pray, toss up a little prayer for me on Sunday am. Pray that my knee holds up and I can make it to the end in as little pain as possible. (I ran in NC - part outside and part inside, but I had to cut it short because my knee started hurting. Been taking it easy since. I just want to make it to race day)

I will be back with a recap of my race. Maybe some pictures too!

If you are going to be in VA Beach running please let me know!

Oy

2010-08-10T11:59:00.001-07:00

I have been sucking at running lately, and sucking more at blogging. My weekends have been jam packed with car trouble and other nonsense. I worked all day saturday and half of sunday and i was dead. There are two long runs that either didnt happen or got shortened. My week nights have been nuts too, for no real reason.

Its time to get serious, my race is less than a month away.

I busted out the new shoes i bought on sale last night for a quick 3 miles (same exact shoe as before) my feet hurt a bit until about mile 2. Hopefully tonight is better.

I have a long run planned for this weekend, and then my last long run falls while i am in NC. I would love to run it outside, but we will be in the mountains. Not sure how i feel about those STEEP hills. We shall see. either way it is almost here. Not really sure how it got here so fast, but im looking it right in the face. It is time to buckle down and train hard these last 3 weeks.

I am getting really excited. I am also getting really nervous. Oh and top ice the cake. My brother tells me he is coming home the weekend i am away for my race. Tear. Maybe he will show up and surprise me at the finish...ha ok prob not.

10 miles

2010-07-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

Somehow today I ran 10 miles in 1 hour and 50 mins.

I was tired and had a headache when I started but it went away and I pushed it out. I only stopped for 30 seconds twice. Holy cow, I really don't know how I did it.

I am getting nervous about the race, but after a good long run I get less nervous.

Hope I am not too sore tomorrow!

still here, still running

2010-07-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

I have been running still. I haven't been blogging. Sorry friends.

I ran 9 fast miles on Saturday. I wanted to do slow, but Matt's sister was due anytime, and we were supposed to go out to dinner. So I had to get it done.

I ran this week. 5 miles. Going to run a few miles outside tomorrow and then 9.5 miles this weekend. Oy! Race is soon!

Sorry this blog has become boring. I will try to get better. There is just no time to work, run, shower, eat sleep repeat and blog. It is hard when it is nice outside, blogging is like a winter sport for me, I seem to do a lot more when it is cold.

I am lame!

8 miles

2010-07-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

So I ran 7 last week, and then 5 on Tuesday, and then Thurs and Friday I planed to run because I wasn't working. Right, well, Thursday I laid pool side for 4 hours and then made dinner and watched a movie (and planed a spontaneous trip to the beach) Friday = spontaneous trip to the beach. I thought about taking my shoes and running at the beach, but I didn't want to leave Matt sitting alone for an hour with nothing to do, plus I knew the boardwalk would be crowded. (ok ok, I was lazy- I just wanted to go and relax and eat crap food - which is just what I did ok!)

Saturday I slept in and then got ready for 4th of July festivities. Because of the way my day planned out running didn't happen. Sunday I was in DC all day hanging out and then watching fireworks.

All of that meant that todays run could be a doozy, but I decided that I was going down and doing 8 instead of the 7.5 planned to prove to myself that I can do it and maybe inspire myself to suck less this week.

I ran 3.5 miles, and then I saw my mom was calling. I ignored the call(with the intention to call her back after my run) but then I remembered that she was in NC with my brother and it might have been him calling. So I stopped and call back. It was him! YAY! Made my day! Talked to him for 2 mins or so then we made plans to talk again tomorrow when I wasn't huffing and puffing and when he didn't have to stand still (Marines on base can't walk and talk on the phone while in uniform apparently) My last 4.5 miles was harder, probably because I stopped for a bit, but I pushed through, and only took 2 30second breaks to stretch out. I ran 8 miles in 1 hour 26 give or take some seconds. It felt pretty good.

I missed June's goal of 58 miles by 3.4 miles. I know I should have gone down on Wed and busted them out, but I worked late and had a bunch of thing I needed to get done that night.

July I hope to run 62 miles. 2 months til race day! I am getting excited. These long runs make me feel more confident about this race.

I want a GPS watch

2010-07-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

No I really really do.

But I don't want some huge expensive fancy thing since right now most of my runs are on the treadmill. I was reading runners world and I saw the Garmin Forerunner 110 it is pretty much perfect for what I want.

DC Rainmaker is giving one away. I am entering and crossing my fingers and toes.

7 miles

2010-06-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

I am still on track to get my goal miles for June, even with 2 weeks with very little running during the week.

I went to the Orioles game on Tuesday, and as we were walking back to the car, I didn't notice that the road was being repaved. One lane was much higher than the other. So with all the grace in the world (HA) I ran my foot into the uneven pavement, almost ate it, and entertained the drunks behind me. It hurt, but it was dark so I couldn't see the damage, I could feel blood, but I didn't know what I was working with. I hobbled the 3 or 4 more blocks to the car. I managed to peel the skin on my big toe back. It was gross. I will spare you the picture that I sent to my best friend.

Anyway - Wearing a shoe was no a possibility this week. I put a sock on yesterday to see how it would feel but it still hurt. Today I managed to bandage it and put a shoe on. I was going to attempt my 7 miles I had planned but if I felt like it was rubbing the wound I was stopping. I never once felt it the whole run.

I ran the first 5.5 miles fine, it was the last 1.5 miles that I had to keep talking myself into finishing. But I did it. This week I have to get my miles in.

I haven't done abs and arms, mainly out of laziness. Honestly, just being lazy. After work and making dinner I don't really feel like doing anything else. so I don't. Maybe I will change that this week since I don't have to work thursday and friday.

Anyway! 2 months til the race. Eeek

Update

2010-06-22T05:28:00.001-07:00

Well last week was not so great. After my bad run on tuesday where I couldn't get my legs to loosen up and go,my week went fown hill. I didn't sleep wed night. When I got home from work on thurs I was DEAD. I couldn't muster energy to do anything.

Friday we left as soon as I got home from work, went to Frederick to see my parents and then over to my college roommate's new place for dinner. We didnt get home til 1 am. I slept until 12:45 the next day. I guess I needed to catch up! Saturday I had to decorate a cake and make a dinner for a party. Mid day I started feeling sick so I took a little nap. Then I got up and got ready for the party. No run again, boo. So I thought maybe I'll run before I go out Sunday, but no chance. We stayed out til almost 2. Sunday we got up and wnt to see Toy Story 3 (very good btw!) Then went to see my dad and grandparents. We left there at 930 but in true beltway fashion, it took us an hour and a half to get home (should take 40ish mins)

So much for my long 6.5 run on Sunday!

I did run it last night. After work and grocery shopping, i went down. It was a rough 6.5 in the HOT gym but I got it done in 1 hour 9 mins 29 seconds. Shew.

I typically run tues, thurs, fri and sun, but this week will be off. Tue and thurs I have to go to Baltimore right after work so today's run will be tomorrow and Thurs run will be Fri. I probably will bump up the milage a little on Wed and Fri and the skip what would be Friday's run. Sunday is 7 miles! Eek

Peas?

2010-06-15T11:24:00.001-07:00

I have been icing either a knee or an ankle almost everyday. I get so tired of trying to balance a bag of ice on my knee. My hands go numb trying to hold it in place. I invested $5.50 and got 3 great ice packs. The conform to the body part and stay there, best of all they dont melt and leak all over me and the couch. Score. If you have to ice a body part, seriously, save yourself some dough and go with frozen peas.

I can't vouch for any other veggies, peas is what my dad uses and peas is what i will use from now on.

Week 2 of a good June

2010-06-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have done well this week too, I did skip one run on Friday but it was the shortest run of the week (4miles)

Tonight I did 6 miles. I went down tired ( two very late nights Friday and Saturday means my days are sleepy) the first 2 miles were hard, I didn't think I would get through it. Then somehow I was at 4.7 miles. Way to far into it to give up! So I pushed it out. Very glad I did.

This week I ran 15.5 miles. Should have been 19.5 but oh well. I didn't do any ab or arm workouts. But after I ran today my abs were very tight, it felt like I did. Not sure what that is about!

All the other goals are going well.

I spent the day at the pool Saturday. It was so wonderful to just sit and relax. I was all alone lost in a book. I felt no guilt for ignoring the people around me. I need more days like that. Maybe it will become a regular thing.

5 miles no prob

2010-06-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

I came home from work today EXHAUSTED. I knew I had 5 miles scheduled and I had no idea how it was going to happen.

I fell asleep for maybe 20 mins and then got up and talked myself into going. I had 3 of the Power Bar Energy Gel Blasts (Try them free HERE)

This was surprisingly one of my best runs yet. I typically get tight and tired at about 1.5 miles, and sometimes stop and stretch out for 30 seconds. I went 2.5 miles before my legs even thought about getting tired. :-D I popped another gummy at mile 3 and 4, I don't know if they did anything for real or if I just tricked myself into thinking it was working. Either way, I ran my 5 miles and felt great during it. I hit a wall at 4.7 miles and forced myself to stick it out. I typically turn up the speed my last mile and just bust it out. But I was so tired my legs wouldn't allow that this time. I finished in 52:38 - I am happy with that time!

I have 6 miles planned for Sunday. I am sure it will be alright. 6 miles is a little less than half of the half marathon. I am feeling confident in my training and ability now. I am getting excited! Too bad its 2.5 months away. Honestly, I think I just as excited about the beach time as I am the race.

June: So far, so GREAT

2010-06-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

I worked out everyday this week except Friday. I ran 17.6 miles this week. 10 miles this weekend.

I feel good. My knee hurts a little but I am icing it faithfully.

I haven't had soda all week and just cut up a bunch of fresh fruits and veggies.

There are 90 days til my race. YAY.

Change of Plans

2010-06-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

No run today - I did abs and arms instead.

Going to see Sex and the City 2 tonight.

Running 4 tomorrow.

No soda, and on my 3rd nalgene now. woo.

Dear May

2010-06-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

You really sucked for me.

Actually that is a lie - May was great for me personally. But physically it sucked. Some how May is over and I only got 17 miles in ALL MONTH. The past 2 weeks I only ran about 5 miles total. Pathetic. The week before graduation was spent making signs, packing and making desserts. Then there was graduation and the weekend at home with Austin. The week after graduation I was exhausted. I managed to drag myself down to the gym for one run. Sad. Then I spent the weekend at home again. I took my shoes with intentions to run, but it was so incredibly hot that it never happened.

Excuses I know, but I am glad I had those 2 weeks with Austin. It was a very special time.
Wanna see my Marine?
Prob not but O well

June is here- and it is a new slate.

Goals for June : Run 58 miles
Do abs and arms 10 times this month MIN
3-4 nalgenes of water a day
No alcohol ( I have let this slip a little as of late, but I haven't been getting drunk, just having a couple drinks with my brother)
NO MORE SODA - I have been HORRIFIC with this one this past month. NO MORE!
Eat more fruit and veggies.
Check in on Goals on Sundays.

I ran 3.5 tonight - on the treadmill. It was good. Tomorrow I am going to run 3.5 again. The key will be going as soon as I get home before dinner. If I wait til after dinner I have to wait for it to settle and then I get tired.

I WILL NOT SUCK IN JUNE!

I want these

2010-05-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Somehow one day I found this blog SkinnyRunner. I love it. It makes me a little jealous that I can't just get up and run 10 miles with no effort like SR. I enjoy reading her posts and getting the occasional celeb gossip too. She is giving away PINK compression socks.

I have read that they are good for recovery after long runs. I would look cute in these socks. I want to win them.

K thanks.

OH MY GOD!

2010-05-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

So I went to Target today because I needed cute shoes for my dress for Austin's graduation, but my grandmother requested they not be flip flops, even if they are nice flip flops. So I got these. Still a little flip floppy, but not exactly.

So I was wandering around - looking at coolers because I have to buy one for SC next week and I saw the Jillian Michaels dvds were on sale. So I picked up the No More Trouble Zones dvd. OH MY GOSH.... it was 40 mins of pain, but it hurt sooo good. 5 min warm up and 5 min cool down. Much more of a time investment than the shred, but my whole body felt the burn.

Basically it was 7 different circuits that focused on different body parts, and did each circuit twice. My arms and abs were already sore from my random workout on Monday, but now they are dying. AHHH. I love this video. I do.

Yesterday I ran 3 miles, my ankle feels good. Every once in a while it will hurt a little, but its good. Tomorrow is 4 miles. Friday I am doing 4 miles. Saturday we will be walking around the air show so I wont exactly be resting, but it isn't a workout.

I am interested to see if I can move tomorrow. OY.

For Real Now

2010-05-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

If signing up wasn't enough to light a fire under my little hiney - dropping some serious dough tonight on a hotel for the weekend sure was.

Matt and I decided that we would take the weekend and spend it at the beach as a little mini vacation, with some running thrown in there (who am I kidding, I decided this, Matt's idea of a vacation would NOT be to the beach, but o well. He can get his vacation next year when I do the Disney one :-D )

I reworked my training. Making work better for me and my lifestyle and schedule. Bring it. 17 weeks! I got this.

Random Thoughts

2010-05-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

So my ankle is hurting again, but only when I move it certain ways. I am not limping at all. I am going to do an abs and arm workout tonight and then run tomorrow and see how it goes. If it feels alright I will run Tues, Thurs and Fri this week. Sunday will be a longer run.

Next week will be difficult, we are leaving as soon as I get off work on Wed and driving 9+ hours to SC for Austin's boot camp graduation. Thursday we get to hang out with him, and even though we will be free at 5pm. I doubt I will be able to muster the energy to run on 4 hours of sleep. Friday we are driving back home to my parents 10+ hours. No running will be done Friday. I hope that I can get a run in on Saturday. I may run to my friends new house and then run back after a little visit ( I need to check the mileage on that though) Sunday is church and then a family party and then rushing home for the Series finale of LOST. No running will be done, just lots of crying.

I have decided I will set monthly goals. I am starting to see some weight changes so that is good.

In May I want to run: 40 miles for the month.
In May I want to do abs and arms 8 times (2 times a week)

So far I am in week 2 of May, I have done 5 miles and 0 abs and arms. Guess I better schedule some extra abs and arms. (Weights may be going to SC with me. I know I can do arm work in a hotel room.)

I REALLY REALLY want/need a gps watch. I need a way to pace. I downloaded an app on my phone but I haven't run outside to try it. Maybe after work tomorrow. I also need some way to lug my phone. I guess I could just load my music onto it and then only take my phone and not iPod... yes, thats a decent idea.

Ok feeling better. Getting myself back on track. Redoing the training a little. I just can't handle the original. I was exhausted non stop. I don't know how people do it.

nope

2010-04-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

I didn't run today.

After work I logged into Facebook like normal, and I saw that one of my favorite teachers passed away. Now, I have been out of high school for 7 years, but it really made me sad.

I had work to do tonight, and I couldn't focus on it. It took me all evening to do what should have taken me an hour or so. I just had nothing. I was home alone. I had a good cry, wrote a blog post about it, had another good cry then tried to do work. I was exhausted. I was already tired from the day, but this just took what little bit I had out of me.

The thing that bums me out most is that I probably won't be able to attend any of the services. If it is on the weekend I can't get home, and if it is during the week I have to work. :( That bums me out a lot. Maybe I can make a viewing or something.

Tomorrow will be a better day right? Yup.

4/26

2010-04-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

I didn't run today, but I did carry 2 babies around for over an hour. Then I did Jillian Michaels level 1, all of it.

Tomorrow Matt is going out, so I will bust out my run and then I will get some things done around here.

But the exciting thing is that I have signed up to win a trip to Atlanta to run a 5k. Now I know this is a long shot. But I remember my dad running 5 and 10ks in ATL and I would love to do it too. Plus maybe I could see some friends too.

You could sign up to win it too ( but if you don't then there is more chance for me to win it! HA)

Go here to sign up. (or not ;) )

Back at it 2.0

2010-04-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

I feel like that is the story of my life, I start getting a routine and rhythm and then something happens and I have to stop.

Whatever I did to my foot sucked. It woke me up multiple times Wed night, thursday I hobbled around more and more as the pain meds I took with breakfast wore off. I iced it during the girls nap times and then later that night. Friday it was feeling better, but still moving certain ways hurt. By Saturday it was feeling better, but I took one more day off to make sure it was all better.

I decided to run today, I wanted to go 4miles, but I was willing to shorten it if the pain returned. Lucky for me it didn't.

I ran 4 miles in a little under 40mins and then did jillian workout.

I want to play tennis tomorrow, but I think we will get rained out. LAME. I guess that means a wii workout. I am sure it will yell at me. It has been a while since we played it. Still haven't moved it to the office, and now we are having people over on Saturday and I know we will use it, so we are waiting to move it. But Sunday we will move it, RIGHT MATT?

I went to the gym

2010-04-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Kicking and screaming (in my head.)

I came home from work, and instead of going to the gym like I normally do, I sat and set up my new printer and installed it for over an hour, then made dinner.

Which meant that by the time I didn't feel super full, I was super tired. I didn't want to run at all. But after 2 miles I still felt good, so I upped the speed and kept on going. I ran the first 2 miles at 10:31, then the last mile I kept pumping up the speed and I finished the 3rd mile in exactly 30 mins.

Then I did Jillian abs and arms. With heavier weights for the first set of strength. My arms feel mushy now, ouchy, but a good workout.

I had 2 fruit servings, and 1 veggie serving today.

tomorrow is 4 miles, but my ankle is a little sore, I am icing it now as we speak. If it is still sore tomorrow I am pushing the 4 miles to Friday to try and keep injury away.

Of to prep my crock pot dinner. :-D

4-20

2010-04-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today I ran 3 miles in a little over 30 mins (30.38 I think was the time). I did the Jillian abs and arms workout. It hurt. A lot more than it should have.

I did a good job today. I ate 3 servings of veggies through out the day. Yay for baby carrots as a snack! I had 2 servings of fruit and my meal choices weren't horrible. I had a few potato chips but that is all.

I also took a long walk with the twins today, almost an hour, lots of hills. I wasn't sure we were going to make it up a couple of them. That jogging stroller is SUPER heavy going up hill.

Tomorrow is another 3 miles and Jillian workout again.

IN other exciting news - I get to see my brother 1 month from today :-D YAY.

Just call me Mars

2010-04-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

cuz my tennis skills are no Venus. ::hangs head in shame at that joke::

I did better today, and I enjoyed myself much more today than last time. I don't think I even stomped my feet and pouted today. I still need a lot of work and practice, but when it is fun instead of frustrating I am more inclined to work on it.

This week I will be active everyday. Today I played tennis, tomorrow I will run 3 miles and do Jillian arm and ab workout.

I have been trying to eat more fruits and veggies. I struggle with the veggies, but I got one veggie serving in ,and 2 fruit servings today.

Maybe tomorrow I can work in 2 of each. Baby steps.

run and Jillian... in one day?!

2010-04-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

YUP. I did.

I ran my 2.5 miles, I ran it a little slower than normal. Then I felt like I needed more. So since the wii hasn't made it to the office yet (ahhem Matthew) I decided to do Jillian's workout. I still can't get behind p90x. Maybe after the race, but everything I have read says that it leaves people sore for days, and I really don't want to be trying to run while super sore. Maybe I am just a big wimp, actually I know I am.

Anyway, everytime I take a break from Jillian, I feel it like crazy when I get back at it. SHEW. Hopefully I am not exhausted after work other days this week so I can keep doubling up. I gotta get in those shorts. Gotta.

OK - shower then Idol and Lost.

2010-04-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't been skipping out on my running, just skipping out on my blogging. :(

This week I only skipped one day of running, and that was yesterday because of a headache.

I am going to do that run today. The weather is supposed to be amazing this week. I have been researching some trails I can run along to get outside some.

I think Mondays will become tennis days for me (I hope at least) I get a little work out, but Matt gets a bigger one running all around trying to catch my home run balls I launch.

I need lessons, Matt is teaching me, but I get frustrated, and angry. I may even stomp my feet like a 5 year old. Maybe Serena should come teach me.

In other news, I ordered some summer clothes from Old Navy ( I had $30 to spend before the end of April) and I am officially in the next smaller size in shirts and dresses. I am almost in the next size in shorts and pants. I ordered the smaller size, and now I need to get my butt in gear so I can wear them this summer.

We are moving the wii to the office so I can get back to using my wii fit. I was doing well with it, but I always feel bad kicking Matt off the tv, and making him watch me act a fool hula hooping. (yes, it is one of my favorite workouts on the wii fit, but I only do it after I work out.:-D )

Kicking it in high gear this week. Summer is almost here, and I was to look good.

I am really jealous of my friend Jill. She has been running with her boyfriend a lot. I really wish I had someone to run with me. I would probably skip my runs less, and work harder. It is so easy to stop and take a break when it is just you running. I wish I didn't live so far away from them, I would totally bust in their little dates. :-D kidding, kinda.

Maybe I should put an ad on craigslist: Wanted - running partner. Run with me and make me not slack. Entertain me when I get tired and want to quit. Don't judge me because I run slow. Hmmm doubt that will get any responses back.

Ok with that I am going to the gym to run 3.5 miles and then coming home and doing the strength and abs part of the Jillian Michaels dvd. No cardio tho.

Life, please get out of my way

2010-04-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

Man, my intentions are always so good. Then life happens.

I had intended to run while in NYC - I did the first day. Then we stayed up til almost 2 with Nana. I hoped that our plans on Friday would allow for time to run before we went to visit friends, but of course it didn't happen. Sat we came home, I was tired and lazy. Sunday I had to work, then I spent the evening making amazing desserts for passover. Monday was the passover Seder right after work.

I woke up Tuesday determined to run right after work. Once again life got in my way. I got a headache while at work. It kept getting worse. I felt horrible. I left to come home, and I had to pull over to get sick. I came home and took a little nap. It got better, but I never felt great the rest of the night.

Wed, I did run 3 miles. I took it slower than I had been. But I did it.
Tonight I ran 3.5 miles. It felt good.

I am planning to do my elliptical workout tomorrow then date night.

In other news I am trying to get better about my rules. Remember those? Yes me either.

So I am back to only water, no more sneaking soda. (ok I didn't sneak, I just didn't care)
I am also trying to not eat after 9. Tonight Matt made brownies. I went and showered while they cooked, and brushed my teeth when I got out so I wouldn't want to eat it. I wanted it pretty bad, but I knew it wouldn't taste good. I will have one tomorrow though. But just one.

I really need to stick to my plan and make it a priority. Other things can't keep getting in the way.

Nyc running.

2010-03-25T08:41:00.001-07:00

I got up early this am to run. The building Nana lives in has a nice little gym. It is on the top floor of a 36 floor building so the view was great. Tomorrow I may get brave and run outside. Maybe.

Now on our way to 30 rock for a NBC studio tour.

I did it!

2010-03-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

I finished the race.
I learned A LOT doing it.

Lets see -

1- don't stay up until almost 1 to watch Maryland play basketball in the NCAA tournament, when you have to get up at 5:45 the next day for a race (besides Maryland will just break your heart in the next round anyway)
2- probably shouldn't eat a protein bar 30 mins before the race (eat right when you get up next time)
3- wear pants to the race (I was FREEZING and stayed cold until a least 1 mile into the race)
4- learn how to pace yourself. ( I ran the first mile and a half at 8:50 min miles. Anyone following my running should know that this is way too fast, I run 10 min miles.)

So I started way too fast and by mile 2 I had nothing left to give. Nothing. My legs were tight, I was exhausted. I walked for 30 seconds ish, then ran another half mile or so, then walked another 30 seconds. Turned the corner and saw the finish line. I pushed hard to finish the race. I crossed the finish line at 31:15. Not bad. I was really upset with myself though. 3 miles should not have been that hard for me. I run 3 miles 2 times a week. I was so frustrated. I also felt bad because my friend ran it with me, and he stuck by me even though I was going slow and walking. He runs much faster than me, I kept telling him to go on, but he was nice and stuck with me.

We crossed the finish, I stretched out a little and then we went to get some breakfast. I came home and crashed for an hour before showering and going to my mom and mema's birthday party.

Racing was a good experience, I learned how annoying the start of a race is, not being able to move because everyone is packed around you. I also learned that jogging mom's are annoying with those strollers. (I promise not to be one of those that almost take you out, I will listen to the rules and start in the back :-D)

I am going to sign up for a couple more, and keep practicing. I am also going to invest in a watch for running so I can monitor my pace better. Oh and since the weather is getting nice, I am going to stop relying on the treadmill as much.

First 5K

2010-03-20T04:04:00.001-07:00

I am on my way to the race. I stayed up to watch Maryland in the ncaa tournament. I got up at 5:45. Shew tired. Yes it is dark out. Hopefully I get some energy.

Will update later. Good luck jill (and I think meg too) on your 5k at home.

wooo good run

2010-03-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today was busy, I carried the twins around michaels (errand for me) Target, Kohls and Walmart looking for their birthday dresses and shoes. Mom forgot and took the stroller to work, so most of the time, one baby sat in the kart and I carried the other and pushed the kart with one hand. What a work out. Evelyn loved when I let her stand in the back while I looked through dresses for the right size. (I was always holding on to her - she was safe!)

Then we went grocery shopping, came home and had dinner. Dinner on grocery night is always a rotisserie chicken and stuffing. Then we watching Idol and Lost. Starting a run at 10:30pm is always hit or miss. Tonight i was a great big HIT.

I started at 9:50ish min miles for the first mile, and kept increasing until I was at 8:34. I finished my 2 miles in 19:04 and felt great. I stopped for 30 seconds because I was getting a cramp.

Did my week 2 push ups.

I have been thinking about summer, and how I will be at the pool a lot with the twins. I need to get into bathing suit shape.

Saturday is the 5k with Jay. He runs like 8:30 min miles so I won't be running with him, but My goal is sub 10 min miles. We shall see.

3/14

2010-03-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well, Friday I was a loser pants, and I didn't do my workout, again. GRR. I am so tired on Fridays.

Saturday I had intentions to run, and then I went to a long lunch, then I had to go check on the sick Romley's. The twins and their mom were all up all night vomiting , and their dad was away on work travel. Poor mommy.

Then we had a party for our good friends to celebrate their engagement.

Excuses, Excuses I know.

Today I did Fridays sit ups, Saturdays push ups and then tonights sit ups. And I ran my 3 miles from yesterday. I didn't run any slower than 10 min mile pace, but I did run the last mile at about 8 min miles. I had a stop a couple times. But I only stopped for 30 seconds.

I am going to try harder next week. NO Slacking. I am running a 5K on Saturday. That guarantees I get my Saturday workout in.

Now if all these girl scout cookies would go away - why did I buy them anyway.

3-11

2010-03-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

whoa ohhhh amber is the color of your energy....

Random - sorry.

I ran 3 miles today. Averaged a 9:48 min mile, but I know my first mile was about 10:20, and I kept increasing.

I did my push ups tonight too. My max was 15 girly push ups.

Push ups are not fun. At all.

In other news: I signed up for a 5K next weekend. It was cheap, and last min. It benefits breast cancer, so I will run it, and then go celebrate my Mema and Mom's birthday. Sort of fitting that I run a breast cancer race on the day we celebrate my Mema's birthday.

Can I complain for a min: no? Oh, well, I am gonna anyway.

Back before I got sick and took 2 weeks off, I was running 4 miles a day, and while it sucked sometimes, it wasn't too bad. Now I feel like I can barely make it 3 miles.
I know that I am running faster now, and maybe if I ran slower then 3 miles would be cake. I don't know. I just know I want it to be easier.

Ok - I won't whine anymore. I will be happy that I can run 3, and hope that I will keep getting better.

3-10

2010-03-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

This is my 101 post on this blog. Guess that happens when you post almost everyday.

I ran an easy 2 miles today and just did my sit ups.

21,27,21,21 and max 57.

I feel the burn already. Hope I don't develope a cough - no making me laugh tomorrow!

Shower and bed for this girl.

Work and 3 miles tomorrow.

btw - how is it Thursday already?

Wii Fit

2010-03-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Today I did almost an hour of wii fit exercises. The game created a workout for me, which was a combo of yoga, strength and cardio. I didn't realize I needed to put it in order, so I would do some yoga then run or hula hoop. I think next time ill do cardio, then strength and then chill out with yoga. Either way it was a decent workout. Next time I will go back to my old yoga routine, I feel like I worked harder and stretched more, and my focus this workout is supposed to be on yoga and stretching.

Tomorrow is a 2 mile run, I have to get it in fast after work because I have to go back and babysit tomorrow night.

Initial tests for the challenge

2010-03-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

OK- so I can do a massive total of 1/2 real push ups. Woooo.

Thats ok, I didn't think I could do 1/2.

I did 8 girl push ups. So I will be starting week 1 column 2 for push ups.

I think I will do weeks 1-3 girl push ups, then try my hand at real push ups again and see where that puts me.

Sit ups were much better. I did 75, and I probably could have pushed more.

I am going to start week 3, column 3 for sit ups.

Ok - off to run 3 miles and then get ready for a date night with my love :-D <3

100 Push-ups

2010-03-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Are you nuts?!

Last night when doing my wii fit yoga and strength, one of the exercises was push ups. Matt made fun of me because I can't do a real push up. Ok, I can probably do 1, but I always do knee push ups.

So Aubrey texts me today and tells me to do the 100 push up challenge with her. Somehow in 6 weeks I will be able to do 100 push ups. um ok. Worth a try I guess. I am going to weave it into my training.

I am probably also going to do the 200 sit up challenge too. Maybe after these I will add the 200 squats.

I will do the initial tests this week and then start the program next week. I hope I can do this. We shall see

Back at it

2010-03-02T05:25:00.001-08:00

Last night I started my half Marathon training plan. I started a week early. I need to get back on track. Mondays will be yoga and stretching. I did an hour of strength and yoga on the wii fit. I was afraid to turn it on. It had been over a month since I last played. I was expecting it to yell at me. I did my body test and lost weight. Ha take that wii fit. I sucked at the balance tests so my wii fit age went up. Whatever I wasnt trying as hard as I should have.

I am sore today. Probably because the routine the wii made for me had me doing push ups and planks every 5 or so workouts. Oy. Ouch.

Tonight is a 2 mile run. Matt said he was going with me. Now i have heard this before then when I get home from work and go he is too tired, or just showered, or whatever. Well if he doesn't go I am posting his email on here and giving everyone to email him and call him a loserface. Tough love :-D.

I really want to try p90x. But by the time i get home, run, and do p90x I wouldn't be starting dinner til later. Maybe this week I will get my act together and plan what dinner is so that I can prep before. I guess less time sitting on the couch watching tv at night wouldn't be horrible.

So the plan this week:

Monday: 30 + mins yoga or stretching

Tuesday: 2 miles

Wednesday: 2 miles

Thursday: 3 miles

Friday: 2 miles on eliptical

Saturday: 3 miles

Sunday: 1.5 miles 6x400

Monday is offically the start of training. Which means no more lax in the rules. I've relaxed a little and would drink a little soda here and there. I was snacking after 9 A LOT. Still not a lot of alcohol, but this past weekend I had wine with dinner every night and I had a drink at the party, but I was so stressed about the surprise I needed it. Haha. Sleep will always be hard but as I start increasing the weekly miles it will be super important.

Here goes 27 weeks of training. Eeek

I Suck

2010-02-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

That is all.

I haven't been sleeping at night. I am completely exhausted all day and when I get home I fall asleep then attempt to get a couple chores done before I pass out for the night.

I have wanted to run, but couldn't will my legs to take me to the gym. My naps after work keep me up only about an hour later than normal and I don't have trouble going to sleep. I just have trouble staying asleep. UGH.

March starts the training plan. I refuse to let myself slip and get in a funk.

Matt told me last night when I was refusing to go to the gym because I am tired that I can't keep skipping or else Sept will come and I can't run more than 4 miles. I got really angry and yelled something about it being 4 miles more than he can run.(tired and worried Angela isn't always nice Angela) But he is right, of course. GRR. Tomorrow is a new day. Maybe I can get a run in. Friday I have off, depending on how the day plays out I may run then too. But it is Matt's birthday on Friday so I am going to be hanging out with him. <3

Running outside

2010-02-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

I suspect I will like this more when the temp is warmer, but I ran outside on Saturday.

It was nice, I ran with my dad. It was nice to have someone to talk to. Speaking of talking, I don't typically talk while I run, I am not so good at it!

So this was a different run, I am used to a HOT gym. The cold didn't feel so good on my lungs.
I run on a flat treadmill, sometimes at an incline of 1. The route around my block has hills. YUCK.

I ran 2 laps in about 16 mins ( a lap is about .8 miles) then I had to pee so I ran inside and peed and then grabbed the dog for my last lap. Little beagle mutt needs to go for runs more often. He started out beside me then slinking farther and farther back, until the last little bit I was sort of pulling him along. He took a good nap after.

I don't remember my time, and I accidentally cleared my watch, I think it was around 25 mins and about 2.5 miles.

It was good practice for next week.

I was going to run today, but I got my hair highlighted and the lady said not to wash my hair tonight , so I can't run. I will tomorrow and Wed.

back at it

2010-02-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

Last night I ran 3 miles and it felt good. I ran it at a 10:07 min mile pace. (I jumped off at the 20 min mark for about 30 seconds and coughed up a lung- then hopped back on)

I have been super sore from my Jillian workout. Thats a good thing, except all the ab work means coughing and laughing KILL (and I do both things a lot lately)

I am going to try and run Saturday outside to get my lungs and body used to the cold air. I am going home so I will pick one of my old routes and go for it. I don't have a GPS watch yet, so pacing and knowing how far I go will be a challenge, but I am going to run for 30-40 mins and figure that will be about 3-3.5 miles.

I may try to run outside a couple nights next week after work. I will run in their neighborhood because it is less sketchy. It is pretty hilly which makes me not happy, but I will call it good for my butt and tough it out. I may also go and run the 5K route one night next week too. Just to have an idea of what it is like. Maybe.

I am nervous for my first race. I don't really care how well I do. I expect that I will be slower than normal because of the cold, and possible hills. I just don't know what to do, where to go. I don't like being a newbie alone. I think I will put on my iPod and just go with the flow.

Ok - I need to clean the rest of the apartment, finish stuff work work, shower and go to bed, and it is already 10pm. Dang it.

Back on the horse

2010-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes getting back on the horse is all it takes. Last time I was sick that was true, this time not as much. Though I haven't given up. I ran 2 miles tonight, coughed a lot and decided to not push it anymore. I am going to run 2.5 tomorrow and see how that goes. I also did a Jillian Michael's workout. I left my 5lb weights in my car from when I went home so I had to use the 8 lb ones, they killed for some of the exercises so I dropped down to 3lbs. I will bring my 5s up tomorrow.

Almost marathon training time! WOOO.

Off to watch The Bachelor <3

My Best Friend ROCKS

2010-02-14T20:22:00.000-08:00

Aubrey ran her half marathon today. I woke up at 6:30ish this am to send her my love, and would fall asleep for a few mins , then text some more love to her. She kicked @$$. She was 18th in her age group! She finished sub 2:00:00. I was hoping for a 2:15:00 finish for my half, now I think I need to revise my plan and finish sub 2 with her. ;)

Aubrey you rock and I am super proud of you. I know you swore them off for a while, but I REALLY want to run one with you one day. Please? In Disney? or somewhere cool. Ok thanks.

I love you, you made me proud today. I wish I could have been there with your parents cheering you on!

Stupid Snow and Stupid Sick

2010-02-11T19:57:00.001-08:00

I am so tired of being sick, again and again. I just want to run, and breathe, and run.

My Valentine’s Day race was postponed due to the 30+ inches on the ground. I am not sure if the new date will work out for me, but we will see. I am going to try and run tomorrow or Saturday depending how I feel.

I need all this crap weather to go away, so I stay healthy. March 6 officially starts the half marathon training. No slacking. NONE!

A Challenge

2010-02-07T22:02:00.001-08:00

I am joining a challenge hosted by Eat Sweat Lose. The challenge is to collect anything in the apartment that is health, exercise or weight loss related.

I know I have a lot of things laying around. Maybe it will help me to start using things I forgot about.

I will post the picture and a list later.

Another challenge I am facing is I am sick again. OMG. I am so over the snow. I have a cold, and it is in my chest again. To top it off, I am pretty sure I am getting an ear infection. I can’t hear out of my right ear, and I feel some pressure, but not hurting as bad as last time. I am going to CVS Minute Clinic tomorrow, because I don’t have a general doctor yet, and no one else will take a new patient quickly. Plus nothing will be open tomorrow (I hope CVS is)

I have a 5k on Sunday, and hopefully I can get a couple little runs in so I don’t suck it up completely on Sunday. I also hope that I don’t get vertigo like last time. It was horrible last time. AH.

Holy Snow Batman

2010-02-06T19:26:00.001-08:00

I didn’t run today – I did shovel 30+ inches of snow for over an hour. Holy moly we got a lot of snow!!

I didn’t run, but I got a workout, my arms and shoulders KILL. I never really thought I could be really cold, and super sweaty at the same time. But I was! YUCK. Hopefully we get home tomorrow and I can go for a run.

It is official...this time for real

2010-01-31T14:58:00.000-08:00

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.

1/26

2010-01-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

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.

1/23

2010-01-23T21:54:00.000-08:00

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!

gotta love a sale

2010-01-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Finally!

2010-01-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

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!)

I want to cry

2010-01-19T17:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Death

2010-01-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

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.

uhg

2010-01-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

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.

Not the best week

2010-01-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

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.

Say a prayer for Haiti today

2010-01-14T14:56:00.001-08:00

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.

Training

2010-01-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

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!

1/10

2010-01-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

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

1/9

2010-01-09T21:22:00.000-08:00

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

1/6 and 1/7

2010-01-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

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!

Shes back!

2010-01-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

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.

New and Improved

2010-01-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

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!

12/30

2009-12-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

Today was not a run day - Matt was gone so I decided I would do my wii fit yoga and strength work out, then I did some cardio. Then I decided to so a workout on my EA active game. That game kicks your butt. I like it. I worked out for about 2 hours :-D

Tomorrow is the last day of 2009 - I hope to get a run in before we go off to a party, but there is a chance I will have to push it until 2010. We will see what time I get off work.

Have a great and safe New Years Eve!

2010 brings lots of firsts - MILES and MILES of running, a few races and the BIG KAHUNA!! I also hope it brings continued health and weight loss!!

12/29

2009-12-29T21:10:00.000-08:00

Today run was alright - the 3.25 was pretty hard for me. I need to get back to going to the gym right after work I am less tired and those runs seem to be better.

Wii fit yoga tomorrow :-D

Thursday I need to run as soon as I get home so I can go get my laterade to the decade/Amanda Wass is 25 party on! :-D

I also need to find something to wear. Poop.

Night - failing on the bed thing - well. half. I got in bed at 10:30 and read until 11:15 - then came out here to talk to Matt about something and here I am. HA!

12/28

2009-12-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

I ran today - and I didn't cry! Success!!

I have to say that even with all the cookies I ate over Christmas I managed to lose 1.5 lbs. Only because I was running that is for sure. It would have been interesting to see how much I would have lost if I ran all week before and all week after exactly to plan, or even if I didn't eat so many darn cookies.

Tonight I ran yesterday's run. 3.25 miles and then another .75 miles. I ran the 3.25 at normal pace, but the last .75 I just went for it, and ran it at a 9:41 min mile pace. Not bad. I was really tired for this run, I stayed up way too late last night, I actually fell asleep on the floor after my run. Sad. Tomorrow I am running again. I am also planning to get more sleep (yea right I know I say it all the time)

I am starting a new routine. See the twins have trouble napping and we have a whole routine we go through before they get in their beds to nap so that they learn that this is nap time and it isn't play time. So I have decided I will be in bed by 10:30 every night. I will read until 11 if I don't feel tired. But lights out at 11. I am also going to try and break my habit of staying up super late and sleeping in super late on weekends. But one thing at a time. Off to bed!

Feel better Aubrey! I know you are missing running! You will be able to soon enough, be patient.

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

I know I am a few days late wishing that to everyone but Christmas day was a busy day. Lucky for me it was also a rest day.

Saturday I ran - but I didn't get the full 4 miles in, after about 2.5 I started to feel like I was going to puke, and by mile 3 I was pretty sure I was going to. I stopped and promised to wait longer after lunch before running.

Today I didn't run - I am in a funk. Last night we found out that good friends of ours are getting married on Oct 2, the day of my race. When they told us they were getting married they said it would be a Nov or Dec wedding so I didn't think twice about signing up. I sat through dinner, a movie, and 2 hours of Mario on wii on the edge of busting out crying. I called my mom and had a long cry about this. I have decided I am going to run the race. It is something that I really want to do, I am invested mentally, physically and monetarily and I just can't give it up. My mom told me that sometimes we have to follow our dreams or we may never get another chance. That is sort of how I feel about this. My biggest problem is that I really want Matt to be at the finish line when I am done. This is not something that is going to be easy for me, 13 miles is a very long distance and a great accomplishment for me. My mom said she would be there, and I would love her to be there, but I really feel like I would be super sad without him here. My problem is that I feel very selfish wanting that. It is a race, and I would be asking him to miss the wedding of one of his high school friends just to WATCH me run. I really need to wrap my head around the fact that even if he isn't there I still am able to do this and it will still mean the same to me because I trained to hard and I ran the race and I finished the race. He will still be proud of me, even if he isn't there to see it. I will be sad that I will miss their wedding, and miss getting to dance and party with them, but I need this for me. I have been mopey and sad about this all day. I just couldn't go run today because I was bumming. Lame I know.

Tonight I did do 30 mins of yoga, and 30 mins of strength and 20ish mins of cardio on the Wii Fit. Super fun. I really like the yoga, even though it is really hard. I got Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus, plus 4 other workout games for Christmas. I won't be using my 30 day shred for a while, and that's good cuz I was sick of it!!! I am going to do the wii fit plus for a few weeks then try a different game. I will maybe post some reviews of them if people are interested to see what I think. So far I like wii fit plus.

However I will run tomorrow! Tomorrow I will not be upset about this. I am going to run my race and fulfill a dream of mine!

Matt and I have time to figure out what to do about this, he said he would come to my race, but I feel like a jerk for doing that. So who knows. Why does this always happen?!

12/21

2009-12-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

I ran today - 4 miles total. It blows my mind. I remember only a few weeks ago running 1.5 and 2 miles was a struggle. :-D

Finished all my baking and getting the cookies and treats out of the house. I am pretty good about not eating much of them. But those peanut butter kisses cookies really get me sometimes!!!

Running again tomorrow and then I can stop feeling guilty for skipping Saturday!

12/20 - Week 10

2009-12-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

Well Saturday it snowed, and snowed and then snowed some more! We got 19+ inches! Shew. I spent the day baking and it was late and I was tired, and so I didn't run :(

But I ran today! I added my normal .25 and also upped my pace! I ran 3 miles and walked my 5 mins and then ran another mile.

I am working a short day tomorrow - the whole area has a snow day - but not me. Just a delay. Sigh. Hopefully I will get home and run and then finish the last little bit of baking I have left to do ( yes I am baking a lot - gifts mostly and then taking the rest to family on Christmas)

I will run Monday to make up for sucking Saturday (but at my 4 mile a day amt) run Tues and then run Thurs am before going to Frederick for Christmas! Thank goodness Christmas falls on a rest day because Christmas day is SO BUSY!

Starting next week I start working towards putting my 4 miles together. Next Sunday I will run 3.25 walk 5 mins and then only run .75.

I am really excited that I have been able to stick with this for so long. 9 weeks down!

12/18

2009-12-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

I didn't run yesterday - I made cookies and wrapped presents. So Friday night after we retreated to the apartment to hide from the snow I went down and ran my 3.75. I ran all of it and it was a great run.

Tomorrow I plan to run it at a faster pace.

Tonight I didn't drink at happy hour, but I was so thirsty when we left. I really wanted a soda, so I had one. It was great! :-D

We are currently getting slammed with snow - I am planning to spend tomorrow baking cookies. :-D I won't eat too much! Promise!

Ways to stay motivated

2009-12-17T23:28:00.000-08:00

I found a list of the top 10 questions asked by new runners , one of them had to do with staying motivated.

You can find the whole question list here

I do some of the things on the list

Question: I’m afraid I won’t be able to stick with the plan – how do I stay motivated?
Answer:

Sign up for a race. Do it now! Having a race goal (and race fees!) on the line will be a powerful source of motivation. I guarantee it. Done! :-D
Run with a partner. And promise to get each other through the rough patches. Neither of you will want to let the other down. I don't run with a partner but Aubrey and I are doing a good job making sure the other one is running.
Focus strongly on getting through the first three weeks. It takes roughly three weeks to establish a habit. If you can get past the first three weeks, your mind and body will find it much easier after that.This is very true - now running is less of a chore and more something that I want to get done - I get pretty bummed when I can't get a run in.
Don’t overdo it. Running too fast, too far or too often in the beginning can burn you out, make you sore or get you injured and none of those things are very motivating.
If you are taking up running to lose pounds, try not to focus solely on weight loss. This is because especially in the beginning of your running career you will likely gain some weight due to muscle growth – a very good thing because muscles burn fat. To get your attention away from the scale, take tape measurements and photos of your body every few weeks. You’ll be happy to see the inches dropping even if the pounds don’t initially follow suit. I only weigh myself 1 time a week - but I try to always make it at the same time everyday - typically first thing. I also take pictures every couple weeks. It feels awkward but I do it.
Journal your experiences in a running blog or on a forum and connect with other runners for support. You’ll be amazed at just how much support you’ll get!
Remind yourself often that at the end of the program you’ll be fitter, thinner and will be able to run for non-stop for an hour!

12/13-12/15

2009-12-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

So remember that hurdle I was talking about? I ran right at it, and didn't jump. Ok - so by the time I went to bed Saturday I knew there was no heading this cold off. When I got up on Sunday I felt horrible. I went back to sleep, then got up and did a couple household things and felt like I was going to pass out. I had to take another nap, for 2 hours. Then I got up and laid around took a hot shower and Nyquil and went to bed smelling of Vicks. Monday was a really rough day, the girls, me and their dad were all sick. We went on a little walk and I got so exhausted. There was no way I was going to be able to run Monday night.

Tuesday I was feeling much better, a little stuffy in my head, but not much more. So I went to run. I decided that I would still up the mileage but slow my pace a little. I ran my 2.75 pretty easily, walked my 5, ran .5 of my last mile and then had a coughing fit and had to stop. Pretty good for being a sicky.

I feel better today and I hope that Thursday's goes well so I can get back on plan. I went 9 weeks before I missed a day running that I haven't made up. Not bad.

How to Breathe

2009-12-12T23:14:00.000-08:00

Many people don't realize how they are breathing when working out - I often don't pay attention. Honestly when I am doing a workout video I do because they tell me when I should be breathing, but when I am running sometimes I notice that I am huffing and focus on my breathing to chill out a little. I found this article and thought it could be useful to share.

There are 7 tips to good breathing - I think I am going to try harder to work on proper breathing.

Article from Completerunning.com

7 Key Breathing Tips

Try slowing down before attempting to change your breathing.
Focus on longer, deeper breaths.
Breath more from your diaphragm (belly) than your chest (chest breathing is more shallow).
Focus on exhaling more fully. This will remove more CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) and allow for deeper inhalations of O₂ (Oxygen).
Allow air to enter through both the nose and mouth. This will allow for maximum O₂ intake.
Aim to take three footsteps for every inhale, and two footsteps for every exhale (3:2 ratio). A good descriptions of this can be found on Military.com:
Many experts will say that to fully oxygenate the muscles and clear the body of carbon dioxide you should breathe a 3:2 inhale-to-exhale ratio; full inhales and full exhales. This means you INHALE on the LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT foot strikes and EXHALE fully on the RIGHT, LEFT foot strikes. This pattern is not that hard to turn into a habit, but it may require you to slow your pace down for a few runs to master the technique. You will notice a lower heart rate as you are able to get more oxygen in and more importantly push all the carbon dioxide out of your body. You may notice that you naturally drop to a 2:1 ratio when you are really pushing it to the finish. That is OK. But realize it is difficult to maintain a pace that requires you to breathe at a 2:1 ratio.
For those wanting more explanation about step to breath ratios, another article – based on the Daniel’s Running Formula – can be found at this link on proper breathing while running
One last thing – try not to over-think your breathing! It’s best to try to slow down, relax, and let yourself fall into your body’s natural rhythm.

I am not exactly sure about number 5 - I can't breathe in from both at the same time.

Hopefully this article helps you - even if it is just to refresh your memory.

12/12

2009-12-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

I got a card in the mail today :-D The back of the envelope showed me beating Aubrey. I loved it - but that will never happen. That girl runs further and faster than me on any given day and makes it look so easy. ( ok maybe not look easy - because I haven't seen her run, but she makes it sound easy) Nice to get a little pat on the back and kick in the butt at the same time.

I got up early today and went to Tysons Corner to see Carol. I tried to talk her into starting to run, she wants to but just doesn't have time. I get that. If I had any other commitments I think my commitment level to this training would be a lot less. She also asked what made me start doing this, and it is funny because I don't really know. I have always wanted to run a half marathon, and I have always enjoyed running, but it was never something that came super easy for me. But I looked in the mirror, and even worse, in pictures tagged of me on facebook and I didn't recognize the person there. How did my weight and overall fitness get so out of hand? I couldn't take it anymore. Something had to give. So why not work on something I have wanted to do for a long time. She makes a very good point, the desire to run has to come from inside. It doesn't matter who wants you to run with them, if you don't want to do it, you won't stick with it. It is hard at first, and even when it gets easier it is still hard somedays. I am glad something has clicked because I am enjoying it more than ever.

Today I ran my 3.5 miles. I ran at faster paces from before. My first 2.5 miles was at 11:32 and my last mile was at 10:45. My goal is to be at a 10 min mile when I get to 4 miles at one time.

My first big hurdle is on the horizon - this am I was feeling a little stuffy, while I was running this afternoon I could feel the snot and sinus gunk building up, by the time I was babysitting my throat was killing me, and now 7 hours later I feel horrible. How is this going to effect my running? As long as it stays in my head I am going to still run, just take tissues with me. If it moved to my chest I may have to take a day or 2 off - maybe some light walking. I am going to bed and hope this goes away. :-D