Today's run was a tempo run. Our goal was to warm-up for 10-15 minutes and then run at our 5-10k race pace for 30 minutes and then cool down. I don't really know what my 5-10k race pace is but I do know that we were running under a 9min pace for most of those 30 minutes. It was definitely an intense workout and I really pushed myself. I felt great at the end though so I'm happy with the run.
The changes I'm referring to are my sleeping habits. Today Marisa posted a blog about sleeping and how we need to get adaquate sleep and information on the benifits of sleep. It is not a surprise that I don't get enough sleep - 8 hours of uninterruped sleep? Pshhhh.....yeah right. I don't remember the last time I slept all the way through the night. If I only wake up once then that is a good night of sleep in my book. So I asked Marisa for some tips on getting better sleep and this is what she said.
1. Turn off the TV at 8:30 - ummmmm, yeaaaaaaaaahhhhhh I don't know how that is going to work out for me. I have an addiction to TV and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I guess I will need to begin to wean myself off of SO MUCH TV.
2. Don't read disturbing material before bed - well that pretty much eliminates all of my book collection, I mean what am I supposed to read? Romance novels? Now that IS disturbing!
3. Don't eat less than an hour before going to bed - okay this one I can definitely manage.
I think there were a few more suggestions but I was so distraught over the first two that I don't remember. Well...I guess it is time for me to go to bed - I wonder if it is okay for me to be on the computer this close to bed time???
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Water Jogging
Today Amy and I went to the YMCA and ran in the water. It took me back to my high school days when the cross country team would go to the local YMCA and run in the water on our recovery days. Those were simpler times when I didn't have much more than school and running to be concerned about.
I forgot to mention that Amy CLAIMED that she couldn't swim. Well that is a lie! I was expecting her to be floundering around in the water or at least afraid to go in the deep in. All the other people that I know that can't swim don't go in the deep end! I think I'm going to have to have a talk with Amy about self-doubt.....
She did wonderfully and I had a wonderful time at the pool. It was a nice break from the pounding my body takes running on the road. I think I will have to add this into my regular training schedule.
I forgot to mention that Amy CLAIMED that she couldn't swim. Well that is a lie! I was expecting her to be floundering around in the water or at least afraid to go in the deep in. All the other people that I know that can't swim don't go in the deep end! I think I'm going to have to have a talk with Amy about self-doubt.....
She did wonderfully and I had a wonderful time at the pool. It was a nice break from the pounding my body takes running on the road. I think I will have to add this into my regular training schedule.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Random Thoughts from Today's Run
Today was another long run - 17.37 miles. I have several things I want to mention from today's run so I will try to not sound like a scatterbrain in doing so but I'm not making any promises.
Well the sad part of the run was that Amy hurt her foot a few days ago and even though she tried to run today there was no way she need or was going to be able to make it 17 miles in the state she was in. She reluctantly turned back after I convinced her that I would be okay. I ended up catching up with Pam, John and Louie around mile 6 and finished out the rest of the run with them.
I didn't end up falling asleep until about 2:30 Sunday morning and The Husband came home around 5 in the morning so needless to say, I didn't get much sleep before the run. Surprisingly it was easy for me to wake up and I felt great. I was even dancing in the car on the way to our meeting point. I continued to feel great throughout the run. Running with Pam made me push myself a little more than I may have if I would have been running alone so I was grateful that she was there and let me tag along with her.
On that topic, I must be a great actress. I must appear to look like things are super easy and I'm not struggling because Pam kept saying the same thing that Amy always says, "I don't want to slow you down, you can go ahead if you want." This always amuses me because I actually couldn't go ahead if I wanted because I'm pushing it as is. I must just look like I'm not exerting that much effort but I assure you I am!
Something else that made today's run great are the fact that I have found the greatest running shorts ever!!! You can find these shorts here. What makes them great are several features.
Well the sad part of the run was that Amy hurt her foot a few days ago and even though she tried to run today there was no way she need or was going to be able to make it 17 miles in the state she was in. She reluctantly turned back after I convinced her that I would be okay. I ended up catching up with Pam, John and Louie around mile 6 and finished out the rest of the run with them.
I didn't end up falling asleep until about 2:30 Sunday morning and The Husband came home around 5 in the morning so needless to say, I didn't get much sleep before the run. Surprisingly it was easy for me to wake up and I felt great. I was even dancing in the car on the way to our meeting point. I continued to feel great throughout the run. Running with Pam made me push myself a little more than I may have if I would have been running alone so I was grateful that she was there and let me tag along with her.
On that topic, I must be a great actress. I must appear to look like things are super easy and I'm not struggling because Pam kept saying the same thing that Amy always says, "I don't want to slow you down, you can go ahead if you want." This always amuses me because I actually couldn't go ahead if I wanted because I'm pushing it as is. I must just look like I'm not exerting that much effort but I assure you I am!
Something else that made today's run great are the fact that I have found the greatest running shorts ever!!! You can find these shorts here. What makes them great are several features.
After we finished our run and Marisa was giving us one of her talks she said something that really made me think. "You need to do what you need to do for your body to be able to do what it needs to do". That really made me think about the things I need to start doing. I need to make sure I do my core work, apply body glide, get the right socks, get the proper amount of rest and eat the right foods. If I do these things then that will allow my body to do what it needs to do - run a great race, without the issues that can be avoided. I just wish I would have taken some of that advice before today's run.....
The shower after my run was downright PAINFUL. Usually this shower is nice and refreshing but not when you are chafed all to hell! The blister on my foot was burning, my arms were burning and my chest was burning. I will make sure to put body glide on all of these areas during my next run and I definitely will be wearing a different sports bra. I've never had my bra chafe me where it did today so hopefully it won't happen again. My arms are a different issue, it doesn't matter what type of shirt I wear - the area close to my underarm ALWAYS rubs after about 10 miles. I guess I won't be wearing any sleeveless shirts for the rest of the year as it looks like someone has been jacking me up by my arm quite frequently.
Okay, I think I'm going to give my body a rest and turn in early (for me) tonight.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Weight Loss and Personal Responsibility
Before I get into the main topic of this post I would like to clear up one misconception: This isn't easy for me! It isn't just a "breeze" for me to maintain constant exercising and to practice healthy eating practices. There isn't a day that goes by where the following thought doesn't run through my mind, "Why are you exercising? Wouldn't it be much easier to just stop by [insert fast food restaurant] pick up something to eat and go home and sit on the couch for the rest of the night?". The fact that I DO exercise and try to eat healthy is what separates me from a lot of other people.
Yes, I know that there are some people that have thyroid problems or other medical issues that cause them to be overweight but this is the minority of overweight people. The majority of people that are overweight are overweight due to lifestyle choices. They CHOOSE to not exercise and they CHOOSE to eat unhealthy foods.
Like I said before, I know that it isn't easy. It isn't easy to make time in a busy schedule to fit in exercise. It isn't easy to make the time to cook meals at home. I agree with that BUT I believe that it is easier than you think it is. It all comes down to commitment and personal responsibility. If you really want to lose weight and become healthy then you can. You just have to take responsibility for your own actions and change your life. It isn't as simple as going on a "diet", until you change your mindset from a temporary thing to behavioral thing then you may never reach the weight loss goal you want to achieve.
I could show you countless examples of overweight people who changed their lifestyles and lost the weight and kept it off. All with diet and exercise.....there is NO magic pill for weight loss/healthy living. And on that subject, I wouldn't recommend taking any weight loss pill because the side effects just aren't worth it when it is much easier to put down the cheeseburgers and go outside for a walk.
I feel as if I am beginning to ramble.....my point is this: look inside yourself and determine the things you want in life. Do you want to improve your chances of living a long and healthy life? Do you want to be able to play with your kids (or future kids) or pets for more than 10 minutes without getting tired? Do you want to avoid the numerous diseases that are related to obesity? If so then get on it!
If you're interested, I have lots of tasty (in my opinion) healthy recipes that take less than 15 minutes to prepare. I also have several ways to squeeze some exercise into your day. So if you'd like me to share then leave a comment or send me an email. I will write some future blogs on these topics as well so be on the lookout!
Yes, I know that there are some people that have thyroid problems or other medical issues that cause them to be overweight but this is the minority of overweight people. The majority of people that are overweight are overweight due to lifestyle choices. They CHOOSE to not exercise and they CHOOSE to eat unhealthy foods.
Like I said before, I know that it isn't easy. It isn't easy to make time in a busy schedule to fit in exercise. It isn't easy to make the time to cook meals at home. I agree with that BUT I believe that it is easier than you think it is. It all comes down to commitment and personal responsibility. If you really want to lose weight and become healthy then you can. You just have to take responsibility for your own actions and change your life. It isn't as simple as going on a "diet", until you change your mindset from a temporary thing to behavioral thing then you may never reach the weight loss goal you want to achieve.
I could show you countless examples of overweight people who changed their lifestyles and lost the weight and kept it off. All with diet and exercise.....there is NO magic pill for weight loss/healthy living. And on that subject, I wouldn't recommend taking any weight loss pill because the side effects just aren't worth it when it is much easier to put down the cheeseburgers and go outside for a walk.
I feel as if I am beginning to ramble.....my point is this: look inside yourself and determine the things you want in life. Do you want to improve your chances of living a long and healthy life? Do you want to be able to play with your kids (or future kids) or pets for more than 10 minutes without getting tired? Do you want to avoid the numerous diseases that are related to obesity? If so then get on it!
If you're interested, I have lots of tasty (in my opinion) healthy recipes that take less than 15 minutes to prepare. I also have several ways to squeeze some exercise into your day. So if you'd like me to share then leave a comment or send me an email. I will write some future blogs on these topics as well so be on the lookout!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I Guess That Is A Hill
Today was a hill workout day. When Marisa was giving out the workout plan for the evening I said "that's not a hill". I really couldn't picture the hill everyone was referring to in my mind. I still don't think that this so-called hill looked like a hill but it sure felt like a hill when I was sprinting up it. It is funny how from a distance something can look almost flat but once you get up on it then you realize the extent of the incline. Marisa was also nice enough to incorporate some core work into our hill workout today. I complained of course but I really needed it and I need to do more of it. During the 30k my legs felt fine but my back started hurting around mile 10. If my core were stronger then this probably wouldn't be a problem so Amy and I have made a pack to do core work even on our off days.
On another note, I'm sure Amy will be bashing me in a blog sometime soon because for some strange reason she decided to Google my name (I think she's a stalker!) and saw some of my race results from when I was high school. Yeah, I was significantly faster then (I could run a 7:30 pace or better for a 5k) but as I explained....I also weighed 30 lbs less back then and had all that youthful energy. So I'm not pretending to run slow just so you don't feel bad Amy....or am I?????
On another note, I'm sure Amy will be bashing me in a blog sometime soon because for some strange reason she decided to Google my name (I think she's a stalker!) and saw some of my race results from when I was high school. Yeah, I was significantly faster then (I could run a 7:30 pace or better for a 5k) but as I explained....I also weighed 30 lbs less back then and had all that youthful energy. So I'm not pretending to run slow just so you don't feel bad Amy....or am I?????
Monday, September 22, 2008
Who Wants To Be A Runner????
A few weeks ago I was at a party when someone asked me "Do you think that anyone can run a marathon?". My answer was "YES". That was just my initial response and since then I have thought about the question more and more. I do believe that almost anyone could run a marathon. Of course there are those who have physical conditions that would not allow them to run a marathon but aside from them I think that anyone else can run a marathon. I don't care if you are 100 lbs overweight or have never even run a mile, I believe that you COULD run a marathon.
The thing you HAVE to have in order to run a marathon is the desire and dedication. The physical ability will come, running isn't like some sports; you don't have to be born with the talent. I'm not talking about becoming an elite runner because I do think that genetics plays a big part in those type of runners. I'm talking about a casual long distance runner, anyone can do that. Depending on your current fitness level it may take you a bit longer than others to reach the level where you can run a marathon but AGAIN; if you have the desire and dedication then it is something that is attainable.
Being a long distance runner isn't easy. At times it is painful and you may feel like giving up. The blisters, lost toenails, and aching muscles are worth it. The high I feel after a great long run makes up for any pain I may feel later. The benefits are great - lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, weight maintenance and toned legs.
So for any of those numerous people that approach me wanting to run with me or wanting advice on how to get started running. I will help you get started IF you really believe that you have the desire and dedication to be a runner. Oh, and don't be intimidated about my 10+ mile runs, we can start out on an easy run of a much shorter distance!
The thing you HAVE to have in order to run a marathon is the desire and dedication. The physical ability will come, running isn't like some sports; you don't have to be born with the talent. I'm not talking about becoming an elite runner because I do think that genetics plays a big part in those type of runners. I'm talking about a casual long distance runner, anyone can do that. Depending on your current fitness level it may take you a bit longer than others to reach the level where you can run a marathon but AGAIN; if you have the desire and dedication then it is something that is attainable.
Being a long distance runner isn't easy. At times it is painful and you may feel like giving up. The blisters, lost toenails, and aching muscles are worth it. The high I feel after a great long run makes up for any pain I may feel later. The benefits are great - lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, weight maintenance and toned legs.
So for any of those numerous people that approach me wanting to run with me or wanting advice on how to get started running. I will help you get started IF you really believe that you have the desire and dedication to be a runner. Oh, and don't be intimidated about my 10+ mile runs, we can start out on an easy run of a much shorter distance!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Salem Lake 30K Recap
Amy and I rocked!!
I was a wonderful day for a run, sunny and cool. I don't think it got over 68 even by the time we were finished. Even though this was technically a training run we still had a goal of finishing in under 3 hours and 30 minutes. Well...........we did! We finished in 2:25 which is wonderful. My Garmin had our pace at 11:05 min/mile. If I can keep this pace for the marathon then I'll finish in under 5 hours!!! So we'll see what happens.....
As far as the actual race went, we found two very nice women to run with for about the first 3/4 of the race. We decided to slow it down a little bit towards then end so they pulled ahead. Hopefully they will both run the Cannonball half marathon in October, if so then perhaps we can run that together.
I think we may have run the first half of the race a bit too fast but it worked out in the end. I was nervous that my leg was going to be a problem because it had been hurting for the past few days. Luckily I took the time to ice and rest it so it didn't present any problems during the run. The only problem was that my shoes were pretty much new and of course I got a blister. It is huge and I'm debating if I should pop it our not.
Well I'm super tired so I'm going to lay on the couch and enjoy my pint of B&J's Ice cream!
I was a wonderful day for a run, sunny and cool. I don't think it got over 68 even by the time we were finished. Even though this was technically a training run we still had a goal of finishing in under 3 hours and 30 minutes. Well...........we did! We finished in 2:25 which is wonderful. My Garmin had our pace at 11:05 min/mile. If I can keep this pace for the marathon then I'll finish in under 5 hours!!! So we'll see what happens.....
As far as the actual race went, we found two very nice women to run with for about the first 3/4 of the race. We decided to slow it down a little bit towards then end so they pulled ahead. Hopefully they will both run the Cannonball half marathon in October, if so then perhaps we can run that together.
I think we may have run the first half of the race a bit too fast but it worked out in the end. I was nervous that my leg was going to be a problem because it had been hurting for the past few days. Luckily I took the time to ice and rest it so it didn't present any problems during the run. The only problem was that my shoes were pretty much new and of course I got a blister. It is huge and I'm debating if I should pop it our not.
Well I'm super tired so I'm going to lay on the couch and enjoy my pint of B&J's Ice cream!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
I Paid For These Friends So I'm Going To Come See Them!
There is a running joke (no pun intended) that we have in our running group that we paid to have friends to run with. While it is true that we did have to pay to join the running group, we didn't pay from the friends - they are just an added bonus!! I definitely feel this group has been worth the money it cost. We have a wonderful training coach that if I had to do it over I would definitely pay again to have her be there to help train me. I think she needs to do a triathlon training group *hint hint* because I would most definitely participate in that. Who better to help you train for a triathlon than someone that has successfully completed TWO Ironman Competitions????
Saturday is the Salem Lake 30k run so we've been doing a very light recovery week. Tonight 5 of us walked around the park. It was nice, we had great conversation and a relaxing workout. I did however come home and eat a whole pizza! Yeah.....it wasn't a very big pizza but still..... Oh well, I was hungry and it was delicious!
My thoughts are real scattered tonight, probably because I'm trying to write this post while watching last night's episode of America's Next Top Model. Tyra is SO EXTRA but I love her! That being said..........goodnight!
Saturday is the Salem Lake 30k run so we've been doing a very light recovery week. Tonight 5 of us walked around the park. It was nice, we had great conversation and a relaxing workout. I did however come home and eat a whole pizza! Yeah.....it wasn't a very big pizza but still..... Oh well, I was hungry and it was delicious!
My thoughts are real scattered tonight, probably because I'm trying to write this post while watching last night's episode of America's Next Top Model. Tyra is SO EXTRA but I love her! That being said..........goodnight!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Infidelity...
I've been betrayed.....I like to think of myself as a good running partner. I stay with my running partner when she's having a bad run. I send encouraging emails and facebook wall posts. I try my best to do all the things that I believe a true running partner should do.
So you can imagine my surprise and hurt when I caught my running partner cheating on me. And to make matters worse it isn't even that I had to "catch" her, she was just blatantly flaunting her affair in my face! Here's how it went down......
The run starts off as normal, we're both complaining about our aches and pains. (my calves are killing me, I have determined I need some new shoes) I definitely was feeling very sore so I didn't think twice when she suggested that we run with two of our other running group members that were running a little bit slower than our normal pace. This is where it takes a turn for the worse. About 2 miles into the run (where we got to see a mama deer and her 2 babies!) I notice that my running partner is starting to pull away with one of the other runners from our group. It kinda bothers me but I'm having a good conversation and it isn't like she left me all alone so I didn't mind TOO much. It was when we finished that I realized the true extent of the betrayal......
She had given him one of her bottles of sports drink! I know this may not seem that serious but if it doesn't that is because you don't understand the rules of running buddies. I have decided to let this lapse in judgement slide because we have a very long run on Saturday and I care about her too much to make her do it alone. Just don't let it happen again!
Oh, and the runner she left me for already has a running partner who may not appreciate someone trying to push up on him. I will be sure to inform her of this incident!
LMAO.....
So you can imagine my surprise and hurt when I caught my running partner cheating on me. And to make matters worse it isn't even that I had to "catch" her, she was just blatantly flaunting her affair in my face! Here's how it went down......
The run starts off as normal, we're both complaining about our aches and pains. (my calves are killing me, I have determined I need some new shoes) I definitely was feeling very sore so I didn't think twice when she suggested that we run with two of our other running group members that were running a little bit slower than our normal pace. This is where it takes a turn for the worse. About 2 miles into the run (where we got to see a mama deer and her 2 babies!) I notice that my running partner is starting to pull away with one of the other runners from our group. It kinda bothers me but I'm having a good conversation and it isn't like she left me all alone so I didn't mind TOO much. It was when we finished that I realized the true extent of the betrayal......
She had given him one of her bottles of sports drink! I know this may not seem that serious but if it doesn't that is because you don't understand the rules of running buddies. I have decided to let this lapse in judgement slide because we have a very long run on Saturday and I care about her too much to make her do it alone. Just don't let it happen again!
Oh, and the runner she left me for already has a running partner who may not appreciate someone trying to push up on him. I will be sure to inform her of this incident!
LMAO.....
Monday, September 15, 2008
Hunger Pains
I am SO hungry. Currently I'm hungry because it is 8:30 and I've pretty much just started cooking.....sauteed chicken, broccoli and corn. Oh, and some biscuits (ok of the can of course). The problem is that lately I am always hungry. When I wake up in the morning I am starving.....I eat oatmeal for breakfast everyday once I get to work. This morning on the ride to work I had stomach pains because I was so hungry. It is torture to me when I get to work and someone starts talking to me before I have a chance to prepare my breakfast. Yes I said prepare, I have a process to making my oatmeal.
I try to have a snack around 10 and then by lunch I'm starving again. Dinner time I've even more hungry! I know that I've increased my mileage so I'm burning more calories but I really don't think that I'm not eating enough. Some days I'm quite sure that I have eaten TOO much. I still feel hungry all the time. I guess I am going to have to go back to actually writing down how much I eat so I can figure out if I really am eating enough. I sure haven't lost any weight so I can't be too deficient in the calorie area.
Oh, yeah, I never did talk about Sunday's run......pretty much it was just TOO dang hot. We did 15 miles but they were a very hard 15 and there was definitely some walking going on. I tried to keep hydrated but I definitely should have drank more. The problem is that you get to a point where even though you are sweating like crazy you just don't want to drink any more water because it starts sloshing around in your stomach which is very uncomfortable when you are trying to run. Hopefully it will be cooler on Sat when we do the Salem Lake 30k run. Doing 18 miles will make me a lot more confident about the possibility of doing 26. I'm glad that the race is on Sat because that means that I can spend Sunday doing nothing but laying on the couch watching TV. I may just sleep on the couch Saturday night so I don't even have to get out of my bed to walk to the couch in the morning, hahaha!
I try to have a snack around 10 and then by lunch I'm starving again. Dinner time I've even more hungry! I know that I've increased my mileage so I'm burning more calories but I really don't think that I'm not eating enough. Some days I'm quite sure that I have eaten TOO much. I still feel hungry all the time. I guess I am going to have to go back to actually writing down how much I eat so I can figure out if I really am eating enough. I sure haven't lost any weight so I can't be too deficient in the calorie area.
Oh, yeah, I never did talk about Sunday's run......pretty much it was just TOO dang hot. We did 15 miles but they were a very hard 15 and there was definitely some walking going on. I tried to keep hydrated but I definitely should have drank more. The problem is that you get to a point where even though you are sweating like crazy you just don't want to drink any more water because it starts sloshing around in your stomach which is very uncomfortable when you are trying to run. Hopefully it will be cooler on Sat when we do the Salem Lake 30k run. Doing 18 miles will make me a lot more confident about the possibility of doing 26. I'm glad that the race is on Sat because that means that I can spend Sunday doing nothing but laying on the couch watching TV. I may just sleep on the couch Saturday night so I don't even have to get out of my bed to walk to the couch in the morning, hahaha!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Challenge Run
Today's directions were to run out for 30 minutes and then to run back faster than we ran out. It wasn't too difficult, we just talked on the way out and cut out the talking on the way back which allowed us to go significantly faster, LOL. We can run faster....we just choose not to!
More exciting was that Marisa is back from her Ironman Challenge! I don't know that I'd be able to walk for a week after doing something like that but there she was, full of energy as usual. I enjoyed her stories about the run and even though they weren't the most pleasant, it kinda got me excited. I definitely WANT to do an Ironman. Of course, right now the thought of doing a 26 mile run frightens me so adding a 2 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride on before even getting to the 26 mile run just seems crazy and impossible. I was thinking...5 years and I'll be ready but do I really need that long to get ready?? I'm thinking I can be ready in 2 years. I'll get my bike early October (hopefully) and then start swimming regularly in January. I could so be ready in 2 years, if I got really serious then I could probably be ready next year but I don't want to push it and I hear you have to sign up for those things well in advance.
I think the part that scares me the most is the swim. I'm confident I could do the run and the bike part but I'm not the best swimmer. Yeah, I've been swimming my whole life, I think I could swim before I could walk BUT I've never swam competitively and I've never swam in open water with a bunch of other people. I hear it is pretty intense. Check out this video for an example of what it's like. Like my co-worker said today, quoting an article he read: if you get tired during the run you can walk, if you get tired on the bike you can get off and walk, if you get tired during the swim you drown. That being said....if I can get the swimming part down, I'm in there!
More exciting was that Marisa is back from her Ironman Challenge! I don't know that I'd be able to walk for a week after doing something like that but there she was, full of energy as usual. I enjoyed her stories about the run and even though they weren't the most pleasant, it kinda got me excited. I definitely WANT to do an Ironman. Of course, right now the thought of doing a 26 mile run frightens me so adding a 2 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride on before even getting to the 26 mile run just seems crazy and impossible. I was thinking...5 years and I'll be ready but do I really need that long to get ready?? I'm thinking I can be ready in 2 years. I'll get my bike early October (hopefully) and then start swimming regularly in January. I could so be ready in 2 years, if I got really serious then I could probably be ready next year but I don't want to push it and I hear you have to sign up for those things well in advance.
I think the part that scares me the most is the swim. I'm confident I could do the run and the bike part but I'm not the best swimmer. Yeah, I've been swimming my whole life, I think I could swim before I could walk BUT I've never swam competitively and I've never swam in open water with a bunch of other people. I hear it is pretty intense. Check out this video for an example of what it's like. Like my co-worker said today, quoting an article he read: if you get tired during the run you can walk, if you get tired on the bike you can get off and walk, if you get tired during the swim you drown. That being said....if I can get the swimming part down, I'm in there!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Drained...
I so, so, so, so, so, so, SO didn't want to run or do anything active today! BUT since I had to go and write that post about Willpower yesterday I felt guilty about the idea of not running today. I just felt drained all day today. I'm sure it was partly due to the nasty, dreary weather....my emotions are definitely affected by the weather. Sitting at work all day looking out at a gray sky didn't really help either. On a positive work note, we are having a pizza party tomorrow - OH, JOY! As if I (or certain other people that I won't mention by name because I don't know exactly who reads this) need pizza. Still, I appreciate the gesture and it did boost my morale at least momentarily.
I managed to drag myself out for a short run. I'm hoping my energy level increases ASAP, I have 6 miles to run tomorrow and 17 on Sunday. I had some other things I was going to ramble on about but I'm tired and hungry so I need to go rush The Husband since we are supposed to be going to get something to eat!
I managed to drag myself out for a short run. I'm hoping my energy level increases ASAP, I have 6 miles to run tomorrow and 17 on Sunday. I had some other things I was going to ramble on about but I'm tired and hungry so I need to go rush The Husband since we are supposed to be going to get something to eat!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Willpower....do you have it?
Willpower - noun - control of one's impulses and actions
Willpower is a funny thing because a person's level of willpower varies greatly depending on the situation. For example, I have developed a lot of willpower when it comes to running. I successfully control my impulse to sit on the couch, curl up in the bed, do anything that isn't running when I know I should be running. This is great considering my current situation.
Today was a real test of my willpower. I felt tired all day, it was a struggle for me to even get out of the bed. I'm sure I hit the snooze button at least three times. Once I made it to work and had my breakfast and a cup of coffee I was STILL tired. I just wanted to go to sleep at my desk but considering that I have no WALLS and everyone in the office would see me asleep I thought it would be best that I tough it out and stay awake. *I miss my office!* I would also like to note that I demonstrated lots of willpower when I didn't kick a hole in the stupid printer that breaks once a week. I think it is evil and is out to get me.
The place where I lack willpower is when it comes to food. I just can't pass up a cookie or ice cream or pretty much anything that contains sugar. If I go out to eat and I have two choices on the menu: juicy burger or healthy salad - I'm going to choose the burger EVERY time. I know I should eat the salad, I'll even go as far as to say I want to eat the salad but I just can't order the salad. I'm trying to do better though...I really DO want to lose this gill.... I've found if I limit my options I can do pretty well. I eat the same thing for breakfast every morning and that works well for me. If I bring my lunch then I can also stay in line. Where I get in trouble is if I have to make a choice, if things aren't already planned out then I'm going to go for what I want and not what I know is best for me.
Oh well, all I can say is that it is a good thing I at least have the willpower to run, otherwise who knows what kind of shape I'd be in!
Willpower is a funny thing because a person's level of willpower varies greatly depending on the situation. For example, I have developed a lot of willpower when it comes to running. I successfully control my impulse to sit on the couch, curl up in the bed, do anything that isn't running when I know I should be running. This is great considering my current situation.
Today was a real test of my willpower. I felt tired all day, it was a struggle for me to even get out of the bed. I'm sure I hit the snooze button at least three times. Once I made it to work and had my breakfast and a cup of coffee I was STILL tired. I just wanted to go to sleep at my desk but considering that I have no WALLS and everyone in the office would see me asleep I thought it would be best that I tough it out and stay awake. *I miss my office!* I would also like to note that I demonstrated lots of willpower when I didn't kick a hole in the stupid printer that breaks once a week. I think it is evil and is out to get me.
The place where I lack willpower is when it comes to food. I just can't pass up a cookie or ice cream or pretty much anything that contains sugar. If I go out to eat and I have two choices on the menu: juicy burger or healthy salad - I'm going to choose the burger EVERY time. I know I should eat the salad, I'll even go as far as to say I want to eat the salad but I just can't order the salad. I'm trying to do better though...I really DO want to lose this gill.... I've found if I limit my options I can do pretty well. I eat the same thing for breakfast every morning and that works well for me. If I bring my lunch then I can also stay in line. Where I get in trouble is if I have to make a choice, if things aren't already planned out then I'm going to go for what I want and not what I know is best for me.
Oh well, all I can say is that it is a good thing I at least have the willpower to run, otherwise who knows what kind of shape I'd be in!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Pack Mentality
Iron Pill...check. Midol....check. Immodium...check. Alright, so I'm all drugged up and ready to run! Today I THOUGHT we were going to be doing a 14.5 mile run, well it actually turned out to be a 16 mile run. Even though I had only mentally prepared myself for a 14.5 mile run, I made it and it is nice to know that I can do 16 miles with out keeling over. Pam stayed with me up until about mile 15 which was very sweet of her. A good thing too because the cue sheets were wrong (surprise!) so I'm sure I would have been hopelessly loss without her. You would think I (we) would learn to check the cue sheet against the map from now on. Even with the minor detour the run was a nice one and I felt good afterwards.
What was the biggest treat of the morning is that Marisa invited a wonderful yoga instructor, Sage Rountree, to come and do some yoga with us after our run. Check out her website: she has free podcasts demonstrating yoga based stretching routines. Oh yeah, and that really is her real name. It was nice to lay out in the park and do some easy yoga poses that really stretched out our muscles. I don't feel nearly as sore or tight as I usually do a few hours after my run. I think I will have to make sure to incorporate these moves into my post-run routine. Speaking of Marisa, she's doing the Wisconsin Ironman today. As I type she's biking away, if you're interested you can track her here. Her bib number is 1982, so keep her in your thoughts. She's amazing and definitely one of my role models.
An interesting thought/feeling occurred to me around about mile 5 of the run today. At this point there were four of us running on a trail through the woods. We weren't talking so there was only the sound of heavy breathing and footsteps. It felt primal and animalistic (if that's a word), at one point I even felt this tingle of electric energy pass over my body. It was kinda weird but at the same time very satisfying. We were a pack. This made me even more excited about my marathon. Even though I won't know the people I'm running with, we will be a pack, all running after the same prey - the finish line!
What was the biggest treat of the morning is that Marisa invited a wonderful yoga instructor, Sage Rountree, to come and do some yoga with us after our run. Check out her website: she has free podcasts demonstrating yoga based stretching routines. Oh yeah, and that really is her real name. It was nice to lay out in the park and do some easy yoga poses that really stretched out our muscles. I don't feel nearly as sore or tight as I usually do a few hours after my run. I think I will have to make sure to incorporate these moves into my post-run routine. Speaking of Marisa, she's doing the Wisconsin Ironman today. As I type she's biking away, if you're interested you can track her here. Her bib number is 1982, so keep her in your thoughts. She's amazing and definitely one of my role models.
An interesting thought/feeling occurred to me around about mile 5 of the run today. At this point there were four of us running on a trail through the woods. We weren't talking so there was only the sound of heavy breathing and footsteps. It felt primal and animalistic (if that's a word), at one point I even felt this tingle of electric energy pass over my body. It was kinda weird but at the same time very satisfying. We were a pack. This made me even more excited about my marathon. Even though I won't know the people I'm running with, we will be a pack, all running after the same prey - the finish line!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Rest and Relaxation
Today was an "off" day for marathon training. That is a good thing. I'm tired....my legs are sore so a day off was much needed. I was also reading in my Runner's World magazine that it is a good idea to take a day and try to stay off your feet. So that's what I've been doing today. Just a little cleaning around the apartment but mainly I've been hanging out on the couch watching movies and playing PS3. Today will give my legs a good rest before I punish them with a 14.3 mile run tomorrow. I'm excited about tomorrow - one step closer to my goal. I will need to get to 21 miles before the actual marathon. If I can run 21 then I can run 26!
Tonight I'm going to load up my ipod (in the event that I can't keep up with Pam I don't want to spend 3 hours in silence) with some tunes to keep me pumped during the run. I like to keep the songs I listen to upbeat, something I would dance to. Here's a list of some of my favorite running songs:
Bombs Over Baghdad - Outkast
My Humps - Black Eyed Peas
Pump It - Black Eyed Peas
Clothes Off - Gym Class Heroes
You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi
Here It Goes Again - OK Go
S.O.S. - Rihanna
Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
Ring The Alarm - Beyonce
That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings
If I Never See Your Face Again (feat Rihanna) - Maroon 5
That's just a snippet of my running playlist. I tend to switch up the songs but almost always include the above songs.
To all the other runners/exercisers that are reading, what do you like to listen to when you workout? Let me know in the comment section!
Tonight I'm going to load up my ipod (in the event that I can't keep up with Pam I don't want to spend 3 hours in silence) with some tunes to keep me pumped during the run. I like to keep the songs I listen to upbeat, something I would dance to. Here's a list of some of my favorite running songs:
Bombs Over Baghdad - Outkast
My Humps - Black Eyed Peas
Pump It - Black Eyed Peas
Clothes Off - Gym Class Heroes
You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi
Here It Goes Again - OK Go
S.O.S. - Rihanna
Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
Ring The Alarm - Beyonce
That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings
If I Never See Your Face Again (feat Rihanna) - Maroon 5
That's just a snippet of my running playlist. I tend to switch up the songs but almost always include the above songs.
To all the other runners/exercisers that are reading, what do you like to listen to when you workout? Let me know in the comment section!
Friday, September 5, 2008
I Should be Okay on Sunday
With the scary looking rain clouds looming above me I decided to go ahead and head out for my run. No use in postponing the necessary and besides, maybe I could finish the run before it actually started to rain. NOT!! I get halfway into the run when the rain starts to come. At first I don't mind, I was burning up so it felt nice and plus, it was pretty light. I had been having a great run, I actually was probably running a little too fast but it felt good. I start back and it starts raining harder, it is at this point that I also realize that the run back seems to be mainly uphill. Hmmm didn't quite seem like I was running downhill on the way there. Why is it that the up always seems steeper than the down???? That kills me every time. It is also on the run back that I begin questioning my choice of outfit. My pink running shorts have become transparent and are sticking to me. My white shirt has also become extra clingy and transparent, it didn't help that now the rain has gotten kind of cold. My poor choice in runningware became even more apparent when some guy yelled what I can only imagine was some lewd comment out of his window. Oh, the joys of running outside.
Anywhoo, I'm stoked that I ran a 5 mile run at a 9:30 pace. This just goes to show that I can run relatively fast when I want to. Yeah okay a 9:30 pace isn't "fast" but I usually run around a 10:30 pace so knocking a minute off the pace is good in my book. That being said....I feel better about my chances of being about to hang with Pam on Sunday!
Anywhoo, I'm stoked that I ran a 5 mile run at a 9:30 pace. This just goes to show that I can run relatively fast when I want to. Yeah okay a 9:30 pace isn't "fast" but I usually run around a 10:30 pace so knocking a minute off the pace is good in my book. That being said....I feel better about my chances of being about to hang with Pam on Sunday!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Punching Bag
OH MY GOODNESS! My body feels like someone has been using it as a punching bag. I can't figure out why my body has begun to feel so sore these past few days. Perhaps it was those hills we did on Tuesday or maybe it is just the accumulation of all of this running and my body is really feeling the effects. I think the pain is affecting my sleep. I read somewhere that exercise can help you sleep better but this definitely is not a benefit that I am receiving! I wake up in pain, my muscles throbbing. I think I just need to get over this hump, get my body in the shape it really needs to be and then it will be easier and less painful. That's what I hope will happen anyway.....
Today's run was a fairly easy hour long run. I was okay with not pushing it too much today since we have a 5 mile run scheduled tomorrow and then a 14-15 mile run on Sunday. I'm going to try to stick with Pam on Sunday so that will definitely be pushing it for me!
Today's run was a fairly easy hour long run. I was okay with not pushing it too much today since we have a 5 mile run scheduled tomorrow and then a 14-15 mile run on Sunday. I'm going to try to stick with Pam on Sunday so that will definitely be pushing it for me!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
"Stop Trying to Hold My Hand"
Today was Hill Day...uhhhggggg (that is the sound of me and my body groaning). I really don't mind hills....I love the way my leg muscles look as I'm pushing it (read: struggling) up the hill. And even though my legs felt like lead weights after 6 looooooooooong hill repeats, nothing beats the feeling of when you reach the top of the hill. Plus, "hills make you a better runner". I know this will all pay off on Nov. 2nd so I won't spend too much time complaining, although complaining is kinda fun.
Sometimes I think, if someone only heard bits and pieces of the conversations that take place between Amy and I when we are running then they would think we are crazy (oh wait, we are crazy). Whenever we are cooling down and walking and our hands hit (which is quite often) we accuse each other of trying to hold the other one's hand. You'd have to be there to get it, LOL, but I'm laughing just thinking about it. Anyway, having a great running partner is what keeps me going up the hills. She CLAIMS I was setting the pace but every time I would get even a little in front of her then here she comes trying to speed past me. Some people are just too competitive for their own good (yeah I'm talking about you!).
I'm getting more and more excited and nervous about my race - 2 months away! Soon I will have to start my daily countdown. Today before our run we were discussing not being able to sleep the night before a race. I usually can't sleep the night before a Sunday long run because I'm always paranoid that I will oversleep. I had problems in high school sleeping before a big meet as well so I KNOW there will be minimal sleeping done the night before my marathon. I am just going to have to make sure I get a lot of rest that week because I'm going to need all the energy I can store up to make it through!
Sometimes I think, if someone only heard bits and pieces of the conversations that take place between Amy and I when we are running then they would think we are crazy (oh wait, we are crazy). Whenever we are cooling down and walking and our hands hit (which is quite often) we accuse each other of trying to hold the other one's hand. You'd have to be there to get it, LOL, but I'm laughing just thinking about it. Anyway, having a great running partner is what keeps me going up the hills. She CLAIMS I was setting the pace but every time I would get even a little in front of her then here she comes trying to speed past me. Some people are just too competitive for their own good (yeah I'm talking about you!).
I'm getting more and more excited and nervous about my race - 2 months away! Soon I will have to start my daily countdown. Today before our run we were discussing not being able to sleep the night before a race. I usually can't sleep the night before a Sunday long run because I'm always paranoid that I will oversleep. I had problems in high school sleeping before a big meet as well so I KNOW there will be minimal sleeping done the night before my marathon. I am just going to have to make sure I get a lot of rest that week because I'm going to need all the energy I can store up to make it through!
Monday, September 1, 2008
6 Unspectacular Quirks
I've been "tagged" by one of my running group members who is also a blogger and writer extraordinaire, Dena. I have been tasked with listing 6 unspectacular quirks of mine.
Soooo....it took me a while to think of something to write but here we go:
1. I hate for my bare legs to touch while I'm sleeping. Therefore I usually end up sleeping with the sheet tucked in between my legs which annoys the heck out of my husband because it results in me pulling the sheet off of him, haha.
2. I like to put ketchup on each of my individual fries, one at a time, as I eat them. Weird, I know.
3. Yogurt makes me gag - there is something about the texture that I just can't handle.
4. I am a horrible singer but that doesn't stop me from singing as much as I want when I'm in the car with other people - but only those I feel comfortable around.
5. I leave cabinets and closet doors open. Why close them when you are just going to have to open them the next time you need something.
6. My shoes always end up in the middle of the floor. I don't know how, they just do.
Those are my quirks, unspectacular, but me! Now here are the rules from Dena:
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they've been tagged
Nikki, Jennifer, Marisa, Umm apparently I don't know 6 bloggers so I guess 3 will have to do. TAG! You're it!
Soooo....it took me a while to think of something to write but here we go:
1. I hate for my bare legs to touch while I'm sleeping. Therefore I usually end up sleeping with the sheet tucked in between my legs which annoys the heck out of my husband because it results in me pulling the sheet off of him, haha.
2. I like to put ketchup on each of my individual fries, one at a time, as I eat them. Weird, I know.
3. Yogurt makes me gag - there is something about the texture that I just can't handle.
4. I am a horrible singer but that doesn't stop me from singing as much as I want when I'm in the car with other people - but only those I feel comfortable around.
5. I leave cabinets and closet doors open. Why close them when you are just going to have to open them the next time you need something.
6. My shoes always end up in the middle of the floor. I don't know how, they just do.
Those are my quirks, unspectacular, but me! Now here are the rules from Dena:
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they've been tagged
Nikki, Jennifer, Marisa, Umm apparently I don't know 6 bloggers so I guess 3 will have to do. TAG! You're it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)