Monday, November 22, 2010
Pilates
Seeing as at the moment I am not running (and praying not running will heal my knee up so i can run again soon) I have taken up pilates. So far I like it.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Do i need to learn to be selfish?
Read a blog post today about running and selfishness. Made me wonder...if i want to get to the point where i am running five to six days a week...do i have to become selfish?
What is selfishness in terms of taking care of one's health and well being, vs doing it just for you. And where does addiction and ocd behaviors take over from healthy selfishness to true (bad) selfishness?
Its a fine line.
And i guess that definition of the fine line may vary from person to person. Is it due to personality types? Type A, Type B, Type C. Is one personality type more prone to crossing that line? And if one type crosses that line, even though everyone else sees them as selfish...why does that one type not see it either?
I'm a type B. DH is a type A. Most of the world sees Type A's as arrogant, self absorbed, independent, go getters who don't settle for anything but what they want. Of course when you get to know someone well, there are wonderful qualities about type A people. (which in our marriage DH and I balance each other out).
As a type B I fluctuate from relaxed do what you want, to yes let's go get em and make it our best effort.
As a mother of a toddler...who still hasn't quite made it to working out four times a week solidly (but have made great progress this year), and a wife (who'd prefer to be a SAHM and not work - but does at this point in time), my priorities are taking care of my family and my home. To do that i need to be healthy. But do i really need to work out six or seven days a week? no. To me that is selfish (and obsessive behavior).
At the same time, i wonder and think, it would be nice at some point to be selfish enough to toss aside my daily household activities, my kid, the dinner, etc and workout every damn day. And here is why it is selfishness to me. Because if i were to do that...to put my desire to exercise more as daily priority uno..there is no one to come behind me and do teh things that i would be doing in that time frame spent on exercising. and why? because i happen to have a spouse that is addicted to working out and spends too much of his free time doing it and not helping out more.
There are givers and there are takes and there are justice dealers. Those who are teh givers find the takers to be selfish. Those who are the takers find the givers as pushovers or lazy (but that doesn't stop them from continuing to take) and then the justice dealers get where both are coming from and do their best to keep all sides equal and balanced. Wait. is that type a, b, and c?
When i was younger i was a type a. And then the world knocked me over (a bazillion times) and i think i then turned to a type c and eventually merged to a type b. At the moment I think that type a side tries to sneak out sometimes and thats where i get frustrated with myself. I care too much to truly become type a. But sometimes, i would like to dip my toes in the type a waters.
what a strange topic.
What is selfishness in terms of taking care of one's health and well being, vs doing it just for you. And where does addiction and ocd behaviors take over from healthy selfishness to true (bad) selfishness?
Its a fine line.
And i guess that definition of the fine line may vary from person to person. Is it due to personality types? Type A, Type B, Type C. Is one personality type more prone to crossing that line? And if one type crosses that line, even though everyone else sees them as selfish...why does that one type not see it either?
I'm a type B. DH is a type A. Most of the world sees Type A's as arrogant, self absorbed, independent, go getters who don't settle for anything but what they want. Of course when you get to know someone well, there are wonderful qualities about type A people. (which in our marriage DH and I balance each other out).
As a type B I fluctuate from relaxed do what you want, to yes let's go get em and make it our best effort.
As a mother of a toddler...who still hasn't quite made it to working out four times a week solidly (but have made great progress this year), and a wife (who'd prefer to be a SAHM and not work - but does at this point in time), my priorities are taking care of my family and my home. To do that i need to be healthy. But do i really need to work out six or seven days a week? no. To me that is selfish (and obsessive behavior).
At the same time, i wonder and think, it would be nice at some point to be selfish enough to toss aside my daily household activities, my kid, the dinner, etc and workout every damn day. And here is why it is selfishness to me. Because if i were to do that...to put my desire to exercise more as daily priority uno..there is no one to come behind me and do teh things that i would be doing in that time frame spent on exercising. and why? because i happen to have a spouse that is addicted to working out and spends too much of his free time doing it and not helping out more.
There are givers and there are takes and there are justice dealers. Those who are teh givers find the takers to be selfish. Those who are the takers find the givers as pushovers or lazy (but that doesn't stop them from continuing to take) and then the justice dealers get where both are coming from and do their best to keep all sides equal and balanced. Wait. is that type a, b, and c?
When i was younger i was a type a. And then the world knocked me over (a bazillion times) and i think i then turned to a type c and eventually merged to a type b. At the moment I think that type a side tries to sneak out sometimes and thats where i get frustrated with myself. I care too much to truly become type a. But sometimes, i would like to dip my toes in the type a waters.
what a strange topic.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wow
Time is flying by. Proof? My nephew is four weeks old already.
My cutie patootie just turned one on Thursday! WHere did the year go?
January: Trying to do a damn sit up three months post c section. Hah, finally got one in. Also cherishing remaining month of maternity leave.
February: I don't remember it. I went back to work, and it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. I now normally cherish those three days a week where i am not talking coochie coo babbles with my son all day, craving for an adult conversation.
March: Yea i kinda don't remember it either.
April: Must have started running in march...did first 5k in a few years. Impressed myself despite not knowing about the hills in teh course. Got motivated.
May: mmmm second favorite month of the year. Did second 5k, set a PR. (at that point) and stopped running pretty much for next six weeks. (not sure why)
June: Ok, i think i did two races in may, but it was such a busy month it too flew by. I believe DS started crawling and our home life was a new adventure. DH did a half ironman and did pretty good.
July: Ran another 5k, despite having taken 6 weeks off. It went ok. But i got back on track and ran a lot of miles (for me).
August: Got like 34 miles in i think it was (highest ever for me). Saw DH do a DNF at his second half ironman race. I think I was getting burned out by all the workouts between teh two of us. Whoever says that one persons workouts/races don't affect anyone else is nuts. Its a team/family joint effort to get those workouts/races in.
September: Did another 5k, set an awesome PR of 30:53. Nice! can't wait to do this one again next year. And my body also apparently had decided that was enough of running for awhile - my knee decided to get ticked off at every attempt to run thereafter. That was ok with me...a break here and there is nice.
October: Had the most beautiful fall weather and i couldnt' run because of my dumb knee. Wanted to but couldn't. Found out got a pinched miniscus that only acts up when i run (so far). Succombed to elliptical (hate it cause the feet placement is too wide for me - i got that gymnasts balance beam gait) and the bike (really - DH bought me a road bike for my birthday two years ago and i only rode it once). Decided to just go with the flow and growl every day its nice out and i want to run.
So here i am one year from the birth of my son and honestly...i still have 5lbs to go from pre preg weight, plus another 5-10 i'd like to lose. And some serious ab work needs to be done.
In November I am planning on signing up for pilates, figure i will focus on that and if i run along with (if i can) so be it. Also got the two mile turkey trot. Ok i guess i need to run a little, pain or not.
In december I still got pilates class and hopefully the angry knee will have healed and calmed itself completely and i can maybe get thirty miles in and cross that 200 mile mark for the year. If not...Hey i have run 162 miles this year! that is huge for someone who a year ago was not a runner at all.
My cutie patootie just turned one on Thursday! WHere did the year go?
January: Trying to do a damn sit up three months post c section. Hah, finally got one in. Also cherishing remaining month of maternity leave.
February: I don't remember it. I went back to work, and it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. I now normally cherish those three days a week where i am not talking coochie coo babbles with my son all day, craving for an adult conversation.
March: Yea i kinda don't remember it either.
April: Must have started running in march...did first 5k in a few years. Impressed myself despite not knowing about the hills in teh course. Got motivated.
May: mmmm second favorite month of the year. Did second 5k, set a PR. (at that point) and stopped running pretty much for next six weeks. (not sure why)
June: Ok, i think i did two races in may, but it was such a busy month it too flew by. I believe DS started crawling and our home life was a new adventure. DH did a half ironman and did pretty good.
July: Ran another 5k, despite having taken 6 weeks off. It went ok. But i got back on track and ran a lot of miles (for me).
August: Got like 34 miles in i think it was (highest ever for me). Saw DH do a DNF at his second half ironman race. I think I was getting burned out by all the workouts between teh two of us. Whoever says that one persons workouts/races don't affect anyone else is nuts. Its a team/family joint effort to get those workouts/races in.
September: Did another 5k, set an awesome PR of 30:53. Nice! can't wait to do this one again next year. And my body also apparently had decided that was enough of running for awhile - my knee decided to get ticked off at every attempt to run thereafter. That was ok with me...a break here and there is nice.
October: Had the most beautiful fall weather and i couldnt' run because of my dumb knee. Wanted to but couldn't. Found out got a pinched miniscus that only acts up when i run (so far). Succombed to elliptical (hate it cause the feet placement is too wide for me - i got that gymnasts balance beam gait) and the bike (really - DH bought me a road bike for my birthday two years ago and i only rode it once). Decided to just go with the flow and growl every day its nice out and i want to run.
So here i am one year from the birth of my son and honestly...i still have 5lbs to go from pre preg weight, plus another 5-10 i'd like to lose. And some serious ab work needs to be done.
In November I am planning on signing up for pilates, figure i will focus on that and if i run along with (if i can) so be it. Also got the two mile turkey trot. Ok i guess i need to run a little, pain or not.
In december I still got pilates class and hopefully the angry knee will have healed and calmed itself completely and i can maybe get thirty miles in and cross that 200 mile mark for the year. If not...Hey i have run 162 miles this year! that is huge for someone who a year ago was not a runner at all.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Diagnosis
Monday we went to the gym and i tried running on the treadmill, thinking, hey its softer it will help my run/knee pain. Nope.
So i went to DH's physical therapist and though my pain isn't enough to conclude a total diagnosis, it appears that my miniscus may be getting pinched and the pounding of running makes it angry. Not enough pain during day to day activities to require action. yet.
For the next two weeks i am to either do nothing or try the elliptical/bike for cardio. Not gonna lie, this does not help my motivation.
I am optimitistic however that if i just take it easy (and try not to get upset that my deadline for my goal of 200 miles is like 70 days or so away is fast approaching), that my knee will calm itself down and i will be running again before i know it.
I do have to say, that DH was SURE it was my IT band. Love him dearly, but i didn't think it was and its not. :p
I have run a whole 7.5 miles this month. eeeee
So i went to DH's physical therapist and though my pain isn't enough to conclude a total diagnosis, it appears that my miniscus may be getting pinched and the pounding of running makes it angry. Not enough pain during day to day activities to require action. yet.
For the next two weeks i am to either do nothing or try the elliptical/bike for cardio. Not gonna lie, this does not help my motivation.
I am optimitistic however that if i just take it easy (and try not to get upset that my deadline for my goal of 200 miles is like 70 days or so away is fast approaching), that my knee will calm itself down and i will be running again before i know it.
I do have to say, that DH was SURE it was my IT band. Love him dearly, but i didn't think it was and its not. :p
I have run a whole 7.5 miles this month. eeeee
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Planning for 2011
I don't want to shoot myself in the foot. One thing I have been learning in the last year is to just DO, and let the talking come afterwards. Instead of talking up something a lot and then not following thru and doing it or finishing it.
One thing I also know is that without proper planning you get nowhere at all.
So Dh and I have been working on compiling our racing calandar for next year.
Frankly, i just want to get through this winter running 25-30 miles each month. If i do that I will be setting myself up big in confidence, physical ability, and hopefully more weight loss. Nov-Feb miles are going to be a big deal in how next year goes for me. Working out in winter has been a big struggle for me. I hate the cold, I like to snuggle, on the couch under blankets and not move. I hibernate. I also hate to drive on winter roads. Hate it.
I have no excuses this winter though, DH is going to the gym each night i don't work so there is no reason for me to not go to the gym.
I can do it. I gotta stay focused and motivated and the more progress i keep making, the more excited i will be.
Anyways, I AM going to take on some new challenges next year. About 11 races i think, (this year i will have done 5). i will be doing the same 5ks i did this year (so ready to see my times drop) and will be doing a few 10ks, possibly a 20k, and..........i have it on my calandar.....my first half marathon.
This is where i don't want to shoot mysef in the foot. For it to happen I need to continue getting my runs in through winter. I need to make myself a priority in the spring and summer (where DH will be power training for his ironman). I need to eat right and keep things balanced in my life.
So here goes to 2011 goals....and making them happen!
One thing I also know is that without proper planning you get nowhere at all.
So Dh and I have been working on compiling our racing calandar for next year.
Frankly, i just want to get through this winter running 25-30 miles each month. If i do that I will be setting myself up big in confidence, physical ability, and hopefully more weight loss. Nov-Feb miles are going to be a big deal in how next year goes for me. Working out in winter has been a big struggle for me. I hate the cold, I like to snuggle, on the couch under blankets and not move. I hibernate. I also hate to drive on winter roads. Hate it.
I have no excuses this winter though, DH is going to the gym each night i don't work so there is no reason for me to not go to the gym.
I can do it. I gotta stay focused and motivated and the more progress i keep making, the more excited i will be.
Anyways, I AM going to take on some new challenges next year. About 11 races i think, (this year i will have done 5). i will be doing the same 5ks i did this year (so ready to see my times drop) and will be doing a few 10ks, possibly a 20k, and..........i have it on my calandar.....my first half marathon.
This is where i don't want to shoot mysef in the foot. For it to happen I need to continue getting my runs in through winter. I need to make myself a priority in the spring and summer (where DH will be power training for his ironman). I need to eat right and keep things balanced in my life.
So here goes to 2011 goals....and making them happen!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
In Perspective
Got in a good 2.75 miles today. Mile one...oh yea. piece of cake. Mile two...feeling good. I even did the first two mile loops on the hillier route. Went for mile three on the easier route and bottaboom my knee starts hurting. Ok i think it might have started back somewhere in mile two, but i was too busy flipping thru the mp3 player (DH put on lots of not so lovely songs lol) to care. Got thru 2.5 and my form started to look a bit hobbly, and then my knee actually started to give out a bit. Decided i'd better walk that measly peasly quarter mile home so Dh wouldn't have to come scrap my cute arse up off the road.
In perspective, and realistically, reaching 250 miles by the end of the year at this point...not likely to happen. I can however if i can get this knee to cooperate cross the 200 mile marker, even i have to run it literally one mile at a time (one mile doesn't seem to bother the knee too much).
We shall see. Anything can happen.
In perspective, and realistically, reaching 250 miles by the end of the year at this point...not likely to happen. I can however if i can get this knee to cooperate cross the 200 mile marker, even i have to run it literally one mile at a time (one mile doesn't seem to bother the knee too much).
We shall see. Anything can happen.
Frustration and one proud wife!
I am truly frustrated at this point. in three weeks i've run like ten miles. It sucks. I went to run monday afternoon, had to push DS in the stroller cause my car broke down at target that morning and DH was taking care of getting it towed all evening. Made it a mile because my knee decided to start hurting and i didn't want to push it. I'm trying to stay in the flow of things right now, but the fact that i am 23 days away from the one year mark of DS's birth and still can't frickin get within five pounds of prebaby weight, i'm feeling really disappointed. I need to be burning calories and am struggling with getting any workouts in.
DH (whom i'm also kind of ticked at - been continuing his 'after this race i will be taking time off and be at home and doing more - but doesn't follow thru crap) did his first marathon this weekend and did awesome. For the University hospital and mayo clinic to have said a few years ago that he would never run again at all...they need to go back to school and study more medicine. cause DH smoked his goals and did it in 3:38:40. Totally beat his best friend that did the race and outdid all his buddies PR times. It was a really proud moment for me to watch him do it and cross the finish line all pumped up.
DH (whom i'm also kind of ticked at - been continuing his 'after this race i will be taking time off and be at home and doing more - but doesn't follow thru crap) did his first marathon this weekend and did awesome. For the University hospital and mayo clinic to have said a few years ago that he would never run again at all...they need to go back to school and study more medicine. cause DH smoked his goals and did it in 3:38:40. Totally beat his best friend that did the race and outdid all his buddies PR times. It was a really proud moment for me to watch him do it and cross the finish line all pumped up.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Three Things Thursday
1. Am still recovering from flat out burn out, i am on the mend. The last several days i could have gotten by without a nap, but i made myself take on anyways. I've also been able to keep my eyes awake past 8pm. I am on the road back to myself!
2. In the spring I did about 10 weeks of good running, then for some reason hit like six weeks where i wanted nothing to do with running and did not run. From July til Mid September (about 10 weeks again) I did awesome running. And I am now wondering if these last two weeks of no running are a natural rhythym/pattern my body does naturally? 10 weeks on, a few weeks off. repeat. I am curious, it would help me plan out next years running plan with less frustration.
3. Not sure what/how i hurt my knee in that last 5k, (cause i felt fine when running it) but went for three mile run last night and it hurt after about the first mile and hey...its so stiff and sore i can barely bend my leg. What gives?
2. In the spring I did about 10 weeks of good running, then for some reason hit like six weeks where i wanted nothing to do with running and did not run. From July til Mid September (about 10 weeks again) I did awesome running. And I am now wondering if these last two weeks of no running are a natural rhythym/pattern my body does naturally? 10 weeks on, a few weeks off. repeat. I am curious, it would help me plan out next years running plan with less frustration.
3. Not sure what/how i hurt my knee in that last 5k, (cause i felt fine when running it) but went for three mile run last night and it hurt after about the first mile and hey...its so stiff and sore i can barely bend my leg. What gives?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Getting Back on Track
That is all there is too it. Time to get back on track. I am starting to feel better (back to my energized self) after several days of going to bed early (8pm anybody?), napping when baby naps (thank you for returning to your naps little one), eating a bit healthier and just giving my body the time it needs to recoup.
Today I did my ab exercises. I also want to get back to eating healthier (less sugary yum yums). I've got six weeks till its officially been one year since my sons' birth ( and that lovely csection). Right now I am disappointed with my stomach region. I still look three months preg. My abs were that destroyed by my big baby. I had bought a bunch of nice shirts this time one year ago thinking i'd be able to wear them yet last winter and here i am still not wanting to wear them cause i just have really struggled to get this belly back to its firm self.
So for the next six weeks i am focusing in on those abs. and those last five pounds that haven't budged despite my running.
I am determined to make it happen. Budge budge pudge.
And i am happy that biggest loser is back on cause it is motivating. When the big fat people can do it...i can do it.
Today I did my ab exercises. I also want to get back to eating healthier (less sugary yum yums). I've got six weeks till its officially been one year since my sons' birth ( and that lovely csection). Right now I am disappointed with my stomach region. I still look three months preg. My abs were that destroyed by my big baby. I had bought a bunch of nice shirts this time one year ago thinking i'd be able to wear them yet last winter and here i am still not wanting to wear them cause i just have really struggled to get this belly back to its firm self.
So for the next six weeks i am focusing in on those abs. and those last five pounds that haven't budged despite my running.
I am determined to make it happen. Budge budge pudge.
And i am happy that biggest loser is back on cause it is motivating. When the big fat people can do it...i can do it.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Yes and YES!
Did my 5k race this morning, a bit rainy, a bit chilly (perfect for me!). With the lack of running this week i wasn't sure how it would go (not to mention a baby that woke up twice and our lab who had a seizure at 2am (he's ok) during the night).
DH and DS were there to cheer me on.
This race is essentially the same race the is held in may just the course is backwards, so i felt confident that this would be my best shot to achieve my goal for the year of running at least one 5k nonstop.
AND I TOTALLY RAN THE WHOLE THING. No walking, not even for a water break.
And to top it off I beat my race PR (which was this race in may) by an entire TWO minutes!
I ran it in 31:05 ish, and my previous pr was 33:24.
Super stoked and hope i can keep this momentum up this winter cause that breaking the 30 minute mark is within reach.
I do have one more 5k in three weeks but its been a few years since i've done this one and there are lots of participants so i will just be happy to do it and in less that 33:30.
Also the turkey trot, which will be fun to see just how fast i can do it. When i crossed the 2nd mile today i was at 19:15 soo......I bet i can do it in 18:30 or darn close.
DH and DS were there to cheer me on.
This race is essentially the same race the is held in may just the course is backwards, so i felt confident that this would be my best shot to achieve my goal for the year of running at least one 5k nonstop.
AND I TOTALLY RAN THE WHOLE THING. No walking, not even for a water break.
And to top it off I beat my race PR (which was this race in may) by an entire TWO minutes!
I ran it in 31:05 ish, and my previous pr was 33:24.
Super stoked and hope i can keep this momentum up this winter cause that breaking the 30 minute mark is within reach.
I do have one more 5k in three weeks but its been a few years since i've done this one and there are lots of participants so i will just be happy to do it and in less that 33:30.
Also the turkey trot, which will be fun to see just how fast i can do it. When i crossed the 2nd mile today i was at 19:15 soo......I bet i can do it in 18:30 or darn close.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Three Things Thursday
Um.
Thats what i have to say about this week. It hasn't gone as planned. At all. No miles added since sunday.
I'm not going to panic or be upset. Which is strange for me, since i've been both all week about lots of other things in my life. But not with running. Why? Cause I'm prepared. When I race Saterday I will have 145 miles behind me, several three mile runs, a couple of four milers. I'm prepared. Yes, running my miles this week would be helpful, i'm sure. But it doesnt' matter. Come Saterday morning, I'm ready to run. (you'd think i'm running a marathon or something lol)
Three Things Thursday - Things I need to Improve this Fall
1. My energy. I'm drained. Exhausted. I've worked on diet/sleeping/on-off bc/increasing exercise...still worn out. And its not just mommyhood. I will have to go and get some bloodwork done and be stubborn and persistent until they figure out what it is that makes this body so tired, ALL the time. (like ten years)
2. I need to work on my writing more. Which means I gotta get up earlier or not lay down for twenty minutes during my sons naps. I need to be super stubborn with this. Writing is my career change so i can be a SAHM by the time the kids are in school. Work in progress.
3. Going to work on finishing my goals and seeing them through completion. Starting with my running this year. I have two more 5ks to do, one of them nonstop, plus one 2 mile turkey trot to have fun with and end the season with. I also got another 105 miles to go to achieve my 250 miles for the year. (Until this year which i have vastly improved, i have not been the kind of person to finish things. I'm great at starting and being creative and such, its just following through till its done).
Thats what i have to say about this week. It hasn't gone as planned. At all. No miles added since sunday.
I'm not going to panic or be upset. Which is strange for me, since i've been both all week about lots of other things in my life. But not with running. Why? Cause I'm prepared. When I race Saterday I will have 145 miles behind me, several three mile runs, a couple of four milers. I'm prepared. Yes, running my miles this week would be helpful, i'm sure. But it doesnt' matter. Come Saterday morning, I'm ready to run. (you'd think i'm running a marathon or something lol)
Three Things Thursday - Things I need to Improve this Fall
1. My energy. I'm drained. Exhausted. I've worked on diet/sleeping/on-off bc/increasing exercise...still worn out. And its not just mommyhood. I will have to go and get some bloodwork done and be stubborn and persistent until they figure out what it is that makes this body so tired, ALL the time. (like ten years)
2. I need to work on my writing more. Which means I gotta get up earlier or not lay down for twenty minutes during my sons naps. I need to be super stubborn with this. Writing is my career change so i can be a SAHM by the time the kids are in school. Work in progress.
3. Going to work on finishing my goals and seeing them through completion. Starting with my running this year. I have two more 5ks to do, one of them nonstop, plus one 2 mile turkey trot to have fun with and end the season with. I also got another 105 miles to go to achieve my 250 miles for the year. (Until this year which i have vastly improved, i have not been the kind of person to finish things. I'm great at starting and being creative and such, its just following through till its done).
Friday, September 10, 2010
Proud Miles
Had a busy day scheduled (which wasn't on a schedule) and potential threat of rain in the evening, wasn't sure i'd get those two miles in but I DID IT! while pushing stinker in the stroller.
104.5 to go to reach my goal! One week til race day.
104.5 to go to reach my goal! One week til race day.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Three Things Thursday
At times it feels like I am a total turtle (slow) runner. At times it feels like I will not ever be able to run 5 miles (without stopping. Hey i'm not even up to 4 without stopping yet). And every day i look down at this stomach (baby belly that is stubborn as hell) and wonder if it will ever ever go back to normal. (never mind that i indulged in half a donut this morning - our cupboards have been empty-ish and i've been devouring whatever i could find to eat - not the healthiest thing to do). But this http://enduranceisntonlyphysical.blogspot.com/ chic whose blog i've been following has reached the pivotal moment in her progress where the results from all the above have come to fruition for her. Talk about inspirational! So my three things thursday is about ME - One Year from now.
1. I will weigh 127lbs (or less). Most importantly...it will mean that my abs and stomach muscles have returned. ( I suppose i should start doing those situps daily instead of twice a week lol)
2. I will be able to run 5 miles nonstop. Technically if i continue on my path as of now it will really be more like 10+ miles for my long runs.
3. I in all technicalities may have just ran my first half marathon (i believe it was last weekend Or this coming weekend, either way it doesn't matter.) the point is finishing a half marathon is already in my mind something I can most definitely do. Six months ago it was a joke of laughter and not even reality.
(i want to thank tricia for her hard work and blogging...along with all the other mommy runners blogs i follow. Your insipiration has helped me change who i am and begin to live a healthier lifestyle.)
1. I will weigh 127lbs (or less). Most importantly...it will mean that my abs and stomach muscles have returned. ( I suppose i should start doing those situps daily instead of twice a week lol)
2. I will be able to run 5 miles nonstop. Technically if i continue on my path as of now it will really be more like 10+ miles for my long runs.
3. I in all technicalities may have just ran my first half marathon (i believe it was last weekend Or this coming weekend, either way it doesn't matter.) the point is finishing a half marathon is already in my mind something I can most definitely do. Six months ago it was a joke of laughter and not even reality.
(i want to thank tricia for her hard work and blogging...along with all the other mommy runners blogs i follow. Your insipiration has helped me change who i am and begin to live a healthier lifestyle.)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Solid and Fast
Got two in this afternoon, each exactly 9:45. Walked about minute and half between. but i can run two miles consistently now. Just a week and half till race day and goal achievements.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
How to Have a Solid LRM
If you want a solid long run monday...
It helps to get good sleep the night before.
It helps to eat a good size lunch (i run it in the late afternoon).
It helps to not run a bunch the day before.
So how did my LRM go?
I didn't get any sleep thanks to storms, and just a bad night overall.
I ate a tiny lunch cause we grilled at a relatives and there wasn't much to choose from.
I ran three miles sunday. Which for me seven miles in two days is an achievable stretch if the above two weren't an issue.
So i ran my 3.1. Got done just in time, it started to sprinkle while i cooled down. Didn't get that extra 4th miler in but thats ok. And i walked a bit, i think it took me like 35:30 or so. but its three more done and every 5k run helps in the long run.
It helps to get good sleep the night before.
It helps to eat a good size lunch (i run it in the late afternoon).
It helps to not run a bunch the day before.
So how did my LRM go?
I didn't get any sleep thanks to storms, and just a bad night overall.
I ate a tiny lunch cause we grilled at a relatives and there wasn't much to choose from.
I ran three miles sunday. Which for me seven miles in two days is an achievable stretch if the above two weren't an issue.
So i ran my 3.1. Got done just in time, it started to sprinkle while i cooled down. Didn't get that extra 4th miler in but thats ok. And i walked a bit, i think it took me like 35:30 or so. but its three more done and every 5k run helps in the long run.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday Solace
Intend to run three miles this morning. It is a solace to my saterday (of sad, frustrating, long, long day).
And a Solace I made it. Three miles in, 9 for the week, goal achieved. Life tried to get me off track but i stayed focused and took it one day/mile at a time.
Time to go enjoy a mexican lunch with family!
And a Solace I made it. Three miles in, 9 for the week, goal achieved. Life tried to get me off track but i stayed focused and took it one day/mile at a time.
Time to go enjoy a mexican lunch with family!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
G.I.O.W. (Got it over with)
Got two miles in yesterday. It was a odd day in these shoes. Morning was awesome. Ate lunch at taco bell, cause haven't ate there for a long long time, only had two tacos. Immediately and all afternoon felt sick. Along with it, a lens in my eyeglasses (new in july) popped out and i lost a screw. Had to wait on my to do list cause i was blind and feeling ill. Thankfully lil turkey took a short nap on the couch with me.
Got those glasses fixed. Got home, put on my running clothes and did one foot in front of the other. In lots of strong wind. One mile through my hilly course (DH laughs but they are hills to me), then one through the flatter route. And i was done. A bit disappointed but i GIOW!
Then i felt better all around and did my errands and took care of lil turkey and watched Kick @$$ movie with DH. So I had a good evening as well.
Got those glasses fixed. Got home, put on my running clothes and did one foot in front of the other. In lots of strong wind. One mile through my hilly course (DH laughs but they are hills to me), then one through the flatter route. And i was done. A bit disappointed but i GIOW!
Then i felt better all around and did my errands and took care of lil turkey and watched Kick @$$ movie with DH. So I had a good evening as well.
Friday, September 3, 2010
High of 70 woo woo
The windows are open, its sunny and breezy and only going to reach 70 degrees today!
I am looking forward to a good three mile run tonight, on my own (i can do it). This will put me back on track for the week since i planned on 10 miles but only have to do 9 each week in sept.
The only pitfall of today is i ran out of chip dip, which means my chip and dip splurge is thus over. And my bag of mini twix....half gone. They might however make it into monday. lol
Eating healthy is strange for me. I overall do quite well, but i do need my chocolate (in moderation obviously). When i hit my wall this week (the i'm done with health food for a bit) it made it tough to plan out next weeks meal cause nothing sounds good (that i should be eating anyways). I think DH is also on a health food burnout cause the tub of fresh veggies hasn't been touched (i have a hard time with fresh veggies that was my one aversion while preg..and sometimes i still can't look at them). Its his bday this week also so i have planned some spagettie and meatballs, meatball subs, ribs in the slow cooker, and ham and cheesy taters. At least we will get our protein. lol
Two weeks and one day til its race time!
I am looking forward to a good three mile run tonight, on my own (i can do it). This will put me back on track for the week since i planned on 10 miles but only have to do 9 each week in sept.
The only pitfall of today is i ran out of chip dip, which means my chip and dip splurge is thus over. And my bag of mini twix....half gone. They might however make it into monday. lol
Eating healthy is strange for me. I overall do quite well, but i do need my chocolate (in moderation obviously). When i hit my wall this week (the i'm done with health food for a bit) it made it tough to plan out next weeks meal cause nothing sounds good (that i should be eating anyways). I think DH is also on a health food burnout cause the tub of fresh veggies hasn't been touched (i have a hard time with fresh veggies that was my one aversion while preg..and sometimes i still can't look at them). Its his bday this week also so i have planned some spagettie and meatballs, meatball subs, ribs in the slow cooker, and ham and cheesy taters. At least we will get our protein. lol
Two weeks and one day til its race time!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
3 Things Thursday
Perhaps I shall call this 3 Lessons Still Learning!
1. Despite feeling off (whiny, tired, lazy, bored, cranky, achy etc) its no excuse to sit on my derear. While I am improving in this area...it still needs work. Case in point. Yesterday.
2. New ouchies that are unexplainable are also no excuse to not run. I mean after all if said scary pains act up or get worse one can always walk the rest of the way home.
3. It is in fact possible, ten months after having a c section, to rediscover/use for the first time since, muscles in lower abdomen that are connected to scar tissue. (at least i think thats what my deal was yesterday). I suppose this is where yoga class would come in handy...perhaps after next baby i shall sign up as soon as the doctor gives me the go ahead.
4. Alright already, its only to be three things but....
Going a week and a half with absolutely NO chocolate, no cookies, no chips (we exclude tostitos since the salsa is healthy and with sweating a lot we probably need some salt anyway), no chocolatey ice cream treats in the house for a week and a half....is ACHIEVABLE. But a need to indulge will shortly follow and one must not feel awful for eating three (or was it four) mini twix and some lays chips and dip. (albeit i did feel better afterwards lol). And i who am i kidding, since i have to leave for work around noon, i will likely enjoy both a bit more this morning.
I do wonder sometimes (have over the years but again the doctor's always say i'm fine and blood tests come back normal) if i do get low blood sugar, cause when i eat my daily dose of sweetness I do feel physcially better.
Anyhow, after this weekend (cause we know that bag of mini twix and chips aint making it past sunday), its back to the empty cupboards i call it (goodies free). Although if we go somewhere (like work or a get together) i do allow myself a little treat.
1. Despite feeling off (whiny, tired, lazy, bored, cranky, achy etc) its no excuse to sit on my derear. While I am improving in this area...it still needs work. Case in point. Yesterday.
2. New ouchies that are unexplainable are also no excuse to not run. I mean after all if said scary pains act up or get worse one can always walk the rest of the way home.
3. It is in fact possible, ten months after having a c section, to rediscover/use for the first time since, muscles in lower abdomen that are connected to scar tissue. (at least i think thats what my deal was yesterday). I suppose this is where yoga class would come in handy...perhaps after next baby i shall sign up as soon as the doctor gives me the go ahead.
4. Alright already, its only to be three things but....
Going a week and a half with absolutely NO chocolate, no cookies, no chips (we exclude tostitos since the salsa is healthy and with sweating a lot we probably need some salt anyway), no chocolatey ice cream treats in the house for a week and a half....is ACHIEVABLE. But a need to indulge will shortly follow and one must not feel awful for eating three (or was it four) mini twix and some lays chips and dip. (albeit i did feel better afterwards lol). And i who am i kidding, since i have to leave for work around noon, i will likely enjoy both a bit more this morning.
I do wonder sometimes (have over the years but again the doctor's always say i'm fine and blood tests come back normal) if i do get low blood sugar, cause when i eat my daily dose of sweetness I do feel physcially better.
Anyhow, after this weekend (cause we know that bag of mini twix and chips aint making it past sunday), its back to the empty cupboards i call it (goodies free). Although if we go somewhere (like work or a get together) i do allow myself a little treat.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ouch
Having bizarre lower abdominal pain and right lower back pain? What did i do? What's going on? Hoping it gets better by this afternoon or i might have to forgo my run and set up dr apt. : (
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
3.1 straight plus one
Excellent LRM (long run monday). Legs felt much better than sunday, but they still felt the run. For the first time ever I ran 3.1 miles without stopping! I wish there would have been some kind of magic 'aura' moment afterwards where i felt it was worth it, but there wasn't. Its just one more rung on the running ladder achieved. An important one too since my next 5k race is the one where i have the best odds of running a 5k nonstop.
And then i ran a 4th mile.
And then i like couldn't move. My legs hurt enough last night i tossed and turned the while night.
I did however celebrate my 36.5 miles (most thus far has been 25.5 in one month) in august, plus a practice 5k pr and two 4 milers and a 5k nonstop with a massive plate of homemade chili cheese fries, a glass of choc milk (protein powdered) and a tasty pomegranete cranberry daquiri.
I have truly come a long ways in the last six weeks.
Here's a quick look back at 6 weeks ago:
I huffed and puffed after a mile. Two miles was forever. Three...well i had to walk a minute after each mile. four...out of the question.
Just shows that if you keep at it, at some point the 'getting better' comes along. Seemed to take a long time for me to reach this point, but i've made it. : )
October Goals:
1)Run my 5k race non stop (and possibly PR)
2)Run 9 miles each week (should be 36 or so)
3)Run 4 miles during LRM
4)Lose another pound or two (or three or four)
And then i ran a 4th mile.
And then i like couldn't move. My legs hurt enough last night i tossed and turned the while night.
I did however celebrate my 36.5 miles (most thus far has been 25.5 in one month) in august, plus a practice 5k pr and two 4 milers and a 5k nonstop with a massive plate of homemade chili cheese fries, a glass of choc milk (protein powdered) and a tasty pomegranete cranberry daquiri.
I have truly come a long ways in the last six weeks.
Here's a quick look back at 6 weeks ago:
I huffed and puffed after a mile. Two miles was forever. Three...well i had to walk a minute after each mile. four...out of the question.
Just shows that if you keep at it, at some point the 'getting better' comes along. Seemed to take a long time for me to reach this point, but i've made it. : )
October Goals:
1)Run my 5k race non stop (and possibly PR)
2)Run 9 miles each week (should be 36 or so)
3)Run 4 miles during LRM
4)Lose another pound or two (or three or four)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Two Straight
Finished up the week with a solid two straight miler, my cardio has really improved cause i can finish a two miler and be barely breathing hard, cardio can keep going. My legs on the other hand. lol they've been sore and tired and they like to whine and burn during the whole run. I assume its because i am running more miles now.
Got my Long Run Monday in, lets see if i can rope in another 4!
Got my Long Run Monday in, lets see if i can rope in another 4!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Debaticle...Indian Summer 4 miler
So a week after my next 5k (three weeks from now) is a indian summer 4 miler that i thought maybe i'd try. Up till this week I hadn't run 4 miles in one workout, and i've only maybe two ro three 4 miler days under my belt.
And yesterday i put in my work schedule request to UNDO taking that day off (of the 4 miler race). And the odds of me being like the slowest runner there is like very high.
But...
and thats the but. I got one. I kinda want to do it. It would maybe kinda suck since i'm slow and i don't want ot be the last one across the line.
So its on for next year!
And yesterday i put in my work schedule request to UNDO taking that day off (of the 4 miler race). And the odds of me being like the slowest runner there is like very high.
But...
and thats the but. I got one. I kinda want to do it. It would maybe kinda suck since i'm slow and i don't want ot be the last one across the line.
So its on for next year!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
One More In
Took the little guy and got one more mile in last night. Shins were a little sore so i left it at that, want to be fully rested and ready for my sunday/monday longer runs.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Extra on Friday
Grandma that watches DS on thursdays/fridays is sick, so I get the lil guy tonight. Originally this week i was going to run a mile today, then after my awesome long run on wed, i thought i'd let todays run go (since i got the extra mile in). But now that i have a few extra hours tonight, I am going to try and run 1.5 to 2 miles with Ds.
Could be interesting, wednesday right after I stopped running DS spazzed out in his pull behind the bike trailer and cried the mile to the truck. Last night, DH took him running and three miles out DS cried inconsolobly the whole three miles back to the truck and the whole ride home and then some. Not sure what DS deal is.
Hoping my run goes well tonight. Extra miles = extra calories burnt = faster weight loss.
Even though i've been running more than ever before this month i still feel like i'm not losing any weight. Of course i'm hungrier, i suppose i could be eating a little bit better but i'm still doing great. I will not ever be one of those people who eats organic/soy crap everything (no offense if you are one of these people). I have to have real food, and i have come eons in my cooking and eating habits.
So my mission in September is this: 1) Run 8+ miles each week. 2) Run my next 5k nonstop and if i do it should be a PR as well. 3) Incorporate more salad and veggies 4) Do those ab exercises!
In hopes this should help me lose another 1-2 or more pounds. It better. I have two months to lose the last 5 lbs of baby weight.
I also went off my birth control (was on it for four months). I am going to see if this changes my energy levels. I have dealt with chronic fatigue (been to doctors several times and "im just fine.") for like ten years, and when i had my son i realized a big factor to it could be that i was on birth control that whole time. even though i tried a lower hormone one this time i still noticed it. Its not right to want to go to bed at 8pm every day, and want to take a nap, while exercising and eating healthy and getting a full nights sleep. So i am testing my energy level theory for these next two months as well. Since bc can make you gain five lbs as well, i hope this helps me be able to lose these next five lb to reach my goal.
Could be interesting, wednesday right after I stopped running DS spazzed out in his pull behind the bike trailer and cried the mile to the truck. Last night, DH took him running and three miles out DS cried inconsolobly the whole three miles back to the truck and the whole ride home and then some. Not sure what DS deal is.
Hoping my run goes well tonight. Extra miles = extra calories burnt = faster weight loss.
Even though i've been running more than ever before this month i still feel like i'm not losing any weight. Of course i'm hungrier, i suppose i could be eating a little bit better but i'm still doing great. I will not ever be one of those people who eats organic/soy crap everything (no offense if you are one of these people). I have to have real food, and i have come eons in my cooking and eating habits.
So my mission in September is this: 1) Run 8+ miles each week. 2) Run my next 5k nonstop and if i do it should be a PR as well. 3) Incorporate more salad and veggies 4) Do those ab exercises!
In hopes this should help me lose another 1-2 or more pounds. It better. I have two months to lose the last 5 lbs of baby weight.
I also went off my birth control (was on it for four months). I am going to see if this changes my energy levels. I have dealt with chronic fatigue (been to doctors several times and "im just fine.") for like ten years, and when i had my son i realized a big factor to it could be that i was on birth control that whole time. even though i tried a lower hormone one this time i still noticed it. Its not right to want to go to bed at 8pm every day, and want to take a nap, while exercising and eating healthy and getting a full nights sleep. So i am testing my energy level theory for these next two months as well. Since bc can make you gain five lbs as well, i hope this helps me be able to lose these next five lb to reach my goal.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Oh Yeah, Double Whammy
Despite yesterdays rough start...
We went to the trail for my long run, i did a practice 5k and did it in 32:24, a minute better than my actual 5k PR and like three minutes faster than i usually run on this trail. Wahoo!
Then I ran another mile!
First 4 miler in one workout.
YAY!
We went to the trail for my long run, i did a practice 5k and did it in 32:24, a minute better than my actual 5k PR and like three minutes faster than i usually run on this trail. Wahoo!
Then I ran another mile!
First 4 miler in one workout.
YAY!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Stinky Stinky Stinky and Ick
Spending the day doing a bazillion loads of laundry (see previous posts about plumbing issues...lets just say laundry is behind.
Stinky # 1 I yelled at hubby and made him come home from work this morning cause i swear the plumber didn't fix the problem (which was tree roots) because the basement bathroom carpet is soaked twice as much as it has all during the last week.
Stinky # 2 I'm spending the whole day doing laundry (ok the plumbing is fixed i see that now after load # 3 in teh washer has not caused plumbing to back up again)
Stinky # 3 My basement smells like mold/water and yuckiness. Going to kill hubby if he doesn't remove the bathroom carpet and get rid of it once and for all. I've only asked (ok and complained) about it for the last year. (i'm allergic to mold and with baby in teh house i don't want us breathing it in). He insists that once its dried and we've lysoled it...it will be mold free.
Ick! Found nasty ass big spider in baby's room this morning (right after DH stormed out of the house and back to work). I sprayed it (not with baby in the room) and i think it fell down the heating vent in the floor (ok i'm praying it did and that its history).
On the bright side (insert genuine smile here) I have lovely candles burning in the kitchen, so the first floor of the house smells like fall (ahhh) and its absolutely georgous outside and i cannot wait till this evening for my LONG RUN. Woo woo. This may be the first time i'm excited to do a long run.
Stinky # 1 I yelled at hubby and made him come home from work this morning cause i swear the plumber didn't fix the problem (which was tree roots) because the basement bathroom carpet is soaked twice as much as it has all during the last week.
Stinky # 2 I'm spending the whole day doing laundry (ok the plumbing is fixed i see that now after load # 3 in teh washer has not caused plumbing to back up again)
Stinky # 3 My basement smells like mold/water and yuckiness. Going to kill hubby if he doesn't remove the bathroom carpet and get rid of it once and for all. I've only asked (ok and complained) about it for the last year. (i'm allergic to mold and with baby in teh house i don't want us breathing it in). He insists that once its dried and we've lysoled it...it will be mold free.
Ick! Found nasty ass big spider in baby's room this morning (right after DH stormed out of the house and back to work). I sprayed it (not with baby in the room) and i think it fell down the heating vent in the floor (ok i'm praying it did and that its history).
On the bright side (insert genuine smile here) I have lovely candles burning in the kitchen, so the first floor of the house smells like fall (ahhh) and its absolutely georgous outside and i cannot wait till this evening for my LONG RUN. Woo woo. This may be the first time i'm excited to do a long run.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Pressing On
So DH spent most of yesterday trying to recover, still feeling not great from his race and heat exhaustion - he does feel much better today.
On top of that, and baby and i also recovering from spending a day in the heat, we've got plumbing issues in the basement, found the source, tried our best, plumber coming today. Needless to say everything threw off my day, and i still have tons of laundry to do between today and tomorrow (and i work tonight). I'm tired.
I did get in two miles last night, cardio was great, lower legs were hurting a lot. So Long Run for the week is now planned for wednesday.
Just gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other.
On top of that, and baby and i also recovering from spending a day in the heat, we've got plumbing issues in the basement, found the source, tried our best, plumber coming today. Needless to say everything threw off my day, and i still have tons of laundry to do between today and tomorrow (and i work tonight). I'm tired.
I did get in two miles last night, cardio was great, lower legs were hurting a lot. So Long Run for the week is now planned for wednesday.
Just gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Upset and Angry
Well DH did his race today and for the first time ever DNF!
They started the race an hour late due to fog. Which pushed everyone an hour later into the very sunny and hot afternoon. DH beat his Kansas Half Ironman swim time by two minutes and his bike by five minutes. He was cruising and feeling great!
And i feel so bad cause he was doing so well and prepared so hard for this race. His first three miles of the run went great as well. Then he hit THREE consecutive water stops that had NO ICE or NO COLD WATER! He had to drink so he drank the hot water and ended up throwing up twice and dizzy, couldn't walk straight, headache....heat exhaustion. He was done. Luckily a friend of his was volunteering at the water stop he stopped at and called me to let me know DH was coming in. It sucked.
His two friends also bombed. One did the run an HOUR slower than his Kansas run. Yeah i know.
Very very upset about the director of the race and how the hell do you not have cold water and ice on a half ironman distance race? Its mind blowing. I want to go run the fkrs over ya know. They are very lucky nobody stroked out or had heart attacks cause that would be a nasty lawsuit (one that surpasses the waivers since you expect to have water and ice available when you sign up for the race.)
So its a tough one that DH is going to have to mentally and phsycially recover from this week. He will. Its jsut frustrating.
DS somehow made it twelve hours with only half hour nap and was playing and laughing all day. That made the day go well. Truly i enjoyed the day and watching the race.
Somehow i got some more sunburn (sat under a tent all day). So due to days events and results, i'm calling it a night, not going to run my two miles. That and i just ate lots of chili fries (hey i only a pop tart and chex mix all day). Hope to produce a better week this week.
They started the race an hour late due to fog. Which pushed everyone an hour later into the very sunny and hot afternoon. DH beat his Kansas Half Ironman swim time by two minutes and his bike by five minutes. He was cruising and feeling great!
And i feel so bad cause he was doing so well and prepared so hard for this race. His first three miles of the run went great as well. Then he hit THREE consecutive water stops that had NO ICE or NO COLD WATER! He had to drink so he drank the hot water and ended up throwing up twice and dizzy, couldn't walk straight, headache....heat exhaustion. He was done. Luckily a friend of his was volunteering at the water stop he stopped at and called me to let me know DH was coming in. It sucked.
His two friends also bombed. One did the run an HOUR slower than his Kansas run. Yeah i know.
Very very upset about the director of the race and how the hell do you not have cold water and ice on a half ironman distance race? Its mind blowing. I want to go run the fkrs over ya know. They are very lucky nobody stroked out or had heart attacks cause that would be a nasty lawsuit (one that surpasses the waivers since you expect to have water and ice available when you sign up for the race.)
So its a tough one that DH is going to have to mentally and phsycially recover from this week. He will. Its jsut frustrating.
DS somehow made it twelve hours with only half hour nap and was playing and laughing all day. That made the day go well. Truly i enjoyed the day and watching the race.
Somehow i got some more sunburn (sat under a tent all day). So due to days events and results, i'm calling it a night, not going to run my two miles. That and i just ate lots of chili fries (hey i only a pop tart and chex mix all day). Hope to produce a better week this week.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Redemption!
I've redeemed myself for mileage this week. Ran 2 two milers today!!! Thats the second day i've run four miles. May not be all together but its a start. And I'm improving. Both runs were strong and i think quick. Only walked about a minute in between them.
Found a great book today, had time to dawdle and peruse, i was all on my own (think taking a bit of chocolate cake mmmm). I highly recommend it, of course i only skimmed it but i laughed out loud lots. Its called "The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women - Get off your butt and on with your training." by Dawn Dais.
I keep thinking about it and I might just add it to my goals for 2011...to possibly run a half marathon in June. As a celebratory something (I'm sure I'll find something) along with my birthday. Its a big big goal, something I didn't even think would be possible even a month ago. But all i'd have to do is keep running (hah its so easy right) and add a mile each month to my weekly long run and I'd be there. I ran it by hubby (his ironman mind will mention it to me here and there and that may or may not spark further interest in it).
So for now, I will keep running and we will see.
Off to pack for Hubby's Pigman Race tomorrow (same distance as the half iron man but local). Should be lots of fun. Weather is to be fairly nice, slightly warm and muggy but sunny. : )
Also gotta do my two miler tomorrow night.
Note to Self: How did i go from improving 5k's straight to potential half marathon? I think I'm missing a couple of 8k/10ks in there.
Found a great book today, had time to dawdle and peruse, i was all on my own (think taking a bit of chocolate cake mmmm). I highly recommend it, of course i only skimmed it but i laughed out loud lots. Its called "The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women - Get off your butt and on with your training." by Dawn Dais.
I keep thinking about it and I might just add it to my goals for 2011...to possibly run a half marathon in June. As a celebratory something (I'm sure I'll find something) along with my birthday. Its a big big goal, something I didn't even think would be possible even a month ago. But all i'd have to do is keep running (hah its so easy right) and add a mile each month to my weekly long run and I'd be there. I ran it by hubby (his ironman mind will mention it to me here and there and that may or may not spark further interest in it).
So for now, I will keep running and we will see.
Off to pack for Hubby's Pigman Race tomorrow (same distance as the half iron man but local). Should be lots of fun. Weather is to be fairly nice, slightly warm and muggy but sunny. : )
Also gotta do my two miler tomorrow night.
Note to Self: How did i go from improving 5k's straight to potential half marathon? I think I'm missing a couple of 8k/10ks in there.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sometimes A Mile is a Mile
So bottabing, its friday night and i managed to run one mile today (so far this week). Sometimes life happens not how you want it to but instead of letting it stop you you just have to plough harder and even though progress may not be as hoped, progress made is one step/mile closer to the goal.
So I will take my one mile today. No complaints. No buts. No broken hearts. I'm happy I got it in.
So I will take my one mile today. No complaints. No buts. No broken hearts. I'm happy I got it in.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Gotta Get Running
This week hasn't been off to a good start. I've Run Nothin! Monday night was just too much of a relax and enjoy it with the family kind of night so i said screw it.
Yesterday I didn't feel well at all so no running there either. I have however done two days in a row of ab exercises so that counts for something.
Anyhow, i gotta run 2 miles friday, 4 miles saterday (2 two milers?), 2 miles sunday to make my goal of 8 miles this week. I know i can do it. Tomorrow will be the most challenging cause i will be pushing the lil guy.
I also went to gnc and bought a big tub of women's ultra mega powder and i tried it, it did help me feel a little better. There so much of everything packed into it, i hope it helps with my energy levels. I also got a thing of acai berry stuff for energy lift also.
Speaking of energy, baby finally fell asleep for his nap, i'm hitting the couch!
Yesterday I didn't feel well at all so no running there either. I have however done two days in a row of ab exercises so that counts for something.
Anyhow, i gotta run 2 miles friday, 4 miles saterday (2 two milers?), 2 miles sunday to make my goal of 8 miles this week. I know i can do it. Tomorrow will be the most challenging cause i will be pushing the lil guy.
I also went to gnc and bought a big tub of women's ultra mega powder and i tried it, it did help me feel a little better. There so much of everything packed into it, i hope it helps with my energy levels. I also got a thing of acai berry stuff for energy lift also.
Speaking of energy, baby finally fell asleep for his nap, i'm hitting the couch!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Fun in the Sun
It's officially cooled off (temporarily) here, the humidity is gone and its like 75 degrees and sunny. A glimpse of fall!
Yesterday we went out to the lake where DH is doing his triathalon (half ironman length, his second at this distance) so he could get a feel for the water temp (he's still shootin to wear his wetsuit). It was also our 9 month old sons' first time with sand and lake swimming. We had a blast. He loves and i mean loves the water! He just wanted to go deeper and deeper. Everytime i sat him down in the shallow water he'd try crawling straighter into the deeper areas. He loved walking in it, bouncing in it, and can even kick his long little legs in attempts of swimming.
Its good motivation for me to keep at my sit ups and running so i can feel better when i buy a swimsuit this fall. Next summer this fit mamma (i will be by then lol) is going to swimming with her baby. I still got good sun in my tank top and shorts.
The little guy fell asleep not even five minutes of being in the car, and he kept sleeping when we got home...took a 3.5 hour nap!
DH hooked up the kid rig (thats what i call the covered two seated contraption that hooks up to the back of the bike) to his bike and they rode along with me as i did my two mile run....NONSTOP! DH said my second mile was 9:45ish and my first was faster. I am improving!!! Of course it makes a big difference when the humidity isn't 98%.
I am up to 18.5 miles this month, and up till now 20 miles a month was my goal. This month i want to hit 34 miles. I can do it!
Its Long Run Monday, three miles tonight. Hoping i can reduce my walking time. Then we are grilling steak!
Yesterday we went out to the lake where DH is doing his triathalon (half ironman length, his second at this distance) so he could get a feel for the water temp (he's still shootin to wear his wetsuit). It was also our 9 month old sons' first time with sand and lake swimming. We had a blast. He loves and i mean loves the water! He just wanted to go deeper and deeper. Everytime i sat him down in the shallow water he'd try crawling straighter into the deeper areas. He loved walking in it, bouncing in it, and can even kick his long little legs in attempts of swimming.
Its good motivation for me to keep at my sit ups and running so i can feel better when i buy a swimsuit this fall. Next summer this fit mamma (i will be by then lol) is going to swimming with her baby. I still got good sun in my tank top and shorts.
The little guy fell asleep not even five minutes of being in the car, and he kept sleeping when we got home...took a 3.5 hour nap!
DH hooked up the kid rig (thats what i call the covered two seated contraption that hooks up to the back of the bike) to his bike and they rode along with me as i did my two mile run....NONSTOP! DH said my second mile was 9:45ish and my first was faster. I am improving!!! Of course it makes a big difference when the humidity isn't 98%.
I am up to 18.5 miles this month, and up till now 20 miles a month was my goal. This month i want to hit 34 miles. I can do it!
Its Long Run Monday, three miles tonight. Hoping i can reduce my walking time. Then we are grilling steak!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
T + C = Doesn't Matter
Even though I got a good nights sleep, I'm tired and cranky today (T+C). But it doesn't matter. I still went out and ran my two miles. (Thank you God for energy and will power). There was no runner's high today. But thats ok too.
I'm up to seven miles this week, after tomorrow's two, I will have run 9 miles in one week (a big deal for me)!
On the awesomeness side (I can be positive and uncranky for a little bit), When i weighed myself this morning (we have a fancy tonata scale), my body fat % reached a new low (since before baby). And that was after eating ice cream yesterday. lol So i let myself eat the dorito crumbs at the bottom of the bag with my lunch today. : )
It feels like its taking forever for this baby weight to come off, but if i just keep running eventually it will. It has to.
Off to work I go. Crawling on the couch for a three hour nap sounds better!
I'm up to seven miles this week, after tomorrow's two, I will have run 9 miles in one week (a big deal for me)!
On the awesomeness side (I can be positive and uncranky for a little bit), When i weighed myself this morning (we have a fancy tonata scale), my body fat % reached a new low (since before baby). And that was after eating ice cream yesterday. lol So i let myself eat the dorito crumbs at the bottom of the bag with my lunch today. : )
It feels like its taking forever for this baby weight to come off, but if i just keep running eventually it will. It has to.
Off to work I go. Crawling on the couch for a three hour nap sounds better!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Rainy the 13th
Its hot, humid and been rainy all day here. Feels more like a blah monday that a good ol friday.
Decided to make today's run happen tomorrow so i can run without baby.
Ate too much ice cream. Said baby was happy to share mine.
Wishing i didn't have to work tonight (even though its only a half day of work) and that I could go running. In the rain.
What is wrong with me? I want to run. In the rain.
Decided to make today's run happen tomorrow so i can run without baby.
Ate too much ice cream. Said baby was happy to share mine.
Wishing i didn't have to work tonight (even though its only a half day of work) and that I could go running. In the rain.
What is wrong with me? I want to run. In the rain.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I'm One of Them Now
Yesterday was a scorcher out and I planned on running my 1.5 to 2 miles in the evening. Well the evening went by in a blur, busy making homemade salsa and dinner and eating and dealing with baby who wouldn't eat, i was slightly worried i wouldn't make it to my run. Lately i've been crashing at like 8pm, just tired these last few weeks.
I really needed my run. And running i went. It was so hot i decided i just needed to run 1.5 miles. Well i ran the first one nonstop. Passed two different guys who said, "Its too hot out to be running."
Now old me would have agreed and then muttered to myself "it is frickin hot, i'm tired lets stop and go home," and then i would have quit before reaching my goal and gone home dissapointed.
New me. Nope. I smiled at each guy and said, "its a beautiful night out for a run." And i meant it. My route was mostly in shade. My first mile was easy. I walked about two minutes. Ran second mile. It too was easy. And I walked the whole three blocks home with a big grin on my face cause i am one of them.
A runner. Rain, shine, cold, heat. Doesn't matter. Tired, stressed, hungry. Doesn't matter. I still get out and run. And i enjoy it!
I really needed my run. And running i went. It was so hot i decided i just needed to run 1.5 miles. Well i ran the first one nonstop. Passed two different guys who said, "Its too hot out to be running."
Now old me would have agreed and then muttered to myself "it is frickin hot, i'm tired lets stop and go home," and then i would have quit before reaching my goal and gone home dissapointed.
New me. Nope. I smiled at each guy and said, "its a beautiful night out for a run." And i meant it. My route was mostly in shade. My first mile was easy. I walked about two minutes. Ran second mile. It too was easy. And I walked the whole three blocks home with a big grin on my face cause i am one of them.
A runner. Rain, shine, cold, heat. Doesn't matter. Tired, stressed, hungry. Doesn't matter. I still get out and run. And i enjoy it!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Going for a swim today
I think we live in a tropical rain forest. The humidity here is like 98% and has been for several days. So when i go for my run tonight (after DH's bike ride and hopefully it will be slightly cooler), I will be 'swimming' my 1.5 mile run/jog. I don't swim. I can swim. Enough to save myself in the ocean, or to play with kids (I think i still remembe how to swim lol).
But speaking of swimming, I really wanted to be ready to fit into a swimsuit for this summer (had my son at the end of Oct '09), but that hasn't happened. Partly due to excuses, partly due to adjusting to motherhood, partly due to not getting any sleep for 8 months. Mostly cause i just didn't make myself (and my workouts) a priority. But I am learning how to do that this year and I have come quite far.
Anyhow, I am making it a goal to find and buy a swimsuit this fall, even if its expensive and i have to put it on a credit card, and I'm going to go to the pool at the gym and improve my swimming abilities. I want to be able to be comfortable (both in a swimsuit and in the water) when my son is ready for the pool next year.
Plus, it should help tone my stomach some more.
Its a big goal, especially since i am so self conscous of my stomach, which despite eating healthy for the last 9 months and running for the last 6 months, still looks like i'm three to four months pregnant. : (
But I'm learning to set big goals for myself as well and go after them.
I have even entertained thoughts of doing a half marathon in my head the last couple of weeks. Nothing serious, the thought just sits there for a moment or two. A year ago i might have said maybe someday (like when i'm 45), now its like...as soon as i'm done having kids (plan on in 2012 and 2013/14) and i won't be ready next year. My overachieving triathlete of DH is rubbing off on me. Mostly a good thing.
Until i go out and 'swim' while running and thinking 'why the hell am i doing this?'. My runs are beginning to feel good though, my legs enjoy that burn (while my lungs are going hell no, no more).
But speaking of swimming, I really wanted to be ready to fit into a swimsuit for this summer (had my son at the end of Oct '09), but that hasn't happened. Partly due to excuses, partly due to adjusting to motherhood, partly due to not getting any sleep for 8 months. Mostly cause i just didn't make myself (and my workouts) a priority. But I am learning how to do that this year and I have come quite far.
Anyhow, I am making it a goal to find and buy a swimsuit this fall, even if its expensive and i have to put it on a credit card, and I'm going to go to the pool at the gym and improve my swimming abilities. I want to be able to be comfortable (both in a swimsuit and in the water) when my son is ready for the pool next year.
Plus, it should help tone my stomach some more.
Its a big goal, especially since i am so self conscous of my stomach, which despite eating healthy for the last 9 months and running for the last 6 months, still looks like i'm three to four months pregnant. : (
But I'm learning to set big goals for myself as well and go after them.
I have even entertained thoughts of doing a half marathon in my head the last couple of weeks. Nothing serious, the thought just sits there for a moment or two. A year ago i might have said maybe someday (like when i'm 45), now its like...as soon as i'm done having kids (plan on in 2012 and 2013/14) and i won't be ready next year. My overachieving triathlete of DH is rubbing off on me. Mostly a good thing.
Until i go out and 'swim' while running and thinking 'why the hell am i doing this?'. My runs are beginning to feel good though, my legs enjoy that burn (while my lungs are going hell no, no more).
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Running Strong
9.5 miles in four days! I am doing really well with keeping up on the running routine.
The weather for my long run last night was very hot and humid, but sunny. : ) Ran the first mile and half without stopping, in 15:50. Right on target, and great for in the heat. Had to stop once for a minute on the other mile and half but i was actually running the last mile, as opposed to previous efforts of turtle paced shuffle jogging as DH calls it. I'm very happy with my progress. These three mile runs are getting easier, little by little.
Need to do my sit ups today!
Oh, and i'm not that sore from all the running i've been doing. Double smiles.
The weather for my long run last night was very hot and humid, but sunny. : ) Ran the first mile and half without stopping, in 15:50. Right on target, and great for in the heat. Had to stop once for a minute on the other mile and half but i was actually running the last mile, as opposed to previous efforts of turtle paced shuffle jogging as DH calls it. I'm very happy with my progress. These three mile runs are getting easier, little by little.
Need to do my sit ups today!
Oh, and i'm not that sore from all the running i've been doing. Double smiles.
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Gym and its purpose
It's long run monday and rain you need to stay away. Or else i can't run today. Cause the gym is out of the question.
I don't know about you, but with i've been in management. I've studied business. The purpose of a business (and how it stays in business) is to meet the needs of its customers.
We've tried three gyms in our city. One is ok but on the other side of town (in winter it sucks for that drive). One is actually through Dh's work, but its got only old equipment and mostly old people go there, and there is no pool.
The one we go to now has two big big problems. I surely can't be the only member of our gym to find these problems big issues in me getting my butt there!
One is the daycare. Our son is nine months old. Three times this spring (before we stopped taking him there) we went to pick him up to find him sitting by himself, crying his head off (he doesn't cry, he is a very happy baby), with no adult near him (he was only 6 months old at the time). I even tried calling the gym to give a complaint and the manager of the daycare never called me back. Second, the hours of the daycare suck big time. I know i am not the only parent who would find the best time to work out to be between 5am and 8am or in the middle of the afternoon. But they are only open from 8:30 to noon and from 4-8. Seriously! After 4 is a joke,c asue you have to have the baby eat dinner at a certain so his bedtime routine can start on time so the baby will sleep good through the night.
Its a joke and i hate our gym.
Also...they have like a dozen really really ancient and crappy treadmills that no one uses for obvious reasons. They also have a dozen really good treadmills. Well, for the last six months only 6 of the good treadmills have been working. Yea i know. How do you have a gym where you only have 6 treadmills is beyond me. They have signs up saying that they are waiting on their vendor to fix things on the vendors end, something to do with new management there. Sorry what an excuse. Its a business. If your supplier can't follow through with an order in thirty days, its a breach of contract and you switch to a new vendor so your membres will keep coming to the gym!
I'm not one for excuses. Or Bs. But as a new mother who balances a big full plate on her shoulders...when i have the time and energy to go to the gym, i wnat to be able to go. And not deal with poopy daycare people and hours and machines that don't work.
And what is with having classes at 5 or 6pm? its dinner time. People should be home with their families. If you have class at that time that means you eat dinner really late or you eat a big snack at 3 in the afternoon so you don't pass out during the class while waiting to eat dinner.
This rant really makes me want to go off on the people who live at the gym, but i'll save that for another blog.
Can you tell i'm fed up with our gym?
I don't know about you, but with i've been in management. I've studied business. The purpose of a business (and how it stays in business) is to meet the needs of its customers.
We've tried three gyms in our city. One is ok but on the other side of town (in winter it sucks for that drive). One is actually through Dh's work, but its got only old equipment and mostly old people go there, and there is no pool.
The one we go to now has two big big problems. I surely can't be the only member of our gym to find these problems big issues in me getting my butt there!
One is the daycare. Our son is nine months old. Three times this spring (before we stopped taking him there) we went to pick him up to find him sitting by himself, crying his head off (he doesn't cry, he is a very happy baby), with no adult near him (he was only 6 months old at the time). I even tried calling the gym to give a complaint and the manager of the daycare never called me back. Second, the hours of the daycare suck big time. I know i am not the only parent who would find the best time to work out to be between 5am and 8am or in the middle of the afternoon. But they are only open from 8:30 to noon and from 4-8. Seriously! After 4 is a joke,c asue you have to have the baby eat dinner at a certain so his bedtime routine can start on time so the baby will sleep good through the night.
Its a joke and i hate our gym.
Also...they have like a dozen really really ancient and crappy treadmills that no one uses for obvious reasons. They also have a dozen really good treadmills. Well, for the last six months only 6 of the good treadmills have been working. Yea i know. How do you have a gym where you only have 6 treadmills is beyond me. They have signs up saying that they are waiting on their vendor to fix things on the vendors end, something to do with new management there. Sorry what an excuse. Its a business. If your supplier can't follow through with an order in thirty days, its a breach of contract and you switch to a new vendor so your membres will keep coming to the gym!
I'm not one for excuses. Or Bs. But as a new mother who balances a big full plate on her shoulders...when i have the time and energy to go to the gym, i wnat to be able to go. And not deal with poopy daycare people and hours and machines that don't work.
And what is with having classes at 5 or 6pm? its dinner time. People should be home with their families. If you have class at that time that means you eat dinner really late or you eat a big snack at 3 in the afternoon so you don't pass out during the class while waiting to eat dinner.
This rant really makes me want to go off on the people who live at the gym, but i'll save that for another blog.
Can you tell i'm fed up with our gym?
Getting a Running Buddy
All spring while i huffed and puffed my way thru my one mile runs - hey we all have to start somewhere - I watched other new moms out running, with their bf's/husbands out running with them, pushing the baby in the stroller. It frustrated me. It hurt my feelings. I felt and often asked myself, "am i not important enough to him for him to want to run with me?"
Its one thing to be married to an athlete, its a whole nother notion and concept to live with and love a triathlete, who can log 100 miles of running in a week on his tough weeks. Triathletes (depending on their priorities and if they are married with kids or not) usually workout 10-20+ hours a week depending on their racing/workout schedules.
For someone who can run a bazillion (hey to us newer runners thats what it is) miles in two hours (aka very fast) to willingly force themself to run with a partner who huffs and puffs their way for a mile (im up to three now) at nine to eleven minute mile pace....its torture. It literally and does physcially exhaust them more to run super slow for two miles than it does to run twelve miles at their fast pace.
It's not like i didn't understand. But with trying to get my short workouts in around both our work schedules, he works days, me three nights a week, and around his workouts, and the baby's eating/sleeping schedule...like any new mom...just managign to get one workout in feels like a major triumph. (don't ask about going to the gym...thats another post).
So this year, when i've been able to get out and get moving...i don't know which hurts worse...seeing those power mommas pushing (ok flying past you in 5k's) their double strollers like its nothing...or running and seeing all these other mom's having hubbies who run with them. Both sting!
Well, I said enough's enough (new concept for me this year - I'm taking back my life and setting new boundaries and new expectations in all aspects of my life). I told DH i wanted him to run with me...cause i do need a running partner for my long runs and i want to run together, granted i am slow now but a year or two from now i will be able to run farther and faster.
I really think DH just didn't realize what we women see and experience when we run (see two paragraphs above), not mention all the things going through our minds (the baby, work, dinner, cleaning,errands, our bodies that aren't losing baby weight fast enough etc) and how different it is to work out and try to get our old bodies back (yes its possible). After a talk in early July, DH made a commitment to me, he'd go to a local park with me and help me get a long run every monday...3.1 miles.
This post isn't really about all the above. No its about how every monday since this agreement...it has been rainy or extremly hot and humid. lol Why? Makes it more challenging i guess. But equally frustrating. I need these long runs.
I'm up to the challenge, however when it rains...who cares if i get soaked...but the baby? Nope. Hot and Humid...these long runs would be less torturous if it wasn't twice as exhausting in the heat and humidity.
But I'm doing them! Needless to say, I don't run them nonstop yet. Like in my 5k's I stop once or twice for a minute and down some water. But they are getting easier! Yep.
And i know they are getting easier cause friday i PUSHED the baby in the stroller and ran 2.25 miles, twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, and i didn't pass out afterwards. : )
Its one thing to be married to an athlete, its a whole nother notion and concept to live with and love a triathlete, who can log 100 miles of running in a week on his tough weeks. Triathletes (depending on their priorities and if they are married with kids or not) usually workout 10-20+ hours a week depending on their racing/workout schedules.
For someone who can run a bazillion (hey to us newer runners thats what it is) miles in two hours (aka very fast) to willingly force themself to run with a partner who huffs and puffs their way for a mile (im up to three now) at nine to eleven minute mile pace....its torture. It literally and does physcially exhaust them more to run super slow for two miles than it does to run twelve miles at their fast pace.
It's not like i didn't understand. But with trying to get my short workouts in around both our work schedules, he works days, me three nights a week, and around his workouts, and the baby's eating/sleeping schedule...like any new mom...just managign to get one workout in feels like a major triumph. (don't ask about going to the gym...thats another post).
So this year, when i've been able to get out and get moving...i don't know which hurts worse...seeing those power mommas pushing (ok flying past you in 5k's) their double strollers like its nothing...or running and seeing all these other mom's having hubbies who run with them. Both sting!
Well, I said enough's enough (new concept for me this year - I'm taking back my life and setting new boundaries and new expectations in all aspects of my life). I told DH i wanted him to run with me...cause i do need a running partner for my long runs and i want to run together, granted i am slow now but a year or two from now i will be able to run farther and faster.
I really think DH just didn't realize what we women see and experience when we run (see two paragraphs above), not mention all the things going through our minds (the baby, work, dinner, cleaning,errands, our bodies that aren't losing baby weight fast enough etc) and how different it is to work out and try to get our old bodies back (yes its possible). After a talk in early July, DH made a commitment to me, he'd go to a local park with me and help me get a long run every monday...3.1 miles.
This post isn't really about all the above. No its about how every monday since this agreement...it has been rainy or extremly hot and humid. lol Why? Makes it more challenging i guess. But equally frustrating. I need these long runs.
I'm up to the challenge, however when it rains...who cares if i get soaked...but the baby? Nope. Hot and Humid...these long runs would be less torturous if it wasn't twice as exhausting in the heat and humidity.
But I'm doing them! Needless to say, I don't run them nonstop yet. Like in my 5k's I stop once or twice for a minute and down some water. But they are getting easier! Yep.
And i know they are getting easier cause friday i PUSHED the baby in the stroller and ran 2.25 miles, twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, and i didn't pass out afterwards. : )
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