I have not run on the road in 4 days and I am going through withdrawal. My dh was out of town for these days and as a result I have not been able to run. I took the kids to the Y several days so I could run on the treadmill on Thursday and take a spinning class on Saturday. I missed getting to the Y on Friday b/c of work and sitter arrangements. I HATE running on the treadmill as it is long and tedious and I guess b/c of my plodding running style it is awkward and hard on my feet. I did speed work but it seemed to take forever--the treadmill is soooooo boring.
The spinning class was interesting. I have taken cycle express classes (30 minutes) before but this was a 75 minute class. I liked the workout but the next day my backside felt bruised from the horribly uncomfortable seat. It is hard to have a 3 day weekend and not be able to get in a long run. Oh I am so addicted to running, I feel sluggish when I do not run.
I also wish I had more time to get in other workouts. I want to get back into strength training/weightlifting. I used to do this when I was younger. Maybe it is time to add some equipment here at home.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
My amazing husband!!!
I have always known what a brilliant and incredible man, friend, husband, father, creative talent and soul my husband is and here is further confirmation from a friend of his who blogged about their recent trip to Indy.
Scott's blog entry about Andy
Scott's blog entry about Andy
Will it always feel this way?
This week I managed to get in a little over 24 miles. This is the longest I have run in a week so far. The first long run was 9.39(a weird number, but just how the route worked out) on Tuesday. I felt like I could run a mile or two longer but I did not have time to do that and still get to work on time. My pace was 12 minute miles. I did make one mistake in that I ventured off my regular route in order to add miles and so I had just mapped out the extra online but did not know what it really looked like. I turned a corner onto one of these new streets and was faced with a steep long hill. I had wanted to make this a flat, long run. Oh well, I finished it. I ran a shorter run in the middle of the week, but it seemed longer due to the higher temp and humidity. At the 4 mile mark, I knew I did not want to run any further than I had planned.
Today, I met my friend to run the entire 10-miler course. It already felt warmer than I prefer at about 71 degrees. When I ran a portion of this course 2 weeks ago, I felt great about it. Today, I was already feeling strain at about 3 miles into the run. I am so glad that I have run the entire course before my first try at the 10 miler because I was not prepared for the hill in the part, just before the 5 mile line. I finished in 2 hrs, 4+ minutes with three water break stops.
Also, I discovered some hot spots to take care for on my feet. I certainly do not want blisters. I am also experimenting with different undergarments to deal with a chaffing problem. My friend tells me Vaseline is my best bet. I guess I will feel like a greased pig before each race and long run.
Whenever I stretch into my new longer runs, I am wiped out for the rest of the day. I am ravenously hungry and I feel like I could sleep for hours in midday. I try to eat healthy choices with good protein, fruits and veggies. Also, I try to have long runs on days when I can catch a nap and not have to do any long stints of sitting. I am wondering will it always be this way when I run after all long runs?
Today, I met my friend to run the entire 10-miler course. It already felt warmer than I prefer at about 71 degrees. When I ran a portion of this course 2 weeks ago, I felt great about it. Today, I was already feeling strain at about 3 miles into the run. I am so glad that I have run the entire course before my first try at the 10 miler because I was not prepared for the hill in the part, just before the 5 mile line. I finished in 2 hrs, 4+ minutes with three water break stops.
Also, I discovered some hot spots to take care for on my feet. I certainly do not want blisters. I am also experimenting with different undergarments to deal with a chaffing problem. My friend tells me Vaseline is my best bet. I guess I will feel like a greased pig before each race and long run.
Whenever I stretch into my new longer runs, I am wiped out for the rest of the day. I am ravenously hungry and I feel like I could sleep for hours in midday. I try to eat healthy choices with good protein, fruits and veggies. Also, I try to have long runs on days when I can catch a nap and not have to do any long stints of sitting. I am wondering will it always be this way when I run after all long runs?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Running withdrawal
When I looked at the date of my last entry, I did not realize how long it had been since I "blogged." I have been just trying to keep up with work.(I started back last week-already behind!)
Already, I am a bit behind on my runs too. I don't like to go 2 days in a row without running. My hubbie was out of town working at GenCon for 5 days. My mother-in-law came came in town to help through Saturday, but since then I have not been able to get in a run since the 5K race on Saturday. (running withdrawal) In running this 5K, I improved my time (to 30:47)to break just under 10 minute miles -a PB for me. I was expecting better since earlier this week I ran 3 miles in under 29 minutes. I guess I do differently when competing. My friend, who I have run part of the 10-miler course with, did very well as she won the masters' award (She is coming back from a bad injury which has taken over a year to recover from.) I had a 3 goals for this race: 1) better my time 2) test out nutrition and prepping routines and 3) beat another female runner I know. I accomplished all 3.
My plan is to have a nice, long run tomorrow (8.5-10 miles). Since it is registration day at school with afternoon & evening hours, I can take lots of time to run in the AM. I plan to get in a couple of easier runs mid-week and then run the 10-miler course Saturday with my friend.
Already, I am a bit behind on my runs too. I don't like to go 2 days in a row without running. My hubbie was out of town working at GenCon for 5 days. My mother-in-law came came in town to help through Saturday, but since then I have not been able to get in a run since the 5K race on Saturday. (running withdrawal) In running this 5K, I improved my time (to 30:47)to break just under 10 minute miles -a PB for me. I was expecting better since earlier this week I ran 3 miles in under 29 minutes. I guess I do differently when competing. My friend, who I have run part of the 10-miler course with, did very well as she won the masters' award (She is coming back from a bad injury which has taken over a year to recover from.) I had a 3 goals for this race: 1) better my time 2) test out nutrition and prepping routines and 3) beat another female runner I know. I accomplished all 3.
My plan is to have a nice, long run tomorrow (8.5-10 miles). Since it is registration day at school with afternoon & evening hours, I can take lots of time to run in the AM. I plan to get in a couple of easier runs mid-week and then run the 10-miler course Saturday with my friend.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Dragging, training, and soreness with YIKES less than 8 weeks to go!!!!
I slept in a bit this morning ('til 5:45 instead of 5:15 AM). However, I did not feel like running, I felt like crawling back into bed. I donned my running atire and then laid on the couch for a minute trying to convince myself to run. After dragging myself off of the couch, I drove to my usual running spot. My feet and right knee are a bit achy.
Today I ran speed sprints which were not easy. Actually the speed work was not bad, it was the recovery that seemed long and hard. Overall, I was more sore today from running speed sprints during my 5 miles than when I ran the slower 8 mile long run a few days ago. Tomorrow morning's run will be short because I am meeting a friend early Saturday morning to run 8 miles of the 10-miler course. She is an avid runner of 30 years whose PBs include mile paces in the 7 minute range. It makes me nervous to run with her. Add to that, I am nervous about running the hilly Langhorne Rd. section of the 10-miler and it makes me anxious just thinking about it. Oh well, I have got to attack these hills sometime...might as well be now.
I haven't figured out how to work in training and running time in the warm weather once I go back to school. I don't think I will have time in the mornings to run long runs while still having time to get ready for work and drop my son off. I am getting 2 longer runs in each week and they usually take me 1.5-2 hours each. I either have to run really early (before 5 AM) or run in the evening after dinner or the boys bedtime. I don't know if I am up for long runs in the afternoon heat, but the thought of running after dinner doesn't seem like a good choice either.
Today I ran speed sprints which were not easy. Actually the speed work was not bad, it was the recovery that seemed long and hard. Overall, I was more sore today from running speed sprints during my 5 miles than when I ran the slower 8 mile long run a few days ago. Tomorrow morning's run will be short because I am meeting a friend early Saturday morning to run 8 miles of the 10-miler course. She is an avid runner of 30 years whose PBs include mile paces in the 7 minute range. It makes me nervous to run with her. Add to that, I am nervous about running the hilly Langhorne Rd. section of the 10-miler and it makes me anxious just thinking about it. Oh well, I have got to attack these hills sometime...might as well be now.
I haven't figured out how to work in training and running time in the warm weather once I go back to school. I don't think I will have time in the mornings to run long runs while still having time to get ready for work and drop my son off. I am getting 2 longer runs in each week and they usually take me 1.5-2 hours each. I either have to run really early (before 5 AM) or run in the evening after dinner or the boys bedtime. I don't know if I am up for long runs in the afternoon heat, but the thought of running after dinner doesn't seem like a good choice either.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Joy, thankfulness, sorrow, & anniversaries
Today I was reminded of many things which bring me joy and for which I am thankful. Daily I am reminded of what a wonderful family I have---an incredible husband who is a wonderful partner and father---2 cute, delightful boys who make me laugh and smile daily---my Saviour who loves me and looks out for me in ways I cannot even comprehend but I am grateful.
Today on the way to my son's swimming lesson, for which we were already running a bit late, the station wagon got a flat tire. I am glad this happened today, not tomorrow while we were on the road to NC. I was able to call my husband, who came right away to help. A wonderful, God-sent stranger who helped change the tire and inflate the deflated spare. Financial provisions from God which meant we could buy a new tire today instead of having to borrow money or not pay a bill to do so. My being in better physical shape, so that I could put the baby in the stroller and hike the mile or so in 15 minutes to the YMCA to still make it for part of the swim lesson. A year ago, it would have taken me much longer to get there with many more aches and pains. It is hard to believe that a year ago I started this journey and could not even jog halfway around a track.
Thankfulness----I am so grateful for this station wagon, which used to be my Dad's. I can transport 5 children and 2 adults or other combinations of people while toting "stuff" in the back. The car gets good mileage, runs well, and means no car payment---all of which I am very thankful for as our budget is very tight these days. It is as if my Dad knew we would need it when he insisted that Mother pass it on to me upon his death.
Sorrow----It was 3 years ago this month that Daddy died. I know he would be proud of me in the strides I have made this year. He always encouraged my competitive nature from my elementary years to my high school judo competitions through my graduate school days. He would have been proud of my recent 12 month weight loss journey losing 53 pounds. He would have been proud of my new running ventures. I am sorry he is not here for these but mostly I am sad that he never knew his newest grandson who was born 11 months after Daddy died. I am reminded of Daddy often as I drive his car and wear his watch when I run. I miss him.
PS. I registered for the 10 miler today.
Today on the way to my son's swimming lesson, for which we were already running a bit late, the station wagon got a flat tire. I am glad this happened today, not tomorrow while we were on the road to NC. I was able to call my husband, who came right away to help. A wonderful, God-sent stranger who helped change the tire and inflate the deflated spare. Financial provisions from God which meant we could buy a new tire today instead of having to borrow money or not pay a bill to do so. My being in better physical shape, so that I could put the baby in the stroller and hike the mile or so in 15 minutes to the YMCA to still make it for part of the swim lesson. A year ago, it would have taken me much longer to get there with many more aches and pains. It is hard to believe that a year ago I started this journey and could not even jog halfway around a track.
Thankfulness----I am so grateful for this station wagon, which used to be my Dad's. I can transport 5 children and 2 adults or other combinations of people while toting "stuff" in the back. The car gets good mileage, runs well, and means no car payment---all of which I am very thankful for as our budget is very tight these days. It is as if my Dad knew we would need it when he insisted that Mother pass it on to me upon his death.
Sorrow----It was 3 years ago this month that Daddy died. I know he would be proud of me in the strides I have made this year. He always encouraged my competitive nature from my elementary years to my high school judo competitions through my graduate school days. He would have been proud of my recent 12 month weight loss journey losing 53 pounds. He would have been proud of my new running ventures. I am sorry he is not here for these but mostly I am sad that he never knew his newest grandson who was born 11 months after Daddy died. I am reminded of Daddy often as I drive his car and wear his watch when I run. I miss him.
PS. I registered for the 10 miler today.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Free your mind...
I have finally reached a point where I enjoy running. Getting past the first 1/2-1 mile warm-up is often a mental hurdle for me. After reading RUN RIGHT NOW by Joe Henderson, I felt much better knowing I was not alone in my distaste for the warm-up period. The 2-3 mile portions of my runs are my favorite. During that time my mind easily wanders away from any thought of pain, length of the run, or the like. Free your mind and the rest will follow. I know that most of my challenges in running are mental. The music I listen to on runs on my mp3 help a great deal. Some of my fav songs which help me conquer my mental battles are(sometimes it is the lyrics, sometimes the rhythm, and sometimes both):
Yesterday, I hit my longest run of 7.5 miles in 1:21:54. At mile 6 my mp3 player ran out of power, but I had control of my mind and kept moving on with spirit even through the final 1/2 mile.
In mid to late July, I have been adding swimming as a different cross training activity several days each week. Today, I clocked 600 yards in 25 minutes with some concentration on arm work to balance out my running leg work.(I swim while my son takes swimming lessons.) I am hoping to get my bicycle repaired so that I can begin adding cycling/commuting to work for cross training.
A friend from Weight Watchers told me she read that every pound lost decreases 4 lbs of pressure off of your joints. I have a goal of being between 171-165 for the 10 miler. I have lost 2 lbs since setting this goal, only 6-12 lbs more to go!
Top 3 fav running songs
Ain't Nothing Wrong With That (Robert Randolph & The Family Band)
Free Your Mind (En Vogue)
I Will Run (Misty Edwards)
Other favs
Rhythm Nation (Janet Jackson)
Smooth Criminal (Alien Ant Farm)
Fight for your right (Beastie Boys)
List of Demands (Saul Williams) i know the topic
Switch (Wil Smith)
Yesterday, I hit my longest run of 7.5 miles in 1:21:54. At mile 6 my mp3 player ran out of power, but I had control of my mind and kept moving on with spirit even through the final 1/2 mile.
In mid to late July, I have been adding swimming as a different cross training activity several days each week. Today, I clocked 600 yards in 25 minutes with some concentration on arm work to balance out my running leg work.(I swim while my son takes swimming lessons.) I am hoping to get my bicycle repaired so that I can begin adding cycling/commuting to work for cross training.
A friend from Weight Watchers told me she read that every pound lost decreases 4 lbs of pressure off of your joints. I have a goal of being between 171-165 for the 10 miler. I have lost 2 lbs since setting this goal, only 6-12 lbs more to go!
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