Ugh.....Today I finally got my 4 miles (4.66 to be exact) in that I missed out on yesterday due to the wind. Well my last run was Friday...so I didn't run Saturday, Sunday OR Monday.....which equals...toooooooo many days off! 4 miles is not something have haven't done many times over the last few weeks but this morning it was like starting OVER.... I ran a square mile (1 mile out, 1 mile up, 1 mile over and 1 mile back) and it wasn't until I was past the 3rd mile that I even began feeling good.
So as my life gets crazy in transition over the next three weeks; I really need to bear down to my commitment and do what needs to be done to get my runs in for the half marathon.
Speaking of which, I think my long distance running partner, Amber and I have have found our half marathon to commit it (60 bucks of commitment!) The Bear Chase Trail! http://www.bearchaserace.com/
Here's today's stats:
Today is day 8 of training, 75 days left of half marathon training and 116 days til The Bear Chase Trail
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Old Photos
As I am packing up for a new journey in life I came across an old photo that I want to share...I intend to do a Before and After shot as I still have the sweatshirt in my possession after all these years.
But for those of you who know what I look like now I think you will be amazed at how I looked at 18, an avid runner, trained by one of the best HS coaches in the country at the time, lifted weights 3x a week, ran 3 miles every morning and at least 3 miles or conditioning work outs every evening.
Despite all of that...I weigh less now than I did then and I think I look better (weight wise....youth wise well......)
You be the judge....
But for those of you who know what I look like now I think you will be amazed at how I looked at 18, an avid runner, trained by one of the best HS coaches in the country at the time, lifted weights 3x a week, ran 3 miles every morning and at least 3 miles or conditioning work outs every evening.
Despite all of that...I weigh less now than I did then and I think I look better (weight wise....youth wise well......)
You be the judge....
Friday, May 27, 2011
Fear and Running
It was a little harder to get out of bed this morning knowing today was my long run day for my half marathon training schedule. But I did it anyway. The other issue I had holding me back was the knowledge that I had finally calibrated my iPod after my last run- only to find out that my miles were off and therefore my pace was off to. The Nike+ app was calculating my miles short of real miles therefor making my mile times MUCH faster than reality.
So getting out for my run this morning I knew I would be out there longer than ever and that my times would reflect a slower pace. But while out on my run my thought process brought me through the fear of reality that maybe I am not as fast as I thought I was (running a 9 min mile when I actaully run a 12 min mile- hard confession) but to be encouraged that I AM OUT THERE running at least 3x a week now AND that I can keep the same pace the entire run. No walking and I stay on pace virtually the entire run (minus head wind and hills).
Today however I was excited that I kept my long run day pace faster over all than I have been running! I averaged 11:50 a mile (which equaled an 8:50 mile from my messed up pace) and thats faster than my averages have EVER been. And I am happy that I can keep a pace! Now to work on getting that pace faster is my goal over the next few weeks and months!
Also, I have been thinking about my tip for the day and it is: Go treat yourself to come cute new workout clothes! I have been finding myself more and more addicted to buying actual running clothes and not just regular gym shorts and a tshirt. Coming from a CHEAPSKATE this is something that is worth splurging on I PROMISE!
Day 5 of training....79 days left!!!
So getting out for my run this morning I knew I would be out there longer than ever and that my times would reflect a slower pace. But while out on my run my thought process brought me through the fear of reality that maybe I am not as fast as I thought I was (running a 9 min mile when I actaully run a 12 min mile- hard confession) but to be encouraged that I AM OUT THERE running at least 3x a week now AND that I can keep the same pace the entire run. No walking and I stay on pace virtually the entire run (minus head wind and hills).
Today however I was excited that I kept my long run day pace faster over all than I have been running! I averaged 11:50 a mile (which equaled an 8:50 mile from my messed up pace) and thats faster than my averages have EVER been. And I am happy that I can keep a pace! Now to work on getting that pace faster is my goal over the next few weeks and months!
Also, I have been thinking about my tip for the day and it is: Go treat yourself to come cute new workout clothes! I have been finding myself more and more addicted to buying actual running clothes and not just regular gym shorts and a tshirt. Coming from a CHEAPSKATE this is something that is worth splurging on I PROMISE!
Day 5 of training....79 days left!!!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
8 am Traffic, Head wind and my head
The first two were working against me this morning. Luckily the last was on my side, for today anyway.
First 8 am traffic while on a run can reek havoc on a runner. Having to run on an already TINY shoulder but to add in more than normal traffic on a small 2 lane road is simply no fun when your life is in the balance. I am certainly glad I didn't come across any habitual hit and run offenders or anyone that wanted my iPod bad enough because one a number of occasions I could have reached out and touched a number of cars. I hate the lack of sidewalks or even decent shoulders near my house. If I wanted to run a million laps in my neighborhood I would be ok but to leave my neighborhood its a dirt road (and after last nights rain I opted out of that today) or a teeny tiny "shoulder" Today I went with the shoulder.
Second, today I picked a pretty flat route easy out and easy back.....except for the wind from the west that was a drag to head into on my way home. I tried as hard as I could to dig down and get through it.
Finally, my head. This was the only thing today NOT against me! After I decided to get out of bed (the hardest tasks most days since I LOVE MY BED!!!) Got dressed and headed out. I felt good. I wanted to try to work on my mile pace time. Lengthen my stride. Relax my arms. Enjoy the nice cool morning (these will be fewer and fewer as summer is approaching).
There is nothing better than reaching my house, stopping to stretch on my front steps and going into my house with sweat pouring down my forehead. That's an accomplished morning!
Day 3 of Half Marathon Training...81 to go.....
First 8 am traffic while on a run can reek havoc on a runner. Having to run on an already TINY shoulder but to add in more than normal traffic on a small 2 lane road is simply no fun when your life is in the balance. I am certainly glad I didn't come across any habitual hit and run offenders or anyone that wanted my iPod bad enough because one a number of occasions I could have reached out and touched a number of cars. I hate the lack of sidewalks or even decent shoulders near my house. If I wanted to run a million laps in my neighborhood I would be ok but to leave my neighborhood its a dirt road (and after last nights rain I opted out of that today) or a teeny tiny "shoulder" Today I went with the shoulder.
Second, today I picked a pretty flat route easy out and easy back.....except for the wind from the west that was a drag to head into on my way home. I tried as hard as I could to dig down and get through it.
Finally, my head. This was the only thing today NOT against me! After I decided to get out of bed (the hardest tasks most days since I LOVE MY BED!!!) Got dressed and headed out. I felt good. I wanted to try to work on my mile pace time. Lengthen my stride. Relax my arms. Enjoy the nice cool morning (these will be fewer and fewer as summer is approaching).
There is nothing better than reaching my house, stopping to stretch on my front steps and going into my house with sweat pouring down my forehead. That's an accomplished morning!
Day 3 of Half Marathon Training...81 to go.....
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Day 2 Half Marathon Training
Since I have decided to be focused on a training schedule and not just running to run; wearing out my tired knees- I got to take today off of running per my Nike+ training schedule!
I decided to take the day to do strength and core conditioning and when to the gym to lift weights, use some weight machines and do resistance exercises my trainer gave me. It felt like I didn't do much to sweat but I did get some burning in with the weights.
Another thing I am attempting in addition to my half marathon training is taming my eating habits. I have decided to start with one day a week and build from there to eat healthy for an ENTIRE DAY. Drinking enough water, loading up of fruits and watching portions. I plan to pick one day a week to do this for several weeks then I will add in another day and so on. I love food and I LOVE junk food- so this is the real challenge for me. Working out has never been the problem- food has always been the problem. I dont an entire pizza in one sitting or 5 hamburgers but I do love to eat A HAMBURGER, drink 44 oz of Dr. Pepper and have a brownie or 2. I am to tame that and eat more wisely. Today I started that journey.
As I write this I have downed one bottle of water and starting my next one. Had a correct portion of Special K cereal and 1% milk. I will have a protein bar for lunch mixed with some fruit for snacks and try to have a sensible dinner!
TIP: Incorporate other activities in your training. I am loving Zumba right now
Only 82 days left!!!
I decided to take the day to do strength and core conditioning and when to the gym to lift weights, use some weight machines and do resistance exercises my trainer gave me. It felt like I didn't do much to sweat but I did get some burning in with the weights.
Another thing I am attempting in addition to my half marathon training is taming my eating habits. I have decided to start with one day a week and build from there to eat healthy for an ENTIRE DAY. Drinking enough water, loading up of fruits and watching portions. I plan to pick one day a week to do this for several weeks then I will add in another day and so on. I love food and I LOVE junk food- so this is the real challenge for me. Working out has never been the problem- food has always been the problem. I dont an entire pizza in one sitting or 5 hamburgers but I do love to eat A HAMBURGER, drink 44 oz of Dr. Pepper and have a brownie or 2. I am to tame that and eat more wisely. Today I started that journey.
As I write this I have downed one bottle of water and starting my next one. Had a correct portion of Special K cereal and 1% milk. I will have a protein bar for lunch mixed with some fruit for snacks and try to have a sensible dinner!
TIP: Incorporate other activities in your training. I am loving Zumba right now
Only 82 days left!!!
Monday, May 23, 2011
In the begining
This beginning post is the background to why I want to do this blog. As I come and go on here I will probably remember more why of my journey and make edits to my story.
But here is where it begins.......
In the fall of 1992 I was a chubby buck tooth 7th grader who in PE class ran the mile time trial in probably close to 16-18 mins (I can't remember for sure as that is several years ago ;) Some how that spring I decided to try my hand at Track. I ran sprints, at which I was NO good at but the conditioning I got helped me to recieve the "Most Improved Mile" Award at the end of the year for dropping 8:55 off of my mile time....still putting me at an 8-9 min mile. But I was proud of my accomplishment all the same. The next spring I decided slow and steady would be my pace with the long distance runners. And that it where I stayed put. I ran long distance all through out my Jr. High experience, added some extra curricular AAU summer running in the summer between 8th and 9th grade and then added Cross Country to my regimen in High School.
Now as I look back on my athletic career I always say that I ran b/c its the only sport you didnt have to try out for. But as I talk to many adult friends now, they say that they just cant run. So it makes me think that although I was not even close to being "fast" for my nationally ranked Campbell County High School Cross Country team; I do have the ability to pick up running whenever I want to with little problem. I can remember going for a run with a friend when I was in 10th grade. We chose 4.5 mile loop and at the end of the loop we decided; "what the heck, lets run it again" and we were off to total 9 miles for the day for no reason at all.
After graduating from High School I went off to college and lived the life of a non-athlete. Gained a ton of weight, got lazy and had a ton of fun! After college, a wedding a couple of moves around the country I got encouraged by a few runners again and randomly would run. I would even throw a random 5k in there for thrills.
Which brings me to my present; I have been wanting to be "in shape" enough to run an annual 10k every year for the last few years. Since I have been working out pretty consistently at the gym since early February by Mother's Day I thought "What the heck" I''ll throw a 5k in the mix. Boy was I wrong to think I was in "running" shape. I had been running on a treadmill for several months but had only pounded pavement once before running the 5k. I honestly did better than I thought I would but still felt like I had room for improvement- who doesnt right? So I started running daily and with the encouragement of and old XC teammate I began playing tag with her via Nike+ app on our iPods. We were competitive with each other back then and we found ourselves egging each other on once again. She kept running more miles than me, so I ramped it up and ran 6 miles one day on a whim. WHOA! 6 miles? Thats .2 off of a 10k and I kept a pretty decent consistent pace the entire time. Each run I ran I felt stronger and faster. She of course ran 7 miles the next day to stick it to me! But I thought if I could run 6 miles with a consistent pace maybe just maybe I am ready for the 10k I have been dreaming about after all.
So after almost a 13 year break, I am bringing myself back into the world of running. In that time I gotten a college degree, gotten married, moved 5 times, been pregnant 3 times, delivered 2 babies, had countless jobs, made a zillion friends and had many hobbies. But now I want to see what I can do with what I've always known I can do. I have never been "the fastest" but I still remember training I received and apparently my body is somewhat made for this.
I entitled this blog Head, Feet, Legs because it still takes a battle in my head every morning to get my bed loving butt outta bed and dressed. It takes my feet the ability to carry myself down the road and back home every time. And my legs connect the two to complete this journey.
What I intend to do with this blog is to keep a journal (of which I have never been very good at) each time I run. I have several friends who I have run with in the past, who have never run before but are starting now or who want to run but feel like they can't and I thought I could share my journey publicly to help and encourage us all. I want to share my mileage, my run thoughts, what it took to get me going and maybe some of the songs I ran to. As an encouragement to you and me, I also will do daily research on tips to help me/us on this journey.
Let me know what you think!
But here is where it begins.......
In the fall of 1992 I was a chubby buck tooth 7th grader who in PE class ran the mile time trial in probably close to 16-18 mins (I can't remember for sure as that is several years ago ;) Some how that spring I decided to try my hand at Track. I ran sprints, at which I was NO good at but the conditioning I got helped me to recieve the "Most Improved Mile" Award at the end of the year for dropping 8:55 off of my mile time....still putting me at an 8-9 min mile. But I was proud of my accomplishment all the same. The next spring I decided slow and steady would be my pace with the long distance runners. And that it where I stayed put. I ran long distance all through out my Jr. High experience, added some extra curricular AAU summer running in the summer between 8th and 9th grade and then added Cross Country to my regimen in High School.
Now as I look back on my athletic career I always say that I ran b/c its the only sport you didnt have to try out for. But as I talk to many adult friends now, they say that they just cant run. So it makes me think that although I was not even close to being "fast" for my nationally ranked Campbell County High School Cross Country team; I do have the ability to pick up running whenever I want to with little problem. I can remember going for a run with a friend when I was in 10th grade. We chose 4.5 mile loop and at the end of the loop we decided; "what the heck, lets run it again" and we were off to total 9 miles for the day for no reason at all.
After graduating from High School I went off to college and lived the life of a non-athlete. Gained a ton of weight, got lazy and had a ton of fun! After college, a wedding a couple of moves around the country I got encouraged by a few runners again and randomly would run. I would even throw a random 5k in there for thrills.
Which brings me to my present; I have been wanting to be "in shape" enough to run an annual 10k every year for the last few years. Since I have been working out pretty consistently at the gym since early February by Mother's Day I thought "What the heck" I''ll throw a 5k in the mix. Boy was I wrong to think I was in "running" shape. I had been running on a treadmill for several months but had only pounded pavement once before running the 5k. I honestly did better than I thought I would but still felt like I had room for improvement- who doesnt right? So I started running daily and with the encouragement of and old XC teammate I began playing tag with her via Nike+ app on our iPods. We were competitive with each other back then and we found ourselves egging each other on once again. She kept running more miles than me, so I ramped it up and ran 6 miles one day on a whim. WHOA! 6 miles? Thats .2 off of a 10k and I kept a pretty decent consistent pace the entire time. Each run I ran I felt stronger and faster. She of course ran 7 miles the next day to stick it to me! But I thought if I could run 6 miles with a consistent pace maybe just maybe I am ready for the 10k I have been dreaming about after all.
So after almost a 13 year break, I am bringing myself back into the world of running. In that time I gotten a college degree, gotten married, moved 5 times, been pregnant 3 times, delivered 2 babies, had countless jobs, made a zillion friends and had many hobbies. But now I want to see what I can do with what I've always known I can do. I have never been "the fastest" but I still remember training I received and apparently my body is somewhat made for this.
I entitled this blog Head, Feet, Legs because it still takes a battle in my head every morning to get my bed loving butt outta bed and dressed. It takes my feet the ability to carry myself down the road and back home every time. And my legs connect the two to complete this journey.
What I intend to do with this blog is to keep a journal (of which I have never been very good at) each time I run. I have several friends who I have run with in the past, who have never run before but are starting now or who want to run but feel like they can't and I thought I could share my journey publicly to help and encourage us all. I want to share my mileage, my run thoughts, what it took to get me going and maybe some of the songs I ran to. As an encouragement to you and me, I also will do daily research on tips to help me/us on this journey.
Let me know what you think!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)