Whatever it takes...

Excuses live in every nook and cranny...actually you don't even have to look that hard. Excuses live in the mind--readily available. "I am tired. I don't have the time. There is always tomorrow."
In my life I have run into weeks and weeks on end of "why I can't work out" excuses. The weeks quickly blur together. And before you know it you are months out from your last work out. It has been a long time since that happened for me. Many years in fact (No, Erin. I don't want a medal.). Well, I guess I can't ignore that from 7 mos preggers to 3 mos post-partum I didn't work out. But I don't see pregnancy and newborn baby as excuses.

I know everyone's situation is different. But I also know that there is always a way to fit exercise in. I realize that I have a lot "going" for me...I have a job that I can essentially be out the door at 2:30pm (ok--I guess that is a big one in my favor)...but on the flip side, I also am out the door at home in the morning at 6am. I have a toddler. But it is just one toddler. And I have daycare. So working out between work and picking up the babe is often times a pretty easy option. But alas, the Guilt can creep in....But I counter that with the fact that an exercised Amy is a much better Mommy. So while I do have a lot in my favor--it is not as easy as it was pre-Greta. It was a lot easier back then. Though I do have to say that when there is a lot of time available, sometimes it is harder for me to actually make myself work out. When I have limited time, I know I have no choice but to do it at a certain time.

When I am home with the babe and no daycare is available...I get creative. Our basement (aka work out studio: elliptical, bike with trainer, free weights, mat, DVDs) is currently an explosion of foam stickies. Toys tossed all over. Because I will do whatever it takes to occupy that kid so I can get a work out in. Even if it means doing the elliptical. With Greta sitting on a twirly office chair next to me. While my left arm spins her around. And I am belting out "Here comes Greta Claus...here comes Greta Claus..." because apparently she is Greta Claus in her sleigh and I am a reindeer (I am so ready for this game to be over because literally anytime I have done the elliptical the past month, this is what happens.). I do believe that doing cardio while singing at the same time increases one's lung capacity at an alarming fast rate. Try it.

I guess my motive here is two fold. One, I am proud that I will do whatever it takes to work out (and I realize that there may come a point in time when the best option is 4:30am work outs....ahh, not there yet). Yes, Erin. NOW I want a medal. Two, just consider where/how you can find the time to exercise if you don't already (I will duck..who am I to ask you to do that? Try not to get to angry at me. I sincerely just know that life is so much better when you work out regularly.).

The best reward? Greta is seeing that exercise is important. That it is something that we do. To her it is simply part of normal life...Sometimes she hops in and joins me with her mock weights...she'll do a push up or two...And other times, she reminds me to laugh and not take it so seriously when she stands behind me slapping my bum during squats, latches onto my legs during lunges, or plops on my belly while I am crunching...

Before Greta I heard people talk about that the reason they like to have their kids see them exercise is because it teaches them that fitness is something to be valued. I didn't "get" that at the time. Now I do.

I learned the importance of exercise from my parents. They may be questioning that as they read this (THEY BETTER BE READING THIS) because they aren't what you may call stellar athletes (sorry guys)...BUT--my dad ran, rode the exercise bike and NordicTracked with the best of them when I was young....My mom went for regular walks and I remember doing some sort of aerobics record with her and our neighbors. My sisters and I were encouraged to participate in athletic opportunities and my parents took our interest in athletics seriously. And I think all of that combined made an impact.

I hope to teach Greta the same thing...Because that kid can run. Fast. And I am sure if we can get her some sponsors...well, let's just say our retirement is looking a lot more cushy...

Back at It

Tendon healed fine (did I already write about that?). So I am slowly working at building my mileage up a bit...taking it easy to avoid injury.

Today was a blustery 5 miles. Frigid but I loved it.

Stay tuned....an announcement might be coming!

A ok

Tendon is now fine. No pain at all. Will need to add the running in slowly since all in all it has been probably 3 weeks of no running (with the exception of a couple of low mileage runs last week to test the waters).

And that's all I've got for you.

Still determined to not let winter get the best of me and resort to ultimate laziness. But man. It is so tempting.

Hoping the roads are clear tomorrow for a pre-Thanksgiving run. Lat Thanksgiving I spent 2 hours in a 100 degree room doing yoga. I think I will be happy with 2-3 miles tomorrow...not quite the same calorie burn but I'll take it.

Appointment

Best part about seeing a rheumatologist for a follow up appointment for the tendon issue? Being weighed.

Yes. Many oddities about that above question and answer. And clearly that is a nice dose of sarcasm in the statement above.

First, if you are wondering why one with no prior need for a rheumatologist would be seeing one for a running-related tendon issue, then read the prior post.

Tendon: Significantly better. But not all better. Doctor said to hold off on running for a couple of more weeks. I can't tell if I am going to listen to him or not. How harmful would a little 2 mile jaunt really be? If it hurts--I stop. If it aches after--I won't run again for a week. Seems reasonable to me. We did talk about my heels and how they could be an underlying cause of the tendon problem. I agree. They probably are. But telling me that I should no longer wear heels is like telling someone to stop breathing. Though he didn't tell me to stop wearing them. He seems way smarter than that. But we both sat there knowing that continued heel wear will take a toll on me. It already has.

Weight: Why the f do they need my weight? I hate scales. I thought the nurse was a little liberal with pushing the scale weight to the right. I checked at home. She totally added a pound or two on. Which still doesn't help since that still leaves me 5 (?) pounds more than pre-Greta. Maybe 7 or 8. I don't quite recall my exact weight prior to G because guess what? I didn't like scales then either. Because at that time I was weighing in 5-8 pounds heavier than what I weighed around the time I got married. And around the time I got married? I probably wanted to weigh 5 pounds less than I did. Do you see the problem? No. Me either.

The moral of the story? Don't ever think you won't be "one of those people" that hang on to "baby weight".  Because you most likely will. And wearing high heels really can ruin your feet. And possibly cause you to gain weight.

Dang

Early last week--lovely 5 mile run. That evening my inner ankle hurt. "I must have twisted my ankle or something."

Tweaky pain for a week. Nothing big. Figured it was just one of those running aches/pulls/strains that would go away. Not by resting mind you.

Wednesday run. Felt that strain. And then at 3 miles. FELT THAT STRAIN.

Wednesday evening. Apparent bruise showed up.

Thursday morning. Ankle started swelling. Very isolated swelling. School nurses ordered me to see a doctor (I love having school nurses as a reference).

Off to Quick Care. X rays "just because". But doctor started questioning about my joints. And other weird symptoms. And got me in at the rheumatoid doctor immediately. Like I drove right over there. Concocting wild fantasies of what might be going on in my body. Realizing just how terrifyingly fast one's life could be turned upside down. Thinking how crazy it was that I was so hyper focused on the fact that this must be running related where as in reality I had a weird joint disorder starting to show in my body.

But I didn't. Very, very nice and thorough Doctor assured me it was a tendon issue. And informed me that they are set up to do ultrasounds. And very nice practice got me in for today.

Ultrasound revealed no tear! Told to take 2 weeks off--no running (but if there is exercise that doesn't hurt it--I can do that. Haven't tested out the elliptical yet.). I do know that I had just recently been hit with, "Wow. My shoes are DEAD."  So that may have contributed.

And for the love of god people--this guy ultrasounded (a verb?) my entire foot and EVERYTHING LOOKED GREAT--Achilles and all. So while wearing heels may be slowly destroying my feet....all is fine for now. And I realized that wearing heels is now the social equivalent to smoking.

I like to run!

Ah, feels so good to find pleasure in running again. I don't worry about times. I don't stress about mileage. I listen to my body.

Ran 5 Tuesday--naked run so no clue on pace or anything...felt fast. But that doesn't mean anything.

Rainy 5 Wednesday--averaged a 9:04 pace

Ran 4 today--oddly enough I had been planning on 3 but felt the itch to run more. Took this one slower--and felt more comfortable than any run I have done in months--9:30 pace. Was warmer than previous days and a little humid--but breathing felt good. I have realized that humidity really affects me. A lot. I know that I am a somewhat bronchial challenged individual--prone to bronchitis, coughs and if I laugh really hard late at night? I become a wheezing monster....so who knows if that is connected? Or maybe I am just a baby. But I do know that I adore running in the fall. Who doesn't?

Guess what?

I still run!

Since school started my working out has taken some breaks (including 2 weeks, if I recall correctly, of no working out. At all. It was nice. And sure enough, I felt ready again to return to work outs by the end of 2 weeks.). I tend to go all balls to the wall with working out at the beginning of the week but then my enthusiasm tapers off. Weekend work outs are the toughest right now--just not feeling motivated to figure out who can watch G...when I can squeeze something in...blah blah

My plan is to stick to 15-20 miles through the winter. With days of cross training built in.

Today I ran a very, very, VERY wet and cold 5 miles. Guess what happens when you run in a rain/wind storm with your hair in a ponytail? It becomes one giant snarl. This was probably the rainiest run I have ever had. And would have been really lovely if I had dry clothes for me at the end of the run. But I didn't. What I did have was a car that needed gas. And a toddler that needed to be picked up at daycare. And a 35 minute drive home from daycare. With a crying toddler. And then when I got home--I had dinner that had to be made and laundry to start and a dance bag to pack. And then. THEN I got my shower. And it was really nice. But I am a little scared that my hair may be a permanent snarl from this point on...

Yesterday I ran naked. Not a preference. But I had no choice. Obviously by naked I mean watch-less AND ipod-less. Trust me, I considered vetoing the run. But that is what sissies do. And overall guess what device I missed more? The watch. After a mile or so, no music really didn't bother me. Plus if Erin was able to run 16 (or was it your 18?) on a treadmill. With no music. No TV. No nothing except for a dot on the wall--5 around the cove isn't that bad I guess...

Status

Eh. Running.

I've done some runs.

Unfortunately my long runs as of late have been 8 miles. Not exactly long.

And they have been really unattractive.

Still doing P90x workouts (not religiously).

And still letting myself take 2-3 days off a week. Which is kind of nice.

And when I feel settled and ready to add more work outs into the mix. I will.

Workout Buddy

Greta blessed me with a 5am wake up. Only to be followed by an afternoon nap refusal. And I am WIPED. Like so many parents, I wonder how the heck I survived with little sleep for so long? Anyhow, once G made it clear a nap was not happening, I decided to get my work out done. Because there is no way I was going to want to work out at 7 tonight.

I zoomed through the arm workout--not sure what effect it has when I jump quickly from set to set (as soon as I am done with my sets, I skip to the next. Particularly when G is around). Working out with G is always interesting. She pops in and out of the workouts. And is constantly in the way. So you have to adjust as needed.

During abs she hit the floor and joined me. She did complete a couple of the scissors, but then was keeping one foot on the floor aka cheating. And then just popped up with like 8 to go to grab a graham cracker. "Uh, Greta...are you just done?!"  "Yes, my done."  She came back and "helped" me by supporting my legs during Heels to the Heavens and whatever the other things are called.

She also started standing on my face at one point.

I decided to push my luck and try to get 30 in on the elliptical. It was 10 minutes. But whenever I complete any work out with Greta--I consider that a miracle.

Really hoping to get out for a run tomorrow. Mileage to be determined.

No energy to run, no energy to title.

Did my plyo workout last night.

Did not do my run this morning.

And really like the idea of just being done with the running. Not completely. I will run probably 3 days a week. 3-5 miles a pop. Maybe longer if I feel good. And hope to mantain running thoughout the winter.

I'm not completely ready to close on this. Let's just say the sale is pending.  Today''s workout will be arms, tris and shoulders. Followed by ab ripper. An hour of p90x is FAR more enjoyable than an hour of running. Which is part of why I know I am craving a break from pounding the pavement.

Back to Work!

I was scheduled for a 6 mile tempo on Wednesday. Tuesday I had already decided I was just going to run the 6 miles easy. I was already tired from re-entering the workforce.

I left school later than planned--so as I pulled into the lot of the ET (which I despise running on), I was already down to five miles in my mind. By the time I was .5 in, I was good with 4. And it was a gross 4 at that. So my 6 mile tempo became a 4 mile "should have been easy at that pace but wasn't remotely easy" run.

I really want to do the ME Half. Has always been my plan for the year. But getting runs in is going to be more challenging than last year (bit of a change at work, which means putting more time in...which means less time to squeeze in a run before picking up Greta). How the hell did I manage runs 2 years ago after G went to bed? Oh yeah. She would go to bed before 6 many a night. I also have been feeling the effects of taking that bit of time off post B2B, coupled with modified long runs...that 8 didn't come easily last weekend. I am scheduled for 11 tomorrow--but will probably do my loop and make it 9. My run tomorrow will also be an early one. Blech. So who knows. I just think that sometimes other things come along and suddenly running falls down on my priority list.

Been plopping in P90x workouts as I can...I find more and more I need to KNOW my workout plans going into the week. Otherwise I choose...nothing on certain days. Thursday was a questionable day for me in terms of when/what/if I would work out--turns out I could have worked out after G went to bed. But I was so tired. I chose to do nothing. So tonight has to be Plyo no matter what. The best workouts are the ones you force yourself to do. It is so much easier NOT to do it. For some reason, that always motivates me to do my workout. Who wants to choose to take the easy way out?

Update***** (read previous post first)

Notes:

When driving before planned run and you think "Well it is pretty shady on this third of the course"--it does not mean the other 2/3 will be shady. Or that the 1/3 you just drove will STILL be shady.

ZENSAHs are pretty amazing (wore my calf guys for the first time today--just because I needed something exciting to get me out the door)--but they do not cool you off.

No one can look stylish in a fuel belt. Ok maybe some people can, but I don't.

When wearing a belt with water bottles, it feels perfectly normal when standing in your house...and then you take three steps into your run and...you feel them (though I really didn't mind wearing it--got old towards the end when the bottles were empty and the belt was sliding all over me).

Water doesn't fuel you. When it is hot. And all you ate for the day was some PB toast and vanilla flavored Goldfish--well, fuel would be good.

When scheduled run is 10. And before you leave you already move it back to 9. You will probably find a way to make it 8.26 miles instead. Would have been shorter if I was certain of which road to run down to shave another mile off the run.

Most importantly--when your mind is telling you to stop, stop, stop--and you refuse to give in...well. That's a good thing. May not have been the fastest or prettiest. But it was a good one to start toughening up my mind again. Pretty sure I can outrun that bitch Irene.

WAAAAHHHHHHH

Didn't do the 2 mile easy run yesterday--foot was sore. Plus I didn't want to do it.

Yoga X was ok. Considering we skipped 1/2 of it. Because the damn DVD was skipping. Though neither of us really tried fixing it. Yoga in a studio is a lot easier to do.

I have to run my 10 miles today. I have to. But it will probably be 9 because that is what the loop is...it's hot out there in the sun. I think I may run with Russ's fuel belt. Have never done it before. But today might be a good day to have one.

I HAVE TO DO THIS. I will let you know...(should I mention that while driving home from school this crossed my mind while thinking about doing this run "You've got to do this run. Orrrr you can just stop. Stop training for a race you may or may not do. Run 3 times a week. Average 15 miles a week. And just be done with the damn training schedules."  That thought literally made me smile. Like a welcoming, happy smile. Not a "Oh Amy, stop being silly....Let's hit that 10" smile. )

Workouts

What I didn't do today: a 6 mile tempo run,

What I did do today: a 6 mile easy run. Which wasn't all that easy.

What I am about to do: P90x workout 3 (bi's and tri's I believe). And I WILL do Ab Ripper.

What I did yesterday: Plyos--love that work out.

What I will do tomorrow: 2 mile scheduled easy run and Yoga X--can't wait to do it. Haven't done Yoga X since early 2010. Before I did HSY. I think I am going to enjoy it more now that I know I've got the form down. Plus 90 minutes of yoga in a basement is going to be easier to handle than 90 minutes of yoga in a 100 degree room.

Ok--off to play with Tony. I am still hesitant to say I am fully committed to P90x...I'll get back to you on that one.

No energy to title

Yesterday's thunderstorms meant no run last night---I forced myself to do P90x--first workout....Russ is planning on Bringing It again--so I figure I could join him...though it can't be daily because of my running. My shoulders are killing and my abs hurt (I was very proud that I made myself do Ab Ripper--I have a tendency to convince myself to skip it).

Today I ran 4 miles--it was good. Beautiful day--though super windy at the boulevard. At 1 1/2 miles I felt my knee tightening but I just pulled up my posture--and I think that helped.

Plyometrics tomorrow...

I just went back and recalculated my running plan to lessen the mileage (I am already "behind" with my training and realistically should only do 4 days/week...don't want to worsen my foot)...The way the program has me finishing seconds faster than my last year's time.

Foot

Did elliptical and Jillian workout yesterday--no foot pain whatsoever since I had taken pain reliever after waking up (so it really is pretty much just when running). This morning had minor pain--Excedrin took the edge off...only pain now is upon rotating it. So I should be good for a run...hoping to get in 6.

If I have to be an "every other day" runner leading up to the 1/2, I think it is fine. I plan to also really pick up the cross training.

I know that my foot is probably a tendon or some tissue or something. But there is this teeny fear that it is another stress fracture. I have suspected my left leg is longer than my right for some time, and I think it takes a beating on the road. I remember my dr. told me that I may not have the bone structure to handle longer runs (though I trained for my first half with no issues. But then again, I followed a 3x week running program). The biggest issue would be that two stress fractures in a year may indicate some bone density issues. And yeah, I think I just got a little ahead of myself.

My body actually prefers evening runs--7ish. But it has been awhile since I have done that. Now at 7ish I am t-i-r-e-d. Though I am a little excited for an evening run....I honestly can't say the last time I did one.

Most likely a day off from running tomorrow (unless I have no pain)--maybe I will X it up. Russ is restarting the program and it is always more fun (and much easier) to maintain it with someone else.

This is the most boring post I have ever done. It is putting me to sleep. Which is fine. Since Greta is napping right now.

Spoke too soon

Ow. My foot. OW.

Go Figure

Well, this was a pleasant surprise.

Two days off
Excedrin upon waking
Running on the boulevard

aaaaand, no pain! My foot ached a bit, but I think it is just going to be annoying until I can take serious time off. I just hope that as my runs increase, my pain doesn't. Anyhow, my knee didn't hurt! I have to say I was nervous as I approached mile 1. Then 2. And then I figured I was "safe". It was just a 4 mile easy run. In suffocating heat. But I was so happy.

Hope to do 6 or 7 this weekend just to keep things safe. And then try to get into the training for the 1/2 that I have had to set aside.

Awesome.

Because as you can tell from my other blog, life is just full of awesome right now.

Ran 5 Monday. On the treadmill. Felt like shit And my foot hurt. And an unexpected surprise...my knee, which has not bothered me in 2 years, killed like a mo'fo'. In the same way it did 2 years ago. Felt fine first mile or mile and a half and then. BOOM SUCKA.

Tuesday, 3 miles easy. Foot still hurt. Kind of more than it had been. Knee felt great, hooray! Until 1.2 miles. Jabbing. Knife. Pain. In. Knee.

Awesome.

Extended Trip

Ever been on vacation and thought, "Damn. I wish we could extend this..." (if you haven't, well then your vacations SUCK). Anyhow, in the spirit of that notion--I have extended my running vacation! Just because I can! Return trip will be scheduled for Monday though. I can't afford extending it any further than that.

Please hold me accountable for that. Otherwise I may just stay on vacation. Forever. 

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

So for the first time in awhile, I am taking a running vaca. I knew I would take at least 2 days off after B2B, just because I could. But with my foot pain, I settled absolutely for 3. While I could probably handle an easy run today, my foot still hurts and frankly, I want to be itching to run. I don't like it when running becomes a chore. I know by Friday I will be ready for a run. Keeping it an easy 5 or so that day. And maybe a total yoga day as well--meaning doing Hour or Power post run and then a special bonus class that evening (it is a meditation/relaxation class, so no physical exertion). I think I need this mini vaca.

On the other hand, I rode a bike for the first time in YEARS yesterday around Peaks. It was a rented bike. Older. And since I don't know the first thing about changing gears, I just stayed in the same gear the whole ride. And I loved it. Still kicked Russ's ass--even though he cycles. And knows how to use gears. Most people were just leisurely pedaling around ...but I can't sit on a bike and just half ass it. Me in my flip flops. Him with Greta riding in the attached trailer. Tour de France, Peaks style. (note: only one sketchy moment. Where Russ took a turn at the bottom of a steep hill a littttttle too fast. Spilling his iced coffee that he had in a little holder in Greta's trailer. All over Greta. She was pissssssssssed. And yelled at him for going too fast.)

B2B

Well. The race is over. It really wasn't a good one for me. 23 seconds per mile slower than last year. And only 30 seconds overall faster than my first ever B2B (with my haphazard training and shitty shoes). Yes, it was warm and humid and I know that factored in to some extent. But even going in to it, I just wasn't feeling it. Just not feeling "strong" is the only way I can describe it. The upside is that at some point during the race, I just knew it wasn't happening, and I was ok with just doing what I could. So I wasn't pissed off at least that I sucked.

I am very excited about the Maine Half. Just not sure what I should do to make myself feel better.

And my foot realllllllllllly hurts today (I did something to it during the half the other weekend and it has been sore since).

Some days of rest. A bit of time for perspective. And hopefully a less-sore foot, and back at it again.

Tickity tock

Number? Check

Clean running outfit? Check (I think?)

New super hair elastics that had best hold this thick horse mane hair of mine? Check

Gu? Check (yes, I will gu pre-race. And quite possible mid-race. Psychologically it may be needed.)

New playlist? Working on it...

Charged Garmin/ipod? SHIT WHY AM I SITTING HERE BLOGGING? I HAVE STUFF TO DO!

Nervous belly and on the verge of diarrhea? CHECK

HAPPY NIGHT BEFORE B2B BITCHES!  (PS why did Joanie not invite me to B2B party welcoming the Elite Runners?...I thought running a 10k in anything under an hour made you elite?)

Twas the Night before B2B and all through the state
Runners were nervous, some practicing their gait

Athletes were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of PRs danced through their heads

And I sat on the couch, with nerves and some fear
Praying to have the run of my career
(ok--maybe pretending I have a running "career" is a stretch. But it rhymed).

And I'm out, sorry that's all the energy I have to expend on a poem tonight--I've GOT TO CHARGE THE GARMIN.

And we wait...

If I am slotted for two days off from running before B2B, you better believe I am taking it for what it is. Meaning no cross training. And apparently it also means fueling oneself with frosting because I went to town on some frosting this morning. (Note: frosting is not a very good breakfast.).

Yesterday's last speed work out was good. I felt good. Granted the speed portion was only 2 800s. Then I did yoga. And once again, I didn't properly hydrate so I feel hung over today. And unlike a hangover, I don't even have any fond memories of the night before.

Sad my BFF won't be at my side this year...

Greta Runs

Greta just donned the Garmin, ipod and set off for a run (in the house).
She just came back to the living room and said "My all sweaty."

So I asked her about her run:

How did your run feel? Good

How far dd you run? 2

How fast were you going? Too fast (She seriously said that. I love that kid.)

She is already gearing up for another run.

How far do you plan to run? 2

What will your pace be? 2-1 (um, if it is 21 mm I am not overly impressed)

You need to be safe. What will you do if a dog comes after you? Run

Who runs faster mommy or daddy? My run fast. I run fast. Like you.

WATER

Did a 9 mile longish run Friday. At the boulevard. Turns out that even though I thought I was over it--I thought I would never in a million years go back to it. I thought I had seen the light. Guess there was still some little spark left--and well. I fell in love again. Cool breeze, no sun and opposite direction from the 1/2 helped.

Parked at yoga, ran 9 and then went to Hour of Power. A lovely way to spend a Friday morning--but I do find when I double yoga and a run--I feel like shit the next day. Probably not hydrated nearly enough.

Took 2 blissful days off (well, today wasn't blissful b/c it wasn't a planned day off--but it is just as well). My plan for tomorrow is to get up a little before 5, do a 3 mile easy run and then head into Portland for Hour of Power at 6:30. The snooze button is totally going to tempt me. But there is something to be said for being done with your work out at 7:30 in the morning. I will let you know how this goes...

Found in some stashed photos

ME Half 2009...if this doesn't say, "I LOVE RUNNING!" then I don't know what does....

And regarding all of the professional race pics (or any pics for that matter)--there is nothing more horrific looking than seeing oneself frozen in a running picture. I think child birth pictures would be more flattering.

How to successfully complete a tempo run....

Go to the gym and do it on a treadmill.

Done and done.

It was one of those morning where I was a tad melancholy for no particular reason. Which is the worst kind of melancholy. I was tired. And lazy. And most certainly did not feel like tackling my scheduled run. But I knew I had to.

I dragged my body out the door to the gym. I mentally cannot do a tempo on the road. And as of right now, the boulevard makes me want to puke. So off to the climate controlled gym I went. Almost stopped one tenth into my warm up. But eventually loosened up. And remembered how easy it is to run on a treadmill. And with that my tempo was done AND I watched a Sex and the City episode. All in all, a good run. A cheat run? Perhaps. But I needed it.

I am scheduled for another 13 this weekend, but I think I am going to call 8-10 good enough.

Well...

Upsides to the half:

1. Running "with" three childhood friends. I love staying in touch with lifelong friends. They are basically family.

2. Running half of the race with Missy, one of the afore mentioned friends.

3. Medal

4. Long run was done for the week

Downsides:

1. It was hot

2. I hit the wall again at mile 10

3. I might never be able to run on the blvd again

I feel fine today, which I kind of expect I would since I didn't "push" it. Which is odd b/c despite not pushing it--I still was DYING the last 3 miles. Like DYING.

Day of complete rest today--yay!  Easy run tomorrow. Speed on Wednesday. Less than 2 weeks until B2B. I've got to say, I am really looking forward to the ME Half this year. My goal is to try to figure out how to NOT hit the wall at mile 10. If I can do that, I can probably take a couple of minutes off my PR. Or not.

SURPRISE!

I'M PREGNANT! No. I'm not. But pretending I am NEVER gets old. Unless I really was. And then I would be rocking back and forth in hysterics.

Anyhow, I guess I am running a half marathon on Sunday!  A few friends had mentioned it. And every time I was all like, "HELL NO! Too close to B2B. And grosssss! How hot will it be!?"

Well I realized I was scheduled to run 13 anyhow. And well, it won't be HOT. Warm. But not HOT. So why the hell not?

Plus you get a medal.

In all actuality, there is something intriguing about running a race just to run one. Not trying to PR. Just doing it. I know that probably is odd to some, since heck, it is a RACE. But I am odd.

The weather is a tad....warm. And slightly...muggy. No work out today at all (which I am going CRAZY right now). Probably an early morning run tomorrow and an hour of yoga. Saturday off...and Sunday, 13.1 here I come!

Because I Can

If a marathon was 6 miles total--I would run marathons all the time. Like at least twice a month. Maybe weekly.

The first 6-7 miles of my long run today were simply glorious. Perfect July weather. My new play list accompanying me. Running at a very comfortable long run pace. I couldn't help but smile as I ran. Because I do love running. (Some of the time. Like when it is comfortable.). It felt so good that I decided that I would indeed run the scheduled 13 (I was going to just do 12 initially). And heck, I figured I would probably do 14. And you know what? I should totally do the half marathon next weekend with one of my friends....I am scheduled for a 13 mile long run anyhow, so why not. Because THIS IS GREAT.

But then a little after hitting 7, I started to feel a little drained. I fueled at 8, and even stopped at a water fountain to relieve the dryness in my mouth. Like the stellar planner that I am, I was running with no water. And while the July weather is perfectly comfortable. I think I needed some water along the way.

My grandiose plans of 14 miles quickly turned to 13. And then 12 (technically it ended up being 11.97--but who's counting?). But hey, long run is done. Next time--I need to plan for some water I think.

3 1/2 weeks to go!

When you are a mediocre runner, are speed workouts even worth it? Seriously? It's not like I am ever going to get that much faster. I am trying to weigh the desire to PR against the dislike of pain, torture and chronic disappointment.

My tempo run was filled with all kinds of excitement today:

-New playlist that made it way more enjoyable

-Failure to complete run as intended (there was a ten minute water break at my car 2 1/2 miles into the tempo portion--and I then convinced myself to run the final 1 1/2 miles of the tempo portion).

-Peed in my shorts (nothing new)

-Completely made out with a water fountain. And not just any water fountain--one at the boulevard, which means there is a 79% chance I WILL get some kind of an STD from it. But man. It was WORTH it.

I started thinking that I want to figure out a goal for the B2B. A real one. A PR is not looking realistic. Not being negative. Being realistic. Which is important to not set oneself up for failure. Last year's B2B weather was impeccable for a race. And while lounging near the start line an hour or so before the gun went off, the announcer actually told the runners that they should be setting a PR that day--no pressure. But he was right.

 For whatever reason, I am not in the same place as I was last year. I actually think I started running earlier in the spring this year. Trained for a 5K--and have logged more miles. But I am not as strong as last year. The only difference I can think of is that last winter I did P90x--and that may have carried over into the spring/summer.

I was thinking about my 3 previous B2Bs and how each one had its own goal. And I am proud of something different for each one.

2007: I remember when the B2B first started in 1997--I wanted in. Year after year I would follow the race coverage. Scan results. And think "I want to do this some day". While I always "ran" to some extent. I probably rarely ran over 3-4 miles. So when I committed to the race its 10th anniversary year, I wasn't sure I could even FINISH.

I trained on my own. Didn't have a network of running friends to compare notes with...my training consisted of 5-6 miles a day on the treadmill, 4-5 days a week...random 8 mile runs...Horrible Adidas sneakers...Horrendous knee and shin pain (from the sneakers I would later learn)...and a lot of self-doubt.

But race day came. And I ran. My initial goal was to do it in under an hour. I ran it in 55:50/9mm. It wasn't until hours and hours after the race that I felt proud (initially I was disappointed...even though I completely exceeded my goal). PLUS since it was the 10th anniversary, all finishers received a medal. Medals make every run better.

2009: 8 months after having a baby I ran again. I stopped running at 5 mos preggers and didn't start again until April. So not a ton of training. And still exclusively nursing. And up 2-3 times a night to nurse. My initial goal was to PR. But as the race came closer, my new goal was to do it in under an hour. That year the weather was horrible. Extremely humid and hot. It was gross. The upside was having my BFF with me. We finished in 58 something or other. Erin got snagged to the medic tent. And I beelined it for the shuttle line with 78979789 people waiting in the blazing sun to get back home ASAP to my baby that needed to nurse. I vowed to never, ever run that GD race again. Or any race again. But the next day I texted Erin "I think we should do the ME Half".

2010:  Was able to train better with a baby that slept through the night and was no longer nursing. Erin refused to run due to her tent experience. Actually wouldn't even set foot in Maine the race weekend. And if you think I am kidding, well you don't know Erin then. I trained hard. And as I said, the weather was perfect. Pretty sure everyone I know PR'd that day. I ran 8:33s, under my training goal but missing my secret goal of 8:30s. But I gave it my all. Greta was watching with my parents. It was a good day.

And now....well. Now? It is easy to say "stop over thinking it". Not as easy to follow that though. Nothing in life is smooth sailing. Always bumps along the way. I am at a big bump with my running. But I am sticking with it. A lesson will absolutely emerge on the other side. I can't wait to see what it is.

Week ending today

Work outs last week:

Mon: 4 mi easy/Jillian
Tues: OFFFFFFFFFFF
Wed: Tempo from Hell
Thurs: 3 mile easy (don't think I did Jillian. Not sure.)
Fri:HSY Yoga <33333
Sat: 2 mile easy/Jillian
Sun: 10 mile long run

Today's run was humid. And my throat is killing me (maybe why I have been so fatigued lately?)/ BUT the sun was hidden--yay! And I ran with my BFF-yay!

Think I am forgoing the Runner's World plan I have followed for so long and jumping to Hal Higdon and more speed work. Either way, I am feeling a rest day coming on tomorrow. Or an easy run. We'll see where the wind takes me.

Just dandy

Well this made me feel better (from channel 6 website):

As of noon dewpoint values through Maine and New Hampshire were in the 60s. When you see dewpoints that high you know the air is going to feel thick, and muggy

The fact that I am looking for justification should tell you how the tempo run went. It was a disaster. Like a middle school girl trying to make herself look like a Seventeen model disaster.

I am going to break it down so that in a couple of months' time, when I need reassurance that I have had awful runs and have come out the other side, I can refer back to this (see, I am trying to be positive. I am trying to believe this is a blip.).

The temps aren't bad--low 70s. And there is actually a nice breeze. When the sun is behind clouds, it is really comfortable. But it keeps emerging. And it is HOT.  And then there is the issue of humidity.

So what makes sense when there is a forecast like that and you have speed work planned? Procrastinate the workout until noon. That should really make everything much better.

An upside: My legs felt great during my warm up. I took yesterday as a rest day-and I needed it. I became certain I was going to own this tempo after all.

And for the first 1/2 mile I did (please note that about 88% of that first 1/2 mile is down hill). And then it got harder. And harder. And my mind and breathing got me. And I stopped at 1.2. And walked home like a fat ass quitter. I walked in the house--immediately peed (you know how I have those pee issues), splashed water on my face--allowed my mind to verbally abuse me for a good minute or so. Then filled some bottles with water. Went back outside, placed the water in the paper box so I could grab some on my way by (which for the record, we have not had a newspaper subscription for about 5 years now. No exaggeration. But we do have a paper box.). Because not only was I going to finish that god damn tempo. I was going to make myself re-do it. Yup. I was pretending that I hadn't done any of the 4 miles at tempo pace. Take that you sally bitch.

And for that first 1/2 mile, I destroyed it. By the time I looped back by my house (a mere 1 1/2 miles)--I was just about keeled over. I would have totally landed in the medic tent. I grabbed the water poured it on me and headed back inside. Peed. Splashed water on me. Verbally assaulted myself (don't worry--it is all in my head. I think that makes it much better.) And headed back out. Because at the very  least, I was going to complete 4 miles at a tempo pace. This time my legs did not feel fresh. This time my legs were tired. At 1 mile I walked. And then finished up .3 (I had to complete the 4). I did a mile cool down. And that was it. A weird little speed work out of sorts. Confirming that I think I probably should never run again. Seems logical to me.

What it is...

Dreading tomorrow's tempo. 6 miles with 4 at the tempo pace of 8:42. When you have been slodging through runs...8:42 seems like an impossibility. And yes, I am pretty sure I made up the word slodge, but it is the perfect word for how many of my runs have felt as of late.

Contemplated doing it at the gym to make it easier. But I think that might be kind of cheating.

My mind has best straighten out by tomorrow morning, or I will indeed be screwed..

Rainy Long Run

I was a tad apprehensive about my long run. As I announced to Russ that I would be heading out shortly, I took notice of the rain pelting the windows. He told me he was surprised I was going to do it given the rain--that it would lighten up by afternoon. But I had no choice. Russ was heading into work late morning. Parents were heading to a wedding later. What was the alternative? To stay home, snuggle up and not do my run? While that sounds glorious, I know how I FEEL when I skip a run.

I also had determined that I was doing this run at the boulevard.

So off I went. I started laughing driving into Portland as rain POURED down. But there was no turning around. I was committed to the run. It turned out to be a pretty decent run. Perfect temps--and I really don't mind running in the rain (there were no down pours). Do you think I stuck to the 10:14 target pace? Jackass.

Mile 1: 9:57
Mile 2: 9:46
Mile 3: 9:42
Mile 4: 9:48
Mile 5: 9:46
Mile 6: 9:20
Mile 7: 9:11
Mile 8: 9:27
Mile 9: 9:22
Mile 10: 9:28
Mile 11: 9:22

Average: 9:34


I guess the fact that it felt good is all that matters? Though I had minimal time to stretch post-run since I had to get home so Russ could get to work. Let's just say that getting out of the car after the 30 minute ride home was a tad painful. I was feeling it.

But yay! It's 12:00--long run done. I am showered and dry!

Rainy Run

Still struggling through this slump. Trying not to over think it. Either way, today was just a 3 mile easy run with Jillian post-run,  Plans for the week ahead:

Sat: Long Run (slated for 11 I think--but will be satisfied with 9-10. Or 11. And I swear. I swear I am going to try to keep it at the targeted 10:whatever pace. I don't know enough about running to know what or if running faster than you "should" during easy and long runs, does to your body. Wow. That is a tangled up sentence.)

Sun: Plyo (really have felt the effects of not doing plyo for the past 3 (or has it been 4?) weeks. I can't believe I ever squeezed this from my weekly work outs. Looking forward to seeing Tony.

Mon: Easy run and All Levels Yoga

Tues: Either Kempo or Tae Bo

Wed: Speeeeeed (omg pretty sure I am scheduled for a tempo. Blech)

Thurs: Easy/Jillian

Fri: OFF OFF OFF

The next weekend needs tweaking I think since Erin will be in Maine and I am SO doing my long run with my BFF. Maybe Yoga after, Erin?

Today

So not a lot of running blogging means--running SUCKS right now. It will get better. Opted out of Father's Day 5k--just wasn't feeling it. B2B training started Monday.

Today's run was a speed workout--5 miles including 4x800s at 3:53. If you believe in bad luck or "bad" days--well mine started rough: Pulled over 1 minute in to driving G to school to verify I had Garmin. I did. Pulled over 5 minutes into drive to verify I had wallet. I didn't. But I did have an empty gas light on. So I needed said wallet. Went home to fetch it.

Untangled G from my arms at daycare and headed to (eek, gasp, BLECH) WALMART (I cringe to type that) to find replacement head phones since the thunder storm I ran through last week fizzled my headphones out (note: headphones are an issue for me because ear buds do NOT stay in my ears, not even close). They did not carry the ones I needed. Bought an alternative.

Arrived at blvd. Too many people. Does anyone even work??? Turn on watch. "Low battery". Awesome. Start run. Ear piece on right ear, flapping. Errrr. 3/4 mile into warm up. Garmin dies. At one mile, stop for a brief stretch, decide to use ipod to time run. See ipod battery life is "red". Yay. Start first 800. Think I might die. Stop and walk the 400 jog. Next 800. Going to die again. Walk 400. Decide to try to pay attention the the wildness of my thoughts whilst running the next 800:

Here we go ugh this sucks already why the f are these shorts riding up nobody including that maintenance guy over there needs to see my bikini area at this point in time oh my god this sucks where the f is the 1/4 mile point can't breath so out of shape i need to stop f this i am so not doing my next one quarter mile done can barely breathe why the f do people walk in the god damn middle of the fng path can they not hear me breathing hello people control your dog please i might die i can't breathe i hate running i hate life this isn't supposed to be this hard i want to stop almost there keep going holy shit i hate everything aaaaaaaaaaaaaand done.

And just like that, 3 steps into the recovery "walk" my mind is clear. And positive and happy and I KNOW I can do the last 800. But of course the thoughts are the same as above when I actually run it...

I don't really believe in the whole everything happens for a reason bs. Things just happen. But I will say, given the string of events that seemed destined to toxify my run--I glanced at my ipod timer after my final 800 (which for the record was 2 seconds slower than it should have been) and just as I saw the time, my ipod died. It held out for just as long as I needed it. Maybe there is indeed divine intervention.

June 11 Long Run

Run was decent today. Russ basically bullied me into doing The Loop that I declared I would NOT be doing...My goal was to run and feel comfortable. My target pace through my program was 10:08s I figured sticking as close to that as possible would help. And it did. Each mile fell somewhere between 9:35 and 9:55. I opted out of the assigned 13 miles and did 9 (I went into the run knowing I was only doing 9). Super cool temps and no sun at all made it pretty comfortable.

As I have mentioned, this loop is kind of tough....aside from contending with lots of traffic, road kill, rednecks flying by in pick ups, and weird wild animal rustles in the bushes--there are hills. Lots of hills.

At mile 2 a very steep hill. Not super long. But super steep. At 2.5 another hill--not as steep but longer. And then it is quite lovely for the next 1 1/2 miles. Until mile 4 hits. And then it is quite literally constant uphill for 1 1/4 miles. And I do mean hills (there is one area that for 1/10 of a mile it is downhill). From mile 5 something-6 there is some incline but at that point, does it even matter? And then 7-8 is all uphill as well.

But I did it. I think my legs are coming back and this run helped my mind as well. Kind of light week ahead in preparation for next weekend's race.

June

Not sure where exactly I left off...between my recovery week, my foot ailment and allowing my mind to lose focus while dealing with some matters--I had two weeks of minimal running. And the long run last week reinforced the fact that I had 2 weeks of minimal running. It was brutal. Horrid. Wretched. Disgusting. Do you get the point? Anyhow I unearthed this from 2 months ago:

I had a rough, rough, rough 2 weeks at the beginning of April. Every run sucked. While a bad run can be disconcerting, a streak of bad runs can really mess with you. But my legs are back. And my runs have felt decent.

The two weeks I am referring to also coincided with a recovery week. Whatever. Either way I did 2 early morning easy runs which were nice--in the sense that they then are out of the way and I felt so energized throughout the day. The morning run on Thursday was rough though because it was already quite humid at 5:15am.  My Wednesday speed workout went very well--I felt good and was under all of my targets (still not sure if that is a good or bad thing)--it was 5 miles with warm up/cool down and 4x800s at 3:50s.

Tomorrow I will a long run another go--I am certain I will NOT be running the 9 mile loop around here that has killed me on more than one occasion (yes--that is where I ran last weekend).

Father's Day 5k next weekend--hope I feel a little more rested and a little more ready.

Do I like running?

Run was ok. My foot stayed attached. Though I did rip up the back of my left foot. Which is the infected foot. Hope those antibiotics just wipe all the bad stuff out.

Anyhow, I actually lied. The run was not ok. It was an easy run. That felt like shit. And I forgot to charge my ipod. And it was humid. And I felt heavy. And then as I was gasping with less than 1/4 mile left I ran into the girls lacrosse team from my school. It was actually a good excuse for me to stop and catch my breath.

Tai Chi talked to me. We exchanged the usual wave and smile. And today remember, I had no headphones on. He either said "Blah blah wind something something" (because, damn, it was windy there) or "I want to kill you."

Waiting to run!

I think I will be attempting a run today. This sharp decline in running (and working out) is starting to make me want to jump out of my skin. My foot is significantly better--still not completely better. But I think it will be ok if I keep it bandaged on my run? I guess we will find out! Hopefully the damn t-storms don't mess me up (though not looking good). I never let the rain scare me away from a run. But I WILL let severe t-storms scare me away. I guess I am a baby like that.

Monday-Jillian

Tuesday-HSY

Wed-Hopefully a 3 1/2 mile easy run with Jillian (I suppose a responsible back up plan would be plyos if I can't run).

The rest of the week will depend on if I get a run in today or not.

Recovery Week

As it so happens, my Recovery Week was a Super Recovery Week. I started the week feeling exhausted--the easy runs were torture. This seems to be the case with each Recovery Week--perhaps it is Recovery Week for a reason?

Anyhow, I had an existing boo boo on my foot (I hate using the word "scab" but...it was scabbed over). Occasionally it would be irritated when I wore certain shoes, but the cut was never re-cut. And then I spent the day in Boston--shoes irritated it--city dirt must have somehow contributed--long story short, by Thursday night by entire foot was hot, red and swollen. Antibiotics are already making a dent in the symptoms--the doctor said 7 days with no running. I scoffed at that--but the reality is, until there is no irritation/swelling/redness--I can't run. It would be stupid.

Logically a week off from running is not a big deal. But so much of running isn't logical.

Run. Done.

And it wasn't that bad. I had a pretty killer headache today (damn Jillian workout yesterday f'd up my shoulders)--but the run actually helped it. Did 12--averaged a 9:30 pace. Legs felt great (though that last mile was tough--especially since I didn't plan very well and ended up basically pacing back and forth to just hit the damn 12 mile mark).

Best part? NO LONG RUN TOMORROW. Yeeeeha. Actually, even better part? RECOVERY WEEK NEXT WEEK!

Quitter. Or not?

Hit the Blvd after school--it was cold and rainy (ok not really "rainy" per say...more like misty). Mile warm up was just fine. Tempo miles were target at 8:44s, my miles went: 8:38, 8:32, 8:33, 8:39 (thanks, Tommy!)  Mile cool down was fine. Actually it was 1.25 cool down due to some poor calculation. But who's counting. Oh yeah. I am.

While running at the tempo pace I felt good. My breathing was pretty much fine. Legs felt good. But something happened with .6 left in the tempo portion. My mind abruptly "got me"--in hindsight it must have started creeping in a bit throughout that last mile....But all of a sudden I just stopped. I stopped. It wasn't even at a "normal" stopping point (like 4.25 or 4.5--it was 4.4). I walked for probably 5-8 seconds. Realized I was a f'ng moron. And finished the run.

While I am not thrilled that I found it acceptable to stop suddenly. I am glad I made myself finish the tempo.

Blvd was actually really nice to run on today since it had extra spring to it from all of the rain (though parts were impossible to stay dry on...).

And sometimes I have to laugh because I take myself WAY too seriously. Especially for someone who is an average, middle or the road runner.

Week of May 15th

Sunday: plyometrics

Monday: 3 mile "easy" run (too fast of a pace for an easy run--I blame the person I ran with)/Jillian Michaels work out

Tuesday: Hot Sweaty Yoga (HSY)

On tap for tomorrow: 6 mile speed work--1 mile warm up/4 @ tempo pace of 8:44/1 mile cool down. Tempos have psyched me out since I started running again. Have to get my mind right.

Some interesting observations at yoga tonight--will blog more tomorrow.

Tai Chi

If you have ever been to the Boulevard, then you must know Tai Chi. While you may not refer to him as Tai Chi, you should. Because clearly I am talking about the gentleman who does Tai Chi...All. Day. Long.  I have talked to several people about him. I am sure it is only a matter of time before I find someone who knows his story. Russ and I like to believe he is there by choice. How sweet would that be? Actually, no matter what, he IS there by choice. And I am sure he understands The Now better than anyone I know. The man is actually pretty hot. For an older guy. Perfect tan from being outside all day every day. And ripped. Because he is doing Tai Chi all day. Plus I have seen him running a couple of times and his stride is perfection.

Last summer Christine started the formal acknowledgment of Tai Chi. By exchanging a smile with him. Russ was next. While marathon training this past fall and winter, he put in miles and miles and miles at the Boulevard. He and Tai Chi started waving to each other. When Russ pops in for a run now, Tai Chi waves as soon as Russ comes into view.

Tai Chi does not acknowledge everyone. I am not saying that if someone initiated a wave, that he wouldn't wave back--but he most certainly does not wave to every person (that would be tedious after all and would hinder his Tai Chi practice).

Today I hit the Boulevard for an 11 mile long run. With one goal in mind. To finally connect with Tai Chi. First loop around we saw each other, I gave a half smile. (I have to note here that at the time he was in an amazingly perfect up-dog. Like text book. But then he started doing lower body push ups i the position. Like kind of humping the ground. It muse be a killer move for your tris but it did scare me a bit).  Second lap around, he wasn't there. I was heart broken. But at the same time knew that it might take more than two loops to catch his full attention.

As I rounded the bend of my final loop, I could see he was at his station. I strode by...he gave me a huge smile and a wave. And a boost of energy. It had been a good run, I was feeling great throughout and was averaging a comfortable 9:30. But that last mile was a 9:05. Thanks to Tai Chi.

If you know anything about Tai Chi (the person, not the art)--please share with me.

Good News!

If I can mantain my current running abilities and pacing...in 21 years, I may just place 3rd in my age group!!!!! I think it is very likely this will happen. (yes, I noticed when perusing overall winners the 3rd place finisher in the 55-59 division ran a couple of seconds slower than me).

Race went well--similiar to B2B I did hit my training program projected time (training for 8:12s, ran 8:10s) but I wanted to do better.

Lesson learned: when people say "don't go out too fast"...they really mean "don't go out too fast". But man, that first mile felt good. I was flying!

First week of May!

Followed the program closely this week. It was a light week.

Tues: 3 mile easy run. Did it at the blvd. The highlight was passing by a PHS Girls Lacrosse player...she was rounding up the rear of her team..she gasped to her friend, "I am so slow. But I can sprint. I just run slow." 

Wed: Supposed to be a 3 mile easy but I did 2.5...and a Jillian Michaels Shredder workout--it was crazy good. Nice and short--only 25 minutes. But intense. And I am SORE today. This may be what I am looking for to supplement my running.

Thurs: 3 mile speed work with warm up; 2x800s at 3:56 with 400 jog; cool down.

I went into the 800s deciding to run what felt fast but comfortable rather than going all out and feeling like I was going to die. I finished the first one at a 7:26 pace. Walked the 400. Ran the second one at a 7:50 pace. Not sure what that means in terms of actual pacing for Sunday. The program had me training for 8:12s (I think). We'll see what Sunday brings!

Run run run

Friday: 3 mile easy run; perfect weather.

Saturday: 9 mile long run; stayed right at target pace (think I ran (9:45ish pace--target was 10:0...oops just checked it was 10:23. Whatevs, close enough. And felt good.). Weather was pretty darn nice. Saturday morning though not the best time to run the loop I did--too much traffic. I spent a lot of my time basically trail running as much of the loop does not have paved shoulders. Also I realize that probably 70% of this route is uphill (Russ, do you agree with that estimate?). Obviously not all big hills or anything. But some hills. And lots of incline.

Tomorrow will be an off day--maybe some type of cross training, though it is a very busy weekend, so not sure what I will squeeze in

Still scared of the 5k.

Wait just looked and this plan has me running T, W, Th this week. T, W easy 3. Th. short speed work out.

Thursday

Didn't run today. Was up in the air about it and then had a meeting after school that ran "late" (I won't tell you what time "late" is for me). Will probably do 3 easy tomorrow, heck my bag is already packed!

Wednesday Speed Work

After a cross training day yesterday, I ran again today. Leg feels perfect. Still tender to the touch and at one point while running I felt a sharp pain, but I am also aware that I am hyper focused on my shin...there are always weird twinges and pains when running. And for all I know, it has been sensitive to the touch for months on end. I don't normally sit around pressing on my shin. So let's just hope for the best and move forward. If anyone did send me positive running vibes, I love you forever. And if you didn't--that is ok, I still love you.

Today's speed work out was 5 miles with warm up, 4x800s @ 3:57 with 400 jogs, and a cool down. I did 1 1/4 mile warm up. First 800 was 3:32. I of course walked the 400. Second 800 was 3:26. Walked. Third was ? I don't know. Probably around 3:30. And the last one was 3:40.  All four of them were torture. Sheer torture. With every single one I wanted to quit at the quarter mile point. But somehow convinced myself to continue. With every single one I told myself that I was just going to call it for the day and screw the rest of the work out. But funny thing is, that with those 400 walks, by the end of the walk, I was ready to go again. I did a mile cool down at a comfortable 10:40 pace. And for the first time ever my calf muscle CRAMPED on me. I never had that happen before.

Tomorrow should be a 3 mile easy run...as long as no aching starts tonight...I will be good to go.

Still scared of the Mother's Day 5k. Russ asked me what the worst possible outcome could be. I thought about it and said it would be going out way, way, way too fast and hitting a wall of sorts and not being able to finish without walking or slowing down to a very slow jog. Which made me realize--well, who cares if that happens?

Shinny Shin Shin

My shin has been twitchy. Aching. And then tender to the touch. But I actually ended up bruising it via the touch test.  You have to push around on the shin to try to pinpoint if there is an area tender. But too much pushing obviously leads to some bruising. And bruising is tender to the touch so...it is hard for me to gauge what the heck is going (but all of this is right where my fracture was). I do know that it does not hurt when I run. Does not hurt on stairs. Both very good things.
I will not run more than 4 days for a few weeks. And when I do start running 5 days, I will be smart enough to only increase my mileage by 10%.

I will not run back to back days other than an easy run day after my speed work out day.

I will not add extra mileage to my easy runs (this one is the hardest for me to type).

I will not road run for my long runs for a month or so...

Send some positive running vibes to my shin please!

Thursday 4/21

Heading out for an easy 3. Though with the wind out there, may not feel so easy. Then I am DETERMINED to do P90x (one of the arm workouts) AND ab ripper. I will let you know how that goes!

Ache in my left shin---doesn't hurt to the touch though, so just a weird ache I think.

Run: Done.

Time: 1:45ish
Weather: comfortable temps cold wind, bouts of sleet (wtf?)
pace: 9:50--felt good...goal is to HIT those easy run/long run paces b/c I think it might help keep my legs fresher? Goal for weekend long run is to really, really, really try to run the targeted 10:25s. Though does anyone else find that sometimes the slower you run, the harder it feels?

Off to the basement to hang with Tony...

Wednesday Run

I decided I may attempt to use this blog as a Running Journal. I have found it helpful to delve into the archives and take note of where I was at certain points in training.

I had a rough, rough, rough 2 weeks at the beginning of April. Every run sucked. While a bad run can be disconcerting, a streak of bad runs can really mess with you.  But my legs are back. And my runs have felt decent.

I signed up for the Mother's Day/Father's Day 5ks. I am scared because I have never run a 5k and the whole pacing thing will be a mystery.

Today I did a speed workout. I have not had a good speed workout in months. And months. And months. Needless to say, I was a tad apprehensive. Luckily it was an interval run and not a tempo (I despise tempos).  I was set to run 6 miles with 3x1600s @ 8:21 with 800 jogs between each. I ran my mile warm up at a very comfortable pace (between 10:30 and 11). And then hit it for my first mile. And I almost died. I ran it in 7:50. I hated life. And wanted to just quit the whole work out. But I was too far away from my car anyhow. I walked the 800 (I started this habit last spring/summer and not sure I can break it). Psyched myself up for another one. Decided to just run it at a pace that "felt" fast w/o looking at my watch. If I hit 8:21, great, if I was slower--whatevs. Again. I almost died. I ran it in 7:40.  Walked the 800. Decided whatever I do for the last mile was going to be good enough. Ran it in 7:37.  Did my mile cool down at a 10:30ish pace.

No clue what I will be able to do for 3.1 straight miles.

Time of run: 2:30
Place: Boulevard
Weather: FREEZING and raining and windy

Brrr

The streak of lovely long runs ended today. My ten miles today sucked. It was f'ng COLD. And WINDY. And like an idiot, I chose to run by the water. I was tired--my mind was ahead of me the whole time. And it was just gross. But I do love getting a nice long run in on Saturday morning--I have it behind me then AND can justify some treats too.

Entering a recovery week. Which I know is lame since I am  not even training for anything--but I will take it.

Realizing I really do need to up my weight lifting. Which won't be hard to do since I am currently doing none. Have to figure out a way to incorporate P90 into my weeks. I have yet to successfully balance running with lifting/cross training.

Run run run

So that long run left me a tad sore. I took yesterday as an off day and today did a five mile "easy" run. I am opting out of a speed workout this week. I realized a couple of minutes into my run that I don't really need to worry about hitting them since I am training for....nothing? Planning on a couple of easy three milers this week and another 10 mile long run this weekend.

My lower calf on my left leg is tight and bothering me a bit. While logically I know that this is the result of 10 miles of pavement and shoulder running--it still scares me a bit because before my stress fracture became very painful, I was experiencing lower calf pain. I know the two are probably not related but...So it looks like I might need to hit the blvd for my long run this weekend.

I am typically a "song" person--I like songs. Not artists. I pick and choose. But for whatever reason, I decided to listen to Black Eyed Peas the other day (normally I rely only on a couple of their songs)--and I LOVE running to them. Love em or hate em as artists, they do indeed provide a great beat for running. And I also learned that every one of their songs has filthy lyrics.

Glad to say I don't even quite recall the last treadmill run I had. Here's to hoping the gym membership is in hibernation for the year!

Another week...

Had a great long run again today...I am a middle of run person--usually kind of slow to warm up (first mile or two) and then I tend to run out of gas at the end. Those middle miles are fantastic though--especially when they happen to be over very flat ground.

The weather was great for a run-a little chilly and I made the mistake of wearing thermal pants that are NOT running pants. You may not think this is a big deal but it is when said pants sag at the crotch a bit (for lack of a more eloquent way of putting it) and your inner thighs are destroyed due to the intense chafing that occurred. OW.

My shin feels fine. I do have some odd inner ankle-ish pain on my left leg (the stress fracture leg)--I assume completely unrelated. Probably doesn't help that I need new sneakers. I cannot do another long run with them--thankfully Friday is payday. I also need to stay away from the pavement for the rest of my runs this week since today's was a road run. Too much pavement running is never good for me.

I have been struggling BIG time with my tempos. For some perspective-today's run averaged 9:07s (which includes 10mm for the first 2). I felt great. But last Tuesday's speed workout tempo with 8:43s--I had to stop after 2 miles. Go figure. This week's speed workout is intervals so I think it will be fine.

Outdoor Running

Had a fantastic long run yesterday...the weather was "warm", in the sun with the wind at my back, it felt great. Heading into the wind with the sun hiding, a tad cold. But it was still so fantastic to be running outside. Have I mentioned how much I hate the gym and treadmill running?

I ran along a well traveled road, and as the banks of snow are inching away, they are revealing the trash that people have been tossing out their car windows all winter long. People are slobs. Diapers, juice bottles, wrappers--you name it, I saw it.

I also ran sans Garmin, which was a terrifying thought since I have become a slave to the Garmin. Which is prohably part of the problem. It felt great to just RUN. And I ended up having a fantastic run--well under target but yet felt fantastic.

Can't wait to run outside again...tomorrow I think. Conference week this week which means getting creative with my work out schedule. Ok. Not really creative but I can't run at the times I normally do...but the extra light in the evenings should allow me to do my runs no problem. 

Oh and I continue to follow a training program that coincides with the 1/2 in May. Which I haven't signed up for and I really am not sure if I am doing it. But if I don't follow a training program? I won't run.

Good luck everyone trying to get into B2B--trying to get a number is more anxiety provoking than the actual race!!!

Turning

I am feeling stronger each run. I had a great 8 mile run this morning--I love starting my Saturdays with a nice run--energizes me for the day and always puts me in a more patient mood as well.  My leg feels good. I do have twitches of pain from time to time but I am not sure if it is phantom pain or psychosomatic or something. Probably.

The "warm" temps today makes me think that outdoor running will be back quite soon--roads around here are finally clearing--can't wait to say goodbye to the treadmill!

Ramblings...

I just found out the other namesake to this blog, doesn't even read it anymore.

I programmed in a running program for a half in May. Today I had a very disappointing tempo run--a 5 miler that I made into 4. Normally I never allow myself to cut a workout short because I am all too aware that giving yourself permission just once to stop opens the door...And shit. I have opened that door I guess.

This training program has me running the half at an unrealistic time...8:40s for a 1:53 or something. While that would be lovely to do--it is doubtful. I did not hit my goal times for the last half, and while the race was somewhat influenced by injury, I am not sure I would have been able to do it much faster. But this program is based on the 1/2 time...

Whenever I train I always run faster than the target pace for every single run (easy, tempo, long)--the slated times seem too slow to me, so I just ignore them---I am wondering if it is possible that I set myself up by doing that? Logically I wouldn't think it would hurt to run at a faster pace but maybe it does?

I love running

I do. I feel better when I run. A morning run means a more patient Amy. And a more energetic one. I hit the treadmill this morning at the gym...I realized that when you are sick, it really does impact how you feel exercising. Now that I am healthy (KNOCK ON WOOD. I am actually beating on the coffee table with a baseball bat to cover myself) I have felt fantastic running.

And Russ's ipod selection is far superior to my own. I guess it is time to figure out how to sync up to his library? Is that even how I say it? Russ wiped out my entire ipod a few months ago (accidentally. I think)--since then he uploaded some music--but not a lot, and I have yet to build any new playlists. Today I remembered--music is very important to me when running.

Very non-Zen thoughts on the gym:

They should have running zones and walking zones for treadmills--it is really distracting to run between two walkers.

And with that, if you plan to walk and have a choice, please don't choose to start walking next to someone running.

If you are walking at a 2.5--just stop. It isn't doing you any good. (apologies if you are just starting off with exercising or if you are recovering from something--I guess I will let it slide for some people).

If you are walking and talking the ENTIRE time you are on the treadmill, just stop. It isn't doing you any good.

We all know how I feel about cell phones at the gym--no need to go there.

Just a question--what is the benefit of hopping on a treadmill and running at 8.0 for two minutes and then walking away?

Set your incline to at least 1.0.

Stop looking at my numbers on my screen.

Brush your teeth before going to the gym to huff and puff. And please limit garlic intake the night before. And don't wear perfume. But DO wear deodorant.

Wipe down the machine. Even if you didn't touch it. Just do it. (Russ!).

Based on this--I think I need my own treadmill.

Still kicking!

I think being sick for pretty much weeks on end was a blessing in disguise. Ok I don't believe in blessings in disguise, but what it did do was allow my shin even more time to heal. As a result I have not had any pain while running OR after running.

I am off the Chi Marathon--and Erin and I are looking at a spring half. I cannot wait to "train" with my Bud! I think I have figured out a way to run 4 days a week at the gym, and of course whenever the roads are clear enough I can get runs in right after school any day of the week (spring, please hurry!). So I think we are starting training soon. Like tomorrow, Erin?

Funny how one second you are set on one thing and the next, you can completely turn your back on it. Luckily in this case there is nothing life altering about one's choice in regards to exercise focus.

Other ideas

So I guess my body decided that 6 day a week work outs weren't in the cards last week. Nothing like being knocked down by the flu to put a real damper in your working out. Luckily, I am feeling much better. And believe I will be able to do some sort of workout by early to mid week.

Chicago 2011 is looking more and more realistic. Looks like my friend Christine and I will be the ones hitting the Chi in October. We plan to talk in detail about it on Monday--race registration begins in February.

Thinking of doing a half in the spring...will try to get in for the B2B also. Eyeing a couple of 5Ks with some school friends.

One minor glitch in it all?...oh yeah, gotta get back in running shape. Yikes.

And so it goes....

I think anyone who reads this blog knows how the weekend went. I am so proud of Erin and Russ!

Erin and I have our eye on a couple of halfs (halves?) this spring. I thought I was going to go for a tri, but now I am not so sure. I am seriously contemplating Chicago Marathon 2011. Which means focusing on running. However, if my shin does not like running that much, then perhaps a tri is in order. DOES ANYONE EVEN CARE?

I find myself being mildly appalled at how quickly one can lose toning and conditioning but I am able to very quickly replace that feeling with excitement because I know I have been in a place of solid fitness before. And I am on my way to getting there again. Which is exciting.

I am going to try very hard to work out 6 days a week. I am still alternating running days, but I imagine that within a month (or sooner) I can handle back to back days as long as the mileage isn't too high. I am also tossing some P90x workouts in there because I love me some P90x!

I plan to maintain this blog. So if you care to check in periodically. Go for it.