I'm looking forward to hearing all about her run and even though she claims it is going to take her 12 hours to finish, I'm predicted that she'll run it in well under 5.
GOOD LUCK AMY! I know you can do it.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Friday, November 6, 2009
Good Luck Amy!
My running buddy Amy (who I've been neglecting) is running her 1st marathon on Sunday. Although I won't be there to cheer her on I will be cheering in spirit. I met up with her yesterday for a short run and it was great. I don't know what I was thinking staying away so long but I made her promise to let me know when she was going to start back running after her marathon so I could join her. The plan is to always stay trained well enough to be able to do a half marathon. That sounds like a pretty reasonable plan to me.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Kiss My Rut Goodbye
I've been in a rut lately. I don't really know why because I should be super happy. My life is great, I just got a promotion at work and I have a wonderful family. But for some reason I've just been feeling BLAH, especially when it comes to working out. I guess you've already figured out by the lack of P90X posts that I did not complete my 90 days as desired. Part of me feels like a failure for not sticking with it but another part of me understands that it is okay. It isn't the end of the world and I still own the videos so I can just start again.
Yesterday I kissed my exercise rut goodbye. Perhaps I underestimated the affect that running has on me and how I may need it to stabilize my moods. My new plan is to alternate running with the P90X workouts. The main benefit of the P90X workouts is that if you follow the plan your muscles stay "confused" and therefore get more out of the workouts. Adding in runs and spacing out the workouts won't affect this aspect of the program and it will help me maintain a better attitude.
I also realized that I eat horribly. I know I'm not the worst but my eating habits are pretty terrible. If I ever want to achieve that fat loss that I claim to want then I am really going to have to do a better job of sticking with a healthy eating lifestyle. Not a diet, I need to change my mentality and just improve the way I eat overall. Damn those delicious, unhealthy foods that always tempt me.
I went for a run yesterday and while it wasn't as long or as fast as I would have liked it felt great. I shortened it because about a mile and a half into it a crazy downpour started and I was soaked to the bone so I decided to turn back before I got struck by lightening or a tree branch fell on my head. Even though the rain cut my run short, I felt like it was cleansing for my soul. My desire to do and be better is renewed and now I'll work even harder to achieve my goals.
Yesterday I kissed my exercise rut goodbye. Perhaps I underestimated the affect that running has on me and how I may need it to stabilize my moods. My new plan is to alternate running with the P90X workouts. The main benefit of the P90X workouts is that if you follow the plan your muscles stay "confused" and therefore get more out of the workouts. Adding in runs and spacing out the workouts won't affect this aspect of the program and it will help me maintain a better attitude.
I also realized that I eat horribly. I know I'm not the worst but my eating habits are pretty terrible. If I ever want to achieve that fat loss that I claim to want then I am really going to have to do a better job of sticking with a healthy eating lifestyle. Not a diet, I need to change my mentality and just improve the way I eat overall. Damn those delicious, unhealthy foods that always tempt me.
I went for a run yesterday and while it wasn't as long or as fast as I would have liked it felt great. I shortened it because about a mile and a half into it a crazy downpour started and I was soaked to the bone so I decided to turn back before I got struck by lightening or a tree branch fell on my head. Even though the rain cut my run short, I felt like it was cleansing for my soul. My desire to do and be better is renewed and now I'll work even harder to achieve my goals.
Monday, June 22, 2009
What Inspires You to Run?
I received a comment(from Sian) on my last post asking "Do you really just get into it." I'm assuming the question is around the desire to just get out and run. Does one just really get into it to the point where they just love and can't wait for their next run.
There is no concrete answer to this. As I've previously posted, I've been running since I was young so it has always been a part of my life. I go through periods where I absolutely LOVE running. I just have the desire to bust out of my office space and run down the street. When I feel this way I can't get enough, running clears my mind and energizes my life.
I would be lying if I said that I always felt this way about running. Sometimes (like for the past couple of weeks) I just don't feel like running. I don't know why but I go through these periods where I just don't have the desire to run.
I think it all comes down to why you are running. I have lots of friends that run and they have a variety of reasons as to why they run (companionship, health reasons, sanity, etc.) I think that if you stick with it for a while you will start to love it. And if you don't love it then don't do it. I am a big advocate of running and I think everyone that can should do at least some running but life is too precious to waste time on doing something you REALLY don't enjoy.
There is always cycling....
So fellow runners; do you have any advice for Sian? When you started running did you automatically love it or did it have to grow on you? If so, how long did it take?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Hills...How I've Missed You
In keeping with my schedule for the week I went to the park to do some hill repeats. I went out even though it was kind of cool and misty. Luckily there was a lull in the storm so it wasn't raining during my workout. I did six hill repeats and I felt pretty good although when I was doing my cool down my calves were burning and felt like they had rocks in them. The workout itself wasn't too exciting but I did see some strange things while I was at the park.
This lady was jogging around the park and she had on a raincoat and she had an umbrella in her hand. I don't really understand this. You're exercising, you have a jacket with a hood, why would you waste the energy to carry along an umbrella? If it starts raining are you going to stop, put up the umbrella and walk the rest of the way? Seemed a little ridiculous to me.
The other thing was that when I first pulled into the park there was a couple sitting in a parked truck. They were arguing when I left for my run. When I got back from my run the truck was steamed up and they were getting it on hot and heavy. REALLY? It is not nighttime and this is not lover's lane.
Our yoga class was cancelled due to the rain so instead of skipping out on that workout I found a 30 minute yoga workout on Exercise on Demand (this channel is starting to be pretty useful) and did that. These videos can be hit or miss but this one was pretty good. I think I will incorporate it into my weekly schedule at least until I can complete the entire workout at the moderate level.
So far I'm on track for the week but I usually fall off on Wednesday so we'll see what happens.
This lady was jogging around the park and she had on a raincoat and she had an umbrella in her hand. I don't really understand this. You're exercising, you have a jacket with a hood, why would you waste the energy to carry along an umbrella? If it starts raining are you going to stop, put up the umbrella and walk the rest of the way? Seemed a little ridiculous to me.
The other thing was that when I first pulled into the park there was a couple sitting in a parked truck. They were arguing when I left for my run. When I got back from my run the truck was steamed up and they were getting it on hot and heavy. REALLY? It is not nighttime and this is not lover's lane.
Our yoga class was cancelled due to the rain so instead of skipping out on that workout I found a 30 minute yoga workout on Exercise on Demand (this channel is starting to be pretty useful) and did that. These videos can be hit or miss but this one was pretty good. I think I will incorporate it into my weekly schedule at least until I can complete the entire workout at the moderate level.
So far I'm on track for the week but I usually fall off on Wednesday so we'll see what happens.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Laughing Fit
Today I went for a run with Amy R. She wanted to do a relatively long run which I was up for since it meant I could eat more today. The run was filled with lots of laughs starting with the fact that we both decided that we had to run at least 7 miles to account for the food that we had already eaten earlier that day, LOL. Is it sad that I schedule my workouts around what I want to eat or is it just a good plan? I'm going to go with it being a good plan.
We did a little over 7 miles at an average pace of 10:33. The great part was that we pushed it the last mile and did it in under 10 minutes. We did do one mile over 11 minutes but I blame that on the huge hill we had to run up and the fact that we broke out into a laughing fit moments before the hill. It was one of those laughing fits that is sparked by a small, funny comment and just turns into uncontrollable and unstoppable laughter.
I'm starting to feel even stronger in the running department and I'm strongly considering doing the High Point half-marathon in May. It just depends on my schedule because I might be out of town that weekend.
Have I ever told y'all how much I love running?
We did a little over 7 miles at an average pace of 10:33. The great part was that we pushed it the last mile and did it in under 10 minutes. We did do one mile over 11 minutes but I blame that on the huge hill we had to run up and the fact that we broke out into a laughing fit moments before the hill. It was one of those laughing fits that is sparked by a small, funny comment and just turns into uncontrollable and unstoppable laughter.
I'm starting to feel even stronger in the running department and I'm strongly considering doing the High Point half-marathon in May. It just depends on my schedule because I might be out of town that weekend.
Have I ever told y'all how much I love running?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Recipe of the Week: Fluffy Pancakes
We did a 10 mile run today and it was a pretty good run. The urban loop is a wonderful route to run especially in the morning when there isn't a lot of traffic. This morning was colder than I expected but after getting warmed up it was nice. After burning off over 1000 calories I figured I deserved some pancakes so I decided to try a pancake recipe I found on-line.
-makes 50 to 60 silver dollar pancakes
Ingredients
4 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup flour
2 cups sour cream
3 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
1. Put the eggs in a mixing bowl and stir until well blended.
2. Add the salt, baking soda, flour, sour cream and sugar, and mix well.
3. Heat a griddle or frying pan until it is good and hot, film with grease, and drop spoonfuls of batter onto the griddle--just enough to spread to an approximately 2 1/2 inch round. When a few bubbles form on top of the pancakes, turn them over and cook briefly, no longer than 45 seconds.
4. Serve with warm butter and warm syrup. Enjoy!!
*I halved the recipe and it turned out just fine. The pancakes are VERY light and fluffy which made them somewhat difficult to flip but don't worry, they will turn out great.
-makes 50 to 60 silver dollar pancakes
Ingredients
4 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup flour
2 cups sour cream
3 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
1. Put the eggs in a mixing bowl and stir until well blended.
2. Add the salt, baking soda, flour, sour cream and sugar, and mix well.
3. Heat a griddle or frying pan until it is good and hot, film with grease, and drop spoonfuls of batter onto the griddle--just enough to spread to an approximately 2 1/2 inch round. When a few bubbles form on top of the pancakes, turn them over and cook briefly, no longer than 45 seconds.
4. Serve with warm butter and warm syrup. Enjoy!!
*I halved the recipe and it turned out just fine. The pancakes are VERY light and fluffy which made them somewhat difficult to flip but don't worry, they will turn out great.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Smell of Rain
I love the smell of rain when it first starts to fall. It smells all earthy and clean. It is one of my favorite smells in the world.
I had the most AWESOME run today! When I was putting my running clothes on I wasn't that excited about the run. I was feeling tired from an all day workshop and somewhat weary about the dark rain cloud I saw forming in the distance. I hoped that I could out run the rain so I hopped in the car and headed to the shop to start my run. Of course it started to drizzle before I could even get out of the car. At this point I had already decided that I would run regardless of the rain.
I have finally figured out how to have my Garmin give me 1 mile lap times so imagine my surprise when the first mile time was 9:26. I was thinking....hey I must just be starting out fast because of the rain. Then the second mile was 9:26 - okay so maybe I'm feeling great today. Then the third mile was 9:09 - WHAT! I was booking it and I didn't even feel that stressed. I will admit that the majority of the 3rd mile was downhill. I made up for it on mile 4 which was mostly uphill and at a 10:08 pace. I was still happy with that because it is way faster than I have been running lately. The last two miles were 9:49 and 9:29.
My overall pace was around 9:33. For SIX miles. I am so hype, LOL. This just made my day.
To make the day even better, I went to the triathlon training information session that Marisa held. I will give you more details about this tomorrow but if you're in the area and you are interested in doing some triathlon training then hit me up in the comment section.
I had the most AWESOME run today! When I was putting my running clothes on I wasn't that excited about the run. I was feeling tired from an all day workshop and somewhat weary about the dark rain cloud I saw forming in the distance. I hoped that I could out run the rain so I hopped in the car and headed to the shop to start my run. Of course it started to drizzle before I could even get out of the car. At this point I had already decided that I would run regardless of the rain.
I have finally figured out how to have my Garmin give me 1 mile lap times so imagine my surprise when the first mile time was 9:26. I was thinking....hey I must just be starting out fast because of the rain. Then the second mile was 9:26 - okay so maybe I'm feeling great today. Then the third mile was 9:09 - WHAT! I was booking it and I didn't even feel that stressed. I will admit that the majority of the 3rd mile was downhill. I made up for it on mile 4 which was mostly uphill and at a 10:08 pace. I was still happy with that because it is way faster than I have been running lately. The last two miles were 9:49 and 9:29.
My overall pace was around 9:33. For SIX miles. I am so hype, LOL. This just made my day.
To make the day even better, I went to the triathlon training information session that Marisa held. I will give you more details about this tomorrow but if you're in the area and you are interested in doing some triathlon training then hit me up in the comment section.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
My First Brick
The weather was PERFECT today!!! I wish it could just stay like this year round. It made for a wonderful workout.
Before signing up for this whole triathlon thing I had never heard of a brick workout. Apparently it is a pretty common workout for triathlon training. Basically you do some biking and then you switch to running. This will help you get used to the transition from biking to running which can take some time getting used to.
We did a 14 mile bike and then a 1.5 mile run. Then we did a 10.5 mile bike and a 2 mile run. I was a little nervous before we started because it seemed like a pretty intense workout. I turned out to not be too bad. I felt good during and after the workout.
I mapped out our ride on Google maps before we left. I think I did a pretty good job since I had never ridden around the area before. I did a pretty good job. There was only one road that was really a gravel road and only one road that didn't exactly go through like the map said it would. That's why the first bike ride was a little bit longer than the second one.
Tomorrow we are going for a 3 hour bike ride. I hope Paul can make it, he might have overdone it today, LOL.
Before signing up for this whole triathlon thing I had never heard of a brick workout. Apparently it is a pretty common workout for triathlon training. Basically you do some biking and then you switch to running. This will help you get used to the transition from biking to running which can take some time getting used to.
We did a 14 mile bike and then a 1.5 mile run. Then we did a 10.5 mile bike and a 2 mile run. I was a little nervous before we started because it seemed like a pretty intense workout. I turned out to not be too bad. I felt good during and after the workout.
I mapped out our ride on Google maps before we left. I think I did a pretty good job since I had never ridden around the area before. I did a pretty good job. There was only one road that was really a gravel road and only one road that didn't exactly go through like the map said it would. That's why the first bike ride was a little bit longer than the second one.
Tomorrow we are going for a 3 hour bike ride. I hope Paul can make it, he might have overdone it today, LOL.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Heart Stopper
I went for a 5 mile run today with my lovely running friends. I hadn't done anything significant since Saturday so I was feeling pretty stiff. My calf got really tight about half-way through the run but luckily that passed pretty quickly. I was mad that my heart rate monitor decided that it didn't want to work tonight. The battery should still be good so I'm really not sure why it wasn't working. I'll have to play around with it a little to figure it out.
I'm really trying to wear my heart rate monitor more frequently. I have experienced very high heart rates and I want to see if this is still happening. I can actually FEEL when it is happening but I want to know exactly how high it is getting and at what point in my run. It usually only happens when I get too hot but it has also happened at other times too.
Alrighty, well I spent entirely too much timetorturing myself watching American Idol so it is way past my bedtime....Goodnight!
I'm really trying to wear my heart rate monitor more frequently. I have experienced very high heart rates and I want to see if this is still happening. I can actually FEEL when it is happening but I want to know exactly how high it is getting and at what point in my run. It usually only happens when I get too hot but it has also happened at other times too.
Alrighty, well I spent entirely too much time
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Badge Of......
I felt a lot better this morning so I decided to go ahead and go out for the run. It was cold and rainy :( That did not make for a pleasant run. I wasn't feeling that great once we got started, my legs were tired and I didn't have that much energy. We ended up doing 9 miles but it was more of a walk/run then an all out run. That is just fine with me, the point is, I (WE) got out there!
While we were running we started talking about how we should get a badge for this. It was funny because we started listing all different badges we have earned during our training. We didn't actually make up NAMES for the badges but for the purpose of this blog I'm going to make up my own names for the badges we mentioned as well as some I just thought of.
Snow Patrol Badge - for completing a run in the snow
Rainmaker Badge - for completing a run in the rain (we definitely earned this one today)
Beat the Heat Badge - for completing a run in 90+ degree weather
Trail Master Badge - for completing a trail run
Ummm, I can't remember the other ones we talked about. What about you? What badges have you earned during your running adventurers?
While we were running we started talking about how we should get a badge for this. It was funny because we started listing all different badges we have earned during our training. We didn't actually make up NAMES for the badges but for the purpose of this blog I'm going to make up my own names for the badges we mentioned as well as some I just thought of.
Snow Patrol Badge - for completing a run in the snow
Rainmaker Badge - for completing a run in the rain (we definitely earned this one today)
Beat the Heat Badge - for completing a run in 90+ degree weather
Trail Master Badge - for completing a trail run
Ummm, I can't remember the other ones we talked about. What about you? What badges have you earned during your running adventurers?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
2nd Wind
*note* I'm going to start posting the details of my runs. I got this idea from another blog I follow "Vegas Runner".
5 mile run: 55:25 minutes (average pace of 11:05). Avg heart rate: 168bpm. Fastest pace: 8:41 Max heart rate: 196bpm. I felt really good during the run and picked up the pace the 2nd half of the run. The weather was perfect and it was nice to have a run in good conditions.
Today we met at the shop (after numerous emails back and forth about where we were going to meet) for an evening run. We decided to forgo running through the park/greenway and instead decided to just run straight down Lawndale. That way was a straight shot and pretty well lit due to the street lights and car headlights. Running in the dark is still a bit scary to me and sometimes makes me dizzy.
After we got to the turn around point I started feeling really good. I decided to kick it up a notch and run the second half of the run faster than the first part. I had a really nice woman running with me so that was nice. This was my first time meeting her, she's not a regular member of the running group but was at the shop and asked if she could tag along with us. I was happy that she wanted to pick up the pace too.
I was surprised I was able to do that seeing as I had been feeling tired all day long and really didn't even want to go on the run. I really think I'm getting stronger and faster which makes me happy!
5 mile run: 55:25 minutes (average pace of 11:05). Avg heart rate: 168bpm. Fastest pace: 8:41 Max heart rate: 196bpm. I felt really good during the run and picked up the pace the 2nd half of the run. The weather was perfect and it was nice to have a run in good conditions.
Today we met at the shop (after numerous emails back and forth about where we were going to meet) for an evening run. We decided to forgo running through the park/greenway and instead decided to just run straight down Lawndale. That way was a straight shot and pretty well lit due to the street lights and car headlights. Running in the dark is still a bit scary to me and sometimes makes me dizzy.
After we got to the turn around point I started feeling really good. I decided to kick it up a notch and run the second half of the run faster than the first part. I had a really nice woman running with me so that was nice. This was my first time meeting her, she's not a regular member of the running group but was at the shop and asked if she could tag along with us. I was happy that she wanted to pick up the pace too.
I was surprised I was able to do that seeing as I had been feeling tired all day long and really didn't even want to go on the run. I really think I'm getting stronger and faster which makes me happy!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Like I Never Left
I thought that my run tonight would be extremely difficult since I hadn't done anything for over a week. To my delight it went wonderfully. We did 4 miles at a steady pace and I didn't fall out! I had a moment where I thought I might not make it but that faded fast.
I love running with friends, especially after a long day at work. All the deadlines, obligations, and frustrations just fade away while I am out there running and having great conversation. I always feel better after a run, no matter the distance. I feel good that I have made the effort to do something for my body and for my health.
Running is like an old friend; although you may not speak for a while, when you get together it is like you never left.
I love running with friends, especially after a long day at work. All the deadlines, obligations, and frustrations just fade away while I am out there running and having great conversation. I always feel better after a run, no matter the distance. I feel good that I have made the effort to do something for my body and for my health.
Running is like an old friend; although you may not speak for a while, when you get together it is like you never left.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Need for Speed(work)
I had this great idea to attempt to run approximately 3.1 miles as fast as I could. Now I'm not sure what I was thinking seeing as I haven't really run faster than a 10 min mile since before the marathon. Early October was probably the last time I did any speedwork. I set out and I should have known immediately that this was a bad idea. I hadn't gone 2 minutes when my lungs started burning. I could make a bunch of excuses as to why my run didn't go as planned....I was tired, my lungs hurt, I think I'm getting a cold, my shorts kept riding up, blah blah blah. When it comes down to it, I haven't been training to run fast.
I have been running nice, pretty leisurely runs of around 10:30 to 11:00 min/miles for both my long and short runs. While this is great and will definitely aid in increasing my endurance, it isn't helping me get faster. My main goal for this year is to successfully complete a triathlon. The run in the tri is 3.1 miles and I want to be able to complete that portion of the race as fast as I can. Right now, that isn't very fast.
What is my plan? I am going to start (when I get back from my trip) to add at least one day of speedwork a week. Once Marisa starts her tri training I think that will help too. I decided at the beginning of the year I wanted to get faster but so far I haven't actually done anything to help me do so. It is time for me to pick up the pace, literally......
I have been running nice, pretty leisurely runs of around 10:30 to 11:00 min/miles for both my long and short runs. While this is great and will definitely aid in increasing my endurance, it isn't helping me get faster. My main goal for this year is to successfully complete a triathlon. The run in the tri is 3.1 miles and I want to be able to complete that portion of the race as fast as I can. Right now, that isn't very fast.
What is my plan? I am going to start (when I get back from my trip) to add at least one day of speedwork a week. Once Marisa starts her tri training I think that will help too. I decided at the beginning of the year I wanted to get faster but so far I haven't actually done anything to help me do so. It is time for me to pick up the pace, literally......
Thursday, February 5, 2009
It Was a Clear and Cold Night
I went for a run today! I really needed today's run. It has been a hectic and somewhat stressful week and due to weather and laziness I hadn't run all week. I am glad that I decided to run today because it was worth it. It was just Amy R. and I out there running in the dark and cold night. I was concerned it would be too cold but it wasn't, it ended up being a fairly pleasant run. I am happy that it will be warmer this weekend, I have a run and a long bike ride scheduled.
After the run I came home and I made a delicious dinner. I will make sure to post the recipe tomorrow, right now I am tired and need to get some rest.
After the run I came home and I made a delicious dinner. I will make sure to post the recipe tomorrow, right now I am tired and need to get some rest.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Saturday Morning Run
Amy R. told me it was going to be cold on Saturday but I didn't really pay it any attention until I woke up and looked at the temperature and it said 25 degrees! Luckily it was sunny outside so after a few miles it warmed up enough to be bearable.
We ended up doing about 6 miles although it wasn't a particularly successful run (we walked some towards the end). I guess that's what happens when you skip 2 long runs. I don't plan on skipping anymore so hopefully my future runs will be much better. I'm still contemplating what my running goal is for this year. Part of me wants to do another marathon but another part of me wants to focus on speed and perhaps completing a half-marathon at a significantly faster time than last year. I guess I have a little bit more time to decide but not too much because I don't want the marathon I might choose to fill up before I get the chance to sign-up.
The run ended on a weird note....clearly I watch too many crime dramas.....
We ended up doing about 6 miles although it wasn't a particularly successful run (we walked some towards the end). I guess that's what happens when you skip 2 long runs. I don't plan on skipping anymore so hopefully my future runs will be much better. I'm still contemplating what my running goal is for this year. Part of me wants to do another marathon but another part of me wants to focus on speed and perhaps completing a half-marathon at a significantly faster time than last year. I guess I have a little bit more time to decide but not too much because I don't want the marathon I might choose to fill up before I get the chance to sign-up.
The run ended on a weird note....clearly I watch too many crime dramas.....
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday Morning Run...or NOT
I was going to run this morning but I didn't. I just felt so tired and decided that some rest would benefit me more than a run would. I have to admit that I did feel slightly guilty about not running but I sure did enjoy that extra sleep! Plus, I'm going to ride my bike on Sunday so at least I will get some exercise in this weekend.
I need to pick out a race to do in the spring other than the triathlon to help motivate me to stay on track with my running. I find it a lot easier when I have something specific that I'm working towards. The run portion of the triathlon is only 3.1 miles which I feel like I could do in my sleep. I'm going to look for some races tonight or tomorrow and then work on developing a set running schedule to keep myself on track.
For right now.....it is back to resting.
I need to pick out a race to do in the spring other than the triathlon to help motivate me to stay on track with my running. I find it a lot easier when I have something specific that I'm working towards. The run portion of the triathlon is only 3.1 miles which I feel like I could do in my sleep. I'm going to look for some races tonight or tomorrow and then work on developing a set running schedule to keep myself on track.
For right now.....it is back to resting.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Fair-weather Friend
I don't like the cold and come to think of it I don't like the heat that much either. I guess you'd say I'm a pretty fair-weather friend when it comes to exercising outdoors. I commend those of my running friends that are going to brave the elements this weekend and still go for a run. I commend but I still think you are all CRAZY! I have an excuse not to run with them Saturday morning because I will be out of town. Not that I would have run had I been in town because I wouldn't have. Under 30 degrees is pushing it for me, under 20 is just plain not happening. And this is probably why I will never be an elite runner (well this and the fact that I just wasn't born to be an elite runner). I don't know what I'd do if I lived somewhere where it was REALLY cold.....I guess I probably wouldn't be a runner. When the weather is such that it makes it uncomfortable to run then it isn't enjoyable to me anymore and if I'm not enjoying myself then I really don't see the point in doing it. I'm not out here to win any competitions, I'm out here to stay healthy and to have fun. Almost getting frostbite is not fun and almost dying of a heat stroke is also not fun.
So have fun this weekend....I'll see you guys when it warms up a bit!
So have fun this weekend....I'll see you guys when it warms up a bit!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I'm ON IT!
This has been a great past few days when it comes to exercise. I went swimming 3 times, running 3 times and biking once. I'm pretty sore today and a little tired but other than that I feel great! I'm excited about the fact that I've been pretty consistent with my working out. I do need to improve slightly on the eating side....I had a reckless snacking episode Friday night. I have the meals planned out for the week and we've gotten all of the groceries so I should be able to do much better this week.
Saturday was a morning run with the group. We did 6 miles and I felt pretty good. I haven't started a real plan for my training but I"m definitely going to focus on speed instead of distance. Until I complete the triathlon I'm not going to make my long runs too long because that won't really be necessary. I'll just stick with trying to become a faster runner.
Today I went for my second bike ride! It was great....not as cold as last week which made it so much more enjoyable. I can't wait until the Springtime when it will be very nice. We did about 21.5 miles today and it wasn't too bad. I'm pretty sure Susan and Paul were taking it easy on me. I don't even know how they were riding today after running 18 miles yesterday! Some of the hills were crucial and my thighs are feeling it right now. I didn't think that biking really worked your abs but mine are sore so it must. I'm looking forward to more and more rides and will be happy when it stops getting dark so soon then I will be able to start riding after work.
Saturday was a morning run with the group. We did 6 miles and I felt pretty good. I haven't started a real plan for my training but I"m definitely going to focus on speed instead of distance. Until I complete the triathlon I'm not going to make my long runs too long because that won't really be necessary. I'll just stick with trying to become a faster runner.
Today I went for my second bike ride! It was great....not as cold as last week which made it so much more enjoyable. I can't wait until the Springtime when it will be very nice. We did about 21.5 miles today and it wasn't too bad. I'm pretty sure Susan and Paul were taking it easy on me. I don't even know how they were riding today after running 18 miles yesterday! Some of the hills were crucial and my thighs are feeling it right now. I didn't think that biking really worked your abs but mine are sore so it must. I'm looking forward to more and more rides and will be happy when it stops getting dark so soon then I will be able to start riding after work.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Running in the Dark
Yesterday Amy asked me if I wanted to go running with her today at 6. I agreed for various reasons although I forgot to take into consideration that it would be dark at 6. I showed up prepared for the cold and we took off for our run. Kay was there as well so that made it better. I was thinking that we would just run down Lawndale on the sidewalk where there were STREETLIGHTS but nooooo. We ran through the park which has no lights and is surrounded by woods!
I am someone who has seen EVERY Nightmare on Elm Street, EVERY Halloween, EVERY Friday the 13th, not to mention all of the other scary movies I have seen. You know the ones where the woman is being chased through the woods and she trips over a branch and then gets massacred by some psycho?? Yeah, well that's what was going through my mind for the majority of the run. Luckily we had some great conversation which kept my mind off of my terror for the most part. I'm pretty sure my heart was racing for most of the run, LOL.
Although it was scary, it was wonderful! I had a great time and afterwards I felt amazingly energized. I STILL feel energized which is crazy considering I also went swimming earlier today. I think I will be able to handle a couple of two-a-days a week. I'm so serious about this and I know that I will be ready for the triathlon when it gets here.
I am someone who has seen EVERY Nightmare on Elm Street, EVERY Halloween, EVERY Friday the 13th, not to mention all of the other scary movies I have seen. You know the ones where the woman is being chased through the woods and she trips over a branch and then gets massacred by some psycho?? Yeah, well that's what was going through my mind for the majority of the run. Luckily we had some great conversation which kept my mind off of my terror for the most part. I'm pretty sure my heart was racing for most of the run, LOL.
Although it was scary, it was wonderful! I had a great time and afterwards I felt amazingly energized. I STILL feel energized which is crazy considering I also went swimming earlier today. I think I will be able to handle a couple of two-a-days a week. I'm so serious about this and I know that I will be ready for the triathlon when it gets here.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Dreadmill??
My friend Amy sometimes refers to the treadmill as the "Dreadmill", although she was chastised for doing so I think it is hilarious and accurately captures my general feeling about running on the treadmill. Last night the weatherman had me convinced that it was going to be cold and rainy today so I planned to run on the treadmill and therefore packed accordingly. Of course I was upset when I realized that it was going to be neither cold nor rainy. Curse you inaccurate weather forecast!!!
I went to the gym and prepared to run on the treadmill and you know what? It actually wasn't that bad! First of all, the treadmills they have at The Club are great. They are very high tech and even have fans that you can turn on to help cool you off while you run. It would be nice if they were adjustable fans since they are clearly designed for someone much taller than me resulting in the majority of the air to blow over my head. I'm not complaining too much though because it was definitely better than no air at all. They also had this cool display that showed you running along a track. Well it was actually just a circle of lights that lit up as you ran along but it was fun to watch (clearly I'm easily amused). Plus it showed you how many laps you had run. I ran 16 laps which is 4 miles. I did somewhat struggle towards the end, I was running a 10 min/mile pace which isn't fast but it is faster than I have been running lately. One of my training goals this year is to increase my speed so I need to get to where I can do 10 min/miles easily instead of wanting to quit around mile 2.5.
It also helped that I put together a great playlist on my ipod before I went. Great music always makes a run on the treadmill go by faster. I'm still working on my "perfect" workout playlist. I'll let you know when I figure it out.
I went to the gym and prepared to run on the treadmill and you know what? It actually wasn't that bad! First of all, the treadmills they have at The Club are great. They are very high tech and even have fans that you can turn on to help cool you off while you run. It would be nice if they were adjustable fans since they are clearly designed for someone much taller than me resulting in the majority of the air to blow over my head. I'm not complaining too much though because it was definitely better than no air at all. They also had this cool display that showed you running along a track. Well it was actually just a circle of lights that lit up as you ran along but it was fun to watch (clearly I'm easily amused). Plus it showed you how many laps you had run. I ran 16 laps which is 4 miles. I did somewhat struggle towards the end, I was running a 10 min/mile pace which isn't fast but it is faster than I have been running lately. One of my training goals this year is to increase my speed so I need to get to where I can do 10 min/miles easily instead of wanting to quit around mile 2.5.
It also helped that I put together a great playlist on my ipod before I went. Great music always makes a run on the treadmill go by faster. I'm still working on my "perfect" workout playlist. I'll let you know when I figure it out.
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