I make the worst blogger. I never update and I am bor-ing... : ( Perhaps I'll work on that post-MCAT!
For now - a quick recap....
Two weeks ago, I tackled a 7 mile run that went very well. I felt relaxed, and despite a little stiffness in my joints towards the end, it was all in all a great run!
This past weekend, I went ahead and made the jump to 8. I am trying to get into double digits before the depths of winter hit! Also, I'd love to get my mileage at a steady state before I go into the hibernation that is MCAT prep.
(Plus, being able to knock out 10 miles over Thanksgiving weekend would sure help to burn off some of the goodies!)
All for now....
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
I would run 10,000 (meters...)
10K success! Yesterday I woke up for the Go! St. Louis 10k Halloween Race! I was a little nervous about covering the 6.2mi with a smile on my face given my epic fail of a long run from last weekend. However, I took it mile by mile, and actually ended up with all sub-11 min miles. Total race time was 1:05 even - not too shabby for a gal who could barely tackle her 13.1 6 months ago and was sans both big toenails.
I'm pretty happy that I felt so good after the race! I snagged a Vitamin Water Zero and a banana from one of the lovely volunteers, and stretched out after the cool down. My hubby (who is super fast) ran the 10k in 44 mins. Phew! I always feel like a slow poke compared to him - but then I realized the best thing about having a significant other who is speedy. It means they'll always be able to double back and cheer you on for the final stretch of the race!
Not sore today, and well on my way to being back to 1/2 marathon ready by the new year. Who knows? If I can get this mileage under control and dedicate myself to speed-work, I just might be looking at tackling the 26.2 in the next year....
For now? Yoga, lunch, and enjoying my post-race day number 1!
I'm pretty happy that I felt so good after the race! I snagged a Vitamin Water Zero and a banana from one of the lovely volunteers, and stretched out after the cool down. My hubby (who is super fast) ran the 10k in 44 mins. Phew! I always feel like a slow poke compared to him - but then I realized the best thing about having a significant other who is speedy. It means they'll always be able to double back and cheer you on for the final stretch of the race!
Not sore today, and well on my way to being back to 1/2 marathon ready by the new year. Who knows? If I can get this mileage under control and dedicate myself to speed-work, I just might be looking at tackling the 26.2 in the next year....
For now? Yoga, lunch, and enjoying my post-race day number 1!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A recipe reminder for myself
Lately I don't really do anything unless I write it on a list and post it somewhere so I can be reminded to eventually check it off. So, that's what I'm going to do with my recipes as well. So - mental note - POST THESE RECIPES!
whole wheat banana muffins and their coconut-pineapple variation
mexican chicken bake
butternut squash and roasted veg enchilada
pumpkin soup (vegan)
roasted veg lunch rotation
oatmeal a thousand ways
That's a start....
whole wheat banana muffins and their coconut-pineapple variation
mexican chicken bake
butternut squash and roasted veg enchilada
pumpkin soup (vegan)
roasted veg lunch rotation
oatmeal a thousand ways
That's a start....
Monday, October 11, 2010
I get it, I get it...
I should have learned my lesson. Have I not read my previous blog posts regarding fatty food, not enough sleep, and the impact on your run the following morning?
I should have learned my lesson.
But I didn't...
Saturday I spend 5.5 hrs in an organic chemistry lab. Whenever I am finished, I feel a little bit like a shell of a human. It takes a few hours of sunlight, grocery shopping, and NPR to get me back into my normal self. Also, since I have to be there at 7:30am, every other Fri night is shot for me. With long runs on Sun mornings, that means all Sat nights end with little to no vino, and an early bedtime.
Wow. I am so exciting.
So, in an attempt to shun this lack of a social schedule, I invited a friend over for dinner Sat night, and he brought a few friends of his. The hubby and I enjoy entertaining, so we thought it would be fun! Also, I knew it would force me out of my post-chem-lab funk a lot earlier.
However, it also meant I had to run around like a crazy lady for groceries, flowers, etc...clean the house top to bottom, and make myself presentable. Oh, and assemble dinner fit for guests!
I'm pretty sure I used up all of my muscle glycogen standing Sat am, cleaning for 4 hrs, and cooking for another 2hrs. Then, I sat back and enjoyed the evening. We had roasted butternut squash and black bean enchiladas, an endive salad with avocado, and angel food cake with fresh strawberries and gelato for dessert. (YUMMMMM!!!!)
Where's the problem? Oh, it was probably in the cheese plate before dinner, the 3 glasses of vino, and the 12:30am bed time that all left me feeling less-than-100-percent come Sunday am. I groggily scarfed down the toast/pb/naner combo that the running fairy (read: my hubby) made for me, and contemplated I had 7 mi to run.
Fail.
The run was pretty uneventful. It was warmer than I wanted (since I couldn't wake up earlier than 7am), and I definitely felt sluggish, but overall it was fine. I did listen to my body, and tackled 6mi instead of 7. I was tired at 6, and knew that I should just call it off and not injure myself, etc.
So, lesson learned. In the words of SNL's spoof on the great GW:
"There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again."
???? : )
I should have learned my lesson.
But I didn't...
Saturday I spend 5.5 hrs in an organic chemistry lab. Whenever I am finished, I feel a little bit like a shell of a human. It takes a few hours of sunlight, grocery shopping, and NPR to get me back into my normal self. Also, since I have to be there at 7:30am, every other Fri night is shot for me. With long runs on Sun mornings, that means all Sat nights end with little to no vino, and an early bedtime.
Wow. I am so exciting.
So, in an attempt to shun this lack of a social schedule, I invited a friend over for dinner Sat night, and he brought a few friends of his. The hubby and I enjoy entertaining, so we thought it would be fun! Also, I knew it would force me out of my post-chem-lab funk a lot earlier.
However, it also meant I had to run around like a crazy lady for groceries, flowers, etc...clean the house top to bottom, and make myself presentable. Oh, and assemble dinner fit for guests!
I'm pretty sure I used up all of my muscle glycogen standing Sat am, cleaning for 4 hrs, and cooking for another 2hrs. Then, I sat back and enjoyed the evening. We had roasted butternut squash and black bean enchiladas, an endive salad with avocado, and angel food cake with fresh strawberries and gelato for dessert. (YUMMMMM!!!!)
Where's the problem? Oh, it was probably in the cheese plate before dinner, the 3 glasses of vino, and the 12:30am bed time that all left me feeling less-than-100-percent come Sunday am. I groggily scarfed down the toast/pb/naner combo that the running fairy (read: my hubby) made for me, and contemplated I had 7 mi to run.
Fail.
The run was pretty uneventful. It was warmer than I wanted (since I couldn't wake up earlier than 7am), and I definitely felt sluggish, but overall it was fine. I did listen to my body, and tackled 6mi instead of 7. I was tired at 6, and knew that I should just call it off and not injure myself, etc.
So, lesson learned. In the words of SNL's spoof on the great GW:
"There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again."
???? : )
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Speedwork breakthrough!!!!!!
Hello blog world, I have an announcement to make. To me, it's a milestone.
Tuesday, I ran a sub-30min 5k. That's right. All miles were under a 10 min/mi pace. Now, for you speedsters out there, this post is wimpy and in no means celebrates my success as a runner. To you I say, you are clearly reading the wrong blog!
For me, it was a milestone. I ran cross country, oh, ELEVEN years ago, and used to pump out 21-24 min 5ks like it was my job. Wait, it was. I digress...
But Tuesday afternoon, gnats be damned, I did a fabulous mile repeat session and actually blasted my speed work. Needless to say, I was a little tired, but just fine overall.
Today I need to tackle 3.5 miles and some strength training. I am still wrestling with how to best pair my running with weight sessions. I think as I become a stronger runner, the idea of running 4 mi of hills or speed work, then doing weights, won't seem so daunting. I am trying to diligently keep to my cross training and resistance workouts, since that might be the thing that makes me a better runner in the end. Until then, I'll muscle through. (No pun intended. Okay, maybe a small one perhaps.)
Tuesday, I ran a sub-30min 5k. That's right. All miles were under a 10 min/mi pace. Now, for you speedsters out there, this post is wimpy and in no means celebrates my success as a runner. To you I say, you are clearly reading the wrong blog!
For me, it was a milestone. I ran cross country, oh, ELEVEN years ago, and used to pump out 21-24 min 5ks like it was my job. Wait, it was. I digress...
But Tuesday afternoon, gnats be damned, I did a fabulous mile repeat session and actually blasted my speed work. Needless to say, I was a little tired, but just fine overall.
Today I need to tackle 3.5 miles and some strength training. I am still wrestling with how to best pair my running with weight sessions. I think as I become a stronger runner, the idea of running 4 mi of hills or speed work, then doing weights, won't seem so daunting. I am trying to diligently keep to my cross training and resistance workouts, since that might be the thing that makes me a better runner in the end. Until then, I'll muscle through. (No pun intended. Okay, maybe a small one perhaps.)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
New wheels...
On an unrelated note - I finally bought a bike! I haven't owned a bike in a very long time - so it is nice to know I have some outdoor cross training options now. Hooray! I think tomorrow I'll do just that - bike and enjoy the fall weather. Lovely!
Biking words-o-wisdom so far:
-It's hard to look sexy in a helmet, unless your name rhymes with Schmance Sharmstrong
-Your tush will inevitably hurt after a day of riding until you get used to it.
-You might contemplate padded bike shorts due to the previously mentioned tush pain.
-It is true that you never really forget how to ride a bike!
Go figure!
Biking words-o-wisdom so far:
-It's hard to look sexy in a helmet, unless your name rhymes with Schmance Sharmstrong
-Your tush will inevitably hurt after a day of riding until you get used to it.
-You might contemplate padded bike shorts due to the previously mentioned tush pain.
-It is true that you never really forget how to ride a bike!
Go figure!
Who wears short shorts???
This past weekend's long run was 6 mi. When I woke up at 6am Sun morning, it was 39 degrees. What to wear for a 39 degree long run? Must. Resist. Instincts. When it's anything under 50 I am tempted to put on long pants, a vest, a layer underneath...and then sweat profusely cursing my mileage as it creeps by. Running outfit fail. Big time.
So, I wisely set aside my instincts (scarf! hat! ear warmer!!!)... and simply put on a pair of running leggings, a lightweight drifit long-sleeve, and my rain/wind breaker. Of course my favorite drifit hat (the regular one, not the sub-zero temp one) was added to the mix.
...and I was off! 6 miles was really a lovely distance this past weekend. It was crisp, fall was definitely in the air, and my pace was remarkably quicker for the slow runner that I am. (I ran mostly 10:30 miles, when I normally run 11:15 on long days, go figure) Then I saw him. Short-shorts man.
Yes, short shorts, nothing else. It's 41 degrees outside. He was in shorts shorter than I saw some teeny-boppers wearing this past summer, and nothing else. Sprinting along. I felt ri-di-cu-lous. I just had to laugh out loud. Short shorts man probably woke up, thought, 39? Oh, that's balmy! Shorts it is! I drink coffee, ponder fleece, and then back away slowly. Hehe. Perhaps this is all part of becoming a runner. When you run fast, you get warm, and you don't need layers to keep you warm. Ahhh...the logic finally sets in.
So, 6 miles was dominated, and I am looking forward to my 7 miler next weekend! Until then - I have 2 speed work sessions to get in. I think I would rather run in short shorts than do speed work, but I do recognize how it can help my training. So - send speedy thoughts my way!
I have to figure out a good way to post photos. I have TONS of food pics and recipes, but no easy way to upload them since I blog from various computers here and there. Hmmm... still thinking.
Since I am hardly the most popular blog on the interwebs, I think it will suffice to say pics can wait another few days.
So, I wisely set aside my instincts (scarf! hat! ear warmer!!!)... and simply put on a pair of running leggings, a lightweight drifit long-sleeve, and my rain/wind breaker. Of course my favorite drifit hat (the regular one, not the sub-zero temp one) was added to the mix.
...and I was off! 6 miles was really a lovely distance this past weekend. It was crisp, fall was definitely in the air, and my pace was remarkably quicker for the slow runner that I am. (I ran mostly 10:30 miles, when I normally run 11:15 on long days, go figure) Then I saw him. Short-shorts man.
Yes, short shorts, nothing else. It's 41 degrees outside. He was in shorts shorter than I saw some teeny-boppers wearing this past summer, and nothing else. Sprinting along. I felt ri-di-cu-lous. I just had to laugh out loud. Short shorts man probably woke up, thought, 39? Oh, that's balmy! Shorts it is! I drink coffee, ponder fleece, and then back away slowly. Hehe. Perhaps this is all part of becoming a runner. When you run fast, you get warm, and you don't need layers to keep you warm. Ahhh...the logic finally sets in.
So, 6 miles was dominated, and I am looking forward to my 7 miler next weekend! Until then - I have 2 speed work sessions to get in. I think I would rather run in short shorts than do speed work, but I do recognize how it can help my training. So - send speedy thoughts my way!
I have to figure out a good way to post photos. I have TONS of food pics and recipes, but no easy way to upload them since I blog from various computers here and there. Hmmm... still thinking.
Since I am hardly the most popular blog on the interwebs, I think it will suffice to say pics can wait another few days.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Back in it baby!
I have finally found the swing of my training schedule! After a rather hellish weekend (which included 6.5 hrs of organic chemistry lab and lab-prep, ugh), I was a shell of a human being, completely drained.
Sat night I dined, I rested, and Sun am came bright and early! The usual 7am alarm to eat my banana and toast, and I obliged. I also added a 1/2T of nut butter and a swirl of honey - nom nom nom!
Sunday was the first chilly fall run of my training season. The thermometer read 55 degrees - hmmm...what to wear for a 55 degree run? It's not quite break-out-the-hat-and-gloves weather, but it also isn't shorts and a tank weather either. It was also cloudy and threatening light showers, so I went with running capris (thank you lululumon!), sportsbra, long-sleeved drifit shirt, and an awesome wind/rain breaker my mom gifted me this past summer.
I had 5.5 miles on the schedule - so I had to shed my top layer about mile 3, but all in all, it was a good run. I stayed at my projected slow long-run pace of 11:15/mile - and got it done in under an hour. Afterwards, I warmed up with some coffee I put in the car (Thank you Thermos for keeping it warm!), and a vegan coconut muffin (recipe to come). I felt human, lovely, and part of the running community again. Toenails be damned!
Little sore today, but Mondays are yoga for me, and I plan on stretching out all the sore spots that tensed up after yesterday's run.
Next week - 6-7 miles scheduled for the long run, and our 10k race is in 3 weeks! Hooray!
Sat night I dined, I rested, and Sun am came bright and early! The usual 7am alarm to eat my banana and toast, and I obliged. I also added a 1/2T of nut butter and a swirl of honey - nom nom nom!
Sunday was the first chilly fall run of my training season. The thermometer read 55 degrees - hmmm...what to wear for a 55 degree run? It's not quite break-out-the-hat-and-gloves weather, but it also isn't shorts and a tank weather either. It was also cloudy and threatening light showers, so I went with running capris (thank you lululumon!), sportsbra, long-sleeved drifit shirt, and an awesome wind/rain breaker my mom gifted me this past summer.
I had 5.5 miles on the schedule - so I had to shed my top layer about mile 3, but all in all, it was a good run. I stayed at my projected slow long-run pace of 11:15/mile - and got it done in under an hour. Afterwards, I warmed up with some coffee I put in the car (Thank you Thermos for keeping it warm!), and a vegan coconut muffin (recipe to come). I felt human, lovely, and part of the running community again. Toenails be damned!
Little sore today, but Mondays are yoga for me, and I plan on stretching out all the sore spots that tensed up after yesterday's run.
Next week - 6-7 miles scheduled for the long run, and our 10k race is in 3 weeks! Hooray!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Running fuel!!!!
Just a quick note - with fall around the corner. I always eat oats for breakfast on my planned running days. Today, I doctored mine up with a half cup of pumpkin - not only was it delish in a very fall way, but I managed to sneak in another 3g of fiber and a whole heck of a lot of beta carotene. Add some pumpkin to your next batch of oats, or pizza dough, or chilli - it will add bulk and taste without added sugars or preservatives!
Still on the wagon! Or...er...running along side the wagon?
After several failed attempts at 3-4 milers last week (I blame it on improper fueling, too much coffee, not enough water, and general laziness), I awoke Sunday to a massive thunderstorm.
After training for my first 13.1 and running three quarters of the training on a treadmill, I vowed to do most of my running outdoors, rain or shine. I really feel that for newbies, running outside makes you the most prepared for race day.
So, I asked for a running rain jacket for my birthday - check! No more excuses for the rain! I have a vest and gloves for cold days, a hat with a cool ponytail hole for even colder days, and plenty of other running acoutrements.
Sadly, I do not have a block-lightning-from-striking-me-dead-hat. (Do they make those?)
After several reports of golfers and those outdoors during thunderstorms being hit my Thomas Eddison's nemesis, I decided to call off my outdoor run and head for the treadmill.
My husband was planning a 7 miler, and I had 4 planned. Given how slow I run, I knew we would finish right around the same time! (Embarrassing, I know...) I actually had a lovely run. I really focused on breathing and my stride, and managed to keep my heart rate down in the reasonable zone (160's) until I hit mile 3, then it jumped up.
A redeeming run is really one of the best things out there. It makes up for so many crummy runs when your legs feel like lead. This treadmill run, while not outside, was still a good thing, and exactly what I needed.
The good news? A St. Louis Rock 'N Roll Marathon is now on the books for 10/23/11. Who has two thumbs and is contemplating signing herself up? ---> This girl <------
After training for my first 13.1 and running three quarters of the training on a treadmill, I vowed to do most of my running outdoors, rain or shine. I really feel that for newbies, running outside makes you the most prepared for race day.
So, I asked for a running rain jacket for my birthday - check! No more excuses for the rain! I have a vest and gloves for cold days, a hat with a cool ponytail hole for even colder days, and plenty of other running acoutrements.
Sadly, I do not have a block-lightning-from-striking-me-dead-hat. (Do they make those?)
After several reports of golfers and those outdoors during thunderstorms being hit my Thomas Eddison's nemesis, I decided to call off my outdoor run and head for the treadmill.
My husband was planning a 7 miler, and I had 4 planned. Given how slow I run, I knew we would finish right around the same time! (Embarrassing, I know...) I actually had a lovely run. I really focused on breathing and my stride, and managed to keep my heart rate down in the reasonable zone (160's) until I hit mile 3, then it jumped up.
A redeeming run is really one of the best things out there. It makes up for so many crummy runs when your legs feel like lead. This treadmill run, while not outside, was still a good thing, and exactly what I needed.
The good news? A St. Louis Rock 'N Roll Marathon is now on the books for 10/23/11. Who has two thumbs and is contemplating signing herself up? ---> This girl <------
Friday, September 10, 2010
Yes, I know, I run like a girl...
I just cannot get a good blogging schedule down these days. Work has been a little crazy as we transition to a new boss, consolidate jobs, create new to-do lists, etc....so somehow this lil' ol' blog just falls by the wayside. *tear*
Enter September. Enter fall, all things pumpkin/harvest squash flavored/spiced. Enter an actual training plan that involves running....and.....what else? My toenails are ACTUALLY GROWING BACK! I joked with my husband the other day that we should have a "Welcome Back" party for my toenails. All my friends had to put up with the craziness after the first 13.1 race, so I figured we should all celebrate. Gross.....toenail party. Ugh! : )
Well, the most exciting thing I have done thus far is get involved with an awesome nonprofit called Girls On the Run (GOTR). You can find out more at this link http://www.girlsontherun.org. It's a pretty amazing organization, and I am proud to be able to help inspire girls to engage in a healthy and fit lifestyle that involves gobs of positive energy!
I sit at a desk and in meetings 90% of my day, so when I get the chance to get out and run with girls, it is simply amazing. I've worked with many other organizations focusing on our female youth, but none that has quite the energy and effervescent quality that GOTR has. I am so looking forward to helping these ladies reach their 5k goal as I strive towards my second 13.1 in December.
So, I am back on the running bandwagon. Ran 2 mi yesterday, plus 45 min of cross training. Today is a 3 mile tempo run, and a 4 miler faces me on Sunday. It is a little rainy and cool today, reminding me that fall is just around the corner. I think I'll take to running in the cooler temps quite well. I hated running in the hotter weather of this past spring.
Enjoy your weekend! I'll be revisiting my posts from the spring that showed my fear of the dreaded 3, 4, 5mi distances.... What happened in the end? Oh, that's right. I ran thirteen miles...and a tenth. So, I'll try not to be such a scardeycat as I face this second round of training.
Enter September. Enter fall, all things pumpkin/harvest squash flavored/spiced. Enter an actual training plan that involves running....and.....what else? My toenails are ACTUALLY GROWING BACK! I joked with my husband the other day that we should have a "Welcome Back" party for my toenails. All my friends had to put up with the craziness after the first 13.1 race, so I figured we should all celebrate. Gross.....toenail party. Ugh! : )
Well, the most exciting thing I have done thus far is get involved with an awesome nonprofit called Girls On the Run (GOTR). You can find out more at this link http://www.girlsontherun.org. It's a pretty amazing organization, and I am proud to be able to help inspire girls to engage in a healthy and fit lifestyle that involves gobs of positive energy!
I sit at a desk and in meetings 90% of my day, so when I get the chance to get out and run with girls, it is simply amazing. I've worked with many other organizations focusing on our female youth, but none that has quite the energy and effervescent quality that GOTR has. I am so looking forward to helping these ladies reach their 5k goal as I strive towards my second 13.1 in December.
So, I am back on the running bandwagon. Ran 2 mi yesterday, plus 45 min of cross training. Today is a 3 mile tempo run, and a 4 miler faces me on Sunday. It is a little rainy and cool today, reminding me that fall is just around the corner. I think I'll take to running in the cooler temps quite well. I hated running in the hotter weather of this past spring.
Enjoy your weekend! I'll be revisiting my posts from the spring that showed my fear of the dreaded 3, 4, 5mi distances.... What happened in the end? Oh, that's right. I ran thirteen miles...and a tenth. So, I'll try not to be such a scardeycat as I face this second round of training.
Monday, August 30, 2010
On the road again...
Hi there! The last few days have been productive and I have been able to ease back into my running schedule. Friday I logged a 5k on the treadmill at a nice, slow pace. Saturday am the hubby and I headed out for an outdoor run. I am so blessed to have such beautiful parks to use for my longer runs! Granted, Sat's run was not long (just short of 3.1mi), but it was still lovely to be out in the breeze, seeing other runners just like me! Check out my view from the end of my run. How gorgeous????
Thursday, August 26, 2010
So, uh, one time, I did this thing called blogging...remember blogging?
I'd love to write some amazingly romantic post about how following my first half marathon I continued to ramp up my mileage, and ran the Chicago half on my first wedding anniversary. That was the plan. Well, the plan was a major fail.
The less glamorous, but more accurate story is that one week after the April 1/2, my toenails were killing me. I mean, couldn't put on shoes killing me. So, I went to my local podiatrist, and he informed me that (if you are grossed out stop reading and skip to the next paragraph) that both big toenails would have to come off. They were bruised, and dead, and would fall off and probably get infected if I didn't take care of it right then and there.
I went into the office thinking I might have my toenails drained and be dandy right after. Pressure relieved = Happy runner!
No, that is not what happened. I ended up having to get a ride home because my feet were numb and I couldn't drive home. I was in horrible pain for days following, and had bloody bloody stumps of big toes. Which, ironically, are necessary for just about all aspects of walking. Ugh!
It took 3 weeks for my toes to feel okay in running shoes. It took 4 weeks for me to be able to gingerly step food on the pavement and start a measly 2 mile run. So, the August 1/2 came and went, and I was nowhere to be found in the crowd. *sniff*
Now, enter fall. After a week at the beach and a few short runs, I am eagerly looking forward to the longer run. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I have run a long training run. I love the fact that I started barely running 2 miles and ran 13.1. So, with my toenails only half grown back (which makes for a wonky looking pedicure), I am stepping foot back into the water of the running world.
The new goal is the St. Jude Hospital Half Marathon in December. Memphis in December is supposed to be chilly, but not horrible. I am looking forward to having the fall to train. Cooler days are always kinder for long runs.
So, that's the latest and greatest. I have a 10k planned for Halloween, but no inventive costume just yet. I can plan said costume during my long Sunday runs this fall. : )
The less glamorous, but more accurate story is that one week after the April 1/2, my toenails were killing me. I mean, couldn't put on shoes killing me. So, I went to my local podiatrist, and he informed me that (if you are grossed out stop reading and skip to the next paragraph) that both big toenails would have to come off. They were bruised, and dead, and would fall off and probably get infected if I didn't take care of it right then and there.
I went into the office thinking I might have my toenails drained and be dandy right after. Pressure relieved = Happy runner!
No, that is not what happened. I ended up having to get a ride home because my feet were numb and I couldn't drive home. I was in horrible pain for days following, and had bloody bloody stumps of big toes. Which, ironically, are necessary for just about all aspects of walking. Ugh!
It took 3 weeks for my toes to feel okay in running shoes. It took 4 weeks for me to be able to gingerly step food on the pavement and start a measly 2 mile run. So, the August 1/2 came and went, and I was nowhere to be found in the crowd. *sniff*
Now, enter fall. After a week at the beach and a few short runs, I am eagerly looking forward to the longer run. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I have run a long training run. I love the fact that I started barely running 2 miles and ran 13.1. So, with my toenails only half grown back (which makes for a wonky looking pedicure), I am stepping foot back into the water of the running world.
The new goal is the St. Jude Hospital Half Marathon in December. Memphis in December is supposed to be chilly, but not horrible. I am looking forward to having the fall to train. Cooler days are always kinder for long runs.
So, that's the latest and greatest. I have a 10k planned for Halloween, but no inventive costume just yet. I can plan said costume during my long Sunday runs this fall. : )
Monday, April 12, 2010
13.1? Check!
So, it turns out, you CAN actually run a half marathon if you weren't a runner 3 months prior. How do I know this?
Because yesterday, I ran a half marathon.
I started out with the 2:30 finish time pace group, and stuck with them through mile 7. I knew miles 7-10 would be my demise, and I was right! I had to stop a few times to fix my knee brace, as well as walk through the water stations. So my pace did suffer as a result, but I am still nonetheless thrilled that I completed the task at hand!
It was hard, it was exhilarating. It was like nothing I have ever done before.
And I want to do it again. : )
My 2:41 finish time needs big improvement - that, will be my next goal to tackle! 2:20 anyone?
Because yesterday, I ran a half marathon.
I started out with the 2:30 finish time pace group, and stuck with them through mile 7. I knew miles 7-10 would be my demise, and I was right! I had to stop a few times to fix my knee brace, as well as walk through the water stations. So my pace did suffer as a result, but I am still nonetheless thrilled that I completed the task at hand!
It was hard, it was exhilarating. It was like nothing I have ever done before.
And I want to do it again. : )
My 2:41 finish time needs big improvement - that, will be my next goal to tackle! 2:20 anyone?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
One less person to compete with on the running trails..
....the epitome of ridiculousness....
She had so much surgery she doesn't want to run anymore? Wow.
Guess that is one less person I have to worry about lapping me in the park!
She had so much surgery she doesn't want to run anymore? Wow.
Guess that is one less person I have to worry about lapping me in the park!
Bad Blogger...
It has been a full 2 weeks since I really felt the need to post to this blog. Perhaps it's the fact that I no longer needed it to make me feel accountable. It was the looming 13.1 on the calendar that made me feel incentivized to run! Alas, I will share the trials and tribulations of my last 2 weeks worth of runs.
3/26 - I ran nine (count them, nine) miles. It. Was. Amazing. I really could not believe I ran 9 miles, and felt like a million bucks. I met up with my hubby after the run, and he had done 11, and was hurting head to toe. We both went home, nursed our sore joints, and ate a much needed dinner!
After running 9, I really felt like the half marathon was doable. Sure, 9 miles was hard, but if I had to run another 4 to finish off the half, I could have done it! Enter: knee pain.
I have now been nursing knee pain on the inside of my knee (probably a 2 out of 10 on the pain scale), that has persisted ever since my 9 miler two weeks ago. I went to a meeting on Saturday after my run, wore kitten heels all day, and I think made my knee pretty ticked off that it was not only forced to run 9 miles, but then tackle 9 hours in heels, plus stairs. Fail.
I took last week easy (doing only 2 short runs and a cross training day), and I paid for it come long-run on Friday. I had to run 10 miles, and though I had diligently iced my knee, and stretched, it was by far the hardest thing I have ever done. Oh - to add insult to injury, there was a 20mph sustained wind, and it was 80 degrees. We don't get 80 degree weather in late March here in the upper midwest - it's craziness. So, I was hot, pushed the other way due to wind, and exhausted from my constricting knee brace. My husband met me with the car at mile 8.5 and coaxed me into the vehicle. It was probably the best thing I could have done, as the sky opened up about 30 minutes later. I learned to listen to my body. I learned that sometimes it is better to just stop than to push it and get really injured.
I also learned the valuable lesson that cross training will save you from running hell if you have an injury. I didn't really cross train all that much, or anything close to the intensity that I run at during a training run. I needed to bike harder, or swim, or SOMETHING other than 30 mins at a HR of 100bpm. Ugh. My cardiovascular system hated me during that run - I had weakened it and it was angry!
So - this week, I am tapering my miles. I did a little under 4mi yesterday, and will do 3, 2, and 2 respectively through Thursday. Then, I get to rest Friday and Saturday - and RUN on Sunday!
Yup - 13.1 miles - here I come! Who knows? Maybe I'll actually finish the 13.1 in under 3 hrs, and then start looking to the marathon as another goal! : )
3/26 - I ran nine (count them, nine) miles. It. Was. Amazing. I really could not believe I ran 9 miles, and felt like a million bucks. I met up with my hubby after the run, and he had done 11, and was hurting head to toe. We both went home, nursed our sore joints, and ate a much needed dinner!
After running 9, I really felt like the half marathon was doable. Sure, 9 miles was hard, but if I had to run another 4 to finish off the half, I could have done it! Enter: knee pain.
I have now been nursing knee pain on the inside of my knee (probably a 2 out of 10 on the pain scale), that has persisted ever since my 9 miler two weeks ago. I went to a meeting on Saturday after my run, wore kitten heels all day, and I think made my knee pretty ticked off that it was not only forced to run 9 miles, but then tackle 9 hours in heels, plus stairs. Fail.
I took last week easy (doing only 2 short runs and a cross training day), and I paid for it come long-run on Friday. I had to run 10 miles, and though I had diligently iced my knee, and stretched, it was by far the hardest thing I have ever done. Oh - to add insult to injury, there was a 20mph sustained wind, and it was 80 degrees. We don't get 80 degree weather in late March here in the upper midwest - it's craziness. So, I was hot, pushed the other way due to wind, and exhausted from my constricting knee brace. My husband met me with the car at mile 8.5 and coaxed me into the vehicle. It was probably the best thing I could have done, as the sky opened up about 30 minutes later. I learned to listen to my body. I learned that sometimes it is better to just stop than to push it and get really injured.
I also learned the valuable lesson that cross training will save you from running hell if you have an injury. I didn't really cross train all that much, or anything close to the intensity that I run at during a training run. I needed to bike harder, or swim, or SOMETHING other than 30 mins at a HR of 100bpm. Ugh. My cardiovascular system hated me during that run - I had weakened it and it was angry!
So - this week, I am tapering my miles. I did a little under 4mi yesterday, and will do 3, 2, and 2 respectively through Thursday. Then, I get to rest Friday and Saturday - and RUN on Sunday!
Yup - 13.1 miles - here I come! Who knows? Maybe I'll actually finish the 13.1 in under 3 hrs, and then start looking to the marathon as another goal! : )
Monday, March 22, 2010
8 miles!
I used to read stories of people who took two cars to their running locals so as to not end up on the other end of the park, miles away from their car. (Do you see where this is going?)
The good news is, I ran 8 miles on Friday. Eight. Miles. Wowza.
I had to stop for a few walk breaks -but ended up with a 11:20min mile pace even with my walk breaks - not too shabby. For me, the first 4-5 miles are always a bit of a struggle, but once I get past 5, everything is gravy! It did feel nice to run 8 miles and then feel like if I had to run another 5, I could!
The bad news was, that I didn't plan accordingly, and ended up 2.5 miles from my car after running 8 miles. And I was out of water. And none of the water fountains were turned on in the park. Go figure.
After walking a mile, I could see my car in the distance, across the golf course. I had two choices - either walk on the running path (which would take another 1.5 miles to get there), or sprint across the golf course and hope I didn't get pummeled with golf balls.
The result? Oh, I ran like a mad woman across the golf course, scaring several golfers in the process. I was tired, sweaty, and probably had the most flailing gait since I was exhausted. Just. Wanted. To. Be. Inside. Car.
Haha. I did get quite a laugh out of it when it was all said and done.
The great thing about running 8 miles? You pretty much run off whatever you have eaten so far that day. Yum for dinner!
The good news is, I ran 8 miles on Friday. Eight. Miles. Wowza.
I had to stop for a few walk breaks -but ended up with a 11:20min mile pace even with my walk breaks - not too shabby. For me, the first 4-5 miles are always a bit of a struggle, but once I get past 5, everything is gravy! It did feel nice to run 8 miles and then feel like if I had to run another 5, I could!
The bad news was, that I didn't plan accordingly, and ended up 2.5 miles from my car after running 8 miles. And I was out of water. And none of the water fountains were turned on in the park. Go figure.
After walking a mile, I could see my car in the distance, across the golf course. I had two choices - either walk on the running path (which would take another 1.5 miles to get there), or sprint across the golf course and hope I didn't get pummeled with golf balls.
The result? Oh, I ran like a mad woman across the golf course, scaring several golfers in the process. I was tired, sweaty, and probably had the most flailing gait since I was exhausted. Just. Wanted. To. Be. Inside. Car.
Haha. I did get quite a laugh out of it when it was all said and done.
The great thing about running 8 miles? You pretty much run off whatever you have eaten so far that day. Yum for dinner!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Trying out the am run.
I am a morning person. I will gladly wake up at 6:30ish and revel in the fact that I have a good 2 hours before I must leave the house for my office. I'll do laundry, tackle dishes, etc. I enjoy the my morning java with talk radio. I am, in essence, a retired woman trapped inside a 26 year old's body.
Enter morning running. Cue the "I'm a morning person" persona racing out of the room to hide in the closet. See, I am all about morning household to-do lists. Morning runs? Not so much.
This goes against everything I will have to do in 4 weeks at the half marathon. Since the start time is when? Oh yes, 7am.
So this morning, I decided to give a weekday am run a go. I had 5 miles to tackle, and I figured backing into that frightening 7am start time would be a good way to manage. If I ran at 8 or 9am, then shifted it a half-hour earlier each weekend, I would end up thinking 7am and 13.1 miles go together like, well, peanut butter and jam.
Running at 8am requires the requisite eating of a snack at 6am, which means I have to set and alarm and a banana at my bedside, eat said banana in a groggy haze, and go back to bed for another 30 mins/hour ish.
It also means I get to run my slow butt around rush hour traffic while everyone says "Gee - that girl is sweating far too much given how slow she's running..." But I managed my 5 miles today. It wasn't the most exciting or interesting run, but I completed it, and came close to my race time from this past weekend. Hooray!
The other fun part? A grandfather was taking his two grandkids to breakfast this morning at a cafe near my house. I ran by them as they were walking in, and then ran by them at the end of my run, as they were leaving the cafe and getting in their car. The 10 year old promptly asked "Have you been running this whole time?"...to which I responded (short of breath) - "YUP!" : )
Big. Grin.
Oh - and for the record, I did no household errands this morning. Left my gym clothes on the bathroom floor like the bachelor I met 9 years ago. Sorry honey - I'll tidy up when I get home this pm. : )
Enter morning running. Cue the "I'm a morning person" persona racing out of the room to hide in the closet. See, I am all about morning household to-do lists. Morning runs? Not so much.
This goes against everything I will have to do in 4 weeks at the half marathon. Since the start time is when? Oh yes, 7am.
So this morning, I decided to give a weekday am run a go. I had 5 miles to tackle, and I figured backing into that frightening 7am start time would be a good way to manage. If I ran at 8 or 9am, then shifted it a half-hour earlier each weekend, I would end up thinking 7am and 13.1 miles go together like, well, peanut butter and jam.
Running at 8am requires the requisite eating of a snack at 6am, which means I have to set and alarm and a banana at my bedside, eat said banana in a groggy haze, and go back to bed for another 30 mins/hour ish.
It also means I get to run my slow butt around rush hour traffic while everyone says "Gee - that girl is sweating far too much given how slow she's running..." But I managed my 5 miles today. It wasn't the most exciting or interesting run, but I completed it, and came close to my race time from this past weekend. Hooray!
The other fun part? A grandfather was taking his two grandkids to breakfast this morning at a cafe near my house. I ran by them as they were walking in, and then ran by them at the end of my run, as they were leaving the cafe and getting in their car. The 10 year old promptly asked "Have you been running this whole time?"...to which I responded (short of breath) - "YUP!" : )
Big. Grin.
Oh - and for the record, I did no household errands this morning. Left my gym clothes on the bathroom floor like the bachelor I met 9 years ago. Sorry honey - I'll tidy up when I get home this pm. : )
All I talk about is running...
Not just on this blog, because, well, quite frankly, I have no followers, and I did this blog as a way to keep myself accountable to my mileage while training for the half marathon in April.
But lately, life has become hectic, and it seems all I do is eat, sleep, work, study, and run. As the runs get longer, my preparation gets longer, and my recovery is a bit longer as well. This eats into my overall time set aside to have a life. Hence, I do not have one at this moment.
I have a few great recipes I need to post. However, all this week, I have been eating a Chicken Tamale Casserole from Cooking Light (that I made on Sunday). I have organic, free-range chicken sitting in the fridge, waiting for me to cook it. Tonight perhaps, we shall see....
On a side note - as women, we all need our iron. I made a giant pot of kale that I sauteed in olive oil with a bunch of garlic and red pepper flake. De-lish. I put a piece of bacon in there for flavor - but it was nitrate free, and at 20 calories a slice, well worth the flavor boost. : )
But lately, life has become hectic, and it seems all I do is eat, sleep, work, study, and run. As the runs get longer, my preparation gets longer, and my recovery is a bit longer as well. This eats into my overall time set aside to have a life. Hence, I do not have one at this moment.
I have a few great recipes I need to post. However, all this week, I have been eating a Chicken Tamale Casserole from Cooking Light (that I made on Sunday). I have organic, free-range chicken sitting in the fridge, waiting for me to cook it. Tonight perhaps, we shall see....
On a side note - as women, we all need our iron. I made a giant pot of kale that I sauteed in olive oil with a bunch of garlic and red pepper flake. De-lish. I put a piece of bacon in there for flavor - but it was nitrate free, and at 20 calories a slice, well worth the flavor boost. : )
Update to the train gain post...
For anyone who needs a handy tool on figuring out just how many cinnabons you have run off -
It's a great point. Yes, we burn calories running. But we also burn calories sitting on the couch doing absolutely nothing, just breathing. So we have to subtract those couch potato calories from the running calories to get a true net of our calorie deficit for the day. Ugh. Math! : )
It's a great point. Yes, we burn calories running. But we also burn calories sitting on the couch doing absolutely nothing, just breathing. So we have to subtract those couch potato calories from the running calories to get a true net of our calorie deficit for the day. Ugh. Math! : )
Monday, March 15, 2010
Train Gain....
Everyone who hears you say you are running a half marathon says "Wow - I'm sure that burns a ton of calories! I would love to eat whatever I want!" The problem with their revelation, is it is not entirely true. Yes, you burn roughly 100 calories for every mile you run as a 135 lb woman. Yes, that means if I run 8 miles this weekend training, I will be 800 calories richer in terms of my eating allowance. The problem is, that your body gets hungry. Really hungry. It doesn't register an 800 calorie workout, let you eat 800 calories, and say, "I'm great - thanks!" It taunts you all day after your run....like that venus fly trap in the B-rated movie I never liked....saying "Feeeeeeeed meeee"......
Enter, train gain.
If you want to lose weight running, you have to have a negative calorie balance at the end of the day. Calories in=calories out. The problem is, you have to find a happy balance between making a deficit, and not making yourself low on fuel so that your runs suffer. You can really only get a 250 calorie deficit going before you begin to suffer from your lack of food as fuel, which makes losing weight a slow process.
What typically happens, is your body is hungry, so you eat to fuel it. Then you run 8 miles, and you think you can eat 800 extra calories, but in reality, you eat 1000 extra calories. Which means you are over 200 calories a day. After a month of overeating just 200 calories a day, you are 1.6 lbs heavier. Yup. Even if you ran 75 miles that month. Your body will still gain weight. Hence, "train gain"....
How to combat the bulge? Keep things in check. If you are hungry - go for clean options - lots of fruit, veggies, and complex carbohydrates. Don't fuel yourself post-run with something fatty or rich, your stomach will hate you later. Try eating just shy of your required cals for the day and see how you feel? Are you okay to run in the am, or do you need a small snack? Do you feel sluggish, or okay? This, my friends, is the only way to battle the long-distance runner's paradox.
*Not to mention that we as a society grossly underestimate the amount of calories in dishes. See here....and here*
Enter, train gain.
If you want to lose weight running, you have to have a negative calorie balance at the end of the day. Calories in=calories out. The problem is, you have to find a happy balance between making a deficit, and not making yourself low on fuel so that your runs suffer. You can really only get a 250 calorie deficit going before you begin to suffer from your lack of food as fuel, which makes losing weight a slow process.
What typically happens, is your body is hungry, so you eat to fuel it. Then you run 8 miles, and you think you can eat 800 extra calories, but in reality, you eat 1000 extra calories. Which means you are over 200 calories a day. After a month of overeating just 200 calories a day, you are 1.6 lbs heavier. Yup. Even if you ran 75 miles that month. Your body will still gain weight. Hence, "train gain"....
How to combat the bulge? Keep things in check. If you are hungry - go for clean options - lots of fruit, veggies, and complex carbohydrates. Don't fuel yourself post-run with something fatty or rich, your stomach will hate you later. Try eating just shy of your required cals for the day and see how you feel? Are you okay to run in the am, or do you need a small snack? Do you feel sluggish, or okay? This, my friends, is the only way to battle the long-distance runner's paradox.
*Not to mention that we as a society grossly underestimate the amount of calories in dishes. See here....and here*
1st Race Results!
This past weekend I ran my first real race in 10 years. It has really been since my cross country days that I did the whole shebang - pinning on my number, set out my race gear the day before, had pre-race jitters and post-race soreness; and Saturday was no different!
The weather man had been by nemesis all week long, calling for 45 and rainy. Not exactly my cup of tea for my first foray back into running. However, in true weather man fashion, he was WRONG! It was, yes, 45, but it was NOT raining! The clouds looked threatening, but there was not a drop of moisture falling from the sky. I did my usual breakfast and stretching, had a cup of coffee, and suited up to head out for the run.
After my warm-up jog down to the start line, I began to realize....there were a bazillion runners. Aaaaand by a bazillion I mean 11,000 - the largest St. Patty's race registration in history! Sheesh. I had visions of me, running turtle slow on the sidewalk, while they cleaned up the streets behind me saying "Maam - the race is over, we need you to clear the street"....
Thankfully, that did not happen. What did happen was a poorly planned race that didn't group everyone by their mile times, so I spent the first mile zig-zagging like a freaking cougar chasing prey in the outback, in and out of walkers, parents with strollers, slower runners, jeez! I am all-inclusive for exercise - but stopping in the middle of the race pack to adjust your ipod is not the place - I almost ran you over...and I was going 6mph (i.e. not even fast!).
5 miles is a good race to start out with if you are capable of running the 3.1 of a 5k but would like something a little more interesting. The length was just short enough to let me run without worry of tiring, but long enough that I could work out a good half marathon pace feel.
My hubby finished in 38 minutes. I was a wee bit slower, finishing at 52 minutes and change. Not too shabby considering my weaving tactics, I ran negative splits the entire race. Wa-hoo!
The half marathon is in 27 days. Yes, 27 days. Let's hope I can do this!
The weather man had been by nemesis all week long, calling for 45 and rainy. Not exactly my cup of tea for my first foray back into running. However, in true weather man fashion, he was WRONG! It was, yes, 45, but it was NOT raining! The clouds looked threatening, but there was not a drop of moisture falling from the sky. I did my usual breakfast and stretching, had a cup of coffee, and suited up to head out for the run.
After my warm-up jog down to the start line, I began to realize....there were a bazillion runners. Aaaaand by a bazillion I mean 11,000 - the largest St. Patty's race registration in history! Sheesh. I had visions of me, running turtle slow on the sidewalk, while they cleaned up the streets behind me saying "Maam - the race is over, we need you to clear the street"....
Thankfully, that did not happen. What did happen was a poorly planned race that didn't group everyone by their mile times, so I spent the first mile zig-zagging like a freaking cougar chasing prey in the outback, in and out of walkers, parents with strollers, slower runners, jeez! I am all-inclusive for exercise - but stopping in the middle of the race pack to adjust your ipod is not the place - I almost ran you over...and I was going 6mph (i.e. not even fast!).
5 miles is a good race to start out with if you are capable of running the 3.1 of a 5k but would like something a little more interesting. The length was just short enough to let me run without worry of tiring, but long enough that I could work out a good half marathon pace feel.
My hubby finished in 38 minutes. I was a wee bit slower, finishing at 52 minutes and change. Not too shabby considering my weaving tactics, I ran negative splits the entire race. Wa-hoo!
The half marathon is in 27 days. Yes, 27 days. Let's hope I can do this!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Post-a-thon!
I have a great recipe for a turkey meatloaf I made last night - will post tonight when I am home and can snap a few photos of my loafy masterpiece.
On another note - I have to write a post about how husbands can be easily adapted to your foodie ways....at least most of them can be adaptable! My 1 meat-free meal a day has now translated to my hubby, and I could not be happier!
I have been pouring over this book the last few days and HIGHLY recommend it! Less than 10 bucks on Amazon! Love it!
On another note - I have to write a post about how husbands can be easily adapted to your foodie ways....at least most of them can be adaptable! My 1 meat-free meal a day has now translated to my hubby, and I could not be happier!
I have been pouring over this book the last few days and HIGHLY recommend it! Less than 10 bucks on Amazon! Love it!
Product update: Gu vs. Sport Beans
I haven't gotten into long enough mileage to necessitate the use of fuel during my run, but this past Sat's run, as well as yesterday, I did take advantage of some products on the market. Saturday I used Jelly Belly's Sport Beans - you have as many beans as you need 30 minutes prior to your run, and they did in fact, supply me with a little boost. They have fructose, which is easy digested, and are tasty without a texture issue like most fuels on the market.
Yesterday I had a 5 miler, and while I didn't need fuel on the go, I did need a little pick-me-up before hand since I had missed my 2 hr snack earlier. I had 1/2 a packet of GU's Vanilla Bean flavor with caffeine. Overall the taste was fine, and the texture was really not an issue. If I had to pick between the Gu versus the Sport Beans, however, I choose the beans.
For reasons I won't go into detail on, I'll just say that I am pretty sure the Gu was responsible for the 2 times I had to stop during my run yesterday, for fear I had to sprint to the nearest bathroom. While a crisis was averted, I did not enjoy having to deal with that feeling on a shorter 5 mile run. So, Sport Beans it is!
Also raving about: my Saucony Women's Pro-Grid Ride 2 sneakers. I love them! They give just the right amount of neutral support if you don't tend to pronate or supinate.
*As a disclaimer - I have lots of friends who love the Gu - but as it is for a lot of pre-run rituals, it varies person to person. Try what works for you!*
Yesterday I had a 5 miler, and while I didn't need fuel on the go, I did need a little pick-me-up before hand since I had missed my 2 hr snack earlier. I had 1/2 a packet of GU's Vanilla Bean flavor with caffeine. Overall the taste was fine, and the texture was really not an issue. If I had to pick between the Gu versus the Sport Beans, however, I choose the beans.
For reasons I won't go into detail on, I'll just say that I am pretty sure the Gu was responsible for the 2 times I had to stop during my run yesterday, for fear I had to sprint to the nearest bathroom. While a crisis was averted, I did not enjoy having to deal with that feeling on a shorter 5 mile run. So, Sport Beans it is!
Also raving about: my Saucony Women's Pro-Grid Ride 2 sneakers. I love them! They give just the right amount of neutral support if you don't tend to pronate or supinate.
*As a disclaimer - I have lots of friends who love the Gu - but as it is for a lot of pre-run rituals, it varies person to person. Try what works for you!*
Overdue update on my 7 miler....
I have found I am a huge baby. Yup, a full-fledged, 26 year old infant. At least when it comes to running. Three weeks ago it was "I can't believe I have to run 5 miles!"...this week it was...."7 miles - Hal Higdon you are out of your mind!"....
Alas, Saturday came just like it always does, and with it, the promise for my mileage to dominate me, or for me to take charge.
I have to admit, I was tired on Saturday. Though I hydrated, and spent Fri night at the house, working on a presentation, I stayed up late (12:30), and got up around 7am. So, I wasn't exactly sleep deprived, but I wasn't well rested either. I had to present a two hour program for a high school leadership series here in the area. I have done this program for 4 years, so it has definitely become a part of my life. However, the idea of standing on my feet for 2 hours running a workshop, then getting home and running 7 miles, didn't exactly seem, well, appealing.
Like I said, I am a baby.
The workshop went quickly, and I found myself suiting up in my running shoes and such before I knew it. (Bodyglide all over my feet, band-aids covering my little toes). The only question was, how many layers? It was 58 at the time, but breezy, and it was my first long run outside. I was running around a park that had a shady half, and I worried about getting a chill. So, I layered 2 long-sleeved tech shirts, my running tights, and a vest. Bad. Idea.
By the time I was on mile 3.5, I was sweating profusely. As in, you know those old men who run shirtless and get sweaty in a gross, non-sexy way? I was sweatier than them....ugh. Dislike!
Since it was my genius idea to wear said vest, it was my punishment that I had to ball up the polartech nightmare and carry it, clutched in my fist, for the last 2.5 miles.
I'm not going to lie - I was not a happy camper. I had to walk two hills, my heart rate was getting too high, and I was wishing I had my hydration belt with me. Alas, when I saw the last turn before the end of my run, I got really excited, and just kept going. I only ran 6.6, and then another .3 for a cooldown, but hey, that's 6.9 miles. That is exactly 5.9 miles more than I could run two months ago. Wahoo!
After my run - all my tensions went away. I think the biggest thing about running is you have to get over the mileage. Seeing 7 miles on your google calendar is scary for someone who hasn't run that far in over a decade. But at the end of the day, if you tackle it like 2 x 3.5 mile runs, it isn't as frightening as one might think.
This is getting wordy - so I'll just leave you with one last tidbit. The park I run in has a stretch that borders a highway. I drive this highway to work every single day, and I see the runners on the trail. I always think to myself "Wow, those gals had to run a good distance just to get halfway around the park - and they are still going!" I was just amazed that they were out there, running, and they had to keep running if they ever wanted to get back to their cars. Well, this past Saturday, as I was hot and clutching slash hating my vest in hand, I looked out to my left, and saw the highway. I realized I was one of those runners.
It has been a few years since I felt like anything was possible. This past Saturday was a welcome reminder that we control our own destiny.
Alas, Saturday came just like it always does, and with it, the promise for my mileage to dominate me, or for me to take charge.
I have to admit, I was tired on Saturday. Though I hydrated, and spent Fri night at the house, working on a presentation, I stayed up late (12:30), and got up around 7am. So, I wasn't exactly sleep deprived, but I wasn't well rested either. I had to present a two hour program for a high school leadership series here in the area. I have done this program for 4 years, so it has definitely become a part of my life. However, the idea of standing on my feet for 2 hours running a workshop, then getting home and running 7 miles, didn't exactly seem, well, appealing.
Like I said, I am a baby.
The workshop went quickly, and I found myself suiting up in my running shoes and such before I knew it. (Bodyglide all over my feet, band-aids covering my little toes). The only question was, how many layers? It was 58 at the time, but breezy, and it was my first long run outside. I was running around a park that had a shady half, and I worried about getting a chill. So, I layered 2 long-sleeved tech shirts, my running tights, and a vest. Bad. Idea.
By the time I was on mile 3.5, I was sweating profusely. As in, you know those old men who run shirtless and get sweaty in a gross, non-sexy way? I was sweatier than them....ugh. Dislike!
Since it was my genius idea to wear said vest, it was my punishment that I had to ball up the polartech nightmare and carry it, clutched in my fist, for the last 2.5 miles.
I'm not going to lie - I was not a happy camper. I had to walk two hills, my heart rate was getting too high, and I was wishing I had my hydration belt with me. Alas, when I saw the last turn before the end of my run, I got really excited, and just kept going. I only ran 6.6, and then another .3 for a cooldown, but hey, that's 6.9 miles. That is exactly 5.9 miles more than I could run two months ago. Wahoo!
After my run - all my tensions went away. I think the biggest thing about running is you have to get over the mileage. Seeing 7 miles on your google calendar is scary for someone who hasn't run that far in over a decade. But at the end of the day, if you tackle it like 2 x 3.5 mile runs, it isn't as frightening as one might think.
This is getting wordy - so I'll just leave you with one last tidbit. The park I run in has a stretch that borders a highway. I drive this highway to work every single day, and I see the runners on the trail. I always think to myself "Wow, those gals had to run a good distance just to get halfway around the park - and they are still going!" I was just amazed that they were out there, running, and they had to keep running if they ever wanted to get back to their cars. Well, this past Saturday, as I was hot and clutching slash hating my vest in hand, I looked out to my left, and saw the highway. I realized I was one of those runners.
It has been a few years since I felt like anything was possible. This past Saturday was a welcome reminder that we control our own destiny.
Runner's qualms....
So - let's go to last weekend. I had a 6 miler planned, and I did everything to prepare. I didn't go out on Friday, I hydrated, did not eat a fatty meal. Saturday am I had my now usual snack of peanut butter, banana, and a piece of toast. I stretched, had a small cup of coffee, and was out the door. So far, so good, right?
Wrong.
Mile 2.5 hit - and with it, came a lingering sensation of a forming blister on my right foot. That's right, a blister on my instep...and it wasn't getting better. In fact, it was getting worse. I thought I might stop and remedy the situation, but I just didn't want to stop running. Truthfully, for me, the only way to remedy a blister is to sanitize a needle and do a small surgery to relieve the swelling. I wouldn't want to keep running once I put my shoe back on, so I didn't take it off.
Big. Mistake.
By mile 5 my foot was throbbing, and it was all I could think of. I had downloaded all sorts of interesting podcasts, and non of them could keep my mind off the dull, persistent pain at the end of my right leg. I could feel my form start to compensate for the pain - my right arm swinging across my body, my stride shortening.
I pushed through the last mile, did a 4 minute cool down, and then proceeded to head over to the mats to stretch and remove my shoe. Much to my own dismay, I didn't just find a blister, I found much worse. First, a giant blister covered the majority of the arch of my right foot. Swollen and begging for a needle to relieve the pressure, it wasn't going anywhere any time soon. The next thing I noticed was both of my pink toes were bloody. Sorry if this is too graphic - but yes, they were bloody. I thought my toenails had fallen off, but the toes were fine. I couldn't figure out where the blood was coming from that had turned my shoes into a crime scene.
Ah - until I looked at the outside of my 4th toes....(what are those called by the way - ring toes??) Get this - my toenails had cut. into. my other toe. Yup, my littlest of little piggies had waged a war with my 4th toes - cutting gashes into the sides of each toe. I must have been clenching my feet to compensate for the blister, and I thus created havoc in my sneakers.
So, here I am. The sad state, shoeless, on a yoga mat in the gym. Wondering how the heck I am going to walk myself back to the locker room, get dressed, and drive myself back to the house. I managed to do it, but by the time I got inside, it was about all I could do to take a shower and lay down on the bed.
What is the verdict of this overly gory story? Well for one, band-aids. The next lesson? Two words:; body. glide. Yup. This lovely little tube-o-joy prevents rubbage wherever you do not want it. I have used it liberally on all parts of my feet and no blisters since! Wahhoooo!!!!
Other new developments. I am reading "The Truth About Food" and have become keenly aware of how I feel after eating certain foods. I have started trying to cut back on my processed foods as much as possible, as well as eating a meat-free meal (either lunch or dinner) each day. I have particularly noticed how eating beef the night before a run makes me feel sluggish.... beginning to think the saturated fat might play a role.
More on that later.
Wrong.
Mile 2.5 hit - and with it, came a lingering sensation of a forming blister on my right foot. That's right, a blister on my instep...and it wasn't getting better. In fact, it was getting worse. I thought I might stop and remedy the situation, but I just didn't want to stop running. Truthfully, for me, the only way to remedy a blister is to sanitize a needle and do a small surgery to relieve the swelling. I wouldn't want to keep running once I put my shoe back on, so I didn't take it off.
Big. Mistake.
By mile 5 my foot was throbbing, and it was all I could think of. I had downloaded all sorts of interesting podcasts, and non of them could keep my mind off the dull, persistent pain at the end of my right leg. I could feel my form start to compensate for the pain - my right arm swinging across my body, my stride shortening.
I pushed through the last mile, did a 4 minute cool down, and then proceeded to head over to the mats to stretch and remove my shoe. Much to my own dismay, I didn't just find a blister, I found much worse. First, a giant blister covered the majority of the arch of my right foot. Swollen and begging for a needle to relieve the pressure, it wasn't going anywhere any time soon. The next thing I noticed was both of my pink toes were bloody. Sorry if this is too graphic - but yes, they were bloody. I thought my toenails had fallen off, but the toes were fine. I couldn't figure out where the blood was coming from that had turned my shoes into a crime scene.
Ah - until I looked at the outside of my 4th toes....(what are those called by the way - ring toes??) Get this - my toenails had cut. into. my other toe. Yup, my littlest of little piggies had waged a war with my 4th toes - cutting gashes into the sides of each toe. I must have been clenching my feet to compensate for the blister, and I thus created havoc in my sneakers.
So, here I am. The sad state, shoeless, on a yoga mat in the gym. Wondering how the heck I am going to walk myself back to the locker room, get dressed, and drive myself back to the house. I managed to do it, but by the time I got inside, it was about all I could do to take a shower and lay down on the bed.
What is the verdict of this overly gory story? Well for one, band-aids. The next lesson? Two words:; body. glide. Yup. This lovely little tube-o-joy prevents rubbage wherever you do not want it. I have used it liberally on all parts of my feet and no blisters since! Wahhoooo!!!!
Other new developments. I am reading "The Truth About Food" and have become keenly aware of how I feel after eating certain foods. I have started trying to cut back on my processed foods as much as possible, as well as eating a meat-free meal (either lunch or dinner) each day. I have particularly noticed how eating beef the night before a run makes me feel sluggish.... beginning to think the saturated fat might play a role.
More on that later.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Another 5 miles...this time, not so pretty...
Okay, so, rule of thumb. Night before a long-ish run, do not eat majorly fatty foods. Don't split them, and think you are still fine, just plain don't eat them. Don't do it. Hubby and I split a lovely grass fed burger and fries at a restaurant nearby, and I think our digestive systems used our 8 hours of sleep to punish us come 9am. Running+fatty meal night before= not happy tummy. I'll just put it that way.
Alas, a 5 miler was planned, and the calendar doesn't give much room for rescheduling, so I headed out. It wasn't Valentine's weekend, there wasn't any grand Saturday planned, just me, my shoes, and a run. A little less glamourous this go-around, right?
I think I was a little dehydrated, because all throughout the run I kept having this feeling that I needed a sip of water. I had to stop briefly several times to get a sip, and splash my face. The whole run just felt laborious and gross. I hit mile 4 and was finally happy to have only a mile left, woo hoo! Finished up my run feeling okay, but still bummed the 5 miles took me 55 minutes.
This week the mileage creeps up a little more. 4 miler for today, which I am going to try to do as 1 mi easy pace (5.0mph), 1 mi pickup pace (5.3 with incline), 1 mi flat and fast (6.0), and 1 mi back up hill (5.2 with incline). Let's see how this goes. I tried doing mile repeats last week - but felt like dying. Seeing as I have a huge amount of studying to do for next Tuesday's exam, I cannot afford to be nauseous and dizzy post-run.
So - today? I hydrate! Oh - and eating small meals throughout the day.....
Alas, a 5 miler was planned, and the calendar doesn't give much room for rescheduling, so I headed out. It wasn't Valentine's weekend, there wasn't any grand Saturday planned, just me, my shoes, and a run. A little less glamourous this go-around, right?
I think I was a little dehydrated, because all throughout the run I kept having this feeling that I needed a sip of water. I had to stop briefly several times to get a sip, and splash my face. The whole run just felt laborious and gross. I hit mile 4 and was finally happy to have only a mile left, woo hoo! Finished up my run feeling okay, but still bummed the 5 miles took me 55 minutes.
This week the mileage creeps up a little more. 4 miler for today, which I am going to try to do as 1 mi easy pace (5.0mph), 1 mi pickup pace (5.3 with incline), 1 mi flat and fast (6.0), and 1 mi back up hill (5.2 with incline). Let's see how this goes. I tried doing mile repeats last week - but felt like dying. Seeing as I have a huge amount of studying to do for next Tuesday's exam, I cannot afford to be nauseous and dizzy post-run.
So - today? I hydrate! Oh - and eating small meals throughout the day.....
Monday, February 15, 2010
5 miles...the count starts to creep up....
Being that this last weekend was Valentine's weekend, my hubby had Saturday all planned out for us. I thought we were somehow magically NOT tackling our long runs, but alas, that was scheduled in. This week's run was 5 miles, and to be honest, it scared me more than the 4 miler from last weekend. Something about the number and how it is starting to creep up. I know a half marathon is 13.1 miles, I realize 5 miles is a little under 40 percent of the total mileage I will run in 7 weeks (run and hide right now)....but for some reason, 5 miles just seemed daunting.
I woke up 2 hours before my run, made coffee, had a light breakfast of 1 piece of sprouted grain bread, 1 T almond butter, and a half of a banana. I squeezed a little honey on there because, hey, it's honey, it's sweet, and it's deliciousness in a bottle. Followed that all up with a huge glass of water, must. stay. hydrated....
I ran slow (10.5 min mile pace) - at this point I am still nervous and wanted to get my mileage under my belt, rather than focus on my mile pace. The first 3 miles felt a little rough, but I was trying to focus on my breathing and form, keeping my heart rate down. Anyone out there train with a HR monitor? I used to hate them, but now it makes training so much simpler. It is also nice to compare what the monitor says to my actual perceived exertion. Sometimes I can push myself a little more, or back down accordingly.
So - I took my towel off after 44 minutes and saw I had......1 mile go!!! Wahoo! I felt pretty nice, so I cranked up my speed to a 9 min mile, and polished it off! It was lovely, the best Valentine's gift ever! Happy V-Day to my cardiovascular system!!!
I did feel a little shaky after my cool-down, so I supplemented with a banana and a light lunch. I also was a lucky lady this past weekend, as my hubby treated me to a post-run massage. Positive reinforcement! Run 5 miles, get to eat a yummy lunch, and get a massage = one happy lady. : )
The mileage this week starts to creep up across the board. Today is 4 miles, which I will try to do as 2x2 mile runs at a slightly faster pace, a 10 min break in between. My sched is as follows:
Tuesday: 45 min cross train
Wed: 4 miles
Thurs: Rest
Fri: 45-60 min cross train
Sat: 5 miles
Sun: yoga
I have a distinct feeling that once I get through the 6 miler on the calendar for 2/27, I will feel much, much better about the April Half Marathon....we'll see!
Until then - off to hydrate and prep for this pm's run!
I woke up 2 hours before my run, made coffee, had a light breakfast of 1 piece of sprouted grain bread, 1 T almond butter, and a half of a banana. I squeezed a little honey on there because, hey, it's honey, it's sweet, and it's deliciousness in a bottle. Followed that all up with a huge glass of water, must. stay. hydrated....
I ran slow (10.5 min mile pace) - at this point I am still nervous and wanted to get my mileage under my belt, rather than focus on my mile pace. The first 3 miles felt a little rough, but I was trying to focus on my breathing and form, keeping my heart rate down. Anyone out there train with a HR monitor? I used to hate them, but now it makes training so much simpler. It is also nice to compare what the monitor says to my actual perceived exertion. Sometimes I can push myself a little more, or back down accordingly.
So - I took my towel off after 44 minutes and saw I had......1 mile go!!! Wahoo! I felt pretty nice, so I cranked up my speed to a 9 min mile, and polished it off! It was lovely, the best Valentine's gift ever! Happy V-Day to my cardiovascular system!!!
I did feel a little shaky after my cool-down, so I supplemented with a banana and a light lunch. I also was a lucky lady this past weekend, as my hubby treated me to a post-run massage. Positive reinforcement! Run 5 miles, get to eat a yummy lunch, and get a massage = one happy lady. : )
The mileage this week starts to creep up across the board. Today is 4 miles, which I will try to do as 2x2 mile runs at a slightly faster pace, a 10 min break in between. My sched is as follows:
Tuesday: 45 min cross train
Wed: 4 miles
Thurs: Rest
Fri: 45-60 min cross train
Sat: 5 miles
Sun: yoga
I have a distinct feeling that once I get through the 6 miler on the calendar for 2/27, I will feel much, much better about the April Half Marathon....we'll see!
Until then - off to hydrate and prep for this pm's run!
Monday, February 8, 2010
4mi baby!
Saturday is my official long run day. While most runners don't consider 4mi to be a lengthy run, for this chicka, it was quite a feat to tackle. I was kind of dreading it all day. I had the procrastination bug in the worst. way. ever. I cleaned the condo, did grocery shopping, made lunch, all but run. Finally 5pm rolled around and my hubby was headed to the gym, so we carpooled. Having him on the treadmill next to me really kept me accountable and motivated. I found that if I could just get to the 2.5/3 mi range, I could feel really motivated to finish that last mile. Normally I cover the time and mileage with a towel so I don't fixate, but as I approached my mileage I wanted to see!!!!!
It took me 45 minutes, but I did it! Insert gleeful cheering here!
After which, I stretched, then promptly showered the stank that is running off of me. And ate pizza. Glorious, glorious, organic-fair-trade-locally-grown pizza. www.restaurantpi.com *Nom nom nom* : )
It took me 45 minutes, but I did it! Insert gleeful cheering here!
After which, I stretched, then promptly showered the stank that is running off of me. And ate pizza. Glorious, glorious, organic-fair-trade-locally-grown pizza. www.restaurantpi.com *Nom nom nom* : )
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Half Marathon training is under way!
I have been diligently trying to get back on the running horse that I fell off of, oh, almost a decade ago. Years of cross country in high school taught me to have a love/hate relationship with running, and so I ran (figuratively) far from it once college hit.
My husband recently talked me into running a half marathon this spring, and I took the bait. The first hurdle? Getting myself back in shape to run the basic training run, a 5k.
This past Monday, I did just that! Hooray! I ran 3.1 and stopped for a brief 4 min walk to ease a cramp. I am still getting the hang of eating before a run, and think I had too much too soon in my tummy....a lesson I will adjust for in the coming weeks!
So - for all who don't think it to be possible. Get out there and go for a jog or a walk - you never know what you are capable of until you try!
My husband recently talked me into running a half marathon this spring, and I took the bait. The first hurdle? Getting myself back in shape to run the basic training run, a 5k.
This past Monday, I did just that! Hooray! I ran 3.1 and stopped for a brief 4 min walk to ease a cramp. I am still getting the hang of eating before a run, and think I had too much too soon in my tummy....a lesson I will adjust for in the coming weeks!
So - for all who don't think it to be possible. Get out there and go for a jog or a walk - you never know what you are capable of until you try!
Just an update....
As I was plowing through my 5k on the treadmill the other day, a skinny skinny gal got on the elliptical in front of me. While I was sweating bullets and running, she lightly exercised for 15 minutes while on her cell phone. I couldn't help but be a little offended that I was in much better shape than her, yet would never look like her...I found this site today - and became a huge fan of ending the "Fat Talk" - take a look.
www.endfattalk.org
www.endfattalk.org
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The ivy doesn't make you pretentious, you make you pretentious
Yes, I went to an Ivy League school, and lived to tell. No, it wasn't like the movies. Yes, it was a lot of hard work, and sometimes I do wonder if I could have been happier at an easier school.
In the end, I graduated and moved forth into the wide wide world. I secured a job, I got married, and now, I am tackling the most recent to-do list item: run a half marathon.
I started this blog in an attempt to hold myself accountable. The 70 dollar registration fee won't make me complete the task...though it should at least contribute some financial incentive. But the feeling of crossing one item off my 101 in 1001 list (http://www.dayzeroproject.com) just might incentivize me beyond belief.
So, my friends. The mission begins. Can I maintain my sanity, my love of cooking, my girly nature, all while completing the task? We. Shall. See.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)